bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Omega‐3 Marine Fatty Acid Supplementation to Healthy Subjects Interacts With Moderate Physical Activity to Provide a Cardiovascular Healthier Lipoprotein Subclass Profile
Authors: Kvalheim Olav M. , Rajalahti Tarja
Published: October 2024

This work investigates the impact of marine omega‐3 and physical activity and their interaction on cardiometabolic health as expressed by the serum lipoprotein profile. Using an experimental design that allows for the possibility of interaction, we performed a 6‐week intervention on 44 middle‐aged women living in Western Norway. The women were randomly divided into four groups: one control group with no intervention, a second group performing sessions of moderate intensity three times per week, a third group taking daily supplements of omega‐3 marine fatty acids, and a fourth group combining the interventions for Groups 2 and 3. The difference in the lipoprotein profiles after the intervention from baseline were assessed for statistical significance by comparing groups 2, 3 and 4 with Group 1 using two‐tailed t‐test corrected for multiple testing and selectivity ratios calculated from the discriminatory component in validated partial least squares discriminant models. The results from the univariate and multivariate analyses were qualitatively equivalent: Only the women combining moderate physical activity and omega‐3 supplementation, revealed statistically significant differences in their lipoprotein profile compared to the nonintervention control group. The pattern of change in the lipoprotein profile is associated with improved cardiometabolic health. Use of the design matrix to predict this pattern revealed that the interaction between omega‐3 supplementation and physical activity played a major role in inducing this change. The recognition of the influence of this interaction may be a step towards resolving the long‐lasting debate of the role played by omega‐3 for preventing cardiovascular unhealth.
Investigating the Effect of UV Irradiation and TiO2 Addition on Heavy Metal Adsorption by Inverse Vulcanized Sulfur Polymers
Authors: Cai Diana , Dale Joseph J. , Petcher Sam , Wu Xiaofeng , Hasell Tom
Published: October 2024

Organomercury contamination in wastewater is a longstanding global concern, prompting the establishment of the Mi‐namata Convention in 2013, following the tragic Minamata Bay incident in Japan. Despite numerous proposed solutions, the development of an affordable and convenient adsorbent remains a challenge. Sulfur, being one of the most abundant elements globally, has shown promise in mercury adsorption in previous research. This study delves into the influence of light exposure on the process of mercury adsorption. Our findings reveal that exposure to UV−A wavelengths (315 nm–400 nm), in combination with the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO2), enhances the adsorption capacity of a sulfur‐rich polymer. The maximum observed adsorption capacity reached 47 mg/g under these conditions. Notably, the presence of TiO2 and UV exposure did not significantly impact the adsorption of inorganic mercury and gold.
Exploring Chemical and Electrochemical Limitations in Sulfide Solid State Electrolytes: A Critical Review on Current Status and Manufacturing Scope
Authors: Kumar Mishra Govind , Gautam Manoj , Bhawana K. , Sah Kalwar Chhotelal , Patro Manisha , Anshu  , Mitra Sagar
Published: October 2024

The escalating demand for sustainable energy storage solutions, driven by the depletion of fossil fuels has stimulated extensive research in advanced battery technologies. Over the past two decades, global primary energy consumption, initially satisfied by non‐renewables, has raised environmental concerns. Despite the availability of renewable sources like solar and wind, storage challenges propel innovation in batteries. Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have gained recognition for their high energy density and cost‐effectiveness. However, issues such as safety concerns, dendrite formation, and limited operational temperatures necessitate alternative solutions. A promising approach involves replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with non‐flammable solid electrolytes (SEs). SEs represent a transformative shift in battery technology, offering stability, safety, and expanded temperature ranges. They effectively mitigate dendrite growth, enhancing battery reliability and lifespan. SEs also improve energy density, making them crucial for applications like portable gadgets, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage. However, challenges such as ionic conductivity, chemical and thermal stability, mechanical strength, and manufacturability must be addressed. This review paper briefly identifies SE types, discusses their advantages and disadvantages, and explores ion transport fundamentals and all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) production challenges. It comprehensively analyzes sulfide SEs (SSEs), focusing on recent advancements, chemical and electrochemical challenges, and potential future improvements. Electrochemical reactions, electrolyte materials, compositions, and cell designs are critically assessed for their impact on battery performance. The review also addresses challenges in ASSB production. The objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of SSEs, laying the groundwork for advancing sustainable and efficient energy storage systems.
Identification of Peptide Binding Motifs for Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate using Phage Display
Authors: Madeja Benjamin , Wilke Patrick , Scheck Johanna , Kellermeier Matthias
Published: October 2024

Selective control over crystallization in complex multicomponent systems such as hydrating cements is a key issue in modern material science. In this context, rational selection‐based approaches appear highly promising in the quest for new additive chemistries. Here we have used phage display to identify peptide structures showing high affinity to adsorb on the surfaces of calcium sulfate hemihydrate (also referred to as bassanite), an important hydraulic binder employed in large scales by the construction industry. The results suggest a triplet of amino acids consisting of aspartic acid, serine and leucine, to maintain strong interactions with the surfaces of hemihydrate particles. This notion is confirmed by actual hydration experiments, in which the identified peptide motif provides strictly selective effects during the transformation of bassanite into more stable gypsum. Our work thus contributes to a better understanding of hydraulic binders and their required improvement for a sustainable future.
Dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions with Guanidino‐Functionalized Aromatics
Authors: Walter Petra , Schulz Maximilian , Hübner Olaf , Poddelskii Andrei , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: October 2024

Dehydrogenative coupling (DC) reactions are of importance for the construction of new carbon‐element bonds in synthetic organic chemistry. In this work, we report on the synthesis and characterization of several redox‐active guanidino‐functionalized aromatic molecules (GFAs) for use in DC (C−C and C−O) reactions. In a systematic approach, we first characterize the new DC reagents in all relevant redox and protonation states, and compare their performance in competitive test proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions. Then, their use in four different DC reactions with different mechanisms is evaluated.
Non‐fused Nonfullerene Acceptors with an Asymmetric Benzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′, 6,5‐b”]trithiophene (BTT) Donor Core and Different AcceptorTerminal Units for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Khokhlov A. R. , Keshtov M. L. , Shikin D. Ya. , Godovsky D. Y. , Sergeev V. N. , Liu J. , Kalinkin D. P. , Alekseev V. G. , S Shyam Shankar , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: October 2024

Here in, we have designed two new unfused non‐fullerene small molecules using asymmetric benzo[1,2‐b:3.4‐b′, 6,5‐b”]trithiophene (BTT) as the central donor core and different terminal units i. e., 2‐(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐ylidene)malononitrile (NFA‐4) and 1,3‐diethyl‐2‐thioxodi hydropyrimidine‐4,6 (1H,5H)‐dione (NFA‐5) and examined their optical and electrochemical properties. Using a wide band‐gap copolymer D18, organic solar cells (OSCs) based on bulk heterojunction of D18:NFA‐4 and D18:NFA‐5 showed overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) of about 17.07 % and 11.27 %, respectively. The increased PCE for the NFA‐4‐based OSC, compared to NFA‐5 counterpart, is due higher value of short circuit current (JSC), open circuit voltage (VOC), and fill factor (FF). Following the addition of small amount of NFA‐5 to the binary bulk heterojunction D18:NFA‐4, the ternary organic solar cells attained a PCE of 18.05 %, surpassing that of the binary counterparts due to the higher values of which is higher than that for the binary counterparts and attributed to the increased values of JSC, FF, and VOC. The higher value of JSC is linked to the efficient use to excitons transferred from NFA‐5 to NFA‐4 with a greated dipole moment than NFA‐5 and subsequently dissociated into a free charge carrier efficiently.
Rational Assembly of Three‐component Coordination Polymers as Heterogeneous Catalysts for CO2 Cycloaddition and Cyanosilylation Reactions
Authors: Huang Jian‐Bo , Yin Lin , Yue Tian‐Cai , Wang Lu‐Lu , Wang Duo‐Zhi
Published: October 2024

Four new coordination polymers based on 5‐(((1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl)amino) isophthalic acid (H3L) and auxiliary ligands (1,10‐phenanthroline, 2,2′‐bipyridine, and 4,4′‐bipyridine), namely, {[Zn(HL)(phen)(H2O)] ⋅ 2H2O}n (CP 1), {[Ni(HL)(phen)(H2O)]}n (CP 2), {[Ni(HL)(2,2′‐bpy)(H2O)] ⋅ 2H2O}n (CP 3) and {[Cd(HL)(4,4′‐bpy)0.5(H2O)] ⋅ 2H2O}n (CP 4) were rationally assembled. Furthermore, these four CPs were screened as heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 cycloaddition and cyanosilylation reactions under mild conditions. The catalytic experiments showed that CP 1 had the better catalytic performance, excellent substrate tolerance and recyclability for the above two reactions. It is speculated that the excellent activity of CP 1 may be due to the open Lewis base site and the Lewis acidic characteristics of the zinc (II) center. After five cycles, the catalytic activities of CP 1 did not significantly decrease, and the structures remained unchanged. Therefore, the CP 1 was considered efficient and stable heterogeneous catalysts for above the two reactions.
Meta‐Analysis Comparing Oral Anticoagulant Monotherapy Versus Dual Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ahmed Mushood , Ahsan Areeba , Shafiq Aimen , Ahmed Raheel , Alam Mahboob , Sabouret Pierre , Rana Jamal S. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: October 2024

Background

Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are routinely used for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) while antiplatelet agents are used in coronary artery disease (CAD). However, data regarding the comparative clinical outcomes of OAC monotherapy versus dual antithrombotic therapy (anticoagulant plus antiplatelet agent) in patients with AF and stable CAD are limited.

Methods

A comprehensive search of major databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase was performed from inception to September 1, 2024 to identify randomized control trials (RCTs) that compared OAC monotherapy with dual antithrombotic therapy in patients with AF and stable CAD. The risk ratios (RRs) were estimated with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all outcomes.

Results

A total of three RCTs reported data for 3945 patients with AF and stable CAD. The mean age of patients was 73.8 (±11.85) years and the mean follow‐up was 22 months. OAC monotherapy was associated with a significantly reduced relative risk of major bleeding (RR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32–0.95) compared to dual therapy. The risk of all‐cause death (RR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.49–1.48), cardiovascular death (RR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.50–1.41), any stroke event (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.46–1.18), and myocardial infarction (RR: 1.57, 95% CI: 0.79–3.12) remained comparable across the two groups.

Conclusion

OAC monotherapy led to a significant relative risk reduction for major bleeding with similar rates of ischemic events and mortality compared to dual antithrombotic therapy in patients with AF and stable CAD.
Low‐cost 0D and 2D carbon material co‐decorated titanium dioxide ternary heterojunction for rapid and efficient bacteria killing under visible light
Authors: Li Yuan , Yuan Peng‐Feng , Wang Chao‐Feng , Liu Xiang‐Mei , Zhu Sheng‐Li , Li Zhao‐Yang , Cui Zhen‐Duo , Jiang Hui , Chu Paul K. , Wu Shui‐Lin
Published: October 2024

Recently, the issue of bacterial resistance has gotten worse because of the overuse of antibiotics. The newborn superbacteria, such as vancomycin‐resistant bacteria, were hard to kill, inspiring researchers to find new ways to kill the bacteria efficiently. TiO2 was used as an efficient photocatalyst for water splitting and pollutant degradation. However, the weak efficiency limited the application to solve the drug‐resistance problem. Consequently, the incorporation of low‐cost 0D carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and 2D graphene oxide (GO) was pursued to amplify the visible light absorption capabilities of TiO2 and thereby elevate its photocatalytic activity. After forming the heterogeneous interface of CQDs and TiO2, CQDs converted part of visible light into wavelength less than 400 nm using the up‐conversion property. The modification of CQDs enabled electrons to be easily transferred from the conduction band of CQDs to the conduction band of TiO2. Meanwhile, GO can act as an electron acceptor, reduce the recombination efficiency of holes and electrons, and transfer the photogenerated electrons in the redox reaction in the heterogeneous interface. Because of the excellent absorption of GO, TiO2/CQDs/GO reached 57.8°C after 20 min irradiation under 1.5 times sunlight, which provided a prerequisite for photodynamic antibacterial therapy/photothermal antibacterial therapy synergistic antibacterial potential. TiO2/CQDs/GO possessed an antibacterial efficiency as high as 99.3% toward Staphylococcus aureus which has a bright future in disinfection in vivo and medical devices as well as water sterilization.
Copper‐based materials in anode electrode of aqueous zinc metal batteries
Authors: Li Hai‐Long , Liu Zhe‐Xuan , Tang Yan , Liang Shu‐Quan , Fang Guo‐Zhao
Published: October 2024

Aqueous zinc metal batteries have attracted much attention in the field of large‐scale energy storage due to their abundant resources, high safety, low cost, and high theoretical energy density. However, Zn anodes suffer from serious problems such as dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction, corrosion, and passivation. Cu‐based materials have a wide range of applications in Zn anodes due to their excellent zincophilicity. Unfortunately, relevant review on Cu‐based materials in anode electrode is still lacking. This review focuses on the progress, issues, and optimization strategies of Cu‐based materials in Zn anodes. The application of Cu collectors in Zn anodes and the corresponding modifications are also highlighted. Finally, insights and future directions related to Cu‐based materials for modified Zn anode and Cu collectors are presented to provide scientific guidance for future research.
Functional diversity of ground beetles improved aphid control but did not increase crop yields on European farms
Authors: Bucher Roman , Batáry Péter , Baudry Julia , Beaumelle Léa , Čerevková Andrea , de la Riva Enrique G. , Dirilgen Tara , Gallé Róbert , Kesse‐Guyot Emmanuelle , Rembiałkowska Ewa , Rusch Adrien , Stanley Dara A. , Ulrich Werner , Birkhofer Klaus
Published: October 2024

Land‐use intensification is often associated with a decline in functional diversity, potentially undermining the provision of ecosystem services. However, how changes in traits affect ecosystem processes remains poorly understood. Variation in trait values among species in a community may drive ecosystem processes. Alternatively, the mass ratio hypothesis proposes that trait values of the dominant species in a local community are related to ecosystem processes. Using data from 159 farms in six European countries, we quantified the impact of local and landscape‐level land‐use intensity on ground beetles as pest control agents. We then assessed the extent to which functional diversity and community‐weighted mean trait values relate to pest control and cereal yield. In addition, we assessed how the responses to land use and the effects of different species on pest control and yield varied with their traits to compare the relative impact of the traits studied. Functional diversity of ground beetles improved aphid removal, but did not translate into higher crop yields. Pest control of aphids was enhanced by a higher proportion of smaller, mobile ground beetles with a preference for the vegetation layer. Smaller, predatory ground beetles in communities improved crop yield. The magnitude of responses to land‐use intensification and the effects on pest control and yield were more strongly influenced by body size than other traits. Our study provides evidence that reduced management intensity can improve pest control by supporting small‐sized, macropterous ground beetles. In contrast to the claims of ecological intensification, our joint analysis of the direct effects of land use on yield and indirect effects via functional diversity of ground beetles and pest control suggests that ecosystem services by ground beetles cannot compensate for the yield gap due to a reduction in land‐use intensity.
Ecological drivers of sexual size dimorphism in northern chamois
Authors: Reiner Rudolf , Corlatti Luca
Published: October 2024

Male‐biased sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is common in ungulates. The dominant scenario for the evolution of ungulate SSD suggests that habitat openness leads to greater SSD by increasing group size and thus sexual selection through male–male competition for mates. At a more proximate level, adaptive changes in SSD may result from the plastic response of individuals to environmental variation. In this study, we used 161,948 body mass data from a seasonally size‐dimorphic species, the northern chamois Rupicapra rupicapra, to examine the role of forest cover and other environmental variables in the expression of SSD. Data were collected from individuals hunted in the Austrian Alps, grouped into 28 mountain ranges with different forest cover, geological substrate and population density. Population‐specific growth curves were fitted using monomolecular models, and SSD was calculated as the log‐transformed ratio of male to female asymptotic body mass. A path model in which environmental factors indirectly influenced SSD via male or female body mass suggested that SSD increased with increasing density via reduced female body mass and decreased on siliceous substrates via reduced male body mass. Forest cover was negatively associated with body mass in both sexes, but not with variation in SSD.
Enrichment of low‐abundance osteopontin in bovine milk via reciprocating free‐flow isoelectric focusing
Authors: Chen Ke‐Er , Tian Youli , Cao Yiren , Yu Zixian , Zhang Qiang , Liu Weiwen , Xing Yishu , Cao Chengxi , Mu Zhishen , Xu Xu
Published: October 2024

Osteopontin (OPN) in milk plays an important role in intestinal and brain development in early infancy, and great attention has been focused on OPN isolation to add extra OPN in infant formula. However, large‐scale OPN isolation is limited by the low efficiency of sample pretreatment. Herein, we utilized preparative reciprocating free‐flow isoelectric focusing (RFFIEF) to showcase the enrichment of low‐abundance OPN in bovine milk, which contained an extremely high concentration of unwanted proteins. The reciprocating IEF format and the design of the multi‐channel collector allowed us to enrich OPN in 1 L milk within 6 h. We removed 97.5% of unwanted proteins and obtained an enrichment factor of 11. Thus, our RFFIEF method can be applied to the preparative pretreatment of the large‐scale milk sample and potentially improve the efficiency of downstream OPN purification.
Random‐positioned‐sampling effect on probabilistic seismic demand modeling of modularized suspended buildings with free‐standing objects and architectural function regioning
Authors: Ye Zhihang , Liu Xuanting
Published: October 2024

The definition of the targeted engineering demand parameters (EDPs) is important to probabilistic seismic demand modeling (PSDM), which produces probability density functions of EDPs conditioned on seismic intensity measure (IM). The targeted EDPs are usually defined at the group level to account for multiple components/units. Thus, they are affected by the considered range of units, i.e., the sample positions. For instance, the maximum peak floor acceleration (PFA) within the whole building differs from the maximum among only the important positions related to seismic loss. Additional uncertainties are induced in the PSDM of PFA if the sample positions vary when architectural function and non‐structural elements change. In this study, the aforementioned influence is termed random‐positioned‐sampling (RPS) effect, and it is investigated by targeting a modularized suspended building, which features the tuning mechanism, multiple major modes, uneven response envelopes, and notable non‐structural‐object‐structure interactions (NSOSI). Results show that the RPS effect lowers the maximum‐based group‐level EDP and increases the dispersion within the EDP sample sets, indicating that conventional PSDMs without considering the RPS effect are biased. The significance of the influence is positively correlated to the position‐wise coefficient of variation of EDP but negatively correlated to the density of sample positions. The combined influence of the NSOSI and the RPS effect is two‐sided for PSDM. The NSOSI amplifies the RPS effect via enlarging position‐wise dispersion of EDP, whereas, the RPS effect waives part of the detrimental scattered contributions from NSOSI. Overall, the IM performance is handicapped, even with IM optimization. However, it can be compensated if architectural function region information is acquired beforehand since the sample positions are restrained.
Experimentally‐based in‐plane drift limits for the upper threshold of masonry light damage
Authors: Korswagen Paul A. , Rots Jan G. , Terwel Karel C.
Published: October 2024

Drift limits are useful thresholds; during design or retrofitting analyses, engineers can compare the expected behaviour of a structure to drift limits that predict when the structure will reach a certain condition. This helps ensure that structures satisfy specified performance goals when exposed to certain hazards. Masonry walls are susceptible to damage from lateral in‐plane actions such as wind or earthquake loading; ensuring that in‐plane drift remains sufficiently small will help limit this damage. Drift limits based on crack‐based damage are scarce, however, with DS1 limits being extrapolated from higher damage grades based on structural strength capacity or ductility. In this work, crack‐based damage is evaluated on a multitude of full‐scale experimental walls surveyed with digital image correlation. This method observes the initiation and propagation of cracking. Cyclically incremental in‐plane tests provide a range of drift‐damage relationships. These are explored with machine learning to determine influential predictors and ultimately establish drift limits for light damage. Two types of brick masonry are explored: fired‐clay and calcium‐silicate. For the latter, light damage begins at an in‐plane drift of 0.5 mm/m and can extend to 4.8 mm/m (or 0.48%) for the former before the masonry surpasses light damage and reaches structural damage grades. In comparison to drift limits set by other authors and (international) guidelines to characterise light damage, significant damage, or the ultimate capacity of masonry walls, the resulting drift limits for light damage from this work are set directly on the basis of experiments and are in good agreement with other authors. Most importantly, all the consulted values for ultimate capacity are much larger than the upper threshold for light damage determined herein, with limits for significant damage in the same order of magnitude. This result verifies the accuracy of the experimental crack‐based characterisation used to establish the drift thresholds.
Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarumLP28 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae improve the bioactive content and quality of fruit‐based rice beverage
Authors: Aregbe Afusat Yinka , Boasiako Turkson Antwi , Xiong YuQing , Rahman Md. Hafizur , Ma Yongkun
Published: October 2024

The increasing demand for plant‐based beverages with improved functional and sensory qualities has guided this study, which examines the bioactive content, functional, and sensory properties of a rice, apple pomace, and sea buckthorn beverage (RASB) fermented with probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found out that total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and β‐carotene were significantly higher in samples with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, particularly in coculture samples. These samples also exhibited elevated alcohol by volume (ABV). Monoculture samples showed increased total flavonol content (TFLC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and proanthocyanidin. The RASB‐LP sample, containing only Lactobacillus plantarum, revealed the highest antioxidant properties, evidenced by DPPH (94.13 ± 0.05%) and ABTS (97.69 ± 0.09%) assays. Interestingly, 3‐methylbutyl 3‐methylbutanoate, abundant in the unfermented control, was hydrolyzed to 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol in fermented samples, especially those containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sensory evaluation evidenced that RASB‐LP scored highest for aroma and overall acceptability. FTIR analysis also indicated changes in functional groups of RASB samples. Together, our findings suggest that a novel probiotic cereal beverage with enhanced quality can be developed through the addition of fruit and fruit pomace, coupled with fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum LP28 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Adolescent mental well‐being in time of crises: The role of social and residential contexts
Authors: Bitar Sarah , Minary Laetitia , Lalloué Benoit , Kestens Yan , Manneville Florian , O'Loughlin Jennifer , Ligier Fabienne , Agrinier Nelly
Published: October 2024

Background

The extent of the impact and the interconnections among factors within social and residential contexts during the COVID‐19 lockdowns on mental well‐being remain to be elucidated. We identified latent classes of each of social and residential context during the lockdown and examined their associations with mental well‐being among adolescents in France 1‐year after the first lockdown.

Methods

We used data collected in 2021 in a cross‐sectional school‐based pilot study for EXIST, from 387 participants ages 12–15 years. Participants reported retrospectively on characteristics of their social and residential contexts during the lockdown, and their current mental well‐being in self‐report questionnaires. We used latent class analysis to identify latent classes of social and residential contexts, and linear regression models to examine the associations between these contexts and mental well‐being.

Results

Four social context classes were identified: class 1 “Low opportunity for social contact at home,” class 2 “Moderate opportunity for social contact at home,” class 3 “High opportunity for social contact at home,” and class 4 “Very high opportunity for social contact at home.” Relative to class 4, lower levels of mental well‐being were observed among adolescents in class 1 (b = −4.08, 95% CI [−8.06; −0.10]) 1 year after the lockdown. We identified four residential context classes based on proximity to nature, type of residence (e.g., apartment, house), and level of neighborhood deprivation. No association was detected between residential context during the lockdown and adolescent mental well‐being one‐year later.

Conclusion

A limited social context may negatively impact adolescent mental well‐being during crises.
Biochemical Properties of Synaptic Proteins Are Dependent on Tissue Preparation: NMDA Receptor Solubility Is Regulated by the C‐Terminal Tail
Authors: Won Sehoon , Sweeney Colin L. , Roche Katherine W.
Published: October 2024

Synaptic proteins are essential for neuronal development, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity. The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a membrane‐associated structure at excitatory synapses, which is composed of a huge protein complex. To understand the interactions and functions of PSD proteins, researchers have employed a variety of imaging and biochemical approaches including sophisticated mass spectrometry. However, the field is lacking a systematic comparison of different experimental conditions and how they might influence the study of the PSD interactome isolated from various tissue preparations. To evaluate the efficiency of several common solubilization conditions, we isolated receptors, scaffolding proteins, and adhesion molecules from brain tissue or primary cultured neurons or human forebrain neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We observed some striking differences in solubility. We found that N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and PSD‐95 are relatively insoluble in brain tissue, cultured neurons, and human forebrain neurons compared to α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic receptors (AMPARs) or SAP102. In general, synaptic proteins were more soluble in primary neuronal cultures and human forebrain neurons compared to brain tissue. Interestingly, NMDARs are relatively insoluble in HEK293T cells suggesting that insolubility does not directly represent the synaptic fraction but rather it is related to a detergent‐insoluble fraction such as lipid rafts. Surprisingly, truncation of the intracellular carboxyl‐terminal tail (C‐tail) of NMDAR subunits increased NMDAR solubility in HEK293T cells. Our findings show that detergent, pH, and temperature are important for protein preparations to study PSD protein complexes, and NMDAR solubility is regulated by its C‐tail, thus providing a technical guide to study synaptic interactomes and subcellular localization of synaptic proteins.
Emerging understandings of the role of exosomes in atherosclerosis
Authors: Wehbe Zena , Wehbe Maya , Al Khatib Ali , Dakroub Ali H. , Pintus Gianfranco , Kobeissy Firas , Eid Ali H.
Published: October 2024

Atherosclerosis remains a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Despite the elucidation of several molecular, biochemical, and cellular aspects that contribute to the etio‐pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, much remains to be understood about the onset and progression of this disease. Emerging evidence supports a role for exosomes in the cellular basis of atherosclerosis. Indeed, exosomes of activated monocytes seem to accentuate a positive feedback loop that promotes recruitment of pro‐inflammatory leukocytes. Moreover, in addition to their role in promoting proliferation and invasion of vascular smooth muscle cells, exosomes can also induce neovascularization within lesions and increase endothelial permeability, two important features of fibrous plaques. Depending on their sources and cargo, exosomes can also induce clot formation and contribute to other hallmarks of atherosclerosis. Taken together, it is becoming increasingly evident that a better understanding of exosome biology is integral to elucidating the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and may thus provide insight into a potentially new therapeutic target for this disease.
Compensatory reactions of B cells in response to chronic HIV‐1 Tat exposure
Authors: Valyaeva Anna A. , Tikhomirova Maria A. , Feng Junyi , Zharikova Anastasia A. , Potashnikova Daria M. , Musinova Yana R. , Mironov Andrey A. , Vassetzky Yegor S. , Sheval Eugene V.
Published: October 2024

Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) have an increased incidence of B‐cell lymphoma, even though HIV‐1 does not infect B cells. The development of B‐cell lymphomas appears to be related to the action of the HIV‐1 transactivator protein (Tat), which is released from HIV‐infected cells and penetrates uninfected B cells, affecting host cell gene expression. Upon chronic HIV‐1 infection, Tat acts on the cells for a long time, probably allowing the cells to adapt to the presence of the viral protein. The aim of this work was to identify and study the mechanism of adaptation of cells to prolonged (chronic) exposure to HIV‐1 Tat. We performed a comparative analysis of cells expressing Tat under the action of either an inducible promoter or a constitutive promoter, allowing us to model acute and chronic Tat effects, respectively. We found that the acute action of Tat leads to the suppression of cell proliferation, probably due to the downregulation of genes associated with replication and protein synthesis. In the case of chronic action of Tat, cell proliferation was restored and the expression of genes associated with the implementation of protective (antiviral) functions of the cell was increased. Analysis using proteasome inhibitors showed that in the case of chronic action, intense Tat proteolysis occurred, which could be the main mechanism of B‐cell adaptation. Thus, B cells have a powerful mechanism to adapt to the entry of HIV‐1 Tat, the efficiency of which may determine the frequency of lymphomagenesis in HIV‐1‐infected patients.
Association of computed tomography‐derived body composition and complications after colorectal cancer surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van Helsdingen Claire P.M. , van Wijlick Job G.A. , de Vries Ralph , Bouvy Nicole D. , Leeflang Mariska M.G. , Hemke Robert , Derikx Joep P.M.
Published: October 2024

The prediction of the risk of developing complications after colorectal surgery for colorectal carcinoma remains imprecise. Body composition measurements on a computed tomography (CT) scan can potentially contribute to a better preoperative risk assessment. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the evidence for the use of body composition measurements on CT scans to predict short‐term complications after colorectal cancer surgery. A literature search (in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science) was performed up to 1 August 2022. Two researchers independently screened the articles, extracted data and assessed the quality of the studies using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of complications within 30 days after surgery. Meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model to synthesize a pooled odds ratio (OR). The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021281010). Forty‐five articles with a total of 16 537 patients were included. In total, 26 body composition measures were investigated: 8 muscle‐related measures, 11 adipose tissue measures, 4 combined muscle and adipose tissue measures, and 3 other measures. These were investigated as potential predictors for more than 50 differently defined postoperative complications. Meta‐analysis was only possible for two measurements and showed that higher amounts of visceral fat increase the risk of developing overall complications (OR: 2.52 [1.58–4.00], P < 0.0001) and anastomotic leakage (OR: 1.76 [1.17–2.65], P = 0.006). A wide variety of body composition measurements on preoperative CT scans have been investigated as a predictive factor for postoperative complications. Visceral fat appeared to be associated with overall complications and anastomotic leakage; however, the association is weak, and its clinical relevance or applicability is questionable. The current evidence is limited by methodological heterogeneity and the risk of bias. To improve comparability of results across studies and improve decision‐making, future studies should use standardized methods for measuring body composition on CT scans, outcome definitions and statistical analyses.
The effect of knowledge and person‐related factors on breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1/2) testing perception in Turkish women
Authors: Nabioglu Mertcan , Kus Tulay , Aktas Gokmen , Ahmet Konca , Arak Hacı
Published: October 2024

Genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1/2) plays a pivotal role in risk assessment and preventive interventions. However, individuals' awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward genetic testing can vary across different societies. This study focuses on understanding Turkish women's knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward BRCA1/2 testing, considering demographic factors and awareness. In this cross‐sectional study, 301 Turkish participants, including breast/ovarian cancer patients and their first‐degree relatives, were surveyed. Information on sociodemographics, cancer history, awareness, knowledge, and perceptions was collected. The study aimed to assess knowledge levels about breast cancer inheritance and BRCA1/2 testing, describe perspectives about testing in women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and determine associations between knowledge, personal factors, anxiety, and genetic testing perspectives. Results showed a wide range in correct responses (31.6%–96.7%) for knowledge items. No significant relationship between knowledge levels and positive perception was observed. However, participants answering a specific question incorrectly showed higher negative perceptions. While most participants recognized the benefits of genetic testing, concerns centered around passing the genes to future generations. Participants who were younger, more educated, had higher income, were employed, at an earlier disease stage, and were social media users demonstrated more positive attitudes. Negative perceptions were higher among younger patients, physicians, and healthcare professionals. Interestingly, anxiety in cancer patients did not correlate with either positive or negative perceptions. In conclusion, this study identifies participant‐related factors influencing perceptions of hereditary genetic tests. Understanding these factors and addressing associated issues can enhance the utilization of genetic testing and promote preventive oncology applications.
Molecular epidemiology and vaccine compatibility analysis of seasonal influenza A viruses in the context of COVID‐19 epidemic in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zeng Zhikun , Jia Lanxin , Zheng Jiahao , Nian Xuanxuan , Zhang Zhegang , Chen Liangjun , Chen Xiaoqi , Li Yirong , Zhang Jiayou
Published: October 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic had a significant impact on the global influenza vaccination and the epidemics of seasonal influenza. To further explore the molecular epidemiology of influenza viruses and assess vaccine effectiveness, we collected influenza cases in Wuhan during the 2022–2023 influenza season. Among 1312 clinical samples, 312 samples tested positive for influenza viruses using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. These positive samples included 146A/H1N1 subtypes (46.8%), 164A/H3N2 subtypes (52.6%) and 2 influenza B virus types (0.6%). Based on the whole genome sequence information of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) from 27A/H1N1 influenza virus strains and 26A/H3N2 influenza virus strains obtained in this study, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted. The analysis revealed that all A/H1N1 strains belonged to the evolutionary branch 6B.1A.5a.2a, and they exhibited specific substitutions at positions K71Q, Q206E, E241A, and R276K. Similarly, all A/H3N2 strains were classified into the 3C.2a1b.2a.1a subclade and displayed amino acid substitutions at positions S172H, N175Y, I176T, K187N, and S214P. Notably, the A/H3N2 strains also acquired a new potential glycosylation site at position N174. Using an epitope model, the predicted vaccine effectiveness was assessed for the A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains. The predicted vaccine effectiveness against the Wuhan influenza epidemic strain was over 85% for the A/H1N1 vaccine strain. However, the effectiveness against the A/H3N2 vaccine strain was only 48.7%. To further verify the protection of influenza vaccine against circulating influenza viruses in the region, we conducted in vivo and in vitro animal studies. The results of in vitro neutralization experiment showed that rabbit serum antibodies inoculated with quadrivalent isolated influenza vaccine had neutralization ability against all 24 isolated influenza viruses. In vivo experiments showed that vaccinated mice had fewer lung lesions when infected with the influenza strain circulating in Wuhan, suggesting that vaccination can effectively reduce the occurrence of severe lung damage. These findings emphasize the importance of accurately predicting seasonal influenza strains for effective influenza prevention and control, especially during the co‐circulation of SARS‐CoV‐2 and influenza viruses. This study provides valuable information on the seasonal influenza virus in Wuhan during the COVID‐19 pandemic and serves as a basis for vaccine prediction and updates.
EIF4A3 is stabilized by the long noncoding RNA BC200 to regulate gene expression during Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Li Jing , Xin Yujie , Zhang Siwei , Li Yanling , Jiang Mingjuan , Zhang Senmiao , Yang Li , Yang Jing , Cao Pengfei , Lu Jianhong
Published: October 2024

Epstein‒Barr virus (EBV) regulates the expression of host genes involved in functional pathways for viral infection and pathogenicity. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be important regulators of cellular biology. However, how EBV affects host biological processes via lncRNAs remains elusive. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3) was recently identified as an essential controller of cell fate with an unknown role in EBV infection. Here, the expression of lncRNA brain cytoplasmic 200 (BC200) was shown to be significantly upregulated in EBV‐infected cell lines. RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pulldown assays confirmed that BC200 bound to EIF4A3. Moreover, BC200 promoted EIF4A3 expression at the protein level but not at the mRNA level. Mechanistically, BC200 stabilized the EIF4A3 protein by impeding the K48‐linked polyubiquitination of the K195 and K198 residues of EIF4A3. In addition, RNA‐seq analysis of EBV‐positive cells with knockdown of either BC200 or EIF4A3 revealed that a broad range of cellular genes were differentially regulated, particularly those related to virus infection and immune response pathways. This study is the first to reveal the key residues involved in EIF4A3 polyubiquitination and elucidate the novel regulatory role of EBV in host gene expression via the BC200/EIF4A3 axis. These results have implications for the pathogenesis and treatment of EBV‐related diseases.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of adenovirus‐associated respiratory tract infection in children in Hangzhou, China, 2019−2024
Authors: Zhou Haiyun , Chen Danlei , Ru Xuanwen , Shao Qingyi , Chen Simiao , Liu Ruiying , Gu Rui , Shen Jiayi , Ye Qing , Cheng Dongqing
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID‐19 on the prevalence of adenovirus (AdV) infection in children. This study retrospectively analyzed the changes in the epidemiological and clinical features of AdV‐associated respiratory infections in children in Hangzhou, China, between January 2019 and July 2024. A total of 771 316 samples were included in the study, and the positive rate was 6.10% (47 050/771 316). Among them, the positive rate of AdV infection was highest in 2019, reaching 11.29% (26 929/238 333), while the positive rates in the remaining years were between 2% and 9%. In terms of seasonal epidemic characteristics, the summer of 2019 was the peak of AdV incidence, with the positive rate peaking at around 16.95% (7275/45 268), followed by a gradual decline and a low‐level epidemic in winter, with a positive rate of 8.79% (8094/92 060). However, during the period 2020−2024, the AdV epidemic season did not show any significant regularity. Gender analysis revealed that the positive rate of male patients was generally greater than that of female patients. In different age groups, the population susceptible to AdV changed before and after the epidemic. In the early and middle stages of the COVID‐19 epidemic, the susceptible population was mainly 2−5 years old, whereas in the later stages of the epidemic, the susceptible population was 5−18 years old. In addition, the main clinical symptoms of AdV‐positive children from 2019−2024 were respiratory tract symptoms and fever. In summary, the COVID‐19 epidemic has had a certain impact on the prevalence of AdV. These findings provide an important basis and reference for the prevention and diagnosis of AdV, especially in the context of increasing age‐ and gender‐specific public health strategies.
Horns, hunters, and harvest: re‐examining management paradigms for pronghorn
Authors: Tafelmeyer Lee E. , LaSharr Tayler N. , Binfet Justin , Bredehoft Molly , Hiatt Greg , Lutz Daryl W. , O'Brien Heather , Mitchell Carl D. , Monteith Kevin L.
Published: October 2024

The sustainable use of wildlife is foundational to the success of the North American model of wildlife conservation. Harvest management often is shaped through both species biology and public desires. The long timespan it takes males of most ungulate species to reach peak weapon size has created a situation in harvest management in which harvest strategies cannot prioritize both generous hunter opportunity and opportunities to pursue large‐weaponed males; therefore, current harvest paradigms prioritize one at the expense of the other. In contrast to other species, pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) attain the majority of their peak horn size early in life. The rapid development of horns relative to their age may allow for liberal harvest without sacrificing the opportunity for hunters to harvest males with large horns. We evaluated the influence of sex ratios and average age of harvested males on the average horn size of harvested male pronghorn from 2019 to 2022 in 9 hunt areas in Wyoming, USA. Although mean age of harvested males was negatively affected by rate of harvest, increases in mean age at harvest led to only slight increases in mean horn size (i.e., a 1‐year increase in mean age increased mean horn size by 2.1 cm [~1 inch]). The proportion of the harvest composed of large‐horned males was not influenced by mean age of harvest or sex ratio of the population. Based on simulated populations, increasing harvest led to an increase in the number of large‐weaponed pronghorn in the harvest—a relationship that existed for bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and elk (Cervus canadensis) but only at low to moderate rates of harvest. The comparatively young age that pronghorn attain near‐peak horn size alleviates what is otherwise a tradeoff between hunter opportunity and managing for large horn size that is evident in management of other ungulate species. Though rarely a reality in management for large ungulates, for pronghorn, liberal harvest may be possible while still providing opportunity to harvest males with large horns.