bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards the Artist–Scholar
Authors: Weigel-Doughty Gretchen
Published: October 2003

Theatre educators often struggle with the burden of constructing a working model for teaching dramatic and production/performance theory-in-practice. Stratifi-cation of the vocational and academic constraints of theatre studies seems to work against us. In response to this problem, I have deviseda course model that incorporates both academic and applied theatre education and that seeks to relate theory to practice, and vice versa. The proposeddual model enables a flexible application, which can be adapted to the educator’s programmestrengths as well as university resources. Thefirst variant has the applied production as its core and is augmented by theory-based tutorials. The second is centred on a lecture/seminar format andincorporates smaller applied projects as a testing ground. While each of thetwo variants approaches theory-in-practice from a unique perspective, both build on a solid foundation in theoretical understanding and applied technique for the best understanding of the relationship needed to become an artist–scholar.
An Australian Perspective on the Humanities
Authors: Pascoe Robert
Published: October 2003

As elsewhere in the Anglophone world, there has been a serious contraction in public funding for the teaching of the Humanities and Social Sciences in Australian universities during the 1990s. Although staff morale has suffered and class sizes have grown, the level of innovation in undergraduate teaching has risen and student assessments of how they are taught have improved. Certain disciplines in the Humanities have prospered during this decade; others have gone into seemingly irreversible decline. The Humanities will play a crucial role in Australia’s economic future, given the emergence of new knowledge-laden industries. The styles of teaching and learning in the BA will also foster some of the skills necessary for success in that as yet ill-defined economy.
Transition to Tertiary Education in the Arts and Humanities
Authors: Clerehan Rosemary
Published: October 2003

The ‘successful’ Arts student of the new millennium in Australia is likely to be female and studying full-time, having justcompleted her final year of schooling. Increasing numbers of students, however, are mature-age, are working long hours in paid employment, ormay be the first in their family to attend university. A significant proportion of this heterogeneous population may appear on campus only rarely. In order toengage the hearts and minds of thesestudents in their arts and humanities studies, it is necessary to acknowledge such realities. Last century’s solutions to the ‘academic adjustment’ question will not hold. The new transition to study initiatives rely to an extent on differentiating between student groups to establish starting points, but must also find broad and stable ways of supporting the student cohort to make the transition successfully, particularly to the kinds of writingand thinking that characterize the individual disciplines.
School to University
Authors: Smith Keverne
Published: October 2003

This article begins by showing that students’ failure to complete degree courses is an international problem. It suggests that a major cause of this is the lack of a planned transition between school and university. Using the teaching of English in British universities as a case study, it examines factors both within and beyond the academic discipline which contribute to the difficulty of making this transition. It concludes that greater efforts need to be made to liaise between the two sectors.
Angiogenesis in Endocrine Tumors
Authors: Turner Helen E. , Harris Adrian L. , Melmed Shlomo , Wass John A. H.
Published: October 2003

Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessel development from preexisting vasculature. Although vascular endothelium is usually quiescent in the adult, active angiogenesis has been shown to be an important process for new vessel formation, tumor growth, progression, and spread. The angiogenic phenotype depends on the balance of proangiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inhibitors, as well as interactions with the extracellular matrix, allowing for endothelial migration. Endocrine glands are typically vascular organs, and their blood supply is essential for normal function and tight control of hormone feedback loops. In addition to metabolic factors such as hypoxia, the process of angiogenesis is also regulated by hormonal changes such as increased estrogen, IGF-I, and TSH levels.

By measuring microvascular density, differences in angiogenesis have been related to differences in tumor behavior, and similar techniques have been applied to both benign and malignant endocrine tumors with the aim of identification of tumors that subsequently behave in an aggressive fashion.

In contrast to other tumor types, pituitary tumors are less vascular than normal pituitary tissue, although the mechanism for this observation is not known. A relationship between angiogenesis and tumor size, tumor invasiveness, and aggressiveness has been shown in some pituitary tumor types, but not in others. There are few reports on the role of microvascular density or angiogenic factors in adrenal tumors. The mechanism of the vascular tumors, which include adrenomedullary tumors, found in patients with Von Hippel Lindau disease has been well characterized, and clinical trials of antiangiogenic therapy are currently being performed in patients with Von Hippel Lindau disease. Thyroid tumors are more vascular than normal thyroid tissue, and there is a clear correlation between increased VEGF expression and more aggressive thyroid tumor behavior and metastasis. Although parathyroid tissue induces angiogenesis when autotransplanted and PTH regulates both VEGF and MMP expression, there are few studies of angiogenesis and angiogenic factors in parathyroid tumors.

An understanding of the balance of angiogenesis in these vascular tumors and mechanisms of vascular control may assist in therapeutic decisions and allow appropriately targeted treatment.
Role of Gastrointestinal Hormones in the Proliferation of Normal and Neoplastic Tissues
Authors: Thomas Robert P. , Hellmich Mark R. , Townsend Courtney M. , Evers B. Mark
Published: October 2003

Gastrointestinal (GI) hormones are chemical messengers that regulate the physiological functions of the intestine and pancreas, including secretion, motility, absorption, and digestion. In addition to these well-defined physiological effects, GI hormones can stimulate proliferation of the nonneoplastic intestinal mucosa and pancreas. Furthermore, in an analogous fashion to breast and prostate cancer, certain GI cancers possess receptors for GI hormones; growth can be altered by administration of these hormones or by blocking their respective receptors. The GI hormones that affect proliferation, either stimulatory or inhibitory, include gastrin, cholecystokinin, gastrin-releasing peptide, neurotensin, peptide YY, glucagon-like peptide-2, and somatostatin. The effects of these peptides on normal and neoplastic GI tissues will be described. Also, future perspectives and potential therapeutic implications will be discussed.
Searching for the Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Susceptibility Genes: From Gene Mapping to Gene Function
Authors: Tomer Yaron , Davies Terry F.
Published: October 2003

The autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are complex diseases that are caused by an interaction between susceptibility genes and environmental triggers. Genetic susceptibility, in combination with external factors (e.g., dietary iodine), is believed to initiate the autoimmune response to thyroid antigens. Abundant epidemiological data, including family and twin studies, point to a strong genetic influence on the development of AITD. Various techniques have been used to identify the genes contributing to the etiology of AITD, including candidate gene analysis and whole genome screening. These studies have enabled the identification of several loci (genetic regions) that are linked with AITD, and in some of these loci putative AITD susceptibility genes have been identified. Some of these genes/loci are unique to Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), and some are common to both diseases, indicating that there is a shared genetic susceptibility to GD and HT. The putative GD and HT susceptibility genes include both immune modifying genes (e.g., human leukocyte antigen, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4) and thyroid-specific genes (e.g., TSH receptor, thyroglobulin). Most likely these loci interact, and their interactions may influence disease phenotype and severity. It is hoped that in the near future additional AITD susceptibility genes will be identified and the mechanisms by which they induce AITD will be unraveled.
Dystrophin is required for the formation of stable muscle attachments in the zebrafish embryo
Authors: Bassett David I. , Bryson-Richardson Robert J. , Daggett David F. , Gautier Philippe , Keenan David G. , Currie Peter D.
Published: October 2003

A class of recessive lethal zebrafish mutations has been identified in which normal skeletal muscle differentiation is followed by a tissue-specific degeneration that is reminiscent of the human muscular dystrophies. Here, we show that one of these mutations, sapje, disrupts the zebrafish orthologue of the X-linked human Duchenne muscular dystrophy(DMD) gene. Mutations in this locus cause Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophies in human patients and are thought to result in a dystrophic pathology through disconnecting the cytoskeleton from the extracellular matrix in skeletal muscle by reducing the level of dystrophin protein at the sarcolemma. This is thought to allow tearing of this membrane, which in turn leads to cell death. Surprisingly, we have found that the progressive muscle degeneration phenotype of sapje mutant zebrafish embryos is caused by the failure of embryonic muscle end attachments. Although a role for dystrophin in maintaining vertebrate myotendinous junctions (MTJs) has been postulated previously and MTJ structural abnormalities have been identified in the Dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse model, in vivo evidence of pathology based on muscle attachment failure has thus far been lacking. This zebrafish mutation may therefore provide a model for a novel pathological mechanism of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other muscle diseases.
Maternal mRNAs ofPEMandmacho 1, the ascidian muscle determinant, associate and move with a rough endoplasmic reticulum network in the egg cortex
Authors: Sardet Christian , Nishida Hiroki , Prodon François , Sawada Kaichiro
Published: October 2003

Localization of maternal mRNAs in the egg cortex is an essential feature of polarity in embryos of Drosophila, Xenopus and ascidians. In ascidians, maternal mRNAs such as macho 1, a determinant of primary muscle-cell fate, belong to a class of postplasmic RNAs that are located along the animal-vegetal gradient in the egg cortex. Between fertilization and cleavage, these postplasmic RNAs relocate in two main phases. They further concentrate and segregate in small posterior blastomeres into a cortical structure, the centrosome-attracting body (CAB), which is responsible for unequal cleavages.

By using high-resolution, fluorescent, in situ hybridization in eggs,zygotes and embryos of Halocynthia roretzi, we showed that macho 1 and HrPEM are localized on a reticulated structure situated within 2 μm of the surface of the unfertilized egg, and within 8 μm of the surface the vegetal region and then posterior region of the zygote. By isolating cortices from eggs and zygotes we demonstrated that this reticulated structure is a network of cortical rough endoplasmic reticulum (cER) that is tethered to the plasma membrane. The postplasmic RNAs macho 1 and HrPEM were located on the cER network and could be detached from it. We also show that macho 1 and HrPEM accumulated in the CAB and the cER network. We propose that these postplasmic RNAs relocalized after fertilization by following the microfilament- and microtubule-driven translocations of the cER network to the poles of the zygote. We also suggest that the RNAs segregate and concentrate in posterior blastomeres through compaction of the cER to form the CAB. A multimedia BioClip `Polarity inside the egg cortex' tells the story and can be downloaded at www.bioclips.com/bioclip.html
Accelerated dendritic development of rat cortical pyramidal cells and interneurons after biolistic transfection with BDNF and NT4/5
Authors: Wirth Marcus J. , Brün Annika , Grabert Jochen , Patz Silke , Wahle Petra
Published: October 2003

Neurotrophins are candidate molecules for regulating dendritogenesis. We report here on dendritic growth of rat visual cortex pyramidal and interneurons overexpressing `brain-derived neurotrophic factor' BDNF and`neurotrophin 4/5' NT4/5. Neurons in organotypic cultures were transfected with plasmids encoding either `enhanced green fluorescent protein' EGFP,BDNF/EGFP or NT4/5/EGFP either at the day of birth with analysis at 5 days in vitro, or at 5 days in vitro with analysis at 10 days in vitro.

In pyramidal neurons, both TrkB ligands increased dendritic length and number of segments without affecting maximum branch order and number of primary dendrites. In the early time window, only infragranular neurons were responsive. Neurons in layers II/III became responsive to NT4/5, but not BDNF,during the later time window. BDNF and NT4/5 transfectants at 10 days in vitro had still significantly shorter dendrites than adult pyramidal neurons,suggesting a massive growth spurt after 10 days in vitro. However, segment numbers were already in the range of adult neurons. Although this suggested a role for BDNF, long-term activity-deprived, and thus BDNF-deprived, pyramidal cells developed a dendritic complexity not different from neurons in active cultures except for higher spine densities on neurons of layers II/III and VI. Neutralization of endogenous NT4/5 causes shorter and less branched dendrites at 10 days in vitro suggesting an essential role for NT4/5. Neutralization of BDNF had no effect. Transfected multipolar interneurons became identifiable during the second time window. Both TrkB ligands significantly increased number of segments and branch order towards the adult state with little effects on dendritic length. The results suggested that early in development BDNF and NT4/5 probably accelerate dendritogenesis in an autocrine fashion. In particular, branch formation was advanced towards the adult pattern in pyramidal cells and interneurons.
Public Attitudes Toward Ethics and Practices in End-of-Life Decision-Making for Neonates
Authors: Schneider Katja , Roll Stephanie , Tissen-Diabaté Tatjana , Bührer Christoph , Garten Lars
Published: January 2024

Importance

Attitudes toward end-of-life decision-making in neonatology have been studied in physicians and other health care professionals and are mostly shaped by their clinical education and work experiences. In contrast, attitudes among the general public have not yet been investigated.

Objective

To assess (1) attitudes in the general public toward euthanasia and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment in neonates with severe life-limiting conditions, (2) knowledge of current German recommendations, and (3) values in the German society regarding ethical issues and proxy decisions at the beginning of life.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study was performed in Germany and used an exploratory design to analyze responses to an interview conducted by an independent, established commissioned polling institute in March and April 2022. Participants were 16 years or older, with German language fluency and comprehension and living in Germany.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Knowledge about recommendations for euthanasia and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment as well as personal attitudes toward (1) euthanasia and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment and (2) surrogate end-of-life decision-making for newborn infants were assessed.

Results

The study included 2116 participants (1077 females [50.9%]; mean [SD] age 52.1 [18.7] years). Of the participants, 16.8% (311 of 1851) reported knowing the German recommendations for euthanasia and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment for neonates. Euthanasia and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment were supported by 64.7% (1369 of 2116) and 77.9% (1649 of 2116) of respondents, respectively. Shared decision-making between parents and physicians for neonates in end-of-life situations was supported by 65.6% of participants (1388). In situations where shared decision-making was not possible, 73.4% of respondents (1019 of 1388) put the ultimate decision to the parents. The magnitude of the associations was low between sociodemographic factors and views on ethical issues and customary practices involved in end-of-life decisions for neonates.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this cross-sectional study suggested that most respondents were not aware of the national German recommendations for euthanasia and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment for sick and extremely preterm newborns. When counseling parents of periviable newborns, clinicians may need to exert more effort in explaining the legal and ethical framework; a highly individualized approach is warranted.
Gaps in the Vision Screening Pathway for School-Aged US Children
Authors: Oke Isdin , Slopen Natalie , Galbraith Alison A. , Hunter David G. , Wu Ann Chen
Published: January 2024

This cross-sectional study uses a nationally representative survey of the US pediatric population to identify gaps in the vision screening pathway.
Engineering a Dynamic Solvent‐Phobic Liquid Electrolyte Interphase for Long‐Life Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Kang Qi , Li Yong , Zhuang Zechao , Yang Huijun , Luo Liuxuan , Xu Jie , Wang Jian , Guan Qinghua , Zhu Han , Zuo Yinze , Wang Dong , Pei Fei , Ma Lianbo , Zhao Jin , Li Pengli , Lin Ying , Liu Yijie , Shi Kunming , Li Hongfei , Zhu Yingke , Chen Jie , Liu Fei , Wu Guangning , Yang Jun , Jiang Pingkai , Huang Xingyi
Published: January 2024

The heterogeneity, species diversity, and poor mechanical stability of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) in conventional carbonate electrolytes result in the irreversible exhaustion of lithium (Li) and electrolytes during cycling, hindering the practical applications of Li metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, this work proposes a solvent‐phobic dynamic liquid electrolyte interphase (DLEI) on a Li metal (Li–PFbTHF (perfluoro‐butyltetrahydrofuran)) surface that selectively transports salt and induces salt‐derived SEI formation. The solvent‐phobic DLEI with C–F‐rich groups dramatically reduces the side reactions between Li, carbonate solvents, and humid air, forming a LiF/Li3PO4‐rich SEI. In situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Ab‐initio molecular dynamics demonstrate that DLEI effectively stabilizes the interface between Li metal and the carbonate electrolyte. Specifically, the LiFePO4||Li–PFbTHF cells deliver 80.4% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1.0 C, excellent rate capacity (108.2 mAh g−1 at 5.0 C), and 90.2% capacity retention after 550 cycles at 1.0 C in full‐cells (negative/positive (N/P) ratio of 8) with high LiFePO4 loadings (15.6 mg cm−2) in carbonate electrolyte. In addition, the 0.55 Ah pouch cell of 252.0 Wh kg−1 delivers stable cycling. Hence, this study provides an effective strategy for controlling salt‐derived SEI to improve the cycling performances of carbonate‐based LMBs.
Care sequences leading to the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: An analysis of electronic health records
Authors: Xu Hanzhang , Bayless Teah M. , Østbye Truls , Dupre Matthew E.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

We examined the sequences of clinical care leading to diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) using electronic health records from a large academic medical center.

METHODS

We included patients aged 65+ with their first ADRD diagnoses from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019. Using state sequence analysis, care sequences were defined by the ordering of healthcare utilizations occurred in the 2 years before ADRD diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of 3621 patients (median age 80), nearly half followed a care sequence of having one primary care visit close to their ADRD diagnosis. Additional care sequences included periodic (n = 322, 8.9%) and multiple (n = 416, 11.5%) outpatient visits to primary care and having one (n = 395, 10.9%), multiple (n = 469, 13.0%), or highly frequent (n = 357, 10.7%) outpatient visits to other specialties. Patients’ sociodemographic traits contributed to the variability in care sequences.

CONCLUSIONS

Several distinct patterns of care leading to ADRD diagnoses were identified. Integrated care models are needed to promote early identification of ADRD.

Highlights

Dementia patients followed distinct care pathways prior to their dementia diagnoses.

Key sociodemographic traits contributed to the variation in the sequences of care.

Racial differences in the sequencing of care were also found, but only in women.
Threading a Linear Molecule Through a Macrocycle Thanks to Boron: Optical Properties of the Threaded Species and Synthesis of a Rotaxane
Authors: Hicguet Matthieu , Verrieux Ludmilla , Mongin Olivier , Roisnel Thierry , Berrée Fabienne , Fihey Arnaud , Le Guennic Boris , Trolez Yann
Published: January 2024

Two BODIPYs and two boron β‐diketonates were threaded through a macrocycle bearing a 2,2’‐biphenol unit, showing thus the ability of boron to act as a gathering atom. The new threaded species were characterized by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy as well as by X‐ray crystallography for one of them and their properties rationalized with quantum chemistry to unravel the vibronic contributions. The BODIPYs exhibited interesting fluorescence features with quantum yields up to 91 % and enhanced photostability compared to their non‐threaded homologues. A rotaxane was synthesized using this threading strategy after stoppering and removing the boron with potassium hydroxide.
Effect of surface modification of microcrystalline cellulose with ionic liquids on natural latex composites
Authors: Wang Rui , Sun Yiwen , Hou Yanbing , Tian Yong , Zhang Yandan , Liu Fusheng , Han Jingjie
Published: January 2024

As an environmentally friendly biomacromolecular material, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) enhances the performance of natural rubber latex (NRL) composites. However, MCC has strong polarity, which weakens the interfacial interaction between MCC and the non‐polar NRL matrix and reduces the reinforcing performance due to the many hydroxyl groups on its surface. In this paper, the ionic liquid (IL) modified MCC/IL material was prepared, and AIR‐FTIR, x‐ray diffraction, and XPS photoelectron spectroscopy were performed to detect it from the perspective of environmental protection. And natural latex/microcrystalline cellulose/ionic liquid (NRL/MCC/IL) composites with excellent properties were prepared by latex blending. The activation energy, vulcanization characteristics, basic mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, and filler‐rubber interfacial interactions of NRL/MCC/IL composites were investigated. The results showed that the vulcanization rate constant of NRL/MCC/IL composites increase, the activation energy decreases and the mechanical properties were significantly improved. At the same time, the matrix interface interaction of composites was quantitatively calculated using Ayala parameters. The results showed that the interfacial interaction force of the composite was stronger after an appropriate amount of IL pretreatment. The whole process is not only conformed to the concept of green development, but also broadens the application of MCC in rubber materials.
Effect of amino acid enriched diets on hemolymph amino acid composition in honey bees
Authors: Tafi Elena , Sagona Simona , Meucci Valentina , Bortolotti Laura , Galloni Marta , Bogo Gherardo , Gatta Domenico , Casini Lucia , Barberis Marta , Nepi Massimo , Felicioli Antonio
Published: January 2024

Amino acids (AAs) are an abundant class of nectar solutes, and they are involved in the nectar attractiveness to flower visitors. Among the various AAs, proline is the most abundant proteogenic AA, and γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) and β‐alanine are the two most abundant non‐proteogenic AAs. These three AAs are known to affect insect physiology, being involved in flight metabolism and neurotransmission. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of artificial diets enriched with either β‐alanine, GABA, or proline on consumption, survival, and hemolymph composition in honey bees belonging to two different ages and with different metabolism (i.e., newly emerged and foragers). Differences in feed intake among diets were not observed, while a diet enriched with β‐alanine improved the survival rate of newly emerged honey bees compared to the control group. Variations in the hemolymph AA concentrations occurred only in newly emerged honey bees, according to the diet and the time of hemolymph sampling. A greater susceptibility of young honey bees to enriched diets than older honey bees was observed. The variations in the concentrations of hemolymph AAs reflect either the accumulation of dietary AAs or the existence of metabolic pathways that may lead to the conversion of dietary AAs into different ones. This investigation could be an initial contribution to studying the complex dynamics that regulate hemolymph AA composition and its effect on honey bee physiology.
The extraordinary rearrangement of mitochondrial genome of the wheat pest, Aptinothrips stylifer and the mitochondrial phylogeny of Thripidae (Thysanoptera)
Authors: Li Chengwen , Gao Yuxin , Wang Dongxue , Dang Lihong
Published: January 2024

The mitochondrial gene order in Thysanoptera is notably distinct and highly rearranged, with each species exhibiting its own unique arrangement. To elucidate the relationship between gene rearrangements and phylogeny, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the wheat pest, Aptinothrips stylifer, was sequenced and assembled, spanning a total length of 16,033 bp. Compared with the ancestral arthropod mitogenome, significant rearrangement differences were evident in A. stylifer, whereas the gene order between A. stylifer and Anaphothrips obscurus was similar. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed based on all 13 protein‐coding gene sequences using Bayesian inference and maximum‐likelihood methods, both yielding similar topological structures. Notably, A. stylifer was robustly clustered with A. obscurus, affirming its classification within Anaphothrips genus group. This exemplifies the potential correlation between gene rearrangements and phylogeny in the Thripidae family. Additionally, the mitogenome of A. stylifer exhibited several atypical features, including: (1) Three putative control regions (CRs) in close proximity, with CR2 and CR3 displaying partial similarity, and CR1 differing in base composition; (2) Two transfer RNAs (tRNAs), trnS1 and trnV, lacking the DHU arm; (3) Two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes inverted and positioned distant from each other; (4) Negative AT and GC skew (AT skew = −0.001, GC skew = −0.077); (5) One transposition (nad6), one inverse transposition (trnQ), four inversions (trnF, trnH, trnC, and gene block nad1‐trnL1‐rrnL‐trnV‐rrnS), and four tandem duplication random loss events; and (6) Two protein‐coding genes, nad2 and atp8, terminated with an incomplete stop codon “T”.
Phytochemicals from the Stem Bark of Calophyllum havilandii P. F. Stevens and their Biological Activities
Authors: Zailan Ahmad Alif Danial , Karunakaran Thiruventhan , Santhanam Rameshkumar , Suriaty Yaakop Amira , Mohan Sivakumar , Abu Bakar Mohamad Hafizi , Jong Yi Mian Vivien
Published: January 2024

The genus Calophyllum from the family Calophyllaceae has been extensively investigated in the past due to its rich source of bioactive phenolics such as coumarins, chromanones, and xanthones. In this study, phytochemical investigation on the stem bark of Calophyllum havilandii has afforded a new 4‐propyldihydrocoumarin derivative, havilarin (1) together with calolongic acid (2), caloteysmannic acid (3), isocalolongic acid (4), euxanthone (5), and β‐sitosterol (6). The chemical structure of compound 1 was elucidated and established based on detailed spectroscopic techniques, including MS, IR, UV, 1D and 2D NMR. The results of anti‐bacillus study indicated that the chloroform extract showed promising activities with MIC value ranging between 0.5 to 1 μg/mL on selected bacillus strains. Besides, the plant extracts and compounds 1–4 were assessed for their cytotoxicity potential on HL‐7702 cell line. All the tested plant extracts and respective chemical constituents displayed non‐cytotoxic activity on HL‐7702 cell line.
Four Undescribed compounds Isolated from the Aerial Parts of Phyllanthus cochinchinensis with Antimicrobial Activity and NO Production Inhibitory Activity in LPS Activated RAW 264.7 Cells
Authors: Yen Duong Thi Hai , Hang Dan Thi Thuy , Yen Pham Hai , Tai Bui Huu , Dung Duong Thi , Huong Phan Thi Thanh , Dung Nguyen Viet , Trang Do Thi , Bang Ngo Anh , Mai Nguyen Thi , Kiem Phan Van
Published: January 2024

Four previously undescribed compounds named phyllancosides A and B (1 and 2), and phyllancochines A and B (3 and 4) together with ten known compounds (5‐14) were isolated from the aerial parts of Phyllanthus cochinchinensis Spreng. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive analysis of IR, HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 3, 4, and 10 showed antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis, S. aureus, and B. cereus with the MIC values in range of 32–256 μg/mL. Compound 11 inhibited E. faecalis and B. cereus, and 7 inhibited S. aureus with the MIC values in range of 64–128 μg/mL. In addition, compounds 1, 3, 4, 8, and 9 showed significantly NO production inhibitory activity in LPS activated RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values ranging from 36.57 to 56.34 μM.
Assessing Lanthanide‐Dependent Methanol Dehydrogenase Activity: The Assay Matters
Authors: Phi Manh Tri , Singer Helena , Zäh Felix , Haisch Christoph , Schneider Sabine , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Daumann Lena J.
Published: January 2024

Artificial dye‐coupled assays have been widely adopted as a rapid and convenient method to assess the activity of methanol dehydrogenases (MDH). Lanthanide(Ln)‐dependent XoxF‐MDHs are able to incorporate different lanthanides (Lns) in their active site. Dye‐coupled assays showed that the earlier Lns exhibit a higher enzyme activity than the late Lns. Despite widespread use, there are limitations: oftentimes a pH of 9 and activators are required for the assay. Moreover, Ln‐MDH variants are not obtained by isolation from the cells grown with the respective Ln, but by incubation of an apo‐MDH with the Ln. Herein, we report the cultivation of Ln‐dependent methanotroph Methylacidiphilum fumariolicum SolV with nine different Lns, the isolation of the respective MDHs and the assessment of the enzyme activity using the dye‐coupled assay. We compare these results with a protein‐coupled assay using its physiological electron acceptor cytochrome cGJ (cyt cGJ). Depending on the assay, two distinct trends are observed among the Ln series. The specific enzyme activity of La‐, Ce‐ and Pr‐MDH, as measured by the protein‐coupled assay, exceeds that measured by the dye‐coupled assay. This suggests that early Lns also have a positive effect on the interaction between XoxF‐MDH and its cyt cGJ thereby increasing functional efficiency.
Boosting Visible‐Light Carbon Dioxide Reduction with Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Eisele Lisa , Chaikhan Wilaiwan , Batool Samar , Cherevan Alexey , Eder Dominik , Bica‐Schröder Katharina
Published: January 2024

Efficiently generating C1 building blocks from environmentally friendly carbon sources, such as through photocatalytic CO2 reduction, is essential for fostering a sustainable circular economy. The pursuit of mild catalytic activation methods has yielded powerful catalysts that can be synergistically employed alongside various reaction media to enhance overall performance. Herein, we elucidate the influence of diverse imidazolium‐based ionic liquids as additives for visible‐light‐driven CO2 reduction with ruthenium(II)‐ and rhenium(I)‐bipyridine complexes. Our investigation reveals that incorporating ionic liquids into traditional solvents at concentrations below 10 % can markedly boost CO production while suppressing H2 generation. The best results were obtained for the highly basic ionic liquid [C2mim][OAc], resulting in a substantial rise in CO formation from 0.3 μmol/h to 5.4 μmol/h and an increase in turnover number from 3 to 59. This study underscores the cooperative influence of imidazolium‐based ionic liquids on CO2 photoreduction while circumventing their use as primary solvents, thus offering a promising avenue for sustainable chemical synthesis.
A Deeper Insight into the Supramolecular Activation of Oxidative Addition Reactions Involving Pincer‐Rhodium(I) Complexes
Authors: Vinicius Alves Tiago , Peris Eduardo , Fernández Israel
Published: January 2024

The factors governing the acceleration of the oxidative addition of methyl iodide to pincer rhodium(I)‐complexes induced by coronene have been computationally explored in detail using quantum chemical methods. Both the parent reaction and the coronene‐mediated process proceed via a stepwise SN2‐type mechanism. It is found that the acceleration of the process derives from the formation of an initial supramolecular complex, mainly stabilized by electrostatic and π‐π interactions, which significantly increases the electron richness of the complex. The impact of this effect on the reaction barrier has been quantitatively analyzed by applying the activation strain model in combination with the energy decomposition analysis method. In addition, the influence of other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the oxidative reaction has been also considered.
Phylogenomics and topological conflicts in the tribe Anthospermeae (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Thureborn Olle , Wikström Niklas , Razafimandimbison Sylvain G. , Rydin Catarina
Published: January 2024

Genome skimming (shallow whole‐genome sequencing) offers time‐ and cost‐efficient production of large amounts of DNA data that can be used to address unsolved evolutionary questions. Here we address phylogenetic relationships and topological incongruence in the tribe Anthospermeae (Rubiaceae), using phylogenomic data from the mitochondrion, the nuclear ribosomal cistron, and the plastome. All three genomic compartments resolve relationships in the Anthospermeae; the tribe is monophyletic and consists of three major subclades. Carpacoce Sond. is sister to the remaining clade, which comprises an African subclade and a Pacific subclade. Most results, from all three genomic compartments, are statistically well supported; however, not fully consistent. Intergenomic topological incongruence is most notable in the Pacific subclade but present also in the African subclade. Hybridization and introgression followed by organelle capture may explain these conflicts but other processes, such as incomplete lineage sorting (ILS), can yield similar patterns and cannot be ruled out based on the results. Whereas the null hypothesis of congruence among all sequenced loci in the individual genomes could not be rejected for nuclear and mitochondrial data, it was rejected for plastid data. Phylogenetic analyses of three subsets of plastid loci identified using the hierarchical likelihood ratio test demonstrated statistically supported intragenomic topological incongruence. Given that plastid genes are thought to be fully linked, this result is surprising and may suggest modeling or sampling error. However, biological processes such as biparental inheritance and inter‐plastome recombination have been reported and may be responsible for the observed intragenomic incongruence. Mitochondrial insertions into the plastome are rarely documented in angiosperms. Our results indicate that a mitochondrial insertion event in the plastid trnSGGA – rps4 IGS region occurred in the common ancestor of the Pacific clade of Anthospermeae. Exclusion/inclusion of this locus in phylogenetic analyses had a strong impact on topological results in the Pacific clade.
Using resiliency, redundancy, and representation in a Bayesian belief network to assess imperilment of riverine fishes
Authors: Dunn Corey G. , Schumann David A. , Colvin Michael E. , Sleezer Logan J. , Wagner Matthew , Jones‐Farrand D. Todd , Rivenbark Erin , McRae Sarah , Evans Kristine
Published: January 2024

Conservation prioritization frameworks are used worldwide to identify species at greatest risk of extinction and to allocate limited resources across regions, species, and populations. Conservation prioritization can be impeded by ecological knowledge gaps and data deficiency, especially in freshwater species inhabiting highly complex aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, we developed a flexible approach that calculates a species' imperilment risk based on the conservation principles of resiliency, redundancy, and representation (i.e., the “three R's”). Our approach organizes data on species traits, distributions, population connectivity, and threats within a Bayesian belief network capable of predicting resiliency and redundancy within representative ecological settings. Empirical data and expert judgment inform the model to provide robust and repeatable risk assessments for rare and data‐deficient species. The model calculates resiliency at hierarchical spatial scales from distributional trends and population strength. Redundancy is estimated from the connectivity and quantities of extant populations. Resiliency, redundancy, and species' inherent vulnerability based on species traits collectively estimate extirpation risk within each unique ecological setting. Extirpation risks across ecological settings characterize representation and are aggregated to estimate global imperilment risk. We demonstrate the model's utility with Piebald Madtom (Noturus gladiator), a species petitioned for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Our results revealed that resiliency, redundancy, and extirpation risks can vary spatially across the species' range while identifying populations where additional sampling could disproportionally reduce uncertainty in estimated global imperilment risk. Our approach could standardize and expedite conservation status assessments, identify opportunities for early management intervention of at‐risk species and populations, and strategically reduce uncertainty by focusing monitoring and research on priority information gaps.
The global incidence, mortality, and burden of uterine cancer in 2019 and correlation with SDI, tobacco, dietary risks, and metabolic risk factors: An ecological study
Authors: Mazidimoradi Afrooz , Momenimovahed Zohre , Khalajinia Zohre , Allahqoli Leila , Salehiniya Hamid , Alkatout Ibrahim
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most common cancer among women worldwide. Since global studies are based on awareness of the incidence trend, mortality, geographical diversity, and level of social development and income of countries, this study was conducted to investigate the trend of uterine cancer (UC) in the world in 2019.

Methods

Age‐standardized rates (ASR) of incidence, deaths, prevalence, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) of UC, as well as targeted risk factors, were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) online database 2019. Pearson correlation coefficient and SPSS 16 were used to calculate the correlation between risk factors and ASR of epidemiological indicators. Statistical significance was considered as p < 0.05.

Results

In 2019, the age‐specific incidence and death rate of UC was peaking at 60–64 and 65–69 years, respectively. The highest age‐standardized incidence rate per 100,000 people for UC has been reported in the Northern Mariana Islands, high sociodemographic index (SDI) countries, World Bank High‐Income category, Europe continent and among World Health Organization (WHO) regions were found in the European Region. The highest age‐standardized death rate per 100,000 people for UC has been reported in Grenada, high SDI countries, the World Bank High‐Income category, Europe continent, and among WHO regions found in the European Region. In 2019, the age‐standardized DALYs rate was 53.54 per 100,000 inhabitants, of which 48.49 cases were related to years of life lost (YLLs) and 5.05 cases were related to years lived with disability.

Conclusion

According to GBD‐2019, the highest incidence, mortality, and DALY of UC are in Europe. The evidence and traces of diversity can be seen in the inequalities of UC. Race, ethnicity, economic status, level of education and awareness, co‐morbidities, access, grade, and histological type of tumor are the most important causes of this inequality.
Knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward pharmacogenomics among pharmacists and pharmacy students: A systematic review
Authors: Wondrasek Amanda , Fryza Amber , Aziz Md. Abdul , Leong Christine , Kowalec Kaarina , Maruf Abdullah Al
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

Pharmacists have been recognized as one of the most qualified healthcare professionals in the clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics, yet its widespread implementation in clinical pharmacy practice has remained limited. The review aims to systematically investigate knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward pharmacogenomics among pharmacists and pharmacy students to inform the future delivery of pharmacogenomics education programs.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were searched up to May 17, 2022. Studies were selected if they included data on pharmacists' or pharmacy students' knowledge, perception, or attitude about pharmacogenomics and were published in a peer‐reviewed, English‐language journal with full‐text availability. Any published study not deemed original research was excluded. All included studies were critically appraised using the Center for Evidence‐Based Management's critical appraisal tools. The data were descriptively analyzed and presented based on pharmacists' and pharmacy students' knowledge/awareness, perception/attitudes toward pharmacogenomic (PGx), confidence in using or interpreting PGx testing results, and their desire to get further PGx education or their most preferred method of further education.

Results

A combined total of 12,430 pharmacists and pharmacy students from 26 countries are represented in the 52 included studies. Despite overwhelmingly positive attitudes and perceptions toward pharmacogenomics among pharmacists and pharmacy students, an overall lack of adequate knowledge and confidence was found. The review also found a strong desire for further pharmacogenomics education among pharmacists and pharmacy students.

Conclusion

Pharmacists and pharmacy students have positive perceptions and attitudes toward pharmacogenomics, which is hindered by a lack of knowledge and confidence. However, inadequate control for confounders, limited representativeness of the studied population or region, and small sample sizes diminish the generalizability of the review results. Knowledge and confidence could be improved through enhanced delivery of pharmacogenomic courses within the pharmacy curriculum and continuing education programs.
Water generation through desiccant using novel‐designed solar still coupled with heat pipe vacuum tube collector: An experimental observation
Authors: Srivastava Rahul , M. Chandrashekara , Yadav Avadhesh
Published: January 2024

In this article, an experiment has been carried out with heat pipe vacuum or evacuated tube collector to produce water from atmospheric air. In this experiment, the regeneration and adsorption method has been adopted, that is, water has been produced through the adsorption and regeneration of desiccants. The desiccant is heated through a hot surface to facilitate its regeneration. Limited experiments have been conducted to obtain water through the regeneration of desiccant using a hot surface. For the condensation of water vapor, a novel box has been designed, named the “novel‐designed acrylic box.” The water is collected in a measuring flask or beaker to determine its quantity. Silica gel desiccant has been used for the adsorption and regeneration of water vapors. In this experiment, the adsorption process for silica gel was carried out in two different ways. In the first method, 1 kg of silica gel was scattered on the copper tray, that is, inside the system, while in the second method, 1 kg of silica gel was scattered on the paper, that is, outside of the system. In the first case silica gel adsorbed 137 g water vapor, and in the second case, it adsorbed 232 g water vapor. In the first case of adsorption, 70 mL water was produced while in the second case of adsorption, 175 mL water was produced from ambient air. The system's maximum efficiency was found to be 4.9%. Effects of various parameters, such as solar intensity, ambient temperature, wind speed, and so forth, have been studied.
Cordyceps cicadae ameliorates inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and fibrosis by targeting the PI3K/mTOR‐mediated autophagy pathway in the renal of MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Yang Feng , Zhang Yanyan , Dong Lei , Song Zhichao
Published: January 2024

Background

The vast majority of systemic lupus erythematosus patients develop lupus nephritis (LN) with severe renal manifestations, such as inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. The purpose of this research was to investigate Cordyceps cicadae as a potential therapeutic target for treating inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in LN.

Methods

The effects of C. cicadae on lupus symptoms in mice with LN were determined. MRL/lpr mice were treated with C. cicadae (4 g/kg/day, i.e., CC group, n = 8) or an equal volume of saline (model group, n = 8), and MRL/MP mice were treated with an equal volume of saline (control group, n = 8). Renal function indices, renal pathology, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers, and renal interstitial fibrosis levels were evaluated after C. cicadae treatment. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the effect of C. cicadae on the expression of fibrosis biomarkers and the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)‐mediated autophagy pathway in the renal tissues of mice.

Results

C. cicadae ameliorated renal lesions, the inflammatory response, and oxidative stress damage in MRL/lpr mice. C. cicadae treatment inhibited renal fibrosis (16.31 ± 4.16 vs. 31.25 ± 5.61) and downregulated the expression of the fibrosis biomarkers alpha‐smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and collagen I (COL I) in the kidneys of MRL/lpr mice. In addition, further research showed that the PI3K/mTOR‐mediated autophagy pathway was involved in C. cicadae‐mediated effects on renal fibrosis in MRL/lpr mice. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of C. cicadae on repairing renal fibrosis and damage in MRL/lpr mice was abolished by the PI3K agonist 740 Y‐P.

Conclusions

The findings of the present research showed that C. cicadae could alleviate inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in the renal tissues of mice with LN by targeting the PI3K/mTOR‐mediated autophagy pathway.