bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of exome-seq and mRNA-seq using DawnRank, identified genes involved in innate immunity as drivers of breast cancer in the Indian cohort
Authors: Nirgude Snehal , Desai Sagar , Khanchandani Vartika , Nagarajan Vidhyavathy , Thumsi Jayanti , Choudhary Bibha
Published: October 2023

Genetic heterogeneity influences the prognosis and therapy of breast cancer. The cause of disease progression varies and can be addressed individually. To identify the mutations and their impact on disease progression at an individual level, we sequenced exome and transcriptome from matched normal-tumor samples. We utilised DawnRank to prioritise driver genes and identify specific mutations in Indian patients. Mutations in the C3 and HLA genes were identified as drivers of disease progression, indicating the involvement of the innate immune system. We performed immune profiling on 16 matched normal/tumor samples using CIBERSORTx. We identified CD8+ve T cells, M2 macrophages, and neutrophils to be enriched in luminal A and T cells CD4+naïve, natural killer (NK) cells activated, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, dendritic cells activated, and neutrophils in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed activation of T cell-mediated response in ER positive samples and Interleukin and Interferons in ER negative samples. WGCNA analysis also identified unique pathways for each individual, suggesting that rare mutations/expression signatures can be used to design personalised treatment.
The value of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in the diagnosis of urinary calculi: a systematic review and meta-analysis of retrospective studies
Authors: Feng Peipei , Li Guochao , Liang Peng
Published: October 2023

Objective

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) imaging technology opens a new idea and method for analyzing stone composition, which can obtain several quantitative parameters reflecting tissue-related information and energy images different from traditional images. However, the application of DECT in diagnosing urinary calculi remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the value of DECT in diagnosing urinary calculi by meta-analysis.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched to articles published from the establishment of the databases to April 18, 2023. We reviewed the articles on the diagnosis of urinary calculi detected by DECT, established standards, screened the articles, and extracted data. Two researchers carried out data extraction and the Cohen’s unweighted kappa was estimated for inter-investigator reliability. The quality of the literature was evaluated by the diagnostic test accuracy quality evaluation tool (QUADAS-2). The heterogeneity and threshold effects were analyzed by Meta-Disc 1.4 software, and the combined sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic ratio were calculated. The combined receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the value of DECT in the diagnosis of urinary calculi was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC). The meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023418204).

Results

One thousand and twenty-seven stones were detected in 1,223 samples from 10 diagnostic tests. The analyzed kappa alternated between 0.78-0.85 for the document’s retrieval and detection procedure. The sensitivity of DECT in the diagnosis of urinary calculi was 0.94 (95% CI [0.92–0.96]). The positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of DECT in the diagnosis of urinary stones was 0.91 (95% CI [0.88–0.94]), and the negative likelihood ratio (NLR) was 0.08 (95% CI [0.05–0.11]). The specificity of DECT for detecting urinary calculi was 0.91 (95% CI [0.88–0.94]). The area under the curve of the summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) was 0.9875. The sensitivity of dual-energy CT in the diagnosis of urinary calculi diameter <3 mm was 0.94 (95% CI [0.91–0.96]). The PLR of DECT in the diagnosis of urinary stones diameter <3 mm was 10.79 (95% CI [5.25 to 22.17]), and the NLR was 0.08 (95% CI [0.05–0.13]). The specificity of DECT for detecting urinary calculi <3 mm was 0.91 (95% CI [0.87–0.94]). The SROC was 0.9772.

Conclusion

The DECT has noble application value in detecting urinary calculi.
Standardization of in situ coral bleaching measurements highlights the variability in responses across genera, morphologies, and regions
Authors: Khen Adi , Wall Christopher B. , Smith Jennifer E.
Published: October 2023

Marine heatwaves and regional coral bleaching events have become more frequent and severe across the world’s oceans over the last several decades due to global climate change. Observational studies have documented spatiotemporal variation in the responses of reef-building corals to thermal stress within and among taxa across geographic scales. Although many tools exist for predicting, detecting, and quantifying coral bleaching, it remains difficult to compare bleaching severity (e.g., percent cover of bleached surface areas) among studies and across species or regions. For this review, we compiled over 2,100 in situ coral bleaching observations representing 87 reef-building coral genera and 250 species of common morphological groups from a total of 74 peer-reviewed scientific articles, encompassing three broad geographic regions (Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans). While bleaching severity was found to vary by region, genus, and morphology, we found that both genera and morphologies responded differently to thermal stress across regions. These patterns were complicated by (i) inconsistent methods and response metrics across studies; (ii) differing ecological scales of observations (i.e., individual colony-level vs. population or community-level); and (iii) temporal variability in surveys with respect to the onset of thermal stress and the chronology of bleaching episodes. To improve cross-study comparisons, we recommend that future surveys prioritize measuring bleaching in the same individual coral colonies over time and incorporate the severity and timing of warming into their analyses. By reevaluating and standardizing the ways in which coral bleaching is quantified, researchers will be able to track responses to marine heatwaves with increased rigor, precision, and accuracy.
Unlocking Farm Income Potential: Exploring Youthfulness Impact on Farm Income in Vertically Integrated Green Tea Markets in Tanzania
Authors: Dogeje Finias
Published: October 2023

Background: Participation in vertically integrated markets has a potential of improving farm income, but the influence of youthfulness on farm income remains underexplored.

Aim: This paper explores the youthfulness impact on farm income in vertically integrated green tea markets in Tanzania.

Study Design: This study employed a descriptive research design.

Place and Duration of Study: Southern Highlands Tanzania, between January and June 2023.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey using a structured close ended questionnaire was conducted to collect quantitative data from 277 farmers. Data was cleaned in Excel and analysed using SPSS IBM Statistics Version 26 for both descriptive and inferential statistics. The Ordinal Logistic Regression model was used to assess null hypothesis that youthfulness have no significant impact on farm income.

Findings: Results indicate negative association between youthfulness and increased farm incomes, yet the impact lacks statistical significance (P=0.177), suggesting that youthfulness has limited influence on farm income (null hypothesis accepted). Likewise, land access, farming technology, market information and education have negative impact on tea farm income, but its education and land access effect only which had statistical significance at the P=0.05 level. Conversely, vertically integrated market experience (VIME) positively influence farm income but lack statistical significance (P=0.443).

Conclusion: This study conclude that, no significant impact of youthfulness on farm income in  vertically integrated green tea markets in Tanzania. Similarly, land, farming technology, market information access and education negatively affect income level. Besides, VIME positively influence green tea farm income.

Recommendations: To enhance farm income in vertically integrated green tea markets, it is recommended that policy and practice should prioritize addressing factors such as market dynamics, resource management, pricing policies, and cost management, which may potentially offset the otherwise positive influence of youthfulness, land access, farming technology, market information access, and education on green tea income. Future research may explore youthfulness impacts on various subsectors alongside contextual factors, like market dynamics, resource and cost management.
Substitution of Nitrogen and Phosphorous by Bio-Inoculants and Their Effect on Growth Parameters, Yield Attributes and Yield of Barley
Authors: Tiwari Abhishek Kumar , Mishra Ashutosh , Mishra U. S. , Sirothia Pawan , Singh Opendra Kumar , Jendre Anisha
Published: October 2023

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2022-2023 at Rajoula Agriculture farm, of Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya Chitrakoot, Satna (M.P.). The present experiment having 13 treatment combinations replicated thrice in randomized block design. Barley variety HUV-113 was grown with recommended agronomic practices. On the basis of the results emanated from present investigation, it could be concluded that application of T11 [100 % N & P + PSB + Azotobacter + 100 % K] significantly recorded maximum growth parameters of barley such as plant population plot-1 (41.56 m-2), plant height (91.78 cm), and number of tillers (87.74) and maximum yield attributing characters such as no. of spike (73.38 m-2), spike weight plant-1 (51.20), number of spikelet (256.19) and test weight (45.76 g).  Similarly highest grain yield (40.19 q ha-1) and straw yield (62.71 q ha-1), with application of treatment T11 [100 % N & P + PSB + Azotobacter + 100 % K] in comparison to all the treatments. While minimum value of all the growth parameters, yield components and yield were associated with the treatment T1 [Control].
An Analysis of the Use of Topological Graphs in Network Connectivity
Authors: Sundaram Kalaiselvi
Published: October 2023

Network topology refers to the deliberate and efficient configuration or organization of a network, encompassing its constituent nodes and the interconnecting lines that facilitate communication between them. The network topology is a configuration of interconnected components that facilitates the establishment of communication between nodes or points in a seamless manner. The presentation encompasses both the physical structure and the logical interconnections. The comprehension of physical topology enables us to determine the appropriate locations for cable installation and node placement. In contrast, logical topology elucidates the movement of data and its transmission. This review study explores the application of topological graphs in analyzing network connectivity, emphasizing its importance and wide-ranging applications in various domains in computer science.
Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Relation to Selected Environmental Parameters along Nairobi River, Kenya
Authors: Ndichu Naomi Nyambura , Tela Samuel Abuyeka , Fred Okeyo , Makokha Mary , Kweyu Raphael
Published: October 2023

Aquatic diversity in riverine ecosystems is threatened by the intensification of unsustainable human actions in the river catchment areas. Nairobi River is one of the global wetlands that is experiencing high levels of degradation and this has a detrimental effect on the community's livelihood. The study aimed to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of aquatic macro invertebrates in relation to some environmental parameters in the Nairobi River watershed in Kenya.  The study objectives were: to find out macroinvertebrates' diversity in the Nairobi River; to investigate selected water quality parameters in rainy and dry periods along the river; and to analyze the spatial distribution of macroinvertebrates in relation to selected water quality parameters. During the dry days, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity nitrates, and phosphates had significant differences (P ˂0.05 and F˃1). In the same period, macroinvertebrates were higher in the middle course 1 section of the river (mean 657.00) and in the middle course 2 section (mean 588.00) to upper and lower sections. However, there was no significant difference (P > .05) in the sites. Similarly, during the wet days, macroinvertebrates were noted to be higher in the middle course 2 areas (mean 168) and middle course 1 (mean 155). However, the number of macroinvertebrates was not significantly different (P > .05). Animals such as midge larvae and pupa, aquatic earthworms and mosquito larvae were highly tolerant to pollution due to adaptations to survival while others such as water penny, gilled snails, fingernail clam were sensitive to pollution thus they survived in very few sections of the river and in small numbers. The study recommends the need to conserve the river watershed as well as restore degraded river sections to guarantee the continued future provision of ecosystem services to the adjacent urban river communities and improve the river's biological integrity.
Barriers to access to psychiatric medications in Missouri county jails
Authors: Burval Jessica K. , Iuppa Courtney A. , Kriz Carrie R. , Lang Shelby E. , Nelson Leigh Anne , Gramlich Nicole A. , Elliott Ellie S. R. , Sommi Roger W.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Objectives of this study were to characterize barriers to receiving psychiatric medications for people who are incarcerated, to compare barriers before competency restoration to those after competency restoration, and to characterize psychiatric medication formularies.

Methods

A survey of county jails in Missouri was completed between October 2021 and February 2022. Survey questions were answered by medical department personnel, nurses, or a person responsible for medication oversight. Formularies were requested.

Results

Of 97 jails contacted, 51 completed the survey (53%). Most jails allowed patients to supply their own medications and reported they were “often” or “always” able to continue home medications. Inability to provide home medications was frequently attributed to cost. Notably, only 57% of jails were able to provide long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIA), 22% charged a fee for administration of medications, and 31% would not adjust medication times based on food requirements. No major differences existed precompetency and postcompetency for any question.

Discussion

Jail policies varied; thus, medication access for patients should be approached at the individual level. Potential areas to target to improve access are medication administration times, LAIA access, and removal of medication administration fees.
Efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy in chronic insomnia: A review of clinical guidelines and case reports
Authors: Del Rio Verduzco Alejandro , Salari Ahva , Haghparast Parna
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Chronic insomnia affects 5% to 10% of the US population, increasing the demand for treatment options and the corresponding research to prove their validity.1 This review compares recommendations from 3 clinical guidelines and summarizes hypnotic medications, including their newly reported side effects not mentioned in the guidelines. In addition, we aim to provide an overview of what pharmacotherapies are available for prescribers and patients.

Methods

A literature search was conducted for articles published prior to January 10, 2022, and case reports and clinical studies were retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar.

Results

Definitive conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the safety and efficacy of medications reviewed; however, trends are apparent. All 3 guidelines included in this review remarked most treatment recommendations as weak except for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, which is effective but not readily available. Furthermore, based on the 15 case reports and 13 clinical studies presented in this review, many of the medications used for treatment of insomnia present safety concerns.

Discussion

Benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine receptor agonists are commonly used hypnotic agents with the “Z-drugs” having robust data establishing their efficacy for the short-term treatment of chronic insomnia. However, significant adverse effects related to the central nervous system (CNS), including developing tolerance, addiction, CNS depression, and amnesia, remain barriers to their long-term use. In comparison, newer agents present more favorable side-effect profiles although with less established efficacy. Additionally, off-label agents, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and natural supplements, are discussed due to their prominent use.
Patients’ Perspectives on Axial Pain in Relation to Inflammation and Structural Damage in a Large Cohort of Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients
Authors: Kampman Anne , Wink Freke , Paap Davy , Carbo Marlies , Siderius Mark , Kieskamp Stan , Maas Fiona , Spoorenberg Anneke , Arends Suzanne
Published: October 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore to what extent patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) link experienced pain in the neck, back, and hips to inflammation and/or structural damage.

Methods

Patients from the Groningen Leeuwarden Axial Spondyloarthritis (GLAS) cohort visiting the outpatient clinic between 2016 and 2019 filled out two additional questions in relation to the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) question 2: (1) “To what extent do you think the pain you experience in your neck, back, and hips is related to inflammation caused by axSpA?” and (2) “To what extent do you think the pain you experience in your neck, back, and hips is related to damage of the spine and joints caused by axSpA?” Answers had to be depicted on a numeric rating scale from 0 (none) to 10 (very much); a difference of ≥2 points between the scores of these questions was considered clinically relevant in favor of the highest scoring question.

Results

A total of 688 patients with axSpA (24% with nonradiographic axSpA [nr‐axSpA]) were included (62% male, mean ± SD age 48 ± 14 years, and mean ± SD Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score [ASDAS] 2.3 ± 1.0). Seventy‐five percent of patients could not link the origin of their pain, 15% linked axial pain predominantly to inflammation, and 10% linked axial pain predominantly to damage. Patients in the inflammation group were younger, had shorter symptom duration, were more frequently diagnosed with nr‐axSpA, had higher ASDASCRP, had more often elevated CRP levels, had fewer comorbidities, had better spinal mobility, and had less spinal radiographic damage.

Conclusion

In our large observational cohort, the majority of patients with axSpA could not differentiate the origin of experienced axial pain. If patients were able to link axial pain to clinical inflammation or damage, it was in concordance with clinical assessments and radiographic outcome, which may be helpful in establishing the origin of pain and supporting better patient‐centered treatment decisions.
Luspatercept stimulates erythropoiesis, increases iron utilization, and redistributes body iron in transfusion‐dependent thalassemia
Authors: Garbowski Maciej W. , Ugidos Manuel , Risueño Alberto , Shetty Jeevan K. , Schwickart Martin , Hermine Olivier , Porter John B. , Thakurta Anjan , Vodala Sadanand
Published: October 2023

Luspatercept, a ligand‐trapping fusion protein, binds select TGF‐β superfamily ligands implicated in thalassemic erythropoiesis, promoting late‐stage erythroid maturation. Luspatercept reduced transfusion burden in the BELIEVE trial (NCT02604433) of 336 adults with transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (TDT). Analysis of biomarkers in BELIEVE offers novel physiological and clinical insights into benefits offered by luspatercept. Transfusion iron loading rates decreased 20% by 1.4 g (~7 blood units; median iron loading rate difference: −0.05 ± 0.07 mg Fe/kg/day, p< .0001) and serum ferritin (s‐ferritin) decreased 19.2% by 269.3 ± 963.7 μg/L (p < .0001), indicating reduced macrophage iron. However, liver iron content (LIC) did not decrease but showed statistically nonsignificant increases from 5.3 to 6.7 mg/g dw. Erythropoietin, growth differentiation factor 15, soluble transferrin receptor 1 (sTfR1), and reticulocytes rose by 93%, 59%, 66%, and 112%, respectively; accordingly, erythroferrone increased by 51% and hepcidin decreased by 53% (all p < .0001). Decreased transfusion with luspatercept in patients with TDT was associated with increased erythropoietic markers and decreasing hepcidin. Furthermore, s‐ferritin reduction associated with increased erythroid iron incorporation (marked by sTfR1) allowed increased erythrocyte marrow output, consequently reducing transfusion needs and enhancing rerouting of hemolysis (heme) iron and non‐transferrin‐bound iron to the liver. LIC increased in patients with intact spleens, consistent with iron redistribution given the hepcidin reduction. Thus, erythropoietic and hepcidin changes with luspatercept in TDT lower transfusion dependency and may redistribute iron from macrophages to hepatocytes, necessitating the use of concomitant chelator cover for effective iron management.
Tandem Photooxidation/Acetalization of Alcohols to Acetals/Ketals with Sulfur‐doped Carbon Nitride
Authors: Khan Muhammad Abdullah , Hussain Atarad , Teixeira Ivo F. , Al‐Humaidi Jehan Y. , Hafeez Muhammad , Liaqat Faroha
Published: October 2023

Selective chemical synthesis using visible light is challenging. Herein we present photooxidation and subsequent acetalization of alcohols in tandem with high selectivity employing sulfur‐doped polymeric carbon nitride (CNS) under mild conditions. Distinctive electronic structure of CNS allows it to efficiently catalyze the oxidation of alcohols and subsequent acetalization of the obtained products with primary alcohols introduced at the outset. The process is green, utilizes visible light and air, and has a broad substrate scope with good activity and selectivity. Catalytic system works without any significant loss in activity after multiple reaction cycles, offers a sustainable way to produce a variety of acetals/ketals for green synthesis applications.
Exploring the role of university education in reducing the appeal of right‐wing populism
Authors: Manning Nathan , Stefanovic Djordje
Published: October 2023

Why are university‐educated ethnic majority men less likely to support right‐wing populism (RWP) than those without university education? To investigate this under‐researched question, we conducted an exploratory study using semistructured interviews and thematic analysis with white Australian men from different socioeconomic backgrounds. While some with university education supported RWP, their views aligned with a moderate version of the ideology. Student/graduate supporters of RWP were opposed to hiring practices designed to support gender and ethnic equity. Students/graduates who experienced contact with Others were generally more positive about diversity, but this was not always the case for non‐university participants. While students/graduates with RWP leanings tended to see university as a politically biased institution, concerns about political correctness were widespread across the sample. Significantly, numerous students/graduates experienced university education as promoting a pluralist outlook, and this outlook appears fundamentally incompatible with the monist tendencies of RWP ideology. However, findings also suggest that university education is not the only route to a pluralist outlook, nor does it always lead to a rejection of RWP. Hence, developing a pluralist outlook may be more important than university education in reducing the appeal of RWP. The implications of these exploratory findings for future research are discussed.
Understanding the heterogeneous immune repertoire of brain metastases for designing next‐gen therapeutics
Authors: Wang Zongjie , Chen Kangfu
Published: October 2023

Approximately 20% of cancer patients experience brain metastases in the advanced stages as circulating tumor cells migrate to and colonize the brain microvasculature. Due to the challenges associated with biopsies, our understanding of the tumor microenvironment and heterogeneity in brain metastases remains limited, hindering the development of systemic approaches for detection and treatment. Emerging evidence suggests that specific brain metastases induce a substantial level of immune activation and infiltration, which provides an opportunity to design specific immunotherapies targeting brain metastases. This perspective aims to summarize recent advancements in molecular profiling of the immune repertoires of brain metastases using biopsy‐based approaches, with an emphasis on tumor‐reactive T cells. Additionally, we discuss the potential of alternative tissues and technologies that offer improved temporal resolution, throughput, and fidelity for tracking tumor dynamics.
A Multi‐Pyridine‐Anchored and ‐Linked Bilayer Photocathode for Water Reduction
Authors: Tang Kun , Shao Jiang‐Yang , Zhong Yu‐Wu
Published: October 2023

The development of efficient photocathodes is of critical importance for the constructions of promising tandem photo‐electrochemical cells. Most known dye‐sensitized photocathodes are prepared with the conventional carboxylic or phosphonic acid anchors and require the presence of other terminal linking groups to connect catalysts; they suffer from high synthetic difficulty and low adsorption stability in aqueous media. Here, a compact bilayer photocathode has been prepared by using a pyrene‐based photosensitizer with multiple terminal pyridine moieties as both the anchoring and linking groups to connect a Co hydrogen‐evolution catalyst to the NiO substrate. The catalyst and dye molecule are assembled in a layer‐by‐layer manner on NiO through the metal‐pyridine coordination. This photocathode exhibits good dye adsorption stability in aqueous media. A stable cathodic photocurrent of 70 μA cm−2 was achieved, with H2 being generated at the photocathode under the visible‐light irradiation. The Faraday efficiency of H2 evolution was estimated to be 9.1 %. Transient absorption spectral studies suggest that the interfacial hole transfer occurs within a few picoseconds. The integration of the organic photosensitizer with pyridine anchoring and linking groups is expected to provide a simple method for the fabrication of stable and efficient photocathodes.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Switchable [4 + 1] and [4 + 1 + 1] Spirocyclization of Aromatic Amides with 2‐Diazo‐1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐dione: Access to Spiro Indene‐2,1'‐isoindolinones and Spiro Isochroman‐3,1'‐isoindolinones
Authors: Li Bin , Xie Mengmeng , Li Jingyu , Shen Nana , Zhang Xinying , Fan Xuesen
Published: October 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Herein, we report a condition‐controlled divergent synthesis of spiro indene‐2,1'‐isoindolinones and spiro isochroman‐3,1'‐isoindolinones through cobalt‐catalyzed formal [4 + 1] and [4 + 1 + 1] spirocyclization of aromatic amides with 2‐diazo‐1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐ dione. When the reaction is carried out under air in ethyl acetate, spiro indene‐2,1'‐isoindolinones are formed through Co(II)‐catalyzed C—H/N—H [4 + 1] spirocyclization. When the reaction is run under O2 in CH3CN, on the other hand, spiro isochroman‐3,1'‐isoindolinones are generated through Baeyer‐Villiger oxidation of the in situ formed spiro indene‐2,1'‐isoindolinones with O2 as a cheaper and environmental‐friendly oxygen source. In general, these protocols have advantages such as using non‐precious and earth‐abundant metal catalyst, no extra additive, high efficiency and regioselectivity. A gram‐scale synthesis and the removal of the directing group further highlight its utility.
Elevated PLAUR is observed in the airway epithelium of asthma patients and blocking improves barrier integrity
Authors: Portelli Michael A. , Bhaker Sangita , Pang Vincent , Bates David O. , Johnson Simon R. , Mazar Andrew P. , Shaw Dominick , Brightling Christopher , Sayers Ian
Published: October 2023

Background

Expression of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is elevated in the airway epithelium in asthma; however, the contribution of uPAR to asthma pathogenesis and scope for therapeutic targeting remains unknown.

Objectives

To determine (i) the expression profile of uPAR in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) from asthma patients, (ii) the relationship between uPAR and the epithelial barrier, including blocking uPAR functions and (iii) the function of different uPAR isoforms.

Methods

uPAR levels in HBECs isolated from asthma patients and cells at air liquid interface (ALI) during differentiation were quantified. Transepithelial electrical resistance or electrical cell impedance sensing was used to relate uPAR levels to barrier properties, including effects of uPAR blocking antibodies. The functional effects of gain of function was determined using transcriptomics, in cells over‐expressing membrane (muPAR), soluble cleaved (scuPAR) or soluble spliced (ssuPAR) isoforms.

Results

Elevated expression of uPAR was a feature of cultured HBECs from asthma patients, suggesting intrinsic alterations in asthma patient cells. Soluble uPAR levels inversely correlated with barrier properties of the HBEC layer in 2D and ALI. Blocking uPAR‐integrin interactions enhanced barrier formation. The gain of function cells showed limited transcriptomic changes.

Conclusion

This study provides a significant advance in our understanding of the relationship between asthma, uPAR and the epithelial barrier, where elevated circulating uPAR results in a reduced cell barrier, a phenotype prevalent in asthma.
Visualization and analysis of the transformation and development of thermal power plants under the low‐carbon policy
Authors: Liu Yikang , Wang Haiyan , Chen Yuqi , Chen Zhiwen , Wang Tao , Huang Ting , Ni Mingqi , Qi Qingjie
Published: October 2023

To better grasp the dynamic trend of the transformation and development of thermal power enterprises in the context of low carbon worldwide; the background of the transformation development of thermal power enterprises, the low carbon economic model, and the basic situation of the thermal power industry are reviewed and analyzed. Yearly quantitative distribution of literature, country (region) distribution, main source journal distribution, organization distribution, research hotspots, and frontiers are all analyzed, CiteSpace and Vosviewer are used to plot expertise area maps. The results show that the number of studies on the transformation and development of thermal power plants under the background of low carbon is on the rise in general, among which the contribution of China is the largest. Research articles have been published in 77 publications worldwide, mainly in the fields of chemistry, materials, and fuels. The framework of simple theories and research strategies has been completed. However, the research community is too targeted and there are few frontier branches. Based on technology development, process updating and process development, environmental remediation, electrochemical CO2 reduction, organic contaminants, active sites, and bifunctional electrocatalysts have become the leading research topics of thermal power plant transformation development.
Nickel ferrite doped polyaniline composites: Synthesis and analysis for a high‐performance symmetric pseudo‐supercapacitor
Authors: Singh Gyan , Kumar Yogesh , Husain Samina
Published: October 2023

This work is conducted to improve the electrochemical performance of PANI with the incorporation of spinel‐type transition metal oxide, that is, 1 wt.% of nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) (NF). The addition of NiFe2O4 into the PANI matrix is accomplished via in situ oxidative polymerization approach at a very low temperature (0‐5°C). It is observed that the various valence states of NiFe2O4 in the electrolytic ions considerably increase due to formation of a well‐interconnected conducting network with PANI. The requisite interaction of PANI/NiFe2O4 is verified by Raman analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). PANI1:1/NF1 ratio of the composite facilitates strong conducting route improving delocalization of the electrons in the polymeric chain resulting in extra stability of the system. It is observed that NF nanoparticles fills the gaps in the polymeric matrix rendering to attain highest specific capacitance of 758 F g−1 of the PANI 1:1/NF1 electrode cell as compared to bare PANI1:1 (677 F g−1), PANI1:2 (500 F g−1), NF (253 F g−1) and other PANI1:2/NF2 (686 F g−1) samples at 10mV/s. The PANI1:1 device also shows energy density ~ 54 W kg−1 at 0.3 mA/cm2 with corresponding power density at ~1705 W kg−1, and the cyclic stability ~97% after 10,000 GCD cycles. The said device also exhibits a lower charge transfer resistance (Rct) 0.35 Ω as compared to other fabricated devices. NiFe2O4 acts as a ‘superhighway’ for charge transportation between PANI, which is beneficial for supercapacitors.
Synthesis and surface activity of novel amino acid surfactants
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Cheng Yuqiao , Lu Shuang , Zhao Yue , Zhang Zhiting
Published: October 2023

Amino acid surfactants (AASs) based on environmentally friendly biomasses have the characteristics of renewable, easy biodegradation, antibacterial and low toxicity, and have been widely used in daily chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other fields. This study concerned the use of octanal and amino acids as raw materials. In addition, seven types of amino acid‐based surfactants, through Collins reagents, Wittig‐Hornor reaction, and aza‐Micheal addition reaction, and amino acid head groups were connected with the alkyl chain by the CN bond. The structures were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMR). Its surface activity and adsorption properties are evaluated. The physical properties of amino acid‐based surfactants were tested by surface tension and dynamic contact angle. The results demonstrated that histidine‐based amino acid surfactant (C8His) has the lowest critical micelle concentration (CMC) and surface tension at CMC (γCMC), 0.39 mmol L−1 and 28.79 mN L−1, respectively. Amino acid residues contribute to reducing the critical micelle concentration of surfactant. The interfacial adsorption of glycine‐based amino acid surfactant (C8Gly) significantly improved with the increase in temperature, so the surface tension decreased significantly. In addition, sodium chloride could effectively enhance the interfacial adsorption, and the gas–liquid interfacial tension and contact angle of AASs decrease.
Well‐posedness and decay for 3D non‐isothermal Navier–Stokes–Allen–Cahn system in ℝ3
Authors: Duan Ning , Zhang Zhaoyun , Zhao Xiaopeng
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we investigate the local existence, global existence and time decay estimates for the nonisentropic Navier–Stokes–Allen–Cahn system in
. This system describes the flow of a two‐phase immiscible heat‐conducting viscous incompressible mixture. In order to overcome the difficulties caused by the derivatives of double‐well potential and the nonlinear terms, we rewrite the Cahn–Hilliard part of the system as a new equivalent equation with “good” linear principle parts. Then, on the basis of the higher order norm estimates of solutions and the mollifier technique, we obtain the local well‐posedness of strong solutions. Moreover, by using pure energy method and standard continuity argument together with negative Sobolev norm estimates, one proves the global well‐posedness and time decay estimates provided that the initial data are sufficiently small.
Evidence for a male bias in Atlantic blue crab pot-based sampling
Authors: Brunson Jeff F. , Sitta Kimberly A. , Kingsley-Smith Peter R. , Kendrick Michael R.
Published: October 2023

Objective

The Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus (hereafter, “blue crab”) is an ecologically and economically important species that supports one of the highest valued commercial fisheries in coastal South Carolina, USA. Researchers at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources conduct multiple surveys to monitor the status of the blue crab by using a variety of gear configurations. Demographic characterizations can often be influenced by sampling gear-related biases.

Methods

We compared blue crab sex ratios between passive, pot-based sampling and active, trawl-based sampling in the fall across three estuaries and for year-round sampling in a single estuary (Ashley River, South Carolina).

Result

During the fall, there was a difference of 20.1% between the percentage of males collected in pot-based sampling (73.5%) and the percentage of males in trawl-based sampling (53.4%). Furthermore, an overall male bias of 23.0% was observed for year-round sampling in the Ashley River; however, this bias was only significant in certain months.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that although particular sampling gears may have specific advantages, such as greater suitability to effectively sample certain habitats, the resulting characterizations of blue crab population demographics can differ among gear types. Recognizing gear-related biases is important for ensuring that field surveys are representative of population demographics, particularly when sex-specific modeling approaches are used as part of stock assessments to determine population status.
Rheology‐cell structure correlation for foam processing of polypropylene‐titanium dioxide and polypropylene‐graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Prakash Mayank , Ghosh Anup Kumar
Published: October 2023

This work focuses on understanding the effects of nanoparticle fillers (titanium dioxide (TiO2) and graphene) on foam processing of polypropylene(PP) and makes an attempt to establish a rheology‐cell size correlation for PP‐TiO2 and PP‐graphene nanocomposite foams. The establishment of such a correlation can help develop a precise model to predict optimum nanoparticle concentration in a polymer matrix to produce stable microcellular foams. The effects of adding TiO2 and graphene nanoparticles on nanocomposite properties are studied through their thermal, mechanical, and rheological analysis. The nanocomposite/PP foams are prepared at various conditions, and their morphology and density are studied to obtain an understanding of the cell structure as a function of added nanoparticles. The optimized size/structure has also been correlated in terms of rheological and mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposites to study the effects of variation in rheological properties on the resultant cell structure of prepared foams. Through the current work it was found that particle type/size plays the dominant factor in determining the cell size of resultant foam, although when comparing foams with varying filler concentration, it was established that a decrease in viscosity and storage modulus would create more cell stability by decreasing the applied stress and would lead to smaller cells.

Highlights

Rheological property variation can directly affect the polymer foamability

Foaming of polymers can be closely simulated using the Maxwell model for polymers

Reduction in viscosity leads to smaller and stable cells during foaming

Stress relaxation rate determines the cell stabilization during expansion

Agglomerate size plays a crucial role in determining cell size
Rapid, traceless and facile peptide cyclization enabled by tetrazine‐thiol exchange
Authors: Geers Daniëlle W. T. , Gavriel Katerina , Neumann Kevin
Published: October 2023

Cyclic peptides offer many advantages compared to their linear counterparts, including prolonged stability within the biological environment and enhanced binding affinity. Typically, peptides are cyclized by forming an amide bond, either on‐resin or in solution, through extensive use of orthogonal protecting groups or chemoselective ligation strategies, respectively. Here, we show that the chemoselective tetrazine‐thiol exchange is a powerful tool for rapid in situ cyclization of peptides without the need for additional activation reagents or extensive protecting group reshuffling. The reaction between N‐terminal sulfide‐bearing unsymmetric tetrazines and internal cysteines occurs spontaneously within a mildly acidic environment (pH 6.5) and is of traceless nature. The rapidly available unsymmetric sulfide tetrazine building blocks can be incorporated on resin using standard solid‐phase peptide synthesis protocols and are orthogonal to trifluoroacetic acid cleavage conditions. The cyclized peptides display high stability, even when incubated with a large excess of free thiols. Due to its traceless and mild nature, we expect that the tetrazine‐thiol exchange will be of high value for the in situ formation of cyclic peptide libraries, thus being applicable in drug discovery and development.
Dual‐Hole‐Transport‐Layer‐Facilitated Efficient Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diode
Authors: Yathirajula Ramesh Babu , Gupta Ritesh Kant , Afroz Mohammad Adil , Choudhury Anwesha , Baishya Himangshu , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: October 2023

The improved luminescence and colour purity of solution‐processable perovskite materials have positioned them as promising candidates for advanced lighting technologies. Herein, a simple method is presented for fabricating dual hole‐transport layers (HTLs) of green perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs), for improved charge balance in the emissive layer (EML). With well‐matched energy levels, and lowered charge injection barrier of the transport layers, maximum radiative recombination in the EML can be obtained. The varying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels of the HTLs used in the device are in alignment with the work function of the fluorine‐doped tin oxide and HOMO of the EML. The poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate)/N,N′‐bis(naphthalen‐1‐yl)‐N,N′‐bis(phenyl)‐2,2′‐dimethylbenzidine (PEDOT:PSS/NPD)‐based PeLED device shows outstanding performance with a maximum brightness of 19625 cd m−2, highest current efficiency of 19.2 cd A−1, and turn‐on voltage of 3.8 V among the all HTL combinations. These improvements are attributed to the well‐matched HOMO of NPD and PEDOT:PSS, with both the anode and EML allowing improved hole injection and charge balance. Electroluminescence supports the coordinates (0.22, 0.74) for pure green emission provided by the Commission Internationale de I’Eclairage. Perovskite films fabricated on top of PEDOT:PSS/NPD have the best film morphology and crystallinity with the fewest pinholes enabling improved charge transport.
High‐resolution measurements of microphysics and entrainment in marine stratocumulus clouds
Authors: Yeom Jae Min , Szodry Kai‐Erik , Siebert Holger , Ehrlich André , Mellado Juan Pedro , Shaw Raymond A. , Yum Seong Soo
Published: October 2023

High‐resolution measurements from the Airborne Cloud‐Turbulence Observation System (ACTOS) during the Azores Stratocumulus Measurements of Radiation, Turbulence and Aerosols (ACORES) campaign are analysed for an investigation of the vertical profiles of microphysical properties and entrainment velocity (We) in marine stratocumulus clouds. The vertical profiles show the transition from the cloudy layer to free troposphere with nearly linear profiles of total water mixing ratio, liquid water potential temperature and virtual potential temperature, but the thickness of entrainment interfacial layer varies significantly. Sharp transitions of cloud microphysical and optical properties within a single horizontal flight leg are found in one stratocumulus cloud system. They seem to be related to the local environmental conditions, such as the wind shear and turbulent dissipation rate. We values estimated by three methods show consistent tendencies in general and are clearly related to the local environmental conditions, such as vertical shear of the horizontal wind and turbulence intensity. However, the magnitudes of We values differ by up to two orders of magnitude depending on the methods, which suggests that the estimation of We from in situ measurements is still a challenge. Analysis of the microphysical response to entrainment suggests that inhomogeneous mixing occurs dominantly. On the other hand, the analysis results for the clouds under more humid conditions indicate a higher likelihood of homogeneous mixing.
Base Promoted Three‐component Reaction for Efficient Construction of Spiro[indoline‐3,3′‐quinoline]‐2,5′‐dione
Authors: Wu Ping , Xu Feng‐Shun , Sun Jing , Yan Chao‐Guo
Published: October 2023

A convenient synthetic protocol for the construction of spiro[indoline‐3,3′‐quinoline]‐2,5′‐dione motifs was successfully developed by base promoted one‐pot three‐component reaction. In the presence of piperidine, three‐component reaction of ammonium acetate, aromatic aldehydes and the in situ generated 3‐isatyl 1,4‐dicarbonyl compounds, which were derived from base mediated addition of dimedone to 3‐methyleneoxindoles, resulted in two diastereoisomers of spiro[indoline‐3,3′‐quinoline]‐2,5′‐dione derivatives in good yields and with good diastereoselectivity. The stereochemistry of the reaction was clearly elucidated by isolation of two diastereomers and determination of several single crystal structures.
Speicheldrüsenultraschall oder Biopsie?
Authors: Peters J. , Timme-Bronsert S. , Voll R. E. , Finzel S.
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Der Ultraschall der Speicheldrüsen (SD) ist eine schnell durchführbare und nichtinvasive Methode, Sjögren-Syndrom(SS)-typische Veränderungen der großen SD zu detektieren und semiquantitativ einzuschätzen. Die Differenzialdiagnose des SS ist komplex, da zahlreiche Krankheiten und Therapienebenwirkungen ein dem SS ähnliches klinisches Bild mit Sicca-Syndrom und z. T. Speicheldrüsenveränderungen verursachen können („Nachahmer-Erkrankungen“). Lange Zeit galt daher die SD-Biopsie, besonders bei SS-A-negativen Patienten, als Diagnostik der Wahl, während der Stellenwert der SD-Sonographie auch heute noch kontrovers diskutiert wird.

Ziel der Arbeit

Es erfolgt eine Gegenüberstellung SS-typischer und -untypischer Veränderungen der Speicheldrüsen im Ultraschall und dazugehöriger histologischer Schnitte.

Material und Methoden

Sechs Patientenfälle mit Antikörper-positivem bzw. -negativem SS mit und ohne SS-typischen Ultraschallbefund, SS-assoziiertem Lymphom, Sarkoidose sowie IgG4-assoziierter Erkrankung werden beschrieben. Die Befunde der sonographischen Untersuchung der Parotisdrüsen sowie die dazugehörige Histologie der SD werden erläutert und in Kontext gesetzt.

Ergebnisse

SS-A-Antikörper-positive Patienten mit SS weisen v. a. bei länger bestehender Erkrankung ein typisches sonographisches Muster mit echoarmen Foci auf. Dieses Muster kann die Diagnose eines SS untermauern helfen. Die Ultraschallmuster der Nachahmer-Erkrankungen unterscheiden sich teils deutlich von primäres Sjögren-Syndrom(pSS)-typischen Mustern. Die histologische Untersuchung der SD hilft bei der Diagnosefindung, jedoch bedürfen gerade niedrige histologische Fokus-Scores einer kritischen Zusammenschau der klinischen, serologischen und bildgebenden Befunde.

Diskussion

Sowohl der Speicheldrüsenultraschall als auch die histologische Aufarbeitung der Speicheldrüsenbiopsien haben eine Berechtigung in der SS-Diagnostik und Differenzialdiagnose des Sicca-Syndroms.