bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Planting Techniques and Nutrient Management Options on Crop Productivity and Soil Health of Wet Rice (Oryza sativa L) in Typic Ustochrept Soils
Authors: Chandra M. Sharath , Naresh R. K. , Vivek . , Singh S. P. , Purushottam . , Kumar Vivak , Jat P. C. , Tiwari Himanshu
Published: November 2021

A two years field experiment was carried out in sandy loam soil during rainy (Kharif) seasons in 2019-2020 at CRC farm of sardar vallabhbhai patel university of agricultural & technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh to evaluate the various Planting techniques and integrated nutrient management on yield and soil health of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under rice- wheat copping system. The treatments comprised of two Planting techniques i.e., E1-Conventional puddled transplanted rice (CT- TPR), E2- Wide bed Transplanted rice (W Bed-TPR) and Nine Nutrient management practices {N1- Control, N2- 100% RDF + ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1, N3- 125% RDN + ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1, N4- STCR based NPK application + ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1, N5- N2+ FYM  (5 t ha-1), N6- N2+ FYM  (5 t ha-1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1)+ Azotobactor 20 kg ha-1, N7- 75% RDN + FYM (5 t ha-1) + ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1, N8-75% RDN + FYM (5 t ha-1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1) + Azotobactor 20 kg ha-1 +  ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1, N9- Organics Practices @ FYM (30 t ha-1)+PSB (5 kg ha-1) + Azotobactor 20 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1} are laid down in Factorial Randomized block design and replicated thrice. The results indicated that among the different Planting techniques (PTs), conventional puddled transplanted rice (E1, CT-TPR) was recorded significantly higher grain yield (40.4 & 41.3 q ha-1), straw yield (62.7 & 63.8  q ha-1), NPK content and uptake and also improved soil health status ie., available NPK, organic carbon and other physical properties i.e, Bulk density, EC, pH  in soil than wide bed transplanted rice (E2, W Bed-TPR) during both years of kharif 2019 & 2020 respectively. Among the nutrient management practices, the N6 (100% RDF + ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1 + FYM  (5 t ha-1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1)+ Azotobactor 20 kg ha-1 ) treatment produced significantly higher grain yield (49.0 & 50.2 q ha-1), straw yield (81.2 & 82.8 q ha-1), NPK content and uptake, and available NPK organic carbon in soil than the other treatments, which were comparable to the N3 (125% RDN + ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1) treatment and the lowest in the control treatment  N1, respectively. Thus, the results suggest that inclusion of inorganic fertilizer along with organic manure (FYM) enhanced the rice yield Therefore, application of conventional puddled transplanted rice (E2, CT-TPR) along with N6 (100% RDF + ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1 + FYM  (5 t ha-1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1)+ Azotobactor 20 kg ha-1 ) found beneficial to increase productivity and soil health of rice crop.
To Assess the Level of Anxiety of Parents Regarding Invasive Procedures among Hospitalized Children
Authors: Thawkar Ashwini , Maurya Archana
Published: November 2021

Background: Hospitalization is a completely new experience to infants and young children. Some parents know the illness about their child but some have not but most of them don’t know the treatment regimen on illness of child through which he/ she is going through. When the child is admitted in patient department he or she has go through. As they don’t know about the procedures through which their child undergone; that responsible for the increase in anxiety level of father and mother both. Various questions are there in their mind; about which kind of procedure is this, my child is bearing or not? How painful it is? Is my child crying? All these questions are arises. As they don’t know about the procedures so these questions are increasing the stress level and anxiety level of parents.

Objective: To assess the level of anxiety of parents regarding invasive procedures among hospitalized children 2. To compare the level of anxiety of mother and father regarding invasive procedures among hospitalized children 3. To associate the level of anxiety of parents regarding invasive procedures with selected demographic variables.

Methods and Materials: Descriptive survey method.

Tool: Standardized and validated STAI anxiety tool.

 Research Approach: Descriptive approach.

Sample Size: 100.

Sampling technique: Non convenient sampling technique

Sample: Parents of hospitalized child.

Setting: Selected hospital.

Results: In these study the level of anxiety were seen into 4 categories; no anxiety, mild, moderate and severe anxiety. No anxiety had been seen in parents having score range (0  - 25%), mild anxiety is assessed in 15 parents having anxiety score (26 – 50%) while in 80 parents an moderate anxiety is assessed having score range in between (51 – 75%)  and  severe anxiety  was assessed in 5 parents of an hospitalized child who were undergoing selected invasive procedures and having anxiety score in between (76 – 100%) on Comparison of level of anxiety of mother and father regarding invasive procedures in hospitalized children shows that mother had more anxiety level than father.

Conclusion: In the study, moderate anxiety is assessed in 80% of parents while shown an association in between anxiety level and knowledge of a parents as well as the age of hospitalized child.
Gasdermin A Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Alopecia Susceptibility in Punjabi Population from North-West India
Authors: Rani Suman , Balgir Praveen P.
Published: November 2021

Human Gasdermin A (GSDMA), a member of gasdermin gene family, is mainly expressed in skin and stomach. Mutations in its mouse counterpart Gsdma3, were found to cause skin diseases characterized by hair loss/ alopecia. As human and mice genes share 75% sequence similarity, present study was designed to check whether natural variability in human GSDMA gene was associated with alopecia. Blood samples of 100 alopecia patients and 100 age matched controls were collected and genomic DNA Isolated. All the samples were genotyped for two GSDMA SNPs, rs7212938 (V128L) and rs200722398 (V253I) for distribution of alleles along with haplotype analysis. Out of the T and G allele of rs7212938, the G allele count was found to be significantly increased (0.29 to 0.39) among alopecia patients and out of G/A alleles at rs200722398, allele A count was found to be significantly increased (0.06 to 0.13) among alopecia patients. Further haplotype analysis revealed that haplotype combination TGTAGG of rs7212938 and rs200722398 enhanced the susceptibility to alopecia significantly among Punjabi men. Studies on large population sample, other interacting genes and mechanism underlying the observed enhanced susceptibility are required to delineate the role of the observed association between GSDMA alleles and relative risk of alopecia.
Living Bacterial Hydrogels for Accelerated Infected Wound Healing
Authors: Ming Zunzhen , Han Lin , Bao Meiyu , Zhu Huanhuan , Qiang Sujing , Xue Shaobo , Liu Weiwei
Published: November 2021

Damaged skin cannot prevent harmful bacteria from invading tissues, causing infected wounds and even serious tissue damage. Traditional treatments can not only kill pathogenic bacteria, but also suppress the growth of beneficial bacteria, thus destroying the balance of the damaged skin microbial ecosystem. Here, a living bacterial hydrogel scaffold is reported that accelerates infected wound healing through beneficial bacteria secreting antibacterial substances. Lactobacillus reuteri, a common probiotic, is encapsulated in hydrogel microspheres by emulsion polymerization and further immobilized in a hydrogel network by covalent cross‐linking of methacrylate‐modified hyaluronic acid. Owing to light‐initiated crosslinking, the hydrogel dressing can be generated in situ at the wound site. This hydrogel scaffold not only protects bacteria from immune system attack, but also prevents bacteria from escaping into the local environment, thus avoiding potential threats. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments show that it has excellent ability against harmful bacteria and anti‐inflammatory capabilities, promoting infected wound closure and new tissue regeneration. This work may open up new avenues for the application of living bacteria in the clinical management of infected wounds.
A Colorimetric Dermal Tattoo Biosensor Fabricated by Microneedle Patch for Multiplexed Detection of Health‐Related Biomarkers
Authors: He Rongyan , Liu Hao , Fang Tianshu , Niu Yan , Zhang Huiqing , Han Fei , Gao Bin , Li Fei , Xu Feng
Published: November 2021

Detection of biomarkers associated with body conditions provides in‐depth healthcare information and benefits to disease management, where the key challenge is to develop a minimally invasive platform with the ability to directly detect multiple biomarkers in body fluid. Dermal tattoo biosensor holds the potential to simultaneously detect multiple health‐related biomarkers in skin interstitial fluid because of the features of minimal invasion, easy operation, and equipment‐free result reading. Herein, a colorimetric dermal tattoo biosensor fabricated by a four‐area segmented microneedle patch is developed for multiplexed detection of health‐related biomarkers. The biosensor exhibits color changes in response to the change of biomarker concentration (i.e., pH, glucose, uric acid, and temperature), which can be directly read by naked eyes or captured by a camera for semi‐quantitative measurement. It is demonstrated that the colorimetric dermal tattoo biosensor can simultaneously detect multiple biomarkers in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, and monitor the changes of the biomarker concentration for at least 4 days, showing its great potential for long‐term health monitoring.
High‐Voltage and High‐Safety Practical Lithium Batteries with Ethylene Carbonate‐Free Electrolyte
Authors: Wu Yu , Ren Dongsheng , Liu Xiang , Xu Gui‐Liang , Feng Xuning , Zheng Yuejiu , Li Yalun , Yang Min , Peng Yong , Han Xuebing , Wang Li , Chen Zonghai , Ren Yang , Lu Languang , He Xiangming , Chen Jitao , Amine Khalil , Ouyang Minggao
Published: November 2021

Serious safety issues are impeding the widespread adoption of high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries for transportation electrification and large‐scale grid storage. Herein, a triple‐salt ethylene carbonate (EC) free electrolyte for high‐safety and high‐energy pouch‐type LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2|graphite (NMC811|Gr) cells is reported. This EC‐free electrolyte can effectively stabilize the NMC811 surface under high potential (up to 4.5 V), as well as generate a stable interphase to achieve a superior compatibility with the Gr anode. The electrolyte strategy enables significantly enhanced intrinsic safety (trigger temperature of thermal runaway (TR) increased by 67.0 °C), excellent electrochemical properties (4.2V, ≈100% after 200 cycles), and superior high voltage stability (4.5 V, 82.1% after 200 cycles). The work opens up a new avenue for developing novel electrolyte systems to build safer high‐energy batteries for practical applications.
Spacer Engineering of Diammonium‐Based 2D Perovskites toward Efficient and Stable 2D/3D Heterostructure Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Niu Tianqi , Xie Yue‐Min , Xue Qifan , Xun Sangni , Yao Qin , Zhen Fuchao , Yan Wenbo , Li Hong , Brédas Jean‐Luc , Yip Hin‐Lap , Cao Yong
Published: November 2021

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on 2D/3D heterostructures show great potential to combine the advantages of the high efficiency of 3D perovskites and the high stability of 2D perovskites. However, an in‐depth understanding of the organic‐spacer effects on the 2D quantum well (QW) structures and electronic properties at the 2D/3D interfaces is yet to be fully achieved, especially in the case of 2D perovskites based on diammonium spacers/ligands. Here, a series of diammonium spacers is considered for the construct ion 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures. It is found that the chemical structure and concentration of the spacers can dramatically affect the characteristics of the 2D capping layers, including their phase purity and orientation. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the spacer modifications can induce shifts in the energy‐level alignments at the 2D/3D interfaces and therefore influence the charge‐transfer characteristics. The strong intermolecular interactions between the 2,2‐(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylammonium) (EDBE) cations and inorganic [PbI6]4− slabs facilitate a controlled deposition of a phase‐pure QW structure (n = 1) with a horizontal orientation, which leads to better surface passivation and carrier extraction. These benefits endow the EDBE‐based 2D/3D devices with a high power conversion efficiency of 22.6% and remarkable environmental stability, highlighting the promise of spacer‐chemistry design for high‐performance 2D/3D PSCs.
New Flory‐Huggins interaction parameter between SBR and p‐phenylenediamine antioxidants and the predictive power in molecular structure and rubber formula design
Authors: Liu Susu , Jing Yuanrong , Tu Jieyun , Zou Huimin , Yong Zhanfu , Gao Yang , Tang Zhimin , Liu Guangyong
Published: November 2021

The software package was employed to calculate the three‐dimensional solubility parameters (HSP) of SBR and antioxidants. The HSP values of antioxidants are higher than SBR, meaning that the antioxidants have higher polarity compared with SBR. The solubility measurements of antioxidants in both sulfur and peroxide cured SBR vulcanizates were performed at elevated temperatures from 80 to 130°C. The maximum solubilities (∆S) of antioxidants were correlated with the temperature and also with the new Flory‐Huggins interaction parameters (χN) calculated by the HSP values. The results turn out to be that ∆S increases with increasing temperature as expected and 4020 shows higher ∆S value. Furthermore, ∆S increases with decreasing χN, and by quantitatively mathematical fitting, one functional relationship between ∆S and χN was achieved, regardless of what the crosslinking type of SBR was and what the temperature was involved. Through prediction with χN, one can get that SBR grades with higher styrene content and butadiene/vinyl ratio result in lower χN and accordingly better compatibility with N3100. One of the possible applications of χN is to select suitable SBR and antioxidant structures to design the ever‐increasing SBR‐based green tire tread formula.
Facile construction of cellulose/layered double hydroxides nanocomposite membranes with high strength and antibacterial properties
Authors: Jiang Zhiwei , Luo Pan , Xie Chao , Zhang Aiqing
Published: November 2021

High‐strength regenerated cellulose/ZnAl‐layered double hydroxides (LDH) composite membranes (RCL) with good mechanical and antibacterial performance were developed by stirring vigorously cellulose and LDH in NaOH/urea aqueous solvent system at −12°C. The obtained cellulose/LDH composited materials were characterized and the results indicated that well dispersion of LDH in the cellulose matrix. The tensile strength of RCL membranes were enhanced to 92.1 MPa from 68.3 MPa for that of RC film because of the strong interfacial interaction between the LDHs and cellulose matrix as well as the high rigidity of the LDHs. The addition of LDH into the cellulose could improve the thermal stability, water resistance, and flame retardant of the regenerated cellulose film. Zn2+ ions were exited in the cellulose/ZnAl‐LDH materials, leading to good antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which is important for RCL composite materials in antibacterial packaging filed.
Revealing the first location of abandoned medieval town Toruń, Poland, with the use of integrated noninvasive research
Authors: Wroniecki Piotr , Molewski Paweł , Uziembło Romualda
Published: October 2021

The article presents the latest results of the search for the first location of abandoned medieval town Toruń (Ger. Thorn), conducted in 2017–2018 by an interdisciplinary research team. Noninvasive research, including aerial, surface and geophysical prospection and geological soil coring, was preceded by archival and library queries and analysis of historical written and cartographic sources as well as contemporary remote‐sensing digital images. These all pointed clearly to an area to the west of Toruń, north of the entrance to the Wood Port on the Vistula. A systematic aerial survey led to the discovery of an extensive anthropogenic structure in this area. Magnetic gradiometry survey revealed anomalies typical of human activity that were interpreted as, among other things, the remains of moats and buildings indicating the area of the town's first location. Their physical character was confirmed through geological tests. Moreover, the existence of an embankment surrounding the town is suggested by the traces of an alluvial fan formed within the fortifications by flooding. The authors point out the limitation of the possibility to identify such sites by field walking‐method within the methodology of the Polish Archaeological Record. The acquired results provide strong grounds for a continuation in the form of further interdisciplinary archaeological research.
Design a Catalytic Cathode Material with Abundant Oxygen Vacancies to Accelerate the Kinetics of Lean‐Electrolyte Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Mao Limin , Xie Hongtao , Wang Fei , Mao Jian
Published: November 2021

Lean‐electrolyte lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries are confronted with sluggish reaction kinetics, which required high catalytic materials to improve electrochemical performance. Herein, high catalytic‐activity Ce‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles were combined into reduced graphene oxides (rGO) as the sulfur cathode (Ce‐doped TiO2/rGO/S). The impact of doping amounts of Ce on oxygen vacancies (OVs) was studied. Among the different Ce doping amounts, the 0.4 wt% Ce doping TiO2 (0.4 Ce−TiO2) exhibits the best catalysis and adsorption for Li2S6 due to the most OVs in 0.4 Ce−TiO2. Rich OVs can provide more active sites for sulfur adsorption and present stronger catalytic activity to polysulfides. With an electrolyte to sulfur (E/S) ratio of 7 μL mgS−1, the 0.4 Ce−TiO2/rGO/S exhibits the best electrochemical capability when compared with TiO2/rGO/S and rGO/S. It has a high capacity of 1421.9 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C (1 C=1675 mA g−1), and excellent rate performance. The 0.4 Ce−TiO2/rGO/S also has a higher capacity and more stable cyclic performance than TiO2/rGO/S when the temperature elevates to 60 °C.
Modeling and economic analysis of biomass and plastic conversion to power
Authors: Gunukula Sampath , Tran Dat T.
Published: October 2021

The viability of converting wood chips and plastic to power via compact integrated catalytic fast/slow pyrolysis, combustor, and Stirling engine technologies was determined using modeling analysis. Aspen simulations followed by sizing analysis were performed to determine the size, weight, and net energy efficiency of upgrading wood chips and plastic to power using a compact energy system with a feedstock processing capacity of 1 kg h−1. The equipment and tooling to fabricate individual components of a compact energy system were identified. The total costs of fabricating all the individual components of compact energy systems were assessed. A discounted cash flow analysis with an internal rate of return of 20% was used to assess the minimum selling price of compact energy systems. The specific energy (Wh kg−1) of the compact catalytic fast pyrolysis system, compact slow pyrolysis system, and compact plastic conversion system were assessed at 20, 29, and 63, respectively. The assessed capital and annual costs of manufacturing 10 000 compact energy systems per year were $51 million and about $11 to $13 million, respectively. The calculated minimum selling price of a catalytic fast pyrolysis system, a compact slow pyrolysis system, and a compact plastic conversion system were $3055, $3021, and $2980, respectively. The sensitivity analysis results showed that the internal rate of return, capital investment, materials cost, annual operating costs, and capital cost have significant impacts on the minimum selling price of compact energy systems. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Engineering human liver fatty acid binding protein for detection of poly‐ and perfluoroalkyl substances
Authors: Mann Madison M. , Tang James D. , Berger Bryan W.
Published: November 2021

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic fluorinated chemicals with surface active and water‐repellent properties. The combination of wide‐spread use in numerous consumer and industrial products and extended biological half‐lives arising from strong carbon–fluorine bonds has led to significant accumulation of PFAS in humans. As most human interaction with PFAS comes from ingestion, it is important to be able to detect PFAS in drinking water as well as in agricultural water. Here we present an approach to designing a fluorescence‐based biosensor for the rapid detection of PFAS based on human liver fatty acid binding protein (hLFABP). Introduction of solvatochromic fluorophores within the ligand binding pocket (L50) allowed for intrinsic detection of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) via blue‐shifts in fluorescence emission spectra. Initially, a single tryptophan mutation (L50W) was found to be able to detect PFOA with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.8 ppm. We improved the sensitivity of the biosensor by exchanging tryptophan for the thiol reactive fluorophore, acrylodan. The acrylodan conjugated C69S/F50C hLFABP variant is capable of detecting PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS in PBS with LODs of 112 ppb, 345 ppb, and 1.09 ppm, respectively. The protein‐based sensor is also capable of detecting these contaminants at similar ranges in spiked environmental water samples, including samples containing an interfering anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate. Overall, this study demonstrates engineered hLFABP is a useful platform for detection of PFAS in environmental water samples and highlights its ease of use and versatility in field applications.
Circular economy practices and industry 4.0 technologies: A strategic move of automobile industry
Authors: Yu Zhang , Khan Syed Abdul Rehman , Umar Muhammad
Published: October 2021

The fourth industrial revolution (IR4.0) toward automation and digitalization is the new trend among automobile production systems. Indubitably, the automobile industry has been scurrying in this revolution due to investment and governmental support availability. The current study examines the role of industry 4.0 on circular economy practices and supply chain capability to improve firm performance. Cross‐sectional data were collected from 286 respondents through a closed‐ended questionnaire. The adoption of circular economy practices improves the economic and operational performance of the firm. Also, industry 4.0 has the potential to make significant improvements in business operations. The empirical results confirm that industry 4.0 plays a positive role in implementation of circular economy practices and supply chain capability. Furthermore, circular economy practices provide evidence to have positive nexus with operational and economic performance. On the other hand, supply chain capability has a positive relationship with operational performance and has an insignificant association with economic performance, whereas operational performance improves economic health. Thus, the current research work provides the guidelines for the participating enterprises that can achieve sustainable goals by assimilating industry 4.0 in manufacturing systems.
Effects of marital status on survival of medullary thyroid cancer stratified by age
Authors: Ai Lei , Li Ning , Tan Hai‐Long , Wei Bo , Zhao Ya‐Xin , Chen Pei , Hu Hui‐Yu , Liu Mian , Ou‐Yang Deng‐Jie , Qin Zi‐en , Huang Peng , Chang Shi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Marital status has emerged as an important influence on several cancer outcomes, but its role in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) remains unclear. This study was to explore the effects of marital status on the prognosis of MTC patients and to determine whether its effects vary by age.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively extracted 1344 eligible patients diagnosed with MTC between 2004 and 2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Based on the marital status, we divided those patients into married and unmarried groups. We compared the difference in overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) between married and unmarried via the Kaplan–Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional models were performed to identify the prognostic factors of OS and CSS.

Results

There were 1344 MTC eligible patients in a total of which 883 (65.7%) were married and 461 (34.3%) were unmarried. The comparison observed between married and unmarried patients was as follows: male (45.2% vs. 28.0%), age (≥52 years) (55.9% vs. 44.6%), White (86.7% vs. 78.7%), and undergo surgery (97.7% vs. 93.3%). Multivariate analysis revealed unmarried status as a risk factor independently associated with worse OS (HR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.59–2.92) rate and CSS (HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.17–2.47) rate. In a further analysis stratified by age, there was no significant difference in OS and CSS between married and unmarried patients younger than 52 years. For the remaining group with 52 years old and higher, unmarried patients showed significantly higher risk of OS and CSS than married patients at all stages of the pathology except M1 stage.

Conclusion

Married patients with MTC have a better prognosis than unmarried ones. Age can affect the association between marital status and the survival of MTC, and married elders may benefit more than youngers.
Electrodeposition of a dendrite‐free 3D Al anode for improving cycling of an aluminum–graphite battery
Authors: Li Junfeng , Hui Kwan San , Ji Shunping , Zha Chenyang , Yuan Chengzong , Wu Shuxing , Bin Feng , Fan Xi , Chen Fuming , Shao Zongping , Hui Kwun Nam
Published: November 2021

Aluminum–metal batteries show great potential as next‐generation energy storage due to their abundant resources and intrinsic safety. However, the crucial limitations of metallic Al anodes, such as dendrite and corrosion problems in conventional aluminum–metal batteries, remain challenging and elusive. Here, we report a novel electrodeposition strategy to prepare an optimized 3D Al anode on carbon cloth with an uniform deposition morphology, low local current density, and mitigatory volume change. The symmetrical cells with the 3D Al anode show superior stable cycling (>450 h) and low‐voltage hysteresis (~170 mV) at 0.5 mA cm−2. High reversibility (~99.7%) is achieved for the Al plating/stripping. The graphite | | Al‐4/CC full batteries show a long lifespan of 800 cycles with 54 mAh g−1 capacity at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1, benefiting from the high capacitive‐controlled distribution. This study proposes a novel strategy to design 3D Al anodes for metallic‐Al‐based batteries by eliminating the problems of planar Al anodes and realizing the potential applications of aluminum–graphite batteries.
4‐Iodopyrimidine Labeling Reveals Nuclear Translocation and Nuclease Activity for Both MIF and MIF2**
Authors: Xiao Zhangping , Chen Deng , Mulder Fabian , Song Shanshan , van der Wouden Petra E. , Cool Robbert H. , Melgert Barbro N. , Poelarends Gerrit J. , Dekker Frank J.
Published: November 2021

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its homolog MIF2 (also known as D‐dopachrome tautomerase or DDT) play key roles in cell growth and immune responses. MIF and MIF2 expression is dysregulated in cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Accurate and convenient detection of MIF and MIF2 will facilitate research on their roles in cancer and other diseases. Herein, we report the development and application of a 4‐iodopyrimidine based probe 8 for the selective labeling of MIF and MIF2. Probe 8 incorporates a fluorophore that allows in situ imaging of these two proteins. This enabled visualization of the translocation of MIF2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus upon methylnitronitrosoguanidine stimulation of HeLa cells. This observation, combined with literature on nuclease activity for MIF, enabled the identification of nuclease activity for MIF2 on human genomic DNA.
Multifunctional Polyoxometalate Platforms for Supramolecular Light‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution**
Authors: Maloul Salam , van den Borg Matthias , Müller Carolin , Zedler Linda , Mengele Alexander K. , Gaissmaier Daniel , Jacob Timo , Rau Sven , Dietzek‐Ivanšić Benjamin , Streb Carsten
Published: November 2021

Multifunctional supramolecular systems are a central research topic in light‐driven solar energy conversion. Here, we report a polyoxometalate (POM)‐based supramolecular dyad, where two platinum‐complex hydrogen evolution catalysts are covalently anchored to an Anderson polyoxomolybdate anion. Supramolecular electrostatic coupling of the system to an iridium photosensitizer enables visible light‐driven hydrogen evolution. Combined theory and experiment demonstrate the multifunctionality of the POM, which acts as photosensitizer/catalyst‐binding‐site[1] and facilitates light‐induced charge‐transfer and catalytic turnover. Chemical modification of the Pt‐catalyst site leads to increased hydrogen evolution reactivity. Mechanistic studies shed light on the role of the individual components and provide a molecular understanding of the interactions which govern stability and reactivity. The system could serve as a blueprint for multifunctional polyoxometalates in energy conversion and storage.
Under‐reporting of COVID‐19 in the Northern Health Authority region of British Columbia
Authors: Parker Matthew R. P. , Li Yangming , Elliott Lloyd T. , Ma Junling , Cowen Laura L. E.
Published: November 2021

Asymptomatic and pauci‐symptomatic presentations of COVID‐19 along with restrictive testing protocols result in undetected COVID‐19 cases. Estimating undetected cases is crucial to understanding the true severity of the outbreak. We introduce a new hierarchical disease dynamics model based on the N‐mixtures hidden population framework. The new models make use of three sets of disease count data per region: reported cases, recoveries and deaths. Treating the first two as under‐counted through binomial thinning, we model the true population state at each time point by partitioning the diseased population into the active, recovered and died categories. Both domestic spread and imported cases are considered. These models are applied to estimate the level of under‐reporting of COVID‐19 in the Northern Health Authority region of British Columbia, Canada, during 30 weeks of the provincial recovery plan. Parameter covariates are easily implemented and used to improve model estimates. We compare two distinct methods of model‐fitting for this case study: (1) maximum likelihood estimation, and (2) Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo. The two methods agreed exactly in their estimates of under‐reporting rate. When accounting for changes in weekly testing volumes, we found under‐reporting rates varying from 60.2% to 84.2%.
Ultrasmall Silicon Nanoparticles for Imaging and Killing Microorganisms: A Minireview
Authors: Wang Zihao , Wu Fu‐Gen
Published: November 2021

Fluorescent silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs), a type of ultrasmall zero‐dimensional metal‐free silicon‐containing nanomaterials, are featured by excellent biocompatibility, good photoluminescence stability, and easy surface modification property. SiNPs have been widely applied in bioimaging, photoelectric devices, sensing, cancer therapies, and anti‐counterfeiting. In this minireview, the recent advancements of SiNPs in imaging and killing microorganisms (i. e., bacteria, bacterial spores, and fungi) and bacterial biofilms are summarized. Moreover, the synthesis and modification of these SiNPs are mentioned. Finally, concise summary and outlook related to the review topic are provided, and the future challenges are briefly discussed.
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Authors: van Ineveld Ravian L. , Margaritis Thanasis , Kooiman Berend A.P. , Groenveld Femke , Ariese Hendrikus C.R. , Lijnzaad Philip , Johnson Hannah R. , Korving Jeroen , Wehrens Ellen J. , Holstege Frank , van Rheenen Jacco , Drost Jarno , Rios Anne C. , Bos Frank L.
Published: November 2021

Tracking and Tracing: Lgr6 marks nephron progenitor cells during kidney development. From: LGR6 marks nephron progenitor cells; Ravian L. van Ineveld, Thanasis Margaritis, Berend A.P. Kooiman, et al.; https://doi.org/10.1002/dvdy.346; DevDyn 250:11; pp. 1568–1583.

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Epidemiological analysis of wild mushroom poisoning in Zhejiang province, China, 2016–2018
Authors: Chen Lili , Sun Liang , Zhang Ronghua , Liao Ningbo , Qi Xiaojuan , Chen Jiang , Liu Ting
Published: October 2021

Wild mushroom poisoning has been recognized as a global problem threatening human health. In this study, we aimed to explore characteristics of wild mushroom poisoning in Zhejiang province, China. From 2016 to 2018, 429 cases of wild mushroom poisoning were reported, and among them, there were 2 deaths and 84 hospitalizations, with the incidence of 0.2526 per 100,000 and the case fatality rate of 0.47%. Digestive symptoms were found in all cases. Systemic symptoms and signs, neurological symptoms, and urinary symptoms were found in 28.90% (124/429), 11.66% (50/429), and 4.90% (21/429) of the cases, respectively. The proportion of cases with incubation period <6 h was 85.78%, and those with ≥6 h accounted for 14.22%. The peak period of poisoning occurred from June to October annually. Quzhou (Moran’sI = 1.242,p < .05) and Lishui (Moran’sI = 0.759,p < .05) with mild climate, more mountains, and abundant rainfall were “hot spots” for the incidence of wild mushroom poisoning, showing a state of high‐incidence aggregation. Epidemiological analysis showed that there were seasonal, high‐incidence areas and high‐risk groups in wild mushroom poisoning. The government should give early warning to high‐incidence areas and strengthen publicity to high‐risk groups before wild mushrooms mature every summer and autumn. In addition, we recommend that ordinary people not pick wild mushrooms outdoors for consumption, because it is difficult to distinguish whether wild mushrooms are poisonous and do not buy wild mushrooms of unknown sources.
Validation of Dynamic Aspartate‐to–Alanine Aminotransferase Ratio for Predicting Liver Disease Mortality
Authors: Song In‐Ae , Jang Eun Sun , Oh Tak Kyu
Published: October 2021

The dynamic aspartate‐to–alanine aminotransferase ratio (dAAR) was developed recently to predict the risk of incident chronic liver disease among the Nordic adult population; however, the dAAR has not been externally validated in other ethnic cohorts. Therefore, we aimed to examine the predictive ability of dAAR for liver disease mortality in the South Korean adult population. As a population‐based cohort study, we used the National Health Screening Cohort database, which included adult individuals who underwent standardized medical examinations between 2002 and 2003 in South Korea. The primary endpoint was liver disease mortality, defined as death due to liver disease. Liver disease mortality was evaluated between 2004 and 2015 (12 years). Analysis of data from 512,749 adults showed that 4,052 (0.8%) individuals died due to liver disease. On receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, the area under curve for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate‐to‐ALT ratio (AAR), and dAAR for liver disease mortality were 0.74, 0.55, and 0.81, respectively. The cutoff point of dAAR was determined to be 0.72 on ROC analysis, using the Youden index method. On competing risk analysis using the Fine and Gray model, the dAAR > 0.72 group demonstrated a 4.43‐fold higher rate of liver disease mortality (subdistribution hazard ratio: 4.43, 95% confidence interval: 4.11, 4.77; P < 0.001) after adjustment for covariates. Conclusion: The performance of dAAR in predicting liver disease mortality was better than that of AAR or ALT in South Korea. Our study suggests that dAAR scores can potentially be used for screening and predicting liver disease mortality among the general Korean population.
Population estimates and determinants of severe maternal thinness in India
Authors: Choedon Tashi , Sethi Vani , Chowdhury Ranadip , Bhatia Neena , Dinachandra Konsam , Murira Zivai , Bhanot Arti , Baswal Dinesh , de Wagt Arjan , Bhargava Madhavi , Meshram Indrapal Ishwarji , Babu Giridhara R. , Kulkarni Bharati , Divakar Hema , Jacob Chandni Maria , Killeen Sarah Louise , McAuliffe Fionnuala , Alambusha Ruby , Joe William , Hanson Mark
Published: November 2021

Objective

To examine prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of maternal severe thinness in India.

Methods

This mixed methods study analyzed data from the Indian National Family Health Survey (NFHS)‐4 (2015–2016) to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for severe thinness, followed by a desk review of literature from India.

Results

Prevalence of severe thinness (defined by World Health Organization as body mass index [BMI] <16 in adult and BMI for age Z score < –2 SD in adolescents) was higher among pregnant adolescents (4.3%) compared with pregnant adult women (1.9%) and among postpartum adolescent women (6.3%) than postpartum adult women (2.4%) 2–6 months after delivery. Identified research studies showed prevalence of 4%–12% in pregnant women. Only 13/640 districts had at least three cases of severely thin pregnant women; others had lower numbers. Three or more postpartum women aged ≥20 years were severely thin in 32 districts. Among pregnant adolescents, earlier parity increased odds (OR 1.96; 95% CI, 1.18–3.27) of severe thinness. Access to household toilet facility reduced odds (OR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52–0.99]. Among mothers aged ≥20 years, increasing education level was associated with decreasing odds of severe thinness (secondary: OR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57–0.96 and Higher: OR 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32–0.91, compared with no education); household wealth and caste were also associated with severe thinness.

Conclusion

This paper reveals the geographic pockets that need priority focus for managing severe thinness among pregnant women and mothers in India to limit the immediate and intergenerational adverse consequences emanating from these deprivations.
Retracted: The protective effects of propofol against renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury are potentiated by norisoboldine treatment via inhibition of oxidative stress pathways
Authors: Xing Dandan , Li QiuChang , Lin Guanwen , Lin Hui , Kang Wenyue , Zhang Min , Ding Rong , Li Na
Published: November 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant worldwide health problem. The protective effects of norisoboldine (NOR) against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced renal injury in a rat model were evaluated. AKI was induced in rats by I/R. Animals were treated with 20 mg/kg/h propofol, intraperitoneally administered and 10 mg/kg NOR 30 min before inducing renal ischemia. Biomarkers of kidney function, including cytokines and oxidative stress parameters, were measured in serum. The serum levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in propofol‐ and NOR‐treated rats were lower compared to the untreated I/R group. Moreover, treatment with propofol or NOR, alone and in combination, decreased the levels of cytokines and oxidative stress in rats with kidney injury. In conclusion, this study suggested that treatment with NOR potentiated the nephroprotective effects of propofol in rats with I/R‐induced renal injury by ameliorating oxidative stress and apoptosis pathway.
Active cargo loading into extracellular vesicles: Highlights the heterogeneous encapsulation behaviour
Authors: Chen Chaoxiang , Sun Mengdi , Wang Jialin , Su Liyun , Lin Junjie , Yan Xiaomei
Published: November 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have demonstrated unique advantages in serving as nanocarriers for drug delivery, yet the cargo encapsulation efficiency is far from expectation, especially for hydrophilic chemotherapeutic drugs. Besides, the intrinsic heterogeneity of EVs renders it difficult to evaluate drug encapsulation behaviour. Inspired by the active drug loading strategy of liposomal nanomedicines, here we report the development of a method, named “Sonication and Extrusion‐assisted Active Loading” (SEAL), for effective and stable drug encapsulation of EVs. Using doxorubicin‐loaded milk‐derived EVs (Dox‐mEVs) as the model system, sonication was applied to temporarily permeabilize the membrane, facilitating the influx of ammonium sulfate solution into the lumen to establish the transmembrane ion gradient essential for active loading. Along with extrusion to downsize large mEVs, homogenize particle size and reshape the nonspherical or multilamellar vesicles, SEAL showed around 10‐fold enhancement of drug encapsulation efficiency compared with passive loading. Single‐particle analysis by nano‐flow cytometry was further employed to reveal the heterogeneous encapsulation behaviour of Dox‐mEVs which would otherwise be overlooked by bulk‐based approaches. Correlation analysis between doxorubicin auto‐fluorescence and the fluorescence of a lipophilic dye DiD suggested that only the lipid‐enclosed particles were actively loadable. Meanwhile, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that more than 85% of the casein positive particles was doxorubicin free. These findings further inspired the development of the lipid‐probe‐ and immuno‐mediated magnetic isolation techniques to selectively remove the contaminants of non‐lipid enclosed particles and casein assemblies, respectively. Finally, the intracellular assessments confirmed the superior performance of SEAL‐prepared mEV formulations, and demonstrated the impact of encapsulation heterogeneity on therapeutic outcome. The as‐developed cargo‐loading approach and nano‐flow cytometry‐based characterization method will provide an instructive insight in the development of EV‐based delivery systems.
Synthesis and anti‐hepatocellular carcinoma activity in vitro of cyclic peptide GG‐8‐6 analogues
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Zhi , Li Rong‐Sheng , Chen Jie‐Tao , Mu Qing
Published: November 2021

Our previous study reported a cyclic peptide, GG‐8‐6, possessing effective activity against hepatocellular carcinoma both in vitro and in vivo. In order to seek out better analogues in synthetic yield or bioactivity, we synthesized 15 cyclopeptide GG‐8‐6 analogues. Their purities were detected by HPLC, and their structures were characterized by HR‐QTOF‐MS, 1H and 13C NMR together with X‐ray crystal analysis. Among these analogues, compound 8, containing two d‐amino acids, gave the highest total yield of 72.5%. Moreover, all analogues were evaluated for their antihepatocellular carcinoma activities by MTT experiments. Compound 14 showed better specificity against Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines with IC50 values of 8.59 ± 0.97 μM and 7.34 ± 0.33 μM, respectively, while possessing more than four times total yield compared to the lead compound GG‐8‐6. In addition, an ATP assay for some representative compounds was carried out to confirm their anti‐hepatocellular carcinoma activity.
N‐([1,1ʹ‐biaryl]‐4‐yl)‐1‐naphthamide‐based scaffolds synthesis, their cheminformatics analyses, and screening as bacterial biofilm inhibitor
Authors: Ejaz Saba , Zubair Muhammad , Rasool Nasir , Ahmed Faiz , Bilal Muhammad , Ahmad Gulraiz , Altaf Ataf A. , Shah Syed A. A. , Rizwan Komal
Published: November 2021

Naphthamides have pharmacological potential as they express strong activities against microorganisms. The commercially available naphthoyl chloride and 4‐bromoaniline were condensed in dry dichloromethane (DCM) in the presence of Et3N to form N‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐1‐naphthamide (86%) (3). Using a Pd(0) catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling reaction of (3) and various boronic acids, a series of N‐([1,1ʹ‐biaryl]‐4‐yl)‐1‐naphthamide derivatives (4a–h) were synthesized in moderate to good yields. The synthesized derivatives were evaluated for cytotoxicity haemolytic assay and biofilm inhibition activity through in silico and in vitro studies. Molecular docking, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), toxicity risk, and other cheminformatics predict synthesized molecules as biologically active moieties, further validated through in vitro studies in which compounds (4c) and (4f) showed significant haemolytic activity whereas (4e) exhibited an efficient biofilm inhibition activity against Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis. When forming biofilms, bacteria become resistant to various antimicrobial treatments. Currently, research is focused on the development of agents that inhibit biofilm formation, thus the present work is valuable for preventing future drug resistance.
A unified dataset of colocated sewage pollution, periphyton, and benthic macroinvertebrate community and food web structure from Lake Baikal (Siberia)
Authors: Meyer Michael F. , Ozersky Ted , Woo Kara H. , Shchapov Kirill , Galloway Aaron W. E. , Schram Julie B. , Snow Daniel D. , Timofeyev Maxim A. , Karnaukhov Dmitry Yu. , Brousil Matthew R. , Hampton Stephanie E.
Published: October 2021

Sewage released from lakeside development can introduce nutrients and micropollutants that can restructure aquatic ecosystems. Lake Baikal, the world's most ancient, biodiverse, and voluminous freshwater lake, has been experiencing localized sewage pollution from lakeside settlements. Nearby increasing filamentous algal abundance suggests benthic communities are responding to localized pollution. We surveyed 40‐km of Lake Baikal's southwestern shoreline from 19 to 23 August 2015 for sewage indicators, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and microplastics, with colocated periphyton, macroinvertebrate, stable isotope, and fatty acid samplings. The data are structured in a tidy format (a tabular arrangement familiar to limnologists) to encourage reuse. Unique identifiers corresponding to sampling locations are retained throughout all data files to facilitate interoperability among the dataset's 150+ variables. For Lake Baikal studies, these data can support continued monitoring and research efforts. For global studies of lakes, these data can help characterize sewage prevalence and ecological consequences of anthropogenic disturbance across spatial scales.
Miniaturized Origami Robots: Actuation Approaches and Potential Applications
Authors: Tang, Junjie , Wei Fanan
Published: October 2021

Origami, a paper folding art, has inspired engineering applications in various fields for decades. It provides a simple approach to realize the transformation between simple 2D composite sheets and complex 3D functional structures. By integrating the origami concept with smart materials, a number of advanced origami robots have been developed with self‐deploying and programming capacities to respond to external environment stimuli. At present, miniaturized origami robots have demonstrated advantages in many‐profile applications, including bio‐inspired robotics, biomedical engineering, and environment monitoring. However, how to properly drive origami robots is a big challenge. In this paper, the investigation and analyses of the previous literature focus on the various actuations of miniaturized origami robots, including the magnetic, light, electric, swelling, motors, thermal, and other actuation methods. Finally, the article investigates applications of actuation methods for miniaturized origami robots with various functions, and discusses the challenges and opportunities in future applications.