bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The changing geography of wine climates and its implications on adaptation in the Italian Alps
Authors: Tscholl Simon , Egarter Vigl Lukas
Published: September 2024

Wine production and quality both strongly depend on suitable climatic conditions. Increasing the climate resilience of wine regions is therefore of critical importance but requires instruments to evaluate shifts in climatic conditions and growing suitability. This evaluation is particularly challenging in mountain viticultural areas due to their complex topoclimatic patterns, yet they offer the possibility to analyze climate change impacts and adaptation strategies across various climatic conditions and cultivated varieties. Here, we assessed historical and future bioclimatic conditions and identified effective adaptation strategies toward more sustainable and climate‐resilient wine production in the mountain winegrowing regions within South Tyrol in the Italian Alps. We found significant changes in climatic conditions under future scenarios, such as an increase in the Huglin index (HI) and cool night index (CNI) as well as a decreased dryness index (DI), causing an expansion of suitable areas for viticulture as well as a spread of unprecedented climatic conditions in traditional vineyards. Impacts and suitable adaptation options varied depending on climate type and grape variety, highlighting the need for targeted solutions that balance the need for high‐quality wine production with environmental protection and sustainability. Higher elevated areas over 1000 m a.s.l. will experience an increased suitability raising the need for restrictions regarding the expansion of vineyards to avoid degradation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity declines. In contrast, many traditional winegrowing areas will need to implement a combination of short‐ and long‐term adaptation measures to maintain traditional wine styles. Our findings provide a framework for the assessment of viticultural suitability and the formulation of appropriate adaptation strategies for the sustainable cultivation of wine grapes in a changing climate that applies to a variety of climates and grape varieties.
Phase 1 trial of intraperitoneal paclitaxel in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and carcinomatosis or positive cytology
Authors: Badgwell Brian , Ikoma Naruhiko , Blum Mariela , Wang Xuemei , Estrella Jeannelyn , Liu Xiaoqian , Kawedia Jitesh , Li Jenny , Mansfield Paul , Ajani Jaffer
Published: September 2024

Background

The purpose of this phase 1 trial was to evaluate the safety and toxicity of repeated normothermic intraperitoneal paclitaxel (PTX) for patients with gastric cancer metastatic to the peritoneum.

Methods

A Bayesian optimal interval design was used to prospectively identify the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of intraperitoneal paclitaxel at weekly treatments for 3 weeks, followed by a 1‐week break, and then three additional treatments. The primary objective was to define the maximum tolerated dose. Secondary end points included safety, tolerability, and antitumor activity.

Results

A total of 25 patients were treated between January 2020 and April 2023. Five dose‐limiting toxicities were observed at 100 mg/m2. Treatment‐related grade 3–4 toxicity included leukopenia (32%) and neutropenia (32%). Seven patients required a schedule change to every other week treatments. The maximum tolerated dose for intraperitoneal PTX was 100 mg/m2. The peritoneum post‐intraperitoneal PTX demonstrated progression in five (20%), stable disease in five (20%), improvement in 10 (40%), and not evaluable in five (20%). Eight patients (32%) had resolution of their peritoneal disease and seven (28%) underwent attempted resection. The median overall survival (OS) from the diagnosis of metastatic disease was 18.8 months and from the date of treatment initiation was 10.8 months. One‐, 2‐, and 3‐year OS rates from the diagnosis of metastatic disease were 84%, 38%, and 25%, respectively.

Conclusions

Paclitaxel may be safely used at intraperitoneal doses of 100 mg/m2. Neutropenia associated with weekly treatments was common. Peritoneal complete clinical response rates with multimodality therapy including PTX were promising.
Construction of Nano ZnV2O4/N‐Doped Porous Carbon Composites with Optimized Ionic and Electronic Conductivities as Competitive Cathodes toward Zinc‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Jiang Hao , Yue Peng , Gao Qinchao , Zhang Shujia , Gao Musen , Wang Jinlong , Liu Yang , Hou Linrui , Chen Meng , Yuan Changzhou
Published: September 2024

Zinc‐ion capacitors (ZICs) have great potential for energy storage applications due to high safety, environmental friendliness, low cost, and high energy density. However, challenges such as poor ion diffusion kinetics and the low conductivity of cathode materials still need to be addressed. Nano ZnV2O4/nitrogen‐doped porous carbon (ZVO/N‐PC) composites are efficiently synthesized via a simple annealing process. Highly crystalline ZVO nanoparticles are in‐situ grown on the three‐dimensional N‐PC surface by precisely tuning the ratio of the vanadium source, achieving a dual enhancement in electronic and ionic conductivities. Benefiting from the nanoengineering build‐up, the optimized ZVO‐0.6/N‐PC anode exhibits impressive rate performance (405.9/308.8 mAh g−1 at 0.2/5.0 A g−1) and cycling capability (0.0029 % capacity drop per cycle at 5.0 A g−1 after 5,800 cycles). Using nitrogen‐doped porous activated carbon (N‐PAC) as the anode and ZVO‐0.6/N‐PC as the cathode, the assembled ZICs deliver a high energy density of 27.5 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 450.0 W kg−1. After 10,000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1, the capacity retention rate remains as 72.8 %, demonstrating excellent cycling stability. This highlights the promising application of nano ZVO/N‐PC composites towards ZICs as competitive cathodes.
PEBS: An efficient patient‐enabled blockchain system
Authors: Pawar Vijayant , Sachdeva Shelly
Published: September 2024

The precise diagnosis and effective treatment of patients rely heavily on healthcare data. However, sharing healthcare information can be challenging due to the potential risks of unauthorized tampering and data leakage. To address these concerns and facilitate secure and efficient data access for stakeholders within and outside the healthcare system, this study introduces a patient‐enabled blockchain system (PEBS). Patient‐enabled blockchain system uses the Model View Controller (MVC) approach where the model manages the off‐chain and on‐chain data, the view is the user‐accessible module, and the controller acts as an interface between a user interface and storage layer. It enables patients to control their data by determining specific access permissions and executes various smart contracts for stakeholders' registration, authorization, data storage, query, and update operations. Patient‐enabled blockchain system incorporates Modified Proof‐of‐Authority (MPoA), which has been compared against various consensus algorithms such as Proof‐of‐Work (PoW), Proof‐of‐Authority (PoA), and Istanbul Byzantine Fault Tolerance (IBFT). Furthermore, the suggested system incorporates the utilization of the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) to address concerns related to performance and storage. We conducted an in‐depth analysis and comparison of the system's performance using key parameters such as transaction latency and throughput. Experiments are carried out using network sizes of 10 and 30, with transaction counts from 5 to 500. The experiments show that the highest latency for the proposed system is 58,105 ms, almost 4.8 times less than PoW, which is 283,575 and provides 2.7 times higher throughput (101 transactions per second) than PoW (38 transactions per second).
Optimizing ethephon application timing for ‘Meyer’ zoysiagrass seedhead suppression
Authors: McNally Brandon C. , Chhetri Manoj , Patton Aaron J. , Liu Wenwen , Hoyle Jared A. , Brosnan James T. , Richardson Michael D. , Bertucci Matthew B. , Braun Ross C. , Fry Jack D.
Published: September 2024

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp. Willd.) is a desirable, low‐input turfgrass species used on golf courses. However, prolific zoysiagrass seedhead production in the spring can increase golf course maintenance costs and reduce aesthetics. Previous research demonstrates that a single autumn ethephon application can suppress zoysiagrass seedhead production the following spring, but the optimum application timing is not well‐defined. The objective of this research was to determine the optimum window for an effective ethephon application for ‘Meyer’ zoysiagrass seedhead suppression. Small‐plot field research was conducted in Indiana, Kansas, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Seedheads were suppressed up to 99% depending on application timing. In Indiana, applications made on September 19 provided 99% seedhead suppression. In Kansas, applications between August 30 and September 18 yielded >64% seedhead suppression. In Arkansas, applications between October 3 and October 17 yielded >52% seedhead suppression. In Tennessee, applications between September 19 and October 23 provided >78% seedhead suppression. Applications made outside these windows resulted in more seedhead production at each respective location. Interestingly, optimum application timing was approximately 2 weeks later in Arkansas and Tennessee compared to Indiana and Kansas. Using growing degree days, a nonlinear Gaussian model was fit to predict the optimum ethephon application timing. In addition to data from this research, the proposed model accurately predicted observed zoysiagrass seedhead suppression in previously published research. This research better characterizes the optimum autumn application timing for Meyer zoysiagrass seedhead suppression across the transition zone.
Achieving Closed‐Loop Recycling of a Semi‐Conjugated Polymer Through the Incorporation of Ester Linkers Along the Backbone
Authors: Megret‐Bonilla Anthony , Neu Justin , Oh Jiyeon , You Wei
Published: September 2024

Design strategies to achieve degradation and ideally closed‐loop recycling of organic semiconductors have attracted great interest in order to minimize the electronic waste (E‐waste). In this work, three ester‐incorporated monomers were synthesized by the names of Thiophene‐Ester‐Ethylene‐Thiophene (TEET), Thiophene‐Ester‐Methylene‐Thiophene (TEMT), and Thiophene‐Ester‐Thiophene (TET), which were co‐polymerized via Stille polycondensation with a benzodithiophene (BnDT) π‐conjugated unit to yield a series of ester‐incorporated polymers: PBnDT‐TEET, PBnDT‐TEMT, and PBnDT‐TET. While the ester‐only linker can maintain some extended conjugation in PBnDT‐TET, the other two ester linkers having conjugation breaking units result in isolated conjugated segments in PBnDT‐TEET and PBnDT‐TEMT, evidenced by UV‐Vis and CV results. This yields an improved photovoltaic performance of PBnDT‐TET compared to PBnDT‐TEET. While all three polymers can depolymerize under methanolysis, the alternating co‐polymer PBnDT‐TEET demonstrates the highest recyclability potential with a single dimethyl ester‐functionalized product with an excellent 92 % isolated yield, which can then be repolymerized to reobtain PBnDT‐TEET with a 36 % yield. This work provides a framework towards achieving recyclable organic semiconductors to reduce E‐waste. Although the incorporation of ester linkers allowed for closed‐loop recycling, the low solar cell efficiency of PBnDT‐TEET highlights the significant challenge in achieving both recycling and high device performance.
Converting an HLA‐B27 flow assay from the BD FACSCanto to the BD FACSLyric
Authors: Ravkov Eugene V. , Ventura Miguel F. , Gudipaty Swapna , Ng David , Delgado Julio C. , Lin Leo
Published: September 2024

HLA‐B27 is a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen which exhibits strong association (90%) with ankylosing spondylitis. HLA‐B27 detection in patients by flow cytometry is a widely used clinical test, performed on many different flow cytometer models. We sought to develop and validate a test conversion protocol for the HLA‐B27 test performed on the BD FACSCanto to BD's newer FACSLyric flow cytometers. The development and validation experiments were performed using anti‐HLA‐B27*FITC/CD3*PE antibody‐stained whole blood patient specimens. The anti‐HLA‐B27*FITC logarithmic median fluorescence (LMF) results on the BD FACSCanto were converted to median fluorescence intensity (MFI) values on the BD FACSLyric. Clustering of the HLA‐B27 positive and negative values, using a 3rd order polynomial equation, resulted in a conversion of the BD FACSCanto cutoff values, negative (<150 LMF) and positive (≥160 LMF), to negative (<4530 MFI) and positive (≥6950 MFI) on the BD FACSLyric. Accuracy was assessed by comparing the flow results obtained on the BD FACSCanto and BD FACSLyric to a molecular PCR based assay. Additional validation parameters (compensation verification, intra‐ and inter‐assay precision, and instrument comparison) were performed per the recommendations outlined in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) H62 guidelines for validation of flow cytometry assays.
Anaplastic Plasma Cell Myeloma With Peritoneal Involvement
Authors: Roldán Galiacho Verónica , Zaldumbide Dueñas Laura , Iglesias Perez Ana , Alonso Varela Marta , del Corral Navarro Susana , Amutio Díez Elena , García‐Ruiz Juan Carlos
Published: September 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B‐cell neoplasm that rounds 15% of all hematological malignancies. The typical clinical presentation of MM includes hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia and bone lesion (CRAB). Effusions due to MM may occur due to secondary involvement of other organs and rarely are present at the initial diagnosis. Anaplastic myeloma (AMM) is rare morphological variant of multiple myeloma with predisposition of extramedullary affection. Herein, we describe a case of malignant plasmacytic ascites at disease onset of anaplastic multiple myeloma.
m6A‐activated BACH1 exacerbates ferroptosis by epigenetic suppression HSPB1 in severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Zhou Fawei , Li Dezhong , Liu Chang , Li Can , Li Kaili , Shi Lu , Zhou Fachun
Published: September 2024

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is characterized by acute inflammation of the pancreas. The transcription factor BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) has been implicated in various biological processes, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation. However, its involvement in the pathogenesis of SAP remains relatively understudied. In the present work, our data demonstrated that BACH1 level was significantly increased in SAP patients, cellular, and animal models, while heat shock protein B1 (HSPB1) expression was weakened. Mechanistic assays validated that BACH1 acted as a transcriptional inhibitor of HSPB1. Moreover, HPDE6‐C7 cells were stimulated with cerulein (Cer) and LPS to mimic the pathological stages of SAP in vitro. Depletion of BACH1 remarkably improved cell survival and alleviated the oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and inflammatory responses in SAP cell models. However, these changes were dramatically reversed upon co‐inhibition of HSPB1. Animal findings confirmed that loss of BACH1 decreased pancreatic injury, inflammatory responses, and ferroptosis, but these effects were weakened by HSPB1 silence. Overall, these findings elucidate that the overexpression of BACH1 favors the ferroptosis and inflammation by transcriptionally inhibiting HSBP1, thereby exacerbating SAP progression.
A review of plant phenolics and endozoochory
Authors: Krebs Samuel A. , Schummer Michael L.
Published: September 2024

Phenolic compounds (phenolics) are secondary metabolites ubiquitous across plants. The earliest phenolics are linked to plants' successful transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial environment, serving as protection against damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress in an atmosphere with an increasingly high O2:CO2 ratio. In modern plants, phenolics are best known for the defense against fungal and bacterial pathogens and as antifeedants that deter herbivory. Phenolics also play a role in seed dormancy, delaying germination, and lengthening viability in the seed bank. Many plants' seeds are endozoochorous – dispersed by animals, like birds, who eat and later excrete the seeds. Plants send visual signals to attract birds with UV‐sensitive (UVS) vision for pollination and seed dispersal. As fruits ripen, antioxidant activity and phenolic content decrease. The waxy cuticle of fruits increases in UV reflection as phenolic rings, which absorb UV light, degrade. The UV contrast that birds detect may act as an honest signal, indicating nutritional changes in the fruit. However, there is little evidence to support the evolution of UV coloration during ripening being driven by frugivore selection. Antioxidant properties of fruit phenolics may be dually adaptive in plants and avian frugivores.
Predicted community consequences of spatially explicit global change‐induced processes on plant–insect networks
Authors: Ho Hsi‐Cheng , Altermatt Florian
Published: September 2024

Plant–insect trophic systems should be particularly sensitive to processes altering species spatial co‐occurrences, as impacts on one level can cascade effectively through the strong trophic reliance to the other level. Here, we predicted the biogeography of Lepidoptera–plant communities under global‐change scenarios, exploiting spatially resolved data on 423 Lepidoptera species and their 848 food plants across the German state of Baden‐Württemberg (ca. 36,000 km2). We performed simulations of plant extinction and Lepidoptera expansion, and respectively assessed their cascading consequences—namely secondary extinction of Lepidoptera and change in functional distance of plants—on the interaction networks. Importantly, the simulations were spatially explicit, as we accounted for realistic landscape contexts of both processes: Plant extinctions were simulated as “regional” (a species goes extinct in the whole region at once) vs. “isolation‐driven” (a species gradually goes extinct from the peripheral or isolated localities according to its real regional distribution); Lepidoptera expansions were simulated with random, northward, and upward directions according to real topography. The consequences were assessed based on empirical community composition and trophic relationships. When evaluated by regional richness, the robustness of Lepidoptera assemblages against secondary extinctions was higher under isolation‐driven plant extinctions than regional plant extinction; however, this relationship was reversed when evaluated by averaged local richness. Also, with isolation‐driven plant extinctions, Lepidoptera at the central sub‐region of Baden‐Württemberg appeared to be especially vulnerable. With Lepidoptera expansions, plants' functional distances in local communities dropped, indicating a possible increase of competition among plants, yet to a lesser extent particularly with upward movements. Together, our results suggested that the communities' composition context at the landscape scale (i.e., how communities, with respective species composition, are arranged within the landscape) matters when assessing global‐change influences on interaction systems; spatially explicit consideration of such context can reveal localised consequences that are not necessarily captured via a spatially implicit, regional perspective.
Population genetics and evolutionary history of the intertidal brittle star Ophiothrix (Ophiothrix) exigua in the northern China Sea
Authors: Zhang Qian , Hu Xuying , Deng Zongjing , Li Yixuan , Dong Yue , Han Chen , Zeng Xiaoqi , Xiao Ning , Zhang Xuelei , Xu Qinzeng
Published: September 2024

Ophiothrix (Ophiothrix) exigua is a common brittle star in the northwestern Pacific. As a dominant species, O. exigua inhabiting the intertidal rocky ecosystem are affected by multiple environmental stressors, but molecular insights into their genetic population structure remain poorly studied. In this study, we investigated the population genetics and evolutionary history of six O. exigua populations from the northern China Sea using mitochondrial (COI, NAD4) and nuclear (ITS2, 18S) gene markers. High haplotype diversity, low nucleotide diversity, and low rates of gene differentiation among the populations of O. exigua were detected. Pairwise genetic differentiation (ΦST) statistics between different localities were negative or low and insignificant, suggesting strong gene flow of this species over the study areas. The phylogenetic analyses showed that the populations exhibited high homogeneity between localities in our study area. Demographic analyses indicated that the populations experienced sustained expansion around 0.2 million years ago. This expansion was likely related to transgressions events in the Yellow Sea during the Pleistocene period. Additional samples of O. exigua from disparate geographical locations, especially the Japan Sea and the Korean Peninsula, will be needed to unravel the population genetic patterns and evolutionary history of this species.
Impact of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake on the species diversity of rocky intertidal sessile assemblages
Authors: Yao Yuan , You Jingru , Ishida Ken , Noda Takashi
Published: September 2024

The impacts of large‐scale disturbance events on the species diversity of rocky intertidal sessile assemblages across multiple spatial scales are not well understood. To evaluate the influence of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake on alpha and beta diversities of rocky intertidal sessile assemblages, we surveyed sessile assemblages in the mid‐shore zone from 2011 to 2019 and compared the data with those collected from 2003 to 2010 before the earthquake at the same region. The census was conducted across 22 study plots on five rocky shores along 30 km of the Sanriku Coast of Japan, which is located 150–160 km north–northwest of the earthquake epicenter. Alpha diversity was measured with three Hill numbers (H0, H1, and H2), which represent the number of equally common species that would exist in a community with the same diversity as the sampled community, with higher values of the subscript indicating more weight placed on abundant species. Beta diversity was measured with two metrics (BDtotal at two spatial scales). Values were compared between the post‐earthquake period (2011–2019) and the pre‐earthquake period (2003–2010). The results show that the Tohoku Earthquake significantly altered the species diversity of intertidal sessile assemblages across multiple spatial scales. All diversity metrics obtained at multiple spatial scales (i.e., alpha diversities: H0, H1, and H2; beta diversities: BDtotal at the shore and regional scales) decreased immediately after the earthquake and then increased in subsequent years. At 2 years after the earthquake, H0 recovered to within the range of pre‐earthquake values and H1 and H2 became significantly higher than pre‐earthquake values. Most metrics of alpha and beta diversities recovered to pre‐earthquake levels after several years, but regional BDtotal remained low for a longer period.
In vitro modulation of T cells in myasthenia gravis by low‐dose IL‐2
Authors: Çebi Merve , Çakar Arman , Durmuş Hacer , Akan Onur , Aysal Fikret , Parman Yeşim , Saruhan‐Direskeneli Güher
Published: September 2024

Follicular helper (Tfh), peripheral helper (Tph), and regulatory (Treg) T cells are involved in myasthenia gravis (MG) pathogenesis, an autoimmune disorder arising from autoantibodies targeting neuromuscular junction proteins. This study explores the impact of low‐dose IL‐2 on Tfh, Tph, and Treg cells in vitro in MG. Acetylcholine‐receptor antibody‐positive MG (AChR‐MG), muscle‐specific kinase antibody‐positive MG (MuSK‐MG) patients, and healthy controls (HC) were studied. Blood cells were cultured with/without IL‐2 and compared by the ratios of IL‐2 stimulated/unstimulated cultures. In both AChR‐MG and MuSK‐MG patients, CD25+FoxP3+Tregs were lower, while CXCR5+PD‐1+ or ICOS+Tfh and CXCR5−PD‐1+ or ICOS+Tph cells were higher compared with HC. Among the MG group, the FoxP3+ Treg cells in AChR‐MG patients were even lower compared with MuSK‐MG patients. In vitro IL‐2 stimulation increased Tregs in all groups while decreasing PD‐1+/ICOS+Tfh and PD‐1+/ICOS+Tph populations. The fold‐increase ratio of Tregs and the fold‐decrease ratio of PD‐1+ or ICOS+Tfh and ICOS+Tph cells in AChR‐MG and MuSK‐MG patients were greater than in HCs. Low‐dose IL‐2 treatment may balance Tfh, Tph, and Treg cells in MG patients, offering a potential opportunity for disease modulation.
Synthesis of Functionalized 2‐Hydrazono‐3‐Thiazolines from 2‐Substituted Oxazoles through a One‐Pot Multicomponent/Rearrangement Process
Authors: Ramos Giovana S. , Rossa Thaís A. , Balaguez Renata A. , Beche Ricardo I. M. , Bortoluzzi Adailton J. , Sá Marcus M.
Published: September 2024

The serendipitous rearrangement of an oxazole nucleus to a thiazoline ring under mild conditions is described. This transformation was achieved by a multicomponent reaction (MCR) featuring 2‐(bromomethyl)oxazoles, thiosemicarbazide, and a carbonyl compound to provide oxazole‐derived isothiosemicarbazones, which undergo oxazole ring‐opening and recyclization to 2‐hydrazono‐3‐thiazolines in a one‐pot procedure. This straightforward route produced highly functionalized thiazolines (34–98 % yield) in a chemo‐ and stereoselective manner.
Identification of Plant Peroxidases Catalyzing the Degradation of Fluorinated Aromatics Using a Peroxidase Library Approach
Authors: Ware Ashton , Hess Sally , Gligor David , Numer Sierra , Gregory Jack , Farmer Carson , Raner Gregory M. , Medina Hector E.
Published: September 2024

In this work, the degradation of mono‐ and polyfluorinated phenolic compounds was demonstrated by a series of crude plant peroxidases, including horseradish root (HRP) and six members of the Cucurbita genus. Highly active samples were identified using a library screening approach in which more than 50 crude plant samples were initially evaluated for defluorination activity toward 4‐fluorophenol. The highest concentrations were observed in the HRP, pumpkin skin (PKS), and butternut squash skin (BNS), which consistently gave the highest intrinsic rates of decomposition for all the substrates tested. Although HRP exhibited a significant decrease in activity with increased fluorination of the phenolic substrate, PKS showed only minor reductions. Furthermore, in silico studies indicated that the active site of HRP poorly accommodates the steric bulk of additional fluorines, causing the substrate to dock farther from the catalytic heme and thus slowing the catalysis rate. We propose that the PKS active site might be larger, allowing closer access to the perfluorinated substrate, and therefore maintaining higher activity compared to the HRP enzyme. However, detailed kinetic characterization studies of the peroxidases are recommended. Conclusively, the high catalytic activity of PKS and its high yield per gram of tissue make it an excellent candidate for developing environmentally friendly biocatalytic methods for degrading fluorinated aromatics. Finally, the success of the library approach in identifying highly active samples for polyfluorinated aromatic compound (PFAC) degradation suggests the method may find utility in the quest for other advanced catalysts for PFAS degradation.
Recommended practice for measurement and evaluation of oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysis
Authors: An Hongmin , Park Wonchul , Shin Heejong , Chung Dong Young
Published: September 2024

The Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a pivotal technology driving next‐generation sustainable energy conversion and storage devices. Establishing a robust analytical methodology is paramount to fostering innovation in this field. This review offers a comprehensive discussion on measurement and interpretation, advocating for standardized protocols and best practices to mitigate the myriad factors that complicate analysis. The initial focus is directed toward substrate electrodes and gas bubbles, both significant contributors to reduced reliability and reproducibility. Subsequently, the review focuses on intrinsic activity assessment, identification of electrochemical active sites, and the disentanglement of competing process contributions. These careful methodologies ensure the systematic delivery of insights crucial for assessing OER performance. In conclusion, the review highlights the critical role played by precise measurement techniques and unbiased activity comparison methodologies in propelling advancements in OER catalyst development.

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Evaluation of geomorphological classification uncertainty using rough set theory: A case study of Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Li Jilong , He Shan , Wu Han , Na Jiaming , Ding Hu
Published: September 2024

Geomorphological classification is affected by classification principles, indicators, methods, and data resolution, which can lead to uncertainty in the results. Such uncertainty directly affects the quality and subsequent applications of geomorphological classification. To quantify and control the uncertainty, it is important to select an appropriate and effective method for evaluating the uncertainty of geomorphological classification. This study evaluated the uncertainty of geomorphological classification of Shaanxi Province at the ground‐feature class and image scales, which derived from rough set theory: rough entropy, approximate classification quality, and approximate classification accuracy. The three indicators helped effectively assess the uncertainty of geomorphological classification at multi‐scale and measured the degree to which different factors affected the uncertainty of geomorphological classification. The relative impacts of three factors on the uncertainty of classification decreased in the order of classification methods, data resolution, and classification indicators. This finding is helpful to objectively evaluate and control the uncertainty generated in the process and results of geomorphological classification, and can provide targeted reference and guidance for future geomorphological classification work, which is more conducive to decision‐making and application. At the same time, this study is also a beneficial supplement to the geomorphological research based on digital terrain analysis.
Is hyponatremia caused by Chinese herbal medicine a myth? A scoping review and a review of local data in Hong Kong
Authors: Ping Wu , Chi Keung Chan , Oi Fung Wong , Man Li Tse
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Hyponatremia is one of the commonly inquired adverse effects related to Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) received by the Hong Kong Poison Information Center. However, it has never been investigated or reviewed systemically. The purpose of this review is to look into the relationship between CHM and hyponatremia.

Method

Databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane library, Embase, and the traditional Chinese medicine database system, were searched for cases reporting hyponatremia after the use of herbs. Inquiries received by the Hong Kong Poison Information Center about CHM‐related hyponatremia from 2008 to 2022 July were reviewed retrospectively by two independent doctors (one physician and one clinical toxicologist) using the Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale (Naranjo algorithm). Quadratic weighted Kappa was used to test interrater reliability.

Results

Three case reports or series about herb‐related hyponatremia were identified in the scoping review. Seventy‐two patients with hyponatremia and CHM intake were evaluated to determine the possibility of CHM causing hyponatremia. Around 90% of the patients had biochemical profiles compatible with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormones. Most of the patients had a probability likelihood of “possible” as ranked by the Naranjo algorithm. In 19.5% of the hyponatremic patients taking CHM, no other apparent cause was found.

Conclusion

The scarcity of literature in scoping review indicates a potential research gap. CHM might be associated with hyponatremia, for which no alternative cause was found. However, meticulous measures must still be made to determine that no other alternative causes are present in a patient with hyponatremia receiving CHM.
Road injuries, labor productivity, and economic growth in Africa: A panel study
Authors: Immurana Mustapha , Azuug Muniru , Abdullahi Ibrahim , Kisseih Kwame Godsway , Mohammed Ayisha , Boachie Micheal Kofi , Kizhakkekara Toby Joseph Mathew
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Globally, millions of people suffer from road injuries, with Africa having the highest burden of road injury deaths. This public health problem has the potential to reduce labor productivity and hence hamper economic growth, especially on the African continent. This study, to the best of the authors' knowledge, therefore seeks to provide the first empirical evidence of the interaction or combined effect of road injuries and labor productivity on economic growth in African countries.

Methods

The study uses annual data on 45 African countries over the period, 2002 to 2019. The dynamic panel system generalized method of moments regression is used as the estimation technique.

Results

The findings show that the interaction of road injuries with labor productivity has a negative significant effect on economic growth in both the short‐run (coefficient: −1.96, p < 0.01) and long‐run (coefficient: −1.93, p < 0.01) periods.

Conclusion

There is a need to increase investment in road safety to reduce the prevalence of road injuries on the African continent.
Essential nutritional ions show enrichment (K+, Mg2+) and depletion (NO3−) in runoff water generated by biocrusts covering arid sand dunes under natural rain conditions
Authors: Kidron Giora J. , Xiao Bo , Starinsky Abraham
Published: September 2024

The role of runoff in providing nutrients to runon loci in deserts was not extensively explored. Here we report 2 years of measurements of the chemical composition of rain and runoff (three events for each year, which correspond to the long‐term runoff events) in plots that were constructed over four biocrust types in the Negev Desert, Israel. The enrichment ratios showed high variability, being high for K+ (3.7), moderately high for NH4+ (1.6) and slightly high for Mg2+ and SO42− (1.2). It was low for Cl− and NO3− (0.5), moderately lower for Ca2+ (0.7) and slightly lower for Na+ and HCO3− (0.8). When examined per rain event, significant higher concentrations were found for K+ and Mg2+ while NO3− exhibited significantly lower concentration. The high enrichment of K+ and the enrichment of Mg2+ may point to a biogenic origin. While K+ enrichment is suggested to result from K+ excretion by the cyanobacteria, bacteria, and possibly by the mosses following cell wetting and the K+ role in cell osmoregulation, decomposition and erosion of the chlorophyll pigment may result in Mg2+ release. On the other hand, the data point out that despite the crust capability to fix nitrogen and thus to provide its own needs for nitrogen, NO3− was depleted from the runoff water, a phenomena that may be explained by the crust preference to utilise available low‐cost nitrogen provided by rain. Due to runoff accumulation at small depressions within the interdune and at the dune‐interdune interface, runoff may contribute additional amount of nutrients to these habitats. For the dune‐interdune interface it may account for an addition of 273.8% and 35.3% of the total potassium and nitrogen, respectively. The addition of water and nutrients may have important contribution to the growth of the moss‐dominated biocrusts and the shrubs at the dune‐interdune interface, being responsible for the formation of ‘mantles and islands of fertility’ at the dune‐interdune interface. It also points to the possible role that biocrusts may play in agroforestry practices.
Elevated serum cholesterol levels during pregnancy as predictors for postpartum hypercholesterolemia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhu Yandi , Zhu Haiyan , Dang Qinyu , Yang Qian , Zhao Xiaoyan , Zhang Yadi , Cai Xiaxia , Hu Zhuo , Wei Yuchen , Chen Zhaoyang , Yu Huanling
Published: September 2024

Objective

To identify the associations between gestational cholesterol levels and the risk of postpartum hypercholesterolemia, and to establish trimester‐specific reference values.

Methods

Serum lipids at gestational weeks 6–8, 16, 24, and 36, and 42 days postpartum were derived from 905 pregnant women of a prospective cohort. The major outcome was postpartum hypercholesterolemia. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were conducted to estimate the associations between cholesterol levels at specific gestational ages and postpartum hypercholesterolemia. Associations of the trend of changes in cholesterol levels during pregnancy with postpartum hypercholesterolemia were evaluated by linear mixed‐effect model and linear or logistic regression. Reference values were computed by the receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and the ratios of TC/HDL‐C and LDL‐C/HDL‐C all increased during pregnancy and decreased at 42 days postpartum. The elevated levels of TC and LDL‐C, decreased levels of HDL‐C in pregnancy, and their rapid change rates were positively associated with higher risks of postpartum hypercholesterolemia. The established reference values from the first to the third trimester were below 5.47, 6.35, and 7.22 mmol/L for TC; below 2.83, 3.82, and 4.21 mmol/L for LDL‐C; and more than 1.50, 1.55, and 1.50 mmol/L for HDL‐C, respectively.

Conclusion

Maternal cholesterol levels and their trend of change during pregnancy were predictors of postpartum hypercholesterolemia. Trimester‐specific reference values were established in a Chinese population.
A dynamic light scattering study of random 1,2‐1,4 polybutadiene copolymers near the glass transition
Authors: Reinhardt L. , Fylas G. , Fischer E. W. , Willner L.
Published: September 2024

The relaxational characteristics of the density and segmental orientation fluctuations in six homogeneous random copolymers of 1,2 and 1,4 polybutadiene (PB) with 1,2 composition varying between 7 and 95% were studied by photon correlation spectroscopy in the polarized and depolarized mode near and above the glass transition temperature Tg. Unlike the situation in homogeneous diblock copolymers and blends of 1,2 and 1,4 PB, a single α‐relaxation function with moderately broad and temperature‐independent distribution of relaxation times can adequately represent the experimental time correlation functions. This dynamic homogeneity probably reflects local miscibility and randomness of the chain microstructure. The variation of the microstructure affects not only the value of Tg but also the distribution of relaxation times (cooperativity) and the fragility (dlogτ/d(Tg/T)) in the composition region rich in 1,2 units.
Unique model for pharmacist cross‐coverage in the ambulatory care setting
Authors: Abrahamson Anna , Lopez Shelby Tungate , Deyo Zack
Published: September 2024

Clinical cross‐coverage in ambulatory care pharmacy practice is currently lacking and can lead to gaps in patient care, lost revenue generation, and pharmacist burnout due to a lack of time and support for indirect patient care and non‐clinical activities. To address this need, a cross‐coverage model for a team of ambulatory care pharmacists practicing in diverse clinical settings was developed and is primarily supported by a single broadly‐trained pharmacist known as an ambulatory care generalist. Cross‐coverage from the ambulatory care generalist includes in‐person and virtual patient care as well as in‐basket management and is available to all clinic‐based pharmacists on the specialty and primary care team with a few select clinics involving a designated collaborative practice agreement. The cross‐covering pharmacist has been shown to positively impact productivity measures and components of pharmacist burnout. Widespread implementation of this cross‐coverage model has the potential to greatly impact pharmacy practice and patient care in the ambulatory care setting and increase sources of revenue.
Flame retardant, hexabromocyclododecane, increases production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 1‐beta and interleukin 6, in human immune cells
Authors: Falconer‐Turner April , Brooks Kameron , Ogaga Eseoghene , Whalen Margaret M.
Published: September 2024

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is an environmental contaminant due to its use as a flame retardant in a variety of applications ranging from building insulation, furniture upholstery, and housing for appliances and electronics. HBCD is found in wildlife, human breastmilk, and serum. Interleukin 1‐beta (IL‐1β) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) are pro‐inflammatory cytokines, whose dysregulation is associated with chronic inflammation and the pathologies that result, such as tumor growth, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis. HBCD has been shown to increase the secretion of both IL‐1β and IL‐6 from human immune cells. However, it is not clear if these increases are due solely to HBCD effects on the secretory process or whether it is stimulating cellular production of IL‐1β and IL‐6. This study examines if HBCD can increase the production of IL‐1β and IL‐6 by immune cells by simultaneously assessing secreted levels and cellular levels of these cytokines. Additionally, the mechanisms for any observed changes in production are investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were exposed to HBCD over a range of concentrations and lengths of exposure. HBCD was found to stimulate IL‐1β and IL‐6 production after 6 hrs. of exposure and production was sustained and intensified at 24 hrs. This increase in IL‐1β and IL‐6 production appears to, in part, be a result of increased mRNA expression. Additionally, the MAPK pathways, specifically the p38 and p44/42 pathways, appear to be required for HBCD‐induced increases in IL‐1β and IL‐6 production.
Malate dehydrogenase‐2 inhibition shields renal tubular epithelial cells from anoxia‐reoxygenation injury by reducing reactive oxygen species
Authors: Pissas Georgios , Tziastoudi Maria , Divani Maria , Poulianiti Christina , Konsta Maria Anna Polyzou , Lykotsetas Evangelos , Liakopoulos Vasilios , Stefanidis Ioannis , Eleftheriadis Theodoros
Published: September 2024

Ischemia‐reperfusion (I‐R) injury is the most common cause of acute kidney injury. In experiments involving primary human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTECs) exposed to anoxia‐reoxygenation, we explored the hypothesis that mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase‐2 (MDH‐2) inhibition redirects malate metabolism from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm, towards the malate‐pyruvate cycle and reversed malate‐aspartate shuttle. Colorimetry, fluorometry, and western blotting showed that MDH2 inhibition accelerates the malate‐pyruvate cycle enhancing cytoplasmic NADPH, thereby regenerating the potent antioxidant reduced glutathione. It also reversed the malate‐aspartate shuttle and potentially diminished mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by transferring electrons, in the form of NADH, from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm. The excessive ROS production induced by anoxia‐reoxygenation led to DNA damage and protein modification, triggering DNA damage and unfolded protein response, ultimately resulting in apoptosis and senescence. Additionally, ROS induced lipid peroxidation, which may contribute to the process of ferroptosis. Inhibiting MDH‐2 proved effective in mitigating ROS overproduction during anoxia‐reoxygenation, thereby rescuing RPTECs from death or senescence. Thus, targeting MDH‐2 holds promise as a pharmaceutical strategy against I‐R injury.
Targeting TRIM26: Unveiling an Oncogene and Identification of Plant Metabolites as a Potential Therapeutics for Breast Cancer
Authors: Makwana Sweta H. , Sharma Tannavi , Mahapatra Manas K. , Kumari Monika , Jain Akshat , Shrivastava Sandeep K. , Mandal Chandi C.
Published: September 2024

Breast cancer is the major cause of cancer‐related mortality and frequent malignancies among women worldwide. The TRIM (Tripartite Motif) protein family is a broad and diverse set of proteins that contain a conserved structural motif known as the tripartite motif, which comprises of three different domains, B‐box domain, Coiled‐coil domain and RBR (Ring‐finger, B‐box, and coiled‐coil) domain. TRIM proteins are involved in regulating cancer growth and metastasis. However, TRIM proteins are still unexplored in cancer cell regulation. In this study, by using a cancer database expression of all TRIM proteins was determined in breast cancer. Out of 77 TRIM genes, 16 genes were upregulated in breast cancer. Here, the upregulated TRIM26 gene's role is not yet explored in breast cancer. Indeed, TRIM26 is upregulated in 21 cancer types out of 33 cancer types. To investigate the role of TRIM26 in breast cancer, siRNA‐mediated gene silencing was carried out in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB 231 breast cancer cells. Reduced expression of TRIM 26 decreased cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion with simultaneous reduction of various proliferative, cell cycle and mesenchymal markers and upregulation of epithelial markers. Further, docking studies found potential novel plant metabolites. Thus, targeting TRIM26 may provide a novel therapeutic approach for breast cancer treatment.
Sleep medicine education in the United States advanced dental education programs
Authors: Sangalli Linda , Alessandri‐Bonetti Anna , Sawicki Caroline , Rao Jahnavi , Yanez‐Regonesi Fernanda , Moreno‐Hay Isabel
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Dental sleep medicine is an emerging field within dentistry. While limited education in sleep medicine has been reported among US predoctoral dental schools, no study has been conducted among postgraduate dental programs. This study compared the extent and exposure to sleep medicine education among US postgraduate programs in orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, orofacial pain (OFP), general practice residency (GPR), and advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD).

Methods

A REDCap survey was distributed among N = 391 US postgraduate programs investigating the nature, content, and modality of sleep education during the 2023–24 academic year.

Results

Among 68 responding programs (43.1% GPR, 18.5% AEGD, 18.5% orthodontics, 12.3% pediatric dentistry, and 7.7% OFP), faculty with sleep training constituted 7.5%, with 2.6% being board certified in sleep medicine. Approximately 41.8% of programs offered sleep medicine courses, with differences among specialties (100% OFP, 42.9% GPR, 37.5% pediatric dentistry, 33.3% orthodontics, 16.7% AEGD; p = 0.032). Didactic teaching comprised 7.8 ± 14.6 h/year (range 0 h/year in 21.5% to 80 h/year in 1.5%), with differences across programs (OFP = 44.0 ± 17.7, orthodontics = 8.7 ± 11.0, GPR = 5.0 ± 8.0, pediatric dentistry = 2.1 ± 1.9, and AEGD = 2.9 ± 5.4; p < 0.001), and constituted the primary modality of instruction (mainly obstructive sleep apnea, bruxism, sleep physiology). Screening and treatment for sleep‐related disorders were provided by 35.9% and 37.9% of programs, respectively, with variations among specialties (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Our findings revealed an average of 7.8 h/year of didactic sleep medicine instruction, which differed across specialties. OFP offered the highest level of didactic and clinical training. These findings emphasize the need for increased dental sleep medicine education to address the increasing involvement of dental professionals in managing sleep‐related disorders.