bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoswitchable PROTACs for Reversible and Spatiotemporal Regulation of NAMPT and NAD+
Authors: Cheng Junfei , Zhang Jing , He Shipeng , Li Minyong , Dong Guoqiang , Sheng Chunquan
Published: January 2024

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential coenzyme with diverse biological functions in DNA synthesis. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a key rate‐limiting enzyme involved in NAD+ biosynthesis in mammals. We developed the first chemical tool for optical control of NAMPT and NAD+ in biological systems using photoswitchable proteolysis‐targeting chimeras (PS‐PROTACs). An NAMPT activator and dimethylpyrazolazobenzene photoswitch were used to design highly efficient PS‐PROTACs, enabling up‐ and down‐reversible regulation of NAMPT and NAD+ in a light‐dependent manner and reducing the toxicity associated with inhibitor‐based PS‐PROTACs. PS‐PROTAC was activated under 620 nm irradiation, realizing in vivo optical manipulation of antitumor activity, NAMPT, and NAD+.
Entropy‐Regulated Cathode with Low Strain and Constraint Phase‐Change Toward Ultralong‐Life Aqueous Al‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Yan‐Ning , Yang Jia‐Lin , Gu Zhen‐Yi , Zhang Xin‐Yi , Liu Yue , Su Meng‐Yuan , Zhang Xue‐Li , Zatovsky Igor V. , Li Kai , Cao Jun‐Ming , Wu Xing‐Long
Published: January 2024

During multivalent ions insertion processes, intense electrostatic interaction between charge carriers and host makes the high‐performance reversible Al3+ storage remains an elusive target. On account of the strong electrostatic repulsion and poor robustness, Prussian Blue analogues (PBAs) suffer severely from the inevitable and large strain and phase change during reversible Al3+ insertion. Herein, we demonstrate an entropy‐driven strategy to realize ultralong life aqueous Al‐ion batteries (AIBs) based on medium entropy PBAs (ME‐PBAs) host. By multiple redox active centers introduction, the intrinsic poor conductivity can be enhanced simultaneously, resulting in outstanding capabilities of electrochemical Al3+ storage. Meanwhile, the co‐occupation at metal sites in PBA frameworks can also increase the M−N bond intensity, which is beneficial for constraining the phase change during consecutive Al3+ reversible insertion, to realize an extended lifespan over 10,000 cycles. Based on the calculation at different operation states, the fluctuation of ME‐PBA lattice parameters is only 1.2 %. Assembled with MoO3 anodes, the full cells can also deliver outstanding electrochemical properties. The findings highlight that, the entropy regulation strategy could uncover the isochronous constraint on both strain and phase transition for long‐term reversible Al3+ storage, providing a promising design for advanced electrode materials for aqueous multivalent ions batteries.
Steigerung der π‐Akzeptoreigenschaft mesoionischer Carbene durch Carbonylierung mit Kohlenmonoxid
Authors: Merschel Arne , Vishnevskiy Yury V. , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Ghadwal Rajendra S.
Published: January 2024

Wir berichten über die Dimerisierung von Kohlenmonoxid bei Raumtemperatur mittels anionischer C4/C5‐Dicarbene Li(ADC) (ADC = ArC{(Dipp)NC}2; Dipp = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3; Ar = Ph, DMP (4‐Me2NC6H4), Bp (4‐PhC6H4)), wobei (E)‐Ethen‐1,2‐bis(olat) (d. h. −O−C=C−O− = COen) verbrückte mesoionische Carben (iMIC)‐Lithiumverbindungen COen‐[(iMIC)Li]2 (COen‐[iMIC]2 = [ArC{(Dipp)NC}2(CO)]2) in quantitativer Ausbeute isoliert wurden. COen‐[(iMIC)Li]2 sind farbliche, stabile Feststoffe und weisen eine bemerkenswert kleine HOMO–LUMO‐Energielücke auf. Sie untergehen mit Selen, CuCl (oder CuCl2) und AgCl 2e‐Oxidationen, um die dinuklearen Verbindungen COon‐[(iMIC)E]2 (E = Se, CuCl, AgCl) mit einem 1,2‐Dion‐verbrückten neutralen Bis‐iMIC (d. h. COon‐[iMIC]2 = [ArC{(Dipp)NC}2(C=O)]2) zu erzeugen. COen‐[(iMIC)Li]2 reagieren mit LiAlH4 und (Et2O)2BeBr2 durch redoxneutrale Salzmetathesereaktion zu COen‐[(iMIC)AlH2]2 und COen‐[(iMIC)BeBr]2, bei denen die dianionische COen‐Brücke erhalten bleibt. Alle Verbindungen wurden mittels NMR‐Spektroskopie, Massenspektrometrie und Röntgenbeugung charakterisiert. Die stereoelektronischen Eigenschaften von COon‐[iMIC]2 wurden durch experimentelle und theoretische Methoden quantifiziert.
Reversible Thiyl Radical Addition−Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization
Authors: Wang Yongjin , Du Jiaman , Huang Hanchu
Published: January 2024

Developing reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) methods that could directly control the thiyl radical propagation is highly desirable yet remains challenging in modern polymer chemistry. Here, we reported the first reversible thiyl radical addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (SRAFT) polymerization strategy, which utilizes allyl sulfides as chain transfer agents for reversibly deactivating the propagating thiyl radicals, thus allowing us to directly control a challenging thiyl radical chain polymerization to afford polymers with well‐defined architectures. A linear dependence of molecular weight on conversion, high chain‐end fidelity, and efficient chain extension proved good controllability of the polymerization. In addition, density functional theory calculations provided insight into the reversible deactivation ability of allyl sulfides. The SRAFT strategy developed in this work represents a promising platform for discovering new controlled polymerizations based on thiyl radical chemistry.
Synthesis of S(IV)‐Stereogenic Chiral Thio‐Oxazolidinones via Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric [3+2] Annulations
Authors: Wang Bao‐Cheng , Hu Fang , Bai Jiahui , Xiong Fen‐Ya , Chen Peng , Li Jianye , Tan Ying , Guo Yin‐Long , Xiao Wen‐Jing , Lu Liang‐Qiu
Published: January 2024

Organic molecules bearing chiral sulfur stereocenters exert a great impact on asymmetric catalysis and synthesis, chiral drugs, and chiral materials. Compared with acyclic ones, the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of thio‐heterocycles has largely lagged behind due to the lack of efficient synthetic strategies. Here we establish the first modular platform to access chiral thio‐oxazolidinones via Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric [3+2] annulations of vinylethylene carbonates with sulfinylanilines. This protocol is featured by readily available starting materials, and high enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity. In particular, an unusual effect of a non‐chiral supporting ligand on the diastereoselectivity was observed. Possible reaction mechanisms and stereocontrol models were proposed.
Chiral Truxene‐Based Self‐Assembled Cages: Triple Interlocking and Supramolecular Chirogenesis
Authors: Séjourné Simon , Labrunie Antoine , Dalinot Clément , Canevet David , Guechaichia Romain , Bou Zeid Jennifer , Benchohra Amina , Cauchy Thomas , Brosseau Arnaud , Allain Magali , Chamignon Cécile , Viger‐Gravel Jasmine , Pintacuda Guido , Carré Vincent , Aubriet Frédéric , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Sallé Marc , Goeb Sébastien
Published: January 2024

Incorporating chiral elements in host–guest systems currently attracts much attention because of the major impact such structures may have in a wide range of applications, from pharmaceuticals to materials science and beyond. Moreover, the development of multi‐responsive and ‐functional systems is highly desirable since they offer numerous benefits. In this context, we describe herein the construction of a metal‐driven self‐assembled cage that associates a chiral truxene‐based ligand and a bis‐ruthenium complex. The maximum separation between both facing chiral units in the assembly is fixed by the intermetallic distance within the lateral bis‐ruthenium complex (8.4 Å). The resulting chiral cavity was shown to encapsulate polyaromatic guest molecules, but also to afford a chiral triply interlocked [2]catenane structure. The formation of the latter occurs at high concentration, while its disassembly could be achieved by the addition of a planar achiral molecule. Interestingly the planar achiral molecule exhibits induced circular dichroism signature when trapped within the chiral cavity, thus demonstrating the ability of the cage to induce supramolecular chirogenesis.
Tailoring Na+ Solvation Environment and Electrode‐Electrolyte Interphases with Sn(OTf)2 Additive in Non‐flammable Phosphate Electrolytes towards Safe and Efficient Na‐S Batteries
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Ren Naiqing , Jiang Wei , Yang Hai , Ye Shufen , Jiang Yang , Ali Ghulam , Song Li , Wu Xiaojun , Rui Xianhong , Yao Yu , Yu Yan
Published: January 2024

Room‐temperature sodium‐sulfur (RT Na‐S) batteries are promising for low‐cost and large‐scale energy storage applications. However, these batteries are plagued by safety concerns due to the highly flammable nature of conventional electrolytes. Although non‐flammable electrolytes eliminate the risk of fire, they often result in compromised battery performance due to poor compatibility with sodium metal anode and sulfur cathode. Herein, we develop an additive of tin trifluoromethanesulfonate (Sn(OTf)2) in non‐flammable phosphate electrolytes to improve the cycling stability of RT Na‐S batteries via modulating the Na+ solvation environment and interface chemistry. The additive reduces the Na+ desolvation energy and enhances the electrolyte stability. Moreover, it facilitates the construction of Na‐Sn alloy‐based anode solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). These interphases help to suppress the growth of Na dendrites and the dissolution/shuttling of sodium polysulfides (NaPSs), resulting in improved reversible capacity. Specifically, the Na‐S battery with the designed electrolyte boosts the capacity from 322 to 906 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. This study provides valuable insights for the development of safe and high‐performance electrolytes in RT Na‐S batteries.
Electrospun polymeric nanofibers for dental applications
Authors: Kalluri Lohitha , Duan Yuanyuan , Janorkar Amol V.
Published: January 2024

Electrospinning is an economical, efficient, and versatile process for the preparation of continuous nanofibers with desired patterns, tailored fiber diameters, and orientations. Since its invention, electrospinning has been utilized to prepare nanofibers from several natural polymers and synthetic polymers for use as scaffolds in tissue engineering, regeneration, and biomedical applications. Furthermore, complex scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning complex polymer solutions formulated by blending natural and synthetic organic polymers with bioceramics and other inorganic molecules. Lately, coaxial electrospinning has emerged as a promising technology in the preparation of drug‐loaded biodegradable core‐shell structured micro/nanofibers for sustained drug delivery applications. This paper will discuss the basic mechanism of electrospinning, parameters governing the electrospinning process, various materials investigated for use in the electrospinning process, and its recent advances.
Elucidating the Role of Dimensionality on the Electronic Structure of the Van der Waals Antiferromagnet NiPS3
Authors: DiScala Michael F. , Staros Daniel , de la Torre Alberto , Lopez Annette , Wong Deniz , Schulz Christian , Barkowiak Maciej , Bisogni Valentina , Pelliciari Jonathan , Rubenstein Brenda , Plumb Kemp W.
Published: January 2024

The sustained interest in investigating magnetism in the 2D limit of insulating antiferromagnets is driven by the possibilities of discovering, or engineering, novel magnetic phases through layer stacking. However, due to the difficulty of directly measuring magnetic interactions in 2D antiferromagnets, it is not yet understood how intralayer magnetic interactions in insulating, strongly correlated, materials can be modified through layer proximity. Herein, the impact of reduced dimensionality in the model van der Waals antiferromagnet NiPS3 is explored by measuring electronic excitations in exfoliated samples using Resonant Inelastic X‐ray Scattering (RIXS). The resulting spectra shows systematic broadening of NiS6 multiplet excitations with decreasing layer count from bulk down to three atomic layers (3L). It is shown that these trends originate from a decrease in transition metal‐ligand and ligand–ligand hopping integrals, and by charge‐transfer energy evolving from Δ = 0.83 eV in the bulk to 0.37 eV in 3L NiPS3. Relevant intralayer magnetic exchange integrals computed from the electronic parameters exhibit a decrease in the average interaction strength with thickness. This study underscores the influence of interlayer electronic interactions on intralayer ones in insulating magnets, indicating that magnetic Hamiltonians in few‐layer insulating magnets can greatly deviate from their bulk counterparts.
Multiple independent origins of duplicated mitochondrial control regions indicate an apomorphy in the Thysanoptera (Insecta)
Authors: Meng Xianghao , Wang Dong , Pang Qiang , Wang Heng , Zhou Hongxu
Published: January 2024

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of thrips is characterized by the presence of control region (CR) duplication. However, the evolution pattern of duplicated CRs in thrips is still unclear. In this study, the multiple independent origins of duplicated CR indicated that the CR duplication was not an ancestral state for Thysanoptera. The macroevolutionary pattern suggested that the earliest CR duplication event occurred in the middle Cretaceous (94.85 Ma) coincided with rearrangement events forming the ancestors of Aeolothripidae, but much later than that forming the ancestors of the suborder Terebrantia. The mitogenome with duplicated CRs showed a higher rate of gene rearrangement. The sequence similarity of the CR copies and divergence time were negatively correlated, indicating age‐related deterioration of mitochondrial function. No significant differences were found in the mitochondrial DNA, the P123 and P4FD between the single and multiple‐CR charactered mitogenomes, which suggested that the duplicated CRs may not affect the replication process in thrip mitogenome. The mitogenomes with duplicated CRs (mean: 0.0088 subs/s/my) show a significantly increased evolutionary rate than that with a single one (mean: 0.0058 subs/s/my). However, it seems that this higher evolutionary rate did not have adaptive mechanisms in Terebrantia. We speculated that the duplicated CRs may cause a more intense production of energy by mitochondria, and an accelerated mutation and substitution rate is expected in such mitogenomes. Our study provided new insights into the presence of CR duplications and their evolution in the mitogenomes of thrips.
Integrating legacy survey data into GIS‐based analysis: The rediscovery of the archaeological landscapes in Grevena (Western Macedonia, Greece)
Authors: Apostolou Giannis , Venieri Konstantina , Mayoral Alfredo , Dimaki Sofia , Garcia‐Molsosa Arnau , Georgiadis Mercourios , Orengo Hector A.
Published: January 2024

Surface archaeological survey has been widely established as the principal method for the regional study of Mediterranean diachronic landscapes. Before the introduction of GPS and digital, GIS‐based recordings in the late 1990s, survey projects employed analogue recording strategies (e.g. personal notebooks, printed forms and cartographic materials) resulting in low‐precision spatial datasets. These archives, termed here as legacy survey data, can today be visualized and analysed using computational tools. The aim of the present work is to exemplify how legacy data can be reused and reproduced to explore unknown aspects of past survey projects. It showcases a multi‐source, GIS‐structured workflow to manage and re‐evaluate data from the region of Grevena, north‐western Greece, where a largely unpublished all‐period extensive survey titled the Grevena Project has pinpointed a rich, yet unavailable to the archaeological community cultural record. The publications lacked critical evaluation of the survey results and significance, such as accurate site locations, size and chronology as well as a description of the field collection strategies used. To recover and combine these data into a single geodataset, a three‐step workflow was created, including the systematic recording of collected artefacts, the deployment of archival and remote‐sensing resources (e.g. georeferenced cartographic and photographic materials and satellite imagery) and the development of a new extensive survey in selected areas for validation purposes. Results indicated heterogeneity in the techniques employed by the Grevena Project for site recognition. They also brought an important assemblage of Palaeolithic finds unrecorded before. Furthermore, large‐scale geomorphological analysis using geomorphometric approaches demonstrated an irregularly high density of sites in elevated areas, which is considered a surveying bias. Remote sensing sources including archival aerial photographs highlighted regional landscape changes (e.g. in forest coverage) revealing architectural remains unmapped before. Finally, the new survey around Ayios Georgios showed the discovery of several new sites, emphasizing a case study of much more complex dynamics than originally considered during the Grevena Project.
New tests for trend in time censored recurrent event data
Authors: Lindqvist Bo Henry , Kvaløy Jan Terje
Published: January 2024

We consider testing for trend in recurrent event data. More precisely, for such data we consider testing of the null hypothesis of data coming from a renewal process. The new tests are essentially obtained by considering appropriate integrated versions of classical trend tests. Moreover, adaptive versions of earlier considered tests versus non‐monotonic alternatives, like bathtub trend, are suggested. A simulation study shows that the new tests have favorable properties and sometimes outperform classical tests. Examples with real data are also considered.
Green chemistry and the bioeconomy: a necessary nexus
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Angellotti Giuseppe , Luque Rafael , Pagliaro Mario
Published: January 2024

Economically viable green chemistry processes are the technology enablers of the bioeconomy. Access to an economically viable green chemistry production route, however, is not per se sufficient for successful bioproduction. The cases of synthetic amorphous silica, pectin, polysaccharide nanofibers, pelargonic acid, hydrogen peroxide electrochemically sourced from water, and that of valued bioproducts (orange oil, limonene, and dietary fiber) from fresh orange peel were selected to substantiate these assumptions. The study concludes by identifying three conditions for competitive bioproduction methods, along with learning and educational outcomes considered relevant for green chemistry and bioeconomy educators.
Factors affecting secondary teacher wellbeing in England: Self‐perceptions, policy and politics
Authors: McQuade Laura
Published: January 2024

After the challenges of the Covid‐19 pandemic, the NEU (2021) report states that one in three teachers plan to leave the profession in the next 5 years. As previous studies published by the DfE focusing on workload have not affected the wastage rate of the profession, there is something deeper at work which needs to be explored. A critical theory, mixed‐methods approach is used to gain a breadth and depth of understanding of the attitudes of 55 respondents to a survey and 17 participants in semi‐structured interviews. All data collection was carried out in secondary schools in Lincolnshire, where teacher pay is good in comparison with the county average of workforce pay. These methods aim to test the assumption that concerns about workload and pay are causing teachers’ discontent. The findings reveal that teacher attitudes towards their working lives are complex owing to individuals trying to internalise the values of both traditional and new professionalisms. Owing to this, teachers can appear contradictory in their demands and tolerance of the demands of the profession and themselves. The characteristics of neoliberal management including transactional leadership, competition and ambivalence to processes in favour of outcomes, do not match traditional professional values of dedication, expertise and working for the greater good.
A Bayesian hierarchical approach to account for evidence and uncertainty in the modeling of infectious diseases: An application to COVID‐19
Authors: Rehms Raphael , Ellenbach Nicole , Rehfuess Eva , Burns Jacob , Mansmann Ulrich , Hoffmann Sabine
Published: January 2024

Infectious disease models can serve as critical tools to predict the development of cases and associated healthcare demand and to determine the set of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) that is most effective in slowing the spread of an infectious agent. Current approaches to estimate NPI effects typically focus on relatively short time periods and either on the number of reported cases, deaths, intensive care occupancy, or hospital occupancy as a single indicator of disease transmission. In this work, we propose a Bayesian hierarchical model that integrates multiple outcomes and complementary sources of information in the estimation of the true and unknown number of infections while accounting for time‐varying underreporting and weekday‐specific delays in reported cases and deaths, allowing us to estimate the number of infections on a daily basis rather than having to smooth the data. To address dynamic changes occurring over long periods of time, we account for the spread of new variants, seasonality, and time‐varying differences in host susceptibility. We implement a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to conduct Bayesian inference and illustrate the proposed approach with data on COVID‐19 from 20 European countries. The approach shows good performance on simulated data and produces posterior predictions that show a good fit to reported cases, deaths, hospital, and intensive care occupancy.
Sacubitril/valsartan promotes white adipose tissue browning in rats with metabolic syndrome through activation of mTORC1
Authors: Nikolic Marina , Jeremic Nevena , Lazarevic Nevena , Stojanovic Aleksandra , Milojevic Samanovic Andjela , Novakovic Jovana , Zivkovic Vladimir , Nikolic Milos , Nedeljkovic Nikola , Mitrovic Slobodanka , Jakovljevic Vladimir
Published: January 2024

In addition to their usual use in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, weak evidence is available for the potential of combined use of neprilysin inhibitor (sacubitril) and AT1 receptor antagonist (valsartan) to promote browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) in rats with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study involved 32 male Wistar albino rats divided into four groups: CTRL—healthy control rats; ENT—healthy rats treated with sacubitril/valsartan; MS—rats with MetS; MS + ENT—rats with MetS treated with sacubitril/valsartan. After finishing the experimental protocol, different WAT depots were isolated for further analysis of molecular pathways. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies were used for in silico assessment of the binding affinity of sacubitril and valsartan towards subunits of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Sacubitril/valsartan treatment markedly diminished morphological changes in adipose tissue, resulting in smaller lipid size and multilocular lipid droplet structure in WAT. We showed significantly higher protein expression of uncoupling protein‐1 (UCP‐1) and mTORC1 in WAT of MS + ENT rats, correlating with increased relative gene expression of browning‐related markers in tissue of rats treated with sacubitril/valsartan compared with MS group of rats. In silico analysis showed that sacubitrilat and valsartan exhibited the highest binding affinity against mTOR and mLST8, forming stable complexes with these mTORC1 subunits. The observed results confirmed strong potential of combined sacubitril/valsartan treatment to increase browning markers expression in different WAT depots in MetS condition and to form permanent complexes with mTOR and mLST8 subunits over the time.
Exploring the factors affecting the occurrence of postoperative MVI and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with hepatectomy: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Yang Jilin , Qian Junlin , Wu Zhao , Zhang Wenjian , Yin Zexin , Shen Wei , He Kun , He Yongzhu , Liu Liping
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the influencing factors affecting the occurrence of microvascular invasion (MVI) and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with hepatectomy, and to explore how MVI affects prognosis in subgroups with different prognostic factors.

Methods

Clinical data of a total of 1633 patients treated surgically for HCC in four treatment centers were included, including 754 patients with MVI. By using the Cox risk regression model and the Mann–Whitney U‐test, the common independent influences on prognosis and MVI were made clear. The incidence of MVI in various subgroups was then examined, as well as the relationship between MVI in various subgroups and prognosis.

Results

The Cox risk regression model showed that MVI, Child–Pugh classification, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), hepatocirrhosis, tumor diameter, lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR), and, Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) grade were independent determinants of overall survival (OS), and MVI, AFP, hepatocirrhosis, tumor diameter, and LMR were influencing determinants for disease‐free survival (DFS). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that MVI was most closely associated with patient prognosis compared to other prognostic factors. AFP, hepatocirrhosis, tumor diameter, and LMR were discovered to be common influences on the prognosis of patients with HCC and MVI when combined with the results of the intergroup comparison of MVI. After grouping, it was showed that patients with hepatocirrhosis, positive AFP (AFP ≥ 20 ng/mL), tumor diameter >50 mm, and LMR ≤3.4 had a significantly higher incidence of MVI than patients in other subgroups, and all four subgroups of MVI‐positive patients had higher rates of early recurrence and mortality (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

MVI was found to be substantially linked with four subgroups of HCC patients with hepatocirrhosis, positive AFP, tumor diameter >50 mm, and LMR ≤3.4, and the prognosis of MVI‐positive patients in all four subgroups tended to be worse.
Dough‐making performance of composite whole‐grain sorghum and whole‐grain wheat flours as assessed by a micro‐doughLAB assay
Authors: Dovi Koya A. P. , Solah Vicky A. , Taylor John R. N. , Johnson Stuart K.
Published: January 2024

Background and Objective

Owing to its climate‐smart agronomic characteristics and health‐promoting attributes, there is great interest in using sorghum in bread and other dough‐based food product making. The objectives here were to develop a small‐scale (4 g) Micro‐doughLAB instrument‐based assay to assess the dough‐making performance of whole‐grain sorghum flours in sorghum‐whole grain wheat composites and to assess grain/flour factors affecting sorghum dough‐making performance.

Findings

The optimal Micro‐doughLAB assay conditions for 50:50 ratio sorghum:wheat composites were 64% water absorption (14% flour basis), 30°C mixing temperature, 120 rpm mixing speed, and an 87 mNm target peak torque (much lower than wheat flour). The assay showed excellent precision, well within the AACC DoughLAB method specification. Data from 23 white normal sorghum lines revealed significant (p < .05) differences in dough peak torque, development time, stability, and softening. Peak torque was highly significantly correlated (p < .001) with flour damaged starch.

Conclusions

This assay has revealed that although sorghum lines differ in dough‐making quality, none approach the quality of bread wheat. Further, damaged starch plays a predominant role in sorghum dough‐making performance.

Significance and Novelty

Because of its small scale, this assay is particularly useful for the assessment of the dough‐making flour quality of new sorghum lines.
Ovarian leiomyoma accompanied by a neglected abdominal wall leiomyoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Li Jing , Sui Mingxing , Sun Xiaodan
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Ovarian leiomyoma and abdominal wall leiomyoma are both rare clinical entities. Here, we report the rare case with ovarian leiomyoma accompanied by a neglected abdominal wall leiomyoma to raise the awareness of clinicians of ovarian leiomyoma and multiple occurrences of benign leiomyoma for appropriate diagnosis.
Impact of renal denervation on cardiac remodeling in resistant hypertension: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Linfeng , Li Yuanzhu , Luo Suxin , Huang Bi
Published: January 2024

Twelve studies involving 433 patients were included. After RDN treatment, LVMI decreased by 13.08 g/m2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −18.38, −7.78; p < .00001), PWTd decreased by 0.60 mm (95% CI: −0.87, −0.34; p < .00001), IVSTd decreased by 0.78 mm (95% CI: −1.06, −0.49; p < .00001), and LVEF increased by 1.80% (95% CI: 0.71, 2.90; p = .001). However, there were no statistically significant improvements in LVIDd (95% CI: −1.40, 0.24; p = .17) and diastolic function (E/A) (95% CI: −0.04, 0.14; p = .28). Drug treatment for resistant hypertension (RH) is challenging. Renal denervation (RDN) is one of the most promising treatments for RH. Although studies have shown RDN can control blood pressure, the impacts of RDN on cardiac remodeling and cardiac function are unclear. This meta‐analysis evaluated the effect of RDN on cardiac structure and function in patients with RH. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were used to conduct a systematic search. The main inclusion criteria were studies on patients with RH who received RDN and reported the changes in echocardiographic parameters before and after RDN. Echocardiographic parameters included left ventricular mass index (LVMI), end‐diastolic left ventricular internal dimension (LVIDd), left ventricular end‐diastolic posterior wall thickness (PWTd), end‐diastolic interventricular septum thickness (IVSTd), E/A, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Data was analyzed using RevMan. Twelve studies involving 433 patients were included. After RDN treatment, LVMI decreased by 13.08g/m2 (95%confidence interval [CI]: −18.38, −7.78, p < .00001), PWTd decreased by 0.60mm (95% CI: −0.87, −0.34, p < 0.00001), IVSTd decreased by 0.78mm (95% CI: −1.06, −0.49, p < .00001), and LVEF increased by 1.80% (95% CI: 0.71, 2.90, p = .001). However, there were no statistically significant improvements in LVIDd (95% CI: −1.40, 0.24, p = .17) and diastolic function (E/A) (95% CI: −0.04, 0.14, p =.28). This meta‐analysis finds that RDN can improve left ventricular hypertrophy and ejection fraction in patients with RH but has no significant effect on LVIDd and diastolic function. However, more studies are warranted due to the lack of a strict control group, a limited sample size, and research heterogeneity.
The prognostic value of the visually assessed time difference between mitral valve and tricuspid valve opening score for patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Yue Yin , Wu Xiaopeng , Guan Xiaonan , Wu Xuejiao , Zhang Jianjun
Published: January 2024

Background

The visually assessed time difference between the mitral valve and tricuspid valve opening (VMT) score was correlated with the increase of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP).

Hypothesis

We suspected that the VMT score might be a valuable prognostic biomarker for heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) patients. This study was to evaluate the predictive value of VMT score for 1‐year all‐cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)‐cause mortality in HFmrEF patients.

Methods

This cohort study enrolled 379 patients aged ≥18 years old with HFmrEF. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis was employed to assess the association between VMT score and all‐cause or CVD‐cause mortality in HFmrEF patients. Hazards ratio (HR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were effect sizes. Kaplan–Meier curves showed the survival probability of patients. The area under the curve (AUC) evaluated the prognostic value of the VMT score.

Results

The risk of all‐cause mortality was increased in HFmrEF patients in the VMT score of 2 (HR = 2.80, 95%CI: 1.04–7.52) and 3 (HR = 4.29, 95%CI: 1.58–11.66). The VMT score of 3 was associated with an increased risk of 1‐year CVD‐cause mortality in patients with HFmrEF (HR = 7.63, 95%CI: 1.70–34.33). The AUC of VMT score for predicting 1‐year all‐cause mortality of HFmrEF patients was 0.724, and for predicting 1‐year CVD‐cause mortality of HFmrEF patients was 0.748. The survival probability of patients with the VMT score < 2 was higher than those with the VMT score of 2 and 3.

Conclusion

The VMT score might be a reliable prognostic index for 1‐year all‐cause or CVD‐cause mortality of HFmrEF patients.
Prognostic significance of IL‐18 in acute coronary syndrome patients
Authors: Xiong Chenchun , Yu Qiaoting , Gao Feng , Liu Song , Zhang Jianhui , Ma Tianyi , Liu Suifeng
Published: January 2024

Background

After acute coronary syndrome (ACS), inflammation aids healing but may harm the heart. Interleukin (IL)‐18 and IL‐1β are pivotal proinflammatory cytokines released during pyroptosis, a process that initiates and sustains inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of circulating IL‐18 and IL‐1β during the progression of ACS and to determine their association with subsequent clinical events in ACS patients.

Hypothesis

Circulating levels of IL‐18 and IL‐1β are associated with subsequent clinical events in ACS patients.

Methods

Employing immunoassays, we examined plasma levels of IL‐1β and IL‐18 in 159 ACS patients and matched them with 159 healthy controls. The primary composite endpoint included recurrent unstable angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure exacerbation, stroke, or cardiovascular death.

Results

ACS patients exhibited a significant increase in plasma IL‐18 levels, measuring 6.36 [4.46−9.88] × 102 pg/mL, in contrast to the control group with levels at 4.04 [3.21−4.94] × 102 pg/mL (p < 0.001). Conversely, plasma levels of IL‐1β remained unchanged compared to the control group. Following a 25‐month follow‐up, IL‐18 levels exceeding the median remained an important prognostic factor for adverse clinical events in ACS patients (hazard ratio = 2.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.14−4.91, p = 0.021). Besides, IL‐18 displayed a nonlinear association with adverse clinical events (p nonlinear = 0.044). Subgroup analysis revealed that the correlation between IL‐18 and the risk of adverse clinical events was not significantly affected by factors such as age, sex, history of diabetes, smoking, Gensini score, or ACS type (all p interaction >0.05).

Conclusion

IL‐18 appears to hold potential as a predictive marker for anticipating clinical outcomes in patients with ACS.
Single axonal characterization of trigeminocerebellar projection patterns in the mouse
Authors: Wang Tianzhuo , Numata Naoyuki , Ji Qing , Mizuno Yuma , Viet Nguyen‐Minh , Luo Yuanjun , Chao Yuhan , Panezai Saddam Khan , Sugihara Izumi
Published: January 2024

The cerebellar projection from the trigeminal nuclear complex is one of the major populations of the cerebellar inputs. Although this projection is essential in cerebellar functional processing and organization, its morphological organization has not been systematically clarified. The present study addressed this issue by lobule‐specific retrograde neuronal labeling and single axonal reconstruction with anterograde labeling. The cerebellar projection arose mainly from the interpolaris subdivision of the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Sp5I) and the principal trigeminal sensory nucleus (Pr5). Although crus II, paramedian lobule, lobule IX, and simple lobule were the major targets, paraflocculus, and other lobules received some projections. Reconstructed single trigeminocerebellar axons showed 77.8 mossy fiber terminals on average often in multiple lobules but no nuclear collaterals. More terminals were located in zebrin‐negative or lightly‐positive compartments than in zebrin‐positive compartments. While Pr5 axons predominantly projected to ipsilateral crus II, Sp5I axons projected either predominantly to crus II and paramedian lobule often bilaterally, or predominantly to lobule IX always ipsilaterally. Lobule IX‐predominant‐type Sp5I neurons specifically expressed Gpr26. Gpr26‐tagged neuronal labeling produced a peculiar mossy fiber distribution, which was dense in the dorsolateral lobule IX and extending transversely to the dorsal median apex in lobule IX. The projection to the cerebellar nuclei was observed in collaterals of ascending Sp5I axons that project to the diencephalon. In sum, multiple populations of trigeminocerebellar projections showed divergent projections to cerebellar lobules. The projection was generally complementary with the pontine projection and partly matched with the reported orofacial receptive field arrangement.
2,3‐Dichloroanthracene crystal, a new rigid matrix for single molecule optical investigations
Authors: Banasiewicz Marzena , Deperasińska Irena , Gawryś Paweł , Suwińska Kinga , Kozankiewicz Bolesław
Published: January 2024

Absorption and emission spectra of single crystals of 2,3‐dichloroathracene (23DCA) and 23DCA dispersed in n‐nonane matrix were studied at 5 K. Singlet and triplet excitonic bands in the crystal were estimated to be at about 415 nm and at wavelengths shorter than 700 nm, respectively. Thus, from the spectroscopic point of view, these crystals satisfy all criteria for a transparent and rigid matrix for low temperature optical studies of single molecules of dibenzoterrylene, which have their purely electronic S0→S1 transition at around 785 nm. Quantum‐chemistry calculations were used to analyze the spectra.
An Exploration of Substituent Effects on the Photophysical Properties of Monobenzopentalenes
Authors: Gazdag Tamás , Meiszter Enikő , Mayer Péter J. , Holczbauer Tamás , Ottosson Henrik , Maurer Andrew B. , Abrahamsson Maria , London Gábor
Published: January 2024

Monobenzopentalenes have received moderate attention compared to dibenzopentalenes, yet their accessibility as stable, non‐symmetric structures with diverse substituents could be interesting for materials applications, including molecular photonics. Recently, monobenzopentalene was considered computationally as a potential chromophore for singlet fission (SF) photovoltaics. To advance this compound class towards photonics applications, the excited state energetics must be characterized, computationally and experimentally. In this report we synthesized a series of stable substituted monobenzopentalenes and provided the first experimental exploration of their photophysical properties. Structural and opto‐electronic characterization revealed that all derivatives showed 1H NMR shifts in the olefinic region, bond length alternation in the pentalene unit, low‐intensity absorptions reflecting the ground‐state antiaromatic character and in turn the symmetry forbidden HOMO‐to‐LUMO transitions of ~2 eV and redox amphotericity. This was also supported by computed aromaticity indices (NICS, ACID, HOMA). Accordingly, substituents did not affect the fulfilment of the energetic criterion of SF, as the computed excited‐state energy levels satisfied the required E(S1)/E(T1)>2 relationship. Further spectroscopic measurements revealed a concentration dependent quenching of the excited state and population of the S2 state on the nanosecond timescale, providing initial evidence for unusual photophysics and an alternative entry point for singlet fission with monobenzopentalenes.
MSeqDR Quick‐Mitome (QM): Combining Phenotype‐Guided Variant Interpretation and Machine Learning Classifiers to Aid Primary Mitochondrial Disease Genetic Diagnosis
Authors: Shen Lishuang , Falk Marni J. , Gai Xiaowu
Published: January 2024

The international Mitochondrial Disease Sequence Data Resource Consortium (MSeqDR) Quick‐Mitome (QM) is a web‐based platform enabling automated variant interpretation of whole‐exome sequencing (WES) datasets for the genetic diagnosis of primary mitochondrial diseases (PMD). Designed specifically to address the unique dual genome nature of PMD etiologies, QM includes features for both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome analysis. QM requires VCF variant lists, HPO ID clinical phenotypes, and pedigree files for multiple‐sample VCF inputs. QM maps phenotypes to HPO terms before analysis. QM analysis requires 2 to 20 min for 100,000 variants on an 8‐vCPU AWS server using Exomiser's “PASS_ONLY” mode for nuclear variants. QM ranks variants based on allele frequency, phenotype‐gene association, functional impact, and inheritance mode. Variants are further annotated with multiple data sources such as OMIM, ClinVar, dbNSFP, gnoMAD, MITOMAP, and MSeqDR. In addition to standard Exomiser results, QM generates an Analysis Report and QM Integrated Report with add‐on mtDNA‐specific analyses, including haplogroup prediction with Phy‐Mer, heteroplasmy calculation, and mvTool annotations. We developed the Mitochondrial Disease Variant (MDV) classifier using XGBoost to predict variant pathogenicity for PMD. The MDV classifier was trained on >120 features and performance benchmarking showed that it correctly classified >98% of nuclear gene variants as being pathogenic or benign, and predicted PMD‐causing variants with 94% precision. The MSeqDR QM server is an open‐access resource for phenotype‐driven dual‐genome analyses for PMD diagnosis by the global mitochondrial disease community. It is publicly available for non‐commercial, non‐clinical research use at https://mseqdr.org/quickmitome.php. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Standardizing clinical phenotypes into human phenotype ontology (HPO) terms as the phenotype input for Quick‐Mitome (QM)

Basic Protocol 2: Prepare the pedigree input for multiple‐sample VCF

Basic Protocol 3: Quick‐Mitome (QM) analysis

Basic Protocol 4: Reviewing and understanding the QM Integrated Report and Analysis Report
Maternal childhood adversity and infant epigenetic aging: Moderation by restless sleep during pregnancy
Authors: Sosnowski David W. , Rojo‐Wissar Darlynn M. , Peng Gang , Parade Stephanie H. , Sharkey Katherine , Hoyo Cathrine , Murphy Susan K. , Hernandez Raquel G. , Johnson Sara B.
Published: January 2024

Maternal exposure to childhood adversity is associated with detrimental health outcomes throughout the life span and may have implications for offspring. Evidence links maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to detrimental birth outcomes, yet the impact on the infant's epigenome is unclear. Moreover, maternal sleep habits during pregnancy may influence this association. Here, we explore whether restless sleep during pregnancy moderates the association between exposure to maternal childhood adversity and infant epigenetic age acceleration in 332 mother–infant dyads (56% female; 39% Black; 25% Hispanic). During the second trimester, mothers self‐reported childhood adversity and past‐week restless sleep; DNA methylation from umbilical vein endothelial cells was used to estimate five epigenetic clocks. Multivariable linear regression was used to test study hypotheses. Despite no evidence of main effects, there was evidence of an interaction between maternal ACEs and restless sleep in predicting infant epigenetic age acceleration using the EPIC gestational age clock. Only infants whose mothers reported exposure to both ACEs and restless sleep demonstrated accelerated epigenetic aging. Results provide preliminary evidence that maternal childhood adversity and sleep may influence the infant epigenome.
Riffle algal and macroinvertebrate recovery from wet‐season flood disturbance in a tropical savannah river, Northern Australia
Authors: Townsend Simon
Published: January 2024

Succession occurs when river biota recovers from the loss of biomass and diversity caused by flood disturbance, and has rarely been examined in the tropical savannah biome. Hypotheses are tested which address the environmental context and recovery of riffle macroinvertebrates in an Australian perennial, tropical savannah river, located in a catchment with low anthropogenic impact. Recovery occurred over a 32‐week dry‐season period of gradually declining discharge with near‐stable water quality, after a 23‐week wet‐season flood‐disturbance period, which was typical of the river's flow regime. Prolonged, benign environmental conditions during recovery facilitated the accrual of macroalgae. Macroinvertebrate abundance, mediated by macroalgal biomass, and diversity increased at a logarithmic, asymptotic rate over the recovery period. Macroinvertebrate assemblages and functional feeding groups (FFGs) tended to become more similar between consecutive sample dates as recovery progressed, though with variable abundances of core taxa (Orthocladiinae, Hydropsychidae, Orthotrichia, Chironominae and Pyralidae) and prominence of Hydroptila late in the recovery period. Filterer abundances fluctuated most, whilst the relative abundance of herbivorous shredders and predators generally increased. The return of macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity to its pre‐disturbance state is attributed to the similar pre‐ and post‐disturbance environmental conditions. Recovery broadly agreed with the secondary succession paradigm for macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrate succession was probably driven mainly by biotic factors, after the initial colonisation period. However, this requires elucidation and expansion of the current paradigm of river benthic succession from flood disturbance to address macroinvertebrate population dynamics under benign abiotic environmental conditions.
Hydrodynamic modelling to assess habitat suitability of the Ganga River dolphins
Authors: Kailash Sonkar Gaurav , Gaurav Kumar , Kumar Vaibhav , Beg Zafar
Published: January 2024

The Ganga River hosts a metapopulation of endangered aquatic species. This study uses a hydrodynamic model (HEC‐RAS) to assess the habitat suitability of the Ganga River dolphins (GRDs) in a small reach (7.5 km) of the Ganga River at the upstream of Narora barrage in varying flow. We use Lidar points clouds to generate topography, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), and differential GPS (DGPS) to measure channel bathymetry and streamwise water surface slope. Further, the water level data from satellite altimeter is used to calibrate the model and discharge measured in field to validate the model output. We found that in the high flow period, the required flow depth for dolphin habitat is available throughout in the study reach. However, in the lean flow, the required flow depth and velocity are available only in some patches. The methodology developed here would be very useful in monitoring hydraulic habitat suitability of aquatic species in ungauged rivers.
Composition of fatty acids in a high‐fat diet affects adipose tissue inflammation by inducing calreticulin on adipocytes and activating group 1 innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Matsumura Kazunori , Mori Taizo , Dohi Taeko , Kawamura Yuki I. , Takaki Satoshi
Published: January 2024

Obesity‐induced adipose tissue inflammation plays a critical role in the development of metabolic diseases. For example, NK1.1+ group 1 innate lymphoid cells (G1‐ILCs) in adipose tissues are activated in the early stages of inflammation in response to a high‐fat diet (HFD). In this study, we examined whether the composition of fatty acids affected adipose inflammatory responses induced by an HFD. Mice were fed a stearic acid (C18:0)‐rich HFD (HFD‐S) or a linoleic acid (C18:2)‐rich HFD (HFD‐L). HFD‐L‐fed mice showed significant obesity compared with HFD‐S‐fed mice. Visceral and subcutaneous fat pads were enlarged and contained more NK1.1+KLRG1+ cells, indicating that G1‐ILCs were activated in HFD‐L‐fed mice. We examined early changes in adipose tissues during the first week of HFD intake, and found that mice fed HFD‐L showed increased levels of NK1.1+CD11b+KLRG1+ cells in adipose tissues. In adipose tissue culture, addition of 4‐hydroxynonenal, the most frequent product of lipid peroxidation derived from unsaturated fatty acids, induced NK1.1+CD11b+CD27− cells. We found that calreticulin, a ligand for the NK activating receptor, was induced on the surface of adipocytes after exposure to 4‐hydroxynonenal or a 1‐week feeding with HFD‐L. Thus, excess fatty acid intake and the activation of G1‐ILCs initiate and/or modify adipose inflammation.