bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon–carbon triple bond‐containing materials for photo(electro)catalytic solar hydrogen production
Authors: Li Wenyan , Lu Yang , Tang Yawen , Sun Hanjun
Published: June 2024

The use of solar energy to produce hydrogen has been one of the research hotspots in recent years. With the continuous exploitation of solar hydrogen evolution, the performance of photo(electro)catalysts has been greatly optimized. However, the solar‐driven hydrogen production for most semiconductors, especially for organic semiconductors, is limited due to the lack of active centers and serious electron–hole recombination. Recently, it has been reported that carbon‐carbon triple bonds (C≡C) can function as active sites for hydrogen evolution, and diacetylenic moiety in organic semiconductors is able to increase carrier migration as well. Therefore, organic semiconductors containing C≡C have attracted considerable attention in the past few years. In this review, organic materials or organic–inorganic hybrids containing C≡C for photo(electro)catalytic solar hydrogen production are classified first, including graphdiyne, conjugated acetylene polymers, some covalent organic frameworks, and metal–organic frameworks. After that, the structure, properties, and advantages and disadvantages of C≡C‐containing materials are introduced and summarized. Apart from these, this review also presents advances in materials containing C≡C in the field of solar hydrogen generation. Finally, perspectives on the future development of C≡C‐containing materials in the field of solar hydrogen generation are also briefly anticipated. This review provides pertinent insights into the main challenges and potential advances in the organic semiconductors for solar‐driven hydrogen production, which will also greatly contribute to other photo(electro)catalytic reactions.
A qualitative study of Black breast cancer previvors' and survivors' experiences after positive genetic testing
Authors: Sud Malika , Stallings Erika , Wang Catharine , Sosa Lillian T.
Published: June 2024

Black women have a disproportionately high mortality rate from breast cancer, which is likely influenced by an intersection of environmental, cultural, economic, and social factors. Few published studies capture the experiences of Black women after a genetic diagnosis associated with increased risk for breast cancer. This study aims to explore the perspectives and experiences of Black women who carry a pathogenic variant associated with increased breast cancer risk and identify barriers to care for this population. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 16 participants with and without histories of breast cancer. The sample included representation across a range of demographic groups (e.g., income level, employment status, insurance status, and education level). Reflexive thematic analysis was the methodology used to analyze data. Five major themes emerged from participants' descriptions of their experiences during and after genetic testing: (1) searching for representation; (2) information enabling agency; (3) healthcare providers as facilitators or barriers to care; (4) self‐identity impacting disclosure; and (5) evolving mental health and coping strategies. Participants identified barriers to care including challenging or misinformed healthcare providers, medical racism, and a lack of Black representation in the cancer community. This work deepens our understanding of the nuanced experiences of Black women across the continuum of cancer care, illustrates unmet needs, and provides a foundation for future research that includes the perspectives of Black women.
Development and verification of the Korean version of the genetic counseling self‐efficacy scale
Authors: Tak Sunhee , Lee Beom Hee , Choi In Hee
Published: June 2024

A self‐reported Genetic Counseling Self‐Efficacy Scale (GCSES) was developed in English to measure genetic counselors' self‐efficacy, a factor known to affect their job performance. This study verified the reliability and validity of the GCSES for use in Korea. The scale was translated and back‐translated into Korean for cultural fit verification. Expert analysis was performed to ensure content validity. For construct validity, a confirmatory factor analysis of the six‐factor structures of the GCSES and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the K‐GCSES were conducted. To confirm the convergent validity and discriminant validity of the items, a multitrait/multi‐item matrix analysis of the relationship between items and subscales was conducted. The reliability was evaluated by examining internal consistency and test–retest reliability. A total of 62 participants were recruited from certified genetic counselors associated with the Korean Society of Medical Genetics and Genomics and from four graduate schools offering genetic counseling programs. Confirmatory factor analysis showed an inadequate fit to the original GCSES structure. Through EFA, three‐factor structures were identified: “counseling competence and psychosocial skills,” “genetic testing,” and “information gathering.” Of the original 38 GCSES items, five were removed due to low factor loadings and small inter‐item correlations. The item convergent validity and discriminant validity of the Korean version of the GCSES were established, and the correlation between the subfactors showed statistical significance (0.711–0.983). Cronbach's alpha was 0.985, and the intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.882 to 0.897, securing reliability. The K‐GCSES has a three‐factor structure with acceptable reliability and sufficient validity. Differences in the factor structure between the K‐GCSES and GCSES may be due to cultural factors. K‐GCSES can be used as a tool to evaluate the competence of genetic counselors and genetic counseling students in Korea and to improve the quality of professionalism and education.
Thermodynamically consistent derivation of excess Raman spectra
Authors: Willger Miriam , Braeuer Andreas Siegfried
Published: June 2024

Attempting to compute the excess Raman spectra, the authors found that the method of spectral normalization greatly influences not only the intensity but also the shape of the excess spectra. We here present a method for the computation of normalized excess Raman spectra that is regarded as thermodynamically consistent. In the presented method, the normalized excess Raman spectra are computed from molar Raman spectra, which cannot be measured directly. It is therefore described how they can be obtained from intensity‐normalized Raman spectra and a regression of mixture Raman spectra.
Fabrication and characterization of bovine serum albumin–phycocyanobilin conjugate: effect on antioxidant and ligand‐binding properties
Authors: Radomirovic Mirjana , Gligorijevic Nikola , Stanic‐Vucinic Dragana , Nikolic Milan , Cirkovic Velickovic Tanja
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Phycocyanobilin (PCB) is an open‐chain blue tetrapyrrole chromophore of C‐phycocyanin (C‐PC), a major chromoprotein derived from the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis having numerous health‐promoting effects. Relying on the ability of PCB to attach to the sulfhydryl group of proteins, we propose a new method for covalent attachment of PCB to bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a means of its functionalization.

RESULTS

Traut's reagent (TR, 2‐iminothiolane), modifying lysine residues, was used to optimize the introduction of sulfhydryl groups in BSA. A higher degree of BSA thiolation by TR induces more profound alterations of its structure, resulting in minor oligomerization and aggregation. A 50‐fold molar excess of TR was found to be the optimal, balancing thiolation level and adverse effect on protein structure. PCB was covalently attached to newly introduced sulfhydryl groups at pH 9 at 20‐fold PCB/BSA ratio. An increase in the TR/BSA molar ratio leads to increased efficiency of PCB conjugation with thiolated BSA. Compared to native BSA, BSA–PCB conjugate binds quercetin with similar affinity but has higher antioxidant activity and increased oxidative stability.

CONCLUSIONS

PCB‐modified BSA could serve as a stable, food‐compatible carrier of bioactive PCB, but also bind other ligands that would be protected from oxidative damage due to the high antioxidant potential of covalently bound PCB. Thiolation by TR is, at the same time, a simple method for the covalent functionalization of virtually any protein by bioactive PCB or for obtaining PCB‐based fluorescent probes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Purification and characterization of limonin D‐ring lactone hydrolase from sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) seeds
Authors: Zhang Nawei , Xu Yang , Jia Xiao , Li Xiao , Ren Jingnan , Pan Siyi , Fan Gang , Yang Jinchu
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Citrus products often suffer from delayed bitterness, which is generated from the conversion of non‐bitter precursors (limonoate A‐ring lactone, LARL) to limonin under the catalysis of limonin D‐ring lactone hydrolase (LDLH). In this study, LDLH was isolated and purified from sweet orange seeds, and a rapid and accurate high‐performance liquid chromatography method to quantify LARL was developed and applied to analyze the activity and enzymatic properties of purified LDLH.

RESULTS

Purified LDLH (25.22 U mg−1) showed bands of 245 kDa and 17.5 kDa molecular weights in native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and sodium dodecyl sulfate PAGE analysis respectively. After a 24 h incubation under strongly acidic (pH 3) or strongly alkaline (pH 9) conditions, LDLH still retained approximately 100% activity. Moreover, LDLH activity was not impaired by thermal treatment at 50 °C for 120 min. Enzyme inhibition assays showed that LDLH was inactivated only after ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid treatment, and other enzyme inhibitors showed no significant effect on its activity. In addition, the LDLH activity of calcium ion (Ca2+) intervention was 108% of that in the blank group, and that of zinc ion (Zn2+) intervention was 71%.

CONCLUSION

LDLH purified in this study was a multimer containing 17.5 kDa monomer with a wide pH tolerance range (pH 3–9) and excellent thermal stability. Moreover, LDLH might be a metallopeptidase, and its activity was stimulated by Ca2+ and significantly inhibited by Zn2+. These findings improve our understanding of LDLH and provide some important implications for reducing the bitterness in citrus products in the future. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Climate change exposure, environmental performance, and the cost of capital in the energy sector: Fossil fuel versus renewable energy firms
Authors: Yildiz Yilmaz , Temiz Huseyin
Published: June 2024

As the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the energy sector is expected to make significant investments in green transformation to help combat climate change. However, the effect of climate risk on sector firms' cost of capital has been neglected in the literature. This study fills this gap by investigating the impact of climate change and environmental performance on the cost of capital in the energy sector using a large sample of energy firms from 34 countries. Specifically, we comparatively examine the impact of climate risk on weighted average cost of capital, cost of debt, and cost of equity for fossil fuel and renewable energy firms. Moreover, we examine the moderating role of corporate environmental performance on the relationship between climate risk and the cost of capital. Our results suggest that energy firms domiciled in countries with higher exposure to climate change have a significantly higher weighted average cost of capital, cost of equity, and cost of debt than the firms domiciled in countries with lower exposure to climate change. However, this effect is significantly stronger for fossil fuel firms than for renewable energy firms. Importantly, energy firms, both fossil fuel and renewable energy, can mitigate the adverse effect of climate change on their cost of capital by engaging in pro‐environmental policies. These findings suggest that climate risk exposure and the environmental performance of energy firms are important factors to consider when designing policies to accelerate the green transformation of the energy sector.
Quality and pricing decisions for product upgrade: Does valuation uncertainty always hurt the vendor?
Authors: Guo Junpeng , Liu Zhongrui , Cui Qingbin
Published: June 2024

Product upgrade is an effective method for vendor to maintain and grow its market share. Consumers encounter difficulties in evaluating product utility or value because of product quality and misfit uncertainty. Considering valuation uncertainty, we study the vendor's upgrade strategy (including quality and pricing decisions) for repeat purchase products. The results show that the vendor can benefit from a decline in quality uncertainty. Misfit uncertainty impacts the vendor's profit nonmonotonically, depending on consumers' quality evaluation. As quality evaluation improves, the reduction in misfit uncertainty may hurt the vendor's profit. The results provide guidelines for vendor's product updates and upgrades.
Pattern reconfigurable mm‐Wave leaky‐wave antenna array using contactless excitation
Authors: Wang Kan , Emara Mohamed K. , Smy Tom J. , Gupta Shulabh
Published: June 2024

A novel contactless excitation method for leaky‐wave antennas (LWAs) is proposed based on near‐field coupling between a physically disconnected input feed section and input ports of LWAs. Periodic slot‐pairs in substrate‐integrated waveguides are used to implement a plurality of planar LWAs in the Ka‐band, where contactless excitation allows switching of the input port along an antenna array without any mechanical disconnection and reconnection of coaxial connectors, thereby opening the path for mechanical switching‐based pattern reconfiguration. To demonstrate the proposed principle of contactless excitation, prototypes are shown with detailed reflection characteristics and radiation pattern measurements.
Effects of using a mobile application on pelvic floor training in women with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled clinical study
Authors: Vilela Ingrid da Costa , Silva Natasha Morena Bazílio , Pinto Rogério de Melo Costa , Driusso Patricia , Pereira‐Baldon Vanessa Santos
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as any involuntary loss of urine that causes negative impacts on women's lives. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is considered to be “level A” of scientific evidence in the treatment of UI. Despite its efficacy, it is known that the effect of PFMT may depend on continuous adherence. Therefore, healthcare professionals are looking for alternatives to improve adherence in their patients. Healthcare has been innovating through mobile device apps.

Objective

Thus, the objective of this study was to verify the effects of PFMT with the use of a mobile device app in incontinent women.

Trial Design

This was a controlled, randomized clinical trial that occurred remotely.

Methods

A total of 104 women with stress UI and/or mixed incontinence, over 18 years old, literate, with preserved cognitive capacity, with internet access and a mobile device with the Android system, participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: The App group and the Booklet group, which underwent a PFMT protocol guided by a mobile app and a booklet, respectively. Both groups received daily reminders to perform the exercises. Before and after 12 weeks of intervention, it was evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF) and the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ).

Results

Both groups showed improvements in the final ICIQ‐SF score. However, superior results were shown for the Booklet group (App: pre: 11.5 [±3.8], post: 9.8 [±4.5]; Booklet: pre: 12.6 [±4.5], post: 7.4 [±4.3]; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

It was concluded that PFMT, with the use of a mobile app, is capable of reducing UI and the impact of UI, but it is not superior to training with the use of booklet instructions.
BRAF‐V600E mutations in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells correlate with prognosis of pediatric Langerhans cell histiocytosis treated with first‐line therapy
Authors: Wang Chan‐Juan , Zhu Ting , Zhao Chen‐Zi , Cui Hua , Wang Dong , Zhao Zi‐Jing , Huang Xiao‐Tong , Li Hua‐Lin , Liu Fei‐Fei , Zhang Rui , Li Zhi‐Gang , Cui Lei
Published: June 2024

Background

The clinical relevance of BRAF‐V600E alleles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the prognostic impact of the mutants in cell‐free (cf) and PBMC DNAs of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) have not been fully clarified in pediatric LCH.

Methods

We retrospectively determined the levels of BRAF‐V600E mutation in paired plasma and PBMC samples at the time of diagnosis of LCH. Subsequently, we performed a separate or combined analysis of the clinical and prognostic impact of the mutants.

Results

We assessed BRAF‐V600E mutation in peripheral blood from 94 patients of childhood LCH. Our data showed that cfBRAF‐V600E was related to young age, multiple‐system (MS) disease, involvements of organs with high risk, increased risk of relapse, and worse progression‐free survival (PFS) of patients. We also observed that the presence of BRAF‐V600E in PBMCs at baseline was significantly associated with MS LCH with risk organ involvement, younger age, and disease progression or relapse. The coexisting of plasma(+)/PBMC(+) identified 36.2% of the patients with the worst outcome, and the hazard ratio was more significant than either of the two alone or neither, indicating that combined analysis of the mutation in plasma and PBMCs was more accurate to predict relapse than evaluation of either one.

Conclusions

Concurrent assessment of BRAF‐V600E mutation in plasma and PBMCs significantly impacted the prognosis of children with LCH. Further prospective studies with larger cohorts need to validate the results of this study.
Nonopioid analgesic use in older patients admitted for orthopedic rehabilitation
Authors: Bilek Aaron J. , Cullen Stephanie , Tan Carolyn M. , Li Qixuan , Huszti Ella , Norman Richard E.
Published: June 2024

Background

Multimodal analgesia (MMA) combines opioids with nonopioid analgesics (NOAs) to mitigate opioid‐related adverse events and development of opioid use disorders. Although MMA has become the standard for orthopedic perioperative pain management, guidance is less clear for the approximately 15% of patients who go on to require inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation (IOR) postoperatively. The IOR population tends to be older and frailer and hence likely more vulnerable to adverse events. Little research has been done to shed light on how NOAs are used in this population.

Objective

To characterize NOA prescribing in older versus younger adults during IOR admissions and to determine predictors of NOA prescribing in an older IOR population.

Design

Retrospective case–control study.

Setting

Two IOR wards at an academic rehabilitation hospital in Toronto, Canada.

Patients

All patients aged ≥50 years admitted for an orthopedic indication between November 2019 and June 2021; the patients aged <65 group was included for comparative characterization of NOA prescribing versus older peers.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Medication use and adverse events, pain, and rehabilitation outcomes such as the Functional Independence Measure, discharge destination, and length of stay.

Results

A total of 643 patient encounters were included; 48.2% used NOA. Age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.97; confidence interval [CI]: 0.95–0.99, p < .001) and prior NOA use (OR: 3.15; CI: 2.0–4.9, p < .001) were associated with NOA prescribing. Other positively associated factors included body mass index, psychiatric history, elective surgery, and admission from a specific referring hospital. Adverse events between NOA users and nonusers were similar.

Conclusions

NOA prescribing is heterogeneous and declines with age in IOR. This points to an opportunity to explore integrating NOA into opioid‐sparing MMA protocols tailored to older IOR patients, along with further study of the safety and benefit of these regimens.
Optically‐Stimulated‐Luminescence Ages and Paleo‐Environmental Implications of Relict Frost Wedges in North–Central Bohemia, Czech Republic
Authors: Uxa Tomáš , Křížek Marek , Krause David , Moska Piotr , Murton Julian
Published: June 2024

Relict frost wedges are widespread and valuable indicators of past environmental conditions that have been extensively dated across central and western European lowlands over the past few decades, but their timing in the Czech Republic is poorly known. Here, we present optically‐stimulated‐luminescence (OSL) ages for seven relict frost wedges situated at four study sites in north–central Bohemia, Czech Republic (49.9992–50.4956°N, 13.3736–16.0011°E, 230–350 m above sea level). The OSL ages indicate that the frost wedges developed during two phases in marine isotope stage 2: an older phase that peaked at 23.6 ± 2.9 ka and a younger phase that peaked at 16.1 ± 1.3 ka. Both phases probably experienced cold, dry and windy conditions that were mostly associated with <0°C mean annual air and ground temperatures and the presence of at least discontinuous permafrost, which is in line with similar central and western European records and other paleo‐environmental archives. The new OSL ages constitute the first extended dataset on the timing of frost wedges in this undersampled area between the Fennoscandian and Alpine ice sheets, which is essential for reconstructing past permafrost extents and climate conditions, as well as for validating models of past permafrost dynamics in central Europe.
A Spectroscopic Correlative Analysis of Eu3+‐Substituted Zn1‐xSnO3 Nano Phosphors for Anticounterfeiting Applications
Authors: Albert Anitha , Velladurai Ponnusamy
Published: June 2024

A series of orange–red phosphors Zn1‐xSnO3:xEu3+ synthesized using a sol–gel combustion process is used to study the modified local crystal structure by site‐selective substitution of Eu3+ ions. XRD with the Rietveld refinement analysis reveals an orthorhombic ZnSnO3 structure with a space group 61. SEM and TEM with EDAX analyses confirm the flower‐like morphology of Zn1‐xSnO3:xEu3+ nanorods. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy gives substantial confirmation for the inclusion of Eu3+ ions into the ZnSnO3 host. Judd‐Ofelt analysis confirms the substitution of Eu3+ ion in an asymmetric environment in ZnSnO3, which is responsible for orange–red emission at 615 nm. UV–vis–DRS analysis shows that the addition of Eu3+ ions (1% to 17% in phases of 4%) results in the formation of confined energy states with an increased band gap from 2.78 to 3.29 eV. The ability of ZnSnO3 to host Eu3+ ions signifies that it can be used as an effective luminescent material. Cyclic voltammetry analysis reveals the enhanced charge separation in Zn1‐xSnO3:xEu3+(13%) nanophosphor. The optimized Zn1‐xSnO3:xEu3+(13%) nano phosphor mixed with silicone investigated for the generation of anti‐counterfeiting patterns indicates its potential to generate high‐resolution image patterns on various surfaces under monochromatic UV or visible‐LASER LED illumination.
Development of a Diethylcarbamazine Citrate‐Based Electrochemical Sensor for Quick and Affordable Detection of Sulfadiazine and Uric Acid in Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Teradale Amit B. , Unki Shrishila N. , Ganesh Pattan S. , Das Kusal K. , Das Swastika N.
Published: June 2024

The widespread use of antibiotics like sulfadiazine (SDZ) in various industries has raised environmental and health concerns due to their potential for bioaccumulation and the subsequent effects on human health and the environment. Diethylcarbamazine citrate (DCZ), a well‐established antifilarial drug, has yet to be explored as a sensing agent despite its extensive use. This study proposes a cost‐effective and efficient method for detecting SDZ and Uric acid (UA) using a DCZ‐modified carbon paste electrode (poly‐DCZ/MCPE). The poly‐DCZ film is synthesized via cyclic voltammetry (CV) on the carbon paste electrode surface, demonstrating excellent electrocatalytic activity for SDZ and UA detection at pH 7.4. The diffusion‐controlled electrode process is observed with a lower limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for SDZ as 3.8×10−9 M and 12.94×10−9 M respectively. For UA, LOD and LOQ were found to be 6.291×10−9 M and 20.97×10−9 M respectively at the poly‐DCZ/MCPE. Notably, the sensor exhibits simultaneous detection capabilities for SDZ and UA by CV and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods, addressing the need to monitor antibiotic residues in aquatic ecosystems and animal‐derived products.
Cyclic Ether Derived Stable Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Bismuth Anodes for Ultrahigh‐Rate Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshan , Lin Jinxin , Qiu Xueqing , Lin Zehua , Alshareef Husam N. , Zhang Wenli
Published: June 2024

The bismuth anode has garnered significant attention due to its high theoretical Na‐storage capacity (386 mAh g−1). There have been numerous research reports on the stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) facilitated by electrolytes utilizing ether solvents. In this contribution, cyclic tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) ethers are employed as solvents to investigate the sodium‐ion storage properties of bismuth anodes. A series of detailed characterizations are utilized to analyze the impact of electrolyte solvation structure and SEI chemical composition on the kinetics of sodium‐ion storage. The findings reveal that bismuth anodes in both THF and MeTHF‐based electrolytes exhibit exceptional rate performance at low current densities, but in THF‐based electrolytes, the reversible capacity is higher at high current densities (316.7 mAh g−1 in THF compared to 9.7 mAh g−1 in MeTHF at 50 A g−1). This stark difference is attributed to the formation of an inorganic‐rich, thin, and uniform SEI derived from THF‐based electrolyte. Although the SEI derived from MeTHF‐based electrolyte also consists predominantly of inorganic components, it is thicker and contains more organic species compared to the THF‐derived SEI, impeding charge transfer and ion diffusion. This study offers valuable insights into the utilization of cyclic ether electrolytes for Na‐ion batteries.
Dualities among massive, partially massless and shift symmetric fields on (A)dS
Authors: Hinterbichler Kurt
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We catalog all the electromagnetic-like dualities that exist between free dynamical bosonic fields of arbitrary symmetry type and mass on (anti-) de Sitter space in all dimensions, including dualities among the partially massless and shift symmetric fields. This generalizes to all these field types the well known fact that a massless p-form is dual to a massless (D − p − 2)-form in D spacetime dimensions. In the process, we describe the structure of the Weyl modules (the spaces of local operators linear in the fields and their derivative relations) for all the massive, partially massless and shift symmetric fields.
Properties of the contraction map for holographic entanglement entropy inequalities
Authors: Bao Ning , Naskar Joydeep
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We present a deterministic way of finding contraction maps for candidate holographic entanglement entropy inequalities modulo choices due to actual degeneracy. We characterize its complexity and give an argument for the completeness of the contraction map proof method as a necessary and sufficient condition for the validity of an entropy inequality for holographic entanglement.
Anti-tumor effects of tirbanibulin in squamous cell carcinoma cells are mediated via disruption of tubulin-polymerization
Authors: DeTemple Viola K. , Walter Antje , Bredemeier Sabine , Gutzmer Ralf , Schaper-Gerhardt Katrin
Published: June 2024

Topical tirbanibulin is a highly effective and well tolerated novel treatment option for actinic keratoses (AKs). This study aimed to characterize the mode of action of tirbanibulin in keratinocytes (NHEK) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) cell lines (A431, SCC-12) in vitro. Tirbanibulin significantly reduced proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in all investigated cell lines, inhibited migration, and induced G2/M-cell cycle arrest only in the cSCC cell lines analyzed, and induced apoptosis solely in A431, which showed the highest sensitivity to tirbanibulin. In general, we detected low basal expression of phosphorylated SRC in all cell lines analyzed, therefore, interference with SRC signaling does not appear to be the driving force regarding the observed effects of tirbanibulin. The most prominent tirbanibulin-mediated effect was on β-tubulin-polymerization, which was especially impaired in A431. Additionally, tirbanibulin induced an increase of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, bFGF and VEGF in A431. In conclusion, tirbanibulin mediated anti-tumor effects predominantly in A431, while healthy keratinocytes and more dedifferentiated SCC-12 were less influenced. These effects of tirbanibulin are most likely mediated via dysregulation of β-tubulin-polymerization and may be supported by proinflammatory aspects.
Examining the use of alternative light sources in medico-legal assessments of blunt-force trauma: a systematic review
Authors: Tyr Alexander , Heldring Nina , Zilg Brita
Published: June 2024

The ability to analyze blunt-force trauma is crucial for deciphering valuable clues concerning mechanisms of injury and as evidence for medico-legal investigations. The use of alternate light sources (ALS) has been studied over the past decade, and is proposed to outperform conventional white light (CWL) during bruise assessments. In response to the growing interest of the technology worldwide, a systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to address the ability of ALS to detect and visualize bruising. From an initial 4055 records identified, ten studies met the eligibly criteria and were selected for this review. Evaluation also included a novel framework, referred to as SPICOT, to further systematically assess both scientific evidence and risk of bias in forensic literature. Analysis reveals that narrowband wavelengths within in the infrared or ultraviolet spectral ranges do not significantly outperform CWL in visualizing or detecting bruising. However, wavelengths within the visible spectrum, particularly 415 nm combined with longpass or bandpass yellow filters, are more effective. However, the majority of selected studies only address the sensitivity of ALS, and therefore, results may only be considered valid when the location of a bruise is known. Further investigation is required to understand the specificity of ALS, in particular how the use of topical cosmetic products, previous wounds/scar-tissue, tattoos, moles and freckles may affect detection. The ethical concern regarding the interpretation of enhanced visualized trauma should also be considered in prospect discussions prior to implementing ALS into routine practice. Nevertheless, this review finds that narrowband ALS within the visible spectrum demonstrates potential for improved injury documentation, outperforming CWL in the detection and visualization of bruising.
Coenzyme Q deficiency may predispose to sudden unexplained death via an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia
Authors: Wang Shouyu , Haas Cordula , Wang Zhimin , Du Jianghua , Lin Zijie , Hong Guanghui , Li Liliang , Tao Ruiyang , Shen Yiwen , Neubauer Jacqueline
Published: June 2024

Cardiac arrhythmia is currently considered to be the direct cause of death in a majority of sudden unexplained death (SUD) cases, yet the genetic predisposition and corresponding endophenotypes contributing to SUD remain incompletely understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of Coenzyme Q (CoQ) deficiency in SUD. First, we re-analyzed the exome sequencing data of 45 SUD and 151 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cases from our previous studies, focusing on previously overlooked genetic variants in 44 human CoQ deficiency-related genes. A considerable proportion of the SUD (38%) and SIDS (37%) cases were found to harbor rare variants with likely functional effects. Subsequent burden testing, including all rare exonic and untranslated region variants identified in our case cohorts, further confirmed the existence of significant genetic burden. Based on the genetic findings, the influence of CoQ deficiency on electrophysiological and morphological properties was further examined in a mouse model. A significantly prolonged PR interval and an increased occurrence of atrioventricular block were observed in the 4-nitrobenzoate induced CoQ deficiency mouse group, suggesting that CoQ deficiency may predispose individuals to sudden death through an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia. Overall, our findings suggest that CoQ deficiency-related genes should also be considered in the molecular autopsy of SUD.
Structure-preserving formulations for data-driven analysis of coupled multi-physics systems
Authors: Muixí Alba , González David , Chinesta Francisco , Cueto Elías
Published: June 2024

We develop a novel methodology for data-driven simulation of coupled multi-physics systems. The result of the method is a learned numerical integrator of the coupled system dynamics. In order to preserve the fundamental physics of the coupled systems, and thus preserve the geometrical properties of the governing equations—even if they may be completely unknown—we impose a port-metriplectic structure on the system evolution, i.e., a combination of a symplectic evolution for the system energy with a gradient flow for the entropy of each system, which can be exchanged through predefined ports. The resulting method guarantees by construction the satisfaction of the laws of thermodynamics for open systems, leading to accurate predictions of the future states of their dynamics. Examples are given for systems of varying complexity, based on synthetic as well as experimental data.
Predictors of outcome following an epidural steroid injection for disc-related sciatica: a Delphi consensus study
Authors: Stynes Siobhan , Foster Nadine , O’ Dowd John , Ostelo Raymond , Konstantinou Kika
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Trial data shows modest reductions in leg pain, disability and surgery avoidance following epidural steroid injections (ESI) for severe sciatica. Despite their common use, there is no clear evidence about which patients are more likely to benefit from ESI. The aim of this study was to generate consensus on potential predictors of outcome following ESI for disc-related sciatica.

Methods

A list of potential predictors of outcome was generated during a consensus meeting of seven experts. The items were subsequently presented in a two round on-line Delphi study to generate consensus among experts on which items are potential predictors of outcome. Consensus was defined as 70% agreement among participants.

Results

Sixty-one items were generated during the consensus meeting. Of ninety experts invited to participate in the on-line Delphi study, 44 (48%) and 33 (73%) took part in rounds one and two respectively. Twenty-eight additional items suggested by participants in round one were included in round two. Overall, 14 items reached consensus reflecting domains of health, medication use, pain intensity, psychosocial factors, imaging findings and type of injection.

Conclusion

Based on expert consensus, items that can be routinely collected in clinical practice were identified as potential predictors of outcomes following ESI.
On sporadic sequences
Authors: Alinquant Brendan , Osburn Robert
Published: June 2024

In this note, we prove the last remaining case of the original 15 two-term supercongruence conjectures for sporadic sequences. The proof utilizes a new representation for this sequence (due to Gorodetsky) as the constant term of powers of a Laurent polynomial.
Parents’ Perception of Risk in Play: Associations with Parent and Child Gender
Authors: Ryan Zoe J. , Stockill Helen , Nesbit Rachel J. , FitzGibbon Lily , Dodd Helen F.
Published: June 2024

Allowing children the opportunity to take risks in their play may provide learning experiences that benefit children’s health and well-being. Parents’ perception of risk in children’s play may affect their behaviour and, in turn, their child’s risk-taking opportunities. This paper examines whether parent and child gender are associated with parents’ perceptions of risk in children’s play and whether any gender differences hold after controlling for parent anxiety. Data were collected from 88 parent dyads who were parents to preschool-aged children in England. Parent gender differences were found, with mothers perceiving greater risk in children’s risky play activities than fathers. Child gender was not significantly related to parents’ perception of risk. These findings are important for informing the development of programmes and advice designed to encourage parents to support their children’s outdoor, risky play. Specifically, they indicate that, for mothers in particular, support around perceiving risk and risk-reframing might help parents to give their child the opportunity to play in this way.
Evaluation of Frequency of CMV Replication and Disease Complications Reveals New Cellular Defects and a Time Dependent Pattern in CVID Patients
Authors: Marri Luca , Contini Paola , Ivaldi Federico , Schiavi Chiara , Magnani Ottavia , Vassallo Chiara , Guastalla Andrea , Traversone Noemi , Angelini Claudia , Del Zotto Genny , De Maria Andrea , De Palma Raffaele
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and failure of specific antibody production due to B-cell defects. However, studies have documented various T-cell abnormalities, potentially linked to viral complications. The frequency of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication in CVID cohorts is poorly studied. To address this gap in knowledge, we set up an observational study with the objectives of identifying CVID patients with active viraemia (CMV, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)), evaluating potential correlations with immunophenotypic characteristics, clinical outcome, and the dynamic progression of clinical phenotypes over time.

Methods

31 CVID patients were retrospectively analysed according to viraemia, clinical and immunologic characteristics. 21 patients with non CVID humoral immunodeficiency were also evaluated as control.

Results

Active viral replication of CMV and/or EBV was observed in 25% of all patients. CMV replication was detected only in CVID patients (16%). CVID patients with active viral replication showed reduced HLA-DR+ NK counts when compared with CMV-DNA negative CVID patients. Viraemic patients had lower counts of LIN−DNAMbright and LIN−CD16+ inflammatory lymphoid precursors which correlated with NK-cell subsets. Analysis of the dynamic progression of CVID clinical phenotypes over time, showed that the initial infectious phenotype progressed to complicated phenotypes with time. All CMV viraemic patients had complicated disease.

Conclusion

Taken together, an impaired production of inflammatory precursors and NK activation is present in CVID patients with active viraemia. Since “Complicated” CVID occurs as a function of disease duration, there is need for an accurate evaluation of this aspect to improve classification and clinical management of CVID patients.
Comparison of drought indices in the analysis of temporal and spatial changes of climatic drought events: a case study in the Egirdir Lake basin (Isparta/Turkey)
Authors: Şener Erhan , Davraz Ayşen
Published: June 2024

In the Egirdir Lake Basin (Turkey), the six drought indices (i.e., SPI, PNI, DI, CZI, RAI and ZSI methods) were calculated for the three stations at 57 years between 1965 and 2022 on a 1-month and 1-year time scale. A positive correlation was determined between the drought index values calculated by the SPI, RAI, ZSI and CZI methods for three meteorological stations, even if the calculation method remains conceptually very different. Extremely dry periods and compatible results were determined in similar years according to all drought analysis methods for 1-year time scale at all stations. The RAI index gave the highest overall drought value (− 4.5) over the 1-year time scale compared to other indexes. In the analyzes of all drought methods, a very high correlation was determined for each station on a 1-year time scale. The correlation between the drought indices determined by different methods increased depending on the time scale. According to the drought analysis, it has been determined that there are dry periods for long periods, especially in recent years. It has been determined that this situation is compatible with the level drops in Egirdir Lake.
Evolutionary Game Dynamics with Environmental Feedback in a Network with Two Communities
Authors: Betz Katherine , Fu Feng , Masuda Naoki
Published: June 2024

Recent developments of eco-evolutionary models have shown that evolving feedbacks between behavioral strategies and the environment of game interactions, leading to changes in the underlying payoff matrix, can impact the underlying population dynamics in various manners. We propose and analyze an eco-evolutionary game dynamics model on a network with two communities such that players interact with other players in the same community and those in the opposite community at different rates. In our model, we consider two-person matrix games with pairwise interactions occurring on individual edges and assume that the environmental state depends on edges rather than on nodes or being globally shared in the population. We analytically determine the equilibria and their stability under a symmetric population structure assumption, and we also numerically study the replicator dynamics of the general model. The model shows rich dynamical behavior, such as multiple transcritical bifurcations, multistability, and anti-synchronous oscillations. Our work offers insights into understanding how the presence of community structure impacts the eco-evolutionary dynamics within and between niches.
Modeling and mapping solar energy production with photovoltaic panels on Politecnico di Torino university campus
Authors: Usta Yasemin , Carioni Giovanni , Mutani Guglielmina
Published: June 2024

Educational institutions have significant impacts on the society and environment they are inhabiting, and they can have a big role in influencing various development fields, including sustainability. The environmental sustainability of universities was critically analyzed recently. These bodies can contribute to the sustainability of cities due to their social role in shaping the future generations. The aim of this work is to analyze Urban Building Energy Modeling with a place-based approach using the open-source software QGIS in predicting energy production with photovoltaic solar technologies on the rooftops of the central university campus of Politecnico di Torino. This modeling can help in assessing the energy security and affordability of current and future sustainable scenarios considering their impact on climate change. This study evaluates the accuracy of urban scale QGIS-based energy modeling with a comparison of measured data available from the monitoring activity of LivingLab of Politecnico di Torino, the free tool PVGIS, and the web tools of ENEA. The QGIS modeling accuracy depends on the different precisions of the Digital Surface Model used to describe the built environment (i.e., 1 m or 5 m) and the climate input data (monthly and annual diffuse-to-global radiation and Linke turbidity factor). Moreover, this assessment can be used to map the results of new photovoltaic systems improving the energy and environmental performance of university campuses. The results of this work shed light on the significance of different input data for energy simulation tools at neighborhood-urban scale. The result shown accuracies in PV production of 10 to 37% with different spatial resolutions of the 3D built environment and of 14 to 15.2% for temporal resolution of solar irradiation variables.
Resonance assignments of cytochrome MtoD from the extracellular electron uptake pathway of sideroxydans lithotrophicus ES-1
Authors: Coelho Anaísa , Silva José M. , Cantini Francesca , Piccioli Mario , Louro Ricardo O. , Paquete Catarina M.
Published: June 2024

The contribution of Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria to iron cycling in freshwater, groundwater, and marine environments has been widely recognized in recent years. These organisms perform extracellular electron transfer (EET), which constitutes the foundations of bioelectrochemical systems for the production of biofuels and bioenergy. It was proposed that the Gram-negative bacterium Sideroxydans lithotrophicus ES-1 oxidizes soluble ferrous Fe(II) at the surface of the cell and performs EET through the Mto redox pathway. This pathway is composed by the periplasmic monoheme cytochrome MtoD that is proposed to bridge electron transfer between the cell exterior and the cytoplasm. This makes its functional and structural characterization, as well as evaluating the interaction process with its physiological partners, essential for understanding the mechanisms underlying EET. Here, we report the complete assignment of the heme proton and carbon signals together with a near-complete assignment of 1H, 13C and 15N backbone and side chain resonances for the reduced, diamagnetic form of the protein. These data pave the way to identify and structurally map the molecular interaction regions between the cytochrome MtoD and its physiological redox partners, to explore the EET processes of S. lithotrophicus ES-1.
Disruptive behaviors in the classroom, a question of gender or of inadequate forms of coping?
Authors: Guil Rocío , Holgado-Herrero Magdalena , Gil-Olarte Paloma , González-Fernández Silvia , Costalat-Founeau Anne-Marie , Gómez-Molinero Rocío
Published: June 2024

Disruptive behaviors in the classroom are a cause of concern for schools and educational researchers because of their impact on the rhythm of the class, harming students and teachers. The literature links the use of different coping strategies with disruptive behavior, with controversy regarding the frequency in which boys and girls engage in them, as well as a differential use of problem-focused versus emotion-focused strategies within the sexes. This study aimed to explore the relationships between gender, coping strategies, and adolescent disruptive behaviors and to identify possible idiosyncratic profiles of students regarding gender and the typology of disruptive behaviors. A sample of 382 high school students from the city of Algeciras (Cádiz, Spain) completed the Hormigo et al. (2003) Questionnaire of Perception of Conflict Behaviors and the Spanish adaptation of the Cano et al. (2007) Coping Strategies Inventory. The results showed that problem-focused coping strategies predicted a lower frequency of disruptive behaviors, whereas emotion-focused coping strategies increased the frequency of disruptive behaviors regardless of gender. Three differentiated profiles of students have also been identified: two groups of boys (adolescents who frequently committed all types of disruptive behaviors and boys who engage less frequently in disruptive behaviors) and a group of girls, more homogeneous, who resemble the group of disruptive boys showing more aggression towards teachers and school material and slightly disobedient, and differing from both boys groups regarding aggression among students.