bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elsinochrome A induces cell apoptosis and autophagy in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Yao Yuanyuan , Pan Lili , Song Wenlong , Yuan Yizhen , Yan Shuzhen , Yu Shuqin , Chen Shuanglin
Published: August 2023

Elsinochrome A (EA) is a perylene quinone natural photosensitizer, photosensitizer under light excitation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce apoptosis, so can be used for treating tumors, that is so‐called photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, the molecular mechanism, especially related to apoptosis and autophagy, is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanism of EA‐PDT‐induced B16 cells apoptosis and autophagy. The action of EA‐PDT on mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the mitochondrial function were researched by fluorescence technique and Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Illumina sequencing, tandem mass tags Quantitative Proteomics and Western Blot studied the mechanism at the gene and protein levels. The results indicated that EA‐PDT had excellent phototoxicity in vitro. EA could bind to the mitochondria. EA‐PDT for 5 min caused MPTP opening, MMP decreasing and abnormal mitochondrial function with a concentration‐dependent characteristic. EA‐PDT resulted in an increase intracellular ROS and the number of autophagosomes. Caspase2, caspase9 and tnf were upregulated, and bcl2, prkn, atg2, atg9 and atg10 were downregulated. Our results indicated that EA‐PDT induced cell apoptosis and autophagy through the mediation of ROS/Atg/Parkin. This study can provide enlightenment for exploring potential targets of drug development for the PDT of melanoma.
Catalytic upgrading of PET to acid by engineering bimetallic AuCu/CNT catalyst
Authors: Zhen Enlong , Li Liang , Wang Jianhai , Sun Haozhe , Xiaoxi Yu
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Recycling waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic can prolong its life cycle, reduce the consumption of non‐renewable resources, prevent plastic pollution and also protect the ecological environment. Traditional chemical recycling of waste PET plastic can depolymerize PET into terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG).

RESULTS

A strategy was proposed to directly depolymerize PET into TPA and acid, which shows significantly higher values than conventional EG. This is achieved over a carbon nanotube (CNT)‐supported AuCu catalyst (AuCu/CNT) prepared using an evaporative impregnation method. Comprehensive analyses of the catalyst were conducted using X‐ray diffraction, N2 adsorption/desorption, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, H2‐temperature=programmed reduction, and so on. It was found that Cu species in the AuCu/CNT catalyst mainly existed in the form of CuO, forming new reaction adsorption sites and providing active AuCu alloy sites, thereby improving the catalytic performance of AuCu/CNT. This results in simultaneously superior acid selectivity and EG conversion over AuCu/CNT compared with Au/CNT and Cu/CNT.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the hydrolysis of PET is highly significant in preparing value‐added products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Performance analysis and validation of intelligent tool based on Brownian random walk‐based sand cat swarm optimization algorithm for parameter identification of various solar photovoltaic mathematical models
Authors: Alex Stanley Raja Thaveedhu , Kumar Chandrasekaran , Sivaraju Selligoundanur Subramanian , Jaisiva Selvaraj
Published: August 2023

The photovoltaic (PV) system stands out as a viable energy source due to its environmental friendliness and cleanliness. The conversion rate at which solar power generation is still relatively low due to limitations imposed by advances in PV technology. For PV systems, an appropriate model with precise internal parameters is considerably more crucial to increase conversion efficiency further. Different PV mathematical models, such as single‐diode, two‐diode, and three‐diode, are available to model the PV system. Investigators are interested in assessing the accurate PV model parameters through the experimental voltage–current (I–V) samples or using the manufacturer's specifications. At the same time, the difficulty is in accurately assessing and developing a more trustworthy PV model with well‐optimized parameters. To address the parameter estimation of various solar PV models, in this article, a new bio‐inspired algorithm called Brownian random walk‐based Sand Cat Swarm Optimization Algorithm (SCSOA) named Boosted SCSOA (BSCSOA) is proposed and developed. Along with the Brownian random strategy, chaotic tent drift is also used to enhance the exploration and exploitation of SCSOA, and the proposed BSCSOA is applied to different models to estimate their parameters accurately. The effectiveness of the suggested BSCSOA is compared with other well‐known algorithms, including the basic SCSOA, in terms of statistical measures and fitness values. The obtained results demonstrated the superiority of the BSCSOA over the other algorithms for all PV models of the cell and module.
Extraction, modification, and characterization of native litchi seed (Litchi chinesis Sonn.) starch
Authors: Kaur Jashanveer , Borah Anjan , Chutia Hemanta , Gupta Prerna
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Litchi seeds, because of their high starch content, have the potential to serve as a valuable non‐conventional source of starch with various applications. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of native litchi seed and its modification using citric acid. Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal combination of the independent variables extraction temperature (30–60 °C), and extraction time (4–20 h), to obtain the maximum starch yield (%). Starch was then modified chemically with citric acid concentrations of 20% and 40% to investigate its effect on physicochemical, morphological, and functional properties.

RESULTS

The second‐order polynomial model effectively described the experimental data, demonstrating a satisfactory fit for the observed results. The optimized condition with the highest starch recovery (212.4 g kg−1) was found to have an extraction temperature of 30 °C and an extraction time of 11 h. It was observed that an increase in concentration of citric acid resulted in a decrease in amylose content, swelling power, and solubility, and the water absorption capacity of modified starch increased. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that citric acid modification resulted in surface irregularities, whereas the shape and size of granules remained unaffected. Not much difference was observed in the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of modified starch except for the decrease in the intensities of peaks. An effect on the thermal properties of modified starch was also observed.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study reveal that extraction temperature and extraction time are critical factors, exerting a significant effect on the extraction yield of starch. Furthermore, modified starches with improved functional properties can serve as novel and versatile sources of starch in various food and non‐food sectors. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Afforested and abandoned land ecosystems exhibit distinct soil microbial biomass stoichiometric homeostasis over chronosequence
Authors: Wang Xing , Zhang Zhenjiao , Zhang Qi , Ren Chengjie , Yang Gaihe , Zhong Zekun , Han Xinhui
Published: August 2023

Revegetation influences microbial biomass stoichiometry by altering the substrate conditions, yet the differences in microbial stoichiometry homeostasis and the underlying drivers under different revegetation approaches remain unexplored. Here, we selected sites across three age classes ofRobinia pseudoacaciaplantation (RP) and abandoned land (AL), and quantified the microbial stoichiometric characteristics during farmland‐initiated restoration. Plant community composition, leaf and soil nutrients, and microbial community composition and diversity were also measured. We found that revegetation of former farmland under both restoration types resulted in non‐isometric changes in soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) contents, that is, decoupling of soil C and N from P. However, AL and RP succession exhibited homeostatic and plastic microbial biomass stoichiometry, respectively, in response to altered substrate stoichiometry. These differences were associated with adjustments in the above‐ and belowground biomes. Specifically, the synergistic increase of Compositae and Actinobacteria in the late AL succession allowed the ecosystem to reduce P demand and maintain microbial stoichiometric homeostasis. In contrast, higher leaf C and N input during RP succession may have resulted excessive microbial storage of elements, which in turn leads to stoichiometric convergence between microbial biomass and soil resources. In addition, RP succession caused changes in microbial community structure, mainly the continuous increase ofProteobacteria(copiotrophs, r‐strategists), which also potentially increased the requirement for resources to maintain homeostasis and ensure the rapid growth. These findings demonstrate that AL has a comparatively greater efficacy in maintaining microbial stoichiometric homeostasis during long‐term revegetation. Our study also highlights the importance of appropriately managing existing RP plantations to alleviate the pressure of P deficiency and sustainably maintain this fragile ecosystem.
Genetic screening of an endemic mutation in the DYSF gene in an isolated, mountainous population in the Republic of Dagestan
Authors: Bardakov Sergey N. , Deev Roman V. , Isaev Аrtur А. , Khromov‐Borisov Nikita N. , Kopylov Evgeniy D. , Savchuk Мaria R. , Pushkin Maxim S. , Presnyakov Evgeniy V. , Magomedova Raisat M. , Achmedova Patimat G. , Umakhanova Zoya R. , Kaimonov Vladimir S. , Musatova Elizaveta V. , Blagodatskikh Konstantin А. , Tveleneva Aleksandra А. , Sofronova Yana V. , Yakovlev Ivan A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Dysferlinopathy has a high prevalence in relatively isolated ethnic groups where consanguineous marriages are characteristic and/or the founder effect exists. However, the frequency of endemic mutations in most isolates has not been investigated.

Methods

The prevalence of the pathological DYSF gene variant (NM_003494.4); c.200_201delinsAT, p. Val67Asp (rs121908957) was investigated in an isolated Avar population in the Republic of Dagestan. Genetic screenings were conducted in a remote mountainous region characterized by a high level of consanguinity among its inhabitants. In total, 746 individuals were included in the screenings.

Results

This pathological DYSF gene variant causes two primary phenotypes of dysferlinopathy: limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) type R2 and Miyoshi muscular dystrophy type 1. Results indicated a high prevalence of the allele at 14% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12–17; 138 out of 1518 alleles), while the allele in the homozygous state was detected in 29 cases—3.8% (CI: 2.6–5.4). The population load for dysferlinopathy was 832.3 ± 153.9 per 100,000 with an average prevalence of limb‐girdle muscular dystrophies ranging from 0.38 ± 0.38 to 5.93 ± 1.44 per 100,000.

Conclusion

A significant burden of the allele was due to inbreeding, as evidenced by a deficiency of heterozygotes and the Wright fixation index equal to 0.14 (CI 0.06–0.23).
Comparison of Billroth II with Braun and Roux‐en‐Y reconstructions after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Defei , Tang Chenglin , He Fan , Yang Fuyu , Woraikat Saed , Qian Kun
Published: August 2023

Roux‐en‐Y (RY) and Billroth II with Braun (BB) reconstruction are two similar methods of reconstruction after distal gastrectomy (DG). Currently, it is unclear which method is superior. This meta‐analysis was performed to compare the safety and efficacy of BB and RY reconstruction after DG for gastric cancer. A literature search of Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted to identify studies comparing BB with RY after DG for gastric cancer until the end of October 2022. Main outcomes assessed were perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, functional findings, and nutritional status. Meta‐analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Finally, eight studies with a total of 910 patients were considered for the meta‐analysis. The meta‐analysis results revealed that operation time, anastomosis time, incidence of total complications, and delayed gastric emptying were reduced, and the incidence of bile reflux was increased in patients undergoing BB compared to RY reconstruction. In conclusion, BB has the advantage of reducing operative time, anastomotic time, intraoperative blood loss, overall postoperative complications, and delayed gastric emptying. RY has the advantage of preventing bile reflux and gastritis after surgery.
The long‐term effects of childhood adiposity on depression and anxiety in adulthood: A systematic review
Authors: Gallagher Claire , Waidyatillake Nilakshi , Pirkis Jane , Lambert Katrina , Cassim Raisa , Dharmage Shyamali , Erbas Bircan
Published: August 2023

Objective

This review aimed to evaluate the association between childhood adiposity and depression and anxiety risk in adulthood.

Methods

MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched on June 6, 2022, to identify studies that investigated the association between childhood weight status (age ≤18 years) and outcomes of depression and/or anxiety in adulthood (age ≥19 years). Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and results were narratively synthesized.

Results

Sixteen studies were eligible for inclusion, with heterogeneity in methods and follow‐up durations complicating comparisons. Six out of eight studies found a statistically significant association between childhood adiposity and increased likelihood of depression in adulthood, particularly in females. However, overall evidence was of moderate quality and study limitations prevented causal conclusions. In contrast, limited evidence and mixed findings were reported for the associations between childhood adiposity and depressive symptom severity or anxiety outcomes in adulthood.

Conclusions

Evidence suggests that childhood adiposity is associated with greater vulnerability to depression in adulthood, particularly in females. However, further research is warranted to address the limitations discussed. Future research should also explore how changes in weight status from childhood to adulthood might differentially influence the likelihood of depression.
Targeting carcinoma‐associated mesothelial cells with antibody–drug conjugates in ovarian carcinomatosis
Authors: Pascual‐Antón Lucía , Sandoval Pilar , González‐Mateo Guadalupe T , Kopytina Valeria , Tomero‐Sanz Henar , Arriero‐País Eva María , Jiménez‐Heffernan José Antonio , Fabre Myriam , Egaña Isabel , Ferrer Cristina , Simón Laureano , González‐Cortijo Lucía , Sainz de la Cuesta Ricardo , López‐Cabrera Manuel
Published: August 2023

Ovarian carcinomatosis is characterized by the accumulation of carcinoma‐associated mesothelial cells (CAMs) in the peritoneal stroma and mainly originates through a mesothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (MMT) process. MMT has been proposed as a therapeutic target for peritoneal metastasis. Most ovarian cancer (OC) patients present at diagnosis with peritoneal seeding, which makes tumor progression control difficult by MMT modulation. An alternative approach is to use antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) targeted directly to attack CAMs. This strategy could represent the cornerstone of precision‐based medicine for peritoneal carcinomatosis. Here, we performed complete transcriptome analyses of ascitic fluid‐isolated CAMs in advanced OC patients with primary‐, high‐, and low‐grade, serous subtypes and following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our findings suggest that both cancer biological aggressiveness and chemotherapy‐induced tumor mass reduction reflect the MMT‐associated changes that take place in the tumor surrounding microenvironment. Accordingly, MMT‐related genes, including fibroblast activation protein (FAP), mannose receptor C type 2 (MRC2), interleukin‐11 receptor alpha (IL11RA), myristoylated alanine‐rich C‐kinase substrate (MARCKS), and sulfatase‐1 (SULF1), were identified as specific actionable targets in CAMs of OC patients, which is a crucial step in the de novo design of ADCs. These cell surface target receptors were also validated in peritoneal CAMs of colorectal cancer peritoneal implants, indicating that ADC‐based treatment could extend to other abdominal tumors that show peritoneal colonization. As proof of concept, a FAP‐targeted ADC reduced tumor growth in an OC xenograft mouse model with peritoneal metastasis‐associated fibroblasts. In summary, we propose MMT as a potential source of ADC‐based therapeutic targets for peritoneal carcinomatosis. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Palbociclib in combination with chemotherapy in pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma: A Children's Oncology Group study (AINV18P1)
Authors: Raetz Elizabeth A. , Teachey David T. , Minard Charles , Liu Xiaowei , Norris Robin E. , Denic Kristina Z. , Reid Joel , Evensen Nikki A. , Gore Lia , Fox Elizabeth , Loh Mignon L. , Weigel Brenda J. , Carroll William L.
Published: August 2023

Background

Cyclin D has been shown to play an essential role in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) initiation and progression, providing rationale for targeting the CDK4/6‐cyclin D complex that regulates cell cycle progression.

Procedure

The Children's Oncology Group AINV18P1 phase 1 trial evaluated the CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib, in combination with standard four‐drug re‐induction chemotherapy in children and young adults with relapsed/refractory B‐ and T‐cell lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoma. Palbociclib (50 mg/m2/dose) was administered orally once daily for 21 consecutive days, first as a single agent (Days 1–3) and subsequently combined with re‐induction chemotherapy. This two‐part study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), followed by an expansion pharmacokinetic cohort.

Results

Twelve heavily pretreated patients enrolled, all of whom were evaluable for toxicity. One dose‐limiting hematologic toxicity (DLT) occurred at the starting dose of 50 mg/m2/dose orally for 21 days. No additional DLTs were observed in the dose determination or pharmacokinetic expansion cohorts, and overall rates of grade 3/4 nonhematologic toxicities were comparable to those observed with the chemotherapy platform alone. Five complete responses were observed, two among four patients with T‐ALL and three among seven patients with B‐ALL. Pharmacokinetic studies showed similar profiles with both liquid and capsule formulations of palbociclib.

Conclusions

Palbociclib in combination with re‐induction chemotherapy was well tolerated with a RP2D of 50 mg/m2/day for 21 days. Complete responses were observed among heavily pretreated patients.
Influence of oxygen/argon duoplasmatron synergistic modification on the mechanical properties of UHMWPE/vinyl ester composites
Authors: Fang Chunyue , Zhao Yuwei , Chen Zhenhong , Shi Bao , Zhang Xiayun , Jia Lixia , Yan Ruosi
Published: August 2023

This study reveals double plasma modification of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers by oxygen/argon duoplasmatron source to investigate the synergistic effect of double plasma mixture on the mechanical performance of UHMWPE/vinyl ester laminated composites. The single‐factor experiment was used to determine the preparation process parameter range. The modified fiber was characterized and mechanical properties of UHMWPE/vinyl ester composites were evaluated. The results showed that the UHMWPE fiber modified by double plasma treatment with oxygen/argon duoplasmatron source exhibited more hydroxyl groups than untreated fiber and the single plasma‐modified fiber with oxygen source, and the surface water adsorb capacity was significantly improved, which contributed to the combination of resin and fiber surface. The tensile strength of the composite with double plasma modification increased to 380.48 MPa, which was higher than untreated and oxygen plasma treated samples by 36.9% and 18.9%, respectively. The GIC value was even 78.1% higher than that of oxygen plasma‐treated sample, and the interlaminar shear strength was increased by 19%. In terms of low‐velocity impact response, the absorbed energy of double plasma modified composites was increased, confirming that the mechanical resistant performance was enhanced by the modification with oxygen/argon duoplasmatron source.
On the concept of delusions: Global trends and psychopathology in Japan
Authors: Kumazaki Tsutomu
Published: August 2023

The present article spotlights challenging conceptual and epistemological issues regarding delusions. A research history of various approaches to delusions in Europe, the United States, and Japan reveals the difficulty of defining delusions. Facing these difficulties, the standard concept of delusions has become thinner than the traditional ones, making its boundary with minority opinions vaguer. Nevertheless, clinical typology and epistemological approaches are contributing to the continuous conceptual refinement of delusions. Both standpoints validate and promote each other in elaborating the characteristics of delusions and their boundaries with non‐delusions. In addition, epistemological inquiries into delusions shed new light on the extraordinarily difficult problems in the relationship among belief, knowledge, certainty, and delusions, contributing to epistemology in general. These approaches to delusions promote the evolution of the concept of delusions and related epistemological inquiries.
Development and preliminary validation of the Group Cognitive Therapy Scale
Authors: Nakashima Misuzu , Matsunaga Miki , Otani Makoto , Kuga Hironori , Fujisawa Daisuke
Published: August 2023

Aim

The aim of this research was to create a scale to assess the competency of therapists who conduct group cognitive behavioral therapy (G‐CBT). The scale is intended to serve as a tool to aid the training of therapists.

Methods

Three stepped studies were conducted. Process 1: Through literature review and experts' consensus process, essential skills for G‐CBT were articulated and categorized according to the criteria of the Cognitive Therapy Scale, a well‐established rating scale for evaluating clinicians' skills in individual cognitive behavioral therapy. The list of those skills was organized into a rating scale. Process 2: Behavioral anchors were added to each skill and were classified by the levels of difficulty (beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels), based on the rating by G‐CBT experts. Process 3: Inter‐rater reliability and validity of the rating scale were examined in a sample of 41 videotaped G‐CBT sessions of actual clinical sessions and educational role‐plays.

Results

The 12‐item Group Cognitive Therapy Scale (G‐CTS) was developed. It consists of 11 items that are adapted from the original Cognitive Therapy Scale, and a new 12th item called “Intervention using relationships with other participants,” which describes therapists' skills to address group dynamics. The G‐CTS showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.95), satisfactory inter‐rater reliability (interclass correlation coefficients: 0.65–0.88), and high predictive validity.

Conclusion

A novel rating scale to evaluate therapists' competency in G‐CBT was developed and successfully validated. The G‐CTS behavioral checklist created in this study provides concrete guidelines that can be used by therapists to hone their skills in G‐CBT.
Pathography in Japan: Exploring the relationship between creativity and the psyche
Authors: Tanaka Shinichiro
Published: August 2023

Pathography is a medical anthropological approach that examines the relationship between creation and psychiatric disorders through psychopathological and psychoanalytical lenses using case studies. Since it was first defined in the mid‐1960s, pathography in Japan has kept pace with current advances in psychopathological research. However, to date, the findings of pathographic research in Japan have not been published in English. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to introduce the history, methodology, and development of pathography in Japan to the English‐speaking world, accompanied by some classical examples. The paper first describes the history of pathography, from its origins in ancient Greece to important research in the field, including examples of publications and translations. Next, the paper presents the methodology of classical pathography as an approach that shares clinical psychopathology and psychiatric evaluation methods. This topic also introduces five main theses on the relationship between creativity and psychiatric disorders: opposition (“in spite of”), parallelism (“because of”), substitution (“instead of”), intrinsic (“belonging to”), and sublimation (“subsequent to”). Finally, the paper describes the development of pathographic research in Japan by summarizing the pathographies of several figures, including both creators and characters in literary works, and introducing the latest research on salutography, a newly developed field of study that explores the relationship between creativity and mental health. The paper concludes with a few words about the current limitations of pathography and suggestions for ethical considerations with respect to privacy legislation.
Sulfated motifs in heparan sulfate inhibit Streptococcus pneumoniae adhesion onto fibronectin and attenuate corneal infection
Authors: Hayashida Atsuko , Saeed Hajirah N. , Zhang Fuming , Song Yuefan , Liu Jian , Parks William C. , Bispo Paulo J. M. , Park Pyong Woo
Published: August 2023

A large number of bacterial pathogens bind to host extracellular matrix (ECM) components. For example, many Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive pathogens express binding proteins for fibronectin (FN) on their cell surface. Mutagenesis studies of bacterial FN‐binding proteins have demonstrated their importance in pathogenesis in preclinical animal models. However, means to draw on these findings to design therapeutic approaches that specifically target FN‐bacteria interactions have not been successful because bacterial pathogens can elaborate several FN‐binding proteins and also because FN is an essential protein and likely a nondruggable target. Here we report that select heparan compounds potently inhibit Streptococcus pneumoniae infection of injured corneas in mice. Using intact heparan sulfate (HS) and heparin (HP), heparinase‐digested fragments of HS, HP oligosaccharides, and chemically or chemoenzymatically modified heparan compounds, we found that inhibition of S. pneumoniae corneal infection by heparan compounds is not mediated by simple charge effects but by a selective sulfate group. Removal of 2‐O‐sulfates significantly inhibited the ability of HP to inhibit S. pneumoniae corneal infection, whereas the addition of 2‐O‐sulfates to heparosan (H) significantly increased H's ability to inhibit bacterial corneal infection. Proximity ligation assays indicated that S. pneumoniae attaches directly to FN fibrils in the corneal epithelial ECM and that HS and HP specifically inhibit this binding interaction in a 2‐O‐sulfate‐dependent manner. These data suggest that heparan compounds containing 2‐O‐sulfate groups protect against S. pneumoniae corneal infection by inhibiting bacterial attachment to FN fibrils in the subepithelial ECM of injured corneas. Moreover, 2‐O‐sulfated heparan compounds significantly inhibited corneal infection in immunocompromised hosts, by a clinical keratitis isolate of S. pneumoniae, and also when topically administered in a therapeutic manner. These findings suggest that the administration of nonanticoagulant 2‐O‐sulfated heparan compounds may represent a plausible approach to the treatment of S. pneumoniae keratitis.
Community treatment orders in an early intervention for psychosis service
Authors: Paduret Gabriela , Kelbrick Marlene
Published: August 2023

Little is known about the use and effectiveness of community treatment orders (CTOs) in early psychosis. Here, the authors describe their service evaluation of patients within an NHS early intervention for psychosis service subject to CTO over a period of three years in order to evaluate the rates of CTO use, demographic, and clinical characteristics of those subject to CTO, as well as clinical outcomes. This study demonstrates how CTO use, where deemed necessary, can create real‐life, positive outcomes for service users.
Pisa syndrome secondary to donepezil
Authors: Waykar Vijayendra , Jog Priyanka , Low Je Ssy
Published: August 2023

Pisa syndrome is characterised by a tonic flexion of the trunk to one side and a slight axial rotation in the sagittal plane. Recently more cases have been reported in Alzheimer's dementia and in patients treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitor medication. Here the authors present a case of Pisa syndrome in an elderly lady treated with donepezil and highlight the importance of monitoring patients for side‐effects.
The contribution of household fruit and vegetable growing to fruit and vegetable self‐sufficiency and consumption
Authors: Gulyas Boglarka Z. , Edmondson Jill L.
Published: August 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Household fruit and vegetable (F&V) production in allotments and gardens can provide sustainable access to nutritious food. The present study demonstrates that UK household F&V production supplies more than half of the vegetables and potatoes and 20% of the fruit that growers consume annually. Importantly, study participants ate 6.3 portions of their recommended 5‐a‐day F&V (70% higher than the UK national average), and their wasted F&V was 95% lower than the national average. This provides key evidence to demonstrate the role household F&V production could play in providing access to fresh F&V, which is key to a healthy, food‐secure population.

Improving access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) is crucial to a healthy and food‐secure population, as current low intakes are linked to high rates of non‐communicable diseases, premature death and increased healthcare costs. Household F&V production could improve diet quality and food system resilience, however, quantitative evidence for its potential is limited.

We studied year‐long F&V production, purchases, donations and waste in UK food‐grower households (N = 85) using a food diary approach.

Median year‐round household self‐sufficiency was 51% in vegetables, 20% in fruits and 50% in potatoes. The median daily per capita F&V intake was 507 g, which is the equivalent of 6.3 portions of F&V and 70% higher than the UK national average. On average, own production accounted for half of each household's annual 5‐a‐day F&V requirements. F&V waste was negligible, equivalent to 0.12 portions per day and 95% lower than the UK average F&V waste.

We demonstrate that promoting household F&V production could improve food system resilience, diet‐related public health and sustainability.
Boundary‐layer plumes over mountainous terrain in idealized large‐eddy simulations
Authors: Weinkaemmerer Jan , Göbel Matthias , Serafin Stefano , Ďurán Ivan Bašták , Schmidli Jürg
Published: August 2023

Coherent plume structures in the convective boundary layer over non‐flat terrain are investigated using large‐eddy simulation. A conditional sampling method based on the concentration of a decaying passive tracer is implemented in order to identify the boundary‐layer plumes objectively. Conditional sampling allows quantification of the contribution of plume structures to the vertical transport of heat and moisture. A first set of simulations analyzes the flow over an idealized valley, where the terrain elevation only varies along one horizontal coordinate axis. In this case, vertical transport by coherent structures is the dominant contribution to the turbulent components of both heat and moisture flux. It is comparable in magnitude to the advective transport by the mean slope‐wind circulation, although it is more important for heat than for moisture transport. A second set of simulations considers flow over terrain with a complex texture, drawn from an actual digital elevation model. In this case, conditional sampling is carried out by using a simple domain‐decomposition approach. We demonstrate that thermal updrafts are generally more frequent on hill tops than over the surroundings, but they are less persistent on the windward sides when large‐scale winds are present in the free atmosphere. Large‐scale upper level winds tend to reduce the vertical moisture transport by the slope winds.
A DFT and Mössbauer spectroscopy investigation of spin‐crossover iron(II) complexes with 2,6‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)pyridines
Authors: Kozlova Svetlana G. , Petrov Sergey A. , Tikhonov Alexsei Ya. , Lavrenova Lyudmila G.
Published: August 2023

A quantum chemical study was carried out for a number of iron(II) complexes [FeL2]Ai·nH2O (L = 2,6‐bis(1H‐imidazole‐2‐yl)pyridine (L1); 2,6‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐imidazole‐2‐yl)pyridine (L2); 2,6‐bis(1H‐benzimidazole‐2‐yl)pyridine (L3); A = ReO4−, B10H102−, B12H122−; n = 0–2). These complexes exist in the low spin (LS) form 1A1 (total electron spin S = 0) at room temperature and switch to the high spin (HS) form 5T2 (S = 2) upon heating. The experimental isomeric shift and quadrupole splitting values for compounds with L2 exceed those for compounds with L1 and L3 by <0.02> mm/s and <0.1> mm/s, respectively (for LS forms). Such a discrepancy between MS parameters can be explained by the assumption that chemical bonding between the iron ion and the surrounding nitrogen atoms in the compounds with L2 may be more ionic in character than that in the compounds with L1 and L3. At the same time, the results obtained with the TPSSh hybrid meta‐GGA functional gave a better agreement with the experimental data than those obtained with the B3LYP exchange‐correlation functional.
Potassium transport and use efficiency for sustainable fertigation in protected cropping
Authors: Sonali  , Huda Samsul , Jayasena Vijay , Ahmed Talaat , Chen Zhong‐Hua
Published: August 2023

The increasing demand for high‐quality horticultural produces in global markets has driven the growing crop production under protected cropping, which are usually more efficient in fertilizer use compared to field cultivation. As one of the key macronutrients, available potassium (K+) resources have decreased due to the expansion of intensive agriculture and excessive use of K fertilizers. Currently, limited strategies have been adopted to improve crop quality in protected cropping with sustainable use of K+ fertigation and its comprehensive understanding at physiological and molecular levels. Therefore, we highlight the importance of optimal use of K+ in fertigation in protected cultivation that may also enhance crop quality characteristics. We review different K+ channels and transporters from various protein families responsible for K+ absorption and distribution across different plant tissues. An analysis of the literature on transcriptome, ionome, proteome and metabolome profiles of crops suggests the crucial roles of K+ in maintaining ion homoeostasis and modulating stress responses. It reveals that optimal K+ fertigation levels in protected cropping not only aids in maintaining the overall crop growth and production but also participates in maintaining the fruit quality. This review can potentially guide crop production and resource use efficiency in protected cropping, contributing to global food security and a better sustainable agricultural and environmental future.
Young children co‐constructing science: The importance of their families and cultural communities
Authors: McWayne Christine M. , Melzi Gigliana
Published: August 2023

There is considerable agreement among scientists, educators, and policymakers about the need to broaden participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Yet, equity requires much more than increasing STEM access for marginalized groups of children. In this invited commentary, we raise two critical points for the field to continue to grapple with as we investigate ways to engage young minds in STEM learning. It is critical that research with young children focuses on the process of doing science, while appreciating that the process of scientific thinking and learning are culturally constructed and situated. Specifically, as researchers and educators, we must do better at contextualizing children's scientific thinking process as it unfolds in their daily lives—with their peers, families, and in their cultural communities. Specific studies highlighted throughout this essay seek to document and promote family, community, and teaching practices that are effective for supporting young children's learning and explorations in STEM across our increasingly diverse society. We propose opportunities for future researchers to focus their efforts, including the following: more multidisciplinary work that includes synthesis across disciplines and methodological traditions; more diverse samples and investigative teams, such that cultural insiders are full participants; more descriptive studies focusing on the everyday experiences in children's lives that promote the development of scientific thinking and practices; and practice‐informed research.
The Influence of Hardness and Toughness on Wear Temperature Dependence of Stainless Steels
Authors: Hu Jun , Chai Zichen , Zhang Xiao , Yan Xincheng , Wang Lingyu , Li Yizhuang , Xu Wei
Published: August 2023

The sliding wear behaviors of three typical stainless steels with various microstructural characteristics, including 2205 duplex stainless steel (2205 DSS), 304 austenite stainless steel (304 ASS), and 430 ferritic stainless steel (430 FSS), are investigated at 20 and −120 °C to address wear failure under cryogenic environment conditions for applications such as spacecraft, polar exploration ships, and liquefied gas storage units. Results show that the wear resistance at 20 °C primarily depends on the initial hardness and strain hardening capacity, whereas toughness becomes increasingly important at −120 °C. The wear resistance of 2205 DSS is slightly higher than that of 304 ASS at 20 °C but much higher than that of 430 FSS. As the temperature decreases to −120 °C, the wear resistances of both 2205 DSS and 304 ASS improve due to the enhanced hardness and favorable toughness endowed by fine grains and the stimulated transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) effect, respectively. In contrast, owing to the significant decrease in the toughness of 430 FSS, the worn surface delaminates and the wear resistance deteriorates. Therefore, the effect of toughness on the wear process is not negligible. This study provides guidance for the selection of wear‐resistant materials for different service temperatures.
Study on Stirring Effect of Spiral Magnetic Field in Continuous Casting of Round Blooms
Authors: Zhang Xiaobing , Xu Changjun , Lei Chong , Wang Tao , Lin Huijie , Wu Hongjian
Published: August 2023

Herein, for the continuous casting of round blooms with strand electromagnetic stirring, the effects of rotating magnetic field (RMF) and spiral magnetic field (SMF) on the electromagnetic, fluid flow, heat transfer, solidification, and macrostructure are investigated by numerical simulation and industrial experiments, respectively. The results show that the molten steel flows in a spiral shape along the casting direction with the RMF and SMF. Due to the influence of secondary flow caused by electromagnetic stirring (EMS), and the zone of high velocity of molten steel accounts for 13.7% of the whole stirring range with the RMF. The SMF has a strong stirring effect in the whole range of secondary flow, the zone of high velocity of molten steel accounts for 49.1% of the whole stirring range, and the liquid fraction of the SMF at the liquid core is also lower. The results of the industrial experiments prove that the SMF has a wider stirring depth than the RMF, and the center crack range is significantly reduced.
Comparison of macro x‐ray fluorescence and reflectance imaging spectroscopy for the semi‐quantitative analysis of pigments in easel paintings: A study on lead white and blue verditer
Authors: de Almeida Nieto Luís Manuel , Gabrieli Francesca , van Loon Annelies , Gonzalez Victor , Dik Joris , Van de Plas Raf , Alfeld Matthias
Published: August 2023

Macroscopic x‐ray fluorescence imaging spectroscopy (MA‐XRF) and reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS) are important tools in the analysis of cultural heritage objects, both for conservation and art historical research purposes. The elemental and molecular distributions provided by MA‐XRF and RIS respectively, are particularly useful for the identification and mapping of pigments in easel paintings. While MA‐XRF has relatively established data processing methods based on modeling of the underlying physics, RIS data cannot be modeled with sufficient precision and its processing has considerable room for improvements. This work seeks to improve RIS data processing workflows in the short wavelength infrared range (SWIR, 1000–2500 nm) with a novel method that fits Gaussian profiles to pigment‐specific absorption features, and we compare its performance to MA‐XRF for the task of semi‐quantitative pigment mapping, evaluating their limits of detection (LODs) and the matrix effects that affect their signals. Two pigments are considered in this work, lead white and blue verditer, which are mapped in SWIR RIS using the first overtone of OH stretching of their primary compounds, hydrocerussite (Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2) and azurite (Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2), at 1447 and 1497 nm respectively, and in MA‐XRF using the Pb‐L and Cu‐K fluorescence signals. The methods are evaluated using two sets of custom‐prepared paint samples, as well as a 16th‐century painting, discussing the identification, mapping, and semi‐quantitative analysis of the considered pigments. We found SWIR RIS to be a pigment‐specific method with a longer linear range but inferior LODs and penetration depth when compared to MA‐XRF, the latter is often not capable of discriminating between different pigments with identical elemental markers. We furthermore present a novel color scale that allows the simultaneous visualization of signals above and below a confidence limit.
Status epilepticus in adults: a clinically oriented review of etiologies, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic advances
Authors: Khoueiry Maria , Alvarez Vincent
Published: August 2023

Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency associated with a high mortality rate. Collaborative efforts have been made to establish standardized definitions, classifications, and treatment protocols to improve management and reduce mortality. In 2015, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) developed a new definition and classification system for SE, taking into account the pathophysiology of SE and setting time points for treatment decision-making, while considering the variability in seizure semiology.

Timely identification of the underlying cause of SE would facilitate more targeted treatment, as almost half of all SE cases require specific therapy for the underlying cause in addition to providing symptomatic treatment.

A stepwise algorithm for seizure management is proposed, with the initial stage involving the administration of benzodiazepines (BZD), followed by the use of non-sedating anti-seizure medications (ASM) as the second line of treatment. The decision to resort to therapeutic coma is made on a case-by-case basis, as most invasive treatments may not always be the best approach.

This comprehensive review provides an overview of SE and its definition, pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and recent treatment advances.
Intersexual and Intrasexual Differences in Mate Selection Preferences Among Lesbian Women, Gay Men, and Bisexual Women and Men
Authors: Klümper Lisa , Hassebrauck Manfred , Schwarz Sascha
Published: August 2023

Sex differences in mating strategies and partner preferences are well established. However, most research solely focused on heterosexual women and men. We examined the mate selection, marriage, and age preferences of a sample of lesbian women, gay men, and bisexual women and men (LGB) who took part in an online dating survey. Additionally, we analyzed inter- and intrasexual differences in these preferences. A total of 710 participants rated the importance of 82 mate selection criteria and 10 marriage criteria, and they also indicated their age preferences and short-term and long-term relationship orientation. An exploratory factor analysis suggested 11 relevant domains of mate selection in the LGB sample, with sex, age, and long-term relationship orientation being relevant predictors of differences in these domains. We compared the LGB data with data collected from 21,245 heterosexual women and men on the same mate selection criteria. Results showed that the participants’ sex was the most important predictor of differences in mate selection and marriage preferences, while intrasexual variables (sexual orientation and relationship orientation) explained only a small part of the variance. We incorporated the results into the current discussion about partner preferences and sexual orientation.
Resource Dependencies and the Legitimatization of Grocery Retailer’s Social Evaluations of Suppliers
Authors: Gorton Matthew , Kastenhofer Klaus , Lemke Fred , Esquivel Luis , Nicolau Mariana
Published: August 2023

Multinational corporations (MNCs) are increasingly judged not only on their own social impacts but also on those of their supply chain partners. To reduce this environmental dependence, many MNCs implement social evaluations and codes of conduct which suppliers must follow. But how do MNCs legitimise and implement social evaluations in their supply chains? To address this, we draw on and augment resource dependence and legitimacy theories, to analyse a multinational grocery retailer’s implementation of labour standards for its fruit and vegetable suppliers. The case study utilises interviews, analysis of a database of audits, internal documents, and observational data. It provides the basis for theorizing corporate reputation as a resource dependency, with social evaluations a distinct means to co-opt external actors to preserve the focal organization’s autonomy while reducing environmental contingencies. The legitimacy of social evaluations of supply chain partners depends on processes that reconcile both moral and pragmatic concerns, allowing the focal organization to mitigate resource dependencies without ceding control over enforcement and enabling actions.
Explainable contextual anomaly detection using quantile regression forests
Authors: Li Zhong , van Leeuwen Matthijs
Published: August 2023

Traditional anomaly detection methods aim to identify objects that deviate from most other objects by treating all features equally. In contrast, contextual anomaly detection methods aim to detect objects that deviate from other objects within a context of similar objects by dividing the features into contextual features and behavioral features. In this paper, we develop connections between dependency-based traditional anomaly detection methods and contextual anomaly detection methods. Based on resulting insights, we propose a novel approach to inherently interpretable contextual anomaly detection that uses Quantile Regression Forests to model dependencies between features. Extensive experiments on various synthetic and real-world datasets demonstrate that our method outperforms state-of-the-art anomaly detection methods in identifying contextual anomalies in terms of accuracy and interpretability.