bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application and Perspectives of Supercritical Fluid Technology in the Nutraceutical Industry
Authors: Li Lei , Chen Minyi , Zeng Yun , Liu Gang
Published: May 2022

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is an eco‐friendly technology that has attracted a great amount of attention in the food and nutraceutical industries due to its considerable benefits over conventional techniques. It has high selectivity and can be employed to extract heat sensitive, easily oxidized compounds with high efficiency. Less organic solvent is used during extraction, leaving no toxic residues in the product. With these advantages, SFE has been widely applied in bioactive compound extraction from natural plant materials or by‐products. This review summarizes the recent application of SFE in nutraceutical industries including recovery of carotenoids, phenolic compounds, lipids, flavor and fragrance, and decaffeination of tea and coffee. The key parameters affecting SFE are also discussed with focuses on pretreatment, temperature and pressure, flow rate, extraction time, and cosolvent/modifier. Overall, this review builds a comprehensive picture of SFE application in the nutraceutical industry. It is anticipated that this article can provide useful information for researchers to pursue more applications of this technology in the food and nutraceutical industries.
Hierarchical Pore‐Gradient Silica Aerogel Balancing Heat and Water Management for Efficient Solar‐Driven Water Evaporation
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Chang Qing , Li Ning , Xue Chaorui , Zhang Huinian , Yang Jinlong , Hu Shengliang
Published: May 2022

Efficient heat and water management are two essential aspects for enhancing solar‐driven water evaporation. Here, an efficient strategy to synchronously achieve desired heat and water management based on hierarchical pore‐gradient silica aerogel (HPSA) support that consists of large‐pores at top regions, small‐pores at bottom regions, and a porous wall constructed by mesoporous silica nanoparticles is demonstrated. The small‐pores at bottom regions enable capillary pumping capability, while the large‐pores at the top regions strengthen light capture and facilitate water/vapor transport. Additionally, the random distribution of super‐large pores and the porous wall further promote water supply and diffusion. The unique nanostructure enables the conceived HPSA to show desirable advantages of minimized heat loss, fast water transport, and reduced water evaporation enthalpy. After coating with the photothermal material of carbon dots/polydopamine, a high evaporation rate of 1.95 kg m–2 h–1 under 1 sun is achieved for the HPSA evaporator, which exhibits significant superiority in promoting solar‐driven water evaporation efficiency compared to a balsa wood and melamine sponge evaporator. In addition, the designed HPSA evaporator presents high recyclability and excellent salt resistance capacity in high‐salinity brine (15 wt%), holding great promise for practical solar‐driven water evaporation applications.
Design of Improved Molecular Solar‐Thermal Systems by Mechanochemistry: The Case of Azobenzene
Authors: Nucci Martina , Núñez Alejandro , Frutos Luis Manuel , Marazzi Marco
Published: May 2022

Molecular solar‐thermal systems (MOST) have emerged in these last years as a novel concept to store solar light. They rely on two state molecular switches that can absorb a photon to convert the initial state A to a higher‐in‐energy state B. The chemical energy stored by B can be then released to reconstitute A. Although simple in its principle, an optimal MOST needs to satisfy several requirements: incoming photon energy in the solar spectrum range, high photoreaction quantum yield, high storage density, no degradation. The first challenge is therefore the search for molecular switches that accomplish all such properties. Until now, trial‐and‐error experiments have been performed, led by physicochemical intuition. The result is that most of the initially proposed switches have been abandoned in favor of the preferred norbornadiene/quadricyclane system, together with its derivatives. Nevertheless, most of the solar spectrum is still out of the MOST absorption region, hence requiring novel approaches. Here, it is shown how mechanochemistry can be applied to improve the principally desired characteristics of a MOST: photon absorption energy, storage energy, and thermal B‐to‐A energy barrier. It is especially shown how azobenzene—a paradigmatic photoswitch still attracting much attention—can be proposed, within certain limits, as a MOST when applying external forces.
Donor–Acceptor Modification of Carbon Nitride for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Gao Shiyu , Wan Sijie , Yu Jiaguo , Cao Shaowen
Published: May 2022

The construction of conjugated copolymers with a donor–acceptor (D–A) system has emerged as a promising strategy for improving photocatalytic activity. Herein, a donor–acceptor modified carbon nitride (CN) conjugated copolymer is fabricated via facile thermal copolymerization of 2‐aminobenzimidazole (abIM) and urea. The experimental results demonstrate that the abIM units are successfully incorporated into the framework of CN and the main chemical structure of CN is still preserved. These abIM units can serve as electron acceptors, extending the π‐conjugated system and inducing the intramolecular charge transfer via an internal electric field. As a result, the construction of D–A structure not only improves the optical utilization efficiency but also facilitates the intramolecular migration of electrons and holes, leading to enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (2566 µmol g−1 h−1) as compared to pristine CN. This work provides a simple but effective method for preparing high‐performance carbon nitride photocatalysts.
European consumers' valuation for hybrid meat: Does information matter?
Authors: Asioli Daniele , Banovic Marija , Barone Ada Maria , Grasso Simona , Nayga Rodolfo M.
Published: May 2022

This study investigates for the first time how the use of different information messages (i.e., health, sensory, and convenience benefits) about hybrid meat shapes British, Spanish, and Danish consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for such products. Hybrid meats are products whereby a proportion of the meat has been replaced by plant‐based proteins. Using a choice experiment (CE) involving hybrid burgers that vary across four attributes (i.e., ingredient, fat content, Carbon Trust label, and price), our results show that consumers are generally not yet willing to pay a premium for such new products. Furthermore, we found that consumer valuation for hybrid burgers strongly depends on the type of information provided and consumer characteristics. These findings provide useful guidelines on how information can be used in communicating the nature of the hybrid meats to the public in a cross‐country context.
Carbon‐Doped Porous Polymeric Carbon Nitride with Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical Performance
Authors: Karjule Neeta , Abisdris Liel , Azoulay Adi , Volokh Michael , Shalom Menny
Published: May 2022

The photocatalytic activity of polymeric carbon nitride (CN) is strongly tied to its surface area, morphology, optical, and electronic properties. Herein, a straightforward approach to adjusting the electronic properties and morphology of CN materials by fine tuning their carbon content while preserving their high surface area is proposed. To do so, supramolecular assemblies based on CN monomers together with an additional carbon‐rich monomer that does not participate in the preorganization are calcinated. The use of a supramolecular assembly as the precursor endows the CN material with a high specific surface area and an ordered morphology, whereas the addition of a carbon‐rich monomer provides light carbon doping. As a result, the new CN exhibits excellent activity as a photoanode material in photoelectrochemical cells and as a photocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Detailed studies reveal that the modified CN samples show enhanced charge carrier transfer and separation efficiency, improved light absorption response, a tunable energy band structure, a higher electrochemical surface area, and better electronic conductivity compared with a reference CN.
Identifying essential critical infrastructure workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic using standardized industry codes
Authors: Billock Rachael M. , Haring Sweeney Marie , Steege Andrea L. , Michaels Ryan , Luckhaupt Sara E.
Published: May 2022

Background

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) produced an advisory list identifying essential critical infrastructure workers (ECIW) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) response. The CISA advisory list is the most common national definition of ECIW but has not been mapped to United States (U.S.) Census industry codes (CICs) to readily identify these worker populations in public health data sources.

Methods

We identified essential critical infrastructure industry designations corresponding to v4.0 of the CISA advisory list for all six‐digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and cross‐walked NAICS codes to CICs. CICs were grouped as essential, non‐essential, or mixed essential/non‐essential according to component NAICS industries. We also obtained national estimated population sizes for NAICS and Census industries and cross‐tabulated Census industry and occupation codes to identify industry‐occupation pairs.

Results

We produced and made publicly available spreadsheets containing essential industry designations corresponding to v4.0 of the CISA advisory list for NAICS and Census industry titles and codes and population estimates by six‐digit NAICS industry, Census industry, and Census industry‐occupation pair. The CISA advisory list is highly inclusive and contains most industries and U.S. workers; 71.0% of Census industries comprising 80.6% of workers and 80.7% of NAICS industries comprising 87.1% of workers were designated as essential.

Conclusions

We identified workers in essential critical infrastructure industries as defined by CISA using standardized industry codes. These classifications may support public health interventions and analyses related to the COVID‐19 pandemic and future public health crises.
The antioxidant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Ashrasi date palm on sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats
Authors: Hosseinipour Morteza , Asgari Rezvan , Kermani Javid , Goodarzi Nader , Bakhtiari Mitra
Published: May 2022

Background

Diabetes‐induced oxidative stress can have adverse effects on sperm and its DNA integrity. The Ashrasi date palm (ADP) has potent antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of ADP hydroalcoholic extract on sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats.

Methods

Forty male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7): 1, control; 2, diabetic; 3–5, diabetic + ADP (30, 90 and 270 mg/kg for groups 3, 4 and 5, respectively). After preparation of ADP extract and its phytochemical screening, it was administered orally to rats, once a day for 5 weeks. At the end of the study, sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in all groups were investigated.

Results

At doses of 90 and 270 mg/kg, ADP extract significantly increased the sperm viability compared to diabetic group 2 (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively) and resulted in a significant decrease in immotile sperm (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006, respectively). At a dose of 270 mg/kg, a considerable enhancement of forward sperm motility was observed (p = 0.04) and there was a significant decrease in sperm DNA fragmentation (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The findings of the present study show for the first time that the hydroalcoholic extract of ADP has protective and antioxidant effects against diabetes‐induced oxidative stress and can improve sperm parameters and protect sperm DNA integrity.
Ultraviolet/Visible Light Regulated Protein Transport Gate Constructed by Pillar[6]arene‐based Host‐Guest System
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhang Fan , Chen Chunxiu , Liu Zhisheng , Liu Lu , Li Haibing
Published: May 2022

Protein transport is an interesting and intrinsic life feature that is highly relevant to physiology and disease in living beings. Herein, inspired by nature, based on the supramolecular host‐guest interaction, we have introduced the classical azobenzene light switches and L‐phenylalanine derived pillar[6]arene (L‐Phe‐P6) into the artificial nanochannel to construct light‐responsive nanochannels that could regulate protein transport effectively under the control of ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) light. The light‐controlled distribution of L‐Phe‐P6 in the channel led to the difference in surface charges in the nanochannel, which eventually brought the difference in protein transport. This research may not only provide a convenient theoretical model for biological research, but also a flexible light‐responsive protein transport model, which will play a crucial role in light‐controlled release of protein drugs and so on.
Joining the PARty: PARP Regulation of KDM5A during DNA Repair (and Transcription?)
Authors: Sanchez Anthony , Buck‐Koehntop Bethany A. , Miller Kyle M.
Published: May 2022

The lysine demethylase KDM5A collaborates with PARP1 and the histone variant macroH2A1.2 to modulate chromatin to promote DNA repair. Indeed, KDM5A engages poly(ADP‐ribose) (PAR) chains at damage sites through a previously uncharacterized coiled‐coil domain, a novel binding mode for PAR interactions. While KDM5A is a well‐known transcriptional regulator, its function in DNA repair is only now emerging. Here we review the molecular mechanisms that regulate this PARP1‐macroH2A1.2‐KDM5A axis in DNA damage and consider the potential involvement of this pathway in transcription regulation and cancer. Using KDM5A as an example, we discuss how multifunctional chromatin proteins transition between several DNA‐based processes, which must be coordinated to protect the integrity of the genome and epigenome. The dysregulation of chromatin and loss of genome integrity that is prevalent in human diseases including cancer may be related and could provide opportunities to target multitasking proteins with these pathways as therapeutic strategies.
Spontaneous tension pneumothorax as a complication of Coronavirus disease 2019: Case report and literature review
Authors: Ata Fateen , Yousaf Zohaib , Farsakoury Rana , Khan Adeel Ahmad , Arshad Abdullah , Omran Maya , Ananthegowda Dore Chikkahanasoge , Khatib Mohamad , Chughtai Talat Saeed
Published: May 2022

Primary spontaneous tension pneumothorax (STP) is a rare and life‐threatening condition. We report a case of COVID‐19‐pneumonia patient who developed STP as a complication. He had a prolonged hospital stay and was ultimately discharged asymptomatic. A systematic literature search was performed to review studies (N=12) reporting STP in the setting of COVID‐19.
Double‐Network Ionogel Electrolyte with Superior Mechanical Performance and High Safety for Flexible Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Zhen , Chu Lin , Li Suli , Chen Weiping , Li Ziyong , Guo Panlong , Hu Renzong
Published: May 2022

The development of high‐performance solid‐state electrolytes to replace conventional liquid organic electrolytes has received intensive attention because of the improvements in the safety, flexibility, reliability, and cycling stability of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, we present a double‐network ionogel electrolyte (DNIE) through the preparation of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). This DNIE exhibits good mechanical properties, excellent flexibility, nonflammability, high ionic conductivity (4.13×10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature), electrochemical stability (>4.8 V), and the ability to suppress Li dendrite formation. The Li/LiFePO4 cell assembled with the DNIE exhibits superior cycling performance while also delivering a steady high discharge capacity of 133.7 mAh g−1 and a Coulombic efficiency of 99.8 % after 220 cycles at a charge/discharge rate of 0.2 C. Importantly, the DNIE(200 %)‐20 % electrolytes can be prepared on the surface of graphite anodes through in situ gelling, which can improve the stability of the active layer and the adhesion between the active layer and current collector in mechanical bending at different angles. After assembling into soft‐packed batteries in the configuration of LiCoO2|DNIE(200 %)‐20 %|graphite via the in situ gelling of DNIE(200 %)‐20 % on the surface of the graphite electrode, the flexible batteries showed excellent cycling stability (capacity retention >98 %) even when folded more than 100 times.
Suppressing Electrode Crosstalk and Prolonging Cycle Life in High‐Voltage Li Ion Batteries: Pivotal Role of Fluorophosphates in Electrolytes
Authors: Klein Sven , Haneke Lukas , Harte Patrick , Stolz Lukas , van Wickeren Stefan , Borzutzki Kristina , Nowak Sascha , Winter Martin , Placke Tobias , Kasnatscheew Johannes
Published: May 2022

High‐voltage Li ion batteries are compromised by lower cycle life due to enhanced degradation of cathode material, for example LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523). Crucial part is the initiated electrode crosstalk, that is transition metal (TM) dissolution from the cathode and subsequent deposition on the anode, as it forces formation of high surface area lithium, capacity losses and risk of Li dendrite penetration, finally leading to an abrupt end‐of‐life (=rollover failure). Hence, suppression of this failure cascade is the pivotal strategy to prolong cycle life. A pragmatic approach was presented: the electrolyte manipulation towards formation/presence of fluorophosphates, as they effectively suppressed electrode crosstalk through TM scavenging. Either, they could be intrinsically formed, e. g. by elimination of ethylene carbonate (EC) solvent (=EC‐free electrolyte), or simply externally added, e. g. using (good‐soluble) lithium difluorophosphate electrolyte additive. Their effectiveness was demonstrated for conventional EC‐based and EC‐free electrolytes at limiting conditions (4.5 and 4.6 V, respectively). In parallel to supportive approach combinations (e. g. coating), also destructive combinations were highlighted, that is approaches, which even decrease the fluorophosphate content, e. g. vinylene carbonate additive in EC‐free electrolytes. Finally, by demonstrating the value of (concentration‐optimized) fluorophosphates, appropriate benchmark electrolyte formulations for high‐voltage LIBs were discussed.
A Facile Synthesis of Highly Efficient MXene Supported CoMoS Catalysts for Hydrodesulfurization
Authors: Vinoba Mari , Al‐Sheeha Hanadi , AlSairafi Sakeena H.
Published: May 2022

In this study, ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATM) and 2D‐layer MXene support were used to prepare more efficient MoS2 catalysts with cobalt promoter for the elimination of sulfur atoms in thiophene. A series of well‐dispersed and highly active MoS2 and Co−Mo−S phase on MXene catalysts were derived by thermal activation of precursors varying promoter cobalt to molybdenum molar ratio up to 0.6. The physicochemical properties of synthesized catalysts were characterized by XRD, TPR, SEM/EDS, XPS, HRTEM, and Raman spectroscopy. The as‐prepared MoS2/MXene and Co−MoS2/MXene catalysts were examined for thiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS) at 300–400 °C. The synergetic effect between Co and few‐layer MoS2 on MXene, enhanced their HDS activity to ∼ 20.6 mmol g−1 h−1 with an excellent turnover frequency of about 55 h−1 achieved on Co−MoS2/MXene catalysts, which were 8‐fold higher than the conventional CoMoS/alumina catalyst. Co−MoS2/MXene catalysts produce high butenes selectivity ∼73% at low temperature, whereas, at high‐temperature alkane levels were increased ∼42% in CoMoS phase through hydrogen activation. Hence, the few‐layer MoS2 obtained from ATM and promoter Co intercalated MXene catalysts enhances the rate of C−S bond cleavage in HDS, and the result is scrubbing a large volume of sulfur atoms in clean fuel processes.
Population Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling of the Effect of Abrocitinib on QT Intervals in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Wang Xiaoxing , Gupta Pankaj , Malhotra Bimal K. , Farooqui Saleem Ashley , Le Vu H. , Wojciechowski Jessica , Mukherjee Arnab , Nicholas Timothy
Published: May 2022

Abrocitinib is a selective Janus kinase 1 inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). To assess the relationship between abrocitinib plasma concentrations and heart rate (HR)–corrected QT (QTc) and HR and calculate the effect of abrocitinib on these parameters at supratherapeutic concentrations, 36 healthy volunteers received single doses of abrocitinib 600 mg, placebo, and moxifloxacin 400 mg in a 3‐period crossover study. The relationship between change from baseline in Fridericia‐corrected QTc (∆QTcF) values and abrocitinib plasma concentrations was modeled using a prespecified linear mixed‐effects model. The 90%CIs for time‐matched placebo‐corrected ∆QTcF (∆∆QTcF) were calculated from model parameter estimates and assessed against the regulatory threshold (10 millisecond) at the predicted supratherapeutic concentration in patients with atopic dermatitis (2156 ng/mL). Mean (90%CI) time‐matched placebo‐corrected change from baseline in HR (∆∆HR) was calculated similarly. At the supratherapeutic concentration, mean (90%CI) estimates for ∆∆QTcF and ∆∆HR were 6.00 (4.52‐7.49) milliseconds and 6.51 (5.23‐7.80) bpm, respectively. Despite a concentration‐dependent effect on ∆QTcF and ∆HR, with statistically significant slopes (90%CI) of 0.0026 (0.0018‐0.0035) milliseconds/(ng/mL) and 0.0031 (0.0024‐0.0038) bpm/(ng/mL), respectively, abrocitinib does not have a clinically significant effect on QTc interval or HR at supratherapeutic exposures.
AktAR and Akt‐STOPS: Genetically Encodable Molecular Tools to Visualize and Perturb Akt Kinase Activity at Different Subcellular Locations in Living Cells
Authors: Zhou Xin , Mehta Sohum , Zhang Jin
Published: May 2022

The serine/threonine protein kinase Akt integrates diverse upstream inputs to regulate cell survival, growth, metabolism, migration, and differentiation. Mounting evidence suggests that Akt activity is differentially regulated depending on its subcellular location, which can include the plasma membrane, endomembrane, and nuclear compartment. This spatial control of Akt activity is critical for achieving signaling specificity and proper physiological functions, and deregulation of compartment‐specific Akt signaling is implicated in various diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Understanding the spatial coordination of the signaling network centered around this key kinase and the underlying regulatory mechanisms requires precise tracking of Akt activity at distinct subcellular compartments within its native biological contexts. To address this challenge, new molecular tools are being developed, enabling us to directly interrogate the spatiotemporal regulation of Akt in living cells. These include, for instance, the newly developed genetically encodable fluorescent‐protein‐based Akt kinase activity reporter (AktAR2), which serves as a substrate surrogate of Akt kinase and translates Akt‐specific phosphorylation into a quantifiable change in Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). In addition, we developed the Akt substrate tandem occupancy peptide sponge (Akt‐STOPS), which allows biochemical perturbation of subcellular Akt activity. Both molecular tools can be readily targeted to distinct subcellular localizations. Here, we describe a workflow to study Akt kinase activity at different subcellular locations in living cells. We provide a protocol for using genetically targeted AktAR2 and Akt‐STOPS, along with fluorescence imaging in living NIH3T3 cells, to visualize and perturb, respectively, the activity of endogenous Akt kinase at different subcellular compartments. We further describe a protocol for using chemically inducible dimerization (CID) to control the plasma membrane‐specific inhibition of Akt activity in real time. Lastly, we describe a protocol for maintaining NIH3T3 cells in culture, a cell line known to exhibit robust Akt activity. In all, this approach enables interrogation of spatiotemporal regulation and functions of Akt, as well as the intricate signaling networks in which it is embedded, at specific subcellular locations. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Visualizing and perturbing subcellular Akt kinase activity using AktAR and Akt‐STOPS

Basic Protocol 2: Using chemically inducible dimerization (CID) to control inhibition of Akt at the plasma membrane

Support Protocol: Maintaining NIH3T3 cells in culture
Eating problems among old home care clients
Authors: Salmi Annina , Komulainen Kaija , Nihtilä Annamari , Tiihonen Miia , Nykänen Irma , Hartikainen Sirpa , Suominen Anna L.
Published: May 2022

Aims

The purpose was to examine the prevalence and determinants of self‐reported eating problems in old home care clients, screened separately by a clinical nutritionist and a dental hygienist.

Methods and Results

The data came from the Nutrition, Oral Health and Medication (NutOrMed) study, the participants of which were ≥75‐year‐old home care clients living in Finland. The structured interviews were conducted at the participants' (n = 250) homes. Of the participants, 29% reported poor appetite, 20% had problems with chewing, and 14% had problems with swallowing when asked by a clinical nutritionist. Additionally, 18% reported oral health‐related eating problems when asked by a dental hygienist. Participants with continuous xerostomia (odds ratio [OR]: 3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–9.0) or poor self‐reported oral health (OR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.4–13.0) had a higher risk for problems with chewing when asked by a clinical nutritionist. Edentulous participants (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.2–10.9) and participants with toothache or problems with dentures (OR: 10.3, 95% CI: 4.0–26.0) had a higher risk for oral health‐related eating problems when asked by a dental hygienist.

Conclusion

Eating problems are common in older adults, and interprofessional collaboration is required for their identification and alleviation.
How green are our laws? Presenting a normative coherence for sustainable development methodology
Authors: Koff Harlan , Challenger Antony , Ros Cuellar Julia , Aguilar Orea Rafael , Lara López Maria del Socorro
Published: May 2022

Policy coherence for sustainable development (PCSD) has become a pillar of supranational sustainable development agendas, promoting “whole of government approaches.” The concept of normative coherence for sustainable development (NCSD) has emerged as a new stage of policy coherence for sustainable development analysis. NCSD is a policy approach that aims to promote transformative development by examining the relationship between policies and key sustainability norms, such as those expressed in the sustainable development goals. Normative coherence for sustainable development is recognized in recent scholarship but it remains generalized, lacking operationalization. This article proposes an NCSD methodology for analysis of legal frameworks. Qualitative empirical research tested this approach in Mexico by focusing on federal laws as well as those in two states: Aguascalientes and Veracruz. The analysis which examined four dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social, security, and environmental) showed that the environmental dimension of Mexico's legal framework is the least prioritized, suggesting that this framework is not very “green” even though environmental laws are the most transversal in content, which indicate significant levels of mainstreaming. Sustainable development experts were then contacted by the research team to validate the findings and interpret the results. This normative coherence for sustainable development methodology aims to situate normative considerations at the center of evaluation in order to promote domestic transformative sustainable development strategies and the “greening” of legal frameworks.
Reconfigurable intelligent surface assisted downlink INOMA system
Authors: Kumar M. Hemanta , Sharma Sanjeev , Thottappan M. , Deka Kuntal
Published: May 2022

Nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) methods are explored to enhance spectral and energy efficiency of a wireless network. In this article, we have proposed a downlink RIS‐assisted index modulation NOMA for next‐generation wireless systems, and it is referred to as R‐INOMA. In the proposed R‐INOMA system, a base station transmits information through RIS to three users, the first user is assigned in the spatial domain and the remaining two users are multiplexed using power domain NOMA. We provide an analytical analysis of bit error probability (BEP) for the proposed R‐INOMA system. Impact of number of surfaces, transmit antennas, modulation order, diversity order, and imperfect channel estimation is analyzed for the R‐INOMA. Simulation results show that the proposed R‐INOMA achieved better BEP and sum‐rate over existing NOMA techniques. In the R‐INOMA, doubling of the reflecting surfaces provides a 4 dB gain for a fixed error probability, and the sum‐rate improves as the number of transmitting antennas and reflecting surfaces increases.
Influence of cycle repetition on stack voltage degradation during fuel cell stress tests
Authors: Yeetsorn R. , Petrone R. , Hissel D. , Harel F. , Breaz E. , Gao F. , Pera M.C.
Published: May 2022

A voltage decrease in the long‐term operation of hydrogen fuel cell (FC) electric cars under steady settings under constant load and dynamic operating conditions is a performance constraint of concern. Although accelerated stress test (AST) procedures have been sought to diagnose degradation, the AST results of FC stacks have not been reported extensively. The purpose of this article is to discuss the generation of AST of FC stacks based on real load profiles and the consequences of load changes and start‐stop circumstances, which are mostly generated by common driven cycles in urban regions with high driving speeds and traffic jams. The highlight of this study is to analyze the effects of cycle repetition on the aging FC stack, especially the voltage degradation factor, degradation kinetics, and energy consumption. The relation between actual system temperatures in side cells assembled in the FC stacks and material degradation was also analyzed. The results presented high heat accumulation, related to chemical degradation, that occurred during load cycling and may result in membrane thinning and pinholes in the membrane. Temperature cycling corresponded to mechanical degradation generated during the start‐stop cycling test, which may lead to membrane degradations—cracking, tearing, and pinholes.
Prevalence and correlates of alexithymia in older persons with medically (un)explained physical symptoms
Authors: Bos Pauline , Oude Voshaar Richard C. , Hanssen Denise J. C.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Much is unknown about the combination of Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) and alexithymia in later life, but it may culminate in a high disease burden for older patients. In the present study we assess the prevalence of alexithymia in older patients with either MUS or Medically Explained Symptoms (MES) and we explore physical, psychological and social correlates of alexithymia.

Methods and Design

A case control study was performed. We recruited older persons (>60 years) with MUS (N = 118) or MES (N = 154) from the general public, general practitioner clinics and hospitals. Alexithymia was measured by the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, correlates were measured by various questionnaires.

Results

Prevalence and severity of alexithymia were higher among older persons with MUS compared to MES. Alexithymia prevalence in the MUS subgroup was 23.7%. We found no association between alexithymia and increasing age. Alexithymia was associated with depressive symptoms, especially in the MUS population.

Conclusions

Alexithymia prevalence was lower than generally found in younger patients with somatoform disorder, but comparable to studies with similar diagnostic methods for MUS. Considering the high prevalence and presumed etiological impact of alexithymia in older patients with MUS, as well as its association with depression, this stresses the need to develop better understanding of the associations between alexithymia, MUS and depression in later life.
Numerical study of moving fin with thermal properties
Authors: Kumar Thavada Sravan , Dinesh Pobbathy Aswathanarayana , Ramakrishna Suresh Babu , Reddy Avula Sreevallabha
Published: May 2022

In the present study, the influence of numerical analysis involves the transfer of heat for moving fin under convection and radiation with fluid properties depending on internal heat generation is considered. The temperature field for the fin is derived based on the defined geometry. This is transformed into a linear model as per the boundary conditions. The dimensionless analysis is performed, and the equations obtained are solved by Runge–Kutta Fehlberg fourth‐order method coupled with the shooting method. The effects of the relative parameters are studied and depicted graphically. Finally, the computational observation indicates that there is an enhancement of temperature variation under the influence of thermal conductivity gradient, heat generation, and opposite behavior results. In understanding the thermal characteristics of various effects, it was seen that thermo geometric film, radiation conduction, and Peclet number were very useful for many industrial applications. To validate the numerical scheme, a comparative study has been done with an earlier result on a few nondimensional parameters and was found in good agreement.
OVASO: Integrated binary CNN models to classify COVID‐19, pneumonia and healthy lung in X‐ray images
Authors: Jeong Hyunsu , Kim Hyunwook , Yoon Jiwon , Go Kyungsup , Gwak Jeonghwan
Published: May 2022

Several radiologists have paid attention to computer‐aided detection (CAD) systems which assist in classifying diseases on chest x‐ray (CXR). Recently, with the outbreak of COVID‐19, CAD based on deep learning has an important role in screening COVID‐19 on CXR. However, imbalanced training datasets such as COVID‐19 datasets, COVID‐19 (473), pneumonia (5458), and normal (7966) cause difficulty in classification. In this paper, we suggest a new evaluation approach, OVASO, that selectively combines one‐versus‐all (OVA) classifier and one‐versus‐one (OVO) to overcome class imbalance caused by the lower number of COVID‐19 training datasets. In addition, as part of efforts to properly apply transfer learning, we initialized batch normalization (BN) values including γ and β from the viewpoint of transfer learning and found that appropriate initialization at all binary models, OVASO's components, usually increased the binary models' performance. As a result, the proposed OVASO model achieved improved accuracy and F1‐score of 95.33% and 95.88%, respectively. Furthermore, the suggested OVASO performed similarly to COVID‐Net, which is the current state‐of‐the‐art model for classifying COVID‐19 on CXR.
Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway is involved in early dopaminergic differentiation of trabecular meshwork‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Sahebdel Faezeh , Parvaneh Tafreshi Azita , Arefian Ehsan , Roussa Eleni , Nadri Samad , Zeynali Bahman
Published: May 2022

Permanent degeneration and loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in substantia nigra is the main cause of Parkinson's disease. Considering the therapeutic application of stem cells in neurodegeneration, we sought to examine the neurogenic differentiation potential of the newly introduced neural crest originated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), namely, trabecular meshwork‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (TM‐MSCs) compared to two other sources of MSCs, adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs). The three types of cells were therefore cultured in the presence and absence of a neural induction medium followed by the analysis of their differentiation potentials. Our results showed that TM‐MSCs exhibited enhanced neural morphologies as well as higher expressions of MAP2 as the general neuron marker and Nurr‐1 as an early DA marker compared to the adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD‐MSCs) and bone marrow‐derived stem cells (BMSCs). Also, analysis of Nurr‐1 immunostaining showed more intense Nurr‐1 stained nuclei in the neurally induced TM‐MSCs compared to those in the AD‐MSCs, BMSCs, and noninduced control TM‐MSCs. To examine if Wnt/beta‐catenin pathway drives TM‐MSCs towards a DA fate, we treated them with the Wnt agonist (CHIR, 3 μM) and the Wnt antagonist (IWP‐2, 3 μM). Our results showed that the expressions of Nurr‐1 and MAP2, as well as the Wnt/beta‐catenin target genes, c‐Myc and Cyclin D1, were significantly increased in the CHIR‐treated TM‐MSCs, but significantly reduced in those treated with IWP‐2. Altogether, we declare first a higher neural potency of TM‐MSCs compared to the more commonly used MSCs, BMSCs and ADSCs, and second that Wnt/beta‐catenin activation directs the neurally induced TM‐MSCs towards a DA fate.
Antimicrobial‐resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae can be targeted using inhibitors against evolutionary conservedl‐asparaginase
Authors: Vashishtha Shubham , Singh Jasdeep , Kundu Bishwajit
Published: May 2022

The emergence of multiple drug‐resistant “super gonorrhoea” complicates the management and treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections due to the progressive accumulation of mutations in the biological targets of frontline antimicrobials. Continuous evaluation and reporting of newer molecular targets and their inhibitors are necessary. Here, we present l‐asparaginase of N. gonorrhoeae (NgA) as a new molecular target based on structure‐based high‐throughput screening, molecular dynamics(MD) simulations, and validation by biophysical, biochemical, and cell viability assays. We observed that the NgA is evolutionarily conserved in both the drug‐resistant and susceptible strains of N. gonorrhoeae, indicating its importance in the growth and survival of the pathogen. Three Food and Drug Administration‐approved drugs, pemirolast, thalidomide, and decitabine, were identified as potential inhibitors of NgA using high‐throughput screening. The binding energies of the drugs with NgA were −20.14, −19.67, and −16.47 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to −6.82 ± 1.46 for enzyme–substrate
l‐Asn, as obtained through MD simulations. Subsequently, fluorescence quenching and differential scanning calorimetry experiments validated the in silico data. The observance of inhibition of NgA activity at micromolar drug concentrations further strengthened our findings. Conclusive evidence came from the cell viability assays where these drugs were found to impede the growth of N. gonorrhoeae culture effectively. Thus, our study establishes l‐asparaginase as a new molecular target against gonococcal infections. From this study, we propose that targeting of NgA can be explored to control N. gonorrhoeae infections in combination therapy.
Specific ablation of Hippo signalling component Yap1 in retinal progenitors and Müller cells results in late onset retinal degeneration
Authors: Yang Yeming , Jiang Xiaoyan , Li Xiao , Sun Kuanxiang , Zhu Xianjun , Zhou Bo
Published: May 2022

Yes‐associated protein (YAP) is a major component of the Hippo pathway involved in development, growth, repair and homeostasis. Nonsense YAP1 mutations in humans result in autosomal dominant coloboma. Here, we generated a conditional knockout mouse model in which Yap1 was specifically deleted in embryonic retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) and in mature Müller cells using a Chx10‐Cre driver. Our data demonstrated that the conditional ablation of Yap1 in embryonic RPCs does not prevent normal retinal development and caused no gross changes in retinal structure during embryonic and early postnatal life. Nevertheless, Yap1 deficient in retinal Müller cells in adult mice leads to impaired visual responses and extensive late‐onset retinal degeneration, characterized by reduced cell number in all retinal layers. Immunofluorescence data further revealed the degeneration and death of rod and cone photoreceptors, bipolar cells, horizontal cells, amacrine cells and ganglion cells to varying degrees in aged knockout mice. Moreover, alteration of glial homeostasis and reactive gliosis were also observed. Finally, cell proliferation and TUNEL assay revealed that the broad retinal degeneration is mainly caused by enhanced apoptosis in late period. Together, this work uncovers that YAP is essential for the normal vision and retinal maintenance, highlighting the crucial role of YAP in retinal function and homeostasis.
Novel mounting of biological tissue samples for 3D model reconstruction using tandem scanning electron microscopy and photogrammetry software
Authors: Peguero Ricardo L. , Bimbo‐Szuhai Andras , Massaro Ian T. , Roach Kevin D. , Corbo Christopher P.
Published: May 2022

Biological 3D models have a multitude of applications in both research and academic settings, however the generation of such models at an ultrastructural scale has remained a daunting task. Here our group presents a method by which ultrastructural 3D models can be generated using tandem scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photogrammetry. Our methods include a novel technique for mounting specimens for SEM which allowed our group to capture images from all angles around the specimen. Our results demonstrate that using our technique is adequate for the construction of an interactive, ultrastructural 3D model that can be viewed from all orientations. We ultimately see use for these models in educational settings and research when the 3D analysis of ultrastructural anatomy is necessary.

Highlights

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used in tandem with photogrammetry to generate an ultrastructural three‐dimensional model of a whole zebrafish brain. A novel mounting technique for samples in SEM was used to view the sample from all angles. This technique can be applied to a wide range of samples for 3D model generation for use in several settings, including research and academia.
Clinical guideline highlights for the hospitalist: Prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with cancer
Authors: Hua Duong Tommy
Published: May 2022

GUIDELINE TITLE: American Society of Hematology 2021 Guidelines for Management of Venous Thromboembolism: Prevention and Treatment in Patients with Cancer

RELEASE DATE: February 23, 2021

PRIOR VERSION(S): n/a

DEVELOPER: American Society of Hematology

FUNDING SOURCE: American Society of Hematology

TARGET POPULATION: Adult patients with cancer
Novel mRNA therapy restores GALT protein and enzyme activity in a zebrafish model of classic galactosemia
Authors: Delnoy Britt , Haskovic Minela , Vanoevelen Jo , Steinbusch Laura K. M. , Vos Esther Naomi , Knoops Kèvin , Zimmermann Luc J. I. , Noga Marek , Lefeber Dirk J. , Martini Paolo G. V. , Coelho Ana I. , Rubio‐Gozalbo Maria Estela
Published: May 2022

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach for inborn errors of metabolism. Classic galactosemia (CG) is an inborn error of galactose metabolism caused by a severe deficiency of galactose‐1‐phosphate:uridylyltransferase (GALT) activity leading to neonatal illness and chronic impairments affecting the brain and female gonads. In this proof of concept study, we used our zebrafish model for CG to evaluate the potential of human GALT mRNA (hGALT mRNA) packaged in two different lipid nanoparticles to restore GALT expression and activity at early stages of development. Both one cell‐stage and intravenous single‐dose injections resulted in hGALT protein expression and enzyme activity in the CG zebrafish (galt knockout) at 5 days post fertilization (dpf). Moreover, the levels of galactose‐1‐phosphate (Gal‐1‐P) and galactonate, metabolites that accumulate because of the deficiency, showed a decreasing trend. LNP‐packaged mRNA was effectively translated and processed in the CG zebrafish without signs of toxicity. This study shows that mRNA therapy restores GALT protein and enzyme activity in the CG zebrafish model, and that the zebrafish is a suitable system to test this approach. Further studies are warranted to assess whether repeated injections safely mitigate the chronic impairments of this disease.
Identification of QTLs for zinc deficiency tolerance in a recombinant inbred population of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Loitongbam Bapsila , Singh Pawan Kumar , Sah Rameswar Prasad , Verma Om Prakash , Singh Balwant , Bisen Prashant , Kulhari Sandhya , Rathi Sanket R , Upadhyay Sameer , Singh Nagendra Kumar , Sahu Rabin , Singh Rakesh Kumar
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Deficiency of Zn is a major soil constraint in rice plant growth and yield. Edaphic factors such as Zn deficiency in soil in relation to plant performance are still poorly understood. Here, we report promising quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring tolerance to Zn deficiency, which were identified through biparental mapping. The experiment was conducted using the 236 F7 recombinant inbred line mapping population derived from the cross of Kinandang Patong (Zn deficiency sensitive) and A69‐1 (Zn deficiency tolerant).

RESULTS

A total of six QTLs (qLB‐2B, qLB‐4B, qPM‐4B, qPM‐6B, qRZC‐4B, qSZC‐4B) on chromosomes 2, 4 and 6 were identified for environment 1, whereas five QTLs (qLB‐2 N, qLB‐4 N, qPM‐4 N, qRZC‐4 N, qSZC‐4 N) on chromosomes 2 and 4 were detected for environment 2. Among these, five major (51.30, 48.70, 28.60, 56.00, 52.00 > 10 R2) and one minor (5.40 < 10 R2) QTLs for environment 1 and four major (51.48, 50.20, 53.00, 48.00 > 10 R2) and one minor (4.44 < 10) QTLs for environment 2 for Zn deficiency tolerance with a logarithm of odd threshold value higher than 3 were identified. The QTLs (qLB‐4B, qPM‐4B, qRZC‐4B, qSZC‐4B, qLB‐4 N, qPM‐4 N, qRZC‐4 N, qSZC‐4 N) for leaf bronzing, plant mortality root zinc concentration and shoot zinc concentration identified on chromosome 4 were found to be the most promising and highly reproducible across the locations that explained phenotypic variation from 48.00% to 56.00% with the same marker interval RM6748–RM303.

CONCLUSION

The new QTLs and its linked markers identified in the present study can be utilized for Zn deficiency tolerance in elite cultivars using marker‐assisted backcrossing. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quinoa protein extract: an effective alternative for the fining of wine phenolics
Authors: Pino‐Ramos Liudis L , Peña‐Martínez Paula A , Laurie V. Felipe
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Lately, there has been an increasing interest in using plant‐derived proteins for wine phenolic fining. Proteins extracted from cereals, potatoes, and legumes have been proposed as effective fining agents, but only those from pea, wheat, and potatoes have been approved for their use in wine. This work aimed at determining the fining ability of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) protein extracts (QP), compared to commercial fining agents, on red wines.

RESULTS

The trials compared the performance of QP (30 and 50 g/hL), two potato protein extracts and gelatin, at two different contact times (48 and 96 h), using Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Turbidity, total phenolics, precipitable tannins, catechins, and color characteristics were determined. QP reduced the turbidity of all wines in a similar way to commercial fining agents. Both doses of QP significantly reduced tannins and other phenolic measures, including color intensity reductions, in a similar way to commercial fining agents.

CONCLUSION

QP behaved as an effective fining agent that deserves further studies in order to improve its performance and advance its characterization. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.