bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving methanol production by Methylosinus trichosporium through the one factor at a time (OFAT) approach
Authors: Othman Ahmad Razi , Sheng Yap Jun , Kofli Noorhisham Tan , Kamaruddin Siti Kartom
Published: September 2022

The technology of methanol production from the fermentation of methanol‐producing bacteria (methanotroph) is still in the research phase. Maximizing the methanol production through bacteria fermentation in this process is a challenge to researchers. By optimizing the biological process, this technology can potentially fill the demand gap in methanol industries. Methylosinus trichosporium is a methanotroph that is used for the production of methanol in this analysis. Using OD600 analysis, the rate and growth profile for M. trichosporium is determined. The one factor at a time (OFAT) method was chosen to optimize the methanol production (percentage of methane, pH, and phosphate ion), and the optimum condition for this bacterium was determined. M. trichosporium showed a specific growth rate at 0.02 h–1 with the exponential phase reaching the maximum at 90 h of the cultivation period. Optimization analysis showed that the maximum methanol production by this bacterium was at a 1:1 methane–air ratio, a pH of 6.3–6.5, and 40 mM of phosphate ions. The ability of M. trichosporium to produce methanol was proved in this analysis with the maximum rate of production at 0.072 mg L–1 h–1. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference‐dependent age weighting of quality‐adjusted life years
Authors: Attema Arthur E. , Brouwer Werner B. F. , Pinto‐Prades Jose Luis
Published: September 2022

People do not only care about maximizing health gains but also about their distribution. For example, they give more weight to younger patients than older patients. This pilot study aims to investigate if age weighting is reinforced by loss aversion if young people are falling behind one's perceived ‘normal’ quality of life (QoL), while older people do not. We apply a person trade‐off method in a large representative sample (n = 990) to estimate age weighting factors. We also measure QoL levels that individuals regard as ‘normal’ for different ages, serving as reference points. We observe a considerable amount of age weighting, with 20‐year‐old patients on average receiving 1.7 times as much weight as 80‐year‐old patients. Perceived ‘normal’ QoL rapidly decreases with age of a patient. Older people are more optimistic about what constitutes ‘normal QoL’ than younger people, but they express a faster decline in normal QoL due to aging. Respondents who view all improvements to be gain enlarging show the least age weighting, but loss aversion cannot explain the results. Still, one's age‐related reference level is an important predictor of age weights. Given the explorative nature of this study, further studies are called for to generate more robust evidence.
Well‐being right before and after a permanent nursing home admission
Authors: Bom Judith , Bakx Pieter , Rellstab Sara
Published: September 2022

Permanent nursing home (NH) admissions are a frequent and major life event aimed at maintaining quality of life in old age. Yet, insights into the impact of a NH admission on well‐being are scarce and inconclusive. We evaluate the effect of a NH admission on domains of well‐being among those who are admitted using event study methodology for cross‐sections combined with inverse probability weighting. We apply this doubly robust approach to Dutch survey data on well‐being linked to extensive administrative data on NH admissions, health, and socio‐economic status. We find that a NH admission leads to a temporary increase in loneliness, the risk of anxiety and depression, and a loss of control over one's life. However, these scores revert to pre‐admission levels after 6 months. These findings may contribute to better‐informed individual‐level and policy decisions about potential NH entry and aging in place policies.
Family CEO successor and firm performance: The moderating role of sustainable HRM practices and corporate philanthropy
Authors: Su Yiyi , Xia Jun , Zahra Shaker A. , Ding Jiayan
Published: September 2022

We develop and test a multi‐stakeholder perspective of intrafamily CEO succession by exploring how family CEO successors affect post‐succession firm performance under conditions of sustainable human resource management (sustainable HRM) practices toward employees and top managers, as well as corporate philanthropic activities in the broader community. Using a sample of 414 CEO successions in family firms listed on China's stock exchanges during 2008–2016, we find an insurance‐like effect of both sustainable HRM and corporate philanthropy in enhancing firm performance of family CEO successors. Our results also show that firms with family CEO successors will outperform those with nonfamily counterparts under conditions of high employee compensation, low top management team (TMT) compensation, and long TMT tenure. Our findings suggest that sustainable HRM and corporate philanthropy complement rather than substitute in strengthening family leadership during CEO succession.
Comparison between enzyme‐linked immunospot assay and intracellular cytokine flow cytometry assays for the evaluation of T cell response to SARS‐CoV‐2 after symptomatic COVID‐19
Authors: Villemonteix Juliette , Cohen Laure , Guihot Amélie , Guérin Valérie , Moulin Clémentine , Caseris Marion , Carol Agnès , Bonacorsi Stéphane , Carcelain Guislaine
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Evaluation of different cell‐based assays for the study of adaptive immune responses against SARS‐CoV‐2 is crucial for studying long‐term and vaccine‐induced immunity.

Methods

Enzyme‐linked immunospot assay (ELISpot) and intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) using peptide pools spanning the spike protein and nucleoprotein of SARS‐CoV‐2 were performed in 25 patients who recovered from paucisymptomatic (n = 19) or severe COVID‐19 (n = 6).

Results

The proportion of paucisymptomatic patients with detectable SARS‐CoV‐2 T cells was low, as only 44% exhibit a positive T cell response with the ICS and 67% with the ELISpot. The magnitude of SARS‐CoV‐2 T cell responses was low, both with ICS (median at 0.12% among total T cells) and ELISpot (median at 61 SFCs/million peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMC]) assays. Moreover, T cell responses in paucisymptomatic patients seemed lower than among patients with severe disease. In the paucisymptomatic patients, the two assays were well correlated with 76% of concordant responses and a Cohen's kappa of 55. Furthermore, in four patients SARS‐CoV‐2 T cells were detected by ELISpot but not with ICS. Short‐term culture could improve the detection of specific T cells.

Conclusions

In patients who recovered from paucisymptomatic COVID‐19, the proportion of detectable anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 responses and their magnitude seemed lower than in patients with more severe symptoms. The ELISpot appeared to be more sensitive than the ICS assay. Short‐term culture revealed that paucisymptomatic patients had nonetheless few SARS‐CoV‐2 T cells at a very low rate in peripheral blood. These data indicate that various ex‐vivo assays may lead to different conclusions about the presence or absence of SARS‐CoV‐2 T cell immunity.
BMS‐202, a PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor, decelerates the pro‑fibrotic effects of fibroblasts derived from scar tissues via ERK and TGFβ1/Smad signaling pathways
Authors: Cai Yuanyuan , Xiao Min , Li Xinqing , Zhou Shanyu , Sun Yangyang , Yu Wenyuan , Zhao Tianlan
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Hypertrophic scar (HS), a fibroproliferative disorder of the skin with some tumor‐like properties, is closely related to dysregulated inflammation. PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor is a promising medication for cancer therapy as its potent functions on adaptive immune response; whether it could be a candidate for HS therapy has aroused our interest. This study aimed to explore the effect and the mechanism of BMS‐202, a PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor, in HS.

Methods

Ten HS and adjacent normal skin tissues collected from HS patients were used to detect α‐SMA, collagen I, and PD‐L1 expression by Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blot (WB) analysis. Fibroblasts derived from HS tissues (HFBs) were exposed to diverse concentrations of BMS‐202, of which proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and collagen synthesis were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‐8, wound healing, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick‐End labeling, and [3H]‑proline incorporation assays, respectively. The effect of BMS‐202 on α‐SMA and collagen I expression, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)/Smad signaling in HFBs was also determined by WB and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The expression level of PD‐L1 was significantly elevated in both HS tissues and HFBs, which was positively correlated with α‐SMA and collagen I expressions. BMS‐202 exerted a significant suppression effect on the cell proliferation, migration, collagen synthesis, and α‐SMA and collagen I expression of HFBs in a concentration‐dependent way; but did not affect apoptosis. Finally, BMS‐202 could reduce the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Smad2, and Smad3, and the TGFβ1 expression once its concentration reached 2.5 nM.

Conclusion

BMS‐202 effectively suppressed proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix deposition of HFBs, potentially through the regulation of the ERK and TGFβ1/Smad signaling pathways.
Microscopic Raman illustrating antitumor enhancement effects by the combination drugs of γ‐secretase inhibitor and cisplatin on osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Li Jie , Li Jing , Wang Haifeng , Chen Yishen , Qin Jie , Zeng Haishan , Wang Kaige , Wang Shuang
Published: September 2022

By using Raman microspectroscopy, it aims to elucidate the cellular variations caused by the combination drug of γ‐secretase inhibitor (DAPT) and cisplatin in osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Illustrated by the obtained results of spectral analysis, the intracellular composition significantly changed after combined drug actions compared to the solo DAPT treatment, indicating the synergistic effect of DAPT combined with cisplatin on OS cells. Meanwhile, multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) algorithm was utilized to address the biochemical constitution changes in all investigated groups including the untreated (UT), DAPT (40D) and combined drug (40D + 20C) treated cells. K‐means cluster and univariate imaging were both utilized to visualize the changes in subcellular morphology and biochemical distribution. The presented study provides a unique understanding on the cellular responses to DAPT combined with cisplatin from the natural biochemical perspectives, and laids an experimental foundation for exploring the therapeutic strategies of other combined anticancer drugs in cancer cell model.
Impact of negative interest rate policy on the swap market in Japan: Comparative analysis before and after yield curve control
Authors: Ito Takayasu
Published: September 2022

No co‐movement is found among swap rates with a maturity of 10, 15, 20, and 30 years before the introduction of yield curve control (YCC) under Negative Interest Rate Policy (NIRP). On the other hand, they co‐move after the introduction, driven by a single common trend. No single pair of swap rates move together before the introduction, but every pair move together after the introduction. The function of the swap market was lost after the introduction of NIRP. This caused uncertainties regarding the formation of the yield curve among the market participants in the super long zone of the swap market. After the Bank of Japan (BOJ) introduced YCC to move the yield curve upward, particularly in moving the 10‐year Japanese Government Bond (JGB) yield to around zero percent, structural changes took place not only in JGB but also in swap markets.
Evaluation of Hemoglobin Response to Treatment With Enarodustat Using Pharmacometric Approach in Japanese Anemic Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Naruhashi Shinya , Fujii Takashi , Yamada Hiroyuki , Pai Sudhakar M. , Ninomiya Noriko
Published: September 2022

Enarodustat (JTZ‐951) is a hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor that has been approved and marketed in Japan for patients with anemia with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The pharmacometric approach was applied to assess the relationship between plasma concentrations of enarodustat and hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and to provide information regarding the optimal use of enarodustat in clinical practice by simulations based on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model that was developed. The PK/PD data of enarodusat obtained from phase 2 and phase 3 studies in Japanese patients with CKD were well described by the models: a 1‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination for PK, and a semimechanistic model based on transit compartment model for PD. Although several factors were identified as statistically significant covariates on the PK/PD of enarodustat, model‐based simulations showed that none of them had clinically relevant impacts on the treatment effect (ie, Hb levels) of enarodustat. Hence, enarodustat treatment provides the stable Hb control with the initial dose (hemodialysis‐dependent CKD: 4 mg/day, non–dialysis‐dependent CKD: 2 mg/day) and maintenance dose (1–8 mg/day) to the patients with varied demographic characteristics.
Ammonium load determines the performance of a continuous nitritation process and the related microbial communities even under excesses of O2 supply
Authors: Aguilar‐Pichardo Monserrat , Valenzuela Edgardo I. , Quijano Guillermo
Published: September 2022

Background

Partial oxidation of ammonium to nitrite, process known as nitritation, has important advantages over complete nitrification, including energy savings due to a reduced aeration, a lower organic carbon requirement for denitrification, a reduced production of sludge, and the potential use of nitrite in anammox and anoxic biogas purification technologies. Dissolved O2 (DO) concentration commonly has been regarded as the most important parameter to be controlled for achieving a successful nitritation process.

Results

The present study showed that setting average DO values below 1 g O2 m−3 was insufficient to achieve a high and stable nitritation at ammonium loading rates between 2.5 to 5.1 g N‐NH4+ m−3 h−1. Under these conditions, the predominance of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) resulted in ammonium oxidation selectivity to nitrite from 5.2 ± 3.6% to 42.8 ± 21%. Increasing the ammonium loading to 10.1 gN‐NH4+ m−3 h−1 together with an average DO value of 0.9 ± 0.6 gO2 m−3 resulted in an ammonium oxidation efficiency of 94 ± 1.1% and ammonium oxidation selectivity to nitrite >90%.

Conclusion

Continuous nitritation was achieved in a single reactor provided with an easy‐to‐implement aeration strategy. The ammonium loading rate was the most important parameter to be controlled, which inhibited NOB above a threshold value. NOB inhibition was mediated mainly by free nitrous acid, and by free ammonia to a lesser extent. Increasing the ammonium loading rate led to an enrichment of ammonium oxidizing bacteria of the Nitrosomonas genus. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Preparation of porous macromolecule oxazine poly‐ionic liquid solid acid catalyst and its application in an esterification reaction
Authors: Wang Yajuan , Liu Wenqiang , Li Jiangxin , Zhang Juan
Published: September 2022

Background

Chinese research on citrate is typically into plasticizer alternatives to the carcinogenic phthalate (PAEs) plasticizers. PAEs plasticizers can induce obesity and metabolic disorders, whereas citric acid vinegar plasticizers have the advantages of low biological toxicity and environmental friendliness.

Results

Novel porous macromolecule oxazine poly‐ionic liquid solid acid catalysts were prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunner−Emmet−Teller(BET) measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Characterization results showed that the synthesized catalyst was a porous polymer with good heat stability. The catalytic performance of the catalyst was evaluated by synthesis of tributyl citrate from citric acid and n‐butanol.

Conclusion

The optimal reaction conditions were determined as 9% (wt%) citrate mass. The experimental results showed that the optimal reaction conditions were determined as amount of catalyst 9% (wt% citrate mass), 150 °C reaction temperature, 3.5 h reaction time and 1:3 ratio of citric acid and n‐butanol. Under optimal conditions, the conversion rate of citrate acid was ≤91.74%. The catalytic activity did not reduce obviously after being reused for ten times. Then, the reaction conditions were fited by the surface optimization method. The fitted optimum conditions were as follows: 8.881% amount of catalyst (mass of citric acid), 148.259 °C reaction temperature, 3.331 h reaction time, 1:2.958 citric acid:n‐butanol ratio; this gave a conversion rate of citric acid of ≤92.998%. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Separation of microalgae cells in a microfluidic chip based on AC Dielectrophoresis
Authors: Wang Yanjuan , Zhao Kai , Tong Ning , Wang Junsheng
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Microalgae is an important natural resource with extensive applications in various fields, such as health products, animal feed, biopharmaceuticals, and clean energy. However, before the research and utilization of microalgae resources, the microalgae cells of interest must be separated from hybrid strains and bacteria. The traditional method of microalgae separation requires manual labor under the microscope that is time‐consuming and labor‐intensive.

RESULTS

Herein, a novel microalgae cell separation method based on the dielectrophoresis (DEP) technique was proposed. A unique DEP separation chip with a 3D electrode was designed. Chlorella and Closterium were used as the experimental samples to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method because they have similar volumes and very different electrical properties. Within a certain frequency range, Chlorella suffers from negative dielectrophoresis (nDEP) force and Closterium suffers from positive dielectrophoresis (pDEP) force, so their separation can be achieved. The separation efficiency exceeded 90%. In addition, the DEP response of the Chlorella and Closterium were studied, and the DEP spectra of the two microalgae cells were obtained. Moreover, the effects of DEP force on cell viability under different voltages and frequencies were experimentally analyzed.

CONCLUSION

These findings will contribute to DEP technology, to the portable and harmless separation of microalgae, and to research on the dielectric properties of microalgae cells. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
An investigation into the electro‐tolerance of Escherichia coli treated by radio frequency electric fields
Authors: Rezaeimotlagh Adel , Serasinghe Pulasthi , Manefield Michael , Trujillo Francisco J.
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Radio frequency electric field (RFEF) is a novel technology for the microbial disinfection of liquids such as water and fruit juices. Here we investigated the development of microbial tolerance against RFEF to assess the long‐term suitability of this technology. We applied a constant electric field, outlet temperature and treatment time of 14 kV cm−1, 40 °C and 1.275 ms, respectively, to Escherichia coli inoculated in saline water to observe whether the descendants of the surviving bacteria could develop tolerance against RFEF. Escherichia coli that survived the RFEF treatment were recultivated and treated under similar processing conditions for 15 generations.

RESULTS

The results showed that although inactivation levels due to RFEF treatments fluctuated during consecutive generations, no significant difference between inactivation at cycles 1 and 15 was observed. Furthermore, inactivation levels during consecutive generations hovered around an average value of 2.18   CFU mL−1. For short‐term effect, which compared untreated cells to treated ones at cycle 1, proteomics showed mixed trends of up‐ and down‐regulated differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). However, in the long term, which compared treated cells at cycles 1 and 15, DEPs involved in stress response, cell wall structure and antioxidant activities were all up‐regulated.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that although cell wall is the main target for the effect of electric field, they suggest that, in the long term, oxidative stress may also be induced. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Self‐supported single‐wall carbon nanotube buckypaper membranes applied to air and water filtration
Authors: Berned‐Samatán Víctor , Jiménez Santiago , Rubio César , Téllez Carlos , Coronas Joaquín
Published: September 2022

Background

This work addresses the use of self‐supported single‐wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) buckypapers as filters or membranes to treat air or water streams to reduce the concentration of pollutants.

Results

The fabrication of the buckypapers was carried out by a facile filtration method. The performance of the buckypaper as an air filter was tested with a NaCl aerosol obtaining a permeance of 241 m3 m−2 h−1 bar−1 and a filtration efficiency of 99.9991%. The performance of the buckypaper as a water ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was studied separating ZIF‐8 nanoparticles of 30, 50 and 120 nm in diameter, achieving a permeance of 124 L·m−2 h−1 bar−1 and a rejection of 99.99%.

Conclusions

A simple technique is described for the rapid fabrication of self‐supported SWCNT buckypaper membranes with a filtration method resulting in an excellent performance in both air and water filtration. In addition, because of the acquired control of ZIF‐8 crystallization, particles of different sizes of this material were synthesized ad hoc to serve as a reference solute of UF separation. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Preparation of Ce/ferroferric oxide/food waste‐derived biochar for aqueous Cr(VI) adsorption
Authors: Tie Jingxi , Zhang Meng , Shen Chenliang , Liu Haiyuan , Du Chunbao
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Cr(VI) in aqueous solution is a serious concern that can harm human health by accumulating in the food chain. Meanwhile, the most common form of food waste (FW) disposal by landfill takes up a lot of area and pollutes the environment. As a consequence, FW was employed as a raw material in the production of food waste‐derived biochar (FWB), which was then modified to produce a Ce/Fe3O4/FWB composite for high‐efficiency Cr(VI) removal

RESULTS

The structure, morphology, and properties of the Ce/Fe3O4/FWB composite were thoroughly investigated, as well as its Cr(VI) adsorption ability. The composite exhibited the highest Cr(VI) adsorption of 20.4 mg/g at pH 2. Furthermore, the adsorption fitted the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and the Langmuir model, with intra‐particle diffusion acting as the rate‐controlling step. The thermodynamic investigation demonstrated that Cr (VI) adsorption by Ce/Fe3O4/FWB was a spontaneous endothermic process. With increasing concentrations of Cl−, SO42−and PO43−, the Cr(VI) adsorption was weakened in the sequence of Cl−, SO42−and PO43−.

CONCLUSION

Adsorbent preparation utilizing FW as raw material is a sustainable and environmentally beneficial method for FW reclaimation and Cr(VI)‐bearing wastewater treatment. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Concurrent light chain amyloidosis and proximal tubulopathy: Insights into different aggregation behavior—A case report
Authors: Feurstein Simone , Zoller Julian , Schwab Constantin , Schreiner Sarah , Mundt Heiko , Breitkreutz Iris , Schneider Brigitte , Beimler Jörg , Zeier Martin , Waldherr Rüdiger , Gröschel Stefan , Müller‐Tidow Carsten , Schönland Stefan O. , Hegenbart Ute
Published: September 2022

Due to differences in the protein folding mechanisms, it is exceedingly rare for amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis and monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) to coexist. We herein report the first case of concurrent AL amyloidosis and a subclass of MGRS, light chain proximal tubulopathy (LCPT). The 53‐year‐old female was diagnosed with smoldering myeloma immunoglobulin G kappa and AL amyloidosis with deposits in fat and gastrointestinal tissue. The kidney biopsy did not show amyloid deposits but electron microscopy revealed the presence of LCPT with crystal formation in proximal tubular epithelial cells. This case illustrates the complex pathophysiology of protein deposition in monoclonal gammopathies.
New bioactive compounds characterized by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in hydro‐methanol and petroleum ether extracts of Prosopis farcta (Banks & Sol.) J. F. Macbr weed
Authors: Gholamalipour Alamdari Ebrahim , Taleghani Akram
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize the chemical composition present in aerial parts of Prosopis farcta in petroleum ether and hydro‐methanol extracts through LC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS/MS and GC‐MS techniques respectively for the first time. The plant samples were collected from northeast of Iran during maturity stage. LC–MS/MS profile revealed 47 phenolic compounds in hydro‐methanol extracts, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their glycoside derivatives. Flavonoid‐O‐glycosides (19), flavonoid aglycones (11), phenolic acid derivatives (9), flavonoid‐C‐glycosides (4), and flavonoid‐O, C‐glycosides (1) were dominant class phenolics in all studied parts. The extracts contained a significant amount of major compounds, including gallic and vanillic acids, luteolin, apigenin, phloridzin, and vicenin‐2. Also, GC–MS analysis of petroleum ether extracts showed that fatty acids, organic acids, steroids, terpenoids, and hydrocarbons were the group of major compounds in all parts. Twenty‐four, 27, and 25 components were identified, which represent 99.2%, 96.1%, and 99.4% of the total composition in fruits, leaves, and stems, respectively. These results suggested that other genetic resources of P. farcta can be further explored to screen genotypes with high bioactive compounds and purification of phytochemical compounds, which are valuable to produce, expand, and develop natural antioxidants in production of bio‐medicine and food.
Risk assessment for comprehensive meteorological disaster of winter wheat based on multisource gridded data: A case study in the upper Huaihe River basin, China
Authors: Zhao Mingjie , Shi Xiaofang , Sun Xiaolin , Jin Ke , Duan Zheng , Gao Chao
Published: September 2022

Crop production security is an essential guarantee for the prosperity of country and the well‐being of people. In the context of frequent occurrence of extreme weather events, how to comprehensively evaluate the risk of multiple hazards and quantitatively describe spatial differences will be one of the significant topics in agricultural disaster mitigation. In this study, based on the gridded meteorological data and other datasets (crop, socioeconomic, disaster loss, and actual planting location) from 2000 to 2020, multihazard risk model for different growth period was built to assess the comprehensive risk of winter wheat in the upper Huaihe River basin (UHRB), China. The conclusions were as follows: (a) The spatial distribution of continuous rain risk increased gradually from north to south; the area of the highest lodging risk was located in the east; the spatial trend of drought risk was the highest in the south and the lowest in the northeast. (b) The weights of continuous rain, lodging, and drought disasters were 41, 31, and 28%, respectively, which indicated that winter wheat in UHRB was most affected by continuous rain during the harvest period. (c) The spatial distribution of comprehensive disaster risk assessment showed that the higher risk areas were located in the central and southern parts (Huaibin, Linquan, Luoshan). After verification by historical disasters information, the results are credible, providing a concrete scientific basis for implementing regional agricultural disaster response measures.
Customized sea‐surface temperature indicators linking to streamflow at different timescales
Authors: Ganapathy Abinesh , Agarwal Ankit
Published: September 2022

Investigation of SST–streamflow connectivity unravels the large‐scale climate influences that may have a potential role in modulating local hydrological components. Most studies exploring this relationship only focus on a single timescale; however, various atmospheric and oceanic phenomena occur at different temporal scales, which must be considered. This study examines the association of sea surface temperature (SST) and streamflow in Germany, divided into three regions, viz. Alpine, Atlantic and Continental, at timescales ranging from seasonal to interannual by integrating wavelet transform and complex network techniques. Wavelet transform is used to decompose the time series into multiple frequency signals. The network theory identifies the spatial connections for the 99 percentile correlation coefficient value based on these decomposed signals. The degree centrality metric is used to evaluate the characteristics of the spatially embedded networks. Our results re‐establish known SST regions that have a potential connection with the various streamflow regions of Germany. Spatial patterns that resemble the North Atlantic SST tripole‐like pattern is predominant for Alpine streamflow regions at finer timescale. Equatorial Atlantic Mode regions observed for Atlantic streamflow at interannual timescale and Vb weather system connected regions in the Mediterranean Sea have appeared for all the streamflow regions of Germany. Besides, continental streamflow regions exhibited combined characteristics of the Alpine and Atlantic streamflow spatial patterns. In addition to the above regions, we also identify the scale‐specific patterns in the Pacific, Indian and Southern Ocean regions at different timescales.
Factors influencing small and medium enterprises’ innovativeness: Evidence from manufacturing companies in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Makanyeza Charles , Mabenge Blessing Kudzai , Ngorora‐Madzimure Grace Portia Kuda
Published: September 2022

The study investigated factors influencing innovativeness in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Using empirical data from 330 SMEs, structural equation modelling was employed to test the factors that influence innovativeness at the level of the firm, namely the firm's resources, government support and institutional policies, networks and collaborations, the organization's innovative culture, local knowledge diffusion, and facilitating conditions. Results show that the firm's resources, government support and institutional policies, and networks and collaborations each positively influences innovativeness at the level of the firm. On the contrary, the organization's innovative culture, local knowledge diffusion and facilitating conditions were found to have insignificant effects on innovativeness. It is recommended that, to increase innovativeness, SMEs should invest in building up their resources in terms of both tangible and intangible resources. They can also lobby the government for support and to institute policies that promote innovativeness. Furthermore, SMEs are advised to build networks and collaborations with other institutions such as colleges, universities, research institutions and well‐established and innovative firms. SMEs in developing and emerging markets can benefit from these findings.
Gut microbiota and growth performance of offspring are influenced by wet nurse in pigs using cross‐fostering trial
Authors: Mao Jiangdi , Zhang Yu , Liu Jianxin , Wang Haifeng
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Nursing mom can regulate the gut microbiome succession in offspring. However, it remains unclear whether these effects are long‐term and what effect it has on the growth performance of piglets. This study aimed to develop a cross‐fostering model of piglets and investigate the effect of maternal environment on gut microbiota, even the growth performance of the offspring, and if this effect could be maintained in the long term.

RESULTS

Four groups of piglets were generated as follows (n = 12): Duroc piglets nursed by their birth mom (Dd) or Yorkshire sows (Yd), Yorkshire piglets nursed by Duroc sows (Dy) or their birth mom (Yy). The study found that cross‐fostering improved the growth performance of piglets for a long time. The gut microbiota of piglets was mainly determined by the breeds of nursing moms before weaning, and it was more and more influenced by their breeds after weaning, but the influence of birth mom breeds still existed. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis and Spearman correlation analysis showed that Sutterella, Butyricimonas and Alistipes, which were affected by nursing mom before weaning, had a strong positive correlation with the growth performance of piglets before weaning. Candidatus_Soleaferrea and Treponema, which were affected by both nursing mom and piglet breed after weaning, were significantly negatively correlated with the growth performance of piglets long after weaning.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed that both the breeds of piglets and their birth moms influence the gut microbiota of piglets for a long time, even after weaning. Additionally, this effect might be related to the growth performance of piglets. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
In silico tools to assess the potential allergenicity of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes)
Authors: Vashisht Srishti , Singh Naresh , Sharma Akansha , Saini Neeru , Gaur Shailendra Nath , Arora Naveen
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Computational tools may have an edge over conventional methods for the preliminary evaluation of food allergenicity. In this study, the allergenic potential of Lentinula edodes was evaluated and validated using in silico tools.

RESULTS

The potential cross‐reactivity of mushroom proteins with fungal allergens was determined using sequence alignment – the Fast Alignment (FASTA) and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) algorithm. Eight L. edodes proteins were cross‐reactive with allergens from fungal origin, showing 52%–89% sequence identity using FASTA algorithm‐based alignment. The BLAST data were corroborated by percentage identity and query coverage. Physico‐chemical property‐based allergenicity was deciphered by AlgPred, Allermatch, and AllergenFP software, which predicted six out of eight proteins as potential allergens. Sequence alignment showed 66%–86% conservancy between mushroom protein and known fungal allergens. Secondary structure and amino acid composition supported structural affinity between query and fungal proteins. Three‐dimensional structures of five mushroom proteins were generated, quality assessed, and superimposed with fungal allergens, suggesting possible allergenicity of mushroom proteins. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demonstrated immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding in 13 out of 21 food‐hypersensitive patients' sera.

CONCLUSION

In silico tools provide preliminary indications about the potential allergenicity and cross‐reactivity of mushroom proteins. This approach may be used for the prelusive allergenicity assessment of allergen sources. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Absorption of iron from Tegillarca granosa using an in vitro simulated digestion and Caco‐2/HepG2 co‐culture system
Authors: Sun Bolun , Zhang Panxue , Zhang Jinjie , Huang Tao , Li Chao , Yang Wenge
Published: September 2022

Background

Iron‐deficiency anemia is one severe micronutrient malnutrition and has captured worldwide attention. This study evaluated the in vitro iron absorption of two iron‐binding proteins (hemoglobin and ferritin) from Tegillarca granosa. In addition, the protein structure–iron absorption relationship and the regulatory effect of hepcidin on cellular iron absorption were explored.

Results

Our findings revealed that both hemoglobin and ferritin extracted from T. granosa contained abundant iron‐binding sites, as evidenced by stronger peaks in amide I and II regions compared with the two proteins from humans. Less β‐sheet (27.67%) structures were found in hemoglobin compared with ferritin (36.40%), probably contributing to its greater digestibility and more release of available iron. This was confirmed by the results of Caco‐2/HepG2 cell culture system that showed iron absorption of hemoglobin was 26.10–39.31% higher than that of ferritin with an iron content of 50–150 μmol L−1. This high iron absorption of hemoglobin (117.86–174.10 ng mg−1) could also be due to more hepcidin produced by HepG2 cells, thereby preventing ferroportin‐mediated iron efflux from Caco‐2 cells. In addition, the possible risk of oxidative stress was evaluated in cells post‐iron exposure. In comparison with ferrous sulfate, a common iron supplement, Caco‐2 cells treated with the iron‐binding proteins had a 9.50–25.73% lower level of intracellular reactive oxygen species, indicating the safety of hemoglobin and ferritin.

Conclusion

Collectively, the data of this research would be helpful for understanding the key features and potential of developing hemoglobin and ferritin from T. granosa as novel iron supplements. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Independent Roles of Molecular Mobility and Zeta Potential on Supramolecular Surfaces in the Sequence of RAW264.7 Macrophage Responses
Authors: Tanaka‐Takemura Yuka , Arisaka Yoshinori , Hakariya Masahiro , Masuda Hiroki , Mikami Ryo , Sekiya‐Aoyama Ruriko , Iwata Takanori , Yoda Tetsuya , Ono Takashi , Yui Nobuhiko
Published: September 2022

Surface properties of biomaterials affect the morphologies and inflammatory responses of macrophages. Recently, biomaterial design utilizing these properties has been explored to build a scaffold for balancing the immune system in vivo. In the present study, polyrotaxane surfaces with different functional groups including methyl, amino, and sulfo groups are utilized to clarify the effect of molecular mobility and zeta potential of these surfaces on RAW264.7 macrophage responses. At 24 h post‐seeding, the majority of the cells adhere onto each surface, and the initial spreading is suppressed by more negatively‐charged polyrotaxane surfaces. From 24 to 48 h of incubation, the spreading areas on the unmodified and methylated surfaces significantly increase, whereas those on the aminated and sulfonated surfaces remain unchanged. These results suggest that the initially cellular spreading process depends on the zeta potential, while the subsequent spreading process is governed by the molecular mobility. After lipopolysaccharide stimulation, the less mobile surfaces induce higher expression of inflammation‐related genes than highly mobile surfaces, suggesting that molecular mobility is the main factor modulating the inflammatory activity in macrophages. These findings indicate that the zeta potential and molecular mobility of polyrotaxane surfaces may play independent roles in the sequence of macrophage responses.
Calcium Silicate Whiskers‐Enforced Poly(Ether‐Ether‐Ketone) Composites with Improved Mechanical Properties and Biological Activities for Bearing Bone Reconstruction
Authors: Wang Jin , Lei Jie , Hu Yanru , Meng Lihui , Li Wenchao , Zhu Fang , Xie Bing , Wang Youfa , Yang Cao , Wu Qingzhi
Published: September 2022

Poly (ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK) displays promising potential application in bone tissue repair and orthopedic surgery due to its good biocompatibility and chemical stability. However, the bio‐inertness and poor mechanical strength of PEEK greatly limit its application in load‐bearing bones. In this study, calcium silicate whiskers (CSws) are synthesized and then compounded with PEEK to fabricate the PEEK/CSw composites with excellent mechanical properties, biological activity. Compared with PEEK, the PEEK/CSw composites exhibited higher hydrophilicity and ability to deposit hydroxyapatite on the surface. CSws are evenly dispersed in the PEEK matrix at 10 wt% content and the mechanical strength of the PEEK/CSw composite is ≈96.9 ± 2.4 MPa, 136.3 ± 2.4 MPa, and 266.0 ± 3.2 MPa, corresponding to tensile strength, compressive strength, and bending strength, respectively, which is 20%, 18%, and 52% higher than that of pure PEEK. The composites improve the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Furthermore, PEEK/CSw composite remarkably improves bone formation and osteointegration, which has higher bone repair capacity than PEEK. These results demonstrate that the PEEK/CSw scaffolds display superior abilities to integrate with the host bone and promising potential in the field of load bearing bone repair.
Thermo‐Tautochromic Polymer Architectures from Tertiary Methyl Red Amides
Authors: Jaik Thorben G. , Jonas Ulrich
Published: September 2022

The ammonium‐azonium tautomerism of protonated push–pull‐ or dialkylaminoazobenzenes has been subject of research for single molecular dyes but not for the interesting architectures of polymers or gels. To address this gap in knowledge, two different types of polymer systems are devised. First, a 2‐oxazoline of o‐methyl red is developed for cationic ring‐opening copolymerization with 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline. Second, a piperazine acrylamide of o‐methyl red is synthesized for free radical copolymerization with N‐hydroxyethyl acrylamide and a benzophenone acrylamide. The resulting copolymer can be photocrosslinked and swollen in water to form a hydrogel. Investigation of the optical properties of these systems in response to temperature variation reveals unusual phenomena related to the stability and dynamics of the ammonium‐azonium tautomerism in aqueous media. Reversible and irreversible thermochromic phenomena are found for completely protonated, partially protonated, and neutral states of the systems. Reversible thermochromism is linked to an ammonium‐azonium tautomerism, while irreversible thermochromism is a consequence of hydrolysis at unusually low temperatures, apparently catalyzed by intramolecular hydrogen bonding motifs between the tertiary amide in ortho‐position to the protonated azo bridge. Hydrolysis is strongly affected by the particular molecular structure of the copolymer. In the hydrogel, hydrolysis rates decrease by a reduced degree of conformational freedom.
Study of Nanoparticle–Polymer Interactions via the Mechanical Stretching of Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates
Authors: Xin Wenwen , Huang Jie , Chen Qiuxian , Sun Yiwei , Chen Hongyu , Liu Xueyang
Published: September 2022

It is shown that the aligned electrospun fibers are a convenient platform for studying the mechanical effects on nanomaterials, particularly when using surface‐enhanced Raman scattering as a sensitive tool of monitoring. The ligands on the surface of the embedded Au nanoparticles fall off easily with the shear force from the stretching, in contrast to the counterparts protected by polymer/silica shells. Upon stretching, the chains of Au nanoparticles will reversibly break, as revealed by the dramatic changes in the longitudinal plasmon absorption. It is believed that such a platform will open a window for understanding mechanical effects at the nanoscale, and also a new means for synthetic control.
Traveling waves for generalized Fisher–Kolmogorov equation with discontinuous density dependent diffusion
Authors: Drábek Pavel , Zahradníková Michaela
Published: September 2022

We are concerned with the existence and qualitative properties of traveling wave solutions for a quasilinear reaction‐diffusion equation on the real line. We consider a non‐Lipschitz reaction term of Fisher–KPP type and a discontinuous diffusion coefficient that allows for degenerations and singularities at equilibrium points. We investigate the joint influence of the reaction and diffusion terms on the existence and nonexistence of traveling waves, and assuming these terms are of power‐type near equilibria, we provide classification of solutions based on their asymptotic properties. Our approach provides a broad theoretical background for the mathematical treatment of rather general models not only in population dynamics but also in other applied sciences and engineering.
Synthesis and characterization of novel conformers of (E)‐2‐(3‐nitro‐H‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐2‐ylthio)‐N′‐benzylideneacetohydrazide derivatives
Authors: Ablo Evrard , Coulibaly Souleymane , Coulibali Siomenan , Signo Kouassi , Achi Patrick‐Armand , Giraud Nicolas , Bertho Gildas
Published: September 2022

Eighteen new N‐acylhydrazones (9a–r) containing the imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine scaffold were synthesized through a seven steps reaction sequence, ending with a condensation of 2‐(3‐nitro‐H‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐2‐ylthio)acetohydrazide with various benzaldehyde derivatives (8a–r). All synthesized compounds were characterized by 1D NMR (1H and 13C NMR) and 2D NMR (NOESY) spectroscopic analyses and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The analysis of 1H NMR data performed at room temperature in deuterated dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO‐d6) revealed the presence of (E)‐2‐(3‐nitro‐H‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐2‐ylthio)‐N′‐benzylideneacetohydrazide (9a–r) as a mixture of two conformers, namely, syn‐periplanar E (sp E) and anti‐periplanar E (ap E). For all N‐acylhydrazones that were synthesized, the sp E conformer was found to be the major form except in the case of hydrazone derived from o‐hydroxybenzaldehyde.
Midterm postoperative results of mid‐urethral slings. Role of ultrasound in explaining surgical failures
Authors: Escura Sílvia , Ros Cristina , Anglès‐Acedo Sònia , Bataller Eduardo , Sánchez Emília , Carmona Francisco , Espuña‐Pons Montserrat
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with mid‐urethral sling (MUS) is considered to have a high success rate. However, between 5% and 20% of MUS fail, with inadequate surgical implantation being a possible cause of SUI persistence or recurrence. Misplacement of a MUS can be determined by pelvic floor ultrasound (PF‐US). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PF‐US in patients with persistent or recurrent urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms after MUS surgery for SUI with a midterm follow‐up.

Materials and Methods

A historical cohort study including women undergoing MUS surgery for SUI between 2013 and 2015 was designed. The primary outcome was to correlate the sonographic parameters of MUS with SUI cure (negative International Continence Society‐Uniform Cough Stress Test, Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form < 5 points and no symptoms of SUI), at 5 years postsurgery. Secondary outcomes were changes of maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and symptoms of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) at 1 and 5 years after surgery.

Results

Eighty‐seven patients (80 transobturator‐MUS, 7 retropubic‐MUS) were included. At 5 years all patients referred improvement of UI and objective cure of SUI was demonstrated in 81.2%. The MUS was sonographically correct in 67 (98.5%) of the 68 patients with cure of SUI. The MUS was considered incorrectly placed in only 4 (28.6%) of the 14 patients with noncured SUI. MUCP decreased from 61.9 to 48.8 cmH2O at 5 years of follow‐up (p < 0.01) and up to 53% of women had UUI symptoms after surgery, with a nonsignificant decrease compared to baseline.

Conclusion

Patients cured of SUI had sonographically correct MUS by PF‐US. Less than one‐third of cases of SUI persistence or recurrence after MUS surgery could be explained by a sonographically incorrect sling. Low urethral resistance and/or UUI symptoms could help to explain the remaining failures. Complete functional and anatomic studies, including urodynamics and PF‐US, should be performed before deciding on the next management strategy in patients with SUI persistence or recurrence after MUS.