bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous quantification of losartan potassium and its active metabolite, EXP3174, in rabbit plasma by validated HPLC–PDA
Authors: Wani Taha U. , Mir Khalid B. , Raina Arun , Dar Alamgir A. , Jan Ishrat , Khan Nisar A. , Wani Taseen A. , Sofi Javid A. , Hassan G. I. , Almoallim Hesham S. , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Alfarraj Saleh , Tarique Mohammed , Dar Showket A.
Published: April 2023

Herein, we report a novel, accurate and cost‐effective validated analytical method for the quantification of losartan potassium and its active metabolite, EXP 3174, in rabbit plasma by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Valsartan was used as an internal standard. The method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The analytes were extracted in rabbit plasma using liquid–liquid extraction technique and analyzed at 247 nm after separation through a reverse‐phase C18 column. The isocratic mobile phase used is a mixture of acetonitrile, water and glacial acetic acid in the ratio of 60:40:1 v/v/v maintained at pH 3.4. All calibration curves showed a good linear relationship (r > 0.995) within the test range. Precision was evaluated by intra‐ and interday tests with RSDs <1.91% and accuracy showed validated recoveries of 86.20–101.11%. Based on our results, the developed method features good quantification parameters and can serve as an effective quality control method for the standardization of drugs.
Development and validation of gas chromatography with electron capture detection method using QuEChERS for pesticide residue determination in cucumber
Authors: Sofi Javid A. , Dar Alamgir A. , Jan Ishrat , Hassan Ghulam I. , Dar Shahnawaz R. , Mughal Arshad H. , Dar Naseer Ahmad
Published: April 2023

A modified quick, easy, cheap, efficient, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method coupled to gas chromatography with electron capture detection was developed for the simultaneous determination of selected electronegative pesticides, namely, chlorpyrifos‐methyl (1), chlorpyrifos (2), quinolphos (3), profenofos (4), myclobutanil (5), ethion (6), fenpropathrin (7), and cypermethrin (8), in vegetables with high water content. The selected compounds and some of their metabolites have even been found in human body fluids. In addition, some of them are known or suspected carcinogens according to the World Health Organization. Extraction and cleanup parameters were optimized; thus, the original QuEChERS method was modified to minimize solvent usage by making the study eco‐friendly. The developed method was validated for selectivity, specificity, linearity, precision, and accuracy using SANTE guidelines. Calibration curves showed good linearity (r > 0.99) within the test range. Precision was evaluated by intra‐ and inter‐day experiments with an acceptable range of less than 20.0% of relative standard deviation. Recovery was evaluated at limit of quantification and was found to be in the range of 70–120%, with relative standard deviations lower than 4.21%. The proposed method is applicable for detection and monitoring of selected pesticides in one run not only in fruits and vegetables with high water content but also in samples containing large quantities of pigments/dyes.
China's manufacturing firms' willingness to pay for carbon abatement: A cost perspective
Authors: An Yunfei , Shi Xunpeng , Wang Qunwei , Yu Jian , Zhou Dequn , Zhou Xiaoyong
Published: April 2023

The existing studies of emissions reduction focus mainly on the technical potential and abatement costs while overlooking firms' willingness to pay (WTP) for emissions reduction. Yet WTP is a key parameter in a firm's decision to carry out emissions reduction while maximizing its profits. This paper estimates China's manufacturing industry (CMI) firms' maximum WTP for carbon abatement—defined as the cumulative product between the marginal abatement cost and corresponding abatement potential—using a large sample from a data envelopment analysis model. The results show that (a) the maximum WTP is significantly constrained by an isocost carbon abatement curve at RMB 8.65 million for the representative CMI firm; (b) the representative firms' WTP for carbon abatement varies among the sub‐sectors; and (c) profitability and production scales both positively affect firms' WTP for carbon abatement in all of CMI sub‐sectors, while innovation investment has a negative effect. The results suggest that the cost of carbon reduction technology for CMI firms should be below RMB 8.65 million for a representative CMI firm. The government should formulate subsidies or tax relief policies to help firms reduce their abatement costs. Further, the division of tasks in different sub‐sectors, between carbon emissions reduction on the one hand, and ongoing innovation on the other, should be clearly distinguished by policy bias to promote the transformation of industrial structure.
The cardioprotective effect of human glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (semaglutide) on cisplatin‐induced cardiotoxicity in rats: Targeting mitochondrial functions, dynamics, biogenesis, and redox status pathways
Authors: Atef Marwa Mohamed , Hafez Yasser Mostafa , El‐Deeb Omnia Safwat , Basha Eman H. , Ismail Radwa , Alshenawy Hanan , El‐Esawy Rasha Osama , Eltokhy Amira Kamel
Published: April 2023

The cardiotoxic effect of chemotherapeutic agents as cisplatin has become a major issue recently. Interference with mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, redox status, and apoptosis are the most possible underlying mechanisms. Semaglutide is a human glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1R), which is used primarily for the treatment of DM. Various recent studies have investigated (GLP‐1R) role in cardiovascular diseases due to antiapoptotic and antioxidant effects. The current study aimed to investigate the curative role of semaglutide's against cisplatin‐ induced cardiotoxicity and its relation to mitochondrial functions, dynamics, biogenesis, apoptosis, and redox status pathways. The study included 30 male rats divided into three groups: control, cisplatin‐induced cardiotoxicity, and cisplatin‐induced cardiotoxicity treated with semaglutide. At the end of the experiment heart index, serum cardiotoxicity markers, SOD, GPX activities and H2O2 level were estimated. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential, complex I and citrate synthase enzyme activities, ATP level, Mfn2 in addition to PGC‐1 α levels were assessed as biogenesis markers. Mitophagy markers PINK1 and Parkin mRNA gene expression were estimated. Histopathological examination of cardiac muscles of all studied groups and immunoassay of P53 and caspase 3 in cardiac tissue were examined to assess apoptosis. Cisplatin has disturbed mitochondrial function and dynamics, dysregulate redox status and induced mitophagy and apoptosis, in the other hand semaglutide treatment has normalized dysregulated mitochondrial function and dynamics, redox status and suppressed mitophagy and apoptosis. Semaglutide has ameliorative effect against cisplatin‐ induced cardiotoxicity via modulation of mitochondrial functions, dynamics, biogenesis, apoptosis, and redox status pathways.
SCF‐ChemBio: Chemical Biology Tour de France
Authors: Lopez Marie , Wong Yung‐Sing , Biot Christophe , Vauzeilles Boris
Published: April 2023

Chemical biology is a steadily growing field that has traditionally struggled to clearly define its boundaries in a short sentence. However, it can be stated that through the development of chemical and physicochemical tools, concepts and methods, chemical biology aims to address or stimulate biological questions at the molecular level in living organisms. Chemical biologists design and develop molecular tools that can probe or modulate biological processes, in order to understand their function, and sometimes to modify it for specific applications, but also to observe and analyze these tools in complex biological environments. Essentially positioned as a fundamental approach, chemical biology often remains very close to potential applications as it builds molecular objects capable of reacting to a significant biological stimulus. Chemical biology therefore finds natural development in fields such as health for the design of drugs and diagnostic systems or the environment for applications in crop science and ecology.
Electrochemical Oxidation and Functionalization of Low‐Density Polyethylene
Authors: Rahimzadeh Rasoul , Ortega‐Ramos Jessica , Haque Zenifar , Botte Gerardine G.
Published: April 2023

Plastic waste is a serious environmental issue, and polyethylene (PE) is a significant component. The chemically inert nature of PE makes its recycling/upcycling process challenging. Thus, a novel method was demonstrated that enables the selective electrochemical functionalization and deconstruction of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) by using low‐cost transition metal electrocatalysts at room temperature (23±2 °C) and low cell voltage (±1 V). Three different electrode and electrolyte combinations were studied for the oxidation of LDPE: copper metal/copper (II) ions, nickel metal/nickel (II) ions, and stainless steel/iron (II) and (III) ions. The copper and nickel electrode/electrolyte pairs showed a promising capability for oxidation and chain‐scission of LDPE. In contrast, the stainless‐steel and iron electrode/electrolyte pair showed no activity towards LDPE oxidation or depolymerization. The electrolysis of LDPE offers a new vista for the depolymerization and upcycling of plastics, further understanding of the process is needed.
The Interplay between Different Stimuli in a 4D Printed Photo‐, Thermal‐, and Water‐Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuator
Authors: Cremonini Alessio , Sol Jeroen A. H. P. , Schenning Albert P. H. J. , Masiero Stefano , Debije Michael G.
Published: April 2023

Multi‐stimuli responsivity in 3D‐printed objects is receiving much attention. However, the simultaneous interplay between different environmental stimuli is largely unexplored. In this work, we demonstrate direct ink writing of an oligomeric ink containing an azobenzene photo‐switch with an accessible hydrogen bond allowing triple responsivity to light, heat, and water. The resulting printed liquid crystal elastomer performs multiple actuations, the specific response depending on the environmental conditions. Bilayer films formed by printing on a static substrate can rapidly change shape, bending almost 80 degrees if irradiated in air or undergoing a shrinkage of about 50 % of its length when heated. The bilayer film assumes dramatically different shapes in water depending on combined environmental temperature and lighting conditions.
Deep Anomaly Detection on Tennessee Eastman Process Data
Authors: Hartung Fabian , Franks Billy Joe , Michels Tobias , Wagner Dennis , Liznerski Philipp , Reithermann Steffen , Fellenz Sophie , Jirasek Fabian , Rudolph Maja , Neider Daniel , Leitte Heike , Song Chen , Kloepper Benjamin , Mandt Stephan , Bortz Michael , Burger Jakob , Hasse Hans , Kloft Marius
Published: April 2023

This paper provides the first comprehensive evaluation and analysis of modern (deep‐learning‐based) unsupervised anomaly detection methods for chemical process data. We focus on the Tennessee Eastman process dataset, a standard litmus test to benchmark anomaly detection methods for nearly three decades. Our extensive study will facilitate choosing appropriate anomaly detection methods in industrial applications. From the benchmark, we conclude that reconstruction‐based methods are the methods of choice, followed by generative and forecasting‐based methods.
High serum magnesium is associated with lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yu Yi‐Chuan , Paragomi Pedram , Wang Renwei , Liang Feiran , Luu Hung N. , Behari Jaideep , Yuan Jian‐Min
Published: April 2023

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major contributor to the rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Magnesium is a major cation in cellular activities. Epidemiological data on magnesium level and its relation to HCC are sparse. This study aimed to examine the associations between serum levels of magnesium and the risk of HCC among patients with NAFLD.

Methods

A total of 26,053 patients with NAFLD were identified in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Electronic Health Records from 2004 through 2018. After an average of 5.15 years of follow‐up, 395 patients developed HCC after the first measurement of serum magnesium. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of HCC incidence associated with quartile levels of serum magnesium after adjustment for age, sex, race, body mass index, diuretics use, history of type 2 diabetes, history of hypertension, history of hyperlipidemia, and tobacco smoking.

Results

Patients with NAFLD who developed HCC had a significantly lower mean (± standard deviation) serum magnesium (0.769 ± 0.131 mmol/L) than those who remained free of HCC (0.789 ± 0.125 mmol/L; p = .003). Compared with the lowest quartile, the HRs (95% CIs) of HCC second, third, and fourth quartiles of serum magnesium were 0.87 (0.67–1.12), 0.77 (0.57–1.04), and 0.73 (0.56–0.96), respectively, after adjustment for multiple potential confounders (P
trend = .02).

Conclusion

This finding suggests higher levels of serum magnesium were significantly associated with decreased risk of HCC among patients with NAFLD.
Cover Image, Volume 39, Issue 4
Authors: Ranftl Sascha , Müller Thomas Stephan , Windberger Ursula , Brenn Günter , von der Linden Wolfgang
Published: April 2023

The cover image is based on the Research Article A Bayesian approach to blood rheological uncertainties in aortic hemodynamics by Sascha Ranftl et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/cnm.3576. Image credit: Sascha Ranftl, Julia Maderbacher, Thomas Stephan Müller, Wolfgang von der Linden, Ursula Windberger, and Günter Brenn.

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Missing finance in social impact bond research? A bibliometric overview between past and future research
Authors: Carè Rosella , Carè Stella , Lévy Nathalie , Fatima Rabia
Published: April 2023

This paper provides a bibliometric review of 156 articles published between 2011 and 2021 on social impact bonds (SIBs). We identified five research streams, namely studies that: (i) place the origins of SIBs in the neo‐liberalism framework; (ii) consider SIBs as an evolution of the new public management approach; (iii) focus on conceptualizing SIBs as an impact investment approach rooted in the social finance landscape; (iv) look at SIBs as a funding source for social entrepreneurship; and (v) detect an emerging phenomenon labeled as sustainable financial partnerships for the SDGs. Our results suggest that the current literature is strongly based on those that we have defined as a sort of UK influence, which is dominating the scientific perspective and the current use of SIBs, and that there is still less “finance‐based” research in this field. We conclude by proposing areas for future research.
Exact analysis of maximal ratio transmission‐based decode‐and‐forward relaying with arbitrary number of co‐channel interferers
Authors: Aladwani Awfa , Gucluoglu Tansal
Published: April 2023

This paper analyzes the performance of maximal ratio transmission (MRT)‐based cooperative communication system over Nakagami‐
fading channels in the existence of co‐channel interference which is becoming a critical factor since the limited spectrum bands are shared by growing number of devices. In particular, a dual‐hop decode‐and‐forward relaying is investigated when multiple interferers affect the relay and the destination nodes. Firstly, the cumulative distribution function (CDF) and the probability density function (PDF) of the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) are derived. Then, the exact expressions for the outage probability (OP), average bit error probability (ABEP), and ergodic capacity are obtained. Furthermore, asymptotic expressions for OP and ABEP are provided to find the diversity and coding gains. Finally, simulation results are presented to validate our theoretical findings.
Extending single‐session interventions to target parents as agents of change in adolescent eating disorders
Authors: Loeb Katharine L. , Dimitropoulos Gina
Published: April 2023

Schleider et al. (2023, International Journal of Eating Disorders, current issue) propose multiple applications of single‐session intervention (SSI) models to the eating disorders (EDs) intervention spectrum. In this commentary, we propose extending the potential of SSIs to target parents as agents of change for youth with restrictive EDs, particularly anorexia nervosa (AN). Directing SSIs to parents of children with AN can circumvent psychological barriers to care while capitalizing on the unique level of motivation in a parent to protect a child and advance their capacity to thrive. Key design components of effective SSIs map well onto the core principles of family‐based treatment (FBT), which can be distilled to inform the development of SSIs for parents of youth at risk or exhibiting emerging or diagnostic AN. The participatory action research framework highlighted by Schleider et al. (2023) speaks to the importance of developing SSIs using co‐design methodologies with parents. Doing so reflects the FBT principle of parent empowerment, acknowledges the research on parental self‐efficacy as a mediator of FBT, and recognizes parents as both key stakeholders in the prevention and treatment of child and adolescent EDs, and as the intended recipients of the SSIs created for this population.

Public Significance

Schleider et al. (2023, International Journal of Eating Disorders, current issue) propose multiple applications of single‐session intervention (SSI) models to eating disorders (EDs). In this commentary, we extend the potential of SSIs to target parents as agents of change for youth with restrictive EDs. Parent‐focused SSIs can circumvent psychological barriers to care while capitalizing on the unique level of motivation in a parent to advance their child's capacity to thrive.
Armed to the teeth: The underestimated diversity in tooth shape in snakes and its relation to feeding behavior and diet
Authors: Segall Marion , Houssin Céline , Delapré Arnaud , Cornette Raphaël , Herrel Anthony , Milgram Joshua , Shahar Ron , Dumont Maïtena
Published: April 2023

The structure, composition, and shape of teeth have been related to dietary specialization in many vertebrate species, but comparative studies on snakes' teeth are lacking. Yet, snakes have diverse dietary habits that may impact the shape of their teeth. We hypothesize that prey properties, such as hardness and shape, as well as feeding behavior, such as aquatic or arboreal predation, or holding vigorous prey, impose constraints on the evolution of tooth shape in snakes. We compared the morphology of the dentary teeth of 63 species that cover the phylogenetic and dietary diversity of snakes, using 3D geometric morphometrics and linear measurements. Our results show that prey hardness, foraging substrate, and the main feeding mechanical challenge are important drivers of tooth shape, size, and curvature. Overall, long, slender, curved teeth with a thin layer of hard tissue are observed in species that need to maintain a grip on their prey. Short, stout, less curved teeth are associated with species that undergo high or repeated loads. Our study demonstrates the diversity of tooth morphology in snakes and the need to investigate its underlying functional implications to better understand the evolution of teeth in vertebrates.
A novel electrochemical sensor based on AuNPs/Co‐CNs for the simultaneous detection of acetaminophen and 4‐aminophenol
Authors: Zhang Jinjin , Liu Wenjing , Wang Qi , Qu Jianying
Published: April 2023

In this work, two‐dimensional cobalt metal organic framework nanosheets (CoTP) were prepared by the simple hydrothermal reaction of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate with terephthalic acid, and then calcined at a high temperature under the environment of nitrogen to obtain cobalt carbon nanomaterials (Co‐CNs). The gold nanomaterials (AuNPs) were prepared by redox reaction. The prepared materials were characterized and analyzed by XRD, SEM and IR. A novel electrochemical sensor (AuNPs/Co‐CNs) was constructed successfully on a glassy carbon electrode combining Co‐CNs with AuNPs, which showed significant electrocatalytic activities for acetaminophen (PA) and 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP) and could be used to detect them simultaneously. Under the optimal conditions, the linear ranges for determination of PA and 4‐AP were 0.50–250.00 μM and 0.50–350.00 μM with the detection limits of 0.11 μM and 0.10 μM, respectively. Compared with other related reports, the proposed sensor exhibits a wider linear ranges, good sensitivity, accuracy and selectivity with potential applications in real sample analysis.
Reduction of hexavalent chromium using sulphonated polyether ether ketone as proton exchange membrane in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Gnanarathinam Vijay Samuel , Balakrishnan Abirami , Rajendran Govindarajan , Arivarasu Anitha , Dharmalingam Sangeetha , Thalaivarisai Balasundaram Sridharan , Narayanaswamy Venkatesan Prabhu , Ulagalantha Perumal Elaya Perumal
Published: April 2023

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a major source of environmental pollutants from tannery effluents. Reduction of hexavalent chromium was performed in a 500 mL working volume dual chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC). Synthetic wastewater containing Cr(VI) was used as anolyte and substrate for mixed microbial consortia to release electrons. The ions produced were transferred to cathodic chamber via a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM). In this study, sulphonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) was used as PEM and compared with Nafion 117 for Cr(VI) reduction. The microbial consortia that aided the treatment were isolated and identified to belong to Enterobacter, Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas and Pseudomonas species. The Cr(VI) reduction observed were 14.4% and 51% for MFCs with Nafion 117 and SPEEK as PEM, respectively. The wastewater analysis also showed improved percentage removal for SPEEK than for Nafion 117. The cost analysis shows that Nafion was 2 times higher than SPEEK to be used as PEM. This study highlights that SPEEK as PEM in MFC will be an efficient method for reduction of Cr(VI) from tannery effluents.
Global climate change and commodity markets: A hedging perspective
Authors: Jia Shanghui , Chen Xinhui , Han Liyan , Jin Jiayu
Published: April 2023

This paper aims to measure the tail‐risk dependence between climate change and commodity futures markets. We utilize Morgan Stanley Capital International Climate Change Index (CCI) to serve as a proxy indicator of the stock market climate change for examining the tail‐risk spillover effect among 16 major commodity futures. Using GARCH–Copula–CoVaR framework, we show that extreme climate change has a significant tail‐risk spillover effect on commodity futures markets, in which agricultural and energy futures are affected by climate change most. We then adopt the copula‐based generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model to compute the optimal hedge ratio among each pair of CCI with commodity futures, which performs well economic advantages for all 16 commodities. Compared with hedging against commodity index, CCI has a more significant hedging effect on metal and energy subindex futures. Therefore, we finally suggest an effective hedging portfolio composed of CCI and subindex futures in a significant economic sense.
The relationship between resting‐state amplitude fluctuations and memory‐related deactivations of the default mode network in young and older adults
Authors: Kizilirmak Jasmin M. , Soch Joram , Schütze Hartmut , Düzel Emrah , Feldhoff Hannah , Fischer Larissa , Knopf Lea , Maass Anne , Raschick Matthias , Schult Annika , Yakupov Renat , Richter Anni , Schott Björn H.
Published: April 2023

The default mode network (DMN) typically exhibits deactivations during demanding tasks compared to periods of relative rest. In functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of episodic memory encoding, increased activity in DMN regions even predicts later forgetting in young healthy adults. This association is attenuated in older adults and, in some instances, increased DMN activity even predicts remembering rather than forgetting. It is yet unclear whether this phenomenon is due to a compensatory mechanism, such as self‐referential or schema‐dependent encoding, or whether it reflects overall reduced DMN activity modulation in older age. We approached this question by systematically comparing DMN activity during successful encoding and tonic, task‐independent, DMN activity at rest in a sample of 106 young (18–35 years) and 111 older (60–80 years) healthy participants. Using voxel‐wise multimodal analyses, we assessed the age‐dependent relationship between DMN resting‐state amplitude (mean percent amplitude of fluctuation, mPerAF) and DMN fMRI signals related to successful memory encoding, as well as their modulation by age‐related hippocampal volume loss, while controlling for regional grey matter volume. Older adults showed lower resting‐state DMN amplitudes and lower task‐related deactivations. However, a negative relationship between resting‐state mPerAF and subsequent memory effect within the precuneus was observed only in young, but not older adults. Hippocampal volumes showed no relationship with the DMN subsequent memory effect or mPerAF. Lastly, older adults with higher mPerAF in the DMN at rest tend to show higher memory performance, pointing towards the importance of a maintained ability to modulate DMN activity in old age.
Inverse Polyamidoamine (i‐PAMAM) Dendrimer Antimicrobials
Authors: Bonvin Etienne , Reymond Jean‐Louis
Published: April 2023

Here we redesigned the branches of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers by moving the amide carbonyl group on the other side of the amide nitrogen atom, transforming the β‐alaninyl‐amidoethylamine branch, which easily undergoes retro‐Michael reactions and renders PAMAMs intrinsically unstable, into a more stable glycyl‐amidopropylamine branch. The resulting inverse PAMAM (i‐PAMAM) dendrimers have the same carbon framework as PAMAMs and only differ by the position of the carbonyl group. In contrast to PAMAMs which are prepared in solution and are difficult to purify, we synthesize i‐PAMAMs using high‐temperature solid‐phase peptide synthesis by iterative coupling and deprotection of the commercially available N,N‐bis(N′‐Fmoc‐3‐aminopropyl)glycine and purify them preparative reverse phase HPLC. Our i‐PAMAM dendrimers show no detectable degradation over time. We demonstrate this new class of dendrimers with the synthesis of antimicrobial dendrimers with potent yet non‐membrane disruptive activities against both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria.
COVID‐19 mitigation measures increase preterm birth and low birth weight in the public healthcare system in Uruguay
Authors: Briozzo Leonel , Tomasso Gisselle , Trujillo Janet , Viroga Stephanie , Pintos Javier , Nozar Fernanda , Aleman Alicia , Buekens Pierre
Published: April 2023

Objective

To evaluate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on preterm birth (PB) and low birth weight (LBW), comparing public and private healthcare systems of the National Integrated Health System in Uruguay, where the mitigation measures for the COVID‐19 pandemic generated an immediate socioeconomic and psychological crisis, which caused a sharp widening of existing socioeconomic inequalities.

Methods

A national observational study was conducted comparing perinatal outcomes in the first 6 months of 2020 (period of the pandemic without pregnancy infections), which was the beginning of the pandemic, with the same period of the previous year 2019 (pre‐pandemic period with no mitigation measures) among pregnant women from the public and private health systems. Data were retrieved from the national database (Informatic Perinatal System) and analyzed by healthcare system category.

Results

A total of 36 559 deliveries were assessed: 18 563 in the 2019 study period and 17 996 in the 2020 study period. In the public system, there was a significant increase in the risk of LBW (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.36) and of the composite outcome (PB or LBW) (aRR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04–1.26). In the private system, by contrast, there was a non‐statistically significant decrease of LBW and there were no changes in the incidence of PB and the composite outcome in 2020.

Conclusion

The different evolution of birth outcomes in the public and private systems suggests an unequal impact of mitigation measures on populations of different socioeconomic levels. Given that no COVID‐19 infections were identified in pregnant women during the study period, this research offers an opportunity to differentiate the biologic effects of the virus from the psychological and social impacts derived from containment measures.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT05087160.
Development of ex vivo brain hemorrhage phantom for photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Manwar Rayyan , Islam Md. Tarikul , Shoo Anthony , Pillers De‐Ann , Avanaki Kamran
Published: April 2023

Brain hemorrhage, specifically intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), is considered one of the primary and leading causes of cerebral anomalies in neonates. Several imaging modalities including the most popular, cranial ultrasound, are not capable of detecting early stage IVHs. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) exhibited great potential for detecting cerebral hemorrhage in studies limited to small animal models, but these models are not comparable to neonatal brain morphology. However, hemorrhage detection in large animal models using PAI is rare due to the complexity and cost of inducing hemorrhage in vivo. Moreover, in vitro studies are unable to represent the physiology and environment of the hemorrhagic lesion. Here, we proposed a pseudo hemorrhage implementation method in the sheep brain that allows us to mimic different hemorrhagic lesions ex vivo without compromising the complexity of cerebral imaging. This approach enables a true evaluation of PAI performance for detecting hemorrhages and can be utilized as a reference to optimize the PAI system for in vivo imaging.
Algorithms propagate gender bias in the marketplace—with consumers’ cooperation
Authors: Rathee Shelly , Banker Sachin , Mishra Arul , Mishra Himanshu
Published: April 2023

Recent research shows that algorithms learn societal biases from large text corpora. We examine the marketplace‐relevant consequences of such bias for consumers. Based on billions of documents from online text corpora, we first demonstrate that from gender biases embedded in language, algorithms learn to associate women with more negative consumer psychographic attributes than men (e.g., associating women more closely with impulsive vs. planned investors). Second, in a series of field experiments, we show that such learning results in the delivery of gender‐biased digital advertisements and product recommendations. Specifically, across multiple platforms, products, and attributes, we find that digital advertisements containing negative psychographic attributes (e.g., impulsive) are more likely to be delivered to women compared to men, and that search engine product recommendations are similarly biased, which influences consumer's consideration sets and choice. Finally, we empirically examine consumer's role in co‐producing algorithmic gender bias in the marketplace and observe that consumers reinforce these biases by accepting gender stereotypes (i.e., clicking on biased ads). We conclude by discussing theoretical and practical implications.
Edge proximity conditions for extendability in regular bipartite graphs
Authors: Aldred R. E. L. , Jackson Bill , Plummer Michael D.
Published: April 2023

Let and be positive integers with , let be an ‐regular cyclically ‐edge‐connected bipartite graph and let be a matching of size in . Plummer showed that whenever , there is a perfect matching of containing . When , Aldred and Jackson, extended this result to the case when by showing there is a perfect matching in containing whenever the edges in are pairwise at least distance apart where
In this paper, we relax the condition that and the distance restriction introduced by Aldred and Jackson to show that, for and an ‐regular cyclically ‐edge‐connected bipartite graph, for each matching in with and such that each pair of edges in is distance at least 3 apart, there is a perfect matching in containing .
MicroCT analysis unveils the role of inflatable female genitalia and male tibial complex in the genital coupling in the spider genus Aysha (Anyphaenidae, Araneae)
Authors: Poy Dante , Piacentini Luis Norberto , Michalik Peter , Lin Shou‐Wang , Ramírez Martín Javier
Published: April 2023

Sperm transfer in spiders is achieved by copulatory organs on the male pedipalps (i.e., copulatory bulbs), which can be simple or a complex set of sclerites and membranes. During copulation, these sclerites can be used to anchor in corresponding structures in the female genitalia by means of hydraulic pressure. In the most diverse group of Entelegynae spiders, the retrolateral tibial apophysis clade, the female role in the coupling of genitalia is considered rather passive, as conformational changes of the female genital plate (i.e., the epigyne) during copulation are scarce. Here, we reconstruct the genital mechanics of two closely related species belonging to the Aysha prospera group (Anyphaenidae) that bear a membranous, wrinkled epigyne and male pedipalps with complex tibial structures. By using microcomputed tomography data of a cryofixed mating pair, we reveal that most of the epigyne remains greatly inflated during genital coupling, and that the male tibial structures are coupled to the epigyne by the inflation of a tibial hematodocha. We propose that a turgent female vulva is a prerequisite for the genital coupling, which could implicate a female control device, and that the structures from the male copulatory bulb have been functionally replaced by tibial structures in these species. Furthermore, we show that the conspicuous median apophysis is maintained in spite of being functionally redundant, posing a puzzling situation.
Nirmatrelvir–ritonavir compared with other antiviral drugs for the treatment of COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tian Fangyuan , Chen Zhaoyan , Feng Qiyi
Published: April 2023

At present, there are some differences in the research results of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir compared with other antiviral drugs for the treatment of COVID‐19 patients. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir compared with other antiviral drugs and the impact of different antiviral drugs on the short‐ and long‐term effects of COVID‐19. PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), Web of Science, Google Scholar, and MedRxiv were searched to identify relevant studies from inception to March 30, 2023. We conducted a meta‐analysis to estimate the effects of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir compared with other antiviral drugs for the treatment of COVID‐19 patients and safety outcomes. The RoB1 and ROBINS‐I were used to assess the bias risk of the included studies. Revman 5.4 software was used for meta‐analysis (PROSPERO Code No: CRD42023397816). Twelve studies were included, including 30 588 COVID‐19 patients, of whom 13 402 received nirmatrelvir–ritonavir. The meta‐analysis results showed that the nirmatrelvir–ritonavir group had a lower proportion of patients than the control group in terms of long‐term mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13–0.66), hospitalization (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.37–0.53, short term; OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.36–0.77, long term), and disease progression (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38–0.83, short term; OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.48–0.74, long term), and nirmatrelvir ritonavir showed little difference in safety compared to the control group. Nirmatrelvir–ritonavir can reduce the mortality and hospitalization of COVID‐19 patients compared with other antiviral drugs. Further large‐scale studies remain to validate these findings.
Comparison of intracellular cytokine staining versus an ELISA‐based assay to assess CMV‐specific cell‐mediated immunity in high‐risk kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Fernández‐Ruiz Mario , Redondo Natalia , Parra Patricia , Ruiz‐Merlo Tamara , Rodríguez‐Goncer Isabel , Polanco Natalia , González Esther , López‐Medrano Francisco , San Juan Rafael , Navarro David , Andrés Amado , Aguado José María
Published: April 2023

The best method for monitoring cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐specific cell‐mediated immunity (CMV‐CMI) among high‐risk kidney transplant (KT) recipients remains uncertain. We assessed CMV‐CMI by intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) by flow cytometry and a commercial interferon (IFN)‐γ release assay (QuantiFERON®‐CMV [QTF‐CMV]) at posttransplant months 3, 4, and 5 in 53 CMV‐seropositive KT recipients that had received induction therapy with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and a 3‐month course of valganciclovir prophylaxis. The discriminative capacity (areas under receiver operating characteristics curve [auROCs]) and diagnostic accuracy to predict immune protection against CMV infection from the discontinuation of prophylaxis to month 12 were compared between both methods. There was significant although moderate correlations between CMV‐specific IFN‐γ‐producing CD8+ T‐cell counts enumerated by ICS and IFN‐γ levels by QTF‐CMV at months 3 (rho: 0.493; p = 0.005) and 4 (rho: 0.440; p = 0.077). The auROCs for CMV‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells by ICS were nonsignificantly higher than that of QTF‐CMV (0.696 and 0.733 vs. 0.678; p = 0.900 and 0.692, respectively). The optimal cut‐off of ≥0.395 CMV‐specific CD8+ T‐cells yielded a sensitivity of 86.4%, specificity of 54.6%, positive predictive value of 79.2% and negative predictive value of 66.7% to predict protection. The corresponding estimates for QTF‐CMV (IFN‐γ levels ≥0.2 IU/mL) were 78.9%, 37.5%, 75.0%, and 42.9%, respectively. The enumeration of CMV‐specific IFN‐γ‐producing CD8+ T‐cells at the time of cessation of prophylaxis performed slightly better than the QTF‐CMV assay to predict immune protection in seropositive KT recipients previously treated with ATG.
Adjunctive effects of photodynamic therapy using indocyanine green in residual pockets during periodontal maintenance therapy: A split‐mouth randomized controlled trial
Authors: Costa Fernando Oliveira , Esteves Lima Rafael Paschoal , Costa Adriana Moreira , Costa Amanda Almeida , Mattos Pereira Gustavo Henrique , Cortelli Sheila Cavalca , Cortelli José Roberto , Magalhães Cyrino Renata , Aparecida Silva Tarcília , Miranda Cota Luís Otávio
Published: April 2023

Background

Prospective studies have reported conflicting results regarding the adjunctive effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on clinical and microbiological parameters in individuals under periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological adjunctive effects of aPDT using indocyanine green (ICG) in residual sites with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm during PMT in comparison with scaling and root planing (SRP) alone.

Methods

A split‐mouth randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 24 individuals in a PMT program. Contralateral quadrants with eligible residual sites were randomly assigned to either SRP + aPDT (test group) or SRP alone (control). aPDT included ICG dye and diode laser (909 nm) performed together with SRP and repeated 15 days after. Periodontal clinical parameters, periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) index, and subgingival biofilm samples were collected at baseline (T1), 3 (T2), and 6 months later (T3). Microbiological analyses were performed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Significant improvements were observed in all clinical and microbiological parameters in both groups from T1 to T3. However, no significant differences were observed regarding plaque index, PD, and clinical attachment level. Test group showed significantly greater reductions in bleeding on probing (BOP), PISA index, and Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans levels, when compared with controls.

Conclusions

Both treatments resulted in significant clinical periodontal improvements, but with no significant differences between groups except from inflammation parameters. aPDT using ICG resulted in significant reductions in BOP and PISA index, as well as in P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans levels.
The role of air quality for reaching tourism environmental sustainability: A segmentation approach based on visitors' pro‐environmental behaviors
Authors: Eusébio Celeste , Rodrigues Vitor , Carneiro Maria João , Madaleno Mara , Robaina Margarita , Monteiro Alexandra
Published: April 2023

Due to the growing awareness concerning environmental problems, specifically air pollution, it is crucial to understand the relationship between perceptions of air quality and the pro‐environmental behaviors of visitors. This study segments visitors based on self‐reported pro‐environmental behaviors. A survey was carried out in Portugal (N = 602). Three clusters with different pro‐environmental profiles emerged: eco‐transportation seekers; environmentally committed visitors; and environmentally insensitive visitors. Differences were detected among the clusters regarding pro‐environmental behaviors at home, environmental attitudes, perception of the destination air quality, and perception of the impact of air quality on health, as well as sociodemographic and travel characteristics.
Exploration of anti‐leukemic effect of soft coral‐derived 13‐acetoxysarcocrassolide: Induction of apoptosis via oxidative stress as a potent inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 and topoisomerase II
Authors: Chin Hsien‐Kuo , Lu Mei‐Chin , Hsu Kai‐Cheng , El‐Shazly Mohamed , Tsai Tsen‐Ni , Lin Tzu‐Yung , Shih Shou‐Ping , Lin Tony Eight , Wen Zhi‐Hong , Yang Yu‐Chen S. H. , Liu Yi‐Chang
Published: April 2023

13‐Acetoxysarcocrassolide (13‐AC) is a marine cembranoid derived from the aquaculture soft coral of Lobophytum crassum. The cytotoxic effect of 13‐AC against leukemia cells was previously reported but its mechanism of action is still unexplored. In the current study, we showed that 13‐AC induced apoptosis of human acute lymphoblastic leukemia Molt4 cells, as evidenced by the cleavage of PARP and caspases, phosphatidylserine externalization, as well as the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. The use of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, attenuated the cytotoxic effect induced by 13‐AC. Molecular docking and thermal shift assay indicated that the cytotoxic mechanism of action of 13‐AC involved the inhibition of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp 90) activity by eliciting the level of Hsp 70 and topoisomerase IIα in Molt4 cells. 13‐AC also exhibited potent antitumor activity by reducing the tumor volume (48.3%) and weight (72.5%) in the in vivo Molt4 xenograft mice model. Our findings suggested that the marine cembranoid, 13‐AC, acted as a dual inhibitor of Hsp 90 and topoisomerase IIα, exerting more potent apoptotic activity via the enhancement of ROS generation.
lncRNA NEAT1 mediates LPS‐induced pyroptosis of BEAS‐2B cells via targeting miR‐26a‐5p/ROCK1 axis
Authors: Fan Xiu‐Ying , Ma Zhong‐Xu , Tang Li‐Bin , Shen Han‐Zhang , Qi Fei , Xia Jia‐Wei
Published: April 2023

Acute lung injury (ALI) is an adverse disease of the respiratory system, and one of its prevalent causes is sepsis induction. Cell pyroptosis facilitates the progression of ALI and lncRNAs play critical roles in ALI. Thus, this research seeks to investigate the specific mechanism of NEAT1 in sepsis‐ALI.BEAS‐2B cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to construct a cell model of sepsis‐induced ALI. The gene and protein expression were assessed using qRT‐PCR and western blot. Cell viability was identified by CCK‐8. Cell death was discovered using PI staining. The secretion of IL‐1β and IL‐18 was examined using ELISA. The interconnections among NEAT1, miR‐26a‐5p, and ROCK1 were confirmed using starbase, luciferase assay, and RIP.LPS treatment augmented NEAT1 and ROCK1 levels while mitigating miR‐26a‐5p level in BEAS‐2B cells. Additionally, LPS treatment facilitated cell death and cell pyroptosis, whereas NEAT1 silencing could reverse these effects in BEAS‐2B cells. Mechanistically, NEAT1 positively mediated ROCK1 expression by targeting miR‐26a‐5p. Furthermore, miR‐26a‐5p inhibitor offset NEAT1 depletion‐mediated suppressive effects on cell death and cell pyroptosis. ROCK1 upregulation decreased the inhibitory impacts produced by miR‐26a‐5p overexpression on cell death and cell pyroptosis. Our outcomes demonstrated NEAT1 could reinforce LPS‐induced cell death and cell pyroptosis by repressing the miR‐26a‐5p/ROCK1 axis, thereby worsening ALI caused by sepsis. Our data indicated NEAT1, miR‐26a‐5p, and ROCK1 might be biomarkers and target genes for relieving sepsis‐induced ALI.
All‐Optical Parametric‐Assisted Oversampling and Decimation for Signal Denoising Amplification
Authors: Fernandez Manuel P. , Kaushal Saket , Crockett Benjamin , Bulus‐Rossini Laureano A. , Costanzo‐Caso Pablo A. , Azaña José
Published: April 2023

Decimation is a common process in digital signal processing that involves reducing the sampling rate of an oversampled signal by linearly combining consecutive samples. Among other applications, this process represents a simple means to mitigate noise content in the digital signal. In this work, a novel optical signal processing concept inspired by these operations is proposed, which is called Parametric‐assisted Oversampling and Decimation (POD). By using a simple all‐fiber setup, the POD processor first realizes an ultra‐fast parametric oversampling of the incoming temporal signal (at >100 Gigasamples per second), a process that is followed by a decimation that reduces the sampling rate by any user‐defined factor in a lossless manner. In this way, the POD delivers an amplified sampled copy of the optical signal, where the peak‐to‐peak gain results from the combination of parametric amplification and a “passive” amplification equal to the decimation factor. In this report, joint parametric and passive amplification by a factor ≈50 on GHz‐bandwidth signals is demonstrated. Furthermore, it is shown that the decimation process can effectively mitigate effects of narrowband noise, outperforming traditional optical and digital filtering techniques. By experimentally achieving ultra‐high decimation factors (>750), narrowband (MHz‐bandwidth) optical waveformsthat are lost in a much stronger noise background are recovered.
Stability conditions on Kuznetsov components of Gushel–Mukai threefolds and Serre functor
Authors: Pertusi Laura , Robinett Ethan
Published: April 2023

We show that the stability conditions on the Kuznetsov component of a Gushel–Mukai threefold, constructed by Bayer, Lahoz, Macrì and Stellari, are preserved by the Serre functor, up to the action of the universal cover of . As application, we construct stability conditions on the Kuznetsov component of special Gushel–Mukai fourfolds.
Singular rational curves on elliptic K3 surfaces
Authors: Baltes Jonas
Published: April 2023

We show that on every elliptic K3 surface there are rational curves such that , that is, of unbounded arithmetic genus. Moreover, we show that the union of the lifts of these curves to is dense in the Zariski topology. As an application, we give a simple proof of a theorem of Kobayashi in the elliptic case, that is, there are no globally defined symmetric differential forms.