bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Light Driven Enzymatic Oxyfunctionalization via Immobilization of Unspecific Peroxygenase
Authors: De Santis Piera , Wegstein Deborah , Burek Bastien O. , Patzsch Jacqueline , Alcalde Miguel , Kroutil Wolfgang , Bloh Jonathan Z. , Kara Selin
Published: June 2023

Unspecific peroxygenases have attracted interest in synthetic chemistry, especially for the oxidative activation of C−H bonds, as they only require hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) instead of a cofactor. Due to their instability in even small amounts of H2O2, different strategies like enzyme immobilization or in situ H2O2 production have been developed to improve the stability of these enzymes. While most strategies have been studied separately, a combination of photocatalysis with immobilized enzymes was only recently reported. To show the advantages and limiting factors of immobilized enzyme in a photobiocatalytic reaction, a comparison is made between free and immobilized enzymes. Adjustment of critical parameters such as (i) enzyme and substrate concentration, (ii) illumination wavelength and (iii) light intensity results in significantly increased enzyme stabilities of the immobilized variant. Moreover, under optimized conditions a turnover number of 334,500 was reached.
Historical fire regimes and contemporary fire effects within sagebrush habitats of Gunnison Sage‐grouse
Authors: Simic Petar Z. , Coop Jonathan D. , Margolis Ellis Q. , Young Jessica R. , Lopez Manuel K.
Published: June 2023

The historical role of fire in sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) landscapes remains poorly understood, yet is important to inform management and conservation of obligate species such as the threatened Gunnison Sage‐grouse (GUSG; Centrocercus minimus). We reconstructed fire histories from tree‐ring fire scars at sagebrush–forest ecotones (10 sites, 111 trees) to better understand the role of fire in sagebrush landscapes of the Upper Gunnison Basin (UGB), Colorado, and how fire may have changed following Euro‐American settlement. We assessed likely influences of historical fire by surveying plant composition and structure at 100 sagebrush sites with and without recent (2001–2020) fires. Tree‐ring fire scars revealed a history of repeated low‐severity fire at sagebrush–forest ecotones until 1892, followed by over a century without fire. Between 1684 and 1892, the mean fire interval (MFI) among sites averaged 49.6 years (ranging from 18.2 to 119 years). Fire over this period occurred synchronously at two or more sites on average every 23.6 years, potentially indicative of spread between sites. Most (70%) of the historical fires burned in the early growing season, consistent with times of strong wind. Recent burns exhibited reductions in sagebrush cover (5% vs. 25% in unburned sites) and concomitant increases in herbaceous cover (55% vs. 40%). These differences declined over time but persisted for at least two decades. Burned sites were dominated by native perennial grasses, forbs, and resprouting shrub species. Historically, such openings may have served as seasonal GUSG habitat. Our results indicate that parts of the UGB sagebrush landscapes were characterized historically by frequent fire and dynamic vegetation mosaics that included open, grassy patches. These findings support the use of prescribed fire to restore and maintain this ecological process and vegetation heterogeneity. However, the contemporary context for fire has changed and now includes substantially reduced, Endangered Species Act (ESA)‐listed GUSG populations, increased risk of non‐native plant invasion, and climate warming. These circumstances highlight new risks, information needs, and opportunities for key knowledge co‐production via management–research partnerships.
Computational (DFT) and Experimental (NMR) Study of the Chelation of an Iridium Hyperpolarization Transfer Catalyst by Amino Acids
Authors: Bouma Mathijs J. , Aspers Ruud L. E. G. , Tessari Marco , Rutjes Floris P. J. T. , Fraser Roan , Feiters Martin C.
Published: June 2023

Non‐hydrogenative Para‐Hydrogen Induced Hyperpolarization (nhPHIP) is a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) hyperpolarization technique which has experimentally been used to analyze complex biological samples containing amino acids using the Ir‐IMes hyperpolarization transfer catalyst. A computational study based on Density Function Theory (DFT) was performed on all relevant stereoisomers of [Ir(H)2(IMes)(AA)(Py)] (with AA=glycine, alanine, valine; Py=pyridine), for which R/S chirality and orientation of the amino acid chelation (C/A) were considered. A total of 30 structures were calculated comprising of 6 stereoisomers for achiral glycine, and 12 stereoisomers for each of the chiral amino acids. The abundances derived from the DFT energies confirmed the trends observed in thermal (non‐hyperpolarized) NMR experiments. Additionally, theoretical calculations of electronic (Wiberg bond indices, Natural Bond Orders, Frontier Orbital Analysis), bond dissociation energies, transition states, and activation energies related to interconversion between binding modes, and steric factors (Solid angle) were performed to provide detailed explanations for NMR experimental observations.
Numerical thermal–hydraulic analysis and multiobjective design optimization of a printed circuit heat exchanger with airfoil overlap fin channels
Authors: Kuo Geng‐Chun , Xie Jun‐Yu , Chueh Chih‐Che
Published: June 2023

In this study, we numerically investigated the performance of a printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) featuring National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 0020 airfoil overlap fins integrated into its straight flow channels. Numerical simulations were performed by solving Navier–Stokes and energy equations to analyze liquid water at temperatures ranging from 30 to 90°C, which is possible for use with a geothermal heating system, for example. The optimization of the PCHE airfoil fin geometry is performed using nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II) with three design features: front, back, and overlap lengths. The effectiveness and pressure drop of the PCHE are evaluated as two objective functions. The present study shows that, when a Reynolds number falls between 1088 and 5000, the overlapping airfoils exhibit lower pressure drops and higher convective heat flux relative to the separate airfoils, and an increase in overlap length always decreases the pressure drop positively. It is also found that using overlapping airfoils of front length of 0.1 mm, back length of 0.119 mm, and overlap length of 0.203 mm leads to almost the same effectiveness and a 22% decrease in pressure drop (which is generally believed to preferably maintain the high heat transfer performance and minimize pressure drop, as a favorable design), compared to a base design of the airfoils with front and back lengths of 0.2 mm and an overlap length of 0.1 mm.
Elucidating facile biosorptive eradication of enrofloxacin: Equilibrium, kinetics, reusability, cost estimation, and safe disposal
Authors: Das Sharma Debasish , Show Sumona , Barman Sanghamitra , Halder Gopinath
Published: June 2023

In the current investigation, superheated steam activated green coconut shell (Cocos nucifera) biochar (PAGCSB) has been used in sorptive expulsion of the pharmaceutical micro‐pollutant enrofloxacin (ENX) from water. Through a number of progressive studies in batch sorption process, the influence of some crucial parameters are evaluated toward efficacious remediation of ENX laden aqueous media by PAGCSB. The parameters studied are: contact time (5–20 h); mixing intensity (100–190 rpm); pH (1–9); initial ENX concentration (5–35 mg/L); temperature (15–40°C); and biosorbent dosage (2–5 g/L). The maximum ENX removal is 91.92% by using ENX initial concentration 20 mg/L; pH 7; temperature 30°C; biosorbent dose 4 g/L; stirring speed 150 rpm; and contact period 16 h. The repeated usability of spent biochar has been assessed and found to be 69.91% even after the fifth cycle. The pseudo‐second order kinetic model provided the best fit to the kinetic data. The Langmuir model showed the finest suit to the isotherm data. Adsorption capacity of the biosorbent was observed to be 2.32 mg/g. The current study on biosorptive riddance of ENX revealed a good level of randomness in the thermodynamic process which is found to be exothermic in nature. A wide‐scale utilization of the developed biosorbent has been well‐substantiated by the cost estimation. Finally, the safe disposal of spent biosorbent has been studied in accordance with the World Health Organization safety guidelines. Hence, superheated steam activated green coconut shell derived biochar could be a cost‐effective and competent sorbent material for ENX eradication from contaminated water.
Determinants of food security status of household in west Gojjam zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Chernet
Published: June 2023

Food security is based on a variety of factors, including how well agricultural production is doing, how much food we import, how many people are employed in the food industry, what public policies are put in place to improve food production strategy and food security of the household. Food is important for human beings so that everyone can have enough of it. A lack of food in the long term can lead to people becoming hungry and starving, which can be dangerous. There are many ways to boost food production and improve self‐sufficiency and food security. One way is to develop small‐scale irrigation schemes. In this study, multistage sampling was used to collect data from 400 sample rural households, and results showed that age, family size, market information, and price of the product are significant at 1% significance level, along with the non‐farm income, and irrigation participation at 5% significance level. It was also found that education is significant at 10% significance level. Governments and relevant parties need to work together to address the issues of food security by disseminating current data on the irrigation industry to boost the agricultural product, enhance irrigation facilities, and provide extension agents with training to increase the level of food security in the country.
Widespread intra‐axonal signal fraction abnormalities in bipolar disorder from multicompartment diffusion MRI: Sensitivity to diagnosis, association with clinical features and pharmacologic treatment
Authors: Canales‐Rodríguez Erick Jorge , Verdolini Norma , Alonso‐Lana Silvia , Torres María Llanos , Panicalli Francesco , Argila‐Plaza Isabel , Rodriguez‐Cano Elena , Montoro Irene , Garcia‐Ruiz Beatriz , Jimenez Esther , Varo Cristina , Lluch Anna , del Mar Bonnin Caterina , Maluf Silvana , Pujol Marc , Guarner Núria Jaurrieta , Sarró Salvador , Vieta Eduard , Vilella Elisabet , Salvador Raymond , Pomarol‐Clotet Edith
Published: June 2023

Despite diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) evidence for widespread fractional anisotropy (FA) reductions in the brain white matter of patients with bipolar disorder, questions remain regarding the specificity and sensitivity of FA abnormalities as opposed to other diffusion metrics in the disorder. We conducted a whole‐brain voxel‐based multicompartment diffusion MRI study on 316 participants (i.e., 158 patients and 158 matched healthy controls) employing four diffusion metrics: the mean diffusivity (MD) and FA estimated from DTI, and the intra‐axonal signal fraction (IASF) and microscopic axonal parallel diffusivity (Dpar) derived from the spherical mean technique. Our findings provide novel evidence about widespread abnormalities in other diffusion metrics in BD. An extensive overlap between the FA and IASF results suggests that the lower FA in patients may be caused by a reduced intra‐axonal volume fraction or a higher macromolecular content in the intra‐axonal water. We also found a diffuse alteration in MD involving white and grey matter tissue and more localised changes in Dpar. A Machine Learning analysis revealed that FA, followed by IASF, were the most helpful metric for the automatic diagnosis of BD patients, reaching an accuracy of 72%. Number of mood episodes, age of onset/duration of illness, psychotic symptoms, and current treatment with lithium, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antiepileptics were all significantly associated with microstructure abnormalities. Lithium treatment was associated with less microstructure abnormality.
Investigating the role of Zibai ointment on apoptosis‐related factors Bcl‐2 and Bax in wound healing after anal fistula surgery
Authors: Cai Er‐Wei , Zhao Cheng , Wang Wei‐Juan , Xu Zhen‐Peng , Lin Feng
Published: June 2023

Objective

In this study, we investigated the impact of Zibai ointment on wound healing by analyzing the expression levels of two key apoptosis‐related factors—B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) and Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax), in patients following surgery for anal fistula.

Methods

We included 90 patients with anal fistulas who were treated in the People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Patients were randomly assigned to receive treatment with Zibai ointment (n = 45) or petroleum jelly (n = 45). The levels of apoptosis‐related factors Bcl‐2 and Bax were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while cell apoptosis was assessed using Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick‐End Labeling (TUNEL) assay.

Results

The results of ELISA showed that on Day 21 after the surgery, the levels of Bcl‐2 and Bax in the Zibai ointment group were significantly different compared to the petroleum jelly group, with values of (60.11 ± 1.31) ng/mL and (7.05 ± 0.01) versus (83.79 ± 1.74) ng/mL and (6.00 ± 0.05) ng/mL, respectively (p < .05). Furthermore, light microscopy revealed a large number of apoptotic cells within the field of vision 14 days postsurgery in the Zibai ointment group, and the healing time in the Zibai ointment group was significantly different from that in the petroleum jelly group (p < .05).

Conclusion

We found that Zibai ointment effectively promoted wound healing in patients following anal fistula surgery, possibly by regulating Bcl‐2 and Bax apoptosis‐related factors.
A phase Ia/Ib study of novel anti‐ErbB3 monoclonal antibody, barecetamab (ISU104) in refractory solid cancers and monotherapy or in combination with cetuximab in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer
Authors: Seo Seyoung , Keam Bhumsuk , Shin Seong Hoon , Chae Yee Soo , Kim Tae Min , Park Lee Chun , Hong Seung‐Beom , Ahn Myung‐Ju , Kim Sung‐Bae
Published: June 2023

We evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity of barecetamab monotherapy and combination cetuximab therapy in patients with advanced solid cancers, especially head and neck cancer (HNC). Part 1 was a 3 + 3 dose‐escalation study in which 15 patients received barecetamab at 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg intravenously (IV) on days 1 and 28 and weekly in patients with advanced solid cancer. Part 2 was a dose‐expansion study including two patient groups with advanced HNC, including six patients receiving barecetamab at 20 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks and 12 patients receiving barecetamab and cetuximab (400 mg/m2 on day 1 followed by 250 mg/m2 every week). No dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed. Maximum serum target engagement was reached with trough levels of doses ≥3 mg/kg IV weekly. Common adverse drug reactions were diarrhea, stomatitis, dermatitis acneiform and decreased appetite. One durable complete response of more than 17 months was observed, and the overall response and disease control rates were 36.4% (4/11) and 81.1% (9/11), respectively, in the combination therapy group. In conclusion, DLT was not observed in barecetamab at 1 to 20 mg/kg. The recommended phase II dose was determined to be 20 mg/kg triweekly. Barecetamab and in cetuximab combination was well tolerated and demonstrated meaningful antitumor effects.
Associations of hepatitis B and C in women aged 15–49 years with neonatal preterm birth in 66 high‐income countries, 1990–2019
Authors: Cao Guiying , Liu Jue , Liu Min
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the associations between hepatitis B and C in women aged 15–49 years and neonatal preterm birth in high‐income countries (HICs).

Methods

This ecological study collected hepatitis B and C prevalence data in women aged 15–49 years and age‐standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) of neonatal preterm birth in HICs in 1990–2019 from the Global Burden of Disease study. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) in hepatitis B and C prevalence and ASIRs of neonatal preterm birth were calculated to quantify their temporal trends. Pearson correlation tests and generalized additive mixed models were used to estimate the associations between hepatitis B and C prevalence and ASIR of neonatal preterm birth.

Results

Among women aged 15–49 years in HICs, hepatitis B prevalence increased only in the Northern Mariana Islands (EAPC, 0.16 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.05–0.27]) and the United Kingdom (EAPC, 0.08 [95% CI, 0.04–0.12]) and hepatitis C prevalence increased in more than 20% of HICs in 1990–2019, with the largest increase in Belgium (EAPC, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.65–1.35]). Nearly 80% of HICs showed an increasing trend in ASIR of neonatal preterm birth in 1990–2019, with the largest increase in Greece (EAPC, 3.91 [95% CI, 3.65–4.18]). A positive association between hepatitis C prevalence in women aged 15–49 years and ASIR of neonatal preterm birth was observed in Pearson correlation tests and generalized additive mixed models (P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusion

ASIR of neonatal preterm birth was associated with hepatitis C prevalence in women aged 15–49 years in HICs. Universal screening for hepatitis C virus is recommended at least once for women of reproductive age and during each pregnancy.
Track and field training information acquisition and feedback of the based wireless medical sensor network
Authors: Wu Jinsong , Wen Pengfei
Published: June 2023

The real‐time embedded system is a computer‐based special‐purpose intelligent computer system that meets the strict requirements of the application system for power consumption. With the development of the Internet era, people are increasingly using the Internet to obtain relevant information, while traditional data collection mainly relies on manual operations. Therefore, the collection, storage and transmission of track and field training information based on existing equipment and databases has become a research hotspot. Based on wireless medical sensor network, this paper proposes an efficient track and field training information collection and feedback system communication protocol for real‐time transmission of various data of track and field athletes, and a real‐time embedded system for data collection and storage. Through research and analysis, it is found that the collection and feedback of track and field training information based on wireless medical sensor network can improve the accuracy of collection by 8.625. This shows that the collection and feedback of sports training information based on wireless medical sensor network is feasible.
Myricitrin promotes osteogenesis and prevents ovariectomy bone mass loss via the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway
Authors: Li Jianliang , Mai Jiale , Zhang Meng , Ma Yanhuai , He Qi , Gong Dawei , Xiao Jiacong , Li Miao , Chen Weijian , Li Zhen , Chen Shuai , Pan Zhaofeng , Li Shaocong , Wang Haibin
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to explore the effect of myricitrin on osteoblast differentiation in mice immortalised bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (imBMSCs). Additionally, ovariectomy (OVX) mice were employed to examine the effect of myricitrin on bone trabecular loss in vivo. The effect of myricitrin on the proliferation of imBMSCs was evaluated using a cell counting kit‐8 assay. Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase staining were performed to elucidate osteogenesis. Furthermore, qRT‐PCR and western blot determined the expression of osteo‐specific genes and proteins. To screen for candidate targets, mRNA transcriptome genes were sequenced using bioinformatics analyses. Western blot and molecular docking analysis were used to examine target signalling markers. Moreover, rescue experiments were used to confirm the effect of myricitrin on the osteogenic differentiation of imBMSCs. OVX mice were also used to estimate the delay capability of myricitrin on bone trabecular loss in vivo using western blot, micro‐CT, tartaric acid phosphatase (Trap) staining, haematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining and immunochemistry. In vitro, myricitrin significantly enhanced osteo‐specific genes and protein expression and calcium deposition. Moreover, mRNA transcriptome gene sequencing and molecular docking analysis revealed that this enhancement was accompanied by an upregulation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Furthermore, copanlisib, a PI3K inhibitor, partially reversed the osteogenesis promotion induced by myricitrin. In vivo, western blot, micro‐CT, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining, Trap staining and immunochemistry revealed that bone trabecular loss rate was significantly alleviated in the myricitrin low‐ and high‐dose groups, with an increased expression of osteopontin, osteoprotegerin, p‐PI3K and p‐AKT compared to the OVX group. Myricitrin enhances imBMSC osteoblast differentiation and attenuate bone mass loss partly through the upregulation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Thus, myricitrin has therapeutic potential as an antiosteoporosis drug.
Optimization of food‐to‐microorganism ratio and addition of Tween 80 to enhance biohythane production via two‐stage anaerobic digestion of food waste
Authors: Chen Guanyi , Li Hongji , Song Yingjin , Mu Lan , Pei Legeng , Zhou Teng , Qing Zongting , Zeng Yamei
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Food waste (FW) is easily acidified to produce acid inhibition, which limits the treatment efficiency of anaerobic digestion (AD). To improve the AD efficiency of FW, two‐stage anaerobic digestion (TSAD) technique was used to test the effect of food‐to‐microorganism (F/M) ratio on hydrogen production and the effect of Tween 80 addition on methane production. Changes in volatile fatty acids during FW TSAD were analyzed. Furthermore, the energy recovery of different TSAD conditions was compared.

RESULTS

Under the condition of F/M = 10, hydrogen production of FW was the highest (102.79 mL g−1 volatile solids (VS)). In the methanogenesis stage of FW, the methane production of different conditions was 351.97–407.11 mL g−1 VS. Kinetic analysis showed that the hydrogen production could be increased by appropriately increasing the F/M ratios, and the time required to reach 90% methane production (t90) in the methanogenesis stage could be shortened by adding Tween 80. Analysis of energy recovery showed that the energy yield of TSAD was 13.01–15.68 kJ g−1 VS, and the average daily energy recovery of hydrogen production stage F/M = 10, methane production stage with 0.1% Tween 80 (A‐10 and M‐10 T) were the highest at t90, which was 9.23 and 4.60 kJ d−1.

CONCLUSION

F/M ratio affects hydrogen production, and a suitable F/M ratio can improve the hydrogen production of the TSAD of FW. The addition of Tween 80 can shorten the t90 of the methanogenesis stage. Analysis of energy recovery calculation showed that A‐10 + M‐10 T was more economically rational for TSAD. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Diamine functionalized volcanic tuff: a promising CO2 adsorbent
Authors: Güzel Kaya Gülcihan
Published: June 2023

Background

Greenhouse gases, especially CO2, are primary factors for global warming and CO2 emissions continue to increase annually. Many legislations and agreements have been made to decrease, or at least stabilize, CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. Moreover, promising CO2 capture technologies, such as adsorption using solid sorbents, have been developed and shown high CO2 adsorption capacity.

Results

Volcanic tuff, a natural pozzolanic material, was evaluated as a solid CO2 adsorbent in this study. Following pre‐treatment of the volcanic tuff with HCl solution, CO2 adsorption experiments were conducted by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Diamine functionalization of the volcanic tuff was carried out using amine based compounds with different chain lengths, including ethylenediamine, 1,4‐diaminobutane and 1,6‐diaminohexane. The CO2 adsorption capacity of the volcanic tuff was significantly enhanced in the presence of 1,6‐diaminohexane. Maximum CO2 adsorption capacity was determined to be 42.94 mg g−1 with 70 wt% 1,6‐diaminohexane loading. The CO2 adsorption capacity of the 1,6‐diaminohexane functionalized volcanic tuff decreased with increasing temperature, which was an indication of exothermic adsorption. Adsorption–desorption cycles revealed that the 1,6‐diaminohexane functionalized volcanic tuff was a reusable CO2 adsorbent with high stability.

Conclusion

The results show that the low cost, eco‐friendly, and highly stable diamine functionalized volcanic tuff can be considered a promising adsorbent for CO2 capture. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Lived experiences of undergoing regular tumor screening in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia types 1 and 2 (MEN1/MEN2)
Authors: Klein Haneveld Mirthe Jasmijn , Valk Gerlof Dirk , van Leeuwaarde Rachel Sara
Published: June 2023

Targeted screening programs for individuals with an increased risk for cancer have become increasingly available. Patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), rare genetic conditions associated with the development of tumors in the endocrine glands, undergo intensive surveillance from an early age. Quantitative research has shown that patients with MEN experience fear of disease occurrence in themselves and their family members. However, little is known about the role that intensive, lifelong screening plays in the lives of individuals. This study investigates the lived experiences of patients with MEN undergoing regular tumor screening through an interpretative phenomenological analysis of interviews with 12 patients with MEN1, MEN2A, or MEN2B syndrome. Four experiential group themes are identified: coming to the foreground/fading into the background, relating to uncertainty, experiencing control, and familial context. Screening is characterized as an ambiguous experience that brings MEN to the foreground and may both exacerbate MEN‐related uncertainty as well as provide a sense of control over the disease. The experience of undergoing screening is strongly influenced by the familial context, as participants care for and are cared for by family members and understand their disease through familial experiences. Good care according to patients with MEN includes providing family‐centered care, addressing the impact on daily functioning and the meaning of illness, support in the interpretation of physical complaints, facilitation of patient experiences of control, and careful attunement to patient needs within a good doctor–patient relationship.
Antibacterial diarrhea effect and action mechanism of Portulaca oleracea L. water extract based on the regulation of gut microbiota and fecal metabolism
Authors: He Yanfei , Xu Guangpei , Jiang Ping , She Deyong , Huang Lin , Chen Cunwu
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Portulaca oleracea has served as food and folk medicine in many parts of the world for thousands of years. Portulaca oleracea extract (POE) was prepared from fresh plants. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial diarrhea effect and explore the possible mechanism.

RESULTS

POE was effective in reducing diarrhea rate, improving intestinal tissue, and reducing cytokines concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12 p40 and TNF‐α in blood. Besides, the result of histological observation showed that the mucus layer thickness and crypt length in the POE‐treated group was higher than that in the model group. The POE could significantly upregulate the protein expression of MUC2, occludin and ZO‐1. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that Parabacteroides, Clostridium and Muribaculaceae may be the key functional microflora of POE. The non‐targeted metabolomics also suggested that the antibacterial diarrheal effects of P. oleracea may be attributed to the regulation of amino acid metabolism and composition of the gut microbiota.

CONCLUSION

Portulaca oleracea has definite clinical efficacy against bacterial diarrhea and anti‐inflammatory effects. Its regulation of gut microbiota and fecal metabolism may account for its antibacterial diarrhea and anti‐inflammatory effects. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultra‐High‐Order Laguerre–Gaussian Field Generated Directly From a Laser Cavity with Spherical Aberration
Authors: Sheng Quan , Wang Aihua , Geng Jingni , Fu Shijie , Ma Yuanyuan , Shi Wei , Yao Jianquan , Omatsu Takashige , Spence David
Published: June 2023

Pursuing higher topological charge—larger angular indices m of high‐order Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beams—is not only important for frontier applications like optical/quantum communication, optical tweezers, and super‐resolution imaging, but also involves a novel laser cavity and beam dynamics. Active methods to directly generate high‐order‐mode vortex beams from a laser cavity have excellent power handling and conversion efficiency, but struggle to achieve hundred‐level ultra‐high‐order LG modes. Here, the generation of ultra‐high‐order LG beams with m beyond 300 is demonstrated, utilizing the spherical aberration of a lens in the cavity of a simple end‐pumped Nd:YVO4 laser at 1064 nm. LG0,±m modes with m up to 317, selectable across a large range, are generated. With a simple model, how the mode selection relates to the cavity parameters is explained, and it is predicted that even higher order mode output can be expected by appropriate management of the elements’ aperture and laser gain. The approach provides a simple and flexible method to convert a wide range of lasers to generate ultra‐high‐order LG modes.
Self‐Assembled Amino Acid Microstructures as Biocompatible Physically Unclonable Functions (BPUFs) for Authentication of Therapeutically Relevant Hydrogels
Authors: Akavaram Vishwas , Kumar Kush , Sriram Shreya , Narra Saisrinath , Kumawat Akshant , Meena Santosh Kumar , Pushpavanam Karthik
Published: June 2023

Counterfeited biomedical products result in significant economic losses and pose a public health hazard for over a million people yearly. Hydrogels, a class of biomedical products, are being investigated as alternatives to conventional biomedical products and are equally susceptible to counterfeiting. Here, a biocompatible, physically unclonable function (BPUF) to verify the authenticity of therapeutically relevant hydrogels are developed. The principle of BPUF relies on the self‐assembly of tyrosine into fibril‐like structures which are incorporated into therapeutically relevant hydrogels resulting in their random dispersion. This unclonable arrangement leads to distinctive optical micrographs captured using an optical microscope. These optical micrographs are transformed into a unique security code through cryptographic techniques which are then used to authenticate the hydrogel. The temporal stability of the BPUFs are demonstrated and additionally, exploit the dissolution propensity of the structures upon exposure to an adulterant to identify the tampering of the hydrogel. Finally, a platform to demonstrate the translational potential of this technology in validating and detecting tampering of therapeutically relevant hydrogels is developed. The potential of BPUFs to combat hydrogel counterfeiting is exemplified by its simplicity in production, ease of use, biocompatibility, and cost‐effectiveness.
Aminosilane Functionalized Aligned Fiber PCL Scaffolds for Peripheral Nerve Repair
Authors: Taylor Caroline S. , Barnes Joseph , Prasad Koduri Manohar , Haq Shamsal , Gregory David A. , Roy Ipsita , D'Sa Raechelle A. , Curran Judith , Haycock John W.
Published: June 2023

Silane modification is a simple and cost‐effective tool to modify existing biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. Aminosilane layer deposition has previously been shown to control NG108‐15 neuronal cell and primary Schwann cell adhesion and differentiation by controlling deposition of ─NH2 groups at the submicron scale across the entirety of a surface by varying silane chain length. This is the first study toreport depositing 11‐aminoundecyltriethoxysilane (CL11) onto aligned Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration. Fibers are manufactured via electrospinning and characterized using water contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Confirmed modified fibers are investigated using in vitro cell culture of NG108‐15 neuronal cells and primary Schwann cells to determine cell viability, cell differentiation, and phenotype. CL11‐modified fibers significantly support NG108‐15 neuronal cell and Schwann cell viability. NG108‐15 neuronal cell differentiation maintains Schwann cell phenotype compared to unmodified PCL fiber scaffolds. 3D ex vivo culture of Dorsal root ganglion explants (DRGs) confirms further Schwann cell migration and longer neurite outgrowth from DRG explants cultured on CL11 fiber scaffolds compared to unmodified scaffolds. Thus, a reproducible and cost‐effective tool is reported to modify biomaterials with functional amine groups that can significantly improve nerve guidance devices and enhance nerve regeneration.
Criterion of Bari basis property for 2 × 2 Dirac‐type operators with strictly regular boundary conditions
Authors: Lunyov Anton A.
Published: June 2023

The paper is concerned with the Bari basis property of a boundary value problem associated in with the following 2 × 2 Dirac‐type equation for :
with a potential matrix and subject to the strictly regular boundary conditions . If , this equation is equivalent to one‐dimensional Dirac equation. We show that the normalized system of root vectors of the operator is a Bari basis in if and only if the unperturbed operator is self‐adjoint. We also give explicit conditions for this in terms of coefficients in the boundary conditions. The Bari basis criterion is a consequence of our more general result: Let , , boundary conditions be strictly regular, and let be the sequence biorthogonal to the normalized system of root vectors of the operator . Then,

These abstract results are applied to noncanonical initial‐boundary value problem for a damped string equation.
Factorization in Fourier restriction theory and near extremizers
Authors: Buschenhenke Stefan
Published: June 2023

In Fourier restriction theory, abstract so‐called Maurey–Nikishin–Pisier factorization has often been used as a convenient off‐the‐shelf means to prove certain factorizations of the Fourier restriction operator. We give an alternative approach to such factorizations in Fourier restriction theory. Based on an induction‐on‐scales argument, our comparably simple method applies to any compact quadratic surface, in particular compact parts of the paraboloid and the hyperbolic paraboloid. This is achieved by constructing near extremizers with big “mass,” which itself might be of interest.
Stability related to the Lp$L_p$ Busemann–Petty problem
Authors: Li Tian , Zhu Baocheng
Published: June 2023

The Busemann–Petty problem for asks: does imply for origin‐symmetric convex bodies K and L? Here, is the volume of K and the operator is the intersection body of K. In this paper, we study the linear stability and separation results related to the Busemann–Petty problem. A typical result we obtained is: for small enough, if K is an intersection body and L is a star body such that for any , the following inequality:
implies
where is the Minkowski functional of , and C is a positive number depending only on p and n. Moreover, we also prove the linear stability and separation results for the negative answer of the Busemann–Petty problem.
Asking your phone or a frontline employee? The influence of in‐store information source on choice overload, responsibility, and confidence among young consumers
Authors: Schaefers Tobias , Kessenbrock Andreas , Cziehso Gerrit , Kukar‐Kinney Monika
Published: June 2023

Consumers frequently use mobile phones in a store to search for external information as an alternative to consulting with frontline employees. Mobile phone usage is especially prevalent among young consumers. Drawing on qualitative study results and existing literature, we conceptualize the effects of different in‐store information sources on choice overload, responsibility, and confidence among young consumers, as well as the moderating role of product category knowledge. A field experiment suggests that when knowledge is low, consulting with frontline employees (vs. mobile phone) leads to lower choice overload and, consequently, increases choice confidence. When knowledge is high, these beneficial effects are attenuated. At the same time, young consumers perceive greater choice responsibility when their phone is the information source; however, this does not influence choice confidence. This work contributes to extant literature by extending the knowledge of customer experience at the point of sale, the role of technology usage in in‐store retailing, and the role of frontline employees as an information source. It also provides managerial implications for retailers by highlighting the importance of providing an opportunity for an in‐person frontline employee interaction especially when customers have low product category knowledge.
Photoresponsive Spiropyran and DEGMA‐Based Copolymers with Photo‐Switchable Glass Transition Temperatures
Authors: Pruthi Vaishali , Akae Yosuke , Théato Patrick
Published: June 2023

Herein, novel photoresponsive spiropyran (SP)‐based P(DEGMA‐co‐SpMA) copolymers with variable percentages of SP fractions are synthesized. The SP group present in these polymers exhibited the abilities of reversible photoisomerism. Their photoresponsive, structural, and thermal properties have been investigated and compared using various characterization techniques. These light‐responsive copolymers are found to exhibit photoswitchable glass transition temperature (Tg), high thermal stability (Td > 250°C), instant photochromism as well as fluorescence upon exposure to UV light. It is demonstrated that the Tg of these synthesized polymers increased when irradiated with UV light (λ = 365 nm), as a consequence of the photoisomerization of incorporated SP groups into their merocyanine form. This increase in Tg is attributed to an increase in polarity and a decrease in the overall entropy of the polymeric system when it switches from the ring‐closed SP form (less‐ordered state) to the ring‐opened merocyanine form (more‐ordered state). Therefore, such polymers with a unique feature of phototunable glass transition temperatures provide the possibility to be integrated into functional materials for various photoresponsive applications.
Iron homeostasis imbalance and ferroptosis in brain diseases
Authors: Long Haining , Zhu Wangshu , Wei Liming , Zhao Jungong
Published: June 2023

Brain iron homeostasis is maintained through the normal function of blood–brain barrier and iron regulation at the systemic and cellular levels, which is fundamental to normal brain function. Excess iron can catalyze the generation of free radicals through Fenton reactions due to its dual redox state, thus causing oxidative stress. Numerous evidence has indicated brain diseases, especially stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, are closely related to the mechanism of iron homeostasis imbalance in the brain. For one thing, brain diseases promote brain iron accumulation. For another, iron accumulation amplifies damage to the nervous system and exacerbates patients’ outcomes. In addition, iron accumulation triggers ferroptosis, a newly discovered iron‐dependent type of programmed cell death, which is closely related to neurodegeneration and has received wide attention in recent years. In this context, we outline the mechanism of a normal brain iron metabolism and focus on the current mechanism of the iron homeostasis imbalance in stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Meanwhile, we also discuss the mechanism of ferroptosis and simultaneously enumerate the newly discovered drugs for iron chelators and ferroptosis inhibitors.
Nowcast for cloud top height from Himawari‐8 data based on deep learning algorithms
Authors: Yu Zhuofu , Tan Zhonghui , Ma Shuo , Yan Wei
Published: June 2023

Cloud top height (CTH) indicates the vertical development of clouds. Intensely vertically developing clouds are usually accompanied by extreme weather systems and pose a threat to aviation safety. Therefore, nowcast for CTH is necessary and meaningful to guide aviation flights. In this study, we researched the nowcast for CTH (mainly within 0–2 h) based on deep learning algorithms. With Sichuan Province as the study area, we collected CTH data of Himawari‐8 satellite from 2018 to 2020. Convolutional‐long‐short‐term‐memory (ConvLSTM) and trajectory‐gated‐recurrent‐unit (TrajGRU) were used to build nowcast models in the encoder‐forecaster framework. The optical flow model and persistence were used as benchmarks. The results showed that the deep learning models did not have significant advantages over the benchmarks in the first 20 min. However, with increasing nowcast time, the nowcast skills of the deep learning models were gradually exhibited. For all four seasons, the TrajGRU‐based model showed superior performance over the ConvLSTM‐based model and the benchmarks. In spring, autumn and winter, the results yielded by the ConvLSTM‐based model were second only to those of the TrajGRU‐based model. However, in summer, the ConvLSTM‐based model did not outperform the persistence. The results of the optical flow model worsened significantly with increasing nowcast time. In contrast to the persistence, the optical flow model had almost no nowcast skills after 40 min.
The secretory Candida effector Sce1 licenses fungal virulence by masking the immunogenic β‐1,3‐glucan and promoting apoptosis of the host cells
Authors: Wu Hongyu , Wang Li , Wang Wenjuan , Shao Zhugui , Jia Xin‐Ming , Xiao Hui , Chen Jiangye
Published: June 2023

Candida albicans deploys a variety of mechanisms such as morphological switch and elicitor release to promote virulence. However, the intricate interactions between the fungus and the host remain poorly understood, and a comprehensive inventory of fungal virulence factors has yet to be established. In this study, we identified a C. albicans secretory effector protein Sce1, whose induction and secretion are associated with vagina‐simulative conditions and chlamydospore formation. Sequence alignment showed that Sce1 belongs to a Pir family in C. albicans, which is conserved across several fungi and primarily characterized as a β‐glucan binding protein in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mechanically, Sce1 is primarily localized to the cell wall in a cleaved form as an alkali‐labile β‐1,3‐glucan binding protein and plays a role in masking β‐glucan in acidic environments and chlamydospores, a feature that might underline C. albicans' ability to evade host immunity. Further, a cleaved short form of Sce1 protein could be released into extracellular compartments and presented in bone marrow‐derived macrophages infected with chlamydospores. This cleaved short form of Sce1 also demonstrated a unique ability to trigger the caspases‐8/9‐dependent apoptosis in various host cells. Correspondingly, genetic deletion of SCE1 led to dampened vaginal colonization of C. albicans and diminished fungal virulence during systemic infection. The discovery of Sce1 as a versatile virulence effector that executes at various compartments sheds light on the fungus–host interactions and C. albicans pathogenesis.
A bacterial symbiont in the gill of the marine scallop Argopecten irradians irradians metabolizes dimethylsulfoniopropionate
Authors: Shu Yi , Wang Yongming , Wei Zhongcheng , Gao Ning , Wang Shuyan , Li Chun‐Yang , Xing Qiang , Hu Xiaoli , Zhang Xiao‐Hua , Zhang Yu‐Zhong , Zhang Weipeng , Bao Zhenmin , Ding Wei
Published: June 2023

Microbial lysis of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is a key step in marine organic sulfur cycling and has been recently demonstrated to play an important role in mediating interactions between bacteria, algae, and zooplankton. To date, microbes that have been found to lyse DMSP are largely confined to free‐living and surface‐attached bacteria. In this study, we report for the first time that a symbiont (termed “Rhodobiaceae bacterium HWgs001”) in the gill of the marine scallop Argopecten irradians irradians can lyse and metabolize DMSP. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that HWgs001 accounted for up to 93% of the gill microbiota. Microscopic observations suggested that HWgs001 lived within the gill tissue. Unlike symbionts of other bivalves, HWgs001 belongs to Alphaproteobacteria rather than Gammaproteobacteria, and no genes for carbon fixation were identified in its small genome. Moreover, HWgs001 was found to possess a dddP gene, responsible for the lysis of DMSP to acrylate. The enzymatic activity of dddP was confirmed using the heterologous expression, and in situ transcription of the gene in scallop gill tissues was demonstrated using reverse‐transcription PCR. Together, these results revealed a taxonomically and functionally unique symbiont, which represents the first‐documented DMSP‐metabolizing symbiont likely to play significant roles in coastal marine ecosystems.
Results on the existence and approximate controllability of neutral‐type delay integro‐differential system with noninstantaneous impulse
Authors: Yadav Vandana , Vats Ramesh Kumar , Kumar Ankit , Jeet Kamal
Published: June 2023

This manuscript aims to establish a new set of sufficient conditions for the existence and approximate controllability of a neutral‐type fractional integro‐differential system employed with noninstantaneous impulse and finite delay in Hilbert space. In order to bring off the main results, the author used fractional calculus, semigroup theory, and Schauder's fixed‐point theorem. At the end, we provide an example to illustrate the main results.
Sertindole inhibits autophagic flux and glioma progression
Authors: Liu Baiyang , Shi Yulin , Qin Bo , Cheng Dating , Nie Zhi , Zhai Haoqing , Li Yao , Jin Zhixian , Pu Jun , Yan Dongming , Chen Yongbin , Yang Cuiping
Published: June 2023

Gliomas, the most lethal brain tumors, often exhibit resistance to conventional chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. This study reveals that sertindole, a potent dopamine D2 receptor antagonist primarily designed as an antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia, effectively inhibits glioma progression. Our findings demonstrate that sertindole suppresses the proliferation of U251 and U87 tumor cells, impedes cell cycle progression in vitro, and curtails xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, we present compelling evidence demonstrating the ability of sertindole to enhance the cellular response to the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, our findings reveal that sertindole effectively suppresses the self‐renewal capacity and expression of stemness‐associated genes, such as Nanog and Sox2, in glioma tumor cells and glioma stem cells. A mechanistic investigation demonstrated that sertindole enhances the formation of autophagosome–lysosome complexes while concurrently impeding autophagic flux through the inhibition of lysosomal hydrolytic enzymes CTSD and CTSB, ultimately resulting in decreased growth of tumor cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that sertindole has the potential to develop into a potent antiglioma therapeutic agent.