bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Biological Activity Evaluation and Molecular Docking of Imidazole Derivatives Possessing Hydrazone Moiety
Authors: Kekeçmuhammed Hüseyin , Tapera Michael , Aydoğdu Ekrem , Sarıpınar Emin , Aydin Karatas Elanur , Mehtap Uc Eda , Akyuz Mesut , Tüzün Burak , Gulcin İlhami , Emin Bora Rıfat , Özer İlhan İlhan
Published: May 2023

In an attempt to identify potential active anticancer agents with low cytotoxic properties and CA inhibitors, a new series of hybrid compounds incorporating imidazole ring and hydrazone moiety as part of their structure were synthesized by aza‐Michael addition reaction followed by intramolecular cyclization. The structure of synthesized compounds was elucidated using various spectral techniques. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro anticancer (prostate cell lines; PC3) and CA inhibitory (hCA I and hCA II) activity. Among them, some compound displayed remarkable anticancer activity and CA inhibitory activity with Ki values in range of 17.53±7.19–150.50±68.87 nM against cytosolic hCA I isoform associated with epilepsy, and 28.82±14.26–153.27±55.80 nM against dominant cytosolic hCA II isoforms associated with glaucoma. Furthermore, the theoretical parameters of the bioactive molecules were calculated to establish their drug‐likeness qualities. The proteins used for the calculations are prostate cancer protein (PDB ID: 3RUK and 6XXP). ADME/T analysis was carried out to examine the drug properties of the studied molecules.
Coupling of Heteroarene and Arenol via Nickel‐Catalyzed C−H/C−OH Activation
Authors: Hung Chen‐Hsun , Wang Ting‐Hsuan , Yap Glenn P. A. , Juan Joon Ching , Ong Tiow‐Gan
Published: May 2023

Increasing sustainability awareness throughout society has sought to bring more atom‐economy and environmentally benign synthetic methods based on simultaneous reaction transformation through ubiquitous C−H and C−O activation. This work reports a Ni‐catalyzed heteroarene C−H/arenol C−OH coupling reaction, which omits the use of strong Lewis‐acid additive and low atom‐economy protecting reagent. The array of arenols and heteroarenes is effective in this protocol using in‐situ activating reagent of pivalic anhydride. Detailed mechanistic studies and identification of intermediate have been carried out to understand the nature of catalytic reactions.
Generation and Characterization of a Tetraradical Embedded in a Curved Cyclic Paraphenylene Unit
Authors: Miyazawa Yuki , Wang Zhe , Hatano Sayaka , Takagi Ryukichi , Matsuoka Hideto , Amamizu Naoka , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Kayahara Eiichi , Yamago Shigeru , Abe Manabu
Published: May 2023

Unique spin–spin (magnetic) interactions, ring‐size effects on ground‐state spin multiplicity, and in‐plane aromaticity has been found in localized 1,3‐diradicals embedded in curved benzene structures such as cycloparaphenylene (CPP). In this study, we characterized the magnetic interactions in a tetraradical consisting of two localized 1,3‐diradical units connected byp‐quaterphenyl within a curved CPP skeleton by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. Persistent triplet species with zero‐field splitting parameters similar to those of a triplet 1,3‐diphenylcyclopentane‐1,3‐diyl diradical were observed by continuous wave (CW) or pulsed X‐band EPR measurements. The quintet state derived from the ferromagnetic interaction between the two triplet diradical moieties was not detected at 20 K under glassy matrix conditions. At the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory, the singlet state was lower in energy than the triplet and quintet states. These findings will aid in the development of open‐shell species for material science application.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of 2 Nifedipine Controlled‐Release Tablets: A Randomized, Single‐Dose, 2‐Period Crossover Study in Healthy Chinese Volunteers Under Fasting and Fed Conditions
Authors: Xin Liang , Chen Qing , Chen Dandan , Li Yijhen , Li Yiqun , Wu Qingqing , Zou Yang , Wang Wei , Jia Jingying , Yu Chen , Liu Yanmei
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of generic nifedipine controlled‐release tablet compared to branded product under fasting and fed conditions. A randomized, single‐dose, 2‐period, crossover study with a 7‐day washout period was performed in 84 healthy Chinese volunteers (fasting cohort, n = 42; fed cohort, n = 42). In each study period, volunteers were assigned to receive a single oral dose of the generic or reference product (30 mg). Blood samples were collected before dosing and up to 72 hours after administration. The plasma concentration of nifedipine was determined by a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained using a noncompartmental model and log‐transformed pharmacokinetic parameters (maximum plasma concentration, area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from time 0 to the last measurable concentration, AUC from time 0 to infinity) were used to evaluate bioequivalence. The results showed that the 90% confidence interval for the geometric mean ratio of pharmacokinetic parameters of the test and reference products ranged from 80.0% to 125.0% in both the fasting and fed cohorts, meeting the criteria for bioequivalence. No serious adverse events were reported throughout the study and no adverse events led to withdrawal from the study. Food effects were found in both the test and reference products, with mean maximum plasma concentration, AUC from time 0 to the last measurable concentration, and AUC from time 0 to infinity increased by 23.7%, 20.7%, and 20.5%, respectively, for the test product and 35.2%, 13.4%, and 14.7% for the reference product after a high‐fat and high‐calorie breakfast.
Detection of COVID‐19 patient based on attention segmental recurrent neural network (ASRNN) Archimedes optimization algorithm using ultra‐low‐dose CT images
Authors: Kannan G. , K Karunambiga , Sathish Kumar P. J. , Shajin Francis H.
Published: May 2023

In this article, the detection of COVID‐19 patient based on attention segmental recurrent neural network (ASRNN) with Archimedes optimization algorithm (AOA) using ultra‐low‐dose CT (ULDCT) images is proposed. Here, the ultra‐low‐dose CT images are gathered via real time dataset. The input images are preprocessed with the help of convolutional auto‐encoder to recover the ULDCT images quality by removing noises. The preprocessed images are given to generalized additive models with structured interactions (GAMI) for extracting the radiomic features. The radiomic features, such as morphologic, gray scale statistic, Haralick texture are extracted using GAMI‐Net. The ASRNN classifier, whose weight parameters optimized with Archimedes optimization algorithm enables COVID‐19 ULDCT images classification as COVID‐19 or normal. The proposed approach is activated in MATLAB platform. The proposed ASRNN‐AOA‐ULDCT attains accuracy 22.08%, 24.03%, 34.76%, 34.65%, 26.89%, 45.86%, and 32.14%; precision 23.34%, 26.45%, 34.98%, 27.06%, 35.87%, 34.44%, and 22.36% better than the existing methods, such as DenseNet‐HHO‐ULDCT, ELM‐DNN‐ULDCT, EDL‐ULDCT, ResNet 50‐ULDCT, SDL‐ULDCT, CNN‐ULDCT, and DRNN‐ULDCT, respectively.
Sleep loss potentiates Th17‐cell pathogenicity and promotes autoimmune uveitis
Authors: Liu Xiuxing , Su Yuhan , Huang Zhaohao , Lv Jianjie , Gu Chenyang , Li Zhuang , Tao Tianyu , Liu Yidan , Jiang Qi , Duan Runping , Chen Binyao , Ju Rong , Wang Xianggui , Zheng Yingfeng , Su Wenru
Published: May 2023

Background

Sleep loss (SL) is a health issue associated with the higher risk of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. However, the connection between SL, the immune system, and autoimmune diseases remains unknown.

Methods

We conducted mass cytometry, single‐cell RNA sequencing, and flow cytometry to analyze how SL influences immune system and autoimmune disease development. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from six healthy subjects before and after SL were collected and analyzed by mass cytometry experiments and subsequent bioinformatic analysis to identify the effects of SL on human immune system. Sleep deprivation and experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) mice model were constructed, and scRNA‐seq data from mice cervical draining lymph nodes were generated to explore how SL influences EAU development and related autoimmune responses.

Results

We found compositional and functional changes in human and mouse immune cells after SL, especially in effector CD4+ T and myeloid cells. SL upregulated serum GM‐CSF levels in healthy individuals and in patients with SL‐induced recurrent uveitis. Experiments in mice undergoing SL or EAU demonstrated that SL could aggravate autoimmune disorders by inducing pathological immune cell activation, upregulating inflammatory pathways, and promoting intercellular communication. Furthermore, we found that SL promoted Th17 differentiation, pathogenicity, and myeloid cells activation through the IL‐23Th17GM‐CSF feedback mechanism, thus promoting EAU development. Lastly, an anti‐GM‐CSF treatment rescued SL‐induced EAU aggravation and pathological immune response.

Conclusions

SL promoted Th17 cells pathogenicity and autoimmune uveitis development, especially through the interaction between Th17 and myeloid cells involving GM‐CSF signaling, providing possible therapeutic targets for the SL‐related pathological disorders.
Assessing opportunities and inequities in undergraduate ecological forecasting education
Authors: Willson Alyssa M. , Gallo Hayden , Peters Jody A. , Abeyta Antoinette , Bueno Watts Nievita , Carey Cayelan C. , Moore Tadhg N. , Smies Georgia , Thomas R. Quinn , Woelmer Whitney M. , McLachlan Jason S.
Published: May 2023

Conducting ecological research in a way that addresses complex, real‐world problems requires a diverse, interdisciplinary and quantitatively trained ecology and environmental science workforce. This begins with equitably training students in ecology, interdisciplinary science, and quantitative skills at the undergraduate level. Understanding the current undergraduate curriculum landscape in ecology and environmental sciences allows for targeted interventions to improve equitable educational opportunities. Ecological forecasting is a sub‐discipline of ecology with roots in interdisciplinary and quantitative science. We use ecological forecasting to show how ecology and environmental science undergraduate curriculum could be evaluated and ultimately restructured to address the needs of the 21st century workforce. To characterize the current state of ecological forecasting education, we compiled existing resources for teaching and learning ecological forecasting at three curriculum levels: online resources; US university courses on ecological forecasting; and US university courses on topics related to ecological forecasting. We found persistent patterns (1) in what topics are taught to US undergraduate students at each of the curriculum levels; and (2) in the accessibility of resources, in terms of course availability at higher education institutions in the United States. We developed and implemented programs to increase the accessibility and comprehensiveness of ecological forecasting undergraduate education, including initiatives to engage specifically with Native American undergraduates and online resources for learning quantitative concepts at the undergraduate level. Such steps enhance the capacity of ecological forecasting to be more inclusive to undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and expose more students to quantitative training.
Distinct modulation of cellular immunopeptidome by the allosteric regulatory site of ER aminopeptidase 1
Authors: Temponeras Ioannis , Samiotaki Martina , Koumantou Despoina , Nikopaschou Martha , Kuiper Jonas J.W. , Panayotou George , Stratikos Efstratios
Published: May 2023

ER aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) is an ER‐resident aminopeptidase that excises N‐terminal residues of peptides that then bind onto Major Histocompatibility Complex I molecules (MHC‐I) and indirectly modulates adaptive immune responses. ERAP1 contains an allosteric regulatory site that accommodates the C‐terminus of at least some peptide substrates, raising questions about its exact influence on antigen presentation and the potential of allosteric inhibition for cancer immunotherapy. We used an inhibitor that targets this regulatory site to study its effect on the immunopeptidome of a human cancer cell line. The immunopeptidomes of allosterically inhibited and ERAP1 KO cells contain high‐affinity peptides with sequence motifs consistent with the cellular HLA class I haplotypes but are strikingly different in peptide composition. Compared to KO cells, allosteric inhibition did not affect the length distribution of peptides and skewed the peptide repertoire both in terms of sequence motifs and HLA allele utilization, indicating significant mechanistic differences between the two ways of disrupting ERAP1 function. These findings suggest that the regulatory site of ERAP1 plays distinct roles in antigenic peptide selection, which should be taken into consideration when designing therapeutic interventions targeting the cancer immunopeptidome.
CO2has significant implications for hourly ambient temperature: Evidence from Hawaii
Authors: Forbes Kevin F.
Published: May 2023

A small group of climate scientists and influencers have vigorously disputed the scientific consensus on climate change. They have contributed to a belief system that has impeded policy actions to reduce emissions. They accept that more CO2in the atmosphere has consequences for the climate but strongly deny that the magnitude of the effect is significant. Using hourly CO2data from the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, this article examines whether the hourly temperature data at the nearby Hilo International Airport support this belief. ARCH/ARMAX methods are employed because the hourly temperature data, even in Hawaii, are both highly autoregressive and volatile. The temperature data are analyzed using an archive of day‐ahead hourly weather forecast data to control for expected meteorological outcomes. The model is estimated using 42,928 hourly observations from August 7, 2009, through December 31, 2014. CO2concentrations are found to have statistically significant implications for hourly temperature. The model is evaluated using hourly data from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2017. The findings add to the consilience of evidence supporting the scientific consensus on climate change.
Water‐Soluble Aryl‐ and Super Aryl‐Extended Calix[4]pyrroles
Authors: Aragay Gemma , Ballester Pablo
Published: May 2023

The study of molecular recognition processes in water using biomimetic synthetic receptors provides valuable information for understanding more complex biological processes. In the last decade, our group focused on the use of aryl‐extended calix[4]pyrrole (AE−C[4]P) scaffolds for the binding of small polar molecules in water. The cone conformation of tetra‐α isomers of aryl‐extended calix[4]pyrroles defines a deep hydrophobic cavity with an open end and functionalized with converging hydrogen‐bond donor groups in its closed end. In this sense, AE−C[4]Ps can be considered as simple biomimetic analogs of enzyme binding sites. In this account, we describe the synthetic strategies used for the preparation of water‐soluble AE‐ and super aryl‐extended (SAE−) C[4]Ps. We review and rationalize the results of their molecular recognition studies in water using pyridyl‐N‐oxide derivatives and a series of small and neutral polar molecules as guests and comment on their applications as supramolecular and sequestering protective groups.
Transfection efficacy and drug release depends upon the PEG derivative in cationic lipoplexes: Evaluation in 3D in vitro model and in vivo
Authors: A. M. Gileva , O. O. Koloskova , A. S. Nosova , L. I. Vishniakova , V. A. Simonova , L. A. Kurbanova , E. A. Egorenkov , V. V. Smirnov , U. A. Budanova , Yu L. Sebyakin , N. E. Suzina , M. R. Khaitov , E. Markvicheva
Published: May 2023

The goal of the study was to estimate transfection efficacy and drug release in function of the PEG derivative in cationic liposomes and lipoplexes in both 2D and 3D in vitro models as well as in a mouse model (in vivo). For this purpose, cationic PEGylated nanocarriers based on OrnOrnGlu(C16H33)2 lipopeptides were fabricated and characterized. The nanocarriers were loaded with DNA plasmid pGL3 or with siRNA targeting 5′‐UTR region of Hepatitis C virus, and their transfection efficacies were studied by luciferase test or by PCR technique, respectively. The pGL3‐lipoplexes containing PEG derivative b (6 mol % PEG) were selected as the most promising nanocarriers for further in vivo study. In vitro cytotoxicity assay of the pGL3‐lipoplexes with the PEG derivative b showed 2‐ and 1.5‐fold enhancements of IC50 levels for HEK293T and HepG2 cells, respectively. Accumulation of the liposomes in the cells was studied by confocal microscopy using both 2D (monolayer culture) and 3D (multicellular spheroids) in vitro models. The PEGylated liposomes were found to penetrate cells more slowly than unmodified ones (without PEG). Thus, maximum liposomes in the HEK293T cells was observed after 1 and 3 h in the case of 2D and 3D in vitro models, respectively. Biodistribution study in mice showed that the PEGylated lipoplexes containing the PEG derivative b were eliminated from the bloodstream more slowly, namely with the doubled half‐life time, than unmodified ones. Thus, the enhanced transfection efficacy and prolonged drug release of the PEGylated lipoplexes containing the optimal PEG derivative was demonstrated. This approach could be promising for development of novel siRNA‐based drugs.
Effects of risk factors on evoked pain patterns in rat models of experimental knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Philpott Holly T. , Blackler Garth , Daniel Klapak Joseph , Pitchers Kyle K. , Tomlinson Madison , Smith Niall , Viehweger Jaclyn , Umoh Joseph U. , Holdsworth David W. , Maerz Tristan , Thomas Appleton Christopher
Published: May 2023

Pain experiences in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) may be influenced differently by OA risk factors, reducing the translatability of preclinical research into the clinic. Our objective was to contrast evoked pain patterns after exposure to different OA risk factors including acute joint trauma, chronic instability, or obesity/metabolic syndrome using rat models of experimental knee OA. We tested longitudinal patterns of evoked pain behaviors (knee pressure pain threshold and hindpaw withdrawal threshold) in young male rats exposed to different OA‐inducing risk factors including (1) nonsurgical joint trauma (impact‐induced anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture); (2) surgical joint destabilization (ACL + medial meniscotibial ligament transection); and (3) high fat/sucrose (HFS) diet‐induced obesity. Histopathology for synovitis, cartilage damage, and subchondral bone morphology was performed. Pressure pain threshold was reduced (more pain) most, and earlier by joint trauma (Week 4–12) and HFS (Week 8–28) than by joint destabilization (Week 12). Hindpaw withdrawal threshold was reduced transiently after joint trauma (Week 4), with smaller and later reductions after joint destabilization (Week 12), but not with HFS. Synovial inflammation occurred at Week 4 after joint trauma and instability but only coincided with pain behaviors after joint trauma. Cartilage and bone histopathology were most severe after joint destabilization and least severe with HFS. The pattern, intensity, and timing of evoked pain behaviors varied due to OA risk factor exposure and were inconsistently associated with histopathological OA features. These findings may help to explain the challenges with translating preclinical OA pain research to multimorbid clinical OA contexts.
Stem‐cell based soft tissue substitutes: Engineering of crosslinked polylysine‐hyaluronic acid microspheres ladened with gingival mesenchymal stem cells for collagen tissue regeneration and angiogenesis
Authors: Ni Jing , Li Mengdi , Li Chaolun , Zhong Zhe , Xi Hongwei , Wu Yiqun
Published: May 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to construct crosslinked polylysine‐hyaluronic acid microspheres (pl‐HAM) ladened with gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) and explore its biologic behavior in soft tissue regeneration.

Methods

The effects of the crosslinked pl‐HAM on the biocompatibility and the recruitment of L‐929 cells and GMSCs were detected in vitro. Moreover, the regeneration of subcutaneous collagen tissue, angiogenesis and the endogenous stem cells recruitment were investigated in vivo. We also detected the cell developing capability of pl‐HAMs.

Results

The crosslinked pl‐HAMs appeared to be completely spherical‐shaped particles and had good biocompatibility. L‐929 cells and GMSCs grew around the pl‐HAMs and increased gradually. Cell migration experiments showed that pl‐HAMs combined with GMSCs could promote the migration of vascular endothelial cells significantly. Meanwhile, the green fluorescent protein‐GMSCs in the pl‐HAM group still remain in the soft tissue regeneration area 2 weeks after surgery. The results of in vivo studies showed that denser collagen deposition and more angiogenesis‐related indicator CD31 expression in the pl‐HAMs+ GMSCs + GeL group compared with the pl‐HAMs + GeL group. Immunofluorescence showed that CD44, CD90, CD73 co‐staining positive cells surrounded the microspheres in both pl‐HAMs + GeL group and pl‐HAM + GMSCs + GeL group.

Conclusions

The crosslinked pl‐HAM ladened with GMSCs system could provide a suitable microenvironment for collagen tissue regeneration, angiogenesis and endogenous stem cells recruitment, which may be an alternative to autogenous soft tissue grafts for minimally invasive treatments for periodontal soft tissue defects in the future.
Association between sarcopenic obesity and poor muscle quality based on muscle quality map and abdominal computed tomography
Authors: Cho Yun Kyung , Jung Han Na , Kim Eun Hee , Lee Min Jung , Park Joong‐Yeol , Lee Woo Je , Kim Hong‐Kyu , Jung Chang Hee
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study evaluated whether sarcopenic obesity is closely associated with muscle quality using abdominal computed tomography.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 13,612 participants who underwent abdominal computed tomography. The cross‐sectional area of the skeletal muscle was measured at the L3 level (total abdominal muscle area [TAMA]) and segmented into normal attenuation muscle area (NAMA, +30 to +150 Hounsfield units), low attenuation muscle area (−29 to +29 Hounsfield units), and intramuscular adipose tissue (−190 to −30 Hounsfield units). The NAMA/TAMA index was calculated by dividing NAMA by TAMA and multiplying by 100, and the lowest quartile of NAMA/TAMA index was defined as myosteatosis (<73.56 in men and <66.97 in women). Sarcopenia was defined using BMI‐adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle mass.

Results

The prevalence of myosteatosis was found to be significantly higher in participants with sarcopenic obesity (17.9% vs. 54.2%, p < 0.001) than the control group without sarcopenia or obesity. Compared with the control group, the odds ratio (95% CI) for having myosteatosis was 3.70 (2.87–4.76) for participants with sarcopenic obesity after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, drinking, exercise, hypertension, diabetes, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein.

Conclusions

Sarcopenic obesity is significantly associated with myosteatosis, which is representative of poor muscle quality.
Water‐driven shape memory nanocomposite fibers for actuators
Authors: Wang Changchun , Wang Lei , Zhang Zewu , Zhang Na , Huang Yu‐an
Published: May 2023

Shape memory polymer (SMP) can store entropic energy during programming and release the energy as recovery. The released energy is determined by the recovery strain and the recovery stress. The low recovery stress of SMP limits its application. In this paper, shape memory nanocomposite fibers (SMNFs) prepared by wet spinning through a two‐step orientating process show thermo‐active and water‐driven shape memory effect. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are uniformly dispersed in SMNF and aligned along the SMNF axis. SMNF with 13 wt% CNT has an average maximum recovery stress of ~160 MPa at 100°C, which is almost five times higher than that of a pure PVA fiber. The uniform distribution of the orientational CNTs in the SMNFs and the confinement effect of the CNTs confirmed by the increased relaxation time contribute to the increment of the recovery stress. Aligned CNTs impede the mobility of amorphous chains and increase the Tg of SMNFs. The twisted SMNF can drive an object up to 25 times its own weight in water to rotate and lift. The rotational velocity of the twisted SMNF is sensitive to temperature. Water molecules acting as plasticizers greatly enhance the mobility of the PVA chains, and the SMNF in water releases the stored entropic energy at room temperature. The SMNF with high recovery stress demonstrates its potential for applications in the field of actuators and artificial muscles.
Lung biopsy in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Callaway Danielle A. , Wang Yifei , Lingappan Krithika , Pogoriler Jennifer E. , Laje Pablo , Nilan Kathleen , Kirpalani Haresh , Zhang Huayan
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Lung biopsy is infrequently performed in the population of infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Yet, its presentation may overlap with other infant diffuse lung diseases, including those within the spectrum of childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILD). Lung biopsy might differentiate between these entities or identify those with an extremely poor prognosis. Both might alter the clinical management of some infants diagnosed with BPD.

Methods

In this tertiary referral center, we drew on a retrospective cohort of 308 preterm infants with severe BPD. Of these, nine underwent lung biopsy between 2012 and 2017. We aimed to assess the indication for lung biopsy, the prior clinical history, safety of the procedure, and describe the biopsy findings. Finally, we considered management decisions in relation to the biopsy results in these patients.

Results

All nine infants undergoing biopsy survived the procedure. The mean gestational age and birth weight of the nine patients were 30 ± 3 (range 27−34) weeks and 1421 ± 571 (range 611−2140) grams. All infants received serial echocardiograms to assess pulmonary hypertension, genetic testing, and computed tomography angiography (CTA) before biopsy. In all nine patients moderate to severe alveolar simplification was present and eight had some degree of pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis (PIG) ranging from focal to diffuse. Following biopsy, two infants with PIG received high dose systemic steroids and two separate infants had care redirected.

Conclusion

In our cohort, lung biopsy was safe and well tolerated. Findings from lung biopsy may aid decision making in selected patients as a part of a step‐wise diagnostic algorithm.
Comparison of the efficacy of inhaled versus infused milrinone in the management of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn in resource‐limited settings: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Choobdar Farhad Abolhasan , Shahhosseini Peyman , Vahedi Zahra , Khosravi Nastaran , Khalesi Nasrin , Ghassemzadeh Maral
Published: May 2023

Background

The standard treatment for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), which is not available in Iran. Consequently, other drugs, such as milrinone, are prescribed. So far, no study has investigated the effectiveness of inhaled milrinone in the management of PPHN. The present study aimed to improve the management of PPHN in the absence of iNO.

Methods

In this randomized clinical trial, neonates with PPHN, admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Hazrat Ali‐Asghar and Akbar‐Abadi hospitals, were treated with intravenous dopamine infusion and randomly divided into two groups, receiving milrinone through inhalation or infusion rout. The neonates were evaluated by Doppler echocardiography, clinical examinations, and oxygen demand test. The neonates were also evaluated for the clinical symptoms and mortality in the follow‐up.

Results

A total of 31 infants, with a median age of 2 days (interquartile range = 4), were included in this study. There was a significant decrease in the peak systolic and mean pulmonary arterial pressure in both inhalation and infusion groups following milrinone administration, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.584 and p = 0.147, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the mean systolic blood pressure before and after treatment. Additionally, diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the infusion group after treatment (p = 0.020); however, the amount of reduction was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.928). Overall, 83.9% of the participants achieved full recovery, 75% of whom were in the infusion group and 93.3% in the inhalation group (p = 0.186).

Conclusion

Milrinone inhalation can have similar effects to milrinone infusion as an adjunct treatment in the management of PPHN. Also, infusion and inhalation of milrinone showed similar safety.
Chronic resveratrol administration reduces oxidative stress and brain cell loss and improves memory of recognition in old rats
Authors: Juarez Daniel , Arteaga Ivan , Cortes Haisha , Vazquez‐Roque Ruben , Lopez‐Lopez Gustavo , Flores Gonzalo , Treviño Samuel , Guevara Jorge , Diaz Alfonso
Published: May 2023

The cognitive functions of people over 60 years of age have been diminished, due to the structural and functional changes that the brain has during aging. The most evident changes are at the behavioral and cognitive level, with decreased learning capacity, recognition memory, and motor incoordination. The use of exogenous antioxidants has been implemented as a potential pharmacological option to delay the onset of brain aging by attenuating oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Resveratrol (RSVL) is a polyphenol present in various foods, such as red fruits, and drinks, such as red wine. This compound has shown great antioxidant capacity due to its chemical structure. In this study, we evaluated the effect of chronic RSVL treatment on oxidative stress and cell loss in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of 20‐month‐old rats, as well as its impact on recognition memory and motor behavior. Rats treated with RSVL showed an improvement in locomotor activity and in short‐ and long‐term recognition memory. Likewise, the concentration of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation decreased significantly in the group with RSVL, coupled with an improvement in the activity of the antioxidant system. Finally, with the help of hematoxylin and eosin staining, it was shown that chronic treatment with RSVL prevented cell loss in the brain regions studied. Our results demonstrate the antioxidant and neuroprotective capacity of RSVL when administered chronically. This strengthens the proposal that RSVL could be an important pharmacological option to reduce the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases that affect older adults.
Neonatal olfactory bulbectomy induces anxiety‐related behavior and modifies dopaminergic receptor expression in post‐pubertal rats
Authors: Flores Gonzalo , Gómez‐Villalobos María de Jesús , Iannitti Tommaso , Morales‐Medina Julio César
Published: May 2023

Olfaction is a complex physiological process producing effects in the central nervous system (CNS) and implicated in emotional processes. Indeed, the olfactory bulbs (OB) send projections to various CNS regions including the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and caudate‐putamen (CPu). Both the NAcc and CPu receive important dopaminergic input. Emerging evidence suggests that dopamine (DA) is related to anxiety‐related behaviors. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the consequences of neonatal olfactory bulbectomy (nOBX) to anxiety‐related behavior as assayed in the elevated plus maze (EPM) as well as the expression of dopaminergic receptors (D1‐like, D2‐like, and D3) in the NAcc and CPu at pre‐ and post‐pubertal ages in the rat. The results show that nOBX increased the number of entries in the open arm of the EPM post‐pubertally, suggesting an anxiolytic‐related effect. nOBX increased the D2‐like binding in the NAcc shell and D3 binding in the NAcc core pre‐pubertally. At post‐pubertal ages, the D3 binding was reduced at the olfactory tubercle and islands of Calleja in nOBX rats. Alterations in the DA receptor expression may be one mechanism responsible for the observed behavioral modifications in nOBX rats.
Assessment of surface water quality near municipal Solid Waste dumping facility in Bukoba, Kagera Region, Tanzania
Authors: Lema Meserecordias W. J. , Mwegoha William J. S.
Published: May 2023

Water samples were collected from River Kanoni which passes near a municipal solid waste (MSW) dumping facility in Bukoba Town, Kagera Region, United Republic of Tanzania. The objective of the study was to assess surface water pollution caused by a MSW dump. Selected physico‐chemical parameters (pH, temperature, Electrical Conductivity [EC], and Total Dissolved Solids [TDS]), nutrient levels, as well as heavy metals concentrations (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd) were analyzed in the laboratory at the University of Dar es Salaam, in accordance with standard methods, and were compared with the existing standard limits for freshwater qualities, as stipulated by WHO and US‐EPA. Results have shown that pH values were within the allowable range of between 6.5 and 8.5, except for one value (8.82 ± 0.11) that was measured at the midstream. Temperature values were between 26.28 ± 1.02°C and 28.35 ± 0.15°C, which are within the allowable range of between 20°C and 50°C. EC values were between 262.50 ± 8.32 μS/cm and 345.01 ± 6.48 μS/cm, which are below the maximum allowable value of 400 μS/cm. TDS values were between 183.75 ± 6.55 mg/L and 241.51 ± 11.33 mg/L, which are below the maximum allowable value of 500 mg/L. Nitrate levels were between 17.52 ± 1.12 mg/L and 32.00 ± 3.02 mg/L, which are above the standard limit of 10 mg/L above. Concentrations of Lead, Chromium, and Cadmium were between 0.03 ± 0.01 mg/L and 0.16 ± 0.05 mg/L, 0.55 ± 0.02 mg/L and 1.14 ± 0.07 mg/L, and 0.009 ± 0.12 mg/L and 0.098 ± 0.22, respectively, which are all above the recommended limits of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.003 mg/L, respectively. Values for copper and zinc were between 0.02 ± 0.12 mg/L and 0.20 ± 0.22 mg/L, and 0.79 ± 0.32 mg/L and 1.57 ± 0.04 mg/L respectively, which are below the recommended limits of 1.3 and 5 mg/L, respectively. This study has revealed that Bukoba MSW dumping facility has potential impacts on the water quality in River Kanoni, for domestic usage. This, therefore, demands all relevant authorities to immediately find a proper and sustainable replacement for the existing MSW dump in Bukoba town.
Multiscale modeling and simulation of surface‐enhanced spectroscopy and plasmonic photocatalysis
Authors: Liang WanZhen , Huang Jiaquan , Sun Jin , Zhang Pengcheng , Li Akang
Published: May 2023

Plasmonic metal nanoparticles (PMNPs) are capable of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and have become an important component in many experimental settings, such as the surface‐enhanced spectroscopy and plasmonic photocatalysts, in which PMNPs are used to regulate the nearby molecular photophysical and photochemical behaviors by means of the complex interplay between the plasmon and molecular quantum transitions. Building computational models of these coupled plasmon‐molecule systems can help us better understand the bound molecular properties and reactivity, and make better decisions to design and control such systems. Ab initio modeling the nanosystem remains highly challenging. Many hybrid quantum‐classical (or ‐quantum) computing models have thus been developed to model the coupled systems, in which the molecular system of interest is designated as the quantum mechanical (QM) sub‐region and treated by the excited‐state electronic structure approaches such as the time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), while the electromagnetic response of PMNPs is usually described using either a computational/classical electrodynamic (CED) model, polarizable continuum model(PCM), a polarizable molecular mechanics (MM) force field, or a collective of optical oscillators in QED model, leading to many hybrid approaches, such as QM/CED, QM/PCM, QM/MM or ab initio QED. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the development of these hybrid models as well as their advantages and limitations, with a specific emphasis on the TDDFT‐based approaches. Some numerical simulations on the plasmon‐enhanced absorption and Raman spectroscopy, plasmon‐driven water splitting reaction and interfacial electronic injection dynamics in dye‐sensitized solar cell are demonstrated.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy

Software > Quantum Chemistry

Electronic Structure Theory > Combined QM/MM Methods
The Bacteriological Divide: Pellagra in Italy and the United States (The Twentieth Century)
Authors: Gentilcore David , Priani Egidio
Published: April 2023

At the beginning of the twentieth century, there was still no cure for pellagra. This chapter concludes our look at medical reactions to pellagra over the course of the long nineteenth century, with a study of two vastly different reactions to a new explanatory model of the disease in the period leading up to the First World War. In 1910, a doctor at London’s School of Tropical Medicine concluded that pellagra had a bacterial cause and nothing whatsoever to do with maize consumption. In Italy, this challenged the existing orthodoxy that pellagra was caused by a maize toxin. Meanwhile, in the United States, where the disease was fast becoming epidemic, the bacterial approach seemed to provide a ready solution. This chapter asks whether the bacterial theory effectively side-tracked research on pellagra and diet, in the interests of medical investigators, public officials and maize producers. And it explores what these theoretical shifts and the resulting controversies reveal about the very different medical and public health contexts in Italy and the United States. Paradoxically, and quite tragically, pellagra is an example of a disease for which there were more or less effective preventive measures available (and proposed, but not necessarily practised) long before there was a complete understanding of the disease and its cause.
The End of a Performance? Swedish Rent Strikes in the 1980s
Authors: Rolf Hannes
Published: May 2023

During the 1980s, Sweden saw several rent protests and rent strikes in different parts of the country. While there is an obvious continuity from the Swedish rent contention in the 1970s, the rent contention in the 1980s is in itself an interesting topic to study. The influence of radical leftist groups in the 1980s isn’t as obvious as it appears to have been in the 1970s, and rent striking seems to have been seen as a legitimate way of handling grievances during the first half of the 1980s. Most of the rent protests took place in municipal and other forms of non-speculative housing, and contention took place both between tenant and landlord and within the established organisations of the tenant’s movement, thus turning into a challenge against the social democratic leadership. Using the theoretical framework of Contentious Politics Studies (CPS), this chapter examines rent contention in Sweden during the 1980s and especially the rent strikes of the period, looking at the role of rent striking and other forms of protests in the tenant contentious repertoire of that era. Of particular interest is the disappearance of evidence of rent strikes after 1985, signifying a change to the contentious tenant repertoire.
Primer on Machine Learning
Authors: Haben Stephen , Voss Marcus , Holderbaum William
Published: April 2023

The previous chapter introduced various concepts from statistics and probability relevant to forecasting. As many state-of-the-art approaches rely on machine learning, this chapter will introduce some fundamental definitions and concepts. It does not intend to provide an in-depth understanding but instead plans to overview the main concepts as they are relevant to this book. It provides an overview of practically relevant concepts when using software packages to fit and configure machine learning models. It does not introduce specific algorithms as those machine learning algorithms that are typically used in load forecasting are discussed in detail in Chap. 10. More in-depth overviews of the approaches can be found in the list of further reading in Appendix D.2.
Time Series Forecasting: Core Concepts and Definitions
Authors: Haben Stephen , Voss Marcus , Holderbaum William
Published: April 2023

This chapter will present the main definitions and concepts for time series forecasting. It begins by introducing time series before leading into the general form and definitions of a time series forecast. The following sections will lay the foundations for much of the tools, models and concepts in the later chapters. This chapter will rely on a basic understanding of statistical concepts which will be assumed. Chapter 3 contains a crash course in some of the important elements of statistics and probability and will be referred to throughout.
Verification and Evaluation of Load Forecast Models
Authors: Haben Stephen , Voss Marcus , Holderbaum William
Published: April 2023

What makes a good forecast? This section aims to introduce some of the main tools for evaluating the quality of time series forecasts. It is worth noting that this is still a very active research area, especially in the developing area of probabilistic load forecasts. Obviously error measures can only be calculated after the actual observations have become available, although in practice forecasts are evaluated on the historical data by splitting it into training and testing periods (see Sect. 8.1.3).
Human Rights in Central Asia—Between Internationalization and Nation-Building
Authors: Hien Melanie , Kuebler Florian , Nazaralieva Aikerim
Published: May 2023

Human rights education and knowledge dissemination in Central Asia have been developing since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The countries in the region have a mixture of democratic, authoritarian, and autocratic systems, which, for human rights defenders in particular, can pose challenges. Over the course of the last three decades, their opportunities have either been restricted or expanded. Against this background, in 2021, the Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS) in Regensburg, Germany, conducted a project in collaboration with the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, which included a one-week workshop entitled “Human Rights in Central Asia—Between Internationalization and Nation-Building.” Both civil society activists and young professionals attended the workshop, where they reported on their experiences in human rights education, empowerment, knowledge dissemination, and state-building in Central Asia. There are three key questions to be addressed in this context: What are the outcomes of the workshop discussions concerning human rights instruments, legislation related to civil society organizations (CSOs), the role of civil societies, and the sustainability of CSO projects, as well as how their impact is measured? Further, what observations can be made and what lessons learned from this for human rights education and knowledge dissemination, specifically with regard to research, teaching, material, and social media usage? And, finally, what recommendations can be made for the national, international, state, and non-state actors involved in human rights education, empowerment, and knowledge dissemination in Central Asia?
Inclusive Human Rights Education in Tajikistan
Authors: Husnidinzoda Mohirakhoni
Published: May 2023

This chapter presents a critical overview of the development and implementation of inclusive education (IE) for children with special needs in Tajikistan. It assesses the improvements and shortcomings of the last few years and in so doing, aims to identify the remaining gaps in the relevant legislation and government programs, as well as societal perceptions of the issue of IE. Based on primary sources in the form of semi-structured interviews and secondary sources, such as social science and other literature, this chapter also demonstrates the need for more work to be done to combat stigma as well as both prejudice and charitable attitudes marked by pity toward disabled people. The necessary steps here include abandoning the medical model and adopting a rights-based social model of disability in society, modifying domestic legal frameworks, and adopting an inclusive pedagogical approach (flexible curriculum, specially trained educators), as well as ensuring proper infrastructure and transportation systems for people with disabilities (PwD). The aim should be to make inclusive education and human rights education (HRE) a reality for children with disabilities (CwD) in Tajikistan. However, I will argue that not only do the government authorities lack political will but civil society, too, lacks active participation to enhance awareness, knowledge, and understanding about the (special) needs of people with disabilities. This study illustrates and provides an overview of the efforts that have been made by the government and civil society to implement enforcement mechanisms, looking at both flaws and attempts at progress.
Gender Equality and International Human Rights Law in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Erisheva Aizhan
Published: May 2023

Gender inequality is one of the main socioeconomic and transformation issues for women in Central Asia due to the inherited patriarchal culture, the low prioritization of the problem at the country level, and the poor representation of women in decision-making processes. In the case of Kyrgyzstan, in the last couple of years, the news headlines have been filled with sad stories of women suffering from domestic and gender-based violence and discrimination. It appears that women’s rights and interests are not protected, monitored, or part of the state’s agenda. What is surprising, however, is that Kyrgyzstan was the pioneer in the region when it came to adopting laws that promote human rights. Kyrgyzstan ratified the following international human rights treaties to protect women’s rights: the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) in 1997, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in 1994, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in 1997, the Forced Labour Convention and the Equal Remuneration Convention, both ratified in 1992, the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention in 1999, the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention and Employment Policy Convention, both ratified in 1992, and many other human rights treaties. In Kyrgyzstan, women are de facto not able to fully participate in the labor market, and do not have social protection or equal remuneration. In addition, they bear the burden of an unequal division of household chores, have limited access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and suffer from gender-based and domestic violence. The main factors contributing to this situation are inherited patriarchal culture and norms, the socioeconomic situation in the country, limited access to justice, legally undefined terms that have resulted in a discriminatory legal framework, and no government will make the laws and treaties enforceable.
Approach Two: Product Perspective
Authors: Whitehouse Marlies
Published: May 2023

This chapter scrutinizes financial analysts’ text products, drawing on an overall data corpus that consists of 2100 financial analysts’ texts in English, German, and Japanese.
Integration of All the Results
Authors: Whitehouse Marlies
Published: May 2023

This chapter provides an interim summary by integrating and discussing the results from the approaches one, two, and three. The results give an empirically grounded answer to the research question and lay the foundation for the problem solution in Part III.