bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remediation of Metformin Hydrochloride in Aqueous Solution Using Locally Sourced Seaweed (Fucus spiralis) Through HPLC
Authors: Bungudu J. I. , Murphy Lorrie M.
Published: August 2021

Metformin hydrochloride is an anti-hyperglycaemic drug that is widely prescribed in the management of noninsulin diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). However, metformin does not undergo complete metabolism in the body thereby excreting significant amount through urine and eventual discharged into the water bodies. Therefore, this work investigates the possibility bio-sorption of metformin by Fucus spiralis seaweed. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and FITR was used for quantifying metformin biosorption. The result shows that Fucus spiralis is a potential biosbent for metformin removal in aqueous solution. The highest removal was up to 74% at 50 µg/mL. It can be mentioned here that this study is the first of it kind in testing seaweed for metformin biosorption.

In conclusion, biomass (Fucus spiralis) was tested for its efficiency in metformin removal in aqueous solution. Adsorption studies revealed that F. spiralis can be used as potential adsorbent for metformin uptake. Very limited literature investigates the application of seaweeds species for pharmaceutical remediation. Remediation of waste and surface water using readily available adsorbent such as seaweed will be useful as it relates to human health and environmental contamination. HPLC was used in this study but other spectroscopic technique such as UV/vis could be explored to ascertain the optimized method. Further studies would be needed to test other algal species for metformin bio sorption.
Maintenance Performance Evaluation and Downtime Analysis of Manufacturing Equipment in a Food Manufacturing Company
Authors: Igbokwe N. C. , Godwin H. C.
Published: August 2021

In food manufacturing, maintenance of manufacturing equipment is one of the most important essentials for an efficient manufacturing as this sector continuously face challenges that makes maintenance very critical due to the nature of manufacturing, thus as a result food manufacturing companies must add or modify their maintenance strategies in order to keep production running efficiently. The aim of this study is to carry out a maintenance performance evaluation and downtime analysis in a food manufacturing company and suggest areas for further improvement. In this study, an empirical case study was carried out in order to evaluate the maintenance performance and downtime analysis. Overall equipment effectiveness and Pareto analysis were used to carry out a maintenance performance evaluation and downtime analysis on the manufacturing equipment using three years historical data obtained from the food manufacturing company as an industrial case study.  The study found that the average overall equipment effectiveness is 55.30% which is a low value when compared with Overall Equipment Effectiveness world standards, meaning that the manufacturing organisation is operating in an average condition and there is a required urgent improvement of maintenance policies and strategies, otherwise it will be difficult for the manufacturing organisation to sustain it. Thus it is necessary that in order to improve productivity, the manufacturing organisation under study should look into its manufacturing strategies so that urgent improvement of maintenance policies and strategies can be implemented and adopted.
Pain Medicine in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Pandey Chandrashekhar , Devadiga Trupti , Thorat Ashutosh Jaysing , Punde Prashant Ashok
Published: August 2021

A significant amount of empirical progress has been made in the management of pain over the last century,largely as a result of the introduction of a more effective pharmacological agent and the developmentof a better understanding of the principle of molecular development that governsits use. Much remains to be learned from the mechanisms and treatment of pain by researchers and practitioners. This review article will discuss regarding the important aspects of pain control in oral and maxillofacial facial surgery.
A Simple LC-MS/MS Method for Determination of Vemurafenib in Rat Plasma Fed with High Fat Diet
Authors: Özdemir Ayşe , Şanli Senem , Akbel Erten
Published: August 2021

In this study, high fat diet was fed to rats and the amount of vemurafenib in rat plasma was determined by the developed liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The calibration curve was linear between 0.01 and 0.8 µg mL−1 vemurafenib with 0.999 regression coefficient.  The limit of detection and quantification of the method are estimated from the signal to noise ratio 3:1 and 10:1, respectively. These are 1.10-4 µg mL−1 for LOD and 4. 10-4  µg mL−1 for LOQ. This method has been found to be reproducible and highly sensitive and  provides a combination of faster analysis time and improved limits of detection.
Study of Efficacy of Diode Laser in Unwanted Facial Hair: Dynamic Versus Static Mode
Authors: Singh Adarsh Lata , Chandak Meenakshi , Ghatge Anugandha , Chandak Sejal
Published: August 2021

Background: Hair forms an important appendage of the body playing a significant role in an individual’s psychosocial personality. Hirsutism is the presence of terminal hair at androgen-dependent sites in a female. Hypertrichosis is excessive hair growth all over the body in a non-androgen dependent manner. Increased terminal facial hair growth leads to cosmetic embarrassment, psychological distress and a low self-esteem in women. Currently, the most effective and advanced procedure for unwanted hair removal is laser epilation. Diode laser (800-855nm) are the most frequently used for this purpose and can be used in two different modes FDP (Fast delivery pulse) and DP (delivery pulse). With this study we aim to compare the efficacy of these two modes of diode laser for facial hair reduction.

Objectives: 1.To study the clinical presentation of unwanted facial hair in patients visiting the department. 2. To study the trichoscopic features of facial hair in patients. 3.To study the correlation between the endocrinal abnormalities and clinical presentation in patients with increased facial hair. 4. To study the effectiveness of two different modes of diode laser on facial hair.

Methods: It is a prospective randomized control study with a total of 20 female patients in the age group of 18-50 years with complaints of unwanted facial hair. VIKINI Diode laser of wavelength 808nm will be used for treatment. Post randomization the participants will be divided into two groups, one of them will be treated with FDP (Fast delivery pulse) mode and the other with DP (delivery pulse) mode. A total of six sittings will be performed at an interval of 4 weeks. Baseline trichoscopy findings as well as trichoscopy at follow up visits at one, three and six months will be recorded. Post procedure patient satisfaction and pain assessment will be also be recorded.

Expected Results: The result would be undertaken in SPSS software. This study will help in understanding which technique is superior for laser hair reduction for facial hair.

Conclusion: The conclusion will be based on findings for study protocol.
The COVID-19 - An Agent for Bioterrorism?
Authors: Gupta Varsha , Bankar Nandkishor , Chandankhede Manju
Published: August 2021

Bioterrorism is a form of terrorism where there is intentional release of biological agent (bacteria, virus, fungi or other germs) to cause harm, illness or death of people, livestock and crops. It is an unlawful use of microorganisms to inflict various forms of harm/harmful incidence or injuries in humans, whole population and environment. There are reasons why this COVID-19 global pandemic appears to represent a deliberate act of Bioterrorism. This is occurring at a critical time in the worldwide especially in times of US presidential election cycle. It appears to be worse in males which have implications for military which might be seen as a biological weapon. This has created a market whiplash the large pullback in markets. COVID-19 represents a tremendous opportunity for investment and wealth redistribution like Swine flu pandemic in 2008-2009 when fortunes were made during that recovery.
‘A home by the sea’
Authors: Engl Rob , Gooder John , Ellis Clare , Donahue Randolph , Evans Adrian , Carruthers Graeme , Hudson Gemma
Published: August 2021

In 2001 excavation works undertaken in advance of quarrying at East Barns, East Lothian (NGR: NT 7121 7686), revealed the substantial remains of a robust Mesolithic house structure, securely dated to the late 9th millennium BC. The house was situated within a large, natural hollow whose gradual infilling had effectively sealed the archaeological deposits. The house consisted of a sub-circular sunken floor with the remains of a westfacing entrance and two concentric angled post rings, suggesting episodes of replacement if not actual rebuilding. The remains of interior furniture were also recorded in the form of post holes, a platform, and three probable hearth features. A charred deposit of occupation debris rich in lithics sealed many of the structural features around the internal perimeter of the house. The distribution of this deposit appeared to reflect informal refuse toss/drop zones formed during the occupation of the structure and suggests some form of internal spatial organisation.

The house at East Barns joins an increasing group of substantial analogous sites related to Early Mesolithic activity in Scotland and northern England. These substantial house sites reflect increasing socio-economic, cultural and chronological complexity during the Mesolithic. As such the site allows provisional hypotheses to be formed about the scale and nature of Early Mesolithic social and economic adaptation around the North Sea Basin.
Vehicle Control as a Measure of Real‐World Driving Performance in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Mikuls Ted R. , Merickel Jennifer , Gwon Yeongjin , Sayles Harlan , Petro Alison , Cannella Amy , Snow Marcus H. , Feely Michael , England Bryant R. , Michaud Kaleb , Rizzo Matthew
Published: August 2021

Objective

To quantify vehicle control as a metric of automobile driving performance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Naturalistic driving assessments were completed in patients with active RA and controls without disease. Data were collected using in‐car, sensor‐based instrumentation installed in the participants’ own vehicles to observe typical driving habits. RA disease status, disease activity, and functional status were associated with vehicle control (lateral [steering] and longitudinal [braking/accelerating] acceleration variability) using mixed‐effect linear regression models stratified by road type (defined by roadway speed limit).

Results

Across 1,292 driving hours, RA drivers (n = 33) demonstrated differences in vehicle control compared to controls (n = 23), with evidence of significant statistical interaction between disease status and road type (P < 0.001). On residential roads, participants with RA demonstrated overall lower braking/accelerating variability than controls (P ≤ 0.004) and, when disease activity was low, lower steering variability (P = 0.03). On interstates/highways, RA was associated with increased steering variability among those with moderate/high Clinical Disease Activity Index scores (P = 0.04). In models limited to RA, increases in disease activity and physical disability over 12 weeks of observation were associated with a significant increase in braking/accelerating variability on interstate/highways (both P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Using novel naturalistic assessments, we linked RA and worsening RA disease severity with aberrant vehicle control. These findings support the need for further research to map these observed patterns in vehicle control to metrics of driver risk and, in turn, to link patterns of real‐world driving behavior to diagnosis and disease activity.
Simultaneously Tuning Band Structure and Oxygen Reduction Pathway toward High‐Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Production Using Cyano‐Rich Graphitic Carbon Nitride
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Cheng , Yang Zhi , Li Shan , Chu Chiheng , Chen Baoliang
Published: August 2021

The demands for green production of hydrogen peroxide have triggered extensive studies in the photocatalytic synthesis, but most photocatalysts suffer from rapid charge recombination and poor 2e− oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) selectivity. Here, a novel composite photocatalyst of cyano‐rich graphitic carbon nitride g‐C3N4 is fabricated in a facile manner by sodium chloride‐assisted calcination on dicyandiamide. The obtained photocatalysts exhibit superior activity (7.01 mm h−1 under λ ≥ 420 nm, 16.05 mm h−1 under simulated sun conditions) for H2O2 production and 93% selectivity for 2e− ORR, much higher than that of the state‐of‐the‐art photocatalyst. The porous g‐C3N4 with Na dopants and cyano groups simultaneously optimize two limiting steps of the photocatalytic 2e− ORR: photoactivity, and selectivity. The cyano groups can adjust the band structure of g‐C3N4 to achieve high activity. They also serve as oxygen adsorption sites, in which local charge polarization facilitates O2 adsorption and protonation. With the aid of Na+, the O2 is reduced to produce more superoxide radicals as the intermediate products for H2O2 synthesis. This work provides a facile approach to simultaneously tune photocatalytic activity and 2e− ORR selectivity for boosting H2O2 production, and then paves the way for the practical application of g‐C3N4 in environmental remediation and energy supply.
Flexible and Air‐Stable Near‐Infrared Sensors Based on Solution‐Processed Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Phototransistors
Authors: Li Dingwei , Du Jiaqi , Tang Yingjie , Liang Kun , Wang Yan , Ren Huihui , Wang Rui , Meng Lei , Zhu Bowen , Li Yongfang
Published: August 2021

Flexible and air‐stable phototransistors are highly demanded for wearable near‐infrared (NIR) image sensors. However, advanced NIR sensors via low‐cost, solution‐based processes remained a challenge. Herein, high‐performance inorganic–organic hybrid phototransistors are achieved based on solution processed n‐type metal oxide/polymer semiconductor heterostructures of In2O3/poly{5,5′‐bis[3,5‐bis(thienyl)phenyl]‐2,2′‐bithiophene‐3‐ethylesterthiophene]} (PTPBT‐ET). The In2O3/PTPBT‐ET hybrid phototransistor combines the advantages of both fast electron transport in In2O3 and high photoresponse in PTPBT‐ET, showing high saturation mobility of 7.1 cm2 V−1 s−1 and large current on/off ratio of >107. As a result, the phototransistor exhibits high performance towards NIR light sensing with a responsivity of 200 A W−1, a specific detectivity of 1.2 × 1013 Jones, and fast photoresponse with rise/fall time of 5/120 ms. Remarkably, the hybrid phototransistor, without any passivation, demonstrates excellent electrical stability without performance degradation even after 160 days in air. A 10 × 10 phototransistor array is also enabled by virtue of the high device uniformity. Lastly, flexible In2O3/PTPBT‐ET phototransistor on polyimide substrate is attained, exhibiting outstanding mechanical flexibility up to 1000 bending/releasing cycles at a bending radius of 5 mm. These achievements pave the way for constructing air‐stable hybrid phototransistors for flexible NIR image sensor applications.
Laser‐Induced Cooperative Transition in Molecular Electronic Crystal
Authors: Hu Yong , Adhikari Dasharath , Tan Andrew , Dong Xi , Zhu Taishan , Wang Xiaoyu , Huang Yulong , Mitchell Travis , Yao Ziheng , Dasenbrock‐Gammon Nathan , Snider Elliot , Dias Ranga P. , Huang Chuankun , Kim Richard , Neuhart Ian , Ali Ahmed H. , Zhang Jiawei , Bechtel Hans A. , Martin Michael C. , Corder Stephanie N. Gilbert , Hu Feng , Li Zheng , Armstrong Jason N. , Wang Jigang , Liu Mengkun , Benedict Jason , Zurek Eva , Sambandamurthy Ganapathy , Grossman Jeffrey C. , Zhang Pengpeng , Ren Shenqiang
Published: August 2021

The competing and non‐equilibrium phase transitions, involving dynamic tunability of cooperative electronic and magnetic states in strongly correlated materials, show great promise in quantum sensing and information technology. To date, the stabilization of transient states is still in the preliminary stage, particularly with respect to molecular electronic solids. Here, a dynamic and cooperative phase in potassium‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (K‐TCNQ) with the control of pulsed electromagnetic excitation is demonstrated. Simultaneous dynamic and coherent lattice perturbation with 8 ns pulsed laser (532 nm, 15 MW cm−2, 10 Hz) in such a molecular electronic crystal initiates a stable long‐lived (over 400 days) conducting paramagnetic state (≈42 Ωcm), showing the charge–spin bistability over a broad temperature range from 2 to 360 K. Comprehensive noise spectroscopy, in situ high‐pressure measurements, electron spin resonance (ESR), theoretical model, and scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) studies provide further evidence that such a transition is cooperative, requiring a dedicated charge–spin–lattice decoupling to activate and subsequently stabilize nonequilibrium phase. The cooperativity triggered by ultrahigh‐strain‐rate (above 106 s−1) pulsed excitation offers a collective control toward the generation and stabilization of strongly correlated electronic and magnetic orders in molecular electronic solids and offers unique electro‐magnetic phases with technological promises.
Direction‐Sensitive Magnetophotonic Surface Crystals
Authors: Rowan-Robinson Richard M. , Hurst Jérome , Ciuciulkaite Agne , Chioar Ioan-Augustin , Pohlit Merlin , Zapata-Herrera Mario , Vavassori Paolo , Dmitriev Alexandre , Oppeneer Peter M. , Kapaklis Vassilios
Published: August 2021

Nanometer‐thin rare‐earth–transition‐metal (RE–TM) alloys with precisely controlled compositions and out‐of‐plane magnetic anisotropy are currently in the focus for ultrafast magnetophotonic applications. However, achieving lateral nanoscale dimensions, crucial for potential device downscaling, while maintaining designable optomagnetic functionality and out‐of‐plane magnetic anisotropy is extremely challenging. Herein, nanosized Tb18Co82 ferrimagnetic alloys, having strong out‐of‐plane magnetic anisotropy, within a gold plasmonic nanoantenna array to design a micrometer‐scale magnetophotonic crystal that exhibits abrupt and narrow magneto‐optical (MO) spectral features that are both magnetic field and light incidence direction controlled are integrated. The narrow Fano‐type resonance arises through the interference of the individual nanoantenna's surface plasmons and a Rayleigh anomaly of the whole nanoantenna array, in both optical and MO spectra, which are demonstrated and explained using Maxwell theory simulations. This robust magnetophotonic crystal opens the way for conceptually new high‐resolution light incidence direction sensors, as well as for building blocks for plasmon‐assisted all‐optical magnetization switching in ferrimagnetic RE–TM alloys.
Insulin Delivery Using Dynamic Covalent Boronic Acid/Ester‐Controlled Release
Authors: Banach Łukasz , Williams George T. , Fossey John S.
Published: August 2021

The number of people affected by diabetes mellitus increases globally year on year. Elevated blood glucose levels may result from a lack of insulin to manage these levels and can, over a prolonged period, lead to serious repercussions. Diabetes mellitus patients must monitor and control their blood‐glucose levels with invasive testing and often alongside administration of intravenous doses of insulin, which can often lead to suboptimal compliance. To mitigate these issues, “closed‐loop” insulin delivery systems are deemed to be among superior options for rapid relief from the demanding and troublesome necessity of self‐directed care. The reversible dynamic covalent chemistry of boronic acid derivatives and their competitive affinity to 1,2‐ and 1,3‐diols (such as those present in saccharides) allows for the design and preparation of responsive self‐regulated insulin delivery materials which respond to elevated and changing glucose levels. A range of meritorious and noteworthy contributions in the domain of boron‐mediated insulin delivery materials is surveyed, and providing a multidisciplinary context in the realisation of the ambitious goal of ultimately addressing the desire to furnish glucose‐responsive insulin delivery materials through innovative synthesis and rigorous testing is targetted.
Intention to have a second child, family support and actual fertility behavior in current China: An evolutionary perspective
Authors: Zhang Lianchao , Liu Jianghua , Lummaa Virpi
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study provides an evolutionary perspective to a classic topic in demography, that is, the discrepancy between reproductive intention and subsequent behavior, in the context of China's two‐child policy.

Methods

We conduct an event history analysis of longitudinal data from the 2015 and 2018 waves of the Xi'an Fertility Survey (sample size = 321 followed one‐child mothers) to test the hypotheses of how within‐family support/conflict affects women's fertility behavior.

Results

Only 50% of positive intentions (i.e., intending to have a second child) led to another (live) birth within the 3‐year interval; meanwhile, 15% of uncertain intentions and 5% of negative intentions resulted in a birth. Husband's and the firstborn's emotional support raised the hazard of second childbirth along maternal life course, which cannot be fully mediated by mother's fertility intention and thus, contributed to an intention‐behavior gap. Husband's sibship size had dual effects on female childbearing behavior: A positive indirect effect mediated by fertility intention, but a negative direct effect presumably due to sibling competition for intergenerational support. Finally, after controlling for fertility intention, having a firstborn son was still associated significantly with a lower second‐childbirth hazard, presumably due to son preference as well as concern over parental investment.

Conclusions

Our study identifies a discrepancy between maternal fertility intention and realized childbearing, which was partly explained by (lack of) support from other (multiple) stakeholders in family reproduction.
Contributions of ground‐penetrating radar in research of some predynastic and dynastic archaeological sites at the eastern and western banks of the River Nile, Assiut, Egypt
Authors: Ebraheem Mohamed O. , Ibrahim Hamza A.
Published: August 2021

The ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) prospection method has rarely been used previously in Egyptian archaeology and never for a necropolis. Archaeologists have looked at GPR as a powerful method for exploring subsurface spatial patterns in the archaeological record without excavation. The results of the GPR survey were compared with the archaeological excavation outcomes on two archeological sites in Assiut. The first site is the temple located on a rocky bench on the northern slopes of El‐Hamamia, the Eastern bank of the Nile (a part of El Badari civilization period, belongs to Predynastic cemeteries). The second is the rocky tomb at the Western bank of the Nile at Gahdem (belongs to the period from the IXth to the XXXth dynasty). The main purpose of this study is to correlate the types of reflections recorded from GPR profiles and high‐amplitude features visible in amplitude maps with unearthed archaeological features. The applied software was able to process and analyse different digital data set with the given parameters. In each investigated archaeological area, the details of the GPR model are correlated level‐by‐level to the data of archeological excavations of ancient ages and data of the historical documents. Three‐dimensional time‐slices of the GPR data allow the identification of the enhanced targets of potential archaeological interest before planning excavation. Therefore, this research paper can be used as a benchmark to evaluate the efficiency of GPR method for identifying buried archaeological artifacts/vestiges for future archaeological prospection in Egypt.
Nanostructured Carbon Composites from Cigarette Filter Wastes and Graphene Oxide Suitable as Electrodes for 3.4 V Supercapacitors
Authors: Gómez‐Urbano Juan Luis , Moreno‐Fernández Gelines , Granados‐Moreno Miguel , Rojo Teófilo , Carriazo Daniel
Published: August 2021

In this work we report an easy and ecofriendly approach for the preparation of activated carbon‐graphene composites using cigarette filter wastes as precursor and evaluate its potential application as electrodes for high energy electrochemical capacitors. Graphene‐biowaste derived carbon composites are tested as active electrode materials in three different electrolytes (ammonium salt‐based conventional organic electrolyte and two imidazolium‐based ionic liquids), which in some of the cases enable to extend the operating voltage windows up to 3.4 V. The incorporation of graphene into the carbon composites not only increase the electronic conductivity but also induce morphological and textural changes that favor the adsorption/desorption of large size ions. Electrical double layer capacitors assembled using these advanced carbon composites can deliver specific capacitances of ca. 160 F g−1 at 0.25 A g−1 which correspond to energy densities of ca. 65 Wh kg−1 at 210 W kg−1, when ionic liquids are used as electrolyte. Besides, a comprehensive three‐electrode study disclosed that the enhanced capacitance observed for these carbon composites in ionic liquids is related to the optimized textural properties, which improves the imidazolium‐cation adsorption.
Crying in psychotherapy among Israeli patients and its relation to the working alliance, therapeutic change and attachment style
Authors: Katz Michael , Ziv‐Beiman Sharon , Rokah Nurit , Hilsenroth Mark
Published: August 2021

Patients’ crying in psychotherapy can, at times, be an indicator of a healing process and reflect patients’ engagement. This study explored the relationships between Israeli patients' crying in therapy, the working alliance, therapeutic change and attachment styles, using similar procedures to the ones used by Genova et al. (2020; Psychotherapy, 58, 160) in a recent investigation of Italian patients. One hundred and thirteen patients completed an online survey in Hebrew about crying in therapy and self‐report measures assessing the working alliance, therapeutic change and attachment styles. Our findings revealed that self‐reported working alliance was related to the patients’ perceptions of their therapist responding to their most recent crying episode with support and compassion. Therapeutic change was associated with a tendency to cry in therapy and higher instances of crying in therapy during the last year. Patients with anxious‐preoccupied attachment styles had more faith that crying would lead to being understood by their therapist. Dismissive‐avoidant attachment style was related to higher likelihood of feeling like the most recent crying episode helped the patient understand things that they did not understand before and feel like their tears expressed things that words could not. Further, fearful‐avoidant, anxious‐preoccupied and dismissive‐avoidant attachment styles were all related to stronger faith in the therapy relationship strengthening after crying. These findings are in line with, and expand on, Genova et al.’s (2020; Psychotherapy, 58, 160) findings regarding the therapy alliance, crying in therapy and attachment styles. Implications for the relationships between patient attachment style, therapy alliance, therapeutic change and crying in therapy are discussed.
Three New 2,2′‐Difurylketone Derivatives and Two New Chromones from the Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata
Authors: Zhang Jingke , Lyu Jinjin , Wang Shengchao , Li Meng , Liu Juanjuan , Zhu Denghui , Shi Jingya , Wie Junjun , Zheng Xiaoke , Feng Weisheng
Published: August 2021

Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata is the processed products of the root of Rehmannia glutinosa. It has been used as a Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, and it has been found to possess widely pharmacological activities. In this study, three new 2,2′‐difurylketone derivatives (rehmanniaeketone A–C) and two new chromones [3,8‐dihydroxy‐2‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)chromone and 3,8‐dihydroxy‐2‐[(2‐O‐α‐D‐galactopyranosyloxy)ethyl]chromone] were isolated from the Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata. Furthermore all of the compounds were subjected to cytotoxic testing against the human lung carcinoma A549 cells. The cytotoxic results showed that rehmanniaeketone B and rehmanniaeketone C exhibited more stronger inhibition effects on the cell activity of A549 cells with the IC50 5.23 μM and 2.05 μM than other compounds. And 3,8‐dihydroxy‐2‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)chromone exhibited moderately inhibitory activity with the IC50 61 μM. Rehmanniaeketone A and 3,8‐dihydroxy‐2‐[(2‐O‐α‐D‐galactopyranosyloxy]chromone showed no inhibitory effects.
Early complete response of primary bone marrow B‐cell lymphoma treated with rituximab‐based CHOP therapy, assessed by flow cytometry and immunogloblin heavy chain rearrangement
Authors: Nabe Yoshimi , Kikuchi Shohei , Kamihara Yusuke , Wada Akinori , Murakami Jun , Sato Tsutomu
Published: August 2021

Evaluation of early response by flow cytometry and immunogloblin heavy chain assessments against primary bone marrow B‐cell lymphoma could be valuable for predicting treatment outcome.
Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia: A rare entity mimicking juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Maatallah Kaouther , Boussaa Hiba , Lassoued Ferjani Hanene , Kaffel Dhia , Hamdi Wafa
Published: August 2021

Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia can be confused with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and the prescription of immunosupressive agents is unnecessary. Surgery may be indicated at advanced stages of the disease.
K2Ti4O9 Nanoribbon Arrays Functionalized with Graphene Quantum Dots for Superior Pseudocapacitive Sodium Storage
Authors: Cao Minglei , Shi Zhixiang , Chen Wei , Li Xingxing , Ma Yanan , Zhang Chuankun
Published: August 2021

Sodium‐ion batteries offer a promising solution for large‐scale energy storage. However, development of suitable anode materials with long cycle life and high‐rate capability is a major challenge. Herein, we report K2Ti4O9 nanoribbon arrays as efficient anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries for the first‐time. The cross‐linked nanoribbon array configuration of K2Ti4O9 enables excellent structural stability and directional ion and electron transport pathways. More importantly, a surface functionalization with graphene quantum dots could significantly improve the electron and ion transport properties and electrochemical surface reactivity of the K2Ti4O9 nanoribbon arrays, thus achieving superior pseudocapacitive sodium storage. As a consequence, the graphene quantum dots functionalized K2Ti4O9 nanoribbon arrays deliver high reversible capacity of 156.8 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1 and remarkable rate capability of 62.8 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1, as well as excellent cyclability (approximately 95.9 % capacity retention efficiency over 5,000 continuous cycles at 2.0 A g−1). This work demonstrated the potential significance of surface functionalization strategy for boosting the pseudocapacitive sodium storage properties of titanium‐based anode materials.
Hofmeister Effect‐Assisted Strong Natural Biopolymer‐Based Hydrogels with Multi‐Functions
Authors: Cai Yaqian , Shi Jiachuan , Liu Fangzhe , Li Haichao , Man Xinya , Guan Shuang
Published: August 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Natural biopolymer‐based hydrogels have been extensively studied in recent years due to their excellent biocompatibility. However, the preparation of multi‐functional and tough natural biopolymer‐based hydrogels is still a challenging problem. Herein, a natural biopolymer‐based hydrogel is prepared using gelatin and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) through a one‐step soaking method. The prepared hydrogel without any synthetic polymers and crosslinking agents has a fully physical crosslinking structure. Due to the hydrophobic interaction brought by the Hofmeister effect, the mechanical properties of soaked hydrogels (tensile stress and strain can reach 3.77 MPa and 1082%) are superior to conventional protein hydrogels. In addition, the prepared gelatin/carboxymethyl chitosan (Gel/CMCS) hydrogels exhibit a variety of appealing properties, including good shape memory, fatigue resistance, electrical conductivity, water retention, drug releasing, antibacterial property, and recyclability. This strategy opens up a new horizon to fabricate hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties and multiple functions, which can extend their applications in the biomedicine area and other related fields.
IL‐10 Receptor Neutralization–Induced Colitis in Mice: A Comprehensive Guide
Authors: Saha Piu , Golonka Rachel M. , Abokor Ahmed A. , Yeoh Beng San , Vijay‐Kumar Matam
Published: August 2021

Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and its receptor (IL‐10R) have been foremost targets to understand inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis. For the past several decades, IL‐10‐deficient (Il10‐/‐) mice were considered one of the best models to study immune‐mediated colitis. Several physiologic limitations with this model, e.g., delayed and varied disease onset, have hindered investigators in testing new clinical therapies for IBD. In this article, we provide comprehensive guidance for using anti‐IL‐10R monoclonal antibody (αIL‐10R mAb) neutralization as a superior alternative model to study IBD. This article describes the feasibility of using αIL‐10R mAb to induce chronic colitis (within 4 weeks), perform time‐dependent mechanistic studies, and assess the efficacy of IBD therapeutics. This article also delineates protocols for in‐house assays to critically assess colitis and associated inflammatory parameters. Overall, we underscore αIL‐10R mAb neutralization as a relevant immune‐mediated murine colitis model to study human Crohn's disease. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Induction of chronic colitis in mice via αIL‐10R mAb neutralization

Basic Protocol 2: Biochemical evaluation of αIL‐10R mAb neutralization–induced chronic colitis

Support Protocol 1: Stool analysis and scoring

Support Protocol 2: Swiss roll method
Can B Corp certification anchor sustainability in SMEs?
Authors: Carvalho Bruna , Wiek Arnim , Ness Barry
Published: August 2021

B Corp certification is considered a viable instrument to support small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting sustainable practices. However, there is a lack of evidence to what extent this instrument can anchor sustainability at the core of SMEs. This study investigates the B Corp certification process of a SME, a craft brewery in southern Sweden, regarding the extent to which it helped infusing sustainability into the business’ mission, practices, corporate form, certificates, and capacities. Results show that the B Impact Assessment, as part of the certification process, positively influenced the business’ mission, practices, and capacities. Limited influence on social commitment and adoption of a sustainable corporate form can be explained through regulatory context and time required for deep organizational change. To enhance the effectiveness of B Corp certification, we recommend making it even more adaptable to different geographical and social contexts and increase focus on impact business models.
Video capsule endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Limpias Kamiya Kenji J.L. , Hosoe Naoki , Hayashi Yukie , Kawaguchi Takaaki , Takabayashi Kaoru , Ogata Haruhiko , Kanai Takanori
Published: August 2021

Since its introduction into clinical practice in 2000, capsule endoscopy (CE) has become an important procedure for many pathologies of small bowel (SB) diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Currently, the most commonly used capsule procedures are small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE), colon CE (CCE), and the recently developed pan‐enteric CE that evaluates the SB and colon in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). SBCE has a higher diagnostic performance compared to other radiological and conventional endoscopic modalities in patients with suspected CD. Additionally, CE plays an important role in monitoring the activity of CD in SB. It can also be used in evaluating response to anti‐inflammatory treatment and detecting recurrence in postsurgical patients with CD who underwent bowel resection. Due to its increasing use, different scoring systems have been developed specifically for IBD. The main target with CCE is ulcerative colitis (UC). The second‐generation colon capsule has shown high performance for the assessment of inflammation in patients with UC. CCE allows noninvasive evaluation of mucosal inflammation with a reduced volume of preparation for patients with UC.
Generalist bird exhibits site‐dependent resource selection
Authors: Cady Samantha M. , Davis Craig A. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Scholtz Rheinhardt , Uden Daniel R. , Twidwell Dirac
Published: August 2021

Quantifying resource selection (an organism's disproportionate use of available resources) is essential to infer habitat requirements of a species, develop management recommendations, predict species responses to changing conditions, and improve our understanding of the processes that underlie ecological patterns. Because study sites, even within the same region, can differ in both the amount and the arrangement of cover types, our objective was to determine whether proximal sites can yield markedly different resource selection results for a generalist bird, northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). We used 5 years of telemetry locations and newly developed land cover data at two, geographically distinct but relatively close sites in the south‐central semi‐arid prairies of North America. We fit a series of generalized linear mixed models and used an information‐theoretic model comparison approach to identify and compare resource selection patterns at each site. We determined that the importance of different cover types to northern bobwhite is site‐dependent on relatively similar and nearby sites. Specifically, whether bobwhite selected for shrub cover and whether they strongly avoided trees, depended on the study site in focus. Additionally, the spatial scale of selection was nearly an order of magnitude different between the cover types. Our study demonstrates that—even for one of the most intensively studied species in the world—we may oversimplify resource selection by using a single study site approach. Managing the trade‐offs between practical, generalized conclusions and precise but complex conclusions is one of the central challenges in applied ecology. However, we caution against setting recommendations for broad extents based on information gathered at small extents, even for a generalist species at adjacent sites. Before extrapolating information to areas beyond the data collected, managers should account for local differences in the availability, arrangement, and scaling of resources.
Electrophoresis of soft particles with hydrophobic inner core grafted with pH‐regulated and highly charged polyelectrolyte layer
Authors: Maurya Saurabh Kumar , Sarkar Sankar , Mondal Hemanta Kumar , Ohshima Hiroyuki , Gopmandal Partha P.
Published: August 2021

Electrophoresis of core–shell composite soft particles possessing hydrophobic inner core grafted with highly charged polyelectrolyte layer (PEL) has been studied analytically. The PEL bears pH‐dependent charge properties due to the presence of zwitterionic functional groups. The dielectric permittivity of the PEL and bulk aqueous medium were taken to be different, which resulted in the ion‐partitioning effect. Objective of this study was to provide a simple expression for the mobility of such core–shell soft particles under Donnan limit where the thickness of the PEL well exceeds the electric double layer thickness. Going beyond the widely used Debye–Hückel linearization, the nonlinear Poisson–Boltzmann equation coupled with Stokes–Darcy–Brinkman equations was solved to determine the electrophoretic mobility. The derived expression further recovers all the existing results for the electrophoretic mobility under various simplified cases. The graphical presentation of the results illustrated the impact of pertinent parameters on the electrophoretic mobility of such a soft particle.
Forecasting realized volatility of Chinese stock market: A simple but efficient truncated approach
Authors: Wen Danyan , He Mengxi , Zhang Yaojie , Wang Yudong
Published: August 2021

In this study, we propose a new family of the heterogeneous autoregressive realized volatility (HAR‐RV) models by considering truncated methods for predicting the RV in China's stock market. By adopting three types of critical values to recognize extremely large values of RV, we show that the modified models are simple but efficient to consistently deliver stronger in‐sample and out‐of‐sample forecasting performances than those of existing methods. Models that take truncated approaches into account can generate substantial economic gains in applications. We further provide evidence that the superiority of our proposed models is derived from the reduced variance of the measurement errors during days including truncated RVs. Additionally, the improved performances of the modified models still hold after considering the effects of jump components and leverage, as well as a wide range of extensions and robustness analyses.
Electrically controlled transdermal delivery of naproxen and indomethacin from porous cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene matrix
Authors: Ruangmak Kamonpan , Paradee Nophawan , Niamlang Sumonman , Sakunpongpitiporn Phimchanok , Sirivat Anuvat
Published: August 2021

This study is focused on the inquiry of using a porous polymeric structure to absorb and release transdermally two drugs through a skin from deproteinized natural rubber latex (DPNR). The porous DPNR films were fabricated from the internal formation of surfactant micelles and their subsequent leaching out to generate porous structures. The pore size of DPNR films increased with increasing surfactant amount. The model drugs were naproxen and indomethacin; their releases and release‐permeations were investigated under the effects of surfactant amount, electrical potential, and drug size. Without electric field, the drug release mechanism was mainly driven by concentration gradient. The higher amount of drug released was obtained from the matrix with a larger pore size. Under electric field, the higher amounts of drug release were obtained in the shorter drug release durations, via the electrorepulsive force between the negatively charged drugs and the cathode electrode. The molecular drug size was a factor for the drug absorption, release rate and amount. For the drug release‐permeation experiment through the pig skin, there were two release‐permeation periods as governed by the combination of concentration gradient and swelling in the first period, and the matrix erosion in the second period. The fabricated porous DPNR films have been shown here to be potential to be used as a transdermal patch with electrically controllable drug release rate, amount and duration along with the facile drug‐matrix loading and absorption.
METTL3‐mediated m6A methylation of ASPM drives hepatocellular carcinoma cells growth and metastasis
Authors: Wang An , Chen Xiaofeng , Li Dongen , Yang Liang , Jiang Jianshuai
Published: August 2021

Background

Abnormal spindle‐like microcephaly (ASPM) has been proved to participate in tumor progression. However, the underlying mechanism of ASPM in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) remains elusive.

Methods

The mRNA and protein expression were determined using Western blot and qRT‐PCR, and the capacities of cells proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated by CCK‐8, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell. MeRIP was performed to validate the interaction between ASPM and methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3).

Results

Herein, we found that ASPM was significantly upregulated in LIHC, and the high expression of ASPM was associated with poor LIHC prognosis. Furthermore, ASPM knockdown could suppress LIHC cells proliferation, migration, and invasion, while ASPM overexpression exerted reverse effect. Mechanistically, we revealed that the N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification of ASPM mRNA mediated by METTL3 promoted its expression in LIHC. More importantly, silencing METTL3 suppressed LIHC cells proliferation, migration, and invasion, which could be retained by ASPM overexpression.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings suggested that METTL3/ASPM axis could serve as a novel promising therapeutic candidate for LIHC.
Sedative‐Hypnotic Agents That Impact Gamma‐Aminobutyric Acid Receptors: Focus on Flunitrazepam, Gamma‐Hydroxybutyric Acid, Phenibut, and Selank
Authors: Doyno Cassandra R. , White C. Michael
Published: August 2021

There are many nonopioid central nervous system depressant substances that share a gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor–related mechanism of action. These sedatives‐hypnotics can be indicated to treat anxiety, seizures, depression, and insomnia but are also used as substances of abuse and used to facilitate sexual assault. Barbiturates, methaqualone, and glutethimide were among the first type A GABA receptor–mediated sedative‐hypnotics. Their clinical use was limited for most indications by serious adverse events and strong abuse potential but continue to be used illicitly around the world. The benzodiazepines supplanted barbiturates for most indications because they were less likely to cause severe adverse events in monotherapy. Flunitrazepam is a newer benzodiazepine that is preferentially used recreationally and to facilitate sexual assault. Flunitrazepam has greater potency and higher affinity for the type A GABA receptor than most benzodiazepines. Gamma‐hydroxybutyric acid is sought illicitly for its hypnotic, euphoric and anabolic effects as well as to facilitate sexual assault. When any of these GABAergic drugs are used in high doses or with other sedative hypnotic agents, respiratory depression, coma, and death have occurred. Chronic use of these GABAergic drugs can lead to significant withdrawal syndromes. Phenibut and selank are poorly studied Russian drugs with GABAergic mechanisms that are inexplicably sold to US consumers as dietary supplements. Poison control center calls regarding phenibut have increased substantially over the past 5 years. Desired euphoriant effects account for the recreational and illicit use of many GABA‐modulating agents. However, illicit use can lead to significant toxicities related to abuse, dependence, and subsequent withdrawal syndromes. Significant evaluation of developing agents with GABA properties should be conducted to determine abuse potential before public access ensues.