bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light‐Dependent Reactivity of Heavy Pnictogen Double Bonds
Authors: Meleschko Daniel , Palui Prasenjit , Gomila Rosa M. , Schnakenburg Gregor , Filippou Alexander C. , Frontera Antonio , Bismuto Alessandro
Published: May 2024

The chemistry of light dipnictenes has been widely investigated in the last century with remarkable achievements especially for azobenzene derivatives. In contrast, distibenes and dibismuthenes are relatively rare and show very limited reactivity. Herein, we have designed a protocol using visible light to enhance the reactivity of heavy dipnictenes. Exploiting the distinctive π–π* transition, we have been able to isolate unique examples of dipnictene‐cobalt complexes. The reactivity of the distibene complex was further exploited using red light in the presence of a diazoolefin to access an unusual four‐membered bicyclo[1.1.0]butane analog, containing only a single carbon atom. These findings set the bases to a conceptually new strategy in heavy element double bonds chemistry where visible light is at the front seat of bond activation.
Leveraging Electron Push‐Pull Effect for Catalytic Polymerization and Degradation of a Cyclobutane Monomer System
Authors: Xie Teng , Chen Shu‐Sen , Li Yang‐Yang , Chen Dian‐Feng
Published: May 2024

Ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) offers a striking solution to solve problems encountered in step‐growth condensation polymerization, including precise control over molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and topology. This has inspired our interest in ROP of cycloalkanes with an ultimate goal to rethink polyolefins, which clearly poses a number of challenges. Practicality of ROP of cycloalkanes is actually limited by their low polymerizability and elusive mechanisms which arise from significantly varied ring size and non‐polar C−C bonds in monomers. In this work, by using Lewis acid/Brønsted base/C(sp3)‐H initiator system previously developed in our laboratory, we focus on cyclobutanes and explore the positional and electronic effects of substituents on the ring, namely electron push‐pull effect, in promoting controlled polymerization to afford densely functionalized poly(cyclobutanes), as well as catalytic degradation of obtained polymers for upcycling. More importantly, experiments and DFT calculations unveil considerable population of Lewis‐acid‐induced thermostabilized 1,4‐zwitterions, which distinguish cyclobutanes from cyclopropanes and others. All these findings would shed light on catalytic synthesis and degradation of saturated all‐carbon main‐chain polymers, as well as small molecule transformations of cyclobutanes.
Direct α‐Hydroxy Acid Loading onto a Bacterial Thiotemplate Assembly Line via a Multienzyme Gateway
Authors: Fiedler Jonas , Trottmann Felix , Ishida Keishi , Ishida‐Ito Mie , Hertweck Christian
Published: May 2024

Various nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) create structural and functional diversity by incorporating α‐hydroxy acids into peptide backbones. Trigonic acid, an unusual cyclopropanol‐substituted hydroxy acid, is the source of the molecular warhead of malleicyprol, a critical virulence factor of human and animal pathogens of the Burkholderia pseudomallei (BP) group. The process of selecting and loading this building block remained enigmatic as the NRPS module designated for this task is incomplete. Using a combination of bioinformatics, mutational analyses, targeted metabolomics, and in vitro biochemical assays, we show that two trans‐acting enzymes are required to load this central building block onto the modular assembly line. An adenylation‐thiolation didomain enzyme (BurJ) activates trigonic acid, followed by the translocation of the enzyme‐bound α‐hydroxy acid thioester by an FkbH‐like protein with a mutated phosphatase domain (BurH). This specialized gateway is the first reported direct loading of an α‐hydroxy acid onto a bona fide NRPS module in bacteria and expands the synthetic biology toolbox for the site‐specific incorporation of non‐canonical building blocks. Moreover, insight into the biochemical basis of virulence factor biosynthesis can provide a foundation for developing enzyme inhibitors as anti‐virulence therapeutics against BP pathogen infections.
Thickness‐Driven Synthesis and Applications of Covalent Organic Framework Nanosheets
Authors: Koner Kalipada , Sasmal Himadri Sekhar , Shetty Dinesh , Banerjee Rahul
Published: May 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are two‐dimensional, crystalline porous framework materials with numerous scopes for tunability, such as porosity, functionality, stability and aspect ratio (thickness to length ratio). The manipulation of π‐stacking in COFs results in truly 2D materials, namely covalent organic nanosheets (CONs), adds advantages in many applications. In this Minireview, we have discussed both top‐down (COFs→CONs) and bottom‐up (molecules→CONs) approaches with precise information on thickness and lateral growth. We have showcased the research progress on CONs in a few selected applications, such as batteries, catalysis, sensing and biomedical applications. This Minireview specifically highlights the reports where the authors compare the performance of CONs with COFs by demonstrating the impact of the thickness and lateral growth of the nanosheets. We have also provided the possible scope of exploration of CONs research in terms of inter‐dimensional conversion, such as graphene to carbon nanotube and future technologies.
Hexabenzoheptacene: A Longitudinally Multihelicene Nanocarbon with Local Aromaticity and Enhanced Stability
Authors: Liu Xinyue , Jin Zhengxiong , Qiu Fei , Guo Yupeng , Chen Yan , Sun Zhe , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2024

We report the synthesis of a longitudinally helical molecular nanocarbon, hexabenzoheptacene (HBH), along with its dimethylated derivative (HBH‐Me), which are composed of six benzene rings periodically benzannulated to both zigzag edges of a heptacene core. This benzannulation pattern endows the resulting nanocarbons with a helical heptacene core and local aromaticity, imparting enhanced solubility and stability to the system. The chiral HBH‐Me adopts a more highly twisted conformation with an end‐to‐end twist angle of 95°, enabling the separation of the enantiomers. Both HBH and HBH‐Me can be facilely oxidized into their corresponding dications, which exhibit enhanced planarity and aromaticity upon loss of electrons. Notably, both longitudinally helical nanocarbons readily promote solid state packing into two‐dimensional (2D) arrangement. Single‐crystal microbelts of HBH‐Me show hole mobility up to 0.62 cm2 V−1 s−1, illustrating the promising potential of these longitudinally helical molecules for organic electronic devices.
Natural shorelines support greater diversity and abundances of fishes than armoured shores along Chicago's waterways
Authors: Happel A. , Lederman N. , Snyder C.
Published: May 2024

Shoreline armouring is one of the most ubiquitous alterations to aquatic systems globally. Armouring and hardening to prevent erosion and maintain land uses reduce or eliminate habitat complexity that softer and more natural, vegetated shorelines offer. The effects that shoreline armouring has had on biodiversity of coastal and estuarine communities are well studied, while studies in freshwater systems remain sparse.

Data collected during a large‐scale long‐term fish survey with high spatial resolution from the Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee's Monitoring and Response Work Group were re‐analysed to assess the effects that bulkhead versus natural shorelines have on fish diversity and abundance. Lengths of bulkhead, natural and riprap shoreline were calculated within 300 m of each sampling location, which occur every 100 m throughout the Chicago Area Waterway System. Water depths of each sampling location were also classified into deep (>6 m), mid‐range (4–6 m) or shallow (<4 m) to account for potential variations in gear efficiencies.

Fish species richness and abundance increased with increasing proportions of natural shoreline, which can be contrasted with stronger (i.e., steeper slope) decreases as proportions of bulkhead shorelines increased.

The results show strong evidence for the negative effects of shoreline armouring of freshwater ecosystems and are consistent with those shown in coastal ecosystems studies. As cities continue to encroach on freshwater systems, greater emphasis on maintaining natural riparian shorelines and ecoengineering hardscapes will increasingly be important for freshwater conservation.
Animal sentience: The science and its implications, with particular reference to farmed animals
Authors: D’Silva Joyce , Dalton Hillary , Boyland Natasha K. , Turner Jacky
Published: May 2024

There is an increasing amount of scientific research into animal sentience. Many scientists are studying the cognitive, emotional, and communicative capacities of a range of animals. The results of this research have led to a number of legal recognitions of the sentience of a range of animals. In 1997, the European Union (EU) gave legal recognition to the sentience of animals and updated and elevated this recognition in the Treaty of Lisbon. Other countries and states as well as the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) have followed it. Scientists are increasingly acknowledging that sentience and emotion have arisen in a wide range of species. Research now emphasizes that there is an extraordinary variation in how different animal species (such as mammals, birds, fish, or insects) perceive the world and their environment. This paper looks at the sentience of the main farmed land and aquatic animals and the implications of this for how such animals are bred and housed. The paper concludes that intensive farming systems deprive animals of opportunities for positive emotions, such as play, exploration, social interaction, and feeding to satiation, and stops them from satisfying naturally motivated behaviors. To truly respect animal sentience, production systems should be designed with the animal's characteristics and needs in mind. The authors conclude that regenerative, agroecological, or organic farming systems better protect and respect the sentience of animals leading to less suffering and more opportunities for positive experiences.
Endogenous mRNA‐Driven “One‐To‐More” Signal Amplification of DNA Probe for Intracellular miR155 Sensing
Authors: Zhong Yan , Li Bo , Xin Hui , Wang Chunyan
Published: May 2024

The detection of specific intracellular microRNAs could be potentially helpful in understanding the underlying mechanisms of cancer metastasis and invasion. MiRNAs are usually present in lower expression levels, especially in early stage of cancer. Here, we proposed a “one‐to‐more” amplification strategy for miRNA imaging, by virtue of DNA strand displacements with dual‐amplification. This approach involves leveraging high‐abundance endogenous mRNA as fuel strand to drive cascade reactions between DNA strands for amplification, enabling the monitoring of low‐abundance intracellular microRNA155. Notably, in comparison to the traditional “one‐to‐one” signal triggering mode, our “one‐to‐more” amplification strategy led to a remarkable 11.8‐fold increase in fluorescence signal. Our approach not only demonstrates a high sensitivity and specificity in detecting miR155, but also allows for discrimination of miR155 expression levels in different cell lines. With the advantages of intracellular signal amplification and reduced background signal, this approach holds substantial potential in the early diagnosis of cancer.
Narrowing the photoluminescence bandwidth of InP‐based colloidal quantum dots through photon‐triggered isolation
Authors: Kwon Hyekyeong , Cheong Byeong‐Seo , Bang Jiwon
Published: May 2024

The optimization of photoluminescence (PL) spectral bandwidths in InP‐based colloidal quantum dots (QDs) faces limitations with traditional synthetic methods. This study introduces a novel approach utilizing light‐induced thiolate ligand detachment to selectively precipitate QDs within an ensemble, triggered by photons whose energy matches the red tail of the band‐edge absorption peak. We demonstrate that incorporating benzoquinone as an electron acceptor under inert conditions crucially enhances the efficiency of photoexcited hole‐induced ligand detachment. Through careful optimization of laser exposure conditions, we successfully narrowed the PL bandwidth of InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs from 39 to 35 nm. Our findings offer significant insights into the development of high‐performance QD‐based displays, promising advancements in color purity.
Novel alleles of MFT‐A and MFT‐B1 appear to impact wheat preharvest sprouting in Triticum aestivum and Triticum turgidum ssp. durum
Authors: Tillett Brandon J. , Vetch Justin M. , Martin John M. , Giroux Michael J.
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

Preharvest sprouting (PHS) is the premature germination of seeds, which is often caused by late‐season rains after seeds reach physiological maturity. PHS negatively impacts grain yield and end‐use quality. Previous studies in spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum) have identified that some mutations in the mother of FT and TFL1 gene (MFT) coding sequence decrease seed dormancy and increase wheat PHS.

Findings

Here, we report two novel alleles for the MFT‐A and two novel alleles for the MFT‐B1 homologs in spring bread wheat and durum wheat.

Conclusions

A haplotype analysis suggests that TaMFT‐3A1b (OQ729929), TaMFT‐3B1b (OQ729932) and TdMFT‐3B1b (OQ729937) increase PHS susceptibility. It is expected that functional copies of MFT promote seed dormancy. Variant analysis of the novel MFT‐A and MFT‐B1 alleles in both spring and durum wheat suggest impairment of protein function, therefore a negative impact on seed dormancy.

Significance and Novelty: Previously unassessed durum wheat varieties were examined for PHS susceptibility. The information in this study can serve as a resource for spring and durum wheat breeders to make selections for alleles of MFT that impact susceptibility to PHS.
A comprehensive tutorial on Data‐Driven SIMCA: Theory and implementation in web
Authors: Kucheryavskiy Sergey , Rodionova Oxana , Pomerantsev Alexey
Published: May 2024

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it serves as a comprehensive tutorial on Data‐Driven Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) (DD‐SIMCA) method for one‐class classification. It covers all practical aspects of developing, validation, and application of DD‐SIMCA models, using a set of simple examples. Second, it introduces web application that implements the main DD‐SIMCA functionality. This application is freely available for everyone and does not require registration or installation. All calculations run locally in a browser without sending any information on a server, hence removing any obstacles to the dissemination of the data and models.
Mechanochemical Regioselective [3+3] Annulation of 6‐Amino Uracil with Propargyl Alcohols Catalyzed by a Brønsted Acid/Hexafluoroisopropanol
Authors: Yaragorla Srinivasarao , Sneha Latha Dandugula , Kumar Rituraj
Published: May 2024

A mechanochemistry approach is developed for regioselective synthesis of functionalized dihydropyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines by milling propargylic alcohols and 6‐aminouracils with HFIP/p‐TsOH. In the case of tert‐propargyl alcohols, this [3+3] cascade annulation proceeded through allenylation of uracil followed by a 6‐endo trig cyclization. With sec‐propargyl alcohols, the reaction furnished the propargylation of uracil. This atom economy ball milling reaction allows access to a broad range of dihydropyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine derivatives in excellent yields. We demonstrated the gram scale synthesis of 3 g and post‐synthetic modifications to effect the cyclization of 5 to 6.
Effect analysis on passive and active regeneration performance of catalytic diesel particulate filters at the equilibrium point in the presence of ash layer
Authors: Zhong Chao , Wang Shaoli , Chen Bo , Jia Guohai , Wu Chenxi , Zuo Hongyan
Published: May 2024

Catalytic diesel particulate filters (CDPF) form the main post‐processing devices for the diesel engines. Particulates trapped by CDPF can be oxidized by nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and oxygen (O2). The CDPF passive and active regeneration model on platinum‐based catalyst in the presence of ash layer, including the mass, momentum, and enthalpy balances of the gas and the solid phase, the gas diffusion, and the kinetic of the soot oxidation reaction is performed and validated by the bench test. The effects of different temperatures on CDPF passive and active regeneration at the equilibrium point are analyzed. Further, the effective analysis of ash loading and ash layer distribution on the equilibrium state is conducted. The research on CDPF passive and active regeneration at the equilibrium point in the presence of ash layer provides a theoretical basis for CDPF application.
Isolation and Identification of Nematode‐Infecting Microsporidia
Authors: Tamim El Jarkass Hala , Reinke Aaron W.
Published: May 2024

Nematodes are naturally infected by the fungal‐related pathogen microsporidia. These ubiquitous eukaryotic parasites are poorly understood, despite infecting most types of animals. Identifying novel species of microsporidia and studying them in an animal model can expedite our understanding of their infection biology and evolution. Nematodes present an excellent avenue for pursuing such work, as they are abundant in the environment and many species are easily culturable in the laboratory. The protocols presented here describe how to isolate bacterivorous nematodes from rotting substrates, screen them for microsporidia infection, and molecularly identify the nematode and microsporidia species. Additionally, we detail how to remove environmental contaminants and generate a spore preparation of microsporidia from infected samples. We also discuss potential pitfalls and provide suggestions on how to mitigate them. These protocols allow for the identification of novel microsporidia species, which can serve as an excellent starting point for genomic analysis, determination of host specificity, and infection characterization. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Gathering samples

Support Protocol 1: Generating 10× and 40× Escherichia coli OP50 and seeding NGM plates

Basic Protocol 2: Microsporidia screening, testing for Caenorhabditis elegans susceptibility, and sample freezing

Basic Protocol 3: DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequencing to identify nematode and microsporidia species

Basic Protocol 4: Removal of contaminating microbes and preparation of microsporidia spores

Support Protocol 2: Bleach‐synchronizing nematodes
Unique dietary and oral hygiene behaviors in a cohort with clinically severe obesity: A cross sectional study
Authors: Malik Zanab , Sohn Woosung , Nanayakkara Shanika , Williams Kathryn
Published: May 2024

Background

An association between increased risk of dental caries with increased levels of clinically severe obesity has been reported. Data linking body mass index (BMI) and dietary behaviors, including at‐risk dietary factors and oral hygiene habits, are lacking in a cohort with clinically severe obesity. This study aimed to explore the dietary and oral hygiene behaviors in individuals with clinically severe obesity attending a hospital‐based obesity service.

Methods

Adult patients attending a hospital‐based obesity service in Greater Western Sydney with clinically severe obesity were invited to participate in a self‐administered survey, which collected data on their nutritional and oral hygiene behaviors. Demographic data (age, gender) and BMI were extracted from the participants' medical records. The primary outcome was the relationship between BMI and frequency of toothbrushing.

Results

Of the 82 individuals who consented to participate, 81 (98.8%) completed the study questionnaire. The median BMI of the cohort was 49.1 kg/m2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 43.2–57.3 kg/m2) and median age 51 (IQR: 39–63) years. BMI was not significantly correlated with individual oral health behaviors (p > .05). Many participants reported dietary risk behaviors, which have the potential to influence their oral health.

Conclusions

While oral health behaviors were not associated with increasing BMI, patients with clinically severe obesity in this study reported unique dietary behaviors and mixed oral hygiene habits that may complicate nutritional and dental management. Awareness of these behaviors among clinicians including dental professionals is required in this cohort.
A 1.65‐nW 11.14‐ppm/°C self‐biased subthreshold CMOS voltage reference with temperature compensation circuit
Authors: Huang Yuxuan , Liu Jingjing , Yan Feng , Wang Yuchen , Sun Kangkang , Ge Weijie
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a subthreshold CMOS voltage reference (VR) that utilizes self‐biased circuits. This voltage reference includes temperature compensation circuits to expand its operating temperature range and reduce its temperature coefficient. The proposed CMOS voltage reference is designed using a standard 0.18‐μm CMOS process and has a small area of only 0.005 mm2. Post‐layout simulation results demonstrate that the power consumption of the circuit at room temperature (25°C) is only 1.65 nW at a power supply voltage of 1 V. In this case, the voltage reference output is 316.56 mV, with an average temperature coefficient (TC) of 11.14 ppm/°C in a wide temperature range from −40°C to 140°C. Furthermore, the line sensitivity (LS) of the circuit is 0.024%/V, and the power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) of the circuit is −86.5 dB at 10 Hz. In summary, the subthreshold CMOS voltage reference structure proposed in this paper demonstrates excellent performance characteristics, such as low power consumption, a small area, and high‐temperature stability. These features make it a promising candidate for voltage reference for low‐power applications with significant changes in environmental temperature.
Hot‐spot aware multicost‐based energy‐efficient routing protocol for WBANs
Authors: Raed Sara , Alabady Salah Abdulghani
Published: May 2024

Wireless body area networks (WBANs) are becoming widely considered in remote healthcare monitoring applications. However, WBAN nodes have limited resources; therefore, effective and reliable routing protocols are pivotal research challenges. Furthermore, balancing the traffic load among sensor nodes is also highly required to increase network stability. In recent years, many interesting routing solutions have been proposed for WBANs; however, the significant feature in terms of stability and energy in these solutions has not been sufficiently addressed. Therefore, in this context, the Hot‐Sspot Aaware Multicost‐based Energy‐efficient Routing (H‐SAMER) protocol is proposed in this paper. The suggested protocol used multieffective cost function for next‐hop node selection based on the data type, where the patient's data are categorized into three classes: normal data, on‐demand data, and emergency data. Furthermore, the H‐SAMER protocol adds awareness to the transmission of control packets by adding the cost value to the RREQ packets. Thus, the simulation scenario shows that the H‐SAMER saves energy 8.57%, 88%, 98%, 97%, and 100% greater than E‐HARP, EH‐RCP, CO‐LAEEBA, EECBSR, and ELR‐W, respectively. Moreover, the first node death of the proposed H‐SAMER is delayed to round number 7500, which proves H‐SAMER to be a stable and reliable effective solution for WBANs.
CRISPR‐Cas9 delivery strategies and applications: Review and update
Authors: Severi Ali Alizadeh , Akbari Bahman
Published: May 2024

Nowadays, a significant part of the investigations carried out in the medical field belong to cancer treatment. Generally, conventional cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, which have been used for a long time, are not sufficient, especially in malignant cancers. Because genetic mutations cause cancers, researchers are trying to treat these diseases using genetic engineering tools. One of them is clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), a powerful tool in genetic engineering in the last decade. CRISPR, which forms the CRISPR‐Cas structure with its endonuclease protein, Cas, is known as a part of the immune system (adaptive immunity) in bacteria and archaea. Among the types of Cas proteins, Cas9 endonuclease has been used in many scientific studies due to its high accuracy and efficiency. This review reviews the CRISPR system, focusing on the history, classification, delivery methods, applications, new generations, and challenges of CRISPR‐Cas9 technology.
Land‐use homogenization reduces the occurrence and diversity of frugivorous birds in a tropical biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Bonfim Fernando César Gonçalves , Galetti Mauro , Benchimol Maíra , Morante‐Filho José Carlos , Magioli Marcelo , Cazetta Eliana
Published: May 2024

Understanding how human‐modified landscapes maintain biodiversity and provide ecosystem services is crucial for establishing conservation practices. Given that responses to land‐use are species‐specific, it is crucial to understand how land‐use changes may shape patterns of species diversity and persistence in human‐modified landscapes. Here, we used a comprehensive data set on bird distribution from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to understand how species richness and individual occurrences of frugivorous bird species responded to land‐use spatial predictors and, subsequently, assess how ecological traits and phylogeny modulated these responses. Using Bayesian hierarchical modeling, we reveal that the richness of frugivorous birds was positively associated with the amount of native forest and negatively with both agriculture and pasture amount at the landscape scale. Conversely, the effect of these predictors on species occurrence and ecological traits was highly variable and presented a weak phylogenetic signal. Furthermore, land‐use homogenization (i.e., the conversion of forest to pasture or agriculture) led to pervasive consequences for forest‐dependent bird species, whereas several generalist species thrived in deforested areas, replacing those sensitive to habitat disturbances.
Critical re‐evaluation of the identification of iron deficiency states and effective iron repletion strategies in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Packer Milton , Anker Stefan D. , Butler Javed , Cleland John G.F. , Kalra Paul R. , Mentz Robert J. , Ponikowski Piotr , Talha Khawaja M.
Published: May 2024

According to current guidelines, iron deficiency is defined by a serum ferritin level <100 ng/ml or a transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20% if the serum ferritin level is 100–299 μg/L. These criteria were developed to encourage the use of intravenous iron as an adjunct to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents in the treatment of renal anaemia. However, in patients with heart failure, these criteria are not supported by any pathophysiological or clinical evidence that they identify an absolute or functional iron deficiency state. A low baseline TSAT—but not serum ferritin level—appears to be a reliable indicator of the effect of intravenous iron to reduce major heart failure events. In randomized controlled trials, intravenous iron decreased the risk of cardiovascular death or total heart failure hospitalization in patients with a TSAT <20% (risk ratio 0.67 [0.49–0.92]) but not in patients with a TSAT ≥20% (risk ratio 0.99 [0.74–1.30]), with the magnitude of the risk reduction being proportional to the severity of hypoferraemia. Patients who were enrolled in clinical trials solely because they had a serum ferritin level <100 μg/L showed no significant benefit on heart failure outcomes, and it is noteworthy that serum ferritin levels of 20–300 μg/L lie entirely within the range of normal values for healthy adults. Current guidelines reflect the eligibility criteria of clinical trials, which inadvertently adopted unvalidated criteria to define iron deficiency. Reliance on these guidelines would lead to the treatment of many patients who are not iron deficient (serum ferritin level <100 μg/L but normal TSAT) and ignores the possibility of iron deficiency in patients with a low TSAT but with serum ferritin level of >300 μg/L. Importantly, analyses of benefit based on trial eligibility‐driven guidelines substantially underestimate the magnitude of heart‐failure‐event risk reduction with intravenous iron in patients who are truly iron deficient. Based on all available data, we recommend a new mechanism‐based and trial‐tested approach that reflects the totality of evidence more faithfully than the historical process adopted by clinical investigators and by the guidelines. Until additional evidence is forthcoming, an iron deficiency state in patients with heart failure should be defined by a TSAT <20% (as long as the serum ferritin level is <400 μg/L), and furthermore, the use of a serum ferritin level <100 μg/L alone as a diagnostic criterion should be discarded.
HIV rebound in HIV controllers is associated with a specific fecal microbiome profile
Authors: Cai Yanhui , Podlaha Ondrej , Deeks Steven G. , Brinson Cynthia , Ramgopal Moti N. , DeJesus Edwin , Mills Anthony , Shalit Peter , Abdel‐Mohsen Mohamed , Zhang Liao , de Vries Christiaan R. , Vendrame Elena , SenGupta Devi , Wallin Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2024

HIV infection is associated with gut dysbiosis, and microbiome variability may affect HIV control when antiretroviral therapy (ART) is stopped. The TLR7 agonist, vesatolimod, was previously associated with a modest delay in viral rebound following analytical treatment interruption in HIV controllers (HCs). Using a retrospective analysis of fecal samples from HCs treated with vesatolimod or placebo (NCT03060447), people with chronic HIV (CH; NCT02858401) or without HIV (PWOH), we examined fecal microbiome profile in HCs before/after treatment, and in CH and PWOH. Microbiome diversity and abundance were compared between groups to investigate the association between specific phyla/species, immune biomarkers, and viral outcomes during treatment interruption. Although there were no significant differences in gut microbiome diversity between people with and without HIV, HCs, and CH shared common features that distinguished them from PWOH. there was a trend toward greater microbiome diversity among HCs. Treatment with vesatolimod reduced dysbiosis in HCs. Firmicutes positively correlated with T‐cell activation, while Bacteroidetes and Euryarchaeota inversely correlated with TLR7‐mediated immune activation. Specific types of fecal microbiome abundance (e.g. Alistipes putredinis) positively correlated with HIV rebound. In conclusion, variability in the composition of the fecal microbiome is associated with markers of immune activation following vesatolimod treatment and ART interruption.
Regional difference and prevention strategy of farmland erosion induced by extreme rainstorms in the Loess area and Rocky mountain area of Northern China
Authors: Zhang Liang , Liu Yihang , Dong Yunyun , Liu Yuanhao , Jidai Jingqi , Jiao Juying , Liu Baoyuan , Chen Hao , Han Jianqiao
Published: May 2024

Elucidating the mechanism of soil erosion caused by extreme rainstorms could improve agroecosystems' resilience to the extreme climate. However, less attention has been paid to the regional difference of soil erosion during extreme rainstorms through multiple field investigations. Using six field surveys of extreme rainstorms, soil erosion and its driving mechanism were investigated on farmland in the Loess area and the Rocky mountain area. Conclusions are as follows: (1) Farmland was severely eroded in comparison with abandoned land and forest–grass land. The erosion modulus of farmland in the Loess area (51 606.51 t/km2) was greater than that in the Rocky mountain area (2582.75 t/km2). (2) In both the Loess area and the Rocky mountain area, the main erosion types on sloped cropland and terraced land were rills/gullies and embankment failure, respectively. Terracing is an appropriate measure that can effectively control farmland erosion in rainstorm events. (3) Concentrated flow is a major driver of soil erosion, with nearly all rills/gullies occurring in the flow paths. Drainage measures can prevent the formation of concentrated flow, weakening rills/gullies erosion in farmland. (4) Building bio‐embankment, planting high‐coverage crops, and implementing local protection measures could reduce the farmland erosion influenced by extremely heavy rainfall. Combining drainage and agronomic measures is the common strategy to combat extreme rainstorm events for reducing farmland erosion in the two regions. These results can be applied to improve the ability of agricultural systems to cope with extreme rainstorms.
Enhancing Sensitivity and Selectivity in Pesticide Detection: A Review of Cutting-Edge Techniques
Authors: Ortiz-Martínez Mónica , Molina González Jorge Alberto , Ramírez García Gonzalo , Luna Bugallo Andrés , Justo Guerrero Manuel Alejandro , Strupiechonski Elodie Claire
Published: May 2024

The primary goal of our review was to systematically explore and compare the state-of-the-art methodologies employed in the detection of pesticides, a critical component of global food safety initiatives. New approach methods in the fields of luminescent nanosensors, chromatography, terahertz spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy are discussed as precise, rapid, and versatile strategies for pesticide detection in food items and agroecological samples. Luminescent nanosensors emerge as powerful tools, noted for their portability and unparalleled sensitivity and real-time monitoring capabilities. Liquid and gas chromatography coupled to spectroscopic detectors, stalwarts in the analytical chemistry field, are lauded for their precision, wide applicability, and validation in diverse regulatory environments. Terahertz spectroscopy offers unique advantages such as noninvasive testing, profound penetration depth, and bulk sample handling. Meanwhile, Raman spectroscopy stands out with its nondestructive nature, its ability to detect even trace amounts of pesticides, and its minimal requirement for sample preparation. While acknowledging the maturity and robustness of these techniques, our review underscores the importance of persistent innovation. These methodologies' significance extends beyond their present functions, highlighting their adaptability to meet ever-evolving challenges. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1468–1484. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Can political ecology be decolonised? A dialogue with Paul Robbins
Authors: Malik Ishfaq Hussain
Published: May 2024

In the intricate tapestry of environmental discourse, the field of political ecology emerges as a powerful lens through which we scrutinise the interplay of power, nature and society. This paper stages a dialogue with Paul Robbins to examine environmental justice, the decolonisation of political ecology, colonialism, sovereignty, climate change and capitalism. The dialogue challenges the conventional narratives of sovereignty and underscores the imperative of genuine decolonisation—beyond metaphorical interpretations—calling for the restitution of land and authority to Indigenous Peoples and other historically marginalised communities. The dialogue highlights the importance of moving away from capitalist systems that exacerbate environmental degradation. The dialogue calls for decolonising political ecology by including diverse perspectives, methodologies and ontologies and underlines the importance of control over productive resources. It emphasises that addressing the impacts of colonialism requires recognising and honouring the sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples and suggests that political ecology can contribute to decolonisation by focusing on sovereignty and supporting legal and institutional frameworks that empower marginalised communities. The paper discusses the way forward and the future trajectory of political ecology by suggesting that future research in political ecology should focus on diverse economies, embrace emerging technologies and rework academic institutions to value knowledge co‐production.
Within‐subject reliability of brain networks during advanced meditation: An intensively sampled 7 Tesla MRI case study
Authors: Ganesan Saampras , Yang Winson F. Z. , Chowdhury Avijit , Zalesky Andrew , Sacchet Matthew D.
Published: May 2024

Advanced meditation such as jhana meditation can produce various altered states of consciousness (jhanas) and cultivate rewarding psychological qualities including joy, peace, compassion, and attentional stability. Mapping the neurobiological substrates of jhana meditation can inform the development and application of advanced meditation to enhance well‐being. Only two prior studies have attempted to investigate the neural correlates of jhana meditation, and the rarity of adept practitioners has largely restricted the size and extent of these studies. Therefore, examining the consistency and reliability of observed brain responses associated with jhana meditation can be valuable. In this study, we aimed to characterize functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reliability within a single subject over repeated runs in canonical brain networks during jhana meditation performed by an adept practitioner over 5 days (27 fMRI runs) inside an ultra‐high field 7 Tesla MRI scanner. We found that thalamus and several cortical networks, that is, the somatomotor, limbic, default‐mode, control, and temporo‐parietal, demonstrated good within‐subject reliability across all jhanas. Additionally, we found that several other relevant brain networks (e.g., attention, salience) showed noticeable increases in reliability when fMRI measurements were adjusted for variability in self‐reported phenomenology related to jhana meditation. Overall, we present a preliminary template of reliable brain areas likely underpinning core neurocognitive elements of jhana meditation, and highlight the utility of neurophenomenological experimental designs for better characterizing neuronal variability associated with advanced meditative states.
Prognostic relevance of circulating lymphoma cells at diagnosis in newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma patients
Authors: Annunzio Kaitlin , Bhatta Subodh , Hanel Walter , Zhao Qiuhong , Owen Mackenzie , Rosen Havi , Voorhees Timothy J. , Bond David A. , Sawalha Yazeed , Sigmund Audrey M. , Alinari Lapo , Baiocchi Robert A. , Maddocks Kami J. , Jones Daniel , Christian Beth , Epperla Narendranath
Published: May 2024

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Circulating lymphoma (CL) cells can be seen at diagnosis in some FL patients, however, previous studies evaluating this have shown mixed results. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the impact of CL at diagnosis on outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed FL using data from a single center. Patients were divided into CL+ and CL− based on immunophenotyping via peripheral blood (PB) flow cytometry. CL was defined as detectable clonally restricted B‐cells that matched the actual or expected B‐cell immunophenotype of FL. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) after first‐line treatment and secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), diagnosis to treatment interval (DTI), progression of disease within 2 years of diagnosis (POD24), and cumulative incidence of transformation between the two groups. Among the 541 patients with FL, 204 had PB flow cytometry performed at diagnosis, and after excluding patients not meeting the eligibility criteria, 147 cases remained with 24 (16%) CL+ at diagnosis. Patients in the CL+ group were younger (53 vs. 58 years, p = 0.02), had more extranodal involvement (83% vs. 44%, p < 0.01), follicular lymphoma international prognostic index 3–5 (55% vs. 31%, p = 0.01), and a higher proportion received first‐line immunochemotherapy (75% vs. 43%, p = 0.01) compared to the CL−group. The median PFS was not significantly different between CL+ (6.27 years, 95% CI = 3.61‐NR) and CL− (6.61 years, 95% CI = 5.10–9.82) cohorts regardless of the first‐line treatment or level of absolute PB CL cells. There was no significant difference in ORR, median OS, DTI, POD24, and cumulative incidence of transformation between the two groups. In our study, we found that the presence of CL cells at diagnosis in FL in the contemporary era did not impact outcomes and survival.
A comprehensive “real need” assessment, a step toward improving the quality of faculty development programs: A survey‐based study in Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Barzegar Marziyeh , Miri Hamidreza , Abedini Samirerh , Kamali Farahnaz , Boushehri Elham
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

Developing a framework to identify the “real” needs of faculty members, the gap between the current and desired conditions, would lead to an effective faculty development program (FDP) and improve higher education quality and health system promotion. For the first time in Iran, instead of needs assessment based on faculty members preferences or assessing needs only in a few areas, this study aimed to assess the difference between “self‐rated level of skill” as the current condition and “perceived importance” as the expected condition, regarding all faculty roles and levels at Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences (HUMS).

Methods

This study used a research‐made questionnaire that included 73 items within nine domains. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient ranged from 0.86 to 0.96 for domains. The census method was applied. Participants rated their current skill level and perceived importance for professional development of each item on a 10‐anchor scale. Statistical software, SPSS 19, analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and analytic tests.

Results

Significant differences existed among participants' ratings of skills and the importance of further training in various areas. Priority professional development domains were e‐learning, curriculum development, personal development, program evaluation, leadership and management, student assessment, learning theories and teaching strategies, research and scholarship, and ethics and communication.

Conclusion

Additional formal training is required, especially in e‐learning and curriculum development, for most faculty members at HUMS to enhance their academic performance. This study is the first needs assessment in Iran based on gaps between current and desired conditions. Conducting a “real needs” assessment before initiating an FDP is necessary for its feasibility.
Cancer incidence, stage shift and survival during the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic: A population‐based study in Belgium
Authors: Peacock Hanna M. , Van Meensel Mira , Van Gool Bart , Silversmit Geert , Dekoninck Kris , Brierley James D. , Van Eycken Liesbet
Published: May 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with a profound decline in cancer diagnoses in 2020 in Belgium. Disruption in diagnostic and screening services and patient reluctance to visit health facilities led to fewer new cases and concerns that cancers may be diagnosed at more advanced stages and hence have poorer prognosis. Using data from mandatory cancer registration covering all of Belgium, we predicted cancer incidence, stage distribution and 1‐year relative survival for 2020 using a Poisson count model over the preceding years, extrapolated to 2020 for 11 common cancer types. We compared these expected values to the observed values in 2020 to specifically quantify the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic, accounting for background trends. A significantly lower incidence was observed for cervical, prostate, head and neck, colorectal, bladder and breast cancer, with limited or no recovery of diagnoses in the second half of 2020 for these cancer types. Changes in stage distribution were observed for cervical, prostate, bladder and ovarian and fallopian tube tumours. Generally, changes in stage distribution mainly represented decline in early‐stage than in late‐stage tumours. One‐year relative survival was lower than predicted for lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Stage shifts are hypothesised to result from alterations in access to diagnosis, potentially due to prioritisation of symptomatic patients, and patient reluctance to contact a physician. Since there were over 5000 fewer cancer diagnoses than expected by the end of 2020, it is critical to monitor incidence, stage distribution and survival for these cancers in the coming years.
Oxidative DNA damage contributes to usnic acid‐induced toxicity in human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived hepatocytes
Authors: Gao Xiugong , Campasino Kayla , Yourick Miranda R. , Cao Yu , Yourick Jeffrey J. , Sprando Robert L.
Published: May 2024

Dietary supplements containing usnic acid have been increasingly marketed for weight loss over the past decades, even though incidences of severe hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure due to their overuse have been reported. To date, the toxic mechanism of usnic acid‐induced liver injury at the molecular level still remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we conducted a transcriptomic study on usnic acid using a novel in vitro hepatotoxicity model employing human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived hepatocytes. Treatment with 20 μM usnic acid for 24 h caused 4272 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the cells. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) based on the DEGs and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) using the whole transcriptome expression data concordantly revealed several signaling pathways and biological processes that, when taken together, suggest that usnic acid caused oxidative stress and DNA damage in the cells, which further led to cell cycle arrest and eventually resulted in cell death through apoptosis. These transcriptomic findings were subsequently corroborated by a variety of cellular assays, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and glutathione (GSH) depletion, DNA damage (pH2AX detection and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine [8‐OH‐dg] assay), cell cycle analysis, and caspase 3/7 activity. Collectively, the results of the current study accord with previous in vivo and in vitro findings, provide further evidence that oxidative stress‐caused DNA damage contributes to usnic acid‐induced hepatotoxicity, shed new light on molecular mechanisms of usnic acid‐induced hepatotoxicity, and demonstrate the usefulness of iPSC‐derived hepatocytes as an in vitro model for hepatotoxicity testing and prediction.