bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avanços e recuos do ecumenismo na América Latina: a Campanha da Fraternidade Ecumêmica 2021 em questão
Authors: Campos Breno Martins , Souza Lindolfo Alexandre de
Published: July 2021

O objetivo primário deste artigo é propor que as relações de diálogo ecumênico no contexto latino-americano são marcadas por uma caminhada não linear, com avanços e recuos. Para tanto, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfico-documental e de caráter exploratório, são apresentadas orientações a respeito do ecumenismo na perspectiva da Igreja Católica Apostólica Romana, principalmente por meio de decisões do Concílio Vaticano II (Roma, 1962-1965), bem como por suas reverberações nos textos das conferências gerais do episcopado latino-americano, realizadas em Medellín (Colômbia, 1968), Puebla (México, 1979), Santo Domingo (República Dominicana, 1992) e Aparecida (Brasil, 2007). Tais indicações, marcadas por uma perspectiva favorável ao movimento ecumênico, são colocadas em contraste com outras perspectivas de documentos, eventos e fatos históricos (católicos e não católicos) que apontam para uma compreensão contrária ou, pelo menos, marcada por resistência ao ecumenismo. A título de exemplo, este trabalho propõe que as objeções internas de setores da Igreja católica à Campanha da Fraternidade 2021, realizada de forma ecumênica pelo Conselho Nacional de Igrejas Cristãs do Brasil (CONIC), apesar de serem apontadas pela mídia como uma novidade, são, de fato, mais um capítulo da história ecumênica, marcada por movimentos de aceleração e de frenagem.
A Brownian ratchet model for DNA loop extrusion by the cohesin complex
Authors: Higashi Torahiko L , Pobegalov Georgii , Tang Minzhe , Molodtsov Maxim I , Uhlmann Frank
Published: July 2021

The cohesin complex topologically encircles DNA to promote sister chromatid cohesion. Alternatively, cohesin extrudes DNA loops, thought to reflect chromatin domain formation. Here, we propose a structure-based model explaining both activities. ATP and DNA binding promote cohesin conformational changes that guide DNA through a kleisin N-gate into a DNA gripping state. Two HEAT-repeat DNA binding modules, associated with cohesin’s heads and hinge, are now juxtaposed. Gripping state disassembly, following ATP hydrolysis, triggers unidirectional hinge module movement, which completes topological DNA entry by directing DNA through the ATPase head gate. If head gate passage fails, hinge module motion creates a Brownian ratchet that, instead, drives loop extrusion. Molecular-mechanical simulations of gripping state formation and resolution cycles recapitulate experimentally observed DNA loop extrusion characteristics. Our model extends to asymmetric and symmetric loop extrusion, as well as z-loop formation. Loop extrusion by biased Brownian motion has important implications for chromosomal cohesin function.
Genomics pipelines to investigate susceptibility in whole genome and exome sequenced data for variant discovery, annotation, prediction and genotyping
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Renart Eduard Gibert , Zeeshan Saman
Published: July 2021

Over the last few decades, genomics is leading toward audacious future, and has been changing our views about conducting biomedical research, studying diseases, and understanding diversity in our society across the human species. The whole genome and exome sequencing (WGS/WES) are two of the most popular next-generation sequencing (NGS) methodologies that are currently being used to detect genetic variations of clinical significance. Investigating WGS/WES data for the variant discovery and genotyping is based on the nexus of different data analytic applications. Although several bioinformatics applications have been developed, and many of those are freely available and published. Timely finding and interpreting genetic variants are still challenging tasks among diagnostic laboratories and clinicians. In this study, we are interested in understanding, evaluating, and reporting the current state of solutions available to process the NGS data of variable lengths and types for the identification of variants, alleles, and haplotypes. Residing within the scope, we consulted high quality peer reviewed literature published in last 10 years. We were focused on the standalone and networked bioinformatics applications proposed to efficiently process WGS and WES data, and support downstream analysis for gene-variant discovery, annotation, prediction, and interpretation. We have discussed our findings in this manuscript, which include but not are limited to the set of operations, workflow, data handling, involved tools, technologies and algorithms and limitations of the assessed applications.
Nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and competence regarding palliative and end-of-life care: a path analysis
Authors: Lin Hung-Yu , Chen Chun-I , Lu Chu-Yun , Lin Shu-Chuan , Huang Chiung-Yu
Published: July 2021

Background

Nurses’ knowledge regarding palliative and end-of-life (EOL) care has been documented, but the competence of nurses in Taiwan has not been deeply analyzed and may affect the use of EOL care.

Purpose

We aimed to (1) assess the palliative care knowledge, competence and attitude of nurses in a general hospital and (2) examine the paths connecting nurses’ demographic characteristics, previous experiences, knowledge, competence, and attitude.

Method

A correlational, cross-sectional survey design was implemented to recruit 682 eligible nurses. The questionnaires included demographic information and palliative and EOL care knowledge, attitude, and competence scales. Path analysis was employed for statistical analysis using structural equation modeling.

Results

Overall, 76% of the questions assessing palliative and hospice knowledge were answered correctly. Nurses’ palliative attitudes were divided into “positive perception” and “negative perception”. “Positive perception” was highly correlated with competence (r = 0.48, p < 0.001), but “negative perception” was not significantly correlated with competence (r = −0.07, p = 0.25). “Positive perception” (β =  −0.01, p = 0.84) and competence (β =  0.02, p = 0.80) were not related to palliative knowledge. “Negative perception”, however, was negatively associated with palliative knowledge (β =  −0.20, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study suggests continuing education to decrease nurses’ “negative perception” attitude regarding the provision of information to patients and families to provide better palliative and EOL care.

Implications for Practice

Nurses’ attitudes and competences with respect to palliative care and EOL care are critical. Areas for further research and advanced palliative and EOL care-related education and training are suggested and may be applied in future clinical interventions.
How C: N: P stoichiometry in soils and carbon distribution in plants respond to forest age in aPinus tabuliformisplantation in the mountainous area of eastern Liaoning Province, China
Authors: Wang Lijiao , Jing Xin , Han Jincheng , Yu Lei , Wang Yutao , Liu Ping
Published: July 2021

Carbon distribution in plants and ecological stoichiometry in soils are important indicators of element cycling and ecosystem stability. In this study, five forest ages, young forest (YF), middle-aged forest (MAF), near-mature forest (NMF), mature forest (MF), and over-mature forest (OMF) in aPinus tabuliformisplantation were chosen to illustrate interactions among the C: N: P stoichiometry in soils and carbon distribution in plants, in the mountainous area of eastern Liaoning, China. Carbon content was highest in the leaves of MAF (505.90 g⋅kg−1) and NMF (509.00 g⋅kg−1) and the trunks of YF (503.72 g⋅kg−1), MF (509.73 g⋅kg−1), and OMF (504.90 g⋅kg−1), and was lowest in the branches over the entire life cycle of the aboveground components (335.00 g⋅kg−1). The carbon content of the fine roots decreased with soil layer depth. In YF, MAF, and NMF carbon content of fine roots at 0.5 m was always higher than that of fine roots at 1 m; however, it was the opposite in MF and OMF. The carbon content of the leaves changed with forest age; however, carbon content of branches, trunks and fine roots did not change significantly. Soil total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP) content was highest in the OMF. Soil TC, TN and AP content, and TC: TN, TC: TP and TN: TP ratio decreased with increasing soil depth. Soil TC, TN, and TP content had a significant effect on the carbon content of fine roots (p< 0.05). The leaf carbon content and soil element content changed obviously with forest age, and the soil TN, TP and AP increased, which might reduce the carbon content allocation of fine roots.
Profiling Actors and Risk Management in the Cashew Supply Chain in Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim M. K.
Published: July 2021

This study profiled actors and analysed the risks associated with cashew supply chain in Kogi State, Nigeria. It specifically profiled actors in the cashew supply chain by socioeconomic indicators, identified the risks associated with the cashew supply chain, ascertain the severity of the supply chain risks, and assessed the strategies employed by the actors to mitigate the effects of the risks. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select one hundred cashew nut farmers, twenty each of major buyers, warehouse owners and processors. Primary data used for the study was obtained using questionnaire design and interview schedule. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics.. More males were involved in the cashew supply chain than their female counterpart. The mean age was 37 years, 39 years, 40 years and 37 years for farmers, major buyers, warehouse owners, and processors respectively. Production and climate related risks were more recorded among the cashew nut farmers and processors. Financial related risks is a major source of risk among actors whose activities are marketing related, while government policy or institutional related risks was recorded across all actors in the cashew supply chain. Furthermore, 95% and 65% of farmers and processors respectively, in the cashew supply chain agreed to the severity of production related risks in their activities, while 85%, 80%, 75% and 70% of farmers, major buyers, warehouse owners and processors respectively, agreed to the severity of financial related risks. Climate related risk were more severe among the farmers (75%) while the severity of institutional related risk were more among major buyers (85%) and warehouse owners (75%).  The various strategies employed by actors across the cashew supply chain to mitigate the effects of risks were generally preventive strategies. Based on the findings from the study, the need for cooperative formation, financial literacy training, and awareness on the need for agricultural insurance participation by farmers and other agribusiness actors were recommended.
Impact of Medical Approach in a Limited-resources Centre on the Pattern of Sickle Cell Disease Phenotypes and its Complication in a Nigerian Hospital: A Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Duru A.N. , Okebaram R. , Muoghalu E. , Chikezie K. , Amu N. , Obodo O. , Madu A. J. , Nwagha T. , Ugwu A. O. , Okoye H. C. , Nonyelu C. , Anigbogu I. O. , Duru C. R. , Ocheni S.
Published: July 2021

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the commonest inherited qualitative blood disorder worldwide.

Aims: To guide haematologists and other clinicians in making appropriate clinical judgement in the management of SCD patients in resource poor countries.

Objective: To evaluate the demographic characteristics, clinical phenotype, laboratory parameters and complications of the enrolled patients during the period of the study.

Study Design: A retrospective study.

Place and Duration of the Study: Haematology and Immunology department, UNTH over 8 years period.

Methodology: We enrolled 135 patients grouped into mild or severe SCD. The objective parameters were extracted from their case notes. Data analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 8.

Results: Of the135 subjects, 39 (29%) had mild disease while 96 (71%) had severe disease. The mean ages in the groups were 27 and 26 years respectively (age ranged from 10 to 55years). Mean weight and frequency of crises per year between the groups were 59 and 58kg, 1.0 and 5.0 crises, respectively. Significant difference existed in the mean blood counts, F = 323.3. P < 0.0001. Renal and liver functions showed no significant derangement. Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) was predominant crisis. Leg ulcer (20%) was commonest complication. Significant relationship existed between frequency of crisis and number of complications, r = 0.17, P = .04, [CI = 0.003 – 0.332]. No relationship was observed between the number of blood units and frequency of crisis, r = 0.05, P = .61, [CI = -0.12 - 0.21]. Our patients were counselled at every clinic visit with proper guidance.

Significant difference existed between blood pressure and proteinuria, P < .0001, [CI = 4.73 – 23.2].

Conclusion: Multidisciplinary approach improved their clinical outcome. Component blood transfusion practice is strongly advocated. We recommend further studies on the psycho-socio-economic, and environmental factors that impact on clinical phenotypes of this medical condition.
Mental and Behavioural Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence: An Observational Study
Authors: Das Shyamanta , Ghosh Soumitra , Bhuyan Dhrubajyoti , Saikia Hiranya , Goswami Hiranya Kumar , Soren Rupi Varsha , Bhandari Samrat Singh
Published: July 2021

Background: There is overlap of symptoms in psychiatric disorders, especially in mental and behavioural disorders of childhood and adolescence. Half of all lifetime psychiatric disorders tend to arise by age 14 years and three fourths of them arise by age 24 years.

Aim: To study the various types of mental and behavioural disorders of childhood and adolescence, and to find out comorbidities within and across the types.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of one year in the psychiatry department of a tertiary care general hospital. The psychiatric diagnoses according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) tenth revision of the International Statistical Classification of Health and Related Problems (ICD-10) were categorised into type 1 (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and somatoform disorder), type 2 (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder), type 3 (mental retardation, developmental disorders of speech and language, and scholastic skills, and pervasive developmental disorders). Descriptive statistics was used with frequency and percentage.

Results: Total sample size was 137. Children and adolescents were almost equally distributed. Boys were more than girls. Type 3 disorders were maximum. Adolescents had mostly type 1 disorders. Children had mostly type 3 disorders. Girls had almost same number of type 1 and type 3 disorders. Boys had mostly type 3 disorders. Within group comorbidity was mostly with type 3 disorders. Across group comorbidity was highest in type2-type 3 disorders.

Conclusion: Mental and behavioural disorders in childhood and adolescence do vary according to age and sex, and their recognition will help in the early diagnosis and proper management.
Performance Analysis of Krishi Bhagya Scheme in Agro-climatic Zone-3 of Karnataka
Authors: Manohara H. K. , Hulagur Basavaraj , Goudappa S. B. , Ahmed Zaheer
Published: July 2021

India has been predominantly an agricultural country. The progress of India is very much dependent on the development of agriculture. In recent years, effect of climate change seen in the form of long dry spells and heavy rains in rainfed areas causing drought and floods, respectively. However, these vagaries can be overcome by adopting soil conservation measures, changing cropping pattern, rain water harvesting etc., The present study was undertaken ‘to know the utilization pattern of the components by the KBS beneficiaries’ in Bagalkot and Vijayapura districts of Karnataka during 2017-2018 by the ex-post-facto research design with the sample size of 120 beneficiaries. The results revealed that contour bunds were constructed to increase ground water table (6.67 %) and control erosion (5.83 %). The probable reason might be that, majority of them having semi-medium land holdings. So, they are not ready to reduce the area on their productive lands. All the beneficiaries were constructed farm ponds to harvest rain water to provide protective irrigations in critical stages of crops to get good yield, collected water is also used for providing drinking water for humans and animals (77.50 %). All the beneficiaries installed diesel pump set to lift water from farm pond. Diesel pump is available in lower price and is compulsory to get subsidy under this scheme. So, the poor farmers can able to purchase and used for own purpose. Forty per cent of beneficiaries providing irrigations to the crops through sprinkler irrigations once in two weeks. So, that not even a drop is wasted and crop gets the required quantity of water at the right time for better yield. Thirty-five per cent of beneficiaries growing capsicum and tomato (15.00 %) in poly house. This study implies that KBS is facilitating the farming community not only in increasing production and productivity, but also in conserving natural resources to the greater extent. Therefore, the replication of the KBS for the non-beneficiaries is most desired to transform the socio-economic condition of the farming community at large.
RSOB Shorting Defect Resolution through Looping Optimization and Ball Placement at Wirebond Process
Authors: Calma Norman S. , Pulido Jonathan C. , Gomez Frederick Ray I.
Published: July 2021

Wirebonding process is one of the most challenging assembly manufacturing process in semiconductor packaging industry. This paper discussed the wirebonding challenge and the solution to resolve the wire to die shorting on reverse stitch on ball (RSOB) and prevent irregular looping height for the substrate land grid array (LGA) device. Comprehensive parameter optimization was done particularly on the wirebond looping to ensure that no wire depression and no capillary hitting would occur wirebonding setup. Ultimately, the optimized wirebonding parameter prevented the occurrence of looping issues during the lot process.  For future works, the configuration and technique could be applied on packages with similar situation.
Studying the effect of Eliminating Repeated Individuals from the Population in a Genetic Algorithm: Solution Perspectives for the Travelling Salesman Problem
Authors: Villegas Laura Michele Báez , Morales Santiago Omar Caballero
Published: July 2021

The Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) is one of the main routing problems in the Logistics and Supply Chain Management fields. Given its computational complexity, metaheuristics are frequently needed to solve it to near-optimality. In this aspect, Genetic Algorithms (GA) are promising methods, however, their search performance depends of populations of solutions which can increase computational processing. Thus, the management of this component is subject to adaptations to reduce its computational burden and improve overall performance. This work explores on the elimination of repeated individuals within the population which may represent a significant fraction of its size and do not add valuable information to the solution search mechanisms of the GA. This cleaning process is expected to contribute to solution diversity. Experiments performed with different TSP test instances support the finding that this cleaning process can improve the convergence of the GA to very suitable solutions (within the 10% error limit). These findings were statistically validated.
Uncertainties in Prediction of Future Sea Level Rise Due to Impact of Climate Change
Authors: Sudipta Chakraborty , Kambekar A. R. , Arnab Sarma
Published: July 2021

On reviewing the development of the research methodologies on climate change and sea level rise during the last two decades, it is observed that the assumed scenarios for apprehending the rise in global temperature are grounded on a lot of uncertainties. The real-time data varies from IPCC’s predictions. The gradual transition on the emission pathway scenarios from SRES (2000) till RCPs in AR5 of IPCC depicts the conceptual difference between the two concepts in scenarios. SRES represented detailed socio-economic-based scenarios, but RCPs are based on the capacity of a gas affecting the change in energy in the atmosphere due to GHG emissions known as Radiative Forcing. Considering the possible range of the radiative forcing values in 2100, AR5 of IPCC considers the four RCPs numbered as 2.6,4.5, 6.0 and 8.5 as per greenhouse gas concentration trajectories (not emissions). The present condition of melting of ice sheets at Antarctica and Greenland is quite high and it is understood that such melting will continue. Even in a situation, if the anthropogenic emission of GHGs is immediately stopped, the self-sustained melting will continue. Models so far being based on numerical and probabilistic approaches are expected to undergo abrupt change because of the current inconsistent ice sheet dynamics. Considering deep uncertainty in socio-political and economic changes amongst nations, the importance of usability of model hierarchy for the complex science of climate change is becoming unforecastable, in the prevalent ice dynamics during accelerated warming situations. In reality, the predictions are becoming less reliable.  Possibility of the scenarios likely to be changed are apprehended during the advent of CMIP6 and the variations in contributing factors in the form of SSPs in the upcoming IPCC AR6, in 2022 and it is indicated that the research may take a new turn. A multidisciplinary approach to research with minimum uncertainty in a more precise and finer manner is the need of the day.
A Case Study of Complementary Alternative Medicines in Primary Healthcare in Ghana
Authors: Obu Raphael Nyarkotey , Aggrey–Bluwey Lawrencia
Published: July 2021

Background: The embryonic field of complementary alternative medicine in Ghana is gradually taking shape. Alternative medicine in Ghana is an important system of medical practice with legislation currently pending for promulgation.

Objectives: To support this embryonic industry for potential role into our primary healthcare and public health system, there is a need for robust health care policy in the area of standardization coupled with strong political willpower and research in Ghana. The aim of this case study is to reflect the role of complementary alternative medicine in primary healthcare in Ghana.

Methods: The study incorporates a mixed method engaged in integrated data analysis to investigate the challenges of practitioners of complementary alternative medicines as primary healthcare givers. Additionally, it evaluates the pull factors that drive consumers to complementary alternative remedies from the perspectives of the practitioners and finally, to evaluate the opinions of practitioners on consumers’ push factors from mainstream medicine using Ghana as a case model.

Results: This study demonstrates that there is a role of complementary alternative medicine in primary healthcare delivery as well as the public health system. However, there are multifactorial challenges in the sector as respondents outlined lack of standardization, disunity and mistrust between complementary alternative medicine and mainstream medical practice. Some of these opposing forces prevent recognition of these remedies into the national healthcare delivery system. 

Conclusion: While our findings demonstrate that there is a role of complementary alternative medicines in our public health and primary healthcare in Ghana, we recommend collaboration between complementary alternative and conventional medical practitioners for improvement of quality of life the consumers. We are of the view that, unhealthy competition between the two medical systems should be controlled.
Naturopathic Medicine and Public Health Management in Ghana; A Mixed Questionnaire Study
Authors: Obu Raphael Nyarkotey , Aggrey-Bluwey Lawrencia
Published: July 2021

Background: Naturopathic medicine is at its embryonic stage of development in Ghana and West Africa in entirety. In jurisdictions where Naturopathic medicine is well regulated, Naturopathic practitioners are well integrated into the primary healthcare delivery team. In Ghana, the case is quite different due to a myriad of issues.

Objectives: This study examines the role of Naturopathic medicine in Public Health in Ghana and potential policy direction for adoption of Naturopathic protocols in global pandemic management, the challenges faced by Naturopathic Physicians in primary healthcare delivery, and the challenges of Naturopathic Medical Students on their clerkship at one of the designated government Hospitals. 

Methods: The study adopted a mixed questionnaires study engaged in integrated data analysis. The respondents in this study were selected Naturopathic Medical Students of the Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine, Ghana. 

Results: Out of a sample size of 28, 100% (28) believed that, there is a role of Naturopathic medicine in public health management. 95% asserted that very little naturopathic remedies have been employed in the fight against Covid-19 in Ghana. There was also a unanimous agreement (100%) that Ghana needs to adopt a National Policy on Naturopathic remedies in Public Health. 

Conclusion: Naturopathic medicine should be embraced fully into Ghanaian primary healthcare delivery. It is important to look at the best practices which exist in other jurisdictions such as China and India for adoption. It is time for the policy makers to speed up the passage of the Traditional and Alternative Medicine bill.
Role of Family Medicine in Reducing the Risk of Health Neglect in Low Socioeconomic Communities
Authors: Habadi Mohammed Ibrahim , Alharthi Yousef Hussain , Razim Khalid Mohammed , Aljurbua Abdulelah Abdullah , Alazwari Hamda Daifullah , Alfalahi Ali Mohammed , Alshaeri Khalid Abdulradhi , Almohammadi Nawaf Hameed , Assaggaf Mohammad Abdullah , Alrashedi Omar Mohammad , Almalki Naif Ayidh
Published: July 2021

Family medicine and family physicians have exerted significant efforts in reducing the impact of the deteriorated socioeconomic factors in some communities. They attempt to enhance the quality of care for individuals. Continued research and dedicated levels in this field can also be associated with clear and innovative approaches to enhance the management of certain diseases and to improve the quality of care to reduce patients’ negligence related to potential management plans. it has been reported that family physicians have major roles in elevating the quality of care, achieving better disease management, and enhancing the quality of care for the corresponding patients because they have direct involvement with the individuals’ community and patients, In this literature review, the aim to discuss the impact of socioeconomic status on healthcare and the role that family medicine plays to enhance the quality of care for corresponding individuals’ community. The continued care of family physicians towards the health care of patients can significantly enhance the quality of life and have related health outcomes. Setting priorities and prescribing suitable treatment regimens are two important factors that might solve the problem of negligence to treatment regimens in low socioeconomic communities. Local authorities should also provide suitable environments for patients to enhance the nationwide outcomes and to reduce the burdens over the healthcare facilities by calling for integrated social, providing medical efforts, and enhancing the quality of care for patients.
Physiological Roles of Nitrite and Nitric Oxide in Bacteria: Similar Consequences from Distinct Cell Targets, Protection, and Sensing Systems
Authors: Guo Kailun , Gao Haichun
Published: July 2021

Nitrite and nitric oxide (NO) are two active nitrogen oxides that display similar biochemical properties, especially when interacting with redox‐sensitive proteins (i.e., hemoproteins), an observation serving as the foundation of the notion that the antibacterial effect of nitrite is largely attributed to NO formation. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that they are largely treated as distinct molecules by bacterial cells. Although both nitrite and NO are formed and decomposed by enzymes participating in the transformation of these nitrogen species, NO can also be generated via amino acid metabolism by bacterial NO synthetase and scavenged by flavohemoglobin. NO seemingly interacts with all hemoproteins indiscriminately, whereas nitrite shows high specificity to heme‐copper oxidases. Consequently, the homeostasis of redox‐sensitive proteins may be responsible for the substantial difference in NO‐targets identified to date among different bacteria. In addition, most protective systems against NO damage have no significant role in alleviating inhibitory effects of nitrite. Furthermore, when functioning as signal molecules, nitrite and NO are perceived by completely different sensing systems, through which they are linked to different biological processes.
Lactate Consumption via Cascaded Enzymes Combined VEGF siRNA for Synergistic Anti‐Proliferation and Anti‐Angiogenesis Therapy of Tumors
Authors: Tang Yan , Jia Changhao , Wang Yu , Wan Wenjun , Li Hui , Huang Gui , Zhang Xuenong
Published: July 2021

Lactate, as the most abundant component with concentrations of 4–40 mm in tumors, contributes to the regulation of metabolic pathways, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression, exhibiting remarkable potential in cancer treatment. Therefore, a codelivery strategy that combined the cascaded enzymes Lactate oxidase/Catalase (LOx/CAT) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) siRNA (siVEGF) to suppress tumor proliferation and angiogenesis synergistically is creatively proposed. In brief, the cationic liposomes (LIP) encapsulated with LOx/CAT and siVEGF via hydrophilic interaction and electrostatic adsorption followed by coating with PEGylated phenylboronic acid (PP) is established (PPL@[LOX+CAT]). Moreover, a simple 3‐aminophenylboronic acid (PBA)‐shielded strategy via fructose (Fru) is applied to further enhance the targeting efficiency in the tumor site. The obtained co‐encapsulated nanoparticles (NPs) can simultaneous intracellular release of LOx/CAT and siVEGF, and the collaborative use of LOx and CAT can promote lactate consumption even under a hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) without producing systemic toxicity. The combined application of lactate depletion and VEGF silencing demonstrated the efficient migration suppression of 4T1 cells in vitro and superior antitumor and antimetastatic properties in vivo. This work offers a promising tumor treatment strategy via integrating cascaded enzymes and gene therapy, and explores a promising therapy regimen for 4T1 triple‐negative breast cancer.
8‐Hydroxyquinoline Metal Complexes as Cathode Interfacial Materials in Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Fulin , Liang Chunjun , Zhang Huimin , Ji Chao , Song Qi , Gong Hongkang , Li Dan , You Fangtian , He Zhiqun
Published: July 2021

Ion migration is a crucial factor influencing the stability of perovskite solar cells. Insertion of an interfacial layer between the electron‐transporting layer and the cathode is shown to be an effective way to enhance the performance of devices. However, exploring more effective interfacial materials to block ion migration and thus enhance the device stability is still needed. Herein, a series of 8‐hydroxyquinoline metal complexes are employed as cathode interfacial layers (CILs) in inverted planar perovskite solar cells. The devices with CILs exhibit better performance, stability, and reproducibility than the control device without CILs. The introduction of the CILs forms a better energy match between the [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester layer and the cathode, reduces the contact resistance, accelerates the charge transfer, and suppresses non‐radiative recombination. Moreover, the CILs protect the device from moisture and block the ion diffusions, which is beneficial for device stability. After optimization, the best power conversion efficiency of 20.6% is obtained by using 8‐hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq3) as a CIL, and the efficiency remains 85% of its initial value after 800 h continuous illumination.
Perovskitoid‐Templated Formation of a 1D@3D Perovskite Structure toward Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kong Tengfei , Xie Haibing , Zhang Yang , Song Jing , Li Yahong , Lim Eng Liang , Hagfeldt Anders , Bi Dongqin
Published: July 2021

Longevity is a long‐standing concern for organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Recently, the use of low dimensional perovskite has been proven to be a promising strategy to improve the stability of PSCs. Herein, it is demonstrated that 1D perovskitoid based on 2‐diethylaminoethylchloride cations can act as a template to induce 1D@3D perovskite structure, leading to smoother surface texture, longer charge‐carrier lifetime, smaller residual tensile strain, and reduced surface‐defect density in the perovskite film. With this strategy, highly efficient and stable 1D@3D PSC with excellent reproducibility, showing a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.9% under standard AM 1.5 G one sun illumination is realized. The unencapsulated optimized devices can retain 94.7%, 92.4%, and 90.0% of their initial PCEs for 2100, 2200, and 2200 h under ambient air, 85 °C and illumination conditions, respectively.
Curbing members' opportunism in first‐tier and federated agricultural marketing cooperatives
Authors: Hernández‐Espallardo Miguel , Arcas‐Lario Narciso , Sánchez‐Navarro Jorge L. , Marcos‐Matás Gustavo
Published: July 2021

Agricultural marketing cooperatives are of panoramic socioeconomic importance. As owners, decision‐makers, and suppliers, their members' opportunism is of great concern to their competitiveness. In this study, we analyze sthe impact of governance mechanisms on opportunism. We explore the nonlinear effects and differences between the memberships of first‐tier cooperatives and federated cooperatives. Empirical results show that not all the mechanisms are equally effective: effective mechanisms for first‐tier cooperatives memberships should be employed with lower intensity, whereas those effective for federated cooperatives memberships need a higher intensity of employment. The results of this study allow presenting theoretical and managerial implications in an underexplored field of research [EconLit Citations: D22, D23, P13, Q13].
A Marr's Three‐Level Analytical Framework for Neuromorphic Electronic Systems
Authors: Guo Yunpeng , Zou Xiaolong , Hu Yifan , Yang Yifei , Wang Xinxin , He Yuhan , Kong Ruikai , Guo Yuzheng , Li Guoqi , Zhang Wei , Wu Si , Li Huanglong
Published: July 2021

Neuromorphic electronics, an emerging field that aims for building electronic mimics of the biological brain, holds promise for reshaping the frontiers of information technology and enabling a more intelligent and efficient computing paradigm. As their biological brain counterpart, the neuromorphic electronic systems are complex, having multiple levels of organization. Inspired by David Marr's famous three‐level analytical framework developed for neuroscience, the advances in neuromorphic electronic systems are selectively surveyed and given significance to these research endeavors as appropriate from the computational level, algorithmic level, or implementation level. Under this framework, the problem of how to build a neuromorphic electronic system is defined in a tractable way. In conclusion, the development of neuromorphic electronic systems confronts a similar challenge to the one neuroscience confronts, that is, the limited constructability of the low‐level knowledge (implementations and algorithms) to achieve high‐level brain‐like (human‐level) computational functions. An opportunity arises from the communication among different levels and their codesign. Neuroscience lab‐on‐neuromorphic chip platforms offer additional opportunity for mutual benefit between the two disciplines.
Brownian Cargo Capture in Mazes via Intelligent Colloidal Microrobot Swarms
Authors: Xu Kun , Yang Yuguang , Li Bo
Published: July 2021

Intelligent microrobot systems at the microscopic scale provide enormous opportunities for emerging biomedical and environmental applications. Herein, a multiagent stochastic feedback control framework to control colloidal microrobot swarms for capturing Brownian cargo particles in complex environments such as mazes is proposed. The decision‐making module in the control framework consists of the adaptive generation of target sites surrounding the cargo, optimal target assignment, and approximate motion planning. The stochastic trajectories of robot swarms are efficiently navigated toward their exclusively assigned target around the cargo particle and enable the cargo to be captured. The capture strategy realized by the control framework is robust, adaptive, and flexible in that it accommodates diverse local geometries in the vicinity of a cargo, swarm, and maze sizes and is able to spontaneously split the workforce to catch multiple Brownian cargo particles via multitasking. The present intelligent robot swarm enabled by the multiagent control offers a path to realize complex functions at the microscopic scale in a resilient and flexible manner.
Opioid use after endoscopic skull base surgery: A descriptive, prospective, longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Rimmer Ryan A. , Scott Brian , Pailet Jasmina , Farrell Nyssa Fox , Mace Jess C. , Detwiller Kara Y. , Smith Timothy L. , Dogan Aclan , Gupta Sachin , Andersen Peter , Cetas Justin , Geltzeiler Mathew
Published: July 2021

Background

Opioid abuse is a public health crisis and the perioperative period can be a time of first opioid exposure. Little is known about postoperative pain management after endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS).

Methods

This investigation was a single‐institution, longitudinal, prospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing ESBS between November 2019 and March 2020. Participants completed preoperative questionnaires and were contacted every 48 hours postoperatively to quantify pain and opioid consumption.

Results

A total of 33 patients were enrolled and 28 of 33 patients (85%) underwent ESBS for sellar pathology. Mean total morphine milligram equivalents (MME) consumed was 381.9 ± 476.0. History of a headache disorder (p = 0.025) and previous opioid use within 60 days preoperatively (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with greater opioid use. Mean duration of opioid use was 6.7 ± 5.1 (range, 0‐20) days. Headache disorder (p = 0.01), depression (p = 0.03), anxiety (p = 0.03), age ≤46 years (p = 0.029), and previous opioid use (p = 0.008) were all associated with longer mean opioid use. Patients with headache disorder also reported higher mean postoperative pain scores. Fewer than half of the participants required opioids by postoperative day 8. Prescription of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs at discharge was significantly associated with less outpatient opioid use (p = 0.032). At 2‐month follow‐up, 37% of patients reported keeping excess opioids.

Conclusion

After ESBS, greater total opioid use was significantly associated with history of headaches and previous opioid use within 60 days. Overall, opioid use declined among all patients in the postoperative period, but several factors may contribute to longer duration of use.
Rheological and crystallization behaviors of low processing temperature poly(aryl ether ketone)
Authors: Bonmatin Margot , Chabert France , Bernhart Gerard , Djilali Toufik
Published: July 2021

A new low melting temperature poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) thermoplastic polymer (Victrex AE 250) was investigated through thermal and rheological analysis of films and flakes. DSC was assigned to evaluate the influence of cooling rate on crystallinity and thermal transitions. Rheometry was used to assess its flowing behavior through the evaluation of dynamic moduli and complex viscosity in the melted state. The relaxation times were found from the rheological curves: they are between a few ms to 200 ms for AE 250, lower than those found for PEEK 450, meaning a faster mobility of macromolecules. The thermal activation energy, Ea obtained from Time Temperature Superposition is the same for films and flakes in spite of a lower viscosity for flakes. The molecular weight between entanglements is evaluated at 8000 g.mol−1 for FMc and 13,000 for FLc, it is compared to the value of about 2000 g.mol−1 found for PEEK 450 with the same procedure. Also, the viscosity was compared to other commercial PAEK such as PEEK and PEKK based on data from the literature. This polymer appears very efficient to compete with high performance thermoplastics to be processed by compression molding, out of autoclave consolidation, additive manufacturing, and welding.
Morphology and properties of foamed high crystallinityPEEKprepared by high temperature thermally induced phase separation
Authors: Rusakov Dmitrii , Menner Angelika , Spieckermann Florian , Wilhelm Harald , Bismarck Alexander
Published: July 2021

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high‐performance semi‐crystalline thermoplastic polymer with outstanding mechanical properties, high thermal stability, resistance to most common solvents, and good biocompatibility. A high temperature thermally induced phase separation technique was used to produce PEEK foams with controlled foam density from PEEK in 4‐phenylphenol (4PPH) solutions. Physical and mechanical properties, foam and bulk density, surface area, and pore morphology of foamed PEEK were characterized and the role of PEEK concentration and cooling rate was investigated. Porous PEEK with densities ranging from 110 to 360 kg/m3with elastic moduli and crush strength ranging from 13 to 125 MPa and 0.8 to 7 MPa, respectively, was produced.
Creation of adjacent monolithic and self‐forming porous fragments in a polymerizing layer by optical scanning stereolithography
Authors: Baten'kin Maxim A. , Mensov Sergey. N. , Polushtaytsev Yuri. V.
Published: July 2021

The possibility of optically forming adjacent monolithic and porous fragments of a given geometry in a photopolymer layer by scanning stereolithography is considered. Using computer simulation of the diffusion process during such photo‐curing, the optimal modes of scanning with a light spot both for obtaining a monolithic polymer and for implementing the self‐formation of a porous structure in one photopolymerizable composition with a nonreactive component are determined. The results of experiments on the creation of porous polymer layers reinforced with monolithic stiffeners made from polyfunctional monomers using a scanning polymerizing spot with a diameter exceeding the pore size are presented.
Radioprotective effect of a novel and green bio‐nanohybrid, chitosan/silver/cobalt complex, based on Ferulago angulate plant
Authors: Seyedi Fatemeh , Torabizadeh Seyedeh Atekeh , Naeimi Atena
Published: July 2021

A novel bio‐nanocomposite was developed by incorporating the extracted nanochitosan from shrimp wastes with Schiff base cobalt complex (Chit–Co complex). The phytosynthesis of Chit–Co complex/Ag bio‐nanocomposite was designed utilizing Chit–Co complex at the presence of Ferulago angulate extraction and characterized by AFM, SEM, EDAX, TEM, FT‐IR, and elemental analysis. The radioprotective application of this bio‐nanocomposite on human lymphocyte cells was evaluated using micronucleus (MN) assay. Total antioxidant activities of it were evaluated using FRAP and DPPH assays. Chit–Co complex/Ag bio‐nanocomposite significantly decreased the frequency of micronuclei in human lymphocytes exposed to ionization irradiation (IR). The highest protection was observed at 200 μg/ml. Also, maximum antioxidant activities of bio‐nanocomposite were provided at the same dose. These data exhibit the radioprotective effect of a bio‐nanocomposite based on wastes of living organisms can be an excellent radioprotective agent, which can protect the normal cells of human against the genetic damage by IR.
Comprehensive analysis of a new prognosis signature based on histone deacetylases in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Fajuan , Zheng Bin , Wang Jianwei , Zhao Guiting , Yao Zhongshun , Niu Zhihong , He Wei
Published: July 2021

Histone deacetylases (HDAC) family is vital for tumorigenesis and tumor progression. However, the exact role of the HDAC family in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, we investigated and validated the expression profile, clinical significance and prognostic value of HDAC family members in ccRCC. Moreover, we further explored the correlation between HDACs and tumor microenvironment, tumor stemness, drug activity and immune subtype. The HDAC8, HDAC10, and HDAC11 manifested potential clinical value for prognosis, and the correlation analyses reveals underlying molecular mechanisms, which deserve further investigation for ccRCC. This Integrated bioinformatics analysis, based on transcriptomics and proteomics, implied that HDAC8, HDAC10, and HDAC11 may serve as potential molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ccRCC, but some underlying molecular mechanisms still need to be elucidated.
Does hot and dry equal more wildfire? Contrasting short‐ and long‐term climate effects on fire in the Sierra Nevada, CA
Authors: Kennedy Maureen C. , Bart Ryan R. , Tague Christina L. , Choate Janet S.
Published: July 2021

Climate and wildfire are closely linked. Climate regulates wildfire directly over short timescales through its effect on fuel aridity and indirectly over long timescales through vegetation productivity and the structure and abundance of fuels. Prediction of future wildfire regimes in a changing climate often uses empirical studies that presume current relationships between short‐term climate variables and wildfire activity will be stationary in the future. This is problematic because landscape‐scale wildfire dynamics exhibit non‐stationarity, with both positive and negative feedback loops that operate at different temporal and spatial scales. This requires that such feedbacks are accommodated in a model framework from which wildfire dynamics are emergent rather than pre‐specified. We use a new model, RHESSys‐WMFire, that integrates ecohydrology with fire spread and effects to simulate a 60‐yr time series of vegetation, fuel development, and wildfire in a 6572‐ha watershed in the Southern Sierra Nevada, USA, with a factorial design of increased temperature and severe drought. All climate scenarios had an initial pulse of elevated area burned associated with high temperature, low precipitation, and high fine fuel loading. There were positive correlations between annual area burned and mean annual maximum temperature and negative correlations with annual precipitation, consistent with understood direct effects of climate on wildfire in this system. Decreased vegetation productivity and increased fine fuel decomposition were predicted with increased temperature, resulting in long‐term reduced fine fuels and area burned relative to baseline. Repeated extreme drought increased area burned relative to baseline and over the long‐term had substantially reduced overstory biomass. Overstory biomass was resilient to repeat wildfire under baseline climate. The model system predicts that the short‐term direct effects of climate on wildfire can differ from long‐term indirect effects such that the simple maxim hotter/drier equals more wildfire can be both true and false, depending on scale.