bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully Screen‐Printed, Flexible, and Scalable Organic Monolithic Thermoelectric Generators
Authors: Brunetti Irene , Ferrari Federico , Pataki Nathan James , Abdolhosseinzadeh Sina , Heier Jakob , Koster L. Jan Anton , Lemmer Ulrich , Kemerink Martijn , Caironi Mario
Published: April 2024

Energy‐harvesting technologies offer a sustainable, maintenance‐free alternative to conventional energy‐storage solutions in distributed low‐power applications. Flexible thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can generate electric power from a temperature gradient, even on complex surfaces. Organic materials are ideal candidates for flexible TEGs due to their good solution‐processability, natural abundance, low weight, and flexibility. Electronic and thermoelectric properties of organic materials have steadily progressed, while device architectures leveraging their advantages are largely missing. Here, a design and fabrication method are proposed for producing fully screen‐printed, flexible monolithic organic TEGs scalable up to m2, compatible with any screen‐printable ink. This approach is validated, along with its scalability, by printing TEGs composed of two different active inks, in three configurations, with up to 800 thermoelements, with performances well matching simulations based on materials parameters. It is demonstrated that by using an additive‐free graphene ink, a remarkable power density of 15 nW cm−2 at ΔT = 29.5 K can be achieved, with an estimated weight‐normalized power output of 1 µW g−1, highlighting a strong potential in portability. Owing to such power density, only limited areas are required to generate microwatts, sufficient for operating low‐power electronic devices such as sensors, and wearables.
A Frog Skin‐Derived Peptide Targeting SCD1 Exerts Radioprotective Effects Against Skin Injury by Inhibiting STING‐Mediated Inflammation
Authors: Geng Fenghao , Zhong Li , Yang Tingyi , Chen Jianhui , Yang Ping , Jiang Fengdi , Yan Tao , Song Bin , Yu Zuxiang , Yu Daojiang , Zhang Jie , Cao Jianping , Zhang Shuyu
Published: April 2024

The extensive application of nuclear technology has increased the potential of uncontrolled radiation exposure to the public. Since skin is the largest organ, radiation‐induced skin injury remains a serious medical concern. Organisms evolutionally develop distinct strategies to protect against environment insults and the related research may bring novel insights into therapeutics development. Here, 26 increased peptides are identified in skin tissues of frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) exposed to electron beams, among which four promoted the wound healing of irradiated skin in rats. Specifically, radiation‐induced frog skin peptide‐2 (RIFSP‐2), from histone proteolysis exerted membrane permeability property, maintained cellular homeostasis, and reduced pyroptosis of irradiated cells with decreased TBK1 phosphorylation. Subsequently, stearyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is identified, a critical enzyme in biogenesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) as a direct target of RIFSP‐2 based on streptavidin‐biotin system. The lipidomic analysis further assured the restrain of MUFAs biogenesis by RIFSP‐2 following radiation. Moreover, the decreased MUFA limited radiation‐induced and STING‐mediated inflammation response. In addition, genetic depletion or pharmacological inhibition of STING counteracted the decreased pyroptosis by RIFSP‐2 and retarded tissue repair process. Altogether, RIFSP‐2 restrains radiation‐induced activation of SCD1‐MUFA‐STING axis. Thus, the stress‐induced amphibian peptides can be a bountiful source of novel radiation mitigators.
Menin Deficiency Induces Autism‐Like Behaviors by Regulating Foxg1 Transcription and Participates in Foxg1‐Related Encephalopathy
Authors: Zhuang Kai , Leng Lige , Su Xiao , Wang Shuzhong , Su Yuemin , Chen Yanbing , Yuan Ziqi , Zi Liu , Li Jieyin , Xie Wenting , Yan Sihan , Xia Yujun , Wang Han , Li Huifang , Chen Zhenyi , Yuan Tifei , Zhang Jie
Published: April 2024

FOXG1 syndrome is a developmental encephalopathy caused by FOXG1 (Forkhead box G1) mutations, resulting in high phenotypic variability. However, the upstream transcriptional regulation of Foxg1 expression remains unclear. This report demonstrates that both deficiency and overexpression of Men1 (protein: menin, a pathogenic gene of MEN1 syndrome known as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1) lead to autism‐like behaviors, such as social defects, increased repetitive behaviors, and cognitive impairments. Multifaceted transcriptome analyses revealed that Foxg1 signaling is predominantly altered in Men1 deficiency mice, through its regulation of the Alpha Thalassemia/Mental Retardation Syndrome X‐Linked (Atrx) factor. Atrx recruits menin to bind to the transcriptional start region of Foxg1 and mediates the regulation of Foxg1 expression by H3K4me3 (Trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4) modification. The deficits observed in menin deficient mice are rescued by the over‐expression of Foxg1, leading to normalized spine growth and restoration of hippocampal synaptic plasticity. These findings suggest that menin may have a putative role in the maintenance of Foxg1 expression, highlighting menin signaling as a potential therapeutic target for Foxg1‐related encephalopathy.
Physical–Chemical Coupling Coassembly Approach to Branched Magnetic Mesoporous Nanochains with Adjustable Surface Roughness
Authors: Huang Xirui , Liu Minchao , Lu Qianqian , Lv Kexin , Wang Lipeng , Yin Sixing , Yuan Minjia , Li Qi , Li Xiaomin , Zhao Tiancong , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: April 2024

Self‐assembly processes triggered by physical or chemical driving forces have been applied to fabricate hierarchical materials with subtle nanostructures. However, various physicochemical processes often interfere with each other, and their precise control has remained a great challenge. Here, in this paper, a rational synthesis of 1D magnetite‐chain and mesoporous‐silica‐nanorod (Fe3O4&mSiO2) branched magnetic nanochains via a physical–chemical coupling coassembly approach is reported. Magnetic‐field‐induced assembly of magnetite Fe3O4 nanoparticles and isotropic/anisotropic assembly of mesoporous silica are coupled to obtain the delicate 1D branched magnetic mesoporous nanochains. The nanochains with a length of 2–3 µm in length are composed of aligned Fe3O4@mSiO2 nanospheres with a diameter of 150 nm and sticked‐out 300 nm long mSiO2 branches. By properly coordinating the multiple assembly processes, the density and length of mSiO2 branches can well be adjusted. Because of the unique rough surface and length in correspondence to bacteria, the designed 1D Fe3O4&mSiO2 branched magnetic nanochains show strong bacterial adhesion and pressuring ability, performing bacterial inhibition over 60% at a low concentration (15 µg mL−1). This cooperative coassembly strategy deepens the understanding of the micro‐nanoscale assembly process and lays a foundation for the preparation of the assembly with adjustable surface structures and the subsequent construction of complex multilevel structures.
A Solvent Exchange Induced Robust Wet Adhesive Hydrogels to Treat Solid Tumor Through Synchronous Ethanol Ablation and Chemotherapy
Authors: Chen Yanlv , Yu Meng , Liu Menghui , Sun Yang , Ling Chengxian , Yu Mingyu , Zhang Wenwen , Zhang Wenkai , Peng Xin
Published: April 2024

The treatment of tumors in developing countries, especially those with poor medical conditions, remains a significant challenge. Herein, a novel solvent‐exchange strategy to prepare adhesive hydrogels for the concurrent treatment of tumors through synchronous ethanol ablation and local chemotherapy is reported. First, a poly (gallic acid‐lipoic acid) (PGL) ethanol gel is prepared that can undergo solvent exchange with water to form a hydrogel in situ. PGL ethanol gel deposited on the wet tissue can form a hydrogel in situ to effectively repel interfacial water and establish a tight contact between the hydrogel and tissue. Additionally, the functional groups between the hydrogels and tissues can form covalent and non‐covalent bonds, resulting in robust adhesion. Furthermore, this PGL ethanol gel demonstrates exceptional capacity to effectively load antitumor drugs, allowing for controlled and sustained release of the drugs locally and sustainably both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the PGL ethanol gel can combine ethanol ablation and local chemotherapy to enhance the antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo. The PGL ethanol gel‐derived hydrogel shows robust wet bioadhesion, drug loading, sustained release, good biocompatibility and biodegradability, easy preparation and usage, and cost‐effectiveness, which make it a promising bioadhesive for diverse biomedical applications.
Gas Evolution Kinetics in Overlithiated Positive Electrodes and its Impact on Electrode Design
Authors: Song Munsoo , Lee Danwon , Kim Juwon , Choi Subin , Na Ikcheon , Seo Sungjae , Jo Sugeun , Jo Chiho , Lim Jongwoo
Published: April 2024

Increasing lithium contents within the lattice of positive electrode materials is projected in pursuit of high‐energy‐density batteries. However, it intensifies the release of lattice oxygen and subsequent gas evolution during operations. This poses significant challenges for managing internal pressure of batteries, particularly in terms of the management of gas evolution in composite electrodes—an area that remains largely unexplored. Conventional assumptions postulate that the total gas evolution is estimated by multiplying the total particle count by the quantities of gas products from an individual particle. Contrarily, this investigation on overlithiated materials—a system known to release the lattice oxygen—demonstrates that loading densities and inter‐particle spacing in electrodes significantly govern gas evolution rates, leading to distinct extents of gas formation despite of an equivalent quantity of released lattice oxygen. Remarkably, this study discoveres that O2 and CO2 evolution rates are proportional to 1O2 concentration by the factor of second and first‐order, respectively. This indicates an exceptionally greater change in the evolution rate of O2 compared to CO2 depending on local 1O2 concentration. These insights pave new routes for more sophisticated approaches to manage gas evolution within high‐energy‐density batteries.
Four Parallel Pathways in T4 Ligase‐Catalyzed Repair of Nicked DNA with Diverse Bending Angles
Authors: Li Na , Ma Jianbing , Fu Hang , Yang Zhiwei , Xu Chunhua , Li Haihong , Zhao Yimin , Zhao Yizhen , Chen Shuyu , Gou Lu , Zhang Xinghua , Zhang Shengli , Li Ming , Hou Ximiao , Zhang Lei , Lu Ying
Published: April 2024

The structural diversity of biological macromolecules in different environments contributes complexity to enzymological processes vital for cellular functions. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer and electron microscopy are used to investigate the enzymatic reaction of T4 DNA ligase catalyzing the ligation of nicked DNA. The data show that both the ligase–AMP complex and the ligase–AMP–DNA complex can have four conformations. This finding suggests the parallel occurrence of four ligation reaction pathways, each characterized by specific conformations of the ligase–AMP complex that persist in the ligase–AMP–DNA complex. Notably, these complexes have DNA bending angles of ≈0°, 20°, 60°, or 100°. The mechanism of parallel reactions challenges the conventional notion of simple sequential reaction steps occurring among multiple conformations. The results provide insights into the dynamic conformational changes and the versatile attributes of T4 DNA ligase and suggest that the parallel multiple reaction pathways may correspond to diverse T4 DNA ligase functions. This mechanism may potentially have evolved as an adaptive strategy across evolutionary history to navigate complex environments.
Traditional medicinal use is linked with apparency, not specialized metabolite profiles in the order Caryophyllales
Authors: Crum Alex H. , Philander Lisa , Busta Lucas , Yang Ya
Published: April 2024

Premise

Better understanding of the relationship between plant specialized metabolism and traditional medicine has the potential to aid in bioprospecting and untangling of cross‐cultural use patterns. However, given the limited information available for metabolites in most plant species, understanding medicinal use–metabolite relationships can be difficult. The order Caryophyllales has a unique pattern of lineages of tyrosine‐ or phenylalanine‐dominated specialized metabolism, represented by mutually exclusive anthocyanin and betalain pigments, making Caryophyllales a compelling system to explore the relationship between medicine and metabolites by using pigment as a proxy for dominant metabolism.

Methods

We compiled a list of medicinal species in select tyrosine‐ or phenylalanine‐dominant families of Caryophyllales (Nepenthaceae, Polygonaceae, Simmondsiaceae, Microteaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Amaranthaceae, Limeaceae, Molluginaceae, Portulacaceae, Cactaceae, and Nyctaginaceae) by searching scientific literature until no new uses were recovered. We then tested for phylogenetic clustering of uses using a “hot nodes” approach. To test potential non‐metabolite drivers of medicinal use, like how often humans encounter a species (apparency), we repeated the analysis using only North American species across the entire order and performed phylogenetic generalized least squares regression (PGLS) with occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

Results

We hypothesized families with tyrosine‐enriched metabolism would show clustering of different types of medicinal use compared to phenylalanine‐enriched metabolism. Instead, wide‐ranging, apparent clades in Polygonaceae and Amaranthaceae are overrepresented across nearly all types of medicinal use.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that apparency is a better predictor of medicinal use than metabolism, although metabolism type may still be a contributing factor.
Single‐Atom Titanium on Mesoporous Nitrogen, Oxygen‐Doped Carbon for Efficient Photo‐thermal Catalytic CO2 Cycloaddition by a Radical Mechanism
Authors: Wang Yifan , Liu Huimin , Shi Qiujin , Miao Zerui , Duan Haohong , Wang Yiou , Rong Hongpan , Zhang Jiatao
Published: April 2024

Developing efficient and earth‐abundant catalysts for CO2 fixation to high value‐added chemicals is meaningful but challenging. Styrene carbonate has great market value, but the cycloaddition of CO2 to styrene oxide is difficult due to the high steric hindrance and weak electron‐withdrawing ability of the phenyl group. To utilize clean energy (such as optical energy) directly and effectively for CO2 value‐added process, we introduce earth‐abundant Ti single‐atom into the mesoporous nitrogen, oxygen‐doped carbon nanosheets (Ti−CNO) by a two‐step method. The Ti−CNO exhibits excellent photothermal catalytic activities and stability for cycloaddition of CO2 and styrene oxide to styrene carbonate. Under light irradiation and ambient pressure, an optimal Ti−CNO produces styrene carbonate with a yield of 98.3 %, much higher than CN (27.1 %). In addition, it shows remarkable stability during 10 consecutive cycles. Its enhanced catalytic performance stems from the enhanced photothermal effect and improved Lewis acidic/basic sites exposed by the abundant mesopores. The experiments and theoretical simulations demonstrate the styrene oxide⋅+ and CO2⋅− radicals generated at the Lewis acidic (Tiδ+) and basic sites of Ti−CNO under light irradiation, respectively. This work furnishes a strategy for synthesizing advanced single‐atom catalysts for photo‐thermal synergistic CO2 fixation to high value products via a cycloaddition pathway.
Reducing nonprofit fiduciary liability: Mitigating your organization's risks
Authors: Konrad Scott , Jorbin Cory
Published: April 2024

Nonprofit organizations and their leaders, as sponsors and fiduciaries of group health and welfare plans, operate within a fluid regulatory environment. They must generally adhere to the same federal, state and local laws as their for‐profit counterparts, but sometimes do so with less‐stringent governance. They often rely on well‐intentioned volunteer boards, streamlined human resource structures and a mission‐driven focus that can overshadow meticulous attention to regulatory details.
Bootstrap tests for simultaneous monotone ordering of effects in a two‐way ANOVA
Authors: Dey Raju , Mondal Anjana , Kumar Somesh
Published: April 2024

In a two‐way additive analysis of variance (ANOVA) model, we consider the problem of testing for homogeneity of both row and column effects against their simultaneous ordering. The error variances are assumed to be heterogeneous with unbalanced samples in each cell. Two simultaneous test procedures are developed—the first one using the likelihood ratio test (LRT) statistics of two independent hypotheses and another based on the consecutive pairwise differences of estimators of effects. The parametric bootstrap (PB) approach is used to find critical points of both the tests and the asymptotic accuracy of the bootstrap is established. An extensive simulation study shows that the proposed tests achieve the nominal size and have very good power performance. The robustness of the tests is also analyzed under deviation from normality. An “R” package is developed and shared on “GitHub” for ease of implementation of users. The proposed tests are illustrated using a real data set on the mortality due to alcoholic liver disease and it is shown that age and gender have a significant impact on the increasing incidence of mortality.
Feeding strategies for Sporosarcina pasteurii cultivation unlock more efficient production of ureolytic biomass for MICP
Authors: Lapierre Frédéric M. , Huber Robert
Published: April 2024

The bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii is the most commonly used microorganism for Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) due to its high urease activity. To date, no proper fed‐batch cultivation protocol for S. pasteurii has been published, even though this cultivation method has a high potential for reducing costs of producing microbial ureolytic biomass. This study focusses on fed‐batch cultivation of S. pasteurii DSM33. The study distinguishes between limited fed‐batch cultivation and extended batch cultivation. Simply feeding glucose to a S. pasteurii culture does not seem beneficial. However, it was exploited that S. pasteurii is auxotrophic for two vitamins and amino acids. Limited fed‐batch cultivation was accomplished by feeding the necessary vitamins or amino acids to a culture lacking them. Feeding nicotinic acid to a nicotinic acid deprived culture resulted in a 24% increase of the specific urease activity compared to a fed culture without nicotinic acid limitation. Also, extended batch cultivation was explored. Feeding a mixture of glucose and yeast extract results in OD600 of ≈70 at the end of cultivation, which is the highest value published in literature so far. These results have the potential to make MICP applications economically viable.
Tri‐enzyme fusion of tryptophan halogenase achieves a concise strategy for coenzyme self‐sufficiency and the continuous halogenation of L‐tryptophan
Authors: Liu Han‐Yu , Qian Feng , Zhang Hai‐Min , Gui Qian , Wang Yao‐Wu , Wang Pu
Published: April 2024

The halogenase‐based catalysis is one of the most environmentally friendly methods for the synthesis of halogenated products, among which flavin‐dependent halogenases (FDHs) have attracted great interest as one of the most promising biocatalysts due to the remarkable site‐selectivity and wide substrate range. However, the complexity of constructing the NAD+‐NADH‐FAD‐FADH2 bicoenzyme cycle system has affected the engineering applications of FDHs. In this work, a coenzyme self‐sufficient tri‐enzyme fusion was constructed and successfully applied to the continuous halogenation of L‐tryptophan. SpFDH was firstly identified derived from Streptomyces pratensis, a highly selective halogenase capable of generating 6‐chloro‐tryptophan from tryptophan. Then, using gene fusion technology, SpFDH was fused with glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and flavin reductase (FR) to form a tri‐enzyme fusion, which increased the yield by 1.46‐fold and making the coenzymes self‐sufficient. For more efficient halogenation of L‐tryptophan, a continuous halogenation bioprocess of L‐tryptophan was developed by immobilizing the tri‐enzyme fusion and attaching it to a continuous catalytic device, which resulted in a reaction yield of 97.6% after 12 h reaction. An FDH from S. pratensis was successfully applied in the halogenation and our study provides a concise strategy for the preparation of halogenated tryptophan mediated by multienzyme cascade catalysis.
Risk of recurrence after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and transoral robotic surgery in patients with oropharynx cancer that avoid adjuvant radiation
Authors: Pershad Alisha R. , Thakkar Punam G. , Goodman Joseph F. , Joshi Arjun , Steinberg Seth M. , Allen Clint T. , Floudas Charalampos S.
Published: April 2024

Background

De‐escalation strategies for newly‐diagnosed p16‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (p16+ OPSCC), aim to reduce treatment‐related morbidity without compromising disease control. One strategy is neoadjuvant cisplatin and docetaxel chemotherapy (NAC + S) before transoral robotic surgery, with pathology‐based risk‐adapted adjuvant treatment.

Methods

We examined the recurrence‐free survival (RFS) for patients who received NAC + S.

Results

Comparing outcomes in 103 patients between 2008 and 2023, 92% avoided adjuvant treatment and showed significantly higher 2‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) compared to those with adjuvant treatment (95.9% vs. 43.8%, p = 0.0049)

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that pathology‐based risk‐adapted omission of adjuvant treatment following NAC + S does not appear to elevate recurrence risk and that NAC may identify patients with favorable tumor biology, yielding a 2‐year RFS probability exceeding 95% without adjuvant treatment. Further, the study identifies a patient subset experiencing disease recurrence despite triple modality therapy. Despite limitations, including a retrospective design and modest sample size, the data advocate for controlled NAC + S studies.
Bio‐Guided Isolation of Alpha‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Compounds from Vietnamese Lichen Roccella Montagnei
Authors: Thuy Le Huong , Vu Y. Thien , Duong Gia‐Huy , Le Thi‐Kim‐Dung , Dang Minh‐Khai , Pham Duc‐Dung , Pham Nguyen‐Kim‐Tuyen , Sichaem Jirapast , Nguyen Ngoc‐Hong , Duong Thuc‐Huy
Published: April 2024

A bio‐guided isolation was applied to the Vietnamese lichen Roccella montagnei based on alpha‐glucosidase inhibition. Six compounds were isolated and structurally elucidated, including a new ortho depside, montagneside A (1), together with five known compounds, sekikaic acid (2), lanost‐7‐en‐3β‐ol (3), ethyl orsellinate (4), D‐montagnetol (5), and D‐erythrin (6). Their chemical structures were identified by extensive 1D and 2D NMR analysis, high‐resolution mass spectroscopy, and comparisons with those reported in the literature. D‐Erythrin (6), a major component, was selected for further modification using Smiles rearrangement. Three erythritol derivatives 6a–6c were synthesized. Compounds 1–3, 6, and 6a–6c were evaluated for alpha‐glucosidase inhibition. Compounds 2 and 6a–6c showed significant alpha‐glucosidase inhibition with IC50 values ranging from 7.9 to 149 μM, respectively. Molecular docking was applied to the most active compound 6a to clarify the inhibitory mechanism.
Highly Efficient Thiolate‐Based Ionic Liquid Catalysts for Reduction of CO2: Selective N‐Functionalization of Amines to Form N‐Formamides and N‐Methylamines
Authors: Wu Jiakai , Niu Junping , Hou Lu , Cheng Siliu , Xie Ruijun , Zhu Ning
Published: April 2024

Developing efficient catalysts to convert CO2 into value‐added chemicals is valuable for reducing carbon emissions. Herein, a kind of novel thiolate‐based ionic liquid with sulfur as the active site was designed and synthesized, which served as highly efficient catalyst for the reductive N‐functionalization of CO2 by amines and hydrosilane. By adjusting the CO2 pressure, various N‐formamides and N‐methylamines were selectively obtained in high yields. Remarkably, at the catalyst loading of 0.1 mol %, the N‐formylation reaction of N‐methylaniline exhibited an impressive turnover frequency (TOF) up to 600 h−1, which could be attributed to the roles of the ionic liquids in activating hydrosilane and amine. In addition, control experiments and NMR monitoring experiments provided evidence that the reduction of CO2 by hydrosilane yielded formoxysilane intermediates that subsequently reacted with amines to form N‐formylated products. Alternatively, the formoxysilane intermediates could further react with hydrosilane and amine to produce 4‐electron‐reduced aminal products. These aminal products served as crucial intermediates in the N‐methylation reactions.
Seeding: Back to the Basics
Authors: Ernst Matt
Published: April 2024

With weak profitability forecasts for soybeans and—especially—corn in 2024, crop advisers and producers might do well to review seeding basics. The following is a survey of CCAs and university specialists about seeding rates, depth, and dates across the Corn Belt. Earn 1 CEU in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Design and partial validation of novel eDNA qPCR assays for three common North American tick (Arachnida: Ixodida) species
Authors: Iacaruso Nicholas , Kopsco Heather , Gronemeyer Peg , Merkelz Sara , Smith Rebecca , Davis Mark
Published: April 2024

The range expansion of ticks to higher latitudes poses a severe threat to human health exposing human populations who had no prior contact with ticks to several harmful tick‐borne diseases. Early detection of ticks in new areas is critical to help inform the public and medical professionals of the dangers associated with tick encounters. Environmental DNA represents a novel survey method that could provide reliable records of tick occurrences and timely warnings of their range expansions. In this study, we designed novel eDNA qPCR assays for three common North American tick species (Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis) and tested them on 51 samples of grasses and leaf litter collected from 12 grassland and forest sites in central and southern Illinois. We provide in silico and in vitro validation of all three assays; however, we were unable to generate any positive detections from field samples. Our lack of eDNA detections likely stems from low eDNA deposition rates coupled with rapid degradation in grasslands and forests, a problem exacerbated by terrestrial eDNA sampling methods limited by volume of substrate. We provide recommendations for improving sample collection methods to increase detection probability in future efforts. Continued research should focus on the viability of eDNA to detect small terrestrial invertebrates, like ticks, and it potential as early warning indicator of the spread of vector‐borne diseases.
Illuminating arthropod diversity in a tropical forest: Assessing biodiversity by automatic light trapping and DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Souto‐Vilarós Daniel , Basset Yves , Blažek Petr , Laird‐Hopkins Benita , Segar Simon T. , Navarro‐Valencia Eduardo , Zamora Ana Cecilia , Campusano Yahir , Čtvrtečka Richard , Savage Amanda F. , Perez Filonila , Lopez Yacksecari , Bobadilla Ricardo , Ramírez Silva José Alejandro , Lamarre Greg P. A.
Published: April 2024

Although studies of insect decline have recently dominated headlines worldwide, their interpretation requires caution since for most species, we lack long‐term population baselines. In the tropics, where most insect species thrive, our knowledge is even more limited and so reliable insect assessments must originate from well‐established long‐term monitoring efforts. Combining the extensive monitoring data from the Arthropod Program of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, we compare whether known arthropod diversity can be detected through metabarcoding of bulk insect samples obtained through automatic light‐trapping. Our study detected 4402 species based on Barcode Index Numbers (BIN) and detected fine‐scale differences between wet and dry seasons and sampling localities. We further refined our analysis to indicate which families and genera explained seasonal turnover. Using samples collected in parallel, but sorted manually as part of the ongoing arthropod monitoring program, we compared these methods. Out of 538 BINs recovered through manual sorting, there was a 70% overlap with the metabarcoding data; however, it represented 30% of the total BINs detected through metabarcoding. Expecting higher detection through metabarcoding, we also compare the results with the 14 years of sampling in BCI to better understand how well the monitoring program has captured the diversity of focal groups. Our results revealed a ~50% overlap between both methods and similar total catch. Barcode Index Numbers manually detected but not recovered by metabarcoding highlight some of the limitations of molecular detection methods such as primer bias. Contrastingly, BINs detected with metabarcoding, but not recovered by the traditional monitoring scheme, highlight the importance of local and regional barcode reference libraries.
Nanostructured cobalt(II) phthalocyanine modified screen‐printed electrodes for the determination of thiocyanate in human saliva
Authors: Pavelka Vit , Lazanas Alexandros Ch. , Sarigiannidou Myrto , Hrbac Jan , Prodromidis Mamas I.
Published: April 2024

Salivary thiocyanate is a biomarker of individual health that notably allows for the discrimination between smokers and non‐smokers. Recent studies have also demonstrated its potential as a biomarker of cystic fibrosis, thus rendering the development of methods for its determination in saliva of immense importance. In response, we report on the development of graphite screen‐printed electrodes (SPE) modified with cobalt(II) phthalocyanine nanosticks (CoPcNst), as low‐cost and semi‐disposable sensors for the determination of thiocyanate ion (SCN−) in human saliva. CoPCNst were synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction, as well as infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The results revealed a structural proximity to the recently identified J‐polymorph. Compared with the electrode modified with commercial, beta‐structure cobalt(II) phthalocyanine, the CoPc Nst/SPE provided four times better LOD and LOQ (0.49 and 1.62 μM) for thiocyanate determination by differential pulse voltammetry. The response was linear up to 20 μM SCN− (R2=0.996) and it was not affected by excess of common electro active compounds, such as ascorbic and uric acid. The analytical utility of CoPc Nst/SPE in human saliva is demonstrated.
Edible oleogels for oral delivery of berberine in dairy food: In‐vitro digestion study
Authors: Sarraf Mozhdeh , Beigbabaei Adel , Naji‐Tabasi Sara
Published: April 2024

Oleogel is a viscoelastic, spreadable and semi‐solid structure, which is used as a fat substitute and a controller the release of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to develop low fat dairy dessert enriched with berberine with applying oleogel system as delivery system and fat replacer. The oleogel prepared with an emulsion‐templated methods based on soluble interaction of whey protein concentrate (WPC), WPC‐basil seed gum (BSG), and WPC‐xanthan gum (XG). In the first step, berberine release kinetic in in‐vitro gastrointestinal environment was studied. The results showed that the mouth environment had the highest release rate of berberine. Cooperation of hydrocolloids in oleogel increase stability of structure in stomach condition in compared with WPC oleogel. The suitable model to fit the oleogels contain beberine was the Korsmeyer‐Papas that was the highest R2 (.98). According to release results of berberine from oleogel network, the oleogel 0.6BSG:WPC was chosen and applied in formulation of dairy dessert at different levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of oleogel) instead of cream. The dessert contained uncoated berberine had the unacceptable bitterness in comparison with samples containing coated berberine with oleogel. The overall acceptance decreased with increment of oleogel due to increasing of bitter taste. Appling berberine (therapeutic compound) and oleogel (fat‐substitute) to achieve marketable consumer products showed positive effects on trend of the study, especially at low level of substitution.
Induction of labor in term pregnancies with isolated polyhydramnios: Is it beneficial or harmful?
Authors: Lerner Yael , Peled Tzuria , Priner Adler Shira , Rotem Reut , Sela Hen Y. , Grisaru‐Granovsky Sorina , Rottenstreich Misgav
Published: April 2024

Objective

To compare rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes in term pregnancies complicated by polyhydramnios between women who had induction of labor (IOB) versus women who had expectant management.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study included term pregnancies complicated by isolated polyhydramnios. Patients who underwent IOB were compared with those who had expectant management. The primary outcome was defined as a composite adverse maternal outcome, and secondary outcomes were various maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. Univariate analyses were followed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 865 pregnancies with term isolated polyhydramnios were included: 169 patients underwent IOB (19.5%), while 696 had expectant management and developed spontaneous onset of labor (80.5%). Women who underwent IOB had significantly higher rates of composite adverse maternal outcome (23.1% vs 9.8%, P < 0.01), prolonged hospital stay, perineal tear grade 3/4, intrapartum cesarean, postpartum hemorrhage, blood products transfusion, and neonatal asphyxia compared with expectant management. While the perinatal fetal death rate was similar between the groups (0.6% vs 0.6%, P = 0.98), the timing of the loss was different. Four women in the expectant management group had a stillbirth, while in the induction group one case of intrapartum fetal death occurred due to uterine rupture. Multivariate analyses revealed that IOB was associated with a higher rate of composite adverse maternal outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.28–3.83]; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

IOB in women with term isolated polyhydramnios is associated with higher rates of adverse maternal outcomes in comparison to expectant management. Further research is needed to determine the optimal approach for the management of isolated polyhydramnios at term.
Expanding horizons in conceptual density functional theory: Novel ensembles and descriptors to decipher reactivity patterns
Authors: Hoffmann Guillaume , Guégan Frédéric , Labet Vanessa , Joubert Laurent , Chermette Henry , Morell Christophe , Tognetti Vincent
Published: April 2024

Conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) and the quantum reactivity descriptors stemming from it have proven to be valuable tools for understanding the chemical behavior of molecules. This article is presented as being intrinsically of dual character. In a first part, it briefly reviews, in a deliberately didactical way, the main ensembles in CDFT, while the second half presents two additional ensembles, where the chemical hardness acts as a natural variable, and their respective reactivity descriptors. The evaluation of these reactivity descriptors on common organic chemical reagents are presented and discussed.
Making meaning of one's own life story in words and images: A narrative case report of personal recovery from personality disorder through the interventions “An Empowering Story” and art therapy
Authors: Haeyen Suzanne , Heres Hilda , Pol Silvia
Published: April 2024

Understanding and processing life experiences are essential in the treatment of personality disorders to promote personal recovery and psychological wellbeing. In this qualitative case report, drafted in co‐creation between the client, clinical psychologist, and art therapist, individual treatment consisted of two psychotherapeutic interventions, “An Empowering Story” and life‐story‐focused art therapy, in 12 parallel sessions for 24 weeks. Hilda, 68 years of age, had been diagnosed with an unspecified personality disorder and various traits of borderline personality disorder. She experienced emotional exhaustion following long‐term mental health problems rooted in a traumatic early childhood. This affected her ability to manage her emotions and social relations, resulting in the sense that her life had no meaning. Hilda was invited to reconstruct her life experiences, divided into the past, turning point, and present/future, in a written and a painted life story. This allowed for the integration of traumatic as well as positive memories, enhanced self‐compassion, and meaning making. She developed self‐reflection and integration of internal conflicts leading to a better emotional balance and self‐understanding. Art therapy emphasizes bottom‐up regulatory processes, while narrative psychology supports top‐down regulatory processes. The combined approach effectively integrated bottom‐up, experiential, sensory experiences with top‐down, cognitive emotion‐regulation processes. The results suggest that psychotherapeutic interventions involving a multi‐pronged, complementary, and thus more holistic approach can support personal recovery in personality disorders.
A latent profile analysis of moral emotions following moral transgressions
Authors: Cenkner David P. , Held Philip , Zalta Alyson K.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Moral transgressions (MTs), events that violate one's moral code, are associated with the moral emotions of guilt and shame. However, there may be different patterns by which people experience guilt and shame that affect distress following MTs.

Method

Undergraduates (N = 1371) exposed to an MT completed self‐report assessments. This study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to examine profiles based on guilt cognitions, internalized shame, and distress in relation to a reported MT. Cognitive flexibility, years since the MT, and deliberate and intrusive rumination were examined as variables to determine how these factors predicted profile membership.

Results

Results from the LPA revealed a three‐profile solution: a low moral distress profile (n = 1002), a moderate moral distress profile (n = 262), and a shame prominent profile (n = 107). Results indicated that higher levels of deliberate and intrusive rumination and lower levels of cognitive flexibility significantly increased the likelihood of belonging to the moderate moral distress or shame prominent profiles compared to the low moral distress profile. Higher levels of intrusive rumination and lower levels of cognitive flexibility also significantly increased the likelihood of belonging to the shame prominent profile over the moderate distress profile.

Conclusion

Three different profiles emerged, with the shame prominent profile being driven primarily by internalized shame. Results suggest that intrusive rumination and cognitive inflexibility are risk factors to experiencing adverse responses to MTs.
Deficient glycan extension and endoplasmic reticulum stresses in ALG3‐CDG
Authors: Daniel Earnest J. P. , Edmondson Andrew C. , Argon Yair , Alsharhan Hind , Lam Christina , Freeze Hudson H. , He Miao
Published: April 2024

ALG3‐CDG is a rare congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) with a clinical phenotype that includes neurological manifestations, transaminitis, and frequent infections. The ALG3 enzyme catalyzes the first step of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) luminal glycan extension by adding mannose from Dol‐P‐Man to Dol‐PP‐Man5GlcNAc2 (Man5) forming Dol‐PP‐Man6. Such glycan extension is the first and fastest cellular response to ER stress, which is deficient in ALG3‐CDG. In this study, we provide evidence that the unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER‐associated degradation activities are increased in ALG3‐CDG patient‐derived cultured skin fibroblasts and there is constitutive activation of UPR mediated by the IRE1‐α pathway. In addition, we show that N‐linked Man3‐4 glycans are increased in cellular glycoproteins and secreted plasma glycoproteins with hepatic or non‐hepatic origin. We found that like other CDGs such as ALG1‐ or PMM2‐CDG, in transferrin, the assembling intermediate Man5 in ALG3‐CDG, are likely further processed into a distinct glycan, NeuAc1Gal1GlcNAc1Man3GlcNAc2, probably by Golgi mannosidases and glycosyltransferases. We predict it to be a mono‐antennary glycan with the same molecular weight as the truncated glycan described in MGAT2‐CDG. In summary, this study elucidates multiple previously unrecognized biochemical consequences of the glycan extension deficiency in ALG3‐CDG which will have important implications in the pathogenesis of CDG.
How meaning in life and vitality are associated with posttrauma outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Mutuyimana Celestin , Maercker Andreas
Published: April 2024

When confronted with a traumatic event, people may suffer from adverse posttraumatic outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex PTSD (CPTSD). Positive psychology research has shown that meaning in life and vitality are potentially correlated protective factors against negative developments following trauma exposure that can lead to PTSD or CPTSD. This systematic review aimed to synthesize global empirical research findings, emphasizing the impact of meaning in life and vitality on both PTSD and CPTSD. A search of empirical studies was performed within the Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science core collection databases, as well as PsycInfo, using the PRISMA checklist. A total of 29 studies were included after a systematic exclusion process. The collective findings from 22 studies examining meaning in life and five studies focusing on vitality revealed a consistent negative association with symptoms of PTSD. No study that explored the associations among meaning in life, vitality, and CPTSD was found. In contrast to vitality, meaning in life has been extensively studied in relation to traumatic stress worldwide, and few discrepancies in results were found. This systematic review identified the need to intensify scientific efforts in capitalizing on meaning in life as a possible target for psychological interventions, especially for trauma survivors globally, and to consider vitality as a protective factor that needs more empirical attention in relation to posttraumatic stress. Furthermore, there is a need for studies that encompass diverse target samples and employ longitudinal study design to examine the associations between protective factors and CPTSD.
Dimensional approaches to studying, assessing, and treating traumatic stress: Introduction to the Special Section
Authors: Yalch Matthew M.
Published: April 2024

Dimensional models of psychopathology are gaining empirical support and are, thus, increasingly common in research and clinical practice. This is true for traumatic stress studies, although the movement toward dimensional conceptualizations of traumatic stress may be somewhat slower, perhaps due at least in part to how trauma is diagnosed. The purpose of this special section is to collect and showcase cutting‐edge basic, applied, and conceptual work on dimensional models of traumatic stress. Its goal is to highlight the utility of such models and to facilitate greater connection between traumatic stress studies and the broader dimensional movement in psychopathology.
Investigation on structure, evaporation, and desiccation cracking of soil with straw biochar
Authors: Yang Binbin , Chen Yang , Yuan Shichong
Published: April 2024

To investigate the cracking behavior in the evaporation process of the soil surface with biochar as an additive, five experimental groups were established in the natural environment with 0, 12, 60, 120, and 170 g·kg−1 biochar. The results of an investigation on organic matter and aggregations indicate that a high content of biochar can significantly improve the content of organic matter and the amount of soil aggregates. After adding 60 and 170 g·kg−1 biochar, the content of organic matter increased by 19.47% and 84.12%, respectively, and the content of soil aggregates with an average diameter greater than 0.25 mm increased by 16.43% and 38.20%, respectively. The investigation also examines the evaporation and cracking characteristics of soils that contain biochar. The rate of evaporation is approximately a “step” type function with time. The rate of evaporation is observed in three stages: the rapid, decelerating, and final evaporation stages. In the rapid evaporation stage, the initial evaporation rate of the sample that contains biochar is increased on average by 46%. The fractal dimension and cracks rate are decreased by 22.95% and 20.99% with 120 g·kg−1 biochar addition. This means that the increase of soil organic matter after adding biochar plays a crucial role in the stability of aggregates. As a soil conditioner, biochar has the ability to enhance soil water retention capacity and is a sustainable strategy to improve soil properties.
Clinical and Molecular Spectrum of Autosomal Recessive CA8‐Related Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Kaiyrzhanov Rauan , Ortigoza‐Escobar Juan Darío , Stringer Brett W. , Ganieva Manizha , Gowda Vykuntaraju K. , Srinivasan Varunvenkat M. , Macaya Alfons , Laner Andreas , Onbool Enas , Al‐Shammari Randa , Al‐Owain Mohammed , Deconinck Nicolas , Vilain Catheline , Dontaine Pauline , Self Eleanor , Akram Rabia , Hussain Ghulam , Baig Shahid Mahmood , Iqbal Javed , Salpietro Vincenzo , Neshatdoust Maedeh , Kasiri Mahboubeh , Yesil Gozde , Uygur Turkan , Pysden Karen , Berry Ian R. , Alves Cesar Augusto , Giacomotto Jean , Houlden Henry , Maroofian Reza
Published: April 2024

Background

Based on a limited number of reported families, biallelic CA8 variants have currently been associated with a recessive neurological disorder named, cerebellar ataxia, mental retardation, and dysequilibrium syndrome 3 (CAMRQ‐3).

Objectives

We aim to comprehensively investigate CA8‐related disorders (CA8‐RD) by reviewing existing literature and exploring neurological, neuroradiological, and molecular observations in a cohort of newly identified patients.

Methods

We analyzed the phenotype of 27 affected individuals from 14 families with biallelic CA8 variants (including data from 15 newly identified patients from eight families), ages 4 to 35 years. Clinical, genetic, and radiological assessments were performed, and zebrafish models with ca8 knockout were used for functional analysis.

Results

Patients exhibited varying degrees of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), along with predominantly progressive cerebellar ataxia and pyramidal signs and variable bradykinesia, dystonia, and sensory impairment. Quadrupedal gait was present in only 10 of 27 patients. Progressive selective cerebellar atrophy, predominantly affecting the superior vermis, was a key diagnostic finding in all patients. Seven novel homozygous CA8 variants were identified. Zebrafish models demonstrated impaired early neurodevelopment and motor behavior on ca8 knockout.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive analysis of phenotypic features indicates that CA8‐RD exhibits a wide range of clinical manifestations, setting it apart from other subtypes within the category of CAMRQ. CA8‐RD is characterized by cerebellar atrophy and should be recognized as part of the autosomal‐recessive cerebellar ataxias associated with NDD. Notably, the presence of progressive superior vermis atrophy serves as a valuable diagnostic indicator. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.