bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation and Suppression of Oxygen Release by LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cathode under Overcharge Conditions
Authors: Shi Chen‐Guang , Peng Xinxing , Dai Peng , Xiao Penghao , Zheng Wei‐Chen , Li Hong‐Yang , Li Hang , Indris Sylvio , Mangold Stefan , Hong Yu‐Hao , Luo Chen‐Xu , Shen Chong‐Heng , Wei Yi‐Min , Huang Ling , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: April 2022

The safety issue of lithium‐ion batteries is a crucial factor limiting their large‐scale application. Therefore, it is of practical significance to evaluate the impact of their overcharge behavior because of the severe levels of oxygen release of cathode materials during this process. Herein, by combining a variety of in situ techniques of spectroscopy and electron microscopy, this work studies the structural degradation of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) accompanying the oxygen release in the overcharge process. It is observed that a small amount of O2 evolves from the initial surface at ≈4.7 V. When charging to a higher voltage (≈5.5 V), a large amount of O2 evolves on the newly formed surface due to the occurrence of microcracks. Based on experimental results and theoretical calculations, it is determined that the oxygen release mainly occurs in the near‐surface regions, where the remaining oxygen vacancies accumulate to create voids. To suppress the oxygen release, single‐crystalline NCM811 with integrated structure is introduced and serves as a cathode, which can effectively inhibit morphology destruction and reduce the activation of lattice oxygen in the surface region. These findings provide a theoretical basis and effective strategy for improving the safety performance of Ni‐rich cathode materials in practical applications.
Surface Design with Cation and Anion Dual Gradient Stabilizes High‐Voltage LiCoO2
Authors: Huang Weiyuan , Zhao Qi , Zhang Mingjian , Xu Shenyang , Xue Haoyu , Zhu Chen , Fang Jianjun , Zhao Wenguang , Ren Guoxi , Qin Runzhi , Zhao Qinghe , Chen Haibiao , Pan Feng
Published: April 2022

LiCoO2(LCO) is the most successful cathode material for commercial lithium‐ion batteries. Cycling LCO to high potentials up to 4.5 V or even 4.6 V can significantly elevate the capacity but cause structural degradation due to the serious surface side reaction between the highly oxidized Co4+and O−species with organic electrolytes. To tackle this concern, a new strategy, constructing cation and anion dual gradients at the surface of LCO (DG‐LCO), is proposed. Specifically, the electrochemically inactive cation and anion are selected to substitute Co3+and O2−at the surface in a gradated manner, thus minimizing the highly oxidized Co4+and O−species at high potentials and suppressing the induced surface side reactions. Unexpectedly, this dual gradient design leads to a spinel‐like surface structure coherently with bulk layered structure, which facilitates Li+diffusion kinetics. Thus, DG‐LCO achieves high capacity and excellent cycling stability at 4.6 V (≈216 mA h g−1at 0.1 C, a capacity retention of 88.6% after 100 cycles in 1.8 A h pouch full cell at 1 C), as well as improved rate capability (≈140 mA h g−1at 5 C). These studies provide useful guidelines for future design of cathode materials with long lifespan and high rate capability.
Simplifying the farm safety net
Authors: Fischer Bart L. , Bryant Henry L. , Raulston James M. , Outlaw Joe L.
Published: April 2022

While the 2018 Farm Bill allowed producers to choose between Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) annually, those decisions can be quite difficult to make. The purpose of this paper is to explore options for simplifying (or eliminating) the decision between ARC and PLC. Specifically, we examine the cost of (1) giving producers the maximum of ARC and PLC and (2) simply giving producers both ARC and PLC. The results indicate the 10‐year cost of implementing either option costs far less than the recent short‐term, ad hoc assistance provided to producers over the past few years.
Optimal operation of heat exchanger networks through energy flow redistribution
Authors: Mohanan Karthika , Jogwar Sujit S.
Published: April 2022

This article presents a novel energy flow redistribution methodology to achieve optimal operation of heat exchanger networks. The proposed method aims to manipulate the propagation path of a disturbance through the network to reduce its impact on utility consumption. Specifically, an optimization problem is formulated to generate new duty targets for heat exchangers of the network when a disturbance is encountered. Subsequently, a feedback control system is designed to track these targets by manipulating bypasses around the process heat exchangers. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is illustrated with the help of three benchmark examples. The proposed approach can handle disturbances in inlet as well as target temperature, inlet flow and heat transfer coefficient of individual heat exchangers.
Modeling char surface area during coal pyrolysis: Validation of relationship between pore structure and polymer network
Authors: Yang He , Yang Yahui , Yin Yiyang , Wang Yiming , Shang Yan , Jin Lijun , Li Yang , Hu Haoquan
Published: April 2022

The relationship between pore structure and polymer network during coal pyrolysis was studied by analyzing the evolution of microcrystal, pore structure, and functional groups of char prepared from Naomaohu subbituminous coal by a drop‐tube furnace reactor at 600–1000°C. The char specific surface area changes little with aliphatic bridge cleaving at temperatures lower than 700°C; starts to increase at 800°C with the beginning of side chain cleaving; then reaches the maximum with the methyl and methylene content together at 900°C; finally decreases with the further cleaving of aliphatic structures at higher temperatures. Moreover, the lattice stacking height is minimum at 900°C, indicating aliphatic structure can reduce the lattice order degree. These phenomena support the assumption in the CPD‐PS model that the side chain cleaving generates open pores and meanwhile reduces the adsorption sites in them, making the char specific surface area first increase and then decrease.
Testosterone deficiency and the risk of anemia: A propensity score–matched analysis
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Choi Jae Duck , Kang Jung Yoon , Yoo Tag Keun , Park Yeon Won
Published: April 2022

Objective

There are little data on the endogenous testosterone effect on hemoglobin or hematocrit. Moreover, these data are limited by a cross‐sectional study design, a small participant number, and no adjustment for confounding factors. Therefore, the present study was conducted to address the aforementioned limitations of previous studies using a large dataset and propensity score matched analysis.

Materials and Methods

Men who underwent health check‐up were analyzed. Participants were divided into two groups using the cut‐off testosterone value of 3.5 or 3.0 ng/ml according to a previous definition of testosterone deficiency. Using the cutoff testosterone value of 3.5 ng/ml, 966 cases (testosterone levels <3.5 ng/ml) and 7402 controls (testosterone level ≥3.5 ng/ml) were included, but following propensity score matching, there were 966 cases and 1932 controls. Using the cutoff testosterone value of 3.0 ng/ml, 444 cases (testosterone levels <3.0 ng/ml) and 7924 controls (testosterone level ≥3.0 ng/ml) were included, but following propensity score matching, there were 444 cases and 888 controls.

Results

After matching, the groups were evenly distributed with respect to age, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypertension, and diabetes in both data sets. After matching, the mean Hb and Hct were significantly lower and the incidence of anemia was significantly greater in the case compared to the control in both data sets. The relative risk of anemia in the case was 2.4 compared to the control in both data sets.

Conclusion

Screening for anemia in patients with testosterone deficiency would be needed and vice versa.
Advancements in the characterisation of oligonucleotides by high performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry in 2021: A short review
Authors: Hannauer Fabien , Black Rachelle , Ray Andrew D. , Stulz Eugen , Langley G. John , Holman Stephen W.
Published: April 2022

The first oligonucleotide therapeutic was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998, and since then, 12 nucleic acids have been commercialised as medicines. To be approved, the oligonucleotides need to be identified and characterised as well as its related impurities. Different methods exist, but the most commonly used is ion‐pairing reversed‐phase liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The separation obtained depends on the mobile phase and column used. Other methods have been developed, notably by using hydrophilic interaction chromatography and two‐dimensional high performance liquid chromatography. Furthermore, ion‐pairing reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography ultra‐violet spectroscopy detection and mass spectrometry has been optimised for the analysis of methylated nucleobases due to the utilisation of this modification in the drugs. This review covers the recent advancements in the analysis and characterisation of oligonucleotides in 2021 by high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, notably by hydrophilic interaction chromatography and two‐dimensional liquid chromatography but also the different parameters that influence the analysis by ion‐pairing reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography, the characterisation of methylated nucleobases, and the recent software developed for oligonucleotides.
Patterns of endemism of the Chinese Larentiinae (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)
Authors: Cheng Rui , Xue Dayong , Han Hongxiang , Zhu Chaodong
Published: April 2022

Chinese Larentiinae is exceptionally rich in species since it spans the Palearctic realm and the Oriental realm, comprising 715 species belonging to 130 genera. Among them, nearly half species are endemic. This taxon is considered an ideal object for the study of endemic patterns. In this study, parsimony analysis of endemicity was used to delineate areas of endemisms (AOEs), and track compatibility analysis (TCA) was used to perform the TCA. Eight AOEs were supported. Except for five AOEs around the Qinghai–Tibet plateau (QTP), two AOEs from northern China and Taiwan islands were found. Twenty‐two generalized tracks were obtained from the combination of the track analysis and the AOEs. The uplift of the QTP was assumed to greatly influence these endemic patterns, presented an appearance of highly centralized endemism and diversity in the eastern and southern edges of the QTP. And the AOE of Mt. Hengduan was considered as a major center of development through recent geological history, where strong evolutionary radiation might have taken place, resulting in the migration routes described by the generalized tracks from this center to various regions in various directions.
Sunlight‐driven antibacterial activity of a novel zinc oxide quantum dot and its optimization using Box–Behnken design—A medicament for communicable disease protective wearables
Authors: Flora Rayappan Mary Nancy , Palani Subramani , Kowsalya Palanimuthu , Chamundeeswari Munusamy
Published: April 2022

The current study focuses on microwave‐assisted zinc oxide quantum dots synthesis (ZnO‐QDs) from zinc oxide bionanocomposite (ZnO‐BC) preparation. The novelty lies in the preparation of ZnO‐QDs, since the natural elements present in ZnO‐BC itself acted as a surface penetration enhancer without using any chemical agent. Under ultraviolet (UV) light ZnO‐QDs emitted a blue glow, confirming the fluorescence property. Using Box–Behnken design, the experimental factors of ZnO‐QDs were optimized, yielding a positive response of 350 nm absorbance and these results also matched with the UV‐visible spectroscopy characterization studies of ZnO‐QDs. Using Escherichia coli, the antibacterial activity of ZnO‐BC in comparison to ZnO‐QDs was determined using the well diffusion method and an inhibition zone ranging from 11 to 23 mm and in the broth assay the OD values were reduced by almost seven and 10 times for ZnO‐BC and ZnO‐QDs, respectively, when compared to the control (untreated). The antibacterial activity demonstrated that our newly prepared BC and its QDs have superior activity when compared to the standard antibiotics such as ampicillin. This type of nanomaterial can be used as a new bioactive natural material with light‐assisted activity for antibacterial coatings in the manufacture of personal protective equipment.
On the recovery of disorders of consciousness under intrathecal baclofen administration for severe spasticity—An observational study
Authors: Halbmayer Lucas‐Michael , Kofler Markus , Hitzenberger Gabriel , Matzak Heinrich , Fava Elena , Genelin Eleonora , Werkmann Mario , Saltuari Leopold , Versace Viviana , Dobesberger Judith , Pucks‐Faes Elke
Published: April 2022

Background

Occasionally, patients show dramatic recovery from disorders of consciousness (DOC) under intrathecal baclofen (ITB), an established treatment option for severe supraspinal spasticity. Anecdotal explanations for ITB‐related recovery of cognition include modulation of afferent impulses at the spinal level, thereby reducing spasticity‐related proprioceptive information overload within cortico–thalamo–cortical connections.

Objective

In this retrospective patient chart analysis, we assessed whether a reduction in spasticity would be associated with an increase in Coma Recovery Scale revised (CRS‐R) scores in a larger sample of patients than previously published.

Methods

From a hospital‐based ITB treatment register, we extracted data from 26 patients with DOC and severe supraspinal spasticity who improved by >2 points on the Coma Recovery Scale revised (CRS‐R) within 6 months after ITB treatment initiation. We assessed Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) scores and CRS‐R scores on admission (PRE) and 3 and 6 months after initiation of ITB treatment (3M, 6M). We performed correlation analysis of the scores and their respective changes (PRE to 3M, 3M to 6M). We also correlated the time from acute event until ITB initiation to CRS‐R scores at 3M and 6M.

Results

ITB led to significant improvement in spasticity based on MAS scores, which did not correlate to the improvements seen in CRS‐R total and subscale scores. Daily ITB dose did neither correlate to MAS scores nor to CRS‐total scores in the whole patient group, but after 3 months, ITB dose correlated to some CRS‐R subscale scores in some patient subgroups. Time until ITB treatment did not correlate to CRS‐R scores later on.

Conclusions

Our data confirm that ITB may exert beneficial effects in selected DOC patients with respect to improved cognitive functions, which, however, do not correlate to its antispastic effect. The lack of correlation between time to ITB and CRS‐R outcome, but significant CRS‐R improvements following pump implantation, renders spontaneous remissions unlikely and leaves room for alternative pharmacological mechanisms.
Brain atrophy patterns in multiple sclerosis patients treated with natalizumab and its clinical correlates
Authors: Rekik Arwa , Aissi Mona , Rekik Islem , Mhiri Mariem , Frih Mahbouba Ayed
Published: April 2022

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is defined as a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, witnessing over the past years a remarkable progress in the therapeutic approaches of the inflammatory process. Yet, the ongoing neurodegenerative process is still ambiguous, under‐assessed, and probably under‐treated. Atrophy and cognitive dysfunction represent the radiological and clinical correlates of such process. In this study, we evaluated the effect of one specific MS treatment, which is natalizumab (NTZ), on brain atrophy evolution in different anatomical regions and its correlation with the cognitive profile and the physical disability.

Methods

We recruited 20 patients diagnosed with relapsing‐remitting MS (RR‐MS) and treated with NTZ. We tracked brain atrophy in different anatomical structures using MRI scans processed with an automated image segmentation technique. We also assessed the progression of physical disability and the cognitive function and its link with the progression of atrophy.

Results

During the first 2 years of treatment, a significant volume loss was noted within the corpus callosum and the cerebellum gray matter (GM). The annual atrophy rate of the cortical GM, the cerebellum GM, the thalamus, the amygdala, the globus pallidus, and the hippocampus correlated with greater memory impairment. As for the third and fourth years of treatment, a significant atrophy revolved around the gray matter, mainly the cortical one. We also noted an increase of the thalamus volume.

Conclusion

Atrophy in RR‐MS patients treated with NTZ is regional and targeting highly cognitive regions mainly of the subcortical gray matter and the cerebellum. The cerebellum atrophy was a marker of physical disability progression. NTZ did not accelerate the atrophy process in MS and may play a neuroprotective role by increasing the thalamus volume.
Characterizing Post‐PKS Modifications of 16‐Demethyl‐rifamycin Revealed Two Dehydrogenases Diverting the Aromatization Mode of Naphthalenic Ring in Ansamycin Biosynthesis
Authors: Han Ting‐Yan , Zhang Kai , Tang Gong‐Li , Zhou Qiang
Published: April 2022

Comprehensive Summary

The anti‐tuberculous rifamycins belong to naphthalenic ansamycin based on the structure of aromatic chromophore. Herein, we explored the post‐polyketide synthase (PKS) modifications in the biosynthesis of 16‐demethyl‐rifamycins via gene knockout, complementation and in vitro enzyme assays. The collective evidences showed that i) the aromatization of 8‐hydroxyl‐7,8‐dihydronaphtoquinone was accomplished by the combined action of two dehydrogenases, RifS and RifT; ii) the acetylation and methylation of the macrocycle was carried out on naphthoquinone intermediates in preference to naphthol, by Rif‐Orf20 and Rif‐Orf14, respectively; iii) the presence of RifS/T homologs in ansamycin biosynthetic gene clusters corresponds to the dehydrogenation aromatization mode of dihydronaphthalene. These findings cast new insights into the naphthalene formation and post‐PKS modification of ansamycins.
Evaluating visuomotor coordination in children with amblyopia
Authors: Hou Sabrina W. , Zhang Yan , Christian Lisa , Niechwiej‐Szwedo Ewa , Giaschi Deborah
Published: April 2022

Past research has reported deficits on reaching and grasping tasks in adults with amblyopia and degraded stereoacuity, but less is known about visuomotor deficits in children—specifically, for complex tasks that require movement sequencing. This study therefore compared the visuomotor performance in 21 children with abnormal binocular vision (patient group) due to amblyopia and/or strabismus to that of 236 children with normal binocular vision development (control group) ages 5–14 years. Visual acuity, stereoacuity, and hand‐movement kinematics on a bead‐threading task were assessed. The patient group showed significantly longer durations than the control group on grasp, thread, and total movement durations. Both groups of participants were then split into immature (ages 5–9 years) and mature (ages 10–14 years) groups based on the maturation age for these parameters in control children. Grasp duration was longer in both mature and immature patient groups; thread and total movement durations were longer in the mature patient group only. Grasp duration was the most disrupted kinematic parameter in children with disrupted binocular vision due to amblyopia and/or strabismus, regardless of age. The level of stereoacuity loss rather than the depth of visual acuity loss was associated with the severity of visuomotor deficits.
Host transcriptomic signatures of tuberculosis can predict immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in HIV patients
Authors: Mbandi Stanley Kimbung , Painter Hannah , Penn‐Nicholson Adam , Toefy Asma , Erasmus Mzwandile , Hanekom Willem A. , Scriba Thomas J. , Lai Rachel P.J. , Marais Suzaan , Fletcher Helen A. , Meintjes Graeme , Wilkinson Robert J. , Cotton Mark F. , Pahwa Savita , Cameron Mark J. , Nemes Elisa
Published: April 2022

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) can be a complication of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in patients with advanced HIV, but its pathogenesis is uncertain. In tuberculosis (TB) endemic countries, IRIS is often associated with mycobacterial infections or Bacille‐Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) vaccination in children. With no predictive or confirmatory tests at present, IRIS remains a diagnosis of exclusion.

We tested whether RISK6 and Sweeney3, validated immune‐based blood transcriptomic signatures for TB, could predict or diagnose IRIS in HIV+ children and adults.

Transcripts were measured by RT‐qPCR in BCG‐vaccinated children and by microarray in HIV+ adults with TB including TB meningitis (TBM). Signature scores before ART initiation and up to IRIS diagnosis were compared between participants who did or did not develop IRIS.

In children, RISK6 and Sweeney3 discriminated IRIS cases from non‐IRIS controls before ART, and at diagnosis. In adults with TB, RISK6 discriminated IRIS cases from controls after half‐week on ART and at TB‐IRIS onset. In adults with TBM, only Sweeney3 discriminated IRIS cases from controls before ART, while both signatures distinguished cases from controls at TB‐IRIS onset.

Parsimonious whole blood transcriptomic signatures for TB showed potential to predict and diagnose IRIS in HIV+ children and adults.
Variation in the utilization of medical devices across Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands: A multilevel approach
Authors: Rabbe Stefan , Möllenkamp Meilin , Pongiglione Benedetta , Blommestein Hedwig , Wetzelaer Pim , Heine Renaud , Schreyögg Jonas
Published: April 2022

Variation in healthcare utilization has been discussed extensively, with many studies showing that variation exists, but fewer studies investigating the underlying factors. In our study, we used a logistic multilevel‐model at the patient, hospital, and regional levels to investigate (i) the levels to which variation could be attributed and (ii) the hospital and regional factors associated with treatment decisions. To do so, we used hospital discharge records for the years 2012–2016 in Germany and Italy and for 2014–2016 in the Netherlands combined with hospital and regional characteristics in nine case studies. We used a theoretical framework to categorize these case studies into effective, preference‐sensitive, and supply‐sensitive care. Our results suggest that most variation in the treatment decision can be attributed to the hospital level (e.g., case volume), whereas only a minor part is explained by regional characteristics. Italy had the highest share attributable to the regional level, whereas the Netherlands had the lowest. We observed less variation for procedures in the effective‐care category compared to the preference‐ and supply‐sensitive categories. Although our results were heterogeneous, we identified patterns in line with the theoretical framework for treatment categories, underlining the need to address variation differently depending on the category in question.
P53 deficiency affects cholesterol esterification to exacerbate hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Zhu Yahui , Gu Li , Lin Xi , Zhou Xinyi , Lu Bingjun , Liu Cheng , Li Yajun , Prochownik Edward V. , Karin Michael , Wang Fubing , Li Youjun
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims:

Cholesterol ester (CE) biosynthesis and homeostasis play critical roles in many cancers, including HCC, but their exact mechanistic contributions to HCC disease development require further study.

Approach and Results:

Here, we report on a proposed role of tumor suppressor P53 in its repressing ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 19 (USP19) and sterol O‐acyltransferase (SOAT) 1, which maintains CE homeostasis. USP19 enhances cholesterol esterification and contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis (HCG) by deubiquitinating and stabilizing SOAT1. Loss of either SOAT1 or USP19 dramatically attenuates cholesterol esterification and HCG in P53‐deficient mice fed with either a normal chow diet or a high‐cholesterol, high‐fat diet (HCHFD). SOAT1 inhibitor avasimibe has more inhibitory effect on HCC progression in HCHFD‐maintained P53‐deficient mice when compared to the inhibitors of de novo cholesterol synthesis. Consistent with our findings in the mouse model, the P53‐USP19‐SOAT1 signaling axis is also dysregulated in human HCCs.

Conclusions:

Collectively, our findings demonstrate that SOAT1 participates in HCG by increasing cholesterol esterification, thus indicating that SOAT1 is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in P53‐deficient HCC.
Host‐related factors and cancer: Malnutrition and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Mancuso Salvatrice , Mattana Marta , Santoro Marco , Carlisi Melania , Buscemi Silvio , Siragusa Sergio
Published: April 2022

Assessment of host‐related factors is a crucial aspect in the comprehensive management of cancer patients. A distinct nutritional disturbance linked to cancer has been recognized to be associated with negative outcomes. However, compared to solid tumors, only a limited number of studies have looked specifically at nutritional issues in the field of lymphoma. The aim of this review is to integrate the current knowledge on interactions between malnutrition and lymphoma and address most relevant and pertinent questions. We first provide a literature review on the mutual biological relationship between malnutrition and lymphoma. Next, we explore the overlap between malnutrition, sarcopenia, cachexia and frailty in lymphoma studies. In addition, we summarize the clinical assessment scales used to measure malnutrition in lymphoma subjects. Furthermore, we address the problem of nutritional interventions aimed at patients who are candidates for treatment for lymphoma. Malnutrition can arise as a consequence of lymphoma disease and can in turn promote lymphomagenesis, negatively affect the response to therapy and favor adverse event to treatment. There is increasing evidence that malnutrition, sarcopenia and cachexia in lymphoma are intimately inter‐related and are a hallmark of frailty. A variety of different tools are recorded with the apparent ability to describe nutritional status and to impact prognosis in lymphoma patients. Finally, a network of prognostic host‐ and disease‐related factors is proposed where malnutrition can interact with each other in complex ways.
Leadership development programs for healthcare professionals in low‐and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: MacKechnie Madeline C. , Miclau Theodore A. , Cordero Daniella M. , Tahir Peggy , Miclau Theodore
Published: April 2022

Background

Leadership development programs are integral to the future success of public health and healthcare organisations. Despite low‐and middle‐income countries (LMICs) bearing a greater burden of unmet medical needs, fewer professional development opportunities exist in these settings. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of available leadership development programs for healthcare professionals in LMICs.

Methods

This study conforms to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis‐P systematic review and traditional meta‐analyses guidelines. Articles were identified through five academic databases: Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, ERIC, and Business Source Complete. Eligibility criteria included original research published in peer‐reviewed journals on non‐clinical, leadership development programs offered to healthcare professionals in LMICs worldwide.

Results

Forty‐one peer‐reviewed articles met inclusion criteria, of which physicians, nurses, and public health professionals were the most common types of providers to attend leadership development programs; no programs exclusively targeted surgeons. The greatest proportion of programs were short‐term interventions (ranging from 1 day to 12 weeks). Communication, organizational structure and leadership, and personal development were identified as the three most common leadership themes in the review. Regionally, leadership programs were reported most commonly in Africa, specifically in Anglophone countries. Other regions worldwide, including Latin America and the Caribbean, were underrepresented in the review.

Conclusions

The findings from this review identify gaps in leadership development programs for certain groups of healthcare professionals from certain geographical regions, supporting the need for further provision of and participation in these opportunities in LMICs.
A quick and easy access to a series of thiocyanated enaminones and 2‐iminothiazolones using PIDA under mild conditions
Authors: Matsui Daiki , Tanimori Shinji
Published: April 2022

A series of thiocyanated enaminones and 2‐iminothiazolones have been synthesized using PIDA as an oxidant with Brønsted acid under the mild reaction conditions starting from the acyclic and cyclic enaminones. Direct synthesis of 2‐iminothiazolones have also been achieved by treating alkali solution after thiocyanation in a one‐pot manner.
Physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities and in vitro sustained release behaviour of co‐encapsulated liposomes as vehicle for vitamin E and β‐carotene
Authors: Xu Tiantian , Zhang Jingwen , Jin Risheng , Cheng Rong , Wang Xiaonan , Yuan Chuanxun , Gan Changsheng
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

In this study the potential of liposomes as a vitamin E (VE) and β‐carotene (βC) delivery system was examined. The co‐encapsulated liposomes of βC and VE (L‐VE‐βC) were prepared and characterized. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated by free radical scavenging activities of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS), hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation assay. The in vitro sustained release behaviour was then investigated and discussed.

RESULTS

VE and βC were co‐encapsulated in liposomes with high encapsulation efficiency, up to 92.49% and 86.16% for βC and VE, respectively. The antioxidant activities of L‐VE‐βC samples were significantly higher than that of single loaded liposome. Among different ratios of VE/βC, L‐VE‐βC at 5:3 exhibited the highest radical scavenging rates, with 66.80%, 56.58% and 34.39% for DPPH, ABTS and OH radical, respectively. L‐VE‐βC samples also had a good ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation, especially the sample with ratios of VE/βC at 5:3 and 3:1. In simulated gastrointestinal release, L‐VE‐βC exhibited an excellent sustained release behaviour in SGF with the accumulated rate at about 20%, while the release rate in SIF increased to over 80%, where they should be absorbed. The release kinetics analysis indicated that βC was released in the Higuchi model in stomach, and the Korsmeyr–Peppas model in intestine.

CONCLUSION

Compared to single loaded liposomes, the combined‐loaded liposomes exhibited higher antioxidant activity and bioavailability, suggesting the potential applications in functional foods. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of crossflow microfiltration on aroma and sensory profiles of a potential functional citrus‐based food
Authors: Hammad Imane , Dornier Manuel , Lebrun Marc , Maraval Isabelle , Poucheret Patrick , Dhuique‐Mayer Claudie
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Citrus juices can be cold‐concentrated by crossflow microfiltration (CMF) in order to obtain functional foods enriched in carotenoids, flavonoids and pectins. The work aimed to characterize the organoleptic quality of this type of micronutrient‐dense foods through their aroma profile and sensory analysis. Two citrus concentrates with and without a diafiltration step were compared.

RESULTS

Both citrus products were very different, linked to aroma compound, sugar and organic acid contents. Due to its sugar/acidity balance and its better aromatic profile responsible for the citrus–floral flavour, the concentrate without diafiltration was preferred by the sensory panel. Thanks to a simple transfer model, we showed that retention of volatiles clearly varied from one aroma compound to another. The terpene hydrocarbons were the most retained by the membrane during CMF, probably because they were strongly associated with insoluble solids by adsorption.

CONCLUSION

Even though the process modified their organoleptic profiles, both citrus‐based products were well rated and can be consumed directly as pleasant functional drinks. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Crop year, harvest date and clone effects on fruit characteristics, chemical composition and olive oil stability from an Empeltre clonal selection grown in Aragon
Authors: Rey‐Giménez Raquel , Sánchez‐Gimeno A. Cristina
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

In this study, the effects of crop year, harvest date and clone on the fruit characteristics and chemical composition of Empeltre olive oils were evaluated. For this purpose, the weight and oil content of fruit and the fatty acid composition, polyphenol content and oxidative stability of the olive oil was analysed throughout ripening during three successive seasons.

RESULTS

The weight and moisture in the fruit, as well as the fatty acids and polyphenol content in the olive oil, were mainly affected by crop year. In contrast, the stability was strongly influenced by the harvest date. Both factors had an influence on the fruit's oil content. The clone was not a substantial component in terms of variability, although the interaction with crop year was notable for some of the characteristics. The oil content increased significantly along with the harvest date and reached maximum values in the last period (44.9%). Conversely, stability and polyphenols decreased significantly (depending on the year, by 30–70%) from October to December, reaching the highest mean values between 1 October and 10 November (15.5 h; 500 mg caffeic acid kg−1). Oleic acid and monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA/PUFA) did not show significant differences depending on the harvest date, but between years, with 2018 having the highest percentage of oleic acid (72.72%) and MUFA/PUFA (8.38).

CONCLUSION

Early harvesting of Empeltre olives would provide considerably more stable olive oils, regardless of the clone selected, with higher phenolic content. It would not affect the MUFA/PUFA ratio, mainly influenced by the crop year. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Technical note: Tracking target/chest relationship changes during motion‐synchronized tomotherapy treatments
Authors: Ferris William S. , Culberson Wesley S. , Bayouth John E.
Published: April 2022

Background

Radixact Synchrony® is an intrafraction motion tracking system for helical tomotherapy treatments that uses kV radiographs of the target and LEDs on the patient's chest to synchronize the movement of the radiation beam with the respiratory motion of the target. Several works have demonstrated Synchrony's ability to track target motion when the chest and target motions are perfectly correlated.

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to determine Synchrony's ability to accurately adapt to scenarios with a changing target/chest correlation.

Methods

A custom ion chamber mimicking plug with embedded fiducials was placed inside a Delta4 Phantom+ and used as the tracking object. A separate motion stage was programmed to mimic chest motion. The target and chest surrogate phantom were programmed to move sinusoidally and two types of target/chest relationship changes were introduced: rigid shifts and linear drifts of the target position but not surrogate position. Tracking analysis was performed by comparing programmed phantom motion to log files of the Synchrony‐modeled motion. No dosimetry was performed in this work.

Results

At the fastest imaging rate of 2 s/img, Synchrony accurately adapted for gradual drifts in the target location (up to 5 mm/min) with minor increases in tracking errors and adapted for an abrupt 5 mm shift after about 30 s (with an auto‐pause threshold at 60 s). When the imaging period was longer (> 4 s/img), larger tracking errors (> 5 mm) were observed, and the treatment would be paused. The measured delta (MD) parameter (2D target localization error on the most recent image) was found to be a more responsive indicator of tracking errors than the potential difference (PD) parameter (3D estimator of tracking error based on all images in the model). Lastly, the effect of a recent update to the tracking algorithm was found to improve the ability of Synchrony to track target/chest relationship changes.

Conclusions

This work demonstrated that Synchrony can adapt to gradual changes (drifts) in the target/chest relationship, but it takes a finite amount of time to adapt to abrupt shifts. Ability to adapt to these changes increases with increasing imaging frequency. Larger tracking errors were observed in this work than others have reported in the literature due to the introduction of target/chest correlation changes in this work. Future work needs to be performed investigating what type and magnitude of target/chest miscorrelations occur in patients. Lastly, users should ensure they are using the most recent software (3.0.1 or newer) to improve the ability of Synchrony to track these movements.
Effect of two boron compounds on smoke‐suppression and flame‐retardant properties for rigid polyurethane foams
Authors: Xu Bo , Zhao Siheng , Shan Hao , Qian Lijun , Wang Jingyu , Xin Fei
Published: April 2022

The aim of this work was to improve the smoke‐suppression performance and flame‐retardant effect of a phosphorus‐based bifunctional flame retardant (PDEP)/expandable graphite (EG) binary flame‐retardant system by incorporating two boron‐containing inorganic compounds, zinc borate and boron phosphate (BP), into rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs). The results revealed that both the boron‐containing inorganic compounds inhibited smoke/heat release of retardant RPUF by accelerating the crosslinking and char forming of the material to promote phosphorus retention in the solid phase. In particular, when 2% BP replaced the same amount of PDEP, the total smoke release value of the RPUF/2%BP/10%PDEP/8%EG (2B10P8E) sample decreased by 30.0% compared with the RPUF/12%PDEP/8%EG (12P8E) sample. This lifted smoke‐suppressive performance mainly due to the existence of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites on BP, which can accelerate the dehydration and crosslinking of hydroxyl in compounds, thus resulting in more phosphorus‐oxygen components retained in the condensed phase, effectively inhibiting the smoke/heat release of the composites. The addition of BP balanced the bi‐phase flame‐retardant effects of RPUF systems containing phosphorus‐based flame retardant due to a strong catalytically charring effect. Thus, the flame‐retardant efficiency was also greatly improved. The smoke‐suppressive and flame‐retardant modes of action of the ternary system was evaluated by experiments using TGA Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, SEM, energy dispersive spectrometry, pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Improving the interface of carbon‐fibre‐reinforced poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) composites with fibre surface coating: a review
Authors: Ren Tianning , Zhu Guangming , Zhang Chengshuang , Hou Xiao
Published: April 2022

As a high‐performance thermoplastic polymer, poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK) has excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties; it is widely used in the aerospace field. However, PEEK has high viscosity, high processing temperature and poor fluidity in the molten state. In preparing carbon fibre (CF)/PEEK composites, poor impregnation performance will occur, resulting in high porosity and poor mechanical properties of the CF/PEEK composites. This mini‐review focuses on improving the interface of the CF/PEEK composite by coating the CF surface and introduces the preparation of CF/PEEK composites by coating CF with a resin‐based sizing agent, a mixed sizing agent and nanoparticles. Meanwhile, the properties of CF/PEEK composites prepared by different coating methods are compared. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic nematodes for the sustainable management of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize
Authors: Patil Jagadeesh , Linga Vaddar , Vijayakumar Rangaswamy , Subaharan Kesavan , Navik Omprakash , Bakthavatsalam Nandagopal , Mhatre Priyank Hanuman , Sekhar Javaji
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in Asia was reported for the first time from Karnataka in 2018. This pest is widely distributed in India, causing significant damage to maize. Management of this recent invasive pest in maize‐growing regions of India relies on chemical control. Resistance is the greatest obstacle to the successful use of chemical insecticides to control this pest. Indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides destroys beneficial natural enemies, therefore effective and sustainable alternative control strategies are needed. In this case, the use of biological control agents is the alternative option to mitigate this pest. Thus, this study aimed to select virulent entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) isolates based on the laboratory assay and further to test the efficacy of virulent isolates in the field conditions along with commonly used chemical insecticide emamectin benzoate against S. frugiperda.

RESULTS

Laboratory results revealed that both Heterorhabditis indica 1 NBAIIH38 and Steinernema carpocapsae NBAIRS59 caused 100% mortality in third‐ and fourth‐instar larvae of S. frugiperda, while these two species caused 85% and 72% mortality in pupae, respectively. When pupae of S. frugiperda were exposed to EPNs, pupae died after metamorphosis to malformed adults. All the nematode species were able to penetrate and reproduce within S. frugiperda larvae, but the reproduction rate for Heterorhabditids was higher than that of Steinernematids. Field trial results showed that H. indica 1 NBAIIH38 significantly reduced the number of larvae and leaf damage scores compared to S. carpocapsae NBAIRS59. Emamectin benzoate was more effective in reducing the larval population compared to EPN species. The cob yield was significantly higher in EPN‐ and emamectin benzoate‐treated plots than in untreated control plots.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these experiments suggest H. indica 1 NBAIIH38 is a promising biocontrol agent against S. frugiperda in maize production. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Nanoparticles Promote Bacterial Antibiotic Tolerance via Inducing Hyperosmotic Stress Response
Authors: Zhang Peng , Qiu Yun , Wang Yulan , Xiao Leyi , Yu Shimin , Shi Miusi , Ni Yueqi , Miron Richard J. , Pu Yingying , Zhang Yufeng
Published: April 2022

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in all fields of life. Nowadays, NPs have shown extraordinary antimicrobial activities and become one of the most popular strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. Whether they are equally effective in combating bacterial persistence, another important reason leading to antibiotic treatment failure, remains unknown. Persister cells are a small subgroup of phenotypic drug‐tolerant cells in an isogenic bacterial population. Here, various types of NPs are used in combination with different antibiotics to destroy persisters. Strikingly, rather than eradicating persister cells, a wide range of NPs promote the formation of bacterial persistence. It is uncovered by PCR, thermogravimetric analysis, intracellular potassium ion staining, and molecular dynamics simulation that the persister promotion effect is achieved through exerting a hyperosmotic pressure around the cells. Moreover, protein mass spectrometry, fluorescence microscope images, and SDS‐PAGE indicate NPs can further hijack cell osmotic regulatory circuits by inducing aggregation of outer membrane protein OmpA and OmpC. These findings question the efficacy of using NPs as antimicrobial agents and raise the possibility that widely used NPs may facilitate the global emergence of bacterial antibiotic tolerance.
Capsaicin‐Decorated Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles for Light‐Controlled Calcium‐Overload/Photodynamic Combination Therapy
Authors: Ni Xiaoyue , Shi Wenheng , Liu Yaxin , Yin Likun , Guo Zixin , Zhou Wen , Fan Quli
Published: April 2022

Calcium‐overload cancer therapy has gained more and more attention owing to its good therapeutic efficacy with low side effect. However, conventional calcium‐overload therapy is achieved by introducing an additional calcium element into the tumor site by nanomedicines, which may also lead to the calcium‐overload of normal organs, causing an undesirable side effect. To address such issues, capsaicin‐decorated semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (CSPN) are designed to modulate the calcium ion channel of cancer cells for calcium‐overload cancer therapy without adding an additional calcium element. CSPN is composed of a near‐infrared (NIR) absorbing semiconducting polymer (SP) PCPDTBT and a capsaicin‐conjugated amphiphilic copolymer, PEG‐PHEMA‐Cap. Under NIR laser irradiation, PCPDTBT can generate singlet oxygen (1O2), which not only triggers the release of capsaicin, but also induces photodynamic therapy (PDT). The released capsaicin can further activate transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) of U373 cancer cells, leading to an influx of calcium ions into cells. In addition, the intense NIR‐II fluorescence signal of CSPN makes it suitable for tumor imaging. Thus, this study develops a tumor specific nanotheranostic system for NIR‐II fluorescence imaging‐guided calcium‐overload/PDT combination therapy.
Facile Synthesis of Single Iron Atoms over MoS2 Nanosheets via Spontaneous Reduction for Highly Efficient Selective Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Li Zhijun , Li Honghong , Yang Zening , Lu Xiaowen , Ji Siqi , Zhang Mingyang , Horton J. Hugh , Ding Honghe , Xu Qian , Zhu Junfa , Yu Jin
Published: April 2022

The facile creation of high‐performance single‐atom catalysts (SACs) is intriguing in heterogeneous catalysis, especially on 2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides. An efficient spontaneous reduction approach to access atomically dispersed iron atoms supported over defect‐containing MoS2 nanosheets is herein reported. Advanced characterization methods demonstrate that the isolated iron atoms situate atop of molybdenum atoms and coordinate with three neighboring sulfur atoms. This Fe SAC delivers exceptional catalytic efficiency (1 atm O2 @ 120 °C) in the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde, with 99% selectivity under almost 100% conversion. The turnover frequency is calculated to be as high as 2105 h−1. Moreover, it shows admirable recyclability, storage stability, and substrate tolerance. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the high catalytic activity stems from the optimized electronic structure of single iron atoms over the MoS2 support.