bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Lead, Cadmium and Nickel Contamination in Lactuca Sativa Cultivated in Savadkooh Region, Iran
Authors: Azadeh Gharibi, , Nazanin Khakipour,
Published: July 2021

Aims: To investigate the level of heavy metal contamination in the lettuce cultivated in

Place: Savadkooh County in Mazandaran, Iran.

Methodology: five samples were taken from the lettuce produced in this area and also from the soils in which they were cultivated, and the concentrations of Nickel, Lead, and Cadmium were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the measured data. Data analysis was performed by SPSS ver.16 at the 0.05 significance level.

Results: The highest lead concentration, 0.07ppm, was observed in the sample No. 5 (Lettuce 5), the highest cadmium concentration, 0.008ppm, was measured in the sample No. 2 (Lettuce 2), and the highest nickel concentration, 0.07ppm, was observed in the samples No. 1 and 4 (Lettuce 1 and Lettuce 4).

Conclusion: The results of this study show that while all the lettuces cultivated in the Savadkooh region contain some amounts of nickel, cadmium, and lead, these amounts are much lower than the limits specified in Iran’s national standard, and therefore these products are perfectly safe to consume. Also, the concentration of each heavy metal in the lettuces was found to be directly correlated with the corresponding concentration in the soil in which they were grown, indicating that the heavy metal content of the products increases with the increasing heavy metal content of the soil.
Bacteriological, Chemical and Soil Enzyme Activity Profile of Coastal Wetland Soils Exposed to Crude Oil Exploration in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: John Ofonime U. M. , Eduok Samuel I. , Nwaugo Victor O. , Onyeagba Reginald A.
Published: July 2021

Coastal wetland soils exposed to crude oil exploration activities were assessed using microbiological and chemical procedures in the wet and dry seasons. The bacteria isolated from the impacted wetland soils included species of the genera Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Citrobacter, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Cellulomonas, Flavobacterium, Micrococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Sarcina, Serratia and Staphylococcus. In addition, species of the genera Nitrobacter, Nitrosomonas and Rhizobium were isolated from the non-impacted soils. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts (THBC) in the wet and dry seasons ranged from 7.1 ± 0.4 to 8.6 ± 0.2 Log₁₀CFU g‾¹ and 3.7± 0.04 to 5.4 ± 0.1 Log₁₀CFU g‾¹ for the control and impacted soils respectively. The counts in control was 1.6 to 1.9 times higher than the impacted soil and the difference was significant at p = 0.05. The nitrifying bacteria (NB) associated with the impacted soil were the most adversely affected. There was 2.11 to 139 times higher concentration of the different heavy metals in the impacted soil than the control and 1.13 to 1.26 x 104 times higher Total petroleum hydrocarbon in the impacted soils in both seasons and these differences were significant (p = 0.05). Dehydrogenase activity was 2.8 to 3.1 times higher in the control soils compared to the impacted soil whereas Phenol oxidase was 15.14 to 15.75 times higher in the impacted soils in both seasons. This study indicates that Exploration and Production activitiesi in the coastal wetlands if not carried out according to specified guidelines by the environmental control agencies can result in the reduction of beneficial soil bacterial population and diversity, high concentrations of heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbon and decreased dehydrogenase activity at impacted explored wetland site. It also revealed non-impacted regions of this explored wetlands not within oil pipe-line routes are fit for agricultural use.
Performance of Active Clamp and Interleaved Active Clamp Fly back DC-DC Converters for PV Systems
Authors: Elsobky Noorhan E. , Ashraf Yasmine , Hamouda Mostafa A. , Sabry Mohamed , Kaddah Sahar S. , Badr Basem M.
Published: July 2021

The Flyback converter topology is a well-known and widely used for AC-DC and DC-DC power converters that cover a broad-spectrum including switching power supplies, photovoltaic (PV) system, electric cars, and fuel cell-based generation systems, and among other applications. In this work, Active Clamp Flyback (ACF) and Interleaved Active Clamp (IACF) converters are designed and simulated for the use of DC-DC converters of PV system applications. Two control systems are used to control the output voltage of the DC-DC converters for various PV conditions, which are PID (proportional integral derivatives) and FLC (fuzzy logic controller). MATLAB/SIMULINK is used to model and simulate the proposed system, where the proposed control systems are developed to regulate the output voltage for the load requirements. The simulation results of the proposed PV systems indicate that the output voltage stabilizes effectively to the required voltage (24 V) for various loads/applications while the input voltage (output from the solar panel) to the converters is varying regrading to different sun radiation levels and other parameters. The efficiency of ACF and IACF converters are found to be 88% and 90%, respectively.
Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with Low-Birth-Weight Neonates in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Hadia Rajesh , Gandhi Riya , Dave Padmja , Patel Niyati , Joshi Dhaval , Rathod Trupal , Rasania Manish , Rajput Hemraj Singh
Published: July 2021

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is still a significant public health problem globally and is associated with a range of both short- and long-term consequences. Overall, it is estimated that 15% to 20% of all births worldwide are low birth weight, representing more than 20 million births a year.

Objective: We aimed the study to assess the risk factors associated with low-birth-weight neonates in a rural tertiary care hospital.

Methodology: A prospective observational Case-Control Study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dhiraj Hospital, Vadodara with the sample of 240 women who were admitted for the delivery. The patient interview was done based on the questionnaires (Proforma).

Results: Area of residence, Parent's education, Anaemia among pregnant women, Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) less than 23 cm, Maternal age, and antenatal visits <4 were found as significant risk factors associated with low birth weight in the study. Study findings suggest that 91.3% of cases were from rural areas compared to 71% of controls from the same area. Similarly, Anaemia though prevalent in both case and control groups was seen as a significant predictor more in the case group. Other factors such as parity, spacing between babies, and consumption of drugs and alcohol by pregnant others were also recorded but were protective of LBW.

Conclusions: The study concluded that delay age of first pregnancy, lacking iron/folic acid supplementation, not taking nutritional food during pregnancy, anemia and other factors were independently associated with LBW.
Use of the Wearable Device in Telehealth during Covid-19
Authors: Chauhan Hinal Pankaj , Patil Kanchan
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the review is to find out the extend of wearable devices in the field of telehealth and other technologies used to implement telehealth, as this was the immediate solution to the COVID-19 pandemic for maintaining the social distance and also to treat the patients for disease or consult them, without the physical presence. In the research systematic literature review is being followed. Various databases like pubmed, medline and Google scholar is used to extract information for the list of papers downloaded. Screening based on filters was done removing papers other than English language and included only research papers, excluding articles editorial, etc. Also, some papers were added by snowballing technique while going further with the research. The review helps find some great telehealth technological findings, like wearable technologies and data accumulation. The research has been followed by 28 papers and focuses on the enablers of telehealth and the implication of wearable technologies in times of COVID-19. Originality: The independent search on telehealth and wearable technologies has been combined with reviewing this study and building the framework and the existing studies have been used for the review.
Eleições e cobertura jornalística de 2018 nas capas do jornal O Estado do Maranhão 2018 // Election and journalist coverage on the newspaper cover O Estado do Maranhão
Authors: Gadini Sergio Luiz , Borges Regilson Furtado
Published: July 2021

O artigo analisa a presença dos pré-candidatos ao governo do estado do Maranhão, por meio das chamadas na capa do jornal O Estado do Maranhão. O objetivo é identificar, durante os meses de março a julho de 2018, o tratamento que o diário dedica aos políticos que pretendem concorrer ao executivo estadual. Para tanto, adotou-se uma abordagem quantitativa para a análise de 131 capas do jornal no período mencionado, considerando apenas as chamadas que fazem menção aos nomes dos pré-candidatos ao pleito. Foram analisadas as categorias Tema da chamada; Formato das chamadas; Tema de campanha, e a valência. Os principais resultados do estudo mostram a presença de 222 chamadas de temas políticos e eleitorais, além de uma visibilidade significativa concedida apenas para alguns pré-candidatos.
Convergências e apaziguamentos na música pop: quando funk, axé music e sertanejo se encontram na linha evolutiva da MPB // Convergences and appeasement in pop music: when funk, axé music and sertanejo meet each other in the evolutionary line of MPB
Authors: Coração Cláudio Rodrigues , Vieira William David
Published: July 2021

Neste artigo, analisamos movimentos de entrada executados por determinados artistas de gêneros e cenas musicais distintos na chamada linha evolutiva da MPB . Tais ocorrências revelam tensões mercadológicas e de representatividade na fonografia brasileira e também o esvaziamento destas. Travamos metodologicamente nossa investigação partindo da concepção de pretensão à legitimidade cultural, acionada aqui como referência à conquista de espaço desses gêneros e cenas. Esclarecem esses movimentos de convergência e apaziguamento das tensões os videoclipes das canções Cheguei Pra Te Amar, com Ivete Sangalo e MC Livinho, Ta Tum Tum, com Simone & Simaria e Kevinho, e Sua Cara, com Major Lazer, Anitta e Pabllo Vittar.
Rational Design of Single‐Atom Site Electrocatalysts: From Theoretical Understandings to Practical Applications
Authors: Wang Yao , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: July 2021

Atomically dispersed metal‐based electrocatalysts have attracted increasing attention due to their nearly 100% atomic utilization and excellent catalytic performance. However, current fundamental comprehension and summaries to reveal the underlying relationship between single‐atom site electrocatalysts (SACs) and corresponding catalytic application are rarely reported. Herein, the fundamental understandings and intrinsic mechanisms underlying SACs and corresponding electrocatalytic applications are systemically summarized. Different preparation strategies are presented to reveal the synthetic strategies with engineering the well‐defined SACs on the basis of theoretical principle (size effect, metal–support interactions, electronic structure effect, and coordination environment effect). Then, an overview of the electrocatalytic applications is presented, including oxygen reduction reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxidation of small organic molecules, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, and nitrogen reduction reaction. The underlying structure–performance relationship between SACs and electrocatalytic reactions is also discussed in depth to expound the enhancement mechanisms. Finally, a summary is provided and a perspective supplied to demonstrate the current challenges and opportunities for rational designing, synthesizing, and modulating the advanced SACs toward electrocatalytic reactions.
Recent Progress in External‐Stimulus‐Responsive 2D Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: She Pengfei , Qin Yanyan , Wang Xiang , Zhang Qichun
Published: July 2021

Recently, smart 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs), combining the advantages of both inherent structure features and functional building blocks, have been demonstrated to show reversible changes in conformation, color, and luminescence in response to external stimuli. This review provides a summary on the recent progress of 2D COFs that are responsive to external stimuli such as metal ions, gas molecules, pH values, temperature, electricity, light, etc. Moreover, the responsive mechanisms and design strategies, along with the applications of these stimulus‐responsive 2D COFs in chemical sensors and photoelectronic devices are also discussed. It is believed that this review would provide some guidelines for designing novel single‐/multistimulus‐responsive 2D COFs with controllable responsive behaviors for advanced photoelectronic applications.
Integrating Single Atoms with Different Microenvironments into One Porous Organic Polymer for Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Dong Xiao‐Yu , Si Ya‐Nan , Wang Qian‐You , Wang Shan , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: July 2021

The precise identification of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) activity and boosting their efficiency toward CO2 conversion is imperative yet quite challenging. Herein, for the first time a series of porous organic polymers is designed and prepared simultaneously, containing well‐defined M–N4 and M–N2O2 single‐atom sites. Such a strategy not only offers multiactive sites to promote the catalytic efficiency but also provides a more direct chance to identify the metal center activity. The CO2 photoreduction results indicate that the introduction of salphen unit with Ni–N2O2 catalytic centers into pristine phthalocyanine‐based Ni–N4 framework achieves remarkable CO generation ability (7.77 mmol g–1) with a high selectivity of 96% over H2. In combination with control experiments, as well as theoretical studies, the Ni–N2O2 moiety is evidenced as a more active site for CO2RR compared with the traditional Ni–N4 moiety, which can be ascribed to the M–N2O2 active sites effectively reducing the energy barrier, facilitating the adsorption of reaction radicals *COOH, and improving the charge transportation. This work might shed some light on designing more efficient SACs toward CO2 reduction through modification of their coordination environments.
Toward the Burgeoning Optical Sensors with Ultra‐Precision Hierarchical Structures Inspired by Butterflies
Authors: Xue Hao , Liu Delei , Chi Deqiang , Xu Conghao , Niu Shichao , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan
Published: July 2021

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the novel bioinspired sensors, especially for their selectivity, response time, and sensitivity. Particular attention is paid to the novel optical functional materials that are crucial for the sensors to achieve various energy transduction. Ideally, many critical parameters of the optical sensing materials can be appropriately tailored to meet various specific requirements using optimal design. Over a long and cruel evolution, nature's creatures have created a variety of photonic structures. One impressive example is the iridescent wings of butterfly. The natural photonic crystals on its surfaces have inspired diverse novel designs of optical functional sensing materials, especially in the past three years. Herein, this review mainly discusses recent advances of the burgeoning butterfly‐inspired sensing materials with optical properties that can be modulated in response to different external stimuli. First, their optical sensing performance to infrared radiation/thermal, vapor, liquid, pH, and so on are discussed in details. Then, the fabrication methods and their working mechanisms are also introduced. Furthermore, the general strategies of these emerging sensing materials and their potential applications are also discussed in‐depth as well as their limitations and the future challenges.
Construction of New Active Sites: Cu Substitution Enabled Surface Frustrated Lewis Pairs over Calcium Hydroxyapatite for CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Guo Jiuli , Liang Yan , Song Rui , Loh Joel Y. Y. , Kherani Nazir P. , Wang Wu , Kübel Christian , Dai Ying , Wang Lu , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: July 2021

Calcium hydroxyphosphate, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, is commonly known as hydroxyapatite (HAP). The acidic calcium and basic phosphate/hydroxide sites in HAP can be modified via isomorphous substitution of calcium and/or hydroxide ions to enable a cornucopia of catalyzed reactions. Herein, isomorphic substitution of Ca2+ ions by Cu2+ ions especially at very low levels of exchange created new analogs of molecular surface frustrated Lewis pairs (SFLPs) in CuxCa10−x(PO4)6(OH)2, thereby boosting its performance metrics in heterogeneous CO2 photocatalytic hydrogenation. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterization and density functional theory calculations provided fundamental insights into the catalytically active SFLPs defined as proximal Lewis acidic Cu2+ and Lewis basic OH−. The photocatalytic pathway proceeds through a formate reaction intermediate, which is generated by the reaction of CO2 with heterolytically dissociated H2 on the SFLPs. Given the wealth of information thus uncovered, it is highly likely that this work will spur the further development of similar classes of materials, leading to the advancement and, ultimately, large‐scale application of photocatalytic CO2 reduction technologies.
2D WS2: From Vapor Phase Synthesis to Device Applications
Authors: Lan Changyong , Li Chun , Ho Johnny C. , Liu Yong
Published: July 2021

The discovery of graphene has triggered the research on 2D layer structured materials. Among many 2D materials, semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are widely considered to be the most promising ones due to their excellent electrical and optoelectronic characteristics. Tungsten disulfide (WS2) is a kind of such TMDs with fascinating properties, such as the high carrier mobility, appropriate band gap, strong light–matter interaction with the large light absorption coefficient, very large exciton binding energy, large spin splitting, and polarized light emission. All these interesting properties can make the 2D WS2 being highly favorable for applications in memristors, light‐emitting devices, optical modulators, and many others. Here, the comprehensive review on the properties, vapor phase synthesis, electronic and optoelectronic applications of 2D WS2 is presented. This review does not only serve as a design guideline to elevate the material quality of 2D WS2 films via enhanced synthesis approaches, but also provides valuable insights to various strategies to improve their device performances. With the fast development of wafer‐scale synthesis methods and novel device structures, 2D WS2 can undoubtedly be a rising star for the next‐generation devices in the near future.
Experimental study of a liquid film flowing over a perforation
Authors: Iyer Manasa , Casalinho Joel , Seiwert Jacopo , Wattiau Mikael , Duval Hervé
Published: July 2021

Perforations are one of the recognized geometrical features that contribute to liquid redistribution in corrugated sheet packings. Our experimental study focuses on a simplified but relevant configuration: a thin liquid film flowing on either side of a vertical plate with a circular perforation. We focus on the curtain mode when the liquid fills the perforation. Confocal chromatic imaging reveals a capillary ridge upstream of the perforation, an inertial ridge downstream, and a varicose capillary wave standing on the liquid curtain. We show that the wavelength is selected such that the velocity of the wave both satisfies Taylor's dispersion relation and matches the curtain local speed. We examine the effect of perforation size, supply conditions, and liquid properties on the curtain transition. Lastly, we propose a simple model based on a momentum balance that describes the effect of these parameters on the Reynolds number at which curtain forms.
Expanding the Occurrence of Polysaccharides to the Viral World: The Case of Mimivirus
Authors: Notaro Anna , Couté Yohann , Belmudes Lucid , Laugieri Maria Elena , Salis Annalisa , Damonte Gianluca , Molinaro Antonio , Tonetti Michela G. , Abergel Chantal , De Castro Cristina
Published: July 2021

The general perception of viruses is that they are small in terms of size and genome, and that they hijack the host machinery to glycosylate their capsid. Giant viruses subvert all these concepts: their particles are not small, and their genome is more complex than that of some bacteria. Regarding glycosylation, this concept has been already challenged by the finding that Chloroviruses have an autonomous glycosylation machinery that produces oligosaccharides similar in size to those of small viruses (6–12 units), albeit different in structure compared to the viral counterparts. We report herein that Mimivirus possesses a glycocalyx made of two different polysaccharides, now challenging the concept that all viruses coat their capsids with oligosaccharides of discrete size. This discovery contradicts the paradigm that such macromolecules are absent in viruses, blurring the boundaries between giant viruses and the cellular world and opening new avenues in the field of viral glycobiology.
A Covalent Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Superlattice Covered with Organic Functional Groups for Highly Sensitive and Selective Gas Sensing
Authors: Wen Yingyi , Wang Guan‐E , Jiang Xiaoming , Ye Xiaoliang , Li Wenhua , Xu Gang
Published: July 2021

Organic–inorganic hybrid superlattices (OIHSLs) hold attractive physical and chemical properties, while the construction of single‐crystal covalent OIHSLs has not been achieved. Herein a coordination assembly strategy was proposed to create a single‐crystal covalent OIHSL PbBDT (BDT=1,4‐benzenedithiolate), where layered [PbS2] sublattice covalently connects with benzene sublattice. The covalent bonding offers better thermo‐/chemi‐stability, inter‐sublattice electron transport, and unique organic‐group‐functionalized surface, which may enable better performances in chemical applications than non‐covalent OIHSL. These features endow PbBDT with the highest sensitivity, the lowest detection limit and excellent selectivity towards NO2 at room temperature among all chemiresistive gas‐sensing materials with reported response time less than 2 min without the need of light assistance.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Markovnikov Hydroxycarbonylation and Hydroalkoxycarbonylation of Vinyl Arenes: Synthesis of 2‐Arylpropanoic Acids
Authors: Yao Ya‐Hong , Zou Xian‐Jin , Wang Yuan , Yang Hui‐Yi , Ren Zhi‐Hui , Guan Zheng‐Hui
Published: July 2021

Asymmetric hydroxycarbonylation is one of the most fundamental yet challenging methods for the synthesis of carboxylic acids. Herein, we reported the development of a palladium‐catalyzed highly enantioselective Markovnikov hydroxycarbonylation of vinyl arenes with CO and water. A monodentate phosphoramidite ligand L6 plays vital role in the reaction. The reaction tolerates a range of functional groups, and provides a facile and atom‐economical approach to an array of 2‐arylpropanoic acids including several commonly used non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. The catalytic system has also enabled an asymmetric Markovnikov hydroalkoxycarbonylation of vinyl arenes with alcohols to afford 2‐arylpropanates. Mechanistic investigations suggested that the hydropalladation is irreversible and is the regio‐ and enantiodetermining step, while hydrolysis/alcoholysis is probably the rate‐limiting step.
Molecular Engineering on MoS2 Enables Large Interlayers and Unlocked Basal Planes for High‐Performance Aqueous Zn‐Ion Storage
Authors: Li Shengwei , Liu Yongchang , Zhao Xudong , Cui Kaixuan , Shen Qiuyu , Li Ping , Qu Xuanhui , Jiao Lifang
Published: July 2021

Aqueous Zn‐storage behaviors of MoS2‐based cathodes mainly rely on the ion‐(de)intercalation at edge sites but are limited by the inactive basal plane. Herein, an in‐situ molecular engineering strategy in terms of structure defects manufacturing and O‐doping is proposed for MoS2 (designated as D‐MoS2‐O) to unlock the inert basal plane, expand the interlayer spacing (from 6.2 to 9.6 Å), and produce abundant 1T‐phase. The tailored D‐MoS2‐O with excellent hydrophilicity and high conductivity allows the 3D Zn2+ transport along both the ab plane and c‐axis, thus achieving the exceptional high rate capability. Zn2+ diffusion through the basal plane is verified by DFT computations. As a proof of concept, the wearable quasi‐solid‐state rechargeable Zn battery employing the D‐MoS2‐O cathode operates stably even under severe bending conditions, showing great application prospects. This work opens a new window for designing high‐performance layered cathode materials for aqueous Zn‐ion batteries.
Sequential Pd0‐ and PdII‐Catalyzed Cyclizations: Enantioselective Heck and Nucleopalladation Reactions
Authors: Whyte Andrew , Bajohr Jonathan , Arora Ramon , Torelli Alexa , Lautens Mark
Published: July 2021

An enantioselective consecutive cyclization/coupling process, catalyzed by palladium is reported. Stereoinduction arises from an enantioselective carbopalladation, generating an intermediate which promotes a nucleopalladation step. The dual cyclization sequence was compatible with a variety of alkyne‐tethered oxygen‐ and nitrogen‐centered nucleophiles, and a variety of alkenyl‐tethered aryl iodides, to forge numerous bisheterocycles in good yields and high regio‐ and enantioselectivities.
Hind foot drumming: Myosin heavy chain muscle fiber distribution in the hind limb muscles of three African mole‐rat species (Bathyergidae)
Authors: Sahd Lauren , Doubell Narusa , Bennett Nigel C. , Kotzé Sanet H.
Published: July 2021

Hind foot drumming as a form of seismic signaling plays a pivotal role in the communication of various mammalian species including Bathyergidae (African mole‐rats). The aim of the present study was to histologically determine if the action of hind foot drumming would influence the number of type II fibers present in the hind limb muscles of two drumming (Georychus capensis and Bathyergus suillus) and one non‐drumming (Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis) bathyergid species. Twenty‐one frozen muscles of each species were selected for the purpose of mid‐belly cryostat sections. These sections were immunohistochemically labeled for myosin heavy chain slow muscle fibers (MHCs). In addition, oxidative capacity was determined by means of histochemical staining. A high percentage of fast type II muscle fibers was found in all the functional muscle groups, although there were no statistical differences between the drumming and non‐drumming species. Bathyergus suillus had significantly fewer type II fibers in mm. semitendinosus, gluteofemoralis, tibialis cranialis, plantaris, and the medial head of m. gastrocnemius compared to the other two species. In all three species, the majority of the muscle fibers in all functional muscle groups demonstrated low oxidative capacity which correlated with the expression of type II muscle fibers. It therefore seems likely that the number of type II muscle fibers in the hind limb muscles of the Bathyergidae species studied here is more influenced by either body size or digging strategy rather than being an adaptation for hind foot drumming.
Metalated Porous Phenanthroline‐Based Polymers as Efficient Heterogeneous Catalysts for Regioselective C−H Activation of Heteroarenes
Authors: Tang Yongquan , Dai Zhifeng , Wang Sai , Chen Fang , Meng Xiangju , Xiao Feng‐Shou
Published: July 2021

Direct C−H bond activation of heterocycles as a step‐economical and environmentally friendly approach to build the heterobiaryls motifs is highly attractive, but it still has a challenge to design and prepare a cheap and regioselective heterogeneous catalyst. To tackle this challenge, we have introduced Ni species into a porous phenanthroline‐based organic polymer donated as POP‐Phen@Ni. This heterogeneous catalyst shows excellent catalytic performances in regioselective C−H activation of heterocycles, even better than those of the corresponding homogenous catalyst. H/D exchange experiments show that the lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS), a base added in the reaction, play a very important role during the reaction processes. We believe that this heterogeneous catalyst would open a new door for design of heterogeneous catalysts to efficiently catalyze the regioselective C−H activation of heterocycles.
Strengthening the CAR‐T cell therapeutic application using CRISPR/Cas9 technology
Authors: Sadeqi Nezhad Muhammad , Yazdanifar Mahboubeh , Abdollahpour‐Alitappeh Meghdad , Sattari Arash , Seifalian Alexander , Bagheri Nader
Published: July 2021

Adoptive cell immunotherapy with chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cell has brought a revolutionary means of treatment for aggressive diseases such as hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Over the last decade, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved five types of CAR‐T cell therapies for hematologic malignancies, including Idecabtagene vicleucel (Abecma), Lisocabtagene maraleucel (Breyanzi), Brexucabtagene autoleucel (Tecartus), Tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah), and Axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta). Despite outstanding results gained from different clinical trials, CAR‐T cell therapy is not free from side effects and toxicities, and needs careful investigations and improvements. Gene‐editing technology, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) system, has emerged as a promising tool to address some of the CAR‐T therapy hurdles. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, CAR expression as well as other cellular pathways can be modified in various ways to enhance CAR‐T cells antitumor function and persistence in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. CRISPR/Cas9 technology can also be used to decrease CAR‐T cell toxicities and side effects. Hereby, we discussed the practical challenges and hurdles related to the accuracy, efficiency, efficacy, safety, and delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to the genetically engineered‐T cells. Combining of these two state‐of‐the‐art technologies, CRISPR/Cas9 and CAR‐T cells, the field of oncology has an extraordinary opportunity to enter a new era of immunotherapy, which offers novel therapeutic options for different types of tumors.
Development and validation of a nomogram based on stromal score to predict progression‐free survival of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Tang Jiajia , Jiang Shitao , Gao Qiong , Xi Xuehua , Gao Luying , Zhao Ruina , Lai Xingjian , Zhang Bo , Jiang Yuxin
Published: July 2021

Background

Growing evidence has proved that stromal cells, as the critical component of tumor microenvironment (TME), are closely associated with tumor's progression. However, the model based on stromal score to predict progression‐free survival (PFS) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has not been developed. The study aimed at exploring the relation between stromal score and prognosis, then establishing a nomogram to predict PFS of patients with PTC.

Method

We obtained the stromal score and clinicopathological characteristics of PTC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Cox regression analysis assisted in selecting prognosis‐related factors. A stromal score‐based nomogram was built and verified in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration curve, concordance index (C‐index), decision curve analysis (DCA) as well as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve assisted in measuring the performance exhibited by the nomogram.

Results

We divided 381 PTC patients into the training cohort (n = 269) and the validation cohort (n = 112) randomly. Compared with patients who had a low stromal score, patients with a high stromal score appeared with significantly better PFS [Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.294, 0.130–0.664]. The C‐index of the PFS nomogram was 0.764 (0.662–0.866) in the training cohort and 0.717 (0.603–0.831) in the validation cohort. The calibration curves for PFS prediction in the nomogram were remarkably consistent with the actual observation. DCA indicated superior performance of the nomogram to predict PFS than the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) staging system. The ROC curves showed the favorable sensitivity and specificity of the novel nomogram.

Conclusion

High stromal score was significantly associated with improved PFS in patients with PTC. The nomogram based on the stromal score and clinicopathological patterns yielded a reliable performance to predict the prognosis of PTC.
Establishment of patient‐derived organotypic tumor spheroid models for tumor microenvironment modeling
Authors: Hong Hye Kyung , Yun Nak Hyeon , Jeong Ye‐Lin , Park Jeehun , Doh Junsang , Lee Woo Yong , Cho Yong Beom
Published: July 2021

Patient‐derived cancer models that reconstitute the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment may facilitate efforts in precision immune‐oncology and the discovery of effective anticancer therapies. Organoids that have recently emerged as robust preclinical models typically contain tumor epithelial cells and lack the native tumor immune microenvironment. A patient‐derived organotypic tumor spheroid (PDOTS) is a novel and innovative ex vivo system that retains key features of the native tumor immune microenvironment. Here, we established and characterized a series of colorectal cancer PDOTS models for use as a preclinical platform for testing effective immunotherapy and its combinations with other drugs. Partially dissociated (> 100 μm in diameter) tumor tissues were embedded in Matrigel‐containing organoid media and subsequently formed into organoid structures within 3 to 7 days of culture. The success rate of growing PDOTS from fresh tissues was ~86%. Morphological analysis showed that the PDOTSs varied in size and structure. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis revealed that the PDOTSs retained autologous tumor‐infiltrating lymphoid cells and tumor‐infiltrating lymphoid cells were continually decreased through serial passages. Notably, PDOTSs from tumors from a high‐level microsatellite instability‐harboring patient were sensitive to anti‐PD‐1 or anti‐PD‐L1 antibodies. Our results demonstrate that the PDOTS model in which the tumor immune microenvironment is preserved may represent an advantageous ex vivo system to develop effective immune therapeutics.
‘If I am not well, I can’t do sessions well’: An analysis of the narratives of Filipino Therapists during the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Ledesma Dana Angelica S. , Fernandez Karina Therese G.
Published: July 2021

Research is uncovering the repercussions of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental and emotional state of various populations around the world. It is of particular interest to this study to explore how the pandemic has affected psychologists conducting therapy with clients in distress during this time. A qualitative approach was used to analyse the narratives of eight Filipino psychologists who were living in community quarantine while conducting therapy from March to December 2020. The results revealed four chapters: (1) ‘thrown up in the air’, (2) struggling to find their footing, (3) gaining stability and (4) ‘finding new rhythm’. It was found that these psychologists suffered the emotional distress from the pandemic that many are experiencing around the world. They needed to first regain stability in their well‐being before being able to become effective helpers to their clients again. Moreover, they eventually found new purpose and growth in their practice. This study documented and discussed the journey of therapists in a shared traumatic reality, from first exposure to growth.
Combined leadership role brings benefits, challenges
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2021

Kristen Schuth serves in a unique combination of roles at Genesee Community College, where she's the Director of Athletics and the Assistant Vice President of Student Engagement and Inclusion. She had been serving as AD since 2013, but then two years ago she began straddling two worlds when she was promoted to Assistant VP. In this combined role, she's encountered some challenges, but she's also seen the campus community benefit in some unexpected ways.
Coronary microcirculation assessment using functional angiography: Development of a wire‐free method applicable to conventional coronary angiograms
Authors: Mejia‐Renteria Hernan , Lee Joo Myung , Choi Ki‐Hong , Lee Seung‐Hun , Wang Lin , Kakuta Tsunekazu , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Escaned Javier
Published: July 2021

Objectives

We aimed to develop a novel wire‐ and adenosine‐free microcirculatory resistive index from functional angiography (angio‐IMR) to estimate coronary microcirculatory resistance, and to investigate how this method can improve clinical interpretation of physiological stenosis assessment with quantitative flow ratio (QFR).

Background

Hyperemic index of coronary microcirculatory resistance (IMR) is a widely used tool to assess microcirculatory dysfunction. However, the need of dedicated intracoronary wire and hyperemia limits its adoption in clinical practice.

Methods

We performed our study in two separate stages: (1) development of a formula (angio‐IMR) to estimate IMR from resting angiograms and aortic pressure (Pa), and (2) validation of the method in a clinical population using invasively measured IMR as reference. Additionally, QFR diagnostic performance was assessed considering angio‐IMR values.

Results

We developed the formula: angio‐IMR = (Pa–[0.1*Pa])*QFR*e‐Tmn (where e‐Tmn is an estimation of hyperaemic mean transit time) and validated it in 115 vessels (104 patients). Angio‐IMR correlated well with IMR (Spearman's rho = 0.70, p < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, accuracy and area under the curve of angio‐IMR to predict IMR were 87.5% (73.2–95.8), 85.3% (75.3–92.4), 76.1% (64.5–84.8), 92.8% (84.9–96.7), 85% and 0.90 (0.83–0.95), respectively. False positive QFR measurements decreased from 19.5% to 8.5% when angio‐IMR was incorporated into the QFR interpretation workflow.

Conclusions

Estimation of IMR without physiology wire and adenosine is feasible. Coronary microcirculatory dysfunction causing high IMR can be ruled‐out with high confidence in vessels with low angio‐IMR. Awareness of angio‐IMR contributes to a better clinical interpretation of functional stenosis assessment with QFR.
Effect of Infrared Oxide Catalysts on Water Splitting for Green Energy
Authors: Mathew Sobin , Kim Chan Yang , Kim Min‐Kyun , Kim Kyung Chun , Chung Won Sub , Cho Young‐Rae
Published: July 2021

To achieve an efficient conversion of renewable energy sources through water splitting, low‐cost, efficient, and eco‐friendly catalysts are required for oxygen and hydrogen evolution. Herein, we demonstrate that infrared (IR) irradiating oxide catalysts improve the evolution efficiency of H2 and O2 gases by approximately 3.4 times that of the conventional method. This indicates that the IR oxide catalysts contribute to lowering the energy required to break the interatomic covalent bonds in the water molecule (H2O) through stretching and bending vibrations, thus facilitating the efficient evolution of H2 and O2 gases. A comparison between the IR oxide catalysts and a catalyst‐free 6 M KOH solution showed that the former requires a shorter duration (11 min) compared to the 37 min required by the catalyst‐free 6 M KOH solution for the evolution of 500 cc of O2 and H2 gases. For the system containing the IR oxide catalyst, the power consumption was 6 Wh for 1 L of H2 gas evolution, whereas the catalyst‐free system consumed 23 Wh of power. This four‐times lower power consumption, using the IR oxide catalyst indicates a promising method for the mass production of O2 and H2 gases. These results indicate that IR oxides can be used as an efficient and eco‐friendly thermal radiation catalyst for green hydrogen and renewable energy applications.
Double‐crop soybean management practices for high yield and profitability
Authors: Rod Katherine S. , Bradley Carl A. , Shockley Jordan , Knott Carrie A.
Published: July 2021

Double‐crop soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production in Kentucky involves planting soybean after soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) harvest during June and July. Double‐crop soybean yields are lower than full‐season soybean yield planted earlier in the spring. This research aimed to determine the effect of seeding rate, seed treatment, and applying foliar fungicide and insecticide at the R3 growth stage at two planting timings on double‐crop soybean seed yield, yield components, and seed quality. Field trials were established in Princeton, KY, in 2017, 2018, and 2019 after wheat harvest. Planting double‐crop soybean early, after wheat was harvested at 20 to 22% grain moisture, resulted in increased seed yield, seeds ft–2, and protein concentration compared with double‐crop soybean planted later. A seeding rate of 225,000 seeds acre–1 resulted in increased seed yield, seeds ft–2, and seed protein concentration compared with 150,000 seeds acre–1. A seed treatment including fungicides and an insecticide did not impact seed yield, yield components, or seed protein or oil concentration compared with no seed treatment. Applying a prophylactic foliar fungicide and insecticide treatment at the R3 growth stage increased seed yield and seed mass compared with an economic threshold application. In addition, the most intensive management (225,000 seeds acre–1, seed treatment, and prophylactic fungicide and insecticide) yielded ∼25% more than the base treatment and had more seeds ft–2. The results are the first to indicate the potential for intensive management practices to increase double‐crop soybean productivity in Kentucky.
Prediction of Chameleonic Efficiency
Authors: David Laurent , Wenlock Mark , Barton Patrick , Ritzén Andreas
Published: July 2021

Chameleonic properties, i. e., the capacity of a molecule to hide polarity in non‐polar environments and expose it in water, help achieving sufficient permeability and solubility for drug molecules with high MW. We present models of experimental measures of polarity for a set of 24 FDA approved drugs (MW 405‐1113) and one PROTAC (MW 1034). Conformational ensembles in aqueous and non‐polar environments were generated using molecular dynamics. A linear regression model that predicts chromatographic apparent polarity (EPSA) with a mean unsigned error of 10 Å2 was derived based on separate terms for donor, acceptor, and total molecular SASA. A good correlation (R2=0.92) with an experimental measure of hydrogen bond donor potential, Δlog Poct‐tol, was found for the mean hydrogen bond donor SASA of the conformational ensemble scaled with Abraham's A hydrogen bond acidity. Two quantitative measures of chameleonic behaviour, the chameleonic efficiency indices, are introduced. We envision that the methods presented herein will be useful to triage designed molecules and prioritize those with the best chance of achieving acceptable permeability and solubility.
MPI8 is Potent against SARS‐CoV‐2 by Inhibiting Dually and Selectively the SARS‐CoV‐2 Main Protease and the Host Cathepsin L**
Authors: Ma Xinyu R. , Alugubelli Yugendar R. , Ma Yuying , Vatansever Erol C. , Scott Danielle A. , Qiao Yuchen , Yu Ge , Xu Shiqing , Liu Wenshe Ray
Published: July 2021

A number of inhibitors have been developed for the SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease (MPro) as potential COVID‐19 medications but little is known about their selectivity. Using enzymatic assays, we characterized inhibition of TMPRSS2, furin, and cathepsins B/K/L by more than a dozen of previously developed MPro inhibitors including MPI1‐9, GC376, 11a, 10–1, 10–2, and 10–3. MPI1‐9, GC376 and 11a all contain an aldehyde for the formation of a reversible covalent hemiacetal adduct with the MPro active site cysteine and 10–1, 10–2 and 10–3 contain a labile ester to exchange with the MPro active site cysteine for the formation of a thioester. Our data revealed that all these inhibitors are inert toward TMPRSS2 and furin. Diaryl esters also showed low inhibition of cathepsins. However, all aldehyde inhibitors displayed high potency in inhibiting three cathepsins. Their determined IC50 values vary from 4.1 to 380 nM for cathepsin B, 0.079 to 2.3 nM for cathepsin L, and 0.35 to 180 nM for cathepsin K. All aldehyde inhibitors showed similar inhibition levels toward cathepsin L. A cellular analysis indicated high potency of MPI5 and MPI8 in inhibiting lysosomal activity, which is probably attributed to their inhibition of cathepsins. Among all aldehyde inhibitors, MPI8 shows the best selectivity toward cathepsin L. With respect to cathepsins B and K, the selective indices are 192 and 150, respectively. MPI8 is the most potent compound among all aldehyde inhibitors in cellular MPro inhibition potency and anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 activity in Vero E6 cells. Cathepsin L has been demonstrated to play a critical role in the SARS‐CoV‐2 cell entry. By selectively inhibiting both SARS‐CoV‐2 MPro and the host cathepsin L, MPI8 potentiates dual inhibition effects to synergize its overall antiviral potency and efficacy. Due to its high selectivity toward cathepsin L that reduces potential toxicity toward host cells and high cellular and antiviral potency, we urge serious consideration of MPI8 for preclinical and clinical investigations for treating COVID‐19.
Association of Vitamin K and Non‐Vitamin K Oral Anticoagulant Use and Cancer Incidence in Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: Iftimi Adina A. , Rodríguez‐Bernal Clara L. , Peiró Salvador , Bonanad Santiago , Ferrero‐Gregori Andreu , Hurtado Isabel , García‐Sempere Aníbal , Sanfélix‐Gimeno Gabriel
Published: July 2021

The association between the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and cancer risk reduction remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between the use of VKAs or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and the incidence of cancer in a large cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) by means of a population‐based, propensity‐weighted cohort study using population‐wide databases including patients diagnosed with nonvalvular AF (NVAF) followed for up of 5 years (median 2.94 years). We created two cohorts based on the initiation therapy (VKA or DOAC). Initiation with VKA or DOAC was defined as filling a prescription with no previous exposure in the preceding 12 months. Cancer diagnoses of any type and for specific tumors (lung, colon, prostate, bladder, and breast). We included 39,989 patients, 31,200 (78.0%) in the VKA cohort. Incidence rate for any cancer was 12.45 per 1,000 person‐year in the DOAC cohort vs. 14.55 in the VKA cohort (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.32). In secondary outcomes, no differences were found for specific types of cancer, such as lung (HR: 1.28, CI: 0.89–1.83), colon (HR: 0.84, CI: 0.62–1.13), prostate (HR: 1.40, CI: 0.94–2.10), bladder (HR: 1.07, CI: 0.76–1.52), and breast (HR: 1.05, CI: 0.66–1.69). Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. Subgroup analyses also produced consistent findings, except for men, for whom VKA was associated with a lower risk of colon cancer (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48–0.96). Our results do not confirm a chemoprotective effect of VKA when compared with DOAC in a large, real‐world cohort of patients with NVAF followed for up to 5 years.