bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Gender Differences Matter! Investigating the Prejudiced Practices and Gender-Role Conflict Among Female Professionals Working in Male-Dominated Professions
Authors: Roohi Mumtaz
Published: August 2022

This study investigates the perceptions of gender role conflict, prejudice practices, office stress, and their impact on female professionals working in male-dominated professions. The paper's concepts and contexts are grounded on the role of congruity theory and transactional theories of stress. A survey was conducted in different institutions of Pakistan and Malaysia. A conceptual model was then developed on five crucial hypotheses on broad-ranging literature analyses using statistical analyses and structural equation modeling with Smart-Partial Least Square (PLS). The findings reveal that females find it difficult to seek the top executive positions as assertive and decisive behaviors in them are seen as obligatory traits. Moreover, the personal experiences of females working in different male-dominant professions in both countries related to discriminatory practices, office stress, role, work-family conflicts are somewhat similar. However, the ways, approaches, and intensity of those experiences are different. Therefore, it is recommended that radical changes be required in terms of stereotypical behavior, psychological and social belief systems for genders to mitigate and replace the old thumb rule concepts.
GROUP COMMUNICATION INCREASES STUDENTS' LEARNING MOTIVATION ONLINE
Authors: Muslim Muslim
Published: August 2022

This study attempts to determine the impact of group communication generated at IPB Bogor on IPB students' learning motivation. Group communication was the independent variable in this study, whereas learning motivation was the dependent variable. Indicators of social connection function, educational function, persuasive function, problem solving and decision-making function, and therapeutic function are used to measure group communication variables. Intrinsic elements, such as interests, ambitions, and individual circumstances, are measured, as are extrinsic influences, such as worry about punishment, rewards, and praise, the involvement of parents, teacher wars, and environmental conditions. From April to May 2021, the research was conducted at Bogor Agricultural Institute for Bachelor and Vocational Programs. As it studies influences, the research method employed in this study is a quantitative approach utilizing explanatory questionnaires. The study's sample consisted of 100 persons chosen at random from a total of 22,744 people who met the sample criteria. Non Probability Sampling, often known as Accidental Sampling, is the sampling approach employed. Data analysis in the form of simple regression analysis is used in this study. The results of the questionnaires for each indication of group communication and enthusiasm to learn are summarized in 30 statements. According to the findings of this study, group communication has a significant impact on student learning motivation.
CRM ASSESSMENT FOR PREPARING THE AIR TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS FOR A POST-PANDEMIC FUTURE
Authors: Rafie Irfan , Rahmiati Filda
Published: August 2022

This paper examined the impact of customer relationship management (CRM) elements on customer satisfaction and loyalty. CRM is an airline strategy for individualizing its service, creating better communication channels with customers, and ensuring customer satisfaction on loyalty. Four essential elements of CRM measured in this study: service quality, price fairness, perceived safety, and social media marketing. The study employed a quantitative approach and base on 178 respondents. Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) is used to examine the variables’ relationship. The finding shows that the respondent’s response is significantly related and contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty expect for price fairness. By giving more discounts or promotions creates attention to the customer.
POSITIVE DEVIANCE CASES ON SOCIAL FUNCTIONS OF ELDERLY WARIA (CASE STUDY ON THE ANAK RAJA WARIA SHELTER DEPOK, WEST JAVA)
Authors: Rabbani Zaenoon , Imelda Johanna Debora
Published: August 2022

In developing societies, the elderly in Indonesia are generally cared for by their own families traditionally. However, that does not appear to the transgender community in their old age. The discrimination experienced by waria (transgender in Bahasa, red.) begins when they decide to follow their identity as a woman at an early age. During their lifetime, transgender women frequently get discrimination and rejection from the social environment, which causes them to be unable to function socially in a proper way. Fortunately, those experiences are not the case for elderly transgender who lives under the protection of Anak Raja Transgender Shelter established by the Indonesian Transgender Communication Forum (FKWI). This study examines how elderly transgender women in Anak Raja Transgender Shelter can function socially and be accepted by the environment. The case of positive deviance that occurs in elderly transgender women, in social science studies, is said as a case of Positive Deviance. This research is a qualitative study that applies in-depth interviews for data collection. The main informants are elderly transgender women who are more than 60 years old and have been under the protection of Anak Raja Waria Shelter for at least 1 year. Social functioning in the elderly is a multidimensional concept so that the assessment requires several things to be explored such as social support, social networks, social resources, social roles, role functioning, and social activities. This study found that elderly transgender women at the Anak Raja Waria Shelter can fulfill the five assessments because the strong social support comes from both the community itself and the social environment in where they live.
FOSTERING COMMUNICATION TO AVOID INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT THE FOUNDATION
Authors: Rumiati Sri , Maftuf Bunyamin , Malihah Elly , Kurniati Pat , Subkhan Muhamad
Published: August 2022

Communication is very important in every relationship, both individually and in groups. When we want to communicate with other people, we do it effectively in any condition and it takes someone's readiness to receive information or questions from us. By communicating effectively, we can show a positive personality and open ourselves up to always grow and develop towards success together. In organizational communication, communication occurs both formally and informally, but in principle it discusses problems related to the service. In this article explain how to foster good communication in an organization, which aims to avoid an interpersonal conflict.
IMPLEMENTATION OF PRINCIPAL ACADEMIC SUPERVISION TO IMPROVE TEACHER PERFORMANCE IN NORTH BOGOR
Authors: Setyaningsih Sri , Suchyadi Yudhie
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this research was to obtain information about the implementation of academic supervision done by the headmaster in order to develop teachers’ performance. This research used qualitative method. Data were collected through interview, observation and documentation. The subjects of this research were the headmaster and the teachers. The results showed that the implementation of the academic supervision was done on three steps were planning, implementation and evaluation. The teachers gave positive responses to the implementation of academic supervision..academic supervision, headmaster, teachers’ performance
MEDIATING ROLE OF JOB SATISFACTION IN RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RETENTION, COMMITMENT, COMPETENCE IN IMPROVING PERFORMANCE
Authors: Santika Reva Ragam , Liswandi Liswandi , Hidayah Zainur
Published: August 2022

This Study aims to investigate the effect of retention, commitment competence on lecturer performance through job satisfaction as moderating variable. Furthermore, The design of this research was survey research with a web-based cross-sectional data type. The research focuses on lecturers at one of the private university in Jakarta and the 136 sample was taken using the purposive sampling method. Data processing and hypothesis testing using the Multivariate Structural Equation Model (SEM) technique. The Research indicates that retention and competence have a positive but not significant influence on job satisfaction, while commitment has a significant positive influence on job satisfaction and competence has a significant positive influence on performance. In particular, the moderating influence of job satisfaction does not have a significant influence on the relationship between retention, commitment, and competence on lecturer performance The Conclusion of this study  that retention, competence have positive effect but not significant on job satisfaction, competence has positive significant on Lecturer Performance and lecturer commitment has positive significant on job satisfaction but doesn’t have significant effect to Lecturer performance
THE ETHICS OF UTILIZING THE YOUTUBE PLATFORM IN THE PHENOMENON OF INFLUENCER'S LUXURY EXHIBITION (The Potential for Relative Deprivation by Digital Natives in Indonesia)
Authors: Al Azis Muhammad Rachdian
Published: August 2022

Advances in today's communication technology have allowed people to interact with each other with foreign cultures. So, in the process, it is not uncommon to find cases which are later found to be put into a category where ethics can be neglected at the regional level which is indirect [12]. The Youtube platform, which in the process, has in fact carried out the function of mass media, for example, by having a significant effect as the main supplier of information needs for the audience, will certainly really need creator content that can prioritize ethics. And, to take it further, users are also part of the industry. It becomes a problem when luxury exhibitions are made into content, because there is an element of social inheritance that the Youtube Platform has in terms of the function of mass communication. Where this condition can then be interpreted as the mass media also has a function as an educator by passing on ideas from figures or in other terms, namely transmitting culture. (Littlejohn, 2005) Is it true that luxury exhibitions are one of the topics of study that would be passed on to future generations? Considering that if you use the lens of relative deprivation—where relative deprivation is described as a situation that does not have a match between the realities of life experienced and the definition of a decent life, between expectations for a job and the life experienced [13]—then it becomes a new question. if the phenomenon of showing off luxury carried out by these influencers is then justified. Because vlogs on the youtube platform in the process are then considered to be one of the benchmarks in living life by digital natives who are filled by the younger generation. If the answer is that luxury exhibitions can increase the motivation of users or viewers to work harder, then know that not everyone has access to become rich and can play this luxury. The reason people at the top level work together to maintain the stratification system is that they benefit from the stratification system and the way in which rewards are distributed [23].
CHARACTER BUILDING: THE INSERTION OF LOCAL CULTURE VALUES IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Authors: Darong Hieronimus Canggung , Jem Yosefina Helenora , Niman Erna Mena
Published: August 2022

This study aims at revealing the values contained in penti ceremony of Manggraian, Flores, NTT the insertion of the values in question in teaching-learning process. Using ethnography approach, data were collected through interview and observation which were subsequently analyzed through some steps namely data reduction, data display and conclusion drawing. The results have shown that penti ceremony has religious, social, and ecological values which can be inserted by means of approach, method and technique of teaching as well as text-books used in teaching-learning process. As one of Indonesian local culture, penti has some values that can be of benefit to build students’ good character and be a guidance, not only for local people but also for students to properly behave with others and nature.
COMPARATIVE CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS TO PURCHASE DECISIONS OF DRINKING WATER IN PACKED BRAND LE MINERAL AND AQUA IN TIKUNG, LAMONGAN REGENCY
Authors: Nurcholidah Lilik , Sulaeman Moh. Muklis
Published: August 2022

By knowing consumer perceptions, companies can prepare new strategies and make comparisons by obtaining a lot of information from consumers. Companies can find out many things from consumer perceptions, one of which is knowing the advantages of competing products, the shortcomings of their own products. So that the company more quickly anticipates its shortcomings and makes improvements. The purposes of this study are (1) to determine the comparison of consumer perceptions of the decision to purchase bottled drinking water with the brand Le mineral and Aqua in the Tikung sub-district, Lamongan Regency (2) To determine the most dominant consumer purchased between drinking water in the brand Le mineral and Aqua. on purchasing decisions in the Tikung sub-district, Lamongan Regency. In this study, there were 1,105 consumers who consumed bottled drinking water with the brand Le mineral and Aqua at the UD Barokah store, Tikung sub-district, Lamongan Regency. The sample in this study were 100 respondents. Sampling in this study were people or consumers who had bought bottled drinking water with the brand Le mineral and Aqua at the UD Barokah Store. Based on a comparative descriptive analysis of consumer perception variables which include price and product quality indicators, there are significant differences in consumer perceptions between Le Minerl Le and Aqua on purchasing decisions in Tikung Lamongan District.
Evaluation of Load-To-Strength Ratios in Metastatic Vertebrae and Comparison With Age- and Sex-Matched Healthy Individuals
Authors: Anderson Dennis E. , Groff Michael W. , Flood Thomas F. , Allaire Brett T. , Davis Roger B. , Stadelmann Marc A. , Zysset Philippe K. , Alkalay Ron N.
Published: August 2022

Vertebrae containing osteolytic and osteosclerotic bone metastases undergo pathologic vertebral fracture (PVF) when the lesioned vertebrae fail to carry daily loads. We hypothesize that task-specific spinal loading patterns amplify the risk of PVF, with a higher degree of risk in osteolytic than in osteosclerotic vertebrae. To test this hypothesis, we obtained clinical CT images of 11 cadaveric spines with bone metastases, estimated the individual vertebral strength from the CT data, and created spine-specific musculoskeletal models from the CT data. We established a musculoskeletal model for each spine to compute vertebral loading for natural standing, natural standing + weights, forward flexion + weights, and lateral bending + weights and derived the individual vertebral load-to-strength ratio (LSR). For each activity, we compared the metastatic spines’ predicted LSRs with the normative LSRs generated from a population-based sample of 250 men and women of comparable ages. Bone metastases classification significantly affected the CT-estimated vertebral strength (Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.0001). Post-test analysis showed that the estimated vertebral strength of osteosclerotic and mixed metastases vertebrae was significantly higher than that of osteolytic vertebrae (p = 0.0016 and p = 0.0003) or vertebrae without radiographic evidence of bone metastasis (p = 0.0010 and p = 0.0003). Compared with the median (50%) LSRs of the normative dataset, osteolytic vertebrae had higher median (50%) LSRs under natural standing (p = 0.0375), natural standing + weights (p = 0.0118), and lateral bending + weights (p = 0.0111). Surprisingly, vertebrae showing minimal radiographic evidence of bone metastasis presented significantly higher median (50%) LSRs under natural standing (p < 0.0001) and lateral bending + weights (p = 0.0009) than the normative dataset. Osteosclerotic vertebrae had lower median (50%) LSRs under natural standing (p < 0.0001), natural standing + weights (p = 0.0005), forward flexion + weights (p < 0.0001), and lateral bending + weights (p = 0.0002), a trend shared by vertebrae with mixed lesions. This study is the first to apply musculoskeletal modeling to estimate individual vertebral loading in pathologic spines and highlights the role of task-specific loading in augmenting PVF risk associated with specific bone metastatic types. Our finding of high LSRs in vertebrae without radiologically observed bone metastasis highlights that patients with metastatic spine disease could be at an increased risk of vertebral fractures even at levels where lesions have not been identified radiologically.
Research update on cell membrane camouflaged nanoparticles for cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Chengfang , Wu Size
Published: August 2022

Cell membrane-camouflaged biomimetic functionalization of nanoparticles has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer theranostics. These cell membranes used for camouflaging are generally isolated from natural or engineered erythrocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, T lymphatic cells, stem cells, and cancer cells. The camouflaging strategy of coating nanoparticles with cell membranes allows for tumor homotypic targeting through self-recognition as source cells, immune evasion, and a prolonged blood circulation time, thereby improving the effective payload delivery and tumor therapy. More so, some engineered cell membranes with functionalized peptides, proteins and moieties on membrane surface can be transferred for therapy in the same time. In this review, we summarize the latest research on various types of cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles aimed at anti-cancer therapy, focusing on the biological advantages of different cell membranes, constitutions of nanoparticles, fabrication processes, key findings, potential therapies, and discuss the major challenges and future opportunities.
RETRACTED: Multicomponent siRNA/miRNA-loaded modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles targeted bladder cancer for a highly effective combination therapy
Authors: Shahidi Maryamsadat , Abazari Omid , Dayati Parisa , Bakhshi Ali , Zavarreza Javad , Modarresi Mohammad Hossein , Haghiralsadat Fateme , Rahmanian Mehdi , Naghib Seyed Morteza , Tofighi Davood
Published: August 2022

Bladder cancer is one of the concerning urological malignant diseases in the world, which has a clinical need for effective targeted therapy. The development of nanotechnology-based gene delivery to bladder tumor sites is an effective strategy for targeted cancer therapy with low/no toxicity. With this view, in the present work, the mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) modified with c(RGDfK)-PLGA-PEG [c(RGDfK)-MSN NPs] were constructed for co-delivery of miR-34a and siPD-L1 within bladder cancer cells and tissues. Our findings showed that miR-34a is downregulated while PD-L1 is up-regulated in cell lines and animal studies. This nano-carrier is biocompatible in the serum environment and effectively protects miR-34a and siPD-L1 against serum degradation. However, we showed that c(RGDfK)-MSN NPs could simultaneously downregulate PD-L1 expression and up-regulate miR-34a in the T24 cells and T24 mice model and enhance anti-tumor effects both in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, these findings presented new suggestions for improving targeted therapeutic strategies with specified molecular objectives for bladder cancer treatment.
Biomimetic superhydrophobic metal/nonmetal surface manufactured by etching methods: A mini review
Authors: Ge-Zhang Shangjie , Yang Hong , Ni Haiming , Mu Hongbo , Zhang Mingming
Published: August 2022

As an emerging fringe science, bionics integrates the understanding of nature, imitation of nature, and surpassing nature in one aspect, and it organically combines the synergistic complementarity of function and structure–function integrated materials which is of great scientific interest. By imitating the microstructure of a natural biological surface, the bionic superhydrophobic surface prepared by human beings has the properties of self-cleaning, anti-icing, water collection, anti-corrosion and oil–water separation, and the preparation research methods are increasing. The preparation methods of superhydrophobic surface include vapor deposition, etching modification, sol–gel, template, electrostatic spinning, and electrostatic spraying, which can be applied to fields such as medical care, military industry, ship industry, and textile. The etching modification method can directly modify the substrate, so there is no need to worry about the adhesion between the coating and the substrate. The most obvious advantage of this method is that the obtained superhydrophobic surface is integrated with the substrate and has good stability and corrosion resistance. In this article, the different preparation methods of bionic superhydrophobic materials were summarized, especially the etching modification methods, we discussed the detailed classification, advantages, and disadvantages of these methods, and the future development direction of the field was prospected.
The organizing role of Wnt signaling pathway during arthropod posterior growth
Authors: Mundaca-Escobar Marco , Cepeda Rodrigo E. , Sarrazin Andres F.
Published: August 2022

Wnt signaling pathways are recognized for having major roles in tissue patterning and cell proliferation. In the last years, remarkable progress has been made in elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie sequential segmentation and axial elongation in various arthropods, and the canonical Wnt pathway has emerged as an essential factor in these processes. Here we review, with a comparative perspective, the current evidence concerning the participation of this pathway during posterior growth, its degree of conservation among the different subphyla within Arthropoda and its relationship with the rest of the gene regulatory network involved. Furthermore, we discuss how this signaling pathway could regulate segmentation to establish this repetitive pattern and, at the same time, probably modulate different cellular processes precisely coupled to axial elongation. Based on the information collected, we suggest that this pathway plays an organizing role in the formation of the body segments through the regulation of the dynamic expression of segmentation genes, via controlling the caudal gene, at the posterior region of the embryo/larva, that is necessary for the correct sequential formation of body segments in most arthropods and possibly in their common segmented ancestor. On the other hand, there is insufficient evidence to link this pathway to axial elongation by controlling its main cellular processes, such as convergent extension and cell proliferation. However, conclusions are premature until more studies incorporating diverse arthropods are carried out.
Hedgehog/GLI signaling in hematopoietic development and acute myeloid leukemia—From bench to bedside
Authors: Tesanovic Suzana , Krenn Peter W. , Aberger Fritz
Published: August 2022

While the underlying genetic alterations and biology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive hematologic malignancy characterized by clonal expansion of undifferentiated myeloid cells, have been gradually unraveled in the last decades, translation into clinical treatment approaches has only just begun. High relapse rates remain a major challenge in AML therapy and are to a large extent attributed to the persistence of treatment-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs). The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is crucial for the development and progression of multiple cancer stem cell driven tumors, including AML, and has therefore gained interest as a therapeutic target. In this review, we give an overview of the major components of the HH signaling pathway, dissect HH functions in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, and specifically elaborate on the role of HH signaling in AML pathogenesis and resistance. Furthermore, we summarize preclinical and clinical HH inhibitor studies, leading to the approval of the HH pathway inhibitor glasdegib, in combination with low-dose cytarabine, for AML treatment.
Design of new hole transport materials based on triphenylamine derivatives using different π-linkers for the application in perovskite solar cells. A theoretical study
Authors: Quezada-Borja José David , Rodríguez-Valdez Luz María , Palomares-Báez Juan Pedro , Chávez-Rojo Marco Antonio , Landeros-Martinez Linda-Lucila , Martínez-Ceniceros Mayra Cristina , Rojas-George Gabriel , García-Montoya Isui Abril , Sánchez-Bojorge Nora Aydeé
Published: August 2022

New organic molecules containing five different compounds, commonly called p-linkers, located between the triphenylamine units, were theoretically designed and analyzed in order to be proposed as new hole transport materials (HTMs) in perovskite solar cells, in total ten new molecules were analyzed. The electronic, optical and hole transport properties were determined, similarly, the relationship of these properties with their molecular structure was also investigated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Density Functional Tight Binding (DFTB) calculations. Eight of the ten analyzed compounds exhibited the main absorption band out of the visible region; therefore these compounds did not present an overlap with the absorption spectra of the typical methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI) hybrid-perovskite. The results showed that the Highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels of the compounds are higher than the perovskite HOMO level, and in some cases these are even higher than the Spiro-OMeTAD HOMO. The calculated electronic couplings and the reorganization energy values provided useful information in order to determine if the systems were hole or electron transport materials.
Radiosynthesis and First Preclinical Evaluation of the Novel 11C-Labeled FAP Inhibitor 11C-FAPI: A Comparative Study of 11C-FAPIs and (68Ga) Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 in a High–FAP-Expression Mouse Model
Authors: Wang Cheng , Hu Zhoumi , Ding Fan , Zhao Haitao , Du Fuqiang , Lv Chun , Li Lianghua , Huang Gang , Liu Jianjun
Published: August 2022

Purpose: 68Ga-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitors, such as [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-46, have been successfully applied in positron emission tomography imaging of various tumor types. To broaden the PET tracers of different positron nuclides for imaging studies of FAP-dependent diseases, we herein report the radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation of two 11C-labeled FAP inhibitors, 11C-RJ1101 and 11C-RJ1102. Methods: Two phenolic hydroxyl precursors based on a quinoline amide core coupled with a 2-cyanopyrrolidine moiety were coupled with [11C]CH3I to synthesize 11C-RJ1101 and 11C-RJ1102. In vivo small-animal PET and biological distribution studies of 11C-RJ1101 and 11C-RJ1102 compared to [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 were conducted in nude mice bearing U87MG tumor xenografts at 30, 60, and 90min, respectively. Results: 11C-RJ1101 and 11C-RJ1102 were synthesized in over 15% radiochemical yields, with specific activities of 67 GBq/μmol and 34 GBq/μmol, respectively, at the end of synthesis and radiochemical purities greater than 99%. In U87MG tumor xenograft PET studies, the three tracers experienced higher specific uptake at the tumor site. However, because of significant differences in metabolism and clearance, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 experienced high uptake in the kidney, whereas 11C-RJ1101 and 11C-RJ1102 showed high uptake in the liver and intestine. Biodistribution studies revealed significant hepatobiliary excretion of 11C-RJ1101 and 11C-RJ1102. 11C-RJ1102 showed higher specific tumor uptake in U87MG xenografts (1.71 ± 0.08% injected dose per Gram of tissue [ID/g]) than 11C-RJ1101 (1.34 ± 0.10%ID/g) and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 (1.29 ± 0.04%ID/g) after 30 min p. i. In orthotopic glioma models, the uptake values were 0.07 ± 0.03% ([68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04) and 0.16 ± 0.03% (11C-RJ1102), respectively. Conclusion: 11C-RJ1101 and 11C-RJ1102 are interesting candidates for translation to the clinic, taking advantage of the shorter half-life and physical imaging properties of C-11.
Determination of trace levels of organic fining agents in wines: Latest and relevant findings
Authors: Bongiorno David , Avellone Giuseppe , Napoli Anna , Mazzotti Fabio , Piazzese Daniela , Censi Valentina , Indelicato Serena
Published: August 2022

The production of red wine plays a key role in the local and international economies of several nations. During the winemaking process, to clarify the final product, before bottling, and to remove undesired substances (proteins, phenols, and tannins), fining agents are commonly added to wines. These substances have different origins (animal and vegetable proteins or mineral compounds), and they show a potential risk for the health of allergic subjects. For these reasons, the residues of fining agents, constituted by exogenous proteins based on gluten, egg, and milk proteins, should not be present in the final product and their trace residues should be quantified with accuracy. In the last decade, several analytical approaches have been developed for their quantitative determination using different sample treatment protocols and analytical techniques. These methods are based on liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Recently, biosensors have been proposed as a potential alternative to immunoassay approaches, allowing rapid, cheap, and simple multi-residue detection. This short review aimed to report the most recent and relevant findings in the field.
Advanced Peptide Nanomedicines for Bladder Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Zeng Sheng , Feng Xiaodi , Xing Shaoqiang , Xu Zhaoliang , Miao Zhizhao , Liu Qian
Published: August 2022

Cancer is still a global public health problem. Although remarkable success has been achieved in cancer diagnosis and treatment, the high recurrence and mortality rates remain severely threatening to human lives and health. In recent years, peptide nanomedicines with precise selectivity and high biocompatibility have attracted intense attention in biomedical applications. In particular, there has been a significant increase in the exploration of peptides and their derivatives for malignant tumor therapy and diagnosis. Herein, we review the applications of peptides and their derivatives in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer, providing new insights for the design and development of novel peptide nanomedicines for the treatment of bladder cancer in the future.
Biguanide- and Oligo(Ethylene Glycol)-Functionalized Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene): Electroactive, Antimicrobial, and Antifouling Surface Coatings
Authors: Ayalew Hailemichael , Ali Syed Atif , She Jia-Wei , Yu Hsiao-hua
Published: August 2022

The challenge of infectious diseases remains a critical concern to the global public health. Recently, it is common to encounter touch-screen electronic devices everywhere to access services. The surface of such devices may easily get contaminated by an infected person, which leads to transmission of infectious diseases between individuals. Moreover, the challenge is complicated by surgical infections from implantable biomedical devices. Such problems can be minimized by the use of long-term active antimicrobial surface coatings. We present herein the preparation of novel electroactive antimicrobial surface coatings through the covalent attachment of the biguanide moiety onto 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT). The biguanide-functionalized EDOT (EDOT-BG) was thus electropolymerized on different substrates to give the corresponding poly(EDOT-BG) polymer. The poly(EDOT-BG) polymer showed an excellent bactericidal efficiency (∼92% bacterial death) and excellent biocompatibility with mammalian cells. Furthermore, the antimicrobial EDOT-BG was electro-copolymerized with antifouling tetra ethylene glycol functionalized-EDOT (EDOT-EG4) to give a multifunctional poly(EDOT-EG4-co-EDOT-BG) copolymer. The poly(EDOT-EG4-co-EDOT-BG) copolymer showed excellent resistance to protein adsorption and mammalian/bacterial cell binding without losing its bactericidal efficiency. These novel materials can be applied to domestic and bioelectronic devices to minimize infectious diseases.
Structural modification and antibacterial property studies of natural chalcone sanjuanolide
Authors: Zhai Jiadai , Li Shucheng , Fu Lin , Li Chuang , Sun Bingxia , Sang Feng , Liu Hongliang
Published: August 2022

Clinical infections arise from multidrug-resistant bacteria and pose a serious threat to human and global public health. Moreover, due to very few antibiotics being discovered, there is an urgent need to develop new antibacterial agents to combat antimicrobial resistance challenges. In this study, a series of new chalcone derivatives bearing a 3′-hydroxyisoprenyl moiety were prepared to employ Claisen–Schmidt condensation as a key step by combinatorial chemistry, and overall yields of these novel derivatives are in the range of 28–68% in the two-step reaction. Sanjuanolide and the synthesized derivatives have been investigated for their expected antibacterial activities against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus CMCC 26003) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli CMCC 44102). Among these compounds, only 4c (MIC = 12.5 μg/ml) and 4d (MIC = 25 μg/ml) exhibited antibacterial activity comparable to sanjuanolide (MIC = 12.5 μg/ml, against S. aureus CMCC 26003), and the results of subsequent in vivo experiments on sanjuanolide suggest that sanjuanolide exhibits bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects by altering the cellular structure, disrupting the integrity of cell membranes, and reducing the outer membrane potential.
Preparation of Pd Nanoparticles Stabilized by Modified Montmorillonite for Efficient Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin-Derived Phenolic Compounds in Water
Authors: Wang Xuerong , Li Chi , Guo Xinyuan , Wang Zhichao , Cheng Ruijing , Xu Tianwei , Li YiYing , Wang Jinhui , Xu Huanjun
Published: August 2022

Developing a new and efficient catalytic route for the production of alkanes by upgrading the aqueous phenolic biofuels still remains a challenge. Here, we designed and synthesized a bifunctional catalyst that uses natural montmorillonite (MMT) as support and combines metal active sites and Brӧnsted acid sites in the MMT via ion exchange and reduction roasting process. The catalytic activity of the as-synthesized Pd-MMT (H+) was evaluated by the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of a series of lignin-derived phenolic compounds in water. Our model reaction study reveals that the HDO of phenol undergoes an initial hydrogenation of aromatic rings to produce cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone, followed by the dehydration of cyclohexanol to provide intermediate cyclohexene and a final hydrogenation of cyclohexene to create a cyclohexane product. The combination of high metal catalytic activity and Brӧnsted acidity in Pd-MMT (H+) synergistically accelerated the HDO of phenol. Furthermore, good catalytic activity and recycling ability were also observed for other lignin-derived phenolic compounds.
Boosted spatial charge carrier separation of binary ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 heterojunction for visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial performance
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Amjad Adnan , Javed Mohsin , Alfakeer M. , Mushtaq Muhammad , Rabea Sameh , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Pashameah Rami Adel , Alzahrani Eman , Farouk Abd-ElAziem
Published: August 2022

A potential method for removing toxins from contaminated wastewater, especially organic pollutants, is photo-catalysis. Here, a simple technique for producing zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPS) with varying quantities of sulphur doped graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposites (ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 NCs) has been described. Then, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), TEM, EDX, XPS, photocurrent response, EIS, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the photo-catalytic activity of the produced nanoparticles (NPs) and nanocomposites (NCs) was examined and evaluated. The photo-catalytic activity of ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 NCs was compared to a model pollutant dye, methylene blue, while degradation was evaluated spectrophotometrically (MB). Solar light has been used through irradiation as a source of lighting. The photocatalytic behaviour of the ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 NCs photocatalyst was superior to that of genuine ZnFe2O4 and S-g-C3N4, which was attributed to synergic effects at the ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 interconnection. Antimicrobial activity of ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria under visible light was performed. In addition, these ZnFe2O4/S-g-C3N4 NCs show a lot of promise as an antibacterial agent.
Forecasting of monthly precipitation based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition and Bayesian model averaging
Authors: Luo Shangxue , Zhang Meiling , Nie Yamei , Jia Xiaonan , Cao Ruihong , Zhu Meiting , Li Xiaojuan
Published: August 2022

Precipitation prediction is crucial for water resources management and agricultural production. We deployed a hybrid model based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and Bayesian model averaging (BMA), called EEMD-BMA, for monthly precipitation series data at Kunming station from January 1951 to December 2020. Firstly, the monthly precipitation data series was decomposed into multiple Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) and a residue with EEMD. Next, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), support vector regression (SVR) and long short-term memory (LSTM) models are used to predict components respectively. The prediction results of EEMD-ARIMA, EEMD-SVR and EEMD-LSTM are obtained by summing the prediction results of each component. Finally, BMA is used to combine the prediction results of the EEMD-ARIMA, EEMA-SVR and EEMD-LSTM models, whose weights are calculated by birth-death Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm. The results show that the proposed EEMD-BMA model provides more accurate precipitation predictions than the individual models; the RMSE is 17.2811 mm, the MAE is 12.6999 mm and the R2 is 0.9573. Moreover, the coverage probability (CP) and mean width (MW) of the 90% confidence interval for the predicted values of the EEMD-BMA model are 0.9375 and 60.315 mm, respectively. Therefore, the proposed EEMD-BMA model has good application prospects and can provide a basis for decision makers to develop measures against potential disasters.
Future projections of extreme temperature events in Southwest China using nine models in CMIP6
Authors: Li Xiehui , Chen Zifan , Wang Lei , Liu Huan
Published: August 2022

Southwest China, which is close to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, presents complex topography. As a result of the combined influence of the South Asian monsoon, East Asian monsoon, and plateau monsoon, climate in this region is unique. Since Southwest China is one of the areas where extreme weather events occur more frequently, this region is sensitive and vulnerable to climate change. In the present research, daily temperature from 1969 to 2020 recorded at 93 weather stations in Southwest China, and data from nine models for the period 1995 to 2040 were used in CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) to calculate 17 ETIs (Extreme Temperature Indices). Furthermore, we analyzed and compared the annual change rate, temporal and spatial change trend, and mean change of extreme temperature events in Southwest China and four subzones during historical period and under SSP2-4.5 scenario for the next 20 years. The results showed: 1) The 8 ECTIs (Extreme Cold Temperature Indices) and the 8 EWTIs (Extreme Warm Temperature Indices) in 1969–2020 were corroborated. These results indicated a warming trend. Also, DTR (Diurnal temperature range) showed a decreasing trend, and different degrees of warming were observed in the four subzones. 2) From 2021 to 2040 and under the SSP2-4.5 scenario, the annual rates of change for 17 ETIs in Southwest China showed that extreme cold events will continue to decrease. On the other hand, extreme warm events will continue to increase. 3) Under the SSP2-4.5 scenario in the next 20 years, CSDI (cold spell duration indicator) will decrease, while WSDI (warm spell duration indicator), TMINmean (average daily minimum temperature), and TMAXmean (average daily maximum temperature) will increase. Moreover, the decrease in amplitude of CSDI was smaller than the increase in amplitude of WSDI. Also, the increase in amplitude of TMINmean was slightly smaller than that of TMAXmean. The projected WSDI, TMINmean, and TMAXmean obtained with the preferred three models and MEM-9 (nine-Model Ensemble Mean) showed an overall growing trend with respect to space; however, the increased range fluctuated in different regions. 4) In 2021–2040, mean values of 4 ETIs in different subzones indicated that the lowest TMINmean and TMAXmean were observed in the ZP (Zoigê Plateau), the highest in the YGP (Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau), and intermediate higher in the SB (Sichuan Basin). Compared with the 4 ETI mean values corresponding to 1969–2020, the persistence and average state of extreme cold and warm events in different subzones showed that future change trends depend on altitude.
Weather Extremes Led to Large Variability in O3 Pollution and Associated Premature Deaths in East of China
Authors: Wan Yu , Yin Zhicong , Huo Qianyi , Zhou Botao , Wang Huijun
Published: August 2022

As global warming intensifies, hot extremes and heavy precipitation frequently happen in East of China. Meanwhile, severe surface ozone (O3) pollution resulting from the interactions of anthropogenic emissions and meteorological conditions also occur more frequently. In this study, we quantified the impact of weather extremes on ground-level O3 concentration during the summers of 2015–2021 and associated premature deaths in East of China. The O3 pollution influenced by hot extremes [maximum 8-h average O3 concentration (MDA8 O3) = 152.7 μg m−3] was 64.2% more severe than that associated with heavy rain (MDA8 O3 = 93 μg m−3) on the daily time scale. The compound hot and dry air extremes had a larger impact, and the associated MDA8 O3 could be up to 165.5 μg m−3. Thus, weather extremes could drastically perturb the O3 level in the air to exhibit large variability. Based on GEOS-Chem simulations with fixed anthropogenic emissions, forcing of weather extremes could successfully reproduce the large daily variability of O3 concentration because the weather extremes significantly influenced the physicochemical processes in the atmosphere. Furthermore, hot extremes magnified the single-day O3-related premature death to 153% of that under other-condition events, while heavy rain events decreased it to 70% in East of China. The findings of the present study have the potential to promote daily to weekly O3 forecasts and further improve our comprehensive understanding of the health effects of weather extremes and air pollution.
Identification of the lymph node metastasis-related automated breast volume scanning features for predicting axillary lymph node tumor burden of invasive breast cancer via a clinical prediction model
Authors: Zhao Feng , Cai Changjing , Liu Menghan , Xiao Jidong
Published: August 2022

Breast cancer has become the malignant tumor with the highest incidence in women. Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is an effective method of maintaining regional control; however, it is associated with a significant risk of complications. Meanwhile, whether the patients need ALND or not is according to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). However, the false-negative results of SLNB had been reported. Automated breast volume scanning (ABVS) is a routine examination in breast cancer. A real-world cohort consisting of 245 breast cancer patients who underwent ABVS examination were enrolled, including 251 tumor lesions. The ABVS manifestations were analyzed with the SLNB results, and the ALND results for selecting the lymph node metastasis were related to ABVS features. Finally, a nomogram was used to construct a breast cancer axillary lymph node tumor burden prediction model. Breast cancer patients with a molecular subtype of luminal B type, a maximum lesion diameter of ≥5 cm, tumor invasion of the Cooper’s ligament, and tumor invasion of the nipple had heavy lymph node tumor burden. Molecular classification, tumor size, and Cooper’s ligament status were used to construct a clinical prediction model of axillary lymph node tumor burden. The consistency indexes (or AUC) of the training cohort and the validation cohort were 0.743 and 0.711, respectively, which was close to SLNB (0.768). The best cutoff value of the ABVS nomogram was 81.146 points. After combination with ABVS features and SLNB, the AUC of the prediction model was 0.889, and the best cutoff value was 178.965 points. The calibration curve showed that the constructed nomogram clinical prediction model and the real results were highly consistent. The clinical prediction model constructed using molecular classification, tumor size, and Cooper’s ligament status can effectively predict the probability of heavy axillary lymph node tumor burden, which can be the significant supplement to the SLNB. Therefore, this model may be used for individual decision-making in the diagnosis and treatments of breast cancer.
MicroRNA-148a-3p is a candidate mediator of increased bone marrow adiposity and bone loss following spinal cord injury
Authors: Lincoln Samantha , Morse Leslie R. , Troy Karen , Mattson Nicole , Nguyen Nguyen , Battaglino Ricardo A.
Published: August 2022

Spinal cord injury is often followed by osteoporosis characterized by rapid and severe bone loss. This leads to an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture in people with spinal cord injury, resulting in increased healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality. Though it is common, the mechanisms underlying this osteoporosis are not completely understood and treatment options are limited. No biomarkers have been identified for predicting fracture risk. In this study, we sought to investigate microRNA mediated mechanisms relating to osteoporosis following spinal cord injury. We studied subjects with acute SCI (n=12), chronic SCI (n=18), and controls with no SCI (n=23). Plasma samples from all subjects underwent transcriptomic analysis to quantify microRNA expression, after which miR-148a-3p was selected for further study. We performed CT scans of the knee on all subjects with SCI and analyzed these scans to quantify bone marrow adipose tissue volume. MiR-148a-3p was upregulated in subjects with acute SCI vs chronic SCI, as well as in acute SCI vs no SCI. Subjects with chronic SCI had greater levels of marrow adiposity in the distal femoral diaphysis compared to subjects with acute SCI. MiR-148a-3p levels were negatively associated with distal femoral diaphysis marrow adiposity. A multivariable model showed that miR-148a-3p and BMI explained 24% of variation in marrow adiposity. A literature search revealed that miR-148a-3p has multiple bone and fat metabolism related targets. Our findings suggest that miR-148a-3p is a mediator of osteoporosis following spinal cord injury and a potential future therapeutic target.