bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association and Path Analysis of Yield and Its Component Traits for Yield Maximization in Green Gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)
Authors: Singh Surendra , Singh Pushpendra , Bhargava M. K.
Published: April 2022

The present investigation was undertaken to estimate the correlation coefficients among thirteen quantitative traits and to study the direct and indirect effects of various yield contributing traits on grain yield by path analysis. Ten genetically diverse genotypes of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) were used as parents in line x tester mating design in addition to their twenty four F2 lines at Educational and Research farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Brahmanand P.G. College, Rath (Hamirpur), Uttar Pradesh during zaid, 2019 in a randomized block design with three replications each. The results of association study revealed that grain yield per plant showed highly significant and positive correlation, at both genotypic and phenotypic levels, with number of days to flowering, number of pods per cluster, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant and biological yield per plant (g) indicating possibility of simultaneous improvement for these traits. However, yield per plant for parents showed significant negative correlation with primary branches per plant and harvest index at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. In contrast, only clusters per plant, pods per cluster, pods per plant, biological yield per plant, seeds per pod, seed weight per pod and 100 seed weight exhibited significant positive association in F2 generation, indicating existence of linkage. Harvest index had negative association with most of the traits at genotypic as well as phenotypic levels. Path analysis revealed that, biological yield per plant; harvest index and seeds per pod recorded the high direct effect in desirable direction. Their association with grain yield was also significant and positive except with harvest index, indicating true and perfect association between these traits at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Therefore, direct selection for these characters would help in isolating high yielding genotypes from highly segregating population. Among the traits showing negative direct effects were days to 50% flowering, branches per plant, plant height, pods per plant and seed weight per pod, however, these trait had positive association with yield. Hence, biological yield per plant, harvest index, seeds per pod and clusters per plant may be improved to enhance seed yield per plant and hybridization followed by direct and indirect selection for these traits may be undertaken for breeding high yielding cultivars.
A Study on the Effect of Cloprop on Crown Size and Quality of Pineapple cv. Giant Kew
Authors: Imchen Alemla , Sema Akali , Maiti C. S. , Sarkar Animesh
Published: April 2022

Aims: The present study was carried out to determine the effect of 2-(3- chlorophenoxy) propionic acid (3- CPA) on crown size, yield and quality of pineapple cv. Giant Kew.

Study Design: Completely Randomised Design

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture Sciences and Rural Development, Nagaland University, Medziphema campus.

Methodology: Five treatments consisted of different concentrations of the growth regulator viz., C1 (Control), C2 (50 ppm), C3 (100 ppm), C4 (150 ppm) and C5 (200 ppm) were evaluated with four replications each. Treatment was applied as foliar spray on pineapple crowns when apical flowers were in final stage of dehiscence. Growth and yield attributes viz., length and circumference of crown, crown to fruit length ratio, length of fruit with and without crown, pulp weight, peel weight, pulp to peel ratio, core weight, days taken to mature and dry matter content were recorded. Furthermore, biochemical parameters viz., TSS, titratable acidity, TSS: acid ratio, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar and non- reducing sugar were analyzed, along with shelf life and Physiological loss in weight (PLW). 

Results: The experiment revealed C3 (100 ppm) as optimum concentration for reduction of crown size with minimum crown length (14.28 cm), circumference (49.72 cm) and crown to fruit ratio (0.83) and showed 48% reduction in crown length over control. Also, maximum values for length of fruit (17.22 cm), pulp weight (1080 g), peel weight (403 g), core weight (200 g), shelf life (19.33 days) and minimum PLW were observed in C3 (100 ppm). It was found that higher concentration of 3- CPA reduced TSS and increased titratable acidity. Incidence of burns on lower leaves of crown was observed in 150 and 200 ppm treatments.

Conclusion: 2-(3- chlorophenoxy) propionic acid is effective in altering the plant physiological processes and from the present experiment, treatment with 100 ppm showed effective result in terms of crown attributes, quality and shelf life.
To Determine the Mean Glycemic Changes after Vitamin D3 Supplement in Children with Type I Diabetes Mellitus and Vitamin D Deficiency Presenting at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi
Authors: U. Rehman Mujeeb , Khan Jokhio Dilawar , Qayyum Abdul , Nazim Fizza , Ahmed Memon Naseer , Raza Jamal
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Glucose Homeostasis can potentially be affected by Vitamin D.  Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a global problem with an estimated one billion people worldwide suffering from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a global health issue and is on the rise in Pakistani pediatric population. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) also negatively impacts bone health and is associated with a modest reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) and strength (7,8) Given the negative impact of vitamin D inadequacy and T1D on bone health, Adolescent with both conditions have multiple risk factors for increased skeletal fragility. In this study we evaluated glycemic changes after vitamin D3 supplement in patients with type I diabetes mellitus and vitamin D deficiency.

Objective: To determine the mean glycemic changes after vitamin D3 supplement in children with type I diabetes mellitus and vitamin D deficiency presenting at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi.

Methodology: A quasi experimental study design was conducted on 40 children who were presenting in OPD of NICH Karachi for six months. All patients were subjected to demographics and detailed history for Type 1 Diabetes and Vitamin D deficiency. Immunoturbidometry for HbA1C and ELISA for 25OHD was performed. Vitamin D3 supplement was advised as per operational definition. Insulin dose was recorded by parents for three months. 25OHD and HbA1C levels were measured following Vitamin D3 supplements. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze the significance.

Results: We observed a significant difference in mean HbA1c level at pre-treatment and post treatment was 9.89±2.04 and 8.42±1.87 respectively with Vitamin D3 supplements, with p-value 0.001.

Conclusion: Vitamin D3 supplement improves HbA1C in patients with type I diabetes and vitamin D deficiency.
Research on Applicability of Laser Ablation Propulsion to Space Debris Removal by Simulations
Authors: Yoo Seong-Moon , Lee Seung-Min
Published: April 2022

Laser ablation propulsion(LAP) is the method to create impulse by laser ablation. It can be used to deorbit the space debris(SD), as its long-range property and versatility on any material. In this paper, we find out several requirements of the LAP system(LAPS) to deorbit the SD by simple numerical calculations of the SD orbit and laser beam flux. As a result, minimum operable altitude angle turned out to be a crucial variable to the LAPS. Moreover, if minimum operable altitude angle is 10°, and if the minimum distance between the LAPS and the SD is below 450 km, 1 m/s2 is sufficient to deorbit the SD by once. With 18 kJ/3 ns pulsed laser and cube shaped 100 kg SD, 1 m/s2 acceleration can be achieved by increasing the pulse repetition rate over 34~53 Hz, depending on the size of the SD. This capability could compare with the conceptual design of the Japan Establishment for a Power-laser Community Harvest(J-EPoCH) facility, which include 8 kJ, 5 PW@100 Hz laser.
A Renally Clearable Activatable Polymeric Nanoprobe for Early Detection of Hepatic Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Huang Jiaguo , Xian Shiyun , Liu Yi , Chen Xiaona , Pu Kanyi , Wang Hangxiang
Published: April 2022

Although hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a major complication in many clinical settings, it remains a diagnostic dilemma due to its reliance on insensitive assays or invasive biopsy. The development of an activatable polymeric nanoprobe (APNSO) for real‐time in vivo near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging and urinalysis of hepatic IRI is reported here. APNSO has a backbone comprising renally clearable fluorophore fragments and self‐immolative structural units. In the presence of an oxidative stress biomarker (superoxide anion, O2•−) during hepatic IRI, APNSO can be fluorescently activated for in vivo NIRF imaging and depolymerized to release renally clearable fluorophores for urinalysis. By virtue of its high hepatic accumulation, sensitive response toward O2•−, and effective release of renally clearable fluorophores, APNSO‐based imaging and urinalysis detect hepatic IRI at least 7 h earlier than typical clinical assays in a mouse model. This study not only provides new opportunities for noninvasive diagnosis of hepatic IRI, but also reveals guidelines for the development of optical nanosensors for early urinalysis.
Targeting Gut Bacteria Using Inulin‐Conjugated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: von Baeckmann Cornelia , Riva Alessandra , Guggenberger Patrick , Kählig Hanspeter , Han Seung Won , Inan Deniz , Del Favero Giorgia , Berry David , Kleitz Freddy
Published: April 2022

To facilitate the creation of novel nanocarrier systems targeting the intestinal microbiome, inulin‐conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are described herein for the first time. Surface functionalization is achieved on either hydrophilic or hydrophobic mesoporous nanoparticles using different conjugation methods. The targeting performance of the resulting materials is assessed and compared upon incubation with human stool. It appears that amide formation is the most favorable coupling method on hydrophilic MSNs to achieve the desired bioconjugate. Remarkably, high affinity of gut bacteria to the conjugated particles can be obtained, paving the way to novel targeted drug delivery systems.
Synthesis of α‐ and β‐Carbolines by a Metalation/Negishi Cross‐Coupling/SNAr Reaction Sequence
Authors: Sathiyalingam Shainthavaan , Roesner Stefan
Published: April 2022

A methodology for the synthesis of α‐ and β‐carbolines from fluoropyridines and 2‐haloanilines is reported. This procedure consists of a four‐step directed ortho‐lithiation, zincation, Negishi cross‐coupling, and intramolecular nucleophilic aromatic substitution, providing access to a diverse set of functionalized carbolines. While the procedure is applicable to batch conditions, the generation of arylzinc intermediates in continuous flow has been demonstrated.

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Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell‐Derived Miniature Joint System for Disease Modeling and Drug Testing
Authors: Li Zhong , Lin Zixuan , Liu Silvia , Yagi Haruyo , Zhang Xiurui , Yocum Lauren , Romero‐Lopez Monica , Rhee Claire , Makarcyzk Meagan J. , Yu Ilhan , Li Eileen N. , Fritch Madalyn R. , Gao Qi , Goh Kek Boon , O'Donnell Benjamen , Hao Tingjun , Alexander Peter G. , Mahadik Bhushan , Fisher John P. , Goodman Stuart B. , Bunnell Bruce A. , Tuan Rocky S. , Lin Hang
Published: April 2022

Diseases of the knee joint such as osteoarthritis (OA) affect all joint elements. An in vitro human cell‐derived microphysiological system capable of simulating intraarticular tissue crosstalk is desirable for studying etiologies/pathogenesis of joint diseases and testing potential therapeutics. Herein, a human mesenchymal stem cell‐derived miniature joint system (miniJoint) is generated, in which engineered osteochondral complex, synovial‐like fibrous tissue, and adipose tissue are integrated into a microfluidics‐enabled bioreactor. This novel design facilitates different tissues communicating while still maintaining their respective phenotypes. The miniJoint exhibits physiologically relevant changes when exposed to interleukin‐1β mediated inflammation, which are similar to observations in joint diseases in humans. The potential of the miniJoint in predicting in vivo efficacy of drug treatment is confirmed by testing the “therapeutic effect” of the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, naproxen, as well as four other potential disease‐modifying OA drugs. The data demonstrate that the miniJoint recapitulates complex tissue interactions, thus providing a robust organ chip model for the study of joint pathology and the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
Proton‐Driven Transformable 1O2‐Nanotrap for Dark and Hypoxia Tolerant Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chen Dapeng , Dai Hanming , Wang Weili , Cai Yu , Mou Xiaozhou , Zou Jianhua , Shao Jinjun , Mao Zhengwei , Zhong Liping , Dong Xiaochen , Zhao Yongxiang
Published: April 2022

Despite the clinical potential, photodynamic therapy (PDT) relying on singlet oxygen (1O2) generation is severely limited by tumor hypoxia and endosomal entrapment. Herein, a proton‐driven transformable 1O2‐nanotrap (ANBDP NPs) with endosomal escape capability is presented to improve hypoxic tumor PDT. In the acidic endosomal environment, the protonated 1O2‐nanotrap ruptures endosomal membranes via a “proton‐sponge” like effect and undergoes a drastic morphology‐and‐size change from nanocubes (≈94.1 nm in length) to nanospheres (≈12.3 nm in diameter). Simultaneously, anthracenyl boron dipyrromethene‐derived photosensitizer (ANBDP) in nanospheres transforms to its protonated form (ANBDPH) and switches off its charge‐transfer state to achieve amplified 1O2 photogeneration capability. Upon 730 nm photoirradiation, ANBDPH prominently produces 1O2 and traps generated‐1O2 in the anthracene group to form endoperoxide (ANOBDPH). Benefitting from the hypoxia‐tolerant 1O2‐release property of ANOBDPH in the dark, the 1O2‐nanotrap brings about sustained therapeutic effect without further continuous irradiation, thereby achieving remarkable antitumor performance.
Identification of a Crosstalk among TGR5, GLIS2, and TP53 Signaling Pathways in the Control of Undifferentiated Germ Cell Homeostasis and Chemoresistance
Authors: Thirouard Laura , Holota Hélène , Monrose Mélusine , Garcia Manon , de Haze Angélique , Damon‐Soubeyrand Christelle , Renaud Yoan , Saru Jean‐Paul , Perino Alessia , Schoonjans Kristina , Beaudoin Claude , Volle David H.
Published: April 2022

Spermatogonial stem cells regenerate and maintain spermatogenesis throughout life, making testis a good model for studying stem cell biology. The effects of chemotherapy on fertility have been well‐documented previously. This study investigates how busulfan, an alkylating agent that is often used for chemotherapeutic purposes, affects male fertility. Specifically, the role of the TGR5 pathway is investigated on spermatogonia homeostasis using in vivo, in vitro, and pharmacological methods. In vivo studies are performed using wild‐type and Tgr5‐deficient mouse models. The results clearly show that Tgr5 deficiency can facilitate restoration of the spermatogonia homeostasis and allow faster resurgence of germ cell lineage after exposure to busulfan. TGR5 modulates the expression of key genes of undifferentiated spermatogonia such as Gfra1 and Fgfr2. At the molecular level, the present data highlight molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions among the TGR5, GLIS2, and TP53 pathways in spermatogonia associated with germ cell apoptosis following busulfan exposure. This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because it shows that TGR5 plays key role on undifferentiated germ cell homeostasis and that modulating the TGR5 signaling pathway could be used as a potential therapeutic tool for fertility disorders.
Domain Engineering in Bulk Ferroelectric Ceramics via Mesoscopic Chemical Inhomogeneity
Authors: Thong Hao‐Cheng , Li Zhao , Lu Jing‐Tong , Li Chen‐Bo‐Wen , Liu Yi‐Xuan , Sun Qiannan , Fu Zhengqian , Wei Yan , Wang Ke
Published: April 2022

Domain engineering in ferroelectrics endows flexibility for different functional applications. Whereas the domain engineering strategy for single crystals and thin films is diverse, there is only a limited number of strategies for bulk ceramics. Here, a domain engineering strategy for achieving a compact domain architecture with increased domain‐wall density in (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN)‐based ferroelectric ceramics via mesoscopic chemical inhomogeneity (MCI) is developed. The MCI‐induced interfaces can effectively hinder domain continuity and modify the domain configuration. Besides, the MCI effect also results in diffused phase transitions, which is beneficial for achieving enhanced thermal stability. Modulation of chemical inhomogeneity demonstrates great potential for engineering desirable domain configuration and properties in ferroelectric ceramics. Additionally, the MCI can be easily controlled by regulating the processing condition during solid‐state synthesis, which is advantageous to industrial production.
The vessel wall thickness–vessel diameter relationship across woody angiosperms
Authors: Echeverría Alberto , Petrone‐Mendoza Emilio , Segovia‐Rivas Alí , Figueroa‐Abundiz Víctor A. , Olson Mark E.
Published: April 2022

Premise

Comparative anatomy is necessary to identify the extremes of combinations of functionally relevant structural traits, to ensure that physiological data cover xylem anatomical diversity adequately, and thus achieve a global understanding of xylem structure–function relations. A key trait relationship is that between xylem vessel diameter and wall thickness of both the single vessel and the double vessel+adjacent imperforate tracheary element (ITE).

Methods

We compiled a comparative data set with 1093 samples, 858 species, 350 genera, 86 families, and 33 orders. We used broken linear regression and an algorithm to explore changes in parameter values from linear regressions using subsets of the data set to identify a threshold, at 90‐µm vessel diameter, in the wall thickness–diameter relationship.

Results

Below 90 µm diameter for vessels, virtually any wall thickness could be associated with virtually any diameter. Below this threshold, selection is free to favor a very wide array of combinations, such as very thick walls and narrow vessels in ITE‐free herbs, or very thin‐walled, wide vessels in evergreen dryland pioneers. Above 90 µm, there was a moderate positive relationship.

Conclusions

Our analysis shows that the space of vessel wall thickness–diameter combinations is very wide, with selection apparently eliminating individuals with vessel walls “too thin” for their diameter. Most importantly, our survey revealed poorly studied plant hydraulic syndromes (functionally significant trait combinations). These data suggest that the full span of trait combinations, and thus the minimal set of hydraulic syndromes requiring study to span woody plant functional diversity adequately, remains to be documented.
Air pollution and dementia in older adults in the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study
Authors: Semmens Erin O. , Leary Cindy S. , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Ilango Sindana D. , Park Christina , Adam Claire E. , DeKosky Steven T. , Lopez Oscar , Hajat Anjum , Kaufman Joel D.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Growing evidence implicates air pollution as a risk factor for dementia, but prior work is limited by challenges in diagnostic accuracy and assessing exposures in the decades prior to disease development. We evaluated the impact of long‐term fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposures on incident dementia (all‐cause, Alzheimer's disease [AD], and vascular dementia [VaD]) in older adults.

Methods

A panel of neurologists adjudicated dementia cases based on extensive neuropsychological testing and magnetic resonance imaging. We applied validated fine‐scale air pollutant models to reconstructed residential histories to assess exposures.

Results

An interquartile range increase in 20‐year PM2.5 was associated with a 20% higher risk of dementia (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5%, 37%) and an increased risk of mixed VaD/AD but not AD alone.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that air pollutant exposures over decades contribute to dementia and that effects of current exposures may be experienced years into the future.
Preparation and analysis of Jatropha curcas seed flour‐based plywood bonding adhesives by oxidation methods
Authors: Xi Xuedong , Chen Yanhua , Pizzi Antonio , Zhang Qianyu , Lei Hong , Du Guanben
Published: April 2022

Jatropha seeds flour is by‐product from the production of biomass diesel, which mainly composed of proteins and oligomeric carbohydrates. To create an environmentally friendly, low‐cost, and well performance adhesive for plywood bonding, the Jatropha seeds flour was used to prepare a protein‐based adhesives by oxidized with sodium periodate (NaIO4) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) at room temperature in this present work. The effect of two oxidizing agents on the bonding strength and water resistance were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic thermomechanical analysis were combined to study the thermal performance of this bio‐based adhesives, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was to characterize structural changes in the reaction process. The results show that the Jatropha protein adhesives oxidized by NaIO4 exhibited a good dry strength, but not on the 24 h cold water soaking wet strength and 3 h hot water (63°C) soaking wet strength. While the performance of the adhesive with KMnO4 oxidation treatment has significantly improved, especially the wet strength of 24 h cold water soaking and 3 h hot water (63°C) soaking as high as 0.84 MPa, 0.77 MPa respectively, which conformed to the standard requirement of GB/T9846‐2015 (≥0.7 MPa). Thus, the Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) oxidant was favored for Jatropha protein oxidation to prepare a protein adhesives, and its preparation process has been studied also in this work, meanwhile, the optimal oxidant addition ratio was confirmed as 12% based on the protein flour.
Alien species and the Water Framework Directive: Recommendations for assessing ecological status in fresh waters in Norway
Authors: Sandvik Hanno , Taugbøl Annette , Bærum Kim Magnus , Hesthagen Trygve , Jensen Thomas C. , Johnsen Stein Ivar , Sandlund Odd Terje , Schartau Ann Kristin
Published: April 2022

Invasive alien species are recognized as a significant anthropogenic threat to freshwater ecosystems, because they may bring about the local extinction of native species and the collapse of habitat types of special conservation concern.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is an important legislative tool for the protection of water bodies in the European Union. It requires the assessment of the ecological status of water bodies and the enforcement of measures for water bodies that fail to achieve at least ‘good’ ecological status. However, the WFD does not explicitly mention alien species.

This article presents a three‐tiered approach for the incorporation of data on alien species into WFD assessments of freshwater bodies in Norway. If relevant data on WFD parameters are available for the water body under consideration, its ecological status should be inferred from those data. Otherwise, ecological status should be assessed using evidence of the effects that the alien species have on biological quality elements in comparable water bodies. If neither of these options is feasible, the ecological status should be classified according to the ecological effect score of the alien species present, as obtained from the Generic Ecological Impact Assessment of Alien Species (GEIAA).

It is further recommended that a water body cannot be assigned ‘high ecological status’ if at least one alien species is present. If more than one alien species is present, the status is determined by the species with the highest impact.

Ecological, geographical, historical, and taxonomic delimitation criteria for this assessment method are presented, together with a list of the alien species that at present fulfil these delimitations in Norway.

The management implications of the recommendations are that more Norwegian freshwater bodies are likely to require measures, and that further data must be collected. Most of the recommendations are transferable to other countries, although they may require adjustment.
SATs, sets and allegations of bias: The allocation of 11‐year‐old students to mathematics sets in some English schools in 2015. A response to Connolly et al., 2019
Authors: Gomm Roger
Published: April 2022

This is a methodological critique of research by the Best Practice in Grouping Students (BPGS) project claiming teacher bias in allocating students to first‐year secondary school mathematics teaching sets (British Educational Research Journal, 45(4), 873–879). The research assumes that bias could be shown by non‐random relationships between ‘misallocations’ to sets and memberships of gender, ethnic and/or socio‐economic subgroups. This paper questions the authors’ prescriptions for correct set placements and demonstrates two ways in which non‐random relationships between subgroup memberships and (alleged) misplacements could be generated despite all students with similar scores within a school being given the same chance of a set position deemed correct by the researchers. It suggests that the BPGS project results are largely artefacts of their evaluation approach. No claim is made herein that teacher bias plays no part in set allocation, merely that, if it does, the approach by Connolly et al. could not evidence it. A lesson from the critique is that, before drawing inferences from data aggregated from diverse clusters, it is wise for researchers to investigate the way the data are generated at source and patterned by aggregation.
Allometry‐Based Field, Laboratory, and Desktop Exercises for Marine Ecology Students
Authors: Taylor Richard B.
Published: April 2022

Developing meaningful in‐course exercises for university‐level marine ecology students can be challenging due to the constraints imposed by time, logistics, and/or safety. Here, I describe three exercises that exploit the explanatory power of body size to provide context for field‐, laboratory‐, and desktop‐based projects done by students at varying stages of their university education. The exercises collectively help to develop a range of research skills including data acquisition, analysis, interpretation, and communication.
Highly selective and sensitive ‘on–off’ fluorescent chemosensor for Fe3+ ions crafted by benzofuran moiety in both experimental and theoretical methods
Authors: Madhu P. , Sivakumar P. , Sribalan Rajendran , Arumugam Senthil M.
Published: April 2022

A benzofuran glycinamide‐based chemosensor, 3‐(2‐([4‐fluorobenzyl]amino)acetamido)benzofuran‐2‐carboxamide (BGA) was developed and synthesized for the selective and sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions. The photophysical properties of the probe BGA were studied using UV–visible light absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometers. The chemosensor BGA showed a marked ‘on–off’ fluorescence response towards Fe3+ ions in the presence of other metal ions in DMSO/H2O solution (9/1, v/v). The very low limits of detection (LOD) were calculated to be 10 nM and 43 nM using UV–visible light absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometers, respectively. Job's plot analysis revealed the formation of a BGA‐Fe3+ complex with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry ratio using UV–visible light spectroscopy. The sensing mechanism was also demonstrated using density functional theory calculation.
Stability‐indicating HPLC method development and validation for simultaneous estimation of metformin, dapagliflozin, and saxagliptin in bulk drug and pharmaceutical dosage form
Authors: Vankalapati Krishna Rao , Alegete Pallavi , Boodida Sathyanarayana
Published: April 2022

A simple, precise, and rapid stability‐indicating reversed‐phase‐HPLC method was developed and validated for the estimation of metformin (MET), dapagliflozin (DAP), and saxagliptin (SAX) combination in bulk and tablet dosage forms. The proposed method uses a Kromasil C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with column oven temperature of 30°C and mobile phase containing a mixture of 60% phosphate buffer (pH = 3) and 40% acetonitrile. The flow rate was set at 1.0 mL/min, and the injection volume was 10 μL. The detection was carried out at 230 nm using a photodiode array detector, and the total run time was 4 min. The proposed method was validated according to International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines for specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, and solution stability. The method is linear over the range of 125–750 μg/mL for MET, 1.25–7.5 μg/mL for DAP, and 0.625–3.75 μg/mL for SAX. The observed correlation coefficients (R2) for MET, DAP, and SAX are >0.999. The proposed method is precise, and the percentage relative standard deviation was found to be between 0.4 and 0.8. The observed percentage recoveries were between 98.51 and 100.80 for all three compounds. The product was subjected to stress conditions of acid, base, oxidative, thermal, and photolytic degradation. The product was found to degrade significantly in oxidative, acid, and base hydrolysis degradation conditions, and the degradation products were well determined from the active peaks, thus proving the stability‐indicating power of the method. The developed and validated stability‐indicating reversed‐phase‐HPLC method was appropriate for quantitative determination of these drugs in pharmaceutical preparations and also for quality control in bulk manufacturing.
The impact of environmental investments on green innovation: An integration of factors that increase or decrease uncertainty
Authors: Li Ruiqian , Xu Guanghua , Ramanathan Ramakrishnan
Published: April 2022

How institutional factors that increase or decrease uncertainty can influence the effect of environmental investments (EIs) on green innovation (GI) deserves further investigation. In this study, we first examine the direct impact of EIs on GI. Moreover, we consider political uncertainty (PU) as a factor that increases uncertainty and consider marketization degree (MD) and environmental regulations (ERs) as two other factors that decrease uncertainty; then, we examine the effects of these factors on EIs and GI. Using key environmental cities in China covering the period from 2003 to 2016 as the research sample, the empirical results indicate that EIs can have a positive effect on GI and two different types of GI (green invention and green utility). In addition, PU can weaken the positive effect of EIs on GI. Furthermore, the association between EIs and GI varies with the intensity of ERs but does not vary with MD. The positive effect of EIs on GI is more pronounced in cities with a higher intensity of ERs. Overall, PU that increases uncertainty can weaken the positive effect of EIs on GI, whereas ERs that decrease uncertainty can strengthen the promotion effect of EIs on GI.
Impact of different trace elements on metabolic routes during heterotrophic growth of C. ljungdahlii investigated through online measurement of the carbon dioxide transfer rate
Authors: Mann Marcel , Effert Darina , Kottenhahn Patrick , Hüser Aline , Philipps Gabriele , Jennewein Stefan , Büchs Jochen
Published: April 2022

Synthesis gas fermentation using acetogenic clostridia is a rapidly increasing research area. It offers the possibility to produce platform chemicals from sustainable C1 carbon sources. The Wood‐Ljungdahl pathway (WLP), which allows acetogens to grow autotrophically, is also active during heterotrophic growth. It acts as an electron sink and allows for the utilization of a wide variety of soluble substrates and increases ATP yields during heterotrophic growth. While glycolysis leads to CO2 evolution, WLP activity results in CO2 fixation. Thus, a reduction of net CO2 emissions during growth with sugars is an indicator of WLP activity. To study the effect of trace elements and ventilation rates on the interaction between glycolysis and the WLP, the model acetogen Clostridium ljungdahlii was cultivated in YTF medium, a complex medium generally employed for heterotrophic growth, with fructose as growth substrate. The recently reported anaRAMOS device was used for online measurement of metabolic activity, in form of CO2 evolution. The addition of multiple trace elements (iron, cobalt, manganese, zinc, nickel, copper, selenium, and tungsten) was tested, to study the interaction between glycolysis and the Wood ljungdahl pathway. While the addition of iron(II) increased growth rates and ethanol production, added nickel(II) increased WLP activity and acetate formation, reducing net CO2 production by 28%. Also, higher CO2 availability through reduced volumetric gas flow resulted in 25% reduction of CO2 evolution. These online metabolic data demonstrate that the anaRAMOS is a valuable tool in the investigation of metabolic responses i.e. to determine nutrient requirements that results in reduced CO2 production. Thereby the media composition can be optimized depending on the specific goal.
HSF1 facilitates the multistep process of lymphatic metastasis in bladder cancer via a novel PRMT5‐WDR5‐dependent transcriptional program
Authors: Huang Ming , Dong Wen , Xie Ruihui , Wu Jilin , Su Qiao , Li Wuguo , Yao Kai , Chen Yuelong , Zhou Qianghua , Zhang Qiang , Li Wenwen , Cheng Liang , Peng Shengmeng , Chen Siting , Huang Jian , Chen Xu , Lin Tianxin
Published: April 2022

Background

Lymphatic metastasis has been associated with poor prognosis in bladder cancer patients with limited therapeutic options. Emerging evidence shows that heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) drives diversified transcriptome to promote tumor growth and serves as a promising therapeutic target. However, the roles of HSF1 in lymphatic metastasis remain largely unknown. Herein, we aimed to illustrate the clinical roles and mechanisms of HSF1 in the lymphatic metastasis of bladder cancer and explore its therapeutic potential.

Methods

We screened the most relevant gene to lymphatic metastasis among overexpressed heat shock factors (HSFs) and heat shock proteins (HSPs), and analyzed its clinical relevance in three cohorts. Functional in vitro and in vivo assays were performed in HSF1‐silenced and ‐regained models. We also used Co‐immunoprecipitation to identify the binding proteins of HSF1 and chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual‐luciferase reporter assays to investigate the transcriptional program directed by HSF1. The pharmacological inhibitor of HSF1, KRIBB11, was evaluated in popliteal lymph node metastasis models and patient‐derived xenograft models of bladder cancer.

Results

HSF1 expression was positively associated with lymphatic metastasis status, tumor stage, advanced grade, and poor prognosis of bladder cancer. Importantly, HSF1 enhanced the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells in primary tumor to initiate metastasis, proliferation of cancer cells in lymph nodes, and macrophages infiltration to facilitate multistep lymphatic metastasis. Mechanistically, HSF1 interacted with protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) and jointly induced the monomethylation of histone H3 at arginine 2 (H3R2me1) and symmetric dimethylation of histone H3 at arginine 2 (H3R2me2s). This recruited the WD repeat domain 5 (WDR5)/mixed‐lineage leukemia (MLL) complex to increase the trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3); resulting in upregulation of lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1 (LEF1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), C‐C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20), and E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2). Application of KRIBB11 significantly inhibited the lymphatic metastasis of bladder cancer with no significant toxicity.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal a novel transcriptional program directed by the HSF1‐PRMT5‐WDR5 axis during the multistep process of lymphatic metastasis in bladder cancer. Targeting HSF1 could be a multipotent and promising therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer patients with lymphatic metastasis.
Surgical repair of a giant congenital right atrial aneurysm concomitant with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Mirhosseini Seyed Mohsen , Beheshti Monfared Mahmood , Khani Mohammad , Jafari Naeini Sepideh
Published: April 2022

Congenital right atrial aneurysms (RAA) have a wide range of clinical presentations and leads to various complications. Depending on the initial presentation and associated complications, a conservative or surgical approach may be considered. A patient suffering from a giant RAA associated with the Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome, who underwent successful surgical treatment, is presented here.
Unexpected gastrointestinal bleeding from the ileocolic artery penetrating the duodenum after hilar cholangiocarcinoma surgery
Authors: Uemura Sunao , Maeda Hiromichi , Hanazaki Kazuhiro
Published: April 2022

Cases of bleeding from the ileocolic artery penetrating the duodenum are uncommon, as bleeding from the colonic diverticulum usually spontaneously stops. Herein, this case depicts sudden gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient whose only relevant history was hepaticojejunostomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma and a previous abdominal surgery for a traffic accident.
A Quasi‐Two‐Dimensional Trilayered CsPbBr3‐based Dion‐Jacobson Hybrid Perovskite toward High‐Performance Photodetection
Authors: Wang Ziyang , Zhang Xinyuan , Ye Huang , Zhu Tingting , Luo Junhua
Published: April 2022

Quasi‐two‐dimensional (Q‐2D) Dion‐Jacobson (DJ) organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites based on CsPbBr3 are promising candidates for photodetection. Previous studies have predicted that the photoresponse of such materials with high inorganic‐layer numbers (n) will be more protruding in this portfolio. However, until now, only bilayered (n=2) CsPbBr3‐based DJ‐type hybrid perovskites are obtained and the higher number of layers (n>2) remain completely unexplored, owing to the relatively high formation energies. Here, by incorporating diamine into the 3D CsPbBr3 motif, a new Q‐2D trilayered CsPbBr3‐based DJ‐type hybrid perovskite that contains organic cation and inorganic Cs metal, namely (4‐AMP)Cs2Pb3Br10 (1, 4‐AMP2+=4‐(aminomethyl)piperidinium, n=3), is obtained. Excitingly, 1 exhibits excellent photoresponse, superior to its single‐layered and bilayered counterparts. The resulting photodetectors thus exhibit a large on/off ratio (>103), high photodetectivity (6.5×1010 Jones) and fast response speed (193 μs). As far as we know, 1 is the first Q‐2D CsPbBr3‐based DJ‐type hybrid perovskites with high n numbers. Our results may widen the range of the potential material in application of photodetection and will be helpful to design hybrid perovskites for other advanced optoelectronic devices.
Normalisation of airflow limitation in asthma: Post‐hoc analyses of TRIMARAN and TRIGGER
Authors: Papi Alberto , Singh Dave , Virchow J. Christian , Canonica G. Walter , Vele Andrea , Georges George
Published: April 2022

Background

In asthma, persistent airflow limitation (PAL) is associated with poorer control, lung function decline and exacerbations. Using post‐hoc analyses we evaluated: the relationship between post‐salbutamol PAL at screening, airflow limitation (AL) during 52 weeks treatment with extrafine beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium (BDP/FF/G) versus BDP/FF and the risk of moderate/severe asthma exacerbations.

Methods

TRIMARAN and TRIGGER were double‐blind studies comparing BDP/FF/G with BDP/FF (TRIMARAN medium‐dose ICS; TRIGGER high‐dose) in adults with uncontrolled asthma. Patients were subgrouped according to post‐salbutamol PAL status at screening, and AL over the 52‐week treatment period.

Results

Most patients with post‐salbutamol PAL at screening had AL at all on‐treatment visits (TRIMARAN 62.8%; TRIGGER 66.8%). A significantly higher proportion of patients had normalised airflow on ≥1 follow‐up visit when receiving BDP/FF/G than BDP/FF (TRIMARAN 44.1 vs. 33.1% [p = 0.003]; TRIGGER 40.1 vs. 26.0% [p < 0.001]). In patients with post‐salbutamol PAL at screening and normalised AL at ≥1 follow‐up visit, exacerbation rates were 15% (p = 0.105) and 19% (p = 0.039) lower in TRIMARAN and TRIGGER versus those with AL on all visits. There was a trend to lower exacerbation rates in patients receiving BDP/FF/G than BDP/FF, particularly in patients in whom AL was normalised.

Conclusion

In these analyses, AL in asthma was associated with an increased exacerbation incidence. Inhaled triple therapy with extrafine BDP/FF/G was more likely to normalise airflow, and was associated with a trend to a lower exacerbation rate than BDP/FF, particularly in the subgroup of patients in whom treatment was associated with airflow normalisation.

ClinicalTrials.gov: TRIMARAN, NCT02676076; TRIGGER, NCT02676089.
Lifespan of mature olfactory sensory neurons varies with location in the mouse olfactory epithelium and age of the animal
Authors: Gaun Vera , Martens Jeffrey R. , Schwob James E.
Published: April 2022

The olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) of the olfactory epithelium (OE) exhibit a remarkable regenerative capability, which protects the population against environmental insult and enables adjustment to new odors. The lifespan of OSNs is still open to question, with estimates ranging from 1 month to at least 1 year. However, the estimates come with some caveats, including low labeling efficiency and a focus solely on newborn neurons. We revisited the issue via the use of OMP‐tTA; TetO‐Cre; Rosa26‐fl(stop)‐Tdtomato (OMP‐tTA;TdT) mice, which allowed us to selectively label ∼95% of the OMP(+) OSN population that reach maturity by a given time and, by switching to doxycycline chow, to “chase” this preexisting OSN population. Two loading protocols were used: conception to 2 months old and conception to 4.5 months old. Surviving OSNs were common up to 6 months chase time in both groups, but more neurons survived when loading for 4.5 months as compared with 2 months. A spatial difference was evident: higher percentages of OSNs survived in the dorsomedial OE as compared with ventrolateral and in posterior versus anterior OE regions. Finally, proliferation rates anticorrelated with the spatial differences in OSN survival; higher proliferation rates were observed ventrally. Together, these results demonstrate spatial and temporal differences in OSN survival, highlighting it as a dynamic system that can be studied for factors affecting neuronal survival.
Two‐parameter estimation forTobitmodel: An application to national health and nutrition examination survey dataset
Authors: Özbay Nimet , Üstündağ Şiray Gülesen , Toker Selma , Yenilmez İsmail
Published: April 2022

Fixed censorship is usually encountered in medical fields, as well as biological, econometric, and engineering researches. It is quite possible to come across censored data with multicollinearity in real‐life studies. The multicollinearity affects traditional Tobit maximum likelihood estimation, which is often used in presence of censored data. Biased estimators such as Tobit Liu estimator with one biasing parameter can be used for solving the multicollinearity. In this study, Tobit two‐parameter estimator with two biasing parameters is proposed as an alternative to the classical Tobit maximum likelihood and Tobit Liu estimators for the censored data. This new estimator provides advantages from two different aspects thanks to having two biasing parameters. With a simulation study consisting of several scenarios where various levels of factors like the number of independent variables, sample size, correlation degree, variance, and censorship are examined, an in‐depth experimental analysis is conducted. In these scenarios, two different biasing parameters' selection methods where one of the biasing parameters is fixed to determine the other one are used and their corresponding outputs are obtained. In addition, a real‐life application is carried out with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey public‐use dataset which includes some demographic and health‐related laboratory measurements. The simulation study and data analysis results show that the proposed estimator is more advantageous to its competitors.
Experimental Protocols and Analytical Procedures for Studying Synaptic Transmission in Rodent Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn
Authors: Bardoni Rita
Published: April 2022

Synaptic modulation and plasticity are key mechanisms underlying pain transmission in the spinal cord and supra‐spinal centers. The study and understanding of these phenomena are fundamental to investigating both acute nociception and maladaptive changes occurring in chronic pain. This article describes experimental protocols and analytical methods utilized in electrophysiological studies to investigate synaptic modulation and plasticity at the first station of somatosensory processing, the spinal cord dorsal horn. Protocols useful for characterizing the nature of synaptic inputs, the site of modulation (pre‐ versus postsynaptic), and the presence of short‐term synaptic plasticity are presented. These methods can be employed to study the physiology of acute nociception, the pathological mechanisms of persistent inflammatory and neuropathic pain, and the pharmacology of receptors and channels involved in pain transmission. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Spinal cord dissection and acute slice preparation

Basic Protocol 2: Stimulation of the dorsal root and extracellular recording (compound action potentials and field potentials)

Basic Protocol 3: Patch‐clamp recording from dorsal horn neurons: action potential firing patterns and evoked synaptic inputs

Basic Protocol 4: Analysis of parameters responsible for changes in synaptic efficacy

Basic Protocol 5: Recording and analysis of currents mediated by astrocytic glutamate
Impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on vaccine‐induced immune responses over time
Authors: Havervall Sebastian , Marking Ulrika , Greilert‐Norin Nina , Gordon Max , Ng Henry , Christ Wanda , Phillipson Mia , Nilsson Peter , Hober Sophia , Blom Kim , Klingström Jonas , Mangsbo Sara , Åberg Mikael , Thålin Charlotte
Published: April 2022

Objective

To determine the long‐term impact of prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on immune responses after COVID‐19 vaccination.

Methods

Using longitudinally collected blood samples from the COMMUNITY study, we determined binding (WHO BAU mL−1) and neutralising antibody titres against ten SARS‐CoV‐2 variants over 7 months following BNT162b2 in SARS‐CoV‐2‐recovered (n = 118) and SARS‐CoV‐2‐naïve (n = 289) healthcare workers with confirmed prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. A smaller group with (n = 47) and without (n = 60) confirmed prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection receiving ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 was followed for 3 months. SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific memory T‐cell responses were investigated in a subset of SARS‐CoV‐2‐naïve and SARS‐CoV‐2‐recovered vaccinees.

Results

Vaccination with both vaccine platforms resulted in substantially enhanced T‐cell responses, anti‐spike IgG responses and neutralising antibodies effective against ten SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in SARS‐CoV‐2‐recovered participants as compared to SARS‐CoV‐2‐naïve participants. The enhanced immune responses sustained over 7 months following vaccination.

Conclusion

These findings imply that prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection should be taken into consideration when planning booster doses and design of current and future COVID‐19 vaccine programmes.