bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Clinical Profile of Antituberculosis Treatment-Induced Hepatitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern India
Authors: Juganya TP Jai , Alagammai PL , Karthykayani TP Jei
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem. After the widespread use of Antituberculosis Treatment (ATT) effective control has been achieved. As with any drug ATT has its own side effects among which hepatitis is of main concern as it can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Aim: To assess the incidence of hepatitis in patients receiving ATT as per Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) and to know the possible risk factors for the development of drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods: This study was done on 318 presumed and confirmed cases of TB patients with baseline bilirubin, liver enzymes (transaminases) and albumin values. Out of these 48 lost follow-up and remaining 270 were followed-up and repeat bilirubin, liver enzymes and albumin were done at two weeks or even earlier in patients with symptoms after starting ATT. ATT was reintroduced in a stepwise manner as per American Thoracic Society guidelines. Results were analysed using MS Excel. Results: Out of the 270 cases, 30 (11.1%) developed ATT-induced hepatitis, among which 26 (86.67%) were followed-up and 4 (13.33%) lost to follow-up. Among 26, 3 (11.53%) developed hepatitis after reintroduction of ATT, two patients with Rifampicin and one with Isoniazid (INH) hence they were treated with alternative regimen and cured. According to this study, CNS tuberculosis had higher incidence of ATT-induced hepatitis. Old age and alcoholism were the independent risk factors. ATT-induced hepatitis commonly developed within two weeks of start of treatment. Average time for resolution of symptoms and restart of ATT was one month. There was no mortality in the study. Conclusion: The incidence was comparable to other studies. Alcoholism, old age and CNS tuberculosis needs caution when starting ATT. Patients usually require follow-up of two weeks after starting ATT. Caution is required while reintroducing ATT and it is advisable to introduce in a stepwise manner.
Impact of Light Traps on the Larval Population of Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Chickpea
Authors: Hakeem S. A. , Rasool F. , Bashir S. , Nissa S. , Dar Z. A. , Zaffer G. , Habib M. , Majid S. , Naseer S. , Rashid Z. , Lone A. A.
Published: February 2021

One (T1) and two (T2) light traps per ha were compared with control with no light source (T3) against gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera. Pooled data of 2018 and 2019  showed that TI resulted with average population of 0.31larvae per plant with 5.46% pod damage and average yield of 1235 kg per ha. In T2, lowest larval population was recorded (0.25/plant), lesser pod damage (4.02%) and higher yield (1244.8 kg /ha) while in control plots (T3), larval population density was maximum with 0.377 larvae/plant with pod damage of 10-25% and 1162.90 kg /ha yield was recorded.
Factors Influencing Teaching of Chemistry in Class Nine and Ten in the Schools under Chhukha District, Bhutan
Authors: Chogyel Ngawang , Wangdi Norbu
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the factors influencing the teaching of chemistry in class nine and ten in the schools under Chhukha District, Bhutan. Adopting convergent mixed method design, the study employed structured questionnaire to collect quantitative data and semi-structured interview and classroom observation to collect qualitative data. The sample comprised of 10 Chemistry teachers and 500 students from class nine and ten from three middle secondary schools and two higher secondary schools. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of tables, mean and standard deviation whereas the qualitative data were analyzed based on content analysis technique. The findings of this study highlighted that the lack of laboratory resources, limited time allocated for chemistry theory and practical classes, and teachers’ heavy workload impacted teaching of chemistry negatively while the teacher’s sound knowledge on the chemistry subject impacted the teaching of chemistry positively.
Acaricidal Activity of Commiphora merkeri Bark Exudate against Two Species of Rhipicephalus Koch (Acari; Ixodidae) by Larval and Adult Immersion Test
Authors: Innocent Ester , Athman Ismail Almas , Augustino Suzana
Published: February 2021

Ticks pose a threat in the infestation of both wild and domestic animals, thereby causing an increase in chances for transmission of diseases. Despite of the wide use of Commiphora species in tick control, no acaricidal activity of Commiphora merkeri. Engl. Exudate have been scientifically assessed. The acaricidal activity of the exudate extract and its Petroleum ether (PE), Dichloromethane (DCM) and Ethyl acetate (ETOAC) fractions were carried out by using the larval immersion test (LIT) and adult immersion test (AIT), against Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus averts. The crude extracts of C. merkeri showed 80% and 70% mortality on the LIT bioassay at concentration of 1.0 mg/mL for R. averts and R. appendiculatus, respectively. There was no statistical difference (p≥0.05) in activity of petroleum ether and dichloromethane fractions exhibiting 100% mortality at concentration of 1.0 mg/mL for R. appendiculatus and R. averts, also at 0.8 mg/mL to R. averts species. R. averts was more susceptible that R. appendiculatus showing stable incremental mortality in all concentration levels. In the AIT, no statistical significant difference (p≥0.05) in reduction was observed for crude extract of C. merkeri and petroleum ether fractions by having no surviving R. averts above 0.025 mg/mL after 24 and 72 h. The same trend was observed for R. appendiculatus within 24 h of exposure. However, at lower concentrations the residual effect of treatments on the ticks continued to elicit the effect over time having few or no immediate effect of death after exposure, This was vivid for R. averts within 24 and after 72 h. Follow up of survived engorged adults indicated that, the ticks could lay eggs but the eggs were not viable for hatching. This justifies its uses as an alternative agent in an integrated approach in reducing tick infestation among Pastoralist.
Assessment of Perception, Awareness about Predictors of Colorectal Cancer of Hail Region Saudi Arabia population
Authors: Khatoon Fahmida , Mahmood Madiha Rabie , Obeidat Sofian Talal , Alsatti Munirah Abdalmohsin Mohammad , Alanazi Reema Saleh Sulaiman Alanazi , Kabbos Razan Saud M. Abu , Balouch Zahid , Obelanga Shimaa M. H.
Published: February 2021

Colorectal cancer is one of the major malignancies world-wide, accounting for approximately 20% of incident cases. The incidence and mortality have dramatically increased over the past 10th decades in Saudi Arabia. It has been argued that the change in epidemiological pattern is due to the implementation of a way of life style, characterized by use of junk foods and lack somatic exercise. The pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodyn amics (PD) of various drug are also under study for Colon cancer patients. It is remarkable that a lack of routine exercise or activity is supplementary evident for GIT cancer than any other cancer combined. Obesity has been reported to be associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer, and  closely associated with the level of physical activity in this study the effect of sociodemographic factor on biochemical aspects of Cancer is further analyzed. Aim of this study is to determine the awareness and perception of Colorectal cancer in Saudi Arabia and to find out the dietary habits and use of fiber diet among them in order to identify the subpopulation that can be recipients of awareness and screening programs. About 317 subjects was selected after taking written consent on a detailed prescribed questionnaire. Sociodemographic data and information about dietary habits was collected along with biophysical data. All information and the obtained results were analyzed by using SPSS 23. Results: Most of the respondents (51% and 71.9%) knew what is colon and its function. About 11.7%, 62.1% and 22.1% respectively answer high, moderate and low incidence of CRC in Saudi Arabia while 66.9% knew that bowel cancer is 90% curable if detected early. 42% respondent shoed that that there is a an association between IBD and CRC and 75% know the correct time of screening for CRC. Very few respondents know the correct symptoms, risks factors, and screening modalities of Colorectal cancer. Mass media and books are most common method to know about colorectal cancer.

Conclusions: Most of the respondent have enough knowledge about CRC although Screening awareness and modalities for screening of CRC need to be further acknowledged. Although they have enough awareness about CRC still most of the study population showed unhealthy life style and few of them use fiber diets and Vegetables and fruits as daily ingredient.
The H.E.R.O.s of Online Education: What makes students succeed despite the odds?
Authors: Bissessar Charmaine , Black Debra , Boolaky Mehraz
Published: February 2021

The study of psychological capital (PsyCap) is prevalent in organizations globally and is part of the movement towards attaining positive organizational behavior. This concept is slowly being transferred to the education realm with teachers becoming more mindful of students’ inner H. E. R. O. (Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism). Little research, however, has been conducted upon the PsyCap of university students in fully online programs. The purpose of this study was to determine what aspects of students’ psychological capital lead to success despite adversity. An exploratory qualitative methodology was used to interview five participants from the United States, Canada, Africa, France, and Serbia in order to determine whether or not PsyCap influenced their drive to complete their online graduate programs of study at the University of Liverpool. This convenience sample yielded compelling results for future research and indicated similarities in hope and efficacy as well as differences in gender regarding participant resilience and approach to challenges. Further research is needed to determine whether gender does play a critical role in online students’ PsyCap, especially resilience. Another revealing result was that the participants credited their online instructors for motivating and discouraging them based on their feedback, grading, and overall communication. This points to a possible relationship between the students’ PsyCap and the three online teaching presences in communities of inquiry (cognitive, teaching, and social).
Creating a Framework for Understanding and Defining Flipped Learning
Authors: Fanguy Mik , Costley Jamie
Published: February 2021

Although flipped instruction is becoming increasingly common, there is still discussion and debate regarding how to define it and distinguish it from other forms of instruction. This article proposes a framework with which to visualize the constituent parts of blended learning and to define what makes a course “flipped.” The definition of flipped instruction provided by this framework can be summarized as instruction that provides large amounts of information online along with face-to-face (F2F) engagement but provides little information during F2F meetings and has relatively low online interaction. This article also presents the results of an empirical study (n = 54) in which students in a flipped scientific writing course participated in an online discussion forum, and a correlation was found between posting discussion topics and scores on in-class group writing assignments. A further connection was found between scores on these group writing assignments and student performance on individual writing assignments. Based on these results, the study recommends that online discussion forums can be used to better connect the online and F2F components of a flipped course.
USING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AND LIBRARY OPERATIONS IN SUPPORT OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Enakrire Rexwhite
Published: February 2021

This paper argues that the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and library operations has become inevitable to sustain higher education institutions (HEIs). The deteriorating state of educational standards in Africa, amidst other prevalent factors of nonpolicy formulation and implementation; increasing student enrolment; competition among HEIs for academic excellence; poor technological tools for teaching and learning; inadequate skills among professionals (academics and non-academics); and the changing nature of best practices in the teaching profession are all reasons for this. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were applied in this study of Delta State, Nigeria IHEs. The qualitative approach made use of interpretive content analysis of documents harvested from the databases of Scopus and Web of Science, while the quantitative approach applied the survey research method through a questionnaire for data collection. The findings revealed that different types of ICTs and library operations were key pillars in the sustainability of higher education institutions in Delta State and that the scientific value of available ICTs and library operations was embedded in transitioning from a traditional to a virtual platform for efficient and effective service delivery, restructuring the library environment, and unending accessibility. The study recommends continuous acquisition of recent digital technological tools to sustain and enhance library operations and quality service delivery in HEIs, since ICTs and library operations are the bedrock of HEIs.
Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Cember Herman , Johnson Thomas E.
Published: February 2021

The discovery of radiation has opened new fields of scientific investigation and uses of radiation. Many sources of information have been used to analyze the harmful effects of radiation, and this lead to the formation of the scientific basis for radiation safety standards. Occupational exposures that are within the radiation safety guidelines have not resulted in harmful effects. Ionizing radiation and radioisotopes are used safely today in industry, science, and medicine because of the vast amount of knowledge about radiation physics and biology. This vast amount of dose–response data has enabled health physicists and industrial hygienists to control the radiation environment in the workplace so that no harmful radiation effects are seen. This chapter focuses on the sources of radiation and safety assessment.
Engineered Nanomaterials
Authors: Peters Thomas M. , Raynor Peter C.
Published: February 2021

Engineered nanomaterials offer new opportunities for improving a wide array of consumer products. Workers may interact with these materials throughout their lifecycle from their manufacture, to incorporation into novel products, and to product end‐of‐life. These materials are potentially different from more common nanoparticles incidental to industrial processes. The same properties that make engineered nanomaterials unique and promising for a wide variety of applications may also render them uniquely hazardous to health when they are inhaled, come in contact with skin, or are ingested. This chapter aims to centralize resources needed by the environmental health and safety professionals to protect workers who may encounter nanomaterials. First, we present a general overview of nanotechnology that includes important definitions, a description of important properties of nanomaterials that may be relevant to health, and an overview of industries where nanomaterials are currently found. Then we present a strategy for addressing the risk posed by nanomaterials in the workplace that is organized on the principles fundamental to industrial hygiene: anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control. Finally, we discuss the future outlook of industrial hygiene as it relates to protecting worker health in the context of nanomaterial exposures.
Managing Workplace Demographics
Authors: Howard John
Published: February 2021

Changes in workforce demographics and work employment arrangements challenge the ability of safety managements to ensure the health and safety of all workers. The twenty‐first century has brought changes in the mix of industries of many countries; changes to the age, gender, and racial/ethnic demographic profile of the workforce; changes to the labor participation rate; and changes to the arrangements that firms use to perform economic work. Standard work arrangements now exist alongside several different types of work arrangements, such as agency work, contract work, and gig work. This chapter describes the changing workforce and work arrangement changes that require safety and health professionals to develop new competencies in diversity management.
Automatic treatment planning for VMAT‐based total body irradiation using Eclipse scripting
Authors: Teruel Jose R. , Taneja Sameer , Galavis Paulina E. , Osterman K. Sunshine , McCarthy Allison , Malin Martha , Gerber Naamit K. , Hitchen Christine , Barbee David L.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this work is to establish an automated approach for a multiple isocenter volumetric arc therapy (VMAT)‐based TBI treatment planning approach. Five anonymized full‐body CT imaging sets were used. A script was developed to automate and standardize the treatment planning process using the Varian Eclipse v15.6 Scripting API. The script generates two treatment plans: a head‐first VMAT‐based plan for upper body coverage using four isocenters and a total of eight full arcs; and a feet‐first AP/PA plan with three isocenters that covers the lower extremities of the patient. PTV was the entire body cropped 5 mm from the patient surface and extended 3 mm into the lungs and kidneys. Two plans were generated for each case: one to a total dose of 1200 cGy in 8 fractions and a second one to a total dose of 1320 cGy in 8 fractions. Plans were calculated using the AAA algorithm and 6 MV photon energy. One plan was created and delivered to an anthropomorphic phantom containing 12 OSLDs for in‐vivo dose verification. For the plans prescribed to 1200 cGy total dose the following dosimetric results were achieved: median PTV V100% = 94.5%; median PTV D98% = 89.9%; median lungs Dmean = 763 cGy; median left kidney Dmean = 1058 cGy; and median right kidney Dmean = 1051 cGy. For the plans prescribed to 1320 cGy total dose the following dosimetric results were achieved: median PTV V100% = 95.0%; median PTV D98% = 88.7%; median lungs Dmean = 798 cGy; median left kidney Dmean = 1059 cGy; and median right kidney Dmean = 1064 cGy. Maximum dose objective was met for all cases. The dose deviation between the treatment planning dose and the dose measured by the OSLDs was within ±4%. In summary, we have demonstrated that scripting can produce high‐quality plans based on predefined dose objectives and can decrease planning time by automatic target and optimization contours generation, plan creation, field and isocenter placement, and optimization objectives setup.
Energy Accumulation Enabling Fast Synthesis of Intercalated Graphite and Operando Decoupling for Lithium Storage
Authors: Wang Zhao , Yu Chang , Huang Huawei , Guo Wei , Zhao Changtai , Ren Weicheng , Xie Yuanyang , Qiu Jieshan
Published: February 2021

Metal chloride‐intercalated graphite with multiple/versatile functions is one of the promising categories for charge storage, especially in achieving high volumetric and gravimetric performance simultaneously. Herein, a novel field‐induced energy accumulation strategy is proposed and demonstrated to achieve minute‐level fast preparation of stage‐1 dominated FeCl3‐graphite intercalation compounds (GICs). The microwave‐induced Joule heat and electron excitation from the graphite conjugated system produce the arc plasmas with high energy density in the limited microenvironment, accompanied by the enhanced internal energy of gaseous reactant molecules and the strengthened intercalation reaction kinetics. When evaluating the anode for lithium storage, the FeCl3‐graphite intercalation compounds feature the promoted self‐activation characteristics and deliver a high volumetric capacity up to 1650 mAh cm−3. In particular, with the assistance of the operando Raman technique, it is interesting to find that the electronic decoupling effect among graphite and FeCl3 layers is responsible for the self‐activation process. Thus, it is reasonable to believe that this work can further offer an insightful and referable idea into the in‐depth investigation of metal chloride intercalated graphite, especially for applications in lithium storage.
Manifestations of thrombospondin type‐1 domain‐containing protein 1 gene mutation in an extremely premature infant with nonimmune hydrops fetalis
Authors: Al Rawi Wafaa N. , Ibrahim Fatima H. , El Nakeib Omar A. S. , Al Zidgali Faisal M.
Published: February 2021

Homozygous variants of the thrombospondin type‐1 domain‐containing 1 (THSD1) gene have recently been associated with nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF; OMIM 236750) in infants, as well as with congenital heart disease, hemangiomas, prematurity, and embryonic lethality. Here, we report the first case of a biallelic variant of THSD1 in an extremely premature infant (25 weeks) who suffered from NIHF (eventually resolved) and other manifestations of the THSD1 variant, such as congenital heart disease and hemangiomas. Her prematurity was complicated by pulmonary hypertension and chronic lung disease. This case indicates that biallelic homozygous variants of THSD1 are among the likely causes of NIHF. Information from this case report will aid in determining the prognosis of NIHF caused by such variants in premature infants.
Stomach and colonic microbiome of wild Japanese macaques
Authors: Lee Wanyi , Hayakawa Takashi , Kurihara Yosuke , Hanzawa Maho , Sawada Akiko , Kaneko Akihisa , Morimitsu Yoshiki , Natsume Takayoshi , Aisu Seitaro , Ito Tsuyoshi , Honda Takeaki , Hanya Goro
Published: February 2021

Within the gastrointestinal tract, the physiochemical microenvironments are highly diversified among the different stages of food digestion. Accordingly, gut microbiome composition and function vary at different gut sites. In this study, we examine and compare the compositional and functional potential between the stomach and colonic microbiome of wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui) living in the evergreen forest of Yakushima Island. We find a significantly lower microbial diversity in the stomach than in the colon, possibly due to the stomach's acidic and aerobic environment, which is suboptimal for microbial survival. According to past studies, the microbial taxa enriched in the stomach are aero‐ and acid‐tolerant. By functional prediction through PICRUSt2, we reveal that the stomach microbiome is more enriched in pathways relating to the metabolism of simple sugars. On the contrary, the colonic microbiota is more enriched with fiber‐degrading microbes, such as those from Lachnospiracea, Ruminococcaceae, and Prevotella. Our study shows a clear difference in the microbiome between the stomach and colon of Japanese macaques in both composition and function. This study provides a preliminary look at the alpha diversity and taxonomic composition within the stomach microbiome of Japanese macaques, a hindgut‐fermenting nonhuman primate.
Prediction Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by Deep Learning with Patient Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Imamura Keiko , Yada Yuichiro , Izumi Yuishin , Morita Mitsuya , Kawata Akihiro , Arisato Takayo , Nagahashi Ayako , Enami Takako , Tsukita Kayoko , Kawakami Hideshi , Nakagawa Masanori , Takahashi Ryosuke , Inoue Haruhisa
Published: February 2021

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), early diagnosis is essential for both current and potential treatments. To find a supportive approach for the diagnosis, we constructed an artificial intelligence‐based prediction model of ALS using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Images of spinal motor neurons derived from healthy control subject and ALS patient iPSCs were analyzed by a convolutional neural network, and the algorithm achieved an area under the curve of 0.97 for classifying healthy control and ALS. This prediction model by deep learning algorithm with iPSC technology could support the diagnosis and may provide proactive treatment of ALS through future prospective research. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:1226–1233
Preparation and characterization of controlled‐release microencapsulated acids for deep acidizing of carbonate reservoirs
Authors: Feng Qian , Chen Xue Wen , Peng Zhi Gang , Zheng Yong , Zhang Xiao Feng
Published: February 2021

Based on the deficiency of traditional acidification or acid pressure technology in the development of carbonate oil and gas resources, a microcapsule which wraps hydrochloric acid and can be released through temperature control was prepared by using microcapsule technology. The microcapsules were prepared with polyurethane prepolymer (PUA) and 1,6‐hexadiol diacrylate (HDDA) polymer as wall material and hydrochloric acid as core material by two emulsification and photocatalysis methods. Its parcel rate is 61.9%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterization confirmed the successful photopolymerization of PUA prepolymer and HDDA in a strong acid environment. The microscopic morphology analysis of electron microscope showed that the microcapsule was regular and uniform spherical with smooth and dense surface. The particle size analysis showed that the microcapsules were mainly distributed between 40 and 300 μm, and the average particle size was 114.02 μm.The glass temperature of microcapsule wall material was 97°C by DSC method. The release rate of microcapsules was accelerated with the increase of release temperature. The cumulative release rate of acid solution of microcapsules for 3 h reached 28.4%, and the final release rate of microcapsules for 12 h reached 90.7% under 100°C. In addition, the release of microcapsules is less affected by the formation salinity. At 90°C, the maximum release rate of 7.5 g/L CaCL2 was 49.1%, lower than that of 59.4% in pure water, showing the good salt resistance of the wall materials of microcapsules.
Better service delivery, more satisfied citizens? The mediating effects of local government management capacity in South Korea
Authors: Shin Geiguen , Jhee Byong‐Kuen
Published: February 2021

Does decentralisation lead to higher citizens' satisfaction with the public services that local governments provide? Despite arguments that decentralisation improves public service delivery, studies have not successfully verified the effects of decentralisation on citizen evaluations of local government services. Given the importance of increased local empowerment in promoting desired public goods, we examine whether the hypothesised advantages of decentralisation on public service delivery still hold when applied to citizens' satisfaction with public services. Specifically, we explore both the direct and indirect impacts of decentralisation on citizens' satisfaction through the mediating impact of the local management capacity in Korea. Based on structural equation modelling, the results indicate that decentralisation has a direct negative impact on public service satisfaction, but its impact is not mediated by local management capacity. Due to Korean citizens' lower expectations regarding decentralisation, citizens' satisfaction is not improved even when local management capacity is increased via higher decentralisation.
Tricuspid valve vegetation debulking using the AngioVac system
Authors: Bangalore Sripal , Alviar Carlos L. , Vlahakis Susan , Keller Norma
Published: February 2021

Tricuspid valve endocarditis with recurrent septic pulmonary emboli is an indication for surgery. We present the case of a 36‐year old man with tricuspid valve endocarditis and septic pulmonary emboli with percutaneous extraction of the vegetation. We discuss the nuances of such an approach and the need for more evidence in the management of these complex patients.
Mimicking Photosystem I with a Transmembrane Light Harvester and Energy Transfer‐Induced Photoreduction in Phospholipid Bilayers
Authors: Pannwitz Andrea , Saaring Holden , Beztsinna Nataliia , Li Xinmeng , Siegler Maxime A. , Bonnet Sylvestre
Published: February 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue are Andrea Pannwitz, Sylvestre Bonnet and co‐workers at Leiden University and Johns Hopkins University. The image depicts an observer watching over a lipid bilayer “landscape” and a sky full of luminescent giant vesicles. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202003391.
Enantioselective recognition of tryptophan isomers with molecularly imprinted overoxidized polypyrrole/poly(p‐aminobenzene sulfonic acid) modified electrode
Authors: Gong Ling , Li Shan , Yin Zhengzhi , Li Kelin , Gu Jiawei , Wu Datong , Kong Yong
Published: February 2021

Poly(p‐aminobenzene sulfonic acid) (pABSA) was electrodeposited onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), which was then used for the preconcentration of l‐tryptophan (l‐Trp) due to the electrostatic and π–π interactions between pABSA and l‐Trp. Polypyrrole (PPy) was electrodeposited onto the surface of the l‐Trp enriched pABSA, and then the l‐Trp templates were removed, resulting in molecularly imprinted PPy/pABSA. To avoid the interference from the oxidation peak of PPy on the following electrochemical chiral recognition of Trp isomers, PPy was overoxidized by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The resultant molecularly imprinted overoxidized PPy (OPPy)/pABSA modified GCE exhibits higher affinity toward l‐Trp than d‐tryptophan (d‐Trp); that is, the oxidation peak current of l‐Trp is greatly higher than that of d‐Trp at the molecularly imprinted OPPy/pABSA modified GCE.
The Ensemble Effect in Bifunctional Catalysis: Influence of Zinc as Promoter for Pd‐H‐ZSM‐5 Catalysts during the Dehydroalkylation of Toluene with Ethane
Authors: Geiß Daniel , Traa Yvonne
Published: February 2021

The ensemble effect, i.e., the fact that the reaction requiring the largest ensemble of surface metal atoms will be most sensitive to promoting with a second metal, has rarely been studied in bifunctional catalysis. In this contribution, it is shown that, during the dehydroalkylation of toluene with ethane on Pd‐H‐ZSM‐5 catalysts with zinc as promoter, the ensemble effect has only an influence on the side reactions on the metal such as hydrogenolysis, but not on the desired acid‐catalyzed alkylation reaction.
Key Challenges in Providing Effective Antibiotic Therapy for Critically Ill Patients with Bacterial Sepsis and Septic Shock
Authors: Landersdorfer Cornelia B. , Nation Roger L.
Published: February 2021

Early initiation of effective antibiotic therapy is vitally important for saving the lives of critically ill patients with sepsis or septic shock. The susceptibility of the infecting pathogen and the ability of the selected dosage regimen to safely achieve the required antibiotic exposure need to be carefully considered to achieve a high probability of a successful outcome. Critically ill patients commonly experience substantial pathophysiological changes that impact the functions of various organs, including the kidneys. Many antibiotics are predominantly renally eliminated and thus renal function is a major determinant of the regimen needed to achieve the required antibiotic exposure. However, currently, there is a paucity of guidelines to inform antibiotic dosing in critically ill patients, including those with sepsis or septic shock. This paper briefly reviews methods that are commonly used in critically ill patients to provide a measure of renal function, and approaches that describe the relationship between the exposure to an antibiotic and its antibacterial effects. Two common conditions that very substantially complicate the use of antibiotics in critically ill patients with sepsis, unstable renal function, and augmented renal clearance, are considered in detail and their potential therapeutic implications are explored. Suggestions are provided on how treatment of bacterial infections in critically ill patients with sepsis might be improved. Of high potential are model‐informed approaches that aim to individualize initial treatment regimens based on patient and bacterial characteristics, with refinement of regimens during treatment in response to monitoring antibiotic concentrations, responsive measures of renal function, and other important clinical data.
Introducing Selenocysteine into Recombinant Proteins in Escherichia coli
Authors: Chung Christina Z. , Miller Corwin , Söll Dieter , Krahn Natalie
Published: February 2021

Selenoproteins contain the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine. Selenocysteine is the only amino acid that is synthesized on its cognate tRNA, and it is inserted at specific recoded UGA stop codons via a complex translation system. Although highly similar to cysteine, selenocysteine has unique properties, including a stronger nucleophilic ability and lower reduction potential. Efforts to site‐specifically incorporate selenocysteine to create recombinant selenoproteins involve a recoded UAG stop codon and expression of the necessary selenocysteine translation machinery. This article presents a protocol for expressing and purifying selenoproteins in Escherichia coli. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 19 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol: Recombinant selenoprotein production in E. coli using a rewired translation system
A secure data parallel processing based embedded system for internet of things computer vision using field programmable gate array devices
Authors: Qureshi Kashif Naseer , Qayyum Sundus , Ul Islam Muhammad Najam , Jeon Gwanggil
Published: February 2021

Technologies and new standards have converted the traditional networks and systems into new smart cities integrated networks. Different factors are behind to build these new networks in terms of hardware, software, standards, technologies, and infrastructure. Internet of things (IoT) is one of the popular network types based on small and portable devices. Some of the IoT applications are more critical and sensitive like smart healthcare systems wherein time data delivery is needed without any delay. Keeping in view the criticality of such applications, this study proposes a secure storage, processing and transmission (SSPT) technique. This technique is based on two modules named Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) in Electronic Code Book (ECB) mode and AES in Ciphered Message Authentication Code (CMAC) mode. In the first module, the AES is implemented in ECB mode to provide encryption to IoT computer vision data. In the second module, the AES is integrated with the CMAC algorithm to provide encryption, integrity, and authentication. The said modules are implemented in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device which acts as a secure edge computing device. The SSPT is verified by the test vectors given by international standards such as the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST) and Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) which are adaptable, proficient, and vigorous as compared to previous techniques.
Genetic disruption of zebrafish mab21l1 reveals a conserved role in eye development and affected pathways
Authors: Seese Sarah E. , Deml Brett , Muheisen Sanaa , Sorokina Elena , Semina Elena V.
Published: February 2021

Background

The male‐abnormal 21 like (MAB21L) genes are important in human ocular development. Homozygous loss of MAB21L1 leads to corneal dystrophy in all affected individuals along with cataracts and buphthalmos in some. The molecular function and downstream pathways of MAB21L factors are largely undefined.

Results

We generated the first mab21l1 zebrafish mutant carrying a putative loss‐of‐function allele, c.107delA p.(Lys36Argfs*7). At the final stages of embryonic development, homozygous mab21l1c.107delA fish displayed enlarged anterior chambers and corneal thinning which progressed with age. Additional studies revealed increased cell death in the mutant corneas, transformation of the cornea into a skin‐like epithelium, and progressive lens degeneration with development of fibrous masses in the anterior chamber. RNA‐seq of wild‐type and mutant ocular transcriptomes revealed significant changes in expression of several genes, including irf1a and b, stat1, elf3, krt17, tlr9, and loxa associated with immunity and/or corneal function. Abnormal expression of lysyl oxidases have been previously linked with corneal thinning, fibrosis, and lens defects in mammals, suggesting a role for loxa misexpression in the progressive mab21l1c.107delA eye phenotype.

Conclusions

Zebrafish mab21l1 is essential for normal corneal development, similar to human MAB21L1. The identified molecular changes in mab21l1c.107delA mutants provide the first clues about possible affected pathways.
Ethical Inclusion of Health Care Workers in Covid‐19 Research
Authors: Lynch Holly Fernandez , Lundin Dawn , Meagher Emma A.
Published: February 2021

Employees are often considered a vulnerable research population due to concerns about consent and confidentiality, but there is insufficient guidance regarding their ethical inclusion in research. In the context of Covid‐19, frontline health care workers comprise a particularly relevant research population in light of their risks of viral exposure and psychological strain, among other factors. They may therefore be targeted for research conducted at their place of employment and benefit from participating in such research. Beyond Covid‐19, there are other circumstances in which health care workers may be considered for inclusion in research conducted by or with the involvement of their colleagues and employers. As investigators, sponsors, institutional review boards, and others assess the ethical permissibility of these scenarios, as well as relevant protections, we recommend systematic consideration of social and scientific value, validity, fairness, risks and benefits, voluntary consent, respect, and independent review. There is often good reason to specifically target health care workers for inclusion in Covid‐19 research (beyond convenience), and they should not be excluded from research offering the prospect of direct benefit. However, additional safeguards may be necessary in employer‐based research to avoid scientific bias, promote voluntariness, and solicit stakeholder input. Research personnel should be permitted to enroll in their own Covid‐19 studies only when participation offers them the prospect of unique benefits.
Patient factors associated with titration of medical therapy in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: data from the QUALIFY international registry
Authors: Cowie Martin R. , Schöpe Jakob , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Tavazzi Luigi , Böhm Michael , Ponikowski Piotr , Anker Stefan D. , Filippatos Gerasimos S. , Komajda Michel ,   QUALIFY Investigators
Published: February 2021

Aims

Failure to prescribe key medicines at evidence‐based doses is associated with increased mortality and hospitalization for patients with Heart Failure with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF). We assessed titration patterns of guideline‐recommended HFrEF medicines internationally and explored associations with patient characteristics in the global, prospective, observational, longitudinal registry.

Methods and results

Data were collected from September 2013 through December 2014, with 7095 patients from 36 countries [>18 years, previous HF hospitalization within 1–15 months, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40%] enrolled, with dosage data at baseline and up to 18 months from 4368 patients. In 4368 patients (mean age 63 ± 17 years, 75% male) ≥ 100% target doses at baseline: 30.6% (ACEIs), 2.9% (ARBs), 13.9% (BBs), 53.8% (MRAs), 26.2% (ivabradine). At final follow‐up, ≥100% target doses achieved in more patients for ACEI (34.8%), BB (18.0%), and ivabradine (30.5%) but unchanged for ARBs (3.2%) and MRAs (53.7%). Adjusting for baseline dosage, uptitration during follow‐up was more likely with younger age, higher systolic blood pressure, and in absence of chronic kidney disease or diabetes for ACEIs/ARBs; younger age, higher body mass index, higher heart rate, lower LVEF, and absence of coronary artery disease for BBs. For ivabradine, uptitration was more likely with higher resting heart rate.

Conclusions

The international QUALIFY Registry suggests that few patients with HFrEF achieve target doses of disease‐modifying medication, especially older patients and those with co‐morbidity. Quality improvement initiatives are urgently required.
A data‐driven, high‐throughput methodology to determine tissue‐specific differentially methylated regions able to discriminate body fluids
Authors: Antunes Joana , Gauthier Quentin , Aguiar‐Pulido Vanessa , Duncan George , McCord Bruce
Published: February 2021

Tissue‐specific differentially methylated regions (tDMRs) are regions of the genome with methylation patterns that modulate gene expression in those tissue types. The detection of tDMRs in forensic evidence can permit the identification of body fluids at trace levels. In this report, we have performed a bioinformatic analysis of an existing array dataset to determine if new tDMRs could be identified for use in body fluid identification from forensic evidence. Once these sites were identified, primers were designed and bisulfite modification was performed. The relative methylation level for each body fluid at a given locus was then determined using qPCR with high‐resolution melt analysis (HRM). After screening 127 tDMR's in multiple body fluids, we were able to identify four new markers able to discriminate blood (2 markers), vaginal epithelia (1 marker) and buccal cells (1 marker). One marker for each target body fluid was also tested with pyrosequencing showing results consistent with those obtained by HRM. This work successfully demonstrates the ability of in silico analysis to develop a novel set of tDMRs capable of being differentiated by real time PCR/HRM. The method can rapidly determine the body fluids left at crime scenes, assisting the triers of fact in forensic casework.
One‐pot multistep electrochemical strategy for the modular synthesis of epoxides, glycols, and aldehydes from alkenes
Authors: Jud Wolfgang , Kappe C. Oliver , Cantillo David
Published: February 2021

Oxidative functionalization of alkenes is a versatile strategy for the preparation of many oxygen‐containing scaffolds, such as epoxides, diols, or carbonyl‐containing compounds. In addition to conventional chemical methods, which rely on the utilization of stoichiometric amounts of oxidizing reagents, some electrochemical procedures have been developed to achieve these transformations. Typical electrochemical procedures employ tailored and often complex redox mediators to achieve the target transformation. Herein we present a modular approach for the synthesis of epoxides, diols, and aldehydes from a single set of reaction components. With sodium bromide as an inexpensive electrocatalyst and water as the oxygen donor, the outcome of the reaction (epoxide, 1,2‐diol, or aldehyde) can be selected by simply tuning the electrolysis conditions. This convenient platform has been accomplished by developing a selective one‐pot three‐step bromide‐electrocatalyzed epoxidation/ring opening/carbon‐carbon cleavage sequence. Its modularity permits the selection of the desired product, as the sequential reaction can be ended when the target compound has been formed. The method has been applied to a diversely functionalized terminal and non‐terminal olefins.
Structural control energy of resting‐state functional brain states reveals less cost‐effective brain dynamics in psychosis vulnerability
Authors: Zöller Daniela , Sandini Corrado , Schaer Marie , Eliez Stephan , Bassett Danielle S. , Van De Ville Dimitri
Published: February 2021

How the brain's white‐matter anatomy constrains brain activity is an open question that might give insights into the mechanisms that underlie mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an extremely high risk for psychosis providing a test case to study developmental aspects of schizophrenia. In this study, we used principles from network control theory to probe the implications of aberrant structural connectivity for the brain's functional dynamics in 22q11DS. We retrieved brain states from resting‐state functional magnetic resonance images of 78 patients with 22q11DS and 85 healthy controls. Then, we compared them in terms of persistence control energy; that is, the control energy that would be required to persist in each of these states based on individual structural connectivity and a dynamic model. Persistence control energy was altered in a broad pattern of brain states including both energetically more demanding and less demanding brain states in 22q11DS. Further, we found a negative relationship between persistence control energy and resting‐state activation time, which suggests that the brain reduces energy by spending less time in energetically demanding brain states. In patients with 22q11DS, this behavior was less pronounced, suggesting a deficiency in the ability to reduce energy through brain activation. In summary, our results provide initial insights into the functional implications of altered structural connectivity in 22q11DS, which might improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the disease.
Age‐related differences in the immune response could contribute to determine the spectrum of severity of COVID‐19
Authors: Costagliola Giorgio , Spada Erika , Consolini Rita
Published: February 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), can present with a wide spectrum of severity. Elderly patients with cardiac, pulmonary and metabolic comorbidities are more likely to develop the severe manifestations of COVID‐19, which are observed in less than 5% of the pediatric patients. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is able to induce an immune impairment and dysregulation, finally resulting in the massive release of inflammatory mediators, strongly contributing to the pulmonary and systemic manifestations in COVID‐19. In children, the immune dysregulation following SARS‐CoV‐2 can also be responsible of a severe disease phenotype defined as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. As the immune system undergoes a complex process of maturation from birth to adult age, differences in the immune and inflammatory response could have a significant impact in determining the spectrum of severity of COVID‐19. Indeed, children show a higher ability to respond to viral infections and a reduced baseline pro‐inflammatory state compared with elderly patients. Age and comorbidities contribute to disease severity through immune‐mediated mechanisms, since they are associated with a chronic increase of pro‐inflammatory mediators, and cause an enhanced susceptibility to develop an immune dysregulation following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Also the expression of ACE2, the receptor of SARS‐CoV‐2, varies with age, and is linked to the immune and inflammatory response through a complex, and not completely elucidated, network. This paper reviews the peculiar immunopathogenic aspects of COVID‐19, with a focus on the differences between adult and pediatric patients.
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Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Zhang Yan , Qiu Jiakang , Zhao Zihan , Liu Nan
Published: February 2021

Topological structures on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as wrinkles, folds, and scrolls, generated by different fabrication methods impose different effects on the physical and electronic properties of the material. Among the most significant influence of topological structures is the enhanced optoelectronic performance of TMDs, thereby expanding their existing and future applications. (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12156)

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