bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mathematical model for Escherichia coli chemotaxis to competing stimuli
Authors: Middlebrooks Scott A. , Zhao Xueying , Ford Roseanne M. , Cummings Peter T.
Published: August 2021

Chemotactic bacteria sense and respond to temporal and spatial gradients of chemical cues in their surroundings. This phenomenon plays a critical role in many microbial processes such as groundwater bioremediation, microbially enhanced oil recovery, nitrogen fixation in legumes, and pathogenesis of the disease. Chemical heterogeneity in these natural systems may produce numerous competing signals from various directions. Predicting the migration behavior of bacterial populations under such conditions is necessary for designing effective treatment schemes. In this study, experimental studies and mathematical models are reported for the chemotactic response of Escherichia coli to a combination of attractant (α‐methylaspartate) and repellent (NiCl2), which bind to the same transmembrane receptor complex. The model describes the binding of chemoeffectors and phosphorylation of the kinase in the signal transduction mechanism. Chemotactic parameters of E. coli (signaling efficiency , stimuli sensitivity coefficient , and repellent sensitivity coefficient ) were determined by fitting the model with experimental results for individual stimuli. Interestingly, our model naturally identifies NiCl2 as a repellent for . The model is capable of describing quantitatively the response to the individual attractant and repellent, and correctly predicts the change in direction of bacterial population migration for competing stimuli with a twofold increase in repellent concentration.
Improving developmental learning outcomes in community colleges through service‐learning
Authors: Turk Jonathan M. , Pearl Andrew J.
Published: August 2021

This article discusses service‐learning as a teaching strategy that can enhance and improve learning outcomes for students in developmental education, increase civic engagement, and aid in student persistence and completion.
The opportunities and challenges for community college faculty teaching dual enrollment programs
Authors: Ison Matthew P. , Nguyen David J.
Published: August 2021

In this article, the authors articulate program challenges and opportunities that typically accompany dual enrollment participation and offer suggestions for how community college faculty can maintain the academic rigor of a college class, whether they are teaching dually enrolled students on a traditional college campus or within the halls of the high school environment.
Professional development during a crisis and beyond: Lessons learned during COVID
Authors: Eddy Pamela L. , Macdonald R. Heather , Baer Eric M. D.
Published: August 2021

This article reviews a virtual professional development program for STEM faculty conducted in 2020 in which, due to COVID, faculty participants had to adjust their teaching practices. The study found that the program's structure, focus, and ability to foster community helped sustain faculty members. Participants shared lessons learned through virtual workshops they led for others on their campuses.
Recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Mulita Francesk , Verras Georgios‐Ioannis , Liolis Elias , Tchabashvili Levan , Kehagias Dimitrios , Kaplanis Charalampos , Perdikaris Ioannis , Kehagias Ioannis
Published: August 2021

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma frequently recurs within 2 years of the initial surgical resection. For the early detection of recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcomas, a shorter follow‐up interval with CT or MRI would be helpful.
Post‐dental extraction bleeding: Emphasis on the diagnosis of rare coagulation disorders
Authors: Shadamarshan R Arunkumar , Sharma Rohit , Pradhan Ishan , Kumar Pramod
Published: August 2021

Disorders of the fibrin stabilizing and fibrinolytic pathway should be considered in patients with excessive postsurgical bleeding with normal screening tests of hemostasis. History, clinical assessment of the timing and severity of bleeding along with utilization of advanced tests such as global hemostasis assays and appropriate coagulation factor assays (especially FXIII) will aid in the diagnosis.
Challenges encountered during the management of pediatric facial soft tissue injury from a mobile battery blast: A case report
Authors: Pande Rikta , Koirala Bandana , Jaisani Mehul , Pasvan Chandrakant
Published: August 2021

In case of parotid gland injury, one has to be aware of the fact that post‐operative complications like duct injury, leakage are very common. At times, a simple conservative approach turns out to be effective in managing complications of this nature.
Perylene Bisimide‐Cored Supramolecular Coordination Complexes: Interplay between Ensembles, Excited State Processes, and Aggregation Behaviors
Authors: Chang Xingmao , Wang Zhaolong , Wang Gang , Liu Taihong , Lin Simin , Fang Yu
Published: August 2021

Manipulating the optical properties of fluorescent species is challenging owing to complicated and tedious synthetic works. Herein, the photophysical properties of perylene bisimide (PBI) were effectively tuned by varying the geometrical arrangement of PBI moieties within supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs), where a PBI‐based dicycle (2) and a trigonal prism (3) were generated via using a typical 90° Pt(II) reagent, cis‐(PEt3)2Pt(OTf)2‐based coordination‐driven self‐assembly approach. The ligand, an ortho‐tetrapyridiyl‐PBI (1), exhibits a moderate fluorescence quantum yield (∼13 %) and efficient inter‐system crossing (ISC). 2, however, is much more emissive with a fluorescence quantum yield of ∼41 %, and the relevant ISC process is significantly hindered. The fluorescence quantum yield of 3 is merely ∼6 % due to the observed symmetry‐breaking charge separation (SB‐CS), which turns to triplet state upon charge recombination. Interestingly, 3 could be fully transformed into 2 by simply adding a suitable amount of a 90° Pt(II)‐based neutral triangle. Moreover, 2 tends to form discrete dimers both in crystal and solution states, but 3 does not show the property. Therefore, controlling geometrical arrangement of fluorophores through coordination‐driven self‐assembly could be taken as another effective way to tune their excited state relaxation pathways and construct high‐performance optical molecular materials, which generally have to be prepared via organic synthesis.
Metal‐Free Aminomethylation of Aromatic Sulfones Promoted by Eosin Y
Authors: Thierry Thibault , Pfund Emmanuel , Lequeux Thierry
Published: August 2021

A metal‐free α‐aminomethylation of heteroaryls promoted by eosin Y under green light irradiation is reported. A large variety of α‐trimethylsilylamines as precursor of α‐aminomethyl radical species were engaged to functionalize sulfonyl‐heteroaryls following a Homolytic Aromatic Substitution (HAS) pathway. This method has provided a range of α‐aminoheteroaryl compounds including a functionalized natural product. The mechanism of this late‐stage functionalization of aryls was investigated and suggests the formation of a sulfonyl radical intermediate over a reductive quenching cycle.
Magnetic optical rotary dispersion and magnetic circular dichroism in methylammonium lead halide perovskites
Authors: Stamper Caleb , Sabatini Randy P. , Bernardi Stefano , Liao Chwenhaw , Dennis Emma , Sharma Ashish , Widmer‐Cooper Asaph , Saidaminov Makhsud I. , Ho‐Baillie Anita W. Y. , Lakhwani Girish
Published: August 2021

Large magnetic optical rotary dispersion (Faraday rotation) has been demonstrated recently in methylammonium lead bromide. Here, we investigate the prospect of extending the active spectral range by altering the halogen. We also investigate the origins of large Faraday rotation in these diamagnetic materials using magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy and the Kramers–Kronig relations. We find that, while MAPbCl3 (MA = methylammonium) single crystals exhibit a large Verdet constant in the blue, no appreciable Faraday rotation is observed in the red/near infra‐red for MAPbI3 single crystals. However, in all film samples, we find clear evidence of large MCD resulting from the Zeeman splitting of the highly resonant 1s exciton state. Our Kramers–Kronig calculations of Faraday rotation based on MCD data matches well with the dispersion of our experimental data for MAPbCl3 and MAPbBr3, with some deviation in magnitude—demonstrating the excitonic nature of Faraday rotation in these materials. However, our calculations predict significant Faraday rotation in MAPbI3, contrary to our experimental results, indicating a potential discrepancy between the properties of the thin film and single crystal.
Efficacy and safety of early initiation of Sacubitril/Valsartan in patients after acute myocardial infarction: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zeng Yuanyuan , Shen Xiaoxu
Published: August 2021

Some randomized controlled trials have compared the effectiveness and safety outcomes between early initiation of Sacubitril/Valsartan and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) in patients after acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, our current meta‐analysis aimed to clarify the confusion. Four Databases and relevant grey literature were searched for studies from inception to July 2, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Four studies involving 6154 patients were included to perform meta‐analysis. The results of meta‐analysis showed that the left ventricular ejection fraction in the Sacubitril/Valsartan group was higher than the ACEI group (SMD: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19–0.55, P = .000), the incidence of major adverse cardiac events in the Sacubitril/Valsartan group was lower than the ACEI group (RR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.46–0.82, P = .001), while the incidences of cardiac death (RR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.81–1.24, P = 1.000) and the heart failure hospitalization (RR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.37–1.03, P = .065) showed no difference. For the incidences of myocardial infarction and the adverse side effects, there was no obvious advantage of the Sacubitril/Valsartan group over the ACEI group, because the meta‐analysis was not performed due to the limited trials. This study indicated that early initiation of Sacubitril/Valsartan in patients after acute myocardial infarction was superior to ACEI in reducing the risks of major adverse cardiac events and left ventricular ejection fraction increasing. As for the other outcomes (the incidences of cardiac death, the heart failure hospitalization, the myocardial infarction and the adverse side effects), Sacubitril/Valsartan showed no obvious advantage than ACEI.
Pharmacogenetic Predictors of Cannabidiol Response and Tolerability in Treatment‐Resistant Epilepsy
Authors: Davis Brittney H. , Beasley T. Mark , Amaral Michelle , Szaflarski Jerzy P. , Gaston Tyler , Perry Grayson Leslie , Standaert David G , Bebin E. Martina , Limdi Nita A. ,   the UAB CBD Study Group (includes all the investigators involved in the UAB EAP CBD program)
Published: August 2021

In patients with treatment‐resistant epilepsy (TRE), cannabidiol (CBD) produces variable improvement in seizure control. Patients in the University of Alabama at Birmingham CBD Expanded Access Program (EAP) were enrolled in the genomic study and genotyped using the Affymetrix Drug Metabolizing Enzymes and Transporters plus array. Associations between variants and CBD response (≥50% seizure reduction) and tolerability (diarrhea, sedation, and abnormal liver function) was evaluated under dominant and recessive models. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) influencing potential CBD targets was evaluated in the UK Brain Expression Consortium data set (Braineac), and genetic co‐expression examined. Of 169 EAP patients, 112 (54.5% pediatric and 50.0% female) were included in the genetic analyses. Patients with AOX1 rs6729738 CC (aldehyde oxidase; odds ratio (OR) 6.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.19–20.41, P = 0.001) or ABP1 rs12539 (diamine oxidase; OR 3.96, 95% CI 1.62–9.73, P = 0.002) were more likely to respond. Conversely, patients with SLC15A1 rs1339067 TT had lower odds of response (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01–0.56, P = 0.001). ABCC5 rs3749442 was associated with lower likelihood of response and abnormal liver function tests, and higher likelihood of sedation. The eQTL revealed that rs1339067 decreased GPR18 expression (endocannabinoid receptor) in white matter (P = 5.6 × 10−3), and rs3749442 decreased hippocampal HTR3E expression (serotonin 5‐HT3E; P = 8.5 × 10−5). Furthermore, 75% of genes associated with lower likelihood of response were co‐expressed. Pharmacogenetic variation is associated with CBD response and influences expression of CBD targets in TRE. Implicated pathways, including cholesterol metabolism and glutathione conjugation, demonstrate potential interactions between CBD and common medications (e.g., statins and acetaminophen) that may require closer monitoring. These results highlight the role of pharmacogenes in fundamental biologic processes and potential genetic underpinnings of treatment‐resistance.
Improving English reading fluency and comprehension for children with reading fluency disabilities
Authors: Metsala Jamie L. , David Margaret D.
Published: August 2021

In the English language, students who read words accurately but have impairments in reading fluency are under‐studied. The associated difficulties they have with comprehending text make it particularly important to delineate effective interventions for these students. Counter to suggestions that these readers need interventions focused on text reading, we examined the effects of a decoding‐focused intervention. The intervention targeted decoding‐related skills, including speeded training on sublexical spelling patterns. We examined the efficacy of this program for students with fluency‐defined disabilities, and compared gains to those for students with accuracy‐defined disabilities. In the initial phase of the program, readers with fluency‐defined disabilities made greater gains in fluency, while readers with accuracy‐defined disabilities made larger gains in word reading accuracy. The mean fluency score for readers with fluency‐defined disabilities came within the average range across the intervention, as did reading comprehension for both groups. Readers' mastery on speeded learning of sublexical spelling patterns predicted unique variance in fluency outcomes, beyond variance accounted for by pre‐test fluency and word reading accuracy. The results support intervention approaches focused on decoding‐related skills for students who have fluency‐defined disabilities and are consistent with theories of reading fluency that identify a role for automaticity with sublexical spelling patterns.
Changes in leaf litter decomposition of primary Korean pine forests after degradation succession into secondary broad‐leaved forests
Authors: Fu Yan‐Mei , Zhang Xiu‐Yue , Qi Dan‐Dan , Feng Fu‐Juan
Published: August 2021

Forest degradation succession often leads to changes in forest ecosystem functioning. Exactly how the decomposition of leaf litter is affected in a disturbed forest remains unknown. Therefore, in our study, we selected a primary Korean pine forest (PK) and a secondary broad‐leaved forest (SF) affected by clear‐cutting degradation, both in Northeast China. The aim was to explore the response to changes in the leaf litter decomposition converting PK to SF. The mixed litters of PK and SF were decomposed in situ (1 year). The proportion of remaining litter mass, main chemistry, and soil biotic and abiotic factors were assessed during decomposition, and then, we made an in‐depth analysis of the changes in the leaf litter decomposition. According to our results, leaf litter decomposition rate was significantly higher in the PK than that in the SF. Overall, the remaining percent mass of leaf litter's main chemical quality in SF was higher than in PK, indicating that leaf litter chemical turnover in PK was relatively faster. PK had a significantly higher amount of total phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) than SF during decomposition. Based on multivariate regression trees, the forest type influenced the soil habitat factors related to leaf litter decomposition more than decomposition time. Structural equation modeling revealed that litter N was strongly and positively affecting litter decomposition, and the changes in actinomycetes PLFA biomass played a more important role among all the functional groups. Selected soil abiotic factors were indirectly driving litter decomposition through coupling with actinomycetes. This study provides evidence for the complex interactions between leaf litter substrate and soil physical–chemical properties in affecting litter decomposition via soil microorganisms.
Oxy210, a novel inhibitor of hedgehog and TGF‐β signalling, ameliorates hepatic fibrosis and hypercholesterolemia in mice
Authors: Hui Simon T. , Wang Feng , Stappenbeck Frank , French Samuel W. , Magyar Clara E. , Parhami Farhad , Lusis Aldons J.
Published: August 2021

Aims

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with increased overall morbidity and mortality in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. Liver fibrosis is the strongest prognostic factor for clinical outcomes, liver‐related mortality and liver transplantation. Currently, no single therapy or medication for NASH has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Oxy210, an oxysterol derivative, displays the unique property of antagonizing both Hedgehog (Hh) and transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) signalling in primary human hepatic stellate cells (HSC). We hypothesized that inhibition of both Hh and TGF‐β signalling by Oxy210 could reduce hepatic fibrosis in NASH. In this study, we examined the therapeutic potential of Oxy210 on NASH in vivo.

Methods

We examined the effect of Oxy210 treatment on Hh and TGF‐β pathways in HSC. The efficacy of Oxy210 on liver fibrosis was tested in a ‘humanized’ hyperlipidemic mouse model of NASH that has high relevance to human pathology.

Approach and Results

We show that Oxy210 inhibits both Hh and TGF‐β pathways in human HSC and attenuates baseline and TGF‐β‐induced expression of pro‐fibrotic genes in vitro. Oral delivery of Oxy210 in food resulted in significant liver exposure and significantly reduced hepatic fibrosis in mice over the course of the 16‐week study with no apparent safety issues. Additionally, we observed several benefits related to NASH phenotype: (a) reduced plasma pro‐inflammatory cytokine and the corresponding hepatic gene expression; (b) reduced pro‐fibrotic cytokine and inflammasome gene expression in the liver; (c) reduced apoptosis in the liver; (d) reduced hepatic unesterified cholesterol accumulation; and (e) reduced plasma total and unesterified cholesterol levels.

Conclusions

Oxy210 effectively ameliorated hepatic fibrosis and inflammation and improved hypercholesterolemia in mice. Our findings suggest that Oxy210 and related analogues are a new class of drug candidates that may serve as potential therapeutics candidates for NASH.
Highly Efficient CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol over the Mesostructured Cu/AlZnO Catalyst
Authors: Li Shaozhong , Guo Qing , Li Jin , Hu Yongke , Lin Jiayu
Published: August 2021

In this work, the mesostructured Cu/AlZnO catalysts were prepared for the CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. Experimental results showed that the weight ratio of Al2O3 and ZnO affected the morphology of the mesoporous AlZnO supports and surface properties of the mesostructured Cu/AlZnO catalysts. The AlZnO‐9 (the Al2O3 mass within the AlZnO support was 90 wt%) with loose spongy porous structure and high surface area facilitated the Cu nanoparticle dispersion. Thus, the Cu/AlZnO‐9 catalyst showed higher exposed Cu surface area (SCu) and more exposed CO2 adsorption sites, which accelerated the CO2 conversion. Meanwhile, the ZnO added into catalysts increased the strength of surface basicity and the surface concentration of Zn species, which promoted the catalytic activity of CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. In addition, the well mesostructure heightened the stability of supported Cu catalyst due to the high dispersion of Cu nanoparticles.
Low Dimensional, Broadband, Luminescent Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Materials for Lighting Applications
Authors: Kundu Janardan , Das Deep Kumar
Published: August 2021

Low dimensional (low D) organic‐inorganic metal halide hybrids are a new class of multifunctional material that boasts facile synthesis, solution processability, structural tunability/versatility, and enabling photophysical properties with myriads of opto‐electronic applications. Dimensionality engineering of AMX3 based 3D perovskites leads to the generation of 2D layered, 1D chain, 0D molecular structures that differ in the extent of connectivity/electronic dimensionality. Increased confinement in bulk low D hybrids fosters strongly bound excitons with unprecedented site isolation/localization. Consequently, low D hybrids exhibit remarkable optoelectronic properties. Given the recent research efforts on low D hybrids, and lacunae in their general design principles, it is indeed timely to review their progress. Here, various low D hybrids (2D, 1D, 0D), their design rationale, their broadband luminescence and its mechanistic origin with special focus to the existing structure‐function correlation, and their multifaceted luminescent applications is reviewed. We also provide a glimpse into the current challenges and future prospects of the low D hybrids.
Synthesis of Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Thiosulfonates from Disulfides through Electrochemically Induced Disulfide Bond Metathesis and Site‐Selective Oxidation
Authors: Strehl Julia , Hilt Gerhard
Published: August 2021

The anodic generation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical thiosulfonates is presented. First, the oxidation of disulfides yielding symmetrical thiosulfonates was realized. The direct synthesis is performed using a simple quasi‐divided cell design, whereby using a supporting electrolyte is unnecessary. Its principle was then expanded to the conversion of unsymmetrical disulfides that were generatedin situthrough metathesis of two symmetrical disulfides. This enables a direct access to unsymmetrical thiosulfonates without any pre‐functionalization or elaborate synthesis of the starting materials for the first time. The reaction scope was investigated by converting differently functionalized aliphatic and aromatic disulfides in moderate to very good yields. Furthermore, a sensitivity assessment for an improved reproducibility and a robustness screen to determine the compatibility of the reaction against functional groups were performed.
Temporal changes in pain processing after whiplash injury, based on Quantitative Sensory Testing: A systematic review
Authors: Bontinck Jente , Lenoir Dorine , Cagnie Barbara , Murillo Carlos , Timmers Inge , Cnockaert Elise , Bernaers Lisa , Meeus Mira , Coppieters Iris
Published: August 2021

Background and Objective

After whiplash injury, some patients develop chronic whiplash‐associated disorders. The exact pathophysiology of this chronification is still unclear and more knowledge is needed regarding the different post‐injury phases. Therefore, studies were searched that examined temporal changes in pain processing, measured by Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST).

Databases and Data Treatment

This systematic review searched three electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science and Embase) for articles meeting the eligibility requirements. Risk of bias was assessed according to a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

Results

The 12 included studies presented moderate to good methodological quality. These studies showed altered pain processing within the first month after injury and normalization within 3 months in 59%–78% of the patients. After 3 months, recovery stagnates during the following years. Thermal and widespread mechanical hyperalgesia occur already in the acute phase, but only in eventually non‐recovered patients.

Conclusions

Differences in pain processing between recovering and non‐recovering patients can be observed already in the acute phase. Early screening for signs of altered pain processing can identify patients with high risk for chronification. These insights in temporal changes show the importance of rehabilitation in the acute phase. Future research should target to develop a standardized (bed‐site) QST protocol and collect normative data which could, in relation with self‐reported pain parameters, allow clinicians to identify the risk for chronification.

Significance

Altered pain processing is present soon after whiplash injury, but usually recovers within 3 months. Non‐recovering patients show little to no improvements in the following years. Differences between recovering and non‐recovering patients can be observed by Quantitative Sensory Testing already in the acute phase. Therefore, it is considered a feasible and effective tool that can contribute to the identification of high‐risk patients and the prevention of chronification.
Black Phosphorene Modified Electrochemical Sensor for Fast Determination of 5‐Hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural in Milk
Authors: Li Yuzhen , Huang Lu , Weng Xuexiang , Liu Zhenmin , You Chunping
Published: August 2021

The fast detection of 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural (HMF) in food industry is vital because of its toxicity and mutagenicity. A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with black phosphorene (BP) nanosheets was prepared and coated with Nafion to improve stability. The electrode has excellent electrochemical stability and current response for HMF electroreduction. The good linear relationship is in the concentration range of 0.1–10 μg/mL with the detection limit of 0.012 μg/mL. HMF electroreduction is a diffusion‐controlled process involving two electrons and two protons. The sensor was successfully applied to the measurement of HMF in milk with the recovery values of 92.92 %–96.33 %.
Toward understanding ignition vulnerabilities to firebrand showers using reduced‐scale experiments
Authors: Suzuki Sayaka , Manzello Samuel L.
Published: August 2021

Over the past few years, the large outdoor fire problem has been a growing concern throughout the world. It is recommended to clear the combustibles around homes and within communities to avoid potential loss of properties, as firebrand shower ignition is a dangerous threat. One of the common combustibles around homes is mulching materials. A reduced‐scale experimental protocol was developed to study ignition of mulching materials by firebrands and resulting impact to adjunct wall assemblies. Reduced‐scale experimental results were compared with full‐scale experimental results. Specifically, two trends were of interest in the comparisons. First, the ranking of the ease of ignition for various mulch types from exposure to firebrand showers. Second, if a given mulch type ignited from exposure to firebrand showers, was the resulting mulch bed fire able to ignite the adjacent wall assembly. The reduced‐scale experimental results captured some of these trends observed from full‐scale experiments but not completely. The findings still suggest that the reduced‐scale experiments may give insights into how easily different mulch beds may be ignited by firebrands, as compared to much more costly and time‐consuming full‐scale experiments. While it is interesting to conduct full‐scale experiments, this is very expensive and not always practical, so the authors are devising far cheaper reduced‐scale experiments to provide more in‐depth scientific understanding of firebrand shower ignition of construction components.
The physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties and antioxidant activities of cream cheeses fortified with dried curry leaves (Murraya koenigii L.) powder
Authors: Weragama Dilshani , Weerasingha Viraj , Jayasumana Lakmini , Adikari Jayantha , Vidanarachchi Janak K. , Priyashantha Hasitha
Published: August 2021

We aimed to investigate the effects of dried curry leaves powder (CLP) incorporation on physicochemical, microbiological, antioxidant, and sensory properties of cream cheeses. Varying levels of CLP infusions (i.e., T1: 0% [control], T2: 0.15%, T3: 0.2%, and T4: 0.25%; w/w%) were stored for 10 days at 4°C. Antioxidant properties were evaluated using total phenolic content, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability, and ferric reducing antioxidant power using in vitro assays. Total antioxidant capacity significantly (p < .05) increased with the increasing levels of CLP. Physicochemical and microbiological qualities were not significantly affected by the addition of CLP, indicating the suitability of using CLP without compromising the quality of cream cheese. Organoleptic properties were affected with CLP addition, where T3 had the highest scores for color, aroma, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability. The principal component analysis provides the holistic approach of studying the variation associated with cream cheeses and the overall relationship among studied parameters. This provides strong references for novel dairy products added with antioxidant‐rich Murraya koenigii L. powder. The study also has merits to promote scientific knowledge concerning, and how the incorporation would influence the physicochemical, organoleptic, and microbiological properties of cream cheese to deliver the value‐added or diversified product to emerging consumers.
The effect of Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansions on foster care admissions
Authors: Beland Louis‐Philippe , Huh Jason , Kim Dongwoo
Published: August 2021

Recent papers have documented positive externalities of Medicaid expansions on several non‐health related variables, such as crime, financial stress, child support, and child abuse. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between access to public health insurance and foster care admissions following state decisions to expand Medicaid coverage after the Affordable Care Act. Over 70% of all foster care admissions are related to child abuse incidents, which have been found to decrease following the Medicaid expansions. Our results suggest that the Medicaid expansions are associated with a large decrease in foster care admissions, driven by neglect incidents.
A study on usability and design parameters in face mask: Concept design of UVW face mask for COVID‐19 protection
Authors: Ipaki Bahram , Merrikhpour Zahra , Taheri Rizi Mohammad S. , Torkashvand Saman
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the usability of conventional masks to prevent the transmission of coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) and subsequently design the proposed concept of the mask to reduce leakage and increase efficiency. Acute respiratory syndrome COVID‐19 is spreading around the world and can be transmitted from one person with COVID‐19 to another through personal contact and breathing. Improper design of current masks can lead to virus transmission. One hundred fifteen users participated in the study using a simple random sampling method in which N95–FFP2 face mask and surgery face mask usability tests were chosen as the most widely used face masks in Iranian people with an online usability questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS. The results showed that the usability of the N95–FFP2 face mask with a total average of 4.46 and a surgical mask with a total average of 3.35 cannot be considered acceptable. Anthropometric and formal changes in people's faces and improper design of the face masks used make it necessary to review the mask redesign measures to increase the prevention of pathogens. In this study, new parameters for face mask design are proposed. Thirty different types of jaws have been considered with the help of CorelDRAW software, along with ideas for optimal mask design with UVW mask concept to be accessed by manufacturers around the world.
Cyclic Haloiodanes: Syntheses, Applications and Fundamental Studies
Authors: Robidas Raphaël , Legault Claude Y.
Published: August 2021

Hypervalent iodine reagents are powerful tools in contemporary organic synthesis. They have found numerous applications in modern oxidative transformations. The unique reactivity of hypervalent iodine allows access to unconventional electrophilic synthons. For example, electrophilic halogenation chemistry has been greatly expanded by the study of various haloiodanes. Cyclic λ3‐haloiodanes are versatile reagents which can promote reactions such as halogenations, halocyclizations and oxidations. Their peculiar reactivity sets them apart from traditional sources of electrophilic halogens. Furthermore, they offer a broad range of reactivities which have been exploited in more diversified transformations. This review summarizes the different syntheses and derivatives of these cyclic haloiodanes, their applications and mechanistic insights as well as the relevant computational, structural and kinetic studies.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation of Aryl Halides with N,N‐Dialkylformamide Acetals
Authors: Hirata Shuichi , Osako Takao , Uozumi Yasuhiro
Published: August 2021

We developed a protocol for the palladium‐catalyzed aminocarbonylation of aryl halides using less‐toxic formamide acetals as bench‐stable aminocarbonyl sources under neutral conditions. Various aryl (including heteroaryl) halides reacted with N,N‐dialkylformamide acetals in the presence of a catalytic amount of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0)‐chloroform adduct and xantphos to give the corresponding aromatic carboxamides at 90–140 °C without any activating agents or bases in up to quantitative chemical yield. This protocol was applied to aryl bromides, aryl iodides, and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, as well as to relatively less‐reactive aryl chlorides. A wide range of functionalities on the aromatic ring of the substrates were tolerated under the aminocarbonylation conditions. The catalytic aminocarbonylation was used to prepare the insect repellent N,N‐diethyl‐3‐methylbenzamide as well as a synthetic intermediate of the dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor triazinate.
Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on viral hepatitis in Africa: Challenges and way forward
Authors: Ismail Zainab , Aborode Abdullahi Tunde , Oyeyemi Ajagbe Abayomi , Khan Hiba , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , Saha Anwesha , Akah Blessing
Published: August 2021

With the overwhelming COVID‐19 pandemic in Africa, many other severe epidemics have been given low priority, such as viral hepatitis. Patient mortality due to viral hepatitis has raised concern to COVID‐19 patients due to compromise with undiagnosed hepatitis in Africa. The pandemic has worsened the control of the viral hepatitis epidemic as healthcare control facilities have moved their focus towards curbing COVID‐19 infections. However, different challenges have arisen to viral hepatitis patients because of low health attention that declines the progress of already diagnosed hepatitis patients. Follow‐up plans, routine testing and treatment plans for viral hepatitis are no longer as strict with the human resources transferred towards combating the pandemic. Thus, a global effort is required to abide by renewed recommendations to eradicate viral hepatitis in Africa that also fit the current picture of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The article discusses the current challenges viral hepatitis patients faced during the COVID‐19 pandemic and important recommendations that can see through these challenges in Africa.
The implications of permafrost thaw and land cover change on snow water equivalent accumulation, melt and runoff in discontinuous permafrost peatlands
Authors: Connon Ryan F. , Chasmer Laura , Haughton Emily , Helbig Manuel , Hopkinson Chris , Sonnentag Oliver , Quinton William L.
Published: August 2021

In the discontinuous permafrost zone of the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, snow covers the ground surface for half the year. Snowmelt constitutes a primary source of moisture supply for the short growing season and strongly influences stream hydrographs. Permafrost thaw has changed the landscape by increasing the proportional coverage of permafrost‐free wetlands at the expense of permafrost‐cored peat plateau forests. The biophysical characteristics of each feature affect snow water equivalent (SWE) accumulation and melt rates. In headwater streams in the southern Dehcho region of the NWT, snowmelt runoff has significantly increased over the past 50 years, despite no significant change in annual SWE. At the Fort Simpson A climate station, we found that SWE measurements made by Environment and Climate Change Canada using a Nipher precipitation gauge were more accurate than the Adjusted and Homogenized Canadian Climate Dataset which was derived from snow depth measurements. Here, we: (a) provide 13 years of snow survey data to demonstrate differences in end‐of‐season SWE between wetlands and plateau forests; (b) provide ablation stake and radiation measurements to document differences in snow melt patterns among wetlands, plateau forests, and upland forests; and (c) evaluate the potential impact of permafrost‐thaw induced wetland expansion on SWE accumulation, melt, and runoff. We found that plateaus retain significantly (p < 0.01) more SWE than wetlands. However, the differences are too small (123 mm and 111 mm, respectively) to cause any substantial change in basin SWE. During the snowmelt period in 2015, wetlands were the first feature to become snow‐free in mid‐April, followed by plateau forests (7 days after wetlands) and upland forests (18 days after wetlands). A transition to a higher percentage cover of wetlands may lead to more rapid snowmelt and provide a more hydrologically‐connected landscape, a plausible mechanism driving the observed increase in spring freshet runoff.
Mechanistic approach and elements of metacommunity structure of the zooplankton of palm swamps in the Neotropical region
Authors: Richard Pedroso Clemerson , Miranda Lansac‐Tôha Fernando , Mantovano Tatiane , Amodêo Lansac‐Tôha Fábio
Published: August 2021

Studies of metacommunities are of great importance for ecological knowledge because they assess how the processes related to the species' niche and the dispersion processes structure the communities. In this context, the objective of the present study was to investigate the main assembly mechanisms responsible for the structuring of the zooplankton community in a complex of neotropical palm swamps (“veredas”), consisting of sets of small common ponds in the Brazilian savannah, similar to swamps. Zooplankton were sampled in the pelagic region of 15 veredas in April 2018. The zooplankton total community showed a distribution related to spatial and environmental factors. For Rotifera the relative importance of environmental factors was greater, while Cladocera and Copepoda were more structured by space. The community was still structured according to the Gleasonian model of distribution, where Rotifera presented a Gleasonian structure, Cladocera quasi‐Gleasonian, and Copepoda quasi‐nested random. The influence of environmental and spatial factors and the resulting structure of the zooplankton metacommunity seem to be directly related to the dispersal capacity in each group. Differences in relative importance of the factors that shaped the community highlight the idiosyncratic characteristics of zooplankton species. Thus, we emphasize the importance of using the two approaches of metacommunity studies to help to elucidate the processes that govern the structuring of metacommunities.
The effects of thirdhand smoke on reproductive health
Authors: Liu Huage , Chen Hao
Published: August 2021

Tobacco smoke is an environmental pollutant that can cause follicle destruction and oocyte dysfunction. Thirdhand smoke (THS) is residual tobacco smoke existing in the environment long after cigarettes have been extinguished, which can react with other environmental compounds to produce secondary pollutants. THS contains a variety of toxic and harmful chemicals, such as nicotine and 1‐(N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridinyl)‐4‐butanal (NNA), a logical biomarker of THS exposure. The health hazards of THS exposure and its components have been researched in recent years. In this review, we have summarized research progress on the effects of THS exposure on organs in mice and humans especially on the reproductive system. This review may help evaluate the health risks of THS, in particular reproduction and offspring health. We hope this review will guide public health education on the dangers of THS exposure and promotion of healthy living habits.
Relations Between Bone Quantity, Microarchitecture, and Collagen Cross‐links on Mechanics Following In Vivo Irradiation in Mice
Authors: Pendleton Megan M , Emerzian Shannon R , Sadoughi Saghi , Li Alfred , Liu Jennifer W , Tang Simon Y , O'Connell Grace D , Sibonga Jean D , Alwood Joshua S , Keaveny Tony M
Published: August 2021

Humans are exposed to ionizing radiation via spaceflight or cancer radiotherapy, and exposure from radiotherapy is known to increase risk of skeletal fractures. Although irradiation can reduce trabecular bone mass, alter trabecular microarchitecture, and increase collagen cross‐linking, the relative contributions of these effects to any loss of mechanical integrity remain unclear. To provide insight, while addressing both the monotonic strength and cyclic‐loading fatigue life, we conducted total‐body, acute, gamma‐irradiation experiments on skeletally mature (17‐week‐old) C57BL/6J male mice (n = 84). Mice were administered doses of either 0 Gy (sham), 1 Gy (motivated by cumulative exposures from a Mars mission), or 5 Gy (motivated by clinical therapy regimens) with retrieval of the lumbar vertebrae at either a short‐term (11‐day) or long‐term (12‐week) time point after exposure. Micro‐computed tomography was used to assess trabecular and cortical quantity and architecture, biochemical composition assays were used to assess collagen quality, and mechanical testing was performed to evaluate vertebral compressive strength and fatigue life. At 11 days post‐exposure, 5 Gy irradiation significantly reduced trabecular mass (p < 0.001), altered microarchitecture (eg, connectivity density p < 0.001), and increased collagen cross‐links (p < 0.001). Despite these changes, vertebral strength (p = 0.745) and fatigue life (p = 0.332) remained unaltered. At 12 weeks after 5 Gy exposure, the trends in trabecular bone persisted; in addition, regardless of irradiation, cortical thickness (p < 0.01) and fatigue life (p < 0.01) decreased. These results demonstrate that the highly significant effects of 5 Gy total‐body irradiation on the trabecular bone morphology and collagen cross‐links did not translate into detectable effects on vertebral mechanics. The only mechanical deficits observed were associated with aging. Together, these vertebral results suggest that for spaceflight, irradiation alone will likely not alter failure properties, and for radiotherapy, more investigations that include post‐exposure time as a positive control and testing of both failure modalities are needed to determine the cause of increased fracture risk. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Romosozumab Followed by Antiresorptive Treatment Increases the Probability of Achieving Bone Mineral Density Treatment Goals
Authors: Cosman Felicia , Libanati Cesar , Deignan Cynthia , Yu Zhigang , Wang Zhenxun , Ferrari Serge , Beck Jensen Jens‐Erik , Peris Pilar , Bertoldo Francesco , Lespessailles Eric , Hesse Eric , Cummings Steven R
Published: August 2021

Increases in bone mineral density (BMD) with osteoporosis treatment are associated with reduced fracture risk. Increasing BMD is therefore a goal of osteoporosis therapy. Here, we compare the probability of achieving a T‐score of > −2.5 over 3 years at the total hip (TH) or lumbar spine (LS) in women with osteoporosis, ≥55 years of age, after the following treatment sequences: 1 year romosozumab followed by 2 years denosumab (FRAME and FRAME extension trials), 1 year romosozumab followed by 2 years alendronate, or alendronate‐only for 3 years (ARCH trial). Probabilities of attaining the BMD target within 1 year of treatment were also determined. At both skeletal sites, in women with a baseline Tscore ≥ −2.7, there was >50% probability of achieving the BMD target with any 3‐year regimen. The probability of achieving the target BMD in those with a baseline TH Tscore equal to −3.0 was 61% with romosozumab/denosumab, 38% with romosozumab/alendronate, and 9% with alendronate. In those with a baseline LS Tscore equal to −3.0, the probability of achieving a T‐score > −2.5 was 93% with romosozumab/denosumab, 81% with romosozumab/alendronate, and 55% with alendronate. With 1 year of treatment, in patients with a baseline TH T‐score equal to −2.7, the probability of reaching the target Tscore with romosozumab was 71% to 78% and 38% with alendronate. For patients with an initial LS T‐score equal to −3.0, the probability of achieving the target T‐score over 1 year was 85% to 86% with romosozumab and 25% for alendronate. Our findings suggest baseline BMD and the probability of achieving BMD T‐score goals are factors to consider when selecting initial treatment for patients with osteoporosis. As baseline T‐score falls below −2.7 (TH) and −3.0 (LS), alendronate has <50% likelihood of achieving a BMD goal above osteoporosis range, whereas these probabilities remain relatively high for regimens beginning with romosozumab. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Preconditioning the rat heart with 5‐azacytidine attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via PI3K/GSK3β and mitochondrial KATP signaling axis
Authors: Boovarahan Sri Rahavi , Kurian Gino A.
Published: August 2021

5‐Azacytidine is well known for its clinical usage in cancer treatments. The present study investigates the role of 5‐azacytidine as a cardioprotective agent to ameliorate ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The cardioprotective effect of 5‐azacytidine was evaluated in three experimental models: in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. The cardioprotective effect was evaluated via cell viability, hemodynamic indices, infarct size measurement, and assessment of histopathology, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function. The experiments were repeated in the presence of PI3K/GSK3β and mitochondrial KATP (mtKATP) cardioprotective signaling pathway inhibitors to understand the underlying mechanism. 5‐Azacytidine improved the cell viability by 29% in I/R‐challenged H9C2 cells. Both isolated rat heart and LAD ligation model confirmed the infarct sparing effect of 5‐azacytidine against I/R. It also provided a beneficial effect by normalizing the altered hemodynamics, reducing the infarct size and cardiac injury markers, reversing the perturbation of mitochondria, reduced oxidative stress, and improved the pPI3K and pAKT protein expression from I/R. In addition, it also augmented the activation of PI3K/AKT and mtKATP signaling pathway, confirmed by using wortmannin (PI3K inhibitor), SB216763 (GSK3β inhibitor), and glibenclamide (mtKATP channel closer). The effectiveness of 5‐azacytidine as a cardioprotective agent is attributed to its activation of the PI3K/GSK3β and mtKATP channel signaling axis, thereby preserving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress.