bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE IMPORTANCE OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE FOR HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ROLE OF DOCTORS OF VETERINARY MEDICINE IN THE SPREAD AND PREVENTION
Authors: VIDOVIĆ́ Jovana
Published: June 2021

Antimicrobial drugs are very important in the treatment of many infectious diseases in humans and animals. This article deals with the importance of antimicrobial resistance, as it is one of the most significant problems of modern medicine, but also with the role of doctors of veterinary medicine in this issue. Due to the frequent and irrational use of antimicrobial drugs, doctors of veterinary medicine have an undoubted contribution to the current (it can be said) high prevalence of bacterial resistance around the world. Therefore, numerous organizations, both in human and veterinary medicine in the world today, are trying to create national programs and strategies to fight against the development of antimicrobial resistance. The fight against resistance is long-lasting and requires the coordination and global participation of all parties - from doctors and veterinarians to legislators and politicians - under the umbrella of the "One Health" principle.
САНАЦИЈА ПРЕЛОМА СКОЧНОГ ЗГЛОБА ПСА - ПРИКАЗ СЛУЧАЈА
Authors: ПАРАШ́ Горан , ПАРАШ́ Смиљана , ЛУКАЧ́ Бојан , ВИТКОВИЋ́ Огњен , ЧЕГАР́ Игор
Published: June 2021

Технике стабилизације прелома скочног зглоба пса развијају се у циљу да обезбиједе репозицију и стабилизацију екстремитета. У нашем случају након обављеног кликичког прегледа пса, анализе РТГ снимка преломљеног зглоба и процјене општег стања пса, одабрана је техника хируршког захвата. У дисоцијативној анестезији, уз минимално оштећење ткива урађена је репозиција дислоцираних зглобних површина. Трауматизован зглоб је репониран и фиксиран кортикалним вијцима међусобно спојеним серклаж жицом. Вијци обезбеђују потребну стабилност талотибијалних зглобних површина. У постоперативном току обезбеђена је аналгетска и антибиотска терапија пса, фиксација санираног прелома скочног зглоба бандажима и дата препорука и савети власнику за постоперативно лијечење у кућним условима. Након четрдесет дана псу је урађен хируршки захват у циљу вађења кортикалних вијака и серклажне жице, по стандардној процедури. У нашем случају након потпуне и успјешне санације прелома пас се послије два мјесеца опоравио и није имао симптоме хромости. Резултати успјешног хируршког третмана били су разлог за приказ случаја кроз рад у циљу давања алтернативног рјешења или савјета колегама када се у својој пракси сусретну са сличним преломом.
ZNAČAJ ANTIMIKROBNE REZISTENCIJE ZA ZDRAVLJE LJUDI I ULOGA DOKTORA VETERINARSKE MEDICINE U ŠIRENJU I PREVENCIJI
Authors: VIDOVIĆ́ Jovana
Published: June 2021

Antimikrobni lekovi su veoma bitni u lečenju brojnih infektivnih bolesti kod ljudi i životinja. Ovaj rad razmatra značaj antimikrobne rezistencije kao jednog od najznačajnijih problema moderne medicine, ali i ulogu doktora veterinarske medicine u ovoj problematici. Zbog česte i neracionalne primene ovih lekova doktori veterinarske medicine, imaju nesumnjiv doprinos u sada (može se reći) velikoj rasprostranjenosti bakterijske rezistencije širom sveta. Zato, brojne organizacije, kako u humanoj, tako i veterinarskoj medicini danas u svetu nastoje da naprave nacionalne programe i strategije borbe protiv razvoja rezistencije na antimikrobne lekove. Borba protiv rezistencije je dugotrajna i zahteva koordinaciju i globalno učešće svih strana – od lekara i veterinara do zakonodavaca i političara – pod okriljem principa „Jedno zdravlje – One health“.
The social life of cyanobacteria
Authors: Mullineaux Conrad W , Wilde Annegret
Published: June 2021

The cyanobacterium Synechocystis secretes a specific sulphated polysaccharide to form floating cell aggregates.
Factors affecting livestock depredation by snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in the Himalayan region of Nepal
Authors: Karki Ajay , Panthi Saroj
Published: June 2021

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) found in central Asia is classified as vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Every year, large number of livestock are killed by snow leopards in Nepal, leading to economic loss to local communities and making human-snow leopard conflict a major threat to snow leopard conservation. We conducted formal and informal stakeholder’s interviews to gather information related to livestock depredation with the aim to map the attack sites by the snow leopard. These sites were further validated by district forest office staffs to assess sources of bias. Attack sites older than 3 years were removed from the survey. We found 109 attack sites and visited all the sites for geo location purpose (GPS points of all unique sites were taken). We maintained at least a 100 m distance between attack locations to ensure that each attack location was unique, which resulted in 86 unique locations. A total of 235 km2 was used to define livestock depredation risk zone during this study. Using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling, we found that distance to livestock sheds, distance to paths, aspect, and distance to roads were major contributing factors to the snow leopard’s attacks. We identified 13.64 km2 as risk zone for livestock depredation from snow leopards in the study area. Furthermore, snow leopards preferred to attack livestock near livestock shelters, far from human paths and at moderate distance from motor roads. These identified attack zones should be managed both for snow leopard conservation and livestock protection in order to balance human livelihoods while protecting snow leopards and their habitats.
Detecting and Locating Power Quality Issues by Implementing Wavelet Transform
Authors: Asadi Mohammad , Harikandeh Mehrshad Noori , Hamzenia Mohammadreza
Published: June 2021

Lack of power quality imposes many costs on large and small consumers every year. Therefore, considering the importance of power quality in today's industries, this article examines the issue of detection and location of various power quality issues. DWT discrete wavelet transform is investigated in this paper. The signals under the perturbations are written to the field and the start and end times of the perturbation are obtained and compared with the real time, and the accuracy of the measurements is confirmed by repetitions.
Propiedades Psicométricas de la Versión Reducida de la Escala de Mitos hacia el Amor en Estudiantes de El Salvador
Authors:   Universidad de Alcalá (España), Bonilla-Algovia Enrique , Riv Riveroas Esther ,   Universidad de Alcalá (España)
Published: June 2021

El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Mitos hacia el Amor en una muestra de estudiantes de El Salvador y conocer si existen diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en la interiorización de los mitos del amor romántico. La muestra estuvo formada por 211 estudiantes (38,4% hombres y 61,6% mujeres) de 2 universidades de San Salvador y Sonsonate, con una edad media de 22,43 años (DE = 4,92). Los resultados del análisis factorial exploratorio y del análisis factorial confirmatorio reportaron una estructura de 2 factores. La confiabilidad de la escala, evaluada con alfa de Cronbach, el coeficiente H y la fiabilidad compuesta, fue aceptable. Los mitos del amor romántico correlacionaron con la Escala de Sexismo Ambivalente. Los hombres, en comparación con las mujeres, están más de acuerdo con la creencia de que se puede amar a quien se maltrata. El instrumento puede ser útil para analizar los mitos del amor romántico en El Salvador.
Secuencias de Pregunta, Respuesta y Seguimiento en Situaciones de Juego y Cuentos en Nivel Inicial
Authors:   Instituto Rosario de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Educación, Argentina, Sartori Mariana , Ortiz Carolyn ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Pizarro Paulina ,   Universidad Diego Portales, Jauck Daniela ,   Instituto Rosario de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Educación, Argentina, Stein Alejandra ,   Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones en Psicología Matemática y Experimental, Argentina, Alam Florencia ,   Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones en Psicología Matemática y Experimental, Argemtina, Rosemberg Celia ,   Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones en Psicología Matemática y Experimental, Argemtina, Peralta Olga ,   Instituto Rosario de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Educación, Argentina, Strasser Katherine ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Published: June 2021

El lenguaje que utilizan las maestras tiene importantes asociaciones con el lenguaje de los niños/as a su cuidado. Un aspecto importante es el tipo de preguntas que realizan las maestras y la forma en que dan seguimiento a las respuestas de los niños/as, lo que se conoce como secuencias pregunta-respuesta-seguimiento (PRS). En el nivel inicial, estas secuencias han sido estudiadas mayormente en situaciones de lectura de libros. En la investigación que aquí se presenta se comparan secuencias PRS en cuento y juego. Participaron 10 jardines de infantes de la provincia de Entre Ríos, Argentina, seleccionados mediante un muestreo intencional. Específicamente, participaron 10 maestras y 300 niños/as. Desde un enfoque microanalítico, se analizaron 13 grabaciones de audio en situaciones de lectura de cuentos y 16 durante juegos de rincón. Para evaluar las diferencias en el tipo de preguntas, respuestas y seguimiento en ambas situaciones se utilizó la prueba 2. Además, se realizó un análisis secuencial de la relación entre el tipo y complejidad de la pregunta, de la respuesta y del seguimiento. Los resultados muestran que en ambas situaciones predomina el uso de preguntas de baja complejidad o literales y de seguimientos de bajo nivel, tales como confirmación, evaluación, falsificación y respuesta. Se destaca que el tipo y la complejidad de la pregunta que realiza la maestra determina fuertemente la complejidad de la respuesta de los niños/as. Se discuten las implicancias didácticas del presente estudio, específicamente en cuanto a la práctica y formación docente.
Characterization of fragment sizes, copy number aberrations and 4‐mer end motifs in cell‐free DNA of hepatocellular carcinoma for enhanced liquid biopsy‐based cancer detection
Authors: Jin Chao , Liu Xiaonan , Zheng Wenyuan , Su Liping , Liu Yang , Guo Xu , Gu Xiaoming , Li Hongping , Xu Bo , Wang Gang , Yu Jiyan , Zhang Qiong , Bao Dengke , Wan Shaogui , Xu Fei , Lai Xiaohuan , Liu Jiayun , Xing Jinliang
Published: June 2021

Circulating cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentomics, which encompasses the measurement of cfDNA length and short nucleotide motifs at the ends of cfDNA molecules, is an emerging field for cancer diagnosis. The utilization of cfDNA fragmentomics for the diagnosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is currently limited. In this study, we utilized whole‐genome sequencing data of cfDNA in samples from patients with HCC (n = 197) and HBV (n = 187) to analyze the association of fragment size selection (< 150 bp) with tumor fraction (TF), copy number variation (CNV) alterations and the change in the proportion of 4‐mer end motifs in HCC and HBV samples. Our analyses identified five typical CNV markers (i.e. loss in chr1p, chr4q and chr8p, and gain in chr1q and chr8q) in cfDNA with a cumulatively positive rate of ˜ 95% in HCC samples. Size selection (< 150 bp) significantly enhanced TF and CNV signals in HCC samples. Additionally, three 4‐mer end motifs (CCCA, CCTG and CCAG) were identified as preferred end motifs in HCC samples. We identified 139 end motifs significantly associated with fragment size that showed similar patterns of associations between patients with HCC and HBV, suggesting that end motifs might be inherently coupled with fragment size by a ubiquitous mechanism. Here we conclude that CNV markers, fragment size selection and end‐motif pattern in cfDNA have potential for effective detection of patients with HCC.
Design and Qualification of Pr–Fe–Cu–B Alloys for the Additive Manufacturing of Permanent Magnets
Authors: Schäfer Lukas , Skokov Konstantin , Liu Jianing , Maccari Fernando , Braun Tobias , Riegg Stefan , Radulov Iliya , Gassmann Jürgen , Merschroth Holger , Harbig Jana , Weigold Matthias , Gutfleisch Oliver
Published: June 2021

The direct use of an advanced binder‐free additive manufacturing technique, namely laser powder bed fusion (L‐PBF), does not easily allow obtaining variously shaped, fully dense Nd–Fe–B magnets with high coercivity. The process inherently leads to the re‐melting of the powder and appearance/disappearance of undesired/desired microstructural features responsible for low and large coercivity. In this work, the development of a useful microstructure responsible for high coercivity in Pr21Fe73.5Cu2B3.5 and Nd21Fe73.5Cu2B3.5 alloys and a possible way to produce fully dense permanent magnets via additive manufacturing processes is demonstrated using: (i) suction casting technique, which provides a high cooling rate and thus similar microstructures as in L‐PBF but requires only very small amounts of powder; (ii) conventional L‐PBF processing using kg of powder, and (iii) a subsequent annealing treatment that is similar to a conventional sintering treatment. The subsequent heat treatment is necessary to develop high coercivity by forming a novel microstructure: hard magnetic (Nd,Pr)2Fe14B grains embedded in a matrix of intermetallic (Nd,Pr)6Fe13Cu phase. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that Pr21Fe73.5Cu2B3.5 exhibits a higher coercivity than Nd21Fe73.5Cu2B3.5 because of a finer and more homogeneous grain size distribution of the Pr2Fe14B phase. The final L‐PBF printed Pr21Fe73.5Cu2B3.5 samples provide a coercivity of 0.75 T.
Achieving High Electroluminescence Efficiency and High Color Rendering Index for All‐Fluorescent White OLEDs Based on an Out‐of‐Phase Sensitizing System
Authors: Liu Hao , Chen Jinke , Fu Yan , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2021

Sensitizing conventional fluorescence (CF) dopants with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials has achieved considerable progress, by which the advantages of TADF materials and CF dopants can be fully harnessed. However, the usually used co‐phase configuration of CF dopant‐engaged sensitizing systems often encounters exciton loss due to Dexter energy transfer (DET). Herein, an effective out‐of‐phase configuration is proposed to sensitize CF dopants in the fabrication of white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs). Based on a new efficient sky‐blue TADF luminogen DCP‐BP‐DPAC which has an electroluminescence (EL) peak at 486 nm and an EL efficiency of 26.6%, a green TADF material BDMAC‐XT, and a red CF dopant DBP sensitized by BDMAC‐XT through an out‐of‐phase configuration without interlayer, efficient WOLEDs are successfully fabricated. By further adopting orange TBRB or 4CzTPNBu as intermediate sensitizers, more efficient energy transfer to DBP is achieved via Förster energy transfer. Through step‐by‐step energy transfer and elimination of excess DET process, high‐performance all‐fluorescent WOLEDs are achieved, providing excellent EL efficiencies over 23.0%, and highly stable white light with a high color rendering index of 87. The outstanding EL performance and high‐quality emission color demonstrate the great potential of the proposed out‐of‐phase design for sensitizing systems of WOLEDs.
Fluidic Infiltrative Assembly of 3D Hydrogel with Heterogeneous Composition and Function
Authors: Escobar Alberto Ranier , Zanganeh Somayeh , Sullivan Jonathan , Li Lei , Dautta Manik , Lee Jaeho , Tseng Peter
Published: June 2021

3D hydrogels are powerful, multifunctional materials that are poised to become a building block in next‐generation systems. Modern schemes to print complex 3D hydrogels are advancing rapidly; however, they possess several limitations including—but not limited to—polymer incompatibility or difficulty in imparting continuous heterogeneity in composition or function. Here, a simple strategy of synthesizing programmable hydrogel systems with tunable form and function in 3D is presented. This approach utilizes commercially available stereolithographic printer/resin to fabricate high‐resolution molds followed by the programmed infiltration and gelation of hydrogel prepolymer. This mold is then sacrificed to yield 3D, multifunctional hydrogels exhibiting user‐defined heterogeneity. The approach is compatible with numerous in‐situ gelling polymers and modifiers ranging from interpenetrating networks of organic or synthetic polymers to functional materials possessing dense concentrations of nanomaterials or fluorescent markers. Accessible and versatile, this approach allows the fabrication of complex, multimaterial constructs with tunable 3D environmental responses inaccessible to well‐established hydrogel 3D printing methods.
Biofilm‐Sensitive Photodynamic Nanoparticles for Enhanced Penetration and Antibacterial Efficiency
Authors: Wu Shuangmei , Xu Chen , Zhu Yiwen , Zheng Liang , Zhang Ludan , Hu Yang , Yu Bingran , Wang Yuguang , Xu Fu‐Jian
Published: June 2021

Efficient antimicrobials are urgently needed for the treatment of bacterial biofilms due to their resistance to traditional drugs. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new strategy that has been used to combat bacteria and biofilms. Cationic photosensitizers, particularly cationic photodynamic nanoagents, are usually chosen to enhance photodynamic antimicrobial activity. However, positively charged nanoparticles (NPs) are beneficial to cellular internalization, which causes increased cell cytotoxicity. Herein, a pH‐sensitive photodynamic nanosystem is designed. Rose Bengal (RB) polydopamine (PDA) NPs are decorated in a layer‐by‐layer fashion with polymyxin B (PMB) and gluconic acid (GA) to generate functionally adaptive NPs (RB@PMB@GA NPs). RB@PMB@GA NPs remain negative at physiological pH and exhibit good biocompatibility. When RB@PMB@GA NPs are exposed to an acidic infectious environment, the surface charge of the NPs is, in turn, positively charged as a result of pH‐sensitive electrostatic interactions. This surface charge conversion allows the RB@PMB@GA to effectively bind to the surfaces of bacteria and enhance photoinactivation efficiency against gram‐negative bacteria. Most importantly, RB@PMB@GA NPs exhibit good biofilm penetration and eradication under acidic conditions. Furthermore, RB@PMB@GA NPs efficiently eliminate biofilm infections in vivo. This study provides a promising strategy for safely treating biofilm‐associated infections in vivo.
Effects of implants with steroids after endoscopic sinus surgery: A systematic review with meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kao Yi‐Lin , Huang Yi‐Chen , Tsai Shao‐Chen , Lai Ming‐Tang , Kang Yi‐No
Published: June 2021

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis affects approximately 5%−2% of the general population worldwide. Steroid implants after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) have drawn considerable interest for their cost savings, but relevant guidelines indicate that evidence on this topic is of low quality with high heterogeneity. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of steroid implants after ESS by synthesizing relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

Two authors independently assessed the eligibility of potential references from five biomedical databases. They further extracted relevant data from the included studies, including (a) mean, standard deviation, or standard error for Lund–Kennedy endoscopic (LKE) score and Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy (POSE) score and (b) events and sample sizes of each group for further intervention. Data were pooled in a random‐effects model, and results were presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and I2.

Results

Eleven RCTs (n = 853) were included and showed that the steroid implant group had lower LKE scores (WMD, ‐1.19; 95% CI, ‐1.75 to ‐0.62; I2 = 0%) and POSE scores (WMD, ‐1.62; 95% CI, ‐2.47 to ‐0.76; I2 = 48%) than the placebo implant group at postoperative week 2. Moreover, the reoperation rate in the steroid implant group was also lower than in the placebo implant group (RR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.80; I2 = 0%). However, no significant difference was observed in the postoperative oral steroid requirement between both groups.

Conclusions

Collectively, steroid implant decreases LKE and POSE among patients receiving ESS in the short term, but long‐term effects remain unclear. Patient‐based outcomes are worth further discussion in the future.
Real‐Time NMR Monitoring of Spatially Segregated Enzymatic Reactions in Multilayered Hydrogel Assemblies**
Authors: Nordin Nurdiana , Bordonali Lorenzo , Davoodi Hossein , Ratnawati Novindi Dwi , Gygli Gudrun , Korvink Jan G. , Badilita Vlad , MacKinnon Neil
Published: June 2021

Compartmentalized chemical reactions at the microscale are important in biotechnology, yet monitoring the molecular content at these small scales is challenging. To address this challenge, we integrate a compact, reconfigurable reaction cell featuring electrochemical functionality with high‐resolution NMR spectroscopy. We demonstrate the operation of this system by monitoring the activity of enzymes immobilized in chemically distinct layers within a multi‐layered chitosan hydrogel assembly. As a benchmark, we observed the parallel activities of urease (Urs), catalase (Cat), and glucose oxidase (GOx) by monitoring reagent and product concentrations in real‐time. Simultaneous monitoring of an independent enzymatic process (Urs) together with a cooperative process (GOx + Cat) was achieved, with chemical conversion modulation of the GOx + Cat process demonstrated by varying the order in which the hydrogel was assembled.
Methane‐to‐Methanol on Mononuclear Copper(II) Sites Supported on Al2O3: Structure of Active Sites from Electron Paramagnetic Resonance**
Authors: Meyet Jordan , Ashuiev Anton , Noh Gina , Newton Mark A. , Klose Daniel , Searles Keith , van Bavel Alexander P. , Horton Andrew D. , Jeschke Gunnar , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Copéret Christophe
Published: June 2021

The selective conversion of methane to methanol remains one of the holy grails of chemistry, where Cu‐exchanged zeolites have been shown promote this reaction under stepwise conditions. Over the years, several active sites have been proposed, ranging from mono‐, di‐ to trimeric CuII. Herein, we report the formation of well‐dispersed monomeric CuIIspecies supported on alumina using surface organometallic chemistry and their reactivity towards the selective and stepwise conversion of methane to methanol. Extensive studies using various transition alumina supports combined with spectroscopic characterization, in particular electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), show that the active sites are associated with specific facets, which are typically found in γ‐ and η‐alumina phase, and that their EPR signature can be attributed to species having a tri‐coordinated [(Al2O)CuIIO(OH)]−T‐shape geometry. Overall, the selective conversion of methane to methanol, a two‐electron process, involves two monomeric CuIIsites that play in concert.
Effect of ketal group in castor oil acid‐based plasticizer on the properties of poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Zhu Huichao , Yang Jianjun , Wu Mingyuan , Wu Qingyun , Liu Jiuyi , Zhang Jianan
Published: June 2021

Two castor oil acid esters containing a ketal or ketone group (KCL or CL), as alternative plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), were prepared. The structures were confirmed by1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopies. The effects of the presence of a ketal or ketone group in these compounds on PVC plasticization were examined. The DMA and SEM results showed that both plasticizers were miscible with PVC and exhibited excellent plasticizing properties, compared to those of dioctyl phthalate (DOP). The PVC plasticized by KCL displayed a lowerTgvalue of 20.6°C, which was lower than that of PVC plasticized with DOP (22.3°C) and PVC plasticized with CL (40.5°C). Tensile tests indicated that PVC plasticized using KCL showed a 37% higher of elongation at break than PVC plasticized by CL and 30% higher than PVC plasticized by DOP. The plasticizing mechanism was also investigated. Moreover, exudation, volatility, and extraction tests, along with TGA indicated that the presence of ketal groups effectively improved the migration resistance of plasticizer and the thermal stability of PVC blends. Taken together, introducing ketal groups into plasticizer might be an effective strategy for improving its plasticizing efficiency.
Microfluidic cultivation and analysis of productive biofilms
Authors: Lemke Phillip , Zoheir Ahmed E. , Rabe Kersten S. , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: June 2021

We here report the application of a machine‐based microfluidic biofilm cultivation and analysis platform for studying the performance of biocatalytically active biofilms. By using robotic sampling, we succeeded in spatially resolving the productivity of three microfluidic reactors containing biocatalytically active biofilms that inducibly overexpress recombinant enzymes. Escherichia coli biofilms expressing two stereoselective oxidoreductases, the (R)‐selective alcohol dehydrogenase LbADH and the (S)‐selective ketoreductase Gre2p, as well as the phenolic acid decarboxylase EsPAD were used. The excellent reproducibility of the cultivation and analysis methods observed for all three systems underlines the usefulness of the new technical platform for the investigation of biofilms. In addition, we demonstrated that the analytical platform also opens up new opportunities to perform in‐depth spatially resolved studies on the biomass growth in a reactor channel and its biochemical productivity. Since the platform not only offers the detailed biochemical characterization but also broad capabilities for the morphological study of living biofilms, we believe that our approach can also be performed on many other natural and artificial biofilms to systematically investigate a wide range of process parameters in a highly parallel manner using miniaturized model systems, thus advancing the harnessing of microbial communities for technical purposes.
Strategies and challenges with the microbial conversion of methanol to high‐value chemicals
Authors: Zhan Chunjun , Li Xiaowei , Yang Yankun , Nielsen Jens , Bai Zhonghu , Chen Yun
Published: June 2021

As alternatives to traditional fermentation substrates, methanol (CH3OH), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) represent promising one‐carbon (C1) sources that are readily available at low‐cost and share similar metabolic pathway. Of these C1 compounds, methanol is used as a carbon and energy source by native methylotrophs, and can be obtained from CO2 and CH4 by chemical catalysis. Therefore, constructing and rewiring methanol utilization pathways may enable the use of one‐carbon sources for microbial fermentations. Recent bioengineering efforts have shown that both native and nonnative methylotrophic organisms can be engineered to convert methanol, together with other carbon sources, into biofuels and other commodity chemicals. However, many challenges remain and must be overcome before industrial‐scale bioprocessing can be established using these engineered cell refineries. Here, we provide a comprehensive summary and comparison of methanol metabolic pathways from different methylotrophs, followed by a review of recent progress in engineering methanol metabolic pathways in vitro and in vivo to produce chemicals. We discuss the major challenges associated with establishing efficient methanol metabolic pathways in microbial cells, and propose improved designs for future engineering.
Digital technology and circular economy practices: An strategy to improve organizational performance
Authors: Khan Syed Abdul Rehman , Zia‐ul‐haq Hafiz Muhammad , Umar Muhammad , Yu Zhang
Published: June 2021

Amid rising environmental concerns, advanced technology, including Blockchain technology (BCT) are transforming circular economy (CE) practices and prevailing business models. Recognize the same, the current study examines the role of BCT in CE practices; and their impact on organizational performance. The study collects data from 239 enterprises that are located in Malaysian territories. By employing PLS‐SEM modeling framework, the study provides two key findings. First, BCT significantly improves the CE practices (circular procurement, circular design, recycling, and remanufacturing). Second, CE practices help to increase organizational performance. This study set‐out the foundations for participating countries/firms, that help to simultaneously achieve financial and sustainable goals through the integration of BCT in their business for betterment.
Proton‐Coupled Electron Transfer (PCET) with 1,4‐Bisguanidino‐Benzene Derivatives: Comparative Study and Use in Acid‐Initiated C‐H Activation
Authors: Walter Petra , Hübner Olaf , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: June 2021

Proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) is of key importance in modern synthetic chemistry. Redox‐active guanidines were established by our group as valuable alternatives to toxic high‐potential benzoquinones in a variety of different PCET reactions. In this work, the PCET reactivity of a series of 1,4‐bisguanidino‐benzenes varying in their redox potentials and proton affinities is evaluated. The relevant redox and protonation states are fully characterized, and the compounds sorted with respect to their PCET reactivity by comparative PCET experiments supplemented by quantum‐chemical calculations. Depending on the studied reactions, the driving force is either electron transfer or proton transfer; thereby the influence of both processes on the overall reactivity could be assessed. Then, two of the PCET reagents are applied in representative oxidative aryl‐aryl coupling reactions, namely the intramolecular coupling of 3,3’’‐4,4’’‐tetramethoxy‐o‐terphenyl to give the corresponding triphenylene, the intermolecular coupling of N‐ethylcarbazole to give N,N’‐diethyl‐3,3’‐bicarbazole, and in the oxidative lactonization of 2‐[(4‐methoxyphenyl)methyl]‐benzoic acid. Under mild conditions, the reactions proceed fast and efficient. Only small amounts of acid are needed, in clear contrast to the corresponding coupling reactions with traditional high‐potential benzoquinones such as DDQ or chloranil requiring a large excess of a strong acid.
Synthesis of Chiral Propargylamines, Chiral 1,2‐Dihydronaphtho[2,1‐b]furans and Naphtho[2,1‐b]furans with C‐Alkynyl N,N′‐di‐(tert‐butoxycarbonyl)‐aminals and β‐Naphthols
Authors: Man Ningning , Li Yuming , Jie Jiyang , Li Hongyun , Yang Haijun , Zhao Yufen , Fu Hua
Published: June 2021

Chiral phosphoric acid‐catalyzed couplings of C‐alkynyl N,N′‐di‐(tert‐butoxycarbonyl)‐aminals with β‐naphthols led to chiral propargylamines in moderate to high yields with high to excellent enantioselectivity, in which the reactions underwent sequential chiral phosphoric acid‐catalyzed in situ formation of N‐(tert‐butoxycarbonyl)‐imines (N‐Boc‐imines) from the aminals, and 1,2‐addition of β‐naphthols to the N‐Boc‐imines. Chiral 1,2‐dihydronaphtho[2,1‐b]furans and naphtho[2,1‐b]furans were prepared with satisfactory results when 10 mol% AgOAc and 20 mol% 2,6‐lutidine or 1.2 equiv. of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) were added to the resulting chiral propargylamines solution, respectively.
A novel key performance indicator oriented process monitoring method based on multiple information extraction and support vector data description
Authors: Zhang Xueyi , Ma Liang , Peng Kaixiang
Published: June 2021

As a core part of modern chemical plants, key performance indicator oriented process monitoring and fault diagnosis systems have gradually made great contributions to guaranteeing process safety, improving product quality, and ensuring system reliability, which recently have received extensive attention and become one of the hot spots both in academic research and industrial application fields. Different from previous methods, a novel key performance indicator oriented process monitoring method is proposed in this paper, which fully mines and utilizes important time feature information hidden in the process data while considering the local process information. Firstly, a group of representative process variables with maximum key performance indicator information are selected by the maximal information coefficient algorithm, and local information is extracted. Then, observed value, accumulated error, and change rate information are further extracted from the representative process variables and expanded into multiple information blocks, which contain both local process and hidden time feature information. After that, the support vector data description model is established to monitor each information block, and the Bayesian inference is employed to fuse the final monitoring results to obtain a new monitoring index. Finally, the performance and effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by conducting a simulation on Tennessee Eastman process.
Effective Interface Defect Passivation via Employing 1‐Methylbenzimidazole for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zheng Haiying , Liu Guozhen , Wu Weiwei , Xu Huifen , Pan Xu
Published: June 2021

Although the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have made great progress, the surface and interface defects still affect their PCE and stability and hinder the commercialization. To overcome this problem, 1‐methylimidazole (1‐MIm) and 1‐methylbenzimidazole (1‐MBIm) were used as the interfacial passivation agents to passivate the defects at surface and interface. The results indicated that, in contrast to 1‐MIm, 1‐MBIm displayed a stronger Lewis coordination interaction with the uncoordinated Pb2+ to reduce the non‐radiative recombination and also effectively improved the charge transfer capacity of perovskite films due to its strong π–π conjugate interaction, resulting in the better photovoltaic performance. As a result, the PCE of the champion 1‐MBIm PSC was improved from 19.48 (pristine) to 21.22 % with a dramatically enhanced open‐circuit voltage (Voc=1.15 V). More importantly, a significant improvement in long‐term stability was achieved for 1‐MBIm perovskite devices, which was attributed to the high‐quality perovskite film caused by the strong passivation effect of 1‐MBIm and the hydrogen bond with water molecules. The results offers an efficient and facile strategy by interface engineering to fabricate high‐performance and stable PSCs for commercial application.
Compensatory adaptation and diversification subsequent to evolutionary rescue in a model adaptive radiation
Authors: Zhou Dong‐Hao , Zhang Quan‐Guo
Published: June 2021

Biological populations may survive lethal environmental stress through evolutionary rescue. The rescued populations typically suffer a reduction in growth performance and harbor very low genetic diversity compared with their parental populations. The present study addresses how population size and within‐population diversity may recover through compensatory evolution, using the experimental adaptive radiation of bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens. We exposed bacterial populations to an antibiotic treatment and then imposed a one‐individual‐size population bottleneck on those surviving the antibiotic stress. During the subsequent compensatory evolution, population size increased and leveled off very rapidly. The increase of diversity was of slower paces and persisted longer. In the very early stage of compensatory evolution, populations of large sizes had a greater chance to diversify; however, this productivity–diversification relationship was not observed in later stages. Population size and diversity from the end of the compensatory evolution was not contingent on initial population growth performance. We discussed the possibility that our results be explained by the emergence of a “holey” fitness landscape under the antibiotic stress.
Heart failure drug titration, discontinuation, mortality and heart failure hospitalization risk: a multinational observational study (US, UK and Sweden)
Authors: Savarese Gianluigi , Bodegard Johan , Norhammar Anna , Sartipy Peter , Thuresson Marcus , Cowie Martin R. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Coats Andrew J.S.
Published: June 2021

Aims

Use and dosing of guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure (HF) have been shown to be suboptimal. Among new users of GDMT in HF, we followed the real‐life patterns of dose titration and discontinuation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), beta‐blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) and angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI).

Methods and results

New users were identified in health care databases in Sweden, UK and US between 2016–2019. Inclusion criterion was a recent HF hospitalization (HHF) triggering the initiation of GDMT. Patients were grouped by GDMT, i.e. ACEi, ARB, beta‐blocker, MRA and ARNI, and stratified by initial dose. Follow‐up was 12 months, until death or study end. Outcomes were dose titration within each drug class, discontinuation and first HHF or death. Dose/discontinuation follow‐up was assessed daily based on the coverage length of a filled prescription and reported on day 365. New users of ACEi (n = 8426), ARB (n = 2303), beta‐blockers (n = 10 476), MRA (n = 17 421), and ARNI (n = 29 546) were identified. Over 12 months, target dose achievement was 15%, 10%, 12%, 30%, and discontinuation was 55%, 33%, 24% and 27% for ACEi, ARB, beta‐blockers and ARNI, respectively. MRA was rarely titrated and discontinuation rates were high (40%). Event rates for HHF or death ranged from 40.0–86.9 per 100 patient‐years across the treatment groups.

Conclusion

Despite high risk of clinical events following HHF, new initiation of GDMT was followed by consistent patterns of low up‐titration and early GDMT discontinuation in three countries with different health care and economies. Our data highlight the urgent need for moving away from long sequential approach when initiating HF treatment and for improving just‐in‐time decision support for patients and health care providers.
Hybrid technique for load frequency control of renewable energy sources with unified power flow controller and energy storage integration
Authors: Munisamy Vijayalaxmi , Sundarajan Rahul Somnath
Published: June 2021

In this manuscript, the load frequency control (LFC) of multiple area hybrid power system (PS) integrated with renewable energy sources (RESs) using energy storage system (ESS) is proposed. The proposed hybrid method is the joint execution of Meta‐heuristic Anopheles Search Algorithm (MASA) and artificial intelligence (AI) technique and hence it is named as MASAAI technique. The main aim of the proposal is “to diminish the load frequency deviations in 3‐area hybrid PS.” The thyristor controlled phase shifter (TCPS) and ultra‐capacitor (UC) application are used in LFC. During the operation of power system, the power distribution quality is suffered owing to continual and random changes in load. Hence, the PS control is necessary for maintaining a continual balance amid the power generation and load demand. The proportional integral derivative (PID) is agreed to LFC mode. Here, the 3‐area system is incorporated with conventional RESs like solar, biomass, and fuel cell. UPFC is joined in series with tie‐line, ensures the stabilization of the system and also presents more service and the quality of power is sustained by the subordinate control of super capacitor energy storage. With the help of MASAAI method, suppressing the peak value of the frequency deviation by power modulation control is a way to lessen this issue. With this proper control, the MASAAI method efficiency becomes optimum in deregulated environment that is agreed to LFC mode. Finally, the proposed method is activated in MATLAB/Simulink site and the performance is compared with existing methods. Finally, the simulation outcomes demonstrate that the efficiency of MASAAI method is more efficient compared to the existing methods.
Impact of Public Health Policies on Alcohol‐Associated Liver Disease in Latin America: An Ecological Multinational Study
Authors: Díaz Luis Antonio , Idalsoaga Francisco , Fuentes‐López Eduardo , Márquez‐Lomas Andrea , Ramírez Carolina A. , Roblero Juan Pablo , Araujo Roberta C. , Higuera‐de‐la‐Tijera Fátima , Toro Luis Guillermo , Pazmiño Galo , Montes Pedro , Hernandez Nelia , Mendizabal Manuel , Corsi Oscar , Ferreccio Catterina , Lazo Mariana , Brahmania Mayur , Singal Ashwani K. , Bataller Ramon , Arrese Marco , Arab Juan Pablo
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

Alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) is the leading cause of liver‐related mortality in Latin America, yet the impact of public health policies (PHP) on liver disease is unknown. We aimed to assess the association between alcohol PHP and deaths due to ALD in Latin American countries.

Approach and Results

We performed an ecological multinational study including 20 countries in Latin America (628,466,088 inhabitants). We obtained country‐level sociodemographic information from the World Bank Open Data source. Alcohol‐related PHP data for countries were obtained from the World Health Organization Global Information System of Alcohol and Health. We constructed generalized linear models to assess the association between the number of PHP (in 2010) and health outcomes (in 2016). In Latin America, the prevalence of obesity was 27% and 26.1% among male and female populations, respectively. The estimated alcohol per capita consumption among the population at 15 years old or older was 6.8 L of pure alcohol (5.6 recorded and 1.2 unrecorded). The overall prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUD) was 4.9%. ALD was the main cause of cirrhosis in 64.7% of male and 40.0% of female populations. A total of 19 (95%) countries have at least one alcohol‐related PHP on alcohol. The most frequent PHP were limiting drinking age (95%), tax regulations (90%), drunk‐driving policies and countermeasures (90%), and government monitoring systems and community support (90%). A higher number of PHP was associated with a lower ALD mortality (PR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61‐0.93; P = 0.009), lower AUD prevalence (PR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.65‐0.99; P = 0.045), and lower alcohol‐attributable road traffic deaths (PR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.65‐1.00; P = 0.051).

Conclusions

Our study indicates that in Latin America, countries with higher number of PHP have lower mortality due to ALD, lower prevalence of AUD, and lower alcohol‐attributable road traffic mortality.
Chyme Reinfusion Restores the Regulatory Bile Salt–FGF19 Axis in Patients With Intestinal Failure
Authors: Koelfat Kiran V.K. , Picot Denis , Chang Xinwei , Desille‐Dugast Mireille , van Eijk Hans M. , van Kuijk Sander M.J. , Lenicek Martin , Layec Sabrina , Carsin Marie , Dussaulx Laurence , Seynhaeve Eloi , Trivin Florence , Lacaze Laurence , Thibault Ronan , Schaap Frank G. , Olde Damink Steven W.M.
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

Automated chyme reinfusion (CR) in patients with intestinal failure (IF) and a temporary double enterostomy (TDE) restores intestinal function and protects against liver injury, but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. The aim was to investigate whether the beneficial effects of CR relate to functional recovery of enterohepatic signaling through the bile salt–FGF19 axis.

Approach and Results

Blood samples were collected from 12 patients, 3 days before, at start, and 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks after CR initiation. Plasma FGF19, total bile salts (TBS), 7‐α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one (C4; a marker of bile salt synthesis), citrulline (CIT), bile salt composition, liver tests, and nutritional risk indices were determined. Paired small bowel biopsies prior to CR and after 21 days were taken, and genes related to bile salt homeostasis and enterocyte function were assessed. CR induced an increase in plasma FGF19 and decreased C4 levels, indicating restored regulation of bile salt synthesis through endocrine FGF19 action. TBS remained unaltered during CR. Intestinal farnesoid X receptor was up‐regulated after 21 days of CR. Secondary and deconjugated bile salt fractions were increased after CR, reflecting restored microbial metabolism of host bile salts. Furthermore, CIT and albumin levels gradually rose after CR, while abnormal serum liver tests normalized after CR, indicating restored intestinal function, improved nutritional status, and amelioration of liver injury. CR increased gene transcripts related to enterocyte number, carbohydrate handling, and bile salt homeostasis. Finally, the reciprocal FGF19/C4 response after 7 days predicted the plasma CIT time course.

Conclusions

CR in patients with IF‐TDE restored bile salt–FGF19 signaling and improved gut–liver function. Beneficial effects of CR are partly mediated by recovery of the bile salt–FGF19 axis and subsequent homeostatic regulation of bile salt synthesis.
Comparison of HBV RNA and Hepatitis B Core Related Antigen With Conventional HBV Markers Among Untreated Adults With Chronic Hepatitis B in North America
Authors: Ghany Marc G. , King Wendy C. , Lisker‐Melman Mauricio , Lok Anna S.F. , Terrault Norah , Janssen Harry L.A. , Khalili Mandana , Chung Raymond T. , Lee William M. , Lau Daryl T.Y. , Cloherty Gavin A. , Sterling Richard K.
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

The clinical utility of two biomarkers, hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA and hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg), as compared to conventional markers of HBV replication and disease activity, is unclear.

Approach and Results

Untreated participants in the North American Hepatitis B Research Network Adult Cohort Study were categorized by chronic hepatitis B (CHB) phases based on HBsAg and HBeAg status and HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. HBV RNA and HBcrAg were measured (Abbott HBV pgRNA Research Assay and Fujirebio Lumipulse Immunoassay, respectively), and cross‐sectional associations with conventional CHB markers were tested. Among 1,409 participants across all CHB phases, median HBV DNA was 3.8 log10 IU/mL and ALT was 34 U/L. HBV RNA was quantifiable in 99% of HBeAg+ and 58% of HBeAg− participants; HBcrAg was quantifiable in 20% of HBeAg+ (above linear range in the other 80%) and 51% of HBeAg− participants. Both markers differed across CHB phases (P < 0.001), with higher levels in the HBeAg+ and HBeAg− immune active phases. HBV RNA and HBcrAg correlated moderately strongly with HBV DNA in both HBeAg+ and HBeAg− phases (HBV RNA: e+ ρ = 0.84; e− ρ = 0.78; HBcrAg: e+ ρ = 0.66; e− ρ = 0.56; P for all, <0.001), but with HBsAg levels among HBeAg+ phases only (HBV RNA: e+ ρ = 0.71; P < 0.001; e− ρ = 0.18; P = 0.56; HBcrAg: e+ ρ = 0.51; P < 0.001; e− ρ = 0.27; P < 0.001). Associations of higher HBV RNA and HBcrAg levels with higher ALT, APRI, and Fibrosis‐4 levels were consistent in HBeAg−, but not HBeAg+, phases.

Conclusions

Despite clear relationships between HBV RNA and HBcrAg levels and CHB phases, these markers have limited additional value in differentiating CHB phases because of their strong association with HBV DNA and, to a lesser extent, with clinical disease indicators.