bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trematodes from Red Sea fishes: Prosteganoderma brayi gen. nov., sp. nov. (Zoogonidae Odhner, 1902) and Forticulcita mugilis sp. nov. (Haploporidae Nicoll, 1914)
Authors: Hassanine Read
Published: October 2007

Specimens of the fishes Scarus ghobban Forsskål (Scaridae) and Crenimugil crenilabis Forsskål (Mugilidae) were caught in the Red Sea off the coast of Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt. Ten (20 %) and 15 (50 %) of these fishes, respectively, were found to harbour intestinal trematodes. Scarus ghobban was parasitised by Prosteganoderma brayi gen. nov., sp. nov. (Zoogonidae) and C. crenilabis by Forticulcita mugilis sp. nov. (Haploporidae). Prosteganoderma gen. nov. is similar to Steganoderma Stafford, 1904, but clearly differs from it and from all the other genera of the subfamily Lepidophyllinae Stossich, 1903 in having a large ventral sucker surrounded by a large prominent fleshy fold of the body wall and a pre-testicular uterus. Forticulcita mugilis sp. nov. is similar to F. glabra Overstreet, 1982, the type and the only species of the genus, but clearly differs in having a larger body size, a longer forebody, an intestinal bifurcation in the middle of the body, subequal gonads, Laurer’s canal opening dorsally at a considerable distance posterior to the testis and a much larger egg size.
Species richness, diversity and specificity of the parasites of bream Abramis brama (L.) and perch Perca fluviatilis L. in the estuary of the Odra River, Poland
Authors: Sobecka E. , Słomińska M.
Published: October 2007

The parasitological studies were carried out on bream and perch from brackish water of Pomeranian Bay and the Szczecin Lagoon — a mouth of the Odra River. Bream and perch hosted 21 and 13 parasitic species, respectively. The species richness and diversity of parasites were much higher for bream and the abundance of parasites in bream was nearly four-fold higher than that in perch. Faunistic similarity of both parasite communities was low. The dominant group of parasites in both fish hosts was digeneans. Five species were specialists of bream, while only one species was a perch specialist. Five new host records have been reported in Poland for the following species: Myxobolus dispar, Hysterothylacium aduncum, Khawia sinensis, Echinorhynchus gadi and Pomphorhynchus laevis.
Helminth parasites of digestive tract of some teleost fish caught in the Dardanelles at Çanakkale, Turkey
Authors: Keser R. , Bray R. , Oguz M. , Çelen S. , Erdoğan S. , Doğuturk S. , Aklanoğlu G. , Marti B.
Published: October 2007

In this study the following parasites were found in fishes from the Dardanelles at Çanakkale: Cestoda: Bothriocephalus scorpii, Grillotia sp. and Scolex pleuronectis in Solea solea; Digenea: Ectenurus lepidus, Prodistomum polonii and Monascus filiformis in Trachurus trachurus, Hemiuridae metacercaria in S. solea, Lecithocladium excisum in Scomber scombrus, Lecithostaphylus retroflexus in Belone belone, Opechona bacillaris in Pomatomus saltatrix and S. scombrus and Schikhobalotrema sparisomae in Liza saliens; Nematoda: Hysterothylacium aduncum in T. trachurus, S. solea, Sparus aurata, P. saltatrix, L. saliens and Engraulis encrasicolus and Anisakis simplex in S. scombrus; Acanthocephala: Neoechinorynchus agilıs in L. saliens. No parasites were recovered from Sardinella aurita. Most of these species are well known in both the Mediterranean and Black Seas, but the Dardanelles appears to be the limit of the range of Anisakıs simplex.
Physical Activity and Incident Obesity Across the Spectrum of Genetic Risk for Obesity
Authors: Brittain Evan L. , Han Lide , Annis Jeffrey , Master Hiral , Hughes Andrew , Roden Dan M. , Harris Paul A. , Ruderfer Douglas M.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Despite consistent public health recommendations, obesity rates in the US continue to increase. Physical activity recommendations do not account for individual genetic variability, increasing risk of obesity.

Objective

To use activity, clinical, and genetic data from the All of Us Research Program (AoURP) to explore the association of genetic risk of higher body mass index (BMI) with the level of physical activity needed to reduce incident obesity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this US population–based retrospective cohort study, participants were enrolled in the AoURP between May 1, 2018, and July 1, 2022. Enrollees in the AoURP who were of European ancestry, owned a personal activity tracking device, and did not have obesity up to 6 months into activity tracking were included in the analysis.

Exposure

Physical activity expressed as daily step counts and a polygenic risk score (PRS) for BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

Main Outcome and Measures

Incident obesity (BMI ≥30).

Results

A total of 3124 participants met inclusion criteria. Among 3051 participants with available data, 2216 (73%) were women, and the median age was 52.7 (IQR, 36.4-62.8) years. The total cohort of 3124 participants walked a median of 8326 (IQR, 6499-10 389) steps/d over a median of 5.4 (IQR, 3.4-7.0) years of personal activity tracking. The incidence of obesity over the study period increased from 13% (101 of 781) to 43% (335 of 781) in the lowest and highest PRS quartiles, respectively (P = 1.0 × 10−20). The BMI PRS demonstrated an 81% increase in obesity risk (P = 3.57 × 10−20) while mean step count demonstrated a 43% reduction (P = 5.30 × 10−12) when comparing the 75th and 25th percentiles, respectively. Individuals with a PRS in the 75th percentile would need to walk a mean of 2280 (95% CI, 1680-3310) more steps per day (11 020 total) than those at the 50th percentile to have a comparable risk of obesity. To have a comparable risk of obesity to individuals at the 25th percentile of PRS, those at the 75th percentile with a baseline BMI of 22 would need to walk an additional 3460 steps/d; with a baseline BMI of 24, an additional 4430 steps/d; with a baseline BMI of 26, an additional 5380 steps/d; and with a baseline BMI of 28, an additional 6350 steps/d.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, the association between daily step count and obesity risk across genetic background and baseline BMI were quantified. Population-based recommendations may underestimate physical activity needed to prevent obesity among those at high genetic risk.
Myeloperoxidase inhibition protects bone marrow mononuclear cells from DNA damage induced by the TOP2 poison anti‐cancer drug etoposide
Authors: Cowell Ian G. , Austin Caroline A.
Published: March 2024

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is found almost exclusively in granulocytes and immature myeloid cells. It plays a key role in the innate immune system, catalysing the formation of reactive oxygen species that are important in anti‐microbial action, but MPO also oxidatively transforms the topoisomerase II (TOP2) poison etoposide to chemical forms that have elevated DNA damaging properties. TOP2 poisons such as etoposide are widely used anti‐cancer drugs, but they are linked to cases of secondary acute myeloid leukaemias through a mechanism that involves DNA damage and presumably erroneous repair leading to leukaemogenic chromosome translocations. This leads to the possibility that myeloperoxidase inhibitors could reduce the rate of therapy‐related leukaemia by protecting haematopoietic cells from TOP2 poison‐mediated genotoxic damage while preserving the anti‐cancer efficacy of the treatment. We show here that myeloperoxidase inhibition reduces etoposide‐induced TOP2B‐DNA covalent complexes and resulting DNA double‐strand break formation in primary ex vivo expanded CD34+ progenitor cells and unfractionated bone marrow mononuclear cells. Since MPO inhibitors are currently being developed as anti‐inflammatory agents this raises the possibility that repurposing of these potential new drugs could provide a means of suppressing secondary acute myeloid leukaemias associated with therapies containing TOP2 poisons.
Bioinspired 3D‐Printed Auxetic Structures with Enhanced Fatigue Behavior
Authors: Shirzad Masoud , Kang Juhyun , Kim Garin , Bodaghi Mahdi , Nam Seung Yun
Published: March 2024

Recently, auxetic metastructures have gained considerable attention in various fields of study due to their unique characteristics. This study aims to design and fabricate bioinspired auxetic structures and comprehensively investigate the static and dynamic mechanical properties of those architectures under tensile and compressive loads. A comparative analysis is carried out with a conventional structure, considering static tensile and compressive tests, as well as dynamic tension–tension and compression–compression assessments. Experimental measurements and finite‐element analysis are utilized to evaluate various parameters of the scaffolds, such as Young's modulus, yield strength, energy absorption, stress distribution, Poisson's ratio, and fatigue properties. The findings reveal that bioinspired auxetic structures can appropriately mimic the physical attributes and stress–strain characteristics of human tissue, such as the Achilles tendon. Furthermore, these bioinspired auxetic structures significantly enhance the cycles to failure compared to conventional structures, accompanied by notable improvements in energy absorption. Among the auxetic structures, the star configuration exhibits remarkable tolerance to tensile fatigue loads, while the sharp sinus structure demonstrates the highest tolerance to cycles to failure under compression–compression loads. The static and fatigue properties of bioinspired auxetic structures indicate their potential for biomedical applications.
Unveiling the Energy Storage Mechanism of MnO2 Polymorphs for Zinc‐Manganese Dioxide Batteries
Authors: Zhang Qingyong , Zhao Jun , Chen Xiuyuan , Yang Ruijie , Ying Ting , Cheng Chong , Liu Bilu , Fan Jun , Li Shuang , Zeng Zhiyuan
Published: March 2024

The energy storage mechanism of MnO2 in aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) is investigated using four types of MnO2 with crystal phases corresponding to α‐, β‐, γ‐, and δ‐MnO2. Experimental and theoretical calculation results reveal that all MnO2 follow the H+ and Zn2+ co‐intercalation mechanism during discharge, with ZnMn2O4, MnOOH, and Zn4(SO4)(OH)6·4H2O being the main products. ZnMn2O4 is formed from Zn2+ intercalation, while MnOOH and Zn4(SO4)(OH)6·4H2O are formed from H+ intercalation. Charging generates MnO2 through the extraction of Zn2+ and H+ from ZnMn2O4 and MnOOH, indicating reversible reactions. The study also reveals that H+ intercalation exhibits better kinetics than Zn2+ intercalation due to its higher diffusion ability and easier charge transfer. The crystal structures and diffusion energy barriers differences are responsible for the differences of H+ and Zn2+ diffusion in MnO2, with the layered δ phase exhibiting the lowest diffusion energy barrier and highest apparent diffusion coefficient, while the α phase exhibits the highest diffusion energy barrier and lowest apparent diffusion coefficient. These findings highlight the importance of crystal phases in determining the diffusion ability and energy storage of MnO2, which can inform strategies for design of multiphase MnO2 cathodes for high‐performance ZIBs.
Infection Microenvironment‐Responsive Coating on Titanium Surfaces for On‐Demand Release of Therapeutic Gas and Antibiotic
Authors: Wang Kun , Rong Fan , Peng Haowei , Yuan Zhang , Huo Jingjing , Liu Pengxiang , Ding Rui , Yan Cuiping , Liu Guming , Wang Tengjiao , Li Peng
Published: March 2024

Aseptic loosening and bacterial infection pose significant challenges in the clinical application of titanium (Ti) orthopedic implants, which are primarily caused by insufficient osseointegration and bacterial contamination. To address these issues, a responsive coating on Ti surface is constructed, which achieves enhanced osseointegration and infection elimination by on‐demand release of therapeutic gas hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and antibiotic. TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) are anodized on the Ti surface to enhance its bioactivity and serve as reservoirs for the antibiotic. An infection microenvironment‐responsive macromolecular H2S donor layer is coated on top of TNT to inhibit premature leakage of antibiotic. This layer exhibits a sustained release of low‐dosage H2S, which is capable of promoting the osteogenic differentiation and migration of cells. Moreover, the compactness of the macromolecular H2S donor layer could be broken by bacterial invasion, leading to rapid antibiotic release thus preventing infection. In vitro antibacterial experiments validates significant antibacterial activity of the coating against both Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Crucially, this coating effectively suppresses implant‐associated infection with 98.7% antibacterial efficiency in a rat femoral bone defect model, mitigates inflammation at the defect site and promotes osseointegration of the Ti orthopedic implant.
Topological Quantum Switching Enabled Neuroelectronic Synaptic Modulators for Brain Computer Interface
Authors: Assi Dani S. , Huang Hongli , Karthikeyan Vaithinathan , Theja Vaskuri C. S. , de Souza Maria Merlyne , Roy Vellaisamy A. L.
Published: March 2024

Aging and genetic‐related disorders in the human brain lead to impairment of daily cognitive functions. Due to their neural synaptic complexity and the current limits of knowledge, reversing these disorders remains a substantial challenge for brain–computer interfaces (BCI). In this work, a solution is provided to potentially override aging and neurological disorder‐related cognitive function loss in the human brain through the application of the authors’ quantum synaptic device. To illustrate this point, a quantum topological insulator (QTI) Bi2Se2Te‐based synaptic neuroelectronic device, where the electric field‐induced tunable topological surface edge states and quantum switching properties make them a premier option for establishing artificial synaptic neuromodulation approaches, is designed and developed. Leveraging these unique quantum synaptic properties, the developed synaptic device provides the capability to neuromodulate distorted neural signals, leading to the reversal of age‐related disorders via BCI. With the synaptic neuroelectronic characteristics of this device, excellent efficacy in treating cognitive neural dysfunctions through modulated neuromorphic stimuli is demonstrated. As a proof of concept, real‐time neuromodulation of electroencephalogram (EEG) deduced distorted event‐related potentials (ERP) is demonstrated by modulation of the synaptic device array.
Inkjet Printed Potentiometric Sensors for Nitrate Detection Directly in Soil enabled by a Hydrophilic Passivation Layer
Authors: Chen Kuan‐Yu , Biswas Aatresha , Cai Shuohao , Huang Jingyi , Andrews Joseph
Published: March 2024

Agricultural intensification has increased the use of chemical fertilizers, promoting plant growth and crop yield. Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers leads to nutrient loss and low nitrogen use efficiency. Management of nitrogen fertilizer input requires close to real‐time information about the soil nitrate concentration. While there is extensive work developing nitrate ion sensing solutions for liquid media, few allow for in‐soil measurements. This study introduces inkjet‐printed potentiometric sensors, containing 2 electrodes, the reference electrode (RE) and the nitrate‐selective film‐encapsulated working electrode (WE). The interaction between the nitrate‐sensitive membrane and soil nitrate ions causes a change in potential across the RE and WE. Additionally, a hydrophilic Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) layer ensures the long‐term functionality of the sensor in wet soil environments by protecting it from charged soil particles while simultaneously allowing water to flow from the soil toward the sensor electrodes. The sensors are tested in sand and silt loam soil, demonstrating their versatility across soil types. The potential change can be related to the nitrate concentration in soil, with typical sensitivities of 45–55 mV decade−1. Overall, the use of the PVDF layer allows for direct sensing in moist soil environments, which is critical for developing soil nitrate sensors.
Radiative Cooling and Protective Clothing Through Lamination of Hierarchically Porous Membrane
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhang Renyan , Wu Yingjie , Wang Yingeng , Yu Tao , Li Xiong , Pu Mingbo , Ma Xiaoliang , Luo Xiangang
Published: March 2024

Personal protective clothing is designed to safeguard medical personnel from highly infectious diseases. However, it often compromises comfort, especially when worn outdoors during epidemics like the global COVID‐19 outbreak. This can lead to discomfort and even heatstroke. To tackle this issue, radiative cooling is incorporated into personal protective clothing by integrating hierarchically porous poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) membranes into the fabric. These membranes possess a remarkable solar reflection rate of 96.9% and a strong mid‐infrared emittance of 95.2%. In practical scenarios, when exposed to clear sunny weather at midday, wearing radiative cooling personal protective clothing has the potential to reduce the temperature by 4.7 °C compared to commercially available personal protective clothing. Moreover, the lamination of porous PVDF‐HFP membranes enhances the protective capacity by increasing the synthetic blood penetration pressure from 7 to 20 kPa. The manufacturing process is straightforward, cost‐effective, and aligns with industry standards, making it suitable for large‐scale implementation in epidemic prevention and control. This technology offers comfortable protection while minimizing the risk of heatstroke.
Plant‐Inspired Dual‐Functional Sensor for Monitoring Pulse and Sweat Volume
Authors: Ge Xueyang , Sun Zhengcan , Guo YongXin , Gong Chenbo , Han Runyi , Feng Jingrui , Qi Zichen , Gao Jing , Wen Dong , Bian Fei , Xu Zhaopeng
Published: March 2024

Wearable health monitoring sensors, when employed to monitor pulse and sweat volume in real‐time during human physical activity, serve as an effective preventative measure against abnormal health conditions, such as elevated heart rate or excessive dehydration. Herein, a dual‐functional sensor based on a sandwich structure composed of polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene / conductive carbon black perforated film (named PCp film) and corncob sponge is designed to monitor pulse and sweat volume. The PCp film prepared by the breath figure method serves as a piezoresistive sensor with high sensitivity (0.06 kPa−1), a fast response time (0.9 ms), and high reusability for pulse monitoring. Furthermore, the PCp film has excellent water permeability (27.3 L m−2 h−1); thus, the sweat permeating through the PCp film can be absorbed by the corncob sponge. The sandwich‐structured capacitive sensor is also highly sensitive (6.021 pF nL−1) to the absorbed sweat and is highly reusable. In addition, the dual‐functional sensor is successfully integrated into a sports bracelet system to display real‐time pulse and sweat‐volume data of the wearer. This approach provides a dependable foundation for the advancement of multifunctional sensors in the field of sports monitoring.
Manipulation of Photo‐Active Ultralong Organic Phosphorescence in Host‐Guest System
Authors: Zhao Jiaxin , Sun Haodong , He Yunfei , Wang Hailan , Shen Mingyao , Yu Tao , Huang Wei
Published: March 2024

The photo‐active ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) materials can only emit UOP gradually under consistent UV irradiation, which is primarily attributed to internal quenching of triplet oxygen, yet manipulating the rate of the photo‐activating process is seldom reported. In addition, amorphous small‐molecule doping UOP material is rarely reported either. In this study, a series of host and guest materials are synthesized and doped into amorphous UOP doping systems. These doping systems demonstrated a tunable photo‐activating rate (4–6 seconds to reach a saturated state), and the amorphous structure realized the sensitive detection of oxygen. The results affirm that triplet oxygen plays a pivotal role in determining whether UOP can be emitted, and importantly, it is established that a crystalline structure in small‐molecular doping systems is not a necessary condition. Furthermore, polymer‐based UOP materials, manufactured through co‐doping with both host and guest, exhibited tunable photo‐activating rates (4–16 s) and lifetimes (226.38–462.78 ms). To expand the application, the UV‐curing resin‐based UOP materials are prepared via 3D‐printing technology. This innovative work introduces a new approach for applying UOP materials in the field of amorphous doping system, providing a guiding strategy for widespread applications in oxygen detecting, time‐resolved information display and dynamic multi‐dimensional anti‐counterfeiting.
Achieving Efficient Optical Thermometry in Terbium‐Doped Highly Transparent Ceramics
Authors: Lu Kailei , Guan Mengqiu , Xie Yuhong , Han Wenhan , Ye Yucheng , Li Zijie , Wang Guixin , Qi Jianqi , Lu Tiecheng
Published: March 2024

Temperature‐responsive dynamics of excited‐state population in terbium (Tb) ions may open the door for the advancement of high‐performance photothermal feedback windows. However, obtaining robust luminescence and superior transparency in Tb‐doped ceramics continues to pose a formidable challenge, leaving them far away from photonic application. Here, to fill this important gap, the demonstration of Tb doped transparent ceramics for luminescent thermometric windows is reported. Y2Zr2O7:Tb (YZO:Tb) ceramics are used as an illustrative example. After a sequence of thermal treatments, the defect centers F/F+ and defect clusters [] and [] in these YZO:Tb transparent ceramics are eliminated, resulting in a notable enhancement of their in‐line transmittance from 71% to 76%, making it close to the theoretical limit. Moreover, the corresponding photoluminescence increased significantly, reaching a factor of 296 times. Furthermore, a temperature feedback window is designed using the excitation intensity ratio (EIR) or single‐band luminescence intensity ratio (SBLIR) mode, which presents high sensitivity (1.04%) and high repeatability (98%). This work not only provides a paradigm in the application of the Tb doped transparent ceramics for temperature sensing windows, but also suggests a pathway to build efficient thermometers based on excited state population deployment in window systems.
Soft Robotic Textiles for Adaptive Personal Thermal Management
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Wang Zhaokun , Huang Guanghan , Chao Xujiang , Ye Lin , Fan Jintu , Shou Dahua
Published: March 2024

Thermal protective textiles are crucial for safeguarding individuals, particularly firefighters and steelworkers, against extreme heat, and for preventing burn injuries. However, traditional firefighting gear suffers from statically fixed thermal insulation properties, potentially resulting in overheating and discomfort in moderate conditions, and insufficient protection in extreme fire events. Herein, an innovative soft robotic textile is developed for dynamically adaptive thermal management, providing superior personal protection and thermal comfort across a spectrum of environmental temperatures. This unique textile features a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)‐sealed actuation system, embedded with a low boiling point fluid for reversible phase transition, resembling an endoskeleton that triggers an expansion within the textile matrix for enhanced air gap and thermal insulation. The thermal resistance improves automatically from 0.23 to 0.48 Km2 W−1 by self‐actuating under intense heat, exceeding conventional textiles by maintaining over 10 °C cooler temperatures. Additionally, the knitted substrate incorporated into the soft actuators can substantially mitigate convective heat transfer, as evidenced by the thermal resistance tests and the temperature mapping derived from numerical simulations. Moreover, it boasts significantly increased moisture permeability. The thermoadaptation and breathability of this durable all‐fabric system signify considerable progress in the development of protective clothing with high comfort for dynamic and extreme temperature conditions.
Evaluation of temporal trends of growing degree days index for major crops in Türkiye
Authors: Gürkan Hüdaverdi , Ekici Mithat , Doğan Onur Hakan , Çalik Yusuf , Eskioğlu Osman , Yağan Serpil , Bulut Hüseyin , Özmutlu Elif Müdrike
Published: March 2024

Climate change, previously considered an environmental problem, has begun to be defined as a climate crisis since its effects intensify faster than previously thought, cause severe economic losses, and threaten food security. Climate indexes have been defined as the primary descriptive indicator to acquire a consistent perspective on observed and projected changes resulting from weather and climatic extremes. In this study, the growing degree days (GDD) index, one of the essential indicators in planning agricultural activities, was examined for wheat (Triticum aestivum), maize (Zea mays), and sunflowers (Helianthus anuus) across Türkiye. The GDD index was examined between 1971 and 2020 for the observed change analysis and between 2023 and 2098 for future projections. Three global climate models and two representative concentration pathways (RCPs), that is, 4.5 and 8.5, were selected to assess climate change impact. The analysis of the entire observed period (1971–2020) indicated a considerable increasing trend in the annual total GDD index for wheat, except in the southeast of Türkiye, and maize and sunflower across the country. Assessment results of the climate projection analysis revealed that there would be increases over 1400 and 2300°C day/year for the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively, for all three crops considered. Additionally, the findings indicated further increases in the southern latitudes of Türkiye. Projection results also confirmed that there will be longer suitable periods for agricultural production, and the crop vegetation periods will be shorter and shift earlier in Türkiyein the future periods.
Diagnostic findings and yield of investigations for children with developmental regression
Authors: Furley Kirsten , Hunter Matthew F. , Fahey Michael , Williams Katrina
Published: March 2024

Childhood conditions that feature developmental regression are poorly understood. Phenotype–genotype characterization and diagnostic yield data are needed to inform clinical decision‐making. The aim of this study was to report the conditions featuring developmental regression and assess diagnostic yields of investigations. A retrospective chart review of children presenting with developmental regression to a tertiary pediatric genetic clinic between 2018 and 2021 was performed. Of 99 children, 30% (n = 30) had intellectual disability (ID), 21% (n = 21) were autistic, 39% (n = 39) were autistic with ID, and 9% (n = 9) did not have ID or autism. Thirty‐two percent (n = 32) of children received a new diagnosis, including eight molecular findings not previously reported to feature developmental regression. Of the children investigated, exome sequencing (ES) provided the highest diagnostic yield (51.1%, n = 24/47), highest (63.6%, n = 14/22) for children with ID, 50% for autistic children with ID (n = 6/12) and children without autism or ID (n = 3/6), and 14.3% (n = 1/7) for autistic children without ID. We highlight the conditions that feature developmental regression and report on novel phenotypic expansions. The high diagnostic yield of ES, regardless of autism or ID diagnosis, indicates the presence of developmental regression as an opportunity to identify the cause, including for genetic differences not previously reported to include regression.
Chelating Additive Regulating Zn‐Ion Solvation Chemistry for Highly Efficient Aqueous Zinc‐Metal Battery
Authors: Xu Dongming , Ren Xueting , Li Haoyu , Zhou Yuran , Chai Simin , Chen Yining , Li Hang , Bai Lishun , Chang Zhi , Pan Anqiang , Zhou Haoshen
Published: March 2024

Aqueous zinc‐metal batteries (AZMBs) usually suffered from poor reversibility and limited lifespan because of serious water induced side‐reactions, hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) and rampant zinc (Zn) dendrite growth. Reducing the content of water molecules within Zn‐ion solvation sheaths can effectively suppress those inherent defects of AZMBs. In this work, we originally discovered that the two carbonyl groups of N‐Acetyl‐ϵ‐caprolactam (N‐ac) chelating ligand can serve as dual solvation sites to coordinate with Zn2+, thereby minimizing water molecules within Zn‐ion solvation sheaths, and greatly inhibit water‐induced side‐reactions and HER. Moreover, the N‐ac chelating additive can form a unique physical barrier interface on Zn surface, preventing the harmful contacting with water. In addition, the preferential adsorption of N‐ac on Zn (002) facets can promote highly reversible and dendrite‐free Zn2+ deposition. As a result, Zn//Cu half‐cell within N‐ac added electrolyte delivered ultra‐high 99.89 % Coulombic efficiency during 8000 cycles. Zn//Zn symmetric cells also demonstrated unprecedented long life of more than 9800 hours (over one year). Aqueous Zn//ZnV6O16 ⋅ 8H2O (Zn//ZVO) full‐cell preserved 78 % capacity even after ultra‐long 2000 cycles. A more practical pouch‐cell was also obtained (90.2 % capacity after 100 cycles). This method offers a promising strategy for accelerating the development of highly efficient AZMBs.
A Minimalistic Covalent Bond‐Forming Chemical Reaction Cycle that Consumes Adenosine Diphosphate
Authors: Marchetti Tommaso , Roberts Benjamin M. W. , Frezzato Diego , Prins Leonard J.
Published: March 2024

The development of synthetic active matter requires the ability to design materials capable of harnessing energy from a source to carry out work. Nature achieves this using chemical reaction cycles in which energy released from an exergonic chemical reaction is used to drive biochemical processes. Although many chemically fuelled synthetic reaction cycles that control transient responses, such as self‐assembly, have been reported, the generally high complexity of the reported systems hampers a full understanding of how the available chemical energy is actually exploited by these systems. This lack of understanding is a limiting factor in the design of chemically fuelled active matter. Here, we report a minimalistic synthetic responsive reaction cycle in which adenosine diphosphate (ADP) triggers the formation of a catalyst for its own hydrolysis. This establishes an interdependence between the concentrations of the network components resulting in the transient formation of the catalyst. The network is sufficiently simple that all kinetic and thermodynamic parameters governing its behaviour can be characterised, allowing kinetic models to be built that simulate the progress of reactions within the network. While the current network does not enable the ADP‐hydrolysis reaction to populate a non‐equilibrium composition, these models provide insight into the way the network dissipates energy. Furthermore, essential design principles are revealed for constructing driven systems, in which the network composition is driven away from equilibrium through the consumption of chemical energy.
Calcium‐Ligand Cooperation Promoted Activation of N2O, Amine, and H2 as well as Catalytic Hydrogenation of Imines, Quinoline, and Alkenes
Authors: Liang Yaoyu , Efremenko Irena , Diskin‐Posner Yael , Avram Liat , Milstein David
Published: March 2024

Bond activation and catalysis using s‐block metals are of great significance. Herein, a series of calcium pincer complexes with deprotonated side arms have been prepared using pyridine‐based PNP and PNN ligands. The complexes were characterized by NMR and X‐ray crystal diffraction. Utilizing the obtained calcium complexes, unprecedented N2O activation by metal‐ligand cooperation (MLC) involving dearomatization‐aromatization of the pyridine ligand was achieved, generating aromatized calcium diazotate complexes as products. Additionally, the dearomatized calcium complexes were able to activate the N−H bond as well as reversibly activate H2, offering an opportunity for the catalytic hydrogenation of various unsaturated molecules. DFT calculations were applied to analyze the electronic structures of the synthesized complexes and explore possible reaction mechanisms. This study is an important complement to the area of MLC and main‐group metal chemistry.
Unveiling the Role of Water in Heterogeneous Photocatalysis of Methanol Conversion for Efficient Hydrogen Production
Authors: Xiao Mu , Baktash Ardeshir , Lyu Miaoqiang , Zhao Guangyu , Jin Yonggang , Wang Lianzhou
Published: March 2024

Water molecules, which act as both solvent and reactant, play critical roles in photocatalytic reactions for methanol conversion. However, the influence of water on the adsorption of methanol and desorption of liquid products, which are two essential steps that control the performance in photocatalysis, has been well under‐explored. Herein, we reveal the role of water in heterogeneous photocatalytic processes of methanol conversion on the platinized carbon nitride (Pt/C3N4) model photocatalyst. In situ spectroscopy techniques, isotope effects, and computational calculations demonstrate that water shows adverse effects on the adsorption of methanol molecules and desorption processes of methanol oxidation products on the surface of Pt/C3N4, significantly altering the reaction pathways in photocatalytic methanol conversion process. Guided by these discoveries, a photothermal‐assisted photocatalytic system is designed to achieve a high solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency of 2.3 %, which is among the highest values reported. This work highlights the important roles of solvents in controlling the adsorption/desorption behaviours of liquid‐phase heterogeneous catalysis.
Guidelines in Practice: Manual High‐Level Disinfection
Authors: Speth Jennifer
Published: March 2024

There are several steps involved when performing high‐level disinfection (HLD) of semicritical devices. The recently updated AORN “Guideline for manual high‐level disinfection” provides perioperative nurses with evidence‐based best practices for performing safe and effective HLD of reusable semicritical items. The guideline also addresses preventing injury to patients and health care workers associated with the handling of high‐level disinfectants. This article provides an overview of the guideline and discusses recommendations for selection of a processing method, sterile processing areas, preparation of items for HLD, preparation of high‐level disinfectants, manual HLD, drying and storage of items after HLD, and processing records. It also includes a scenario that illustrates specific concerns related to performing quality tests on high‐level disinfectant solutions. Perioperative nurses should review the guideline in its entirety and apply the recommendations when performing manual HLD.
pH‐Responsive itaconic acid‐based villous‐like hydrogels for water‐plugging materials
Authors: Xue Xiaojie , He Yueqi , Jia Runping , Qian Hongxiang , Lin Yongfei , Xu Xiaowei , Shi Jichao , Chang Shufang , Cui Aihua
Published: March 2024

The development of new methods to improve the water absorption performance of polymeric materials, taking into account their environmental friendliness, is a promising research direction in Itaconic acid based water‐absorbent polymeric materials. In this study, from the perspective of environmental protection, we propose to design highly absorbent hydrogels with a novel villous‐like structure by using hydrophilic itaconic acid as the raw material and combining it with a novel villous‐like network structure to substantially increase the contact area between the hydrogel and water, thus improving the water absorption rate of the hydrogel. Itaconic acid is water‐soluble and renewable. The widespread use of polymeric water‐absorbent polymers from traditional petroleum sources poses a serious threat to the sustainability of ecosystems, and therefore, itaconic acid has attracted much attention as an alternative to petroleum‐based polymers. The villous‐like network structure is inspired by the villi of the small intestine, the special presence of which expands the absorptive surface area of the small intestine by a factor of about 600, and it is therefore hypothesized that the introduction of this special structure could help the hydrogel to greatly increase the contact area with water and thus achieve the high water absorption properties of the hydrogel. This is also the first time that the villus‐like network structure has been applied to Itaconic acid based hydrogels. The results show that the hydrogel has the property of rapid water absorption and swelling and the water absorption rate of the hydrogel can reach up to 2210 g/g, and the villous‐like structure formed by the hydrogel can be observed in the SEM image. The water‐absorption test of the hydrogel showed that when the molar mass ratio of itaconic acid to acrylic acid was 1:4, the hydrogel absorbed water and swelled rapidly in a short time. The results of the water retention test showed that the hydrogel still existed after 5 days, and the water retention was greater than 86%. In addition, the hydrogel had high reusability, and the water absorption performance of the hydrogel could still reach 89.12% after 6 cycles of the water absorption test. Hydrogel with high water‐absorbing property has good application prospects as fast swelling material in the field of flood control of water conservancy projects.
Ultrasonic‐Assisted Nitrate Anion Incorporation in Triaminoguanidium Chloride Based Covalent Organic Polymer for Methylene Blue Dye Adsorption
Authors: Deori Naranarayan , Paul Saurav , Lahkar Surabhi , Brahma Sanfaori
Published: March 2024

Terephthalaldehyde‐triaminoguanidium chloride covalent organic polymer, Te‐TGCl COP can facilely be incorporated with NaNO3 by sonication. Te‐TGCl COP incorporated with NaNO3 via ultrasonication adsorbs Methylene Blue (MB) dye. Te‐TGCl COP alone shows negligible adsorption capacity for MB, however, when treated with NaNO3, its adsorption capacity emerges slightly. Moreover, ultrasonication of the NaNO3 treated COP, Te‐TG‐NaNO3 COP shows dramatic increase in its adsorption capacity for MB (qe for Te‐TGCl COP ≈0 mg g−1; for Te‐TG‐NaNO3=17.65 mg g−1). Emergence of MB dye adsorption property in Te‐TG‐NaNO3 COP composite may be attributed primarily to the electrostatic interaction of MB dye molecules with nitrate anions and the sonochemical effect caused fibrous morphological structure of the adsorbent material. The kinetics of MB dye adsorption onto Te‐TG‐NaNO3 COP composite exhibits an excellent fit for the pseudo‐second order model, suggesting the rate‐determining step to be chemisorption. Homogeneous monolayer adsorption of MB dye onto Te‐TG‐NaNO3 COP composite can be suggested as the Langmuir isotherm model seemed to be fitted well.
Chewing through challenges: Exploring the evolutionary pathways to wood‐feeding in insects
Authors: Beza‐Beza Cristian F. , Wiegmann Brian M. , Ware Jessica A. , Petersen Matt , Gunter Nicole , Cole Marissa E. , Schwarz Melbert , Bertone Matthew A. , Young Daniel , Mikaelyan Aram
Published: March 2024

Decaying wood, while an abundant and stable resource, presents considerable nutritional challenges due to its structural rigidity, chemical recalcitrance, and low nitrogen content. Despite these challenges, certain insect lineages have successfully evolved saproxylophagy (consuming and deriving sustenance from decaying wood), impacting nutrient recycling in ecosystems and carbon sequestration dynamics. This study explores the uneven phylogenetic distribution of saproxylophagy across insects and delves into the evolutionary origins of this trait in disparate insect orders. Employing a comprehensive analysis of gut microbiome data, from both saproxylophagous insects and their non‐saproxylophagous relatives, including new data from unexplored wood‐feeding insects, this Hypothesis paper discusses the broader phylogenetic context and potential adaptations necessary for this dietary specialization. The study proposes the “Detritivore‐First Hypothesis,” suggesting an evolutionary pathway to saproxylophagy through detritivory, and highlights the critical role of symbiotic gut microbiomes in the digestion of decaying wood.
Advancing the understanding of sustainable business models through organizational learning
Authors: Ademi Bejtush , Sætre Alf Steinar , Klungseth Nora Johanne
Published: March 2024

Increased regulations and shifting consumer priorities are driving businesses to become more sustainable and to develop more sustainable business models. To achieve this, businesses must have a solid understanding of sustainability. Organizational learning (OL) is a key capability that helps firms understand and adapt to new phenomena such as sustainability. We explore the nexus between OL and sustainability by examining how organizations learn about the latter. We employ an embedded case study approach, conducting 49 interviews and collecting over 1,000 pages of archival data. Our findings reveal concrete learning mechanisms that enhance understanding of sustainability and sustainable business models, including knowledge creation/acquisition, retention, and transfer, in business practices. Our study provides scholars and business practitioners with a detailed framework to guide the operationalization of OL to gain sustainability knowledge.
Network Pharmacology Approach to Identify the Calotropis Phytoconstituents’ Potential Epileptic Targets and Evaluation of Molecular Docking, MD Simulation, and MM‐PBSA Performance
Authors: Salaria Punam , Reddy M Amarendar
Published: March 2024

Epilepsy originates from unusual electrical rhythm within brain cells, causes seizures. Calotropis species have been utilized to treat a wide spectrum of ailments since antiquity. Despite chemical and biological investigations, there have been minimal studies on their anticonvulsant activity, and the molecular targets of this plant constituents are unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the plausible epileptic targets of Calotropis phytoconstituents through network pharmacology, and to evaluate their binding strength and stability with the identified targets. In detail, 125 phytoconstituents of the Calotropis plant (C. procera and C. gigantea) were assessed for their drug‐likeness (DL), blood‐brain‐barrier (BBB) permeability and oral bioavailability (OB). Network analysis revealed that targets PTGS2 and PPAR‐γ were ranked first and fourth, respectively, among the top ten hub genes significantly linked with antiepileptic drug targets. Additionally, docking, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, and Molecular Mechanics‐Poisson‐Boltzmann Surface Area (MM‐PBSA) were employed to validate the compound‐gene interactions. Docking studies suggested ergost‐5‐en‐3‐ol, stigmasterol and β‐sitosterol exhibit stronger binding affinity and favorable interactions than co‐crystallized ligands with both the targets. Furthermore, both MD simulations and MM‐PBSA calculations substantiated the docking results. Combined data revealed that Calotropis phytoconstituents ergost‐5‐en‐3‐ol, stigmasterol, and β‐sitosterol might be the best inhibitors of both PTGS2 and PPAR‐γ.
Investigating the Potential of Phenolic Compounds and Carbohydrates as Acceptor Substrates for Levansucrase‐Catalyzed Transfructosylation Reaction**
Authors: Wong Min Muriel , Liu Lan , Karboune Salwa
Published: March 2024

This study characterizes the acceptor specificity of levansucrases (LSs) from Gluconobacter oxydans (LS1), Vibrio natriegens (LS2), Novosphingobium aromaticivorans (LS3), and Paraburkholderia graminis (LS4) using sucrose as fructosyl donor and selected phenolic compounds and carbohydrates as acceptors. Overall, V. natriegens LS2 proved to be the best biocatalyst for the transfructosylation of phenolic compounds. More than one fructosyl unit could be attached to fructosylated phenolic compounds. The transfructosylation of epicatechin by P. graminis LS4 resulted in the most diversified products, with up to five fructosyl units transferred. In addition to the LS source, the acceptor specificity of LS towards phenolic compounds and their transfructosylation products were found to greatly depend on their chemical structure: the number of phenolic rings, the reactivity of hydroxyl groups and the presence of aliphatic chains or methoxy groups. Similarly, for carbohydrates, the transfructosylation yield was dependent on both the LS source and the acceptor type. The highest yield of fructosylated‐trisaccharides was Erlose from the transfructosylation of maltose catalyzed by LS2, with production reaching 200 g/L. LS2 was more selective towards the transfructosylation of phenolic compounds and carbohydrates, while reactions catalyzed by LS1, LS3 and LS4 also produced fructooligosaccharides. This study shows the high potential for the application of LSs in the glycosylation of phenolic compounds and carbohydrates.
Systemic lupus erythematosus associated with erythema multiforme: A rare case report of Rowell's syndrome
Authors: Bhattarai Madhur , Sharma Niraj Kumar , Paudel Shreeram , Bhandari Sujata , Bhusal Amrit , Dhonju Kiran , Kuikel Sandip , Jha Shivendra Kumar , Aryal Egesh , Subedi Deepak
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Although it is very uncommon, SLE may initially present with recurrent episodes of EM‐like rash. Despite the various possibilities underlying their association, prompt identification, and treatment of SLE in patients presenting with EM is important to prevent death or serious organ damage.

Rowell's syndrome (RS) is an uncommon presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with erythema multiforme (EM)‐like lesions associated with specific serological changes, including positive rheumatoid factor (RF), speckled antinuclear antibody (ANA), positive rheumatoid factor, or anti‐La antibodies in the serum. Our case, a 41‐year‐old male, presented with features of EM. Upon investigation, we identified underlying systemic lupus erythematosus, marking a rare instance of SLE presenting for the first time as EM. Classical or true EM is precipitated by trigger factors such as infective agents like the herpes simplex virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, drugs like anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and non‐steroid anti‐inflammatory drugs, any underlying malignancy, or connective tissue disorders, and is not associated with any specific serological abnormalities. EM cases associated with LE lesions where an EM trigger factor is missing are considered an RS diagnostic criterion. In this case report, the importance of considering SLE in patients presenting initially with recurrent episodes of EM‐like rash is emphasized. RS should be considered, especially when there is no evidence of triggering factors. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of SLE are crucial to preventing death and irreversible organ damage.