bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Success in restoring native plant communities on kimberlite mining dumps in the Afro‐alpine Drakensberg region of Lesotho
Authors: Ntloko B. R. , Mokotjomela T. M. , Mphafi S. P. , Siebert S. J.
Published: March 2024

Rehabilitation strategies for degraded mine dumps have generally seen limited success due to different complications associated with mining biophysical disturbance. In this study, we tested a combination of two methods to expedite revegetation of kimberlite tailings at Letseng Diamond Mine (i.e., in the Afro‐alpine areas of Lesotho). We ran trials on different growth media located on fine and coarse kimberlite tailings (i.e. sites) mixed with different substrate combinations and topsoil and sowing a seed mix comprised of native plant species. Overall, as predicted, fine kimberlite tailings displayed significantly higher plant abundance than coarse kimberlite tailings, and sown seeds performed significantly better than spontaneous colonisation by emerging species. Kimberlite tailings mixed with topsoil (100 mm) showed significantly greater plant abundance, and similarly, when coarse kimberlite tailings were introduced to fine tailings. Physicochemical analyses of growth media components suggested that topsoil provided additional nutrients and that plants could readily access available nutrients in the fine kimberlite tailings. We noted a gradual significant increase in plant abundance over 5 years, enhanced by new plant species emerging from the topsoil seed bank or by natural seed dispersal. Although plant abundance differed significantly, both fine and coarse kimberlite tailings displayed high plant species diversity (H = 3.4 and D = 0.95 and H = 3.5 and D = 0.95, respectively). Out of 36 emerging plant species, 15 species spontaneously colonised both growth media. The significant variation in abundance among plant species between treatments was mostly attributed to dominant forb species, namely Chrysocoma ciliata, Glumicalyx montanus, Oxalis obliquifolia, Senecio inaequidens and Trifolium burchellianum. We have identified suitable growth media for plant community restoration on kimberlite tailings in the Drakensberg alpine area using a seed mix of native plant species in combination with natural seed dispersal from the surrounding pristine environment. We provide evidence for using two complementary approaches to optimise native plant community development during restoration in the Drakensberg alpine area.
Hmgcs2 is the hub gene in diabetic cardiomyopathy and is negatively regulated by Hmgcs2, promoting high glucose‐induced cardiomyocyte injury
Authors: Wang Ying , Ping Li‐Feng , Bai Fu‐Yan , Zhang Xin‐Huan , Li Guang‐Hong
Published: March 2024

Background

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a major cause of heart failure and a large medical burden worldwide. This study screened the potentially regulatory targets of DCM and analyzed their roles in high glucose (HG)‐induced cardiomyocyte injury.

Methods

Through GEO database, we obtained rat DCM expression chips and screened differentially expressed genes. Rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2) were induced with HG. 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutarylcoenzyme A synthase 2 (Hmgcs2) and microRNA (miR)‐363‐5p expression patterns in cells were measured by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blot assay, with the dual‐luciferase assay to analyze their binding relationship. Then, 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide assay, lactate dehydrogenase assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and various assay kits were applied to evaluate cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, inflammation responses, and oxidative burden.

Results

Hmgcs2 was the vital hub gene in DCM. Hmgcs2 was upregulated in HG‐induced cardiomyocytes. Hmgcs2 downregulation increased cell viability, decreased TUNEL‐positive cell number, reduced HG‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress. miR‐363‐5p is the upstream miRNA of Hmgcs2. miR‐363‐5p overexpression attenuated HG‐induced cell injury.

Conclusions

Hmgcs2 had the most critical regulatory role in DCM. We for the first time reported that miR‐363‐5p inhibited Hmgcs2 expression, thereby alleviating HG‐induced cardiomyocyte injury.
Recent Advances in Non‐Standard Macrocyclic Peptide Ligand Discovery using mRNA Display
Authors: Yin Yizhen , Hipolito Christopher John
Published: March 2024

Advancements in platform technologies have facilitated the production of libraries consisting of macrocyclic peptides composed of natural and non‐canonical amino acids for more drug‐like characteristics. Identification of macrocyclic peptide ligands against targets of interest can be accomplished using mRNA display. Despite numerous successful in vitro selections for macrocyclic peptide ligands against extracellular targets, identifying macrocyclic peptide hits that can reach intracellular targets continue to be a challenge. Breakthroughs in defining the features of a macrocyclic peptide that promote cell permeability have recently been disclosed. Here, we review the successful selections of non‐standard macrocyclic peptide ligands using mRNA display in the last five years and chemical optimization of a drug‐like macrocyclic peptide ligand for targeting intracellular KRAS.
Time matters: Cervical ripening balloon for 6 versus 12 h—Retrospective comparison between two protocols
Authors: Bleicher Inna , Korobochka Michal , Sagi Shlomi , Sammour Rami
Published: March 2024

Objective

Recently, two randomized controlled trials compared removal of cervical ripening balloon (CRB) after 6 versus 12 h. Their results showed similar Bishop score changes in both groups and a shorter time to delivery in the 6‐h group. Neither of the studies was powered to show difference in mode of delivery. The aim of this study was to compare mode of delivery when the CRB was removed after 6 versus 12 h.

Methods

A historical control study comparing induction of labor with a CRB between two time periods, one in which the CRB was removed after 12 h (12‐h group), and the other in which it was removed after 6 h (6‐h group). We included term pregnancies with a singleton fetus in vertex presentation. We excluded patients with a previous cesarean delivery, failed ripening with prostaglandins prior to CRB insertion, and any contraindication for vaginal delivery. The primary outcome was mode of delivery. Secondary outcomes included delivery within 24 h and other maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results

We included 1704 patients, 914 in the 12‐h group, and 717 in the 6‐h group. Removal after 6 h was associated with a lower rate of cesarean and instrumental deliveries (28.6% vs 22.5%, and 12% vs 6.2%, respectively) and a higher rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h. All differences were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Removing a cervical ripening balloon after 6 rather than 12 h is associated with reduced cesarean and instrumental delivery rates, and should be considered as a reasonable, and potentially superior alternative in labor induction protocols with intracervical ripening balloon.
Development of a virus‐based affinity ultrafiltration method for screening virus‐surface‐protein‐targeted compounds from complex matrixes: Herbal medicines as a case study
Authors: Li Zhongyuan , Li Baohong , Liu Miaomiao , Chen Zinuo , Li Ping , Du Ruikun , Su Ming , Anirudhan Varada , Achi Jazmin G. , Tian Jingzhen , Rong Lijun , Cui Qinghua
Published: March 2024

Herbal medicines (HMs) are one of the main sources for the development of lead antiviral compounds. However, due to the complex composition of HMs, the screening of active compounds within these is inefficient and requires a significant time investment. We report a novel and efficient virus‐based screening method for antiviral active compounds in HMs. This method involves the centrifugal ultrafiltration of viruses, known as the virus‐based affinity ultrafiltration method (VAUM). This method is suitable to identify virus specific active compounds from complex matrices such as HMs. The effectiveness of the VAUM was evaluated using influenza A virus (IAV) H1N1. Using this method, four compounds that bind to the surface protein of H1N1 were identified from dried fruits of Terminalia chebula (TC). Through competitive inhibition assays, the influenza surface protein, neuraminidase (NA), was identified as the target protein of these four TC‐derived compounds. Three compounds were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), and their anti‐H1N1 activities were verified by examining the cytopathic effect (CPE) and by performing a virus yield reduction assay. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that these three compounds directly bind to NA and inhibit its activity. In summary, we describe here a VAUM that we designed, one that can be used to accurately screen antiviral active compounds in HMs and also help improve the efficiency of screening antiviral drugs found in natural products.
Potential pitfalls when using popular chemical extractions to characterize Al‐ and Fe‐containing soil constituents
Authors: Rennert Thilo , Lenhardt Katharina R.
Published: March 2024

Wet‐chemical extraction of soil to quantify pedogenic species or to remove specific compounds prior to other analyses is an established approach in analytical soil mineralogy and soil chemistry. Interpretation and informational value of data derived from long‐established and frequently used extractions, for instance involving dithionite, oxalate/oxalic acid in the dark (AOD), and pyrophosphate (PYR), suffers from nonuniform practical regulation and missing knowledge about potential methodical limitations. In this review, we analyzed potential pitfalls of these frequently used extractions, with the focus on selectivity and completeness of the methods as derived from effects of time dependency and of phase separation. Major problems we identified comprised that time‐dependency of extraction differed between analytical targets, that a multitude of species is attacked, reducing the selectivity for the original analytical target, and that studies on extraction from model compounds, including analytical targets and nontargets, are not universally present. The latter aspect is crucial for the completeness of AOD and PYR extraction that has not been proven for all potential analytical targets of the methods yet. We practically tested citrate (CIT) extraction of aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) in organic association, using selected models of soil constituents. Apart from a synthesized poorly ordered Si‐rich short‐range ordered aluminosilicate, CIT did not extract Al from nontarget phases, confirming previous studies, but did extract Al and Fe completely from organic associations. In addition to recommendations on the practical use of dithionite‐based, AOD, citrate‐ascorbate (CA), and CIT extraction, we suggest replacing highly problematic PYR extraction by CIT extraction for metals in organic association in soil and using AOD extraction in combination with CA and CIT extraction to avoid potential misinterpretation of ambiguous data.
Gluten‐free diet adherence in pediatric celiac patients: Evaluating CDAT questionnaire and test for gluten detection in urine
Authors: Mello Carolina R. Lins e , da Silva Gisélia A. P. , Lins Manuela T. C. , Antunes Margarida M. de C.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the contributions of the Adapted Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT) and the Rapid Urinary Gluten Detection Test (u‐GIP) in assessing gluten‐free diet adherence in children and adolescents with celiac disease.

Methods

Fifty‐four celiac patients from two pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinics affiliated with university hospitals were evaluated. The original CDAT was adapted for children through a transcultural process, and the original cutoff point was adopted to define adherence. A single examiner carried out the u‐GIP test in fresh urine samples. Sociodemographic and clinical factors and family food security status were also evaluated.

Results

A total of 88.9% of participants (confidence interval [CI]: 77.4–95.8; p<0.001) adhered to the gluten‐free diet, as determined by the adapted CDAT score, while 87.0% (CI: 75.1–94.6; p<0.001) had negative u‐GIP results. Among the 48 children adhering to the CDAT, six exhibited positive u‐GIP results in a urine sample. Of the six nonadherent participants, only one had a positive u‐GIP result. Notably, none of the children and adolescents with celiac disease who tested positive for u‐GIP reported symptoms on the day of testing, and their growth rates remained stable.

Conclusions

Even celiac children and adolescents adhering to the CDAT questionnaire may show a positive u‐GIP in a single measurement without accompanying symptoms or growth impairment. The u‐GIP could be helpful in complementary tests in specific situations, such as for patients who exhibit compliant behavior but still experience symptoms or maintain persistent positive serology.
Longitudinal screening of HLA‐risk and HLA‐nonrisk children for celiac disease to age 15 years: CiPiS study
Authors: Boström Michaela , Brundin Charlotte , Björck Sara , Agardh Daniel
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Autoantibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG) are serological markers of celiac disease. The aim was to study the applicability of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐genotyping and tTG autoantibodies in the screening of celiac disease in a longitudinal birth cohort followed to age 15 years.

Methods

Included were 13,860 HLA‐DQ‐genotyped children at birth and previously invited to a screening at age 3 and 9 years, respectively. HLA‐DQB1*02 and/or DQB1*03:02 (HLA‐risk) children were compared with non‐HLA‐DQB1*02 and non‐DQB1*03:02 (HLA‐nonrisk) children. The present study reinvited 12,948/13,860 (93.4%) children at age 15 years of whom 1056/2374 (44.5%) participated in screening at both age 3 and 9 years. Both immunoglobulin A (IgA) and G (IgG) autoantibodies against tTG were analyzed separately in radiobinding assays. Persistently tTG autoantibody‐positive children were examined with intestinal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of celiac disease.

Results

At age 3 years, celiac disease was diagnosed in 56/1635 (3.4%) HLA‐risk children compared with 0/1824 HLA‐nonrisk children (p < 0.001). By age 9 years, celiac disease was diagnosed in 72/1910 (3.8%) HLA‐risk children compared with 0/2167 HLA‐nonrisk children (p < 0.001). Screening at age 15 years detected 14/1071 (1.3%) HLA‐risk children positive for IgA‐tTG and/or IgG‐tTG of whom 12/1071 (1.1%) remained persistently positive. Among those, 10/1071 (0.9%, 95% confidence interval: 0.4%–1.7%) HLA‐risk children were diagnosed with celiac disease compared with 0/1303 HLA‐nonrisk children (p < 0.001) and 5/491 (1.0%) were negative in screenings at both 3 and 9 years of age.

Conclusions

Screening for celiac disease needs to be performed at multiple timepoints to detect all cases but can be restricted to children at HLA‐risk.
Multi‐dimensional technology – Recent advances and applications for biotherapeutic characterization
Authors: Bouvarel Thomas , Camperi Julien , Guillarme Davy
Published: March 2024

This review provides an overview of the latest advancements and applications in multi‐dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (mD‐LC‐MS), covering aspects such as inter‐laboratory studies, digestion strategy, trapping column, and multi‐level analysis. The shift from an offline to an online workflow reduces sample processing artifacts, analytical variability, analysis time, and the labor required for data acquisition. Over the past few years, this technique has demonstrated sufficient maturity for application across a diverse range of complex products. Moreover, there is potential for this strategy to evolve into an integrated process analytical technology tool for the real‐time monitoring of monoclonal antibody quality. This review also identifies emerging trends, including its application to new modalities, the possibility of evaluating biological activity within the mD‐LC set‐up, and the consideration of multi‐dimensional capillary electrophoresis as an alternative to mD‐LC. As mD‐LC‐MS continues to evolve and integrate emerging trends, it holds the potential to shape the next generation of analytical tools, offering exciting possibilities for enhanced characterization and monitoring of complex biopharmaceutical products.
An Inversely Designed Reconstructive Spectrometer on SiN Platform
Authors: Li Ang , Bao Feixia , Wu Yifan , Wang Chang , He Jijun , Pan Shilong
Published: March 2024

Reconstructive spectrometers, which leverage the compressive sensing technique and computational algorithm, are promising solutions for high‐performance integrated spectrometers. Among the various options for realizing reconstructive spectrometers, stratified waveguide filters (SWFs) have emerged as a particularly attractive choice due to their ultra‐compact size and high performance. However, previous demonstrations of SWFs on silicon substrates have suffered from suboptimal and non‐reproducible spectrometer performance due to the brute‐force random design approach. In this paper, applying a bio‐inspired inverse design algorithm to the system level of multiple correlated SWFs is proposed. The algorithm allows for the precise and optimized design of the SWFs in order for higher spectral resolution of each SWF and lower spectral cross‐correlations between any two SWFs, overcoming the limitations of previous methods. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by implementing a reconstructive spectrometer on a silicon nitride (SiN) platform, which is more thermally stable and can support a wider optical range than silicon.
Investigating the Effect of ABS on the Mechanical Properties, Morphology, Printability, and 4D Printing of PETG‐ABS Blends
Authors: Mirasadi Kiandokht , Rahmatabadi Davood , Ghasemi Ismaeil , Khodaei Mohammad , Baniassadi Majid , Baghani Mostafa
Published: March 2024

In this study, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with three different ratios of 30%, 50%, and 70% is used to enhance the shape memory and mechanical properties of Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Additionally, morphology, printability, and dynamic thermomechanical analysis are also examined. The thermal test results show that PETG‐ABS compounds have two transition temperatures in the range of 80 and 110 °C, which are related to the components. By changing the weight percentage of PETG from 30 to 70%, three morphologies of matrix‐droplet, sea‐island, and combination of co‐continuous and matrix‐droplet are observed. The results of the mechanical properties show an increase in strength with the increase of ABS, which can be justified due to the higher strength of ABS compared to PETG. The highest tensile strength of 32.48 MPa and 15.16% elongation is obtained for PETG‐ABS(30‐70) and PETG‐ABS(70‐30), respectively. Due to the better shape memory performance of PETG, PETG‐ABS(50‐50) and PETG‐ABS(70‐30) have complete shape recovery, and with the increase of PETG, the shape recovery rate also increased. This diversity in morphology, mechanical properties, and shape memory effect is one of the goals of this research which is well fulfilled.
High performance computing to support land, climate, and user‐oriented services: The HIGHLANDER Data Portal
Authors: Bottazzi Michele , Rodríguez‐Muñoz Lucía , Chiavarini Beatrice , Caroli Cinzia , Trotta Giuseppe , Dellacasa Chiara , Marras Gian Franco , Montanari Margherita , Santini Monia , Mancini Marco , D'Anca Alessandro , Mercogliano Paola , Raffa Mario , Villani Giulia , Tomei Fausto , Loglisci Nicola , Gascón Estíbaliz , Hewson Timothy , Chillemi Giovanni , Valentini Riccardo , Gianelle Damiano , Massarenti Elena , Forconi Martina , Mazzoni Lucia , Scipione Gabriella
Published: March 2024

The Italian territory is located at the heart of one of the global hot spots of climate change, where the implementation of climate‐smart land management practices is imperative to guarantee the present and future maintenance of ecosystem functions as well as the sustainability of human socioeconomic activities. The project HIGHLANDER (HIGH performance computing to support smart LAND sERvices) led by Cineca aims at building a comprehensive and multi‐sector framework for land‐management decision‐making in Italy. The project relies on high quality information on different components of the landscape, with a focus on climate‐driven processes, and state‐of‐the‐art computing infrastructures. The HIGHLANDER Data Portal maximizes the impact of HIGHLANDER results by providing access to data products and services. In this article, we describe the architectural features of the platform, as well as the available HIGHLANDER datasets and downstream applications.
Aerva lanata flower extract mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Their characterization, in vitro antioxidants and antimicrobial investigations
Authors: Ganesan Thamaraiselvi , Muthukrishnan Suriyavathana , Albeshr Mohammed F. , Selvankumar Thangaswamy , Pradeepkumar Sobiya , Indumathi K. P. , Anto Braivy
Published: March 2024

The production of nanoparticles (NPs) using biological methods may lead to the enhancement of clean, non‐hazardous, and environmentally acceptable procedures. With this context, in the present study silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using the flower extract of Aerva lanata (A. lanata). The following techniques, including UV–visible spectroscopy, XRD, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), are used to study the crystalline nature, size, shape, and elemental composition of the biosynthesized AgNPs, and antimicrobial applications of the NPs also studied. In UV–visible spectroscopy results a strong absorbance peak at 425 nm confirmed the AgNPs. The SEM results confirmed the spherical shape of the NPs and their average size of 45.05 nm. X‐ray diffractometry XRD spectra confirmed the crystalline nature of the AgNPs. Against the DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl), nitric oxide and superoxide radicals, Alf‐AgNPs and ascorbic acid had significant scavenging effects at higher concentration of 250 μg/mL, exhibited 65.76 ± 0.41% and 86.42 ± 0.69%, 78.39 ± 0.49% and 72.72 ± 0.14% and 70.79 ± 0.87% and 72.79 ± 0.33% inhibition, respectively. As produced AgNPs had strong antibacterial and moderate antifungal activities against pathogenic test bacterial strains viz. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia) with the maximum zone of inhibition 15 ± 1.07 mm, 12 ± 0.96 mm, 14 ± 1.05 mm, and 15 ± 2.54 mm, respectively at maximum (75 μg/mL) concentration of AgNPs, and the zone of inhibition of fungal strains Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) (9 ± 0.67 mm) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) (7 ± 0.75 mm) at 75 μg/mL. It was eventually concluded that the biosynthesized Alf‐AgNPs showed promising antioxidant and antimicrobial agents with very low concentrations.
A new platform for designing high‐performance epoxy film adhesive with poly (butyl acrylate‐block‐styrene) block copolymer and alumina nano particles in aluminum–aluminum bonded joints: Preparation and analysis of the mechanical, adhesion, and thermal properties
Authors: Ghaderi Hamid , Semnani Abolfazl , Moini Jazani Omid
Published: March 2024

Epoxy film adhesives are typically used in different industries. However, these adhesives suffer from brittleness, low flexibility, and thermal stability problems. In this research, phenolic resin (Novolac) and poly (butyl acrylate‐block‐styrene) were used in the formulation of epoxy film adhesive (Diglycidyl ether bisphenol A) to increase thermal stability and adhesion strength and as the toughening agent, respectively. Alumina nanoparticles were also employed to enhance the mechanical properties. The influence of block copolymer and alumina nano particles was also assessed on the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy‐based film adhesives. The investigation of the mechanical properties of dumbbell‐shaped samples and adhesion strength of the Al‐Al bonded joints were evaluated by tensile, lap shear, and T‐peel tests. The thermal stability of the optimal samples was assessed by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). SEM analysis was also utilized to study the toughening mechanism. Tensile test of the dumbbell‐shaped samples indicated that the incorporation of 2.5 phr block copolymer and 2 phr alumina nanoparticles enhanced the toughness to 250%. The shear and peel strengths of this sample also exhibited 51% and 76% increase, respectively, showing a remarkable synergistic effect. On the other hand, TGA results revealed that the incorporation of block copolymer improved the thermal stability of the adhesive matrix. The copresence of these two materials also showed a considerable synergistic effect on the thermal stability. The SEM results were also in line with the results of mechanical tests as the crack deviation, crack pinning, and debonding were the most important mechanisms of toughening.

Highlights

A new platform was developed for designing epoxy films adhesives with high mechanical, adhesion, and thermal properties.

The hybrid of butyl acrylate block styrene copolymer, phenolic resin, and alumina nanoparticles showed synergistic effects on the lap shear and T‐peel strength.

The greatest improvement in toughness was related to the epoxy adhesive containing 2.5 phr block copolymer and 2 phr alumina nanoparticles.

Analysis of the fracture surface showed that by using hybrid of nanoparticles and block copolymers in the epoxy film adhesive formulation, the cohesive failure occurred.

The use of hybrid additives in film adhesive formulations enlightened manufacture of adhesives for future studies on adhesive formulations.
Nonpathogenic leaf‐colonizing bacteria elicit pathogen‐like responses in a colonization density‐dependent manner
Authors: Miebach Moritz , Faivre Léa , Schubert Daniel , Jameson Paula , Remus‐Emsermann Mitja
Published: March 2024

Leaves are colonized by a complex mix of microbes, termed the leaf microbiota. Even though the leaf microbiota is increasingly recognized as an integral part of plant life and health, our understanding of its interactions with the plant host is still limited. Here, mature, axenically grown Arabidopsis thaliana plants were spray inoculated with six diverse leaf‐colonizing bacteria. The transcriptomic changes in leaves were tracked over time and significant changes in ethylene marker (ARL2) expression were observed only 2–4 days after spray inoculation. Whole‐transcriptome sequencing revealed that 4 days after inoculation, leaf transcriptional changes to colonization by nonpathogenic and pathogenic bacteria differed in strength but not in the type of response. Inoculation of plants with different densities of the nonpathogenic bacterium Williamsia sp. Leaf354 showed that high bacterial titers resulted in disease phenotypes and led to severe transcriptional reprogramming with a strong focus on plant defense. An in silico epigenetic analysis of the data was congruent with the transcriptomic analysis. These findings suggest (1) that plant responses are not rapid after spray inoculation, (2) that plant responses only differ in strength, and (3) that plants respond to high titers of nonpathogenic bacteria with pathogen‐like responses.
Synthesis and characterization of statistical and block copolymers of n‐hexyl isocyanate and 2‐chloroethyl isocyanate via coordination polymerization
Authors: Mantzara D. , Katara A. , Panteli M. , Stavrakaki I. G. , Plachouras N. V. , Choinopoulos I. , Pitsikalis M.
Published: March 2024

Statistical and block copolymers of n‐hexyl isocyanate (HIC) and 2‐chloroethyl isocyanate (ClEtIC) were synthesized via cοοrdination polymerization employing the half‐titanocene complex [(η5‐C5H5)((S)‐2‐Bu‐O)TiCl2] as initiator. The complex, bearing a chiral substituent, led to optically active products, as confirmed by circular dichroism measurements. The molecular characterization of all products was carried out by NMR and IR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), while their thermal stability was investigated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermogravimetry (DTG). The reactivity ratios of the two monomers were determined using various graphical methods, as well as the COPOINT program, according to the terminal copolymerization model. Structural parameters, such as the dyad monomer sequences and the mean sequence lengths were calculated as well. In addition, the kinetics of the thermal degradation of the statistical copolymers was studied, and the activation energies of the thermal degradation were calculated employing the Kissinger, Ozawa–Flynn–Wall (OFW), and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) methods. The block copolymers were synthesized by sequential addition of monomers starting from the polymerization of HIC. Well‐defined products were obtained in a controlled way as revealed by SEC, IR, and NMR measurements.
Effects of upper limbs' neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) superimposed to voluntary contraction added to a protocol of intradialytic leg cycle ergometer exercise, in muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life of adult patients with CKD: a randomized clinical trial protocol
Authors: Barbalho‐Moulim Marcela Cangussu , Paro Flavia Marini , Pedrosa Diego França , Serafim Lais Mello , Kuster Elizângela , Carmo Willian Assis do , de Oliveira Gabriela P. , de Lima Maria Helena B. S. , Pedreira Alexandre Bittencourt , Duarte Halina , Wittmer Verônica Lourenço
Published: March 2024

Objective

To investigate the effects of unilateral upper limbs' (ULM) neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) superimposed on a voluntary contraction added to a protocol of intradialytic leg cycle ergometer exercise on muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life of adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

This randomized controlled clinical trial will be carried out at a Brazilian University Hospital. The patients will be evaluated and randomly allocated to an intervention group (i.e., unilateral NMES on the upper limb without hemodialysis fistula for 20 min and leg cycle ergometer for 30 min) or a control group (i.e., unilateral NMES‐Sham on the upper limb without hemodialysis fistula for 20 min and leg cycle ergometer for 30 min). The patients will be treated for 8 weeks, with three weekly treatment sessions totaling 24 sessions. Measurements: ULM muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life and also the feasibility, safety and patient adherence to the exercise protocol. All physical measurements will be collected by trained researchers before treatment (week 0) and at the end of treatment (week 9), always in the second hemodialysis session of the week. It will be used in an intention‐to‐treat analysis.

Results/Conclusions

The outcomes of this clinical trial protocol may help to know the possible benefits of unilateral ULM' NMES superimposed on a voluntary contraction added to a protocol of leg cycle ergometer for patients with CKD and to aid clinical decisions about future implementation or not of this technique (NMES) in intradialytic physical training programs.
Oreoch‐1: A broad‐spectrum virus and host‐targeting peptide against animal infections
Authors: Nastri Bianca M. , Chianese Annalisa , Giugliano Rosa , Di Clemente Laura , Capasso Carla , Monti Alessandra , Doti Nunzianna , Iovane Valentina , Montagnaro Serena , Pagnini Ugo , Iovane Giuseppe , Zannella Carla , De Filippis Anna , Galdiero Massimiliano
Published: March 2024

In recent decades, the global rise of viral emerging infectious diseases has posed a substantial threat to both human and animal health worldwide. The rapid spread and accumulation of mutations into viruses, and the limited availability of antiviral drugs and vaccines, stress the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from natural sources present a promising avenue due to their specificity and effectiveness against a broad spectrum of pathogens. The present study focuses on investigating the antiviral potential of oreochromicin‐1 (oreoch‐1), a fish‐derived AMP obtained from Nile tilapia, against a wide panel of animal viruses including canine distemper virus (CDV), Schmallenberg virus (SBV), caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV‐1), and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV‐1). Oreoch‐1 exhibited a strong antiviral effect, demonstrating an inhibition of infection at concentrations in the micromolar range. The mechanism of action involves the interference with viral entry into host cells and a direct interaction between oreoch‐1 and the viral envelope. In addition, we observed that the peptide could also interact with the cell during the CDV infection. These findings not only highlight the efficacy of oreoch‐1 in inhibiting viral infection but also emphasize the potential of fish‐derived peptides, specifically oreoch‐1, as effective antiviral agents against viral infections affecting animals, whose potential to spill into humans is high. This research contributes valuable insights to the ongoing quest for novel antiviral drugs with the potential to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases on a global scale.
Bovine Serum Albumin/Polyvinyl Alcohol Double‐Network Hydrogel Containing ϵ‐Polylysine for Antibacterial Performance
Authors: Wang Hui , Shi Changxin , Zhang Chenyun , Xiong Yingshuo , Liu Fangjie , Zhong Linlin , Zhang Jin
Published: March 2024

With the discovery and abuse of antibiotics, bacterial resistance has become a key problem in the field of antibacterial materials. Therefore, antibacterial materials that can effectively inhibit bacterial infection are considered to be important biological materials. In this study, a double‐network hydrogel system was designed using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the main body. The first network was formed by reducing the disulfide bond on BSA to sulfhydryl group by tris (2‐carboxyethyl) phosphine (TCEP). The second network of PVA was used as the hydrogel to prepare a double‐network hydrogel with good mechanical strength. The introduction of ϵ‐polylysine gives the hydrogel antibacterial activity, which enables it to destroy the cell structure and kill bacteria through electrostatic interaction, and can effectively solve the problem of drug resistance in the field of antibacterial medicine.
Begutachtung der historischen Lager des Chemnitzer Viadukts
Authors: Mensinger Martin , Siebert Dorina , Schäfers Michael , Tutzer Kurt , Thomas Nadine , Gubetini Drilon , Heßeln Karsten
Published: March 2024

Das Chemnitzer Viadukt wurde zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts erbaut und über die letzten Jahre denkmalgerecht ertüchtigt. Hierfür war u. a. eine Begutachtung zur Wiederverwendung der aus einzelnen Gussbauteilen bestehenden Lager erforderlich. Die Begutachtung umfasste übliche zerstörungsfreie und zerstörende Prüfungen sowie numerische Berechnungen zum Nachweis der Tragfähigkeit. Als neuartige Ergänzung wurden Gusssimulationen, 3D‐Scans der Lager zur Erfassung des tatsächlichen Zustands sowie bruchmechanische Untersuchungen zur Bewertung der Sprödbruchgefahr und des möglichen Rissfortschritts durchgeführt. Unter anderem stellten teils schwere Zugänglichkeit und komplexe Belastungszustände eine Herausforderung dar. In diesem Aufsatz werden das Lagerkonzept und die Methode der Begutachtung vorgestellt sowie die einzelnen Bestandteile mit zugehörigen Ergebnissen beschrieben. Durch die Begutachtung konnte eine Weiternutzung eines Großteils der Lagerbauteile ermöglicht werden.
A Response to: Stories Grounded in Decades of Research: What We Truly Know about the Teaching of Reading
Authors: Mesmer Heidi Anne E.
Published: March 2024

This article responds to a word recognition vignette in a recent article “Stories Grounded in Decades of Research: What we Truly Know about the Teaching of Reading.”
B‐flow/spatiotemporal image correlation M‐mode ultrasound provides novel method to quantify spiral artery remodeling during normal human pregnancy
Authors: Turan O. M. , Liang Y. , Kelley B. , Turan S. , Pepe G. J. , Albrecht E. D.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

During human pregnancy, placental extravillous trophoblasts replace vascular smooth muscle and elastic tissue within the walls of the uterine spiral arteries, thereby remodeling them into distensible low‐resistance vessels to promote placental perfusion. The present study determined whether B‐flow/spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) M‐mode ultrasonography provides an in‐vivo imaging method able to digitally quantify spiral artery luminal distensibility as a physiological index of spiral artery remodeling during the advancing stages of normal human pregnancy.

Methods

A prospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted to quantify spiral artery distensibility (i.e. vessel luminal diameter at systole minus diameter at diastole) by B‐flow/STIC M‐mode ultrasonography during the first, second and third trimesters in 290 women exhibiting a normal pregnancy. Maternal serum levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1), growth factors that modulate important events in spiral artery remodeling, were quantified in a subset of the women in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Results

Median (interquartile range (IQR)) spiral artery distensibility increased progressively between the first (0.17 (0.14–0.21) cm), second (0.23 (0.18–0.28) cm) and third (0.26 (0.21–0.35) cm) trimesters of pregnancy (P < 0.0001 for all). Median (IQR) spiral artery volume flow increased progressively between the first (2.49 (1.38–4.99) mL/cardiac cycle), second (3.86 (2.06–6.91) mL/cardiac cycle) and third (7.79 (3.83–14.98) mL/cardiac cycle) trimesters (P < 0.001 for all). In accordance with the elevation in spiral artery distensibility, the median (IQR) ratio of serum PlGF/sFlt‐1 × 103 levels increased between the first (7.2 (4.5–10.0)), second (22.7 (18.6–42.2)) and third (56.2 (41.9–92.5)) trimesters (P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusions

The present study shows that B‐flow/STIC M‐mode ultrasonography provides an in‐vivo imaging technology to quantify digitally the structural and physiological expansion of the walls of the spiral arteries during the cardiac cycle as a consequence of their transformation into compliant vessels during advancing stages of normal human pregnancy. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Machine learning identification of microhabitat features associated with occupancy of artificial nestboxes by hazel dormice Muscardinus avellanarius in a UK woodland site
Authors: Malyan Joe , Lloyd Amanda J. , González‐Suárez Manuela
Published: March 2024

Hazel dormice Muscardinus avellanarius have severely declined since 2000 leading to increased legislative protection in the UK and Europe. Artificial nestboxes are widely used for its conservation and monitoring. Previous research has focused on how to identify suitable areas for nestboxes, but where to place individual boxes to promote occupancy is less well understood. Here, we demonstrate the use of machine learning Random Forest regression to predict nestbox occupancy from a wide range of microhabitat variables using a UK woodland as a case study. Random forest models are powerful predictive tools that allow simultaneous testing of many predictors with relatively few observations.

Field data included observed nestbox occupancy (2017–2021) and measurements of 76 microhabitat variables collected in the summer of 2021 from 45 occupied and unused nestboxes located in a deciduous woodland in Berkshire, UK. We applied Random Forest regression to identify important variables and predict nestbox occupancy demonstrating robust approaches to tune model hyperparameters and evaluate importance metrics.

In our study area, nestboxes were more likely to be occupied in sites with more hazel Corylus avellana, greater overall tree abundance but not fully closed canopies (optimal 80–85%), more honeysuckle Lolium periclymenum and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, and when located further from footpaths and woodland margins. Occupancy over the study period was well predicted using microhabitat variables (13.3% OOB error) but future occupancy was more uncertain (33.3% error for 2021–2023 records).

Modelling approaches that allow consideration of numerous variables from few locations or observations can be help identify relevant features and predict desirable outcomes of conservation actions. Here we demonstrate this approach identifying microhabitat variables that influence artificial nestbox occupancy by hazel dormice in a UK woodland. Findings offer some recommendations for local management that could promote nestbox occupancy and improve monitoring and conservation efforts.
Optimal liquidation with high risk aversion and small linear price impact
Authors: Dolinskyi Leonid , Dolinsky Yan
Published: March 2024

We consider the Bachelier model with linear price impact. Exponential utility indifference prices are studied for vanilla European options in the case where the investor is required to liquidate her position. Our main result is establishing a non-trivial scaling limit for a vanishing price impact which is inversely proportional to the risk aversion. We compute the limit of the corresponding utility indifference prices and find explicitly a family of portfolios which are asymptotically optimal.
Language barriers in German outpatient diabetes care: a cross-sectional study on multilingual treatment and the use of interpreters
Authors: Mösko Mike , Raczek Lisanne , Schilgen Benjamin , Bollmann Luise , Icks Andrea , Aberle Jens , Berger Faize , Bührig Kristin , Wiltink Jörg , Mohwinkel Vera , Schulz Holger
Published: March 2024

Aims

Language barriers significantly contribute to limited access and treatment quality in diabetic health care for ethnic minority groups. The study assesses the extent of linguistic resources and barriers in outpatient diabetes care in Germany.

Subject and methods

The questionnaire-based explorative cross-sectional study included all certified outpatient diabetological practices in Germany (N = 169), assessing, among other things, medical professionals’ (MP) language competencies, language barriers in treatment, use of and attitudes towards professional interpreters.

Results

One hundred and seven practices (63%) participated in the study, with an average of 16 MPs employed; of these, 47.2% spoke at least one other language than German, with 35.2% using their multilingual competencies actively for treating patients. Of all patients, 6.3% had German language skills which were insufficient for treatment situations, with this variable significantly predicted by the MPs’ multilingual treatment offers; 95.4% of the interpreter-assisted situations were supported by family members/friends. Among the clinicians, 86.0% appreciated a better participation for the patient being enabled by professional interpreters. The use of a professional interpreter in consultations was predicted by prior experience in working with interpreters.

Conclusion

The low proportion of patients with limited language proficiency suggests numerous barriers for patients to enter the outpatient diabetes care system. The multilingual capabilities among MPs do not cover the patients´ linguistic needs. Though MPs agree that professional interpreters are a good way to overcome language barriers, this study highlights obstacles that hinder clinicians from relying on professional interpreters.
Are changes in sleep problems associated with changes in life satisfaction during the retirement transition?
Authors: Kontturi Marika , Virtanen Marianna , Myllyntausta Saana , Prakash K. C. , Pentti Jaana , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari
Published: March 2024

Retirement reduces sleep problems, but changes in life satisfaction during the retirement transition are multifactorial and partly unknown. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to examine whether changes in sleep problems are associated with changes in total and domain-specific life satisfaction during the retirement transition (on average 0.5 years before and 0.5 years after retirement). The study population consisted of Finnish public sector employees (n = 3518) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging (FIREA) study who responded to annual surveys before and after transition to statutory retirement. Sleep problems were measured with Jenkins Sleep Problem Scale questionnaire and participants were grouped into four sleep problem groups depending on the state of their sleep problems during the retirement transition: ‘Never,’ ‘Decreasing,’ ‘Increasing,’ and ‘Constant’ sleep problems. Life satisfaction was measured with the Life Satisfaction Scale questionnaire including four domains (interestingness, happiness, easiness, togetherness). We found that the improvement in total life satisfaction was greatest for participants in the ‘Decreasing’ (0.17, 95% CI 0.11–0.23, SMD 0.27) and ‘Constant’ (0.12, 95% CI 0.07–0.18, SMD 0.19) sleep problem groups. Of the specific life satisfaction domains, similar findings were observed only for the easiness domain. It seems that decreasing or constant sleep problems are associated with improved life satisfaction during the retirement transition, especially in the feeling of easiness of life. This may be due to the fact that as the demands of working life are removed, sleep problems are alleviated or it becomes easier to live with them, which improves life satisfaction.
Decentralized multi-agent path finding framework and strategies based on automated negotiation
Authors: Keskin M. Onur , Cantürk Furkan , Eran Cihan , Aydoğan Reyhan
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a negotiation framework to solve the Multi-Agent Path Finding (MAPF) Problem for self-interested agents in a decentralized fashion. The framework aims to achieve a good trade-off between the privacy of the agents and the effectiveness of solutions. Accordingly, a token-based bilateral negotiation protocol and two negotiation strategies are presented. The experimental results over four different settings of the MAPF problem show that the proposed approach could find conflict-free path solutions albeit suboptimally, especially when the search space is large and high-density. In contrast, Explicit Estimation Conflict-Based Search (EECBS) struggles to find optimal solutions. Besides, deploying a sophisticated negotiation strategy that utilizes information about local density for generating alternative paths can yield remarkably better solution performance in this negotiation framework.
DR6 Augments Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth, Invasion, and Stemness by Activating AKT/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Jia Jing , Huang Yisen , Chen Qiwei , Hou Jianbin , Liu Yan , Xie Lifeng , Li Xinyu , Yang Chunkang
Published: March 2024

This study aims to elucidate the role and mechanisms of Death Receptor 6 (DR6), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, in the malignant progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). The association of DR6 expression levels and CRC patient survival was examined using the CRC cohort data from GEPIA database. The functional role of DR6 in CRC cells was investigated by performing loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments based on CCK-8 proliferation assay, transwell migration and invasion assay, and sphere-forming assays. Xenograft model of CRC cells in nude mouse was established to evaluate the impact of DR6 knockdown on CRC tumorigenesis. Elevated expression of DR6 was correlated with an unfavorable prognosis in CRC patients. In vitro functional assays demonstrated that silencing DR6 considerably suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness of CRC cells, whereas its overexpression showed an opposite effect. DR6 knockdown also attenuated tumor formation of CRC cells in the nude mice. Mechanistically, silencing DR6 reduced the phosphorylation of AKT and NF-κB in CRC cells, and the treatment with an AKT activator (SC79) abrogated the inhibitory effects of DR6 knockdown on the malignant features of CRC cells. Our data suggest that DR6 contributes to the malignant progression of CRC by activating AKT/NF-κB pathway, indicating its clinical potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC.