bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report & review: Bilateral NIFTP harboring concomitant HRAS and KRAS mutation: Report of an unusual case and literature review
Authors: Brogna Marianna Rita , Collina Francesca , Chiofalo Maria Grazia , De Bartolo Debora , Montone Angela , Schiano Maria Rosaria , Del Sesto Michele , Pizza Nubia , Ferrara Gerardo
Published: September 2024

Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease are affected by the wide range of thyroid cancer subtypes and their varying degrees of aggressiveness. To better describe the indolent nature of thyroid neoplasms previously classified as noninvasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (NI‐FVPTC), the Endocrine Pathology Society working group has recently coined the term “noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features” (NIFTP). The purpose of this nomenclature change is to avoid patients the distress of cancer diagnosis and to decrease the overtreatment of thyroid nodules with a RAS‐LIKE molecular profile similar to follicular adenoma. Consequently, the reclassification has a significant impact on thyroid nodule clinical care as well as histopathologic and cytopathologic diagnosis. This paper will focus on a unique case of Bilateral NIFTP harboring concomitant HRAS and KRAS mutation; we will also review the background, molecular features, and clinical implications of NIFTP as well as the factors behind the nomenclature update. It also seemed helpful to emphasize the impact of NIFTP on clinical practice to avoid overtreating nodules that could be safely managed with lobectomy alone. Actually, despite the diagnosis is postsurgery, a comprehensive preoperative evaluation may raise a suspicion of NIFTP and suggest a more careful plan for treatment. Here, we present a unique case of bilateral NIFTP after total thyroidectomy; subsequent molecular analysis revealed that the patient's right nodule harbored an isolated p.(Q61K) HRAS mutation, while the left a p.(Q61K) KRAS mutation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of this nature. The existence of simultaneous mutations highlights the occurrence of intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) also in the context of FVPTC, which requires comprehensive investigation. The available information shows that NIFTP, identified in accordance with stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, exhibits a very latent clinical behavior even in the face of conservative lobectomy, lacking of radioactive iodine therapy. However, it cannot be regarded as a benign lesion because there is a small but significant incidence of adverse events, such as lymph nodes and distant metastases. Currently, NIFTP can only be suspected before surgery: several efforts could be explored to identify key molecular, cytological, and ultrasonographic traits that may be helpful in raising the possibility of NIFTP in the preoperative context. Additionally, our discovery of simultaneous mutations within the same lesion strengthens the evidence of ITH even in FVPTC. Although the extent and biological impact of this phenomenon in NIFTP are still debated, a deeper understanding is essential to ensure appropriate clinical management.
Unusual Age‐Dependent Behavior of Leukocytes Telomere Length in Friedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Scarabino Daniela , Veneziano Liana , Nethisinghe Suran , Mantuano Elide , Fiore Alessia , Granata Giulia , Solanky Nita , Zanni Ginevra , Cavalcanti Francesca , Corbo Rosa Maria , Giunti Paola
Published: September 2024

Background

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded GAA repeat in the first intron of the FXN gene.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze leukocyte telomeres length (LTL) in FRDA to verify the possible relationships between LTL and disease progression. We investigated LTL in a cohort of FRDA biallelic patients (n = 61), heterozygous (n = 29), and age‐matched healthy subjects (n = 87).

Methods

LTL was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction quantitative analysis (qPCR).

Results

The results showed that before 35 years of age, leukocyte telomeres were longer in patients than in controls, whereas the reverse applies in patients above 36 years of age. Interestingly, LTL was greater than controls at any age in heterozygous subjects. This picture mirrors what has been previously observed in vitro in FRDA cultured fibroblasts, showing significantly longer telomeres at early passages because of activation of an alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT)‐like mechanism, but showing accelerated telomere shortening as population doubling increases. GAA1 repeat length is positively correlated with the LTL and negatively correlated with the age at blood sampling. The relationship of LTL with clinical parameters (cardiomyopathy, diabetes, dependence on a wheelchair) was also analyzed. Significantly shorter leukocyte telomeres were associated with the presence of cardiomyopathy, but not with diabetes and the dependence on a wheelchair.

Conclusions

Overall, the present study indicates that telomere length analysis in FRDA may be a relevant biomarker for following the stages of the disease. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Estrogen deficiency‐mediated osteoimmunity in postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Yao Yao , Cai Xiaoyu , Chen Yue , Zhang Meng , Zheng Caihong
Published: September 2024

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is a common disease associated with aging, and estrogen deficiency is considered to be the main cause of PMO. Recently, however, osteoimmunology has been revealed to be closely related to PMO. On the one hand, estrogen deficiency directly affects the activity of bone cells (osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes). On the other hand, estrogen deficiency‐mediated osteoimmunity also plays a crucial role in bone loss in PMO. In this review, we systematically describe the progress of the mechanisms of bone loss in PMO, estrogen deficiency‐mediated osteoimmunity, the differences between PMO patients and postmenopausal populations without osteoporosis, and estrogen deficiency‐mediated immune cells (T cells, B cells, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and mast cells) activity. The comprehensive summary of this paper provides a clear knowledge context for future research on the mechanism of PMO bone loss.
Dynamical bifurcations in a delayed fractional‐order neural network involving neutral terms
Authors: Huang Chengdai , Fu Lei , Liu Shuang , Cao Jinde , Abdel‐Aty Mahmoud , Liu Heng
Published: September 2024

The stability and bifurcations of a fractional‐order neural network with a neutral delay are nicely contemplated with the help of the Cramer's rule. The three‐neuron neutral‐type fractional‐order neural network (NTFONN) is firstly constructed. Secondly, the Laplace transform of the Caputo fractional‐order derivatives is used. Afterward, using the analytical method of characteristic equations and Cramer's rule, the existence of Hopf bifurcations is obtained. Moreover, it indicates that the neutral delay plays an enormously significant role in remaining network stabilization and controlling the occurrence of Hopf bifurcations in NTFONN. It further detects that the devised NTFONN has outstanding stability performance in comparison with the corresponding integer‐order one. Finally, numerical simulations are developed to confirm the feasibility and validity of the obtained results.
Functional Amino Acids in the Regulation of Bone and Its Diseases
Authors: Li Siying , Tian Qinglu , Zheng Liwei , Zhou Yachuan
Published: September 2024

Bone as a vigorous tissue is constantly undergoing bone remodeling. The homeostasis of bone remodeling requires combined efforts of multifarious bone cells. Amino acids (AA), known as essential components of life support, are closely related to the regulation of bone homeostasis. In recent years, the concept of functional amino acids (FAAs) has been proposed, which is defined as AA that regulate key metabolic pathways to improve health, survival, growth, development, lactation, and reproduction of organisms, to highlight their outstanding contributions in the body. In the hope of exploring new therapeutic strategies, this review focus on summarizing recent progress in the vital role of FAAs in bone homeostasis maintaining and potential implications of FAAs in bone‐related diseases, and discussing related mechanisms. The results showed that FAAs are closely related to bone metabolism and therapeutic strategy targeting FAAs metabolism is one of the future trends for bone disorders, while the explorations about possible impact of FAAs‐based diets are still limited.
Supporting the Choice for Conservative and Surgical Treatment in Female Stress Urinary Incontinence: Development and Evaluation of a Patient Decision Aid
Authors: Gerritse Maria B. E. , de Vries Marieke , The Regina , Heesakkers John P. F. A. , Lagro‐Janssen Antoine L. M. , Huub van der Vaart C. , Kluivers Kirsten B.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Making a treatment decision for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can be challenging for patients and healthcare providers. Dutch guidelines advise to counsel both pelvic floor muscle therapy and midurethral sling surgery as primary treatment options in uncomplicated moderate to severe cases. The use of a patient decision aid (PDA) can support decision‐making, reduce decisional conflict and decisional regret, and increase knowledge. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an online PDA for females (SUI).

Methods

This mixed‐methods study was performed in consecutive stages by a multidisciplinary working group. PDA design was based on the International Patient Decision Aids Standards (IPDAS) and on outcomes of needs assessments amongst patients and healthcare providers. Content was based on Dutch guidelines, targeted literature searches and patient information from the Dutch scientific society for gynecology. The concept version was evaluated by patients, patients' advocates, and healthcare providers.

Results

Using the nominal group technique, the working group established the design and format of the PDA. Fifty‐six out of 58 applicable items of the IPDAS were met. The PDA contains information on the condition, advice on lifestyle adaptations, and describes surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. The option grid contains comparisons of the primary treatment options. Furthermore, value clarification exercises and narratives were included. Acceptability and usability evaluation of the concept version was performed by 15 healthcare providers, three patients, and two patients' advocates. Comments were processed in the working group, resulting in the final version of the PDA, which was supported by all assessors.

Conclusion

Our multidisciplinary working group developed an online PDA for women with moderate to severe SUI including conservative and surgical treatment options, based on IPDAS criteria, guidelines, scientific evidence, and needs assessments from patients and healthcare providers. This PDA is supported by patients, healthcare providers, scientific societies, and the Dutch patients' association. The next step is to evaluate and implement this PDA in daily practice.

Trial Registration

ID 2014‐308.
A motion assessment method for reference stack selection in fetal brain MRI reconstruction based on tensor rank approximation
Authors: Xu Haoan , Shi Wen , Sun Jiwei , Zheng Tianshu , Xu Xinyi , Sun Cong , Yi Sun , Wang Guangbin , Wu Dan
Published: September 2024

Slice‐to‐volume registration and super‐resolution reconstruction are commonly used to generate 3D volumes of the fetal brain from 2D stacks of slices acquired in multiple orientations. A critical initial step in this pipeline is to select one stack with the minimum motion among all input stacks as a reference for registration. An accurate and unbiased motion assessment (MA) is thus crucial for successful selection. Here, we presented an MA method that determines the minimum motion stack based on 3D low‐rank approximation using CANDECOMP/PARAFAC (CP) decomposition. Compared to the current 2D singular value decomposition (SVD) based method that requires flattening stacks into matrices to obtain ranks, in which the spatial information is lost, the CP‐based method can factorize 3D stack into low‐rank and sparse components in a computationally efficient manner. The difference between the original stack and its low‐rank approximation was proposed as the motion indicator. Experiments on linearly and randomly simulated motion illustrated that CP demonstrated higher sensitivity in detecting small motion with a lower baseline bias, and achieved a higher assessment accuracy of 95.45% in identifying the minimum motion stack, compared to the SVD‐based method with 58.18%. CP also showed superior motion assessment capabilities in real‐data evaluations. Additionally, combining CP with the existing SRR‐SVR pipeline significantly improved 3D volume reconstruction. The results indicated that our proposed CP showed superior performance compared to SVD‐based methods with higher sensitivity to motion, assessment accuracy, and lower baseline bias, and can be used as a prior step to improve fetal brain reconstruction.
A questionnaire on the current situation of resignation intention of nurses in intensive care units in China – A descriptive quantitative study
Authors: He Feng , Zhang Chunyan , Zhao Di , Zhang Chao , Zeng Liangnan , Liu Wei , Li Laiyou , Gao Fei
Published: September 2024

Aim

This study analysed and summarized the correlation between various indicators of ICU nurses' personal lives, hospital work situation, social opinion, psychological assessment, and their intention to resign.

Design

A descriptive quantitative study.

Methods

This study was a multicentre questionnaire on factors influencing intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' intention to resign. This study was completed through the Critical Care E Institute (CCEI) and China Calm Therapy Research Group Academic Organization (CNCSG) by contacting ICU nurses in three hospitals in 34 provinces in China. The questionnaire was in the form of a cell phone WeChat scan code. The survey included 22 indicators, including basic information about nurses (marital and child status, personal income, etc.), hospital work (weekly working hours, night shift, hospital environment, etc.), and psychological symptoms.

Results

A total of 1904 nurses were included in this study. Among them, 1060 (55.67%) had the intention to resign. In this study, among the 22 indicators involved, 16 factors, including hospital work hours, job title, satisfaction with current income, having children, and evaluation of the hospital, significantly impact nurses' intentions to resign (all p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that six indicators influenced nurses' choice of resignation intention (all p < 0.05), including hospital work time, professional title, income satisfaction, hospital work pride, satisfaction of nurses with the compassion and care given to them by their hospitals, and career vision score. The ROC curve showed that all six indicators were <0.70, but the model receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve constructed for the indicators was 0.756.

In China, increasing the income of ICU nurses, fostering pride in hospital work, reducing working hours, ensuring smooth promotion processes, and enhancing career prospects can all decrease their likelihood of choosing to resign. Absorbing practical nursing management and work experience from other countries will help decrease the intention to resign within this group.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Sharing Is Caring? International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology Review and Recommendations for Sharing Programming Code
Authors: Tazare John , Wang Shirley V. , Gini Rosa , Prieto‐Alhambra Daniel , Arlett Peter , Morales Leaver Daniel R. , Morton Caroline , Logie John , Popovic Jennifer , Donegan Katherine , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Douglas Ian , Schultze Anna
Published: September 2024

Purpose

There is increasing recognition of the importance of transparency and reproducibility in scientific research. This study aimed to quantify the extent to which programming code is publicly shared in pharmacoepidemiology, and to develop a set of recommendations on this topic.

Methods

We conducted a literature review identifying all studies published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety (PDS) between 2017 and 2022. Data were extracted on the frequency and types of programming code shared, and other key open science practices (clinical codelist sharing, data sharing, study preregistration, and stated use of reporting guidelines and preprinting). We developed six recommendations for investigators who choose to share code and gathered feedback from members of the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE).

Results

Programming code sharing by articles published in PDS ranged from 1.8% in 2017 to 9.5% in 2022. It was more prevalent among articles with a methodological focus, simulation studies, and papers which also shared record‐level data.

Conclusion

Programming code sharing is rare but increasing in pharmacoepidemiology studies published in PDS. We recommend improved reporting of whether code is shared and how available code can be accessed. When sharing programming code, we recommend the use of permanent digital identifiers, appropriate licenses, and, where possible, adherence to good software practices around the provision of metadata and documentation, computational reproducibility, and data privacy.
N‐palmitoyl‐d‐glucosamine limits mucosal damage and VEGF‐mediated angiogenesis by PPARα‐dependent suppression of pAkt/mTOR/HIF1α pathway and increase in PEA levels in AOM/DSS colorectal carcinoma in mice
Authors: Palenca Irene , Basili Franzin Silvia , Zilli Aurora , Seguella Luisa , Troiani Anna , Pepi Federico , Vincenzi Martina , Giugliano Giuseppe , Catapano Viviana , Di Filippo Italia , Sarnelli Giovanni , Esposito Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

Chronic intestinal inflammation and neo‐angiogenesis are interconnected in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) pathogenesis. Molecules reducing inflammation and angiogenesis hold promise for CRC prevention and treatment. N‐Palmitoyl‐d‐glucosamine (PGA), a natural glycolipid analog with anti‐inflammatory properties, has shown efficacy against acute colitis. Micronized PGA (mPGA) formulations exhibit superior anti‐inflammatory activity. This study investigates the in vivo anti‐angiogenic and protective effects of mPGA in a mouse model of colitis‐associated CRC induced by azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS). CRC was induced in C57BL/6J mice using intraperitoneal azoxymethane followed by three cycles of 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water. Mice were treated with mPGA (30–150 mg/kg) with or without the PPARα inhibitor MK886 (10 mg/kg). At Day 70 post‐azoxymethane injection, mice underwent anesthetized endoscopic colon evaluation. Post‐mortem analysis of tumorigenesis and angiogenesis was performed using histological, immunohistochemical, and immunoblotting techniques. mPGA improved disease progression and survival rates in a dose‐ and PPARα‐dependent manner in AOM/DSS‐exposed mice. It reduced polyp formation, decreased pro‐angiogenic CD31, pro‐proliferative Ki67, and pro‐inflammatory TLR4 expression levels, and inhibited VEGF and MMP‐9 secretion by disrupting the pAkt/mTOR/HIF1α pathway. mPGA increased colon PEA levels, restoring anti‐tumoral PPARα and wtp53 protein expression. Given its lack of toxicity, mPGA shows potential as a nutritional intervention to counteract inflammation‐related angiogenesis in CRC.
Determination of Standard Enthalpies of Formation of Organic Peroxides Using Calibration Dependencies
Authors: Poskrebyshev Gregory A.
Published: September 2024

In the present work, the calibration dependencies for the M062X (i=1),B3LYP (i=2), wB97XD (i=3), M08HX (i=4), MN15 (i=5), G3B3 (i=6) and CBS‐QB3 (i=7) and several other modeling approaches are determined using the calculated values of ΔraHo of atomization and literature based values of ΔraHo(X,TAB) of 14 reference peroxides. These calibration dependencies are used for the determination of ΔraHo(X,CORRP)i and ΔfHo(X,CORRP)i of other peroxides. The coordination of values of ΔfHo(X,CORRP)i (i=1–7) by the intersection of their 3σPi intervals is used for the determination of the most consistent values of ΔfHo(X,MEANP). These values of ΔfHo(X,MEANP) are used for the determination of BDE of peroxides. It's demonstrated that the calculated and literature values of BDE are in agreement. Among the considered modeling approaches, the lowest uncertainties (σPi) are determined for the G3B3 (3.1 kJ/mol), CBS‐QB3 (4.1 kJ/mol), and M062X/6‐311++G(d,p) (6.1 kJ/mol) approaches.
Nanostructured NiO for Catalytic Oxidation of CO: Microstructural and Anionic Effects of the Precursors
Authors: Bose Pallab , Basak Somjyoti , Chowdhury Ipsita Hazra , Chakraborty Adwitiya , Naskar Milan Kanti
Published: September 2024

Transition metal oxides are suitable catalysts, capable of converting toxic carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Morphological and textural behaviors of the catalyst influence the catalytic conversion efficiencies. The present work highlights the role of anions of the nickel‐based precursor salts in hydrothermally synthesized (180 °C/24 h) nickel oxide catalysts toward CO conversion concerning their surface area, pore dimensions, and microstructural characteristics. Precursors having different anions used in NiO synthesis have distinct effects in shaping the physicochemical features of the synthesized catalysts governing the catalytic conversion process which were investigated in this study. The nitrate and acetate‐based NiO with flower‐like morphology exhibit a comparatively low surface area (BET) and larger pore volume and diameter than the sulfate‐based precursor. Catalytic CO oxidation study reveals that T100 i.e., the temperature to reach 100 % volume conversion of CO to CO2 was 249, 209, and 274 °C for nitrate, acetate, and sulfate‐based precursors, respectively. It was evident that the higher pore volume is a critical parameter that facilitates and governs efficient catalytic CO oxidation at comparatively low temperatures. The evolution of the pore properties and their reciprocity with the catalytic activity has been expounded in this study.
Preparation and Characterization of Biodegradable Plastic from Red Seaweed (Gracilaria sp.) from Coastal Areas in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Navid Mahmood , Chakma Pandob , Uddin Mohammad Seraj , Monirul Hasan Chowdhury Md.
Published: September 2024

Bioplastics are biobased or biodegradable plastic synthesized from natural resources with similar features to conventional plastic and environmental sustainability. Seaweed species abundant in the coastal regions of Bangladesh are yet to be explored for developing biodegradable plastic to solve the plastic pollution problem. Semi‐refined kappa carrageenan was extracted from Gracilaria sp. with Pressurized Hot Water Extraction (PHWE) and blended with sorbitol and polyethylene glycol 1540 in this study, respectively. The presence of carrageenan and other functional groups was confirmed with FTIR analysis. The bioplastic films showed over 90 % biodegradability after 16 days of soil burial test and 98 % water solubility after immersion for 16 days. Maximum 20 MPa tensile strength and 44 % elongation were observed from the bioplastic films. The polyethylene glycol 1540 blended films showed better physical and mechanical properties. SEM analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of tensile strength and elongation on the surface integrity of the bioplastic films. The findings indicate that Gracilaria sp. found in the coastal regions of Bangladesh, can be a potential candidate for developing bioplastics for food packaging and many other applications.
Synthesis, Antifungal, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of New Pyrazolo‐Triazaphophosphorin‐2‐Oxide Derivatives.
Authors: Louiz Sonia , Abderrahim Raoudha
Published: September 2024

The current work describes the synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial evaluation of a new series of pyrazolo‐triazaphosphorine derivatives. The synthesized compounds were confirmed by NMR (1H,13C,31P), IR spectroscopy, by elemental analysis and LCMS. The series of phosphorus products were screened for their antifungal activities and for their antibacterial activities. Finally, the antioxidant activity was tested for one of them (2a). The results were compared with biological activities of some drugs and demonstrate that the antibacterial and antifungal activities of 2 a–f, are influenced by the variation of the group R, R’ and the donor or attractor effects of the group R′. Likewise, the donor effect of the group in compound 2 e has a positive influence on the antifungal activity and 2 e reacts against Alternaria alternata with the lowest IC50=0.795 μg mL−1 than drug. The phosphorus products can be used as some antibacterial and antifungal agents and one of the compounds(2a) have an excellent antioxidant power.
Chrysophanol‐Loaded Composites with Xanthan Gum/Polycaprolactone for Drug Release Enhancement
Authors: Thu Vu Le Thi , Thuy Nguyen Chinh , Tra Duong My , Dinh Tran Thang , Huyen Pham Trang Thi , Thi Tran Mai , Ngoc Ly Lien Thi , Thai Hoang
Published: September 2024

This work focused on synthesizing novel chrysophanol‐loaded composites with varied ratios of polycaprolactone/xanthan gum to enhance the release of chrysophanol. The characteristics of the obtained composites were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, rhermogravimetric analysis and dynamic light scattering methods. The xanthan gum/polycaprolactone/chrysophanol (XPC) composites were obtained in the powdery form with particle sizes ranging from 80–100 nm. The results of hydrophilic and hydrophobic tests of the composites were discussed. Chrysophanol, polycaprolactone and xanthan gum can interact and are compatible to each other. XPC composites exhibit high stability and don't cause the negative effect on cells. Additionally, the chrysophanol release and kinetic model of chrysophanol release from the XPC composites in different pH buffer solutions were investigated and evaluated. Using drug carriers such as xanthan gum and polycaprolactone can enhance the release of chrysophanol in both pH 2.0 and pH 7.4 buffer solutions. In the presence of biopolymers, the distribution ability of chrysophanol in aqueous solutions such as pH 2.0 buffer, pH 7.4 buffer solutions, and 0.9 % NaCl solution was enhanced significantly. This will be favorable for an increase in the absorption of chrysophanol in the human body.
Effect of Co‐Crystallization on Physicochemical and Pharmacokinetic Properties of Rifaximin
Authors: Sakhiya Dhruv C. , Borkhataria Chetan H.
Published: September 2024

Rifaximin, a semi‐synthetic derivative of rifamycin is a BCS class IV drug having poor physicochemical properties. These poor physicochemical properties pose a major challenge in dosage form production and limited bioavailability restricts the systemic use of rifaximin. This study focuses on the improvement of physicochemical properties and in‐vivo bioavailability of rifaximin by utilizing co‐crystallization approach. Co‐crystallization of rifaximin with l‐proline (amino acid) resulted in improvement of physicochemical properties like saturation solubility, dissolution rate, flow‐ability, and 1.5‐fold improvement in anti‐microbial activity as compared to pure rifaximin. Ex‐vivo permeation rate was improved approximately two‐fold and in an in‐vivo study utilizing Sprague Dawley rats, relative bioavailability was estimated to be 785.5967±55.8986. The data suggest exponential improvement of both, physicochemical properties and bioavailability in the co‐crystallized form of rifaximin. This study might be a first step for the use of rifaximin in systemic infections and may open a path for rifaximin as a drug of choice for various bacterial infections.
Electrochemical Sensing Platform for Ascorbic Acid Detection Based on Porous Carbon Derived from Kudzu Root Residues
Authors: Dai Jia , Huang Ju Hua , Xiong Yi Qi , Gao Lai Fu
Published: September 2024

Kudzu root residue is an excellent biomass carbon material that can be transformed into porous carbon through a simple two‐step process of “pre‐carbonization” followed by KOH activation. The structure of carbonized and activated kudzu root residue material was characterized through various techniques such as SEM, XRD, N2 adsorption‐desorption, XPS and Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical measurement revealed that K‐CKR exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance, attributed to its large specific surface area, significant pore volume, and microporous‐mesoporous structure. When K‐CKR was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for constructing an electrochemical sensor to detect ascorbic acid (AA), it demonstrated remarkable electrochemical sensing capabilities. This included a wide linear detection range (50–1620 μM), higher sensitivity, a low detection limit (0.83 μM, S/N=3), excellent stability and interference resistance. These experimental results clearly indicate that K‐CKR is a highly promising electrode material for the development of novel electrochemical sensors.
Effect of Temperature and Initiator Concentration on the Curing Reaction of an Epoxy/Amine System
Authors: Martínez Pedro Antonio Espinoza , Valdés Saúl Sánchez , Vargas Eduardo Ramírez , Silva Luciano da
Published: September 2024

Epoxy blends of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and 2‐[2‐(dimethylamino) ethoxy] ethanol (DMAEE) were prepared. The effect of DMAEE concentration on the rheological properties of the epoxy blends were investigated through oscillatory rheometry under isothermal conditions. A novel technique was developed to study the rheological behavior of the epoxy blends by using a Rubber Process Analyzer (RPA). The rheological study enabled analyzing the variations in the storage modulus (G’), loss modulus (G’’) and torque during the progress of the curing reaction. Additionally, the theoretical cross‐linking density (νe) and the degree of conversión of the curing reaction (α). The gel time (tgel) was determined at different temperatures, and the activation energy (Ea) was calculated by using Arrhenius‐type equation based on the gel time results. The activation energy values found are 24.79 kJ/mol and 23.01 kJ/mol. The results obtained are consistent with the values described in the literature. It was demonstrated that the proposed methodology is valid and, the use of the tertiary amine DMAEE curing agent for epoxy resins was confirmed.
Bioinspired Nanostructures by Soft‐Template Electropolymerization from Di‐Substituted Triphenylamine
Authors: Diallo Diawo , Diouf Alioune , Dramé Abdoulaye , Sene Aboubacary , Guittard Frédéric , Darmanin Thierry
Published: September 2024

We report a bioinspired approach to tune surface nanostructures by soft‐template electropolymerization in micellar conditions. Monomers highly favoring π‐stacking interactions are particularly interesting for favoring the polymer deposition in one direction. Here, original triphenylamine‐based monomers di‐substituted by thiophene and carbazole are investigated. Conjugated building blocks monomers are tested to favor deposition vs polymerization, even if the monomers are not perfectly planar. The carbazole derivatives have a much higher electrodeposition capacity than the thiophene derivatives, which is unexpected if thiophene and carbazole are taken alone. Moreover, in all electrodeposited films, monomer seems to be present as shown by cyclic voltammetry experiments, confirming previous works. The amount of monomer vs oligomers is highly dependent on the investigated monomer. For the resulting surface structures, hollow spheres and nanoribbons are particularly formed with some investigated monomers by cyclic voltammetry while nanotubes are observed at constant potential. The formation of nanotubes indicates a polymer growth more favored in one direction. These surfaces are less hydrophobic (water contact angle up to 111.5°) compared to films with spherical nanoparticles but these results can be explained only by the presence of air inside the surface roughness.
BaFe12O19 Functional Porous Carbon Nanocomposite as an Electrocatalyst of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wu Bei , Chen Fucong , Guo Xiqiong , Li Runqiu , Guo Xiaoxiao , Zheng Hui
Published: September 2024

It is crucial to develop a non‐precious metal catalyst with high efficiency, affordable cost, and minimal environmental impact for conducting research on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. In this study, BaFe12O19 functional porous carbon (BaFe12O19/PC) nanocomposite was successfully prepared using Fe2O3, BaCO3 and glucose as precursors. Meanwhile, the BaFe12O19/PC catalyst‐modified glassy carbon electrode, carbon rod, and Hg/HgO electrode were used as the working electrode, counter electrode, and reference electrode, respectively, to investigate the electrochemical behavior. The uniform distribution of nano‐scale BaFe12O19 particles in a porous carbon framework was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy characterization. In addition, a double‐layer interface (Fe/Fe3C) was formed between the porous carbon and the nano‐sized BaFe12O19 particles. Fe/Fe3C has a synergistic effect with C, facilitating the migration and transfer of electrons from BaFe12O19 to porous carbon. The BaFe12O19/PC nanocomposite exhibited a four‐electron pathway for electrocatalytic kinetics, showcasing a significantly elevated half‐wave potential of 0.77 V, an impressively reduced Tafel slope of 84.95 mV/dec, and exceptional tolerance towards methanol. It is important to highlight that the BaFe12O19/PC nanocomposite not only possess high catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), but also demonstrate excellent stability. Consequently, this synthesized BaFe12O19/PC nanocomposite hold promising prospects as cost‐effective and efficient catalysts in fuel cell applications.
Effects of Nucleophilic Catalysts on the Self‐Assembly of Hydrazone‐Based Supramolecular Hydrogels
Authors: Cai Peiwen , Wang Hucheng , Gao Yuliang , Li Zhongqi , Guo Xuhong , Wang Yiming
Published: September 2024

Catalytic control over molecular self‐assembly provides a powerful approach to regulate the structures as well as the functionalities of supramolecular materials. Revealing how the catalysts affect the molecular self‐assembly process is crucial for rational design and control of the supramolecular self‐assembly systems. Herein, relying on a hydrazone‐based dynamic supramolecular hydrogel system, the effects of various nucleophilic catalysts on the self‐assembly of the hydrogels are investigated, demonstrating that the catalyst influences the hydrogelators self‐assembly via facilitating both the reaction and hydrogelators nucleation processes. The catalyst with higher catalytic activity accelerates the formation thereon the self‐assembly of hydrazone‐based hydrogelators, leading to hydrogels with more branched networks and higher stiffness. Importantly, we also verify that the catalysts, depending on the molecular structure, can also accelerate the self‐assembly process by affecting the hydrogelators nucleation process. These findings not only add more details to the effects of nucleophilic catalysts on the hydrazone‐based hydrogelation system, but also suggest that both the catalysis activity and chemical structures should be considered for catalytically controlled molecular self‐assembly.
Smart molecular probes with controllable photophysical property for smart medicine
Authors: Kang Xiaoying , Du Zekun , Yang Shuxuan , Liang Mengyun , Liu Qian , Qi Ji
Published: September 2024

Precision medicine calls for advanced theranostics that integrate controllable diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities into one platform for disease treatment in the early stage. Phototheranostics such as fluorescence imaging (FLI), photoacoustic imaging (PAI), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photothermal therapy (PTT) have attracted considerable attention in recent years, which mainly employ different excited‐state energy dissipation pathways of a chromophore. According to the Jablonski diagram, FLI is related to the radiative process, PAI and PTT are derived from the nonradiative thermal deactivation, and PDT originates from the triplet state energy, in which these processes are usually competitive. Therefore, it is critically important to precisely tune the photophysical energy transformation processes to realize certain diagnosis and treatment properties in optimal state for boosting biomedical applications. Currently, there are mainly two strategies including chemical structure and aggregate behavior changes that relate to the regulation of excited state energy dissipation. In this review, we will discuss the recent advances of smart molecular probes that the photophysical properties can be regulated by external triggers and their applications in biomedical fields. We will summarize the development of activatable phototheranostic molecular probes in response to stimuli such as reactive oxygen species, pH, light, hypoxia, enzyme and gas. The assembly and disassembly of molecular aggregates that greatly affect the photophysical energy transformation processes will also be highlighted. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the development of more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic systems, thereby advancing the emerging field of smart medicine.
Daylight Photoluminescence Imaging via Optical String Switching
Authors: Kunz Oliver , Weber Juergen W. , Rey Germain , Juhl Mattias , Trupke Thorsten
Published: September 2024

Optical switching of the electrical operating point of individual crystalline silicon modules has previously been demonstrated as an elegant noncontact method for outdoor photoluminescence image acquisition in full daylight, with the important advantage that no modifications to the system wiring are required. Herein, a modified approach for photoluminescence imaging acquisition in large photovoltaic arrays, enabled by simultaneous optical switching of all modules within a series‐connected string, is demonstrated. This improved method is a simpler approach and allows for significantly increased measurement throughput. Quantitative assessment of image data acquired in full daylight is possible since all modules in a string are series connected and operate at the same current. Excellent agreement is reported for voltage variations between modules that are inferred from daylight photoluminescence image data and measurements conducted under controlled laboratory conditions.
Effect of Dynamic Ultra‐High Pressure Microfluidization on the Properties of Potato Starch Fat Mimetics
Authors: Li Mingyuan , Yong Yaping , Zheng Ying , Hao Suying , Wu Jinhong , Yang Xiaoqing
Published: September 2024

Dynamic ultra‐high pressure microfluidization technology is employed to enhance the application of common enzymatic hydrolysis potato starch (PS)‐based fat mimetic through ultrafine particle treatment. The individual effects of treatment pressure, repetition, and feed concentration on the particle size and polymer dispersion index (PDI) of the resulting ultrafine PS‐based fat mimetics are assessed using PS‐based fat mimetics with a dextrose equivalent (DE) value of 2.4. Additionally, the physicochemical properties of the PS‐based fat mimetics obtained before and after ultrafine treatment are compared. The results indicate that the optimum ultra‐micronization parameters are subject to ten treatments at 200 MPa with a feed concentration of 3%. The optimal ultrafine fat mimetic has an average particle size of 532.40 nm and a PDI of 0.448, in comparison to enzymatically hydrolyzed fat mimics. Compared with the enzymatically hydrolyzed PS‐based fat mimetic, the oil‐holding capacity, emulsification index (E1), and emulsion stability index are improved, while the apparent viscosity, transparency, and retrogradation decrease in the fat mimetic obtained under the optimal ultra‐micronization treatment. The optimal treatment not only alters the surface morphology of the PS‐based fat mimetic particles but also significantly decreases the particle size and the number of spherical particles, with the underlying chemical structure remaining unaffected.
Who are the green transition experts? Towards a new research agenda on climate change knowledge
Authors: Frandsen Søren Lund , Hasselbalch Jacob A.
Published: September 2024

Experts play a significant role in shaping global and local norms on how societies should respond to the climate crisis. However, current scholarship on the relationship between expertise and climate change has not fully addressed recent transformations in the field, specifically the emergence and increasingly influential role of what we term “green transition expertise.” We define green transition expertise as a more applied, normative, and contextual form of climate change knowledge that is contrasted with the formalized, pure science of “climate expertise.” If climate experts assess the deteriorating state of the global climate, then transition experts tell states and corporations what they should do about it. We argue that if the social science of climate change knowledge is to further deepen its grasp of the politics of the green transition analytically and normatively, it must embrace a “post‐IPCC” research agenda that turns increasingly toward studying the power of transition experts in directing state and corporate climate action. Based on a review of the literature, we contrast the extant IPCC agenda with an emerging post‐IPCC agenda along three dimensions: expert cast (who are the experts?), expert content (what do they know?) and expert context (where are they located?). By marking a shift in each of these dimensions, the post‐IPCC agenda sensitizes the social science of climate change knowledge to overlooked and increasingly powerful forms of experts and expertise. To facilitate their study, we define six specific areas that require detailed attention as the post‐IPCC agenda develops.

This article is categorized under:

The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge

Policy and Governance > National Climate Change Policy

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Ideas and Knowledge
Integral practices anchoring leadershape's program curriculum
Authors: Mendizabal Juan C. , Young Kristen
Published: September 2024

This article explores how the leadership learning framework can scaffold leadership development training toward meaningful, observable change. This change occurs when students have opportunities to take their existing leadership knowledge and combine it with new information to increase their leadership metacognition both conceptually and in practice. To bring these concepts to reality, we provide examples of the philosophies and priorities influencing LeaderShape's curriculum design. Examining core curricular themes of identity development, technology, and process‐based learning, the authors share the rationale for implementation. They also provide suggestions for leadership operationalization based on LeaderShape's most utilized training programs, all grounded in critical elements of the LLF.
Moving Toward Evidence‐Based Care: Measuring Preferences in Zoo‐Housed Aquatic Turtles Using 24‐h Remote Monitoring
Authors: O'Brien Shannon L. , Koenig Spencer , Cronin Katherine A.
Published: September 2024

Providing evidence‐based care to animals is a common goal in zoos and aquariums. However, there are many understudied species with a lack of information available, which may result in suboptimal care for individuals of these species. Using preference tests to ask individual animals what they want can be an effective means to enhance their care, and subsequently, their welfare. Using 24‐h remote monitoring, we assessed substrate, enclosure feature, and lighting preferences of five aquatic turtles (two wood turtles, one Blanding's turtle, and two spotted turtles) that share an indoor enclosure at Lincoln Park Zoo. In addition, we compared enclosure feature and lighting preferences between winter and summer to determine whether the turtles had changing seasonal preferences despite being housed indoors. We found that the wood turtles and Blanding's turtle had substrate preferences, whereas the spotted turtles did not. In addition, we found that the turtles' enclosure feature preferences were consistent between winter and summer, but the amount of time spent on land, logs, and in water varied by individual. Finally, we found that the turtles utilized areas with ambient lighting more than areas with a heat lamp or UV lamp; this was consistent between winter and summer. The turtle preferences observed in this study can contribute to the development of care strategies that support their welfare and, in turn, may inspire similar preference studies at other institutions as we collectively advance toward providing animals of all taxonomic groups with evidence‐based care.
Mapping rust resistance in European winter wheat: many QTLs for yellow rust resistance, but only a few well characterized genes for stem rust resistance
Authors: Miedaner Thomas , Eckhoff Wera , Flath Kerstin , Schmitt Anne-Kristin , Schulz Philipp , Schacht Johannes , Boeven Philipp , Akel Wessam , Kempf Hubert , Gruner Paul
Published: September 2024

Key message

Stem rust resistance was mainly based on a few, already known resistance genes; for yellow rust resistance there was a combination of designated genes and minor QTLs.

Yellow rust (YR) caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) and stem rust (SR) caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) are among the most damaging wheat diseases. Although, yellow rust has occurred regularly in Europe since the advent of the Warrior race in 2011, damaging stem rust epidemics are still unusual. We analyzed the resistance of seven segregating populations at the adult growth stage with the parents being selected for YR and SR resistances across three to six environments (location–year combinations) following inoculation with defined Pst and Pgt races. In total, 600 progenies were phenotyped and 563 were genotyped with a 25k SNP array. For SR resistance, three major resistance genes (Sr24, Sr31, Sr38/Yr17) were detected in different combinations. Additional QTLs provided much smaller effects except for a gene on chromosome 4B that explained much of the genetic variance. For YR resistance, ten loci with highly varying percentages of explained genetic variance (pG, 6–99%) were mapped. Our results imply that introgression of new SR resistances will be necessary for breeding future rust resistant cultivars, whereas YR resistance can be achieved by genomic selection of many of the detected QTLs.