bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability of high dry matter orange‐fleshed sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] in later breeding stages and allocation of breeding resources in the humid tropics of Peru
Authors: Diaz Federico , Eyzaguirre Raúl , Marulanda Jose , Blas Raul , Longin C. Friedrich H. , Utz H. Friedrich , De Boeck Bert , Grüneberg Wolfgang J.
Published: August 2023

Orange‐fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] often lacks high dry matter (DM) in elite breeding material. The objectives were to examine the potential to combine yield with high root DM and high root β‐carotene (BC) content by variance‐covariance analysis and optimization of breeding scenarios for “OFSP dry and starchy,” which was exemplarily shown for the humid tropics of Peru. The trial series across seasons suggested a good chance to combine yield and quality (high DM and high BC). The unique data were used to estimate variance components and correlations among four yield traits and four quality traits. For the optimization of selections in our breeding program, we used the selection response by Cochran's approach and developed a small R script. Responses to selection were predicted for storage root yield and a modified Elston index aggregating eight traits. The differences between two‐ and three‐stage selection scenarios were small. For storage root yield, the recommended optimized two‐stage selection increased the response relative to the standard (one‐stage selection 100%) to 141.6% for 2268 plots and to 189.1% for 540 plots; the corresponding optimized three‐stage selection increased the response to 144.3% for 2268 plots and to 190.5% for 540 plots. A two‐stage selection is recommended with two to three locations at the first stage and 6–12 locations at the second stage, according to low‐ or high‐test capacity, respectively. Optimization of breeding schemes is much more important for smaller breeding programs than those with larger test capacity, and this allows testing even larger numbers of genotypes in a small breeding program.
Trucks versus treks: The relative influence of motorized versus nonmotorized recreation on a mammal community
Authors: Gump Kelsey M. , Thornton Daniel H.
Published: August 2023

Outdoor recreation is increasing rapidly on public lands, with potential consequences for wildlife communities. Recreation can induce shifts in wildlife activity and habitat use, but responses vary widely even within the same species, suggesting mitigating factors that remain poorly understood. Both the type of recreation—motorized or nonmotorized—and the distance of wildlife from human disturbance may be important in developing a general understanding of recreation impacts on wildlife and making more informed management decisions. We conducted a camera‐trapping survey in the Colville National Forest (CNF) of northeastern Washington in the summers of 2019 and 2020. We collected ~11,000 trap nights of spatially extensive data on nine mid–large mammalian species, simultaneously recording the presence and activity patterns of motorized (primarily vehicles on roads) and nonmotorized (primarily hikers on trails) recreation and wildlife both along trails and roads and off trails and off roads (away from most recreation). We used diel overlap analysis, time lag analysis, and single‐season single‐species occupancy modeling to examine the impact of recreation on the focal species. Species temporally avoided recreationists either by shifting to more nocturnal hours or delaying return to recently used recreation sites. Most species also responded spatially by altering the use or the intensity of use of camera sites due to recreation, although both positive and negative associations with recreation were documented. Species responded to nonmotorized recreation (e.g., hikers on trails) more often than motorized recreation (e.g., vehicles on roads). Most effects of recreation extended off the trail or road, although in three instances the spatiotemporal response of species to recreation along trails/roads disappeared a short distance away from those features. Our work suggests that a better understanding of landscape‐scale impacts of recreation, including fitness consequences, will require additional work to disentangle the effects of different types of recreation and estimate the effective distance at which wildlife responds. Moreover, these results suggest that quiet, nonconsumptive recreation may warrant increased attention from land managers given its potential to influence the spatiotemporal ecology of numerous species.
Electrochemical pH sensing characteristics of nitrogen‐doped zinc oxide nanostructures using a screen‐printed platform**
Authors: Mary Manoj Alisha , Rose Viannie Leema
Published: August 2023

Monitoring pH variations is of vital importance in the field of medical diagnostics and healthcare devices. Employing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials as active sensing elements allows sensitivity enhancement by increasing the surface area of the nanomaterials used and improving the charge transfer mechanism in the sensor. In this study, an electrochemical pH sensor based on nitrogen‐doped zinc oxide nanosheets was developed using a single step hydrothermal technique. The results obtained show the successful incorporation of nitrogen into the crystal structure of ZnO nanosheets. The sensing platform was fabricated using a simple mask‐printing technique using carbon electrodes on a polyimide substrate. The sensing characteristics of nitrogen‐doped ZnO (N−ZnO) nanosheets as pH sensors are evaluated for the first time. The results show that the response time and performance improved with nitrogen doping, for a lower analyte volume of just 5 mL. Furthermore, the detailed mechanism of pH sensing was formulated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The resistance obtained was directly proportional to the charge‐transfer resistance at the electrode‐electrolyte interface for N−ZnO. The sensitivity as determined by charge‐transfer resistance is 0.512 MΩ/pH. Further, the chronoamperometric studies show a sensitivity of 0.156 μA/pH. The response characteristics also reveal a linearity of 0.965 over a pH range of 3 to 9. Hence, the study shows the exceptional response of N−ZnO nanostructures in pH sensing applications. The advantages of the N−ZnO nanosheets include higher sensitivity, flexibility, and a smaller volume of testing fluid that promotes their easy integration into various analytical applications.
Sensitivity of the Neotropical Solitary Bee Centris analis F. (Hymenoptera, Apidae) to the Reference Insecticide Dimethoate for Pesticide Risk Assessment
Authors: Tadei Rafaela , Menezes-Oliveira Vanessa B. , Silva Claudia I. , Mathias da Silva Elaine C. , Malaspina Osmar
Published: August 2023

Currently, only Apis mellifera is used in environmental regulation to evaluate the hazard of pesticides to pollinators. The low representativeness of pollinators and bee diversity in this approach may result in insufficient protection for the wild species. This scenario is intensified in tropical environments, where little is known about the effects of pesticides on solitary bees. We aimed to calculate the medium lethal dose (LD50) and medium lethal concentration (LC50) of the insecticide dimethoate in the Neotropical solitary bee Centris analis, a cavity-nesting, oil-collecting bee distributed from Brazil to Mexico. Males and females of C. analis were exposed orally to dimethoate for 48 h under laboratory conditions. Lethality was assessed every 24 h until 144 h after the beginning of the test. After the LD50 calculation, we compared the value with available LD50 values in the literature of other bee species using the species sensitivity distribution curve. In 48 h of exposure, males showed an LD50 value 1.33 times lower than females (32.78 and 43.84 ng active ingredient/bee, respectively). Centris analis was more sensitive to dimethoate than the model species A. mellifera and the solitary bee from temperate zones, Osmia lignaria. However, on a body weight basis, C. analis and A. mellifera had similar LD50 values. Ours is the first study that calculated an LD50 for a Neotropical solitary bee. Besides, the results are of crucial importance for a better understanding of the effects of pesticides on the tropical bee fauna and will help to improve the risk assessment of pesticides to bees under tropical conditions, giving attention to wild species, which are commonly neglected. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2758–2767. © 2023 SETAC
The estrogen receptor modulatory activity and neuroprotective activity of novel prenylated flavonoids and their structure–activity relationship
Authors: Wen Lingrong , Yuan Yunfei , Jiang Yueming , Xiong Binghong , Yang Bao
Published: August 2023

Prenylated flavonoids are promising nutraceuticals with diverse bioactivities. However, publications on the mechanism of action and structure–activity relationship of prenylated flavonoids are limited. In the present work, six novel prenylated flavonoids (C8–C13) with diversity structure were prepared. Their estrogen receptor (ER) modulator activity and neuroprotective activity were investigated by cell assays. C8, C9, and C10 with 8‐C‐prenyl and 7‐OH showed agonistic activities toward ERα and ERβ, along with high ERβ selectivity. However, C11 and C12 were ERα‐selective agonists. The position and substituent moiety of prenylation, C‐ring configuration, and flavonoid skeleton were important for the ER modulating activities. Hydrogen bonds between 3′‐OH and Leu339 in ERβ, and 5′‐OH and Glu305 in ERβ might respond for the higher agonistic activity of C8 and C10, respectively. C8, C9, C11, and C12 showed more potency than 17β‐estradiol on neuroprotection in glutamate‐treated PC‐12 cells. C8 and C12 could reverse reactive oxygen species overproduction and reduction of Δψm induced by glutamate through increase of the expression of ERS1, SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx4 and decrease of caspase‐3 expression, suggesting C8, and C9 might interact with ERα, promote antioxidant defense, mitigate oxidative stress, and improve mitochondrial function to exert the neuroprotection activities.
Emodin protects against intestinal dysfunction and enhances survival in rat model of septic peritonitis through anti‐inflammatory actions
Authors: Hua Zhongjie , Wang Yaqin , Chen Weiping , Li Wei , Shen Jiali
Published: August 2023

Background

Sepsis is a significant contributor to organ function damage or failure that results in intestinal dysfunction. Emodin (Emo) has received much attention for its notable anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial properties. We aimed to explore the function of Emo on sepsis.

Methods

Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were pretreated with 20 or 40 mg/kg of Emo, followed by using cecal ligation and perforation to establish sepsis models. Hereafter, blood glucose levels, biochemical parameters, and inflammatory cytokines were measured. Additionally, ileal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was also measured. Diamine oxidase (DAO) level in plasma, fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran 40 (FD‐40) level in serum, bacteria number in blood and peritoneal fluid, histopathological changes of ileum, and tight junction (TJ) protein expressions in ileum were tested to evaluate the barrier function. Furthermore, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells' percentages were evaluated by flow cytometry. Finally, rats' survival rate was calculated as live rats divided by the total number of rats.

Results

Emo pretreatment not only decreased blood glucose level, but also downregulated triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) contents for sepsis rats, especially for the high dose of Emo (p < .05). Furthermore, Emo inhibited MPO activity and inflammatory factor release (p < .05). Crucially, after Emo administration, the barrier function of ileum was enhanced, evidenced by the reduced DAO, FD‐40 levels, decreased bacteria number, alleviated pathological damage in ileum and increased TJ protein expressions (p < .05). Rats treated with Emo exhibited increased percentages of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells (p < .05), as well as an improved survival rate.

Conclusion

Emo exhibited a remarkable ability to attenuate sepsis by restoring intestinal dysfunction and improving survival rates, and the mechanism was closely related to anti‐inflammatory properties, which provided new solid evidence for the use of Emo in treating sepsis.
Clinical and immunological characteristics for BK polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy after kidney transplantation
Authors: Siripoon Tanaya , Apiwattanakul Nopporn , Mongkolrattanakul Pannawat , Tongsook Chutatip , Unwanatham Nattawut , Hongeng Suradej , Kantachuvesiri Surasak , Bruminhent Jackrapong
Published: August 2023

Introduction

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV)‐associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) can cause a significant risk of allograft impairment after kidney transplantation (KT). Intact BKPyV‐specific immunity is associated with viral containment. This study investigated BKPyV‐specific immunological factors among KT recipients.

Methods

This prospective study in a single transplant center from January 2019 to August 2019 assessed associations between clinical and immunological characteristics, with a focus on BKPyV‐cell‐specific immunity and BKPyVAN, among KT recipients aged ≥15 years. The numbers of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ)‐producing CD4+ T, CD8+ T, natural killer (NK), and natural killer T (NKT) cells were measured after stimulation with large T antigen and viral capsid protein 1 (VP1).

Results

In total, 100 KT recipients were included (mean age ± SD, 42 ± 11 years); 35% of the recipients were female patients, and 70% had received induction immunosuppressive therapy. The 1‐year cumulative incidence of high‐level BKPyV DNAuria (possible BKPyVAN) and (presumptive BKPyVAN) was 18%. Among 40 patients with immunological factor data, pre‐KT %NK cells (hazard ratio [HR], 1.258; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.077–1.469; p = .004) and %VP1‐specific NK cells (HR, 1.209; 95% CI, 1.055–1.386; p = .006) were factors independently associated with possible and presumptive BKPyVAN. KT recipients with possible and presumptive BKPyVAN were more likely to exhibit significant mean coefficients of %NK, %VP1‐specific NK, and %NKT cells at 1 month after KT than before KT (all p < .05).

Conclusion

Individuals with nonspecific and VP1‐specific NK cells before KT and increasing numbers of these cells after KT may be at risk for high‐level BKPyV DNAuria and presumptive BKPyVAN. Further studies are needed to determine the utility of BKPyV‐specific innate immune surveillance in predicting the occurrence of BKPyVAN.
Achievement of sufficient antibody response after a fourth dose of wild‐type SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine in nursing home residents
Authors: Chong Yong , Goto Takeyuki , Watanabe Haruka , Tani Naoki , Yonekawa Akiko , Ikematsu Hideyuki , Shimono Nobuyuki , Tanaka Yosuke , Akashi Koichi
Published: August 2023

Background

Infection control during COVID‐19 outbreaks in nursing facilities is a critical public health issue. Antibody responses before and after the fourth (second booster) dose of wild‐type severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccine in nursing home residents have not been fully characterized.

Methods

This study included 112 individuals: 54 nursing home residents (mean age: 84.4 years; 35 SARS‐CoV‐2‐naive and 19 previously infected) and 58 healthcare workers (mean age: 47.7 years; 25 SARS‐CoV‐2‐naive and 33 previously infected). Antispike and antinucleocapsid antibody responses to messenger RNA vaccination were evaluated using serum samples collected shortly and 5 months after the third dose, and shortly after the fourth dose.

Results

The median immunoglobulin G (IgG) level in SARS‐CoV‐2‐naive residents was similar to that in SARS‐CoV‐2‐naive healthcare workers after the fourth dose (24,026.3 vs. 30,328.6 AU/mL, p = .79), whereas after the third dose the IgG level of SARS‐CoV‐2‐naive residents was approximately twofold lower than that in SARS‐CoV‐2‐naive healthcare workers. In residents with previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, timing of infection in relation to vaccination affected the kinetics of antibody responses. Residents infected after the third dose showed the highest IgG levels after the fourth dose among all groups (median: 64,328.8 AU/mL), in contrast to residents infected before initiating vaccination with antibody levels similar to those of SARS‐CoV‐2‐naive residents.

Conclusions

Advanced aged nursing home residents, poor responders in the initial SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine series, could achieve sufficient antibody responses after the fourth (second booster) vaccination, comparable to those of younger adults.
Clinical efficacy, safety, and subjective experience based on ePRO in HIV‐infected individuals administered Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in southwest China
Authors: Kong Linghong , Xie Xiaoxin , Fu Yanhua , Gan Lin , Yang Xiaoyan , Ma Shujing , Long Hai
Published: August 2023

Background

Prospective studies examining long‐term therapeutic outcomes of the Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) regimen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remain limited. This study assessed the actual efficacy and safety of BIC/FTC/TAF in HIV‐infected individuals in southwest China.

Methods

This was a single‐center, prospective study enrolling ART‐naïve (n = 32) and ART‐experienced (n = 177) HIV‐infected patients administered BIC/FTC/TAF treatment between March 2022 and August 2022. The data were collected until February 28, 2023. Virological reactions and adverse events to the treatment were recorded, and patient subjective feelings in the form of Electronic Patient Reporting Outcome (ePRO) were collected. The primary endpoint was the rate of patients with HIV viral load <50 copies/mL at Week 24.

Results

At Week 24, 87.5% and 95.5% of ART‐naïve and ART‐experienced HIV patients had a viral load <50 copies/mL, respectively. CD4 cell counts in ART‐naïve and ART‐experienced patients increased significantly by 163.5 cells/μL (p = .002) and 55.0 cells/μL (p = .022), respectively. By Week 24, no patients had discontinued the BIC/FTC/TAF treatment due to adverse events. Based on ePRO data, ART‐naïve and ART‐experienced patients at Week 24 had stable disease symptom burden, quality of life, and depression level after treatment with BIC/FTC/TAF.

Conclusion

BIC/FTC/TAF reduces the viral load in ART‐naïve patients with high viral load as well as ART‐experienced patients with residual viremia. The patient's subjective experience was maintained stable after treatment with BIC/FTC/TAF. This study also revealed a very low incidence for BIC/FTC/TAF drug‐related side effects.
Therapeutic strategies and promising vaccine for hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Adugna Adane
Published: August 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is still a significant global health problem despite therapeutic advancements. Ribavirin and interferon therapy have been the sole available treatments for HCV infection for a number of years with low efficacy. Thus, currently, a number of therapeutic strategies are being used, including nanoparticles (NPs), micro‐RNAs such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), RNAi‐based gene silencing and antisense oligonucleotide‐based microRNA‐122, microRNA‐155, and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), and immunotherapeutic approaches such as anti‐programmed cell death 1(PD‐1), monoclonal antibodies (mAb or moAb), and monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (Mo‐DCs). Furthermore, direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) and host‐targeting agents (HTA) were also the current therapeutic approaches with great efficacy. In spite of different clinical trials on HCV vaccine developments, nowadays there is no effective HCV vaccine in opposition to virus due to various challenges including genetic diversity, lack of immunocompetent small animal models, shortage of HCV vaccination testing alternatives, lack of an effective tissue culture method for replicating HCV, and inadequate knowledge regarding to immune responses against HCV infection. Nowadays, mRNA vaccine, recombinant viral vector, peptides vaccine, virus‐like particles, DNA vaccine, rational designed vaccine, and recombinant polyantigenic T‐cell‐based vaccine are novel promising candidates for HCV vaccine based on various clinical trials. This review summarizes the different therapeutic approaches and the advancements of vaccine candidates for HCV infection.
The emerging role of IL‐38 in diseases: A comprehensive review
Authors: Chen Weijun , Xi Shuangyun , Ke Yong , Lei Yinlei
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Interleukin‐38 (IL‐38) is a new type of anti‐inflammatory cytokine, which is mainly expressed in the immunity‐related organs and is involved in various diseases including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, lung diseases, viral infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.

Aim

This review aims to detail the biological function, receptors and signaling of IL‐38, which highlights its therapeutic potential in related diseases.

Conclusion

This article provides a comprehensive review of the association between interleukin‐38 and related diseases, using interleukin‐38 as a keyword and searching the relevant literature through Pubmed and Web of science up to July 2023.
Climate policy uncertainty and firm investment
Authors: Huang Tao , Sun Zeyu
Published: August 2023

This article investigates the relation between climate policy uncertainty and firm investment in China. We quantify climate policy uncertainty in China based on the news from two leading mainland newspapers: the Renmin Daily and the Guangming Daily. Using the sample of Chinese A‐share companies from January 2003 to September 2021, we find robust evidence that firms exhibit lower levels of investment when facing to higher climate policy uncertainty. Specifically, we also show that this negative effect is more profound for state‐owned enterprises, carbon‐intensive enterprises, and enterprises with lower risk taking. The results also give evidence that the effect of climate policy uncertainty on firm investment can last up to three quarters and disappear within 1 year. Finally, we propose that investment irreversibility is plausible channel through which climate policy uncertainty discourages investment. Overall, these results shed light on the real effects of climate policy uncertainty and the determinants of investment.
Multicenter evaluation of blood‐based biomarkers for the detection of endometriosis and adenomyosis: A prospective non‐interventional study
Authors: Burghaus Stefanie , Drazic Predrag , Wölfler Monika , Mechsner Sylvia , Zeppernick Magdalena , Meinhold‐Heerlein Ivo , Mueller Michael D. , Rothmund Ralf , Vigano Paola , Becker Christian M. , Zondervan Krina T. , Beckmann Matthias W. , Fasching Peter A. , Berner‐Gatz Sibylle , Grünewald Felix S. , Hund Martin , Kastner Peter , Klammer Martin , Laubender Ruediger P. , Wegmeyer Heike , Wienhues‐Thelen Ursula‐Henrike , Renner Stefan P.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To evaluate blood‐based biomarkers to detect endometriosis and/or adenomyosis across nine European centers (June 2014–April 2018).

Methods

This prospective, non‐interventional study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of 54 blood‐based biomarker immunoassays in samples from 919 women (aged 18–45 years) with suspicion of endometriosis and/or adenomyosis versus symptomatic controls. Endometriosis was stratified by revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine stage. Symptomatic controls were “pathologic symptomatic controls” or “pathology‐free symptomatic controls”. The main outcome measure was receiver operating characteristic‐area under the curve (ROC‐AUC) and WilcoxonPvalues corrected for multiple testing (qvalues).

Results

CA‐125 performed best in “all endometriosis cases” versus “all symptomatic controls” (AUC 0.645, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.600–0.690,q < 0.001) and increased (P < 0.001) with disease stage. In “all endometriosis cases” versus “pathology‐free symptomatic controls”, S100‐A12 performed best (AUC 0.692, 95% CI 0.614–0.769,q = 0.001) followed by CA‐125 (AUC 0.649, 95% CI 0.569–0.729,q = 0.021). In “adenomyosis only cases” versus “symptomatic controls” or “pathology‐free symptomatic controls”, respectively, the top‐performing biomarkers were sFRP‐4 (AUC 0.615, 95% CI 0.551–0.678,q = 0.045) and S100‐A12 (AUC 0.701, 95% CI 0.611–0.792,q = 0.004).

Conclusion

This study concluded that no biomarkers tested could diagnose or rule out endometriosis/adenomyosis with high certainty.
Prevention of Hip Fractures: Trade-off between Minor Benefits to Individuals and Large Benefits to the Community
Authors: Tran Thach S. , Ho-Le Thao P. , Bliuc Dana , Center Jacqueline R. , Blank Robert D. , Nguyen Tuan V.
Published: August 2023

Goeffrey Rose postulated that a population-based measure bringing a small benefit to each individual can yield large benefits to the community. We aimed to test this axiom by quantifying the relationship between change in bone mineral density (BMD) and hip fracture incidence between two prospective cohorts separated by ~10 years. In this prospective population-based Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study (DOES), the participants aged 60+ were recruited in two waves: the initial cohort (1311 women, 842 men) in 1989 to 1992 and the second cohort (974 women, 544 men) in 1999 to 2001. The incident hip fracture was radiologically ascertained. Femoral neck BMD was measured biannually. Multivariable-adjusted Cox's proportional hazards models were adjusted for the predefined covariates such as age, BMI, lifestyle factors, falls, and prior fracture. Compared with the initial cohort, the second cohort had a higher femoral neck BMD by ~0.04 g/cm2 in women and 0.03 g/cm2 in men. However, the prevalence of osteoporosis in the second cohort was halved (prevalence ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.73 in women; 0.45, 0.24 to 0.84 in men), and its hip fracture incidence was significantly reduced (hazard ratio 0.54, 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.78 in women; 0.39, 0.19 to 0.80 in men). Sensitivity analyses indicated that the “effect” was unlikely due to unmeasured confounders. These findings suggest that a population-wide strategy aimed at enhancing BMD across the entire population could lead to a substantial decrease in the incidence of hip fractures. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
A comprehensive analysis of charge transfer effects on donor‐pyrene (bridge)‐acceptor systems using different substituents
Authors: Borges Itamar , Guimarães Roberta M. P. O. , Monteiro‐de‐Castro Gabriel , Rosa Nathália M. P. , Nieman Reed , Lischka Hans , Aquino Adelia J. A.
Published: August 2023

The alternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pyrene has photophysical properties that can be tuned with different donor and acceptor substituents. Recently, a D (donor)‐Pyrene (bridge)‐A (acceptor) system, DPA, with the electron donor N,N‐dimethylaniline (DMA), and the electron acceptor trifluoromethylphenyl (TFM), was investigated by means of time‐resolved spectroscopic measurements (J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2021, 12, 2226–2231). DPA shows great promise for potential applications in organic electronic devices. In this work, we used the ab initio second‐order algebraic diagrammatic construction method ADC(2) to investigate the excited‐state properties of a series of analogous DPA systems, including the originally synthesized DPAs. The additionally investigated substituents were amino, fluorine, and methoxy as donors and nitrile and nitro groups as acceptors. The focus of this work was on characterizing the lowest excited singlet states regarding charge transfer (CT) and local excitation (LE) characters. For the DMA‐pyrene‐TFM system, the ADC(2) calculations show two initial electronic states relevant for interpreting the photodynamics. The bright S1 state is locally excited within the pyrene moiety, and an S2 state is localized ~0.5 eV above S1 and characterized as a donor to pyrene CT state. HOMO and LUMO energies were employed to assess the efficiency of the DPA compounds for organic photovoltaics (OPVs). HOMO‐LUMO and optical gaps were used to estimate power conversion and light‐harvesting efficiencies for practical applications in organic solar cells. Considering the systems using smaller D/A substituents, compounds with the strong acceptor NO2 substituent group show enhanced CT and promising properties for use in OPVs. Some of the other compounds with small substituents are also found to be competitive in this regard.
Haloperidol alters neurotrophic factors and epigenetic parameters in an animal model of schizophrenia induced by ketamine
Authors: Valvassori Samira S. , da Rosa Richard T. , Dal‐Pont Gustavo C. , Varela Roger B. , Mastella Gustavo A. , Daminelli Thiani , Fries Gabriel R. , Quevedo João , Zugno Alexandra I.
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to evaluate Haloperidol's (Hal) effects on the behavioral, neurotrophic factors, and epigenetic parameters in an animal model of schizophrenia (SCZ) induced by ketamine (Ket). Injections of Ket or saline were administered intraperitoneal (once a day) between the 1st and 14th days of the experiment. Water or Hal was administered via gavage between the 8th and 14th experimental days. Thirty minutes after the last injection, the animals were subjected to behavioral analysis. The activity of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), histone deacetylase (HDAC), and histone acetyltransferase and levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3), and glial‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were evaluated in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. Ket increased the covered distance and time spent in the central area of the open field, and Hal did not reverse these behavioral alterations. Significant increases in the DNMT and HDAC activities were detected in the frontal cortex and striatum from rats that received Ket, Hal, or a combination thereof. Besides, Hal per se increased the activity of DNMT and HDAC in the hippocampus of rats. Hal per se or the association of Ket plus Hal decreased BDNF, NGF, NT‐3, and GDNF, depending on the brain region and treatment regimen. The administration of Hal can alter the levels of neurotrophic factors and the activity of epigenetic enzymes, which can be a factor in the development of effect collateral in SCZ patients. However, the precise mechanisms involved in these alterations are still unclear.
A simple method for effective cryopreservation of antlerogenic periosteum of sika deer
Authors: Li Jiping , Wang Dongxu , Ren Jing , Wang Yusu , Hu Pengfei , Li Chunyi
Published: August 2023

Antlerogenic periosteum (AP) is the unique tissue type that gives rise to antlers and their antecedents, the pedicles. Deer antlers are the only mammalian organ that can fully regenerate. Efficient investigation of the mechanism of antler formation and regeneration requires year‐round availability of AP, but naturally AP can only be obtained less than two months in a year. In the present study we took the cryopreservation approach to store the sampled AP in ultra‐low temperature to overcome the limited period of availability. First, we evaluated the suitability of vitrification and cell cryopreservation method for cryopreservation of AP, cell migration status of the AP tissue pieces confirmed that vitrification methods did not work as the only few AP cells migrated out, whereas migrated cell numbers in the cell‐cryo group (conventional method for cryopreservation of cells) were comparable to those of the fresh AP group. To further evaluate the suitability of cell cryopreservation method for AP tissue, AP samples were allocated into three groups based on the different ratios of cryopreservation reagents (dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO], dulbecco's modified eagle's medium [DMEM] and fetal bovine serum [FBS]): AP‐Cell‐1 (1:4:5), AP‐Cell‐2 (1:2:7) and AP‐Cell‐3 (1:0:9), the results showed that migrated cell number were again comparable to the fresh AP group. There was no significant difference between the cell‐cryo groups (AP‐Cell‐1 and AP‐Cell‐3) and the fresh group: (1) in viability (p > 0.05) through trypan blue staining (91.2%, 90.8%, and 92.4%, respectively); (2) in the attachment day, and all on Day 5 after cell seeding; (3) in cell proliferation rate (p > 0.05) through Cell Counting kit 8 (CCK8) measurement; and (4) in number of the formed clones (Clonogenicity). In the in vivo trials, there was no visible difference in temporal differentiation sequence of the formed xenogeneic antlers between the fresh AP and cryopreserved AP (AP‐Cell‐1 and AP‐Cell‐3). Overall, we found that the AP tissue was well cryopreserved just using the conventional freezing and thawing methods for cells, and their viability and developmental potential comparable to the fresh AP both in vitro and in vivo. The long‐term preservation of the AP tissue is of great significance for the study of the periosteum biology in general and the mechanism underlying xenogeneic generation and regeneration of deer antlers in specific.
Rhinoviruses A and C elicit long‐lasting antibody responses with limited cross‐neutralization
Authors: Bochkov Yury A. , Devries Mark , Tetreault Kaitlin , Gangnon Ronald , Lee Sujin , Bacharier Leonard B. , Busse William W. , Camargo Carlos A. , Choi Timothy , Cohen Robyn , De Ramyani , DeMuri Gregory P. , Fitzpatrick Anne M. , Gergen Peter J. , Grindle Kristine , Gruchalla Rebecca , Hartert Tina , Hasegawa Kohei , Khurana Hershey Gurjit K. , Holt Patrick , Homil Kiara , Jartti Tuomas , Kattan Meyer , Kercsmar Carolyn , Kim Haejin , Laing Ingrid A. , Le Souëf Peter N. , Liu Andrew H. , Mauger David T. , Pappas Tressa , Patel Shilpa J. , Phipatanakul Wanda , Pongracic Jacqueline , Seroogy Christine , Sly Peter D. , Tisler Christopher , Wald Ellen R. , Wood Robert , Lemanske Robert F. , Jackson Daniel J. , Gern James E. ,   program collaborators for Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes
Published: August 2023

Rhinoviruses (RVs) can cause severe wheezing illnesses in young children and patients with asthma. Vaccine development has been hampered by the multitude of RV types with little information about cross‐neutralization. We previously showed that neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses to RV‐C are detected twofold to threefold more often than those to RV‐A throughout childhood. Based on those findings, we hypothesized that RV‐C infections are more likely to induce either cross‐neutralizing or longer‐lasting antibody responses compared with RV‐A infections. We pooled RV diagnostic data from multiple studies of children with respiratory illnesses and compared the expected versus observed frequencies of sequential infections with RV‐A or RV‐C types using log‐linear regression models. We tested longitudinally collected plasma samples from children to compare the duration of RV‐A versus RV‐C nAb responses. Our models identified limited reciprocal cross‐neutralizing relationships for RV‐A (A12–A75, A12–A78, A20–A78, and A75–A78) and only one for RV‐C (C2–C40). Serologic analysis using reference mouse sera and banked human plasma samples confirmed that C40 infections induced nAb responses with modest heterotypic activity against RV‐C2. Mixed‐effects regression modeling of longitudinal human plasma samples collected from ages 2 to 18 years demonstrated that RV‐A and RV‐C illnesses induced nAb responses of similar duration. These results indicate that both RV‐A and RV‐C nAb responses have only modest cross‐reactivity that is limited to genetically similar types. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, RV‐C species may include even fewer cross‐neutralizing types than RV‐A, whereas the duration of nAb responses during childhood is similar between the two species. The modest heterotypic responses suggest that RV vaccines must have a broad representation of prevalent types.
Viral load: We need a new look at an old problem?
Authors: Guterres Alexandro
Published: August 2023

The concept of viral load was introduced in the 1980s to measure the amount of viral genetic material in a person's blood, primarily for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It has since become crucial for monitoring HIV infection progression and assessing the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy. However, during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the term “viral load” became widely popularized, not only for the scientific community but for the general population. Viral load plays a critical role in both clinical patient management and research, providing valuable insights for antiviral treatment strategies, vaccination efforts, and epidemiological control measures. As measuring viral load is so important, why don't researchers discuss the best way to do it? Is it simply acceptable to use raw Ct values? Relying solely on Ct values for viral load estimation can be problematic due to several reasons. First, Ct values can vary between different quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays, platforms, and laboratories, making it difficult to compare data across studies. Second, Ct values do not directly measure the quantity of viral particles in a sample and they can be influenced by various factors such as initial viral load, sample quality, and assay sensitivity. Moreover, variations in viral RNA extraction and reverse‐transcription steps can further impact the accuracy of viral load estimation, emphasizing the need for careful interpretation of Ct values in viral load assessment. Interestingly, we did not observe scientific articles addressing different strategies to quantify viral load. The absence of standardized and validated methods impedes the implementation of viral load monitoring in clinical management. The variability in cell quantities within samples and the variation in viral particle numbers within infected cells further challenge accurate viral load measurement and interpretation. To advance the field and improve patient outcomes, there is an urgent need for the development and validation of tailored, standardized methods for precise viral load quantification.
“We Have a Voice. We Exist.”: Value of Basic Needs Satisfaction for Well‐Being and Goal Development in Inclusive Theater Spaces for Young People
Authors: Ferrell Amanda , Levstek Maruša , Banerjee Robin
Published: August 2023

Creative arts programs have potential for promoting psychological well‐being amongst young people. The present research used a mixed‐methods approach to address the mechanisms involved in the well‐being of marginalized young people engaged in creative arts participation, based on self‐determination theory. A preliminary quantitative analysis investigated the levels of basic needs satisfaction (BNS) that 42 young people reported experiencing at home, at school, and at a youth theater organization. Young people reported the highest level of BNS at the theater, and there was a marginally significant trend suggesting this had a positive association with well‐being, over and above the effects of BNS at home and school. Nonetheless, Bayesian factor indicated more data is required to confirm this observation. Subsequently, an in‐depth qualitative analysis was undertaken with semi‐structured interviews with three young people as well as with their parents and schoolteachers. Thematic analysis highlighted the ways satisfaction of autonomy (through empowerment), relatedness (through the establishment of group membership), and competence (through creating a safe space for young people to be heard) allowed the young people to develop positive future aspirations. Study implications and directions for further work are explored in relation to the way that creative arts participation enables young people to explore possible goals and give them an understanding of what they can achieve.
Compound chenpi tea consumption reduces obesity‐related metabolic disorders by modulating gut microbiota and serum metabolites in mice
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Hao Jinhua , Miao Danyang , Xiao Pingting , Jiang Xiaoyu , E‐Hu Liu
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Compound chenpi tea (CCT) is a popular herbal beverage made from citri reticulatae pericarpium, Ganoderma lucidum, and pu‐erh tea. This study aimed to investigate the anti‐obesity effect of CCT in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) and to explore the potential mediators by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and serum metabolomic analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that CCT supplementation can effectively reduce diet‐induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Further analyses revealed that CCT could reverse the changes of 28 metabolites induced by HFD, mainly affecting, amino acid metabolism, gut microbiota metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. CCT could also alleviate the intestinal dysbiosis by decreasing the abundance of Romboutsia, Gemella, [Eubacterium]_fissicatena_group, and Faecalibaculum, and increasing the abundance of Oscillibacter, Blautia, and Acetatifactor.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings demonstrated that CCT supplementation modulated gut microbiota and obesity‐related metabolic disorders in mice. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Round Window Niche Veil is Visible on High‐Resolution Computed Tomography and a Predictor of Local Drug Efficacy to Inner Ear
Authors: Zhuo Shipei , Li Yong , Cui Bozhen , Liu Yuxiang , Deng Jingman , Lou Jintao , Yuan Jianpeng , Si Yu , Zhang Zhigang
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To determine the morphologies and effect of the round window niche veil (RWNV) on local drug delivery efficacy and develop diagnostic criteria on high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT).

Methods

Patients diagnosed with otosclerosis, bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss or vestibular schwannoma were enrolled from 2019 to 2022, receiving temporal bone HRCT scanning, and anatomic variations of RWMV were summarized intraoperative. For patients with vestibular schwannoma, 1 mL of dexamethasone solution (4 mg/mL) was administered via facial recess during operation, and samples of perilymph were collected to analyze. The diagnostic criteria of RWNV on HRCT were developed and verified.

Results

A total of 85 patients were enrolled. RWNV was observed in 54 cases intraoperatively with an incidence of 63.5% (95% CI, 52.9%–73.0%). The median perilymph concentrations were 4.86‐fold higher in the group without RWNV than with RWNV (p < 0.0001). RWNV could be visualized on HRCT with a window width of 3500–4500 HU and a window level of 300–500 HU. The characteristic features were as follows: (1) a thin soft tissue shadow could be seen at the entrance of the round window niche (RWN); (2) it was visible in at least 2 consecutive layers along the upper margin of RWN from top to bottom; (3) it was discontinuous with the adjacent bone margin. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic criteria were 77.8% and 93.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

RWNV could reduce local dexamethasone diffusion efficacy to the inner ear, which could be diagnosed on HRCT and used as a predictor of local drug delivery efficacy to the inner ear.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1396–1402, 2024
Why do algal blooms intensify under reduced nitrogen and fluctuating phosphorus conditions: The underappreciated role of non‐algal light attenuation
Authors: Zou Wei , Xu Hai , Zhu Guangwei , Zhu Mengyuan , Guo Chaoxuan , Xiao Man , Zhang Yunlin , Qin Boqiang
Published: August 2023

Light availability for phytoplankton in shallow lakes is closely related to non‐algal light attenuation (KdNALA, the fractional light absorption by non‐algal substances, such as suspended sediments); thus, significant changes in global wind speed in recent decades may have a profound effect on light availability and algal blooms in shallow lakes. Herein, the eutrophic shallow Lake Taihu was selected to investigate the long‐term dynamics of light availability and its effect on algal blooms. The results showed that KdNALA decreased from approximately 3.5 to 2.5 m−1 with decreasing wind speed from 2005 to 2021, indicating the significantly increased light availability for phytoplankton despite surface photosynthetically active radiation exhibiting limited variability during the study period. In addition, both experimental (i.e., in situ nutrient enrichment experiments) and statistical approaches (i.e., deviations of Trophic State Index subindices) indicated that phytoplankton growth was primarily light‐limited during the study period in Lake Taihu. Consequently, considerable increases in fraction of observed and maximal chlorophyll a yield at given nitrogen or phosphorus concentration were observed and were mostly related to decreasing KdNALA, which implied that decreasing KdNALA allowed phytoplankton utilize “unused nutrient‐capacity” until the additional algal‐turbidity induce further light limitation or nutrient limitation. As the effect of changes in global wind speed on KdNALA and algal growth received limited attention in the existing research, we revealed an underappreciated mechanism by which global changes in wind speed significantly affects algal biomass by influencing light availability, which may have profound effects on future algal bloom mitigation efforts in shallow lakes.
Multi‐Stimuli, Large‐Stroke Hybrid Carbon Fiber‐Based Artificial Muscles
Authors: Hu Xinghao , Li Hong , Wang Jian , Bao Xianfu , Zhao Kai , Di Jiangtao , Liang Yiming , Ding Jianning
Published: August 2023

Although advances in twisted and coiled carbon nanotube (CNT) artificial muscles have accelerated the developments of soft robotics, haptics, and exoskeletons, the high cost of CNT limits its practical application. Here, a low‐cost, silicone‐infiltrated carbon fiber‐based artificial muscle is proposed, which is solvent‐absorption, electrothermally, and photothermally controllable. When driven by solvent absorption, these muscles generate a contractile stroke of 36.7% and a work capacity of 419 J kg−1 (≈10 times that of human skeletal muscle), which can lift >5000 times their own weight. Moreover, an electrothermally and photothermally powered carbon fiber muscle generates a work capacity of 124.4 and 302 J kg−1, which is 3.8 and 9 times that of human skeletal muscle. Potential applications of these carbon fiber muscles are demonstrated for a solvent‐absorption‐powered intelligent curtain and an electrothermally driven bionic robotic arm.
A qualitative study of ICU nurses assisting in Wuhan who suffered from workplace violence during the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Wu Guanhong , Lin Ying , Huang Xianghui , Zheng Jianshan , Chang Mengmeng
Published: August 2023

Aim

To explore the psychological experience and coping methods of nurses exposed to workplace violence and to propose measures to prevent and control workplace violence and provide psychological assistance for health workers.

Design

We adopted a phenomenological qualitative design. Twelve nurses in intensive care units assisting in Wuhan who experienced workplace violence during the COVID‐19 outbreak were selected using purposeful sampling. Data were collected through semi‐structured individual telephone interviews and analysed using Colaizzi's 7‐step method.

Results

Analysis revealed three main categories including “Full of negative emotions”, “Facing challenges and danger” and “Coping methods”. The subjects experienced stress, fear, anger, helplessness, disappointment, sympathy and job burnout after suffering from workplace violence. The coping methods for workplace violence mainly included seeking support and help, escaping, making explanations, exercising tolerance and confronting the issue.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution since nurses' experiences were explored.
Stability and temporal error estimate of scalar auxiliary variable schemes for the magnetohydrodynamics equations with variable density
Authors: Chen Hang , He Yuyu , Chen Hongtao
Published: August 2023

In this article, we construct first‐ and second‐order semidiscrete schemes for the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations with variable density based on scalar auxiliary variable (SAV) approach. These schemes are decoupled, unconditionally energy stable and only solve a sequence of linear differential equations at each time step. We carry out a rigorous error analysis for the first‐order SAV scheme in two‐dimensional case. Some numerical experiments are presented to verify the accuracy and stability.