bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different Biomechanical Cell Behaviors in an Epithelium Drive Collective Epithelial Cell Extrusion
Authors: Balasubramaniam Lakshmi , Jain Shreyansh , Dang Tien , Lagoutte Emilie , Marc Mège René , Chavrier Philippe , Ladoux Benoit , Rossé Carine
Published: September 2024

In vertebrates, many organs, such as the kidney and the mammary gland form ductal structures based on the folding of epithelial sheets. The development of these organs relies on coordinated sorting of different cell lineages in both time and space, through mechanisms that remain largely unclear. Tissues are composed of several cell types with distinct biomechanical properties, particularly at cell‐cell and cell‐substrate boundaries. One hypothesis is that adjacent epithelial layers work in a coordinated manner to shape the tissue. Using in vitro experiments on model epithelial cells, differential expression of atypical Protein Kinase C iota (aPKCi), a key junctional polarity protein, is shown to reinforce cell epithelialization and trigger sorting by tuning cell mechanical properties at the tissue level. In a broader perspective, it is shown that in a heterogeneous epithelial monolayer, in which cell sorting occurs, forces arising from epithelial cell growth under confinement by surrounding cells with different biomechanical properties are sufficient to promote collective cell extrusion and generate emerging 3D organization related to spheroids and buds. Overall, this research sheds light on the role of aPKCi and the biomechanical interplay between distinct epithelial cell lineages in shaping tissue organization, providing insights into the understanding of tissue and organ development.
Ultralow Lattice Thermal Conductivity and Large Glass‐Like Contribution in Cs3Bi2I6Cl3: Rattling Atoms and p‐Band Electrons Driven Dynamic Rotation
Authors: Wu Yu , Ji Jialin , Ding Yimin , Yang Jiong , Zhou Liujiang
Published: September 2024

Understanding the origin of ultralow lattice thermal conductivity κL of halide perovskites is of great significance in the energy conversion field. The soft phonon modes and the large anharmonicity corresponding to the dynamic rotation of halogen atoms play an important role in limiting the thermal transport of halide perovskites. The dynamic rotation has long been thought to originate from the electrostatic repulsion of lone pairs around halogen atoms. Here, by studying the layered perovskite Cs3Bi2I6Cl3, it is found that the interaction between the lone pairs contributed by the s bands of halogen atoms is short‐range, and the dynamic rotation is really driven by the occupied p‐band electrons. It dominates Cs3Bi2I6Cl3 with ultralow κL, < 0.2 W mK−1 at 300 K. Moreover, soft optical phonons are presented ≈1 and 2.2 THz that constitute relatively flat and dense bands due to the rattling Cs and Cl atoms, contributing a large glass‐like component to the κL. The results have important implications for understanding the origin of the ultralow κL in halide perovskites and for designing novel perovskites to serve the energy conversion field.
Coating Dormant Collagenase‐Producing Bacteria with Metal‐Anesthetic Networks for Precision Tumor Therapy
Authors: Han Qiuju , Yang Fengmin , Chen Mian , Zhang Mengmeng , Wang Lu , Wang Hongxia , Liu Jinyao , Cao Zhenping
Published: September 2024

Tumor malignancy highly depends on the stiffness of tumor matrix, which mainly consists of collagen. Despite the destruction of tumor matrix is conducive to tumor therapy, it causes the risk of tumor metastasis. Here, metal‐anesthetic network‐coated dormant collagenase‐producing Clostridium is constructed to simultaneously destruct tumor matrix and inhibit tumor metastasis. By metal‐phenolic complexation and π–π stacking interactions, a Fe3+‐propofol network is formed on bacterial surface. Coated dormant Clostridium can selectively germinate and rapidly proliferate in tumor sites due to the ability of carried Fe3+ ions to promote bacterial multiplication. Intratumoral colonization of Clostridium produces sufficient collagenases to degrade tumor collagen mesh and the loaded propofol restrains tumor metastasis by inhibiting tumor cell migration and invasion. Meanwhile, the delivered Fe3+ ions are reduced to the Fe2+ form by intracellular glutathione, thereby inducing potent Fenton reaction to trigger lipid peroxidation and ultimate ferroptosis of tumor cells. In addition to a satisfactory safety, a single intratumoral injection of coated dormant Clostridium not only effectively retards the growth of established large primary tumors, but also significantly suppresses distal lung metastasis in two different orthotopic tumor models. This work proposes a strategy to develop advanced therapeutics for malignant tumor treatment and metastasis prevention.
Metal‐Free Wet Chemistry for the Fast Gram‐Scale Synthesis of γ‐Graphyne and its Derivatives
Authors: Song Tao , Liu Hong , Zou Haiyuan , Wang Cheng , Shu Siyan , Dai Hao , Duan Lele
Published: September 2024

γ‐Graphyne (GY), an emerging carbon allotrope, is envisioned to offer various alluring properties and broad applicability. While significant progress has been made in the synthesis of GY over recent decades, its widespread application hinges on developing efficient, scalable, and accessible synthetic methods for the production of GY and its derivatives. Here we report a facile metal‐free nucleophilic crosslinking method using wet chemistry for fast gram‐scale production of GY and its derivatives. This synthesis method involves the aromatic nucleophilic substitution reactions between fluoro‐(hetero)arenes and alkynyl silanes in the presence of a catalytic amount of tetrabutylammonium fluoride, where the fluoride plays a crucial role in removing protective groups from alkynyl silanes and generating reactive alkynylides. Our comprehensive analysis of the as‐prepared GY reveals a layered structure, characterized by the presence of the C(sp)−C(sp2) bond. The synthetic strategy shows remarkable tolerance to various functional groups and enables the preparation of diverse F‐/N‐rich GY derivatives, using electron‐deficient fluoro‐substituted (hetero)arenes as precursors. The feasibility of producing GY and derivatives from fluorinated (hetero)arenes through the metal‐free, scalable, and cost‐effective approach paves the way for broad applications of GY and may inspire the development of new carbon materials.
Dynamic Active Sites in Electrocatalysis
Authors: Ning Minghui , Wang Sangni , Wan Jun , Xi Zichao , Chen Qiao , Sun Yuanmiao , Li Hui , Ma Tianyi , Jin Huanyu
Published: September 2024

In‐depth understanding of the real‐time behaviors of active sites during electrocatalysis is essential for the advancement of sustainable energy conversion. Recently, the concept of dynamic active sites has been recognized as a potent approach for creating self‐adaptive electrocatalysts that can address a variety of electrocatalytic reactions, outperforming traditional electrocatalysts with static active sites. Nonetheless, the comprehension of the underlying principles that guide the engineering of dynamic active sites is presently insufficient. In this review, we systematically analyze the fundamentals of dynamic active sites for electrocatalysis and consider important future directions for this emerging field. We reveal that dynamic behaviors and reversibility are two crucial factors that influence electrocatalytic performance. By reviewing recent advances in dynamic active sites, we conclude that implementing dynamic electrocatalysis through variable reaction environments, correlating the model of dynamic evolution with catalytic properties, and developing localized and ultrafast in situ/operando techniques are keys to designing high‐performance dynamic electrocatalysts. This review paves the way to the development of the next‐generation electrocatalyst and the universal theory for both dynamic and static active sites.
Development of biochromic paper strips from cellulose nanocrystals and anthocyanin extract from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) for colorimetric determination of urea
Authors: Al‐Qahtani Salhah D. , Attia Yasser A. , Al‐Senani Ghadah M.
Published: September 2024

An anthocyanin (ACN) spectroscopic probe was extracted and immobilized into a matrix of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)/urease enzyme to create a colorimetric nanocomposite film sensor. The ACN@CNC composite is a disposable molecular biosensor that uses urease as a catalyst, ACN as a molecular probe, and CNC as a probe carrier with a high surface area. The ACN spectroscopic probe was isolated from the pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.). A mordant was applied to fix ACN onto CNC by forming nanoparticles (6–14 nm) of mordant/ACN (M/ACN) complexation. CNC showed diameters in the range of 11–21 nm, and crystal lengths of 55–130 nm. Under acid/base conditions, the ACN probe solution in distilled water exhibited a reversible color change, as shown by the UV–Vis absorption spectra. In order to create a biocomposite film, CNC were reinforced with a sodium alginate biopolymer. Upon exposure to urea in an aqueous solution, the ACN@CNC film biosensor changes color from purple (598 nm) to white (432 nm). The detection limit of urea was determined at 25–450 ppm. Various methods were utilized to investigate the morphological properties of CNC and ACN@CNC films.
A study of crashworthiness performance in thin‐walled multi‐cell tubes 3D‐printed from different polymers
Authors: Tunay Merve , Bardakci Alperen
Published: September 2024

Multicellular, thin‐walled impact tubes have been intensely studied and used in various engineering fields in recent years due to their lightweight, high performance, ease of application, superior energy absorption, and stable deformation characteristics. In this study, energy absorption, crashworthiness performances, and deformation properties of thin‐walled structures manufactured from polylactic acid (PLA+) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology were compared under quasi‐static axial compression. Thin‐walled structures consist of multicellular tubes connected by concentric corner‐edge connections with square and hexagonal cross‐sections. Experimental testing outcomes indicate that the energy absorption capacity increases with increasing the number of corners in multicellular structures. The tubes with square wall‐to‐wall (S‐WW) and hexagonal wall‐to‐wall (H‐WW) cross‐sections exhibit superior crashworthiness performance compared to other cross‐sections. Based on the experimental results, the absorbed energy by WW patterned PLA+ square tubes are 19%, 7%, and 46% more than that of wall‐to‐corner (WC), corner‐to‐wall (CW), and corner‐to‐corner (CC) patterned tubes, respectively, while it is 11%, 19%, and 80% more in hexagonal cross‐section tubes, respectively. This study provides an informative reference for easier applicability of multicellular energy‐absorbing structures with 3D‐print and the design of corner‐edge connections of internal connections in multicellular structures.
Improving the electromechanical deformability of MWCNT/silicone composites via encapsulating MWCNT with polyphenols and multilayered structure regulation
Authors: Sun Yue , Zhang Jiale , Chen Tao , Zhang Yanting , Wu Chonggang , Gong Xinghou , Hu Tao
Published: September 2024

Silicone rubber (SR) is an ideal dielectric elastomer substrate due to its excellent flexibility and fast response speed. However, the innate low dielectric permittivity (ε) of SR generally requires a rather high driving voltage that restricts its widespread application. Typical attempts to increase ε of SR usually deteriorate either its flexibility or electrical stability. Herein, conductive multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were first surface modified with polyphenols (PNs) (MWCNT@PNs), aiming to facilitate its well dispersion within SR matrix, which may maintain the softness and electrical stability of SR via suppressing concentrated physical crosslinking and local leakage current flow. Then, five‐layered MWCNT@PNs/SR composites were prepared with the outer two insulating layers of SR while middle three dielectric layers of MWCNT@PNs filled SR. The multilayered structure further hindered the formation of conductive pathways through the composites, promising a high breakdown strength of the composites. Therefore, the multilayered MWCNT@PNs/SR composites exhibited increased ε, maintained low Young's modulus and electrical breakdown strength compared with pure SR of the same five‐layered structure. Among them, the composite with uniformly distributed MWCNT@PNs (m‐1: 1: 1) showed a highest actuation strain of 11.9% (at 19.6 kV mm−1), which was 4.1 times higher than that of SR (2.9% at 19.1 kV mm−1).
Development of new pyrazoles as class I HDAC inhibitors: Synthesis, molecular modeling, and biological characterization in leukemia cells
Authors: Berluti Francesco , Baselious Fady , Hagemann Sven , Hilscher Sebastian , Schmidt Matthias , Hüttelmaier Stefan , Schutkowski Mike , Sippl Wolfgang , Ibrahim Hany S.
Published: September 2024

Class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) are considered promising targets in current cancer research. To obtain subtype‐selective and potent HDAC inhibitors, we used the aminobenzamide scaffold as the zinc‐binding group and prepared new derivatives with a pyrazole ring as the linking group. The synthesized compounds were analyzed in vitro using an enzymatic assay against HDAC1, −2, and −3. Compounds 12b, 15b, and 15i were found to be potent HDAC1 inhibitors, also in comparison to the reference compounds entinostat and tacedinaline, with IC50 values of 0.93, 0.22, and 0.68 μM, respectively. The best compounds were measured for their cellular effect and target engagement in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. In addition, we studied the interaction of the compounds with HDAC subtypes using docking and molecular dynamic simulations. In summary, we have developed a new chemotype of HDAC1 inhibitors that can be used for further structure‐based optimization.
Clear insight into complex multimodal resins and impurities to overcome recombinant protein purification challenges: A review
Authors: Goodarzi Maryam Moazami , Jalalirad Reza
Published: September 2024

Increasing attention has been paid to the purity of therapeutic proteins imposing extensive costs and challenges to the downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals. One of the efforts, that has been exerted to overcome such limitations, was developing multimodal or mixed‐mode chromatography (MMC) resins for launching selective, orthogonal, non‐affinity purification platforms. Despite relatively extensive usage of MMC resins, their real potential and fulfillment have not been extensively reviewed yet. In this work, the explanation of practical and key aspects of downstream processing of recombinant proteins with or without MMC resins was debated, as being useful for further purification process development. This review has been written as a step‐by‐step guide to deconvolute both inherent protein purification and MMC complexities. Here, after complete elucidation of the potential of MMC resins, the effects of frequently used additives (mobile phase modifiers) and their possible interactions during the purification process, the critical characteristics of common product‐related impurities (e.g., aggregates, charge variants, fragments), host‐related impurities (e.g., host cell protein and DNA) and process related impurities (e.g., endotoxin, and viruses) with solved or unsolved challenges of traditional and MMC resins have been discussed. Such collective experiences which are reported in this study could be considered as an applied guide for developing successful downstream processing in challenging conditions by providing a clear insight into complex MMC resins and impurities.
3D bioprinting technology and equipment based on microvalve control
Authors: Kang Rihui , Wu Jiaxing , Cheng Rong , Li Meng , Sang Luxiao , Zhang Hulin , Sang Shengbo
Published: September 2024

3D bioprinting technology is widely used in biomedical fields such as tissue regeneration and constructing pathological model. The prevailing printing technique is extrusion‐based bioprinting. In this printing method, the bioink needs to meet both printability and functionality, which are often conflicting requirements. Therefore, this study has developed an innovative microvalve‐based equipment, incorporating components such as pressure control, a three‐dimensional motion platform, and microvalve. Here, we present a droplet‐based method for constructing complex three‐dimensional structures. By leveraging the rapid switching characteristics of the microvalve, this equipment can achieve precise printing of bio‐materials with viscosities as low as 10mPa·s, significantly expanding the biofabrication window for bioinks. This technology is of great significance for 3D bioprinting in tissue engineering and lays a solid foundation for the construction of complex artificial organ tissues.
Discrepancies between guidelines, preferences and actual activities in psychotherapy supervision
Authors: Spännargård Åsa , Fagernäs Simon , Alfonsson Sven
Published: September 2024

Background

Clinical supervision, also known as consultation, is a key component of professional growth for psychotherapists, often involving activities like case discussions or practical exercises. However, the extent to which the content of supervision follows practice guidelines and whether supervision meets the preferences of psychotherapists is largely unclear.

Aims

This study aimed to understand what psychotherapists prefer to do in clinical supervision and contrast that to what their supervision comprises. A secondary aim was to explore whether there were any differences in preferred activities between psychotherapists with different background variables, such as profession and training, and to examine associations between activities, supervision satisfaction and effectiveness.

Materials & Methods

Psychotherapists (N = 243, 84% women, mean age 46.3 years, SD = 10.6) completed an online survey regarding their supervision preferences and actual supervision activities.

Results

The psychotherapists reported that formative activities, such as concrete exercises, discussing recorded material and modelling, were significantly more preferred than they were occurring in clinical supervision. The activities of teaching, modelling and discussions on emotional reactions, which are more associated with restoration, were associated with supervision satisfaction and competence. Psychotherapists with a cognitive behavioural therapy orientation preferred more active learning activities than other psychotherapists.

Conclusions

Overall, neither the preferred nor the actual activities aligned with existing guidelines for supervision practices. Still, the therapists reported a preference for more experiential learning activities rather than more verbal activities.
Accounting for informalization in Africa's extractive industry: Evidence from Ghana's small‐scale gold mining sector during the colonial period
Authors: Tuffour James , Patnaik Swetketu , Ayikoru Maureen
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we draw on the accountability and institutional theories to explicate the informalized state of Ghana's small‐scale gold mining sector as an exemplar of informalization of the extractive industry in Africa during the colonial period. We present a critical and historical perspective on the role of colonial subjugation that took the form of discriminatory policies and lack of accountability, in laying the foundations for the current challenges of continuous informalization of the indigenous gold mining sector and its implications on livelihoods, the economy and the environment in Ghana. We analyzed archival data on the mining industry in Ghana, consisting of official correspondences between colonial bureaucrats in Britain and Ghana, as well as colonial policies on mining, interpreted through the lenses of institutional theory. Specifically, we used records comprising letters, mineral policies, mineral output, and labor relations in the Gold Coast during the colonial period as well as minutes of meetings held by those governing mining enterprises that operated in Ghana before 1957. We also drew on periodic reports of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and their member enterprises, Government of Ghana white papers, parliamentary records among others. We found that the colonial authority, as the new institutional power with vested interest in the extractive industry, adopted discriminatory policies that banned small‐scale gold mining by indigenous population in Ghana, marginalizing the sector's operation to the advantage of foreign large‐scale gold miners. We demonstrate that the control of mineral resources by the colonial authority under new ownership structures disenfranchised the indigenous population and their right to the mineral resources of the Gold Coast. We argue that this institutionalized discriminatory policy, and the resulting lack of accountability is largely responsible for the ongoing informalization of Ghana's small‐scale gold mining sector. This paper contributes to the corpus of critical and historical scholarship that investigates the role of racialization and accountability during colonial period, but with notable distinction that departs from specific professional or disciplinary perspectives. Instead, it focuses on the colonial subjugation and exploitation of the small‐scale gold mining sector and its ongoing informalization that traces its roots to the era of British colonial rule in Ghana. It reiterates the need for accountability for these historical inequalities affecting the small‐scale mining operators, to facilitate the sector's formalization and to effectively control and manage the myriads of negative impacts associated with it.
Pulmonary complications post allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant in children
Authors: Walker Hannah , Abbotsford Joanne , Haeusler Gabrielle M , Yeoh Daniel , Ramachandran Shanti , Ng Michelle , Holzmann Jonathan , Shanthikumar Shivanthan , Weerdenburg Heather , Hanna Diane , Neeland Melanie R , Cole Theresa
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) is a cellular therapy that, whilst curative for a child's underlying disease, carries significant risk of mortality, including because of pulmonary complications. The aims of this study were to describe the burden of pulmonary complications post‐HCT in a cohort of Australian children and identify risk factors for the development of these complications.

Methods

Patients were identified from the HCT databases at two paediatric transplant centres in Australia. Medical records were reviewed, and demographics, HCT characteristics and pulmonary complications documented. Relative risk ratio was used to identify risk factors for developing pulmonary complications prior to first transplant episode, and survival analysis performed to determine hazard ratio.

Results

In total, 243 children underwent transplant during the study period, and pulmonary complications occurred in 48% (117/243) of children. Infectious complications were more common (55%) than non‐infective complications (18%) and 26% of patients developed both. Risk factors for the development of pulmonary complications included the following: diagnoses of MPAL (RR 2.16, P = 0.02), matched unrelated donor (RR1.34, P = 0.03), peripheral blood (RR 1.36, P = 0.028) or cord blood (RR 1.73, P = 0.012) as the stem cell source and pre‐existing lung disease (RR1.72, P < 0.0001). Children with a post‐HCT lung complication had a significantly increased risk of mortality compared with those who did not (HR 3.9, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates pulmonary complications continue to occur frequently in children post‐HCT and contribute significantly to mortality. Highlighting the need for improved strategies to identify patients at risk pre‐transplant and enhanced treatments for those who develop lung disease.
Refining Sampling Efforts for Fish Diversity Assessment in Subtropical Urban Estuarine and Oceanic Waters Using Environmental DNA With Multiple Primers
Authors: How Chun Ming , Ip Jack Chi‐Ho , Deconinck Dumas , Zhao Meihong , Yan Meng , Cheng Jinping , Leung Kenneth Mei Yee , Chan Leo Lai , Qiu Jian‐Wen
Published: September 2024

The environmental DNA (eDNA) approach is an emerging tool for monitoring marine biodiversity. However, the sampling effort needs optimization according to the site characteristics and target taxonomic groups. In this study, we optimized the eDNA sampling effort in terms of sample volume and number of replicates to monitor the diversity of marine vertebrates (mainly fish) in Hong Kong's subtropical waters that show a gradient of estuarine to oceanic waters. To maximize detection, we used three pairs of metabarcoding primers (12S‐v5, MiFish‐U, and MiFish‐E). We compared vertebrate diversity in 78 water samples, ranging from 1 to 10 L, collected from oceanic and estuarine sites. Metabarcoding yielded a total of 140 vertebrate species, of which 18 were unique to the estuarine site, 66 unique to the oceanic site, and 56 shared between both sites. The detected species were predominantly ray‐finned fish (136 species), and the three primer pairs exhibited differential sensitivity toward different taxa, especially cartilaginous fish and cetaceans. Increasing sampling volume per replicate generally increased the total detected species, average species per replicate, and species coverage, and sampling 3 or 4 × 4 L represented the most efficient sampling effort for the estuarine and oceanic sites, respectively. The diversity analysis revealed that sampling >2 L per replicate reduced variability and improved diversity analysis. The results also showed that a larger sampling volume per replicate increased the probability of detecting endangered, indicator, invasive, and elusive species, with 4 L representing the most efficient volume. This study recommended sampling 4 L per replicate and 3 replicates for estuarine and 4 for oceanic sites, respectively for effectively monitoring marine fish in subtropical waters using the eDNA approach.
Trivalent Heteroglycoclusters as Focal Point Pseudoenantiomers: Synthesis and Preliminary Biological Evaluation
Authors: Despras Guillaume , Spormann Carina , Klockmann Felix , Schollmeyer Dieter , Terfort Andreas , Lindhorst Thisbe K.
Published: September 2024

We describe the synthesis of the first heteroglycoclusters featuring three distinct carbohydrate ligands. The obtained pair of stereoisomeric glycoclusters were named “focal point enantiomers”, as the configuration of the focal point is the only varying stereogenic element in these molecules. The first pair of such diastereomeric heteroglycoclusters was accessible by an efficient sequence of protection and sequential glycosylation steps utilizing a mannosyl, a N‐acetylglucosaminyl, and a galactosyl donor, respectively, which was applied to a prototype azido‐functionalized tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS) scaffold molecule. The stereoisomers could be distinguished based on an X‐ray structure of one of the isomeric key intermediates. As previously shown with divalent counterparts, such heterotrivalent cluster glycosides are useful tools for studying the fine‐tuning of carbohydrate recognition. The azido functional group at the focal point of the synthetic scaffold molecule was employed in a conjugation reaction with a linker for further immobilization on a gold surface in order to fabricate glyco‐SAMs (self‐assembled monolayers). A preliminary biological evaluation of the focal point enantiomers was performed in solution using the well‐known model lectin Concanavalin A and the important bacterial lectin FimH.
Intake and diet preference of dairy heifers grazing mixed or alternating rows of birdsfoot trefoil and cool‐season grasses
Authors: Peel Michael D. , Waldron Blair L. , Briscoe Jacob T. , Rose Marcus F. , Isom S. Clay , Thornton Kara J. , Hadfield Jacob A. , Rood Kerry A. , Creech J. Earl
Published: September 2024

Background

Mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil (BFT) increase herbage intake in grazing cattle. We hypothesized that BFT spatially separated from grasses would increase preferential grazing of BFT and herbage intake compared to grass and BFT in mixed rows.

Methods

Binary mixtures of BFT were established with orchardgrass, meadow bromegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass in alternating and in mixed rows. Pastures were rotationally stocked with Jersey heifers, and herbage mass, intake, and preferential grazing were estimated.

Results

Planting BFT in alternating rows did not affect herbage mass, intake, or BFT preference. Regardless of spatial arrangement, pasture production averaged 4116 kg ha−1 per rotation, of which 32% was BFT. BFT comprised 39% of herbage intake in alternating and mixed rows, 7% greater (p = 0.001) than offered, indicating partial preference for BFT. Greatest preferential grazing of BFT was in tall fescue and orchardgrass mixtures, but less than commonly reported for legumes grown in more contrasting spatial arrangements with cool‐season grasses.

Conclusions

Grazing heifers showed partial preference for BFT over grass. However, the lack of an effect of spatial arrangement on herbage mass, herbage intake, and diet preference indicates that spatial arrangements greater than alternating rows may be needed to increase overall herbage intake.
What Explains the Link Between Hearing and Vision Impairment and Cognitive Function? Analysis of Mediating Effects in the USA, England and Ireland
Authors: Matthews Katey , Dawes Piers , Elliot Rebecca , Maharani Asri , Pendleton Neil , Tampubolon Gindo
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Hearing and vision impairments are associated with cognitive decline and dementia risk. Explanations for this include age‐related processes impacting on sensory and cognitive function (common cause), or sensory impairments having a direct or indirect impact on cognition via social engagement, depression and physical activity (cascade). We tested whether associations between hearing, vision and episodic memory were mediated by allostatic load, social engagement, depression and physical activity.

Methods

We used structural equation modelling with cross‐sectional data from the USA (n = 4746, aged 50–101), England (n = 4907, aged 50–89) and Ireland (4292, aged 50–80) to model factors related to the common cause (indexed by allostatic load) and the cascade hypothesis with respect to cognitive ability (episodic memory).

Results

Poorer hearing/vision was associated with lower social engagement, depression and sedentary lifestyle. Poor vision was not related to allostatic load, and poor hearing was associated with allostatic load in only one data set, contributing to a common‐cause hypothesis. Lower social engagement, depression and a sedentary lifestyle were associated with poorer episodic memory, contributing to the cascade hypothesis. Using effect estimates to calculate the proportion of the total effects mediated by the combined mediator variables, up to two fifths of the relationship between hearing and vision with episodic memory can be explained by the mediators.

Conclusions

The association between hearing, vision and episodic memory is mediated by allostatic load, social engagement, depression, and physical activity. The finding that social engagement, depression, and physical activity mediate the association between sensory abilities and cognitive function supported the cascade hypotheses. Interventions to improve healthy lifestyle, reduce depression and foster social engagement of older people with sensory impairments are likely to be beneficial in preventing cognitive decline and dementia.
A primer on method effects on observed correlations with examples
Authors: Lance Charles E.
Published: September 2024

I use a path/confirmatory factor analytic framework to present an under‐the‐hood introduction to (a) the effects of measurement error and method variance on observed measures, (b) the effects of common latent Trait and Method factors on relationships between observed measures in the presence of measurement error and (c) examine implications of developments presented here for the possible reinterpretation of Campbell and Fiske's original criteria for convergent and discrimainat validity and presence of common method bias. I use results from one previously published and often‐cited primary study and four meta‐analyses of multitrait–multimethod studies to provide empirical examples to illustrate points made here. I show analytically that (a) some common interpretations of method effects are correct, (b) others are incorrect and (c) still others are more nuanced than is usually recognised. Finally, I offer some suggested directions for future research.
Low‐income fathers are emotionally resilient: A qualitative exploration of paternal emotions across early parenting
Authors: Lee Joyce Y. , Lee Shawna J. , Chang Olivia D. , Albuja Analia F. , Lin Muzi , Volling Brenda L.
Published: September 2024

Emotions play an important role in fostering positive parenting and healthy child development. This qualitative study explored the affective experiences of racially diverse US fathers with low income across the prenatal, postnatal, and early childhood periods. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 24 fathers. Interview questions asked about fathers’ early parenting experiences that elicit parenting emotions of different valence. Results from thematic analysis demonstrated activation of multiple emotions depending on different proximal and distal experiences. Specific to proximal experiences, fathers reported feeling both excited and anxious about pregnancy and joyful and disappointed at childbirth. Related to distal experiences, fathers reported feeling encouraged by their social support networks that further aid their parenting, but feeling marginalized given systematic barriers (e.g., societal bias, high incarceration rates of Black fathers). Most importantly, fathers’ parenting emotions, especially negative ones, led to them resolving to stay involved in their children's lives, gaining a sense of responsibility, and changing behaviors to do right by their children. Fathers resorted to various coping strategies to regulate their negative emotions. Overall, fathers with low income are emotionally resilient. Infant and early childhood health professionals should support fathers' mental health to promote father‐child engagement and thus, ultimately, young children's mental health and wellbeing.
Helicobacter pylori induce circ_0046854 to regulate microRNA‐511‐3p/CSF1 axis and enhance the resistance of gastric cancer to cisplatin
Authors: Ma Juan , Zhang SiRuo , Gong YanYan , Wang Cui
Published: September 2024

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is considered a major risk factor for gastric cancer (GC) and during this process, cytotoxin‑associated gene A (CagA) plays in essence. The study mainly focused on the molecular mechanism of circular RNA 0046854 (circ_0046854) in HP‐induced GC. Clinically, 56 cases of GC and normal tissues were collected, and the GC tissues were divided into HP‐negative GC tissues (HP−) and 33 HP‐positive GC tissues (HP+). Tissue expression of circ_0046854, microRNA (miR)‐511‐3p and colony‐stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) was tested. BGC‐823/Cisplatin (DDP) resistant strain was induced and cell growth and DDP resistance were detected after HP infection. In vivo experiments were performed using a mouse xenograft model. The relationship between circ_0046854, miR‐511‐3p and CSF1 was confirmed. GC tissues especially HP+ cancer tissues expressed high circ_0046854 and CSF1 and low miR‐511‐3p. HP‐induced circ_0046854 expression in GC cells through CagA. Inhibition of circ_0046854 or miR‐511‐3p elevation inhibited the growth and DDP resistance in GC cells. Circ_0046854 acted as a sponge for miR‐511‐3p, which targeted CSF1. Restoring CSF1 could abolish the inhibitory effect of miR‐511‐3p overexpression on CagA+ HP‐induced GC progression in vitro. Circ_0046854 silencing repressed tumor growth and aggrandized the inhibiting effects of DDP on tumorigenesis in vivo. Circ_0046854/miR‐511‐3p/CSF1 axis may be involved in the development of HP‐induced GC, thus providing new ideas for studying the mechanism of HP‐related gastric diseases.
In vivo glycerol metabolism in patients with glycerol kinase deficiency
Authors: Shah Ankit , Xu Huiting , Kwon Hyok Joon , Wondisford Fredric E.
Published: September 2024

Glycerol kinase deficiency (GKD) is an X‐linked recessive disorder due to glycerol kinase (GK) gene mutations resulting in hyperglycerolermia, hyperglyceroluria, and “pseudohypertriglyceridemia.” In vivo glycerol metabolism has not been assessed in GKD. A 62‐year‐old man with suspected GKD and his extended family underwent whole exome sequencing and fasting blood work with two modes of lipid measurements: (1) standard lipase‐based methodology and (2) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Two overnight fasted men with GKD and a heterozygote female carrier then underwent 13C3‐glycerol infusion. Affected family members had a novel two‐nucleotide deletion in exon 5 of the GK gene (c.373_374del). Compared to their family members (n = 14), men with GKD (n = 5) had significantly lower total cholesterol levels (3.72 ± 0.70 vs. 4.77 ± 0.85 mmol/L, p = 0.024). Compared to NMR, lipase‐based assays overreported triglycerides (5.28 ± 1.38 vs. 0.81 ± 0.32, mmol/L, p < 0.001) and underreported low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol values (0.93 ± 0.23 vs. 2.18 ± 0.42 mmol/L, p = 0.001) in GKD. Men with GKD could not convert glycerol into glucose or triglycerides, which was preserved in the heterozygote carrier. Glycolytic metabolism of glycerol to lactate persisted in GKD, but it was reduced by a magnitude and, possibly, due to homologous glycerol kinases encoded by other genes. In summary, we report a novel GK pathogenic variant; affected men cannot convert circulating glycerol to glucose or triglycerides and have lower cholesterol levels. These results offer a human model for potentially targeting glycerol kinase to treat conditions associated with hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and warrant further investigation.
High‐throughput peptide array analysis and computational techniques for serological profiling of flavivirus infections: Implications for diagnostics and vaccine development
Authors: Bombaci Mauro , Fassi Enrico Mario Alessandro , Gobbini Andrea , Mileto Davide , Cassaniti Irene , Pesce Elisa , Casali Emanuele , Mancon Alessandro , Sammartino Jose’ , Ferrari Alessandro , Percivalle Elena , Grande Romualdo , Marchisio Edoardo , Gismondo Maria Rita , Abrignani Sergio , Baldanti Fausto , Colombo Giorgio , Grifantini Renata
Published: September 2024

Arthropod‐borne viruses, such as dengue virus (DENV), pose significant global health threats, with DENV alone infecting around 400 million people annually and causing outbreaks beyond endemic regions. This study aimed to enhance serological diagnosis and discover new drugs by identifying immunogenic protein regions of DENV. Utilizing a comprehensive approach, the study focused on peptides capable of distinguishing DENV from other flavivirus infections through serological analyses. Over 200 patients with confirmed arbovirus infection were profiled using high‐density pan flavivirus peptide arrays comprising 6253 peptides and the computational method matrix of local coupling energy (MLCE). Twenty‐four peptides from nonstructural and structural viral proteins were identified as specifically recognized by individuals with DENV infection. Six peptides were confirmed to distinguish DENV from Zika virus (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), Yellow Fever virus (YFV), Usutu virus (USUV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections, as well as healthy controls. Moreover, the combination of two immunogenic peptides emerged as a potential serum biomarker for DENV infection. These peptides, mapping to highly accessible regions on protein structures, show promise for diagnostic and prophylactic strategies against flavivirus infections. The described methodology holds broader applicability in the serodiagnosis of infectious diseases.
Dementia risk reduction between DOACs and VKAs in AF: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chokesuwattanaskul Anthipa , Prasitlumkum Narut , Cooley Ryan , Bunch T. Jared , Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai , Navaravong Leenhapong
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) become the recommended treatment over vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). However, their effectiveness in reducing cognitive impairment and dementia compared to VKA remains unclear.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database. Randomized controlled trials, cohort, or case–control study that assessed incident dementia between AF patients who received DOAC compared to VKA were selected. Relevant study characteristics and the number of incident dementia diagnosis or hazard ratios (HRs) for incident dementia and each dementia subtypes were extracted. Random‐effects model was used to perform meta‐analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used to estimate effect sizes for continuous data.

Results

Twelve cohort studies comprising 1 451 069 individuals were included. The incidence of dementia was lower in AF patients prescribed DOACs compared to VKA (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83–0.93, I
2 = 61.2%). A lower incident dementia in DOACs group relative to VKA was significantly observed in those less than 75 years of age (< 65 years, HR 0.83 (95% CI 0.72–0.97, I
2 = 0%); 65–74 years, HR 0.86 (95% CI 0.81–0.92, I
2 = 55.4%); and ≥ 75 years, HR 1.07 (95% CI 0.74–1.55, I
2 = 92.5%)) and for the subgroup of patients with vascular dementia (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.824–0.997, I
2 = 0%).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis reveals a reduction in incidence of dementia in AF patients prescribed DOACs compared to VKA, particularly in those less than 75 years old and in the vascular dementia subtype.
Local climate and trends in air mass‐based weather types over the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Alghamdi Ali S. , Harrington John
Published: September 2024

Although previous research on climate change in the Arabian Peninsula (AP) has studied changes in individual meteorological variables, an analysis of changes in the overall weather conditions based on multiple meteorological variables is limited. Based on an air mass‐based classification system, this research explored the local climate (1979–2023) of daily surface weather conditions (i.e., air masses) and associated changes over the Peninsula. For this purpose, the gridded weather typing classification (GWTC‐2), an approach to classify multivariate surface weather situations relative to the average local climate, was utilized as it demonstrated outstanding performance in capturing daily weather characteristics in the Peninsula. Cold air mass (C), days with low temperature and near average humidity, was the most common cool weather type, with notable occurrences from Nov to Feb. Warm air mass (W), hot days with near average humidity, was the most common warm weather condition and maintained a marked presence throughout the year, with notable occurrences in summer. Coastal regions showed higher presences of humid warm (HW) and humid (H) days, whereas the central parts demonstrated higher occurrences of air masses of below‐average humidity (dry [D], dry cold [DC], and dry warm [DW]). Much of the Peninsula showed high intra‐annual variability in cool, warm, humid, and dry air masses. Findings from trend analysis reinforce findings from previous studies related to ongoing warming over the Peninsula, as cool weather types (DC, C, and HC) are becoming less frequent, while warm weather types (W, DW, and HW) are becoming more frequent. This analysis further detected decreases in the average weather conditions along with reduced duration of C‐type and increases in the length of warm weather types, further aggravating thermal stress across the AP.
Sensitivity of the C–H Stretching Band in Raman Spectra to Phospholipid Order
Authors: Zaytseva Yulia V. , Okotrub Konstantin A. , Surovtsev Nikolai V.
Published: September 2024

Phospholipid bilayers, which are a major component of cellular membranes and some drug delivery vehicles, can be in different states of order depending on the conformations of the hydrocarbon tails and their mutual arrangement. The important task of experimental characterization of phospholipid order is often addressed using Raman spectra of the C–H stretching bands. Such characterization uses some empirical relationships for apparent maxima in the spectra, although the origin of the sensitivity of the C–H band to phospholipid order and its model description remain unclear. Surely, a correct description of the sensitivity of the C–H band to phospholipid order is critical for its proper application. Here, we provide a description of the ordering sensitivity of the C–H stretching band using a polarized Raman experiment with hydrated aligned multibilayers of a saturated phospholipid. By this way, Raman contributions from symmetric and antisymmetric vibrations of CH2 were obtained in a model‐free manner. Experiments in a wide temperature range and the use of isotopic isolation helped us to consider separately the effects of conformational and lateral order of chains. The conformational sensitivity of the spectrum of antisymmetric vibrations was confirmed by DFT modeling. The outcomes of the study allowed us to provide recommendations for the use of the Raman spectrum of the C–H stretching band to characterize the conformational and lateral order of phospholipid‐containing materials.
Stereo depth‐fused 3D rendering for stacked stereo displays
Authors: Morishita Yuto , Date Munekazu , Mizushina Haruki , Suyama Shiro , Yamamoto Kenji
Published: September 2024

We propose a rendering method that enables the perception of 3D images at precise positions independent of the interocular distance of the observer by combining stacked stereo display and depth‐fused 3D (DFD) display and confirm its effectiveness through evaluation experiments. The depth range that can be expressed in stereo displays causes discomfort in observers because of the discrepancy between vergence and accommodation. However, the depth perceived differs depending on the interocular distance of the observer, resulting in discontinuity of the 3D image. Therefore, we propose a rendering method for stacked stereo displays that is independent of the observer's interocular distance using DFD display.
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, Treatment Decisions, and Outcomes in Older Patients Eligible for Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Hartog Marij , Beishuizen Sara J. E. , Togo Reon , van Bruchem‐Visser Rozemarijn L. , van Eijck Casper H. J. , Mattace‐Raso Francesco U. S. , Pek Chulja J. , de Wilde Roeland F. , Groot Koerkamp Bas , Polinder‐Bos Harmke A.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Periampullary cancer has a poor prognosis. Surgical resection is a potentially curative but high‐risk treatment. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) can inform treatment decisions, but has not yet been evaluated in older patients eligible for pancreatic surgery.

Methods

This prospective observational study included patients ≥ 70 years of age eligible for pancreatic surgery. Frailty was defined as impairment in at least two of five domains: somatic, psychological, functional, nutritional, and social. Outcomes included postoperative complications, functional decline, and mortality.

Results

Of the 88 patients included, 87 had a complete CGA. Sixty‐five patients (75%) were frail and 22 (25%) were non‐frail. Frail patients were more likely to receive nonsurgical treatment (43.1% vs. 9.1% p = 0.004). Fifty‐seven patients underwent surgery, of which 52 (59%) underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. The incidence of postoperative delirium was three times higher in frail patients (29.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.005). The risk of mortality was three times higher in frail patients (HR: 3.36, 95% CI: 1.43–7.89, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Frailty is common in older patients eligible for pancreatic surgery and is associated with treatment decision, a higher incidence of delirium and a three times higher risk of all‐cause mortality. CGA can contribute to shared decision‐making and optimize perioperative care in older patients.