bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe circumferential rectal ulcer associated with electric bidet toilet use
Authors: Nishiwaki Takuro , Nakachi Kenichiro , Inoue Shin , Ashikawa Takashi , Funato Tomoyuki , Kawamitsu Natsuki , Yoshimura Shigenobu , Nagumo Hironobu , Nakaji So , Homma Koichi
Published: March 2024

A 66‐year‐old man presented to the gastroenterology department with anal pain. For >10 years, he had used an electric bidet toilet while defecating for >5 min at a time, because of constipation. Two weeks prior to his visit, he became aware of discomfort in his anal area and had used an enema 1 week previously. He had persistent diarrhea and began to use the electric bidet toilet at the highest water pressure for long periods. As a result, his anal pain worsened. A colonoscopy revealed circumferential inflammation and ulceration extending from the anal canal to the lower rectum. Approximately half of the Japanese population washes their anuses before and after defecation. Cleaning the anus after defecation using a bidet contributes to hand hygiene and local comfort, and may be effective against constipation. However, excessive bidet use may cause rectal disorders, such as rectal mucosal prolapse syndrome and solitary rectal ulcers. Herein, we report a rare case of a patient with advanced rectal ulceration caused by electric bidet toilet usage.
Land‐use affects pollinator‐specific resource availability and pollinator foraging behaviour
Authors: Birkenbach Markus , Straub Florian , Kiesel Anna , Ayasse Manfred , Wilfert Lena , Kuppler Jonas
Published: March 2024

Land‐use management is a key factor causing pollinator declines in agricultural grasslands. This decline can not only be directly driven by land‐use (e.g., habitat loss) but also be indirectly mediated through a reduction in floral resource abundance and diversity, which might in turn affect pollinator health and foraging. We conducted surveys of the abundance of flowering plant species and behavioural observations of two common generalist pollinator species, namely the bumblebee Bombus lapidarius and the syrphid fly Episyrphus balteatus, in managed grasslands of variable land‐use intensity (LUI) to investigate whether land‐use affects (1) resource availability of the pollinators, (2) their host plant selection and (3) pollinator foraging behaviour. We have found that the floral composition of plant species that were used as resource by the investigated pollinator species depends on land‐use intensity and practices such as mowing or grazing. We have also found that bumblebees, but not syrphid flies, visit different plants depending on LUI or management type. Furthermore, LUI indirectly changed pollinator behaviour via a reduction in plot‐level flower diversity and abundance. For example, bumblebees show longer flight durations with decreasing flower cover indicating higher energy expenditure when foraging on land‐use intensive plots. Syrphid flies were generally less affected by local land use, showing how different pollinator groups can differently react to land‐use change. Overall, we show that land‐use can change resource composition, abundance and diversity for pollinators, which can in turn affect pollinator foraging behaviour and potentially contribute to pollinator decline in agricultural grasslands.
Plant functional traits and abundance jointly shape keystone plant species in a plant–ectomycorrhizal fungus network
Authors: Zhu Chunchao , Zhang Minhua , Liu Zheyi , Luo Wenqi , Wang Zihui , Chu Chengjin
Published: March 2024

Keystone species are more important than others for community dynamics and stability. Keystone species can be identified and evaluated by their centrality (i.e., a relative ranking of the topological positional importance of a species) in ecological networks. Studies of node centrality of plant–fungus bipartite networks, for example, have identified the keystone species that are important for maintaining network structure and stability. However, the underlying drivers of the importance of species in a network have rarely been examined. We assessed the centrality (degree, closeness, and betweenness) of plant and fungal species in a plant–ectomycorrhizal fungus network in a subtropical forest in southern China. Based on the phylogenies of plants and fungi and plant traits, we explored ecological factors that led to a species taking a central position or not. We found one plant species (Ternstroemia gymnanthera) and four species of ectomycorrhizal fungi (Russula citrina, Scleroderma sp., and two Cenococcum sp.) were characterized by the highest centrality of degree, closeness, and betweenness among the bipartite network nodes and thus played key roles in maintaining network structure. Centrality for fungi (not for plants) was phylogenetically constrained. Plant traits and abundance together explained 46.36%, 46.0%, and 43.7% of variation in the centrality of degree, closeness, and betweenness of plant species in the bipartite network, respectively. When plant or fungal species were sequentially removed on the order of higher to lower centrality, network was less stable than randomly removed. We suggest that abundance and traits determine the positional importance of plant species in a network. This work helps understand how plant–fungus association networks will respond to species extinction and changes in species abundance and functional traits due to habitat fragmentation and human activities.
Using emerging science to inform risk characterizations for wildlife within current regulatory frameworks
Authors: Johnson Mark S. , Beking Michael , Verbruggen Eric M. J. , McVey Emily A. , Power Beth , Kilgour Clare , Bean Thomas G. , Moore Dwayne R. J. , Greenberg Marc S. , Burris Janet , Charters David
Published: March 2024

Many jurisdictions have regulatory frameworks that seek to reduce the effects of environmental exposures of anthropogenic chemicals on terrestrial wildlife (i.e., mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians). The frameworks apply for new and existing chemicals, including pesticides (prospective assessments), and to environmental contamination from releases (retrospective risk assessments). Relatively recently, there have been many scientific advances that could improve risk estimates for wildlife. Here, we briefly describe current regulations from North America (United States and Canada) and from Europe that include risk assessments for wildlife to ascertain whether they are conducive to the use of emerging science and new methods. We also provide examples where new and emerging science may be used to improve wildlife risk characterization and identify areas in need of future research. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:765–779. © 2024 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada and The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management © 2024 Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Credit risk modelling within the euro area in the COVID‐19 period: Evidence from an ICAS framework
Authors: Chortareas Georgios , Katsafados Apostolos G. , Pelagidis Theodore , Prassa Chara
Published: March 2024

This paper develops a logistic regression model in an in‐house credit assessment system (ICAS) framework for predicting corporate defaults in the Greek economy. We consider the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the associated government financial support schemes, aiming to protect against financial vulnerabilities, on the probability of default of non‐financial firms, as well as the relevant sectoral and firm‐size effects. In developing the ICAS framework, we address methodological issues such as the predictive performance of statistical versus machine learning approaches and the imbalanced dataset problem, indicating ways to evaluate such models with strong predictive power. Our findings suggest that the effect of the financial support measures dominates the pandemic shocks, thus substantially reducing the probability of firms' default, while the size‐ and industry‐based models show that firms in the micro and services sectors benefited the most. Furthermore, using a random forest model, our findings highlight the trade‐off between the transparency of traditional statistical models and the predictive value of machine learning models.
Are performance explanations credible or strategic? Evidence from a large sample of MD&As1
Authors: Gong Sabrina , Hao Yamin , Wang Xiaojia
Published: March 2024

This paper examines managers’ explanations of firm performance (i.e., management attributions) in a large sample of the Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) section of annual reports. We find that managers of poorly performing firms tend to attribute firm performance to external factors. We further propose a prediction model to decompose management external attributions into a credible part and a strategic part and find that both components are negatively related to firm performance. This evidence suggests that management external attributions partially reflect the actual impact of external conditions on firm performance and are not entirely subject to managerial opportunism. Additionally, we find that investors react more strongly to firm performance when managers provide credible external attributions, especially for firms without a bad reputation for strategic external attributions. We also show that executive compensation is less sensitive to firm performance when managers make more strategic external attributions.
Plant‐derived biostimulant as priming agents enhanced antioxidant and nutritive properties in brassicaceous microgreens
Authors: Ciriello Michele , Campana Emanuela , Kyriacou Marios C , El‐Nakhel Christophe , Graziani Giulia , Cardarelli Mariateresa , Colla Giuseppe , De Pascale Stefania , Rouphael Youssef
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Microgreens constitute dietary sources of bioactive compounds imparting numerous health benefits and enhancing sensory experience. They can be successfully cultivated in soilless systems where biostimulants can be easily integrated as seed‐priming and post‐germination agents improving the sustainability of a crop's final production. Compared to an untreated control, three priming agents (a commercial legume‐derived protein hydrolysate (A250), a novel protein hydrolysate derived from peanut biomass (H250) and hydropriming (H2O)) were applied to Komatsuna and Mibuna seeds grown as microgreens and compared for their effects on yield parameters, mineral composition, ABTS and FRAP antioxidant capacity, carotenoid concentration and phenolic compounds.

RESULTS

Significant effects of the main experimental factors and their interactions were identified on antioxidant capacity. Compared to the control and hydropriming, the highest ABTS and FRAP values were observed in Mibuna with the A250 and H250 treatments, respectively. Additionally, the H250 treatment increased the total concentrations of phenolic acid derivatives and flavonoid derivatives in Mibuna and Komatsuna, in tune with the levels of total flavonoids. Concerning mineral composition, the highest concentrations in both species were those of phosphorus and nitrate.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the potential of select plant‐based biostimulants as priming agents to enhance the antioxidant capacity, nutrient content and bioactive compound content, thus further increasing their functional and nutritive quality. In the light of this, the possibility of reducing the application of fertilizers by promoting a green transition for the intensive production of microgreens could subsequently be evaluated. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sex‐specific independent risk factors of urinary incontinence in acute stroke patients: A multicentre registry‐based cohort study
Authors: Fluck Adam , Fry Christopher H. , Affley Brendan , Kakar Puneet , Sharma Pankaj , Fluck David , Han Thang S.
Published: March 2024

Background

The presence of urinary incontinence (UI) in acute stroke patients indicates poor outcomes in men and women. However, there is a paucity and inconsistency of data on UI risk factors in this group and hence we conducted a sex‐specific analysis to identify risk factors.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively (2014–2016) from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Program for patients admitted to four UK hyperacute stroke units. Relevant risk factors for UI were determined by stepwise multivariable logistic regression, presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The mean (±SD) age of UI onset in men (73.9 year ± 13.1; n = 1593) was significantly earlier than for women (79.8 year ± 12.9; n = 1591: p < 0.001). Older age between 70 and 79 year in men (OR = 1.61: CI = 1.24–2.10) and women (OR = 1.55: CI = 1.12–2.15), or ≥80 year in men (OR = 2.19: CI = 1.71–2.81), and women (OR = 2.07: CI = 1.57–2.74)–reference: <70 year–both predicted UI. In addition, intracranial hemorrhage (reference: acute ischemic stroke) in men (OR = 1.64: CI = 1.22–2.20) and women (OR = 1.75: CI = 1.30–2.34); and prestroke disability (mRS scores ≥ 4) in men (OR = 1.90: CI = 1.02–3.5) and women (OR = 1.62: CI = 1.05–2.49) (reference: mRS scores < 4); and stroke severity at admission: NIHSS scores = 5–15 in men (OR = 1.50: CI = 1.20–1.88) and women (OR = 1.72: CI = 1.37–2.16), and NIHSS scores = 16–42 in men (OR = 4.68: CI = 3.20–6.85) and women (OR = 3.89: CI = 2.82–5.37) (reference: NIHSS scores = 0–4) were also significant. Factors not selected were: a history of congestive heart failure, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes and previous stroke.

Conclusions

We have identified similar risk factors for UI after stroke in men and women including age >70 year, intracranial hemorrhage, prestroke disability and stroke severity.
Valuing the economic benefits of species recovery programmes
Authors: Browning E. , Christie M. , Czajkowski M. , Chalak A. , Drummond R. , Hanley N. , Jones K. E. , Kuyer J. , Provins A.
Published: March 2024

Accounting for the values placed on nature by the public is key to successful policies in reversing ongoing biodiversity declines. However, biodiversity values are rarely included in policy decisions, resulting in poorer outcomes for people and nature.

Our paper addresses an important evidence gap related to the non‐availability of values for appraising large‐scale policies and investment programmes for species recovery and habitat improvement at the national level.

We use a stated preference choice modelling approach to estimate household preferences and Willingness to Pay for species recovery and habitat improvement over a wide range of habitats in England.

The framing of our stated preference study is crucial to the evidence we develop. Within the study, we define species recovery as incremental improvements to habitat quality and present respondents with choices between conservation policy options that improve different habitat types. We then use the response data to estimate values for habitat quality improvements, and the associated improvements to species presence and abundance. We are thus able to estimate economic benefits for ‘wild species recovery’ simultaneously across a wide range of habitat types.

Willingness to pay values for habitat improvement was found to be highest for improvements from ‘moderate’ to ‘full’ species recovery by 2042; and for habitat types which have relatively low current extents in England, such as lowland fens.

Policy Implications: biodiversity policy designers can make use of stated preference methods to guide decisions over which aspects of biodiversity targets to focus more resources on, since this enables policy to reflect public preferences, and thus engages higher public support for conservation. In our specific data and context, this implies prioritising the restoration of species recovery to high levels and focussing resources on scarcer rather than more abundant habitat types.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Lignosulfonate/silica hybrid nanoparticles as a novel biobased filler in polybenzoxazine matrix
Authors: Candia Adriana , Taverna María Eugenia , Forchetti Casarino Agustín , Busatto Carlos , Casis Natalia , Spontón Marisa Elisabet , La Scala John , Estenoz Diana
Published: March 2024

Lignin is an abundant and sustainable resource that exhibits numerous attractive functional properties as a reinforcing agent for benzoxazine‐based composites, due to its stiffness, thermal stability, and high carbon content. However, the low quality of lignin particles dispersions associated with the weak particles‐matrix interactions reduces the reinforcement capability. In this work, hybrid lignin/silica (NaLS/SiO2) nanoparticles were obtained from sodium lignosulfonate (NaLS) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) under basic conditions. The particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirming their spherical morphology and narrow nanometric‐size distributions. The hybrid particles were incorporated into conventional benzoxazine (BA‐a) and a difuran biobased benzoxazine (SA‐dfda) to prepare nanocomposites with different mass compositions (3, 5, and 10 wt%). Morphological, mechanical, dynamo‐mechanical, and thermal properties of the obtained composites were assessed. All the materials exhibited a homogenous filler dispersion that contributed to improve the reinforcement properties. Hybrid nanoparticles proved to be an interesting alternative as a filler in the benzoxazine matrix to prepare high‐performance thermosetting composites.
The promotional effect of prosocial motivation on time‐based prospective memory
Authors: Guo Yunfei , Gan Jiaqun , Wang Zhen , Li Yongxin
Published: March 2024

Time‐based prospective memory (TBPM) is the ability to remember to do a planned task at the right time. In social interactions, people are often motivated to do things for others, which reflects an important factor that influences prospective memory, namely prosocial motivation. According to the motivational cognitive model, prosocial motivation promotes TBPM by paying more attention or adopting more effective strategies. This study explored the effect of prosocial motivation on TBPM under different time‐monitoring conditions within the motivational cognitive model framework. One hundred and thirty‐one university students participated in this experiment that adopted a 2 (groups: control, prosocial motivation) × 2 (viewing time conditions: limited, unlimited) between‐subjects design. The results revealed that the prosocial motivation group had better TBPM performance than the control group under both limited and unlimited viewing time conditions. At the same time, compared with the control group, the prosocial motivation group consumed more internal attention and utilized more strategies under both viewing time conditions, and their external attention was more effective. In addition, the external attention of the prosocial motivation group was higher only when time‐monitoring was unlimited. The results of this study further extend knowledge of the motivational cognitive model and expand its scope of application, which has theoretical significance.
Performance of cell‐free DNA testing for common fetal trisomies in triplet pregnancies
Authors: Zakaria Hoda , Kleinfinger Pascale , Lohmann Laurence , Costa Jean‐Marc , Tsatsaris Vassilis , Salomon Laurent J. , Jouannic Jean‐Marie , Rosenblatt Jonathan , Demain Adèle , Benachi Alexandra , El Khattabi Laïla , Vivanti Alexandre J.
Published: March 2024

Objective

In singleton pregnancies, the use of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) analysis as a screening test for common fetal trisomies has spread worldwide though we still lack sufficient data for its use in triplet pregnancies. The objective of this study is to assess the performance of cfDNA testing in detecting fetal aneuploidies in triplet pregnancies as a first‐tier test.

Method

We performed a retrospective cohort study including data from pregnant women with a triplet pregnancy who underwent cfDNA testing between May 1, 2017, and January 15, 2020. cfDNA was obtained by massive parallel sequencing (VeriSeq NIPT solution; Illumina®). The objectives of the study were to assess the diagnostic performance of cfDNA testing for trisomy 21 (T21) (primary outcome), trisomy 18 (T18) and 13 (secondary outcomes).

Results

During the study period, cfDNA testing was performed in 255 women with triplet pregnancy, of which 165 (64.7%) had a neonatal outcome available. Three tests were positive for T21, one of which was confirmed by an antenatal karyotype, and the other was confirmed at birth. The third case did not undergo an invasive procedure and was not confirmed at birth (false positive). In one case, cfDNA testing was positive for T18 and was confirmed by an antenatal karyotype. There were no cases of trisomy 13 in the cohort. The no‐call rate was 2.4% at first sampling. Fifty‐eight (22.7%) women had embryo reduction, which in 40 (69%) of whom was performed after the cfDNA test result.

Conclusion

cfDNA testing could be offered as primary screening for main fetal aneuploidies in triplet pregnancies after provision of appropriate patient information.
Review of multi‐scale mechanical behavior research on composite solid propellants based on data‐driven approach
Authors: Yuan Bin , Qiang Hongfu , Wang Xueren , Chen Tiezhu
Published: March 2024

Composite solid propellant is a kind of viscoelastic composite with high filling ratio and multi‐scale composition characteristics, and its macroscopic mechanical properties strongly depend on the microstructure of the propellant materia. However, with the increasing complexity of composition, structure and properties of composite solid propellants, the traditional research paradigm based on experimental observation, theoretical modeling and numerical simulation has encountered new scientific challenges and technical bottlenecks in the mechanical behavior analysis, charge design and manufacturing of composite solid propellants. Among them, the problems such as insufficient experimental observation, lack of theoretical model, limited numerical analysis and difficult verification of results restrict the development of composite solid propellants in future‐oriented engineering applications to a certain extent. The data‐driven computational mechanics method can directly establish complex relationships between variables from high‐dimensional and high‐throughput data, which can capture trends that are difficult to be found by traditional mechanics research methods, and has inherent advantages in the analysis, prediction and optimization of complex systems. This paper mainly reviews and evaluates the research of neural network based modeling, model‐free data‐driven calculation and data‐driven multi‐scale calculation, which provides the correct direction for the subsequent research of multi‐scale mechanical behavior of composite solid propellants based on data‐driven.
Implementation of PSMA PET/CT and alignment of ordering to SNMMI appropriate use criteria in a large network system
Authors: Bennett Richard , Li Eric V. , Ho Austin Y. , Aguiar Jonathan A. , Neill Clayton , Rowe Steven P. , Patel Hiten D. , Savas Hatice , Ross Ashley E.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) provides appropriate use criteria (AUC) for prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) which include guidance on imaging in newly diagnosed prostate cancer and in patients with biochemically recurrent (BCR) disease. This study aims to examine trends in PSMA implementation and the prevalence and outcomes of scans ordered in scenarios deemed rarely appropriate or not meeting SNMMI AUC.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients who were diagnosed with presumptive National Comprehensive Cancer Network unfavorable intermediate, high, or very high risk prostate cancer, patients who underwent staging for BCR, and all patients staged with PSMA between July 2021 and March 2023. Positivity was validated by adherence to a predetermined reference standard.

Results

The frequency of PSMA use increased in initial staging from 24% to 80% and work‐up of BCR from 91% to 99% over our study period. In addition, 5% (17/340) of PSMA scans ordered for initial staging did not meet AUC and 3% (15/557) of posttreatment scans were deemed rarely appropriate. Initial staging orders not meeting SNMMI AUC resulted in no positivity (0/17), while rarely appropriate posttreatment scans were falsely positive in 75% (3/4) of cases. Urologists (53%, 17/32) comprised the largest ordering specialty in rarely appropriate use.

Conclusion

The frequency of PSMA use rose across the study period. A significant minority of patients received PSMA PET/CT in rarely appropriate scenarios yielding no positivity in initial staging and significant false positivity post‐therapy. Further education of providers and electronic medical record‐based interventions could help limit the rarely appropriate use of PET imaging.
Massive hemoptysis in pregnancy due to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with pulmonary tuberculosis co‐infection
Authors: Abd Rahman Nurul Aisyah , Ng Boon Hau , Nik Abeed Nik Nuratiqah , Ismail Muhammad Ishamuddin , Abdul Hamid Mohamed Faisal , Ban Yu‐Lin Andrea
Published: March 2024

A 37‐year‐old woman, 25 weeks pregnant, experienced sudden massive hemoptysis. She had a background history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and past pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Emergency intubation was necessary, and bronchoscopy revealed blood pooling in both main bronchi, with active bleeding from the right upper lobe bronchus. Urgent computed tomography (CT) angiography of the bronchial artery identified a bleeding source and was successfully embolized. Antifungal and anti‐tuberculous therapy was initiated based on bronchoalveolar lavage results. Despite initial improvement, hemoptysis recurred after the third week, leading to repeat embolization, followed by a caesarean section and right upper lobectomy. Both mother and baby survived, remaining well at a 6‐week follow‐up, emphasizing the complexities of managing recurrent hemoptysis during pregnancy and potential drug interactions.
Effectiveness of wood ash and paper sludge as liming and nutrient sources for annual ryegrass grown in podzolic soils of Newfoundland
Authors: Javed Bilal , Katanda Yeukai , Nadeem Muhammad , Wickremasinghe Thilini , Farhain Muhammad M. , Thomas Raymond , Galagedara Lakshman , Guo Xiaobin , Cheema Mumtaz
Published: March 2024

The acidic soils of western Newfoundland require liming for successful production of most crops. Locally sourced paper mill waste wood ash (WA) and paper sludge (SL) have potential as cheaper alternatives to limestone (LIME). Two greenhouse experiments evaluated WA and SL as liming and soil conditioning amendments for annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) production. At 55 days after seeding, soil pH in WA (6.2 and 6.3) and wood ash and paper sludge (WASL) (6.0 and 6.3) were not different from that in LIME (6.0 and 6.5) for Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. However, pH in SL was 0.4 and 0.3 points lower than in LIME. Compared to LIME, WA, SL, and WASL produced 31%–52% and 57%–74% greater biomass yield in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. N uptake was greater in WA (60 and 129 kg N ha−1) and WASL (51 and 97 kg N ha−1) compared to LIME (40 and 85 kg N ha−1), in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. SL did not differ from LIME in Experiment 1, but reduced N uptake by 57% in Experiment 2. The results show significant potential of WA as an alternative amendment for liming and yield improvement of annual ryegrass grown in NL podzolic soils. However, SL has limited potential due to the risk of increasing N immobilization and residual soil mineral N when growing conditions are limiting. Combining SL with WA or biochar seemed to alleviate these risks. Overall, the adoption of these amendments for field production systems warrants serious consideration, following supplemental field studies to determine optimal application rates and timing.
Amazon Plant‐Derived Compounds Suppressing Dengue NS5 Protein: Insights from Computational Drug Development and Network Pharmacology Approach
Authors: Ahmed Nasim , Bari Muhammad Abdul , Biswas Partha , Ahmed Sabbir , Tareq Mohaimenul Islam , Bibi Shabana , Uddin A. H. M. Mazbah , Khan Dhrubo Ahmed , Hasan Mahmud , Sohel  , Islam Nurul , Albekairi Norah A. , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Hasan Nazmul
Published: March 2024

Dengue, a life‐threatening Flavivirus infection, is rampant across 128 tropical and subtropical regions, annually afflicting millions and causing 20,000 deaths due to inadequate treatments. Despite the FDA‐approved Dengvaxia vaccine, its limitations necessitate novel drug development. Notably, the enzymatic nature of the NS5 protein (PDB ID: 3p97) within DENV, responsible for viral RNA synthesis, makes it a prime drug target. Employing Pharmacoinformatics, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Quantum Mechanics, and network pharmacology, we screened compounds from NuBBE, the Brazilian Amazon Plant Database, along with reported dengue compounds. Docking yielded promising scores (−11.1 to −2.8) and (−11 to −3.1) kcal/mol, respectively. From 1310 phytochemicals, top compounds emerged: Ramosin, Pectolinarin, hinokinin, and sesamin, boasting scores of −11, −11, −9.7, and −9.6, surpassing Acetaminophen's −5.8. Validated post‐docking interactions used 100 ns Molecular Dynamics Simulations and quantum mechanics. Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity analysis aligned with ADME norms, showing no undue toxicity. Network pharmacology unveiled connections between bioactive chemicals and disease targets. This investigation uncovers the potential of these compounds to inhibit DENV‐3 NS5 protein. In vitro, in vivo, and cell line assays are crucial next steps for specific anti‐dengue drug development.
Salophen Anchored Silver Nanoparticle as Nanoprobe Designed for Selective Sensing and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Behera Tankadhar , Sarangi Biswaprakash , Mishra Dhananjaya , Pattnaik Smaranika , Parhi Purnendu , Behera Nabakrushna
Published: March 2024

Indeed, considerable efforts have been made in the domain of silver nanoparticles, including the construction and wide‐ranging applications. This work involves the synthesis and characterization of salophen anchored silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and its utilization for selective detection of Fe2+ and Cu2+ ions in DMSO. These AgNPs were synthesized by the reduction of Ag+ ions with salophen ligand, and were characterized by different techniques which include UV‐visible, fluorescence, FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, PXRD, DLS, and zeta potential. The negative zeta potential value of −19.6 mV evidenced the stability of the AgNPs. These AgNPs were found to sense Fe2+ and Cu2+ ions selectively in DMSO solution at various concentrations. Instant color change from olive to brown as well as olive to light olive was observed while detecting Fe2+ and Cu2+ ions by the nanoprobe, respectively. UV‐visible and fluorescence spectroscopic investigations were carried out to establish the sensing ability of the nanoprobe. Additionally, AgNPs revealed promising antibacterial activity selectively against gram‐negative bacteria over gram‐positive bacteria. Thus, our approach opens up a new track to design novel and operative functionalized nanomaterials for real‐life sensing and biomedical applications.
Carbon Nanotube Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes for on‐line and off‐line in vitro Therapeutic Equivalence Assessment of Paracetamol Tablets
Authors: Cumsille‐Escandar Sebastián , Yáñez Claudia , Álvarez‐Lueje Alejandro
Published: March 2024

In vitro bioequivalence assessment of paracetamol tablets was carried out by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and amperometry using a multiwalled carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE/MWCNT). For the DPV developed method, samples were collected from the USP paddle apparatus, while amperometric measurements were carried out in situ. The DPV method was validated in three supporting electrolytes (per in vitro bioequivalence guidelines) by measuring the recovery from standard solutions and paracetamol tablet solutions, while precision was evaluated through the RSD (n=6). In HCl pH 1.2 solution the LOD and LOQ were 48 nM and 160 nM, respectively and the linear range was between 0.18–2.2 μM. In acetate buffer pH 4.5 the LOD and LOQ were 15 nM and 51 nM, respectively and the linear range was between 88 nM–880 nM. And in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 the LOD and LOQ were 4.6 nM and 15 nM, respectively and the linear range was between 88 nM–880 nM. Recovery values were between 95 and 105 % and precision values were less than 5 %. Results showed that both methods were effectively applied for the analysis of samples.
FF Activates Nucleation for Aggregation in Aqueous Medium: A Key Insight of Amyloid Plaque Formation
Authors: Roy Sruti Singha , Ghosh Ria , Mukherjee Dipanjan , Biswas Swagata , Pal Samir Kumar , Banerjee Raja
Published: March 2024

Molecular self‐association of monomers with multifaceted cross‐linkers, opens new possibilities for the development of various supramolecular‐networks that enable to participate in different functions. Plaques associated with senility that form in the brains of Alzheimer′s patients are mainly composed of beta amyloid (Aβ). It can be assumed that there must be a nucleation site which through reverse folding initiate to aggregate this Aβ plaque. It has been reported KLVFFA motif of Aβ sequence plays an important role as the amylogenic unit for Alzheimer disease. In order to identify the shortest sequence that would initiate the nucleation for such aggregation, we have synthesized N‐terminal protected two two‐residue peptides [Hex‐Phe(1)‐Phe(2)‐OMe: (FF)] and [Hex‐Phe(1)‐Ala(2)‐OMe: (FA)] an important fragment of KLVFFA motif. Using various microscopic and biophysical approaches, including measuring the hydrodynamic radii, it is observed that in fully aqueous condition in comparison to FA, FF nucleates higher degree of aggregates, along with substantial formation of dendrimeric amyloid fibrils, which has been elegantly visualized in Congo‐red assay through formation of distinct apple‐green birefringence. Such an observation leads to hypothesize that the ‘di‐phenylalanine’ unit (FF) plays a crucial role as the nucleation site towards attaining the aggregate for formation of the Aβ plaque through reverse folding.
A Simple and Efficient Method for the Nickel‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Azines from Aldehydes and Hydrazines
Authors: Jin Lei , Xie Ya , Lin Cunsheng , Han Sheng , Shi Da , Yu Han
Published: March 2024

Azines are organic molecules with a C=N−N=C functional range of applications. But the conventional azines synthesis process requires a high reaction temperature and long reaction time combined with complex reaction facilities, so the synthesis process needs to be further improved in terms of economic efficiency and process simplification. Here, we demonstrate a structurally well‐defined inorganic ligand Ni compound, (NH4)4[NiMo6O18(OH)6](Ni‐POMs). The catalysts show good activity towards the reaction of carbonyl compounds, and the corresponding products can be obtained in yields up to about 90 %. In this condition, the majority of the aldehydes (aromatic and aliphatic) can be reacted, and the products are obtained in high yields. Density functional theory (DFT) looked into the process by which benzaldehyde and hydrazine hydrate reacted on the surface of Ni‐POMs. It was calculated that the whole reaction goes through two stages and the activation energy of the whole reaction is −6.72 kcal/mol. Thus, from experiment to calculation, a complete structure of the catalytic reaction cycle has been constructed.
New Enhancement Spectrofluorimetric Determination of Anti‐Breast Cancer Drugs Palbociclib by Biogenic‐Synthesized Alumina/NiO Nanocomposite
Authors: Alterary Seham S. , Mostafa Gamal A. E. , El‐Tohamy Maha F. , AlRabiah Haitham
Published: March 2024

This study is based on green synthesized nanomaterials that increase fluorescence intensity in the study of the anticancer drug palbociclib. The basis for the nanomaterials was the use of alumina/nickel oxide nanocomposite (alumina/NiO NCS) biogenically produced from millet seed extract. The proposed materials improved the spectrofluorimetric method for the study of the breast cancer drug palbociclib (PAL) in its real powder and capsules. The amplification properties of the developed spectrofluorimetric system depend on the unique optical properties of the alumina/NiO NCS. Fluorescence detection was determined at λex 260 and at λem 430 nm. The effect of surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) was investigated, and the results obtained with the PAL alumina/NiO/SDS showed linearity of 1.0–800 
g/mL for PAL samples with a correlation coefficient of r>0.999. The aforementioned fluorescence approach showed lower detection and quantification of 0.03 and 1.0 
g/mL, respectively. The proposed system was potentially efficient for the determination of PAL with an excellent percent recovery of 99.50±0.5 %. The effect of some co‐formulated interfering substances such as crystalline cellulose, starch, silicon dioxide magnesium stearate, lactose and gelatine that present in the capsules was investigated and no remarkable difference was found during the assay process of PAL. The method was validated to ensure its suitability and showed high sensitivity and accuracy for the detection of PAL.
One‐pot Three‐component Synthesis of 1,2,4‐Triazolo[4,3‐a] pyrimidines Under the Catalytic Performance of TiO2−Bis[TMS−NH2+ C(NO2)3−] as a Novel Heterogeneous Nano‐catalyst
Authors: Nazemi‐Nasyrmahale Leyla , Shirini Farhad
Published: March 2024

In the current study, N1‐N4‐bis (3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl) butane‐1,4‐diammonium trinitromethanide on titanium dioxide {TiO2−Bis [TMS−NH2+ C(NO2)3−]} was synthesized and characterized using a variety of techniques including energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Then TiO2−Bis [TMS−NH2+ C(NO2)3−] was used as an efficient nano‐catalyst in the one‐pot synthesis of 1,2,4‐triazolo[4,3‐a] pyrimidine derivatives at 120 °C under the solvent‐free conditions with good to excellent yields. Easy separation of the products from the catalyst, short period of the reaction times, and reusability of the catalyst are among the most important features of the reported method.
Structural Elucidation of Electrical and Optical Properties in Lead‐free Organic‐Inorganic Copper Bromide [(CH3)4N]2CuBr4 Single Crystals
Authors: Dinesh  , Singh Satyendra
Published: March 2024

Organic‐inorganic metal halide single crystals have attracted a lot of attention due to their flexible structural design and excellent optoelectronic applications. This study details the synthesis of copper‐based [(CH3)4N]2CuBr4 hybrid metal halide single crystals via a slow evaporation method. The crystal structure, crystal habit, chemical groups, intermolecular interactions, electrical properties of the sample were studied via single crystal x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, Hirshfeld surface analysis, impedance spectroscopy, and modulus spectroscopy, respectively. An orthorhombic crystal system with the non‐centrosymmetric space group Pna21 was identified at room temperature. The deformation in the tetrahedra was calculated by the bond angle and bond length deformation index. The Cole‐Cole plot displayed the existence of depressed semicircles, which indicated the predominant distribution of grains, further confirmed by the SEM image. The deformed semi‐circular arcs on the electric modulus curve undeniably prove that the bulk effect dominates the material‘s electrical properties. Significantly, the compound presents a phase transition at ~240 K and excellent thermal stability up to a temperature of 400 K. Therefore, our research sheds light on the temperature dependence of electrical responses in these hybrid crystals and gives inspiration for the development of single crystal‐based efficient energy devices.
Equivalent Analytical Model of Magnetic Field in Parallel Magnetic Circuit Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Machines
Authors: Xiaoxiao Zhao , Xiaoyuan Wang , Peng Gao , Tianyuan Li
Published: March 2024

The axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machines with the parallel magnetic circuit (PMC) rotor can effectively improve its torque density. The PMC rotor consists of two sub‐rotors, radial Halbach array permanent magnet (PM) and tangential PM. The magnetic fields generated by two sub‐rotors are not in the same 2‐D analytical planes. In this paper, an equivalent analytical model of PMC‐AFPM machines is proposed to solve this problem. The radial Halbach array PM rotor is equated to the axial Halbach array PM rotor based on the equivalent transformation principle. The exact subdomain models of equivalent axial Halbach array PM rotor and tangential PM rotor are built respectively and then superimposed to obtain the magnetic field distribution. The electromagnetic characteristics of the PMC‐AFPM machine under no‐load and load conditions are calculated by the proposed analytical model and compared with calculations of the finite element model (FEM). The results verify the accuracy of the equivalent analytical model. The comparative analysis of the AFPM machines with PMC rotor and tangential PM rotor verifies the advantage of PMC rotor configuration to improve the torque density. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Responder analysis of keishibukuryogan for the symptoms of Yusho certified patients
Authors: Kainuma Mosaburo , Nakahara Takeshi , Tsuji Gaku
Published: March 2024

Background

Yusho is a 1968 mass food poisoning that was caused by the ingestion of rice oil contaminated with dioxins and related organochlorines. We previously reported that keishibukuryogan (KBG) administration was effective for improvement of the symptoms of Yusho patients. This study used responder analysis to more deeply elucidate the effectiveness of KBG.

Method

The data analyzed in the study were collected from our previous clinical study done to predict response to KBG treatment. The patients were divided into responders and non‐responders based on whether their symptoms improved after taking KBG. We assessed baseline patient characteristics and the intensity of general fatigue and dermatological, neurological, and respiratory symptoms. Further, we used SF‐36 to evaluate Quality of Life (QOL).

Results

Of the 42 patients who completed the previous study, 27 were responders and 15 non‐responders, with no significant differences in the patient characteristics. The general fatigue, dermatological symptoms, and respiratory symptoms of responders were significantly improved at month 3 of treatment. Analysis of the eight QOL domain profiles of SF‐36 showed that the general health of responders was significantly improved from baseline to month 3 compared with non‐responders, as was vitality from baseline to month 1. Moreover, the mental health of responders significantly improved from baseline to months 1 and 3.

Conclusions

Keishibukuryogan was not only effective for symptoms such as general fatigue, dermatological symptoms, and respiratory symptoms, but also for the mental health of Yusho patients, which indicates that it would be a good first‐choice Kampo medicine for the treatment of these patients.
Arecoline induces neurotoxicity in HT22 cells via the promotion of endoplasmic reticulum stress and downregulation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway
Authors: Yan He , Ding Jiameng , Li Xiong , Li Shuyue , Zhang Dongxian
Published: March 2024

Arecoline, the predominant bioactive substance extracted from areca nut (AN), is the world's fourth most frequently used psychoactive material. Research has revealed that chewing AN can affect the central nervous system (CNS) and may lead to neurocognitive deficits that are possibly linked to the action of arecoline. However, the mechanism behind the neurotoxicity caused by arecoline remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the neurotoxic effects of arecoline and its underlying mechanism. The results showed that arecoline caused cytotoxicity against HT22 cells in a dose‐dependent manner and induced apoptosis by upregulating the expression of pro‐apoptotic caspase and Bcl‐2 family proteins. Furthermore, arecoline escalated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and Ca2+ concentration with increasing doses, thereby motivating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and ERS‐associated apoptotic protein expression. Additionally, the study found that arecoline attenuates intracellular antioxidant defense by inhibiting the translocation of NF‐E2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) into the nucleus and decreasing downstream Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) levels. The specific inhibitor Sodium 4‐phenylbutyrate (4‐PBA) can dramatically attenuate arecoline‐mediated cell apoptosis and ERS‐associated apoptotic pathway expression by blocking ERS. The antioxidant N‐Acetylcysteine (NAC) also effectively reverses the arecoline‐mediated increase of ERS‐related apoptotic pathway protein levels by scavenging intracellular ROS accumulation. In conclusion, this study suggests that arecoline induces neurotoxicity in HT22 cells via ERS mediated by oxidative stress‐ and Ca2+ disturbance, as well as by downregulation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway.
Exploring the causal relationship between antihypertensive drugs and glioblastoma by combining drug target Mendelian randomization study, eQTL colocalization, and single‐cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Zhao Songyun , Xie Yi , Ding Xu , Zheng Chuanhua , Chen Jiaxing , Zhao Ning , Ji Yi , Wang Qi , Liu Yuankun , Cheng Chao
Published: March 2024

Recent reports indicate a potential oncogenic role of antihypertensive drugs in common cancers. However, it remains uncertain whether this phenomenon influences the risk of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This study aimed to assess the potential causal effects of blood pressure (BP) and antihypertensive drugs on GBM. Genome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and GBM in Europeans were downloaded. To represent the effects of antihypertensive drugs, we utilized single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SBP/DBP adjacent to the coding regions of different antihypertensive drugs as instrumental variables to model five antihypertensive drugs, including angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, β‐receptor blockers (BBs), and thiazide diuretics. Positive control studies were performed using GWAS data in chronic heart failure. The primary method for causality estimation was the inverse‐variance‐weighted method. Mendelian randomization analysis showed that BBs with the β1‐adrenergic receptor (ADRB1) as a therapeutic target could significantly reduce the risk of GBM by mediating DBP (OR = 0.431, 95% CI: 0.267–0.697, p < .001) and that they could also significantly reduce the risk of GBM by mediating SBP (OR = 0.595, 95% CI: 0.422–0.837, p = .003). Sensitivity analysis and colocalization analysis reinforced the robustness of these findings. Finally, the low expression of the ADRB1 gene in malignant gliomas was found by GBM data from TCGA and single‐cell RNA sequencing, which most likely contributed to the poor prognosis of GBM patients. In summary, our study provides preliminary evidence of some causal relationship between ADRB1‐targeted BBs and glioblastoma development. However, more studies are needed to validate these findings and further reveal the complex relationship between BP and GBM.