bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactive Solid Polymer Layer: From a Single Fluoropolymer to Divergent Fluorinated Interface
Authors: Ma Mingyu , Guo Xing , Wen Peng , Han Shantao , Zhang Lu , Liu Yixuan , Lin Xinrong , Chen Mao
Published: June 2024

Controlling the structure and chemistry of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) underpins the stability of electrolyte‐electrode interface, and is crucial for advancing rechargeable lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Here, we utilized photo‐controlled copolymerization to achieve the on‐demand synthesis of fluorosulfonyl fluoropolymers as unprecedented artificial SEI layers on Li metal anodes. This work not only enables instant formation of a hybrid polymer‐inorganic interphase that consists of a polymer‐enriched top layer and a LiF‐fortified bottom layer, originating from a single polymeric component, but also imparts various desirable physical properties (e.g., good mechanical strength and flexibility, high ion conductivity, low overpotential) to SEI via a single‐to‐divergent strategy. Model reactions and structural characterizations supported the formation of a divergent fluorinated interphase, which furnished prolonged stabilization of Li deposition, high coulombic efficiency and improved cycling behavior in electrochemical experiments. This work highlights the great potential of exploring reactive polymers as versatile coatings to stabilize Li metal anodes, providing a promising avenue to solve electrode‐electrolyte interfacial problems for LMBs.
Asymmetric Dearomatization of Indoles through Cobalt‐Catalyzed Enantioselective C−H Functionalization Enabled by Photocatalysis
Authors: Teng Ming‐Ya , Liu De‐Yang , Mao Shi‐Yu , Wu Xu , Chen Jia‐Hao , Zhong Ming‐Yu , Huang Fan‐Rui , Yao Qi‐Jun , Shi Bing‐Feng
Published: June 2024

Photocatalysis holds a pivotal position in modern organic synthesis, capable of inducing novel reactivities under mild and environmentally friendly reaction conditions. However, the merger of photocatalysis and transition‐metal‐catalyzed asymmetric C−H activation as an efficient and sustainable method for the construction of chiral molecules remains elusive and challenging. Herein, we develop a cobalt‐catalyzed enantioselective C−H activation reaction enabled by visible‐light photoredox catalysis, providing a synergistic catalytic strategy for the asymmetric dearomatization of indoles with high levels of enantioselectivity (96 % to >99 % ee). Mechanistic studies indicate that the excited photocatalyst was quenched by divalent cobalt species in the presence of Salox ligand, leading to the formation of catalytically active chiral Co(III) complex. Moreover, stoichiometric reactions of cobaltacycle intermediate with indole suggest that the irradiation of visible light also play a critical role in the dearomatization step.
Selective Cleavage of Cβ−O−4 Bond for Lignin Depolymerization via Paired‐Electrolysis in an Undivided Cell
Authors: Huang Zhenghui , Yu Zihan , Guo Zhaogang , Shi Pingsen , Hu Jingcheng , Deng Hongbing , Huang Zhiliang
Published: June 2024

The cleavage of C−O bonds is one of the most promising strategies for lignin‐to‐chemicals conversion, which has attracted considerable attention in recent years. However, current catalytic system capable of selectively breaking C−O bonds in lignin often requires a precious metal catalyst and/or harsh conditions such as high‐pressure H2 and elevated temperatures. Herein, we report a novel protocol of paired electrolysis to effectively cleave the Cβ−O−4 bond of lignin model compounds and real lignin at room temperature and ambient pressure. For the first time, “cathodic hydrogenolysis of Cβ−O−4 linkage” and “anodic C−H/N−H cross‐coupling reaction” are paired in an undivided cell, thus the cleavage of C−O bonds and the synthesis of valuable triarylamine derivatives could be simultaneously achieved in an energy‐effective manner. This protocol features mild reaction conditions, high atom economy, remarkable yield with excellent chemoselectivity, and feasibility for large‐scale synthesis. Mechanistic studies indicate that indirect H* (chemical absorbed hydrogen) reduction instead of direct electron transfer might be the pathway for the cathodic hydrogenolysis of Cβ−O−4 linkage.
2,2‐Difluoroethylation of Heteroatom Nucleophiles via a Hypervalent Iodine Strategy
Authors: Das Suman , McIvor Charlotte , Greener Andrew , Suwita Charlotte , Argent Stephen P. , O'Duill Miriam L.
Published: June 2024

The 2,2‐difluoroethyl group is an important lipophilic hydrogen bond donor in medicinal chemistry, but its incorporation into small molecules is often challenging. Herein, we demonstrate electrophilic 2,2‐difluoroethylation of thiol, amine and alcohol nucleophiles with a hypervalent iodine reagent, (2,2‐difluoro‐ethyl)(aryl)iodonium triflate, via a proposed ligand coupling mechanism. This transformation offers a complementary strategy to existing 2,2‐difluoroethylation methods and allows access to a wide range of 2,2‐difluoroethylated nucleophiles, including the drugs Captopril, Normorphine and Mefloquine.
Mid‐Infrared Perfect Absorption with Planar and Subwavelength‐Perforated Ultrathin Metal Films
Authors: Sakotic Zarko , Raju Amogh , Ware Alexander , Estévez H. Félix A. , Brown Madeline , Magendzo Behar Yonathan , Hungund Divya , Wasserman Daniel
Published: June 2024

A straightforward analytical approach is proposed for the design of minimally thin metal absorbers. Unlike traditional resonant design principles, where shape, size, and periodicity of a nanostructured film determine the absorption properties, this study uses only the thickness and permittivity (i.e., sheet conductivity) of the material at hand to demonstrate maximal absorption in the minimal possible thickness at any given wavelength in planar layers – guided by only the derived material‐agnostic equations. An alternative mechanism is further proposed and experimentally demonstrated to obtain precise control over the sheet conductivity of metal films necessary for such designs using metal dilution, enabling the tuning of both the amplitude and the phase of reflected waves. Finally, the concept of “phase doping” is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, wherein an ultrathin metal layer is placed within the spacer of the absorber cavity, which spectrally tunes the absorption feature without changing the spacer thickness or participating in the absorption. By judiciously combining the dilution of the absorbing and phase layers, a multifunctional ultrathin absorber architecture is demonstrated with customizable amplitude, spectral position, and selectivity, all leveraging the same vertical stack. These findings are promising for the design of ultrasensitive detectors, thermal emitters, and nonlinear optical components.
Unlocking the formate utilization of wild‐type Yarrowia lipolytica through adaptive laboratory evolution
Authors: Chen Qian , Chen Yunhong , Hou Zeming , Ma Yuyue , Huang Jianfeng , Zhang Zhidan , Chen Yefu , Yang Xue , Zhang Yanfei , Zhao Guoping
Published: June 2024

Synthetic biology is contributing to the advancement of the global net‐negative carbon economy, with emphasis on formate as a member of the one‐carbon substrate garnering substantial attention. In this study, we employed base editing tools to facilitate adaptive evolution, achieving a formate tolerance of Yarrowia lipolytica to 1 M within 2 months. This effort resulted in two mutant strains, designated as M25‐70 and M25‐14, both exhibiting significantly enhanced formate utilization capabilities. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of nine endogenous genes encoding formate dehydrogenases when cultivated utilizing formate as the sole carbon source. Furthermore, we uncovered the pivotal role of the glyoxylate and threonine‐based serine pathway in enhancing glycine supply to promote formate assimilation. The full potential of Y. lipolytica to tolerate and utilize formate establishing the foundation for pyruvate carboxylase‐based carbon sequestration pathways. Importantly, this study highlights the existence of a natural formate metabolic pathway in Y. lipolytica.
Is it fashionable to swap clothes? The moderating role of culture
Authors: Armouch Farah , Paulin Michèle , Laroche Michel
Published: June 2024

The fashion industry has received harsh criticism about its increasing environmental footprint. As a result, formal clothing swapping has evolved into collaborative sharing practices, sometimes leading to circular social and economic developments. In either case, it transforms how individuals behave around possessing and sharing clothes for what it can bring to them and their collective well‐being. This study explores what factors (e.g., economic, hedonic, environmental, and activism) motivate individuals to swap their clothes and why culture may be an important moderating factor to consider. An online Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) survey comprised of the NextGen (individuals between 18 and 35), 51.6% of workers, and 28% of students (n = 279) from various countries analyzed through ANOVA regressions led to clear evidence of the moderating effects of culture on motivating factors in swapping behavior for clothes: (1) economic motives are stronger in masculine cultures; (2) hedonic motives are stronger in collectivist cultures; (3) environmental motives are stronger in collectivist, low power distance, and indulgent cultures; (4) activist motives are relatively strong in collectivist, feminine, low power distance, low uncertainty avoidance, and indulgent cultures; (5) the collectivist culture had a moderated influence due to hedonic, environmental, and activist motives as in this culture, greater mental emotions may be aroused. This study highlights economic and hedonist motives as influential variables that correspond to more actual consumer needs. Results also indicate specificities on NextGen culture identity and motivations to push forward a shift in up‐swapping systems, engaging decision‐makers for more transparent, sustainable efforts.
Probation practice and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Wood Jane E.
Published: June 2024

Rationale

Twenty‐one Community Rehabilitation Companies were set up following the division of the National Probation Services during ‘Transforming Rehabilitation’ in England and Wales, under a 2013 Ministry of Justice initiative. Reunification commenced in 2018. A study completed prior to these changes suggested that probation officers had had little training in recognising attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and may have been underestimating its prevalence among their clientele. Given the substantial changes in probation staffing and organisation since 2018, a new study seems warranted.

Aims

The aim of the study was to understand experiences of people under a community sentence who reported having ADHD and of probation staff working with them.

Methods

Using a qualitative research design, one‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews were conducted with client facing probation staff recruited from one Community Rehabilitation Company. Service users undertaking a community sentence who had been diagnosed with or self‐identified as having ADHD were then identified and recruited by these staff; those who consented were also interviewed. Transcripts were analysed using a thematic analytic approach.

Results

Thirteen probation staff and six male offenders under community sentences, agreed to participate and completed interviews. The overarching themes emerging from the two groups were similar, both reflecting on descriptions of ADHD; treatment of ADHD; experiences of having or working with ADHD in the wider community and in the criminal justice system specifically and visions of future support needs tied to the order. In addition, probation officers specifically raised the matter of payment by results. Both service users and probation staff identified gaps in knowledge, experience and services, but areas of good practice were also identified.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the continuing under‐acknowledgement of tailored clinical support for people serving a community sentence who have ADHD together with a lack of support and training about ADHD for probation staff. Return to the national organisation of probation services and recognition of need for a range of relevant skills offers a great opportunity for re‐evaluating supervision and management of offenders under community sentences who have ADHD. These findings provide the basis for a template for developing knowledge and support provision for probation staff to recognise ADHD, or its likelihood, and their capacity to follow through with appropriately informed personalised supervision plans and access to specialist service advice and support.
Molten Salt Synthesis of Ti3C2/Cu Cocatalyst for Enhanced TiO2 Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Xu Wangyue , Peng Yuhao , Hu Di , Razanau Ihar , Gu Dong , Xiao Wei
Published: June 2024

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 is considered as a crucial pathway towards achieving sustainable energy and environmental goals. Nonetheless, attaining efficient CO2 conversion poses significant challenges, primarily due to the slow dynamics of charge carriers and the high activation energy required to break C=O bonds. In this study, a novel strategy involving Lewis acid molten salt etching is investigated to engineer a titanium oxide (TiO2)‐based photocatalysts with dual electron transfer channels (i. e., Ti3C2/Cu), which targets the photoreduction of CO2 to CO and CH4. Thanks to the dual electron transfer channels presented in the cocatalysts (Ti3C2/Cu), in conjunction with the numerous heterogeneous interfaces between TiO2 and the Ti3C2/Cu cocatalysts, this hybrid catalyst not only reduces charge transfer resistance but also accelerates the dynamics of photogenerated charge carriers. Consequently, the TiO2/Ti3C2/Cu hybrid catalyst demonstrates an exceptional photocatalytic CO2 reduction rate of 13.67 μmol g−1 h−1, with a total utilized photoelectron number (UPN) of 102.34 μmol g−1 h−1. which is 3.99‐fold higher than that of unmodified TiO2. This research provides a new approach for the preparation of dual cocatalysts through a one‐step molten salt synthesis process.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed Cyclopropane Ring‐Opening‐Cyclization Cascade Using Thioureas as a N,N‐bisnucleophile: Synthesis of Bicyclic Furo‐, Pyrano‐, and Pyrrololactams via a Formal [4+1]‐Addition
Authors: Ratzenböck Andreas , Kobras Manuel , Rustler Anna , Reiser Oliver
Published: June 2024

Fused bicyclic cyclopropanes were converted by Lewis acid‐catalysis with thioureas to furo‐, pyrano, and pyrrololactams with yields of up to 99 % and high diastereoselectivity. The formation of the title compounds, representing a formal [4+1]‐cycloaddition to a donor‐acceptor substituted cyclopropane, follows a cascade reaction involving SN1‐type ring‐opening addition and cyclization. Thiourea, being a cost‐effective and odorless reagent, acts as an N,N‐bis‐nucleophile to generate bicyclic compounds containing an N‐substituted γ‐lactam moiety.
Designing Cobalt(II) Complex for Chemoselective Synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐3‐Formyl Indoles from Amino Alcohols and Alcohols†
Authors: Mahala Suman , Gupta Navya , Singh Sohan , Sharma Alpesh K. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Joshi Hemant
Published: June 2024

An air‐stable, inexpensive, and isolable cobalt(II) complex (C1) of N‐((1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl)‐2‐(phenylselanyl)ethan amine (L1) was synthesized and characterized. The complex was used to catalyze a one‐pot cascade reaction between 2‐(2‐aminophenyl)ethanols and benzyl alcohol derivatives. Interestingly, 2‐aryl‐3‐formylindole derivatives were formed instead of N‐alkylated or C‐3 alkylated indoles. A broad substrate scope can be activated using this protocol with only 5.0 mol % catalyst loading to achieve up to 87 % yield of 2‐aryl‐3‐formylindole derivatives. The mechanistic studies suggested that the reaction proceeds through tandem imine formation followed by cyclization.
Lignin‐Derived Sustainable Nano‐Platforms: A Multifunctional Solution for an Efficient Dye Removal
Authors: Rahimihaghighi Maryam , Gigli Matteo , Ficca Valerio C. A. , Placidi Ernesto , Sgarzi Massimo , Crestini Claudia
Published: June 2024

In contrast to conventional non‐biobased adsorbents, lignin emerges as a cost‐effective and environmentally benign alternative for water treatment. This study identifies unexpected and unpredicted multifunctional properties of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs). LNPs, which are prepared by simple physical processes, demonstrated for the first time to behave as multifunctional materials able to adsorb and photodegrade methylene blue (MB) in aqueous medium upon UV irradiation. Furthermore, the synthetic approach adopted to synthesize LNPs – and therefore their surface properties – strongly affects their performances. More specifically, LNPs obtained by solvent‐antisolvent nanoprecipitation (SLNPs) show the highest MB adsorption properties (98 % removal), reaching a maximum adsorption capacity of 43.0 mg g−1, and the fastest adsorption kinetics with respect to other lignin‐based adsorbents. Conversely, hydrotropic LNPs (HLNPs) exhibit exceptional photocatalytic activity, resulting in 98 % MB degradation over 6 hours of UV irradiation, combined with the ability to be easily recycled and reused. The present effort paves the way for the use of LNPs as efficient multifunctional materials able to perform concurrently adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of dye pollutants, toward the creation of a sustainable biobased water treatment platform.
Outage and average sum‐rate analysis of intelligent reflecting surface assisted nonorthogonal multiple access system over η−μ fading channel
Authors: Srinivasarao K. , Sharma Priyank , Surendar M.
Published: June 2024

Intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) is evolved as a one of key technology by enabling a reconfigurable, intelligent, and low power for the sixth‐generation (6G) wireless communication. In this research, an IRS‐assisted NOMA network is explored over
fading channel, where IRS is placed on top of the base station (BS). IRS aids in fine‐tuning the phase of the incoming signal from BS in a meticulous way, which improves the performance of the system. The statistical channel modeling of downlink IRS‐NOMA system is proposed and validated with Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. Also, analytical expressions of OP and average sum‐rate are derived for
user in IRS‐NOMA system over
fading channel. Furthermore, the influence of performance factors such as number of reflecting elements (M), power allocation factor, and imperfect successive interference cancelation (I‐SIC) on OP are examined. Simulation results reveal that the IRS‐NOMA system experiences less outage compared to IRS‐OMA and conventional relaying techniques.
The role of seed rain, seed bank, and clonal growth in plant colonization of ancient and restored grasslands
Authors: Kapás Rozália E. , Kimberley Adam , Cousins Sara A. O.
Published: June 2024

Understanding the establishment of plant species is important to inform management of restored grasslands and to preserve biodiversity in ancient grasslands. In grassland communities, plant species can establish from seeds arriving via spatial dispersal, from seeds in the soil seed bank or through vegetative spread from nearby source individuals. However, this colonization potential and the likelihood of species establishment can vary in grasslands with different land‐use history. We investigated the relative importance of local species recruitment sources, such as dispersal in space and time and species presence in adjacent grasslands, in determining establishment of plant species in eight grasslands with different land‐use history (paired ancient grasslands continuously managed as pasture vs. restored grasslands on former forest). At each grassland, we established plots (0.25 m2) to monitor seedling emergence from seed dispersal, seed bank, and recorded clonal growth over two growing periods. We found that the likelihood of species establishment was highest from local seed rain, and that species present in the local species pool were more able to germinate and establish in both type of grasslands. Species from the seed bank and clonal growth contributed to a lesser extent to species establishment, but represented a greater proportion of the recolonization and regeneration of species in ancient grasslands. These results demonstrate that surrounding grasslands serve as a source for colonizing species and that dispersal from the adjacent grasslands is the key process in regeneration and colonization of plants. These results imply that the recovery of grasslands depends heavily upon to links to species source in grasslands, especially in restored grasslands. Therefore, management plans should incorporate rotational livestock grazing and larger networks of grassland in restoration efforts, which will enable to desirable species to establish and persist in grasslands.
Detection of residual T7 RNA polymerase used in mRNA in vitro transcription by Simple Western
Authors: Shieh Yvonne , Swartz Andrew R. , Rustandi Richard R.
Published: June 2024

Therapeutic messenger RNA (mRNA) has been demonstrated as a scalable and versatile vaccine platform for the rapid development and manufacture of new vaccine candidates. mRNA is synthesized enzymatically through in vitro transcription (IVT) using bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP), a 99 kDa protein with high binding affinity for the promoter sequence and a low error rate. Post‐IVT, mRNA is purified to remove impurities, but if T7 RNAP is insufficiently cleared, undesirable clinical side effects may result. Therefore, it is important to quantitate T7 RNAP concentrations in IVT and process intermediates to understand clearance during downstream purification. A high‐throughput T7 RNAP assay was developed using Simple Western (SW), a capillary immunoassay technology, to quantitate concentrations as low as 5.3 ng/mL with good precision and accuracy. Compared to existing T7 RNAP immunoassays or total protein assays such as bicinchoninic acid assays or Bradford, the SW T7 RNAP assay is specific to T7 RNAP, requires <10 µL of sample volume, and consists of minimal sample handling and hands‐on time. This work highlights the development and optimization of a highly sensitive and robust T7 RNAP quantitation assay using the SW platform.
Experimental investigation on the effects of natural convection on cylindrical LiFePO4 battery module for energy storage application
Authors: P. Jayapradha , Barik Debabrata
Published: June 2024

The experiments with a LiFePO4 battery pack operating at room temperature and with various charge and discharge rates to analyze its durability are described in this study. At a temperature of 23°C with natural convection, the thermal performance of a cylindrical (LFP) battery is experimentally studied. In this study, the battery is fully charged. After reaching 14.6 V, the battery is charged at a current of 4.8 A for 10 min to allow for stabilization. The battery is then depleted at 4.8 A until its voltage hits 10.5 V, followed by an additional 10‐min resting time. The processes reached their highest and lowest temperatures, respectively, were 29°C and 22°C. The battery is charged for a total of 46.877 Ampere‐hours (Ah) during the course of the 10‐h operation at a constant current of 4.8 A. Similar to this, a 10‐h discharge operation is carried out with a constant current of 4.8 A, yielding a discharge of 47.207 Ah. The processes reached their highest and lowest temperatures, respectively, were 36°C and 24°C. Another possibility is to charge the battery at a steady 24 A until the voltage reaches 14.6 V, then let it rest for 10 min, a further 10‐min rest period is added after it is discharged at 24 A until its voltage hits 10.5 V. After 5 h of charging at 24 A, the capacity is 46.958 Ah, and after 5 h and 47.51 min of discharging at 24 A, the capacity is 47 Ah. The processes reached their highest and lowest temperatures, respectively, were 49°C and 33°C.
Rapid discovery of three umami crab peptides from Eriocheir sinensis by virtual hydrolysis and LC–MS/MS
Authors: Pei Yiqiao , Xu Yujie , Li Yi , Wang Tianxin , He Zouyan , Liu Jianhui , Zhang Ye , Wang Hao
Published: June 2024

Traditionally, Eriocheir sinensis elicits wide distribution, easy accessibility, and unique taste, but the low comprehensive utilization restricts its application. The present study aimed to extract and identify peptides from the defective E. sinensis and analyze the umami mechanism of crab peptides. Virtual hydrolysis showed that protein hydrolysate prepared by the dual enzyme combination (papain and alkaline protease) had high hydrolysis degrees and umami fragments, which was consistent with the actual hydrolysis results. The three strong‐flavoring crab peptides (AADESERM, SDEERMDAL, and EERAESGES) were screened by umami prediction and amino acid sequence analysis, and the umami profiles with thresholds ranged 0.0625–0.250 mg/mL determined by sensory evaluation and electronic tongue. The AADESERM had the highest umami enhancement effect. Besides, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation revealed that all the three crab peptides bound stably to the active cavity of T1R1. Asp147, His71, Ala302, Cys106, and Lys379 were the crucial binding sites for umami presentation. This study was accurately identifying umami crab peptides from defective E. sinensis based on pre‐virtual hydrolysis. It will reduce the wastage of crab resources and further provide support for the high‐value utilization.
Integrating sustainable development goals in China's education curriculum: Analysis and future directions
Authors: Yuan Xinqun , Yu Le
Published: June 2024

This paper analyses the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the revisions of China's primary, secondary and high school curriculum standards. Employing a word frequency analysis of SDGs‐related keywords across ten disciplines, the study reveals an increasing trend in SDGs integration, particularly in Physical Education and Health, and Biology, but notes a lack of growth in the Arts discipline. Key findings include the widespread presence of SDG3 (Good Health and Well‐being) and SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), with a notable absence of SDG5 (Gender Equality) and SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This study suggests enhancing SDGs coverage in Arts education, broadening the scope to include underrepresented SDGs and promoting a balanced integration of all SDGs across disciplines. It emphasizes the critical role of Geography Education in addressing global challenges and advocates for interdisciplinary teaching methods. The study highlights the importance of regular assessment in curriculum standards to ensure effective SDGs integration, aiming to align China's educational framework with global developmental objectives for a sustainable future.
Macrophage GIT1 promotes oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and remyelination after spinal cord injury
Authors: Liu Hao , Yi Jiang , Zhang Chenxi , Li Yin , Wang Qian , Wang Shenyu , Dai Siming , Zheng Ziyang , Jiang Tao , Gao Peng , Xue Ao , Huang Zhenfei , Kong Fanqi , Wang Yongxiang , He Baorong , Guo Xiaodong , Li Qingqing , Chen Jian , Yin Guoyong , Zhao Shujie
Published: June 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in severe motor and sensory deficits, for which currently no effective cure exists. The pathological process underlying this injury is extremely complex and involves many cell types in the central nervous system. In this study, we have uncovered a novel function for macrophage G protein‐coupled receptor kinase‐interactor 1 (GIT1) in promoting remyelination and functional repair after SCI. Using GIT1flox/flox Lyz2‐Cre (GIT1 CKO) mice, we identified that GIT1 deficiency in macrophages led to an increased generation of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα), reduced proportion of mature oligodendrocytes (mOLs), impaired remyelination, and compromised functional recovery in vivo. These effects in GIT1 CKO mice were reversed with the administration of soluble TNF inhibitor. Moreover, bone marrow transplantation from GIT1 CWT mice reversed adverse outcomes in GIT1 CKO mice, further indicating the role of macrophage GIT1 in modulating spinal cord injury repair. Our in vitro experiments showed that macrophage GIT1 plays a critical role in secreting TNFα and influences the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) after stimulation with myelin debris. Collectively, our data uncovered a new role of macrophage GIT1 in regulating the transformation of OPCs into mOLs, essential for functional remyelination after SCI, suggesting that macrophage GIT1 could be a promising treatment target of SCI.
Deficient brain GABA metabolism leads to widespread impairments of astrocyte and oligodendrocyte function
Authors: Andersen Jens V. , Marian Oana C. , Qvist Filippa L. , Westi Emil W. , Aldana Blanca I. , Schousboe Arne , Don Anthony S. , Skotte Niels H. , Wellendorph Petrine
Published: June 2024

The neurometabolic disorder succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency leads to great neurochemical imbalances and severe neurological manifestations. The cause of the disease is loss of function of the enzyme SSADH, leading to impaired metabolism of the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Despite the known identity of the enzymatic deficit, the underlying pathology of SSADH deficiency remains unclear. To uncover new mechanisms of the disease, we performed an untargeted integrative analysis of cerebral protein expression, functional metabolism, and lipid composition in a genetic mouse model of SSADH deficiency (ALDH5A1 knockout mice). Our proteomic analysis revealed a clear regional vulnerability, as protein alterations primarily manifested in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of the ALDH5A1 knockout mice. These regions displayed aberrant expression of proteins linked to amino acid homeostasis, mitochondria, glial function, and myelination. Stable isotope tracing in acutely isolated brain slices demonstrated an overall maintained oxidative metabolism of glucose, but a selective decrease in astrocyte metabolic activity in the cerebral cortex of ALDH5A1 knockout mice. In contrast, an elevated capacity of oxidative glutamine metabolism was observed in the ALDH5A1 knockout brain, which may serve as a neuronal compensation of impaired astrocyte glutamine provision. In addition to reduced expression of critical oligodendrocyte proteins, a severe depletion of myelin‐enriched sphingolipids was found in the brains of ALDH5A1 knockout mice, suggesting degeneration of myelin. Altogether, our study highlights that impaired astrocyte and oligodendrocyte function is intimately linked to SSADH deficiency pathology, suggesting that selective targeting of glial cells may hold therapeutic potential in this disease.
Prenatal exposure to particulate matter and infant birth outcomes: Evidence from a population‐wide database
Authors: Jahanshahi Babak , Johnston Brian , McGovern Mark E. , McVicar Duncan , O’Reilly Dermot , Rowland Neil , Vlachos Stavros
Published: June 2024

There are growing concerns about the impact of pollution on maternal and infant health. Despite an extensive correlational literature, observational studies which adopt methods that seek to address potential biases due to unmeasured confounders draw mixed conclusions. Using a population database of births in Northern Ireland (NI) linked to localized geographic information on pollution in mothers' postcodes (zipcodes) of residence during pregnancy, we examine whether prenatal exposure to PM2.5is associated with a comprehensive range of birth outcomes, including placental health. Overall, we find little evidence that particulate matter is related to infant outcomes at the pollution levels experienced in NI, once we implement a mother fixed effects approach that accounts for time‐invariant factors. This contrasts with strong associations in models that adjust for observed confounders but without fixed effects. While reducing ambient air pollution remains an urgent public health priority globally, our results imply that further improvements in short‐run levels of prenatal PM2.5exposure in a relatively low‐pollution, higher‐income country context, are unlikely to impact on birth outcomes at the population level.
Nonlinear storage–discharge dynamics of forested headwater catchment: A hysteresis index approach
Authors: Nanda Aliva , Safeeq Mohammad
Published: June 2024

The relationship between catchment storage and discharge is nonlinear. The dynamicity of this relationship is dependent on the distance of the storage measurement from the stream, the depth of the soil moisture (SM) measurement, antecedent SM storage, and precipitation characteristics. Understanding the relative influence of these factors is critical for interpreting runoff generation processes and predicting discharge. In this study, we used a hysteresis index approach and analysed the nonlinear dynamics of catchment storage–discharge relationship across points, hillslope and catchment scales, and their controlling factors. A small headwater forested catchment located in the southern part of the Sierra Nevada region, California, was selected as a case study. In this Mediterranean catchment, the anticlockwise class IV hysteresis loop, indicating an earlier discharge peak than SM, was observed as a prevalent hysteresis class across all the scales, irrespective of seasons (i.e., dry vs. wet) and years (i.e., normal vs. drought). A few clockwise hysteresis loops were observed at the shallow depths (10 and 30 cm) of upslope and lower slope topographic positions. Further, we found a shorter lag time between SM peak to discharge peak at 60 and 90 cm soil depths during the wet season, and during the drought period. The shorter lag at the deeper depth was due to the presence of subsurface flow during high antecedent SM storage conditions and preferential flow through the soil pores during the drought periods. The variability in hysteresis at catchment and hillslope scales was controlled by peak rainfall intensity and antecedent SM storage. However, rainfall characteristics (intensity and depth) were major governing factors for most of the point scale locations. Overall, the current study highlighted the role of SM sensor's location in characterizing storage–discharge behaviour.
Inhibition of the Rho/MRTF pathway improves the response of BRAF‐resistant melanoma to PD1/PDL1 blockade
Authors: Foda Bardees M. , Misek Sean A. , Gallo Kathleen A. , Neubig Richard R.
Published: June 2024

Metastatic cutaneous melanoma is a fatal skin cancer. Resistance to targeted and immune therapies limits the benefits of current treatments. Identifying and adding anti‐resistance agents to current treatment protocols can potentially improve clinical responses. Myocardin‐related transcription factor (MRTF) is a transcriptional coactivator whose activity is indirectly regulated by actin and the Rho family of GTPases. We previously demonstrated that development of BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) resistance frequently activates the Rho/MRTF pathway in human and mouse BRAFV600E melanomas. In clinical trials, pretreatment with BRAFi reduces the benefit of immune therapies. We aimed to test the efficacy of concurrent treatment with our MRTF pathway inhibitor CCG‐257081 and anti‐PD1 in vivo and to examine its effects on the melanoma immune microenvironment. Because MRTF pathway activation upregulates the expression of immune checkpoint inhibitor genes/proteins, we asked whether CCG‐257081 can improve the response to immune checkpoint blockade. CCG‐257081 reduced the expression of PDL1 in BRAFi‐resistant melanoma cells and decreased surface PDL1 levels on both BRAFi‐sensitive and ‐resistant melanoma cells. Using our recently described murine vemurafenib‐resistant melanoma model, we found that CCG‐257081, in combination with anti‐PD1 immune therapy, reduced tumor growth and increased survival. Moreover, anti‐PD1/CCG‐257081 co‐treatment increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells and B cells into the tumor microenvironment and reduced tumor‐associated macrophages. Here, we propose CCG‐257081 as an anti‐resistance and immune therapy‐enhancing anti‐melanoma agent.
Precise diagnosis of cardiac‐cerebral vascular diseases with magnetic resonance imaging‐based nanoprobes
Authors: Li Wenyue , Zhang Ruru , Zhang Xinyi , Wu Shuai , Ma Tiancong , Hou Yi , Zeng Jianfeng , Gao Mingyuan
Published: June 2024

Cardiac‐cerebral vascular diseases (CCVDs) are acknowledged as a major threat to public health, leading to more than one‐third of all deaths worldwide. The complex anatomical structure and immune features of blood vessels significantly affect the development of CCVDs, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is one of the main diagnostic approaches for the accurate diagnosis and prognosis of CCVDs. However, MRA suffers from intrinsic problems derived from its blood flow‐dependency, and the clinical Gd‐chelating contrast agents are limited by their rapid vascular extravasation. Over the past decade, spurred on by nanoscience and nanotechnology, numerous contrast agents based on magnetic nanomaterials have been developed to enhance the contrast of MRA, with these including iron oxide nanoparticles, rare earth‐doped nanoparticles, and metal‐organic coordination polymers. The molecular MR imaging of vasculopathy using specific nanoprobes has been explored to obtain a better understanding of the molecular aspects of CCVDs. In this review, the state of the art in MRA nanoprobes is introduced, and recent achievements in the diagnosis of CCVDs using MR imaging are summarized. Additionally, the future prospects and limitations of MRA based on nanoprobes are discussed. The current review provides methodological designs and ideas for subsequent MRA nanoprobes.
Sarcopenic obesity and health outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta‐analysis
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Ragusa Francesco Saverio , Pegreffi Francesco , Dominguez Ligia J. , Barbagallo Mario , Zanetti Michela , Cereda Emanuele
Published: June 2024

Many studies support the idea that sarcopenic obesity (SO) could be considered a potential risk factor for negative health outcomes. These results have been inconsistent, and no umbrella reviews exist regarding this topic. Several databases until November 2023 were searched for systematic reviews with meta‐analysis of observational studies (cross‐sectional, case–control and prospective). For each association, random‐effects summary effect sizes with correspondent 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated using the GRADE tool. Among the 213 papers initially screened, nine systematic reviews with meta‐analysis were included, for a total of 384 710 participants. In cross‐sectional and case–control studies, 30 different outcomes were analysed, and 18 were statistically significant. In any population addressed in cross‐sectional and case–control studies, compared with non‐SO, SO increased the prevalence of cognitive impairment (k = 3; odds ratio [OR] = 3.46; 95% CI: 2.24–5.32; high certainty of evidence), coronary artery disease (k = 2; OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.85–3.31) and dyslipidaemia (k = 3; OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.51–4.15). When compared with sarcopenia or obesity, the results were conflicting. In prospective studies, the association between SO—compared with non‐SO—and other negative outcomes was supported by low/very low certainty of evidence and limited to a few conditions. Besides, no comparison with sarcopenia or obesity was provided. Finally, only a few studies have considered muscle function/physical performance in the diagnostic workup. SO could be considered a risk factor only for a few conditions, with the literature mainly based on cross‐sectional and case–control studies. Future studies with clear definitions of SO are needed for quantifying the importance of SO—particularly when compared with the presence of only sarcopenia or obesity—and the weight of muscle function/physical performance in its definition.
Concentration of betanin from model beetroot extracts by using nanofiltration: parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Tiwari Ashwani Kumar , Jain Manish
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, research focusing on natural compounds is getting more importance across the globe. Recently, natural bioactive compounds have gained the attention of researchers as a consequence of their exemplary physicochemical properties and exceptional utility in the food and pharma industries. However, separating and concentrating these bioactive compounds from their origin sources still poses a considerable challenge to their profitable commercial usage. The current study focuses on the application of a facile nanofiltration method for recovering betanin from model beetroot extract solutions using a polyamide nanofiltration membrane. Furthermore, the three‐parameter Spiegler–Kedem model was used to determine the transport parameters of the membrane and theoretically predict the performance of the membrane. Additionally, variance‐based sensitivity analysis methods were deployed to study the sensitivity of different operating and membrane transport parameters.

RESULT

The results indicate that the membrane exhibited the highest rejection of 99% and permeate flux of 3.14 ⨯ 10−5 m3 m−2 s−1 at 0.6 MPa pressure and 600 mL min−1 flow rate. The data obtained through the Spiegler–Kedem model were coherent with the experimental observations. Simulations on sensitivity analysis revealed that specific hydraulic permeability and cross‐membrane pressure majorly influence permeate flux and rejection.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that nanofiltration with 150 Da cut‐off membranes effectively concentrated betanin with 99% rejection. Higher cross‐membrane pressure and higher feed flow rates were preferable operating conditions for higher rejections. Variance‐based sensitivity analysis showed that cross‐membrane pressure and hydraulic permeability are the most influential parameters affecting permeate flux and rejection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Non‐surgical management of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction‐ a UK survey
Authors: Miller Alison , Smith Toby , Backhouse Michael R.
Published: June 2024

Background

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) is commonly seen within musculoskeletal care. The condition's prevalence and management is poorly understood. This study aims to demonstrate current practice by multi‐professional clinicians across the United Kingdom within the National Health Service.

Methods

A national (UK) cross‐sectional online survey was conducted among multi‐professionals who treat PTTD within their NHS practice. The survey covered assessment, management and evaluation. This was shared via social media and professional groups.

Results

Two hundred thirteen surveys were completed, with 153 matching the eligibility criteria. The main respondents were Physiotherapists (48%) and Podiatrists (38%). Ultrasound scanning was used most frequently when considering initial imaging (67%). Many different treatment modalities were used, but a core set of education/advice, foot orthoses, and foot specific as well as general exercise were most commonly chosen. Outcome measures routinely used were pain scale (96/269) and single leg heel raise (84/269), but patient reported outcome measures were not routinely used. The most frequent reason to escalate care was failure to manage symptoms with conservative management (106/123; 86.2%), followed by fixed deformity (10/123; 8.2%).

Conclusions

This survey provides evidence on current non‐surgical management for PTTD from UK NHS practice. It provides a valuable marker for clinicians to use to compare their own practice and can be used in further research as a comparator.
Factors associated with prefectural level physical activity in Japan: An ecological study
Authors: Horinouchi Noboru , Kataoka Yuki , Yamamoto Kyoko , Shiota Seiji , Miyazaki Eishi
Published: June 2024

Background

Physical activity inequalities are an important global concern; nonetheless, few studies have comprehensively examined the association between physical activity inequalities and related factors. We aimed to explore factors associated with regional inequalities in physical activity in Japan.

Methods

We investigated the relationship of individual, psychological/behavioral, social, and built‐environmental factors with the proportion of individuals with exercise habits across Japanese prefectures. We sourced data from open databases, including the Japanese National Health Insurance Claims and Nationwide Screening Program Database. We defined exercise habits as engaging in at least 30 min of moderate exercise at least twice a week. We employed multiple regression analysis to identify factors associated with prefectural level physical activity.

Results

The median proportion of individuals with exercise habits was 27% (interquartile range, 25–29). Higher frequency of exercise habits was associated with higher frequency of history of exercise (coefficients, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.80) and lower proportion of female gender (coefficients, −1.74; 95% confidence interval, −2.80 to −0.69).

Conclusions

Exercise history and female gender may be related to prefectural level physical activity in Japan. Physical activity interventions should be promoted among women without exercise history.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio is elevated in acute hantavirus infection and correlates with markers of disease severity
Authors: Nusshag Christian , Gruber Gefion , Zeier Martin , Krautkrämer Ellen
Published: June 2024

Pathogenic Eurasian hantaviruses cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), which is characterized by acute kidney injury. The clinical course shows a broad range of severity and is influenced by direct and immune‐mediated effects. The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of systemic inflammation and predicts severity and outcome in various diseases. Therefore, we examined the role of NLR in HFRS caused by hantavirus Puumala (PUUV) and its association with disease severity and kidney injury. We detected elevated NLR levels on admission (NLRadm: median 3.82, range 1.75−7.59), which increased during acute HFRS. Maximum NLR levels (NLRmax: median 4.19, range 1.75−13.16) were 2.38‐fold higher compared to the reference NLR level of 1.76 in the general population. NLR levels on admission correlate with markers of severity (length of hospital stay, serum creatinine) but not with other markers of severity (leukocytes, platelets, C‐reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, serum albumin, proteinuria). Interestingly, levels of nephrin, which is a specific marker of podocyte damage in kidney injury, are highest on admission and correlate with NLRmax, but not with NLRadm. Together, we observed a correlation between systemic inflammation and the severity of HFRS, but our results also revealed that podocyte damage precedes these inflammatory processes.