bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adoption of Online Learning during the Covid19 Pandemic Lockdown by Universities in Garowe
Authors: Alicon Auf Tumwebaze , Abdi Hamdi Omer
Published: February 2022

In response to the Covid-19 outbreak the world closed and therefore countries like Somalia have not been exceptional. The government of Somalia and all higher education institutions adopted crisis intervention measures on implementation of blended learning approaches like online teaching and learning. In this chapter we explore the process and challenges of adopting online learning in response to the world wide lockdown due to the pandemic. Given that this was an abrupt requirement, the survey was interested in finding out whether universities adopted and adapted easily. Researchers compared findings from previous studies and theoretical inclinations on online learning. Results indicate that the adoption of online learning among universities in Garowe was as a matter of crisis management whereby administration, lecturers and students were all not ready and had no prior grounding in this pedagogical learning platform. Just like previous studies online learning implementers have continued to encounter several challenges like intermittent internet network, cost of gadgets and facilities, inadequate skills of both the instructors and students, aspects of communication and satisfaction from stakeholders. With the research survey in Garowe, results show that this is still pervading and therefore need for more rigorous contextualised research on this subject.
Uptake of a plasticizer (di-n-butyl phthalate) impacts the biochemical and physiological responses of barley
Authors: Kumari Arpna , Kaur Rajinder
Published: February 2022

Background

DBP is one of the most commonly used plasticizers for imparting desirable properties to polymers. The introduction of phthalates is reported to have occurred in the late 1920s, and there has been a significant rise in their release into the environment in past decades due to a lack of covalent bonding with the parent matrix. Because of their numerous applications in day-to-day life, phthalates have become ubiquitous and also classified as endocrine disruptors. Hence, several studies have been conducted to investigate the phthalate-mediated toxicities in animals; however, plants have not been explored to the same amount.

Methods

Therefore, in the present study, the accumulation and translocation along with morpho-physiological perturbations in barley plants after 15, 30, 60, and 120 days of exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) are investigated using standard protocols.

Results

The maximal accumulation and translocation of DBP in the roots and shoots of barley plants was observed after 60 days of exposure. The exposure of DBP from 15 to 120 days was recorded to decline all the morphological indices (i.e., dry weight, net primary productivity, seed number per spike, and seed weight) of barley plants. The pigments content declined under DBP treatment for all exposure durations except 120 days exposure. Carbohydrate content increased after 15–30 days of exposure afterward it was observed to be decreased under 60 and 120 days of exposure. The protein content was declined in DBP stressed plants for 15–120 days. Proline content was increased in all exposure durations and maximal percent increase was recorded in 120 days of exposure. MDA content showed an increase at earlier exposure durations then followed by a decline in long-term exposure. Hydrogen peroxide content increased at all exposure durations. There were significant alterations observed in the activities of all antioxidative enzymes in comparison to the control. Furthermore, DBP stressed plants after 60 days were analyzed for the macromolecular variations using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

Conclusion

Thus, the outcomes of the current work provide an appraisal of phthalates’ uptake and translocation mediated phytotoxic responses in barley plants. These observations can help in developing genetically modified edible plants that are resistant to phthalates uptake, thereby ensuring food security.
Sustainability Practices among Manufacturing Firms in Uganda: An Overview of Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Alinda Kassim , Tumwine Sulait , Kaawaase Twaha , Navrud Ståle , Nalukenge Irene , Sserwanga Arthur
Published: February 2022

The aim of this paper is to provide an in-depth exploration of the opportunities and challenges towards the uptake of sustainability practices (SPs) among manufacturing firms in Uganda. SPs are among the notable solutions in overcoming the challenges facing the global environment, society as well as prosperity for all. The paper utilized a qualitative research design following a review approach of relevant scientific, technical as well as government policy papers. From the review, enforcement of the available environmental laws and policies, customer’s awareness, technological innovation, organisational culture and strict governance, emerge as key drivers towards the uptake of SPs in this country. However, weak legislations and enforcement in some instances, lack of sufficient resources to invest in new technologies, high costs of financing, organisational culture, and limited awareness emerge as the main challenges facing the uptake of SPs. Furthermore, our study provides policy implications that could mitigate the challenges identified especially in a least developed country, Uganda.
Correlation and Regression Studies of Organic Maize Grown Under Different Doses of Active Silica
Authors: Singh Prajapat Bhawani , Kaushik M. K. , Sharmaa S. K. , Chaudhary R. , Bairwa D. D.
Published: February 2022

Chemical fertilization creates the ill effects on soil health and environment especially after green revolution. To mitigate such effects, the adoption of organic farming  might be an ecologically viable option. The present experiment was therefore, carried out with aim to study the effects of active silica on growth and yield attributes and their interrelationship   with each other during the Kharif season of 2018 and 2019 at Organic Unit of Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications consisting of 36 treatment combinations of six soil applications in main plots (0, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 kg/ha) and six foliar applications of active silica in subplots (No spray, water spray, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0%). The analysis showed that dry matter accumulation at 60, 75 DAS, and harvest increase with plant height at 60, 75 DAS and harvest, respectively,  grains/cob and test weight showed positive correlation with grain yield. Stover yield also increased with increasing plant height and dry matter accumulation. Total N, P and K uptake significantly and positively increased with increasing biological yield; and protein content in grain increased with increasing N content. Si uptake increased significantly and positively with increasing Si content at 60, 75 DAS and harvest.
Potential Therapeutic Activity of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Leaves on Excess Consumption of Fructose in Rats
Authors: Gabal Alyae M. S. , El-Kewawy H. E. , Morsy Gehan M.
Published: February 2022

Background and Objective: High fructose consumption has increased worldwide. It causes various metabolic, genetic and histologic alterations. Alternative medicine, primarily herbal plants, has been proposed to alleviate the negative effects of high fructose consumption. The main objective of this study was to explore the efficacy of supplementation or treatment with mango leaves against high fructose induced alterations in male rats.

Methodology: Mango leaves nutritional and active components were determined. A total of sixty male adult rats were used in this study. Fifteen rats were kept as healthy (negative control group; rats fed on balanced diet) while in others metabolic alterations were induced by consumption of high fructose diet ad libitum. Rats fed on high fructose diet were splited into 3 groups (15 rats in each), one group set as positive control group; rats fed on high fructose diet only and the other 2 groups; mango treated group; rats fed on high fructose diet until induction of hyperglycemia (one month and half) then fed on high fructose diet with replacement of fiber with 5% mango leaves and mango supplemented group; rats fed on high fructose diet with 5% mango leaves replacing fiber.

Results: Mango leaves contain significant amounts of crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrates, crude fiber, ash, total flavonoids and polyphenols that controlled and corrected the following high fructose consumption results. Consumption of high fructose diet significantly (p≤0.05) increased final body weight (FBW), body weight gain (BWG), abdominal circumference (AC), Lee index and body mass index (BMI). High fructose also significantly (p≤0.05) increased levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum  triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), serum tumor necrosis factor-α   (TNF-α), leptin, malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and adipocyte size as well as blood histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzyme activity. High fructose consumption contrarily caused significant decrease (p≤0.05) in levels of quantitative insulin check index of insulin sensitivity (QUICKI), adiponectin, muscular insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4) gene expression as well as blood reduced glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, microscopic examinations of the pancreatic and adipose tissues corroborated the biochemical findings.

Conclusion: Mango leaves are a cheap source of macro and micronutrients as well as active constituents. By limiting metabolic and genetic abnormalities caused by high fructose consumption, either mango leaf supplementation or therapy improved and ameliorated all biochemical and microscopic data. The mango leaves supplemented group showed the most improvement.
Bioprocessing of Agricultural Waste (Banana Pseudostem) by Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) for Production of Cellulase
Authors: Achappa Sharanappa , Shet Anil R. , Hombalimath Veeranna S. , Patil Laxmikant R. , Desai Shivalingasarj V.
Published: February 2022

Cellulase was produced by Cellulomonas uda utilizing banana stem waste by solid state fermentation (SSF). The different parameters effects considered like particle size of substrate, pH(incubation and extraction), incubation period, temperature (incubation and extraction), media components (yeast extract and peptone) and moisture of substrate on the production of cellulase was investigated. The optimum activity of cellulase produced by Cellulomonas uda on banana waste for particle size (6.97 IU/min for 1mm), extraction pH (7.13 IU/min for pH 7), incubation pH(6.97 IU/min for pH 7), extraction temperature (7.10 IU/min for 500C), incubation temperature (7.20 IU/min for 450C), incubation period (7.20 IU/min on 3rd  day), moisture content (7.12 IU/min for 100% ), peptone content ( 7.23 IU/min for 0.5 gm) and yeast extract content (7.18 IU/min for 0.30gm) was recorded.  The cellulase produced by Cellulomonas uda by using banana stem waste indicates the socio-econic utilization of agricultural waste. After purification and characterization; cellulase enzyme can be used in industrial processes.
Improving Students' Entrepreneurship Intention Through Entrepreneurship Education with Opportunity Recognition as an Intervening Variable
Authors: . Zulkieflimansyah , Ananda Nova Adhitya , Hakim Lukmanul , Nurjihadi Muhammad , Hasri Diah Anggeraini
Published: February 2022

Aims: The unemployment rate is very high. To reduce this, a large number of jobs are needed. If for a few years ago, university graduates were oriented to get a job after graduation, then with the existence of entrepreneurship education, they will be able to change the orientation of students to be able to create new jobs through entrepreneurship.

Study Design: Quantitative Research.

Methodology: This study explores the entrepreneurship education carried out in universities by distributing research questionnaires to 123 students of the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Technology, Sumbawa using an incidental sampling technique. The data obtained were then processed by researchers using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis.

Results: The results prove that there is a direct effect of entrepreneurship education and opportunity recognition on entrepreneurial intention. To prove that there is an indirect effect, the Sobel test is carried out. After conducting the Sobel test, the results are it was concluded that opportunity recognition is a variable that mediates the relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intentions because the Sobel test score 4.495 > 1.960.

Conclusion: Entrepreneurship education can increase opportunity recognition. Then, opportunity recognition directly affects students' intentions to become entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship education in the study was found to increase students' entrepreneurial.
Soft silicone elastomers exhibiting large actuation strains
Authors: Bele Adrian , Dascalu Mihaela , Tugui Codrin , Stiubianu George‐Theodor , Varganici Cristian‐Dragos , Racles Carmen , Cazacu Maria , Skov Anne Ladegaard
Published: February 2022

Poly(dimethyl‐co‐methylvinyl)siloxane‐α,ω‐diols with 1.5, 5.5, and 8.5 mol% vinyl group contents, respectively, are obtained via an environmental friendly synthesis and used as platforms for further chemical modification via a green process. This chemical modification consists of UV‐activated thiol‐ene addition of 3‐chloro‐1‐propanethiol to the vinyl groups, as proven by NMR analysis. Cross‐linking with tetraethyl orthosilicate (in excess) of such modified polymers leads to dielectric elastomers with higher values of dielectric permittivity than those of non‐chemically modified vinyl copolymers cross‐linked under similar conditions. In addition, at high chloropropyl content, there is a significant decrease in Young's modulus, attributed to the plasticizing effect of the alkyl segment of the attached chloropropyl, and only a slight increase in breakdown strength is observed. All these changes induced by the chloropropyl group act synergistically in favor of the electromechanical performances of the resulting elastomers that exhibit large out‐of‐plane actuation strains of 53% and 61% for polar contents of 5.5 and 8.5 mol%, respectively, at an applied electric field of 40 V/μm. These are to the best of our knowledge the largest out‐of‐plane actuation strains from silicone elastomers reported in literature.
A new sensitive and selective detection of Ga3+ by thiophene‐based ‘turn‐on’ fluorescent chemosensor
Authors: Heo Jae Sung , Gil Dongkyun , Kim Cheal
Published: February 2022

We designed a thiophene‐based fluorescent chemosensor DHTC ((E)‐2‐([3,5‐dichloro‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene]amino)thiophene‐3‐carboxamide) for detecting gallium (Ga3+). DHTC could probe Ga3+ using fluorescence enhancement. The limit of detection for Ga3+ by DHTC was 0.39 μM. The binding mode of DHTC to Ga3+ was determined as a 1:1 ratio from analysis by Job’s plot and electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). In addition, DHTC could selectively detect Ga3+ using test kits. The sensing process of Ga3+ by DHTC was presented using ultraviolet–visible light titration, Job’s plot, ESI‐MS, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance titration, and density functional theory calculation.
Utilization of N,S‐doped carbon dots as a fluorescent nanosensor for determination of cromolyn based on inner filter effect: application to aqueous humour
Authors: Abd Elhaleem Shymaa M. , Elsebaei Fawzi , Shalan Shereen , Belal Fathalla
Published: February 2022

A simple and eco‐friendly hydrothermal technique is used to prepare water soluble N‐ and S‐co‐doped carbon quantum dots probes (N,S‐CQDs) from thiosemicarbazide and citric acid. Several characterization techniques were performed to ensure the successful synthesis of highly luminescent N,S‐CQDs. The prepared probe exhibited analytical potential as an optical nanosensor for the spectrofluorimetric determination of cromolyn sodium (CRO) in its pharmaceutical dosage forms and aqueous humour. The emission intensity of the synthesized N,S‐CQDs was measured at 411 nm after excitation at 345 nm. Addition of increasing concentrations of CRO to N,S‐CQDs led to quenching of its fluorescence intensity. CRO was investigated within a wide concentration range 10.0–150.0 μM with a limit of detection of 2.0 μM and a limit of quantification of 6.0 μM. The quenching of fluorescent N,S‐CQDs occurred through the inner filter effect (IFE). The developed spectrofluorimetric method was successfully optimized and validated according to the International Council of Harmonisation guidelines (ICH). The method greenness is proved through using both Eco‐Scale and AGREE approaches.
The role of the CRISPR‐Cas system in cancer drug development: Mechanisms of action and therapy
Authors: Chandrasekaran Arun Pandian , Karapurkar Janardhan Keshav , Chung Hee Yong , Ramakrishna Suresh
Published: February 2022

Background

The recent emergence of gene editing using Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐CRISPR associated system (Cas) tools and advances in genomics and proteomics has revolutionized drug discovery and personalized medicine.

Purpose and Scope

The CRISPR‐Cas system has enabled gene and cell‐based therapies, screening for novel drug targets, a new generation of disease models, elucidation of drug resistance mechanisms, and drug efficacy testing. Here, we summarized recent investigations and strategies involved in cancer‐related drug discovery using the CRISPR‐Cas system.

Conclusion

CRISPR‐Cas‐mediated gene editing has shown great potential in the development of next generation drugs for treatment of Mendelian disorders and various cancer types. In this review, we focused on the impact of the CRISPR‐Cas system in drug discovery and its application to biomarker identification and validation, high‐end target genes, and breakthrough anticancer cell therapies. We also highlighted the role of CRISPR‐Cas in precision disease modeling and functional drug screening.
Metabolomic comparison between natural Huaier and artificial cultured Huaier
Authors: Jian Tongtong , Zhang Yu , Zhang Guoying , Ling Jianya
Published: February 2022

Vanderbylia robiniophila (Murrill) B.K. (Huaier) is a kind of higher fungal fruiting body that is parasitic on the trunk of Sophora japonica and Robinia pseudoacacia L.. As a traditional Chinese medicine with a history of more than 1,600 years, Huaier has attracted wide attention for its excellent anticancer activity. A systematic study on the metabolome differences between natural Huaier and artificial cultured Huaier was conducted using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in this study. Principal component analysis and orthogonal projection on latent structure‐discriminant analysis results showed that cultured Huaier evidently separated and individually separated from natural Huaier, indicating metabolome differences between natural and cultured Huaier. Hierarchical clustering analysis was further performed to cluster the differential metabolites and samples based on their metabolic similarity. The higher contents of amino acids, alkaloids and terpenoids in natural Huaier make it an excellent choice as a traditional Chinese medicine for anticancer or nutritional supplementation. The results of the Bel‐7,402 and A549 cell cytotoxicity tests showed that the anticancer activity of natural Huaier was better than that of cultured Huaier. This may be due to the difference in chemical composition, which makes the anticancer activities of natural and cultured Huaier different.
Transgender identity and experiences of sexual harassment in adolescence
Authors: Kaltiala Riittakerttu , Ellonen Noora
Published: February 2022

Gender‐diverse adolescents have reported excessive experiences of sexual harassment, but studies on this are few and suffer from methodological problems. Our aim was to compare experiences of sexual harassment between adolescents belonging to different gender‐identity groups. A nationally representative cross‐sectional survey of 127,210 adolescents aged 14–20 in Finland in 2017 was used. The respondents were pupils in the eighth and ninth grades of the compulsory nine‐year comprehensive school with mean (sd) age of 14.83 (0.82) years and students in upper secondary school (age: mean (sd) 16.84 (0.83) years) and vocational school (17.29 (2.43) years). Cisgender, opposite sex‐identifying and non‐binary adolescents were compared. Self‐reports of experiences of sexual harassment, emotional symptoms and externalising behaviours (bullying perpetration, frequent alcohol use, truancy, drug use) were elicited. The data were analysed using cross‐tabulations and logistic regression. When confounders were controlled for, odds ratios were increased for gender harassment (OR 2.0), unwelcome sexual attention (OR 1.7) and sexual coercion (OR 2.0) among adolescents with non‐binary gender identity, and for gender harassment (OR 2.1) among those identifying with the opposite sex. Subjection to sexual harassment is particularly associated with non‐binary gender identity. This may reflect that others use sexual harassment as a form of control of gender‐nonconforming self‐expression.
Design, Synthesis, in Vitro, and in Silico Evaluation of N‐Phenylacetamide‐Oxindole‐Thiosemicarbazide Hybrids as New Potential Tyrosinase Inhibitors
Authors: Yari Boroujeni Shahriar , Haghighijoo Zahra , Mohammadi‐Khanaposhtani Maryam , Mosadeghkhah Ali , Moazzam Ali , Yavari Ali , Hajimahmoodi Manan , Sabourian Reyhaneh , Hosseini Samesadat , Larijani Bagher , Hamedifar Halleh , Ansari Samira , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: February 2022

A novel series of N‐phenylacetamide‐oxindole‐thiosemicarbazide hybrids were synthesized and evaluated for their tyrosinase inhibitory activity. According to tyrosinase inhibition results, all the synthesized compounds showed high tyrosinase inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 0.8 to 3.88 μM in comparison to positive control kojic acid with IC50 value of 36.32 μM. Among tested compounds, analog 7o, containing the 2‐methyl‐4‐nitrophenyl on N‐phenylacetamide moiety displayed superior tyrosinase inhibition. This compound was around 45‐fold more potent than kojic acid. The kinetic analysis of compound 7o demonstrated that this compound is a competitive inhibitor against tyrosinase. Docking study of this compound demonstrated that compound 7o interacted with critical histidine residues within tyrosinase active site.
Usefulness of robot‐assisted total knee arthroplasty in patients with retained hardware: A report of two cases
Authors: Baek Ji‐Hoon , Lee Su Chan , Ahn Hye Sun , Nam Chang Hyun
Published: February 2022

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is technically demanding in patients with pre‐existing hardware around the knee. We report two cases of knee osteoarthritis in patients with retained hardware who would have difficulty undergoing conventional TKA. Robot‐assisted TKA can be a useful treatment for knee osteoarthritis in patients with retained hardware.
Peculiar thousand leaves soft‐tissue mass: Elastofibroma dorsi
Authors: Limaiem Faten , Baccouch Seifeddine , Hajri Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Elastofibroma dorsi is an uncommon benign soft‐tissue tumor with uncertain pathogenesis (Medicina (Kaunas), 2021; 57, 370). Surgical excision is the therapeutic option for symptomatic patients. A pathological study confirms the diagnosis after surgery. The prognosis is excellent with extremely rare recurrence cases (Anticancer Res, 2021, 41, 2211).
Microkinetic Modeling of Acetylene Hydrogenation Under Periodic Reactor Operation
Authors: Urmès Caroline , Daniel Cécile , Schweitzer Jean‐Marc , Cabiac Amandine , Julcour Carine , Schuurman Yves
Published: February 2022

Dynamic reactor operations will gain interest with the increase of intermittent electricity from renewable sources. Periodic operation of catalytic reactors can also be used for kinetic studies with better parameter estimation than steady‐state operation. This methodology is exemplified for the case of acetylene hydrogenation over Pd/α‐Al2O3 using small amplitude flow oscillations. It allows the evaluation of several elementary kinetic parameters from one set of dynamic data for a reaction mechanism based on a single catalytic site. The optimized transient model is able to reproduce the time‐evolution of the reactant and product molar fractions at the outlet of a fixed bed operated with modulations of different amplitudes and frequencies. It further shows that the acetylene conversion is controlled by two steps, the hydrogen adsorption step and the hydrogenation of the surface vinyl intermediate into adsorbed ethylene.
Drug‐Drug Interaction of Letermovir and Atorvastatin in Healthy Participants
Authors: McCrea Jacqueline B. , Menzel Karsten , Adedoyin Adedayo , Cho Carolyn R. , Fox‐Bosetti Sabrina , Macha Sreeraj , Zhao Tian , Liu Fang , Panebianco Deborah , Stoch S. Aubrey , Iwamoto Marian
Published: February 2022

Letermovir (MK‐8228/AIC246) is a cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA terminase complex inhibitor for CMV prophylaxis in adult patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant. It is cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A inhibitor and inhibits organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1/3 and breast cancer resistance protein transporters. Atorvastatin (ATV), a commonly used treatment for hypercholesterolemia, is a substrate of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1, potentially breast cancer resistance protein, and CYP3A. As letermovir may be coadministered with ATV, the effect of multiple‐dose letermovir 480 mg once daily on the pharmacokinetics of single‐dose ATV 20 mg and its metabolites (ortho‐hydroxyatorvastatin [o‐OH‐ATV] and para‐hydroxyatorvastatin [p‐OH‐ATV]) was evaluated in an open‐label trial in healthy female adults (N = 14). ATV area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) increased ≈3‐fold with letermovir coadministration. The time to ATV Cmax also increased, while apparent clearance decreased. The exposures of o‐OH‐ATV and p‐OH‐ATV were comparable in the presence versus absence of letermovir; however, o‐OH‐ATV Cmax decreased by 60% with coadministration, while p‐OH‐ATV Cmax was similar. Due to the increase in ATV exposure with letermovir coadministration, statin‐associated adverse events such as myopathy should be closely monitored following coadministration. The dose of ATV should not exceed 20 mg daily when coadministered with letermovir.
Four‐Way Crossover Phase 1 Thorough QT Study to Assess Cardiac Safety of Domperidone and Consideration for Design and Conduct of QT/QTc Study in China
Authors: Wang Fangfang , Nie Jing , Yang Li , Yang Zhenhua , Xu Lin , Wang Liqun , Liao Huimin , Li Mengyu , Wang Ping , Li Gailing , Li Haiyan
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the QT prolongation potential of domperidone in healthy Chinese participants and explore the possibility of a thorough QT (TQT) study in China with a smaller sample size using concentration‐QT (C‐QT) modeling. Part 1 was a randomized, placebo‐ and positive‐controlled, multiple‐dose, 4‐way crossover TQT study in healthy Chinese participants; 44 participants were randomized to either domperidone 10/20 mg or placebo 3 times daily, on days 1 to 3, followed by a single dose of either 10/20 mg domperidone/domperidone‐placebo/domperidone‐placebo plus 400 mg of moxifloxacin, on day 4. Twelve‐lead electrocardiograms were recorded in triplicate at predefined time points with pharmacokinetic sampling. The results were that change from baseline in QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) using the Fridericia formula (QTcF) between domperidone and placebo was 1.3 milliseconds and 2.7 milliseconds for 10 and 20 mg 3 times daily, and upper limits of 2‐sided 90%CI for all time points were below regulatory threshold of 10 milliseconds. In part 2, resampling analysis using C‐QT modeling for moxifloxacin showed false‐negative rates of <5% with sample sizes ≥6. We could conclude that no clinically relevant effect on corrected QT interval or new safety signals was observed with domperidone. A dedicated TQT study with C‐QT modeling could assess drug effects on QT/corrected QT intervals for novel drug development in China.
Smart Drug Delivery Systems Based on DNA Nanotechnology
Authors: Fan Qin , He Zhimei , Xiong Jinxin , Chao Jie
Published: February 2022

The development of DNA nanotechnology has attracted tremendous attention in biotechnological and biomedical fields involving biosensing, bioimaging and disease therapy. In particular, precise control over size and shape, easy modification, excellent programmability and inherent homology make the sophisticated DNA nanostructures vital for constructing intelligent drug carriers. Recent advances in the design of multifunctional DNA‐based drug delivery systems (DDSs) have demonstrated the effectiveness and advantages of DNA nanostructures, showing the unique benefits and great potential in enhancing the delivery of pharmaceutical compounds and reducing systemic toxicity. This Review aims to overview the latest researches on DNA nanotechnology‐enabled nanomedicine and give a perspective on their future opportunities.
Comparing self‐compassion versus body exposure for adult women with moderate to severe body dissatisfaction: A feasibility and pilot trial
Authors: Turk Fidan , Kellett Stephen , Waller Glenn
Published: February 2022

This study assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of two brief online interventions for body shame for women with moderate to severe negative body image, to inform the design of a future randomized controlled trial. The primary feasibility outcomes were recruitment, measure completion rates, retention rates and internet connection failure rates. The secondary pilot outcomes were change on clinical measures and state shame ratings during the interventions. Participants were randomized to either online (40‐min single session) body exposure or self‐compassion interventions. Five validated nomothetic outcome measures (body dissatisfaction, appreciation, eating disorder, external shame and anxiety) were taken at three time points (preintervention, postintervention and 2‐week follow‐up). Subjective units of body shame (SUBS 0–100 scale) were rated every 5 min during the interventions. The target of recruiting 30 participants in 60 days was successfully achieved. The measure completion rate was high (100%), and retention rates (80% to 100%) showed moderate‐to‐high acceptability of the interventions. Online delivery was moderately viable with a 12.5% session disconnection rate. The self‐compassion intervention significantly reduced SUBS ratings during the course of the intervention, but there was no significant improvement or difference between the interventions on nomothetic outcome measures. Findings suggest that a fully powered trial is viable, and sample size calculation and methodological requirements are provided.
Oligo‐FISH Paints in Triticeae
Authors: Li Guangrong , Yang Zujun
Published: February 2022

We developed seven oligonucleotide (oligo) pools based on single‐copy sequences, targeting chromosomes 1 to 7 of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) for chromosomal Oligo‐FISH painting methods. The probes were applied to high‐throughput karyotyping for the Triticeae tribe of over 350 species including 30 genera such as Triticum, Hordeum, Secale, Aegilops, Thinopyrum, and Dasypyrum, as well as several wheat alien–derived lines. In combination with other nondenaturing FISH (ND‐FISH) procedures using tandem‐repeat oligos, the newly developed Oligo‐FISH painting technique provides an efficient tool for the identification of individual chromosomes with homologous linkage groups to establish standard karyotypes, particularly with any wild Triticeae species having nonsequenced genomes for chromosome evolutionary analysis. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Oligo‐pool probe development

Basic Protocol 2: Nondenaturing FISH

Basic Protocol 3: Oligo‐FISH painting
CRISPR‐Act3.0‐Based Highly Efficient Multiplexed Gene Activation in Plants
Authors: Pan Changtian , Qi Yiping
Published: February 2022

CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated protein)‐mediated genome editing has revolutionized fundamental research and plant breeding. Beyond gene editing, CRISPR/Cas systems have been repurposed as a platform for programmable transcriptional regulation. Catalytically inactive Cas variants (dCas), when fused with transcriptional activation domains, allow for specific activation of any target gene in the genome without inducing DNA double‐strand breaks. CRISPR activation enables simultaneous activation of multiple genes, holding great promise in the identification of gene regulatory networks and rewiring of metabolic pathways. Here, we describe a simple protocol for constructing a dCas9‐mediated multiplexed gene activation system based on the CRISPR‐Act3.0 system. The resulting vectors are tested in rice protoplasts. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: sgRNA design and construction of CRISPR‐Act3.0 vectors for multiplexed gene activation

Basic Protocol 2: Determining the activation efficiency of CRISPR‐Act3.0 vectors using rice protoplasts
Through‐Space Electrostatic Effects of Positively Charged Substituents on the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Qingxin , Lei Haitao , Guo Hongbo , Wang Yabo , Gao Yimei , Zhang Wei , Cao Rui
Published: February 2022

Elucidating the effects of various structural components on energy‐related small molecule activation is of fundamental and practical significance. Herein the inhibition effect of positively charged substituents on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was reported. With the use of Cu porphyrins1–5containing different numbers and locations of positively charged substituents, it was demonstrated that their electrocatalytic HER activities significantly decreased when more cationic units were located close to the Cu ion: theicat/ip(icatis the catalytic peak current,ipis the one‐electron reduction peak current) value decreased from 38 with zero cationic unit to 15 with four closely located cationic units. Inspired by this result, Cu porphyrin6, with fourmeso‐phenyl groups each bearing a negatively chargedpara‐sulfonic substituent, was designed. With these anionic units,6outperformed the other Cu porphyrins for electrocatalytic HER under the same conditions.
Modal analysis of an arch dam combining ambient vibration measurements, advanced fluid‐element method and modified engineering approach
Authors: Guo Xiangfeng , Dufour Frédéric , Humbert Nicolas
Published: February 2022

Modal analysis, aiming at estimating modal characteristics such as natural frequencies and mode shapes, is fundamental for studying the dynamic behaviours of a structure. This paper presents a modal analysis of an arch dam using three different techniques. The reference one is based on the statistical analysis of the ambient vibration data collected from the dam crest. The two other approaches are both numerical but with different methods (fluid‐element and Westergaard) for the modelling of the reservoir and its interactions with the dam. By applying the three techniques to the studied dam and comparing their results, it is demonstrated that: (1) analysing the ambient vibration data through an operational modal analysis method is able to extract the dam modal characteristics; (2) the fluid‐element method is effective for arch dams since the first 10 natural frequencies can be accurately predicted once the material parameters are calibrated on the first three modes; and (3) the Westergaard method, a technique with only additional masses, produces significantly under‐estimated frequencies for the first few modes if same parameters are used as the fluid‐element method; the underestimation can be corrected for several modes by using a higher stiffness parameter but the required value is unrealistic for the case study. Furthermore, a modified Westergaard method is introduced in this paper by using a reduced added‐mass coefficient. This method, once the coefficient is calibrated on the 1st mode, is able to well predict the partially coupled modes as illustrated with the case study of the Saint‐Guérin dam.
Rekiske: Interdisciplinary platform for sharing knowledge and experience of Japanese historical documents
Authors: Ichino Mika , Masuda Kooiti
Published: February 2022

Historical materials contain descriptions of various events involved in natural processes and human societies (such as weather, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, harvests, market prices, and famines). They have been used for studies in diverse fields, including natural sciences (such as seismology, climatology, and astronomy), social sciences, and humanities. Hence, researchers have made various efforts, such as identifying and obtaining the materials, reading handwritten characters and transcribing them into digital texts, standardizing formats, extracting descriptions of relevant phenomena, and constructing integrated datasets, to use documentary information. Because scientists, other than historians, find it quite challenging even to ascertain where to find appropriate research materials, the Rekiske Development Group has, therefore, developed a system called Rekiske to facilitate interdisciplinary sharing of information available from historical materials. Rekiske is designed for sharing bibliographic and scientific information of historical materials, along with researchers’ experience and knowledge, through interdisciplinary collaboration. Rekiske can assist researchers in identifying and obtaining useful historical materials for research purposes. It also facilitates collaboration among experts to share their expertise and knowledge of historical information, materials, and recent studies. Using Rekiske, we register various types of information on historical materials regarding weather or earthquakes considered in geoscience research to utilize researchers’ experiences and to produce new knowledge through interdisciplinary collaborations. The developed system is designed to be used as a metadata portal and pathfinder to promote and preserve historical data and facilitate an understanding of the spatiotemporal connection between nature and human society. We have applied Rekiske to historical climatic studies and discuss its usage, benefits, usability, and other remaining issues.
Proximal Femur Responses to Sequential Therapy With Abaloparatide Followed by Alendronate in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis by 3D Modeling of Hip Dual‐Energy X‐Ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
Authors: Winzenrieth Renaud , Kostenuik Paul , Boxberger John , Wang Yamei , Humbert Ludovic
Published: February 2022

Previous subgroup analyses from the ACTIVE trial in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (NCT01343004) using three‐dimensional (3D)‐processing of dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans indicated greater increases in total hip cortical volumetric bone mineral density (Ct.vBMD) and estimated indices of hip strength following 18 months of abaloparatide (ABL) versus placebo or teriparatide. The current post hoc analyses describe hip 3D‐DXA data for ACTIVExtend (NCT01657162), in which 18 months of ABL followed by 24 months of alendronate (ABL/ALN) increased hip and spine areal BMD (aBMD) and reduced fracture risk versus placebo (PBO) followed by ALN (PBO/ALN). In an ACTIVExtend subgroup (ABL/ALN, n = 204; PBO/ALN, n = 202), hip DXA scans retrospectively underwent 3D modeling via 3D‐Shaper software. Changes from baseline in cortical and trabecular compartments were calculated for total hip and hip subregions (femoral neck, trochanter, and shaft). Estimated strength indices comprising cross‐sectional moment of inertia, section modulus, and buckling ratio were calculated for each hip subregion. Correlations between bone turnover marker levels at the time of alendronate initiation and subsequent BMD gains with alendronate were also investigated within each group. Total hip trabecular and cortical 3D‐DXA parameters increased from baseline in both groups (all p < 0.001), with greater average increases for ABL/ALN versus PBO/ALN (trabecular vBMD: 10.87% versus 4.3%; cortical thickness: 2.32% versus 1.14%; Ct.vBMD: 3.41% versus 1.86%; cortical surface BMD: 5.82% versus 3.0%; all p < 0.001). Strength indices in the ABL/ALN group improved in all subregions versus baseline (all p < 0.0001) and versus PBO/ALN (all p < 0.02). In the ABL/ALN group, collagen type I N‐terminal propeptide (P1NP) levels at the time of alendronate initiation correlated with subsequent percent changes in all 3D‐DXA parameters with 24 months of alendronate therapy. In conclusion, sequential ABL/ALN or PBO/ALN treatment improves trabecular and cortical 3D‐DXA parameters at the hip, as well as strength indices of hip subregions, with greater increases with ABL/ALN versus PBO/ALN. © 2022 Radius Health, Inc. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Truncated dopamine transporter's epigenetics: Heterozigosity of the grandmother rat temperates the vulnerable phenotype in second‐generation offspring
Authors: Pepe Martina , Calcaprina Barbara , Vaquer Francesca , Laviola Giovanni , Adriani Walter
Published: February 2022

Behavioral phenotype differs among epigenotypes of dopamine‐transporter heterozygous (DAT‐HET) rats. Epigenetic regulations act through transgenerational effects, referring to phenotypic variations emerging at second or third generation. To investigate transgenerational influences exerted by maternal grandmothers, we developed breeding schemes where only the genotype of maternal grandmothers varied. HET females, to serve as MAT vs. MIX mothers, were generated, respectively, from WT × KO = MAT and MAT × KO = MIX breeding, with KO males acting as grandfather. The HET experimental groups, generated from either MAT or MIX mothers, were called MIX‐by‐MAT and MIX2 (male‐fathers KO; asset‐M: wild/healthy‐allele from dam) or SOT and SIX (male‐fathers WT; asset‐P: mutated‐allele from dam). Thus, sequelae of first encounter between wild/healthy and mutated DAT alleles (in maternal‐lineage) were compared at first‐ (MAT‐dam, WT‐grandmother) vs. at second‐ (MIX‐dam, HET‐grandmother) generation. We characterized, within these epigenotypes, (1) circadian home‐cage activity and (2) preference for social stimuli. Marked alterations of circadian activity appeared in MIX‐by‐MAT HETs, offspring of MAT‐dams, compared with MIX2 HET (offspring of MIX‐dams); The latter, in turn, were undistinguishable from WT‐controls. A clear‐cut social preference by WT rats was expressed towards SIX compared with SOT stimulus rats, confirming that the latter elicited reduced social motivations. In conclusion, significant epigenetic modulations took place in DAT‐HET rats, as a function of maternal grandmother's genotype.
Soft TQM, agility, and knowledge management deliver organizational performance: A study of Malaysian manufacturing organizations in the electrical and electronics sector
Authors: Ong Eu Chin , Tan Cheng Ling
Published: February 2022

The research aims to determine how organizational performance is increased when soft TQM, agility, and knowledge management are aligned. It employs a model constructed from a literature review, and an empirical study conducted amongst electrical and electronics manufacturers in Malaysia. Soft TQM was found to have no significant direct relationship with organizational performance, but had a strong relationship when mediated by knowledge management. This relationship was further strengthened by the mediation of both agility and knowledge management. The empirical findings validate recent conceptual models of enablers of organizational performance, as well as contributing to the body of knowledge concerning the knowledge‐based view of the firm, and the view of the firm as an epistemic community. In addition, the study identifies factors that should be considered when implementing soft TQM, agile practices, and knowledge management in an organization.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Variability after Adenotonsillectomy in Childhood Sleep Apnea
Authors: Kang Kun‐Tai , Chiu Shuenn‐Nan , Weng Wen‐Chin , Lee Pei‐Lin , Hsu Wei‐Chung
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the influence of adenotonsillectomy (T&A) on ambulatory blood pressure (BP) variability in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design

Prospective, interventional study.

Methods

Children with OSA symptoms were recruited from a tertiary center. After OSA diagnosis was confirmed (ie, apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI] > 1), these children underwent T&A for treatment. We performed polysomnography and 24‐hour recordings of ambulatory BP before and 3 to 6 months postoperatively. Ambulatory BP variability was presented as the standard deviation of mean blood pressure in the 24‐hour monitoring of ambulatory BP. Differences in BP variability among different subgroups were tested using a multivariable linear mixed model.

Results

A total of 190 children were enrolled (mean age: 7.8 ± 3.3 years; 73% were boys; 34% were obese). The AHI significantly decreased from 12.3 ± 17.0 to 2.7 ± 5.5 events/hr after T&A. Overall, daytime, and nighttime ambulatory BP did not significantly change postoperatively, and overall, daytime, and nighttime ambulatory BP variability did not differ significantly preoperatively and postoperatively. In the subgroup analysis, children aged <6 years demonstrated a significantly greater decrease in ambulatory BP variability postoperatively than those aged >6 years (nighttime diastolic BP variability: 9.9 to 7.7 vs. 8.9 to 9.4). Children with hypertension also showed a significantly greater decrease in ambulatory BP variability than those without hypertension.

Conclusions

We concluded that overall ambulatory BP variability does not significantly change after T&A in children with OSA. Moreover, young‐aged and hypertensive children demonstrate a significant decrease in BP variability after T&A.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:2491–2497, 2022
Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of seasonal, annual, and consecutive farmland abandonment in China with time‐series MODIS images during the period 2005–2019
Authors: Li Le , Pan Yaozhong , Zheng Rongbao , Liu Xiaoping
Published: February 2022

Farmland abandonment has substantial impacts on the environment, and its impacts vary with the duration of farmland abandonment. While consecutive and annual farmland abandonment (AFA) has been extensively studied, there is a need to investigate the spatiotemporal variation in seasonal farmland abandonment (SFA), particularly in areas where multiple‐cropping practices are applied. In this study, we propose a method to monitor different types of farmland abandonment, such as SFA, AFA, and consecutive farmland abandonment (CFA), with time‐series remote sensing data. The spatiotemporal pattern of farmland abandonment in mainland China from 2005 to 2019 was derived from time‐series MODIS images. The overall accuracy for AFA maps was 79%–86% by comparing with MCD12Q1, and around 70% by comparing with China's Land Use/Cover Datasets. The results indicated that the total abandoned cultivable lands accounted for nearly 20% of the total cultivable lands and that SFA accounted for over 50% of the total abandoned cultivable lands in China. The total abandoned cultivable lands and total abandoned cultivable areas in mainland China did not change significantly across the study period. Moreover, the frequency of SFA gradually increased during the study period, and the frequency of CFA gradually decreased. Our study highlights that SFA accounts for a considerable proportion of the abandoned cultivable land in mainland China. SFA should be considered in related studies, as it could be a dominant type of farmland abandonment in areas where multiple cropping is practiced.