bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Dot‐Vitrimer Composites: An Approach for Reprocessable, Self‐Healable, and Sustainable Luminescent Materials
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Yun , Liu Kuan‐Ting , Fang Mu‐Huai , Leung Man‐kit
Published: June 2023

Quantum dots (QDs) are of great concern in many fields. However, they suffer from high toxicity and may lead to environmental pollution. We report the development of a QD‐vitrimer composite with reprocessable, self‐healable, and sustainable properties. Our QD‐vitrimer composite reveals fine transparency and highly uniform QDs distribution without significant aggregation. The photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) is basically about four times higher than the commercial QD films. The QD‐vitrimer composites can be recycled at least three times without any significant loss in structure and luminescence efficiency. A prototype light‐emitting diode device is fabricated to demonstrate the promising potential of QD‐vitrimer composites in real application. This research sheds light on developing environmentally friendly luminescent materials and opens up an avenue for designing advanced nanomaterials‐vitrimer composites.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals a mechanism underlying the susceptibility of the left atrial appendage to intracardiac thrombogenesis during atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yang Jie , Tan Hu , Sun Mengjia , Chen Renzheng , Jian Zhao , Song Yuanbin , Zhang Jihang , Bian Shizhu , Zhang Bo , Zhang Yi , Gao Xubin , Chen Zhen , Wu Boji , Ye Xiaowei , Lv Hailin , Liu Zhen , Huang Lan
Published: June 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis of the left atrial appendage (LAA). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this site‐specificity remain poorly understood. Here, we present a comparative single‐cell transcriptional profile of paired atrial appendages from patients with AF and illustrate the chamber‐specific properties of the main cell types.

Methods

Single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis of matched atrial appendage samples from three patients with persistent AF was evaluated by 10× genomics. The AF mice model was created usingTbx5knockout mice. Validation experiments were performed by glutathione S‐transferase pull‐down assays, coimmunoprecipitation (Co‐IP), cleavage assays and shear stress experiments in vitro.

Results

In LAA, phenotype switching from endothelial cells to fibroblasts and inflammation associated with proinflammatory macrophage infiltration were observed. Importantly, the coagulation cascade is highly enriched in LAA endocardial endothelial cells (EECs), accompanying the up‐regulation of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 (ADAMTS1) and the down‐regulation of the tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and TFPI2. Similar alterations were verified in an AF mouse model (Tbx5+/−) and EECs treated with simulated AF shear stress in vitro. Furthermore, we revealed that the cleavage of both TFPI and TFPI2 based on their interaction with ADAMTS1 would lead to loss of anticoagulant activities of EECs.

Conclusions

This study highlights the decrease in the anticoagulant status of EECs in LAA as a potential mechanism underlying the propensity for thrombosis, which may aid the development of anticoagulation therapeutic approaches targeting functionally distinct cell subsets or molecules during AF.
Local adaptation and host specificity to copepod intermediate hosts by the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus
Authors: Shim Kum C. , Peterson Christopher R. , Bolnick Daniel I.
Published: June 2023

Host–parasite coevolution may lead to patterns of local adaptation in either the host or parasite. For parasites with complex multi‐host life cycles, this coevolution may be more challenging as they must adapt to multiple geographically varying hosts. The tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus exhibits some local adaptation to its second intermediate host, threespine stickleback, to which the parasite is strictly specialized. However, the tapeworm's adaptation to its first intermediate host (any of a number of copepod species) is not documented. We investigated if there was local adaptation and host specify in the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus to its copepod first intermediate hosts. We exposed copepods from five lakes in Vancouver Island (BC, Canada) to local (i.e. same lake) and foreign tapeworms in a reciprocal exposure experiment. Results indicate that the tapeworm is not locally adapted to the copepods. Instead, we observed moderate‐effect host specificity, infection rates being higher in certain copepod species than in others. Infection rates also varied among cestode populations. These results show that although S. solidus infects multiple copepod genera, they are not equally competent hosts. Differences in S. solidus epidemiology among lakes is likely to be driven more by this partial specialization, than by local adaptation to first intermediate hosts.
Host age affects the performance of the root hemiparasitic plant Rhinanthus alectorolophus
Authors: Moncalvillo Belén , Matthies Diethart
Published: June 2023

Interactions between root hemiparasitic plants and their hosts are strongly affected by host identity, but may also depend on the condition of the host. An important determinant of host quality could be host age, as it may influence host size, allocation patterns, responses to infection, and the strength of competition for light between parasite and host. We investigated the effects of host species identity, host age and above‐ground separation of hemiparasite and host on the interactions between the hemiparasite Rhinanthus alectorolophus and five host species in a factorial experiment. The host species were planted at six different times, from 10 weeks before the parasite was planted to 4 weeks after. Host age strongly influenced the performance of the parasite, but these effects also varied among host species. Parasites grew largest with hosts planted at the same time or 2 weeks earlier, but their performance strongly declined both with increasing host age and with the time they grew autotrophically. A large part of the variation due to host age but not of that due to host species identity could be related to the negative influence of host size at the likely time of parasite attachment. The low quality of older hosts was not due to light competition, suggesting that effective exploitation of these hosts was prevented by other factors like harder roots, stronger defense against parasite attack or competition for resources taken up by the host roots. Suppression of host growth by the parasites declined with increasing host age. The results indicate that the choice of host age may influence the results of studies on hemiparasites. They also highlight the importance for annual root hemiparasites of attachment in early spring, that is, at a time when their mostly perennial hosts produce fresh roots but are still poorly developed above ground.
Seasonal and perennial water populations of an endemic crayfish differ in behavioural responses to drying but not metabolism
Authors: Emery‐Butcher Holly E. , Beatty Stephen J. , Robson Belinda J.
Published: June 2023

Crayfish perform important roles within freshwater ecosystems, including in regions where global warming is causing prolonged drying of waterbodies. However, little is known about responses of crayfish to habitat drying from both a behavioural and physiological perspective. We compared burrowing ability, survival and metabolism of the crayfish Cherax quinquecarinatus from a seasonal stream and a perennial stream. Burrowing ability and crayfish survival were quantified in a mesocosm experiment contrasting sediment type (sand vs. clay/sand mixture) and water regime. Aerobic scope, standard metabolic rate (SMR) and maximum metabolic rate (MMR) were also compared using intermittent flow respirometry. Crayfish from the seasonal stream showed limited burrowing ability but higher survival in the drying treatment, while the perennial stream crayfish burrowed strongly in the clay/sand sediment. Higher survival suggests that crayfish from seasonal streams might be physiologically better adapted to drying. Larger crayfish burrowed more proficiently, reaching the saturated hyporheic zone refuge in the clay/sand sediment treatment. SMR/MMR/aerobic scope did not differ between populations or respirometry runs; however, SMR differed between individuals, perhaps due to personality traits. There was a significant negative relationship between MMR/aerobic scope and weight. Sediment type may limit C. quinquecarinatus burrowing and persistence through drying. Crayfish populations did not differ in terms of metabolism; however, crayfish from seasonal habitats may possess more efficient physiological adaptations to drying. This study highlights the need for greater research attention on the effects of climatic drying on both the behaviour and the physiology of species exposed to climate change.
Advances in separation and identification of biologically important milk proteins and peptides
Authors: Stastna Miroslava
Published: June 2023

Milk is a rich source of biologically important proteins and peptides. In addition, milk contains a variety of extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, that carry their own proteome cargo. EVs are essential for cell–cell communication and modulation of biological processes. They act as nature carriers of bioactive proteins/peptides in targeted delivery during various physiological and pathological conditions. Identification of the proteins and protein‐derived peptides in milk and EVs and recognition of their biological activities and functions had a tremendous impact on food industry, medicine research, and clinical applications. Advanced separation methods, mass spectrometry (MS)‐based proteomic approaches and innovative biostatistical procedures allowed for characterization of milk protein isoforms, genetic/splice variants, posttranslational modifications and their key roles, and contributed to novel discoveries. This review article discusses recently published developments in separation and identification of bioactive proteins/peptides from milk and milk EVs, including MS‐based proteomic approaches.
Silicon Graphite Composite Anode Degradation: Effects of Silicon Ratio, Current Density, and Temperature
Authors: Choi Jongeun , Kim Giyong , Kim Sung Yeol
Published: June 2023

Recently, a graphite–silicone (GrSi) composite anode has attracted a lot of attention due to its enhanced capacity and stability over pure Si anode. Herein, the abnormal behaviors and the degradation of the composite electrode during the repeated charging/discharging cycles are investigated. At each cycle, the capacity retention, Coulombic efficiency, irreversible, and differential capacity are analyzed to examine the contribution of each Gr and Si on the capacity. Generally, the composite electrodes are found to show a rapid initial decrease in capacity as the silicon ratio increases, indicating that silicone is the major contributor of the initial drop. Also, the capacity contribution of the graphite can also decrease rapidly for some conditions such as low temperature and high rate due to higher charge transfer resistance of the graphite. Interestingly, at certain conditions, the capacity decreases initially and recovers; differential capacity analysis revealed that this was due to the initial loss and recovery of graphite reactions. The degree of recovery decreased with increasing Si partly due to the higher resistivity of Si. Our findings could be useful for designing and operating composite electrodes with higher performance and stability.
Photovoltaic Class‐E Inverter for Resonance Wireless Power Transfer for Electric Vehicle Charging Applications with Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Chehab Mohamed Haikel , Khelil Makram , Salah Chokri Ben , Tlija Mehdi , Rabhi Abdelhamid
Published: June 2023

A wireless power transfer (WPT) station supplied by an array of solar panels is presented, where solar energy comes from an array of panels with 120 V voltage and 3 A current. It is subjected to maximum power point tracking algorithm optimization on a boost converter, where the duty cycle of the converter is adjusted with an interval chosen between [0.2, 0.8], which is used to iteratively compare between the input and output signals in order to have a maximum power at the output. After regulating the panel array signal through the boost converter, the signal is transferred to an additional middle stage whose role is to raise the frequency until it reaches the resonance frequency of the WPT charger. The device responsible for this task is an inverter based on a class‐E inverter architecture and a GaN transistor technology. The inverter is controlled by a DSP card in a hard‐switch mode and delivers the output signal with a frequency of 10 Mhz, which is the resonance frequency of spiral coils of wireless chargers. Herein, the signal nature can be seen at the terminal of a fixed load with signal optimization through the MPPT algorithm and the HF inverter control mode.
A Scalable and Controllable Li‐Powder‐Coating Prelithiation Method Toward Ultralong‐life and High‐Energy‐Density LiFePO4 Battery
Authors: Zhao Yusong , Li Wenlong , Wu Jun , Zhou Xufeng , Liu Zhaoping
Published: June 2023

LiFePO4/graphite battery is considered to be the ideal Li‐ion battery for grid energy storage, which requires long cycle life. However, the formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in the first charge and discharge process and regeneration of SEI during cycling causes continuous loss of active lithium, which reduces the reversible capacity of the battery and shortens its cycle life. Prelithiation of the negative electrode is an effective method to supplement the loss of active lithium, thereby improving the cycle life and energy density of the battery. This work uses stable lithium powder, solid electrolyte (Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12), and polyvinylidene fluoride to prepare a stable prelithiation reagent, which is coated on the surface of a graphite electrode using a microgravure‐coating machine. The effects of the proposed prelithiation method on initial Coulombic efficiency, cycle life, and calendar life of batteries are investigated. It is found that this method can increase the cycle life of graphite/lithium iron phosphate pouch cells, with the initial Coulombic efficiency increased by 3.43%, and is readily applicable for industrial applications.
Biogas production potential from animal farm waste in Bangladesh: Case studies of two selected farms
Authors: Das Priyom , Islam Kazi Sifatul , Uddin S. M. Mijan
Published: June 2023

Increasing prices of conventional energy sources and ongoing environmental pollution have encouraged policymakers to search for sustainable energy resources. In developing countries, livestock waste is often mismanaged and negatively impacts the environment. Bioenergy production from agricultural and animal wastes can be a viable solution. This study conducted a month‐wise survey on a multipurpose farm and a dairy farm in Chattogram, Bangladesh, to estimate the bioenergy potential from farm livestock waste. Based on the survey, mathematical modeling was applied to estimate the selected farm's theoretical bioelectricity, biogas and biofertilizer production potential. The analysis shows that the multipurpose and dairy farm have an annual biogas production potential of 209,660.2 and 1,205,035.5 m3, generating 3.77E+05 and 2.17E+06 kWhyr−1 of bioelectricity, respectively. The multipurpose farm and the dairy farm could generate 982.03 and 16092.49 tons of bio manure yearly and had an annual biofertilizer potential of 64.36 and 2090.91 tons. Both environmental and economic analyses show that both farms have good greenhouse gas mitigation potential and can earn significant revenue by selling electricity and biofertilizer in the market. The outcome can provide valuable guidelines for policymakers to invest in bioenergy production from farm animal waste.
Mediators between sexual abuse and eating disorder severity: A comparative case‐control study in treatment‐naïve patients
Authors: Ventura Ludovica , Gómez del Barrio Andrés , Miras‐Aguilar María , Ruiz‐Gutiérrez José , González Gómez Jana , González‐Blanch César
Published: June 2023

Objective

Sexual abuse is associated with eating disorders (EDs) severity. However, the psychological mediators of this association have received scant attention in the literature.

Method

The present study aimed to evaluate the mediating role of psychological maladjustment, alexithymia, and self‐esteem in the relationship between sexual abuse and EDs severity in a sample of 134 treatment‐naïve patients with an EDs and 129 paired healthy controls.

Results

In the EDs group, EDs severity among participants who had been sexually abused was mediated by greater psychological maladjustment and alexithymia (indirect effects: β = 12.55, 95% CI [6.11–19.87] p < 0.001; β = 3.22, 95% CI [0.235–7.97] p < 0.05, respectively). By contrast, these variables had no significant mediating effect on EDs severity in the control group.

Discussion

These findings support the hypothesis of a disorder‐related relationship between sexual abuse and alexithymia and psychological maladjustment, which, in turn, influences EDs severity. Alexithymia and psychological maladjustment appear to be promising therapeutic targets for patients with EDs who have a history of sexual abuse.
Bioethics and War
Authors: Have Henk ten
Published: June 2023

War has major health consequences and poses significant ethical dilemmas for health professionals. In caring for victims of armed conflicts, health providers are obliged to put medical ethics before military aims. While the normative framework of warfare is clear and accepted by almost all countries, in practice, restrictions on violence are continuously broken, and the safety and independence of health professionals are not ensured. In bioethics, the issue of war has not been treated as a major concern. The field can do more to articulate the responsibilities of health practitioners and scientists, arguing that Red Cross founder Henri Dunant's principle of humanity and the principles of professional and global ethics reject the idea of military necessity. Bioethics should focus on strategies to prevent war, encouraging the collective action of health professionals. Bioethics should also stress—as, so far, one national medical association has—that war is a man‐made public health problem.
The connectome‐based prediction of trust propensity in older adults: A resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Chen Yiqi , He Hao , Lin Wenyi , Yang Jiawang , Tan Siping , Tao Wuhai , Guan Qing , Krueger Frank
Published: June 2023

A recent neuropsychoeconomic model of trust propensity argues that an individual uses economic (executive functions) and social (social cognition) rationality strategies to transform the risk of treachery (affect) into positive expectations of reciprocity, promoting trust in another person. Previous studies have shown that the trust of older adults is associated with affect and social cognition. However, little is known about the intrinsic functional connectivity correlated with trust propensity or whether trust propensity is associated with executive functions in older adults. In this study, we examined the association between trust propensity (measured by a one‐shot trust game [TG]), social preference (measured by a one‐shot dictator game), and executive functions (measured by a battery of neuropsychological tests). We also performed connectome‐based predictive modeling (CPM) and computational lesion analysis to identify the key large‐scale resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) underlying the prediction of trust propensity. Our behavioral results showed a lower trust propensity in older adults in our study than in younger adults in a previous meta‐analysis. Furthermore, trust propensity was associated with social preference, but there was no significant relationship between trust propensity and executive functions. The neuroimaging results showed that the cingulo‐opercular network (CON) and the default mode network (DMN), rather than the frontoparietal network (FPN), significantly contributed to the prediction of trust propensity in older adults. Our findings suggest that older adults rely less on economic rationality (executive functions, associated with FPN) in trust games. Rather, they are likely to depend more on social rationality (social cognition, associated with social preference and DMN) to resolve the risk of treachery (affect, associated with CON) in trust dilemmas. This study contributes to a better understanding of the neural underpinnings of older adults' trust propensity.
Multi‐sectoral action to promote psychological wellbeing: Theorising the role of place‐based policy
Authors: Fisher Matthew
Published: June 2023

Issues Addressed

Several national governments are showing interest in policies to promote wellbeing. One common strategy is to devise systems to measure indictors of wellbeing, presuming that governments act on what they measure. This article will argue instead that formation of multisectoral policies to promote psychological wellbeing requires a different kind of theoretical and evidentiary basis.

Methods

The article integrates ideas from literature on wellbeing, health in all policies, political science, mental health promotion, and social determinants of health to make a case for place‐based policy as the central feature of multi‐sectoral policy for psychological wellbeing.

Results and Discussion

I argue that the required theoretical foundation for policy action on psychological wellbeing lies with understanding certain basic functions of human social psychology including the role of stress arousal. I then draw on policy theory to propose three steps to translate this theoretical understanding of psychological wellbeing into practicable, multi‐sectoral policies. Step one is concerned with adopting a thoroughly revised conception of psychological wellbeing as a policy problem. Step two involves uptake of a theory of change in policy, grounded on recognition of essential social conditions required to promote psychological wellbeing. Proceeding from these, I will argue that a necessary (but not sufficient) third step is to implement place‐based strategies involving government‐community partnerships, to generate essential conditions for psychological wellbeing on a universal basis. Finally, I examine implications of the proposed approach for current theory and practice in mental health promotion policy.

Conclusions

Place‐based policy is foundational for effective multi‐sectoral policy to promote psychological wellbeing.

So What?

Governments aiming to promote psychological wellbeing should position place‐based policy at the centre of their strategies.
Creating meaningful work for employees: The role of inclusive leadership
Authors: Shafaei Azadeh , Nejati Mehran
Published: June 2023

Meaningfulness is a fundamental psychological need and can result in numerous positive outcomes for employees and organizations. However, little is known about how inclusive leadership can promote employees' sense of meaningful work. Drawing upon self‐determination theory, we posit that inclusive leadership enhances meaningful work through creating psychological safety and fostering learning from errors. Inclusive leadership improves work meaningfulness as it contributes to better job attributes. Study hypotheses were tested using a multiple‐study research design, including a two‐wave field study of 317 full‐time employees (Study 1) and a randomized experimental vignette methodology with 440 participants (Study 2). Findings from both studies support the hypothesized mediation model and suggest that inclusive leaders enhance employees' meaningful work mediated through psychological safety and learning from errors.
Vaccination in pregnancy
Authors: Nassar Anwar H. , Hobeika Elie , Chamsy Dina , El‐Kak Faysal , Usta Ihab M.
Published: June 2023

The evidence indicates that pregnancy is associated with increased severity of some infectious diseases. Given the high maternal morbidity associated with influenza in pregnancy and the high neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with pertussis, the traditionally two recommended vaccines during pregnancy were those against influenza and Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis) vaccines. The recent COVID‐19 pandemic introduced a third vaccine that after much debate is now recommended for all pregnant women. Other vaccines can be offered based for high‐risk pregnant women, and only when the benefits of receiving them outweigh the risks. The soon expected vaccines against group B streptococcus infection and respiratory syncytial virus infection will be a breakthrough in reducing perinatal mortality. In this paper, the recommendations for administration of each vaccine during pregnancy are discussed.
Expected increase in health competence improves over modules of an unguided internet‐based cognitive‐behavioural therapy for obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Miegel Franziska Sophia , Schröder Johanna , Schultz Josephine , Müller Jana Christina , Jelinek Lena
Published: June 2023

Internet‐based cognitive‐behavioural interventions (iCBT) are a valuable alternative to face‐to‐face psychotherapy. An unguided iCBT program has shown to be efficacious for patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). However, the modules' mode of action is not well understood, which is the objective of the present study. Twenty‐five patients with OCD who participated at the iCBT program for 8 weeks answered a questionnaire on their self‐efficacy, motivation, expected increase in health competence and experiential avoidance before and after each module and were included in the present analyses. Linear mixed‐effects models demonstrated that patients' expected increase in health competence improved over the course of the treatment. No within‐module‐specific effect was found. The iCBT program was able to improve patients' expected health competence. However, all other variables did not change. The iCBT program should be revised by focusing more strongly on the integration of the content to reduce experiential avoidance and to improve motivation.
Metabolic and textural changes in the brain of non‐small cell lung cancer patients: A total‐body positron emission tomography/computed tomography study
Authors: Xie Xue , Lu Weizhao , Ma Depeng , Liu Sijin , Duan Yanhua , Li Kun , Cheng Zhaoping , Qiu Jianfeng
Published: June 2023

Background

Brain metastases are frequent complications for lung cancer patients. However, changes in the brain of lung cancer patients have received little attention. We aimed to explore whether alterations in brain glucose uptake and brain texture occur in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and to investigate associations between brain alterations and NSCLC via the uEXPLORER positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) system.

Methods

In total, 105 participants were enrolled, including 55 healthy controls and 50 NSCLC patients. Images were acquired using the PET/CT system. Standardized uptake values normalized by lean body mass were calculated as indicators of glucose uptake. Correlation analysis was conducted between aberrant brain glucose uptake, glucose uptake of cancer lesions, and concentrations of serum lung cancer markers. Radiomics was used to investigate whether features extracted from regions with altered brain glucose uptake could serve as biomarkers of lung cancer progression.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, NSCLC patients showed decreased standardized uptake values normalized by lean body mass in the left insula, medial frontal gyrus, and anterior cingulate. Correlation analysis demonstrated that glucose uptake of the anterior cingulate was negatively correlated with serum lung cancer marker concentrations. Radiomic features on PET/CT images of the above brain regions could classify NSCLC patients and healthy controls with an accuracy of 79%.

Conclusions

NSCLC patients exhibited altered brain glucose uptake and changes in brain textures. These alterations may reflect alterations in behavioral domains in NSCLC and may be related to altered lung‐brain interactions and potential brain metastasis of NSCLC.
Deep‐learning visualization enhancement method for optical coherence tomography angiography in dermatology
Authors: Xu Jingjiang , Yuan Xing , Huang Yanping , Qin Jia , Lan Gongpu , Qiu Haixia , Yu Bo , Jia Haibo , Tan Haishu , Zhao Shiyong , Feng Zhongwu , An Lin , Wei Xunbin
Published: June 2023

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in dermatology usually suffers from low image quality due to the highly scattering property of the skin, the complexity of cutaneous vasculature, and limited acquisition time. Deep‐learning methods have achieved great success in many applications. However, the deep learning approach to improve dermatological OCTA images has not been investigated due to the requirement of high‐performance OCTA systems and difficulty of obtaining high‐quality images as ground truth. This study aims to generate proper datasets and develop a robust deep learning method to enhance the skin OCTA images. A swept‐source skin OCTA system was employed to create low‐quality and high‐quality OCTA images with different scanning protocols. We propose a model named vascular visualization enhancement generative adversarial network and adopt an optimized data augmentation strategy and perceptual content loss function to achieve better image enhancement effect with small amount of training data. We demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method in skin OCTA image enhancement by quantitative and qualitative comparisons.
Effect of calcium hydrothermal treatment of zirconia abutments on human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Zhao Dan , Leng Yanjun , Liu Yishu , Zhou Xudiyang
Published: June 2023

Zirconia materials have been increasingly used in implant rehabilitation due to their excellent physical and esthetic properties. Stable peri‐implant epithelial tissue adhesion to the transmucosal implant abutment may significantly enhance the efficacy of implant long‐term stability. However, it is difficult to form stable chemical or biological bindings with peri‐implant epithelial tissue due to the strong biological inertia of zirconia materials. In the present study, we investigated whether calcium hydrothermal treatment of zirconia promotes sealing of peri‐implant epithelial tissue. In vitro experiments were performed to analyze the effects of calcium hydrothermal treatment on zirconia surface morphology and composition by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. Immunofluorescence staining of adherent proteins, namely, F‐actin and integrin β1, in human gingival fibroblast line (HGF‐l) cells was performed. In the calcium hydrothermal treatment group, there was higher expression of these adherent proteins and increased HGF‐l cell proliferation. An in vivo study was conducted by extracting the maxillary right first molars of rats and replacing them with mini‐zirconia abutment implants. The calcium hydrothermal treatment group showed better attachment at the zirconia abutment surface, which inhibited horseradish peroxidase penetration at 2 weeks post‐implantation. These results demonstrated that calcium hydrothermal treatment of zirconia improves the seal between the implant abutment and surrounding epithelial tissues, potentially increasing the long‐term stability of the implant.
The trauma and learning policy initiative (TLPI)'s inquiry‐based process: Mapping systems change toward resilience
Authors: Atallah Devin G. , Koslouski Jessica B. , Perkins Kesha N. , Marscio Christine , Robinson Rhyann L. , Del Rio Michelle G. , Porche Michelle V.
Published: June 2023

Trauma is much more than our individual experiences. Fundamentally, trauma is rooted in our social conditions, interrelated with the oppression and violence in our communities and in societies at large. Trauma is knotted within cycles of harm in our relationships and in our communities and institutions. Not only are our communities and institutions sites of trauma, however, but they can also be sites of great healing, restoration, and resilience. Educational institutions hold the potential for contributing to resilient change toward the creation of transformative communities for children to feel safe and to thrive, even in the face of accumulating adversities that are endemic in the United States and beyond. This study investigated the impact of an initiative that strives to support K‐12 schools in transforming towards greater trauma‐sensitivity: trauma and learning policy initiative (TLPI). We share findings from our qualitative, situational analysis of the impact of TLPI's support to three schools in Massachusetts, USA. Although TLPI's framework on trauma does not explicitly include an antiracism lens, when engaging in data analysis, with the aim to shed light on possible schoolwide approaches to promote equity, our team of researchers specifically attended to ways intersecting systems of oppression may have impacted student education. A visual diagram, “Map of Educational Systems Change Towards Resilience,” emerged from our data analysis, with four themes that represent how educators understood the shifts in their schools. These were: (1) facilitating empowerment and collaboration; (2) integrating whole‐child approaches; (3) affirming cultural identity and promoting a sense of belonging; and (4) re‐envisioning discipline toward relational accountability. We discuss pathways that educational communities and institutions can take to create trauma‐sensitive learning environments for the promotion of greater resilience.
Development and physicochemical characterization of a biodegradable microspheres formulation loaded with samarium‐153 and doxorubicin for chemo‐radioembolization of liver tumours
Authors: Alregib Asseel Hisham , Tan Hun Yee , Wong Yin How , Kasbollah Azahari , Wong Eng Hwa , Abdullah Basri Johan Jeet , Perkins Alan Christopher , Yeong Chai Hong
Published: June 2023

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE) are promising treatments for unresectable liver tumours. Some recent studies suggested that combining TACE and TARE in one treatment course might improve treatment efficacy through synergistic cytotoxicity effects. Nonetheless, current formulations do not facilitate a combination of chemo‐ and radio‐embolic agents in one delivery system. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesise a hybrid biodegradable microsphere loaded with both radioactive agent, samarium‐153 (153Sm) and chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin (Dox) for potential radio‐chemoembolization of advanced liver tumours. 152Sm and Dox‐loaded polyhydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) microspheres were prepared using water‐in‐oil‐in‐water solvent evaporation method. The microspheres were then sent for neutron activation in a neutron flux of 2 × 1012 n/cm2/s. The physicochemical properties, radioactivity, radionuclide purity, 153Sm retention efficiency, and Dox release profile of the Dox‐153Sm‐PHBV microspheres were analysed. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity of the formulation was tested using MTT assay on HepG2 cell line at 24 and 72 h. The mean diameter of the Dox‐153Sm‐PHBV microspheres was 30.08 ± 2.79 μm. The specific radioactivity was 8.68 ± 0.17 GBq/g, or 177.69 Bq per microsphere. The 153Sm retention efficiency was more than 99%, tested in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and human blood plasma over 26 days. The cumulative release of Dox from the microspheres after 41 days was 65.21 ± 1.96% and 29.96 ± 0.03% in PBS solution of pH 7.4 and pH 5.5, respectively. The Dox‐153Sm‐PHBV microspheres achieved a greater in vitro cytotoxicity effect on HepG2 cells (85.73 ± 3.63%) than 153Sm‐PHBV (70.03 ± 5.61%) and Dox‐PHBV (74.06 ± 0.78%) microspheres at 300 μg/mL at 72 h. In conclusion, a novel biodegradable microspheres formulation loaded with chemotherapeutic drug (Dox) and radioactive agent (153Sm) was successfully developed in this study. The formulation fulfilled all the desired physicochemical properties of a chemo‐radioembolic agent and achieved better in vitro cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the biosafety, radiation dosimetry, and synergetic anticancer properties of the formulation.
Proliferating cell nuclear antigen impairs the nuclear import of influenza A virus PB2 and suppresses virus replication
Authors: Zhou Yuanbao , Zhang Shishuo , Wang Biaoxiong , Ran Ying , Tu Shaoyu , Lin Zhipeng , Jin Meilin , Chen Huanchun , Zou Jiahui , Zhou Hongbo
Published: June 2023

The genome of Influenza A virus (IAV) transcribes and replicates in the nucleus of cells and the viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complex plays an important role in viral replication. As a major component of the vRNP complex, the polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) is translocated to the nucleus via its nuclear localization signals mediated by the importins. Herein, it was identified proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as an inhibitor of nuclear import of PB2 and subsequent viral replication. Mechanically, PCNA interacted with PB2 and inhibited the nuclear import of PB2. Furthermore, PCNA decreased the binding efficiency of PB2 with importin alpha (importin α) and the K738, K752, and R755 of PB2 were identified as the key sites binding with PCNA and importin α. Furthermore, PCNA was demonstrated to retrain the vRNP assembly and polymerase activity. Taken together, the results demonstrated that PCNA impaired the nuclear import of PB2, vRNP assembly and polymerase activity, which negatively regulated virus replication.
Insights on the climate of Bhutan from a new daily 1 km gridded data set for temperature and precipitation
Authors: Lehner Fabian , Formayer Herbert
Published: June 2023

Gridded climatological data derived for Bhutan from internationally available data sets either come at a very low spatial resolution, or do not provide daily data, or contain few in situ measurements. We present a newly developed daily high‐resolution (1 km) gridded data set for Bhutan covering the years 1996–2019 for precipitation and maximum and minimum temperature (BhutanClim). As input, we used quality‐controlled and homogenized data from up to 67 weather stations from the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology of Bhutan. The spatial interpolation of daily temperature consists of a non‐linear vertical profile combined with an inverse‐distance interpolation of the residuals. The interpolation uses a non‐Euclidian distance that takes elevation differences between grid cells and topographic obstacles into account. The daily coverage allows the calculation of climate indicators that need daily data such as frost days or precipitation days. The new climatology benefits from the use of local measurements and shows plausible small‐scale spatial patterns. It shows a distinct dry region in the valleys in central Bhutan bordering a dry climate classification according to Köppen–Geiger which is not visible in other data sets.
Unevenness of temporal distribution of precipitation over the Yangtze River basin and its main influencing factors
Authors: Li Jiajia , He Xinguang , Chen Ajiao , Tao Lizhi
Published: June 2023

Understanding the unevenness of precipitation distribution within a year is important for water resources management and agricultural production. In this study, spatiotemporal variations of precipitation unevenness in the Yangtze River basin (YRB) during 1961–2020 and its main influencing factors are investigated by the relative entropy (RE) and rotated empirical orthogonal function. The timings of different percentiles of annual total precipitation show that the temporal distribution of precipitation in the YRB is uneven. The unevenness of precipitation distribution exhibits a large spatial variability with a high‐value centre in the northeast and a low value centre in the northwest of the YRB, and an upward trend in almost the entire YRB. Precipitation becomes more uneven with the decrease of annual number of wet days and low‐intensity precipitation amount and the increase of high‐intensity precipitation amount during the study period. Precipitation unevenness of different regions is modulated by the different combinations of different seasonal climate indices with specific time lags. For example, in the south‐central YRB, precipitation unevenness generally tends to be enhanced by the positive Tropical Northern Atlantic Index in current summer and sea surface temperature anomalies over South China Sea (SCS) in previous summer, and negative North Atlantic Oscillation in current winter, while in the northeast YRB, be weakened by negative Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation in current spring, Atlantic Meridional Mode in current summer and positive SCS in current autumn. Besides, the identified significant climate indices can partly explain the temporal changes of precipitation unevenness, and their explanatory ability is more powerful in the south‐central, southeast and northwest YRB than in the north‐central and northeast YRB, which reveals a strong negative correlation with the degree of precipitation unevenness.
Seasonal–interannual–decadal variations of sea level in the South China Sea and connections with the tropical–subtropical Pacific
Authors: Li Juan , Tan Wei , Sun Wenjin , Yang Lina , Lin Lei , Fu Qingjun
Published: June 2023

Different timescale contributions to the sea‐level variation in the South China Sea (SCS) are evaluated in this paper. On seasonal timescale, the large variance of the sea‐level anomaly (SLA) could account for more than 70% of the monthly sea‐level variation in the western shallow continental shelf and the area of Luzon cold eddy. Besides, the seasonal explained variance percentage (skill) has 2 weak centres (50%–70%) off eastern Vietnam, which is related to the summertime eddy pair in the SCS. On interannual‐to‐decadal (low‐frequency) timescale, the skill has two large‐value regions (Zone A and Zone B). Zone A is characterized by double centres off eastern Vietnam, but the meridional position of the double centres is farther north than that of the eddy pair. The skill in Zone A is in the range of 35%–55%, and about 50%–70% of the low‐frequency variation comes from the steric effect. Zone B is off the west coast of the Philippines. The skill in Zone B increases southward, and it is dominated by the wind‐induced dynamic process which is attributed to the remote Rossby wave from the tropical Pacific. Based on the S‐EOF analysis, the SEOF‐1 mode mainly portrays the decadal variation of the SLA, while the SEOF‐2 mode reflects the interannual variation of the SLA. In Zone B, almost all of the low‐frequency variation could be attributed to ENSO and PDO, especially to PDO which has a larger contribution. However, the double centres in Zone A are governed by the SCS summer monsoon, instead of ENSO and PDO.
Re‐orientating systematic reviews to rigorously examine what works, for whom and how: Example of a realist systematic review of school‐based prevention of dating and gender violence
Authors: Bonell Chris , Taylor Bruce , Berry Vashti , Filho Sidnei R. Priolo , Rizzo Andrew , Farmer Caroline , Hagell Ann , Young Honor , Orr Noreen , Shaw Naomi , Chollet Annah , Kiff Fraizer , Rigby Emma , Melendez‐Torres G. J.
Published: June 2023

Conventional systematic reviews offer few insights into for whom and how interventions work. ‘Realist reviews’ examine such questions via examining ‘context‐mechanism‐outcome configurations’ (CMOCs) but are insufficiently rigorous in how evidence is identified, assessed and synthesised. We developed ‘realist systematic reviews’, addressing similar questions to realist reviews but using rigorous methods. We applied this to synthesising evidence on school‐based prevention of dating and relationship violence (DRV) and gender‐based violence (GBV). This paper reflects on overall methods and findings, drawing on papers reporting each analysis. Drawing on intervention descriptions, theories of change and process evaluations, we developed initial CMOC hypotheses: interventions triggering ‘school‐transformation’ mechanisms (preventing violence by changing school environments) will achieve larger effects than those triggering ‘basic‐safety’ (stopping violence by emphasising its unacceptability) or ‘positive‐development’ (developing students' broader skills and relationships) mechanisms; however, school transformation would only work in schools with high organisational capacity. We used various innovative analyses, some of which aimed to test these hypotheses and some of which were inductive, drawing on available findings to augment and refine the CMOCs. Overall, interventions were effective in reducing long‐term DRV but not GBV or short‐term DRV. DRV prevention occurred most effectively via the ‘basic‐safety’ mechanism. ‘School‐transformation’ mechanisms were more effective in preventing GBV but only in high‐income countries. Impacts on long‐term DRV victimisation were greater when working with a critical mass of participating girls. Impacts on long‐term DRV perpetration were greater for boys. Interventions were more effective when focusing on skills, attitudes and relationships, or lacking parental involvement or victim stories. Our method provided novel insights and should be useful to policy‐makers seeking the best interventions for their contexts and the most information to inform implementation.
Saturated brine dissolution and liquid–liquid extraction combined with UPLC–MS/MS for the detection of typical Alternaria toxins in pear paste
Authors: Lan Feng , Jiang Fudong , Zang Hongwei , Wang Zhixin
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Alternaria can infest pears to produce metabolites, which can contaminate pears and their processed products. Pear paste, one of the most important pear‐based products, is popular among Chinese consumers especially for its cough relieving and phlegm removal properties. Although people are concerned about the risk of Alternaria toxins in many agro‐foods and their products, little is known about the toxins in pear paste.

RESULTS

A method was developed for the determination of tenuazonic acid, alternariol, alternariol menomethyl ether, altenuene and tentoxin in pear paste by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with saturated sodium sulphate dissolution and acidified acetonitrile extraction. The mean recoveries of the five toxins were 75.3–113.8% with relative standard deviations of 2.8–12.2% at spiked levels of 1.0–100 μg kg−1. Alternaria toxins were detected in 53 out of 76 samples, with a detection rate of 71.4%. Tenuazonic acid (67.1%), alternariol (35.5%), tentoxin (23.7%) and alternariol monomethyl ether (7.9%) were detected in all samples at concentrations of < limit of quantification (LOQ)–105.0 μg kg−1, < LOQ–32.1 μg kg−1, < LOQ–74.2 μg kg−1 and < LOQ–15.1 μg kg−1, respectively. Altenuene was never found in pear paste samples. Tenuazonic acid, alternariol, tentoxin and alternariol menomethyl ether should be focused on due to their toxicity and detection rates.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the detection method and residue levels of Alternaria toxins in pear paste. The proposed method and research data can provide technical support for the Chinese government to continuously monitor and control Alternaria toxins in pear paste, especially tenuazonic acid. It can also provide a useful reference for related researchers. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.