bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacial Charge Transfer of B‐doped g‐C3N4/ZnIn2S4p–n Heterojunction for Plasticizer Bisphenol‐A and Dye/Drug Intermediates, 2,4‐Dinitrophenol Degradation in Sunlight
Authors: Behera Arjun , Ghoshal Arijit , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: April 2023

Fabricating an efficient photocatalyst for solving energy and environmental pollution is challenging, especially using sunlight. Herein, a photocatalyst was developed to degrade plasticizer (Bisphenol A, BPA) and an industrial‐pollutant 2,4‐dinitrophenol (DNP) found in water bodies with sunlight. Several ZnIn2S4/B‐doped g‐C3N4(ZIS@BCN) heterojunctions were prepared by an ultra‐sonochemical route followed by calcination. HRTEM, MS analysis, EIS, photocurrent, and synergic factor calculations were employed to confirm p‐n heterojunction. The phase purity and optical characteristics of the photocatalysts were determined by XRD, PL, and DRS UV‐Vis spectroscopy. A successful p‐n heterojunction 2 %ZIS@BCN showed better degradation efficiency than pristine ZIS (n‐type) and BCN (p‐type) semiconductors. Moreover, the best photocatalyst (2 % ZIS@BCN) exhibited maximum photo‐degradation of 83 % of BPA and 85 % of DNP under solar light illumination. The degradation pathways and involvement of reactive species were confirmed using LC–MS, trapping experiments, nitroblue‐tetrazolium, and terephthalic acid tests. The superior activity is ascribed to the successful formation of an electrical double layer (EDL) between p‐type BCN and n‐type ZIS, which minimizes the e−‐h+recombination and thereby increases the visible light utilization efficiency. The work validates the formation of ZIS@BCN p‐n heterojunction, showing solar light‐driven photocatalytic degradation of toxic effluents found in water bodies.
A New Bis‐(NHC)‐P(II) Complex Supported on Magnetic Mesoporous Silica: An Efficient Pd(II) Catalyst for the Selective Buchwald‐Hartwig Monoarylation of Ammonia
Authors: Fekri Somayeh , Mansoori Yagoub , Esquivel Dolores , Navarro M. Angeles
Published: April 2023

We report the synthesis and identification of a new bis(NHC)‐Pd(II) catalyst supported on magnetic SBA‐15 (Fe3O4@SBA‐15). The surface of magnetic SBA‐15 was subsequently treated with (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), cyanuric chloride (CC), imidazole, and 2‐bromopyridine. The modified magnetic mesoporous material was then further treated with separately prepared trans‐[Pd(Cl)2(SMe2)2] complex to give Fe3O4@SBA‐AP‐CC‐bis(NHC)‐Pd(II) as a supported bis(NHC)‐Pd(II) complex. The catalyst was fully characterized by common spectroscopic methods. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that some imine nitrogens interact with palladium atoms. The supported Pd(II) complex catalyzed the direct monoarylation of ammonia with iodo‐, bromo‐, and chloroarenes, selectively. The effects of reaction components and parameters were investigated to establish the optimal reaction conditions. The catalyst was separated by a magnet, washed, and applied in the subsequent run. It exhibited noticeable stability and reused over seven catalytic cycles with negligible deactivation. A small Pd leaching (1.04 %) was observed in the first run.
Crystallization of ZnO in Aqueous Precursor Solution at 90 °C
Authors: Katarapu Venkateswarlu , Pant Harita , Kummari Sreenivasulu Venkata , Kurapati Rajendra , Guruvidyathri Krishnamoorthy , Srikanth Vadali Venkata Satya Siva
Published: April 2023

ZnO crystallization from suitable aqueous precursor solutions is well known, albeit with crystal growth modifiers and high calcination temperatures. However, processing parameters such as molarity, pH, stirring, and mixing of the reacting solutions can be controlled to make the reactants react at lower activation energies (also implying lower crystal growth temperatures) to obtain the final product. The motivation behind this work is to show that by proper mixing and stirring and using appropriate molarities of the reactants, the kinetics of ZnO formation can be designed, and highly crystalline and oriented ZnO can be obtained with ease. In this work, 0.1 M zinc acetate and 8 M KOH aqueous solutions are slowly mixed while stirring and then reacted at 90 °C to obtain wurtzite crystal structured ZnO without calcination at high temperatures.
Synthesis, Antifungal Activity, and DFT Calculation Study of Novel 1‐Acyl‐5‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole‐thioether Derivatives Containing Natural gem‐Dimethylcyclopropane Ring Structure
Authors: Cui Yucheng , Lin Guishan , Duan Wengui , Wu Kaiyue , Qin Liqing , Li Baoyu
Published: April 2023

A series of novel 1‐acyl‐5‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole‐thioether derivatives containing natural gem‐dimethylcyclopropane ring structure were synthesized from natural biomass resource 3‐carene. Their structures were confirmed by FT‐IR, NMR, ESI‐MS, and elemental analysis. The possible mechanism of regioselectivity for the N‐acylation reaction of 5‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole with 2‐(2,2‐dimethyl‐3‐propylcyclopropyl) acetyl chloride was explored by DFT theoretical calculation. All the target compounds were evaluated for antifungal activity in vitro against eight plant pathogens, and some target compounds showed good inhibitory activity against the tested pathogens. For example, compounds 1‐(5‐Amino‐3‐((4‐chlorobenzyl)thio)‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐2‐(2,2‐dimethyl‐3‐propylcyclopropyl)ethan‐1‐one and 1‐(5‐Amino‐3‐((2,6‐dichlorobenzyl)thio)‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐2‐(2,2‐dimethyl‐3‐propylcyclopropyl)ethan‐1‐one exhibited inhibitory rates of 81.6 % and 80.9 % against Cercospora arachidicola and Alternaria solani, respectively, better than that of the commercial fungicide thifluzamide with corresponding inhibitory rates of 75.0 % and 78.6 %. Besides, against Gibberella zeae, most of the target compounds displayed better antifungal activity than the positive control thifluzamide.
Facile Preparation of Magnetic Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Microtubes with Co Nanoparticles for Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenol
Authors: Du Hong , Zheng Jing , Mao Yi , Pan Wen‐tao , Zhang Yan , Zhu Lin‐yu , Yin Xue‐Bo , Zhang Min
Published: April 2023

Heterogeneous catalysts with controllable interface structures are of great importance to demonstrate the relationship between structure and property. Herein, magnetic Nitrogen‐doped carbon microtubes with Co nanoparticles (Fe3O4@C−Co) were prepared, which could be used for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol(4‐NP). In the process, MoO3@FeOOH core‐shell structure was fabricated, then ZIF‐67 was decorated on the MoO3@FeOOH. After adding 2‐methylimidazole, MoO3microrods were removed. Then the prepared FeOOH@ZIF‐67 microtubes are converted to Fe3O4@C−Co hybrid microtubes through pyrolysis. Due to the unique structures, the obtained Fe3O4@C−Co composites improved the dispersion of Co nanoparticles (NPs), diminished Co leaching, and promoted catalytic activity. The plentiful nitrogen improved electronic conductivity and brought additional active sites. The resulting Fe3O4@C−Co implies outstanding catalytic ability towards the reduction of 4‐NP. The synergistic effect between the hollow microtube and the fine dispersed Co NPs within Fe3O4@C−Co offered an excellent catalytic efficiency. More particularly, this achievement opens a new avenue to the targeted design of well‐defined nanocatalysts for practical applications in environmental remediation.
Odynophagie als erstes Symptom bei Affenpocken-Infektion
Authors: Schröder Nadja , Buth Juliane , Drexler Ingo , Adams Ortwin , Tometten Inga , Seidl Maximilian , Rubbert Christian , Schipper Jörg , Kristin Julia
Published: April 2023

Ein 50-jähriger Patient stellte sich mit Odynophagie und nächtlicher Dyspnoe bei einer bestätigten Affenpocken-Infektion vor. Klinisch zeigten sich eine Läsion am Zungenrand ohne Hautbefall sowie eine fibrinbelegte Tonsille mit Weichgaumenasymmetrie nach rechts. Aufgrund eines in der Computertomographie(CT)-Bildgebung gesicherten Abszesses erfolgte eine Tonsillektomie à chaud. Mittels Pan-Orthopox-spezifischer Polymerasekettenreaktion (PCR) wurde die Infektion auch im Tonsillengewebe bestätigt. Isolierte orale Befunde können eine Affenpocken-Infektion darstellen und stellen bei Risikopatienten eine aktuell wichtige Differenzialdiagnose dar.
Fatigue Damage Development in 14MoV6-3 Steel for Power Plant Pipes Monitored by Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Kopec M.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, fatigue damage development of 14MoV6-3 (13HMF) power engineering steel was studied through different experimental and analytical approaches. The specimens machined from the as-received pipe were subjected to fatigue loading and simultaneously monitored using the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The damage development was analysed through microstructural observations of fracture surfaces and further described as a function of the fatigue damage parameter D and the fatigue damage measure ϕ. The combination of such parameters’ evolution with the number of cycles to failure and the DIC technique enables a determination of separate stages of damage development. It was found that dynamics of damage could be effectively exposed within the first 100 cycles.
Teacher critical reflection: what can be learned from quality research?
Authors: Philp-Clark Claire , Grieshaber Susan
Published: April 2023

This Meta-Aggregative (MA) Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) identified, investigated, and critically appraised examples of ‘quality’ Teacher Critical Reflection (TCR) in recent peer-reviewed research. The key question guiding the synthesis of literature was, How is teacher critical reflection evidenced, justified, and communicated in peer-reviewed research? The synthesis detected the importance of TCR in supporting quality teacher practice in early childhood and primary school settings. The MA element guided the choice of articles and the QES identified evidence of the intricacies of teacher critical reflection. The MA QES provides insights into sustainable and purposeful TCR. Thirteen studies conducted between 2013 and 2019 met the requirements of a four-phased MA QES and were critically appraised to inform the synthesis. Recommendations derived from this review include the importance of identifying the objectives of TCR, TCR as part of teacher identity and its impact on TCR, the significant role that social collaboration plays in TCR, and the tools that support successful TCR.
Preparation of activated carbon from pine (Pinus radiata) sawdust by chemical activation with zinc chloride for wood dye adsorption
Authors: Pimentel Catarina H. , Freire M. Sonia , Gómez-Díaz Diego , González-Álvarez Julia
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Wastewater containing dyes are released into water bodies generating serious problems in human health and marine life. To contribute to the solution of this problem, a novel activated carbon was prepared from untreated pine (Pinus radiata) sawdust by dry chemical activation with ZnCl2 and was used for wood dye adsorption. The carbon was characterized by point of zero charge, N2 and CO2 adsorption isotherms, SEM-EDX, and FTIR. N2 and CO2 surface areas were 471.4 and 319.5 m2 g−1, respectively, with 91% of micropores. Wood dye adsorption was studied in function of pH (2–12), adsorbent dose (0.1–4 g L−1), time (up to 48 h for blue and red and 12 h for black), and initial concentration (5–500 mg L−1). The equilibrium data for the blue and black dyes were satisfactorily fitted to the Freundlich model while those for the red dye to the Langmuir model. Kinetic data were explained by the pseudo-second order (chemisorption process) and intraparticle diffusion models. At 5 mg L−1, a 100% removal efficiency was achieved at all pH for the blue dye, whereas for the red and black, natural pH (5.1) and pH = 2, respectively, led to the best removal efficiencies, 96 and 56%. Increasing concentration above 25 mg L−1 significantly reduced adsorption efficiency for blue and red dyes. For the black dye increasing the dose to 1 g L−1, the adsorption efficiency reached 82% at 25 mg L−1. High removal efficiencies were achieved for all dyes at 25 mg L−1 and 4 g L−1.
Global Research Effort on Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha)-Insights from Scientometrics
Authors: Bandara Tharindu , Wijewardene Lishani
Published: April 2023

Tenualosa ilisha also known as Hilsa shad is one of the important anadromous fish species in South Asia and some of the middle eastern countries because of its economic, cultural and ecological significance. The importance of hilsa shad in this region has driven a large number of scientific studies and quantification of these studies is important to identify the knowledge gaps and future research directions. For this purpose, we conducted a scientometric analysis on hilsa shad research published in Web of Science database between 2000 and 2022. Our results indicated that the number of articles on hilsa shad has increased from 2000 to 2019 and the number of articles published between 2000 and 2020 was correlated with global annual hilsa production during the same period. Keyword analysis of articles identified 10 thematic areas in hilsa shad research. The evolution of these thematic areas indicated that studies on ‘the management of hilsa shad fisheries in the Bay of Bengal and surrounding countries’ had more recent interest among the scientific community. On the other hand, studies on ‘post-harvesting of hilsa shad products’ have been more conventional and had fewer publications. Thematic areas related to hilsa shad stock assessment and genetics indicated that more state-of-art techniques are needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the hilsa shad population structure. Studies on trophic ecology and hilsa shad aquaculture are key topics that need and novel technology-based research. More socio-economic studies are encouraged to understand the sustainability of hilsa fisheries management. Overall, our results highlight the necessity for improvements in local and international collaborations towards the sustainable management of trans-boundary hilsa shad fishery in the region.
Osotua and decolonizing the academe: implications of a Maasai concept
Authors: Wijngaarden Vanessa , Ole Murero Paul Nkoitoi
Published: April 2023

In this paper, an Indigenous elder and non-Indigenous scholar together explore and reflect on attempts to grasp and work academically with the Maasai concept of osotua. We aim to take up this concept not as a piece of data to analyze, but as a partner in theoretical conversations. Osotua describes relationality, in the form of kinship, sharing, symbiosis, and accountability. It aligns and reinforces concepts and approaches of a variety of Indigenous knowledge systems and paradigms, as described by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars. It also has clear parallels with academic theories, for example, in the ontological turn as well as new materialist and post-humanist approaches. Through these cross-fertilizations as well as by its original stance, it may provide novel ideas and practical incentives towards the decolonization of the academe, for example, by enhancing diversity and multi-vocality, while simultaneously inviting incentives to contextualize and reflect on “the self” as part of a dynamic inter-reliant community of academics. Specifically, we focus on the potential theoretical value and resulting practical impact of osotua for decolonizing higher education. A variety of scholars arguing for the decolonization of the academic system has pointed out and criticized the continuities between colonialism and neoliberalism, and outlined how both have influenced a university system where students are graded based on standards informed by specific dominant ontologies and epistemologies; scholars are judged on the number of publications in certain high-ranking journals; and universities are funded based on the quantity of students they “process” within a certain period. How would the perspectives on and dynamics of this system be affected if the symbiotic and nourishing reciprocity of all relationships involved became increasingly visible through the concept of osotua?
The blue wavelengths in laser dentistry: a review of current literature
Authors: Strakas Dimitris , Franzen Rene
Published: April 2023

Dental laser applications are steadily increasing in popularity amongst dentists for the last four decades. Although many wavelengths are available for practitioners, semiconductor lasers or commonly known as diode lasers, are still the most popular ones. Dental diode laser devices are available in wavelengths that belong to visible and near infrared region of the electromanetic spectrum. Recently, lasers that are in the area of 400–450 nm have emerged in the market and became available to dentists. In this article, we aim to analyze the clinical possibilities we have with these lasers according to the available literature that has been published so far.
How do we design with materials that have their own agency?
Authors: Dade-Robertson Martyn , Levin Michael , Davies Jamie
Published: April 2023

Human-designed objects have traditionally been constructed of relatively inert matter, and some recently examples been enhanced using stimuli-responsive ‘active matter’. Biotechnology offers the opportunity to consider living cells as constructional matter. However, living cells are distinct from familiar categories of matter because they were once independent organisms themselves. Construction with living cells involves cybernetic and behavioural concepts as well as the laws of mechanics: cells are ‘agential matter’. They make decisions and solve problems in ways that can be exploited by engineers, much as they have been exploited by evolution in creating multicellular organisms. Building with agential matter poses unique challenges, requiring the bioengineer to tame collective behaviours of cellular swarms by exploiting techniques of top-down control (behaviour-shaping signals) alongside bottom-up reconfiguration of molecular hardware. However, exploiting the multiscale competency of life offers unprecedented opportunities for engineering, regenerative medicine, and robotics. Agential materials have transformative potential but require complex design methods that go beyond our current methods of engineering and the reductionism present in biological research. We invite contributions that design, explain or test these methods.
Industrialisation and Chinese big business in colonial Singapore, Malaya, and China: The transnational enterprises of Lim Peng Siang (1904–41)
Authors: Goh Jeremy , We Koh Keng
Published: April 2023

While most studies of industrialisation and modernisation in Singapore have focused on the post-1960 period and the role of the new nation-state, multinational corporations, and government-linked companies, Lim Peng Siang's business career shows that these processes and engagements were already under way before the Second World War. This study seeks to foreground the dynamics of industrialisation and modernisation in the historiography of Chinese business in colonial Singapore, Malaya, and Southeast Asia through examining Lim's business career. It shows how the projects of industrialisation and modernisation that Lim and his contemporaries embodied extended beyond business and the economy, and were entangled in broader cultural, sociopolitical, and urban forces and developments in Singapore and other parts of colonial Southeast Asia, maritime Asia, and the world-at-large between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. His experiences highlight the pitfalls of assuming a simple traditional–modern dichotomy, and any essentialistic and ethnic constructions of culture, and the discourses surrounding business strategy, behaviour, and thought.
Catholicism, Pluralism and American Democracy
Authors: Tatarczyk Dawid
Published: April 2023

The subfield of religion and politics, just like other subfields, was founded on the shoulders of giants who came before us. These seminal thinkers sometimes disagreed with each other, but their quarrels also opened new avenues for further discussion. Max Weber argued, for instance, that Protestant dominant countries develop faster and more effectively than Catholic ones because of their dynamic work ethic. The spirit of Protestantism, Weber believed, promoted values such as entrepreneurism and creativity, which facilitated the rise of democracy, all while the ethos of Catholicism lagged behind. Alexis de Tocqueville, on the other hand, had a different opinion about the compatibility of democracy and Catholicism. Traveling throughout the United States, he observed that Catholics—with their emphasis on hierarchy, obedience, and top-down dissemination of teaching—were well predisposed to internalize American laws and regulations. Such predispositions, in turn, helped stabilize the still nascent American democracy. While both thinkers were concerned with the compatibility of Catholicism and democracy, they ended up reaching different conclusions about the matter. In many ways, their disagreement is still not resolved, but two recent books made important contributions to these ongoing debates.
Microbial mat compositions and localization patterns explain the virulence of black band disease in corals
Authors: Wada Naohisa , Iguchi Akira , Urabe Yuta , Yoshioka Yuki , Abe Natsumi , Takase Kazuki , Hayashi Shuji , Kawanabe Saeko , Sato Yui , Tang Sen-Lin , Mano Nobuhiro
Published: April 2023

Black band disease (BBD) in corals is characterized by a distinctive, band-like microbial mat, which spreads across the tissues and often kills infected colonies. The microbial mat is dominated by cyanobacteria but also commonly contains sulfide-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), and other microbes. The migration rate in BBD varies across different environmental conditions, including temperature, light, and pH. However, whether variations in the migration rates reflect differences in the microbial consortium within the BBD mat remains unknown. Here, we show that the micro-scale surface structure, bacterial composition, and spatial distribution differed across BBD lesions with different migration rates. The migration rate was positively correlated with the relative abundance of potential SOBs belonging toArcobacteraceaelocalized in the middle layer within the mat and negatively correlated with the relative abundance of other potential SOBs belonging toRhodobacteraceae. Our study highlights the microbial composition in BBD as an important determinant of virulence.
The nonlinearity of regulation in biological networks
Authors: Manicka Santosh , Johnson Kathleen , Levin Michael , Murrugarra David
Published: April 2023

The extent to which the components of a biological system are (non)linearly regulated determines how amenable they are to therapy and control. To better understand this property termed “regulatory nonlinearity”, we analyzed a suite of 137 published Boolean network models, containing a variety of complex nonlinear regulatory interactions, using a probabilistic generalization of Boolean logic that George Boole himself had proposed. Leveraging the continuous-nature of this formulation, we used Taylor decomposition to approximate the models with various levels of regulatory nonlinearity. A comparison of the resulting series of approximations of the biological models with appropriate random ensembles revealed that biological regulation tends to be less nonlinear than expected, meaning that higher-order interactions among the regulatory inputs tend to be less pronounced. A further categorical analysis of the biological models revealed that the regulatory nonlinearity of cancer and disease networks could not only be sometimes higher than expected but also be relatively more variable. We show that this variation is caused by differences in the apportioning of information among the various orders of regulatory nonlinearity. Our results suggest that there may have been a weak but discernible selection pressure for biological systems to evolve linear regulation on average, but for certain systems such as cancer, on the other hand, to simultaneously evolve more nonlinear rules.
Multiple intermolecular interactions facilitate rapid evolution of essential genes
Authors: Lai Huei-Yi , Yu Yen-Hsin , Jhou Yu-Ting , Liao Chia-Wei , Leu Jun-Yi
Published: April 2023

Essential genes are commonly assumed to function in basic cellular processes and to change slowly. However, it remains unclear whether all essential genes are similarly conserved or if their evolutionary rates can be accelerated by specific factors. To address these questions, we replaced 86 essential genes ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaewith orthologues from four other species that diverged fromS. cerevisiaeabout 50, 100, 270 and 420 Myr ago. We identify a group of fast-evolving genes that often encode subunits of large protein complexes, including anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). Incompatibility of fast-evolving genes is rescued by simultaneously replacing interacting components, suggesting it is caused by protein co-evolution. Detailed investigation of APC/C further revealed that co-evolution involves not only primary interacting proteins but also secondary ones, suggesting the evolutionary impact of epistasis. Multiple intermolecular interactions in protein complexes may provide a microenvironment facilitating rapid evolution of their subunits.
Phylogenomic analysis uncovers a 9-year variation of Uganda influenza type-A strains from the WHO-recommended vaccines and other Africa strains
Authors: Nabakooza Grace , Owuor D. Collins , de Laurent Zaydah R. , Galiwango Ronald , Owor Nicholas , Kayiwa John T. , Jjingo Daudi , Agoti Charles N. , Nokes D. James , Kateete David P. , Kitayimbwa John M. , Frost Simon D. W. , Lutwama Julius J.
Published: April 2023

Genetic characterisation of circulating influenza viruses directs annual vaccine strain selection and mitigation of infection spread. We used next-generation sequencing to locally generate whole genomes from 116 A(H1N1)pdm09 and 118 A(H3N2) positive patient swabs collected across Uganda between 2010 and 2018. We recovered sequences from 92% (215/234) of the swabs, 90% (193/215) of which were whole genomes. The newly-generated sequences were genetically and phylogenetically compared to the WHO-recommended vaccines and other Africa strains sampled since 1994. Uganda strain hemagglutinin (n = 206), neuraminidase (n = 207), and matrix protein (MP, n = 213) sequences had 95.23–99.65%, 95.31–99.79%, and 95.46–100% amino acid similarity to the 2010–2020 season vaccines, respectively, with several mutated hemagglutinin antigenic, receptor binding, and N-linked glycosylation sites. Uganda influenza type-A virus strains sequenced before 2016 clustered uniquely while later strains mixed with other Africa and global strains. We are the first to report novel A(H1N1)pdm09 subclades 6B.1A.3, 6B.1A.5(a,b), and 6B.1A.6 (± T120A) that circulated in Eastern, Western, and Southern Africa in 2017–2019. Africa forms part of the global influenza ecology with high viral genetic diversity, progressive antigenic drift, and local transmissions. For a continent with inadequate health resources and where social distancing is unsustainable, vaccination is the best option. Hence, African stakeholders should prioritise routine genome sequencing and analysis to direct vaccine selection and virus control.
Social contact patterns relevant for infectious disease transmission in Cambodia
Authors: Leung William T. M. , Meeyai Aronrag , Holt Hannah R. , Khieu Borin , Chhay Ty , Seng Sokeyra , Pok Samkol , Chiv Phiny , Drake Tom , Rudge James W.
Published: April 2023

Social mixing patterns are key determinants of infectious disease transmission. Mathematical models parameterised with empirical data from contact pattern surveys have played an important role in understanding epidemic dynamics and informing control strategies, including for SARS-CoV-2. However, there is a paucity of data on social mixing patterns in many settings. We conducted a community-based survey in Cambodia in 2012 to characterise mixing patterns and generate setting-specific contact matrices according to age and urban/rural populations. Data were collected using a diary-based approach from 2016 participants, selected by stratified random sampling. Contact patterns were highly age-assortative, with clear intergenerational mixing between household members. Both home and school were high-intensity contact settings, with 27.7% of contacts occurring at home with non-household members. Social mixing patterns differed between rural and urban residents; rural participants tended to have more intergenerational mixing, and a higher number of contacts outside of home, work or school. Participants had low spatial mobility, with 88% of contacts occurring within 1 km of the participants’ homes. These data broaden the evidence-base on social mixing patterns in low and middle-income countries and Southeast Asia, and highlight within-country heterogeneities which may be important to consider when modelling the dynamics of pathogens transmitted via close contact.
Explanatory predictive model for COVID-19 severity risk employing machine learning, shapley addition, and LIME
Authors: Laatifi Mariam , Douzi Samira , Ezzine Hind , Asry Chadia El , Naya Abdellah , Bouklouze Abdelaziz , Zaid Younes , Naciri Mariam
Published: April 2023

The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 threatens global public health and impedes the operation of healthcare systems. Several studies have been conducted to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection and examine its risk factors. To produce more effective treatment options and vaccines, it is still necessary to investigate biomarkers and immune responses in order to gain a deeper understanding of disease pathophysiology. This study aims to determine how cytokines influence the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We measured the plasma levels of 48 cytokines in the blood of 87 participants in the COVID-19 study. Several Classifiers were trained and evaluated using Machine Learning and Deep Learning to complete missing data, generate synthetic data, and fill in any gaps. To examine the relationship between cytokine storm and COVID-19 severity in patients, the Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) and the LIME (Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations) model were applied. Individuals with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection had elevated plasma levels of VEGF-A, MIP-1b, and IL-17. RANTES and TNF were associated with healthy individuals, whereas IL-27, IL-9, IL-12p40, and MCP-3 were associated with non-Severity. These findings suggest that these cytokines may promote the development of novel preventive and therapeutic pathways for disease management. In this study, the use of artificial intelligence is intended to support clinical diagnoses of patients to determine how each cytokine may be responsible for the severity of COVID-19, which could lead to the identification of several cytokines that could aid in treatment decision-making and vaccine development.
Etiological analysis of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a prospective case–control study
Authors: Xie Wen , Karpeta Niki , Tong Busheng , Liu Jiali , Peng Haisen , Li Chunhua , Hellstrom Sten , Liu Yuehui , Duan Maoli
Published: April 2023

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a multifactorial emergency disease. Until now, the etiology of SSNHL is still unknown. Previous studies regarding the etiology of SSNHL are clinical studies depending on clinical data collection and analysis. Due to the insufficient sample size or various selective bias in clinical studies, the results of these studies may be inaccurate. This prospective case–control study aimed at exploring the possible etiology and risk factors of SSNHL. We enrolled 255 SSNHL patients and 255 sex-, age- and residence-matched non-SSNHL subjects in the control group. Our study shows that there was no significant difference in the prevalence of comorbidities including hypertension and diabetes, as well as the incidence of smoking and drinking habits between the case and control groups (P > 0.05). In addition, the peripheral blood white blood cell count, neutrophil count, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and fibrinogen level of the case group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). These findings suggest smoking, drinking, hypertension and diabetes may not be related to the onset of SSNHL. However, hypercoagulable state and inner ear vascular microthrombosis related to an elevated fibrinogen level might be the risk factors of the disease. In addition, inflammation play an important role of SSNHL onset.

Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Registration number: ChiCTR2100048991.
Pupil dilation reflects the dynamic integration of audiovisual emotional speech
Authors: Arias Sarah Pablo , Hall Lars , Saitovitch Ana , Aucouturier Jean-Julien , Zilbovicius Monica , Johansson Petter
Published: April 2023

Emotional speech perception is a multisensory process. When speaking with an individual we concurrently integrate the information from their voice and face to decode e.g., their feelings, moods, and emotions. However, the physiological reactions—such as the reflexive dilation of the pupil—associated to these processes remain mostly unknown. That is the aim of the current article, to investigate whether pupillary reactions can index the processes underlying the audiovisual integration of emotional signals. To investigate this question, we used an algorithm able to increase or decrease the smiles seen in a person’s face or heard in their voice, while preserving the temporal synchrony between visual and auditory channels. Using this algorithm, we created congruent and incongruent audiovisual smiles, and investigated participants’ gaze and pupillary reactions to manipulated stimuli. We found that pupil reactions can reflect emotional information mismatch in audiovisual speech. In our data, when participants were explicitly asked to extract emotional information from stimuli, the first fixation within emotionally mismatching areas (i.e., the mouth) triggered pupil dilation. These results reveal that pupil dilation can reflect the dynamic integration of audiovisual emotional speech and provide insights on how these reactions are triggered during stimulus perception.
Atypical connectivity aids conversation in autism
Authors: Jasmin Kyle , Martin Alex , Gotts Stephen J.
Published: April 2023

It is well-established that individuals with autism exhibit atypical functional brain connectivity. However, the role this plays in naturalistic social settings has remained unclear. Atypical patterns may reflect core deficits or may instead compensate for deficits and promote adaptive behavior. Distinguishing these possibilities requires measuring the ‘typicality’ of spontaneous behavior and determining how connectivity relates to it. Thirty-nine male participants (19 autism, 20 typically-developed) engaged in 115 spontaneous conversations with an experimenter during fMRI scanning. A classifier algorithm was trained to distinguish participants by diagnosis based on 81 semantic, affective and linguistic dimensions derived from their use of language. The algorithm’s graded likelihood of a participant's group membership (autism vs. typically-developed) was used as a measure of task performance and compared with functional connectivity levels. The algorithm accurately classified participants and its scores correlated with clinician-observed autism signs (ADOS-2). In support of a compensatory role, greater functional connectivity between right inferior frontal cortex and left-hemisphere social communication regions correlated with more typical language behavior, but only for the autism group. We conclude that right inferior frontal functional connectivity increases in autism during communication reflect a neural compensation strategy that can be quantified and tested even without an a priori behavioral standard.
Respiratory brain impulse propagation in focal epilepsy
Authors: Elabasy Ahmed , Suhonen Mia , Rajna Zalan , Hosni Youssef , Kananen Janne , Annunen Johanna , Ansakorpi Hanna , Korhonen Vesa , Seppänen Tapio , Kiviniemi Vesa
Published: April 2023

Respiratory brain pulsations pertaining to intra-axial hydrodynamic solute transport are markedly altered in focal epilepsy. We used optical flow analysis of ultra-fast functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to investigate the velocity characteristics of respiratory brain impulse propagation in patients with focal epilepsy treated with antiseizure medication (ASM) (medicated patients with focal epilepsy; ME, n = 23), drug-naïve patients with at least one seizure (DN, n = 19) and matched healthy control subjects (HC, n = 75). We detected in the two patient groups (ME and DN) several significant alterations in the respiratory brain pulsation propagation velocity, which showed a bidirectional change dominated by a reduction in speed. Furthermore, the respiratory impulses moved more in reversed or incoherent directions in both patient groups vs. the HC group. The speed reductions and directionality changes occurred in specific phases of the respiratory cycle. In conclusion, irrespective of medication status, both patient groups showed incoherent and slower respiratory brain impulses, which may contribute to epileptic brain pathology by hindering brain hydrodynamics.
Women compared with men work harder for small rewards
Authors: Lewis Carolin A. , Grahlow Melina , Kühnel Anne , Derntl Birgit , Kroemer Nils B.
Published: April 2023

In cost–benefit decision-making, women and men often show different trade-offs. However, surprisingly little is known about sex differences in instrumental tasks, where physical effort is exerted to gain rewards. To this end, we tested 81 individuals (47 women) with an effort allocation task, where participants had to repeatedly press a button to collect food and money tokens. We analyzed the motivational phases of invigoration and effort maintenance with varying reward magnitude, difficulty, and reward type. Whereas women and men did not differ in invigoration, we found that women showed higher effort maintenance as well as higher subjective wanting and exertion ratings for small rewards compared with men. Notably, men increased their effort more than women for higher rewards to match women’s levels of performance. Crucially, we found no sex differences depending on reward type or difficulty, indicating that sex differences were specific to the encoding of the magnitude of benefits, not costs. To summarize, women exerted higher physical effort for small rewards, which corresponded with an elevated subjective value in women compared with men. Therefore, sex differences in perceived reward magnitude may contribute to differential behavioral preferences highlighting the potential of cost–benefit decision-making to provide insights about potential mechanisms.
Health trajectories of elderly living in French senior housing: a longitudinal perspective
Authors: Boucaud-Maitre Denis , Meillon Céline , Letenneur Luc , Villeneuve Roxane , Dartigues Jean-François , Amieva Hélène , Tabue-Teguo Maturin
Published: April 2023

Senior housing for older adults could be an alternative or a transitional care model between home care and nursing home care. Using two longitudinal cohorts of community dwellers aged 65 years or older, we compared risks of mortality and of nursing homes admission between older adults who did or did not move to senior housing over time. In the 3C study (n = 2104, 17 years of follow-up), 143 (6.8%) participants moved into a senior housing during the follow-up. This move was associated with a lower risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46–0.77) and a higher risk of nursing home admissions (HR: 1.54 (1.10–2.15)). The risks of hospitalizations (HR: 0.54 (0.40–0.73)) and falls (HR: 0.63 (0.50–0.79)) were lower. In the PAQUID study (n = 3777, 27 years of follow-up), 161 (4.3%) participants moved into a senior housing. This move was also associated with a lower mortality risk (HR: 0.72 (0.58–0.88)) and a higher risk of nursing home admissions (HR: 1.39 (1.05–1.86)). Our results showing lower risks of mortality suggest that senior housing may be a relevant model for vulnerable older adults.
Suppression of tumor growth and apoptosis induction by pomegranate seed nano-emulsion in mice bearing solid Ehrlich carcinoma cells
Authors: Mohamed Hanan R. H. , Tulbah Fadi S. A. , El-ghor Akmal A. , Eissa Shaymaa M.
Published: April 2023

Despite the high antioxidant and penetration ability of pomegranate seed oil (PSO), the in vivo antitumor activity of PSO nano-emulsion has not been well investigated. Therefore, this study was undertaken to estimate the antitumor activity and safety of PSO nano-emulsion in mice bearing Ehrlich solid carcinoma cells. For tumor inoculation, about 2 × 106 viable Ehrlich tumor cells (200 µl) were implanted intramuscularly in the left thigh of hind leg. Once a solid tumor appears on the 10th day of transplantation; the mice were randomly divided into five groups (5 animals/group). Characterization of the PSO nano-emulsion using a Zeta sizer Malvern instrument and transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed that the PSO nano-droplets were well dispersed with an average particle size of 8.95 nm and a spherical shape. Treatment with PSO nano-emulsions caused a significant reduction in the tumor size and weight, in a dose dependent manner, compared to tumor control group. Marked dose dependent elevations in the DNA damage level together with significant increases in the tumor suppressor p53, Bax and Caspase genes and reductions in the anti-apoptotic Bcl2 gene were also observed in the tumor tissue of mice given PSO nano-emulsions. Histological examination also revealed apoptosis and necrosis of tumor cells and tumor infiltration with inflammatory cells after PSO nano-emulsion treatment. However, high DNA damage was noticed in the liver and kidney tissues of mice given the highest dose of PSO nano-emulsion (400 mg/kg). Therefore, we concluded that PSO nano-emulsion exhibited a potent antitumor activity through induction of DNA breaks that triggers apoptosis of tumor cells but the highest dose caused genotoxicity to liver and kidney tissues, thus it is recommended to use doses lower than 400 mg/kg of PSO nano-emulsion as an alternative drugs for chemotherapy.
Numerical approach for flexible body with internal boundary movement
Authors: Ogawara Riko , Kaczmarczyk Stefan , Terumichi Yoshiaki
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a numerical method is proposed for a flexible tether motion that spans two different environments and has large displacement and deformation. When considering the behavior of a tethered system in which the tether cable is subjected to the above conditions, variations of an internal boundary in the tether must be considered. In general, the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF), a nonlinear finite element method, is effective for the dynamic simulation of a flexible body with large displacement and deformation. However, in conventional methods, such as ANCF, the analysis accuracy decreases and the calculation cost increases when the movement of an internal boundary across different environments is considered. In this study, an efficient numerical approach that considers the variations of an internal boundary by using ANCF using variable-domain finite elements is proposed. In addition, to further improve the calculation efficiency, dimensionless variables are introduced using appropriate representative values. The accuracy of the numerical results obtained using the proposed method, which considers an internal variable boundary, is similar to that for a conventional method.
Loss of CSF-contacting neuron sensory function is associated with a hyper-kyphosis of the spine reminiscent of Scheuermann’s disease
Authors: Marie-Hardy Laura , Slimani Lotfi , Messa Giulia , El Bourakkadi Zaineb , Prigent Annick , Sayetta Celia , Koëth Fanny , Pascal-Moussellard Hugues , Wyart Claire , Cantaut-Belarif Yasmine
Published: April 2023

Scheuermann’s disease, also referred to as Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is the second most frequent spine deformity occurring in humans after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), both with an unclear etiology. Recent genetic studies in zebrafish unraveled new mechanisms linked to AIS, highlighting the role of the Reissner fiber, an acellular polymer bathing in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in close proximity with ciliated cells and mechanosensory neurons lining the central canal of the spinal cord (CSF-cNs). However, while the Reissner fiber and ciliary beating have been linked to AIS-like phenotypes in zebrafish, the relevance of the sensory functions of CSF-cNs for human spine disorders remains unknown. Here, we show that the thoracic hyper-kyphosis of the spine previously reported in adultpkd2l1mutant zebrafish, in which the mechanosensory function of CSF-cNs is likely defective, is restricted to the sagittal plane and is not associated with vertebral malformations. By applying orthopedic criteria to analyze the amplitude of the curvature at the apex of the kyphosis, the curve pattern, the sagittal balance and sex bias, we demonstrate thatpkd2l1knock-outs develop a phenotype reminiscent of Scheuermann’s disease. Altogether our work consolidates the benefit of combining genetics and analysis of spine deformities in zebrafish to model idiopathic spine disorders in humans.
Exchange of Pb from Indian to Atlantic Ocean is driven by Agulhas current and atmospheric Pb input from South Africa
Authors: Samanta Saumik , Cloete Ryan , Dey Subhra Prakash , Barraqueta Jan-Lukas Menzel , Loock Jean C. , Meynecke Jan-Olaf , de Bie Jasper , Vichi Marcello , Roychoudhury Alakendra N.
Published: April 2023

Using a spatiotemporal dataset of dissolved lead (dPb) from the subtropical oceans surrounding South Africa, this study quantifies the exchange of dPb between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Despite the absence of a major Pb source within the South Atlantic sector and the complete phase-out of leaded petroleum in Southern Africa, the ecologically important southeast Cape Basin shows an elevated surface dPb concentration (21–30 pmol kg−1). We estimated up to 90% of the measured dPb in surface waters of the Cape Basin was delivered from the Indian Ocean via the Agulhas Current (AC). Eddy dynamics and leakage at Agulhas retroflection result in an increased Pb flux from winter to summer, while a long-term (2008–2019) temporal change in dPb in the AC-derived water of Cape Basin was contemporaneous to a change in atmospheric Pb emissions from South Africa. The South African-origin atmospheric Pb, however, contributes first to the Agulhas waters in the West Indian Ocean, which is then transported to the South Atlantic, thereby regulating the dPb inventory of the Cape Basin. This indirect mechanism of Pb transfer emphasizes the importance of regulating Pb emissions from Southern Africa to protect rich fishing grounds associated with the Benguela marine ecosystem.
Direct coupling of CO2 with epoxides catalyzed by lanthanum(III) supported on magnetic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles
Authors: Hoseini Kosar Sadat , Razaghi Masoumeh , Nouri Tohid , Khorasani Mojtaba
Published: April 2023

Lanthanum(III) supported on the magnetic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticle (La@MON) has been described as an efficient, simple, and durable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 5-membered cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide (CO2) and epoxides. Under optimized reaction conditions, various terminal epoxides have been converted to the corresponding carbonates in the presence of 0.3 mol% La@MON and 0.5 mol% tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) as co-catalyst at relatively mild reaction conditions. It was also found that La@MON catalysts had significantly higher catalytic activity than some selected reference catalysts, which can be explained by the abundance of lanthanum(III) species acting as Lewis acidic sites for activating both carbon dioxide and epoxide molecules, along with the fact that the catalyst channels are short and provided facile mass transfer. The catalyst showed good reusability for at least five reaction cycles while the magnetic core of the catalyst helps the easy separation of the catalyst by just using an external magnet.