bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
20 years of research on the Guiana dolphin population of Sepetiba Bay, southeastern Brazil: What has changed?
Authors: Maciel Israel S. , Maricato Guilherme , Marqui Luciene , Anibolete Daniel , Belderrain Teresa , Figueiredo Luciana D. , França Samara , Oliveira Bruna , Alves Maria Alice S. , Tardin Rodrigo H.
Published: July 2023

Despite the importance of coastal habitats for the provision of many ecosystem services, these areas are currently among the most impacted by human activities. Impacts on coastal ecosystems may affect many key species, such as the Guiana dolphin, which inhabits Sepetiba Bay in south‐eastern Brazil, a highly degraded environment owing to a human‐induced rapid environmental change.

In this context, this study investigates the potential changes in the local Guiana dolphin behaviour, group structure, bioacoustics, site fidelity and habitat use over the past 20 years.

For this, a historical database (1998–2007) was compared with current data on the local dolphin population (2017–2019).

Between 2017 and 2019, the Guiana dolphins form significantly smaller groups (W = 3262.5, P > 0.001), spend more time foraging (61 vs. 10% in the past), emit whistles at a considerably lower rate (decreasing by 85.2%), have reduced site fidelity and now use a larger area.

As Sepetiba Bay has been severely impacted by human activities in the recent past, with profound consequences for much of its biodiversity, the observed changes in dolphin behaviour are probably a consequence of habitat degradation and, in particular, of reduced prey availability. These findings have important implications for the management and conservation of the Guiana dolphin population of Sepetiba Bay.

To break this human‐induced rapid environmental change, it will be essential to minimize the spatio‐temporal overlap of anthropogenic impacts, to avoid cumulative impacts. To mitigate anthropogenic impacts on the Guiana dolphins of Sepetiba Bay, it will be important to direct the following actions: (i) the regulation and control of anthropogenic noise; (ii) reduction and control of the release of chemical contaminants and organic effluents; (iii) more effective controls on vessel traffic within the areas used preferentially by the Guiana dolphin; and (iv) the implementation of measures to avoid overfishing and bycatch.
In silico characterization of ligand–receptor interactions for U‐47700, N,N‐didesmethyl‐U‐47700, U‐50488 at mu‐ and kappa‐opioid receptors
Authors: Laus Antonio , Kumar Amit , Caboni Pierluigi , De Luca Maria A. , Baumann Michael H. , Pieroni Enrico , Tocco Graziella
Published: July 2023

The increasing misuse of novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) represents a serious public health concern. In this regard, U‐47700 (trans‐3,4‐dichloro‐N‐[2‐(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]‐N‐methylbenzamide) and related “U‐compounds” emerged on recreational drug markets as synthetic substitutes for illicit heroin and constituents of counterfeit pain medications. While the pharmacology of U‐compounds has been investigated using in vitro and in vivo methods, there is still a lack of understanding about the details of ligand–receptor interactions at the molecular level. To this end, we have developed a molecular modeling protocol based on docking and molecular dynamics simulations to assess the nature of ligand–receptor interactions for U‐47700, N,N‐didesmethyl U‐47700, and U‐50488 at the mu‐opioid receptor (MOR) and kappa‐opioid receptor (KOR). The evaluation of ligand–receptor and ligand–receptor‐membrane interaction energies enabled the identification of subtle conformational shifts in the receptors induced by ligand binding. Interestingly, the removal of two key methyl groups from U‐47700, to form N,N‐didesmethyl U‐47700, caused a loss of hydrogen bond contact with tryptophan (Trp)229, which may underlie the lower interaction energy and reduced MOR affinity for the compound. Taken together, our results are consistent with the reported biological findings for U‐compounds and provide a molecular basis for the MOR selectivity of U‐47700 and KOR selectivity of U‐50488.
Climate change associated hazards on cultural heritage in Egypt
Authors: Abdrabo Mohamed A. , Hassaan Mahmoud A. , Abdelwahab Rofida G. , Elbarky Toka A.
Published: July 2023

Egypt is a distinctive country in terms of its rich and unique tangible cultural heritage including monuments and archaeological sites distributed across the country. Many monuments and archaeological sites are facing a variety of climate change‐associated hazards with a wide range of cross‐sectoral impacts. This research intends to identify climate change‐associated hazards on tangible cultural heritage in Egypt, highlighting the main areas of concern. For this purpose, a Geographic Information System (GIS)‐based methodology is utilized, beginning with defining a framework for hazard identification. This is followed by developing a geospatial database of tangible cultural heritage. Meanwhile, expected changes in relevant climate parameters under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario up to 2065 were profiled. Thereafter, a geospatial database of existing tangible cultural heritage in Egypt as well as current and future climate parameters are employed to examine the exposure of archaeological heritage in Egypt to various climate change‐associated hazards up to the year 2065. It was found that the tangible cultural heritage sites in Egypt, accounting for 205 sites, are exposed to specific or combined levels of climate change‐associated hazards depending on their geographic settings. In this respect, it was found that 25% of archaeological sites in Egypt are susceptible to combined high to moderate temperature ranges and humid conditions as a result of climate change up to 2065. This highlights the need for developing archaeological site conservation strategies based not only on current conservation needs, including anthropogenic and environmental stressors, but also on climate change‐associated hazards. Such a strategy needs to prioritize different cultural heritage assets actions according to their uniqueness as well as associated direct and indirect benefits.
“Keep It Short and Simple”: Perceptions of patients and healthcare professionals on the use of a mobile health app in the care for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy
Authors: Clinckaert Andries , Schreurs Lucas , Wouters Lars , Everaerts Wouter , De Cock Diederik
Published: July 2023

Background

Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for localised prostate cancer generally have good long‐term survival rates. However, late recurrences can occur and require lifelong follow‐up.

Objective

This research aims to investigate different stakeholders' perceptions on the use of mobile health (mHealth) applications for prostate cancer follow‐up after radical prostatectomy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional qualitative study was conducted to explore stakeholders' perceptions of an mHealth application for follow‐up after radical prostatectomy. Urologists, nurses, and patients treated with radical prostatectomy were interviewed, and data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis according to Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven. Recommended features for an ideal mHealth application were grouped according to the Persuasive Systems Design model.

Results and Limitations

A total of 30 stakeholders, consisting of nurse specialists (n = 7), urologists (n = 8), and patients (n = 15), were interviewed. Expected benefits and barriers were mentioned and grouped in five overarching themes: healthcare optimisation, disease management, app compliance, legal and organisational requirements, and patient–mHealth interaction. Stakeholders provided a multitude of suggestions for an ideal mHealth app. Yet, not all types of stakeholders were interviewed, and patient selection limited generalisability of findings.

Conclusions

Stakeholders indicate that an mHealth app in the care for post‐prostatectomy patients can improve patient care and promote disease management but consider app compliance as a major challenge.

Patient Summary

We interviewed patients, nurses, and urologists about using an mHealth application for follow‐up after radical prostatectomy. The participants agreed that an mHealth app could improve care optimisation and disease management, but some concerns and barriers were expressed. This resulted in a list of recommended features for an ideal app.
Predicting a win by a small margin: The effect of graphic scaling in published polls on voters' predictions
Authors: Shalev Edith , Peer Eyal
Published: July 2023

The public display of election poll results is often manipulated to influence voter predictions about the race. Narrow scaling is one such manipulation that involves truncating the chart's vertical axis such that its range extends closely around the values of the bars. This manipulation exacerbates the visual difference between bars, making the margin appear larger than an unbiased representation would suggest. The current research examines whether narrow scaling of a bar chart depicting the degree of support for political candidate affects voters' predictions about election outcomes. In three experiments, conducted during the 2022 US gubernatorial and senate elections, we displayed published polls to potential voters using a wide‐ or a narrow‐scaled bar chart. We found that when the scale is narrow, voters are more likely to predict that the leading candidate in the poll will win the election and by a larger margin. This scaling bias occurs despite voters' relative skepticism about narrow‐scaled polls. We further find that the scaling effect is attenuated when the poll margin is relatively large and enhanced when numerical value labels are removed from the graphic display.
Going with the crowd in volatile times: Exposure to environmental variability increases people's preference for popular options
Authors: Tan Lishi , Basu Shankha , Savani Krishna
Published: July 2023

More extreme temperature and precipitation events are defining features of climate change, and higher volatility in asset prices is a defining feature of globalization. Four experiments (two preregistered; total N = 2086) found that exposure to a high degree of variability in a given domain shifted people's preferences toward more popular products, that is, products rated by a larger number of consumers. This finding replicated across different experimental manipulations of variability, including graphs depicting either high or low variability in annual rainfall or temperature (Experiments 1 and 2), and in the experienced outcomes of dice rolls, which were manipulated to be perceived as having high or low variability (Experiment 3). The results generalized across different consumer choices, including services (Experiment 1) and products (Experiments 2 and 3). After exposure to higher variability, participants who received a more popular but lower rated option felt less anxious than those who received a less popular but higher rated option, indicating that choosing popular products serves to reduce the anxiety induced by higher variability (Experiment 4). This research highlights both a novel consequence of exposure to greater variability and a novel antecedent of people's preference for popular options.
A new synthesis method for complex electric field patterning using a multichannel dense array system with applications in low‐intensity noninvasive neuromodulation
Authors: Smith Matthew C. , Sievenpiper Daniel F.
Published: July 2023

Multichannel coil array systems offer precise spatiotemporal electronic steering and patterning of electric and magnetic fields without the physical movement of coils or magnets. This capability could potentially benefit a wide range of biomagnetic applications such as low‐intensity noninvasive neuromodulation or magnetic drug delivery. In this regard, the objective of this work is to develop a unique synthesis method, that enabled by a multichannel dense array system, generates complex current pattern distributions not previously reported in the literature. Simulations and experimental results verify that highly curved or irregular (e.g., zig–zag) patterns at singular and multiple sites can be efficiently formed using this method. The synthesis method is composed of three primary components; a pixel cell (basic unit of pattern formation), a template array (“virtual array”: code that disseminates the coil current weights to the “physical” dense array), and a hexagonal coordinate system. Low‐intensity or low‐field magnetic stimulation is identified as a potential application that could benefit from this work in the future and as such is used as an example to frame the research.
Impaired aldehyde detoxification exacerbates motor deficits in an alpha‐synuclein mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Martinez Paul Anthony , Martinez Vanessa Elia , Rani Sheela , Murrell Meredith , Javors Martin , Gelfond Jonathan , Doorn Jonathan Alan , Fernandez Elizabeth , Strong Randy
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The discovery of biogenic aldehydes in the postmortem parkinsonian brain and the ability of these aldehydes to modify and cross‐link proteins has called attention to their possible role in Parkinson's disease. For example, many in vitro studies have found that the aldehyde metabolite of dopamine, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL), induces the formation of stable, neurotoxic alpha‐synuclein oligomers.

Methods

To study this in vivo, mice deficient in the two aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes (Aldh1a1 and Aldh2, DKO) primarily responsible for detoxification of DOPAL in the nigrostriatal pathway were crossed with mice that overexpress human wild‐type alpha‐synuclein. DKO overexpressing human wild‐type alpha‐synuclein (DKO/ASO) offspring were evaluated for impairment on motor tasks associated with Parkinsonism.

Results

DKO/ASO mice developed severe motor deficits greater than that of mice overexpressing human wild‐type alpha‐synuclein alone.

Conclusion

These results provide evidence to support the idea that biogenic aldehydes such as DOPAL interact with human wild‐type alpha‐synuclein, directly or indirectly, in vivo to exacerbate locomotor deficits in Parkinson's disease.
The influence of greenwashing practices on brand attitude: A multidimensional consumer analysis in Germany
Authors: Bladt Daniel , van Capelleveen Guido , Yazan Devrim Murat
Published: July 2023

As a consequence of increasingly sustainability‐oriented markets, greenwashing (GW) has become a global marketing problem throughout recent years. Previous studies do not differentiate between varying forms of GW when analyzing their effects on consumers' brand attitude but rather use GW as a one‐dimensional condition that either exists or does not exist. This paper explores how different greenwashing practices (GWPs) influence consumers' brand attitudes. We introduce a two‐dimensional typology of GWPs that differentiates between claim‐type (false, vague, or hidden information) and macro‐level of initiation (product and firm level), resulting in six distinct categories of GWPs. We then introduce 315 German participants to the six different GW scenarios in a survey and measure their respective brand attitudes. Our findings reveal that respondents react significantly differently to most GWPs, which implies that if we want to understand the problem of GW from the eyes of consumers, we need to differentiate between various forms of GW.
Topographic and morphometric anatomy of the proximal part of the dorsal scapular nerve
Authors: Çelikgün Beyza , Gayretli Özcan , Gürses İlke Ali , Coşkun Osman , Öztürk Adnan , Kale Ayşin
Published: July 2023

The dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) entrapment neuropathy has recently been recognized as a common cause of circumscapular pain and cases of winged scapula. Course of the nerve is important because the middle scalene muscle is frequently accessed for surgical treatments. Studies in the literature have not focused on the morphometric relationship of the DSN with the scalene muscles and its relationship with the long thoracic nerve (LTN). The neck regions of 13 adult cadavers were dissected bilaterally. The relationship of DSN with scalene muscles and LTN was evaluated. Cervical spinal nerves involved in the formation of the DSN were identified. Three types of DSN were observed based on the cervical spinal nerves from which it originates, five types of DSN from its relationship with the scalene muscles, and two types of DSN from its relationship with the LTN. The distance from where the nerve pierces the scalene muscle to the mastoid process was found to be greater in DSNs originating from C4 and C5 (93.85 ± 4.11 mm, p = 0.033). In DSNs not connected with LTN, the distance from where the nerve pierces the scalene muscle to the superior trunk/C5 (12.74 ± 7.73 mm, p = 0.008) and the length of the nerve within the scalene muscle (14.94 ± 5.5 mm, p = 0.029) were found to be statistically significantly greater. The topographic and morphometric anatomy of the proximal part of the DSN is important, especially for scalene muscles‐focused surgical treatments and interscalene nerve blocks. We believe our results may guide clinical approaches and surgery.
Rare nonsyndromic recurrent solitary gingival neurofibroma in an older adult
Authors: Brooks John K. , Ogubunka Akudo A. , Price Jeffery B. , Abu Alhuda Sami , Zhou Cindy Q. , Sultan Ahmed S.
Published: July 2023

Background

Neurofibromas are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors usually featured with neurofibromatosis type 1 syndrome. Recurrent gingival neurofibromas have been rarely reported in the periodontal literature, particularly affecting elderly patients.

Methods and Results

A 70‐year‐old man with a pale, rubbery, and painless thickening along the facial/buccal gingiva of the mandibular right canine and first premolar. Ten years prior, the patient had undergone excision of a neurofibroma within the same region. The patient denied a history of cutaneous disease or neurofibromatosis. Histopathologic and immunostaining of the excised lesion confirmed the diagnosis as a recurrent gingival neurofibroma.

Conclusions

With cases of suspected recurrent neurofibroma, attending practitioners should consult with an oral pathologist whether the primary lesion had exhibited tumor cells to the surgical specimen margin. Preoperative use of a cone beam computed tomography scan may enhance determination of tumor depth. Clinicians should also carefully weigh the decision for conservative excision of gingival neurofibromas and greater risk of recurrence versus performing a somewhat wider extirpation and possible formation of a mucogingival defect.

Key points

What are important clinical considerations when performing a gingival biopsy?

Gingival neurofibromas may be associated with an increased risk for recurrence owing to decisions for tissue‐sparing excision and prevention of a mucogingival defect; supplemental use of cone beam computed tomographic scans may provide greater appreciation of tumor depth.

What is a reasonable length of time of postoperative assessment for gingival neurofibromas?

Patients who have undergone surgical removal of a gingival neurofibroma should undergo yearly surveillance for at least 10 years.

What is a key limitation to this case study?

Preoperatively, attending clinicians should consult with an oral pathologist to ascertain whether a primary lesion had manifested tumor cells to the surgical margin. Conservative gingival resection of a neurofibroma may promote recurrence.
Mechanistic Elucidation of a Radical‐Promoted Hydrogenation Relevant to Borrowing Hydrogen Catalysis
Authors: Bains Amreen K. , Kundu Abhishek , Adhikari Debashis
Published: July 2023

In the borrowing hydrogen catalysis, hydrogenation of an in situ generated imine or olefinic bond is a crucial step. There is a growing body of literature in olefinic hydrogenation promoted by metal hydride of Earth‐abundant metals, where radical mechanism is followed. This report presents a thorough study of the mechanistic details of a nickel catalyzed α‐alkylation of ketones with secondary alcohols and showcases that the olefinic hydrogenation of an enone happens, completely bypassing the involvement of a metal hydride. This pathway is radical promoted, where a single electron reduction of the substrate olefin and a subsequent hydrogen atom transfer step are most critical. A series of control reactions, detection of critical reaction intermediates, and radical probe experiments provide compelling proofs for such radical‐promoted olefinic hydrogenation. The experimental clues, further aided by DFT calculations altogether suggest the precise one‐electron chemistry where the involvement of metal‐hydride is not required. Notably, the redox non‐innocence of the azophenolate backbone, as well as imposed noninnocence of the substrate olefin, when bound to the catalyst molecule makes such mechanism feasible.
Hydrogenation of CO2 to Formate with a Highly Active Solid Ruthenium Phosphine
Authors: Zhu Boyu , Hu Jinling , Wu Youting , Geng Jiao , Hu Xingbang
Published: July 2023

There is widespread interest in the hydrogenation of CO2 to produce high‐energy substances such as formic acid. Herein, ruthenium trichloride was immobilized on porous phosphine polymers (Ru/KAPs‐Ph‐PPh3) and gave excellent catalytic activity in the hydrogenation of CO2 to produce formate. With the assistance of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU), a high turnover number (TON) of up to 1470000 was obtained in 12 hours at 120 °C and a total pressure of 6 MPa (P(H2)/P(CO2)=1 : 1), with average TOFs of 122500 h−1. Moreover, the catalyst can be easily recovered by filtration with acceptable catalytic effectiveness.
Induction and Stabilization of Columnar Mesophases in Fluorinated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Arene‐Perfluoroarene Interactions
Authors: Zhou Ming‐Mei , He Jiao , Pan Hui‐Min , Zeng Qing , Lin Hang , Zhao Ke‐Qing , Hu Ping , Wang Bi‐Qin , Donnio Bertrand
Published: July 2023

The straightforward synthesis of several Fluorinated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by the efficient, transition‐metal‐free, arene fluorine nucleophilic substitution reaction is described, and the full investigation of their liquid crystalline and optical properties reported. The key precursors for this study, i. e. 2,2’‐dilithio‐4,4′,5,5′‐tetraalkoxy‐1,1’‐biphenyl derivatives, were obtained in two steps from the highly selective Scholl oxidative homo‐coupling of 3,4‐dialkoxy‐1‐bromobenzene, followed by quantitative double‐lithiation. In situ room temperature nucleophilic annulation with either perfluorobenzene or perfluoronaphthalene leads to 1,2,3,4‐tetrafluoro‐6,7,10,11‐tetraalkxoytriphenylenes and 9,10,11,12,13,14‐hexafluoro‐2,3,6,7‐tetraalkoxybenzo[f]tetraphenes, respectively, in good yields. Exploiting the same strategy, subsequent double annulations resulted in the formation of 9,18‐difluoro‐2,3,6,7,11,12,15,16‐octa(alkoxy)tribenzo[f,k,m]tetraphenes and 9,10,19,20‐tetrafluoro‐2,3,6,7,12,13,16,17‐octakis(hexyloxy)tetrabenzo[a,c,j,l]tetracenes, respectively. Despite the presence of only four alkoxy chains, the polar “Janus” mesogens display a columnar hexagonal mesophase over broad temperature ranges, with higher mesophase stability than the archetypical 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexa(alkoxy)triphenylenes and their hydrogenated counterparts. The improvement or induction of mesomorphism is attributed to efficient antiparallel face‐to‐face π‐stacking driven by the establishment of non‐covalent perfluoroarene‐arene intermolecular interactions. The larger lipophilic discotic π‐extended compounds also exhibit columnar mesomorphism, over similar temperature ranges and stability than their hydrogenated homologs. Finally, these fluorinated molecules form stringy gels in various solvents, and show interesting solvatochromic emission properties in solution as well as strong emission in thin films and gels.
Design, Synthesis and Application of a Robust d3‐Methylthiolating Reagent†
Authors: Zhang Yanyang , Ren Yishuo , Zhang Jian , Liu Shaoli , Li Yahui
Published: July 2023

Comprehensive Summary

A deuterated methylthiolating reagent with a broad spectrum, designated as DMTP, has been ingeniously formulated. This new reagent can be produced with high efficiency through the simple combination of commercially available methyl 3‐thiopropanoate and CD3I. This novel SCD3 reagent exhibits excellent reactivity with electrophiles such as alkyl iodides, benzyl chlorides, aryl halides (I, Br) and aryl triflates, resulting in high levels of deuterium content (99% D). Representative deuterated methylthiolated biomolecules, such as Sulfoxaflor, have been synthesized for use in pharmaceutical discovery and development.
Efficacy of probiotics in pediatric atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xue Xiali , Yang Xinwei , Shi Xiubo , Deng Zhongyi
Published: July 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevailing skin disease in childhood. Several studies have appraised probiotics as a strategy for treating AD. We aimed to assess the validity of probiotics in the treatment of AD in children.

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science and Cochrane library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effect of probiotic treatment on SCORAD value in pediatric patients with AD compared with a placebo group between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2023. The risk of bias and the certainty of evidence were assessed using Cochrane ROB 2.0.

Results

A total of 10 outcomes from 9 RCTs involving 1000 patients were included. Three of these outcomes were analyzed as dichotomous variables in 373 patients. The other seven were analyzed for continuous variables in 627 patients. A meta‐analysis of the random‐effect model of the dichotomous variables demonstrated no significant difference between the probiotic and control groups [OR = 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.70, 4.35),p = 0.23,I2 = 68%]. A meta‐analysis of the random‐effect model of continuous variables demonstrated significant differences between the probiotic and control groups [MD = −4.24, 95% CI (−7.78, −0.71),p = 0.002,I2 = 71%]. Subgroup analysis of continuous variables showed that the effects of children's age, treatment duration and probiotic species on the SCORAD value were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Evidence on the improvement effect of probiotics on pediatric patients with AD is limited. This study showed that single‐strain probiotic treatment exerts a positive effect on AD. Restricted to the quantity and quality of incorporated studies, these conclusions have yet to be validated by high‐quality studies.
Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Modified Heat Exchanger Block on Thermal Stress and Dislocation Density of DS‐Grown mc‐Si Ingot
Authors: Sekar Sugunraj , Thamodharan Keerthivasan , Manikkam Srinivasan , Nallusamy N. , Perumalsamy Ramasamy
Published: July 2023

The present work is based on the numerical investigation of thermal stress and the dislocation density of the directional solidification (DS) grown multi‐crystalline silicon (mc‐Si) ingot. The heat exchanger block (HEB) plays the main role in the growth process, which decides the thermal stress and melt‐crystal interface of the mc‐Si ingot. The conventional furnace is modified to increase the quality of the mc‐Si ingot. The modification on the conventional furnace is done in the insulation block replaced by 1/3rd of the HEB. The HEB enhances the huge amount of heat extraction from the bottom of the crucible. The von Mises stress, dislocation density, and thermal gradient are analyzed. The thermal stress is reduced by the low thermal gradient influenced by the modified HEB. The modified HEB reduces the von Mises stress and dislocation density. The modified furnace system overcomes the conventional case ingot. The result shows that the modified furnace grown mc‐Si ingot improves the efficiency of the solar cell.
Molybdenum Phosphide Quantum Dots Encapsulated by P/N‐Doped Carbon for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Acid and Alkaline Electrolytes
Authors: Chen Yongchao , Jiang Tianshu , Tian Chuanmu , Zhan Ying , Adabifiroozjaei Esmaeil , Kempf Alexander , Molina‐Luna Leopoldo , Hofmann Jan P. , Riedel Ralf , Yu Zhaoju
Published: July 2023

A facile and eco‐friendly strategy is presented for synthesizing novel nanocomposites, with MoP quantum dots (QDs) as cores and graphitic carbon as shells, these nanoparticles are dispersed in a nitrogen and phosphorus‐doped porous carbon and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) substrates (MoP@NPC/CNT). The synthesis involves self‐assembling reactions to form single‐source precursors (SSPs), followed by pyrolysis at 900 °C in an inert atmosphere to obtain MoP@NPC/CNT‐900. The presence of carbon layers on the MoP QDs effectively prevents particle aggregation, enhancing the utilization of active MoP species. The optimized sample, MoP@NPC/CNT‐900, exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic activity and durability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). It demonstrates a low overpotential of 155 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 76 mV dec−1, and sustained performance over 20 hours in 0.5 M H2SO4. Furthermore, the catalyst shows excellent activity in 1 M KOH, with a relatively low overpotential of 131 mV and long‐term durability under constant current input. The exceptional HER activity can be attributed to several factors: the superior performance of MoP QDs, the large surface area and good conductivity of the carbon substrates, and the synergistic effect between MoP and carbon species.
Profiling of circulating serum exosomal microRNAs in elderly patients with infectious stress hyperglycaemia
Authors: Zeng Kejing , He Haozhe , Lv Zhenjing , Lei Ming , Wu Weikun , Sun Hao , Wong Gordon GaaLam , Kwok YatSze Sheila , Tian Junzhang , Xu Gugen
Published: July 2023

Background

Early diagnosis of hospitalized elderly patients with infectious stress hyperglycaemia (ISH) is clinically important, especially under the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, as without timely prevention and effective treatment, it is likely to deteriorate into septic shock, thus worsening patient survival and complications. Moreover, cumulative studies have showed that patients with COVID‐19 are reported to have a greater prevalence of hyperglycaemia. However, the underlying mechanism remained unknown.

Aim and method

Systematic screening of specific biomarkers of serum exosome‐derived microRNAs (sE‐miRNAs) from ISH patient has not yet been reported. In this study, sE‐miRNAs were derived from 10 elderly patients with ISH and 5 control patients with disease‐match without hyperglycaemia (non‐ISH). RNA sequencing identified that a total number of 49 sE‐miRNAs with differential expression between ISH and control group. Of which, top 22 miRNAs ranked by sensitivity × specificity were chosen for further research. Moreover, 7 out of 22 miRNAs that related to glucose metabolism or immune disorder were picked up for further validation in an independent cohort consisting of 52 participants (31 ISH and 21 non‐ISH).

Result

A validation analysis revealed that three miRNAs (hsa‐miR‐21‐5p, hsa‐miR‐335‐5p and hsa‐miR‐28‐3p) were statistically up‐regulated in exosomes from ISH patients. In the validation cohort and discovery cohort, the AUC of three individual miRNAs ranged from 0.73 to 0.88. A logistic model combining three miRNAs achieved an AUC of 0.96. Besides, sE‐miRNAs‐based signatures effectively characterized patients' poor clinical outcome. Survival curve analysis showed that hsa‐miR‐335‐5p, hsa‐miR‐28‐3p but not hsa‐miR‐21‐5p, were significantly closely related to mortality, and the combination of these three miRNAs could also predict patients outcome (p < .05).

Conclusion

This study depicted the circulating exosomal miRNAs change in ISH patient, which could be used as a promising biomarker to detect ISH at an early stage and predict patients clinical outcome.
Cytological spectrum of testicular malignancies with histopathological correlation: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Kerkar Aadya , Kundu Reetu , Kaur Amarjot , Rohilla Manish , Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Srinivasan Radhika , Kakkar Nandita , Dey Pranab
Published: July 2023

Background

Testicular malignancy is the most common solid organ cancer occurring in young men. The most common testicular malignancy is germ cell tumor. Extragonadal malignancies such as lymphomas are rare. Testicular fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in cancer is a bit controversial amidst fear of tumor seeding along the needle tract. Nevertheless, its largely safe, cost‐effective technique providing a quick and fairly reliable diagnosis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of testicular malignancies on FNAC over a period of 9 years with cyto‐histological correlation wherever possible was carried out. FNAC slides and cell blocks with immunocytochemistry wherever done were retrieved.

Results

A total of 74 cases were obtained. The age ranged from 1 year to 65 years. Infiltration by leukemia was the most common malignancy detected in pediatric population, while germ cell tumors were common amongst young adults and middle‐aged men. In elderly, metastatic carcinoma, infiltration by lymphoma were identified. On FNAC, 38 cases were of leukemic infiltration, 27 of germ cell tumors (subtyped as mixed germ cell tumors‐15 cases, seminoma‐11 cases, and yolk sac tumor‐1 case) with two cases each of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, Leydig cell tumor, metastatic adenocarcinoma, and one case each of metastatic small cell carcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and malignant neoplasm. Histological correlation was available in 15/74 cases. Only 3 cases were discordant. Seeding of tumor along the needle tract was not seen.

Conclusion

The current study deciphers the cytological spectrum of testicular malignancies on FNAC and highlights its importance as a reliable modality for a prompt diagnosis of testicular tumors guiding patient management.
Environmental DNA reveals spatial patterns of fish and plankton diversity at a floating offshore wind farm
Authors: Hestetun Jon Thomassen , Ray Jessica Louise , Murvoll Kari Mette , Kjølhamar Ane , Dahlgren Thomas G.
Published: July 2023

In this study, we collected water eDNA from sampling stations at the first full scale floating offshore wind farm (OWF), the Hywind Pilot Park, east of Peterhead, UK, and a nearby reference area. We combined targeted droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) quantification of two commercially important species, Atlantic mackerel (Scombrus scombrus) and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), with metabarcoding of fish and plankton communities. The goal of this study was to assess the performance of eDNA data to characterize pelagic communities and its use for environmental monitoring. The metabarcoding recovered 26 fish species including both pelagic and demersal taxa. The plankton data were dominated by dinoflagellates (Karenia) and calanoid copepods. We found that both specific quantification of eDNA from mackerel and herring and eDNA metabarcoding of fish communities were able to reveal spatial patterns: Mackerel was most abundant in the surface across both OWF and reference sites; herring was present at a wider depth range. While ddPCR and metabarcoding data for these two species were broadly congruent, we observed detection/non‐detection mismatches for both methods, highlighting the need for robust sampling design. There was no consistent OWF versus reference area pattern in the demersal fraction of fish assemblages. We interpret our findings as representing a snapshot of fish school location around the time of sampling, and do not consider the single timepoint data from this pilot study to be sufficient to attribute any effects to the OWF itself. As a non‐invasive tool, we conclude that eDNA has a high potential in future environmental monitoring of OWFs. We recommend further ground‐truthing and biomass correlation of eDNA data with catch data and establishing eDNA time series as next steps towards implementation of eDNA in OWF environmental monitoring.
Causality between heart failure and epigenetic age: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Fengjun , Deng Shanshan , Zhang Jing , Xu Wenchang , Xian Dexian , Wang Yuxuan , Zhao Qiong , Liu Yuan , Zhu Xiuli , Peng Min , Zhang Lin
Published: July 2023

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent age‐related cardiovascular disease with poor prognosis in the elderly population. This study aimed to establish the causal relationship between ageing and HF by conducting a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis on epigenetic age (a marker of ageing) and HF.

Methods and results

Genome‐wide association study data for epigenetic age (GrimAge, HorvathAge, HannumAge, and PhenoAge) and HF were collected and assessed for significant genetic variables. A bidirectional MR analysis was carried out using the random‐effects inverse–variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary approach, while other methods (MR–Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode) and multiple sensitivity analyses (heterogeneity analysis, leave‐one‐out sensitivity analysis, and horizontal pleiotropy analysis) were employed to evaluate the impact of epigenetic age on HF and vice versa. Bidirectional MR analysis of two samples revealed that the epigenetic PhenoAge clock increased the risk of HF [IVW odds ratio (OR) 1.015, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.002–1.028, P = 0.028 and weighted median OR 1.020, 95% CI 1.001–1.038, P = 0.039]. Other results were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The bidirectional MR analysis demonstrated a causal link between genetically predicted epigenetic age and HF in individuals of European descent. Further research into epigenetic age in other populations and additional genetic information related to HF is warranted.
Th2‐dependent disappearance and phenotypic conversion of mouse alveolar macrophages
Authors: Dietschmann Axel , Ruhl Andreas , Murray Peter J. , Günther Claudia , Becker Christoph , Fallon Padraic , Voehringer David
Published: July 2023

Alveolar macrophages (alvMs) play an important role for maintenance of lung function by constant removal of cellular debris in the alveolar space. They further contribute to defense against microbial or viral infections and limit tissue damage during acute lung injury. alvMs arise from embryonic progenitor cells, seed the alveoli before birth, and have life‐long self‐renewing capacity. However, recruited monocytes may also help to restore the alvM population after depletion caused by toxins or influenza virus infection. At present, the population dynamics and cellular plasticity of alvMs during allergic lung inflammation is poorly defined. To address this point, we used a mouse model of Aspergillus fumigatus‐induced allergic lung inflammation and observed that Th2‐derived IL‐4 and IL‐13 caused almost complete disappearance of alvMs. This effect required STAT6 expression in alvMs and also occurred in various other settings of type 2 immunity‐mediated lung inflammation or administration of IL‐4 complexes to the lung. In addition, Th2 cells promoted conversion of alvMs to alternatively activated macrophages and multinucleated giant cells. Given the well‐established role of alvMs for maintenance of lung function, this process may have implications for resolution of inflammation and tissue homeostasis in allergic asthma.
Synthesis of C2‐Functionalized Pyrimidine Derivatives by Using Arynes and Dithiopyrimidines
Authors: Yang Chun‐Hong , Wang Wen‐Peng , Li Ming , Gao Fan , Ma Wen , Chen Dong‐Ping , Wang Xi‐Cun , Quan Zheng‐Jun
Published: July 2023

C2‐functionalized pyrimidine derivative is a family of important nitrogen heterocyclic compounds due to their unique structure and multiple reaction sites. In this work, a novel method for the synthesis of C2‐functionalized pyrimidine derivatives through phenylalkynes and pyrimidine disulfides under ambient conditions is proposed. The reaction can be triggered by adding catalytic amounts of cesium fluoride, which is characterized by free‐catalyst and special activator. Importantly, this reaction has good compatibility with substrates substituted by electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups at C4. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations also indicates that the production of C2‐functionalized pyrimidine derivatives is more favourable.
Synthesis of Substituted Pyrido[1,2‐a]benzimidazoles by Ruthenium‐Catalyzed C−H Bond Activation and Tandem Cyclization of 2‐Arylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines with Iodonium Ylides
Authors: Yan Kelu , Liu Xiao , Wen Jiangwei , Li Qiuyun , Zhou Bingxin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Xiu
Published: July 2023

Ruthenium‐catalyzed C−H bond activation and tandem cyclization of 2‐arylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines with iodonium ylides proceed efficiently. For the first time, the easily available iodonium ylides and inexpensive ruthenium complex were employed to synthesize pyrido[1,2‐a]benzimidazole derivatives in good yields under simple and easy‐to‐operate conditions. Several primary mechanism investigations and synthetic applications involving gram‐scale preparation, derivatization reactions and the transformation of iodonium ylide generated in situ have also been conducted.
The effects of perceived COVID‐19 threat on compensatory conviction, thought reliance, and attitudes
Authors: Moreno Lorena , Paredes Borja , Horcajo Javier , Briñol Pablo , See Michelle , DeMarree Kenneth G. , Petty Richard E.
Published: July 2023

This research examines how people can defend themselves from the threat associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic by relying more on their recently generated thoughts (unrelated to the threat), thus leading those thoughts to have a greater impact on judgement through a meta‐cognitive process of thought validation. Study 1 revealed that the impact of the favourability of self‐related thoughts on self‐esteem was greater for those feeling relatively more (vs. less) threatened by COVID‐19. Study 2 manipulated (rather than measured) the favourability of thoughts and assessed the perceived COVID‐19 threat. Results also showed that the impact of thoughts on subsequent self‐evaluations was greater for those feeling more threatened by COVID‐19. Study 3 conceptually replicated the results using a full experimental design by manipulating both thought favourability andthe perceived COVID‐19 threat, moving from the self to a social perception paradigm, and providing mediational evidence for the proposed mechanism of compensatory thought validation. A final study addressed some alternative explanations by testing whether the induction of threat used in Study 3 affected perceptions of threat while not having an impact on other features.
‘You are a useful person’: Economic inequality leads people to approach others in an instrumental way
Authors: Cheng Lei , Hao Mingyang , Wang Xijing , Li Zifei , Wang Fang
Published: July 2023

Economic inequality has been shown to increase the social distance between people. However, we proposed that people's affiliation with others in more unequal societies depends on whether the relationship is instrumental to self‐enhancement goals. The results from four experiments (total N = 823) supported our proposition. We found that economic inequality increased people's focus on the instrumental aspects of relationships (Experiment 1). In the workplace, economic inequality prompted people to choose colleagues who were instrumental in achieving their performance goals as partners (Experiment 2). Moreover, the effect could be extended to situations where there is no clear benefit. Specifically, participants in high‐inequality contexts tended to approach social targets of instrumental value more than those in low‐inequality contexts, and the effect was driven by self‐enhancement goals (Experiments 3–4). Taken together, our findings suggest that economic inequality encourages instrumental orientation in social interactions, which changes how people view relationships and interact with others.
In situ electrochemical monitoring of signaling transduction in plants. Implications on phylogenetic aspects of defense response
Authors: Doménech‐Carbó Antonio , Dias Daiane , Prieto‐Mossi Josefa , Montoya Noemí
Published: July 2023

In situ recording of the voltammetric response of leaves of several Asparagales, Caryophyllales, and Saxifragales plants at platinum and graphite microelectrodes is described. These provide information on the temporal evolution of H2O2 production and electroactive defense compounds (salicylic and jasmonic acids) associated with the stress generated by electrode insertion. Comparison of voltammetric data in the absence and presence of ROS generation revealed significant differences in the kinetics of the plant response. Reported data suggest that signaling pathway changes could be associated with the phylogenetic divergence between monocots and eudicots and the subsequent separation of the Caryophyllales from other eudicots.
Evaluation of restricted access media for the purification of cell culture‐derived Orf viruses
Authors: Lothert Keven , Harsy Yasmina M. J. , Endres Patrick , Müller Egbert , Wolff Michael W.
Published: July 2023

Recently, multimodal chromatography using restricted access media (RAM) for the purification of nanoparticles, such as viruses has regained increasing attention. These chromatography resins combine size exclusion on the particle shell and adsorptive interaction within the core. Accordingly, smaller process‐related impurities, for example, DNA and proteins, can be retained, while larger product viruses can pass unhindered. We evaluated a range of currently available RAM, differing in the shells’ pore cut‐off and the core chemistry, for the purification of a cell culture‐derived clarified model virus, namely the Orf virus (ORFV). We examined impurity depletion and product recovery as relevant criteria for the evaluation of column performance, as well as scale‐up robustness and regeneration potential for evaluating a multiple use application. The results indicate that some columns, for example, the Capto Core, enable both a high DNA and protein removal, while others, for example, the Monomix Core 60 (MC60), are more suitable for DNA depletion. Furthermore, column regeneration is facilitated by using columns with larger shell pores (5000 vs. 700 kDa) and weaker binding interactions (anion exchange vs. multimodal). According to these findings, the choice of RAM resins should be selected according to the respective feed sample composition and the planned number of application cycles.
Cadmium exposure induces necroptosis of porcine spleen via ROS‐mediated activation of STAT1/RIPK3 signaling pathway
Authors: Xia Yu , Zhang Yiming , Zhang Jintao , Du Yongzhen , Wang Yixuan , Xu Anqi , Li Shu
Published: July 2023

Cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal, is used in a wide range of applications, such as plastics, electroplating process, electronics, and so forth. Due to its bioaccumulation ability, Cd can contaminate soil, water, air and food. To determine the effect of Cd exposure on the necroptosis in pig spleen and its mechanistic investigation, we constructed a model in pigs by feeding them food containing 20 mg/kg Cd. In this study, we analyzed the effects of Cd exposure on pig spleen through HE staining, Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), Western blot (WB), and principal component analysis (PCA). Results show that Cd exposure can destroy the structure and function of pig spleen, which is closely related to necroptosis. Further results show that Cd exposure can induce necroptosis through ROS‐mediated activation of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1/Receptor‐Interacting Serine/Threonine‐Protein Kinase 3 (STAT1/RIPK3) signaling pathway in pig spleen. Additionally, Cd exposure also can affect the stability of mitochondrial‐associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAMs) structure, which also contributes to the process of necroptosis. Our study provides insights into the physiological toxicity caused by Cd exposure.