bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiling Cellular Morphological Changes Induced by Dual‐Targeting PROTACs of Aurora Kinase and RNA‐Binding Protein YTHDF2
Authors: Goebel Georg L. , Giannino Nicole , Lampe Philipp , Qiu Xiaqiu , Schloßhauer Jeffrey L. , Imig Jochen , Sievers Sonja , Wu Peng
Published: June 2024

Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are new chemical modalities that degrade proteins of interest, including established kinase targets and emerging RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs). Whereas diverse sets of biochemical, biophysical and cellular assays are available for the evaluation and optimizations of PROTACs in understanding the involved ubiquitin−proteasome‐mediated degradation mechanism and the structure‐degradation relationship, a phenotypic method profiling the cellular morphological changes is rarely used. In this study, first, we reported the only examples of PROTACs degrading the mRNA‐binding protein YTHDF2 via screening of multikinase PROTACs. Second, we reported the profiling of cellular morphological changes of the dual kinase‐ and RBP‐targeting PROTACs using the unbiased cell painting assay (CPA). The CPA analysis revealed the high biosimilarity with the established aurora kinase cluster and annotated aurora kinase inhibitors, which reflected the association between YTHDF2 and the aurora kinase signaling network. Broadly, the results demonstrated that the cell painting assay can be a straightforward and powerful approach to evaluate PROTACs. Complementary to the existing biochemical, biophysical and cellular assays, CPA provided a new perspective in characterizing PROTACs at the cellular morphology.
Conjugating Hemoglobin and Albumin by Strain‐Promoted Azide‐ Alkyne Cycloaddition
Authors: Lee Chi , Chung Harriet Wenxin , Kluger Ronald
Published: June 2024

A one‐to‐one conjugate of cross‐linked human hemoglobin and human serum albumin results from a strain‐promoted alkyne‐azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) of the modified proteins. Additions of a strained alkyne‐substituted maleimide to the Cys‐34 thiol of human serum albumin and an azide‐containing cross‐link between the amino groups of each β‐unit at Lys‐82 of human hemoglobin provide sites for coupling by the SPAAC process. The coupled hemoglobin‐albumin conjugate can be readily purified from unreacted hemoglobin. The oxygen binding properties of the two‐protein bioconjugate demonstrate oxygen affinity and cooperativity that are suitable for use in an acellular oxygen carrier.
The role of gut microbiota and the gut–lung axis in sepsis: A case study of a pregnant woman with severe rickettsial pneumonia and septic shock complicated by MODS
Authors: Qin Hongmei , Fu Yaoqing , Deng Caixia , Chen Yanxing , Huang Keming , Ruan Yiyang , Liu Ke
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

In this case report, we describe the successful management of severe scrub typhus with pneumonia, sepsis, and multiple organ dysfunction in a pregnant woman. Despite initial challenges, the patient responded favorably to fecal microbiota transplantation and oral fecal microbiota capsule therapy.

Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, can lead to severe multiorgan dysfunction and carries a mortality rate of up to 70% if not treated properly. In this report, we present the case of a 27‐year‐old pregnant woman at 18 + 6 weeks gestation whose symptoms worsened 15 days after onset and progressed to severe pneumonia with sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. After the pathogen was confirmed by next‐generation sequencing analysis of bronchoalveolar‐lavage fluid and blood samples, the patient's treatment was switched to antiinfective chloramphenicol. The patient also underwent uterine evacuation due to a miscarriage. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was discontinued once the pulmonary infection significantly improved. Subsequently, the patient had recurrent diarrhea, abdominal distension, and difficulty eating. The antibiotic regimen was adjusted according to the drug sensitivity, but the diarrhea and abdominal distension still did not improve. Following a comprehensive multidisciplinary risk assessment, we initiated fecal microbiota transplantation and oral fecal microbiota capsule therapy. As a result, the patient's condition was effectively managed, and they were gradually discharged. Fecal microbiota transplantation may be a safe and effective treatment for severe pneumonia and shock in pregnant women. This has significant implications for maternal health. However, further clinical cases are required to observe its long‐term effectiveness.
Successful coronary sinus left ventricular lead extraction 9 years postimplantation using the wire ThRoUgh Snare Twice (wire TRUST) technique
Authors: Kasai Yuhei , Morita Junji , Haraguchi Takuya , Kitai Takayuki , Okada Takuya , Suzuki Kota , Yamazaki Ryuto , Munakata Yumetsugu , Kasai Jungo , Fujita Tsutomu
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

The newly‐proposed tandem approach, Wire ThRoUgh Snare Twice (Wire TRUST) is effective for grasping a lead with inaccessible ends. This case report shows that Wire TRUST can also enable successful extraction of a left ventricular lead by iteratively grasping and repositioning to the distal portion of the lead.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed N‐Arylation Addition of Arylboronic Acids to Ketimines
Authors: Qian Xue‐Wei , Sun Xing‐Wen
Published: June 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Herein, we report rhodium catalyzed N‐arylation via addition of arylboronic acids to electron‐deficient α‐iminoesters which can be prepared in high efficiency by using easily accessible β‐carbonyl esters. The reaction is highly regiospecific to achieve the N‐aryl addition efficiently with up to 99% yield under mild conditions. The corresponding product can be further efficiently converted into indoles and a series of other important building blocks.
Electronic Vector Potential from the Exact Factorization of a Complex Wavefunction
Authors: Giarrusso Sara , Gori‐Giorgi Paola , Agostini Federica
Published: June 2024

We generalize the definitions of local scalar potentials named
and
, which are relevant to properly describe phenomena such as molecular dissociation with density‐functional theory, to the case in which the electronic wavefunction corresponds to a complex current‐carrying state. In such a case, an extra term in the form of a vector potential appears which cannot be gauged away. Both scalar and vector potentials are introduced via the exact factorization formalism which allows us to express the given Schrödinger equation as two coupled equations, one for the marginal and one for the conditional amplitude. The electronic vector potential is directly related to the paramagnetic current density carried by the total wavefunction and to the diamagnetic current density in the equation for the marginal amplitude. An explicit example of this vector potential in a triplet state of two non‐interacting electrons is showcased together with its associated circulation, giving rise to a non‐vanishing geometric phase. Some connections with the exact factorization for the full molecular wavefunction beyond the Born–Oppenheimer approximation are also discussed.
Deuterium Isotope Effect in Single Molecule Photophysics and Photochemistry of Hypericin
Authors: Wang Liangxuan , Liu Quan , Buchwald Andrea , Wackenhut Frank , Brecht Marc , Gierschner Johannes , Meixner Alfred J.
Published: June 2024

The peripherical protons of the dye molecule hypericin can undergo structural interconversion (tautomerization) between different isomers separated by a low energy barrier with rates that depends sensitively on the interaction with local chemical environment defined by the nature of host material. We investigate the deuterium (D) isotope effect of hypericin tautomerism at the single‐molecule level to avoid ensemble averaging in different polymer matrices by a combined spectroscopic and computational approach. In the ′innocent′ PMMA matrix only intramolecular isotope effects on the internal conversion channel and tautomerization are observed; while PVA specifically interacts with the probe via H‐ and D‐bonding. This establishes a single molecular picture on intra‐ and intermolecular nano‐environment effects to control chromophore photophysics and ‐chemistry.
Prediction of Feasibility of Polaronic OER on the (110) Surface of Rutile TiO2
Authors: Pada Sarker Hori , Abild‐Pedersen Frank , Bajdich Michal
Published: June 2024

The front cover artwork is provided by Dr. Hori Pada Sarker from Dr. Frank Abild‐Pedersen's research group at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The image shows the generation of photoexcited carriers (electrons and holes) and the subsequent formation of hole polaron in rutile TiO2 during oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cphc.202400060.
First‐Principles Study on Polymer Electrolyte Interface Engineering for Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Wang Yao , Ren Ziang , Zheng Jianhui , Wang Juncheng , Yuan Huadong , Liu Yujing , Liu Tiefeng , Luo Jianmin , Nai Jianwei , Tao Xinyong
Published: June 2024

Modifying the interface between the lithium metal anode (LMA) and the electrolyte is crucial for achieving high‐performance lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Recent research indicates that altering Li‐metal interfaces with polymer coatings is an effective approach to extend LMBs′ cycling lifespan. However, the physical properties of these polymer‐Li interfaces have not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, the structural stability, electronic conductivity, and ionic conductivity of polymer‐Li interfaces were examined based on first‐principles calculations in this study. Several representative polymer compounds utilized in LMBs were assessed, including polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyethylene oxide (PEO). Our research revealed that lithium fluoride is formed upon fluoropolymer degradation, explaining previously observed experimental results. Polymers containing nitrile groups exhibit strong adhesion to lithium metal, facilitating the formation of the stable interface layer. Regarding electronic conductivity, the fluoropolymers preserve a good insulating property, which diminished marginally in the presence of lithium, but that of PAN and PEO significantly reduces. Additionally, lithium diffusion on PTFE and PEO demonstrates low diffusion barriers and high coefficients, enabling easy transportation. Overall, our investigation reveals that the interfaces formed between various polymers and LMA have distinct characteristics, providing new fundamental insights for designing composites with tailored interface properties.
Characterization of the Lithium/Solid Electrolyte Interface in the Presence of Nanometer‐thin TiOx Layers for All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Götz Rainer , Pugacheva Ekaterina , Ahaliabadeh Zahra , Llanos Princess Stephanie , Kallio Tanja , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S.
Published: June 2024

It is still unclear which role space charge layers (SCLs) play within an all‐solid‐state battery during operation with high current densities, as well as to which extent they form. Herein, we use a solid electrolyte with a known SCL formation and investigate it in a symmetric cell under non‐blocking conditions with Li metal electrodes. Since the used LICGC™ electrolyte is known for its instability against lithium, it is protected from rapid degradation by nanometer‐thin layers of TiOx deployed by atomic layer deposition. Close attention is given to the interfacial properties, as now additional Li+ can traverse through the interface depending on the applied bias potential. The interlayer‘s impedance response shows efficient lithium‐ion conduction for low bias potentials and a diffusion‐limiting effect towards high positive and negative potentials. SCLs grow up to a thickness of 5.1 μm. Additionally, estimating the apparent rate constant of the charge transfer across the interface indicates that the potentials where kinetics are hindered coincide with the widest SCLs. In conclusion, the investigation under higher steady‐state currents was only possible because of the improved stability due to the interlayer. No chemo‐physical failure could be observed after 800+ hours of cycling. However, an ex‐situ SEM study shows a new phase at the interface, which grows into the electrolyte.
Pre‐ and post‐fault operation of symmetrical six‐phase electric‐drive‐reconstructed onboard charger based on subspace current injection
Authors: Liu Aihua , Yu Feng , Cheng Xunhui
Published: June 2024

The proposal of the electric‐drive‐reconstructed onboard charger (EDROC) provides a new idea for the research of electric vehicles (EVs), which utilizes the existing electric‐drive components and shows broad commercial prospects. In this paper, pre‐ and post‐fault operations of the EDROC incorporating a symmetrical six‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (SSPMSM) are studied. Firstly, by employing the vector space decomposition (VSD) technique, the decoupled subspaces currents of the motor under healthy and fault conditions are solved. And their trajectories associated with torque generation are depicted, which reveals there are pulsating and rotating magnetic fields in the event of one open‐phase fault (One‐OPF) and two open‐phase fault (Two‐OPF), respectively. To eliminate the unwished magnetic fields, a subspace current injection method is proposed, which can solve the fault‐tolerant current online by constructing the Lagrange function under the constraint of the minimum copper loss. Finally, the feasibility and reliability of the proposed fault‐tolerant scheme is verified by experiment.
Contributions of dysfunctional plasticity mechanisms to the development of atypical perceptual processing
Authors: Moppert Stacy , Mercado Eduardo
Published: June 2024

Experimental studies of sensory plasticity during development in birds and mammals have highlighted the importance of sensory experiences for the construction and refinement of functional neural circuits. We discuss how dysregulation of experience‐dependent brain plasticity can lead to abnormal perceptual representations that may contribute to heterogeneous deficits symptomatic of several neurodevelopmental disorders. We focus on alterations of somatosensory processing and the dynamic reorganization of cortical synaptic networks that occurs during early perceptual development. We also discuss the idea that the heterogeneity of strengths and weaknesses observed in children with neurodevelopmental disorders may be a direct consequence of altered plasticity mechanisms during early development. Treating the heterogeneity of perceptual developmental trajectories as a phenomenon worthy of study rather than as an experimental confound that should be overcome may be key to developing interventions that better account for the complex developmental trajectories experienced by modern humans.
Prevalence and factors associated with thyroid autoimmunity among children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Evidence from Kuwait
Authors: Al‐Abdulrazzaq Dalia , Albatineh Ahmed Najeeb , Khalifa Doaa , Alrefae Anwaar , Al‐Awadhi Ebaa , Alkandari Abdullah , Alhomaidah Doha , Cunningham Solveig Argeseanu , Al‐Kandari Hessa
Published: June 2024

Aims

This study reports the prevalence and characteristics related to the development of thyroid autoimmunity among children newly diagnosed with type I diabetes (T1D) during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Kuwait.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective observational study of all children under age 14 years newly diagnosed with T1D in Kuwait. We define the duration of the COVID‐19 pandemic from the official declaration of the first identified positive COVID‐19 case on 24 February 2020 until 31 December 2022. For comparison, we use the time period directly before the COVID‐19 pandemic, 1 January 2017 to 23 February 2020.

Results

One thousand twenty‐four (1024) children newly diagnosed with T1D in Kuwait during the study period were included. Among newly diagnosed children, 20.3% tested positive for thyroid antibodies during the COVID‐19 pandemic, compared with 14.5% during the pre‐pandemic period (p = 0.015). Children with positive COVID‐19 status were more likely to present with thyroid antibodies (p = 0.035). After adjusting for other characteristics, patients diagnosed with T1D during the COVID‐19 pandemic had double the odds of testing positive for thyroid antibodies (Adjusted odds ratio = 2.173, 95%CI: 1.108, 4.261, p = 0.024).

Conclusions

Incident cases of T1D during the COVID‐19 pandemic may be different in aetiology or contextual factors leading to a higher risk of thyroid autoimmunity. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the role of COVID‐19 in the onset and progression of T1D and on thyroid autoimmunity and disease.
Navigating uncertainty in maximum body size in marine metazoans
Authors: McClain Craig R. , Webb Thomas J. , Heim Noel A. , Knope Matthew L. , Monarrez Pedro M. , Payne Jonathan L.
Published: June 2024

Body size is a fundamental biological trait shaping ecological interactions, evolutionary processes, and our understanding of the structure and dynamics of marine communities on a global scale. Accurately defining a species' body size, despite the ease of measurement, poses significant challenges due to varied methodologies, tool usage, and subjectivity among researchers, resulting in multiple, often discrepant size estimates. These discrepancies, stemming from diverse measurement approaches and inherent variability, could substantially impact the reliability and precision of ecological and evolutionary studies reliant on body size data across extensive species datasets. This study examines the variation in reported maximum body sizes across 69,570 individual measurements of maximum size, ranging from <0.2 μm to >45 m, for 27,271 species of marine metazoans. The research aims to investigate how reported maximum size variations within species relate to organism size, taxonomy, habitat, and the presence of skeletal structures. The investigation particularly focuses on understanding why discrepancies in maximum size estimates arise and their potential implications for broader ecological and evolutionary studies relying on body size data. Variation in reported maximum sizes is zero for 38% of species, and low for most species, although it exceeds two orders of magnitude for some species. The likelihood of zero variation in maximum size decreased with more measurements and increased in larger species, though this varied across phyla and habitats. Pelagic organisms consistently had low maximum size range values, while small species with unspecified habitats had the highest variation. Variations in maximum size within a species were notably smaller than interspecific variation at higher taxonomic levels. Significant variation in maximum size estimates exists within marine species, and partially explained by organism size, taxonomic group, and habitat. Variation in maximum size could be reduced by standardized measurement protocols and improved meta‐data. Despite the variation, egregious errors in published maximum size measurements are rare, and their impact on comparative macroecological and macroevolutionary research is likely minimal.
Effects of inserting ultrashort carbon nanotubes into lipid bilayers on membrane morphology
Authors: Kanno Shoichiro , Peng Zugui , Shimba Kenta , Miyamoto Yoshitaka , Yagi Tohru
Published: June 2024

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are carbon materials with unique thermal, optical, mechanical, and electrical properties, with hollow cylindrical structures of a few nanometers in diameter. CNTs cut to about 10 nm (Ultrashort CNTs, US‐CNTs) can spontaneously insert into lipid bilayers. Therefore, applications have been proposed to combine CNTs with lipid bilayers to give the membranes the properties of CNTs. However, CNTs interact with membranes to induce morphological changes in the membranes, which may hinder these applications. In this study, to investigate the effects, US‐CNTs are exposed to lipid bilayer vesicles (giant unilamellar vesicles, GUVs), which are used as a model for cell membranes, and the changes in membrane morphology with each US‐CNT concentration were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. As a result, GUVs show morphological changes upon exposure to US‐CNTs, eventually transforming into a multiple vesicle‐linked shape. This result suggests an increase in the area and asymmetry of the GUV membrane. Based on these results, we have proposed a hypothesis regarding the mechanism of morphological changes induced in the GUV membranes by US‐CNTs exposure.
Synthesis of Chromene Derivatives from α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes: A Review
Authors: Vchislo Nadezhda V. , Verochkina Ekaterina A.
Published: June 2024

Chromene derivatives are important oxygen heterocycles, which are met in numerous natural products, pharmaceuticals, and organic functional materials. This review survey the achievements in the synthesis of chromene derivatives from α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. Particular attention is paid to the use of catalytic systems, synthetic advantages and mechanistic aspects of the reactions. The works published over the past 15 years are covered.
Causal effects of sedentary behaviours on the risk of migraine: A univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Peihong , Li Jiaxin , Zhu Haoyue , Sheng Dandan , Xiao Zheng , Liu Weiping , Xiao Bo , Zhou Luo
Published: June 2024

Background

Migraine is a common and burdensome neurological disorder. The causal relationship between sedentary behaviours (SBs) and migraine remains instinct. We aimed to evaluate the roles of SBs including watching TV, using computer and driving in the risk of migraine.

Methods

We conducted a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) study based on summary datasets of large genome‐wide association studies. The inverse variance weighted method was utilized as the primary analytical tool. Cochran's Q, MR‐Egger intercept test, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier and leave‐one‐out were conducted as sensitivity analysis. Additionally, we performed a meta‐analysis to combine the causal estimates.

Results

In the discovery analysis, we identified causal associations between time spent watching TV and an increased risk of migraine (p = 0.015) and migraine without aura (MO) (p = 0.002). Such causalities with increasing risk of migraine (p = 0.005), and MO (p = 0.006) were further verified using summary datasets from another study in the replication analysis. There was no significant causal association found between time spent using computer, driving and migraine or its two subtypes. The meta‐analysis and multivariable MR analysis also strongly supported the causal relationships between time spent watching TV and an increased risk of migraine (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.034), as well as MO (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0004), respectively. These findings were robust under all sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that time spent watching TV may be causally associated with an increased risk of migraine, particularly MO. Large‐scale and well‐designed cohort studies may be warranted for further validation.

Significance Statement

This study represents the first attempt to investigate whether a causal relationship exists between SBs and migraine. Utilizing MR analysis helps mitigate reverse causation bias and confounding factors commonly encountered in observational cohorts, thereby enhancing the robustness of derived causal associations. Our MR analysis revealed that time spent watching TV may serve as a potential risk factor for migraine, particularly MO.
Prescribing pattern insights from a longitudinal study of older adult inpatients with polypharmacy and chronic non‐cancer pain
Authors: Goetschi Aljoscha N. , Verloo Henk , Wernli Boris , Wertli Maria M. , Meyer‐Massetti Carla
Published: June 2024

Background

The present study sought to determine the prevalence of chronic non‐cancer pain (CNCP) among older adult inpatients with polypharmacy. It also aimed to analyse prescription patterns and assess the therapy adequacy and patient complexity for those with and without CNCP.

Methods

This 4‐year longitudinal study examined data from an exhaustive acute care hospital register on home‐dwelling older adult patients (≥65) with polypharmacy. Commonly known combinations of potentially inappropriate medications were used to estimate therapy adequacy. Patient complexity was evaluated by comparing number of comorbidities and investigating physical and cognitive deficits.

Results

We determined a prevalence of CNCP of 9.7% among all older adult inpatients with polypharmacy, rising to 11.3% for those aged ≥85. Overall, CNCP patients were prescribed more drugs and had more comorbidities and physical and cognitive deficits than patients without CNCP. Older adult patients with CNCP received more analgesics, greater quantities of opioids, paracetamol and co‐analgesics and elevated opioid dosages. Older adult patients with CNCP aged ≥85 received fewer analgesics, opioids, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and co‐analgesics but more paracetamol. Older adult patients with CNCP were prescribed more potentially inappropriate medications involving opioids. In particular, 24.5% received an opioid and a hypnotic (benzodiazepine or Z‐drug), and 8.6% received an opioid and a gabapentinoid.

Conclusion

Observed differences in medication use between older adult inpatients with or without CNCP may be relevant for clinical practice. Potentially inadequate co‐prescribing (such as hypnotics and opioids) affects a higher proportion of patients with CNCP and may have serious unintended consequences.

Significance Statement

This study describes differences in prescription patterns between people with and without chronic non‐cancer pain in a large dataset of 20,422 discharges. The differences found may be relevant to clinical practice. In particular, high co‐prescribing of opioids and hypnotics may have serious unintended consequences. Greater physical and cognitive deficits may indicate greater patient complexity, and appropriate interventions need to be developed to improve the management of this vulnerable patient group.
Hydrothermal liquefaction of microalga with and without seawater: Effects of reaction temperature on yield and hydrocarbon species distribution in biocrude
Authors: Eboibi B. E. , Eboibi O. , Okan O. L. , Udochukwu E. C. , Uku P. E. , Agarry S. E.
Published: June 2024

A halophytic microalga Tetraselmis sp. biomass diluted with deionized water and seawater was converted to biocrude with the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process in a batch reactor at 310, 330, 350, and 370°C, 15 min with %w/w solids. The biocrude yield, carbon, and energy recovery in biocrude and hydrocarbon species distribution from deionized water base HTL (DW HTL) and seawater base HTL (SW HTL) were evaluated. The results revealed that irrespective of reaction medium, the yield in biocrude increased with an increase in temperature, reaching a maximum of 50–56 wt% at 350°C, characterized by a higher heating value of up to 35.6 MJ/kg. The carbon and energy recovery at 350°C were 85% and 89% respectively, for SW HTL, while the DW HTL stream was 10% and 12% lower. Also, the GC MS analysis of biocrude obtained from both streams contains a complex mixture of compounds such as hydrocarbons, phenolics, and large amounts of nitrogenated and oxygenated compounds. The metallic constituents in biocrudes derived from both steams showed no substantial variations. The study showed a marginal increase in biocrude yield and its HHV with a reduction in oxygen and nitrogen contents from the SW HTL stream, suggesting the potential of seawater as a reaction medium.
Characterization of Springtail (Arrhopalites caecus) for Use in Soil Ecotoxicity Testing
Authors: Martin William J. , Sibley Paul K. , Prosser Ryan S.
Published: June 2024

Springtails (subclass: Collembola) represent one of the most extensively studied invertebrate groups in soil ecotoxicology. This is because of their ease of laboratory culture, significant ecological role, and sensitivity to environmental contaminants. Folsomia candida (family: Isotomidae) is a globally widespread parthenogenetic species that is prevalent in laboratory toxicity testing with springtails. Conversely, Arrhopalites caecus (family: Arrhopalitidae), a parthenogenic globular springtail species, remains untested in soil ecotoxicology. This species is found in diverse habitats, including cave systems and forest leaf litter, and has a global distribution. The sensitivity of A. caecus to environmental contaminants, such as neonicotinoid insecticides, as well as its life history and optimal culturing conditions, are largely unknown. The present study describes the establishment of a pure A. caecus laboratory culture and characterization of its life cycle and culturing conditions. We assessed the sensitivity of A. caecus to various insecticides, including exposures to the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam in soil and through a novel feeding assay as well as to clothianidin and cyantraniliprole in spiked soil exposures. In 7- and 14-day exposures to thiamethoxam in agricultural soil, the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) values were determined to be 0.129 mg/kg dry weight and 0.010 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. The 14-day LC50 for exposure to thiamethoxam via spiked food was determined to be 0.307 mg/kg dry weight. In addition, the 28-day 50% effect concentration for inhibition of juvenile production from cyantraniliprole exposure in the same soil type was 0.055 mg/kg dry weight. Challenges encountered in using this species included susceptibility to mite infestation and low adult survival rates in the 28-day cyantraniliprole test. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1820–1835. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Understanding the Role of Low-Dose Polystyrene Microplastic in Copper Toxicity to Rice Seed (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Liu Xuesong , Su Hailei , Wang Fanfan , Ma Binni , Tao Yanru , Cao Ke , Shen Yaqin , Zhao Wensi , Wei Yuan , Wu Fengchang
Published: June 2024

There is still much to learn with respect to the potential for microplastics (MPs) to interact with environmental toxins and biota. In the present study, we investigated the effect of MPs on the toxicity of copper (Cu) to rice seeds (Oryza sativa L.). The 7-day median effective concentration (EC50) value of MPs on rice seed germination was 864 mg/L (95% confidence interval [CI] 839 to 897 mg/L). We found that MPs slightly reduced Cu toxicity to rice seeds. The 7-day EC50 of Cu on rice seed germination increased from 7.29 mg/L (95% CI 7.10–7.52 mg/L) to 7.93 mg/L (95% CI 7.58–8.08 mg/L) in the presence of 20 mg/L MPs. We examined this toxicity reduction phenomenon by investigating the role of MPs in the process of Cu transport, Cu accumulation, and metabolic responses. Further investigation found that the MPs used in the present study hardly adsorbed Cu, but these MPs accumulated on the coats of rice seeds and significantly reduced Cu accumulation in rice seedlings. When Cu concentration was 10 mg/L, the presence of MPs reduced the accumulation of Cu in rice seedlings by 34%. We also found that, compared with only Cu present, the addition of MPs resulted in lower reactive oxygen species accumulation and higher catalase activity and glutathione levels in rice seedlings, which also contributed to Cu toxicity reduction. Collectively, the present study shows that polystyrene MPs have the potential to form associations with plant structures which can ultimately impact heavy metal bioaccessibility and therefore toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1870–1879. © 2024 SETAC
A chaos theory view of accidental dwelling fire injuries
Authors: Taylor M. , Francis H. , Fielding J. , Jarman I. , Etchells T.
Published: June 2024

In this article, we examine a chaos theory view of accidental dwelling fire injuries using data from a UK fire and rescue service over a 10‐year period. Although chaos theory could not predict if or when a fire injury will occur for a given individual, chaos theory provided further information above and beyond the typical statistical analyses undertaken by fire and rescue services in terms of identifying pattern repetitions, interconnectedness of circumstances and sensitivity to initial conditions relating to the circumstances of accidental dwelling fire injuries. Householder behaviours such as attempting to tackle the fire or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs were the most prevalent circumstances relating to fire injury over the period studied. Proportions of smoke/toxic fumes inhalation injuries and injuries sustained attempting to fight the fire compared to the overall numbers of fire injuries per year showed pattern repetition over the period studied. In terms of interconnectedness, although there were roughly equal numbers of male and female fire injuries overall, the likelihood of an alcohol‐/drug‐related fire injury or a fire injury resulting from attempting to put out a fire was strongly connected with the gender of the householder involved.
Correlation of ADC values of adult brain tumors with the diagnosis and pathological grade: A cross‐sectional multicenter study
Authors: Hassannejad Ehsan , Mohammadifard Mahtab , Payandeh Asma , Bijari Bita , Shoja Ahmad , Abdollahi Mostafa , Mohammadifard Mahyar
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim

Brain tumors are common, requiring physicians to have a precise understanding of them for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Considering that various histological tumor types present different cellularity, we conducted this research to examine the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the differential diagnosis and pathologic grading of brain tumor types.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we gathered pathology reports of histological samples of adult brain tumors. The tissue sample of brain tumors were examined histologically by a pathologist. The magnetic resonance imaging data of these patients were interpreted by a neuroradiologist. The measured ADC values and ADC ratios were calculated. Standard mean ADC values were expressed as 10−6 mm2/s. The findings were compared according to the histological diagnosis of each tumor.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients were included in the study: 34 (50%) were male, and 34 (50%) were female. The average age of the patients was 51.69 + 16.40 years. In the examination of tumor type, 16 (23.5%) were astrocytoma, 9 (13.2%) were oligodendroglioma, 20 (29.4%) were glioblastoma, 4 (5.9%) were medulloblastoma, and 19 (27.9%) were metastatic tumors. the average value of ADC was statistically significantly different according to the pathological type of tumor (p < 0.001). The two‐by‐two comparison of average ADC among tumor types revealed significant differences, except for oligodendroglioma and glioblastoma (p‐value = 0.87) and glioblastoma and medulloblastoma (p‐value = 0.347). The average value of ADC and ADC ratio was statistically significantly different according to the pathological grade of the tumor (p < 0.001). In the two‐by‐two comparison of average ADC between all pathological grades of the tumor showed a significance difference except for Grade I and Grade II (p‐value = 0.355). The mean value of ADC and ADC ratio for glioblastoma and metastatic tumors showed no significant difference.

Conclusion

The assessment of brain tumor grade through ADC examination will help to estimate prognosis and devising suitable therapeutic strategies.
AI‐driven drug discovery: Exploring Abaucin as a promising treatment against multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Awan Roshanay E. , Zainab Syeda , Yousuf Fizza J. , Mughal Sanila
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

This study presents a comprehensive overview of a well‐recognized critical pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii and demonstrates the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in discovering new antibiotics. It is well‐known for causing serious infections, especially in patients admitted to intensive care units, which is further compromised by bacterium's resistance to even last‐resort antibiotics like carbapenems, posing critical challenges in its treatment and eradication. This article discusses Abaucin, a revolutionary antibiotic created from artificial intelligence, as a creative and potential treatment for A. baumannii.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Science Direct, MEDLINE. Only articles written in English were considered. This correspondence was written after a thorough evaluation of all the articles that discussed Abaucin's discovery, potency against A. baumannii, and the potential of AI in discovering new antibiotics. In addition, references from the selected articles were also examined to ensure a comprehensive review of the literature.

Results

This article highlights the discovery of a novel AI‐derived antibiotic, Abaucin that offers a promising solution for A. baumannii infections. Abaucin has a narrow range of action that minimizes the risk of inter‐pathogen spread of resistance, making the drug more appealing and effective. Its potential to suppress wound infections caused by multidrug‐resistant A. baumannii paves a hope for the eradication of superbugs. Further investigation and trials are needed to determine its effectiveness in human subjects and its integrity in the clinical workflow. machine learning (ML) and precision approach could revolutionize treatment strategies.

Conclusion

The discovery of Abaucin as an antibiotic to combat drug‐resistant A. baumannii bacteria showcases AI and ML's potential to uncover novel antibiotics, thereby offering alternative treatment options. This novel inception of the AI‐derived antibiotic, Abaucin marks the first step in introducing an innovative treatment option and represents a substantial leap in the treatment of drug‐resistant illnesses and the use of AI in medical advancements.
Care burden and the predictive role of spiritual well‐being and religious coping: A cross sectional study among Iranian family caregivers of patients with stroke
Authors: Mirhosseini Seyedmohammad , Hosseini Nezhad Fatemeh Sadat , Haji Mohammad Rahim Ali , Basirinezhad Mohammad Hasan , Bakhshiarab Amirheidar , Saeedi Maryam , Ebrahimi Hossein
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

The burden of care after a stroke is gaining recognition as a significant healthcare issue. Factors like religion and spirituality, encompassing religious coping and spiritual health, prove to be influential in anticipating the challenges faced by caregivers. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between care burden, spiritual health, and religious coping among caregivers of stroke patients.

Methods

This cross‐sectional research was conducted with the participation of 129 caregivers of stroke patients. The data was collected using the Ellison and Paloutzian spiritual well‐being instruments, Pargament Religious Coping (RCOPE) brief version, and the Zarit burden interview (ZBI). Through a census, participants were recruited for the investigation. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (multivariate linear regression analysis).

Results

The study results indicate a strong and statistically significant relationship between the burden of caring and spiritual health (p < 0.001,β = 0.33). Furthermore, specific variables were identified as indicators of an increased burden of care, including positive religious coping (p = 0.04,β = 0.63), the familial relationship between the caregiver and patient, specifically as a child (p = 0.001,β = 29.26), and a sister (p < 0.001,β = 35.93).

Conclusion

It is advisable to consider adopting and implementing appropriate support measures for coping strategies rooted in religion and spirituality. So, it is recommended to enhance the provision of comprehensive support, including psychological and religious interventions. This can be achieved through the collaborative efforts of support groups comprising psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, and religious experts.
Impacts of habitat alteration on macroinvertebrates in large shallow lakes: An application of a macroinvertebrate-based multimetric index
Authors: Li Mingjie , Cai Yongjiu , Zhang Ying , Carlson Peter E. , Dong Rui , Gong Zhijun , Zhang You , Li Kuanyi
Published: June 2024

Habitat plays a crucial role in shaping the macroinvertebrate community structure in large shallow lakes. In the pursuit of improving the health of freshwater ecosystems, it is imperative to consider their habitat characteristics. To evaluate the impact of habitat variations on lake ecological health, we developed a macroinvertebrate-based multimetric index (MMI) for both the pelagic and littoral zones of Lake Hongze. Additionally, we employed structural equation models to explore the influence of utilization or phytoplankton biomass on ecological health. Historical data served as reference conditions for the pelagic. Seven key attributes were selected for the pelagic MMI, that is, Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP), the percentage of Mollusca taxa, the percentage of filter-collector taxa, the percentage of predator taxa, the percentage of gather-collector taxa, and the percentage of sensitive taxa and functional dispersion. The least minimally disturbed conditions and the best attainable conditions were used to develop the littoral. Four key metrics, that is, the percentage of scraper abundance, Mollusca taxa, Biological Pollution Index, and BMWP, were integrated into the littoral MMI. The assessment based on MMI revealed a “poor” health status for the pelagic zone and a “fair” health status for the littoral zone. These findings underscore the high applicability and efficacy of MMIs in assessing and monitoring ecological health in Lake Hongze. Notably, functional feeding groups exhibited heightened sensitivity to disturbance in both zones. Moreover, sediment organic matter strongly influenced the pelagic ecological health, while chlorophyll a and transparency emerged as primary factors influencing the littoral zone, attributable to varying littoral zone utilization. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2245–2255. © 2024 SETAC

Key Points

Functional feeding groups exhibited heightened sensitivity to disturbance in both zones. Sediment organic matter strongly influenced the pelagic ecological health, and the macroinvertebrate-based multimetric index in the littoral zone was more affected by water quality.
Water requirement and single and dual crop coefficients of sesame cultivated in the coastal tablelands of Brazil
Authors: da Silva Julianna Catonio , do Nascimento Araújo Júnior George , da Rocha Adolpho Emanuel Quintela , da Silva Thieres George Freire , de Oliveira Teodoro Iêdo Peroba , dos Santos José Wanderson Silva , dos Santos Márcio Aurélio Lins , Teodoro Iêdo , Lyra Gustavo Bastos , de Almeida Ceres Duarte Guedes Cabral , dos Santos Almeida Alexsandro Claudio
Published: June 2024

Sesame irrigation is essential in drought‐prone regions. However, information about the water needs of sesame is scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and the sesame crop coefficient (Kc) during the rainy (S1) and dry (S2) seasons in the coastal tablelands of Alagoas, Brazil. The BRS Seda cultivar was grown in Rio Largo, Alagoas, Brazil, between 2021 and 2022. A system with 25 drainage lysimeters was installed to estimate the daily and cumulative ETc and the Kc for the entire crop cycle. The ETc was partitioned into transpiration (T) and evaporation (E), and the basal crop coefficients (Kcb) and soil evaporation coefficients (Ke) were subsequently estimated. The daily and cumulative ETc were 3.04 mm day−1 and 450.4 mm cycle−1, respectively, in S1 and 3.52 mm day−1 and 440.1 mm cycle−1, respectively, in S2. Regardless of the season, T was the main water flux (74%–80% of the ETc). The mean values of Kc were similar for S1 (0.79) and S2 (0.75), and Kcb and Ke followed the same trend as T and E, respectively. The accumulated ETc and Kc of sesame cultivated in the coastal tablelands of Alagoas, Northeast Brazil, are similar for the rainy and dry seasons.
Hederagenol improves multiple sclerosis by modulating Th17 cell differentiation
Authors: Guan Dongsheng , Li Yingxia , Zhao Xu , Wang Kun , Guo Yanke , Dong Ning , Cui Yinglin , Gao Yinghe , Wang Mengmeng , Wang Jing , Ren Yihan , Shang Penghui , Liu Yuxuan
Published: June 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common autoimmune illness that is difficult to treat. The upregulation of Th17 cells is critical in the pathological process of MS. Hederagenol (Hed) has been shown to lower IL‐17 levels, although its role in MS pathophysiology is uncertain. In this study, we explore whether Hed could ameliorate MS by modulating Th17 cell differentiation, with the goal of identifying new treatment targets for MS. The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model was conducted and Hed was intraperitoneally injected into mice. The weight was recorded and the clinical symptom grade was assessed. Hematoxylin‐eosin staining was carried out to determine the extent of inflammation in the spinal cord and liver. The luxol Fast Blue staining was performed to detect the pathological changes in the myelin sheath. Nerve damage was detected using NeuN immunofluorescence staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling staining. Immunohistology approaches were used to study alterations in immune cells in the spinal cord. The proportions of T cell subsets in the spleens were analyzed by flow cytometry. RORγt levels were measured using quantitative real‐time PCR or Western blot. The activity of the RORγt promoter was analyzed by Chromatin immunoprecipitation. Hed administration reduced the clinical symptom grade of EAE mice, as well as the inflammatory infiltration, demyelination, and cell disorder of the spinal cord, while having no discernible effect on the mouse weight. In addition, Hed treatment significantly reduced the number of T cells, particularly Th17 cells in the spinal cord and spleen‐isolated CD4+ T cells. Hed lowered the RORγt levels in spleens and CD4+ T cells and overexpression of RORγt reversed the inhibitory effect of Hed on Th17 differentiation. Hed decreased nerve injury by modulating Th17 differentiation through the RORγt promoter. Hed regulates Th17 differentiation by reducing RORγt promoter activity, which reduces nerve injury and alleviates EAE.
A survey of the treatment and management of ingrown toenails by UK podiatrists: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Exley Victoria , Jones Katherine , Watson Judith , Backhouse Michael
Published: June 2024

Background

Ingrown toenails are a common pathology. Although a range of conservative and surgical measures are widely used for this condition, little is known about their use in practice. This study explored current practice relating to the treatment or management of ingrown toenails by podiatrists in the UK.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT, USA) conducted between March to June 2020 was distributed to practicing podiatrists treating or managing ingrown toenails in the UK.

Results

A total of 396 practicing podiatrists responded (60.1% based in the private sector). The majority (88.6%) performed nail surgery most commonly (54.3%) less than five a month. Nearly all (95%) only performed nail avulsion with or without chemical matrixectomy, universally using phenol (97.2%). Application time and number of applications varied but was most commonly applied three times (61.5%) for a total of 3 minutes (75%). Aftercare varied considerably between public and private sectors, with public sectors offering fewer follow‐up appointments.

Conclusions

Although there is a variation in clinical practice throughout the treatment pathway, almost all respondents offered nail avulsion with phenol matrixectomy, whereas very few provided incisional nail surgery. This data provides the most comprehensive description of how UK podiatrists conduct nail surgery for onychocryptosis.