bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementing maternal diet with milk oligosaccharides and probiotics helps develop the immune system and intestinal flora of offsprings
Authors: Xie Qinggang , Cui Dongying , Zhu Qinchao , Qin Xuewen , Ren Daxi , Xu Xiaoxi
Published: August 2023

Intestinal flora is very important for improving the development of the immune system in newborns. Maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation is one of the key factors affecting the growth and development of offspring. The objective of the present study was to examine whether supplementation of maternal diet with milk oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium could influence the development of the intestinal flora and immune system of neonatal mice. In total, 30 pregnant Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into six groups: a control group (basal diet) and five intervention groups (basal diet supplemented with different doses of 2′‐fucosyllactose [2′‐FL] and Bifidobacterium Bb12) during the pregnancy period. All female mice were monitored for physical health during gavage. After delivery, the number of mice in each litter, any deformity, and the development of the offspring were recorded. The spleen, blood, and fecal samples of six groups of 10–12 day‐old offspring were collected. The results demonstrated that maternal milk oligosaccharides and probiotics conferred protective effects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced immunosuppression in mice offspring by significantly enhancing the immune organ indexes, splenocyte proliferation, immunoglobulin (immunoglobulin G, A, M) production as well as improving the macrophage phagocytosis (p < .05). The abundance of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in the feces of offspring mice in the intervention groups was significantly higher than that of the offspring mice in the control group (p < .05). These findings suggest that the combination of 2′‐FL and Bifidobacterium Bb12 displayed synergistic interactions between the two components that could promote the development of the immune system of the offsprings and improve their microbiota through maternal ingestion.
Tea's anti‐obesity properties, cardiometabolic health‐promoting potentials, bioactive compounds, and adverse effects: A review focusing on white and green teas
Authors: Abiri Behnaz , Amini Shirin , Hejazi Mahdi , Hosseinpanah Farhad , Zarghi Afshin , Abbaspour Faeze , Valizadeh Majid
Published: August 2023

Tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world. Morocco, Japan, and China have consumed green tea for centuries. White tea, which is a variety of green teas, is very popular in China and is highly revered for its taste. Presently, both teas are consumed in other countries around the world, even as functional ingredients, and novel research is constantly being conducted in these areas. We provide an update on the health benefits of white and green teas in this review, based on recent research done to present. After a general introduction, we focused on tea's anti‐obesity and human health‐promoting potential, adverse effects, and new approaches to tea and its bioactive compounds. It has been found that the health benefits of tea are due to its bioactive components, mainly phenolic compounds. Of these, catechins are the most abundant. This beverage (or its extracts) has potential anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could contribute to body weight control and the improvement of several chronic diseases. However, some studies have mentioned the possibility of toxic effects; therefore, reducing tea consumption is a good idea, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, new evidence will provide insight into the possible effects of tea on the human gut microbiota, and even on the viruses responsible for SARS‐CoV‐2. A beverage such as this may favor beneficial gut microbes, which may have important implications due to the influence of gut microbiota on human health.
Effect of Aloe vera and carboxymethyl cellulose‐derived binary blend edible coating on the shelf life of fresh‐cut apple
Authors: Tosif Mansuri M. , Bains Aarti , Dhull Sanju Bala , Chawla Prince , Goksen Gulden
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the demand and market for minimally processed fruits are increasing worldwide. Fresh‐cut apples are extremely sensitive to environmental factors including oxygen, temperature, and microorganisms in resulting the browning of apples. Therefore, in this study, different concentration of blended edible‐coating solution was prepared using Aloe vera and carboxymethyl cellulose (1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 3:3, 3:2, 4:2, 2:4, 3:4, and 4:3, respectively). Lease particle size (101.74 ± 0.67 nm) of the coating solution was observed with 3% A. vera and 2% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Afterward, the shelf life of the apples was evaluated for 10 days at refrigeration condition. Results showed that a significant difference was found in weight loss of coated (6.42%–10.26%) and uncoated apples (8.12%–15.32%) for 2–10 days. Moreover, the titrable acidity of the cut apples increased during the storage time. Rheological data emerged that the viscosity of the coating solution decreases with the increasing temperature from 0 to 50°C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data confirmed the presence of hydroxyl group (–OH), C=O, C–O, and N–H banding in the A. vera, CMC, and blend‐coating solution. The blend solution indicated excellent antimicrobial efficiency. Total phenolic content of coated and uncoated apples at 0 day was 737.55 mg GAE kg−1 for uncoated and 717.88 mg GAE kg−1, respectively. Whereas, aerobic and psychrotrophic bacteria counts for edible coated apples significantly lower than control apples. For coated apples, aerobic and psychrotrophic bacteria counts were 1.59 ± 0.84 and 1.25 ± 0.49 log CFU g−1 were 4.26 ± 0.67 and 2.68 ± 0.22 log CFU g−1 at 10th day, respectively. Overall, it can be inferred that blend of A. vera and carboxymethyl cellulose could be used as a nontoxic potential anti‐browning and antimicrobial component for the enhancement of the shelf life and additional nutritional value of fresh‐cut apples.
Effect of some local plant extracts on fatty acid composition of fish (Alestes baremoze) during smoking and sun drying in the Far‐North region of Cameroon
Authors: Tabanty Zambou Goldefroy , Tenyang Noël , Birault Lucie , Kermarrec Alice , Gacel Agnes , Kansci Germain , Meynier Anne , Guyot Sylvain , Ponka Roger
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the antioxidant activities of three plant extracts (Moringa oleifera leaves, Xylopia aethiopica fruits, and Allium cepa leaves) and to evaluate their effects on the preservation of fish polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) during smoking and sun‐drying processes. PUFAs are highly prone to oxidation during fish processing. The plant extracts were analyzed for their polyphenol contents and were evaluated for their total antiradical capacity. The polyphenol components of each plant were characterized. The hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts were added to the fish at concentrations of 3, 6, 9, and 12 g/L and 10, 20, 30, and 40 g/L, respectively. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was used as a positive control at a concentration of 2 g/L to compare the antioxidant effects of the plant extracts. The treated fish was subjected to smoking or sun drying and the fatty acid composition of the fish lipid extract was assessed. The results showed that the total polyphenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents varied significantly from one plant extract to the other (p < .05). The radical scavenging and FRAP increased significantly with the concentration of the plant extracts (p < .05). An HPLC analysis of the extracts led to the preliminary identification of four hydroxycinnamic acids in M. oleifera and X. aethiopica, one anthocyanin and one flavone glycoside in M. oleifera, and four flavan‐3‐ols in X. aethiopica. Moreover, eight flavonols were preliminarily identified in the three plants. Compared to the control product, these plant extracts significantly protected fish PUFAs from oxidation (p < .05). The aqueous extract of A. cepa at 40 g/L better preserved omega‐3 in fish during smoking and sun drying than the control product. Incorporating the three plant extracts during smoking and sun‐drying processes can effectively preserve the PUFAs in fish. Therefore, these plants are viable sources of natural antioxidants in the preservation of fish products.
Investigation of the Effects of Working Conditions on Performance of Planar and Cylindrical Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Cellek Muhammed Salih , Demircan Tolga
Published: August 2023

In this study, the effects of varying operating conditions on cell performance in cylindrical and planar PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cells with equal geometrical properties are investigated numerically. For this purpose, planar and cylindrical fuel cells are analyzed and the changes in performance are compared with each other. In particular, by increasing the temperature from 363 to 373 K, the current density decreases by ≈50%. When the pressure is increased from 1 atm to 1.2 atm, the current density increases by 20% and 2% in cylindrical and planar fuel cells, respectively. When the stoichiometric ratio is increased from 1 to 1.5, the current density increases by 25% and 32% for cylindrical and planar fuel cells, respectively. However, it decreases slightly after 1.5 value of the stoichiometric ratio. As a result, it is seen that temperature has a more significant effect on fuel cell performance than other operating conditions. It can be said that the planar fuel cell can operate with more stable performance than the cylindrical fuel cell when the temperature and pressure are changed. However, in the case of changing the stoichiometric ratio, there is no significant difference in the operating performance of both fuel cells.
Clinical‐functional brain connectivity signature predicts longitudinal symptom improvement after acupuncture treatment in patients with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Yin Tao , Qu Yuzhu , Mao Yangke , Zhang Pan , Ma Peihong , He Zhaoxuan , Sun Ruirui , Lu Jin , Chen Yuan , Yin Shuai , Gong Qiyong , Tang Yong , Liang Fanrong , Zeng Fang
Published: August 2023

Whilst acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for functional dyspepsia (FD), its efficacy varies significantly among patients. Knowing beforehand how each patient responds to acupuncture treatment will facilitate the ability to produce personalized prescriptions, therefore, improving acupuncture efficacy. The objective of this study was to construct the prediction model, based on the clinical‐neuroimaging signature, to forecast the individual symptom improvement of FD patients following a 4‐week acupuncture treatment and to identify the critical predictive features that could potentially serve as biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of acupuncture for FD. Clinical‐functional brain connectivity signatures were extracted from samples in the training‐test set (100 FD patients) and independent validation set (60 FD patients). Based on these signatures and support vector machine algorithms, prediction models were developed in the training test set, followed by model performance evaluation and predictive features extraction. Subsequently, the external robustness of the extracted predictive features in predicting acupuncture efficacy was evaluated by the independent validation set. The developed prediction models possessed an accuracy of 88% in predicting acupuncture responders, as well as an R2 of 0.453 in forecasting symptom relief. Factors that contributed significantly to stronger responsiveness of patients to acupuncture therapy included higher resting‐state functional connectivity associated with the orbitofrontal gyrus, caudate, hippocampus, and anterior insula, as well as higher baseline scores of the Symptom Index of Dyspepsia and shorter durations of the condition. Furthermore, the robustness of these features in predicting the efficacy of acupuncture for FD was verified through various machine learning algorithms and independent samples and remained stable in univariate and multivariate analyses. These findings suggest that it is both feasible and reliable to predict the efficacy of acupuncture for FD based on the pre‐treatment clinical‐neuroimaging signature. The established prediction framework will promote the identification of suitable candidates for acupuncture treatment, thereby improving the efficacy and reducing the cost of acupuncture for FD.
Quantifying patterns of streamflow peaks over the southeastern United States using a long‐term retrospective data set
Authors: Raczyński K. , Dyer J.
Published: August 2023

Utilizing simulated daily flow values for 61 948 stream nodes from the National Water Model (NWM) v.2.1 retrospective data set, which covers the period 1979–2020, streamflow peaks (SFP) were determined using an objective threshold method based on the Fisher‐Jenks breakpoint algorithm. This approach provides estimates of low probability, high in‐channel water level conditions. Strong spatial relations in temporal streamflow peak distribution were observed, with four main spatial clusters covering: (1) the central parts of Mississippi to South Carolina; (2) the south and north parts of Mississippi to South Carolina; (3) Florida, the Gulf Coast, and parts of North Carolina and Virginia; and (4) the Atlantic Coast and parts of the Gulf Coast. The first area is characterized by high multiannual SFP occurrence with long total durations, high contribution to total discharge, and occurrence throughout the year with peaks in February and March. Increasing annual peak trends are present locally. The second area is characterized by similar parameters with increased flash flooding potential. In the third area, lower occurrence and share in total discharge are observed, with two peaks of occurrence in the September–October and March periods. In the fourth region, the lowest occurrences and shortest durations are present, along with strong seasonality manifested in September–October occurrences that constitute over 80% of all SFP volumes. Decreasing trends in maximal monthly flows for the June–October period are also observed here. The results provide valuable regionalized information about historical high flow characteristics across the southeast United States, which can be used as a basis for improved long‐term flood prediction based on seasonality models and constitute a baseline for defining regional changes in high flow frequency and distribution.
Toddlers' self‐regulation development from 14 to 26 months: The unique role of paternal discipline
Authors: Wang Zheyan , Li Wei , Woudstra Mi‐lan , Wang Lamei
Published: August 2023

Toddlerhood is a critical period for children's self‐regulation development during which parenting is undoubtedly a key influencing factor. The role that parents especially fathers play in shaping the emergence of self‐regulation is still under investigation. This longitudinal study was carried out in 38 families in China, in which toddlers and both parents participated in two waves of observations during home visits, one performed when the toddlers were around 14 months old and another one 12 months later. Children's self‐regulation was measured by behaviour control and Stroop tasks. Parental positive and negative discipline was coded by videotaped parent–child interactions. Results indicated that the mothers showed more positive discipline than the fathers at child 14 months, and there were no significant differences in positive and negative discipline between the fathers and mothers at child 26 months, neither in their negative discipline at child 14 months. Only the fathers' positive and negative discipline at child 14 months both significantly predicted toddlers' behaviour control at 26 months—over and above maternal discipline. This study reveals fathers' unique and irreplaceable contributions to children's early self‐regulation development.
How languages differ: Evidence from firm‐level stock price crash risk in 36 countries
Authors: Ho Kung‐Cheng
Published: August 2023

Speakers of weak future time reference (FTR) languages (e.g., Chinese) do not need to grammatically mark future events, whereas speakers of strong FTR languages (e.g., English) do. We conjectured that weak FTR languages lead speakers to hold less precise beliefs about timing and, hence, are associated with higher stock price crash risk. Accordingly, using a comprehensive sample of firms in 36 countries (regions) with 221,414 observations from 1988 to 2017, we found that stock price crash risk was significantly higher in regions dominated by speakers of weak FTR languages. Furthermore, the effect of FTR on stock price crash risk was weakened in countries with stronger formal and informal institutions (e.g., high disclosure quality, greater transparency, and less corruption). Our results gave a new explanation for the heterogeneity in stock price crash risk, provided insights into whether language is an economic institution, and added to the research on the effects of languages on economic and financial outcomes.
Long‐term data of maintained salmonid populations show alarming conditions, albeit signs of natural reproduction
Authors: Soto Ismael , Dietrich Jana S. , Monteoliva Agustín P. , Haubrock Phillip J.
Published: August 2023

Healthy populations of salmonids are integral for the functioning of ecosystems and a valuable part of sociocultural identities. Past declines were attributed to anthropogenic stressors, raising concern about the sustainability of populations. Accordingly, many salmonids are listed on red lists and protected by national legislation. One region where salmonid populations are threatened is Northern Spain, the most southern distribution of both the Atlantic salmon (protected under the EU Habitat Directive) and the brown trout. Here, we collated ~700 biomonitoring samples of both species collected across 177 sites over a 10‐year period (2010–2019) to describe ongoing trends in these species and to relate them to site characteristics and potential drivers which may modulate these trends. We showed that both species have declined substantially, with stocked individuals constituting the majority of both populations. Natural reproduction was almost entirely absent for the brown trout (<1%), but present in the Atlantic salmon (~20%). Both species expressed distinct spatial patterns, likely related to their stocking and habitat preferences. As a result, we not only underline alarming conditions of both species, but also question the effectiveness of currently employed stocking efforts. Given that both species are of increasing conservation concern, river basin‐specific analyses are required to identify limiting factors on which conservation actions can be taken. In the evaluated river systems, identified targets include dam removal and pollution reduction, concomitant to the implementation of more effective stocking practices to reduce dependency and maximise conservation benefits for aquatic populations.
Performance of Fracture Risk Assessment Tools by Race and Ethnicity: A Systematic Review for the ASBMR Task Force on Clinical Algorithms for Fracture Risk
Authors: Fink Howard A. , Butler Mary E. , Claussen Amy M. , Collins Erin S. , Krohn Kristina M. , Taylor Brent C. , Tikabo Sina S. , Vang Denny , Zerzan Nicholas L. , Ensrud Kristine E.
Published: August 2023

The American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Professional Practice Committee charged an ASBMR Task Force on Clinical Algorithms for Fracture Risk to review the evidence on whether current approaches for differentiating fracture risk based on race and ethnicity are necessary and valid. To help address these charges, we performed a systematic literature review investigating performance of calculators for predicting incident fractures within and across race and ethnicity groups in middle-aged and older US adults. We included English-language, controlled or prospective cohort studies that enrolled US adults aged >40 years and reported tool performance predicting incident fractures within individual race and ethnicity groups for up to 10 years. From 4838 identified references, six reports met eligibility criteria, all in women. Just three, all from one study, included results in non-white individuals. In these three reports, non-white women experienced relatively few major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs), especially hip fractures, and risk thresholds for predicting fractures in non-white women were derived from risks in the overall, predominantly white study population. One report suggested the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) without bone mineral density (BMD) overestimated hip fracture similarly across race and ethnicity groups (black, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian, white) but overestimated MOF more in non-white than White women. However, these three reports were inconclusive regarding whether discrimination of FRAX or the Garvan calculator without BMD or of FRAX with BMD for MOF or hip fracture differed between white versus black women. This uncertainty was at least partly due to imprecise hip fracture estimates in black women. No reports examined whether ratios of observed to predicted hip fracture risks within each race or ethnicity group varied across levels of predicted hip fracture risk. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Application of conformational space annealing to the protein structure modeling using cryo‐EM maps
Authors: Park Jimin , Joung InSuk , Joo Keehyoung , Lee Jooyoung
Published: August 2023

Conformational space annealing (CSA), a global optimization method, has been applied to various protein structure modeling tasks. In this paper, we applied CSA to the cryo‐EM structure modeling task by combining the python subroutine of CSA (PyCSA) and the fast relax (FastRelax) protocol of PyRosetta. Refinement of initial structures generated from two methods, rigid fitting of predicted structures to the Cryo‐EM map and de novo protein modeling by tracing the Cryo‐EM map, was performed by CSA. In the refinement of the rigid‐fitted structures, the final models showed that CSA can generate reliable atomic structures of proteins, even when large movements of protein domains were required. In the de novo modeling case, although the overall structural qualities of the final models were rather dependent on the initial models, the final models generated by CSA showed improved MolProbity scores and cross‐correlation coefficients to the maps. These results suggest that CSA can accomplish flexible fitting and refinement together by sampling diverse conformations effectively and thus can be utilized for cryo‐EM structure modeling.
Apoptosis inhibitor of macrophages/CD5L enhances phagocytosis in the trabecular meshwork cells and regulates ocular hypertension
Authors: Nemoto Hotaka , Honjo Megumi , Arai Satoko , Miyazaki Toru , Aihara Makoto
Published: August 2023

The trabecular meshwork (TM) cells of the eye are important for controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) and regulating outflow resistance in the aqueous humor. TM cells can remove particles and cellular debris by phagocytosis, decreasing both outflow resistance and IOP. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigate whether apoptosis inhibitor of macrophages (AIM), which mediates the removal of dead cells and debris in renal tubular epithelial cells, regulates the phagocytic capacity of TM cells. In vitro experiments revealed that CD36, the main receptor for AIM, colocalized with AIM in human TM cells; additionally, phagocytosis was stimulated when AIM was provided. Furthermore, in a mouse model with transient IOP elevation induced by laser iridotomy (LI), removal of accumulated iris pigment epithelial cells or debris in the TM and recovery of IOP to baseline levels were delayed in AIM−/− mice, compared with control mice. However, treatment with AIM eyedrops rescued AIM−/− mice from the elevated IOP after LI. Since AIM is a protein known to inhibit macrophage apoptosis, we additionally verified its involvement in macrophage removal of cellular debris and IOP. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of macrophages between control mice and AIM−/− mice in the TM. Additionally, we confirmed the rescue effect of the rAIM eyedrops after macrophages had been removed by clodronate liposomes. Therefore, AIM plays an important role in regulating the phagocytic capacity of TM cells, thereby affecting outflow resistance. Our results suggest that drugs targeting the phagocytic capacity of TM cells via the AIM–CD36 pathway may be used to treat glaucoma.
A novel splice variant of the human MSTN gene encodes a myostatin‐specific myostatin inhibitor
Authors: Maeta Kazuhiro , Farea Manal , Nishio Hisahide , Matsuo Masafumi
Published: August 2023

Background

Myostatin, encoded by the MSTN gene comprising 3 exons, is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. Although a variety of myostatin inhibitors have been invented for increasing muscle mass in muscle wasting diseases, no effective inhibitor is currently available for clinical use. Myostatin isoforms in several animals have been reported to inhibit myostatin, but an isoform has never been identified for the human MSTN gene, a conserved gene among animals. Here, a splice variant of the human MSTN gene was explored.

Methods

Transcripts and proteins were analysed by reverse transcription‐PCR amplification and western blotting, respectively. Proteins were expressed from expression plasmid. Myostatin signalling was assayed by the SMAD‐responsive luciferase activity. Cell proliferation was assayed by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay and cell counting. Cell cycle was analysed by the FastFUCCI system.

Results

Reverse transcription‐PCR amplification of the full‐length MSTN transcript in CRL‐2061 rhabdomyosarcoma cells revealed two bands consisting of a thick expected‐size product and a thin additional small‐size product. Sequencing of the small‐size product showed a 963‐bp deletion in the 5′ end of exon 3, creating exon 3s, which contained unusual splice acceptor TG dinucleotides. The novel variant was identified in other human cell lines, although it was not identified in skeletal muscle. The 251‐amino acid isoform encoded by the novel variant (myostatin‐b) was identified in CRL‐2061 rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Transfection of a myostatin‐b expression plasmid into CRL‐2061 and myoblast cells inhibited endogenous myostatin signalling (44%, P < 0.001 and 63%, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, myostatin‐b inhibited myostatin signalling induced by recombinant myostatin (68.8%, P < 0.001). In remarkable contrast, myostatin‐b did not inhibit the myostatin signalling induced by recombinant growth differentiation factor 11 (9.2%, P = 0.70), transforming growth factor β (+3.1%, P = 0.83) or activin A (+1.1%, P = 0.96). These results indicate the myostatin‐specific inhibitory effect of myostatin‐b. Notably, the expression of myostatin‐b in myoblasts significantly enhanced cell proliferation higher than the mock‐transfected cells by the CCK‐8 and direct cell counting assays (60%, P < 0.05 and 39%, P < 0.05, respectively). Myostatin‐b increased the percentage of S‐phase cells significantly higher than that of the mock‐transfected cells (53% vs. 80%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We cloned a novel human MSTN variant produced by unorthodox splicing. The variant encoded a novel myostatin isoform, myostatin‐b, that inhibited myostatin signalling by myostatin‐specific manner and enhanced myoblast proliferation by shifting cell cycle. Myostatin‐b, which has myostatin‐specific inhibitory activity, could be developed as a natural myostatin inhibitor.
Ethylene production by partial oxidation of biogas using lime as catalyst
Authors: May Izabelly Cassia , Perez‐Lopez Oscar W
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

The oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) is an interesting route for direct conversion of methane into ethylene and ethane. Nevertheless, COx is a secondary product of this route, which decreases the selectivity of hydrocarbons. In this work it is proposed to overcome this drawback by using biogas as source of methane. In addition to being a renewable source of methane, the presence of CO2 in biogas may shift the balance of the methane combustion. For this purpose, it was evaluated how process conditions such as O2 and CO2 flow rates and temperature affect biogas‐based OCM, in the temperature range of 650–800 °C, using lime as catalyst.

RESULTS

The increase in CO2 flow from 0 to 15 mL.min−1 increased the ethylene selectivity from 25.9% to 44.5% at 800 °C. As consequence, CO2 formation dropped from 53.9% to 18.3%. Methane conversion was not affected significantly by CO2 flow rate, remaining in the range of 22–25%. O2 flow was essential to activate the OCM reaction and the presence of higher concentrations of O2 favored the selectivity of ethylene, but also increased the CO2 produced through methane combustion. In the OCM experiments with variable flow of CO2, the highest C2 yield of 18% was obtained for the highest flow of co‐fed CO2, whereas the experiments with biogas and variable O2 flow showed the highest yield of ethylene for the highest flow of air co‐fed.

CONCLUSION

Thus, biogas‐based OCM was shown to be a promising route to improve C2 selectivity, since the CO2 present in the biogas minimizes the formation of CO2 in the reaction. The use of lime as a low‐cost catalyst proved to be viable for the OCM reaction, presenting results compatible with those obtained for catalysts with more complex composition. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Selective conversion of glycerin to glyceric acid under mild and base‐free conditions using layered double hydroxides‐supported Pt nanoparticle catalysts
Authors: Chen Xinyue , Shen Lingqin , Yin Hengbo
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Glyceric acid (GLA) has immense potential as a versatile compound with significant biological activity in the field of life sciences. Its production from glycerin (GLY) through selective aerobic oxidation offers an attractive route for sourcing chemicals from biomass. However, achieving high yields of GLA under mild conditions, specifically base‐free and low‐temperature conditions, presents a notable challenge.

RESULTS

In this study, we present the remarkable catalytic performance of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) supported on cerium‐doped layered double hydroxides (LDHs), yielding an impressive GLA selectivity of 60.3% at 60 °C. Our findings indicate that the Ce‐doped catalyst greatly enhancing catalyst alkalinity and catalytic performance, particularly at low temperatures. The cyclic performance of Pt/1%CeMg1Al1‐LDH revealed a gradual decline in catalytic performance after five cycles, indicating the catalyst's inherent resistance to deactivation.

CONCLUSION

The construction of CeO2 and the increase in catalyst alkalinity after Ce doping may be the main reasons for improving the catalytic performance. The mild and base‐free reaction conditions represent a pivotal step toward the future industrialization of glyceric acid, considering their divergence from conventional glycerin conversion conditions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
An efficient and practical approach for the continuous‐flow synthesis of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural from carbohydrates using an acidic ionic liquid
Authors: Van Nguyen Tan , Nguyen Trinh Hao , Phan Ha Bich , Tran Phuong Hoang
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Flow chemistry is becoming an essential technique in organic synthesis. This trend is expected to continue and broaden in scope and complexity. This miniaturized protocol that includes microreactors enables excellent heat transfer, low solvent wastage, shorter reaction times, higher productivity and higher space–time yields.

RESULTS

In this study, we synthesized four ionic liquids and applied them as catalysts for the selective preparation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) from fructose using the continuous flow system. The effects of reaction time and temperature, catalyst loading, solvent and substrates for carbohydrate conversion to 5‐HMF have been carefully investigated, and 5‐HMF yields were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography.

CONCLUSION

As a result, 1‐(4‐sulfobutyl)pyridinium iron(III) chloride gave 71% yield of 5‐HMF for 30 min. The results of this research demonstrate that this approach is not only straightforward in design but also rapid and convenient in operation, and it has the potential to be carried out on a massive scale. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Physician behaviors associated with increased physician and nurse communication during bedside interdisciplinary rounds
Authors: Huang Kelly X. , Chen Caitlin K. , Pessegueiro Antonio M. , Dowling Erin , Dermenchyan Anna , Natarajan Aishwarya , Krishnan Dhwani , Vangala Sitaram S. , Simon Wendy M.
Published: August 2023

Background

Effective team communication during interdisciplinary rounds (IDRs) is a hallmark of safe, efficient, patient‐centered care. However, there is limited understanding of optimal IDR structures and procedures.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze direct observations of physician and nurse interactions during bedside IDR to identify behaviors associated with increased interprofessional communication.

Designs, Settings and Participants

Trained observers audited general medicine ward rounds at an academic medical center using a standardized tool to record physician and nurse behavior and communication in 1007 patient encounters in October 2019 to March 2020.

Results

There were significant differences in physician and nurse interaction time among physicians with different levels of training, with attendings demonstrating higher interaction time than residents (5.4 ± 4.6 vs. 4.3 ± 3.7 min, p = .02) and interns or medical students (3.0 ± 3.2 min, p = .002). Attendings were more likely to initiate a conversation about nurse concerns (76.9%) compared to residents (67.9%) and interns or medical students (59.3%, p = .03). Early nurse participation in bedside visits was associated with increased physician and nurse interaction time (5.0 ± 4.6 vs. 1.9 ± 1.7 min, p < .001) and physician initiative to ask about nurse concerns (74.8% vs. 64.3%, p = .04). In addition, physician initiative to ask the nurse for concerns rather than waiting for the nurse to offer concerns without being prompted was associated with a subsequent conversation about those concerns (74.5% vs. 61.8%, p < .001) and the physician asking about patient or family concerns (94.2% vs. 88.4%, p = .01).

Conclusions

Implementing IDR structures and procedures that promote attending physician involvement, physician initiative, and early nurse participation could optimize interdisciplinary communication and quality of care.
Development and initial psychometrics of the Career Problem Checklist
Authors: Lee Janghee , Lee Sang Min
Published: August 2023

The present study aimed to develop and validate a checklist questionnaire addressing career problems faced by college students. The research involved four steps: scale development, exploratory factor analysis, scale revision, and confirmatory factor analysis and correlation analyses. The career problem checklist comprised four components with 16 items: Self‐awareness (4 items), Occupational Information (4 items), Career Decision‐making (4 items), and Job‐seeking Skills (4 items). The reliability and the validity of the current scale were supported by the high levels of coherence of the subscales and their correlations with the related measures. The study's limitations and implications are also discussed.
Green magnetic snail shell hydroxyapatite sorbent for reliable solid‐phase extraction of pesticides from water samples
Authors: Sghaier Rafika Ben , Labidi Aymen , Abdallah Marwa Aouled , Latrous Latifa , Megriche Adel
Published: August 2023

To address sustainability issues, the green synthesis of nanomaterials has recently received considerable attention. This article addresses a novel and cost‐effective adsorbent for the extraction of eight phenyl‐N‐methylcarbamate insecticides from water samples. We first synthesized a magnetite/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite using snail shell powder via an environmental friendly approach. The morphology and physicochemical properties of magnetic hydroxyapatite were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Magnetic extraction parameters were optimized using a Doehlert matrix. Under optimum conditions, the magnetic extraction coupled with a LC–MS method shows good linearity with R2 ≥ 0.9982, suitable intra‐ and interday precision, and limits of detection and quantification in the range of 0.052–0.093 μg/L and 0.11–0.31 μg/L, respectively. Satisfactory relative recoveries of all carbamates were achieved from fortified water samples in the range of 93.89–101.01%.
Open tubular liquid chromatography: Recent advances and future trends
Authors: Medina Deyber Arley Vargas , Cardoso Alessandra Timoteo , Borsatto João Victor Basolli , Lanças Fernando Mauro
Published: August 2023

Nano‐liquid chromatography (nanoLC) is gaining significant attention as a primary analytical technique across various scientific domains. Unlike conventional high‐performance LC, nanoLC utilizes columns with inner diameters (i.ds.) usually ranging from 10 to 150 μm and operates at mobile phase flow rates between 10 and 1000 nl/min, offering improved chromatographic performance and detectability. Currently, most exploration of nanoLC has focused on particle‐packed columns. Although open tubular LC (OTLC) can provide superior performance, optimized OTLC columns require very narrow i.ds. (< 10 μm) and demand challenging instrumentation. At the moment, these challenges have limited the success of OTLC. Nevertheless, remarkable progress has been made in developing and utilizing OTLC systems featuring narrow columns (< 2 μm). Additionally, significant efforts have been made to explore larger columns (10–75 μm i.d), demonstrating practical applicability in many situations. Due to their perceived advantages, interest in OTLC has resurged in the last two decades. This review provides an updated outlook on the latest developments in OTLC, focusing on instrumental challenges, achievements, and advancements in column technology. Moreover, it outlines selected applications that illustrate the potential of OTLC for performing targeted and untargeted studies.
Smart sampling as the “Spot‐on” Method for LC‐MS protein analysis from dried blood spots
Authors: Johannsen Christina , Mrsa Ago , Halvorsen Trine Grønhaug , Reubsaet Léon
Published: August 2023

This perspective explores the feasibility of smart sampling with dried blood spots for the determination of proteins and peptides from human biomatrices using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for clinical purposes. The focus is on innovative approaches to transform filter paper from a mere sample carrier to an active element in sample preparation, with the aim of reducing the need for extensive and intensive sample preparation in the conventional sense. Specifically, we discuss the use of modified cellulose to integrate sample preparation at an early stage of sample handling. The use of paper immobilized with either trypsin or monoclonal antibodies for protein digestion and affinity clean‐up is discussed as a potential benefit of starting sample preparation instantly at the moment of sampling to optimize time efficiency and enable faster analysis, diagnosis, and follow‐up of patients.
Review of recent advances in development and applications of organic‐silica hybrid monoliths
Authors: Zajickova Zuzana
Published: August 2023

Organic‐silica hybrid monoliths attracted attention as an alternative to extensively researched organic polymer‐based and silica‐based counterparts. The development and applications of these materials as extraction and separation media in capillary liquid chromatography and capillary electrochromatography were previously reviewed in several manuscripts. In this review, we will concentrate on work published since mid‐2016 focusing on advances in their development using sol‐gel chemistry of tetra‐ and trialkoxysilanes and subsequent surface modification with organic monomers, and “one‐pot” strategy incorporating sol‐gel chemistry of alkoxysilanes and free‐radical polymerization, ring‐opening polymerization, or thiol‐based click polymerization with organic monomers. Approaches adapted to the preparation of hybrid monoliths made with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes will be covered as well.
A simple and low‐energy strategy for the separation of water and acetonitrile
Authors: Liu Mincong , Huang Si , Tan Linli , Pan Jiaxin , Xie Shuting , Zuilhof Han , Chen Bo , Ma Ming
Published: August 2023

As acetonitrile is a widely used solvent for the chemical industry, the recovery of acetonitrile from acetonitrile wastewater is significant for both industrial cost reduction and environmental protection. In this article, a simple, low‐energy, and low‐cost strategy is proposed for the effective separation of acetonitrile from high‐concentration acetonitrile wastewater. The approach is based on a sequential combination of two steps: salt‐induced phase separation and hydrophobic filtration. The acetonitrile wastewater was first induced to split into two phases by salt, that is, the acetonitrile‐rich phase and the water‐rich phase, then the above two phases were poured into the hydrophobic filter paper funnel for the separation. It was shown that NaCl is a suitable salting‐out reagent, and that hydrophobic filter papers—obtained from modification by butyltrichlorosilane and octyltrichlorosilane were the optimal choice for hydrophobic filtration. The salt‐induced phase separation process is able to increase the volume fraction of acetonitrile in the acetonitrile‐rich phase up to 92%. The acetonitrile‐rich phase can pass through the hydrophobic filter paper, whereas the water‐rich phase was intercepted. The hydrophobic filter paper retained strong hydrophobicity and high acetonitrile‐separating capacity after 3 months storage, or upon immersion in acetonitrile‐water mixtures for 12 h, or applied for 25 consecutive separations.
Analysis of naphthenic acids in produced water samples by capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Pinheiro Kemilly M. P. , Sako Alysson V. F. , Rodrigues Marcella F. , Vaz Boniek G. , Medeiros Junior Iris , Carvalho Rogerio M. , Coltro Wendell K. T.
Published: August 2023

A capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry method was used to analyze naphthenic acids in produced water samples. It was possible to detect cyclopentanecarboxylic, benzoic, cyclohexanebutyric, 1‐naphthoic, decanoic, 3,5‐dimethyladamantane‐1‐carboxylic, 9‐anthracenecarboxylic, and pentadecanoic acids within ca. 13 min using a buffer composed of 40 mmol/L ammonium hydroxide, 32 mmol/L acetic acid and 20% v/v isopropyl alcohol, pH 8.6. The proposed method showed good repeatability, with relative standard deviation (RSD) values of 6.6% for the sum of the peak areas and less than 2% for the analysis time. In the interday analysis, the RSD values for the sum of the peak areas and migration time were 10.3% and 10%, respectively. The developed method demonstrated linear behavior in the concentration range between 5 and 50 mg/L for benzoic, decanoic, 3,5‐dimethyladamantane‐1‐carboxylic and 9‐anthracenecarboxylic acids, and between 10 and 50 mg/L for cyclopentanecarboxylic, cyclohexanebutyric, 1‐ naphthoic, and pentadecanoic acids. The detection limits values ranged from 0.31 to 1.64 mg/L. Six produced water samples were analyzed and it was possible to identify and quantify cyclopentanecarboxylic, benzoic, cyclohexanebutyric, and decanoic acids. The concentrations varied between 4.8 and 98.9 mg/L, proving effective in the application of complex samples.
Comparison of supercritical fluid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the stereoselective analysis of chlorfenvinphos and dimethylvinphos in tobacco
Authors: Yang Fei , Cui Haozhe , Wang Chunqiong , Wang Ying , Zhu Wenjing , Deng Huimin , Liu Shanshan , Bian Zhaoyang , Lu Junli , Tang Gangling , Ji Yuan
Published: August 2023

This study used reversed‐phase liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and supercritical fluid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for determination of the stereoisomers of chlorfenvinphos and dimethylvinphos in tobacco. Tobacco samples were extracted and purified with a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe technique using spherical carbon. The performance of both methodologies was comprehensively compared in terms of methods validation parameters (separation efficiency, linearity, selectivity, recovery, repeatability, sensitivity, matrix effect, etc.). Under optimized conditions, the calibration curves of the stereoisomers of chlorfenvinphos and dimethylvinphos in the range of 10–500 ng/mL showed excellent linearity with R2 ≥  0.997 in both methods. The adequate recoveries of analytes from three different spiked tobaccos were obtained using reversed‐phase liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (86.1–95.7%) as well as supercritical fluid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (86.5–94.0%). The relative standard deviations for spiked samples were all below 7.0%. Compared with supercritical fluid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, lower matrix effects and LODs can be obtained in reversed‐phase liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.
Using pedigree relations to inform capture‐recapture data for the estimation of census population size
Authors: Larroque Jeremy , Kennedy‐Overton Elizabeth , Vandel Jean‐Michel , Ruette Sandrine , Devillard Sébastien
Published: August 2023

Several methods exist to estimate the census population size such as capture‐recapture (CR) methods, which require the direct or indirect capture and recapture of numerous animals across a large area. These methods are difficult to apply to small and medium‐sized carnivorous mammals because of their elusive nature, and also do not work if the sampling method is lethal at first physical capture, a problem relevant when analyzing data from exploited populations. We present a method that uses dead recoveries from hunting bags and other sources of mortality to estimate population size. Each individual is physically trapped once at the end of its capture history (dead recovery), and is considered recaptured on previous trapping occasions if it is genetically identified as the parent of one or several young. We used this parentage information to build capture histories of aged and sexed individuals, and then applied classic CR models for closed populations. We applied this method to the stone marten (Martes foina), an elusive medium‐sized carnivorous mammal in the Bresse Region of France (911 km2) and for which reliably estimating population size remains challenging but important for efficient management. To estimate the robustness of our approach, we also simulated population pedigrees with known population size and determined its accuracy, precision, and sensitivity to the true population size and sampling intensity. Stone marten population size was estimated at  = 1,748 ± 341 (SD) individuals leading to a population density of  = 1.92 ± 0.37 individuals/km2, which is within the range of the few previous density estimations of the species in rural or urban areas. Our method was not affected by population size, and reached the required levels of accuracy and precision to be effective in wildlife management for a given range of sampling intensity. It therefore demonstrated its widespread use in improving estimates of population size from age‐ and sex‐structured pedigree data coming from multi‐year dead recoveries.