bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen and Zeolite on Soil Properties and Soil Fertility for Rice Cultivation
Authors: Pandit V. B. , Rao K. Jeevan , Naik M. Rajeshwar , Sagar G. E. Ch. Vidya
Published: October 2020

The pot culture experiment was conducted to investigate effect of different levels of nitrogen and zeolite on soil properties in rice under greenhouse condition during kharif 2018-19. The investigation showed that soil bulk density was decrease from 1.5 to 1.02, 1.24 and 1.29 g cc-1 by the zeolite application at 9, 6, and 3 t ha-1 respectively. Water holding capacity of soil was increased from 43.53 to 55.49% with different levels of zeolites. Cation exchange capacity of soil significantly increased by 50.45, 44.54 and 29.22% with the application of zeolite at 9, 6 and 3 t ha-1, respectively. Highest value of soil pH and EC were 7.6 and 1.27 dS m -1observed in 9 t ha -1 zeolite treatment. Fertility status of soil i.e. available nitrogen and available phosphorus content also improved by the application of zeolite at different rates.
Phytoremediation, Vermiremediation and Efficiency Assessments of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Contaminated Surface Water from Okpoka Creek, Niger-Delta Nigeria using Cyperus odoratus, Colocasia esculenta, Phoenix roebelenii and Eisenia fetida
Authors: Fawole C. , Salami S. J. , Dashak D. A. , Harmony A. C.
Published: October 2020

The liquid-liquid extraction of Petroleum contaminated surface water samples were conducted in accordance with standard procedure of US EPA. Identification and quantification of TPHs was performed by Gas chromatograph with Mass spectrometric detection (GC/MSD) in accordance with standard analytical method of US EPA 8270;625. The TPHs raw sample showed an elevated value of 104762.42 mg/L above the DPR/EGASPIN maximum contamination limit (MCL). At week 5, TPHs phytoremediations in the monoculture reactors removal efficiency was (31.28 mg/L) 99.97% and mixedculture indicated (19.72 mg/L) 99.98%; their concentrations were above DPR/EGASPIN MCL while polyculture indicated (8.91 mg/L) 99.99% value was below DPR/EGASPIN MCL. The combination of phytoremediation and vermiremediation techniques in polyculture reactors showed better and spectacular results as the biotas demonstrated good potentiality of hyperbioaccumulation to serve as hydrocarbon sinks from the ecotoxics of TPHs.
Outcomes of Pancreatic Resection for Elderly Patients With Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Suzuki Shuji , Shimoda Mitsugi , Shimazaki Jiro , Oshiro Yukio , Nishida Kiyotaka , Sahara Yatsuka , Nagakawa Yuichi , Tsuchida Akihiko
Published: October 2020

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with poor, albeit gradually improving, prognosis. We evaluated the predictive clinicophysiologic outcomes of elderly patients with PDAC.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 260 patients who underwent pancreatic resection classified into 2 groups: (A) those who were ≤80 years of age (B) and those who were >80 years of age. Operative characteristics, preoperative clinicophysiologic parameters (body mass index, jaundice decompression, total bilirubin, albumin [Alb], creatinine, hemoglobin A1c, amylase, C-reactive protein [CRP], white blood cells, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, cancer antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, prognostic nutritional index, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and CRP/Alb ratio), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were reported.

Results

There were no differences in morbidity, mortality, and preoperative clinicophysiologic parameters between the groups. Median DFS of groups A and B were 15.4 and 15.5 months, respectively. One-year/3-year OS of groups A and B were 86.7%/68% and 88.4%/69.3%, respectively. There were no differences in DFS and OS between the groups.

Conclusion

Curative resection for PDAC can be safely performed in elderly and younger patients, and elderly patients with PDAC can benefit from curative surgery without a significant decrease in survival rates.
Iniciativas brasileiras em torno da construção de uma Política Nacional para Acervos Digitais de Instituições de Memória: o desafio da memória em tempos de cultura digital
Authors: Dias Calíope Victor Spíndola de Miranda , Martins Dalton Lopes
Published: October 2020

A partir da compreensão acerca das transformações sociais, consequência das novas possibilidades recorrentes da popularização da internet, percebe-se por parte das instituições de memória a necessidade de reestruturação de seus processos de representação e apropriação cultural. Apresenta-se a ideia de concepção de acervos digitais pela perspectiva do fenômeno rede e aponta como problema de pesquisa que a inexistência de uma política pública nacional para acervos digitais dificulta os processos de acompanhamento de políticas do setor cultural e, sobretudo, a disponibilização de acervos culturais de forma conectada. O trabalho tem como objetivo realizar revisão bibliográfica acerca das iniciativas brasileiras que caminham em direção à construção dessa política para acervos digitais e identifica vertentes em comum entre as iniciativas apresentadas. Como perspectiva metodológica em uma abordagem qualitativa, abrange a pesquisa exploratória e se desenvolve a partir de pesquisa documental e bibliográfica. 
Apresentação: Dossiê - Tecnologia e políticas culturais: o acesso à cultura digital no Brasil
Authors: De Almeida Marco Antonio , Maia Elder Patrick
Published: October 2020

Apresentação do dossiê "Tecnologia e políticas culturais: o acesso à cultura digital no Brasil", que contempla os seguintes artigos: “Iniciativas brasileiras em torno da construção de uma Política Nacional para Acervos Digitais de Instituições de Memória: o desafio da memória em tempos de cultura digital”; “As Transformações da Era Digital e o Impacto na Economia da Cultura do Livro”; “Dialogando com e sobre o rural através das novas mídias: estratégias e desafios da comunicação” e “Softwares livres e políticas culturais no Brasil: o caso do Mapa Cultural”. Os artigos tratam das aplicações das tecnologias digitais às políticas culturais, localizando-as num contexto mais geral das aplicações das TICs e analisando casos setoriais.
Effects of Polymer 3D Architecture, Size, and Chemistry on Biological Transport and Drug Delivery In Vitro and in Orthotopic Triple Negative Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Pearce Amanda K. , Anane‐Adjei Akosua B. , Cavanagh Robert J. , Monteiro Patricia F. , Bennett Thomas M. , Taresco Vincenzo , Clarke Phil A. , Ritchie Alison A. , Alexander Morgan R. , Grabowska Anna M. , Alexander Cameron
Published: October 2020

The size, shape, and underlying chemistries of drug delivery particles are key parameters which govern their ultimate performance in vivo. Responsive particles are desirable for triggered drug delivery, achievable through architecture change and biodegradation to control in vivo fate. Here, polymeric materials are synthesized with linear, hyperbranched, star, and micellar‐like architectures based on 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylamide (HPMA), and the effects of 3D architecture and redox‐responsive biodegradation on biological transport are investigated. Variations in “stealth” behavior between the materials are quantified in vitro and in vivo, whereby reduction‐responsive hyperbranched polymers most successfully avoid accumulation within the liver, and none of the materials target the spleen or lungs. Functionalization of selected architectures with doxorubicin (DOX) demonstrates enhanced efficacy over the free drug in 2D and 3D in vitro models, and enhanced efficacy in vivo in a highly aggressive orthotopic breast cancer model when dosed over schedules accounting for the biodistribution of the carriers. These data show it is possible to direct materials of the same chemistries into different cellular and physiological regions via modulation of their 3D architectures, and thus the work overall provides valuable new insight into how nanoparticle architecture and programmed degradation can be tailored to elicit specific biological responses for drug delivery.
A 3D, Dynamically Loaded Hydrogel Model of the Osteochondral Unit to Study Osteocyte Mechanobiology
Authors: Wilmoth Rachel L. , Ferguson Virginia L. , Bryant Stephanie J.
Published: October 2020

Osteocytes are mechanosensitive cells that orchestrate signaling in bone and cartilage across the osteochondral unit. The mechanisms by which osteocytes regulate osteochondral homeostasis and degeneration in response to mechanical cues remain unclear. This study introduces a novel 3D hydrogel bilayer composite designed to support osteocyte differentiation and bone matrix deposition in a bone‐like layer and to recapitulate key aspects of the osteochondral unit's complex loading environment. The bilayer hydrogel is fabricated with a soft cartilage‐like layer overlaying a stiff bone‐like layer. The bone‐like layer contains a stiff 3D‐printed hydrogel structure infilled with a soft, degradable, cellular hydrogel. The IDG‐SW3 cells embedded within the soft hydrogel mature into osteocytes and produce a mineralized collagen matrix. Under dynamic compressive strains, near‐physiological levels of strain are achieved in the bone layer (≤ 0.08%), while the cartilage layer bears the majority of the strains (>99%). Under loading, the model induces an osteocyte response, measured by prostaglandin E2, that is frequency, but not strain, dependent: a finding attributed to altered fluid flow within the composite. Overall, this new hydrogel platform provides a novel approach to study osteocyte mechanobiology in vitro in an osteochondral tissue‐mimetic environment.
Recent Advances in Injectable Hydrogels for Controlled and Local Drug Delivery
Authors: Rizzo Fabio , Kehr Nermin Seda
Published: October 2020

Injectable hydrogels have received considerable interest in the biomedical field due to their potential applications in minimally invasive local drug delivery, more precise implantation, and site‐specific drug delivery into poorly reachable tissue sites and into interface tissues, where wound healing takes a long time. Injectable hydrogels, such as in situ forming and/or shear‐thinning hydrogels, can be generated using chemically and/or physically crosslinked hydrogels. Yet, for controlled and local drug delivery applications, the ideal injectable hydrogel should be able to provide controlled and sustained release of drug molecules to the target site when needed and should limit nonspecific drug molecule distribution in healthy tissues. Thus, such hydrogels should sense the environmental changes that arise in disease states and be able to release the optimal amount of drug over the necessary time period to the target region. To address this, researchers have designed stimuli‐responsive injectable hydrogels. Stimuli‐responsive hydrogels change their shape or volume when they sense environmental stimuli, e.g., pH, temperature, light, electrical signals, or enzymatic changes, and deliver an optimal concentration of drugs to the target site without affecting healthy tissues.
Current Advances on 3D‐Bioprinted Liver Tissue Models
Authors: Ma Liang , Wu Yutong , Li Yuting , Aazmi Abdellah , Zhou Hongzhao , Zhang Bin , Yang Huayong
Published: October 2020

The liver, the largest gland in the human body, plays a key role in metabolism, bile production, detoxification, and water and electrolyte regulation. The toxins or drugs that the gastrointestinal system absorbs reach the liver first before entering the bloodstream. Liver disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Therefore, an in vitro liver tissue model that reproduces the main functions of the liver can be a reliable platform for investigating liver diseases and developing new drugs. In addition, the limitations in traditional, planar monolayer cell cultures and animal tests for evaluating the toxicity and efficacy of drug candidates can be overcome. Currently, the newly emerging 3D bioprinting technologies have the ability to construct in vitro liver tissue models both in static scaffolds and dynamic liver‐on‐chip manners. This review mainly focuses on the construction and applications of liver tissue models based on 3D bioprinting. Special attention is given to 3D bioprinting strategies and bioinks for constructing liver tissue models including the cell sources and hydrogel selection. In addition, the main advantages and limitations and the major challenges and future perspectives are discussed, paving the way for the next generation of in vitro liver tissue models.
Polymeric Nanoparticles Controlled by On‐Chip Self‐Assembly Enhance Cancer Treatment Effectiveness
Authors: Jung Sungjin , Lee Junseok , Lim Junha , Suh Jeeyeon , Kim Taeyoung , Ahn Jungho , Kim Won Jong , Kim YongTae
Published: October 2020

Nanoparticle (NP)‐based drug delivery systems or nanomedicines have broadened the horizon of translational research for decades. Conventional bulk mixing synthesis methods have impeded successful clinical translations of nanomedicines due to the limited ability of the controlled, scalable production with high uniformity. Herein, an on‐chip preparation of self‐assembled, drug‐encapsulated polymeric NPs is presented for their improved uniformity and homogeneity that results in enhanced anti‐cancer effect in vitro and in vivo. The NPs are formulated through rapid convective mixing of two aqueous solutions of a hydrophilic polymer and an anti‐cancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX), in the swirling microvortex reactor (SMR). Compared to conventional bulk‐mixed NPs (BMPs), the microvortex‐synthesized NPs (MVPs) exhibit narrower size distributions and better size tunability. It is found that the improved uniformity and homogeneity of the MVPs not only enhance cellular uptake and anti‐cancer effect with pH‐responsive drug release in vitro, but also result in an improved tumor regression and decreased side effects at off‐targeted organs in vivo. The findings demonstrate that uniformly designed NPs with more homogeneous properties can induce a significant enhancement of an anti‐cancer effect in vivo. The results show the potential of a high‐speed on‐chip synthesis as a scalable manufacturing platform for reliable clinical translations of nanomedicines.
Prediction of Chronic Inflammation for Inhaled Particles: the Impact of Material Cycling and Quarantining in the Lung Epithelium
Authors: Kokot Hana , Kokot Boštjan , Sebastijanović Aleksandar , Voss Carola , Podlipec Rok , Zawilska Patrycja , Berthing Trine , Ballester‐López Carolina , Danielsen Pernille Høgh , Contini Claudia , Ivanov Mikhail , Krišelj Ana , Čotar Petra , Zhou Qiaoxia , Ponti Jessica , Zhernovkov Vadim , Schneemilch Matthew , Doumandji Zahra , Pušnik Mojca , Umek Polona , Pajk Stane , Joubert Olivier , Schmid Otmar , Urbančič Iztok , Irmler Martin , Beckers Johannes , Lobaskin Vladimir , Halappanavar Sabina , Quirke Nick , Lyubartsev Alexander P. , Vogel Ulla , Koklič Tilen , Stoeger Tobias , Štrancar Janez
Published: October 2020

On a daily basis, people are exposed to a multitude of health‐hazardous airborne particulate matter with notable deposition in the fragile alveolar region of the lungs. Hence, there is a great need for identification and prediction of material‐associated diseases, currently hindered due to the lack of in‐depth understanding of causal relationships, in particular between acute exposures and chronic symptoms. By applying advanced microscopies and omics to in vitro and in vivo systems, together with in silico molecular modeling, it is determined herein that the long‐lasting response to a single exposure can originate from the interplay between the newly discovered nanomaterial quarantining and nanomaterial cycling between different lung cell types. This new insight finally allows prediction of the spectrum of lung inflammation associated with materials of interest using only in vitro measurements and in silico modeling, potentially relating outcomes to material properties for a large number of materials, and thus boosting safe‐by‐design‐based material development. Because of its profound implications for animal‐free predictive toxicology, this work paves the way to a more efficient and hazard‐free introduction of numerous new advanced materials into our lives.
Magneto‐Driven Gradients of Diamagnetic Objects for Engineering Complex Tissues
Authors: Zlotnick Hannah M. , Clark Andy T. , Gullbrand Sarah E. , Carey James L. , Cheng Xuemei M. , Mauck Robert L.
Published: October 2020

Engineering complex tissues represents an extraordinary challenge and, to date, there have been few strategies developed that can easily recapitulate native‐like cell and biofactor gradients in 3D materials. This is true despite the fact that mimicry of these gradients may be essential for the functionality of engineered graft tissues. Here, a non‐traditional magnetics‐based approach is developed to predictably position naturally diamagnetic objects in 3D hydrogels. Rather than magnetizing the objects within the hydrogel, the magnetic susceptibility of the surrounding hydrogel precursor solution is enhanced. In this way, a range of diamagnetic objects (e.g., polystyrene beads, drug delivery microcapsules, and living cells) are patterned in response to a brief exposure to a magnetic field. Upon photo‐crosslinking the hydrogel precursor, object positioning is maintained, and the magnetic contrast agent diffuses out of the hydrogel, supporting long‐term construct viability. This approach is applied to engineer cartilage constructs with a depth‐dependent cellularity mirroring that of native tissue. These are thought to be the first results showing that magnetically unaltered cells can be magneto‐patterned in hydrogels and cultured to generate heterogeneous tissues. This work provides a foundation for the formation of opposing magnetic‐susceptibility‐based gradients within a single continuous material.
Enhanced Four‐Wave Mixing in Silicon Nitride Waveguides Integrated with 2D Layered Graphene Oxide Films
Authors: Qu Yang , Wu Jiayang , Yang Yunyi , Zhang Yuning , Liang Yao , El Dirani Houssein , Crochemore Romain , Demongodin Pierre , Sciancalepore Corrado , Grillet Christian , Monat Christelle , Jia Baohua , Moss David J.
Published: October 2020

Layered 2D graphene oxide (GO) films are integrated with silicon nitride (SiN) waveguides to experimentally demonstrate an enhanced Kerr nonlinearity via four‐wave mixing (FWM). SiN waveguides with both uniformly coated and patterned GO films are fabricated based on a transfer‐free, layer‐by‐layer GO coating method along with standard photolithography and lift‐off processes, yielding precise control of the film thickness, placement, and coating length. Detailed FWM measurements are carried out for the fabricated devices with different numbers of GO layers and at different pump powers, achieving up to ≈7.3 dB improvement in the FWM conversion efficiency for an uniformly coated device with one layer of GO and ≈9.1 dB for a patterned device with five layers of GO. A detailed analysis of the influence of pattern length and position on the FWM performance is performed. The dependence of GO's third‐order nonlinearity on layer number and pump power is also extracted, revealing interesting physical insights about the layered 2D GO films. Finally, an enhancement is obtained in the effective nonlinear parameter of the hybrid waveguides by over a factor of 100 relative to bare SiN waveguide. These results demonstrate the high nonlinear optical performance of SiN waveguides integrated with layered 2D GO films.
Bacteria Detection: From Powerful SERS to Its Advanced Compatible Techniques
Authors: Zhou Xia , Hu Ziwei , Yang Danting , Xie Shouxia , Jiang Zhengjin , Niessner Reinhard , Haisch Christoph , Zhou Haibo , Sun Pinghua
Published: October 2020

The rapid, highly sensitive, and accurate detection of bacteria is the focus of various fields, especially food safety and public health. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), with the advantages of being fast, sensitive, and nondestructive, can be used to directly obtain molecular fingerprint information, as well as for the on‐line qualitative analysis of multicomponent samples. It has therefore become an effective technique for bacterial detection. Within this progress report, advances in the detection of bacteria using SERS and other compatible techniques are discussed in order to summarize its development in recent years. First, the enhancement principle and mechanism of SERS technology are briefly overviewed. The second part is devoted to a label‐free strategy for the detection of bacterial cells and bacterial metabolites. In this section, important considerations that must be made to improve bacterial SERS signals are discussed. Then, the label‐based SERS strategy involves the design strategy of SERS tags, the immunomagnetic separation of SERS tags, and the capture of bacteria from solution and dye‐labeled SERS primers. In the third part, several novel SERS compatible technologies and applications in clinical and food safety are introduced. In the final part, the results achieved are summarized and future perspectives are proposed.
Adherence to 24‐hour movement guidelines in low‐income Brazilian preschoolers and associations with demographic correlates
Authors: de Lucena Martins Clarice Maria , Lemos Luis Filipe Gomes Barbosa Pereira , de Souza Filho Anastácio Neco , Bezerra Thaynã Alves , Soares Ivina Andréa Aires , Mota Jéssica Gomes , Bandeira Paulo Felipe Ribeiro , Mota Jorge Augusto Pinto Silva , Tassitano Rafael Miranda , Duncan Michael Joseph
Published: October 2020

Background

The importance of movement behaviors for health is well known, although few studies have examined the adherence to movement guidelines in low‐income preschoolers from a middle‐income country, as Brazil. This study reports the proportion of preschoolers meeting the 24‐hour movement guidelines and investigates its associations with demographic correlates in Brazilian low‐income preschoolers.

Methods

Two hundred and seventy preschoolers (132 boys, means age = 3.97 ± 0.80) provided physical activity (PA) data (Actigraph wGT3X). Sleep duration, screen time, and social correlates were parent‐reported. Preschoolers were classified as compliant/not compliant with the 24‐hour movement guidelines. Relationships between compliance with movement behaviors guidelines and demographic correlates were calculated using a network analysis (Mplus 8.0; Rstudio).

Results

Preschoolers were active (273.52 ± 62.08 minutes/day of total PA), though moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time was below the guideline (58.68 ± 22.51 minutes/day); spent more than the recommended 60 minutes/day on screen time (169.91 ± 97.07 minutes/day); and slept less than 10 hours per night (9.44 ± 1.12 hours/day). Only 3% of the sample complied with the guidelines. PA showed the highest compliance (43%), compared to sleep duration (35%) and screen time (15%). Male sex was related to adherence to MVPA recommendations, while female sex, with adherence to total PA recommendations. Child's primary caregiver was the most important centrality indicator in the network.

Conclusion

Only 3% of the assessed preschoolers are compliant with the 24‐hour movement behaviors guidelines. Strategies to promote adherence to movement behaviors among low‐income preschoolers should consider child's primary caregivers to support movement behaviors.
Pneumonia and respiratory infections in Down syndrome: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Santoro Stephanie L. , Chicoine Brian , Jasien Joan M. , Kim Judy Lu , Stephens Mary , Bulova Peter , Capone George
Published: October 2020

Pneumonia and respiratory infections impact infants and children with Down syndrome; pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality in adults with Down syndrome. We aimed to review the literature to evaluate gaps and address key questions. A series of key questions were formulated a priori to inform the search strategy and review process; addressed prevalence, severity, etiology, risk factors, preventive methods, screening, and financial costs, potential benefits or harms of screening. Using the National Library of Medicine database, PubMed, detailed literature searches on pneumonia and respiratory infections in Down syndrome were performed. Previously identified review articles were also assessed. The quality of available evidence was then evaluated and knowledge gaps were identified. Forty‐two relevant original articles were identified which addressed at least one key question. Study details including research design, internal validity, external validity, and relevant results are presented. Pneumonia and respiratory infections are more prevalent and more severe in individuals with Down syndrome compared to healthy controls through literature review, yet there are gaps in the literature regarding the etiology of pneumonia, the infectious organism, risk factors for infection, and to guide options for prevention and screening. There is urgent need for additional research studies in Down syndrome, especially in the time of the current COVID‐19 pandemic.
Long genes are more frequently affected by somatic mutations and show reduced expression in Alzheimer's disease: Implications for disease etiology
Authors: Soheili‐Nezhad Sourena , van der Linden Robert J. , Olde Rikkert Marcel , Sprooten Emma , Poelmans Geert
Published: October 2020

Aging, the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), may lead to the accumulation of somatic mutations in neurons. We investigated whether somatic mutations, specifically in longer genes, are implicated in AD etiology. First, we modeled the theoretical likelihood of genes being affected by aging‐induced somatic mutations, dependent on their length. We then tested this model and found that long genes are indeed more affected by somatic mutations and that their expression is more frequently reduced in AD brains. Furthermore, using gene‐set enrichment analysis, we investigated the potential consequences of such long gene disruption. We found that long genes are involved in synaptic adhesion and other synaptic pathways that are predicted to be inhibited in the brains of AD patients. Taken together, our findings indicate that long gene–dependent synaptic impairment may contribute to AD pathogenesis.
Ion Selectivity of Water Molecules in Subnanoporous Liquid‐Crystalline Water‐Treatment Membranes: A Structural Study of Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Watanabe Ryusuke , Sakamoto Takeshi , Yamazoe Kosuke , Miyawaki Jun , Kato Takashi , Harada Yoshihisa
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate hydrogen‐bonded structures of water in self‐organized subnanoporous water treatment membranes obtained using synchrotron‐based high‐resolution soft X‐ray emission spectroscopy. The ion selectivity of these water treatment membranes is usually understood by the size compatibility of nanochannels in the membrane with the Stokes radius of hydrated ions, or by electrostatic interaction between charges inside the nanochannels and such ions. However, based on a comparison between the hydrogen‐bonded structures of water molecules in the nanochannels of the water treatment membrane and those surrounding the ions, we propose a definite contribution of structural consistency among the associated hydrogen‐bonded water molecules to the ion selectivity. Our observation delivers a novel concept to the design of water treatment membranes where water molecules in the nanochannel can be regarded as a part of the material that controls the ion selectivity.
Closing the Gap for Electronic Short‐Circuiting: Photosystem I Mixed Monolayers Enable Improved Anisotropic Electron Flow in Biophotovoltaic Devices
Authors: Wang Panpan , Frank Anna , Zhao Fangyuan , Szczesny Julian , Junqueira João R. C. , Zacarias Sónia , Ruff Adrian , Nowaczyk Marc M. , Pereira Inês A. C. , Rögner Matthias , Conzuelo Felipe , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: October 2020

Well‐defined assemblies of photosynthetic protein complexes are required for an optimal performance of semi‐artificial energy conversion devices, capable of providing unidirectional electron flow when light‐harvesting proteins are interfaced with electrode surfaces. We present mixed photosystem I (PSI) monolayers constituted of native cyanobacterial PSI trimers in combination with isolated PSI monomers from the same organism. The resulting compact arrangement ensures a high density of photoactive protein complexes per unit area, providing the basis to effectively minimize short‐circuiting processes that typically limit the performance of PSI‐based bioelectrodes. The PSI film is further interfaced with redox polymers for optimal electron transfer, enabling highly efficient light‐induced photocurrent generation. Coupling of the photocathode with a [NiFeSe]‐hydrogenase confirms the possibility to realize light‐induced H2 evolution.
Polyoxometalate immobilized on MOF‐5 as an environment‐friendly catalyst for the synthesis of poly‐functionalized 3‐pyrrolin‐2‐ones
Authors: Bao‐Le Li , Zhang Hong‐Yan , Di Jia‐Qi , Zhang Zhan‐Hui
Published: October 2020

A polyoxometalate immobilized on MOF‐5 (POM/MOF‐5) material has been synthesized and evaluated for the diversity‐oriented synthesis of poly‐functionalized 3‐pyrrolin‐2‐ones via pseudo‐four‐component reaction between dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate, amines, and aldehyde. The catalyst can be separated from the reaction mixture and reused at least five times with superior activity.
Effect of crosslinked polycarboxylate superplasticizers with varied structures on cement dispersion performance
Authors: Lin Xiuju , Liao Bing , Li Jialin , Huang Jianheng , Lu Mangeng , Pang Hao
Published: October 2020

In order to investigate the effect of double bond content in the crosslinkers on the performance of superplasticizers, three different crosslinked polycarboxylate superplasticizers were synthesized herein with various respective crosslinkers. Their impacts on the fluidity, absorption, and hydration behavior of cement systems were studied. The results showed that the polymer, which was synthesized using a crosslinker with four double bonds and five/six double bonds, had higher fluidity and the highest fluidity reached up to 395 mm at W/C of 0.35. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis and hydration heat tests showed that the crosslinked polycarboxylate superplasticizers could prolong the hydration process of cement slurries. Among these three kinds of crosslinked polycarboxylate superplasticizers, the induction period of cement slurry containing the polymer with crosslinker of four double bonds was significantly extended to facilitate the processing of the concrete. The purpose of this study is to provide strategies for studying high‐performance polycarboxylate superplasticizers with novel topological structure.
Comparative liver morphology associated with the hepatosomatic index in five Neotropical anuran species
Authors: Leão Taynara , Siqueira Mayara , Marcondes Sandriely , Franco‐Belussi Lilian , De Oliveira Classius , Fernandes Carlos E.
Published: October 2020

The liver is an important metabolic organ in vertebrates. In anurans, the hepatosomatic index (HSI) reflects differences in energy storage and reproductive activities between males and females. The objective of this study was to describe the histological and histometric parameters of the livers of five species of Neotropical anurans, taking sex‐related differences into account. We also tested how the relationship between quantitative histometric variables and HSI varied between males and females in different species. Five males and five females of Elachistocleis matogrosso, Leptodactylus podicipinus, Lysapsus limellum, Pseudis platensis, and Trachycephalus typhonius were captured in central Brazil during the rainy season. HSI did not vary according to sex, but it varied among species. Elachistocleis matogrosso had the highest HSI due to the large hepatocyte size. The percentage of melanomacrophage centers (MMCs) was higher in P. platensis and L. limellum. In T. thyphonius, hepatocyte area was negatively associated with HSI, while the MMC percentages were positively associated with HSI. The liver plays a key role in reproductive activities, especially for species with explosive reproduction. Additionally, histometric patterns and volumetric structural density varied between males and females due to energy utilization for reproduction. Not only are these results important for future studies on hepatic morphophysiology but they also provide tools for evolutionary and phylogenetic studies.
Towards a More Sustainable Lithium‐Ion Battery Future: Recycling LIBs from Electric Vehicles
Authors: Chitre Aniket , Freake Daniel , Lander Laura , Edge Jacqueline , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena
Published: October 2020

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Electrochemical Science and Engineering at Imperial College London including Titirici Group. The cover picture shows a schematic illustration of batteries recycling. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/batt.202000146.
Continuing education in biochemistry and molecular biology in industry: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 “Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” conference
Authors: Chuang Woei‐Jer , Concepcion Gisela P. , Lin Huixin , Yu Gracia Fe B. , Macaulay Janet
Published: October 2020

Science requires that we are always current with research, techniques, and tools but what are the best approaches for continuing education? The presenters in this session described a range of approaches used in universities, government bodies, and industry.
Programmed and Sequential Disassembly of Multi‐responsive Supramolecular Protein Nanoassemblies: A Detailed Mechanistic Investigation
Authors: Bhandari Pavankumar Janardhan , Sandanaraj Britto S.
Published: October 2020

The rational design of a multi‐responsive protein‐based supramolecular system that can predictably respond to more than one stimulus remains an essential but highly challenging goal in biomolecular engineering. Herein, we report a novel chemical method for the construction of multi‐responsive supramolecular nanoassemblies using custom‐designed facially amphiphilic monodisperse protein‐dendron bioconjugates. The macromolecular synthons contain a globular hydrophilic protein domain site‐specifically conjugated to photo‐responsive hydrophobic benzyl‐ether dendrons of different generations through oligo(ethylene glycol) linkers of defined length. The size of the protein nanoassemblies can be systematically tuned by choosing an appropriate dendron or linker of defined length. Exposure of protein nanoassemblies to light results in partial rather than complete disassembly of the complex. The newly formed protein nanoparticle no longer responds to light but could be disassembled into constitutive monomers under acidic conditions or by further treatment with a small molecule. More interestingly, the distribution ratio of the assembled versus disassembled states of protein nanoassemblies after photochemical reaction does not depend on dendron generation, the nature of the linker functionality or the identity of the protein, but is heavily influenced by the linker length. In sum, this work discloses a new chemical method for the rational design of a monodisperse multi‐responsive protein‐based supramolecular system with exquisite control over the disassembly process.
A Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease case misdiagnosed with acute cerebral infarction and review of the literature
Authors: Xu Zhouwei , Zhao Yuwu
Published: October 2020

It was critical for the clinician to be aware of the neuroimaging and early‐onset symptoms of this fatal neurodegenerative disease, and avoid initiating inappropriate therapy. Neuroimaging plays a key role in differentiating it from other mimics.
Development of ADPribosyl Ubiquitin Analogues to Study Enzymes Involved in Legionella Infection
Authors: Kim Robbert Q. , Misra Mohit , Gonzalez Alexis , Tomašković Ines , Shin Donghyuk , Schindelin Hermann , Filippov Dmitri V. , Ovaa Huib , Đikić Ivan , van der Heden van Noort Gerbrand J.
Published: October 2020

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by infection with the intracellularly replicating Gram‐negative bacterium Legionella pneumophila. This pathogen uses an unconventional way of ubiquitinating host proteins by generating a phosphoribosyl linkage between substrate proteins and ubiquitin by making use of an ADPribosylated ubiquitin (UbADPr) intermediate. The family of SidE effector enzymes that catalyze this reaction is counteracted by Legionella hydrolases, which are called Dups. This unusual ubiquitination process is important for Legionella proliferation and understanding these processes on a molecular level might prove invaluable in finding new treatments. Herein, a modular approach is used for the synthesis of triazole‐linked UbADPr, and analogues thereof, and their affinity towards the hydrolase DupA is determined and hydrolysis rates are compared to natively linked UbADPr. The inhibitory effects of modified Ub on the canonical eukaryotic E1‐enzyme Uba1 are investigated and rationalized in the context of a high‐resolution crystal structure reported herein. Finally, it is shown that synthetic UbADPr analogues can be used to effectively pull‐down overexpressed DupA from cell lysate.
Delivery of the Bioactive Component Paeonol by Dual pH‐Responsive Nanoparticles Enhances Anti‐Metastatic Tumor Efficiency
Authors: Liu Haiting , Li Jian , Shang Yinghui , Zhao Qiangqiang , Wu Bin , Huang Xueyuan , Dong Hang , Gui Rong , Huang Rong
Published: October 2020

In spite of several treatments involving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and molecularly targeted agents, patients with metastatic breast cancers (MBCs) usually have a poor prognosis due to the toxic side effects, poor selectivity, and drug resistance of these treatments. Thus, new effective treatments with reduced side effects are needed. Paeonol (Pae), a bioactive phenol, has anti‐tumor activity, but hydrophobicity, poor bioavailability, and instability limit its anti‐tumor effect. To overcome these problems, we constructed a nanoplatform of calcium phosphate (CA‐P) modified with polyacrylic acid (PAA) and loaded with Pae (Pae@CA‐P/PAA NPs). Pae@CA‐P/PAA NPs possess high drug‐loading levels and dual pH‐responsive properties. Because of the weak acidity of the tumor microenvironment (TME), the platform can passively target tumor sites. Compared with free Pae, Pae@CA‐P/PAA NPs effectively inhibited tumor cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the nanoplatform is a promising strategy for the therapy of MBCs.
Quantitative Benefit–Risk Assessment of P‐gp–Mediated Drug–Drug Interactions of Dabigatran Coadministered With Pharmacokinetic Enhancers in Patients With Renal Impairment
Authors: Lingineni Karthik , Farhan Nashid , Kim Sarah , Cristofoletti Rodrigo , Gordon Lori A. , Kumar Parag , Penzak Scott , Hadigan Colleen , George Jomy M. , Brown Joshua D. , Schmidt Stephan
Published: October 2020

Drug–drug interactions (DDIs) between dabigatran and ritonavir/cobicistat are of major concern in people living with HIV, particularly in those with impaired renal function, because they can result in increased dabigatran exposure and thus an increased risk of major bleeding events. However, the extent of this interaction and subsequent need for dose adjustment in subjects with varying degrees of renal function is currently not yet fully understood. To close this knowledge gap, we conducted an integrated population physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis linking changes in dabigatran exposure due to DDIs and varying degrees of renal function to the probability of experiencing an ischemic stroke or major bleeding event within 1 year. The results of our analysis suggest that coadministration of dabigatran etexilate (dabigatran prodrug) and ritonavir/cobicistat should be avoided in subjects with severe renal impairment. A 2‐hour dose separation or dabigatran etexilate dose reduction to 110 mg b.i.d. (twice daily) should be considered in subjects with moderate renal impairment when coadministered with ritonavir, while the dabigatran etexilate dose should be further reduced to 75 mg b.i.d. when coadministered with cobicistat. No dabigatran etexilate dose adjustment is needed in subjects with normal renal function receiving ritonavir, but dabigatran etexilate dose reduction to 110 mg b.i.d. should be considered when coadministered with cobicistat.
Insights into the genetic basis of predator‐induced response in Daphnia galeata
Authors: Tams Verena , Nickel Jana Helene , Ehring Anne , Cordellier Mathilde
Published: October 2020

Phenotypic plastic responses allow organisms to rapidly adjust when facing environmental challenges—these responses comprise morphological, behavioral but also life‐history changes. Alteration of life‐history traits when exposed to predation risk have been reported often in the ecological and genomic model organism Daphnia. However, the molecular basis of this response is not well understood, especially in the context of fish predation. Here, we characterized the transcriptional profiles of two Daphnia galeata clonal lines with opposed life histories when exposed to fish kairomones. First, we conducted a differential gene expression, identifying a total of 125 candidate transcripts involved in the predator‐induced response, uncovering substantial intraspecific variation. Second, we applied a gene coexpression network analysis to find clusters of tightly linked transcripts revealing the functional relations of transcripts underlying the predator‐induced response. Our results showed that transcripts involved in remodeling of the cuticle, growth, and digestion correlated with the response to environmental change in D. galeata. Furthermore, we used an orthology‐based approach to gain functional information for transcripts lacking gene ontology (GO) information, as well as insights into the evolutionary conservation of transcripts. We could show that our candidate transcripts have orthologs in other Daphnia species but almost none in other arthropods. The unique combination of methods allowed us to identify candidate transcripts, their putative functions, and evolutionary history associated with predator‐induced responses in Daphnia. Our study opens up to the question as to whether the same molecular signature is associated with fish kairomones‐mediated life‐history changes in other Daphnia species.
Identifying spawning events in fish by observing a spike in environmental DNA concentration after spawning
Authors: Tsuji Satsuki , Shibata Naoki
Published: October 2020

An understanding of the reproductive biology of aquatic organisms is crucial for the efficient conservation and management of species and/or populations. Nevertheless, conventional spawning surveys such as visual‐ and capture‐based monitoring generally require laborious, time‐consuming work and are subject to monitoring biases such as observer bias, as well as miscounts due to false spawning. In addition, direct capture often damages eggs or individuals. Thus, an efficient noninvasive approach for monitoring spawning events on aquatic species would be a valuable tool to understand their reproductive biology and conserving biodiversity. Here, we proposed an environmental DNA (eDNA)‐based approach for monitoring and understanding spawning events by observing spikes in eDNA concentration after spawning events. We found in hybridization experiment using two medaka species (Oryzias latipes and Oryzias sakaizumii, 1:1 individual per tank) that a spike in eDNA concentration occurred in male species after spawning. Besides, the magnitude of the spike in eDNA concentration was dependent on the number of spawning activities with egg and sperm release. In the field survey during the reproductive season, eDNA concentrations after spawning were 3–25 times higher than before the expected time for spawning. Additionally, there was no spike in eDNA concentration during the non‐reproductive season. Therefore, our results demonstrated that spike in eDNA concentration is mainly caused by the released sperm during spawning events, and it can be used as evidence of spawning in the field survey. The presented approach could be a practical tool for studying reproductive biology and provides an opportunity to design effective conservation and environmental management actions.
Fabrication of a Gold Dual‐microelectrode Patterned on a Silicone Substrate Probe for the Discrimination of Different Tissues
Authors: Ugwah Justina A. , Savage Niall , Messina Walter , Donnell Brian D. O. , O'Sullivan Martin J. , Moore Eric J.
Published: October 2020

A gold dual‐microelectrode probe patterned on a silicon substrate for bio‐impedance measurement was fabricated, characterised and tested on different types of tissues. The aim of this study is to fabricate a device capable of using bioimpedance to discriminate different tissue types. This proof of concept of the device was characterised on meat and a gel/lard phantom which mimics fat and muscle. The initial results demonstrated that the gold dual‐microelectrode probe had excellent electrochemical recording potential. The bio‐impedance data derived was capable of differentiation between biological tissues. Bio‐impedance measurement may enhance cancer diagnostics by providing novel data in relation to cancer and surrounding healthy tissue. This manuscript describes the design, fabrication and validation of a gold dual‐microelectrode bioimpedance sensor with a potential future application in cancer diagnostics.
Post‐COVID‐19 threats to higher education
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: October 2020

No one knows, with certainty, what colleges and universities will “look like” after the chaos and confusion of COVID‐19 are no longer a part of our daily lives.
Adaptability, online creativity can connect students to university community, no matter where they are
Authors: Bannister Mary
Published: October 2020

“We want students to have the experiences they expected to have here at the University of Arizona, even if they're having those experiences from afar,” said Kasey Urquidez, Vice President for Enrollment Management at the University of Arizona, describing how incoming students this school year attended virtual days at the university. With a click, students signed up for virtual campus tours, academic information sessions with department faculty, conversations with student ambassadors, admissions counseling, and financial aid sessions. Although COVID‐19 halted the university's robust campus tour program, Urquidez said it was a priority to find ways for students to feel connected to the school community and campus culture.
Recent progresses on paper‐based triboelectric nanogenerator for portable self‐powered sensing systems
Authors: Tang Qian , Guo Hengyu , Yan Peng , Hu Chenguo
Published: October 2020

In recent years, as a new type of mechanical energy conversion technology, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on the coupling effect of contact electrification and electrostatic induction has shown distinct advantages in the field of distributed micro/nano power sources, high‐precision sensing, and portable high‐voltage sources. Typically, the main functional components of TENG include a tribo‐layer and the conductive layer, both of which need to be attached on the substrate material serving as support framework thus form a usable device. According to the property of different substrate materials, TENG can achieve various characteristics to meet different practical demands. Among plenty of materials, paper, a commend commodity in daily life, with the characters of cost effectiveness, flexibility, lightweight, integratability, and biocompatibility is considered as a promising substrate or frame material to form super‐portable TENG for self‐powered electronic devices. However, the rough and porous structure increases the risk of breaking conductive layer prepared by directly depositing metal film during continuously periodical deformation. Herein, focusing on paper‐based triboelectric nanogenerator, this article summarizes the preparation methods of paper‐based durable conductive layer. Then, the recent researches of paper‐based TENGs are systematically introduced from the aspects of mechanical energy harvesting, micro‐nano energy devices, self‐powered sensors and systems, and so on. Finally, future opportunities and the remaining challenges are expected and discussed.

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