bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Bacteria Isolated from Hospital Surfaces and Environment in Kenya
Authors: Muthoni Maina Susan 
Published: August 2021

Objective: Control of hospital environment is key to success of healthcare quality. Increasing emergence and spread of pathogenic bacteria is of great concern and continues to challenge infection prevention and epidemiology practice. This study aimed at providing information about the management of hospital environment and wastes in selected hospitals in Kenya, determine prevalence of pathogenic bacteria and their antibiotic susceptibility.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) (public) and Kikuyu Mission Hospital (KMH) (private) in Kenya from May 2015 to April 2017. In microbiological analysis, a total of 246 samples from each of the two hospitals was obtained using sterile cotton swabs from random sampling of hospital different surfaces, drainages, hands of healthcare givers and hospital waste dump site among others.
Results: A total of 471 bacterial isolates were recovered, and were distributed as follows; Providentia spp, Staphylococcus aureus spp, Escherichia coli spp (E. coli), other Gram negative bacteria were, Pseudomonas spp, coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS), Serratia spp, Klebsiella spp, Proteus spp and Enterobacter spp. Susceptibility test revealed that Escherichia coli isolates were the most sensitive isolate to antibiotics. Imipenem drug showed 100% sensitivity for Gram negative, while Gram-positive isolates, linezolid antibiotic was the most sensitive drug.
Discussion: There is need for stringent review of hospital waste management system in Kenya. The frequency of ESBL producing strains among clinical isolates has been steadily increasing.
Conclusion: Continued drug resistance surveillance of ESBL isolates is necessary to guide the appropriate and judicious antibiotic use.
2D Metal‐Organic Complex Luminescent Crystals
Authors: Pei Ke , Ji Shiyang , Zhao Mei , Li Chunlei , Luo Peng , Jiang Lang , Zhao Yongsheng , Zhai Tianyou 
Published: August 2021

Abstract2D emissive crystals have attracted tremendous research interests due to their outstanding compatibility with an integrated planar photonic system, which ideally meet the requirement for versatile photonic device applications, such as lasers, light‐emitting devices, and optical waveguides. Among 2D emissive materials, metal‐organic complex crystals are highly desirable because of their strong charge‐transfer interactions and enhanced optical absorption that benefit superior luminescence efficiency. Here, the in‐air sublimation method is adopted to synthesize 2D Ge‐TCNQ microplate crystals (TCNQ, 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane) with thickness down to 13.4 nm. Such ultrathin Ge‐TCNQ crystals exhibit an exciton binding energy of 40.7 meV and a decent photoluminescence (PL) quantum efficiency of 5.53%. The fitting slope of excitation power‐dependent PL intensity displays a transition from linear to superlinear characteristics that reveals both trap‐assisted recombination and free carrier recombination are present in the luminescence process. The energy band structure of Ge‐TCNQ is examined by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy to elucidate the physical mechanism of photo excitation and fluorescence processes. The emissive Ge‐TCNQ crystals are further employed as high‐performance optical waveguides with a small optical loss coefficient of 0.078 dB µm−1. This work opens new avenues using 2D metal‐organic complex crystals to develop advanced optoelectronic devices.
An AIEgen as an Intrinsic Antibacterial Agent for Light‐Up Detection and Inactivation of Intracellular Gram‐Positive Bacteria
Authors: Dai Tianjiao , Guo Bingpeng , Qi Guobin , Xu Shidang , Zhou Cheng , Bazan Guillermo C. , Liu Bin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractInfections caused by Gram‐positive bacteria, especially those able to invade and survive in host cells, threaten human health severely. It is therefore highly desirable to develop therapeutics that can selectively target and kill intracellular Gram‐positive pathogens with minimal toxicity to host cells. Herein, it is described that the aggregation‐induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) TPEPy‐Et, containing a positively charged pyridinium group and a hydrophobic tetraphenylethylene fragment, is effective for Gram‐positive bacteria detection and elimination. The fluorescence of TPEPy‐Et is greatly enhanced after incubation with Gram‐positive bacteria, which can be used to detect and trace the bacteria in cells. TPEPy‐Et also shows excellent killing effects against both extracellular and intracellular Gram‐positive bacteria through a membrane depolarization mechanism. The luminescent antibacterial agent TPEPy‐Et is thus promising for diagnosis and therapy against intracellular bacterial infection.
Cr3+ Activated Garnet Phosphor with Efficient Blue to Far‐Red Conversion for pc‐LED
Authors: Xiao Han , Zhang Jingnan , Zhang Liangliang , Wu Hao , Wu Huajun , Pan Guohui , Liu Feng , Zhang Jiahua 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFar‐red (FR) phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes (pc‐LEDs) driven by blue LED chips are novel light sources for applications in phototherapy, photosynthesis, natural light simulation, and so on but still bear low electricity‐to‐FR light conversion efficiency (≤ 23%) due to deficiency of phosphors that have both high blue light absorptance and high FR internal quantum efficiency (IQE) for the realization of efficient blue to FR conversion. FR Ca3Sc2Si3O12 (CSSG):Cr3+ garnet phosphor has ultra‐high IQE (> 90%) but low blue light absorption. Here, a twofold increase of blue light absorption cross‐section is reported with still high FR IQE via Lu3+−Mg2+ substitution for Ca2+−Sc3+ in CSSG:Cr3+ to form Ca3–xLuxMgxSc2–xSi3O12:Cr3+ garnet solid solution, which is attributed to enhanced mixing of odd‐parity configuration into 3d configuration of Cr3+ induced by the cations substitution. Optical properties, crystal field strengths, and thermal stabilities of the solid solution phosphors are studied as a function of x. After complete replacement of Sc3+, the as‐fabricated FR pc‐LED emits at 750 nm with 65.7% blue‐to‐FR quantum conversion efficiency and consequently offers an electricity‐to‐FR light conversion efficiency over 30%. Moreover, the solid solution phosphors show high quenching temperatures in the range of 580–610 K. The results can advance the development of efficient FR phosphors and pc‐LEDs for various applications.
A Covalent‐Like Feature of Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding in Energetic Molecules 3,6‐Dihydrazino‐s‐tetrazine (DHT)
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Jia , Zhu Yu , Yu Famin , Yang Yanqiang , Wang Zhigang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTo explore how intermolecular hydrogen bond (H‐bond) interactions enhance the density and stability of energetic molecular systems, the intermolecular H‐bonding nature of different dimer isomers derived from a new‐generation ecofriendly energetic molecule, 3,6‐dihydrazino‐s‐tetrazine is studied. First‐principles calculations showed that the critical point of the electron localization function on H‐bonds (H…N) lines increased with the enhancement of the H‐bond strength, confirming that covalent properties of H‐bonds are more important as their strength is stronger. Further energy decomposition analysis indicates that the induced effect accounts for more than 18% of intermolecular interaction attraction terms in planar isomers, reflecting the indispensable covalent‐like feature of H‐bonds in energetic molecular systems. Moreover, molecular orbitals exhibit clear delocalization characteristics penetrating H‐bond regions, which also provide important evidence for covalent‐like features of H‐bonds. These findings provide new insights to further understand and even regulate the insensitivity of energetic materials.
Swarming Aqua Sperm Micromotors for Active Bacterial Biofilms Removal in Confined Spaces
Authors: Mayorga‐Martinez Carmen C. , Zelenka Jaroslav , Grmela Jan , Michalkova Hana , Ruml Tomáš , Mareš Jan , Pumera Martin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMicroscale self‐propelled robots show great promise in the biomedical field and are the focus of many researchers. These tiny devices, which move and navigate by themselves, are typically based on inorganic microstructures that are not biodegradable and potentially toxic, often using toxic fuels or elaborate external energy sources, which limits their real‐world applications. One potential solution to these issues is to go back to nature. Here, the authors use high‐speed Aqua Sperm micromotors obtained from North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, B. 1822) to destroy bacterial biofilm. These Aqua Sperm micromotors use water‐induced dynein ATPase catalyzed adenosine triphosphate (ATP) degradation as biocompatible fuel to trigger their fast speed and snake‐like undulatory locomotion that facilitate biofilm destruction in less than one minute. This efficient biofilm destruction is due to the ultra‐fast velocity as well as the head size of Aqua Sperm micromotors being similar to bacteria, which facilitates their entry to and navigation within the biofilm matrix. In addition, the authors demonstrate the real‐world application of Aqua Sperm micromotors by destroying biofilms that had colonized medical and laboratory tubing. The implemented system extends the biomedical application of Aqua Sperm micromotors to include hybrid robots for fertilization or cargo tasks.
Tailored Lattice “Tape” to Confine Tensile Interface for 11.08%‐Efficiency All‐Inorganic CsPbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cell with an Ultrahigh Voltage of 1.702 V
Authors: Zhou Qingwei , Duan Jialong , Du Jian , Guo Qiyao , Zhang Qiaoyu , Yang Xiya , Duan Yanyan , Tang Qunwei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe crystal distortion such as lattice strain and defect located at the surfaces and grain boundaries induced by soft perovskite lattice highly determines the charge extraction‐transfer dynamics and recombination to cause an inferior efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, the authors propose a strategy to significantly reduce the superficial lattice tensile strain by means of incorporating an inorganic 2D Cl‐terminated Ti3C2 (Ti3C2Clx) MXene into the bulk and surface of CsPbBr3 film. Arising from the strong interaction between Cl atoms in Ti3C2Clx and the under‐coordinated Pb2+ in CsPbBr3 lattice, the expanded perovskite lattice is compressed and confined to act as a lattice “tape”, in which the PbCl bond plays a role of “glue” and the 2D Ti3C2 immobilizes the lattice. Finally, the defective surface is healed and a champion efficiency as high as 11.08% with an ultrahigh open‐circuit voltage up to 1.702 V is achieved on the best all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 PSC, which is so far the highest efficiency record for this kind of PSCs. Furthermore, the unencapsulated device demonstrates nearly unchanged performance under 80% relative humidity over 100 days and 85 °C over 30 days.
IL‐36γ and IL‐36Ra Reciprocally Regulate NSCLC Progression by Modulating GSH Homeostasis and Oxidative Stress‐Induced Cell Death
Authors: Wang Peng , Yang Wei , Guo Hao , Dong Hong‐Peng , Guo Yu‐Yao , Gan Hu , Wang Zou , Cheng Yongbo , Deng Yu , Xie Shizhe , Yang Xinglou , Lin Dandan , Zhong Bo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe balance between antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS) critically regulates tumor initiation and progression. However, whether and how the tumor‐favoring redox status is controlled by cytokine networks remain poorly defined. Here, it is shown that IL‐36γ and IL‐36Ra reciprocally regulate the progression of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by modulating glutathione metabolism and ROS resolution. Knockout, inhibition, or neutralization of IL‐36γ significantly inhibits NSCLC progression and prolongs survival of the KrasLSL‐G12D/+Tp53fl/fl and KrasLSL‐G12D/+Lkb1fl/fl mice after tumor induction, whereas knockout of IL‐36Ra exacerbates tumorigenesis in these NSCLC mouse models and accelerates death of mice. Mechanistically, IL‐36γ directly upregulates an array of genes involved in glutathione homeostasis to reduce ROS and prevent oxidative stress‐induced cell death, which is mitigated by IL‐36Ra or IL‐36γ neutralizing antibody. Consistently, IL‐36γ staining is positively and negatively correlated with glutathione biosynthesis and ROS in human NSCLC tumor biopsies, respectively. These findings highlight essential roles of cytokine networks in redox for tumorigenesis and provide potential therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
Advances in research on pharmacotherapy of sarcopenia
Authors: Feike Yang , Zhijie Liu , Wei Chen 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSarcopenia is a comprehensive degenerative disease with the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass with age, accompanied by the loss of muscle strength and muscle dysfunction. As a new type of senile syndrome, sarcopenia seriously threatens the health of the elderly. The first‐line treatment for sarcopenia is exercise and nutritional supplements. However, pharmacotherapy will provide more reliable and sustainable interventions in geriatric medicine. Clinical trials of new drugs targeting multiple molecules are ongoing. This article focuses on the latest progress in pharmacotherapeutic approaches of sarcopenia in recent years by comprehensively reviewing the clinical outcomes of the existing and emerging pharmacotherapies as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their therapeutic benefits and side effects.
Identification of patient subgroups with unfavorable long‐term outcomes associated with laparoscopic surgery in a randomized controlled trial comparing open and laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer (Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study JCOG0404)
Authors: Saito Shuji , Akagi Tomonori , Katayama Hiroshi , Wakabayashi Masashi , Inomata Masafumi , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Ito Masaaki , Kinugasa Yusuke , Egi Hiroyuki , Munakata Yasuhiro , Kokuba Yukihito , Bando Hiroyuki , Yasui Masayoshi , Ikeda Masataka , Nakajima Kentaro , Shida Dai , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Kitano Seigo ,   the Colorectal Cancer Study Group of Japan Clinical Oncology Group
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundPreviously, we conducted a randomized controlled trial (JCOG0404) for stage II/III colon cancer patients and reported that the long‐term survival after open surgery (OP) and laparoscopic surgery (LAP) were almost identical; however, JCOG0404 suggested that survival of patients after LAP with tumors located in the rectosigmoid colon, cT4 or cN2 tumors, and high body mass index (BMI) might be unfavorable.AimTo identify the patient subgroups associated with poor long‐term survival in the LAP arm compared with the OP arm.MethodsPatients aged 20–75, clinical T3 or deeper lesion without involvement of other organs, clinical N0‐2 and M0 were included. The patients with pathological stage IV and R2 resection were excluded from the current analysis. In each subgroup, the hazard ratio for LAP (vs. OP) in overall survival (OS) from surgery was estimated using a multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for the clinical and pathological factors.ResultsIn total, 1025 patients (OP, 511 and LAP, 514) were included in the current analysis. Adjusted hazards ratios for OS of patients with high BMI (>25 kg/m2), pT4, and pN2 in LAP were 3.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–9.19), 1.33 (0.73–2.41), and 1.74 (0.76–3.97), respectively. In contrast, that of rectosigmoid colon tumors was 0.98 (0.46–2.09).ConclusionsAlthough LAP is an acceptable optional treatment for stage II/III colon cancer, the present subgroup analysis suggests that high BMI (>25 kg/m2), pT4, and pN2 except for RS were factors associated with unfavorable long‐term outcomes of LAP in patients with colon cancer who underwent curative resection. (JCOG 0404: NCT00147134/UMIN‐CTR: C000000105.)
Improved survival for young acute leukemia patients following a new donor hierarchy for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A phase III randomized controlled study
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Xiao Haowen , Shi Jimin , Tan Yamin , Zhao Yanmin , Yu Jian , Lai Xiaoyu , Hu Yongxian , Zheng Weiyan , Luo Yi , Huang He 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe aim of our study was to evaluate the most optimal donor for young acute leukemia (AL) patients with multiple donors available for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT), including HLA‐matched sibling donors (MSDs), HLA‐matched unrelated donors (URDs), haploidentical parental donors (HPDs), and haploidentical sibling donors (HSDs). From March 2008 to December 2016, 430 AL patients ≤ 35 years of age were included in the discovery, retrospective study. Patients who received transplantation from a MSD or a HSD had better 5‐year OS rates compared with patients who received transplantation from a URD or a HPD. A superior graft‐versus‐leukemia effect was observed for high‐risk patients undergoing HSD‐HSCT with a lower relapse rate (p = 0.014) and a higher disease‐free survival (DFS) rate (p = 0.029) compared with those undergoing MSD‐HSCT. Outcomes of high‐risk patients receiving an URD or HPD were equivalent. For intermediate/standard‐risk patients, either a MSD or HSD may be the front‐line donor selection with comparable outcomes. HLA‐matched unrelated donors were preferred over HPDs with reduced non‐relapse mortality and higher overall survival (OS) and DFS rates. We further conducted an independent prospective randomized study to evaluate the survival advantage with the new donor hierarchy. Two hundred and fifty patients were randomly assigned to follow our new donor hierarchy or the traditional donor hierarchy at a 2:1 ratio. The new donor hierarchy contributed to significantly superior 2‐year OS and DFS rates (OS: 76.2% vs. 67.8%, p = 0.046; DFS: 71.8% vs. 64.5%, p = 0.039).
Influences of pretreatment, extraction variables, and post treatment on bench‐scale rice husk black ash (RHBA) processing to bio‐silica
Authors: Steven Soen , Restiawaty Elvi , Pasymi Pasymi , Bindar Yazid 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAbundant availability and large silica content in rice husk black ash (RHBA) make the use of it very interesting to study. Many works only deal with lab‐scale rice husk ash extraction while the studies on bench‐scale RHBA extraction are still limited. This study, hence, presents the influence of pretreatment, extraction variables, and posttreatment on bench‐scale RHBA processing to bio‐silica. The pretreatment through acid leaching was carried out using HCl. The extraction was implemented under varying process variables such as alkaline‐to‐feed ratio (RA/F), extraction duration, and acid precipitation agent. According to this study, the highest extraction yield up to 98% was gained under RA/F 6 g/g and 1‐h extraction. The amorphous bio‐silica had an asymmetric siloxane bond and white appearance with a purity exceeding 95% and surface area up to 406.98 m2/g. Meanwhile, precipitation under HCl and H2SO4 had little impact on product purity and surface area. This study exhibits that acid leaching is executed to release mineral impurities but is still not sufficient to remove the remaining carbon content in bio‐silica. However, the contribution of refining process is able to do so. Moreover, the produced bio‐silica is suitable for adsorbent purposes which could adsorb up to 83.5% of 3‐monochloropropanediol compound.
Hierarchical Zeolites‐confined Metal Catalysts and Their Enhanced Catalytic Performances
Authors: Li Chengyang , Sun Peng , Li Fuwei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe confinement of metal species within hierarchical zeolites combines the acidic/basic sites of zeolites, the enhanced mass transfer of mesoporous system, and the inside active metal sites, leading to high activity, unique selectivity, and superior stability in chemicals synthesis, energy and environment catalysis. To date, review on this emerging topic is rarely reported. Herein, we classify five metals‐hierarchical zeolites composite (metal@hierarchical zeolites) according to the location of metals on hierarchical structure, including metals located on micropores, intercrystalline mesopores, intracrystalline mesopores, hollow nanobox and mesoporous shells. The synthesis and catalysis applications of metal@hierarchical zeolites composite are provided, highlighting the rational design of catalyst preparation, the improved catalytic efficiency and stability of metal species. Finally, we discuss the current limitations and future opportunities for this emerging field. This Review is expected to inspire more developments and applications of metal@hierarchical zeolites.
A successful method for phycocyanin extraction from Arthrospira platensis using [Emim] [EtSO4] ionic liquid
Authors: Sánchez‐Laso Jennifer , Piera Alejandro , Vicente Gemma , Bautista Luis Fernando , Rodríguez Rosalía , Espada Juan J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractResearch into the extraction of phycobiliprotein from Arthrospira platensis is currently ongoing. Most traditional methods of phycobiliprotein extraction include the use of organic solvents, which negatively affect the sustainability of the process. Ionic liquids (ILs) are a promising alternative for phycobiliprotein extraction due to their properties as green solvents. In the present work an imidazolium‐based IL and sonication were studied for phycobiliprotein and carbohydrate extraction. A factorial experimental design was used to optimize the amount of extracted phycocyanin. The maximum extraction yield was achieved by using low biomass/solvent ratios combined with high IL/water ratios and sonication powers, and long operation times. The recovery of IL was studied under these conditions using a dialysis‐based process to separate the IL from the extracted phycobiliproteins. The results reveal the possibility of using the recovered IL for seven consecutive extraction cycles with an acceptable phycocyanin extraction amount, from 75 mg g−1 (fresh IL) to 60 mg g−1 (7 cycles of reused IL). The use of [Emim] [EtSO4] + ultrasound is a promising alternative for phycocyanin extraction, enhancing the results obtained with other IL in terms of extracted phycocyanin and the number of times the IL can be reused. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Exploring Innovative Leishmaniasis Treatment: Drug Targets from Pre‐Clinical to Clinical Findings
Authors: Santana Wanessa , de Oliveira Simone S. C. , Ramos Mariana H. , Santos André L. S. , Dolabella Silvio S. , Souto Eliana B. , Severino Patrícia , Jain Sona 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLeishmaniasis is a group of tropical diseases caused by parasitic protozoa belonging to the genus Leishmania. The disease is categorized in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The conventional treatment is complex and can present high toxicity and therapeutic failures. Thus, there is a continuing need to develop new treatments. In this review, we focus on the novel molecules described in the literature with potential leishmanicidal activity, categorizing them in pre‐clinical (in vitro, in vivo), drug repurposing and clinical research.