bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a simple and reliable method for α‐amanitin detection in rat plasma and its application to a toxicokinetic study
Authors: Mao Zhengsheng , Yu Youjia , Sun Hao , Cao Yue , Jiang Qiaoyan , Chu Chunyan , Sun Yang , Huang Shuainan , Zhang Jinsong , Chen Feng
Published: September 2021

Rationale

α‐Amanitin is a highly toxic peptide widely found in species of poisonous mushrooms. The matrix effect has been a major obstacle for accurate determination of α‐amanitin in plasma samples by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). In this study, the strategy to eliminate the matrix effect of α‐amanitin with a one‐step dilution approach after deproteinization was applied.

Methods

Rat plasma samples were processed by protein precipitation with methanol followed by a nine‐fold dilution with pure water. The matrix effect value of α‐amanitin was 19.7%–22.2% by protein precipitation and then changed to 87.5%–88.7% after dilution. α‐Amanitin and the internal standard (roxithromycin) were analyzed on an ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C18 (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column within 3.0 min by gradient elution.

Results

The linear ranges were 0.90–600 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient r >0.9958. A lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 0.90 ng/mL was achieved using only 50 μL of rat plasma. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions for the analyte ranged from 3.2% to 7.5% and 3.1% to 7.1%, respectively, and the accuracy ranged from −5.3% to −8.0%.

Conclusions

The matrix effect of α‐amanitin was reduced by sample dilution after plasma deproteinization. A reliable LC/MS/MS method for the determination of α‐amanitin in rat plasma was developed. This method was successfully applied for a toxicokinetic study of rats after intravenous injection of α‐amanitin with a subacute toxicity dose at 0.10 mg/kg.
Bulk density, particle density, and porosity of two species of Sphagnum: Variability in measurement techniques and spatial distribution
Authors: Whittington Pete , Koiter Alexander , Watts Dia , Brewer Alyssa , Golubev Vitaly
Published: September 2021

Peatlands store more carbon than the world's forests combined, despite covering only 3% of Earth's surface. Governing the sequestration of carbon are biogeochemical processes which are controlled largely by hydrology, which is influenced by the physical properties of the soils, such as bulk density, particle density, and porosity. Reliable values for these properties for peat can be found in the literature; however, values for Sphagnum litter, particularly particle density, are often not measured or reported. The values that do exist for Sphagnum litter rarely report the depth or any spatial differences within the peatland that might exist. Particle density of soil organic material (i.e., humus) is often assumed to be 1.4 g cm–3 and is used for litter. We sampled numerous hummocks of S. capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw. and S. magellanicum Brid. (now either S. divinum Flatberg & Hassel or S. medium Limpr.) at a midlatitude continental peatland and determined the bulk density, particle density, and porosity at 5‐cm intervals from the surface to 25‐cm depth. Bulk density and porosity values were similar to values reported in the literature; difference between species and location within the peatland were observed, with the largest difference being found between Sphagnum growing in open and treed areas. Particle density, however, averaged 0.75 g cm–3, or nearly half that of the assumed value from the literature, suggesting strongly that assuming 1.4 g cm–3 is incorrect for Sphagnum litter and that peatland practitioners should use a locally obtained value, or 0.75 g cm–3 instead.
Global Navigation Satellite Systems Spoofing Detection through measured Autocorrelation Function Shape Distortion
Authors: Khan Abdul Malik , Ahmad Attiq
Published: September 2021

With the expansion in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) constellations and emerging applications utilizing GNSS systems, the issue of detection of interference is evolving as a growing concern in the satellite navigation user community. Threats for GNSS users can be classified as unintentional interference, jamming, and spoofing. Spoofing is more harmful among them because the target receiver might not be aware of the attack and, as a consequence, generate misleading position information. Spoofing attacks are classified as simplistic, intermediate, and sophisticated depending on their complexity of implementation. We focused primarily on the detection of intermediate spoofing attacks by measuring shape distortion (SD) through multiple correlators that cover multiple chips around the prompt tracking point. The SD metric compares the measured and typical values of the autocorrelation function and decides on the spoofing using a noise variance based threshold. The proposed SD metric is found to be very effective in detecting the spoofing attack during the pull‐off phase of the attack. The method is verified through simulations, synthetic spoofing data, and the TEXBAT data shared by the University of Texas, Austin. Different formulations of the proposed method are compared to provide an optimal number of correlator taps in each channel.
Discovery of Easily Synthesizable 4, 4‐Dimethylimidazolidin‐2‐ones as Potent Androgen Receptor Antagonists for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yaragani Muralikrishna , Yadlapalli Prasad , Raghavan Sriram , Thota Giridhar , Basaveswara Rao Mandava Venkata , Vikram Singh Ravindra , Prasad Kottapalli Rajasekhara , Saravanan Chinnusamy
Published: September 2021

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), also known as suppression of androgen activity, is a first‐line treatment option for patients with prostate cancer (PC). ADT became ineffective after several years of treatment due to the development of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which resulted in more deaths in PC patients, but it is still androgen receptor (AR) dependent. Under these conditions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved enzalutamide for the treatment of patients with metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) and, more recently, nonmetastatic CRPC (nmCRPC). Despite the fact that this drug has extended overall and progression‐free survival in a wide range of CRPC patients, more research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of resistance challenges and analogues chemical lead structures as next generation AR antagonists. In this regard, we discovered simple and easily synthesizable new pharmacophore, 4,4‐dimethylimidazolidin‐2‐one, based derivatives MDV1‐MDV8 for potent AR antagonists; here, the thiohydantoin pharmacophore in enzalutamide is replaced by 4,4‐dimethylimidazolidin‐2‐one. The antiproliferative activities of these molecules have been assessed against androgen dependent PC cell line (LNCaP). The structure‐activity relationship of these molecules, as well as their relationship with enzalutamide, is investigated. Among the reported molecules, MDV4 showed significantly improved in vitro activity with the IC50 value of 780.85 nM.
Design and Synthesis of Bioinspired Benzocoumarin‐Chalcones Chimeras as Potential Anti‐Breast Cancer Agents
Authors: Saquib Mohammad , Baig Mohammad Hassan , Khan Mohammad Faheem , Azmi Sarfuddin , Khatoon Shahnaaz , Rawat Arun Kumar , Dong Jae June , Asad Mohammad , Arshad Md. , Hussain Mohd Kamil
Published: September 2021

The design and synthesis of a library of natural product inspired benzocoumarin‐chalcones chimeras, as potent and selective, novel, anti‐breast cancer scaffold, is reported herein. Twenty‐one new chimeric molecules, 25–45, were synthesized through an efficient protocol involving the Horner‐Wadsworth‐Emmons‐olefination of β‐aryl‐β‐ketophosphonates with 4‐formyl‐2H‐benzo[h]chromen‐2‐ones as the key step, and evaluated for anti‐proliferative activity against a panel of four breast cancer and related cell lines viz. MDA‐MB‐231 (ER‐ve), MCF‐7 (ER+ve), Ishikawa (endometrial cancer) and Hela (cervical cancer). The synthesized molecules showed in vitro anti‐proliferative activity in a range of 7.42 to 74.68 μM (IC50). Compounds 33 and 34 showed very good activity, with 34 exhibiting better activity than the standard drugs, tamoxifen and raloxifene. Interestingly, none of the compounds showed cytotoxity against the normal human cell line. To identify the possible targets of the active compounds, molecular docking analysis was conducted to correlate their interaction with the ERα and ERβ receptors. From among the active compounds the docked conformations of 34, at the ERα and ERβ active sites, showed that it fits most favorably in the ligand binding space and shows hydrophobic interactions with the salient residues. Based on the above findings, 34 was identified as a lead molecule for development of more potent anti‐breast cancer agents.
Design, Synthesis and Antitumoral Activity of New O‐Alkylamidoximes
Authors: Oliveira Romário Jonas , Santos Cosme Silva , Caiana Rodrigo Ribeiro Alves , Farias Kleber Juvenal Silva , de Almeida Júnior Renato Ferreira , Machado Paula Renata Lima , Soares‐Paulino Antônio Augusto , Menezes Paulo Henrique , Freitas Juliano Carlo Rufino
Published: September 2021

Among poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases (PARPs), PARP‐1 has emerged as a target in cancer therapy. The present work was aimed to design and synthesize O‐alkylaryl amidoximes as a new antiproliferative agents. The target compounds were designed through the study of molecular docking against the PARP‐1 and synthesized from commercially available starting materials in good yields under mild conditions and easy to perform reactions. The synthesized compounds exhibited in vitro antineoplastic activity (0.32–27.8 mM) against MCF‐7 and Caco‐2 cells, and one of them exhibited selective toxicity when tested against VERO cells. These compounds can be considered good candidates for the next stages in the development of new antiproliferative drugs.
Organomagnesium Crown Ethers and Their Binding Affinities with Li+, Na+, K+, Be2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ Ions – A Theoretical Study
Authors: Roy Saikat , Thirumoorthy Krishnan , Padidela Uday Kumar , Vairaprakash Pothiappan , Anoop Anakuthil , Thimmakondu Venkatesan S.
Published: September 2021

Novel organomagnesium crown ether molecules have been computationally characterized using density functional theory (DFT). Monomer units of MgC6 are used as building blocks. Isomers of MgC6H2 have been extensively explored using both DFT and coupled‐cluster methods in the past by some of us. It had been concluded that the seven‐membered ring isomer, 1‐magnesacyclohept‐4‐en‐2,6‐diyne, was the thermodynamically most stable molecule at all levels. Thus, the latter has been used as the building block for designing new organomagnesium crown ethers. Both alkali (Li+, Na+, and K+) and alkaline‐earth (Be2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) metal ions selective complexes have been theoretically identified. Theoretical binding energies (▵E at 0 K) and thermally corrected Gibbs free energies (▵G at 298.15 K) have been computed for these molecules with MgC6‐6‐crown‐2, MgC6‐9‐crown‐3, and MgC6‐12‐crown‐4 hosts. Higher binding affinity values obtained for Be2+ indicate that these new crown ether molecules could effectively be used for Be2+ encapsulation.
2,6‐Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid (PDCA) Catalyzed Improved Synthetic Approach for 1‐Amidoalkyl Naphthols, Dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones and Bis‐indoles
Authors: Govindhan Chinnasamy , Nagarajan Panneer Selvam
Published: September 2021

An efficient and simple method for the synthesis of various amidoalkyl‐2‐naphthols, dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones (DHPM) and bis‐indoles has been developed using 2,6‐pyridine dicarboxylic acid (PDCA), as an organocatalyst. All the reactions were performed through a one‐pot multicomponent strategy. Reactants of the corresponding reaction were mixed in a single pot along with PDCA catalyst and suitable temperature and duration, yielded the corresponding products in moderate to excellent yield. The proposed method offers various advantages like shorter reaction time, operational simplicity, metal‐free, readily accessible catalyst, no column chromatographic method, a cost‐effective and acceptance of a wide range of substrates and good yields.
One‐Step Method for Alicyclic Ring‐Fused Pyrimidine‐2,4‐diones
Authors: Chaika Nikita , Shvydenko Kostiantyn , Shvydenko Tetiana , Nazarenko Kostiantyn , Kostyuk Aleksandr
Published: September 2021

One‐step method for the synthesis of alicyclic ring‐fused pyrimidine‐2,4‐diones is proposed. The method is based on the reaction of cyclic imidates with carbonylaminopropionic acid derivatives using an excess cyclic imidate as a base. It was shown that the first step is the condensation of a cyclic imidate and a carbonylaminopropionic acid derivative via an active methylene group. Various derivatives of alicyclic ring‐fused pyrimidine‐2,4‐diones bearing at the C5 position of the starting pyrimidine ring hydrogen, carboxylic, nitrile, methoxycarbonyl, and bromo groups were prepared. It was shown that methylation proceeded readily affording 3‐methyl‐5‐bromo‐ alicyclic ring‐fused pyrimidine‐2,4‐diones in good yield.
Visualization of Bubble Nucleation and Growth Confined in 2D Flakes
Authors: Zhang Zhouyang , Qiang Jun , Wang Shensong , Xu Ming , Gan Min , Rao Zhenggang , Tian Tingfang , Ke Shanming , Zhou Yangbo , Hu Yongming , Leung Chi Wah , Mak Chee Leung , Fei Linfeng
Published: September 2021

The nucleation and growth of bubbles within a solid matrix is a ubiquitous phenomenon that affects many natural and synthetic processes. However, such a bubbling process is almost “invisible” to common characterization methods because it has an intrinsically multiphased nature and occurs on very short time/length scales. Using in situ transmission electron microscopy to explore the decomposition of a solid precursor that emits gaseous byproducts, the direct observation of a complete nanoscale bubbling process confined in ultrathin 2D flakes is presented here. This result suggests a three‐step pathway for bubble formation in the confined environment: void formation via spinodal decomposition, bubble nucleation from the spherization of voids, and bubble growth by coalescence. Furthermore, the systematic kinetics analysis based on COMSOL simulations shows that bubble growth is actually achieved by developing metastable or unstable necks between neighboring bubbles before coalescing into one. This thorough understanding of the bubbling mechanism in a confined geometry has implications for refining modern nucleation theories and controlling bubble‐related processes in the fabrication of advanced materials (i.e., topological porous materials).
Nanowelding in Whole‐Lifetime Bottom‐Up Manufacturing: From Assembly to Service
Authors: Li Peifeng , Kang Zhuo , Rao Feng , Lu Yang , Zhang Yue
Published: September 2021

The continuous miniaturization of microelectronics is pushing the transformation of nanomanufacturing modes from top‐down to bottom‐up. Bottom‐up manufacturing is essentially the way of assembling nanostructures from atoms, clusters, quantum dots, etc. The assembly process relies on nanowelding which also existed in the synthesis process of nanostructures, construction and repair of nanonetworks, interconnects, integrated circuits, and nanodevices. First, many kinds of novel nanomaterials and nanostructures from 0D to 1D, and even 2D are synthesized by nanowelding. Second, the connection of nanostructures and interfaces between metal/semiconductor‐metal/semiconductor is realized through low‐temperature heat‐assisted nanowelding, mechanical‐assisted nanowelding, or cold welding. Finally, 2D and 3D interconnects, flexible transparent electrodes, integrated circuits, and nanodevices are constructed, functioned, or self‐healed by nanowelding. All of the three nanomanufacturing stages follow the rule of “oriented attachment” mechanisms. Thus, the whole‐lifetime bottom‐up manufacturing process from the synthesis and connection of nanostructures to the construction and service of nanodevices can be organically integrated by nanowelding. The authors hope this review can bring some new perspective in future semiconductor industrialization development in the expansion of multi‐material systems, technology pathway for the refined design, controlled synthesis and in situ characterization of complex nanostructures, and the strategies to develop and repair novel nanodevices in service.
Europium Doped Silicon Quantum Dot As a Novel FRET Based Dual Detection Probe: Sensitive Detection of Tetracycline, Zinc, and Cadmium
Authors: Zhou Jialing , Zhao Ruoxi , Liu Shikai , Feng lili , Li Wenting , He Fei , Gai Shili , Yang Piaoping
Published: September 2021

The imbalance of Zn2+/Cd2+ in the human body can lead to many serious diseases due to the overuse of antibiotics and deposition in animal products. Developing a functional material for detecting is challenging and in demand. Herein, silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) are designed as a functional platform for the detection of tetracycline and Zn2+/Cd2+. The COOH functionalized SiQDs with the emission wavelength of 450 nm are chelated with Eu(NO3)3 to form SiQDs‐Eu3+ ratio fluorescent probes, which can be used to detect tetracycline (TCs) and Zn2+/Cd2+ by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) principle sequentially. The fluorescent probe showed good linearity between ion concentration and fluorescence enhancement. The detection limit of TCs and Zn2+/Cd2+ are 0.2 × 10−6 m and 3 × 10−6 m, respectively, when the pH of the solution is 7.4. In addition, the synthesized SiQDs‐Eu3+ exhibited good stability (from 94.9% to 103.1%). The relative standard deviations (RSD, n = 10) of human serum and urine were both less than 3%. Therefore, the SiQDs‐Eu3+ ratio fluorescence probe will provide a good application prospect in actual sample detection.
ZnIn2S4‐Based Photocatalysts for Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Yang Ruijie , Mei Liang , Fan Yingying , Zhang Qingyong , Zhu Rongshu , Amal Rose , Yin Zongyou , Zeng Zhiyuan
Published: September 2021

As a fascinating visible‐light‐responsive photocatalyst, zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn2S4) has attracted extensive interdisciplinary interest and is expected to become a new research hotspot in the near future, due to its nontoxicity, suitable band gap, high physicochemical stability and durability, ease of synthesis, and appealing catalytic activity. This review provides an overview on the recent advances in ZnIn2S4‐based photocatalysts. First, the crystal structures and band structures of ZnIn2S4 are briefly introduced. Then, various modulation strategies of ZnIn2S4 are outlined for better photocatalytic performance, which includes morphology and structure engineering, vacancy engineering, doping engineering, hydrogenation engineering, and the construction of ZnIn2S4‐based composites. Thereafter, the potential applications in the energy and environmental area of ZnIn2S4‐based photocatalysts are summarized. Finally, some personal perspectives about the promises and prospects of this emerging material are provided.
Impact of the Acidified Hydroethanolic Solution on the Physicochemical Properties of Starch Nanoparticles Produced by Anti‐Solvent Precipitation
Authors: dos Santos Alves Maria Jaízia , Calvo Torres de Freitas Pedro Marino , Monteiro Alcilene Rodrigues , Ayala Valencia Germán
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to understand the effect of the acidified hydroethanolic solution (AHS) with different ethanol concentrations (50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 96%) on the physicochemical properties of potato and cassava starch nanoparticles (NPs) obtained by anti‐solvent precipitation (AP). The recovery efficiency (RE) is investigated, and the starch NPs are characterized by particle size, surface charge, chemical bonds, crystalline structure, thermal properties, moisture content, water activity, solubility in water, and swelling factor. The best potato and cassava starch NPs are added in gelatin gummies and they are studied by texture profile analysis. The starch NPs have particle size lower than 1000 nm and V‐type crystalline structure. Furthermore, these nanomaterials showed high solubility values in water at 30 and 90 °C. In general, the ethanol concentration used in the AHS altered the RE, particle size, and surface charge of nanoparticles. Texture properties of gelatin gummies containing starch NPs are similar when compared with those gummies manufactured with native starches. The starch NPs could be used to substitute native starches in gelatin gummies. This research reports for the first‐time information regarding the food application of starch NPs, being that these nanomaterials could be used in food productssensitive to heating.
Effect of modified clay treated crumb rubber and silica fume on the properties of concrete
Authors: Nagarajan Chellakavitha , Shanmugasundaram Prabavathy
Published: September 2021

The stacking of worn out tyres on the environment is the major concern in the world due its non‐biodegradable nature. Environmental issues related with disposal of rubber and also the mining of river sand could be minimized by using crumb rubber as fine aggregate. The objective of the article is to strengthen the interfacial bonding of crumb rubber with cement paste using modified clay for counteracting the strength reduction of rubberized concrete. The microstructure of rubber was examined to study the effectiveness of modified clay treatment of rubber using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cement was partially replaced with silica fume (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) and GGBS (30%). The properties of concrete such as workability, unit weight, compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength were studied. The results showed that the inclusion of modified clay treated rubber with silica fume exhibited a low strength reduction of 0.45% compared with control mix which makes the rubberized concrete suitable for the structural elements.
Direct Access to Amides from Nitro‐Compounds via Aminocarbonylation and Amidation Reactions: A Minireview
Authors: Barak Dinesh S. , Batra Sanjay
Published: September 2021

The ubiquity of the amide bond in functional molecules including proteins, natural products, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and materials provides impetus to design and develop newer strategies for the generation of this linkage. Owing to growing awareness about sustainability and development of benign strategies, the traditional route of synthesis of amides via reaction between carboxylic acids and amines in the presence of stoichiometric amount of coupling reagents is tagged to be harsh and wasteful. In one of the unconventional routes, nitro compounds are used directly as amine surrogates for preparing amides mostly via aminocarbonylation and amidation reactions. Typically, such processes involves nitroarenes owing to their propensity to transform into nitroso, hydroxylamine, diazo, hydrazine or aniline intermediates in situ under the influence of suitable catalyst or oxidant. This short review provides the comprehensive overview of these reactions including insight into the scope and their mechanisms.
Comment: China's Shaxian Snacks: A national brand's globalization challenge
Authors: Allen Lawrence L.
Published: September 2021

China is 91% Han Chinese and has a deeply rooted cultural penchant for obedience to authority. Less homogeneous nations that are accustomed to individual liberty may find some of China's techniques and approaches counter to their culture. This cross‐cultural phenomenon cuts all ways. Shaxian Snacks' is a fascinating example of a coming together of high‐functioning, public–private parts of the Chinese economy in ways unique to China.
Farnesol alleviates diethyl nitrosamine induced inflammation and protects experimental rat hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Balaraman Gopalakrishnan , Sundaram Jagan , Mari Ashok , Krishnan Palanisamy , Salam Sharmila , Subramaniam Nirmala , Sirajduddin Immaduddin , Thiruvengadam Devaki
Published: September 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a well‐known internal malignancy with increased worldwide mortality. The increased progression rate is closely associated with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Chemical carcinogens cause tumor advocacy over free radical metabolites to causes numerous biochemical and molecular changes that bring oxidative stress. In addition, inflammatory cells and its growth factor promotes the progression of liver cancer through deregulates the numerous cellular signaling pathways involved in normal cellular proliferation. Plant derived phytochemicals have a better complimentary potency to defend against a wide array of free radical mediated diseases such as cancer. More recently, we have evaluated the anticancer effect of Farnesol against DEN induced hepatocellular carcinoma in male wistar albino rats. However, the possible mechanism in which Farnesol attributes its anticancer effect against DEN induced liver cancer remains unknown. Hence in the present study, an attempt has been made to reduce the oxidative stress by appraise the antioxidant effect by Farnesol in DEN induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Elevated oxidative stress markers with concomitant decreased cellular antioxidants levels were observed in DEN induced hepatic tissues. Further, proliferating nuclei with increased proliferating cell nucleolar antigen (PCNA) and inflammatory mediator expression were observed in DEN induced rats. Oral supplementation of Farnesol to DEN induced rats significantly decrease the oxidative stress markers and increase the cellular antioxidant status. Moreover, Farnesol treatment decreases the argyrophilic nuclear organizer region and PCNA along with decreased expression of inflammatory mediators suggest that Farnesol treatment restores DEN induced hepatic abnormalities and protects liver from cancer progression.
Developing a non‐invasive method of detecting elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus infections using faecal samples
Authors: Common Sophie M. , Yun Yaoprapa , Silva‐Fletcher Ayona , Thitaram Chatchote , Janyamethakul Thittaya , Khammesri Siripat , Molenaar Fieke M.
Published: September 2021

Background

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV)‐associated haemorrhagic disease (EEHV‐HD) is a leading cause of death in Asian elephant calves across the world. Cases of EEHV‐HD have been detected in free‐living calves through post‐mortem examination (PME) indicating the presence of the virus in the wild. In the absence of a non‐invasive sampling method, little research into free‐living populations has been possible. This study aimed to provide evidence that faeces can be used as a non‐invasive sampling method for the detection of EEHV excretion using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Methods

Serial saliva swabs and faecal samples were taken from five captive Asian elephants in Thailand over 12 weeks. To ensure the presence of detectable elephant DNA within the sample, qPCR was run for amplification of the Asian elephant tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α) gene, EEHV1 and EEHV4.

Results

Of 28 sample pairs, seven saliva samples were positive for EEHV, of which two had paired positive faecal samples.

Conclusions

This study presents the first evidence that EEHV is excreted in faeces at detectable levels. This method may in future be used for improved understanding of the epidemiology of EEHV in free‐living elephant populations, as well as detection of EEHV excretion in captive herds.
Usage of meat and bone meal in animal, poultry and fish feeds: A survey and risk analysis for the occurrence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Nazrul , Siddiqui Md. Saiful Islam , Islam Md. Taohidul , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Chowdhury Emdadul Haque
Published: September 2021

Background

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is an emerging zoonotic disease of cattle associated with pathological prion protein (PrPsc) transmitted via meat and bone meal (MBM). Although Bangladesh did not experience a BSE outbreak but the country could not export animal products to developed countries as has not yet been declared BSE free country by OIE due to lack of scientific risk evaluation for BSE. The objectives were identification of hazard, release and exposure pathways of pathological prion protein through MBM and analysis of risk for the occurrence of BSE in Bangladesh.

Methods

The scientific data were reviewed, hazards were scheduled and surveys were conducted on livestock production system, import of MBM and its use to identify the hazards present in Bangladesh context. The analysis was done by the ‘OIE Risk Analysis Framework 2006 and European Union (EU) Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) 2003’. From the historical reviews, import of MBM and its use was identified, as external hazards.

Results

The analysis revealed that these hazards had negligible or moderate risk for the introduction of infectious PrPsc as Bangladeshi cattle are vegetarian cattle. No milk replacer was used and use of slaughtered waste in the animal feed industry is absent. Unconsumable bones are processed to produce bone chips, fertilizers and bone meal for poultry feeds. Scrapie was never prevalent in Bangladesh. Therefore, risk from the internal challenge was negligible in Bangladesh for the occurrence of classical BSE. These prevented the propagation of BSE infectivity and eliminated BSE infectivity from the system very fast, if that was present.

Conclusions

It was concluded that introduction of PrPsc into cattle population of Bangladesh through MBM was very negligible. Therefore, Bangladesh can be considered as BSE negligible risk country.
Yeasts in the attine ant–fungus mutualism: Diversity, functional roles, and putative biotechnological applications
Authors: Bizarria Rodolfo , Pagnocca Fernando Carlos , Rodrigues Andre
Published: September 2021

Insects interact with a wide variety of yeasts, often providing a suitable substrate for their growth. Some yeast–insect interactions are tractable models for understanding the relationships between the symbionts. Attine ants are prominent insects in the Neotropics and have performed an ancient fungiculture of mutualistic basidiomycete fungi for more than 55–65 million years. Yeasts gain access to this sophisticated mutualism, prompting diversity, ecological, and biotechnological studies in this environment. We review half a century research in this field, surveying for recurrent yeast taxa and their putative ecological roles in this environment. We found that previous studies mainly covered the yeast diversity from a small fraction of attine ants, being Saccharomycetales, Tremellales, and Trichosporonales as the most frequent yeast or yeast‐like orders found. Apiotrichum, Aureobasidium, Candida, Cutaneotrichosporon, Debaryomyces, Meyerozyma, Papiliotrema, Rhodotorula, Trichomonascus, and Trichosporon are the most frequent recovered genera. On the other hand, studies of yeasts’ ecological roles on attine ant–fungus mutualism only tapped the tip of the iceberg. Previous established hypotheses in the literature cover the production of lignocellulosic enzymes, chemical detoxification, and fungus garden protection. Some of these roles have parallels in biotechnological processes. In conclusion, the attine ant environment has a hidden potential for studying yeast biodiversity, ecology, and biotechnology, which has been particularly unexplored considering the vast diversity of fungus‐growing ants.
Effects of gut microbiota–derived extracellular vesicles on obesity and diabetes and their potential modulation through diet
Authors: Díez-Sainz Ester , Milagro Fermín I. , Riezu-Boj José I. , Lorente-Cebrián Silvia
Published: September 2021

Obesity and diabetes incidence rates are increasing dramatically, reaching pandemic proportions. Therefore, there is an urgent need to unravel the mechanisms underlying their pathophysiology. Of particular interest is the close interconnection between gut microbiota dysbiosis and obesity and diabetes progression. Hence, microbiota manipulation through diet has been postulated as a promising therapeutic target. In this regard, secretion of gut microbiota–derived extracellular vesicles is gaining special attention, standing out as key factors that could mediate gut microbiota-host communication. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from gut microbiota and probiotic bacteria allow to encapsulate a wide range of bioactive molecules (such as/or including proteins and nucleic acids) that could travel short and long distances to modulate important biological functions with the overall impact on the host health. EV-derived from specific bacteria induce differential physiological responses. For example, a high-fat diet–induced increase of the proteobacterium Pseudomonas panacis–derived EV is closely associated with the progression of metabolic dysfunction in mice. In contrast, Akkermansia muciniphila EV are linked with the alleviation of high-fat diet–induced obesity and diabetes in mice. Here, we review the newest pieces of evidence concerning the potential role of gut microbiota and probiotic-derived EV on obesity and diabetes onset, progression, and management, through the modulation of inflammation, metabolism, and gut permeability. In addition, we discuss the role of certain dietary patterns on gut microbiota–derived EV profile and the clinical implication that dietary habits could have on metabolic diseases progression through the shaping of gut microbiota–derived EV.
Journal to Stella
Authors: Swift Jonathan
Published: September 2021

The Journal to Stella, Jonathan Swift's letters to Esther Johnson, or 'Stella', and Rebecca Dingley, written between September 1710 and June 1713, offers an extraordinary commentary on Swift's experiences in London during the most politically active and exciting years of his career and evidence of his evolving relationship with the two women. This edition seeks for the first time both to situate the letters alongside Swift's other works and to place them within their original political, historical and cultural contexts. It brings together a combination of printed work and manuscript to present the most complete and accessible text possible, enhanced by the use of the latest digital image analysis techniques to reinstate previously indecipherable material. In addition to a new critical introduction and appendices, there is also a biographical appendix derived from recently available resources.
International Business Strategy
Authors: Verbeke Alain , Lee I. H. Ian
Published: September 2021

Now in its third edition, this core textbook for advanced undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students combines analytical rigour and managerial insight on the functioning and strategy of large multinational enterprises (MNEs). Verbeke and Lee develop an original conceptual model that supports student learning by providing an integrated perspective, rooted in theory and practice. The discussion also includes unique commentaries on seventy-four seminal articles published in the Harvard Business Review, the Sloan Management Review, and the California Management Review over the past four decades, demonstrating how the key insights can be applied to real businesses engaged in international expansion programmes, especially as they venture into high-distance markets. This third edition has been thoroughly updated and features new sections on multinational entrepreneurship, strategic challenges in the new economy, and international business strategy during globally disruptive events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will benefit from updated case studies, improved learning features, and a wide range of online resources.
The Right to Life under International Law
Authors: Casey-Maslen Stuart , Heyns Christof
Published: September 2021

The Right to Life under International Law offers the first-ever comprehensive treatment under international law of the foundational human right to life. It describes the history, content, and status of the right, considers jurisdictional issues, and discusses the application of the right to a wide range of groups, such as women, children, persons with disabilities, members of minorities, LGBTI persons, refugees, and journalists. It defines the responsibility of not only governments but also the private sector, armed groups, and non-governmental organisations to respect the prohibition on arbitrary deprivation of life. It also explains the nature and substance of the duty to investigate potentially unlawful death as well as the mechanisms at global and regional level to promote respect for the right to life.
Gulliver's Travels
Authors: Swift Jonathan
Published: September 2021

Gulliver's Travels is one of the few works of English literature which is also a landmark in world literature. Jonathan Swift's account of Lemuel Gulliver's adventures in the fantastical societies of 'remote nations' was an instant best-seller on publication in 1726 and has remained in the public imagination ever since, as both a satiric fantasy and an analysis of the human condition. This scholarly edition offers an authoritative text, based on the widest possible historical collation of the many editions published in Swift's lifetime; a detailed introduction and textual apparatus; and appendices and illustrations presenting important ancillary material with new clarity. Extensive notes and commentary open out the many layers of meaning and allusion in the text, identify new sources and parallels and offer wide-ranging historical background information. An important addition to the Cambridge Swift Edition, this volume will be indispensable for scholars and students of eighteenth-century literature and ideas.
Abnormal Intracortical Functions in Parkinson’s Disease with Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder
Authors: Bhattacharya Amitabh , Kamble Nitish , Yadav Ravi , Stezin Albert , Pal Pramod Kumar
Published: September 2021

Background:

Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is considered to be one of the most frequent and important prodromal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). We aimed to study the neurophysiological abnormalities in patients of PD-RBD and PD without RBD (PD-nRBD) using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Methods:

Twenty patients each of PD-RBD and PD-nRBD were included in the study in addition to 20 age and gender-matched healthy controls. RBD was identified using the RBD screening questionnaire (RBDSQ). All the subjects were evaluated with single and paired-pulse TMS and parameters such as resting motor threshold (RMT), central motor conduction time (CMCT), silent period (SP), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were recorded.

Results:

The mean age of the controls and PD patients with and without RBD was comparable. There were no significant differences in RMT, CMCT and silent period between the two patient groups. SICI was present in all the three groups with significant inhibition noted in PD-RBD group (p < 0.001). ICF was absent in patients of PD-RBD (0.19 ± 0.11) and PD-nRBD (0.7 ± 0.5) when compared to controls (1.88 ± 1.02) with profound impairment in patients with PD-RBD (p < 0.001). The mean MoCA score was found to be significantly different in all the three groups with a worse score in patients with RBD (23.10 ± 2.55; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

PD-RBD patients have significantly greater inhibition and reduced intracortical facilitation suggesting enhanced GABAergic and reduced glutaminergic transmission. These abnormalities may underlie the different pathophysiological process observed in these patients.
Truth: The Rule or the Aim of Assertion?
Authors: Marsili Neri
Published: September 2021

Is truth the rule or the aim of assertion? Philosophers disagree. After reviewing the available evidence, the hypothesis that truth is the aim of assertion is defended against recent attempts to prove that truth is rather a rule of assertion.
The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on healthcare-associated infections in 2020: A summary of data reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network
Authors: Weiner-Lastinger Lindsey M. , Pattabiraman Vaishnavi , Konnor Rebecca Y. , Patel Prachi R. , Wong Emily , Xu Sunny Y. , Smith Brittany , Edwards Jonathan R. , Dudeck Margaret A.
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

To determine the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on healthcare-associated infection (HAI) incidence in US hospitals, national- and state-level standardized infection ratios (SIRs) were calculated for each quarter in 2020 and compared to those from 2019.

Methods:

Central–line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), ventilator-associated events (VAEs), select surgical site infections, and Clostridioides difficile and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia laboratory-identified events reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network for 2019 and 2020 by acute-care hospitals were analyzed. SIRs were calculated for each HAI and quarter by dividing the number of reported infections by the number of predicted infections, calculated using 2015 national baseline data. Percentage changes between 2019 and 2020 SIRs were calculated. Supporting analyses, such as an assessment of device utilization in 2020 compared to 2019, were also performed.

Results:

Significant increases in the national SIRs for CLABSI, CAUTI, VAE, and MRSA bacteremia were observed in 2020. Changes in the SIR varied by quarter and state. The largest increase was observed for CLABSI, and significant increases in VAE incidence and ventilator utilization were seen across all 4 quarters of 2020.

Conclusions:

This report provides a national view of the increases in HAI incidence in 2020. These data highlight the need to return to conventional infection prevention and control practices and build resiliency in these programs to withstand future pandemics.
The role of school counsellors in children’s adjustment to preschool education
Authors: Öngören Sema
Published: September 2021

This research aims to examine the practices of school counsellors working in preschool education towards children’s school adjustment in academic, social, emotional, and behavioural dimensions. The research is a qualitative study with participants consisting of 30 school counsellors working in preschool education. The participants were determined using the criterion sampling method, which is a purposeful sampling method. The data were collected using an interview form with four questions. These data were analysed by content analysis method. It was revealed that the counsellors carried out various practices in academic, social, emotional, and behavioural areas for the adjustment of children to school. It was found that academic adjustment activities were cooperation with the family, individual guidance, and behaviour assessment. Social adjustment activities were social skills activities, group guidance, peer support, and individual guidance. Emotional adjustment activities were individual guidance and cooperation with the family. Behavioural adjustment activities were group guidance, cooperation with the family, individual guidance, school rules, and behaviour assessment.
From barriers to implementation: Advancing universal mental health screening in schools
Authors: Burns John R. , Rapee Ronald M.
Published: September 2021

In light of concerning evidence that many young people with mental disorders are not receiving appropriate mental health intervention, school-based mental health screening has been advocated as one way to improve identification of at-risk youth. Despite having much promise, universal screening in schools remains a relatively uncommon practice internationally. Various barriers that deter school psychologists and counsellors from screening have been identified, including lack of resourcing to implement screening, lack of knowledge about the mechanics of how to carry out a screening program, and concern about how to manage the anticipated increased workload generated by following up identified students. In this practice-based paper we discuss a four-stage process that guides school psychologists and counsellors in the establishment of a school-based screening program, with specific reference to overcoming perceived barriers.
Do star employees help or hinder department performance: the case of surgeons in South Korean hospitals
Authors: Oh Sangsuk , Park Owwon , Hong Woonki
Published: September 2021

Based on strategic human capital theory, this study examines the effects of star surgeons on two different types of healthcare outcomes (i.e., number of surgical patients and length of patients’ in-hospital stay after surgery) in the surgery department. We also explore whether the relationship between star surgeons and healthcare outcomes is contingent on the expertise disparity between star and non-star surgeons. The results of an empirical analysis on colorectal cancer surgeons in 80 departments in South Korean hospitals show that the number of star surgeons increases the number of surgical patients and reduces the length of patients' stay after surgery. Moreover, the positive relationship between star surgeons and the number of surgical patients is strengthened when the expertise disparity between star and non-star surgeons is low. The implications of these findings for research and practice are also discussed.
Genetic liability to suicide attempt, suicide death, and psychiatric and substance use disorders on the risk for suicide attempt and suicide death: a Swedish national study
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S. , Ohlsson Henrik , Mościcki Eve K. , Sundquist Jan , Edwards Alexis C. , Sundquist Kristina
Published: September 2021

Background

How does genetic liability to suicide attempt (SA), suicide death (SD), major depression (MD), bipolar disorder (BD), schizophrenia (SZ), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and drug use disorder (DUD) impact on risk for SA and SD?

Methods

In the Swedish general population born 1932–1995 and followed through 2017 (n = 7 661 519), we calculate family genetic risk scores (FGRS) for SA, SD, MD, BD, SZ, AUD, and DUD. Registration for SA and SD was assessed from Swedish national registers.

Results

In univariate and multivariate models predicting SA, FGRS were highest for SA, AUD, DUD, and MD. In univariate models predicting SD, the strongest FGRS were AUD, DUD, SA, and SD. In multivariate models, the FGRS for SA and AUD were higher in predicting SA while the FGRS for SD, BD, and SZ were higher in predicting SD. Higher FGRS for all disorders significantly predicted both younger age at first SA and frequency of attempts. For SD, higher FGRS for MD, AUD, and SD predicted later age at SD. Mediation of FGRS effects on SA and SD was more pronounced for SD than SA, strongest for AUD, DUD, and SZ FGRS and weakest for MD.

Conclusions

FGRS for both SA and SD and for our five psychiatric disorders impact on risk for SA and SD in a complex manner. While some of the impact of genetic risk factors for psychiatric disorders on risk for SA and SD is mediated through developing the disorders, these risks also predispose directly to suicidal behaviors.