bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All‐Inorganic Polyoxometalates Act as Superchaotropic Membrane Carriers
Authors: Barba‐Bon Andrea , Gumerova Nadiia I. , Tanuhadi Elias , Ashjari Maryam , Chen Yao , Rompel Annette , Nau Werner M.
Published: November 2023

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are known antitumoral, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer agents and considered as next‐generation metallodrugs. Herein, a new biological functionality in neutral physiological media, where selected mixed‐metal POMs are sufficiently stable and able to affect membrane transport of impermeable, hydrophilic, and cationic peptides (heptaarginine, heptalysine, protamine, and polyarginine) is reported. The uptake is observed in both, model membranes as well as cells, and attributed to the superchaotropic properties of the polyoxoanions. In view of the structural diversity of POMs these findings pave the way toward their biomedical application in drug delivery or for cell‐biological uptake studies with biological effector molecules or staining agents.
Molecular Oxygen‐Induced Transamidation of Unactivated Amides in Diethyl Carbonate in the Presence of a Palladium Catalyst
Authors: Urgoitia Garazi , Obieta Maria , Herrero Maria Teresa , Lezama Luis , SanMartin Raul
Published: November 2023

Herein we disclose a palladium‐catalyzed procedure for the transamidation of structurally diverse amides with amines based on the use of molecular oxygen as palladium‐activating agent. The reaction, which is scalable and amenable for the preparation of enantioenriched compounds, is carried out in a bio‐degradable solvent often used as a fuel additive, diethyl carbonate. As a result of the 10−4 mol% of catalyst required, final products are isolated containing palladium impurities in a concentration of 0.1 ppm. Two kinetically different mechanistic pathways are proposed for this reaction on account of a number of experiments such as kinetic curves, TEM images, catalyst poisoning experiments, UPLC‐ESI‐MS identification of intermediates and EPR spectra of reaction crude.
Insight into catalytic cracking pathways of n‐pentane over bifunctional catalysts to produce light olefins
Authors: Zhang Xinyang , Li Yue , Lu Jiarong , Hu Yuhang , Chen Junfeng , Ren Delun , Li Ze , Zhang Qingchao , Yan Hao , Chen Xiaobo , Liu Yibin , Yang Chaohe
Published: November 2023

Revealing the reaction mechanism to guide the industrial production of targeted products still remains a grand challenge for catalytic cracking of light alkanes to olefins over metal‐acid bifunctional catalyst. Herein, we systematically investigated the reaction mechanism of n‐pentane cracking on the Ag/ZSM‐5 bifunctional catalyst featuring both dehydrogenation and cracking capabilities. Specifically, overall cracking network of n‐pentane was comprehensively constructed to show the roles of metal dehydrogenation sites and acid sites respectively, in which metal Ag could substitute the H of the Brønsted acid site to form the Al–O–Ag linkage with enhanced adsorption and activation of n‐pentane, while Brønsted acid site with weak acid strength relay to promote cracking reaction. Thanks to this synergy of the two active sites, the apparent activation energy of n‐pentane cracking to light olefins was decreased from 82.77 KJ/mol to 68.26 KJ/mol and the proportion of specific path (C5H12 → H2 + C5H10) in n‐pentane monomolecular cracking reaction increased from 14.62% to 69.24%. In addition, 0.57Ag/ZSM‐5 catalyst exhibited the conversion of n‐pentane up to 67.55 wt%, which improved the performance of the parent ZSM‐5 by 13.42 wt%. These analysis results of reaction mechanism may provide some insights for the rational design of catalysts and the full utilization of petrochemical resources.
Convex optimization approach to design sensor networks using information theoretic measures
Authors: M Arjun , Magbool Jan Nabil
Published: November 2023

Accurate and precise estimation of process variables is key to effective process monitoring. The estimation accuracy depends on the choice of the sensor network. Therefore, the article aims at developing convex optimization formulations for designing the optimal sensor network using information‐theoretic measures in linear steady‐state data reconciliation. To this end, the estimation errors are characterized by a multivariate Gaussian distribution, and thus the analytical form for entropy and Kullback–Leibler divergences (forward, reverse, and symmetric) of estimation errors can be obtained to formulate the optimal sensor network design. The proposed information theoretic‐based optimal sensor selection problems are shown to be integer semi‐definite programming problems where the relaxation of binary decision variables results in solving a convex optimization problem. Thus, we use a branch and bound method to obtain a globally optimal sensor network design. Demonstrative case studies are presented to illustrate the efficacy of the proposed optimal sensor selection formulations.
Elucidating dechlorination of waste polyvinyl chloride under high‐temperature catalytic hydrothermal treatment
Authors: Ghalandari Vahab , Scannell Adam , Reza Toufiq
Published: November 2023

This study focused on evaluating the reduction of chlorine content in waste polyvinyl chloride (WPVC) through high‐temperature catalytic hydrothermal treatment (HTT). Catalytic HTT experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of noble metal catalysts (Ru/C, Pt/C, and Pd/C), residence time (0.5, 1, 2, and, 4 h), reaction temperature (300, 325, and 350°C), and catalyst loading (0, 5, and 10 wt%). The findings indicated that dechlorination efficiency can be achieved by 99.01% at 350°C and 1 h, with 10 wt% Pd/C loading. Based on chlorine balance, the chlorine content of the solid phase significantly decreased from 568.8 to 5.64 g kg−1 at the same condition. The catalytic HTT solid residue ash has low chlorine content under most operational conditions. These results suggest that catalytic HTT is an effective method to dechlorinate WPVC as a high‐halogenated waste plastic in order to reduce its harmful effect on the environment.
Atomically dispersed Pt to boost adjacent frustrated Lewis pair for 2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyridine hydrogenation
Authors: Yao Chang , Li Wenhua , Li Yurou , Cao Yueqiang , Zhang Jing , Qian Gang , Zhou Xinggui , Duan Xuezhi
Published: November 2023

Achieving atomic‐level control over local environment of metal oxide to boost catalytic activity is challenging yet significant for heterogeneous hydrogenations. Herein, we propose anchoring atomically dispersed Pt species onto indium oxide using a precisely conditioned atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology to manipulate the local electronic properties of In2O3 toward enhanced hydrogenation of 2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyridine (DADNP) to 2,3,5,6‐tetraaminopyridine (TAP). Experimental and theoretical studies unravel that the isolated Pt atoms localize the electron density surrounding them and thus activate the adjacent frustrated Lewis pair for hydrogen activation. In addition, the adsorption of DADNP is enhanced by such regulation, while that of TAP is suppressed on the Pt1‐In2O3 catalyst. The as‐synthesized Pt1‐In2O3 catalyst thus exhibits 91.7% of TAP selectivity at 100% conversion of DADNP, demonstrating remarkably improved catalytic performances as compared with the In2O3 catalyst for DADNP hydrogenation.
2D MOF with multifunctionalized catalytic sites for one‐pot tandem synthesis of cyclic carbonates from olefins and CO2
Authors: Yu Yi , Feng Xuan , Xie Zhuohang , Wu Ying , Xi Hongxia
Published: November 2023

One‐pot tandem synthesis of cyclic carbonates from olefins and CO2 is becoming one of the most potential strategies to fix CO2 and yield high value chemicals. However, this reaction route is in need of high performing catalysts with multifunctionalized catalytic sites in single material which is still a big challenge in one‐pot community. In this term, we combined dimension reduction and surface modification strategies to fabricate a MOF/metal complex composite, that is, Zr‐BTB/PA‐Co. In this composite, the increased Lewis base sites is capable of boosting the adsorption and activation of CO2, which further acted as nucleophilic groups to activate epoxides, while the 2D matrix offered accessible intrinsic Lewis acid sites. These advantages synergistically led to superior catalytic performance of Zr‐BTB/PA‐Co for catalyzing one‐pot reaction of olefins and CO2 under mild conditions (80°C, 1 bar, 12 h and co‐catalyst/solvent free), and even impressive catalytic activity when using CO2 directly from air.
Ionization‐engineered two‐dimensional confined channels in GO membranes for highly efficient OH− separation
Authors: Li Yong , Jia Rui , Tan Ruonan , Hong Ziqiang , Gu Jingjing , Cui Peng , Zhang Suixin , Shao Hongwei , Ran Jin , Fu Cen‐Feng
Published: November 2023

OH− sieving membranes provide a valuable means for treating alkaline effluents but their development presents several challenges. In this study, the concept of ionization engineering is applied to two‐dimensional (2D) laminated membranes to facilitate OH− separation. This concept is demonstrated through the stacking of the self‐designed sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) nanosheets to fabricate 2D membranes. The SGO membranes enhance synergistically the OH− dialysis coefficients and separation factors when treating simulated NaOH/Na2WO4 alkaline wastewater, compared with the performance of 2D GO membranes and commonly adopted polymeric cation exchange membranes. Furthermore, the separation factor achieved by the SGO membranes is considerably higher than that of most of the existing alkali recovery membranes. Results of molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the high efficiency of OH− separation in the 2D SGO confined channels is attributable to dehydration effects and intensified electrostatic repulsion. Overall, this research provides an alternative strategy for achieving rapid OH− sieving through the ionization of 2D confined channels.
Entdeckung eines potenten PROTAC ermöglicht die gezielte Ausschaltung der Gerüstfunktionen von FKBP51
Authors: Geiger Thomas M. , Walz Michael , Meyners Christian , Kuehn Angela , Dreizler Johannes K. , Sugiarto Wisely O. , Maciel Edvaldo V. S. , Zheng Min , Lermyte Frederik , Hausch Felix
Published: November 2023

Das FK506‐bindende Protein 51 (FKBP51) stellt ein vielversprechendes Wirkstoffziel zur Behandlung von verschiedenen Krankheiten dar, darunter Depression, chronischer Schmerz und Fettleibigkeit. Bisherige FKBP51‐gerichtete Wirkstoffe waren auf die Blockade der FK506‐Bindestelle beschränkt, wodurch Kernfunktionen von FKBP51 jedoch nicht beeinträchtigt werden. Hier präsentieren wir die Entwicklung des ersten FKBP51 Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTAC), der den Abbau von FKBP51 ermöglicht und damit auch die Gerüstfunktion von FKBP51 ausschalten kann. Die initiale Synthese von 220 FKBP‐gerichteten PROTACs ergab eine Vielzahl aktiver PROTACs für FKBP12, sechs für FKBP51 und keinen für FKBP52. Die Strukturanalyse eines binären FKBP12:PROTAC‐Komplexes offenbarte die molekulare Grundlage für negative Kooperativität. Die Linker‐Optimierung eines FKBP51 PROTACs der ersten Generation führte zur Entwicklung von SelDeg51 mit verbesserter zellulärer Aktivität, Selektivität und hoher Kooperativität. Die Struktur des ternären FKBP51:SelDeg51:VCB Komplexes zeigte, wie SelDeg51 durch Dimerisierung von FKBP51 und VHL Kooperativität herstellt, die dem Bindungsmodus von molekularen Klebern ähnelt. SelDeg51 baut FKBP51 auf effiziente Weise in Zellen ab und reaktiviert den GR‐Signalweg, was die erhöhte Wirksamkeit des Proteinabbaus im Vergleich zur klassischen FKBP51‐Besetzung demonstriert.
Fluorescent naphthalimide containing polyurethanes for the detection and removal of Hg2+/Hg+ and Fe3+ ions
Authors: Xie Meng , Yang Ke , Wang Yuye , Cheng Xinjian
Published: November 2023

Heavy metal (HM) pollution is getting worse with the society progress. Identification and separation of HM ions are urgent issues in environmental protection and social development. In this work, 4‐bromo‐1,8‐naphthalic anhydride was first reacted with amino‐propylene glycol to synthesize naphthimide fluorophores bearing two hydroxyl groups. And then, –Br was substituents by 8‐mercaptoquinoline, 2‐mercaptoimidazole, and 4‐mercaptopyridine, respectively. Eventually, it was reacted with 1,5‐naphthalene diisocyanate (NDI) to synthesize fluorescent polyurethane (PU) films through the reaction between –OH and –NCO. It is found that the PU film not only has a specific identification ability to Hg2+/Hg+ and Fe3+ ions, but also can efficiently remove Hg2+/Hg+ and Fe3+ ions through adsorption. In addition, selective identification by fluorescence quenching was investigated. It is due to the photoinduced electron transfer mechanism (PET). Furthermore, the lowest detection limits for Fe3+, Hg2+, and Hg+ were 6.0 × 10−7 M, 4.7 × 10−7 M, and 9.7 × 10−7 M, respectively, which reflected the sensitivity of the probe and made it fluorescence probes. The three fluorescent small molecules were incorporated into PU, which not only retain their identification function, but also serve the purpose of adsorption and separation of HM ions.
#Anatomynotes: A temporal content analysis of anatomy education posts on Instagram
Authors: Hussain Ishrat , Dsouza Ciana , Yip Sharon Wing Lam , Flynn Matthew , Rashid Mohammed Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Social media platforms such as Instagram are becoming increasingly popular sources for students to access anatomy educational resources. This review used content analysis to examine posts under the hashtag #anatomynotes and is the first to map the characteristics of anatomy education posts on Instagram and determine any temporal changes. Sample posts were gathered from April 2019 and April 2021 and categorized according to the technical format, purpose and author credentials. Engagement was recorded in the form of likes and comments. Overall, posts depicting illustrations remained the most popular format within both time periods. Three‐dimensional models saw an increase in popularity with a 62.5% rise. Students remained the most common author type throughout and increased further in 2021 by 25%. Clinician authors and posts focusing on clinical education also increased in 2021 by 17.9% and 227%, respectively. Humor‐based posts saw the greatest increase among the post purposes, with 1000% more recorded in 2021. Engagement overall saw a decline with notably significant reductions in average likes per post among all text‐based posts (−72%, p < 0.0001), all illustrative posts (−51%, p = 0.0013), and a decline in the presence of comments among all text‐based posts (−65.1%, p = 0.0158). These findings highlight that Instagram is a popular platform for facilitating near‐peer teaching while increasingly providing a space where students and clinicians can interact. Additionally, it highlights the benefits of the platform for visually focused learners. However, future research should seek to determine whether Instagram can facilitate deeper learning and have an impact on academic and clinical performance.
Toward a modeling, optimization, and predictive control framework for fed‐batch metabolic cybergenetics
Authors: Espinel‐Ríos Sebastián , Morabito Bruno , Pohlodek Johannes , Bettenbrock Katja , Klamt Steffen , Findeisen Rolf
Published: November 2023

Biotechnology offers many opportunities for the sustainable manufacturing of valuable products. The toolbox to optimize bioprocesses includes extracellular process elements such as the bioreactor design and mode of operation, medium formulation, culture conditions, feeding rates, and so on. However, these elements are frequently insufficient for achieving optimal process performance or precise product composition. One can use metabolic and genetic engineering methods for optimization at the intracellular level. Nevertheless, those are often of static nature, failing when applied to dynamic processes or if disturbances occur. Furthermore, many bioprocesses are optimized empirically and implemented with little‐to‐no feedback control to counteract disturbances. The concept of cybergenetics has opened new possibilities to optimize bioprocesses by enabling online modulation of the gene expression of metabolism‐relevant proteins via external inputs (e.g., light intensity in optogenetics). Here, we fuse cybergenetics with model‐based optimization and predictive control for optimizing dynamic bioprocesses. To do so, we propose to use dynamic constraint‐based models that integrate the dynamics of metabolic reactions, resource allocation, and inducible gene expression. We formulate a model‐based optimal control problem to find the optimal process inputs. Furthermore, we propose using model predictive control to address uncertainties via online feedback. We focus on fed‐batch processes, where the substrate feeding rate is an additional optimization variable. As a simulation example, we show the optogenetic control of the ATPase enzyme complex for dynamic modulation of enforced ATP wasting to adjust product yield and productivity.
Stylized facts of performance measures for sustaining the farmer producer companies in India
Authors: Chintamani Bhupesh Gopal , Yadav Hema , Kumari Sneha
Published: November 2023

Farmer producer companies (FPCs) have widely transformed the livelihoods of the people and mainly squeezed the income and living standard conditions in the rural sectors, specifically a primary sector engaged majorly with village economies. This article diagnoses the collective cooperative concept and formation of FPCs in the country since their establishment in the year 2008–2021. We utilized secondary data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the outcome of the study discusses the state and zone‐wise performance of FPCs in the country. The result found that only a few zones are performing in the FPCs businesses which makes it sustainable. The study further adds the sustainable measures for performance of the FPCs.
Global evidence on the association between environmental, social, and governance disclosures and future earnings risk
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Gan Christopher , Bataineh Hussein Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Motivated by growing stakeholder demands for environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures and enhanced information transparency, this study investigates the relationship between ESG disclosures and future earnings risk in a globally diverse sample of firms. Using fixed‐effects panel regression models and endogeneity controls, we show that ESG disclosures exhibit a substantial negative impact on earnings risk. The sub‐dimensions, except governance, of ESG disclosures also reveal a negative impact on earnings risk. Notably, the social dimension's impact is economically more pronounced than the other ESG disclosure dimensions, indicating that social issues carry more value in reducing the uncertainty surrounding the future earnings risk of a firm. Besides, higher ESG reporting firms benefit more from reducing future earnings risk than low‐reporting firms. Our findings suggest that enhancing information transparency can help alleviate the agency problem arising from information asymmetry between corporate managers and shareholders. Moreover, higher disclosure in various ESG dimensions can address stakeholders' concerns regarding firm's social and environmental impacts.
New and Ultra‐Rapid Approach for Electrosynthesis of Highly Efficient Catalysts of Poly(para‐phenylenediamine) Supported Copper Oxide for Ethanol Oxidation in Alkaline Medium
Authors: El Attar Anas , Bouljoihel Badr , Ezzahi Amine , El Rhazi Mama
Published: November 2023

Herein, a new and simple strategy based on electrochemical cascade reactions was used to prepare copper/poly(para‐phenylenediamine). The catalysts were prepared by a facile one‐pot synthesis via an electrochemical method in a solution containing monomer and copper in a suitable concentration using potentiostatic or galvanostatic mode. Using galvanostatic mode leads to the formation of nanodendritic shape of copper hydroxide‐copper oxide in contrast with potentiostatic mode which leads to a spherical form. The response toward ethanol oxidation was greatly affected by the morphology of the obtained nanocomposite. Indeed, the current density obtained when using potentiostatic mode is about 26.55 mA cm−2 at 1.05 V vs Ag/AgCl. This performance is about 2.4 times higher than of the electrocatalyst prepared by galvanostatic mode (11.09 mA cm−2 at 0.85 V). The durability and long‐term stability of the obtained electrocatalysts were investigated using chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry. The decrease in current density is about 19 % and 49 % for electrocatalysts prepared by galvanostatic and potentiostatic mode respectively, after 700 scans. Finally, ex–situ FTIR spectroscopy was conducted in order to understand the reaction mechanism of ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium. It demonstrates that Cu(OH)2−Cu2O@PpPD can perform the complete oxidation of ethanol molecules, leading to the formation of CO2 molecule as the final product. This study highlighted a new simple and facile approach for synthesizing electrocatalysts based on Cu(OH)2−Cu2O@PpPD for alcohol oxidation applications.
Sequence Information Transfer in Oligoarylacetylenes
Authors: Strom Kyle R. , Szostak Jack W.
Published: November 2023

The ability of genetic biopolymers to store and transfer information provides the mechanism for the evolution of function from a population of sequences. Synthetic polymers with the ability to transmit information are exceedingly rare. This work demonstrates template‐directed information transfer in oligoarylacetylene trimers that use reversible covalent bonds to form base pairing interactions. Information was encoded as a sequence of aniline and benzaldehyde subunits linked together by a diethynylbenzene backbone. Trimers formed sequence‐specific, imine‐linked monomer‐template complexes, which could be oligomerized using palladium mediated Sonogashira coupling to generate daughter trimers with complementary sequences.
Studying the Effect of Oxidation on the Thermolysis of (NH4)2WS4 with In‐ and Ex‐Situ Electron Microscopy
Authors: Rowe Casey F. , Allen John T. , Threlkeld Holli L. , Formo Eric V.
Published: November 2023

Thermolysis is a common technique in materials synthesis; however, oxidation of precursors used in these processes destroys the ability to generate end‐products with the desired composition and structure. Herein, the effects of oxidation on the thermolysis of (NH4)2WS4, a common precursor in the production of WS2 films, are studied utilizing electron microscopy. Specifically, in situ bright field, dark field, and secondary electron images were collected during heating of the aforementioned oxidized precursor from RT to 800 °C in 100 °C steps within a low kV scanning transmission electron microscope. These imaging results detail how the precursor transforms from its largely nondescript room temperature morphology to one having well formed 2D, 1D, and 0D nanostructures. Subsequent ex situ atomic level imaging shows that the 2D and 1D nanomaterials are composed of δ‐WO3 which has grown along its c‐axis, whereas the 0D nanoparticles are made solely of α‐W. Through the combination of both in and ex situ images, we have gained valuable insights into the structural and chemical changes that occur owing to the additional oxygen in the system, as well as the role that precursor density plays on the formation of these as formed nanomaterials.
Association of plasma biomarkers with cognitive function in persons with dementia and cognitively healthy in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Ikanga Jean , Patel Saranya Sundaram , Roberts Blaine R. , Schwinne Megan , Hickle Sabrina , Verberk Inge M. W. , Epenge Emmanuel , Gikelekele Guy , Tshengele Nathan , Kavugho Immaculee , Mampunza Samuel , Yarasheski Kevin E. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Stringer Anthony , Levey Allan , Alonso Alvaro
Published: November 2023

Introduction

This study investigates whether plasma biomarkers (Aβ42/40 and p‐tau 181), APS, as well as apolipoprotein E (APOE) proteotype predict cognitive deficits in elderly adults from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods

Forty‐four with possible AD (pAD) and 41 healthy control (HC) subjects were screened using CSID and AQ, underwent cognitive assessment with the African Neuropsychology Battery (ANB), and provided blood samples for plasma Aβ42, Aβ40, Aβ42/40, and APOE proteotype. Linear and logistic regression were used to evaluate the associations of plasma biomarkers with ANB tests and the ability of biomarkers to predict cognitive status.

Results

Patients with pAD had significantly lower plasma Aβ42/40 levels, higher APS, and higher prevalence of APOE E4 allele compared to HC. Groups did not differ in levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, or P‐tau 181. Results showed that Aβ42/40 ratio and APS were significantly associated with African Naming Test (ANT), African List Memory Test (ALMT), and African Visuospatial Memory Test (AVMT) scores, while the presence of APOE E4 allele was associated with ANT, ALMT, AVMT, and APT scores. P‐tau 181 did not show any significant associations while adjusting for age, education, and gender. APS showed the highest area under the curve (AUC) value (AUC = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68–0.88) followed by Aβ42/40 (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66–0.86) and APOE E4 (AUC = 0.69 (CI 0.57–0.81) in discriminating pAD from HC.

Discussion

These results demonstrate associations between select plasma biomarker of AD pathology (Aβ42/40), APS, and APOE E4 allele) and ANB test scores and the ability of these biomarkers to differentiate pAD from cognitively normal SSA individuals, consistent with findings reported in other settings.
Heat‐shock protein A12A attenuates oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation‐induced human brain microvascular endothelial cell dysfunction via PGC‐1α/SIRT3 pathway
Authors: Li Jun , Shen Shouyin , Shen Haiyan
Published: November 2023

Ischemic stroke is a life‐threatening brain disease with the leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Heat‐shock protein A12A (HSPA12A) is recognized as a neuroprotective target for treating ischemic stroke; however, its regulatory mechanism has been not fully elucidated yet. Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) were induced by oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to mimic ischemic stroke. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments were conducted to explore the regulation of HSAPA12 and PGC‐1α. Cell viability, apoptosis, and permeability were assessed by CCK‐8, TUNEL, and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) assays, respectively. The expression of HSPA12A and corresponding proteins was measured by western blot. Cell immunofluorescence was adopted to evaluate ZO‐1 expression. THP‐1 cells were applied to adhere hBMECs in vitro to simulate leukocyte adhesion in the brain. HSPA12A was downregulated in OGD/R‐treated hBMECs. HSPA12A overexpression significantly suppressed OGD/R‐induced cell viability loss and apoptosis in hBMECs. Meanwhile, HSPA12A overexpression attenuated blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity in OGD/R‐induced hBMECs, evidenced by the restored TEER value and the upregulated ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5. HSPA12A also restricted OGD/R‐induced attachment of THP‐1 cells to hBMECs, accompanied with downregulating ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1. Additionally, OGD/R‐caused downregulation of PGC‐1α/SIRT3 in hBMECs was partly restored by HSPA12A overexpression. Furthermore, the above effects of HSPA12A on OGD/R‐induced hBMECs injury were partly reversed by PGC‐1α knockdown. HSPA12A plays a protective role against OGD/R‐induced hBMECs injury by upregulating PGC‐1α, providing a potential neuroprotective role of HSPA12A in ischemic stroke.
Drivers of legacy soil organic matter decomposition after fire in boreal forests
Authors: Izbicki Brian , Walker Xanthe J. , Baltzer Jennifer L. , Day Nicola J. , Ebert Christopher , Johnstone Jill F. , Pegoraro Elaine , Schuur Edward A. G. , Turetsky Merritt R. , Mack Michelle C.
Published: November 2023

Boreal forests harbor as much carbon (C) as the atmosphere and significant amounts of organic nitrogen (N), the nutrient most likely to limit plant productivity in high‐latitude ecosystems. In the boreal biome, the primary disturbance is wildfire, which consumes plant biomass and soil material, emits greenhouse gasses, and influences long‐term C and N cycling. Climate warming and drying is increasing wildfire severity and frequency and is combusting more soil organic matter (SOM). Combustion of surface SOM exposes deeper older layers of accumulated soil material that previously escaped combustion during past fires, here termed legacy SOM. Postfire SOM decomposition and nutrient availability are determined by these layers, but the drivers of legacy SOM decomposition are unknown. We collected soils from plots after the largest fire year on record in the Northwest Territories, Canada, in 2014. We used radiocarbon dating to measure Δ14C (soil age index), soil extractions to quantify N pools and microbial biomass, and a 90‐day laboratory incubation to measure the potential rate of element mineralization and understand patterns and drivers of legacy SOM C decomposition and N availability. We discovered that bulk soil C age predicted C decomposition, where cumulatively, older soil (approximately −450.0‰) produced 230% less C during the incubation than younger soil (~0.0‰). Soil age also predicted C turnover times, with old soil turnover 10 times slower than young soil. We found respired C was younger than bulk soil C, indicating most C enters and leaves relatively quickly, while the older portion remains a stable C sink. Soil age and other indices were unrelated to N availability, but microbial biomass influenced N availability, with more microbial biomass immobilizing soil N pools. Our results stress the importance of legacy SOM as a stable C sink and highlight that soil age drives the pace and magnitude of soil C contributions to the atmosphere between wildfires.
Experimental Study on the Thermal Management Performance of Lithium‐Ion Battery Using Phase‐Change Material at Various Ambient Temperatures
Authors: Liu He , Shi Guoqing , Mei Jie , Li Qing , Wang Zhi
Published: November 2023

The implementation of a battery thermal management system (BTMS) is crucial to ensuring the optimal functioning of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) within an appropriate temperature range. In this study, BTMS with a combination of paraffin wax (PA), expanded graphite, and copper foam (CF) is investigated. The impact of various optimization strategies on battery surface temperature and discharge capacity is investigated, and charging and discharging experiments are performed at different ambient temperature conditions. Moreover, the influence of copper foam arrangement on BTMS is studied. The experimental results demonstrate that PA/CF can lead to a significant battery surface temperature reduction of up to 11.7%. Compared with the side radial arrangement, the front tangential arrangement of closely attaching copper foam to the battery leads to improved results. However, the variation in arrangement has minimal impact on the surface temperature of the battery in extreme environmental conditions. Under low‐temperature conditions, incorporating phase‐change materials could produce insulating effects that supported maintaining battery capacity. In all, this study shows the potential of designing a high‐performance BTMS and contributes to addressing heat accumulation and capacity attenuation during the use of LIBs.
A 5‐year‐old boy with super‐refractory status epilepticus and RANBP2 variant warranting life‐saving hemispherotomy
Authors: Straka Barbora , Koblížek Miroslav , Splítková Barbora , Valkovičová Radka , Krsková Lenka , Kalinová Markéta , Vlčková Markéta , Zámečník Josef , Laššuthová Petra , Sedláčková Lucie , Staněk David , Maulisová Alice , Tichý Michal , Kynčl Martin , Kršek Pavel
Published: November 2023

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) represents the most common cause of drug‐resistant epilepsy in adult and pediatric surgical series. However, genetic factors contributing to severe phenotypes of FCD remain unknown. We present a patient with an exceptionally rapid development of drug‐resistant epilepsy evolving in super‐refractory status epilepticus. We performed multiple clinical (serial EEG, MRI), biochemical (metabolic and immunological screening), genetic (WES from blood‐ and brain‐derived DNA), and histopathological investigations. The patient presented 1 month after an uncomplicated varicella infection. MRI was negative, as well as other biochemical and immunological examinations. Whole‐exome sequencing of blood‐derived DNA detected a heterozygous paternally inherited variant NM_006267.4(RANBP2):c.5233A>G p.(Ile1745Val) (Chr2[GRCh37]:g.109382228A>G), a gene associated with a susceptibility to infection‐induced acute necrotizing encephalopathy. No combination of anti‐seizure medication led to a sustained seizure freedom and the patient warranted induction of propofol anesthesia with high‐dose intravenous midazolam and continuous respiratory support that however failed to abort seizure activity. Brain biopsy revealed FCD type IIa; this finding led to the indication of an emergency right‐sided hemispherotomy that rendered the patient temporarily seizure‐free. Postsurgically, he remains on antiseizure medication and experiences rare nondisabling seizures. This report highlights a uniquely severe clinical course of FCD putatively modified by the RANBP2 variant.

Plain Language Summary

We report a case summary of a patient who came to our attention for epilepsy that could not be controlled with medication. His clinical course progressed rapidly to life‐threatening status epilepticus with other unusual neurological findings. Therefore, we decided to surgically remove a piece of brain tissue in order to clarify the diagnosis that showed features of a structural brain abnormality associated with severe epilepsy, the focal cortical dysplasia. Later, a genetic variant in a gene associated with another condition, was found, and we hypothesize that this genetic variant could have contributed to this severe clinical course of our patient.
Status epilepticus in BRAF‐related cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome: Focus on neuroimaging clues to physiopathology
Authors: Musto Elisa , Gambardella Maria Luigia , Perulli Marco , Quintiliani Michela , Veredice Chiara , Verdolotti Tommaso , Berté Giovanna , Leoni Chiara , Onesimo Roberta , Pulitanò Silvia Maria , Tartaglia Marco , Zampino Giuseppe , Contaldo Ilaria , Battaglia Domenica Immacolata
Published: November 2023

Objective

Cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome (CFC) is a genetic disorder due to variants affecting genes coding key proteins of the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. Among the different features of CFC, neurological involvement, including cerebral malformations and epilepsy, represents a common and clinically relevant aspect. Status epilepticus (SE) is a recurrent feature, especially in a specific subgroup of CFC patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) and history of severe pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Here we dissect the features of SE in CFC patients with a particular focus on longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings to identify clinical‐radiological patterns and discuss the underlying physiopathology.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical, electroencephalogram (EEG), and MRI data collected in a single center from a cohort of 23 patients with CFC carrying pathogenic BRAF variants who experienced SE during a 5‐year period.

Results

Seven episodes of SE were documented in 5 CFC patients who underwent EEG and MRI at baseline. MRI was performed during SE/within 72 hours from SE termination in 5/7 events. Acute/early post‐ictal MRI findings showed heterogenous abnormalities: restricted diffusion in 2/7, focal area of pcASL perfusion change in 2/7, focal cortical T2/FLAIR hyperintensity in 2/7. Follow‐up images were available for 4/7 SE. No acute changes were detected in 2/7 (MRI performed 4 days after SE termination).

Significance

Acute focal neuroimaging changes concomitant with ictal EEG focus were present in 5/7 episodes, though with different findings. The heterogeneous patterns suggest different contributing factors, possibly including the presence of focal cortical malformations and autoinflammation. When cytotoxic edema is revealed by MRI, it can be followed by permanent structural damage, as already observed in other genetic conditions. A better understanding of the physiopathology will provide access to targeted treatments allowing to prevent long‐term adverse neurological outcome.

Plain Language Summary

Cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome is a genetic disorder that often causes prolonged seizures known as status epilepticus. This study has a focus on electroclinical and neuroimaging patterns in patients with cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome. During these status epilepticus episodes, we found different abnormal brain imaging patterns in patients, indicating various causes like brain malformations and inflammation. Understanding these patterns could help doctors find specific treatments, protecting cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome patients from long‐term brain damage.
The experience of Australian aged care workers during a trial implementation of a palliative care outcomes programme
Authors: Davis Esther L. , Mullan Judy , Johnson Claire E. , Clapham Sabina , Daveson Barbara , Bishop Gaye , Ahern Malene , Connolly Alanna , Davis Walter , Eagar Kathy
Published: November 2023

End of life care is an essential part of the role of Australian aged care homes (ACHs). However, there is no national framework to support aged care staff in systematically identifying residents with palliative care needs or to routinely assess, respond to, and measure end of life needs. The Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC) is a national outcomes and benchmarking programme which aims to systematically improve palliative care for people who are approaching the end of life, and for their families and carers. The PCOC Wicking Model for Residential Aged Care was developed and piloted in four Australian ACHs. This paper reports on the qualitative findings from semi‐structured interviews and focus groups conducted with ACH staff (N = 37) to examine feasibility. Thematic analysis identified three overarching themes about the pilot: (i) processes to successfully prepare and support ACHs; (ii) appropriateness of PCOC tools for the ACH setting; and (iii) realised and potential benefits of the model for ACHs. The lessons presented valuable insights to refine the PCOC Wicking Model and enrich understanding of the potential challenges and solutions for implementing similar programs within ACHs in future. The results suggest that key to successfully preparing ACHs for implementation of the PCOC Wicking Model is an authentic and well‐paced collaborative approach with ACHs to ensure the resources, structures and systems are in place and appropriate for the setting. The PCOC Wicking Model for Residential Aged Care is a promising prototype to support ACHs in improving palliative and end of life care outcomes for residents and their carers.
The dynamics of knowledge sharing in chronically ill patient‐led online health communities
Authors: Vainauskienė Vestina , Žemaitaitienė Gintarė
Published: November 2023

Patient‐led online health communities (OHCs) provide an accessible way for patients to share their knowledge without the constraints of time and distance. By sharing knowledge, patients receive information from other members of the community that expands their knowledge. In this way, knowledge ‘grows’ and enhances the ability of patients in the community to adequately self‐care in everyday life, that is, patient empowerment. This paper aims to understand the dynamics of knowledge sharing in patient‐led OHCs. In search of an answer to the research question, the virtual ethnography research design was applied using an observational data collection method. The observational research was conducted in five patient‐led OHCs of chronically ill patients on the Lithuanian version of the Facebook Platform. The results of the study provided insight into the dynamics of knowledge sharing by detailing the design of the discussions that took place in the studied communities and by characterising the path of knowledge sharing.
Beraprost sodium attenuates the development of myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction by regulating GSK‐3β expression in rats
Authors: Li Xing‐Xing , Wang Yun‐Zhe , Liu Chuang , Fu Guo‐Wei , Li Jun , Zhang Jin‐Ying
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of beraprost sodium (BPS) in the intervention of myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI) through glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) and to provide new ideas for intervention in myocardial fibrosis.

Materials and Methods

MI model rats given BPS and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) treated with BPS and TGF‐β. HE staining and Masson staining were used to detect the pathological changes of myocardial tissue. Fibrotic markers were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The expressions of GSK‐3β, cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and p‐CREB were analyzed by qPCR and western blot analysis. EDU staining was used to detect the proliferation of CFs. The promoter activity of GSK‐3β was detected by luciferase assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to detect the binding levels of GSK‐3β promoter and Y‐box binding protein 1 (YBX1). The levels of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

After operation, BPS improved myocardial fibrosis and upregulated GSK‐3β protein expression in male SD rats. BPS can down‐regulate α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) level and up‐regulate GSK‐3β protein expression in CFs after TGF‐β stimulation. Furthermore, GSK‐3β knockdown can reverse the effect of BPS on TGF‐β‐activated CFs, enhance α‐SMA expression, and promote the proliferation of CFs. BPS could regulate GSK‐3β expression by promoting the binding of GSK‐3β promoter to YBX1. BPS induced upregulation of p‐CREB and cAMP, resulting in reduced fibrosis, which was reversed by the knockdown of GSK‐3β or prostaglandin receptor (IPR) antagonists.

Conclusion

BPS treatment increased the binding of YBX1 to the GSK‐3β promoter, and GSK‐3β protein expression was upregulated, which further caused the upregulation of p‐CREB and cAMP, and finally inhibited myocardial fibrosis.
A TEST OF McCLELLAND'S THEORY OF ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION IN BRITAIN, JAPAN, IRELAND AND ISRAEL
Authors: Hayashi Tamotsu , Rim Yeshayahu , Lynn Richard
Published: November 2023

Les auteurs tirent deux hypothèses de la théorie de McClelland, selon laquelle les taux rapides de développement économique sont sous‐tendus par un fort besoin de réussite. La première hypothèse pose que les étudiants des pays à forte croissance économique manifesteront une préférence pour les affaires, et la seconde qu'ils se sentiront plus concernés par la réussite professionnelle. Les recherches ont lieu au Japon et en Israel, pays à forte croissance économique, en Grande‐Bretagne et en Irlande, pays à faible croissance économique, sur des échantillons d'étudiants mâles d'université. Les résultats ne confirment pas la première hypothèse, mais confirment la seconde.
Endotoxin reduction from biotech silk material inhibits the production of anti‐silk antibodies in mice
Authors: Deptuch Tomasz , Kucharczyk Kamil , Florczak Anna , Dams‐Kozlowska Hanna
Published: November 2023

Eliminating endotoxins is a common problem in the development of biotechnologically produced pharmaceuticals or biomaterials. Residual endotoxins in the final sample may hamper the properties of the product or induce severe adverse effects. Developing an effective downstream purification protocol that ensures a lack of minimal endotoxin content in the final product can be a challenging task. In our previous studies, we developed nanospheres produced from bioengineered silks. Despite their good overall biocompatibility, in vivo characterization of spheres showed mild activation of the immune system (mainly in terms of anti‐silk antibody production). Herein, we examined, if the endotoxins delivered with the silk spheres might have contributed to activating the adaptive immune response. We investigated various commercially available methods for endotoxin removal that can be applied as an extra step in downstream endotoxin removal from MS1‐type silk proteins. We selected a method that allowed for a 10‐fold reduction of endotoxin content in soluble silk and 2‐fold in the final product (silk spheres). The reduced level of endotoxins improved the biocompatibility of the silk spheres as these particles induced negligible titers of anti‐silk antibodies in an in vivo immune study. Since endotoxins can enhance life‐threatening immune responses, it is crucial to optimize the method of their removal before clinical use not only of silk‐based products but also of other biomolecules produced biotechnologically.
Trends in Serum Cytokine Expression in Pediatric Skeletal Dysplasia
Authors: O'Connell David A. , Carroll Ricki S. , Duker Angela L. , Schelhaas Andrea J. , Postell Marjorie M. , Fawcett Paul T. , Bober Michael B.
Published: November 2023

The skeletal dysplasias are a heterogeneous group of genetic conditions caused by abnormalities of growth, development, and maintenance of bone and cartilage. Little is known about the roles that cytokines play in the inflammatory and non‐inflammatory pathophysiology of skeletal dysplasia. We sought to test our hypothesis that cytokines would be differentially expressed in children with skeletal dysplasia as compared to typically growing controls. Cytokine levels were analyzed using the Cytokine Human Magnetic 25‐Plex Panel (Invitrogen, Waltham, MA, USA); 136 growing individuals with skeletal dysplasia and compared to a cohort of 275 healthy pediatric control subjects. We focused on the expression of 12 cytokines across nine dysplasia cohorts. The most common skeletal dysplasia diagnoses were: achondroplasia (58), osteogenesis imperfecta (19), type II collagenopathies (11), multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED: 9), diastrophic dysplasia (8), metatropic dysplasia (8), and microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II (MOPDII: 8). Of the 108 specific observations made, 45 (41.7%) demonstrated statistically significant differences of expression between controls and individuals with skeletal dysplasia. Four of the 12 analyzed cytokines demonstrated elevated expression above control levels in all of the dysplasia cohorts (interleukin 12 [IL‐12], IL‐13, interferon γ‐induced protein 10 kDa [IP‐10], regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted [RANTES]) and two demonstrated expression below control levels across all dysplasia cohorts (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [MCP‐1], macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β [MIP‐1β]). The highest levels of overexpression were seen in MOPDII, with expression levels of IP‐10 being increased 3.8‐fold (p < 0.0001). The lowest statistically significant levels of expressions were in type II collagenopathies, with expression levels of MCP‐1 being expressed 0.43‐fold lower (p < 0.005). With this data, we hope to lay the groundwork for future directions in dysplasia research that will enhance our understanding of these complex signaling pathways. Looking forward, validating these early trends in cytokine expression, and associating the observed variations with trends in the progression of dysplasia may offer new candidates for clinical biomarkers or even new therapeutics. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.