bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Based Learning as a Teaching Learning Tool for Microbiology
Authors: Devi V. Kalpana , Senthil C.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Medical and health care related education is currently changing. In the present day scenario, didactic lectures are the main stay of teaching Microbiology in most of the medical Colleges. However didactic lecture is a teaching centered method that promotes passive learning. Active learning that integrates the knowledge of basic sciences with clinical conditions is the need of the hour. Case Based learning (CBL) is an interactive student centered approach that engages students in the process of making real world decisions.

Aim: The present study has been planned to assess the effectiveness of case based learning as compared to traditional lecture in teaching Microbiology and also to find out the students and faculty perception on Case based learning.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. Two diseases namely Hepatitis-B and Rabies were selected. Study involved 104 students from II MBBS and they were divided into two groups. Group A underwent a CBL session on Hepatitis-B and Group B had the Didactic lecture session on the same topic and the groups were crossed for the second phase on Rabies. Pre and post-test were conducted for both the groups and the results were analyzed using paired and unpaired t-test. Lastly structured feedback questionnaire on acceptability and usefulness of CBL was obtained from the students and the faculty.

Results: The performance of the students showed a significant improvement after the CBL sessions when compared to the Didactic lecture. Majority of the students felt that CBL is better in understanding Microbiology topic.

Conclusion: The present study shows that CBL is a better method than Didactic Lectures. Therefore CBL can be used as an adjunct to the lectures to strengthen the traditional T/L methods through active learning.
Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Studies, Synthesis, Characterisation of Thiazolidine-4-One Derivatives
Authors: Ramachandran S. , Aanandhi M. Vijey
Published: March 2022

Background: Antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antitubercular, anti-HIV, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and ulcerogenic activities have all been documented for thiazolidine derivatives. Molecular docking has become a crucial step in the drug discovery process, with the goal of predicting the binding mechanism and affinity of the protein-ligand complex. AutoDock is a popular non-commercial docking tool that successfully docks ligands to their target proteins (accurate and computationally fast). The Discovery Studio Visualizer is a free viewer that may be used to open data produced by other Discovery Studio tools.

Aim: The main aim of this study is:

To study the molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies of the different thiazolidine derivatives.

To synthesise the compound based on the results produced in the molecular dynamics and molecular studies.

To Characterise the synthesised compounds using FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass Spectral studies.

Procedure: In two phases, a new series of Thiazolidine-4-one derivatives was created. The production of Schiff base is the first step, followed by the condensation of Schiff base with Chloro acetyl chloride and subsequent cyclisation steps. FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and Mass Spectroscopy were used to characterise the chemical structures of the produced compounds.

1BVR protein that was taken from the protein database website

The structures were drawn using Chem draw Ultra 8.0 and Biovia draw 2018. Using the Smiles Online Translator, it was stored in Mol format and then converted to PDB format. The Cygwin toolings were used to log all of the files.

Conclusion: The conformation was computed using a ranking system. This indicates whether the molecule has strong ligand binding energy, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interaction with the receptor. According to the findings, thiazolidine-4-one derivatives have antitubercular efficacy when used in conjunction with the Enoyl-acyl carrier protein (enoyl-ACP) reductase enzyme.

For the docking analysis it indicates if the compound has strong ligand binding energy, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic binding with the receptor shows good activity. Using Auto dock 4.2 it was found out that among the above 20 compounds (including the control compound), C2, C5, C6, C8, C11. C13, C15 and C17 directly bind with the functional domain (Casein kinase II phosphorylation site) of the amino acid (252 to 255). The above compounds bind at the 252nd position of the Chain C, where Alanine is present (The target protein, 1BVR () contains ABCDEF chains).
Induction of Bax and Activation of Caspases Hydro Ethanoic Leaf Extract of Citrullus colocynthis(L)- Mediated Apoptosis in Human Liver Cancer Cells Hep G2
Authors: Swetha K. , Priya A. Jothi , Jayaraman Selvaraj , Devi R. Gayatri
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Citrullus colocynthis is a desert plant of the cucurbitaceae family. C. colocynthis grows in many countries with semi dry lands and that seeds are rich in oil which can encourage their sustainable agriculture to produce an economic biodiesel with a competitive price. Apoptosis, also termed as programmed cell death this is a key regulator of tissue homeostasis.

Aim of the Study: To study the induction of bax and activation of caspases hydro ethanolic leaf extract of Citrullus colocynthis (L)- mediated apoptosis in human liver cancer cells Hep G2.

Materials and Methods: In the present study, a human liver cancer cell line was procured from the National Centre for Cell science (NCCS), Pune, India. The cytotoxic potential of plant extract was analysed by MTG assay. mRNA expression of BaxmRNA and caspase-mRNA were analysed by Real-Time PCR using gene specific primers and a comparative CT method was used to analyse expression of genes. The data were analysed statistically using Graph pad prism software         Version 5.

Results:  MTT analysis showed that Citrullus colocynthis a significant increase in proliferation of human liver cancer cells (P<0.05) compared to untreated cells. However, 400 and 500 /g of the extract showed maximum effect in controlling cell growth. Results of the <mRNA expression analysis showed that Citrullus colocynthis reduced the expression of BaxmRNA/ caspase-mRNA in human liver cancer cells at 400 and 500 /g (P<0.05).

Discussion: The anticancer effect of Citrullus colocynthis has been via a variety of pathways which includes apoptotic pathway, anti-inflammatory traits, and antioxidant pathway, etc [1]. Effect of HEAM on the mRNA level of tumor related genes (p53, Bcl-2), inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6 and c-jun) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokines. Representative photographs of ethidium-bromide-stained 2% agarose gels for each gene after 7 months of treatment.

Conclusion: The hydroethanolic leaf extract obtained from the Citrullus colocynthis exhibited anti-proliferative effect on human liver cancer cells HepG2 cell line by affecting the expression of the Bax mRNA and Bax mRNA and hindering the cell viability. Hence, it can be a great scope for using the extract into medicinal properties with further studies to improve herbal medicine for cancer over expensive drugs.
Design, Synthesis of Mannich Bases Derivatives of Thiosemicarbazide and their Evaluation for Anticancer Activity using Potato Disk Bioassay Method
Authors: Patil Geetanjali Sandip , Pishawikar Sachin Ashok
Published: March 2022

Mannich bases and thiosemicarbazide individually are known to show verity of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antifilarial, antibacterial, antifungal, anticonvulsant, anthelmintic, antitubercular, analgesic, anti-HIV, antimalarial, antipsychotic, antiviral and so forth.  As novel attempt in present work in first step synthesis of verity of mannich bases is done using structurally different types of aldehyde, ketones and amines. The condensation of synthesized mannich bases is done with thiosemicarbazide to form a novel class of compounds called mannich bases of thiosemicarbazide. Use of bioassay is one of the ways of carrying out preliminary investigation of activity. A. tumefaciens induced potato disc tumor assay has been used to investigate anticancer activity of synthesized compounds. The compounds B2, B4, B25, B26, B28, B29 and B30 have shown same or better inhibitory activity compared to Gemcitabine used as standard.
Probiotic Characterization of Bacillus and Lactobacillus Encapsulated in Some Carrier Materials
Authors: Andriani Yuli , Pratama Rusky I. , Safitri Ratu
Published: March 2022

Research has been carried out on the encapsulation of probiotics of the genus Bacillus and Lactobacillus using rice flour, maltodextrin, and talc as carriers. The purpose of this study was to obtain a type of carrier material that can maintain the character of probiotics for fishfeed in aquaculture activity. The research method used is the experimental method, and the data were analyzed descriptively and experi-mentally. The experimental method used a completely randomized design with a factorial pattern. The results showed that talc can main-tain antimicrobial activity against E. coli (16.3 mm), S. typhimurium (17.3 and 13.8 mm) and coaggregation (12.9% and 15.01%). Rice flour can maintain antimicrobial activity against E. coli (20 mm), S. typhimurium (11.7 mm), and coaggregation (14.5%). Maltodextrin can maintain antimicrobial activity against E. coli (20.7 and 17.2 mm), S. typhimurium (19.8 and 20.8 mm) and coaggregation (8.8 % and 17.35%).
ALTERAÇÕES NA PERCEPÇÃO ESTÉTICA DE PACIENTES REABILITADOS COM LAMINADOS CERÂMICOS: SÉRIE DE CASOS
Authors: Santos Araujo Nara , Vieira Borges Neto Antenor , Dos Anjos de Carvalho Leilane , Vicente Barbosa da Rocha Paulo , Ramos Cury Patricia
Published: March 2022

Objetivo: Considerando que a aparência orofacial é um dos resultados mais importantes relatados pelos pacientes odontológicos nas últimas décadas, este estudo avaliou mudanças nas percepções estéticas de pacientes submetidos a tratamento com laminados cerâmicos e o impacto do tratamento sobre a qualidade de vida. Materiais e Métodos: Dezoito pacientes, previamente triados para receberem o tratamento na Associação Brasileira de Odontologia – Bahia/ Brasil, responderam a dois questionários sobre suas percepções estéticas odontológicas; o questionário de escala estética orofacial (EEO) e o questionário de impacto psicossocial da estética orofacial (PIDAQ), antes e após o tratamento. As médias dos escores/notas no início do tratamento foram comparadas com aquelas mensuradas após a instalação dos laminados cerâmicos, usando o teste de Wilcoxon (α=0,05). Resultados: O tratamento (média de 9±1 laminados por indivíduo) teve um impacto positivo nas percepções dos participantes. De acordo com o PIDAQ, o tratamento aumentou significativamente a autoconfiança dental (p=0,002), e reduziu as preocupações estéticas e o impacto psicossocial (p<0,001), entretanto não alterou o impacto social da aparência dental (p=0,77). A EEO demonstrou melhora na satisfação dos participantes para todas as questões (p≤0,007), enquanto menor efeito foi observado para as questões relacionadas à face e perfil facial, como esperado. Conclusão: O tratamento com laminados cerâmicos produz um impacto positivo e estável na percepção estética odontológica e nos fatores psicossociais em acompanhamentos de médio prazo.
TGFβ selects for pro‐stemness over pro‐invasive phenotypes during cancer cell epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Tsubakihara Yutaro , Ohata Yae , Okita Yukari , Younis Shady , Eriksson Jens , Sellin Mikael E. , Ren Jiang , ten Dijke Peter , Miyazono Kohei , Hikita Atsuhiko , Imamura Takeshi , Kato Mitsuyasu , Heldin Carl‐Henrik , Moustakas Aristidis
Published: March 2022

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which correlates with stemness and invasiveness. Mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) is induced by TGFβ withdrawal and correlates with metastatic colonization. Whether TGFβ promotes stemness and invasiveness simultaneously via EMT remains unclear. We established a breast cancer cell model expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP) under the E‐cadherin promoter. In 2D cultures, TGFβ induced EMT, generating RFPlow cells with a mesenchymal transcriptome, and regained RFP, with an epithelial transcriptome, after MET induced by TGFβ withdrawal. RFPlow cells generated robust mammospheres, with epithelio‐mesenchymal cell surface features. Mammospheres that were forced to adhere generated migratory cells, devoid of RFP, a phenotype which was inhibited by a TGFβ receptor kinase inhibitor. Further stimulation of RFPlow mammospheres with TGFβ suppressed the generation of motile cells, but enhanced mammosphere growth. Accordingly, mammary fat‐pad‐transplanted mammospheres, in the absence of exogenous TGFβ treatment, established lung metastases with evident MET (RFPhigh cells). In contrast, TGFβ‐treated mammospheres revealed high tumour‐initiating capacity, but limited metastatic potential. Thus, the biological context of partial EMT and MET allows TGFβ to differentiate between pro‐stemness and pro‐invasive phenotypes.
Xenogenic Neural Stem Cell‐Derived Extracellular Nanovesicles Modulate Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate and Reconstruct Metabolomic Structure
Authors: Derkus Burak , Isik Melis , Eylem Cemil Can , Ergin Irem , Camci Can Berk , Bilgin Sila , Elbuken Caglar , Arslan Yavuz Emre , Akkulak Merve , Adali Orhan , Kiran Fadime , Okesola Babatunde O. , Nemutlu Emirhan , Emregul Emel
Published: March 2022

Extracellular nanovesicles, particularly exosomes, can deliver their diverse bioactive biomolecular content, including miRNAs, proteins, and lipids, thus providing a context for investigating the capability of exosomes to induce stem cells toward lineage‐specific cells and tissue regeneration. In this study, it is demonstrated that rat subventricular zone neural stem cell‐derived exosomes (rSVZ‐NSCExo) can control neural‐lineage specification of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Microarray analysis shows that the miRNA content of rSVZ‐NSCExo is a faithful representation of rSVZ tissue. Through immunocytochemistry, gene expression, and multi‐omics analyses, the capability to use rSVZ‐NSCExo to induce hMSCs into a neuroglial or neural stem cell phenotype and genotype in a temporal and dose‐dependent manner via multiple signaling pathways is demonstrated. The current study presents a new and innovative strategy to modulate hMSCs fate by harnessing the molecular content of exosomes, thus suggesting future opportunities for rSVZ‐NSCExo in nerve tissue regeneration.
Electroconductive and Anisotropic Structural Color Hydrogels for Visual Heart‐on‐a‐Chip Construction
Authors: Sun Lingyu , Chen Zhuoyue , Xu Dongyu , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: March 2022

Heart‐on‐a‐chip plays an important role in revealing the biological mechanism and developing new drugs for cardiomyopathy. Tremendous efforts have been devoted to developing heart‐on‐a‐chip systems featuring simplified fabrication, accurate imitation and microphysiological visuality. In this paper, the authors present a novel electroconductive and anisotropic structural color hydrogel by simply polymerizing non‐close‐packed colloidal arrays on super aligned carbon nanotube sheets (SACNTs) for visualized and accurate heart‐on‐a‐chip construction. The generated anisotropic hydrogel consists of a colloidal array‐locked hydrogel layer with brilliant structural color on one surface and a conductive methacrylated gelatin (GelMA)/SACNTs film on the other surface. It is demonstrated that the anisotropic morphology of the SACNTs could effectively induce the alignment of cardiomyocytes, and the conductivity of SACNTs could contribute to the synchronous beating of cardiomyocytes. Such consistent beating rhythm caused the deformation of the hydrogel substrates and dynamic shifts in structural color and reflection spectra of the whole hybrid hydrogels. More attractively, with the integration of such cardiomyocyte‐driven living structural color hydrogels and microfluidics, a visualized heart‐on‐a‐chip system with more consistent beating frequency has been established for dynamic cardiomyocyte sensing and drug screening. The results indicate that the electroconductive and anisotropic structural color hydrogels are potential for various biomedical applications.
3D Printing Ultraflexible Magnetic Actuators via Screw Extrusion Method
Authors: Cao Xufeng , Xuan Shouhu , Gao Yinduan , Lou Congcong , Deng Huaxia , Gong Xinglong
Published: March 2022

Soft magnetic actuators with programmable structure design and controllable deformation ability based on 3D printing technology have attracted extensive attention. In this paper, a novel 3D printing strategy is developed to manufacture the ultraflexible magnetic actuator, in which the printed material is composed of magnetic particles and thermoplastic rubber materials. Different from the traditional fused deposition printing, this printing strategy introduces screw extrusion technology to the heating components of the printer to overcome the problem of filament buckling in the flexible material. Thus, the tensile modulus of the printed products can be reduced to as low as ≈2 MPa. Based on the above method, biomimetic magnetic actuators of the sucker and the pump are constructed for adhering and releasing object and pumping liquid. The contraction performance of the magnetic actuator is studied via a series of experiments and the magnetic field‐induced deformation is analyzed by the multiphysics‐based finite element model. This work proves that ultraflexible magnetic actuators fabricated by this 3D printing strategy show broad prospects in the fields of soft robotics and bionics.
Asymptotic behavior of infinite systems determined by polynomial shift operators
Authors: Liu Dongmei , Liu Liu , Lu Yufeng
Published: March 2022

This paper studies the asymptotic behavior of infinite dimensional systems determined by polynomial shift operators. The results from ergodic theory and C0‐semigroups are used to obtain a characterization of those initial states which lead to convergent solutions. Estimates on the rate of convergence for solutions are obtained under a stronger ergodic condition on corresponding initial states. The results can be used to solve the robot rendezvous problem and investigate platoon systems.
Passivity‐based control for a DC/DC high‐gain transformerless boost converter
Authors: Langarica‐Cordoba Diego , Martinez‐Rodriguez Panfilo R. , Diaz‐Saldierna Luis H. , Leyva‐Ramos Jesus , Reyes‐Cruz David , Iturriaga‐Medina Samuel
Published: March 2022

In this work, an adaptive passivity‐based controller for a DC‐DC high‐gain transformerlessdouble‐inductor boost converter is fully detailed. The proposed current‐mode control scheme results in two feedback loops, a current controller for tracking the inductor current considering damping injection and energy shaping, and a voltage loop composed by a proportional‐integral action to guarantee output voltage regulation. Furthermore, a parametric uncertainty estimator using immersion‐invariance approach is designed to improve the robustness of the current loop. As a result, a multi‐loop adaptive nonlinear energy‐based controller, which ensures regional asymptotic stability via Lyapunov analysis is accomplished. In addition, considering practical conditions, real‐time numerical simulations, using a 1 kW case‐study converter, are carried out in order to assess the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. Results for output voltage regulation, current tracking, and parametric uncertainty estimation under input voltage and load step changes are shown.
Inter‐trial theta phase consistency during face processing in infants is associated with later emerging autism
Authors: van Noordt Stefon , Desjardins James A. ,   The BASIS Team, Elsabbagh Mayada
Published: March 2022

A growing body of research suggests that consistency in cortical activity may be a promising neurophysiological marker of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the current study we examined inter‐trial coherence, a measure of phase consistency across trials, in the theta range (t‐ITC: 3–6 Hz), as theta has been implicated in the processing of social and emotional stimuli in infants and adults. The sample included infants who had an older sibling with a confirmed ASD diagnosis and typically developing (TD) infants with no family history of ASD. The data were collected as part of the British Autism Study of Infant Siblings (BASIS) study. Infants between 6 and 10 months of age (Mage = 7.34, SDage = 1.21) performed a visual face processing task that included faces and scrambled, “face noise”, stimuli. Follow‐up assessments in higher likelihood infants were completed at 24 and again at 36 months to determine diagnostic outcomes. Analysis focused on posterior t‐ITC during early (0–200 ms) and late (200–500 ms) visual processing stages commonly investigated in infant studies. t‐ITC over posterior scalp regions during late stage face processing was significantly higher in TD and higher likelihood infants without ASD (HRA−), indicating reduced consistency in theta‐band responses in higher likelihood infants who eventually receive a diagnosis of ASD (HRA+). These findings indicate that the temporal dynamics of theta during face processing relate to ASD outcomes. Reduced consistency of oscillatory dynamics at basic levels of infant sensory processing could have downstream effects on learning and social communication.

Lay Summary

We examined the consistency in brain responses to faces in infants at lower or higher familial likelihood for autism. Our results show that the consistency of EEG responses was lower during face processing in higher likelihood infants who eventually received a diagnosis of autism. These findings highlight that reduced consistency in brain activity during face processing in the first year of life is related to emerging autism.
Clinical outcomes for patients with thymoma and thymic carcinoma after undergoing different front‐line chemotherapy regimens
Authors: Ma Wei‐Li , Lin Chia‐Chi , Hsu Feng‐Ming , Lee Jang‐Ming , Chen Jin‐Shing , Huang Yen‐Lin , Chang Yih‐Leong , Chang Chin‐Hao , Yang James Chih‐Hsin
Published: March 2022

Background

Front‐line platinum‐base chemotherapy for advanced thymoma and thymic carcinoma (TC) improves resectability and prolongs patients' overall survival (OS). In this study, we evaluated patients' outcomes given different front‐line regimens: cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (CAP); cisplatin and etoposide (EP); or cisplatin and paclitaxel (TP).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of patients with advanced thymoma and TC who were treated at our medical center between 2005 and 2015. We investigated objective response rates (ORRs), progression‐free survival (PFS), and OS after undergoing different front‐line regimens.

Results

Among the 108 enrolled patients, 37 (34%) had thymoma and 71 (66%) had TC; 45 received CAP, 36 received EP, and 27 received TP regimens. The ORRs of patients receiving CAP, EP, and TP were 51%, 50%, and 41%, respectively. For patients with stage III and IVA disease, the median PFS after CAP, EP, and TP were 34.5, 26.4, and 18.0 months (p = 0.424), respectively, and the 5‐year OS rates were 84.9%, 70.6%, and 60.0% (p = 0.509). In patients with stage IVB disease, the median PFS were 9.4, 8.2, and 11.6 months after undergoing CAP, EP, and TP (p = 0.173), respectively, and the 5‐year OS rates were 41.1%, 39.1%, and 14.3% (p = 0.788). TC pathology subtype and liver metastasis were associated with poor OS. Three patients with stage IVB TC had an OS of more than 5 years.

Conclusion

Different front‐line chemotherapy regimens may provide similar long‐term PFS and OS in patients with advanced thymoma and TC. In addition to TC and liver metastasis were associated with poor OS, other potential prognostic factors are warranted for studying.
On the Stability of Isolated Iridium Sites in N‐Rich Frameworks Against Agglomeration Under Reducing Conditions
Authors: Iemhoff Andree , Vennewald Maurice , Artz Jens , Mebrahtu Chalachew , Meledin Alexander , Weirich Thomas E. , Hartmann Heinrich , Besmehn Astrid , Aramini Matteo , Venturini Federica , Mosselmans Fred W. , Held Georg , Arrigo Rosa , Palkovits Regina
Published: March 2022

Stabilization of single metal atoms is a persistent challenge in heterogeneous catalysis. Especially supported late transitions metals are prone to undergo agglomeration to nanoparticles under reducing conditions. In this study, nitrogen‐rich covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) are used to immobilize iridium complexes. Upon reduction at 400 °C, immobilized Ir(acac)(COD) on CTF does not form nanoparticles but transforms into a highly active Ir single atom catalyst. The resulting catalyst systems outperforms both the immobilized complex and supported nanoparticles in the dehydrogenation of formic acid as probe reaction. This superior performance could be traced back to decisive changes of the coordination geometry positively influencing activity, selectivity and stability. Spectroscopic analysis reveals an increase of electron density on the cationic iridium site by donation from the CTF macroligand after removal of the organic ligand sphere from the Ir(acac)(COD) precursor complex upon reductive treatment. This work demonstrates the ability of nitrogen moieties to stabilize molecular metal species against agglomeration and opens avenues for catalysts design using isolated sites in high‐temperature applications under reducing atmosphere.
Switchable deep eutectic solvent‐based homogenous liquid–liquid microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode‐array detection for the determination of the chiral fungicide mefentrifluconazole in water, fruit juice, and fermented liquor
Authors: Jiang Haijuan , Huang Xin , Xue Haoyue , Wang Min , Qi Yanli , Jia Liyan , Jing Xu
Published: March 2022

A switchable deep eutectic solvent‐based homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction (SDES‐HLLME) technique was developed and combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode‐array detection for the determination of the chiral fungicide mefentrifluconazole. A (green) SDES was synthesized from 4‐methoxyphenyl and 3‐amino‐1‐propanol and used as an extraction solvent (thus avoiding the use of toxic extraction solvents). To improve the efficiency of the extraction process, a hydrophobic extraction solvent was subsequently generated in situ by adjusting the pH. The detection process is linear in the range of 0.01 to 1 μg ml−1. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were determined to be 0.003 and 0.01 μg ml−1, respectively. Recovery rates of 79.2% to 104.6% were acquired with relative standard deviations of 0.6% to 2.5%. The method is fast, simple, and environmentally friendly. Moreover, it was successfully used to enantioselectively determine the concentrations of mefentrifluconazole residues in water, fruit juice, and fermented liquor samples.
Development and Optimization of Antisolvent Cooling Coupled Crystallization Process for Coenzyme Q10
Authors: Li Qiuju , Liu Yihang , Liu Baoshu , Sun Hua
Published: March 2022

The solubility of coenzyme Q10 in binary mixed solvents (tetrahydrofuran (THF) + ethanol) is determined at the temperature range from 278.15 to 313.15 K by static high‐performance liquid chromatography. The super‐solubility of coenzyme Q10 at fC = 0.4(C is ethanol), fC = 0.6, fC = 0.8 is measured by dynamic laser method, thus the metastable zone of coenzyme Q10 in binary mixed solvent (THF + ethanol) is obtained. The measurement results show that the solubility of coenzyme Q10 and the width of the metastable zone increase with the increasing of temperature and increasing of THF content in the mixed solvent. Coenzyme Q10 antisolvent cooling coupled crystallization process is developed based on thermodynamic data, and the crystallization conditions are investigated experimentally. The diameter span of crystal size distribution decreases from 5.542 to 1.981 and the median particle size (Dv50) increases from 41.8 to 81.3 μm, which means that the crystal products of coenzyme Q10 are improved by adjusting the crystallization process parameters.
Thermochemical Conversion of Plastic Waste into Fuels, Chemicals, and Value‐Added Materials: A Critical Review and Outlooks
Authors: Yang Ren‐Xuan , Jan Kalsoom , Chen Ching‐Tien , Chen Wan‐Ting , Wu Kevin C.‐W.
Published: March 2022

Plastic waste is an emerging environmental issue for our society. Critical action to tackle this problem is to upcycle plastic waste as valuable feedstock. Thermochemical conversion of plastic waste has received growing attention. Although thermochemical conversion is promising for handling mixed plastic waste, it typically occurs at high temperatures (300–800 °C). Catalysts can play a critical role in improving the energy efficiency of thermochemical conversion, promoting targeted reactions, and improving product selectivity. This Review aims to summarize the state‐of‐the‐art of catalytic thermochemical conversions of various types of plastic waste. First, general trends and recent development of catalytic thermochemical conversions including pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal processes, and chemolysis of plastic waste into fuels, chemicals, and value‐added materials were reviewed. Second, the status quo for the commercial implementation of thermochemical conversion of plastic waste was summarized. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of catalytic thermochemical conversion of plastic waste including the design of sustainable and robust catalysts were discussed.
Cell‐Free Biosynthesis of ω‐Hydroxy Acids Boosted by a Synergistic Combination of Alcohol Dehydrogenases
Authors: Velasco‐Lozano Susana , Santiago‐Arcos Javier , Grazia Rubanu Maria , López‐Gallego Fernando
Published: March 2022

The activity orchestration of an unprecedented cell‐free enzyme system with self‐sufficient cofactor recycling enables the stepwise transformation of aliphatic diols into ω‐hydroxy acids at the expense of molecular oxygen as electron acceptor. The efficiency of the biosynthetic route was maximized when two compatible alcohol dehydrogenases were selected as specialist biocatalysts for each one of the oxidative steps required for the oxidative lactonization of diols. The cell‐free system reached up to 100 % conversion using 100 mM of linear C5 diols and performed the desymmetrization of prochiral branched diols into the corresponding ω‐hydroxy acids with an exquisite enantioselectivity (ee>99 %). Green metrics demonstrate superior sustainability of this system compared to traditional metal catalysts and even to whole cells for the synthesis of 5‐hydroxypetanoic acid. Finally, the cell‐free system was assembled into a consortium of heterogeneous biocatalysts that allowed the enzyme reutilization. This cascade illustrates the potential of systems biocatalysis to access new heterofunctional molecules such as ω‐hydroxy acids.
Punishment sensitivity and the persistence of anorexia nervosa: High punishment sensitivity is related to a less favorable course of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Jonker Nienke C. , Glashouwer Klaske A. , de Jong Peter J.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Cross‐sectional research provides robust evidence that individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) report higher punishment sensitivity (PS) than individuals without an eating disorder (ED). High PS might interfere with treatment motivation and the ability to learn from experience. The current study took a longitudinal approach to test predictions that follow from the proposed relevance of PS as a factor in the persistence of AN symptoms. More specifically we tested (1) if higher PS at the start of treatment was related to less improvement in ED symptoms after one year, and (2) if a decrease in ED symptoms was associated with a concurrent decrease in PS.

Method

Participants were 69 adolescents with a diagnosis of AN at the start of treatment of whom 62 participated again one year later. ED symptom severity and PS were assessed at both time points.

Results

Findings showed that (1) higher PS at the start of treatment was related to less improvement in ED symptoms, and (2) an improvement in ED symptoms was related to a decrease in PS.

Discussion

These findings are consistent with the proposed relevance of PS in the persistence of AN and suggest that it might be beneficial to address high PS in treatment.

Public Significance

Consistent with the view that punishment sensitivity (PS) is related to the persistence of anorexia nervosa, high PS at the start of treatment was related to less improvement in eating disorder symptoms in patients with anorexia nervosa. Furthermore, an improvement in eating disorder symptoms was associated with a concurrent decrease in PS, suggesting that PS can be subject to change and may be a relevant target for treatment.
A new approach to the synthesis of CuFe2O4@CeO2 direct Z‐scheme with a core‐shell structure for enhanced photo‐degradation of methyl violet under ultraviolet and visible‐light irradiation
Authors: Touahra Fouzia , Zemmache Safia , Djema Souhila , Chebout Redouane , Lerari Djahida , Bachari Khaldoun
Published: March 2022

A direct Z‐scheme photocatalyst CuFe2O4@CeO2 core‐shell was applied in the photocatalytic degradation of the methyl violet dye 2B (MV). In first, CuFe2O4 and CeO2 were synthesized via sol–gel method, and then CuFe2O4@CeO2 nanocomposite was prepared using microwave process. The nanoparticles were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG and derivative thermogravimetry [DTG]), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive‐X‐ray (EDX) and ultraviolet (UV)–visible diffuse reflectance/absorption spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of CuFe2O4@CeO2 nanocomposite was evaluated by the photo‐degradation of the MV under UV and visible‐light irradiation. MV does not rapidly degrade itself in UV or visible‐light but the process is accelerated upon the addition of semiconductors with a wide band‐gap. The CuFe2O4@CeO2 nanocomposite shows an important MV decomposition rate under visible‐light irradiation (95.35% within 1.5 h) as compared to UV‐light (86.10% within 2.5 h). The excellent activity of CuFe2O4@CeO2 under UV and visible‐light was mainly attributed to direct Z‐scheme which are originated from a core‐shell structure which prompted the generation of ˙OH radical species responsible for the photo‐degradation of the substance. However, this could also be due to the large specific surface area and/or efficient UV–vis harvesting.
Subsampled factor models for asset pricing: The rise of Vasa
Authors: De Nard Gianluca , Hediger Simon , Leippold Markus
Published: March 2022

We propose a new method, variable subsample aggregation (VASA), for equity return prediction using a large‐dimensional set of factors. To demonstrate the effectiveness, robustness, and dimension reduction power of VASA, we perform a comparative analysis between state‐of‐the‐art machine learning algorithms. As a performance measure, we explore not only the global predictive but also the stock‐specific 's and their distribution. While the global reflects the average forecasting accuracy, we find that high variability in stock‐specific 's can be detrimental for the portfolio performance. Since VASA shows minimal variability, portfolios formed on this method outperform the portfolios based on random forests and neural nets.
Protective effects of dietary Kefir against aflatoxin B1‐induced hepatotoxicity in Nile tilapia fish, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Ben Taheur Fadia , Mansour Chalbia , Mechri Sondes , Laaouar Houcine , Safta Skhiri Sihem , Bouricha Mohamed , Jaouadi Bassem , Mzoughi Ridha , Zouari Nacim
Published: March 2022

The effect of dietary Kefir supplementation on the biometric, biochemical, and histological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1, 200 µg/kg diet) contamination was studied. The yeasts were dominant in Kefir followed by lactic and acetic acid bacteria. The Kefir showed relatively interesting antioxidant potential in the DPPH• (IC50 = 0.9 ± 0.02 mg/ml) and ABTS•+ (IC50 = 2.2 ± 0.03 mg/ml) scavenging activities, Fe3+‐reducing power (EC0.5 = 1.2 ± 0.01 mg/ml), and β‐carotene bleaching assay (IC50 = 3.3 ± 0.02 mg/ml). Three hundred and sixty Nile tilapia weighing 23 ± 5 g were divided into four groups (30 fish/group with 3 replicates), and fed with diets containing Kefir (D2), AFB1 (D3), and Kefir+AFB1 (D4) for 4 weeks, whereas D1 was kept as control group where fish were fed with basal diet. The Kefir supplementation in D4 group significantly increased (p < .05) the percent weight gain as compared to D3 group. Moreover, Kefir improved the antioxidant enzymes in the liver, such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, that significantly increased (p < .05) by 2‐, 3‐, and 1.5‐folds, respectively, as compared to D3 group. The Kefir treatment significantly decreased (p < .05) the liver malonaldehyde content by ~50% as compared to D3 group. Histopathological analysis revealed the hepatoprotective effects of Kefir by showing normal liver histological architecture in D4 group, as compared to degenerative changes observed in D3 group. These results suggest that Kefir could be considered as a potential probiotic in Nile tilapia feed to mitigate the AFB1 harmful effects.
The importance of rare events and other outliers in global strategy research
Authors: Beamish Paul W. , Hasse Vanessa C.
Published: March 2022

Research Summary

Rare events and other nonerror outliers (such as the COVID‐19 pandemic) are important phenomena in global strategy contexts. Despite their salience, however, they have hardly been studied systematically in our field (or organizational research at large). We suggest that this is due to a dominance of the Gaussian paradigm, which (often unrealistically) assumes linearity and independence of observations. Moreover, case‐based qualitative studies which offer contextualization have been underrepresented. We thus call on researchers to abolish the practice of habitually discarding outliers, reflect on nonnormal distributions, and pursue more qualitative studies. Journal editors and reviewers should widen their assumptions regarding “acceptable” papers and reflect on the requirement of contributing to big “T” theories. Finally, PhD training should juxtapose fundamental paradigms and associated implications for epistemological choices.

Managerial Summary

Extreme occurrences, such as organizational crises, recessions, or pandemics, are challenges most practitioners deal with and worry about. Understanding their determinants, characteristics, and dynamics allows for heightened vigilance, preparedness, and ultimately performance. Yet, much of global strategy research (and organizational research at large) has focused on “average” phenomena, based on methodologies that assume bell‐shaped distributions and independent observations. In this note, we argue that this is not a realistic way to think about most social phenomena. In fact, most are characterized by their high degree of interdependence among elements, as well as a relative commonness of “rare” events and outliers. As a result of embracing the reality of nonnormality, scholars will be able to offer more relevant guidance to practitioners.
Consensus subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with clinical outcomes and genomic phenotypes
Authors: Lee Sung Hwan , Yim Sun Young , Jeong Yun Seong , Li Qi‐Xiang , Kang Sang‐Hee , Sohn Bo Hwa , Kumar Shwetha V. , Shin Ji‐Hyun , Choi You Rhee , Shim Jae‐Jun , Kim Hayeon , Kim Ji Hoon , Kim Shin , Guo Sheng , Johnson Randy L. , Kaseb Ahmed , Kang Koo Jeong , Chun Yun Shin , Jang Hee Jin , Lee Byoung Gill , Woo Hyun Goo , Ha Min Jin , Akbani Rehan , Roberts Lewis R. , Wheeler David A. , Lee Ju‐Seog
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

Although many studies revealed transcriptomic subtypes of HCC, concordance of the subtypes are not fully examined. We aim to examine a consensus of transcriptomic subtypes and correlate them with clinical outcomes.

Approach and Results

By integrating 16 previously established genomic signatures for HCC subtypes, we identified five clinically and molecularly distinct consensus subtypes. STM (STeM) is characterized by high stem cell features, vascular invasion, and poor prognosis. CIN (Chromosomal INstability) has moderate stem cell features, but high genomic instability and low immune activity. IMH (IMmune High) is characterized by high immune activity. BCM (Beta‐Catenin with high Male predominance) is characterized by prominent β‐catenin activation, low miRNA expression, hypomethylation, and high sensitivity to sorafenib. DLP (Differentiated and Low Proliferation) is differentiated with high hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A activity. We also developed and validated a robust predictor of consensus subtype with 100 genes and demonstrated that five subtypes were well conserved in patient‐derived xenograft models and cell lines. By analyzing serum proteomic data from the same patients, we further identified potential serum biomarkers that can stratify patients into subtypes.

Conclusions

Five HCC subtypes are correlated with genomic phenotypes and clinical outcomes and highly conserved in preclinical models, providing a framework for selecting the most appropriate models for preclinical studies.
Viewpoint: Irrigation water management in a space age
Authors: Hafeez Mohsin , Awan Usman Khalid
Published: March 2022

Climate change and rapid population growth are already putting increasing demand and pressure on the world's freshwater resources. Irrigated agriculture is responsible for about 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, consuming the most amount of water. However, the diverted water in irrigation systems is often not utilized efficiently because of poor water management at different spatial scales, resulting in a system efficiency of only 30–50% in most Asian countries. Typically, improving water management in irrigated areas requires accurate information on various water balance parameters while also considering a changing climate across different spatial scales. There have been technical limitations in getting accurate and reliable information on various key water balance parameters with the conventional approaches used in the recent past. In the twenty‐first century, considerable advances have been made in using satellite imagery, including processing and geospatial algorithms, to estimate hydro‐meteorological fluxes and relevant components at different spatial scales. This paper provides a perspective on the application of innovative and non‐conventional approaches to water resources management in the Murray Darling basin, Australia, the Indus basin, Pakistan and the Amu Darya basin, Uzbekistan. Examples of the state‐of‐the‐art tools described in this paper include: (i) using geoinformatics to monitor the diagnostic and operational performance of large irrigation schemes; (ii) quantifying groundwater and surface water to better manage these two resources using geoinformatics; (iii) forecasting irrigation supply and demand at high spatial and temporal scales using hydrological modelling based on the nodal network; (iv) forecasting crop yield production by satellite remote sensing. The approaches in this study clearly demonstrate that new monitoring and planning tools and methods are highly effective in improving irrigation water management in the ‘space age’ (for the purposes of this paper, space age refers to a period in which earth observation satellites are available to accurately monitor agricultural practices and water balance parameters such as soil moisture and evapotranspiration). The application of these innovative tools can assist in strategizing, diagnosing, monitoring and improving the performance of irrigation systems to grow more crop per drop of water while minimizing environmental impacts and dealing with climate change impacts.
RUMA and RUPCR in children with Henoch–Schonlein purpura
Authors: Han Xiucui , Xu Pengfei
Published: March 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the qualitative and quantitative targets in the detection of proteinuria in children with HSP.

Methods

Three hundred and forty children were taken as the research subjects. Qualitative and a series of quantitative indicators of urine protein were tested.

Results

The qualitative and quantitative of protein in 340 children were analyzed retrospectively. Correlation analysis found that 24hUTP had a strong correlation with age, RUMA, RUPCR, and qualitative urine occult blood (p < 0.01, for all). After regression analysis, RUMA and RUPCR were still significantly correlated with 24hUTP (p < 0.01). At the same time, RUMA and RUPCR had good diagnostic accuracy for proteinuria. When the RUPCR ratio was set as 0.415, the diagnostic sensitivity was 83%, and the specificity was 98.7%. When RUMA was set as 68.215, the sensitivity was 94.3% and the specificity was 96.2%.

Conclusion

Compared with 24hUTP, RUMA and RUPCR had high sensitivity and specificity for monitoring proteinuria in children with HSP.
Pharyngodon mamillatus (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) in the ocellated skink Chalcides ocellatus (Squamata: Scincidae) from Egypt: Light and scanning electron microscopic studies
Authors: Abdel‐Ghaffar Fathy , Varjabedian Kohar Garo , Fol Mona , Talal Noha , Al Quraishy Saleh , Abdel‐Gaber Rewaida
Published: March 2022

Twenty‐one Pharyngodon mamillatus were recovered from the large intestine of 4 out of 12 ocellated skink Chalcides ocellatus collected from the South Sinai desert, Egypt. The prevalence of infection was 33.33% (intensity 2–4). The recovered pharyngodonid was re‐described based on light and scanning electron microscopy. According to the morphology, it was characterized by regular transverse annulations extending from the posterior margin of the lips to the level of the anus, triangular mouth opening was surrounded by three large bilobed lips possessing three papillae, oval‐shaped excretory pore, slit‐like vulva opening, and slit‐like anal ventral opening at the posterior end which terminates with a tail filament. Here, the morphometric measurements of adult female P. mamillatus were given in this study. It has no intraspecific morphological variations from the previously described P. mamillatus, but it appeared with small range on biometric features. These variations may be accounted by host/environment attributes since they exhibit wide host and geographical spectra. The present study was applied for detailed morphological knowledge of the recovered P. mamillatus for strengthening their taxonomic validity.

Highlights

The Pharyngodon mamillatus naturally parasite of the intestinal region of Chalcides ocellatus.

The present study clarifies the morphological key for the description of P. mamillatus.
Cross‐racial interactions in the counselor education classroom: The impact of racial perception
Authors: Walker Tanesha L. , Bruns Kristin L.
Published: March 2022

While research exists on the experiences of African American counselor educators, little research has explored student perceptions of this population in the classroom setting. This study used an interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the experiences of White counseling students who have taken a course with an African American counselor educator. Two themes were identified related to racial perception. Implications for counselor education leadership, African American counselor educators, and program curriculum are discussed.