bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformative weight loss with Dulaglutide: A case report of success in a challenging patient profile of an ex‐sumo wrestler
Authors: Bade Sohail , Bade Sahil , Sharma Grishma , Bhurtel Narayan , Singh Yadvinder , Paudel Sudip , Magar Frena Pulami , Chapagain Kshitij
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

Dulaglutide is a relatively unpopular GLP‐1 receptor agonist used for weight loss. This case demonstrates that dulaglutide may be beneficial for weight loss in morbidly obese patients with multiple comorbidities after thoroughly evaluating its efficacy, benefits, and long‐term adverse effects through clinical trials.

We present a case of a 27‐year‐old ex‐sumo wrestler with bipolar II disorder, morbid obesity, hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), and a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 49.66 kg/m2. He was non‐compliant with lifestyle modifications and resistant to conventional treatments, including metformin, and was also using multiple antipsychotic drugs. After introducing dulaglutide, he achieved a 40 kg (−21%) weight loss and a BMI reduction of 10.3 kg/m2 over 6 months, with no side effects and improved glycemic control, demonstrating dulaglutide's efficacy for weight loss in such challenging presentations.
Research Progress on Ni‐Based Electrocatalysts for the Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrogen to Ammonia
Authors: Zhen Zheng , Gao Xin , Chen Jiayi , Chen Ya , Chen Xiaodong , Cui Lifeng
Published: August 2024

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to synthesize ammonia (NH3) is considered as a promising method due to its approvable advantages of zero‐pollution emission, feasible reaction proceedings, good safety and easy management. The multiple efforts have been devoted to the exploration of earth‐abundant‐element‐based nanomaterials as high‐efficiency electrocatalysts for realizing their industrial applications. Among these, the Ni‐based nanomaterials is prioritized as an attractive non‐noble‐metal electrocatalysts for catalyzing NRR because they are earth‐abundance and exceedingly easy to synthesize as well as also delivers the potential of high electrocatalytic activity and durability. In this review, after briefly elucidating the underlying mechanisms of NRR during the electrochemical process, we systematically sum up the recent research progress in representative Ni‐based electrocatalysts, including monometallic Ni‐based nanomaterials, bimetallic Ni‐based nanomaterials, polymetallic Ni‐based nanomaterials, etc. In particular, we discuss the effects of physicochemical properties, such as phases, crystallinity, morphology, composition, defects, heteroatom doping, and strain engineering, on the comprehensive performance of the abovementioned electrocatalysts, with the aim of establishing the nanostructure‐function relationships of the electrocatalysts. In addition, the promising directions of Ni‐based electrocatalysts for NRR are also pointed out and highlighted. The generic approach in this review may expand the frontiers of NRR and provides the inspiration for developing high‐efficiently Ni‐based electrocatalysts.
Cholesterol Decorated Diazocine Gelator with Photo‐ and Thermo‐Responsive Properties for Smart Window
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Shuaipeng , Chen Long , Chen Yulan
Published: August 2024

Comprehensive Summary

A new gelator (BAzo‐Chol) comprising a diazocine core and two cholesterol units linked via carbamate groups has been designed and synthesized. Its gelation ability in several kinds of organic solvents is identified. Investigations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), rheological measurements, and UV‐vis absorption and 1H NMR spectroscopy reveal that BAzo‐Chol can self‐assemble into elastically interpenetrating one‐dimensional nanostructures in organogels through a cooperative effect of the π‐π interactions, hydrogen‐bonding, and van der Waals forces. Moreover, the unconventional Z/E conformational transitions of these organogels, due to the inclusion of diazocine, endow the BAzo‐Chol gels with excellent photo‐responsive gel‐sol transition and remarkable visible light‐induced chromic properties. Lastly, due to its sensitive response to visible light accompanied by distinct changes in both colour and transparency of the gel‐sol transitions, the potential application of the current gelator in smart windows is signified.
Designing V Single Atom Embedded Carbon Moiety for the Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction by First Principles Study
Authors: Sahoo Suman Kalyan , Brinck Tore
Published: August 2024

Development of an efficient electrocatalyst for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to serve as a sustainable alternative to the Haber‐Bosch process has proven highly challenging. Single atom catalysts (SACs), which have the maximum atom utilization efficiency, are among the most promising candidates. Single atoms can be incorporated to a catalytic system by doping or substitution or by attaching a molecular coordination complex to a substrate and the different insertion modes allow the chemical environment to be varied. We have used DFT to investigate vanadium SACS for NRR activity with a focus on varying the coordination environment of the V atom. Phthalocyanine, porphyrin and graphene like coordination environments with varying N‐coordination have been studied. Vanadium phthalocyanine (VphN4) is the most promising of the investigated systems. It features high selectivity relative the HER reaction and relatively strong binding of N2 relatively H, which prevents poisoning of the surface by hydrogen. VphN4 also has the lowest overpotential among the studied systems. The electrocatalytic properties of VphN4 deposited as a monolayer on the Ag (111) surface have been investigated. This system, which already has been prepared, shows promising properties for use as a catalytic electrode for the NRR reaction.
Effectiveness of Narrative Exposure Therapy for Treatment of PTSD Following Childhood Trauma: A Single‐Case Series Design
Authors: Hoeboer Chris , Wienen Laura , Smiddy Mary , van der Werff Steven , Maric Marija , Tjoa Edith , Timmers Lucie , Schoorl Maartje
Published: August 2024

Background

Narrative exposure therapy (NET) has shown promising outcomes for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees and veterans. Its effectiveness in patients with PTSD following childhood trauma is, however, still unknown.

Aims

We investigated whether NET is an effective treatment for patients with PTSD following childhood trauma.

Method

We studied treatment outcomes of nine adult patients in an outpatient setting. An AB single‐case series design was used with a baseline of 4 weeks prior to treatment. Participants filled in weekly online questionnaires to assess their PTSD symptoms (using the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale [PDS]) and their experienced quality of life (using the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life [MANSA]). Data were analysed visually and using a mixed‐effect model.

Results

Results revealed no significant reduction of PTSD symptoms during NET treatment, nor an increase in quality of life, as compared to baseline.

Conclusions

The results of our study do not underscore the effectiveness of NET treatment for patients with PTSD following childhood trauma. Further research is needed to study the effectiveness of NET in this population.
Exploring Temporal Relationships Between Anxiety, Mood and Mental Imagery in Patients With Bipolar Disorder: A Network Analysis
Authors: van den Berg K. C. , ten Bloemendal E. , Hendrickson A. T. , Di Simplicio M. , Voncken M. , Aalbers G. , Keijsers G. P. J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Bipolar disorder is a severe mental health problem with limited treatment success. There is a call for improving interventions, requiring an increased understanding of factors driving mood instability. One promising avenue is to study temporal associations between factors that appear relevant according to the emotional amplifier model of Holmes are changes in mood, anxiety and mental imagery.

Methods

The current study used data from a recent RCT for a secondary analysis which applied a network analysis approach to explore temporal associations between weekly measurements of mania, depression, anxiety and mental imagery measured during 32 weeks in two randomised groups (N = 55) receiving either imagery‐focused cognitive therapy (ImCT) or group psychoeducation (PE).

Results

Both negative intrusive mental imagery and anxiety appeared central in the network analyses, driving changes in both mania and depression, but only in the PE group. In the ImCT group, only anxiety was driving changes in mania and depression.

Conclusion

Although exploratory, findings suggest that prior increases in anxiety and negative intrusive mental imagery might be associated with subsequent increases in depression and mania symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder. Anxiety might in turn increase negative intrusive imagery and associated negative emotions. Although more research is needed, results are in line with the emotional amplifier model and stress that future interventions with a focus on anxiety and imagery might help to improve psychosocial therapies for patients with bipolar disorder. In addition, this study suggests that a network approach is a helpful and feasible way to study mood instability, anxiety and mental imagery to increase our understanding of mechanisms underpinning mood instability.
Genetic structure and climate niche differentiation among populations of Leopardus geoffroyi
Authors: Fameli Alberto F. , Pereira Javier A. , Rojo Gómez Julio , Gómez Fernández María Jimena
Published: August 2024

Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) is a small‐sized felid native to South America. Given the species' distribution covering a wide variety of habitats, and the presence of high levels of anthropization in part of its range, it is possible that genetically differentiated groups exist and that they occupy different climatic niches. We assessed patterns of contemporary genetic diversity and structure in the species across most of its range, characterizing each inferred genetic group based on ecological niche models. We genotyped 11 microsatellites for 142 samples covering most of Geoffroy's cat distribution, and investigated patterns of genetic structure and diversity, applying spatial and nonspatial Bayesian clustering methods and a spatial principal component analysis. We created ecological niche models for each genetic cluster, evaluating whether these clusters occupy different climatic spaces and display differences in the suitability of different values of the climatic variables analyzed. We identified two genetic clusters, one in the north‐northeast and the other in the south‐southwest of the species' distribution. These clusters showed moderate FST values between them and differences in dispersal/genetic diversity. We found isolation‐by‐distance patterns globally and within each cluster. We observed lower expected heterozygosity compared with other studies and a north–south gradient in allelic richness. The southern cluster showed lower genetic variability and a more restricted climatic niche suggesting that this group is more vulnerable to the effects of the current context of climate change. Individuals from the southern genetic cluster are under different pressures, likely a product of the particularly dry habitat they occupy. Climatic variables associated with habitat suitability suggest the southern cluster has affinity for the arid and semiarid conditions present in its distribution. Conservation measures should consider the genetic structure observed and differences in climatic spaces to maintain the evolutionary potential of the species.
Remote Selective Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions of Aryl C−H Bonds with Carboxylic Acids at Room Temperature
Authors: Zheng Tao , Xu Yue , Xiao Xiangjie , Wang Yuchi , Li Zheyu , Gu Linghui , Ma Wenbo
Published: August 2024

An efficient Pd(II)‐catalyzed remote selective cross‐dehydrogenative coupling of broadly useful synthetic building blocks biphenyl Weinreb amides with carboxylic acids is developed. This acetoxylation protocol is performed under room temperature using N‐fluorobenzene‐sulfonimide (NFSI) as the oxidant, exhibiting a wide range of functional group tolerance and affording δ‐position‐ selective products up to 85 % yield. Notably, a diverse set of carboxylic acid‐containing drugs is also found to be compatible under the current reaction conditions. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that this reaction presumably proceeds through a seven‐membered palladacycle intermediate.
Effectiveness and outcomes of endoscopic resection for superficial pharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Nakamura Naohiro , Sakagami Tomofumi , Shimizu Minaki , Suzuki Kensuke , Fujisawa Takuo , Shijimaya Takuya , Kobayashi Sanshiro , Takahashi Yu , Tahara Tomomitsu , Noda Yuri , Tsuta Koji , Naganuma Makoto
Published: August 2024

Background

With the development of endoscopic imaging, superficial pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma can now be detected during routine endoscopy. Recently, the effectiveness of endoscopic resection for superficial pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma have been reported.

Methods

This study had a retrospective single‐center design that included patients with superficial pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent endoscopic resection. A total 47 patients with 53 lesions were analyzed.

Results

En bloc and R0 resection rates were 83.0% and 56.6%. Local recurrence and cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) were detected in 1 and 3 patients during follow‐up. The macroscopic type 0‐I was an independent factor for CLNM. The 3‐year cumulative incidence of metachronous pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma following endoscopic resection was 33.0%, and the 5‐year overall survival rate was 89.2%.

Conclusions

Endoscopic resection is an effective treatment for superficial pharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, and the macroscopic type 0‐I is a useful predictor of CLNM.
Designing sodium alloys for dendrite‐free sodium‐metal batteries
Authors: Yao Kaitong , Xu Shitan , Yang Yang , Zheng Yun , Zuraqi Karma , Yang Dan , Liu Jue , Mani Ulaganathan , Rui Xianhong
Published: August 2024

Sodium metal, with a high theoretical specific capacity (∼1165 mA h g−1) and a low redox potential (−2.71 V vs. SHE) as well as low cost, becomes an attractive option for high‐energy‐density sodium secondary batteries. However, the practical application of sodium metal anodes is hindered by dendrite growth, which results in low energy efficiency, poor lifetime and serious safety issues. To address this challenge, researchers propose various strategies, including the formation of sodium alloys (Na‐M alloys, M = Sn, Sb, Bi, In, etc.) through alloying reaction. The alloying effect has a positive impact in terms of reducing the local current density, mitigating the volume expansion, and inhibiting the dendrite growth. It is thus an effective solution for constructing high‐performance sodium secondary batteries. This review systematically describes the mechanism of dendrite growth and the alloying process of Na‐M alloys, summarizes recent research progress and strategies for applying Na‐M alloys to create dendrite‐free sodium secondary batteries, as well as presents prospects for the development of Na‐M alloys and offers clear suggestions for future research. This review aims to inspire further efforts to build dendrite‐free, high‐performance sodium secondary batteries and broaden a new aspect for the next‐generation battery systems.
Vier neue Arten der Gattung Ervatamia (A. DC.) Stapf (Apocynaceae) aus nördlichen Gebieten Vietnams
Authors: Lý Trån Ðính
Published: August 2024

Vier neue Arten der Gattung Ervatamia (A. DC.) Stapf aus nördlichen Gebieten Vietnams werden beschrieben und abgebildet: E. petelotii Lý, E. longopedicellata Lý, E. longocuspidata Lý, E. ventii Lý. Die neue Art E. ventii Lý erhält den Namen meines verehrten Lehrers, Herrn Professor Dr. sc. W. Vent, Direktor des Bereichs Botanik und Arboretum des Museums für Naturkunde der Humboldt‐Universität, zu Berlin, DDR.
Zwei weitere Lebermoose in Bernstein aus Bitterfeld (DDR)
Authors: Grolle Riclef
Published: August 2024

Calypogeia stenzelinna sp. nov. und Radula bitterfeldensis sp. nov. — zwei beblätterte Lebermoose — werden aus Bitterfelder Bernstein (Miozän) beschrieben. C. stenzeliana ist der erste Fossilnachweis der Calypogeiaceae. C. stenzeliana und R. bitterfeldensis wurden zusammen mit Cheilolejeunea latiloba — ebenfalls ein beblättertes Lebermoos — in dem selben Stück Bernstein gefunden. Sin werden als Bruchstücke einer Monsgesellschaft auf Rinde gedeutet.
Taxonomisches Studium der Dianthus‐Arten aus der Flora Rumäniens
Authors: Tarnavschi Ion. T. , Sanda Vasile
Published: August 2024

Aus der Forschungsgeschichte der Arten von Dianthus ist der Beitrag, den die bedeutendsten taxonomischen Bearbeiter der Gattung (F. N. Williams, Fr. A. Novák, S. K. Schischkin, G. T. Tutin, I. Prodan etc.) gebracht haben, ersichtlich sowie Probleme, die mit der systematischen Stellung einiger kritischer Einheiten in Verbindung stehen.

In der Bearbeitung des Bestimmungsschlüssels der in unserer Flora wildwachsenden Arten wurde besonders die Bedeutung der anatomisch‐morphologischen Merkmale, vornehmlich jener mit einem großen Wert bei ihrer Bestimmung, in Betracht gezogen. Wir erwähnen die Scheide der oberen Blätter, die Form der Kelchzähne, die Aderung der Blätter, den Typus in der Aufteilung der Kronblätter u. a. m., welche an einer Anzahl von Belegen aus verschiedenen Biotopen stammten und uns so die Wertung derselben in der Taxonomie der kritischen Arten ermöglichten.
Buxus purdiana Baill. — eine lange verkannte Art der Flora von Jamaica
Authors: Köhler Egon
Published: August 2024

Unter B. laevigata (SW.) Spreng, wurde bisher eine morphologisch gut unterschiedene Sippe einbezogen, die als Art. B. purdiana Baill. wieder einzusetzen ist. Die morphologischen, pollenmorphologischen, anatomischen und substrukturellen Unterschiede der Arten werden dargestellt und ihre Zugehörigkeit zu verschiedenen Verwandtschaftskreisen belegt. Es wird eine Übersicht der Verbreitung von B. purdiana in Jamaica gegeben, während B. laevigata bisher nur in der Typus‐Aufsammlung vorliegt.

Aus den Befunden ergeben sich nomenklatorische Weiterungen für andere Floren der Caribik.
Phytozönologisches Studium der Krummholzgebüsche in den Südostkarpaten
Authors: Coldea Gh.
Published: August 2024

In der Arbeit werden Ergebnisse eines vergleichenden phytozönologischen Studiums der Krummholzgebüsche aus den südöstlichen Karpaten im Vergleich mit den Krummholzgebüschen Zentraleuropas) und der Balkanhalbinsel gebracht. Auf der Grundlage von 45 eigenen phytozönologischen Aufnahmen, die in verschiedenen Gebirgsmassiven (Rodna, Căliman. Retezat‐Gebirge) vorgenommen wurden, und der 100 vollständigen, von verschiedenen rumänischen Botanikern veröffentlichten Aufnahmen aus einigen Gebirgszonen, bearbeitet der Verfasser das Rhododendro kotschyi‐Pinetum mugi Borza 1959 emend, h. 1. der südöstlichen Karpaten neu und sondert auf Grund von Differentialarten und in Abhängigkeit vom edaphischen Substrat 5 Subassoziationen : Rhododendro kotschvi‐Pinetum mugi typicum Subass. nova. — — adenostyletosum alliariae Subass. nova, — — sphagnetosum nemorei Plamada & Coldea 1984. — — erioplioretosum vaginati Subass. nova und — — doronicetosum carpaticae Subass. nova ab.
Über die höheren Vegetationseinheiten bei der floristisch‐ökologischen Klassifikation der Flußauenvegetation der MVR 1)
Authors: Mirkin B. M.
Published: August 2024

In der Arbeit wird eine Übersicht über die höheren Einheiten der Auenvegetation der Mongolischen Volksrepublik auf der Grundlage einer ökologisch‐floristischen Klassifikation gegeben. Die Übersicht enthält die folgenden acht Klassen mit ihren Ordnungen und Verbänden. Assoziationen werden nicht angeführt.

Vaecinio‐Piceetea, Phragmitetea, Betuletea rotundifoliae el. nova. Juniperetea pseudosabinae el. nova, Lariceto‐Salicetea el. nova, Kobresietea myosuroidis el. nova. Hordeetea brevisubulati el. nova, Cleistogenetea el. nova.
How well do 3D‐printed tissue mimics represent the complex mechanics of biological soft tissues? An example study with Stratasys' cardiovascular TissueMatrix materials
Authors: Bechtel Grace N. , Kostelnik Colton J. , Rausch Manuel K.
Published: August 2024

Tissue mimicking materials are designed to represent real tissue in applications such as medical device testing and surgical training. Thanks to progress in 3D‐printing technology, tissue mimics can now be easily cast into arbitrary geometries and manufactured with adjustable material properties to mimic a wide variety of tissue types. However, it is unclear how well 3D‐printable mimics represent real tissues and their mechanics. The objective of this work is to fill this knowledge gap using the Stratasys Digital Anatomy 3D‐Printer as an example. To this end, we created mimics of biological tissues we previously tested in our laboratory: blood clots, myocardium, and tricuspid valve leaflets. We printed each tissue mimic to have the identical geometry to its biological counterpart and tested the samples using identical protocols. In our evaluation, we focused on the stiffness of the tissues and their fracture toughness in the case of blood clots. We found that the mechanical behavior of the tissue mimics often differed substantially from the biological tissues they aim to represent. Qualitatively, tissue mimics failed to replicate the traditional strain‐stiffening behavior of soft tissues. Quantitatively, tissue mimics were stiffer than their biological counterparts, especially at small strains, in some cases by orders of magnitude. In those materials in which we tested toughness, we found that tissue mimicking materials were also much tougher than their biological counterparts. Thus, our work highlights limitations of at least one 3D‐printing technology in its ability to mimic the mechanical properties of biological tissues. Therefore, care should be taken when using this technology, especially where tissue mimicking materials are expected to represent soft tissue properties quantitatively. Whether other technologies fare better remains to be seen.
Bridging health self‐efficacy and patient engagement with patient‐centered culturally sensitive health care for Black American adults
Authors: Garcia Kaylyn A. , Wippold Guillermo M. , Goodrum Nada M. , Williams Mayah M. , Kloos Bret
Published: August 2024

This study investigates whether systems‐level interventions, specifically patient‐centered culturally sensitive health care (PC‐CSHC) from healthcare providers, office staff, and the clinic environment, moderate the relationship between health self‐efficacy and patient engagement among Black American adults. An online survey was completed by 198 Black American adults. PC‐CSHC from healthcare providers, office staff, and the clinic environment did not mitigate the adverse effects of low health self‐efficacy on patient engagement. However, PC‐CSHC from healthcare providers (b = 0.38) was as significant as health self‐efficacy (b = 0.37) in predicting patient engagement, R2 = 0.47, F(9, 177) = 19.61, p < 0.001. Provider‐delivered PC‐CSHC can enhance patient engagement among Black American adults. This systems‐level approach has the potential to reach more patients than intrapersonal interventions alone and alleviates the undue burden placed on Black Americans to leverage intrapersonal strengths in the face of health disparities rooted in structural racism.
Artificial neural network inference analysis identified novel genes and gene interactions associated with skeletal muscle aging
Authors: Tarum Janelle , Ball Graham , Gustafsson Thomas , Altun Mikael , Santos Lívia
Published: August 2024

Background

Sarcopenia is an age‐related muscle disease that increases the risk of falls, disabilities, and death. It is associated with increased muscle protein degradation driven by molecular signalling pathways including Akt and FOXO1. This study aims to identify genes, gene interactions, and molecular pathways and processes associated with muscle aging and exercise in older adults that remained undiscovered until now leveraging on an artificial intelligence approach called artificial neural network inference (ANNi).

Methods

Four datasets reporting the profile of muscle transcriptome obtained by RNA‐seq of young (21–43 years) and older adults (63–79 years) were selected and retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data repository. Two datasets contained the transcriptome profiles associated to muscle aging and two the transcriptome linked to resistant exercise in older adults, the latter before and after 6 months of exercise training. Each dataset was individually analysed by ANNi based on a swarm neural network approach integrated into a deep learning model (Intelligent Omics). This allowed us to identify top 200 genes influencing (drivers) or being influenced (targets) by aging or exercise and the strongest interactions between such genes. Downstream gene ontology (GO) analysis of these 200 genes was performed using Metacore (Clarivate™) and the open‐source software, Metascape. To confirm the differential expression of the genes showing the strongest interactions, real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) was employed on human muscle biopsies obtained from eight young (25 ± 4 years) and eight older men (78 ± 7.6 years), partaking in a 6‐month resistance exercise training programme.

Results

CHAD, ZDBF2, USP54, and JAK2 were identified as the genes with the strongest interactions predicting aging, while SCFD1, KDM5D, EIF4A2, and NIPAL3 were the main interacting genes associated with long‐term exercise in older adults. RT‐qPCR confirmed significant upregulation of USP54 (P = 0.005), CHAD (P = 0.03), and ZDBF2 (P = 0.008) in the aging muscle, while exercise‐related genes were not differentially expressed (EIF4A2 P = 0.99, NIPAL3 P = 0.94, SCFD1 P = 0.94, and KDM5D P = 0.64). GO analysis related to skeletal muscle aging suggests enrichment of pathways linked to bone development (adj P‐value 0.006), immune response (adj P‐value <0.001), and apoptosis (adj P‐value 0.01). In older exercising adults, these were ECM remodelling (adj P‐value <0.001), protein folding (adj P‐value <0.001), and proteolysis (adj P‐value <0.001).

Conclusions

Using ANNi and RT‐qPCR, we identified three strongly interacting genes predicting muscle aging, ZDBF2, USP54, and CHAD. These findings can help to inform the design of nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions that prevent or mitigate sarcopenia.
Achene macro‐micromorphology of Pulicaria (Asteraceae) from Turkiye and its taxonomic significance
Authors: Gürdal Bahar , Özdemir Nath Ebru
Published: August 2024

The genus Pulicaria Gaertn. belongs to the tribe Inuleae Cass. and it is represented by six species P. arabica (L.) Cass., P. armena Boiss. & Kotschy ex Boiss., P. dysenterica (L.) Gaertn., P. odora (L.) Rchb., P. sicula (L.) Moris, and P. vulgaris Gaertn. in Turkiye. P. armena is endemic to the country. In this study, fruit macro‐micromorphological characteristics of six Pulicaria species from Turkiye were demonstrated using stereo‐microscope and scanning electron microscopy. The colors of the achenes range from light‐brown to brown. The shapes are obovate to elliptic in outline. The pappus is persistent in all studied species, with two rows of pappus hairs except in P. sicula. Its pappus composed of one row of capillary bristles. Others have the outer row developing into a small crown and the inner row consisting of capillary bristles. All taxa have glandular trichomes, except for P. arabica. An identification key is also provided to differentiate between Pulicaria species. Fruit features provide a useful tool for differentiating the examined species.

Research Highlights

Achene macro‐micromorphology of Pulicaria species was studied via LM and SEM.

A diagnostic key based on achene features was created for Pulicaria species.

Achene features provide a useful tool for differentiating the examined species.
Ulva lactuca polysaccharides combined with fecal microbiota transplantation ameliorated dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Liu Zhengqi , Wang Menghui , Hu Yuanyuan , Li Jinjin , Gong Wei , Guo Xiaoming , Song Shuang , Zhu Beiwei
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) of healthy donors improves ulcerative colitis (UC) patients by restoring the balance of the gut microbiota. However, donors vary in microbial diversity and composition, often resulting in weak or even ineffective FMT. Improving the efficacy of FMT through combination treatment has become a promising strategy. Ulva lactuca polysaccharides (ULP) have been found to benefit host health by regulating gut microbiota. The effect of the combination of ULP and FMT in ameliorating UC has not yet been evaluated.

RESULTS

The present study found that supplementation with ULP combined with FMT showed better effects in ameliorating UC than supplementation with FMT alone. Results suggested that FMT or ULP combined with FMT alleviated the symptoms of UC in mice, as evidenced by prevention of body weight loss, improvement of disease activity index and protection of the intestinal mucus. Notably, ULP in combination with FMT was more effective than FMT in reducing levels of cytokines and related inflammatory enzymes. In addition, ULP combined with FMT effectively restored the dysbiosis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and further enriched probiotics (such as Bifidobacterium). The production of short‐chain fatty acids, especially acetic acid, was also significantly enriched by ULP combined with FMT.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation of ULP combined with FMT could significantly ameliorate DSS‐induced colitis in mice by inhibiting inflammation and restoring dysbiosis of gut microbiota. These results suggested that ULP combined with FMT has potential application in ameliorating UC. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Population response of eastern wild turkey to removal of wild pigs
Authors: McDonough Matthew T. , Zenas Stephen J. , Gitzen Robert A. , Smith Mark D. , VerCauteren Kurt C. , Ditchkoff Stephen S.
Published: August 2024

There is insufficient understanding of interspecific interactions with the eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) and wild pigs (Sus scrofa). Wild pigs compete with wild turkeys and predate nests and adults; however, population‐level effects on wild turkeys are not clear. Using cameras, we assessed responses of wild turkey populations to wild pig removal in central Alabama, USA, from 2018–2021. We compared wild turkey relative abundance and occupancy on 3 large‐scale pig‐removal treatment sites (3,407–5,531 ha) relative to a control site (2,510 ha) during 1 pre‐treatment year and 2 post‐treatment years, with analyses including a covariate expressing the cumulative number of pigs removed from each site standardized by the initial pig abundance on the site. We removed 1,851 wild pigs from the 3 treatment sites over 22 months. Based on N‐mixture modeling, when the number of pigs removed was equal to our baseline population estimates (i.e., 100% removal relative to initial population), there were 1.50 (95% CL = 1.01–2.23) times as many wild turkeys, and detection of wild turkeys was 2.01 (95% CL = 1.49–2.70) times as likely. Additionally, poults were 3.49 (95% CL = 1.12–10.89) times as likely to occupy an area when the number of pigs removed was equal to our baseline population estimates compared with poult occupancy at baseline pig abundance. Our data suggests that reduction of wild pig populations may lead to a localized increase in populations of wild turkeys.
Finding conserved low‐diameter subgraphs in social and biological networks
Authors: Pan Hao , Lu Yajun , Balasundaram Balabhaskar , Borrero Juan S.
Published: August 2024

The analysis of social and biological networks often involves modeling clusters of interest as cliques or their graph‐theoretic generalizations. The ‐club model, which relaxes the requirement of pairwise adjacency in a clique to length‐bounded paths inside the cluster, has been used to model cohesive subgroups in social networks and functional modules or complexes in biological networks. However, if the graphs are time‐varying, or if they change under different conditions, we may be interested in clusters that preserve their property over time or under changes in conditions. To model such clusters that are conserved in a collection of graphs, we consider a cross‐graph ‐club model, a subset of nodes that forms a ‐club in every graph in the collection. In this article, we consider the canonical optimization problem of finding a cross‐graph ‐club of maximum cardinality in a graph collection. We develop integer programming approaches to solve this problem. Specifically, we introduce strengthened formulations, valid inequalities, and branch‐and‐cut algorithms based on delayed constraint generation. The results of our computational study indicate the significant benefits of using the approaches we introduce.
When Perceptions Meet Motivations: Dynamic Donation Decisions
Authors: Liu Huangjuan , Li Huafang
Published: August 2024

Alumni contribute to better educational outcomes by giving to their alma maters and supporting institutional activities. While rational and emotional giving motivations have been extensively documented, little is known about how alumni's perceptions of organizations' environmental and organizational factors influence their giving motivations and decisions. To fill the research gap, this study typologizes giving motivations by examining three representative cases of Chinese universities and their alumni donors. The findings validate the new typology of giving motivations and provide evidence that alumni's perceptions of environmental and organizational factors impact their giving decisions by influencing their rational and emotional giving motivations.
Contemporary Practice and Considerations for Real‐World Data Source Identification and Feasibility Assessment
Authors: Patel Dony , Guleria Sonia , Titievsky Lina , Flaherty Susanna , Everage Nicholas , Korjagina Marta , Porkess Sheuli , Kou Tzuyung Douglas , Layton Deborah
Published: August 2024

Purpose

There has been rapid growth in the variety and number of real‐world data (RWD) sources, as well as the number of regulatory documents that provide guidance for assessing the suitability of RWD sources for pharmacoepidemiology studies. This study aims to assess differences in RWD guidance and variability in current practice for identifying and assessing RWD for studies with regulatory purpose.

Methods

Key criteria for feasibility assessment were mapped against relevant regulatory guidance documents across US, EU, and Asia‐Pacific regions. An online survey was designed and deployed to International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology members to understand current practice. Findings were summarized and used to inform key considerations and recommendations.

Results

Eleven RWD guidance documents were identified and mapped against 14 RWD assessment criteria. Variability was seen across these documents in guidance for these criteria. Between December 2022 and January 2023, 37 survey respondents reported having used RWD for post‐marketing commitments (34, 92%) and/or background epidemiology (28, 76%). RWD were mostly identified through literature (33, 89%) and data landscaping (26, 70%); guidance documents referenced included: Food and Drug Administration (20, 54%), European Network for Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance (17, 46%), European Medical Agency (16, 43%), and Structured Process to Identify Fit‐For‐Purpose Data (11, 30%). Challenges for conducting feasibility assessments included RWD accessibility, ability to complete validation, and RWD provider responsiveness.

Conclusions

Existing guidelines are used extensively by researchers, but key criteria for RWD identification and feasibility assessment are not reflected consistently and challenges remain. Recommendations have been made reflecting study findings.
Quantitative Measurement of the Direct Public Health Impact of Medicines Withdrawals in Europe: Development of a Modelling Method and Proof‐of‐Concept Study to Estimate the Morbidity and Mortality Prevented by Regulatory Action
Authors: Lane Samantha , Lynn Elizabeth , Shakir Saad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Removing medicines from market may benefit public health by preventing adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which should be quantified. This study's aim was to identify a model to quantify the impact of medicines' marketing authorisation (MA) withdrawal and revocation in terms of preventing morbidity and mortality.

Methods

MA withdrawals and revocations for safety reasons in France, Germany and/or the United Kingdom between July 2012 and December 2016 were identified for prescription medicines. Annual exposure was estimated for each medicine, using IQVIA Medical Research Data (IMRD)‐France, IMRD‐Germany and IMRD‐UK primary care electronic health record databases. European Medicines Agency records provided reasons for regulatory action for each medicine. Absolute risks of ADRs which led to MA withdrawal were estimated for patients exposed to each medicine by systematic review of quantitative research. Public health impact, expressed as annual number of ADRs avoided, was estimated by modelling exposure and ADR risk.

Results

Four MA withdrawals and two revocations met study inclusion criteria. Each product's usage decreased following MA withdrawal or revocation. Absolute risk for ADRs was 0.1%–41.25%. To estimate impact of each withdrawal or revocation, its average annual exposure within each IMRD population was multiplied by the absolute risk to give the crude number of ADRs prevented annually due to regulatory action.

Conclusions

This model quantifies the public health impact of MA withdrawal and revocation in terms of serious morbidity, resulting from eliminated or reduced usage of medicines. This method can be applied to products in other settings to quantify the impact of other pharmacovigilance actions.
A matched analysis of the use of high flow nasal cannula for pediatric severe acute asthma
Authors: Rogerson Colin , AbuSultaneh Samer , Sanchez‐Pinto L. Nelson , Gaston Benjamin , Wiehe Sarah , Schleyer Titus , Tu Wanzhu , Mendonca Eneida
Published: August 2024

Rationale

The high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) device is commonly used to treat pediatric severe acute asthma. However, there is little evidence regarding its effectiveness in real‐world practice.

Objectives

We sought to compare the physiologic effects and clinical outcomes for children treated for severe acute asthma with HFNC versus matched controls.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective matched cohort study at a quaternary care children's hospital. Children ages 2–18 hospitalized for severe acute asthma from 2015 to 2022 were included. Encounters receiving treatment with HFNC within the first 24 h of hospitalization were included as cases. Controls were primarily treated with oxygen facemask. Logistic regression 1:1 propensity score matching was done using demographics, initial vital signs, and medications. The primary outcome was an improvement in clinical asthma symptoms in the first 24 h of hospitalization measured as percent change from initial.

Measurements and Main Results

Of 693 eligible cases, 443 were matched to eligible controls. Propensity scores were closely aligned between the cohorts, with the only significant difference in clinical characteristics being a higher percentage of patients of Black race in the control group (54.3% vs. 46.6%; p = 0.02). Compared to the matched controls, the HFNC cohort had smaller improvements in heart rate (–11.5% [−20.9; –0.9] vs. –14.7% [–22.6;‐5.7]; p < 0.01), respiratory rate (–14.3% [–27.9;5.4] vs. –16.7% [–31.5;0.0]; p = 0.03), and pediatric asthma severity score (–14.3% [–28.6;0.0] vs. –20.0% [–33.3;0.0]; p < 0.01) after 24 h of hospitalization. The HFNC cohort also had longer pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) length of stay (LOS) (1.5 days [1.1;2.1] vs. 1.2 days [0.9;1.8]; p < 0.01) and hospital LOS (2.8 days [2.1;3.8] vs. 2.5 days [1.9;3.4]; p < 0.01). When subgrouping to younger patients (2–3 years old), or those with the highest severity scores (PASS > 9), those treated with HFNC had no difference in clinical symptom improvements but maintained a longer PICU LOS.

Conclusions

Encounters using HFNC for severe acute pediatric asthma had decreased clinical improvement in 24 h of hospitalization compared to matched controls and increased LOS. Specific subgroups of younger patients and those with the highest severity scores showed no differences in clinical symptom improvement suggesting differential effects in specific patient populations.
Effect of Enhancement in Surface Area of Sn‐Doped Cobalt Oxide Nanoflakes for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Sonpir Ramprasad B. , Dake Dnayneshwar V. , Raskar Nita D. , Mane Vijay A. , Shinde Sanjana S. , Ingole Shailaja S. , Tak Manisha S. , Dole Babasaheb N.
Published: August 2024

The simple and cost‐effective co‐precipitation method is used for the synthesis of pure Co3O4 and 5% Sn‐doped Co3O4 nanoflakes. Crystallographic parameters, chemical composition, morphological properties, optical properties, and surface area are analyzed using X‐ray diffraction data (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Raman analysis, UV–vis, field emission scanning microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), respectively. By using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in a 2 m KOH electrolyte, the electrochemical characteristics of both pure and 5% Sn‐doped Co3O4 are verified. The sample results show that the presence of Sn2+ has an impact on surface area, band gap, specific capacitance, and electrochemical performance of Co3O4. According to XRD data, synthetic material has a cubic structure. The surface area of the sample is scrutinized using BET which exhibits a higher surface area of 1084.998 m2 g−1 than pure Co3O4 (92.842 m2 g−1) demonstrating that enhancement in surface area as dopant concentration increases. It is observed that porous 5% Sn‐doped Co3O4 nanoflakes has the higher specific capacitance, i.e., 203.6 F g−1 with a high surface area. It is well noticed that drastic change in specific capacitance with 5% Sn doping. These observations and experiments reveal that designed electrode is a promising candidate for supercapacitor application.
Conductive Carbon from Taro Stems for Simultaneous Detection of Hydroquinone and Catechol
Authors: Sultana Nasrin , Abu Nayem S. M. , Awal Abdul , Hoque Mozammal , Haque Aminul , Ahmed Nafees , Abdul Aziz Md , Saleh Ahammad A. J.
Published: August 2024

This study shows that incorporating taro carbon (TC) into a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) significantly enhanced surface charge transfer characteristics and conductivity and successfully separated the hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CT). Moreover, TC on the GCE surface reduced the overpotential of HQ and CT oxidation. Using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), the surface morphology and elemental composition of TC was investigated. The enhanced electron transfer process at TC‐GCE was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) investigation. Scan rate analysis revealed that HQ and CT exhibited a higher oxidation affinity at TC‐GCE, with diffusion‐regulated anodic processes. Quantitative analysis showed a linear detection range of 5–200 μM for both HQ and CT, with LOD values of 0.47 μM for HQ and 0.51 μM for CT respectively. The modified electrode showed excellent selectivity, stability, and high recovery rates for detecting HQ and CT in tap water.
Super‐Elastic and Temperature‐Tolerant Hydrogel Electrodes for Supercapacitors via MXene Enhanced Ice‐Templating Synthesis
Authors: Han Dong , Wang Peng , Huang Haitao , Deng Jiahua , Chen Jiankang , Tang Weijie , Wang Tingyi , Li Binbin , Zhang Lili , Lai Linfei
Published: August 2024

Developing flexible energy storage devices with good deformation resistance under extreme operating conditions is highly desirable yet remains very challenging. Super‐elastic MXene‐enhanced polyvinyl alcohol/polyaniline (AMPH) hydrogel electrodes are designed and synthesized through vertical gradient ice templating‐induced polymerization. This approach allows for the unidirectional growth of polyaniline (PANI) and 2D MXene layers along the elongated arrayed ice crystals in a controlled manner. The resulting 3D unidirectional AMPH hydrogel exhibits inherent stretchability and electronic conductivity, with the ability to completely recover its shape even under extreme conditions, such as 500% tensile strain, 50% compressive strain. The presence of MXene in the hydrogel electrode enhances its resilience to mechanical compression and stretching, resulting in less variation in resistance. AMPH has a specific capacitance of 130.68 and 88.02 mF cm−2 at a current density of 0.2 and 2 mA cm−2, respectively, and retains 90% and 70% of its original capacitance at elongation of 100% and 200%, respectively. AMPH‐based supercapacitors demonstrate exceptional performance in high salinity environments and wide temperature ranges (−30–80 °C). The high electrochemical activity, temperature tolerance, and mechanical robustness of AMPH‐based supercapacitor endow it promising as the power supply for flexible and wearable electronic devices.
An Array of Carbon Nanofiber Bundle_Based 3D In Vitro Intestinal Microvilli for Mimicking Functional and Physical Activities of the Small Intestine
Authors: Jang Yeongseok , Kim Hyojae , Oh Jonghyun
Published: August 2024

Researchers have developed in vitro small intestine models of biomimicking microvilli, such as gut‐on‐a‐chip devices. However, fabrication methods developed to date for 2D and 3D in vitro gut still have unsolved limitations. In this study, an innovative fabrication method of a 3D in vitro gut model is introduced for effective drug screening. The villus is formed on a patterned carbon nanofiber (CNF) bundle as a flexible and biocompatible scaffold. Mechanical properties of the fabricated villi structure are investigates. A microfluidic system is applied to induce the movement of CNFs villi. F‐actin and Occludin staining of Caco‐2 cells on a 2D flat‐chip as a control and a 3D gut‐chip with or without fluidic stress is observed. A permeability test of FD20 is performed. The proposed 3D gut‐chip with fluidic stress achieve the highest value of Papp. Mechano‐active stimuli caused by distinct structural and movement effects of CNFs villi as well as stiffness of the suggested CNFs villi not only can help accelerate cell differentiation but also can improve permeability. The proposed 3D gut‐chip system further strengthens the potential of the platform to increase the accuracy of various drug tests.