bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure of human phagocyte NADPH oxidase in the resting state
Authors: Liu Rui , Song Kangcheng , Wu Jing-Xiang , Geng Xiao-Peng , Zheng Liming , Gao Xiaoyin , Peng Hailin , Chen Lei
Published: November 2022

Phagocyte oxidase plays an essential role in the first line of host defense against pathogens. It oxidizes intracellular NADPH to reduce extracellular oxygen to produce superoxide anions that participate in pathogen killing. The resting phagocyte oxidase is a heterodimeric complex formed by two transmembrane proteins NOX2 and p22. Despite the physiological importance of this complex, its structure remains elusive. Here, we reported the cryo-EM structure of the functional human NOX2-p22 complex in nanodisc in the resting state. NOX2 shows a canonical 6-TM architecture of NOX and p22 has four transmembrane helices. M3, M4, and M5 of NOX2, and M1 and M4 helices of p22 are involved in the heterodimer formation. Dehydrogenase (DH) domain of NOX2 in the resting state is not optimally docked onto the transmembrane domain, leading to inefficient electron transfer and NADPH binding. Structural analysis suggests that the cytosolic factors might activate the NOX2-p22 complex by stabilizing the DH in a productive docked conformation.
Manuel Lacunza y la voluntad de comprender
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (Chile), Rolle Claudio
Published: November 2022

La lectura de la tradición escatológica, en especial de la milenarista de los siglos II y III, por parte de Manuel Lacunza aparece guiada por la voluntad de comprender las circunstancias históricas de fines del siglo XVIII, considerando los fenómenos que el jesuita reconoce en las Sagradas Escrituras en relación con el contexto de su vida y obra.
De Lafourcade a Ruiz: comuniones y polaridades a partir de Palomita blanca
Authors:   Universidad de Chile (Chile), Horta Canales Luis
Published: November 2022

Palomita blanca, novela escrita por Enrique Lafourcade en 1971, se convierte en un éxito de ventas que la lleva a ser adaptada al cine por Raúl Ruiz en 1973. Este artículo propone que se trata de dos productos culturales surgidos de un contexto epocal en el que se colocan en tensión los cánones narrativos tanto en la literatura como en el cine. El hecho que se trate de un escritor adscrito a la Generación literaria del ‘50realizando un best seller, y a la vez un cineasta adscrito al Nuevo Cine Chileno realizando una película comercial, permite abordar la relación con lo popular, las formas y temas de ambas exploraciones estéticas, construyendo un retrato social del periodo.
La obra literaria de Carlos Franz: Santiago de Chile en formato ensayo y la segunda persona como estrategia estética
Authors:   Universidad San Sebastián (Chile), Díaz-Cid César
Published: November 2022

En estas notas se comentan tres obras del escritor chileno Carlos Franz. En primer lugar La muralla enterrada (2001), libro escrito en formato de ensayo que desde una voz que inicia la presentación del proyecto en primera persona, se suma a una tradición del ensayo latinoamericano y se instala como un referente para los escritores del siglo XXI que reflexionan sobre el impacto de su trabajo en el entorno que los representa. Dos de sus novelas aquí comentadas permiten establecer una sinopsis tanto de los elementos que caracterizan la narrativa de Franz, las técnicas literarias que predominan en sus voces narrativas; la propuesta estética que articula la totalidad de su proyecto novelesco. Tanto en Almuerzo de vampiros (2007) como en Si me vieras con tus ojos (2017) se advierte con suficiente claridad el trasfondo filosófico que propone Franz.
Correlation of Motor and Functional Recovery with Neuroimaging in Ischaemic Stroke: An Observational Study
Authors: Dhiman Nitish , Laisram Nonica , Johnson Deepthi S , Badhal Suman , Malik Amita
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Neuroimaging plays a critical role in diagnosing and planning the treatment of stroke. Early prognostic markers help in predicting the prognosis after stroke. Aim: To correlate the motor recovery and functional outcome with Computed Tomography (CT) brain findings using Alberta Stroke Programme Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) in patients with ischaemic stroke. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital (tertiary care centre), from October 2016 to March 2018. A total of 45 patients diagnosed with Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) territory Ischaemic Stroke were included. Motor and functional assessment were done using Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and Barthel Index (BI). FMA and BI were correlated with the radiological assessment using ASPECTS on Non Contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) of head. Results: The mean age of the study population was 60.98±8.61 years. The mean BI score was 70.34± 25.2, and FMA score was 61.56±32.8. The mean ASPECTS was 7.5, with 26 patients having ASPECTS 8-10 and 19 with ASPECTS 0-7. Patients with higher ASPECTS (8-10) had moderate to no dependence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and mild to no motor impairment respectively (p-value<0.0001). Patients having lower ASPECTS (0-7) had severe dependency in ADL and motor impairment (p-value<0.0001). Conclusion: Alberta stroke programme early computed tomography score has a significant correlation with motor and functional recovery and is a strong predictor of outcome after ischaemic stroke. The higher the score on ASPECTS, the better will be the motor and functional outcome. The computed tomography findings of brain will help in stroke rehabilitation by enabling to set realistic goals at an early (acute) stage poststroke.
Antitoxic Effects of Solanum betaceum cav. Peel Skin Extract
Authors: Sudiono Janti , Trisfilha Pretty , Agita Debi
Published: November 2022

Background: In Indonesia, Solanum betaceum cav is a traditional herbal medicine which their skin is often wasted because not many people known its content.

Aims: To find out the anti-toxic effect of Solanum betaceum cav peel skin ethanol extract on rat’s renal post-carrageenan induction.

Study Design: Laboratory experimental in vivo study.

Place and Duration of Study: This research was done at Animal Research Facilities (ARF) Medical Faculty University of Indonesia, at September to December 2021.

Methodology: The samples used in this research are male white mice, Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus) with the body weight 180–220 gram which divided into 5 groups, negative control (saline), positive control (sodium dilcofenac 7mg/kgBW), and Solanum betaceum Cav. peel skin ethanol extract groups (70mg/kgBW, 140mg/kgBW, and 280mg/kgBW).  Mice’s buccal mucosa was injected with Caraagenan 1%. Macroscopic and microscopic observation was done before, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours post caraagenan injection.

Results: Phytochemical test showed that Solanum betaceum Cav. peel skin ethanol extract contains phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, and alkaloid. At all doses, anti-toxic effect of Solanum betaceum Cav. peel skin ethanol extract have same healing effectiveness within 48 hours. In positive control, the renal were normal at 48 hours. Meanwhile, the negative control’s healing effectiveness was seen at 72 hours.

Conclusion: The anti-toxic effect of Solanum betaceum Cav. peel skin ethanol extract has effective healing process at all doses in 48 hours post-carrageenan induction without affect rats’ body weight, however with lower intensity than positive control which using dilcofenac as anti-inflammatory drug.
Study of Nanochitosan (Definition, Manufacture, Analysis of Characteristics and Utilization): Review
Authors: Sektiaji Radika Gilang Bayu , Rochima Emma , Pratama Rusky Intan , Utama Gemilang Lara
Published: November 2022

Nanochitosan is a nanoparticle of chitosan with a size between 100-400 nm. Nanochitosan has a higher antibacterial ability than ordinary chitosan. The manufacture of chitosan into nanochitosan can be done by ionic gelation method, namely the complexation of polyelectrolyte between positively charged of chitosan and negatively charged of sodium tripolyphosphate. The morphology of nanochitosan is in the form of a whole sphere and has typical chitosan functional groups such as amine, hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. Utilization of Nanochitosan can be used as a natural preservative because it has antibacterial properties in the form of edible coating. Fish filets coated with nanochitosan edible coating can extend the shelf life and maintain freshness which can be seen from the physiochemical characteristics.
Role of Condensed Tannins in the Antioxidant Activity of Seeds of Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott & Endl. (Malvaceae)
Authors: Sarr Abdou , Dieng Serigne Ibra Mbacké , Sene Madièye , Diatta Charlot , Diatta-Badji Kady , Diatta William , Fall Alioune Dior
Published: November 2022

Background: Native to West Africa, Cola nitida is a tropical tree of about 8-12 in height that grows in lowland rainforest. This plant is best known in Africa for its seeds, used in phytotherapy but for their socio-cultural importance.

Aims/Objective: This study investigated the antioxidant activity of condensed tannins of Cola nitida seeds by carrying out two antioxidant tests (DPPH and FRAP).

Methods: From a hydro-ethanolic extract of Cola nitida seeds, two samples were made. One treated with casein (EC) and another one without treatment (EWC). The researsh of condensed tannins were carried out by precipitation with Stiasny reagent. The total polyphenol and tannin contents were evaluated by the Folin-Denis method and the antioxidant power by DPPH and FRAP tests.

Results: Extract without treatment (EWC) showed more antioxidant activity than the extract treated with casein (EC). Thus, the IC50 of EWC which contains condensed tannins was 5.54±0.005 µg/ml, while that of EC (without condensed tannins) reached 61.92±0.165 µg/ml.

Conclusion: Cola nitida seeds are rich in condensed tannins that play an important role in the antioxidant activity.
Studies on Phosphorous Dynamics in Soils
Authors: Balo Sumana , Mahata Debasis
Published: November 2022

Over two-thirds of the soils in the world suffer from phosphorus shortages (P). Due to phosphorus being unavailable to all but a small portion of plants, agricultural productivity diminishes. Phosphorus-deficient soils have traditionally been fertilized in order to decrease the severity of the environmental impact. Improving agricultural management practices for sustainable crop output, including reduction in phosphorus loss in terms of runoff, is the emphasis of this study. Investigating chemical fractionation mechanisms to distinguish between occluded P, acid-extractable calcium-bonded P, and non-occluded P is necessary for increasing inorganic phosphorous (Pi) in mung bean (Vigna radiata) types and establishing net grazing systems. Phosphate (P) is known to be transferred between pools due to weathering, with the highest P retention rates found in clay-rich soils. Soil with a finer texture is better able to absorb and fix phosphorus, which means more nutrients and water can be made available to the plant when mungbean varieties are inoculated into it. More photosynthesis means more accumulated dry stuff. The P-treated variety of mungbean had the greatest yield index (13.28). Pods per plant (46.02), pods per crop (8.20), test weight (40.63 gm), pod weight (8.0 g), and seed weight (1.0 g) were all significantly increased when fertilization done with Diammonium phosphate (DAP). An increase in nodule count, leaf area index, plant height, grain yield, total chlorophyll content, and straw output of up to 40% was observed at higher P2O5 concentrations (2988 kilograms per hectare). Each plant developed the maximum number of nodules after receiving injections of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and Aspergillus awamori. Its plants were the biggest and most productive overall, and its leaves contained the highest concentrations of chlorophyll. In acidic piedmont soil, liming increased mungbean yields by adjusting other chemical properties and boosting pH. They contend that expanding India's production of pulses is essential for the country to eventually achieve food security. P nutrition needs to be incorporated into farmers' and extension workers' balanced nutrient management programs if they wish to see higher quality pulse yields and greater long-term profitability.
Nutritional status as predictor of quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis / Estado nutricional como preditor de qualidade de vida em pacientes em hemodiálise
Authors: Abelha Barreto Marina , Cattafesta Monica , Dos Santos Neto Edson Theodoro , Bresciani Salaroli Luciane
Published: November 2022

Objetivo: avaliar a associação entre qualidade de vida e estado nutricional de pacientes em hemodiálise, segundo medidas antropométricas e bioquímicas. Métodos: estudo transversal realizado com 1.024 pacientes de 11 centros de hemodiálise de uma região metropolitana da região sudeste do Brasil. Resultados: por meio da regressão linear múltipla, foram identificados os preditores nutricionais de cada domínio da qualidade de vida. Destacamos a albumina sérica, o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e a circunferência da cintura, dentre as medidas associadas tanto a saúde física quanto a mental desta população. Conclusão: a inadequação do estado nutricional está associado a pior qualidade de vida física e mental de indivíduos em hemodiálise. Além do monitoramento do estado nutricional, a avaliação nutricional prediz a qualidade de vida e torna-se uma ferramenta fundamental para um melhor desfecho de saúde, uma vez que a baixa qualidade de vida é um dos principais problemas desta população.
Optimization of isocenter position for multiple targets with nonuniform‐margin expansion
Authors: Miao Junjie , Xu Yingjie , Dai Jianrong
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The single isocenter for multiple‐target (SIMT) technique has become a popular treatment technique for multiple brain metastases. We have implemented a method to obtain a nonuniform margin for SIMT technique. In this study, we further propose a method to determine the isocenter position so that the total expanded margin volume is minimal.

Materials and method

Based on a statistical model, the relationship between nonuniform margin and the distance d (from isocenter to target point), setup uncertainties, and significance level was established. Due to the existence of rotational error, there is a nonlinear relationship between the margin volume and the isocenter position. Using numerical simulation, we study the relationship between optimal isocenter position and translational error, rotational error, and target size. In order to find the optimal isocenter position quickly, adaptive simulated annealing (ASA) algorithm was used. This method was implemented in the Pinnacle3 treatment planning system and compared with isocenter at center‐of‐geometric (COG), center‐of‐volume (COV), and center‐of‐surface (COS). Ten patients with multiple brain metastasis targets treated with the SIMT technique was selected for evaluation.

Results

When the size of tumors is equal, the optimal isocenter obtained by ASA and numerical simulation coincides with COG, COV, and COS. When the size of tumors is different, the optimal isocenter is close to the large tumor. The position of COS point is closer to the optimal point than the COV point for nearly all cases. Moreover, in some cases the COS point can be approximately selected as the optimal point. The ASA algorithm can reduce the calculating time from several hours to tens of seconds for three or more tumors. Using multiple brain metastases targets, a series of volume difference and calculating time were obtained for various tumor number, tumor size, and separation distances. Compared with the margin volume with isocenter at COG, the margin volume for optimal point can be reduced by up to 27.7%.

Conclusion

Optimal treatment isocenter selection of multiple targets with large differences could reduce the total margin volume. ASA algorithm can significantly improve the speed of finding the optimal isocenter. This method can be used for clinical isocenter selection and is useful for the protection of normal tissue nearby.
Covalent Protein Immobilization on 3D‐Printed Microfiber Meshes for Guided Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Ainsworth Madison J. , Lotz Oliver , Gilmour Aaron , Zhang Anyu , Chen Michael J. , McKenzie David R. , Bilek Marcela M.M. , Malda Jos , Akhavan Behnam , Castilho Miguel
Published: November 2022

Current biomaterial‐based strategies explored to treat articular cartilage defects have failed to provide adequate physico‐chemical cues in order to guide functional tissue regeneration. Here, it is hypothesized that atmospheric‐pressure plasma (APPJ) treatment and melt electrowriting (MEW) will produce microfiber support structures with covalently‐immobilized transforming growth factor beta‐1 (TGFβ1) that can stimulate the generation of functional cartilage tissue. The effect of APPJ operational speeds to activate MEW polycaprolactone meshes for immobilization of TGFβ1 is first investigated and chondrogenic differentiation and neo‐cartilage production are assessed in vitro. All APPJ speeds test enhanced hydrophilicity of the meshes, with the slow treatment speed having significantly less CC/CH and more COOH than the untreated meshes. APPJ treatment increases TGFβ1 loading efficiency. Additionally, in vitro experiments highlight that APPJ‐based TGFβ1 attachment to the scaffolds is more advantageous than direct supplementation within the medium. After 28 days of culture, the group with immobilized TGFβ1 has significantly increased compressive modulus (more than threefold) and higher glycosaminoglycan production (more than fivefold) than when TGFβ1 is supplied through the medium. These results demonstrate that APPJ activation allows reagent‐free, covalent immobilization of TGFβ1 on microfiber meshes and, importantly, that the biofunctionalized meshes can stimulate neo‐cartilage matrix formation. This opens new perspectives for guided tissue regeneration.
In Situ Constructing a Film‐Coated 3D Porous Zn Anode by Iodine Etching Strategy Toward Horizontally Arranged Dendrite‐Free Zn Deposition
Authors: Li Gaopeng , Wang Xinlu , Lv Shuhui , Wang Jinxian , Yu Wensheng , Dong Xiangting , Liu Dongtao
Published: November 2022

Zn metal anode has drawn tremendous attention owing to its low cost and high volumetric capacity advantages. However, the commercial application of zinc‐based batteries is greatly deterred by Zn dendrite and severe side reactions. Interface modification is one of the most effective strategies to solve these issues. Herein, a facile iodine etching strategy to in situ construct a film‐coated 3D porous Zn anode is first proposed, which significantly reduces the nucleation overpotential of Zn while suppressing side reactions, thus resulting in uniform Zn deposition. Benefiting from the dual protection of surface coating and 3D porous Zn anode, the symmetric cell displays a long lifespan of over 5000 h at 1 mA cm–2, ≈40 times of bare Zn anode. The asymmetric cell with modified Zn anode also delivers excellent cycling stability for over 2000 cycles to achieve a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.87%. Moreover, the capacity retention of a full battery coupled with ammonium vanadate cathode after 5000 cycles is up to 97.3%, which is much more stable than the bare Zn anode under the same condition (20%). Such a novel interfacial modification method provides a new perspective for the realization of stable metal electrodes.
19.10% Efficiency and 80.5% Fill Factor Layer‐by‐Layer Organic Solar Cells Realized by 4‐Bis(2‐Thienyl)Pyrrole‐2,5‐Dione Based Polymer Additives for Inducing Vertical Segregation Morphology
Authors: Zhou Mingwei , Liao Chentong , Duan Yuwei , Xu Xiaopeng , Yu Liyang , Li Ruipeng , Peng Qiang
Published: November 2022

The morphology plays a key role in determining the charge generation and collection process, thus impacting the performances of organic solar cells (OSCs). The limited selection pool of additives to optimize the morphology of OSCs, especially for the emerging layer‐by‐layer (LbL) OSCs, impeding the improvements of photovoltaic performances. Herein, a new method of using conjugated polymers as the additives to optimize the morphology for improving the photovoltaic performances of LbL‐OSCs is reported. Four polymers of PH, PS, PF, and PCl are developed with different side chains. These polymers exhibit poor performances as donor materials and additives in the BHJ devices, due to the unsuitable energy level alignment and unfavorable molecular interactions. By contrast, they can be served as efficient additives to optimize the PM6 fibril matrix for facilitating the penetration of BTP‐eC9 and forming an intertwined D/A bicontinuous network with a vertical segregation. Such morphology is optimized by side chain engineering, which enables the progressive improvement of the charge separation and collection. As a result, adding a small amount of PCl as the additive, the optimized morphology contributes to a champion PCE of 19.10% with a high FF of 80.5%.
Silver‐Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition for the Diastereoselective Synthesis of anti‐3‐Substituted Hydroindolin‐2‐Imines
Authors: Yang Zhongtao , Luo Xiai , Zhang Zhipeng , Luo Xiaoling , Zheng Jia , Luo Hui , Yang Weiguang
Published: November 2022

We describe a silver catalyzed [3+2] diastereoselective annulation of p‐quinamines and ketenimine zwitterionic salts, leading to anti‐3‐substituted hydroindolin‐2‐imines under mild conditions. Ketenimine zwitterionic salts participate in the [3+2] cycloadditions as a monoolefin (2π‐system). The relative stereoselectivity of the reaction was regulated by the tert‐butyl ester. This protocol is complementary to the synthesis of functionalized hydroindoles moiety and expands the application of ketenimine zwitterionic salts.

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Breast Milk Exposure is Associated With Cortical Maturation in Preterm Infants
Authors: Sullivan Gemma , Vaher Kadi , Blesa Manuel , Galdi Paola , Stoye David Q. , Quigley Alan J. , Thrippleton Michael J. , Norrie John , Bastin Mark E. , Boardman James P.
Published: November 2022

Objective

Breast milk exposure is associated with improved neurocognitive outcomes following preterm birth but the neural substrates linking breast milk with outcome are uncertain. We tested the hypothesis that high versus low breast milk exposure in preterm infants results in cortical morphology that more closely resembles that of term‐born infants.

Methods

We studied 135 preterm (<32 weeks’ gestation) and 77 term infants. Feeding data were collected from birth until hospital discharge and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at term‐equivalent age. Cortical indices (volume, thickness, surface area, gyrification index, sulcal depth, and curvature) and diffusion parameters (fractional anisotropy [FA], mean diffusivity [MD], radial diffusivity [RD], axial diffusivity [AD], neurite density index [NDI], and orientation dispersion index [ODI]) were compared between preterm infants who received exclusive breast milk for <75% of inpatient days, preterm infants who received exclusive breast milk for ≥75% of inpatient days and term‐born controls. To investigate a dose response effect, we performed linear regression using breast milk exposure quartile weighted by propensity scores.

Results

In preterm infants, high breast milk exposure was associated with reduced cortical gray matter volume (d = 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.14 to 0.94, p = 0.014), thickness (d = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.84, p = 0.039), and RD (d = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.002 to 0.77, p = 0.039), and increased FA (d = −0.38, 95% CI = −0.74 to −0.01, p = 0.037) after adjustment for age at MRI, which was similar to the cortical phenotype observed in term‐born controls. Breast milk exposure quartile was associated with cortical volume (ß = −0.192, 95% CI = −0.342 to −0.042, p = 0.017), FA (ß = 0.223, 95% CI = 0.075 to 0.372, p = 0.007), and RD (ß = −0.225, 95% CI = −0.373 to −0.076, p = 0.007) following adjustment for age at birth, age at MRI, and weighted by propensity scores, suggesting a dose effect.

Interpretation

High breast milk exposure following preterm birth is associated with a cortical imaging phenotype that more closely resembles the brain morphology of term‐born infants and effects appear to be dose‐dependent. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:591–603
Grenzflächen mit fluorierten Amphiphilen: Überstrukturen und Mikrofluidik
Authors: Junge Florian , Lee Pin‐Wei , Kumar Singh Abhishek , Wasternack Janos , Pachnicz Michał P. , Haag Rainer , Schalley Christoph A.
Published: November 2022

Der vorliegende Aufsatz diskutiert die jüngsten Entwicklungen in der Forschung zu Grenzflächenphänomenen fluorierter Amphiphile und konzentriert sich auf Anwendungen, die die einzigartigen und vielfältigen Grenzflächeneigenschaften dieser Amphiphile ausnutzen. Vor allem bilden fluorierte Amphiphile stabile Aggregate mit oft deutlich anderer Morphologie als ihre nicht fluorierten Analoga. Folglich finden fluorierte Tenside vielfältigen Einsatz in Hochleistungsanwendungen wie dem Mikrofluidik‐unterstützten Screening. Darüber hinaus wird ihr fluorspezifisches Verhalten an der Fest/Flüssig‐Grenzfläche thematisiert, wie zum Beispiel die Bildung superhydrophober Beschichtungen nach der Abscheidung auf Oberflächen. Da fluorierte Tenside und perfluorierte Materialien im Allgemeinen potenzielle Umweltbedrohungen darstellen, werden auch die jüngsten Entwicklungen der Schadstoffsanierung durch ihre Adsorption an fluorierte Oberflächen bewertet.
Synthesis, computational and antimicrobial evaluation of some new pyridine derivatives
Authors: Alsoliemy Amerah
Published: November 2022

A series of pyridine compounds were prepared by using 3‐(dimethylamino)‐1‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one (14) as a precursor. The reaction of 14 with different reagents afforded different new heterocyclic compounds. All the new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic analyses. Moreover, the density function theory study was made to establish the geometry of the tested compounds. The antimicrobial activities of the newly prepared pyridine derivatives were studied against Gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus thuringiensis) and Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungi (Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis fabae) by the minimal inhibitory concentration method. Compounds belonging to the pyran 32, pyridine 33, indenopyran 34, thiazolopyridine 35, and chromene 39 series displayed a high antimicrobial activity. It was found that the experimental results of the biological evaluation were in agreement with the molecular modeling studies.
Cell‐Mediated Cytotoxicity in Lyme Arthritis
Authors: Ordóñez David , Lochhead Robert B. , Strle Klemen , Pianta Annalisa , Arvikar Sheila , Van Rhijn Ildiko , Stemmer‐Rachamimov Anat , Steere Allen C.
Published: November 2022

Objective

Obliterative microvascular lesions are found in the synovial tissue of ~50% of patients with post‐antibiotic Lyme arthritis (LA) and correlate with autoantibodies to certain vascular antigens. In this study, we identified lymphocytes with cytotoxic potential that may also mediate this feature of synovial pathology.

Methods

The cytotoxic potential of lymphocytes and their T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ gene usage were determined using samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMCs) from patients with antibiotic‐responsive or post‐antibiotic LA. Cell phenotypes were analyzed using flow cytometry and intracellular cytokine staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed on post‐antibiotic synovial tissue samples.

Results

In SFMC and PBMC samples, the percentages of CD8+ T cells and double‐negative T cells (primarily γδ T cells) were greater among 22 patients with post‐antibiotic LA than in 14 patients with antibiotic‐responsive LA. Moreover, CD8+ T cells and γδ T cells often expressed cytotoxic mediators, granzyme A/granzyme B, and perforin. The same 3 TCR Vβ segments were over‐represented in both CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in SFMC samples from post‐antibiotic LA patients. In synovial tissue samples from 3 patients with post‐antibiotic LA, CD8+ T cells intermixed with CD4+ T cells were seen around blood vessels, and 2 patients with microvascular damage had autoantibodies to vascular‐associated antigens. One of these 2 patients, the one in whom cytotoxicity appeared to be active, had complement (C5b–9) deposition on obliterated vessels. Very few natural killer cells or γδ T cells were seen.

Conclusion

We propose that CD8+ T cell–mediated cytotoxicity, CD4+ T cell help, autoantibodies to vascular antigens, and complement deposition may each have a role in microvasculature damage in post‐antibiotic LA.
Is language ability associated with behaviors of concern in autism? A systematic review
Authors: Chan Charissa Ying Zhen , Williams Katrina , May Tamara , Wan Wei Herng , Brignell Amanda
Published: November 2022

This review systematically synthesized evidence on the association between structural language ability and behaviors of concern (BoC) in autism. Four databases were searched for studies that included >10 autistic participants, measures of structural language (content and/or form of language) and BoC, and an analysis of their association. BoCs included self‐injurious behavior (SIB), aggression, tantrums, and externalizing behavior. Methodological quality of studies were assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Forty‐five publications (n = 11,961) were included. Forty studies were cross‐sectional and five were prospective cohort studies. Over 70% of the studies investigating expressive language and SIB (n = 10), aggression (n = 5), tantrums (n = 3), and externalizing behavior (n = 17) reported an inverse association, where lower expressive language ability was associated with increased BoC. Eleven out of sixteen studies of combined expressive and receptive language reported an inverse relationship with SIB or aggression. All outcomes were rated as moderate to very low certainty of evidence. This review highlights evidence showing an inverse association between expressive or combined language ability and SIB, and externalizing behavior in autism. However, further high‐quality studies that use standardized, consistent measures of language and behavior and investigate longitudinal associations are needed. Early detection and support for reduced structural language difficulties have substantial potential to assist in reducing BoC.
Electrochemically Induced Borate Allotropes for Expedite Charge Transfer in Lithium‐Ion Batteries and Hydroxyl Ion Capture Activity in Flexible Pseudocapacitor
Authors: Kasiviswanathan Kavibharathy , Lakshmanan Kumaresan , Chenrayan Senthil , Woo Lee Chang , Rangasamy Baskaran , Vediappan Kumaran
Published: November 2022

Despite lithium‐ion battery (LIB) and supercapacitor materials have gone through numerous enhancements, achieving high energy density as well as power density together is still a dream for the industries. In this scenario, herein we report, boric acid coated α−MnO2 anode with 1288 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C at the initial cycle and of an average discharge capacity of 570 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C over 20 cycles, high‐rate capability and 100 % Coulombic efficiency after 60 cycles for LIB. The Li+ diffusion coefficient estimated from GITT and EIS measurements reveals that the H3BO3 coated α−MnO2 electrode has superior Li‐ion kinetics (
∼10−10 cm2 s−1) than bare α−MnO2. Coin cells with boric acid coated α−MnO2 electrode are able to power up red and blue LEDs continuously for about 24–32 hours. The ex‐situ investigations reveal an interesting self‐assembled active electrode‐electrolyte interfacial bridging Li4B2O5 layer formation. This significant active layer allows free migration of lithium ions across interface that leads to good cyclability. In flexible supercapacitor, the boric acid coated α−MnO2 yields excellent cyclability over 500 cycles with specific capacitance of 35 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and further 200 cycles at 30° acute angle with 21 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. The research overthrows the significance of boric acid in conversion reactions for active interfacial bridging layer in LIB and hydroxyl ion capturing agent in flexible supercapacitor.
Development and validation of a stability‐indicating, single HPLC method for sacubitril–valsartan and their stereoisomers and identification of forced degradation products using LC–MS/MS
Authors: Vijaykumar Cholleti , Kumar Yalavarti Ravindra , Aparna Pasula , Rao Pydimarry Surya Prakash
Published: November 2022

The aim of this research work was to develop and validate a stability‐indicating, single reversed‐phase HPLC method for the separation of five impurities, including enantiomers, diastereomers, and degradation products in sacubitril–valsartan tablets. The method was developed using a Chiralcel OJ‐RH column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) at 45°C with a gradient program of (T/%B) 0.01/25, 10.0/25, 25/38, 37.0/45, 39.0/25, and 45.0/25 at a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. Mobile phase A consisted of 1 ml of trifluoroacetic acid in 1000 ml of Milli‐Q water. Mobile phase B consisted of 1 ml of trifluoroacetic acid in a mixture of acetonitrile and methanol in the ratio of 950:50 (v/v). Sacubitril, valsartan, and their five impurities were monitored at 254 nm. Degradation was not observed when sacubitril–valsartan was subjected to heat, light, hydrolytic, and oxidation conditions. In acid degradation study (1 N HCl/60°C/2 h) impurity 1 (m/z 383.44) was formed, and in base degradation study (0.1 N NaOH/40°C/1 h) impurities 1 and 5 (m/z 265.35) were formed; both impurities were confirmed using LC–MS. The degradation products, enantiomers, and diastereomers were well separated from sacubitril and valsartan, proving the stability‐indicating power of the method. The developed method was validated per the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guidelines. The inter‐ and intra‐day percentage relative standard deviation for sacubitril, valsartan, and their five impurities was less than 5.2%, recovery of the five impurities was between 93 and 105%, and linearity was ≥0.999. The limit of detection was 0.030–0.048 μg/ml, and the limit of quantification was 0.100–0.160 μg/ml.
Tell me where you come from and I know what makes you tick: Managing the consumer personality–satisfaction link in diverse cultures
Authors: Mooradian Todd , Matzler Kurt , Strobl Andreas , Teichmann Karin
Published: November 2022

Marketing programs that evoke high satisfaction and marketing success in one culture often fail in others, but the understanding of those cultural differences is insufficient. The question of how culture is linked to consumer satisfaction is still not answered satisfactorily. One promising paradigm for exploring such questions comes from progress in cross‐cultural personality psychology. Thus, we examine the influence of individual‐level cultural orientations on personality, and the role of personality and affect in satisfaction formation across cultures. Based on experimental data, we show that a high individualism orientation triggers higher levels of extraversion; a high uncertainty‐avoidance orientation triggers higher levels of neuroticism. Based on field data from Japan, Spain, and the United States, we identify equivalent relationships amongst personality‐related antecedent processes shaping satisfaction indicating universality across these cultures. The findings demonstrate the usefulness of cross‐cultural personality psychology theory and methods for understanding and predicting consumer responses to marketing actions across cultures.
Procedural simplification of left atrial appendage occlusion using the VersaCross connect system: First in‐human experience
Authors: Perrin Nils , McAlister Cameron , Tsang Michael , Mondésert Blandine , Ibrahim Réda , Saw Jacqueline
Published: November 2022

Background

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has emerged over the last two decades as an efficient and safe alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention. However, LAAO remains challenging due to the variety of anatomies and the multiple steps required to complete the procedure.

Aims

We report the first series of in‐human experience of the new all‐in‐one VersaCross Connect system designed to access the left atrium in conjunction with the delivery sheath for deployment of the WATCHMAN FLX device.

Methods

We prospectively included the first nine consecutive cases of LAAO using the new VersaCross Connect system for WATCHMAN FLX device implantation at the Montreal Heart Institute and Vancouver General Hospital and collected procedural duration (defined as time from femoral access to closure) and time from transseptal puncture to device delivery.

Results

VersaCross Connect system use for WATCHMAN FLX implantation was successful in all patients. No procedural complication was reported. Mean procedural time was 31 ± 6.3 min with a fluoroscopy time of 6.7 ± 4.9 min. The mean delay between the transseptal puncture and device implantation was 12.2 ± 1.9 min.

Conclusions

We showed that the VersaCross Connect system was safe and successfully used in all first nine cases. This new system helped improve the efficiency of the procedure.
Quality characteristics and antioxidant activities of Korean traditional rice and quinoa‐based wine “Makgeolli”
Authors: Jeon Eun Bi , Song Min Gyu , Kim So Hee , Choi Jae‐Suk , Lee Jung‐Suck , Park Shin Young
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine that is brewed by fermenting a mixture of steamed rice and Nuruk. Quinoa products contain polyphenols, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, which make up bioactive secondary plant metabolites that contribute to diverse physiological properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antitumor activities. The preparation of rice‐based Makgeolli (RM) and quinoa‐added Makgeolli (QM) were obtained by combining rice and quinoa in ratios 1:1 (RM; control: without supplement). This study sought to assess the physicochemical, microbiological, antioxidant, and taste tests of RM and QM during a 6‐day fermentation period.

Finding

The alcohol content increased steadily until Day 6 (10.7%–10.3%). From the start of fermentation to Day 2 of fermentation, the number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in RM and QM increased rapidly (p < .05), with no significant increase thereafter (p > .05). 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities were significantly (p < .05) higher in QM (DPPH: 81.01%, ABTS: 91.46%) than in RM (DPPH: 43.65%, ABTS: 53.85%). The average result of iron(II) chelating activity for RM was 39.81%, while for QM was 47.09%. Moreover, superoxide dismutase scavenging activity of both RM and QM were 41.07% and 56.23%, respectively. There were no significant differences in color, smell, appearance, and overall acceptability between RM and QM (p > .05). However, taste values were significantly higher (p < .05) in QM than in RM (5.9 vs. 4.3).

Conclusion

Makgeolli supplemented with quinoa owing to its good physicochemical and microbiological characteristics, including high antioxidant properties and good consumer acceptance.
Using Artificial Neural Networks to Predict Physical Properties of Membrane Polymers
Authors: Bestwick Tate , Beckmann Jessica , Camarda Kyle V.
Published: November 2022

Membrane polymers are a promising technology for use in many challenging gas separation applications. The techniques of computer‐aided molecular design can be used to search through the massive molecular space of heteropolymers and develop a set of likely candidate repeat units matching specific physical property targets. However, reasonably accurate property prediction algorithms are needed, but these algorithms must be very fast in order to be combined with an optimization framework. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), a branch of machine learning, are applied in this work to predict the physical properties of polymers. All of the physical properties investigated were found to be predicted by ANNs with R2 scores exceeding 0.82.
Cortical synapses of the world's smallest mammal: An FIB/SEM study in the Etruscan shrew
Authors: Alonso‐Nanclares Lidia , Rodríguez J. Rodrigo , Merchan‐Perez Angel , González‐Soriano Juncal , Plaza‐Alonso Sergio , Cano‐Astorga Nicolás , Naumann Robert K. , Brecht Michael , DeFelipe Javier
Published: November 2022

The main aim of the present study was to determine if synapses from the exceptionally small brain of the Etruscan shrew show any peculiarities compared to the much larger human brain. We analyzed the cortical synaptic density and a variety of structural characteristics of 7,239 3D reconstructed synapses, using using Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB/SEM). We found that some of the general synaptic characteristics are remarkably similar to those found in the human cerebral cortex. However, the cortical volume of the human brain is about 50,000 times larger than the cortical volume of the Etruscan shrew, while the total number of cortical synapses in human is only 20,000 times the number of synapses in the shrew, and synaptic junctions are 35% smaller in the Etruscan shrew. Thus, the differences in the number and size of synapses cannot be attributed to a brain size scaling effect but rather to adaptations of synaptic circuits to particular functions.
Incorporation of a Multi‐Valent Aptamer into Electrochemical Biosensors to Achieve an Improved Performance for Thrombin Analysis in Blood Serum
Authors: Zhu Man , Xu Fan , Miao Siyuan , Xie Chongyu , Li Hui , Li Shaoguang , Xia Fan
Published: November 2022

The electrochemical aptamer‐based (E‐AB) biosensor usually has a long reaction time when detecting thrombin. This work reports the design of an E‐AB biosensor with dual recognition sites to quickly detect thrombin. Specifically, two specific recognition sites of thrombin were used to design three aptamer sequences (TBA‐15, TBA‐29 and TBA‐U), followed by fabrication of corresponding sensors. First, we tested these three types of biosensors in tris buffer solution, and found that the response time of the TBA‐U sensor to the same concentration of thrombin was about 2 hours, which is shorter than TBA‐15 and TBA‐29 sensors. Then, we also did the same test in 50 % diluted serum with 500 nM thrombin. The response time of the TBA‐U sensor was about 2 hours, which is still faster than the 3 hours of TBA‐15 sensor and the 5.5 hours for TBA‐29 sensor. In addition, in terms of dynamic range and specificity, TBA‐U has good performance.
Diabetic foot resurfacing using microvascular tissue transfer from lateral thoracic region
Authors: Chang Lan Sook , Jang Dong Woo , Kim Youn Hwan , Kim Sang Wha
Published: November 2022

Aims

Diabetic foot ulcer is a major complication of diabetes mellitus and amputation is often needed. Since mortality rate after amputation is comparatively high, saving diabetic foot is required not only for preserving function and life quality, but also for decreasing mortality rate. This study was designed to analyse experience of limb salvage in patients with diabetic foot using free flaps from the lateral thoracic region over a 10‐year period.

Materials and Methods

Between 2009 and 2018, 297 cases of diabetic foot underwent surgical procedures. We analysed the 83 cases who underwent free flap from lateral thoracic region. Patient data were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 83 patients, 56 of them males, were included in this study. Age of patients ranged from 27 to 80 years. Twenty patients underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty procedures. The latissimus dorsi muscle sparing technique was used in 7 cases. A thoracodorsal artery perforator flap was used in 68 cases. A thoracodorsal artery perforator chimaeric flap was performed in 8 cases. The flap survival rate was 98.8% and the limb salvage rate was 96.4%. The mean follow‐up was 6.5 years. During follow‐up 14 patients suffered recurrence of foot ulcers.

Conclusions

Ten‐year experience of using flaps from the lateral thoracic region revealed superior outcomes in terms of flap survival and limb saving compared to those in a recent meta‐analysis and other reports. Long vascular pedicle technique and the chimaeric technique might be the alternative methods for multiple or vascular insufficient diabetic foot defects.
Investigating the social embeddedness of criminal groups: Longitudinal associations between masculine honour and legitimizing attitudes towards the Camorra
Authors: Travaglino Giovanni A. , Friehs Maria‐Therese , Kotzur Patrick Ferdinand , Abrams Dominic
Published: November 2022

The embeddedness of criminal groups within communities accrues from their ability to establish legitimacy, particularly among young people. A prototypical example are mafia claims to political authority in Italy. Intracultural Appropriation Theory proposes that embeddedness is partly derived from criminal groups’ ability to embody cultural ideologies of masculine honour, and to reinforce these ideologies in society through their actions. We tested these propositions using a three‐wave longitudinal design involving Italian adolescents from the Campania region (N1stwave = 1,173). We also examined an alternative explanation rooted in individuals’ generic acceptance of group‐based hierarchies, i.e., social dominance orientation. The longitudinal design enabled us to examine for the first time both between‐ and within‐person processes. Between‐person results indicated that higher levels of the masculine honour ideology and social dominance were associated with stronger legitimizing attitudes towards the Camorra, a mafia‐type group. Within‐person effects revealed a positive reciprocal association between masculine honour and legitimizing attitudes. These findings emphasize the importance of culture‐specific ideologies in sustaining the legitimacy of criminal groups.
Combining amperometry and mass spectrometry as a dual detection approach for capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Böhm Daniel , Koall Martin , Matysik Frank‐Michael
Published: November 2022

Dual detection concepts (DDCs) are becoming more and more popular in analytical chemistry. In this work, we describe a novel DDC for capillary electrophoresis (CE) consisting of an amperometric detector (AD) and a mass spectrometer (MS). This detector combination has a good complementarity as the AD exhibits high sensitivity, whereas the MS provides excellent selectivity. Both detectors are based on a destructive detection principle, making a serial detector arrangement impossible. Thus, for the realization of the DDC, the CE flow was divided into two parts with a flow splitter. The DDC was characterized in a proof‐of‐concept study with ferrocene derivates and a nonaqueous background electrolyte. We could show that splitting the CE flow was a suitable method for the instrumental realization of the DDC consisting of two destructive detectors. By lowering the height of the AD compared to the MS, it was possible to synchronize the detector responses. Additionally, for the chosen model system, we confirmed that the AD was much more reproducible and had lower limits of detection (LODs) than the MS. The LODs were identical for the DDC and the single‐detection arrangements, indicating no sensitivity decrease due to the CE flow splitting. The DDC was successfully applied to determine the drug and doping agent trimetazidine.