bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late Cretaceous and Early Palaeocene intermediate‐felsic intrusions from the Maizhokunggar region, southern Lhasa, Tibet: Implications for the geodynamic transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision
Authors: Xing Kai , Liu Jinyu , Lentz David R. , Niu Xudong
Published: March 2023

The tectonic transition from oceanic subduction to continental collision is a fundamental process during orogenesis, yet the nature of such transition and associated deep geodynamic processes for the Tibetan Plateau are still controversial. The long‐lived magmatism of the Gangdese Belt of southern Tibet provides an excellent opportunity to study the tectonic transition from subduction of the Neo‐Tethys oceanic lithosphere to the continental collision between Indian and Asian plates. We present zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes, whole‐rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd isotopes for the intrusions from Maizhokunggar, southern Lhasa Terrane. The zircon U–Pb dating indicates that two episodes of magmatism occurred in the Maizhokunggar region, ca. 70 Ma diorites and ca. 60 Ma granitoids. The ca. 70 Ma diorites are medium‐K calc‐alkaline and characterized by pronounced high‐field‐strength element depletion and light rare earth element enrichment, similar to arc‐type rocks. They have homogeneous (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios (0.70378–0.70424) and εNd(t) values (+2.6 to +3.4), and εHf(t) (+5.9 to +13.0) with relatively young depleted mantle model ages (307–762 Ma), suggesting that they were generated from the juvenile mafic lower crust induced by the underplating of basaltic magmas from depleted mantle wedge. The ca. 60 Ma granitoids, Kajiacun (KJC) granodiorites, and Qulongxue (QLX) and Bangdacun (BDC) monzogranites are high‐K series and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous. The KJC granodiorites with high Sr/Y ratios (25–43) are adakitic and were likely derived from partial melting of a thickened lower crust. The BDC monzogranites have more evolved Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes and older Nd–Hf model ages than the QLX monzogranites. These geochemical variations were mainly controlled by the fractionation crystallization with assimilation of ancient crustal materials. We propose that at ca. 70 Ma, the subduction of the Neo‐Tethys oceanic slab triggered the partial melting of the juvenile lower crust and formed the diorites with arc affinity, and then the initial collision (>60 Ma) between the Indian and Asian plates caused locally thickened lower crust, resulting in adakitic granodiorites. Our study sheds light on the lithospheric scale magma evolution from the deep mantle to the shallow crust during the critical geodynamic transition to collision, and early uplift.
Correlations between the severity of radiation‐induced oral mucositis and salivary epidermal growth factor as well as inflammatory cytokines in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Xu Juan , Yang Guang , An Wei , Wang Wei , Li Fangfang , Meng Yingtao , Wang Xingli
Published: March 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate correlations of the severity of radiation‐induced oral mucositis (RIOM) with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and inflammatory cytokines in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods

Levels of inflammatory cytokines and EGF in saliva of HNC patients were measured. Correlations of inflammatory cytokines and EGF levels with RIOM severity and pain degree, and their diagnostic values on RIOM severity were determined.

Results

Elevated IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐2, and IL‐6 levels, and reduced IL‐4, IL‐10, and EGF levels were found in patients with severe RIOM. IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐2, and IL‐6 were positively correlated with RIOM severity, while IL‐10, IL‐4, and EGF were negatively correlated with it. All factors were effective in predicting the severity of RIOM.

Conclusion

IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐2, and IL‐6 in saliva of patients with HNC are positively correlated with the severity of RIOM, and IL‐4, IL‐10, and EGF were negatively correlated with it.
Diagnosing and treating pericardial disease in dogs and cats
Authors: Linney Chris
Published: March 2023

Background: Pericardial disease accounts for approximately 10 per cent of all cardiac referrals. It is seen in all species, but is most commonly diagnosed in dogs and occasionally in cats. Pericardial disease comprises both acquired and congenital conditions, of which pericardial effusion (PE) associated with acquired disease is most common. PEs are most frequently either idiopathic or secondary to neoplasia, although other causes such as left atrial tear (secondary to myxomatous valvular disease), infectious pericarditis, an extension of congestive heart failure (CHF) and secondary to trauma are all possible causes. Congenital pericardial disease is rare, but includes peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia, benign intrapericardial cysts and pericardial defects. This rare and small group of congenital conditions are important, as prompt recognition and management usually infers an excellent prognosis. Where there is sufficient volume within the pericardial sac, intrapericardial pressure can rise, leading to cardiac tamponade and signs of right‐sided CHF (R‐CHF) and low cardiac output. Importantly, management of R‐CHF in cases of pericardial disease requires a completely different approach to other diseases causing R‐CHF.

Aim of the article: This article reviews the most common conditions that cause PE, common clinical signs and appropriate management strategies.
Update on neonatal encephalopathy in foals
Authors: Devery Sarah , Dixon Claire
Published: March 2023

Background: Neonatal encephalopathy is seen in 10 to 14 per cent of foals, with ischaemic/ hypoxic and non‐ischaemic events observed. It is important to categorise foals based on type of encephalopathy and severity of clinical signs, as early recognition of cases that can be managed on farm, or that require referral, is key to optimising foal survival.

Aim of the article: This article outlines the pathophysiology of neonatal encephalopathy in foals and the treatment and management options available for this condition.
Solvation free energy arithmetic for small organic molecules
Authors: Lazaric Aleksandar , Pattni Viren , Fuegner Kaprao , Ben‐Naim Arieh , Heyden Matthias
Published: March 2023

Solvent‐mediated interactions contribute to ligand binding affinities in computational drug design and provide a challenge for theoretical predictions. In this study, we analyze the solvation free energy of benzene derivatives in water to guide the development of predictive models for solvation free energies and solvent‐mediated interactions. We use a spatially resolved analysis of local solvation free energy contributions and define solvation free energy arithmetic, which enable us to construct additive models to describe the solvation of complex compounds. The substituents analyzed in this study are carboxyl and nitro‐groups due to their similar sterical requirements but distinct interactions with water. We find that nonadditive solvation free energy contributions are primarily attributed to electrostatics, which are qualitatively reproduced with computationally efficient continuum models. This suggests a promising route for the development of efficient and accurate models for the solvation of complex molecules with varying substitution patterns using solvation arithmetic.
Systematic profiling of taxol and its analogues (taxalogues) binding to β‐tubulin and molecular analysis of their effects on microtubule stabilization
Authors: Dou Zhihua , Ding Xi , Feng Yu , Zhou Lihua , Gu Yuqin , Liu Ling
Published: March 2023

Microtubules are highly dynamic polymers of α/β‐tubulin that represent major components of the cytoskeleton and have been established as an attractive druggable target of tumors. Taxol, also known as Paclitaxel, is a microtubule‐stabilizing agent that binds stoichiometrically to a specific site in β‐tubulin, where is out of but nearby the interacting interface of α/β‐tubulin complex, to improve the complex stability through an allosterically regulatory mechanism. In this study, the systematic binding profile of taxol and its 22 structurally diverse, medicinally relevant analogues (termed as taxalogues) to the specific site of β‐tubulin as well as their effects on the α/β‐tubulin complex stability were created and investigated by using structural modeling, dynamics simulation, and energetics analysis. Two helices H1 and H2 of β‐tubulin were identified as key hotspots at the α/β‐tubulin interface to mediate the binding event of β‐tubulin to α‐tubulin. Taxalogue binding can trigger a conformational displacement in the H1 and H2 to elicit the stabilization (or destabilization) of α/β‐tubulin. However, strong taxalogue binding potency to β‐tubulin does not mean effective α/β‐tubulin stabilization; there is only an indirect, moderate correlation between them. Cell viability assay revealed that the taxalogue‐induced α/β‐tubulin stabilization, but not the taxalogue binding, directly influences the antitumor activity of taxalogues. The activity increases in the order: SB‐T‐1214 < docetaxel < taxol < larotaxel < cisplatin < cabazitaxel.
Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase‐elevated NAD+ biosynthesis prevents muscle disuse atrophy by reversing mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Zhang Yao , Wang Yingming , Lu Shuai , Zhong Rui , Liu Zhilin , Zhao Qichun , Wang Chongyang
Published: March 2023

Background

It is well known that muscle disuse atrophy is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, which is implicated in reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), a rate‐limiting enzyme in NAD+ biosynthesis, may serve as a novel strategy to treat muscle disuse atrophy by reversing mitochondrial dysfunction.

Methods

To investigate the effects of NAMPT on the prevention of disuse atrophy of skeletal muscles predominantly composed of slow‐twitch (type I) or fast‐twitch (type II) fibres, rabbit models of rotator cuff tear‐induced supraspinatus muscle atrophy and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection‐induced extensor digitorum longus (EDL) atrophy were established and then administered NAMPT therapy. Muscle mass, fibre cross‐sectional area (CSA), fibre type, fatty infiltration, western blot, and mitochondrial function were assayed to analyse the effects and molecular mechanisms of NAMPT in preventing muscle disuse atrophy.

Results

Acute disuse of the supraspinatus muscle exhibited significant loss of mass (8.86 ± 0.25 to 5.10 ± 0.79 g; P < 0.001) and decreased fibre CSA (3939.6 ± 136.1 to 2773.4 ± 217.6 μm2, P < 0.001), which were reversed by NAMPT (muscle mass 6.17 ± 0.54 g, P = 0.0033; fibre CSA, 3219.8 ± 289.4 μm2, P = 0.0018). Disuse‐induced impairment of mitochondrial function were significantly improved by NAMPT, including citrate synthase activity (40.8 ± 6.3 to 50.5 ± 5.6 nmol/min/mg, P = 0.0043), and NAD+ biosynthesis (279.9 ± 48.7 to 392.2 ± 43.2 pmol/mg, P = 0.0023). Western blot revealed that NAMPT increases NAD+ levels by activating NAMPT‐dependent NAD+ salvage synthesis pathway. In supraspinatus muscle atrophy due to chronic disuse, a combination of NAMPT injection and repair surgery was more effective than repair in reversing muscle atrophy. Although the predominant composition of EDL muscle is fast‐twitch (type II) fibre type that differ from supraspinatus muscle, its mitochondrial function and NAD+ levels are also susceptible to disuse. Similar to the supraspinatus muscle, NAMPT‐elevated NAD+ biosynthesis was also efficient in preventing EDL disuse atrophy by reversing mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusions

NAMPT‐elevated NAD+ biosynthesis can prevent disuse atrophy of skeletal muscles that predominantly composed with either slow‐twitch (type I) or fast‐twitch (type II) fibres by reversing mitochondrial dysfunction.
The association between weight change after gastric cancer surgery and type 2 diabetes risk: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kwon Yeongkeun , Ha Jane , Kim Dohyang , Hwang Jinseub , Park Shin‐Hoo , Kwon Jin‐Won , Park Sungsoo
Published: March 2023

Background

Although gastric cancer patients generally experience drastic weight decrease post‐gastrectomy, the impact of weight decrease on type 2 diabetes risk remains unclear. We investigated the type 2 diabetes risk after gastric cancer surgery according to postoperative weight decrease in gastric cancer survivors in South Korea, the country with the world's highest rate of gastric cancer survival.

Methods

This retrospective nationwide cohort study included gastric cancer surgery recipients between 2004 and 2014 who survived for ≥5 years post‐surgery. We included patients without a history of diabetes at the time of surgery and those who had not received adjuvant chemotherapy before or after the surgery. Postoperative weight loss was defined as the per cent body weight loss at 3 years post‐surgery compared with the baseline. The type 2 diabetes risk was evaluated using Cox regression analyses for five groups of postoperative weight decrease.

Results

In 5618 included gastric cancer surgery recipients (mean age, 55.7 [standard deviation, SD, 10.9] years; 21.9% female; mean body mass index, 23.7 [SD, 2.9] kg/m2), 331 patients (5.9%) developed postoperative type 2 diabetes during follow‐up duration of 8.1 years (median; interquartile range, 4.8 years; maximum, 15.2 years). Compared with those who gained weight post‐surgery, patients with ≥ −15% to < −10% of postoperative weight decrease (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–0.87; P = 0.004) had the lowest type 2 diabetes risk. A non‐linear association occurred between postoperative weight decrease and the type 2 diabetes risk in gastrectomy recipients (Akaike's information criterion [AIC] for non‐linear model, 5423.52; AIC for linear model, 5425.61).

Conclusions

A U‐shaped non‐linear association occurred between the type 2 diabetes risk and postoperative weight decrease in gastric cancer survivors who underwent gastrectomy. The lowest type 2 diabetes risk occurred in patients with ≥ −15% to < −10% of postoperative weight decrease at 3 years.
Semiexplicit time integration of a reduced magnetic vector potential magneto‐quasistatic field formulation
Authors: Kähne Bernhard , Clemens Markus
Published: March 2023

In this article, a reduced vector potential formulation for transient magneto‐quasistatic field problems is presented. The finite element method for spatial discretization yields a system of differential algebraic equations (DAE). Applying a generalized Schur complement the DAE system decomposes into a system of ordinary differential equations (ODE) and an algebraic equation. In order to avoid computationally expensive linearization schemes to solve nonlinear eddy current problems the ODE system is integrated in time using a semiexplicit Euler scheme. The vector potential is split into a source vector potential and a reduced vector potential which describes the eddy current and magnetization effects. The reduced formulation is compared with the underlying nonreduced formulation regarding the overall performance. In addition, the proper orthogonal decomposition method is applied to the iterative preconditioned conjugate gradient method to minimize the number of iterations per time step.
Patients with unilateral ankle arthritis have decreased discrete and time‐series limb symmetry compared to healthy controls
Authors: Stark Nicole E.‐P. , Streamer Jill , Queen Robin
Published: March 2023

Patients with ankle arthritis (AA) have side‐to‐side limb differences at the ankle and in spatiotemporal measures; however, the degree of symmetry between limbs has not been compared to a healthy population. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in limb symmetry during walking for discrete and time‐series measures when comparing patients with unilateral AA to healthy participants. Thirty‐seven AA and 37 healthy participants were age, gender, and body mass index matched. Three‐dimensional gait mechanics and ground reaction force (GRF) were captured during four to seven walking trails. GRF and hip and ankle mechanics were extracted bilaterally for each trial. The Normalized Symmetry Index and Statistical Parameter Mapping were used to assess discrete and time‐series symmetry, respectively. Discrete symmetry was analyzed using linear mixed‐effect models to determine significant differences between groups (α = 0.05). Compared to healthy participants, patients with AA had decreased weight acceptance (p = 0.017) and propulsive (p < 0.001) GRF, ankle plantarflexion (p = 0.021), ankle dorsiflexion (p = 0.010), and ankle plantarflexion moment (p < 0.001) symmetry. Significant regions of difference were found between limbs and groups throughout the stance phase for the vertical GRF force (p < 0.001), the ankle angle during push‐off (p = 0.047), the plantarflexion moment (p < 0.001), and the hip extension angle (p = 0.034) and moment (p = 0.010). Patients with AA have decreased symmetry in the vertical GRF and at the ankle and hip during the weight acceptance and propulsive portions of the stance phase. Therefore, clinicians should try a non improving symmetry focusing on changing hip and ankle mechanics during the weight acceptance and propulsive phases of gait.
Vascular frailty, a proposal for new frailty type: A narrative review
Authors: Chao Chia‐Ter , Hung Kuan‐Yu
Published: March 2023

Frailty is the incremental accumulation of minute defects that progressively impair health and performance. Frailty is commonly observed in older adults; however, secondary frailty may also occur in patients with metabolic disorders or major organ failure. In addition to physical frailty, several distinct types of frailty have been identified, including oral, cognitive, and social frailty, each of which is of practical importance. This nomenclature suggests that detailed descriptions of frailty can potentially advance relevant researches. In this narrative review, we first summarize the clinical value and plausible biological origin of frailty, as well as how to appropriately assess it using physical frailty phenotypes and frailty indexes. In the second part, we discuss the issue of vascular tissue as a relatively underappreciated organ whose pathologies contribute to the development of physical frailty. Moreover, when vascular tissue undergoes degeneration, it exhibits vulnerability to subtle injuries and manifests a unique phenotype amenable to clinical assessment prior to or accompanying physical frailty development. Finally, we propose that vascular frailty, based on an extensive set of experimental and clinical evidence, can be considered a new frailty type that requires our attention. We also outline potential methods for the operationalization of vascular frailty. Further studies are required to validate our claim and sharpen the spectrum of this degenerative phenotype.
Inhibition of the Fibrillation of Amyloid Aβ1‐40 by Hybrid‐Lipid‐Polymer Vesicles
Authors: Sen Newton , Haupt Caroline , Hause Gerd , Bacia Kirsten , Binder Wolfgang H.
Published: March 2023

The transformation of functional proteins into amyloidic plaques is responsible for the impairment of neurological functions in patients fallen victim to debilitating neurological conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. The nucleating role of amyloid beta (Aβ1‐40) peptide into amyloids is well established. Herein, lipid hybrid‐vesicles are generated with glycerol/cholesterol‐bearing polymers aiming to alter the nucleation process and modulate the early phases of Aβ1‐40 fibrillation. Hybrid‐vesicles (±100 nm) are prepared by incorporating variable amounts of cholesterol‐/glycerol‐conjugated poly(di(ethylene glycol)macrylates)n polymers into 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DOPC) membranes. The in vitro fibrillation kinetics coupled to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is employed to investigate the role of hybrid‐vesicles on Aβ1‐40 fibrillation without destroying the vesicular membrane. Both polymers, when embedded in hybrid‐vesicles (up to 20%) significantly prolonged the fibrillation lag phase (tlag) compared to a small acceleration in the presence of DOPC vesicles, irrespective of the amount of polymers inside the hybrid‐vesicles. Along with this notable retardation effect, a morphological transformation of the amyloid's secondary structures to amorphous aggregates or the absence of fibrillar structures when interacting with the hybrid‐vesicles is confirmed by TEM and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy.
Bioinformatic survey of CRISPR loci across 15 Serratia species
Authors: Scrascia Maria , Roberto Roberta , D'Addabbo Pietro , Ahmed Yosra , Porcelli Francesco , Oliva Marta , Calia Carla , Marzella Angelo , Pazzani Carlo
Published: March 2023

The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR‐associated proteins (CRISPR–Cas) system of prokaryotes is an adaptative immune defense mechanism to protect themselves from invading genetic elements (e.g., phages and plasmids). Studies that describe the genetic organization of these prokaryotic systems have mainly reported on the Enterobacteriaceae family (now reorganized within the order of Enterobacterales). For some genera, data on CRISPR–Cas systems remain poor, as in the case of Serratia (now part of the Yersiniaceae family) where data are limited to a few genomes of the species marcescens. This study describes the detection, in silico, of CRISPR loci in 146 Serratia complete genomes and 336 high‐quality assemblies available for the species ficaria, fonticola, grimesii, inhibens, liquefaciens, marcescens, nematodiphila, odorifera, oryzae, plymuthica, proteomaculans, quinivorans, rubidaea, symbiotica, and ureilytica. Apart from subtypes I‐E and I‐F1 which had previously been identified in marcescens, we report that of I‐C and the I‐E unique locus 1, I‐E*, and I‐F1 unique locus 1. Analysis of the genomic contexts for CRISPR loci revealed mdtN‐phnP as the region mostly shared (grimesii, inhibens, marcescens, nematodiphila, plymuthica, rubidaea, and Serratia sp.). Three new contexts detected in genomes of rubidaea and fonticola (puu genes‐mnmA) and rubidaea (osmE‐soxG and ampC‐yebZ) were also found. The plasmid and/or phage origin of spacers was also established.
Towards quaternion quadratic‐phase Fourier transform
Authors: Younus Bhat Mohammad , Hamid Dar Aamir
Published: March 2023

The quadratic‐phase Fourier transform (QPFT) is a neoteric addition to the class of integral transforms and embodies a variety of signal processing tools like the Fourier, fractional Fourier, linear canonical, and special affine Fourier transform. In this paper, we generalize the quadratic‐phase Fourier transform to quaternion‐valued signals, known as the quaternion quadratic‐phase Fourier transform (Q‐QPFT). We initiate our investigation by studying the QPFT of 2D quaternionic signals, and later on, we introduce the Q‐QPFT of 2D quaternionic signals. Using the fundamental relationship between the Q‐QPFT and quaternion Fourier transform (QFT), we derive the inversion, Parseval's, and Plancherel's formulae associated with the Q‐QPFT. Some other properties including linearity, shift, and modulation of the Q‐QPFT are also studied. Finally, we formulate several classes of uncertainty principles (UPs) for the Q‐QPFT like Heisenberg‐type UP, logarithmic UP, Hardy's UP, Beurling's UP, and Donoho–Stark's UP. This study can be regarded as the first step in the applications of the Q‐QPFT in the real world.
On the scattering of a plane wave by a perturbed open periodic waveguide
Authors: Kirsch Andreas
Published: March 2023

We consider the scattering of a plane wave by a locally perturbed periodic (with respect to
) medium. If there is no perturbation, it is usually assumed that the scattered wave is quasi‐periodic with the same parameter as the incident plane wave. As it is well known, one can show existence under this condition but not necessarily uniqueness. Uniqueness fails for certain incident directions (if the wavenumber is kept fixed), and it is not clear which additional condition has to be assumed in this case. In this paper, we will analyze three concepts. For the limiting absorption principle (LAP), we replace the refractive index
by
in a layer of finite width and consider the limiting case
. This will give an unsatisfactory condition. In a second approach, we require continuity of the field with respect to the incident direction. This will give the same satisfactory condition as the third approach where we approximate the incident plane wave by an incident point source and let the location of the source tend to infinity.
The Q‐switching performance of BP/SnSe2 heterojunction saturable absorber in Er‐doped fiber laser
Authors: Lie Shi , Xu Baohao , Sun Wanggen , Qin Peng , Chen Kang , Wang Jing , Tang Wenjing , Xia Wei
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we report the first Q‐switching operation utilizing black phosphorus (BP)/SnSe2 heterojunction as the saturable absorber (SA) in an Er‐doped fiber laser. The BP/SnSe2 heterojunction was prepared by the liquid phase combination method and its properties were observed. Stable Q‐switching operations were achieved based on the BP/SnSe2 SA. The maximum peak power of 71.27 mW and the minimum pulse width of 910 ns were produced, respectively. This paper demonstrates the pulse modulation characteristics of BP/SnSe2 heterojunction SA in the midinfrared region for the first time, laying an important foundation for the application of heterojunction based on BP and two‐dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides.
Measurement invariance across age, gender, ethnicity, and psychopathology of the Psychotic‐Like Experiences Questionnaire for Children in a community sample
Authors: Piltz Lauren M. , Carpendale Emma J. , Laurens Kristin R.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The current study aimed to assess the measurement invariance of the 9‐item self‐report Psychotic‐Like Experiences Questionnaire for Children (PLEQ‐C) across various demographic (age, gender, ethnicity) and psychopathology profiles in a community sample of children.

Methods

Children aged 9–11 years (n = 613; M age = 10.4 years [SD = 0.8]; 50.9% female) completed questionnaire screening at school, with primary caregivers returning questionnaires by mail from home. Configural, metric, scalar, and residual invariance of the PLEQ‐C scores were investigated across groups differentiated by age (9; 10; 11 years), gender (female; male), ethnicity (white; black; other), and by child‐reported and caregiver‐reported psychopathology (abnormal rating; not abnormal).

Results

The PLEQ‐C scores demonstrated good unidimensional model fit. Full configural, metric, scalar, and residual invariance were demonstrated across gender, ethnicity, and psychopathology (both child‐ and caregiver‐reported). Across age groups, the PLEQ‐C scores showed full configural and metric invariance, but only partial scalar and residual invariance (with a single item measuring differently among 11‐year‐olds).

Conclusions

In this community sample, the PLEQ‐C was robust to age, gender, ethnicity, and psychopathology profiles, providing evidence of its capacity to identify children in the general population who might benefit from further assessment to determine the clinical significance of their psychotic experiences.
Hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome/hypermobility spectrum disorders in older women: A feasibility study
Authors: Anderson Linda K. , Lane Kari R.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders cause joint instability, chronic pain, fatigue and progressive multisystemic dysfunction, increasing symptom burden and decreasing quality of life. Researchers know little about how these disorders progress in women as they age.

Objective

This research aimed to determine the feasibility of an internet‐based study to understand the clinical characteristics, symptom burden and health‐related quality of life in older women with symptomatic hypermobility disorders.

Methods

This cross‐sectional, internet‐based survey studied recruitment methods, suitability and usability of survey instruments and obtained baseline data on women aged 50 and older with hEDS/HSD. Researchers recruited participants from a Facebook group for older adults with Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome. Outcome measures included health history, the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire and the RAND Short Form 36 health survey.

Results

Researchers recruited 32 participants from a single Facebook group within 2 weeks. Nearly all participants were satisfied with the survey length, clarity and navigation, with 10 participants providing free‐text recommendations for survey improvement. The survey suggests a high symptom burden and poor quality of life in older women with hEDS/HSD.

Conclusion

The results support the feasibility and importance of a future internet‐based comprehensive study about hEDS/HSD in older women.
Quality Versus Quantity: Using Scholarly Activity to Assess Otolaryngology Residency Candidates
Authors: Carlson Kristy J. , Dowdall Jayme R. , Geelan‐Hansen Katie R. , Jones Dwight T.
Published: March 2023

Selecting qualified candidates each year for residency positions has become more difficult in recent years, due to the sharp increase in Otolaryngology applicants. Although there are objective measures that can be used to directly compare medical students during the initial screening process, most information in the application is highly subjective and/or variable across institutions. Many programs count the total posters/presentations and publications to gauge scholarship. This measure of quantity may lead to negative bias toward those who have no home program, limited time outside of academics, and/or inadequate resources to engage in volunteer research. Evaluating the quality of research may be superior to quantity. A first‐author publication is a viable proxy that demonstrates applicants have developed skills that set them apart from their peers. They likely possess non‐clinical, translatable skills including internal motivation, self‐regulation, curation of information, and task completion that map closely with qualities that make for excellent residents.
Institutional amnesia pushes fish spawning aggregations towards extirpation
Authors: Fulton Stuart
Published: March 2023

How institutions create and manage knowledge has been explored in the context of management and business science. However, little effort has been made to understand how, and why, these institutions forget what works or does not work, and no research in this field has been conducted in conservation or fisheries science.

This paper examines the concept of institutional amnesia by focussing a lens on fish spawning aggregations and efforts to monitor and protect them in the Mesoamerican Reef.

For over 20 years, underwater visual census survey data has been collected periodically at 36 spawning aggregation sites, and grey literature is available since the 1940's, yet managers and conservation practitioners report that abundance tendencies for 48% of grouper and snapper spawning species across the 36 sites are ‘Unknown’, despite measurable >99% declines in fish abundance in some cases.

This text examines the reasons why site managers are uncertain in their reporting. The central argument is that institutional amnesia (resulting from factors such as staff turnover, ineffective institutional learning, poor record keeping and a lack of storytelling) is contributing to suboptimal ecological outcomes for spawning aggregations, which are likely to continue unless measures are taken to ensure the continuity of institutional knowledge.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Activity of the botanical compound thymol against kiwifruit rot caused by Fusarium tricinctum and the underlying mechanisms
Authors: Wang Weizhen , He Linan , Zhang Zhuzhu , Li Wenzhi , Chen Jia , Chen Tingting , Long Youhua
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Kiwifruit rot is an important disease caused by different fungal pathogens, which can lead to huge economic loss in the kiwifruit industry. The aims of this study were to discover an effective botanical compound that significantly inhibits the pathogens causing kiwifruit rot, evaluate its control efficacy against this disease, and reveal the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

A strain of Fusarium tricinctum (GF‐1), isolated from diseased kiwifruit, could cause fruit rot in both Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis and Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa. Different botanical chemicals were used for antifungal activity test against GF‐1 and thymol was the most effective one with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 30.98 mg L−1. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of thymol against GF‐1 was 90 mg L−1. Control efficacy of thymol against kiwifruit rot was evaluated and the results indicated that thymol could effectively decrease the occurrence and spread of kiwifruit rot. The mechanisms underlying the antifungal activity of thymol against F. tricinctum were investigated, and it showed that thymol could significantly damage the ultrastructure, destroy the plasma membrane integrity, and instantaneously increase energy metabolisms of F. tricinctum. Further investigations indicated that thymol could extend shelf life of kiwifruit by increasing their storability.

CONCLUSION

Thymol can effectively inhibit F. tricinctum that is one of the causal agents of kiwifruit rot. Multiple modes of action are involved in the antifungal activity. The results of this study indicate that thymol can be a promising botanical fungicide to control kiwifruit rot and provide useful references for thymol application in agriculture system. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Novel cinnamic acid derivatives as a versatile tool for developing agrochemicals for controlling plant virus and bacterial diseases by enhancing plant defense responses
Authors: Yang Bin‐Xin , Li Zhen‐Xing , Liu Shuai‐Shuai , Yang Jie , Wang Pei‐Yi , Liu Hong‐Wu , Zhou Xiang , Liu Li‐Wei , Wu Zhi‐Bing , Yang Song
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Plant pathogens have led to large yield and quality losses in crops worldwide. The discovery and study of novel agrochemical alternatives based on the chemical modification of bioactive natural products is a highly efficient approach. Here, two series of novel cinnamic acid derivatives incorporating diverse building blocks with alternative linking patterns were designed and synthesized to identify their antiviral capacity and antibacterial activity.

RESULTS

The bioassay results demonstrated that most cinnamic acid derivatives had excellent antiviral competence toward tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in vivo, especially compound A5 (median effective concentration [EC50] = 287.7 μg mL−1), which had a notable protective effect against TMV when compared with the commercial virucide ribavirin (EC50 = 622.0 μg mL−1). In addition, compound A17 had a protective efficiency of 84.3% at 200 μg mL−1 against Xac in plants. Given these outstanding results, the engineered title compounds could be regarded as promising leads for controlling plant virus and bacterial diseases. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that compound A5 could enhance the host's defense responses by increasing the activity of defense enzymes and upregulating defense genes, thereby suppressing phytopathogen invasion.

CONCLUSION

This research lays a foundation for the practical application of cinnamic acid derivatives containing diverse building blocks with alternative linking patterns in pesticide exploration. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Antifungal activity of chili pepper extract with potential for the control of some major pathogens in grapevine
Authors: Vuerich Marco , Petrussa Elisa , Filippi Antonio , Cluzet Stéphanie , Fonayet Josep Valls , Sepulcri Angela , Piani Barbara , Ermacora Paolo , Braidot Enrico
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

In recent years, biofungicides have drawn increasing interest in vineyards for a more sustainable integrated and copper‐limited pest management. Among alternatives, botanicals could represent valuable tools, being rich sources of biologically active compounds. Conversely to the well‐known antioxidant and biological properties in relation to health benefits, investigation on bioactivity of hot pungent Capsicum sp. products against fungal phytopathogens in vineyards is still scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed at exploring the biologically active compounds profile of a chili pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) pod extract and its antimicrobial properties against some of the major fungal and Oomycetes pathogens of grapevine, including Botrytis cinerea Pers., Guignardia bidwellii (Ellis) Viala & Ravaz and Plasmopara viticola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Berl. & De Toni.

RESULTS

The ethyl acetate‐extracted oleoresin from the most pungent varieties was rich in capsaicinoids and polyphenols (371.09 and 268.5 μg mg−1 dry weight, respectively). Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids and quercetin derivatives were the most abundant, while carotenoids represented only a minor fraction. The oleoresin was efficient to inhibit all three pathogenic fungi and ED50 values were determined, evidencing that G. bidwellii was the more sensitive (0.233 ± 0.034 mg mL−1).

CONCLUSION

The results suggested a potentiality of chili pepper extract for the control of some important grapevine pathogens, their possible application being helpful for the recommended limitation in extensive use of copper in vineyard. The complex mixture of high amounts of capsaicinoids, associated to specific phenolic acids and other minor bioactive components might contribute to the observed antimicrobial action of chili pepper extract. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of Zinc Nitrate Concentration on the Morphology of ZnO Nanostructures Grown by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Al-Rasheedi Asmaa , Alonizan Norah Hammad , Aida Mohammed Salah
Published: March 2023

Herein, the influence of the precursor concentration on the morphology of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures prepared via hydrothermal process using zinc nitrate salt with varied concentrations (from 0.01 to 0.15 m) is investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis transmittance, photoluminescence, and X‐ray diffraction are used to characterize the synthetized nanostructures. It is revealed in the obtained results that the salt concentration is a key parameter that controls the ZnO nanostructure. It is concluded that a low salt concentration (0.01 and 0.05 m) leads to the formation of ZnO nanorods while increasing the salt concentration (from 0.1 to 0.15 m) leads to the formation of nanosheets mixed with nanorods‐ and nanosheets‐like morphology. The ZnO nanostructures growth mechanism is discussed.
Nanocrystalline HZSM‐5prepared by supercritical hydrothermal synthesis and its catalytic esterification performances
Authors: Zhang Br. Yundi , Cui Mingyu , Zhang Yidong , Xu Wei , Wang Min , Shao Rong , Ding Jianfei
Published: March 2023

The nanocrystalline HZSM‐5 was synthesized by supercritical hydrothermal synthesis for the first time and investigated in catalytic esterification of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMD)and n‐butanol to tetrabutyl pyromellitate(TBPM). The HZSM‐5 prepared by conventional hydrothermal synthesis was also examined for comparison. The catalysts were studied using XRD, N2 adsorption, NH3‐TPD, Pyridine‐adsorption FT‐IR, SEM,[27] Al MAS NMRandCHNS analysis. According to the results of characterization, the supercritical hydrothermal condition was helpful to reduce the size of crystal particles and improve the crystallinity of HZSM‐5, and shorten the crystallization time. The surface area, especially external surface area, and pore volume were increased, and the total acidity was increased. The strong acid sites were transformed into the weak acid sites, and the strength of weak and strong acid was weakened. The amount of framework tetrahedral Al species and Brönsted acid sites were increased. Therefore, the formation of coke was retarded, and thePMD conversion, the TBPM selectivity and the catalytic stability were obviously improved.
Synthesis and Reactions of Heptacyclo[6.6.0.02,6.03,13.04,11.05,9.010,14] tetradecane‐ HCTD Cage Compounds
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Khedkar Priti
Published: March 2023

Heptacyclo[6.6.0.02,6.03,13.04,11.05,9.010,14] tetradecane, HCTD is a distinct class of carbocyclic cage molecule which features the uniquely fused eight five‐membered rings. The HCTD molecular frame is synthesized through the transition metal‐catalyzed dimerization of two norbornadiene units. Post‐assembly modifications of HCTD molecular frames have delivered diversely functionalized HCTD derivatives suitable for further modification.
Development of a Liposomal Gel for Prolonged Ophthalmic Soluble Drug Delivery
Authors: Nakhaie Nejad Masoud , Ghasemian Mona , Nabi Maybodi Mohsen , Ramezani Vahid
Published: March 2023

Liposome, as a drug delivery vehicle, entraps drugs, releases them sustainably, and modifies release patterns. This entrapment has diminished exposure of the drug to the eye medium, which could minimize adverse effects. In this investigation, 18 formulations in 3 key categories (liposome, gel and lipogel) of cromolyn sodium (CS) were prepared and evaluated as a water‐soluble drug. Then, liposome formulations (L1‐L6) were developed using the thin‐film hydration method. The macroscopic and microscopic assessments comprised drug entrapment efficiency, release rate, release mechanism, liposome stability, and vesicle size were evaluated to evaluate liposomes and lipogel. The results revealed that applying cholesterol in formulations ranging from 33 % to 44 % w/w increased the liposome drug entrapment efficiency, stability, and release time. The optimum phosphatidylcholine (PC) ratio to cholesterol in the L4 formulation was 2 : 1, which prolonged drug release time by up to 5 hours. The carbomer® 934 containing lipogel (0.5 % w/v) showed the longest release time (9 hours) with a zero‐order release. CS release from HPMC (2 % w/v) lipogel was assumed to follow first‐order release kinetics. The prolongation of drug release time in a carboxymethylcellulose lipogels was shorter than carbomer® 934 (5 hours). Finally, a sustained release formulation of CS liposome was produced; it was developed as lipogels to enhance its release duration; finally, release kinetic were modified.
Utility of 5,5′‐Methylenebis(2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde) – cyanoacetohydrazide Hybrid as Scaffold for the Synthesis of Bis‐Heterocyclic Moieties and Study of Their Insecticidal Activity
Authors: Ismail Mahmoud F. , Hashem Ahmed I. , Sleem Rasha A. , Hassaballah Aya I.
Published: March 2023

The cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis Boisd. is a serious pest attacking a wide range of ornamentals and many field crops. It is well documented that some heterocyclic systems have efficient insecticidal activities. So novel hydrazide‐hydrazone namely, N′,N′′′‐((methylenebis(6‐hydroxy‐3,1‐phenylene))bis(methanylylidene))bis(2‐cyanoacetohydrazide) 3 was exploited as a target to synthesize bis‐heterocyclic moieties such as furan, pyridone, coumarin, thiazole and isoxazole, and also some bis‐heteroarylidenes including heterocycles as indole and pyrazole. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were established on the basis of elemental analyses and some spectroscopic tools. All the synthesized compounds were screened for the insecticidal efficacy against the 4th larval instar of Spodoptera littoralis (cotton leafworm). Manifestly, the data showed that compounds 9 and 14 possess remarkable potency but the rest of compounds showed no pronounced activity against cotton leafworm.
Electrochemical Oxidation to Fabricate Micro‐Nano‐Scale Surface Wrinkling of Liquid Metals
Authors: Zhou Zhuquan , Xing Zerong , Wang Qian , Liu Jing
Published: March 2023

Constructing wrinkled structures on the surface of materials to obtain new functions has broad application prospects. Here a generalized method is reported to fabricate multi‐scale and diverse‐dimensional oxide wrinkles on liquid metal surfaces by an electrochemical anodization method. The oxide film on the surface of the liquid metal is successfully thickened to hundreds of nanometers by electrochemical anodization, and then the micro‐wrinkles with height differences of several hundred nanometers are obtained by the growth stress. It is succeeded in altering the distribution of growth stress by changing the substrate geometry to induce different wrinkle morphologies, such as one‐dimensional striped wrinkles and two‐dimensional labyrinth wrinkles. Further, radial wrinkles are obtained under the hoop stress induced by the difference in surface tensions. These hierarchical wrinkles of different scales can exist on the liquid metal surface simultaneously. Surface wrinkles of liquid metal may have potential applications in the future for flexible electronics, sensors, displays, and so on.
Phase‐Separated Dielectric Gels Based on Christiansen Effect
Authors: Gao Yiyang , Chen Jing , Zhang Yanan , Zhao Yuanjun , Jia Xin , Da Xinyu , Gao Guoxin , Xi Kai , Ding Shujiang
Published: March 2023

Phase separation is a trivial phenomenon but a mature strategy in materials science. The flexible materials are provided toughness and strength by phase separation, yet there are few applications in optics and electronics industry. A novel phase‐separated dielectric gel (PSDG) with a strong Christiansen effect is prepared via radical polymerization using hydroxyethyl methacrylate as a monomer, 4‐cyano‐4′‐pentylbiphenyl and tributyl citrate as mixed solvents, and polyethylene glycol as a softener. The solvent ratios and ambient conditions can efficiently change the color of PSDG which makes it strongly selective for the wavelength of transmitted light. Besides, it has a high dielectric constant (10 at 1 kHz), sensitively responding to the electric field. The phase separation degree of PSDG varies with applied electric field, which will induce its transmittance alteration accordingly. The current field sensitive PSDG provides a novel idea for “smart windows”. Additionally, varying the size and shape of the electrodes can precisely control the phase separation in PSDG and also enables the function of free writing on flexible materials. Therefore, the designed PSDG has great application potential for flexible touch and interesting interactions.
5,12‐Dihydroindolo[3,2‐a]Carbazole Derivatives‐Based Water Soluble Photoinitiators for 3D Antibacterial Hydrogels Preparation
Authors: Chen Hong , Borjigin Timur , Regeard Christophe , Xiao Pu , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: March 2023

Indolo[3,2‐a]carbazole alkaloids have drawn a growing interest in recent years owing to their potential electrical and optical properties. With 5,12‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐a]carbazole serving as the scaffold, two novel carbazole derivatives are synthesized in this study. Both compounds are extremely soluble in water, with solubility surpassing 7% in weight. Intriguingly, the introduction of aromatic substituents contributed to drastically reduce the π‐stacking ability of carbazole derivatives, while the presence of the sulfonic acid groups enables the resulting carbazoles remarkably soluble in water, allowing them to be used as especially efficient water‐soluble PIs in conjunction with co‐initiators, i.e., triethanolamine and the iodonium salt, respectively, employed as electron donor and acceptor. Surprisingly, multi‐component photoinitiating systems based on these synthesized carbazole derivatives could be used for the in situ preparation of hydrogels containing silver nanoparticles via laser write procedure with a light emitting diode (LED)@405 nm as light source, and the produced hydrogels display antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli.