bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoupling power and type I error rate considerations when incorporating historical control data using a test‐then‐pool approach
Authors: Okada Kazufumi , Tanaka Shiro , Matsubayashi Jun , Takahashi Keita , Yokota Isao
Published: January 2024

To accelerate a randomized controlled trial, historical control data may be used after ensuring little heterogeneity between the historical and current trials. The test‐then‐pool approach is a simple frequentist borrowing method that assesses the similarity between historical and current control data using a two‐sided test. A limitation of the conventional test‐then‐pool method is the inability to control the type I error rate and power for the primary hypothesis separately and flexibly for heterogeneity between trials. This is because the two‐sided test focuses on the absolute value of the mean difference between the historical and current controls. In this paper, we propose a new test‐then‐pool method that splits the two‐sided hypothesis of the conventional method into two one‐sided hypotheses. Testing each one‐sided hypothesis with different significance levels allows for the separate control of the type I error rate and power for heterogeneity between trials. We also propose a significance‐level selection approach based on the maximum type I error rate and the minimum power. The proposed method prevented a decrease in power even when there was heterogeneity between trials while controlling type I error at a maximum tolerable type I error rate larger than the targeted type I error rate. The application of depression trial data and hypothetical trial data further supported the usefulness of the proposed method.
Nano‐bio interactions between 2D nanomaterials and mononuclear phagocyte system cells
Authors: Zhao Jing , Chen Zheng , Liu Shanbiao , Li Pin , Yu Shiyi , Ling Daishun , Li Fangyuan
Published: January 2024

Two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, known for their unique atomic arrangements and exceptional physicochemical properties, have garnered significant attention in biomedical applications, particularly in the realms of immunotherapy for tissue engineering and tumor therapy. These applications necessitate a thorough assessment of the potential influence of 2D nanomaterials on immune cells. Notably, the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) cells, which play pivotal roles in both innate and adaptive immunity, are essential for maintaining organismal homeostasis. MPS cells with phagocytic capability contribute to the prevention of foreign body invasion and the elimination of dead or senescent cells. Furthermore, MPS cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells, serve as vital bridges between innate and adaptive immune responses. Therefore, understanding the nano‐bio interactions between 2D nanomaterials and MPS cells is imperative. These nano‐bio interactions including cellular uptake, cytocompatibility, and immunological impact are invaluable for the purposeful design of 2D nanomaterials. Herein, we provide an overview of the latest advancements in understanding the nano‐bio interactions between 2D nanomaterials and MPS cells, and discuss the current challenges and future prospects of employing 2D nanomaterials in the field of nanomedicine.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the in‐hospital diagnostic pathway of breast and colorectal cancer in the Netherlands: A population‐based study
Authors: Wolfkamp Wouter , Meijer Joyce , van Hoeve Jolanda C. , van Erning Felice , de Geus‐Oei Lioe‐Fee , de Hingh Ignace , Veltman Jeroen , Siesling Sabine ,   the COVID and Cancer‐NL Consortium
Published: January 2024

Background

In the Netherlands, the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in a temporary halt of population screening for cancer and limited hospital capacity for non‐COVID care. We aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the in‐hospital diagnostic pathway of breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

71,159 BC and 48,900 CRC patients were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients, diagnosed between January 2020 and July 2021, were divided into six periods and compared to the average of patients diagnosed in the same periods in 2017–2019. Diagnostic procedures performed were analysed using logistic regression. Lead time of the diagnostic pathway was analysed using Cox regression. Analyses were stratified for cancer type and corrected for age, sex (only CRC), stage and region.

Results

For BC, less mammograms were performed during the first recovery period in 2020. More PET‐CTs were performed during the first peak, first recovery and third peak period. For CRC, less ultrasounds and more CT scans and MRIs were performed during the first peak. Lead time decreased the most during the first peak by 2 days (BC) and 8 days (CRC). Significantly fewer patients, mainly in lower stages, were diagnosed with BC (−47%) and CRC (−36%) during the first peak.

Conclusion

Significant impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic was found on the diagnostic pathway, mainly during the first peak. In 2021, care returned to the same standards as before the pandemic. Long‐term effects on patient outcomes are not known yet and will be the subject of future research.
The homologous tumor‐derived‐exosomes loaded with miR‐1270 selectively enhanced the suppression effect for colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Jin Yingmin , Sun Liying , Chen Yingying , Lu Yue
Published: January 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC), known as prevalent cancer, has risen to be the leading cause of cancer‐related death. Engineered exosomes had attracted much attention since they acted as carriers to deliver small molecule drugs, therapeutic nucleic acids, and polypeptides to treat a series of cancers.

Methods and Results

Here, we found that the PKH‐26 labeled exosomes, which were derived from the CRC cells, could be efficiently absorbed by SW1116 cells and had an abundant fluorescence distribution in tumors, compared with the exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and HepG2 cells. This Research demonstrated that engineered CRC‐exosomes loaded with functional miR‐1270 (Exo‐miR‐1270) enriched in miR‐1270 strongly inhibited the proliferation by CCK‐8 and EdU assays, migration by wound‐healing and transwell assays, and promoted the apoptosis for CRC cells through flow cytometry. MiR‐1270 overexpression delivered by CRC exosomes contributed to inhibiting the tumor growth potential of CRC in vivo and increasing the overall survival of the mice. Moreover, the safety evaluation results showed that CRC‐exosomes loaded with functional miR‐1270‐mimics had no toxicity for other organs by histopathological analysis and no influence on the vital chemistry and hematology parameters for mice in vivo safety evaluation.

Conclusion

These results indicate that Exo‐miR‐1270 can effectively treat CRC tumors by intravenous administration. Our work provided a foundation that the homologous tumor‐derived exosomes mediated miRNA delivery for the treatment of CRC.
Take steps to limit risk arising from medical decision‐making by ATs
Authors: O’Brien Timothy
Published: January 2024

A recent court decision involving the alleged negligence of an athletic trainer has placed a renewed focus on the intersection of legal and medical issues associated with the medical care and treatment provided to student‐athletes. In this particular case (Estate of Blakey v. Stetson University), a football player had complained about chest pains during a practice early in the preseason. Although the concern was noted, the school didn’t provide any follow‐up treatment, monitoring, or detailed assessment.
Exploring the Fluconazole‐Resistance Modifying Activity and Potential Mechanism of Action of Fixed Oil from Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae) against Candida Species
Authors: Almeida‐Bezerra José Weverton , Pereira da Cruz Rafael , Bezerra da Silva Viviane , Da Silva Neto João Xavier , Alves Lopes de Souza Larissa , de Oliveira Bezerra de Sousa Daniele , Monteiro Salgueiro Araujo Nadine , Guimarães Gomes Silva Rafael , Quefi Blasco , Rau Martinho , Andrade Rebelo Ricardo , Castro dos Santos Sarah , Everson da Silva Luiz , Douglas Melo Coutinho Henrique , Almeida Menezes Saulo , Bezerra Morais‐Braga Maria Flaviana , Morais de Oliveira Antonio Fernando
Published: January 2024

The fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. is used in the Chapada do Araripe region of Brazil for the treatment of genitourinary candidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antifungal activity, reduction of fungal virulence, and the preliminary toxicity of the fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of C. coriaceum tested against three Candida yeasts. The oil was characterized by gas chromatography (GC‐MS and GC‐FID). Antifungal activity was assessed using the serial microdilution method. Additionally, the potential of the oil as an enhancer of fluconazole action was tested at sub‐inhibitory concentrations (MIC/8). The mechanism of action of C. coriaceum fixed oil was determined by evaluating the inhibition of morphological transition in Candida spp. The chemical composition of the fixed oil of C. coriaceum comprised both unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Oleic (61 %) and palmitic (33 %) acids were the major constituents. Regarding its anti‐Candida activity, the oil inhibited the growth of C. albicans (IC50: 371 μg/mL) and C. tropicalis (IC50: 830 μg/mL). Furthermore, the oil reversed the antifungal resistance of C. albicans and C. tropicalis, restoring the susceptibility to fluconazole and reducing their IC50 from 12.33 μg/mL and 362 μg/mL to 0.22 μg/mL and 13.93 μg/mL, respectively. The fixed oil of C. coriaceum completely inhibited the morphological transition of C. albicans and C. tropicalis at a concentration of 512 μg/mL, but exhibited limited low antifungal potential against C. krusei. The observed antifungal activity may be attributed to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the oil showed no toxic effect on the Drosophila melanogaster in vivo model. The fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of C. coriaceum emerge as a strong candidate for the development of new pharmaceutical formulations to treat infections caused by Candida spp.
Design and Evaluation of PROTACs Targeting Acyl Protein Thioesterase 1
Authors: Carvalho Luís A. R. , Sousa Bárbara B. , Zaidman Daniel , Kiely‐Collins Hannah , Bernardes Gonçalo J. L.
Published: January 2024

PROTAC linker design remains mostly an empirical task. We employed the PRosettaC computational software in the design of sulfonyl‐fluoride‐based PROTACs targeting acyl protein thioesterase 1 (APT1). The software efficiently generated ternary complex models from empirically‐designed PROTACs and suggested alkyl linkers to be the preferred type of linker to target APT1. Western blotting analysis revealed efficient degradation of APT1 and activity‐based protein profiling showed remarkable selectivity of an alkyl linker‐based PROTAC amongst serine hydrolases. Collectively, our data suggests that combining PRosettaC and chemoproteomics can effectively assist in triaging PROTACs for synthesis and providing early data on their potency and selectivity.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

Police helping, not arresting, drug users

The connection between the rise in child suicide and addicted parents, reduced quality of life
How to start a conversation about drugs and health with your teen
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

Here are some helpful ways to talk to your adolescent child about drugs.
Exploring the influence of interfacial solvation on electrochemical CO2 reduction using plasmon‐enhanced vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy
Authors: Rebstock Jaclyn A. , Zhu Quansong , Baker L. Robert
Published: January 2024

Although interfacial solvation plays an important role in determining carbon dioxide reduction (CO2R) kinetics, present understanding of the potential dependent properties of the electrochemical double layer under conditions relevant for CO2R remains limited. This article summarizes the development and recent applications of plasmon‐enhanced vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy to study the effects of cation hydration and interfacial solvation on CO2R using CO as a vibrational Stark reporter. Results show that electrolyte cations retain their entire solvation shell upon adsorption to inactive sites, while active sites retain only a single water layer between the gold surface and the cation. Measurements also show that the total interfacial electric field can be separated into two contributions: one from the electrochemical double layer (Stern field) and another from the polar solvation environment (Onsager field). Surprisingly, correlating VSFG spectra with reaction kinetics reveals that it is the solvation‐mediated Onsager field that governs the chemical reactivity at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Measuring the interfacial water spectra during electrocatalysis also provides evidence for the proton source during H2 evolution, which competes with CO2R in aqueous electrolyte. These findings highlight the importance of directly probing cation hydration and interfacial solvation, which mediates reaction kinetics at electrochemical interfaces.
Withdrawn: A Two‐Dimensional Laminated V2O5 Membrane for Metal Ions Separation
Authors: Zhang Yating , Zhang Zhenxin , Zhu Qianqian , Fang Wei
Published: January 2024

Withdrawal: “A Two‐Dimensional Laminated V2O5 Membrane for Metal Ions Separation” by Yating Zhang, Zhenxin Zhang, Qianqian Zhu, Wei Fang, Chemie Ingenieur Technik 2021, 94: 152–156. The above article, published online on 2 December 2021 in Wiley Online Library (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cite.202100132) has been withdrawn by agreement between the authors, the journal's Editor in Chief, Sabine Wiederhold, and Wiley‐VCH GmbH.

The withdrawal has been agreed following notification that the author Wei Fang has submitted this article without proper authorization and consent of third‐party collaborators. This issue has resulted in publication and disclosure of data protected by a confidentiality agreement.
Cumulative exposure to impaired fasting glucose and gastrointestinal cancer risk: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Ahn Byeong Yun , Kim Bokyung , Park Sanghyun , Kim Sang Gyun , Han Kyungdo , Cho Soo‐Jeong
Published: January 2024

Background

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is associated with the risk of various cancers, but the cumulative effect of IFG on gastrointestinal cancer risk remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between the cumulative exposure to IFG and gastrointestinal cancer risk.

Methods

The authors extracted data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service and health examination data sets. Among individuals ≥40 years old who were free of diabetes or cancer, 1,430,054 who underwent national health examinations over 4 consecutive years from 2009 to 2012 were selected and followed up until gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis, death, or December 31, 2019. The IFG exposure score (range, 0–4) was based on the number of IFG diagnoses over 4 years.

Results

The median follow‐up duration was 6.4 years. Consistent normoglycemia for 4 years was found in 44.3% of the population, whereas 5.0% had persistent IFG and 50.7% had intermittent IFG. Compared to the group with an IFG exposure score of 0, groups with IFG exposure scores of 1, 2, 3, and 4 had a 5%, 8%, 9%, and 12% increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer, respectively (score 1: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.08; score 2: aHR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04–1.12; score 3: aHR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05–1.14; score 4: aHR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06–1.19). Persistent IFG exposure was also associated with higher risks of individual cancer types (colorectum, stomach, pancreas, biliary tract, and esophagus).

Conclusions

Cumulative exposure to IFG is associated with an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer, in a dose‐dependent manner.

Plain Language Summary

Hyperglycemia, including both diabetes and prediabetes, has been associated with an increased risk of various cancers.

However, the cumulative effect of impaired fasting glucose on the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer remains unclear.

A frequent diagnosis of impaired fasting glucose was dose‐dependently associated with a higher risk of developing overall gastrointestinal cancer.

Furthermore, risks of individual cancer types increased with persistent impaired fasting glucose.

Early detection of hyperglycemia and strict glycemic control can lower the risk of gastrointestinal cancer by reducing hyperglycemic burden.

Additionally, for some individuals, lifestyle changes such as managing metabolic syndrome or abstaining from alcohol may also be helpful.
Evaluation of Acarbose Bioequivalence in Healthy Chinese Populations Using Novel Pharmacodynamic End Points
Authors: Que Linling , Qian Zhenzhong , Xiang Xuemei , Ding Ying , Huang Kai , Bai Yichuan , Zhao Huanan , He Qing
Published: January 2024

Acarbose is a widely used α‐glucosidase inhibitor for the management of postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent pilot studies on acarbose bioequivalence (BE) have successfully identified additional pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters as valid end points. Nevertheless, there was a scarcity of published pivotal studies using novel PD parameters. The purpose of the study is to investigate the acarbose BE using the new PD parameters. The study was conducted with an open, randomized, 2‐period crossover design. A total of 64 healthy Chinese volunteers received either the reference (R) or test (T) acarbose at a dose of 2×50 mg orally, followed by a 1‐week washout period. After sucrose treatment (baseline) and sucrose/acarbose co‐administration, serum glucose, and insulin concentrations were assessed. The rectifying approach yielded geometric mean ratios of 102.9% for maximum serum glucose concentration with deduction of glucose concentration at 0 hour and 105.3% for the area under the serum glucose concentration‐time curve profile 0‐2 hours after coadministration of sucrose and acarbose with deduction of baseline (AUC0‐2 h,r). The 90% confidence intervals of maximum serum glucose concentration with deduction of glucose concentration at 0 hour and the area under the serum glucose concentration‐time curve profile 0‐2 hours after coadministration of sucrose and acarbose with deduction of baseline all fell within the acceptance limits. The incidence of adverse events after the T or R drug was comparable, and healthy subjects were well tolerated. The findings of our investigation clearly show that the PD parameters of the rectifying method exhibit enhanced suitability and sensitivity when assessing acarbose BE in healthy participants. The T and R drugs were bioequivalent using the novel PD parameters, and both drugs demonstrated good safety and tolerability.
A novel member enhancement‐based clustering ensemble algorithm
Authors: He Yulin , Yang Jin , Cheng Yingchao , Du Xueqin , Huang Joshua Zhexue
Published: January 2024

Clustering ensemble is a popular approach for identifying data clusters that combines the clustering results from multiple base clustering algorithms to produce more accurate and robust data clusters. However, the performance of clustering ensemble algorithms is highly dependent on the quality of clustering members. To address this problem, this paper proposes a member enhancement‐based clustering ensemble (MECE) algorithm that selects the ensemble members by considering their distribution consistency. MECE has two main components, called heterocluster splitting and homocluster merging. The first component estimates two probability density functions (p.d.f.s) estimated on the sample points of an heterocluster and represents them using a Gaussian distribution and a Gaussian mixture model. If the random numbers generated by these two p.d.f.s have different probability distributions, the heterocluster is then split into smaller clusters. The second component merges the clusters that have high neighborhood densities into a homocluster, where the neighborhood density is measured using a novel evaluation criterion. In addition, a co‐association matrix is presented, which serves as a summary for the ensemble of diverse clusters. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed ensemble member generation algorithm. Results show that the proposed MECE algorithm can select high quality ensemble members and as a result yield the better clusterings than six state‐of‐the‐art ensemble clustering algorithms, that is, cluster‐based similarity partitioning algorithm (CSPA), meta‐clustering algorithm (MCLA), hybrid bipartite graph formulation (HBGF), evidence accumulation clustering (EAC), locally weighted evidence accumulation (LWEA), and locally weighted graph partition (LWGP). Specifically, MECE algorithm has the nearly 23% higher average NMI, 27% higher average ARI, 15% higher average FMI, and 10% higher average purity than CSPA, MCLA, HBGF, EAC, LWEA, and LWGA algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate that MECE algorithm is a valid approach to deal with the clustering ensemble problems.
Feedback Supersaturation Control Crystallization Process of Itaconic Acid
Authors: Cui Hongyan , Song Liangcheng , Lv Sheng , Zhu Chongqiang , Yang Chunhui
Published: January 2024

Seeding metastable zone of itaconic acid in water is determined using a laser dynamic detecting technique, based on which feedback supersaturation control is performed for the crystallization process. The crystallization is strictly confined within the metastable zone throughout the whole process to effectively inhibit the secondary nucleation and the strategy of seed loading is employed to avoid the burst of primary nucleation, resulting in the uniform particle size distribution. With the aid of solution information, continuous feedback control is conducted to keep the supersaturation at a high level accelerating the crystal growth, which significantly shortens the time consumption, and also the effect of seed amount is discussed in this work.
UAS for Precision Agriculture: State of the Art, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Baath Gurjinder , Bawa Arun
Published: January 2024

To make precision agriculture work, we need to gather a lot of critical information about the field. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) introduced an era of on‐demand remote‐sensing data collection at fine spatial and temporal resolutions. With the help of UAS, detailed maps of the field can be generated, which can help farmers see how their crops are doing and where they might be facing challenges. These maps can also show if the farming methods are working well or if they need to be adjusted. In this article, we’ve provided an overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art UAS sensors and their applications, along with associated challenges and prospects of UAS mapping in agriculture. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
High‐Selectivity Recycling of Valuable Metals from Spent Lithium‐Ion Batteries Using Recyclable Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Zhang Yaozhi , Wang Fang , Zhang Wanxiang , Ren Shuhang , Hou Yucui , Wu Weize
Published: January 2024

The recovery of valuable metals from spent lithium‐ion batteries using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) is an environmentally and economically beneficial process. In this study, a method has been developed for recovering LiNi0.33Co0.33Mn0.33O2. Our process operates under mild conditions and with a little oxalic acid as a reducing agent, dissolving lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel completely utilizing a DES that is composed of tetrabutylammonium chloride and of monochloroacetic acid. Lithium and nickel were selectively precipitated using oxalic acid. Cobalt and manganese were precipitated as oxalates by adding an oxalic acid aqueous solution. Finally, the DES can be regenerated by evaporating the water. Importantly, valuable metals can be recovered with a 100 % yield through the process of DES recycling. This environmentally friendly and recyclable process is suitable for the recycling of spent lithium‐ion batteries industry.
Undoing discourses of deficit with EAL learners: The centrality of social relations in teachers' curriculum work
Authors: Alford Jennifer
Published: January 2024

Teachers of English as an Additional Language learners in high schools have long navigated the seemingly intransigent deficit thinking about their learners' capacity to engage fully with the intended or required curriculum. These learners are frequently constructed as the problem, as if the curriculum exists in a vacuum. This gives rise to the need to explore how deficit thinking about students, as core actors in the web of curriculum relations, may be challenged through the curriculum work of specialist English language teachers. In this paper, I use critical discourse analysis to explore how the pervasive deficit discourse can be differently construed through language use in two dimensions: power (social hierarchy or low‐high) and solidarity (social distance, close‐far). Three teachers were interviewed, and their lessons were observed to explore how social relations with diverse learners are rendered in the teachers' language. Findings show that by adopting a more nuanced stance towards their learners, many of whom are refugee‐background and have interrupted schooling, the teachers speak back to deficit views, offering alternative ways of positioning diverse learners in relation to required curriculum. Images of curriculum as transmission are disrupted, presenting it rather as complex entanglement with social relations.
Amphetamine‐type drug‐related fatalities in the context of 8 years of methamphetamine use measured by wastewater analysis in South Australia
Authors: Jaunay Emma L. , Simpson Bradley S. , White Jason M. , Gerber Cobus
Published: January 2024

Methamphetamine is the illicit stimulant of choice in Australia. Countless initiatives have been employed to reduce methamphetamine use and drug‐related harm. Wastewater analysis (WWA) has been used effectively as an objective measure of drug use at a population level and can be compared to indicators of harm, such as the number of drug‐related fatalities. This paper attempts to describe methamphetamine use in the context of changes in levels measured in wastewater in South Australia whilst recognising considerable interventions over an 8‐year period. Validated liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry methods were used to determine methamphetamine (and MDMA) levels in wastewater over an 8‐year interval. The number of drug‐induced deaths and driver fatalities involving methamphetamine (and MDMA) was presented and described in the context of changes in use measured by WWA. A rise in methamphetamine use according to WWA was evident up to 2017, followed by a gradual decrease to 2020 back to 2015 levels. Both driver fatalities and drug‐induced deaths correlated well with use measured by WWA over the 8‐year period. Multiple initiatives to curb supply, distribution and harm within the state and nationally have been implemented. The decrease in methamphetamine use after 2017 suggests that timely interventions have successfully reduced overall drug use and has led to fewer fatalities. This study shows that the response to increasing methamphetamine use in South Australia has resulted in a reversal of the upward trend in consumption and fewer drug‐related fatalities.
Structured and unstructured intraspecific propagule trait variation across environmental gradients in a widespread mangrove
Authors: Yang Jingjun , Wu Anchi , Li Jinhua , Wei Haihang , Qin Jie , Tian Hongdeng , Fan Donghan , Wu Weidai , Chen Shan , Tong Xin , Liu Xiu
Published: January 2024

Increasing studies have shown the importance of intraspecific trait variation (ITV) on ecological processes. However, the patterns and sources of ITV are still unclear, especially in the propagules of coastal vegetation. Here, we measured six hypocotyl traits for 66 genealogies of Kandelia obovata from 26 sites and analyzed how ITV in these traits was distributed across geography and genealogy through variance partitioning. We further constructed mixed models and structural equation models to disentangle the effects of climatic, oceanic, and maternal factors on ITV. Results showed that size‐related traits decreased along increasing latitudinal gradients, which was mainly driven by positive regulation of temperature on these traits. By contrast, ITV of shape trait was unstructured along latitudinal gradients and did not show any dependence among environmental variables. These findings indicate that propagule size mainly varied between populations, whereas propagule shape mainly varied between individuals. Our study may provide useful insights into the ITV in propagule from different functional dimensions and on a broad scale, which may facilitate mangrove protection in light of ITV.
Antipredator responses of three Daphnia species within the D. longispina species complex to two invertebrate predators
Authors: Baludo Marjohn Yucada , Octorina Pelita , Beckerman Andrew , Straile Dietmar
Published: January 2024

Prey communities in natural environments face a diverse array of predators with distinct hunting techniques. However, most studies have focused only on the interactions between a single prey species and one or more predators and typically only one of many induced defense traits, which limits our understanding of the broader effects of predators on prey communities. In this study, we conducted a common garden experiment using five clones each of three Daphnia species (D. cucullata, D. galeata, and D. longispina) from the D. longispina species complex to investigate the plasticity of predator‐induced defenses in response to two predators in a community ecology setting. Five clones from each species were subjected to predator kairomones from two closely related invertebrate predators that are common in several European lakes, Bythotrephes longimanus or Leptodora kindtii for a duration of 10 days, and the morphological traits of body size, head size, spina size, and the presence of spinules on the ventral and dorsal carapace margins were measured. We show that among the species within this species complex there are different antipredator reactions to the invertebrate predators. The induced responses exhibited were species, trait, and predator‐specific. Notably, D. galeata and D. cucullata developed distinctive helmets as defensive mechanisms, while microdefenses were induced in D. galeata and D. longispina, but not in D. cucullata. This demonstrates that the expression of micro‐ and macrodefenses across species was unrelated, highlighting the possible independent evolution of microstructures as defensive modules in Daphnia's antipredator strategies. This study is the first to document both micro‐ and macrodefensive phenotypic plasticity in three co‐occurring Daphnia species within the D. longispina species complex. The differences in inducible defenses may have a substantial impact on how these three species cohabit with Bythotrephes and Leptodora.
Perception of helper's autonomous motivation increases recipient's prosocial behaviour intentions via feelings of gratitude
Authors: Yang Ying , Li Wenqi , Sheldon Kennon M. , Kou Yu
Published: January 2024

Four studies investigated the impact of a recipient's perception of a helper's motivation (autonomous vs. controlled) on the recipient's subsequent prosocial intentions, alongside testing a mediational mechanism. Study 1 employed a questionnaire method to assess the relationships between participants’ lay theories of helper's prosocial motivations (i.e., the degree of autonomy), their dispositional gratitude and their prosocial tendencies. Studies 2–4 manipulated a helper's autonomous versus controlled motivation within hypothetical scenarios (Studies 2 and 3) and within recalled events (Study 4), testing the effect of the helper's motivation on the recipient's prosocial intentions towards the helper (Studies 2–4), a bystander (Study 3) and others in general (Study 4) as well as the mediating role of gratitude. The findings consistently demonstrated that perceiving helpers as having autonomous motivation led to heightened intentions among recipients to engage in prosocial behaviour, which was mediated by increased feelings of gratitude. These effects remained robust after controlling for relevant factors including participants’ demographic information, social desirability bias and perceptions of egoism within helpers. Our findings highlight the role of perceived helper's autonomous motivation on recipient's prosocial behaviours, which enhances the knowledge regarding reciprocity and pay‐it‐forward behaviour.
The role of parents in predicting gender‐stereotypic attitudes towards HEED occupations and gender‐stereotypic interest in these careers
Authors: van de Rozenberg Tessa M. , van der Pol Lotte D. , van Esveld Stefanie , Groeneveld Marleen G. , Kroes Antointette D. A. , Mesman Judi
Published: January 2024

This study examined adolescents’ gender‐stereotypic attitudes towards HEED (Health care, Early Education, Domestic) occupations and gender‐stereotypic interest in HEED careers and the role of parental gender‐stereotypic attitudes, role model behaviour and socialization values. We used questionnaire data from 501 White Dutch families. Our results showed that adolescents’ gender‐stereotypic attitudes towards HEED predicted their stereotypic interest in these careers. Further, parental gender‐stereotypic attitudes, stereotypical role model behaviour and socializing values of self‐expression predicted adolescents’ gender‐stereotypic attitudes towards HEED. From these parental characteristics, only a stereotypic division of household tasks predicted boys’ lower interest in HEED careers. In conclusion, reducing gender‐stereotypic attitudes and, for boys, encouraging self‐expression seems important in fostering more male representation in HEED occupations and deserves more attention from policymakers, educators and parents.
The separation of cyclic diadenosine diphosphorothioate and the diastereomers of its difluorinated derivative and the estimation of the binding constants and ionic mobilities of their complexes with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin by affinity capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Štěpánová Sille , Břehová Petra , Kašička Václav
Published: January 2024

The incorporation of phosphorothioate linkages has recently been extensively employed in therapeutic oligonucleotides. For their separation and quality control, new high‐efficient and high‐sensitive analytical methods are needed. In this work, a new affinity capillary electrophoresis method has been developed and applied for the separation of a potential anticancer drug, 2′,3′‐cyclic diadenosine diphosphorothioate (Rp, Rp) (ADU‐S100), and three recently newly synthesized diastereomers of its difluorinated derivative, 3′,3′‐cyclic di(2′‐fluoro, 2′‐deoxyadenosine phosphorothioate). The separation was performed in the various background electrolytes (BGEs) within a pH range 5–9 using several native and derivatized cyclodextrins (CDs) as chiral additives of the BGE. Relatively good separations were obtained with β‐, γ‐, and 2‐hydroxypropyl‐γ‐CDs in some of the BGEs tested. However, the best separation was achieved using the 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐CD chiral selector at 43.5 mM average concentration in the BGE composed of 40 mM Tris, 40 mM tricine, pH 8.1. Under these conditions, all the previous four cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) were baseline separated within 4 min. Additionally, the average apparent binding constants and the average actual ionic mobilities of the complexes of all four CDNs with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐CD in the above BGE were determined. The formed complexes were found to be relatively weak, with the average apparent binding constants in the range of 12.2–94.1 L mol−1 and with the actual ionic mobilities spanning the interval (−7.8 to −12.7) × 10−9 m2 V−1 s−1. The developed method can be applied for the separation, analysis, and characterization of the above and similar CDNs.
Research on the seedling picking trajectory error of the gear train seedling picking mechanism considering tooth backlash
Authors: Du Fengjiao , Liu Jiangang , Qi Peng
Published: January 2024

The research investigated the tooth backlash influences the error in seedling picking trajectories of the gear train SPM. First, a sine function and the sum of random errors are taken into account is utilized to fit the tooth backlash of the firstly and secondary transmissions. Additionally, the analysis established the relationship between the fitting parameters and the tooth backlash of the firstly and secondary transmissions, in order to determine the appropriate fitting parameters. Next, the relationship between the tooth backlash of the firstly and secondary transmission in the seedling picking mechanism (SPM) and the x, y coordinates, as well as the velocity and acceleration of the seedling needle tip (SNT), is examined. This analysis is based on the error and movement variance of the coordinate and kinematic parameters of SNT. The results indicate that the tooth backlash of the firstly transmission has a more significant influence on the error of the seedling picking trajectory compared to the tooth backlash of the secondary transmission. When the tooth backlash of the noncircular gear in the firstly transmission reaches its maximum value of 0.24 mm, the x and y coordinates of the SNT can reach maximum values of 1 and 3.5 mm. The test of the jumping of the needle tip and idling trajectory description indicated that noncircular gears with larger tooth backlash exhibit higher positional jumping at the tip of the seedling needle.
Seasonal and taxa impact on edible sea cucumber's metabolome and in relation to its cytotoxicity as analyzed via UHPLC/HR‐MS/MS‐based molecular networking and chemometrics
Authors: Farag Mohamed A. , El‐Kammar Heba A. , Abdelghany Sabrin , El‐Akad Radwa H.
Published: January 2024

Sea cucumbers, belonging to class Holothuroidea, are marine invertebrates with substantial bioactive compounds. This study provides the first comparative metabolome profiling of Holothuria atra and Actinopyga crassa sea cucumbers in relation to their season of collection to dissect between winter and summer samples, providing several first‐time reported metabolites as well as the effect of metabolome variation on their cytotoxic activity against colon and prostate cancer cell lines. Ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry and global natural products social molecular networking followed by multivariate data analysis were employed for metabolite profiling and seasonal biomarker assignment for each species. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated using in vitro assays against prostate and colon cancer cell lines. A total of 113 metabolites were annotated in both species, including 4 organic acids, 21 sulfoquinovosyl glycerol (sulfolipids), 5 alkyl sulfates, 13 sulfated/saponins, 8 sulfated/triterpene mono/di‐glycosides, 10 triterpenes, 13 sulfated/sterols, 32 phospholipids, 4 sphingolipids, and 3 glycerolipids, several of which are new or first‐time reported. Multivariate data analyses revealed lipid accumulation in summer samples versus triterpene and saponin enrichment in winter‐collected samples, particularly in H. atra, rationalizing its potent cytotoxic activity (IC50 6–12 µg/mL) as revealed using a regression model. However, winter‐collected samples of A. crassa are relatively the least abundant in antinutrient saponins, thus considered to have higher food value.
Protective effect of D‐Cys on renal function in mice with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Xiang Xiong , Tao Chunlin , Ren Jiaoyan
Published: January 2024

MTT assay The chirality of amino acids affects their physiological functions. Recent studies uncovered potential physiological effects of D‐amino acids (D‐AAs) in nephropathy. Here, we explored the protective effects of exogenous D‐AAs on chronic kidney disease (CKD). First, by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐YI)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay it was found that among the four D‐AAs studied (D‐glutamate (D‐Glu), D‐aspartic acid (D‐Asp) being the highest content in fermented yogurt, and D‐alanine (D‐Ala), D‐cysteine (D‐Cys), amino acids with renal protective potential), D‐Cys most significantly enhanced the viability of hypoxia‐induced injured HK‐2 cells, even better than its L‐analog, L‐Cys. Mitochondrial function analyzed by JC‐1 assay showed that 10 and 100 mM D‐Cys can significantly reduce the green/red fluorescence intensity by 16.1% (p < .001) and 17.6% (p < .001), respectively, in injured HK‐2 cells. Next, the in vivo protective effect of D‐Cys on adenine‐induced CKD mice was studied. The results indicated that the administration of D‐Cys decreased the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels by at least 15.5% and 11.8%, respectively, and significantly protected renal function in the CKD mice. Further analysis found that the administration of D‐Cys induced increased water intake in CKD mice, which is beneficial for the clearance of 2,8‐dihydroxyadenine, thereby attenuating the destruction of renal tissue structure. Moreover, H2S produced from D‐Cys resisted oxidative stress and inhibited inflammation, thus slowing down the process of renal fibrosis. In summary, this study verified the protective effect of D‐Cys on renal function and tissue structure in CKD mice, and propounded a new field of application for the utilization of D‐AAs.
Applications of Raman spectroscopy in clinical medicine
Authors: Qi Yaping , Chen Esther Xinyi , Hu Dan , Yang Ying , Wu Zhenping , Zheng Ming , Sadi Mohammad A. , Jiang Yucheng , Zhang Kang , Chen Zi , Chen Yong P.
Published: January 2024

Raman spectroscopy is a nondestructive and highly effective technique for analyzing biological tissues and diagnosing diseases by providing detailed spectral information about the specific molecular structures of substances. Its efficacy in these applications has been widely recognized, making it a powerful tool in the field. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Raman spectroscopy and its wide‐ranging applications in the diagnosis of critical diseases, such as cancer, infections, neurodegenerative diseases, and predicting surgical outcomes. It highlights the significant contributions of Raman spectroscopy in these areas, shedding light on its potential as a valuable diagnostic tool. This article delves into the advancements of Raman spectroscopy in biomedical sciences, with a specific focus on state‐of‐the‐art techniques such as surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, resonance Raman spectroscopy, and tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy. These techniques have shown great potential in various applications within the field. The article explores their use in ex vivo and in vivo medical diagnosis, covering topics such as sample collection, data processing, and the successful establishment of correlations between Raman spectra and biochemical information in specific diseases. Furthermore, the article discusses the limitations of the current research and offers insights into potential future directions for further exploration in the field of Raman spectroscopy in biomedical sciences.
Aged oolong tea manages type 2 diabetes mellitus by inhibiting fat ectopic deposition and alleviating insulin resistance in db/db mice
Authors: Zeng Hongzhe , Wang Kuofei , Liu Changwei , Ouyang Jie , Wen Shuai , Zhou Fang , Tang Jingyi , Fang Wenwen , Yue Lin , Huang Jian'an , Liu Zhonghua
Published: January 2024

An important concern for tea consumers is whether appropriate storage can effectively improve the ability of oolong tea to alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, the antidiabetic effects of three aged oolong tea (2001, 2011, and 2020) extracts (aged TEs) in db/db T2DM mice were investigated and compared for the first time. The results showed that aged oolong tea extracts (aged TEs) alleviated the abnormal fasting blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, insulin resistance, and reduced ectopic fat deposition in liver. Moreover, aged TEs alleviated T2DM‐related tissue damage and activated insulin receptor (INSR)/insulin receptor substrate (IRS)/phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3K)/phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK‐3β)/glycogen synthase (GYS)‐mediated hepatic glycogen synthesis signaling pathway. In addition, aged TEs altered gut microbiota composition and gut metabolite profiles associated with T2DM. Together, all three aged TEs (400 mg/kg/day in mice, a human equivalent dose of 7 g/60 kg/day), especially 2011, can effectively alleviate T2DM, and proper storage can effectively improve the ability of oolong tea to alleviate T2DM.
Role of hydrogen peroxide receptors in endocarp browning of postharvest longan fruit
Authors: Zhang Shuting , Shan Youxia , Li Ying , Zhang Jun , He Junxian , Qu Hongxia , Duan Xuewu , Jiang Yueming
Published: January 2024

Longan (Dimocarpus longan) is an important subtropical evergreen fruit tree (family Sapindaceae) in southern China and exhibits a high commercial and nutritional value. Endocarp browning of longan fruit once harvested considerably reduces the commercial value. The excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can induce the rapid endocarp browning of longan fruit during storage, but the ROS‐mediated mechanism remains relatively unclear. In this investigation, a hydrogen peroxide scavenger, 1,3‐dimethylthiourea (DMTU), was used to treat longan fruit to elucidate the physiological and molecular bases of the ROS‐mediated endocarp browning of longan fruit. Application of 5 mM DMTU significantly delayed endocarp browning, inhibited respiration rate, suppressed the accumulations of H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA), and activated the antioxidant system of longan fruit during storage, such as 3.8 of the DMTU‐treated fruit versus 1.6 of non‐DMTU‐treated fruit of the browning index, 398 versus 346 μg kg−1 S−2 of the respiration rate, and 47.5 versus 37.8 nmol g−1 of the MDA content after 6 days of storage. Furthermore, the DMTU treatment significantly affected the expression levels of the H2O2 receptors and hydrogen peroxide‐induced Ca2+ increases (HPCA)‐LIKEs (HPCALs). Additionally, the regulatory network comprising transcription factors controlling the HPCAL expression in longan was constructed. The major transcription factors, including GATA1, GATA28, TCP20, and AGL20, may contribute to the ROS‐mediated endocarp browning of longan fruit during storage by regulating the HPCAL expression levels. This study could provide new insights into the involvement of the HPCALs in the ROS‐mediated endocarp browning of longan fruit during storage.
A finite element model for concentration polarization and osmotic effects in a membrane channel
Authors: Carro Nicolás , Mora David , Vellojin Jesus
Published: January 2024

In this article, we study a mathematical model that represents the concentration polarization and osmosis effects in a reverse osmosis cross‐flow channel with dense membranes at some of its boundaries. The fluid is modeled using the Navier–Stokes equations and the solution‐diffusion is used to impose the momentum balance on the membrane. The scheme consist of a conforming finite element method with the velocity–pressure formulation for the Navier–Stokes equations, together with a primal scheme for the convection–diffusion equations. The Nitsche's method is used to impose the permeability condition across the membrane. Several numerical experiments are performed to show the robustness of the method. The resulting model accurately replicates the analytical models and predicts similar results to previous works. It is found that the submerged configuration has the highest permeate production, but also has the greatest pressure loss of all three configurations studied.