bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly sensitive colorimetric aptasensor for 17β‐estradiol detection in milk based on the repetitive‐loop aptamer
Authors: Kongpreecha Pakawat , Chumpol Jiraporn , Siri Sineenat
Published: January 2023

Trace of 17β‐estradiol (E2) contamination in food has been a concern for its negative impacts on human health, leading to the need for an E2‐monitoring system. This work reported a new simple, sensitive, and colorimetric E2 detection based on the designed repetitive‐loop aptamer and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The designed aptamers (L2–L5) exhibited a higher binding capability to E2 than the original truncated aptamer (L1). Although L3–L5 aptamers exhibited the highest binding capability, only L3‐aptasensor demonstrated the sensitive detection of E2 in a range of 0.05−0.8 nM, with the limit of detection at 13.1 pM. The developed L3‐aptasensor was 7.7‐folds more sensitive for E2 detection than the L1‐aptasensor. It selectively detected E2, but not the other tested chemicals with similar structures: progesterone, genistein, diethylstilbestrol, bisphenol A, and chloramphenicol. The L3‐aptasensor efficiently detected E2 spiked in milk samples within the precision acceptance criterion of recovery rates (100.1%−113.0%) and the relative standard deviations (5.24%−11.06%). These results demonstrated the development of a new aptasensor based on the designed repetitive‐loop aptamer that could enhance E2‐detection sensitivity and be potentially used for detecting E2 in milk samples with high accuracy and reliability.
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Drug Delivery Vehicles for Antidiabetic Molecules
Authors: Sarkar Sanjib , Ekbal Kabir Mir , Kalita Jatin , Manna Prasenjit
Published: January 2023

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are promising nanomaterials that are widely used in biomedical applications like drug delivery, diagnosis, bio‐sensing and cell tracking. MSNs have been investigated meticulously in the drug‐delivery field due to their unique chemical and pharmacokinetic properties, such as highly ordered mesopores, high surface area and pore volume, tuneable pore size, stability, surface functionalisation, and biocompatibility. MSN‐based nanocomposites have been used to deliver therapeutic molecules like insulin, GLP‐1, exenatide, DPP‐4 inhibitor and plasmid‐containing GLP‐1 genes for managing diabetes mellitus for the last decade. The functionalisation properties of MSNs make them substantially capable of the co‐delivery, controlled delivery and stimuli‐responsive delivery of antidiabetic drugs. This review focuses on the delivery of antidiabetic therapeutics with special emphasis on the functionalisation of MSNs and stimuli‐responsive delivery.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells: Heralding an effective treatment against esophageal cancer?
Authors: ArefNezhad Reza , Rezaei‐Tazangi Fatemeh , Roghani‐Shahraki Hossein , Goleij Pouya , Zare Nabi , Motedayyen Hossein , Aghazadeh Elaheh
Published: January 2023

Esophageal cancer (EC), as one of the leading causes of cancer‐associated mortality, influences a remarkable population of subjects globally and is histologically divided into two types, comprising esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Although several therapeutic approaches are present for EC, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, these options have low success with serious side effects, for example, gastrointestinal toxicity, esophagitis, and pulmonary complications. Thus, utilizing an effective tool with low side effects is urgent. Newly, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have received special interest for treating diverse diseases, such as cancer. Among different sources of MSCs, human umbilical cord MSCs have notable benefits, and reports expressed that they may be effective in EC treatment. For this purpose, in this review study, we aimed to summarize evidence regarding the effects of human umbilical cord MSCs on EC with a mechanistic insight.
Confidentiality revamping proposed for substance use disorder treatment records
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2023

Parents want the privacy of their children, including their young adult children, protected. This includes treatment records for addiction. But bit by bit, the confidentiality protections of these records are being eroded. Late last year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a 260‐page Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on changes to 42 CFR Part 2, a regulation which protects the confidentiality of treatment records for alcohol and drug use disorders.
The impact of baseline transmitral diastolic mean gradient on left atrial pressure reduction in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve edge‐to‐edge repair
Authors: Lugo‐Fagundo Nahyr , Pierre Keniel , Adedinsewo Demilade , Simard Trevor , Alkhouli Mohamad , Eleid Mackram F. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Guerrero Mayra , El Sabbagh Abdallah
Published: January 2023

Background

Elevated transmitral gradient post transcatheter mitral valve edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) has been associated with worse outcomes. Whether an elevated baseline transmitral diastolic mean gradient (MG) ≥5 mmHg is associated with hemodynamic outcomes after TEER is unknown.

Methods

A total of 164 consecutive patients undergoing TEER at Mayo Clinic between June 2014 and May 2018 were analyzed in this retrospective study. Baseline demographics, as well as clinical, echocardiographic, and procedural data were obtained. Data on direct left atrial pressure (LAP) before and after TEER were recorded. Logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association between preprocedure transmitral diastolic mean gradient (pre‐MG) and (1) improvement in LAP following TEER, (2) postprocedure transmitral diastolic mean gradient (post‐MG). A decrease in LAP post TEER was considered an improvement in hemodynamic response. Pre‐MG was categorized as: ≥5 and <5 mmHg.

Results

Median age of the cohort was 81.5 years (Q1: 76.3, Q3: 87) and 34% were female. At baseline, median transmitral diastolic MG was 4 mmHg (Q1: 3, Q3: 5) and median LAP was 19 mmHg (Q1:16, Q3: 23.5). In a multivariable model, adjusted for age and sex, patients with pre‐MG ≥ 5 mmHg were less likely to see an improvement in LAP post TEER (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09, 0.55; p = 0.001) and more likely to have elevated post‐MG (aOR; 7.08, 95% CI: 2.93, 17.13; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Higher pre‐MG (≥5 mmHg) was associated with a lower reduction in LAP and higher residual transmitral gradient following TEER suggesting other potential contributors to increased LAP besides mitral regurgitation as a cause of elevated baseline MG.
A data‐driven soft sensor based on weighted probabilistic slow feature analysis for nonlinear dynamic chemical processes
Authors: Zhang Miao , Xu Beike , Zhou Le , Zheng Hui , Jie Jing
Published: January 2023

Modeling high‐dimensional dynamic processes is a challenging task. In this regard, probabilistic slow feature analysis (PSFA) is revealed to be advantageous for dynamic soft sensor modeling, which can extract slowly varying intrinsic features from high‐dimensional data. However, nonlinearities prevalent in industrial processes are not considered, which could lead to unsatisfactory prediction performance. In this paper, a weighted PSFA (WPSFA)‐based soft sensor model is proposed for nonlinear dynamic chemical process. In WPSFA, a weighted log‐likelihood function of complete data is constructed to linearize the nonlinear state emission equation. Then, the expectation maximization algorithm is applied to estimate the model parameters and a locally weighted regression model is established for quality prediction. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach are well illustrated through a numerical example and a real industrial process.
AAZTA‐Like Ligands Bearing Phenolate Arms as Efficient Chelators for 68Ga Labelling in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Martinelli Jonathan , Zapelli Leonardo Maria , Boccalon Mariangela , Vágner Adrienn , Nagy Gábor , Fekete Anikó , Szikra Dezső , Trencsényi György , Baranyai Zsolt , Tei Lorenzo
Published: January 2023

The introduction of a phenolate pendant arm in place of an acetate on AAZTA‐ and DATA‐like ligands resulted in hepta‐ and hexadentate chelators able to form Ga(III) complexes with thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness higher than that of other Ga(III) complexes based on the parent 6‐amino‐6‐methylperhydro‐1,4‐diazepine scaffold. In particular, the heptadentate AAZ3A‐endoHB with a phenolate arm on an endocyclic N‐atom shows a logKGaL of 27.35 and a remarkable resistance to hydroxide coordination up to basic pH (pH>9). This behaviour allows to also improve the kinetic inertness of the complex showing a dissociation half‐life (t1/2) at pH 7.4 of 76 h. Although also the hexadentate AAZ2A‐exoHB chelator forms a stable (logKGaL=24.69) and inert (t1/2=33 h at pH 7.4) Ga(III) complex, the 68Ga labelling showed a better radiochemical yield with AAZ3A‐endoHB, especially at room temperature. Thus, a bifunctional chelator of AAZ3A‐endoHB was synthesized bearing an isothiocyanate group that was conjugated to the N‐terminus of a c(RGD) peptide for integrin receptor targeting. Finally, the conjugate was successfully labelled with 68Ga isotope, and the resulting radiotracer tested for its stability in human serum and then in vivo for targeting B16‐F10 tumours with miniPET imaging.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Carbon‐Boron Bond Formation via Heterogeneous Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydroboration of Enallenes
Authors: Ramesh Naidu Veluru , Rafi Abdolrahim A. , Tai Cheuk‐Wai , Bäckvall Jan‐E. , Córdova Armando
Published: January 2023

A highly efficient regio‐ and stereoselective heterogeneous palladium‐catalyzed hydroboration reaction of enallenes was developed. Nanopalladium immobilized on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was successfully employed as an efficient catalyst for the enallene hydroboration reaction. The nanopalladium particles were shown by HAADF‐STEM to have an average size of 2.4 nm. The cellulose‐supported palladium catalyst exhibits high stability and provides vinyl boron products in good to high isolated yields (up to 90 %). The nanopalladium catalyst can be efficiently recycled and it was demonstrated that the catalyst can be used in 7 runs with a maintained high yield (>80 %). The vinylboron compounds prepared from enallenes are important synthetic intermediates that can be used in various organic synthetic transformations.
MicroRNAs affecting the susceptibility of melanoma cells to CD8+ T cell‐mediated cytolysis
Authors: Pane Antonino A. , Kordaß Theresa , Hotz‐Wagenblatt Agnes , Dickes Elke , Kopp‐Schneider Annette , Will Rainer , Seliger Barbara , Osen Wolfram , Eichmüller Stefan B.
Published: January 2023

Background

The regulatory functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) in anti‐tumour immunity have been mainly described in immune effector cells. Since little is known about miRNA effects on the susceptibility of target cells during T cell—target cell interaction, this study focused on the identification of miRNAs expressed in tumour cells controlling their susceptibility to CD8+ T cell‐mediated cytotoxicity.

Methods

Luciferase expressing B16F10 melanoma (B16F10 Luci+) cells transfected with individual miRNAs covering a comprehensive murine miRNA library were screened for their susceptibility to lysis by an established cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) line (5a, clone Nβ) specific for the melanoma‐associated antigen tyrosinase‐related protein 2. miRNAs with the most pronounced effects on T cell‐mediated lysis were validated and stably expressed in B16F10 cells. In silico analyses identified common targets of miRNA sets determined by the screen, which were further confirmed by small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated silencing experiments modulating immune surveillance. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software and RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data from miRNA‐overexpressing cell lines were applied to investigate the underlying mechanisms. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)‐derived miRNA sequencing data were used to assess the correlation of miRNA expression with melanoma patients’ survival.

Results

The miRNA screen resulted in the selection of seven miRNAs enhancing CTL‐mediated melanoma cell killing in vitro. Upon stable overexpression of selected miRNAs, hsa‐miR‐320a‐3p, mmu‐miR‐7037‐5p and mmu‐miR‐666‐3p were determined as most effective in enhancing susceptibility to CTL lysis. In silico analyses and subsequent siRNA‐mediated silencing experiments identified Psmc3 and Ndufa1 as common miRNA targets possibly involved in the functional effects observed. The analyses of RNA‐seq data with IPA showed pathways, networks, biological functions and key molecules potentially involved in the miRNA‐mediated functional effects. Finally, based on TCGA data analysis, a positive correlation of the conserved miRNAs among the panel of the seven identified miRNAs with overall survival of melanoma patients was determined.

Conclusions

For the first time, this study uncovered miRNA species that affect the susceptibility of melanoma cells to T cell‐mediated killing. These miRNAs might represent attractive candidates for novel therapy approaches against melanoma and other tumour entities.
Species traits and observer behaviors that bias data assimilation and how to accommodate them
Authors: Scher C. Lane , Clark James S.
Published: January 2023

Datasets that monitor biodiversity capture information differently depending on their design, which influences observer behavior and can lead to biases across observations and species. Combining different datasets can improve our ability to identify and understand threats to biodiversity, but this requires an understanding of the observation bias in each. Two datasets widely used to monitor bird populations exemplify these general concerns: eBird is a citizen science project with high spatiotemporal resolution but variation in distribution, effort, and observers, whereas the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is a structured survey of specific locations over time. Analyses using these two datasets can identify contradictory population trends. To understand these discrepancies and facilitate data fusion, we quantify species‐level reporting differences across eBird and the BBS in three regions across the United States by jointly modeling bird abundances using data from both datasets. First, we fit a joint Species Distribution Model that accounts for environmental conditions and effort to identify reporting differences across the datasets. We then examine how these differences in reporting are related to species traits. Finally, we analyze species reported to one dataset but not the other and determine whether traits differ between reported and unreported species. We find that most species are reported more in the BBS than eBird. Specifically, we find that compared to eBird, BBS observers tend to report higher counts of common species and species that are usually detected by sound. We also find that species associated with water are reported less in the BBS. Species typically identified by sound are reported more at sunrise than later in the morning. Our results quantify reporting differences in eBird and the BBS to enhance our understanding of how each captures information and how they should be used. The reporting rates we identify can also be incorporated into observation models through detectability or effort to improve analyses across species and datasets. The method demonstrated here can be used to compare reporting rates across any two or more datasets to examine biases.
DNA damage and oxidative stress in gill cells of Cnesterodon decemmaculatus exposed to pesticides by runoff source in an agricultural basin
Authors: Pautasso Néstor Abel , Poletta Gisela Laura , Paravani Enrique Valentín , Sasal María Carolina , Simoniello María Fernanda
Published: January 2023

In our country, great concern exists about diffuse pollution cause by the great use of pesticides in rural environments. A thorough analysis is needed to generate information, know the real situation and thus, be able to make decisions with the purpose of reducing environmental pollution. In situ bioassays have been carried out using Cnesterodon decemmaculatus within limnocorrals located in a surface natural water system that receives rainfall excess flowing from an agricultural basin with a typical crop rotation, including corn, wheat and soy. Specimens were taken from the limnocorrals 72 h after a probed natural runoff event toward the water body, and the gill cells were used to evaluate the DNA damage (comet assay, CA), catalase enzyme activity (CAT), and lipid peroxidation (LPO). In addition, the physicochemical analysis of the water (pH, temperature) and the presence and concentration of pesticides were carried out. The results showed significant differences on DNA damage and oxidative stress on the gill cells of the exposed fish compared to controls, being the combination of the rain regime and the mixtures of pesticides used in corn and soy more toxic than in wheat. These results highlight the necessity to understand detrimental processes caused by pesticides used in extensive systems of primary production, in order to prevent and minimize diffuse contamination, contributing to environmental recovery and sustainability.
Predicting the Stoichiometric Ratio of Synthesized Hydroxides in Nickel‐Rich Cathode Precursors of Lithium‐Ion Batteries by Using a Computational Thermodynamics Model
Authors: Amirshekari Solmaz , Riahifar Reza , Raissi Babak , Sahba Yaghmaee Maziar
Published: January 2023

Layered oxide cathode materials are synthesized by performing multiple experiments. Optimizing the structure and morphology of cathode particles requires repeated experiments with different operating parameters, such as pH, ammonia concentration, reaction temperature, and stirring speed. Because numerous tests are necessary to achieve the optimal cathodic structure, significant cost and time are required, which can be reduced by modeling the precipitation process. Herein, nucleation steps in the reactor are focused on to understand various physical phenomena that occur during the coprecipitation synthesis process. The computational model can predict the stoichiometric ratio of transition‐metal‐hydroxide precursors synthesized during the coprecipitation process at different pH values and different ammonia concentrations inside the reactor and identify synthesis conditions needed for obtaining a specific stoichiometric ratio of transition‐metal‐hydroxide precursors. To confirm modeling results, several coprecipitation synthesis processes are performed. Experimental results are compared with modeling results. By using the model, 2 m ammonia concentration and pH 11.5 are determined to be optimal for the synthesis of LiNi
x
Co
y
Mn
z
O2 (NCM)811 hydroxide precursors. Experiments performed to confirm modeling results indicate that the hydroxide material synthesized in the mentioned conditions has higher tap density and better electrochemical performance in the battery test.
A Highly Ion‐Conductive Solid Polymer Electrolyte with Good Thermal Stability and Nonflammability for All‐Solid‐State Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Lei , Liu Lingwang , Xue Jiangyan , Zhang Haiyang , Xu Jingjing , Wu Xiaodong
Published: January 2023

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have been recognized as one of the most promising energy storage devices due to their high energy density. The leakage, corrosion to Li metal anode, and flammability of organic liquid electrolytes bring great security problems for LMBs. Polymeric ionic liquid (PIL)‐based solid polymer electrolytes (SPE), possessing nonflammability, excellent thermal, chemical, electrochemical stability, are a kind of promising SPE for highly safe all‐solid‐state LMBs. Nevertheless, the low ambient conductivity of pristine PIL‐based SPE restricts their application in solid‐state LMBs. Herein, an ionic liquid monomer (denoted as GIM) is designed and synthesized and copolymerized with vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC) monomer by UV‐light curing to prepare P(GIM‐VEC) SPE. The prepared P(GIM‐VEC) SPE is thermally stable and intrinsically nonflammable, possesses high ambient ionic conductivity, and can suppress lithium dendrite growth and stabilize the solid electrolyte interface. Thus, the resultant all‐solid‐state LiFePO4 (LFP)|P(GIM‐VEC)|Li battery exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 152.7 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C along with a good stability and rate capability at room temperature. Herein, new guidance is provided for developing ambient workable SPEs with high ionic conductivity, nonflammability, and excellent thermal stability for all‐solid‐state Li metal batteries.
Ruthenium Catalysis in Biological Habitats
Authors: Gutiérrez‐González Alejandro , López Fernando , Mascareñas José L.
Published: January 2023

Recent years have witnessed a considerable progress in research aimed at merging transition metal catalysis with chemical and cell biology. Therefore, a crescent number of metal‐catalyzed transformations have been shown compatible with biological media and even with living settings. Of the different transition metals used to build these biocompatible catalysts, ruthenium has demonstrated to be particularly powerful, in part because the resulting complexes exhibit a very good balance between reactivity and biological stability. Indeed, ruthenium complexes have demonstrated utility to promote a great variety of reactions in biologically relevant contexts, from deprotection and redox processes to cycloadditions or photocatalytic transformations. Many of these reactions may enable the development of new type of biological tools and pharmacological strategies.
Effect of rural domestic sewage regeneration irrigation on paddy soil properties and water and nitrogen utilization in southern China
Authors: Xiao Menghua , Li Yuanyuan , Zheng Shizong , Wang Lei , Cai Jiafang , Wang Wei
Published: January 2023

Rural domestic reclaimed water (RDRW) for agricultural irrigation is an effective way to alleviate the contradiction between the supply and demand of water. In this research, four kinds of irrigation water sources (primary and secondary treated water [R1 and R2], purified water [R3] and river water [CK]) and three kinds of water level regulations (low, medium and high water level control [W1, W2 and W3]) were set to study the impact of RDRW irrigation and its reuse on the properties of paddy soil, water and nitrogen utilization and yield of rice through a combination of field experiments and laboratory and numerical analysis methods. The results showed that compared with river water (CK) irrigation, pH (0–40 cm), electrical conductivity (EC) and organic matter (OM) content (60–80 cm) increased, and ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4+‐N) (0–20 cm) and nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3−‐N) (40–60 cm) content accumulated under RDRW irrigation. Under high water level regulation (W3), NH4+‐N and NO3−‐N content increased, showing the opposite changing trend compared with W1 and W2 regulations. With RDRW irrigation, water and nitrogen use efficiency and rice yield were significantly increased. Under RDRW irrigation, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and rice yield were increased by 48%–70%, 10%–22% and 5%–13%, respectively, compared with CK irrigation. In addition, path analysis established by structural equation modelling (SEM) showed that the irrigation water amount (IWA) had a significant positive impact on NUE and NH4+‐N but had a significant negative impact on IWUE and EC. NUE, IWUE, NO3−‐N and EC had a significant positive impact on yield. The path of IWA= > IWUE= > yield showed a complete mediation effect, the path of IWA= > EC= > yield and NUE= > EC= > yield both showed a partial mediation effect, and the effect size was 27.9% and 25.0%, respectively.
The average degree of edge chromatic critical graphs with maximum degree seven
Authors: Cao Yan , Luo Rong , Miao Zhengke , Zhao Yue
Published: January 2023

In this paper, by developing several new adjacency lemmas about a path on four or five vertices, we show that the average degree of 7‐critical graphs is at least 6. It implies Vizing's planar graph conjecture for planar graphs with maximum degree 7 and its extension to graphs embeddable in a surface with nonnegative Euler characteristic due to Sanders and Zhao, and Zhang.
Mapping emerging trends and South–South cooperation in regional knowledge networks: A bibliometric analysis of avian influenza research in Southeast Asia
Authors: Liverani Marco , Song Kayla , Rudge James W.
Published: January 2023

This paper maps emerging trends and South‐South cooperation in regional knowledge networks through a bibliometric analysis of avian influenza research in Southeast Asia, between 2004 and 2019. The findings indicate that a substantial research output involving researchers and organisations in the region was generated. However, wide disparities between countries existed, both in terms of output and participation in the regional network, which was largely driven by non‐regional actors. A more proactive involvement of institutions for regional cooperation such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would increase local ownership, sustainability and redress imbalances in the regional research system.
Elevated oxysterol and N‐palmitoyl‐O‐phosphocholineserine levels in congenital disorders of glycosylation
Authors: Dang Do An N. , Chang Irene J. , Jiang Xutian , Wolfe Lynne A. , Ng Bobby G. , Lam Christina , Schnur Rhonda E. , Allis Katrina , Hansikova Hana , Ondruskova Nina , O'Connor Shawn D. , Sanchez‐Valle Amarilis , Vollo Arve , Wang Raymond Y. , Wolfenson Zoe , Perreault John , Ory Daniel S. , Freeze Hudson H. , Merritt J. Lawrence , Porter Forbes D.
Published: January 2023

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) and Niemann‐Pick type C (NPC) disease are inborn errors of metabolism that can both present with infantile‐onset severe liver disease and other multisystemic manifestations. Plasma bile acid and N‐palmitoyl‐O‐phosphocholineserine (PPCS) are screening biomarkers with proposed improved sensitivity and specificity for NPC. We report an infant with ATP6AP1‐CDG who presented with cholestatic liver failure and elevated plasma oxysterols and bile acid, mimicking NPC clinically and biochemically. On further investigation, PPCS, but not the bile acid derivative N‐(3β,5α,6β‐trihydroxy‐cholan‐24‐oyl) glycine (TCG), were elevated in plasma samples from individuals with ATP6AP1‐, ALG1‐, ALG8‐, and PMM2‐CDG. These findings highlight the importance of keeping CDG within the diagnostic differential when evaluating children with early onset severe liver disease and elevated bile acid or PPCS to prevent delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Gill histology and ultrastructure in Aplysia depilans (Mollusca, Euopisthobranchia)
Authors: Lobo‐da‐Cunha Alexandre , Alves Ângela , Rodrigues Aurora
Published: January 2023

The gill of Aplysia depilans consists of several wedge‐shaped pinnules with a highly folded structure, differing from the typical ctenidial gills of mollusks. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate this organ in juveniles and adults. In this species, the gill epithelium comprised ciliated, unciliated, and secretory cells. The ultrastructural analysis suggests other functions for the gill besides respiration. The deep cell membrane invaginations associated with mitochondria in the basal region of epithelium point to a role in ion regulation. Endocytosis and intracellular digestion were other activities detected in epithelial cells. In juveniles, an intranuclear crystalline structure was seen in some ciliated cells. The presence of an intranuclear crystalline structure was frequently associated with chromatin decondensation, swelling of the nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, and abundance of Golgi stacks. As these intranuclear inclusions were not found in the gill of the adult specimens, their occurrence in the two juveniles seems likely to be an anomalous condition whose cause cannot be established at the moment. Mucous cells were the most abundant secretory cells in the epithelium, but a few epithelial serous cells were also found. In addition, large protein‐secreting subepithelial cells had the main cell body inserted in the connective tissue and a long thin neck crossing the epithelium. Mucous cells can be considered responsible for the production of the mucus layer that protects the epithelium, but the specific functions of the epithelial and subepithelial protein‐secreting cells remain elusive. Below the epithelium, a layer of connective tissue with muscle cells lined the narrow hemolymph space. The connective tissue included cells with a large amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. Bacteria were found on the surface of the gill, and the most abundant had a thin stalk for attachment to the epithelial cells.
Placentation in the Mexican scincid lizard Plestiodon brevirostris (Squamata: Scincidae)
Authors: Vázquez‐García Erwin , Villagrán‐SantaCruz Maricela
Published: January 2023

Viviparity is the reproductive pattern in which females gestate eggs within their reproductive tract to complete their development and give birth to live offspring. Within extant sauropsids, only the Squamata (e.g., snakes, lizards, and amphisbaenians) evolved viviparity, representing 20% of the existing species. The genus Plestiodon is represented by 43 species and is one of the most widely distributed genera of the Scincidae in Mexico. The goal of this research has been to determine the placental morphology and ontogeny during gestation in the lizard Plestiodon brevirostris. Specimens were dissected to obtain the embryonic chambers and the embryos were categorized to carry out the correlation between the development stage and the placenta development. The embryonic chambers were processed using the conventional histological technique for light microscopy. The identified embryonic stages were 4, 29, 34, 36, and 39. A thin eggshell surrounds the egg in early developmental stages; however, this structure is already absent in the embryonic hemisphere during the developmental stage 29. The results revealed that P. brevirostris is a lecithotrophic species, but a close maternal‐fetal relationship is established by tissue apposition. Ontogenically, the placental types that form in the embryonic hemisphere are the chorioplacenta, choriovitelline placenta, and chorioallantoic placenta; whereas the omphaloplacenta is formed in the abembryonic hemisphere. The structure of the chorioallantoic placenta in P. brevirostris suggests that it may play a role during gas exchange between the mother and the embryo, due to the characteristics of the epithelia that comprise it. The structure of embryonic and maternal epithelia of the omphaloplacenta suggests a role in the absorption of the eggshell during gestation and possibly in the transport or diffusion of some nutrients. In general, it is evident that ontogeny and placental characteristics of P. brevirostris match those of other species of viviparous lecithotrophic scincids.
Imbricated shell sculpture in benthic bivalves
Authors: Vermeij Geerat J. , Thomson Tracy J.
Published: January 2023

Molluscan shells display a high diversity of external sculpture. Sculptural elements may be symmetrical, where both edges of an element are morphologically similar, or asymmetrical, where one edge is steeper than the other. Asymmetrical sculpture can be ratcheted, with the leading edges (those in the direction of locomotion or growth) less steep than the trailing edges, or imbricated (leading edges steeper than trailing edges). While the ratcheted sculpture is better known, the diversity of imbricated sculpture has remained largely unexplored. In a survey of extant benthic shell‐bearing molluscs, we document imbricated sculpture primarily in epifaunal bivalves or on the exposed sectors of shells of semi‐infaunal bivalves. Imbricated sculpture is particularly widespread in pteriomorphian bivalves, but it is absent in the subclade Mytiloidea as well as in highly mobile Pectinidae. It also occurs in many carditid bivalves (Archiheterodonta) and in phylogenetically scattered euheterodonts. In several infaunal bivalves including species ofCardites(Carditidae),Hecuba(Donacidae), andChione(Veneridae), comarginal elements on the posterior sector are imbricated whereas anterior comarginal ridges are ratcheted. Imbricated sculpture in bivalves tends to be concentrated on the upper (left) valves of pectinids or on the posterior sector of both valves in archiheterodonts and euheterodonts. Imbricated sculpture is uncommon in gastropods, even in epifaunal species, but does occur in the collabral ridges in some Vasidae and a few other groups. Expression of imbricated sculpture does not depend on shell mineral composition or microstructure. The ecological distribution and within‐shell pattern of expression of imbricated sculpture point to the likelihood that this type of asymmetrical sculpture is both widespread and potentially functional. Additionally, we present a potential methodology whereby shell sculpture categories (symmetrical, ratcheted, and imbricated) may be quantified by comparing the lengths of corresponding leading and trailing edges across the shell surface.
Emerging Omicron subvariants evade neutralizing immunity elicited by vaccine or BA.1/BA.2 infection
Authors: Chen Zehui , Li Jiaming , Zheng Jing , Jin Yifei , Zhang Yidun , Tang Fei , Li Jingjing , Cheng Hongliang , Jiang Lina , Wen Huixin , Hong Chao , Zeng Xiaohong , Huang Shijie , Lu Bing , Li Li , Wang Zhongyi
Published: January 2023

The newly emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron BA.2.75 and BA.2.76 subvariants contained 35 and 29 additional mutations in its spike (S) protein compared with the reference SARS‐CoV‐2 genome, respectively. Here, we measured the evasion degree of the BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, BA.2.75, and BA.2.76 subvariants from neutralizing immunity in people previously infected with the Omicron BA.1 and BA.2, determined the effect of vaccination on immune evasion, and compared the titers of neutralizing antibodies in serums between acute infection and convalescence. Results showed that the neutralization effect of serums from patients with different vaccination statuses and BA.1/BA.2 breakthrough infection decreased with the Omicron evolution from BA.1 to BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, BA.2.75, and BA.2.76. This study also indicated that the existing vaccines could no longer provide effective protection, especially for the emerging BA.2.75 and BA.2.76 subvariants. Therefore, vaccines against emerging epidemic strains should be designed specifically. In the future, we can not only focus on the current strains, but also predict and design new vaccines against potential mutant strains. At the same time, we can combine the virus strains’ infection characteristics to develop protective measures for virus colonization areas, such as nasal protection spray. Besides, further studies on the Y248N mutation of BA.2.76 subvariant were also necessary to explore its contribution to the enhanced immune evasion ability.
Enhanced electroencephalography effective connectivity in frontal low‐gamma band correlates of emotional regulation after mindfulness training
Authors: Ng Hei‐Yin Hydra , Wu Changwei W. , Huang Feng‐Ying , Huang Chih‐Mao , Hsu Chia‐Fen , Chao Yi‐Ping , Jung Tzyy‐Ping , Chuang Chun‐Hsiang
Published: January 2023

Practicing mindfulness, focusing attention on the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment with open and nonjudgement stance, can lead to the development of emotional regulation skills. Yet, the effective connectivity of brain regions during mindfulness has been largely unexplored. Studies have shown that mindfulness practice promotes functional connectivity in practitioners, potentially due to improved emotional regulation abilities and increased connectivity in the lateral prefrontal areas. To examine the changes in effective connectivity due to mindfulness training, we analyzed electroencephalogram (EEG) signals taken before and after mindfulness training, focusing on training‐related effective connectivity changes in the frontal area. The mindfulness training group participated in an 8‐week mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) program. The control group did not take part. Regardless of the specific mindfulness practice used, low‐gamma band effective connectivity increased globally after the mindfulness training. High‐beta band effective connectivity increased globally only duringBreathing. Moreover, relatively higher outgoing effective connectivity strength was seen duringRestingandBreathingandBody‐scan. By analyzing the changes in outgoing and incoming connectivity edges, both F7 and F8 exhibited strong parietal connectivity duringRestingandBreathing. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the changes in effective connectivity of the right lateral prefrontal area predicted mindfulness and emotional regulation abilities. These results partially support the theory that the lateral prefrontal areas have top‐down modulatory control, as these areas have high outflow effective connectivity, implying that mindfulness training cultivates better emotional regulation.
Intrahippocampal injection of IL‐1β upregulates Siah1‐mediated degradation of synaptophysin by activation of the ERK signaling in male rat
Authors: Zhou Qiuping , Lin Lanfen , Li Haiyan , Li Yichen , Liu Nan , Wang Huifang , Jiang Shuqi , Li Qian , Chen Zhuo , Lin Yiyan , Jin Hui , Deng Yiyu
Published: January 2023

Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) has been described to exert important effect on synapses in the brain. Here, we explored if the synapses in the hippocampus would be adversely affected following intracerebral IL‐1β injection and, if so, to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control, IL‐1β, IL‐1β + PD98059, and IL‐1β + MG132 groups and then sacrificed for detection of synaptophysin (syn) protein level, synaptosome glutamate release, and synapse ultrastructure by western blotting, glutamate kit and electron microscopy, respectively. These rats were tested by Morris water maze for learning and memory ability. It was determined by western blotting whether IL‐1β exerted the effect of on syn and siah1 expression in primary neurons via extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling pathway. Intrahippocampal injection of IL‐1β in male rats and sacrificed at 8d resulted in a significant decrease in syn protein, damage of synapse structure, and abnormal release of neurotransmitters glutamate. ERK inhibitor and proteosome inhibitor treatment reversed the above changes induced by IL‐1β both in vivo and in vitro. In primary cultured neurons incubated with IL‐1β, the expression level of synaptophysin was significantly downregulated coupled with abnormal glutamate release. Furthermore, use of PD98059 had confirmed that ERK signaling pathway was implicated in synaptic disorders caused by IL‐1β treatment. The present results suggest that exogenous IL‐1β can suppress syn protein level and glutamate release. A possible mechanism for this is that IL‐1β induces syn degradation that is regulated by the E3 ligase siah1 via the ERK signaling pathway.
Emotional intelligence and career success: Does resilience matter?
Authors: Sharma Shubham , Tiwari Vivek
Published: January 2023

Achieving success in one's career has numerous positive consequences for individuals as well as for organizations. This study examines the influence of emotional intelligence measures on career success. Also, using the broaden and build theory, we propose employee resilience as an underlying mechanism connecting emotional intelligence measures and career success. Data were collected from employees working in different IT organizations in India's northern region. Confirmatory factor analysis followed by path analysis using the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method in AMOS was performed. Results found that all the emotional intelligence measures directly affect career success and employee resilience. For instance, the adaptability dimension had the most significant direct impact on career success, whereas the interpersonal dimension emerged as the leading predictor of resilience among all five emotional intelligence dimensions. In addition, employee resilience was identified as a partial mediator between all emotional intelligence measures and career success. The present study offers some insightful theoretical and practical implications.
Natural versus conventional production of Spanish white wines: an exploratory study
Authors: Sáenz‐Navajas María‐Pilar , Sánchez Carlota , Gonzalez‐Hernandez Marivel , Bueno Mónica , Peña Cristina , Fernández‐Zurbano Purificación , Ballester Jordi , Parga‐Dans Eva , González Pablo Alonso
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Natural wine (NW) lacks an official or agreed definition, but it can be generally described as a wine produced with organic or biodynamic grapes with minimal intervention in the cellar, and with minimal or no use of oenological additives. The present study aimed to test the hypotheses that self‐defined NWs differ from conventional wines (CW) in their chemical composition and main sensory characteristics. The levels of conventional oenological parameters, turbidity, biogenic amines, ochratoxin A, ethyl carbamate, sulphites, chlorides, some metals, major, trace and Strecker aldehyde volatile compounds were determined in 28 wines, including natural and conventional Spanish commercial white wines. Wines were also sensory described following a labelled free sorting task.

RESULTS

NWs presented higher pH, volatile acidity (VA) and turbidity values, and a more intense yellow colour, whereas they have a lower malic acid content compared to theor conventional counterparts. NWs presented lower levels of total sulphur dioxide but significantly higher levels of biogenic amine putrescine, although both compounds are within the legal limits in all cases. None of the dimensions of the similarity space discriminated NWs from CWs. However, 70% of the NWs were grouped on the basis of various aromatic defects related to their higher content in 4‐ethylphenols and VA. The remaining 30% were not differentiated from their conventional counterparts.

CONCLUSION

It could be confirmed that NW can be globally differentiated from CW with respect to to their chemical and their sensory profiles, whereas the content in toxicants was not significantly different, with the exception of total sulphur dioxide and putrescine levels. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Dexmedetomidine promotes ferroptotic cell death in gastric cancer via hsa_circ_0008035/miR‐302a/E2F7axis
Authors: Gao Xiang , Wang Xiao‐Liang
Published: January 2023

Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a common anesthetic, has significant effects on the biological features of cancer cells. Although numerous studies have been published on the impact of DEX on the biological characteristics of GC cells, the mechanism remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the effect of DEX on the biological properties of GC cells. DEX suppressed the viability and increased the apoptosis of GC cells in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Besides, DEX raised the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron, but decreased the levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) in GC cells, which were abolished by Ferrostatin‐1 (the inhibitor of ferroptosis) treatment. In addition, the level of circ0008035 and E2F7 were downregulated, but miR‐302a level was upregulated in DEX‐treated GC cells. Circ0008035 increased the expression of E2F2 by acting as a sponge for miR‐302a. Circ0008035 inhibited DEX‐induced ferroptotic cell death in GC cells, which was reversed by miR‐302a overexpression or E2F7 reduction. Taken together, DEX mediated ferroptotic cell death in GC through regulating the circ0008035/miR‐302a/E2F7 axis, suggesting a feasible therapy option for GC.
Scalable On‐Chip Microdisk Resonator Spectrometer
Authors: Sun Chunlei , Chen Zequn , Ye Yuting , Lei Kunhao , Ma Hui , Wei Maoliang , Tang Renjie , Wu Jianghong , Lin Hongtao , Li Lan
Published: January 2023

On‐chip micro‐spectrometers are sought after with great effort owing to extensive potential applications in mobile optical sensing and imaging. By multiplexing more physical channels, the reconstructive spectrometers based on the spectral‐to‐spatial mapping technique can improve the spectral range. However, this method is challenging to implement and sustain due to the increase in system complexity and the decrease of dynamic range or spectral resolution. Here, a micro‐spectrometer utilizing a single tunable microdisk resonator (MDR) is demonstrated. Such a single MDR spectrometer has only one physical channel to receive all spectral components with a compact size, overcoming the trade‐off among spectral resolution, spectral range, and dynamic range. Leveraging the wavelength and temperature‐dependent response matrix, unknown spectra are reconstructed from their corresponding output light intensity vector. The fabricated device illustrates a high resolution of 0.01 nm for a dual peak and a medium resolution of 0.2 nm in the 20 nm spectral range. A wide variety of complex input spectra, including narrowband and broadband spectral signals, can be well recovered, exhibiting the robustness of the spectral reconstruction approach. Moreover, this proposed spectrometer exhibits ease of scalability and flexible configuration to a spectrometer array covering a set of desired and even discrete spectral ranges.
How do employee stock ownership plans programs and ownership structure affect bank performance? Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Duong Khoa Dang , Le Vu Hoi , Nguyen Diep Van , Pham Ha
Published: January 2023

This study analyzes how employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and ownership structure affect bank performance. The study employs the generalized method of moments to examine data from 39 Vietnamese commercial banks from 2009 to 2020. The findings indicate that banks with ESOP improve ROA by 57% more than banks without ESOP. However, a percentage increase in state and domestic ownership reduces the ROA by 0.7% and 0.4%, respectively. The study has important implications for governments and regulators. While the findings do not support the cherry‐picking and free‐rider theories, they align with agency theory and prior literature.
Christmas‐Related Reduction in Beta Activity in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Feldmann Lucia K. , Lofredi Roxanne , Al‐Fatly Bassam , Busch Johannes L. , Mathiopoulou Varvara , Roediger Jan , Krause Patricia , Schneider Gerd‐Helge , Faust Katharina , Horn Andreas , Kühn Andrea A. , Neumann Wolf‐Julian
Published: January 2023

Background

Subthalamic nucleus (STN) beta (13 ‐ 35 Hz) activity is a biomarker reflecting motor state in Parkinson's disease (PD). Adaptive deep brain stimulation (DBS) aims to use beta activity for therapeutic adjustments, but many aspects of beta activity in real‐life situations are unknown.

Objective

The aim was to investigate Christmas‐related influences on beta activity in PD.

Methods

Differences in Christmas Day to nonfestive daily averages in chronic biomarker recordings in 4 PD patients with a sensing‐enabled STN DBS implant were retrospectively analyzed. Sweet‐spot and whole‐brain network connectomic analyses were performed.

Results

Beta activity was significantly reduced on Christmas Eve in all patients (4.00–9.00 p.m.: −12.30 ± 10.78%, P = 0.015). A sweet spot in the dorsolateral STN connected recording sites to motor, premotor, and supplementary motor cortices.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that festive events can reduce beta biomarker activity. We conclude that circadian and holiday‐related changes should be considered when tailoring adaptive DBS algorithms to patient demands. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.