bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaching of Gold and Silver from Crushed Au-Ag Wastes
Authors: Ficeriová Jana , Baláz Peter , Dutková Erika , Gock Eberhard
Published: March 2008

Au-Ag noble metal wastes represent a wide range of waste types and forms with various ballast elements and
components. The thiourea process of gold and silver extraction from ores, concentrates or secondary raw materials consists
of gold and silver leaching into the thiourea solution and the consequent precipitation of these metals from the solution.
Due to the non-toxic character of thiourea it is the perspective alternative to the up to now most frequently used cyanide
method. The thiourea leaching of gold and silver from electronic waste, goldsmith’s waste and ceramic waste using
crushing as the pretreatment step was investigated. For electronic waste, it was possible to achieve 97 % gold and 94 %
silver recovery within 120 minutes of thiourea leaching. Up to 98 % of gold and 96 % of silver were recovered from goldsmith’s
waste after 60 minutes of leaching. In the case of ceramic waste, we achieved up to 98 % gold and 97 % silver extraction
efficiency after only 45 minutes of leaching. In comparison with the classical cyanide leaching, thiourea leaching
acts faster and without a harmful environmental impact.
Identification of Trypanosoma Strains Isolated in Central and South America by Endoncleases Cleavage and Duplex PCR of Kinetoplast-DNA
Authors: Rodríguez-González Isabel , Marín Clotilde , Pérez-Cordón Gregorio , Gutiérrez-Sánchez Ramón , Sánchez-Moreno Manuel
Published: March 2008

In this study, we report the characterization of seven trypanosome stocks isolated in different geographical areas
of Latin America and from different vector species, by analysis of kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) restriction fragmentlength
polymorphism, using five different restriction endonucleases, and genomic DNA by duplex PCR assay. According
to the statistical study, the stocks were grouped into three clusters: cluster 1 held the three stocks of T. cruzi used as references.
Very close to these were the stocks isolated in the Peruvian Amazon (TP702, TP704 and TP706), which constituted
cluster 2. This cluster also included stock TP504, although this would be a hybrid between T. cruzi and T. rangeli. Cluster
3 consisted of the trypanosomes isolated from salivary glands (TRa, TRa605, TRa606 and TM5), these four stocks being
the same as T. rangeli, and the phylogenetic separation observed could be due to having been isolated T. cruzi.
Concentration of radiation displacement defects in BSO and BGO crystals irradiated by electrons or neutrons
Authors: Potera Piotr
Published: March 2008

This work is devoted to the calculation of the concentration of radiation displacement defects (RDD) in bismuth germanate and bismuth silicate crystals as a function of particle energy (electrons and neutrons). Energy dependencies of RDD concentrations are discussed in comparison with results for other complex oxide crystals. The obtained results show that for the case of electron irradiation the radiation hardness of BSO and BGO should be similar to other oxide crystals, but for neutrons is drastically smaller. Additionally, for the neutron irradiation, the efficiency of the production of defects in the oxide sublattice is drastically smaller than for other oxide crystals.
Structural and elastic properties of barium chalcogenides (BaX, X=O, Se, Te) under high pressure
Authors: Bhardwaj Purvee , Singh Sadhna , Gaur Neeraj
Published: March 2008

In the present paper we have investigated the high-pressure, structural phase transition of Barium chalcogenides (BaO, BaSe and BaTe) using a three-body interaction potential (MTBIP) approach, modified by incorporating covalency effects. Phase transition pressures are associated with a sudden collapse in volume. The phase transition pressures and associated volume collapses obtained from TBIP show a reasonably good agreement with experimental data. Here, the transition pressure, NaCl-CsCl structure increases with decreasing cation-to-anion radii ratio. In addition, the elastic constants and their combinations with pressure are also reported. It is found that TBP incorporating a covalency effect may predict the phase transition pressure, the elastic constants and the pressure derivatives of other chalcogenides as well.
Information dynamics: temporal behavior of uncertainty measures
Authors: Garbaczewski Piotr
Published: March 2008

We carry out a systematic study of uncertainty measures that are generic to dynamical processes of varied origins, provided they induce suitable continuous probability distributions. The major technical tools are the information theory methods and inequalities satisfied by Fisher and Shannon information measures. We focus on the compatibility of these inequalities with the prescribed (deterministic, random or quantum) temporal behavior of pertinent probability densities.
The ubiquitin-proteasome system: A novel target for anticancer and anti-inflammatory drug research
Authors: Ostrowska Halina
Published: March 2008

The ubiquitin-proteasome system is responsible for the degradation of most intracellular proteins, including those that control cell cycle progression, apoptosis, signal transduction and the NF-κB transcriptional pathway. Aberrations in the ubiquitin-proteasome system underlie the pathogenesis of many human diseases, so both the ubiquitin-conjugating system and the 20S proteasome are important targets for drug discovery. This article presents a few of the most important examples of the small molecule inhibitors and modulators targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome system, their mode of action, and their potential therapeutic relevance in the treatment of cancer and inflammatory-related diseases.
Wild carnivores as source of zoonotic helminths in north-eastern Italy
Authors: Cerbo A. , Manfredi M. , Bregoli M. , Milone N. , Cova M.
Published: March 2008

Two hundreds and sixty red foxes, eighteen badgers and eight stone martens from north-eastern Italy were examined for zoonotic parasites by SCT, with particular attention to Trichinella sp. and Echinococcus multilocularis. No adult worms of E. multilocularis were observed in the intestine of red foxes or mustelids. Out of 223 fox faecal samples analysed by a commercial CA-ELISA, 5.8 % was positive to Echinococcus coproantigens. Trichinella sp. was detected by digestion of muscle in 1.2 % of examined foxes (2/172), but not in mustelids (0/11). Toxocara canis, responsible for human toxocarosis, resulted to be common in fox population (48.5 %). This parasite was found both in young (53.3 % of cubs and 61.9 % of sub-adults) and in adult animals (42.7 %). Other zoonotic parasites as Uncinaria stenocephala (52.3 %) and Trichuris vulpis (0.4 %) were detected in fox populations.
A rare case of alveolar echinococcosis in a 14-year-old child
Authors: Kinčeková J. , Hrčková G. , Bober J. , Vrzgula A. , Szabadošová V. , Bohuš P. , Zachar M.
Published: March 2008

We report the case of a 14-year-old girl who suffered from headache, fatigue, caught and a fever with body temperature up to 40 °C for a week. The patient had abdominal enlargement and clinical examination showed the hepatomegaly +5 cm. In ELISA assays employing Em2+ antigen, high titres of specific IgG antibodies to Echinococcus multilocularis somatic antigens were found in the serum. Western blot analysis also indicated on presence of alveolar echinococcosis (AE). CT examination showed expansive foci in the right liver lobe and histological examinations of the biopsy after PAS staining confirmed the presence of alveolar echinococcosis. After 320 days of chemotherapy with albendazole, CT revealed progression of parasitic foci and new abscess lesions inside parasitic cysts were detected, with some parts being necrotic. The surgical removing of foci was performed as following — the laparotomic revision, the removal of the right liver lobe with dilatation, reconstruction of v. cavae cum prothesis PTFE in length 12 cm. Three months after the operation, the rest of the patient’s left liver lobe had grownup and compensated at least a part of the removed liver.
The influence of desiccation and UV radiation on the development and survival of free-living stages of cyathostomins under field and laboratory conditions
Authors: Langrová I. , Jankovská I. , Vadlejch J. , Libra M. , Lytvynets A. , Makovcová K.
Published: March 2008

The present work describing both laboratory and field experiments was performed to assess the effects of desiccation and UV radiation on the development and survival of free-living stages of equine cyathostomins.

Cyathostomin larvae in horse faeces did not develop to the infective stage when faecal humidity levels dropped below 23 %, nonetheless solitary preinfective larvae were still recovered after 151 days (humidity 19.5 %). The development to infective stage after remoistening occurred for the last time after 54 days following desiccation.

Preinfective stages are susceptible to the effects of the direct desiccation stage. The preinfective larvae were rapidly killed within one minute, the cyathostomin eggs within 5 hours. The numerous normal mobile infective larvae were encountered after 35 days of the desiccated period. The preinfective stage of cyathostomins also showed very little tolerance to direct sun radiation: most eggs were killed by the exposure within 3 hours and the preinfective larvae within 1 hour. The survival of infective larvae was, on the other hand, unaffected by sun radiation after 7 days (P < 0.05). However, desiccated infective larvae were then found to be susceptible to UV radiation, resulting in total mortalities after 5 days.
Helminth parasites of the pupfish Cyprinodon meeki (Pisces: Cyprinodontiformes), an endemic freshwater fish from North-Central Mexico
Authors: Martínez-Aquino A. , Aguilar-Aguilar R.
Published: March 2008

A total of 21 pupfish Cyprindon meeki was collected from the spring Abraham González, Durango, Mexico. Seven helminth taxa were recovered: Salsuginus angularis, Posthodiplostomum minimum, Clinostomum complanatum, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, Cyclustera cf. ralli, Atactorhynchus duranguensis and Spiroxys sp. Among them, B. acheilognathi and A. duranguensis were the most frequent and abundant species. The remaining species were rare and found at low mean abundance. The observed species richness, individual parasite abundance, and diversity were low at component community and infracommunity levels. These features are in accordance with those recorded for other freshwater fish species in the Nearctic part of Mexico. Host feeding habits, along with its role as intermediate host, are suggested as the main factors in determining the helminth community structure in this fish species.
Occurrence of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne arenaria on balm and in a mixed population with M. javanica on grapevine in Greece
Authors: Karanastasi E. , Conceição I. , Santos M. , Tzortzakakis E. , O. Abrantes I.
Published: March 2008

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne arenaria was found in Greece infecting balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). The isolate from balm was M. arenaria while the one from grapevine was a mixture of M. arenaria and M. javanica (prevalent species). This is the first report of the M. arenaria species in the country in which identification was based on biochemical methods and its occurrence on balm is a new host record.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in a Healthy Man With Non–ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Krittanawong Chayakrit , Rao Sunil V. , Razzouk Louai
Published: April 2024

This case report discusses a diagnosis of spontaneous coronary artery dissection in an otherwise healthy man with non–ST elevation myocardial infarction.
Financial Relationships Between Pharmaceutical Companies and Internal Medicine Societies
Authors: Murayama Anju , Higuchi Kenichi , Senoo Yuki
Published: April 2024

This cross-sectional study uses payment data publicly disclosed by pharmaceutical companies affiliated with the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association to describe their financial relationships with the subspecialty societies of the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.
Susceptibility to Treatment-Resistant Depression Within Families
Authors: Cheng Chih-Ming , Chen Mu-Hong , Tsai Shih-Jen , Chang Wen-Han , Tsai Chia-Fen , Lin Wei-Chen , Bai Ya-Mei , Su Tung-Ping , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Li Cheng-Ta
Published: April 2024

Importance

Antidepressant responses and the phenotype of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) are believed to have a genetic basis. Genetic susceptibility between the TRD phenotype and other psychiatric disorders has also been established in previous genetic studies, but population-based cohort studies have not yet provided evidence to support these outcomes.

Objective

To estimate the TRD susceptibility and the susceptibility between TRD and other psychiatric disorders within families in a nationwide insurance cohort with extremely high coverage and comprehensive health care data.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study assessed data from the Taiwan national health insurance database across entire population (N = 26 554 001) between January 2003 and December 2017. Data analysis was performed from August 2021 to April 2023. TRD was defined as having experienced at least 3 distinct antidepressant treatments in the current episode, each with adequate dose and duration, based on the prescribing records. Then, we identified the first-degree relatives of individuals with TRD (n = 34 467). A 1:4 comparison group (n = 137 868) of first-degree relatives of individuals without TRD was arranged for the comparison group, matched by birth year, sex, and kinship.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Modified Poisson regression analyses were performed and adjusted relative risks (aRRs) and 95% CIs were calculated for the risk of TRD, the risk of other major psychiatric disorders, and different causes of mortality.

Results

This study included 172 335 participants (88 330 male and 84 005 female; mean [SD] age at beginning of follow-up, 22.9 [18.1] years). First-degree relatives of individuals with TRD had lower incomes, more physical comorbidities, higher suicide mortality, and increased risk of developing TRD (aRR, 9.16; 95% CI, 7.21-11.63) and higher risk of other psychiatric disorders than matched control individuals, including schizophrenia (aRR, 2.36; 95% CI, 2.10-2.65), bipolar disorder (aRR, 3.74; 95% CI, 3.39-4.13), major depressive disorder (aRR, 3.65; 95% CI, 3.44-3.87), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (aRR, 2.38; 95% CI, 2.20-2.58), autism spectrum disorder (aRR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.86-2.74), anxiety disorder (aRR, 2.71; 95% CI, 2.59-2.84), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (aRR, 3.14; 95% CI, 2.70-3.66). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses validated the robustness of the findings.

Conclusions and Relevance

To our knowledge, this study is the largest and perhaps first nationwide cohort study to demonstrate TRD phenotype transmission across families and coaggregation with other major psychiatric disorders. Patients with a family history of TRD had an increased risk of suicide mortality and tendency toward antidepressant resistance; therefore, more intensive treatments for depressive symptoms might be considered earlier, rather than antidepressant monotherapy.
Magneto‐Optical Interactions in Layered Magnets
Authors: Wu Jiang‐Bin , Wu Heng , Tan Ping‐Heng
Published: April 2024

The rapidly emerging field of 2D magnetic materials has garnered significant attention due to its fascinating physical properties and wide‐ranging potential applications. This review highlights the importance of magneto‐optical interactions as a crucial tool for both studying and modulating 2D magnets. It offers a comprehensive survey of current research concerning magneto‐optical interactions in 2D magnetic materials, encompassing the magneto‐optical Kerr effect, reflection magnetic circular dichroism, second‐harmonic generation, photoluminescence, inelastic light scattering, and time‐resolved spectroscopy. This review discusses how these techniques provide insights into the properties of 2D magnets, enabling exploration of magnetic phase transitions, lattice alterations, spin dynamics, as well as their responses to external fields. Moreover, it emphasizes the modulation of magnetic properties by photo‐stimulation and offers a brief outlook on this swiftly developing field.
Self‐Assembly Route to Perylene Diimide(PDI)‐Bridged Cyclophanes
Authors: Mayhugh Jacob T. , Moaven Shiva , Davis Willow A. , Johnson Darren W.
Published: April 2024

This work reports the synthesis and self‐assembly of perylene diimide (PDI)‐containing macrocycles designed for facile and high‐throughput production of shape‐persistent, macrocyclic organic electronic materials. Specifically, utilizing dynamic covalent chemistry (DCvC), this work showcases ditopic thiols can be utilized as building blocks toward 3D materials with defined porosity, low‐lying unoccupied molecular orbitals, and intrinsic fluorescence. The PDI disulfide‐linked macrocycles are generated in a single step from the thiolic building block to yield dimeric through pentameric assemblies in overall 95% combined yield; moreover, following self‐assembly, the disulfide ensemble is sulfur extruded to the more kinetically stable thioether in 79% combined yield. The modular design suggests these methods can be used to easily self‐assemble other electronically active precursors for utility in porous macrocyclic materials where stepwise pathways may be laborious and/or low yielding.
Unraveling Loss Mechanisms Arising from Energy‐Level Misalignment between Metal Halide Perovskites and Hole Transport Layers
Authors: Lee Jae Eun , Motti Silvia G. , Oliver Robert D. J. , Yan Siyu , Snaith Henry J. , Johnston Michael B. , Herz Laura M.
Published: April 2024

Metal halide perovskites are promising light absorbers for multijunction photovoltaic applications because of their remarkable bandgap tunability, achieved through compositional mixing on the halide site. However, poor energy‐level alignment at the interface between wide‐bandgap mixed‐halide perovskites and charge‐extraction layers still causes significant losses in solar‐cell performance. Here, the origin of such losses is investigated, focusing on the energy‐level misalignment between the valence band maximum and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) for a commonly employed combination, FA0.83Cs0.17Pb(I1‐xBrx)3 with bromide content x ranging from 0 to 1, and poly[bis(4‐phenyl)(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA). A combination of time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy and numerical modeling of charge‐carrier dynamics reveals that open‐circuit voltage (VOC) losses associated with a rising energy‐level misalignment derive from increasing accumulation of holes in the HOMO of PTAA, which then subsequently recombine non‐radiatively across the interface via interfacial defects. Simulations assuming an ideal choice of hole‐transport material to pair with FA0.83Cs0.17Pb(I1‐xBrx)3 show that such VOC losses originating from energy‐level misalignment can be reduced by up to 70 mV. These findings highlight the urgent need for tailored charge‐extraction materials exhibiting improved energy‐level alignment with wide‐bandgap mixed‐halide perovskites to enable solar cells with improved power conversion efficiencies.
Conductive Hyaluronic Acid/Deep Eutectic Solvent Composite Hydrogel as a Wound Dressing for Promoting Skin Burn Healing Under Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Tian Yu , Jiang Fei , Xie Haijiao , Chi Zhe , Liu Chenguang
Published: April 2024

Burns can cause severe damage to the skin due to bacterial infection and severe inflammation. Although conductive hydrogels as electroactive burn‐wound dressings achieve remarkable effects on accelerating wound healing, issues such as imbalance between their high conductivity and mechanical properties, easy dehydration, and low transparency must be addressed. Herein, a double‐network conductive eutectogel is fabricated by integrating polymerizable deep eutectic solvents (PDESs)including acrylamide/choline chloride/glycerol (acrylamide‐polymerization crosslink) and thiolated hyaluronic acid (disulfide‐bonding crosslink). The introduction of PDESs provides the eutectogel with a conductivity (up to 0.25 S·m−1) and mechanical strength (tensile strain of 59–77%) simulating those of natural human skin, as well as satisfactory tissue adhesiveness, self‐healing ability, and antibacterial properties. When combined with exogenous electrical stimulation, the conductive eutectogel exhibits the ability to reduce inflammation, stimulate cell proliferation and migration, promote collagen deposition and angiogenesis, and facilitate skin tissue remodeling. This conductive eutectogel shows great potential as a dressing for healing major burn wounds.
Development of an Injectable Biphasic Hyaluronic Acid‐Based Hydrogel With Stress Relaxation Properties for Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Kim Han‐Sem , Li Cheng Ji , Park Sung‐Min , Kim Kyung Wook , Mo Ji‐Hun , Jin Guang‐Zhen , Lee Hae‐Hyoung , Kim Hae‐Won , Shin Ueon Sang , Lee Jung‐Hwan
Published: April 2024

Biomimetic stress‐relaxing hydrogels with reversible crosslinks attract significant attention for stem cell tissue regeneration compared with elastic hydrogels. However, stress‐relaxing hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based hydrogels fabricated using conventional technologies lack stability, biocompatibility, and mechanical tunability. Here, it is aimed to address these challenges by incorporating calcium or phosphate components into the HA backbone, which allows reversible crosslinking of HA with alginate to form interpenetrating networks, offering stability and mechanical tunability for mimicking cartilage. Diverse stress‐relaxing hydrogels (τ1/2; SR50, 60–2000 s) are successfully prepared at ≈3 kPa stiffness with self‐healing and shear‐thinning abilities, favoring hydrogel injection. In vitro cell experiments with RNA sequencing analysis demonstrate that hydrogels tune chondrogenesis in a biphasic manner (hyaline or calcified) depending on the stress‐relaxation properties and phosphate components. In vivo studies confirm the potential for biphasic chondrogenesis. These results indicate that the proposed stress‐relaxing HA‐based hydrogel with biphasic chondrogenesis (hyaline or calcified) is a promising material for cartilage regeneration.
Photodetection Enhancement of PdSe2/ReSe2 Van der Waals Heterostructure Field‐Effect Transistors: A Density Functional Theory‐Guided Approach
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Jaffery Syed Hassan Abbas , Abbas Zeesham , Hussain Muhammad , Suleman Muhammad , Hussain Sajjad , Aftab Sikandar , Seo Yongho , Jung Jongwan
Published: April 2024

The fabrication of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) has drawn considerable interest because of their wide range of functionalities. Herein, a novel PdSe2/ReSe2 vdWHs with gate‐tunable rectification behavior and excellent broadband photodetection characteristics is presented. The application of the gate bias substantially enhances the rectification behavior, with the highest rectification ratio (≈3.13 × 103) observed at gate voltage Vg = −60 V. The density functional theory calculations demonstrate the direct and indirect bandgap behavior of PdSe2 and ReSe2 in the monolayer structure, respectively. Additionally, the PdSe2/ReSe2 heterojunction displays a strong photo‐response in the near‐infrared region and achieves a high photoresponsivity, an excellent external quantum efficiency, and rapid rise and decay times of 1.7 × 103 A W−1, 4.05 × 103, and 5 and 20 ms, respectively. Furthermore, the device exhibits a remarkable detectivity of ≈3.5 × 1012 Jones. The findings hold great potential for advancing the fabrication of multifunctional vdW heterostructure devices.
Fully Biodegradable Packaging Films for Fresh Food Storage Based on Oil‐Infused Bacterial Cellulose
Authors: Chen Guoli , Wang Kaimin , Chen Pinghang , Cai Daohang , Shao Yan , Xia Rui , Li Chun , Wang Haochuan , Ren Fuzeng , Cheng Xing , Yu Yanhao
Published: April 2024

Fully biodegradable packaging materials are demanded to resolve the issue of plastic pollution. However, the fresh food storage performance of biodegradable materials is generally much lower than that of plastics due to their high permeability, microbial friendliness, and limited stretchability and transparency. Here a biodegradable packaging material is reported with high fresh food storage performance based on an oil‐infused bacterial cellulose (OBC) porous film. The oil infusion significantly improved cellulose's food‐keeping performance by reducing its gas permeability, increasing its stretchability and transparency, and enabling the active release of green vapor‐phase preservative molecules, while maintaining its intrinsically high degradability. Strawberries stored in a container with the OBC lid at 23 °C after 5 days exhibited a moldy rate of 0%, in contrast to the 100% moldy rate of those stored by poly(ethylene). Enhanced storage performance is also obtained on tomatoes, pork, and shrimp. The OBC film is naturally degraded after being buried in wet soil at 30 °C for 9 days, identical to the degradation rate of bacterial cellulose. The liquid seal strategy broadly applies to different celluloses, providing a general option for developing cellulose‐based biodegradable packaging materials.
Product differentiation in the fruit industry: Lessons from trademarked apples
Authors: Amin Modhurima Dey , Badruddoza Syed , McCluskey Jill J. , Astill Gregory
Published: April 2024

We derive price premiums for patented or trademarked apple varieties, also known as “club apples,” compared to open‐variety apples. We use an expansive retail scanner dataset, along with unique data on apple taste characteristics, to estimate monthly club apple premiums for 2008–2018. We find that club apple premiums are around 29% and have consistently decreased from 35% in 2008 to 22% in 2018. Positive club apple premiums relate to consumers' preferences for juicier, more acidic, and sweeter apples. We do not find evidence that consumers place value on the exclusivity of purchasing more expensive and limited varieties. Hence club premiums exist in the market by meeting the demand of consumer segments for apples with distinct taste attributes rather than replacing the demand of traditional consumers who prefer open varieties. We use a vector error correction framework to find short‐run and long‐run determinants of club apple premiums. In the short run, the sales of club varieties may positively associate with the sales of open varieties, given the premium and cost factors. However, in the long run, there is a negative cointegrated relationship between club apple sales, open apple sales, and club apple premiums; and an increase in club apple sales is adversely related to the open apple sales and club premiums. The high initial premiums of protected club varieties have provided incentives for the development of uniquely differentiated apple varieties, while in the long term as production expands, premiums decrease making club varieties less expensive for consumers [EconLit Citations: L66, Q11].
Tracking handgrip strength in Kendo athletes from university to middle and older adulthood
Authors: Abe Takashi , Machida Shuichi , Nakamura Mitsuru , Kohmura Yoshimitsu , Suzuki Koya , Abe Akemi , Nakano Masaki , Loenneke Jeremy P. , Naito Hisashi
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to compare the current handgrip strength (HGS) of Kendo athletes with their HGS when they were in university (up to 50 years).

Methods

Eighty male graduates who were Kendo club members during their university days performed anthropometric and HGS measurements, and these HGS were compared with those measured during their university days (mean age of 19.5 years old).

Results

There was no evidence of a statistical difference in HGS between the current measurement and the measurement taken during university [−0.64 (−1.9, 0.67) kg, p = .336]. There was, however, evidence that the difference in HGS depended upon the current age of the individual (t = −6.43, p < .001). When probing the interaction, there were statistical differences between the ages of 24.6 and 38.2 years and between the ages of 47.4 and 69.9 years. Strength increased across time in the younger participants and decreased for those who were older. Between the ages of 38.9 and 46.1 years, there was no evidence of a statistical difference indicating a maintenance of strength.

Conclusion

The HGS of Kendo club graduates, which they acquired during their formative years, continued to increase even after they graduated from university and entered their 30s. However, their HGS decreased from age 50, even though they practiced Kendo.
Neurodevelopmental disorder in a patient with HMBS and SCN3A variants—A possibly blended phenotype further delineating autosomal recessive HMBS related disease
Authors: M Kłaniewska , M Rydzanicz , J Bladowska , A Borys ‐ Iwanicka , K Iwanicka ‐ Pronicka , R Wasilewski , E Odnoczko , A Zubkiewicz‐Kucharska , R Smigiel , R Ploski
Published: April 2024

Monoallelic pathogenic HMBS variants are a well‐established cause of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), whereas biallelic pathogenic variants may cause HMBS‐related leukoencephalopathy which remains a poorly characterized disorder. We describe an 8‐year‐old girl with hypotonia, hearing impairment, horizontal nystagmus, bilateral strabismus, impaired visual acuity, and optic nerve atrophy. She had no epilepsy but sleep electroencephalogram showed paroxysmal changes in the right hemisphere with secondary generalizations. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was unremarkable apart from a few small white matter hyperintensities. Exome sequencing (ES) initially prioritized a SCN3A c.3822G>A de novo variant whose sole causative role was eventually questioned as not fully compatible with symptoms. ES reanalysis revealed a homozygous c.674G>A HMBS variant. In the monoallelic form this variant is a known cause of AIP, whereas in trans with another HMBS pathogenic variant it was associated with the HMBS‐related leukoencephalopathy in four individuals. Despite lack of signs/symptoms of porphyria, literature analysis suggested that HMBS c.674G>A likely contributed to the disease either as the sole cause or together with SCN3A c.3822G>A as a part of blended phenotype. Our report adds to the relatively small number of described cases of HMBS‐related leukoencephalopathy and emphasizes that autosomal recessive form of HMBS disease can be present in the absence of porphyria symptoms.
Reactions of Diaminonaphthalenes with a Cage‐Opened C60 Derivative
Authors: Huang Guanglin , Sadai Shumpei , Hashikawa Yoshifumi , Murata Yasujiro
Published: April 2024

The reactions of cage‐opened C60 derivatives with aromatic diamines are known to cause an orifice‐enlargement in association with incorporating extended π‐systems. The present work focuses on 1,2‐, 2,3‐, and 1,8‐diaminonaphthalenes for the synthesis of a series of naphthalene‐fused fullerene derivatives. For the former two, orifice enlargement proceeded by cleaving two C=C bonds to afford an opening with a ring‐atom count of 20, in which the naphthalene moiety was fused by a pyrazine ring. For the reaction with 1,8‐diaminonaphthalene, only one C=C bond was cleaved to give a 17‐membered‐ring opening where the diaminonaphthalene moiety was fused by a pyrimidine ring.
Recurrence morbidity of olfactory neuroblastoma
Authors: Melder Katie , Mace Jess C. , Choby Garret , Almeida Joao Paulo , Champagne Pierre‐Olivier , Chan Erik , Ciporen Jeremy , Chaskes Mark B. , Fernandez‐Miranda Juan , Fung Nicholas K. , Gardner Paul , Hwang Peter , Ji Keven Seung Yong , Kalyvas Aristotelis , Kong Keonho A. , Patel Chirag , Patel Zara , Celda Maria Peris , Pinheiro‐Neto Carlos D. , Snyderman Carl , Thorp Brian D. , Van Gompel Jamie J. , Zenonos Georgios , Zwagerman Nathan T. , Sanusi Olabisi , Wang Eric W. , Geltzeiler Mathew
Published: April 2024

Background

With modern treatment paradigms, olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) has favorable overall survival (OS); however, the incidence of recurrence remains high. The primary aims of this study were to delineate the prognosis of recurrence of ONB and explore how recurrence subsites are associated with OS, disease‐specific survival (DSS), and further recurrence.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of ONB cases from nine academic centers between 2005 and 2021 was completed. Tumor characteristics, recurrence subsites, timelines to recurrence, additional recurrences, and survival estimates were determined using descriptive and time‐to‐event analyses.

Results

A final cohort of 233 patients was identified, with 70 (30.0%) patients recurring within 50.4 (standard deviation ±40.9) months of diagnosis on average, consisting of local (50%), neck (36%), intracranial (9%), and distant (6%) recurrence. Compared with subjects without recurrence, patients with recurrence had significantly different primary American Joint Committee on Cancer T stage (p < 0.001), overall stage (p < 0.001), and modified Kadish scores (p < 0.001). Histopathology identified that dural involvement and positive margins were significantly greater in recurrent cases. First recurrence was significantly associated with worse 5‐year DSS (hazard ratio = 5.62; p = 0.003), and subjects with neck or local recurrence had a significantly better DSS compared to intracranial or distant recurrence.

Conclusions

Recurrent cases of ONB have significantly different stages and preoperative imaging factors. Patients with local or neck recurrence, however, have better DSS than those with intracranial or distant recurrence, independent of initial tumor stage or Hyams grade. Identifying specific factors that confer an increased risk of recurrence and DSS is important for patient counseling in addition to surveillance planning.
High Frequency of Cognitive and Behavioral Impairment in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients with SOD1 Pathogenic Variants
Authors: Calvo Andrea , Moglia Cristina , Canosa Antonio , Manera Umberto , Vasta Rosario , Grassano Maurizio , Daviddi Margherita , De Mattei Filippo , Matteoni Enrico , Gallone Salvatore , Brunetti Maura , Sbaiz Luca , Cabras Sara , Peotta Laura , Palumbo Francesca , Iazzolino Barbara , Mora Gabriele , Chiò Adriano
Published: April 2024

Objective

While the cognitive‐behavioral characteristics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients carrying C9orf72 pathological repeat expansion have been extensively studied, our understanding of those carrying SOD1 variants is mostly based on case reports. The aim of this paper is to extensively explore the cognitive‐behavioral characteristics of a cohort of ALS patients carrying pathogenetic variants of SOD1 gene, comparing them to patients without pathogenetic variants of 46 ALS‐related genes (wild‐type [WT]‐ALS) and healthy controls.

Methods

All ALS patients seen at the Turin ALS expert center in the 2009–2021 period who underwent both cognitive/behavioral and extensive genetic testing were eligible to be included in the study. Only patients with SOD1 pathogenetic variants (n = 28) (SOD1‐ALS) and WT‐ALS (n = 829) were enrolled in the study. A series of 129 controls was also included.

Results

Among the 28 SOD1‐ALS patients, 16 (57.1%) had normal cognitive function, 5 (17.9%) isolated cognitive impairment (ALSci) (17.9%), 6 (21.4%) isolated behavioral impairment (ALSbi), 1 (3.6%) cognitive and behavioral impairment (ALScbi), and no one ALS‐FTD. SOD1‐ALS performed worse than controls in all explored domains, in particular Social Cognition and Language domains. SOD1‐ALS patients had similar scores in all tests compared to WT‐ALS, except the Story‐based Empathy Task (SET), where they performed worse.

Interpretation

Cognitive‐behavioral impairment is much more common in SOD1 patients than previously assumed. SOD1‐ALS are characterized by a more frequent impairment of Social Cognition and, less markedly, of Language domains. These findings have relevant implication both in the clinical and in the research setting, also considering recently approved treatment for SOD1‐ALS. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:150–158
Monolithic Interphase Enables Fast Kinetics for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries at Subzero Temperature
Authors: Feng Yi‐Hu , Liu Mengting , Wu Junxiu , Yang Chao , Liu Qiang , Tang Yongwei , Zhu Xu , Wei Guang‐Xu , Dong Haojie , Fan Xin‐Yu , Chen Si‐Fan , Hao Wenyu , Yu Lianzheng , Ji Xiao , You Ya , Wang Peng‐Fei , Lu Jun
Published: April 2024

In spite of the competitive performance at room temperature, the development of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) is still hindered by sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics and unstable electrode/electrolyte interphase under subzero environments. Herein, a low‐concentration electrolyte, consisting of 0.5M NaPF6 dissolving in diethylene glycol dimethyl ether solvent, is proposed for SIBs working at low temperature. Such an electrolyte generates a thin, amorphous, and homogeneous cathode/electrolyte interphase at low temperature. The interphase is monolithic and rich in organic components, reducing the limitation of Na+ migration through inorganic crystals, thereby facilitating the interfacial Na+ dynamics at low temperature. Furthermore, it effectively blocks the unfavorable side reactions between active materials and electrolytes, improving the structural stability. Consequently, Na0.7Li0.03Mg0.03Ni0.27Mn0.6Ti0.07O2//Na and hard carbon//Na cells deliver a high capacity retention of 90.8 % after 900 cycles at 1C, a capacity over 310 mAh g−1 under −30 °C, respectively, showing long‐term cycling stability and great rate capability at low temperature.
Exploring the biomedical potential of chitosan‐ceria nanocomposites: synthesis and characterizations
Authors: Bashal Ali H. , Khalil Khaled D. , Habeeb Talaat , Abu‐Dief Ahmed M.
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study was to synthesize and evaluate the biological effectiveness of cerium oxide (CeO2) against various bacterial and fungal strains. The chitosan‐CeO2nanocomposite was comprehensively characterized. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra displayed a combination of bands that provided evidence for the existence of a composite complex between the chitosan (CS) structure and the Ce–O bands originating from CeO2nanoparticles. SEM measurements showed uniform dispersion across the whole CS surface, and the morphological changes were clearly observed as the CeO2nanoparticle content was increased. In contrast, CS‐CeO2demonstrates enhanced antibacterial efficacy against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogens. The MTT method was utilized to assess the cytotoxicity of the examined CS‐CeO2, with the aim of evaluating the cell viability of various cancer cell lines under varying ultraviolet (UV) exposures. The enhanced penetration of CS and CeO2nanocomposites into cancer cells during their anticancer activity, even in the absence of UV light, led to an increased rate of cell death. The administration of greater dosages of CS and its CeO2nanocomposites led to an increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was observed to be associated with an enhancement in the efficacy of anticancer activity. The impact was additionally amplified through exposure to UV radiation. The nanocomposite thin films demonstrated much higher antioxidant activity against the DPPH radical as compared to ordinary vitamin C. The aforementioned observation was derived from an evaluation of the antioxidant properties of the subject utilizing the DPPH free radical scavenging technique.
Plant growth‐regulating activity of α‐([sydnon‐ and sydnone imin]‐4‐yl‐thio)acetylferrocenes
Authors: Kalganova Natalia V. , Frolova Natalia G. , Godovikov Ivan A. , Smol'yakov Alexander F. , Kononova Elena G. , Cherepanov Iliya A.
Published: April 2024

The convenient method for the synthesis of α‐([sydnon‐ and sydnone imin]‐4‐yl‐thio)acetylferrocenes was elaborated. A growth‐regulating activity of these ferrocene derivatives as well as their antidote activity against Metsulfuron‐Methyl (Zinger WP) herbicide was investigated in vegetation experiments on corn seedlings. The high dose‐dependent growth regulating activity of a number of the ferrocenes bearing a mesoionic heterocyclic substituent (sydnone or sydnone imine) was discovered.
Maize‐derived zein/acrylic hybrid emulsion for superior skin adhesion and water resistance in cosmetic adhesives
Authors: Kang Min Yeong , Choi Jaehyouk , Shin Seunghan , Kwon Kiok
Published: April 2024

Waterborne acrylic emulsions are considered suitable materials for cosmetic skin adhesives because of their positive attributes, such as their safe water‐based polymerization process and low volatile‐organic‐compound emissions. The significant challenge of inadequate water resistance in emulsion adhesives, which is primarily caused by the excess surfactants retained at the interface of emulsion particles upon film formation, necessitates urgent resolution for their viable application as cosmetic adhesives. Zein, a corn‐derived protein, possesses hydrophobic amino acids that provide exceptional water‐repellent characteristics. Therefore, zein is expected to exhibit a remarkable skin‐adhesion attribute. This paper presents the introduction of a pioneering zein/acrylic hybrid emulsion exhibiting remarkable skin adhesion and water resistance, which was achieved through the use of zein, a corn‐derived protein. After formation, the zein/ sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) complex can unfold the zein chain, thereby enhancing skin adhesion, while concurrently inhibiting surfactant migration to enhance water resistance. The zein/SDS complex was introduced into the Pre‐emulsion (PE) manufacturing process during emulsion polymerization. As expected, the zein/acrylic hybrid emulsion demonstrated favorable skin adhesion and a notable improvement in water resistance. This approach presents a promising avenue for the practical application of emulsion nanoparticles as eco‐friendly cosmetic adhesives, offering excellent durability and skin adhesion through the utilization of naturally derived proteins.
Comparative assessment of eDNA metabarcoding and longline deployments for elasmobranch surveying across a large tropical marine park network
Authors: West Katrina M. , Harry Alastair V. , Payet Sam , Harvey Euan ,   Dambimangari Rangers,   Bardi‐Jawi Rangers,   Karajarri Rangers,   Yawuru Country Managers, Travers Michael J.
Published: April 2024

Medium‐ to large‐scale marine protected areas (MPAs) are playing an increasingly important role in global marine biodiversity conservation. A key question is “how do we collect relevant data on biodiversity and population trends to inform their design and measure success?”

This question is particularly relevant for marine taxa that are difficult to survey, such as sharks and rays, and where populations may occur over vast areas. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has proven to be an effective sampling method and may provide a solution to these challenges; however, it remains unclear how its sampling effectiveness compares with traditionally used methods for elasmobranch surveying.

Here, we directly compared the efficacy of eDNA metabarcoding and demersal longline deployments to survey elasmobranchs across 31 sites over a 55,000 km2 area of the Kimberley and Roebuck Australian Marine Parks in Australia's North‐west Marine Parks Network.

In total, we documented 49 unique elasmobranch taxa, 36 of which were detected by eDNA and 32 (from a total of 815 captured sharks) by longline. A combined approach yielded over 34% more elasmobranch taxa than either method alone.

Site community compositions varied between the two survey methods; notably eDNA was able to detect species from outside of the immediate sampling area, although this was still consistent with a detection radius of a few kilometres, highlighting a particular use in rugose reef habitats where it is difficult to deploy longlines.

In investigating the quantitative use of eDNA data, we report that eDNA metabarcoding read abundance (count) data was poorly correlated with longline aggregate catch (count and biomass) data across raw, relative and rank abundance measures. However, we found that in multivariate analyses, both binary (presence–absence) and abundance (after square‐root transformation) datasets produced highly similar ordination patterns, largely segregating method (eDNA vs. longline), followed by latitude and depth.

Lastly, we identified required levels of eDNA replication and longline deployments to maximize captured elasmobranch diversity.

This study sets an integrated, georeferenced baseline and long‐term monitoring approach for the management and conservation of elasmobranch diversity within this unique marine park network.
Composite Graphene‐Modified Aluminum Foil Cathode Current Collectors for Lithium‐ion Battery with Enhanced Mechanical and Electrochemical Performances
Authors: Zhou Yiao , Wang Huiqi , Wang Junying
Published: April 2024

Aluminum foil is a typical cathode collector in lithium‐ion batteries, yet it encounters various issues, including restricted contact with the active substance, poor adhesion, and regional corrosion associated with the electrolyte. Although conventional carbon‐coated aluminum foils partially alleviate such problems, they suffer from excess weight and thickness of their carbon layers. Here a simple casting method to prepare Ketjen Black/aqueous graphene dispersion slurry modified aluminum foil (KB‐AGD‐Al‐CCs) and graphene micro‐sheets/aqueous graphene dispersion slurry modified aluminum foil (GM‐AGD‐Al‐CCs). Our results indicate that batteries utilizing graphene‐modified aluminum foils exhibited superior electrochemical performance compared with that of carbon‐coated aluminum foils. The lithium‐ion battery employing GM‐AGD‐Al‐CCs as cathode current collectors exhibits reversible specific capacities of 155, 118, and 92.5 mAh/g at current densities of 0.1, 5, and 10 C. After cycling for 1800 cycles at 5 and 10 C, its specific capacities remain at 91 and 77.5 mAh/g. Combing contact angle measurement, electrical conductivity test with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicates that the graphene coating decreases the contact angle between the commercial LiFePO4 and current collector, increases the electrical conductivity of the electrode and adhesion. Moreover, the inclusion of GM and KB as conductive additives compensates for graphene‘s low interlayer conductivity by forming a conductive network.
Developing a High‐Performing Spinel LiMn2O4 Cathode Material with Unique Morphology, Fast Cycling and Scaled Manufacture
Authors: Pal Urbi , Roy Binayak , Hasanpoor Meisam , Ilbeygi Hamid , Mendes Tiago , Kerr Robert , Vazhapully Lakshmi , Song Chris , Wang Dabin , Boot‐Handford Matt , Sceats Mark G. , Forsyth Maria , Al‐Masri Danah , Howlett Patrick C.
Published: April 2024

High power application of Li‐battery remains a challenge due to the lack of stable fast‐charging cathode materials. Lithium manganese oxide (LMO) cathode is very promising due to its high operating voltage and fast charging ability; however, the associated Mn‐dissolution is one of the main hindrances to its practical applicability. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time the use of a commercially scalable method through a proprietary Calix flash calcination (CFC) technology to develop high‐performance electrode materials where a novel CXL LMO material was manufactured and tested. CXL LMO|Li metal cell showed a reversible specific capacity of 110 mAh/g with 99 % retention after 100 cycles and showed excellent rate performance up to 20 C current rate (~20 mA/cm2 current density). CXL LMO|Graphite cell (areal capacity 1 mAh/cm2) was also reported with 86 % capacity retention over more than 500 cycles. Cross‐section morphology revealed a unique multi‐layered structure that was retained at the core of the novel LMO material. It obtained lesser Mn dissolution compared to commercial LMO. The scalable synthesis procedure through CFC technology, can be broadly applicable to produce unique electrode morphology as demonstrated here for the CXL LMO representing a promising pathway for electrode manufacturing for high‐power Li‐batteries.