bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of enterotoxigenic Bacillus cereus strains in coriander in southwestern Mexico
Authors: Castulo-Arcos Daniel Alexander , Adame-Gómez Roberto , Castro-Alarcón Natividad , Galán-Luciano Aketzalli , Santiago Dionisio María Cristina , Leyva-Vázquez Marco A. , Perez-Olais Jose-Humberto , Toribio-Jiménez Jeiry , Ramirez-Peralta Arturo 
Published: July 2022

Background
Coriander, like other leafy green vegetables, is available all year round and is commonly consumed raw in Mexico as in other countries in the preparation of street or homemade food. Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) is a microorganism that can reach coriander because it is usually found in the soil and in some regions the vegetables are irrigated with polluted water. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determinate the presence of B. cereus in coriander used for human consumption in southwestern Mexico and determine the toxigenic profile, biofilm production, genes associated with the production of biofilms, sporulation rates, enzymatic profile, psychotropic properties, and genetic diversity of B. cereus.

Methods
Fresh coriander samples were collected from several vegetable retailers in different markets, microbiological analysis was performed. Molecular identification, genes related to the production of biofilm, and toxin gene profiling of B. cereus isolates were determined by PCR. The biofilm formation was measured by performing a crystal violet assay. The genetic diversity of B. cereus strains was determined by PCR of repetitive elements using oligonucleotide (GTG) 5.

Results
We found a frequency of B. cereus in vegetables was 20% (13/65). In this study, no strains with genes for the HBL toxin were found. In the case of genes related to biofilms, the frequency was low for sipW [5.8%, (1/17)] and tasA [11.7%, (2/17)]. B. cereus strains produce a low amount of biofilm with sporulation rates around 80%. As for genetic diversity, we observed that strains isolated from the same market, but different vegetable retailers are grouped into clusters. In the coriander marketed in southwestern Mexico, were found B. cereus strains with genes associated with the production of diarrheal toxins. Together, these results show actual information about the state of art of B. cereus strains circulating in the southwestern of Mexico.
Risk Perceptions of Environmental and Health Problems Associated with Artisanal Crude Oil Refining in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Chukwunweike Ephraim-Emmanuel, Benson , Enembe Okokon , Best Ordinioha 
Published: July 2022

When crude oil is artisanally refined, it releases compounds that contribute to environmental pollution and health problems. The perceptions regarding these problems could be instrumental in tackling the involvement in these illicit activities. This study thus assessed the perception of the environmental and health risks associated with artisanal refining of petroleum products in communities in Bayelsa State.
The study was conducted among 615 adult residents of 3 selected communities in Bayelsa State. Multistage sampling was applied in selecting the respondents who provided responses to the administered questionnaires. Necessary ethical considerations were made during the conduct of this study.
Results from the study indicate that respondents had good perception regarding the possibility that environmental and health risks could occur as a result of crude oil artisanal refining activities (Criterion mean: 2.5 (62.5%); Grand mean [environmental risks]: 3.25 [81.15%]; Grand mean [health risks]: 3.13 [78.32%]) respectively.
The study found that the communities have good perceptions of environmental and health risks associated with the artisanal refining of crude oil in Bayelsa State. There is therefore need for sustained health education to maintain good perceptions of the health and environmental risks associated with petroleum-related artisanal refining.
Antimicrobial Sensitivity of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Virulence Genes of Representative Isolates in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: N. A. Ujoh, , E. G. Nwokah, , S. E. Amala , C. K. Wachukwu, 
Published: July 2022

Aim: To assess the antimicrobial susceptibility, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and virulence genes of representative isolates in some selected sites of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Study Design: Case-controlled study.
Place and Duration of Study: Selected places in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, between November, 2020 to November, 2021.
Methodology: Three hundred and forty-nine (349) samples were analyzed, 80 meat and 63 waste waters from five abattoirs cited in the city, 46 meat samples from five selected roadside butchers sites in the city, 109 patients stool samples, 30 stool samples from food sellers, 20 stool samples from healthy subjects and 1 commercial bottled water which served as control samples. A combination of methods was employed: conventional culture using Tryptone soya broth as an enrichment media, chromagar STEC and serology with O157 latex reagents. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to screen for the presence of specific virulence genes in representative isolates and 16SrRNA sequence data was used to confirm the identity of isolates. GraphPad Prism 2.01 was used to perform the statistical analysis and p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: The results showed that 20 (100%) of the selected isolates profiled for virulence gene harbored a combination of stx1 + stx2, while 45% carried the eaeA gene. The culture and molecular methods used in STEC detection showed a good level of agreement comparatively. The result of isolates sequenced for identification by targeting the 16S gene and compared with publicly available sequences on NCBI for phylogenetic analysis showed 100% identities to the ribosomal RNA gene of seven uncultured Escherichia coli strains with Gene Accession numbers (CP049290, MN208208, KY780343, CP058233 MK641327, CP082357, CP082129, MH346270). Isolates were resistant to Ceftazidime 98.9%, Cefuroxime 100%, Cefixime 100%, Augmentin 100% and sensitive to the quinolones and nitrofuratoin. The virulence gene combination pattern, the antibiogram pattern and the phylogenetic analysis result indicated genetic relatedness of isolates.
Conclusion: The representative isolates harbored stx1 and stx2 combination, only 45% harbored stx1, stx2 and eaeA genes combination. Phylogenetic analysis of the representative isolates confirmed the genetic similarity of isolates.
SIR Model for COVID-19 Dynamics Incorporating Clinical Management
Authors: Mayabi Lucian Talu , Nthiiri Joyce Kagendo , Tireito Frankline , Sum Tecla 
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a mathematical model for COVID-19 disease incorporating clinical management based on a system of Ordinary Differential Equations is developed. The existence of the steady states of the model are determined and the effective reproduction number derived using the next generation matrix approach. Stability analysis of the model is carried out to determine the conditions that favour the spread of COVID-19 disease in a given population. The Disease Free Equilibrium is show to be locally asymptotically stable when \(R\)e < 1 and the Endemic Equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable when \(R\)e > 1. The Disease Free Equilibrium is shown not to be globally asymptotically stable using a technique by Castillo Chavez and the Endemic Equilibrium is shown to be globally asymptotically stable by means of Lyapunov's direct method and LaSalle's invariance principle. This implies that COVID-19 disease transmission can be kept low or manageable with the incorporation of clinical management. Sensitivity analysis of the model is carried out by use of the normalised forward sensitivity index (elasticity) which shows that the higher the rates of clinical management the lower the rate of infection. Numerical simulations carried out using MATLAB software showed that with high success of clinical management, there is low contact rate and low prevalence rate of the disease in the population.
NIR Photodetectors with Highly Efficient Detectivity Enabled by 2D Fluorinated Dithienopicenocarbazole‐Based Ultra‐Narrow Bandgap Acceptors
Authors: Liao Xunfan , Xie Wenchao , Han Zeyao , Cui Yongjie , Xia Xinxin , Shi Xueliang , Yao Zhaoyang , Xu Xiaobao , Lu Xinhui , Chen Yiwang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDeveloping non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) with strong absorption and optical response in near‐infrared region (NIR) is an imperative avenue for achieving efficient organic solar cells (OSCs) and NIR organic photodetectors (OPDs). Herein, four ultra‐narrow bandgap NFAs with different alkyl side chains and 2D fluorinated or non‐fluorinated phenyl substituents using dithienopyrrolecarbazole as electron‐rich core are designed and synthesized for photoelectric devices. The effect of 2D central core fluorination on molecular self‐assembly and optoelectronic properties is comprehensively explored. Due to the banana‐type molecular conformation of these NFAs, they can easily form honeycomb‐like 3D network stacking, and the central core fluorination is confirmed that can reduce ππ stacking distance and enhance intermolecular interaction, which result in smaller molecular stacking density. As a result, the 2D fluorinated acceptors based OSCs display more balanced and higher carrier mobilities, contributing to higher fill factor and efficiency. Moreover, the NIR OPD devices based on PTB7‐Th:FDTPC‐OD exhibit a superior responsivity of >0.4 A W−1 at 880 nm, a low dark current of ≈8 × 10–11 A, and an excellent specific detectivity (D*) of >2.5 × 1011 Jones. The NIR OPD also demonstrates excellent performance in photo‐plethysmography and shows great potential for application in monitoring heart rate.
Control of Plexcitonic Strong Coupling via Substrate‐Mediated Hotspot Nanoengineering
Authors: Xiong Xiao , Lai Yiming , Clarke Daniel , Kongsuwan Nuttawut , Dong Zhaogang , Bai Ping , Png Ching Eng , Wu Lin , Hess Ortwin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPlexcitonic strong coupling has ushered in an era of room‐temperature quantum electrodynamics at the nanoscale. Realizing its potential applications from single‐molecule spectroscopy to room‐temperature quantum technologies on an industrial level requires scalable and mass‐producible plasmonic cavities that provide ease of access and control for quantum emitters. Here, a strategy for multidimensional hotspot engineering is proposed via a rational selection of substrates, which facilitates elevation of a gold bowtie nanocavity hotspot to the top of the device and provides a field enhancement of ≈482 (a 1.6‐fold increase compared to a conventional bowtie‐on‐glass cavity at the bottom of the nanogap). The formation mechanism for these antenna modes is discussed from the perspective of charge carrier motion; and their advantages, particularly in view of their dominantly in‐plane polarized near‐fields, are further elaborated in a spatiotemporal study of plexcitonic strong coupling, which reveals ultrafast quantum dynamics and potential for applications related to 2D materials whose excitonic dipoles are typically oriented in‐plane. The conceptual discovery of this substrate‐enabled hotspot nanoengineering could readily be extended to tailor hotspots in other plasmonic platforms, and may inspire a plethora of novel research directions from plasmon‐enhanced spectroscopy and sensing to the design of quantum logic gates and quantum metasurfaces.
Recent Advances in the Total Synthesis of Aspidosperma and Kopsia Alkaloids Using Tetracyclic Pyridocarbazoles as Versatile Building Blocks
Authors: Wang Nengzhong , Xiao Xiao , Liu Cheng‐Xiong , Yao Hui , Huang Nianyu , Zou Kun 
Published: June 2022

AbstractOver the past decades, aspidosperma and kopsia alkaloids have attracted significant interest by the organic synthetic community owing to their intricate fused‐ring structures and broad biological activities. Consequently, numerous strategically distinct total syntheses have been accomplished, among which tetracyclic pyridocarbazoles have seen widespread adoption as versatile building blocks. In this review, we elaborate and discuss the synthesis of such tetracyclic pyridocarbazoles according to the different approaches for the establishment of the all‐carbon quaternary center at C5. This includes (1) classic synthetic reactions (cycloaddition, Michael addition, nucleophilic substitution, and Claisen rearrangement), (2) palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative allylation reactions, and (3) thiourea‐catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition reactions. Furthermore, we also describe the late‐stage key transformations in the realm of the total syntheses of aspidosperma and kopsia alkaloids.magnified image
Rapid Nucleation and Slow Crystal Growth of CsPbI3Films Aided by Solvent Molecular Sieve for Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Wang Kai‐Li , Su Zhen‐Huang , Lou Yan‐Hui , Lv Qiang , Chen Jing , Shi Yi‐Ran , Chen Chun‐Hao , Zhou Yu‐Hang , Gao Xing‐Yu , Wang Zhao‐Kui , Liao Liang‐Sheng 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe main reason for large energy loss in all‐inorganic perovskites is ascribed to the slow nucleation and fast crystallization of all‐inorganic perovskite films. Herein, a manipulating strategy is demonstrated to simultaneously realize rapid nucleation and slow crystal growth of CsPbI3perovskite films by employing solvent molecular sieves in the antisolvent. First, the antisolvent treatment of mixed chlorobenzene and ethyl alcohol can induce the instantaneous supersaturation of perovskites to achieve rapid nucleation. Subsequently, the molecular layer of phthalimide (2‐N) molecules on the perovskite surface can be used as solvent molecular sieves to precisely control the evaporation of the solvent through molecule–solvent interactions. In addition, the molecules remaining on the surface can also effectively passivate the surface defects and improve the device performance. By this strategy, a synchronous regulation of rapid nucleation and slow crystal growth of perovskite films is realized for the first time. As a result, the CsPbI3film with 2‐N treatment presents high‐quality crystallinity with large grains and less defects. The champion device exhibits an outdoor power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 20.14% under AM1.5G illumination, and an indoor PCE up to 40.07% (Pout:133.9 µW cm–2) under a commonly used light‐emitting diode light source (2956 K, 1062 lux).
Self‐Assembly Metal Chelate as Ultraviolet Filterable Interface Layer for Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Runnan , Shi Rui , Liu Hao , Wu Guangzheng , Ma Zongwen , Gao Huaizhi , He Zhangwei , Tan Zhan'ao 
Published: June 2022

AbstractInterface engineering plays a vital role in the further improvement of efficiency and stability for organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, a self‐assembly metal chelate based on hafnium and a designed ligand, N‐(4‐(3‐oxobutanoyl)phenyl)acetamide (ACBN) is applied as both interfacial modification layer and UV‐light filter in OSCs. The strong hydrogen‐bond induced intermolecular interaction enables Hf(ACBN)4 with the prerequisite of adequate solvent resistance to work as an electron transport layer (ETL) in the inverted OSCs. The self‐assembly behavior of Hf(ACBN)4 on the SnO2 film surface via constructing compact coordination structure has been verified via systematic theory calculations. In addition to optimizing the energy level alignment, the Hf(ACBN)4 modification effectively passivates the surface defect of SnO2 films for less surface charge recombination and a more efficient charge collection process. Thus, the OSCs with Hf(ACBN)4 layer yield a maximum PCE of 18.1%, better than that based on the bare SnO2 layer. Moreover, beneficial from the reduced oxygen vacancies via coordination effect and the UV‐light filter function of Hf(ACBN)4, the OSCs based on SnO2/ Hf(ACBN)4 composite ETL exhibit preferable stabilities under UV‐light irradiation or continuous operational conditions.
Effects of seeding date on grain and biomass yield of intermediate wheatgrass
Authors: Jungers Jacob Michael , Schiffner Sydney , Sheaffer Craig , Ehlke Nancy Jo , DeHaan Lee , Torrion Jessica , Noland Reagan L. , Franco Jose G. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) (IWG) is a perennial grass being domesticated for grain production with potential to provide economic return and ecosystem services across a broad geographic range in North America, yet optimum seeding dates for grain and biomass yield are unknown. Our objective was to determine the effect of late‐summer, fall, and spring seeding dates on grain and biomass yield of a grain‐type IWG population. Trials were conducted at St. Paul and Roseau, MN, Kalispell, MT, and Salina, KS. Seeding dates ranged from August to June of the following year. Grain and biomass yields were highest when seeded at the earliest late‐summer date for all environments except for Kansas, where a September 29 seeding date produced the greatest grain and biomass yields. Little to no grain was produced from spring seedings in the first production year, substantiating that photoperiod and vernalization requirements are needed for seed head induction. Grain and biomass yields were positively correlated to cumulative growing degree days (GDD) from seeding date to winter dormancy. A quadratic response was observed at Salina, KS, where seed yields maximized when GDD accumulation reached 912. Accumulation of vernalization units throughout fall, winter, and spring after seeding was also positively correlated with grain yield. The minimum vernalization units for grain production varied from 50 to 87 across sites. Results highlight important associations between thermal units and IWG grain yield when seeded in late summer; however, other variables affecting IWG seed head induction (e.g., photoperiod, snow cover) require further study.
Blumgart anastomosis with polyglycolic acid felt reduces the incidence of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Fukami Yasuyuki , Saito Takuya , Osawa Takaaki , Komatsu Shunichiro , Sano Tsuyoshi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPolyglycolic acid (PGA) felt has been used to prevent clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR‐POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, there has been no related research on Blumgart anastomosis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the practical significance of Blumgart anastomosis with our new method involving PGA felt to prevent CR‐POPF following PD. Data from 133 consecutive patients who underwent Blumgart anastomosis during PD between June 2015 and November 2021 were reviewed. We applied PGA felt to 35 of these patients starting from July 2020. Surgical outcomes were analyzed by propensity score matching. Thirty‐five (35.7%) of the 98 patients in the without‐PGA group were matched with an equal number from the with‐PGA group after adjusting for covariates. CR‐POPF was found in 17 patients (49%) in the without‐PGA group and two patients (6%) in the with‐PGA group (P < .001). The multivariate analysis results indicated that male sex, pancreatic duct size <3 mm, soft pancreatic texture, and nonuse of PGA were independently associated with CR‐POPF after PD. In conclusion, Blumgart anastomosis with our new penetrating method for PGA felt reduces the incidence of CR‐POPF after PD.
Efficient and Selective Chemical Recycling of CO2‐Based Alicyclic Polycarbonates via Catalytic Pyrolysis
Authors: Yu Yan , Gao Bang , Liu Ye , Lu Xiao‐Bing 
Published: June 2022

AbstractChemical recycling of polymers to their constituent monomers is the foremost challenge in building a sustainable circular plastics economy. Here, we report a strategy for highly efficient depolymerization of various CO2‐based alicyclic polycarbonates to epoxide monomers in solvent‐free conditions by a simple CrIII‐Salen complex mediated catalytic pyrolysis process. The chemical recycling of the widely studied poly(cyclohexene carbonate) exhibits excellent reactivity (TOF up to 3000 h−1, 0.1 mol % catalyst loading) and high epoxide monomer selectivity (>99 %). Mechanistic investigation reveals that the process proceeds in a sequential fashion via atrans‐carbonate intermediate.
Understudied factors in drug‐coated balloon design and evaluation: A biophysical perspective
Authors: Shazly Tarek , Torres William M. , Secemsky Eric A. , Chitalia Vipul C. , Jaffer Farouc A. , Kolachalama Vijaya B. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDrug‐coated balloon (DCB) percutaneous interventional therapy allows for durable reopening of the narrowed lumen via physical tissue expansion and local anti‐restenosis drug delivery, providing an alternative to traditional uncoated balloons or a permanent indwelling implant such as a conventional metallic drug‐eluting stent. While DCB‐based treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has been incorporated into clinical guidelines, DCB use has been recently curtailed due to reports that showed evidence of increased mortality risk in patients treated with paclitaxel (PTX)‐coated balloons. Given the United States Food and Drug Administration's 2019 consequent warning regarding PTX‐eluting DCBs and the subsequent marked reduction in clinical DCB use, there is now a critical need to better understand the compositional and mechanical factors underlying DCB efficacy and safety. Most work to date on DCB refinement has focused on designing both the enabling balloon catheter and alternate coatings composed of various drugs and excipients, followed by device evaluation in preclinical and clinical studies. We contend that improvement in DCB performance will require a better understanding of the biophysical factors operative during and following balloon deployment, and moreover that the elaboration and demonstrated control of these factors are needed to address current concerns with DCB use. This article provides a perspective on the biophysical interactions that govern DCB performance and offers new design strategies for the development of next‐generation DCB devices.
Increased expression of FAT4 suppress metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma through regulating MAPK pathway and associated with immune cells infiltration
Authors: Ning Yue , Yang Yang , Zheng Hongmei , Zhan Yuting , Zang Hongjing , Wen Qiuyuan , Peng Jinwu , Fan Songqing 
Published: June 2022

AbstractFAT4 is an extremely large atypical cadherin with crucial roles in the control of planar cell polarity (PCP) and regulation of the Hippo signaling pathway. Our study aims to clarify the FAT4 expression patterns, as well as the significance of FAT4 in predicting the prognosis and cancer immunity to non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). FAT4 mRNA and protein expressions were both underregulated in NSCLC and associated with poor prognosis in both lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). In addition, overexpress FAT4 with jujuboside A (JUA) or knockdown FAT4 with siRNA regulated the metastasis of LUAD through MAPK pathways. Moreover, the FAT4 expression included multiple immunological components to promote an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, a study of the TCGA‐LUAD cohort's DNA methylation results showed that most FAT4 DNA CpG sites were typically hypermethylated in NSCLC relative to the normal lung tissue. The DNA CpG sites cg25879360 and cg26389756 of FAT4 were found to be strongly associated with FAT4 expression in LUAD through the correlation study. In conclusion, this is the first to report the potential function of FAT4 in NSCLC. Hence, FAT4 could be used as a promising prognostic and immunological biomarker for NSCLC.