bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: Psychological effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic: Perceived stress, anxiety, work–family imbalance, and coping strategies among healthcare professionals in Khartoum state hospitals, Sudan, 2021
Authors: Mahgoub Ibrahim M. , Abdelrahman Amani , Abdallah Tibyan A. , Mohamed Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla , Abdelrahman ElMuiz , Salih Zeinab Mohammed Amara
Published: August 2021

Background

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) is highly contagious and can spread a pandemic, so it is related to serious health issues and major public concerns, and is considered by the medical community to be the greatest concern because it is the greatest risk of infection.

Objective

To identify and assess the psychological effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on healthcare professionals in Khartoum state hospitals 2021.

Materials and methods

Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD‐7), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐10), and Work–Family Balance Measure Scale were used to assess the psychological impact of doctors and nurses working in four big hospitals in Sudan, by an online questionnaire, analyzed by the statistical package for social science (SPSS) during February.

Results

Most of the participants had minimal to mild anxiety according to GAD‐7 score, 121 (35.2%) and 103 (29.9%), respectively. Using PSS‐10, the cutoff point was determined as 19 as the mean for total score was 19.2 ± 6.2, accordingly, more than half had high levels of stress (scored 19 and above) 189 (54.9%). For the Work–Family Balance Scale, 10 was regarded as the cutoff point. There was a significant association between specialty and stress level p‐value .032. No significant correlations were found between age and stress level, neither between age and anxiety level (r −.100, p‐value .064 and r = −.022, p‐value .683, respectively).

Conclusion

More than half of healthcare professionals (54.9%) showed high levels of stress. Most of the healthcare professionals had poor work–family balance (60.2%).
Comparison of the possible histopathological changes of the rat neonatal cerebellum induced by toxic and nontoxic doses of biological silver nanoparticles with chemical silver nanoparticles
Authors: Mirkatuli Hanieh Alsadat , Baghbani Mohammadhasan , Yahyaei Behrooz
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Today, due to the increasing application of silver nanoparticles in medical products, it is necessary to pay attention to the user's safety. There are three methods, namely, chemical, physical, and biological, used for the production of nanoparticles. Although the first two methods might introduce health hazards, the latter is hypothetically safe. In this study, we examined the histopathological changes in the cerebellum of neonatal Wistar rats induced by injection of toxic and nontoxic doses of silver nanoparticles, which were produced by green synthetic method and were compared with chemical silver nanoparticles.

Methods

This study was a laboratory interventional study performed on 25 Wistar rats in the Animal Laboratory of Islamic Azad University of Shahrood. These rats were divided into five groups of the control group, the group with nonpoisonous injection of chemical nanoparticles, the group with nonpoisonous injection of biological nanoparticles, the group with injection of poisonous chemical nanoparticles, and the group with injection of poisonous biological nanoparticles. The rats were impregnated by the males of the same race and the cerebellum of their offspring was studied after birth.

Results

We found that the injection of nonpoisonous chemical nanoparticles caused hyperemia, inappropriate size, and dark cytoplasm in some Purkinje cells. Also, injection of poisonous chemical nanoparticles caused hyperemia and cellular dispersion in the molecular layer, caused abnormal shapes, and reduced the number of cells in Purkinje cells. However, injection of poisonous and nonpoisonous biological nanoparticles did not alter cerebellum cells nor did it cause any inflammation or hyperemia.

Conclusion

In contrast with chemical nanoparticles, biological nanoparticles have less significant effect on the cerebellum cells.
How do therapists assess suitability? A qualitative study exploring therapists' judgements of treatment suitability for depressed adolescents
Authors: Nakajima Mikoto , Dykiert Dominika , Wilkinson Paul , Midgley Nick
Published: August 2021

Background

Despite the need for a better understanding of treatment suitability, how it is determined by therapists in real‐life practice is still unknown. The study aimed to explore how therapists working with depressed teenagers make judgements about treatment suitability across three treatment modalities: (a) Short‐term Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, (b) Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and (c) Brief Psychosocial Intervention.

Methods

The study used a qualitative analysis within a randomised controlled trial. Therapists' judgements of treatment suitability were studied via an exploratory content analysis. This trial is registered with current controlled trials, number ISRCTN83033550.

Results and Discussion

A wide range of factors were considered in therapists' judgements of suitability, with significant variation in themes across treatment modalities. Although a much higher number of therapists judged the allocated treatment modality to be suitable to the client than not, many also indicated ambivalence and uncertainty towards their decision‐making. This demonstrates a possibility that treatment suitability may be more accurately assessed as a continuum over multiple time points throughout treatment.
One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of 2‐Methyl‐3‐aminobenzofurans Using Calcium Carbide as a Concise Solid Alkyne Source
Authors: Ma Xiaolong , Wang Zhiqiang , Liu Zhenrong , Li Zheng
Published: August 2021

Main observation and conclusion

A one‐pot three‐component method for the synthesis of 2‐methyl‐3‐aminobenzofurans using calcium carbide as a concise solid alkyne source, and salicylaldehydes and secondary amines as starting materials is described. This protocol has salient feature of the use of inexpensive, abundant and easy‐to‐handle alkyne source, avoiding the use of inflammable and explosive acetylene gas as an original alkyne source. In addition, step economy, satisfactory yield, and simple work‐up procedure are also advantages of this route.
Diversification of the calponin family proteins by gene amplification and repeat expansion of calponin‐like motifs
Authors: Ono Shoichiro
Published: August 2021

The calponin family proteins in vertebrates, including calponin and transgelin (also known as SM22 or NP25), regulate actin‐myosin interaction and actin filament stability and are involved in regulation of muscle contractility and cell migration. Related proteins are also present in invertebrates and fungi. Animals have multiple genes encoding calponin family proteins with variable molecular features, which are often expressed in the same tissues or cells. However, functional studies of this class of proteins have been reported only in limited species. Through database searches, I found that the calponin family proteins were diversified in animals by gene amplification and repeat expansion of calponin‐like (CLIK) motifs, which function as actin‐binding sequences. Transgelin‐like proteins with a single CLIK motif are the most primitive type and present in fungi and animals. In many animals, additional calponin family proteins containing multiple CLIK motifs, as represented by vertebrate calponins with three CLIK motifs, are present. Interestingly, in several invertebrate species, there are uncharacterized calponin‐related proteins with highly expanded repeats of CLIK motifs (up to 23 repeats in mollusks). These variable molecular features of the calponin family proteins may be results of evolutionary adaptation to a broad range of cell biological events.
Palaeoneurology of the early cretaceous iguanodont Proa valdearinnoensis and its bearing on the parallel developments of cognitive abilities in theropod and ornithopod dinosaurs
Authors: Knoll Fabien , Lautenschlager Stephan , Kawabe Soichiro , Martínez Gloria , Espílez Eduardo , Mampel Luis , Alcalá Luis
Published: August 2021

Proa valdearinnoensis is a relatively large‐headed and stocky iguanodontian dinosaur from the latest Early Cretaceous of Spain. Its braincase is known from three specimens. Similar to that of other dinosaurs, it shows a mosaic ossification pattern in which most of the bones seem to have fused together indistinguishably while a few (frontoparietal, basioccipital) might have remained loosely attached. The endocasts of the three specimens are described based on CT data and digital reconstructions. They show unmistakable morphological similarities with the endocast of closely related taxa, such as Sirindhorna khoratensis (which is close in age but from Thailand). This supports a high conservatism of the endocranial cavity. The issue of volumetric correspondence between endocranial cavity and brain in dinosaurs is analyzed. Although a brain‐to‐endocranial cavity (BEC) index of 0.50 has been traditionally used, we employ instead 0.73. This is indeed the mid‐value between the situation in adults of Alligator mississippiensis and Gallus gallus, which are members of the extant bracketing taxa of dinosaurs (Crocodilia and Aves). We thence gauge the level of encephalization of P. valdearinnoensis through the calculation of the encephalization quotient (EQ), which remains valuable as a metric for assessing the degree of cognitive function in extinct taxa, especially those with fully ossified braincases like dinosaurs and other archosaurs. The EQ obtained for P. valdearinnoensis (3.611) suggests that this species was significantly more encephalized than most if not all extant nonavian, nonmammalian amniotes. Our work adds to the growing body of data concerning theoretical cognitive capabilities in dinosaurs and supports the idea that an increasing encephalization was fostered not only in theropods but also in parallel in the shorter‐lived lineage of ornithopods. P. valdearinnoensis was ill‐equipped to respond to theropod dinosaurs and possibly lived in groups as a strategy to mitigate the risk of being predated upon. We hypothesize that group‐living and protracted caring of juveniles in this and possibly many other iguanodontian ornithopods favored a degree of encephalization that was outstanding by reptile standards.
Execution‐Cache‐Memory modeling and performance tuning of sparse matrix‐vector multiplication and Lattice quantum chromodynamics on A64FX
Authors: Alappat Christie , Meyer Nils , Laukemann Jan , Gruber Thomas , Hager Georg , Wellein Gerhard , Wettig Tilo
Published: August 2021

The A64FX CPU is arguably the most powerful Arm‐based processor design to date. Although it is a traditional cache‐based multicore processor, its peak performance and memory bandwidth rival accelerator devices. A good understanding of its performance features is of paramount importance for developers who wish to leverage its full potential. We present an architectural analysis of the A64FX used in the Fujitsu FX1000 supercomputer at a level of detail that allows for the construction of Execution‐Cache‐Memory performance models for steady‐state loops. In the process we identify architectural peculiarities that point to viable generic optimization strategies. After validating the model using simple streaming loops we apply the insight gained to sparse matrix‐vector multiplication (SpMV) and the domain wall (DW) kernel from quantum chromodynamics. For SpMV we show why the compressed row storage (CRS) matrix storage format is not a good practical choice on this architecture and how the SELL‐C‐ format can achieve bandwidth saturation. For the DW kernel we provide a cache‐reuse analysis and show how an appropriate choice of data layout for complex arrays can realize memory‐bandwidth saturation in this case as well. A comparison with state‐of‐the‐art high‐end Intel Cascade Lake AP and Nvidia V100 systems puts the capabilities of the A64FX into perspective. We also explore the potential for power optimizations using the tuning knobs provided by the Fugaku system, achieving energy savings of about 31% for SpMV and 18% for DW.
Nine‐month old infants’ hand preference shows no link to concurrent or later vocabulary
Authors: Nicoladis Elena , Barbosa Poliana
Published: August 2021

Previous studies have shown a link between language abilities and right hand preference (RHP) for both object manipulation and pointing between 10 and 18 months of age. For infants, RHP can still be unstable. The purpose of the present study was to test whether the link between vocabulary and RHP exists among 9‐month‐old infants. The study included 88 infants who were observed in videotaped free‐play interactions with their mothers at 9 months of age. The infants’ hand preference was coded for touching objects and pointing. The children's vocabulary was measured at 9, 12, and 18 months of age. The results showed a small and significant RHP for touching objects and no significant RHP for pointing. The degree of RHP was not correlated with vocabulary scores at any age. One interpretation of these results is that, for the infants in this study, the lateralization for motor abilities was still stabilizing and therefore showed no relationship with their vocabulary. If so, this result is consistent with the argument that language lateralization builds on the lateralization for skilled and/or communicative movement.
Transmission of paternal retrieval behavior from fathers to sons in a biparental rodent
Authors: Becker Elizabeth A. , Leithead Amanda B. , Libo Natalya , Kumerow Marie T. , Goetsch Lauren , Marler Catherine A.
Published: August 2021

Transmission of maternal behavior across generations occurs, but less is known about paternal behavior. In biparental species like the California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), paternal care contributes to the well‐being of offspring with lasting consequences on the brain and behavior. Paternal huddling/grooming behavior can be passed on to future generations, but whether paternal retrieval, which removes young from potential harm, is transmitted independently is unclear. We manipulated paternal retrieval experience through pup displacement manipulations, then examined whether males exposed to higher levels of paternal retrieval in development altered their adult retrieval behavior with their offspring. Males exposed to heightened paternal retrievals, as compared to reduced retrievals, retrieved their offspring more often but huddled/groomed offspring less during undisturbed natural observations. No differences were observed following a pup displacement challenge. The high paternal retrieval group also exhibited more physical activity and stereotypy. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that paternal retrieval levels are transmitted across generations and may function via mechanisms separate from huddling/grooming. One modifying factor may be anxiety because increased activity and stereotypy occurred in the high retrieval group. We speculate how the transmission of paternal retrievals may inform a protective parenting style.
Do infants avoid a traversable slope leading into deep water?
Authors: Burnay Carolina , Button Chris , Cordovil Rita , Anderson David I. , Croft James L.
Published: August 2021

Ramps used to access swimming pools are designed with a shallow slope that affords easy access for all including infants. Locomotor experience has been linked to infants’ avoidance of falling into the water from drop‐offs; however, the effect of such experience on infants’ behavior when a slope is offered to access the water has not been addressed. Forty‐three crawling infants (Mage = 10.63 ± 1.91 months; Mcrawling = 2.38 ± 1.77 months) and 34 walking infants (Mage = 14.90 ± 2.18 months; Mwalking = 2.59 ± 1.56 months) were tested on a new Water Slope paradigm, a sloped surface (10°) leading to deep water. No association between infants’ avoidance of submersion and locomotor experience was found. Comparison with the results of infants’ behavior on the water cliff revealed that a greater proportion of infants reached the submersion point on the water slope than fell into the water cliff. Collectively, these results indicate a high degree of specificity in which locomotor experience teaches infants about risky situations. Importantly, sloped access to deep water appears to increase the risk of infants moving into the water thereby making them more vulnerable to drowning.
Paternal adverse childhood experiences: Associations with infant DNA methylation
Authors: Merrill Sarah M. , Moore Sarah R. , Gladish Nicole , Giesbrecht Gerald F. , Dewey Deborah , Konwar Chaini , MacIssac Julia L. , Kobor Michael S. , Letourneau Nicole L.
Published: August 2021

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), or cumulative childhood stress exposures, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, predict later health problems in both the exposed individuals and their offspring. One potential explanation suggests exposure to early adversity predicts epigenetic modification, especially DNA methylation (DNAm), linked to later health. Stress experienced preconception by mothers may associate with DNAm in the next generation. We hypothesized that fathers’ exposure to ACEs also associates with their offspring DNAm, which, to our knowledge, has not been previously explored. An epigenome‐wide association study (EWAS) of blood DNAm (n = 45) from 3‐month‐old infants was regressed onto fathers’ retrospective ACEs at multiple Cytosine‐phosphate‐Guanosine (CpG) sites to discover associations. This accounted for infants’ sex, age, ethnicity, cell type proportion, and genetic variability. Higher ACE scores associated with methylation values at eight CpGs. Post‐hoc analysis found no contribution of paternal education, income, marital status, and parental postpartum depression, but did with paternal smoking and BMI along with infant sleep latency. These same CpGs also contributed to the association between paternal ACEs and offspring attention problems at 3 years. Collectively, these findings suggested there were biological associations with paternal early life adversity and offspring DNAm in infancy, potentially affecting offspring later childhood outcomes.
Immune delineation of laryngeal papilloma reveals enhanced neutrophil associated gene profile
Authors: Sobti Aastha , Sakellariou Christina , Nilsson Maile , Schwartz Stefan , Olofsson Katarina , Rydell Roland , Lindstedt Malin , Forslund Ola
Published: August 2021

Laryngeal papilloma (LP) is a rare benign disease, caused by recurrent multisite papillomas that are referred to as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). RRP is caused primarily by two types of human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV6 and HPV11. The immune dysregulation within the microenvironment of the lesions has been shown to likely play a role in the development of RRP. The present study aimed at analyzing the transcriptional profile of immune response genes and cancer‐related genes in the LP microenvironment. We used the NanoString® nCounter® analysis system to study expression of 730 genes among seven paired samples of LP and healthy laryngeal (HL) tissue. qRT‐PCR and flow cytometric analysis was performed to confirm identified transcripts and follow‐up scores of infiltrating immune cells, respectively. In total, 113 differentially expressed transcripts were detected of which 37 showed increased expression levels and 76 decreased expression levels in the LP samples compared to the HL samples (fold change ≥ 2). Transcripts with increased expression levels included S100As (A7, A8, and A12), CEACAM1, neutrophil activation associated cytokines (IL8), chemokines (CXCL6), and IL receptors, e.g., IL4R. Transcripts with decreased expression in LP were associated with innate and adaptive immunity. Overall, HPV6 and 11 were present in 67% and 33% of the patients, respectively. There was a significant increase in neutrophils and a significant decrease in CD8+ T cells in LP. LP samples display an immune profile characterized by enhanced expression of neutrophilic markers and significantly reduced T cell‐associated markers
Electrophoresis on a polyester thread coupled with an end‐channel pencil electrode detector
Authors: Kimani Martin K. , Mwangi John , Goluch Edgar D.
Published: August 2021

We present the design and characterization of a low cost, thread‐based electrophoretic device with integrated electrochemical detection. The device has an end‐channel pencil graphite electrode placement system for performing electrochemical detection on the thread electrophoresis platform with direct sample pipetting onto the thread. We also established the use of methylene blue and neutral red as a pair of reference migration markers for separation techniques coupled with electrochemical detection, as they have different colors for visual analysis and are both electroactive. Importantly, neutral red was also found to migrate at a similar rate to the EOF, indicating that it can be used as a visual identifier of EOF. The utility of our system was demonstrated by electrophoretic separation and electrochemical detection of physiologically relevant concentrations of pyocyanin in a solution containing multiple electroactive compounds. Pyocyanin is a biomarker for the detection of pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa and has a redox potential that is similar to that of methylene blue. The system was able to effectively resolve methylene blue, neutral red, and pyocyanin in less than 7 min of electrophoretic separation. The theoretical limit of detection for pyocyanin was determined to be 559 nM. The electrophoretic mobilities of methylene blue (0.0236 ± 0.0007 mm2/V·s), neutral red (0.0149 ± 0.0007 mm2/V·s), and pyocyanin (0.0107 ± 0.0003 mm2/V·s) were also determined.
Analysis of the circulating myeloid‐derived suppressor cells during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Kohada Yuki , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Takeda Kazuya , Kuromoto Akito , Ito Jun , Teishima Jun , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Kaifu Tomonori , Nakamura Akira , Sato Makoto
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The present study showed the involvement of immunosuppressive myeloid‐derived suppressor cells during the disease progression in a 69‐year‐old man with a prostate cancer.

Case presentation

The patient with metastatic PC (cT4N1M1ab) was initially treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy for 5 months and then chemotherapy with docetaxel, but he expired at the 8th month. In order to investigate whether myeloid‐derived suppressor cells are implicated in the cancer exacerbation during androgen deprivation therapy, we assessed the long‐term changes in peripheral blood myeloid‐derived suppressor cell fractions by using flow cytometry. While prostate‐specific antigen levels decreased after androgen deprivation therapy, the population of each myeloid‐derived suppressor cell subsets increased during disease deterioration.

Conclusion

Increase in myeloid‐derived suppressor cells populations was correlated with prostate cancer progression.
A recursive weighted least squares optimization algorithm based on RSS in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Zhai HaiQing , Zhang Yang
Published: August 2021

The localization of a sensor in wireless sensor network has now gained considerable attention. To study node localization based on received signal strength (RSS), a least squares optimization algorithm was proposed. Firstly, a linear model was established to calculate path loss. Then a recursive weighted least squares optimization method was presented for sensor node localization. Finally, we compared the algorithm proposed in this paper with the two other algorithms based on RSS. The simulation results showed that our proposed method has a better performance.
Process design, evaluation and control for separation of 2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoro‐1‐propanol and water by extractive distillation using ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate
Authors: Wei Feng , Diao Baotao , Gao Jun , Xu Dongmei , Zhang Lianzheng , Ma Yixin , Wang Yinglong
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoro‐1‐propanol (TFP) is a good solvent that is applied in the electronic industry. To recover TFP from its aqueous solution, conventional distillation cannot be adopted because TFP and water can form a minimum azeotrope.

RESULTS

In this work, extractive distillation is applied to separate the azeotropic mixture of TFP and water using 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM][Ac]) as an entrainer. Based on the analysis of residual curve map, three processes are designed to separate the mixture. Extractive distillation processes (EDP) I and II consist of an extractive column and two flashes, and EDP III consists of an extractive column, a flash, and a stripper. For evaluating the three processes, total annual cost (TAC), CO2 emissions and global energy consumption (GEC) are considered into the objective function.

CONCLUSION

The simulated results show that EDP III with an extractive column, a flash, and a stripper can provide better economic and environmental benefits. Water can be obtained from the extractive column with a molar purity of 99.7%. TFP can be separated from the top of the flash and stripper with a molar purity of 99.7%. Furthermore, the control structure with two‐point temperature for EDP III is explored and it shows good responses for the disturbances of feed flow rate and composition.
In situ generated silver nanoparticles embedded in polyethersulfone nanostructured membranes (Ag/PES) for antimicrobial decontamination of water
Authors: Patala Rapelang , Nyoni Hlengilizwe , Mamba Bhekie B , Liu Dan , Gui Jianzhou , Kuvarega Alex T
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

The general performance of polymeric membranes is hindered by the build‐up of microbial foulants both on the surface and inside the pores. This justifies the inclusion of antimicrobial agents within the membranes in order to circumvent the biofouling process. A nonsolvent‐induced phase separation process was used to fabricate the membranes following the in situ reduction of silver (Ag) in the polymer dope solution. Fourier transform infrared, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and drop shape analyzer were used to study different properties of the membranes.

RESULTS

Based on the results of AFM and contact angle measurements, the inclusion of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) improved the membrane hydrophilicity. The disk diffusion method was applied to study the antimicrobial properties of the membranes. The fabricated Ag/ polyethersulfone (PES) membranes showed antimicrobial activity against representatives of both Gram‐positive and ‐negative bacteria, and this was confirmed by the zones of inhibition (11 mm for Escherichia coli; 13 mm for Bacillus cereus). From this a general proposed antimicrobial mechanism via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was provided.

CONCLUSION

The fabricated Ag/PES membranes can perform a dual function of complete microbial inactivation and ultrafiltration of polluted water to provide better quality water with reduced membrane fouling. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
CO hydrogenation reaction on Fe–Co–Mn nanocatalyst: impact of support and process conditions on performance and structure
Authors: Arsalanfar Maryam , Abdouss Majid , Zamani Yahya , Marandi Sajad Zeinolabedini , Mahmoudi Jafar
Published: August 2021

The hydrothermal method was used in order to prepare Fe–Co–Mn nanocatalysts. The prepared specimens were evaluated for the CO hydrogenation reaction. The impact of different kinds of supports such as Al2O3, SiO2, ZSM5, TiO2, MgO, ZSM5–Al2O3, ZSM5–TiO2, Al2O3–TiO2, Al2O3–SiO2, SiO2–ZSM5 and Al2O3–MgO on the behavior and structural characteristics of the Fe–Co–Mn ternary nanocatalysts was investigated. Evaluation of these various supported samples was performed under the same process conditions. Al2O3‐supported sample showed better performance for light olefin production chosen as an optimum sample. Furthermore, the influence of a change of support type on the rate of surface reactions was studied. The impact of operating parameters was also investigated, with the conditions of T = 623 K, P = 2 bar and H2/CO = 2 determined as the optimum reaction conditions. Catalyst characteristics were defined using a variety of methods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Photocatalytic oxidation of simulated and real hazardous medical wastewater: decolorization, mineralization and toxicity evaluation
Authors: Tsoumachidou Sophia , Berberidou Chrysanthi , Kitsiou Vasiliki , Poulios Ioannis
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Liquid hazardous medical wastes (LHMW) originating from health‐care laboratory services present a global environmental hazard as most sustainable wastewater treatment technologies fail to address this particularly demanding issue. In this study, heterogeneous and homogeneous photocatalytic oxidation of simulated and real LHMW has been performed at bench scale, investigating their potential to decompose and detoxify such effluents.

RESULTS

A simulated LHMW of 0.4 g L−1 DOC0 was photocatalytically treated in the presence of TiO2 P25. The addition of H2O2 was necessary to achieve mineralization, while the optimal concentration of P25 for this purpose was 1.0 g L−1. In the case of photo‐Fenton, under optimal conditions (0.056 g L−1 Fe3+, 3 g L−1 H2O2, UV‐A, pH 3.0) complete mineralization was accomplished in 600 min of illumination, while phytotoxicity was eliminated or significantly reduced, depending on the employed plant species. Photocatalytic processing of real LHMW (400 mg L−1 DOC0, 1.0 g L−1 TiO2 P25, 2.5 g L−1 H2O2, UV‐A or 0.056 g L−1 Fe3+, 3.0 g L−1 H2O2, UV‐A, pH 3.0) led to mineralization rates ranging from 55.5% to 95% after 900 min. Variations in ecotoxicity followed the mineralization profile for most samples. Partial mineralization failed to reduce toxicity in most samples, suggesting the generation of toxic intermediates; however, when mineralization exceeded 85%, ecotoxicity was in most cases efficiently removed.

CONCLUSION

Laboratory LHMW are highly recalcitrant both in terms of mineralization and detoxification. However, photocatalytic oxidation may serve as an efficient processing tool, providing alternative or complementary solutions to this highly challenging issue. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Enumerative problems for arborescences and monotone paths on polytope graphs
Authors: Athanasiadis Christos A. , De Loera Jesús A. , Zhang Zhenyang
Published: August 2021

Every generic linear functional on a convex polytope induces an orientation on the graph of . From the resulting directed graph one can define a notion of ‐arborescence and ‐monotone path on , as well as a natural graph structure on the vertex set of ‐monotone paths. These concepts are important in geometric combinatorics and optimization. This paper bounds the number of ‐arborescences, the number of ‐monotone paths, and the diameter of the graph of ‐monotone paths for polytopes in terms of their dimension and number of vertices or facets.
Necessity of posttreatment surveillance for low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms
Authors: Gupta Aakash R. , Brajcich Brian C. , Yang Anthony D. , Bentrem David J. , Merkow Ryan P.
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives

Low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs) are generally treated by surgical resection, but posttreatment surveillance protocols are not well‐established. The objectives of this study were to characterize posttreatment surveillance and determine the risk of recurrence following surgical resection of LAMN.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgical resection of localized LAMNs in an 11‐hospital regional healthcare system from 2000 to 2019 were identified. Posttreatment surveillance regimens were characterized, and rates of disease recurrence were evaluated.

Results

A total of 114 patients with LAMNs were identified. T‐category was pTis for 92 patients (80.7%), pT3 for 7 (6.1%), pT4a for 14 (12.3%), and pT4b for 1 (0.9%). Two patients (1.8%) had a positive resection margin. Posttreatment surveillance was performed for 39 (34.2%) patients and consisted of office visits for 32 (82%) patients, computerized tomography imaging for 30 (77%), magnetic resonance imaging for 5 (13%), colonoscopy for 15 (38%), and serum tumor marker measurement for 12 (31%). After a mean follow‐up duration of 4.7 years, no patients experienced tumor recurrence.

Conclusions

Posttreatment surveillance is common among patients with LAMNs. However, no patients experienced tumor recurrence, regardless of T‐category or margin status, suggesting that routine surveillance following surgical resection of LAMN may be unnecessary.
Farmlands degradation with conventional agricultural practices and human health risk assessment: A case‐study of Punjab Province, Pakistan
Authors: Nawab Javed , Din Zia Ud , Faisal Shah , Khan Sardar , Ali Abid , Rahman Ziaur , Alam Mehboob , Khan Amir Zeb , Khan Muhammad Amjad , Khan Khalid , Khan Attaullah
Published: August 2021

Farmlands contamination with heavy metals (HMs) can be considered a global issue especially in developing countries. The current study investigates the various pollution indices, potential ecological risk index (PERI) and human health risk caused by HMs in selected regions of Punjab Province, Pakistan. Farmlands soil samples were collected, acid‐extracted, and analyzed using ICP‐MS (Agilent 7500c) for selected HMs. All the HMs were found within permissible limits set by worldwide regulatory authorities except Cd, which exceeded its limit in 68% farmland soils of the study area. The CF values for Cd showed high (CF ≥ 6) degree of contamination to considerable level of contamination (3 ≤ CF ≤ 6). The CD values indicated from low (CD ≤ 6) to moderate (6 ≤ CD ≤ 12) level of contamination. The indices for all HMs were unpolluted except for Cd (moderately polluted 1≤ Igeo ≤ 2). For Cd the EF values were extremely severe (EF ≥ 50) in the farmland soils of two regions (Lahore and Faisalabad), while moderately severe (5 ≤ EF ≤ 10) in one region (Multan). The PERI values were moderate (150 ≤ RI ≤ 300) in the same two regions and low (RI ≤ 150) in other localities. The HQ and HI values for adults and children were less than one and observed in order of ingestion > dermal > inhalation. Furthermore, the RI values were observed higher than 1.0 × 10−4 for Cd (Lahore and Faisalabad regions) and Cr (Multan and Faisalabad regions) in children working in farmlands and likely exposed to high cancer risk. This study helps to fill the knowledge gap existing about conventional agricultural practices responsible for farmlands degradation and associated health risk. In the past, no one has conducted such a comprehensive research work to identify farmlands degradation factors. Furthermore, the minimization of pollutants must be the top priority of the regulatory authorities and state to reduce contaminant inputs and immobilization in soil through implementation of environmental protection laws and regulations.
Analysis of PD‐type iterative learning control for discrete‐time singular system
Authors: Khattak Shahzad , Hussain Ijaz , Gomez‐Aguilar José Francisco , Jan Rashid
Published: August 2021

It is eminent that iterative learning control algorithm is of high significance due to its speciality of tracking control for systems developed from real‐world phenomena that occurs repeatedly. Singular systems are well‐known for their applications in network analysis, biological systems, economic systems, social systems, engineering systems, time‐series analysis, and many other areas of science and technology. In this article, we investigate and analyze the convergence characteristic of PD‐type iterative learning control (ILC) scheme for linear discrete‐time singular system. We reformulate the discrete‐time singular system as a kind of algebraic input‐output transmission based on the lifted vector technique. The monotonic convergence has been deduced in the sense of 2‐norm for the first‐order as well as second‐order PD‐type ILC scheme. It is shown that the second‐order PD‐type ILC algorithm has good tracking performance than the first‐order on the whole time interval. Finally, we perform comparative analysis to validate the results numerically.
A dual‐primal finite element tearing and interconnecting method for nonlinear variational inequalities utilizing linear local problems
Authors: Lee Chang‐Ock , Park Jongho
Published: August 2021

We propose a novel dual‐primal finite element tearing and interconnecting method for nonlinear variational inequalities. The proposed method is based on a particular Fenchel–Rockafellar dual formulation of the target problem, which yields linear local problems despite the nonlinearity of the target problem. Since local problems are linear, each iteration of the proposed method can be done very efficiently compared with usual nonlinear domain decomposition methods. We prove that the proposed method is linearly convergent with the rate while the convergence rate of relevant existing methods is , where r is proportional to the condition number of the dual operator. The spectrum of the dual operator is analyzed for the cases of two representative variational inequalities in structural mechanics: the obstacle problem and the contact problem. Numerical experiments are conducted in order to support our theoretical results.
The Minkowski overlap and the energy‐conserving contact model for discrete element modeling of convex nonspherical particles
Authors: Feng Y. T. , Tan Yuanqiang
Published: August 2021

A unified contact overlap, termed the Minkowski overlap, between any two shapes is proposed in this article. This overlap is based on the concept of the Minkowski difference of two shapes, and particularly on the equivalence between the contact state of the two shapes and the location of the origin relative to their Minkowski difference. The Minkowski contact features of a contact, including the overlap, normal direction, and contact points, are also defined for convex shapes. In particular, an important property of the Minkowski overlap is introduced which lays the solid theoretical foundation for proposing a Minkowski overlap based energy‐conserving contact model in the current work. The energy‐conserving property for cases where the contact normal direction and point may be subject to discrete changes is also rigorously proved. For convex particles, the computational procedures combining both GJK and EPA algorithms are outlined, and uniqueness and ambiguity issues associated with some special cases are clarified and resolved. The elastic energy conservation of the proposed contact model for convex shapes in elastic impact is further verified using two numerical examples, and two more examples involving more convex particles with different sizes and shapes are also conducted to demonstrate the robustness and applicability of the proposed Minkowski overlap contact model and the computational procedures.
Study to Compare Capsule and Liquid Formulations of Enzalutamide After Single-Dose Administration Under Fasting Conditions in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cordes Lisa M. , Schmidt Keith T. , Peer Cody J. , Chau Cindy H. , Redmond Erica , Francis Deneise , Karzai Fatima , Madan Ravi A. , Figg William D.
Published: August 2021

Lessons Learned

Background

Enzalutamide is an established standard-of-care treatment for advanced prostate cancer with a commercially available formulation that may be inconvenient for some patients. We proposed a study to evaluate the bioequivalence of a liquid formulation to provide an alternative method of administration.

Methods

This was a single-dose, randomized, open-label, two-way crossover pilot bioequivalence study to compare two oral formulations of enzalutamide: four enzalutamide 40 mg liquid-filled soft-gelatin capsules (commercially available) administered whole versus enzalutamide 160 mg liquid (extracted from capsules) administered via oral syringe. To assess bioequivalence, patients were randomized to receive a single dose of one formulation, then cross over to receive the alternative formulation following a 42-day washout period; serial plasma samples were collected over the course of 24 hours, followed by collections at 3, 8, and 42 days after the dose for both formulations. Bioequivalence of the formulations was assessed via comparisons of area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) calculations per U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance. The study also assessed the safety and tolerability of the formulations.

Results

The study failed to meet proposed accrual, with only one patient enrolled, thus limiting the bioequivalence evaluation. Based on the data from a single patient, the drug exposure (measured by AUC) of enzalutamide and N-desmethyl enzalutamide (primary active metabolite) for the liquid formulation was 112% and 117%, respectively, compared with the capsule formulation. Although both formulations appeared well tolerated with no adverse events reported, the tolerability assessment questionnaire revealed an unpleasant taste of the liquid formulation.

Conclusion

Preliminary evidence suggests a similar pharmacokinetic profile when administering liquid extracted from enzalutamide soft-gelatin capsules compared with intact capsules in patients with prostate cancer.
Nature versus Nurture: Investigating Racial Disparity in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tripathi Nishita , Agarwal Neeraj , Tripathi Abhishek
Published: August 2021

Considering recently published studies, this commentary addresses racial inequality in cancer care for patients with prostate cancer.
Reindeer husbandry in peril?—How extractive industries exert multiple pressures on an Arctic pastoral ecosystem
Authors: Fohringer Christian , Rosqvist Gunhild , Inga Niila , Singh Navinder J.
Published: August 2021

Environmental changes and their consequences on biodiversity are known to have far‐reaching effects on the resilience of animal populations and associated livelihoods around the world. To counteract negative demographic and economic effects on pastoralism, knowledge about the historical and current status of the environment is essential.

In this study, we show how extractive industries, especially large‐scale mining, induced a cascade of land conversions which are affecting animal populations and pastoralists’ adaptive responses in northern Sweden. We examine social–ecological vulnerability in Arctic reindeer husbandry by integrating herders’ knowledge, population statistics for semi‐domesticated reindeer Rangifer t. tarandus, public data on socio‐economic variables and geospatial tools.

We determine that approximately 34% of Laevas reindeer herding community's grazing grounds are functionally unavailable to reindeer at present due to the accumulation of multiple competing land use pressures. Reindeer numbers currently only remain stable due to increased management efforts. Moreover, we identified current hotspots of high cumulative impact and mineral exploration as the spatially dominating land use factor in this area.

Our approach and results provide new insights for scientifically robust cumulative impact assessments of anthropogenic stressors by creating a baseline of current developments via a combination of reindeer herder's knowledge with historical data of trends and extents of human activity over the last century.
An in silico scientific basis for LL‐37 as a therapeutic for Covid‐19
Authors: Lokhande Kiran Bharat , Banerjee Tanushree , Swamy Kakumani Venkateswara , Ghosh Payel , Deshpande Manisha
Published: August 2021

A multi‐pronged approach with help in all forms possible is essential to completely overcome the Covid‐19 pandemic. There is a requirement to research as many new and different types of approaches as possible to cater to the entire world population, complementing the vaccines with promising results. The need is also because SARS‐CoV‐2 has several unknown or variable facets which get revealed from time to time. In this work, in silico scientific findings are presented, which are indicative of the potential for the use of the LL‐37 human anti‐microbial peptide as a therapeutic against SARS‐CoV‐2. This indication is based on the high structural similarity of LL‐37 to the N‐terminal helix, with which the virus interacts, of the receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2. Moreover, there is positive prediction of binding of LL‐37 to the receptor‐binding domain of SARS‐CoV‐2; this is the first study to have described this interaction. In silico data on the safety of LL‐37 are also reported. As Vitamin D is known to upregulate the expression of LL‐37, the vitamin is a candidate preventive molecule. This work provides the possible basis for an inverse correlation between Vitamin D levels in the body and the severity of or susceptibility to Covid‐19, as widely reported in literature. With the scientific link put forth herein, Vitamin D could be used at an effective, medically prescribed, safe dose as a preventive. The information in this report would be valuable in bolstering the worldwide efforts to eliminate the pandemic as early as possible.
Assessment of the CASP14 assembly predictions
Authors: Ozden Burcu , Kryshtafovych Andriy , Karaca Ezgi
Published: August 2021

In CASP14, 39 research groups submitted more than 2500 3D models on 22 protein complexes. In general, the community performed well in predicting the fold of the assemblies (for 80% of the targets), although it faced significant challenges in reproducing the native contacts. This is especially the case for the complexes without whole‐assembly templates. The leading predictor, BAKER‐experimental, used a methodology combining classical techniques (template‐based modeling, protein docking) with deep learning‐based contact predictions and a fold‐and‐dock approach. The Venclovas team achieved the runner‐up position with template‐based modeling and docking. By analyzing the target interfaces, we showed that the complexes with depleted charged contacts or dominating hydrophobic interactions were the most challenging ones to predict. We also demonstrated that if AlphaFold2 predictions were at hand, the interface prediction challenge could be alleviated for most of the targets. All in all, it is evident that new approaches are needed for the accurate prediction of assemblies, which undoubtedly will expand on the significant improvements in the tertiary structure prediction field.
SlGSTE9 participates in the stability of chlorpyrifos resistance in Spodoptera litura
Authors: Li Dongzhi , He Chengshuai , Xie Lanfen , Ge Xing , Deng Tianfu , Li Songwei , Li Guangling , Xu Li
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Spodoptera litura is an important agricultural pest and has developed serious resistance to multiple insecticides. The resistance level to several insecticides is reported to be unstable, but the mechanism is less reported.

RESULTS

Chlorpyrifos and phoxim resistance level in a field‐collected population of S. litura declined continuously from the first to the tenth generation and remained stable at the 11th and 12th generations without insecticide exposure. Synergist experiment showed that diethyl maleate and piperonyl butoxide significantly increased mortality to chlorpyrifos and phoxim in the first and sixth generations, but not in the 12th generation. The expression of 31 identified glutathione S‐transferase (GST) genes in the third‐instar larvae of S. litura in the first, sixth and 12th generations was determined, and eight genes were seen to decrease significantly in the sixth and 12th generations compared with the first generation. SlGSTe9 was selected for further functional study as it had higher abundance and significantly higher expression in the chlorpyrifos‐resistant population than in the susceptible population. The recombinant protein of SlGSTE9 showed metabolism activity to chlorpyrifos in vitro and in Escherichia coli, but not to phoxim. Silencing of SlGSTe9 increased the cumulative mortality to chlorpyrifos significantly. SlGSTE9 also showed antioxidant activity to cumene hydroperoxide.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that SlGSTe9 is directly involved in chlorpyrifos resistance stability, but not in phoxim. SlGSTE9 may also participate in insecticides resistance by relieving the oxidase stress induced by insecticides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.