bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extendiendo nuestro entendimiento de la juventud como actor de cambio
Authors: Tsekoura Maria
Published: January 2022

Los jóvenes alrededor del mundo están forjando espacios de participación y desarrollan diálogo sobre diversas temáticas que se extienden desde sus preocupaciones sobre las realidades difíciles, en sus contextos locales, hasta problemáticas globales que incluyen la degradación medioambiental y el aumento de las injusticias. La participación y el activismo juvenil no es un fenómeno nuevo que define solo nuestra época y tampoco lo son los discursos académicos que pretenden explicar los acontecimientos recientes, incluso los resultados electorales en Chile, dentro de un discurso de cambio intergeneracional. De un punto de vista epistemológico y como investigadores sociales, estos últimos avances nos obligan repensar los conceptos que utilizamos para dar significado (a menudo en manera desfazada) a la acción juvenil: ¿Qué tipo de conceptos necesitamos para entender los procesos y cambios generados por los jóvenes? ¿Son todavía útiles y relevantes los conceptos habitualmente o “históricamente” utilizados por los investigadores?
Una migración improbable: los musulmanes de Tracia griega en Turquía (1950-2005)
Authors: Hersant Jeanne
Published: January 2022

Hasta fines de los años 1980, numerosos ciudadanos griegos musulmanes de Tracia occidental emigraron clandestinamente a Turquía para pedir asilo político pese a que eran ciudadanos europeos. El estudio de estos flujos migratorios permite operar una sociología histórica de la construcción nacional en Turquía. La primera parte de este artículo indaga en cómo el Estado turco aplica su política migratoria y de asilo en el caso de los musulmanes de Tracia occidental, considerados como “extranjeros de ascendencia turca”. La cuestión de los apátridas y del uso político que se hace de su estatus son objeto de la segunda parte. El recibimiento y las condiciones de residencia de esta población en Turquía responden a dos principios estatales difícilmente reconciliables: mantener su presencia en Tracia occidental, y al mismo tiempo procurar notables ventajas a quienes emigraron a Turquía.
Efficacy of Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block using Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine for Postoperative Analgesia following Lumbar Spine Surgeries- A Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Sreedhar Nimi , Hemlata . , Mehrotra Megha Kohli , Singh Prem Raj , Siddiqui Ahsan Khaliq , Kohli Monica
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) is a safe and simple technique that provides favourable pain relief and reduced postoperative analgesia consumption. Both bupivacaine and ropivacaine have been used in ESPB and have been found to provide good postoperative analgesia. Aim: To compare the efficacy of bupivacaine and ropivacaine in bilateral ESPB for postoperative pain relief in lumbar spine surgeries. Materials and Methods: The randomised clinical trial was conducted from July 2019 to June 2020. The study included 60 patients posted for lumbar spine surgeries which were divided randomly into two groups. Group A patients (n=30) received ESPB using 0.25% bupivacaine and group B patients (n=30) received ESPB with 0.2% ropivacaine after induction of GA with endotracheal intubation. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, time to first rescue analgesic, haemodynamic changes and any complications were monitored at regular time intervals in the postoperative period. For quantitative data, a parametric test (Student’s t-test) and a non parametric test (Mann-Whitney U test) were used. The Chi-square test was used for parametric analysis of qualitative data. Results: The mean age (in years) in Group A was 36.93±9.47 and Group B was 38.00±8.43. There was significant difference in mean VAS scores between bupivacaine and ropivacaine groups at 4 hours (4.03±0.93 vs 4.57±0.94; p-value=0.033) and at 6 hours (5.63±0.55 vs 5.26±0.64; p-value=0.021), postoperatively. The mean time to first rescue analgesic requirement was significantly higher in bupivacaine group than ropivacaine group (6.33±1.3 vs 5.27±0.97 hours: p-value=0.001). Patients in both the groups remained haemodynamically stable throughout the study period. No significant change in saturation, Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, postoperative nausea and vomiting was observed in any of the two groups. Conclusion: The ESPB with bupivacaine 0.25% provides better and prolonged analgesic effect postoperatively as compared to ropivacaine 0.2% with acceptable haemodynamic stability.
Paediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with COVID-19 Infection: A Case Series
Authors: Mathew Aneesha , Nair Akshay K , Kumar Harish , Phillip Renoy , Varghese Rini Susan
Published: January 2022

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) is a newer, rarer and dangerous childhood disease that require early attention and is associated with Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection. This article reports four clinically ill children of age 6-15 years admitted to Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, during October and November 2020. The diagnosis was based on elevated laboratory values (D-Dimer, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Ferritin) and positive COVID-19 antibody test. No infectious aetiologies were identified. All patients presented at Emergency Room (ER) with hypotensive shock and were treated with inotropic support, Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg), and steroids. Children responded well to treatment and were discharged within a period of 8-11 days. Clinical characteristics are necessary for understanding more about newly identified paediatric illness.
Using Instructional Screencast to Teach Digital Immigrants: A Paradigm Shift in the 21st Century Learning Process
Authors: Nura Bawa, , Lawal N. I. , Tukur A. K.
Published: January 2022

This paper intended to study the attitudes of postgraduate diploma in education (PGDE) students towards the use of instructional screencast for learning. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Population of the study include the 13 postgraduate diploma in education students admitted as at 2018/2019 academic session, and all were selected as sample for the study. Objectives of the study were to: categorize the postgraduate diploma in education students offering CSI 702 in the 2019/2020 academic session into digital native and digital immigrants based on their dates of birth; and determine the attitudes of the postgraduate diploma in education students offering CSI 702 in the 2019/2020 academic session towards the use of screencast for instructional process. The instrument pegged “students’ attitudes to using screencast for learning” (SAUSL) was used to obtain necessary information from the respondents. It was validated, pilot study conducted, and reliability index of 0.98 was obtained using Cronbatch Alpha. Results from the study revealed that 92% of the respondents were digital immigrants, and they had positive attitudes towards the use of screencast for learning. The study concluded that even though the digital immigrants (respondents) had shown a positive attitude towards the use of the screencast, the paradigm shift in the education sector “new normal” necessitated the use of technology to facilitate the instructional processes. Therefore, digital immigrants are left with no option than to embrace the use of technology for learning. It was recommended by the study that lecturers, especially in the higher institutions of learning, should adopt the use of screencast in their instructional process. This would help flip the classroom, and economically manage lecture time.
Effects of Anti-Sickling Polyherbal Mixture on Haematological Indices in Normal and Anaemia-Induced Rabbits
Authors: Olayanju A. O. , Kyesmen N. I. , Jacob R. B. , Adeniyi T. D. , Enitan S. S. , Olayanju A. J.
Published: January 2022

Some plants used in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) have been shown to increase gelling time of sickle cell blood and inhibits sickling in vitro, reversal of sickling, inhibiting osmotically induced haemolysis of erythrocytes, membrane stabilization. Plants such as Sorghum bicolar, Phyllanthus amarus, U. afzelii, Securidaca longipedunculata, Momordica charantia, Dalium guineense have been found to exhibit anti-sickling properties. The polyherbal combination of these drugs was used in this study for the investigation of the effects of anti-sickling polyherbal mixture on haematological indices in rabbits. Sixty (60) New Zealand rabbits weighing 1200g ±200g, conducted in duplicate and designated experiment X (normal rabbits) and Y (anaemia induced using Cadmium 2mg/kg +10 mg/Kg body weight phenylhydrazine for 15 days). Both groups were further subdivided into four groups (A-D) with 5 animals each, administered saline substitute, different grades of polyherbal mixtures for 8 weeks. Blood sample (2mls) was collected into Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) bottles for full blood count. The results in the experiment (X) showed significant increase in WBC (103/μl) count across the groups (B=8.15±0.33; C=9.3±0.74; D=9.8±0.59) compared to the control group (A=7.25±0.44) (p<0.05). RBC (106/μl) count showed insignificant increase in group B (5.1±0.20) and C (5.6±0.450), decrease level in D (4.4±0.26) compared to control A (4.8±0.29) (p<0.05). Hb(g/dl) and HCT (%) showed similar pattern with insignificant increased levels across all treatment groups (B=14.8±0.59, 43.4±1.74; C=15.5±0.78, 45.8±3.; D=14.2±0.85, 43.7±2.62) compared to control A (13.6±0.68; 41.5±2.49) respectively. Platelets showed significant increase in group B and C (286±17.16 and 286±17.16) compared to control A (244±9.76) with significant decrease in group D (226±18.08) (p<0.05). In experiment (Y), WBC count showed significant increase across all treatment groups (B= 6.4±0.26 C= 6.8±0.54 D =10.6±0.64) compared to control (A= 4±0.24) (p<0.05). RBC (106/μl) count in control A gave (2.5±0.15), insignificant increase in B (3.1±0.12) with significant increase in group C (3.5±0.28) and insignificant decrease in D (2.2±0.13) (p<0.05). Higher level of Hb (g/dL) was seen in group B and C (B= 8.4±0.34; C= 9.1±0.46), while D (7.7±0.46) had a slightly elevated value compared to the control A (7.1±0.36) (p<0.05). HCT (%) showed significant increase across the groups (B=26±1.04; C=28±2.24; D=24±1.44) (p<0.05) compared to control A (18±1.08). Red cell indices showed some degree of derangement across the study groups. Findings in this study suggest that polyherbal mixture have a positive effect on the haemoglobin, red blood cells, packed cell volume and white blood cell count of the rabbits in a dose dependent manner.
Influence of Post Emergence Application of Herbicides on Growth, Yield and Economics of Dry Direct Sown Rice
Authors: Rao A. Upendra , Kumar K. Madhu , Visalakashmi V. , Rao S. Govinda
Published: January 2022

The field trial was conducted on sandy clay loam soils of agricultural research station Ragolu, A.P. India during two consecutive Kharif seasons of 2015 and 2016 .The trial was conducted in Randomized Block Design with three replications and nine treatments Viz., T1- post emergence application of Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb Amine salt of 2,4 D @ 0.58 kg ai/ha at 40 DAS; T2- post emergence application of Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl (Almix) 4 g ai/ha  at 40 DAS; T3- post émergence application Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb Ethoxysulfuron @ 20 g ai/ha  at 40DAS ; T4- post emergence application Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb  postemergence   application  of Fenoxaprop P ethyl with safenor (Rice star) @ 625ml/ha at 40 DAS ; T5- post emergence application Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb postemergence application  of Cyhalofopbutyl @100 g ai/ha + amine salt of 2,4, D @ 0.58  kg ai/ha at 40 DAS; T6- post emergence application Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb Ethoxysulfuron  @ 20 g ai/ha+ Fenoxaprop PEthyl with safenor (Rice star) @ 625ml/ha at 40 DAS; T7- Post emergece application  of Penoxulam@  25g ai/ha at 20 DAS fb amine salt of 2,4, D   @ 0.58 kg ai/ha at 40 DAS ;T8-  Two hand weedings at 20 & 40 DAS  and T9- Weedy Check. The study in dry direct sown rice on weed management by herbicides revealed that, uncontrolled weed growth in dry direct sown rice reduced the grain yield by 46 to 54 percent. Post emergence application of Bis-pyribac sodium @ 25 g ai/ha at 20 DAS  followed by Ethoxysulfuron  @ 20 g ai/ha+ Fenoxaprop P Ethyl with safenor (Rice star) @ 625 ml/ha  at 40 DAS  resulted into taller plants, maximum number of tillers/m2, The highest dry matter production at harvest, more number of panicles/m2 filled grains/panicle, 1000 grain wt, higher grain yield (82-108 %t over weedy check) Straw yield besides  higher gross returns net returns and B:C ratio  among different herbicide treatments.
Toxicological Activity of the Methanolic Leaf Extract of Some Medicinal Plants Used in Sokoto Township and Environs
Authors: Shagari Z. A. , Bello M. , Mohammed U. K. , Dabai A. I. , Mahmuda A. , Baki A. S. , Imam A. U. , Ganau M.
Published: January 2022

Inspite of the availability of different antiseptic and antibiotics in most localities in some parts of the world, there is still a number of information on the usage of some local plants in various kinds of treatments of different ill-health conditions. Leaves of Ocimum basilicum, Leptadania hastata and Momordica balsamina are locally used by traditional birth attendants at pre and post-partum periods. The present study investigates the phytochemical compositions and toxicity of the leaf extracts of the plants against isolates of Listeria monocytogenes. Standard microbiological techniques and polymerase chain reaction was used to isolate and identify the bacteria.  Phytochemical analysis was done and cytotoxicity of the extracts at different concentrations (MBC, OBC and LHC) were determined using human erythrocytes. Results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, terpinoids and glycosides in the studied extracts. Toxicity to erythrocytes, expressed as percentage hemolysis of only 17.27% (MBC1) was seen in one of the plants; M. balsamina. Similarly, the other extracts exhibited minimal toxicity to human erythrocytes (LHC1= 15.45%; OBC1= 7.6%). It was concluded that all the plant leaf extracts are safe for human consumption. Studies on the preparation, effective doses and side effects of these extracts in vivo are hereby recommended.
Rational Prescription Pattern of Antibiotics: A Quantitative Analysis Based on Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital (KYAMCH), Sirajganj, Bangladesh
Authors: Mukul Md. Emdadul Hasan , Sharif Md. Imran , Sultana Ms Afroza , Koly Farjana Akter , Arfat Md. Easin , Farnaz Noor-E-Kashif , Karim Md. Rezaul , Yeasmin Farida , Alam Mehfuz , Ali Aiub , Khairujjaman Md. , Abedin Mohammad Zakerin
Published: January 2022

Antibiotics, alternatively known as antibacterial drugs, prevent or reduce the development of germs. A decade has been added to the life expectancy of human beings since the discovery of antibiotics. Antibiotic overuse can result in resistance to a wide spectrum of diseases and bacteria. Antibiotic utility is being jeopardized by the rise of resistance. There aren't enough innovative agents to deal with the problem of resistant strains. The current study targeted to highlight the current status of antibiotic use.The study was designed as a prescription-based survey where the medicines in prescriptions were checked containing antibiotics, whether the drugs were prescribed rationally or not. The study was conducted from February to July 2018 at Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital, Bangladesh. Patient’s data were collected through review of patient medical records and prepared questionnaires. 100 people were interviewed, and their prescriptions were captured as photos and then checked for rationality.The antibiotics are prescribed in the group of 10 to 30 years, 31 to 50 years and more than 50 years of age.The survey demonstrated that 46% of patients know about antibiotics partially, about 74% of patients fulfill their entire course of medication and the rest of the patients stop taking medication after feeling better. Only 21% of patients knew about antibiotic resistance, whereas 37% of patients only heard about antibiotic resistance. According to the age group from low to high, 92.9%, 91.67%, 86.36% prescriptions were rational; 2.4%, 2.78%, 4.55% prescriptions were contraindicated and 4.7%, 5.56%, 9.1% prescriptions where medicines interacted with other non-antibiotic drugs, respectively. The overall rational prescription is 91%, whereas 3% of prescriptions are contraindicated and 6% of prescriptions showed interaction between antibiotics and other drugs (non-antibiotics).The study concluded that lack of knowledge and awareness of patients and inaccurate prescription data by physicians are two key factors that contribute to irrational antibiotic usage.
Synchronization of multi‐machine power systems under disturbances and measurement errors
Authors: Furtat Igor , Nekhoroshikh Artem , Gushchin Pavel
Published: January 2022

The problem of multi‐machine power system synchronization under parameter uncertainties, emergency modes, and measurement errors is considered. Only power angles of generators corrupted by bounded measurement errors are available for measurement. Emergency modes are associated with the sudden change of reactance of transmission lines. The proposed control law is based on measurement error filtering and left‐differences estimation of power angel derivatives. Differently from some recent control schemes, it makes the obtained control law easier to tune and less sensitive to measurement errors. The robust‐adaptive control law is suggested under unknown nominal values of reactances, EMFs, and currents. The simulations and experiments illustrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm and confirm theoretical results in comparison with some existing ones.
‘Raising the Stakes for Landscape’ in the Climate Crisis
Authors: Sanjuán Clara Olóriz
Published: January 2022

It can be argued that landscape gardening and painting have, for centuries, been complicit in the displacement of Indigenous communities, deforestation and creating a changing relationship between humanity and nature that has contributed to the current climate crisis. Clara Olóriz Sanjuán, a co‐director of the Architectural Association (AA) Ground Lab in London, shows us how landscape practices can be reimagined to address these historical injustices.
The Red Deal: Decolonising Climate Action
Authors: Carrió Manuel Shvartzberg , Cooper Danika
Published: January 2022

Californian academics specialising in environmental geopolitics, Manuel Shvartzberg Carrió and Danika Cooper explore the Red Deal proposed by The Red Nation that declares that decolonisation of Indigenous peoples and their land is at the heart of solving the climate crisis. It argues against neoliberalism, is left‐facing, supports the plural nature of our societies, and advocates for the end of exploitative private wealth structures and imperial sovereignty dominating land ownership.
Design Perspectives from the Global South: The Case of Mexico
Authors: Ramírez José Alfredo
Published: January 2022

Guest‐Editor of this AD and Director of the Architectural Association (AA) Ground Lab in London, José Alfredo Ramírez recognises that the Green New Deal is predicated on the success of previous, historical economic stimulus packages in the Global North. Here he calls for the inclusion of Global South perspectives, using Mexico as a case study.
Design of Light‐Activated Nanoplatform through Boosting “Eat Me” Signals for Improved CD47‐Blocking Immunotherapy
Authors: Lu Yan , Gong Yonghua , Zhu Xianghui , Dong Xia , Zhu Dunwan , Ma Guilei
Published: January 2022

Here, the authors propose a light‐activated reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive nanoplatform that can boost immunogenic cell death (ICD) to release “eat me” signals, and improve CD47‐blocking immunotherapy by tumor‐targeted codelivery of photosensitizer IR820 and anti‐CD47 antibody (αCD47). Human serum albumin and αCD47 are first constructed into a single nanoparticle using ROS‐responsive linkers, which are further conjugated with photosensitizer IR820 via a matrix metalloproteinase‐sensitive peptide as linker and then modified with poly(ethylene glycol) on the surface of the obtained nanoparticles. When exposed to the first wave of near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, the obtained nanoplatform (M‐IR820/αCD47@NP) can generate ROS, which triggers nanoparticles dissociation and thus, facilitates the release of αCD47 and IR820. The second wave of NIR laser irradiation is subsequently used to perform phototherapy and induce ICD of tumor cells. An in vitro cellular study shows that M‐IR820/αCD47@NP can stimulate dendritic cells activation while simultaneously enhancing the phagocytic activity of macrophage against tumor cells. In 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice, M‐IR820/αCD47@NP‐mediated combination of phototherapy and CD47 blockade can effectively induce the synergistic antitumor immune responses to inhibit the growth of tumors and prevent local tumor recurrence. This work offers a promising strategy to improve the CD47‐blocking immunotherapy efficacy using αCD47 nanomedicine.
Temperature‐Insensitive Efficient Inorganic Perovskite Photovoltaics by Bulk Heterojunctions
Authors: Wang Feng , Qiu Zhiwen , Chen Yihua , Zhang Yu , Huang Zijian , Li Nengxu , Niu Xiuxiu , Zai Huachao , Guo Zhenyu , Liu Huifen , Zhou Huanping
Published: January 2022

Inorganic perovskite solar cells (IPSCs) emerge as an ideal candidate for applications beyond terrestrial implementation due to their robustness. However, underlying mechanisms regarding their photovoltaic process at different temperatures remain unclear. Based on a stable absorber of CsPbI2.85(BrCl)0.15, considerable variation of corresponding device performance is revealed over temperature and further demonstrates a simple approach to an effective reduction of such variation. Interestingly, this absorber is found to be excitonic with poor carrier transport even at an ambient temperature of 285 K and below. With a novel device configuration of a PTB7‐th/perovskite bulk heterojunction, exciton dissociation and carrier extraction is facilitated. The resultant solar cell attains a best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.2% with the fill factor of ≈84%, which represents the highest‐efficiency γ‐phase IPSCs reported to date. Importantly, this device is less sensitive to operation temperature, wherein the PCE variation over the temperature range from 210 to 360 K is 60% suppressed compared with the reference. The approach is effectively extended to other IPSCs with different photoactive phases, which may shed light on realizing highly efficient IPSCs for specific scenarios such as polar regions, near‐space, and exoplanet exploration.
Foaming up a milk empire? Projected effects of a dairy merger
Authors: Badruddoza Syed , McCluskey Jill J. , Carlson Andrea C.
Published: January 2022

The recent bankruptcy of Dean Foods (DF) and subsequent acquisition of a major share by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) raised an antitrust complaint which led to DF divesting some assets. The current article empirically analyzes the economic impact of a hypothetical merger between DF and DFA. We use retail scanner data of 2008–2018 under a random‐coefficient discrete choice framework. Assuming a constant marginal cost, we find that the merger may slightly increase retail prices of cow milk products‐‐especially organic ones‐‐across the market and the hypothetical market power of DFA in the long run.
TLR8/TLR7 dysregulation due to a novel TLR8 mutation causes severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia and autoinflammation in identical twins
Authors: Fejtkova Martina , Sukova Martina , Hlozkova Katerina , Skvarova Kramarzova Karolina , Rackova Marketa , Jakubec David , Bakardjieva Marina , Bloomfield Marketa , Klocperk Adam , Parackova Zuzana , Sediva Anna , Aluri Jahnavi , Novakova Michaela , Kalina Tomas , Fronkova Eva , Hrusak Ondrej , Malcova Hana , Sedlacek Petr , Liba Zuzana , Kudr Martin , Stary Jan , Cooper Megan A. , Svaton Michael , Kanderova Veronika
Published: January 2022

Our study presents a novel germline c.1715G>T (p.G572V) mutation in the gene encoding Toll‐like receptor 8 (TLR8) causing an autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorder in a family with monozygotic male twins, who suffer from severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia worsening with infections, and autoinflammation presenting as fevers, enteritis, arthritis, and CNS vasculitis. The pathogenicity of the mutation was confirmed by in vitro assays on transfected cell lines and primary cells. The p.G572V mutation causes impaired stability of the TLR8 protein, cross‐reactivity to TLR7 ligands and reduced ability of TLR8 to attenuate TLR7 signaling. This imbalance toward TLR7‐dependent signaling leads to increased pro‐inflammatory responses, such as nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation and production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNFα. This unique TLR8 mutation with partial TLR8 protein loss and hyperinflammatory phenotype mediated by TLR7 ligands represents a novel inborn error of immunity with childhood‐onset and a good response to TLR7 inhibition.
Effect of chitosan coating on polypropylene fibers on the deposition of copper ions
Authors: Zefirov Vadim V. , Sizov Victor E. , Dvoryak Stanislav V. , Gulin Alexander A. , Sergeyev Vladimir G. , Gallyamov Marat O.
Published: January 2022

Composites based on chitosan coatings and metal ions are attracting great attention due to their antibacterial properties and biocompatibility. It is known that the presence of chitosan helps to stabilize the growth of metal films or individual nanoparticles during their deposition. In this work chitosan coating obtained from an aqueous carbonic acid solution is applied to fibers of a polypropylene nonwoven membrane. Aqueous carbonic acid solution is a clean and cheap solvent for chitosan that can effectively impregnate a porous polypropylene matrix. Before chitosan deposition, the fibers were pretreated in the presence of peroxycarbonic acid (i.e., in an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution saturated with pressurized carbon dioxide). Copper ions were then deposited on the chitosan‐coated fibers. It was shown that the presence of a chitosan interlayer can significantly improve adhesion and reduce the aggregation of growing particles, which results in the decoration of the fibers with uniform thin copper‐containing films. The proposed method for creating composite materials can serve as a new approach to antibacterial polymer‐inorganic composites manufacturing.
Self‐roughened superhydrophobic polydopamine coating with excellent self‐cleaning, anti‐corrosion, and UV shielding performances
Authors: Yang Jianfei , Wang Ruoyun , Zhang Xinwen , Long Fei , Zhou Tong , Liu Lei
Published: January 2022

Various strategies have been developed to fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces with the guidance of adding rough micro‐nano structure and decreasing surface energy. However, it is still a challenge to prepare a superhydrophobic coating with multifunction, eco‐friendliness, and broad applicability to substrates. The mussel‐inspired polydopamine (PDA) possessing superior material‐independent adhesion was considered as the promising candidate material. Herein, a hierarchical superhydrophobic PDA coating was fabricated on Cu substrate via a facile self‐assembly method. Thanks to PDA's self‐roughening and self‐adhesive effects, the coating obtains sufficient surface roughness and good interface adhesion. The superhydrophobic coating exhibits excellent self‐cleaning performance and enhanced corrosion resistance based on the surface wettability. Moreover, it possesses the additional functions of UV resistance and self‐healing, inheriting from the PDA coating. PDA and the surface modifier are nontoxic, biodegradable, and eco‐friendly. Our findings indicate that PDA can be used as an independent structural coating with multiple functions of corrosion protection, UV resistance, and superhydrophobic properties.
Novel proteinase inhibitor from the hemolymph of soybean pest Anticarsia gemmatalis (lepidóptera: Noctuidae): Structural modeling and enzymatic kinetic
Authors: Rios‐Díez Juan D. , Meriño‐Cabrera Yaremis , Silva‐Junior Neilier Rodrigues , de Almeida Barros Rafael , Aguilar de Oliveira João , Josué de Oliveira Ramos Humberto , Goreti de Almeida Oliveira Maria
Published: January 2022

New approaches are needed to reduce risks to the environment and natural enemies and to avoid or delay the onset of insecticide resistance. The use of insecticides based on proteinase inhibitors of hemolymph is an alternative for the control of Lepidoptera pests primarily by having low toxicity and short persistence in the environment. Thus, in this study, we describe the purification process and identification of protease inhibitors from hemolymph Anticarsia gemmatalis and their activities against trypsin enzymes. Furthermore, the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of the inhibitor and binding mode to trypsin enzymes was determined, and the stability of the inhibitory activity in several pHs and temperature values was evaluated. The inhibitor was characterized as a serpin family inhibitor and named A. gemmatalis hemolymph serpin inhibitor (AHSI), with an approximate mass of 38 ± 2 kDa, highly stable to temperature and pH variations, and with inhibitory capacity on bovine trypsin and gut trypsin of A. gemmatalis demonstrated by calculated Ki values and affinity energy through molecular docking, being a reversible competitive inhibitor that binds to the active site of trypsin‐like enzymes. We conclude that the AHSI inhibitor identified from the hemolymph of the soybean pest A. gemmatalis preserves the original structure of the serpin family with a good overall stereochemical quality confirmed from molecular modeling. The docking analysis showed that the reactive site of the inhibitor is in contact with the catalytic cavity of the trypsin with high‐affinity energy.
Time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) for the simultaneous detection of hs‐CRP and lipoprotein(a) in serum
Authors: Ma Hongyan , Mao Qian , Zhu Yanbin , Cong Chunli , Zheng Shiyu , Zhang Qi , Chen Cuicui , Li Laiqing
Published: January 2022

Elevated serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels are associated with the development of native coronary atherosclerosis. We aimed to establish a new method for the simultaneous detection of hs‐CRP and Lp(a) to predict the development of atherosclerosis. A one‐step time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) with europium(III) (Eu3+) or samarium(III) (Sm3+) labels was established, and the performance of this TRFIA (in terms of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and cutoff values) was evaluated using clinical serum samples and compared with those of registered kits. The sensitivity was 0.052 μg/ml for hs‐CRP and 0.64 μg/ml for Lp(a). The intra‐assay and inter‐assay cross‐reactivities (CVs) were very low, ranging from 2.05% to 4.67% for hs‐CRP and from 2.42% to 6.43% for Lp(a). The CVs were very low (<0.34% and <2.65%, respectively) with five interferents. Additionally, there was a high Pearson coefficient between the present TRFIA method and the registered kits (R2 = 0.9967 and 0.9906, respectively). These data indicate that this study developed a TRFIA method that can be used for the quantitative detection of hs‐CRP and Lp(a) in serum with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. This TRFIA provides a new method for predicting the development of atherosclerosis.
Befestigung von Bauwerken in Bäumen mit Baumankern und doppelter Umreifung
Authors: Zeller Martin , Münch Ingo
Published: January 2022

Kletterwälder, Baumplattformen und Wohneinheiten über der Oberfläche in Kombination mit Bäumen sprechen menschliche Emotionen an, welche man mit Kindheitstraum, Naturerlebnis, Reiz des Außergewöhnlichen oder einem Nervenkitzel assoziieren kann. Aus Sicht der Tragwerksplanung muss die Erstellung solcher Bauwerke allerdings sicher und unter Beachtung biologischer Aspekte ausgeführt werden. Denn der Stamm eines Baums ist ein Teil seines Organismus und wird für den Metabolismus benötigt. Durch die Anlagerung von Jahresringen unterliegt er weiterhin einem jährlichen Dickenwachstum. Der vorliegende Aufsatz beschreibt anhand eines konkreten Projekts, wie es durch spezielle Baumanker und eine doppelte Umreifung gelingt, eine zentralsymmetrische Konstruktion mit ca. 20 m2 öffentlicher Nutzfläche dauerhaft und artgerecht an einem einzelnen Baum zu befestigen. Im vorliegenden Fall überschreitet die kalkulierte Vertikallast aus dem Bauwerk (Eigengewicht, Nutzlast, Schnee) das Eigengewicht des Tragbaums, was auf die Leistungsfähigkeit der Konstruktion hinweist. Durch die Erhaltung der Baumvitalität nimmt die Tragfähigkeit der Verankerung mit jeder Wachstumsperiode zu, was hier ebenfalls thematisiert wird. Weitere Projekte mit ähnlicher Befestigungstechnik zeigen, dass unterschiedliche Baumarten die vorgeschlagene Verankerung gut vertragen und sich daraus technische sowie wirtschaftliche Vorteile ableiten.
Teaching motor responses to a child with trisomy 18: A preliminary study
Authors: Kusano Maria Elisa , Schmidt Andréia
Published: January 2022

Trisomy 18 (T18) is a congenital genetic disease that causes multiple impairments, mainly in motor functioning. Few studies have investigated behavioral interventions with individuals with T18. In the current study, we tested an intervention to teach basic motor responses to a 30‐month‐old boy with T18. He had severe hypotonia and emitted only a few uncoordinated movements of his head and arms. We taught him a grasping response using a manual guidance procedure that included repeating the movement with full manual guidance 30 consecutive times and then recording independent responses. We then taught turning the page of a book, pressing a button on a toy, and hammering responses, sequentially, using an adapted version of the same procedure within a multiple‐probe design. The participant learned each target response at a progressively faster rate. We discuss the potential use of this procedure for children with T18 and other severe motor restrictions.
Promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis by synthetic 1,2‐ or 1,3‐digallates through activation of an energy sensing network
Authors: Lee Taegum , Kim Mi Kyoung , Chong Youhoon
Published: January 2022

Based on the observations suggesting that a digallate functionality might serve as a novel scaffold for inducers of mitochondrial biogenesis, we prepared a series of digallates and evaluated their activity in an in vitro model widely used in PD research (SH‐SY5Y cells). Flow cytometry‐based approach revealed stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis by the gallates, particularly by those with the gallate substituted at the 1,2‐ or 1,3‐ positions. The relative mitochondrial mass calculated after taking cell sizes into account also confirmed the 1,2‐ or 1,3‐digallates as stimulators of mitochondrial biogenesis. Finally, energy sensing network including AMPK, SIRT1, and PGC‐1α was shown to be affected by 1,2‐ or 1,3‐digallates to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis. Taken together, this study presents a 1,2‐ or 1,3‐ digallate as a novel scaffold for stimulators of mitochondrial biogenesis. As inducers of mitochondrial biogenesis remain scarce, the current findings provide a valuable tool in the battle against neurodegenerative diseases.
Extended kinetic lattice grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation method for transport of multicomponent ion mixtures through a model nanopore system
Authors: Choi Inhyeok , Kim Namho , Song Yeonho , Schatz George C. , Hwang Hyonseok
Published: January 2022

An extended version of the original kinetic lattice grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation method combined with mean field theory (KLGCMC/MF) (J. Chem. Phys. 2007, 127, 024706) is presented for the study of transport of multicomponent ion mixtures through a model nanopore. Comparison of the extended KLGCMC/MF (eKLGCMC/MF) simulation results with Poisson–Nernst–Planck (PNP) calculations is also made to confirm the validity of the extended simulation approach. Unlike the original version of KLGCMC/MF simulation method that treats only a binary ionic solution with one cation and one anion species, this extended version can deal with a system that includes ternary ion mixtures. A diffusion probability algorithm is also added to the extended version of the simulation method to describe the inhomogeneous diffusivity of ions that is often observed in the ion permeation through nanopores. Both Legendre and Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind were tested as a basis set for the basis set expansion (BSE) method with which to calculate the reaction field energy in the eKLGCMC/MF simulation. It turned out that the Legendre polynomials perform better than the Chebyshev polynomials, and as a result, the Legendre polynomials were implemented in the current version of eKLGCMC/MF simulation algorithm. The presented eKLGCMC/MF simulation method with new features finds its potential applications in nanopore systems where the correlation between ion species with the same sign of charges plays a key role such as oscillating ion currents or anomalous mole fraction effects.
Super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy‐based single‐molecule spectroscopy
Authors: Jeong Dokyung , Kim Doory
Published: January 2022

The rise of super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy (SRM) has revolutionized our understanding of the nanoscale world. SRM has recently been correlated with spectroscopy techniques to obtain rich spectral information of individual molecules in addition to localization information. This technique ultimately provides multidimensional and functional information of single molecules, which is generally masked in the ensemble averages of previous bulk measurements and creates exciting new opportunities and challenges for single‐molecule spectroscopic imaging. We review the recent developments in single‐molecule spectroscopic imaging technique and how the challenges are addressed to effectively obtain single‐molecule spectroscopic information. Particular attention has been devoted to the applications of this method, including single‐molecule chemical kinetic studies and single‐molecule polarity sensing. Finally, we address the possible future enhancements and applications. Thus, we demonstrate how a single‐molecule spectroscopic imaging technique adds new dimensions of information to the SRM, providing new opportunities in a wide range of research fields.
The distribution and pathogenic risk of non‐9‐valent vaccine covered HPV subtypes in cervical lesions
Authors: Ma Mingjun , Zhu Jingfen , Yang Yongbin , Wang Xiaoyun , Jin Yubiao , Zhang Jiawen , Wu Sufang
Published: January 2022

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main cause of female precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. The development and application of HPV prophylactic vaccines have been recognized as a major effective intervention for the control of cervical lesions. However, the infection rate and clinical characters of non‐9‐valent vaccine covered HPV subtypes are still worth studying. In this retrospective study, we included patients diagnosed and treated in the Department of Gynecology of Shanghai General Hospital between January 2017 and February 2021. The clinical features of non‐9‐valent vaccine covered HPV subtypes were explored in 2179 patients who have normal results, 338 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (CIN1), and 153 patients with ≥CIN2. Univariate analysis showed that compared to the normal cervix group, age ≥50, pregnancy ≥5, delivery ≥3, menopause, no condom use, and cervical transformation zone type III were risk factors for CIN1 or ≥CIN2 (p < 0.05). Thirty‐one percent of CIN1 and 26% of ≥CIN2 were attributed to HPV51, HPV53, HPV56, and HPV68. Multivariate analysis revealed that HPV53, HPV81, age, menopause, cervical transformation area and involved glands were independent risk factors for ≥CIN2 group compared to the CIN1 group (p < 0.05). Additionally, among the 14 non‐9‐valent vaccine covered HPV subtypes, the infection rates of HPV53, 56, 51, and 68 were higher in this study. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the distribution and pathogenic risk of non‐9‐valent vaccine covered HPV subtypes in cervical lesions. These findings might supply a foundation for optimizing cervical cancer prevention in the post‐vaccine era.
Tunable Excimer Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Isohexide Derivatives from Renewable Resources
Authors: Zullo Valerio , Iuliano Anna , Pescitelli Gennaro , Zinna Francesco
Published: January 2022

Organic compounds showing circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) are at the forefront of novel applications and technologies. Here we show the synthesis and chiroptical properties of pyrene and perylene derivatives of inexpensive chiral scaffolds: isomannide and isosorbide. Low‐intensity ECD spectra were obtained, suggesting the absence of chromophore interaction in the ground state, except in the case of isomannide bis‐perylenecarboxylate, whose ECD spectrum showed a positive exciton couplet. All isomannide derivatives, with the only exception of the one containing a pyrenecarboxylate and a perylenecarboxylate, exhibited excimer CPL spectra, whereas isosorbide derivatives did not show any CPL. Isomannide derivatives bearing two pyrenecarboxylate or two pyrenylacetate groups showed positive CPL emission with dissymmetry factors up to 10−2, which depends on the conformational freedom of the appended units. The CPL sign, Stokes shift and order of magnitude of dissymmetry factor were reproduced by excited‐state calculations on a representative compound. Interestingly, the mixed derivative containing pyrenic units with different spacing from the isomannide scaffold showed an oppositely signed excimer band with respect to the homo‐substituted derivatives.
Lanthanide Luminescent Nanocomposite for Non‐Invasive Temperature Monitoring in Vivo
Authors: Kong Na , Hu Qian , Wu Yukai , Zhu Xingjun
Published: January 2022

Temperature monitoring in vivo plays a vital role in the investigation of biological processes of organisms and the improvement of disease theranostic methods. The development of lanthanide luminescent nanocomposite‐derived temperature probes in vivo allows accurate and reliable interrogation of biological thermodynamic processes due to their superior photostability, high sensitivity, and non‐invasive sensing fashion. This concept presented an overview of the recent development of lanthanide luminescent nanocomposite which are suitable for in vivo temperature monitoring, including the thermometric principles, key features, materials designs as well as their potential biomedical applications for non‐invasive temperature detection in the living body. The perspectives of these lanthanide luminescent nanocomposite thermometers for the optimization of temperature monitoring performance and potential future development are also discussed.
A Machine Learning Model to Classify Dynamic Processes in Liquid Water
Authors: Huang Jie , Huang Gang , Li Shiben
Published: January 2022

The front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Prof. Shiben Li (Wenzhou University, P.R. China) as well as Dr. Gang Huang (Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.R. China). The image shows that characteristics of dynamic processes of water molecules in liquid water can be recognized and classified by a machine learning‐based model if a graph representation is used to describe the hydrogen bond network. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.202100599.
Deciphering the Role of Noncovalent Interactions in the Conformations of Dibenzo‐1,5‐dichalcogenocines
Authors: Weiss Robin , Cornaton Yann , Khartabil Hassan , Groslambert Loïc , Hénon Eric , Pale Patrick , Djukic Jean‐Pierre , Mamane Victor
Published: January 2022

This work reports a combined experimental and theoretical study on the new dibenzo‐1,5‐ditellurocine2‐Tein order to get an overview on the parameters controlling conformational change and to explain the differences with sulfur and selenium analogues. The preference of the boat conformer over the chair one is revealed by DFT calculations. For2‐Te, a ΔG value of about 3 kJ/mol was calculated, close to the value measured by NMR (5 kJ/mol). However, DFT calculations with implicit solvation effects could not clearly establish the presence of an intramolecular Te…HC noncovalent interaction (NCI), as observed in the solid state. The Independent Gradient Model (IGM) methodology discloses an existent but probably not sufficiently discriminating Te…HC NCI. It also confirms that van der Waals interactions between phenyl rings is a source of stabilization of the boat conformer. Furthermore, electrostatic potential analysis suggests that chalcogen bonds between Te σ‐holes and solvent might play an important role.
Feasibility of the contraction–relaxation coupling index in outcome prediction for patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Park Jiesuck , Hwang In‐Chang , Yoon Yeonyee E. , Park Jun‐Bean , Park Jae‐Hyeong , Cho Goo‐Yeong
Published: January 2022

Aims

Contemporary heart failure (HF) classification based on left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction is limited for comprehensive assessment of LV function. We aimed to validate the feasibility of the contraction–relaxation coupling index (CRC) as a novel predictor for clinical outcomes in patients with acute HF.

Methods and results

A total of 3266 consecutive patients (median age: 74 years, 53% male) with acute HF were included. CRC was defined as the ratio of end‐diastolic elastance (LV end‐diastolic pressure/stroke volume) to end‐systolic elastance (LV end‐systolic pressure/end‐systolic volume). The risk for 1 year composite endpoint of all‐cause mortality or hospitalization for HF (primary outcome) was compared after group categorization using CRC tertiles (Tertile 1: CRC ≤ 0.17, Tertile 2: 0.17 < CRC ≤ 0.40, and Tertile 3: 0.40 < CRC). The median CRC was 0.3 and the median LVEF was 42%. After adjustment for clinical and echocardiographic covariates, CRC was an independent predictor for the primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47–2.07 in Tertile 3 and HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02–1.44 in Tertile 2 when compared with Tertile 1; HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14–1.33 per one‐standard deviation increment in CRC). The risk model with CRC showed better performance in outcome discrimination than the model with LVEF (c‐statistic 0.701 vs. 0.699, P for difference <0.001). Patients with higher CRC demonstrated better effectiveness of neurohormonal blockade for the primary outcome compared with those with lower CRC (HR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.29–0.50 in Tertile 3 and HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52–0.89 in Tertile 1).

Conclusions

CRC provides an independent value for outcome prediction in patients with acute HF. CRC would be a sensitive indicator for prognostic risk stratification and for predicting treatment response to the neurohormonal blockade.