bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified Classes of Regression-Type Estimators of Population Mean in the Presences of Auxiliary Attribute
Authors: Audu A. , Abdulazeez S. A. , Danbaba A. , Ahijjo Y. M. , Gidado A. , Yunusa M. A.
Published: February 2022

The use of relevant information from auxiliary variable at the estimation stage and design stage to obtain reliable and efficient estimate is a common practice is a sample survey. But situations arise when the available auxiliary information are attribute in nature. There are some existing estimators based on auxiliary attribute in literature, however, they are less efficient when the bi-serial correlation between the study variable and auxiliary attribute is negative. Also, some depend on an unknown parameter of the study variable (Cy) which makes their applicability of the estimators in real life situations not possible unless if the value is estimated using a large sample which requires additional resources. In this work, the concept of regression base estimator was used to obtain estimators that are independent of unknown population parameter of the study variable and applicable for both negative and positive correlations. The properties (Biases and MSEs) of the modified estimators were derived up to the first order of approximation using Taylor series approach. The efficiency conditions of the proposed estimation over the existing estimator considered in the study were established. The empirical studies were conducted using both existing population parameters and stimulation to investigate the efficiency of the proposed estimators over the efficiency of the existing estimators. The results revealed that the proposed estimators have minimum MSEs and higher PREs among all the competing estimators. These imply that the proposed estimators are more efficient and can produce better estimate of the population mean compared to other existing estimators considered in the study.
Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment Induced DRESS Syndrome – A Case Report
Authors: Patil Y. Pratik , Rao I. Satish , Fatima Kulsoom , Junaid Ahmed Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) is a medical condition that is a severe adverse drug event. Anti-tuberculosis medications may precipitate this condition.

Study Design: Case presentation.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Department of internal Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital, HYDERABAD,

Methodology: A 73-year-old gentleman had complaints suggestive of left ankle arthritis of 8 months duration and was diagnosed with tuberculous osteomyelitis 6 weeks ago based on positive Gene-Expert® MTB/RIF(mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant rifampicin) and necrotizing granulomatous inflammation on histopathology. He was started on anti-tuberculosis treatment and presented 6 weeks later with high-grade fever, generalized rashes, and itching. Eosinophilia was noted in the complete hemogram and liver enzymes were elevated. Skin biopsy showed SJS (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). He was diagnosed as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome. It was most likely caused by Anti-Tuberculosis medications. His tuberculosis medications were modified and steroids were started after which his condition improved.

Discussion: This case presentation depicts, most of the first-line anti-tuberculosis medications can cause DRESS Syndrome. Clinical suspicion and early diagnosis with appropriate tests help to treat this condition early without any significant morbidity and mortality. The causative drug should be withdrawn, Steroids, and Intravenous immunoglobulin-g can be used for the treatment depending on the severity.
Impact of Phosphorus Management in Lowland Paddy Cultivation under Hnahthial District of Mizoram, India
Authors: Lalrinfela Timothy
Published: February 2022

Rice is the first most important crop in the Northeast region of India grown under rainfed lowland soils. Due to continuous cultivation, plateauing of yield was observed with the occurrence of phosphorus deficiency in the soils, based on soil test result. A field level demonstration on management of phosphorus and other important soil nutrient was conducted based on soil test result in lowland paddy fields of South Vanlaiphai village under Hnahthial District of Mizoram covering 17 ha. It was observed that T2 treatment with NPKat a rate of 40:60:40 kg ha-1was found to give a better grain yield of 2.01 t/ha as compared to control (T0) and T1 treatment with a yield of 1.02 t/ha and 1.69 t/ha, respectively. Soil health was found to be enhanced with increase in soil physico-chemical properties like soil organic carbon (SOC) content, soil reaction (pH), available nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P2O5) and available potassium (K2O). Soil reaction (pH) and available phosphorus (P2O5) was found to increase in soil of paddy after harvest as compared to initial soil test result. Average value of soil pH, available phosphorus and potassium was found to increase from 5.12 to 6.26, 7.17 to 31.63 kg/ha and 119.2 to 167.15 kg/ha, respectively.
STIB: The Systemic Thinking Inventory for Business
Authors: Kurthakoti Raghu , L. Halpin Annette , Papenhausen Chris
Published: February 2022

This article presents a scale, the Systemic Thinking Inventory for Business (STIB), which measures the systemic thinking of business learners. Based on literature related to cognitive styles, three dimensions of systemic thinking were identified – Divergent Thinking, Connected Thinking, and Creative Thinking. The scale's validity and reliability were assessed through an exploratory factor analysis of a 25-item instrument after which a confirmatory factor analysis of 12 items emerged that supports a three-dimensional structure. Scale validity and reliability along with convergent validity and discriminant validity were statistically significant with additional analysis on a holdout sample strengthening the support for using STIB to measure systemic thinking.
Impact of Socio–Economic, Health and Patient Related Factors on Medication Adherence in Patients with Hypertension and Type II Diabetes
Authors: Prasad Meraboina , Kumar Venugopalan Santhosh
Published: February 2022

Background: Adherence to therapies is a primary determinant for treatment success in chronic diseases. Despite increased awareness, poor adherence to treatments for chronic diseases still remains a global problem. Failure to adherence, seriously affects the patient and the health care system.

Aim: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of drug adherence in patients with hypertension and type II diabetes. A prospective cross sectional study was carried out in tertiary care hospitals of Khammam region, Telangana with a size of 2880 patients. A structured questionnaire has been designed using MMAS 8 scale to determine the compliance level and the socioeconomic status of the objects was analyzed by Kuppuswamy scale. 

Results: In our study, the following results were reported, age (P <0.001), gender (P <0.001, OR = 1.954), residence (P <0.0001, OR = 3.102), level of education (P <0.0001), profession (p <0.0001), net monthly income (P <0.001), socio economic class (P <0.001), medication Costs (P <0.001 OR = 0.2346), Health Literacy (P <0.001, OR =0.2051), Social support (P <0.001, OR =3.549, 95% CI=2.701 to 4.649). Frequency of Visits (P <0.001, OR =0.09421), No of medications (P <0.001, OR =0.2506), Complexity (P <0.001, OR =0.1862), Self-Monitoring (P <0.001, OR = 0.1011), felt worse (p<0.0001,OR=0.1591).

Conclusion: Our results showed that demographic variables, socio economic factors, health care factors had direct influence on medication adherence. Illiterates, lower-economy patients have not followed the recommendations of health care providers who insist on the need to increase drug adherence in primary care. Our findings call for the need to design new interventions on multidimensional factors likely to interfere with this study, such as patient knowledge and information to improve compliance.
Understand COVID-19 through Heavy Metals Pollution
Authors: Hamad Mosab Nouraldein Mohammed , Al-Qahtni Abdullah
Published: February 2022

The quick spread of COVID-19 crisis and fast emergence of new variants of it , dissimilar clinical forms from silent to exaggerated ones , misunderstanding of etiologies , mode of transmission, variable effectiveness and side effects of vaccines and absence of comprehensive and efficient treatment protocols , heavy spread in certain continents and on less in others a lot of questions arise from the variables mentioned above need answer. In this review I introduced my hypothesis about origin of COVID-19 , its later variants and the main mode of transmission of the virus, the role of mutagenic heavy metals in emergence and the rising of the pandemic and explained the relationship between COVID-19 and malaria. Scattered information used to compose it. Experimental studies are required to test it.
A Multifaceted Investigation into the Menace of Teenage Pregnancies in a Rural Ghanaian Community
Authors: Botchwey Charles Owusu-Aduomi , Boateng Agartha Afful , Adjei Emmanuella Adjeiwaa , Acquah Francis , Opoku Richmond , Baidoo Michael Afari
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Babies should be born to developed and well-adjusted parents in safe relationships and with the means to support and care for them. This will enable them to have a conducive atmosphere for their proper growth and development. Such a conducive atmosphere is usually not available for babies born to teenagers in rural Ghana.

Aim: The research sought to investigate several aspects of the incidence of teenage pregnancies in Penkye community, a rural community in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed for the study. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from sixty (60) respondents through a purposive sampling technique. Data were analysed with the aid of SPSS version 19 and presented quantitatively.

Results: The study found that teenage pregnancies were high among teenagers between the ages of 17 and 19. The study also identified that all the teenagers knew of contraceptives but only a few used contraceptives. Peer influence, broken homes, and poverty were identified as the main factors contributing to the incidence of teenage pregnancies in the study area.

Conclusion: Teenage pregnancies have adverse effects on the physical, social, mental health and socio-economic status of the mother, the new-born and the community at large. Therefore, it is necessary to put in measures to reduce the occurrence of teenage pregnancies in the society.

Recommendations: Based on findings of the study, there is the need for government through the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education to incorporate adolescent health programmes in the school curriculum to empower teenagers to make better life choices and develop social support systems to assist teenage mothers.
Temporary employment and suicidal ideation in COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: A cross-sectional nationwide survey
Authors: Sasaki Natsu , Tabuchi Takahiro , Okubo Ryo , Ishimaru Tomohiro , Kataoka Mayumi , Nishi Daisuke
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Association between employment contract (temporary vs. permanent) and suicidal ideation (persistent suicidal ideation [i.e., with onset before COVID-19] or newly developed under COVID-19 pandemic) was examined using a nationally representative cross-sectional study in Japan.

Methods

An Internet survey was conducted from August to September 2020. The participants’ inclusion criteria for this study were as follows: (i) 20–65 years old, (ii) employees (excluding self-employed, students, retired, housewives, and unemployed). The associations of suicidal ideation with the employees’ factors were analyzed using the multinomial logistic regression model, adjusting for covariates (sex, age, marital status, education, company size, industries, and a history of psychiatric disease).

Results

Of total 12 249 participants, 72.4% were permanent and 27.6% were temporary employees. The prevalence was 8.5% for persistent suicidal ideation and 3.2% for newly developed suicidal ideation in the COVID-19 pandemic. Temporary employment was significantly associated with persistent suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.36 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.16–1.59]; P < .001), but not associated with newly developed suicidal ideation (aOR = 1.10 [0.85–1.42]; P = .457) after adjusting the covariates. Sensitivity analysis showed temporary employment was significantly associated with persistent suicidal ideation only in women. Newly developed suicidal ideation was significantly higher among participants of a young age, employees in drinking/eating/hotel business industry, and those having a history of psychiatric disease than among the counterparts.

Conclusions

Working on a temporary employment contract was associated with persistent suicidal ideation under conditions of COVID-19 outbreaks in Japan. However, the result showed no significant difference in newly developed suicidal ideation. Further longitudinal study will be needed to examine the risk of being employed on an unstable occupational contract in the prolonged pandemic.
Harnessing Adsorption–Catalysis Synergy: Efficient Oxidative Removal of Gaseous Formaldehyde by a Manganese Dioxide/Metal–Organic Framework Nanocomposite at Room Temperature
Authors: Vikrant Kumar , Kim Ki‐Hyun , He Chaozheng , Giannakoudakis Dimitrios A.
Published: February 2022

The potential utility of a transition metal oxide/metal–organic framework (MOF) nanocomposite has been explored using manganese dioxide (MnO2)/Universitetet i Oslo (UiO)‐66‐amine (NH2 (prototypical zirconium (Zr) MOF)) to develop an efficient adsorption–catalysis system for the removal of formaldehyde (FA) from the air. The room‐temperature FA (100 ppm) conversion (XFA (%)), when tested using five different MnO2 (wt%) loadings in the nanocomposite, is estimated as: 1% MnO2 (88%) > 2% MnO2 (86%) > 4% MnO2 (84%) > 6% MnO2 (75%) > 20% MnO2 (47%). The FA removal performance is lowered as the active catalytic sites are covered with the increases in the MnO2 loading (e.g., >1 wt%). The FA and molecular oxygen species preferably adsorb (and activate) onto the Zr atoms attached to the NH2 groups. The oxidation of FA into carbon dioxide proceeds subsequently through the formation of intermediates (e.g., dioxymethylene and formate). The MnO2 nanoclusters act as secondary reactive adsorption sites to boost the capture, activation, and oxidation of the FA molecules at the Zr active centers. Accordingly, the MnO2/UiO‐66‐NH2 nanocomposite is demonstrated to effectively harness the adsorption–catalysis synergy for highly efficient removal of FA relative to other well‐known catalysts (e.g., platinum and metal oxide‐based nanomaterials).
Balloon Inspired Conductive Hydrogel Strain Sensor for Reducing Radiation Damage in Peritumoral Organs During Brachytherapy
Authors: Guan Lin , Liu Hou , Ren Xiaojun , Wang Tiejun , Zhu Weihang , Zhao Yue , Feng Yubin , Shen Chun , Zvyagin Andrei V. , Fang Linan , Yang Bai , Lin Quan
Published: February 2022

Conductive hydrogels have recently gained impressive attention in biological medicine and intelligent electronics. Despite the multifunctions demonstrated by existing conductive hydrogels, it is still a challenge to introduce a hydrogel to adjust the distance between the peritumoral organs and the tumor, reducing the radiation damage to the peritumoral organs. Here, a hydrophobic associating hydrogel with multiple desirable features is fabricated based on diverse supramolecular assembly. The introduction of MXene and hydrolyzed keratin (HK) imparts the hydrogel with excellent conductivity, ultra‐stretchability (>2000%), and good self‐adhesion. Moreover, the hydrogel is utilized as an intelligent sensor intended for monitoring various human movements and physiological signals, demonstrating a wide strain window, the rapid response time (130 ms), and outstanding strain sensitivity (GF = 10.22). Inspired by balloon inflation, the hydrogel is designed to separate the tumor from the peritumoral organs in brachytherapy. It plays a role in reducing the radiation dose and damage to the peritumoral organs. The authors also simulate the attenuation process of the radiation signal according to the change of the hydrogel size and develop a smartphone application (app) to monitor the safety range of the different radiation risks, manifesting its great potential in soft intelligent sensors.
Amino Modified Carbon Dots with Electron Sink Effect Increase Interface Charge Transfer Rate of Cu‐Based Electrocatalyst to Enhance the CO2 Conversion Selectivity to C2H4
Authors: Zhou Yunjie , Qi Huihui , Wu Jie , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: February 2022

Electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to valuable products, especially for ethylene (C2H4), is an urgent challenge in material science and catalysis. Cu‐based materials are the most promising catalysts to realize C2 products from CO2 reduction, while, they often suffer from the poor selectivity and efficiency. Here, it is shown that –NH2‐modified carbon dots (NCDs) can regulate the electron transfer behavior on Cu/CuO catalyst, and then enhance the CO2 conversion selectivity to C2H4. The selectivity of C2H4 (in carbon products) on NCDs/Cu/CuO composites is increased by 1.2 times when compared with that of Cu/CuO catalysts. NCDs increase the adsorption capacity of catalysts to CO2 by 18.2%. Transient photo‐induced voltage (TPV) tests are used to reveal the effect of NCDs on electron transfer behavior at the catalyst interface. On one hand, NCDs reduce the electron transfer resistance between Cu/CuO particles, increasing the overall electron transfer rate by 37%; on the other hand, NCDs with electron sink effect can increase the electron concentration on catalyst surface significantly. These effects significantly promote the CC coupling reactions over NCDs/Cu/CuO composite catalysts. This work provides a new understanding and approach to address the challenges of improving electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to multi‐carbon products.
Theoretical Prediction and Thermal Transport Properties of Novel Monolayer TlPt2Se3
Authors: Nair Surabhi Suresh , Sajjad Muhammad , Singh Nirpendra
Published: February 2022

The theoretical prediction, electronic properties, and thermal transport properties of novel monolayer TlPt2Se3 are investigated using the first‐principles calculations and semi‐classical Boltzmann transport theory. The calculated phonon band structure and exfoliation energy confirm that monolayer TlPt2Se3 is a stable material and can be exfoliated from its bulk counterpart. The exfoliation energy of the monolayer turns out to be 37 meV Å−2, comparable with the exfoliation energy of monolayer PdSe2. The HSE06 indirect bandgap of monolayer (bulk) TlPt2Se3 amounts to 1.18 eV (0.63 eV). The relaxation time is calculated considering three types of scattering mechanisms. The monolayer outperforms the bulk counterpart in the Seebeck coefficient and power factor for both p‐type and n‐type dopings. Monolayer TlPt2Se3 shows a high p‐type Seebeck coefficient of 211 µV K−1 compared to the n‐type Seebeck coefficient of 103 µV K−1 at maximum considered temperature (600 K) and a carrier concentration (1020 cm−3). The calculated lattice thermal conductivity of monolayer TlPt2Se3 is 1.92 W m−1 K−1 at 600 K which is lower than the monolayer PtSe2 and MoSe2. The p‐type figure of merit of 0.64 (at 600 K) affirms that the monolayer TlPt2Se3 is an excellent thermoelectric material.
Smart Contact Lens with Dual‐Sensing Platform for Monitoring Intraocular Pressure and Matrix Metalloproteinase‐9
Authors: Ye Ying , Ge Yuancai , Zhang Qingwen , Yuan Meiling , Cai Yu , Li Kang , Li Yang , Xie Ruifeng , Xu Changshun , Jiang Danfeng , Qu Jia , Liu Xiaohu , Wang Yi
Published: February 2022

Contact lenses have become a popular health‐monitoring wearable device due to their direct contact with the eyes. By integrating biosensors into contact lenses, real‐time and noninvasive diagnoses of various diseases can be realized. However, current contact lens sensors often require complex electronics, which may obstruct the user's vision or even damage the cornea. Moreover, most of the reported contact lens sensors can only detect one analyte. Therefore, an optical‐based dual‐functional smart contact lens sensor has been introduced to monitor intraocular pressure (IOP) and detect matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), both of which are key biomarkers in many eye‐related diseases such as glaucoma. Specifically, the elevated IOP is continuously monitored by applying an antiopal structure through color changes, without any complex electronics. Together with the peptide modified gold nanobowls (AuNBs) surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate, the quantitative analysis of MMP‐9 at a low nanomolar range is achieved in real tear samples. The dual‐sensing functions are thus demonstrated, providing a convenient, noninvasive, and potentially multifunctional sensing platform for monitoring health and diagnostic biomarkers in human tears.
Flame Spray Pyrolysis as a Synthesis Platform to Assess Metal Promotion in In2O3‐Catalyzed CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Pinheiro Araújo Thaylan , Morales‐Vidal Jordi , Zou Tangsheng , García‐Muelas Rodrigo , Willi Patrik O. , Engel Konstantin M. , Safonova Olga V. , Faust Akl Dario , Krumeich Frank , Grass Robert N. , Mondelli Cecilia , López Núria , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: February 2022

A plethora of metal promoters have been applied to enhance the performance of In2O3 in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol, a prospective energy carrier. However, the lack of systematic catalyst preparation and evaluation precludes a direct comparison of their speciation and promotional effects, and consequently, the design of an optimal system. Herein, flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) is employed as a standardized synthesis method to introduce nine metal promoters (0.5 wt.%) into In2O3. Methanol productivity generally increased on M‐In2O3 with selectivity following Pd ≈ Pt > Rh ≈ Ru ≈ Ir > Ni ≈ Co > Ag ≈ In2O3 > Au. In‐depth characterization, kinetic analyses, and theoretical calculations reveal a range of metal‐dependent speciation which dictate catalyst architecture and degree of promotion. Atomically‐dispersed promoters (Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, and Ir) grant the highest improvement in performance, particularly Pd and Pt, which markedly promote hydrogen activation while hindering undesired CO formation. In contrast, metals in clustered (Ni and Co) and nanoparticle (Ag and Au) forms display moderate and no promotion, respectively. This study provides an atomic‐level understanding of In2O3 promotion based on a unified protocol, and highlights the potential of FSP to engineer complex catalytic systems toward more efficient energy transformations.
Impact of Phase‐Change Memory Flicker Noise and Weight Drift on Analog Hardware Inference for Large‐Scale Deep Learning Networks
Authors: Han Jin-Ping , Rasch Malte J. , Liu Zuoguang , Solomon Paul , Brew Kevin , Cheng Kangguo , Ok Injo , Chan Victor , Longstreet Michael , Kim Wanki , Bruce Robert L. , Cheng Cheng-Wei , Saulnier Nicole , Narayanan Vijay
Published: February 2022

The analog AI core concept is appealing for deep‐learning (DL) because it combines computation and memory functions into a single device. Yet, significant challenges such as noise and weight drift will impact large‐scale analog in‐memory computing. Here, effects of flicker noise and drift on large DL systems are explored using a new flicker‐noise model with memory, which preserves temporal correlations, including a flicker noise figure of merit (FOM) to quantify impacts on system performance. Flicker noise is characterized for (GST) based phase‐change memory (PCM) cells with a discovery of read‐noise asymmetry tied to shape asymmetry of mushroom cells. This experimental read polarity dependence is consistent with Pirovano's trap activation and defect annihilation model in an asymmetric GST cell. The impact of flicker noise and resistance drift of analog PCM synaptic devices on deep‐learning hardware is assessed for six large‐scale deep neural networks (DNNs) used for image classification, finding that the inference top‐1 accuracy degraded with the accumulated device flicker noise and drift as , and , respectively, whereνis the drift coefficient. These negative impacts could be mitigated with a new hardware‐aware (HWA) (pre)‐training of the DNNs, which is applied before programming to the analog arrays.
Paget‐Schroetter syndrome from manual handling at work: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Heo Jaeyeong , Medani Khalid , Juma Haitham
Published: February 2022

Paget‐Schroetter syndrome (PSS) is a primary deep venous thrombosis of the subclavian‐axillary vein complex occurring after repetitive and strenuous use of the shoulders and arms. Here, we report the case of a 24‐year‐old man who presented with left subclavian and axillary vein thrombosis after loading and unloading labor, who was diagnosed with PSS confirmed with Doppler ultrasound, and treated with anticoagulation. By comparing our case with 45 published case reports, we also aim to analyze patient characteristics, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for the disorder.
Operational Detection of Entanglement via Quantum Designs
Authors: Yan Xin , Liu Ye‐Chao , Shang Jiangwei
Published: February 2022

From an operational point of view, several new entanglement detection criteria are proposed using quantum designs. These criteria are constructed by considering the correlations defined with quantum designs. Counter‐intuitively, the criteria with more settings are exactly equivalent to the corresponding ones with the minimal number of settings, namely the symmetric informationally complete positive operator‐valued measures (SIC POVMs). Fundamentally, this observation highlights the potentially unique role played by SIC POVMs in quantum information processing. Experimentally, this provides the minimal number of settings that one should choose for detecting entanglement. Furthermore, it is found that nonlinear criteria are not always better than linear ones for the task of entanglement detection.
ATP‐Induced Emergent Circularly Polarized Luminescence and Encryption
Authors: Fan Huahua , Li Kun , Tu Tao , Zhu Xuefeng , Zhang Li , Liu Minghua
Published: February 2022

Biomimetic ATP‐driven supramolecular assembly is important to understand various biological processes and dissipative systems. Here, we report an ATP‐driven chiral assembly exhibiting circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) via the interaction of an achiral terpyridine‐based ZnII complex with nucleotides. It was found that while the metal complexes could co‐assemble with the nucleotides to form fluorescent assemblies, only a combination of furan‐substituted terpyridine complex and ATP showed an intense CPL with a dissymmetry factor (glum) as high as 0.20. This means that the complex could recognize ATP using CPL as a readout signal, thus providing an example of ATP encryption. Interestingly, when ATP was transferred into ADP or AMP under enzymatic hydrolysis, the CPL decreases or disappears. Addition of ATP generates CPL again, thus producing an ATP‐induced CPL system. This work presents the first example of ATP‐induced CPL and encryption.
Secondary metabolite‐entrapped, anti‐GPA33 targeted poly‐dopamine nanoparticles and their effectiveness in cancer treatment
Authors: Akbal Vural Oznur , Yaman Yesim Tugce , Abaci Serdar
Published: February 2022

In this study, the development of polydopamine nanoparticle (p‐Dop NP) as a drug carrier system for saponin (Sap) and its use in in vitro targeted cancer therapy was investigated. The average diameter of p‐Dop NP was found as 130 nm with a zeta potential of −18 mV and demonstrated high stability even after 6 weeks. The Sap release and cytotoxicity studies were carried out to reveal the effectiveness of the proposed carrier system. The offered approach demonstrated a high loading capacity of Sap as 81% with a sustainable and controlled release of 75%. To prevent the interaction of the anti‐cancer Sap with other healthy tissue and to enhance the targeting of DLD‐1 cells, anti‐GPA33 was immobilized onto the nanoparticle surface via carbodiimide strategy. The anti‐GPA33 and Sap loaded p‐Dop NPs demonstrated enhanced toxicity and cellular uptake compared to untargeted Sap loaded NPs as expected. The offered carrier system revealed simple and efficient targeted cancer therapy ability in vitro and may provide new ideas for the design of targeted delivery systems in the future.
Antiproliferative evaluations of triazoloquinazolines as classical DNA intercalators: Design, synthesis, ADMET profile, and molecular docking
Authors: Eissa Ibrahim H. , Ibrahim Mohamed‐Kamal , Alesawy Mohamed S. , El‐Adl Khaled
Published: February 2022

Novel triazoloquinazolines were designed and synthesized and evaluated as anticancer agents against HepG2 and HCT‐116 cells. The biological testing data corresponded well to those of the molecular docking studies. The HCT‐116 cell line was most affected due to the actions of our derivatives. Derivative 7a was the most potent one against both HepG2 and HCT116 cells, with IC50 = 7.98 and 5.57 µM, respectively. This compound showed anticancer activity that was nearly equipotent to that of doxorubicin against HepG2 cells, but higher than that of doxorubicin against HCT116 cells (IC50 = 7.94 and 8.07 µM, respectively). Compounds 8, 7b, and 6f showed excellent anticancer activities against both the HCT116 and HepG2 cell lines. The highly active compounds 6f, 7a, 7b, and 8 were evaluated for their DNA‐binding activities. Compounds 7a and 8 showed the highest binding activities. These derivatives potently intercalate in DNA, at IC50 values of 42.90 and 48.13 µM, respectively. Derivatives 6f and 7b showed good DNA‐binding activities, with IC50 values of 54.24 and 50.56 µM, respectively. Furthermore, in silico calculated ADMET profiles were established for our four highly active derivatives, in comparison to doxorubicin. Our derivatives 6f, 7a, 7b, and 8 showed a very good ADMET profile. Compounds 6f, 7a, 7b, and 8 follow Lipinski's rules, while doxorubicin violates three of these rules.
Okavango River Bridge in Botsuana, Afrika – steile Zähne am Delta
Authors: Grassl Martin , Benz Thomas
Published: February 2022

Der Fluss Okavango im afrikanischen Botsuana mündet in ein inländisches Delta. Die dadurch entstehenden fruchtbaren Gebiete bilden die Grundlage für den einmaligen Artenreichtum der Flora und Fauna – ein Anziehungspunkt für Touristen aus aller Welt. Um die Erschließung des nordöstlichen Teils des Deltas zu erleichtern, wurde entschieden, die bestehende Fährverbindung durch eine feste Brückenverbindung als Schrägseilbrücke zu ersetzen. Die Pylone wurden, um den Symbolcharakter des Bauwerks zu unterstreichen, in einer speziellen Gestaltungsidee als A‐Pylone in der Form von sich kreuzenden Elefantenzähnen entworfen. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die Entwurfsgeschichte sowie die Umsetzung des Sondervorschlags der Ausführung mit seinen wichtigen Details. Die Bauausführung erfolgt vor Ort seit dem Jahre 2018. Die feierliche Eröffnung und die Verkehrsfreigabe erfolgen ungefähr zeitgleich mit dem Erscheinen der vorliegenden Ausgabe der Bautechnik. Das Bauwerk wird einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Verbesserung und Entwicklung der Infrastruktur des Okavango‐Deltas leisten.
Eco‐friendly nonconjugated polymer dots for chemiluminometric determination of 4‐nitrophenol
Authors: Haghighi Shishavan Yalda , Amjadi Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Polymer dots (PDs) are a new family of quantum dots for which their behavior and potential applications have not yet been completely explored. In this study, nonconjugated PDs were synthesized using a simple pyrolysis method and used for the chemiluminescence (CL) assay of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP). PDs increased the CL signal of the Ce(IV)–Na2SO3 reaction 39‐fold. Using the CL spectrum, it was concluded that the emission at 434 nm was generated by excited PDs (PDs*), which are produced by energy transfer from SO2* to PDs. Our experiments showed that 4‐NP enhanced the CL signal of the Ce(IV)–Na2SO3–PDs reaction. The mechanism of this effect was explored by obtaining CL, ultraviolet–visible, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Due to the high sensitivity and selectivity of the CL system for 4‐NP, a probe was designed to determine 4‐NP in the linear range 1.0–500 nmol/L with a detection limit of 0.33 nmol/L. Different spiked real samples were successfully analyzed using this probe.
Adaptive multi‐degree‐of‐freedom in situ bioprinting robot for hair‐follicle‐inclusive skin repair: A preliminary study conducted in mice
Authors: Zhao Wenxiang , Chen Haiyan , Zhang Yi , Zhou Dezhi , Liang Lun , Liu Boxun , Xu Tao
Published: February 2022

Skin acts as an essential barrier, protecting organisms from their environment. For skin trauma caused by accidental injuries, rapid healing, personalization, and functionality are vital requirements in clinical, which are the bottlenecks hindering the translation of skin repair from benchside to bedside. Herein, we described a novel design and a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of an adaptive bioprinting robot to proceed rapid in situ bioprinting on a full‐thickness excisional wound in mice. The three‐dimensional (3D) scanning and closed‐loop visual system integrated in the robot and the multi‐degree‐of‐freedom mechanism provide immediate, precise, and complete wound coverage through stereotactic bioprinting, which hits the key requirements of rapid‐healing and personalization in skin repair. Combined with the robot, epidermal stem cells and skin‐derived precursors isolated from neonatal mice mixed with Matrigel were directly printed into the injured area to replicate the skin structure. Excisional wounds after bioprinting showed complete wound healing and functional skin tissue regeneration that closely resembling native skin, including epidermis, dermis, blood vessels, hair follicles and sebaceous glands etc. This study provides an effective strategy for skin repair through the combination of the novel robot and a bioactive bioink, and has a promising clinical translational potential for further applications.
Surgical site infection following minimally invasive lobectomy: Is robotic surgery superior?
Authors: Hou Yucheng , Hu Yeyan , Song Weijian , Zhang Jianfeng , Luo Qingquan , Zhou Qianjun
Published: February 2022

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) in thoracic surgery remains a significant cause of morbidity and prolonged hospitalization. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has significantly reduced the risk of SSI. We intended to compare whether there was difference between video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robotic‐assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) in SSI and highlight possible factors influencing SSI in lobectomy.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent minimally invasive lobectomy from January 2018 to December 2019. All patients' clinical characteristics and surgery‐related information which may be related to the likelihood of SSI were recorded.

Results

A total of 1231 patients' records were reviewed with 806 VATS and 425 RATS. SSI was classified as deep or superficial SSI. Eighty‐six (7.0%) patients were found to develop an SSI with 62 patients having deep infections and 24 had superficial infection. No statistical difference in the incidence rate and category of SSI was observed between patients undergoing VATS and RATS.

Conclusions

There was no difference in the incidence of SSI between VATS and RATS lobectomy. Male gender, heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, body mass index (BMI) > 27.9, more blood loss, and the higher National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) risk index score (1 or 2) were the independent risk factors of SSI following minimally invasive lobectomy, while male gender, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, BMI > 27.9, more blood loss and the higher NHSN risk index score (1 or 2) were the main predictors of deep SSI.
Isolation, Characterization and in Silico Studies of Secondary Metabolites from Jurinea macrocephala DC. with Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Gürbüz Perihan , Doğan Şengül Dilem , Gündüz Miyase Gözde , Uzun Kübra , Uzunhisarcıklı Ebru , Yerer Mükerrem Betül
Published: February 2022

In the present work, cytotoxic potential of Jurinea macrocephala DC. (Asteraceae) was evaluated on A549 lung cancer and MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines. Isolation studies were carried out using various and repetitive chromatographic methods in order to determine the phytochemical profile of the extracts. These studies led to the identification of twelve compounds; four triterpenes (1–4) and eight flavonoids (5–12). Spectroscopic examination (1D and 2D NMR, ESI‐MS) and comparison with relevant literature data were used to deduce the structures of all isolated molecules. To rationalize the obtained cytotoxicity data against breast cancer cell lines, the isolated compounds were docked into the binding site of aromatase, an important target enzyme for the treatment of breast cancer. Molecular docking studies revealed that flavonoids without sugar moieties (5–8) showed the best binding affinities. Overall, these mentioned compounds turned out to be also the most appropriate oral drug candidates after the calculation of their Lipinski parameters.
Asperbenzophenone A and Versicolamide C, New Fungal Metabolites from the Soft Coral Derived Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41036
Authors: Long Jieyi , Pang Xiaoyan , Lin Xiuping , Liao Shengrong , Zhou Xuefeng , Wang Junfeng , Yang Bin , Liu Yonghong
Published: February 2022

Two new compounds, asperbenzophenone A (1) and versicolamide C (5), together with fifteen known compounds were isolated from a soft coral derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41036. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, ECD analysis, and by a comparison with data from the literature. In bioassay, compound 8 showed significant inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide‐inducted nitric oxide (NO) in RAW264.7 cells at the concentration of 10 μM. Additionally, the anti‐acetylcholinesterase activity assay showed that 14 exhibited weak inhibition with an IC50 value of 157.8 μM.
Three New Aglain Derivatives from Aglaia odorata Lour. and Their Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Wu Pan‐Feng , Liu Juan , Li Ya‐Nan , Ding Ru , Tan Rong , Yang Xiao‐Meng , Yu Yan , Hao Xiao‐Jiang , Yuan Chun‐Mao , Yi Ping
Published: February 2022

Three new aglain derivatives (1–3), one known aglain derivative (4), two known rocaglamide derivatives (5 and 6), four known triterpenoids (7–10), and three steroids (11–13) were isolated from Aglaia odorata Lour. Their structures were established through the analysis of detailed spectroscopic data and electronic circular dichroism calculations. Five compounds (1 and 4–7) exhibited cytotoxic activities on human leukemia cells (HEL) and human breast cancer cells with IC50 values in the range of 0.03–8.40 μM. In particular, the cytotoxicity of compound 5 was six times stronger than that of the positive control (adriamycin) in HEL cell lines.
COVID‐19 vaccine‐induced Radiation Recall Dermatitis: Report of a case
Authors: Sepaskhah Mozhdeh , Ansari Asl Fatemeh , Taheri Mehrnoosh , Akbarzadeh Jahromi Mojgan
Published: February 2022

Radiation Recall Dermatitis (RRD) is an inflammatory process in the site of irradiation, induced by physical and medical agents. Few cases of RRD in the skin and lung have been reported after COVID‐19 vaccination. Here, we report radiation recall dermatitis after both doses of inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine (Sinopharm, China).
A rare presentation of a splenic abscess
Authors: Weledji Elroy Patrick , Zouna Frank
Published: February 2022

Although the spleen is frequently enlarged in association with systemic infection, splenic abscesses are rare. They result from direct or hematogenous spread, or when a hematoma becomes infected. We present a case of the rare splenic abscess in a low‐resource setting.
Heterostructure‐Regulated Metal Silicates Composite Material for Enhancing the Lithium‐Ion Batteries Performance
Authors: He Lanqi , Wang Qiushi , Feng Jin , Xie Zezhong , Zhou Junyi , Fei Fei
Published: February 2022

Noticeable surface reaction in the energy storage mechanism has attracted tremendous research due to its relationship with electrochemical capacity and rate capability. In this work, in‐situ grown heterostructured metal silicates are prepared through a facile hydrothermal method. The composites are employed as anodes for supercapacitor and lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The ratio of cobalt and copper in the heterostructure has a significant effect on its properties, including porosity, electrical conductivity, and pseudo‐capacitance contribution during the energy storage process. The combination of metal silicates, heterostructure, and porous bio‐mass derived carbon into one system results in a unique electrode material with optimized reaction kinetics. The integration leads to a superior capacity and rate capability. Specifically, the cobalt silicate/copper silicate heterostructure composites present improved electrochemical performance as anode for LIBs and supercapacitor. For lithium‐ion storage, the B‐C@CoCuSi‐(3‐1) delivers a capacity of 574.5 mAh g−1. When used as an anode material for supercapacitor, the B‐C@CoCuSi‐(1‐3) shows a capacitance of 80.4 F g−1.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of 1,1,4,4‐Tetracyanobutadienes Derived from Ynamides Bearing Fluorophores**
Authors: Philippe Clotilde , Bui Anh Thy , Beau Maxime , Bloux Hugo , Riobé François , Mongin Olivier , Roisnel Thierry , Cordier Marie , Paul Frédéric , Lemiègre Loïc , Trolez Yann
Published: February 2022

1,1,4,4‐Tetracyanobutadienes (TCBDs) bearing a large diversity of fluorophores were prepared following a multi‐step synthesis. In a crucial last step, all compounds were obtained from the corresponding ynamides, which were particularly suitable for the formation of the TCBDs in the presence of tetracyanoethylene via a [2+2] cycloaddition/retroelectrocyclization step (CA‐RE). Several fluorenyl derivatives in addition to phenanthrenyl and terphenyl ones provided ynamide‐based TCBDs affording remarkable emission properties covering a large range of wavelengths. Those compounds emit both in solid state and in solution from the visible region to the NIR range, depending on the molecular structures. Quantum yields in cyclohexane reached unforeseen values for such derivatives, up to 7.8 %. A huge sensitivity to the environment of the TCBDs has also been unraveled for most of the compounds since we observed a dramatic fall of the quantum yields when changing the solvent from cyclohexane to toluene, while they are almost non‐emissive in dichloromethane.
Multidrug Idebenone/Naproxen Co‐loaded Aspasomes for Significant in vivo Anti‐inflammatory Activity
Authors: d'Avanzo Nicola , Cristiano Maria Chiara , Di Marzio Luisa , Bruno Maria Chiara , Paolino Donatella , Celia Christian , Fresta Massimo
Published: February 2022

The use of proper nanocarriers for dermal and transdermal delivery of anti‐inflammatory drugs recently gained several attentions in the scientific community because they pass intact and accumulate payloads in the deepest layers of skin tissue. Ascorbyl palmitate‐based vesicles (aspasomes) can be considered a promising nanocarrier for dermal and transdermal delivery due to their skin whitening properties and suitable delivery of payloads through the skin. The aim of this study was the synthesis of multidrug Idebenone/naproxen co‐loaded aspasomes for the development of an effective anti‐inflammatory nanomedicine. Aspasomes had suitable physicochemical properties and were safe in vivo if topically applied on human healthy volunteers. Idebenone/naproxen co‐loaded aspasomes demonstrated an increased therapeutic efficacy of payloads compared to the commercially available Naprosyn® gel, with a rapid decrease of chemical‐induced erythema on human volunteers. These promising results strongly suggested a potential application of Idebenone/naproxen multidrug aspasomes for the development of an effective skin anti‐inflammatory therapy.
Ambient air exposures to arsenic and cadmium and overall and prostate cancer–specific survival among prostate cancer cases in Pennsylvania, 2004 to 2014
Authors: McDonald Alicia C. , Gernand Jeremy , Geyer Nathaniel R. , Wu Hongke , Yang Yanxu , Wang Ming
Published: February 2022

Background

Exposures to arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) have been associated with higher prostate cancer (PC) mortality; however, these associations have been inconsistent. The authors investigated whether higher ambient air concentrations of As and Cd are associated with lower overall and PC‐specific survival among PC cases in Pennsylvania.

Methods

Incident PC cases of patients, aged 40 years or older, with a clinical diagnosis and nonmetastatic disease were identified in the 2004 to 2014 Pennsylvania Cancer Registry. Demographic, clinical, and pathologic information were extracted from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry. The 3‐ and 5‐year average and cumulative air concentrations of As and Cd were extracted from the Environmental Protection Agency's Toxics Release Inventory database. Spatial‐temporal hierarchical accelerated failure time models were used to examine the associations between air concentrations of As and Cd and overall and PC‐specific survival for the total population and stratified by geographical region defined by rurality and Appalachia status, after adjusting for confounders.

Results

There were 78,914 PC cases included. Increasing 3‐ and 5‐year average and cumulative air concentrations of As and Cd were significantly associated with lower overall and PC‐specific survival among cases, after adjusting for confounders, for the total population, and stratified by geographical region for most of the estimates.

Conclusions

Data suggest that increasing ambient air exposures to As and Cd may play a role in overall and PC‐specific mortality risk among PC cases. Exposures to As and Cd are modifiable and may provide insight into potential strategies to improve PC health outcomes.

Lay Summary

Arsenic and cadmium exposures linked to increased prostate cancer deaths remain unclear.

We investigated whether air levels of arsenic and cadmium reported to be released from industries decrease overall and prostate cancer–specific survival among prostate cancer cases identified in the 2004 to 2014 Pennsylvania Cancer Registry.

Among the 78,914 prostate cancer cases, increasing air levels of arsenic and cadmium are found to be associated with lower overall and prostate cancer–specific survival for the total population and within rural and urban Appalachia and urban non‐Appalachia counties in Pennsylvania.

Reducing exposures to arsenic and cadmium have the potential to decrease prostate cancer deaths.