bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body composition and nutritional status of school‐aged Haitian children living in urban and peri‐urban areas of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Authors: Arps Shahna
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This study examines body composition and nutritional status of Haitian children and adolescents living in urban and peri‐urban communities in the Dominican Republic to provide estimates of stunting, underweight, overweight, and obesity for this under‐researched population.

Methods

Anthropometric measures including height, weight, mid‐upper arm circumference, and skinfold thicknesses (triceps and subscapular) were obtained for Kreyòl‐speaking school‐aged children (n  = 105, males = 51, females = 54, ages 4–17). Z‐scores for height, body mass index (BMI), and upper arm muscle area by height were used to classify children's nutritional status. Variation among sex and age groups was assessed.

Results

Relatively low rates of stunting (4.8%) and thinness (2.9%) were identified. The total prevalence of overweight was 5.7% and 2.9% of children were classified as having obesity. Girls had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and risk of overweight (16.7%) than boys (3.9%, p = .033).

Conclusions

The prevalence of overweight and obesity (8.6%) suggests that Haitian children in these urban and peri‐urban communities are experiencing the nutrition transition. Interventions should address the development of excess weight, especially among girls, as well as persisting undernutrition and stunting.
A Dual‐Function Electrospun Matrix for the Prevention of Herpes Simplex Virus‐1 Infections after Corneal Transplantation
Authors: Rohde Felix , Walther Marcel , Baur Florentin , Windbergs Maike
Published: January 2023

Tissue transplantations are often associated with severe infections. Cornea replacement as the most frequent transplantation worldwide bears the risk of keratitis caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), posing a severe and sight‐threatening complication. To overcome the current lack of effective HSV therapy in the eye, biodegradable nanofibrous scaffolds incorporating acyclovir (ACV) intended for transplantation along with the cornea graft to prevent viral infections are designed. The rational development of these matrices reveals the strong dependency of the surface wettability on the release kinetics of the tested biocompatible poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymers. Using a mixture of two PLGA polymers, a tailor‐made release of the antiviral active ACV is achieved for the intended treatment period. In a human in vitro HSV infection model, a synergistic viral inhibition mechanism by binding the virus particles on the fibers surface, while simultaneously releasing the antiviral active, could be confirmed. Besides the controlled ACV release, the polymer fibers bind virus particles to their surface, significantly reducing the virus titer. Based on this tunable dual effect, the fiber scaffolds exhibit a promising antiviral drug delivery platform, which can overcome the limitations of current infection therapy associated with cornea transplantation.
Potential of Electrospun Fibrous Scaffolds for Intestinal, Skin, and Lung Epithelial Tissue Modeling
Authors: Gonçalves Andreia M. , Leal Filipa , Moreira Anabela , Schellhorn Tobias , Blahnová Veronika Hefka , Zeiringer Scarlett , Vocetková Karolina , Tetyczka Carolin , Simaite Aiva , Buzgo Matej , Roblegg Eva , Costa Pedro F. , Ertl Peter , Filová Eva , Kohl Yvonne
Published: January 2023

Herein, intestinal, skin, and pulmonary in vitro tissue models based on electrospun membranes of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), ethylcellulose (EC), or methylcellulose (MC) are presented. Physicochemical characterization and biocompatibility analyses of the scaffolds are carried out using colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (intestine), keratinocytes and fibroblasts (skin), and bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells (lung). PCL, PCL:CA, and PCL:EC are composed of nanofibers, whereas PCL:CAP and PCL:MC scaffolds comprise a combination of micro‐ and nanofibers. PCL, PCL:CA, PCL:CAP, and PCL:EC samples demonstrate water contact angles greater than 90° and are, therefore, hydrophobic, while PCL:MC mats display a hydrophilic behavior. In intestinal models, cells adhere and proliferate on all scaffolds; in turn, studies with skin cell models reveal that PCL:CA and PCL:CAP blends outperform all other substrates. Lung cell models show that, while 16HBE cells adhere to and proliferate in PCL, PCL:CA, PCL:EC, and PCL:MC scaffolds, A549 cells only have the same biological response on PCL, PCL:CA, and PCL:MC. In summary, all fibrous meshes prepared are biocompatible toward most cell types tested, thus suggesting the potential of PCL‐cellulose derivative blends as substrates suitable for in vitro epithelial tissue modeling and toxicity screening.
Angular Spectra Tunable Random Lasing for High Contrast Imaging
Authors: Shen Huihui , Yuan Hongyu , Bian Yaoxing , Li Junyan , Liu Weinian , Xue Hanyi , Wang Zhaona
Published: January 2023

Random lasers with low spatial coherence have important potential applications in speckle‐free imaging and displaying. Here, an angular spectra (AS) tunable random laser is proposed through directly coupling a microcavity with a commercial optical fiber. The local in‐plane AS distributions of the random lasing can be separately tuned by selectively using coupling filtering, free transmission, and intensity modulation. The obtained random lasing has the characteristics of non‐polarization and ring AS with distribution tunability. The unique properties endow the lasing as a promising illumination source for biological imaging. An excellent image with speckle‐free and high contrast is thus achieved with a maximal contrast improvement factor of 638% relative to that under the common white lighting. The results indicate that the designed AS‐tunable random laser has great application values in the fields of biological imaging, display, integration optics, and optical physics.
Design and synthesis of novel quinazolin‐4(1H)‐one derivatives as potent and selective inhibitors targeting AKR1B1
Authors: Han Zhongfei , Li Jiahui , Xu Zilu , Su Yu , Wang Yihan , Zhuo Lili , Du Jiaming , Zhu Changjin , Hao Xin
Published: January 2023

Inhibition of aldose reductase (AKR1B1) is a promising option for the treatment of diabetic complications. However, most of the developed small molecule inhibitors lack selectivity or suffer from low bioactivity. To address this limitation, a novel series of quinazolin‐4(1H)‐one derivatives as potent and selective inhibitors of AKR1B1 were designed and synthesized. Aldose reductase inhibitory activities of the novel compounds were characterized by IC50 values ranging from 0.015 to 31.497 μM. Markedly enhanced selectivity of these derivatives was also recorded, which was further supported by docking studies. Of these inhibitors, compound 5g exhibited the highest inhibition activity with selectivity indices reaching 1190.8. The structure–activity relationship highlighted the importance of N1‐acetic acid and N3‐benzyl groups with electron‐withdrawing substituents on the quinazolin‐4(1H)‐one scaffold for the construction of efficient and selective AKR1B1 inhibitors.
Dynamic crosstalk between hematopoietic stem cells and their niche from emergence to aging
Authors: Deng Zhao‐hua , Ma Lan‐yue , Chen Qi , Liu Yang
Published: January 2023

The behavior of somatic stem cells is regulated by their niche. Interaction between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their niches are a representative model to understand stem cell‐niche interplay. Here, we provide an overview of crosstalk between HSCs and their niches in bone marrow and extramedullary organs following the life journey of HSCs from emergence, development, maturation until aging. We highlight the unique differences of HSC niches in different life stages within various organs focusing on recent literature to propose new speculations and hypotheses.
LncRNA DICER1‐AS1 promotes colorectal cancer progression by activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway through sponging miR‐650
Authors: Li Wenfei , Ke Chuanfeng , Yang Cuiyan , Li Jieyao , Chen Qikui , Xia Zhongsheng , Xu Jihao
Published: January 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality rates globally. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a fundamental role in tumor progression, and increasing attention has been paid to their role in CRC. This study aimed to determine the function of lncRNA DICER1 antisense RNA 1 (DICER1‐AS1) in CRC and confirm its potential regulatory mechanisms in CRC.

Methods

The publicly available dataset was used to assess DICER1‐AS1 function and expression in CRC. RT–qPCR or western blot assays were performed to verify DICER1‐AS1, miR‐650, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) expression in CRC cells or tissues. To determine the function of DICER1‐AS1, we performed CCK‐8, colony formation, transwell, cell cycle, and in vivo animal assays. Using RNA sequence analysis, luciferase reporter assays, and bioinformatics analysis, the connection between DICER1‐AS1, MAPK1, and miR‐650 was investigated.

Results

DICER1‐AS1 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissue compared to normal colon tissue. High DICER1‐AS1 expression suggested a poor prognosis in CRC patients. Functionally, upregulation of DICER1‐AS1 effectively promoted CRC proliferation, migration, and invasion ex vivo and tumor progression in vivo. Mechanistically, DICER1‐AS1 functions as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that sponges miR‐650 to upregulate MAPK1, promotes ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and sequentially activates the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our investigations found that upregulation of DICER1‐AS1 activates the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway by sponging miR‐650 to promote CRC progression, revealing a possible clinically significant biomarker and therapeutic target.
Comparison of the sensitivity of different criteria to select lung cancer patients for screening in a cohort of German patients
Authors: Walter Julia , Kauffmann‐Guerrero Diego , Muley Thomas , Reck Martin , Fuge Jan , Günther Andreas , Majeed Raphael W. , Savai Rajkumar , Koch Ina , Dinkel Julien , Schneider Christian , Senghas Karsten , Kobinger Sonja , Manapov Farkhad , Thomas Michael , Kahnert Kathrin , Winter Hauke , Behr Jürgen , Tammemägi Martin , Tufman Amanda
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Trials of CT‐based screening for lung cancer have shown a mortality advantage for screening in North America and Europe. Before introducing a nationwide lung cancer screening program in Germany, it is important to assess the criteria used in international trials in the German population.

Methods

We used data from 3623 lung cancer patients from the data warehouse of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL). We compared the sensitivity of the following lung cancer screening criteria overall and stratified by age and histology: the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), the Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial (DLCST), the 2013 and 2021 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), and an adapted version of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian no race model (adapted PLCOm2012) with 6‐year risk thresholds of 1.0%/6 year and 1.7%/6 year.

Results

Overall, the adapted PLCOm2012 model (1%/6 years), selected the highest proportion of lung cancer patients for screening (72.4%), followed by the 2021 USPSTF (70.0%), the adapted PLCOm2012 (1.7%/6 year) (57.4%), the 2013 USPTF (57.0%), DLCST criteria (48.7%), and the NLST (48.5%). The adapted PLCOm2012 risk model (1.0%/6 year) had the highest sensitivity for all histological types except for small‐cell and large‐cell carcinomas (non‐significant), whereas the 2021 USPTF selected a higher proportion of patients. The sensitivity levels were higher in males than in females.

Conclusion

Using a risk‐based selection score resulted in higher sensitivities compared to criteria using dichotomized age and smoking history. However, gender disparities were apparent in all studied eligibility criteria. In light of increasing lung cancer incidences in women, all selection criteria should be reviewed for ways to close this gender gap, especially when implementing a large‐scale lung cancer screening program.
Sulfonic Acid‐Functionalized (Bio)Materials as Catalysts for Efficient Amide Bond Synthesis
Authors: Pereira Joana R. , Corvo Marta C. , Peixoto Andreia F. , Aguiar‐Ricardo Ana , Marques M. Manuel B.
Published: January 2023

Sulfonic acid carbon‐(bio)based and natural clays‐based catalysts were prepared and investigated for the first time as heterogeneous catalysts for amide bond synthesis by a Ritter reaction. The different SO3H‐catalysts were screened using benzyl alcohol and acetonitrile as model substrates, and MWCNT‐CSP revealed to be an efficient catalyst, affording the amide in 75 % yield. The practical utility of the catalysts was demonstrated by a diverse range of amides, obtained from alcohols and nitriles, in moderate to good yields. Biomass derived platform alcohols, such as 5‐HMF and furfuryl alcohol, were also tested as potential building blocks for the synthesis of biopolymers. The SO3H‐catalysts revealed to be a highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to the conventional acid catalysts commonly used in the Ritter reaction.
Whole‐cell Mediated Carboxylation of 2‐Furoic Acid Towards the Production of Renewable Platform Chemicals and Biomaterials
Authors: Lopez‐Lorenzo Ximena , Asem Heba , Stamm Arne , Subramaniyan Sathiyaraj , Hakkarainen Minna , Syrén Per‐Olof
Published: January 2023

2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) has gained great industrial interest as a renewable alternative to terephthalic acid (TPA) in the generation of bioplastics. However, chemical production of FDCA involves harsh reaction conditions not aligned with sustainable manufacturing. Herein, we demonstrate the use of whole‐cell mediated synthesis of FDCA from 2‐furoic acid (FA) as substrate. Our approach moves away from the use of isolated enzymes by supplementing the UbiD−UbiX system in E. coli with the gene of P. thermopropionicum HmfF (PtHmfF) known to generate FDCA. The resulting whole‐cell system allows for production of FDCA under mild conditions by carboxylation of FA. We show how the enzymatically produced FDCA can be used to generate FDCA‐based biopolymers along with a terpene‐based diol monomer by enzymatic polycondensation catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB). This work high‐lights how underutilized hemicellulose‐derived C5 building blocks can be converted into renewable platform chemicals and materials by a simple cell factory in a CO2 sequestration process.
Simulation study of the thermal insulation performance of a vacuum‐insulated tube inside an electrically heated device
Authors: Xu Jian , Li Te , Zhang Hui , Hu Anfu , Teng Ruyu , Xiao Weiqiang , Zhou Guojun , Han Yufeng , Zhan Wangcheng
Published: January 2023

To realize stable heating of a heated cigarette while effectively controlling the outer‐wall temperature of an electric heating‐type appliance, a vacuum‐insulated tube (VIT) is currently widely used for thermal insulation against the heating element. The effects of the critical parameters of the VIT, gases at different pressures, wall thickness, and material on its thermal insulation performance, were simulated using Fluent to provide guidance on the structure and performance optimization of the EHD. When the absolute pressure of gas in the VIT was <0.5 Pa, increasing the degree of vacuum did not improve the thermal insulation performance. The thermal insulation performance of VITs made from different materials (stainless steel, copper, aluminium, brass, and titanium alloy) was closely related to the emissivity and thermal conductivity of the material. Stainless steel yielded better overall thermal insulation owing to its low thermal conductivity and emissivity. Highly emissive materials, such as brass and titanium alloy, contributed to higher heat transfers through the radiation inside the vacuum chamber and external radiation from the VIT, decreasing the thermal insulation performance of the VIT. Stainless steel VITs yielded an improved thermal insulation performance as the wall thickness decreased, but at the cost of decreased mechanical stability. For a wall thickness of 0.05–0.30 mm, stainless steel yielded the best structural stability. VITs with different wall thicknesses were made from stainless steel, copper, and aluminium, and the thermal insulation performance and structural stability of the EHD were optimized.
Clinical Impact of Antipolyethylene Glycol (PEG) Antibody in Hematological Patients Administered PEGylated‐Granulocyte Colony‐Stimulating Factor
Authors: Okada Naoto , Taro Shimizu , Ando Hidenori , Nakamura Shingen , Goda Mitsuhiro , Abe Masahiro , Kitahara Takashi , Ishida Tatsuhiro , Ishizawa Keisuke
Published: January 2023

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polymer covalently attached to proteins to improve their half‐life and efficacy. We previously reported that the PEGylated granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (PEG‐G‐CSF) is immunogenic, which could adversely impact drug efficacy and safety in animal models. Here, we analyzed the relationship between anti‐PEG antibody titers and the clinical impact of PEG‐G‐CSF in 19 hematological patients. A gradual decrease of anti‐PEG antibody titers from baseline was observed after PEG‐G‐CSF administration. Of the 19 participants, 10 were assessed for noninfectious fever after the first administration of PEG‐G‐CSF and three experienced this reaction. The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that the cut‐off values of pretreated anti‐PEG IgM and IgG titers for noninfectious fever were set at 5.0 and 96.6 U/mL, respectively. All patients who experienced noninfectious fever had anti‐PEG antibody titers above this cut‐off value (P = .033). An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay revealed that some anti‐PEG antibodies in patients with anti‐PEG antibody titers above the cut‐off value reacted with the PEGylated liposome. These results indicate the reactivity of the anti‐PEG antibodies to PEGylated therapeutics observed in hematologic patients and the possibility of the relationship between high titers of anti‐PEG antibodies and the development of adverse events after PEG‐G‐CSF administration.
A mixed methods study of autistic adults' mental health therapy experiences
Authors: Mazurek Micah O. , Pappagianopoulos Jessica , Brunt Sophie , Sadikova Eleonora , Nevill Rose , Menezes Michelle , Harkins Christina
Published: January 2023

Autistic adults are at high risk for co‐occurring mental health problems and need access to effective and appropriate mental health treatment. However, the relative effectiveness or acceptability of specific mental health strategies among autistic adults has not been previously examined. The current study sought to gain a deeper understanding of autistic adults' experiences and preferences regarding mental health strategies using a mixed methods approach. Autistic adults (n = 303, ages 21–77) completed online surveys and open‐ended questions about their mental health and therapy experiences. Most (88.8%) had participated in therapy, with cognitive approaches being the most common. Regarding overall therapy experiences, qualitative analyses revealed four primary themes and nine subthemes. Therapist acceptance and understanding were seen as critical for therapy success, and many participants felt that therapy was helpful for personal growth. However, many participants found that talking in session was challenging and noted that aspects of the session format affected their ability to engage in therapy. Regarding specific strategies, four cross‐cutting themes and eight strategy‐specific subthemes were identified. A variety of strategies were seen as helpful for reducing anxiety and improving mood. However, autistic adults reported trouble generalizing strategies to daily life and found some techniques to be difficult to implement due, in part, to their unique autism‐related needs. As the first study of its kind, the results underscore the importance of establishing a safe and accepting therapeutic relationship, providing accommodations to support communication needs, and considering individual differences and preferences when selecting mental health strategies for autistic clients.
Autorepression‐Based Conditional Gene Expression System in Yeast for Variation‐Suppressed Control of Protein Dosage
Authors: Azizoğlu Aslı , Loureiro Cristina , Venetz Jonathan , Brent Roger
Published: January 2023

Conditional control of gene expression allows an experimenter to investigate many aspects of a gene's function. In the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a number of methods to control gene expression are widely practiced, including induction by metabolites, small molecules, and even light. However, all current methods suffer from at least one of a set of drawbacks, including need for specialized growth conditions, leaky expression, or requirement of specialized equipment. Here we describe protocols using two transformations to construct strains that carry a new controller in which all these drawbacks are overcome. In these strains, the expression of a controlled gene of interest is repressed by the bacterial repressor TetR and induced by anhydrotetracycline. TetR also regulates its own expression, creating an autorepression loop. This autorepression allows tight control of gene expression and protein dosage with low cell‐to‐cell variation in expression. A second repressor, TetR‐Tup1, prevents any leaky expression. We also present a protocol showing a particular workhorse application of such strains to generate synchronized cell populations. We turn off expression of the cell cycle regulator CDC20 completely, arresting the cell population, and then we turn it back on so that the synchronized cells resume cell cycle progression. This control system can be applied to any endogenous or exogenous gene for precise expression. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Generating a parent WTC846 strain

Basic Protocol 2: Generating a WTC846 strain with controlled expression of the targeted gene

Alternate Protocol: CRISPR‐mediated promoter replacement

Basic Protocol 3: Cell cycle synchronization/arrest and release using the WTC846‐K3::CDC20 strain
CPHEN‐15: Comprehensive phenotyping of human peripheral blood helper‐ILCs by flow cytometry
Authors: Del Zotto Genny , Vacca Paola , Moretta Lorenzo , Quatrini Linda
Published: January 2023

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) comprise cytotoxic NK cells and helper‐ILCs, which are further divided in ILC1, ILC2, and ILC3. Helper‐ILCs mirror the effector functions of helper T‐cell subsets and contribute to host immune defense, tissue homeostasis and repair through cytokine secretion. Although they are mainly tissue‐resident, helper ILCs are also found in the peripheral blood (PB). In the human setting, it may be needed to analyze circulating helper ILCs to compare pathological to physiological conditions. In this review, we provide simple guidelines and a list of markers useful to study human PB helper ILCs phenotype and function by flow cytometry.
A study on the channel bonding in IoT networks: Requirements, applications, and challenges
Authors: Kandar Debdatta , Chyne Phidahunlang , Nath Sur Samarendra , Nandi Sukumar
Published: January 2023

The most well‐known sort of remote Internet connection is wireless local area networks (WLANs) due to its unsophisticated operation and deployment. Subsequently, the quantity of gadgets getting to the Internet through WLANs, for example, PCs, cell phones, or wearables, is expanding radically at the equivalent time that applications' throughput necessities do. To provide wireless networks with supplementary spectral resources, the researchers are considering the aggregation of frequency spectrums in licensed, unlicensed, and shared access (SA) bands. Channel aggregation/channel bonding (CA/CB) techniques accumulate quite a few channels together as one channel for the purpose of achieving better bandwidth utilization. In this study, we focus on reliable CA/CB techniques in different wireless networks. CA/CB procedures are utilized for empowering higher information rates by transmitting in more extensive channels, accordingly expanding range proficiency with the assured secure channel for communication. We also discuss the spectral scarcity issues in today's wireless IoT network. This paper presents an extensive survey on CA/CB procedures and methods, issues and challenges, and open research areas related to IoT devices. We analyze the performance of channel CA/CB strategies in the different wireless networks too.
Cultivated alien plants with high invasion potential are more likely to be traded online in China
Authors: Dong Ran , Dong Bi‐Cheng , Fu Qiu‐Yue , Yang Qiang , Dai Zhi‐Cong , Luo Fang‐Li , Gao Jun‐Qin , Yu Fei‐Hai , van Kleunen Mark
Published: January 2023

Biological invasions have become a worldwide problem, and measures to efficiently prevent and control invasions are still in development. Like many other parts of the world, China is undergoing a dramatic increase in plant invasions. Most of the currently 933 established (i.e., naturalized) plant species, of which 214 are categorized as invasive, have been introduced into China for cultivation. It is likely that many of those species are still being traded, particularly online, by plant nurseries. However, studies assessing whether naturalized and invasive species are currently being traded more or less than nonnaturalized aliens are rare. We extracted online‐trade information for 13,718 cultivated alien plant taxa on 1688.com, the largest website for domestic B2B in China. We analyzed how the presence in online‐nursery catalogs, the number of online nurseries that offerred the species for sale, and the product type (i.e., seeds, live plants and vegetative organs) differed among nonnaturalized, naturalized noninvasive, and invasive species. Compared to nonnaturalized taxa, naturalized noninvasive and invasive taxa were 3.7–5.2 times more likely to be available for purchase. Naturalized noninvasive and invasive taxa were more frequently offered as seeds by online nurseries, whereas nonnaturalized taxa were more frequently offered as live plants. Based on these findings, we propose that, to reduce the further spread of invasive and potentially invasive plants, implementation of plant‐trade regulations and a monitoring system of the online horticultural supply chain will be essential.
Managing aquatic habitat structure for resilient trophic interactions
Authors: Ward Charlotte A. , Tunney Tyler D. , McCann Kevin S.
Published: January 2023

Structural habitat (the three‐dimensional arrangement of physical matter, abiotic and biotic, at a location) is a foundational element for the resilience and maintenance of biodiversity, yet anthropogenic development is driving the global simplification of aquatic environments. Resource managers regularly seek to conserve aquatic food webs by increasing structural habitat complexity with expected benefits to fisheries; however, the global effectiveness of such actions is unclear. Our synthesis and theoretical analyses found that the response of a consumer–resource interaction (predatory sportfish and forage fish prey) to the addition of prey refuge habitat differed among systems with low and high rates of biomass transfer from resource to consumer (i.e., biomass potential); stabilization was not the rule. Greater prey refuge habitat availability tended to stabilize systems characterized by high biomass potential while simultaneously increasing consumer densities. In contrast, increasing prey refuge habitat availability in systems characterized by low biomass potential tended to mute energy transfer and moved consumer densities toward local extinction. Importantly, biomass potential and prey refuge can have antagonistic effects on stability and relative consumer densities, and it is therefore important to consider the local conditions of a system when using habitat manipulation as a management measure. Further development of our context‐dependent perspective to whole food webs, and across different environments, may help to guide structural habitat management to better restore and protect aquatic ecosystems.
Not out of the Mediterranean: Atlantic populations of the gorgonian Paramuricea clavata are a separate sister species under further lineage diversification
Authors: Coelho Márcio A. G. , Pearson Gareth A. , Boavida Joana R. H. , Paulo Diogo , Aurelle Didier , Arnaud‐Haond Sophie , Gómez‐Gras Daniel , Bensoussan Nathaniel , López‐Sendino Paula , Cerrano Carlo , Kipson Silvija , Bakran‐Petricioli Tatjana , Ferretti Eliana , Linares Cristina , Garrabou Joaquim , Serrão Ester A. , Ledoux Jean‐Baptiste
Published: January 2023

The accurate delimitation of species boundaries in nonbilaterian marine taxa is notoriously difficult, with consequences for many studies in ecology and evolution. Anthozoans are a diverse group of key structural organisms worldwide, but the lack of reliable morphological characters and informative genetic markers hampers our ability to understand species diversification. We investigated population differentiation and species limits in Atlantic (Iberian Peninsula) and Mediterranean lineages of the octocoral genus Paramuricea previously identified as P. clavata. We used a diverse set of molecular markers (microsatellites, RNA‐seq derived single‐copy orthologues [SCO] and mt‐mutS [mitochondrial barcode]) at 49 locations. Clear segregation of Atlantic and Mediterranean lineages was found with all markers. Species‐tree estimations based on SCO strongly supported these two clades as distinct, recently diverged sister species with incomplete lineage sorting, P. cf. grayi and P. clavata, respectively. Furthermore, a second putative (or ongoing) speciation event was detected in the Atlantic between two P. cf. grayi color morphotypes (yellow and purple) using SCO and supported by microsatellites. While segregating P. cf. grayi lineages showed considerable geographic structure, dominating circalittoral communities in southern (yellow) and western (purple) Portugal, their occurrence in sympatry at some localities suggests a degree of reproductive isolation. Overall, our results show that previous molecular and morphological studies have underestimated species diversity in Paramuricea occurring in the Iberian Peninsula, which has important implications for conservation planning. Finally, our findings validate the usefulness of phylotranscriptomics for resolving evolutionary relationships in octocorals.
Oxidorhenium(V) and Rhenium(III) Complexes with Arylselenolato and ‐tellurolato Ligands
Authors: Noschang Cabral Bruno , Fonseca Rodrigues Jéssica , Roca Jungfer Maximilian , Krebs Anke , Hagenbach Adelheid , Schulz Lang Ernesto , Abram Ulrich
Published: January 2023

In situ prepared lithium arylselenolates {LiSePh, LiSe(2,6‐Me2Ph), LiSe(2,4,6‐Me3Ph)} or ‐tellurolates {LiTePh, LiTe(2,6‐Me2Ph), LiTe(2,4,6‐Me3Ph)} react with [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] and (NBu4)Br in good yields under formation of rhenium(V) complexes of the composition (NBu4)[ReO(L)4)]. The first oxidorhenium(V) complex with four monodentate phenolato ligands, [ReO(2,6‐Me2Ph)4]−, was prepared and isolated in crystalline form. This allows a comparison of experimental and computational data of a full series of such compounds with basal O, S, Se and Te donor atoms. Similar reactions with [ReCl3(PPh3)2(CH3CN)] or [ReCl3(PMe2Ph)3] give trigonal bipyramidal rhenium(III) complexes of the compositions [Re(PPh3)(L)3(CH3CN)] or [Re(PPh3)2(L)3] depending on the chalcogenolate applied. The reported oxidorhenium(V) and rhenium(III) complexes were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and X‐ray diffraction. The bonding situation in the rhenium(V) and rhenium(III) chalcogenolates was assessed through density functional theory calculations based on the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis, charge analysis, the electron localization function (ELF) maps and topological descriptors at the {3,−1} critical points such as metallicities. Expectedly, the ionicity of the rhenium‐chalcogen bonds decreases according to all three applied charge models from O to Te. Generally, the Re−Se and Re−Te bonds are more directional in the Re(III) complexes than in the oxidorhenium(V) compounds.
Index and mode modulated orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with enhanced spectral efficiency
Authors: Sengupta Ipsita , Dasgupta Shounak , Das Barman Abhirup
Published: January 2023

Index modulation aided orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM‐IM) is a potential multicarrier transmission technique for wireless data transmission systems due to its attractive error performance and energy efficiency. However, it fails to cope with increasing demand of high data rate in upcoming mobile data services, mainly, due to the lower spectral efficiency. In this communication, an efficient transmission technique, called index and mode modulation OFDM, is proposed that delivers additional information through permutations of multiple modes and indexed bits patterns resulting in higher spectral efficiency. For the proposed technique, a low complexity log‐likelihood ratio detector with suitable algorithm is designed and its computational complexity has been analysed. The simulation results indicate improved performance of this newly proposed scheme in terms of spectral efficiency, bit error rate, as well as energy efficiency over other existing index modulated and multiple mode based OFDM schemes, while maintaining considerably low computational complexity in detection. That proclaims the scheme as a potential transmission technique to meet the data transmission challenges in 5G and beyond.
Changes in fat uptake, color, texture, and sensory properties of Aloe vera gel‐coated eggplant rings during deep‐fat frying process
Authors: Varidi Mehdi , Ahmadzadeh‐Hashemi Saba , Nooshkam Majid
Published: January 2023

There is a widespread use of deep‐fat frying in both domestic and industrial sections, and deep‐fat fried foods are extremely popular due to their taste, color, and crispy texture. Human health can be, however, seriously compromised by the excessive consumption of oil, especially saturated fats and trans fatty acids. The use of hydrocolloids in inhibiting oil absorption has garnered considerable attention. This study was therefore aimed to lower the oil absorption in eggplant rings during the deep‐fat frying process with the aid of Aloe vera gel coating. The effects of gel concentration (0%, 50%, and 100%), frying time (2, 5, and 8 min), and frying temperature (160°C and 180°C) on the oil uptake, moisture content, texture, color, and sensory properties of the eggplant rings were evaluated. The gel coating led to a decrease in oil uptake (up to 50%), hardness (up to 0.98‐fold), ΔE (up to 0.89‐fold), and overall acceptance (up to 0.85‐fold), and an increase in moisture content (up to 1.47‐fold) and lightness (up to 1.14‐fold) of the samples. The frying time and temperature also influenced the physiochemical and sensory properties of the eggplant rings. The sample coated with 50% gel and fried at 180°C for 8 min had lower oil content and water loss with the highest acceptance rate in terms of taste, color, odor, texture, and appearance. The Aloe vera gel could be, therefore, a good candidate with high nutritional and economic value to reduce oil uptake in fried food products.
Associated biological and environmental factors of impaired executive function in preschool‐aged children: A population‐based study
Authors: Likhitweerawong Narueporn , Khorana Jiraporn , Boonchooduang Nonglak , Phinyo Phichayut , Patumanond Jayanton , Louthrenoo Orawan
Published: January 2023

Executive function (EF) is essential for academic achievement, successful work, and physical and mental health. Although evidence shows that several factors have been linked to EF, these results are mixed. This study aims to identify both biological and environmental variables associated with impaired EF in preschoolers. This study was a population‐based cross‐sectional study of healthy children aged 2–5 years from public and private schools in Chiang Mai, Thailand. EF was assessed using a parent report of the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function‐Preschool (BRIEF‐P). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the biological and environmental factors relevant to impaired executive functioning. In a total of 1540 included children, 213 children (13.83%) were defined as impaired EF. We found that biological factors—male (odds ratio [OR], 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.04–1.91]), overweight/obesity (OR, 1.59, 95% CI [1.10–2.31]), less physical activity (OR, 1.77, 95% CI [1.10–2.84]), and environmental factors—low maternal education (OR, 1.61, 95% CI [1.13–2.31]), permissive parenting style (OR, 2.75, 95% CI [1.24–6.13]), and excessive screen exposure (OR, 1.66, 95% CI [1.15–2.41])—are associated with an increased risk of impaired EF. Adjusting modifiable factors, such as healthy weight status, positive parenting, appropriate screen time, and adequate physical activities, may be necessary for children to promote EF.
Experience on trial of labor and vaginal delivery after two previous cesarean sections: A cohort study from a limited‐resource setting
Authors: Maroyi Raha , Nyakio Olivier , Buhendwa Cikwanine , Mukanga Omari , Kalunga Kiminyi , Kanyinda Kalala , Rukunghu Neema , Mukundane Byamungu , Kakusu Dieudonné , Mwilo Mambo , mbaya Eloge‐IIunga , Madarhi Cirhagane , Walala Boengandi , Kakisingi De joseph , Mukwege Denis
Published: January 2023

Objective

To determine the success rate of trial of labor after two cesarean sections (TOLA2C) in the low‐resource setting of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and to describe factors associated with success and related complications.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2015 to 2020 in a teaching hospital. Patients who underwent TOLA2C were followed across prenatal visits, onset of spontaneous labor, and delivery. Demographics and clinical characteristics were documented. Pearson and Fisher χ2 tests were used. Predictors of successful vaginal delivery were determined by logistic regression (P ˂ 0.05).

Results

Among 532 patients, the success rate of TOLA2C was 405 (76.1%). Factors associated with success included birth spacing ≥24 months (adjOR: 2.02 ; 95% CI 1.14–3.56; P = 0.015), previous vaginal delivery (adjOR: 5.02; 95% CI 2.71–9.31; P ˂ 0.001), intercalated vaginal delivery (adjOR: 5.15; 95% CI 2.28–11.65; P ˂ 0.001), cervical dilation >6 cm (adjOR: 2.37; 95% CI 1.92–6.05; P = 0.031) and/or complete dilation on arrival in the delivery room (adjOR: 1.96; 95% CI 1.33–11.45; P = 0.047) and oxytocin stimulation (adjOR: 4.24; 95% CI 1.82–9.91; P ˂ 0.001). No association with hemorrhage, uterine rupture, transfer to neonatology, or maternal–neonatal deaths was observed.

Conclusions

TOLA2C is possible in a low‐resource setting with a high success rate and low rates of complications. Patient selection and obstetrical team competency are required.
Clinical characteristics and serum CA19‐9 combined with HE4 are valuable in diagnosing endometriosis‐associated ovarian cancer
Authors: Xu Ting , Zhang Lin , Jiang Yi , Wan Yicong , Zhou Shulin , Sun Guodong , Cheng Wenjun , Yuan Lin
Published: January 2023

Objective

Endometriosis‐associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) is difficult to diagnose because of its low incidence, uncertain risk factors, and the absence of effective markers. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of EAOC and identify useful serological markers.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the clinical characteristics of patients with EAOC and ovarian endometriosis, obtained between January 1, 2011 and October 31, 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between clinical characteristics and EAOC. Receiver operating characteristic curves were applied to access the diagnostic value of serological markers in EAOC.

Results

In total, the clinical characteristics of 220 patients were obtained; 44 with EAOC and 176 with ovarian endometriosis. EAOC patients were older (46.20 vs. 36.26 years, P < 0.001) and had larger tumors (9.10 vs. 6.73 cm, P = 0.003) together with higher CA19‐9 (21.44 vs. 4.72 U/mL, P < 0.001) and HE4 levels (62.35 vs. 44.19 pmol/L, P < 0.001) when compared with ovarian endometriosis patients. Multivariate analysis showed that HE4 greater than 59.7 pmol/L, CA19‐9 greater than 8.5 U/mL, age 42 years or older, and tumor length 9.2 cm or longer were independent risk factors for EAOC. Significantly, CA19‐9 combined with HE4 had high sensitivity (72.73%) and specificity (78.41%) in diagnosing EAOC.

Conclusion

Age over 42 years, large ovarian tumor, serum CA19‐9 and HE4 are valuable in the diagnosis of EAOC.
Maternal insulin‐like growth factors and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding proteins for macrosomia prediction in diabetic and nondiabetic pregnancy: A prospective study
Authors: Alekseenkova Elena N. , Babakov V. N. , Selkov S. A. , Di Renzo G. C. , Kogan I. Yu. , Kapustin R. V.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Attributable to the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) axis involvement in fetal growth regulation, possible contribution of the maternal IGF axis to antenatal fetal macrosomia diagnosis is a subject of particular interest in diabetic pregnancy.

Methods

A total of 130 women were prospectively enrolled in a longitudinal single‐center cohort study. The four study groups were: type 1 diabetes (n = 40), type 2 diabetes (n = 35), gestational diabetes (n = 40), and control (n = 15). IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein (IGFBP) 1, 3, 6, and 7 serum levels were analyzed in 11‐ to 14‐week and 30‐ to 34‐week samples with a specific immunoassay.

Results

In mothers of large‐for‐gestational‐age neonates (90th percentile), higher (median test) first‐trimester IGF‐1 (P = 0.007) and lower IGFBP‐1 (P = 0.035) were observed. The IGF‐1/IGFBP‐1 ratio was positively associated with neonatal weight (r = 0.434, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an association between large for gestational age and the first‐trimester IGF‐1 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.747, P < 0.001), IGFBP‐1 (AUC = 0.334, P = 0.011), and IGF‐1/IGFBP‐1 ratio (AUC = 0.750, P < 0.001). IGF‐1/IGFBP‐1 ratio had better performance for prediction of birth weight over 4000 g (AUC = 0.822, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The authors detected different first‐trimester IGF‐1 and IGF‐1/IGFBP‐1 thresholds applicable for either supposition or rejection of macrosomia diagnosis. Further investigation is needed to determine how the maternal IGF axis can contribute to fetal macrosomia prediction.
Incidence trends of shoulder dystocia and associated risk factors: A nationwide analysis in the United States
Authors: Youssefzadeh Ariane C. , Tavakoli Amin , Panchal Viraj R. , Mandelbaum Rachel S. , Ouzounian Joseph G. , Matsuo Koji
Published: January 2023

Objective

To examine recent incidence trends and characteristics of shoulder dystocia.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study querying the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample. The study population included 9 913 838 vaginal deliveries for national estimates from January 2016 to December 2019. The main outcome measure was the diagnosis of shoulder dystocia. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify characteristics of shoulder dystocia in multivariable analysis.

Results

Shoulder dystocia was reported in 228 120 deliveries (23.0 per 1000). The incidence of shoulder dystocia increased from 21.0 to 24.6 per 1000 deliveries during the 4‐year study period (17.1% relative increase, P < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, the recent year of delivery remained an independent factor for shoulder dystocia: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) compared with 2016, 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.11), 1.13 (95% CI, 1.12–1.14), and 1.18 (95% CI, 1.16–1.19) for 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. Large for gestational age (aOR 4.33 [95% CI, 4.25–4.40]), diabetes mellitus (pregestational aOR, 4.78 [95% CI, 4.63–4.94], and gestational aOR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.66–1.71]), and vacuum‐assisted delivery (aOR, 2.18 [95% CI, 2.15–2.21]) exhibited the largest risks for shoulder dystocia.

Conclusion

This national‐level analysis identified various risk factors for shoulder dystocia and demonstrated that shouder dystocia cases are increasing gradually in the United States.
It pays to have guanxi: How social capital affects household income in China
Authors: Wu Kai , Liu Yi , Xu Yifan , Sun He
Published: January 2023

The association between social capital and household income has received inadequate attention over the past decade. We examine the role of social capital in household income using three waves of household surveys from 2011 to 2015 in China. Using “local big surname or not” as the instrumental variable, we find that gift expenditure as a proxy for social capital is positively associated with total household income. In addition, social capital mainly affects income sources through improved financial sophistication, higher job position levels, closer government connections, and greater accessibility to operating loans. The results are robust to alternative social capital measures. The findings highlight the importance of social capital in household economic welfare in China.
Comparing lipid remodeling of brown adipose tissue, white adipose tissue, and liver after one‐week high fat diet intervention with quantitative Raman microscopy
Authors: Paul Alexandra , Chanclón Belén , Brännmark Cecilia , Wittung‐Stafshede Pernilla , Olofsson Charlotta S. , Asterholm Ingrid Wernstedt , Parekh Sapun H.
Published: January 2023

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) consists of highly metabolically active adipocytes that catabolize nutrients to produce heat. Playing an active role in triacylglycerol (TAG) clearance, research has shown that dietary fatty acids can modulate the TAG chemistry deposition in BAT after weeks‐long dietary intervention, similar to what has been shown in white adipose tissue (WAT). Our objective was to compare the influence of sustained, nonchronic dietary intervention (a 1‐week interval) on WAT and interscapular BAT lipid metabolism and deposition in situ. We use quantitative, label‐free chemical microscopy to show that 1 week of high fat diet (HFD) intervention results in dramatically larger lipid droplet (LD) growth in BAT (and liver) compared to LD growth in inguinal WAT (IWAT). Moreover, BAT showed lipid remodeling as increased unsaturated TAGs in LDs, resembling the dietary lipid composition, while WAT (and liver) did not show lipid remodeling on this time scale. Concurrently, expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, particularly desaturases, was reduced in BAT and liver from HFD‐fed mice after 1 week. Our data show that BAT lipid chemistry remodels exceptionally fast to dietary lipid intervention compared WAT, which further points towards a role in TAG clearance.