bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of 25% Dextrose versus Expressed Breast Milk in Reducing Pain while Heel Prick Procedure in Preterm Neonates in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Chauhan Priyanka , Soni Chitra , Chauhan Hinali , Kodnani Harish
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Preterm infants undergo repeated painful procedures during a period of rapid brain development and programming of stress systems. Newborn babies including preterm infants do feel pain. Although different interventions, such as skin-to-skin contact, glucose solutions, breastfeeding, and local anaesthetic agents, have been evaluated to reduce infants’ pain, there is no clinical trial available to identify the best method. Aim: To compare the dectrose 25% versus Expressed Breast Milk (EBM) in reducing pain while heel prick procedure in preterm neonates in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The present randomised clinical trial was conducted at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Kashiben Gordhandas Patel Children Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from September 2019 to May 2020. Total 125 neonates with Gestational age between 28 weeks to 36 weeks were included in the study. Babies were divided into two groups by randomisation: Group-A: EBM and Group-B: Dextrose 25%. Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) score was calculated from worst state of individual recovery period (0-½ minute, 1-1½ minute, 3-3½ minute) and compared to baseline period PIPP. Results: Mean gestational age on examination in Group-A was 34.48±6.14 weeks and in Group-B were 34.51±5.89 weeks. Out of total 125 preterm babies (Group-A-62, group B-63), 71 (56.8%) were male and 54 (43.2 %) were females. Comparison of PIPP at 1-1½ min of heel prick in EBM and Dextrose 25% group was statistically significant (p-value <0.003) suggestive of continued analgesic effect of dextrose 25% better than EBM and PIPP scores after 3-3½ min of heel prick having no statistically significant difference. (p>0.05) Mean difference between the PIPP score in the dextrose 25% and EBM groups was -1.25 and -1.33 at 0 and 1 minute after procedure (p-value,<0.001), so pain relief was better in dextrose 25% group than EBM group. Conclusion: Dextrose 25% was better effective in reducing mean crying duration than EBM. Dextrose 25% had a better analgesic effect than EBM in 28 to 36 weeks gestational age neonates.
Utility of Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Neonates: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bhat Sinchana , Shreekrishna GN , Shwetha G
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is one of the most common conditions leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis with a non-invasive imaging tool such as ultrasound, with no radiation hazard will be beneficial for timely intervention in neonates. Aim: To evaluate the utility of Lung Ultrasound (LUS) in diagnosing RDS in neonates and to compare it with chest X-ray (CXR). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Department of Pediatrics, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India, from June 2017 to December 2018. Forty neonates (preterm and term) admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with symptoms of respiratory distress within six hours of life and fulfilling clinical criteria of RDS were included in the study. CXR and LUS were performed and interpreted by the same radiologist. The disease was graded as mild and severe by LUS based on the indices like B (Beam like comet-tail pattern) lines, alveolar consolidation, air bronchogram and white lung and it was compared with CXR in terms of sensitivity and specificity to diagnose RDS. Data were statistically analysed using Kendall’s tau-b test. Results: Eighteen (45%) neonates were <32 weeks, 19 (47%), between 32-34 weeks and 3 (7.5%) were >34 weeks of gestation. Twenty-six (65%) were males and 14 (35%) were females. Mean gestational age of the study cohort was 32±2 weeks. Mean birth weight in the study group was 1.7±0.5 kg. 14 out of the 40 neonates (65%) received steroids prior to delivery. LUS detected signs of RDS in all the 40 cases (100% sensitivity). Sixteen out of 40 (40%) neonates were graded as mild RDS and 24 out of 40 neonates (60%) as severe RDS. The sensitivity to detect severe cases was 100% when compared to CXR but specificity to detect mild cases was found to be 59%. The Positive Predictability Value (PPV) was found to be 54% and the Negative Predictable Value (NPV) was found to be 100%. Conclusion: LUS can be used as a reliable, bed side screening tool for the early diagnosis of RDS in NICU without side-effects of radiation.
Growth Pattern of Preterm Newborns under 34 Weeks of Gestation in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Haridas Kirankumar , Solaippan Manikumar , Shanmugam Ramya , Natarajan Muthukumaran
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The proportion of preterm babies is increasing now a days and these babies are more prone to short and long term disabilities. Hence, growth monitoring is essential, to identify the premature infants, who are at increased risk of growth lag and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Aim: To assess the growth pattern of infants, who are born ≤34 weeks of gestational age using the intergrowth-21st growth charts. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Neonatology at Chengalpattu Medical College and Hospital, a Tertiary Care Center Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India. The duration of the study was one year, from January 2020 to December 2020. A total of 118 neonates born at ≤34 weeks gestational age, who were admitted in the hospital and stayed for 14 days and more were included in the study. The data was collected from discharge sheets and an electronic database. Intergrowth-21st growth charts are used to assess growth. Weight, duration of hospital stay and Extrauterine Growth Restriction (EUGR) were assessed for all the newborns. At discharge, the EUGR status of the babies was determined using a weight ≤-1.28 Standard Deviation (SD) criterion. Continuous variables were presented as means with SD. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. Results: The mean maternal and gestational age of the study participants was 24.9±4.14 years and 31.6 ±1.42 weeks and birth weight of babies were 1608.06 gm (±275), respectively. The proportions of Appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and Small For Gestational Age (SGA) were 95 (80.5%) and 18 (15.2%), respectively. The mean time to reach full feeds was 10.4 days (±2.7days), and the duration of stay in the hospital was 24.8 days (±9.6 days). The mean discharge weight and gestational age of babies were 1732 gm (±226 gm) and 35.4 weeks (±1.47 weeks), respectively. The common complications observed, were those requiring antibiotics (73.7%), respiratory support (61.01%), and Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) (22.8%). Conclusion: Preterm newborns are more vulnerable to EUGR. The EUGR proportion in present study was 72.8%. The issues that raise the risk of EUGR, during the hospital stay must be adequately addressed in order to ensure that, preterm neonates develops normally.
Analyzing Gender Disparities in Land Ownership and Wage Rates in Indian Agriculture: An Empirical Study
Authors: Singh Vaishnavi , Patel Shubhi , Singh Rakesh
Published: August 2023

The Indian economy relies heavily on agriculture, employing approximately 48 percent of the workforce, including men, women, and children. Women contribute significantly as agricultural workers, and their role is gradually gaining recognition, although certain obstacles persist. This study aims to analyze the trend of women's operational land holdings and average land holding sizes from 1995 to 2016, using secondary data. The findings reveal a negative growth rate in the number of land holdings and average holding sizes for women. This indicates a substantial gap between men and women in terms of land ownership, which hampers women's potential as farmers. It also suggests that women may have limited knowledge about their land rights. Additionally, the study examines wage disparities between male and female laborers across different agricultural tasks. In the realm of sowing, gender inequality was observed, with the highest wage gap occurring in 2005-06 when female earnings were 31 percent lower than those of male laborers. By 2019-20, the disparity had decreased to 17.97 percent. In the case of threshing, the wage gap ranged from 20 percent to 15 percent, indicating a relatively smaller disparity. Overall, women tend to receive lower wages compared to men in various agricultural activities. However, the study reveals a positive trend of increasing wages for female laborers, growing at a faster rate than wages for male laborers over time. Hence, it is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate women's roles in agriculture while addressing the existing gender-based wage gap. Efforts should be made to promote gender equality and empower women in the agricultural sector. This involves tackling disparities in land ownership and improving women's understanding of their land rights. Additionally, it is essential to work towards ensuring fair wage rates for women and implementing equal pay for equal work. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, the agricultural sector can foster gender equality and create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women engaged in farming.
Assessment of Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers Willingness to Pay for Climate Change Adaptation Information Access in South- Eastern Kenya
Authors: Odikor Samuel , Nyang’anga Hillary T. , Kizito Kwena Musundi , Mogaka Hezron Rasugu
Published: August 2023

Farmers’ adaptation to climate change is crucial in ensuring agricultural production and improving food insecurity. Farmers needed access to climate change adaptation information to enable them to plan their agricultural investments. This study sought to assess farmers’ willingness to pay to access climate change adaptation information as they seek to achieve resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions. Qualitative and quantitative research approach was adopted where data was collected first-hand by interviewing 443 smallholder farmers. Ordinary Least Square method was applied to analyse the factors that influenced farmers' willingness to Pay. From the findings, 77.2% of the farmers were willing to pay for climate adaptation information. The mean willingness to pay in Cash was 12.78 USD per year. Farmers who wished to pay through provision of farm produce were highly skewed towards provision of maize that amounted to 18.40 USD at current market value. The climate change adaptation information effectiveness, knowledge, and access to information were the leading factors that influenced farmers’ WTP. Age and main source of income significantly influenced WTP negatively. Dissemination of this information through effective channels is encouraged to enable farmers to access and improve their WTP.
Identify Marketing Channel & Marketing Efficiency, Marketing Margin, Marketing Cost, Price Spread of Gobindobhog Rice in Purba Bardhaman District of West Bengal, India
Authors: Das Mainak , Dwivedi Pritesh , Kumar Amit , Mishra Avinash
Published: August 2023

The present study entitled “IDENTIFY MARKETING CHANNEL & MARKETING EFFICIENCY, MARKETING MARGIN, MARKETING COST, PRICE SPREAD OF GOBINDOBHOG RICE  IN PURBA BARDHAMAN DISTRICT OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA”. It was founded that there are two marketing channels involved in marketing of Gobindobhog in Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal (Channel 1 – Producer/Rice mill-Wholesaler-Consumer), (Channel 2- Producer/Rice Mill- Wholesaler- Retailer-Consumer). The majorly preferred marketing channel by respondents in the study area is Channel 2. In channel 1, total marketing cost is Rs.25, total marketing margin is Rs 595, marketing efficiency of channel 1 is 2.58% and Price spread seen in channel 1 is Rs.550. In channel 2, total marketing cost is Rs.255, total marketing margin in channel 2 is Rs. 800, marketing efficiency of channel 2 is 1.71% and Price spread seen in channel 2 is Rs.755.00.
Legal Analysis in the Settlement of SHM Forgery Crimes that Result in Losses to Other Parties is Associated with (Study of Decision Number 252/Pid. B/2015/ PN. PMS) in Indonesia
Authors: Sinaga Anci Yuniza , Zulyadi Rizkan , Siregar Taufik
Published: August 2023

The purpose of the study was to find out and analyze criminal law studies on forgery of letter evidence and analyze the judge's legal considerations in solving the crime of forgery of Property Rights related to the study of Decision Number 252 / Pid.B / 2015 / PN. This type of research is normative and juridical. The nature of the research used is analytical-descriptive research. This research uses library data collection techniques. Data collection tools are carried out through document studies. The data analysis used in this thesis research is qualitative. The act of forgery is a type of violation of truth and belief with the aim of gaining an advantage for oneself or others. That the form of stamp or stamp code in front of the certificate cover, namely Certificate of Property Rights Number 1525 Bantan Village in the name of Yuniarti, SH, has the code 02.02, which is correct at the office of the National Land Agency of Pematang Siantar City with the code 02.03; Considering that, in accordance with the above considerations, Yuniarti, SH, as the wife of the defendant, has used a letter in the form of a falsified certificate as a credit guarantee to PT Perkreditan Diori.
Comparative Efficacy of Selected Chemicals and Neem Oil against Okra Shoot and Fruit Borer [Earias vittella (Fabricius)] on Okra
Authors: Devi M. Jahnavi Eshwari , Tayde Anoorag R. , Herald Kadathatla Persis
Published: August 2023

The field investigation was carried out in Kharif season of 2022 at Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments each replicated thrice viz., Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (5 g/lit), Lambda cyhalothrin 2.5% EC (0.5-1 ml/lit), Flubendiamide 480 SC (0.3 ml/lit), Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (1 ml/2.5 lit), Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (0.5 ml/lit), Neem oil @2% (20 ml/lit), Spinosad 45% SC (0.3-0.4 ml/lit), and control plot. The result revealed that among all the treatments lowest percent shoot infestation and fruit infestation  of okra shoot and fruit borer was recorded in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (13.90%), (13.11%) at both sprayers followed by Spinosad 45% SC (15.89%), (14.25%), Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (16.59%), (15.02%), Flubendiamide 480 SC (17.27%), (15.30%), Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (17.44%), (16.63%), Lambda cyhalothrin 2.5% EC (19.09%), (16.97%),  Neem oil @2% (19.21%), (17.23%) and Control (30.87%), (25.44%). The highest yield and cost benefit ratio was recorded in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (158.33 q/ha), (1:6.1) followed by Spinosad 45% SC (153.33 q/ha), (1:5.4), Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (133.33 q/ha), (1:5.3), Flubendiamide 480 SC (116.66 q/ha), (1:4.7), Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (105 q/ha), (1:4.2), Lambda cyhalothrin 2.5% EC (83.33 q/ha), (1:3.3), Neem oil @2% (70 q/ha), (1:2.8) and Control plot (33.33 q/ha), (1:1.3).
Growth Rate Performance of Sonadi Sheep in Terms of Growth Efficiency
Authors: Hada Renuka , Nagda R. K. , Kumar Vishnu , Bansal Gaurav Kumar
Published: August 2023

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of non-genetic factors on growth efficiency of Sonadi sheep of different age groups. In this study, data on 1396 Sonadi sheep maintained from 2012 to 2019 under the Mega Sheep Seed Project, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Navania, Vallabhnagar, Rajasthan, were analysed to assess the effect of non-genetic factors (sex, type of birth, year of birth, and season of birth) on growth efficiency viz. 0-3, 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 months age groups. The overall least-squares means along with standard error for GE1 (0-3M), GE2 (3-6M), GE3 (6-9M) and GE4 (9-12M) were 2.57±0.10, 0.496±0.03, 0.244±0.24 and 0.266±0.02 kg/kg, respectively. Year of birth had a highly significant (P≤0.01) effect on all growth traits. The effect of the season of birth on growth efficiency was also highly significant (P≤0.01) for GE1 and GE2 groups while significant (P≤0.05) for GE3 and GE4 groups. The sex of lamb showed a significant (P≤0.05) effect on GE1 and non-significant on the rest of the groups (GE2, GE3, GE4), whereas the effect of the type of lamb on growth efficiency was found to be non-significant on all groups.
Folic Acid to Prevent Neural Tube Defects
Authors: Jin Jill
Published: August 2023

This JAMA Patient Page describes the pros and cons of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy to lower risk of fetal neural tube defects.
Sex Vulnerabilities to Hypoxia-Ischemia at Birth
Authors: Chalak Lina F. , Pruszynski Jessica E. , Spong Catherine Y.
Published: August 2023

This cross-sectional study examines the incidence of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in male vs female neonates.
Accumulation of TERT in mitochondria exerts two opposing effects on apoptosis
Authors: Ebata Hiroshi , Shima Tomohiro , Iizuka Ryo , Uemura Sotaro
Published: August 2023

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a protein that catalyzes the reverse transcription of telomere elongation. TERT is also expected to play a non‐canonical role beyond telomere lengthening since it localizes not only in the nucleus but also in mitochondria, where telomeres do not exist. Several studies have reported that mitochondrial TERT regulates apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. However, there is still some controversy as to whether mitochondrial TERT promotes or inhibits apoptosis, mainly due to the lack of information on changes in TERT distribution in individual cells over time. Here, we simultaneously detected apoptosis and TERT localization after oxidative stress in individual HeLa cells by live‐cell tracking. Single‐cell tracking revealed that the stress‐induced accumulation of TERT in mitochondria caused apoptosis, but that accumulation increased over time until cell death. The results suggest a new model in which mitochondrial TERT has two opposing effects at different stages of apoptosis: it predetermines apoptosis at the first stage of cell‐fate determination, but also delays apoptosis at the second stage. As such, our data support a model that integrates the two opposing hypotheses on mitochondrial TERT's effect on apoptosis. Furthermore, detailed statistical analysis of TERT mutations, which have been predicted to inhibit TERT transport to mitochondria, revealed that these mutations suppress apoptosis independent of mitochondrial localization of TERT. Together, these results imply that the non‐canonical functions of TERT affect a wide range of mitochondria‐dependent and mitochondria‐independent apoptosis pathways.
Inhibition of PRMT1 alleviates sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury in mice by blocking the TGF‐β1 and IL‐6 trans‐signaling pathways
Authors: Zhu Yu , Wang Longmei , Liu Rui , Ding Xiurong , Yin Song , Chen Yuankun , Zhu Chuanlong , Wang Zheng , Li Wenting
Published: August 2023

Sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury (SI‐AKI) causes renal dysfunction and has a high mortality rate. Protein arginine methyltransferase‐1 (PRMT1) is a key regulator of renal insufficiency. In the present study, we explored the potential involvement of PRMT1 in SI‐AKI. A murine model of SI‐AKI was induced by cecal ligation and perforation. The expression and localization of PRMT1 and molecules involved in the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1/Smad3 and interleukin (IL)‐6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways were detected in mouse kidney tissues by western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. The association of PRMT1 with downstream molecules of the TGF‐β1/Smad3 and IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathways was further verified in vitro in mouse renal tubular epithelial cells. Cecal ligation and perforation caused epithelial–mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, and inflammation in renal tissues, and this was alleviated by inhibition of PRMT1. Inhibition of PRMT1 in SI‐AKI mice decreased the expression of TGF‐β1 and phosphorylation of Smad3 in the renal cortex, and downregulated the expression of soluble IL‐6R and phosphorylation of STAT3 in the medulla. Knockdown of PRMT1 in mouse renal tubular epithelial cells restricted the expression of Cox‐2, E‐cadherin, Pro‐caspase3, and phosphorylated Smad3 (involved in the TGF‐β1‐mediated signaling pathway), and also blocked IL‐6/soluble IL‐6R, inducing the expression of Cox‐2 and phosphorylated‐STAT3. In conclusion, our findings suggest that inhibition of PRMT1 mitigates SI‐AKI by inactivating the TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway in the cortex and the IL‐6/STAT3 pathway in the medulla. Our findings may aid in the identification of potential therapeutic target molecules for SI‐AKI.
A Fluorescent Chemosensor for Long‐Term Tracking of Cancer Cell Metastasis and Invasion via Enzyme‐Activated Anchoring
Authors: Liu Ting , Xia Xiang , Wang Ran , Rong Xiang , Su Zehou , Du Jianjun , Fan Jiangli , Peng Xiaojun , Sun Wen
Published: August 2023

Evidence shows that the enzyme human cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) is associated with cancer; indeed, it is shown to play a key role in the occurrence of many cancers. Therefore, the molecular imaging of CYP1A1 in cells is of great significance for revealing the process of cancer development. Herein, a chemosensor, DCBEM, is reported that is able to selectively recognize CYP1A1 and achieve long‐term labeling of the enzyme through an enzymolysis cascade reaction. The design of DCBEM relies on the reaction between the highly electrophilic intermediate (quinone methide) and the enzyme, which forms a fluorescent label with CYP1A1 via covalent bonding. The chemosensor reveals excellent specificity toward CYP1A1 and achieves high‐resolution monitoring of cell migration with a strong retention capacity in vivo (up to 4 days). Further, using DCBEM, the pathways of invasion of colon cancer and breast cancer cells are successfully visualized in living mice. This method of labeling enzymes provides a simple and efficient way to render ordinary fluorescent chemosensors suitable for the long‐term tracking of cancer cells, for which such molecular tools are currently lacking.
J‐Aggregation Strategy toward Potentiated NIR‐II Fluorescence Bioimaging of Molecular Fluorophores
Authors: Hu Xiaoming , Zhu Caijun , Sun Fengwei , Chen Zejing , Zou Jianhua , Chen Xiaoyuan , Yang Zhen
Published: August 2023

Molecular fluorophores emitting in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) window with strong optical harvesting and high quantum yields hold great potential for in vivo deep‐tissue bioimaging and high‐resolution biosensing. Recently, J‐aggregates are harnessed to engineer long‐wavelength NIR‐II emitters and show unique superiority in tumor detection, vessel mapping, surgical navigation, and phototheranostics due to their bathochromic‐shifted optical bands in the required slip‐stacked arrangement aggregation state. However, despite the preliminary progress of NIR‐II J‐aggregates and theoretical study of structure‐property relationships, further paradigms of NIR‐II J‐aggregates remain scarce due to the lack of study on aggregated fluorophores with slip‐stacked fashion. In this effort, how to utilize the specific molecular structure to form slip‐stacked packing motifs with J‐type aggregated exciton coupling is emphatically elucidated. First, several molecular regulating strategies to achieve NIR‐II J‐aggregates containing intermolecular interactions and external conditions are positively summarized and deeply analyzed. Then, the recent reports on J‐aggregates for NIR‐II bioimaging and theranostics are systematically summarized to provide a clear reference and direction for promoting the development of NIR‐II organic fluorophores. Eventually, the prospective efforts on ameliorating and promoting NIR‐II J‐aggregates to further clinical practices are outlined.
A Nanoscale Ternary Amide‐rGO Composite with Boosted Kinetics for Reversible H2 Storage
Authors: Dun Chaochao , Li Sichi , Chen Linfeng , Horton Robert D. , Allendorf Mark D. , Wood Brandon C. , Stavila Vitalie , Urban Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2023

Metal amides are attractive candidates for hydrogen storage due to their high volumetric and gravimetric hydrogen densities. However, the sluggish kinetics and competing side reactions during hydrogen uptake and release limit their practical use. Here, a novel nanoconfined Li2Mg(NH)2@reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite is presented, which is fabricated using a melt‐infiltration method with a minimum weight penalty of only 2 wt.%. The presence of rGO ensures close contact between the active phases, effectively preventing aggregation during cycling process. As a result, the reversible capacity of Li2Mg(NH)2@rGO reaches 4.42 wt.%, with no capacity degradation observed after multiple cycling. Theoretical calculations show that rGO catalyzes the hydrogen bond cleavage at the Mg‐amide/Li hydride interface, leading to local dehydrogenation hotspots and significantly improves kinetics of dehydrogenation compared to the bulk counterpart. This study provides a promising strategy for designing metal imide‐based composites to overcome the kinetic limitations and improve their reversible hydrogen storage performance.
Targeting Alpha‐Ketoglutarate Disruption Overcomes Immunoevasion and Improves PD‐1 Blockade Immunotherapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Le , Zeng Xing , Chao Zheng , Luo Jing , Guan Wei , Zhang Qiang , Ge Yue , Wang Yanan , Xiong Zezhong , Ma Sheng , Zhou Qiang , Zhang Junbiao , Tian Jihua , Horne David , Yuh Bertram , Hu Zhiquan , Wei Gong‐Hong , Wang Baojun , Zhang Xu , Lan Peixiang , Wang Zhihua
Published: August 2023

The Warburg effect‐related metabolic dysfunction of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle has emerged as a hallmark of various solid tumors, particularly renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC is characterized by high immune infiltration and thus recommended for immunotherapeutic interventions at an advanced stage in clinical guidelines. Nevertheless, limited benefits of immunotherapy have prompted investigations into underlying mechanisms, leading to the proposal of metabolic dysregulation‐induced immunoevasion as a crucial contributor. In this study, a significant decrease is found in the abundance of alpha‐ketoglutarate (αKG), a crucial intermediate metabolite in the TCA cycle, which is correlated with higher grades and a worse prognosis in clinical RCC samples. Elevated levels of αKG promote major histocompatibility complex‐I (MHC‐I) antigen processing and presentation, as well as the expression of β2‐microglobulin (B2M). While αKG modulates broad‐spectrum demethylation activities of histone, the transcriptional upregulation of B2M is dependent on the demethylation of H3K4me1 in its promoter region. Furthermore, the combination of αKG supplementation and PD‐1 blockade leads to improved therapeutic efficacy and prolongs survival in murine models when compared to monotherapy. Overall, the findings elucidate the mechanisms of immune evasion in anti‐tumor immunotherapies and suggest a potential combinatorial treatment strategy in RCC.
Carbonic anhydrase textile structured packing for efficient CO2 absorption in methyldiethanolamine solvent
Authors: Xiao Min , Thompson Jesse , Shen Jialong , Salmon Sonja , Liu Kunlei
Published: August 2023

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is an attractive biodegradable catalyst for CO2 absorption in solvent‐based CO2 capture. However, maintaining the stability of CA as a homogeneous component of the solvents is a challenge. Solvent regeneration temperature typically exceeds the enzyme thermal tolerance, which leads to CA deactivation. To reduce the need for frequent CA replenishment and to avoid inactive CA accumulation in the solvent, this work shows the benefits of an immobilization strategy where CA is fixed in a second‐generation design of textile structured packing (CATSP‐2) modules. The enzyme‐immobilized packing showed 1.5 times better performance in CO2 separation compared with traditional structured packing with a corresponding increased CO2 loading in the rich solvent. The modules exhibited good CA activity retention of ~80% during the tests without any CA replenishment. Applying CATSP‐2 could potentially decrease the packing height and absorber column size for a lower cost per amount of CO2 captured.
Synthesis of dodecylbenzene via the alkylation of benzene and 1‐dodecene over mesopore Beta zeolites
Authors: Liu Baoyu , Lu Weijian , Liu Yikuan , Feng Qilong , Huang Yi , Shang Jin , Zhu Yihan , Dong Jinxiang
Published: August 2023

The alkylation of benzene with long chain α‐olefins is a crucial process in the production of fine chemicals, which requires the upgrading from traditional homogeneous catalysis to heterogeneous catalysis involving zeolites. However, the application of zeolite catalysts has been limited by their fast deactivation due to constrained diffusion resulting from the sole micropores. To address this challenge, a desilication and secondary‐crystallization strategy has been employed to fabricate hierarchically structured mesoporous Beta zeolites. The resultant mesoporous Beta zeolites demonstrate excellent catalytic activity and stability in the alkylation of benzene with 1‐dodecene, arising from the exposed acid sites and enhanced internal diffusion. Importantly, the internal diffusion limitations for these mesopore Beta zeolites are negligible, which significantly extends their lifetime and improves their regeneration performance. To achieve these benefits, the degree of mesopores must be deliberately controlled. Overall, this approach provides a promising solution for achieving efficient and environmentally friendly alkylation processes.
Towards an ethical and legal framework in archeogenomics: A local case in the Atlantic coast of central Patagonia
Authors: Tamburrini Camila , Dahinten Silvia Lucrecia , Saihueque Rubén Ricardo Romero , Ávila‐Arcos María C. , Parolin María Laura
Published: August 2023

Ethical discussions around ancient DNA (aDNA) research predate the technological breakthroughs that led to the accelerated generation of ancient genomic data, revealing a long‐due need to address these aspects in the field. Given the diverse conflicts that genomics has raised towards the communities associated with the Non‐living Human Ancestors under study, it has been suggested that the ethical and legal implications of genetically studying present‐day and ancient human populations should be considered case‐by‐case. Nevertheless, the discussions have focused on US and European perspectives. To contribute from a local and Latin American position to the problem, we present the history of consensus and disagreement of the relationships between scientists and Indigenous communities of the Atlantic coast of the central Argentinian Patagonia. We describe how these relationships resulted in the approval of a groundbreaking provincial law that acknowledges the Indigenous community's right to be involved in decision‐making concerning their Ancestors. In addition, we emphasize how these established relationships allowed the development of aDNA studies. With this background, we address the main ethical concerns of genomic studies of Ancestors identified in the reference literature and commit to applying some of the recommendations suggested in those ethical guidelines. Then, we reflect on possible negative consequences of ongoing research and propose some suggestions based on personal experiences that will contribute to moving the ethical field towards a more contextualized science with a local perspective.
Intoxication with massive doses of amlodipine and candesartan requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Yusuke Minagawa , Hidetoshi Yamana , Yusuke Tsutsumi , Koji Ishigami , Masahito Togo , Susumu Yasuda , Takayuki Ogura
Published: August 2023

Background

Calcium channel blockers and angiotensin II receptor blockers are commonly prescribed to treat hypertension. Massive overdoses can cause both distributive and cardiogenic shock because of their effects on vascular smooth muscles and severe myocardial depression.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a 46‐year‐old man who was brought to our emergency department after ingesting 1210 mg amlodipine and 936 mg candesartan. The patient's hemodynamic status deteriorated despite treatment with vasopressors, calcium gluconate, and hyperinsulinemia‐euglycemia therapy with mechanical ventilation. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated for refractory shock. The patient was weaned off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on day 5 and discharged on day 18 of hospitalization.

Conclusion

When medical therapies are ineffective, aggressive venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be considered for the management of refractory shock in the setting of calcium channel blocker with angiotensin II receptor blocker overdose.
Cationic β‐Scission of C−H and C−C Bonds for Selective Dimerization and Subsequent Sulfur‐Free RAFT Polymerization of α‐Methylstyrene and Isobutylene
Authors: Tanimoto Takayuki , Uchiyama Mineto , Kamigaito Masami
Published: August 2023

A series of exo‐olefin compounds ((CH3)2C(PhY)−CH2C(=CH2)PhY) were prepared by selective cationic dimerization of α‐methylstyrene (αMS) derivatives (CH2=C(CH3)PhY) with p‐toluenesulfonic acid (TsOH) via β‐C−H scission. They were subsequently used as reversible chain transfer agents for sulfur‐free cationic RAFT polymerization of αMS via β‐C−C scission in the presence of Lewis acid catalysts such as SnCl4. In particular, exo‐olefin compounds with electron‐donating substituents, such as a 4‐MeO group (Y) on the aromatic ring, worked as efficient cationic RAFT agents for αMS to produce poly(αMS) with controlled molecular weights and exo‐olefin terminals. Other exo‐olefin compounds (R−CH2C(=CH2)(4‐MeOPh)) with various R groups were prepared by different methods to examine the effects of R groups on the cationic RAFT polymerization. A sulfur‐free cationic RAFT polymerization also proceeded for isobutylene (IB) with the exo‐olefin αMS dimer ((CH3)2C(Ph)−CH2C(=CH2)Ph). Furthermore, telechelic poly(IB) with exo‐olefins at both terminals was obtained with a bifunctional RAFT agent containing two exo‐olefins. Finally, block copolymers of αMS and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were prepared via mechanistic transformation from cationic to radical RAFT polymerization using exo‐olefin terminals containing 4‐MeOPh groups as common sulfur‐free RAFT groups for both cationic and radical polymerizations.
Mechanistic Understanding of Oxidation of Tin‐based Perovskite Solar Cells and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Huang Yuanfang , Jin Jialun , Jiang Yiting , Xu Yuliang , Zhu Jingwei , Zhao Dewei
Published: August 2023

Tin (Sn)‐based perovskites as the most promising absorber materials for lead‐free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved the record efficiency of over 14 %. Although suppressing the oxidation of Sn‐based perovskites is a frequently concerned topic for Sn‐based PSCs, many studies have given vague explanations and the mechanisms are still under debate. This is in principal due to the lack of an in‐depth understanding of various and complex intrinsic and extrinsic factors causing the oxidation process. In this context, we critically review the chemical mechanism of facile oxidation of Sn‐based perovskites and differentiate its detrimental effects at material‐ and device‐level. More importantly, we classify and introduce the intrinsic factors (raw materials and solvent of perovskite precursors) and extrinsic factors (exposure to neutral oxygen and superoxide) causing the oxidation with their corresponding anti‐oxidation improvement methods. The presented comprehensive understanding and prospect of the oxidation provide insightful guidance for suppressing the oxidation in Sn‐based PSCs “from the beginning to the end”.
Late Holocene technological provisioning at the Kings Table rockshelter, Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia
Authors: McLaren Andrew , Oakes Geordie
Published: August 2023

Technological analysis of the late Holocene component of the stone artefact assemblage recovered from the Kings Table rockshelter in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, provides the basis for an assessment of the site's role in broader late Holocene settlement‐subsistence systems. Drawing on Kuhn's widely employed “provisioning model”, as well as Kelleher's general pre‐contact occupation model for the Blue Mountains National Park (BMNP), we argue that the Kings Table rockshelter functioned as a short‐term field camp for logistically‐organised hunter‐gatherers whose principal residential bases were located in “off‐mountains” contexts. It is argued that the late Holocene component of the Kings Table assemblage has a technological “signature” entirely consistent with individual provisioning. Aboriginal groups occupying this site over the course of the late Holocene employed a mobile toolkit whose lithic component was dominated by artefacts manufactured out of high‐quality, transported silicified tuff and incorporated both backed artefact‐bearing composite tools and hafted edge‐ground hatchets (axes) as key elements.
Effect of the zinc transporter ZupT on the virulence mechanisms of mesophilic Aeromonas salmonicida SRW‐OG1
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Li Qiu , Huang Lixing
Published: August 2023

As a typical psychrophilic bacterial pathogen, Aeromonas salmonicida causes furunculosis in wild and farmed freshwater and marine fish, leading to substantial economic losses in the global aquaculture industry. Previous studies have shown that A. salmonicida is unable to grow above 25°C, hence limiting its infection to cold‐water fish. However, we isolated A. salmonicida SRW‐OG1, a mesophilic pathogenic strain from the warm‐water fish Epinephelus coioides. Through RNA‐seq analysis, we observe significant upregulation of the zupT gene at 28°C. ZupT is a member of zinc‐regulated transporters and iron‐regulated transporter‐like proteins (ZIP family) and is closely associated with transcriptional regulation of virulence in certain pathogens. Consequently, our study aimed to examine the role of zupT during A. salmonicida SRW‐OG1 infection at high temperatures. Our findings demonstrate that the zupT‐RNAi strain exhibits severe growth restriction under limited Zn2+ and Fe2+ conditions. Notably, this strain shows significantly reduced mortality rates and colonization abilities. Moreover, its motility, biofilm formation, adhesion, and hemolytic activities are significantly diminished. Confocal laser scanning microscopy reveals earlier and accelerated biofilm dissociation in the zupT‐RNAi strain. Analysis of extracellular products at 36 h indicates a considerable reduction in relative extracellular protein content in the zupT‐RNAi strain. Taken together, our results highlight the vital role of the zupT gene in zinc transport and the fitness of A. salmonicida SRW‐OG1 within the host.
Prenatal depression and risk of child autism‐related traits among participants in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program
Authors: Avalos Lyndsay A. , Chandran Aruna , Churchill Marie L. , Gao Xingyu , Ames Jennifer L. , Nozadi Sara S. , Roubinov Danielle , Brennan Patricia A. , Bush Nicole R. , Camargo Carlos A. , Carroll Kecia N. , Cioffi Camille C. , Ferrara Assiamira , Goldson Brandon , Hedderson Monique M. , Hipwell Alison E. , Kerver Jean M. , O'Connor Thomas G. , Porucznik Christina A. , Shuffrey Lauren C. , Talavera‐Barber Maria M. , Wright Rosalind J. , Zhu Yeyi , Croen Lisa A. ,   Program Collaborators for Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes
Published: August 2023

This study evaluated the association between prenatal depression and offspring autism‐related traits. The sample comprised 33 prenatal/pediatric cohorts participating in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program who contributed information on prenatal depression and autism‐related traits. Autism‐related traits were assessed continuously and at the diagnostic cut‐off using the Social Responsiveness Scale for children up to 12 years of age. Main analyses included 3994 parent–child pairs with prenatal depression diagnoses data; secondary analyses included 1730 parent–child pairs with depression severity data. After confounder adjustment, we observed an increase in autism‐related traits among children of individuals with prenatal depression compared to those without (adjusted β = 1.31 95% CI: 0.65, 1.98). Analyses stratified by child sex documented a similar significant association among boys (aβ = 1.34 95%CI: 0.36, 2.32) and girls (aβ = 1.26 95% CI: 0.37, 2.15). Prenatal depression was also associated with increased odds of moderate to severe autism‐related traits (adjusted odds ratio: 1.64, 95%CI: 1.09, 2.46), the screening threshold considered high risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Findings highlight the importance of prenatal depression screening and preventive interventions for children of pregnant individuals with depression to support healthy development. Future research is needed to clarify whether these findings reflect overlap in genetic risk for depression and ASD‐related traits or another mechanism.
Evaluation of Sn0.9Fe0.1O2‐δ as Potential Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lenzer Anja , Birrozzi Adele , Wirsching Anna‐Lena , Li Yueliang , Geiger Dorin , Kaiser Ute , Asenbauer Jakob , Bresser Dominic
Published: August 2023

The introduction of transition metals such as iron in oxides of alloying elements as, for instance, SnO2 has been proven to enable higher capacities and superior charge storage performance when used as lithium‐ion electrode materials. Herein, we report the evaluation of such electrode materials, precisely (carbon‐coated) Sn0.9Fe0.1O2−δ(−C), for sodium‐ion battery applications. The comparison with SnO2 as reference material reveals the beneficial impact of the presence of iron in the tin oxide lattice, enabling higher specific capacities and a greater reversibility of the de‐/sodiation process – just like for lithium‐ion battery applications. The overall achievable capacity, however, remains relatively low with about 300 mAh g−1 and up to more than 400 mAh g−1 for Sn0.9Fe0.1O2‐δ and Sn0.9Fe0.1O2−δ‐C, respectively, compared to the theoretical specific capacity of more than 1,300 mAh g−1 when assuming a completely reversible alloying and conversion reaction. The subsequently performed ex situ/operando XRD and ex situ TEM/EDX analysis unveils that this limited capacity results from an incomplete de‐/sodiation reaction, thus, providing valuable insights towards an enhanced understanding of alternative reaction mechanisms for sodium‐ion anode material candidates.
Functional partnerships between GPI‐anchored proteins and adhesion GPCRs
Authors: Lin Hsi‐Hsien
Published: August 2023

Specific extracellular interaction between glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored proteins and adhesion G protein‐coupled receptors (aGPCRs) plays an important role in unique biological functions. GPI‐anchored proteins are derived from a novel post‐translational modification of single‐span membrane molecules, while aGPCRs are bona fide seven‐span transmembrane proteins with a long extracellular domain. Although various members of the two structurally‐distinct protein families are known to be involved in a wide range of biological processes, many remain as orphans. Interestingly, accumulating evidence has pointed to a complex interaction and functional synergy between these two protein families. I discuss herein current understanding of specific functional partnerships between GPI‐anchored proteins and aGPCRs.
A path towards enterprise environmental performance improvement: How does CEO green experience matter?
Authors: Li Xin , Guo Fei , Wang Jiaqi
Published: August 2023

Nudging the amelioration of enterprise environmental performance is the micro‐foundation for effectively enhancing resource utilization and realizing sustainable development. Based on the upper echelons theory, the characteristics and previous experiences of managers determine their strategic choices and then affect the behavior of enterprises at the whole social layer. Nevertheless, the literature concerning the effect of CEO green experience on enterprise environmental performance is void. To bridge this gap, this paper uses the data of China's A‐share listed enterprises from 2010 to 2021 to empirically investigate the direct impact, influence mechanisms, and heterogeneities of CEO green experience on enterprise environmental performance. The study finds that CEO green experience can significantly promote the improvement of enterprise environmental performance. Based on the main effect, to exploring potential mechanisms behind the conclusion, we figure that environmental ethics commitment, environmental protection investment, and green technology innovation are the core mechanism approaches during the process of CEO green experience affects environmental performance. Heterogeneity analysis of CEO characteristics demonstrates that the green experience of female CEOs, older CEOs, and high educated CEOs both have a pronounced effect on ameliorating enterprise environmental performance. Furthermore, the positive effect of CEO green experience on environmental performance is more prominent in non‐state‐owned enterprises, heavily polluting industries, and regions with high environmental protection pressure. Besides providing an effective supplement for the research on managers and environmental performance, this paper also generates micro‐empirical support for government departments to formulate and optimize environmental policies.
Time‐trends and age and stage differences in 5‐year relative survival for common cancer types by sex in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland
Authors: Wanner Miriam , Syleouni Maria‐Eleni , Karavasiloglou Nena , Limam Manuela , Bastiaannet Esther , Korol Dimitri , Rohrmann Sabine
Published: August 2023

Background

Survival trends help to evaluate the progress made to reduce the burden of cancer. The aim was to estimate the trends in 5‐year relative survival of patients diagnosed with breast, prostate, lung, colorectal cancer and skin melanoma in the time periods 1980–1989, 1990–1999, 2000–2009 and 2010–2015 in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Furthermore, we investigated relative survival differences by TNM stage and age group.

Methods

Data from the Cancer Registry of Zurich was used from 1980 to and including 2015, including incident cases of breast (N = 26,060), prostate (N= 23,858), colorectal (N= 19,305), lung cancer (N= 16,858) and skin melanoma (N= 9780) with follow‐up until 31 December 2020. The cohort approach was used to estimate 5‐year relative survival.

Results

The 5‐year relative survival increased significantly between 1980 and 1989, and 2010 and2015: from 0.70 to 0.89 for breast, from 0.60 to 0.92 for prostate, from 0.09 to 0.23 (men) and from 0.10 to 0.27 (women) for lung, from 0.46 to 0.66 (men) and from 0.48 to 0.68 (women) for colorectal cancer, and from 0.74 to 0.94 (men) and from 0.86 to 0.96 (women) for skin melanoma. Survival for stage IV tumors was considerably lower compared to lower‐staged tumors for all cancer types. Furthermore, relative survival was similar for the age groups <80 years but lower for patients aged 80 years and older.

Conclusion

The observed increasing trends in survival are encouraging and likely reflect raised awareness around cancer, improved diagnostic methods, and improved treatments. The fact that stage I tumor patients have generally high relative survival reflects the efforts made regarding early detection.