bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bat activity is related to habitat structure and time since prescribed fire in managed pine barrens in New England
Authors: Kay Natalie , Sadlon Amelia , Bakermans Marja H.
Published: September 2023

Background

Several insectivorous bat species are found in New England, yet research on them is still scarce. Current research shows the ecological importance of bats due to their control of insect populations, but they are endangered by habitat loss and White Nose Syndrome, among other threats. Pine barrens are an uncommon ecosystem found in New England that supports other rare taxa and could be important for these bat species.

Methods

With hand-held audio recorders, we surveyed for bats in Montague Plains Wildlife Management Area in Massachusetts and Concord Pine Barrens in New Hampshire in June 2022. Our study objectives were to (1) describe the most common bat species and (2) compare bat activity across different habitat types at two managed pine barrens in New England. In particular, we examined bat activity related to habitat type (scrub oak, mature pitch pine, treated pitch pine, hardwood forest), habitat structure (i.e., canopy closure), time since prescribed fire, and path width. We analyzed our data through generalized linear modeling and logistic regression.

Results

Overall, we were able to measure the presence of five out of the nine total species found in the area, including the endangered Myotis lucifugus (little brown bat). We recorded 293 bat calls, with the majority of calls from big brown bats (71%). We found significant differences (p < 0.05) in bat activity in relation to time since prescribed fire and habitat structure. The index of bat activity was greatest in pitch pine and hardwood forests and lowest in scrub oak and treated pitch pine habitats. With preliminary data, we also found that silver-haired bat presence was influenced by habitat type, with more detections at survey points in hardwood forests.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate the importance of pine barrens as an ecosystem that supports bats in New England. According to the activity of bats in our study, closed canopy and mature pitch pine habitats may be prioritized in conservation efforts at managed barrens for bat species. Further research is recommended to better understand the relationship between prescribed fires, which are common in managed barrens, and bat activity.
Retrospective analysis of the impact of dose delay and reduction on outcomes of colorectal cancer patients treated with FOLFIRI‑based treatment
Authors: Zhang Xia , Zheng Hongjuan , Cai Cheng , Xu Yinzi , Xie Mengzhen , Wang Qinghua , Jin Xiayun , Fu Jianfei
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To determine the relationship between chemotherapy dose delay/reduction with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in colorectal cancer patients treated with FOLFIRI based first-line chemotherapy in real-world retrospectively study.

Methods

We identified 144 eligible patients with advanced CRC who received FOLFIRI as first-line based treatment. The study protocol was submitted to the institutional review board and was exempted. Dose delay was defined as an average delay of more than 3 days (>3 days vs. ≤3 days) from the intended date. Dose reduction (actual dose/standard dose * 100%) ≤85% was considered as chemotherapy reduction in the chemotherapy dose relative to the standard (mg/m2) regimen for all cycles. Relative dose intensity (RDI) ≤80% was described as chemotherapy reduction. OS and PFS were measured using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

There were 114 patients with chemotherapy dose delay (dose delay >3 days). PFS of patients without dose delay had better survival than patients with dose delay (p = 0.002). There were 28.47% patients treated with dose reduction of 5-Fu. PFS and OS were better in patients without 5-Fu dose reduction than in patients with 5-Fu dose reduction with p values of 0.024 and <0.001, respectively. Patients with high 5-FU RDI had better PFS than patients with low 5-FU RDI (p < 0.001). While, there was no statistical difference in OS between the two groups. Then we stratified the analysis by age. In <65 years cohort, both PFS and OS were better in patients with high 5-Fu RDI than in those with low 5-Fu RDI (p < 0.001, p = 0.005, respectively). But, in ≥65 years cohort, OS were better in patients with low 5-Fu RDI than in those with high 5-Fu RDI (p = 0.025). Moreover, both dose reduction and RDI of irinotecan had no statistically significant difference in both PFS and OS.

Conclusion

In the advanced colorectal cancer patients who received FOLFIRI based treatment as first-line regimen, chemotherapy dose delay and reduction dose of 5-Fu were associated with worse survival, especially among patients younger than 65 years.
El efecto de la política monetaria no convencional en las tasas de interés: un análisis de la expansión cuantitativa
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Instituto de Economía, Cid Giacaman Leonardo Antonio
Published: September 2023

Esta investigación se centra en analizar el impacto de la política monetaria no convencional en las tasas de los bonos emitidos por el Banco Central de Chile, así como en las tasas de los bonos corporativos chilenos. Concretamente, se examina el reciente periodo de expansión cuantitativa implementado por el BCCh entre 2019 y 2021, en medio de un doble shock de demanda generado por una crisis social y la crisis provocada por una pandemia. Para llevar a cabo este análisis, se estima un modelo de vector autorregresivo (VAR) con identificación de heterocedasticidad, siguiendo la metodología propuesta por Wright (2011). Los resultados obtenidos en este nuevo periodo de expansión cuantitativa muestran una disminución en los rendimientos de los bonos emitidos tanto por el Banco Central de Chile como por las corporaciones chilenas. Además, resultan ser superiores a los obtenidos durante la expansión cuantitativa en Estados Unidos. Algunos de nuestros hallazgos demostraron un impacto hasta dos veces mayor en comparación con el experimentado en dicho país.
Comparison of Bolus Ephedrine vs Mephentermine in the Management of Hypotension during Spinal Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Goyal Richi , Maurya Ram Gopal , Rai Sudhir Kumar
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Ephedrine and mephentermine are synthetic sympathomimetic drugs used as vasopressors. Ephedrine has direct and indirect effects on α, b1, and b2 receptors, and it also releases endogenous norepinephrine from synaptic storage sites. This leads to an elevation in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP). On the other hand, mephentermine indirectly stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors and to some extent alpha-adrenergic receptors as well. Its primary effect is cardiac stimulation, which increases peripheral vascular resistance and contributes to an increase in blood pressure. Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of ephedrine and mephentermine in the treatment of hypotension during Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS). Materials and Methods: This double-blinded randomised clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology among 90 pregnant females scheduled for caesarean delivery at Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Sitapur, India from January 2021 to December 2022. Patients who developed hypotension (SBP <90 mmHg or <20% of the baseline) after receiving spinal anaesthesia were included in the study and divided into two groups. Group A received an intravenous bolus of 6 mg of ephedrine, and group B received an intravenous bolus of 6 mg of mephentermine. The variables studied included age, height, weight, Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), Heart Rate (HR), SBP, DBP, bolus doses, and any side effects that occurred. HR, SBP, and DBP were recorded at baseline and then monitored every two minutes for a total of 10 minutes, and then every five minutes until the end of surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0 for Windows, and the results were represented as numbers (%) and mean±Standard Deviation (SD). Results: The mean age of patients in group A and group B was 24.35 years and 24.72 years, respectively. All vital parameters were comparable. The need for bolus doses after hypotension was significantly higher in group B (1.68±0.81) than in group A (mean 1.28). The statistically significant complications identified were tachycardia, nausea, and vomiting, which were more prevalent in group B with 13 and 16 patients, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the authors found that ephedrine was more effective than mephentermine in terms of the requirement for bolus doses and the occurrence of intraoperative side effects. The requirement for bolus doses and occurrence of significant complications were higher in the group that received mephentermine. Therefore, ephedrine bolus immediately following spinal anaesthesia would be a safe and effective technique for preventing hypotension in females scheduled for Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS).
Learning Curve of Ophthalmic Postgraduate Students During Training in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS): A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sreelekshmi SR , Pavana Acharya , Kavitha CV , Sandeep K , Narendra N , Javagal Akshatha P
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Ophthalmology residency programs play a critical role in training surgeons to perform cataract surgery. A fundamental component for developing competency in cataract surgery is undergoing a structured surgical training program. There is an inverse relationship between the number of surgeries performed by a resident and adverse surgical outcomes. Aim: To assess the learning curve of Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) performed by postgraduate students during their residency tenure by estimating the difficulties encountered and intraoperative and postoperative complications during surgical training. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) Teaching Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India, from July 1st 2020 to January 1st 2023. Study included 249 patients undergoing MSICS by three postgraduates, who enrolled in the Master of Surgery (MS) Ophthalmology course and received hands-on training in a wet lab were selected. They performed MSICS in a stepwise manner under the supervision of a trained ophthalmologist. Surgeries were recorded and discussed in surgical audits, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were analysed. The collected data was statistically analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage. Results: A total of 249 patients, including 135 (54.2%) females and 114 (45.7%) males, with a mean age of 68.4 years, were included in the study. The majority (47%) of cases were senile immature nuclear sclerotic cataracts grade 3-4. Difficulties encountered during the surgeries were tunnel formation (24.6%), capsulotomy (4.5%), nucleus delivery (21.5%), cortical wash (34.3%), and Intraocular Lens (IOL) insertion (14.8%). Intraoperative complications observed were premature entry (46.3%), roof tear (16.1%), Descemet's membrane detachment (7.3%), iridodialysis (7.3%) and Posterior Capsular Rent (PCR) (22.1%). Postoperative complications included wound gaping (0.4%), anterior chamber reaction (10.8%), corneal oedema (25.4%), striate keratopathy (58%) and raised intraocular pressure (5.1%). Conclusion: The most common difficulty encountered during the first year of residency was tunnel formation, while the most common difficulty encountered during the second and third years was cortical wash. The most common intraoperative complication was premature entry, and the most common postoperative complication was striate keratopathy. Stepwise learning by the resident under continuous monitoring by a consultant lowers complications and gives confidence to postgraduate students.
Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Anterior and Posterior Approaches to Sciatic Nerve Block for Lower Limb Surgeries: A Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Sreenija Budatha , Shivanand LK , Hasaraddi Geetha S , Alalamath Santosh Kumar , Talikoti DG
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Sciatic nerve block is used for anaesthesia and analgesia in lower limb surgeries. The anterior approach to the sciatic nerve is rarely performed due to unreliable anatomical surface markings. Aim: To compare the anterior and posterior approaches to sciatic nerve block in terms of patient comfort and technical difficulty. Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical study was conducted at the Department of Anaesthesiology, BLDE (Deemed to be University) Shri BM Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Bijapur, Karnataka, India. A total of 84 patients who underwent lower limb surgeries from November 2020 to August 2022 were included. Informed consent was obtained, and patients were randomised into two groups-Group-A and Group-P-using the card method. Ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block was performed using the anterior approach in Group-A and the posterior approach in Group-P. Sensory and motor blockade, time to perform the block, number of attempts, duration of analgesia, and patient satisfaction were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), student t-test, and the results were represented in tables. Results: The median age in Group-A was 42.95±12.69 years, and in Group-P was 43.95±8.68 years. Males were higher in number with 26 (31%) in Group-A and 23 (27%) in Group-P, respectively. Patient satisfaction, duration of analgesia (10.3±3.5 years Group-P and 10.5±4.0 years Group-A), onset of sensory (11.85±7.35 years Group-P and 9.53±5.40 years Group-A), and motor blockade (18.67±7.05 years Group-P years and 17.82±5.70 years Group-A) were similar in both groups. The number of attempts (2.85±0.90 years Group-P and 3.05±0.91 years Group-A) and time taken for performing the sciatic nerve block (6.75±1.10 years Group-P and 7.44±1.00 years Group-A) was higher in the anterior approach compared to the posterior approach. Conclusion: Although both approaches to sciatic nerve block are equally effective, this study concludes that the posterior approach is simpler to perform, requires less time, and provides better patient comfort and satisfaction. Ultrasound-guided posterior sciatic nerve block offers effective anaesthesia and excellent post-operative analgesia.
Contribuições da Teoria da Economia dos Custos de Transação e Redes Sociais à análise do setor citrícola brasileiro
Authors: Aguiar Leandro Guedes , Pigatto Giuliana Santini
Published: September 2023

A concentração de grandes produtores e de empresas processadoras no setor citrícola nacional tem desencadeado uma crescente participação de pequenos citricultores em cooperativas, a fim de fazer frente às incertezas de mercado, o que clama pela necessidade de análises teóricas acerca dessas formas de governança. Frente ao exposto, este artigo tem como propósito analisar qual a contribuição e interrelação entre as teorias da Economia dos Custos de Transação e Redes para a compreensão dos recentes movimentos de filiação por parte dos pequenos produtores em cooperativas, no SAG citrícola. O procedimento metodológico compreendeu a realização de revisão teórica suportada pelas abordagens da ECT e Rede Social, e revisão bibliográfica do setor. Como resultados, pontua-se a expressiva importância das ‘novas’ formas organizacionais de arranjo institucional híbrido e em rede, enquanto agentes econômicos, na manutenção dos pequenos produtores na atividade da citricultura, despontando como alternativas de sobrevivência e coordenação para os pequenos produtores. Destaca-se como limitação da pesquisa a possível disparidade na compreensão de termos presentes na literatura sociológica como a confiança e a reputação, reforçadas por uma lacuna ainda em construção por parte das teorias. Sugere-se, para análises futuras, a utilização da abordagem de governança em redes voltada ao fortalecimento da classe de pequenos produtores de outras culturas do agronegócio, utilizando-se também do embasamento teórico pertencente à ECT e Redes. Assim, a presente pesquisa representa não somente a documentação acadêmica e respaldo aos pequenos produtores rurais, como também a garantia de robustez teórica a uma estrutura ainda incipiente em termos históricos.
Effect of Some Preservatives on the Microbial Quality of Cold-smoked Catfish at Refrigerated Temperature
Authors: Ubadire-Agua, C.  , Ezeama, C. F.  , Anyiam, C. A.  , Anyiam, C. C.  , Nwanagba, N. L.
Published: September 2023

Aim: This study investigated the preservative effect of potassium sorbate, ginger, garlic, and a blend of, ginger and garlic on the microbiological quality and shelf stability of cold smoked Catfish (Clarius gariepinus) at refrigerated storage.

Methodology: One hundred (100) of the freshly harvested catfish obtained from the MOUAU Fish Farm were processed and divided into five lots of 20 each. Four marinating baths containing 0.5% potassium sorbate, 3% ginger, 3% garlic, and a blend of 1.5% ginger and 1.5% garlic respectively were prepared. Each catfish lot except the fifth lot (which served as a control) was marinated for 2 h and cold smoked for 8 h. The samples were then stored for fourteen days at refrigeration temperature (4 ± 2 °C during which analyses were carried out. The Total viable count, Total fungal count, and bacterial counts (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus sp, and Listeria sp) of the catfish samples before, during, and after storage were analyzed.

Results: The total viable count (TVC) was reduced from 8.7x105 to 1.2x105 CFU/g, 1.13 x106 to 2.4x105 CFU/g, 1.09 x 106 to 2.00 x105 CFU/g, 9.60 x105 to 1.50 x105 CFU/g, and 1.19x106 to 3.00x105 CFU/g for 3% ginger, 3% garlic, 1.5% ginger +1.5% garlic, 0.5% potassium sorbate, and the control at refrigeration storage respectively. All the treatments were effective against E. coli, Listeria monocytogen, and Salmonella count. Similarly, the 3% of ginger treatment recorded counts of 1x105 CFU/g for Staphylococcus counts, during refrigeration storage. Furthermore, the total fungal count decreased for all the treatments.

Conclusion: The study found that cold smoked catfish treated with 0.5% potassium sorbate, 3% ginger, 3% garlic and a blend of 1.5% ginger and 1.5% garlic can be stored for 14 days at refrigeration storage provided the storage condition is maintained.
Dew Formation and Anaerobiosis in Anaerobic Jars
Authors: Sudibya Akhmad , Widyaningsih Indah
Published: September 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to prove whether the palladium catalyst affects the dew formation time in the anaerobic cover and whether anaerobiosis can be achieved without a palladium catalyst.

Materials and Methods: This research is a laboratory experimental study with a non-randomized control group design. In this study, replication was carried out. The amount of replication used is 10. The palladium catalyst was used in 10 experiments, whereas it was not used in ten other experiments.

Results: The growths of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium tetani, and Bacteroides fragilis were observed after 48-hour incubation. The time of appearance of water condensate was observed until 24-hour incubation. The time of appearance of water condensate in the palladium-contained anaerobic jar varied between 1.37 minutes and 3.33 minutes. On the other hand, water condensate did not appear in the without-palladium anaerobic jar. No growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in the palladium-contained anaerobic jar; on the contrary, there were ten growths in the anaerobic jar without palladium. Eight growths of Clostridium tetani were observed in the palladium-contained anaerobic jar, whereas there was no growth without palladium. No growth of Bacteroides fragilis was observed in the without-palladium anaerobic jar, whereas seven growths were observed in the anaerobic jar containing palladium. The time of appearance of water condensate in the palladium-contained anaerobic jar was different from that in the anaerobic jar without palladium. Significant differences (p < 0,01) in anaerobiosis creation between the palladium-contained anaerobic jar and the without-palladium anaerobic jar were also clearly observed.
Acquired Extrinsic Pulmonary Stenosis Secondary to a Compressing Mediastinal Tumor
Authors: Naaim M. , Rebbouh F. , Eljamili M. , Karimi S. El , Hattaoui M. El
Published: September 2023

Acquired pulmonary stenosis in adults due to extrinsic compression of the pulmonary artery is a rare manifestation of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The incidence remains poorly known in the literature since only a few sporadic cases are described.

The clinical management is directed towards the treatment of the underlying disease. According to the latter, the patient may benefit from chemotherapy, radiotherapy, angioplasty, stenting, or surgery.

We describe here the case of a young patient who was diagnosed with acquired extrinsic pulmonary stenosis secondary to a type B large cell lymphoma of mediastinal location. Our clinical case affirms the interest of a transthoracic echocardiogram in the diagnosis as well as the follow-up of this unusual manifestation.
Soil Erosion Estimation of Kunthippuzha Watershed Using GIS and RUSLE Model
Authors: Farsana Fathima , Varughese Anu , Joseph Asha
Published: September 2023

Soil erosion is an environmental crisis in the world today that threatens the natural environment and also agriculture.  Erosion removes the top fertile soil, degrades soil fertility, water quality and soil productivity. The soil erosion risk assessment is helpful for land evaluation in the regions where soil erosion is a major threat for sustainable agriculture. Modelling can provide a quantitative and consistent approach to estimate soil erosion and sediment yield under a wide range of conditions.  The soil erosion and erosion prone areas in the Kunthippuzha sub-watershed of Bharathapuzha river basin, Kerala, India was estimated using RUSLE. The study area is having a drainage area of 950 km2 up to the gauging station. The estimation was done for 1990 to 2021. The estimated rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, Slope length and slope steepness factor and crop management factors range from 929.36 and 980.38 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 yr-1, 0.01387 to 0.0385 t ha h ha−1 MJ−1 mm−1, 0 to 9.77 and 0.057796 to 1.0999. The results indicate that the estimated total annual potential soil loss of about 842175 t/y is comparable with the measured sediment of 845500 t/yr during the years 1990-2021. The soil erosion rate categorized into six classes based on the erosion severity, the major portion (60%) of the study area comes under very slight erosion zone and only a small portion (14%) comes under severe and very severe erosion zone. Result suggests the area of the north-eastern part suffers from a high soil erosion risk due to steep slope. The results can certainly aid in implementation of soil management and conservation practices to reduce the soil erosion in the Kunthippuzha sub-watershed.
Assessment of Various Variability Parameters and Correlation of Quantitative Characters in Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines
Authors: Oruganti Srikanth , Sunil Neelam , Chikkappa G. K. , Kumar M. V. Nagesh , Vanisri S.
Published: September 2023

The present research problem was carried out to assess the variability parameters, heritability, genetic advance and correlations among various quantitative traits in maize inbred lines. A total of 69 inbred lines were evaluated in alpha lattice design with 2 replications at Winter Nursery Centre, Hyderabad. ANOVA results displays genotypes were significantly different from each other. From the results it was depicted that Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) was higher than Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) indicating the influence of environment. The traits, No. of kernels per row, Cob weight, Grain yield per cob showed high GCV and PCV values likewise Days to 50% tasseling, Days to 50% silking and Days to 75% dry husk showed low GCV and PCV values. Most of the characters showed high heritability and traits such as Plant height, Tassel length, Ear length, No. of kernels per row, Cob weight and Grain yield per cob showed high GAM and its values ranged from 21.5% to 101.30%. So, the traits such as No. of kernels per row, Cob weight and Grain yield per cob can be used for further crop improvement in the breeding programme. Of all the traits under study except, Days to 50% tasseling, Days to 50% silking and Days to 75% dry husk showed positive significant correlation with grain yield per cob indicating selection for the traits will enhance the grain yield whereas the excepted traits showed negative significant association with grain yield per cob indicating selection for these traits is also essential as it reduces duration of crop.
Challenges Faced by Children with Special Needs in Accra and the Support Systems Available to Them and Their Families
Authors: Adjabeng Anna Y. , Tette Edem M. A.
Published: September 2023

Background: Children with special needs have longstanding physical, developmental, emotional, and behavioural problems that require attention. Caring for these children can be overwhelming, thus, support systems are needed to ease the burden and improve the quality of life of the children and their caregivers.

Aim: To examine the problems of children with special needs and identify the support systems available to them through their families, friends, governmental and non-governmental institutions.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place of Study: Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the Special Mothers Project Group and With God Physiotherapy and Care Center, Accra, Ghana from May-June 2018

Methodology: The study was conducted in 2018 among 64 caregivers of children with special needs at the three sites using purposive sampling. A questionnaire was designed for data collection.  The data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results: Developmental conditions encountered were cerebral palsy 24(38%), seizure disorder 15(23%), speech delay 5(8%), Down’s syndrome 3(5%), ADHD 2(3%), autism spectrum disorder 1(2%), 4(6.3%) unspecified and 10(16%) others. Caregivers reported problems with delayed development, feeding, health, speech, intellectual capacity, and behavior including social interaction. About half of the 33 respondents had some form of assistance at home. Majority of this help, (45%), came from the nuclear family. Support from friends, the church and access to specialized care was limited. While 24(42.1%) of the children were not in any school placement, 24 (42.1%) were in mainstream, 8 were in nursery/crèche and 1 was in a special school. Speech and Language therapy and physiotherapy were the most used forms of rehabilitation. Financial  support from government and other institutions was limited but 42.2% had access to support groups.

Conclusions: The most significant challenge for caregivers was their child’s developmental problems. While the family remained the most dependable source of support, support groups, therapy services and school placements were also available but uptake was sub-optimal and external financial support was limited.
Potentiation of Antibacterial Activity of Ciprofloxacin by Essential Oil of Cymbopogon citratus against Fluoroquinolone-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: Cyril Adonu , Restus Onwusoba , Patrick Onyi , Ibeabuchi Ali , Romanus Omeh
Published: September 2023

Background: Essential oil (EO) of Cymbopogon citratus has been demonstrated to have antibacterial activities against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. The study was, therefore, conducted to evaluate the effects of combined use of C. citratus and ciprofloxacin against fluoroquinolone-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (FQRSA) and Escherichia coli  (FQREC).

Methods: The antibacterial activity of the essential oil was evaluated by agar dilution method while the combination studies were done using Checker-board agar dilution technique.

Results: The mean MIC values of EO against the FQRSA and FQREC were 0.043 + 0.01 mg/ml and 0.049 mg/ml respectively. When ciprofloxacin was combined with EO of lemongrass, 53.9, 28.3, 17.8 and  0.0 % of the FQRSA isolates showed indifference, additive, synergistic and antagonistic effects respectively. Similarly, when ciprofloxacin was combined with EO of lemongrass at different ratios, 44, 35.5, 20.6 and 0.0 % of the FQREC isolates showed combined effects of additivity, synergism, indifference and antagonism respectively.

Conclusions: The results revealed the invitro antibacterial potency of Cymbopogon citratus oil against fluoroquinolone resistant S. aureus and E. coli. More importantly, the study has proved that the combined use of ciprofloxacin and essential oil of lemongrass has increased the sensitivity of  both FQRSA and FQREC bacteria.
Transformation of Undergraduate Medical Education in 2023
Authors: Chang Bernard S.
Published: September 2023

This Viewpoint discusses potential shifts in teaching and learning for undergraduate medical education with the advent of artificial intelligence tools.
Oral Health Among Medicare Beneficiaries in Nursing Homes
Authors: Chamut Steffany , Shoff Carla , Yao Kristiana , Fleisher Lee A. , Chalmers Natalia I.
Published: September 2023

This cross-sectional study investigates rates of dental problems among Medicare beneficiaries in nursing homes and characteristics associated with these rates.
Urinary SPP1 has potential as a non‐invasive diagnostic marker for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Ye Qinglin , Xu Guiling , Xue Chao , Pang Shuting , Xie Boji , Huang Guanwen , Li Haoyu , Chen Xuesong , Yang Rirong , Li Wei
Published: September 2023

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a type of chronic glomerular nephropathy showing characteristic glomerular sclerosis, diagnosed by kidney biopsy. However, it is difficult and expensive to monitor disease progression with repeated renal biopsy in clinical practice, and thus here we explored the feasibility of urine biomarkers as non‐invasive diagnostic tools. We downloaded scRNA‐seq datasets of 20 urine cell samples and 3 kidney tissues and obtained two gene lists encoding extracellular proteins for bioinformatic analysis; in addition, we identified key EP‐Genes by immunohistochemical staining and performed bulk RNA sequencing with 12 urine samples. We report that urine cells and kidney cells were correlated. A total of 64 EP‐Genes were acquired by intersecting genes of distal tubular cluster with extracellular proteins. Function enrichment analysis showed that EP‐Genes might be involved in the immune response and extracellular components. Six key EP‐Genes were identified and correlated with renal function. IMC showed that key EP‐Genes were located mainly in tubules. Cross verification and examination of a urine RNAseq dataset showed that SPP1 had diagnostic potential for FSGS. The presence of urine SPP1 was primarily associated with macrophage infiltration in kidney, and the pathogenesis of FSGS may be related to innate immunity. Urinary cells seemed to be strongly similar to kidney cells. In summary, SPP1 levels reflect renal function and may have potential as a biomarker for non‐invasive diagnosis of FSGS.
Phonological Asymmetries between Roots and Affixes
Authors: Gouskova Maria
Published: September 2023

This entry surveys the phonological asymmetries between roots and non‐roots (affixes, clitics). It starts with an extraphonological, structural definition of roots, and considers those non‐phonological properties that are phonologically relevant: they are easily borrowed, and they are most deeply embedded. The empirical portion of the entry concentrates on templaticism and size restrictions, asymmetries in segmental contrast/inventories, the properties of multiroot words (compounds) and accentual characteristics that differ between roots and affixes. The theoretical section surveys theories that account for these properties: Prosodic Morphology, Positional Faithfulness, the cycle and its analogs and Anti‐Faithfulness. The entry then critically reviews several recent and not‐so‐recent proposals that blur the line between affixes and roots, using the ‘root’ designation diacritically or recasting diacritic distinctions as structural distinctions. The concluding section discusses the role of roots in phonological learnability.
Interfacial Molecule Control Enables Efficient Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Ye Yong‐Chun , Shen Yang , Zhou Wei , Feng Shi‐Chi , Wang Jiang‐Ying , Li Yan‐Qing , Tang Jian‐Xin
Published: September 2023

Perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are emerging as promising candidates for new‐generation high‐definition displays with excellent color purity and low power consumption. Nevertheless, the massive defects at grain boundaries and severe interfacial exciton quenching are critical challenges that hinder the commercialization process of PeLEDs. Herein, a novel and feasible strategy of interfacial molecule control is demonstrated by employing a bifunctional material with abundant phosphine oxide groups to induce strong interaction and exciton management between the perovskite and electron‐transport layers (ETLs). This modification layer is capable of passivating the surface crystal defects and blocking the interfacial exciton transfer simultaneously, contributing to minimized energy loss at the interface. Consequently, the modified PeLEDs with green (at 513 nm), blue (at 488 nm), and red (at 666 nm) emissions achieve maximum external quantum efficiencies of 18.8%, 12.6%, and 12.3%, respectively. This study reveals the importance of interfacial molecule control for reducing the energy loss in PeLEDs.
Extending the Passive Region of CrFeNi‐Based High Entropy Alloys
Authors: Zendejas Medina León , Mølmen Live , Paschalidou Eirini‐Maria , Donzel‐Gargand Olivier , Leisner Peter , Jansson Ulf , Nyholm Leif
Published: September 2023

This study provides principles for designing new corrosion resistant high entropy alloys. The theoretical framework is a percolation model developed by Newman and Sieradzki that predicts the ability of an alloy to passivate, i.e., to form a protective surface oxide, based on its composition. Here, their model is applied to more complex materials than previously, namely amorphous CrFeNiTa and CrFeNiW alloys. Furthermore, the model describes a more complex passivation process: reforming the oxide layer above the transpassive potential of Cr. The model is used to predict the lowest concentration of Ta or W required to extend the passive region, yielding 11–14 at% Ta and 14–17 at% W. For CrFeNiTa, experiments reveal a threshold value of 13–15 at% Ta, which agrees with the prediction. For CrFeNiW, the experimentally determined threshold value is 37–45 at% W, far above the predicted value. Further investigations explore why the percolation model fails to describe the CrFeNiW system; key factors are the higher nobility and the pH sensitivity of W. These results demonstrate some limitations of the percolation model and offer complementary passivation criteria, while providing a design route for combining the properties of the 3d transition metal and refractory metal groups.
Anion Vacancy Regulated Sodium/Potassium Intercalation in Potassium Prussian Blue Analog Cathodes for Hybrid Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wei Runzhe , Zhai Xingwu , Tinker Henry R. , He Pan , Nason Charlie A. F. , Han Yupei , Celorrio Veronica , Sankar Gopinathan , Zhou Min , Xu Yang
Published: September 2023

Fe‐based potassium Prussian blue analogs (K‐PBAs) are commonly used as K‐ion battery (KIB) cathodes. Interestingly, K‐PBAs are appealing cathodes for Na‐ion batteries (NIBs). In a hybrid NIB cell, where Na‐ion is in the electrolyte and K‐ion is in the PBA cathode, cation intercalation and electrochemical performance of the cathode can be significantly affected by [Fe(CN)6]4− anion vacancy. This work studies the effect of anion vacancy in K‐PBAs on regulating K‐ion/Na‐ion intercalation mechanism in hybrid NIB cells, by comparing two K‐PBA cathodes with different vacancy contents. The results demonstrate that introducing a level of anion vacancy can maximize the number of K‐ion intercalation sites and enhance K‐ion diffusion in the PBA framework. This facilitates K‐ion intercalation and suppresses Na‐ion intercalation, resulting in a K‐ion‐dominated and high‐discharge‐voltage ion storage process in the hybrid NIB cell. The K‐PBA cathode with 20% anion vacancy delivers 128 mAh g−1 at 25 mA g−1 and 67 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1, as well as retains 89% and 81% capacity after 100 and 300 cycles, respectively. It completely outperforms the counterpart with 7% anion vacancy, which exhibits increased Na‐ion intercalation but overall deteriorated ion storage.
Fullerenols Mitigate Radiation‐Induced Myocardial Injury
Authors: Zhang Tingjun , He Rendong , Ding Xuefeng , Zhao Maoru , Wang Chengyan , Zhu Shuang , Liao You , Wang Dongmei , Wang Hao , Guo Junsong , Liu Yaping , Zhou Zhonghui , Gu Zhanjun , Hu Houxiang
Published: September 2023

Radiation‐induced heart disease is a serious side effect of radiation therapy that can lead to severe consequences. However, effective and safe methods for their prevention and treatment are presently lacking. This study reports the crucial function of fullerenols in protecting cardiomyocytes from radiation injury. First, fullerenols are synthesized using a simple base‐catalyzed method. Next, the as‐prepared fullerenols are applied as an effective free radical scavenger and broad‐spectrum antioxidant to protect against X‐ray‐induced cardiomyocyte injury. Their ability to reduce apoptosis via the mitochondrial signaling pathway at the cellular level is then verified. Finally, it is observed in animal models that fullerenols accumulate in the heart and alleviate myocardial damage induced by X‐rays. This study represents a timely and essential analysis of the prevention and treatment of radiological myocardial injury, providing new insights into the applications of fullerenols for therapeutic strategies.
Retuning Mitochondrial Apoptosis/Mitophagy Balance via SIRT3‐Energized and Microenvironment‐Modulated Hydrogel Microspheres to Impede Osteoarthritis
Authors: Xia Xiaowei , Liu Yang , Lu Yingjie , Liu Junlin , Deng Yaoge , Wu Yubin , Hou Mingzhuang , He Fan , Yang Huilin , Xu Yong , Zhang Yijian , Zhu Xuesong
Published: September 2023

Full‐range therapeutic regimens for osteoarthritis (OA) should consider organs (joints)‐tissues (cartilage)‐cells (chondrocytes)‐organelles cascade, of which the subcellular mitochondria dominate eukaryotic cells' fate, and thus causally influence OA progression. However, the dynamic regulation of mitochondrial rise and demise in impaired chondrocytes and the exact role of mitochondrial metronome sirtuins 3 (SIRT3) is not clarified. Herein, chondrocytes are treated with SIRT3 natural agonist dihydromyricetin (DMY) or chemical antagonist 3‐TYP, respectively, to demonstrate the positive action of SIRT3 on preserving cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM). Molecular mechanical investigations disclose that SIRT3‐induced chondroprotection depended on the repression of mitochondrial apoptosis (mtApoptosis) and the activation of mitophagy. Inspired by the high‐level matrix proteinases and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the OA environment, by anchoring gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and benzenediboronic acid (PBA) to hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA) with microfluidic technology, a dual‐responsive hydrogel microsphere laden with DMY is tactfully fabricated and named as DMY@HAMA‐GelMA‐PBA (DMY@HGP). In vivo injection of DMY@HGP ameliorated cartilage abrasion and subchondral bone sclerosis, as well as promoted motor function recovery in post‐traumatic OA (PTOA) model via recouping endogenous mtApoptosis and mitophagy balance. Overall, this study unveils a novel mitochondrial dynamic‐oriented strategy, holding great promise for the precision treatment of OA.
Bio‐Inspired Supramolecular Self‐Assembled Carbon Nitride Nanostructures for Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Dharmarajan Nithinraj Panangattu , Vidyasagar Devthade , Yang Jae‐Hun , Talapaneni Siddulu Naidu , Lee Jangmee , Ramadass Kavitha , Singh Gurwinder , Fawaz Mohammed , Kumar Prashant , Vinu Ajayan
Published: September 2023

Fast production of hydrogen and oxygen in large amounts at an economic rate is the need of the hour to cater to the needs of the most awaited hydrogen energy, a futuristic renewable energy solution. Production of hydrogen through simple water splitting via visible light photocatalytic approach using sunlight is considered as one of the most promising and sustainable approaches for generating clean fuels. For this purpose, a variety of catalytic techniques and novel catalysts have been investigated. Among these catalysts, carbon nitride is presently deemed as one of the best candidates for the visible light photocatalysis due to its unique molecular structure and adequate visible‐range bandgap. Its bandgap can be further engineered by structural and morphological manipulation or by doping/hybridization. Among numerous synthetic approaches for carbon nitrides, supramolecular self‐assembly is one of the recently developed elegant bottom‐up strategies as it is bio‐inspired and provides a facile and eco‐friendly route to synthesize high surface area carbon nitride with superior morphological features and other semiconducting and catalytic properties. The current review article broadly covers supramolecular self‐assembly synthesis of carbon nitride nanostructures and their photocatalytic water‐splitting applications and provides a comprehensive outlook on future directions.
Radical Substitution of Polyfluoroarenes and Heteroarenes Promoted by Photoredox Activation of Organozinc Iodides
Authors: Gladkov Anton A. , Levin Vitalij V. , Dilman Alexander D.
Published: September 2023

Aromatic compounds interact with organozinc reagents under photoredox conditions, leading to the substitution products. The reaction is performed under blue light irradiation via in situ generated organozinc reagents (Barbier conditions), which are oxidized by the photocatalyst, followed by radical attack at the aromatic substrate. The method works with polyfluorinated arenes, 2‐chlorobenzoxazoles, and 2‐sulfonyl‐substituted benzothiazole.
Recent Advances in Visible‐Light‐Driven C−S Bond Formation
Authors: Feng Jiaxu , Zhang Ying , Wang Xiangdi , Liu Jing , Benazzi Valentina , Lu Kui , Zhao Xia , Protti Stefano
Published: September 2023

Due their multifaced applications, the access to organosulfur derivatives in an efficient and economical way is a challenge in organic synthesis. In this context photochemistry and photocatalysis play a crucial role in the development of innovative (and selective) Carbon‐Sulphur bond formation processes. The present review aims to collect the most recent strategies to achieve this target under visible light driven conditions.
Smart Lipid‐Based Nanoparticles in Lung Cancer Treatment: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Shahrivar Ramin Yousefpour , Fakhr Zahra Ahmadi , Abbasgholinejad Elham , Doroudian Mohammad
Published: September 2023

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, and conventional treatments for the disease often fall short. Smart nanoparticles (NPs) are emerging as a promising strategy for the treatment of lung cancer, owing to their ability to selectively deliver therapeutic agents to cancer cells while minimizing off‐target effects. Smart NPs can respond to specific stimuli such as changes in pH, temperature, or enzymes, allowing them to release their cargo only when triggered. Among the various types of smart NPs, lipid‐based NPs, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, cubosomes, and extracellular vesicles, have garnered the highest interest due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and versatility in encapsulating a wide variety of drugs and genetic material. This review discusses the current status of smart lipid‐based NPs in lung cancer treatment, including recent advances in targeting strategies, stimuli‐responsive NPs, and combination therapies. The challenges and opportunities associated with translating smart lipid‐based NPs for lung cancer treatment into clinical applications are also discussed. This review highlights the potential of smart lipid‐based NPs to revolutionize lung cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Precise Correction of Lhcgr Mutation in Stem Leydig Cells by Prime Editing Rescues Hereditary Primary Hypogonadism in Mice
Authors: Xia Kai , Wang Fulin , Tan Zhipeng , Zhang Suyuan , Lai Xingqiang , Ou Wangsheng , Yang Cuifeng , Chen Hong , Peng Hao , Luo Peng , Hu Anqi , Tu Xiang'an , Wang Tao , Ke Qiong , Deng Chunhua , Xiang Andy Peng
Published: September 2023

Hereditary primary hypogonadism (HPH), caused by gene mutation related to testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells, usually impairs male sexual development and spermatogenesis. Genetically corrected stem Leydig cells (SLCs) transplantation may provide a new approach for treating HPH. Here, a novel nonsense‐point‐mutation mouse model (LhcgrW495X) is first generated based on a gene mutation relative to HPH patients. To verify the efficacy and feasibility of SLCs transplantation in treating HPH, wild‐type SLCs are transplanted into LhcgrW495X mice, in which SLCs obviously rescue HPH phenotypes. Through comparing several editing strategies, optimized PE2 protein (PEmax) system is identified as an efficient and precise approach to correct the pathogenic point mutation in Lhcgr. Furthermore, delivering intein‐split PEmax system via lentivirus successfully corrects the mutation in SLCs from LhcgrW495X mice ex vivo. Gene‐corrected SLCs from LhcgrW495X mice exert ability to differentiate into functional Leydig cells in vitro. Notably, the transplantation of gene‐corrected SLCs effectively regenerates Leydig cells, recovers testosterone production, restarts sexual development, rescues spermatogenesis, and produces fertile offspring in LhcgrW495X mice. Altogether, these results suggest that PE‐based gene editing in SLCs ex vivo is a promising strategy for HPH therapy and is potentially leveraged to address more hereditary diseases in reproductive system.
Rechargeable Multifunctional Anti‐Bacterial AEMs for Electrodialysis: Improving Anti‐Biological Performance via Synergistic Antibacterial Mechanism
Authors: Yao Yuyang , Mu Junjie , Li Yuan , Ma Yanjing , Xu Jingwen , Shi Yuna , Liao Junbin , Shen Zhenlu , Shen Jiangnan
Published: September 2023

Constructing a functional layer on the surface of commercial membrane (as a substrate) to inhibit the formation of biofilms is an efficient strategy to prepare an antibacterial anion exchange membrane (AEM). Herein, a rechargeable multifunctional anti‐biological system is reported by utilizing the mussel‐inspired L‐dopa connection function on commercial AEMs. Cobalt nanoparticles (Co NPs) and N‐chloramine compounds are deposited on the AEM surface by a two‐step modification procedure. The anti‐biofouling abilities of the membranes are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by adopting common Gram‐negative (E. coli) and Gram‐positive (S. aureus & Bacillus) bacteria as model biofouling organisms. The optimized membrane exhibits a high stability concerning the NaCl solution separation performance within 240 min. Meantime, the mechanism of the anti‐adhesion is un‐veiled at an atomic level and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation are conducted to measure the interaction, adsorption energy and average loading by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of E. coli. In view of the superior performance of antibacterial surfaces, it is believed that this work could provide a valuable guideline for the design of membrane materials with resistance to biological contamination.