bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Story of the Pink Bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) on Cotton
Authors: S Rakhesh , S S Udikeri , I Mahamed Ashiq , S V Akarsh
Published: January 2025

Cotton, a vital commercial fibre crop, is prone to heavy infestations by insect pests, with bollworms being the most damaging globally. Helicoverpa armigera and other Heliothines have developed significant resistance to conventional insecticides, rendering cotton cultivation uneconomical in many regions by the mid-1990s. The introduction of Bt cotton, expressing Cry1Ac toxins, marked a breakthrough in bollworm management, drastically reducing pesticide usage and increasing yields. However, resistance to Cry toxins, particularly Cry1Ac, emerged over time, as first reported in pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) in Gujarat, India, by 2010. Factors contributing to resistance include mutations in genes such as PgCad1, ABC transporters, and others. Additionally, declining toxin expression in Bt cotton hybrids and improper pest management practices exacerbate resistance. Integrated pest management strategies, such as timely sowing, field sanitation, pheromone traps, and mating disruption tools, have been recommended to mitigate resistance. Recent data show an increase PBW infestations in North India, which is being driven by factors like shorter cotton seasons and little prior exposure to Bt toxins. Studies focusing on genetic and phenotypic polymorphism in Indian PBW populations have emphasized the need for sustainable resistance management. Adopting dual-toxin Bt cotton (Cry1Ac + Cry2Ab) and stringent IRM strategies remains critical to preserving the efficacy of transgenic technology.
Assessment of Hygiene Practices and Knowledge of Food Safety among Street Food Vendors in the Volta Region, Ghana
Authors: Klutse Comfort Mawuse , Sampson Gilbert Owiah
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the hygiene practices and knowledge of street food vendors in the Volta Region of Ghana, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior as a conceptual framework. A descriptive research design was employed, with a multistage random sampling method selecting 254 participants from a pool of 750 vendors in rural and urban areas. Data were collected through questionnaires and observational checklists, with statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, performed using SPSS to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics and hygiene practices. The findings showed that while 87.8% of vendors cleaned utensils with soap and water, only 29.1% consistently washed their hands before handling food. Common practices included wearing aprons (79.1%) and head caps (86.6%), but knowledge of using masks (33.9%) and gloves (41.7%) to prevent food contamination was limited. Environmental hygiene was inadequate, with 61.0% of vendors reporting pest presence near vending sites. Demographic factors such as education and location significantly influenced certain hygiene practices, including utensil cleaning (p = 0.019*) and health status evaluation (p = 0.019*). The study concluded that, despite basic hygiene awareness, knowledge gaps and inconsistent practices compromised food safety. It recommends enhanced training on comprehensive hygiene practices and improved access to water and sanitation facilities to elevate food safety standards and protect public health in the region.
Interaction of Wealth, Residence and Region on Multiple Anthropometric Failure among Under-Five Children in Nigeria
Authors: Akintimehin Opeyemi Olamide , Eyinla Toluwalope Emmanuel , Ibidapo Ebunoluwa Grace , Abdulrahaman Maryam Oluwatosin , Oladipo David Akinola , Akinyemi Joshua Odunayo , Fayehun Olufunke Adekemi , Samuel Folake Olukemi
Published: January 2025

Aim: This study examined the prevalence of multiple anthropometric failures among Nigerian children under five years of age using the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) and examined the interactions between wealth, residence and regional strata.
Study Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study.
Methodology: This study used dataset from the kids recode file of 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) with a weighted sample of 11323 under-five children. Data from the 2018 NDHS were analysed to compute CIAF indices and assess the            prevalence of anthropometric failures across 12 intersecting subgroups, defined by three domains of inequality: wealth (rich/middle/poor), place of residence (urban/rural), and region (north/south). Cross tabulation and logistic regression were carried out to assess the odds of the CIAF among interacting groups. A choropleth map was created using ARCGIS software to describe the regional clustering of CIAF in Nigeria. All analyses were carried out using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 20) and statistical significance set at 0.05.
Results: Overall, 40.8% of children showed composite anthropometric failure, with 20.7% experiencing at least one failure and 3.1% suffering from all three forms of undernutrition concurrently. Cross-matching these domains revealed the highest CIAF prevalence (60.3%) among children from rural-poor households in northern Nigeria, while the lowest prevalence (31.3%) was recorded among urban-rich households. The findings indicate significantly lower odds of CIAF among children from wealthier households in southern Nigeria, highlighting the importance of socio-economic and regional disparities.
Conclusion: This study underscores the need for targeted nutritional interventions for the most vulnerable subgroups, emphasizing the limitations of single-dimensional inequality analyses in policy formulation and program implementation. Instead, it advocates for detailed intra-district and state-level analyses of socio-economic disparities, particularly among marginalized groups, to design equitable and context-specific strategies to address child nutritional disparities effectively.
Evaluation of the Microbial Load and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Clostridium Perfringens Isolates from Local Corn Flour for Infants Sold at Markets in the City of Daloa (Haut-Sassandra, Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: KOUADIO Adjoua Kan Zouzou Regina Audrey , OUINA Toualy Serge Thibaut , KOUASSI Kra Athanase
Published: January 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the introduction of adequate complementary foods from the age of six months. However, baby corn porridges, which are often home-made, present significant health risks. In order to assess the impact of Clostridium perfringens-contaminated cornmeal on infant health in Daloa, this study aims to evaluate the presence and antimicrobial resistance profile of Clostridium perfringens-contaminated cornmeal. A total of 26 cornmeal samples were collected from vendors in several markets in Daloa. Samples were grown on TSN medium and incubated at 45°C for 48 hours to enumerate vegetative and spore-forming organisms. Biochemical characteristics such as color, glucose fermentation, lecithin fermentation and gas production were carried out. An antibiogram was performed on extracted isolates to assess antibiotic resistance. The results of the study revealed a preponderance of vegetative forms of Clostridium perfringens in the flours analyzed, with a 100% compliance rate, indicating recent contamination. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed multi-resistance of the strains to the antibiotics used, posing a serious public health problem. These results underline the fact that the production and packaging techniques used for artisanal cornflour do not guarantee the safety of infants. The presence of Clostridium perfringens in cornmeal constitutes a serious public health problem.
Classification of Phishing Attacks Using Machine Learning Algorithms: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Alhaji Usman Muhammed , Adewumi Sunday Eric , Yemi-peters Victoria Ifeoluwa
Published: January 2025

Phishing attacks have been a major threat to cyber security since they take advantage of human vulnerabilities rather than system setbacks, making them difficult to detect. Phishing attacks always involve fraudulent websites designed to mimic legitimate websites to steal sensitive information from victims. This research paper provides a comprehensive literature review to recommend future research. This review paper examines previous papers' application of machine learning (ML) algorithms to phishing detection, focusing on how ML can be used to turn phishing attack problems into classification tasks. This research compared the commonly used ML algorithms like Decision Trees (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Naïve Bayes (NB), k-means Clustering, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), these algorithms were compared based on their performance, strengths, and weakness. Key findings reveal that SVM excels with high-dimensional data, RF handles large datasets efficiently, and DT offers simplicity but struggles with complex features. Algorithm performance depends on data and feature selection.
This presents the need to develop hybrid or ensemble models to improve detection accuracy and reliability and contribute to stronger cybersecurity frameworks.
Protective Effects of Flavonoids-rich and Saponins-rich Extracts from Tiger Nuts and Date Fruits on Prostate Histoarchitechture in Aluminum-exposed Wistar Rats
Authors: Agim Agaba, Eric , Williams Oche Ujah, , Kingsley Bassey Enang, , Victor A Fischer, , Odom Emmanuel I. , Christopher Utsu Adie,
Published: January 2025

Aim: To evaluate the histological effects of flavonoid and saponin fractions from Cyperus esculentus (tiger nuts) and Phoenix dactylifera (date fruits) on the prostate gland of Wistar rats exposed to aluminum chloride, focusing on their potential protective properties against aluminum-induced toxicity.
Study Design: A randomized experimental study involving twenty-five male Wistar rats divided into five groups. Groups were treated with normal saline (control), aluminum chloride, and different combinations of flavonoid and saponin extracts for 28 days.
Place and Duration: Conducted at the animal breeding facility of the College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, over a month.
Methods: Male Wistar rats were acclimatized for seven days, then assigned to five treatment groups. Flavonoids and saponins were extracted from Cyperus esculentus and Phoenix dactylifera. The groups received oral administration of extracts and aluminum chloride once daily for 28 days. Prostate tissues were collected post-treatment and processed with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histological evaluation.
Results: Histological analysis showed that the control group had healthy prostate architecture, while the aluminum chloride-treated group presented significant dysplastic changes typical of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Treatment with flavonoid and saponin fractions resulted in moderate histological improvements. The combination of both extracts exhibited enhanced protective effects, stabilizing prostate architecture and preventing severe stromal hyperplasia.
Conclusion: Flavonoid and saponin fractions from Cyperus esculentus and Phoenix dactylifera demonstrate protective effects against aluminum chloride-induced histopathological changes in the prostate of Wistar rats, suggesting potential dietary interventions to mitigate environmental toxin impacts on prostate health. Further investigation into their mechanisms and broader applications is warranted.
Histopathological Study of Subacute Administration of Saccharum officinarum Leaf Extract on Some Organs of Rat
Authors: Okokon Jude E. , Udobang John A. , Osigwe Chinyelu C. , Florence Uwaeme Ugonma , Ise Uduak P. , Edem Utibe A.
Published: January 2025

The leaves of Saccharum officinarum (Family-Poaceae) is employed traditionally for ethnotherapy of malaria and fever among others. Evaluation of subacute administration Saccharum officinarum leaf extract for possible effect on organs of rats was carried out. The leaf extract (170, 340, 510 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally Wistar rats of both sexes daily for 30 days and the rats were sacrificed after being subjected to light diethyl ether anesthesia at the completion of the administration. Subacute administration of S. officinarum leaf extract resulted in insignificant improvement in the treated rats body weights, but there weights of brain, heart, spleen, testis and ovary were not affected significantly (p>0.05) when compared to control.  The leaf extract exerted toxic effects which were mild at low dose (170 mg/kg) and moderate at higher doses (340 and 510 mg/kg) on the histologies of brain, heart, spleen and ovary of rats, but had no pathological sign was seen on the testis. The effects were found to increase with increasing dose. These could have resulted from the selective toxicity potential of the phytochemical constituents of the leaf extract resulting in localised toxicity of organs.  Chronic study is advocated to investigate the consequences of prolonged treatment of rats with the leaf extract on organs and systems of rats.
Oilseed Meals an Untapped Resource for Nutritional Innovation
Authors: Karnika  , Kawatra Asha
Published: January 2025

The present investigation was carried out to nutritionally evaluate laddo supplemented with oilseed meals, including sesame meal (SM), flaxseed meal (FM), and groundnut meal (GM) at three level of incorporation (12, 18, and 24%). Composite meal was also prepared by mixing sesame, flaxseed & groundnut meal in equal amounts for the development of laddo similarly at three levels of incorporation (12, 18, and 24%). All the developed laddo were found to be organoleptically acceptable adjudicated by nine-point hedonic scale. Acceptability scores of all kinds of laddo varied between ‘liked moderately’ to ‘liked very much’ category. Laddo with 24% of incorporation of oilseed meal were studied for nutritional composition. Corresponding laddo prepared without oilseed meal was taken as control. Incorporation of all the three oilseed meals individually and in combination resulted in significant improvement in level of crude protein, fat, ash, and crude fiber, which ranged from 13.35-20.03, 25.52-35.99, 3.97-5.70, 4.19-5.14%, respectively. One serving (25gm) of laddo can meet 27% requirement of protein for pre-schoolers as per RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances) 2020. Value added Laddo if promoted and popularized will help in the utilization of oilseed meals which are generally discarded and have a great nutritive potential which can be used for enrichment of daily diet at a reasonable cost. The developed recipe can be efficiently used as a means of improving nutritional status and to eliminate the malnutrition.
The Influence of Product Arrangement on Sales Performance among Street Vendors in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Mwangonela Nyayee Yohana , Mrisho David Haruna , Masui Laurent
Published: January 2025

This paper aimed to examine the influence of product arrangement on sales performance among street vendors in Mwanza, Tanzania. The study employed Push and Pull Theory which was postulated by Gilad and Levine in 1986. This study adopted a positivist research philosophy and employed a descriptive design targeting a population of 450 street vendors in the Nyamagana District. A sample size of 212 was selected using simple random sampling. Data collection was through structured questionnaires, while data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression to test the relationship between product arrangement and sales performance. The findings indicate that 48% of respondents believe product arrangement significantly influences sales, with 62.26% affirming that categorizing products aids customers in making quicker purchase decisions. A substantial portion of respondents, 59.44%, agreed that attractive and creative displays encourage impulse buying, while a majority (57.53%) disagreed that a clear arrangement leads to extended browsing time. Furthermore, 55.66% of respondents pointed out that daily sales are enough to cover the expenses, which means a good arrangement of products will be the key factor in boosting total sales. The study concluded that clear visibility of product displays increases the level of customer interaction and purchase, therefore visual merchandising is important in improving sales performance and customer loyalty. The study recommended that business should focus on ways to enhance their product arrangement strategies through creative displays and actively seek customer feedback in order to align merchandising efforts with consumer preferences.
Inverse Design of Inflatable Soft Membranes Through Machine Learning
Authors: Forte Antonio Elia , Hanakata Paul Z. , Jin Lishuai , Zari Emilia , Zareei Ahmad , Fernandes Matheus C. , Sumner Laura , Alvarez Jonathan , Bertoldi Katia
Published: January 2022

Across fields of science, researchers have increasingly focused on designing soft devices that can shape‐morph to achieve functionality. However, identifying a rest shape that leads to a target 3D shape upon actuation is a non‐trivial task that involves inverse design capabilities. In this study, a simple and efficient platform is presented to design pre‐programmed 3D shapes starting from 2D planar composite membranes. By training neural networks with a small set of finite element simulations, the authors are able to obtain both the optimal design for a pixelated 2D elastomeric membrane and the inflation pressure required for it to morph into a target shape. The proposed method has potential to be employed at multiple scales and for different applications. As an example, it is shown how these inversely designed membranes can be used for mechanotherapy applications, by stimulating certain areas while avoiding prescribed locations.
Toward Gene Transfer Nanoparticles as Therapeutics
Authors: Kavanagh Erin W. , Green Jordan J.
Published: January 2022

Genetic medicine has great potential to treat the underlying causes of many human diseases with exquisite precision, but the field has historically been stymied by delivery as the central challenge. Nanoparticles, engineered constructs the size of natural viruses, are being designed to more closely mimic the delivery efficiency of viruses, while enabling the advantages of increased safety, cargo‐carrying flexibility, specific targeting, and ease in manufacturing. The speed in which nonviral gene transfer nanoparticles are making progress in the clinic is accelerating, with clinical validation of multiple nonviral nucleic acid delivery nanoparticle formulations recently FDA approved for both expression and for silencing of genes. While much of this progress has been with lipid nanoparticle formulations, significant development is being made with other nanomaterials for gene transfer as well, with favorable attributes such as biodegradability, scalability, and cell targeting. This review highlights the state of the field, current challenges in delivery, and opportunities for engineered nanomaterials to meet these challenges, including enabling long‐term therapeutic gene editing. Delivery technology utilizing different kinds of nanomaterials and varying cargos for gene transfer (DNA, mRNA, and ribonucleoproteins) are discussed. Clinical applications are presented, including for the treatment of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
Recent Advances in Intelligent Wearable Medical Devices Integrating Biosensing and Drug Delivery
Authors: Tan Minhong , Xu Yang , Gao Ziqi , Yuan Tiejun , Liu Qingjun , Yang Rusen , Zhang Bin , Peng Lihua
Published: January 2022

The primary roles of precision medicine are to perform real‐time examination, administer on‐demand medication, and apply instruments continuously. However, most current therapeutic systems implement these processes separately, leading to treatment interruption and limited recovery in patients. Personalized healthcare and smart medical treatment have greatly promoted research on and development of biosensing and drug‐delivery integrated systems, with intelligent wearable medical devices (IWMDs) as typical systems, which have received increasing attention because of their non‐invasive and customizable nature. Here, the latest progress in research on IWMDs is reviewed, including their mechanisms of integrating biosensing and on‐demand drug delivery. The current challenges and future development directions of IWMDs are also discussed.
3D Printing of A Thermally Programmable Conformal Metasurface
Authors: Yin Haoyu , Liang Qingxuan , Duan Yubing , Fan Jun , Li Zhaohui
Published: January 2022

The curved surfaces conformality has become the coming barrier to the implementation of the metasurface carpet cloaks. A curved conformal strategy that can balance the electromagnetic performances and the manufacturing challenges of metasurface simultaneously is highly in demand, but yet underexplored. Herein, a novel thermal programming 3D‐printing method for curved conformal metasurface is proposed. Owing to the glass‐rubber transition characteristics of thermoplastic polymers, the advantages of rigid substrate and flexible substrate are fully utilized to achieve the conformality of metasurface, which ingeniously reduces the manufacturing complexity and ensures the electromagnetic performances. As a proof, an arched metasurface carpet cloak composed of the easy‐bending unit cells is designed and fabricated by the composite fused deposition molding of polylactic acid and Sn‐Bi materials with the thermal programming process. Experiments prove that the maximum reduced total radar cross section of the conformal cloak reaches about −9.4 dB while the 3 dB reduction bandwidth is ≈26.6%. The excellent cloaking performance of the metasurface sample demonstrates the effectiveness of this curved conformal method. This work provides a viable implementation strategy for complex curved metasurface and will substantially promote the applications of the conformal invisibility cloaks.
Quantum Hybrid Plasmonic Nanocircuits for Versatile Polarized Photon Generation
Authors: Wu Cuo , Kumar Shailesh , Komisar Danylo , Meng Chao , Deng Yadong , Wang Zhiming , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I. , Ding Fei
Published: January 2022

Hybrid plasmonic nanocircuits developed insofar enable efficient coupling and routing of single photons generated by embedded quantum emitters (QEs), providing at the same time little or no control over the polarization of out‐coupled single photons. Here, with numerical simulations a QE‐driven hybrid plasmonic nanocircuit for versatile polarized photon generation by using ultracompact polarization out‐couplers in multi‐branched dielectric‐loaded plasmonic waveguides is proposed and demonstrated. Upon excitation of a QE, which is embedded at the center of a star‐shaped six‐branched hybrid plasmonic waveguide and characterized with a normal to the surface radiative transition dipole, plasmonic waveguide modes are efficiently (≈85%) excited and routed by the six‐branched waveguide toward propitiously designed out‐couplers. By exploiting two types of subwavelength polarization out‐couplers producing linearly and circularly polarized free‐space radiation, spatially separated single‐photon generation channels characterized by four different linear and two circular polarizations are created. The demonstrated hybrid plasmonic nanocircuit addresses specifically the scenario where different quantum chips communicate via polarization‐compatible channels, thereby opening new design possibilities for energy‐efficient and ultracompact quantum photonic nanocircuits in nanophotonic quantum technologies.
Targeting Macrophages and Synoviocytes Intracellular Milieu to Augment Anti‐Inflammatory Drug Potency
Authors: Gouveia Virgínia M. , Rizzello Loris , Vidal Bruno , Nunes Claudia , Poma Alessandro , Lopez‐Vasquez Ciro , Scarpa Edoardo , Brandner Sebastian , Oliveira António , Fonseca João E. , Reis Salette , Battaglia Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

Using a preclinical in vivo model of arthritis and the gold standard disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug, methotrexate, pH‐responsive phosphorylcholine polymersomes, elicit both anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic therapeutic efficacy, while drastically minimizing off‐target toxicity. First, the selective accumulation of polymersomes within synovium of inflamed joints. Second, the polymersomes targeting ability toward activated macrophages and synoviocytes, via scavenger receptors, allow their uptake via endocytosis. And third, the polymersomes pH‐responsiveness enables the drug escape from early endosomes and hence its intracellular milieu delivery. On‐site augment of methotrexate loaded polymersomes enable the complete abrogation of synovial inflammation and prevent the disease progression and severity. Overall, in vitro and in vivo investigations reveal the potential of polymersomes as a promising nanotherapy for treating arthritic inflammation.
A chemistry‐inspired neural network kinetic model for oxidative coupling of methane from high‐throughput data
Authors: Chen Kexin , Tian Huijie , Li Bowen , Rangarajan Srinivas
Published: January 2022

A neural network kinetic model is developed for oxidative coupling of methane (OCM). The model is designed in cognizance of the underlying chemistry and associated reactor balance equations and trained on publicly available high throughput experimental data spanning a large material space of supported mixed metal oxide catalysts. The resultant model is then used to evaluate one of the most popular catalysts for OCM, viz. MnNa2WO4/SiO2, to understand the reaction kinetics and sensitivity of the catalyst to changing different components of the catalyst. The predicted activation barrier for methane conversion is 251 kJ mol−1, and the rate . Furthermore, the reference catalyst is local optimal as small changes to its composition, for example, by changing the individual metals or the support, did not improve (or often substantially reduced) methane consumption or the C2 formation rate.
Adversarially robust Bayesian optimization for efficient auto‐tuning of generic control structures under uncertainty
Authors: Paulson Joel A. , Makrygiorgos Georgios , Mesbah Ali
Published: January 2022

The performance of optimization‐ and learning‐based controllers critically depends on the selection of several tuning parameters that can affect the closed‐loop control performance and constraint satisfaction in highly nonlinear and nonconvex ways. Due to the black‐box nature of the relationship between tuning parameters and general closed‐loop performance measures, there has been a significant interest in automatic calibration (i.e., auto‐tuning) of complex control structures using derivative‐free optimization methods, including Bayesian optimization (BO) that can handle expensive unknown cost functions. Nevertheless, an open challenge when applying BO to auto‐tuning is how to effectively deal with uncertainties in the closed‐loop system that cannot be attributed to a lumped, small‐scale noise term. This article addresses this challenge by developing an adversarially robust BO (ARBO) method that is particularly suited to auto‐tuning problems with significant time‐invariant uncertainties in an expensive system model used for closed‐loop simulations. ARBO relies on a Gaussian process model that jointly describes the effect of the tuning parameters and uncertainties on the closed‐loop performance. From this joint Gaussian process model, ARBO uses an alternating confidence‐bound procedure to simultaneously select the next candidate tuning and uncertainty realizations, implying only one expensive closed‐loop simulation is needed at each iteration. The advantages of ARBO are demonstrated on two case studies, including an illustrative problem and auto‐tuning of a nonlinear model predictive controller using a benchmark bioreactor problem.
Robust and Scalable Synthesis of Soai Aldehydes via Improved Barbier‐type Halogen−lithium Exchange
Authors: Kenny Ryan T. , Liu Fei
Published: January 2022

A robust synthesis of Soai‐type pyrimidine aldehydes proceeds in good to high yields by controlled formation and quenching of a lithiated pyrimidine intermediate. The alkyne‐substituted bromopyrimidine, furnished by Sonogashira cross‐coupling, underwent a Barbier‐type halogen‐lithium exchange to form a transient pyrimidinyl lithium species. The rate of n‐BuLi addition was optimized to better synchronize with the addition to ethyl formate, in order to achieve consistently high yields of 2‐alkylpyrimdinecarboxaldehydes for use in autocatalysis or as functionalized synthons.
Screening of spinning oils for melt‐spun lignin‐based carbon fiber precursors
Authors: Enengl Christina , Lone Shaukat Ali , Unterweger Christoph , Fürst Christian
Published: January 2022

For the improvement of the processing of melt‐spun lignin‐based fibers, the use of a spinning oil is necessary. The use of spinning oils is standard for the processing of PAN based carbon fiber precursors. Since no commercial spinning preparations for lignin fibers are available on the market, a study on different oils, such as technical oils, food‐grade oils or spinning avivages, is performed. A stepwise approach with applied tests (viscosity measurement, fiber etching, melt‐spinning, stabilization, carbonization) was developed to eliminate oils which are not suitable. The physical properties of the tested oils are determined and spectroscopic studies of these avivages are performed. Mechanical properties are characterized for as‐spun lignin fibers, stabilized lignin‐based fibers and lignin‐based carbon fibers with and without a spinning preparation. Four of seven tested spinning oils improve the handling during the processing of lignin‐based fibers but only two spinning oils lead to good quality carbon fibers and improve even the tensile strength of the resulting carbon fibers.
Soft‐sensors application for automated feeding control in high‐throughput mammalian cell cultures
Authors: Martínez‐Monge Iván , Martínez Carlos , Decker Marianne , Udugama Isuru A. , Marín de Mas Igor , Gernaey Krist V. , Nielsen Lars K.
Published: January 2022

The ever‐increasing demand for biopharmaceuticals has created the need for improving the overall productivity of culture processes. One such operational concept that is considered is fed‐batch operations as opposed to batch operations. However, optimal fed‐batch operations require complete knowledge of the cell culture to optimize the culture conditions and the nutrients feeding. For example, when using high‐throughput small‐scale bioreactors to test multiple clones that do not behave the same, depletion or overfeeding of some key components can occur if the feeding strategy is not individually optimized. Over the recent years, various solutions for real‐time measuring of the main cell culture metabolites have been proposed. Still, the complexity in the implementation of these techniques has limited their use. Soft‐sensors present an opportunity to overcome these limitations by indirectly estimating these variables in real‐time. This manuscript details the development of a new soft‐sensor‐based fed‐batch strategy to maintain substrate concentration (glucose and glutamine) at optimal levels in small‐scale multiparallel Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells cultures. Two alternatives to the standard feeding strategy were tested: an OUR soft‐sensor‐based strategy for glucose and glutamine (Strategy 1) and a dual OUR for glutamine and CO2/alkali addition for glucose soft‐sensor strategy (Strategy 2). The results demonstrated the applicability of the OUR soft‐sensor‐based strategy to optimize glucose and glutamine feedings, which yielded a 21% increase in final viable cell density (VCD) and a 31% in erythropoietin titer compared with the reference one. However, CO2/alkali addition soft‐sensor suffered from insufficient data to relate alkali addition with glucose consumption. As a result, the culture was overfed with glucose resulting in a 4% increase on final VCD, but a 9% decrease in final titer compared with the Reference Strategy.
A naphthol‐based fluorescence turn‐on sensor for detecting Ga(III) and its application to test strips
Authors: Jung Sumin , Lee Jae Jun , Kim Cheal
Published: January 2022

A new naphthol‐based chemosensor NPN ((E)‐2‐(((2‐hydroxynaphthalen‐1‐ylmethylene)amino)isoindoline‐1,3‐dione) was synthesized. NPN could sense Ga3+ by a fluorescence “turn‐on” method from colorless to blue. Detection limit for Ga3+ by NPN was determined to be 0.26 μM. The sensing mode of NPN and Ga3+ turned out to be a 1:1. NPN could also be successfully applied to visible fluorescent test strips. The sensing process of Ga3+ by NPN was illustrated through 1H NMR titration, Job plot, ESI‐MS, and DFT calculations.
Multifunctional inorganic nanomaterials for cancer photoimmunotherapy
Authors: Tang Lu , Zhang Aining , Zhang Ziyao , Zhao Qingqing , Li Jing , Mei Yijun , Yin Yue , Wang Wei
Published: January 2022

Phototherapy and immunotherapy in combination is regarded as the ideal therapeutic modality to treat both primary and metastatic tumors. Immunotherapy uses different immunological approaches to stimulate the immune system to identify tumor cells for targeted elimination. Phototherapy destroys the primary tumors by light irradiation, which induces a series of immune responses through triggering immunogenic cancer cell death. Therefore, when integrating immunotherapy with phototherapy, a novel anti‐cancer strategy called photoimmunotherapy (PIT) is emerging. This synergistic treatment modality can not only enhance the effectiveness of both therapies but also overcome their inherent limitations, opening a new era for the current anti‐cancer therapy. Recently, the advancement of nanomaterials affords a platform for PIT. From all these nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials stand out as ideal mediators in PIT due to their unique physiochemical properties. Inorganic nanomaterials can not only serve as carriers to transport immunomodulatory agents in immunotherapy owing to their excellent drug‐loading capacity but also function as photothermal agents or photosensitizers in phototherapy because of their great optical characteristics. In this review, the recent advances of multifunctional inorganic nanomaterial‐mediated drug delivery and their contributions to cancer PIT will be highlighted.
Phytochemical Contents of Different Parts of the Seeded Raisins from the South‐East Anatolia: Enzyme Inhibitory Potential of Pulp Extracts
Authors: Karatas Dilek Degirmenci , Oz Veysi , Yener Ismail , Akdeniz Mehmet , Erek Figen , Aydin Isıl , Yigitkan Serkan , Yılmaz Mustafa Abdullah , Ertas Abdulselam
Published: January 2022

In this study, some phytochemical properties of six seeded raisin species that are mainly cultivated in Southeastern Anatolia were investigated. Additionally, some physical and quality characteristics, phenolic contents (by LC‐MS/MS; Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass/Mass Spectrometer System), anticholinesterase, and antioxidant capacities (DPPH; 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free‐radical scavenging, ABTS; 2,2‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid cation‐radical scavenging activity and CUPRAC; cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) of the cultivars were investigated on ground raisins. In all three methods, the antioxidant activity values of seed extracts were determined to be higher than those of leaf and pulp extracts. Remarkably, the seed extract of Banazı Siyahı showed the highest antioxidant activity in ABTS (IC50: 4.35±0.02 μg/mL), DPPH (IC50: 10.78±0.78 μg/mL), and CUPRAC (A0.5: 9.33±0.45 μg/mL) methods. Additionally, the ethanol extracts of all pulp samples showed higher anticholinesterase activity against acetyl‐(AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes than galantamine. According to the LC‐MS/MS results, catechin (21.362 mg analyte/g extract) and epicatechin (44.667 mg analyte/g extract) found to be quite rich in Kerküş seed extract and isoquercitrin (116.873 mg analyte/g extract) and astragalin (31.915 mg analyte/g extract) detected to be quite rich in Banazı Siyahı leaf extract. Considering the mineral content of the varieties and the soil samples they grow in, all of the grape varieties analyzed in the study was found to be rich. Based on these findings, it might be suggested that Banazı Siyahı and Kerküş varieties have potential to be utilized in pharmaceutical and food industries, due to their contents of catechins, isoquercitrin and astragalin.
Morphological Perspective on Energy Storage Behavior of Cobalt Vanadium Oxide
Authors: Nanthagopal Murugan , Santhoshkumar P. , Ho Chang Won , Shaji Nitheesha , Sim Gyu Sang , Lee Chang Woo
Published: January 2022

Currently available graphitic‐based anodes for lithium‐ion storage do not meet the present‐day energy requirements. Concerning the upcoming energy demands, it is necessary to discover high‐performance anode materials that are suitable for lithium‐ion energy storage systems. Herein, a CoV2O6 (cobalt vanadium oxide, cobalt vanadate denoted as CV) anode material using a simple solvothermal technique is synthesized. Furthermore, the effects of modifying the molar concentration of the precursor materials are investigated. Interestingly, there is no change in the crystal structure, but there is a morphological evolution in the materials. Due to the morphological variations, the electrochemical performances vary significantly. Among the synthesized materials, the CV‐2 compound performs the best, exhibiting excellent performance for lithium‐ion batteries as an anode. At the end of 500 cycles, the material delivers a specific discharge capacity of 391.03 mAh g−1 with a current density of 500 mA g−1.
Electrocarboxylation of Spiropyran Switches through Carbon‐Bromide Bond Cleavage Reaction
Authors: Santiago Sara , Richart Clara , Mena Silvia , Gallardo Iluminada , Hernando Jordi , Guirado Gonzalo
Published: January 2022

This manuscript deals with carbon capture and utilization to synthetize high‐added chemicals using CO2 as a C1‐organic building block for C−C bond formation. The study focuses on the electrocarboxylation of 1,3,3‐trimethylindolino‐6′‐bromobenzopyrylospiran switch (Br‐BIPS). Prior to the electrocarboxylation process, the electrochemical reduction mechanism of Br‐BIPS and CO2 is disclosed in polar aprotic solvents using two different cathodes (glassy carbon and silver) under nitrogen atmosphere. Once the role of the cathode in the reduction carbon‐bromide bond cleavage is understood, carboxylated spiropyran derivatives can be synthesized in moderate yields and conversion rates through an electrocarboxylation process using CO2 silver cathode and polar aprotic solvents. The “green” efficient route described in the current work would open a new sustainable strategy for designing and building “smart” surfaces with switchable physical properties.
Effect of pendant stereostructure on backbone conformation and enantioseparation ability of helical polyacetylene‐based chiral stationary phases
Authors: Shi Ge , Li Yue , Dai Xiao , Shen Jun , Wan Xinhua
Published: January 2022

Six proline‐derived acetylene monomers bearing either two stereocenters (S‐mR, S‐mS, R‐mS, Rac‐mS and S‐mRac) or one stereocenter (S‐mBn) were obtained from commercially available N‐(tert‐butoxycarbonyl)‐prolinal. Under the catalysis of Rh‐diene complex, they were converted to the corresponding optically active helical polymers, S‐pR, S‐pS, R‐pS, Rac‐pS, S‐pRac, and S‐pBn. The correlations between configuration and position of stereocenters in pendants with the polymer conformation as well as chiral resolution performance were systematically explored by a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Raman, UV–Vis absorption, electronic/vibration circular dichroism spectroscopies, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and computational simulation. The configuration of the stereocenter adjacent to polymer mainchain determined the sense of helical conformation and the elution order of analytes, while that of the remote one affected the arrangement of pendants and the scope of analytes that could be discriminated. Among 18 aromatic analytes selected, S‐pR could discriminate 10, while S‐pS recognized 12. The racemization of adjacent or remote stereocenters greatly reduced the scope of analytes that could be resolved. Based on computer simulations, S‐pS had larger recognition space than S‐pR, favoring the steric fit with the racemates containing axial chirality. The strength and number of intermolecular hydrogen bondings between enantiomers and CSPs predominantly determined the chiral discrimination.
Ventricular repolarization heterogeneity in patients with COVID‐19: Original data, systematic review, and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mahmoudi Elham , Mollazadeh Reza , Mansouri Pejman , Keykhaei Mohammad , Mirshafiee Shayan , Hedayat Behnam , Salarifar Mojtaba , Yuyun Matthew F. , Yarmohammadi Hirad
Published: January 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) has been associated with an increased risk of acute cardiac events. However, the effect of COVID‐19 on repolarization heterogeneity is not yet established. In this study, we evaluated electrocardiogram (ECG) markers of repolarization heterogeneity in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19. In addition, we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the published studies.

Methods

QT dispersion (QTd), the interval between T wave peak to T wave end (TpTe), TpTe/QT (with and without correction), QRS width, and the index of cardio‐electrophysiological balance (iCEB) were calculated in 101 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients and it was compared with 101 non‐COVID‐19 matched controls. A systematic review was performed in four databases and meta‐analysis was conducted using Stata software.

Results

Tp‐Te, TpTe/QT, QRS width, and iCEB were significantly increased in COVID‐19 patients compared with controls (TpTe = 82.89 vs. 75.33 ms (ms), p‐value = .005; TpTe/QT = 0.217 vs. 0.203 ms, p‐value = .026). After a meta‐analysis of 679 COVID‐19 cases and 526 controls from 9 studies, TpTe interval, TpTe/QT, and TpTe/QTc ratios were significantly increased in COVID‐19 patients. Meta‐regression analysis moderated by age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and smoking reduced the heterogeneity. QTd showed no significant correlation with COVID‐19.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 adversely influences the ECG markers of transmural heterogeneity of repolarization. Studies evaluating the predictive value of these ECG markers are warranted to determine their clinical utility.
Antiparasitic Derivatives of the Furoquinoline Alkaloids Kokusaginine And Flindersiamine
Authors: Belén Valdez María , Bernal Giménez Diana María , Fernández Lucía Raquel , Musikant Alejandro Daniel , Ferri Gabriel , Sáenz Daniel , Di Venosa Gabriela , Casas Adriana , Avigliano Esteban , Edreira Martín Miguel , Palermo Jorge Alejandro
Published: January 2022

We report the synthesis of 16 new compounds obtained from kokusaginine and flindersiamine, the main alkaloids isolated from the bark of Balfourodendron riedelianum. The activity of the compounds against axenic cultures of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigtotes and trypomastigotes, as well as intracellular amastigotes, is described, together with their cytotoxic activity against three different human cell lines. The synthetic strategy for the preparation of the new compounds was based on the reactivity at the C4 position of the furoquinoline core towards nucleophiles. The new derivatives were synthesized by a Buchwald‐Hartwig reaction, in most cases under green, solvent‐free conditions. Compounds 1 c and 1 e displayed better in‐vitro activity against trypomastigotes than benznidazole and nifurtimox (positive controls) with IC50<4 μM. In addition, both compounds were not cytotoxic against the three human cell lines K562 (erytroleukimia), LM2 (breast cancer), and HaCat (keratinocyte). Interestingly, when evaluated against intracellular amastigotes, compound 1 c was able to significantly reduce the number of this parasite form, compared to the negative control.
Psychological distress and associated additional medical expenditures in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors
Authors: Abdelhadi Ola A. , Pollock Brad H. , Joseph Jill G. , Keegan Theresa H. M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors experience psychological distress often because of cancer and its treatment. However, no prior studies have evaluated the additional medical expenditures and health care utilization associated with psychological distress in AYA cancer survivors.

Methods

AYA cancer survivors and a comparison matched group of adults with no history of cancer were identified from 2011‐2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data. Medical expenditures and health care utilization were evaluated with multivariable regression models.

Results

AYA cancer survivors were more likely to have psychological distress (11.5% of 1757) than adults with no history of cancer (5.8% of 5227). The prevalence of psychological distress was found to be high many years after the diagnosis, with 11.2% reporting distress ≥20 years after their cancer diagnosis. AYA cancer survivors with psychological distress were more likely to smoke and have chronic conditions and were less likely to exercise regularly in comparison with AYAs with no history of psychological distress. AYA cancer survivors with psychological distress had additional annual medical expenses ($4415; 95% CI, $993‐$9690), office visits (2.80; 95% CI, 0.23‐6.15), and use of prescription medications/medication renewals (11.58; 95% CI, 5.70‐19.47) in comparison with AYA cancer survivors without psychological distress. Additional annual medical expenses of psychological distress were $2600 higher in AYA cancer survivors than adults without a history of cancer ($1802; 95% CI, $440‐$3791).

Conclusions

These results highlight the substantial economic burden associated with psychological distress in AYA cancer survivors. This research could inform survivorship care plans and interventions addressing the psychological needs of AYA cancer survivors.
Periodontal disease prevalence, extent, and risk associations in untreated individuals
Authors: Alawaji Yasmine N. , Alshammari Abdulsalam , Mostafa Nesrine , Carvalho Ricardo M. , Aleksejuniene Jolanta
Published: January 2022

Objectives

to examine the prevalence, extent, and risk associations of untreated periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

A purposive sample of subjects who were never treated for periodontal conditions was clinically examined after collecting information about their sociodemographic characteristics, medical conditions, oral health behaviors, perceived stress, and perceived social support.

Results

A total of 431 subjects were recruited (response rate, 97.0%), and their mean age (SD) was 35.4 (13.3) years. Overall, high plaque levels were observed in all untreated individuals. The prevalence of periodontitis and severe (stage III/IV) periodontitis using the American Academy of Periodontology and European Federation of Periodontology (AAP/EFP) classification were 85.4% and 48.5%, respectively. The prevalence of moderate‐severe and severe periodontitis using the definitions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and AAP were 78.4% and 31.1%, respectively. The extent of periodontitis expressed as mean% of clinical attachment loss (CAL) ≥ 3 mm and CAL ≥ 5 mm were 34.9% and 14.4%, respectively, while the mean% of a periodontal probing depth (PPD) ≥4 mm and PPD ≥6 mm were 22.0% and 9.2%, respectively. Risk determinants associated with AAP/EFP periodontitis after the adjustment for other variables were age ≥35 years (odds ratio [OR] = 11.5) and lower income (OR = 2.5). Adjusted risk associations with stage II/IV periodontitis included age ≥35 years (OR = 8.2), males (OR = 2.5), lower income (OR = 2.3), and lower perceived stress (OR = 2.0). Adjusted risk associations with CDC/AAP moderate‐severe periodontitis included age ≥35 years (OR = 12.0), lower income (OR = 2.1), and current cigarette smoking (OR = 4.2). Adjusted risk associations with CDC/AAP severe periodontitis included age ≥35 years (OR = 4.5), males (OR = 1.9), lower education (OR = 2.0), lower income (OR = 1.7), uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.0), and current cigarette smoking (OR = 2.3).

Conclusions

The prevalence and extent of periodontitis were high in untreated subjects. Risk associations with untreated periodontitis included age ≥35 years, males, lower income, lower education, current cigarette smoking, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and lower perceived stress.