bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and Antibiogram Profile of Enterococcus Species from Local Cheese Sample within Ikare and Akungba Akoko, Ondo State Nigeria
Authors: Charles Osunla Ayodeji
Published: October 2021

Enterococci are part of the normal intestinal flora of humans and animals and are increasingly recognized as significant human pathogens and capable of causing major therapeutic challenges. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Enterococcus species in two local cheese sample collected from Akungba and Ikare. The isolation of Enterococcus was carried out using standard culture-based techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the Enterococcus species was determined using disk diffusion method. A total number of 93 presumptive Enterococcus species were recovered from forty two different samples over a period of three months. The bacterial count observed on the Bile Aesculin agar ranged from 1.5x104 cfu/ml to 4.6x104 cfu/ml with Akungba sample having the highest bacterial load of 4.6x104 cfu/ml. The Morphology and biochemical characteristics of suspected Enterococcus spp. isolated from the cheese sample revealed Enterococci feacalis as the isolated bacteria. The isolated Enterococcus species were tested against a panel of six antibiotics which include Penicillin G, Vancomycin, Tetracycline, Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin and Imipenem. It was observed that the isolates were susceptible to tetracycline, imipinem and ciprofloxacin while they are resistant to ciprofloxacin and vancomycin. The prevalence of Enterococci was confirmed with Enterococcus feacium and Enterococcus faecalis as the predominant species isolated in both cheese sample. The ability of Enterococcus species to survive a range of adverse environments allows multiple routes of cross-contamination of Enterococci in causing human disease, including those from food. Overall, greater understanding of the ability of Enterococcus species to survive stresses, of virulence traits and especially of increasing antibiotic resistance, is needed in order to fully appreciate the complexity of Enterococcus species in causing disease.
Degradation of Remazol Black dye from Aqueous Solution by Heterogeneous NH3(MoO3)3/H2O2 System
Authors: Yao Urbain Kouakou , Ollo Kambiré , Urbain Paul Gnonsoro , Sévérin Eroi N’goran , Albert Trokourey
Published: October 2021

Aims: The pollution of the environment by organic dyes in water is a matter of great concern. Wastewater containing dyes is difficult to treat by conventional wastewater treatment methods such as coagulation, ozonation, biological treatment, etc. This is why the implementation of an effective method by not generating pollutants secondary is necessary.

The objective of this work is to study the degradation of remazol black, an azo dye, by the coupling of hydrogen peroxide - molybdenum oxide nanoparticle. The nanoparticles were synthesized by the aqueous sol-gel method using a reflux assembly.

Study Design: Random design.

Methodology: The nanoparticles were synthesized by the aqueous sol-gel method using a reflux assembly and then characterized by X-ray diffraction and using software origin to determine the particles size by Scherrer's formula. The influence of hydrogen peroxide, molybdenum oxide and hydrogen peroxide / molybdenum oxide coupling, and the degradation kinetics of remazol black were studied. We also studied the influence of the pH of the solution, the mass of molybdenum nanoparticles and the concentration of remazol black on the dye degradation process.

Results: The results showed that the synthesized oxide is ammonium molybdenum trioxide NH3(MoO3)3) with a hexagonal structure and size 22.79 nm. The study of the catalytic effect revealed a degradation rate of 17%, 0.83% and 42% respectively for H2O2, NH3(MoO3)3 and the coupling NH3(MoO3)3/H2O2. The study also showed that the degradation of remazol black by the couple NH3(MoO3)3 /H2O2 is better at pH = 4 and for a mass of nanoparticles of 400 mg. This degradation kinetics are pseudo 1st order. In addition, the degradation rate decreases when the concentration of remazol black increases. The efficiency of the coupling (NH3(MoO3)3 / H2O2 showed at ambient temperature, that it was possible to remove about 60% of the initial color of remazol black from the water in a batch reaction.

Conclusion: The reflux method makes it possible to synthesize molybdenum nanoparticles. The molybdenum oxide hetero-Fenton process is effective in removing remazol black dye from water.
Diabetes Mellitus as a Risk Factor for Drug Resistance Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study at King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah
Authors: M. D. Abulkalam Sumyia Mehrin , Kadi Mai , A. Gaddoury Mahmoud , Khalid Albishi Wallaa
Published: October 2021

Background: The association between tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is re-emerging with the epidemic of type II diabetes. Both TB and DM were of the top 10 causes of death.[1] This study explores diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for developing the different antitubercular drug-resistant (DR) patterns among TB patients. 

Methods: A retrospective cohort study has been conducted on all TB cases reported to the King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, between January 2012 to January 2021. All culture-confirmed and PCR-positive TB cases were included in this study. Categorical baseline characteristic of TB patient has been compared with DM status by using Fisher's exact and Pearson chi-square test. The univariable and multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between DM and different drug resistance patterns. 

Results: Of the total 695 diagnosed TB patients, 92 (13.24%) are resistant to 1st line anti TB drugs. Among 92 DR-TB patients, 36 (39.13%) are diabetic. The percentage of different patterns of DR-TB with DM, in the case of mono DR (12.09%), poly DR (4.19%) MDR (0.547%). As a risk factor, DM has a significant association with DR-TB, mono drug-resistant, and pyrazinamide-resistant TB (P-value <0.05). The MDR and PDR separately do not show any significant association with DM, but for further analysis, it shows a significant association with DM when we combined. 

Conclusion: Our study identified diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for developing DR-TB. Better management of DM and TB infection caring programs among DM patients might improve TB control and prevent DR-TB development in KSA.
Broadening Genetic Base of Rice and Identification of Pre-Breeding Lines for Resistance to Brown Plant Hopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål.)
Authors: Chandra Rath Prakash , Bose Lotan Kumar , Jambhulkar Nitiprasad Namdeorao , Subudhi Hata Nath , Kumari Kar Meera
Published: October 2021

Pre-breeding includes basic research to achieve wide crosses and facilitate the use of exotic materials or wild relatives for both qualitative and quantitative traits. The main objective is to provide breeders with more ‘attractive’ PGR that are easier to use, i.e. resistance sources in acceptable genetic background; or inbreeding tolerant forms of out crossing species for hybrid breeding. Forty seven pre-breeding lines were evaluated against Brown Plant Hopper under glasshouse condition over a period of two years (2018 and 2019). Out of these, two pre-breeding lines were moderately resistant to BPH having score 3. Two pre-breeding lines were moderately susceptible to BPH having score 5, five lines were susceptible having score 7 and rest thirty nine pre-breeding lines were highly susceptible to BPH with a score of 9.
Design and Construction of a Microcontroller-Based Driver Alcohol Detection System (MDADS)
Authors: Benjamin O. Adegoke , Stephen F. Oladoye
Published: October 2021

Aims: Vehicle accidents on most highways had caused a lot of losses. Many sustained injuries that marred them and left families helpless. Nigeria highways are not exempted. Drunk-driving increases tendency, severity and causality of crashes. Effects of auto crash damage to lives and properties necessitated the development of the Microcontroller-based Driver Alcohol Detection System (MDADS).

Study Design: The system employed ATMega328p microcontroller (CU) which coordinated operations of 7 units that made the MDADS. The units are: Sensor Unit (SU), Switch (S), Power Unit (PU); LCD Indicating Unit (LIU), Alarm Unit (AU), DC motor (Ignition) Unit (IU) and Liquid Crystal Display Unit (LCDU).

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted for 7 months in the Department of Computer Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji (FEDPOLEL), Nigeria. It was conducted between October 2020 and July 2021.

Methodology: Once the MDADS is ON, it assesses presence of alcohol in the endogenous alcohol molecules from the driver with the help of the SU. The SU sends signal to CU to control and sends signal to trigger the IU, AU and the LCDU of the MDADS, if the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) exceeds the stipulated threshold 0.29ml/l. 60s tolerance was given to driver to switch OFF the ignition. If driver refuses to comply by switching OFF the ignition, the CU sends a “SWITCH OFF” signal to the IU, the LCDU displays “Drunk” and the buzzer continuously sounds alarm. The designed system was tested and parameters for evaluation were taken. The parameters among other includes True Acceptance Rate (TAR), False Acceptance Rate (FAR), Unable to Accept Rate (UAR) and Detection Accuracy (DA),

Results: TAR were 0.81, 0.79, and 0.77 for man, alcoholic drinks and herbal mixture respectively. FAR were 0.03, 0.00, and 0.00 for man, alcoholic drinks and herbal mixture, respectively. For human being, Precision (P) and Recall concept (R) were 0.04 and 0.15 respectively while for P and R for others were negligible.

Conclusion: The results reveals that the system can be profitably employed for and improved safety on the highways through precise warning before “switching off” of car engine. A further design should be done to differentiate vividly between drunk drivers and presence of other alcoholic substances such as drugs that contain some alcoholic contents, petrol, methylated spirit and alcoholic drinks.
Simple Hplc Method Development for the Estimation of Galantamine Hydrobromide in Extended-Release Formulation
Authors: Gayke Amol U. , Shukla Karunakar , Jain Sourabh
Published: October 2021

For the determination of Galantamine Hydrobromide in bulk and produced extended formulation, a new sensitive and quick HPLC technique was developed and validated according to ICH guidelines. The HPLC analysis was carried out using a waters system with a Thermo Scientific C18 (steel column (5 µm, 250mm × 4.6 mm)) column and a mobile phase of 0.1M phosphate buffer: Acetonitrile (40:60V/V) pH adjusted to 4.5 with orthophosphoric acid, at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection was done at a wavelength of 203 nm, and galantamine hydrobromide had a retention time of 8.0 minutes. Over the concentration range of 1-10 g/ml, the calibration plot revealed a linear relationship. The accuracy of the proposed method was determined by recovery studies and was found to be near to 100 and % RSD value was found less than 2. The repeatability testing for both standard and sample solutions showed that the method is precise within the acceptable limits. RSD % of the determination of precision was <2%. The proposed method showed excellent linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, robustness and system suitability results within the acceptance criteria. In addition, Saturation solubility of Galantamine Hydrobromide was determined in different pH mediums and it was found that Galantamine Hydrobromide has pH-dependent solubility, freely soluble in alkaline pH, and insoluble in acidic pH.
Transferosomes as a Novel Therapeutic Delivery System: A Review
Authors: Iqubal Risvana , Mathew Vimal , M. Kumar , V. Najiya Nasri K. , Shamsudheen Safeetha , D. Umamaheswari
Published: October 2021

The poor penetration rate of the skin as a natural barrier makes transdermal drug delivery problematic. To increase transdermal dispersion of bioactives, electrophoresis, iontophoresis, chemical permeation enhancers, microneedles, sonophoresis, and vesicular systems such as liposomes, niosomes, elastic liposomes such as ethosomes, and transferosomes have all been used. Among these, transferosomes appear to be a promising option. Transferosomes are elastomeric or deformable vesicles that were originally discovered in the early 1990s. They're novel vesicular drug carrier system composed of phospholipid, surfactant, and water that improves transdermal drug delivery. Because of their low toxicity, biodegradability, ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules, ability to prolong the drug's existence in the systemic circulation by encapsulation in vesicles, ability to target organs and tissues, and ability to reduce drug toxicity while increasing bioavailability, these vesicles are preferred over others. These vesicles undergo deformation, changes its shape and easily penetrates through the skin pores. There are two phases in any technique for preparing transferosomes. First, a thin film is hydrated before being sonicated to the required size; next, sonicated vesicles are homogenized by extrusion through a polycarbonate membrane. Transferosomes are evaluated for its entrapment efficiency, their drug content , in-vitro drug release, degree of deformability, turbidity, surface charge and morphology. Transferosomes are said to have a number of applications like delivery of vaccines,proteins, Anti-cancer drugs,anesthetics,herbal drugs and has better patient compliance,improved bio-availability and site-specific delivery and can serve as an emerging tool for transdermal delivery of almost all drugs and bio-actives.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Three Oral Health Education Interventions in Maintaining Oral Hygiene of Cerebral Palsy Children
Authors: Chandarana Ishita , Kariya Pratik B. , Singh Sweta , Buch Adrija
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Cerebral palsy [CP] is a group of neuromuscular disorders which affects the development of movement and posture, limiting normal functional activity. Thus, it is presumed to establish an early contact with CP children to diagnose oral diseases and to introduce certain preventive home care measures to maintain good oral health. This study was conducted to check the effectiveness of three different oral health education modalities among cerebral palsy patients.

Methodology: A cross-sectional interventional study was conducted among 60 Cerebral Palsy children aged 8 to 15 years from the selected residential schools for neurodevelopmental disabilities of Vadodara. Participants from a particular school were divided randomly into 3 groups based on different oral health education modalities. Group A: These children and their caretaker were given normal verbal instruction on how to brush their teeth by Fone’s technique on a one-to-one basis. Group B: These children and their caretaker were given a tooth brushing demonstration on a tooth model. Group C: These children and their caretaker were shown an audiovisual clip showing how to brush. The oral hygiene practice was reinforced every visit. OHI-S index was recorded on the day of the demonstration, 7 days and 14 days by the principal investigator, and analyzed.

Results: The audio-visual method group showed a marked reduction in the OHI-S score measured from baseline to day 14 when compared to the verbal and model group that is 1.76±0.96 when compared to other two groups that are group A with OHI-S score 2.36±0.96 and GROUP B with OHI-S score 2.51±0.87.  The confidence of the interval was -CI=0.044-1.470. The results were the statistically significant result. (p value<0.035)Also, Group C showed a significant reduction in the DI scores as compared to the other two groups.

Conclusion: The audiovisual method with brushing video can be effectively used to maintain the good oral hygiene and gingival health of children with Cerebral Palsy. The audiovisual method helps to overcome their motor difficulties and their limited ability to perform dental plaque control.
Choroidal Tubercles, an Ocular Presentation in Tuberculosis- a Retrospective Observational Hospital-based Study
Authors: Raina Rohit , Chhabra Neha
Published: October 2021

Aim: To find the prevalence of choroidal tubercles in tuberculosis patients.

Introduction: Tuberculosis is the most common cause of infectious cause of death especially in endemic countries. Tuberculosis infection spreads hematogenously from primary infection site to rest of the body. Ocular presentation manifests in the form of choroidal tubercles being the most common fundus change.

Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective, observational hospital-based study. Total 100 tuberculosis patients were studied and their data were collected from Hospital record system from February 2020 to March 2021. Fundus examinations were reviewed and most common ocular presentation was found to be choroidal tubercles.

Observations and Results: During the study period, out of 100 patients, 60% were females and 40% were males. Fundus changes were present in 14% patients and these were choroidal tubercles in 12% patients and papillitis in 2%. Choroidal tubercles were present in 7 females and 5 males.

Conclusion: We concluded that choroidal tubercles is one of the most common form of ocular tuberculosis. Detection of choroidal inflammation can prevent visual loss as the ocular lesion resolves fully with timely management.
sentidos da diversidade: políticas culturais e coletivos audiovisuais
Authors: Venanzoni Thiago Siqueira
Published: October 2021

Este artigo busca compreender o deslocamento do sentido de diversidade ao longo da década de 2010 a partir das produções de coletivos audiovisuais que surgiram neste período. As ações culturais dessa década enfatizaram a diversidade cultural e tiveram como eixo o território audiovisual e a descentralização do fomento da área, uma vez que as transformações produziram novas narrativas e novos modos de compreender a diversidade, tanto em sentido local como global. Para este fim, olharemos dois processos de construção de coletivos e produções: os novos territórios de produção e, posteriormente, outros sentidos interseccionais.
Minha história é suada igual dança no ilê, ninguém vai me dizer o meu lugar
Authors: Pinheiro Mendes Lorraine
Published: October 2021

Este artigo visa analisar a agência poética negra coletiva como saída para os modelos de representação de negritude na história da arte branco-brasileira. Ao romper com tais maneiras de representar, as artistas criam soluções ou vias coletivas de autodefinição. Tendo a memória como ferramenta que contraria o discurso histórico hegemônico, a ação dessas artistas evoca princípios caros à afrocentricidade, para dar o golpe que fará colapsar a mirada colonial do mundo e o sistema de arte brancocêntrico.
Apresentação
Authors: Guedes Cíntia , Santana Tiganá
Published: October 2021

Apresentação do Dossiê por Cíntia Guedes e Tiganá Santana.
Making sense of IL‐6 signalling cues in pathophysiology
Authors: Millrine David , Jenkins Robert H. , Hughes Stuart T. O. , Jones Simon A.
Published: October 2021

Unravelling the molecular mechanisms that account for functional pleiotropy is a major challenge for researchers in cytokine biology. Cytokine–receptor cross‐reactivity and shared signalling pathways are considered primary drivers of cytokine pleiotropy. However, reports epitomized by studies of Jak‐STAT cytokine signalling identify interesting biochemical and epigenetic determinants of transcription factor regulation that affect the delivery of signal‐dependent cytokine responses. Here, a regulatory interplay between STAT transcription factors and their convergence to specific genomic enhancers support the fine‐tuning of cytokine responses controlling host immunity, functional identity, and tissue homeostasis and repair. In this review, we provide an overview of the signalling networks that shape the way cells sense and interpret cytokine cues. With an emphasis on the biology of interleukin‐6, we highlight the importance of these mechanisms to both physiological processes and pathophysiological outcomes.
Atomic‐Scale Characterization of Negative Differential Resistance in Ferroelectric Bi2WO6
Authors: Song Chuangye , Mao Huican , Yang Yuben , Liu Xin , Yin Zhiping , Hu Zhenpeng , Wu Kehui , Zhang Jinxing
Published: October 2021

Negative differential resistance (NDR), a quantum nonlinear electron transport process, has long attracted research interest owing to its intriguing underlying physics and promising applications in high‐speed electronics. Here, the authors report the NDR behavior in (001)‐oriented ferroelectric Bi2WO6 using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The current–voltage characteristics of the diode configuration consisting of an STM tip over the [BiO]+‐[WO4]2−‐[BiO]+ terrace exhibit NDR features. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy combined with density functional theory calculations indicates that the observed NDR results from robust resonant tunneling through confined energy levels within the 2D [WO4]2− layer. The atomically resolved NDR found in such a transition metal oxide offers a unique band structure for novel ferroelectric‐based devices.
Ultrasound‐Augmented Nanocatalytic Ferroptosis Reverses Chemotherapeutic Resistance and Induces Synergistic Tumor Nanotherapy
Authors: Zheng Yi , Li Xin , Dong Caihong , Ding Li , Huang Hui , Zhang Tianhu , Chen Yu , Wu Rong
Published: October 2021

Inducing ferroptosis has been acknowledged as an emerging strategy to kill drug‐resistant tumor cells, but how to efficiently induce ferroptosis at the tumor site and enhance its therapeutic efficacy are still highly challenging. In this work, an ultrasound (US)‐augmented nanocatalytic ferroptosis strategy is implemented by a GA‐Fe(II)‐based liposomal nanosystem, which simultaneously encapsulates doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), for reversing chemotherapeutic resistance and inducing synergistic ferroptosis/apoptosis‐based nanotherapy. GA‐Fe(II), as an iron‐containing Fenton catalyst that catalyzes the persistent conversion of H2O2 to hydroxyl radicals, is utilized to deplete glutathione and deliver excess iron into cells for accumulating lipid peroxidation and inducing ferroptosis in DOX‐resistant MCF‐7/ADR cancer cells. US irradiation is capable of promoting cell phagocytosis of nano‐agents, enhancing Fenton reaction, and controlling drug release at tumor sites to strengthen nanocatalytic therapy. Transcriptomics analysis reveals that the US‐augmented Fenton reaction enables the down‐regulation of PGC‐1α and Bcl‐2 expression, rendering MCF‐7/ADR cells susceptible to DOX‐induced apoptosis. The distinct US‐responsive Fenton reaction collaborating with chemotherapy substantially reverses tumor drug resistance and achieves high tumor‐killing efficacy in MCF‐7/ADR cells and MCF‐7/ADR tumor‐bearing mice, suggesting that such a synergistic ferroptosis/apoptosis‐targeting strategy is instructive to the future design of therapeutic regimens against drug‐resistant tumors.
Vacuum‐Assisted Preparation of High‐Quality Quasi‐2D Perovskite Thin Films for Large‐Area Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Chen Chaoran , Zeng Linxiang , Jiang Zhengyan , Xu Zhenhua , Chen Yijun , Wang Zhen , Chen Shi , Xu Baomin , Mai Yaohua , Guo Fei
Published: October 2021

Recent years have witnessed marked progress in the electroluminescence efficiency of perovskite‐based light emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Nevertheless, the majority of highly efficient devices feature only several square millimeters with the perovskite emitting layers deposited by nonscalable methods, which hinders their intriguing application in large‐area lightings and displays. Here, a robust crystallization protocol is devised for the deposition of high‐quality perovskite emitting layers by blade coating. Central to this method is the deployment of a vacuum process to the freshly coated precursor film, thereby achieving controllable crystallization kinetics by decoupling precursor deposition and the subsequent thermal annealing. Accordingly, dense and uniform perovskite thin films with efficient energy funneling among the evenly distributed 2D and 3D phases are obtained. PeLED devices based on the vacuum‐processed quasi‐2D cesium lead tribromide layers achieve high external quantum efficiencies of 8.24% and 6.12% on active areas of 0.12 and 1 cm2, respectively. The scalability of the technology is further demonstrated by fabricating a 3.5 × 3.5 cm2 device with bright and uniform emitting characteristic. This work offers a viable approach for further advancing the performance of large‐area PeLEDs by scalable methods.
Tunicate‐Inspired Photoactivatable Proteinic Nanobombs for Tumor‐Adhesive Multimodal Therapy
Authors: Jeong Yeonsu , Jo Yun Kee , Kim Mou Seung , Joo Kye Il , Cha Hyung Joon
Published: October 2021

Near‐IR (NIR) light‐responsive multimodal nanotherapeutics have been proposed to achieve improved therapeutic efficacy and high specificity in cancer therapy. However, their clinical application is still elusive due to poor biometabolization and short retention at the target site. Here, innovative photoactivatable vanadium‐doped adhesive proteinic nanoparticles (NPs) capable of allowing biological photoabsorption and NIR‐responsive anticancer therapeutic effects to realize trimodal photothermal‐gas‐chemo‐therapy treatments in a highly biocompatible, site‐specific manner are proposed. The photoactivatable tumor‐adhesive proteinic NPs can enable efficient photothermal conversion via tunicate‐inspired catechol–vanadium complexes as well as prolonged tumor retention by virtue of mussel protein‐driven distinctive adhesiveness. The incorporation of a thermo‐sensitive nitric oxide donor and doxorubicin into the photoactivatable adhesive proteinic NPs leads to synergistic anticancer therapeutic effects as a result of photothermal‐triggered “bomb‐like” multimodal actions. Thus, this protein‐based phototherapeutic tumor‐adhesive NPs have great potential as a spatiotemporally controllable therapeutic system to accomplish effective therapeutic implications for the complete ablation of cancer.
Lysosome‐Targeted and Fluorescence‐Turned “On” Cytotoxicity Induced by Alkaline Phosphatase‐Triggered Self‐Assembly
Authors: Wu Chengfan , Wang Chenchen , Zhang Tong , Gao Ge , Wei Mengxing , Chen Yinglu , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Fuqiang , Liang Gaolin
Published: October 2021

Selectively inducing lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. But integrating alkaline phosphatase (ALP)‐instructed self‐assembly and lysosome‐targeting to induce LMP for selective killing of cancer cells was not reported. Herein, a pyrene‐peptide conjugate Py‐Phe‐Phe‐Glu‐Tyr(H2PO3)‐Gly‐lyso (Py‐Yp‐Lyso) is rationally designed and demonstrated for its lysosome‐targeting cytotoxicity on cancer cells, together with its pyrene (Py) excimer fluorescence turning “on” at 480 nm. In vitro results showed that, Py‐Yp‐Lyso is efficiently dephosphorylated by ALP to yield Py‐Phe‐Phe‐Glu‐Tyr‐Gly‐lyso (Py‐Y‐Lyso) which self‐assembles into nanofibers. Cell experiments verified that, after being taken up by HeLa cells, the excimer fluorescence of Py‐Yp‐Lyso assemblies has turned “on” and the assemblies specifically target the lysosomes, inducing LMP and ultimate cancer cell death. In vivo experiments indicated that Py‐Yp‐Lyso has the highest inhibition effect on HeLa tumors among the four compounds studied. This is anticipated for applying Py‐Yp‐Lyso to treat cancers in the clinic in the future.
Multifunctional Nanosystems with Enhanced Cellular Uptake for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Ma Zhaoyu , Foda Mohamed F. , Zhao Yanli , Han Heyou
Published: October 2021

Rapid development of nanotechnology provides promising strategies in biomedicine, especially in tumor therapy. In particular, the cellular uptake of nanosystems is not only a basic premise to realize various biomedical applications, but also a fatal factor for determining the final therapeutic effect. Thus, a systematic and comprehensive summary is necessary to overview the recent research progress on the improvement of nanosystem cellular uptake for cancer treatment. According to the process of nanosystems entering the body, they can be classified into three categories. The first segment is to enhance the accumulation and permeation of nanosystems to tumor cells through extracellular microenvironment stimulation. The second segment is to improve cellular internalization from extracellular to intracellular via active targeting. The third segment is to enhance the intracellular retention of therapeutics by subcellular localization. The major factors in the delivery can be utilized to develop multifunctional nanosystems for strengthening the tumor therapy. Ultimately, the key challenges and prospective in the emerging research frontier are thoroughly outlined. This review is expected to provide inspiring ideas, promising strategies and potential pathways for developing advanced anticancer nanosystems in clinical practice.
Amine‐Functionalized Carbon Nanodot Electrocatalysts Converting Carbon Dioxide to Methane
Authors: Yadav Ram Manohar , Li Zhengyuan , Zhang Tianyu , Sahin Onur , Roy Soumyabrata , Gao Guanhui , Guo Huazhang , Vajtai Robert , Wang Liang , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Wu Jingjie
Published: October 2021

The electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methane (CH4), which can be used not only as fuel but also as a hydrogen carrier, has drawn great attention for use in supporting carbon capture and utilization. The design of active and selective electrocatalysts with exceptional CO2‐to‐CH4 conversion efficiency is highly desirable; however, it remains a challenge. Here a molecular tuning strategy−in situ amine functionalization of nitrogen‐doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for highly efficient CO2‐to‐CH4 conversion is presented. Amine functionalized nitrogen‐doped GQDs achieve a CH4 Faradic efficiency (FE) of 63% and 46%, respectively, at CH4 partial current densities of 170 and 258 mA cm−2, approximating to or even outperforming state‐of‐the‐art Cu‐based electrocatalysts. These GQDs also convert CO2 to C2 products mainly including C2H4 and C2H5OH with a maximum FE of ≈10%. A systematic analysis reveals that the CH4 yield varies linearly with amine group content, whereas the C2 production rate is positively dependent on pyridinic N dopant content. This work provides insight into the rational design of carbon catalysts with CO2‐to‐CH4 conversion efficiency at the industrially relevant level.
Silk Microneedle Patch Capable of On‐Demand Multidrug Delivery to the Brain for Glioblastoma Treatment
Authors: Wang Zijing , Yang Zhipeng , Jiang Jianjuan , Shi Zhifeng , Mao Ying , Qin Nan , Tao Tiger H.
Published: October 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy remains the standard treatment strategy for GBM patients. However, challenges still exist when surgery is difficult or impossible to remove the tumor completely. Herein, the design, fabrication and application of a heterogenous silk fibroin microneedle (SMN) patch is reported for circumventing the blood‐brain barrier and releasing multiple drugs directly to the tumor site for drug combination treatment. The biocompatible and biodegradable SMN patch can dissolve slowly over time, allowing the sustained release of multiple drugs at different doses. Furthermore, it can be triggered remotely to induce rapid drug delivery at a designated stage after implantation. In the GBM mouse models, two clinically relevant chemotherapeutic agents (thrombin and temozolomide) and targeted drug (bevacizumab) are loaded into the SMN patch with individually controlled release profiles. The drugs are spatiotemporally and sequentially delivered for hemostasis, anti‐angiogenesis, and apoptosis of tumor cells. Device application is non‐toxic and results in decreased tumor volume and increased survival rate in mice. The SMN patch with on‐demand multidrug delivery has potential applications for the combined administration of therapeutic drugs for the clinical treatment of brain tumors when other methods are insufficient.
Efficient 2T CsKPb(IBr)3—Tin Incorporated Narrow Bandgap Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells: A Numerical Study with Current Matching Conditions
Authors: Karthick Sekar , Nwakanma Onyekachi Michael , Mercyrani Babudurai , Bouclé Johann , Velumani Subramaniam
Published: October 2021

This study numerically investigates a highly efficient tandem‐structured and, perovskite‐perovskite model solar cells using the solar cell simulator capacitance software (), consisting of wide‐bandgap top potassium incorporated inorganic cesium‐based perovskite cell () and narrow‐bandgap bottom tin incorporated perovskite cells (and ). The study explores and optimizes the front and rear perovskite absorber layer parameters (especially thickness) and current matching conditions ideal for tandem device performance. The simulated top standalone inorganic solar cell parameters yield a power conversion efficiency of over 13% (for all models), while the bottom perovskite devices simulated with filtered spectrum yield an efficiency of 14.17% for , 8.54% for , and 13.30% for , respectively. The study and quantification of the current matching points for the tandem configuration provide some insight into the device's performance, which is beneficial for its efficiency enhancement. The resultant simulated optimized tandem cells offer a maximum efficiency of 21% for model, 17.5% for model, and 20% for model, respectively, with improved parameters.
Linking the Defects to the Formation and Growth of Li Dendrite in All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Wang Hongchun , Gao Haowen , Chen Xiaoxuan , Zhu Jianping , Li Wangqin , Gong Zhengliang , Li Yangxing , Wang Ming‐Sheng , Yang Yong
Published: October 2021

The nucleation and growth of Li metal during deposition and the associated dendrite penetration are the critical and fundamental issues influencing the safety and power density of solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLBs). However, investigations on Li metal deposition/dissolution especially the formation and growth of Li dendrites and their determining factors in the all‐solid‐state electrochemical systems are still lacking. In this work, in situ observations of the Li metal growth process, and defects induced heterogeneous deposition under cathodic load, are reported. By exploiting in situ scanning electron microscopy, along with electrochemical analytical approaches, the spatial distribution and morphological evolution of the deposited Li at the electrode|solid electrolyte interface are obtained and discussed. This investigation reveals that the formation of lithium whiskers is decided by the local Li ion flux and the deposition active sites, which are closely dependent on the content and types of defects in the polycrystalline electrolyte. Moreover, the defect regions exhibit faster Li deposition kinetics and higher nucleation tendency. These results can advance the fundamental understanding of the Li penetration mechanism in SSLBs.
Local conditions and the economic feasibility of urban wastewater recycling in irrigated agriculture: Lessons from a stochastic regional analysis in California
Authors: Reznik Ami , Dinar Ariel
Published: October 2021

Using treated wastewater for crop irrigation could help mitigate water scarcity. We examine the feasibility of this strategy focusing on the role of local conditions, such as the costs and benefits of alternative wastewater discharge options, and adaptability of agricultural production to water quantity and quality changes. Our approach accounts for uncertainties in the availability of natural water resources and regulatory constraints concerning wastewater discharge. Our analysis of a region in Southern California finds reuse for crop irrigation unwarranted; however, utilizing that practice to support agriculture in the region is economically inexpensive. A sensitivity analysis reveals that diversified agriculture and limitations on the safe and remote discharge of treated wastewater are strong incentives for reuse in agricultural irrigation.
No time, no room: On‐shift teaching for any shift
Authors: Khamees Deena , Wolff Meg
Published: October 2021

It can be difficult to carve out dedicated time to teach in the busy environment of the Emergency Department. With some intention, you can find educational opportunities in every shift. Here we highlight some of those opportunities, with careful attention to those without special equipment or preparation required. These can be used to teach less traditional practice points such as interprofessional communication as well as clinical pearls. Select the moments that make the most sense for you, your trainees, and your shift.
Microbial communities in paddy soil as influenced by nitrogen fertilization and water regimes
Authors: Sun Yan , Wang Yichen , Qu Zhi , Mu Weiyi , Mi Wenhai , Ma Yingying , Su Lijun , Si Linlin , Li Jiangye , You Qi
Published: October 2021

Plastic film mulching (PM) cultivation is an important measure to alleviate the seasonal shortage of water resources. Long‐term nitrogen (N) fertilization under PM cultivation may be more conducive to enhance the ecological relationship between microbial communities involved in nutrient cycling. In this study, the effects of long‐term application of chemical N fertilizer (common prilled urea [PU]) or no N fertilization on the microbial community composition under the traditional flooding (TF) cultivation and PM cultivation were comparatively analyzed. The results demonstrated that water regimes had significant effects on all soil properties except alkali‐hydrolyzable N. Compared with TF cultivation, PM cultivation increased pH and available phosphorus (AP) by 1.14 and 13.67%, respectively, and decreased organic matter and available potassium (AK) by 6.07 and 8.39%, respectively. Nitrogen fertilization levels had significant effects on soil AP and AK, with increases of 1.39 and 1.82 mg kg−1 in PU treatment compared with CK, respectively. Neither water regime nor N fertilization level had a significant influence on soil microbial richness (Chao index) and diversity (Shannon index). However, water regimes played critical roles in driving microbial community changes. Network analysis showed that the microbial community had nonrandom co‐occurrence pattern. Myrmecridium, Defluviicoccus, Emericellopsis, Pseudarthrobacter, and Syntrophorhabdus were the keystone taxa. A higher relative abundance of Defluviicoccus, Emericellopsis, and Syntrophorhabdus was observed in the CKPM treatment, and a higher relative abundance of Myrmecridium and Pseudarthrobacter was observed in the PUPM treatment. Therefore, PM cultivation is an effective measure to improve potential beneficial taxa of soil microbial communities.
Planting date and maturity group impact on soybean seed quality in the southeastern United States
Authors: Morris Tristan C. , Vann Rachel A. , Collins Guy D. , Heitman Joshua , Kulesza Stephanie B.
Published: October 2021

The impacts on soybean seed quality from shifting to using earlier soybean planting dates (PDs) and earlier‐maturing varieties in the southeastern United States are not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of diverse PDs and maturity groups (MGs) on soybean protein content, oil content, seed damage, and purple seed stain. Studies were installed across seven North Carolina locations in 2019 and 2020 to determine the impact of PD (mid‐March through mid‐July) and MG (2–7) on seed quality. Protein content declined as planting was delayed for the early MGs (2–5) but was stable across PD for the later MGs (6–7). It was observed that early‐maturing varieties (MG ≤5) had a lower protein content than the later‐maturing varieties (MGs 6–7). The oil content was greater in the early MGs (MGs 2–4) compared with the later MGs (MGs 5–7), with oil content and protein content having an inverse relationship. Seed damage was greatest when planting before late April with early MGs (MGs 2–4). Less purple seed stain was found in MGs 5–7 compared with the earlier MGs across all PDs. Further research is needed to understand how to minimize seed damage and purple seed stain as producers consider shifting to an earlier production system for the associated yield benefits in North Carolina and across the southeastern United States.
When it only takes one to tango: assessing the impact of apomixis in the fern genus Pteris
Authors: Picard Kathryn T. , Ranft Hannah , Grusz Amanda L. , Windham Michael D. , Schuettpelz Eric
Published: October 2021

Premise

Apomixis (asexual reproduction by seed, spore, or egg) has evolved repeatedly across the tree of life. Studies of animals and angiosperms show that apomictic lineages are often evolutionarily short‐lived and frequently exhibit different distributions than their sexual relatives. However, apomixis is rare in these groups. Less is known about the role of apomixis in the evolution and biogeography of ferns, in which ~10% of species are apomictic. Apomixis is especially common in the fern genus Pteris (34–39% of species); however, because of the limited taxonomic and geographic sampling of previous studies, the true frequency of apomixis and its associations with geography and phylogeny in this lineage remain unclear.

Methods

We used spore analyses of herbarium specimens to determine reproductive mode for 127 previously unsampled Pteris species. Then we leveraged biogeographic and phylogenetic analyses to estimate the global distribution and evolution of apomixis in Pteris.

Results

Among all Pteris species examined, we found that 21% are exclusively apomictic, 71% are exclusively sexual, and 8% have conflicting reports. Apomixis is unevenly distributed across the range of the genus, with the Paleotropics exhibiting the highest frequency, and has evolved numerous times across the Pteris phylogeny, with predominantly East Asian and South Asian clades containing the most apomictic species.

Conclusions

Apomixis arises frequently in Pteris, but apomictic species do not appear to diversify. Species that encompass both apomictic and sexual populations have wider ranges than exclusively sexual or apomictic species, which suggests that sexual and apomictic ferns could occupy separate ecological niches.
A meta‐analysis of single visit pollination effectiveness comparing honeybees and other floral visitors
Authors: Page Maureen L. , Nicholson Charlie C. , Brennan Ross M. , Britzman Anna T. , Greer Jessica , Hemberger Jeremy , Kahl Hanna , Müller Uta , Peng Youhong , Rosenberger Nick M. , Stuligross Clara , Wang Li , Yang Louie H. , Williams Neal M.
Published: October 2021

Premise

Many animals provide ecosystem services in the form of pollination including honeybees, which have become globally dominant floral visitors. A rich literature documents considerable variation in single visit pollination effectiveness, but this literature has yet to be extensively synthesized to address whether honeybees are effective pollinators.

Methods

We conducted a hierarchical meta‐analysis of 168 studies and extracted 1564 single visit effectiveness (SVE) measures for 240 plant species. We paired SVE data with visitation frequency data for 69 of these studies. We used these data to ask three questions: (1) Do honeybees (Apis mellifera) and other floral visitors differ in their SVE? (2) To what extent do plant and pollinator attributes predict differences in SVE between honeybees and other visitors? (3) Is there a correlation between visitation frequency and SVE?

Results

Honeybees were significantly less effective than the most effective non‐honeybee pollinators but were as effective as the average pollinator. The type of pollinator moderated these effects. Honeybees were less effective compared to the most effective and average bird and bee pollinators but were as effective as other taxa. Visitation frequency and SVE were positively correlated, but this trend was largely driven by data from communities where honeybees were absent.

Conclusions

Although high visitation frequencies make honeybees important pollinators, they were less effective than the average bee and rarely the most effective pollinator of the plants they visit. As such, honeybees may be imperfect substitutes for the loss of wild pollinators, and safeguarding pollination will benefit from conservation of non‐honeybee taxa.
The role of genus and life span in predicting seed and vegetative trait variation and correlation in Lathyrus, Phaseolus, and Vicia
Authors: Herron Sterling A. , Rubin Matthew J. , Albrecht Matthew A. , Long Quinn G. , Sandoval Marissa C. , Miller Allison J.
Published: October 2021

Premise

Annual and perennial life history transitions are abundant among angiosperms, and understanding the phenotypic variation underlying life span shifts is a key endeavor of plant evolutionary biology. Comparative analyses of trait variation and correlation networks among annual and perennial plants is increasingly important as new herbaceous perennial crops are being developed for edible seed. However, it remains unclear how seed to vegetative growth trait relationships correlate with life span.

Methods

To assess the relative roles of genus and life span in predicting phenotypic variation and trait correlations, we measured seed size and shape, germination proportion, and early‐life‐stage plant height and leaf growth over 3 mo in 29 annual and perennial, herbaceous congeneric species from three legume genera (Lathyrus, Phaseolus, and Vicia).

Results

Genus was the strongest predictor of seed size and shape variation, and life span consistently predicted plant height and leaf number at single time points. Correlation networks revealed that annual species had significant associations between seed traits and vegetative traits, whereas perennials had no significant seed‐vegetative associations. Each genus also differed in the extent of integration between seed and vegetative traits, as well as within‐vegetative‐trait correlation patterns.

Conclusions

Genus and life span were important for predicting aspects of early‐life‐stage phenotypic variation and trait relationships. Differences in phenotypic correlation may indicate that selection on seed size traits will impact vegetative growth differently depending on life span, which has important implications for nascent perennial breeding programs.
Population genetics and biogeography of the lungwort lichen in North America support distinct Eastern and Western gene pools
Authors: Allen Jessica L. , McMullin R. Troy , Wiersma Yolanda F. , Scheidegger Christoph
Published: October 2021

Premise

Populations of species with large spatial distributions are shaped by complex forces that differ throughout their ranges. To maintain the genetic diversity of species, genepool‐based subsets of widespread species must be considered in conservation assessments.

Methods

The population genetics of the lichenized fungus Lobaria pulmonaria and its algal partner, Symbiochloris reticulata, were investigated using microsatellite markers to determine population structure, genetic diversity, and degree of congruency in eastern and western North America. Data loggers measuring temperature and humidity were deployed at selected populations in eastern North America to test for climatic adaptation. To better understand the role Pleistocene glaciations played in shaping population patterns, a North American, range‐wide species distribution model was constructed and hindcast to 22,000 years before present and at 500‐year time slices from then to the present.

Results

The presence of two gene pools with minimal admixture was supported, one in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and one in eastern North America. Western populations were significantly more genetically diverse than eastern populations. There was no evidence for climatic adaptation among eastern populations, though there was evidence for range‐wide adaptation to evapotranspiration rates. Hindcast distribution models suggest that observed genetic diversity may be due to a drastic Pleistocene range restriction in eastern North America, whereas a substantial coastal refugial area is inferred in the west.

Conclusions

Taken together the results show different, complex population histories of L. pulmonaria in eastern and western North America, and suggest that conservation planning for each gene pool should be considered separately.