bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Physico-Chemical Properties of Mango Pickle during Storage
Authors: Haokip Hatneikim , Abonmai Tabuiliu , Singh Alok
Published: October 2022

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of recipes and varieties of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) pickle on changes in physico-chemical properties during storage at the Post Graduate Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal during 2020-2021.  The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments consist of four pickled recipes and two varieties. Among all pickles, the salty pickle was found to have maximum pH whereas, the sweet mango pickle was found to be minimum. The TSS increases continuously during storage irrespective of the recipe and variety used. Sweet pickle showed maximum TSS. Among all pickles, oily mango pickle was found to have maximum moisture content whereas, salty mango pickle was found to be minimum. Sweet mango pickle has the highest score and is organoleptically more acceptable among other types of a pickle. The findings also showed that with the advancement of the storage period organoleptic quality improved in all mango pickles. The local mango was also found to be the better variety for pickling. It can be concluded that mango of the local kind was better suited for pickling.
Prevalence of Acute Viral Hepatitis in Symptomatic Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital of North India
Authors: Maasha . , Oberoi Loveena , Sidhu Shailpreet Kaur , Singh Kanwardeep
Published: October 2022

Background: Acute Viral Hepatitis (AVH) is a major health problem worldwide, with a higher incidence in developing countries, like India. The most common cause of viral hepatitis is a specific group of hepatic viruses A, B, C and E (HAV, HBV, HCV and HEV). Their clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic to acute and fulminant hepatitis or chronic hepatitis. Exploring the etiological spectrum and clinic-epidemiological profile of AVH becomes essential for formulating the preventive measures to control the disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis A virus (HAV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) as causes of AVH in a tertiary care hospital of North India.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 122 patients with clinical signs and symptoms of acute viral hepatitis during May 2021 to April 2022. Serum was separated and tested for IgM anti-HAV antibodies, IgM anti-HEV antibodies, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and IgM anti-HCV antibodies by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Results: Out of 122 AVH patients, HAV (41.80%) was identified as the most common cause of acute hepatitis followed by HEV (36.88%), HBV (17.21%) and HCV (13.11%). Co-infections with more than one virus were present in 28 cases; HAV-HEV co-infection being the most common. Amongst the positive AVH cases, the seropositivity was higher in males (60.65%) than females (39.34%). The most common symptom was Icterus (64.87%), followed by fever (52.51%), pain abdomen (50.91%), anorexia (46.22%), vomiting (26.24%), malaise (21.24%) and diarrhea (12.23%).

Conclusion: In our present study we have found that HAV is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis followed by HEV, HBV and HCV with icterus being the most common symptom followed by fever, pain abdomen, anorexia, vomiting, malaise and diarrhea. Regular diagnosis of AVH and monitoring of cases will help in patient management and thus reduce morbidity and mortality.
Digitalis purpurea Improve Obesity Inducing Alternation of Cardiac Infarction: A Meta Analysis
Authors: Keshamma E. , Sohi Shaheena , Harshita . , Kumar Vijender , Shanko Ayano , Pasupulla Ajay Prakash , Kumar Ajay
Published: October 2022

Patients with Heart Failure (HF) and Atrial Fibrillation (AF) who have systolic dysfunction or no systolic dysfunction are ideal candidates for first therapeutic choices that involve regulating either heart rate or rhythm. Patients with Heart Failure (HF) without systolic dysfunction are not ideal candidates for these first therapeutic choices. If one want to attain rate control, the consumption of a beta-blocker is virtually essential. It is conceivable to have a resting ventricular rate that is even lower than 100, which is the standard for what is considered a normal resting ventricular rate. However, this is not always the case. It is not standard practise to give nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers in the presence of systolic dysfunction, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation all at the same time (AF). Recent arguments have centred on the possibility of a lowered efficacy of beta-blockers and the safety dangers connected with the use of digoxin in the treatment of heart failure patients who develop AF. The extremely high prevalence of overweight and obesity in today's culture represents a significant threat to the health of the population. Another health issue that has been shown to have a direct correlation to obesity and the medical conditions that are typically connected with it is heart disease (hypertension, diabetes, insulin resistance, and sleep apnoea syndrome). When a person carries excess fat around their middle, they put themselves at a greater risk of developing coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. Obesity is linked to a number of changes in the structure and function of the heart, some of which can lead to heart failure. As a consequence of the aberrant structure of the heart, a person has a greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation as well as sudden cardiac death. However, there is a phenomenon that is known as the "obesity paradox," which asserts that a person who already has cardiovascular disease may potentially benefit from being overweight and having a higher body mass index. Because of advancements in cardiac imaging, it is now possible to detect structural and functional alterations in the hearts of obese persons earlier than was previously possible. In the following paragraphs, we will make an attempt to provide a high-level overview of the data that links obesity and cardiovascular disease, as well as the factors that contribute to this relationship.
Exploring the Underlying Constraints to the Use of Geosynthetics for Civil Engineering Infrastructure: A Study from Ghana
Authors: Somiah Matthew Kwaw , Awere Eric , Manu Isaac Yaw
Published: October 2022

Whereas the level of use of geosynthetics on continental basis is generally considered to be low, little is known of country-specific studies that unravel the constraints to the use of geosynthetics for civil engineering infrastructure in the construction industry. Thus, this study seeks to identify the underlying constraints to the use of geosynthetics for civil engineering infrastructure in Ghana and determine the relative significance of each of the underlying constraints on the use of geosynthetics for civil engineering infrastructure in Ghana. A mixed methodology was employed. A structured questionnaire and structured interview helped in data collection. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, one sample t-test, and the Relative Significance Index (RSI). Nineteen (19) underlying constraints were identified as the constraints to the use of geosynthetics in Ghana. Each recorded a significant RSI value from 0.70 to 0.95 and t-test values were statistically significant. The lack of a geosynthetic research institute to champion research-driven campaigns for geosynthetics use in Ghana, and the use of geosynthetics is not prioritized in the manifestos of political parties in Ghana were unique constraints to this Ghana study only. In terms of civil and construction engineering practices, this study has offered an understanding of the constraints to the use of geosynthetics in Ghana and provided the theoretical basis for future geosynthetic-related studies.
Formulation Development and Optimization of Multiparticulate System by Extrusion Spheronization Method
Authors: Samuel Aney Joice , Bhise Kiran
Published: October 2022

Aim: This study aimed at formulating and optimizing the multiparticulate system of Rifaximin by adopting 32 factorial designs with independent variables X1 and X2 as concentrations of two excipients.

Methodology: The pellets were prepared by the Extrusion Spheronization method and evaluated for percentage yield, flow property, percentage drug content, friability, and in-vitro percentage cumulative drug release.

Results: The optimized batch (OR7) displayed excellent flow properties, 0.15±0.03% friability, and 97.85±0.22% drug content with a cumulative drug release of 93.24±0.95%.

Conclusion: The results confirm the usefulness of factorial design to identify the effect of variables on pellet characteristics. The optimized batch can further be coated with different polymers to obtain targeted drug delivery.

Place of Study: Department of Pharmaceutics, M. C. E. Society’s Allana College of Pharmacy, Pune.
Audit Energi pada Dua Produk Kaca Lembaran di sebuah Pabrik Kaca
Authors: Pratomo Hariyo Priambudi Setyo , Jonatan Patrick H.
Published: October 2022

Industri pembuatan kaca tersusun atas empat bagian primer, yaitu: kaca lembaran, kaca khusus, kaca fiber, dan kaca container. Pabrik X merupakan sebuah perusahaan besar penghasil kaca lembaran yang menggunakan biaya-biaya energi yang tinggi dalam keseluruhan bagian dari produksinya. Kaca lembaran ini digunakan di otomotif maupun gedung dan perumahan. Perbaikan efisiensi energi di dalam proses produksi merupakan suatu pendekatan penting dalam rangka untuk menurunkan biaya-biaya produksi, yang mana perbaikan efisiensi ini banyak digunakan untuk audit energi di industri. Dalam studi ini, audit energi difokuskan pada konsumsi energi pada motor listrik, pompa, dan kompresor yang digunakan untuk mendukung proses produksi dua produk kaca lembaran di pabrik X, yaitu FL dan GEFL. Konsumsi energi dalam proses produksi kedua kaca lembaran tersebut diukur melalui perhitungan Energy Efficiency Index (EEI), dengan tujuan untuk melihat proses produksi yang mana yang mengkonsumsi energi yang tinggi. Selain itu, audit energi juga dilakukan untuk mengukur efisiensi energi pada motor listrik, pompa, dan kompresor. Ditunjukkan bahwa beberapa proses produksi perlu menghemat konsumsi energi secara efektif dan jadwal pengoperasian pompa untuk beberapa proses produksi kaca lembaran perlu diperhatikanIndustri pembuatan kaca tersusun atas empat bagian primer, yaitu: kaca lembaran, kaca khusus, kaca fiber, dan kaca container. Pabrik X merupakan sebuah perusahaan besar penghasil kaca lembaran yang menggunakan biaya-biaya energi yang tinggi dalam keseluruhan bagian dari produksinya. Kaca lembaran ini digunakan di otomotif maupun gedung dan perumahan. Perbaikan efisiensi energi di dalam proses produksi merupakan suatu pendekatan penting dalam rangka untuk menurunkan biaya-biaya produksi, yang mana perbaikan efisiensi ini banyak digunakan untuk audit energi di industri. Dalam studi ini, audit energi difokuskan pada konsumsi energi pada motor listrik, pompa, dan kompresor yang digunakan untuk mendukung proses produksi dua produk kaca lembaran di pabrik X, yaitu FL dan GEFL. Konsumsi energi dalam proses produksi kedua kaca lembaran tersebut diukur melalui perhitungan Energy Efficiency Index (EEI), dengan tujuan untuk melihat proses produksi yang mana yang mengkonsumsi energi yang tinggi. Selain itu, audit energi juga dilakukan untuk mengukur efisiensi energi pada motor listrik, pompa, dan kompresor. Ditunjukkan bahwa beberapa proses produksi perlu menghemat konsumsi energi secara efektif dan jadwal pengoperasian pompa untuk beberapa proses produksi kaca lembaran perlu diperhatikan.
Language Styles Used in Secondate's Instagram Captions from 1 July to 27 December 2021
Authors: Utomo Sella Berliana , Floris Flora Debora
Published: October 2022

This study aims to find out the language styles used by Secondate in the Instagram account captions. The writers did this study to find the language styles based on word choice in the Instagram account captions for the product Milky Gel Lip Tint. The writers used the theory of gaya bahasa berdasarkan pilihan kata or language styles based on word choice by Keraf (2006), which utilizes three indicators, namely sentence length, structure, and vocabulary. The writers also referred to the theory of syntax by Chaer (2007) and the theory of standard Indonesian by Prihantini (2015). The research was done using a qualitative approach. It was found that Secondate had many informal and conversational language styles and rarely used the formal language style in their Instagram captions
Increasing the Brand Awareness of Panji Mas Shop with a Company Profile Video
Authors: Kartika Illona Mora
Published: October 2022

Panji Mas shop is a business selling decorative and automotive paints in Singaraja, Bali. Most of its customers are men between the ages of 41 and 65 (low-middle-high income). However, due to the current re-generation of business owners, Panji Mas shop will also concentrate on expanding its target market to 18 to 40 years old. The main problem for the shop is that Singaraja people are still unfamiliar with it and its products (lack of brand awareness). The main cause is because of not using specific marketing strategies. Therefore, the writer chooses a company profile video shared on Facebook and Instagram as an ad based on Esp and Bie Production (2022). The company profile video will also highlight the shop's USPs, which are the wide range of automotive and decorative paints, mixing colors, and great services. As a result, it can help the shop increase its brand awareness.
Code-Mixing Analysis in an Introductory Lecture by the Indonesian Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati
Authors: Yang Violin , Floris Flora Debora
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study is to investigate the types of code-mixing found in Sri Mulyani Indrawati’s introductory lecture entitled Kuliah Pengantar Ekonomi FEB UI 2019- Sri Mulyani Indrawati, S. E., M.Sc., Ph. D (Introduction to Economics), which was delivered in Universitas Indonesia in 2019. For the analysis, the writers used code-mixing theory proposed by Muysken (2000). The writers implemented qualitative approach to complete this study. The findings of the research showed that all types of code mixing, namely insertion, alternation, and congruent lexicalization, were present. This study also revealed that Indonesian-English pattern dominated the code mixing-cases in this introductory lecture.
Cyberattack: Cyberbullying Impact on LGBT Teenager’s Mental Health and the Way to Deal with it
Authors: Hartanto Aldi
Published: October 2022

This thesis discusses cyberbullying impact on LGBT teenager’s mental health and the way to deal with it. The objective is to bring awareness to the readers about the issue and hopefully it could bring a better change to the society. To do so, this thesis will use cyberbullying concept to explain the definition and its negative impact, and a thesis journal to explain things that the cyberbullying victim can do to deal with cyberbullying impact. Moreover, the ‘findings’ of this thesis will be presented in screenplay. It starts with a story about a high school boy named Jonathan who becomes the victim of cyberbullying after his sexual orientation got exposed on the school anonymous gossip blog. As a result, He is suffering from mild depression. Luckily, in the end, he can find confidence within himself that it makes him has the courage to fight back against his bullies.
Rhetorical Devices Used by Simon Sinek When Delivering an Inspirational Speech
Authors: Candra Jonathan Calvin , Kuntjara Esther Harijanti
Published: October 2022

This study focuses on finding out the rhetorical devices used by Simon Sinek when delivering an inspirational speech and how they affect Simon Sinek’s inspirational speech. In this study, the writer used Harris’ (2018) theory of rhetorical question and Gregory’s (2018) theory of general purposes of speech to analyze the data. The writer employed a descriptive qualitative approach. The findings showed that Simon Sinek uses alliteration, parallelism, antithesis, and simile when delivering his speech. The missing device is metaphor because metaphor allows different interpretations, decreases the level of clarity in a speech. Each rhetorical devices affects the speech differently. Alliteration affects the speech using melody; parallelism with repetition and rhythm; antithesis with contrast, complexity, balance, and emphasis; and simile with vivid image, sense of familiarity, and clarity. Ultimately, rhetorical devices affect the inspirational speech in a positive way as they help amplify the meaning of the speech.
Conversational Strategies Used by Gilang Widya Permana and Shandy Purnamasari in the SB30 Podcast
Authors: Naomi Ivana
Published: October 2022

This qualitative study was conducted to determine how speakers of different genders employed conversational strategies. In addition, the writer intended to find the similarities and differences in the use of conversational strategies by male and female speakers. Therefore, the writer chose to analyze the guest stars of SB30's podcast that represented both genders. The guest stars were Gilang Widya Permana (male) and Shandy Purnamasari (female). To analyze the data, the writer referred to Gender and Conversational Strategies theory by Coates (2013). Coates (2013) classifies conversational strategies into seven strategies. This study showed that Gilang used six out of seven strategies, while Shandy used all seven. The writer concludes that conversational strategies can be used by men and women, depending on one's emerging condition. Therefore, the chances of using conversational strategies for both genders are equal.
A Design Method for Storage Capacity of Rainwater Harvesting Considering Economic Effectiveness
Authors: Kang Taeuk , Jin Youngkyu , Lee Sangho
Published: October 2022

The use of rainwater harvesting facilities is increasing in accordance with national laws, institutional regulations, and administrative support from local governments in Korea. However, most of the plans for storage capacity of rainwater harvesting are characterized by institutional constraints and determined by the judgment of engineers. This study aimed to suggest a method for economically determining the storage capacity of rainwater harvesting. The study presented a mass balance equation that can evaluate rainwater reuse amount according to the size of rainwater harvesting, and then defined the cost and benefit factors for the installation and operation of rainwater harvesting. Net present value (NPV) and benefit–cost ratio (BCR) were used to analyze the economic effectiveness for each storage capacity of rainwater harvesting. The proposed method was applied to the rainwater harvesting in Cheongna District in Incheon, and the NPV was found appropriate for the evaluation of the economic effectiveness. According to the design report, for the rainwater harvesting planned to be 6,740 m3, the NPV was calculated to be −478 million KRW for a 30-year design life. Meanwhile, the optimal size considering economic effectiveness was 2,000 m3, and the NPV of the size was analyzed to be +1,738 million KRW. Therefore, economic analysis is suitable as an alternative to determine the appropriate size of rainwater harvesting.
Lobbying Expenditures in the US Health Care Sector, 2000-2020
Authors: Schpero William L. , Wiener Thomas , Carter Samuel , Chatterjee Paula
Published: October 2022

This cross-sectional study uses publicly available, nonpartisan data to evaluate trends in lobbying expenditures across health care industries.
Analysis of Emergency Department Encounters Among High Users of Health Care and Social Service Systems Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Molina Melanie , Evans Jennifer , Montoy Juan Carlos , Cawley Caroline , Graham-Squire Dave , Perez Kenneth , Raven Maria , Kanzaria Hemal K.
Published: October 2022

Importance

Although the general US population had fewer emergency department (ED) visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, patterns of use among high users are unknown.

Objectives

To examine natural trends in ED visits among high users of health and social services during an extended period and assess whether these trends differed during COVID-19.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study combined data from 9 unique cohorts, 1 for each fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) from 2012 to 2021, and used mixed-effects, negative binomial regression to model ED visits over time and assess ED use among the top 5% of high users of multiple systems during COVID-19. Data were obtained from the Coordinated Care Management System, a San Francisco Department of Public Health platform that integrates medical and social information with service use.

Exposures

Fiscal year 2020 was defined as the COVID-19 year.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Measured variables were age, gender, language, race and ethnicity, homelessness, insurance status, jail health encounters, mental health and substance use diagnoses, and mortality. The main outcome was annual mean ED visit counts. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were used to describe changes in ED visit rates both over time and in COVID-19 vs non–COVID-19 years.

Results

Of the 8967 participants, 3289 (36.7%) identified as White, 3005 (33.5%) as Black, and 1513 (16.9%) as Latinx; and 7932 (88.5%) preferred English. The mean (SD) age was 46.7 (14.2) years, 6071 (67.7%) identified as men, and 7042 (78.5%) had experienced homelessness. A statistically significant decrease was found in annual mean ED visits among high users for every year of follow-up until year 8, with the largest decrease occurring in the first year of follow-up (IRR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.40-0.43). However, during the pandemic, ED visits decreased 25% beyond the mean reduction seen in prepandemic years (IRR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.72-0.79).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, multiple cohorts of the top 5% of high users of multiple health care systems in San Francisco had sustained annual decreases in ED visits from 2012 to 2021, with significantly greater decreases during COVID-19. Further research is needed to elucidate pandemic-specific factors associated with these findings and understand how this change in use was associated with health outcomes.
Risk Variants in the Exomes of Children With Critical Illness
Authors: Motelow Joshua E. , Lippa Natalie C. , Hostyk Joseph , Feldman Evin , Nelligan Matthew , Ren Zhong , Alkelai Anna , Milner Joshua D. , Gharavi Ali G. , Tang Yingying , Goldstein David B. , Kernie Steven G.
Published: October 2022

Importance

Diagnostic genetic testing can lead to changes in management in the pediatric intensive care unit. Genetic risk in children with critical illness but nondiagnostic exome sequencing (ES) has not been explored.

Objective

To assess the association between loss-of-function (LOF) variants and pediatric critical illness.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This genetic association study examined ES first screened for causative variants among 267 children at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian, of whom 22 were otherwise healthy with viral respiratory failure; 18 deceased children with bronchiolitis from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City, of whom 14 were previously healthy; and 9990 controls from the Institute for Genomic Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The ES data were generated between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020, and analyzed between January 1, 2017, and September 2, 2022.

Exposure

Critical illness.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Odds ratios and P values for genes and gene-sets enriched for rare LOF variants and the loss-of-function observed/expected upper bound fraction (LOEUF) score at which cases have a significant enrichment.

Results

This study included 285 children with critical illness (median [range] age, 4.1 [0-18.9] years; 148 [52%] male) and 9990 controls. A total of 228 children (80%) did not receive a genetic diagnosis. After quality control (QC), 231 children harbored excess rare LOF variants in genes with a LOEUF score of 0.680 or less (intolerant genes) (P = 1.0 × 10−5). After QC, 176 children without a diagnosis harbored excess ultrarare LOF variants in intolerant genes but only in those without a known disease association (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.5). After QC, 25 children with viral respiratory failure harbored excess ultrarare LOF variants in intolerant genes but only in those without a known disease association (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1-6.6). A total of 114 undiagnosed children were enriched for de novo LOF variants in genes without a known disease association (observed, 14; expected, 6.8; enrichment, 2.05).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this genetic association study, excess LOF variants were observed among critically ill children despite nondiagnostic ES. Variants lay in genes without a known disease association, suggesting future investigation may connect phenotypes to causative genes.
When and where to count? Implications of migratory connectivity and nonbreeding distribution to population censuses in a migratory bird population
Authors: Piironen Antti , Fox Anthony D. , Kampe‐Persson Hakon , Skyllberg Ulf , Therkildsen Ole Roland , Laaksonen Toni
Published: October 2022

Migratory connectivity is a metric of the co‐occurrence of migratory animals originating from different breeding sites, and like their spatial dispersion, can vary substantially during the annual cycle. Together, both these properties affect the optimal times and sites of population censusing. We tracked taiga bean geese (Anser fabalis fabalis) during 2014–2021 to study their migratory connectivity and nonbreeding movements and determine optimal periods to assess the size of their main flyway population. We also compared available census data with tracking data, to examine how well two existing censuses covered the population. Daily Mantel's correlation between breeding and nonbreeding sites lay between 0 and 0.5 during most of the nonbreeding season, implying birds from different breeding areas were not strongly separated at other times in the annual cycle. However, the connectivity was higher among birds from the westernmost breeding areas compared to the birds breeding elsewhere. Daily Minimum Convex Polygons showed tracked birds were highly aggregated at census times, confirming their utility. The number of tracked birds absent at count sites during the censuses however exceeded numbers double‐counted at several sites, indicating that censuses might have underestimated the true population size. Our results show that connectivity can vary in different times during the nonbreeding period, and should be studied throughout the annual cycle. Our results also confirm previous studies, which have found that estimates using marked individuals usually produce higher population size estimates than total counts. This should be considered when using total counts to assess population sizes in the future.
Vacancy‐Modulated of CuS for Highly Antibacterial Efficiency via Photothermal/Photodynamic Synergetic Therapy
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Wen Jinghong , Zhang Jie , Guo Donggang , Zhang Quanxi
Published: October 2022

Cu‐based nanomaterials have been developed to alleviate the problem of antibiotic resistance due to their superior properties and good biocompatibility. Defects in nanomaterials have a major role in improving photocatalytic performance. Herein, two CuS nanospheres with predominant VCuSCu and VCuSS vacancy (abbreviated as CuS and CuS‐T150, respectively) characterized by positron annihilation spectra are synthesized. The combination of experimental and theoretical calculation results demonstrates that CuS‐T150 exhibits excellent antibacterial, achieving bactericidal rates of 99.9% against to Escherichia coli (E. coli) under 808 nm laser irradiation. Compared with CuS, the superior antimicrobial activity of CuS‐T150 is mainly attributed to its stronger ability to adsorb oxygen molecules, more easily bind with surface of E. coli, and higher photothermal conversion efficiency (PTCE). This work provides a deeper understanding of nanomaterials with vacancy modulated the antibacterial efficiency by synergistic effect of photodynamic and photothermal therapy.
Elucidating the Origins of High Preferential Crystal Orientation in Quasi‐2D Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lehner Lukas E. , Demchyshyn Stepan , Frank Kilian , Minenkov Alexey , Kubicki Dominik J. , Sun He , Hailegnaw Bekele , Putz Christoph , Mayr Felix , Cobet Munise , Hesser Günter , Schöfberger Wolfgang , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar , Scharber Markus Clark , Nickel Bert , Kaltenbrunner Martin
Published: October 2022

Incorporating large organic cations to form 2D and mixed 2D/3D structures significantly increases the stability of perovskite solar cells. However, due to their low electron mobility, aligning the organic sheets to ensure unimpeded charge transport is critical to rival the high performances of pure 3D systems. While additives such as methylammonium chloride (MACl) can enable this preferential orientation, so far, no complete description exists explaining how they influence the nucleation process to grow highly aligned crystals. Here, by investigating the initial stages of the crystallization, as well as partially and fully formed perovskites grown using MACl, the origins underlying this favorable alignment are inferred. This mechanism is studied by employing 3‐fluorobenzylammonium in quasi‐2D perovskite solar cells. Upon assisting the crystallization with MACl, films with a degree of preferential orientation of 94%, capable of withstanding moisture levels of 97% relative humidity for 10 h without significant changes in the crystal structure are achieved. Finally, by combining macroscopic, microscopic, and spectroscopic studies, the nucleation process leading to highly oriented perovskite films is elucidated. Understanding this mechanism will aid in the rational design of future additives to achieve more defect tolerant and stable perovskite optoelectronics.
Transcranial Nongenetic Neuromodulation via Bioinspired Vesicle‐Enabled Precise NIR‐II Optical Stimulation
Authors: Zhang Ya , Yang Deqi , Nie Jianfang , Dai Jing , Wu Haofan , Zheng Jialin Charles , Zhang Fan , Fang Yin
Published: October 2022

Regulating the activity of specific neurons is essentially important in neurocircuit dissection and neuropathy therapy. As a recently developed strategy, nanomaterial‐enabled nongenetic neuromodulations that realize remote physical stimuli have made vast progress and shown great clinical potential. However, minimal invasiveness and high spatiotemporal resolution are still challenging for nongenetic neuromodulation. Herein, a second near‐infrared (NIR‐II)‐light‐induced transcranial nongenetic neurostimulation via bioinspired nanovesicles is reported. The rationally designed vesicles are obtained from vesicle‐membrane‐confined enzymatic reactions. This study demonstrates that the vesicle‐enabled NIR‐II photothermal stimuli can elicit neuronal signaling dynamics with precise spatiotemporal control and thus evoke defined neural circuits in nontransgenic mice. Moreover, the vesicle‐mediated NIR‐II optical stimulation can regulate mouse motor behaviors with minimal invasiveness by eliminating light‐emitting implants. Furthermore, the biological modulation is integrated with photoacoustic brain imaging, realizing navigational, and efficient neuromodulation. Such transcranial and precise NIR‐II optical neuromodulation mediated by bioinspired vesicles shows the potential for the optical‐theranostics of neurological diseases in nontransgenic organisms.
Association of change in cardiovascular risk factors with incident dementia
Authors: Sedaghat Sanaz , Lutsey Pamela L. , Ji Yuekai , Empana Jean‐Philippe , Sorond Farzaneh , Hughes Timothy M. , Mosley Thomas H. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Knopman David S. , Walker Keenan A. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Launer Lenore J. , van Sloten Thomas T.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

We evaluated whether better cardiovascular health at midlife and improvement of cardiovascular health within midlife were associated with dementia risk.

Methods

Two longitudinal population‐based studies were used: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) (n = 11,460/visits at ages 54 and 60), and Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility (AGES)‐Reykjavik (n = 3907/visit at age 51). A cardiovascular health score (range 0–12/0–14, depending on diet availability) including six/seven items was calculated at each visit, with weight assigned to each item as poor (0), intermediate (1), or ideal (2). Cardiovascular health was defined as low (score 0–4/0–5), intermediate (5–7/6–9), or high (8–12/10–14). Incident dementia was ascertained through linkage to health records and with neuropsychological examinations.

Results

Midlife high compared to low cardiovascular health (hazard ratios [HRs]: for ARIC: 0.60 [95% confidence interval: 0.52, 0.69]); for AGES‐Reykjavik: 0.83 [0.66, 0.99] and improvement of cardiovascular health score within midlife (HR per one‐point increase: ARIC: 0.94 [0.92, 0.96]) were associated with lower dementia risk.

Discussion

Better cardiovascular health at midlife and improvement of cardiovascular health within midlife are associated with lower dementia risk.

Highlights

Cardiovascular health and dementia were studied in two large cohort studies.

Better cardiovascular health at midlife relates to lower dementia risk.

Improvement of cardiovascular health within midlife relates to lower dementia risk.

Promotion of cardiovascular health at midlife can help to reduce dementia risk.
Catalytic Properties of High Nitrogen Content Carbonaceous Materials
Authors: Lepre Enrico , Rat Sylvain , Cavedon Cristian , Seeberger Peter H. , Pieber Bartholomäus , Antonietti Markus , López‐Salas Nieves
Published: October 2022

The influence of structural modifications on the catalytic activity of carbon materials is poorly understood. A collection of carbonaceous materials with different pore networks and high nitrogen content was characterized and used to catalyze four reactions to deduce structure–activity relationships. The CO2 cycloaddition and Knoevenagel reaction depend on Lewis basic sites (electron‐rich nitrogen species). The absence of large conjugated carbon domains resulting from the introduction of large amounts of nitrogen in the carbon network is responsible for poor redox activity, as observed through the catalytic reduction of nitrobenzene with hydrazine and the catalytic oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine using hydroperoxide. The material with the highest activity towards Lewis acid catalysis (in the hydrolysis of (dimethoxymethyl)benzene to benzaldehyde) is the most effective for small molecule activation and presents the highest concentration of electron‐poor nitrogen species.
Influence of dielectric barrier effect and thermally‐conductive network on thermal and electrical properties of epoxy under different frequencies and temperatures
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Chen Xiangrong , Shi Yiwen , Wang Qilong , Zhu Guangyu , Meng Fan‐Bo , Hong Zelin , Paramane Ashish
Published: October 2022

Epoxy resin (EPR) insulations play a vital role in the insulation of modern power electronic equipment owing to their excellent dielectric properties. However, due to the high‐power density and miniaturization of power equipment which causes high heat fluxes under high voltage and high‐frequency stresses, EPR with good thermal and insulation properties is urgently needed. In this study, the polydopamine functionalized micro‐BN and core‐shell nano TiO2–SiO2 particles are dispersed in EPR to simultaneously improve thermal and dielectric insulation properties. It is revealed that the addition of micro‐nano particles significantly improves the thermal and dielectric performance. Particularly, the high thermal conductivity of micro‐BN and the dielectric barrier effect due to the core‐shell structure of nano TiO2–SiO2 are the main reasons for improved thermal and dielectric insulation performance, respectively. The EPR composite containing 3 wt% of micro‐BN and 1 wt% of nano TiO2–SiO2 exhibits the optimal performance with 0.49 W/mK thermal conductivity and the highest dielectric strength among all the samples, that is, 60.61 kV/mm even at 10 kHz and 90°C. This study found that the crucial factors are the surface encapsulation, weight percent, and homogeneous dispersion of particles in EPR, the dielectric barrier effect, thermal conductivity, and the mismatch between the dielectric constant of EPR and particles. This study proposes the optimal weight percent of suitable micro‐nano particles for EPR to produce suitable composites for high‐frequency and high‐temperature applications.
Improving bonding strength of metal‐plastic interface through multilevel microporous undercut structure
Authors: Chen Junxiang , Wang Ruixue , Dang Kaifang , Xie Pengcheng , Yang Weimin
Published: October 2022

The metal‐plastic combination is widely used in frontier fields such as energy storage technology and aerospace. This study proposes two metal surface treatment processes for metal‐plastic composite injection molding. The first only involves the chemical treatment, whose interfacial bonding strength reaches 10.24 MPa. In the second, the plasma treatment is added to the chemical treatment process to increase the interface bonding strength to 17.58 MPa. The characterization result shows that the plastic is injected into the undercut microstructures to form a physical bolting force due to the countless microstructures after the metal surface treatment. Through the step‐by‐step study of the surface treatment process, it is found that hydrochloric acid solution causes a large‐scale microstructure to appear on the metal surface, and the undercut nanostructure is obtained through the plasma treatment. This multilevel microporous undercut structure of micro‐nano bonding is beneficial to the formation of physical bolting force at the interface, thereby achieving high bonding strength of the interface. At the same time, we also confirmed the relationship between the injection process, annealing parameters, and interfacial bonding strength. When the plastic was injected into the multilevel microporous undercut structure at an injection pressure of 110 MPa and annealed at 110°C for 4 h after molding, the maximum interface bonding strength of 17.58 MPa would be obtained. This process provides a new solution for engineering applications in metal‐plastic bonding.
Effective 5‐aminolevulinic acid production via T7 RNA polymerase and RuBisCO equipped Escherichia coli W3110
Authors: Ting Wan‐Wen , Ng I‐Son
Published: October 2022

Chromosome‐based engineering is a superior approach for gene integration generating a stable and robust chassis. Therefore, an effective amplifier, T7 RNA polymerase (T7RNAP) from bacteriophage, has been incorporated into Escherichia coli W3110 by site‐specific integration. Herein, we performed the 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) production in four T7RNAP‐equipped W3110 strains using recombinant 5‐aminolevulinic synthase and further explored the metabolic difference in best strain. The fastest glucose consumption resulted in the highest biomass and the 5‐ALA production reached to 5.5 g/L; thus, the least by‐product of acetate was shown in RH strain in which T7RNAP was inserted at HK022 phage attack site. Overexpression of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase would pull PEP to oxaloacetic acid in tricarboxylic acid cycle, leading to energy conservation and even no acetate production, thus, 6.53 g/L of 5‐ALA was achieved. Amino acid utilization in RH deciphered the major metabolic flux in α‐ketoglutaric acid dominating 5‐ALA production. Finally, the ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) and phosphoribulokinase were expressed for carbon dioxide recycling; a robust and efficient chassis toward low‐carbon assimilation and high‐level of 5‐ALA production up to 11.2 g/L in fed‐batch fermentation was established.
The NRF2 antagonist ML385 inhibits PI3K‐mTOR signaling and growth of lung squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Ji Lili , Moghal Nadeem , Zou Xinru , Fang Yixuan , Hu Shuning , Wang Yuhui , Tsao Ming Sound
Published: October 2022

Background

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) currently has limited therapeutic options because of the relatively few validated targets and the lack of clinical drugs for some of these targets. Although NRF2/NFE2L2 pathway activation commonly occurs in LUSC, NRF2 has predominantly been studied in other cancer models. Here, we investigated the function of NRF2 in LUSC, including in organoid models, and we explored the activity of a small molecule NRF2 inhibitor ML385, which has not previously been investigated in LUSC.

Methods

We first explored the role of NRF2 signaling in LUSC cancer cell line and organoid proliferation through NRF2 knockdown or ML385 treatment, both in vivo and in vitro. Next, we performed Western blot and immunofluorescence assays to determine the effect of NRF2 inhibition on PI3K‐mTOR signaling. Finally, we used cell viability and clonogenic assays to explore whether ML385 could sensitize LUSC cancer cells to PI3K inhibitors.

Results

We find that downregulation of NRF2 signaling inhibited proliferation of LUSC cancer cell lines and organoids, both in vivo and in vitro. We also demonstrate that inhibition of NRF2 reduces PI3K‐mTOR signaling, with two potential mechanisms being involved. Although NRF2 promotes AKT phosphorylation, it also acts downstream of AKT to increase RagD protein expression and recruitment of mTOR to lysosomes after amino acid stimulation. We also find that ML385 potentiates LUSC growth inhibition by a pan‐PI3K inhibitor, which correlates with stronger inhibition of PI3K‐mTOR signaling.

Conclusions

Our data provide additional support for NRF2 promoting LUSC growth through PI3K‐mTOR activation and support development of NRF2 inhibitors for the treatment of LUSC.
Synthetic Naphthoquinone Derivatives as Anticancer Agents in Ovarian Cancer: Cytotoxicity Assay and Investigation of Possible Biological Mechanisms Action
Authors: Daltoé Renata Dalmaschio , Rangel Leticia Batista Azevedo , Delarmelina Maicon , Madeira Klesia Pirola , Porto Marcella Leite , Meirelles Silvana Santos , dos Santos Guimarães Isabella , Filho Éclair Venturini , Pereira Alan Reinke , de Queiroz Ferreira Rafael , dos Santos Gabriel Fernandes Souza , de França Schaffel Izabela , de Mesquita Carneiro José Walkimar , Silva Artur M. S. , Greco Sandro José
Published: October 2022

In this study, eight naphthoquinone derivatives were synthesized in yields ranging from 52 to 96% using easy, fast, and low‐cost methodologies. All naphthoquinone derivatives were screened for theirin vitroanti‐proliferative activities against OVCA A2780 cancer cell lines. Amongst all analysed compounds, derivatives3–5presented the most prominent cytotoxic potential. Naphthoquinones3and4, bearing sulfur‐containing groups, were identified as having high potential for ROS production, in particular the superoxide anion. Furthermore,3and4compounds caused a decrease in the cell population in G0/G1 and induced more than 90% of the cell population to apoptosis. Compound5did not act in any of these processes. Finally, compounds3–5were tested for their inhibitory ability against PI3K and MAPK. Compounds3and4do not inhibit the PI3K enzyme. On the other hand, the naphthoquinone‐polyphenol5was only able to inhibit the percentage of cells expressing pERK.
Antifungal Compounds from the Leaves of Rhynchosia minima
Authors: Adewole Adetola H. , Famuyide Ibukun M. , McGaw Lyndy J. , Selepe Mamoalosi A. , October Natasha
Published: October 2022

Rhynchosia minima, commonly known as jumby bean, is used as a remedy for respiratory ailments in various parts of the world. It is also used by South African traditional healers to treat heart or chest pain. This study aimed to investigate the bioactive constituents of the leaf extracts of R. minima against selected fungal isolates that have been identified as risk factors in respiratory illness. Rhynchosia minima leaves were extracted sequentially using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol in increasing order of polarity. The extracts were subjected to repeated chromatographic techniques, for phytochemical isolation. The extracts and isolated compounds were screened against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans by determining the minimum concentration that inhibited fungal growth. Six flavonoids, one norisoprenoid and one cyclitol were isolated and characterized by 1D and 2D NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS. The extracts obtained in the study had moderate to weak antifungal activities, with MICs ranging from 312.5 to 1250.0 μg/mL against both fungi. Four isolated compounds were also screened, with two of them exhibiting activity against C. albicans (MIC=6.25 μg/mL) that was comparable to amphotericin B, the positive control. These two compounds also had better antifungal potential against C. neoformans with an MIC=6.25 μg/mL, compared to the MIC of 12.5 μg/mL of amphotericin B. Seven of the eight isolated compounds were obtained from the extracts of Rhynchosia minima for the first time. Two of the isolated compounds demonstrated activity comparable or superior to amphotericin B activity. The notable potency displayed by these compounds warrants further investigation on their development as antifungal agents.
Solid‐State Luminescent Materials with Multiple Emission Colors and Near‐Unity Quantum Yield
Authors: Wang Guanjie , Zhang Zhen , Wang Donghui , Shi Yu‐e , Wang Zhenguang
Published: October 2022

Developing solid luminescent materials with a unity quantum yield and tunable emission color is promising, although it is still a difficult task. A straightforward heat‐treatment method has been developed to load 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) into the matrix of boric acid (BA) to produce powders with a near‐unity quantum yield and tunable emission color from yellow to green. Our results suggest that the emission of the powders originates from PTCDA, and the tunability of the emission color is caused by the hydrolysis of PTCDA in the alkaline environment. The near‐unity quantum yield is attributed to the BA matrix, which confines PTCDA. In addition, the powder also shows excellent thermal stability that allows its application in light‐emitting diodes. The above results are important for the development of solid‐state luminescent materials for various applications, and also provide a clue for studying the emission properties of luminescent materials.
Butterfly‐Shaped Nanographenes with Excellent Second‐Order Nonlinear Optical Properties: The Synergy of B/N and Azulene
Authors: Yang Cui‐Cui , Ye Jing , Quan Tian Wei , Li Wei‐Qi , Yang Ling
Published: October 2022

Azulene, a simple polar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with connected electron donor and acceptor (DA), ignites the hope of designing second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) molecular materials from pure nonpolar carbon nanomaterials. In this work, a butterfly‐shaped nanographene (π−DA−π) was designed by incorporating azulene between two coronenes. One more electron in a N atom or one electron fewer in a B atom with respect to a C atom can polarize charge distribution in carbon nanomaterials, and further doping of B and N in the designed butterfly‐shaped nanographene changes the system from π−DA−π to D−π−A, leading to strong NLO responses. For example, the largest static first hyperpolarizability even reaches 173.89×10−30 esu per heavy atom. The synergetic role of B, N and azulene in the nanographene is scrutinized, and such a doping strategy is found to provide an effective means for the design of carbon‐based functional materials. The strong second‐order NLO responses of these butterfly‐shaped carbon‐based nanographenes under external fields, for example, sum frequency generation and difference frequency generation, could inspire future experimental exploration.