bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors of mortality following hospital admission for Crohn's disease: A cohort study at a tertiary referral center in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Po‐Han , Lin Wey‐Ran , Le Puo‐Hsien , Lin Cheng‐Yu , Chen Chun‐Wei , Wu Ren‐Chin , Hsu Jun‐Te , Tsai Wen‐Sy , Lai Ming‐Wei , Hsieh Sen‐Yung , Su Ming‐Yao , Chiu Cheng‐Tang , Kuo Chia‐Jung
Published: March 2024

The prevalence and incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) in Asia is rising, and it is important to know the risk factors of mortality. In our study, CD patients diagnosed and treated in the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou branch were enrolled from January 1989 to October 2019. The collected data included age, sex, disease duration, location and behavior of the disease, biochemical parameters at admission, medication history, surgical history, and comorbidities. The mean age at diagnosis was 35.7 ± 16.1 years old and the male‐to‐female ratio was 2.4. The penetrating type of CD was the most common (41.3%) of disease behavior. The ileocolonic area is the most common location of disease involvement (79%). 7.7% of patients had low serum albumin levels (<3 g/dL). 16.8% of patients had hemoglobin levels less than 10 g/dL. Of the patients included, 4 died during the follow‐up period. Low serum albumin levels at admission (p = .0307) are an independent predictor for mortality. In conclusion, it is important in perioperative care, especially for CD patients with hypoalbuminemia.
Toward Optimized In‐Memory Reinforcement Learning: Leveraging 1/f Noise of Synaptic Ferroelectric Field‐Effect‐Transistors for Efficient Exploration
Authors: Kim Jangsaeng , Shin Wonjun , Yim Jiyong , Kwon Dongseok , Kwon Daewoong , Lee Jong‐Ho
Published: March 2024

Reinforcement learning (RL), exhibiting outstanding performance in various fields, requires large amounts of data for high performance. While exploration techniques address this requirement, conventional exploration methods have limitations: complexity of hardware implementation and significant hardware burden. Herein, in‐memory RL systems leveraging intrinsic 1/f noise of synaptic ferroelectric field‐effect‐transistors (FeFETs) for efficient exploration are proposed. The electrical characteristics of fabricated FeFETs with low‐power operation capability verify their suitability for neuromorphic systems. The proposed system achieves comparable performance to the conventional exploration method without additional circuits. The intrinsic 1/f noise of the FeFETs facilitates efficient exploration and offers significant advantages: efficiency in hardware implementation and simplicity in adjusting the 1/f noise level for optimal performance. This approach effectively addresses the challenges of conventional exploration methods. The operation mechanism of the exploration method utilizing the 1/f noise is systematically analyzed. The proposed in‐memory RL system demonstrates robustness and reliability to the device‐to‐device variation and the initial conductance distribution. This work provides further insights into the exploration methods of RL, paving the way for advanced in‐memory RL systems.
Pure Spin Transport in YIG Films with Amorphous‐to‐Crystalline Transformation
Authors: Yu Rui , Cao Jiefeng , Liu Haigang , Zhu Fangyuan , Meng Xiangyu , Long Zhipeng , Li Junqin , Wang Yong
Published: March 2024

Magnetic insulators, especially Y3Fe5O12 (YIG), are considered promising candidates for spin‐based device applications due to their ultralow damping, high spin injection efficiency, and long‐distance spin propagation. However, these intriguing features are widely studied based on crystallization YIG films. Pure spin phenomena, like spin transport in YIG films with structural evolution, remain unclear. Herein, pure spin transportation is systematically investigated in the sandwich structure formed by YIG, the inserted layer‐nominal YIG (n‐YIG) with a varied crystalline structure and heavy metal Platinum (Pt). By applying ferromagnetic resonance (FMR)‐driven inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) measurement, the detected ISHE voltage signal presented a strong correlation with the thickness of n‐YIG and its crystalline phase. A significant increasement in spin transportation is obtained for the crystallized n‐YIG via a high‐temperature annealing. These results demonstrate that pure spin current is transported availably in the structural evolution of YIG films. Furthermore, the element‐specific X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) spectra on the n‐YIG films showed a distinction for the crystallized n‐YIG which indicates that the spin propagation is correlated to its magnetic order. These findings are instructive for low‐dissipation spin‐based devices.
A bothremydid turtle (Pleurodira) from the middle Cenomanian of Vale de Figueira (Belas, Portugal)
Authors: Antunes Miguel Telles , Pérez‐García Adán
Published: March 2024

An unpublished turtle shell from the middle Cenomanian of Vale de Figueira, near Belas (Lisbon District, Portugal), is recognized by us as collected in 1880 under the direction of Carlos Ribeiro. No turtle remains from that region had so far been figured, described or discussed from a systematic point of view. The specimen corresponds to a partial but articulated shell. It is attributed to Pleurodira and, more specifically, to Bothremydidae. Only one pre‐Campanian turtle specimen was previously identified at the infrafamilial level in the Cretaceous record of Portugal. It was a partial shell from the middle Cenomanian of Nazaré (Leiria District) attributed to the bothremydid Algorachelus peregrina, a species defined in a Spanish synchronous locality (Algora, in Central Spain). Several anatomical regions in the specimen from Vale de Figueira were not preserved in the partial carapace from Nazaré, and differences in the morphology of some elements are recognized between both shells. However, the individual studied here is also ascribed to Algorachelus peregrina, these differences being justified by intraspecific variability. Therefore, the specimen represents the second evidence on the species in Portugal, being the only one recognized for the Lisbon District.
Boron compounds are effective on Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Reduced lipogenesis and induced body weight loss
Authors: Atay Turgut , Ertürk Sait , Alkan Mustafa , Kordali Şaban , Yılmaz Ferah , Barış Aydemir , Ghanbari Solmaz , Doğan Cansu , Toprak Umut
Published: March 2024

In the current study, we investigated the insecticidal efficacy of two borates, disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (Etidot‐67) and calcium metaborate (CMB) via surface application or diet delivery on the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The application method did not change the boron‐related mortality, but CMB was more effective than Etidot‐67. At the highest dose, it took around 13 days to reach the highest mortality (≥98.1%) for CMB, while it was 19 days for Etidot‐67 (≥95.8%). Both boron compounds led to a significant reduction in triglyceride levels in parallel to the downregulation of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), the two primary genes involved in de novo lipogenesis, while they also induced body weight loss. In conclusion, the current study indicated the insecticidal potential of boron compounds but CMB is more promising and more effective in controlling T. castaneum, while lipogenesis is inhibited and weight loss is induced by boron compounds.
Genome‐wide identification of cuticle protein superfamily in Frankliniella occidentalis provide insight into the control of both insect vectors and plant virus
Authors: Zheng Yang , Feng Yinghao , Li Zhejin , Wang Junwen
Published: March 2024

The structural cuticle proteins (CPs) play important roles in the development and fitness of insects. However, knowledge about CP gene superfamily is limited in virus‐transmitting insect vectors, although its importance on transmission of plant virus has been gradually emphasized. In this study, the genome‐wide identification of CP superfamily was conducted in western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis that is the globally invasive pest and plant virus vector pest. The pest transmits notorious tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) around the world, causing large damage to a wide array of plants. One hundred and twenty‐eight F. occidentalis CP genes (FoCPs) were annotated in this study and they were classified into 10 distinct families, including 68 CPRs, 16 CPAP1s, 6 CPAP3s, 2 CPCFCs, 10 Tweedles, 4 CPFs, 16 CPLCPs, and 6 CPGs. The comprehensive analysis was performed including phylogenetic relationship, gene location and gene expression profiles during different development stages of F. occidentalis. Transcriptome analysis revealed more than 30% FoCPs were upregulated at least 1.5‐fold when F. occidentalis was infected by TSWV, indicating their potential involvement in TSWV interactions. Our study provided an overview of F. occidentalis CP superfamily. The study gave a better understand of CP's role in development and virus transmission, which provided clues for reducing viral damages through silencing CP genes in insect vectors.
Measuring the retrievability of digital library content using analytics data
Authors: Jahani Hamed , Azzopardi Leif , Sanderson Mark
Published: March 2024

Digital libraries aim to provide value to users by housing content that is accessible and searchable. Often such access is afforded through external web search engines. In this article, we measure how easily digital library content can be retrieved (i.e., how retrievable) through a well‐known search engine (Google) using its analytics platforms. Using two measures of document retrievability, we contrast our results with simulation‐based studies that employed synthetic query sets. We determine that estimating the retrievability of content given a Digital Library index is not a strong predictor of how retrievable the content is in practice (via external search engines). Retrievability established the notion that search algorithms can be biased. In our work, we find that while there such bias is present, much of the variation in retrievability appears to be strongly influenced by the queries submitted to the library, a side of retrievability less examined in past work.
Recent advances in the development and applications of luminescent bacteria–based biosensors
Authors: Li Yingying , Zhao Yuankun , Du Yiyang , Ren Xuechun , Ding He , Wang Zhimin
Published: March 2024

Luminescent bacteria–based biosensors are widely used for fast and sensitive monitoring of food safety, water quality, and other environmental pollutions. Recent advancements in biomedical engineering technology have led to improved portability, integration, and intelligence of these biotoxicity assays. Moreover, genetic engineering has played a significant role in the development of recombinant luminescent bacterial biosensors, enhancing both detection accuracy and sensitivity. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the development and applications of novel luminescent bacteria–based biosensors, and future perspectives and challenges in the cutting‐edge research, market translation, and practical applications of luminescent bacterial biosensing are discussed.
Exploring in the classroom the relationship between alcohol intake and behavioral disorders through an animal model
Authors: Hernández‐García Samanta , Guerrero‐Rubio M. Alejandra , Henarejos‐Escudero Paula , Martínez‐Rodríguez Pedro , Gandía‐Herrero Fernando
Published: March 2024

Alcohol consumption has profound effects on behavior, such as impaired judgment, addiction or even death. It is estimated that alcohol contributes to around three million deaths worldwide, 13.5% of them in young people with ages between 20 and 39 years. Consequently, it is necessary to raise awareness among college and high school students of the risk related to alcohol drinking. The small nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an animal widely used as a model organism to study nearly all aspects of Biochemistry. It is a powerful tool to test the potential bioactivity and molecular mechanisms of natural compounds and drugs in vivo. Therefore, it is an interesting topic to include in an undergraduate course of Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Biology students among other scientific vocations. C. elegans is also used as a neurobiological model to evaluate substances' neurotoxicity and behavioral effects. The proposed experiment introduces students to the handling of this preclinical model and to the evaluation of behavioral alterations induced by chemicals in scientific research. The effects of different doses of ethanol on C. elegans behavior are studied using a versatile chemotaxis assay. This laboratory experiment is suitable for an undergraduate course. The practical session can be used in the global strategies of information and awareness of educational centres to mitigate the impact of alcohol abuse among students, both in formal courses or in Science fairs or exhibitions.
Therapeutic and risk relevance of psychopathy and general criminal attitude change in an institutional sexual offense treatment program
Authors: Augustyn Carissa M. , Olver Mark E.
Published: March 2024

We examined the interrelationships between psychopathy, changes in general criminal attitudes, and community recidivism in a sample of 212 men who attended an institutional sexual offense treatment program (SOTP) and were followed for an average of 12.73 years post‐release. The men completed a self‐report measure of general criminal attitudes, the Criminal Sentiments Scale, as part of routine SOTP service delivery, Psychopathy Checklist‐Revised (PCL‐R) ratings were completed via file review, and recidivism data were obtained from official criminal records. Criminal attitude endorsement and criminal attitude change had clinically meaningful, but differential, associations with the antisocial and interpersonal features of psychopathy. Further, positive changes in criminal attitudes—particularly tolerance of law violations (i.e., rationalizations for criminal behavior)—were significantly predictive of reductions in community violent and general recidivism after controlling for PCL‐R score. Results demonstrate that general criminal attitude change has risk relevance in the treatment of high psychopathy persons with sexual offense histories.
A phase Ib study evaluating the recommended phase II dose, safety, tolerability, and efficacy of mivavotinib in combination with nivolumab in advanced solid tumors
Authors: Juric Dejan , Barve Minal , Vaishampayan Ulka , Roda Desamparados , Calvo Aitana , Jañez Noelia Martinez , Trigo Jose , Greystoke Alastair , Harvey R. Donald , Olszanski Anthony J. , Opyrchal Mateusz , Spira Alexander , Thistlethwaite Fiona , Jiménez Begoña , Sappal Jessica Huck , Kannan Karuppiah , Riley Jason , Li Cheryl , Li Cong , Gregory Richard C. , Miao Harry , Wang Shining
Published: March 2024

Mivavotinib (TAK‐659/CB‐659), a dual SYK/FLT3 inhibitor, reduced immunosuppressive immune cell populations and suppressed tumor growth in combination with anti‐PD‐1 therapy in cancer models. This dose‐escalation/expansion study investigated the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary efficacy of mivavotinib plus nivolumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. Patients received oral mivavotinib 60–100 mg once‐daily plus intravenous nivolumab 3 mg/kg on days 1 and 15 in 28‐day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The dose‐escalation phase evaluated the recommended phase II dose (RP2D; primary endpoint). The expansion phase evaluated overall response rate (primary end point) at the RP2D in patients with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). During dose‐escalation (n = 24), two dose‐limiting toxicities (grade 4 lipase increased and grade 3 pyrexia) occurred in patients who received mivavotinib 80 mg and 100 mg, respectively. The determined RP2D was once‐daily mivavotinib 80 mg plus nivolumab 3 mg/kg. The expansion phase was terminated at ~50% enrollment (n = 17) after failing to meet an ad hoc efficacy futility threshold. Among all 41 patients, common treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) included dyspnea (48.8%), aspartate aminotransferase increased, and pyrexia (46.3% each). Common grade ≥3 TEAEs were hypophosphatemia and anemia (26.8% each). Mivavotinib plasma exposure was generally dose‐proportional (60–100 mg). One patient had a partial response. Mivavotinib 80 mg plus nivolumab 3 mg/kg was well tolerated with no new safety signals beyond those of single‐agent mivavotinib or nivolumab. Low response rates highlight the challenges of treating unresponsive tumor types, such as TNBC, with this combination and immunotherapies in general.

Trial registration ID

NCT02834247.
The impact of COVID‐19 on mental health and well‐being of Latine youth from rural and agricultural families in the Midwest
Authors: Taylor Zoe E. , Carrizales Alexia , Carlo Gustavo , Herrera Fabiola , Reyes Olivya , Escobedo Jennifer , Burgos Genesis Santiago , Ruiz Yumary
Published: March 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic had significant health and socioeconomic repercussions for Latine immigrant families and their children due to long‐standing social, economic, and immigration‐related inequities, with rural families particularly vulnerable. In particular, the mental health and well‐being of Latine youth may have been detrimentally impacted due to disproportionate family stressors and burdens. In the present study, we examined the effect of parent and youth COVID‐19 pandemic stress on youth mental health, and in turn, on youth well‐being using quantitative and qualitative data. Participants were Latine youth in rural and agricultural families in the US Midwest (N = 210, Mage = 12.10 years, 52.4% male, 36.2% first‐generation immigrants) and a primary caregiver (86.5% mothers, 92.7% first‐generation immigrant, mean income = 25‐30 K) as well as n = 19 dyadic qualitative interviews. Quantitative analyses revealed that both youth and primary caregiver COVID‐19 stressors were associated with youth mental health problems, and indirectly impacted five domains of youth well‐being (engagement, perseverance, optimism, connectedness, and happiness). Qualitative findings provided insights into how the COVID‐19 pandemic increased stress for mothers and children (e.g., job loss and economic hardship, COVID‐19 infection, online education challenges). The study demonstrates how the environmental context of the COVID‐19 pandemic shaped the individual and family‐level functioning of Latine immigrant families during this uniquely challenging time period.
The role of fat‐soluble vitamins in efferocytosis
Authors: Jamalvandi Mona , Khayyatzadeh Sayyed Saeid , Hayati Mohammad Javad , Gheibihayat Seyed Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Cell death and the efficient removal of dead cells are two basic mechanisms that maintain homeostasis in multicellular organisms. efferocytosis, which includes four steps recruitment, recognition, binding and signaling, and engulfment. Effectively and quickly removes apoptotic cells from the body. Any alteration in efferocytosis can lead to several diseases, including autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, atherosclerosis, and cancer. A wide range of dietary components affects apoptosis and, subsequently, efferocytosis. Some vitamins, including fat‐soluble vitamins, affect different stages of efferocytosis. Among other things, by affecting macrophages, they are effective in the apoptotic cleansing of cells. Also, polyphenols indirectly intervene in efferocytosis through their effect on apoptosis. Considering that there are limited articles on the effect of nutrition on efferocytosis, in this article we will examine the effect of some dietary components on efferocytosis.
From Criegee to Breslow: How π‐Donors Steer the Route of Olefin Ozonolysis
Authors: Medvedko Serhii , Wagner J. Philipp
Published: March 2024

While π‐bonds typically undergo cycloaddition with ozone, resulting in the release of much‐noticed carbonyl O‐oxide Criegee intermediates, lone‐pairs of electrons tend to selectively accept a single oxygen atom from O3, producing singlet dioxygen. We questioned whether the introduction of potent electron‐donating groups, akin to N‐heterocyclic olefins, could influence the reactivity of double bonds – shifting from cycloaddition to oxygen atom transfer or generating lesser‐known, yet stabilized, donor‐substituted Criegee intermediates. Consequently, we conducted a comparative computational study using density functional theory on a series of model olefins with increasing polarity due to (asymmetric) π‐donor substitution. Reaction path computations indicate that highly polarized double bonds, instead of forming primary ozonides in their reaction with O3, exhibit a preference for accepting a single oxygen atom, resulting in a zwitterionic species formally identified as a carbene‐carbonyl adduct. This previously unexplored reactivity potentially introduces aldehyde umpolung chemistry (Breslow intermediate) through olefin ozonolysis. Considering solvent effects implicitly reveals that increased solvent polarity further directs the trajectories toward a single oxygen atom transfer reactivity by stabilizing the zwitterionic character of the transition state. The competing modes of chemical reactivity can be explained by a bifurcation of the reaction valley in the post‐transition state region.
Bimodal Glycosyl Donors as an Emerging Approach Towards a General Glycosylation Strategy
Authors: Warnes Matthew E. , Fascione Martin A.
Published: March 2024

Organic synthesis provides an accessible route to preparative scale biological glycans, although schemes to access these complex structures are often complicated by preparation of multiple monosaccharide building blocks. Bimodal glycosyl donors capable of forming both α‐ and β‐anomers selectively, are an emerging tactic to reduce the required number of individual synthetic components in glycan construction. This review discusses examples of bimodal donors in the literature, and how they achieve their stereocontrol for both anomers. Notable examples include a bespoke O‐2 benzyl protecting group, a strained glycal for reaction using organometallic catalysis, and a simple perbenzylated donor optimised for stereoselective glycosylation through extensive reaction tuning.
A Rotational Study of 2‐tert‐Butylphenol and Its 1 : 1 Argon Complex
Authors: Li Wenqin , Heras Domingo , Maris Assimo , Melandri Sonia , Lesarri Alberto , Evangelisti Luca
Published: March 2024

The chirped‐pulse Fourier Transform microwave spectrum of 2‐tert‐butylphenol, an industrial intermediate for the production of antioxidants, has been investigated in the 2–8 GHz frequency range. The spectral analysis has allowed obtaining precise structural information on the most stable conformer and its complex with argon. The conformation of the monomer reveals that the hydroxyl group is coplanar with the ring but points in the opposite direction to the tert‐butyl group, reducing steric interactions. In the tert‐butyl group one methyl group is coplanar and the other two are symmetrically staggered respect to the ring. The complex shows the rare gas sitting above the aromatic ring. Interestingly, neither the monomer nor the complex exhibit large‐amplitude hydroxyl torsion motions, previously observed in 2,6‐disubstituted phenols such as 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol or propofol. The experimental results are supported by computational calculations, validating the molecular structure. Additionally, symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory has allowed determining the van der Waals intermolecular interaction energy of the complex.
Environment‐aware intelligent numerology control approach for 5G and beyond systems
Authors: Sazak Halenur , Yazar Ahmet
Published: March 2024

5G and beyond (5GB) systems show a flexible characteristic to meet different user communications requirements in parallel. Multi‐numerology waveform design is an important part of this human centric characteristic, however, it is necessary to make multi‐numerology planning. In this paper, the integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) concept is used with machine learning (ML) techniques to develop an intelligent numerology control mechanism for 5GB. Thanks to the ISAC capabilities, an environment‐aware system is designed, and several useful sensing information (USI) that affect the wireless channel characteristic is utilized. It is assumed that the USI is obtained through 5GB smart city networks. At that point, synthetic data generation is performed to form a new dataset with USI‐based features. Additionally, a novel feature control algorithm is proposed in the paper. Lastly, simulation results are presented for different type of ML models including several ensemble methods.
Exploring patterns of female house mouse spatial organisation among outbreaking and stable populations
Authors: Van de Weyer Nikki , Ruscoe Wendy A. , Brown Peter R. , Henry Steve , Robinson Freya , Hinds Lyn A. , Oh Kevin P.
Published: March 2024

The size and distribution of home ranges reflect how individuals within a population use, defend, and share space and resources, and may thus be an important predictor of population‐level dynamics. Eruptive species, such as the house mouse in Australian grain‐growing regions, are an ideal species in which to investigate variations in space use and home range overlap between stable and outbreaking populations. In this study, we use spatially explicit capture–recapture models to explore if space use and home range overlap among female mice could serve as indicators of changes in population density leading into summer. Additionally, we assess the sensitivity of space use and home range estimates to reduced recapture rates. Our analysis did not reveal variations in the spring spatial organisation of female mice based on existing capture–mark–recapture data. However, our study highlights the need to balance monitoring efforts within regions, emphasising the importance of exploring studies that can improve spatial recaptures by optimising trapping efforts. This is particularly important in Australian agricultural systems, where varying farm management practices may drive differences in population dynamics.
Genomic diversity and structure of a Neotropical microendemic fig tree
Authors: Rojas‐Cortés Ángela P. , Gasca‐Pineda Jaime , González‐Rodríguez Antonio , Ibarra‐Manríquez Guillermo
Published: March 2024

Genetic diversity is a key component of evolution, and unraveling factors that promote genetic differentiation in space and time is a central question in evolutionary biology. One of the most diverse and ecologically important tree genera in tropical forests worldwide is Ficus (Moraceae). It has been suggested that, given the great dispersal capacity of pollinating fig wasps (Chalcidoidea; Agaonidae), the spatial genetic structure, particularly in monoecious fig species, should be weak. However, no studies have addressed the factors that determine the genetic structure of Ficus species in regions of high geological, geographic, and climatic complexity, such as the Mexican Transition Zone. Using nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms (5311 SNPs) derived from low‐coverage whole genomes and 17 populations, we analyzed the population genomics of Ficus pringlei to characterize neutral and adaptive genetic variation and structure and its association with geographic barriers such as the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt, environmental heterogeneity, and wind connectivity. From genomic data of 71 individuals, high genetic diversity, and the identification of three genomic lineages were recorded (North, South, and Churumuco). The results suggest that genetic variation is primarily determined by climatic heterogeneity. Ficus pringlei populations from the north and south of the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt also exhibited minimal genetic differentiation (FST = 0.021), indicating that this mountain range may not act as an insurmountable barrier to gene flow. Wind connectivity is also highlighted in structuring putative adaptive genetic variation, underscoring the intricate complexity of the various factors influencing genetic variation in the species. This study provides information on the possible mechanisms underlying the genetic variation of endemic species of the tropical dry forest of Western Mexico, such as F. pringlei.
Arbuscular mycorrhiza increases the facilitation between adult plant and seedling but root‐knot nematode inhibits it
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhou Xuhang , Tang Zhanhui
Published: March 2024

Soil biotic and abiotic factors can affect the interaction between invasive and native species. However, it is not yet clear how arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis affects the interaction between adult invasive plants and neighboring seedlings. We used an invasive weed (Bidens frondosa) to test the hypothesis that adult invasive plants facilitate the growth of neighboring seedlings through AM symbiosis, and this facilitation can be inhibited by the biological stress of root‐knot nematode infection. The results showed that the height and total biomass of seedlings near the adult plant increased, indicating that the belowground effects mediated by AM symbiosis played a facilitative role. The positive growth response to resource allocation between adult plant and neighboring seedlings through mycorrhizal connection was inhibited when adult plants were infected by root‐knot nematode. Only the total biomass and root–shoot ratio of adult plants were increased, while seedling growth performance did not change. Our results supported the hypothesis that adult invasive plants can facilitate their neighboring seedlings growth through AM symbiosis and the benefits vary with biotic stress on adult plant. These findings provided important evidence to explain the role of AM symbiosis in plant invasion.
Adventures in the Chemistry of Multicomponent and Domino Reactions
Authors: Langer Peter
Published: March 2024

The present personalized account summarizes various cyclization reactions, including multicomponent and domino processes, which are directed towards the synthesis of complex heterocyclic products. Domino Knoevenagel/hetero‐Diels‐Alder reactions provide a synthesis of annulated quinol‐2‐ones. The combination of Knoevenagel reactions with [3+2] cycloadditions of nitrogen ylides afford complex spiroheteriocyclic products. Domino Knoevenagel/enamine cyclization reactions result in the formation of condensed purine analogues. Formal [3+3] cyclizations of pyridinium salts allow for a rapid assembly of bridged heterocyclic systems and include the employment of thioxindoles and cyclohexane‐1,3‐diones as dinucleophilic building blocks. The formal [3+3] cyclization of thioxindoles with fluoroaroyl chlorides, such as 2‐fluorobenzoyl chlorides and 2‐chloropyridine‐3‐carboxylic chloride, give rise to the synthesis of condensed benzothiophenes. The cyclization of heterocyclic enamines with diimines and triazines afford various purine analogues by domino [4+2]/retro [4+2] reactions. The formal [3+3] cyclization of 2,4,6‐tris(trifluoromethyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine with 1,3‐bis(silyloxy)‐1,3‐butadienes afford, depending on the conditions, 2,6‐bis(trifluoromethy)pyrid‐4‐ones or triazaadamantanone derivatives. Heating of 2‐ethynylpyridines with electron‐rich dienes afforded 2‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)pyridines by a domino [4+2]/retro [4+2] process. The reaction of 2‐ethynylpyridines with enones afforded indolizines by a formal [3+3] cyclization. The reaction of trifluoromethyl‐substituted 1,3‐diketones with lithiated alkynes afforded 3‐hydroxy‐pent‐4‐yn‐1‐ones. Formal [5+1] cyclization of the latter with urea afforded trifluoromethyl‐substituted pyridines. The Pd catalyzed formal [3+2] cyclizations of 2,3‐dihalopyridines with imines afforded a series of regioisomeric 4‐ and 7‐azaindoles.
Pagans on campus: A cursory exploration
Authors: Maples Gordon
Published: March 2024

Paganism, despite growing as a religious affiliation over recent decades, has rarely been the subject of study within higher education. Due to the general lack of cohesive organizations, a persistent social stigma, and a number of ill‐defined identity labels, they have proven difficult to study even within the general population. This chapter will provide a descriptive snapshot of the population of Pagan college students in the United States and offer guidance for higher education practitioners working with this often‐invisible religious demographic group on their campuses.

Practical Takeaways

Pagans remain a small population, which can be an isolating experience for students, particularly given their tendency for solitary practice. Even for Pagan students who want to practice in a community, their small numbers—as well as their social stigma—can make organization difficult. For these and other reasons, social isolation is a pressing concern for Pagan students.

Demographically, Pagan students appear to identify as LGB and with gender identities outside of the binary norm at higher rates than the general population of college students. Expressions of these identities may be sources of tension with other religious groups on campus, as well as with individual student peers. Campus professionals should note this tendency when considering the power dynamics at play in their campus spaces.

Spiritual customs for Pagans are often personal, personalized, and frequently private. The holidays, practices, and symbols may be strange or even alarming to outsider peers and campus professionals, so it is not unusual for Pagans to conceal them.
Special economic zone and infant mortality: Evidence from China
Authors: Guo Siwei , Qu Zhaopeng , Sun Weizeng , Zhang Ming‐ang
Published: March 2024

By exploiting the development of special economic zones (SEZs) in China as a quasi‐natural experiment, this paper evaluates how such zones affect infant mortality. Difference‐in‐differences analysis reveals that SEZs significantly decrease the local infant mortality rate, and the impact is larger for male infants and infants with less‐educated mothers. Further studies show that the SEZs, which acts as an economic growth shock, improve infant survival by increasing the local income. Furthermore, there is no supportive evidence that the SEZs significantly alter either women's fertility‐associated behaviors or environmental pollution. These results highlight the previously ignored human capital‐related consequences of place‐based policies in China.
Smoothing consumption in times of illness: Household recourse mechanisms
Authors: Dureja Abhishek , Negi Digvijay S.
Published: March 2024

We study the welfare impacts of illness shocks on rural agricultural households in the semi‐arid tropical and humid eastern regions of India. These regions are characterized by rainfed agriculture, missing markets for credit and insurance, and limited access to publicly funded healthcare infrastructure. We find that illness shocks increase households' medical expenditures and reduce wage income. However, aggregate non‐medical, food, and non‐food consumption expenditures are insensitive to illness shocks. Disaggregating illness by the age and the gender of the household members, we observe that illness in male children leads to the largest increase in medical expenditure, and illness in prime‐aged adults leads to the largest decline in per‐capita wage earnings. We also find illness shocks leading to changes in household dietary diversity, higher travel expenditures, and a compensating reduction in spending on education and entertainment. Analysis of risk‐coping strategies reveals that households rely on transfers from kinship networks and loans from informal sources like local moneylenders to smooth consumption. While large landowners rely on gifts from kinship networks, landless and smallholders increase borrowings from informal sources.
Naringin activates semaphorin 3A to ameliorate TGF‐β‐induced endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition related to atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lai Ying‐Ju , Chang Shang‐Hung , Tung Ying‐Chang , Chang Gwo‐Jyh , Almeida Celina De , Chen Wei‐Jan , Yeh Yung‐Hsin , Tsai Feng‐Chun
Published: March 2024

The loss of semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), which is related to endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in atrial fibrosis, is implicated in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). To explore the mechanisms by which EndMT affects atrial fibrosis and assess the potential of a Sema3A activator (naringin) to prevent atrial fibrosis by targeting transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β)‐induced EndMT, we used human atria, isolated human atrial endocardial endothelial cells (AEECs), and used transgenic mice expressing TGF‐β specifically in cardiac tissues (TGF‐β transgenic mice). We evaluated an EndMT marker (Twist), a proliferation marker (proliferating cell nuclear antigen; PCNA), and an endothelial cell (EC) marker (CD31) through triple immunohistochemistry and confirmed that both EndMT and EC proliferation contribute to atrial endocardial fibrosis during AF in TGF‐β transgenic mice and AF patient tissue sections. Additionally, we investigated the impact of naringin on EndMT and EC proliferation in AEECs and atrial fibroblasts. Naringin exhibited an antiproliferative effect, to which AEECs were more responsive. Subsequently, we downregulated Sema3A in AEECs using small interfering RNA to clarify a correlation between the reduction in Sema3A and the elevation of EndMT markers. Naringin treatment induced the expression of Sema3A and a concurrent decrease in EndMT markers. Furthermore, naringin administration ameliorated AF and endocardial fibrosis in TGF‐β transgenic mice by stimulating Sema3A expression, inhibiting EndMT markers, reducing atrial fibrosis, and lowering AF vulnerability. This suggests therapeutic potential for naringin in AF treatment.
The telocytes relationship with satellite cells: Extracellular vesicles mediate the myotendinous junction remodeling
Authors: Pimentel Neto Jurandyr , Batista Rodrigo Daniel , Rocha‐Braga Lara Caetano , Chacur Marucia , Camargo Paula Oliveira , Ciena Adriano Polican
Published: March 2024

The peripheral nerve injury (PNI) affects the morphology of the whole locomotor apparatus, which can reach the myotendinous junction (MTJ) interface. In the injury condition, the skeletal muscle satellite cells (SC) are triggered, activated, and proliferated to repair their structure, and in the MTJ, the telocytes (TC) are associated to support the interface with the need for remodeling; in that way, these cells can be associated with SC. The study aimed to describe the SC and TC relationship after PNI at the MTJ. Sixteen adult Wistar rats were divided into Control Group (C, n = 8) and PNI Group (PNI, n = 8), PNI was performed by the constriction of the sciatic nerve. The samples were processed for transmission electron microscopy and immunostaining analysis. In the C group was evidenced the arrangement of sarcoplasmic evaginations and invaginations, the support collagen layer with a TC inside it, and an SC through vesicles internally and externally to then. In the PNI group were observed the disarrangement of invaginations and evaginations and sarcomeres degradation at MTJ, as the disposition of telopodes adjacent and in contact to the SC with extracellular vesicles and exosomes in a characterized paracrine activity. These findings can determine a link between the TCs and the SCs at the MTJ remodeling.

Research Highlights

Peripheral nerve injury promotes the myotendinous junction (MTJ) remodeling.

The telocytes (TC) and the satellite cells (SC) are present at the myotendinous interface.

TC mediated the SC activity at MTJ.
Y‐box binding protein 1 in small extracellular vesicles reduces mesenchymal stem cell differentiation to osteoblasts—implications for acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Chetty Venkatesh Kumar , Ghanam Jamal , Lichá Kristína , Brenzel Alexandra , Reinhardt Dirk , Thakur Basant Kumar
Published: March 2024

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) released by acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells have been reported to influence the trilineage differentiation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs). However, it remains elusive which biological cargo from AML‐sEVs is responsible for this effect. In this study, sEVs were isolated from cell‐conditioned media and blood plasma using size‐exclusion chromatography and ultrafiltration and characterized according to MISEV2018 guidelines. Our results demonstrated that AML‐sEVs increased the proliferation of BM‐MSCs. Conversely, key proteins that are important for normal haematopoiesis were downregulated in BM‐MSCs. Additionally, we revealed that AML‐sEVs significantly reduced the differentiation of BM‐MSCs to osteoblasts without affecting adipogenic or chondrogenic differentiation. Next, LC‐MS/MS proteomics elucidated that various proteins, including Y‐box‐binding protein 1 (YBX1), were upregulated in both AML‐sEVs and BM‐MSCs treated with AML‐sEVs. Clinically relevant, we found that YBX1 is considerably upregulated in most paediatric AML patient‐derived sEVs compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, sEVs isolated after the downregulation of YBX1 in AML cells remarkably rescued the osteoblastic differentiation of BM‐MSCs. Altogether, our data demonstrate for the first time that YBX1 containing AML‐sEVs is one of the key players that disrupt the normal function of bone marrow microenvironment by reducing the osteogenic differentiation of BM‐MSCs.
Flip distance and triangulations of a polyhedron
Authors: Wang Zili
Published: March 2024

It is known that the flip distance between two triangulations of a convex polygon is related to the smallest number of tetrahedra in the triangulation of some polyhedron. The latter was used to compute the diameter of the flip graph of convex polygons with a large number of vertices. However, it is yet unknown whether the flip distance and this smallest number of tetrahedra are always the same or even close. In this work, we find examples to show that the ratio between these two numbers can be arbitrarily close to . We also propose two conjectures in the end, one about this ratio, and the other may have some implications on when two triangulations can achieve maximal distance.
Synthesis, anticancer evaluation and in silico studies of novel N‐substituted arylidenethiazolidine‐2,4‐dione derivatives as adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase activators
Authors: Chothani Savankumar R. , Chamakiya Chirag A. , Joshi Rupal J. , Karmur Manisha B. , Karmur Sheetal B. , Varu Hardik L. , Pissurlenkar Raghuvir R. S. , Patel Anilkumar S. , Kapuriya Naval P.
Published: March 2024

Design and development of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for various types of cancers. In this context, thiazolidine 2,4‐dione was invariably found as an important skeleton for the development of new lead compounds. The present study described the synthesis and antitumor evaluation of new hybrids of N‐substituted arylidenethiazolidine‐2,4‐diones as AMPK activators. The in vitro results revealed that several of newly prepared compounds exhibited significant anticancer activity against human prostate cancer (PC3) and breast cancer (MDMB‐231) cell growths with IC50 in the range of 2–10 μM. Particularly, molecular hybridization of thiazolidine 2,4‐dione with N‐2‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethanol and azaindole (compound 16) was the most effective among the series against both PC3 and MDMB‐231 cell lines with IC50 4.28 and 2.5 μM, respectively. Western blot analysis of these thiazolidine 2,4‐dione hybrids showed increased (p)‐AMPK level in the PC‐3 cells indicating direct activation of AMPK. The docking studies at the interface of activator binding site of the AMPK reinforced the in vitro results of potent compounds 13, 16, and 25 having low docking scores −9.0, −9.5, and −9.1 Kcal/mol, respectively.
Genetic aetiologies of acute liver failure
Authors: Hegarty Robert , Thompson Richard J.
Published: March 2024

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare, rapidly evolving, clinical syndrome with devastating consequences where definitive treatment is by emergency liver transplantation. Establishing a diagnosis can be challenging and, historically, the cause of ALF was unidentified in up to half of children. However, recent technological and clinical advances in genomic medicine have led to an increasing proportion being diagnosed with monogenic aetiologies of ALF. The conditions encountered include a diverse group of inherited metabolic disorders each with prognostic and treatment implications. Often these disorders are clinically indistinguishable and may even mimic disorders of immune regulation or red cell disorders. Rapid genomic sequencing for children with ALF is, therefore, a key component in the diagnostic work up today. This review focuses on the monogenic aetiologies of ALF.
Modulation of fried spring roll wrapper quality upon treatment of batter with maltogenic amylase, transglutaminase and bromelain
Authors: Wang Jia‐Lin , Sun Meng‐Jin , Pei Zheng‐Meng , Zheng Zhi , Luo Shui‐Zhong , Zhao Yan‐Yan , Zhong Xi‐Yang
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Fried foods are favored for their unique crispiness, golden color and flavor, but they also face great challenge because of their high oil content, high calories and the existence of compounds such as acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Long‐term consumption of fried foods may adversely affect health. Therefore, it is necessary to explore fried foods with lower oil contents and a high quality to meet the demand.

RESULTS

A method of enzyme treatment was explored to investigate the effects of maltogenic amylase (MA), transglutaminase (TG) and bromelain (BRO) on the physicochemical properties of the batter and the quality of fried spring roll wrapper (FSRW). The results showed that the MA‐, TG‐ or BRO‐treated batters had a significant shear‐thinning behavior, especially with an increase in viscosity upon increasing TG contents. FSRW enhanced its fracturability from 419.19 g (Control) to 616.50 g (MA‐6 U g−1), 623.49 g (TG‐0.75 U g−1) and 644.96 g (BRO‐10 U g−1). Meanwhile, in comparison with BRO and MA, TG‐0.5 U g−1 endowed batter with the highest density and thermal stability. MA‐15 U g−1 and TG‐0.5 U g−1 displayed FSRW with uniform and dense pores, and significantly reduced its oil content by 18.05% and 25.02%, respectively. Moreover, compared to MA and TG, BRO‐50 U g−1 improved the flavor of FSRW.

CONCLUSION

MA, TG or BRO played a key role in affecting the physicochemical properties of the batter and the quality of FSRW. TG‐0.5 U g−1 remarkly reduced the oil content of FSRW with a great potential in practical application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.