bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additional hominoid fossils from the early Miocene of the Lothidok Formation, Kenya
Authors: Rossie James B. , Cote Susanne M.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Hominoid fossils are abundant at early Miocene fossil sites in the Lothidok Range, located directly west of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya. The West Turkana Miocene Project (WTMP) has worked in the Lothidok Range since 2008 with the goal of further elucidating the paleobiology of the hominoids through the recovery of new specimens and detailed documentation of their paleoecological context. To date our research has focused largely on the Kalodirr and Moruorot Site Complexes, both radiometrically dated to ~17.5–16.8 Ma.

Materials and Methods

Our ongoing fieldwork at the Kalodirr Site Complex resulted in the discovery of new dentognathic specimens of the three previously identified species of fossil hominoids—Turkanapithecus kalakolensis, Simiolus enjiessi, and Afropithecus turkanensis.

Results

A new mandible and an isolated M3 of T. kalakolensis from Kalodirr further clarify the lower molar morphology of the species and permit identification of KNM‐MO 1 as a mandible of T. kalakolensis. A new mandible of S. enjiessi provides evidence of the relative proportions of the first and second lower molars. A new male specimen of A. turkanensis shows unusual P4 morphology that may be a developmental anomaly or a previously unknown morphological variant.

Discussion

An improved understanding of the lower molar morphology of T. kalakolensis further strengthens its identification as a nyanzapithecine. Our new specimens and subsequent re‐identification of existing collections makes it clear that all three Lothidok hominoids are known from both the Moruorot and Kalodirr Site Complexes. The Lothidok Range holds great promise for further documenting hominoid evolution.
Stable Monodisperse Pb1−xCdxS Quantum Dots for NIR‐II Bioimaging by Aqueous Coprecipitation of Bimetallic Clusters
Authors: Zhang Hui , Sun Caixia , Sun Libo , Xu Wenhao , Wu Wenxiao , Chen Jie , Wang Binhang , Yu Junlai , Cui Pengfei , Zhang Fan , Tang Yun
Published: July 2022

Aqueous lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots (QDs) synthesized by traditional methods are unstable, so that they are usually coated with cadmium sulfide (CdS) to prevent oxidation, which are complicated and not satisfactory for mass production. Here, stable ternary Pb1−xCdxS QDs were synthesized by in situ coprecipitation of Pb4−nCdnO4 bimetallic clusters in an aqueous solution, which possess a uniform size of 4.0±0.2 nm and the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) emission at 1100 nm with photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) as high as 17.72 %. Stored at 4 °C and in colloidal form, the PLQY of Pb1−xCdxS QDs remained at 90.9 % of the initial value after 15 days, while stored as powder, the spectra did not change after 5 months. The high PLQY and good water compatibility of Pb1−xCdxS QDs provide a good performance in vivo vasculature imaging and lymphatic system imaging at a very low power density (10 mW cm−2) in the NIR‐II window.
Multifunctional Charge and Hydrogen‐Bond Effects of Second‐Sphere Imidazolium Pendants Promote Capture and Electrochemical Reduction of CO2in Water Catalyzed by Iron Porphyrins**
Authors: Narouz Mina R. , De La Torre Patricia , An Lun , Chang Christopher J.
Published: July 2022

Microenvironments tailored by multifunctional secondary coordination sphere groups can enhance catalytic performance at primary metal active sites in natural systems. Here, we capture this biological concept in synthetic systems by developing a family of iron porphyrins decorated with imidazolium (im) pendants for the electrochemical CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR), which promotes multiple synergistic effects to enhance CO2RR and enables the disentangling of second‐sphere contributions that stem from each type of interaction.Fe‐ortho‐im(H), which poises imidazolium units featuring both positive charge and hydrogen‐bond capabilities proximal to the active iron center, increases CO2binding affinity by 25‐fold and CO2RR activity by 2000‐fold relative to the parent Fe tetraphenylporphyrin (Fe‐TPP). Comparison with monofunctional analogs reveals that through‐space charge effects have a greater impact on catalytic CO2RR performance compared to hydrogen bonding in this context.
An Isolable 2,5‐Disila‐3,4‐Diphosphapyrrole and a Conjugated Si=P−Si=P−Si=N Chain Through Degradation of White Phosphorus with aN,N‐Bis(Silylenyl)Aniline
Authors: Xiong Yun , Dong Shicheng , Yao Shenglai , Dai Chenshu , Zhu Jun , Kemper Sebastian , Driess Matthias
Published: July 2022

White phosphorus (P4) undergoes degradation to P2moieties if exposed to the newN,N‐bis(silylenyl)aniline PhNSi21(Si=Si[N(tBu)]2CPh), furnishing the first isolable 2,5‐disila‐3,4‐diphosphapyrrole2and the two novel functionalized Si=P doubly bonded compounds3and4. The pathways for the transformation of the non‐aromatic 2,5‐disila‐3,4‐diphosphapyrrole PhNSi2P22into3and4could be uncovered. It became evident that2reacts readily with both reactants P4and1to afford either the polycyclic Si=P‐containing product [PhNSi2P2]2P23or the unprecedented conjugatedSi=P−Si=P−Si=NPh chain‐containing compound4, depending on the employed molar ratio of1and P4as well as the reaction conditions. Compounds3and4can be converted into each other by reactions with1and P4, respectively. All new compounds1–4were unequivocally characterized including by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In addition, the electronic structures of2–4were established by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.
Effect of layered double hydroxide on the flame retardancy of intumescent flame retardant thermoplastic polyurethane composites prepared by selective laser sintering
Authors: Li Jianshuo , Wu Wei , Zhang Xiyun , Zhao Tianyu , Wang Zhengyi , Li Shuo
Published: July 2022

Presently, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are pervasively adopted as part of flame retardant polymer composite materials due to its favorable synergism effect with certain flame retardants. In addition, it is environmentally friendly. Meanwhile, selective laser sintering (SLS) is a powder‐based three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology, providing a novel path to manufacturing polymer composite materials with complex shapes. In this research, flame retardancy of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was enhanced based on LDHs and intumescent flame retardant (IFR). Being prepared by SLS technology. First, TPU composite powders based on LDHs and IFR were obtained using a two‐stage mixing method. Morphology analysis revealed that IFR and LDHs were dispersed uniformly in TPU powder. Subsequently, flame retardant TPU composites were prepared with TPU composite powders using the SLS process under appropriate 3D printing parameters, thereby enabling flame retardant TPU parts to be obtained. With 23 wt% IFR and 2 wt% LDHs filler, the limiting oxygen index of TPU composite was reached to 31.7%, while passing the UL‐94 V‐0 level during the vertical burning test. The cone calorimeter test showed that the heat release rate, smoke production rate, as well as production of carbonic oxides, all decreased significantly following the addition of LDHs. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that LDHs and IFR were characterized by a favorable synergism effect, with the TPU/23IFR/2LDHs possessing good thermal stability. Char residue analysis, including SEM, energy dispersive X‐ray, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectra, further testified that a synergism effect existed between LDHs and IFR in the TPU composite. Overall, in this study the TPU composites fabricated by SLS technology exhibited excellent flame retardant ability.
Bioevaluation of quinoline‐4‐carbonyl derivatives of piperazinyl‐benzothiazinones as promising antimycobacterial agents
Authors: Sahoo Santosh K. , Gajula Siva N. R. , Ahmad Mohammad N. , Kaul Grace , Nanduri Srinivas , Sonti Rajesh , Dasgupta Arunava , Chopra Sidharth , Yaddanapudi Venkata M.
Published: July 2022

The quinoline moiety remains a privileged antitubercular (anti‐TB) pharmacophore, whereas 8‐nitrobenzothiazinones are emerging potent antimycobacterial agents with two investigational candidates in the clinical pipeline. Herein, we report the synthesis and bioevaluation of 30 piperazinyl‐benzothiazinone‐based quinoline hybrids as prospective anti‐TB agents. Preliminary evaluation revealed 24/30 compounds exhibiting substantial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 0.06–1 µg/ml) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv. Cytotoxicity analysis against Vero cells found these to be devoid of any significant toxicity, with the majority displaying a selectivity index of >80. Furthermore, potent nontoxic compounds, when screened against clinical isolates of drug‐resistant Mtb strains, demonstrated equipotent inhibition with MIC values of 0.03–0.25 µg/ml. A time‐kill study identified a lead compound exhibiting concentration‐dependent bactericidal activity, with 10× MIC completely eliminating Mtb bacilli within 7 days. Along with acceptable aqueous solubility and microsomal stability, the optimum active compounds of the series manifested all desirable traits of a promising antimycobacterial candidate.
Long‐term risk of cardiovascular disease mortality among classic Hodgkin lymphoma survivors
Authors: Lu Zhenxing , Teng Yintong , Ning Xiaodong , Wang Hao , Feng Weijing , Ou Caiwen
Published: July 2022

Background

The temporal trend of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) throughout follow‐up remains unclear. This study aimed to assess this temporal trend in patients with cHL.

Methods

This multicenter cohort included 15,889 patients with cHL diagnosed between 1983 and 2015, covering all ages. The proportional mortality ratio, cumulative incidence of cause‐specific mortality accounting for competing risk, standard mortality ratio, and absolute excess risk were analyzed.

Results

Among patients in stage I and stage II cHL, the proportional mortality ratio for CVD exceeded that for cHL, after approximately 60 or 120 months of follow‐up, respectively. For almost all the patients with stage I or stage II disease, the cumulative incidence of CVD mortality exceeded that of cHL and other neoplasms over time. In recent decades, the risk of cHL mortality declined sharply, but the risk of CVD mortality among patients with cHL declined quite slowly or even remained unchanged among some populations. Patients with stage I or stage II disease experienced a higher risk of CVD mortality than the general population in almost all follow‐up intervals. The absolute excess CVD risk among patients in stage I reached 48.5.

Conclusions

The risk of CVD mortality exceeded that of cHL and other neoplasms and became the leading cause of death over time, among patients with stage I or stage II disease. More effective measures should be taken to reduce the risk of CVD mortality.

Lay summary

Among patients with stage I and stage II classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), the proportional mortality ratio of cardiovascular disease (CVD) exceeded that of cHL after approximately 60 or 120 months of follow‐up, respectively. For almost all the patients with stage I or stage II disease, the cumulative incidence of CVD mortality exceeded that of cHL and other neoplasms over time.

In the past several decades, the risk of cHL mortality declined sharply, but the risk of CVD mortality among patients with cHL declined quite slowly or even unchanged among some populations.

CVD exceeded cHL and has become the leading cause of death over time.
Quantum chemistry study of the multiphoton absorption in enhanced green fluorescent protein at the single amino acid residue level
Authors: Grabarek Dawid , Andruniów Tadeusz
Published: July 2022

The chromophore (CRO) of fluorescent proteins (FPs) is embedded in a complex environment that is a source of specific interactions with the CRO. Understanding how these interactions influence FPs spectral properties is important for a directed design of novel markers with desired characteristics. In this work, we apply computational chemistry methods to gain insight into one‐, two‐ and three‐photon absorption (1PA, 2PA, 3PA) tuning in enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). To achieve this goal, we built EGFP models differing in: i) number and position of hydrogen‐bonds (h‐bonds) donors to the CRO and ii) the electric field, as approximated by polarizable force field, acting on the CRO. We find that h‐bonding to the CRO's phenolate oxygen results in stronger one‐ and multiphoton absorption. The brighter absorption can be also achieved by creating more positive electric field near the CRO's phenolate moiety. Interestingly, while individual CRO – environment h‐bonds usually enhance 1PA and 2PA, it takes a few h‐bond donors to enhance 3PA. Clearly, response of the absorption intensity to many‐body effects depends on the excitation mechanism. We further employ symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) to reveal excellent (2PA) and good (3PA) correlation of multiphoton intensity with electrostatic and induction interaction energies. This points to importance of accounting for mutual CRO – environment polarization in quantitative calculations of absorption spectra in FPs.
Getting Started with LINCS Datasets and Tools
Authors: Xie Zhuorui , Kropiwnicki Eryk , Wojciechowicz Megan L. , Jagodnik Kathleen M. , Shu Ingrid , Bailey Allison , Clarke Daniel J. B. , Jeon Minji , Evangelista John Erol , V. Kuleshov Maxim , Lachmann Alexander , Parigi Abhijna A. , Sanchez Jose M. , Jenkins Sherry L. , Ma'ayan Avi
Published: July 2022

The Library of Integrated Network‐based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) was an NIH Common Fund program that aimed to expand our knowledge about human cellular responses to chemical, genetic, and microenvironment perturbations. Responses to perturbations were measured by transcriptomics, proteomics, cellular imaging, and other high content assays. The second phase of the LINCS program, which lasted 7 years, involved the engagement of six data and signature generation centers (DSGCs) and one data coordination and integration center (DCIC). The DSGCs and the DCIC developed several digital resources, including tools, databases, and workflows that aim to facilitate the use of the LINCS data and integrate this data with other publicly available data. The digital resources developed by the DSGCs and the DCIC can be used to gain new biological and pharmacological insights that can lead to the development of novel therapeutics. This protocol provides step‐by‐step instructions for processing the LINCS data into signatures, and utilizing the digital resources developed by the LINCS consortia for hypothesis generation and knowledge discovery. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Navigating L1000 tools and data in CLUE.io

Basic Protocol 2: Computing signatures from the L1000 data with the CD method

Basic Protocol 3: Analyzing lists of differentially expressed genes and querying them against the L1000 data with BioJupies and the Bulk RNA‐seq Appyter

Basic Protocol 4: Utilizing the L1000FWD resource for drug discovery

Basic Protocol 5: KINOMEscan and the KINOMEscan Appyter

Basic Protocol 6: LINCS P100 and GCP Proteomics Assays

Basic Protocol 7: The LINCS Joint Project (LJP)

Basic Protocol 8: The LINCS Data Portals and SigCom LINCS

Basic Protocol 9: Creating and analyzing signatures with iLINCS
One‐Pot Catalytic Conversion of Lignin‐Derivable Guaiacols and Syringols to Cyclohexylamines
Authors: Wu Xianyuan , De bruyn Mario , Barta Katalin
Published: July 2022

Cyclic primary amines are elementary building blocks to many fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and polymers. Here, a powerful one‐pot Raney Ni‐based catalytic strategy was developed to transform guaiacol into cyclohexylamine using NH3 (7 bar) and H2 (10 bar) in up to 94 % yield. The methodology was extendable to the conversion of a wider range of guaiacols and syringols into their corresponding cyclohexylamines. Notably, a crude bio‐oil originating from the reductive catalytic fractionation of birch lignocellulose was transformed into a product mixture rich in 4‐propylcyclohexylamine, constituting an interesting case of catalytic funneling. The isolated yield of the desired 4‐propylcyclohexylamine reached as high as 7 wt % (on lignin basis). Preliminary mechanistic studies pointed at the consecutive occurrence of three key catalytic transformations, namely, demethoxylation, hydrogenation, and amination.
Coupling between multiple coaxial antennas surrounding a plasma column produced by helicon antenna
Authors: Zhang Lupeng , Chang Lei , Yuan Xiaogang , Chang Yunju , Zhang Jinheng , Yang Xin , Wang Yong , Zhou Haishan , Luo Guangnan
Published: July 2022

The coupling physics between multiple coaxial antennas separated axially along plasma column produced by helicon antenna are investigated. Experiments are carried out on a recently built device, named Physics ANd Thruster oriented HElicon Research (PANTHER) with the upgrade of second‐stage antennas. Mutual induction currents on these antennas are measured for two cases: without plasma discharge and with plasma discharge, respectively. It is found that the existence of a plasma column going through these antennas increases the coupling effects among them significantly. Theoretical analyses from the perspectives of transformer and magnetic permeability and moment confirm the reasonability of this phenomenon. Equivalent circuit models and governing equations are provided for preliminary analyses, covering both single‐antenna‐driven cases and dual‐antenna‐driven cases. The effects of confining magnetic field and background pressure on the mutual coupling are shown as well. This work is of particular interest for electrodeless plasma source or thruster which employs multiple coaxial antennas for ionization and acceleration. The analogy of a plasma column going through multiple antennas to a magnetic core for a transformer is an innovative attempt.
From the Balkan towards Western Europe: Range expansion of the golden jackal (Canis aureus)—A climatic niche modeling approach
Authors: Cunze Sarah , Klimpel Sven
Published: July 2022

In recent decades, a rapid range expansion of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) towards Northern and Western Europe has been observed. The golden jackal is a medium‐sized canid, with a broad and flexible diet. Almost 200 different parasite species have been reported worldwide from C. aureus, including many parasites that are shared with dogs and cats and parasite species of public health concern. As parasites may follow the range shifts of their host, the range expansion of the golden jackal could be accompanied by changes in the parasite fauna in the new ecosystems. In the new distribution area, the golden jackal could affect ecosystem equilibrium, e.g., through changed competition situations or predation pressure. In a niche modeling approach, we project the future climatic habitat suitability of the golden jackal in Europe in the context of whether climatic changes promote range expansion. We use an ensemble forecast based on six presence‐absence algorithms to estimate the climatic suitability of C. aureus for different time periods up to the year 2100 considering different IPCC scenarios on future development. As predictor variables, we used six bioclimatic variables provided by worldclim. Our results clearly indicate that areas with climatic conditions analogous to those of the current core distribution area of the golden jackal in Europe will strongly expand towards the north and the west in future decades. Thus, the observed range expansion may be favored by climate change. The occurrence of stable populations can be expected in Central Europe. With regard to biodiversity and public health concerns, the population and range dynamics of the golden jackal should be surveyed. Correlative niche models provide a useful and frequently applied tool for this purpose. The results can help to make monitoring more efficient by identifying areas with suitable habitat and thus a higher probability of occurrence.
Collective forestry regimes to enhance transition to climate smart forestry
Authors: Brnkalakova Stanislava , Melnykovych Mariana , Nijnik Maria , Barlagne Carla , Pavelka Marian , Udovc Andrej , Marek Michal , Kovac Urban , Kluvánková Tatiana
Published: July 2022

As European mountain forests are a significant world carbon stock and sequester, they have a prominent position in climate policies and climate smart forestry (CSF) implementation. However, forest ecosystem services (ES) that are public or common goods (i.e., of carbon sequestration) face a traditional social dilemma of individual versus collective interests, which often generate conflicts, and result in the overuse of ES and resource depletion. In this article, we elaborate a conceptual analytical framework and use it in case studies selected in European mountain areas to analyse the potential of socio‐ecological systems to develop CSF. Collective self‐organized forestry regimes, as a form of social innovation, are the main focus, compared with centrally governed state regimes and forest management practices in municipal forests. A conceptual framework to analyse collective self‐organized regimes and compare these with other CSF‐applicable forestry regimes is elaborated using a mixed‐method approach, centered around the estimation of carbon sequestration potential. The results indicate that collective self‐organized forestry regimes can play a role in fostering the transition of European forestry towards CSF.
Tris(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amine‐Based Ion Pair Receptors for Selective Lithium Salt Recognition
Authors: Yang Ju Ho , Kim Jaehyeon , Hay Benjamin P. , Lee Kyounghoon , Kim Sung Kuk
Published: July 2022

Tripodal ion pair receptors 1 and 2 consisting of tris(pyridine‐2‐ylmethyl)amine as a cation binding site linked with nitrophenyl urea or amidonitroindole groups as anion binding motifs have been synthesized. 1H NMR spectroscopic analyses carried out in 10 % DMSO in acetonitrile revealed that both ion pair receptors 1 and 2 are able to bind the LiCl ion pair with high selectivity over NaCl, KCl, RbCl, and CsCl. 1H NMR spectroscopic analyses in combination with molecular mechanics calculations proved that the lithium cation is bound to the tris(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amine subunit while the chloride anion interacts with the NHs of urea or amido indole groups via hydrogen bonds. The addition of fluoride to the lithium cation complexes of receptors 1 and 2 leads to the release of the lithium cation from the receptors whereas chloride and bromide are co‐bound with lithium forming LiCl and LiBr ion pair complexes, respectively. The affinity of receptor 1 for the lithium cation was found to be improved by 5.0‐fold when the counter anion of Cl− is co‐bound within the receptor.
Species Differences in Response to Binding Interactions of Bisphenol A and its Analogs with the Modeled Estrogen Receptor 1 and In Vitro Reporter Gene Assay in Human and Zebrafish
Authors: Park Chang Gyun , Singh Nancy , Ryu Chang Seon , Yoon Ju Yong , Esterhuizen Maranda , Kim Young Jun
Published: July 2022

Adverse impacts associated with the interactions of numerous endocrine-disruptor chemicals (EDCs) with estrogen receptor 1 play a pivotal role in reproductive dysfunction. The predictive studies on these interactions thus are crucial in the risk assessment of EDCs but rely heavily on the accuracy of specific protein structure in three dimensions. As the three-dimensional (3D) structure of zebrafish estrogen receptor 1 (zEsr1) is not available, the 3D structure of zEsr1 ligand-binding domain (zEsr1-LBD) was generated using MODELLER and its quality was assessed by the PROCHECK, ERRAT, ProSA, and Verify-3D tools. After the generated model was verified as reliable, bisphenol A and its analogs were docked on the zEsr1-LBD and human estrogen receptor 1 ligand-binding domain (hESR1-LBD) using the Discovery Studio and Autodock Vina programs. The molecular dynamics followed by molecular docking were simulated using the Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics program and compared to those of the in vitro reporter gene assays. Some chemicals were bound with an orientation similar to that of 17β-estradiol in both models and in silico binding energies showed moderate or high correlations with in vitro results (0.33 ≤ r2 ≤ 0.71). Notably, hydrogen bond occupancy during molecular dynamics simulations exhibited a high correlation with in vitro results (r2 ≥ 0.81) in both complexes. These results show that the combined in silico and in vitro approaches is a valuable tool for identifying EDCs in different species, facilitating the assessment of EDC-induced reproductive toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2431–2443. © 2022 SETAC
Attribution analysis of the spatiotemporal variation in water balance in a typical semiarid basin in northern China
Authors: Lu Wen , Tang Jialiang , Lu Chunxia , Lu Chuiyu , Jia Yangwen , Sun Qingyan , He Xin , Zhang Xifeng
Published: July 2022

Climate change and anthropogenic factors have significantly impacted hydrological regimes, especially in semiarid regions. Using the trend‐free pre‐whitening Mann–Kendall (TFPW‐MK) test and linear regression, trends of precipitation, temperature, runoff, and water balances from different spatiotemporal scales were analysed during the past sixty years in the Upper Yongding River Basin (UYRB). Based on the Choudhury‐Yang equation, the contributions of climate change and human activities to runoff variation were further quantified in five mountainous catchments, and the actual effects of climate change and human activities on the water balance in the whole UYRB were also discussed. The results suggest that the UYRB has become much warmer and drier. The lower annual precipitation and intensity in summer were directly attributed to runoff reductions. Intra‐annual scale analyses of meteorological, hydrological and biological responses helped the comprehensive interpretation of the runoff trends. Human activities, including agricultural irrigation, were the main causes for runoff reduction, especially in the middle and lower reaches, and the contribution of human activities increased gradually in recent decades. The water balance changed drastically temporally, with the precipitation being converted less to runoff and more to evaporated fractions, which was also due to the second order effects of climate change and vegetation improvement. It is suggested that low water‐consumption plant species and the related water‐saving techniques in agriculture and afforestation should be introduced for the sustainable development in the similar regions.
Zonations and oscillations via heterotrophic processes in tidal unvegetated aquifers
Authors: Yao Yuting , Kong Jun , Zhang Chenming , Tang Zixuan , Shen Chengji , Luo Zhaoyang , Lu Chunhui , Feng Xuejun , Sun Yang
Published: July 2022

Global‐change drivers that alter tidal amplitude or sea level could directly impact coastal aquifers' seawater–microbe interactions. The semidiurnal or diurnal tide can have consequences for chemical redistribution, because it deepens oxygen and nutrients penetration depth, thereby increasing O2 depletion via microbial respiration in sediments during groundwater circulation. However, chemical and microbial distributions in tidal aquifers remain unclear, in deference to their link with depth and lateral location. By combining the microbes‐accumulated equation with the traditional groundwater flow model in coastal aquifers, we explicitly unravelled the heterotrophic zonation, the salinity zonation, and the oxic zonation of tidal aquifers. According to the model estimates, salt penetrates deeper than reactive chemicals, and the heterotrophic high biomass zone is presumably 2–3 m deep. Such depth of heterotrophic distribution is 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than phototrophic distribution. Additionally, heterotrophic biomass can exhibit faint oscillations, even under the tide forces, whereas dissolved chemicals fluctuate significantly with tidal pumps. Due to the transport of nutrients by tidal penetration, intertidal sediments have a higher respiration rate than subtidal sediments, converting more organic carbon from seawater to atmospheric CO2 via microbes. We demonstrate that heterotrophic biomass may play the dominant role in the chemical reactions of nearshore sediments. Our results confirm the efficacy of unvegetated tidal sediments that rely on ubiquitous heterotrophs as a driver of oxygen consumption and DOC transformation. These steps above will allow for better field investigations of coastal aquifers within a framework of zonations and oscillations.
Attachment security to mothers and fathers: A meta‐analysis on mean‐level differences and correlations of behavioural measures
Authors: Pinquart Martin
Published: July 2022

The present meta‐analysis tested for differences between security of attachment to mothers and fathers. We also analysed associations between security with mothers and fathers. A systematic search in electronic databases identified 95 studies on behavioural measures of attachment to both parents that were included in random‐effects meta‐analyses. Although security of attachment to fathers was significantly lower than security of attachment to mothers, mean‐level differences were very small (g = −0.07). Differences were smaller if more intact families participated. There was a significant correlation of security with mothers and fathers (r = 0.32) and larger associations were found in studies with the Strange Situation rather than the Attachment Q‐Set, in studies with older children, and in more recent studies. Further research is recommended on factors that explain observed correlations and mean‐level differences.
Ectopic first pregnancy treated by methotrexate versus salpingectomy—Maternal and perinatal outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy: A retrospective study
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Ohayon Aviran , Weissbach Tal , Burke Yechiel Z. , Meyer Raanan
Published: July 2022

Objective

To study obstetric outcomes of a second pregnancy among women with a first ectopic pregnancy (EP) treated with methotrexate compared with laparoscopic salpingectomy.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study including all women with a first EP and a following pregnancy that concluded by delivery at ≥24 weeks of gestation between March 2011 and April 2021. Second pregnancy outcomes were compared between women treated with methotrexate and those treated with salpingectomy in their first pregnancy.

Results

Overall, 125 women were included, of which 64 (51.2%) were treated with methotrexate and 61 (48.8%) were treated with salpingectomy. In women treated with salpingectomy, the proportion of women conceiving by in vitro fertilization and those with measured gestational sac diameter or β‐subunit human chorionic gonadotropin was higher. The proportion of women conceiving by in vitro fertilization in their second pregnancy was higher in the salpingectomy group (55.2% versus 18.0%, P < 0.001). All maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar in both groups.

The rate of low birth weight < 2500 g was 7.8% in the methotrexate group versus 18% in the salpingectomy group (P = 0.111).

Conclusion

Maternal and neonatal outcomes of a second pregnancy among women treated for EP in their first pregnancy are similar in women treated by methotrexate and those treated by salpingectomy.
Establishing a novel inflammatory bowel disease prediction model based on gene markers identified from single nucleotide variants of the intestinal microbiota
Authors: Jiang Shuaiming , Chen Denghui , Ma Chenchen , Liu Huanwei , Huang Shi , Zhang Jiachao
Published: July 2022

The intestinal microbiota is a crucial environmental factor in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is significantly decreased in IBD patients, which is used as a biomarker for IBD diagnosis. However, this can be observed in both IBD and colorectal cancer, which would confound the diagnostic results. Thus, we first established a new model for predicting Crohn's disease (CD) with high precision according to gene characteristics based on single nucleotide variants (SNVs). Next, five gene markers belonging to two species, F. prausnitzii and Eubacterium rectale, that were enriched in the CD group were obtained to build a CD prediction model, and high accuracy in distinguishing the CD and control groups was observed in the discovery (area under curve [AUC] = 91.13%) and validation cohorts (AUC = 79.55%). The model still maintained high accuracy after expanding the healthy cohort (AUC = 89.75%). High disease specificity in distinguishing CD and CRC groups (AUC = 95.74%) was also proven. This study establishes a novel diagnostic method for predicting IBD that also provides unprecedented insight for the early, painless diagnosis of other non‐communicable diseases.
Extended near Skolem sequences, Part III
Authors: Baker Catharine A. , Linek Vaclav , Shalaby Nabil
Published: July 2022

A ‐extended ‐near Skolem sequence of order , denoted by , is a sequence where and for each integer there are two indices , such that and . For an  to exist it is necessary that when and when , where , . Any triple satisfying these conditions is called admissible. In this manuscript, which is Part III of three manuscripts, we construct the remaining sequences; that is, for all admissible with  and .
Lactoferrin improves the immune response and resistance of silver carp, a hematological, light (histochemical and immunohistochemical), fluorescent, and scanning electron microscopic study
Authors: Soliman Soha A. , Emeish Walaa F. A. , Abdel‐Hafeez Hanan Hassan
Published: July 2022

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein that has roles in iron metabolism, cell generation and differentiation, and antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic activity. The study aim was to evaluate the effect of dietary lactoferrin powder on the innate immune response and disease resistance of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) infected with Vibrio vulnificus. The study also investigates immune cells in different organs including gills, intestine, spleen, liver, and pancreas using light, scan electron microcopy. Two diet regimes, a basic diet and a 600‐mg/kg bovine lactoferrin‐supplemented diet were used. The fish were fed for 30 successive days. We included 270 apparently healthy silver carp (H. Molitrix) with an average body weight of 10 ± 2 g/fish. Addition of lactoferrin to the diet led to an increase in the activity of non‐specific immune parameters; lymphocytes, and in the monocytes percentage, and in total protein, serum globulin, and albumin, with a corresponding increase in phagocytic activities and indices. The histological analysis revealed increase immune cells such as lymphocytes in intestine, rodlet cells in liver, gills, and pancreas, and the macrophages in liver, pancreas as well as spleen. The lactoferrin‐supplemented diet significantly increased survival and disease resistance following V. vulnificus challenge, which seemed to correspond to an enhancement of non‐specific immune functions in H. molitrix.

Research Highlights

The study evaluates the effect of dietary lactoferrin powder on the innate immune response and disease resistance of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) infected with Vibrio vulnificus.

The study also investigates immune cells in different organs including gills, intestine, spleen, liver, and pancreas using light, scan electron microcopy.

Lactoferrin increases the activity of nonspecific immune parameters; lymphocytes, and in the monocytes percentage, and in total protein, serum globulin, and albumin, with a corresponding increase in phagocytic activities and indices.

The histological analysis revealed increase immune cells such as lymphocytes in intestine, rodlet cells in liver, gills, and pancreas, and the macrophages in liver, pancreas as well as spleen.
Comparison of endoscopic underlay and over‐under tympanoplasty techniques for type I tympanoplasty
Authors: Bao James W. , Zhan Kevin Y. , Wick Cameron C.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To compare the indications and efficacy of endoscopic over‐under tympanoplasty versus endoscopic underlay tympanoplasty.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing type I endoscopic tympanoplasty via either an underlay or over‐under technique by a single surgeon from 2017 to 2021. Patients were excluded if they had a concurrent mastoidectomy, ossiculoplasty, or advanced cholesteatoma defined by involvement of multiple subsites. Patient demographics, perforation size and location, middle ear status, preoperative and postoperative audiograms, and perforation closure were reviewed. Middle ear status was represented using the Ossiculoplasty Outcome Parameter Score (OOPS). The primary outcome was perforation closure at most recent follow‐up and secondary outcomes were change in postoperative pure‐tone average (PTA) and air‐bone gap (ABG).

Results

Of 48 patients, 27 underwent endoscopic underlay tympanoplasty and 21 underwent endoscopic over‐under tympanoplasty. Tragal cartilage‐perichondrium graft was used in 90% of procedures. Distribution of OOPS scores was not significantly different between groups. Over‐ under technique addressed significantly larger perforations (mean size of 54% vs. 31%, p < .001) and a higher rate of anterior extension (95% vs. 22%, p < .001) than underlay technique. Perforation closure rate was not different between groups (95% vs. 96%). Patients experienced significant improvement in PTA and ABG in both groups.

Conclusion

The endoscopic over‐under tympanoplasty is comparable to endoscopic underlay tympanoplasty in terms of graft take and audiologic improvement. The over‐under technique is effective for repairing larger perforations or those with anterior extension.

Level of evidence

IV
Self‐Assembly Anchored Cationic Copolymer Interfaces for Applying the Control of Counterion‐Induced Bacteria Killing/Release Procedure
Authors: Chiu Chieh‐Yang , Lin Hao‐Tung , Yen Ta‐Jen , Chang Yung
Published: July 2022

In recent years, daily hygiene and disease control issues have received increasing attention, especially the raging epidemics caused by the spread of deadly viruses. The construction of the interface of new polymer materials is focused on, which can provide a cyclic operation process for the killing and releasing of bacteria, and perform repeated regeneration, which is of great significance for the development of advanced medical biomaterials. In order to explore the basic physical phenomena of bacterial attachment and detachment on the polymer material interface by different amine groups, this study plans to synthesize four different butyl methacrylate (BMA)‐based cationic copolymers with primary, ternary, and quaternary amine groups, and compare their effects on bactericidal efficiency. Since BMA can generate strong hydrophobic interactions with the benzene ring structure, this study used a polystyrene substrate to realize a self‐assembled cationic copolymer interface for controlling the counterion‐induced bacterial killing/release process. Furthermore, negatively charged ions are introduced to induce changes in the hydration capability of water molecules and control the subsequent bacterial detachment function. In this study, possible directions to answer and clarify the above concepts are proposed, and there is a basic reference principle that can lead to research work in macromolecular bioscience fields.
Recent advances in 3D printing hydrogel for topical drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wang Chao
Published: July 2022

Polymer hydrogel has been used as a drug delivery carrier for many decades. Recently, the emergence of three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology has opened up a new area for applications of drug delivery based on polymer hydrogel. A series of drug delivery platforms based on 3D printing hydrogel are developed to achieve local delivery of small/large molecule drugs as well as therapeutic cells. Compared with other manufacturing technologies, 3D printing technology can achieve high‐precision personalized manufacturing and complex spatial structure construction, which has a wide application prospect in the biomedical field. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in 3D printed polymer hydrogels as delivery platforms in drug and cell topical delivery. 3D printed drug delivery platform realizes drug delivery and controlled release locally. Meanwhile, precise control and manufacturing also provide conditions for customized drug delivery platforms. Besides this, a complex spatial structure constructed based on 3D printing technology is also conducive to cell proliferation and differentiation, providing a new carrier for tissue engineering and repair. Biomedical applications based on 3D printing technology promote the development of precision medicine and personalized medicine and provide a new direction for further research and application of 3D printing technology.
Pneumococcal vaccination—A literature review and practice guideline update
Authors: El‐Beyrouty Claudine , Buckler Rebecca , Mitchell Meghan , Phillips Samantha , Groome Sara
Published: July 2022

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) remains a significant cause of both mild infections such as otitis media, sinusitis, and bronchitis and more severe manifestations such as bacteremia, pneumonia, and invasive pneumococcal disease. Several key serotypes have been targeted in vaccine development due to their association with increased infectivity. Pneumococcal vaccines are available in two formulations, the unconjugated purified polysaccharide (PPSV) and the conjugated formulation (PCV), which leads to a more robust and prolonged immune response. There have been dramatic reductions in mortality attributed to invasive pneumococcal disease over the past 2 decades due to improved vaccination rates and improved serotype coverage with the existing arsenal of vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23). Utilizing both conjugate and purified polysaccharide modalities in series has produced greater and lasting immunity. The development of both the PCV15 and the PCV20 vaccines provides an opportunity to use conjugated vaccines against a wider spectrum of pneumococcal serotypes. National guidelines have been updated to incorporate the new pneumococcal vaccines into clinical practice.
Thermokarst processes increase the supply of stabilizing surfaces and elements (Fe, Mn, Al, and Ca) for mineral–organic carbon interactions
Authors: Monhonval Arthur , Strauss Jens , Thomas Maxime , Hirst Catherine , Titeux Hugues , Louis Justin , Gilliot Alexia , du Bois d'Aische Eléonore , Pereira Benoît , Vandeuren Aubry , Grosse Guido , Schirrmeister Lutz , Jongejans Loeka L. , Ulrich Mathias , Opfergelt Sophie
Published: July 2022

The stabilizing properties of mineral–organic carbon (OC) interactions have been studied in many soil environments (temperate soils, podzol lateritic soils, and paddy soils). Recently, interest in their role in permafrost regions is increasing as permafrost was identified as a hotspot of change. In thawing ice‐rich permafrost regions, such as the Yedoma domain, 327–466 Gt of frozen OC is buried in deep sediments. Interactions between minerals and OC are important because OC is located very near the mineral matrix. Mineral surfaces and elements could mitigate recent and future greenhouse gas emissions through physical and/or physicochemical protection of OC. The dynamic changes in redox and pH conditions associated with thermokarst lake formation and drainage trigger metal‐oxide dissolution and precipitation, likely influencing OC stabilization and microbial mineralization. However, the influence of thermokarst processes on mineral–OC interactions remains poorly constrained. In this study, we aim to characterize Fe, Mn, Al, and Ca minerals and their potential protective role for OC. Total and selective extractions were used to assess the crystalline and amorphous oxides or complexed metal pools as well as the organic acids found within these pools. We analyzed four sediment cores from an ice‐rich permafrost area in Central Yakutia, which were drilled (i) in undisturbed Yedoma uplands, (ii) beneath a recent lake formed within Yedoma deposits, (iii) in a drained thermokarst lake basin, and (iv) beneath a mature thermokarst lake from the early Holocene period. We find a decrease in the amount of reactive Fe, Mn, Al, and Ca in the deposits on lake formation (promoting reduction reactions), and this was largely balanced by an increase in the amount of reactive metals in the deposits on lake drainage (promoting oxidation reactions). We demonstrate an increase in the metal to C molar ratio on thermokarst process, which may indicate an increase in metal–C bindings and could provide a higher protective role against microbial mineralization of organic matter. Finally, we find that an increase in mineral–OC interactions corresponded to a decrease in CO2 and CH4 gas emissions on thermokarst process. Mineral–OC interactions could mitigate greenhouse gas production from permafrost thaw as soon as lake drainage occurs.
Puerarin attenuates hepatic steatosis via G‐protein‐coupled estrogen receptor‐mediated calcium and SIRT1 signaling pathways
Authors: Pham Thi Hoa , Lee Gi Ho , Jin Sun Woo , Lee Seung Yeon , Han Eun Hee , Kim Nam Doo , Jeong Hye Gwang
Published: July 2022

Puerarin, the major bioactive ingredient isolated from the root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.), attenuates body weight gain and reduces lipid levels in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice; however, the underlying mechanism responsible for regulating lipid metabolism remains unclear. This study investigated the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the role of puerarin in regulating lipogenesis and lipolysis in human HepG2 cells. In this study, puerarin strongly inhibited the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c). Moreover, puerarin significantly induced the expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), which is responsible for triacylglycerol hydrolase activity in cells. Puerarin enhanced 5′ AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, which is a central regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism. Furthermore, this AMPK activation could be mediated by sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and calcium signaling pathways involved in G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) signaling. GPER blockage significantly reversed the effect of puerarin on lipid accumulation and the related signaling pathways. Docking studies showed that puerarin could bind in the GPER in a similar manner as GPER agonist G1. Our results suggest that puerarin can improve hepatic steatosis by activating GPER; it’s signaling cascade sequentially induced calcium and SIRT1 signaling pathways. Thus, puerarin may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.