bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Electroluminescence Turn‐On Mechanism of Blue Quantum‐Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Bai Jialin , Zhu Xiaoxiang , Xue Xulan , Zhang Hanzhuang , Zhou Mi , Ji Wenyu
Published: March 2023

A clear understanding on the fundamental working mechanisms of quantum‐dot light emitting diodes (QLEDs), especially the blue devices, is always sought after. Here the electroluminescence (EL) turn‐on mechanism of blue QLEDs is unraveled by structure engineering of the hole‐transport layers (HTLs). It is demonstrated that the EL turn‐on in blue QLEDs is highly dependent on the charge‐transport polarity of the HTLs. Energy transfer between HTLs and the blue quantum dots (QDs) occurs for the QLEDs based on bipolar HTLs, and, in contrast, charge injection is responsible for EL turn‐on of the blue devices consisting of unipolar HTLs. In addition, large hole‐injection barrier results in serious accumulation of holes at the interface of HTLs/QDs, then inducing serious electrons leakage into the HTLs, thereby leading to poor device efficiency under low driving current. It is suggested here that confining the carriers to the quantum dots and reducing the hole‐injection barrier remain two critical aspects to optimize the performance of blue QLEDs.
Hypoxia Drives Material‐Induced Heterotopic Bone Formation by Enhancing Osteoclastogenesis via M2/Lipid‐Loaded Macrophage Axis
Authors: Li Dan , Jiang Yucan , He Ping , Li Yeming , Wu Yan , Lei Wei , Liu Nanxin , de Bruijn Joost D. , Zhang Hua , Zhang Hongmei , Ji Ping , Yuan Huipin , Li Mingzheng
Published: March 2023

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a double‐edged sword. Pathological HO presents as an undesired clinical complication, whereas controlled heterotopic bone formation by synthetic osteoinductive materials shows promising therapeutic potentials for bone regeneration. However, the mechanism of material‐induced heterotopic bone formation remains largely unknown. Early acquired HO being usually accompanied by severe tissue hypoxia prompts the hypothesis that hypoxia caused by the implantation coordinates serial cellular events and ultimately induces heterotopic bone formation in osteoinductive materials. The data presented herein shows a link between hypoxia, macrophage polarization to M2, osteoclastogenesis, and material‐induced bone formation. Hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), a crucial mediator of cellular responses to hypoxia, is highly expressed in an osteoinductive calcium phosphate ceramic (CaP) during the early phase of implantation, while pharmacological inhibition of HIF‐1α significantly inhibits M2 macrophage, subsequent osteoclast, and material‐induced bone formation. Similarly, in vitro, hypoxia enhances M2 macrophage and osteoclast formation. Osteoclast‐conditioned medium enhances osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, such enhancement disappears with the presence of HIF‐1α inhibitor. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis reveals that hypoxia enhances osteoclastogenesis via the axis of M2/lipid‐loaded macrophages. The current findings shed new light on the mechanism of HO and favor the design of more potent osteoinductive materials for bone regeneration.
Toward Enhanced Aerosol Particle Adsorption in Never‐Bursting Bubble via Acoustic Levitation and Controlled Liquid Compensation
Authors: Ji Xiaoliang , Jiang Pingsong , Jiang Yichen , Chen Hongyue , Wang Weiming , Zhong Wenxuan , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Zhao Wei , Zang Duyang
Published: March 2023

Bubbles in air are ephemeral because of gravity‐induced drainage and liquid evaporation, which severely limits their applications, especially as intriguing bio/chemical reactors. In this work, a new approach using acoustic levitation combined with controlled liquid compensation to stabilize bubbles is proposed. Due to the suppression of drainage by sound field and prevention of capillary waves by liquid compensation, the bubbles can remain stable and intact permanently. It has been found that the acoustically levitated bubble shows a significantly enhanced particle adsorption ability because of the oscillation of the bubble and the presence of internal acoustic streaming. The results shed light on the development of novel air‐purification techniques without consuming any solid filters.
In vivo evaluation of the effect of sickle cell hemoglobin S, C and therapeutic transfusion on erythrocyte metabolism and cardiorenal dysfunction
Authors: D'Alessandro Angelo , Nouraie S. Mehdi , Zhang Yingze , Cendali Francesca , Gamboni Fabia , Reisz Julie A. , Zhang Xu , Bartsch Kyle W. , Galbraith Matthew D. , Gordeuk Victor R. , Gladwin Mark T.
Published: March 2023

Despite a wealth of exploratory plasma metabolomics studies in sickle cell disease (SCD), no study to date has evaluate a large and well phenotyped cohort to compare the primary erythrocyte metabolome of hemoglobin SS, SC and transfused AA red blood cells (RBCs) in vivo. The current study evaluates the RBC metabolome of 587 subjects with sickle cell sickle cell disease (SCD) from the WALK‐PHaSST clinical cohort. The set includes hemoglobin SS, hemoglobin SC SCD patients, with variable levels of HbA related to RBC transfusion events. Here we explore the modulating effects of genotype, age, sex, severity of hemolysis, and transfusion therapy on sickle RBC metabolism. Results show that RBCs from patients with Hb SS genotypes—compared to AA RBCs from recent transfusion events or SC RBCs—are characterized by significant alterations of RBC acylcarnitines, pyruvate, sphingosine 1‐phosphate, creatinine, kynurenine and urate metabolism. Surprisingly, the RBC metabolism of SC RBCs is dramatically different from SS, with all glycolytic intermediates significantly elevated in SS RBCs, with the exception of pyruvate. This result suggests a metabolic blockade at the ATP‐generating phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate step of glycolysis, which is catalyzed by redox‐sensitive pyruvate kinase. Metabolomics, clinical and hematological data were collated in a novel online portal. In conclusion, we identified metabolic signatures of HbS RBCs that correlate with the degree of steady state hemolytic anemia, cardiovascular and renal dysfunction and mortality.
Multi‐Site Conformational Exchange in the Synthetic Neomycin‐Sensing Riboswitch Studied by 19F NMR
Authors: Overbeck Jan H. , Vögele Jennifer , Nussbaumer Felix , Duchardt‐Ferner Elke , Kreutz Christoph , Wöhnert Jens , Sprangers Remco
Published: March 2023

The synthetic neomycin‐sensing riboswitch interacts with its cognate ligand neomycin as well as with the related antibiotics ribostamycin and paromomycin. Binding of these aminoglycosides induces a very similar ground state structure in the RNA, however, only neomycin can efficiently repress translation initiation. The molecular origin of these differences has been traced back to differences in the dynamics of the ligand:riboswitch complexes. Here, we combine five complementary fluorine based NMR methods to accurately quantify seconds to microseconds dynamics in the three riboswitch complexes. Our data reveal complex exchange processes with up to four structurally different states. We interpret our findings in a model that shows an interplay between different chemical groups in the antibiotics and specific bases in the riboswitch. More generally, our data underscore the potential of 19F NMR methods to characterize complex exchange processes with multiple excited states.
Manganese(I) Catalyzed ortho C−H Allylation of Benzoic Acids
Authors: Goebel Jonas F. , Stemmer Johanna , Belitz Florian , Gooßen Lukas J.
Published: March 2023

The 3d‐metal catalyst Mn(CO)5Br was found to efficiently promote ortho C−H allylations of arenecarboxylates in the presence of neocuproine as the ligand. Despite the simplicity of directing group and catalyst system, the selectivity goes well beyond the state‐of‐the‐art in that mono‐allylated products are obtained exclusively with high selectivities for the least hindered ortho‐position. The directing group can optionally be removed by in situ decarboxylation, opening up a regioselective entry to allyl arenes. The preparative utility of the process and its othogonality to other approaches was demonstrated by 44 products with otherwise hard‐to‐access substitution patterns, including 3‐bromo‐allylbenzene, 3‐allylbenzofuran, or 5‐allyl‐2‐methylnitrobenzene.
Comprehensive Study of the Enhanced Reactivity of Turbo‐Grignard Reagents**
Authors: Hermann Andreas , Seymen Rana , Brieger Lukas , Kleinheider Johannes , Grabe Bastian , Hiller Wolf , Strohmann Carsten
Published: March 2023

Since its introduction in 2004, Knochel's so called Turbo‐Grignard reagents revolutionized the usage of Grignard reagents. Through the simple addition of LiCl to a magnesium alkyl an outstanding increase in reactivity can be achieved. Though the exact composition of the reactive species remained mysterious, the reactive mixture itself is readily used not only in synthesis but also found its way into more distant fields like material science. To unravel this mystery, we combined single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction with in‐solution NMR‐spectroscopy and closed our investigations with quantum chemical calculations. Using such a variety of methods, we have gained insight into and an explanation for the extraordinary reactivity of this extremely convenient reagent by determining the structure of the first bimetallic reactive species [t‐Bu2Mg ⋅ LiCl ⋅ 4 thf] with two tert‐butyl anions at the magnesium center and incorporated lithium chloride.
Recent advances of Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of bacteria
Authors: Rodriguez Linsey , Zhang Zhiyun , Wang Danhui
Published: March 2023

Rapid and sensitive bacteria detection and identification are becoming increasingly important for a wide range of areas including the control of food safety, the prevention of infectious diseases, and environmental monitoring. Raman spectroscopy is an emerging technology which provides comprehensive information for the analysis of bacteria in a short time and with high sensitivity. Raman spectroscopy offers many advantages including relatively simple operation, non‐destructive analysis, and information on molecular differences between bacteria species and strains. A variety of biochemical properties can be measured in a single spectrum. This short review covers the recent advancements and applications of Raman spectroscopy for bacteria analysis with specific focuses on bacteria detection, bacteria identification and discrimination, as well as bacteria antibiotic susceptibility testing in 2022. The development of novel substrates, the combination with other techniques, and the utilization of advanced data processing tools for the improvement of Raman spectroscopy and future directions are discussed.
Hydrothermal fabrication of novel nanocomposites Mx‐MoO3‐α‐NaFe2(MoO4)3‐α‐FeMoO4 (M = Al, Co, Ni, and Er) for highly efficient catalytic synthesis of 5‐aryl‐1H‐tetrazole analogs
Authors: Taherzad Neda , Kafi‐Ahmadi Leila , Poursattar Marjani Ahmad
Published: March 2023

Mx‐MoO3‐α‐NaFe2(MoO4)3‐α‐FeMoO4 (M = Al, Co, Ni, and Er) nanomaterials were fabricated by the hydrothermal method in the present study. XRPD, FESEM, TEM, BET‐BJH, UV‐Vis, and VSM analyses were used to characterize and study the physical attributes of the as‐synthesized samples. Rietveld analysis data illustrated that the products were a mixture of α‐NaFe2(MoO4)3, α‐FeMoO4, MoO3, and Fe2O3 crystal phases. UV‐Vis spectra indicated that the obtained samples had a small direct band gap energy amount at about 1.3–1.5 eV. VSM analysis confirmed that the as‐fabricated samples had magnetic properties. However, most ferromagnetic behaviors were observed by doping Ni into the host crystal system. Catalytic synthesis of some 5‐aryl‐1H‐tetrazole analogs was performed under heat, microwave, and ultrasonic conditions. Reaction time, temperature, and solvent type parameters were studied to find the optimum conditions. High efficiency was obtained when ethyl alcohol was used as the reaction mixture solvent.
Flow injection chemiluminescence determination of acetochlor and cartap‐HCl in freshwater samples using an acidic KMnO4–rhodamine‐B reaction system
Authors: Nisa Khair Un , Kakar Attiq Ur Rehman , Asghar Muhammad , Samiullah  , Naqeebullah  , Niamatullah  , Shah Arif
Published: March 2023

A flow injection (FI) methodology using the acidic potassium permanganate (KMnO4)–rhodamine‐B (Rh‐B) reaction with chemiluminescence (CL) detection was established to determine acetochlor and cartap‐HCl pesticides in freshwater samples. Experimental parameters were optimized, and Chelex‐100 cationic exchanger mini column and solid‐phase extraction (SPE) were used as phase separation techniques. Linear calibration curves were observed for the standard solutions of acetochlor and cartap‐HCl over the ranges 0.005–2.0 mg L−1 [y = 1155.8x + 57.551, R2 = 0.9999 (n = 8)] and 0.005–1.0 mg L−1 [y = 979.76x + 14.491, R2 = 0.9998 (n = 8)] with LODs and LOQs of 7.5 × 10−4 and 8.0 × 10−4 mg L−1 (3σ blank) and 2.5 × 10−3 and 2.7 × 10−3 mg L−1 (10σ blank), respectively, with an injection throughput of 140 h−1. These methods were used to estimate acetochlor and cartap‐HCl with or without the SPE procedure, respectively, in spiked freshwater samples. Results obtained were not significantly different at a 95% confidence level to those of other reported methods. Recoveries for acetochlor and cartap‐HCl were obtained over the ranges 93–112% (RSD = 1.9–3.6%) and 98–109% (RSD = 1.7–3.8%), respectively. The most probable CL reaction mechanism was explored.
Cow's milk and hen's egg anaphylaxis: A comprehensive data analysis from the European Anaphylaxis Registry
Authors: Cichocka‐Jarosz Ewa , Dölle‐Bierke Sabine , Jedynak‐Wąsowicz Urszula , Sabouraud‐Leclerc Dominique , Köhli Alice , Lange Lars , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Hourihane Jonathan , Nemat Katja , Scherer Hofmeier Kathrin , Hompes Stephanie , Ott Hagen , Lopes de Oliveira Lucila , Spindler Thomas , Vogelberg Christian , Worm Margitta
Published: March 2023

Background

Cow's milk (CM) and hen's egg (HE) are leading triggers of anaphylaxis in early childhood. The aim of this study was to identify clinical phenotypes and therapeutic measures for CM anaphylaxis (CMA) compared to HE anaphylaxis (HEA) in children up to 12 years of age, based on a large pan‐European dataset from the European Anaphylaxis Registry.

Methods

Data from 2007 to 2020 on clinical phenotypes and treatment from 10 European countries, as well as Brazil, were analysed. The two‐step cluster analysis was used to identify the most frequent phenotypes. For each trigger, three clusters were extracted based on sex, age, and existence of symptoms in four vitally important systems.

Results

Altogether 284 children with CMA and 200 children with HEA were identified. They were characterised as male (69% vs. 64%), infants (65% vs. 61%), with a most frequent grade III of Ring&Messmer classification (62% vs. 64%), in CMA versus HEA, respectively. Respiratory symptoms occurred more often in CMA (91% vs. 83%, p = 0.010), especially in infants (89% vs. 79%, p = 0.008). Cardiovascular symptoms were less frequent in CMA (30% vs. 44%, p = 0.002), in both infants (33% vs. 46%, p = 0.027), and older children (25% vs. 42%, p = 0.021). The clusters extracted in the CMA group were characterised as: (1) mild dermal infants with severe GI (40%), 2. severe dermal (35%), 3. respiratory (25%). While in HEA group: 1. infants with severe GI and/or reduction of alertness (40%), (2) conjunctival (16%), (3) mild GI without conjunctivitis (44%). The severity of the reaction was independent from the amount of ingested allergen protein, regardless of trigger. The first‐line adrenaline application differed between the countries (0%–92%, as well as the reasons for not administering adrenaline, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Despite the similarity of their age, sex, and severity grade, the clinical profiles differed between the CMA and HEA children. Adrenaline was underused, and its administration was country dependent. Further studies are needed to assess to what extent the differences in the clinical profiles are related to matrix and/or absorption effects, and/or the allergen itself.
Fluid‐structure interaction analysis of transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Fumagalli Ivan , Polidori Rebecca , Renzi Francesca , Fusini Laura , Quarteroni Alfio , Pontone Gianluca , Vergara Christian
Published: March 2023

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive intervention for the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis. The main cause of failure is the structural deterioration of the implanted prosthetic leaflets, possibly inducing a valvular re‐stenosis 5–10 years after the implantation. Based solely on pre‐implantation data, the aim of this work is to identify fluid‐dynamics and structural indices that may predict the possible valvular deterioration, in order to assist the clinicians in the decision‐making phase and in the intervention design. Patient‐specific, pre‐implantation geometries of the aortic root, the ascending aorta, and the native valvular calcifications were reconstructed from computed tomography images. The stent of the prosthesis was modeled as a hollow cylinder and virtually implanted in the reconstructed domain. The fluid‐structure interaction between the blood flow, the stent, and the residual native tissue surrounding the prosthesis was simulated by a computational solver with suitable boundary conditions. Hemodynamical and structural indicators were analyzed for five different patients that underwent TAVI – three with prosthetic valve degeneration and two without degeneration – and the comparison of the results showed a correlation between the leaflets' structural degeneration and the wall shear stress distribution on the proximal aortic wall. This investigation represents a first step towards computational predictive analysis of TAVI degeneration, based on pre‐implantation data and without requiring additional peri‐operative or follow‐up information. Indeed, being able to identify patients more likely to experience degeneration after TAVI may help to schedule a patient‐specific timing of follow‐up.
Triarylamines as Catholytes in Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Farag Nadia L. , Jethwa Rajesh B. , Beardmore Alice E. , Insinna Teresa , O'Keefe Christopher A. , Klusener Peter A. A. , Grey Clare P. , Wright Dominic S.
Published: March 2023

A series of triarylamines was synthesised and screened for their suitability as catholytes in redox flow batteries using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Tris(4‐aminophenyl)amine was found to be the strongest candidate. Solubility and initial electrochemical performance were promising; however, polymerisation was observed during electrochemical cycling leading to rapid capacity fade prescribed to a loss of accessible active material and the limitation of ion transport processes within the cell. A mixed electrolyte system of H3PO4 and HCl was found to inhibit polymerisation producing oligomers that consumed less active material reducing rates of degradation in the redox flow battery. Under these conditions Coulombic efficiency improved by over 4 %, the maximum number of cycles more than quadrupled and an additional theoretical capacity of 20 % was accessed. This paper is, to our knowledge, the first example of triarylamines as catholytes in all‐aqueous redox flow batteries and emphasises the impact supporting electrolytes can have on electrochemical performance.
Long‐term relationships between seed bank communities and wildfire across four North American desert sites
Authors: Hosna Rachel K. , Reed Sasha C. , Faist Akasha M.
Published: March 2023

It is well documented that the recovery of dryland plant communities following wildfire can be variable, and that legacies of fire can have long‐lasting effects on aboveground plant communities. However, our understanding of the degree to which dryland soil seed banks, or the viable seeds in situ, are impacted by fire and their subsequent postfire succession remains extremely poor. To address this important knowledge gap, we used a time‐since‐fire approach to investigate soil seed bank community changes approximately 15 and 30 years after wildfire and to determine the influence of microsites (e.g., shrub vs. interspace) on seed bank composition. We assessed soil seed bank metrics across four North American deserts, including two cold desert sites (Colorado Plateau and Great Basin) and two warm desert sites (Chihuahuan and Sonoran). In greenhouse emergence trials, we found that seed bank characteristics diverged between warm and cold desert sites, such that warm desert sites had seed banks dominated by annual plants while our cold desert sites had seed banks with greater proportions of perennial species, regardless of fire history. In cold desert sites, fire significantly altered seed bank species composition even 30 years after fire. Shrub versus interspace microsites had no observed influence on seed bank composition in any desert. However, seed bank species richness was greater under shrubs in both warm deserts. Non‐native species were present in the seed banks of all deserts and some were particularly abundant in the burned sites. Despite the presence of native species in both burned and unburned seed banks, the presence of non‐native species suggests some degree of vulnerability to future disturbances because fire can create amplifying feedback with many non‐native plants. Our results highlight strong differences in fires' relationship with seed banks for warm and cold desert sites and lend insight into how fire relates to the composition and diversity of the seeds that play a fundamental role in future plant communities.
Amphibian abundance is associated with reduced mosquito presence in human‐modified landscapes
Authors: Perrin Antoine , Pellet Jérôme , Bergonzoli Ludovic , Christe Philippe , Glaizot Olivier
Published: March 2023

The impacts of landscape anthropization on mosquito abundance and diversity are already well studied, but the underlying ecological factors behind these effects are still poorly understood. One such underlying ecological factor may be related to the loss of amphibians in human‐modified landscapes, providing ideal habitats for several mosquito species. In this study, we conducted a mosquito and amphibian larvae survey in 77 ponds along a gradient of landscape anthropization in western Switzerland. We used structural equation models to investigate the direct and indirect effects of building footprints and several local pond parameters on mosquito abundance and composition through amphibian abundance. We highlighted that landscape anthropization increases the presence probability of mosquito larvae and the proportion of Culex pipiens in mosquito communities. Our results also suggested that one of the ecological mechanisms underlying these effects is a reduction in amphibian abundance, limiting competition and predation experienced by mosquitoes in human‐modified landscapes. In addition, we showed that several local pond characteristics prevent the presence and abundance of mosquito larvae. Indeed, deep ponds, which promote amphibian abundance, limit the probability of larval mosquito presence, and large and old ponds have a lower larval mosquito abundance. Amphibians appear to be effective control agents of natural mosquito populations. Therefore, the development of measures to protect amphibians in human‐modified landscapes could help to reduce both mosquito‐related nuisances and the risk of emergence of vector‐borne diseases in humans and wildlife.
Global change risks a threatened species due to alteration of predator–prey dynamics
Authors: Labadie Guillemette , Hardy Clément , Boulanger Yan , Vanlandeghem Virginie , Hebblewhite Mark , Fortin Daniel
Published: March 2023

Although global change can reshape ecosystems by triggering cascading effects on food webs, indirect interactions remain largely overlooked. Climate‐ and land‐use‐induced changes in landscape cause shifts in vegetation composition, which affect entire food webs. We used simulations of forest dynamics and movements of interacting species, parameterized by empirical observations, to predict the outcomes of global change on a large‐mammal food web in the boreal forest. We demonstrate that climate‐ and land‐use‐induced changes in forest landscapes exacerbate asymmetrical apparent competition between moose and threatened caribou populations through wolf predation. Although increased prey mortalities came from both behavioral and numerical responses, indirect effects from numerical responses had an overwhelming effect. The increase in caribou mortalities was exacerbated by the cumulating effects of land use over the short term and climate change impacts over the long term, with higher impact of land use. Indirect trophic interactions will be key to understanding community dynamics under global change.
Systematic review of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: a hopeful prospect in tackling heart failure‐related events
Authors: Aziri Buena , Begic Edin , Jankovic Slobodan , Mladenovic Zorica , Stanetic Bojan , Kovacevic‐Preradovic Tamara , Iglica Amer , Mujakovic Aida
Published: March 2023

In modern cardiology, sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are critical components of heart failure (HF) treatment algorithms and exert their effects primarily by preventing glucose reabsorption and facilitating its urinary excretion. The objective was to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, particularly canagliflozin, empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, ertugliflozin, sotagliflozin (dual SGLT inhibitor), and their use in HF. Systematic searches of PubMed/Medline, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were performed. There were no restrictions imposed on the date and status of publication; however, there were restrictions on language for the searched studies. A total of 1139 records were identified in the bibliographic searches from both databases and the register of choice for this systematic review. Following duplicate removal, screening for titles and abstracts, and thorough assessment of full‐text articles, 12 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Altogether, 83 878 patients were included in this review. Among the included studies, two RCTs, with six respective reports, investigated canagliflozin, four RCTs with 13 derived reports investigated dapagliflozin, three RCTs with 12 separate reports studied the effects of empagliflozin, one RCT and its three respective reports assessed ertugliflozin's effects, and two RCTs with one added report investigated the dual inhibitor sotagliflozin. Pooled meta‐analytic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors were as follows: on atrial fibrillation odds ratio (OR) = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68–1.01, prediction interval (PI): 0.57–1.19; on HF hospitalization OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.60–0.78, PI: 0.60–0.78; on cardiovascular death OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.58–1.15, PI: 0.42–1.60; and on major adverse cardiovascular events OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.77–1.06, PI: 0.71–1.15. SGLT2 inhibitors significantly improve the quality of life in HF patients. Their beneficial effects on HF, especially in left ventricular dysfunction, have made their use possible irrespective of diabetes mellitus or atrial fibrillation status.
Proteomics analysis of human breast milk by two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D‐PAGE) coupled with mass spectrometry to assess breast cancer risk
Authors: Aslebagh Roshanak , Whitham Danielle , Channaveerappa Devika , Lowe James , Pentecost Brian T. , Arcaro Kathleen F. , Darie Costel C.
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers and one of the most common causes for cancer‐related mortality. Discovery of protein biomarkers associated with cancer is considered important for early diagnosis and prediction of the cancer risk. Protein biomarkers could be investigated by large‐scale protein investigation or proteomics, using mass spectrometry (MS)‐based techniques. Our group applies MS‐based proteomics to study the protein pattern in human breast milk from women with BC and controls and investigates the alterations and dysregulations of breast milk proteins in comparison pairs of BC versus control. These dysregulated proteins might be considered potential future biomarkers of BC. Identification of potential biomarkers in breast milk may benefit young women without BC, but who could collect the milk for future assessment of BC risk. Previously we identified several dysregulated proteins in different sets of human breast milk samples from BC patients and controls using gel‐based protein separation coupled with MS. Here, we performed 2D‐PAGE coupled with nano‐liquid chromatography–tandem MS (nanoLC‐MS/MS) in a small‐scale study on a set of six human breast milk pairs (three BC samples vs. three controls) and we identified several dysregulated proteins that have potential roles in cancer progression and might be considered potential BC biomarkers in the future.
Promotion Effect of TiO2 on Ni/SiO2 Catalysts Prepared by Hydrothermal Method for CO2 Methanation
Authors: Liu Xudong , Zhang Lijuan , Li Zhenhua
Published: March 2023

Herein, the effects of TiO2 addition and different preparation methods on catalyst structure and CO2 methanation activity of Ni/SiO2 catalysts are investigated. Compared with wetness impregnation and sol–gel method, hydrothermal method is demonstrated to be a more efficient means for preparing Ni/SiO2 catalysts with more suitable pore structure, more active sites on the catalyst surface, and better catalytic performance. Ni/SiO2 catalysts with different TiO2 concentrations are synthesized by hydrothermal method for comparison with those without TiO2 introduced. The results show that TiO2‐promoted Ni/SiO2‐HS‐xTi exhibits higher activity and CH4 selectivity. Among this group, the Ni/SiO2‐HS‐2Ti catalyst performs the best, achieving 53.2% CO2 conversion at 350 ºC, 0.1 MPa, and WHSV of 45 000 mL g−1 h−1. The conclusions of the characterization analysis indicate that TiO2 effectively promotes the Ni dispersion on the SiO2 surface while reducing Ni particle size. In addition, TiO2 increases the amount of weak basic sites on the SiO2 surface and the electron cloud density around the active metal Ni, which facilitates the CO2 adsorption and activation.
Nanostructured Ternary Nickel‐Based Mixed Anionic (Telluro)‐Selenide as a Superior Catalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Abdullahi Ibrahim Munkaila , Thomas Siby , Gagliardi Alessio , Zaeem Mohsen Asle , Nath Manashi
Published: March 2023

Developing protocols for designing high‐efficiency, durable, cost‐effective electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) necessitates deeper understanding of structure–property correlation as a function of composition. Herein, it has been demonstrated that incorporating tellurium into binary nickel chalcogenide (NiSe) and creating a mixed anionic phase perturbs its electronic structure and significantly enhances the OER activity. A series of nanostructured nickel chalcogenides comprising a layer‐by‐layer morphology along with mixed anionic ternary phase are grown in situ on nickel foam with varying morphological textures using simple hydrothermal synthesis route. Comprehensive X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and in situ Raman spectroscopy analysis confirms the formation of a trigonal single‐phase nanocrystalline nickel (telluro)‐selenide (NiSeTe) as a truly mixed anionic composition. The NiSeTe electrocatalyst exhibits excellent OER performance, with a low overpotential of 300 mV at 50 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 98 mV dec−1 in 1 m KOH electrolyte. The turnover frequency and mass activity are 0.047 s−1 and 90.3 Ag−1, respectively. Detailed electrochemical measurements also reveal enhanced charge transfer properties of the NiSeTe phase compared to the mixture of binaries. Density functional theory calculations reveal favorable OH adsorption energy in the mixed anionic phase compared to the binary chalcogenides confirming superior electrocatalytic property.
Hepatoprotective effect of water bamboo shoot (Zizania latifolia) extracts against acute alcoholic liver injury in a mice model and screening of bioactive phytochemicals
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zong Zihao , Xia Wei , Fang Xiangjun , Liu Ruiling , Wu Weijie , Mu Honglei , Han Yanchao , Xiao Shangyue , Gao Haiyan , Chen Hangjun
Published: March 2023

In this study, the hepatoprotective effect of alkali extract (NE) of water bamboo shoot (WBS) against acute alcoholic liver injury (ALI) in mice was evaluated, and its underlying mechanisms were explored. Animal experiment demonstrated that NE exhibited hepatoprotective effect on alcoholic intake‐induced ALI via significantly enhancing the hepatic activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and catalase (CAT), whereas significantly attenuated hepatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). The potential molecular mechanism and bioactive compounds of NE against ALI were explored by bioinformatics analysis and isosinensetin was found to be the major bioactive compounds in NE against ALI. The western blot analysis showed that NE inhibited phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα to suppress the NF‐κB pathway. Overall our result indicated that WBS possesses potential hepatoprotective effects against ALI.
Uncharted risk measures for the management of sustainable mining
Authors: Watts Beatriz A. , Palmeira Zago Valéria C. , Gopakumar Lakshmi , Ghazaryan Karen , Movsesyan Hasmik
Published: March 2023

Governments commit to ensuring the welfare of their citizens by drafting and enforcing regulations that ultimately ensure the sustainability of mining. This study contributes to improving the sustainability of mining throughout the mine's lifecycle until the final destination of the mining products. We propose recommendations that address the sustainability of mining from a global perspective, framed around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), following waste hierarchy with Common Agricultural Policies, and policies from the Green Deal on climate, energy, transport, and taxation. Tailings are the most significant source of environmental impact in mining operations and, therefore, must comply with controlling regulations through Tailings Management Facilities (TMFs). However, there have been several mining accidents involving TMFs worldwide. The recommendations begin during planning, preconstruction, and construction with practices such as fair consultations, tax revenue fairness, and mandatory insurance. The operation and management support parallel industries to mining and supporting health and education. Emergency planning involves the surrounding communities in mock drills and environmental monitoring. In the closure and rehabilitation, remediation technologies such as phytoremediation, carbon sequestration incentives, and biomass valorization are recommended. Finally, supporting a circular economy by prioritizing ethical consumption, resource reduction, material recovery, and replacing toxic minerals and materials from the start with “benign by design” is recommended. The strategies involve stakeholders directly or indirectly related to the mining companies' contamination and demonstrate a commitment to the SDGs, offering a holistic perspective on scientific, social, and regulatory issues. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:949–960. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Effect of a Three-Day Course of Dexamethasone on Acute Phase Response Following Treatment With Zoledronate: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Murdoch Rachel , Mellar Anna , Horne Anne M. , Billington Emma , Chan Pui Ling , Gamble Gregory D. , Reid Ian R.
Published: March 2023

Zoledronate is a potent intravenous bisphosphonate effective in the management of osteoporosis, Paget's disease and skeletal-related events in malignancy. Its most frequent adverse effect is the acute phase response (APR), an inflammatory reaction characterized by fever, musculoskeletal pain, headache, and nausea. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study investigated the efficacy of a three-day course of dexamethasone 4 mg daily in reducing incidence of APR. Participants (n = 60) were randomized to receive either 4 mg of oral dexamethasone 1.5 hours before zoledronate and once a day for the following 2 days, or placebo. Oral temperature was measured at baseline and three times a day for the following 3 days, and questionnaires assessing symptoms of the APR were completed at baseline and for 3 days following zoledronate. Use of anti-inflammatory medication in the 3 days following zoledronate was recorded. The primary outcome was the temperature change from baseline. There was a significant difference in the primary outcome between the dexamethasone and placebo groups (p < 0.0001), with a mean decrease in temperature of 0.10°C (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.34 to 0.14) in the dexamethasone group compared with a mean increase in temperature of 0.84°C (95% CI, 0.53–1.16) in the placebo group on the evening following zoledronate. There was also a difference in APR-related symptom score over time between the two groups (p = 0.0005), with a median change in symptom score in the dexamethasone group 1 day after zoledronate of 0 (95% CI, 0–1) compared with 3 (95% CI, 0–5) in the placebo group. An increase in temperature of ≥1°C to a temperature of >37.5°C occurred in two of 30 (6.7%) participants in the dexamethasone group compared with 14 of 30 participants (46.7%) in the placebo group (p = 0.0005). This study demonstrates that a 3-day course of dexamethasone substantially reduces the APR following zoledronate infusion. © 2023 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
A kinetic study of ethanol coupling with acetaldehyde to 1,3‐butadiene over Zr‐β zeolite: insight into deactivation
Authors: Zhang Minhua , Zhang Yan , Tan Yuxin , Yang Guochao , Jiang Haoxi , Wang Lingtao
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

With the improvements in bioethanol production, the process of converting ethanol to 1,3‐butadiene (ETB) has received substantial scholarly attention, whose industrialization has been constrained by the stability of the catalysts.

RESULTS

In this work, the deactivation behavior of Zr‐β zeolite in the process of ethanol/acetaldehyde conversion to 1,3‐butadiene was investigated. In addition, the deactivation kinetics of ETB was studied using an isothermal differential microreactor. A kinetic model was developed and parametrized with the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism, and the intrinsic kinetic equation was derived. The deactivation kinetic model of the ETB reaction was established from the active site content of the catalyst as a function of time on stream. The validity of the kinetic model was tested, and the results were found to be accurate.

CONCLUSIONS

Catalyst deactivation was mainly caused by coke species, which are mainly long‐chain unsaturated oxygenated organic compounds and aromatic compounds, covering Lewis acid sites in the microporous channels of the catalyst; nevertheless the zeotype topology and morphology were not destroyed. The kinetic data suggested that the reaction was of first order and the activation energy of the deactivation process was 75.59 kJ mol−1. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on cerebral blood flow in male patients with adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Zhao Moss Y. , Dahlen Alex , Ramirez Norma Jimenez , Moseley Michael , Van Haren Keith , Zaharchuk Greg
Published: March 2023

One‐third of boys with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) develop inflammatory demyelinating lesions, typically at the splenium. These lesions share similarities with multiple sclerosis, including cerebral hypoperfusion and links to vitamin D insufficiency. We hypothesized that increasing vitamin D levels would increase cerebral blood flow (CBF) in ALD boys. We conducted an exploratory analysis of vitamin D supplementation and CBF using all available data from participants enrolled in a recent single‐arm interventional study of vitamin D supplementation in boys with ALD. We measured whole brain and splenium CBF using arterial spin labeling (ASL) from three study time points (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months). We used linear generalized estimating equations to evaluate CBF changes between time points and to test for an association between CBF and vitamin D. ASL data were available for 16 participants, aged 2–22 years. Mean vitamin D levels increased by 72.7% (p < .001) after 6 months and 88.6% (p < .01) after 12 months. Relative to baseline measures, mean CBF of the whole brain (6 months: +2.5%, p = .57; 12 months: +6.1%, p = .18) and splenium (6 months: +1.2%, p = .80; 12 months: +7.4%, p = .058) were not significantly changed. Vitamin D levels were positively correlated with CBF in the splenium (slope = .59, p < .001). In this exploratory analysis, we observed a correlation between vitamin D levels and splenial CBF in ALD boys. We confirm the feasibility of measuring CBF in this brain region and population, but further work is needed to establish a causal role for vitamin D in modulating CBF.
Relative efficacy of three different tendon repairs in complete flexor digitorum profundus laceration in Zone I: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Zhu Xiaozhong , Wei Haifeng , Zhu Hongyi , Zhong Wanrun , Bao Bingbo , Li Xingwei , Gao Tao , Zheng Xianyou , Mei Jiong
Published: March 2023

Hand flexor tendon injuries are common and biomechanically challenging to achieve good functional outcomes. Several approaches using the Pennington‐modified Kessler repair technique have been attempted, but high‐level evidence is still lacking. Here, we evaluated the relative efficacy of three versions of the Pennington‐modified Kessler technique in repairing complete flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) laceration in Zone 1. We conducted a 2‐year, single‐center, double‐blind, randomized clinical trial involving 85 patients with 105 digits enrolled between June 1, 2017 and January 1, 2019. Eligible participants were 20–60 years of age and underwent tendon repair in the acute phase for complete FDP laceration distal to the insertion of the superficial flexor tendon. The digits were randomized 1:1:1 to three treatment groups: (1) Pennington‐modified Kessler repair; (2) Pennington‐modified Kessler repair followed by circumferential tendon suture; or (3) Pennington‐modified Kessler repair followed by circumferential epitenon suture. The primary endpoint was total active range of motion (TAROM) at 2 years after the initial surgery. The secondary endpoint was the reoperation rate. Compared with group 1, both techniques for peripheral suture were associated with a decrease in TAROM at 2 years after surgery. The total reoperation rates of the three groups were 11.4%, 18.2%, and 17.6%, and we found no significant differences among the three groups possibly due to the limited sample size. Unexpectedly, among participants with complete FDP laceration in Zone I, both circumferential‐tendon and circumferential‐epitenon sutures caused worsening of TAROM after 2 years. No conclusions can be drawn regarding reoperation rates among the groups. Level of evidence: Therapeutic level I.
Defatted hempseed meal altered the metabolic profile of fermented yogurt and enhanced the ability to alleviate constipation in rats
Authors: Xu Jiaxin , Xu Xinyue , Hua Dong , Yuan Zhiheng , Bai Miao , Song Hong , Yang Lina , Li Jifeng , Zhu Danshi , Liu He
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Hempseeds (Cannabis sativa L.) are rich in easily digestible proteins, fats, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and insoluble fiber and are of high nutritional value. Probiotics have been found to relieve constipation, which solves a health problem that constantly troubles a lot of people. Therefore, the changes in the metabolites of fermented yogurt with or without 10% defatted hempseed meal (10% SHY or 0% SHY respectively) were studied and their laxative effects were examined through animal experiments.

RESULTS

Amino acids and peptides, terpene glycosides, carbohydrates, lineolic acids, and fatty acids were found to be the major contributors to the discrimination of the metabolic profile between 0% SHY and 10% SHY. The differentially accumulated metabolites may lead to the discrepancy in the yogurt's functionality. Animal experiments showed that the 10% SHY treatment prevented constipation by increasing feces number, fecal water content, and small intestinal transit rate and reducing inflammatory injury in loperamide‐induced constipated rats. Further analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that 10% SHY gavage increased the relative abundances of the Lactobacillus, Allobaculum, Turicibacter, Oscillibacter, Ruminococcus, and Phascolarctobacterium genera in the constipated rats, whereas Akkermansia, Clostridium_XIVa, Bacteroides, Staphylococcus, and Clostridium_IV were decreased. The combination of defatted hempseed meal and probiotics was found to be effective in relieving constipation, probably due to the enriched amino acids and peptides, such as Thr‐Leu and lysinoalanine through correlation analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that defatted hempseed meal in yogurt altered the metabolic profile and effectively alleviated constipation in rats, which is a promising therapeutic candidate for constipation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The effect of knowledge conversion on innovation and performance: A multi‐layered moderated‐mediation model
Authors: Travis Miranda Lakshmi , Aruldoss Alex , Kowalski Kellyann Berube , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: March 2023

This research aims to investigate how knowledge sharing and innovation are linked to affect performance. A multi‐layered moderated‐mediation model is developed to explore the effect of interactions between four types of innovations (product, process, marketing, and organizational) on the relationship between knowledge conversion and performance. After checking the measurement properties of the survey instrument using the LISREL package of structural equation modeling (SEM), data collected from 312 employees from the southern part of India were analyzed using Hayes's PROCESS macros. The results indicate that (i) knowledge conversion is positively associated with (a) performance and (b) organizational innovation; (ii) organizational innovation is positively associated with performance; and (iii) organizational structure mediates the relationship between knowledge conversion and performance. The findings also indicate that process innovation (second moderator) positively moderates the relationship between knowledge conversion and product innovation (first moderator) in influencing organizational innovation. The study also found that marketing innovation moderates the relationship between organizational innovation and performance. Thus, the study underscores the importance of knowledge conversion and all four types of innovation in enhancing performance. The managerial implications are discussed.