bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat diversification associated with urban development has a little effect on genetic structure in the annual native plant Commelina communis in an East Asian megacity
Authors: Taichi Nakata , Nakahama Naoyuki , Ohmido Nobuko , Ushimaru Atushi
Published: February 2024

Urban development greatly alters the natural and semi‐natural habitats of native plants. Urbanisation results in a range of diverse habitats including remnant agricultural lands, urban parks, and roadside habitats. This habitat diversity often promotes trait divergence within urban areas. However, the mechanisms by which diverse urban habitats influence the population genetic structure of individual plant species remain poorly understood. We investigated the effects of urbanisation on genetic diversity and structure within 24 Commelina communis populations across diverse habitat types (rural agricultural land, urban agricultural land, urban park land, and urban roadsides) within the Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe megacity in Japan. We conducted multiplexed inter‐simple sequence repeat genotyping to compare genetic diversity among populations in different habitats. We also examined the correlation between Nei's genetic distance and geographic and environmental distances and performed principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) to evaluate genetic differentiation among urban habitats. There were no significant differences in genetic diversity indices between urban and rural populations and among urban habitat types. Although we detected no isolation‐by‐distance structure in population pairs of the same habitat type and in those of different habitats, the difference in surrounding landscape facilitated genetic differentiation not only between urban and rural habitats but also between different urban habitats. PCoA revealed no clear genetic differentiation among rural and urban habitat populations. Our findings indicate that the establishment of diverse habitat types through urbanisation has no and little impact on genetic diversity and structure, respectively, in C. communis, likely due to its high selfing rate and ability to adapt to urban conditions.
Modeling the drivers of large herbivore distribution in human‐dominated southern African savannas
Authors: Roque Dionísio V. , Göttert Thomas , Zeller Ulrich , Macandza Valério A.
Published: February 2024

African savanna ecosystems are home to the world's richest large herbivore (LH) assemblages. However, its landscapes are changing faster than any other region on Earth due to human activities and natural events. Therefore, understanding the factors influencing the distribution of LH in these human‐dominated environments is crucial for decision‐making on wildlife and habitat management. We combined ecological aerial surveys, camera trap, and dung count data to investigate how ecological (habitat types, perennial rivers, and rainfall) and anthropogenic (human settlements and cattle grazing areas) factors influence the distribution of LH species in Limpopo National Park (LNP). We used generalized linear models fitting binary logistic regression models to distinguish 25‐km2 cells occupied (where the species were detected) by elephants (Loxodonta africana), buffalos (Syncerus caffer), zebras (Equus quagga), kudus (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), nyalas (Tragelaphus angasii), and impalas (Aepyceros melampus) from unoccupied regions (where the species were not detected) in the LNP landscape. We found that habitat type and rainfall were the most influential factors shaping the pattern of LH distribution in the LNP, except for elephants, whose prevalence was not associated with rainfall. The prevalence of zebras was positively associated with the proximity to perennial rivers, while kudus avoided these areas. While some species (zebras, kudus, and impalas) tended to avoid settlements, others (elephants, buffalos, and nyala) seemed attracted to settlements. Cattle grazing areas were the worst predictors of the distribution of all study species. Our results disclosed the role of ecological factors for the distribution of LH and showed that anthropogenic disturbances seemed to either (partially) prevent the occurrence of LH or show the potential for human–wildlife conflict risk in the study area. Therefore, the results highlight the need to investigate/quantify the potential human–wildlife conflict risk at finer spatial scales to improve future management.
The influence of the food matrix on the content of cholesterol and oxysterols during simulated process of digestion
Authors: Derewiaka D.
Published: February 2024

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of the simulated digestion process on the content of the standard cholesterol and this sterol found in fats. Additionally, the content of cholesterol oxides formed after the thermal processing of fats and standard of cholesterol was investigated in samples after performing in vitro digestion procedure. The next step was to evaluate changes in the concentration of cholesterol and cholesterol oxidation products in all analyzed samples. On that basis, the bioaccessibility of cholesterol and cholesterol oxidation products in analyzed samples was established. Cholesterol bioaccessibility ranged from 1.05% to 28.38% in thermally processed samples, while cholesterol standard samples accounted for 7.16% and 5.00%. The bioaccessibility of cholesterol oxides found in analyzed fats and fats with 0.2% addition of cholesterol standard ranged from 5.44% to 19.20%, and only in butter heated at 180°C per 1 h, it reached 47.61%. Studies show that cholesterol present in the food matrix is better protected from degradation, and oxidation during thermal treatment than the standard of cholesterol (processed without food matrix). The results of this study confirm that the bioavailability of cholesterol and its oxides are influenced by the food matrix.

Practical applications: The results of our experiment can be used for further scientific analyzes related to the process of estimating the bioavailability of cholesterol and cholesterol oxidation products, which can be found in food products.
Electrochemiluminescence aptasensor toward femtomolar detection of alpha synuclein oligomer as parkinson's disease marker using CdTe@ZnS quantum dots as luminescent label and graphdiyne@polyaniline as novel co‐reactant
Authors: Bahari Delnia , Babamiri Bahareh , Salimi Abdollah , Nikkhah Maryam , Hallaj Rahman , Mohtasham Hamed , Allahdadi Shiva , Mousavi Sayed Mostafa Modarres
Published: February 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) as a progressive health issue effects on the central nervous system. It is well established that soluble ‐synuclein (−syn) oligomers cause neuronal death in the earliest stages of PD. So, development of sensitive and selective method for a‐syn analysis is a challenge. Here an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor designed for selective and ultrasensitive detection of α‐syn oligomer using graphdiyne@polyaniline with N‐doped active sites (GDY@PANI) as novel coreactant agent combined with CdTe@ZnS QD as luminescent lable for amplified self‐enhanced electrochemiluminescence (ECL) response. For the first time a novel ECL sensing platform based on GDY@PANI/CdTe@ZnS QD composite was designed using new co‐reactant based on GDY. Compared to CdTe@ZnS QD, GDY/CdTe@ZnS QD, CdTe@ZnS QD/tri‐propylamine and PANI/CdTe@ZnS QD, the GDY@PANI/CdTe@ZnS QD composite exhibited amplified ECL emissions and ECL efficiency of the proposed system also increased compared to more QDs based ECL systems. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed ECL aptasensor exhibited a wide linear range of 0.2 fM to 8 nM for α‐syn oligomer determination with a low detection limit of 0.02 fM (S/N=3). The fabricated sensor has advantages of good reproducibility, high sensitivity and stability and being capable of detecting α‐syn oligomer in human blood serum and also lysate of dopaminergic nerve cells. The obtained results confirmed that the GDY@PANI can be used as a novel co‐reactant in development of the ECL based bio devices with great potential applicability for biomarkers analysis, diagnosis and management of Parkinson or other diseases.
3D hierarchical porous N, O co‐doped carbon derived from the waste walnut shell via one‐step carbonization for high‐performance supercapacitor
Authors: Liu Zhentao , Li Linsong , Wang Meilong , Wu Fuzhong , Jin Huixin , Wang Yi
Published: February 2024

Porous carbon derived from biomass is considered a promising material for supercapacitors. However, improving the wettability and electrical conductivity of porous carbon materials remains a great challenge. Herein, a bidirectional pore‐creating strategy is proposed to construct N/O‐doped Walnut‐shells‐based hierarchical porous carbon materials (WSC‐N/O‐900). The high specific surface area (981 m2 g−1) and heteroatom content of WSC‐N/O‐900 enhance the wettability and electrical conductivity. Thus, WSC‐N/O‐900 shows a high capacitance of 431 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1. Additionally, the capacitance retention rate of WSC‐N/O‐900//WSC‐N/O‐900 (SSC) remains 88.4 % after 9000 cycles and achieves an energy density of 14.8 Wh kg−1 with a power density of 300 W kg−1. Overall, this work can provide an effective strategy to prepare advanced biomass derived porous carbon for electrochemical energy storage.
Boosting the performance of aqueous zinc‐ion battery by regulating the electrolyte solvation structure
Authors: Wu Xingxing , Xia Yufan , Chen Shuang , Luo Zhen , Zhang Xuan , Shahzad Muhammad Wakil , Xu Ben Bin , Pan Hongge , Yan Mi , Jiang Yinzhu
Published: February 2024

The practical implementation of aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) for large‐scale energy storage is impeded by the challenges of water‐induced parasitic reactions and uncontrolled dendrite growth. Herein, we propose a strategy to regulate both anions and cations of electrolyte solvation structures to address above challenges, by introducing an electrolyte additive of 3‐hydroxy‐4‐(trimethylammonio)butyrate (HTMAB) into ZnSO4 electrolyte. Consequently, the deposition of Zn is significantly improved leading to a highly reversible Zn anode with paralleled texture. The Zn/Zn cells with ZnSO4/HTMAB exhibit outstanding cycling performance, showcasing a lifespan exceeding 7500 h and an exceptionally high accumulative capacity of 16.47 Ah cm−2. Zn/NaV3O8·1.5H2O full cell displays a specific capacity of ~130 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 maintaining a capacity retention of 93% after 2000 cycles. This work highlights the regulation on both cations and anions of electrolyte solvation structures in optimizing interfacial stability during Zn plating/stripping for high performance ZIBs.

image
Robust approach to earnings forecast: A comparison
Authors: Yu Xiaojian , Zhang Xiaoqian , Lien Donald
Published: February 2024

This paper applies three robust approaches, namely, the MM estimation, the Theil–Sen estimation, and the quantile regression, to generate earnings forecasts in Chinese financial market and evaluates the forecast accuracy of these three methods based on three forecasting criteria. We examine six forecasting models where the predicted variables include earnings per share, net income, and three profitability measures. We show that the three robust methods significantly outperform the OLS method. Moreover, the MM estimation and the quantile regression have better forecast accuracy than the Theil–Sen approach.
Assessing the effects of free fall conditions on damage to chickpea seeds: A comprehensive examination of seed deterioration
Authors: Delfan Farzad , Shahbazi Feizollah , Eisvand Hamid Reza , Shahbazi Saba
Published: February 2024

Impact damage is the most destructive effect on the seeds during harvesting, handling, and storage, both on‐farm and off‐farm. The chickpea seeds' dicotyledonous characteristics and large mass and size make them susceptible to mechanical damage under impact loading. Tests were conducted to determine the extent of damage to chickpea seeds due to the impact caused by free fall. The extent of internal damage to the chickpea seeds was determined, which included the measurement of seed deterioration by the accelerated aging method (percentage loss in germination in the accelerated aging test) and the measurement of electrical conductivity. Three independent variables were used in the test, namely: (a) drop height (3, 6, 9, and 12 m), (b) impact surface (concrete, metal, plywood and seeds on seeds), and (c) seed moisture content (10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% w.b). The results showed that drop height, impact surface, and moisture content had significant effects (p < .01) on the loss in germination percentage and change in electrical conductivity of chickpea seeds. In terms of loss in germination, the highest damage to seeds occurred at the metal impact surface (41.96%) and the least at the seed on the seed (29.71%). The highest amount of electrical conductivity was related to the seeds dropped on the metal (36.09 μS cm−1 g−1) and the lowest was related to seed‐on‐seed contact (21.68 μS cm−1 g−1). By increasing the drop height from 3 to 12 m, the loss in germination and electrical conductivity of seeds increased from 27.74% to 48.08% and from 18.72 to 40.47 μS cm−1 g−1, respectively. Increasing the moisture content of chickpea seeds from 10 to 25% causes a decrease in the amount of damage to the seeds in terms of electrical conductivity (from 38.40 to 21.18 μS cm−1 g−1), but increases the damage in the form of a loss in the percentage germination in the accelerated aging test (from 29.22% to 42.88%). To reduce the impact damage to peas caused by free fall, the height of the fall should be limited to about 6 m, and they should be prevented from hitting hard and rough surfaces.
Dihydromyricetin regulates KEAP1‐Nrf2 pathways to enhance the survival of ischemic flap
Authors: Tao Xianyao , Pan Xiaoyun , Zhao Gang , Xue Mingyu , Rui Yongjun
Published: February 2024

In clinical flap practice, there are a lot of studies being done on how to promote the survival of distal random flap necrosis in the hypoxic and ischemic state. As a traditional Chinese medicine, dihydromyricetin (DHM) is crucial in preventing oxidative stress and apoptosis in a number of disorders. In this work, we examined the impact of DHM on the ability to survive of ischemia flaps and looked into its fundamental mechanism. Our results showed that DHM significantly increased the ischemic flaps' survival area, encouraged angiogenesis and blood flow, reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and stimulated KEAP1‐Nrf2 (Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1‐nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor) signaling pathways. Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) upregulation of KEAP1 expression also negated the favorable effects of DHM on flap survival. By activating KEAP1‐Nrf2 signaling pathways, DHM therapy promotes angiogenesis while reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Opening the Door: Rethinking “Difficult Conversations” about Living and Dying with Dementia
Authors: Buchbinder Mara , Berlinger Nancy
Published: February 2024

This essay looks closely at metaphors and other figures of speech that often feature in how Americans talk about dementia, becoming part of cultural narratives: shared stories that convey ideas and values, and also worries and fears. It uses approaches from literary studies to analyze how cultural narratives about dementia may surface in conversations with family members or health care professionals. This essay also draws on research on a notable social effect of legalizing medical aid in dying: patients may find it easier to bring up a range of concerns, regardless of whether they have any interest in hastening their own death. The essay proposes that health care professionals rethink an idea prominent within their own culture: that conversations about the end of a person's life are inherently difficult. This framing may make it hard for people facing dementia to bring up their concerns about what lies ahead. We suggest a different way to think about these conversations, using the metaphor of “opening the door” to represent inviting a patient to bring up issues of deepest concern.
Too Soon or Too Late: Rethinking the Significance of Six Months When Dementia Is a Primary Diagnosis
Authors: Cain Cindy L. , Quill Timothy E.
Published: February 2024

Cultural narratives shape how we think about the world, including how we decide when the end of life begins. Hospice care has become an integral part of the end‐of‐life care in the United States, but as it has grown, its policies and practices have also imposed cultural narratives, like those associated with the “six‐month rule” that the majority of the end of life takes place in the final six months of life. This idea is embedded in policies for a range of care practices and reimbursement processes, even though six months is not always a meaningful marker. In the case of people living with advanced dementia, six months is both too early in the trajectory to facilitate conversations and too late in the trajectory to ensure decision‐making capacity. This essay encourages scholars and policy‐makers to consider how cultural narratives may limit what they think is possible in care for people living with dementia.
Guiding the Future: Rethinking the Role of Advance Directives in the Care of People with Dementia
Authors: Gaster Barak , Pope Thaddeus Mason
Published: February 2024

When people lose capacity to make a medical decision, the standard is to assess what their preferences would have been and try to honor their wishes. Dementia raises a special case in such situations, given its long, progressive trajectory during which others must make substituted judgments. The question of how to help surrogates make better‐informed decisions has led to the development of dementia‐specific advance directives, in which people are given tools to help them communicate what their preferences are while they are still able. Such directives allow the perspective of the person to play a clearer role in guiding decisions about their care. Dementia directives can never serve as rigid algorithms. Rather, they can be used to help inform conversations, to help surrogates make decisions that are better aligned with the preferences the person would have had. This essay lays out the proposed utility of dementia‐specific directives and addresses some of the criticisms raised about them.
What Makes a Better Life for People Facing Dementia? Toward Dementia‐Friendly Health and Social Policy, Medical Care, and Community Support in the United States
Authors: Gaster Barak , Largent Emily A.
Published: February 2024

Taking steps to build a more dementia‐friendly society is essential for addressing the needs of people experiencing dementia. Initiatives that improve the quality of life for those living with dementia are needed to lessen controllable factors that can negatively influence how people envision a future trajectory of dementia for themselves. Programs that provide better funding and better coordination for care support would lessen caregiver burden and make it more possible to imagine more people being able to live what they might consider a “good life” with dementia. Specific proposals, such as payment for dementia care managers and new systems to support high‐quality, symptom‐based palliative care beyond the hospice benefit of only six months, would improve and reframe how many people in the United States experience a dementia illness. Such changes should be incorporated into discussions about improving and respecting preferences in the later stages of dementia.
Overlapping representations of observed actions and action‐related features
Authors: Kabulska Zuzanna , Zhuang Tonghe , Lingnau Angelika
Published: February 2024

The lateral occipitotemporal cortex (LOTC) has been shown to capture the representational structure of a smaller range of actions. In the current study, we carried out an fMRI experiment in which we presented human participants with images depicting 100 different actions and used representational similarity analysis (RSA) to determine which brain regions capture the semantic action space established using judgments of action similarity. Moreover, to determine the contribution of a wide range of action‐related features to the neural representation of the semantic action space we constructed an action feature model on the basis of ratings of 44 different features. We found that the semantic action space model and the action feature model are best captured by overlapping activation patterns in bilateral LOTC and ventral occipitotemporal cortex (VOTC). An RSA on eight dimensions resulting from principal component analysis carried out on the action feature model revealed partly overlapping representations within bilateral LOTC, VOTC, and the parietal lobe. Our results suggest spatially overlapping representations of the semantic action space of a wide range of actions and the corresponding action‐related features. Together, our results add to our understanding of the kind of representations along the LOTC that support action understanding.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation modulates the processing of interoceptive prediction error signals and their role in allostatic regulation
Authors: Ventura‐Bort Carlos , Weymar Mathias
Published: February 2024

It has recently been suggested that predictive processing principles may apply to interoception, defined as the processing of hormonal, autonomic, visceral, and immunological signals. In the current study, we aimed at providing empirical evidence for the role of cardiac interoceptive prediction errors signals on allostatic adjustments, using transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a tool to modulate the processing of interoceptive afferents. In a within‐subject design, participants performed a cardiac‐related interoceptive task (heartbeat counting task) under taVNS and sham stimulation, spaced 1‐week apart. We observed that taVNS, in contrast to sham stimulation, facilitated the maintenance of interoceptive accuracy levels over time (from the initial, stimulation‐free, baseline block to subsequent stimulation blocks), suggesting that vagus nerve stimulation may have helped to maintain engagement to cardiac afferent signals. During the interoceptive task, taVNS compared to sham, produced higher heart‐evoked potentials (HEP) amplitudes, a potential readout measure of cardiac‐related prediction error processing. Further analyses revealed that the positive relation between interoceptive accuracy and allostatic adjustments—as measured by heart rate variability (HRV)—was mediated by HEP amplitudes. Providing initial support for predictive processing accounts of interoception, our results suggest that the stimulation of the vagus nerve may increase the precision with which interoceptive signals are processed, favoring their influence on allostatic adjustments.
Parafoveal vision reveals qualitative differences between fusiform face area and parahippocampal place area
Authors: Kreichman Olga , Gilaie‐Dotan Sharon
Published: February 2024

The center‐periphery visual field axis guides early visual system organization with enhanced resources devoted to central vision leading to reduced peripheral performance relative to that of central vision (i.e., behavioral eccentricity effect) for many visual functions. The center‐periphery organization extends to high‐order visual cortex where, for example, the well‐studied face‐sensitive fusiform face area (FFA) shows sensitivity to central vision and the place‐sensitive parahippocampal place area (PPA) shows sensitivity to peripheral vision. As we have recently found that face perception is more sensitive to eccentricity than place perception, here we examined whether these behavioral findings reflect differences in FFA's and PPA's sensitivities to eccentricity. We assumed FFA would show higher sensitivity to eccentricity than PPA would, but that both regions' modulation by eccentricity would be invariant to the viewed category. We parametrically investigated (fMRI, n = 32) how FFA's and PPA's activations are modulated by eccentricity (≤8°) and category (upright/inverted faces/houses) while keeping stimulus size constant. As expected, FFA showed an overall higher sensitivity to eccentricity than PPA. However, both regions' activation modulations by eccentricity were dependent on the viewed category. In FFA, a reduction of activation with growing eccentricity (“BOLD eccentricity effect”) was found (with different amplitudes) for all categories. In PPA however, qualitatively different BOLD eccentricity effect modulations were found (e.g., at 8° mild BOLD eccentricity effect for houses but a reverse BOLD eccentricity effect for faces and no modulation for inverted faces). Our results emphasize that peripheral vision investigations are critical to further our understanding of visual processing.
Tumor microenvironment in thyroid cancer: Immune cells, patterns, and novel treatments
Authors: Febrero Beatriz , Ruiz‐Manzanera Juan José , Ros‐Madrid Inmaculada , Hernández Antonio Miguel , Orenes‐Piñero Esteban , Rodríguez José Manuel
Published: February 2024

The tumor immune microenvironment of thyroid cancer is the heterogeneous histological space in which tumor cells coexist with host cells. Published data from this review were identified by search and selection database of Pubmed, Elsevier, and Science Direct. Searching was made in two steps using different keywords. In thyroid pathology, the inflammatory response is very important, and might have a key role finding new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, particularly in thyroid cancer. Different immune cells may be more or less present in different types of thyroid cancer and may even have different functions, hence the importance of knowing their presence in different thyroid tumor pathologies. Cancer‐related inflammation could be a useful target for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies by analyzing peritumoral and intratumoral immune cells in different types of thyroid tumors. Moreover, novel strategies for thyroid cancer treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies targeting checkpoint inhibitors, are emerging as promising alternatives.
Monoamine oxidase B inhibits epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and trigger apoptosis via targeting ERK1/2 signaling pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Qi Yibo , Shao Weihua , Gao Jing , Ni Nan , Xue Feifei , Wang Tianxiao , Wang Yuli , Fan Yi , Yuan Hua
Published: February 2024

Background

Monoamine oxidase B (MAOB), a flavin monoamine oxidase, regulates biogenic and xenobiotic amine oxidative deaminization. We demonstrate MAOB expression in head and neck epithelium and its biological importance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) development.

Methods

First, we found a possible MAOB downregulation in HNSCC using bioinformatic analysis. Second, we validated MAOB expression changes in vitro and assessed its tumorigenicity in HNSCC. Finally, preclinical xenograft models further confirmed our findings.

Results

Results proved that MAOB was significantly reduced in HNSCC tissues and cell lines. By comparing MAOB localization in patient specimens, we found that epithelial basal cells express MAOB and that it changes throughout HNSCC development. We observed that MAOB overexpression inhibited HNSCC cell malignancy via lentiviral transfection. We additionally discovered that selegiline partly counter‐regulated MAOB overexpression‐induced phenotypes in HNSCC cells.

Conclusions

We found that MAOB is a potent biomarker and a unique and essential indication of HNSCC carcinogenesis.
Cultural values, parenting and child adjustment: Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Lansford Jennifer E.
Published: February 2024

This introduction provides an overview of the major constructs that are the focus of this Special Issue. Individualism and collectivism have been the cornerstones of theoretical work on cultural values in psychological science, and conformity is an important component of theories related to motivational values. Individualism, collectivism and conformity values are reviewed in relation to parenting (warmth, knowledge solicitation, rules/limit‐setting, parents' expectations regarding children's family obligations) and children's adjustment (internalising and externalising behaviours). Background on the Parenting Across Cultures project, a study of children, mothers and fathers, in nine countries (China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand and the United States) is provided as a prelude to the country‐specific papers from each of these countries that follow in the rest of the Special Issue before a final concluding paper that focuses on between‐country versus within‐country variation in cultural values, parenting and children's adjustment.
Maximizing energy via solar‐powered smart irrigation: An approach utilizing a single‐axis solar tracking mechanism
Authors: Ismail Firas Basim , Rahmat Muhammad Aqil Afham , Kazem Hussein A. , Al‐Obaidi Abdulkareem Sh. Mahdi , Ridwan Muhammad Syauqi
Published: February 2024

This study presents and assesses the novelty of a cutting‐edge solar‐powered automated irrigation system that incorporates a single‐axis solar tracker. The research entails the meticulous development of a prototype, followed by comprehensive experimental scrutiny spanning 3 days, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In a unique approach, we benchmark the findings against previous research endeavours, highlighting the transformative potential of our innovative design.

Our innovative system harnesses a singular‐axis solar tracking mechanism alongside moisture sensors and a water pump relay module, resulting in the creation of an autonomous irrigation system perpetually powered by solar energy. The results are noteworthy, showcasing the capability of a solar panel equipped with single‐axis tracking to significantly boost photovoltaic output power. This configuration attains a remarkable 65% increase in total output power and a substantial improvement over the modest 52%–53% performance of fixed solar panels. This substantial divergence translates to a noteworthy 12%–13% difference in efficacy, underscoring the pioneering nature of our research.

The zenith of power output, ranging between 3.16 and 3.68 W, transpires from noon to 2:00 PM, further illustrating the system's viability. The integrated water pump exhibits commendable efficiency, attaining levels as high as 75%. This revelation underscores the transformative potential of automated irrigation systems endowed with single‐axis solar tracking technology, auguring amplified system performance and heralding a new era of sustainable agricultural practices.
Exosomes derived from Baicalin‐pretreated bone mesenchymal stem cells improve Th17/Treg imbalance after hepatic ischemia–reperfusion via FGF21 and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Zhang Baoyan , Su Linfeng , Chen Zhichao , Wu Min , Wei Jianfeng , Lin Yonghua
Published: February 2024

Baicalin is an active compound extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)‐derived exosomes have shown promise for the treatment of hepatic ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study aims to investigate the role of Baicalin‐pretreated BMSCs‐derived exosomes in hepatic I/R injury and its mechanisms. BMSCs were pretreated with or without Baicalin, and their exosomes (Ba‐Exo and Exo) were collected and characterized. These exosomes were administered to mice via tail vein injection. Treatment with Exo and Ba‐Exo significantly suppressed the elevation of ALT and AST induced by hepatic injury. Additionally, both Exo and Ba‐Exo treatments resulted in a reduction in the liver weight‐to‐body weight ratio. RT‐PCR results revealed a significant downregulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines with Exo and Ba‐Exo treatment. Both Exo and Ba‐Exo treatment improved the Th17/Treg cell imbalance induced by I/R and reduced hepatic injury. Additionally, exosomes were cocultured with normal liver cells, and the expression of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in liver cells was elevated through Ba‐Exo treatment. After treatment, the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was inhibited, and FOXO1 expression was upregulated. Finally, recombinant FGF21 was injected into mouse tail veins to assess its effects. Recombinant FGF21 injection further inhibited the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, increased FOXO1 expression, and improved the Th17/Treg cell imbalance. In conclusion, this study confirms the protective effects of Exo and Ba‐Exo against hepatic I/R injury. Ba‐Exo mitigates hepatic I/R injury, achieved through inducing FGF21 expression in liver cells, inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, and activating FOXO1 expression. Therefore, baicalin pretreatment emerges as a promising strategy to enhance the therapeutic capability of BMSCs‐derived exosomes for hepatic I/R.
Assessment of the proteome profile of decellularized human amniotic membrane and its biocompatibility with umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Ahmed Kainat , Tauseef Haadia , Ainuddin Jahan Ara , Zafar Muneeza , Khan Irfan , Salim Asmat , Mirza Munazza Raza , Mohiuddin Omair Anwar
Published: February 2024

Extracellular matrix‐based bio‐scaffolds are useful for tissue engineering as they retain the unique structural, mechanical, and physiological microenvironment of the tissue thus facilitating cellular attachment and matrix activities. However, considering its potential, a comprehensive understanding of the protein profile remains elusive. Herein, we evaluate the impact of decellularization on the human amniotic membrane (hAM) based on its proteome profile, physicochemical features, as well as the attachment, viability, and proliferation of umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSC). Proteome profiles of decellularized hAM (D‐hAM) were compared with hAM, and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed. Proteomic data revealed that D‐hAM retained a total of 249 proteins, predominantly comprised of extracellular matrix proteins including collagens (collagen I, collagen IV, collagen VI, collagen VII, and collagen XII), proteoglycans (biglycan, decorin, lumican, mimecan, and versican), glycoproteins (dermatopontin, fibrinogen, fibrillin, laminin, and vitronectin), and growth factors including transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) while eliminated most of the intracellular proteins. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the epithelial and basal surfaces of D‐hAM. The D‐hAM displayed variability in fibril morphology and porosity as compared with hAM, showing loosely packed collagen fibers and prominent large pore areas on the basal side of D‐hAM. Both sides of D‐hAM supported the growth and proliferation of hUC‐MSC. Comparative investigations, however, demonstrated that the basal side of D‐hAM displayed higher hUC‐MSC proliferation than the epithelial side. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the micro‐environmental differences between the two sides of D‐hAM while optimizing cell‐based therapeutic applications.
Enhanced osteogenic and bactericidal performance of premixed calcium phosphate cement with photocrosslinked alginate thin film
Authors: Shu Xiulin , Liao Junda , Wang Qian , Wang Lingling , Shi Qingshan , Xie Xiaobao
Published: February 2024

The increasing prevalence of implant‐associated infections (IAI) in orthopedics remains a public health challenge. Calcium phosphates (CaPs) are critical biomaterials in dental treatments and bone regeneration. It is highly desirable to endow CaPs with antibacterial properties. To achieve this purpose, we developed a photocrosslinked methacrylated alginate co‐calcium phosphate cement (PMA‐co‐PCPC) with antibacterial properties, using α‐tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP) powders with 16% amorphous contents as solid phase, liquid phases containing CuCl2 and SrCl2 as an inhibitor, and CaCl2 as an activator to construct PCPC. When CaCl2 started to activate the hydration reaction, Sr2+ or Cu2+ ions were exchanged with Ca2+, and α‐TCP dissolution was restarted and gradually hydrated to form calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA). PMA was added to crosslink with Cu/Sr ions and form gel‐layer‐wrapped hydrated CDHA. This study explored the binding mechanism of PMA and PCPC and the ion release rule of Ca2+ → Sr2+/Cu2+, optimized the construction of several antibacterial PMA‐co‐PCPC materials, and analyzed the physical, chemical, and biological properties. Because of the combined effect of Cu and Sr ions, the scaffold exhibited a potential antibacterial activity, promoting bone formation and vascular regeneration. This work provides a basis for designing antibacterial calcium phosphate biomaterials with controllable treatment, which is an important characteristic for preventing IAI of biomaterials.
Effect of Age, Comedications, and CYP3A4/5 Polymorphisms on Perampanel Exposure in Chinese Pediatric Patients With Epilepsy
Authors: Wang Huijuan , Wang Junyan , Lin Bin , Zhang Huifen , Sun Yangyang , Wu Yuanyuan , Ye Weifeng , Miao Jing
Published: February 2024

Perampanel (PER) is a new type of antiseizure medication used for partial or generalized seizures. However, the plasma concentration shows obvious individual variability in children. The present study aims to ascertain the effect of age, comedications, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4/5 polymorphisms on PER exposure in Chinese pediatric patients with epilepsy. Clinical data were retrospectively collected in a tertiary children's hospital medical records system from January 2021 to December 2022. The influence factors on the daily dose, plasma concentration, and concentration‐to‐dose ratio (CDR) of PER were investigated. A total of 135 pediatric patients with 178 blood samples were involved. With a median daily dose of 4.0 mg (interquartile range, 3.0‐5.0 mg), the median plasma concentration was 409.4 ng/mL (interquartile range, 251.7‐639.4 ng/mL). The CDR in patients aged less than 4 years was significantly decreased by 48.0% and 39.1% compared with those aged 4‐11 years and 12 years or older, respectively. Enzyme inducers significantly decreased the CDR of PER by 34.5%, while valproic acid showed an increase of 71.7%. In addition, genotype CYP3A5*3/*3 carriers presented a significant increase of 21.5% compared to the CYP3A5*1/*3 expresser. No correlations were observed between the CDR and CYP3A4∗1G polymorphism. PER showed high variations in individual plasma concentrations. Age younger than 4 years, comedication with enzyme inducers or valproic acid, and possession of the CYP3A5*3 genotype potentially predicted PER exposure in pediatric patients with epilepsy.
Maximizing methyl red dye removal efficiency: a targeted parameter approach
Authors: Behera Uma Sankar , Poddar Sourav , Byun Hun‐Soo
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Liquid–liquid extraction plays a crucial role in the chemical industry for obtaining valuable products. This research focuses on optimizing key parameters, namely dye removal percentage, solvent capacity and distribution coefficient, in the liquid–liquid extraction of methyl red dye from its aqueous solution using benzene as the extractant. The study investigates the influence of key variables, including feed dye concentration (20–100) ppm, extraction time (10–30) min and dye solution‐to‐solvent ratio (1–3) mL mL−1. The experiments are conducted at a constant pH of 3 and controlled temperatures of 27 ± 2 °C.

RESULTS

By strategically controlling various parameters, this investigation aims to achieve superior outcomes, surpassing prior achievements in similar experimental conditions. Utilizing the Box–Behnken design for optimization, the research attains a remarkable recovery efficiency of 84.61%. The achieved optimal values for dye removal, distribution coefficient and solvent capacity are (84.61 ± 5.07)%, 5.22 ± 0.31 and (5.17 ± 0.94) ppm, respectively, at a feed dye concentration of 20 ppm, an extraction time of 27.994 min and a dye solution‐to‐solvent ratio of 3 mL mL−1.

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the potential for maximizing methyl red dye extraction efficiency and surpass previously reported efficiency levels using the presented parameters with the same input data. The study contributes to advancements in liquid–liquid extraction technology and provides a deeper understanding of the optimization process with technical precision. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Apelin‐13 alleviates osteoclast formation and osteolysis through Nrf2‐pyroptosis pathway
Authors: Yin Zhaoyang , Cheng Qinghua , Wang Chao , Hu Qin , Yin Jian , Wang Bin
Published: February 2024

Wear particle‐induced periprosthetic osteolysis is the key to aseptic loosening after artificial joint replacement. Osteoclastogenesis plays a central role in this process. Apelin‐13 is a member of the adipokine family with anti‐inflammatory effects. Here, we report that apelin‐13 alleviates RANKL‐mediated osteoclast differentiation and titanium particle‐induced osteolysis in mouse calvaria. Mechanistically, apelin‐13 inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated pyroptosis by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. In summary, apelin‐13 is expected to be a potential drug for relieving aseptic osteolysis.

Research Highlights

This study reveals the molecular mechanism by which apelin‐13 inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis by promoting Nrf2.

This study confirms that apelin‐13 alleviates osteoclast activation by inhibiting pyroptosis.

In vivo studies further confirmed that apelin‐13 alleviated mouse skull osteolysis by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.
What next for “counseling” in genetic counseling training: A co‐production workshop exploring how CBT and ACT approaches can contribute to the genetic counseling toolkit
Authors: Davies Rachel , Price Tate Rachel , Taverner Nicola V.
Published: February 2024

Counseling techniques are an important part of genetic counseling, and teaching of the humanistic person‐centered philosophy has been central to genetic counselor (GC) training. However, other psychotherapeutic approaches, especially cognitive approaches, may also be beneficial for the GC to have in their toolkit. This paper reports on a co‐production workshop with newly qualified GCs where the potential for adopting more cognitive approaches informed by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) was explored. Attendees were taught about the approaches and the rationale for their use in genetic counseling and had a chance to discuss their reactions and ideas for application. The attendees saw great potential for the approaches within their practice, feeling that these short interventions can have a wide impact, including engaging patients who do not want to discuss feelings, helping people to make sense of information (not just gain knowledge), and helping people to change the relationship they have with their thoughts. They were able to identify when they already use some cognitive approaches in their practice, and to see how they could build on this to provide better patient care. The paper advocates for an introduction to CBT and ACT to be incorporated into pre‐qualification training, and for more advanced training to be available to post‐qualification GCs.
Zebrafish in understanding molecular pathophysiology, disease modeling, and developing effective treatments for Rett syndrome
Authors: Pramanik Subrata , Bala Asis , Pradhan Ajay
Published: February 2024

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare but dreadful X‐linked genetic disease that mainly affects young girls. It is a neurological disease that affects nerve cell development and function, resulting in severe motor and intellectual disabilities. To date, no cure is available for treating this disease. In 90% of the cases, RTT is caused by a mutation in methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MECP2), a transcription factor involved in the repression and activation of transcription. MECP2 is known to regulate several target genes and is involved in different physiological functions. Mouse models exhibit a broad range of phenotypes in recapitulating human RTT symptoms; however, understanding the disease mechanisms remains incomplete, and many potential RTT treatments developed in mouse models have not shown translational effectiveness in human trials. Recent data hint that the zebrafish model emulates similar disrupted neurological functions following mutation of the mecp2 gene. This suggests that zebrafish can be used to understand the onset and progression of RTT pathophysiology and develop a possible cure. In this review, we elaborate on the molecular basis of RTT pathophysiology in humans and model organisms, including rodents and zebrafish, focusing on the zebrafish model to understand the molecular pathophysiology and the development of therapeutic strategies for RTT. Finally, we propose a rational treatment strategy, including antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA technology and induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cell therapy.
Bone marrow‐restricted aberrant myeloperoxidase expression in B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A diagnostic dilemma and mimicry of mixed phenotype acute leukemia
Authors: Wang Wei J. , Gehris Brandon T. , Rivera Daniel , Ak Sibel , Feng David , Wang Wei , Hu Zhihong
Published: February 2024

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is the most specific marker of the myeloid lineage, essential for diagnosing acute myeloid leukemia and mixed phenotype acute leukemia with myeloid components. In this regard, we present a unique case of B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) with isolated MPO expression in bone marrow blasts detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, while peripheral blood blasts were negative for MPO expression. In this report, our discussion encompasses diagnostic pitfalls from a laboratory testing perspective in similar cases and includes a literature review. Furthermore, we emphasize the necessity of conducting a comprehensive analysis for the accurate diagnosis of MPO‐positive B‐ALL cases.