bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering through digital skills: A case of alumni in the business services sector
Authors: Deja Marek , Bobkowski Piotr , Huvila Isto , Mierzecka Anna
Published: April 2024

This quasi‐experiment examines the self‐assessment of psychological empowerment in the workplace among humanities and social science graduates who completed one of four digital literacy courses and were employed in the business services sector 6 months after graduation. The four courses—information literacy, data literacy, visual literacy, and communication and collaboration—were designed using information literacy and digital skills frameworks and were offered to support students' employability. Psychological empowerment was measured with four dimensions: meaning, competence, self‐determination, and impact. Statistical inference with a probabilistic approach using Bayesian ANOVA was conducted. The four courses varied in their impact on empowerment, with the information literacy course corresponding to the highest empowerment scores. The training also related differentially to the four dimensions of empowerment, with the highest scores on meaning. Evidence indicates that digital literacy instruction supports the psychological empowerment of humanities and social science graduates employed in the business services sector.
Gaia23ckh: Symbiotic outburst of the assumed Mira variable V390 Sco
Authors: Merc Jaroslav , Velez Peter , Charbonnel Stéphane , Garde Olivier , Le Dû Pascal , Mulato Lionel , Petit Thomas , Skowron Jan
Published: April 2024

The poorly studied variable star V390 Sco, previously classified as a Mira pulsator, was detected in a brightening event by the ESA Gaia satellite in September 2023. This work presents an analysis of available archival multifrequency photometric data of this target, along with our spectroscopic observations. Our findings lead to the conclusion that V390 Sco is a new symbiotic star identified by Gaia, currently undergoing a classical symbiotic outburst. Additionally, we uncovered three prior outbursts of this system through archival photometry. The outbursts recur approximately every 2330–2400 days, and we hypothesize the periastron passage in an eccentric orbit may trigger them, similarly to the case of BX Mon, DD Mic, or MWC 560. A detailed investigation into the nature of the donor star suggested that V390 Sco is an S‐type symbiotic star, likely hosting a less evolved, semiregularly pulsating giant donor, but not a Mira variable.
In‐vitro Clinical Diagnostics using RNA‐Cleaving DNAzymes
Authors: Ali Monsur , Nair Parameswaran , Capretta Alfredo , Brennan John D.
Published: April 2024

Over the last three decades, significant advancements have been made in the development of biosensors and bioassays that use RNA‐cleaving DNAzymes (RCDs) as molecular recognition elements. While early examples of RCDs were primarily responsive to metal ions, the past decade has seen numerous RCDs reported for more clinically relevant targets such as bacteria, cancer cells, small metabolites, and protein biomarkers. Over the past 5 years several RCD‐based biosensors have also been evaluated using either spiked biological matrixes or patient samples, including blood, serum, saliva, nasal mucus, sputum, urine, and faeces, which is a critical step toward regulatory approval and commercialization of such sensors. In this review, an overview of the methods used to generate RCDs and the properties of key RCDs that have been utilized for in vitro testing is first provided. Examples of RCD‐based assays and sensors that have been used to test either spiked biological samples or patient samples are then presented, highlighting assay performance in different biological matrixes. A summary of current prospects and challenges for development of in vitro diagnostic tests incorporating RCDs and an overview of future directions of the field is also provided.
Consideration of health inequity in systematic reviews and primary studies on risk factors for hearing loss
Authors: Briscoe Simon , Shaw Elizabeth , Nunns Michael , Lawal Hassanat , Orr Noreen , Coon Jo Thompson , Garside Ruth , Melendez‐Torres G. J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Health inequities are systematic, avoidable, and unfair differences in health between populations or population subgroups. There is increased recognition of the need for systematic reviews (SRs) to address health inequities, including drawing out findings relevant to low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which SRs on risk factors for hearing loss reported findings associated with health inequities, and the extent to which this data was captured in the primary studies included within these SRs.

Methods

We identified SRs on risk factors for hearing loss from a report on this topic which included a systematic search for relevant SRs. SRs thus identified were inspected for data related to health inequity with reference to PROGRESS‐Plus. We compared how data were reported in SRs versus within primary studies included in the SRs, and the extent to which primary studies from LMICs were represented.

Results

We included 17 SRs which reported findings on a variety of physiological, behavioral, demographic, and environmental risk factors for hearing loss. There were 296 unique primary studies included in the SRs, of which 251 (81.49%) were successfully retrieved. Data relating to health inequities was reported relatively infrequently in the SRs and mainly focused on gender and age. Data related to health inequities was more frequently reported in primary studies. However, several PROGRESS‐Plus criteria were only reported in a minority of primary studies. Approximately one‐third of primary studies were from LMICs.

Conclusions

There is scope to improve the reporting of data relating to health inequities in primary studies on risk factors for hearing loss. However, SR authors could do more to report health inequities than is currently undertaken, including drawing out findings relevant to LMICs where data are available.
Publication barriers and facilitators of Cochrane authors in sub‐Saharan Africa: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Kallon Idriss I. , Young Taryn , MacDonald Tonya A. , Schoonees Anel , Oliver Joy , Arikpo Dachi I. , Durão Solange , Effa Emmanuel , Hohlfeld Ameer S.‐J. , Kredo Tamara , Wiysonge Charles S. , Mbuagbaw Lawrence
Published: April 2024

Background

Well‐conducted systematic reviews contribute to informing clinical practice and public health guidelines. Between 2008 and 2018 Cochrane authors in sub‐Saharan Africa were publishing progressively fewer Cochrane Reviews, compared to non‐Cochrane reviews. The objective of this study was to determine what motivated trained Cochrane authors in sub‐Saharan Africa to conduct and publish non‐Cochrane reviews over Cochrane Reviews.

Methods

We conducted a mixed‐methods exploratory sequential study. We purposely selected 12 authors, who had published at least one Cochrane‐ and one non‐Cochrane review, for in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews. We manually coded and analysed the qualitative data using Grounded Theory approach and used the results to inform the survey questions. Subsequently we surveyed 60 authors with similar publishing experience. We analysed the quantitative data using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Facilitators to publish with Cochrane were a high‐impact factor, rigorous research, and visibility. From barriers, the main categories were protracted time to complete Cochrane Reviews, complex title registration process, and inconsistencies between Cochrane Review groups regarding editorial practices. From the survey, authors confirmed rigorous research and reviewing process (84%), high impact factor (77%), and good mentorship (73%). The major barriers included Cochrane's long reviewing process (70%) and Cochrane's complicated title registration (50%). Authors with publishing experience in the previous 10 years at <95 percentile of systematic review publications, there was no significant difference between the medians for publishing with Cochrane (1) and non‐Cochrane (0) reviews, p = 0.06. Similarly, for those with publishing experience of ≥95 percentile of systematic review publication there was no significant difference between the medians for publishing with Cochrane (4) and non‐Cochrane (6), p = 0.344.

Conclusion

Authors considered the visibility and relevance of Cochrane research as a trade‐off point. They continued publishing with Cochrane despite the barriers that they encountered. However, the concerns raised by many authors are worth addressing.
Novel ethylenediamine‐β‐cyclodextrin grafted membranes for the chiral separation of mandelic acid and its derivatives
Authors: Zhou Junjie , Wei Yongming , Wu Jiaojie , Li Shuqin , Xu Zhenliang , Peng Yangfeng
Published: April 2024

In the present study, flat cellulose acetate ultrafiltration membranes were prepared first by nonsolvent induced phase separation method. Then chiral membranes for separating the enantiomers were prepared by grafting the ultrafiltration membranes using ethylenediamine‐β‐cyclodextrin as the chiral selector and epichlorohydrin as the spacer arm. The pure water permeability of the ultrafiltration membrane was around 115 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1. The properties of the chiral membranes were characterized using infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chiral membrane performance in enantiomer separation was evaluated with racemates, such as mandelic acid (MA), 2‐chloromandelic acid (2‐ClMA), 4‐chloromandelic acid (4‐ClMA), and methyl mandelate (MM). The influence of feed concentration on the separation efficiency was also investigated. The results indicated that the enantiomeric excess percentages (e.e%) of the racemic mixtures for these four chiral compounds were up to 31.8%, 25.4%, 17.8%, and 32.6%, respectively. The binding free energy of the chiral selector with the (S)‐enantiomer calculated by molecular dynamics simulations was stronger than that with the (R)‐enantiomer, which was consistent with the experimental results (higher concentration of (R)‐enantiomer in the permeate). This supports the affinity absorption‐separation mechanism.
Preparation of amino acid chiral ionic liquid and visual chiral recognition of glutamine and phenylalanine enantiomers
Authors: Dong Luzheng , Wu Jun , Zhu Xiashi
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the amino acid chiral ionic liquid (AACIL) was prepared with L‐phenylalanine and imidazole. It was characterized by CD, FT‐IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectrum. The chiral recognition sensor was constructed with AACIL and Cu(II), which exhibited different chiral visual responses (solubility or color difference) to the enantiomers of glutamine (Gln) and phenylalanine (Phe). The effects of solvent, pH, time, temperature, metal ions, and other amino acids on visual chiral recognition were optimized. The minimum concentrations of Gln and Phe for visual chiral recognition were 0.20 mg/ml and 0.28 mg/ml, respectively. The mechanism of chiral recognition was investigated by FT‐IR, TEM, SEM, TG, XPS, and CD. The location of the host‐guest inclusion or molecular placement has been conformationally searched based on Gaussian 09 software.
Chemical Bonding, 10Dq Parameter and Superexchange in the Model Compound KNiF3
Authors: Sánchez‐Movellán Inés , Aramburu José Antonio , Moreno Miguel
Published: April 2024

The cubic field splitting parameter, 10Dq, plays a central role in the ligand field theory on insulating transition metal compounds. Experimental data obtained in the last 50 years prove that 10Dq is highly dependent on changes of the metal‐ligand distance, R, induced by chemical or applied pressures. Despite this fact has important consequences on optical and magnetic properties of such compounds, its actual origin is still controversial. Seeking to clarify that crucial issue, this work is focused on KNiF3, a reference system among insulating transition metal compounds. By means of first principles calculations we show that, contrary to what is usually thought, the R‐dependence of 10Dq arises neither from the crystal field contribution nor from the covalent admixture of 3d(Ni) with valence 2p(F) orbitals. Indeed, we prove that it is mainly due to the residual covalency with deep 2s(F) orbitals, highly sensitive to R variations. As a salient feature the present calculations show that the 3d–2pσ and 3d–2pπ admixtures raise practically equal the energy of antibonding eg and t2g orbitals of NiF64− units in KNiF3 thus leading to a null contribution to 10Dq. This conclusion is not significantly altered when considering the change of covalency on passing from the ground state 3A2(t2g6eg2) to the excited state 3T2(t2g5eg3). The different influence of chemical bonding on the superexchange constant, J, and 10Dq is also discussed in a second step. It is pointed out that the strong dependence of J upon R can hardly be explained through the behavior of the 3d–2pσ covalency derived for a single NiF64− unit. For the sake of clarity, the meaning of 10Dq is also briefly analyzed.
Evaluating Suicide Risk Stratification in Outpatient Settings: A Vignette‐Based Approach
Authors: Litschi Melissa A. , Lancaster Steven L. , Linkh David J. , Renno Stephanie , Neal‐Walden Tracy A. , Lawless Claire E. , Breetz Alisa A.
Published: April 2024

Suicide risk assessment and stratification are a key suicide prevention strategy in mental health care systems that treat military service members and veterans. The aim of the current mixed‐method project was to address a gap in our knowledge as to how therapists make these important clinical decisions. This manuscript reports the results of a project during which six vignettes were developed reflecting varying levels of risk according to the Rocky Mountain MIRECC Risk Stratification Table. Mental health therapists were asked to evaluate the risk level of each vignette, determine a treatment disposition, and provide justification for their ratings. The results of the study indicate that therapists can reliably evaluate risk, but that treatment planning tended to be based more on vignette‐specific factors than essential features of the risk model. The qualitative findings revealed variations in the definition and perception of foundational concepts, suggesting a need for further research and training in these domains. Overall, the results support the use of vignettes as a method to assess clinical decision‐making and provide several areas for further training and research.
Calcium Doped NASICON Electrolyte with Graphite Coating for Stable All‐solid‐state Sodium Metal Batteries
Authors: Jia Jing , Liu Tinghu , Li Yunming , Yang Jing , He Hao , Zhu Xiaoning , Yao Xiayin
Published: April 2024

All‐solid‐state sodium metal batteries face the challenges of low ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes and poor wettability towards metallic Na anode. Herein, Na3Zr2Si2PO12 solid electrolyte is doped with Ca2+, obtaining a high ionic conductivity of 2.09×10−3 S cm−1 with low electronic conductivity of 1.43×10−8 S cm−1 at room temperature, which could accelerate Na+ transportation and suppress sodium dendrite growth. Meanwhile, a graphite‐based interface layer is coated on Na3.4Zr1.8Ca0.2Si2PO12 (Na3.4Zr1.8Ca0.2Si2PO12‐G) in order to improve the solid‐solid contact between solid electrolyte and Na anode, realizing a uniform current distribution and smooth Na metal plating/stripping, and thus achieving a triple higher critical current density of 3.5 mA cm−2 compared with that of Na3.4Zr1.8Ca0.2Si2PO12. In addition, the assembled Na3V2(PO4)3/Na3.4Zr1.8Ca0.2Si2PO12‐G/Na all‐solid‐state battery exhibits excellent electrochemical performances with a reversible capacity of 81.47 mAh g−1 at 1 C and capacity retention of 97.75 % after 500 cycles.
Carbon‐Supported Ru‐Ni and Ru‐W Catalysts for the Transformation of Hydroxyacetone and Saccharides into Glycol‐Derived Primary Amines
Authors: Boulos Joseph , Goc Firat , Vandenbrouck Tom , Perret Noémie , Dhainaut Jérémy , Royer Sébastien , Rataboul Franck
Published: April 2024

Nitrogen‐containing molecules are used for the synthesis of polymers, surfactants, agrochemicals, and dyes. In the context of green chemistry, it is important to form such compounds from bioresource. Short‐chain primary amines are of interest for the polymer industry, like 2‐aminopropanol, 1‐aminopropan‐2‐ol, and 1,2‐diaminopropane. These amines can be formed through the amination of oxygenated substrates, preferably in aqueous phase. This is possible with heterogeneous catalysts, however, effective systems that allow reactions under mild conditions are lacking. We report an efficient catalyst Ru−Ni/AC for the reductive amination of hydroxyacetone into 2‐aminopropanol. The catalyst has been reused during 3 cycles demonstrating a good stability. As a prospective study, extension to the reactivity of (poly)carbohydrates has been realized. Despite a lesser efficiency, 2‐aminopropanol (9 % yield of amines) has been formed from fructose, the first example from a carbohydrate. This was possible using a 7.5 %Ru‐36 %WxC/AC catalyst, composition allowing a one‐pot retro‐aldol cleavage into hydroxyacetone and reductive amination. The transformation of cellulose through sequential reactions with a combination of 30 %W2C/AC and 7.5 %Ru‐36 %WxC/AC system gave 2 % of 2‐aminopropanol, corresponding to the first example of the formation of this amine from cellulose with heterogeneous catalysts.
Carboxylate Bridged Binuclear Cobalt(II) Complexes Catalyze the Hydrolysis of Thiolates to Alcohols
Authors: Chakraborty Anuj Baran , Ganguly Tuhin , Bera Abhijit , Majumdar Amit
Published: April 2024

A binuclear Co(II) complex, [Co2(PhBIMP)(μ‐O2CPh)(MeCN)]2+ (1) (PhBIMP is the anion of 2,6‐bis[(bis((N‐1‐methyl‐4,5‐diphenylimidazoylmethyl) amino)methyl]‐4‐methylphenol) catalyzes the hydrolysis of thiolates to the corresponding alcohols/phenols at room temperature. Hydrolysis of 11 different thiolates has been investigated with a catalyst loading of 4–6.7 mol% and with the highest TON values reaching 22. Furthermore, the effects of electron donating and electron withdrawing groups on the bridging benzoate of 1 have been investigated. The intermediates, products, and fate of the catalyst have been identified by mass spectrometric, gas chromatographic and gravimetric methods, and based on that, a mechanism for the catalytic cycle has been proposed.
The prevalence, incidence and management of low back pain with radiating leg pain in Dutch general practice: A population‐based cohort study in the Rijnmond Primary Care Database
Authors: Khorami Ahmad Khoshal , Chiarotto Alessandro , de Schepper Evelien I. T. , Bindels Patrick J. E. , Koes Bart W. , van den Driest Jacoline J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Radiating leg pain is common in patients with low back pain (LBP). In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of LBP with radiating leg pain in Dutch general practice, and to describe the prescribed medications and requested imaging diagnostics.

Methods

The Rijnmond Primary Care Database containing over 500,000 primary care patients was used to select patients ≥18 years with LBP with radiating leg pain between 2013 and 2021. Data on patient characteristics, LBP episodes, prescribed medication and requested imaging in the first 3 months of an episode was extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to present patient characteristics and diagnostic/therapeutic interventions.

Results

A total of 27,695 patients were included. The total number of LBP with radiating leg pain episodes in these patients was 36,268. In 2021, the incidence and prevalence were 19.1 and 25.7 per 1000 patient years, respectively. In 60% of patients, the episode duration was shorter than 1 month. In 62% of the episodes, patients visited the general practitioner (GP) one to two times. In 59% of the episodes, at least one medication was prescribed, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) being the most common one (45%). In approximately 11% of the episodes, additional diagnostic imaging was requested.

Conclusion

LBP with radiating leg pain is common in Dutch general practice patients. About 2/3rd were prescribed pain medications. Dutch request few to none diagnostic imaging for these patients which is in line with clinical practice guidelines.

Significance

In this new study, we have gained insights into the incidence and prevalence of LBP with radiating leg pain in Dutch general practice. Both remained fairly stable over the study period of 9 years (2013–2021). Overall, the care burden regarding seeking contact with the GPs and the requested diagnostics seem not to be that high. In 62% of the care episodes, there were one or two consultations with the GP, and in 11% of the episodes a diagnostic imaging was requested. Pain medications frequently prescribed (i.e. 2/3rd of the episodes), with NSAIDs being the most common ones.
Laser‐induced graphene formation on recycled woods for green smart furniture
Authors: Nam Han Ku , Choi Jungrak , Jing Tongmei , Yang Dongwook , Lee Younggeun , Kim Young‐Ryeul , Le Truong‐Son Dinh , Kim Byunggi , Yu Liandong , Kim Seung‐Woo , Park Inkyu , Kim Young‐Jin
Published: April 2024

In the pursuit of carbon neutrality policies, the development of eco‐friendly and intelligent furniture commands a significant role. However, the integration of non‐biodegradable electronic components in smart furniture fabrication has led to substantial electronic waste. Here, we report a straightforward approach, the rapid production of Laser‐Induced Graphene (LIG) on medium‐density fiberboard (MDF), a prevalent recycled wood in furniture production. This LIG electrode is crafted with negligible material ablation in ambient air with the aid of femtosecond laser pulses, without requiring any additional materials, showcasing the highest electrical conductivity (2.781 Ω sq−1) among previously reported lignocellulosic materials‐based LIG. The application of this LIG electrode for lighting, heating, and touch sensors displays sufficient performance for smart furniture implementation. For eco‐conscious furniture, LIG‐based human‐machine interfaces are demonstrated on recycled woods for the facile control of smart devices, which will readily enable IoT‐oriented smart sustainable furniture.

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Radioactive iodine therapy improves overall survival outcome in oncocytic carcinoma of the thyroid by reducing death risks from noncancer causes: A competing risk analysis of 4641 patients
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wang Xinyi , Wei Tao , Li Zhihui , Zhu Jingqiang , Chen Ya‐Wen
Published: April 2024

Background

Oncocytic carcinoma of the thyroid (OCA) is an independent type of thyroid cancer. Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy was frequently administered to OCA patients, but its contribution to improving survival is indefinite.

Methods

4641 OCA patients from 2000 to 2018 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Cox proportional hazard regression and competing risk analysis were applied.

Results

Tumor size, SEER stage, primary surgery, and neck dissection were prognostic factors for cancer‐specific survival. The results of competing risk analysis demonstrated that age over 55 years dramatically increased non‐OCA death risks. Treatments that improve non‐OCA survival (including total thyroidectomy, RAI therapy, and systemic therapy) should be recommended in OCA patients older than 55 years of age. Neck lymphadenectomy should not be recommended for OCA, since the metastatic lymph node ratio was low (about 3%).

Conclusions

RAI therapy can improve survival in OCA by reducing noncancer death risks.
Utilizing MBSE for disposable intravenous infusion set: A case study on systems thinking in medical device industry.
Authors: Mehta Ashish , Jawale Ankita , Khan Mohammed Mehtab , Vidap Akshay , Mangumali Manjunath
Published: April 2024

Systems Engineering has demonstrated significant value and has become increasingly necessary. However, this has increased challenges in the quest to build next gen systems tailored to changing customer needs and evolving industry requirements. Many systems engineering practices have evolved catering to these challenges, leading to development of model‐based systems engineering approaches. This paper describes leveraging MBSE and systems thinking application in medical device industry to adapt with changing customer needs, comply with regulatory constraints and advance towards sustainability.
System Of Systems Modeling for Urban Air Mobility Concept
Authors: Singh Dhirendra
Published: April 2024

The exploration of Systems of Systems (SoS) modeling using Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is an ongoing area of research, wherein researchers are actively investigating various frameworks and languages suitable for initiating SoS modeling. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) represents a novel approach to urban transportation, integrating multiple systems and stakeholders to enable on‐demand, environment friendly, efficient, and sustainable air travel within cities. International organizations have dedicated significant efforts to develop a comprehensive Concept of Operation (ConOps) for UAM, aiming to define the UAM ecosystem and identify the supporting systems. While previous research was focused on defining the Urban Air System (UAS) using Systems Modeling Language (SysML), there remains a gap in capturing the ConOps for UAM as a System of Systems (SoS) using SysML. This study seeks to address this gap by utilizing the MagicGrid Framework for SoS modeling.
Clinical characteristics of endometrioma with and without dysmenorrhea diagnosed by laparoscopy: A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary center
Authors: Choi Haeryung , Kim Sung Eun , Lee Nae Hyun , Lee Dong‐Yun , Choi DooSeok
Published: April 2024

Objective

Clinical characteristics of patients with endometrioma without dysmenorrhea have not been well delineated; our goal was to remedy this issue by performing a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 379 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometrioma ≥4 cm at a tertiary hospital were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of dysmenorrhea at the time of hospital visit; with dysmenorrhea group and without dysmenorrhea group.

Results

Patients without dysmenorrhea comprised 9.5% of all surgically confirmed endometriomas. Significant differences were found in the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) stage, age at surgery, and bilaterality. Patients with rASRM stage IV were more likely to have dysmenorrhea than were subjects with rASRM stage III (odds ratio (OR), 10.58; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.63–24.21; P < 0.001). Older patients were less likely to have dysmenorrhea (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88–1.00; P = 0.045), as were patients with bilateral rather than unilateral endometrioma (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.15–0.82; P = 0.015). No significant differences in cyst size, age at menarche, body mass index (BMI), parity, or history of previous ovarian surgery were found between the two groups.

Conclusion

Patients without dysmenorrhea comprised 9.5% of endometrioma cases and had less advanced rASRM stage, were older at surgery, and had a higher probability of bilateral than unilateral endometrioma than patients with dysmenorrhea.
Escargot a Snail superfamily member and its multiple roles in Drosophila melanogaster development
Authors: Zambrano‐Tipan Diego , Narváez‐Padilla Verónica , Reynaud Enrique
Published: April 2024

The Snail superfamily of transcription factors plays a crucial role in metazoan development; one of the most important vertebrate members of this family is Snai1 which is orthologous to the Drosophila melanogaster esg gene. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the roles of the esg gene in Drosophila development, covering its expression pattern and downstream targets, and draws parallels between the vertebrate Snai1 family proteins on controlling the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and esg. This gene regulates stemness, ploidy, and pluripontency. esg is expressed in various tissues during development, including the gut, imaginal discs, and neuroblasts. The functions of the esg include the suppression of differentiation in intestinal stem cells and the preservation of diploidy in imaginal cells. In the nervous system development, esg expression also inhibits neuroblast differentiation, thus regulating the number of neurons and the moment in development of neuronal differentiation. Loss of esg function results in diverse developmental defects, including defects in intestinal stem cell maintenance and differentiation, and alters imaginal disc and nervous system development. Expression levels of esg also play a role in regulating longevity and metabolism in adult stages. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of esg's developmental role, emphasizing cellular and tissue effects that arise from its loss of function. The insights gained may contribute to a better understanding of evolutionary conserved developmental mechanisms and certain metabolic diseases.
TRPV4 promotes HBV replication and capsid assembly via methylation modification of H3K4 and HBc ubiquitin
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yuan Xiaoxue , Wang Jun , Han Ming , Lu Hongping , Wang Yun , Liu Shunai , Yang Song , Xing Hui‐Chun , Cheng Jun
Published: April 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant burden on global public health. Unfortunately, current treatments cannot fully alleviate this burden as they have limited effect on the transcriptional activity of the tenacious covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) responsible for viral persistence. Consequently, the HBV life cycle should be further investigated to develop new anti‐HBV pharmaceutical targets. Our previous study discovered that the host gene TMEM203 hinders HBV replication by participating in calcium ion regulation. The involvement of intracellular calcium in HBV replication has also been confirmed. In this study, we found that transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) notably enhances HBV reproduction by investigating the effects of several calcium ion‐related molecules on HBV replication. The in‐depth study showed that TRPV4 promotes hepatitis B core/capsid protein (HBc) protein stability through the ubiquitination pathway and then promotes the nucleocapsid assembly. HBc binds to cccDNA and reduces the nucleosome spacing of the cccDNA‐histones complex, which may regulate HBV transcription by altering the nucleosome arrangement of the HBV genome. Moreover, our results showed that TRPV4 promotes cccDNA‐dependent transcription by accelerating the methylation modification of H3K4. In conclusion, TRPV4 could interact with HBV core protein and regulate HBV during transcription and replication. These data suggest that TRPV4 exerts multifaceted HBV‐related synergistic factors and may serve as a therapeutic target for CHB.
The use of human iPSC‐derived alveolar organoids to explore SARS‐CoV‐2 variant infections and host responses
Authors: Gandikota Chaitanya , Vaddadi Kishore , Sivasami Pulavendran , Huang Chaoqun , Liang Yurong , Pushparaj Samuel , Deng Xufang , Channappanavar Rudragouda , Metcalf Jordan P. , Liu Lin
Published: April 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) primarily targets the respiratory system. Physiologically relevant human lung models are indispensable to investigate virus‐induced host response and disease pathogenesis. In this study, we generated human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived alveolar organoids (AOs) using an established protocol that recapitulates the sequential steps of in vivo lung development. AOs express alveolar epithelial type II cell protein markers including pro‐surfactant protein C and ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 3. Compared to primary human alveolar type II cells, AOs expressed higher mRNA levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 entry factors, angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1) and basigin (CD147). Considering the localization of ACE2 on the apical side in AOs, we used three AO models, apical‐in, sheared and apical‐out for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. All three models of AOs were robustly infected with the SARS‐CoV‐2 irrespective of ACE2 accessibility. Antibody blocking experiment revealed that ASGR1 was the main receptor for SARS‐CoV2 entry from the basolateral in apical‐in AOs. AOs supported the replication of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants WA1, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Zeta and Omicron to a variable degree with WA1 being the highest and Omicron being the least. Transcriptomic profiling of infected AOs revealed the induction of inflammatory and interferon‐related pathways with NF‐κB signaling being the predominant host response. In summary, iPSC‐derived AOs can serve as excellent human lung models to investigate infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants and host responses from both apical and basolateral sides.
Global burden of vaccine‐associated multiple sclerosis, 1967–2022: A comprehensive analysis of the international pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Woo Ho Geol , Kim Hyeon Jin , Park Jaeyu , Lee Jinseok , Lee Hayeon , Kim Min Seo , Koyanagi Ai , Smith Lee , Rahmati Masoud , Yeo Seung Geun , Yon Dong Keon
Published: April 2024

Vaccine‐associated multiple sclerosis (MS) is rare, with insufficient evidence from case reports. Given the scarcity of large‐scale data investigating the association between vaccine administration and adverse events, we investigated the global burden of vaccine‐associated MS and potential related vaccines from 1967 to 2022. Reports on vaccine‐associated MS between 1967 and 2022 were obtained from the World Health Organization International Pharmacovigilance Database (total number of reports = 120 715 116). We evaluated global reports, reporting odds ratio (ROR), and information components (IC) to investigate associations between 19 vaccines and vaccine‐associated MS across 156 countries and territories. We identified 8288 reports of vaccine‐associated MS among 132 980 cases of all‐cause MS. The cumulative number of reports on vaccine‐associated MS gradually increased over time, with a substantial increase after 2020, owing to COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine‐associated MS. Vaccine‐associated MS develops more frequently in males and adolescents. Nine vaccines were significantly associated with higher MS reporting, and the highest disproportional associations were observed for hepatitis B vaccines (ROR 19.82; IC025 4.18), followed by encephalitis (ROR 7.42; IC025 2.59), hepatitis A (ROR 4.46; IC025 1.95), and papillomavirus vaccines (ROR 4.45; IC025 2.01). Additionally, MS showed a significantly disproportionate signal for COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines (ROR 1.55; IC025 0.52). Fatal clinical outcomes were reported in only 0.3% (21/8288) of all cases of vaccine‐associated MS. Although various vaccines are potentially associated with increased risk of MS, we should be cautious about the increased risk of MS following vaccination, particularly hepatitis B and COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines, and should consider the risk factors associated with vaccine‐associated MS.
Reevaluating the FDA's warning against the use of probiotics in preterm neonates: A societal statement by ESPGHAN and EFCNI
Authors: van den Akker Chris H. P. , Embleton Nicholas D. , Lapillonne Alexandre , Mihatsch Walter A. , Salvatore Silva , Canani Roberto B. , Dinleyici Ener C. , Domellöf Magnus , Guarino Alfredo , Gutiérrez‐Castrellón Pedro , Hojsak Iva , Indrio Flavia , Mosca Alexis , Orel Rok , van Goudoever Johannes (Hans) B. , Weizman Zvi , Mader Silke , Zimmermann Luc J. I. , Shamir Raanan , Vandenplas Yvan , Szajewska Hania
Published: April 2024

The recent advisory issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration, cautioning against the routine administration of probiotics in preterm neonates, has sparked a lively debate within the scientific community. This commentary presents a perspective from members of the Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications within the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and other authors who contributed to the ESPGHAN position paper on probiotics for preterm infants, as well as representatives from the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants. We advocate for a more nuanced and supportive approach to the use of certain probiotics in this vulnerable population, balancing the demonstrated benefits and risks.
Odevixibat as an adjunctive treatment for refractory pruritus in rare variants of cholestatic liver disease
Authors: Goel Akshat , Tucker Bethany , Casale Lorena Soler , Grammatikopoulos Tassos
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Odevixibat, a reversible ileal bile acid transport inhibitor, has been shown to reduce serum bile acids (sBA) and pruritus mostly in children with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) 1 and 2 in clinical trials and case reports. There are currently no published case reports or series describing its use in rare variants of cholestatic liver disease.

Methods

We describe three children with progressive cholestatic liver disease who developed refractory pruritus, who had a genotypic diagnosis of AKR1D1, ABCB4 variant, and PKHD1 and PKHD2 variants; all being variants of unknown significance as per the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.

Results

On Odevixibat there was a significant improvement in sBA (absolute change from baseline: −196 and −393 μmol/L) and pruritus in two children with heterozygous AKR1D1 and ABCB4 mutations. The child with ABCB4 variants was found to have features of sclerosing cholangitis along with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, which represents the first reported usage of Odevixibat in such a case with good response. There was some reported improvement in the third child with PKHD1 and PKHD2 variants; however, we hypothesize that no sustained improvement could be due to severe and progressive nature of the disease. There were no side effects reported and it was well tolerated in all.

Conclusion

We suggest that Odevixibat may be used as an adjunctive drug in refractory pruritus and could be started early in the course of disease if clinically and phenotypically indicated.
On the concept of the regional religious brand: The veneration and pilgrimage of Saint John Vladimir and new pathways for religious tourism
Authors: Avdia Blerta , Bici Alma , Giakoumis Konstantinos
Published: April 2024

Building on the concept of regional branding, the paper seeks to pave new ground by delving into the novel concept of a ‘regional religious brand.’ As a new term in religious tourism, the ‘regional religious brand’ defines the function of distinguishing a spiritual value offered in a region as a concept and reality, containing a name, an iconography, a set of images, a pilgrimage, narratives, a slogan, visions, and symbols. After arguing that the territory of the former Archdiocese of Ohrid still qualifies as a region, we engage in one of the region's spiritual symbols, the veneration and pilgrimage of Saint John Vladimir and suggest a concrete pilgrimage route stemming from this regional religious brand.
Benzoylation of Iota Carrageenan: Development of a Stable, Conductive, and Hydrophobic Drug Carrier with Reduced Toxicity and Improved Gel‐Forming Ability
Authors: Bhatt Akanksha , Kailkhura Shashank , Purohit Priyank
Published: April 2024

Iota carrageenan is characterized as a hydrocolloid, with the limitations of hygroscopicity and hydrophilicity. Here, each of these factors is addressed to enhance the stability, and hydrophobicity through the protection of highly reactive primary alcohol and the formation of stable, improved hydrophobic, and conductive gel for the loading of lipophilic drugs. The functionalized polymer is evaluated through the microscopic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of the compounds, which confirm the confined nature of the functionalized polymer. Moreover, the values changed from compound 1 (iota carrageenan) to compound 2 (benzoyl liked iota carrageenan) included Log P (partition coefficient) from −0.97 to 0.90, calculated partition coefficient (cLog P) from −2.50 to 0.12, and total polar surface area (TPSA) from 214.1 to 208.57, which strongly suggest the enhanced hydrophobic character of functionalized polymers. The enhancement is further concluded by the loading of the lipophilic drug inside the core of functionalized polymer‐based gel. The enhanced loading of the drug clearly shows the improved hydrophobicity (56–86%) of the gel core of the functionalized compounds. In summary, a polymer with enhanced stability, hydrophobicity, conductivity, and capacity to make a more stable gel, with enhanced drug‐loading capability of water‐insoluble drugs, will be the best way to resolve the low bioavailability issue of the water‐insoluble drug.
Partial component consensus in mean‐square for delayed nonlinear multi‐agent systems with uncertain nonhomogeneous Markov switching topologies and aperiodic denial‐of‐service cyber‐attacks
Authors: Zhou Xia , Liu Wanbing , Li Fengbing , Cao Jinde , Xi Meixuan
Published: April 2024

The partial component consensus in mean‐square for delayed nonlinear multi‐agent systems (NMASs) with uncertain nonhomogeneous Markov switching (UNMS) topologies subjected to aperiodic denial‐of‐service (DoS) cyber‐attacks is investigated. Firstly, the partial component (
‐dimensional) consensus of the system (
‐dimensional,
) is considered in this paper. When
, the partial component consensus degrades into identical consensus. Secondly, the communication topologies governed by uncertain nonhomogeneous Markov chains are random. Thirdly, the communication topologies suffer from aperiodic DoS cyber‐attacks. Then, in view of stochastic analysis technology, distributed control theory and Lyapunov stability theory, the partial component consensus conditions are obtained using permutation matrix and inequality scaling skills. Eventually, the correctness of the results is verified through an example.
Design of miniaturized 2.5D frequency selective surface for X‐ and Ku‐band applications
Authors: Suganya Anandan , Natarajan Rajesh
Published: April 2024

This paper presents the design of 2.5D frequency selective surface (FSS) for X and Ku band applications. Proposed FSS's unit cell is constructed with two independent slitted rings on both side of the FR4 substrate and is connected with metallic vias. The FSS offers a wide stop band performance from 6.26 to 18 GHz, with a fractional bandwidth of 96.7% measured at S21 < −10 dB and has a low insertion loss (IL) of 0.018 dB. The footprint of the FSS is only about 0.11 with the shielding effectiveness of 83.365 dB, and the transverse electric and transverse magnetic mode performances are stable up to 70 degrees. Prototype FSS is fabricated and measured for its performance validation. The performance validation is carried out using applied wave research and the equivalent circuit model tools.
Facile preparation of thermally conductive fiber film by self‐assembling interconnected boron nitride nanosheets for effective thermal interface materials
Authors: Ye Bin , Li Ling , Dai Kun , Xie Zuoxiang , Zhou Qinhua , Dong Yuyang , Zheng Qingbin , Park Soo‐Jin , Zhang Yinhang
Published: April 2024

Boron nitride (BN) has garnered significant attention for its potential in developing thermally conductive materials owing to its inherent insulating properties and high thermal conductivity. However, achieving high thermal conductivity in bulk materials or 3D structures constructed by BN sheets has remained challenging. In this study, we present a novel approach to design a high‐quality BN fiber using xanthan gum (XG) as a skeleton, aiming to facilitate heat dissipation in integrated circuits. The resulting thermally conductive film, with orderly and compactly arranged BN sheets in the XG skeleton, exhibits a remarkable in‐plane thermal conductivity of 8.26 Wm−1 K−1 and an out‐of‐plane thermal conductivity of 1.35 Wm−1 K−1. This film efficiently enables fast heat dissipation for LED chips and thermoelectric generators. Finite element simulation further supports the efficient heat transfer capacity of the BN fiber films.

Highlights

A high‐quality BN fiber was prepared by a facile approach.

The BN fiber film exhibited high thermal conductivity.

This film enables fast heat dissipation in practical applications.
Effect of the molar mass of polyimide based on pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4′‐oxydianiline on dielectric and mechanical properties of nonwoven oriented polyimide materials
Authors: Kamalov Almaz , Vaganov Gleb , Simonova Maria , Kraft Vadim , Nesterova Anna , Saprykina Natalia , Romasheva Margarita , Filippov Alexander , Yudin Vladimir
Published: April 2024

This work is dedicated to the development and investigation of the properties of low‐dielectric‐constant nonwoven materials obtained by electrospinning from a polyimide‐based polymer, PMDA‐ODA, which is composed of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA). The influence of the molar mass of PMDA‐ODA on the structural, mechanical, and dielectric properties of the resulting samples has been investigated. The molar mass of the polyimide has been determined through light scattering and viscosity measurements of polyamic acid solutions. As the molar mass of PMDA‐ODA increases from 13.400 to 49.300 g/mol, the glass transition temperature of the produced nonwoven samples increases, and their tensile mechanical properties are improved. The dielectric constant of PMDA‐ODA nonwoven polyimide materials varies from 1.55 to 1.91 at a temperature of 30°C in a frequency range from 1 Hz to 1 MHz, depending on the molar mass of the polymer used.
High levels of genetic variation and differentiation in wild tropical gourds provide a novel resource for cucurbit crop improvement
Authors: Castellanos‐Morales Gabriela , Aguirre‐Dugua Xitlali , Scheinvar Enrique , Gasca‐Pineda Jaime , Sánchez‐de la Vega Guillermo , Aguirre‐Planter Erika , Lira‐Saade Rafael , Eguiarte Luis E.
Published: April 2024

Social Impact Statement

The genetic variation of crop wild relatives will be key for our survival, as environmental change represents an increasing global threat for agriculture and food security. Cucurbita lundelliana and Cucurbita okeechobeensis subsp. martinezii are wild relatives of cultivated squashes and pumpkins that could be used for crop improvement. A genomic approach was used to characterize genetic resources in these taxa, that is, to identify candidate sites in the genome involved in responses to abiotic stress, and to understand the roles of gene flow and environmental differentiation in their divergence. This study highlights the importance of conserving these two species as phytogenetic resources for crop improvement.

Crop wild relatives (CWR) are reservoirs of genetic diversity and they are important for the maintenance of crop evolutionary potential. Mexico is the centre of domestication and diversity for many CWR. The genus Cucurbita originated in America, where at least six independent domestication events took place. Nonetheless, Cucurbita CWR have been seldom studied. In the present study, we test the role of incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and secondary contact in the divergence of C. okeechobeensis subsp. martinezii and C. lundelliana. Additionally, we seek to understand the role of environmental differentiation in their divergence.

We obtained 1,638 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 107 individuals from the most recently diverged wild species in this genus, encompassing 25 localities of C. lundelliana and nine localities of C. okeechobeensis subsp. martinezii in Mexico.

We found higher genetic variation in C. lundelliana (HE = 0.227) than in C. okeechobeensis subsp. martinezii (HE = 0.187). Each taxon constitutes a well‐differentiated genetic group, with an area of introgression in Pantanos de Centla. We found candidate loci associated to hydric and thermal stress, which could be valuable for crop improvement. Our study supported a scenario of ILS followed by secondary contact, where divergence was probably driven by Pleistocene climate change.

These CWR represent important phytogenetic resources for crop improvement given their high levels of genetic variation and differentiation and their SNPs associated to different climatic variables.