bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Irrigation Scheduling and Nitrogen Management Through Drip Irrigation System on Nutrient Content and Uptake of Rabi Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Rahwa M. K. , Bhanvadia A. S.
Published: December 2023

The state of the soil's nutrients can be significantly impacted by improper irrigation and nitrogen application, which may accelerate nutrient losses and cause soil erosion and ground water pollution. A field experiment was conducted during consecutive two rabi seasons of the years 2021 and 2022 at Regional Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India to study the “Impact of irrigation scheduling and nitrogen management through drip irrigation system on nutrient content and uptake of rabi maize (Zea mays L.)”. The soil of the experimental field was loamy sand in texture, with low organic carbon and available nitrogen, medium available phosphorus and high potassium with soil pH 8.21. The experiment was carried out in split plot design with four levels of irrigation scheduling based on Alternate Day Pan Evaporation Fraction (ADPEF) were considered in main plot viz., I1 : Irrigation scheduling at 0.8 ADPEF, I2 : Irrigation scheduling at 1.0 ADPEF, I3 : Irrigation scheduling at 1.2 ADPEF and I4 : Control (Flood irrigation) and three nitrogen management treatments viz. N1 : 100% RDN through inorganic fertilizer, N2 : 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizer + Bio NPK consortium, N3 : 50% RDN through inorganic fertilizer + Bio NPK consortium + 5 t/ha FYM were assigned in sub plots, comprised of 12 treatment combinations. Result of the experiment showed that irrigation scheduling at 1.2 ADPEF (I3) recorded significantly higher N content in grain and stover and it was remained at par with irrigation scheduling at 1.0 ADPEF (I2) during 2021, 2022 and pooled analysis. P and K content in grain and stover was found non-significant due to various irrigation scheduling treatments during individual years and on pooled basis. Irrigation scheduling at 1.2 ADPEF (I3) recorded significantly higher N, P uptake by grain and stover and K uptake by grain during 2021, 2022 and on pooled basis. K uptake by stover found significantly higher under irrigation scheduling at 1.2 ADPEF (I3) during 2021-22 and pooled basis. While K, uptake by stover found non-significant. Nitrogen management with 100% RDN through inorganic fertilizer recorded significantly the highest N content in grain and stover and pooled analysis. While, P and K content grain and stover found non- and pooled analysis. Application of 100% RDN through inorganic fertilizer found significantly higher N, P and K uptake by grain and stover and pooled basis. Interaction effect of irrigation scheduling and nitrogen management treatments was found significantly higher N uptake by grain and K uptake by stover (pooled basis) under irrigation scheduling at 1.2 ADPEF with 100% RDN through inorganic fertilizer (I3N1).
Prevalence of Malaria Parasitaemia and Intestinal Protozoan Infections among Schoolchildren in Ndop, Northwest Cameroon, A Conflict Hit Locality
Authors: Ebai Calvin Bisong , Ngoufo Flore Nguemaïm , Nlinwe Omarine Nfor , Mefoumanyi Jennifer Acho , Yamssi Cedric , Kimbi Helen Kuokuo
Published: December 2023

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with malaria and intestinal protozoans among schoolchildren in Ndop a conflict hit locality in Northwest Cameroon.

Study Design: This was a school-based cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Cameroon Baptist Convention Nursery and Primary School Bamunka, Ndop during the months of April and May 2023.

Methodology: Sociodemographic and hygiene-related data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Capillary blood and stool samples were collected, giemsa-stained blood films were examined to detect malaria parasites, while normal saline and iodine wet preparations were used to detect intestinal parasites in stool. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The Chi-square test was used to compare prevalence between groups, p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: One hundred and eighty (180) children took part in the study. The prevalence of malaria, intestinal protozoans, and malaria and intestinal protozoan coinfection observed were 7.2%, 13.0%, and 1.5% respectively. Plasmodium falciparum was the only Plasmodium species identified while the intestinal protozoans observed were Entamoeba histolytica (9, 6.9%), Entamoeba coli (12, 9.1%) and Giardia lamblia (10, 7.6%). With respect to socio-demographic characteristics, father’s profession (p=0.04) and, class of children (p=.01); whereas for methods related to prevention, taking anti-helminthics (p=.001), having a toilet at home (p=.001), toilet type (p=.000), washing of hands at school (p=.001), washing of hands at home (p=.001) and source of water were associated with intestinal parasite prevalence.  

Conclusion: This study revealed that malaria parasite and intestinal protozoans still constitute public health problems in Ndop. Control measures implemented by government to curb the prevalence of helminthic infections are quite effective meanwhile there is need to maintain and re-enforce measures for the control of malaria and intestinal protozoans.
Lactic Dehydrogenase Enzyme and Acid-Base Status in Severe Preeclampsia: A Case-Control Study Investigating the Impact of Obesity
Authors: Rodríguez Juan Gustavo Vázquez , Martínez Karen Anahí Rodríguez
Published: December 2023

Aims: Compare and correlate blood concentration of the LDH enzyme and arterial blood gas parameters of pregnant patients with severe preeclampsia (SP) with and without obesity.

Study Design: Case-control study.

Place and Duration of Study: Intensive Care Unit of High Specialty Medical Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital No. 3. National Medical Center “La Raza”, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico City, in the year 2022.

Methodology: Case-control study carried out in 73 pregnant patients with SP. Case group: 34 patients with pregestational Body Mass Index (BMI) with obesity (BMI >30) who remained obese during pregnancy. Control group: 39 women matched by gestational age with normal pregestational BMI (BMI <25) who remained with BMI normal during pregnancy. Blood concentration of total LDH enzyme and arterial blood gas parameters upon admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were compared. The LDH correlations vs arterial blood gas parameters were calculated. Statistical analysis: descriptive statistics, paired Student's t test and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were used with the SPSS™ version 24 program. The P value <0.05 was significant.

Results: No differences were found in the blood concentration of total LDH enzyme (case group 669.54±71.79 vs control group 474.75±30.33 U/L, P= .21). The arterial blood gas parameters showed data of compensated metabolic acidosis in both groups, but without significant differences (pH P= .42, lactate P= .060, bicarbonate P= .89, std bicarbonate P= .74, ecf base deficit P= .93, base deficit P= .73). The correlations between blood concentration of total LDH enzyme and arterial blood gas parameters were not significant.

Conclusion: Blood concentration of total LDH enzyme was similar. Both groups showed compensated metabolic acidosis without differences of gasometric parameters. No significant correlations were found.
Prediction of the Extent of Flood Indicators Used from the Slope Map in the River Flow Area in the City of Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Sundari Yayuk Sri , Purwanto  , Eswan  , Hartawan Dedy Sugi
Published: December 2023

Flood disasters in Indonesia and Samarinda City in general are disasters that continue to occur every year. Information on the dangers and risks of flooding is really needed, including the type of flood, the possibility of a flood occurring, the extent of flood inundation, the depth and speed of the flood, and the level of damage (to life, property and economic activity). The aim of the research is to determine the extent of inundation and the potential for flooding in areas in the river basin in terms of slope maps. This research was carried out in the Karang Asam Kecil River Basin, Samarinda City, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Research activities include: literature study, collection of primary and secondary data, data processing and analysis. The results of the research show that: (1) The area of ​​inundation, namely in Air Hitam Subdistrict, is 77 hectares (2.85%), Air Putih Subdistrict is 81 hectares (3.00%), Bukit Pinang Subdistrict and Sidodasi Subdistrict are 1 hectare each. (0.04%), Teluk Lerong Ilir Village covering an area of ​​14 hectares (0.52%), and in Teluk Lerong Ulu Village covering an area of ​​7 hectares (0.26%); and (2) flood-prone areas in the Karang Asam Kecil sub-watershed occur in the Samarinda Ulu sub-district with an inundation area of ​​174 hectares and in the Sungai Kunjang sub-district an inundation area of ​​7 hectares.
Scientific production on computer-assisted numerical analysis in health / Produção científica sobre análise numérica assistida por computador em saúde
Authors: Dias Carlos Luiz , Farias Suzi Maria Fernandes de , Silva Romero de Melo , Flores José Guilhermo Berenguer , Machado Daniel Aragão , Silva Alexandre Sousa da
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: avaliar a produção científica sobre análise numérica assistida por computador em saúde, a partir da bibliometria. Método: pesquisa do tipo bibliométrica com abordagem quantitativa. Os dados foram tratados à luz da estatística descritiva, com a ferramenta biblioshiny do software RStudio. Os termos utilizados foram "management, hospital material” e “barcode”. Resultados: recuperou-se 459 documentos, em 274 títulos, 445(96,95%) artigos, 2458 autores, 81(3,30%) como autoria única. A idade média dos documentos foi de 8,91 anos, a coautoria por documento foi de 6,15. Conclusão: os periódicos da zona 1 não podem ser considerados os mais devotados ao assunto. Não foi possível identificar um grupo de elite de autores na temática analisada.
A cross‐sectional study of MRI features and the gut microbiome in pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zhu Feng , Zhao Yinshan , Arnold Douglas L. , Bar‐Or Amit , Bernstein Charles N. , Bonner Christine , Graham Morag , Hart Janace , Knox Natalie , Marrie Ruth Ann , Mirza Ali I. , O'Mahony Julia , Van Domselaar Gary , Yeh E. Ann , Banwell Brenda , Waubant Emmanuelle , Tremlett Helen ,   US Network of Pediatric MS Centers, the Canadian Pediatric Demyelinating Disease Network
Published: December 2023

Objective

To identify gut microbiome features associated with MRI lesion burden in persons with pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis (symptom onset <18 years).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study involving the Canadian Paediatric Demyelinating Disease Network study participants. Gut microbiome features (alpha diversity, phylum‐ and genus‐level taxa) were derived using 16S rRNA sequencing from stool samples. T1‐ and T2‐weighted lesion volumes were measured on brain MRI obtained within 6 months of stool sample procurement. Associations between the gut microbiota and MRI metrics (cube‐root‐transformed) were assessed using standard and Lasso regression models.

Results

Thirty‐four participants were included; mean ages at symptom onset and MRI were 15.1 and 19.0 years, respectively, and 79% were female. The T1‐ and T2‐weighted lesion volumes were not significantly associated with alpha diversity (age and sex‐adjusted p > 0.08). At the phylum level, high Tenericutes (relative abundance) was associated with higher T1 and T2 volumes (β coefficient = 0.25, 0.37) and high Firmicutes, Patescibacteria or Actinobacteria with lower lesion volumes (β coefficient = −0.30 to −0.07). At the genus level, high Ruminiclostridium, whereas low Coprococcus 3 and low Erysipelatoclostridium were associated with higher lesion volumes.

Interpretation

Our study characterized the gut microbiota features associated with MRI lesion burden in pediatric‐onset MS, shedding light onto possible pathophysiological mechanisms.
Antitumor Activity and Mechanism of Terpenoids in Seaweeds Based on Literature Review and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Chen Baoguo , Li Yaxin , Li Wei , Ye Shuhong , Zhu Lin , Ding Yan
Published: December 2023

Seaweeds are a treasure trove of natural secondary metabolites. Terpenoids extracted from seaweeds are shown to possess a variety of antitumor cellular activities. However, due to the complex and diverse structures of terpenoids, their therapeutic targets and complex mechanisms of action have not been clarified. The present study summarises the research on terpenoids from seaweeds in oncological diseases over the last 20 years. Terpenoids show different degrees of inhibitory effects on different types of tumor cells, suggesting that terpenoids in seaweeds may have potential antitumor disease potential. Terpenoids with potential antitumor activity and their mechanism of action are investigated using network pharmacology. A total of 125 terpenoids and 286 targets are obtained. Proto‐oncogene tyrosine‐protein kinase Src(SRC), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK3, MAPK1), Heat shock protein HSP 90‐alpha (HSP90AA1), Phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), and RAC‐alpha serine/threonine‐protein kinase (AKT1) are defined as core targets. According to GO function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis, terpenoids may affect the Phoshatidylinositol 3'‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt signaling pathway, Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, Prostate cancer, MAPK signaling pathway, and Proteoglycans in cancer. In addition, the molecular docking results show that the selected terpenoids are all able to bind strongly to the active protein. Terpenoids may slow down the progression of cancer by controlling apoptosis, proliferation, and protein and enzyme binding.
Ultrafast Droplets Trajectories Modulation of Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing for Pattern Refinement Using Electrostatic Deflection
Authors: Li Xiaojian , Zhu Long , Zhang Fan , Zhang Yu , Wang Huaan , Sun Lujing , Yin Penghe , Chen Li , Wang Dazhi , Liang Junsheng
Published: December 2023

Electrohydrodynamic jet (E‐Jet) printing is a highly promising non‐contact additive manufacturing technology. However, the fast jets generated by E‐Jet may cause droplet accumulation on small curvature features due to the slow motion control achieved by the mechanical stage, leading to a degradation of printed patterns in localized areas. Here, a method is proposed for ultrafast modulation of jet trajectories to achieve finely patterned E‐Jet printing by introducing jet‐deflecting electrodes around the jet, which can continuously transform the jet trajectory with lateral acceleration up to 104 ms−2. This extraordinary acceleration is two orders of magnitude higher than that can be achieved by using mechanical stage motion. Through a combination of numerical calculations and experiments, the effects of electric field parameters on the feature size and kinematic properties of jet droplets are investigated. In addition, deposition errors of <5 µm are fabricated by selecting appropriate working parameters and using UV‐curable adhesives as printing ink. Subsequently, complex micropatterns with feature curvatures <4 µm are successfully printed, demonstrating the consistency and reliability of this electrostatic deflection technique in achieving a uniform droplet deposition pitch. This innovative approach holds significant promise in the field of high‐quality microscale additive manufacturing.
A Complicated Route from Disorder to Order in Antimony–Tellurium Binary Phase Change Materials
Authors: Zheng Yonghui , Song Wenxiong , Song Zhitang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Xin Tianjiao , Liu Cheng , Xue Yuan , Song Sannian , Liu Bo , Lin Xiaoling , Kuznetsov Vladimir G. , Tupitsyn Ilya I. , Kolobov Alexander V. , Cheng Yan
Published: December 2023

The disorder‐to‐order (crystallization) process in phase‐change materials determines the speed and storage polymorphism of phase‐change memory devices. Only by clarifying the fine‐structure variation can the devices be insightfully designed, and encode and store information. As essential phase‐change parent materials, the crystallized Sb–Te binary system is generally considered to have the cationic/anionic site occupied by Sb/Te atoms. Here, direct atomic identification and simulation demonstrate that the ultrafast crystallization speed of Sb–Te materials is due to the random nature of lattice site occupation by different classes of atoms with the resulting octahedral motifs having high similarity to the amorphous state. It is further proved that after atomic ordering with disordered chemical occupation, chemical ordering takes place, which results in different storage states with different resistance values. These new insights into the complicated route from disorder to order will play an essential role in designing neuromorphic devices with varying polymorphisms.
Fiber‐Based Flexible Ionic Diode with High Robustness and Rectifying Performance: Toward Electronic Textile Circuits
Authors: Woo Seohyun , Kim Hwajoong , Kim Jinho , Ryu Hyeji , Lee Jaehong
Published: December 2023

In response to the growing demand for wearable devices designed for seamless integration with 3D bio‐surfaces, fiber‐based devices have gained prominence in textile‐based wearable electronics due to their flexibility and unique structure. In particular, though diodes with rectifying properties are crucial for a range of electronic systems, there has been scant reporting on diodes with a fiber structure. This study introduces a fiber‐based flexible ionic diode that exhibits a rectification ratio of 2773 and an output current of 28.2 mA at 3 V. The diode is composed of a double helical Zn‐based fiber anode, a Ti‐based fiber cathode on Au nanoparticle‐based flexible fiber electrodes, and a LiCl hydrogel electrolyte. By modulating the double helical design and the ionic conductivity of the hydrogel, the electrical performance of the diode to achieve varying rectification ratios and output currents can be tailored. Owing to the remarkable flexibility and stability of the fiber electrodes, the fiber‐based ionic diode consistently upholds its rectifying capabilities, even under washing procedures and significant bending deformation. Furthermore, this diode seamlessly integrates into various electronic circuits, including half‐wave rectifiers, capacitor–diode filters, and logic gate systems.
Long‐read genome sequencing reveals a novel intronic retroelement insertion in NR5A1 associated with 46,XY differences of sexual development
Authors: Del Gobbo Giulia F. , Wang Xueqi , Couse Madeline , Mackay Layla , Goldsmith Claire , Marshall Aren E. , Liang Yijing , Lambert Christine , Zhang Siyuan , Dhillon Harsharan , Fanslow Cairbre , Rowell William J. ,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium, Marshall Christian R. , Kernohan Kristin D. , Boycott Kym M.
Published: December 2023

Despite significant advancements in rare genetic disease diagnostics, many patients with rare genetic disease remain without a molecular diagnosis. Novel tools and methods are needed to improve the detection of disease‐associated variants and understand the genetic basis of many rare diseases. Long‐read genome sequencing provides improved sequencing in highly repetitive, homologous, and low‐complexity regions, and improved assessment of structural variation and complex genomic rearrangements compared to short‐read genome sequencing. As such, it is a promising method to explore overlooked genetic variants in rare diseases with a high suspicion of a genetic basis. We therefore applied PacBio HiFi sequencing in a large multi‐generational family presenting with autosomal dominant 46,XY differences of sexual development (DSD), for whom extensive molecular testing over multiple decades had failed to identify a molecular diagnosis. This revealed a rare SINE‐VNTR‐Alu retroelement insertion in intron 4 of NR5A1, a gene in which loss‐of‐function variants are an established cause of 46,XY DSD. The insertion segregated among affected family members and was associated with loss‐of‐expression of alleles in cis, demonstrating a functional impact on NR5A1. This case highlights the power of long‐read genome sequencing to detect genomic variants that have previously been intractable to detection by standard short‐read genomic testing.
Advances in Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA)‐Based DNA‐Functional Materials for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: You Xun , Wang Jing , Guo Xiaocui , Yang Dayong
Published: December 2023

Developing biocompatible material systems with accurate functional designability and powerful integration capability is the urgent demand of efficient cancer diagnosis and therapy. Deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs) as biomacromolecules are characterized with sequence programmability, rich biological activity, and molecular recognition, and show great performance in the fabrication of biomedical materials. Rolling circle amplification (RCA) is an efficient isothermal enzymatic amplification strategy for production of ultralong single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) with defined repeat sequences and structures. By virtue of rational design of the RCA templates sequences, the produced ssDNA enables to integrate and amplify the required function modules, which endows RCA‐based DNA materials with extraordinary performance in cancer therapeutics. In this review, RCA‐based strategies for integration of functional modules are systematically summarized; construction of RCA‐based functional DNA materials and their recent progress in cancer therapeutics including detection, bioimaging, and therapy are overviewed; and finally the opportunities and challenges of RCA‐based assembly strategy in terms of material construction and applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy are discussed. It is envisioned that RCA‐based DNA‐functional materials will provide typical paradigms for the application of DNA‐functional materials in the field of cancer therapeutics, and hopefully provide more possibilities for precision medicine.
Rare Earth Evoked Subsurface Oxygen Species in Platinum Alloy Catalysts Enable Durable Fuel Cells
Authors: Yang Liting , Bai Jingsen , Zhang Nanshu , Jiang Zheng , Wang Ying , Xiao Meiling , Liu Changpeng , Zhu Siyuan , Xu Zhichuan J. , Ge Junjie , Xing Wei
Published: December 2023

Alleviating the degradation issue of Pt based alloy catalysts, thereby simultaneously achieving high mass activity and high durability in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), is highly challenging. Herein, we provide a new paradigm to address this issue via delaying the place exchange between adsorbed oxygen species and surface Pt atoms, thereby inhibiting Pt dissolution, through introducing rare earth bonded subsurface oxygen atoms. We have succeeded in introducing Gd−O dipoles into Pt3Ni via a high temperature entropy‐driven process, with direct spectral evidence attained from both soft and hard X‐ray absorption spectroscopies. The higher rated power of 0.93 W cm−2 and superior current density of 562.2 mA cm−2 at 0.8 V than DOE target for heavy‐duty vehicles in H2‐air mode suggest the great potential of Gd−O−Pt3Ni towards practical application in heavy‐duty transportation. Moreover, the mass activity retention (1.04 A mgPt−1) after 40 k cycles accelerated durability tests is even 2.4 times of the initial mass activity goal for DOE 2025 (0.44 A mgPt−1), due to the weakened Pt−Oads bond interaction and the delayed place exchange process, via repulsive forces between surface O atoms and those in the sublayer. This work addresses the critical roadblocks to the widespread adoption of PEMFCs.
Trapping of a Polyketide Synthase Module after C−C Bond Formation Reveals Transient Acyl Carrier Domain Interactions
Authors: Dell Maria , Tran Mai Anh , Capper Michael J. , Sundaram Srividhya , Fiedler Jonas , Koehnke Jesko , Hellmich Ute A. , Hertweck Christian
Published: December 2023

Modular polyketide synthases (PKSs) are giant assembly lines that produce an impressive range of biologically active compounds. However, our understanding of the structural dynamics of these megasynthases, specifically the delivery of acyl carrier protein (ACP)‐bound building blocks to the catalytic site of the ketosynthase (KS) domain, remains severely limited. Using a multipronged structural approach, we report details of the inter‐domain interactions after C−C bond formation in a chain‐branching module of the rhizoxin PKS. Mechanism‐based crosslinking of an engineered module was achieved using a synthetic substrate surrogate that serves as a Michael acceptor. The crosslinked protein allowed us to identify an asymmetric state of the dimeric protein complex upon C−C bond formation by cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM). The possible existence of two ACP binding sites, one of them a potential “parking position” for substrate loading, was also indicated by AlphaFold2 predictions. NMR spectroscopy showed that a transient complex is formed in solution, independent of the linker domains, and photochemical crosslinking/mass spectrometry of the standalone domains allowed us to pinpoint the interdomain interaction sites. The structural insights into a branching PKS module arrested after C−C bond formation allows a better understanding of domain dynamics and provides valuable information for the rational design of modular assembly lines.
Catalyst‐Free Trifluoromethoxylation of Silyl Enol Ethers and Allyl Silanes with Bis(trifluoromethyl)peroxide
Authors: Maas Lilian M. , Fasting Carlo , Voßnacker Patrick , Limberg Niklas , Golz Paul , Müller Carsten , Riedel Sebastian , Hopkinson Matthew N.
Published: December 2023

Radical trifluoromethoxylation is an attractive approach to prepare compounds featuring the important OCF3 group, however most existing methods have focused on aromatic substrates. Here, we report novel methodologies with alkenyl substrates employing bis(trifluoromethyl)peroxide (BTMP) as a practical and comparatively atom economical trifluoromethoxylating reagent. With silyl enol ether substrates, switching reaction solvent allows for the synthesis of either α‐(trifluoromethoxy)ketone products or unprecedented alkenyl‐OCF3 species. Furthermore, allyl silanes have been employed as substrates for the first time, affording allyl(trifluoromethyl)ether products in good yields. In each case, the methods operate at room temperature without large excesses of the alkene substrate while, in contrast to previous radical trifluoromethoxylation reactions, no catalyst, light or other activators are required.
Friction welding joint analysis of dissimilar nanocomposites: PEEK/aluminum to PEEK/titanium
Authors: Senkathir S. , Pramanik Sumit , Mukherjee Manidipto
Published: December 2023

Welding of dissimilar materials is extremely challenging to the researchers. In present work, for the first time, poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) based aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti) reinforced nanocomposites with varying reinforcements of 10, 20, 30, and 40 vol% were developed using powder metallurgy technology. Additionally, for the first time, the two dissimilar nanocomposites of PEEK/Al and PEEK/Ti were successfully welded by friction welding (FW) process to produce FW PEEK/Al‐PEEK/Ti nanocomposites with equal metallic reinforcements (viz., 10–40 vol% Ti or Al). The nanocomposites were characterized precisely and correlated by physical, microstructural, structural, thermal, and micromechanical tests. Crystallinity being a factor of melting temperature affects significantly the micromechanical characteristics influenced by reinforced particle‐concentrations. The FW PEEK/30Al‐PEEK/30Ti was found as best material since it showed highest nanohardness (0.652 GPa) and elastic modulus (15.902 GPa) in FW Joint at 40 mN compared to other FW nanocomposites. At the FW joint section, it was discovered that the reinforced particles were being transferred through an interdiffusion mechanism. Mobility of the nanoparticles was influenced by the concentration of the reinforced particles, which further modified the matrix's crystallization behavior and consequently influenced the FW nanocomposites' micromechanical properties. Therefore, the present work has suggested a feasible route for applying thermoplastic nanocomposites in the biomedical and aerospace industries.
Knowledge and (un)certainty in climate change education in India
Authors: Puttick Steve , Chandrachud Paloma , Chopra Rahul , Khosla Radhika , Robson James , Singh Sanjana , Talks Isobel
Published: December 2023

This paper explores teachers' conceptions of climate change knowledge, contributing to the growing body of work on the geographies of climate change. The paper focuses on the data generated through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with a sample of 48 teachers in India to address the research question: What discourses about climate change knowledge are being constructed by teachers in India? We argue that teachers' lesson planning and searches for information are at the forefront of the changing ways in which individuals engage with, find out and construct meaning about climate change. These teachers' beliefs about climate change are very strongly held, even in the face of a perceived lack of expertise or understanding: climate change is described as the ‘need of the hour’, which this work understands as not only involving material impacts and processes but also important epistemological, collaborative needs through which education might contribute to public reasoning about climate change. Through this analysis we present a ‘certainty problematic’ as a heuristic device that foregrounds tensions between the inherent uncertainty of knowledge and (against climate denialism) certainty about anthropogenic climate change.
ALKBH5 gene polymorphisms and risk of neuroblastoma in Chinese children from Jiangsu Province
Authors: Guan Qian , Zhang Xinxin , Liu Jiabin , Zhou Chunlei , Zhu Jinhong , Wu Haiyan , Zhuo Zhenjian , He Jing
Published: December 2023

Background

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common extracranial malignant solid tumors in children. AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) is an RNA N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase that plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and development. We assessed the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ALKBH5 and the risk of neuroblastoma in a case‐control study including 402 patients and 473 non‐cancer controls.

Methods

Genotyping was determined by the TaqMan method. The association between ALKBH5 polymorphisms (rs1378602 and rs8400) and the risk of neuroblastoma was evaluated using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

We found no strong association of ALKBH5 rs1378602 and rs8400 with neuroblastoma risk. Further stratification analysis by age, sex, primary site, and clinical stage showed that the rs1378602 AG/AA genotype was associated with a lower risk of neuroblastoma in males (adjusted OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.35–0.97, p = 0.036) and children with retroperitoneal neuroblastoma (adjusted OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.34–0.98, p = 0.040).

Conclusions

ALKBH5 SNPs do not seem to be associated with neuroblastoma risk. More studies are required to confirm this negative result and reveal the relationship between gene polymorphisms of the m6A modifier ALKBH5 and neuroblastoma.
Fertility concerns and treatment decision‐making among national sample of young women with breast cancer
Authors: de Kermadec Elisabeth , Zheng Yue , Rosenberg Shoshana , Ruddy Kathryn J. , Ligibel Jennifer A. , Emmons Karen M. , Partridge Ann H.
Published: December 2023

Background

Diagnosis of breast cancer in young women has been shown to affect their decision‐making with regard to fertility and family planning. Limited data are available from populations across the U.S. regarding this issue; thus, we sought to describe fertility concerns and efforts to preserve fertility in a national clinical trial population of young breast cancer patients.

Methods

The young and strong study was a cluster‐randomized controlled trial testing an intervention program for young women with breast cancer. Patients were surveyed within 3 months after diagnosis and at 3, 6, and 12 months after. Surveys asked about sociodemographics, psychosocial domains, fertility concerns, and fertility preservation strategies. Univariable and multivariable models were used to investigate sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial predictors of fertility concerns.

Results

Of 467 women from 54 clinical sites across the U.S. (14 academic, 40 community), 419 were evaluable regarding fertility concerns. Median age was 40 years (range 22–45), 11% were Black, 6% Hispanic, and 75% had children. Tumor stage was I (35%), II (51%), or III (14%); 82% received chemotherapy. At time of the treatment decision, 133 (32%) participants had fertility concerns, among whom 47% indicated this affected their treatment decisions. Sixty percent of participants reported having discussed fertility with their physician. Twenty percent of those with fertility concerns used fertility preservation strategies. History of difficulty becoming pregnant and younger age were associated with higher odds of fertility concerns in multivariable modeling.

Conclusion

Many young women with newly diagnosed breast cancer are concerned about fertility in a way that impacts their treatment decisions. Concerns were discussed, but few used fertility preservation strategies. These findings have implications for counseling young patients.
Pan‐cancer analysis of TIM‐3 transcriptomic expression reveals high levels in pancreatic cancer and interpatient heterogeneity
Authors: Lim Jungah , Kurzrock Razelle , Nishizaki Daisuke , Miyashita Hirotaka , Adashek Jacob J. , Lee Suzanna , Pabla Sarabjot , Nesline Mary , Conroy Jeffrey M. , DePietro Paul , Lippman Scott M. , Kato Shumei
Published: December 2023

Background

T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain‐containing protein 3 (TIM‐3), an immune checkpoint receptor, dampens immune function. TIM‐3 antagonists have entered the clinic.

Methods

We analyzed TIM‐3 transcriptomic expression in 514 diverse cancers. Transcript abundance was normalized to internal housekeeping genes and ranked (0–100 percentile) to a reference population (735 tumors; 35 histologies [high≥75 percentile rank]). Ninety tumors (17.5%) demonstrated high TIM‐3 expression.

Results

TIM‐3 expression varied between and within tumor types. However, high TIM‐3 expression was more common in pancreatic cancer (20/55 tumors, 36.4%; odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (pancreatic vs. other tumors) = 3.176 (1.733–5.818; p < 0.001, multivariate]). High TIM‐3 also significantly and independently correlated with high PD‐L1 (p = 0.014) and high CTLA‐4 (p < 0.001) transcriptomic expression (multivariate).

Conclusions

These observations indicate that TIM‐3 RNA expression is heterogeneous, but more common in pancreatic cancer and in tumors exploiting PD‐L1 and CTLA‐4 checkpoints. Clinical trials with patient selection for matched immune‐targeted combinations may be warranted.
Exploration of treatment‐free remission in CML, based on molecular monitoring
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Zhou Xianghui , Zhou Xin , Cheng Zhipeng , Hu Yu
Published: December 2023

Background

Typical chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm caused by t(9; 22)(q34; q11) translocation. This chromosomal translocation forms the BCR::ABL1 fusion gene. The tyrosine kinase encoded by the BCR::ABL1 is considered to be the main pathogenic diver. BCR::ABL1 is not only a therapeutic target, but also a monitoring target. Monitoring of BCR::ABL1 reveals the progression of the disease and guides the next treatment. Now for CML, the target of treatment has been focused on treatment‐free remission (TFR).

Methods

We conducted a literature review of current developments of treatment‐free remission and molecular monitoring methods.

Results

More effective and sensitive CML monitoring methods such as digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS) have further studied the measurable residual disease (MRD) and clonal heterogeneity, which provides strong support for the exploration of TFR. We discussed some of the factors that may be related to TFR outcomes at the molecular level, along with some monitoring strategies.

Conclusion

Currently, predictive indicators for treatment‐free remission outcomes and recurrence are lacking in clinical practice. In future, treatment‐free remission research should focus on combining the clinical indicators with molecular monitoring and biological markers to personalize patient conditions and guide clinicians to develop individualized treatment plans, so that more patients with CML can achieve safer and stabler treatment‐free remission.
Selective Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Diformylfuran in Biphasic Media using Immobilized Galactose Oxidase: Proof of Concept and Limitations
Authors: Milić Milica , Byström Emil , Domínguez de María Pablo , Kara Selin
Published: December 2023

The oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) is a key reaction in valorizing biomass. DFF is hardly soluble in water, while HMF is often obtained from biorefineries in crude wet organic fractions. Thus, the reaction is challenging for both biocatalysis performed in aqueous media, and for chemocatalysis where the presence of water often results in catalyst poisoning. Galactose oxidase (GalOx) can selectively oxidize HMF to DFF and displays promising activity in aqueous‐organic media. In this study, GalOx was immobilized on ten carriers, assessing the immobilization yield, activity, and stability. Covalently immobilized GalOx catalyzed the oxidation of HMF to DFF in neat and water‐saturated EtOAc, and in biphasic systems of various water contents. At 50 % v/v H2O, the reaction was conducted at a semi‐preparative scale (50 mL) with no adverse effect on DFF yield. Some limitations arise, such as enzyme deactivation, and adsorption of DFF to the support, particularly in the aqueous fraction. Future options to upgrade the route may include designed stable enzymes under the presence of HMF/DFF, and the setup of microaqueous systems where DFF adsorption is minimized. The use of wet EtOAc media would be a promising approach in future biorefineries employing inexpensive crude wet organic fractions.
Mn(III) O^N^O Complexes as Water‐tolerant and Environmentally Benign Catalysts for Polyurethane Foam Synthesis
Authors: Ocansey Edward , Sala Oliver , Kamm Marina , Joost Maximilian , Bokern Stefan , Rominger Frank , Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Mormul Jaroslaw , Schaub Thomas
Published: December 2023

Polyurethanes are synthesized on industrial scale by the reaction of diisocyanates with diols in the presence of catalysts which are commonly based on tin complexes and amines. However, due to the toxicity and volatility of these tin catalysts and amines, there is the need to develop new catalysts that are more environmentally benign. Herein, we report the synthesis of O^N^O pincer‐ligated Mn(III) and Fe(III) complexes that serve as suitable catalysts for urethane formation and are stable to hydrolysis as predicted by computations and observed experimentally. The O^N^O pincer scaffold is vital to the activity of these catalysts, simultaneously ensuring increased solubility in the reaction medium as well as providing a stable framework upon dissociation of co‐ligands in the catalytic cycle. In silico mechanistic investigations for urethane formation show that the stabilization of active species in square‐planar geometries enabled by these O^N^O ligands permit the simultaneous coordination of alcohol and isocyanate in suitable configuration at the metal center.
Early detection of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass responses to drought stress by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence parameters
Authors: Itam Michael , Hall David , Kramer David , Merewitz Emily
Published: December 2023

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.; drought resistant) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.; drought sensitive) are economically important grass species contrasting in drought stress resistance. This study determined the optimal chlorophyll fluorescence parameters to indicate drought incidence and whether the parameters differentiate intra‐ and interspecies variations in drought stress. For each species, nine cultivars were exposed to well‐watered or drought (water withheld) conditions in growth chambers containing high‐throughput photosynthetic imagers to track real‐time responses of maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦII), non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ), energy‐dependent quenching (qE), and photoinhibition‐associated quenching (qI). Soil moisture content and relative water content of leaf tissues were evaluated. Due to drought, Fv/Fm and ΦII decreased for cultivars of both species but earlier for perennial ryegrass compared to Kentucky bluegrass. The NPQ, qI, and qE values exhibited more dynamic and earlier changes due to drought compared to Fv/Fm and ΦII and allowed for early, mid, and late drought responses to be illustrated. Drought induced an increase in NPQ, qI, and qE values, which corresponded to activation of photoprotection mechanisms, and was exhibited earlier for perennial ryegrass compared to Kentucky bluegrass. As the drought treatment progressed, a decrease or stabilization of low values of NPQ, qI, and qE was observed, and the lowest values were associated with the most drought‐sensitive cultivars. These results indicate important stress tolerance protection mechanisms for grass species and will broadly impact basic and applied grass research as a nondestructive phenotyping tool.
CALCRL knockdown suppresses cancer stemness and chemoresistance in acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3‐ITD and DNM3TA‐R882 double mutations
Authors: Tang Shanhao , Zhu Huiling , Sheng Lixia , Mu Qitian , Wang Yi , Xu Kaihong , Zhou Miao , Xu Zhijuan , Wu An , Ouyang Guifang
Published: December 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3‐ITD) and DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) R882 double mutations had a worse prognosis compared with AML with FLT3‐ITD or DNMT3A R882 single mutation. This study was designed to explore the specific role of Calcitonin Receptor Like (CALCRL) in AML with FLT3‐ITD and DNMT3A R882 double mutations. MOLM13 cells were transduced with CRISPR knockout sgRNA constructs to establish the FTL3‐ITD and DNMT3A‐R882 double‐mutated AML cell model. Quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot assay were carried out to examine corresponding gene and protein expression. Methylation of CALCRL promoter was measured by methylation‐specific PCR (MSP). Cell viability, colony formation, flow cytometry, and sphere formation assays were conducted to determine cell proliferation, apoptosis, and stemness. MOLM13 cells were exposed to stepwise increasing concentrations of cytarabine (Ara‐C) to generate MOLM13/Ara‐C cells. An in vivo AML  animal model was established, and the tumor volume and weight were recorded. TUNEL assay was adopted to examine cell apoptosis in tumor tissues. DNMT3A‐R882 mutation upregulated the expression of CALCRL while downregulated the DNA methylation level of CALCRL in MOLM13 cells. CALCRL knockdown greatly inhibited cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis and repressed cell stemness, accompanied with the downregulated Oct4, SOX2, and Nanog in DNMT3A‐R882‐mutated MOLM13 cells and MOLM13/Ara‐C cells. Furthermore, CALCRL knockdown restricted tumor growth and the chemoresistance of AML in vivo, as well as inducing cell apoptosis in tumor tissues. Together, these data reveal that CALCRL is a vital regulator of leukemia cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy, suggesting CALCRL as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of FTL3‐ITD and DNMT3A‐R882 double‐mutated AML.
Everolimus inhibits hepatoblastoma by inducing autophagy‐dependent ferroptosis
Authors: Huang Haijin , Yan Jinlong , Xu Xianyun , Feng Yanping , Liu Haijin , Liu Jianping , Xie Mingfeng , Chen Leifeng , Xiang Deng , Peng Wei , Zeng Linshan , Zeng Yong , Chen Feng , Zhang Shouhua , Liu Qian
Published: December 2023

Everolimus, a known inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), has shown uncertain efficacy in treating hepatoblastoma. This study delves into the potential anti‐hepatoblastoma properties of everolimus and its intricate relationship with autophagy and ferroptosis, both in vitro and in vivo. In vivo, tumor tissue from hepatoblastoma patient and human hepatoblastoma cell line HuH‐6 were xenografted into nude mice to establish xenograft models for observing the effect of everolimus on tumor growth. In vitro, HuH‐6 cells were cultured to evaluate the anti‐hepatoblastoma activity of everolimus. Transmission electron microscopy and microtubule‐associated proteins 1 light chain 3 (LC3), beclin 1, and p62 protein expressions were employed to investigate autophagy. Additionally, indicators of cell apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proteins associated with ferroptosis were measured to evaluate ferroptosis. The results demonstrate that everolimus treatment effectively induced the formation of autophagosomes in hepatoblastoma cells, upregulated the LC3II/I ratio and beclin 1 expression, and downregulated p62 expression, indicating an enhanced autophagy level both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, everolimus treatment induced cell apoptosis, increased ROS level, elevated concentrations of malondialdehyde, 4‐hydroxynonenal, and iron content, while reducing the ratio of glutathione/oxidized glutathione, and downregulating the protein expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 and solute carrier family 7 member 11, suggesting its ability to induce ferroptosis in hepatoblastoma cells. Importantly, the induction of ferroptosis by everolimus was significantly reversed in the presence of autophinib, an autophagy inhibitor, indicating the autophagy‐dependent of everolimus‐induced ferroptosis. Taken together, these findings suggest that everolimus holds promise as an effective anti‐hepatoblastoma drug, with its mechanism of action potentially involving the induction of autophagy‐dependent ferroptosis in hepatoblastoma cells.
Tetrahedral serial multiview microscopy and image fusion for improved resolution and extent in stained zebrafish embryos
Authors: Kroll Johanna B. , Cha Anna , Oyler‐Yaniv Alon , Lambert Talley , Swinburne Ian A. , Murphy Andrew , Megason Sean G.
Published: December 2023

Background

Spatial mapping on the single‐cell level over the whole organism can uncover roles of molecular players involved in vertebrate development. Custom microscopes have been developed that use multiple objectives to view a sample from multiple views at the same time. Such multiview imaging approaches can improve resolution and uniformity of image quality as well as allow whole embryos to be imaged (Swoger et al., Opt Express, 2007;15(13):8029). However, multiview imaging is highly restricted to specialized equipment requiring multiple objectives or sample rotation with automated hardware.

Results

Our approach uses a standard single‐objective confocal microscope to perform serial multiview imaging. Multiple views are imaged sequentially by mounting the fixed sample in an agarose tetrahedron that is manually rotated in between imaging each face. Computational image fusion allows for a joint 3D image to be created from multiple tiled Z‐stacks acquired from different angles. The resulting fused image has improved resolution and imaging extent.

Conclusion

With this technique, multiview imaging can be performed on a variety of common single‐objective microscopes to allow for whole‐embryo, high‐resolution imaging.