bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rolling controls sperm navigation in response to the dynamic rheological properties of the environment
Authors: Zaferani Meisam , Javi Farhad , Mokhtare Amir , Li Peilong , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: August 2021

Mammalian sperm rolling around their longitudinal axes is a long-observed component of motility, but its function in the fertilization process, and more specifically in sperm migration within the female reproductive tract, remains elusive. While investigating bovine sperm motion under simple shear flow and in a quiescent microfluidic reservoir and developing theoretical and computational models, we found that rolling regulates sperm navigation in response to the rheological properties of the sperm environment. In other words, rolling enables a sperm to swim progressively even if the flagellum beats asymmetrically. Therefore, a rolling sperm swims stably along the nearby walls (wall-dependent navigation) and efficiently upstream under an external fluid flow (rheotaxis). By contrast, an increase in ambient viscosity and viscoelasticity suppresses rolling, consequently, non-rolling sperm are less susceptible to nearby walls and external fluid flow and swim in two-dimensional diffusive circular paths (surface exploration). This surface exploration mode of swimming is caused by the intrinsic asymmetry in flagellar beating such that the curvature of a sperm’s circular path is proportional to the level of asymmetry. We found that the suppression of rolling is reversible and occurs in sperm with lower asymmetry in their beating pattern at higher ambient viscosity and viscoelasticity. Consequently, the rolling component of motility may function as a regulatory tool allowing sperm to navigate according to the rheological properties of the functional region within the female reproductive tract.
Potential Arabidopsis thaliana glucosinolate genes identified from the co-expression modules using graph clustering approach
Authors: Harun Sarahani , Afiqah-Aleng Nor , Karim Mohammad Bozlul , Altaf Ul Amin Md , Kanaya Shigehiko , Mohamed-Hussein Zeti-Azura
Published: August 2021

Background

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are plant secondary metabolites that contain nitrogen-containing compounds. They are important in the plant defense system and known to provide protection against cancer in humans. Currently, increasing the amount of data generated from various omics technologies serves as a hotspot for new gene discovery. However, sometimes sequence similarity searching approach is not sufficiently effective to find these genes; hence, we adapted a network clustering approach to search for potential GSLs genes from the Arabidopsis thaliana co-expression dataset.

Methods

We used known GSL genes to construct a comprehensive GSL co-expression network. This network was analyzed with the DPClusOST algorithm using a density of 0.5. 0.6. 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9. Generating clusters were evaluated using Fisher’s exact test to identify GSL gene co-expression clusters. A significance score (SScore) was calculated for each gene based on the generated p-value of Fisher’s exact test. SScore was used to perform a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) study to classify possible GSL genes using the ROCR package. ROCR was used in determining the AUC that measured the suitable density value of the cluster for further analysis. Finally, pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using ClueGO to identify significant pathways associated with the GSL clusters.

Results

The density value of 0.8 showed the highest area under the curve (AUC) leading to the selection of thirteen potential GSL genes from the top six significant clusters that include IMDH3, MVP1, T19K24.17, MRSA2, SIR, ASP4, MTO1, At1g21440, HMT3, At3g47420, PS1, SAL1, and At3g14220. A total of Four potential genes (MTO1, SIR, SAL1, and IMDH3) were identified from the pathway enrichment analysis on the significant clusters. These genes are directly related to GSL-associated pathways such as sulfur metabolism and valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis. This approach demonstrates the ability of the network clustering approach in identifying potential GSL genes which cannot be found from the standard similarity search.
Global warming and neurological practice: systematic review
Authors: Amiri Moshgan , Peinkhofer Costanza , Othman Marwan H. , De Vecchi Teodoro , Nersesjan Vardan , Kondziella Daniel
Published: August 2021

Background

Climate change, including global warming, will cause poorer global health and rising numbers of environmental refugees. As neurological disorders account for a major share of morbidity and mortality worldwide, global warming is also destined to alter neurological practice; however, to what extent and by which mechanisms is unknown. We aimed to collect information about the effects of ambient temperatures and human migration on the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of neurological disorders.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Scopus from 01/2000 to 12/2020 for human studies addressing the influence of ambient temperatures and human migration on Alzheimer’s and non-Alzheimer’s dementia, epilepsy, headache/migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and tick-borne encephalitis (a model disease for neuroinfections). The protocol was pre-registered with PROSPERO (2020 CRD42020147543).

Results

Ninety-three studies met inclusion criteria, 84 of which reported on ambient temperatures and nine on migration. Overall, most temperature studies suggested a relationship between increasing temperatures and higher mortality and/or morbidity, whereas results were more ambiguous for migration studies. However, we were unable to identify a single adequately designed study addressing how global warming and human migration will change neurological practice. Still, extracted data indicated multiple ways by which these aspects might alter neurological morbidity and mortality soon.

Conclusion

Significant heterogeneity exists across studies with respect to methodology, outcome measures, confounders and study design, including lack of data from low-income countries, but the evidence so far suggests that climate change will affect the practice of all major neurological disorders in the near future. Adequately designed studies to address this issue are urgently needed, requiring concerted efforts from the entire neurological community.
Effectiveness of Self-instructional Modules on Knowledge Regarding Side-effects of Self-medication among Adolescents
Authors: Maurya Archana T , Wankhede Pradnya P , Warghane Pritesh D , Yelane Ankita A , Yengade Chaitali P , Zade Nikita D
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Self-medication is an old practice and may be defined as drug acquisition and consumption without physician’s advice either for diagnosis, prescription, or treatment monitoring. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of self-instructional module on knowledge and side-effects regarding self-medication among adolescents. Materials and Methods: The present study with pre and post-test design was conducted on 70 adolescents selected from Wardha, Maharashtra, India. The adolescents were selected based on non probability convenient sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Paired t-test was used to compute the mean, Standard Deviation (SD) and mean percentages. The unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to associate the demographic variables with level of knowledge. Results: Majority of the subjects were in the age group of 17 years and were females. Pre-test mean score was 10.91 and post-test mean score was 9.03. The effectiveness of the self-instructional modules on the knowledge regarding side-effects of self-medication was statistically significant (p=0.034). Conclusion: The current study revealed that a self-instructional module as a teaching on side-effects of self-medication effectively improved the knowledge level of adolescents.
Association of Interleukin-6-174 G/C Gene Promotor Polymorphism with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adolescence Age Group: A Case-control Study
Authors: Khalchitsky Sergei Egorovich , Sogoyan Marina Vanikovna , Kozhevnikov Alexei Nicolaevich , Vissarionov Sergei Valentinovich , Baindurashvili Alexei Georgievich
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease with unknown pathogenesis. The disease is multifactorial, however, the exact causes of the occurrence, as well as the targets of the autoimmune process, are unknown. Genes candidate for a predisposition to RA are cytokine genes. Of the cytokines, IL-6 is considered a key mediator of systemic and localized inflammation in RA. Aim: The comparative analysis of the frequency distribution of alleles and genotypes IL-6 -174G/C polymorphism in patients with RA and in the control group to determine the genotype most characteristic of this disease. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in a group of 136 children with RA aged 14 to 18 years. In the control group, there were 143 practically healthy children of similar age without RA and orthopedic pathology. Both groups were tested for polymorphism IL-6 -174G/C using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (real-time PCR). The results were statistically processed using the Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: The distribution of -174G/C genotypes in the IL-6 gene is significantly different in patients with RA when compared with the control group. In patients with RA, heterozygous carriers of -174G/C (52.94%) prevail, while in the control group the most numerous group are homozygous carriers of -174G/G (40.56%). Conclusion: As a result of this study, it was possible to identify significant differences in the distribution of the genotypes -174 G/C polymorphism in the IL-6 gene between patients with RA and subjects of the control group. In relation to the European population of the Russian Federation, this polymorphism can serve as a diagnostic marker in the study of the pathogenesis of RA.
Study on the Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Body Mass Index, Physical Activity and Sleep in Adults
Authors: Alhussain Maha H , Almarri Dawa M , Arzoo Shaista
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Recently, Intermittent Fasting (IF) has gained popularity as an effective approach for obesity management. Many types of IF have been practiced for either religious or health purposes. Muslims, for example, are encouraged by Islam to voluntarily fast two days/week (Monday and Thursday) from sunrise to sunset. Aim: This study investigated the association between Muslims’ voluntary fasting (two days/week) with Body Mass Index (BMI), Physical Activity (PA), and sleep pattern. Materials and Methods: The present survey-based study was conducted for three months on 1242 adults (245 males and 997 females) who completed the completed self-administered study questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised questions on sociodemographic and anthropometric variables, fasting-related questions, PA, and sleep pattern. Participants were classified into fasting and non-fasting groups according to their responses to the question “Do you fast two days (i.e., Monday and Thursday) every week? The differences between the two groups were tested using Chi-square test, an exact probability test and unpaired t-test. Results: A total of 1,242 valid responses (age 18 years and above) were collected. Among those participants, only 18.4% (n=229) reported fasting Monday and Thursday every week. The BMI of those who used to fast two days/week was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those who did not fast. The desire to lose weight (47.59%), followed by religious views (44.54%) were the main reasons for fasting. A significant difference (p < 0.05) in PA was observed between the two groups, but overall, the participants were involved in low PA only. No significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) in sleep pattern, such as sleepiness during the day, and sleep duration were observed between the two groups. However, significant differences in the time required to sleep and waking up during sleep were found between the two groups. Conclusion: This study indicated that fasting two days/week does not affect BMI when meal timings are restrained to early evening and pre-dawn periods, with adequate night sleep. It may be an appropriate beginning point to further develop strategies to sustain any beneficial effects of the voluntary IF on obesity.
Factors Influencing Economic Viability of Small and Marginal Farms in Rayalaseema Region of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Ramakrishna M. , Devi I. Bhavani , Rajeswari S. , Satyagopal P. V. , Naidu G. Mohan
Published: August 2021

This study was conducted to estimate the factors influencing the viability of small and marginal farms in Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. Multistage sampling technique was employed for selection of samples at different levels (districts, mandals and villages) in the present study. A sample of 120 farmers was selected from two districts, six mandals and six villages. The farmers were categorized according to their land holding size into marginal (<1 ha) and small (1-2 ha) category. On the basis of economic surplus left, the sample farmers were grouped as viable and nonviable farmers. The farmers having positive economic surplus are viable farmers and the farmers with negative economic surplus are non-viable farmers. Out of 120 sample farmer’s only 37 farmers were viable and 83 remained non-viable. It is found that net income from live stock and dairy and net income from crops were the major significant discriminating factors that discriminate viable and non-viable farmers. Other significant factors were off farm income, farm size and family expenditure.
In-Vivo Studies of the Angiogenic Potential of Mandur Bhasma
Authors: Tomar Ekta , Wairagade Sonali , Gharote Arachana , Ambad Ranjit S. , Chandi Dhruba Hari
Published: August 2021

Background: Mandur Bhasma is a herbo-mineral compound. It is prepared by Putapaka method. It is described as Raktasanjanan. In the current study, Mandur Bhasma was prepared with a standardized method w.s.r to Rasatarangini and an experimental study was done to observe the Angiogenic property of Mandur Bhasma. The current study will analyze angiogenic potential of Mandur Bhasma using chick CAM model. This research is intended to study the possible role of Mandur Bhasma on angiogenesis and establishing properties of Mandur Bhasma as an angiogenic by newer means. The experimental study inside the egg shell will be carried out on a membrane known as “chorioallantoic membrane”.

Objectives:

To Prepare Mandur Bhasma

Physicochemical and Analytical study of Mandur Bhasma

To verify the angiogenic potential of Mandur bhasma using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model.

To compare Angeogenic potential of Mandur bhasma with standard drug progesterone

Methodology: Relevant classical literature regarding Mandur will be reviewed and the data will be collected. Mandur Shodhan with Gomutra and Mandur Maran with Triphala decoction will be done.

Analytical Study like Organoleptic Test for Rasa, Gandha, Varna, Sparsha, Physicochemical Tests and other analytical test like ICP-AES /ICPMS, XRD structure of Bhasma, EDAX-NANO Particle Size will be done.

Expected Results: Changes will be observed in objective outcomes.

Conclusion: Conclusion will be drawn by suitably analyzing data.
Hypertensive Patient Compliance with Pharmacist Intervention: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alshahrani Abdullah M. , Al-Nasser Marzoq S. , Alhawashi Saif T. , Alqahtani Saad , Alqahtani Ali A. , Alqahtani Saad S.
Published: August 2021

Background: Pharmacists and physicians can work together to improve patient compliance especially for the management of hypertension. Medication adherence leads to advance health and reduces hospitalizations (morbidity), death (mortality) and healthcare costs.

Objectives: Involvement of pharmacist in treatment intervention can result in improved understanding about hypertension and it can increase medication adherence to antihypertensive therapy which ultimately advance overall quality of life.

Study design and methods: A comprehensive research study was conducted using two eminent databases i.e. PUBMED and EMBASE. The research articles from 1996 to 2015 were analyzed. All the selected articles were about pharmacist intervention, hypertensive patient compliance and hypertension medication adherence.

Results: Some studies show no control in BP; however, there was significant difference in the systolic and diastolic BP pre and post pharmacist intervention (Systolic from 158.1±14.4 to 143.8 ± 10.7, Diastolic from 100.6 ±11.5 to 89.8 ± 9.7). Conversely, in some studies BP was controlled in about 29.9% of control group and in 63% of the intervention group.

Conclusion: Results showed many methods can improve medication adherence and blood pressure including counseling patients in person, collaboration between pharmacists and physicians, and using technology like telecommunication to intensify patients counseling. Pharmacist intervention can significantly increase disease-related knowledge, blood pressure control and medication adherence in patients with hypertension.
Climate Change Impact in Flores Island, a Dry Region in Indonesia
Authors: Kusumastuti Cilcia , Gode Dicky , Kurnianto Yobella Febe , Syaranamual Frederik Jones
Published: August 2021

Climate change impacts have gained great attention to be studied in various fields. In this paper, an investigation of rainfall pattern change is performed using three statistical methods, i.e., simple linear regression, t-test, and Mann-Kendall’s test. The analysis is performed at 10- and 20-year time scales of daily, monthly, and annual rainfall in Flores Island, a dry region in Indonesia. In general, an increasing monthly rainfall trend is detected in the rainy season (October – April) at a 20-year period, using all three methods. Specifically, a significant increasing trend in March 1989 – 2008 is observed, and it contributes to the significant increasing trend of annual rainfall.  The findings presented in this paper should be an alert for potential climate change impacts in the region. The positive consideration of having more rainfall in a dry region might turn into a negative reality when adaptation measures are not well-prepared.
Improving Geopolymer Characteristics with Addition of Poly-Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) Fibers
Authors: Ekaputri Januarti Jaya , Fujiyama Chikako , Chijiwa Nobuhiro , Ho Tu Dac , Nguyen Hung Thanh
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the benefits of PVA fibers in improving the mechanical properties of class F fly-ash-based geopolymer concrete. The activator used in the geopolymer was 8M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), with a mass ratio of Na2SiO3 to NaOH varied from 1.5 to 2.5. Cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 100 mm and a height of 200 mm were prepared for mechanical strength tests. The PVA fibers in the geopolymers were fixed at 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% by total volume. Some mechanical tests were carried out, including compression, splitting, direct tensile and elastic modulus tests. It was found that the mixture with a ratio of alkalis of 1.5 and the PVA fiber content of 0.4% had the best workability. The highest compressive strength was obtained in a mixture with alkali activator ratios of 1.5 and 2.0, and with 0.6% fiber addition. The ratio of the tensile (and splitting-tensile) strength to compressive strength was found to increase with the certain amount of PVA fibers and the ratio of the alkali activators. The workability issue and fiber direction in the concrete were the dominant factors influencing the properties of geopolymer concrete.
Seismic Behaviour of Strengthened Unreinforced Masonry Walls using Kevlar-FRP
Authors: Wijanto Sugeng , Andriono Takim , Tanudjaja Jovita Augusta
Published: August 2021

Unreinforced masonry walls (URM) in old buildings are vulnerable to collapse upon receiving high lateral inertia force due to earthquakes. However, a high strength fiber material such as Kevlar fiber has been identified as able to improve the URM-Wall performance, especially in shear strength enhancement. In this research, the seismic performance of an URM-Wall was analysed using SAP2000 by modeling the wall with three dimensional solid elements. Solids and springs as link connectors were assigned to represent the masonry behavior. The aim of this research is to compare between results obtained from the computer analyses and the previously conducted laboratory experiments. The effectiveness of Kevlar material installed in the diagonal directions of both wall surfaces was investigated. It was found that the failure mechanism shown by the SAP2000 model is similar to the laboratory test results.
Seismic Retrofitting of Irregular Pre-80s Low-rise Conventional RC Building Structures
Authors: Lie Han Ay , Utomo Junaedi , Hu Hsuan-Teh , Lestari Lena Tri
Published: August 2021

A resilience and seismic safety evaluation method of under-qualified concrete structures designed based on codes prior to the introduction of earthquake provisions is presented. A numerical method for evaluating and improving a structure’s performance and resilience through jacketing and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) retrofitting was developed. The model analyzed the structure’s existing condition, inadequate elements were identified, and segments that required strengthening were determined. Retrofitting and external reinforcing techniques were applied, and their effectiveness evaluated. Elements identified as insufficient were subjected to a strengthening iteration process to ensure that all qualifications were fulfilled. It was proven that the numerical simulation was accurate, cost-effective and time-saving in evaluating deficient structures and the effectiveness of their strengthening methods. The numerical model and analysis in conjunction with the technology of jacketing and CFRP retrofitting provide a fast and straightforward solution for older structures in ameliorating their resilience and overall performance
Tomatidine provides mitophagy‐independent neuroprotection after ischemic injury
Authors: Wang Yu‐ting , Zhang Li‐na , Lyu Xiao‐cui , Li Yue , Ahsan Anil , Feng Zikai , Zhang Xiangnan
Published: August 2021

Cerebral ischemia is one of the leading causes of human mortality and disability worldwide. The treatment of cerebral ischemia is refractory due to its short therapeutic window and lack of effective clinical drugs. Mitophagy, the autophagic elimination of damaged mitochondria, attenuates neuronal injury in cerebral ischemia, indicating the potential of mitophagy inducers as therapies for cerebral ischemia. We previously determined that, by enhancing autophagy flux, the steroidal alkaloid tomatidine can function as a neuroprotective agent against ischemic injury. However, its effects on mitophagy remain unknown. For this purpose, neuroblastoma cell lines Neuro‐2a and SH‐SY5Y were subjected to ischemic injury induced by oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) and then treated with tomatidine. OGD/R induced a general decrease of cellular contents, and this study revealed that tomatidine had no impact on mitophagy. In addition, tomatidine did not affect mitochondrial contents, including translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 and voltage‐dependent anion channel 1, in either OGD/R‐treated or intact SH‐SY5H cells. Our results indicate that tomatidine exhibits its neuroprotective effects by enhancing autophagy, but in a potentially mitophagy‐independent manner, and provide insights for further investigation into its mechanism(s) and potential therapeutic use against cerebral ischemia.
Boron‐Catalytic Graphitization Boosting the Production of High‐Performance Carbon Paper at a Moderate Temperature
Authors: Chen Li , Fang Tao , Song Chenying , Ju Wenbo , Li Hailong , Hu Jian
Published: August 2021

Carbon papers (CPs), as the substrate materials for gas diffusion layers in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, require high electrical conductivity, efficient gas permeability, and robust mechanical properties, which are unable to be completely satisfied by graphitization at a high temperature. Herein, the boron‐catalytic graphitization of CPs is reported. The boron‐doped CP matrix starts to graphitize at 1800 °C, and evolves into well‐oriented graphitic carbon at 2100 °C. In contrast, the graphitization temperature for undoped CPs increases by several 100 degrees. The boron‐doped CPs achieve the in‐plane electrical conductivity of around 4.8 × 104 S m−1 after graphitization at 2100 °C, which is ≈2 times as high as that of undoped CPs graphitized at 2700 °C. In addition, the tensile strength of the former one is 1.7 times of that of the latter one. The through‐plane gas permeability of boron‐doped CPs is comparable to that of a commercial Toray CP. Boron‐catalytic graphitization at a moderate temperature provides a more sustainable pathway of producing high‐performance CPs.
Thermally Induced Phase Transition and Defect‐Assisted Nonlinear Absorption and Optical Limiting in Nanorod Morphology V2O5 Thin Films
Authors: Pepe Yasemin , Tutel Yusuf , Yildiz Elif Akhuseyin , Karatay Ahmet , Unalan H. Emrah , Elmali Ayhan
Published: August 2021

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) thin films are greatly favorable materials for optoelectronic applications due to their broad optical bandgap and considerable thermal and chemical stability. Herein, the influence of thermal treatment on the microstructure related to the nonlinear optical, optical limiting, and phase transition behaviors of V2O5 thin films produced via ultrasonic spray deposition method onto FTO/glass substrates is systematically examined by Z‐scan experiments. Homogenous and crack‐free V2O5 thin films with nanorod morphology are obtained after thermal treatment. OA Z‐scan results indicate that the whole V2O5 thin films exhibit defect‐assisted nonlinear absorption behavior, and annealing at 450 °C increases the nonlinear absorption and optical limiting behavior. Higher annealing temperatures, in contrast, lead to a decrease in these behaviors. CA Z‐scan trace shows that the sign of nonlinear refractive index inverted by thermal process. The phase transition is associated with crystalline V2O5 thin films via thermal process. V2O5 thin films annealed at 450 °C are promising optical limiters within the 500–700 nm visible range due to their high linear transmittance (> 80%) and low optical limiting threshold.
3D Printing High‐Resolution Conductive Elastomeric Structures with a Solid Particle‐Free Emulsion Ink
Authors: Wang Chen , Chaudhary Gaurav , Ewoldt Randy H. , Nuzzo Ralph G.
Published: August 2021

Fabricating complex structures on micro‐ and mesoscales is a critical aspect in the design of advanced sensors and soft electronics. However, soft lithographic methods offer an important approach to fabricating such structures, the progress in the field of additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) offers methods of fabrication with much more material complexity. The rheological complexity of the printing material, however, often dictates the limitations of printing. In particular, the challenges involved in synthesizing printing materials that can enable shape retention at smaller scales (<100 μm), yet be conductive, limits many applications of 3D printing to soft microelectronics. Herein, a printing‐centered approach using a novel particle‐free conductive emulsion ink is presented. This approach separates the printing and polymerization of a conductive monomer (pyrrole) and renders a novel ink that is used to print filaments with heretofore impossible to realize 3D feature dimensions and build structures with high shape retention. The printability of the ink is evaluated, and post‐treatment properties assessed. Multidirectional strain sensors are printed using the emulsion ink to illustrate an exemplary application in soft electronics.
XPS and ToF‐SIMS Characterization of New Biodegradable Poly(Peptide‐Urethane‐Urea) Block Copolymers
Authors: Zorn Gilad , Simonovsky Felix I. , Ratner Buddy D. , Castner David G.
Published: August 2021

New, linear, segmented poly(peptide‐urethane‐urea) (PPUU) block copolymers are synthesized and their surface compositions are characterized with angle dependent X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ADXPS) and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS). These new PPUU block copolymers contain three types of segments. The soft segment (SS) is poly(caprolactone diol) (PCL). The hard segment is lysine diisocyanate with a hydrazine chain extender. The oligopeptide segment (OPS) contains three types of amino acids (proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine). Incorporation of the OPS into the polyurethane backbone is done to provide a synthetic polymer material with controllable biodegradation properties. As biodegradation processes normally are initiated at the interface between the biomaterial and the living tissue, it is important to characterize the surface composition of biomaterials. ADXPS and ToF‐SIMS results show that the surfaces of all four polymers are enriched with the PCL SS, the most hydrophobic component of the three polymer segments.
Chemically and Biologically Engineered Bacteria‐Based Delivery Systems for Emerging Diagnosis and Advanced Therapy
Authors: Li Zhaoting , Wang Yixin , Liu Jun , Rawding Piper , Bu Jiyoon , Hong Seungpyo , Hu Quanyin
Published: August 2021

Bacteria are one of the main groups of organisms, which dynamically and closely participate in human health and disease development. With the integration of chemical biotechnology, bacteria have been utilized as an emerging delivery system for various biomedical applications. Given the unique features of bacteria such as their intrinsic biocompatibility and motility, bacteria‐based delivery systems have drawn wide interest in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, kidney failure, and hyperammonemia. Notably, at the interface of chemical biotechnology and bacteria, many research opportunities have been initiated, opening a promising frontier in biomedical application. Herein, the current synergy of chemical biotechnology and bacteria, the design principles for bacteria‐based delivery systems, the microbial modulation, and the clinical translation are reviewed, with a special focus on the emerging advances in diagnosis and therapy.
The Magneto‐Transport Properties of Cr1/3TaS2 with Chiral Magnetic Solitons
Authors: Obeysekera Dimuthu , Gamage Kasun , Gao Yunpeng , Cheong Sang‐wook , Yang Junjie
Published: August 2021

Cr1/3TaS2—a candidate of chiral magnet—has been reported as a trivial ferromagnetic material. In contrast, the Cr1/3TaS2 single crystals exhibit a chiral helimagnetic (CHM) transition near 140 K. The magnetic moment versus magnetic field curves reveal a CHM—chiral soliton lattice (CSL)—forced ferromagnetic (FFM) transition in the magnetic ordered state. The conducting electrons interact with the CHM and CSL orders, giving rise to the nontrivial magnetoresistance (MR) in the Cr1/3TaS2 single crystals. The normalized magnetic moment and normalized MR fit well with the analytical functions for chiral soliton density. The magnetic phase diagrams constructed from the magnetic moment data and MR data suggest a possible tri‐critical point. Compared with the isostructural Cr1/3NbS2, the CHM transition temperature of Cr1/3TaS2 is 13 K higher, the CSL—FFM transition field is about 10 times larger, and the Dzyaloshinskii‐Moriya interaction strength is 3 times bigger. The latter two likely originate from the strong spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) of Cr1/3TaS2. The work clarifies that high‐quality Cr1/3TaS2 single crystals are chiral magnets and Cr1/3(Nb,Ta)S2 could serve as an intriguing platform for the flexible engineering of chiral magnetic solitons with tunable SOC.
Do crops' responses to sulfur vary with its forms?
Authors: Goyal Diksha , Franzen David W. , Chatterjee Amitava
Published: August 2021

The most common formsof S fertilizers in the northern Great Plains are ammonium sulfate (AS), ammonium thiosulfate (ATS), and elemental S (ES). Among these, AS is preferred over the others because of its readily available SO42– form, and it can be blended with other dry fertilizer granules, but SO42– is prone to leaching. Recently, fertilizer industries introduced micronized (<100 μm) S (MS) fertilizer formulations to hope that the smaller elemental S particles would increase the rate of S oxidation. Across the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota, field trials were conducted to compare the response of corn (Zea mays L.), spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) to the application of different forms of S (AS, ATS, mono ammonium phosphate or MAP‐10S [5% ES + 5% AS], MAP + MS, AS + MS, muriate of potash [MOP] + MS, urea ammonium nitrate [UAN] + MS). Spring wheat only had a significant positive response to S forms, with ATS having the highest grain yield in 2019, significantly higher than AS and AS + MS. In 2020, UAN + MS had the highest grain yield, only higher than the control. Corn and sugar beet did not respond to addition of or to S forms. Corn, sugar beet, and spring wheat yields were indifferent to supply and forms of S in the Red River Valley.
COVID‐19 mortality among Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and Transport Workers Union (TWU) workers—March–July 2020, New York City metro area
Authors: Tomasi Suzanne E. , Ramirez‐Cardenas Alejandra , Thiese Matthew S. , Rinsky Jessica L. , Chiu Sophia K. , Luckhaupt Sara , Bateman Russell , Burrer Sherry L.
Published: August 2021

Background

Transit workers have jobs requiring close public contact for extended periods of time, placing them at increased risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and more likely to have risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related complications. Collecting timely occupational data can help inform public health guidance for transit workers; however, it is difficult to collect during a public health emergency. We used nontraditional epidemiological surveillance methods to report demographics and job characteristics of transit workers reported to have died from COVID‐19.

Methods

We abstracted demographic and job characteristics from media scans on COVID‐19 related deaths and reviewed COVID‐19 memorial pages for the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and Transport Workers Union (TWU). ATU and TWU provided a list of union members who died from COVID‐19 between March 1–July 7, 2020 and a total count of NYC metro area union members. Peer‐reviewed publications identified through a scientific literature search were used to compile comparison demographic statistics of NYC metro area transit workers. We analyzed and reported characteristics of ATU and TWU NYC metro area decedents.

Results

We identified 118 ATU and TWU NYC metro area transit worker COVID‐19 decedents with an incidence proportion of 0.3%. Most decedents were male (83%); median age was 58 years (range: 39–71). Median professional tenure was 20 years (range: 2–41 years). Operator (46%) was the most reported job classification. More than half of the decedents (57%) worked in positions associated with close public contact.

Conclusion

Data gathered through nontraditional epidemiological surveillance methods provided insight into risk factors among this workforce, demonstrating the need for mitigation plans for this workforce and informing transit worker COVID‐19 guidance as the pandemic progressed.
Targeting B Lymphocytes Using Protein‐Functionalized Graphene Oxide
Authors: Muzi Laura , Seifert Cécile , Soltani Rym , Ménard-Moyon Cécilia , Dumortier Hélène , Bianco Alberto
Published: August 2021

The high surface area and the possibility of surface functionalization associated with a high biocompatibility endow graphene oxide with a great potential for biomedical applications. Although this material has been widely investigated for cancer therapy, it has been scarcely used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Herein, graphene oxide–lysozyme stable conjugates are prepared by a straightforward noncovalent functionalization approach. The complexes are able to selectively target a B lymphocyte cell model, which expresses a lysozyme‐specific B cell receptor. The results suggest the use of graphene oxide as a promising nanocarrier for the targeted therapy of B‐cell‐mediated autoimmune diseases, allowing overcoming the severe inconveniences associated with available B‐cell‐targeted therapies.
Self‐Assembled Metal–Organic Framework Stabilized Organic Cocrystals for Biological Phototherapy
Authors: Zeng Le , Huang Ling , Wang Zhonghe , Wei Jianwei , Huang Kai , Lin Wenhai , Duan Chunying , Han Gang
Published: August 2021

Organic self‐assembled co‐crystals have garnered considerable attention due to their facile synthesis and intriguing properties, but supramolecular interactions restrict their stability in aqueous solution, which is especially important for biological applications. Herein, we report on the first biological application of aqueous dispersible self‐assembled organic co‐crystals via the construction of metal–organic framework (MOF) ‐stabilized co‐crystals. In particular, we built an electron‐deficient MOF with naphthalene diimide (NDI) as the ligand and biocompatible Ca2+ as the metal nodes. An electron donor molecule, pyrene, was encapsulated to form the host–guest MOF self‐assembled co‐crystal. We observed that such MOF structure leads to uniquely high‐density ordered arrangement and the close intermolecular distance (3.47 Å) of the charge transfer pairs. Hence, the concomitant superior charge transfer interaction between pyrene/NDI can be attained and the resultant photothermal conversion efficiency of Py@Ca‐NDI in aqueous solution can thus reach up to 41.8 %, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the highest value among the reported organic co‐crystal materials; it is also much higher than that of the FDA approved photothermal agent ICG as well as most of the reported MOFs. Based on this realization, as a proof of concept, we demonstrated that such a self‐assembled organic co‐crystal platform can be used in biological applications that are exemplified via highly effective long wavelength light photothermal therapy.
Carbon Nitride Supported High‐Loading Fe Single‐Atom Catalyst for Activation of Peroxymonosulfate to Generate 1O2 with 100 % Selectivity
Authors: Zhang Long‐Shuai , Jiang Xun‐Heng , Zhong Zi‐Ai , Tian Lei , Sun Qing , Cui Yi‐Tao , Lu Xin , Zou Jian‐Ping , Luo Sheng‐Lian
Published: August 2021

Singlet oxygen (1O2) is an excellent active species for the selective degradation of organic pollutions. However, it is difficult to achieve high efficiency and selectivity for the generation of 1O2. In this work, we develop a graphitic carbon nitride supported Fe single‐atoms catalyst (Fe1/CN) containing highly uniform Fe‐N4 active sites with a high Fe loading of 11.2 wt %. The Fe1/CN achieves generation of 100 % 1O2 by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS), which shows an ultrahigh p‐chlorophenol degradation efficiency. Density functional theory calculations results demonstrate that in contrast to Co and Ni single‐atom sites, the Fe‐N4 sites in Fe1/CN adsorb the terminal O of PMS, which can facilitate the oxidization of PMS to form SO5.−, and thereafter efficiently generate 1O2 with 100 % selectivity. In addition, the Fe1/CN exhibits strong resistance to inorganic ions, natural organic matter, and pH value during the degradation of organic pollutants in the presence of PMS. This work develops a novel catalyst for the 100 % selective production of 1O2 for highly selective and efficient degradation of pollutants.
Dynamic Constitutional Frameworks as Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Agents
Authors: Diaconu Andrei , Coenye Tom , Barboiu Mihail , Vincent Stéphane P.
Published: August 2021

Dynamic constitutional frameworks (DCFs) were synthesized and screened for biofilm inhibition or disruption. They are composed of a trialdehyde core reversibly linked to a diamine PEG connector and to a variety of neutral, anionic, or cationic heads, to generate a library of DCFs to generate multivalent dendritic architectures in the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The best DCFs were always polycationic and the nature of the cationic heads significantly impact the antibiofilm activity. The best antibiofilm activity was observed for DCF3B, displaying a polyethyleneimine head. A simple inactive guanidinium functional head strongly inhibited biofilm growth when assayed as a multivalent DCF3C. Using a more advanced in vitro biofilm model of chronic wound infection, DCF3C was found significantly superior than all other DCFs. These results demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of DCFs as low cost and efficient systems for antibiofilm disruption.
Long‐term stability of blends of sesame oil or soybean oil with tuna oil under daily use conditions
Authors: Zhao Peng , Zhang Xin , Jin Yan , Xu Luyan
Published: August 2021

The commercial feasibility of blending tuna oil into edible oil was studied from the perspective of stability under daily use conditions. A 210‐day long‐term simulation experiment was carried out on tuna oil blended with soybean or sesame oil at room temperature and cold storage (4°C). The bottle caps of all samples were opened manually and left open for 5 min every day to simulate the daily use of edible oil by consumers. The results indicate that cold storage can stabilize the blended oils containing tuna oil, and the peroxide and anisidine values of blended oil can be controlled at the recommended levels for at least 90 days by adding sesame oil. The polyunsaturated fatty acid content of all samples decreased by no more than 10% during the study term. The results of the sensory test indicated that in the daily use situation, the mixture of 20% tuna oil with 80% sesame oil could be stored at 4°C for up to 60 days without unacceptable quality and flavor changes. This study presents suggestions on how to design the packaging volume of the blended oil containing tuna oil, how to store the blended oil, and the term of best used before (once open) in practical commercial applications.
Screening and identification of potential novel lipid biomarkers for non‐small cell lung cancer using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Han Yu‐Shuai , Shi Li‐Ying , Chen Jia‐Xi , Chen Jing , Li Zhi‐Bin , Lu Qi‐Qi , Zhang Shan‐Qiang , Liu Jun , Yi Wen‐Jing , Jiang Ting‐Ting , Li Ji‐Cheng , Huang Jian
Published: August 2021

Lung cancer is characterized by a high incidence rate and low survival rate. It is important to achieve early diagnosis of the disease. We applied ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to screen plasma lipid spectrum in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, healthy controls (HC), and community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients. Modeling employing orthogonal partial least squares‐discriminant analysis combined with t‐test was used to screen the differential lipids. Logistic regression analysis was used to establish the diagnostic model, while the accuracy was verified by 10‐fold cross‐validation. The results showed that the abnormal metabolism of lipid in NSCLC mainly comprised fatty acid metabolism, phospholipid metabolism, and glyceride metabolism. Four potential biomarkers, including LPC (14:0/0:0), LPI (14:1/0:0), DG (14:0/18:2/0:0), and LPC (16:1/0:0), were fitted by the receiver operating characteristic curve model with the area under curve (AUC) value of 0.856, and the specificity and sensitivity were 87.0 and 78.0%, respectively. The results of cross validation showed that the AUC value of the model was 0.812, the sensitivity was 72.9%, and the specificity was 82.6%. The positive rate of four potential lipid biomarkers in this study (>60.0%) was higher than that of existing tumor biomarkers in the clinical application. We investigated the plasma lipid profile of NSCLC patients and identified lipid biomarkers with potential diagnostic values. From the lipidomics perspective, our study may lay a foundation for the biomarker‐based early diagnosis of lung cancer.
Polyhydroxybenzoic acid derivatives as potential new antimalarial agents
Authors: Degotte Gilles , Pirotte Bernard , Frédérich Michel , Francotte Pierre
Published: August 2021

With more than 200 million cases and 400,000 related deaths, malaria remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases of 2021. Unfortunately, despite the availability of efficient treatments, we have observed an increase in people infected with malaria since 2015 (from 211 million in 2015 to 229 million in 2019). This trend could partially be due to the development of resistance to all the current drugs. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new alternatives. We have, thus, selected common natural scaffolds, polyhydroxybenzoic acids, and synthesized a library of derivatives to better understand the structure–activity relationships explaining their antiplasmodial effect. Only gallic acid derivatives showed a noticeable potential for further developments. Indeed, they showed a selective inhibitory effect on Plasmodium (IC50 ~20 µM, SI > 5) often associated with interesting water solubility. Moreover, this has confirmed the critical importance of free phenolic functions (pyrogallol moiety) for the antimalarial effect. Methyl 4‐benzoxy‐3,5‐dihydroxybenzoate (39) has, for the first time, been recognized as a potential lead for future research because of its marked inhibitory activity against Plasmodium falciparum and its significant hydrosolubility (3.72 mM).
Validierung verteilter faseroptischer Sensorik zur Dehnungsmessung im Betonbau
Authors: Weisbrich Martin , Holschemacher Klaus , Bier Thomas
Published: August 2021

Die Bedeutung von faseroptischen Sensoren hat infolge der verstärkten Strukturüberwachung (Structural Health Monitoring, SHM) von Bauwerken und Bauteilen immens zugenommen [1]. Die verteilte faseroptische Dehnungsmessung auf Basis der Rayleigh‐Streuung ist dabei ein besonders vielversprechendes Verfahren, welches eine hohe Ortsauflösung und Messempfindlichkeit an jedem Punkt der Messfaser bietet, sodass geringste Dehnungsänderungen erfasst werden können [2]. Allerdings fehlen aktuell Qualitätsstandards, die einen zuverlässigen Einsatz in der Dehnungsmessung gewährleisten. Zur Etablierung solcher Standards sind am Institut für Betonbau an der HTWK Leipzig im Zuge einer Dissertation unterschiedliche Fasercoating‐Klebstoff‐Konfigurationen für verschiedene Szenarien im Betonbau validiert worden [3]. Die Ergebnisse sind vielversprechend: Im Vergleich zu den Referenzmessverfahren zeigten die faseroptischen Sensoren Dehnungsverluste durch Coating und/oder Klebstoff von unter 5 % und damit weitaus geringere Werte als entsprechend dem bisherigen Kenntnisstand zu erwarten war.
Antibacterial Effect of Naringin‐containing Soft Contact Lens
Authors: Kwak Giseop , Kim Hyeryun , Jang Woo‐Dong , Ryu Geun‐Chang , Kim In‐Suk
Published: August 2021

A naringin‐containing soft contact lens (NCSC) was prepared as an antibacterial platform for long‐term wearable soft contact lens. The NCSC showed sustained release of naringin for about a period of 1 month without changing the surface morphology. The effluent solution from NCSC exhibited very low cytotoxicity and high antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. In the intraocular eye drop experiments of effluent solution from NCSC, it had no difference with the control group and showed unstimulated status without any cell damage or side effect. The NCSC showed smoother surface with reduced contamination by P. aeruginosa after wearing of 3 consecutive weeks whereas the control soft contact lens showed extremely high contamination, indicating the effective antibacterial effect of NCSC upon extended wearing.