bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Origanum vulgare essential oil and its two main components, carvacrol and thymol, on the plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Hou Huiyu , Zhang Xueying , Zhao Te , Zhou Lin
Published: August 2020

Background

Botrytis cinerea causes serious gray mold disease in many plants. This pathogen has developed resistance to many fungicides. Thus, it has become necessary to look for new safe yet effective compounds against B. cinerea.

Methods

Essential oils (EOs) from 17 plant species were assayed against B. cinerea, of which Origanum vulgare essential oil (OVEO) showed strong antifungal activity, and accordingly its main components were detected by GC/MS. Further study was conducted on the effects of OVEO, carvacrol and thymol in vitro on mycelium growth and spore germination, mycelium morphology, leakages of cytoplasmic contents, mitochondrial injury and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) of B. cinerea. The control efficacies of OVEO, carvacrol and thymol on tomato gray mold were evaluated in vivo.

Results

Of all the 17 plant EOs tested, Cinnamomum cassia, Litsea cubeba var. formosana and O. vulgare EOs had the best inhibitory effect on B. cinerea, with 0.5 mg/mL completely inhibiting the mycelium growth of B. cinerea. Twenty-one different compounds of OVEO were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and the main chemical components were carvacrol (89.98%), β-caryophyllene (3.34%), thymol (2.39%), α-humulene (1.38%) and 1-methyl-2-propan-2-ylbenzene isopropyl benzene (1.36%). In vitro experiment showed EC50 values of OVEO, carvacrol and thymol were 140.04, 9.09 and 21.32 μg/mL, respectively. Carvacrol and thymol completely inhibited the spore germination of B. cinerea at the concentration of 300 μg/mL while the inhibition rate of OVEO was 80.03%. EC50 of carvacrol and thymol have significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the fresh and dry weight of mycelia. The collapse and damage on B. cinerea mycelia treated with 40 μg/mL of carvacrol and thymol was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Through extracellular conductivity test and fluorescence microscope observation, it was found that carvacrol and thymol led to increase the permeability of target cells, the destruction of mitochondrial membrane and ROS accumulation. In vivo conditions, 1000 μg/mL carvacrol had the best protective and therapeutic effects on tomato gray mold (77.98% and 28.04%, respectively), and the protective effect was significantly higher than that of 400 μg/mL pyrimethanil (43.15%). While the therapeutic and protective effects of 1,000 μg/mL OVEO and thymol were comparable to chemical control.

Conclusions

OVEO showed moderate antifungal activity, whereas its main components carvacrol and thymol have great application potential as natural fungicides or lead compounds for commercial fungicides in preventing and controlling plant diseases caused by B. cinerea.
Identifying disease-associated signaling pathways through a novel effector gene analysis
Authors: Bao Zhenshen , Zhang Bing , Li Li , Ge Qinyu , Gu Wanjun , Bai Yunfei
Published: August 2020

Background

Signaling pathway analysis methods are commonly used to explain biological behaviors of disease cells. Effector genes typically decide functional attributes (associated with biological behaviors of disease cells) by abnormal signals they received. The signals that the effector genes receive can be quite different in normal vs. disease conditions. However, most of current signaling pathway analysis methods do not take these signal variations into consideration.

Methods

In this study, we developed a novel signaling pathway analysis method called signaling pathway functional attributes analysis (SPFA) method. This method analyzes the signal variations that effector genes received between two conditions (normal and disease) in different signaling pathways.

Results

We compared the SPFA method to seven other methods across 33 Gene Expression Omnibus datasets using three measurements: the median rank of target pathways, the median p-value of target pathways, and the percentages of significant pathways. The results confirmed that SPFA was the top-ranking method in terms of median rank of target pathways and the fourth best method in terms of median p-value of target pathways. SPFA’s percentage of significant pathways was modest, indicating a good false positive rate and false negative rate. Overall, SPFA was comparable to the other methods. Our results also suggested that the signal variations calculated by SPFA could help identify abnormal functional attributes and parts of pathways. The SPFA R code and functions can be accessed at https://github.com/ZhenshenBao/SPFA.
Understanding Enzymic Reactivity – New Directions and Approaches
Authors: Chandrasekhar Sosale
Published: August 2020

New approaches towards understanding the reactivity of enzymes–central to chemical biology and a key to comprehending life itself–are discussed herein. The approach overall is based on the idea that structural and reactivity features uniquely characteristic of enzymes–in being absent in normal catalysts–are likely to hold the key to the catalytic powers of enzymes. The quintessentially physical-organic problem is addressed from several angles, both kinetic and phenomenological. (Generally, the Pauling theory of transition state stabilization is adopted as the rigorous basis for understanding enzyme action).

The kinetic approach focuses on the inadequacies of the Michaelis-Menten equation, and proposes an alternative model based on additional substrate binding at high concentrations, which satisfactorily explains experimental observations. The phenomenological approaches focus on the inadequacies of the intramolecularity criterion, thus leading to alternative strategies adopted by nature in the design of these mild yet powerful catalysts, characterized by exquisite selectivity.

Preferential transition state binding at the active site, via both hydrophobic and van der Waals forces, appears to be the major thermodynamic driver of enzymic reactivity. In operational terms, however, multifunctional catalysis–practically unique to the highly ordered enzyme interior–is likely the key to enzymic reactivity. A new concept, ‘strain delocalization’, possibly plays an important role in orchestrating these various effects, and indeed justifies the need for a large proteinic molecule for achieving the enormous rate enhancements generally observed with enzymes.

Thus, this renewed approach to understanding enzymic reactivity departs significantly from currently held views: radically, in abandoning the Michaelis-Menten and intramolecularity models; but also commandeering existing ideas and concepts, although with a shift in emphasis towards transition state effects (including the entirely novel idea of ‘strain delocalization’).The coverage is not exhaustive, but aims to introduce new ideas along with fresh insights into previous works.
Climate Change Mitigation and Social Sustainability in Agriculture in the Sub Himalaya Region
Authors: Das Tarun Kumar , Maity Biman , Pradhan Kausik , Ganguly Bablu
Published: August 2020

The present study was conducted in sub-Himalaya region of India where in the two districts of the region such as Cooch Behar and Malda districts are selectively selected for the study. Four blocks in the selected districts were randomly selected. In each block, one village was selected for the study. An exhaustive list of agricultural producers in each village was prepared and from this list, eighty agricultural producers were randomly selected. The data were collected with the help of structure interview schedule through personal interview methods. The climate change aberration in socio-cultural milieu was delineated in terms of mitigation strategy of climate change discourses, the impact of climate change on agricultural production and education is considered as predicted variables and other six nos. of attributes of socio-economic and cognitive attributes of the agricultural producer were considered as predictor variables for the study. Data were processed into statistical tools i.e. frequency, percentage, correlation analysis and regression analysis. It was found that education and farm size are positively and significantly associated with the awareness and knowledge on climate change. Results reveal that the variables farming experience and farm size are negatively and significantly contributing towards the impacts of climate change on education. It was seen that farming experience is negatively and significantly contributing towards impacts of climate change on agricultural production. The finding reveals that 88.75% of the farmers had modified their cropping pattern including the scientific cultivation practices to adapt the impact of climate change.
Effect of Storage on in vitro Starch Digestibility of Functional Foods
Authors: Muttagi Gopika C. , Ravindra Usha
Published: August 2020

Functional foods such as sweet cookies, masala cookies and khakhra were prepared by incorporating modified starch extracted from selected traditional rice varieties. The products were standardized by incorporating modified rice starch served as test product group and without incorporating modified rice starch served as control product group. The developed products such as sweet cookies, masala cookies and khakhra were stored up to 90 days at room temperature (25-30ºC) and relative humidity (40-60%). The packaging material used was 300 gauge low density polyethylene (LDPE). Samples from sweet cookies and masala cookies were drawn in triplicates for evaluation when fresh and after 15, 30, 45, and 60 days of storage, whereas samples from khakhra were drawn when fresh and after 30, 60, and 90 days of storage duration. The products were evaluated for their In vitro starch digestibility. In all the stored products, there was a significant (p<0.05) decreasing trend in rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and starch digestibility index (SDI), whereas increasing trend was observed in resistant starch (RS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS) as the storage period increased.
Assessment of the Profitability of Rice Production in Afikpo North L.G.A.
Authors: Nkechi Uche , Jane Donatus, , Margaret N. Uchenwachi,
Published: August 2020

This study was carried out to determine the profitability of rice production in Afikpo North L.G.A Ebonyi State of Nigeria between April and September, 2019. Seventy (70) rice farmers (35 each) randomly selected from two prominent rice producing villages (Amasiri and Akpoha) in the study area were used as sample size. Questionnaires and personal interviews respectively were the basic primary and secondary means of data collection. Descriptive statistics, Gross margin analysis and Likert Scale were used to analyze the data obtained for socio-economic, profitability and constraints to rice production in the study area respectively. Results showed that socio-economic characteristics including gender, age, farm size, household, education etc are among the factors that affect rice production in the area. The result of likert scale showed that inadequate capital, high cost of labour, inadequate farm input etc were major constraints to rice production, while cost of transportation, cost of pesticide and marketing outlet were not considered as constraints rice production in the area. The result of gross margin analysis showed that Total Revenue and Gross margin were 270,000 and 214, 0000 respectively while Net Profit was N201, 500. The cost return ratio was 3.9k. This implies that the rice farming is highly profitable since the total revenue significantly outweighed the total cost. The cost return ratio of 3.9k implies that for every one naira invested in rice production about 4.0k is returned as profit. The study therefore recommends that Government should formulate agricultural enhancement policies that will address the major constraints observed in this study to ensure large scale and profitable rice production in Afikpo North LGA.
Productive Participation of the Physically Challenged through Technical Vocational Education Training Programmes in Rivers State
Authors: Amaso Tenayi F. , Okwelle P. C. , TamBari Deebom, MtormaBari
Published: August 2020

The study examined the productive participation of the physically challenged through Technical Vocational Education Training programmes in Rivers State. A population of 387 registered mobility impaired and visually impaired persons were used for the study while a sample of 284 was selected through purposive sampling technique. Three research questions were answered, and three null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The instrument for data collection was a self-structure questionnaire developed by the researchers that was structured in the pattern of 5-point Likert rating scale of agreement and extent. The instrument was face and contents validated by three experts. The reliability of the instrument was established through Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) which yielded correlation coefficient of 0.86. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyse the research questions while z-test was used to test the hypotheses. The study found among others that unwillingness of the participant to training, discrimination, lack of jobs after training and high technical fees were some of the barriers for implementing TVET to the physically challenged persons in Rivers State. It was recommended among others that at least two TVET special schools and training centres should be built (setup) in each senatorial zone in Rivers State, trained technical teachers should be employed, TVET programmes should be free for productive participation of the physically challenged in Rivers State.
A TITULARIDADE FEMININA EM PROGRAMAS HABITACIONAIS E A CONSTRUÇÃO DA CIDADANIA: UMA ANÁLISE SOBRE O PROGRAMA MINHA CASA, MINHA VIDA (PMCMV))
Authors: Campos Mariana de Lima
Published: August 2020

Considerando a existência de assimetrias de poder e desigualdades entre homens e mulheres na sociedade, busca-se evidenciar a focalização de políticas em mulheres responsáveis por unidades familiares por meio da inserção da perspectiva de gênero em políticas e programas habitacionais que asseguram o direito à moradia. O exemplo a ser analisado perpassa pelo Programa Minha Casa, Minha Vida (PMCMV) que ao priorizar a titularidade feminina dos imóveis financiados abre possibilidades para que a condição da mulher, muitas vezes invisível social e politicamente, possa ter outra materialidade sendo objetivada nos documentos de propriedade da moradia. O trabalho constitui-se como um estudo exploratório. Como recursos metodológicos, além da revisão bibliográfica e de levantamentos documentais, foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas com mulheres beneficiárias do PMCMV em uma cidade do interior de Minas Gerais. Compreende-se que o critério adotado pela política do programa em assegurar a titularidade feminina tem o potencial de possibilitar processos de autonomia das mulheres beneficiárias e formas para a construção de sua cidadania, entretanto, evidencia a necessária desconstrução contínua das diferentes formas de desigualdades sociais e de gênero.
DILEMAS SULINOS: DESAFIOS PARA A INTEGRAÇÃO DO MERCADO DO SUL
Authors: Ferreira Matheus Gomes Mendonça
Published: August 2020

O presente artigo almeja analisar as condições atuais para o aprofundamento das relações comerciais e políticas entre os países-membros do MERCOSUL. Partindo da compreensão que um mercado comum é uma política pública nacional e internacional, o artigo analisou a estrutura tecida através de sua historicidade para compreender seus dilemas atuais e sua institucionalidade. Através da análise de dados que nos mostram os tipos de relações comerciais estabelecidas entre os países do MERCOSUL e entre estes e outros países do globo, foi possível observar os dilemas enfrentados para o aprofundamento desse mercado comum. Conclui-se que um dos obstáculos para aprofundamento são as assimetrias econômicas e políticas entre seus membros, o que faz com que as preferências políticas do Brasil (principal membro) estejam voltadas para estratégias de um global player e não focadas na região. Enquanto global player, o interesse do Brasil é manter acordos econômicos com relação à união aduaneira do que aprofundar as raízes de um mercado comum, uma vez que isso demandaria entrega parcial de soberania para instituições supranacionais, o que sem sombra de dúvidas levaria qualquer governo nacional ao desgaste político interno. Essa conjuntura, marcada pela “imobilidade” do mercado comum, só foi possível graças ao fracasso de uma política norte-americana (fast tracks). Caso a Casa Branca tivesse ganhado o aval do Capitólio para efetuar suas políticas econômicas (fast track), o Brasil se encontraria diante de um desafio que prejudicaria sua soberania na América do Sul, criando dificuldade para este se lançar enquanto global player.
A ASSOCIAÇÃO BRASILEIRA DE PESQUISADORES/AS NEGROS (ABPN) E OS NÚCLEOS DE ESTUDOS AFRO-BRASILEIROS (NEABS): PRODUÇÕES ANTIRRACISTAS
Authors: Da Silva Luiz Gustavo Santos
Published: August 2020

Neste artigo, trazemos uma abordagem preliminar da pesquisa “A Associação Brasileira de Pesquisadores/as Negros (ABPN) e os Núcleos de Estudos afro-brasileiros (Neab’s): produções antirracistas”. Tecemos algumas reflexões a partir do surgimento destas associações, buscando compreender o alcance das suas produções na contribuição para a efetivação de uma educação plural e antirracista. Esta pesquisa adotará, do ponto de vista do método, a proposta teórica a partir dos estudos de Bakthin, em especial o conceito de dialogia. Utilizaremos, enquanto procedimento metodológico, a análise textual discursiva, que tem se mostrado ferramenta importante, permitindo conviver com uma abordagem que exige constantemente a (re)construção de caminhos dentro da pesquisa. Acreditamos que este procedimento metodológico, adotado aqui, criará espaços para a emergência do novo, precedendo a criação de novas ordens e entendimentos. Destacamos, também, a importância desta pesquisa para o fortalecimento daqueles/as espaços que agrupam e estudam o campo das relações raciais e educação.
Safe surgery – analysis of the implementation of the checklist by Swot matrix
Authors: Pimentel Laryssa dos Santos , Gomes Luiza Bonfim , La Cava Angela Maria , Motta Deise Luci Batista
Published: August 2020

Objetivos: Conhecer o processo de implementação da lista de verificação de cirurgia segura e Analisar o processo de implementação da lista de verificação de cirurgia segura em centro cirúrgico de um hospital federal, através da matriz SWOT. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório, com abordagem quanti-qualitativa. Os dados foram obtidos através de um questionário, com amostra de 56 participantes. O cenário foi o centro cirúrgico de um Hospital Federal situado no Município do Rio de Janeiro. Resultados: O processo de implementação da lista ainda não está implantado de forma sistemática e consistente; constatou-se a necessidade de implementação da lista em todos os procedimentos cirúrgicos, onde destaca-se as responsabilidades dos líderes e gestores na adoção de processo para cirurgia segura. Considerações finais: Foi evidenciada a importância atribuída à implementação da lista de verificação de cirurgia segura, considerada como estratégia para melhoria da segurança do paciente e minimização de erros.
Factors contributing to the incident occurrence of security related to drug use in intensive care
Authors: Arboit Éder Luís , Camponogara Silviamar , Magnago Tânia Bosi de Souza , Urbanetto Janete de Souza , Beck Carmem Lúcia Colomé , Silva Luiz Anido Anacleto da
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: identificar os fatores que contribuem para a ocorrência de incidentes relacionados à terapia medicamentosa em terapia intensiva, sob a ótica dos trabalhadores de enfermagem. Métodos: pesquisa descritivo-exploratória, com abordagem qualitativa realizada em um hospital do Sul do Brasil. Os participantes foram quinze trabalhadores de enfermagem. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre fevereiro e março de 2014, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, sendo os dados analisados por meio de Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: os dados foram agrupados em duas categorias: Incidentes de segurança relacionados aos fatores institucionais/organizacionais, que evidencia aspectos ligados à organização e processo de trabalho e, Incidentes de segurança relacionados aos fatores humanos, apontando aspectos relativos a assistência de enfermagem. Conclusão: vários fatores institucionais/organizacionais e humanos contribuem para a ocorrência de incidentes de segurança relacionados à terapia medicamentosa, devendo, tanto os trabalhador quanto as instituições, implementar estratégias para minimizar tais eventos.
An experimental application of Hypena opulenta as a biocontrol agent for the invasive vine Vincetoxicum rossicum
Authors: Livingstone Stuart W. , Smith Sandy M. , Bourchier Robert S. , Ryan Kathleen , Roberto Adriano , Cadotte Marc W.
Published: August 2020

1. Pre‐release testing for biological control agents is focused primarily on assessment of host‐range specificity and safety of potential agents. Agent impact is considered pre‐release; however, the ultimate assessment of an agent must occur following release in the field under the target population levels and conditions of the invaded ecosystems. The invasive Eurasian vine, Vincetoxicum rossicum, has spread aggressively through its invaded range of eastern North America since its initial introduction in the late 1800s. In laboratory tests, the Eurasian moth Hypena opulenta has shown great promise as a potential control agent for V. rossicum.

2. We were interested in the defoliating ability of H. opulenta and its subsequent effect on the seed production of V. rossicum under field conditions. To examine this, we established a field site near Kirkfield, Ontario, that consisted of meadow and forest understory plots, both of which were highly invaded by V. rossicum.

3. We report highly significant feeding by H. opulenta in both light conditions. Unexpectedly, we observed a significant increase in seed production following folivory in shade conditions. We observed no significant effect of larval folivory on seed production under sun conditions, where V. rossicum seed production is greater by a factor of 10 as compared to shade conditions.

4. It is unclear how continuous exposure to folivory by H. opulenta will affect mature V. rossicum stands, although it might be expected that such populations would invest in defenses to herbivory, possibly at the expense of reproductive output. In order to better understand if V. rossicum populations in either light condition could exhibit longer‐term compensatory growth in response to folivory, further experimental work is needed that examines inter‐annual variability in V. rossicum reproduction at variable H. opulenta densities.
Widespread tissue hypoxia dysregulates cell and metabolic pathways in SMA
Authors: Hernandez‐Gerez Elena , Dall’Angelo Sergio , Collinson Jon M. , Fleming Ian N. , Parson Simon H.
Published: August 2020

Objective

The purpose of the study was to determine the extent and role of systemic hypoxia in the pathogenesis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Methods

Hypoxia was assayed in vivo in early‐symptomatic (postnatal day 5) SMA‐model mice by pimonidazole and [18F]‐Fluoroazomycin arabinoside injections, which accumulate in hypoxic cells, followed by immunohistochemistry and tracer biodistribution evaluation. Glucose uptake in hypoxic cells was assayed by [18F]‐Fluorodeoxyglucose labeling. In vitro knockdown of Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) was performed on motor neurons and lactate metabolism measured biochemically, whereas cell cycle progression and cell death were assayed by flow cytometry.

Results

All assays found significant levels of hypoxia in multiple organ systems in early symptomatic SMA mouse pups, except aerated tissues such as skin and lungs. This was accompanied by significantly increased glucose uptake in many affected organs, consistent with a metabolic hypoxia response. SMN protein levels were shown to vary widely between motor neuron precursors in vitro, and those with lower levels were most susceptible to cell death. In addition, SMA‐model motor neurons were particularly sensitive to hypoxia, with reduced ability to transport lactate out of the cell in hypoxic culture, and a failure in normal cell cycle progression.

Interpretation

Not only is there widespread tissue hypoxia and multi‐organ cellular hypoxic response in SMA model mice, but SMA‐model motor neurons are especially susceptible to that hypoxia. The data support the hypothesis that vascular defects leading to hypoxia are a significant contributor to disease progression in SMA, and offer a route for combinatorial, non‐SMN related therapy.
Emerging Low‐Dimensional Nanoagents for Bio‐Microimaging
Authors: Lin Hongxin , Yang Lijiao , Zhang Xuan , Liu Guoming , Zhuo Shuangmu , Chen Jianxin , Song Jibin
Published: August 2020

Nanomaterials with unique physical and biological properties have attracted increased attention for bio‐microimaging applications. Among them, low‐dimensional nanomaterials have quantum confinement effect in zero, one, or two dimensions, which have high specific surface area for cargo (such as dye) loading, anisotropic optical properties for polarization, and enhanced infrared absorption for efficient photoluminescence. In this review, recent efforts on bio‐microimaging of low‐dimensional nanomaterials, including confocal imaging, multiphoton imaging, Raman imaging, and super‐resolution imaging, will be highlighted. Bio‐microimaging principle, respective advantages and bottlenecks, and applications of low‐dimensional materials in various imaging technologies will be discussed. Furthermore, the review will shed light on the common synthetic methods of low‐dimensional nanomaterials. Finally, the classification and comparison of various nanomaterials, including carbon, black phosphorus, gold, metal composites, and 2D graphene analogues will also be elaborated.
Electrically Conductive Hydrogel Nerve Guidance Conduits for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Park Junggeon , Jeon Jin , Kim Byongyeon , Lee Min Suk , Park Sihyeon , Lim Juhan , Yi Jongdarm , Lee Hwangjae , Yang Hee Seok , Lee Jae Young
Published: August 2020

Peripheral nerve injuries are serious conditions, and surgical treatment has critical limitations. Therefore, nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) are proposed as an alternative. In this study, multifunctional NGCs are fabricated for the regeneration of injured peripheral nerves. Graphene oxide (GO) and gelatin‐methacrylate (GelMA) are polymerized and chemically reduced to form reduced (GO/GelMA) (r(GO/GelMA)). The prepared materials present good electrical conductivity, flexibility, mechanical stability, and permeability, which are suitable for use as NGCs. In vitro studies show 2.1‐ and 1.4‐fold promotion of neuritogenesis of PC12 neuronal cells on r(GO/GelMA) compared to GelMA and unreduced GO/GelMA, respectively. Animal studies using a rat sciatic nerve injury model with a 10 mm gap between the proximal and distal regions of the defect reveal that r(GO/GelMA) NGCs significantly enhance peripheral nerve regeneration, indicated by improved muscle weight increase, electro‐conduction velocity, and sciatic nerve function index. Specifically, r(GO/GelMA) NGCs are utilized to potentiate regrowth with myelination in rat sciatic nerves followed by histological, immunohistological, and morphometrical analyses. This study successfully shows the feasibility of electrically conductive hydrogel NGCs as functional conduits for improved nerve regeneration in a preclinical study, where these NGCs can not only mimic nerve tissues but also strongly promote nerve regeneration.
Engineering Nanoparticles toward the Modulation of Emerging Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Shuren , Sun Zhaoli , Hou Yanglong
Published: August 2020

Cancer immunotherapy is a new therapeutic strategy to fight cancer by activating the patients’ own immune system. At present, immunotherapy approaches such as cancer vaccines, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), adoptive cell transfer (ACT), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) therapy, and cytokines therapy have therapeutic potential in preclinical and clinical applications. However, the intrinsic limitations of conventional immunotherapy are difficulty of precise dosage control, insufficient enrichment in tumor tissues, partial immune response silencing or hyperactivity, and high cost. Engineering nanoparticles (NPs) have been emerging as a promising multifunctional platform to enhance conventional immunotherapy due to their intrinsic immunogenicity, convenient delivery function, controlled surface chemistry activity, multifunctional modifying potential, and intelligent targeting. This review presents the recent progress reflected by engineering NPs, including the diversified selection of functionalized NPs, the superiority of engineering NPs for enhancing conventional immunotherapy, and NP‐mediated multiscale strategies for synergistic therapy consisting of compositions and their mechanism. Finally, the perspective on multifunctional NP‐based cancer immunotherapy for boosting immunomodulation is discussed, which reveals the expanding landscape of engineering NPs in clinical translation.
Nanoparticles Loaded with Wnt and YAP/Mevalonate Inhibitors in Combination with Paclitaxel Stop the Growth of TNBC Patient‐Derived Xenografts and Diminish Tumorigenesis
Authors: Sulaiman Andrew , McGarry Sarah , El‐Sahli Sara , Li Li , Chambers Jason , Phan Alexandra , Al‐Kadi Emil , Kahiel Zaina , Farah Eliya , Ji Guang , Lee Seung‐Hwan , Inampudi Krishna K. , Alain Tommy , Li Xuguang , Liu Sheng , Han Xianghui , Zheng Peiyong , Liu Zhen , Gadde Suresh , Wang Lisheng
Published: August 2020

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for the majority of breast cancer‐related deaths and remains the hardest breast cancer to treat due to the lack of specific therapeutic targets. While chemotherapy is the mainstay of systemic treatment for TNBC, it is associated with chemotherapy‐induced cancer stem cells (CSCs) and tumor regeneration. Here, it is found that Wnt and YAP target genes that have been closely associated with CSCs are highly expressed in TNBC patient tumors and negatively correlated with patient survival. Therefore, a nanotherapeutic strategy is employed, using nanomaterials that are approved by the FDA, and two co‐delivery nanoparticle platforms (NPs) are developed to target TNBC. These NPs contain Wnt inhibitor PRI‐724 (in clinical trials) and YAP/mevalonate inhibitor simvastatin (FDA‐approved). Toward clinical translation, nanotherapeutic efficacy is assessed in clinically relevant patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models. These NPs in combination with the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel effectively halt the growth of both paclitaxel‐resistant and paclitaxel‐sensitive PDX tumors, and diminish the paclitaxel‐induced CSC enrichment around two to fourfold. Importantly, NPs also decrease the paclitaxel‐enhanced PDX tumorigenesis after secondary transplantation. Together, this study demonstrates the efficacy of two NP platforms using clinically translatable TNBC PDX models, suggesting their application potential for the treatment of TNBC.
Evaluation of silica content in winter wheat chaff
Authors: Carter A. H. , Rath B. B. , Gorzkowski E. P. , Qadri S. B.
Published: August 2020

There has been growing interest in finding alternative markets for excess field wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) chaff residue. Recent studies indicate wheat chaff contains an abundant amount of silica (SiO2) in the amorphous state along with hydrocarbons. We examined the chemical composition of wheat chaff of four winter wheat cultivars with an emphasis on silicon content. After sample preparation, high resolution X‐ray diffraction and fluorescence were used to determine the amount of Si found in wheat chaff. Heat treatments were also applied to convert SiO2 to silicon carbide (SiC), which can be used in industrial nanoparticles and electronics. We found that the four wheat cultivars tested have differing amounts of Si in the chaff. Those with high amounts of Si can have the Si converted, through a simple heat‐treatment process, to SiC. Although research needs to be expanded to test additional cultivars and examine environmental influences, our results point to an interesting potential for the use of excess wheat chaff residue.
Fullerene‐Based Conducting Polymers:n‐Dopable Materials for Charge Storage Application
Authors: Grądzka Emilia , Wysocka‐Żołopa Monika , Winkler Krzysztof
Published: August 2020

This article provides a comprehensive review of research related to the formation and electrochemical properties of fullerene‐based conducting polymeric materials. The paper begins with an overview of composites containing fullerenes incorporated into the network of a conducting polymer through van der Walls, electrostatic, or guest–host interactions. The properties of these composites are generally a superposition of the properties of the individual components. More attention is devoted to the structures in which fullerene is covalently incorporated into the polymeric network. These structures are generally divided into i) fullerene homopolymers, ii) side chain fullerene polymers, and iii) in‐chain fullerene polymers. The procedures used to form these macromolecular structures and assess their conductivity and electrochemical activity are described. Special attention is paid to the description of the electron propagation mechanism within these materials. At the end of this Review, the capacitance performance of fullerene‐based conducting polymeric materials are described. A range of their potential applications in charge storage devices is highlighted. The Review concludes with a brief review and personal perspectives on the future directions of research into fullerene‐based polymeric materials.
Clinical Informatics Training During Emergency Medicine Residency: The University of Michigan Experience
Authors: Turer Robert W. , Arribas Miguel , Balgord Sarah M. , Brooks Stephanie , Hopson Laura R. , Bassin Benjamin S. , Medlin Richard
Published: August 2020

Clinical informatics (CI) is a rich field with longstanding ties to resident education in many clinical specialties, although a historic gap persists in emergency medicine. To address this gap, we developed a CI track to facilitate advanced training for senior residents at our 4‐year emergency medicine residency. We piloted an affordable project‐based approach with strong ties to operational leadership at our institution and describe specific projects and their outcomes. Given the relatively low cost, departmental benefit, and unique educational value, we believe that our model is generalizable to many emergency medicine residencies. We present a pathway to defining a formal curriculum using Kern's framework.
Long‐term in‐season grain sorghum and soybean response to tillage and nitrogen management
Authors: Sweeney Daniel W. , Ruiz‐Diaz Dorivar A.
Published: August 2020

Information on tillage and N management is limited regarding in‐season N uptake by grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and growth of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] on claypan soils in the eastern Great Plains. The objective of this study was to determine the 20‐yr effects of tillage (conventional, reduced, and no‐till) and N fertilization (no‐N control; knifed anhydrous NH3; broadcast urea–ammonium nitrate solution, UAN; and broadcast dry urea) on grain sorghum N uptake and soybean biomass and their relationship to long‐term yields of those crops grown on a claypan soil. Nitrogen uptake at the boot stage during the first 10‐yr period was more than 20% greater with either conventional or reduced tillage compared with no‐till, and often greater with anhydrous NH3 and urea N sources than with UAN solution or the no‐N control. During the second 10‐yr period, N uptake was generally greater with conventional and reduced tillage than with no‐till at the 9‐leaf stage, but this response did not persist to the boot stage. Anhydrous NH3 often resulted in greater N uptake at both the 9‐leaf and boot stages compared with the other N sources. The relative yield increases with N uptake at the boot stage appeared due to increasing kernels head−1 but diminished as uptake exceeded 70−80 kg N ha−1. Although dry matter measured at the R2 growth stage of soybean rotationally grown in even‐numbered years was about 10% greater with tilled options than with no‐till, biomass was not related to yield increases.
Recent Progress in the C−N Bond Formation via High‐Valent Group 9 Cp*M(III)‐Catalyzed Directed sp2 C−H Activation
Authors: Sk Md Raja , Bera Sourav Sekhar , Basuli Suchand , Metya Abhisek , Maji Modhu Sudan
Published: August 2020

The presence of nitrogen atom in a wide variety of organic compounds called for the use of powerful C−H activation strategy in the C−N bond formation. Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp*) based, high‐valent, group 9 transition‐metal complexes have shown a great potential as catalysts in the C−H activation/functionalization over the years. This minireview summarizes recent progress made in the context of C−N bond formation via catalytic (sp2)C−H activation with Cp*M(III) (M=Co, Rh and Ir) catalysts. A general plausible mechanism is briefly discussed at the beginning, and then results are arranged according to metal cobalt, rhodium and iridium, respectively.
Intraoperative angiography with indocyanine green injection for precise localization and resection of small bowel bleeding
Authors: Kawachi Jun , Ogino Hidemitsu , Shimoyama Rai , Ichita Chikamasa , Isogai Naoko , Murata Takaaki , Miyake Katsunori , Nishida Tomoki , Fukai Ryuta , Kashiwagi Hiroyuki
Published: August 2020

Aim

Bleeding in the small bowel rarely occurs, and its treatment is challenging. Surgery is sometimes required in unstable patients; however, intraoperative identification of the bleeding site is extremely difficult. Many methods have been reported, but no standard strategy has been established yet. Here, we aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of intraoperative angiography with indocyanine green staining to accurately identify small bowel bleeding sites.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed contrast‐enhanced computed tomography images of patients (n = 8) with small bowel extravasation who underwent surgery. If extravasation or other vessel abnormalities that were potential bleeding sites were detected on intraoperative angiography, a microcatheter was placed as close as possible to the extravasation site. Laparotomy was carried out, and 3–5 mL indocyanine green was injected through the microcatheter. The green‐stained segment of the small bowel was resected.

Results

Seven of the eight patients had positive angiographic findings and underwent bowel resection. The eighth patient had no abnormalities and hence did not undergo laparotomy. The rate of hemostatic success among the resected cases was 85.7% (six of seven cases). The resected specimens showed pathologic features in six of the seven patients (85.7%), all of whom achieved hemostasis. One patient had pneumonia and congestive heart failure that required longer hospital stay, but no mortality occurred.

Conclusions

Intraoperative angiography with indocyanine green injection, followed by resection for massive small bowel bleeding is effective. This can be a therapeutic option for hemodynamically unstable patients.
Drug‐Like Properties in Macrocycles above MW 1000: Backbone Rigidity versus Side‐Chain Lipophilicity
Authors: Furukawa Akihiro , Schwochert Joshua , Pye Cameron R. , Asano Daigo , Edmondson Quinn D. , Turmon Alexandra C. , Klein Victoria G. , Ono Satoshi , Okada Okimasa , Lokey R. Scott
Published: August 2020

Large macrocyclic peptides can achieve surprisingly high membrane permeability, although the properties that govern permeability in this chemical space are only beginning to come into focus. We generated two libraries of cyclic decapeptides with stable cross‐β conformations, and found that peptoid substitutions within the β‐turns of the macrocycle preserved the rigidity of the parent scaffold, whereas peptoid substitutions in the opposing β‐strands led to “chameleonic” species that were rigid in nonpolar media but highly flexible in water. Both rigid and chameleonic compounds showed high permeability over a wide lipophilicity range, with peak permeabilities differing significantly depending on scaffold rigidity. Our findings indicate that modulating lipophilicity can be used to engineer favorable ADME properties into both rigid and flexible macrocyclic peptides, and that scaffold rigidity can be used to tune optimal lipophilicity.
High‐Density and Thermally Stable Palladium Single‐Atom Catalysts for Chemoselective Hydrogenations
Authors: Ma Ying , Ren Yujing , Zhou Yanan , Liu Wei , Baaziz Walid , Ersen Ovidiu , Pham‐Huu Cuong , Greiner Mark , Chu Wei , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao , Liu Yuefeng
Published: August 2020

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have shown superior activity and/or selectivity for many energy‐ and environment‐related reactions, but their stability at high site density and under reducing atmosphere remains unresolved. Herein, we elucidate the intrinsic driving force of a Pd single atom with high site density (up to 5 wt %) under reducing atmosphere, and its unique catalytic performance for hydrogenation reactions. In situ experiments and calculations reveal that Pd atoms tend to migrate into the surface vacancy‐enriched MoC surface during the carburization process by transferring oxide crystals to carbide crystals, leading to the surface enrichment of atomic Pd instead of formation of particles. The Pd1/α‐MoC catalyst exhibits high activity and excellent selectivity for liquid‐phase hydrogenation of substituted nitroaromatics (>99 %) and gas‐phase hydrogenation of CO2 to CO (>98 %). The Pd1/α‐MoC catalyst could endure up to 400 °C without any observable aggregation of single atoms.
Gas‐Phase Ion Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Tailor‐made Rhodamine Homo‐ and Heterodyads: Quenching of Electronic Communication by π‐Conjugated Linkers
Authors: Petersen Anne Ugleholdt , Kjær Christina , Jensen Cecilie , Brøndsted Nielsen Mogens , Brøndsted Nielsen Steen
Published: August 2020

While many key photophysical features are understood for electronic communication between chromophores in neutral compounds, there is limited information on the effect of charges in practically relevant ionic chromo/fluorophores. Here we have chosen positively charged rhodamines and prepared a selection of homo‐ and heterodimers with alkyl or π‐conjugated, acetylenic bridges. Protonated molecules were transferred as isolated ions to gas phase where there is no solvent screening of charges, and fluorescence spectra were measured with a custom‐made ion‐trap setup. Our work reveals strong polarization of the π‐spacer (induced dipole/quadrupole) when it experiences the electric field from one/ two dyes. Hence, π‐spacers provide efficient shielding of charges by reducing the Coulomb interaction, whereas two dye cations polarize each other when connected by an alkyl. The screening influences the Förster resonance energy transfer efficiency that relies on the dipole–dipole interaction.
Discovery of a Cryptic Depsipeptide from Streptomyces ghanaensis via MALDI‐MS‐Guided High‐Throughput Elicitor Screening
Authors: Zhang Chen , Seyedsayamdost Mohammad R.
Published: August 2020

Microbial genomes harbor an abundance of biosynthetic gene clusters, but most are expressed at low levels and need to be activated for characterization of their cognate natural products. In this work, we report the combination of high‐throughput elicitor screening (HiTES) with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) for the rapid identification of cryptic peptide natural products. Application to Streptomyces ghanaensis identified amygdalin as an elicitor of a novel non‐ribosomal peptide, which we term cinnapeptin. Complete structural elucidation revealed cinnapeptin as a cyclic depsipeptide with an unusual 2‐methyl‐cinnamoyl group. Insights into its biosynthesis were provided by whole genome sequencing and gene deletion studies, while bioactivity assays showed antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria and fission yeast. MALDI‐HiTES is a broadly applicable tool for the discovery of cryptic peptides encoded in microbial genomes.
Solar‐Driven Nitrogen Fixation Catalyzed by Stable Radical‐Containing MOFs: Improved Efficiency Induced by a Structural Transformation
Authors: Hu Kong‐Qiu , Qiu Peng‐Xiang , Zeng Li‐Wen , Hu Shu‐Xian , Mei Lei , An Shu‐Wen , Huang Zhi‐Wei , Kong Xiang‐He , Lan Jian‐Hui , Yu Ji‐Pan , Zhang Zhi‐Hui , Xu Zhong‐Fei , Gibson John K. , Chai Zhi‐Fang , Bu Yun‐Fei , Shi Wei‐Qun
Published: August 2020

Herein we present a new viologen‐based radical‐containing metal–organic framework (RMOF) Gd‐IHEP‐7, which upon heating in air undergoes a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transformation to generate Gd‐IHEP‐8. Both RMOFs exhibit excellent air and water stability as a result of favorable radical‐radical interactions, and their long‐lifetime radicals result in wide spectral absorption in the range 200–2500 nm. Gd‐IHEP‐7 and Gd‐IHEP‐8 show excellent activity toward solar‐driven nitrogen fixation, with ammonia production rates of 128 and 220 μmol h−1 g−1, respectively. Experiments and theoretical calculations indicate that both RMOFs have similar nitrogen fixation pathways. The enhanced catalytic efficiency of Gd‐IHEP‐8 versus Gd‐IHEP‐7 is attributed to intermediates stabilized by enhanced hydrogen bonding.
Fabrication of oil‐ and water‐resistant paper without creating microplastics on disposal
Authors: Kansal Dhwani , Rabnawaz Muhammad
Published: August 2020

The proliferation of microplastics in the ocean and other water bodies is becoming an alarming issue. The development of plastic‐free water‐ and oil‐resistant paper can contribute toward mitigating this problem. Herein we report a plastic‐free paper coating derived from chitosan and sunflower oil. Chitosan grafted sunflower oil paper coatings were prepared via the ring opening of the partially epoxidized sunflower oil with chitosan. The product of these reactions was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy techniques. The sunflower oil grafted chitosan solution was coated onto a Kraft paper. The Cobb 60 and kit rating values were determined to be 8.00 g/m2 and 7.66, respectively, for the optimal formulations. Meanwhile, the water contact angle was found to be 94.0 ± 1.6° after 30 s. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was employed to gain insight regarding the changes that occurred on the paper surface at the microscopic level.