bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ Formation of Solid Electrolyte during Lithiation Process of MgCl2 Anode in an All‐Solid‐State Lithium Battery
Authors: Inoishi Atsushi , Suyama Miyuki , Kobayashi Eiichi , Okada Shigeto , Sakaebe Hikari
Published: June 2023

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries, which are free from the risk of liquid entanglement, are expected to have high energy densities and high safety. In this study, the omission of a solid electrolyte from the electrode and an increase in thickness of the electrode were investigated to improve the energy density of all‐solid‐state lithium batteries. We focused on MgCl2, which reversibly self‐generates a solid electrolyte during the lithiation process, as an anode material that can operate without a solid electrolyte incorporated into the electrode mixture. Indeed, the electrochemical properties of the MgCl2 electrode were approximately the same with or without a pre‐contained solid electrolyte, LiBH4. X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy analyses showed that lithiation produced Mg and LiCl, which were recovered to MgCl2 by subsequent delithiation. The available electrode thickness was also investigated, and the thickness limit for the first lithiation was found to be ∼100 μm.
Characterization of proteinous coagulant in Moringa tree seeds for water purification: Stepwise laboratory exercise for high‐school students
Authors: Oyama Hiroshi , Nabeshima Yuka , Morimoto Koichi , Sugimura Yukio
Published: June 2023

Coagulation is an important process in the context of water purification; and the seed protein of the moringa tree (Moringa oleifera) is a remarkably effective coagulant. The laboratory course described here is designed to provide high‐school students with a stepwise, hands‐on experience in investigating the protein‐rich coagulant found in Moringa seeds. First, the seed powder was applied to model polluted water containing fine clay, food dyes, copper sulfate, and bacteria. This treatment changed the polluted water into clear water via coagulation; all students were convinced that the coagulation‐inducing agent was a thermostable cationic protein. Finally, basic biochemical techniques (e.g., chromatographic separation and electrophoresis) were used to show that the target coagulant is a dimeric protein composed of 6.5 and 4.5 kDa subunits. Overall, this made it possible for the students to gain a deeper understanding (more comprehensive than the information taught in formal classes) of protein structure and its real‐world implications. This stepwise exercise can be applied to research‐based learning programs in high school, as it is an effective learning tool.
Simultaneous determination of abrine, hypaphorine, schaftoside and soyasaponin Bb in rat plasma by UPLC–MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of Abrus cantoniensis Hance extract
Authors: Zhang Chengzhong , Bu Qitao , Li Chunyan , Lu Pengfei , Liu Chang , Huang Baokang
Published: June 2023

A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was established and validated for the quantitative determination of abrine, hypaphorine, schaftoside and soyasaponin Bb in rat plasma. After preparation by protein precipitation with acetonitrile, the analytes and internal standard were separated on a Waters CORTECS T3 column using acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid and 0.1% formic acid in water as mobile phase by gradient elution in 2 min. The method showed excellent linearity over the range of 5–500 ng/ml with acceptable intra‐ and inter‐day precision, accuracy, matrix effect and recovery. The stability assay indicated that the four analytes were stable during the analysis process. The method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study of Abrus cantoniensis Hance in rats. The result suggested that after oral administration, the four analytes were quickly absorbed into the plasma. The dose‐normalized exposure of hypaphorine was the highest with a long elimination half‐life (t1/2 9.83 h), followed by abrine and schaftoside with t1/2 values of 1.07 and 1.15 h. The dose normalized exposure of soyasaponin Bb was the lowest, which is possibily due to the high polarity and poor permeability. This study provides a basis for elucidating the material foundation of A. cantoniensis Hance.
How does the continued use of the mask affect the craniofacial region? A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Marques‐Sule Elena , Espí‐López Gemma Victoria , Monzani Lucas , Suso‐Martí Luis , Rel Miriam Calderón , Arnal‐Gómez Anna
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim was to compare the effects between pre‐pandemic mask‐free living versus pandemic‐related continuous mask use.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out. This study was conducted with 542 face mask users. Assessments included presence, frequency and impact of headache, temporomandibular disorders, and quality of life (QoL).

Results

Continuous mask use had a large main effect on headache, temporomandibular pain, and QoL (p < .0001; d = 1.25), but this effect was nuanced by mask type. Participants who declared suffering from headache increased by 84% with cloth masks, and by 25% with FFP2 masks. Temporomandibular pain increased by 50% and by 39% when wearing surgical masks and FFP2, respectively (p < .06; d = .19). The mask type did not nuance the effect on headache impact (p > .05; d = .06). QoL decreased regardless of mask type (p < .05; d = .21), the decrease being 38% for surgical masks, and 31% for either cloth or FFP2 masks.

Conclusions

Continuous mask use, regardless of type, increased existence of headache, headache impact, temporomandibular pain, and reduced QoL.
The impact of FinTech development on stock price crash risk and the role of corporate social responsibility: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Quang Khai , Dang Van Cuong
Published: June 2023

With the strong development of Financial Technology (FinTech) innovation in recent years, academic interest in the effect of FinTech on financial market has also increased significantly. To develop the field further, this study investigates the effect of FinTech development on future stock price crash risk and the role of corporate social responsibility in an emerging financial market. By using a sample of 662 listed firms in the Vietnamese stock exchange for the period 2011–2020 and applying the fixed‐effect and System GMM estimation method, we find that FinTech development results in increased stock price crash risk. However, corporate social responsibility disclosure can mitigate such effect. As an extension, we also provide evidence that the effect of FinTech development on crash risk is stronger and the role of corporate social responsibility disclosure becomes more important in small firms. Our findings provide several important implications for shareholders, investors, and regulators in the fields of management and investment.
Secondary Metabolites Generated from Saussurea lappa and Ligusticum sinensis Essential Oils by Microwave‐Assisted Hydrodistillation: in Silico Molecular Docking and in Vitro Antibacterial Efficacy
Authors: Abd El‐Razek Mohamed H. , Saleh Ibrahim A. , Abdel‐Halim Sally , Bata Shaymaa M. , Essa Ahmed F. , Hussien Taha A. , El‐Beih Ahmed A. , Mohamed Tarik A. , Hegazy Mohamed‐Elamir F.
Published: June 2023

In the current study, both the essential oil composition and biological activity of Saussurea lappa and Ligusticum sinensis were investigated by means of microwave‐assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) and characterized by Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), whereas the antimicrobial efficiency of MAHD essential oils was examined against four pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans responsible for microbial infections. The goal was to spot synergy and a favorable method that gives essential oils to possibly use as alternatives to common antimicrobial agents for the treatment of bacterial infections using a microdilution assay. S. lappa's 21 compounds were characterized by MAHD extraction. Sesquiterpene lactones (39.7 % MAHD) represented the major components, followed by sesquiterpene dialdehyde (25.50 % MAHD), while L. sinensis's 14 compounds were identified by MAHD extraction. Tetrahydroisobenzofurans (72.94 % MAHD) was the predominant compound class. S. lappa essential oil collection showed the strongest antimicrobial activity with MIC values of 16 μg/ml against all pathogens tested, while L. sinensis showed strong antibacterial activity and moderate antifungal activity with MIC values of 32 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml, respectively. The principal components of both oils, (velleral, eremanthin and neocnidilide), were docked into the bacterial histidine kinase (HK) and the fungal heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90).
Antiproliferative Potential of Olneya tesota PF2 Lectin in Human Acute Monocytic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Villegas‐Coronado Diana , Soto‐Guzman Jesús Adriana , Martínez‐Soto Juan Manuel , Teran‐Saavedra Nayelli Guadalupe , Guzman‐Partida Ana Maria , Vazquez‐Moreno Luz , Villalba‐Villalba Ana Gloria , Maldonado Amir , Lagarda‐Diaz Irlanda
Published: June 2023

Acute monocytic leukemia is a type of myeloid leukemia that develops in monocytes. The current clinical therapies for leukemia are unsatisfactory due to their side effects and nonspecificity toward target cells. Some lectins display antitumor activity and may specifically recognize cancer cells by binding to carbohydrate structures on their surface. Therefore, this study evaluated the response of the human monocytic leukemia cell lines THP‐1 to the Olneya tesota PF2 lectin. The induction of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production in PF2‐treated cells was evaluated by flow cytometry, and the lectin‐THP‐1 cell interaction and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated by confocal fluorescence microscopy. PF2 genotoxicity was evaluated by DNA fragmentation analysis via gel electrophoresis. The results showed that PF2 binds to THP‐1 cells, triggers apoptosis and DNA degradation, changes the mitochondrial membrane potential, and increases reactive oxygen species levels in PF2‐treated THP‐1 cells. These results suggest the potential use of PF2 for developing alternative anticancer treatments with enhanced specificity.
Treatment of severe micrognathia in an adult with distraction osteogenesis: A case report
Authors: Sekido Katsuhisa , Fujiwara Kumiko , Tachinami Hidetake , Imaue Shuichi , Hanashiro Keishi , Noguchi Makoto
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) of the mandible is often performed at a young age, and there are few reports after age 30, as in this case. The Hybrid MMF used in this case was useful in that it allowed correction of fine directionality.

DO is often performed in young patients with a high capability of osteogenesis. We performed distraction surgery for a 35‐year‐old man who had severe micrognathia with serious sleep apnea syndrome. Four years postoperatively, suitable occlusion and improvement of apnea were observed.
Nitrogen‐rich graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N5): Emerging low‐bandgap materials for photocatalysis
Authors: Vuong Hoai‐Thanh , Nguyen Duc‐Viet , Phuong Ly P. , Minh Phan P. D. , Ho Bao N. , Nguyen Hoai A.
Published: June 2023

The bottlenecks in photocatalytic materials primarily center on light absorption capacities and rapid charge recombination. Thus, many gigantic effects have been undertaken by worldwide scientists to address the issues. In this concept, carbon‐based photocatalysts, such as graphene or graphitic carbon nitrides (g‐C3N4), would frequently capture scientific fascination due to their distinct properties in catalytic applications. However, traditional materials would possess the drawbacks mentioned above. In the current era, nitrogen‐rich graphitic carbon nitrides (g‐C3N5) have emerged as a promising star for photocatalytic applications due to the significant enhancements in light absorption properties, which can activate in ultraviolet, visible, and even under near‐infrared irradiations. This review will summarize the recent progress in the fabrication of g‐C3N5 and the photocatalytic application of these based materials by thoroughly investigating current literature studies. Thus, updating the current trend in state‐of‐the‐art materials would motivate researchers to explore the field further.
From reactive to proactive load balancing for task‐based parallel applications in distributed memory machines
Authors: Thanh Chung Minh , Weidendorfer Josef , Fürlinger Karl , Kranzlmüller Dieter
Published: June 2023

Load balancing is often a challenge in task‐parallel applications. The balancing problems are divided into static and dynamic. “Static” means that we have some prior knowledge about load information and perform balancing before execution, while “dynamic” must rely on partial information of the execution status to balance the load at runtime. Conventionally, work stealing is a practical approach used in almost all shared memory systems. In distributed memory systems, the communication overhead can make stealing tasks too late. To improve, people have proposed a reactive approach to relax communication in balancing load. The approach leaves one dedicated thread per process to monitor the queue status and offload tasks reactively from a slow to a fast process. However, reactive decisions might be mistaken in high imbalance cases. First, this article proposes a performance model to analyze reactive balancing behaviors and understand the bound leading to incorrect decisions. Second, we introduce a proactive approach to improve further balancing tasks at runtime. The approach exploits task‐based programming models with a dedicated thread as well, namely . Nevertheless, the main idea is to force not only to monitor load; it will characterize tasks and train load prediction models by online learning. “Proactive” indicates offloading tasks before each execution phase proactively with an appropriate number of tasks at once to a potential victim (denoted by an underloaded/fast process). The experimental results confirm speedup improvements from to in important use cases compared to the previous solutions. Furthermore, this approach can support co‐scheduling tasks across multiple applications.
Deep learning‐based intraoperative video analysis for supporting surgery
Authors: Bai Jiayuan
Published: June 2023

The application of surgical tool detection and tracking and surgical phase recognition is research hotspots at present. Surgical tool detection and tracking provides accurate real‐time information to surgeons, helping them plan surgeries and get advance warnings so that procedures can be safer. Surgical phase recognition can help improve the surgery efficiency, facilitate surgeons to make correct decisions, and help evaluate surgeon skill. In this article, we described the advantages and disadvantages of applying deep learning to surgical procedures. Then, we analyzed the advantages of deep learning in visual analysis, summarized the algorithms typically used in surgical tool detection and tracking and surgical phase recognition, and reviewed the results of these algorithms. The main problems are disclosed and the development trend of deep learning‐based intraoperative video analysis for supporting surgery is briefly discussed.
On the Rich Chemistry of Pseudo‐Protic Ionic Liquid Electrolytes
Authors: Wylie Luke , Kéri Mónika , Udvardy Antal , Hollóczki Oldamur , Kirchner Barbara
Published: June 2023

Mixing weak acids and bases can produce highly complicated binary mixtures, called pseudo‐protic ionic liquids, in which a complex network of effects determines the physicochemical properties that are currently impossible to predict. In this joint computational‐experimental study, we investigated 1‐methylimidazole‐acetic acid mixtures through the whole concentration range. Effects of the varying ionization and excess of either components on the properties, such as density, diffusion coefficients, and overall hydrogen bonding structure were uncovered. A special emphasis was put on understanding the multiple factors that govern the conductivity of the system. In the presence of an excess of acetic acid, the 1‐methylimidazolium acetate ion pairs dissociate more efficiently, resulting in a higher concentration of independently moving, conducting ions. However, the conductivity measurements showed that higher concentrations of acetic acid improve the conductivity beyond this effect, suggesting in addition to standard dilution effects the occurrence of Grotthuss diffusion in high acid‐to‐base ratios. The results here will potentially help designing novel electrolytes and proton conducting systems, which can be exploited in a variety of applications.
SeagrassPosidoniaescarpments support high diversity and biomass of rocky reef fishes
Authors: Serrano Oscar , Inostroza Karina , Hyndes Glenn A. , Friedlander Alan M. , Serrano Eduard , Rae Caitlin , Ballesteros Enric
Published: June 2023

Although seagrass meadows form a relatively homogenous habitat, escarpments, which form three‐dimensional structures and originate from the erosion of seagrass peat, can provide important habitat for reef fishes. Here, we compare fish assemblages and habitat structural complexity among seagrassPosidonia australisescarpments and canopies, as well as limestone reef habitats, to understand the role of seagrass escarpments as reef fish habitat in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The total number of fish species, fish biomass, and top predator biomass were significantly higher in seagrass escarpments and reef habitats than in seagrass canopies due to lower habitat structural complexity and thus becoming suitable habitats for predators and prey in the latter. Both seagrass escarpment and reef habitats host similar assemblages of top predators and carnivorous fishes, such asEpinephelus coioides,Microcanthus strigatus, andChoerodon schoenleinii, that were absent in seagrass canopies. Seagrass escarpments provide an alternative habitat for reef fishes comparable to rocky reefs, which are limited in Shark Bay. Caves and ledges within the escarpments support 13.4 Mg of fish and 3.6 Mg of top predator species of commercial interest within the Shark Bay World Heritage Site. Additional research is needed to further understand the ecological importance of seagrass escarpments in enhancing fish biomass and biodiversity, as reproduction grounds or refuge from predators, and to investigate the role of meadow edges in ecosystem function.
Maternal microbis: How kinship composes reproductive relations for a human‐bovine maternal microbiome
Authors: Howes‐Mischel Rebecca , Tracy Megan
Published: June 2023

Reading across a burgeoning scientific literature that conflates microbial dynamics between mother:child bodies with normative mothering practices, we offer a model of maternal microbis that troubles the distinctions between productive and reproductive relations. We ground this argument in a systematic analysis of the content and circulation of descriptive maternal microbiome research between 2007 and 2021 along with the proliferation of lay narratives about the maternal microbiome inspired by such research. Following this research across the species line between human and bovine bodies, we trace the gendered effects of using humans as model animals and tie current microbiome hype to a much longer history of entangling reproductive and productive labors. More than a microbial retread of a familiar story within a history of distributing reproductive labor to other bodies, our focus on the maternal microbis as a gendered model of microbial relations enables us to ask specific questions about the effects of centering microbes into models of reproductive bodies (both Homo and Bos), leading us to consider how expectations of gendered care and gendered bodies make certain paradigms possible and foreclose others.
One single‐person bicycling enhances interpersonal cooperation via increasing interpersonal neural synchronization in left frontal cortex
Authors: Li Lin , Wang Huiling , Lin Yixuan , Li Xianchun
Published: June 2023

Previous findings have shown a strong relationship between sports and interpersonal cooperative behavior. Physical activity is the basic form of sport. In this study, we investigated the effect of physical activity on interpersonal cooperative behavior and its inter‐brain correlates. Eighty college students were recruited and randomly divided into the experimental or control group (20 dyads per each). The experimental group performed a 30‐min of moderate intensity single‐person cycling exercise, while the control group performed a 30‐min single‐person sitting. Interpersonal cooperative behavior was measured by a Prisoner's Dilemma task before and after the intervention, while neural activities in the frontal cortex in each dyad were measured by the near‐infrared spectroscopy‐based hyperscanning approach. The results showed that the average cooperation rate and cooperation efficiency of the experimental dyads were significantly higher after the exercise intervention compared to that before intervention, but not in control group. Meanwhile, the interpersonal neural synchronization (INS) in the left frontal cortex was significantly increased after intervention only in experimental dyads. Moreover, the INS increased in left frontal cortex was positively correlated with the cooperation improvement. Taken together, these results indicate that one single‐person bicycling can improve interpersonal cooperation behavior, which may be associated with enhanced interpersonal neural synchronization in the left frontal cortex.
Hippocampal grading provides higher classification accuracy for those in the AD trajectory than hippocampal volume
Authors: Morrison Cassandra , Dadar Mahsa , Shafiee Neda , Collins D. Louis ,   for Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2023

Much research has focused on neurodegeneration in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We developed Scoring by Nonlocal Image Patch Estimator (SNIPE), a non‐local patch‐based measure of anatomical similarity and hippocampal segmentation to measure hippocampal change. While SNIPE shows enhanced predictive power over hippocampal volume, it is unknown whether SNIPE is more strongly associated with group differences between normal controls (NC), early MCI (eMCI), late (lMCI), and AD than hippocampal volume. Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative older adults were included in the first analyses (N = 1666, 513 NCs, 269 eMCI, 556 lMCI, and 328 AD). Sub‐analyses investigated amyloid positive individuals (N = 834; 179 NC, 148 eMCI, 298 lMCI, and 209 AD) to determine accuracy in those on the AD trajectory. We compared SNIPE grading, SNIPE volume, and Freesurfer volume as features in seven different machine learning techniques classifying participants into their correct cohort using 10‐fold cross‐validation. The best model was then validated in the Australian Imaging, Biomarker & Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL). SNIPE grading provided the highest classification accuracy for all classifications in both the full and amyloid positive sample. When classifying NC:AD, SNIPE grading provided an 89% accuracy (full sample) and 87% (amyloid positive sample). Freesurfer volume provided much lower accuracies of 65% (full sample) and 46% (amyloid positive sample). In the AIBL validation cohort, SNIPE grading provided a 90% classification accuracy for NC:AD. These findings suggest SNIPE grading provides increased classification accuracy over both SNIPE and Freesurfer volume. SNIPE grading offers promise to accurately identify people with and without AD.
Children's evaluative judgements of conformers and nonconformers
Authors: Ahn Sohee , Amemiya Jamie , Heyman Gail D.
Published: June 2023

The present research examined children's generalisations about people based on their decisions to conform to descriptive norms. This issue was examined in South Korea, where conformity tends to be highly valued. Younger (4–6 years) and older (9–11 years) children (total N = 197) were asked to evaluate the personal qualities of conformers and nonconformers. Results showed that children in both age groups rated nonconformers more negatively than conformers in terms of moral character, intelligence, popularity, and likeability. Ratings of conformers showed minimal age‐related change. In contrast, ratings of nonconformers were more positive with age, except for popularity ratings. This work sheds light on how children use information about conformity to make specific inferences about what individuals are generally like.
Impact of 2 years of COVID‐19 pandemic on ovarian cancer treatment in IRCCS‐AUSL of Reggio Emilia
Authors: Mandato Vincenzo Dario , Torricelli Federica , Mastrofilippo Valentina , Pellegri Carlotta , Cerullo Loredana , Annunziata Gianluca , Ciarlini Gino , Pirillo Debora , Generali Matteo , D'Ippolito Giovanni , Leone Chiara , Bologna Alessandra , Gasparini Elisa , Palicelli Andrea , Gelli Maria Carolina , Silvotti Monica , Aguzzoli Lorenzo
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess compliance with the 2019 regional recommendation to centralize epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients and to assess whether the COVID‐19 pandemic has affected the quality of care for EOC patients.

Methods

We compared data from EOC patients treated before the introduction of the 2019 regional recommendation (2018‐2019) with data obtained from EOC patients treated after the regional recommendation was adopted during the first 2 years of the COVID‐19 pandemic (2020‐2021). Data were retrieved from the Optimal Ovarian Cancer Pathway records. R software version 4.1.2 (the R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) was used for the statistical analysis.

Results

251 EOC patients were centralized. The number of EOC patients centralized increased from 2% to 49% despite the COVID‐19 pandemic. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was an increase in the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking surgery. There was an improvement in the percentage of Stage III patients without gross residual disease following both primary and interval debulking surgery. The percentage of EOC cases discussed by the multidisciplinary tumor board (MTB) increased from 66% to 89% of cases.

Conclusion

Despite the COVID‐19 pandemic, centralization has increased and the quality of care has been preserved thanks to the MTB.
Sleep‐disordered breathing and pregnancy outcomes: The impact of maternal oxygen saturation
Authors: Orabona Rossana , Corda Luciano , Giordani Jordan , Bernardi Matteo , Maggi Claudia , Mazzoni Giorgia , Pedroni Leonardo , Uccelli Silvia , Zatti Sonia , Sartori Enrico , Zanardini Cristina
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate pathological associations between sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

From May 2016 to September 2019, obese women during their uncomplicated singleton pregnancies underwent screening sleep questionnaires, oxygen saturation monitoring, and, in proper cases, complete overnight polysomnography. Their medical records were also recorded.

Results

In all, 112 pregnant women were included in the study cohort; 44 showed an oxygen desaturation index ≥10, and their newborns had a significantly higher rate of congenital abnormalities and respiratory distress syndrome compared with the women with normal pulse oximetry. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis showed that basal oxygen saturation was independently associated with the occurrence of fetal growth restriction.

Conclusion

Among obese pregnant women, the rate of congenital abnormalities is higher in the ones with altered pulse oximetry. Maternal basal oxygen saturation in the first trimester of pregnancy predicts fetal growth restriction independently of maternal age, ethnicity, body mass index, gravidity, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial‐endoplasmic reticulum dynamics in kidney diseases
Authors: Shelke Vishwadeep , Yelgonde Vinayak , Kale Ajinath , Lech Maciej , Gaikwad Anil Bhanudas
Published: June 2023

Kidney diseases are serious health problems affecting >800 million individuals worldwide. The high number of affected individuals and the severe consequences of kidney dysfunction demand an intensified effort toward more effective prevention and treatment. The pathophysiology of kidney diseases is complex and comprises diverse organelle dysfunctions including mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The recent findings prove interactions between the ER membrane and nearly all cell compartments and give new insights into molecular events involved in cellular mechanisms in health and disease. Interactions between the ER and mitochondrial membranes, known as the mitochondria‐ER contacts regulate kidney physiology by interacting with each other via membrane contact sites (MCS). ER controls mitochondrial dynamics through ER stress sensor proteins or by direct communication via mitochondria‐associated ER membrane to activate signaling pathways such as apoptosis, calcium transport, and autophagy. More importantly, these organelle dynamics are found to be regulated by several epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs and can be a potential therapeutic target against kidney diseases. However, a thorough understanding of the role of epigenetic regulation of organelle dynamics and their functions is not well understood. Therefore, this review will unveil the role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating organelle dynamics during various types of kidney diseases. Moreover, we will also shed light on different stress origins in organelles leading to kidney disease. Henceforth, by understanding this we can target epigenetic mechanisms to maintain/control organelle dynamics and serve them as a novel therapeutic approach against kidney diseases.
Phylogenetic analysis and functional characterization of norcoclaurine synthase involved in benzylisoquinoline alkaloids biosynthesis in Stephania tetrandra
Authors: Li Xinyi , Li Qishuang , Jiao Xiang , Tang Hao , Cheng Yatian , Ma Ying , Cui Guanghong , Tang Jinfu , Chen Yun , Guo Juan , Huang Luqi
Published: June 2023

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a class of secondary metabolites that possess diverse pharmaceutical properties and are exclusively accumulated in specific plant genera. The Pictet–Spengler condensation, catalyzed by norcoclaurine synthase (NCS), represents a key enzymatic reaction in the biosynthetic pathway of BIAs. While NCS genes have been identified in several plant families such as Papaveraceae, Berberidaceae, and Ranunculaceae, no NCS genes have been reported in Menispermaceae, which is another genus known to accumulate BIAs. Here, NCSs were isolated and functionally characterized from the Menispermaceae family plant Stephania tetrandra. In vitro enzyme assay identified two functional StNCSs which could catalyze the formation of (S)‐norcoclaurine. These functionally characterized genes were then integrated into engineered yeast to enable the production of norcoclaurine. Phylogenetic analysis of the NCS enzymes revealed that the StNCSs predominantly clustered into two clades. The functional StNCSs clustered with known NCSs, highlighting the presence of a specific NCS catalytic domain. This study not only provides additional genetic components for the synthetic biology‐based production of BIAs in yeast but also contributes to the understanding of the phylogenetic relationships and structure–function relationship of NCS genes involved in the origin and production of BIAs.
Performance appraisal of microbial inoculants treating polluted surface water through bench‐scale investigation
Authors: Simon Monika , Joshi Himanshu , Hazra Moushumi
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the performance of microbial inoculants by exploring pollutant removal efficiency, microbial viability and substrate removal kinetics for treating polluted surface water. The morphological, elemental composition and biochemical characterization of inoculants were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (FESEM‐EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. The identification of bacterial strains in polluted feed water also was performed using 16S rRNA partial sequencing. Bench‐scale efficacy of selected microbial inoculants (MI) along with control for each study was performed at variable retention times ranging from 6 to 72 h, under optimum operating conditions.

RESULTS

The maximum removal (86% and 90%) of the organic load (chemical and biological oxygen demand, COD and BOD) was achieved by inoculants containing Bacillus subtilis along with other microbial species after 72 h of treatment. The microbial inoculant MI‐2 containing Paracoccus pantotrophus and Pseudomonas Putida exhibited the highest TN removal (66%) after 72 h of contact time. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) analysis revealed that the active biomass ratio is a more precise indicator of healthy biomass instead of the conventionally used parameter MLVSS (mix liquor volatile suspended solids) in a biological treatment system, which apparently provides a significant addition to the existing knowledge base for the operational wastewater treatment plants (WTPs).

CONCLUSION

In this study, microbial inoculants were found to be frugal and viable treatment tools for the remediation of polluted surface water. Exploiting such inoculants also can overcome the inefficiencies of existing sewage treatment plants by serving as potential tools for bio‐augmenting the indigenous microbial fingerprint of aeration tank/secondary treatment systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
CBFA2T3::GLIS2‐positive acute leukemia with RAM and mixed T/megakaryocytic phenotype
Authors: Khanlari Mahsa , Wang Lu , Bolen Christine Y , Otanez Felipe Sebastian Bautista , Furtado Larissa V. , Key Laura , Irwin Lisa , Wang Wei , Klco Jeffery M.
Published: June 2023

Herein, we present a rare case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with CBFA2T3‐rearrangement and the expression of megakaryocytic and lymphoid markers, highlighting the need for a high suspicion index in differential diagnosis and applying adequate workup to avoid misdiagnosing this entity.

CBFA2T3::GLIS2‐positive AML is primarily found in infants with non‐down syndrome acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (non‐DSAMKL). Flow cytometry immunophenotyping plays an important role in recognizing the unique immunophenotype of bright CD56 expression with dim/negative expression of HLA‐DR, CD38, and CD45 termed the RAM immunophenotype in this entity. Still, CBFA2T3::GLIS2‐positive acute leukemia with T/megakaryocytic markers could be misdiagnosed as T‐lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, early T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, NK lymphoblastic leukemia, AML with minimal differentiation, or AML with myelodysplasia‐related changes.
Results of a phase 1/2 study of cemdisiran in healthy subjects and patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Authors: Gaya Anna , Munir Talha , Urbano‐Ispizua Alvaro , Griffin Morag , Taubel Jorg , Bush Jim , Bhan Ishir , Borodovsky Anna , Wang Yue , Badri Prajakta , Garg Pushkal
Published: June 2023

Complement dysregulation underpins the physiopathology of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Cemdisiran, an RNA interference investigational treatment, silences complement component 5 (C5) expression in the liver. Previously reported results showed sustained reduction in C5 levels following cemdisiran monotherapy, with >90% reduction in patients with PNH.

This phase 1/2 study evaluated single (Part A, n = 32; 50–900 mg) or multiple (Part B, n = 24; 100–600 mg) ascending doses of cemdisiran or placebo (double‐blind, randomized 3:1) in healthy adults, or cemdisiran in patients with PNH who were naive to, or receiving, eculizumab (Part C, n = 6; 200 or 400 mg weekly; open‐label). The primary objective was to assess the safety and tolerability of cemdisiran. Other assessments included change in complement activity, lactate dehydrogenase levels, and inhibition of hemolysis following cemdisiran treatment.

Cemdisiran was generally well tolerated in this study. Overall, 75%, 89%, and 100% of subjects in Parts A, B, and C, respectively, experienced ≥1 non‐serious adverse event (AE). Most events were Grade 1 or 2 in severity and the most common AEs included nasopharyngitis and headache. Cemdisiran elicited robust, sustained reductions in the complement activity in healthy adults and patients with PNH. In Part C, exploratory analyses showed that cemdisiran monotherapy was insufficient to prevent hemolysis in patients with PNH as measured by serum lactate dehydrogenase levels. Cemdisiran and eculizumab combination therapy reduced the dose of eculizumab required to provide adequate control of intravascular hemolysis.

These results demonstrate a potential benefit of cemdisiran coadministration in patients who are inadequate responders to eculizumab alone.
A behavioral intervention to promote use of multimodal pain medication for hospitalized patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bongiovanni Tasce , Pletcher Mark J. , Lau Catherine , Robinson Andrew , Lancaster Elizabeth , Zhang Li , Behrends Matthias , Wick Elizabeth , Auerbach Andrew
Published: June 2023

Background

The use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and has become a core strategy to decrease opioid use, but there is a lack of data to describe encouraging use when admitting patients using electronic health record systems.

Objective

Assess an electronic health record system to increase ordering of NSAIDs for hospitalized adults.

Designs, Settings and Participants

We performed a cluster randomized controlled trial of clinicians admitting adult patients to a health system over a 9‐month period. Clinicians were randomized to use a standard admission order set.

Intervention

Clinicians in the intervention arm were required to actively order or decline NSAIDs; the control arm was shown the same order but without a required response.

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary outcome was NSAIDs ordered and administered by the first full hospital day. Secondary outcomes included pain scores and opioid prescribing.

Results

A total of 20,085 hospitalizations were included. Among these hospitalizations, patients had a mean age of 58 years, and a Charlson comorbidity score of 2.97, while 50% and 56% were female and White, respectively. Overall, 52% were admitted by a clinician randomized to the intervention arm. NSAIDs were ordered in 2267 (22%) interventions and 2093 (22%) control admissions (p = .10). Similarly, there were no statistical differences in NSAID administration, pain scores, or opioid prescribing. Average pain scores (0–5 scale) were 3.36 in the control group and 3.39 in the intervention group (p = .46). There were no differences in clinical harms.

Conclusions and Relevance

Requiring an active decision to order an NSAID at admission had no demonstrable impact on NSAID ordering. Multicomponent interventions, perhaps with stronger decision support, may be necessary to encourage NSAID ordering.
Characteristics and propagation of meteorological and hydrological droughts in eastern Gansu, a typical semi‐arid region, China
Authors: Zou Rui , Yin Yixing , Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Zengxin , Ma Xieyao , Liu Mengyang , Ullah Irfan
Published: June 2023

The meteorological drought (MD) is the precursor of the hydrological drought (HD), and understanding the propagation process from MD to HD is of great significance for the early warning of HD. Based on the theory of run and Bayesian networks, this study uses the standardized precipitation index (SPI), standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and standardized streamflow index (SSI) to explore the characteristics and propagation of MD and HD in the regions of eastern Gansu, China. The results indicate that: (1) The region was mainly wet (dry) and the wetness (dryness) was stronger before (after) 2000 when reflected by SSI. The frequency is higher based on SPI and SPEI than that based on SSI, while the duration and magnitude are lower than those based on SSI. (2) The propagation time from MD to HD is generally within 1–10 months. After the occurrence of a certain level of MD, it is most likely to propagate to HD events that are relatively weaker than the MD. Besides, the higher the intensity level of MD, the shorter the propagation time to HD, and the shorter for cumulative occurrence probability of HD to approach 1.0. (3) The increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation, runoff and runoff coefficient may contribute to the dryness after 2000. Moreover, the weakened propagation from MD to HD may be due to the rapid increase of water resource consumption caused by intensive anthropogenic activities in the study area. From the above results, this study found some propagation characteristics from MD to HD in a semi‐arid and semi‐humid watershed, which can provide a supplement for revealing the drought mechanism and can assist in the management and planning of water resources in China.
Determination of xanthates as Cu(II) complexes by high‐performance liquid chromatography – Inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Suvela Ronja , Niemelä Matti , Perämäki Paavo
Published: June 2023

The present study provides a novel, selective analysis method for the determination of low xanthate concentrations. The rising concern over the environmental effects of xanthates demands the development of analysis methods which this study answers. Complex formation in aqueous solution between xanthates and an excess of Co(II), Ni(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) ions was utilized to selectively determine xanthates by high‐performance liquid chromatography–inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry for the first time. The complexes that were formed were extracted to ethyl acetate using liquid–liquid extraction and separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography technique before the quantitative determination of metal ions and sulfur in the xanthate complexes. Good separation and high measurement sensitivity were achieved using Cu(II) as the complex metal ion. The analysis method was optimized for the determination of sodium isopropyl xanthate and sodium isobutyl xanthate with detection limits of 24.7 and 13.3 μg/L, respectively. With a linear calibration range of 0.1–15 mg/L and a total analysis time of 4–5 min, the present method is a fast and sensitive option for selective xanthate determination.
Ultrasound Assessment of Entheseal Sites and Anterior Chest Wall in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Xie Haiqin , Zhou Gengmin , Luo Haiyu , Zhao Chenyang , Zhang Yusen , Dong Qian , Lv Heng , Zhong Jianqiu , Lv Jiyang , Zhang Weiwei , Sun Desheng , Wang Qingwen , Liu Li
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The study was designed to evaluate entheseal sites and anterior chest wall (ACW) of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using ultrasound (US) and investigate the correlation between disease activity and US score.

Methods

This prospective cross‐sectional study included 104 patients with AS and 50 control subjects. Each patient underwent US scanning of 23 entheses and 11 sites of the ACW. The US features, including hypoechogenicity, thickness, erosion, calcification, bursitis, and Doppler signal, were evaluated. Disease activity was assessed based on C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), disease activity score‐C reactive protein (ASDAS‐CRP), and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI).

Results

The most commonly involved entheses on US were the Achilles tendon (AT) and quadriceps tendon (QT). The most involved site of ACW was the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ). Compared with the control group, significant differences were observed in the AS group in the rates of US enthesitis and ACW in AT (P = .01), SCJ (P = .00), and costochondral joint (CCJ) (P = .01). Patients with high or very high disease activity had a higher erosion score (P = .02). The erosion score was weakly positively associated with CRP, ESR, BASDAI, ASDAS‐CRP, and ASDAS‐ESR (correlation coefficient: 0.22–0.45).

Conclusions

The most commonly involved entheseal sites on US were AT and QT, while the site of ACW was SCJ. The US assessment of AS should take the ACW into account. High disease activity might indicate erosion in AS.
Differentiating Meniere's Disease and Vestibular Migraine: Insights from Gadolinium‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Features
Authors: Xiao Heng , Chen Yibin , Huang Qinrong , Huang Min , Zheng Yingying , Fang Zheming , Chen Guohao
Published: June 2023

Objective

To explore the predictive factors between Meniere's disease (MD) and vestibular migraine (VM) by Gadolinium‐enhanced Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the inner ear and Clinical Features.

Methods

Eighty‐seven patients (50 MD and 37 VM) underwent intratympanic injection of gadolinium and MRI was performed 24 h later. All patients underwent pure tone audiometry and caloric tests.

Results

In the MD group, 46 (92%) of 50 patients developed endolymphatic hydrops, although only 2 (5.4%) in the vestibular migraine (VM) group had positive results groups (p < 0.001). The incidence of migraine was 14% in the MD group and 67.7% in the VM group (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression of the two groups of patients indicated that the greater the sum of the maximum slow phase velocity (SPV) of the ipsilateral ear, the higher the risk of VM occurrence (p = 0.009). The incidence of carsickness was positively correlated with the incidence of VM (p < 0.001) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) was negatively correlated with the diagnosis of VM (p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Gadolinium‐enhanced MRI of the inner ear is helpful for the differential diagnosis of VM and MD. Carsickness, decreased AHL, and increased Sum of the maximum SPV in the ipsilateral side (SSPVI) may act as diagnostic predictors of VM.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:426–432, 2024
Filamentation‐Induced Volume Plasma Grating: Dynamics, Possibilities, and Advantages
Authors: Hu Mengyun , Yuan Shuai , Nan Junyi , Cao Yuzhi , Chen Junyu , Zeng Heping
Published: June 2023

Stable propagation of laser filamentation arrays paves new ways for cross‐scale manufacturing. Although a single filament or multiple filaments can be used for laser processing in transparent media, sustainable developments of higher throughput and lower energy consumption are always the pursuit. Here, a proof‐of‐concept approach is proposed in which cross‐scale manufacturing of 3D microstructures is realized via an ionization‐induced volume plasma grating. The volume plasma grating is generated by the noncollinear interaction of two batches of arrays of multiple filaments. The volume plasma grating cannot only regulate the distribution of multiple filamentation but also promote the intensity inside the filaments. By this approach, 3D microstructures are written by 1D sample translation. In addition, rapid fabrications of volume gratings and terahertz wire grid polarizers (THz WGPs) are demonstrated by laser modification using volume plasma grating. The characteristics of the fabricated THz WGPs are comparable to those of commercial ones. The limitations and future implementations of this approach are discussed.
Convergence of several iterations for double‐diffusive natural convection model
Authors: Wei Yaxin , Huang Pengzhan
Published: June 2023

Several iterative finite element methods are analyzed for a steady‐state double‐diffusive natural convection model, which contains the diffusion of temperature and concentration and can simulate heat and mass transfer phenomena. These iterations include the Stokes‐type, Newton‐type, and Oseen‐type iterative methods. Then, based on the uniqueness condition, stability and convergence of these iterative methods are proved for the considered model. Finally, some numerical examples are presented for validating the correctness of the theoretical analysis.