bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent developments on Junin virus, a causative agent for Argentine haemorrhagic fever
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Yadav Dharna , Singh Divya , Shakya Kriti , Rathi Brijesh , Poonam
Published: January 2023

Junin virus consists of ribonucleic acid as the genome and is responsible for a rapidly changing tendency of the virus. The virus is accountable for ailments in the human body and causes Argentine Haemorrhagic Fever (AHF). The infection is may be transmitted through contact between an infected animal/host and a person, and later between person to person. Prevention of outbreaks of AHF in humans can be a tough practice, as their occurrence is infrequent and unpredictable. In this review, recent information from the past 5 years available on the Junin virus including the risk of its emergence, infectious agents, its pathogenesis in humans, available diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and disease management has been summarised. Altogether, this article would be highly significant in understanding the mechanistic basis behind virus interaction and other processes during the life cycle. Currently, no specific therapeutic options are available to treat the Junin virus infection. The information covered in this review could be important for finding possible treatment options for Junin virus infections.
A Label‐Free and Continuous Fluorescence Detection for L–DOPA Decarboxylase Activity Based on Supramolecular Tandem Assay
Authors: Ren Siying , Geng Wen‐Chao , Cui Xuexian , Wu Bian , Zheng Zhe
Published: January 2023

L–DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) deficiency causes serious progressive neurodegenerative disorders. Developing a sensitive enzyme activity monitoring and inhibitors or activators screening approach is highly on demand for DDC deficiency diagnosis. Here, we report a simple and sensitive fluorescence supramolecular tandem assay based on reporter pair of cucurbit[7]uril and acridine orange for DDC activity monitoring continuously. Furthermore, this strategy demonstrates the potential of STA to screen inhibitors of DDC.
Disrespectful colleagues, dysfunctional parenting: The effect of workplace incivility on parental attitudes, well‐being and behaviours
Authors: Dionisi Angela M. , Dupré Kathryne E.
Published: January 2023

Two dyadic studies address the link between workplace incivility and dysfunctional (i.e., authoritarian and permissive) parenting, and the role played by parent cognitions and well‐being in these relationships. One hundred and forty‐eight working mother‐spouse dyads participated in Study 1. Mothers reported on their own workplace incivility experiences and parenting self‐efficacy, while husbands rated mothers' authoritarian parenting behaviour. Results showed that parenting self‐efficacy mediates the effects of workplace incivility on authoritarian parenting. Study 2 sought to replicate and extend these findings with a sample of one hundred and seventy‐five working parent‐spouse dyads. Working mothers and fathers reported on their own workplace incivility experiences, parenting self‐efficacy and burnout, while their spouses rated their authoritarian and permissive parenting. The moderating effects of romantic relationship conflict were also assessed. Results supported the role of self‐efficacy in mediating the relationship between workplace incivility and authoritarian parenting, with effects exacerbated among those experiencing higher levels of romantic relationship conflict. Moreover, incivility related to working parents' burnout, and in turn, permissive parenting. Our findings shed light on an understudied social context wherein workplace incivility may shape one's personal life, and broadens our understanding of the nature, scope, and impact of this workplace problem.
Bioactive Nanogels Mimicking the Antithrombogenic Nitric Oxide‐Release Function of the Endothelium
Authors: Hosseinnejad Aisa , Ludwig Nadine , Mersmann Sina , Winnerbach Patrick , Bleilevens Christian , Rossaint Rolf , Rossaint Jan , Singh Smriti
Published: January 2023

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a significant role in controlling the physiology and pathophysiology of the body, including the endothelial antiplatelet function and therefore, antithrombogenic property of the blood vessels. This property of NO can be exploited to prevent thrombus formation on artificial surfaces like extracorporeal membrane oxygenators, which when come into contact with blood lead to protein adsorption and thereby platelet activation causing thrombus formation. However, NO is extremely reactive and has a very short biological half‐life in blood, so only endogenous generation of NO from the blood contacting material can result into a stable and kinetically controllable local delivery of NO. In this regards, highly hydrophilic bioactive nanogels are presented which can endogenously generate NO in blood plasma from endogenous NO‐donors thereby maintaining a physiological NO flux. It is shown that NO releasing nanogels could initiate cGMP‐dependent protein kinase signaling followed by phosphorylation of vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein in platelets. This prevents platelet activation and aggregation even in presence of highly potent platelet activators like thrombin, adenosine 5′‐diphosphate, and U46619 (thromboxane A2 mimetic).
Carbon‐Nitride Popcorn—A Novel Catalyst Prepared by Self‐Propagating Combustion of Nitrogen‐Rich Triazenes
Authors: Ma Jinchao , Das Jagadish , Zhang Jiaheng , Cheng Jian , Sorcar Saurav , Rosen Brian A. , Shekhter Pini , Dobrovetsky Roman , Flaxer Eli , Yavor Yinon , Shen Ruiqi , Kaminker Ilia , Goldbourt Amir , Gozin Michael
Published: January 2023

The interest in development of non‐graphitic polymeric carbon nitrides (PCNs), with various C‐to‐N ratios, having tunable electronic, optical, and chemical properties is rapidly increasing. Here the first self‐propagating combustion synthesis methodology for the facile preparation of novel porous PCN materials (PCN3‐PCN7) using new nitrogen‐rich triazene‐based precursors is reported. This methodology is found to be highly precursor dependent, where variations in the terminal functional groups in the newly designed precursors (compounds 3–7) lead to different combustion behaviors, and morphologies of the resulted PCNs. The foam‐type highly porous PCN5, generated from self‐propagating combustion of 5 is comprehensively characterized and shows a C‐to‐N ratio of 0.67 (C3N4.45). Thermal analyses of PCN5 formulations with ammonium perchlorate (AP) reveal that PCN5 has an excellent catalytic activity in the thermal decomposition of AP. This catalytic activity of PCN5 is further evaluated in a closer‐to‐application scenario, showing an increase of 18% in the burn rate of AP‐Al‐HTPB (with 2 wt% of PCN5) solid composite propellant. The newly developed template‐ and additive‐free self‐propagating combustion synthetic methodology using specially designed nitrogen‐rich precursors should provide a novel platform for the preparation of non‐graphitic PCNs with a variety of building block chemistries, morphologies, and properties suitable for a broad range of technologies.
Engineering Multiple Microstructural Defects for Record‐Breaking Thermoelectric Properties of Chalcopyrite Cu1‐xAgxGaTe2
Authors: Huang Lulu , Li Yuanyue , Sha Shengmao , Ge Bangzhi , Wu Yucheng , Yan Jian , Kong Yuan , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2023

Defect engineering for vacancies, holes, nano precipitates, dislocations, and strain are efficient means of suppressing lattice thermal conductivity. Multiple microstructural defects are successfully designed in Cu1‐xAgxGaTe2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) solid solutions through high‐ratio alloying and vibratory ball milling, to achieve ultra‐low thermal conductivity and record‐breaking thermoelectric performance. Extremely low total thermal conductivities of 1.28 W m−1 K−1 at 300 K and 0.40 W m−1 K−1 at 873 K for the Cu0.5Ag0.5GaTe2 are observed, which are ≈79% and ≈58% lower than that of the CuGaTe2 matrix. Multiple phonon scattering mechanisms are collectively responsible for the reduction of thermal conductivity in this work. On one hand, large amounts of nano precipitates and dislocations are formed via vibrating ball milling followed by the low‐temperature hot press, which can enhance phonon scattering. On the other hand, the difference in atomic sizes, distorted chemical bonds, elements fluctuation, and strained domains are caused by the high substitution ratio of Ag and also function as a center for the strong phonon scattering. As a result, the Cu0.7Ag0.3GaTe2 exhibits a record high ZTmax of ≈1.73 at 873 K and ZTave of ≈0.69 between 300–873 K, which are the highest values of CuGaTe2‐based thermoelectric materials.
Visible Light‐Driven Degradation of Trichloroethylene in Aqueous Phase with Vanadium‐Doped TiO2 Photocatalysts
Authors: Nguyen Duc Manh , Ding Shuoping , Nghiem Thi Thuong , Nguyen Van Anh , Mejía Esteban
Published: January 2023

The development of photocatalyzed water remediation strategies using visible (solar) light to mineralize volatile chlorinated organic compounds (VCOCs) is a long standing, not yet fully achieved goal. Herewith, a facile route is presented to synthesize vanadium‐doped TiO2 photocatalysts using a one‐step hydrothermal method. Different characterization methods are employed to investigate the physicochemical properties of as‐prepared V‐doped TiO2 samples, indicating the mixed phases of anatase, rutile, and brookite in the crystal structure addition to the mesoporous framework. The nature of the vanadium species at the TiO2 surface is assessed by X‐ray photoelectron and emission spectroscopy. The aerobic photodegradation of a common VCOC, trichloroethylene, using V‐doped catalysts is demonstrated to be much more effectively than with undoped TiO2. Importantly, the herein described V‐doped photocatalysts show high activity both under ultraviolett and visible light irradiation. Moreover, these V‐doped TiO2 photocatalysts are robust under the reaction conditions, being recyclable for at least four consecutive runs without any activity loss.
A Comparison Study of the Electrocatalytic Sulfur Reduction Activity on Heteroatom‐Doped Graphene for Li–S Battery
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Yifan , Lv Haifeng , Xie Shuai , Zhu Jiawen , Xu Junjie , Jin Hongchang , Kong Xianghua , Jin Song , Wang Haiyan , Wu Xiaojun , Ji Hengxing
Published: January 2023

The complicated multielectron and multiphase electrocatalytic sulfur reduction reaction (SRR) occurring in the Li–S battery is demonstrated, which strongly influences the performances of this battery chemistry. Effective candidates for SRR are often based on heteroatom‐doped carbon‐based electrocatalysts. However, the electrocatalytic sulfur reduction activity of these catalysts is so far insufficiently explored. Herein, a series of graphene doped with nonmetal elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur) are designed and synthesized. It is shown that nitrogen‐doped graphene has a superior SRR catalytic activity with highest electrochemical reversibility and best electrochemical kinetics for the liquid–solid two‐phase conversion from long‐chain soluble Li2Sx (4 ≤ x ≤ 8) and the solid‐state Li2S2 to Li2S conversion. The considerably improved kinetics of the liquid–solid and solid–solid phases conversion reduces the continued accumulation of lithium polysulfides in electrolyte and the passivation of the electrode, thus resulting in a significant improvement in electrochemical performance of Li–S cells. Density‐functional theory calculations demonstrates that the highest SRR performance of N/G is originated from the strongest adsorption of the sulfur species and lowest energy barriers for Li2S decomposition among three doped graphene samples. This study is believed to guide the design of efficient electrocatalysts to exceed the performance of the benchmark for Li–S battery.
Loganin attenuates neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke and fracture by regulating α7nAChR‐mediated microglial polarization
Authors: Huo Kang , Xu Jing , Ma Kaige , Wang Jianyi , Wei Meng , Zhang Meng , Guo Qinyue , Qu Qiumin
Published: January 2023

Fracture in acute stage of ischemic stroke can increase inflammatory response and enhance stroke injury. Loganin alleviates the symptoms of many inflammatory diseases through its anti‐inflammatory effect, but its role in ischemic stroke and fracture remains to be explored. Here, mice were handled with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) followed by tibial fracture 1 day later to establish a pMCAO+fracture model. Loganin or Methyllycaconitine (MLA, a specific a7nAchR inhibitor) were intragastrically administered 2 or 0.5 h before pMCAO, respectively. And mouse motor function and infarct volume were evaluated 3 days after pMCAO. We found that loganin alleviated the neurological deficit, cerebral infarction volume, and neuronal apoptosis (NeuN+TUNEL+) in mice with pMCAO+fracture. And loganin suppressed pMCAO+fracture‐induced neuroinflammation by promoting M2 microglia polarization (Iba1+CD206+) and inhibiting M1 microglia polarization (Iba1+CD11b+). While administration with MLA reversed the protective effect of loganin on pMCAO+fracture‐induced neurological deficit and neuroinflammation. Next, LPS was used to stimulate BV2 microglia to simulate pMCAO+fracture‐induced inflammatory microenvironment in vitro. Loganin facilitated the transformation of LPS‐stimulated BV2 cells from M1 pro‐inflammatory state (CD11b+) to M2 anti‐inflammatory state (CD206+), which was antagonized by treatment with MLA. And loganin induced autophagy activation in LPS‐stimulated BV2 cells by activating a7nAchR. Moreover, treatment with rapamycin (an autophagy activator) neutralized the inhibitory effect of MLA on loganin induced transformation of BV2 cells to M2 phenotype. Furthermore, BV2 cells were treated with LPS, LPS + loganin, LPS + loganin+MLA, or LPS + loganin+MLA+ rapamycin to obtain conditioned medium (CM) for stimulating primary neurons. Loganin reduced the damage of primary neurons caused by LPS‐stimulated BV2 microglia through activating a7nAchR and inducing autophagy activation. In conclusion, loganin played anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective roles in pMCAO + fracture mice by activating a7nAchR, enhancing autophagy and promoting M2 polarization of microglia.
X‐ray absorption fine structure characterization of a multicomponent spinel catalyst
Authors: Jahrman Evan P. , Masias Kimber L. Stamm , Peck Torin C. , Roberts Charles A.
Published: January 2023

Demand for high‐performing, inexpensive catalysts has motivated the development of mixed 3d transition metal architectures. Here, x‐ray spectroscopies are uniquely positioned to inform intensive searches of compositional spaces by elucidating structure–function relationships. However, thorough analyses of complex systems are often non‐trivial. In this work, one such example was pursued, a chemical series of spinel‐based emissions catalysts of the general formula Mn0.1CuxCo2.9−xO4 for 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.8. The local electronic and atomic structures of these materials were characterized by x‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended x‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analyses, respectively. EXAFS analyses required models to be constructed that captured the relevant structural changes across the chemical series. Building these models required insights from XANES, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy analyses. XANES measurements at the Co K‐edge, when complemented with ab initio multiple scattering calculations, suggested that the fraction of Co atoms in the octahedral sites of the spinel increased as the concentration of substituted Cu increased. Similarly, XANES measurements at the Mn K‐edge suggested that the occupancy of the first coordination shell varied throughout the series. Finally, the XRD results revealed an impurity, a CuO phase, formed at higher copper concentrations. This is consistent with the results of the principal component analysis performed on the Cu K‐edge XANES spectra. These hypotheses were incorporated into the EXAFS fitting models and are consistent with the subsequent quantitative analyses.
Reactivity of Alkynyl Phosphines with Lewis Acids for the Synthesis of Allenic Phosphonium Borate Zwitterions
Authors: Torres Lucas C. , Brar Amandeep , LeBlanc Jesse , Boateng Ameyaw Clive , Caputo Christopher B.
Published: January 2023

The reactivity of alkynylphosphines with Lewis acidic boranes has been well established in recent years thanks to the advent of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs), often leading to a 1,1‐carboboration reaction and the formation of an intramolecular phosphinoborane FLP. Our group recently discovered that introduction of an ionizable group in the γ‐position of an alkynylphosphine result in an unexpected rearrangement reaction to yield zwitterionic allenic‐phosphonium borate products which are produced via a transient 3‐coordinate phosphonium allenylidene. Herein, we describe how substituent effects on the γ‐carbon impact this reactivity and explore how bis(alkynyl)phosphines behave under similar reaction conditions.
The mitochondrial genome of Binodoxys acalephae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with unique gene rearrangement and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Xu Shiwen , Li Weiwei , Liu Qiannan , Wang Yunming , Li Xiaoling , Duan Xiaoqian , He Jia , Song Fan
Published: January 2023

Background

Species in the subfamily Aphidiinae from the Braconidae of Hymenoptera are endoparasitic wasps that exclusively utilize aphids as hosts. Some Aphidiinae species are widely used as biological agents. However, there were only one species with determined complete mitochondrial genome from this subfamily.

Methods and results

In this study, we sequenced and annotated the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Binodoxys acalephae, which was 15,116 bp in size and contained 37 genes. The start codon of 13 protein-coding genes was ATN, and the complete stop codon TAA and TAG was widely assigned to 11 protein-coding genes. The lrRNA contains 43 stem-loop structures, and srRNA contains 25 stem-loop structures. Translocation and inversion of tRNA genes was found to be dominant in B. acalephae. In contrast to Aphidius gifuensis from the same subfamily Aphidiinae, inverted tRNALeu1 was translocated to the gene cluster between tRNALeu2 and COX2, and the control region between tRNAIle and tRNAMet was deleted in the mitogenome of B. acalephae. Within Braconidae, gene clusters tRNATrp-tRNACys-tRNATyr and CR-tRNAIle-tRNAGln-tRNAMet were hotspots for gene rearrangement. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both Bayesian and maximum-likelihood methods recovered the monophyly of Aphidiinae and suggested that Aphidiinae formed sister clades with the remaining subfamilies. The phylogenetic analyses of nine subfamilies supported the monophyly of Cyclostomes and Noncyclostomes in Braconidae.

Conclusion

The arrangement of mitochondrial genes and the phylogenetic relationships among nine Braconidae subfamilies were constructed better to understand the diversity and evolution of Aphidiinae mitogenomes.
Responses to heat waves: what can Twitter data tell us?
Authors: Zander Kerstin K. , Rieskamp Jonas , Mirbabaie Milad , Alazab Mamoun , Nguyen Duy
Published: January 2023

Increasing average temperatures and heat waves are having devasting impacts on human health and well-being but studies of heat impacts and how people adapt are rare and often confined to specific locations. In this study, we explore how analysis of conversations on social media can be used to understand how people feel about heat waves and how they respond. We collected global Twitter data over four months (from January to April 2022) using predefined hashtags about heat waves. Topic modelling identified five topics. The largest (one-third of all tweets) was related to sports events. The remaining two-thirds could be allocated to four topics connected to communication about climate-related heat or heat waves. Two of these were on the impacts of heat and heat waves (health impacts 20%; social impacts 16%), one was on extreme weather and climate change attribution (17%) and the last one was on perceptions and warning (13%). The number of tweets in each week corresponded well with major heat wave occurrences in Argentina, Australia, the USA and South Asia (India and Pakistan), indicating that people posting tweets were aware of the threat from heat and its impacts on the society. Among the words frequently used within the topic ‘Social impacts’ were ‘air-conditioning’ and ‘electricity’, suggesting links between coping strategies and financial pressure. Apart from analysing the content of tweets, new insights were also obtained from analysing how people engaged with Twitter tweets about heat or heat waves. We found that tweets posted early, and which were then shared by other influential Twitter users, were among the most popular. Finally, we found that the most popular tweets belonged to individual scientists or respected news outlets, with no evidence that misinformation about climate change-related heat is widespread.
Just a ‘romantic idea’? A theory-based interview study on medication review implementation with pharmacy owners
Authors: Michel Dorothee E. , Tonna Antonella P. , Dartsch Dorothee C. , Weidmann Anita E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Recent legal changes in Germany entitle patients on multiple medications to receive a medication review (MR). However, the provision of MRs is not mandatory and pharmacy owners decide whether to implement this service in their pharmacies.

Aim

To determine pharmacy owners’ attitudes towards MRs, explore their experiences with MR implementation and examine their perceptions of barriers and facilitators towards implementation of MRs in community pharmacies.

Method

Pharmacy owners were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was used with selection criteria being MR-implementation stage, and geographical location of the pharmacy. The topic guide was based on a systematic review and the Framework for Implementation of Services in Pharmacy (FISpH). Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded directly against the FISpH.

Results

Twenty-one pharmacy owners were interviewed. Despite participants’ consistent positive attitude towards MRs, most believed that providing MRs on an economically viable basis would be challenging. Several practical suggestions emerged which would enable community pharmacies a smoother implementation of MRs. Suggestions included employing ‘change facilitators’, who visit and support implementing pharmacies; national awareness campaigns targeting patients and health professionals; reducing bureaucracy; continuing professional development; involving technicians in some MR-tasks; and offering an additional incentive to lower the initial implementation threshold.

Conclusion

This research identified numerous factors that are likely to increase owners’ and managers’ support to the idea of MRs. This may be of interest to any country planning implementation of MRs.
CO2 concentration and water availability alter the organic acid composition of root exudates in native Australian species
Authors: Hasegawa Shun , Ryan Megan H. , Power Sally A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Root exudation of organic acids (OAs) facilitates plant P uptake from soil, playing a key role in rhizosphere nutrient availability. However, OA exudation responses to CO2 concentrations and water availability remain largely untested.

Methods

We examined the effects of CO2 and water on OA exudates in three Australian woodland species: Eucalyptus tereticornis, Hakea sericea and Microlaena stipoides. Seedlings were grown in a glasshouse in low P soil, exposed to CO2 (400 ppm [aCO2] or 540 ppm [eCO2]) and water treatments (100% water holding capacity [high-watered] or 25–50% water holding capacity [low-watered]). After six weeks, we collected OAs from rhizosphere soil (OArhizo) and trap solutions in which washed roots were immersed (OAexuded).

Results

For E. tereticornis, the treatments changed OArhizo composition, driven by increased malic acid in plants exposed to eCO2 and increased oxalic acid in low-watered plants. For H. sericea, low-watered plants had higher OAexuded per plant (+ 116%) and lower OArhizo per unit root mass (–77%) associated with larger root mass but fewer cluster roots. For M. stipoides, eCO2 increased OAexuded per plant (+ 107%) and per unit root mass (+ 160%), while low-watered plants had higher citric and lower malic acids for OArhizo and OAexuded: changes in OA amounts and composition driven by malic acid were positively associated with soil P availability under eCO2.

Conclusion

We conclude that eCO2 and altered water availability shifted OAs in root exudates, modifying plant–soil interactions and the associated carbon and nutrient economy.
Bumblebees sense rootstock-mediated nutrition and fertilization regime in tomato
Authors: Martínez-Andújar Cristina , Youssef Rim Ben , Prudencio Ángela S. , Ormazabal Maialen , Martín-Rodríguez José Ángel , Albacete Alfonso , Martínez-Melgarejo Purificación , Pérez-Alfocea Francisco
Published: January 2023

Aims

Since producing more with less is required for increasing agricultural sustainability and reducing its environmental impact, breeding varieties with increased yield stability under reduced fertilizer application is an important goal, particularly in high valued horticultural crops such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). However, because of the difficulties to conciliate yield and fertilizer use efficiency through breeding, the graft-compatible genetic biodiversity existing in horticultural species offers the possibility to directly approach this objective in high-yielding elite varieties through improving nutrient capture and promoting ecosystem services such as insect pollination. We hypothesized that rootstocks affect pollinator foraging decisions through the nutritional status that impacts yield.

Methods

Fifteen genetically diverse experimental rootstocks were grafted to a scion tomato variety and cultivated under optimal and reduced (25% of optimal) P and NPK fertilization in the presence of managed bumblebee pollinators (Bombus terrestris).

Results

Up to twofold yield variability between rootstocks was associated with leaf nutrition and photosynthesis of the scion. Interestingly, fertilization regime and the rootstock genotype influenced the pollinator foraging decisions since bumblebees showed feeding preference for plants cultivated under low P, and for the most yielding and nutritious graft combinations under reduced but not under optimal fertilization. Bumblebees can sense plant nutritional status through source-sink relations, as supported by the consistent relationship between pollinator preferences and leaf carbon concentration.

Conclusions

This study opens new perspectives for using pollinators as “phenotypers” to select the most resilient plants under suboptimal conditions and/or genotypes that synergistically increase crop productivity by promoting the ecosystem service provided by the insects.
The palliative effect of mulberry leaf and olive leaf ethanolic extracts on hepatic CYP2E1 and caspase-3 immunoexpression and oxidative damage induced by paracetamol in male rats
Authors: Fadil Hosny Abd El , Behairy Amany , Ebraheim Lamiaa L. M. , Abd-Elhakim Yasmina M. , Fathy Heba Hussein
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the possible protective role of mulberry leaf (MLE) and olive leaf (OLE) ethanolic extracts against paracetamol (PTL)–induced liver injury in rats compared to silymarin as a reference drug. Initially, MLE and OLE were characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Then, forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: the negative control group orally received distilled water for 35 days, the PTL-treated group (PTG) received 500 mg PTL/kg b. wt. for 7 days, the MLE-treated group (MLTG) received 400 mg MLE/kg b. wt., the OLE-treated group (OLTG) received 400 mg OLE/kg b. wt., and the silymarin-treated group (STG) received 100 mg silymarin/kg b. wt. The last three groups received the treatment for 28 days, then PTL for 7 days. The GC–MS characterization revealed that MLE comprised 19 constituents dominated by ethyl linoleate, phytol, hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, and squalene. Moreover, OLE comprised 30 components, and the major components were 11-eicosenoic acid, oleic acid, phytol, and à-tetralone. MLE and OLE significantly corrected the PTL-induced normocytic normochromic anemia, leukocytosis, hypercholesterolemia, and hypoproteinemia. Moreover, the MLE and OLE pretreatment considerably suppressed the PTL-induced increment in serum levels of hepatic enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Furthermore, the PTL-induced depletion in antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, and the rise in hepatic malondialdehyde content were significantly reversed by the MLE and OLE pretreatment. Besides, MLE and OLE pretreatment significantly protected the hepatic tissue against PTL-induced DNA damage, pathological perturbations, and increased caspase 3 and CYP2E1 immunoexpression. Of note, OLTG showed better enhancement of most indices rather than MLTG. Conclusively, these findings imply that OLE, with its antioxidant and antiapoptotic capabilities, is superior to MLE in protecting against PTL-induced liver injury.
The long-term impacts of hearing loss, tinnitus and poor balance on the quality of life of people living with and beyond cancer after platinum-based chemotherapy: a literature review
Authors: Phillips Olivia R. , Baguley David M. , Pearson Stephanie E. , Akeroyd Michael A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To elucidate the long-term impacts of hearing loss, tinnitus and balance in people living with and beyond cancer (LWBC) treated with platinum-based chemotherapy (PBCT).

Methods

A literature search was conducted between March and June 2022 using PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Full-text papers in English were included. Articles explored the impacts of hearing loss, tinnitus and balance and discussed them in the context of treatment. If PBCT was used in conjunction with other treatments, the article was included. There were no constraints on age, cancer type, publication date, location, study design or data type. Sixteen studies and two reviews were included.

Results

Hearing loss and tinnitus can cause communication difficulties and subsequent social withdrawal. There were deficits in cognition, child development and educational performance. Employment and the ease of everyday life were disrupted by hearing loss and tinnitus, whereas poor balance interfered with walking and increased the risk of falls. Depression and anxiety were related to ototoxicity. Most notable were the differing mindsets experienced by adults LWBC with ototoxicity. There was evidence of inadequate monitoring of ototoxicity by clinicians and a lack of communication between clinicians and patients about ototoxicity as a side effect.

Conclusions

Ototoxicity has a negative long-term impact on multiple areas of life for adults and children LWBC. This can compromise their quality of life.

Implications for cancer survivors

Increased awareness, monitoring and education surrounding these issues may lead to earlier intervention and better management of ototoxicity, enhancing the quality of life of people LWBC.
Do people who highly value happiness tend to ruminate?
Authors: Takai Shigeyuki , Hasegawa Akira , Shigematsu Jun , Yamamoto Tetsuya
Published: January 2023

Previous studies have suggested that an extremely strong desire for happiness might ironically reduce a person’s well-being, particularly among Western people. According to the goal progress theory and the theory of valuing happiness, rumination might explain the relationship between valuing happiness and well-being. Based on these theoretical rationales, this study examined the following hypotheses: (1) valuing happiness is significantly associated with rumination, (2) people who experience low life stress have a stronger association between valuing happiness and rumination, and (3) people with more interdependent self-construal have a weaker association between valuing happiness and rumination. University students in Japan participated in a cross-sectional study (N = 350; Study 1) and a 4-weeks longitudinal study (N = 329; Study 2). They responded to a packet of questionnaires assessing valuing happiness, trait rumination, depressive symptoms, negative events, and interdependent self-construal. Consistent with our hypothesis, valuing happiness was concurrently and longitudinally associated with increased rumination after controlling for depressive symptoms. However, negative events did not moderate the association between valuing happiness and rumination. Furthermore, Study 1, but not Study 2, indicated that the association between valuing happiness and rumination was stronger among students with highly interdependent self-construal than those with less interdependent self-construal. The preset findings indicated that valuing happiness might be a factor that perpetuates rumination. More sophisticated evidence on the influence of valuing happiness on rumination can lead to effective psychotherapies for decreasing rumination and depression.
Neurorights as Hohfeldian Privileges
Authors: Rainey Stephen
Published: January 2023

This paper argues that calls for neurorights propose an overcomplicated approach. It does this through analysis of ‘rights’ using the influential framework provided by Wesley Hohfeld, whose analytic jurisprudence is still well regarded in its clarificatory approach to discussions of rights. Having disentangled some unclarities in talk about rights, the paper proposes the idea of ‘novel human rights’ is not appropriate for what is deemed worth protecting in terms of mental integrity and cognitive liberty. That is best thought of in terms of Hohfeld’s account of ‘right’ as privilege. It goes on to argue that as privileges, legal protections are not well suited to these cases. As such, they cannot be ‘novel human rights’. Instead, protections for mental integrity and cognitive liberty are best accounted for in terms of familiar and established rational and discursive norms. Mental integrity is best thought of as evaluable in terms of familiar rational norms, and cognitive freedom is constrained by appraisals of sense-making. Concerns about how neurotechnologies might pose particular challenges to mental integrity and cognitive liberty are best protected through careful use of existing legislation on data protection, not novel rights, as it is via data that risks to integrity and liberty are manifested.
Components and Tidal Modulation of the Wave Field in a Semi-enclosed Shallow Bay
Authors: WinklerPrins Lukas , Largier John L. , Vila-Concejo Ana , Gallop Shari L. , Fellowes Thomas E. , Rahbani Maryam
Published: January 2023

The wave fields of coastal bays are comprised of waves generated by far-off storms that enter the bay to combine with waves generated locally by winds inside the bay and regionally outside the bay. In any given location, the resultant wave field varies spatially and temporally, and affects coastal features, such as beaches in estuaries and bays (BEBs). However, wave fields in enclosed bays with tidal shoals are poorly studied, limiting the efficacy of coastal protection and restoration projects in these systems, a critical focus in light of ongoing sea level rise. Here we present observations of the wave field in Tomales Bay, a 20-km-long, narrow, semi-enclosed embayment on the wave-dominated coast of Northern California (USA) with a spring-tide range of 2.5 m. We deployed pressure sensors near several beaches along the linear axis of the bay. Low-frequency waves ($$4*10^{-2}-2.5*10^{-1}$$

4

∗

10

-
2

-
2.5

∗

10

-
1

Hz or 4–25-s period) were not observed further than 4 km of the mouth, delineating the “outer bay” region, where remotely generated swell and regionally generated wind waves could dominate. The wave spectrum of the landward “inner bay” was dominated by fetch-limited waves generated within the bay with frequency $$\ge 2.5*10^{-1}$$

≥
2.5

∗

10

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Hz. The energy of both ocean waves and locally generated wind waves across all sites were controlled by the tide, but the former by changes in attenuation and the latter likely by modulation of wave generation. Wave energies were low at low tide and high at high tide, but high-frequency wind wave energy was increased during ebb tides while lower-frequency swell energy was reduced during ebb tides, suggesting different mechanisms of tidal influences. Thus, in addition to fluctuations in winds and the presence of ocean waves, tides exert a strong control on the wave energy spectra at coastal features in mesotidal regions. In general, events that may be impactful for BEB morphology are expected to occur when waves due to high winds or high-swell event arrive during high-tide periods. However, no such events were observed during our study and questions remain as to how rarely such events occur across the bay.
The technology of ancient lime mortars from the Żejtun Roman Villa (Malta)
Authors: Fort R. , Varas-Muriel M. J. , Ergenç D. , Cassar J. , Anastasi M. , Vella N. C.
Published: January 2023

Studies on original mortars can greatly assist archaeological interpretations, as elucidating the composition of such mortars gives clues on the origin of raw materials, manufacturing technology, and the construction phases of a site. This article presents the multi-analytical characterisation of 24 mortars and plasters from the Żejtun Roman Villa, Malta, to support archaeological hypotheses on the history of the construction of the site. The samples, belonging to at least three distinct phases included in the stratigraphy of the Żejtun archaeological site, were analysed using polarised light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA/DSC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), ion chromatography (IC), and stable isotope analysis (13C and 18O). The assessment of the results through correlations with archaeological evidence identifies five types of mortars with varying degrees of hydraulicity. These are associated with different development phases of the site and distinctive uses and were mainly produced using local resources, except in the Early Roman period when natural pozzolanic raw materials started being used. As there are no natural pozzolans on the Maltese Islands, it is hypothesised that the pozzolanic materials used as aggregate in the mortars were imported to the Islands from neighbouring volcanic regions. This volcanic aggregate was especially abundant in one of the mortar types, which was used mainly as a bedding mortar for floors.
Exceptionally persistent Eurasian cold events and their stratospheric link
Authors: Finke Kathrin , Hannachi Abdel , Hirooka Toshihiko
Published: January 2023

Persistent boreal winter cold spells (PCEs) can heavily strain the economy and significantly impact everyday life. While sudden stratospheric warmings are considered a precursor for Eurasian (EUR) cold events, these temperature extremes may occur during the full range of stratospheric variability. We investigate PCEs relative to the prevailing stratospheric polar vortex regime before their onset, with a particular focus on extremely weak (SSW) and strong (SPV) stratospheric winds by performing (lagged) composite analysis based on ERA5 reanalysis. On average, SPV PCEs that are concentrated over central EUR, are colder, shorter and set in more abruptly compared to SSW PCEs. A quasi-stationary, mid-tropospheric anticyclone over the Arctic Ocean that blocks warm air advection toward EUR is connected to the canonical downward progression of the negative North Atlantic Oscillation for SSW PCEs. In contrast, during SPV PCEs, the anticyclone is part of a Rossby wave having an origin co-located with negative wave activity flux anomalies over and being influenced by stratospheric wave reflection toward the North Atlantic. Its slow east-ward propagation is likely related to Arctic surface warming and unusually weak zonal winds over EUR.
Design considerations of an integrated thermochemical/biochemical route for aviation and maritime biofuel production
Authors: Detsios Nikolaos , Maragoudaki Leda , Atsonios Konstantinos , Grammelis Panagiotis , Orfanoudakis Nikolaos G.
Published: January 2023

An integrated thermochemical-biochemical Biomass-to-Liquid (BtL) pathway for the production of aviation and maritime liquid fuels from biogenic residues is introduced. The presence of a semi-commercially proven technology like Dual Fluidized Bed Gasification (DFBG) ensures extended fuel flexibility, syngas of high quality, complete fuel conversion, and optimal heat integration while avoiding CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) intensive equipment like air separation unit. Then, a two-stage biochemical route is proposed: initially syngas fermentation (anaerobic) into acetate and subsequently acetate fermentation (aerobic) into targeted triglycerides (TAGs) that will be finally purified and hydrotreated to form the desired drop-in biofuels. The tolerance of the bacteria to syngas contaminants minimizes the gas cleaning requirements. Moreover, the low-pressure requirements (1–10 bar) along with the mild operating temperatures (30–60 °C) reduce drastically the capital and operational cost of the process. The biological process of syngas fermentation inherently has limited side products, a fact that reduces the risk of deactivation of hydrotreatment catalysts. Heat and mass balances are calculated for the proposed concept via full-scale process simulations in Aspen Plus™ assuming a thermal input of 200 MWth with crushed bark as feedstock. Three different operational scenarios are examined mainly through overall performance indicators such as carbon utilization (CU) and energetic fuel efficiency (EFE). Competitive performance compared to technologies that exploit similar feedstock (i.e., biogenic residues) was noticed, since values in the range of 22–27% and 31–37% were obtained for the CU and EFE, respectively. The aim of this study is to determine the appropriate key process specifications and assess the potential of the proposed concept compared to other competitive technologies.
Bovine dentin collagen/poly(lactic acid) scaffolds for teeth tissue regeneration
Authors: Navarro-Cerón Aurora , Barceló-Santana Federico Humberto , Vera-Graziano Ricardo , Rivera-Torres Filiberto , Jiménez-Ávila Alberto , Rosales-Ibáñez Raúl , Navarro-Cerón Elizabeth , Castell-Rodríguez Andrés Eliu , Maciel-Cerda Alfredo
Published: January 2023

Electrospun scaffolds with diameter fibers compared to those in the extracellular matrix were produced with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and non-denatured collagen from bovine dentin (DCol). DCol was obtained through an improved version of the Longin method by acid erosion of the hydroxyapatite of the roots of teeth from a 2-year-old cattle. The dentin collagen was characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen were found to be the main elements of the protein. Infrared analysis revealed the typical bands of collagen at about 3300, 1631, 1539, and 1234 cm−1 for amides A, I, II, and III, respectively. Calorimetric and infrared analyses also demonstrated that the collagen was non-denatured. With scanning electron microscopy, it was found that the thinnest fibers with a diameter comparable to that of fibers in the extracellular matrix were obtained when dentin collagen and acetic acid (AAc) were added to the solution of PLA in trifluoroethanol (TFE). The scaffolds with the thinnest diameter had also the highest porosity, and we considered that they could be beneficial in the growth of dentin cell. Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto electrospun scaffolds. After 24, 48 and 96 h of culture, cell proliferation was evaluated by two independent strategies. In both assays, it was found that the pl-MSCs were capable of adhering and proliferating in different scaffolds. It was also observed that cell adhesion and proliferation increased significantly in scaffolds containing collagen, although the addition of AAc slightly decreased this effect on all scaffolds.

Graphical abstract
Computational flow and heat transfer study on impingement cooling in a turbine blade leading edge using an innovative convergent nozzles
Authors: N Madhwesh , Purohit Shantanu , Karanth K. Vasudeva
Published: January 2023

The present paper discusses a detailed numerical study performed to investigate flow and heat transfer characteristics of impingement cooling of the leading edge of a HP gas turbine blade model. An array of innovative converging shape nozzles are used as jets which strike the surface to be cooled. A comprehensive study is presented investigating various parameters which effect impingement cooling. These parameters include varying Mach number of the flow as 0.2 to 0.8, converging ratio of the nozzle varied as 2 to 8 at two different minor diameters of 0.25–0.5 mm of the jet, pitch distance is changed from 3 to 5 mm, and inter-jet distance changed from 3 mm to 6 mm. Each parameter is independently scrutinized keeping other parameters constant. The results indicate the formation of primary stagnation region where Nusselt number augmentation is maximum compared to secondary stagnation region. Cross-flow effect plays a significant role in reducing peak values in the Nusselt number in the downstream region. Enhancement in peak Nusselt number value is greater for high values of Mach number of the flow, lower jet-to-target distances and the higher converging ratio at a lower value of jet diameter. Average Nusselt number is found to be higher for lower values of pitch distance.
Racial Disparities in the Clinical Prognosis of Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients with COVID-19: a Retrospective Study in UC CORDS
Authors: Ma Bingya , Lu Yunxia
Published: January 2023

Background

Cancer patients are highly vulnerable to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Few studies have examined racial disparities of clinical prognosis among gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients with COVID-19, especially after the approval of COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study based on the University of California COVID Research Data Set (UC CORDS). Patients aged ≥ 18 with GI cancer as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 10, 2020, and May 8, 2022, were included. We examined racial disparities using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Among the 1054 GI cancer cases included, 117 (11.1%) patients were Asian and Pacific Islander, 51 (4.8%) were Black patients, 377 (35.8%) were Hispanic patients, 403 (38.2%) were White patients, and 106 (10.1%) belonged to other or unknown races. Fully adjusted logistic models revealed a significantly increased risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization or emergency room visits among the Black (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.08–4.70), the Hispanic (OR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.48–3.39), and the patients of other or unknown races (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.00–3.26) compared with the White patients. No significant racial disparities in 30-day all-cause mortality and mechanical ventilation rate were found. Vaccination, age, cancer type, recent cancer diagnoses in UC CORDS, metastatic cancer or secondary malignant neoplasm, and Charlson comorbidity index score were associated with the prognosis of GI cancer patients with COVID-19.

Conclusions

GI cancer patients belonging to racial minorities experience worse COVID-19 outcomes. Vaccination status is a crucial factor associated with GI cancer patients’ prognosis among different race/ethnicity groups. Targeted communication in the context of cancer is needed to encourage vaccination uptake in this vulnerable population.