bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic reaction design of enzymic biotransformations in organic media: equilibrium‐controlled synthesis of antibiotics by penicillin G acylase
Authors: Fernandez‐Lafuente R. , CM Rosell , JM Guisan
Published: October 2023

Parameters relevant to the thermodynamically controlled synthesis of cephalothin utilizing highly active stabilized penicillin G acylase derivatives were studied. These included solubility/stability of substrates, enzyme derivative activity/stability, reaction course and synthetic yields. These parameters were altered by varying the pH, dimethylformamide concentration and temperature. Simultaneous optimization of the selected parameters could not be achieved with a single set of conditions. However, continuous adjustment of conditions throughout the reaction course allowed each parameter to be optimized (dynamic reaction design). This strategy works by optimizing those parameters that are critical to the overall reaction at a given point, whilst leaving others sub‐optimal when their contribution to the total is minimal. This strategy has achieved a 90% transformation of antibiotic nucleus to cephalothin at a final concentration of 20 g/l, high enzyme and reactant stability, with a reaction period of 3 h (using 1 ml of derivative/40 ml of reaction solution).
Expression and purification of recombinant toxicshock‐syndrome toxin I
Authors: JL Wahlsten , Ramakrishnan S.
Published: October 2023

Toxic‐shock‐syndrome toxin I (TSSTI), an exotoxin produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus, has been closely associated with the pathogenesis of toxic shock syndrome. Outside the context of its staphylococcal host, TSSTI may offer therapeutic uses. We report here a strategy for high‐level expression and simplified purification of TSSTI. We have subcloned the coding region for TSSTI into a vector containing an inducible T7 promoter sequence and expressed the protein in an Escherichia coli host strain. The recombinant TSSTI protein contained ten sequential histidine residues (Histag) at its N‐terminus, which enabled its efficient purification using nickel‐agarose‐affinity resin. Histag‐TSSTI (H‐TSSTI) was further purified to homogeneity using a size‐exclusion column. By this system, 80 mg of highly purified H‐TSSTI can be consistently obtained per litre of culture in under 3 days. H‐TSSTI retained biological activity and was unaffected by the presence of the Histag, as measured in lymphocyte proliferation assays.
Microbialbasis for the biotechnological removal of nitrogen oxides from fluegases
Authors: Stepanov Aleksey L. , Korpela Timo K.
Published: October 2023

This Review summarizes recent advances in the physiology and microbial biodiversity related to the removal of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from gaseous pollutants. A brief overview is given of recent chemical technologies and the biotechnological potential for removal of NOx from flue gases: microbiological processes related to NOx removal [aerobic denitri‐fication, hydrogen‐stimulated and thermophilic denitrification; anaerobic oxidation of ammonium (NH4+), combined nitrificationŐdenitrification processes]; metabolism of nitric oxide by denitrifiers and other micro‐organisms; reaction of nitric oxide in higher temperature; combination of nitrogen and sulphur removal processes. This Review is addressed to biotechnologists, biochemists, microbiologists and physiologists.
Chemical modification of a‐mannosidase from Aspergillus sp
Authors: Gaikwad Sushama M. , IslamKhan M. , Keskar Sulbha S.
Published: October 2023

Chemical modification of a‐mannosidase from Aspergillus sp. revealed the presence of histidine and tryptophan residues at or near the active site. The enzyme was inactivated by diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) and N‐bromosuccinimide, with a corresponding increase in absorbance at 240 nm and decrease in absorbance at 280 nm respectively. The substrate p‐nitrophenyl a‐D‐mannoside protected the enzyme against inactivation by the above reagents, and the DEPC‐inactivated enzyme was re‐activated by hydroxylamine, thus confirming the above results.
Development of a low‐cost, industrially suitable medium for the production ofacetic acid from Clostridium thermoaceticum
Authors: Bock Steven A. , Fox Susan L. , Gibbons William R.
Published: October 2023

To develop a low‐cost, industrially suitable medium for acetic acid production from Clostridium thermo‐aceticum, two waste by‐products of corn ethanol production were evaluated as replacements for the most expensive ingredients in modified Ljungdahl's medium (MLM). Condensed corn solubles (CCS; 66.7 g/l dry matter) resulted in an acetate productivity (0.33 g/h per litre) equivalent to that in MLM during fed‐batch fermentation. Yields in CCS medium were often above the theoretical maximum owing to an unquantifiable substrate in the CCS. Although acetate concentrations in MLM were somewhat higher (35 g/l) than in CCS medium (32 g/l) it seems possible that further acclimation of the microbe could improve acetate production. CCS medium costs of $163/ton (1 U.S. ton = 907 kg) of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) produced compare favourably with that of MLM ($6973/ton of CMA produced).
Polysaccharidecomponents of the water‐soluble mucilage from the bark of thesilk cotton or kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra var. indica)
Authors: S. Raju T.
Published: October 2023

The mucilaginous polysaccharide complex isolated from the bark of the silk cotton or kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra var. indica) upon delignification followed by graded Cetavlon and ethanol precipitation afforded acidic and neutral polysaccharide fractions which were further purified by ion‐exchange chromatography. The acidic fractions contained two structurally similar glucuronorhamnogalacturonans with different physical properties [Raju, Gowda and Anjaneyalu (1989) Carbohydr. Res. 191, 321Ő332]. The neutral polysaccharide fraction was further fractionated by DMSO into DMSO‐soluble and DMSO‐insoluble fractions. The DMSO‐soluble fraction contained L‐arabinose and D‐galactose in a molar ratio of about 2:1, and the DMSO‐insoluble fraction contained D‐glucose and traces of D‐xylose, indicating that the water‐soluble mucilage of C. pentandra is composed of at least four different polysaccharide components: two structurally similar glucuronorhamnogalacturonans, an arabinogalactan and a xylo‐glucan.
A new method of synthesizing biopolymeric affinity ligands
Authors: Chaga Grigoriy S. , Guzman Roberto , Porath Jerker O.
Published: October 2023

(1) A new concept for producing soluble polymeric affinity ligands is proposed and exemplified. By solid‐phase synthesis, an insoluble hydrophilic polymer is converted into an affinity gel. The gel is hydrolytically degraded to water‐soluble affinity polymeric ligands which are recovered and purified. (2) A water‐soluble biopolymeric metal‐affinity carrier based on an iminodiacetic acid (IDA) derivative of dextran has been synthesized through the modification of Sephadex G‐200 by IDA, followed by hydrolysis with dextranase and size‐exclusion‐chromatographic purification of the high‐molecular‐mass fragments. (3) The molecular size of the soluble products as a function of hydrolysis time with dextranase from Penicillium sp. was determined. The range of molecular size of the biopolymeric chelating ligand varies from around 200 Da to greater than 580 kDa. (4) The influence of three metal ions chelated with the Sephadex derivative on the hydrolysis rate and the molecular‐size distribution of end products was studied. Eu3 + was found to improve the rate of solubilization. Ni2 + and Cu2 + decreased the hydrolysis rate, as compared with that of the metal‐free IDAŐSephadex. (5) The method introduced here has the potential of being developed and applied as a general technology for synthesis of soluble multifunctional affinity ligands. Such ligands should be useful for liquid‐phase extraction as well as for the synthesis of adsorbents with localized multiple binding sites. Other possible fields of applications are to be found in medicine, where they could be used for slow drug delivery or detoxification, and in analytical chemistry, where they could be used in various assays.
An efficient cost‐effective protocol for automated fluorescent‐DNA sequencing
Authors: Beg Obaid U. , Holt Robert G.
Published: October 2023

A simple and cost‐effective method is described to sequence double‐stranded DNA (< 100 ng) using a very small amount of fluorescent sequencing mix (one‐tenth of manufacturer‐recommended amount). The modification has significant advantages over conventional protocols and can be used to sequence, using a single sequencing kit, at least ten times the number of samples. This modified method also removes the post‐reaction cleaning protocol and can be used for direct loading of samples on gels after completion of sequencing reactions. The accuracy of DNA sequencing data from analysis of 700 to 750 nucleotides is greater than 98.5′.
Activity and stability of a Rhizomucor miehei lipase in hydrophobic media
Authors: Dellamora‐Ortiz Gisela M. , Martins Renata C. , Rocha Willian L. , Dias Andréa P.
Published: October 2023

The effects of detergents and organic solvents on a commercial lipase (Lipozyme) from Rhizomucor miehei were investigated. It was shown that the detergent sodium cholate is possibly an activator of the enzyme, increasing lipase activity 2.5 times (250% of the control) when the enzyme was preincubated with 7 mM cholate. Lipozyme activity was over twice as high (230% of the control) in the presence of 80 mM Tween 80 or 90 mM Tween 20 (polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate), apparently through an additional emulsifying action on the substrate. Preincubation with Tween 80 (polyoxyethyl‐enesorbitan mono‐oleate) did not affect enzyme activity. In contrast, lipase activity was completely inhibited in the presence of an 8.9 mM concentration of another non‐ionic detergent, Brij 58, whereas with a 16.4 mM concentration of the cationic detergent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), enzyme activity was reduced by 80′. Preincubation of Lipozyme with the same concentrations of Brij 58 [poly(oxyethylene)20 cetyl ether] and CTAB promoted total inactivation of the enzyme. Organic solvents had different effects on lipase activity and stability. Of the tested solvents, hexane was least deleterious to lipase activity and did not alter enzyme stability on preincubation. These results suggest that Lipozyme can be used in esterification reactions with hexane as solvent or in hydrolysis reactions with Tween 20 or Tween 80 as emulsifying agents, after pretreatment with sodium cholate.
Assessment of dental students' ability to recognise precancerous lesions and conditions
Authors: Seoane J. , Varela‐Centelles P. I. , Gonzalez‐Reforma N. , Aguado A. , Esparza G.
Published: October 2023

The role of dentists in both primary (promoting a healthier lifestyle) and secondary (early diagnosis) prevention of oral cancer is undeniable, and becomes particularly important as oral cancer is thought to be preceded by premalignant lesions or conditions in about one half of the cases. In these situations, there is the possibility for an early diagnosis which will definitively influence the survival rate. Thus, it is an undergraduate educational objective related to secondary prevention of oral cancer to increase the efficacy of screening of precancerous lesions/conditions. A questionnaire with 38 clinical cases including 16 benign lesions, 9 malignant lesions and 13 precancerous lesions or conditions was applied voluntarily to 3rd, 4th and 5th year University of Santiago de Compostela dental students on April 1996. The participation rate was 90% of the 3rd‐year students, 60% in 4th‐year class, and 50% of the 5th‐year group. The agreement in the diagnosis with a panel of experts reached 81.45% for 5th‐year students. Students of 3rd‐ and 4th‐year scored lower percentages, probably due to the rarity of some of the conditions in our area. 5th‐year students scored significantly higher values than 3rd‐and 4th‐year students.
Development, application and effectiveness of a novel logbook checklist assessment scheme in conservative dentistry
Authors: Chadwick R. G. , Mason A. G.
Published: October 2023

In response to a lack of staff consistency in assessing clinical work, as identified by a student questionnaire, a checklist scheme of assessment was devised. This consisted of a series of questions covering the key stages of the majority of procedures in conservative dentistry to which a demonstrator indicates whether each aspect has been completed satisfactorily or not (yes/no) giving written comment to enhance the level of immediate feedback. Some 12 months following the introduction of the new logbook, a questionnaire was distributed to all 42 students who had experienced both this system and a previous ABC grading scale for completed work. This consisted of a series of 14 statements and sought to compare, for both systems, the clarity of assessment criteria, the relative level of staff consistency in applying these, effectiveness of feedback and overall meaningfulness of the grades awarded. In addition, in relation to self appraisal of performance, both the relevance of this to the practice of dentistry together with the degree the logbook facilitated this were assessed. The questionnaire return rate was 100% Compared to the former grading system, the new logbook gave a significantly (P<0.001) more meaningful measure of performance, indicated better what was being assessed (P<0.001) and gave better feedback of those points requiring attention to improve performance. In addition, the consistency of staff applying the checklist had improved significantly (P<0.05) since the introduction of the logbook. It was thus concluded that the logbook was a versatile tool in assessment of the clinical skills in conservative dentistry.
Teaching of all‐ceramic restorations in central European dental schools: a survey
Authors: Qualtrough A. J. E. , Mjör I. A. , Crisp R. J. , Wilson N. H. F.
Published: October 2023

The teaching of all‐ceramic restorations in Central European dental schools in the mid 1990s has been surveyed. Based on a 65% response, the findings indicate that the majority of undergraduate (pre‐doctoral) students receive instruction in all‐ceramic restorations with >75% gaining clinical experience in the use of such restorations prior to graduation. When clinical experience was not received, formal instruction, either in the regular curriculum or in elective studies was generally available. All the schools, with one exception, anticipated that the importance of teaching all‐ceramic restorations would increase or at least stay the same. In general, the findings were similar to those reported in studies of the teaching of all‐ceramic restorations in North America, Scandinavia, and the UK and Ireland, especially in relation to luting systems, contraindications and finishing instrumentation. However, clinical requirements for all‐ceramic restorations in Central European dental schools were more common than in dental schools in North America, Scandinavia and the UK and Ireland.
COUNTERHEGEMONIC DISCOURSES AND THE INTERNET
Authors: WARF BARNEY , GRIMES JOHN
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT. Contrary to much of the hype that posits cyberspace as the uncontested domain of rugged individualists, computer networks and traffic exhibit deeply social and political roots. The Internet is neither inherently oppressive nor automatically emancipatory; it is a terrain of contested philosophies and politics. After a brief review of the politics of electronic knowledge, we discuss the ways in which the Internet can be harnessed for counterhegemonic (antiestablishment) political ends. We focus on progressive uses, including the confrontation of nomadic power and rhizomic power structures, in which the local becomes the global. We also offer an encapsulation of right‐wing uses. Throughout, we see cyberactivism as a necessary, but not sufficient, complement to real‐world struggles on behalf of the disempowered.
The Growing Use of Firearms by Suicidal Older Women, 1979–1992: A Research Note
Authors: Adamek Margaret E. , Kaplan Mark S.
Published: October 2023

Suicide among older women (65 +) has received very little attention despite increasing numbers of suicides in this population. An examination of national mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics for the years 1979 through 1992 shows an increasing trend in rates of suicide among older women and a declining trend among women under 65. Over the 14‐year period, firearms replaced poisoning as the most prevalent method of suicide by women 65 and over. The results seem consistent with the assertion that the availability, familiarity, and cultural acceptability of firearms may play a role in the choice of suicide method among older women. Although violent death and the use of firearms are generally associated with males in our society, the trends reported here indicate that greater attention to firearm suicides among older women is warranted.
3 Culture and Ego‐Ideal in Suicide: An Adult Case
Authors: Maltsberger John T.
Published: October 2023

A case is presented in which the patient's self‐expectations, arising from his ego ideal, were violated by a conflict with his wife, who came from a different culture and did not share his marital and family values. When she left him he was devastated, not only by the loss of his family, but by the destruction of his ideal vision of himself as a husband and father. A dangerous suicide attempt followed. The psychodynamic formulation of the case and the treatment that followed from it are discussed.
Youth Suicide Prevention: A Survey and Analysis of Policies and Efforts in the 50 States
Authors: Metha Arlene , Weber Barbara , Webb L. Dean
Published: October 2023

State‐level initiatives directed at youth suicide prevention since 1980 were analyzed. During 1992 and 1996, each governor was surveyed regarding his or her state's efforts in youth suicide prevention. Questions pertained to legislation, a mandated or recommended school‐based suicide prevention curriculum, funding, a special advisory council, a state plan, the development and dissemination of materials, and assessment. Several states sent examples of their prevention activities, which were reviewed to determine the extent to which they represent conceptually and/or empirically grounded preventive intervention strategies. The number of suicides, suicide rates, and percentage change in rate for youth 15–19 years old were reported by state for the periods 1979–1981 and 1992–1994. The results of a repeated measures 2 × 5 ANOVA revealed that while changes in suicide rates over time were statistically significant, there was no relation between these changes and any of the variables studied. Suggestions for future research on state‐level initiatives are presented.
The Approval of Suicide: A Social‐Psychological Model
Authors: Agnew Robert
Published: October 2023

This article develops and tests a model that seeks to explain individual variation in the approval of suicide. The model draws on the three leading theories of crime/deviance: strain, social learning, and social control theories. It is predicted that individuals will be most approving of suicide when (1) they have had major life problems that could not be solved through conventional channels, (2) they were taught or exposed to beliefs that favored or were conducive to suicide, and (3) they are not strongly attached or committed to conventional individuals and groups. These predictions are explored with data from the 1990 and 1991 General Social Surveys, based on a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States. The results provide partial support for the predictions, especially the second prediction, with the strongest correlates of suicide approval being education, political liberalism, and a set of religion variables.
Physiological Reactions to a Suicide Film: Suicide Attempters, Suicide Ideators, and Nonsuicidal Patients
Authors: Doron Adiel , Stein Daniel , Levine Yosef , Abramovitch Yehuda , Eilat Eran , Neuman Micha
Published: October 2023

A film about two teenagers who commit suicide was shown to three groups of psychiatric inpatients: 17 who had attempted suicide, 20 who had expressed suicidal thoughts, and 10 who were not suicidal. Anxiety before and after the film was evaluated with psychometric (anxiety rating scale) and physiological tools (heart and respiration rate, blood pressure, electromyogram). Values noted before and after screening, and the degree of change in these values, were compared. In addition, psychomotor agitation was rated at several points during the film. Most results were negative. The suicide attempters had significantly lower postscreening heart rates and a significantly lesser change in heart and respiration rates than the other two groups. The suicide attempters revealed an increase in psychomotor agitation until the discovery of the suicide and a decrease thereafter, whereas the agitation of the nonsuicidal patients continued to increase from the start to the end of the film. The study suggests that on some parameters, suicide attempters reveal less anxiety than nonsuicidal psychiatric patients following exposure to a simulated suicide. The reaction of suicide ideators falls somewhere between the two groups.
Lower contact force predicts right pulmonary vein carina breakthrough after ablation index‐guided pulmonary vein isolation using high‐power short‐duration
Authors: Chen Wei‐Tso , Chung Fa‐Po , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Chang Shih‐Lin , Lo Li‐Wei , Hu Yu‐Feng , Tuan Ta‐Chuan , Chao Tze‐Fan , Liao Jo‐Nan , Lin Chin‐Yu , Chang Ting‐Yung , Kuo Ling , Wu Cheng‐I , Liu Chih‐Min , Liu Shin‐Huei , Hsieh Yu‐Cheng , Li Cheng‐Hung , Chen Shih‐Ann
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Carina breakthrough (CB) at the right pulmonary vein (RPV) can occur after circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) due to epicardial bridging or transient tissue edema. High‐power short‐duration (HPSD) ablation may increase the incidence of RPV CB. Currently, the surrogate of ablation parameters to predict RPV CB is not well established. This study investigated predictors of RPV CB in patients undergoing ablation index (AI)‐guided PVI with HPSD.

Methods

The study included 62 patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent AI‐guided PVI using HPSD. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of RPV CB. Lesions adjacent to the RPV carina were assessed, and CB was confirmed through residual voltage, low voltage along the ablation lesions, and activation wavefront propagation.

Results

Out of the 62 patients, 21 (33.87%) experienced RPV CB (Group 1), while 41 (66.13%) achieved first‐pass RPV isolation (Group 2). Despite similar AI and HPSD, patients with RPV CB had lower contact force (CF) at lesions adjacent to the RPV carina. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified CF < 10.5 g as a predictor of RPV CB, with 75.7% sensitivity and 56.2% specificity (area under the curve: 0.714).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing AI‐guided PVI with HPSD, lower CF adjacent to the carina was associated with a higher risk of RPV CB. These findings suggest that maintaining higher CF during ablation in this region may reduce the occurrence of RPV CB.
Cardiac resynchronization using fusion pacing during exercise
Authors: Green Peregrine G. , Monteiro Cristiana , Holdsworth David A. , Betts Timothy R. , Herring Neil
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Fusion pacing requires correct timing of left ventricular pacing to right ventricular activation, although it is unclear whether this is maintained when atrioventricular (AV) conduction changes during exercise. We used cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to compare cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) using fusion pacing or fixed AV delays (AVD).

Methods

Patients 6 months post‐CRT implant with PR intervals < 250 ms performed two CPET tests, using either the SyncAV™ algorithm or fixed AVD of 120 ms in a double‐blinded, randomized, crossover study. All other programming was optimized to produce the narrowest QRS duration (QRSd) possible.

Results

Twenty patients (11 male, age 71 [65–77] years) were recruited. Fixed AVD and fusion programming resulted in similar narrowing of QRSd from intrinsic rhythm at rest (p = .85). Overall, there was no difference in peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2PEAK, p = .19), oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold (VT1, p = .42), or in the time to reach either V̇O2PEAK (p = .81) or VT1 (p = .39). The BORG rating of perceived exertion was similar between groups. CPET performance was also analyzed comparing whichever programming gave the narrowest QRSd at rest (119 [96–136] vs. 134 [119–142] ms, p < .01). QRSd during exercise (p = .03), peak O2 pulse (mL/beat, a surrogate of stroke volume, p = .03), and cardiac efficiency (watts/mL/kg/min, p = .04) were significantly improved.

Conclusion

Fusion pacing is maintained during exercise without impairing exercise capacity compared with fixed AVD. However, using whichever algorithm gives the narrowest QRSd at rest is associated with a narrower QRSd during exercise, higher peak stroke volume, and improved cardiac efficiency.
Search Frictions in Many‐to‐one Markets*
Authors: Xu Menghan
Published: October 2023

This article studies how search frictions affect competition and matching efficiency in many‐to‐one loan markets where a borrower requires support from multiple investors and coordination is desired but absent. We develop a dynamic search model and show that borrowers employ mixed strategies in quoting interest rates. More importantly, we find that in many‐to‐one markets, the rate dispersion caused by search frictions facilitates coordination and hence improves allocation efficiency relative to a no friction environment. Further, we empirically present stylized facts consistent with the theoretical predictions and structurally estimate the impact of search frictions on matching efficiency.
The vesiculated layer in the anomalous diogenite Northwest Africa 12973
Authors: Pittarello Lidia , Ferrière Ludovic , Chernonozhkin Stepan M. , Vanhaecke Frank , Goderis Steven
Published: October 2023

Diogenites, which are part of the howardite–eucrite–diogenite (HED) group, are considered to represent rocks from the lower crust and mantle of a differentiated planetary body, likely the asteroid 4 Vesta. The Northwest Africa 12973 (NWA 12973) meteorite was classified as an anomalous diogenite due to the occurrence of a vesiculated layer. This work reports on the petrographic and geochemical study of two fragments of this meteorite, aiming to better constrain the origin of the vesiculated layer. Whereas the interior of NWA 12973 (here called host) presents the typical characteristics of an olivine diogenite, that is, coarse‐grained pyroxene, olivine ribbons, chromite, and accessory phases, the vesiculated layer presents a fine‐grained pyroxene groundmass with local rounded relics of olivine and interstitial chromite and metal, and is characterized by abundant large vesicles. The contact between the vesiculated layer and the host is sharply defined. The composition of individual minerals does not show any significant differences between the host and the vesiculated layer, suggesting in situ melting. Geothermobarometry indicates a slightly higher crystallization temperature at lower pressure for the vesiculated layer, consistent with melting and crystallization under lower crustal conditions upon exhumation. The trigger for the local melting was likely a large impact event, which was responsible for adiabatic decompression in the central area or deep faulting and frictional melting.
A randomized double‐blind trial of clonidine and colesevelam for women with fecal incontinence
Authors: Varma Revati , Feuerhak Kelly J. , Mishra Rahul , Chakraborty Subhankar , Oblizajek Nicholas R. , Bailey Kent R. , Bharucha Adil E.
Published: October 2023

Background

Diarrhea and rectal urgency are risk factors for fecal incontinence (FI). The effectiveness of bowel modifiers for improving FI is unclear.

Methods

In this double‐blind, parallel‐group, randomized trial, women with urge FI were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to a combination of oral clonidine (0.1 mg twice daily) with colesevelam (1875 mg twice daily) or two inert tablets for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was a ≥50% decrease in number of weekly FI episodes.

Key Results

Fifty‐six participants were randomly assigned to clonidine–colesevelam (n = 24) or placebo (n = 32); 51 (91%) completed 4 weeks of treatment. At baseline, participants had a mean (SD) of 7.5 (8.2) FI episodes weekly. The primary outcome was met for 13 of 24 participants (54%) treated with clonidine–colesevelam versus 17 of 32 (53%) treated with placebo (p = 0.85). The Bristol stool form score decreased significantly, reflecting more formed stools with clonidine–colesevelam treatment (mean [SD], 4.5 [1.5] to 3.2 [1.5]; p = 0.02) but not with placebo (4.2 [1.9] to 4.1 [1.9]; p = 0.47). The proportion of FI episodes for semiformed stools decreased significantly from a mean (SD) of 76% (8%) to 61% (10%) in the clonidine–colesevelam group (p = 0.007) but not the placebo group (61% [8%] to 67% [8%]; p = 0.76). However, these treatment effects did not differ significantly between groups. Overall, clonidine–colesevelam was well tolerated.

Conclusions and Inferences

Compared with placebo, clonidine–colesevelam did not significantly improve FI despite being associated with more formed stools and fewer FI episodes for semiformed stools.
Visual performance of new affordable and auto‐adherent lenses for presbyopia correction
Authors: Garcia‐Porta Nery , Gómez‐Varela Ana I. , Arines‐Piferrer Justo
Published: October 2023

Presbyopia is a visual condition that affects all of us, evolving with time, reducing the range of accommodation and the ability to work at near. Reading glasses, bifocals or multifocal lenses are the most common solutions. In this work, we demonstrate the near visual performance of new elastomeric auto‐adherent lenses developed for the correction of presbyopia. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were measured in 10 presbyopic subjects. The results showed that wearing either conventional trial ophthalmic lenses or the new elastomeric lenses provided similar visual quality. These elastomeric lenses can be placed in, or removed from the distance‐vision spectacles of the wearers, providing an affordable solution for correcting presbyopia at its clinical onset, which might be especially useful in subjects with different refractive error in each eye and for those with astigmatism.
Influence of the coincubation of post‐thawed bull semen with elevated β‐hydroxybutyrate concentrations on sperm characteristics
Authors: Abdelli A. , Raboisson D. , Besbaci M. , Belabdi I. , Kalem A. , Kaidi R. , Johannisson A. , Morrell J. M. , Iguer‐Ouada M.
Published: October 2023

In this study, the relationships between post‐thaw bull sperm characteristics and hyperketonemic conditions after coincubation with cow plasma or media were determined to investigate if such a condition could affect bull sperm characteristics. Two experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, blood samples were collected from 31 cows to prepare plasma. Cows were independently categorized into two groups according to plasma β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations (above or below 1.2 mM). Thawed bull semen was diluted and incubated with diluted plasma; motility parameters were evaluated using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA). In experiment 2, a pooled sample of thawed semen was diluted and divided into three aliquots: without BHB (control) and treated with either 1.2 mM (1.2) or 3 mM (3) BHB. In addition to motility, flow cytometric analyses were carried out. In experiment 1, the overall motility decreased significantly in plasma containing high (≥1.2 mM) BHB compared to plasma containing low (<1.2 mM) BHB. In experiment 2, the overall motility tended to be lower in BHB (3 mM)‐supplemented samples. The supplementation of 3 mM BHB increased the proportion of live superoxide‐positive sperm and sperm with high mitochondrial potential, while the DNA fragmentation index decreased.
Qualitative research at the crossroads of open science and big data: Ethical considerations
Authors: Stegenga Sondra M. , Steltenpohl Crystal N. , Lustick Hilary , Meyer Melanie S. , Renbarger Rachel , Standiford Reyes Laurel , Lee Lindsay Ellis
Published: October 2023

Open science practices are quickly being scaled up with publishers, grant‐makers, and Institutional Review Boards implementing new open policies, including requirements for increased data sharing across all types of research. Prior open science guidelines have focused mostly on issues relevant to quantitative, lab‐based, experimental research. Qualitative and other research traditions must be considered in the further development and implementation of these guidelines to ensure ethical practices in a new era where data is plentiful and being leveraged for research and other means. This article includes a discussion of why we must consider new research ethics in this era of big data and what steps can be taken to improve research practices through a systems change framework, The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.
Classification of Urban Solid Waste Collected with the Use of Ecobarriers in Watercourses in the Municipality of Caçapava do Sul, RS
Authors: Kemerich Pedro Daniel da Cunha , Fernandes Gabriel D’Avila , Forgiarini Gabriel , Da Silva Leonardo Rosa , Vidal Douglas Bitencourt
Published: October 2023

Urban solid waste is a serious problem in cities when disposed in inappropriate places or when there is a deficiency in its collection, which can cause several environmental problems. In periods of rain, these problems become more evident when these residues are transported to drainage networks and water courses, accumulating and creating obstacles to the flow, causing floods, floods, etc. In this regard, this work aimed to collect and classify urban solid waste in two water courses in the municipality of Caçapava do Sul, an ecological barrier made with recyclable materials called Ecobarrier, placed across water courses in order to retain floating waste that is transported by water. As a result, the vast majority of residues retained in the eco-barriers correspond to the category of organic matter, this is due to the vegetation around the water bodies studied, followed by the plastic, metal and textile category respectively. Thus, it can be seen that the presence of floating garbage in the water courses of the municipality partially reflects the lack of concern on the part of the population and governments with its effects on human and environmental health. It is in this context, to avoid the generation of floating waste, that the integration of public policies can play a fundamental role, with the help of environmental education.
La fundamentación de la ley y el derecho en el naturalismo ético de Finnis entendido como racionalidad práctica
Authors: Martínez Rincón David
Published: October 2023

Este texto analiza la teoría del naturalismo ético de Finnis y su relevancia en la fundamentación de la ley y el derecho, con el fin de señalar cómo las ideas de este autor proporcionan una alternativa al iuspositivismo. En su obra Ley natural y derechos naturales, Finnis propone una ética de la racionalidad práctica que demuestra la posibilidad de hacer juicios objetivos sobre lo bueno y razonar sobre el bien. En este sentido, la racionalidad práctica adquiere un papel fundamental en la justificación de la ley y el derecho, dado que implica decidir sobre acciones coherentes con principios morales objetivos. Con el fin de facilitar el diálogo y la comprensión de la teoría de Finnis, esta es discutida en relación con las perspectivas de Tughendhat y Habermas.
Improving the Heat Transfer Performance of the Tower Molten Salt Solar Receiver With the Novel Folded Flow Tubes
Authors: Liu Yun , Wang Wenzhao , Zhang Chuanzhi , Li Tao , Zhao Xu
Published: October 2023

The molten salt has been widely used in concentrated solar power generation as an effective high-temperature heat transfer and heat storage working fluid. However, due to the concentrating characteristic of the tower receiver, the solar flux distribution of the molten salt receiver is extremely non-uniform, and thus the circumferential non-uniform heat flux has a prominent effect on the heat transfer performance and reliability of the traditional solar molten salt receiver tube (TRT). In this contribution, in order to solve above problems, we propose some novel folded flow tubes (NFTs), which add a partition in the tube and seal the top with end cap so that the inflow and outflow of the fluid can only proceed from the same cross section. Then, we apply the binary nitrate (solar salt) as a heat transfer fluid, which is a mixture of 60% sodium nitrate and 40% potassium nitrate. First, we analyze some effects such as flow parameters, structure, and heat flux loading direction on the convective heat transfer performance of the NFTs. The results show that the circumferential temperature difference of NFTs is about 17–92 K lower than that of TRT, and the molten salt temperature distribution is more uniform accordingly. Moreover, the heat transfer coefficient is increased about 88.37–122.85%, which can provide a guidance for the structural optimization of practical solar molten salt receivers to improve the heat transfer performance and reliability.
Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Immersion Cooling of a Li-Ion Battery Module
Authors: Salvi Swapnil S. , Surampudi Bapiraju , Swarts Andre , Sarlashkar Jayant , Smith Ian , Alger Terry , Jain Ankur
Published: October 2023

Overheating of Li-ion cells and battery packs is an ongoing technological challenge for electrochemical energy conversion and storage, including in electric vehicles. Immersion cooling is a promising thermal management technique to address these challenges. This work presents experimental and theoretical analysis of the thermal and electrochemical impact of immersion cooling of a small module of Li-ion cells. Significant reduction in both surface and core temperature due to immersion cooling is observed, consistent with theoretical and simulation models developed here. However, immersion cooling is also found to result in a small but non-negligible increase in capacity fade of the cells. A number of hypotheses are formed and systematically tested through a comparison of experimental measurements with theoretical modeling and simulations. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy measurements indicate that the accelerated cell aging due to immersion cooling is likely to be due to enhanced lithium plating. Therefore, careful consideration of the impact of immersion cooling on long-term performance may be necessary. The results presented in this work quantify both thermal and electrochemical impacts of a promising thermal management technique for Li-ion cells. These results may be of relevance for design and optimization of electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems.
Experimental Study for the Enhancement of Thermal Efficiency and Development of Nusselt Number Correlation for the Roughened Collector of Solar Air Heater
Authors: Kumar Dheeraj , Layek Apurba , Kumar Amit , Kumar Rakesh
Published: October 2023

The solar air heater’s thermal efficiency is relatively poor owing to the flat collector surface. This article’s primary objective is to increase the collectors’ thermal efficiency of rectangular ducts of solar air heater by adopting a novel V-shaped twisted rib element with staggering orientation. Experimentations are performed for various flow Reynolds numbers ranging from 3 k to 21 k, roughness pitch-to-rib height ratio ranging from 7 to 11, and staggering distance-to-rib height ratio between 2 and 6. Dispersion of Nusselt number over the collector surface is achieved through the liquid crystal thermography technique. Among the varied rib and flow constraints, it is observed that a maximum thermal performance enhancement index of 2.69 is observed, with the optimum value of the roughness parameter at a rib pitch-to-height ratio of 9 and a staggering distance-to-height ratio of 4. Mathematical correlation has also been developed using a regression model to estimate the Nusselt number in terms of non-dimensional roughness parameters. The percentage deviation between the Nusselt number attained from established relationships and the investigational results is found to be giving very satisfactory outcomes. The thermal efficiency of the smooth surface is recognized at 41.64% which increases for the roughened surface of twisted V-ribs to 73.63%. Hence employing twisted V-ribs as an artificial roughness element no doubt increases the Nusselt number, thermohydraulic performance enhancement index, and thermal efficiency, but it also exerts less frictional power of solar air heater.
Mechanical stimulation of human hair follicle outer root sheath cultures activates adjacent sensory neurons
Authors: Agramunt Julià , Parke Brenna , Mena Sergio , Ubels Victor , Jimenez Francisco , Williams Greg , Rhodes Anna DY , Limbu Summik , Hexter Melissa , Knight Leigh , Hashemi Parastoo , Kozlov Andriy S. , Higgins Claire A.
Published: October 2023

Mechanical stimuli, such as stroking or pressing on the skin, activate mechanoreceptors transmitting information to the sensory nervous system and brain. It is well accepted that deflection of the hair fiber that occurs with a light breeze or touch directly activates the sensory neurons surrounding the hair follicle, facilitating transmission of mechanical information. Here, we hypothesized that hair follicle outer root sheath cells act as transducers of mechanical stimuli to sensory neurons surrounding the hair follicle. Using electrochemical analysis on human hair follicle preparations in vitro, we were able to show that outer root sheath cells release ATP and the neurotransmitters serotonin and histamine in response to mechanical stimulation. Using calcium imaging combined with pharmacology in a coculture of outer root sheath cells with sensory neurons, we found that the release of these three molecules from hair follicle cells leads to activation of sensory neurons.
An update on novel taxa and revised taxonomic status of bacteria isolated from non-domestic animals described in 2022
Authors: Burbick Claire R. , Lawhon Sara D. , Munson Erik , Thelen Elizabeth , Zapp Amanda , Wilson Anastasia
Published: October 2023

Numbers of new and revised microbial taxa are continuously expanding, and the rapid accumulation of novel bacterial species is challenging to keep up with in the best of circumstances. With that in mind, following the template of reports on prokaryotic species isolated from humans, this is now the second publication summarizing new and revised taxa in non-domestic animal species in the
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
. The majority of new taxa were obtained as part of programs to identify bacteria from mucosal surfaces and the gastrointestinal tract from healthy wildlife. A few notable bacteria included new
Erysipelothrix
spp. from mammalian and aquatic sources and a novel
Bartonella
spp. isolated from a rodent, both of which could be considered members of emerging and re-emerging genera with pathogenic potential in humans and animals.
V3 tip determinants of susceptibility to inhibition by CD4-mimetic compounds in natural clade A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope glycoproteins
Authors: Anang Saumya , Zhang Shijian , Fritschi Christopher , Chiu Ta-Jung , Yang Derek , Smith III Amos B. , Madani Navid , Sodroski Joseph
Published: October 2023

CD4-mimetic compounds (CD4mcs) bind the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) gp120 exterior envelope glycoprotein (Env) and compete for binding to CD4, the host receptor. CD4mcs prematurely trigger conformational changes in Env similar to those induced by CD4, leading to transient activation of infectivity followed by irreversible virus inactivation. Natural HIV-1 variants exhibit a wide range of susceptibilities to CD4mc inhibition, only a small fraction of which can be explained by variation in the gp120 Phe-43 cavity/vestibule where CD4mcs bind. Here, we study Envs from the resistant HIV-1
BG505
and the more sensitive HIV-1
191955_A4
clade A strains. The major determinant of the relative sensitivity of the HIV-1
191955_A4
Env to CD4mcs mapped to a single residue change (F317Y) in the tip of the gp120 V3 variable loop. In the Envs of several HIV-1 strains, replacement of the more prevalent Phe 317 with a tyrosine residue increased virus sensitivity to multiple CD4mcs. Tryptophan substitutions at residues 317 and 316 resulted in increases and decreases, respectively, in sensitivity to CD4mcs. Some of the gp120 V3 changes increased virus sensitivity to inactivation by both CD4mc and cold exposure, phenotypes indicative of increased Env triggerability. Infection of CD4-negative cells expressing the CCR5 coreceptor by these Env variants was triggered more efficiently by CD4mcs. For the panel of studied HIV-1 Envs, resistance to the CD4mcs was associated with decreased ability to support virus entry. These studies illustrate how variation in gp120 outside the CD4mc binding site can influence the sensitivity of natural HIV-1 strains to inhibition by these compounds.

IMPORTANCE

CD4-mimetic compounds (CD4mcs) are small-molecule inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) entry into host cells. CD4mcs target a pocket on the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) spike that is used for binding to the receptor, CD4, and is highly conserved among HIV-1 strains. Nonetheless, naturally occurring HIV-1 strains exhibit a wide range of sensitivities to CD4mcs. Our study identifies changes distant from the binding pocket that can influence the susceptibility of natural HIV-1 strains to the antiviral effects of multiple CD4mcs. We relate the antiviral potency of the CD4mc against this panel of HIV-1 variants to the ability of the CD4mc to activate entry-related changes in Env conformation prematurely. These findings will guide efforts to improve the potency and breadth of CD4mcs against natural HIV-1 variants.
Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 disrupts plasma membrane and calcium homeostasis in
Candida albicans
via the Rim101 pathway
Authors: Chen Sheng-Yuan , Chang Che-Kang , Lan Chung-Yu
Published: October 2023

Antimicrobial peptides play an important role in human innate defense against microbial pathogens. LL-37 is the only member of the human cathelicidin family of antimicrobial peptides. We previously showed that LL-37 targets the cell wall of
Candida albicans
, thereby reducing cell adhesion to plastic surfaces, oral epidermoid cells, and urinary bladders of mice. Moreover, LL-37 also induces cell wall and endoplasmic reticulum stress responses. Here, we found that LL-37 alters plasma membrane properties. In addition, LL-37 affected calcium homeostasis and induced the generation of reactive oxygen species associated with mitochondria and vacuoles. Finally, the Rim101 pathway was linked to the cellular response to LL-37. Together, these findings provide new insights into anti-
C
.
albicans
actions of LL-37 and highlight the complex cellular responses induced by LL-37.

IMPORTANCE

Candida albicans
is a major human fungal pathogen, and antimicrobial peptides are key components of innate immunity. Studying the interplay between
C. albicans
and human antimicrobial peptides would enhance a better understanding of pathogen-host interactions. Moreover, potential applications of antimicrobial peptides in antifungal therapy have aroused great interest. This work explores new mechanisms of LL-37 against
C. albicans
and reveals the complex connection among calcium homeostasis, oxidative stress, signaling, and possibly organelle interaction. Notably, these findings support the possible use of antimicrobial peptides to prevent and treat fungal infections.