bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Senolytic Prodrugs: A Promising Approach to Enhancing Senescence‐Targeting Intervention
Authors: Chang Mengyang , Dong Yue , Cruickshank‐Taylor Alexis B. , Gnawali Giri , Bi Fangchao , Wang Wei
Published: July 2024

Cellular senescence has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for aging and a wide range of age‐related disorders. Despite the encouraging therapeutic impact of senolytic agents on improving lifespan and the outcomes of pharmacological intervention, the senolytic induced side effects pose barriers to clinical application. There is a pressing need for selective ablation of senescent cells (SnCs). The design of senolytic prodrugs has been demonstrated as a promising approach to addressing these issues. These prodrugs are generally designed via modification of senolytics with a cleavable galactose moiety to respond to the senescent biomarker ‐ senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) to restore their therapeutic effects. In this Concept, we summarize the developments by categorizing these prodrugs into two classes: 1) galactose‐modified senolytic prodrugs, in which sensing unit galactose is either directly conjugated to the drug or via a self‐immolative linker and 2) bioorthogonal activation of senolytic prodrugs. In the bioorthogonal prodrug design, galactose is incorporated into dihydrotetrazine to sense SA‐β‐gal for click activation. Notably, in addition to repurposed chemotherapeutics and small molecule inhibitors, PROTACs and photodynamic therapy have been introduced as new senolytics in the prodrug design. It is expected that the senolytic prodrugs would facilitate translating small‐molecule senolytics into clinical use.
Tumor‐associated macrophages: A sentinel of innate immune system in tumor microenvironment gone haywire
Authors: Malik Shaivy , Sureka Niti , Ahuja Sana , Aden Durre , Zaheer Samreen , Zaheer Sufian
Published: July 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical determinant in the initiation, progression, and treatment outcomes of various cancers. Comprising of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF), immune cells, blood vessels, and signaling molecules, the TME is often likened to the soil supporting the seed (tumor). Among its constituents, tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role, exhibiting a dual nature as both promoters and inhibitors of tumor growth. This review explores the intricate relationship between TAMs and the TME, emphasizing their diverse functions, from phagocytosis and tissue repair to modulating immune responses. The plasticity of TAMs is highlighted, showcasing their ability to adopt either protumorigenic or anti‐tumorigenic phenotypes based on environmental cues. In the context of cancer, TAMs' pro‐tumorigenic activities include promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting immune responses, and fostering metastasis. The manuscript delves into therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs, emphasizing the challenges faced in depleting or inhibiting TAMs due to their multifaceted roles. The focus shifts towards reprogramming TAMs to an anti‐tumorigenic M1‐like phenotype, exploring interventions such as interferons, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and small molecule modulators. Noteworthy advancements include the use of CSF1R inhibitors, CD40 agonists, and CD47 blockade, demonstrating promising results in preclinical and clinical settings. A significant section is dedicated to Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) technology in macrophages (CAR‐M cells). While CAR‐T cells have shown success in hematological malignancies, their efficacy in solid tumors has been limited. CAR‐M cells, engineered to infiltrate solid tumors, are presented as a potential breakthrough, with a focus on their development, challenges, and promising outcomes. The manuscript concludes with the exploration of third‐generation CAR‐M technology, offering insight into in‐vivo reprogramming and nonviral vector approaches. In conclusion, understanding the complex and dynamic role of TAMs in cancer is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. While early‐stage TAM‐targeted therapies show promise, further extensive research and larger clinical trials are warranted to optimize their targeting and improve overall cancer treatment outcomes.
Transesophageal echocardiography diagnosis of abnormal left atrium to inferior vena cava communication: A case report
Authors: Xu Hui , Cao Dian‐Bo , Li Xiao‐Dong
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Abnormal traffic between the left atrium (LA) and inferior vena cava (IVC) in the database is currently rare. Herein, we present a unique case of abnormal traffic between the LA and the IVC, which was diagnosed using transesophageal echocardiography and confirmed by computed tomography angiography. This case substantiates the superiority of transesophageal echocardiography over transthoracic echocardiography in detecting specific site lesions.
The Effect of Reactive Oxygen Species on Respiratory Complex I Activity in Liposomes
Authors: Eisermann Jana , Liang Yuxin , Wright John J. , Clifford Eleanor , Wilton‐Ely James D. E. T. , Kuimova Marina K. , Roessler Maxie M.
Published: July 2024

Respiratory complex I (R‐CI) is an essential enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain but also a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and ageing. While the mechanism of ROS production by R‐CI is well‐established, the feedback of ROS on R‐CI activity is poorly understood. Here, we perform EPR spectroscopy on R‐CI incorporated in artificial membrane vesicles to reveal that ROS (particularly hydroxyl radicals) reduce R‐CI activity by making the membrane more polar and by increasing its hydrogen bonding capability. Moreover, the mechanism that we have uncovered reveals that the feedback of ROS on R‐CI activity via the membrane is transient and not permanent; lipid peroxidation is negligible for the levels of ROS generated under these conditions. Our successful use of modular proteoliposome systems in conjunction with EPR spectroscopy and other biophysical techniques is a powerful approach for investigating ROS effects on other membrane proteins.
Surface Plasmon Resonance Allows to Correlate Molecular Properties With Diffusion Coefficients of Linear Chain Alcohols
Authors: Basile Giuseppe Stefano , Calcagno Damiano , Pandino Irene , Pietropaolo Adriana , Schifino Gioacchino , Tuccitto Nunzio , Zingale Gabriele Antonio , Grasso Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

Every biological and physicochemical process occurring in a fluid phase depends on the diffusion coefficient (D) of the species in solution. In the present work, a model to describe and fit the behaviour of
as a function of structure and extensive thermodynamics parameters in binary solutions of linear chain organic molecules is developed. Supporting experimental and computational evidences for this model are obtained by measuring
for a series of
‐alcohols through a novel surface plasmon resonance method and molecular dynamics simulations. This allows to propose a kind of combined analysis to explain the dependence of
on various thermodynamic and structural parameters. The results suggest that for small linear systems in the range from 0 to 200 g mol−1 and under the assumption that the diffusive activation energy is a linear function of mass,
is strictly dependent on the molecular shape and on the relative strength of the solute‐solvent intermolecular forces represented by a parameter named R. The newly proposed approach can be utilized to characterize and monitor progressive changes in physicochemical properties for any investigated species upon increasing the dimension of the aggregate/molecule along a certain direction.
Syntheses of Diarylmethanes Via an Oxidative Benzylic Functionalization of P‐Alkyl Phenol Derivatives Under Quaternary Ammonium Hypoiodite Catalysis
Authors: Pollheimer David , Mairhofer Christopher , Waser Mario
Published: July 2024

We herein report two strategies for the quaternary ammonium hypoiodite‐mediated oxidative benzylic functionalization of p‐alkyl phenol derivatives. By using either dibenzoylperoxide or H2O2 in hexafluoroisopropanol in the presence of tetrabutyl ammonium iodide gives access to activated intermediates which can then be coupled with electron‐rich aromatic compounds. Overall, this sequential two‐step one‐pot procedure gives access to diversely decorated diarylmethane derivatives straightforwardly. Furthermore, the suitability of these products to undergo further oxidation reactions was successfully demonstrated.
Boron‐Nitrogen‐Containing Benzene Valence Isomers
Authors: Ozaki Tomoya , Liu Shih‐Yuan
Published: July 2024

Benzene is one of the most ubiquitous structural motifs in chemistry. The valence isomers of benzene have also attracted synthetic chemists’ attention due to their unique structures, bonding, and reactivity. We have been investigating boron‐nitrogen‐containing benzene valence isomers via photoisomerization of 1,2‐azaborines. In this contribution, we summarize recent developments of these highly strained BN‐heterocyclic compounds including their synthesis, characterization, proposed mechanism of formation, and their potential applications.
Closed‐loop baroreflex model with biophysically detailed afferent pathway
Authors: Fernandes Luciano Gonçalves , Müller Lucas Omar , Feijóo Raúl Antonino , Blanco Pablo Javier
Published: July 2024

In this work, we couple a lumped‐parameter closed‐loop model of the cardiovascular system with a physiologically‐detailed mathematical description of the baroreflex afferent pathway. The model features a classical Hodgkin–Huxley current‐type model for the baroreflex afferent limb (primary neuron) and for the second‐order neuron in the central nervous system. The pulsatile arterial wall distension triggers a frequency‐modulated sequence of action potentials at the afferent neuron. This signal is then integrated at the brainstem neuron model. The efferent limb, representing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, is described as a transfer function acting on heart and blood vessel model parameters in order to control arterial pressure. Three in silico experiments are shown here: a step increase in the aortic pressure to evaluate the functionality of the reflex arch, a hemorrhagic episode and an infusion simulation. Through this model, it is possible to study the biophysical dynamics of the ionic currents proposed for the afferent limb components of the baroreflex during the cardiac cycle, and the way in which currents dynamics affect the cardiovascular function. Moreover, this system can be further developed to study in detail each baroreflex loop component, helping to unveil the mechanisms involved in the cardiovascular afferent information processing.
High‐precision single‐event transient hardened comparator with the sensitive node transient detection feedback latch technique
Authors: Xie Yuqiao , Xu Tao , Liu Zhongyang , Qiu Guoji , Bi Dawei , Hu Zhiyuan , Zhang Zhengxuan , Zou Shichang
Published: July 2024

This paper comprehensively perfects the sensitive node transient detection feedback latch (SNTDFL) technique, subsequently conceptualizes an ideal hardening structure for the pre‐amplification stage, and proposes a radiation hardened by design (RHBD) strategy to cope with the severe single‐event transient (SET) effects of high‐precision voltage comparators in a space radiation environment. Analysis and verification results show that the hardening strategy exhibits excellent SET hardening performance, which can not only detect extremely small transient voltage disturbances at sensitive nodes but also effectively resist transient current pulses of various intensities generated by SETs. Compared with an unhardened high‐precision comparator, the proposed one, hardened with a hybrid strategy of SNTDFL and triple modular redundancy (TMR) techniques, can greatly preserve the original electrical properties and remarkably improve the tolerance of SET with little overhead. In addition, the proposed high‐precision comparator significantly reduces static power consumption compared with the one hardened with the TMR technique alone and has a smaller area overhead.
Evolution of leapfrog migration: A test of competition‐based hypotheses
Authors: Hedh Linus , Dänhardt Juliana , Hedenström Anders
Published: July 2024

Leapfrog migration is a common migration pattern in birds where the breeding and wintering latitudes between populations are in reversed latitudinal sequence. Competition for wintering and breeding sites has been suggested to be an ultimate factor, and several competitor‐based hypotheses have been proposed to explain this pattern. If wintering sites close to the breeding sites are favored, competitive exclusion could force subdominant individuals to winter further away. Competitive exclusion could be mediated either through body size or by prior occupancy. The alternative “spring predictability” hypothesis assumes competition for sufficiently close wintering areas, allowing the birds to use autocorrelated weather cues to optimally time spring migration departure. To test predictions and assumptions of these hypotheses, we combined morphometrics, migration, and weather data from four populations of common ringed plover breeding along a latitudinal (56–68° N) and climatic gradient (temperate to Arctic). Critical for our evaluation was that two populations were breeding on the same latitude in subarctic Sweden with the same distance to the closest potential wintering site, but differed in breeding phenology, and wintered in West Africa and Europe, respectively. Thus, while breeding on the same latitude, their winter distribution overlapped with that of an Arctic and temperate population. Body size was largest within the temperate population, but there was no size difference between the two subarctic populations. Populations wintering in Europe arrived there before populations wintering in Africa. The largest variation in the arrival of meteorological spring occurred at the temperate breeding site, while there was almost no difference among the other sites. In general, temperatures at the northernmost wintering area correlated well with each breeding site prior to breeding site‐specific spring arrival. Based on these observations, we conclude that competitive exclusion through body‐size‐related dominance cannot explain leapfrog migration. Furthermore, the assumptions on which the “spring predictability” hypothesis is based did not match the observed wintering ranges either. However, we could not reject the hypothesis that competitive exclusion mediated by prior occupancy in the wintering area could lead to leapfrog migration, and therefore, this hypothesis should be retained as working hypothesis for further work.
Can we identify tipping points of resilience loss in Mediterranean rangelands under increased summer drought?
Authors: Cardozo Gerónimo A. , Volaire Florence , Chapon Pascal , Barotin Charlène , Barkaoui Karim
Published: July 2024

Mediterranean ecosystems are predicted to undergo longer and more intense summer droughts. The mechanisms underlying the response of herbaceous communities to such drier environments should be investigated to identify the resilience thresholds of Mediterranean rangelands. A 5‐year experiment was conducted in deep and shallow soil rangelands of southern France. A rainout shelter for 75 days in summer imposed drier and warmer conditions. Total soil water content was measured monthly to model available daily soil water. Aboveground net primary production (ANPP), forage quality, and the proportion of graminoids in ANPP were measured in spring and autumn. Plant senescence and plant cover were assessed in summer and spring, respectively. The experimental years were among the driest ever recorded at the site. Therefore, manipulated summer droughts were drier than long‐term ambient conditions. Interactions between treatment, community type, and experimental year were found for most variables. In shallow soil communities, spring plant cover decreased markedly with time. This legacy effect, driven by summer plant mortality and the loss of perennial graminoids, led to an abrupt loss of resilience when the extreme water stress index exceeded 37 mm 10 day−1, characterized by a reduction of spring plant cover below 50% and a decreased ANPP in rainy years. Conversely, the ANPP of deep soil communities remained unaffected by increased summer drought, although the presence of graminoids increased and forage nutritive value decreased. This study highlights the role of the soil water reserve of Mediterranean plant communities in modulating ecosystem responses to chronically intensified summer drought. Communities on deep soils were resilient, but communities on shallow soils showed a progressive, rapid, and intense degradation associated with a loss of resilience capacity. Notably, indexes of extreme stress were a better indicator of tipping points than indexes of integrated annual stress. Considering the role of soil water availability in other herbaceous ecosystems should improve the ability to predict the resilience of plant communities under climate change.
Advancing Scalability and Sustainability of Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes Through the Microwave Synthesis of Nanocrystals
Authors: Almeida da Silva Thais Caroline , Sánchez Rafael S. , Alberola‐Borràs Jaume‐Adrià , Vidal Rosario , Mora‐Seró Iván , Julián‐López Beatriz
Published: July 2024

In recent years, perovskite light‐emitting diodes have witnessed a remarkable evolution in both efficiency and luminance levels. Nonetheless, the production of such devices typically relies on protracted synthesis procedures at elevated temperatures and vacuum/inert conditions (e.g. hot‐injection synthesis), thus rendering them technically unsuitable for extensive display and/or lighting applications manufacturing. Although alternative synthetic protocols have been proposed, e.g. ligand‐assisted reprecipitation, ultrasonic and microwave‐based methods, their suitability for the construction of high‐performing light‐emitting diodes has been reported in only a few studies. In this study, we demonstrate the fabrication of highly efficient lighting devices based on CsPbBr3 colloidal perovskite nanocrystals synthesized by a fast, energetically efficient, and up‐scalable microwave‐assisted method. These nanocrystals exhibit an impressive photoluminescence quantum yield of 66.8% after purification, with a very narrow PL spectrum centered at 514 nm with a full width at half‐maximum of 20 nm. Similarly, the PeLEDs achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency of 23.4%, a maximum current efficiency of 71.6 Cd A−1, and a maximum luminance level that exceeds 4.7 × 104 Cd m−2. Additionally, a significantly lower energy consumption for microwave‐mediated synthesis compared with hot injection is demonstrated. These findings suggest that this synthetic procedure emerges as an outstanding and promising method towards a scalable and sustainable fabrication of high‐quality perovskite light‐emitting diodes.
Recent updates on diet‐derived gut microbial metabolites
Authors: Prasain Jeevan K. , Barnes Stephen
Published: July 2024

Emerging evidence indicates that the health‐beneficial effects of ingested food components depend on in part, their upper and lower gastrointestinal uptake and metabolism and the gut microbial composition of the host. Several dietary components, such as polyphenols, are poorly absorbed in the upper intestinal compartments and extensively metabolized by the colonic microbiota resulting in the production of an array of metabolites. These microbiota‐mediated products possess specific solubility, reactivity, bioavailability, and biological activities. However, identifying and characterizing a wide range of metabolites is challenging due to the high chemical diversity of dietary components and interindividual variability of the gut microbiota. It is, therefore, critical to design an animal model that effectively mimics human microbial metabolism and use multidisciplinary omics approaches such as metabolomics to detect and identify a wide range of metabolites. Here, we provide the current state of knowledge of major diet‐derived gut microbial metabolites and their potential biological activities.
Changes in 6‐min walk test is an independent predictor of death in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Myhre Peder L. , Kleiven Øyunn , Berge Kristian , Grundtvig Morten , Gullestad Lars , Ørn Stein
Published: July 2024

Aims

Functional capacity provides important clinical information in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The 6‐min walk test (6MWT) is a simple and inexpensive tool for assessing functional capacity and risk. Although change in 6MWT is frequently used as a surrogate outcome in HF trials, the association with mortality is unclear. We aimed to assess the prognostic importance of changes in 6MWT.

Methods and results

Patients with chronic HFrEF referred to HF outpatient clinics in Norway completed a 6MWT at the first visit (baseline) and at a stable follow‐up visit after treatment optimization (follow‐up). Absolute and relative changes in 6MWT were analysed in association with mortality risk using Cox regression models and flexible cubic splines. The study included 3636 HFrEF patients aged 67.3 ± 11.6 years, 23% women, with left ventricular ejection fraction 30 ± 7%. At baseline, mean 6MWT was 438 ± 125 m, median N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) 1574 (732–3093) ng/L, and 27% had New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV. After optimization of guideline‐directed medical therapy (median 147 [86–240] days), 6MWT increased by mean 40 ± 74 m, NT‐proBNP decreased by median 425 (14–1322) ng/L, and NYHA class improved in 38% of patients. Patients with greater improvements in 6MWT were younger, with greater improvements in NYHA class (r = 0.27, p < 0.001) and larger reductions in NT‐proBNP concentrations (r = 0.19, p < 0.001). After mean 845 ± 595 days, 419 (11.5%) patients were dead. Both absolute and relative changes in 6MWT were non‐linearly associated with survival, attenuating as 6MWT increased. A 50 m increase in 6MWT was associated with a 17% lower mortality risk (hazard ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.77–0.90, p < 0.001) in the fully adjusted model, including changes in NYHA class, NT‐proBNP concentrations, and other established risk factors. The associations were more pronounced in patients with lower baseline 6MWT and higher age.

Conclusion

Improvement in 6MWT in patients with HFrEF is associated with increased survival, independent of changes in NT‐proBNP and NYHA class. These findings support 6MWT change as a surrogate outcome in HF trials.
MXenes for the zinc anode protection of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries
Authors: Dong Xiaoyu , Liu Ao , Peng Cong , Huang Yan
Published: July 2024

The progress of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries faces several challenges in zinc electrode technologies. Nevertheless, MXenes exhibit versatile functionalities, such as tunable terminal groups, excellent conductivity, and diverse chemical composition, making them highly suitable for integration into aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. This review highlights recent breakthroughs in employing MXenes to enhance the stability of zinc anodes, encompassing strategies such as protective coatings, incorporation of MXenes into zinc frameworks, and electrolyte enhancements. By employing these novel methods, researchers seek to tackle crucial issues concerning the stability and efficiency of zinc electrodes, thus promoting the commercial viability of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries.
Low‐cost portable EEG device for bridging the diagnostic gap in resource‐limited areas
Authors: Armand Larsen Sidsel , Klok Louise , Lehn‐Schiøler William , Gatej Radu , Beniczky Sándor
Published: July 2024

Objective

To develop a low‐cost portable EEG system, with real‐time automated guidance, for application in resource‐limited areas, to bridge the diagnostic and treatment gap.

Methods

We designed, developed, and produced a low‐cost system, which records 27‐channel EEG plus ECG and streams the signals to an application on a smartphone, which assesses the quality of the signal and gives feedback to the inexperienced user to correct the poor quality signals and reduce artifacts. The application guides the inexperienced user through the steps of recording routine clinical EEG. The recordings are uploaded to a secure cloud, for telemedicine applications. We recruited 10 participants without prior experience with recording EEG. After a brief training session, the participants recorded EEGs following the guidance from the app, without help from human experts. We assessed the usability of the system, with the System Usability Scale (SUS), and we evaluated the impedances and signal quality of the test EEGs recorded by the inexperienced users.

Results

All users completed the test EEG recordings, and none of the recordings were of insufficient quality for clinical use. The SUS score was 90.3 ± 6.8, and the average quality rating was 8.04.

Significance

The low‐cost, portable EEG system, which uses automated, real‐time guidance for conducting EEG recordings, enables inexperienced users to record EEGs of a quality sufficient for clinical applications. This system has the potential to provide EEG services in resource‐limited areas, and thereby help bridge the diagnostic and therapeutic gap.
Concise analytical solutions to negative‐stiffness inerter‐based DVAs for seismic and wind hazards considering multi‐target responses
Authors: Su Ning , Chen Zhaoqing , Zeng Cong , Xia Yi , Bian Jing
Published: July 2024

Practical engineering structures are subjected to hazardous seismic‐ and wind‐ induced vibrations during their lifetime. They should be designed based on capacity and serviceability targets. Similarly, the design of dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs) should also meet multiple requirements. However, most current analytical approaches are based on a single‐target response and may lead to cumbersome expressions for complicated scenarios. To address these issues, concise solutions to negative‐stiffness inerter‐based DVAs are proposed in this paper. Firstly, a generic analytical optimization approach for H‐norm solutions considering different response targets of displacement, velocity, acceleration, and transmissibility, is established. Subsequently, the concise solutions are derived based on Taylor's expansion of these analytical solutions by ignoring higher‐order items of the equivalent mass ratio. Finally, the application scope and effectiveness of the proposed concise solutions are discussed. Consequently, the resulting concise solutions are proved to be located close to the pareto fronts of multi‐target optimization results. They have shown superior performances than conventional solutions in controlling the structural capacity and serviceability indicators of a practical five‐story steel frame case under dynamic wind and seismic hazards. Conclusively, the proposed concise solutions are simple in expression and reveal excellent multi‐target performances, which can provide guidance and insights for the optimal design of DVAs.
Effect of liquid CO2 phase change on pores and fractures in coal: An experimental study
Authors: Jiang Zebiao , Gao Shikang , Liu Hao , Chen Siliang , Mo Qiaoshun , He Feng
Published: July 2024

The evolution characteristics of pores and fractures in coal after liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) phase change are important factors that determine the permeability increase effect. Therefore, it is critical to correctly understand the influences of liquid CO2 phase change on pores and fractures in coal. The changes of adsorption and desorption isotherm, pore size, pore volume, and specific surface area of fractured coal and fractured coal were compared by low temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption experiment. In addition, a scanning electron microscope was adopted to observe fracture characteristics of fractured and unfractured coal samples and analyze changes in the connectivity and fracture development. Experimental results show that the fractured coal samples exhibit better hysteresis loops and a larger proportion of gas desorption than the unfractured ones. Fractured coal samples contain more developed pores and fractures compared with unfractured ones, and their fragmentation degree, pore diameter, fracture width, and connectivity of pores and fractures are also better. Besides, the closer the samples from the fracturing boreholes are, the better the fracturing effect. This indicates that liquid CO2 phase change can effectively enhance the gas transport capacity in pores and fractures in coal. The research results provide a solid basis for the better application of liquid CO2 phase‐change fracturing to the prevention of coal and gas outburst disasters and the realization of efficient gas extraction in deep coal seams.
Seasonal differences in participation and time spent in physical activity in Russia: The Know Your Heart survey
Authors: Kaneva Maria , Malyutina Sofia , Moiseenko Victoria , Kudryavtsev Alexander
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to assess the levels and investigate socioeconomic, demographic, and health‐related predictors of winter and summer physical activity (PA) in Russia using the data from the Know Your Heart population survey conducted in Novosibirsk and Arkhangelsk (2015–2018; n = 5068; aged 35–69 years). Employing a series of probit, Tobit, and the Cragg models, we separated the predictors of the probability of participating in leisure‐time PA from the predictors of time spent in PA. Our study showed that financial constraints limited males' participation in winter PA (probability of participation decreased by 12 percentage points) and females' engagement in winter and summer PA (decrease in the number of hours of practicing PA by approximately 1 h a week). Education, self‐reported health, smoking, and cues to action had different impacts on both probability and time spent in PA in winter and summer. We also found significant gender differences in participation and time spent in PA across seasons. Older age, poor health, and smoking were greater obstacles to PA for males compared to females both in winter and summer. However, males were more likely to follow physician's advice to lose weight and take up physical exercise. Information campaigns that promote physical activities, including those that are free of charge, are needed to help limit barriers to PA for people with low socioeconomic status and individuals with little or no exercise experience. Also, making sports more accessible to citizens by providing free and low‐cost sports facilities can increase their participation and time spent in PA, improving individual health and productivity.
Streamflow drought onset and severity explained by non‐linear responses between climate‐catchment and land surface processes
Authors: Raut Aparna , Ganguli Poulomi , Kumar Rohini , Das Bhabani Sankar , Reddy Nagarjuna N. , Wöhling Thomas
Published: July 2024

Knowledge of drought onset and its relationship with drought severity (deficit volume) is crucial for providing timely information for reservoir operations, irrigation scheduling, devising cropping choices and patterns and managing surface and groundwater water resources. An analysis of the relationship between drought onset timing and deficit volume can help in drought hazard assessments and associated risks. Despite its importance, little attention has been paid to understand the drought onset timing and its potential linkage with deficit volume for effective drought monitoring and its impact assessment. Further, only a few studies have explored the role of environmental controls, encompassing the interaction between climate, catchment and land‐surface processes in influencing streamflow droughts and associated characteristics such as onset time and severity. This study leverages quality‐controlled streamflow observations from 1965 to 2018 to unveil regional patterns of streamflow drought onset, at‐site trends in deficit volume and detect non‐linear relationships between onset timing and deficit volume across 82 rain‐fed catchments in peninsular India (8°–24° N, 72°–87° E). We show that around 12% of catchments show an earlier onset of streamflow droughts in conjunction with a decreasing trend in deficit volume. Further, approximately one‐third of the catchments show a significant non‐linear dependency between drought deficit volume and onset time. Among catchment controls, such as soil and topographic properties, we found soil organic carbon stock and stock as dominant drivers controlling the streamflow drought onset time. Likewise, sand content and vertical distance to channel network control the streamflow deficit volume. Finally, the linkages between inferred dominant low‐flow generation mechanisms and the specific combinations of environmental controls are synthesized in a conceptual diagram that might assist in developing appropriate models for low‐flow simulations and predictions, especially across ungauged sites. The new insights add value to understanding the chain of physical processes linking climatic and physiographic controls on streamflow droughts, which can support drought forecasting and climate impact assessment efforts.
State of the union: A review of state‐based laws and regulations supporting pharmacist payment for clinical services
Authors:   Advancing Pharmacist Payment Parity Workgroup
Published: July 2024

Integrating pharmacists into interdisciplinary care models is essential for achieving the Quintuple Aim in health care, which emphasizes improving patient outcomes, enhancing patient and provider experiences, reducing costs, and advancing health equity. Despite expanded scopes of practice that facilitate collaborative models, pharmacists often face significant barriers due to inconsistent and insufficient reimbursement for their clinical services. This review seeks to address these challenges by focusing on state‐based legislation and regulations that establish payment parity or create pathways for reimbursing pharmacist clinical services. Through a narrative review, this article systematically compares different states' approaches to pharmacist reimbursement by examining affected payers, billable services, and other pertinent details. The ultimate goal is to propose model characteristics for states considering the enhancement or development of legislation and regulations to ensure equitable payment mechanisms for pharmacist services. By providing a comprehensive overview of existing models and identifying effective legislative characteristics, this review aims to inform and empower pharmacists and their advocates with a better understanding of reimbursement regulations and to inspire community‐driven advocacy for equitable compensation, thus supporting the integration of pharmacists as essential health care providers.
CKIP‐1 mediates CK2 translocation to regulate Nav1.5 and Kir2.1 channel complexes in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Li Xinran , Zhao Yingzhu , Xue Mei , Hu Hesheng , Yin Jie , Cheng Wenjuan , Shi Yugen , Wang Ye , Yan Suhua
Published: July 2024

Sodium and potassium channels, especially Nav1.5 and Kir2.1, play key roles in the formation of action potentials in cardiomyocytes. These channels interact with, and are regulated by, synapse‐associated protein 97 (SAP97). However, the regulatory role of SAP97 in myocyte remains incompletely understood. Here, we investigate the function of SAP97 phosphorylation in the regulation of Nav1.5 and Kir2.1 channel complexes and the upstream regulation of SAP97. We found that SAP97 is phosphorylated by casein kinase II (CK2) in vitro. In addition, transfection of casein kinase 2 interacting protein‐1 (CKIP‐1) into cardiomyocytes to drive CK2 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, increased SAP97 phosphorylation and Nav1.5 and Kir2.1 current activity. These findings demonstrated that CKIP‐1 modulates the subcellular translocation of CK2, which regulates Nav1.5 and Kir2.1 channel complex formation and activity in cardiomyocytes.
The effects of berberine and curcumin on cardiac, lipid profile and fibrosis markers in cyclophosphamide‐induced cardiac damage: The role of the TRPM2 channel
Authors: Huyut Zübeyir , Yildizhan Kenan , Altındağ Fikret
Published: July 2024

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is widely used to treat various types of cancer. In addition to the therapeutic properties of this drug, unfortunately, its side effects are still not fully understood. This study investigated the protective effect of curcumin (CURC) and berberine (BER) on CYP‐induced cardiac damage. Thirty‐six male rats were equally divided into the control, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), CYP, CYP + CURC, CYP + BER and CYP + BER + CURC groups. Troponin‐I, Creatine kinase‐myocardial band (CK‐MB), total cholesterol, triglyceride levels in serum samples, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1), and transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel levels in heart tissue were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit. In addition, histopathological examination and immunohistochemical investigation of the TRPM2 channel, fibroblast specific protein‐1 (FSP1), transforming growth factor‐beta‐ 1 (TGF‐β1) and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expressions were determined in heart tissue. The CYP group's troponin‐I, total cholesterol, triglyceride, CK‐MB, ROS, PARP‐1 and TRPM2 channel levels were higher than in the other groups in the ELISA measurements (p < 0.05). In contrast, these parameters in the group treated with CURC and BER together with CYP were lower than in the CYP group (p < 0.05). Additionally, CUR and BER reduced CYP‐induced pathological damage, TRPM2, FSP1, TGF‐β1 and α‐SMA expressions. The data showed that CYP administration can cause cardiac damage by increasing the TRPM2 channel, TGF‐β1, FSP1 and α‐SMA expression levels. Therefore, we concluded that CURC and BER administration following CYP application may be used as therapeutic agents to prevent CYP‐induced cardiac damage.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives utilizing NiO/Cu2O nano‐photocatalyst
Authors: Attia Yasser A , Mohamed Yasser MA
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

The main characteristic features of nickel–copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne click (Ni‐CuAAC) reactions for production of 1,2,3‐triazoles are regioselectivity and the reaction proceeding under mild conditions. The use of copper salts as catalysts often leads to challenges like contamination of the prepared triazoles. NiO/Cu2O nanocomposites (NCs) were utilized in Ni‐CuAAC reactions as heterogeneous nanocatalysts to achieve the production of some 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles in high chemical yields under microwave irradiation.

RESULTS

The preparation of NiO/Cu2O NCs was performed through the coprecipitation of NiO nanoparticles on Cu2O surface. The prepared catalyst was used for catalyzing a reaction between benzoyl azides and phenylacetylene under optimized reaction conditions. The NiO/Cu2O NCs exhibited high catalytic activity compared to Cu2O nanoparticles. In addition, by utilizing ethanol–water as the solvent system under microwave irradiation, higher yields and efficient product separation were observed.

CONCLUSION

This study investigated the proficiency of NiO/Cu2O NCs as effective nanocatalysts for the selective synthesis of some 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives. Employing heterogeneous nanoparticle catalysts, such as Cu2O and NiO/Cu2O, offers several advantages over homogeneous catalytic systems. These include easier catalyst separation and recovery, potential for catalyst reuse and the ability to fine‐tune the catalytic properties by modulating the nanoparticle composition and structure. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Evaluation of cross‐neutralizing immunity following COVID‐19 primary series vaccination during the Omicron surge in Tanzania
Authors: Nkinda Lilian , Barabona Godfrey , Ngare Isaac , Nkuwi Emmanuel , Kamori Doreen , Msafiri Frank , Kunambi Ponsian P. , Osati Elisha , Kidenya Benson R. , Chuwa Harrison , Kinasa Glory , Hassan Frank E. , Judicate George P. , Gasper Joseph , Kisuse Juma , Mfinanga Sayoki , Senkoro Mbazi , Ueno Takamasa , Lyamuya Eligius , Balandya Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

COVID‐19 vaccine became available in Tanzania during the first wave of the Omicron variant. During that time community seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 was already at 50%–80%. To date, it remains largely unknown whether ongoing vaccination with the primary series vaccines has any meaningful immune‐boosting effects against newer Omicron subvariants. Therefore, we tested cross‐neutralizing capacity of antibodies elicited by infection, vaccination, or both against SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron subvariants BA.1, and the newer subvariants BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5. that were unexperienced by this population. Participants who were either SARS‐CoV‐2 infected‐only (n = 28), infected vaccinated (n = 22), or vaccinated‐only (n = 73) were recruited from Dar‐es‐Salaam, Tanzania, between April and December 2022. Plasma 50% neutralization titers (NT50) against SARS‐CoV‐2 wild‐type strain and Omicron subvariants were quantified by a lentiviral‐based pseudo‐virus assay. Percentage of participants with neutralizing activity against WT and BA.1 was high (>85%) but was reduced against BQ.1.1 (64%–77%) and XBB.1.5 (35%–68%) subvariants. The low median cross‐neutralization titer was slightly higher in the infected vaccinated group compared to vaccine‐only group against BQ.1.1 (NT50 148 vs. 85, p = 0.032) and XBB.1.5 (NT50 85 vs. 37 p = 0.022) subvariants. In contrast, vaccine‐boost among the infected vaccinated did not result to increased cross‐neutralization compared to infected‐only participants (BQ.1.1 [NT50 of 148 vs. 100, p = 0.501] and XBB.1.5 [NT50 86 vs. 45, p = 0.474]). We report severely attenuated neutralization titers against BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5 subvariants among vaccinated participants, which marginally improved in the infected vaccinated participants. Our findings call for further studies to evaluate effectiveness of the primary series vaccines in preventing severe infection and mortality against the newer variants.
A dimensionally reduction approach to study kink soliton and its fission and fusion process of (3+1)‐dimensional KdV‐CDG equation
Authors: Rahman Mati ur , Sun Mei , Salimi Mehdi , Ahmadian Ali
Published: July 2024

The Hirota bilinear (HB) is a powerful and widely used technique to find various types of solitons of integrable systems. In this manuscript, we implement HB technique to find bilinear form of a dimensionally reduced (3+1)‐dimensional KdV–Calogero–Bogoyavlenskii–Schiff (KdV‐CBS) equation at z = x, z = y, and z = t. We present various results for distinct auxiliary function to study kink solitons and its fission and fusion dynamics. The MATLAB‐2020 is used to display all the results via 3D and line 2D graphs for appropriate values of parameters. These findings provide a strong new insight into the nonlinear features of the model and lay the foundation for future studies in soliton dynamics and nonlinear events in related systems.
Using point‐of‐care ultrasound to determine incidence of deep vein thrombosis after right‐sided radiofrequency catheter ablation
Authors: Qayoom Reema , Asghar Hannah S. , Lutfi Irfan Amjad , Qadir Faisal , Irfan Ghazala , Shafquat Azam
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Femoral venous access is routinely used for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) procedures. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is often sub‐clinical, is uncommon following RFCA. Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is a cost‐effective way to diagnose DVT. Identification of DVT incidence, especially if sub‐clinical, can direct change in practice to reduce DVT and lay ground for cost‐effective screening strategies postprocedures. The aim of our study is to determine the incidence of DVT after right‐sided radiofrequency cardiac catheter ablation using POCUS.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center prospective cross‐sectional study in patients undergoing right‐sided RFCA. Within 24 h postprocedure, the participants underwent compression venous duplex ultrasonography using POCUS to look for evidence of DVT in cannulated limb. The contralateral limb that was not cannulated was scanned as a control.

Results

A total of 194 patients were scanned post‐right‐sided RFCA procedures. Average age was 43.5 ± 13.2 years and 131 (67.5%) were women. A total of 148 (76.3%) patients underwent AVNRT ablation. Ten (5.2%) patients developed DVT, of which nine had sub‐clinical DVT. Age (>53 years), greater sum of sheaths used (>3) and longer duration of bed rest maintained (up to 4.0 h vs. >4.0 h, p = 0.006) were identified as risk factors.

Conclusion

Most of the DVTs after right‐sided catheter ablation are sub‐clinical. Routine scanning for DVT after right‐sided catheter ablation as well as reducing number of sheaths and bed rest should be considered.
Dilution of humoral immunity: Results from a natural history study of healthy total knee arthroplasty patients
Authors: Kates Stephen L. , Owen John R. , Beck Christopher A. , Muthukrishnan Gowrishankar , Daiss John L. , Golladay Gregory J.
Published: July 2024

The incidence of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) following elective primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is very low but serious risk remains. To identify unknown risk factors, we completed a natural history study of IgG specific for Staphylococcus aureus antigens previously phenotyped as protective (anti‐Atl) and pathogenic (anti‐Isd). Twenty‐five male and 25 female optimized patients 50–85 years of age and BMI 24–39 undergoing primary TKA were prospectively enrolled. Blood sampling was performed preoperatively, postoperative Day 1, and at 2, 6, and 12 weeks, to assess serum cytokine, anti‐staphylococcal IgG levels and anti‐tetanus toxoid IgG measured via custom Luminex assay. Clinical, demographic, and PROMIS‐10 data were collected with outcomes to 2 years postop. All participants completed the study and 2‐year follow‐up. No patients were readmitted or noted to develop a surgical site infection or serious adverse event, and patient‐reported outcomes were improved. Serology revealed a highly significant decrease in six out of eight antibody titers against specific S. aureus antigens on Day 1 (p < 0.0001), five of which normalized to preoperative levels within 2 weeks. These changes were commensurate with a decrease and recovery of anti‐tetanus toxoid titers, and a 20% drop in hemoglobin 13.8 ± 1.7 at preop to 11.1 ± 1.8 mg/dL on Day 1 (p < 0.0001). After TKA, a significant decrease in humoral immunity commensurate with blood loss and hemodilution was recorded. This decrease in circulating anti‐staphylococcal antibodies in the early postop period may represent a periprosthetic joint infection risk factor for patients.