bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status and Marketing of Fruits and Vegetables in India: A Review
Authors: Sah Smita , Johar Vishal , Karthi J. S.
Published: April 2022

The Indian agriculture sector is developing enthusiastically day by day. Horticulture has been an emerging sector in agriculture accounts for 90% o of the total horticulture production in the country, which consists of crops like vegetables, fruits, flowers, mushrooms, tuber crops, spices, plantation, aromatic, and medicinal plants. India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world after China, the increasing population, and the mind-set of adopting a healthy lifestyle have increased the demand for nutritional requirements in people, which provides vast chances for sustaining a large number of agro-based industries which creates substantial employment chances. The horticulture sector contributes 1 about 24.5% of the farming GDP from about 8 of the cultivable area in the country. India has a variety of agro-climatic conditions that allow for the cultivation of a wide range of crops. In recent years, horticulture has made significant progress in terms of increased area and production under various crops, increased productivity, crop diversification, technological interventions for production, and post-harvest and forward association through value addition and marketing.
Prediction of Thermal Coal Prices in Qinhuangdao Port Based on ARIMA-AHP Model
Authors: Chu-Kaiwen . , Zhu-Jiaming . , Lu-Jiamin .
Published: April 2022

Aiming at the price of commodity coal, this paper logically and comprehensively uses the factor analysis dimensionality reduction method, the time series analysis prediction method, and the AHP decision method. And finally constructed the ARIMA-AHP combined model. Combined with this model, we can use R, PYTHON, and other software to program the solution, and give a short-term accurate forecast of thermal coal prices in Qinhuangdao. The conclusions drawn from the study are the main influencing factors of coal price, the internal structure of coal price time series, and the weight ranking of uncertain influencing factors.
Public Policy Management and Good Governance: Challenges and the Way Forward
Authors: Ahmad Dar Showket , Ahmad Wani Feroz
Published: April 2022

The world is facing extraordinary challenges. Policymakers are attempting to develop institutions that are able to cope with rapid changes in demographics, the environment, and the economy. Policymakers are part of the system in which governments operate. Numerous external and internal pressures continuously attack this structure. Exogenous changes or fresh knowledge caused policies to be reversed or revised more frequently than necessary. In India, policymakers are confronted with an increasing number of issues caused by various types of complexity. In this complex environment, the demand for good policy making is steadily increasing. The objective of this paper is to study various facets and dimensions of good governance from public policy perspective. The paper also explores the public policy alternatives and methods to address the issues and challenges of good governance in India. During the discussion, the authors found that corruption and poor capacity building are main impediments in establishing good governance which in turn hampers the efficiency and equity in the provision of public services, thereby weakening the enforcement mechanism of public policy management principles. The paper also revealed that for effective public policy management and administration, there is a dire need to formulate and implement stringent rules and regulations against the menaces like illegal use of force, corruption, bureaucratic bungling, criminalisation of politics and other constraints hampering good governance. Therefore, to create checks and balances across tiers of government and to correct the existing distortions, the paper suggests reform strategies such as decentralisation of public services through participation of private sector, involvement of poor people in state sponsored development programmes, outcome orientation and having women representation in democratic institutions for ensuring good governance. In order to accomplish these desired social changes, enacting strong legislation with severe penalties and its rigorous execution is the need of the hour.
Disrespect World and Family Life World Breakdown during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Napitupulu Frengki
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 Pandemic causes not only health crisis but also crisis in household or family. A family is normatively built upon the concept of life world that begins with moral development of individual ethics in the family. However, what happens is the exact opposite. Household or family as a life world is breaking down due to diminishing respect resulting in a disrespect world state. Efforts to break the chain of spread of COVID-19 turn out to give birth to new problems that undermine the moral order of human life. It is just as devastating as the deteriorating body health due to the virus. Injustice occurs as the destruction of a morally good life, resulting in fundamental disturbance in building and maintaining the concept of plural society stemming from moral and ethical collapse of individuals in the family. This review about critical study is not limited to efforts to hurl criticism towards all forms of injustice, more than that critical theory is an attempt to dismantle all forms of pathologies in society that are the root of all forms of injustice. It also encompasses efforts to raise identity awareness which leads to a tendency to emphasize cultural particularity and human identity. Following Axel Honneth’s theory, moral actions encompass an understanding that includes three dimensions of morality, namely affective, legal, and social moralities that determine if an individual can be a moral agent. Honneth advocates a formal concept of morally good life as a foundation upon which the concept of plural society is built and maintained.
Loneliness, Lifestyles and Lockdowns: Effects on Health
Authors: Agarwal Shashi K.
Published: April 2022

Mother Teresa said: “the greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love...” Loneliness is a global phenomenon. Although more prevalent in the elderly, it is seen in all age groups. Contrary to logic, social media appears to have increased loneliness. Loneliness has several detrimental effects on human health. It is associated with a wide array of chronic diseases, contributing to their development, and often worsening their prognosis. Although there are several mechanisms involved in this harmful association, lower adherence to five healthy lifestyles is a major factor. These lifestyles include not smoking, not drinking alcohol in excess, maintaining adequate body weight, prudent diet, and regular physical activity. Unfortunately, unhealthy lifestyles have been aggravated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. These relationships are reviewed in this manuscript.
Neuromelioidosis – A Misleading Clinical Presentation
Authors: Reddy Sanikommu Dhruvi , Subramanian Murugesan
Published: April 2022

This is a case of a young female who initially presented with visual symptoms, diagnosed as optic neuritis, and treated with steroids. She recovered completely with therapy and two days later, she developed left hemiplegia, dysarthria, and a drop in sensorium. Imaging with MRI brain was suggestive of demyelination changes with a possible diagnosis of primary CNS demyelination syndrome. With persistent fever spikes in-hospital and worsening sensorium, meningoencephalitis was also considered a differential. She was treated with empiric antibiotics and steroids. Blood culture grew burkholderia pseudomallaei, giving a definitive diagnosis of neuromelioidosis, a rare cause of meningoencephalitis. We thereby report this case to highlight the unusual presentation of neuromelioidosis masquerading as acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, a challenging diagnosis for clinicians.
The Sanitary Conditions of Bakeries and Food Safety Practices Assessment of Bakers in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Lawal Mohammed , Abubakari Sa-ad , Murtala Shamsiyatu , Farouk Abdul-Aziz Umar
Published: April 2022

There is a lack of research on the safety of bread in Ghana, although it is one of the foods consumed by most Ghanaians daily. The study, therefore, assessed the sanitary conditions of bakeries in the Tamale Metropolis and further evaluated the food safety practices of bakers in these bakeries. The study employed the use of a questionnaire to collect data in 24 carefully selected bakeries and then the food safety practices of bakers in these bakeries. Results showed that 91.7% of the bakeries had bakers wearing protective gears while working. All (100%) the bakeries were free of domestic animals and a visible presence of insects, rodents or vectors. However, 6(25%) bakeries placed their solid waste containers in the bakery premises. Also, 89.5% of the bakers indicated that they always wash their hands with soap and water before working or handling baking ingredients and materials. All (100%) bakers indicated that they check the expiry dates of their bakery ingredients before using them. 29.8% of the bakers, however, did not make it a practice of refrigerating bakery ingredients that require to be stored in the fridge when not in use. In conclusion, most bakeries had good sanitary conditions and were managed in a manner that ensure food safety. Bakers also exhibited a good level of food safety adherence. Managers should continue to ensure that good sanitary standards are followed and food risk analysis concepts like HACCP are implemented in the bakery to check new and complex food safety threats.
Mycobiota of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Mill.) Phyllosphere
Authors: Ogbuji N. G. , Ataga A. E.
Published: April 2022

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the mycobiota of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius phyllosphere using metagenomics. The phyllosphere, which is the above-ground (aerial) part of plants, is colonized by different microorganisms some of which may be pathogenic to plants and also to humans and animals.

Methodology: The mycobiota was determined by sequencing the 18S rRNA gene on Illumina MiSeq platform. The primer pair: ITS1F (5´-CTTGGTCATTTAGAGGAAGTAAT-3´) and ITS4 (5´-TCCTCCGCTTATTGACATGS-3´) were used to target the ITS regions I and II, and a portion of 28S rDNA.

Results: A total of 107 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were obtained. The mycobiota of C. aconitifolius had 100% Ascomycota classified into Dothideomycetes (84.15%), Eurotiomycetes (2.26%) and Sordariomycetes (12.45%). Only 1.13% of the fungi were unassigned at the class level. The core mycobiota of chaya consisted of the genera Cladosporium (51.70%), Lasiodiplodia (18.11%), Allophoma (6.79%), Stagonosporosis (2.26%) and Aspergillus (2.26%).

Conclusion: The economic importance of the organisms obtained were highlighted. The result from this study shows that C. aconitifolius phyllosphere harbors diverse fungi some of which may promote plant growth or are pathogenic to plants and/or humans.
Benign Late T Wave Inversion Post CABG: Case Report of Myocardial Reperfusion Sign Appearing Late on ECG
Authors: Taweel Muneera Al , AlAnazi Faisal , Aldrees Sara , AlMukhaylid Sarah , Iqbal Zafar
Published: April 2022

Background: T wave inversion (TWI) has been described in a variety of clinical conditions, usually resolving in a timely manner after the index event. TWI has also been considered a robust sign of myocardial reperfusion appearing early after successful revascularization via fibrinolysis or percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

AIM: To report the late appearance of TWI after revascularization in a patient post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), as a sign of successful myocardial perfusion.

Methods: A case report of a male patient presenting to King Abdulaziz hospital in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia with Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI) found to have triple vessel coronary artery disease, referred for CABG at King Abdulaziz medical city Riyadh Saudi Arabia with normal perioperative Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Echocardiogram, to revisit two months later with atypical chest pain and new non-ischemic persistent anterior TWI documented later on clinic visits.

Result and Conclusion: Extensive workup for a possible cause of new anterior TWI was conducted, therefore we concluded the new onset of anterior TWI late post CABG, was a benign sign of myocardial reperfusion.
Immunohistochemical Expression of p53 Protein, in Relation to the Histological Type and Grade in Invasive Breast Carcinomas
Authors: Betiku O. A. , Odujoko O. O. , Omoniyi-Esan G. O. , Olasode B. J.
Published: April 2022

Background: Breast cancer remains the commonest cause of cancer-related deaths in women. This study aims to determine the proportion of p53 expression in breast cancer cases in OAUTHC Ile-Ife and relate this to histological grades and types.

Methods:  Eighty-five histologically diagnosed breast cancer cases seen within a 2-year (2018-2019) period were retrieved. The tumours were graded using Nottingham grading system and the histological types were stated. Immunohistochemistry for p53 was performed on retrieved representative tissue blocks and its level of expression was scored as positive or negative. The association of p53 expression and the histological types and grades were sorted using the chi-square statistical test to compare variables and p-value < 0.05.

Results: The Invasive Ductal Carcinoma-Not Otherwise Specified (IDC-NOS) was the commonest histological type (92.9%). The histological grades 2 and 3 predominated accounting for 48.2% each. Of all the breast carcinoma cases analysed, grades 2 and 3 constituted 93.1%. The median age of 50.6 years was observed in p53 positive and 49.4 years in p53 negative. Even though most high-grade tumours were p53 positive, no significant association between p53 positivity and histological grades or histological types.

Conclusion: Conclusion: Many of our cases show expression of p53 and high grade tumours bare a high level of p53 expression. This finding though not statistically significant may suggest aggressive behaviour of tumours.
Roles of NK Cells in Sepsis
Authors: Baesmat Ayriana Safari
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The body's severe reaction to an infection is known as sepsis. It's a medical emergency that might put your life in jeopardy. Sepsis occurs when an existing infection sets off a chain reaction throughout your body. Sepsis is caused by infect ions that begin in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal system. During prolonged sepsis, apoptosis and diminished immunological activities of natural killer (NK) cells contribute to patients' vulnerability to secondary/nosocomial infections and viral reactivation, resulting in worse life quality and long-term death.

Methods: The gene expression data were retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (GSE60424). Fold change and p value analysis, hierarchical clustering, and pathway analysis were performed.

Results: In this study, we identified altered genes involved in sepsis in NK cells. Ten genes corresponding 11 probe sets were differentially expressed following the sepsis. We identified a network between these genes and pathways they belong to. Pathway analysis showed that these genes are mostly associated with autoimmune response.

Conclusion: DLL1, SERPINA1, IFI44L, XCL1, CD3G, IGHM, PAX8-AS1, PACSIN1, PDE4B and SCML1 genes were found to be associated with sepsis. Almost all these genes are effective in the autoimmune response, especially during the sepsis. Therefore, it is hypothesized that downregulation or upregulation of these genes may affect immune response. And it is predicted that NK cells may be an important factor for autoimmune disease.
The Relationship between Cost Reduction Techniques and Profitability
Authors: S. K. Akintola, , A. A. Omotola, , I. T. Adeeyo,
Published: April 2022

The main difficulty encountered by organizations recently is the increase in the cost of operation that could lead to inevitable cost control and reduction scheme which makes it difficult for most organizations to operate at the cost-efficient frontier. The main objective of this study is to determine the relationship between Cost reduction technique antecedents and profitability of organizations in a selected manufacturing company, Oyo state, Nigeria.

The study adopted a descriptive research design. The targeted population was employees in the selected manufacturing company. The unit of observation was sales managers, salespersons, and employees. The sample size was 80. SPSS was used to organize code and generate a quantitative report. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The study found that fleet management is positively correlated with profitability in selected manufacturing company (r = 0.564; P-value = 0.000<0.05). The result reviewed that there’s a significant relationship between fleet management and profitability in selected manufacturing companies. It was also found that there is a positive relationship between management control and profitability of the selected manufacturing company. The third hypothesis also shows that there is a positive relationship between improved manpower and profitability in a selected manufacturing company.

Moreover, the study concluded that there is a relationship between Cost reduction technique antecedents and profitability of organizations in a selected manufacturing company. The study recommended that Cost control and cost reduction scheme must be properly administered in an organization by setting a realistic standard.
Analytical Method Development and Validation for Estimation of Bedaquiline (BDQ) Using RP-HPLC
Authors: Shubham Sharma , Nitin Dubey , Nidhi Dubey
Published: April 2022

The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved bedaquiline (BDQ) in 2012 for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis, which has become a serious global issue. For the measurement of bedaquiline in bulk medication, a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) approach was devised and validated. The separation was obtained using a 10mM Ammonium acetate: methanol in the ratio 15:85 v/v (pH adjusted to 4.5 with OPA) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min on a Thermo C18 analytical column (250mm4.6 mm i.d.,5.0µ). A UV detector with a 232mm focal length was used for detection. The entire chromatographic analysis time per sample was around 5.0 minutes, with emtricitabine eluting at roughly 3.225minutes retention time. The accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity, and sensitivity of the approach were all tested. Validation studies have shown that this HPLC approach is simple, specific, quick, dependable, and repeatable. The standard curve was linear over the concentration range of 5-25μg/ml with r2 close to one (0.999). Bedaquiline had a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.3525μg/ml and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.95 25μg/ml, respectively. The suggested method's high recovery and low relative standard deviation show its usefulness for determining bedaquiline in pharmaceutical formulations.
Knowledge of Pediatricians about Oral Health Care of Children
Authors: Imtiaz Seema , Raza Yasir , Rajper Shazia Parveen , Talpur Nida , Ali Sadaf , Banglani Munir Ahmed , Shams Salman
Published: April 2022

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and behavior of pediatrician’s according oral health in children.

Design: Cross sectional descriptive study.

Setting: The study was conducted at LUMHS Jamshoro and civil hospital Hyderabad on January 15th and February 28th 2019.

Methodology: This cross sectional survey of 100 pediatricians including postgraduate trainee of institute of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Science Jamshoro and civil hospital Hyderabad. Distinguish the knowledge, attitude and behavior of pediatricians regarding basic oral health care of children which concluded by questionnaire.

Results: A systemic random sample of 100 pediatricians participated. The pediatrician’s knowledge score was significantly not as good but all pediatricians stated it is important for pediatrician to be familiar with oral health in children.

Conclusion: In the event that there is further assimilation with dentistry, paediatricians' understanding of oral health may and must be enhanced, particularly when doctors are still in Graduation or Post-Graduation.
Student Pharmacist Led International E-Learning Collaborative and Educational Experience: Understanding the Role of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Curriculum in Mexico and USA
Authors: Yousif Zaid , Fricovsky Eduardo , Garcia-Sarzosa Jorge , Ngo Linh , Choi Brittney , Garcia Martha , Estevez Gabino , Arain Mudassar Iqbal
Published: April 2022

Background: Pharmacy students in Mexico are exposed to United States’ pharmacy community services in hopes to adopt the services for their own pharmacy program.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a strictly online-based teaching method to improve student knowledge on the role of pharmacists and the pharmacy curriculum in Mexico and the United States.

Methods: This was a prospective study of pharmacy students attending the University of California, San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UCSD SSPPS) and Facultad de Quimic-Pharmaco-Biologia de la Universidad Michoacana San Nicolas de Hidalgo (UMSNH) during the 2015-2016 academic year who enrolled in the E-Learning Collaborative and Educational Experience Independent Study.

Results: The e-learning course had 25 students total from both the United States and Mexico enrolled. Out of the 25 students, 4 students from the United States and 11 students from Mexico agreed to participate in the study. In the familiarity/confidence section of survey, there was a significant increase in 4 out of 5 questions in the Mexico group and 2 out of 5 in the U.S. groups. In the survey section regarding students’ perspective of e-learning and likelihood of community involvement, there was no statistical difference in the U.S. group and only one in the Mexico group.

Conclusion: Despite the lack of statistical significance, the increase in median scores and proportion of correct responses in addition to the feedback provided by students suggest a positive learning experience to supports continuation of this study.
Dentist's Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Central India: A Questionnaire Based Survey
Authors: Agrawal Megha J. , Gade Jaykumar R. , Soni Minal N. , Dandekar Sayali G. , Jaiswal Karan V. , Nikode Sayali P.
Published: April 2022

Context: Obstructive sleep apnea is a very usual sleep disorder that frequently goes undetected. In dental training enough significance aren’t inclined to the various sleep disorders existing. Dentists take a crucial role in assessing, diagnosing, management and referring of OSA patients.

Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice about obstructive sleep apnea among dentists in Central India.

Study design: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Central India from January 2021 to June 2021 for duration of six months at Nagpur.

Methodology: 185 dentists participated in the survey. A questionnaire consisting of 23 items, evaluating the knowledge, attitude, and practice with respect to nine distinct domains concerning obstructive sleep apnea and circulated through a web designed program. Good/poor remarks were given to knowledge and practice questions and favorable/unfavorable for attitude questions. Study data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using chi square test.

Results: Overall dentists were observed to have good knowledge for domains of awareness, general findings and risk factors. Good knowledge was found in MDS for domains of screening and diagnosis (64.65% and 50.51%) and treatment and referral (65.66% and 57.58%) in comparison to the BDS group. Favorable attitude for all the domains was reported while poor practice in all domains.

Conclusion: Dentists had favorable attitude towards OSA but poor knowledge in certain domains about OSA which may be linked to lacked clinical experience and hurdle in their practice. They were passionate about further education on OSA.
Deep‐Learning‐Assisted Stratification of Amyloid Beta Mutants Using Drying Droplet Patterns
Authors: Jeihanipour Azam , Lahann Jörg
Published: April 2022

The development of simple and accurate methods to predict mutations in proteins remains an unsolved challenge in modern biochemistry. It is discovered that critical information about primary and secondary peptide structures can be inferred from the stains left behind by their drying droplets. To analyze the complex stain patterns, deep‐learning neuronal networks are challenged with polarized light microscopy images derived from the drying droplet deposits of a range of amyloid beta (1–42) (Aβ42) peptides. These peptides differ in a single amino acid residue and represent hereditary mutants of Alzheimer's disease. Stain patterns are not only reproducible but also result in comprehensive stratification of eight amyloid beta (Aβ) variants with predictive accuracies above 99%. Similarly, peptide stains of a range of distinct Aβ42 peptide conformations are identified with accuracies above 99%. The results suggest that a method as simple as drying a droplet of a peptide solution onto a solid surface may serve as an indicator of minute, yet structurally meaningful differences in peptides’ primary and secondary structures. Scalable and accurate detection schemes for stratification of conformational and structural protein alterations are critically needed to unravel pathological signatures in many human diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Zeolite‐Reinforced Interpenetrating Polymer Network Initiated by Chalcone Based Photoinitiating System and Their Application in 3D/4D Printing
Authors: Zhang Yijun , Chen Hong , Vidal Loïc , Schrodj Gautier , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Dumur Frédéric , Simon‐Masseron Angélique , Lalevée Jacques
Published: April 2022

With the rapid development of photopolymerization, the search for new near‐UV/visible light sensitive photoinitiating system (PIS) is one of the most interesting topics in polymerization area. In this work, a new PIS (chalcone dye/amine/iodonium salt) could efficiently and simultaneously initiate the free radical photopolymerization of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and the cationic photopolymerization (CP) of 3,4‐epoxycyclohexylmethyl‐3,4‐epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate (EPOX) upon LED@405 nm irradiation to obtain interpenetrating polymer network (IPN). Furthermore, this PIS was employed in the photopolymerization of LTA‐5A zeolite filled interpenetrating polymer network composites (IPN, PEGDA/EPOX). Compared to the pure IPN, the depth of cure (DOC) for IPN with 50 wt% LTA‐5A remarkably increased by ca. 90%, which was the first time reported that DOC could increase with the increase of the filler content. 3D patterns with good resolution were manufactured through direct laser write technique, and those with high filler contents showed good water swelling property. Under hydrothermal stimuli, IPN composite with 50 wt% LTA‐5A exhibited a good 4D printing behavior. Therefore, not only this chalcone dye has a good photoinitiation ability for photopolymerization, but also the resulting IPN composites prepared with the photoinitiating system containing this dye have potential applications for 3D/4D printing and composites preparation.
Prebiotics and Postbiotics Synergistic Delivery Microcapsules from Microfluidics for Treating Colitis
Authors: Yang Keli , Wang Xiaocheng , Huang Rongkang , Wang Hui , Lan Ping , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: April 2022

Manipulation of gut microbiota by bacterial metabolites has shown protective effects against colitis; while the efficacy is strictly limited by the poor oral delivery efficiency and single drug usage. Here, a novel prebiotics and postbiotics synergistic delivery microcapsule composed of indole‐3‐propionic acid (IPA) postbiotic and three prebiotics including alginate sodium, resistant starch (RS), and chitosan via microfluidic electrospray for preventing and treating colitis are proposed. It is found that oral administration of IPA microcapsules (IPA@MC) to mice can exert significant protective effects to colitis, suggesting the therapeutic synergy between prebiotics and postbiotics. Furthermore, the mechanism of the IPA@MC is revealed in modulating the gut microbiota, that is by significantly increasing the overall richness and abundance of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium and Roseburia. These results indicate that the prebiotics and postbiotics synergistic delivery microcapsules are ideal candidates for treating colitis.
Landscape of the Peripheral Immune Response Induced by Local Microwave Ablation in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhou Wenbin , Yu Muxin , Mao Xinrui , Pan Hong , Tang Xinyu , Wang Ji , Che Nan , Xie Hui , Ling Lijun , Zhao Yi , Liu Xiaoan , Wang Cong , Zhang Kai , Qiu Wen , Ding Qiang , Wang Shui
Published: April 2022

Minimally invasive thermal therapies have been attempted in the treatment of breast cancer, and the immune response induced by these therapies has not been fully reported. A clinical trial is performed to determine the effect of microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of early‐stage breast cancer. The authors perform single‐cell RNA sequencing on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from six patients before and after ablation. NK and CD8+T cells are activated by MWA of breast cancer, with the increased inhibitory signature of CD8+T cells but not dysfunctional. Enhanced co‐stimulatory signature of CD4+ T cells is observed and increased frequency of ICOS+CD4+ T cells after MWA is confirmed by flow cytometric analysis. After ablation, T‐cell clones expand with increased T‐cell receptor diversities. Activated antigen receptor‐mediated signaling pathways are found in B cells. Enhanced interactions between B cells and CD4+ T cells are found, indicating that B cells are important antigen‐presenting cells that initiate CD4+T cells in MWA‐induced immune response. Blockade of CTLA‐4 or PD‐1 of post‐MWA PBMCs show higher T‐cell activity than that of pre‐MWA PBMCs. This study provide global characteristics of MWA‐induced systemic immune response and pave a way for the identification of potential targets to improve the immune response.
Customizing Heterointerfaces in Multilevel Hollow Architecture Constructed by Magnetic Spindle Arrays Using the Polymerizing‐Etching Strategy for Boosting Microwave Absorption
Authors: Xu Chunyang , Liu Panbo , Wu Zhengchen , Zhang Huibin , Zhang Ruixuan , Zhang Chang , Wang Lei , Wang Longyuan , Yang Bingtong , Yang Ziqi , You Wenbin , Che Renchao
Published: April 2022

Heterointerface engineering is evolving as an effective approach to tune electromagnetic functional materials, but the mechanisms of heterointerfaces on microwave absorption (MA) remain unclear. In this work, abundant electromagnetic heterointerfaces are customized in multilevel hollow architecture via a one‐step synergistic polymerizing‐etching strategy. Fe/Fe3O4@C spindle‐on‐tube structures are transformed from FeOOH@polydopamine precursors by a controllable reduction process. The impressive electromagnetic heterostructures are realized on the Fe/Fe3O4@C hollow spindle arrays and induce strong interfacial polarization. The highly dispersive Fe/Fe3O4 nanoparticles within spindles build multi‐dimension magnetic networks, which enhance the interaction with incident microwaves and reinforce magnetic loss capacity. Moreover, the hierarchically hollow structure and electromagnetic synergistic components are conducive to the impedance matching between absorbing materials and air medium. Furthermore, the mechanisms of electromagnetic heterointerfaces on the MA are systematically investigated. Accordingly, the as‐prepared hierarchical Fe/Fe3O4@C microtubes exhibit remarkable MA performance with a maximum refection loss of −55.4 dB and an absorption bandwidth of 4.2 GHz. Therefore, in this study, the authors not only demonstrate a synergistic strategy to design multilevel hollow architecture, but also provide a fundamental guide in heterointerface engineering of highly efficient electromagnetic functional materials.
Ti3C2Tx/MoS2 Self‐Rolling Rod‐Based Foam Boosts Interfacial Polarization for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Li Minghang , Zhu Wenjie , Li Xin , Xu Hailong , Fan Xiaomeng , Wu Hongjing , Ye Fang , Xue Jimei , Li Xiaoqiang , Cheng Laifei , Zhang Litong
Published: April 2022

Heterogeneous interface design to boost interfacial polarization has become a feasible way to realize high electromagnetic wave absorbing (EMA) performance of dielectric materials. However, interfacial polarization in simple structures such as particles, rods, and flakes is weak and usually plays a secondary role. In order to enhance the interfacial polarization and simultaneously reduce the electronic conductivity to avoid reflection of electromagnetic wave, a more rational geometric structure for dielectric materials is desired. Herein, a Ti3C2Tx/MoS2 self‐rolling rod‐based foam is proposed to realize excellent interfacial polarization and achieve high EMA performance at ultralow density. Different surface tensions of Ti3C2Tx and ammonium tetrathiomolybdate are utilized to induce the self‐rolling of Ti3C2Tx sheets. The rods with a high aspect ratio not only remarkably improve the polarization loss but also are beneficial to the construction of Ti3C2Tx/MoS2 foam, leading to enhanced EMA capability. As a result, the effective absorption bandwidth of Ti3C2Tx/MoS2 foam covers the whole X band (8.2–12.4 GHz) with a density of only 0.009 g cm−3, at a thickness of 3.3 mm. The advantages of rod structures are verified through simulations in the CST microwave studio. This work inspires the rational geometric design of micro/nanostructures for new‐generation EMA materials.
Reconfigurable Radio‐Frequency High‐Electron Mobility Transistors via Ferroelectric‐Based Gallium Nitride Heterostructure
Authors: Yang Jeong Yong , Yeom Min Jae , Lee Jaeyong , Lee Kyusang , Park Changkun , Heo Junseok , Yoo Geonwook
Published: April 2022

The wireless communication and power transmission environment varies widely depending on time and place, and thus reconfigurable devices and circuits are in high demand due to the significant increase in complexity of the power stage and chip size required for current non‐reconfigurable device‐based systems. Reconfigurable radio‐frequency (RF) devices, however, are difficult to demonstrate due to the lack of suitable materials with desirable material properties that can also be integrated with conventional high‐power materials. Here, reconfigurable gallium nitride (GaN) high‐electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) that are heterointegrated with 2D van der Waals‐interfaced α‐In2Se3semiconductor are demonstrated. The switchable ferroelectric polarization of the 2D α‐In2Se3layer is exploited to control the 2D electron gas charge density in the GaN channel. Further, a native interfacial indium oxide layer between the gate dielectric and α‐In2Se3functions as a charge trapping layer, boosting the effect of the ferroelectric α‐In2Se3layer. The fabricated HEMTs exhibit the sharpest subthreshold slope with tunable threshold voltage, transconductance, and maximum frequency in the range of several GHz under the application of a fast pulsed gate‐voltage signal without sacrificing the performance. The results clearly demonstrate the immense potential of ferroelectric‐based mixed‐dimensional heterostructures as a viable pathway toward simple and compact reconfigurable RF systems.
EU marketing standards and sustainability
Authors: Nes Kjersti , Ciaian Pavel
Published: April 2022

In 2020, the European Union (EU) introduced the new Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, an innovative new strategy to make the EU food system sustainable. The review of the EU marketing standards for food products is implemented as part of the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. While the deal provides an increased focus on sustainability, the new review of the marketing standards extends to factor in the potential impact of modifying the current standards on sustainability. This article identifies parts of the current marketing standards that may affect various aspects of sustainability and discusses the potential impact and trade‐offs with modifying these elements in the supply chain. To illustrate the implications of marketing standards for sustainability, we focus on three broad case studies: food waste, food chain innovation, and climate conscious consumers.
Der Einfluss von Nanoconfinement auf die Elektrokatalyse
Authors: Wordsworth  Johanna , Benedetti Tania M. , Somerville Samuel V. , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Tilley Richard D. , Gooding J. Justin
Published: April 2022

Die Verwendung von Nanopartikeln und nanostrukturierten Elektroden ist in der Elektrokatalyse weit verbreitet. Diese nanometrischen Systeme enthalten je nach Geometrie Elemente des Nanoconfinements in unterschiedlichem Ausmaß, was sich viel stärker auf die Aktivität und Selektivität auswirken kann, als oft angenommen wird. In diesem Aufsatz identifizieren wir zunächst die Systeme, die unterschiedliche Grade von Nanoconfinement enthalten, und zeigen, wie sie die Aktivität und Selektivität elektrokatalytischer Reaktionen beeinflussen können. Anschließend wird ein grundlegendes Verständnis der Auswirkungen des Nanoconfinements auf die Elektrochemie und Elektrokatalyse vermittelt, das dank der Entwicklung neuer, atomar präziser Herstellungs‐ und Fertigungstechniken und Fortschritten bei der theoretischen Modellierung allmählich erschlossen wird. Diese Übersicht soll dabei helfen, die Nanostrukturierung nicht nur zur Vergrößerung der Oberfläche zu nutzen, sondern auch die thermodynamisch bedingten Skalierungsbeziehungen in der Elektrokatalyse zu durchbrechen.
Rational Design of a Novel Tubulin Inhibitor with a Unique Mechanism of Action
Authors: Mühlethaler Tobias , Milanos Lampros , Ortega Jose Antonio , Blum Thorsten B. , Gioia Dario , Roy Bibhas , Prota Andrea E. , Cavalli Andrea , Steinmetz Michel O.
Published: April 2022

In this study, we capitalized on our previously performed crystallographic fragment screen and developed the antitubulin small molecule Todalam with only two rounds of straightforward chemical synthesis. Todalam binds to a novel tubulin site, disrupts microtubule networks in cells, arrests cells in G2/M, induces cell death, and synergizes with vinblastine. The compound destabilizes microtubules by acting as a molecular plug that sterically inhibits the curved‐to‐straight conformational switch in the α‐tubulin subunit, and by sequestering tubulin dimers into assembly incompetent oligomers. Our results describe for the first time the generation of a fully rationally designed small molecule tubulin inhibitor from a fragment, which displays a unique molecular mechanism of action. They thus demonstrate the usefulness of tubulin‐binding fragments as valuable starting points for innovative antitubulin drug and chemical probe discovery campaigns.
Entschlüsselung chemischer Mediatoren zur Regulierung des spezialisierten Stoffwechsels in einem symbiotischen Cyanobakterium
Authors: Krumbholz Julia , Ishida Keishi , Baunach Martin , Teikari Jonna E. , Rose Magdalena M. , Sasso Severin , Hertweck Christian , Dittmann Elke
Published: April 2022

Cyanobakterielle Genome weisen eine Vielzahl unbekannter Biosynthesewege für komplexe Naturstoffe auf, allerdings sind die Besonderheiten, die die Entdeckung und Nutzung unbekannter Stoffwechselwege einschränken, nicht hinreichend verstanden. Hier beschreiben wir die Entdeckung zweier von der Zelldichte abhängiger chemischer Mediatoren, Nostoclid und Nostovalerolacton, welche im symbiotischen Modellstamm Nostoc punctiforme vorkommen und demonstrieren ihren ausgeprägten Einfluss auf die Regulation des spezialisierten Stoffwechsels. Mithilfe von Transkriptions‐, Bioinformatik‐ und Markierungsstudien konnten wir die Biosynthese der beiden Polyketid‐Mediatoren zwei benachbarten biosynthetischen Genclustern zuordnen. Unsere Ergebnisse geben einen Einblick in die Produktionsmechanismen spezialisierter Metabolite und liefern wertvolle Erkenntnisse für das Genomic Mining und die Hochtiter‐Produktion von cyanobakteriellen bioaktiven Substanzen.
Deciphering Chemical Mediators Regulating Specialized Metabolism in a Symbiotic Cyanobacterium
Authors: Krumbholz Julia , Ishida Keishi , Baunach Martin , Teikari Jonna E. , Rose Magdalena M. , Sasso Severin , Hertweck Christian , Dittmann Elke
Published: April 2022

Genomes of cyanobacteria feature a variety of cryptic biosynthetic pathways for complex natural products, but the peculiarities limiting the discovery and exploitation of the metabolic dark matter are not well understood. Here we describe the discovery of two cell density‐dependent chemical mediators, nostoclide and nostovalerolactone, in the symbiotic model strain Nostoc punctiforme, and demonstrate their pronounced impact on the regulation of specialized metabolism. Through transcriptional, bioinformatic and labeling studies we assigned two adjacent biosynthetic gene clusters to the biosynthesis of the two polyketide mediators. Our findings provide insight into the orchestration of specialized metabolite production and give lessons for the genomic mining and high‐titer production of cyanobacterial bioactive compounds.
Biomimetic chromatography—A novel application of the chromatographic principles
Authors: Valko Klara L
Published: April 2022

Biomimetic chromatography is the name of the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods that apply stationary phases containing proteins and phospholipids that can mimic the biological environment where drug molecules distribute. The applied mobile phases are aqueous organic with a pH of 7.4 to imitate physiological conditions that would be encountered in the human body. The calibrated retention of molecules on biomimetic stationary phases reveals a compound's affinity to proteins and phospholipids, which can be used to model the biological and environmental fate of molecules. This technology, when standardised, enables the prediction of in vivo partition and distribution behaviour of compounds and aids the selection of the best compounds for further studies to become a drug molecule. Applying biomimetic chromatographic measurements helps reduce the number of animal experiments during the drug discovery process. New biomimetic stationary phases, such as sphingomyelin and phosphatidylethanolamine, widen the application to the modelling of blood–brain barrier distribution and lung tissue binding. Recently, the measured properties have also been used to predict toxicity, such as phospholipidosis and cardiotoxicity. The aquatic toxicity of drugs and pesticides can be predicted using biomimetic chromatographic data. Biomimetic chromatographic separation methods may also be extended in the future to predict protein and receptor binding kinetics. The development of new biomimetic stationary phases and new prediction models will further accelerate the widespread application of this analytical method.
Chiral Assembly and Recognition of Seven Copper (II) Coordination Polymers from Tartaric Acid Derivative Ligands
Authors: Li Zong‐Ying , Yuan Bin , Wang Hai‐Xian , He Tian‐Sheng , Lan Yan‐Long , Wang Si‐Yu , Zhu Li‐Na , Kong DeMing , Li Xiao‐Zeng
Published: April 2022

A pair of enantiomeric ligands, (2R,3R)‐dibenzyl‐2,3‐bis(isonicotinoyloxy)succinate ((R,R)‐L) and (2S,3S)‐dibenzyl‐2,3‐bis(isonicotinoyloxy)succinate ((S,S)‐L), are designed and synthesized. Seven copper (II) coordination polymers {[Cu((R,R)‐L)Br2(THF)] ⋅ CH3CN} n (1 a) and {[Cu((S,S)‐L)Br2(THF)] ⋅ CH3CN}n (1 b), {[Cu((R,R)‐L)Cl2(THF)] ⋅ CH3CN}n (2 a) and {[Cu((S,S)‐L)Cl2(THF)] ⋅ CH3CN}n (2 b), {[Cu((R,R)‐L)(NO3)2(CH3CN)]}n (3 a) and {[Cu((S,S)‐L)(NO3)2(CH3CN)]}n (3 b), {[Cu((R,R)‐L)2(CH3CN)2](ClO4)2 ⋅ 3CH3CN}n (4) were obtained through the assemblies with CuBr2, CuCl2 ⋅ 2H2O, Cu(NO3)2 ⋅ 3H2O, Cu(ClO4)2 ⋅ 6H2O, respectively. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and circular dichroism analysis demonstrate that 1 a–3 a, 1 b–3 b have a mono chiral one‐dimensional (1D) chain‐like spiral structure, while 4 have 1D chain‐like structure whose metal centers have chiral propeller coordination environment. Ligand structure, anions and solvent systems have a regulatory effect on the formation of chiral helical structure. Further investigation has proved that 1 a can be used as circular dichroism spectrum probe for monitoring L‐/D‐cysteine and L‐/D‐penicillamine configuration and concentration in aqueous media based on ligand interchange mechanism.
Blockchain‐based recycling and its impact on recycling performance: A network theory perspective
Authors: Gong Yu , Xie Shenghao , Arunachalam Deepak , Duan Jiang , Luo Jianli
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore the application of blockchain technology (BCT) in recycling. This research applies a multiple case study approach with six pioneer organisations, based on secondary data. We found that BCT is an effective approach to promote recycling performance: it can provide tokenisation, waste flow tracking and recycling chain integration. The benefits include ‘Eco‐friendly’, ‘Stimulate participation’, ‘Social inclusion’, ‘Transparent recycling chains’ and ‘Extended producer responsibility accountability’. However, the majority of existing BCT‐based initiatives are in the pilot stage and face cognitive, technology, internal and external barriers. Our research is one of the first studies on blockchain‐based recycling. We applied the network theory of ‘Reachability’, ‘Richness’ and ‘Receptivity’ and ‘network formation’ barriers to propose a conceptual framework of BCT‐based recycling, which serves as a practical reference for the recycling industry.
Between impact and returns: Private investors and the sustainable development goals
Authors: Paetzold Falko , Busch Timo , Utz Sebastian , Kellers Anne
Published: April 2022

We investigate the expectations of wealthy private investors regarding the impact and financial return of sustainable investments. Our paper focuses on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) as a framework for investors' attempts to create impact. We analyze the behavior of 60 high‐net‐worth individuals (HNWIs), a powerful yet overlooked investor segment. Our results show large allocations in line with the SDGs, which demonstrates these investors' aim of achieving real‐word changes. Furthermore, we show that these “impact investors” have a clear preference for SDGs that are associated with high financial returns. As such, we confirm that both impact and attractive financial returns are expected. Our findings provide rich, deep insights into how HNWIs practice impact investing and their underlying motivations. We outline practical implications for different stakeholders, notably regarding the fact that financially attractive SDGs are likely to attract substantial amounts of capital, with other SDGs remaining underfunded.