bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reductive Amination, Hydrogenation and Hydrodeoxygenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural using Silica‐supported Cobalt‐ Nanoparticles
Authors: Chandrashekhar Vishwas G. , Natte Kishore , Alenad Asma M. , Alshammari Ahmad S. , Kreyenschulte Carsten , Jagadeesh Rajenahally V.
Published: October 2021

Efficient and selective conversion of renewable feedstocks to essential chemicals and fuels applying green and sustainable catalytic processes is of central importance and attracts scientific interest. Among different biomass‐based feedstocks, 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) represents valuable platform compound widely used for the synthesis of valuable chemicals, fuels, and polymers. Here we report cobalt nanoparticles catalyzed reductive amination, hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation of HMF to produce furan based primary, secondary and tertiary amines including N‐methylamines as well as 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan, (5‐methylfuran‐2‐yl)methanol and selected N‐, O‐, and S‐containing heterocycles. Key to success for this HMF valorization is the use of reusable silica supported cobalt‐based nanoparticles, which have been prepared by the immobilization and pyrolysis of Co‐terephthalic acid‐piperazine MOF template on silica.
Masked Amino Trimethyl Lock (H2N‐TML) Systems: New Molecular Entities for the Development of Turn‐On Fluorophores and Their Application in Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Imaging in Human Cells
Authors: Jimidar Claire Cheyenne , Grunenberg Jörg , Karge Bianka , Fuchs Hazel Leanne Sarah , Brönstrup Mark , Klahn Philipp
Published: October 2021

Masked trimethyl lock (TML) systems as molecular moieties enabling the bioresponsive release of compounds or dyes in a controlled temporal and spatial manner have been widely applied for the development of drug conjugates, prodrugs or molecular imaging tools. Herein, we report the development of a novel amino trimethyl lock (H2N‐TML) system as an auto‐immolative molecular entity for the release of fluorophores. We designed Cou‐TML‐N3 and MURh‐TML‐N3, two azide‐masked turn‐on fluorophores. The latter was demonstrated to selectively release fluorescent MURh in the presence of physiological concentrations of the redox‐signaling molecule H2S in vitro and was successfully applied to image H2S in human cells
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Enantioselec	tive Ring‐Opening Reactions of Oxa‐ and Aza‐bicyclic Alkenes with Alkenylboronic Acids
Authors: Zhu Di , Zhao Yongmei , Chong Qinglei , Meng Fanke
Published: October 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Catalytic enantioselective ring‐opening of oxa‐ and aza‐bicyclic alkenes with readily available accessible alkenylboronic acids, promoted by a chiral phosphine–Co complex, is reported. Such a process represents the unprecedented Co‐catalyzed introduction of various alkenyl groups onto the oxa‐ and aza‐bicyclic alkenes, affording a wide range of multisubstituted functionalized cyclohexenes in up to 98% yield and 99.5 : 0.5 er.
Framework of data privacy preservation and location obfuscation in vehicular cloud networks
Authors: Al‐Balasmeh Hani , Singh Maninder , Singh Raman
Published: October 2021

The leakage of sensitive data of users and global positioning system location trajectories from different cloud computation sources have increased in daily lives. This critical problem can influence users' lives because attackers try to misuse the leaked information. In this study, we addressed the critical problem pertaining to the privacy of personal identification information (PII) and location information over vehicular cloud networks (VCNs). The problem was addressed by proposing a data and location privacy (DLP) framework that preserves data privacy in terms of the anonymity of PII and provides location privacy for users' trajectories through the obfuscation technique. The proposed DLP framework contains five stages: registration with VCN server, processing of PII/data privacy block, segregation of obfuscation data, authentication, and provision of cryptographic security. The result analysis shows that the proposed mechanism is able to generate obfuscated trajectories and successfully recomputes the original trajectories at the server side.
Identifying the contingencies of self‐worth associated with eating disorder symptoms: The use of choice‐based conjoint analysis
Authors: Rieger Elizabeth , Prasetya Kevin , Christensen Bruce K. , Shou Yiyun
Published: October 2021

Objective

Self‐worth contingent on shape/weight is a diagnostic criterion and key maintaining factor for eating disorders. However, the role of other contingencies of self‐worth (i.e., domains in which self‐worth is invested) is largely unknown. Moreover, research has relied on self‐ratings of contingency strength, which are subject to distortion through socially desirable responding and limited self‐awareness, and may have limitations in terms of ecological validity. To overcome these limitations, the present study investigated a broad range of contingencies of self‐worth in relation to eating disorder pathology and employed a choice‐based conjoint (CBC) approach for assessing these contingencies.

Method

Young women and men from the community (N = 428) completed a CBC task to assess the domains in which self‐worth is invested, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) to assess eating disorder symptomatology, and the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding to assess socially desirable responding.

Results

Beta regression analyses showed that CBC thinness and athletic competence predicted higher scores on all EDE‐Q scales. CBC muscularity and facial attractiveness predicted higher scores, while coping ability and quality of relationships predicted lower scores, on various aspects of eating disorder symptoms. CBC social acceptance predicted lower eating disorder symptoms in males only.

Discussion

The findings suggest that a broader range of contingencies of self‐worth beyond shape/weight are relevant to eating disorder pathology and should be considered as potential underlying mechanisms and treatment targets. In addition, this first use of the CBC method in eating disorder research provides initial support for its validity and utility.
Synthesizing the effects of individual‐level variation on coexistence
Authors: Stump Simon Maccracken , Song Chuliang , Saavedra Serguei , Levine Jonathan M. , Vasseur David A.
Published: October 2021

Intraspecific trait variation (ITV) is a widespread feature of life, but it is an open question how ITV affects between‐species coexistence. Recent theoretical studies have produced contradictory results, with ITV promoting coexistence in some models and undermining coexistence in others. Here we review recent work and propose a new conceptual framework to explain how ITV affects coexistence between two species. We propose that all traits belong to one of two categories: niche traits and hierarchical traits. Niche traits determine an individual's location on a niche axis or trade‐off axis, such that changing an individual's trait makes it perform better in some circumstances and worse in others. Hierarchical traits represent cases where conspecifics with different traits have the same niche, but one performs better under all circumstances, such that there are winners and losers. Our framework makes predictions for how intraspecific variation in each type of trait affects coexistence by altering stabilizing mechanisms and fitness differences. For example, ITV in niche traits generally weakens the stabilizing mechanism, except when it generates a generalist–specialist trade‐off. On the other hand, hierarchical traits tend to impact competitors differently, such that ITV in one species will strengthen the stabilizing mechanism while ITV in the other species will weaken the mechanism. We re‐examine 10 studies on ITV and coexistence, along with four novel models, and show that our framework can explain why ITV promotes coexistence in some models and undermines coexistence in others. Overall, our framework reconciles what were previously considered to be contrasting results and provides both theoretical and empirical directions to study the effect of ITV on species coexistence.
A spatial capture–recapture model for group‐living species
Authors: Emmet Robert L. , Augustine Ben C. , Abrahms Briana , Rich Lindsey N. , Gardner Beth
Published: October 2021

Group living in species can have complex consequences for individuals, populations, and ecosystems. Therefore, estimating group density and size is often essential for understanding population dynamics, interspecific interactions, and conservation needs of group‐living species. Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) has been used to model both individual and group density in group‐living species, but modeling either individual‐level or group‐level detection results in different biases due to common characteristics of group‐living species, such as highly cohesive movement or variation in group size. Furthermore, no SCR method currently estimates group density, individual density, and group size jointly. Using clustered point processes, we developed a cluster SCR model to estimate group density, individual density, and group size. We compared the model to standard SCR models using both a simulation study and a data set of detections of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), a group‐living carnivore, on camera traps in northern Botswana. We then tested the model's performance under various scenarios of group movement in a separate simulation study. We found that the cluster SCR model outperformed a standard group‐level SCR model when fitted to data generated with varying group sizes, and mostly recovered previous estimates of wild dog group density, individual density, and group size. We also found that the cluster SCR model performs better as individuals' movements become more correlated with their groups' movements. The cluster SCR model offers opportunities to investigate ecological hypotheses relating group size to population dynamics while accounting for cohesive movement behaviors in group‐living species.
Left ventricular strain‐curve morphology to distinguish between constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yang Zhiyun , Wang Hui , Chang Sanshuai , Cui Jing , Zhou Lu , Lv Qiang , He Yi , Du Xin , Dong Jianzeng , Ma Changsheng
Published: October 2021

Aims

To distinguish between constrictive pericarditis (CP) and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) using cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR‐FT) left ventricle (LV) diastolic time–strain curve patterns and myocardial strain.

Methods and Results

A total of 32 CP patients, 27 RCM patients, and 25 control subjects were examined by CMR‐FT and analysed for global strain, segmental strain, and LV time–strain curve patterns in the longitudinal, circumferential, and radial directions. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) strain imaging was performed in some cases. The peak global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) of the RCM group were lower than those of the CP group. GLS [median (interquartile range) CP vs. RCM: −11.15 (−12.85, −9.35) vs. −6.5 (−8.75, −4.85), P < 0.001] and GCS (CP vs. RCM: −16.89 ± 5.11 vs. −13.37 ± 5.79, P < 0.001). In circumferential and radial directions, the strain ratios of the LV lateral/septal wall (LW/SW) of the CP group were significantly lower than those of the RCM group at the basal and mid segments. The CS ratio of LW/SW at the basal segment [CP vs. RCM: 0.95 (0.85, 1.25) vs. 1.43 (1.18, 1.89), P < 0.001] and mid segment [CP vs. RCM: 1.05 (0.92, 1.15) vs. 1.18 (1.06, 1.49), P = 0.026]. The RS ratio of LW/SW at the basal segment [CP vs. RCM: 0.97 (0.76, 1.37) vs. 1.55 (1.08, 2.31), P = 0.006] and mid segment [CP vs. RCM: 0.95 (0.70, 1.28) vs. 1.79 (1.32, 2.92), P < 0.001]. In the longitudinal and circumferential directions, the characteristic ‘plateau’ pattern of time–strain curves could be seen in the CP but not in the RCM during the diastole. The GCS ratio of 0–50%/50–75% diastolic period of the CP was higher than that of the RCM [CP vs. RCM: 17.01 (8.67, 23.75) vs. 5.38 (1.93, 11.24), P = 0.001], while the GCS ratio of 50–75%/75–100% diastolic period was lower than that of the RCM [CP vs. RCM: 0.36 (0.15, 1.67) vs. 1.12 (0.70, 5.58), P < 0.001]. The peak GLS (sensitivity, 85%; specificity, 78%) and the GCS ratio of 0–50%/50–75% diastolic period (sensitivity, 88%; specificity, 73%) had higher differential diagnosis value.

Conclusions

The CMR‐FT could distinctly differentiate CP from RCM based on LV myocardial strain and LV time–strain curve patterns. The characteristic ‘plateau’ pattern of the time–strain curve is specific for CP and not RCM and this curve can also be duplicated by STE.
Birch Reduction of Arenes as an Easy Entry to γ‐Spirolactones
Authors: Krüger Tobias , Bramborg Andrea , Kelling Alexandra , Sperlich Eric , Linker Torsten
Published: October 2021

A convenient method for the synthesis of γ‐spirolactones in only 2–3 steps is described. Birch reduction of inexpensive and commercially available aromatic carboxylic acids in the presence of ethylene oxide affords hydroxy acids, which undergo direct lactonization during work‐up. Suitable precursors are methyl‐substituted benzoic acids, naphthoic, and dicarboxylic acids. Subsequent hydrogenation proceeds smoothly with Pd/C as catalyst and saturated γ‐spirolactones are isolated in excellent yields and stereoselectivities. Thus, up to 3 new stereogenic centers can be constructed as sole diastereomers from achiral benzoic acids. Furthermore, it is possible to control the degree of saturation with Raney nickel or Wilkinson's catalyst to obtain products with 1 double bond. Overall, more than 30 new γ‐spirolactones have been synthesized in analytically pure form.
Syntheses of 6,7‐Benzotropolone by Using Ring‐Closing Metathesis Variants Obviating a Strongly Acidic Hydrolysis Thereafter
Authors: Koblischek Philip , Brückner Reinhard
Published: October 2021

A Wittig reaction of 3‐hydroxyphtalide (11) gave ortho‐styrene‐2‐carboxylic acid (12). Its Weinreb amide 13 acylated heterosubstituted methyllithiums. This led to aryl “methyl” ketones whose sp3‐carbon was substituted by Cl+OMe (in 14 a), 2×Cl (in 14 b), OtBu (in 17 a), SPh (in 17 b) or SO2Ph (in 17 c). The enolates of these ketones were C‐allylated. This furnished the benzene‐fused nona‐1,8‐dienones 7 a–b and 9 a–c, respectively. Ring‐closing metatheses provided the corresponding benzocycloheptadienones 8 a‐b and 10 a–c. Their ketone moieties were α,α‐disubstituted (in 8 a–b) or α‐monosubstituted (in 10 a–c). Each substitution pattern allowed to generate the hydroxyenone motif of the corresponding benzocycloheptatrienone—or 6,7‐benzotropolone—6 a: The MeO‐ and PhS‐containing benzocycloheptadienone 8 a gave 6,7‐benzotropolone methyl ether (15) by sulfoxide formation and pyrolysis; 15 was demethylated with BCl3. The same intermediate resulted from the dichlorobenzocycloheptadienone 8 b and NaOMe. The benzocycloheptadienone 10 a was de(tert‐butylated) with formic acid; a subsequent Pfitzner‐Moffatt oxidation completed 6,7‐benzotropolone (6 a) once more. The PhS‐containing benzocycloheptadienone 10 b was α‐acetoxylated with Pb(OAc)4; the resulting O,S‐acetal gave 6,7‐benzotropolone (6 a) by hydrolysis. The PhSO2‐containing substrate 10 c was deprotonated whereupon an oxidation with Me3Si−O−O−SiMe3 gave 6,7‐benzotropolone (6 a).
Fe3O4 Nanorods‐RGO‐ionic Liquid Nanocomposite Based Electrochemical Sensor for Aflatoxin B1 in Ground Paprika
Authors: Chokkareddy Rajasekhar , Redhi Gan G.
Published: October 2021

A novel and sensitive method for the determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFA−B1) in ground paprika using a methyltrioctylammonium chloride ionic liquid (IL), iron oxide nanorods (Fe3O4 nanorods) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) fabricated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed. The synthesized nanoparticles, nanocomposites and modified electrode surfaces were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DSC) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Moreover, the electrochemical performance of the developed sensor was determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The obtained results demonstrate that the sensitivity of AFA−B1 is significantly enhanced on RGO‐Fe3O4 nanorods‐IL‐GCE in comparison with bare GCE, RGO‐GCE and RGO‐Fe3O4 nanorods‐GCE. The redox peak currents of AFA−B1 exhibited good linear relationship with its concentration in the range from 0.02 to 0.33 ng mL−1 with detection limit of (LOD) 0.03 ng mL−1 and limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.36 ng mL−1 respectively (S/N=3). In addition, the fabricated electrode showed good stability and reproducibility. The proposed technique was effectively applied to identify the AFA−B1 in real ground paprika samples with acceptable results.
The Influence of Magnetic Field on Newly Designed Oxyhydrogen and Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis
Authors: Kaplan Hakan , Şahin Mükerrem , Bilgiç Gülbahar
Published: October 2021

Herein, new prototypes of a dry cell and an H2 generator are designed to produce hydrogen and HHO (oxyhydrogen) gas, and the effect of a magnetic field on both systems is examined. Experiments are conducted in both systems; a 3.5% potassium hydroxide electrolyte is chosen because it is an alkaline type of solution with a high dissociation rate. NdFeB magnets with magnetic fluxes of 1.2 and 1.6 T are added to both systems to reveal the effect of the Lorentz force on gas production. The flow rates of HHO gas in the productions under 1.2 and 1.6 T in the HHO system are 680 and 730 ml min−1, respectively. These values show that the flow velocities were 15.4% (1.2 T) and 23% (1.6 T) greater, respectively than the values recorded without a magnetic field (MF). Additionally, the percentage of hydrogen production increased by 4% for 1.2 T and 11% for 1.6 T compared to the measured value without the MF. In addition, production costs are calculated for both systems in the study: the energy required to obtain the same flow rate as the comparison examples in the literature was lower.
Maternal eating disorder severity is associated with increased latency of foetal auditory event‐related brain responses
Authors: Doersam Annica Franziska , Moser Julia , Throm Jana , Weiss Magdalene , Zipfel Stephan , Micali Nadia , Preissl Hubert , Giel Katrin Elisabeth
Published: October 2021

Objective

Maternal eating disorders (EDs) are associated with adverse pregnancy and child outcomes. There is limited research investigating the influence of maternal EDs on foetal brain development.

Method

Using foetal magnetoencephalography (fMEG), an auditory sequence was presented for 10 min to assess brain response latencies in foetuses of mothers with (n = 12) and without (n = 11) a history of anorexia nervosa (AN) in the third trimester of pregnancy. ED history and severity were assessed using the structured clinical expert interview eating disorder examination (EDE) and the self‐report questionnaire EDE‐Q.

Results

Foetuses of mothers with AN showed delayed foetal brain responses to auditory stimulation compared to foetuses of control women. Self‐reported ED symptom severity explained 34% of variance in foetal brain response latencies in the AN group.

Conclusions

ED pathology was strongly associated with foetal brain response latencies in the third trimester with longer latencies in foetuses of women with a history of AN reporting more ED symptoms. Follow‐up on the children is pivotal to investigate if fMEG outcomes are associated with later child development.
Long‐term optimal power generation pathways for Pakistan
Authors: Abbasi Sikander Ali , Harijan Khanji , Khan Muhammad Waris Ali , Mengal Abdullah , Shaikh Faheemullah , Memon Zubair Ahmed , Mirjat Nayyar Hussain , Kumar Laveet
Published: October 2021

Pakistan has faced an electricity shortfall for over two decades despite various efforts taken at different levels. Though electricity supply in recent times has crossed the demand, the supply‐side stresses and deciding optimal power generation pathways have always been a challenge for policymakers and researchers. In this study using a LEAP energy model, following the sectoral electricity demand forecast, four supply‐side scenarios have been developed and analyzed for the study period 2017‐2055. In each scenario, referred to as Business as Usual (BAU), Renewable Energy Technologies (RET), Coal Power Penetration (CPP), and High‐Efficiency Low‐Emission (HELE) scenario, electricity generation, installed generation capacity, cost of production, and GHG emissions are estimated and compared for seeking long‐term optimal energy pathways for Pakistan. The study results reveal that for the end year (2055), RET is an environmentally sustainable scenario with an estimated electricity generation of 2421 TWh, which is enough to meet the electricity demand of 2374TWh. The GHG emissions under the RET scenario are estimated to be 857 million metric Tons, which are around 50% less than CPP and 40% less than the BAU scenario. However, the cost of generation is higher than BAU and CPP scenarios. The CPP scenario emerges to be cost‐competitive, however with the highest GHG emissions. This study thus suggests that convergence of RET with the CPP scenario could be an appealing option for Pakistan to meet increasing demand with energy security and environmental sustainability.
The Eco-Exposome Concept: Supporting an Integrated Assessment of Mixtures of Environmental Chemicals
Authors: Scholz Stefan , Nichols John W. , Escher Beate I. , Ankley Gerald T. , Altenburger Rolf , Blackwell Brett , Brack Werner , Burkhard Lawrence , Collette Timothy W. , Doering Jon A. , Ekman Drew , Fay Kellie , Fischer Fabian , Hackermüller Jörg , Hoffman Joel C. , Lai Chih , Leuthold David , Martinovic-Weigelt Dalma , Reemtsma Thorsten , Pollesch Nathan , Schroeder Anthony , Schüürmann Gerrit , von Bergen Martin
Published: October 2021

Organisms are exposed to ever-changing complex mixtures of chemicals over the course of their lifetime. The need to more comprehensively describe this exposure and relate it to adverse health effects has led to formulation of the exposome concept in human toxicology. Whether this concept has utility in the context of environmental hazard and risk assessment has not been discussed in detail. In this Critical Perspective, we propose—by analogy to the human exposome—to define the eco-exposome as the totality of the internal exposure (anthropogenic and natural chemicals, their biotransformation products or adducts, and endogenous signaling molecules that may be sensitive to an anthropogenic chemical exposure) over the lifetime of an ecologically relevant organism. We describe how targeted and nontargeted chemical analyses and bioassays can be employed to characterize this exposure and discuss how the adverse outcome pathway concept could be used to link this exposure to adverse effects. Available methods, their limitations, and/or requirement for improvements for practical application of the eco-exposome concept are discussed. Even though analysis of the eco-exposome can be resource-intensive and challenging, new approaches and technologies make this assessment increasingly feasible. Furthermore, an improved understanding of mechanistic relationships between external chemical exposure(s), internal chemical exposure(s), and biological effects could result in the development of proxies, that is, relatively simple chemical and biological measurements that could be used to complement internal exposure assessment or infer the internal exposure when it is difficult to measure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:30–45. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Illustration of the eco-exposome assessment and how chemical analysis and bioassays could be used to estimate internal exposure. MIE = molecular initiation event; KE = key event; AO = adverse outcome.
Realized bipower variation, jump components, and option valuation
Authors: Pan Zhiyuan , Wang Yudong , Liu Li
Published: October 2021

We develop a new option pricing model that captures the jump dynamics and allows for the different roles of positive and negative return variances. Based on the proposed model, we derive a closed‐form solution for option pricing under the condition of a nonmonotonic pricing kernel. Our results indicate that the new model has superior option pricing performance to its nested models, including the jump model of Christoffersen et al. (2015) and affine realized semivariance model of Feunou and Okou (2019). The models accommodating jumps, high‐frequency information, and accounting for variance risk premium perform well compared with traditional benchmark models.
Origin of high‐Mg arc volcanism and fate of subducted sedimentary carbonates in the western Pacific: Evidence from partial melting experiments on mixed sediment and peridotite
Authors: Zhan Mingjun , Zhang Guoliang
Published: October 2021

Andesitic to rhyolitic arc volcanism commonly occurs in the cold subduction system in the modern western Pacific, however, their genesis remains debated. The high‐Mg andesitic arc rocks with enrichments of Th and K are suggested to be derived from a contribution of the subducted sediments and the depleted mantle wedge. The partial melts of pure sediments have MgO too low to explain the origin of such high‐Mg arc rocks. For a cold subduction system, melting of subducted slab can unlikely occur, while sediment diapirism serves as a possible mechanism to contribute to the origin of arc volcanism. Here, we conducted high‐pressure experiments on the mixed sediment (±CaCO3) and peridotite with proportions of 7:3 and 5:5 at 3.5 GPa and 1000–1300°C. The experiment resulted in andesitic to rhyolitic melts with elevated MgO and enriched K2O. All melts reduce in K2O with increasing temperatures as no K‐rich minerals were produced. The interactions between carbonate‐bearing sediments and peridotites during the diapirism promote decarbonation and produce melts with elevated MgO. The results of the experiments can explain the origin of high‐Mg and K‐rich andesite‐rhyolite series of the Izu‐Bonin‐Mariana arc system. A higher sediment proportion used in the experiment is coupled with a stronger effect of garnet, which explains the volcanic rocks with higher K2O and La/Yb. We propose that sediment diapirism in the mantle wedge can produce high‐Mg and K‐rich andesitic‐rhyolitic arc lavas and facilitate decarbonation of subducted sedimentary carbonates in the typical cold Izu‐Bonin‐Mariana subduction zone.
Effective hydrolysis of polysaccharides by activated attapulgite
Authors: Yang Fengli , Xia Feifei , Gong Jie , Zheng Chunzhi
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Hydrolysis of polysaccharides is a key step in biorefineries processes. In this study, an economic and green approach was developed to hydrolyze soluble polysaccharides (starch, inulin, etc.) into monosaccharides by a natural clay of attapulgite (ATP) modified with H2SO4(ATPS), and the catalysts were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Pyridine FTIR Spectroscopy (pyridine‐FTIR), Temperature Programmed Desorption of Ammonia (NH3‐TPD), Thermo‐Gravimetric/Differential Thermal Analyze (TG‐DTA). The hydrolysis of different substrate over ATP‐S was evaluated.

RESULTS

After H2SO4 modification, the total acid sites of the catalyst ATP‐S increased from 65.33 to 109.46 umol g–1, and the surface area also increased from 81.4 to 137.3 m2 g–1. ATP‐S shows excellent activity and stability for polysaccharides hydrolysis in aqueous system. As for inulin as reactant, 98.5% of hydrolysis ratio was obtained at the moderate temperature of 95 °C for 210 min, and 75.8% hydrolysis ratio was achieved for starch. More importantly, there is no apparent decline of the catalytic activity after 4 recycles in aqueous system. In addition, the kinetic analysis was carried out, and the activation energy of the substrates were calculated.

CONCLUSION

Compared with other hydrolysis processes involving enzymes and homogeneous catalysis, the process in this paper is more cost‐efficient and environmentally friendly, and it can easily be scaled‐up and implemented in chemical and bio‐based industries. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Distribution of antiretroviral therapy through private pharmacies and postal courier services during COVID‐19 in Botswana: acceptability and reach of two out‐of‐facility individual differentiated service delivery models
Authors: Mpofu Mulamuli , Moyo Tackler , Gilbert Masego , Dikobe Wame , Nishimoto Lirica , Katiko Gorata , Batuka James , Satti Hind , Qambayot Maria , Mahler Hally , Kitso Lesego , Marqusee Hannah , Bateganya Moses
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The advent of COVID‐19 has put pressure on health systems as they implement measures to reduce the risk of transmission to people living with HIV (PLHIV) and healthcare workers. For two out‐of‐facility individual differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, we assessed acceptability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) distribution through private pharmacies and reach of home delivery of ART through courier services during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Botswana.

Methods

From 24 July to 24 August 2020, we conducted exit interviews with PLHIV receiving ART from 10 high‐volume public facilities in Gaborone, and mapped and conducted an online survey with private pharmacies to assess willingness and capacity to dispense ART to PLHIV enrolled in the Botswana national ART program. We piloted ART home delivery from September 2020 to January 2021 in Gaborone and Kweneng East districts for PLHIV accessing ART at two Tebelopele Wellness Clinics. We used cascade analysis to measure the enrolment and eventual reach (percentage of those reached amongst those who are eligible) of ART home delivery.

Results

Sixty‐one PLHIV and 42 private pharmacies participated. Of the PLHIV interviewed, 37 (61%) indicated willingness to access ART from private pharmacies and pay BWP50 (∼US$4) per refill for a maximum of two refills per year. All private pharmacies surveyed were willing to provide ART, and 26 (62%) would charge a dispensing fee (range = BWP50–100; ∼US$4–8) per refill. All pharmacies operated 12 h/day, 6 days/week and on public holidays. In the home delivery pilot, 650 PLHIV were due for refills, 69.5% (n = 452) of whom were eligible for home delivery. Of these, 361 were successfully offered home delivery and 303 enrolled (enrolment = 83.9%: female = 87.2%, male = 77.8%, p = 0.013). A total of 276 deliveries were made, a reach of 61%.

Conclusions

Providing ART through private pharmacies and home delivery was acceptable in Botswana during COVID‐19. Surveyed pharmacies were willing and able to dispense ART to PLHIV attending public sector facilities for free or for a nominal fee. Additionally, using courier services for ART home delivery is a novel and viable model in countries with a reliable courier service like Botswana and should be scaled up, particularly in urban areas.
Community‐based differentiated service delivery models incorporating multi‐month dispensing of antiretroviral treatment for newly stable people living with HIV receiving single annual clinical visits: a pooled analysis of two cluster‐randomized trials in southern Africa
Authors: Fatti Geoffrey , Ngorima‐Mabhena Nicoletta , Tiam Appolinaire , Tukei Betty Bawuba , Kasu Tonderai , Muzenda Trish , Maile Khotso , Lombard Carl , Chasela Charles , Grimwood Ashraf
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for HIV treatment decrease health facility visit frequency and limit healthcare facility‐based exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. However, two important evidence gaps include understanding DSD effectiveness amongst clients commencing DSD within 12 months of antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation and amongst clients receiving only single annual clinical consultations. To investigate these, we pooled data from two cluster‐randomized trials investigating community‐based DSD in Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

Methods

Individual‐level participant data of newly stable adults enrolled between 6 and 12 months after ART initiation were pooled. Both trials (conducted between August 2017 and July 2019) had three arms: Standard‐of‐care three‐monthly ART provision at healthcare facilities (SoC, control); ART provided three‐monthly in community ART groups (CAGs) (3MC) and ART provided six‐monthly in either CAGs or at community‐distribution points (6MC). Clinical visits were three‐monthly in SoC and annually in intervention arms. The primary outcome was retention in care and secondary outcomes were viral suppression (VS) and number of unscheduled facility visits 12 months after enrolment. Individual‐level regression analyses were conducted by intention‐to‐treat specifying for clustering and adjusted for country.

Results and Discussion

A total of 599 participants were included; 212 (35.4%), 128 (21.4%) and 259 (43.2%) in SoC, 3MC and 6MC, respectively. Few participants aged <25 years were included (n = 32). After 12 months, 198 (93.4%), 123 (96.1%) and 248 (95.8%) were retained in SoC, 3MC and 6MC, respectively. Retention in 3MC was superior versus SoC, adjusted risk difference (aRD) = 4.6% (95% CI: 0.7%−8.5%). Retention in 6MC was non‐inferior versus SoC, aRD = 1.7% (95% CI: −2.5%−5.9%) (prespecified non‐inferiority aRD margin −3.25%). VS was similar between arms, 99.3, 98.6 and 98.1% in SoC, 3MC and 6MC, respectively. Adjusted risk ratio's for VS were 0.98 (95% CI: 0.92−1.03) for 3MC versus SoC, and 0.98 (CI: 0.95−1.00) for 6MC versus SoC. Unscheduled clinic visits were not increased in intervention arms: incidence rate ratio = 0.53 (CI: 0.16−1.80) for 3MC versus SoC; and 0.82 (CI: 0.25−2.79) for 6MC versus SoC.

Conclusions

Community‐based DSD incorporating three‐ and six‐monthly ART refills and single annual clinical visits were at least non‐inferior to standard facility‐based care amongst newly stable ART clients aged ≥25 years.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03238846 & NCT03438370
Crossover of resources within formal ties: How job seekers acquire psychological capital from employment counselors
Authors: Schmidt Corinna Vera Hedwig , Flatten Tessa Christina
Published: October 2021

Unemployed job seekers experience stress which impedes their job search. Research suggests that psychological capital is a key resource which enables job seekers to cope with their stress. Yet it is still unclear how they acquire this key resource. During job search, job seekers engage in task‐oriented, infrequent interactions with counselors in employment agencies and establish formal ties. We explore these largely neglected formal ties and draw on conservation of resources theory and the crossover model to show that psychological capital crosses over from counselors to job seekers. We examine 209 dyads collected from two sources—counselors and job seekers—in an employment agency in Germany. Our hierarchical linear modeling results support the crossover of psychological capital within formal ties: Our results indicate that counselors' psychological capital impacts job seekers' psychological capital, which in turn lowers their stress. This relationship is mediated by job seekers' perception of counselors' social support. This study advances research on job loss and the crossover model as it explains the transfer of key resources within an institutional context characterized by formal ties, and it reveals social support as underlying mechanism. The practical implication is that counselors serve as enablers transferring key resources to job seekers.
Use of magic sandwich echo and fast field cycling NMR relaxometry on honey adulteration with corn syrup
Authors: Berk Berkay , Cavdaroglu Cagri , Grunin Leonid , Ardelean Ioan , Kruk Danuta , Mazi Bekir G , Oztop Mecit H
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Adulteration is defined as the intentional addition of a material that is not a part of the nature. In this study, a non‐conventional time domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD‐NMR) pulse sequence: magic sandwich echo (MSE) was used to detect the adulteration of honey by glucose syrup (GS) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) accompanied with T1 and T2 relaxation times. Also, fast field cycling NMR (FFC‐NMR) relaxometry and multivariate analysis were performed to investigate the adulteration.

RESULTS

Higher maltose in GS and changing glucose to water ratio of HFCS gave high correlation with the crystal content values. In HFCS adulteration, two separate populations of protons having different T2 values were detected and T1 times were also used to determine GS adulteration. Addition of GS increased T1 while addition of HFCS increased T2, significantly.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that it is possible to differentiate the unadulterated and adulterated honey samples by using TD‐NMR relaxation times and crystal content values obtained by the MSE sequence. By FFC‐NMR relaxometry, not only GS addition but also the amount of GS was examined. The multivariate analysis technique of principal component analysis was able to distinguish the types of adulterants. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Sonographic Appearance of Endometrial Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Levine Deborah , Gupta Sonia C. , Kwan Charlene , Brook Alexander , Jorgensen Elisa M. , Kappler Amanda , Hecht Jonathan L.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To describe the sonographic findings of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN), a precursor of endometrial cancer.

Methods

Cases were found by word search of pathology database 1/2013 to 6/2019. One hundred and seventy‐eight patients with ultrasound <1 year prior to biopsy were included. Medical records were searched for patient data. Two radiologists blindly classified images. Differences of opinion were decided by clinical report. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Median time between ultrasound and first sampling procedure was 49 days. Median age was 55 (range 28–85) years. Endometrial thickness ranged from 2 to 90 mm. Mean endometrial thickness was 13 ± 6 mm in the noncancer group and 16 ± 11 mm in the cancer group (P = .02). The endometrium was almost always heterogeneous 175/178 (98%). Cysts were almost always multiple (89/109, 82%) and >1 mm (72/109, 66%). Masses were most often >5 mm (56/105, 55%) and ill‐defined (41/105, 39%). Vascularity was present in 93/178 examinations (52%) and always associated with cysts and/or mass. There were 92 cancers, 25 with invasion (including 4 with tumor extension into adenomyosis). In 47 cases, the endometrial‐myometrial interface was graded as ill‐defined, 39 of whom had hysterectomy. There was macroscopic cancer in 11, microscopic cancer in 4, and invasive carcinoma in 12 patients (P for invasive cancer versus other outcomes = .02). Depth of invasion was 5‐ >95%, with 6 cancers >50%. Multivariate analysis showed thickness, polyps, and type of bleeding as the best set of independent variables for cancer (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve [AUC] = .75). Replacing type of bleeding with age or menopausal status had AUC of .73 and .74, respectively.

Conclusions

EIN has a variety of sonographic appearances with thickened endometrium with cysts and masses being common. Ill‐definition of the endometrial‐myometrial interface is a poor prognostic finding when seen in the absence of adenomyosis.
A Meta‐Analysis of Analgesic Effect of Ultrasound Therapy for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Yi , Wang Yan , Wang Yang , Jia Xiaolin
Published: October 2021

To compare the efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound in pain relief and functional recovery in knee osteoarthritis. A comprehensive search of five databases including EMBASE, PubMed, CBM, the Cochrane Library, and Google scholar was conducted to identify relevant studies published between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2020. Eligible randomized trials were screened for inclusion in this study. Data about the mean change of visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and range of motion (ROM) were collected. Fourteen randomized trials covering 1080 patients with treatment durations of 2 to 24 weeks were included. Both pulsed (SMD [CI] = 1.11 [0.86, 1.36], P for heterogeneity < .00001, I2 = 18%) and continuous ultrasound (SMD [CI] = 1.18 [0.78, 1.57], P for heterogeneity < .00001, I2 = 72%) therapy had obvious pain relief effects, and high‐intensity (>1.5 W/cm2) ultrasound seemed more effective (SMD [CI] = 1.34 [0.94, 1.73], P for heterogeneity < .00001, I2 = 35%). In addition, therapeutic ultrasound was also effective in increasing joint function by WOMAC (SMD [CI] = 8.18 [5.88, 10.48], P for heterogeneity < .00001, I2 = 59%). There was a certain degree of heterogeneity due to the differences between the subjects in the study and the ultrasound parameter settings. Our analysis confirmed that both pulsed and continuous ultrasound are effective and safe for pain relief and functional recovery of knee osteoarthritis, especially in high intensity (> 1.5 W/cm2). However, more high‐quality randomized controlled trials will be necessary.
Communities across the nation scurry to reframe mental health crisis response
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2021

Across the country, committed groups of mental health professionals are taking back their communities, helping to redefine a crisis response effort that had placed police officers unwittingly in the role of social workers.
Clinicians thrust into new role on crisis teams
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2021

The nationwide push to redefine mental health crisis response has suddenly created new demands on staff in treatment agencies, establishing the need for clinicians who can excel in a mobile and highly unpredictable service environment.
Community gardening seen as supporting MH recovery
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2021

Gardening activities continue to be seen as paramount to reducing stress, improving mood and even promoting better nutrition. Research published last year in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reported that gardening activities have been widely studied as methods of restoration from stress and negative mood, or as therapeutic interventions for people suffering from mental health–related difficulties. So it's no surprise that a Northern Virginia nonprofit is helping its residents with mental illness reap the benefits of its community gardening program.
Multiple stabilization roles of thermally reduced graphene oxide for both thermo‐ and photo‐oxidation of polypropylene: deter, delay, and defend
Authors: He Yusong , Fan Daiqi , Chen Jiaxing , Zhao Jincan , Kong Miqiu , Lv Yadong , Huang Yajiang , Li Guangxian
Published: October 2021

Efficient stabilization strategies for polymeric materials are critical to guarantee them to withstand decades of service in multiple aggressive environments. Graphene oxide (GO) has been identified as a kind of promising antioxidant to improve the oxidative stability of polymers; however, a comprehensive understanding of the multifunctional stabilization mechanisms of GO for polymeric materials subjected to various weathering factors is still missing. Here, we explored the effect of the thermally reduced GO (TrGO) on the thermo‐ and photo‐oxidation of isotactic polypropylene (iPP), respectively. The addition of TrGO could simultaneously suppress the thermo‐ and photo‐oxidation of iPP, and the stabilization effects became stronger with increasing TrGO content. While similar carbonyl species were formed under both thermo‐oxidation and photo‐oxidation of iPP, the proportion of ketone was much higher under thermal‐oxidation. The incorporation of TrGO did not change the proportion of the degradation products under thermo‐oxidation; however, the proportion of lactone was risen under photo‐oxidation, suggesting a different degradation mechanism. Versatile stabilization mechanisms of TrGO were further revealed by UV–Vis spectroscopy and oxygen permeability tests, which were related to the extraordinary ability of TrGO in the block of UV light (deter), suppression of oxygen diffusion (delay), and scavenging of free radicals (defend). In this contribution, we clearly demonstrated different multifunctional and synergistic stabilization functions of TrGO for thermo‐ and photo‐oxidation respectively, which shall be useful for the practical design of next‐generation GO‐based stabilizers with superior efficiency.
Defining the duration of the dispensation of oral anticoagulants in administrative healthcare databases
Authors: Sinyavskaya Liliya , Renoux Christel , Durand Madeleine
Published: October 2021

Purpose

In clinical practice, warfarin therapy requires frequent dose adjustments. In pharmacy claims, the days supplied value may not reflect the true duration of warfarin dispensation. This may affect the measures of association comparing the safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus warfarin.

Methods

Using Quebec healthcare administrative databases, we formed a cohort of 55 230 patients newly treated with oral anticoagulants between 2010 and 2016. The duration of dispensations was defined using two approaches: the recorded days supplied value, and the longitudinal coverage approximation (data‐driven) that may account for individual variation in drug usage patterns. Propensity scores adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of major bleeding with dabigatran or rivaroxaban versus warfarin.

Results

Using the days supplied, the mean (and standard deviation) dispensation durations for dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and warfarin were 19 (15), 19 (14), and 13 (12) days, respectively. Using the data‐driven approach, the durations were 20 (16), 19 (15), and 15 (16) days, respectively. The choice of the approach had no impact on the HR estimates.

Conclusions

In our settings, the data‐driven approach closely approximated the recorded days supplied value for the standard dose therapies such as dabigatran and rivaroxaban. For warfarin, the data‐driven approach captured more variability in the duration of dispensations compared to the days supplied value, which may better reflect the true drug‐taking behavior of warfarin. Both approaches may provide valid estimates when comparing the safety of DOACs versus warfarin.
The unexplored potential of gas‐responsive polymers in drug delivery: progress, challenges and outlook
Authors: Yong Hui Wen , Kakkar Ashok
Published: October 2021

Targeted drug delivery based on polymeric nanoparticles has been a long‐standing interest in nanomedicine for its beneficial traits including controlled and localized drug release. Gas‐responsive polymers offer an advantageous platform and have been slowly gaining attention in spatially locating and displaying unique interactions of specific responsive chemical entities in polymeric chains with endogenous gaseous stimuli. In this review, we highlight recent developments in polymeric nanoformulations with stimulant chemical entities for gasotransmittors such as NO, CO, H2S, SO2, O2 and CO2 in enhancing efficacy in therapeutic interventions. We underline some challenges and limitations of exploring these systems for clinical applications, and how we can further tap into the potential of these emerging materials. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.