bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Aggregation-Induced Emission Fluorescent Probe for Detection of β-Amyloid Based on Pyridinyltriphenylamine and Quinoline–Malononitrile
Authors: Fang Yan , Wang Qi , Xiang Chenlong , Liu Guijin , Li Junjian
Published: June 2023

β-amyloid is an important pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease. Its abnormal production and aggregation in the patient’s brain is an important basis for the early diagnosis and confirmation of Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, a novel aggregation-induced emission fluorescent probe, PTPA-QM, was designed and synthesized based on pyridinyltriphenylamine and quinoline–malononitrile. These molecules exhibit a donor–donor–π–acceptor structure with a distorted intramolecular charge transfer feature. PTPA-QM displayed the advantages of good selectivity toward viscosity. The fluorescence intensity of PTPA-QM in 99% glycerol solution was 22-fold higher than that in pure DMSO. PTPA-QM has been confirmed to have excellent membrane permeability and low toxicity. More importantly, PTPA-QM exhibits a high affinity towards β-amyloid in brain sections of 5XFAD mice and classical inflammatory cognitive impairment mice. In conclusion, our work provides a promising tool for the detection of β-amyloid.
A SERS Composite Hydrogel Device for Point-of-Care Analysis of Neurotransmitter in Whole Blood
Authors: Wu Lei , Liu Xuefeng , Zong Shenfei , Wang Zhuyuan , Cui Yiping
Published: June 2023

Point-of-care analysis of neurotransmitters in body fluids plays a significant role in healthcare improvement. Conventional approaches are limited by time-consuming procedures and usually require laboratory instruments for sample preparation. Herein, we developed a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) composite hydrogel device for the rapid analysis of neurotransmitters in whole blood samples. The PEGDA/SA composite hydrogel enabled fast separation of small molecules from the complex blood matrix, while the plasmonic SERS substrate allowed for the sensitive detection of target molecules. 3D printing was employed to integrate the hydrogel membrane and the SERS substrate into a systematic device. The sensor achieved highly sensitive detection of dopamine in whole blood samples with a limit of detection down to 1 nM. The whole detection process from sample preparation to SERS readout can be finished within 5 min. Due to the simple operation and rapid response, the device shows great potential in point-of-care diagnosis and the monitoring of neurological and cardiovascular diseases and disorders.
Privacy Implications of Contacting the At-Risk Relatives of Patients with Medically Actionable Genetic Predisposition, with Patient Consent: A Hypothetical Australian Case Study
Authors: Tiller Jane , Nowak Kristen , Boughtwood Tiffany , Otlowski Margaret
Published: June 2023

Genetic risk information has relevance for patients’ blood relatives. However, cascade testing uptake in at-risk families is <50%. International research supports direct notification of at-risk relatives by health professionals (HPs), with patient consent. However, HPs express concerns about the privacy implications of this practice. Our privacy analysis, grounded in a clinically relevant hypothetical scenario, considers the types of personal information involved in direct notification of at-risk relatives and the application of Australian privacy regulations. It finds that collecting relatives’ contact details, and using those details (with patient consent) to notify relatives of possible genetic risk, does not breach Australian privacy law, providing that HPs adhere to regulatory requirements. It finds the purported “right to know” does not prevent disclosure of genetic information to at-risk relatives. Finally, the analysis confirms that the discretion available to HPs does not equate to a positive duty to warn at-risk relatives. Thus, direct notification of a patient’s at-risk relatives regarding medically actionable genetic information, with patient consent, is not a breach of Australian privacy regulations, providing it is conducted in accordance with the applicable principles set out. Clinical services should consider offering this service to patients where appropriate. National guidelines would assist with the clarification of the discretion for HPs.
Correction: Bowers et al. Tart Cherry Extract and Omega Fatty Acids Reduce Behavioral Deficits and Gliosis in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Brain Sci. 2021, 11, 1423
Authors: Bowers Zackary , Maiti Panchanan , Bourcier Ali , Morse Jarod , Jenrow Kenneth , Rossignol Julien , Dunbar Gary L.
Published: June 2023

There is an error in the title of the published paper [...]
Phytochemicals and Glioma: Results from Dietary Mixed Exposure
Authors: Zhang Weichunbai , Wang Ce , Chen Feng , He Yongqi , Yin Shuo , Peng Yue , Li Wenbin
Published: June 2023

The information about phytochemicals’ potential to prevent cancer is encouraging, including for glioma. However, most studies on phytochemicals and glioma mainly focused on preclinical studies. Their epidemiological studies were not sufficient, and the evidence on the dose–response relationship is usually limited. Therefore, this investigation examined the association between dietary phytochemical intake and glioma in Chinese adults. This case–control study was carried out in a hospital in China. Based on the dietary information obtained from the food frequency questionnaire, the researchers estimated the phytochemical intake of 506 patients with glioma and 506 controls. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile, the highest intakes of carotene, flavonoids, soy isoflavones, anthocyanin, and resveratrol were associated with a reduced risk of glioma. The WQS and BKMR models suggested that anthocyanin and carotene have a greater influence on glioma. The significant nonlinear dose–response associations between dietary phytochemicals and glioma were suggested using the restricted cubic spline function. According to this study on phytochemicals and glioma, higher intakes of carotene, flavonoids, soy isoflavones, anthocyanins, and resveratrol are linked to a lower risk of glioma. So, we might not be able to ignore how phytochemicals affect gliomas.
Beat People but Not Face: The Role of Perceived Face Threat in the Influence of Abusive Supervision on Employee Feedback Seeking
Authors: Chen Qin , Liao Shilong , Lin Long , Zhang Li
Published: June 2023

One of the purposes for superiors to abuse subordinates is to obtain a positive response from subordinates by conveying a negative attitude. However, abusive behavior cannot guarantee positive behaviors due to the differences in subordinates’ characteristics, such as feedback seeking. Based on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study explores the relationship between abusive supervision by superiors and feedback seeking by subordinates in East Asian cultures. Questionnaires were collected from multiple time points and multiple sources. Datum analysis was performed on 318 paired questionnaires between employees and direct supervisors. The results showed that: (1) Employees’ perceived face threat has a mediating effect on the relationship between abusive supervision and feedback seeking. (2) Self-affirmation of subordinates positively moderates the relationship between abusive supervision and perceived face threat. (3) Self-handicapping of subordinates positively moderates the relationship between perceived face threat and feedback seeking. This not only explains the mechanism of perceived face threat in the influence of abusive supervision on employees’ feedback-seeking behavior, but also reveals the boundary effect of employees’ self-affirmation and self-handicapping characteristics in it, which expands the theoretical explanation framework of the influence of abusive supervision on employees’ feedback-seeking behavior and also provides new ideas for managers to better implement management in the organization.
The Development of a New Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)-Modified Asphalt
Authors: Dong Rui , Gao Aodong , Zhu Ying , Xu Bin , Du Jierong , Ping Shujiang
Published: June 2023

The use of (recycled) plastics and (waste) vulcanized rubber powder is the main polymer of raw materials, and composite organic additives are selected to fully combine with asphalt components. The physical and chemical reactions between different components are completed in dynamic mixing, establishing a morphology structure similar to thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), and a thermoplastic highly asphaltized alloy material. TPE-modified asphalt not only significantly improves the high-temperature stability of the base asphalt, but also has the social and economic value of rational utilization of resources and turning waste into treasure. There are very few studies on the preparation of modified high-viscosity asphalt formulations using rubber and plastic as modifiers. In this study, rubber, plastic, and plasticizers were added to the base asphalt, and the TPE modifier formulations were developed through the research of new TPE modifier series and functional formulations, preparation process, and its modified asphalt properties. Meanwhile, the preparation method of the rubber–plastic alloy modifier was determined. The performance of the TPE-modified asphalt was verified through performance verification tests to evaluate the modification effect of the modifier on the base asphalt. The test results showed that the penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity indexes of the TPE-modified asphalt developed through the proposed formulation, and it met the specification requirements for high-viscosity modified asphalt. Rubber and plastic modifiers significantly improved the high-temperature stability of the base asphalt. In addition, the rubber–plastic modifier had a significant tackifying effect, with a dynamic viscosity of 60 °C and a Brinell rotational viscosity much greater than asphalt and rubber asphalt. The microscopic mechanism of the newly developed TPE-modified asphalt was analyzed by fluorescence microanalysis. The results showed that the rubber–plastic modifier fully swelled in the asphalt and was uniformly dispersed in the asphalt as a floc. The network structure of activated waste rubber powder-modified asphalt was more uniform and dense, resulting in good performance of the modified asphalt, and stable storage of modified asphalt was obtained. Through appropriate formulation, the comprehensive performance of the TPE-modified asphalt obtained met the requirements of pavement application and construction, providing a good theoretical basis for promoting TPE-modified asphalt.
Re-Thinking Spatial Design in Homes to Include Means and Access Restriction with Material Impacts as Passive Suicide Prevention Methods: A Systematic Review of Design for Australian Homes
Authors: Booth Michael , Kalutara Pushpitha , Abbasi Neda
Published: June 2023

This systematic review analyses research that introduces commercial design applications that could be adopted for suicide prevention in homes. Furthermore, this literature review captures social, spatial and biophilic design methods to improve wellness in homes using environmental design psychology. Safety and human wellness frame this spatial design research that examines means and access restriction to improve home safety and prevent suicides. Suicide is a growing phenomenon that deserves specific attention to how environments can impact or restrict events. There is a substantial evidence base to evaluate suicide prevention methods used in high-risk environments of health and healing environments, workplaces and incarceration facilities. This review outlines design methods using spatial arrangement and material choices to improve human wellness in homes. The effects of biochemical reactions, such as those studied in toxicology, and stress are considered in this research to suggest material choices and applications in design to improve mental health in homes. Spatial designs for suicide prevention can guide various prevention measures, such as adopting means and access restriction and environmental design methods for wellness and considering impacts during lockdown periods. Environmental design psychology research supplies evidence for improved spatial arrangements in homes, with evidence showing that design applications can restore and improve mental health. This systematic review shows evidence for planning methods to prevent suicides considering both means and access restriction with considerable biochemical impacts from design. Design methods discovered by this systematic review will be considered for future studies and used within economic modelling to demonstrate design guidelines that improve wellbeing and support existing suicide prevention methods for Australian homes.
Four-Dimensional (4D) Millimeter Wave-Based Sensing and Its Potential Applications in Digital Construction: A Review
Authors: Han Shuai , Zhang Jiawen , Shaikh Zeeshan Shahid , Wang Jia , Ren Wei
Published: June 2023

Digital construction relies on effective sensing to enhance the safety, productivity, and quality of its activities. However, current sensing devices (e.g., camera, LiDAR, infrared sensors) have significant limitations in different aspects. In light of the substantial advantages offered by emerging 4D mmw technology, it is believed that this technology can overcome these limitations and serve as an excellent complement to current construction sensing methods due to its robust imaging capabilities, spatial sensing abilities, velocity measurement accuracy, penetrability features, and weather resistance properties. To support this argument, a scientometric review of 4D mmw-based sensing is conducted in this study. A total of 213 articles published after the initial invention of 4D mmw technology in 2019 were retrieved from the Scopus database, and six kinds of metadata were extracted from them, including the title, abstract, keywords, author(s), publisher, and year. Since some papers lack keywords, the GPT-4 model was used to extract them from the titles and abstracts of these publications. The preprocessed metadata were then integrated using Python and fed into the Citespace 6.2.R3 for further statistical, clustering, and co-occurrence analyses. The result revealed that the primary applications of 4D mmw are autonomous driving, human activity recognition, and robotics. Subsequently, the potential applications of this technology in the construction industry are explored, including construction site monitoring, environment understanding, and worker health monitoring. Finally, the challenges of adopting this emerging technology in the construction industry are also discussed.
Using Space Syntax in Close Interaction Analysis between the Elderly: Towards a Healthier Urban Environment
Authors: Zhang Yingyi , Wu Zhaoqing , Wu Zeyang , Liu Yadi , Yang Zhenze
Published: June 2023

Population aging has become an issue that the world should to face together. Public spaces in urban areas play an important role in stimulating social interactions for the elderly, especially close social interactions. Although a volume of studies have focused on the health of the elderly and the shaping of urban space, they have neglected the need for close social behavior of the elderly group. This analysis addresses the question: What are the principles to improve public space qualities which facilitate age-friendly social interactions for the elderly? Blind-dating activities in Beijing City work as an example of close social interactions between the elderly. Methods include a case study in Beijing, field survey, and Space Syntax with related tools. The survey took place from 1 July to 30 September 2022. Around 102 elderly men and 84 women aging from 55 to 75 participated in the survey process. Results indicate that the close social interaction can positively comfort the elderly’s physical and psychological situations. It could be a path for the single elderly group meet a partner, make new friends, and establish new social networks. Consequently, three principles, including obtaining the safety of public space, keeping greenery in the social environment, and providing suitable space for close social interactions are proposed towards age-friendly urban areas. These support the regeneration of the elderly’s social life and stimulate a chasing of happy later lives.
Design Methodologies for Sizing of Drainage Stacks and Vent Lines in High-Rise Buildings
Authors: Gormley Michael , Stewart Colin
Published: June 2023

Diameters for drainage stacks and vent lines within high-rise building drainage systems are determined by consulting building standard agencies’ design codes. While these are critical design decisions, codes are based upon dated research (1940s to 1970s), which has numerous inherent limitations, and the methodologies employed within the codes are unclear. Thus, a new methodology is presented which is based upon an analogy with other forms of multiphase flow transport systems. This methodology assumes, as a pre-condition, that flows of air and the flow of water within the stack are reasonably steady over time. Component diameters must then be chosen which ensure an acceptably large air supply or air–water flow ratio, and an acceptably small pressure excursion within the stack. Two ways to implement this methodology are presented: an ‘explicit approach’, in which component diameters are directly calculated using empirical correlations, and an ‘implicit approach’, in which component diameters are determined by iteration, using a hydraulic model. The methodology pre-conditions of the approach are then discussed. The physical geometry of the stack and branches tends to promote steady water flow but to render air flow very susceptible to temporary interruptions. A need to maintain the air pathway within high-rise drainage systems using components to supplement the air feed drawn in through the roof vent as required is highlighted.
Permafrost Effect on the Spatial Distribution of CO2 Emission in the North of Western Siberia (Russia)
Authors: Goncharova Olga , Matyshak Georgy , Timofeeva Maria , Chuvanov Stanislav , Tarkhov Matvey , Isaeva Anna
Published: June 2023

The landscapes in the discontinuous permafrost area of Western Siberia are unique objects for assessing the direct and indirect impact of permafrost on greenhouse gas fluxes. The aim of this study was to identify the influence of permafrost on the CO2 emission at the landscape and local levels. The CO2 emission from the soil surface with the removed vegetation cover was measured by the closed chamber method, with simultaneous measurements of topsoil temperature and moisture and thawing depth in forest, palsa, and bog ecosystems in August 2022. The CO2 emissions from the soils of the forest ecosystems averaged 485 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 and was 3–3.5 times higher than those from the peat soils of the palsa mound and adjacent bog (on average, 150 mg CO2 m−2 h−1). The high CO2 emission in the forest was due to the mild soil temperature regime, high root biomass, and good water–air permeability of soils in the absence of permafrost. A considerable warming of bog soils, and the redistribution of CO2 between the elevated palsa and the bog depression with water flows above the permafrost table, equalized the values of CO2 emissions from the palsa and bog soils. Soil moisture was a significant factor of the spatial variability in the CO2 emission at all levels. The temperature affected the CO2 emission only at the sites with a shallow thawing depth.
Sarcomeric versus Non-Sarcomeric HCM
Authors: Borrelli Felice , Losi Maria , Canciello Grazia , Todde Gaetano , Perillo Errico , Ordine Leopoldo , Frisso Giulia , Esposito Giovanni , Lombardi Raffaella
Published: June 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heritable cardiovascular disorder and is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is unexplained by abnormal loading conditions. HCM is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and, in about 40% of patients, the causal mutation is identified in genes encoding sarcomere proteins. According to the results of genetic screening, HCM patients are currently categorized in two main sub-populations: sarcomeric-positive (Sarc+) patients, in whom the causal mutation is identified in a sarcomeric gene; and sarcomeric-negative (Sarc−) patients, in whom a causal mutation has not been identified. In rare cases, Sarc− HCM cases may be caused by pathogenic variants in non-sarcomeric genes. The aim of this review is to describe the differences in the phenotypic expression and clinical outcomes of Sarc+ and Sarc− HCM and to briefly discuss the current knowledge about HCM caused by rare non-sarcomeric mutations.
Machine Learning: A Suitable Method for Biocatalysis
Authors: Sampaio Pedro Sousa , Fernandes Pedro
Published: June 2023

Biocatalysis is currently a workhorse used to produce a wide array of compounds, from bulk to fine chemicals, in a green and sustainable manner. The success of biocatalysis is largely thanks to an enlargement of the feasible chemical reaction toolbox. This materialized due to major advances in enzyme screening tools and methods, together with high-throughput laboratory techniques for biocatalyst optimization through enzyme engineering. Therefore, enzyme-related knowledge has significantly increased. To handle the large number of data now available, computational approaches have been gaining relevance in biocatalysis, among them machine learning methods (MLMs). MLMs use data and algorithms to learn and improve from experience automatically. This review intends to briefly highlight the contribution of biocatalysis within biochemical engineering and bioprocesses and to present the key aspects of MLMs currently used within the scope of biocatalysis and related fields, mostly with readers non-skilled in MLMs in mind. Accordingly, a brief overview and the basic concepts underlying MLMs are presented. This is complemented with the basic steps to build a machine learning model and followed by insights into the types of algorithms used to intelligently analyse data, identify patterns and develop realistic applications in biochemical engineering and bioprocesses. Notwithstanding, and given the scope of this review, some recent illustrative examples of MLMs in protein engineering, enzyme production, biocatalyst formulation and enzyme screening are provided, and future developments are suggested. Overall, it is envisaged that the present review will provide insights into MLMs and how these are major assets for more efficient biocatalysis.
The Impact of Bilirubin on 7α- and 7β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases: Spectra and Docking Analysis
Authors: Ji Qingzhi , Chen Jiamin , Zhu Luping , Wang Ruiyao , Wang Bochu
Published: June 2023

7α- and 7β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDHs) are enzymes that can catalyze the isomerization of hydroxyl groups at site seven of bile acids. In a previous study, we found that the activities of 7α- and 7β-HSDHs can be inhibited by bilirubin. In order to clarify the impact, the effects of bilirubin on enzymes were studied by kinetics, spectrum, and docking analysis. The relative activity of 7α-HSDH remained less than 40% under 1 mM bilirubin, and only 18% activity of 7β-HSDH kept in the same condition. Using taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) as substrate, the Km of 7α-HSDH was up to 0.63 mM from 0.24 mM after binding with bilirubin and the Km of 7β-HSDH rose from 1.14 mM to 1.87 mM for the catalysis of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). The affinity of 7α- and 7β-HSDHs to substrates decreased with the effect of bilirubin. The binding of bilirubin with 7α- or 7β-HSDHs was analyzed by UV–vis, fluorescence, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The results reflected that bilirubin caused a slight change in the secondary structure of 7α- or 7β-HSDHs, and the changes were correlated with the ratio of bilirubin to enzymes. Ten candidate molecular docking results were presented to reflect the binding of bilirubin with 7α- or 7β-HSDHs and to explore the inhibition mechanism. This research provides a more in-depth understanding of the effect of bilirubin on 7α- and 7β-HSDHs.
Nd2−xSrxNiO4 Solid Solutions: Synthesis, Structure and Enhanced Catalytic Properties of Their Reduction Products in the Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Shlyakhtin Oleg A. , Timofeev Grigoriy M. , Malyshev Sergey A. , Loktev Alexey S. , Mazo Galina N. , Shatalova Tatiana , Arkhipova Veronika , Roslyakov Ilya V. , Dedov Alexey G.
Published: June 2023

Solid solutions Nd2−xSrxNiO4±δ (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.2, 1.4) with a K2NiF4 structure can be obtained from freeze-dried precursors. The end members of this series can be obtained at T ≥ 1000 °C only, while complex oxides with x = 1; 1.5 are formed at T ≥ 700 °C. Thermal analysis revealed the two stages of Nd2−xSrxNiO4±δ thermal reduction in a 10%H2/Ar gas mixture that was completed at 900 °C. For x < 0.2, the reduction products demonstrated an exsolution-like morphology with Ni nanoparticles allocated at the surface of oxide grains. As-obtained nanocomposites with x = 0 and x > 1 revealed the outstanding catalytic activity and selectivity in the dry reforming of the methane (DRM) reaction at 800 °C with CH4 conversion close to the thermodynamic values. The appearance of two different maxima of the catalytic properties of Ni/(Nd2O3,SrCO3) nanocomposites could be affiliated with the domination of the positive contributions of Nd2O3 and SrCO3, respectively.
Research Progress of ZnIn2S4-Based Catalysts for Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Yan Yujie , Chen Zhouze , Cheng Xiaofang , Shi Weilong
Published: June 2023

Photocatalytic overall water splitting in solar–chemical energy conversion can effectively mitigate environmental pollution and resource depletion. Stable ternary metal indium zinc sulfide (ZnIn2S4) is considered one of the ideal materials for photocatalytic overall water splitting due to its unique electronic and optical properties, as well as suitable conduction and valence band positions for suitable photocatalytic overall water splitting, and it has attracted widespread researcher interest. Herein, we first briefly describe the mechanism of photocatalytic overall water splitting, and then introduce the properties of ZnIn2S4 including crystal structure, energy band structure, as well as the main synthetic methods and morphology. Subsequently, we systematically summarize the research progress of ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts to achieve overall water splitting through modification methods such as defect engineering, heterostructure construction, and co-catalyst loading. Finally, we provide insights into the prospects and challenges for the overall water splitting of ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts.
Ni-Based Catalysts: Synthesis and Applications Today
Authors: Kukushkin Roman G. , Yeletsky Petr M.
Published: June 2023

Transition-metal-based catalysts are widely used in various processes, in particular—nickel-based catalysts [...]
Microwave-Assisted Catalytic Conversion of 5-HMF for Biofuel Additives by Molybdophosphoric Acid Encapsulated KCC-1
Authors: Vasudevan Srinivasan Vinju , Cai Jin , Xu Junming , Lin Hongjian , Wang Hongliang , Bu Quan
Published: June 2023

In this work, the microwave-assisted reaction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) into valuable ether and acylated production formation was investigated with the help of molybdophosphoric acid encapsulated dendritic fibrous silica (KCC-1) as a catalyst. XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, SEM, FT-IR, NH3-TPD, and TEM were used to analyze the physicochemical and structural properties of the synthesized catalysts. The microwave etherification of 5-HMF with ethanol was tested using synthesized catalysts. The effects of the reaction temperature, reaction time, catalytic amount, and microwave power were investigated. The resulting MPA-KCC-1 and IMPA-KCC-1 catalysts demonstrated excellent activity for the etherification of 5-HMF with ethanol, producing 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural diethyl acetal (HMFDEA) and 5-(ethoxymethyl)furfural diethyl acetal (EMFDEA) products selectively. The significant advantages of the work are the selective production of EMFDEA at 82%, the catalyst can be easily removed via filtration, and the catalyst activity remains nearly intact even after five reaction cycles.
Effect of Cell Age and Membrane Rigidity on Red Blood Cell Shape in Capillary Flow
Authors: Nouaman Mohammed , Darras Alexis , John Thomas , Simionato Greta , Rab Minke A. E. , van Wijk Richard , Laschke Matthias W. , Kaestner Lars , Wagner Christian , Recktenwald Steffen M.
Published: June 2023

Blood flow in the microcirculatory system is crucially affected by intrinsic red blood cell (RBC) properties, such as their deformability. In the smallest vessels of this network, RBCs adapt their shapes to the flow conditions. Although it is known that the age of RBCs modifies their physical properties, such as increased cytosol viscosity and altered viscoelastic membrane properties, the evolution of their shape-adapting abilities during senescence remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of RBC properties on the microcapillary in vitro flow behavior and their characteristic shapes in microfluidic channels. For this, we fractioned RBCs from healthy donors according to their age. Moreover, the membranes of fresh RBCs were chemically rigidified using diamide to study the effect of isolated graded-membrane rigidity. Our results show that a fraction of stable, asymmetric, off-centered slipper-like cells at high velocities decreases with increasing age or diamide concentration. However, while old cells form an enhanced number of stable symmetric croissants at the channel centerline, this shape class is suppressed for purely rigidified cells with diamide. Our study provides further knowledge about the distinct effects of age-related changes of intrinsic cell properties on the single-cell flow behavior of RBCs in confined flows due to inter-cellular age-related cell heterogeneity.
Low CDK Activity and Enhanced Degradation by APC/CCDH1 Abolishes CtIP Activity and Alt-EJ in Quiescent Cells
Authors: Li Fanghua , Mladenov Emil , Sun Yanjie , Soni Aashish , Stuschke Martin , Timmermann Beate , Iliakis George
Published: June 2023

Alt-EJ is an error-prone DNA double-strand break (DSBs) repair pathway coming to the fore when first-line repair pathways, c-NHEJ and HR, are defective or fail. It is thought to benefit from DNA end-resection—a process whereby 3′ single-stranded DNA-tails are generated—initiated by the CtIP/MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex and extended by EXO1 or the BLM/DNA2 complex. The connection between alt-EJ and resection remains incompletely characterized. Alt-EJ depends on the cell cycle phase, is at maximum in G2-phase, substantially reduced in G1-phase and almost undetectable in quiescent, G0-phase cells. The mechanism underpinning this regulation remains uncharacterized. Here, we compare alt-EJ in G1- and G0-phase cells exposed to ionizing radiation (IR) and identify CtIP-dependent resection as the key regulator. Low levels of CtIP in G1-phase cells allow modest resection and alt-EJ, as compared to G2-phase cells. Strikingly, CtIP is undetectable in G0-phase cells owing to APC/C-mediated degradation. The suppression of CtIP degradation with bortezomib or CDH1-depletion rescues CtIP and alt-EJ in G0-phase cells. CtIP activation in G0-phase cells also requires CDK-dependent phosphorylation by any available CDK but is restricted to CDK4/6 at the early stages of the normal cell cycle. We suggest that suppression of mutagenic alt-EJ in G0-phase is a mechanism by which cells of higher eukaryotes maintain genomic stability in a large fraction of non-cycling cells in their organisms.
Establishment of an In Vitro Model to Study Viral Infections of the Fish Intestinal Epithelium
Authors: Løkka Guro , Gamil Amr A. A. , Evensen Øystein , Kortner Trond M.
Published: June 2023

Viral infections are still a major concern for the aquaculture industry. For salmonid fish, even though breeding strategies and vaccine development have reduced disease outbreaks, viral diseases remain among the main challenges having a negative impact on the welfare of fish and causing massive economic losses for the industry. The main entry port for viruses into the fish is through mucosal surfaces including that of the gastrointestinal tract. The contradictory functions of this surface, both creating a barrier towards the external environment and at the same time being responsible for the uptake of nutrients and ion/water regulation make it particularly vulnerable. The connection between dietary components and viral infections in fish has been poorly investigated and until now, a fish intestinal in vitro model to investigate virus–host interactions has been lacking. Here, we established the permissiveness of the rainbow trout intestinal cell line RTgutGC towards the important salmonid viruses—infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), salmonid alphavirus (subtype 3, SAV3) and infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV)—and explored the infection mechanisms of the three different viruses in these cells at different virus to cell ratios. Cytopathic effect (CPE), virus replication in the RTgutGC cells, antiviral cell responses and viral effects on the barrier permeability of polarized cells were investigated. We found that all virus species infected and replicated in RTgutGC cells, although with different replication kinetics and ability to induce CPE and host responses. The onset and progression of CPE was more rapid at high multiplicity of infection (MOI) for IPNV and SAV3 while the opposite was true of ISAV. A positive correlation between the MOI used and the induction of antiviral responses was observed for IPNV while a negative correlation was detected for SAV3. Viral infections compromised barrier integrity at early time points prior to observations of CPE microscopically. Further, the replication of IPNV and ISAV had a more pronounced effect on barrier function than SAV3. The in vitro infection model established herein can thus provide a novel tool to generate knowledge about the infection pathways and mechanisms used to surpass the intestinal epithelium in salmonid fish, and to study how a virus can potentially compromise gut epithelial barrier functions.
CAR-Based Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases: A Novel Powerful Option
Authors: Műzes Györgyi , Sipos Ferenc
Published: June 2023

The pervasive application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based cellular therapies in the treatment of oncological diseases has long been recognized. However, CAR T cells can target and eliminate autoreactive cells in autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. By doing so, they can contribute to an effective and relatively long-lasting remission. In turn, CAR Treg interventions may have a highly effective and durable immunomodulatory effect via a direct or bystander effect, which may have a positive impact on the course and prognosis of autoimmune diseases. CAR-based cellular techniques have a complex theoretical foundation and are difficult to implement in practice, but they have a remarkable capacity to suppress the destructive functions of the immune system. This article provides an overview of the numerous CAR-based therapeutic options developed for the treatment of immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases. We believe that well-designed, rigorously tested cellular therapies could provide a promising new personalized treatment strategy for a significant number of patients with immune-mediated disorders.
Adsorption of Lead (II) Ions onto Goethite Chitosan Beads: Isotherms, Kinetics, and Mechanism Studies
Authors: Sirijaree Tanawit , Praipipat Pornsawai
Published: June 2023

Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that creates a water pollutant. It can be released from industrial processes, agricultural chemistry, and community wastes, affecting creatures and human health even at a low concentration. As a result, it is advised that lead be removed before releasing wastewater into the environment. This study synthesized three chitosan bead materials from shrimp shell wastes which were chitosan powder beads (CB), chitosan powder mixed with goethite beads (CFB), and chitosan powder beads coated with goethite (CBF) for removing lead in an aqueous solution. Their surface area, pore volumes, and pore sizes were explored according to Brunauer– Emmett–Teller, and their crystalline formations were investigated using an X-ray diffractometer. Their surface structures were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy and a focus ion beam, and their chemical compositions were determined using an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Their chemical functional groups were identified via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, batch experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of several factors on removing lead, and the adsorption isotherm and kinetics were also investigated for determining their adsorption pattern and mechanism. In addition, the desorption experiments were studied to confirm their possible material reusability. The CBF demonstrated the highest surface area and smallest pore size compared with the other materials. In addition, the pore sizes of the CFB and CBF were micropores, whereas those of the CB were mesopores. All materials were semicrystalline structures, and the specific goethite peaks were observed in the CFB and CBF. All materials had spherical shapes with heterogeneous surfaces. Six chemical components of O, C, Ca, N, Cl, and Na were discovered in all materials, and Fe was only found in the CFB and CBF because of the addition of goethite. Five main chemical functional groups of N–H, O–H, C–H, C–O, and –COOH were found in all materials. The optimum conditions of the CB, CFB, and CBF for removing lead were 0.5 g, 16 h, pH 5, 0.5 g, 16 h, pH 5, and 0.4 g, 14 h, pH 5, respectively. The results of the batch experiments demonstrated that the CB, CFB, and CBF were high-efficiency adsorbents for removing lead in solution by more than 95%, whereby the CBF showed the highest lead removal of 99%. The Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model helped to well explain their adsorption pattern and mechanism. The maximum lead adsorption capacities of the CB, CFB, and CBF were 322.58, 333.33, and 344.83 mg/g, respectively. Furthermore, all chitosan materials can be reused for more than three cycles with high lead removal by more than 94%; so, they are potential materials for application in industrial applications.
An Internal Model Based—Sliding Mode Control for Open-Loop Unstable Chemical Processes with Time Delay
Authors: Camacho Christian , Alvarez Hernan , Espin Jorge , Camacho Oscar
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a dynamic sliding mode control (DSMC) for open-loop unstable chemical or biochemical processes with a time delay. The controller is based on the sliding mode and internal model control concepts. The proposed DSMC has an internal P/PD controller to provide systems with disturbance rejection. An identification method approximates the open-loop unstable nonlinear process to a first-order delayed unstable process (FODUP). The reduced-order model(FODUP) is used to synthesize the new controller. The performance of the controller is stable and satisfactory despite nonlinearities in the operating conditions due to set-point and process disturbance changes. In addition, the performance analysis of the control schemes was evaluated based on various indices and transient characteristics, including the integral of squared error (ISE), the total variation of control effort (TVu), the maximum overshoot (Mp), and the settling time (ts). Finally, the process output and the control action for all controllers are compared using the nonlinear process as the real plant.
Palladium-Catalyzed sp3 C–H Acetoxylation of α,α-Disubstituted α-Amino Acids
Authors: Matsumura Atsushi , Usuki Yoshinosuke , Satoh Tetsuya
Published: June 2023

The sp3 C–H acetoxylation at the β-position of α,α-disubstituted α-amino acids proceeds smoothly under palladium catalysis in the presence of PhI(OAc)2. This reaction provides a straightforward synthetic route to non-natural β-acetoxy-α-amino acids. The reaction of α-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid takes place via ring-opening to selectively afford an acyclic γ-acetoxy-α,β-unsaturated amino acid.
Au Nanoparticles on 4-Thiophenol-Electrodeposited Carbon Surfaces for the Simultaneous Detection of 8-Hydroxyguanine and Guanine
Authors: Soltani Niloufar , Hassan Qusai , Noroozifar Meissam , Kerman Kagan
Published: June 2023

In this proof-of-concept study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were immobilized on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surfaces using a surface-anchored diazonium salt of 4-aminothiophenol (GCE-Ph-S-AuNPs). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies confirmed the attachment of the AuNPs via 4-thiophenol onto the surface of the modified electrode. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was performed for the simultaneous determination of guanine (G) and 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OH-G). The calibration curves were linear up to 140 µM and 60 µM with a limit of detection of 0.02 µM and 0.021 µM for G and 8-OH-G, respectively. Moreover, chronoamperometric studies were carried out for the determination of diffusion coefficients of 8-OH-G and G. The GCE-Ph-S-AuNPs were also applied in genomic DNA-spiked samples for the determination of G and 8-OH-G with recovery rates between 98.5% and 103.3%. The novel electrochemical surface provided a potential platform for the sensitive detection of 8-OH-G related to oxidative stress-induced DNA damage in clinical studies.
Prenatal Predictors of Neurobehavioral Outcome in Children with Fetal Growth Restriction at 6 Years of Age: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Benítez Marín Mª José , Blasco Alonso Marta , González Mesa Ernesto
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) increases the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially in preterm newborns. This study aims to describe the behavioral results of FGR at 6 years of age and to demonstrate the relationship of certain predictive factors with this development. (2) Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 70 children born in 2015 at the University Hospital Carlos Haya, Málaga, Spain who had been exposed to FGR during pregnancy; neonatal and infant data were recorded retrospectively. Children were assessed prospectively at 6 years of age by means of a strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) to study behavioral outcomes. (3) Results: We demonstrated that there are higher behavioral disability rates in children exposed to FGR during pregnancy and, in particular, high rates of hyperactivity or conduct problems. We also proved a negative relationship between the birth weight percentile and the total behavioral scale score, along with a positive correlation between hyperactivity and the emotional and behavioral scales. Learning difficulties were more frequent in early-onset FGR than in late-onset FGR. (4) Conclusions: Our study of behavioral development has demonstrated higher behavioral disability rates in children with FGR at 6 years of age; specifically, high rates of hyperactivity or conduct problems. At the same time, we have proved a negative relationship between the birth weight percentile and the total behavioral scale score.
Relationship between Executive Functions and Creativity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pasarín-Lavín Tania , Abín Amanda , García Trinidad , Rodríguez Celestino
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Executive functions and creativity could play an important role in children’s education. To date, research on the relationship between these constructs has focused on adults. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the relationship between executive functions (EFs) and creativity in children to provide teachers with tools to improve students’ abilities. (2) Methods: A total of 12 studies were identified using WOS, SCOPUS and PsycINFO, which matched the following criteria: (i) empirical studies with measures of executive functions and creativity; (ii) a sample of children or adolescents (3 to 18 years old); and (iii) in the previous decade (2012–2021). (3) Results: The results indicated a clear relationship between flexibility and creativity. Flexibility is positively correlated and inhibition is negatively correlated with creativity. There is no clear evidence that the remaining EFs, such as working memory, correlate with creativity. There was insufficient evidence on the relationship between intelligence, executive functions and creativity in a sample of children for the results to be generalized. (4) Conclusion: Future studies should consider the variability of standardized tests that measure these two constructs in order to be able to compare measurements and obtain generalizable results.
Improving Fundamental Movement Skills during Early Childhood: An Intervention Mapping Approach
Authors: Dobell Alexandra Patricia , Faghy Mark A. , Pringle Andy , Roscoe Clare M. P.
Published: June 2023

The earlier in life that a child can begin mastering fundamental movement skills (FMS), the more positive their physical activity (PA) trajectories and health outcomes are. To achieve sufficient development in FMS, children must be guided with tuition and practice opportunities. Schools and educators provide an opportunity for interventions that improve health behaviours and outcomes for children. The aim of this study was to use intervention mapping (IM) to design a programme of school-based intervention to improve FMS for children aged 4–5 years old. Following the six steps of IM, with each step comprising three to five tasks that require the input of a planning group formed by key stakeholders, a programme of intervention was planned. Prior knowledge and primary and secondary evidence was used to support the development of the programme. A logic model of the problem as well as logic models of change, programme design, production, implementation, and evaluation were proposed or completed within the study. The results can be used to begin to implement an FMS-focussed intervention within school settings within England and propose a sustainable and realistic approach for helping children to develop FMS with the support of well-informed educators who are confident to deliver better FMS practice and PA opportunities.
Forecast Optimization of Wind Speed in the North Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Using the Single and Double Exponential Method
Authors: Pérez-Albornoz Christy , Hernández-Gómez Ángel , Ramirez Victor , Guilbert Damien
Published: June 2023

Installation of new wind farms in areas such as the north coast of the Yucatan peninsula is of vital importance to face the local energy demand. For the proper functioning of these facilities it is important to perform wind data analysis, the data having been collected by anemometers, and to consider the particular characteristics of the studied area. However, despite the great development of anemometers, forecasting methods are necessary for the optimal harvesting of wind energy. For this reason, this study focuses on developing an enhanced wind forecasting method that can be applied to wind data from the north coast of the Yucatan peninsula (in general, any type of data). Thus, strategies can be established to generate a greater amount of energy from the wind farms, which supports the local economy of this area. Four variants have been developed based on the traditional double and single exponential methods. Furthermore, these methods were compared to the experimental data to obtain the optimal forecasting method for the Yucatan area. The forecasting method with the highest performance has obtained an average relative error of 7.9510% and an average mean error of 0.3860 m/s.