bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustically Actuated Flow in Microrobots Powered by Axisymmetric Resonant Bubbles
Authors: Mohanty Sumit , Lin Yu-Hsiang , Paul Aniruddha , van den Broek Martin R. P. , Segers Tim , Misra Sarthak
Published: November 2023

Bubble‐driven microsystems inspired by the therapeutic use of microbubbles under clinical ultrasound actuation offer innovative remote manipulation in biological settings. Ultrasound‐powered microrobots, benefiting from a distribution of vibrating microbubbles (1–100 μm in diameters), exhibit localized fluid flow for self‐propulsion. Microbubbles also contribute to the design of acoustic metamaterials, where distributed actuation of bubbles enables exotic material properties (e.g., negative refractive index). Herein, a metamaterial‐inspired microrobot design, which exploits the streaming induced by the collective oscillation of microbubble arrays (> 10), is reported. Such a large distribution of bubbles offers twofold advantages: a mesoscale microrobot allowing ease of handling and motion at a considerably low acoustic driving pressure of 50 kPa. In this work, the oscillatory amplitude of a single bubble that acts as a unit cell of the metamaterial‐based microrobot is first characterized. Thereon, this amplitude is related to the flow generated by the collective vibration of all the bubbles close to the theoretically predicted resonant frequency of the bubbles. Finally, the hovering motion of the microrobot induced by the streaming and flow‐assisted debris clearance is demonstrated. Such auxiliary functionalities of the microrobot can be useful for applications like contactless sample extraction in inaccessible biological environments.
Thiolation for Enhancing Photostability of Fluorophores at the Single‐Molecule Level
Authors: Liu Jinyang , Zhao Bingjie , Zhang Xuebo , Guan Daoming , Sun Kuangshi , Zhang Yunxiang , Liu Qian
Published: November 2023

Fluorescent probes are essential for single‐molecule imaging. However, their application in biological systems is often limited by the short photobleaching lifetime. To overcome this, we developed a novel thiolation strategy for squaraine dyes. By introducing thiolation of the central cyclobutene of squaraine (thio‐squaraine), we observed a ≈5‐fold increase in photobleaching lifetime. Our single‐molecule data analysis attributes this improvement to improved photostability resulting from thiolation. Interestingly, bulk measurements show rapid oxidation of thio‐squaraine to its oxo‐analogue under irradiation, giving the perception of inferior photostability. This discrepancy between bulk and single‐molecule environments can be ascribed to the factors in the latter, including larger intermolecular distances and restricted mobility, which reduce the interactions between a fluorophore and reactive oxygen species produced by other fluorophores, ultimately impacting photobleaching and photoconversion rate. We demonstrate the remarkable performance of thio‐squaraine probes in various imaging buffers, such as glucose oxidase with catalase (GLOX) and GLOX+trolox. We successfully employed these photostable probes for single‐molecule tracking of CD56 membrane protein and monitoring mitochondria movements in live neurons. CD56 tracking revealed distinct motion states and the corresponding protein fractions. This investigation is expected to propel the development of single‐molecule imaging probes, particularly in scenarios where bulk measurements show suboptimal performance.
Expert Perspective on a Clinical Challenge: Lupus and Pregnancy
Authors: Tarter Laura , Bermas Bonnie L.
Published: November 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a multiorgan systemic inflammatory disorder, predominantly affects women during their reproductive years. In this review, we summarize the state of knowledge about preconception planning and management of SLE during pregnancy. Achieving remission or low disease activity for several months on medications compatible with pregnancy prior to conception is essential to decreasing the risk of disease flare and improving pregnancy outcomes, including pre‐eclampsia, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction. With close management and well‐controlled disease before and during pregnancy, <10% of patients flare. All patients with SLE should remain on hydroxychloroquine unless contraindicated. Expectant mothers with a history of antiphospholipid syndrome should be treated with anticoagulant therapy during pregnancy. Women with anti‐Ro/SSA or anti‐La/SSB antibodies require additional monitoring because their offspring are at increased risk for congenital heart block. Patients with SLE should be offered low‐dose aspirin starting at the end of the first trimester to reduce the risk of pre‐eclampsia. Flares of SLE during pregnancy require escalation of therapy. The immunosuppressives azathioprine, tacrolimus, and cyclosporine are compatible with pregnancy, and biologic agents can also be considered. Glucocorticoid use in pregnancy should be limited to the lowest effective dose. Mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid, methotrexate, leflunomide, and cyclophosphamide are known to be teratogenic and are contraindicated in pregnancy. Distinguishing a flare of lupus nephritis during pregnancy from pre‐eclampsia can be particularly challenging. Overall, outcomes in pregnancy for women with lupus are improving, but gaps in knowledge about optimal management strategies persist.
Sex Differences in the Effectiveness of First‐Line Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Psoriatic Arthritis: Results From the European Spondyloarthritis Research Collaboration Network
Authors: Hellamand Pasoon , van de Sande Marleen G. H. , Ørnbjerg Lykke M. , Klausch Thomas , Eklund Kari K. , Relas Heikki , Santos Maria J. , Vieira‐Sousa Elsa , Loft Anne G. , Glintborg Bente , Østergaard Mikkel , Lindström Ulf , Wallman Johan K. , Michelsen Brigitte , Fagerli Karen M. , Castrejón Isabel , Gudbjornsson Bjorn , Love Thorvardur J. , Vencovský Jiří , Nekvindová Lucie , Rotar Žiga , Tomšič Matija , Díaz‐González Federico , Kenar Gökçe , Tuğsal Handan Y. , Iannone Florenzo , Ramonda Roberta , Codreanu Catalin , Mogosan Corina , Nissen Michael J. , Möller Burkhard , Hetland Merete L. , van der Horst‐Bruinsma Irene E.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Women with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may have reduced tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) effectiveness compared to men. We examined sex differences in treatment response and retention rates during 24 months of follow‐up among patients with PsA initiating their first TNFi.

Methods

Data from patients with PsA across 13 European Spondyloarthritis Research Collaboration Network registries starting their first TNFi were pooled. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between sex and treatment response using low disease activity (LDA) according to the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C‐reactive protein level (DAS28‐CRP) (<3.2) at six months as the primary outcome. Analyses were adjusted for age, country, conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug treatment, and TNFi start year. Retention rates were explored using the Kaplan–Meier estimator.

Results

We analyzed the treatment response of 7,679 patients with PsA (50% women) with available data on LDA at six months. At baseline, women and men had similar characteristics, including mean DAS28‐CRP (women vs men, 4.4 [SD 1.2] vs 4.2 [SD 1.2]), though patient‐reported outcome measures were worse in women. At six months, 64% of women and 78% of men had LDA (relative risk [RR] 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80–0.84). This difference was similar after adjustment (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.81–0.85). TNFi retention rates were evaluated in 17,842 patients with PsA. Women had significantly lower retention rates than men at all time points (women 79%, 64%, and 50% vs men 88%, 77%, and 64% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively).

Conclusion

Despite comparable disease characteristics at baseline, women with PsA have reduced treatment response and retention rates to their first TNFi, highlighting the need to consider sex differences in PsA research and management.
The Realization of Uniform Growth of Conductive MOFs on LDHs and Their High Performance in Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Limei , Lu Jiadan , Zhang Yi , Pang Huan , Zhu Rongmei
Published: November 2023

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely investigated as functional materials with excellent properties. However, most MOFs are of poor electrical conductivity, which hinders their further application in electrochemical fields. Fortunately, the emergence of intrinsically conductive MOFs (c‐MOFs) alleviates this problem. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) possess Faraday redox reactivity, which is favorable to capacitors. In this paper, we combined c‐MOFs with LDHs and prepared a series of NiCo‐LDH@M‐HHTP(‐EtOH) (M=Ni or Co; HHTP=2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene) multilayer nanoarrays, and the effects of solvent on the morphology and energy storage properties of the materials were investigated. When NiCo‐LDH@Co‐HHTP‐EtOH is applied as an electrode material in supercapacitors, it exhibits a capacitance of 830 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. Furthermore, it exhibits high energy density and excellent rate performance when assembled in aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors.
Na2S Cathodes Enabling Safety Room Temperature Sodium Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xiong Zhen , Nie Xuyuan , Zhang Binwei , Wei Zidong
Published: November 2023

Room temperature sodium‐sulfur (RT‐Na/S) battery is regarded as a promising next‐generation battery system because of their high theoretical specific capacity, and abundant availability of anodes and cathodes. Nevertheless, the direct use of sodium metal could result in the dendrite growth, causing the safety concerns. Interestingly, employing Na2S as the cathode materials can be paired with Na‐free anode to effectively avoid the problem of dendrite growth. However, the poor electronic conductivity of Na2S and the sluggish kinetic conversion to sodium polysulfides can lead to high initial charge activation barriers and rapid capacity degradation, thereby constraining their practical application. In this concept, the electrochemical mechanism of Na2S cathode is summarized to present the potential for RT‐Na/S batteries. Additionally, recent advances on Na2S cathodes have been discussed in detail with an emphasis on functionalized matrix, morphology modulation, and optimizing cell structure. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges for the development of Na2S cathode based RT‐Na/S batteries are proposed.
Comprehensive study of allergenic tree species: Palynological insights enhanced by HPLC and GC–MS profiling
Authors: Zamira Djumayeva , Khaydarov Khislat , Zafar Muhammad , Ramadan Mohamed Fawzy , Ahmad Mushtaq , Aziza Nozimova , Ochilov Ulugbek , Zebiniso Umurzakova , Farzona Davronkulova
Published: November 2023

Considering the limited data available on tree species in Uzbekistan, this research aimed to provide new insights. We gathered plant samples from different locations within Samarkand city and thoughtfully selected 15 tree species that represent the country’s flora. Using scanning electron microscopy, we conducted comprehensive analyses of pollen morphology, revealing a diverse range of variations in the shapes, dimensions, and surface characteristics displayed by pollen grains. Distinct ornamentations such as micro‐echinate, reticulate, rugulate, gemmate–verrucate, and verrucate–scabrate patterns facilitated the differentiation of species. These scanning electron microscopy findings enhance our comprehension of tree species diversity, adaptation, and ecological roles. In addition, leaf extracts were analyzed using HPLC and GC–MS, revealing a plethora of bioactive compounds, including catechins, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, and others. Furthermore, GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of seven key compounds, including 1‐hexadecyne, 2‐chloroethanol, 1,6‐heptadiene, 2‐methyl‐, 5‐bromoadamantan‐2‐one, ethyl 3‐(3‐pyridyl) propenoate, bis (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate, and quercetin. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of this method in assessing the quality of leaf extracts from tree species by examining both microscopic characteristics and chemical composition. This multifaceted approach has deepened our understanding of the characteristics and chemical compositions of these trees, thus contributing to a more profound appreciation of their ecological significance and potential applications.
Restriction site associated DNA sequencing for tumour mutation burden estimation and mutation signature analysis
Authors: McGuinness Conor F. , Black Michael A. , Dunbier Anita K.
Published: November 2023

Background

Genome‐wide measures of genetic disruption such as tumour mutation burden (TMB) and mutation signatures are emerging as useful biomarkers to stratify patients for treatment. Clinicians commonly use cancer gene panels for tumour mutation burden estimation, and whole genome sequencing is the gold standard for mutation signature analysis. However, the accuracy and cost associated with these assays limits their utility at scale.

Methods

WGS data from 560 breast cancer patients was used for in silico library simulations to evaluate the accuracy of an FDA approved cancer gene panel as well as restriction enzyme associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) libraries for TMB estimation and mutation signature analysis. We also transfected a mouse mammary cell line with APOBEC enzymes and sequenced resulting clones to evaluate the efficacy of RADseq in an experimental setting.

Results

RADseq had improved accuracy of TMB estimation and derivation of mutation profiles when compared to the FDA approved cancer panel. Using simulated immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) trials, we show that inaccurate TMB estimation leads to a reduction in power for deriving an optimal TMB cutoff to stratify patients for immune checkpoint blockade treatment. Additionally, prioritisation of APOBEC hypermutated tumours in these trials optimises TMB cutoff determination for breast cancer. The utility of RADseq in an experimental setting was also demonstrated, based on characterisation of an APOBEC mutation signature in an APOBEC3A transfected mouse cell line.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our work demonstrates that RADseq has the potential to be used as a cost‐effective, accurate solution for TMB estimation and mutation signature analysis by both clinicians and basic researchers.
Outcomes of non‐flow‐limiting spiral dissection after drug‐coated balloon angioplasty for de novo femoropopliteal lesions
Authors: Haraguchi Takuya , Kuramitsu Shoichi , Tsujimoto Masanaga , Kashima Yoshifumi , Sato Katsuhiko , Fujita Tsutomu
Published: November 2023

Background

Whether drug‐coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty would be effective in spiral dissection (SD) lesions with no flow impairment has been thoroughly investigated.

Aims

The present study sought to assess the clinical outcomes of non‐flow‐limiting SD after DCB angioplasty for de novo femoropopliteal lesions in patients with symptomatic lower extremity artery disease.

Method

This single‐center retrospective study enrolled 497 patients with non‐flow‐limiting SD (n = 92) or non‐SD (n = 405) without bailout stenting. The primary endpoint was 1‐year primary patency, with the secondary endpoints including freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR), major adverse limb event (MALE), all‐cause death, and 30‐day restenosis.

Results

The 1‐year primary patency and freedom from TLR were significantly lower in the SD group than in the non‐SD group (69.8% vs. 83.3%, p = 0.004; 78.7% vs. 93.0%, p = 0.007, respectively). The SD group had a higher incidence of MALE and 30‐day restenosis than the non‐SD group (24.6% vs. 11.9%, p = 0.001; 4.3% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.002, respectively). All‐cause death was comparable. One‐year restenosis after SD was associated with chronic limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI) (hazard ratio, 3.36 [95% confidence interval, 1.21–9.36]; p = 0.020), TASC Ⅱ D (hazard ratio, 3.97 [95% confidence interval, 1.02–15.52]; p = 0.047), and residual stenosis ≥50% (hazard ratio, 4.92 [95% confidence interval, 1.01–23.94]; p = 0.048). The incidence of restenosis after SD increased with the number of these risk factors.

Conclusions

Despite normal antegrade flow, the 1‐year primary patency rate after DCB angioplasty for de novo femoropopliteal lesions was significantly lower in lesions with SD than those without SD. CLTI, TASC II D, and residual stenosis ≥50% were risk factors associated with 1‐year restenosis after DCB angioplasty for non‐flow‐limiting SD lesions.
Oral palisaded encapsulated neuroma; a diagnosis seldom suspected clinically
Authors: Pourshahidi Sara , Aminishakib Pouyan , Aliyari Negin , HafeziMotlagh Kimia
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical Message

Palisaded encapsulated neuroma (PEN) is generally seen in the head and neck area as an asymptomatic nodule with the same color as the surrounding skin and rarely occurs in the oral cavity. The exact etiology of PEN is not known, but there is evidence supporting the role of trauma as its etiological factor.

Palisaded encapsulated neuroma (PEN) is one of the benign nerve sheath tumors of Schwann cell origin, which is commonly found in the skin of the head and neck area, and rarely occurs in the oral cavity. Its exact etiology is unknown, but there is evidence that supports the role of trauma as an etiological factor. Here we present a case of PEN in the hard palate of a 30‐year‐old patient and review the differential diagnoses of these nerve sheath tumors of the oral cavity.
A rare case of tuberculous myocarditis: A diagnostic challenge in a tuberculosis‐endemic country
Authors: Shaikh Ghulam Abbas , Yaqoob Samina , Batool Fareeha , Waseem Radeyah , Shah Hussain Haider , Abbasi Asim Ali , Lashari Nawaz , Dave Tirth
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical Message

Tuberculous myocarditis is a rare presentation of tuberculosis, posing diagnostic challenges in endemic countries. Clinicians should consider this entity in patients with unexplained heart failure, conduction abnormalities, or sudden cardiac events in tuberculosis‐endemic regions.

Tuberculous myocarditis is an uncommon manifestation of tuberculosis, often presenting as a diagnostic challenge, particularly in tuberculosis‐endemic regions. We report a case of a 58‐year‐old male with a history of chronic cough and fever, who presented with progressive dyspnea, generalized body swelling, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IV heart failure. Clinical examination revealed signs of cardiac decompensation and congestive heart failure. Emergency echocardiography demonstrated biventricular dysfunction, and imaging showed clots in both atria and the left ventricle. The patient responded well to initial treatment with anticoagulants, antibiotics, diuretics, and inotropic support. Subsequent investigations, including computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) and high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT), confirmed active pulmonary tuberculosis. Anti‐tuberculous treatment (ATT) was initiated, and the patient showed remarkable improvement. The diagnosis of tuberculous myocarditis was based on clinical, radiological, and laboratory evidence, as cardiac biopsy was not performed due to resource limitations. Tuberculous myocarditis is an underreported condition, and clinicians should be vigilant about its occurrence, especially in tuberculosis‐endemic regions. Early recognition and prompt initiation of ATT can lead to favorable outcomes. This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculous myocarditis in patients with unexplained heart failure or cardiac abnormalities in areas with a high burden of tuberculosis.
Esterification effect on the recovery of vitamin E from palm oil refining residues by molecular distillation
Authors: da Silva Maurício Dalla Costa Rodrigues , Maziero Eluize Vayne , Ballus Cristiano Augusto , Tanabe Eduardo Hiromitsu , Bertuol Daniel Assumpção
Published: November 2023

Waste edible oils are an alternative source of high‐value natural compounds. Vitamin E can be recovered from palm oil refining residues by molecular distillation. However, the presence of other lipophilic molecules compromises the selective separation of vitamin E. Esterification of the free fatty acids can enhance the selective separation of vitamin E by molecular distillation, but the conditions for carrying out the reaction need to be investigated to simultaneously ensure the conversion of free fatty acids and the reduction of vitamin E losses. Thus, this study investigated the effect of the esterification of the industrial waste on the recovery of vitamin E by molecular distillation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and analysis for fats and oils preconized by the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) were used in the characterization of the industrial waste. Determination of the best condition to carry out the reaction was obtained by a central composite rotational design (CCRD) using the response surface methodology (RSM) and the desirability profile. The results showed that the best condition for the esterification was at 64°C, 213 min, 2 wt.% sulphuric acid, and a 10/1 methanol/free fatty acids molar ratio. This reaction condition achieved 97.9% conversion of free fatty acids and less than 3% of vitamin E loss. The esterification promoted concentration of vitamin E in the residue stream (145.4%) and reduction in the distillate stream (87.8%). Therefore, the obtained results presented a suitable route to obtaining vitamin E concentrate and adding value to an industrial residue.
Scalability of Pharmaceutical Co‐Crystal Formation by Mechanochemistry in Batch
Authors: Bodach Alexander , Portet Anaïs , Winkelmann Frederik , Herrmann Bastian , Gallou Fabrice , Ponnusamy Ettigounder , Virieux David , Colacino Evelina , Felderhoff Michael
Published: November 2023

The development of mechanochemistry is considerably growing. Benign by design, this technology complies with several principles of green chemistry, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the European Green Deal objectives. Herein, we report the use of mechanochemical processes in batch to prepare kilogram‐scale of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API): Ibuprofen‐Nicotinamide (rac‐IBP:NCT) co‐crystal in an industrial eccentric vibration mill. This scenario shows a sustainable approach to the industrial up‐scaling of pharmaceutical co‐crystals by a solvent‐free mechanochemical process in batch. The quantitative assessment of the greenness of the mechanochemical process against the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry was performed using the DOZN 2.0 Green Chemistry Evaluator.
CO2 Electroreduction To Syngas With Tunable Composition In An Artificial Leaf**
Authors: Veenstra Florentine L. P. , Cibaka Thérèse , Martín Antonio J. , Weigand Daniel , Kirchhoff Joachim , Smirnov Vladimir , Merdzhanova Tsvetelina , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: November 2023

Artificial leaves (a‐leaves) can reduce carbon dioxide into syngas using solar power and could be combined with thermo‐ and biocatalytic technologies to decentralize the production of valuable products. By providing variable CO : H2 ratios on demand, a‐leaves could facilitate optimal combinations and control the distribution of products in most of these hybrid systems. However, the current design procedures of a‐leaves concentrate on achieving high performance for a predetermined syngas composition. This study demonstrates that incorporating the electrolyte flow as a design variable enables flexible production without compromising performance. The concept was tested on an a‐leaf using a commercial cell, a Cu2O:Inx cathodic catalyst, and an inexpensive amorphous silicon thin‐film photovoltaic module. Syngas with CO : H2 ratio in the range of 1.8–2.3 could be attained with only 2 % deviation from the optimal cell voltage and controllable solely by catholyte flow. These features could be beneficial for downstream technologies such as Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis and anaerobic fermentation.
Predicting amyloid PET positivity using plasma p‐tau181 and other blood‐based biomarkers
Authors: Kwon Hyuk Sung , Lee Eun‐Hye , Kim Hyung‐Ji , Park So‐Hee , Park Hyun‐Hee , Jeong Jee Hyang , Koh Seong‐Ho , Choi Seong Hye , Lee Jae‐Hong
Published: November 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of combining plasma phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181, amyloid beta (Aβ)42/Aβ40, neurofilament light (NfL), and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes for detecting positive amyloid positron emission tomography (PET), which is little known in the Asian population, in two independent cohorts.

Methods

Biomarkers were measured using a single‐molecule array (Simoa) in a cohort study (Asan). All participants underwent amyloid PET. Significant changes in the area under the curve (AUC) and Akaike Information Criterion values were considered to determine the best model. The generalizability of this model was tested using another cohort (KBASE‐V).

Results

In the Asan cohort, after adjusting for age and sex, p‐tau181 (AUC = 0.854) or APOE ε4 status (AUC = 0.769) distinguished Aβ status with high accuracy. Combining them or adding NfL and Aβ42/40 improved model fitness. The best‐fit model included the plasma p‐tau181, APOE ε4, NfL and Aβ42/40. The models established from the Asan cohort were tested in the KBASE‐V cohort. Additionally, in the KBASE‐V cohort, these three biomarker models had similar AUC in cognitively unimpaired (AUC = 0.768) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (AUC = 0.997) participants.

Conclusions

Plasma p‐tau181 showed a high performance in determining Aβ‐PET positivity. Adding plasma NfL and APOE ε4 status improved the model fit without significant improvement in AUC.
Green recycling of waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) into Ni‐MOF nanorod for simultaneous interfacial solar evaporation and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Fan Zifen , He Panpan , Bai Huiying , Liu Jie , Liu Huajian , Liu Lijie , Niu Ran , Gong Jiang
Published: November 2023

Interfacial solar evaporation is regarded as the promising technology to mitigate freshwater scarcity. However, when polluted water is used, toxic pollutants might accumulate in the bulk water. Herein, we report the production of Ni‐MOF nanorod from waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) and fabricate bifunctional Ni‐MOF‐based evaporators. Owing to high light absorption and photothermal conversion, low thermal coefficient, and vaporization enthalpy, it shows an exciting evaporation rate (2.25 kg m−2 h−1) with good flexibility/durability, rated as one of most advanced evaporators. Density functional theory and COMSOL results show that the combination of nickel‐sites in Ni‐MOF and local heat plays a crucial role in peroxymonosulfate activation to produce reactive species. Thereby, it exhibits the high degradation activity of tetracycline. In outdoor, the freshwater production reaches 5.54 kg m−2 per day, and the tetracycline removal efficiency is 91%. This work provides a sustainable approach to produce solar evaporators capable of freshwater production and contaminant degradation.

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Chemical Activity-Based Loading of Artificial Sediments with Organic Pollutants for Bioassays: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Abel Sebastian , Eriksson Wiklund Ann-Kristin , Gorokhova Elena , Sobek Anna
Published: November 2023

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) pose a risk in aquatic environments. In sediment, this risk is frequently evaluated using total or organic carbon-normalized concentrations. However, complex physicochemical sediment characteristics affect POP bioavailability in sediment, making its prediction a challenging task. This task can be addressed using chemical activity, which describes a compound's environmentally effective concentration and can generally be approximated by the degree of saturation for each POP in its matrix. We present a proof of concept to load artificial sediments with POPs to reach a target chemical activity. This approach is envisioned to make laboratory ecotoxicological bioassays more reproducible and reduce the impact of sediment characteristics on the risk assessment. The approach uses a constantly replenished, saturated, aqueous POP solution to equilibrate the organic carbon fraction (e.g., peat) of an artificial sediment, which can be further adjusted to target chemical activities by mixing with clean peat. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach using four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and fluoranthene). Within 5 to 17 weeks, the peat slurry reached a chemical equilibrium with the saturated loading solution. We used two different peat batches (subsamples from the same source) to evaluate the approach. Variations in loading kinetics and eventual equilibrium concentrations were evident between the batches, which highlights the impact of even minor disparities in organic carbon properties within two samples of peat originating from the same source. This finding underlines the importance of moving away from sediment risk assessments based on total concentrations. The value of the chemical activity-based loading approach lies in its ability to anticipate similar environmental impacts, even with varying contaminant concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:279–287. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
The effects of heat stress on male reproduction and tillering in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Smith Ashley , Gentile Benjamin R. , Xin Zhanguo , Zhao Dazhong
Published: November 2023

Due to global climate change, heat stress is increasingly harming the growth, development, overall biomass, and grain yield of numerous crops. Heat stress impairs pollen development and thus reduces seed set in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench; however, the effects of heat stress on anther development at specific stages and tiller formation remain incompletely understood. Here we report that exposure to heat stress [42°C/32°C (day/night)] at pollen mother cell (PMC) and booting stages profoundly disrupts tapetum and pollen development, resulting in a significant decrease in grain yield in sorghum. Sorghum plants subjected to 9 days or less of heat stress at the PMC stage exhibited normal pollen viability, but 12 days of heat stress caused almost complete loss of grain yield and the formation of nonviable pollen grains. Similarly, sorghum plants that were heat‐stressed for 3 days at the booting stage produced few seeds. Further analysis revealed that aberrant tapetum and pollen development contributed to the sterility of pollen in these heat‐stressed plants. Notably, in addition to inhibiting plant height, a 12‐day heat stress at the PMC stage promoted the formation of basal tillers, whereas a 3‐day heat stress at the booting stage stimulated the formation of apical tillers, which helped salvage seed yield under heat stress conditions. Moreover, the application of exogenous auxin promoted the formation of apical tillers and leaf numbers per apical tiller. Collectively, our findings suggest that sorghum is susceptible to heat stress during both early and late anther development, and auxin might be involved in governing the formation of apical tillers.
Derivative disclosures and managerial opportunism
Authors: He Guanming , Ren Helen Mengbing
Published: November 2023

Derivatives are increasingly used by managers not only to hedge risks but also to pursue nonhedging activities for fulfilling opportunistic incentives. The Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 (SFAS 161) requires firms to disclose their objectives and strategies for using derivatives. Using the adoption of this standard, we examine whether and how derivative disclosures influence managerial opportunistic behavior. We employ insider trades and stock price crash risk to capture managerial opportunism. Applying a difference‐in‐differences research design with hand‐collected data on derivative designations, we find that, after the implementation of SFAS 161, derivative users that comply with SFAS 161 experience a significantly greater decrease in both insider trades and stock price crash risk, compared with a matched control sample of nonderivative‐users. We further provide evidence to suggest that SFAS 161 curbs managerial opportunism via reducing information asymmetry between corporate insiders and outside investors and enhancing the effectiveness of derivative hedging.
Fast food proximity and weight gain in childhood and adolescence: Evidence from Great Britain
Authors: Libuy Nicolás , Church David , Ploubidis George , Fitzsimons Emla
Published: November 2023

We study the relationship between proximity to fast food restaurants and weight gain from late childhood to early adolescence. We use the Millennium Cohort Study, a UK‐wide nationally representative longitudinal study, linked with granular geocoded food outlet data to measure the presence of fast food outlets around children's homes and schools from ages 7 to 14. We find that proximity to fast food outlets is associated with increased weight (body mass index, overweight, obese, body fat, weight), but only among those with maternal education below degree level. Within this sample, those with lower levels of emotional regulation are at heightened risk of weight gain.
A structural test of the three‐step theory (3ST) of suicide in the Iranian population: From ideation to action
Authors: Ahmadboukani Soliman , Kivi Hosein Ghamari , Kiani Ahmadreza , Rezaeisharif Ali
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death, especially in adolescents and young adults. This study aimed to perform a structural test of the three‐step theory (3ST) of suicide in the Iranian population.

Methods

The research population included Iranian people over 18 years of age. The participants were 600 persons selected through convenience sampling. The data in this study were collected using the Suicide Attempt Questionnaire, the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire‐Revised, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Impulsiveness Scale, the Depressive Symptom‐Suicidality Subscale, ACSSACSS‐Fearlessness About Death, the Psychache Scale, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Suicide Capacity Scale.

Results

Data analysis showed that pain and positive helplessness (β = 0.45; p < 0.05) positively interact with suicidal behavior. Moreover, pain and negative helplessness significantly interact with suicidal ideation (β = 0.65; p < 0.001). The data also showed that the absence of interpersonal needs plays a protective role. A comparison of the three suicidal capacity factors indicated that only the practical capacity differentiates the ideation and action subgroups.

Conclusions

The insights from this study provide a clear picture of the underlying causes of suicidal ideation and behavior and can help counselors and other human health professionals working with people with suicidal thoughts and behavior to prevent suicide attempts. Following functional models, they can also make serious efforts to perform therapeutic interventions to eliminate or reduce suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Comparison of the intima‐media thickness of the common carotid artery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A single‐center cross‐sectional case‐control study, and a brief review of the literature
Authors: Rajabzadeh Farnood , Akhlaghipour Iman , Moosavi Sahar Sadat , Nasimi Shad Arya , Babazadeh Baghan Atefeh , Shariati‐Sarabi Zhaleh , Payandeh Asma , Hassan Nejad Ehsan
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease affecting 0.5%−1% of adults worldwide. The carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) is a simple, reliable, noninvasive marker for subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to compare the intima‐media thickness of the common carotid artery in patients with RA with that of healthy patients.

Methods

In this case‐control study, subjects were recruited from the patients who presented to a private rheumatology clinic. RA was documented by a rheumatologist. All subjects underwent an ultrasound examination of the carotid artery to assess CIMT. Subjects with RA filled out the disease activity score (DAS28) questionnaire.

Results

Sixty‐two subjects (31 subjects with RA and 31 healthy subjects) took part in the study. The mean age of the subjects in the RA and the control groups was 42.39 ± 12.98 and 44.48 ± 13.56 years, respectively. Values of CIMT were significantly greater in RA subjects compared with their healthy counterparts (p < 0.001). The CIMT increased significantly with increased disease severity (r = 0.73). Subjects were divided into two age groups (≤40 and >40 years). A comparison of CIMT in the mentioned subgroups revealed a remarkable difference in CIMT values between those of the RA patients and those of their control counterparts in both age groups (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001 for those below and above 40 years, respectively).

Conclusion

CIMT could be used as an efficient clinical index for identifying the early stages of atherosclerosis and predicting cardiovascular events following atherosclerosis in RA patients.
Localization and Physiological Implication of Aldose Reductase and Sorbitol Dehydrogenase in Reproductive Tracts and Spermatozoa of Male Rats
Authors: KOBAYASHI TAKASHI , KANEKO TOMOKO , IUCHI YOSHIHITO , MATSUKI SHINGO , TAKAHASHI MOTOKO , NAKADA TERUHIRO , FUJII JUNICHI
Published: November 2023

The polyol metabolizing pathway, which consists of two enzymes, aldose reductase (AR) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), converts glucose to fructose. The enzymatic activities, expression, and localization of AR and SDH were studied in reproductive tracts and spermatozoa of male rats by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and enzyme assays. Immunoreactivity to an AR antibody was observed mainly in epithelia of epididymis, seminal vesicle, vas deferens, and prostate gland in adult rats. Similar staining profiles were observed for these tissues when an SDH antibody was used. However, in testis, the cells that express these 2 enzymes differed; whereas AR was expressed in Sertoli cells and to lesser extent in spermatogenic cells, SDH was detected in spermatogenic cells of seminiferous tubules. This cell type‐specific gene expression was confirmed in primary cultured cells isolated from rat testes. SDH protein levels were higher during spermatid elongation, and large amounts of SDH were carried over to the spermatozoa. Because one of the functions of members of the aldo‐keto reductase superfamily is to detoxify harmful carbonyl compounds, an intrinsic function of AR in Sertoli cells may be to catalyze the reduction of cytotoxic metabolites, such as lipid peroxidation products and steroid hormones, which are produced during spermatogenesis. Because uterine fluid and seminal plasma both contain sorbitol, it is likely that SDH in spermatozoa converts sorbitol to fructose for use as an energy source.
Activation of Protein Kinase A During Human Sperm Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction
Authors: LEFIÈVRE LINDA , JHA KULA N. , de LAMIRANDE EVE , VISCONTI PABLO E. , GAGNON CLAUDE
Published: November 2023

Spermatozoa undergo a variety of changes during their life that are prerequisites to their maturation and ability to fertilize eggs. Mammalian sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction are regulated by signal transduction systems involving cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) as a second messenger. This second messenger acts through the activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and indirectly regulates protein tyrosine phosphorylation. cAMP levels are controlled by a balance of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and adenylyl cyclase (AC) enzymatic activities, which are responsible for its degradation and production, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between the intracellular levels of cAMP and PDE and PKA activities during human sperm capacitation induced by fetal cord serum ultrafiltrate (FCSu) and acrosome reaction induced by calcium ionophore A23187. We report that PKA activity was higher in capacitating than in noncapacitating spermatozoa and that intracellular levels of cAMP decreased but that PDE activity remained constant during capacitation. The acrosome reaction induced by A23187 was associated with increases in cAMP and PKA activity but not in PDE activity. These results strongly suggest that net cAMP concentration is under the control of AC, since PDE activity is constant during sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Moreover, the results suggest that low levels of cAMP are sufficient for capacitation and PKA activation and/or that the cAMP concentration measured in whole spermatozoa does not reflect the effective intracellular cAMP levels present in specific compartments of these cells.
Effect of Leukocytospermia on Sperm DNA Integrity: A Negative Effect in Abnormal Semen Samples
Authors: ERENPREISS JURIS , HLEVICKA SOLVEIGA , ZALKALNS JANIS , ERENPREISA JEKATERINA
Published: November 2023

Controversy exists over levels of DNA integrity in the sperm of fertile and infertile men. In addition, the effect of leukocytospermia on sperm DNA in these 2 groups is unclear. We decided to address these questions by collecting semen samples from men known or presumed to be fertile and men from infertile couples. Samples were analyzed and assessed for sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Samples failing to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards in one or more of these parameters were judged abnormal. Samples were then arbitrarily assigned normalized scores in each of the above parameters, and scores were summed to give a normalized value for overall sperm quality. DNA abnormality was determined by an in situ DNA denaturation test with acridine orange and expressed as a percentage of cells with abnormal DNA integrity (ADI). Assessment of 187 samples revealed a moderate inverse correlation between ADI and sperm quality (r = .58), although a large degree of ADI dispersion was observed in abnormal semen samples. The average ADI for normal and abnormal semen samples was 18% ± 2.8% and 36% ± 5.8%, respectively, with the threshold of 95% probability set at 30%. When sorted for leukocytospermia, the difference in ADI between normal and abnormal semen groups without leukocytospermia was much smaller (17% ± 2.2% and 22% ± 4.6%; P = .023). Leukocytospermia had no significant effect on ADI in the normal semen group (P = .46); however, ADI was more than double the ADI in the abnormal semen group (18% ± 2.4% and 50% ± 11%; P < .001). The results of our analysis show that at least 3 factors affect net DNA integrity in leukocytospermic samples that fail to meet WHO standards: 1) primary DNA damage, which is moderately inverse to sperm quality, in particular to sperm concentration; 2) effect of leukocytes increasing primary or provoking potential DNA damage in a cascade‐like manner, particularly in sperm with poor morphology and motility; and 3) a decreasing proportion of cells with damaged DNA in semen with the worst quality.
Working With Second Language Learners: Answers to Teachers' Top Ten Questions
Authors: Irujo Suzanne
Published: November 2023

Stephen Cary. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2000
The relationship of board diversity and stock performance in monistic and dualistic board structures: Results from Germany and UK
Authors: Herberger Tim Alexander , Oehler Andreas
Published: November 2023

The analysis of the relationship between board diversity and corporate performance is a well‐documented area of research. Our analysis of the stock market in Germany and the United Kingdom (UK) from 2005 to 2018 contributes to the literature by considering different corporate constitutions (monistic and dualistic) as well as a variety of diversity factors and diversity potential factors in a uniform analytical framework. We implement the stock price performance as a company performance proxy because this can be observed more easily by non‐professional investors than Tobin's Q, commonly used in former studies, and represents a pure market‐based view of the company performance. Based on generalized least squares panel regressions (GLS), our results reveal no significant difference between monistic and dualistic corporate constitutions regarding a possible relationship between diversity and company performance. They support former studies that the size of a top management board is significantly negatively related to company performance in the long run. Furthermore, no significant correlation can be found between changes in a board in a fiscal year and company performance, which was analyzed for the first time in such a framework.
Cognitive‐exercise dual‐task promotes cognitive function recovery in chronic cerebral ischemia male rats through regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway via inhibition of EphrinA3/EphA4
Authors: Zhang Rong , Tao Xue , Sun Ruifeng , Dai Tengteng , Xi3 XiaoShuang , Sun Weishuang , Song Li , Gong Weijun
Published: November 2023

Chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) can lead to vascular cognitive impairment, but therapeutic options are limited. Cognitive‐exercise dual‐task (CEDT), as a potential rehabilitation intervention, can attenuate cognitive impairment. However, the related mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, 2‐vessel occlusion (2‐VO) in male SD rats was performed to establish the CCI model. The rats were treated with cognitive, exercise, or CEDT intervention for 21 days. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to assess cognitive ability. TUNEL staining was used to detect the neuronal apoptosis. Immunofluorescence, RT‐qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the protein or mRNA levels of EphrinA3, EphA4, p‐PI3K, and p‐Akt. The results showed that CEDT could improve performance in the MWM test, reverse the increased expression of EphrinA3 and EphA4, and the reduced expression of p‐PI3K and p‐Akt in CCI rats, which was superior to exercise and cognitive interventions. In vitro, oxygenglucose deprivation (OGD) challenge of astrocytes and neuronal cells were used to mimic cerebral ischemia. Immunofluorescence assay revealed that the levels of MAP‐2, p‐PI3K, and p‐Akt were reduced in EphrinA3 overexpressed cells after OGD stimulation. Finally, the knock‐down of EphrinA3 by shRNA significantly promoted the recovery of cognitive function and activation of PI3K/Akt after CEDT treatment in CCI rats. In conclusion, our study suggests that CEDT promotes cognitive function recovery after CCI by regulating the signaling axis of EphrinA3/EphA4/PI3K/Akt.