bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Preventive Oral Health Measures among Special Care School Children (boys) in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shah Altaf H , Wyne Amjad H , Asiri Faris Yahya , Gulzar Shabnam , Sheehan Saad Abduallah , Alghmlas Abdullah Saud , Alomari Osama , Aljameel Albandary H
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Special needs children experience poorer oral health when compared to their compatriots. Moreover, Special Care School Children (SCSC) experience significant barriers to access proper oral health care. It has been found that they have high unmet oral health needs. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of preventive oral health measures in a group of SCSC; boys, in Al-Kharj Governorate of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study was designed among SCSC in Al-Kharj Governorate of Saudi Arabia starting from October 2016 for a period of eight months.Only schools for boys were included in the study. Out of 936 students enrolled in the special needs education programme in 18 boys schools; 163 SCSC (boys) from eight primary schools were eventually included in the study. After the base line survey; the subjects were evaluated with predefined criteria at three monthly intervals until six months. The effectiveness of various preventive measures was evaluated for reduction in the risk of oral diseases. SCSC were divided into groups as per their specific health care need. Preventive oral health measures such as supervised tooth brushing with a fluoridated tooth paste was introduced with the help of teachers and parents of SCSC. Plaque levels were assessed by means of Plaque index. Various indices were used to measure dental caries including Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT/dmft) as well as Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surfaces (DMFS/dmfs) index. The risk for dental caries was assessed by means of a cariogram model at the start and at the end of campaign. The data was computed using SPSS v20 programme. Means of the overall plaque score and the caries indices scores were calculated and compared among various special need groups among the SCSC. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: The overall mean plaque score of the group was 1.55. Plaque scores and mean decayed (D) component were significantly higher in intellectual disabilities as compared to physical disabilities. The mean DMFT and DMFS score was 3.2 and 6.42, respectively with mean decayed (D) component score of 2.67. There was no significant difference among caries prevalence and decayed (D) component among various groups of disabilities. Plaque index score reduced to 1.35 after three months and finally to 1.1 after six months. This was statistically significant (p<0.05). The actual chance to avoid new cavities in the cariogram increased from 5% to 73% at the end, for the SCSC boys. Conclusion: There was a significant decrease in the risk for oral diseases after incorporation of preventive oral health measures for SCSC.
Metastasis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Conjunctiva in Anterior Chamber
Authors: Pandey Jayati , Khan Perwez , Ranjan Alok
Published: January 2021

A 65-year-old male presented with the chief complaint of diminution of vision, redness and mass in right eye for 1 month who was then evaluated and investigated to know the cause. On examination and investigation diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of ocular surface was made which had metastasized to anterior chamber. Early diagnosis of SCC and commence of treatment is necessary to prevent its metastasis. Moreover, patient’s compliance also plays a major factor to halt the progression.
Anti-microbial Effect of Cocoa Leaf Extracts on Botryodiplodia theobromae; Leading Causative Organism of Crown Rot Disease of Banana (Musa acuminata)
Authors: Kumah Patrick , Nunoo Lartey Emmanuel , Bismark Odum
Published: January 2021

An investigation was carried to assess in-vitro management of crown rot disease on Banana using extracts of cocoa leaves. The causative organism (Botryodiplodia theobromae) was sub cultured and the concentration determined through microbial count. Different cocoa leaves extracts were prepared using two different solvents. A conventional fungicide known as Mancozeb was used as a positive control and the nutrient broth only served as negative controls to help in assessment of the antimicrobial effect of the cocoa leave extracts. Phenolic Methanol Extracts (PME), Crude Cocoa Leaves Aqueous Extracts (CCAE) and Mancozeb were employed to prepare aqueous solutions through serial dilution with varied concentration. The nutrient broth (100 µL of double strength), 100 µL each of the plant extract concentrations, and 20 µL of inoculums were dispensed in a sterile micro-titre plate containing 96 wells. Incubation of the micro-titre plate was carried out at a temperature of 37°C for 1 day (24 hours). Susceptibility or otherwise of the microorganism (B. theobromae) from four sample stations was analyzed with 20 µL of a 5% solution of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide MTT. The presence of blue-black wells indicated the growth of B. theobromae. The experiment was conducted in triplicates for PME (refined), CCAE and Mancozeb. The minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) of PME (refined) that inhibited the growth of B. theobromae collected from four different locations were 5mg/ml, 2.5 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml and 2.5 mg/ml respectively for B. theobromae (B1)(Offinso), B. theobromae (B2)(Effiduase), B. theobromae (B4)(Kejetia) and B. theobromae (B5)(Ejisu) which was lower compared to the MICs of CCAE which was 30 mg/ml for the four sample stations. Comparatively, the MIC of the PME (5 mg/ml, 2.5 m g/ml, 10 mg/ml and 2.5mg/ml) was almost equivalent to the MIC of the conventional fungicide (Mancozeb) (2.5 mg/ml) for all the four sample stations of B. theobromae.
A Note Concerning Generalized Complex k-Horadam and Generalized Gaussian k-Horadam Squences
Authors: Gökbaş Hasan , Köse Hasan
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we have studied the generalized Complex k-Horadam and generalized Gaussian k-Horadam sequences. We have given the generating functions and Binet formulas of generalized Complex k-Horadam and generalized Gaussian k-Horadam sequences. Moreover, we have obtained some important identities involving the generalized Complex k-Horadam and generalized Gaussian k-Horadam numbers.
An In silico Analysis of Some Bioactive Compounds of Psidium guajava against Target Proteins of Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Hamza Yakubu Gambo , Danyaya Aminu Ibrahim , Lawal Mudassir
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Cholera is a destructive disease that causes extreme and intense water loss in the body. It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for an individual to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water. It causes acute watery diarrhea in children and adults and if left untreated, it can lead to death within hours. Unfortunately, children are the most severely affected. In this study, molecular interactions of 24 bioactive compounds of Psidium guajava leaves against Vibrio cholerae targets proteins namely: Alanine racemase (PDB ID: 4BEQ), Cholera enterotoxin, A chain (PDB ID: 1S5F) and ToxT (PDB ID: 3GBG) were evaluated.

Methods: Molecular docking study was conducted and the 3D structures of bioactive compounds, Enzymes and the Enzyme-ligand interaction were visualized while Swiss ADME was employed to assess other physiochemical properties of these bioactive compounds.

Results and Discussion: The results from the molecular docking revealed that five bioactive compounds showed promising inhibitory activity, which include Spathulenol (Binding energy; -7.5, -6.5 and -9.1 kcal/mol in 4BEQ, 1S5F and 3GBG ), Humulene oxide II (Binding energy; -7.1, -6.0 and -8.5 kcal/mol in 4BEQ, 1S5F and 3GBG), Globulol(-)-Globulol were -7.2, -6.5 and -9.0 kcal/mol in 4BEQ, 1S5F and 3GBG), Cadala-1(10),3,8-triene (Binding energy; -7.8, -6.8 and -9.8 kcal/mol in 4BEQ, 1S5F and 3GBG) and Bicyclo[5.3.0]decane, 2-methylene-5-(1-methylvinyl)-8-methyl (Binding energy; -6.9, -6.7 and -9.4 kcal/mol in 4BEQ, 1S5F and 3GBG) respectively.

Conclusion: In this study, it has been revealed that the carefully chosen bioactive compounds have the potential to be used alone or in combination with other natural products for developing potent antibacterial drugs (against cholera). They can be further subjected to fractionation and isolation to confirm their activity towards in vitro and in vivo studies and can be commercialized as a potent antibacterial agent.
Knowledge of Health Impact of Climate Change and Practice of Preventive Measures among Students of a Nigerian Tertiary Institution
Authors: Nzeobi J. R. , Chineke H. N. , Ubajaka C. F. , Adogu P. O. U.
Published: January 2021

Background: Every century has its own public health challenge. Climate change is the present century's challenge. There are various health risks arising from climate change which without mitigation actions, will tend to worsen with each passing day.

Study Aim and Objective: To study the knowledge of health impact of climate change and practice of appropriate preventive measures among students of a Nigerian Tertiary Institution

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out using structured questionnaires. These questionnaires were shared randomly among students from five selected departments in the college of health science and data was analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0

Results: It was found that all the students were aware of climate change and 91.7% knew about the effect of climate change on health. Significantly 78.7% believed that climate change was from man-made causes but surprisingly only 34.3% were taking actions in mitigating the effect of climate change.

Conclusion: Despite the high knowledge about climate change, majority of actions taken by the students were just for convenience and to save money, not necessarily because they wanted to prevent the effects of climate change on health.

Recommendation: Government and Non-governmental organizations should form advocacy clubs for young students as a platform to sensitize them on climate change and its effects. There is need to introduce rewards and sponsorships for individuals who successfully learn about climate change and ways to mitigate its effect on health.
Some Properties Via GN −Preopen Sets in Grill Topological Spaces
Authors: Saif Amin , Muntaser Maged Abdulwahab Al-
Published: January 2021

This paper introduces and investigates the notions of GN -disconnected sets, GN -connected, GN -precompact sets, and separation axioms via GN -preopen sets. They will be introduced in grill topological spaces by using the class of GN -preopen sets.
Inhibitory Activity of β-lactamases by Hydro-Ethanolic Extracts of Harungana madagascariensis, a Plant of the Ivorian Pharmacopoeia
Authors: Anatole Toty Abalé , Edwige Aka Ayébé , Bertin Guédé Kipré , Fernique Konan K. , Jehaes Adrien , Guessennd N. , Albert Otokoré D. , Dosso M. , Galleni M.
Published: January 2021

Infection due to multi-resistant bacteria is a public health concern. Unfortunately, the prospect of developing new antibiotics seem not to be on the horizon. Faced with this impasse, medicinal plants could be an alternative for the development of new molecules. The aim of this study was to determine the inhibitory effect of H. madagascariensis extracts on β-lactamases. Extraction of bioactive compounds from trunk barks and leaves of the plant was done in an ethanol-water mixture (70:30). Anti-β-lactamase activity was evaluated by spectrophotometry after the removal of tannins and a phytochemical screening was used to identify the groups of compounds. Concentrations inhibiting 50% of enzyme activity were 0.005±0.001 mg/mL (CTX-M-15), 0.01±0.001 mg/mL (P99) and 0.027±0.009 mg/mL (NDM-1) for bark extracts and 0.704 mg/mL for leaves extracts. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids in bark extracts. The ethanolic extracts of the trunk bark exert a good inhibitory activity on CTX-M-15, P99 and NDM-1 β-lactamases and this activity could be attributed to the presence of the flavonoids. Further studies by bio-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extracts of the bark could yield fractions with high inhibitory potential of β-lactamases.
Eco-Friendly Management Practices on Quality Characteristics of Transplanted Rice (Oryza sativa L.) as Influenced by Organic Manures
Authors: Ajaykumar R. , Sivasabari K.
Published: January 2021

A field experiment was conducted at the farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during kharif season (Spring) to study the effect of eco-friendly management practices on quality characteristics of transplanted lowland rice. Rice CO(R) 48 was used as a test variety. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and nine treatments which are T1 –100 % N through dhaincha + balance P and K through inorganic fertilizers, T2 – 50 % N through dhaincha + balance N, P and K through inorganic fertilizers, T3 –100 % N through vermicompost + balance P & K through inorganic fertilizers, T4 –50 % N through vermicompost + balance N, P and K through inorganic fertilizers, T5 –100 % NPK (150 : 50 : 50 kg ha-1) through inorganic fertilizers, T6 –100 % NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 12.5 t farmyard manure, T7 – 100 % NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 6.25 t dhaincha, T8 – 100 % NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 5 t vermicompost, T9 – Control. The results revealed that higher quality characteristics of rice including physical parameters (grain length, grain breadth and L/B ratio), chemical parameters (moisture, protein, carbohydrate, amylose, fat and fibre) and cooking quality were obtained with application of 100 % N through dhaincha + balance P & K through inorganic fertilizers followed by application of 100 % NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 6.25 t dhaincha and it was par with application of 100 per cent NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 5 t ha-1 vermicompost and 100 per cent NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 12.5 t farmyard manure. Lower quality characteristics of rice were registered in absolute control.
Study of Different Drip Irrigation and NK Fertigation Levels on Performance of Cauliflower
Authors: Sidhartha G. , Pasha Md. Latheef , Umadevi M. , Ramulu V.
Published: January 2021

A field experiment on cauliflower with different drip irrigation and NK fertigation levels was conducted at Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana during rabi 2019-2020. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with nine treatments, comprising of three drip irrigation regimes viz., 0.6 Epan (I1), 0.8 Epan (I2) and 1.0 Epan (I3) as main plots and three drip NK fertigation levels of control (N0K0-F1), 50 % recommended dose of NK (N40 K50- F2) and 100 % recommended dose of NK (N80 K100- F3) as sub plots and replicated thrice. Growth and yield attributes were significantly higher at irrigation scheduled at 1.0 Epan. Plant height and yield attributes were comparable between 1.0 Epan and 0.8 Epan. Whereas plant height and dry matter production between 0.8 and 0.6 Epan were comparable. Drip irrigation scheduled at 1.0 Epan recorded significantly higher curd yield (18.7 t ha-1) than 0.8 Epan (17.1 t ha-1) and 0.6 Epan (15.0 t ha-1). NPK uptake were significantly higher in irrigation scheduled at 1.0 Epan than 0.8 and 0.6 Epan.  All growth, yield attributes and NPK uptake at harvest increased significantly with increase in NK fertigation level from control to 100% recommended dose of NK. Drip fertigation at 100 %  recommended dose of NK recorded significantly higher curd yield (23.8 t ha-1) than 50 % recommended dose of NK (19.7 t ha-1) and N0K0 (7.2 t ha-1).  Application of 1.0 E Pan irrigation and 100% recommended dose of NK performed better than other treatments.
Development of Nitazoxanide Loaded Polymeric Nanocarriers: Box Behnken Experimental Design Based Optimisation and Characterisation
Authors: Bharti Charu , Sharma Shrestha , Kumar Shobhit , Rabbani Syed Arman
Published: January 2021

The current investigation is focused on formulation, optimisation and characterisation of polymeric based nanomaterial. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) loaded polymeric nanoparticles were prepared by homogenisation technique using Eudragit RL100 as a polymer matrix and Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) as a cross linking agent. NTZ was used as a model drug and investigated for preformulation parameters along with excipients, identification of concentration for optimization, selection of independent (X) and dependent (Y) variables and characterisation of optimised formulation. Polymeric nanoparticles were obtained after optimization using 33 factorial design by Box Behnken Design expert (BBD). The role and influence of key process variables i.e. concentration of polymer, concentration of cross linking agent and speed of rotation of homogeniser at their respective three different levels for the optimisation of formulation were also investigated. The synthesised optimised polymeric nanoparticles were further characterised by dynamic light scattering (DLS) for its particle size (137.11nm), PDI (0.180) and zeta potential (33.4 mV) while X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to justify the amorphous and crystalline nature of drug and excipients. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) further revealed surface geometry of these nanoparticles being spherical in shape, drug entrapment efficiency (%DEE) was found to be 81.89% and in vitro release studies showed sustained drug release effect. The antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli was also determined.
University Students’ Awareness about Oral Health and Hygiene
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Khan Salah-Ud-Din , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid
Published: January 2021

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the awareness of university students about oral health and hygiene in a university in Malaysia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of four different faculties (pharmacy, medical, biotechnology and business) in a university in Malaysia with the help of pre-validated research questionnaire.  The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 24.0 was used to analyze and present the data.

Results: The final response gathered was 324 from four faculties. The pharmacy faculty students had better knowledge as compared to the other faculties. The female students had better knowledge of oral health hygiene as compared to males. Final year students reported more appropriate knowledge as compared to pre-final year students.

Conclusion: Overall appropriate knowledge was observed among the four studied faculties of the university. The present study concluded that pharmacy students had more appropriate knowledge of oral health and hygiene than the other faculty students.
Development and validation of a four‐lipid metabolism gene signature for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ye Yanrong , Chen Zhe , Shen Yun , Qin Yan , Wang Hao
Published: January 2021

Abnormal lipid metabolism is closely related to the malignant biological behavior of tumor cells. Such abnormal lipid metabolism provides energy for rapid proliferation, and certain genes related to lipid metabolism encode important components of tumor signaling pathways. In this study, we analyzed pancreatic cancer datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas and searched for prognostic genes related to lipid metabolism in the Molecular Signature Database. A risk score model was built and verified using the GSE57495 dataset and International Cancer Genome Consortium dataset. Four molecular subtypes and 4249 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The DEGs obtained by Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Construction analysis were intersected with 4249 DEGs to obtain a total of 1340 DEGs. The final prognosis model included CA8, CEP55, GNB3 and SGSM2, and these had a significant effect on overall survival. The area under the curve at 1, 3 and 5 years was 0.72, 0.79 and 0.87, respectively. These same results were obtained using the validation cohort. Survival analysis data showed that the model could stratify the prognosis of patients with different clinical characteristics, and the model has clinical independence. Functional analysis indicated that the model is associated with multiple cancer‐related pathways. Compared with published models, our model has a higher C‐index and greater risk value. In summary, this four‐gene signature is an independent risk factor for pancreatic cancer survival and may be an effective prognostic indicator.
Sequential N‐Arylation and Intramolecular Imine Addition Reaction of Indoloazomethine Ylides with Arynes for the Synthesis of Thiadiazepine Derivatives
Authors: Kim Dae Kyum , Son Jeong‐Yu , Jung Ilyong , Heo Namrim , Han Sang Hoon , Kim Dongwook , Lee Phil Ho
Published: January 2021

Metal‐free reaction of indoloazomethine ylides with 2‐(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates in the presence of TMAF and MeOH provided 1,4‐thiadiazepines through sequential N‐arylation and intramolecular imine addition reaction, which is fully oxidized with p‐chloranil. These compounds are smoothly isomerized to indoloindolizines in quantitative yield. Moreover, formation of indoloindolizine was accessed from indoloazomethine ylide and 2‐(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflate in semi‐one‐pot.

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A Novel method for the identification and quantification of weight faltering
Authors: Naumenko Daniel J. , Dykes James , O'Connor G. Kesler , Stanley Zofia , Affara Nabeel , Doel Andrew M. , Drammeh Saikou , Dunger David B. , Faal Abdoulie , Ong Ken K. , Sosseh Fatou , Prentice Andrew M. , Moore Sophie E. , Bernstein Robin M.
Published: January 2021

Objective

We describe a new method for identifying and quantifying the magnitude and rate of short‐term weight faltering episodes, and assess how (a) these episodes relate to broader growth outcomes, and (b) different data collection intervals influence the quantification of weight faltering.

Materials and methods

We apply this method to longitudinal growth data collected every other day across the first year of life in Gambian infants (n = 124, males = 65, females = 59). Weight faltering episodes are identified from velocity peaks and troughs. Rate of weight loss and regain, maximum weight loss, and duration of each episode were calculated. We systematically reduced our dataset to mimic various potential measurement intervals, to assess how these intervals affect the ability to derive information about short‐term weight faltering episodes. We fit linear models to test whether metrics associated with growth faltering were associated with growth outcomes at 1 year, and generalized additive mixed models to determine whether different collection intervals influence episode identification and metrics.

Results

Three hundred weight faltering episodes from 119 individuals were identified. The number and magnitude of episodes negatively impacted growth outcomes at 1 year. As data collection interval increases, weight faltering episodes are missed and the duration of episodes is overestimated, resulting in the rate of weight loss and regain being underestimated.

Conclusions

This method identifies and quantifies short‐term weight faltering episodes, that are in turn negatively associated with growth outcomes. This approach offers a tool for investigators interested in understanding how short‐term weight faltering relates to longer‐term outcomes.
Tiletamine/zolazepam and dexmedetomidine with tramadol provide effective general anesthesia in rats
Authors: Limprasutr Vudhiporn , Sharp Patrick , Jampachaisri Katechan , Pacharinsak Cholawat , Durongphongtorn Sumit
Published: January 2021

Background

Tiletamine/zolazepam is a dissociative anesthetic combination commonly used in small animals but information is limited in rats. The alpha‐2 agonist, dexmedetomidine, has gained popularity in laboratory animal anesthesia. Tramadol is a weak opioid mu agonist. The aim of this study was to assess whether the tiletamine/zolazepam/dexmedetomidine (ZD) combination effectively provides a surgical anesthesia plane comparable to tiletamine/zolazepam/dexmedetomidine with tramadol (ZDT) in a minor procedure in rats.

Methods

Rats were induced with ZD or ZDT. After the loss of paw withdrawal, a small incision was made on the rats’ left thighs as a surgical stimulus. Rats were maintained under a surgical anesthesia plane by assessing the loss of the paw withdrawal reflex for 45 minutes, then atipamezole was administered. Monitored anesthesia parameters included: (a) physiological parameters – pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (RR), tissue oxygen saturation (%SpO2), and body temperature; (b) duration parameters – induction time, onset and duration of surgical anesthesia plane, onset of recovery, and recovery time.

Results

PR was significantly lower at 10 minutes in ZD and 5 minutes in ZDT groups. No difference was observed for RR, %SpO2, and body temperature. Likewise, there were no differences for duration parameters: induction time was less than 3 minutes; onset and duration of surgical anesthesia plane were approximately 5 and 45 minutes, respectively; onset of recovery (time to move) was 51 minutes; and recovery time was 52 minutes, respectively.

Conclusion

These data suggest the ZD combination provides a surgical anesthesia plane comparable to ZDT in a rat incisional pain model.
Silver‐catalyzed pyrrole synthesis: An overview
Authors: Nathaniel Chennattuparambil Roy , Neetha Mohan , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: January 2021

The pyrrole structure is a pivotal unit of many natural products, bioactive compounds, and organic materials. Pyrrole derivatives are commonly used as intermediates in the synthesis of various agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other synthetic organic compounds. In organic synthesis, silver catalysis has been of great interest and has spread widely due to unique reactivity, selectivity, stability, and recyclability in catalytic reactions. Over the past decade, numerous synthetic strategies have been established for the facile and effective synthesis of pyrrole derivatives through silver catalysis. This review focuses exclusively on the synthesis of pyrroles via silver catalysis, covering literature until the middle of 2020.
Compatibilization of an immiscible blend of EPDM and POM with an Ionomer
Authors: Bragaglia Mario , McNally Tony , Lamastra Francesca R. , Cherubini Valeria , Nanni Francesca
Published: January 2021

Immiscible blends of ethylene‐propylene‐diene‐monomer (EPDM) and polyoxymethylene (POM), when EPDM is the major phase were compatibilized on the addition of an ionomer, poly(ethylene‐co‐methacrylic acid). The inclusion of the ionomer reduced the interfacial tension between the two phases, such that the diameter of the POM domains were significantly reduced to between 0.5 and 2 μm, typical of that required to toughen ductile polymers. The mechanical properties of the resultant compatibilized blends were significantly enhanced with increases in Young's modulus (↑54%), tensile strength (σ, ↑139%), elongation at break (ε, ↑97%), and tensile toughness (↑500%) with increasing ionomer content, relative to EPDM rubber alone. The ShoreA hardness of the compatibilized blend was 70.1 compared with 56.8 for the immiscible binary blend and, 50.2 for neat EPDM rubber.
Synthesis and performances of 9,9‐bis(perfluorohexylethyl propionate) fluorene copolymers
Authors: Fu Peng‐hui , Li Jian , Wang Chen‐yi , Ren Qiang
Published: January 2021

2,7‐dibromo‐9,9‐bis(perfluorohexylethyl propionate) fluorene was synthesized by Michael addition reaction using 2,7‐dibromofluorene and perfluorohexyl ethyl acrylate as the reactants. 9,9‐Bis(perfluorohexylethyl propionate) fluorene copolymers were then synthesized by Suzuki coupling reaction with 2,7‐bis(4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborane‐diyl)‐9,9 ‐dioctyl fluorene, 2,7‐dibromo‐9,9‐dioctyl fluorene and 2,7‐dibromo‐9,9‐bis(perfluorohexylethyl propionate) fluorene as the monomers. The fluorinated fluorene copolymers were characterized and investigated via Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMR), ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and photoluminance spectroscopy (PL). Because of the long fluorine‐containing alkyl side chain, the ultraviolet absorption peak of 9,9‐bis(perfluorohexylethyl propionate) fluorene is blue‐shifted compared with poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene)(PF8). The LUMO energy level increases and the energy band gap of copolymers widens. Due to the self‐assembly of the long fluoroalkyl side chain, the photoluminance spectra of 9,9‐bis(perfluorohexylethyl propionate) fluorene copolymers exhibit a new excimer emission peak at 550 nm. The photoluminance stabilities of the copolymers under irradiation and humid conditions are significantly improved due to protective effect from the long fluoroalkyl side chain. After being irradiated under 500 W iodine tungsten lamp or kept under 70% relative humid conditions, the 9,9‐bis(perfluorohexylethyl propionate) fluorene copolymers showed much better photoluminance stability than that of poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PF8). These show that introducing long fluoroalkyl side chain into conjugated polymer main chain is a promising strategy to improve environmental stability of devices based on organic conjugated polymers.
Bio‐cellular glass–ceramic composite with embedded calcium phosphate from eggshell for alternative biomaterials in medical and dental applications
Authors: Kongpaopong Kunanya , Ratchatawatanapipat Nathawith , Tangboriboon Nuchnapa
Published: January 2021

Green biomaterial foams with nontoxicity, low weight, low density, and high‐compressive strength, which can be easily manufactured at low cost, are urgently sought. When implanted as a scaffold, bio‐cellular glass–ceramic composite has potential for bone bonding, connective tissue growth, and reconstruction of lost tissue. The present study investigates the physical‐thermo‐mechanical properties of bio‐cellular glass–ceramic composite supplemented with calcium phosphate from eggshell powder (0, 1, 3, or 5 wt%) and sodium‐silicate binder. The composite materials were prepared by hand pressing and fired at 800 or 900°C for 1 h. The composites containing 1 and 3 wt% calcium phosphate from eggshell powder and fired at 800°C achieved suitable porosity (74–79%), pore size (20–800 μm), bulk density (0.57–0.70 g/cm3), true density (0.98–1.06 g/cm3), water absorption (10.31–21.41%), compressive strength (2.71–3.23 MPa), and thermal expansion coefficient ([5.95–5.98] × 10−6°C−1) for practical applications. The obtained bio‐cellular glass–ceramic composite is an alternative biomaterial for biomedical and dental applications.
Integrating Clinical Reasoning Skills in a Pre‐professional Undergraduate Human Anatomy Course
Authors: Anderson Margene , Hills‐Meyer Patrick R. , Stamm Julie M. , Brown Kirsten
Published: January 2021

Clinically integrated curricula in health science education has been shown to promote the development of problem‐solving schema and positively impact knowledge acquisition. Despite its’ purported benefits, this type of curricula can impose a high cognitive load, which may negatively impact novice learners’ knowledge acquisition and problem‐solving schema development. Introducing explicit clinical reasoning instruction within pre‐professional undergraduate basic science courses may limit factors that increase cognitive load, enhance knowledge acquisition, and foster developing clinical problem‐solving skills. This study, conducted over the Fall and Spring semesters of the 2018–2019 school year, sought to evaluate whether the implementation of a clinical reasoning instructional intervention within a clinically integrated pre‐professional undergraduate general human anatomy course influenced students’ acquisition of anatomical knowledge and development of clinical problem‐solving skills. Results of the study were mixed regarding the acquisition of anatomical knowledge. Both the intervention and comparison groups performed similarly on multiple choice examinations of anatomical knowledge. However, the clinical reasoning intervention positively impacted students’ ability to apply clinical reasoning skills to anatomically based clinical case studies. Results from M\mixed between‐within subjects analysis of variance comparing scores on Written Clinical Reasoning Assessments revealed a significant interaction between time and group affiliation, with the groups receiving the interventions outperforming the comparison groups: Fall, P < 0.001; Spring, P < 0.001. The results of this study may imply that explicit clinical reasoning instruction within a clinically integrated undergraduate Human Anatomy course could hold potential for fostering students’ early clinical reasoning skills.
Recent Advances in the Development of Chiral Gold Complexes for Catalytic Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Jiang Jia‐Jun , Wong Man‐Kin
Published: January 2021

Asymmetric gold catalysis has been rapidly developed in the past ten years. Breakthroughs have been made by rational design and meticulous selection of chiral ligands. This review summarizes newly developed gold‐catalyzed enantioselective organic transformations and recent progress in ligand design (since 2016), organized according to different types of chiral ligands, including bisphosphine ligands, monophosphine ligands, phosphite‐derived ligands, and N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands for asymmetric gold(I) catalysis as well as heterocyclic carbene ligands and oxazoline ligands for asymmetric gold(III) catalysis.
Differences in Brain Structural Covariance Network Characteristics in Children and Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Cai Suping , Wang Xuwen , Yang Fan , Chen Dihui , Huang Liyu
Published: January 2021

Systematically describing the structural topological configuration of human brain during development is an essential task. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a powerful challenge for psychiatry and neuroscience researchers. In this study, we investigated variations in the structural covariance network properties of 441 patients with ASD ranging in age from 7 to 45 years and in 426 age‐matched healthy controls (HCs) using structural magnetic resonance neuroimaging from the ABIDE database. We applied a sliding window approach to study topological variation during development using comprehensive graph theoretical analysis. The main findings are as follows: (1) Cross‐sectional trajectories of the network characteristics exhibited inverted U‐shapes in both HCs and participants with ASD, with the latter exhibiting a 7‐year delay in reaching the maximum value, (2) network resilience to targeted attacks peaked at 18′ and 19′ in the HCs and at 25′ in the participants with ASD, and the weakest resilience occurred at age 7′, (3) the HCs and participants with ASD exhibited normalized mean degree differences in the right amygdala, and (4) significant differences in the network characteristics were observed in the 18′ age group at most of the densities analyzed. We used cross‐sectional analysis to infer distinct neurodevelopmental trajectories in ASD in the brain structural connectome. Our findings are consistent with the notion that adolescence is a sensitive period of brain development with strong potential for brain plasticity, offering opportunities for environmental adaptation and social integration and for increasing vulnerability. ASD may be a product of susceptibility.

Lay Summary

We used cross‐sectional analysis to preliminarily infer distinct neurodevelopmental trajectories in ASD in the brain structural connectome. The main findings are as follows: (1) Cross‐sectional trajectories of the network characteristics exhibited inverted U‐shapes in both HCs and participants with ASD, with the latter exhibiting a 7‐year delay in reaching the maximum value, (2) Network resilience to targeted attacks peaked at 18′ and 19′ in the HCs and at 25′ in the participants with ASD, and the weakest resilience occurred at age 7′, (3) The HCs and participants with ASD exhibited normalized mean degree differences in the right amygdala, and (4) significant differences in the network characteristics were observed in the 18′ age group at most of the densities analyzed.
Electrochemical Utilization of Iron IV in the Li1.3Fe0.4Nb0.3O2 Disordered Rocksalt Cathode
Authors: Lebens‐Higgins Zachary , Chung Hyeseung , Temprano Israel , Zuba Mateusz , Wu Jinpeng , Rana Jatinkumar , Mejia Carlos , Jones Michael A. , Wang Le , Grey Clare P. , Du Yingge , Yang Wanli , Meng Ying Shirley , Piper Louis. F. J.
Published: January 2021

Interest in alkali‐rich oxide cathodes has grown in an effort to identify systems that provide high energy densities through reversible oxygen redox. However, some of the most promising compositions such as those based solely on earth abundant elements, e. g., iron and manganese, suffer from poor capacity retention and large hysteresis. Here, we use the disordered rocksalt cathode, Li1.3Fe0.4Nb0.3O2, as a model system to identify the underlying origin for the poor performance of Li‐rich iron‐based cathodes. Using elementally specific spectroscopic probes, we find the first charge is primarily accounted for by iron oxidation to 4+ below 4.25 V and O2 gas release beyond 4.25 V with no evidence of bulk oxygen redox. Although the Li1.3Fe0.4Nb0.3O2 is not a viable oxygen redox cathode, the iron 3+/4+ redox couple can be used reversibly during cycling.
Selective inhibitory effects of HYIpro‐3‐1 on CYP1A2 in human liver microsomes
Authors: Kim Younah , Kim Ju‐Hyun , Lee Taeho , Bae Jong‐Sup , Jeong Tae Cheon , Lee Eung Seok , Lee Sangkyu
Published: January 2021

CYP1A2 is one of the main Cytochrome P450 enzymes in the human liver associated with the metabolism of several xenobiotics. CYP1A2 is especially involved in the metabolic activation of different procarcinogens. Therefore, the development of cancer may be inhibited by inhibiting CYP1A2 activity. Here, the inhibitory effect of HYIpro‐3‐1 and its derivatives on CYP1A2 activity in human liver microsomes (HLM) was studied through LC‐MS/MS using a cocktail assay. Among the four compounds, HYIpro‐3‐1 showed the most selective and strongest inhibitory effect on CYP1A2 at IC50 values of 0.1 µM in HLMs and inhibition was confirmed using purified human CYP1A2. It was determined that inhibition is reversible because the inhibitory effect of HYIpro‐3‐1 is not dependent on preincubation time. HYIpro‐3‐1 showed a typical pattern of competitive inhibition for CYP1A2‐catalyzed phenacetin O‐deethylation, based on the Lineweaver‐Burk plot, with a Ki value of 0.05 μM in HLMs; the secondary plot also showed a linear pattern. In our study, HYIpro‐3‐1 was proposed as a novel inhibitor with the capacity to selectively inhibit CYP1A activity in HLMs.
Behavior analysts' perceptions of the population specificity or comprehensiveness of autism treatments
Authors: Campbell Elizabeth A. , Schreck Kimberly A. , Zane Thomas
Published: January 2021

The basic philosophy of radical behaviorism provides foundations for behavioral intervention applications in applied behavior analysis (ABA) across a variety of populations and human behaviors. However, as ABA increases in popularity for people with autism, many people perceive that ABA resembles other non‐research‐supported interventions which market themselves almost exclusively for autism. This study evaluated the extent to which behavior analysts perceived scientifically supported treatments (e.g., ABA) and non‐scientifically supported treatments as population‐specific or as comprehensively applicable across populations. Behavior analysts (N = 876) completed an online survey which indicated that approximately 3/4 of behavior analysts reported ABA as comprehensively effective for all people. Treatments without scientific support also were ranked more often or as effective as ABA for specific populations (i.e., intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, severe behavior problems, adults, and children). Results indicated a continuing need to emphasize the education and requirements of radical behaviorism as the scientific foundations of ABA.
Frustules of Amphora sp. as a photonic crystal with photoluminescent CdS nanoparticles
Authors: González‐Fortuna Georgina , Arteaga‐Larios Nubia , Nahmad Yuri , Navarro‐Contreras Hugo R. , García‐Meza J. Viridiana
Published: January 2021

Diatom frustules have species‐specific patterns of pores, striae, pores, and nanopores, periodically arranged on its silica surface, as sets of cavities that modify the vacuum electromagnetic density of states. Therefore, frustules may be considered photonic crystals; the interaction with light‐emitting sources inside the pores may potentially result in enhancement or inhibition of their spontaneous radiative emission rate and frequencies. In this work, we studied the photoluminescence of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CdS‐NP) deposited inside frustule cavities that conveyed evidence of cavity–NP interaction. We synthesized CdS‐NP, a semiconductor compound achieving quantum dots small enough to impose confinement effects to the electronic states. CdS‐NP and their clusters were physiosorbed onto the surface, striae, and predominantly inside the pores of the cleansed frustules of Amphora sp. A broad peak with a maximum intensity at 437 nm (2.84 eV) was recorded after excitation with a 375 nm light source, showing a large blue shift and signal amplification of the CdS‐NP photoluminescence when these were embedded inside the pores of the silica frustule. Using the Brus equation, we estimated a NP size of 4.1 ± 0.2 nm for the CdS‐NP snuggly packed inside the smaller pores of the frustule, of 10 ± 0.7 nm in average diameter, The emission Purcell enhancement factor for an emitting atom in a cavity was calculated. The obtained Q factor (c. 5) was smaller than typical Q factors for designed semiconductor cavities of similar dimensions, an expected situation if it is assumed that the pores are open‐ended cavities.
The glenohumeral ligaments: Superior, middle, and inferior: Anatomy, biomechanics, injury, and diagnosis
Authors: Fox Alice J. S. , Fox Olivia J. K. , Schär Michael O. , Chaudhury Salma , Warren Russell F. , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: January 2021

The three glenohumeral ligaments (superior, middle, and inferior) are discrete thickenings of the glenohumeral joint capsule and are critical to shoulder stability and function. Injuries to this area are a cause of significant musculoskeletal morbidity. A literature search was performed by a review of PubMed, Google Scholar, and OVID for all relevant articles published up until 2020. This study highlights the anatomy, biomechanical function, and injury patterns of the glenohumeral ligaments, which may be relevant to clinical presentation and diagnosis. A detailed understanding of the normal anatomy and biomechanics is a necessary prerequisite to understanding the injury patterns and clinical presentations of disorders involving the glenohumeral ligaments of the shoulder.
Activity and bioavailability of tepotinib for leptomeningeal metastasis of NSCLC with MET exon 14 skipping mutation
Authors: Tanaka Hisashi , Taima Kageaki , Makiguchi Tomonori , Nakagawa Junichi , Niioka Takenori , Tasaka Sadatomo
Published: January 2021

Tepotinib is a key drug for cancer patients with mesenchymal‐epithelial transition receptor tyrosine kinase proto‐oncogene (MET) exon 14 skipping mutation. However, its bioavailability in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in humans has not been fully elucidated. Moreover, information about the efficacy of tepotinib in patients with leptomeningeal metastasis is limited. Here, we present the case of a 56‐year‐old man who was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma with MET exon 14 skipping mutation. He was urgently hospitalized due to leptomeningeal metastasis. We administered tepotinib 500 mg/day as the second‐line therapy and observed improvement in leptomeningeal metastasis and performance status. The tepotinib concentrations reached 1,648 ng/mL in the plasma and 30.6 ng/mL in the CSF, with a penetration rate (CSF/plasma) of 1.83%. These demonstrate tepotinib could achieve a high rate of central nervous system transition and could be effective against leptomeningeal metastasis.
A Novel Solution to Treat Unesthetic Implant Restorations in the Esthetic Zone: A Case Report
Authors: Mathews David P.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Soft tissue dehiscences and deficiencies can occur around implants especially when they are malpositioned. There is a dearth of information on burying these fixtures and bridging over them to improve the prosthetic result. The patient presented with a very functional fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) from #7 to #10 which had been in place for 20 years. The patient requested replacement of the restoration for a better esthetic outcome.

Case Presentation

The FDP was intact and did not need replacement other than for esthetic improvement. Implants were placed in the #8,9 sites and complications developed. After multiple hard and soft tissue surgeries, the case worsened. It was referred to a periodontist who reconstructed the site to ideal tissue levels. The patient had a very high smile line showing all of the soft tissue framework around the missing teeth. The prosthodontist and periodontist decided to leave the implants buried and bridged over them which resulted in an excellent esthetic outcome.

Conclusion

This case points out the importance of considering all possible treatment plans and involving the patient in the final decision. The seemingly apparent obvious plan would have been to restore the implants and try to achieve an esthetic result. However, after the implants were placed and developed complications, the decision to bury them improved the probability of a better esthetic outcome. The gingival levels and height of papillae were esthetically more acceptable with an FDP than what would have resulted if the fixtures were re‐uncovered and restored.
Basic human values and sense of community as resource and responsibility
Authors: Mannarini Terri , Procentese Fortuna , Gatti Flora , Rochira Alessia , Fedi Angela , Tartaglia Stefano
Published: January 2021

The study aimed at exploring the relationship between basic human values and sense of community (SOC). Specifically, it aimed at identifying which types of values exert an impact, whether these values are consistent with SOC as a resource and responsibility (SOC‐R), and whether the values‐SOC/SOC‐R relations change according to some community characteristics (i.e., stability and cohesion). The 1,334 participants in the survey were based in different local communities and completed a self‐report questionnaire containing measures of values, SOC, SOC‐R, perceived community cohesion, and stability. Results revealed a consistent pattern of values‐SOC/SOC‐R relations that support each of the respective theories and confirmed that SOC and SOC‐R are two separate constructs. Values sustaining SOC/SOC‐R (i.e., self‐transcendence and conservation) were also shown to increase SOC/SOC‐R when communities were perceived as low in stability and cohesion. Finally, the implications and limitations of the study are discussed.