bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shear‐sensitive chain extension of dissolved poly(ethylene oxide) by aluminate ions
Authors: Srivastava Satyam , Fink Zachary , Burns Elizabeth G. , Russell Thomas P. , Hoagland David A.
Published: December 2020

The phase behavior of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in aqueous salt solutions has been studied many times but rarely for solution conditions relevant to the hydration process of cement, where PEO's interactions with surrounding ions modulate its application as both plasticizer and strength‐building additive. Here, the conformation, that is, coil size, of PEO was examined in aqueous solutions in the presence of sodium‐, calcium‐ and aluminum‐containing salts. Ion‐induced conformational changes for a model linear PEO were mostly unremarkable and consistent with past reports. However, trends for aluminum‐containing ions, which predominantly occur in water at neutral and basic pH as the monovalent hydroxo‐aluminate anion Al(OH)4−, were different: either present as the sodium or calcium salt, PEO's hydrodynamic radius determined by dynamic light scattering was approximately 30% larger than determined by intrinsic viscosity. The intrinsic viscosity was similar to that measured in the presence of simpler monovalent anions. We hypothesize that aluminum containing ions weakly couple the model polymer's hydroxyl end groups (present at just one chain end), creating polymeric aggregates sensitive to disruption by shearing. Supporting our argument, the hydrodynamic radius determined by dynamic light scattering dropped to the intrinsic viscosity value after hydroxyl groups were converted to methoxy groups.
Biomolecular phase separation through the lens of sodium‐23 NMR
Authors: Fuentes‐Monteverde Juan Carlos , Becker Stefan , Rezaei‐Ghaleh Nasrollah
Published: December 2020

Phase separation is a fundamental physicochemical process underlying the spatial arrangement and coordination of cellular events. Detailed characterization of biomolecular phase separation requires experimental access to the internal environment of dilute and especially condensed phases at high resolution. In this study, we take advantage from the ubiquitous presence of sodium ions in biomolecular samples and present the potentials of 23Na NMR as a proxy to report the internal fluidity of biomolecular condensed phases. After establishing the temperature and viscosity dependence of 23Na NMR relaxation rates and translational diffusion coefficient, we demonstrate that 23Na NMR probes of rotational and translational mobility of sodium ions are capable of capturing the increasing levels of confinement in agarose gels in dependence of agarose concentration. The 23Na NMR approach is then applied to a gel‐forming phenylalanine‐glycine (FG)‐containing peptide, part of the nuclear pore complex involved in controlling the traffic between cytoplasm and cell nucleus. It is shown that the 23Na NMR together with the 17O NMR provide a detailed picture of the sodium ion and water mobility within the interior of the FG peptide hydrogel. As another example, we study phase separation in water‐triethylamine (TEA) mixture and provide evidence for the presence of multiple microscopic environments within the TEA‐rich phase. Our results highlight the potentials of 23Na NMR in combination with 17O NMR in studying biological phase separation, in particular with regards to the molecular properties of biomolecular condensates and their regulation through various physico‐ and biochemical factors.
Nanometerization of thiamethoxam by a cationic star polymer nanocarrier efficiently enhances the contact and plant‐uptake dependent stomach toxicity against green peach aphids
Authors: Yan Shuo , Cheng Wen‐Yu , Han Ze‐Hua , Wang Dan , Yin Mei‐Zhen , Du Xiang‐Ge , Shen Jie
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The utilization efficiency of conventional insecticides is comparatively low in agricultural production, which leads to their excessive application and environmental pollution. Insecticide nanometerization by polymers and polymeric materials has advantages, particularly increased utilization efficiency and reduced insecticide application.

RESULTS

To increase the utilization efficiency of insecticides, a star polycation (SPc) was selected as a drug carrier that could be complexed with thiamethoxam through electrostatic interaction. Formation of the complex decreased the particle size of thiamethoxam from 575.77 to 116.16 nm in aqueous solution. Plant uptake of SPc‐delivered thiamethoxam was increased 1.69–1.84 times compared with thiamethoxam alone. Nano‐sized thiamethoxam/SPc complexes showed enhanced contact and stomach toxicity against green peach aphids.

CONCLUSION

SPc is a promising insecticide adjuvant for insecticide nanometerization, and is beneficial in improving insecticidal activity and decreasing the application amounts and application rates of conventional insecticides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Applicability of attractive toxic sugar baits as a mosquito vector control tool in the context ofIndia: a review
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Ojha Vijay Prakash , Pasi Shweta
Published: December 2020

Vector‐borne diseases (VBD) constitute 17% of all infectious diseases that pose a major public health concern around the world. In India, VBD like malaria and dengue continue to account for a significant disease burden. Management of these diseases is dependent in part upon effective vector control and hence several vector control strategies are in use for controlling mosquito populations. However, vectors evolve over time and become capable of averting many of the used control measures, leading to a constant need to find for novel and improved interventions. Attractive toxic sugar bait (ATSB) is a novel vector control strategy that is highly effective at regulating vector density in a particular area. ATSBs exploit the sugar feeding behaviour of mosquitoes. They are developed by combining small amounts of toxins with sugar. A chemical attractant is also included to lure the mosquito into the toxic sugary trap. Although effective, ATSB testing has been limited in scope around the world and ATSBs are completely unexplored in India. In this review, we provide an in‐depth account of the development of ATSBs. We highlight the potential of ATSBs in controlling major Indian vectors of malaria and dengue, and we discuss possible challenges that could affect the efficacy of ATSBs in India. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Observation of Shubnikov–de Haas Oscillations, Planar Hall Effect, and Anisotropic Magnetoresistance at the Conducting Interface of EuO–KTaO3
Authors: Kumar Nand , Wadehra Neha , Tomar Ruchi , Shama  , Kumar Sanjeev , Singh Yogesh , Dattagupta Sushanta , Chakraverty Suvankar
Published: December 2020

The momentum‐dependent splitting of spin‐bands in an electronic system is known as the “Rashba effect.” Systems with the Rashba effect possess a Dirac point in momentum space, which may act as a source of Berry's phase for the conduction electrons of such system. Herein, the Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations (SdH) at the conducting interface of EuO–KTaO3 (KTO) are reported. The observed SdH oscillations suggest the presence of two Fermi surfaces. For both Fermi surfaces, the presence of a Berry's phase is seen. Strong spin–orbit coupling is also observed in this system. The existence of two Fermi surfaces with Berry's phase along with the signature of strong spin–orbit coupling suggest the formation of Rashba spin‐split bands. As in topological insulators, two‐fold planar Hall effect and anisotropic magnetoresistance are also observed in EuO–KTO. Analyzing the SdH, Hall, and magnetoresistance data, the authors draw a possible band diagram near the Fermi surface.
Platinum Nanoparticle Based Dip‐Catalyst for Facile Hydrogenation of Quinoline, Unfunctionalized Olefins, and Imines
Authors: Shaikh M. Nasiruzzaman , Kalanthoden Abdul N. , Ali Muhammad , Haque Md. Azazul , Aziz Md. Abdul , Abdelnaby Mahmoud M. , Rani S. Kutti , Bakare Akolade Idris
Published: December 2020

Developing a bio‐inspired catalyst with the efficiency of homogeneous catalysts and recyclability similar to heterogeneous catalysts is quite desirable but challenging. Incorporation of metal nanoparticles (<10 nm) on abundant, low‐cost supports from agricultural waste can yield highly active and product‐selective pseudo‐homogeneous catalysts, with attributes such as ease of retrieval for next use, reusability, etc. In this work, the fabrication of an efficient and reusable ‘dip‐catalyst’ by anchoring platinum nanoparticles on white jute plant (Corchorus capsularis) stems (JPS) and its use for the hydrogenation of N‐heteroarenes, unfunctionalized olefins, and imines are described. The catalyst was characterized using XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, HRTEM, FTIR, and XPS, and TEM shows spherical (average diameter 4–5 nm) non‐agglomerated metal nanoparticles. Catalyst was used for the chemoselective (>99 % selectivity) hydrogenation of quinoline with a quantitative (>99 %) conversion to 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline (py‐THQ) under hydrogen at a pressure <30 bar. Also, functional group tolerance is indicated by the quantitative hydrogenation of 6‐chloroquinoline to 6‐chloro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline, which is a longstanding challenge owing to C−Cl bond cleavage. In the hydrogenation of structurally‐challenging trisubstituted trans‐2‐methyl‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propen‐1‐ol olefins, 64 % conversion and >99 % selectivity was achieved. A series of imines with different chain lengths was also hydrogenated selectively in methanol with >99 % conversion. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the efficient adsorption of 6‐chloroquinoline on the surface of Pt nanoparticles on Pt@JPS strips in a tilted orientation placing the C−Cl bond away from the metal and allowing facile desorption of 6‐chloro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline leading to higher chemoselectivity. The spent catalyst can be reused for 12 consecutive cycles without significant damage to the cellulosic surface.
Solvothermal Synthesis and Inkjet Printing of Carbon Quantum Dots
Authors: Deng Yafeng , Qian Jun , Zhou Yihua
Published: December 2020

Fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have been widely used as anti‐counterfeiting materials due to their excellent optical properties, but the in‐depth studies on the effects of solvent and ink properties on the inkjet printing still very few. Using L‐ascorbic acid as a carbon source, CQDs were prepared by the solvothermal method and dissolved in different solvents. Then, the structures, morphologies, optical properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV‐vis and fluorescence spectroscopic, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) in detail. The results show that there are many hydrophilic groups on the surface of the CQDs, and the luminescence mechanism is mainly based on the defective state of the oxygen surface. The solubility of the CQDs in a polar solvent is good, and it has good fluorescence emission performance, which is the result of the interaction between the polarity of the solvent and hydrogen bond. At the same time, the CQDs ink prepared in this experiment can be printed on the bond paper by inkjet to form a bright blue fluorescent pattern.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of 4β‐O‐Substituted, 4β‐N‐Substituted Deoxypodophyllotoxin Derivatives, and 4β‐OH‐ 4’‐O‐Substituted Podophyllotoxin
Authors: Bkhaitan Majdi , Bardaweel Sanaa K. , Abushaikha Ghassan , Mirza Agha Zeeshan , Sweidan Kamal A.
Published: December 2020

Podophyllotoxin (PPT) and its derivatives possess various biological activities and particularly against numerous cancers. The high toxicity and side effects of this therapeutic class are behind the restricted deployment in clinical applications. Here, we have identified and reported the synthesis of 4β‐O‐substituted 4’‐O‐demethylpodphyllotoxin derivatives, 4β‐N‐substituted 4’‐O‐demethyl‐4‐ deoxypodophyllotoxin derivatives and 4β‐OH‐ 4’‐O‐substituted podophyllotoxin derivative (series a, e and p) respectively. These derivatives are either esters or amides of various heterocyclic moieties which include imidazole, thiazole, pyrazole, and indole. Their synthesis was carried out in one step reaction and obtained in good yield. We tested all prepared compounds against T47D, MDA231, Caco‐2, and MCF‐7 cancer cell lines. They have been shown to possess significant biological activity, where series “a” has been demonstrated to be the most potent one. Compound 3 a exhibits potential activity in the micromolar range scoring 11 μM against Caco‐2 and 18 μM against MDA231. Consequently, all synthesized compounds have been evaluated for their safety profile and tested against PCS201012 which are normal skin fibroblast cell lines showing noticeable safety. The biological results demonstrate that the presence of an aromatic heterocycle ring in position 4 and 4’ lead to derivatives less toxic compared to podophyllotoxin and epipodophyllotoxin. Also, they are less potent. However, the results obtained will have, in future work, an important impact on the development of more potent and less toxic leads.
New Schiff Base as Selective and Sensitive Detection of Copper Ions in Aqueous Solvent
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Sahoo Subash C. , Kaur Harminder
Published: December 2020

Detection of metals in aqueous solution is advantageous in the field of food, nutrition and drug chemistry. Hence, a new sensor was designed for the selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+ ions in the aqueous media. Herein, Schiff base L=(E)‐N′‐((1H‐indol‐2‐yl)methylene)isonicotinohydrazide acts as a sensor which consist of isaniazid and indole moiety connected with azomethine linkage. Single crystal X ray analysis along with other spectroscopic methods was used to confirm the structure of the synthesized ligand. Theoretical calculations were performed which gave satisfactory correlation with experimental results. A naked eye color change from colorless to yellow was observed upon addition of Cu(II) ions in synthesized Schiff base sensor. UV‐Visible absorption spectroscopy was used for the further sensing experiments and a red shift of 63 nm was observed only in the case of Copper ions in a pH range of 6–8, this confirms the selective nature of Schiff base sensor towards the Cu2+ ions. Negligible interference of other metal ions in the sensing of copper ions was confirmed by interference study.Calculated limit of detection for copper detection in aqueous media was 0.05 μM. To check the practical applications of the studied Schiff base as a chemosensor, test strips test was also performed.
Convenient Synthesis of Binary and Fused Pyrazole Ring Systems: Accredited by Molecular Modeling and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Ghaith Eslam A. , Zoorob Hanafi H. , Ibrahim Mona E. , Sawamura Masaya , Hamama Wafaa S.
Published: December 2020

Binary and fused pyrazole ring systems have been synthesized through treatment of dehydroacetic acid (DHA) with different hydrazines. The geometrical studies were performed based on the density functional theory (DFT). This study assured the selectivity of chemical behavior of dehydroacetic acid towards binucleophilic reagent. Furthermore, the new synthesized compounds were evaluated antioxidant and anticancer agents.
Evaluation of DNA Binding and Topoisomerase I Inhibitory Activities of 16’‐Decarbomethoxydihydrovoacamine from Tabernaemontana corymbosa
Authors: Tan Chun Hoe , Sim Dawn Su Yin , Heng Mok Piew , Lim Siew Huah , Low Yun Yee , Kam Toh Seok , Sim Kae Shin
Published: December 2020

An iboga‐vobasine bisindole alkaloid, 16’‐decarbomethoxydihydrovoacamine (1) isolated from the stem bark extract of Tabernaemontana corymbosa exhibited strong cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cell lines in our preliminary study. As an initial step to elucidate its anti‐proliferative mechanism, the DNA binding and topoisomerase I (topo1) inhibitory activities of the bisindole 1 were investigated. The results of the in vitro DNA binding studies and molecular docking calculations collectively suggested that 1 binds to the DNA minor groove via hydrophobic interactions with a binding constant (Kb) of 7.40×105 M−1. Treatment of Escherichia coli topo1 with 1 did not inhibit the enzyme from relaxing the supercoiled plasmid DNA pBR322, indicating that the cytotoxicity of 1 in colorectal cancer cells is independent of topo1. The bisindole is predicted to possess substantial bioavailability without major toxicity. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of 1 is selective towards the colorectal cancer cells as evaluated using the MTT assay.
Developments in the Components of Metal‐Free Photoinitiated Organocatalyzed‐Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (O‐ATRP)
Authors: Aklujkar Pritish. S. , Rao Adarsh. R.
Published: December 2020

The evolution of the atomic transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) has instigated an increased demand for designing versatile and tailored polymeric structures. However, the use of metal catalysts in traditional ATRP limits the use of polymers in many niche applications. The recent advancement in ATRP has engendered the substitution of metal‐catalysts by a more user‐friendly class of organic photoredox catalysts, which offer enhanced control over the polymerization reaction as these compounds can be easily activated and deactivated with just a source of light. These new photocatalysts have transformed the traditional ATRP to a metal‐free photoinitiated organocatalyzed – ATRP (O‐ATRP), which has potential applications in the medical and electronic sectors. This review covers the reductive and oxidative quenching mechanism of the metal‐free photoinduced O‐ATRP reaction and the function of each component to establish a successfully controlled polymerization reaction. The scope for each component has been encompassed in the study, which paves the way for future developments in the field.
On‐Site Testosterone Biosensing for Doping Detection: Electrochemical Immunosensing via Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles and Screen‐Printed Electrodes
Authors: Sanli Serdar , Moulahoum Hichem , Ghorbanizamani Faezeh , Gumus Zinar Pinar , Timur Suna
Published: December 2020

Point‐of‐care approaches are in constant need of novel and highly performant portable devices. Doping is a constant issue seen in the athletic field, and a need for mobile and trustable methods for detection are highly sought. The current work proposes a portable biosensor based on a screen‐printed electrode (SPE) and functionalized magnetic particles for testosterone detection. The functionalized magnetic particles were characterized with SEM and the designed biosensor was analyzed amperometrically (Pulse Voltammetry (DPV), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectrometry (EIS)). Results demonstrate linearity between 50–1000 ng/mL with a LOD of 23.68 ng/mL. Q‐TOF/MS method was performed to compare with the biosensor over serum and urine. Furthermore, the selectivity of the biosensor was tested in the presence of various interferents. The designed biosensor shows good potential in doping detection and prevention of illicit use due to the versatility of application that it covers.
Determination of the 3D Atomic Structures of Nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Byung Hyo , Heo Junyoung , Park Jungwon
Published: December 2020

The 3D atomic arrangements of materials determine the free energy landscape, thus governing the physical and catalytic properties of those materials. The 3D structures of nanoparticles can deviate from the periodic atomic arrangement of their bulk counterparts due to the dominance of surface dangling bonds, defects, and dislocations. One approach to understand the structure of nanoparticles and their resulting unique properties involves precise probing of the 3D positions of all constituent atoms of individual nanoparticles. The 3D electron tomography and Brownian one particle reconstruction allow investigation of the 3D atomic positions of nanoparticles. Both methods use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or scanning TEM (STEM) images of nanoparticles with different projection angles and collect their phase information in reciprocal space to reconstruct the 3D structure of the particles. The thus‐reconstructed 3D maps of metal nanoparticles are highly resolved, facilitating the determination of their atomic coordinates. Grain boundary, dislocation, and lattice expansion are observed on the 3D atomic maps. On the basis of the 3D atomic maps, the physical properties of individual nanoparticles can be accurately predicted, enabling purpose‐driven synthesis.
Atom Probe Tomography of Encapsulated Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles
Authors: Mosiman Daniel S. , Chen Yi‐Sheng , Yang Limei , Hawkett Brian , Ringer Simon P. , Mariñas Benito J. , Cairney Julie M.
Published: December 2020

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP NPs) are important for medicine, bioengineering, catalysis, and water treatment. However, current understanding of the nanoscale phenomena that confer HAP NPs their many useful properties is limited by a lack of information about the distribution of the atoms within the particles. Atom probe tomography (APT) has the spatial resolution and chemical sensitivity for HAP NP characterization, but difficulties in preparing the required needle‐shaped samples make the design of these experiments challenging. Herein, two techniques are developed to encapsulate HAP NPs and prepare them into APT tips. By sputter‐coating gold or the atomic layer deposition of alumina for encapsulation, partially fluoridated HAP NPs are successfully characterized by voltage‐ or laser‐pulsing APT, respectively. Analyses reveal that significant tradeoffs exist between encapsulant methods/materials for HAP characterization and that selection of a more robust approach will require additional technique development. This work serves as an essential starting point for advancing knowledge about the nanoscale spatiochemistry of HAP NPs.
Seven traditional Chinese herbal extracts fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus provide anti‐pigmentation effects by regulating the CREB/MITF/tyrosinase pathway
Authors: Ho Chih‐Chu , Ng Shang‐Chuan , Chuang Ho‐Lin , Chen Jia‐Yi , Wen Su‐Ying , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Mahalakshmi B. , Le Quoc‐Vu , Huang Chih‐Yang , Kuo Wei‐Wen
Published: December 2020

Skin pigmentation is resulted from several processes, such as melanin synthesis transportation and abnormal melanin accumulation in keratinocytes. Various studies have suggested that seven traditional Chinese herbal extracts from Atractylodes macrocephala, Paeonia lactiflora, Bletilla striata, Poria cocos, Dictamnus dasycarpus, Ampelopsis japonica and Tribulus terrestris (which we collectively named ChiBai), show several protective effects toward skin‐related diseases. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a lactic acid bacterium, has been reported to treat skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis. In this study, the broth produced by the cofermentation of ChiBai with Lactobacillus rhamnosus was studied for its effects on skin pigmentation through in vitro and in vitro experiments. In the in vitro experiments, we found that the fermented broth of ChiBai (FB‐ChiBai) suppressed alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH)‐induced melanogenesis in B16F0 murine melanoma cells without any cytotoxicity at a concentration of 0.5%. FB‐ChiBai significantly attenuated melanin production, tyrosinase activities and melanogenesis‐related signaling pathways. Treatment with FB‐ChiBai also reduced the nuclear translocation and promoter binding activities of MITF. In the in vivo experiments, FB‐ChiBai was topically applied to the dorsal skin of C57BL/6J nude mice and concurrently irradiated with UVB, three times a week for 8 weeks. The results indicated that FB‐ChiBai alleviated UVB‐induced hyperpigmentation by reducing epidermal hyperplasia and inhibiting the CREB/MITF/tyrosinase pathway. In conclusion, our data indicated that the anti‐melanogenic effects of FB‐ChiBai are mediated by the inhibition of CREB/MITF/tyrosinase signaling pathway. The findings suggest that FB‐ChiBai can protect against UV‐B irradiation and that it might be used as an agent in cosmetic products to protect against UVB‐induced hyperpigmentation.
Talking Drawings: A Multimodal Pathway for Demonstrating Learning
Authors: Cappello Marva , Walker Nancy T.
Published: December 2020

Expanding definitions of literacy requires classroom instruction that provides multiple pathways for students to demonstrate their understanding of the content and communicate knowledge. Privileging the use of visual and multimodal texts as valued school communication may create equitable practices for students who are new to English or struggle with literacy for a variety of reasons. The authors explore the roles that the Talking Drawings strategy played in supporting students’ content and literacy learning and in their ability to reflect on their new understandings. In seven upper elementary classrooms, students drew pictures before and after focused instruction about a topic and added written reflections about the differences between the two drawings. The results of this study demonstrate how Talking Drawings provided a multimodal pathway for students to access the curriculum, communicate new content knowledge, redirect their content misconceptions, and reflect on their learning.
Social Protection in the Global South: An Ideational and Historical Approach
Authors: Leisering Lutz
Published: December 2020

This chapter is the introduction to the volume on social protection in Brazil, India, China, and South Africa. The Introduction outlines an ideational and historical approach to social protection in the Global South to contribute to a theory of “social policy in development contexts”, which is a desideratum. The Introduction also provides basic data on the four countries (Brazil, India, China, and South Africa) and summaries of all the chapters in the book. Three research gaps are identified: scarcity of historical research; scant attention to ideas and instead a dominant focus on interests; and insufficient use of historical sources. This volume contributes to filling these gaps through a historical, idea-centred, and source-based approach. A multi-layered model of social ideas—the “onion skin model”—is developed that has the “social question” as its pivot.
Social Policy in India: One Hundred Years of the (Stifled) Social Question
Authors: Pellissery Sony
Published: December 2020

What social policy is possible in a context where equality among citizens is culturally denied but at the same time constitutionally guaranteed? This chapter attempts to answer this question by periodising how the social question was articulated in India during the last 100 years. While philosophical and religious traditions of India created “duty-oriented” social relations, the rise of the modern state prompted to change this into “right-oriented” social obligations. This tension resurfaced in the history of Indian social question through prioritising political freedom over social unfreedom, nation-building over poverty alleviation, homogenised national identity over the particularistic demands of marginalised sections, and authoritarian polity over decentralised systems. It suffices to say that Indian polity is in a denial mode regarding the social question.
Timing Potassium Applications to Synchronize with Plant Demand
Authors: Singh V. K. , Dwivedi B. S. , Rathore S. S. , Mishra R. P. , Satyanarayana T. , Majumdar K.
Published: December 2020

Potassium (K) demand by crops is almost as high as that of nitrogen (N) and plays a crucial role in many plant metabolic processes. Insufficient K application results in soil K mining, deficiency symptoms in crops, and decreased crop yields and quality. Crop K demands vary with crop types, growth patterns, nutrient needs at different physiological stages, and productivity. Science-based K application in crops needs to follow 4R Nutrient Stewardship to ensure high yield, improved farm income, and optimum nutrient use efficiency. Studies around the world report widespread K deficiency, ranging from tropical to temperate environments. Long-term experiments indicate significant yield responses to K application and negative K balances where K application is either omitted or applied suboptimally. Limited understanding of K supplementation dynamics from soil non-exchangeable K pools to the exchangeable and solution phases and over-reliance on native K supply to meet crop demand are major reasons for deficit of K supply to crops. Research on optimum timing of K fertilizer application in diverse climate–soil–crop systems is scarce. The common one-time basal K management practice is often not suitable to supply adequate K to the crops during peak demand phases. Besides, changes in crop establishment practices, residue retention, or fertigation require new research in terms of rate, time, or source of K application. The current review assesses the synchrony of K supply from indigenous soil system and from external sources vis-à-vis plant demand under different crops and cropping systems for achieving high yield and nutrient use efficiency.
Considerations for Unharvested Plant Potassium
Authors: Rosolem Ciro A. , Mallarino Antonio P. , Nogueira Thiago A. R.
Published: December 2020

Potassium (K) is found in plants as a free ion or in weak complexes. It is easily released from living or decomposing tissues, and it should be considered in fertilization programs. Several factors affect K cycling in agroecosystems, including soil and fertilizer K contributions, plant K content and exports, mineralization rates from residues, soil chemical reactions, rainfall, and time. Soil K+ ions can be leached, remain as exchangeable K, or migrate to non-exchangeable forms. Crop rotations that include vigorous, deep-rooted cover crops capable of exploring non-exchangeable K in soil are an effective strategy for recycling K and can prevent leaching below the rooting zone in light-textured soils. The amount of K released by cover crops depends on biomass production. Potassium recycled with non-harvested components of crops also varies greatly. Research with maize, soybean, and wheat has shown that 50–60% of K accumulated in vegetative tissues is released within 40–45 days. A better understanding of K cycling would greatly improve the efficacy of K management for crop production. When studying K cycling in agricultural systems, it is important to consider: (1) K addition from fertilizers and organic amendments; (2) K left in residues; (3) K partitioning differences among species; (4) soil texture; (5) soil pools that act as temporary sources or sinks for K. In this chapter, the role of cash and cover crops and organic residues on K cycling are explored to better understand how these factors could be integrated into making K fertilizer recommendations.
Safe Surgery Saves Lives
Authors: Venneri Francesco , Brown Lawrence B. , Cammelli Francesca , Haut Elliott R.
Published: December 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) Safe Surgery Saves Lives campaign aimed to implement safe surgical procedures and patient safety best practices to reduce the incidence of adverse events both in the operating room and in the ward. For decades, the main objectives of safe surgery were mainly focused on the technical procedure. More recently, the implementation of non-technical skills and interpersonal communication have been found to play a significant role in preventing harm in surgical care settings.
Patient Safety and Risk Management in Mental Health
Authors: Cuomo Alessandro , Koukouna Despoina , Macchiarini Lorenzo , Fagiolini Andrea
Published: December 2020

This chapter will review the most common adverse events that happen in a psychiatric unit and the safety measures that are needed to decrease the risk of errors and adverse events. The adverse events and errors that may happen in a psychiatric unit are unique and will be examined in detail. This section will also highlight the role of staff members and patients in preventing or causing the error.
Patient Safety in Pediatrics
Authors: Albolino Sara , De Luca Marco , Morabito Antonino
Published: December 2020

Since the publication of the 1999 IOM report “To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System,” much has been learned about pediatric patient safety. However, adverse events still affect one-third of all hospitalized children [1]. The main areas of adverse events are hospital-acquired infections, intravenous line complications, surgical complications, and medication errors [2].
Patient Safety in Radiology
Authors: Montazeran Mahdieh , Caramella Davide , Fatehi Mansoor
Published: December 2020

Medical imaging (in short radiology) includes diagnostic and interventional procedures and has an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The objective in this field of medicine is focused on providing diagnostic and therapeutic benefit to the patients along with protecting them from the possible hazards associated with the procedures. By continuously upgrading imaging technologies and improving imaging modalities, such as ultrasound imaging, X-ray-based imaging (radiography, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and interventional radiology, safety has become more and more crucial. The potential hazards in radiology for the patients and the staff are multidimensional and will be discussed in the chapter.
Patient Safety in Ophthalmology
Authors: Lippera Myrta , Bijon Jacques , Eandi Chiara , Virgili Gianni
Published: December 2020

Modern ophthalmic surgery has reached very high safety standards. Yet, given the large number of ophthalmic procedures, medical errors are common in eye care. This chapter presents general safety issues in ophthalmic surgery and focuses on the most common procedures: cataract surgery and intravitreal injection therapy. The literature on the translation of safety strategies to ophthalmology is summarized alongside with guidance elaborated by professional and regulatory bodies that are of greatest importance in eye care. The perspective adopted in this chapter is largely that of ophthalmology trainees, who are asked to guide the progression of ophthalmology toward safer care.
Medication Safety
Authors: Soon Hooi Cheng , Geppetti Pierangelo , Lupi Chiara , Kho Boon Phiaw
Published: December 2020

Pharmacotherapy is the most common therapeutic intervention in healthcare to improve health outcomes of patients. However, there are many instances where prescribed medications resulted in patient morbidity and mortality instead. Medication errors can happen at any step of the medication use process, but a substantial burden of medication-related harm is focused primarily on three priority areas of healthcare delivery: transitions of care, polypharmacy and high-risk situations. This chapter highlights prevalence of issues concerning these three core areas and describes common medication errors as well as risk mitigation strategies to improve service delivery. An appreciation of these inherent risks will enable healthcare providers to navigate the pitfalls better and make efforts to ensure medication safety while providing health services.
Mentoring und arbeitsplatzbasierte Prüfungen im Praktischen Jahr
Authors: Weissenbacher A. , Bolz R. , Zimmermann A. , Donaubauer B. , Stehr S. N. , Hempel G.
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Das praktische Jahr (PJ) ist an vielen Universitäten der am wenigsten strukturierte und standardisierte Studienabschnitt. Studierende beklagen mangelnde Anleitung, Supervision und Feedback. Häufig übernehmen sie delegationsfähige, nichtmedizinische Aufgaben, obwohl das PJ ein Hauptentscheidungsfaktor für die spätere Facharztwahl ist.

Methoden

Nach einer Bedarfsanalyse erfolgte die Entwicklung eines Mentoring-basierten Curriculums für Studierende im PJ mithilfe des Kern-Zyklus. Hierzu wurden 10 fachspezifische klinisch-praktische Basiskompetenzen etabliert, die jeder Studierende bis zum Tertialende beherrschen sollte. Eine Überprüfung erfolgte formativ anhand von arbeitsplatzbasierten Prüfungen. Das Tertial wurde durch alle Studierenden abschließend online evaluiert.

Ergebnisse

Die Priorisierung und Prüfung von klinisch-praktischen Kompetenzen durch Mentoren/Mentorinnen ermöglichten eine bedarfsorientierte und qualitative hochwertige Ausbildung. Das Mentoring und Feedback wurden durchweg positiv beurteilt und unterstützten den Lernerfolg (Note 1,5). Das Prüfungsformat wurde mehrheitlich als unbekannt (64,6 %), aber hilfreich und sinnvoll erlebt (76,7 %). Studierende fühlten sich durch das Curriculum gut auf die Staatsexamensprüfung (81,3 %) und den Berufsbeginn vorbereitet (71,0 %). Dies ging mit einer hohen Zufriedenheit (Note 1,7) einher.

Schlussfolgerungen

Ein bedarfsgerechtes, Mentoring-basiertes Curriculum mit integrierten arbeitsplatzbasierten Prüfungen geht nicht nur mit einer hohen Ausbildungszufriedenheit einher, sondern fördert effektiv und ressourcenschonend die Ausbildungsqualität.
Kooperative Planung von Maßnahmen zur Bewegungsförderung
Authors: Gelius Peter , Brandl-Bredenbeck Hans Peter , Hassel Holger , Loss Julika , Sygusch Ralf , Tittlbach Susanne , Töpfer Clemens , Ungerer-Röhrich Ulrike , Pfeifer Klaus
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Trotz verschiedener nationaler und internationaler politischer Initiativen zur Steigerung des Bewegungsniveaus in der Bevölkerung bleibt die Erarbeitung effektiver Interventionen zur Bewegungsförderung eine Herausforderung. Dabei rücken zunehmend partizipative Ansätze, die zentrale Gruppen und Organisationen in den Settings aktiv in die Erarbeitung konkreter Maßnahmen einbeziehen, in den Fokus der Betrachtung.

Zielsetzung

Dieser Artikel berichtet über die Erfahrungen des Forschungsverbundes Capital4Health mit der Nutzung des partizipativen Ansatzes der „kooperativen Planung“ bei der Entwicklung von Maßnahmen zur Bewegungsförderung für verschiedene Altersgruppen.

Ergebnisse

Der kooperative Planungsansatz wurde von Capital4Health in den Settings Kindertagesstätte, Schule, berufliche Bildung (Automechatronik und Pflege) sowie Kommunen (mit Fokus auf Männer über 50) umgesetzt. Während die zentralen Elemente des Ansatzes in allen Settings umgesetzt wurden, unterschieden sich die Planungsprozesse teils deutlich bezüglich des Spektrums der einbezogenen Gruppen und Organisationen, Anzahl der Teilnehmenden und Sitzungen, der konkret entwickelten Maßnahmen sowie der Evaluationsmethoden und erzielten Wirkungen auf individueller und systemischer Ebene.

Fazit

In der Zusammenschau der bisherigen empirischen Ergebnisse aus den verschiedenen Settings ergibt sich aus Sicht der Projektverantwortlichen in Capital4Health die Schlussfolgerung, dass der Ansatz der kooperativen Planung in sehr verschiedenen Settings funktioniert und erfolgreich gesundheitsförderliche Wirkungen erzeugen kann. Allerdings muss (und kann) er an das Setting angepasst werden, v. a. bei der Einbeziehung von Bevölkerungsgruppen. Die Änderungsbereitschaft von Gruppen und Organisationen ist entscheidend, da Bewegung in den Settings nicht immer oberste Priorität hat. Einzelne Schlüsselfiguren mit hoher intrinsischer Motivation, sich einzubringen, können in diesem Zusammenhang einen entscheidenden Beitrag zum Projekterfolg leisten.
Impact of age at type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosis on mortality and vascular complications: systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Nanayakkara Natalie , Curtis Andrea J. , Heritier Stephane , Gadowski Adelle M. , Pavkov Meda E. , Kenealy Timothy , Owens David R. , Thomas Rebecca L. , Song Soon , Wong Jencia , Chan Juliana C.-N. , Luk Andrea O.-Y. , Penno Giuseppe , Ji Linong , Mohan Viswanathan , Amutha Anandakumar , Romero-Aroca Pedro , Gasevic Danijela , Magliano Dianna J. , Teede Helena J. , Chalmers John , Zoungas Sophia
Published: December 2020

Aims/hypothesis

Few studies examine the association between age at diagnosis and subsequent complications from type 2 diabetes. This paper aims to summarise the risk of mortality, macrovascular complications and microvascular complications associated with age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Data were sourced from MEDLINE and All EBM (Evidence Based Medicine) databases from inception to July 2018. Observational studies, investigating the effect of age at diabetes diagnosis on macrovascular and microvascular diabetes complications in adults with type 2 diabetes were selected according to pre-specified criteria. Two investigators independently extracted data and evaluated all studies. If data were not reported in a comparable format, data were obtained from authors, presented as minimally adjusted ORs (and 95% CIs) per 1 year increase in age at diabetes diagnosis, adjusted for current age for each outcome of interest. The study protocol was recorded with PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42016043593).

Results

Data from 26 observational studies comprising 1,325,493 individuals from 30 countries were included. Random-effects meta-analyses with inverse variance weighting were used to obtain the pooled ORs. Age at diabetes diagnosis was inversely associated with risk of all-cause mortality and macrovascular and microvascular disease (all p < 0.001). Each 1 year increase in age at diabetes diagnosis was associated with a 4%, 3% and 5% decreased risk of all-cause mortality, macrovascular disease and microvascular disease, respectively, adjusted for current age. The effects were consistent for the individual components of the composite outcomes (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions/interpretation

Younger, rather than older, age at diabetes diagnosis was associated with higher risk of mortality and vascular disease. Early and sustained interventions to delay type 2 diabetes onset and improve blood glucose levels and cardiovascular risk profiles of those already diagnosed are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Adaptation of reach action to a novel force-field is not predicted by acuity of dynamic proprioception in either older or younger adults
Authors: Kitchen Nick M. , Miall R. Chris
Published: December 2020

Healthy ageing involves degeneration of the neuromuscular system which impacts movement control and proprioception. Yet the relationship between these sensory and motor deficits in upper limb reaching has not been examined in detail. Recently, we reported that age-related proprioceptive deficits were unrelated to accuracy in rapid arm movements, but whether this applied in motor tasks more heavily dependent on proprioceptive feedback was not clear. To address this, we have tested groups of younger and older adults on a force-field adaptation task under either full or limited visual feedback conditions and examined how performance was related to dynamic proprioceptive acuity. Adaptive performance was similar between the age groups, regardless of visual feedback condition, although older adults showed increased after-effects. Physically inactive individuals made larger systematic (but not variable) proprioceptive errors, irrespective of age. However, dynamic proprioceptive acuity was unrelated to adaptation and there was no consistent evidence of proprioceptive recalibration with adaptation to the force-field for any group. Finally, in spite of clear age-dependent loss of spatial working memory capacity, we found no relationship between memory capacity and adaptive performance or proprioceptive acuity. Thus, non-clinical levels of deficit in dynamic proprioception, due to age or physical inactivity, do not affect force-field adaptation, even under conditions of limited visual feedback that might require greater proprioceptive control.
A multiparametric approach to improve the prediction of response to immunotherapy in patients with metastatic NSCLC
Authors: Del Re Marzia , Cucchiara Federico , Rofi Eleonora , Fontanelli Lorenzo , Petrini Iacopo , Gri Nicole , Pasquini Giulia , Rizzo Mimma , Gabelloni Michela , Belluomini Lorenzo , Crucitta Stefania , Ciampi Raffaele , Frassoldati Antonio , Neri Emanuele , Porta Camillo , Danesi Romano
Published: December 2020

Background

It is still unclear how to combine biomarkers to identify patients who will truly benefit from anti-PD-1 agents in NSCLC. This study investigates exosomal mRNA expression of PD-L1 and IFN-γ, PD-L1 polymorphisms, tumor mutational load (TML) in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and radiomic features as possible predictive markers of response to nivolumab and pembrolizumab in metastatic NSCLC patients.

Methods

Patients were enrolled and blood (12 ml) was collected at baseline before receiving anti-PD-1 therapy. Exosome-derived mRNA and cfDNA were extracted to analyse PD-L1 and IFN-γ expression and tumor mutational load (TML) by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), respectively. The PD-L1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) c.-14-368 T > C and c.*395G > C, were analysed on genomic DNA by Real-Time PCR. A radiomic analysis was performed on the QUIBIM Precision® V3.0 platform.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were enrolled. High baseline IFN-γ was independently associated with shorter median PFS (5.6 months vs. not reached p = 0.0057), and levels of PD-L1 showed an increase at 3 months vs. baseline in patients who progressed (p = 0.01). PD-L1 baseline levels showed significant direct and inverse relationships with radiomic features. Radiomic features also inversely correlated with PD-L1 expression in tumor tissue. In subjects receiving nivolumab, median PFS was shorter in carriers of c.*395GG vs. c.*395GC/CC genotype (2.3 months vs. not reached, p = 0.041). Lastly, responders had higher non-synonymous mutations and more links between co-occurring genetic somatic mutations and ARID1A alterations as well.

Conclusions

A combined multiparametric approach may provide a better understanding of the molecular determinants of response to immunotherapy.
Dual-energy computed tomography in acute ischemic stroke: state-of-the-art
Authors: Mangesius Stephanie , Janjic Tanja , Steiger Ruth , Haider Lukas , Rehwald Rafael , Knoflach Michael , Widmann Gerlig , Gizewski Elke , Grams Astrid
Published: December 2020

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) allows distinguishing between tissues with similar X-ray attenuation but different atomic numbers. Recent studies demonstrated that this technique has several areas of application in patients with ischemic stroke and a potential impact on patient management. After endovascular stroke therapy (EST), hyperdense areas can represent either hemorrhage or contrast staining due to blood-brain barrier disruption, which can be differentiated reliably by DECT. Further applications are improved visualization of early infarctions, compared to single-energy computed tomography, and prediction of transformation into infarction or hemorrhage in contrast-enhancing areas. In addition, DECT allows detection and evaluation of the material composition of intra-arterial clots after EST. This review summarizes the clinical state-of-the-art of DECT in patients with stroke, and features some prospects for future developments.

Key points

• Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) allows differentiation between tissues with similar X-ray attenuation but differentatomic numbers.

• DECT has several areas of application in patients with ischemic stroke and a potential impact on patient management.

• Prospects for future developments in DECT may improve treatment decision-making.