bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective Study of Fertility Preservation in Young Women With Breast Cancer in Mexico
Authors: Villarreal-Garza Cynthia , Mesa-Chavez Fernanda , Plata de la Mora Alejandra , Miaja-Avila Melina , Garcia-Garcia Marisol , Fonseca Alan , de la Rosa-Pacheco Sylvia , Cruz-Ramos Marlid , García Garza Manuel Rolando , Mohar Alejandro , Bargallo-Rocha Enrique
Published: October 2021

Background: Despite the risk of treatment-related infertility, implementation of fertility-preservation (FP) strategies among young patients with breast cancer is often suboptimal in resource-constrained settings such as Mexico. The “Joven & Fuerte: Program for Young Women With Breast Cancer” strives to enhance patient access to supportive care services, including FP measures through alliances with assisted-reproduction units and procurement of coverage of some of these strategies. This study describes patients from Joven & Fuerte who have preserved fertility, and assesses which characteristics were associated with the likelihood of undergoing FP. Methods: Women aged ≤40 years with recently diagnosed breast cancer were prospectively accrued. Sociodemographic and clinicopathologic data were collected from patient-reported and provider-recorded information at diagnosis and 1-year follow-up. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and simple logistic regression were used to compare patients who preserved fertility with those who did not. Results: In total, 447 patients were included, among which 53 (12%) preserved fertility, representing 38% of the 140 women who desired future biologic children. Oocyte/embryo cryopreservation was the most frequently used method for FP (59%), followed by temporary ovarian suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) during chemotherapy (26%), and use of both GnRHa and oocyte/embryo cryopreservation (15%). Younger age, higher educational level, being employed, having private healthcare insurance, and having one or no children were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of preserving fertility. Conclusions: By facilitating referral and seeking funds and special discounts for underserved patients, supportive care programs for young women with breast cancer can play a crucial role on enhancing access to oncofertility services that would otherwise be prohibitive because of their high costs, particularly in resource-constrained settings. For these efforts to be successful and widely applied in the long term, sustained and extended governmental coverage of FP options for this young group is warranted.
Phase II Trial of Symptom Screening With Targeted Early Palliative Care for Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Zimmermann Camilla , Pope Ashley , Hannon Breffni , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Rodin Gary , Li Madeline , Howell Doris , Knox Jennifer J. , Leighl Natasha B. , Sridhar Srikala , Oza Amit M. , Prince Rebecca , Lheureux Stephanie , Hansen Aaron R. , Rydall Anne , Chow Brittany , Herx Leonie , Booth Christopher M. , Dudgeon Deborah , Dhani Neesha , Liu Geoffrey , Bedard Philippe L. , Mathews Jean , Swami Nadia , Le Lisa W.
Published: October 2021

Background: Routine early palliative care (EPC) improves quality of life (QoL) for patients with advanced cancer, but it may not be necessary for all patients. We assessed the feasibility of Symptom screening with Targeted Early Palliative care (STEP) in a phase II trial. Methods: Patients with advanced cancer were recruited from medical oncology clinics. Symptoms were screened at each visit using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-revised (ESAS-r); moderate to severe scores (screen-positive) triggered an email to a palliative care nurse, who called the patient and offered EPC. Patient-reported outcomes of QoL, depression, symptom control, and satisfaction with care were measured at baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 months. The primary aim was to determine feasibility, according to predefined criteria. Secondary aims were to assess whether STEP identified patients with worse patient-reported outcomes and whether screen-positive patients who accepted and received EPC had better outcomes over time than those who did not receive EPC. Results: In total, 116 patients were enrolled, of which 89 (77%) completed screening for ≥70% of visits. Of the 70 screen-positive patients, 39 (56%) received EPC during the 6-month study and 4 (6%) received EPC after the study end. Measure completion was 76% at 2 months, 68% at 4 months, and 63% at 6 months. Among screen-negative patients, QoL, depression, and symptom control were substantially better than for screen-positive patients at baseline (all P<.0001) and remained stable over time. Among screen-positive patients, mood and symptom control improved over time for those who accepted and received EPC and worsened for those who did not receive EPC (P<.01 for trend over time), with no difference in QoL or satisfaction with care. Conclusions: STEP is feasible in ambulatory patients with advanced cancer and distinguishes between patients who remain stable without EPC and those who benefit from targeted EPC. Acceptance of the triggered EPC visit should be encouraged.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04044040.
Perkutano zapiranje odprtega ovalnega okna
Authors: Prokšelj Katja , Pretnar Oblak Janja
Published: October 2021

Odprto ovalno okno (OOO) je ostanek razvojne povezave med preddvoroma, ki se ob rojstvu običajno spontano zapre, pri približno 25 % populacije pa ostane odprto vse življenje. V redkih primerih je OOO zaradi desno-levega spoja lahko vpleteno v nastanek kriptogene ishemične možganske kapi, sistemske embolizacije, migrene in dekompresijske bolezni. Perkutano zapiranje OOO je preizkušen, razmeroma enostaven in varen poseg, ki pa prihaja v poštev le pri izbranih bolnikih. Študije namreč kažejo, da je smiseln predvsem pri mlajših bolnikih z embolično ishemično možgansko kapjo, ki tudi po natančnem stopenjskem diagnosticiranju in izključitvi ostalih alternativnih vzrokov ostaja nepojasnjena. Ne glede na opravljeno zapiranje OOO morajo bolniki s kriptogeno ishemično možgansko kapjo doživljenjsko prejemati tudi sekundarno medikamentno zaščito. Glede na doslej opravljene študije zaenkrat velja, da perkutano zapiranje OOO ni učinkovit način zdravljenja migrene, prihaja pa v poštev pri aktivnih potapljačih po preboleli dekompresijski bolezni in pri poklicnih potapljačih. Svetujemo, da se bolniki z indikacijo za zapiranje OOO napotijo na konzilij za OOO.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF MICROFINANCE TO THE RESILIENCE STRATEGIES OF SMALLHOLDER TEA FARMERS IN BURUNDI
Authors: BITAMA Pierre Claver , LEBAILLY Philippe , NDIMANYA Patrice , SABUHUNGU Emery Gaspard , BURNY Philippe
Published: October 2021

Microfinance services are of undeniable importance in the development of agriculture and in improving living standards in rural areas. However, their accessibility in developing countries is problematic. The objective of this article is to assess the contribution of microfinance to improve the living conditions of the population in rural areas of Burundi. An exploratory survey was conducted among 120 smallholder tea farmers in 2018 in two zones (Ijenda and Teza). These smallholder tea farmers are between 30 and 86 years old with a basic level of education. The results of the survey showed that the loans made it possible to carry out small projects and met some urgent needs. However, the level of indebtedness was low due to lack of collateral guarantee and the interest rate was relatively high. In addition, the information collected in Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) revealed a lack of support services within MFIs to enable optimal allocation of credits. To compensate for financial shortfalls, smallholder tea farmers are developing mechanisms for saving in kind and tontine systems with multiple socio-economic roles built up. Credit beneficiaries in MFIs are increasingly losing interest in the MFIs credit systems in favour of tontines. In Ijenda zone, only 37.5% want to renew the credits against 41.4% in Teza zone.
EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF SELENIUM ON ITS UPTAKE AND YIELDS IN BASILS
Authors: MEZEYOVÁ Ivana , HEGEDŰSOVÁ Alžbeta , HEGEDŰS Ondrej , FARKAŠ Ján , ŠLOSÁR Miroslav , MEZEY Ján
Published: October 2021

Basil is one of the most used spices in Slovakia. Selenium is an essential element for normal growth and development of the organism and because Slovak soils are poor in this element, the various ways of this antioxidant increasing in the food chain has being sought. The aim of the work was to evaluate influence of selenium biofortification on selenium content of Ocimum basilicum - variety ´Dark Green´, which was, in conditions of the Slovakia, well known and wide spread grown, as well as on the opal basils (´Purple Ruffles´ and ´Red Rubin´) and on Ocimum tenuiflorum – Tulsi. The influence of fortification on the yields of basils was also tested. The selenium content and the yields of selected basils were compared in dependence on the selenium fertilization, two terms of harvest and morphological variability. Small-scale field experiment was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Production, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, 2016. Selenium was applied foliar at a dose 50 g Se / ha in the form of sodium selenate. In two harvests the values of selenium built in plants and the economically interesting quantitative data – the yields per ha were evaluated. Statistical methods were used for statistical evaluation by the help of Statgraphics Centurion XVII (StatPoint Inc. USA), with multifactor analysis of variance (ANOVA) and LSD test. Foliar application of selenium had a positive effect of selenium content in case of all tested basils. The yields were also positively affected where values of fresh mass in selenised variants ranged from 1.43 (´Purple Ruffles´) to 13.71 t/ha (Tulsi).
HEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE IN EAST BALKAN PIGS AT DIFFERENT AGE AND SEASONS
Authors: PALOVA Nadezhda , MARCHEV Yordan , NEDEVA Radka , NAKEV Jivko , KRUSHEVA Dimitrinka , SLAVOV Todor , NEDEVA Ivelina , POPOVA Teodora
Published: October 2021

Twelvehematological and fifteen serum biochemical parameters were determined in indigenous East Balkan pigs at different ages and two seasons. The experiment was carried out in the Scientific Centre of Agriculture- Sredets aiming to characterize the health status of the animals when reared organically. Blood samples were taken from pre-weaned piglets (n=10), growers (n=10) and sows (n=10) in spring and summer. The results were analysed through two way ANOVA to assess the influence of the age, season and their interaction on the hematological and serum biochemical profile of the animals. Both age and season interacted significantly in regard to the red blood cells count (RBC) (P0.001), hemoglobin (HGB) (P0.001) and hematocrit (HCT) (P0.01), as well as in the most biochemical parameters including creatinine(P0.001), total protein (TP) (P0.001), albumin (ALB) (P0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P0.01), uric acid (UA) (P0.01), Mg (P0.001), triglycerides (TG) (P0.05) and cholesterol (P0.01). Regardless of the season, the white blood cells (WBC) including lymphocytes and granulocytes, as well as platelets (PLT)decreased with age, while mean corpuscular volume (MCV) increased.The content of glucose, urea, gamma-glutamil transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Ca and P which displayed maximal values in preweaned pigs (P0.05) compared to the other age groups (P0.05). The season affected the number of lymphocytes (P0.01), their percent (P0.001), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) andmean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (P0.001), as well as the concentration of GGT (P0.001) which increased during summer,and also granulocytes (P0.01), their percentage (P0.001), PLT (P0.05), glucose, urea, ALP, Ca (P0.001) and P (P0.01) whichwere higher in spring.
META-ANALYSES OF SWEETPOTATO (IPOMOEA BATATAS L. LAM) STABILITY PERFORMANCE IN DIFFERENT AGROECOLOGIES OF THE TIGRAY REGION, ETHIOPIA
Authors: LAMARO Gloria Peace , TEMESGEN Zebyder , AMARE Birhanu Gidey , ETANY Solomon , TSEHAYE Yemane , ORANU Chizoba Obianugu , NWANI Christopher D.
Published: October 2021

The study aimed at evaluating the influence of environment on sweetpotato stability and identifying superior genotype(s) with high yield stability in the farmers’ field conditions. Six sweetpotato genotypes were evaluated for two years in ‘meher’ season (July- December), 2014 and 2016; four of the six genotypes were assessed for three years in the ‘meher’ season, 2012, 2014, and 2016. Planting was done in three replications in RCBD in three unique agro-ecologies: Endayesus-dry highland, Fachagama-dry lowland, Rarhe-moist lowland. Genotypes genetic merits were predicted using BLUP. The AMMI and GGE were used to test the genotypes stability. The ANOVA for AMMI model showed high significant difference (P0.01) for genotypes, environments, seasons, and the interactions. Environment (41.67%) and the genotype main effect (35.71%) contributed largely to the cumulative variance for three years testing of four genotypes and two years testing of six genotypes, respectively. Berkume (42.44 t/ha), Tulla (33.92 t/ha) and Kulfo (33.67 t/ha) were superior for total storage root tuber yield (TTRY).Both the AMMI and GGE biplot predicted Tulla and Kulfo as ideal genotypes with dynamic stability; Berkume with static stability to Rarhe. The environment main effect had significant influence in determining how genotypes expressed their genetic potentials and stability as shown by the AMMI model and GGE biplot. The AMMI model partitioned the studied agro-ecologies of the Tigray region into two mega sweetpotato growing environments; the dry high/lowland in one environment and the moist lowland in another, completely different, but with high potentials for sweetpotato production.
EFFECT OF CUTTING INTERVALS ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF THE GREEN FODDER TRICHANTHERA GIGANTEA
Authors: KIEN Tu Trung , KHOA Mai Anh , HOAN Tran Thi , HIEN Tu Quang
Published: October 2021

This study was aimed to determine the effect of cutting intervals on leaf yield and quality of the green fodder Trichanthera gigantea used as feed material, mostly in poultry and rabbit diets, in order to improve farm animal products (such as meat and egg). This study included five different formulas (NT) representing five different cutting intervals, namely: NT1: 40 days, NT2: 50 days, NT3: 60 days, NT4: 70 days and NT5: 80 days of cutting intervals. All treatments were allocated in a complete block randomized design; each treatment was repeated 5 times. The other factors such as plantation density, cutting height and fertilizer dosage were similar among the treatments. The obtained results showed that from NT1 to NT5, the leaf dry matter yields were 7.34, 12.13, 12.41, 11.94 and 11.80 tons/ha/year, respectively; crude protein yields were 1.88, 3.13, 3.06, 2.78 and 2.69 tons/ha/year. When the cutting intervals increased from 40 to 80 days, the proportion of dry matter in the fresh leaves increased from 12.91% to 21.04%, crude protein proportion on dry matter decreased from 25.56% to 22.77%; crude fiber proportion on dry matter increased from 9.92% to 12.50%. Based on statistical analysis of dry matter yield and leaf chemical composition of green fodder T. gigantea, it is recommended that the most suitable cutting intervals for Trichanthera gigantea should be 50 – 60 days.
EFFECTIVENESS OFINDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE ON CONTROL PRACTICES OF SHEEP AND GOAT DISEASES AND PEST AMONG FARMERS IN IKOLE EKITI, EKITI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: OGUNJIMI Sunday Idowu , OLU-AJAYI Oluwabunmi Hope , ALABI Olajumoke Olanrewaju , EGBUNONU Chinewe Mariam
Published: October 2021

The study attempts to investigate the level of access, use and effectiveness of indigenous knowledge practices in controlling diseases and pests in sheep and goats among goat and sheep farmers in Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data were gathered through interviews scheduled on 90 goat and sheep farmers. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics tools of frequencies, percentages and means to describe parameters such as age, sex, household size, educational qualification, and farm size. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between the dependent variable and independent variables. The results revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 58 years and 63.3% of the goat and sheep farmers were females. The farmers in the study area had low contact with extension workers. The main sources of information were family members, friends and neighbours, and radio. Using sandpaper leaf for mange infection and palm oil for bloat was ranked highly effective. The constraint with the highest percentage was inadequate information of the technique used. Based on the result of the Pearson correlation, accessibility had a positive and significant relationship with effective usage of indigenous knowledge practices. Sequel to the findings of the study, it was recommended that agricultural extension services in Ekiti State should make extension agents available in rural areas to educate the farmers on various indigenous knowledge practices.
TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE RURAL ENTERPRISES: ADOPTION STUDY OF INTEGRATED AQUACULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES AMONG FISH FARMERS IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: OLA Lateef , BAMIGBOYE Emmanuel
Published: October 2021

The study was designed to assess Adoption of Integrated Aquacultural Technologies (AIAT) among Fish Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. Specifically, the personal attributes of respondents were described, level of awareness of integrated aquacultural technologies was determined, the sources of information on integrated aquacultural technologies available to fish farmers in the study area and constraints inhibiting adoption were also identified. A purposeful sampling procedure was used to select 150 farmers that registered with Osun State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP). Validated and structured interview schedule was used to elicit requisite information from the respondents. Simple descriptive statistical techniques were used to summarize the data, while Pearson Moment Correlation was used to make inferential deductions. The results showed that respondents had a mean age of 42.5 ± 8.12 years and majority of them (84.30%) were males. It was also revealed that higher percentage of the respondents were aware (60.0%) of the technologies. Also, majority (56%) of the respondents adopted 7-9 integrated aquacultural technologies out of 15 integrated aquacultural technologies introduced to them. Extension agents were the information providers for the respondents. In addition, there were positive and significant relationships between AIAT and educational level (r=0.316) and numbers of ponds owned (r=0.325) at P≤ 0.05 significance level. It was therefore concluded that regular training and capacity building of the fish farmers would enhance sustainable fish farming in the study area and Nigeria in particular.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN AUSTRIAN SECONDARY COLLEGES FOR AGRICULTIRE AND FORESTRY
Authors: QUENDLER Erika
Published: October 2021

The process of digital transformation has been gaining momentum in secondary colleges for agriculture and forestry. Based on data from an online survey about the digital transformation of Austrian secondary colleges of agriculture and forestry this paper gives insights into the status quo. It focuses on three central questions. (I) What is the standard of digital equipment at the colleges in relation to its integration into the learning environment and the education offered? (II) What is the level of confidence of pupils in their own digital competence? (III) Who are the learners and teachers and what are the levels of acceptance of digital transformation among the latter? This paper looks at the above in the greater context of employability within today’s global, political and administrative settings. The paper proposes the notion of a 'digital-generalist' who has a level of expertise and is able to act in an ethically responsible and sustainable way. Moreover, the results reveal that these colleges are undeniably in the process of digital transformation. Nevertheless, it is an ongoing process that should be based on a sustainable and smart integration of modern digital technologies and media into the teaching and learning environment. Suitable equipment, learning settings and teachers trained are crucial for digital transformation in secondary colleges, as is the support from appropriate governing and institutional structures. Furthermore, there are enormous potentials in digital transformation that demand research activities and networking as well as continuous information and awareness-raising.
The problems of popularization of science in the Russian Federation in the context of amendments to the legal regulation of educational activity
Authors: Polushkin Valeriy Aleksandrovich
Published: October 2021

The subject of this research is the relevant issues pertaining to popularization of science in the Russian Federation. The goal of this article lies in determination of the currently existing key issues of popularization of science in the Russian Federation: 1) the absence of effective response to the transformation of the traditional field of scientific promotion activity (distribution of new forms and methods of such activity); 2) imperfection of the new legal regulation of educational and scientific promotion activity, which may implicitly lead to negative consequences. The conducted research involves in theoretical conceptualization of scientific promotion activity in the digital age the novelties of legislative regulation of educational activity adopted in April 2021 (the so-called Law on Educational Activity). Unlike other works dedicated to the analysis of this law, this article assesses its basic provisions from the perspective of the effectiveness of achieving the goals set in the context of its impact upon the state of popularization of science in the Russian society. It is established that the model for preventing deterioration of the quality of educational content proposed in the Law on Educational Activity is not effective enough and may further reduce the quality of scientific promotion activity. Therefore, the purpose of imposed restrictions may fail to be achieved. The author believes that the more effective way would lie in intensification of the activity of traditional actors of popularization of science, rather than restriction of the activity of nontraditional actors of popularization of science.
The contribution of V. I. Filonenko to the development of Russian Oriental Studies: the Crimean stage
Authors: Memetov Aider , Sukhorukov Aleksei Nikolaevich
Published: October 2021

This article is dedicated to examination of pedagogical and scientific activity of the Russian and Soviet Oriental scholar of the XX century V. I. Filonenko. Having acquired excellent education in the field of Oriental Studies in St. Petersburg University, he devoted his entire life to the development of science, leaving behind a rich legacy. The goal of this research lies in systematization of the records on the Crimean stage of scholar’s activity (1915–1935), when he proved himself as a remarkable scientist and pedagogue, head of the oriental department in Crimean Pedagogical Institute, and deputy head of Tauride Society of History, Archeology and Ethnography that often dealt with Arabic, Iranian, and Turkic philology. Although several brief biographies of V. I. Filonenko, including such compiled by his colleagues, are widely known, there is yet no comprehensive research on his contribution to the development of Oriental Studies in Crimea. This article attempts to provide a briad picture of V. I. Filonenko's scientific and pedagogical activity in the field of Oriental Studies and preparation of specialists in Oriental Studies. The article employs autobiographical materials, correspondence of Filonenko with Academician Krachkovsky, as well as minutes of the session of Tauride Society of History, Archeology and Ethnography. The acquired results reveal the role of V. I. Filonenko in the development of Russian Oriental Studies.
Regulation of the ThiM riboswitch is facilitated by the trapped structure formed during transcription of the wild‐type sequence
Authors: Du Chengyi , Wang Yujie , Gong Sha
Published: October 2021

The ThiM riboswitch from Escherichia coli is a typical mRNA device that modulates downstream gene expression by sensing TPP. The helix‐based RNA folding theory is used to investigate its detailed regulatory behaviors in cells. This RNA molecule is transcriptionally trapped in a state with the unstructured SD sequence in the absence of TPP, which induces downstream gene expression. As a key step to turn on gene expression, formation of this trapped state (the genetic ON state) highly depends on the co‐transcriptional folding of its wild‐type sequence. Instead of stabilities of the genetic ON and OFF states, the transcription rate, pause, and ligand levels are combined to affect the ThiM riboswitch‐mediated gene regulation, which is consistent with a kinetic control model.
Evolutionarily conserved mechanism for membrane recognition from bacteria to mitochondria
Authors: Szoke Tamar , Nussbaum‐Shochat Anat , Amster‐Choder Orna
Published: October 2021

The mechanisms controlling membrane recognition by proteins with one hydrophobic stretch at their carboxyl terminus (tail anchor, TA) are poorly defined. The Escherichia coli TAs of ElaB and YqjD, which share sequential and structural similarity with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae TA of Fis1, were shown to localize to mitochondria. We show that YqjD and ElaB are directed by their TAs to bacterial cell poles. Fis1(TA) expressed in E. coli localizes like the endogenous TAs. The yeast and bacterial TAs are inserted in the E. coli inner membrane, and they all show affiliation to phosphatidic acid (PA), found in the membrane of the bacterial cell poles and of the yeast mitochondria. Our results suggest a mechanism for TA membrane recognition conserved from bacteria to mitochondria and raise the possibility that through their interaction with PA, and TAs play a role across prokaryotes and eukaryotes in controlling cell/organelle fate.
Validation of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis as the Cause of End‐Stage Renal Disease in the US Renal Data System
Authors: Cook Claire E. , Fu Xiaoqing , Zhang Yuqing , Stone John H. , Choi Hyon K. , Wallace Zachary S.
Published: October 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to validate the diagnosis of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV) as the primary cause of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in the US Renal Data System (USRDS).

Methods

We identified patients with ESRD in the Mass General Brigham (MGB) health care system who were enrolled in the USRDS. The health records of those with AAV listed as the primary cause of ESRD in the USRDS were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis and estimate positive predictive value (PPV). Sensitivity was estimated by evaluating the primary cause of ESRD listed in the USRDS for patients with ESRD due to AAV in the MGB AAV cohort.

Results

We identified 89 MGB patients with ESRD due to AAV in the USRDS. Of these, 85 cases were confirmed to be true cases of AAV (PPV = 94%). Among the patients classified as having AAV, 84 (99%) had an ANCA test, which was predominantly myeloperoxidase/P‐ANCA (47 [55%]); 36 (42%) had a renal biopsy, and all biopsies were supportive of the diagnosis. The majority (81 [90%]) was identified as AAV by International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision or International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision codes for granulomatosis with polyangiitis (446.4 or M313.1). Of the 77 MGB AAV cohort patients with ESRD who were linked to the USRDS, 41 (53%) had AAV listed as the cause of ESRD; in the remainder, ESRD was attributed to nonspecific nephritis.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of AAV as the cause of ESRD in the USRDS has a high PPV; sensitivity was moderate. These findings support the continued use of the USRDS to study ESRD due to AAV.
Effervescence‐Inspired Self‐Healing Plastrons for Long‐Term Immersion Stability
Authors: Wong William S. Y. , Vollmer Doris
Published: October 2021

The use of superhydrophobic/superamphiphobic surfaces demands the presence of a stable plastron, i.e., a film of air between micro‐ and nanostructures. Without actively replenishing the plastron with gases, it eventually disappears during immersion. The air diffuses into the immersion liquid, i.e., water. Current methods for sustaining the plastron under immersion remain limited to techniques such as electrocatalysis, electrolysis, boiling, and air‐refilling. These methods are difficult to implement at scale, are either energy‐consuming, or require continuous monitoring of the plastron (and subsequent intervention). Here, the concept of passive on‐demand recovery of the plastron via the use of a chemical reaction (effervescence) is presented. A superhydrophobic nanostructured surface is layered onto a wetting‐reactive, gas‐forming (effervescent) sublayer. During extended exposure to moisture, the effervescent layer must be protected by a moisture‐absorbent, water‐soluble polymer. Under prolonged immersion, partial collapse of the Cassie‐state induces contact of water with the effervescent layer. This induces the local formation of gases from effervescence, which restores the Cassie‐state. These facile and scalable design principles offer a new route toward intervention‐free and immersion‐durable superhydrophobic/superamphiphobic surfaces.
Intracellular Condensates of Oligopeptide for Targeting Lysosome and Addressing Multiple Drug Resistance of Cancer
Authors: Wang Jing , Hu Liangbo , Zhang Hongyue , Fang Yu , Wang Tingliang , Wang Huaimin
Published: October 2021

Biomolecular condensates have been demonstrated as a ubiquitous phenomenon in biological systems and play a crucial role in controlling cellular functions. However, the spatiotemporal construction of artificial biomolecular condensates with functions remains challenging and has been less explored. Herein, a general approach is reported to construct biomolecular condensates (e.g., hydrogel) in the lysosome of living cells for cancer therapy and address multiple drug resistance induced by lysosome sequestration. Aromatic‐motif‐appended pH‐responsive hexapeptide (LTP) derived from natural insulin can be uptaken by cancer cells mainly through caveolae‐dependent endocytosis, ensuring the proton‐triggered phase transformation (solution to hydrogel) of LTP inside the lysosome specifically. Lysosomal hydrogelation further leads to enlargement of the lysosome in cancer cells and increases the permeability of the lysosome, resulting in cancer cell death. Importantly, lysosomal assemblies can significantly improve the efficiency of current chemotherapy drugs toward multidrug resistance (MDR) cells in vitro and in xenograft tumor models. As an example of functional artificial condensates in lysosomes, this work provides a new strategy for controlling functional condensates formation precisely in the organelles of living cells and addressing MDR in cancer therapy.
Elastomeric Nanodielectrics for Soft and Hysteresis‐Free Electronics
Authors: Zhao Sanchuan , Liu Hai‐Yang , Cui Lei , Kang Yu , Bian Gang , Yin Jun , Yu Jae‐Chul , Chang Young‐Wook , Zhu Jian
Published: October 2021

Elastomeric dielectrics are crucial for reliably governing the carrier densities in semiconducting channels during deformation in soft/stretchable field‐effect transistors (FETs). Uncontrolled stacking of polymeric chains renders elastomeric dielectrics poorly insulated at nanoscale thicknesses, thereby thick films are usually required, leading to high voltage or power consumption for on/off operations of FETs. Here, layer‐by‐layer assembly is exploited to build 15‐nm‐thick elastomeric nanodielectrics through alternative adsorption of oppositely charged polyurethanes (PUs) for soft and hysteresis‐free FETs. After mild thermal annealing to heal pinholes, such PU multilayers offer high areal capacitances of 237 nF cm−2 and low leakage current densities of 3.2 × 10−8 A cm−2 at 2 V. Owing to the intrinsic ductility of the elastomeric PUs, the nanofilms possess excellent dielectric properties at a strain of 5% or a bending radius of 1.5 mm, while the wrinkled counterparts show mechanical stability with negligible changes of leakage currents after repeated stretching to a strain of 50%. Besides, these nanodielectrics are immune to high humidity and conserve their properties when immersed into water, despite their assembly occurs aqueously. Furthermore, the PU dielectrics are implemented in carbon nanotube FETs, demonstrating low‐voltage operations (< 1.5 V) and negligible hysteresis without any encapsulations.
Inkjet Printed Physically‐Unclonable Structural‐Color Anticounterfeiting Labels with Convenient Artificial Intelligence Authentication
Authors: Li Yuhuan , Liu Zhiwei , Zhu Kuan , Ai Liqing , Jia Pan , Wu Na , Yu Haitao , Wang Jinqiao , Yao Xi , Zhou Jinming , Song Yanlin
Published: October 2021

Inkjet printing is a deterministic process with distinguished advantages of low cost, mass production, and unlimited pattern design capability, but it usually excludes randomness and the corresponding physically unclonable functions (PUFs). Herein, inkjet printing is utilized to fabricate physically unclonable structural‐color anticounterfeiting labels with reliable random photonic structure and convenient artificial intelligence (AI) authentication. The abundant microscale print‐drops with random arrangements, consisting of the cross‐linked short‐range ordered arrays of monodisperse poly(styrene‐methylmethacrylate‐acrylic acid) (P(St‐MMA‐AA)) nanospheres, enabled full‐color hues, and the reliable encoded PUFs, simultaneously. The encoded PUF information with extremely high encoding capacity can be learned and validated with AI, realizing the fast and accurate decoding of the PUFs and thus the unclonable anticounterfeiting applications. Importantly, the coupling of the structural‐color anticounterfeiting labels with perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane of low surface energy leads to high water resistance, which further improves the structural stability of the labels against water penetration. Based on the package‐compatible inkjet printing approach and the reliable AI authentication, the physically unclonable structural‐color anticounterfeiting labels with high structural stability and reliable AI validation bridges the gap between convenience (in both fabrication and validation) and ultimate security, opening enormous opportunities for their security applications in medicine, documents, currency, or other high‐value products.
A N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Palladacycle with Constrained Aliphatic Linker: Synthesis, Characterization and Its Catalytic Application towards Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Zuo Bin , Lu Zeye , Wu Xiaoqiang , Fang Weiwei , Li Wanfang , Huang Mingxian , Yang Dong‐Yuan , Deng Qinyue , Tu Tao
Published: October 2021

The Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling of various (hetero)aryl chlorides with aryl boronic acids was accomplished by N‐heterocyclic carbene‐palladacycles (NHC−Pdcycle) in the aqueous phase. Intriguingly, the NHC−Pdcycle with a constrained aliphatic linker between the NHC ligand and the palladacycle moieties exhibited higher catalytic efficiency than the one without constrained linker under the identical reaction conditions, due to the fixed spatial structure around the metal catalytic center. The present outcome may offer a new strategy for the catalyst design.
A Biomimetic Approach for Spatially Controlled Cell Membrane Engineering Using Fusogenic Spherical Nucleic Acid
Authors: Lin Minjie , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhao Sisi , Tang Rui , Nie Zhou , Xing Hang
Published: October 2021

Engineering of the cell plasma membrane using functional DNA is important for studying and controlling cellular behaviors. However, most efforts to apply artificial DNA interactions on cells are limited to external membrane surface due to the lack of suitable synthetic tools to engineer the intracellular side, which impedes many applications in cell biology. Inspired by the natural extracellular vesicle‐cell fusion process, we have developed a fusogenic spherical nucleic acid construct to realize robust DNA functionalization on both external and internal cell surfaces via liposome fusion‐based transport (LiFT) strategy, which enables applications including the construction of heterotypic cell assembly for programmed signaling pathway and detection of intracellular metabolites. This approach can engineer cell membranes in a highly efficient and spatially controlled manner, allowing one to build anisotropic membrane structures with two orthogonal DNA functionalities.
Zr(OH)4‐Catalyzed Controllable Selective Oxidation of Anilines to Azoxybenzenes, Azobenzenes and Nitrosobenzenes
Authors: Qin Jiaheng , Long Yu , Sun Fangkun , Zhou Pan‐Pan , Wang Wei David , Luo Nan , Ma Jiantai
Published: October 2021

The selective oxidation of aniline to metastable and valuable azoxybenzene, azobenzene or nitrosobenzene has important practical significance in organic synthesis. However, uncontrollable selectivity and laborious synthesis of the expensive required catalysts severely hinders the uptake of these reactions in industrial settings. Herein, we have pioneered the discovery of Zr(OH)4 as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst capable of the selective oxidation of aniline, using either peroxide or O2 as oxidant, to selectively obtain various azoxybenzenes, symmetric/unsymmetric azobenzenes, as well as nitrosobenzenes, by simply regulating the reaction solvent, without the need for additives. Mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations demonstrate that the activation of H2O2 and O2 is primarily achieved by the bridging hydroxyl and terminal hydroxyl groups of Zr(OH)4, respectively. The present work provides an economical and environmentally friendly strategy for the selective oxidation of aniline in industrial applications.
Synthesis, characterization, and luminescence studies of rare‐earth‐activated NaMgF3
Authors: Singh Vartika S. , Belsare Pankaj D. , Moharil Sanjiv V.
Published: October 2021

NaMgF3‐based phosphors have been described frequently in the literature. Their synthesis faces difficulties typical of fluoride materials. A simple precipitation synthesis for NaMgF3‐based phosphors is described in this paper. This consisted of mixing aq. NaF and MgCl2/MgSO4 solutions. Various activators could be incorporated by adding the required salts during this process. Characteristic emission of the activators was observed in the prepared phosphors. As‐prepared samples exhibited predominantly trivalent lanthanide emission. After thermal treatment in a reductive atmosphere, europium‐doped samples showed the intense emission of Eu2+. By virtue of the intense nature of the emission, lifetime measurements could be made for this sample. Notably, intense thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence were observed in NaMgF3:Eu. A simple, fast method for the synthesis of NaMgF3 was therefore developed.
The Conversion of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide by Nitrogenases
Authors: Oehlmann Niels N. , Rebelein Johannes G.
Published: October 2021

Nitrogenases are the only known family of enzymes that catalyze the reduction of molecular nitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3). The N2 reduction drives biological nitrogen fixation and the global nitrogen cycle. Besides the conversion of N2, nitrogenases catalyze a whole range of other reductions, including the reduction of the small gaseous substrates carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to hydrocarbons. However, it remains an open question whether these ‘side reactivities’ play a role under environmental conditions. Nonetheless, these reactivities and particularly the formation of hydrocarbons have spurred the interest in nitrogenases for biotechnological applications. There are three different isozymes of nitrogenase: the molybdenum and the alternative vanadium and iron‐only nitrogenase. The isozymes differ in their metal content, structure, and substrate‐dependent activity, despite their homology. This minireview focuses on the conversion of CO and CO2 to methane and higher hydrocarbons and aims to specify the differences in activity between the three nitrogenase isozymes.
Novel Antibacterial Targets in Protein Biogenesis Pathways
Authors: Potteth Upasana S. , Upadhyay Tulsi , Saini Snehlata , Saraogi Ishu
Published: October 2021

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a global threat due to the ability of bacteria to quickly evolve in response to the selection pressure induced by anti‐infective drugs. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new antibiotics against resistant bacteria. In this review, we discuss pathways involving bacterial protein biogenesis as attractive antibacterial targets since many of them are essential for bacterial survival and virulence. We discuss the structural understanding of various components associated with bacterial protein biogenesis, which in turn can be utilized for rational antibiotic design. We highlight efforts made towards developing inhibitors of these pathways with insights into future possibilities and challenges. We also briefly discuss other potential targets related to protein biogenesis.
Cardiac MRI in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Associated Pericarditis
Authors: Öztürk Can , Luetkens Julian A.
Published: October 2021

Checkpoint inhibitors are novel and promising anticancer agents. However, acute pericarditis is the second most common chemotherapy‐associated cardiotoxicity and associated with high mortality up to 21%. Cardiac MRI offers a one‐stop‐shop cardiac analysis to precisely detect chemotherapy‐associated cardiotoxicity without nephrotoxic contrast dye and ionizing radiation.
Impact of the Solid‐Electrolyte Interface on Dendrite Formation: A Case Study Based on Zinc Metal Electrodes
Authors: Gregory Darrell , Britten Collin , Bal Batuhan , Abbott Brandon S. , Özdogru Bertan , Walters Keisha B. , Çapraz Ö. Özgür
Published: October 2021

The formation of dendrites is the bottleneck to harvest the high theoretical capacities of metal anodes. In this study, we investigated the impact of the solid‐electrolyte interface (SEI) layer on the electroplating of zinc metals in organic and aqueous electrolytes by using electrochemical techniques coupled with SEM, FTIR, and XPS. First, the electrochemical response of Zn plating in organic or aqueous electrolytes was compared with the ones for Li and Na metal plating by using analogous perchlorate salt dissolved in the same organic solvent. Under similar charge conditions, the cycle life of the metal electrodes was longer in the order of Zn (aqueous)>Li>Zn (organic)>Na. In organic electrolytes, the cycle life of the PAO‐Zinc is almost three‐fold longer than the as‐received zinc electrodes. The methodology established here can be used to study the impact of electrolyte salt and additives on the formation of dendrites on metal electrodes.
Tuning the Surface Chemical State of Graphene Oxide Sheets for the Self‐Assembly of Graphene Hydrogel for Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Huang Zhao Jie , Lu Xin liang , Chi Hong Zhong , Zhang Wen , Xiong Qinqin , Qin Haiying
Published: October 2021

Three‐dimensional graphene materials have greatly expanded the market space of graphene, but their economical fabrication remains a challenge. Herein, we report a facile and low‐cost method for the preparation of high‐performance graphene hydrogels by adding ammonium‐modified graphene oxide into low‐dielectric constant organic solvents. By forming ammonium salts or through a re‐protonation process, the graphene sheets are assembled together by electrostatic attraction or hydrogen bonding interactions, along with π‐π interactions. The unique structure‐aligned few‐layer graphene sheets, abundant surface functional groups and multifarious pores‐enables prepared hydrogels with both superior charge storage capability (207.6 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) and excellent high‐rate performance (83.2 % capacitance retention when the discharge current density is increased from 0.5 to 10 A g−1). In this study, we present some achievements in capacitive energy storage but, while they are encouraging, graphene‐based materials prepared by this feasible and efficient route can also be applied to other advanced applications likenew‐generation rechargeable batteries, sensors, biomedical engineering, and water purification.
Jahn‐Teller Effects in a Vanadate‐Stabilized Manganese‐Oxo Cubane Water Oxidation Catalyst
Authors: Mai Sebastian , Holzer Marcus , Andreeva Anastasia , González Leticia
Published: October 2021

Heuristic rules that allow identifying the preferred mixed‐valence isomers and Jahn‐Teller axis arrangements in the water oxidation catalyst [(Mn4O4)(V4O13)(OAc)3]n− and its activated form [(Mn4O4)(V4O13)(OAc)2(H2O)(OH)]n− are derived. These rules are based on computing all combinatorially possible mixed‐valence isomers and Jahn‐Teller axis arrangements of the MnIII atoms, and associate energetic costs with some structural features, like crossings of multiple Jahn‐Teller axes, the location of these axes, or the involved ligands. It is found that the different oxidation states localize on different Mn centers, giving rise to clear Jahn‐Teller distortions, unlike in previous crystallographic findings where an apparent valence delocalization was found. The low barriers that connect different Jahn‐Teller axis arrangements suggest that the system quickly interconverts between them, leading to the observation of averaged bond lengths in the crystal structure. We conclude that the combination of cubane‐vanadate bonds that are chemically inert, cubane‐acetate/water bonds that can be activated through a Jahn‐Teller axis, and low activation barriers for intramolecular rearrangement of the Jahn‐Teller axes plays an essential role in the reactivity of this and probably related compounds.
Rapid Conversion of a Au9Ag12 into a AuxAg16‐x Nanocluster via Bisphosphine Ligand Engineering
Authors: Zhou Manman , Qi Chunxia , Yan Xiaoxun , Li Xiaowu , Jin Shan , Zhu Manzhou
Published: October 2021

The [AuxAg16‐x(SAdm)8(Dppe)2] nanocluster with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) was synthesized from a non‐fluorescent [Au9Ag12(SAdm)4(Dppm)6Cl6](SbF6)3 nanocluster via a ligand‐exchange engineering (Dppe=1,2‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, Dppm=Bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, HSAdm=1‐Adamantanethiol). The nanocluster has a Au‐doped icosahedral AuxAg13‐x core, capped by two Ag(SR)3, one Ag(SR)2 and two Dppe ligands. By changing the achiral Dppe ligand into a chiral dbpb ligand ((2S,3S)‐(‐)‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)butane or (2R,3R)‐(+)‐2,3‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)butane), chiral nanoclusters are obtained. ESI‐MS and UV‐vis spectroscopy were performed to track the reaction. This work provides guidance for the construction of new clusters by etching clusters with multidentate phosphine ligands.
Hybeanones A and B, Two Highly Modified Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum beanii
Authors: Yang Beiye , Qi Changxing , Yao Zeyu , Lin Shuang , Li Fengli , Sun Weiguang , Hu Zhengxi , Zhang Yonghui
Published: October 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Hybeanones A and B (1 and 2), two highly oxygenated and rearranged polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs), were isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum beanii. Their structures comprising absolute configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and quantum chemical calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 are defined by a newly assembled cyclopentanone unit fused to a tricyclic γ‐lactone unit via a ketone carbonyl. The breakage of C‐1/C‐2 linkage via retro‐Claisen reaction, attack from C‐1 to C‐19, and Baeyer‐Villiger oxidation at C‐1/C‐23 bond were presumed to be the key steps in the assembly of 1 and 2. The isolates 1 and 2 showed potential acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitory activities, with IC50 values of 21.34 ± 1.48 and 18.79 ± 2.36 μmol/L, respectively.