bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the readiness of youth education institutions with high‐risk students to implement a suicide prevention gatekeeper intervention: A nationwide observational survey study in Denmark
Authors: Østergaard Lena R. , Larsen Christina P. , Bast Lotus S. , Christiansen Erik
Published: February 2024

Danish schools offering “preparatory basic education and training” (FGU schools) have students that are characterized by having different academic, social, or personal problems. In addition, many FGU students are at high risk of suicidal behavior. Many young people with suicide behavior do not seek help and early identification is important for suicide prevention. Teachers are in a position where it could be relevant to implement a gatekeeper intervention. To ensure successful implementation of an intervention, it is important to establish organizational readiness for change, including its innovation‐specific capacity, which are the facilitating requirements in the organization specific to the intervention. We aimed to explore the innovation‐specific capacity to implement a gatekeeper intervention at FGU schools in Denmark. This study is based on an online survey completed by teaching staff (n = 251) at FGU schools to explore their overall knowledge about and experience with students' suicidal behavior. Limited knowledge of suicide prevention was found among teaching staff. Most knowledge was from personal experience. There is a need for teaching staff to be educated about suicidal behavior. There is a lack of innovation‐specific capacity to implement a gatekeeper intervention.
A pipeline for rapidly evaluating activity and inferring mechanisms of action of prospective antifungal compounds
Authors: Kraut‐Cohen Judith , Frenkel Omer , Covo Shay , Marcos‐Hadad Evgeniya , Carmeli Shmuel , Belausov Eduard , Minz Dror , Cytryn Eddie
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Fungal phytopathogens are a significant threat to crops and food security, and there is a constant need to develop safe and effective compounds that antagonize them. In‐planta assays are complex and tedious and are thus not suitable for initial high‐throughput screening of new candidate antifungal compounds. We propose an in vitro screening pipeline that integrates five rapid quantitative and qualitative methods to estimate the efficacy and mode of action of prospective antifungal compounds.

RESULTS

The pipeline was evaluated using five documented antifungal compounds (benomyl, catechol, cycloheximide, 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol, and phenylacetic acid) that have different modes of action and efficacy, against the model soilborne fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis cucumerinum. We initially evaluated the five compounds' ability to inhibit fungal growth and metabolic activity using green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labeled F. oxysporum and PrestoBlue staining, respectively, in multiwell plate assays. We tested the compounds' inhibition of both conidial germination and hyphal elongation. We then employed FUN‐1 and SYTO9/propidium iodide staining, coupled to confocal microscopy, to differentiate between fungal growth inhibition and death at the cellular level. Finally, using a reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐detection assay, we were able to quantify ROS production in response to compound application.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the proposed pipeline provides a wide array of quantitative and qualitative data on the tested compounds that can help pinpoint promising novel compounds; these can then be evaluated more vigorously using in planta screening assays. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluation of two deep learning‐based approaches for detecting weeds growing in cabbage
Authors: Sun Hu , Liu Teng , Wang Jinxu , Zhai Danlan , Yu Jialin
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Machine vision‐based precision weed management is a promising solution to substantially reduce herbicide input and weed control cost. The objective of this research was to compare two different deep learning‐based approaches for detecting weeds in cabbage: (1) detecting weeds directly, and (2) detecting crops by generating the bounding boxes covering the crops and any green pixels outside the bounding boxes were deemed as weeds.

RESULTS

The precision, recall, F1‐score, mAP0.5, mAP0.5:0.95 of You Only Look Once (YOLO) v5 for detecting cabbage were 0.986, 0.979, 0.982, 0.995, and 0.851, respectively, while these metrics were 0.973, 0.985, 0.979, 0.993, and 0.906 for YOLOv8, respectively. However, none of these metrics exceeded 0.891 when detecting weeds. The reduced performances for directly detecting weeds could be attributed to the diverse weed species at varying densities and growth stages with different plant morphologies. A segmentation procedure demonstrated its effectiveness for extracting weeds outside the bounding boxes covering the crops, and thereby realizing effective indirect weed detection.

CONCLUSION

The indirect weed detection approach demands less manpower as the need for constructing a large training dataset containing a variety of weed species is unnecessary. However, in a certain case, weeds are likely to remain undetected due to their growth in close proximity with crops and being situated within the predicted bounding boxes that encompass the crops. The models generated in this research can be used in conjunction with the machine vision subsystem of a smart sprayer or mechanical weeder. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of the mycotoxins enniatin B and deoxynivalenol on the wheat aphid Sitobion avenae and on the predatory lacewing Chrysoperla carnea
Authors: Sevarika Milos , Beccari Giovanni , Tini Francesco , Ederli Luisa , Bellezza Ilaria , Covarelli Lorenzo , Romani Roberto
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Fusarium species are responsible for Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat, resulting in yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and enniatins (ENNs) are common mycotoxins produced by Fusarium, affecting plant, animal and human health. Although DON's effects have been widely studied, limited research has explored the impact of ENNs on insects. This study examines the influence of DON and enniatin B (ENB), both singularly and in combination, on the wheat aphid Sitobion avenae and one of its predators, the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea.

RESULTS

When exposed to DON (100 mg L−1) or DON + ENB (100 mg L−1), S. avenae exhibited significantly increased mortality compared to the negative control. ENB (100 mg L−1) had no significant effect on aphid mortality. DON‐treated aphids showed increasing mortality from 48 to 96 h. A dose–response relationship with DON revealed significant cumulative mortality starting at 25 mg L−1. By contrast, C. carnea larvae exposed to mycotoxins via cuticular application did not show significant differences in mortality when mycotoxins were dissolved in water but exhibited increased mortality with acetone‐solubilized DON + ENB (100 mg L−1). Feeding C. carnea with aphids exposed to mycotoxins (indirect exposure) did not impact their survival or predatory activity. Additionally, the impact of mycotoxins on C. carnea was observed only with acetone‐solubilized DON + ENB.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings shed light on the complex interactions involving mycotoxins, aphids and their predators, offering valuable insights for integrated pest management strategies. Further research should explore broader ecological consequences of mycotoxin contamination in agroecosystems. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Visible‐light‐driven water‐soluble zinc oxide quantum dots for efficient control of citrus canker
Authors: Rao Wenhua , Yue Qi , Gao Shang , Lei Meiling , Lin Tao , Pan Xiaohong , Hu Jinfeng , Fan Guocheng
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Citrus canker caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) is a devastating bacterial disease that reduces citrus yield and quality, posing a serious threat to the citrus industry. Several conventional chemicals have been used to control citrus canker. However, this approach often leads to the excessive use of chemical agents, can exacerbate environmental pollution and promotes the development of resistant Xcc. Therefore, there is significant interest in the development of efficient and environmentally friendly technologies to control citrus canker.

RESULTS

In this study, water‐soluble ZnO quantum dots (ZnO QDs) were synthesised as an efficient nanopesticide against Xcc. The results showed that the antibacterial activity of ZnO QDs irradiated with visible light [half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 33.18 μg mL−1] was ~3.5 times higher than that of the dark‐treated group (EC50 = 114.80 μg mL−1). ZnO QDs induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (•OH, •O−2 and 1O2) under light irradiation, resulting in DNA damage, cytoplasmic destruction, and decreased catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. Transcription analysis showed downregulation of Xcc genes related to ‘biofilms, virulence, adhesion’ and ‘DNA transfer’ exposure to ZnO QDs. More importantly, ZnO QDs also promoted the growth of citrus.

CONCLUSION

This research provides new insights into the photocatalytic antibacterial mechanisms of ZnO QDs and supports the development of more efficient and safer ZnO QDs‐based nanopesticides to control citrus canker. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Genome‐wide study of glutathione transferases and their regulation in flufenacet susceptible and resistant black‐grass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.)
Authors: Parcharidou Evlampia , Dücker Rebecka , Beffa Roland
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are enzymes with a wide range of functions, including herbicide detoxification. Up‐regulation of GSTs and their detoxification activity enables the grass weed black‐grass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.) to metabolize the very‐long‐chain fatty acid synthesis inhibitor flufenacet and other herbicides leading to multiple herbicide resistance. However, the genomic organization and regulation of GSTs genes is still poorly understood.

RESULTS

In this genome‐wide study the location and expression of 115 GSTs were investigated using a recently published black‐grass genome. Particularly, the most abundant GSTs of class tau and phi were typically clustered and often followed similar expression patterns but possessed divergent upstream regulatory regions. Similarities were found in the promoters of the most up‐regulated GSTs, which are located next to each other in a cluster. The binding motif of the E2F/DP transcription factor complex in the promoter of an up‐regulated GST was identical in susceptible and resistant plants, however, adjacent sequences differed. This led to a stronger binding of proteins to the motif of the susceptible plant, indicating repressor activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study constitutes the first analysis dealing with the genomic investigation of GST genes found in black‐grass and their transcriptional regulation. It highlights the complexity of the evolution of GSTs in black‐grass, their duplication and divergence over time. The large number of GSTs allows weeds to detoxify a broad spectrum of herbicides. Ultimately, more research is needed to fully elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of GST expression. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
New biologically active ionic liquids with benzethonium cation‐efficient SAR inducers and antimicrobial agents
Authors: Czerwoniec Patrycja , Kukawka Rafal , Spychalski Maciej , Koczura Ryszard , Mokracka Joanna , Smiglak Marcin
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

An urgent need to find new methods for crop protection remains open due to the withdrawal from the market of the most toxic pesticides and increasing consumer awareness. One of the alternatives that can be used in modern agriculture is the use of bifunctional compounds whose actions towards plant protection are wider than those of conventional pesticides.

RESULTS

In this study, we present the investigation of the biological efficacy of nine dual‐functional salts containing a systemic acquired resistance (SAR)‐inducing anion and the benzethonium cation. A significant result of the presented study is the discovery of the SAR induction activity of benzethonium chloride, which was previously reported only as an antimicrobial agent. Moreover, the concept of dual functionality was proven, as the application of presented compounds in a given concentrations resulted both in the control of human and plant bacteria species and induction of SAR.

CONCLUSION

The strategy presented in this article shows the capabilities of derivatization of common biologically active compounds into their ionic derivatives to obtain bifunctional salts. This approach may be an example of the design of potential new compounds for modern agriculture. It provides plants with two complementary actions allowing to provide efficient protection to plants, if one mode of action is ineffective. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Etching Characteristics of Hydrogen Environment Anisotropic Thermal Etching for GaN‐Based Functional Photonic Devices
Authors: Honda Takuto , Akimoto Mirai , Kurabe Umito , Takano Yamato , Kikuchi Akihiko
Published: February 2024

InGaN/GaN‐based group‐III nitride semiconductors are the most promising candidate materials for highly functional active photonic devices in the visible region. Low‐damage nanoscale high‐precision etching with vertical facets is important for realizing photonic crystal (PhC) and optically integrated devices. Herein, the etching characteristics of GaN nanoholes using the hydrogen environment anisotropic thermal etching (HEATE) method, which is based on the hydrogen‐assisted thermal decomposition of GaN, are systematically demonstrated. It is found that high‐precision and vertical nanofabrication is possible at high etching temperature (≈1000 °C) and low hydrogen pressure conditions (<18 Pa). In GaN‐based visible topological PhCs composed of fine triangular nanoholes fabricated under these conditions, the photonic bands are observed to be in good agreement with the three‐dimensional finite‐difference time‐domain simulations, indicating the effectiveness of the HEATE method.
Phyto‐therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera: Molecular mechanism and health implications
Authors: Yadav Nisha , Tripathi Sandhya , Sangwan Neelam S.
Published: February 2024

Withania somnifera, the plant named Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha, or winter cherry, has been used since ancient times to cure various health ailments. Withania somnifera is rich in constituents belonging to chemical classes like alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and withanolides. Several chemotypes were identified based on their phytochemical composition and credited for their multiple bioactivities. Besides, exhibiting neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, adaptogenic, anti‐stress, bone health, plant has shown promising anti‐cancer properties. Several withanolides have been reported to play a crucial role in cancer; they target cancer cells by different mechanisms such as modulating the expression of tumor suppressor genes, apoptosis, telomerase expression, and regulating cell signaling pathway. Though, many treatments are available for cancer; however, to date, no assured reliable cure for cancer is made available. Additionally, synthetic drugs may lead to development of resistance in time; therefore, focus on new and natural drugs for cancer therapeutics may prove a longtime effective alternative. This current report is a comprehensive combined analysis upto 2023 with articles focused on bio‐activities of plant Withania somnifera from various sources, including national and international government sources. This review focuses on understanding of various mechanisms and pathways to inhibit uncontrolled cell growth by W. somnifera bioactives, as reported in literature. This review provides a recent updated status of the W. somnifera on pharmacological properties in general and anti‐cancer in particular and may provide a guiding resource for researchers associated with natural product‐based cancer research and healthcare management.
The influence of aerosol hygroscopicity on clouds and precipitation over Western Ghats, India
Authors: Ray Avishek , Bhowmik Moumita , Hazra Anupam , Pandithurai G.
Published: February 2024

We examine the role of aerosol hygroscopicity (κ) on the formation of clouds and precipitation over the Western Ghats (WG) in India using various numerical model simulations (i.e., particle‐by‐particle‐based small‐scale, high‐resolution mesoscale model). For the diffusional growth of cloud droplets, the size‐dependent hygroscopicity is used in the κ‐Köhler equation of direct numerical simulation. The results of the small‐scale model reveal that the distribution of cloud drop size varies from the initial mixing state to the well‐mixed state due to variation in κ. The value of κ is obtained from Humidified Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (HTDMA) instruments at the High Altitude Cloud Physics Laboratory, India. The idealized and real simulations using the Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) model with the aerosol‐aware Thompson microphysics scheme are conducted by changing κ values. Depending on the type of clouds (shallow or deep), different κ values determine the mass and number of cloud and rain droplets. Low hygroscopicity (organics) simulates more and smaller drops, as well as uplifts below freezing level, resulting in more ice‐phase hydrometeors. Organic aerosols have a significant impact on the formation of more snow and graupel hydrometeors. As compared to high κ, low hygroscopicity weakens updrafts at the intermediate level and strengthens them at the upper level in the deep cloud region. The intensity of precipitation varies due to low and high κ. The findings indicate that aerosol composition has a significant impact on the activation of cloud condensation nuclei. This study suggests that aerosol hygroscopicity is essential in weather prediction models to integrate aerosol chemical compositions.
Symmetries of differential delay systems with applications to observer design
Authors: Battilotti Stefano
Published: February 2024

In this paper we construct a general observer theory for differential delay systems based on different types of symmetries (exact symmetry or asymptotic symmetry), ending up with a certain number of semi‐global and global observers, with bounded or unbounded system's solutions. We introduce the notions of symmetry for a differential delay system, being inspired by well‐known definitions of symmetry for an ordinary or partial differential system, and variational symmetry for the associated variational differential delay system. We illustrate observer design procedures in details, by proving that the existence of a (variational asymptotic) symmetry with system's detectability in the first approximation have a central role in the design of a state observer. The symmetry is a one‐parameter group of transformations which maps the system into itself (exact symmetry) or into a different system (asymptotic symmetry), approximating the original one with better and better accuracy as the parameter of the symmetry is larger. The types of symmetries we consider here show an important contractive action on the state and input spaces for which the system's solutions are mapped into arbitrarily small neighbourhoods of the origin in which the transformed system can be well‐approximated by its linearization. The parameter of the symmetry may be constant (semiglobal observers) or updated on‐line by a state norm estimator (global observers).
Event‐based privacy‐preserving security consensus of multi‐agent systems with encryption–decryption mechanism
Authors: Liu Jinliang , Deng Ying , Zha Lijuan , Xie Xiangpeng , Tian Engang
Published: February 2024

The article concentrates on exploring the issue of privacy‐preserving sliding mode consensus of multi‐agent systems (MASs) with disturbance. An encryption and decryption algorithm has been proposed to address data security and privacy issues during data transmission. To optimize network resource allocation, a dynamic event‐triggering mechanism has been introduced, which reduces the number of encrypted data while saving the computation cost. The consensus performance based on the sliding mode control strategy is achieved when the reachability of the slide‐mode surface is guaranteed, and then the slide‐mode controller is developed. Finally, an empirical demonstration through a numerical example validates the efficacy of the proposed strategy.
Latinx students embodying justice‐centered science: Agency through imagining via the performing arts
Authors: Kotler Rebecca , Rosario Maria , Varelas Maria , Phillips Nathan C. , Tsachor Rachelle P. , Woodard Rebecca
Published: February 2024

Children are often denied science education that engages their emotions and multiple identities. This study focused on ways in which embodied arts‐based experiences offer opportunities for such engagement in pedagogical efforts associated with justice‐centered science. The conceptual framework that informed the study considers the body as a site of learning, embraces social justice in science education and engages with the dialectical relationship between various structures and children's agency, and frames the transdisciplinarity of imagination. The instrumental case study centered on a fifth‐grade class of Latinx students in an urban public school, as they grappled with lead contamination and peoples' rights to clean water through an embodied, arts‐based pedagogy in their science class. Analysis of video clips, student work, and other artifacts pointed to three findings on how children engaged with justice‐centered science learning via arts‐based embodied activities. Through perspective‐taking in the dramatizing, children engaged with science ideas intertwined with sociopolitical understandings. Through centering emotions that drama afforded, children experienced empathy and solidarity with others affected by environmental injustices. Through imagined and enacted participation in struggles that the embodiments necessitated, children engaged in actions to resist injustices. These findings suggest that exploring children's arts‐based embodied meaning making in science is a robust area of inquiry. Furthermore, the findings compel researchers and practitioners to consider emotions in performing arts, and how they can deepen engagement in, and exploration of, justice‐centered science. Recommendations emerged for practitioners poised to explore justice‐centered science with children through the arts.
Connecting families, schools, and communities: A systems‐contextual approach to sustainable futures for children
Authors: Hoang April , Sanders Matthew R. , Turner Karen M. T. , Morawska Alina , Cobham Vanessa , Chainey Carys , Simmons Erik
Published: February 2024

The achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demands an increased focus on investing in young children as a pivotal solution. Many of the SDGs' targeted solutions directly or indirectly address facets of children's living conditions, aiming to foster their social and emotional well‐being. However, the current approach, while successful in delivering some impacts, are often disjointed. In this article, we contend that nurturing socially and emotionally healthy citizens of the future requires a comprehensive, systems‐contextual approach, moving beyond one‐sided focused solutions. A multiple and cross‐sectional approach to the SDGs, targeting potentially modifiable determinants of human capability through families, schools, and communities will enable a nurturing and stable system to be developed and ensure the next generation of children is better prepared to lead lives that are safe, healthy, and responsible. We examine the theoretical and empirical basis for a direct focus on children and young people and explore the criteria that need to be met for such an approach to work. Barriers and enablers for change on a global scale and directions for future research are discussed.
Sensitivity analysis with iterative outlier detection for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Meng Zhuo , Wang Jingshen , Lin Lifeng , Wu Chong
Published: February 2024

Meta‐analysis is a widely used tool for synthesizing results from multiple studies. The collected studies are deemed heterogeneous when they do not share a common underlying effect size; thus, the factors attributable to the heterogeneity need to be carefully considered. A critical problem in meta‐analyses and systematic reviews is that outlying studies are frequently included, which can lead to invalid conclusions and affect the robustness of decision‐making. Outliers may be caused by several factors such as study selection criteria, low study quality, small‐study effects, and so on. Although outlier detection is well‐studied in the statistical community, limited attention has been paid to meta‐analysis. The conventional outlier detection method in meta‐analysis is based on a leave‐one‐study‐out procedure. However, when calculating a potentially outlying study's deviation, other outliers could substantially impact its result. This article proposes an iterative method to detect potential outliers, which reduces such an impact that could confound the detection. Furthermore, we adopt bagging to provide valid inference for sensitivity analyses of excluding outliers. Based on simulation studies, the proposed iterative method yields smaller bias and heterogeneity after performing a sensitivity analysis to remove the identified outliers. It also provides higher accuracy on outlier detection. Two case studies are used to illustrate the proposed method's real‐world performance.
Rethinking students' psychological need states: The unique role of need unfulfilment to understanding ill‐being in academic settings
Authors: Huyghebaert‐Zouaghi Tiphaine , Ntoumanis Nikos , Thomas Jérémy , Badré Simon , Berjot Sophie
Published: February 2024

Prior research has shown that students face various stressors which can affect their psychological health. The present study examines the role of students' psychological need states in explaining their burnout and dropout intentions. More precisely, relying on recent findings from Self‐Determination Theory research, we examined whether students' psychological need unfulfilment could contribute to explain their ill‐being over and above need satisfaction and frustration. To this end, we also tested the validity of a tripartite instrument allowing to assess these need states in academic settings (Psychological Need States in Education‐Scale [PNSE‐S]). A study was conducted among two samples of high school (N = 473; Sample 1) and college (N = 1143; Sample 2) students. Results supported the construct validity of the 35‐item PNSE‐S in both samples by showing that students' relatedness, autonomy, and competence unfulfilment can be modelled as distinct need states alongside the frustration and satisfaction of those three needs. Moreover, these different need states displayed a well‐differentiated pattern of associations with various facets of student burnout and with dropout intentions. Results also showed the critical role of psychological need unfulfilment in explaining students' ill‐being.
Se‐p Orbitals Induced “Strong d–d Orbitals Interaction” Enable High Reversibility of Se‐Rich ZnSe/MnSe@C Electrode as Excellent Host for Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Iqbal Sikandar , Chishti Aadil Nabi , Ali Muhammad , Ali Moazzam , Hao Youchan , Wu Xingxing , Huang Huiqin , Lu Wang , Gao Peng , Yousaf Muhammad , Jiang Yinzhu
Published: February 2024

The heterostructure of transition‐metal chalcogenides is a promising approach to boost alkali ion storage due to fast charge kinetics and reduction of activation energy. However, cycling performance is a paramount challenge that is suffering from poor reversibility. Herein, it is reported that Se‐rich particles can chemically interact with local hexagonal ZnSe/MnSe@C heterostructure environment, leading to effective ions insertion/extraction, enabling high reversibility. Enlightened by theoretical understanding, Se‐rich particles endow high intrinsic conductivities in term of low energy barriers (1.32 eV) compared with those without Se‐rich particles (1.50 eV) toward the sodiation process. Moreover, p orbitals of Se‐rich particles may actively participate and further increase the electronegativity that pushes the Mn d orbitals (dxy and dx2‐y2) and donate their electrons to dxz and dyz orbitals, manifesting strong d–d orbitals interaction between ZnSe and MnSe. Such fundamental interaction will adopt a well‐stable conducive electronic bridge, eventually, charges are easily transferred from ZnSe to MnSe in the heterostructure during sodiation/desodiation. Therefore, the optimized Se‐rich ZnSe/MnSe@C electrode delivered high capacity of 576 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 100 cycles and 384 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 2500 cycles, respectively. In situ and ex situ measurements further indicate the integrity and reversibility of the electrode materials upon charging/discharging.
Study of Iron Complex Photosensitizer with Hollow Double‐Shell Nano Structure Used to Enhance Ferroptosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Cai Xinrui , Liu Weixing , Zhang Jiahao , Li Zhongrui , Liu Mengkang , Hu Shuo , Luo Jun , Peng Kai , Ye Baofen , Wang Yue , Yan Ran
Published: February 2024

Ferroptosis therapy, which uses ferroptosis inducers to produce lethal lipid peroxides and induce tumor cell death, is considered a promising cancer treatment strategy. However, challenges remain regarding how to increase the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) to enhance antitumor efficacy. In this study, a hyaluronic acid (HA) encapsulated hollow mesoporous manganese dioxide (H‐MnO2) with double‐shell nanostructure is designed to contain iron coordinated cyanine near‐infrared dye IR783 (IR783‐Fe) for synergistic ferroptosis photodynamic therapy against tumors. The nano photosensitizer IR783‐Fe@MnO2‐HA, in which HA actively targets the CD44 receptor, subsequently dissociates and releases Fe3+ and IR783 in acidic TME. First, Fe3+ consumes glutathione to produce Fe2+, which promotes the Fenton reaction in cells to produce hydroxyl free radicals (·OH) and induce ferroptosis of tumor cells. In addition, MnO2 catalyzes the production of O2 from H2O2 and enhances the production of singlet oxygen (1O2) by IR783 under laser irradiation, thus increasing the production and accumulation of ROS to provide photodynamic therapy. The highly biocompatible IR783‐Fe@MnO2‐HA nano‐photosensitizers have exhibited tumor‐targeting ability and efficient tumor inhibition in vivo due to the synergistic effect of photodynamic and ferroptosis antitumor therapies.
Cu2WS4‐PEG Nanozyme as Multifunctional Sensitizers for Enhancing Immuno‐Radiotherapy by Inducing Ferroptosis
Authors: Fu Shiyan , Li Yong , Shen Li , Chen Yonglai , Lu Jingxuan , Ran Yonghong , Zhao Yazhen , Tang Hong , Tan Longfei , Lin Qinyang , Hao Yuhui
Published: February 2024

Unavoidable damage to normal tissues and tumor microenvironment (TME) resistance make it challenging to eradicate breast carcinoma through radiotherapy. Therefore, it is urgent to develop radiotherapy sensitizers that can effectively reduce radiation doses and reverse the suppressive TME. Here, a novel biomimetic PEGylated Cu2WS4 nanozyme (CWP) with multiple enzymatic activities is synthesized by the sacrificing template method to have physical radiosensitization and biocatalyzer‐responsive effects on the TME. Experiment results show that CWP can improve the damage efficiency of radiotherapy on breast cancer cell 4T1 through its large X‐ray attenuation coefficient of tungsten and nucleus‐penetrating capacity. CWP also exhibit strong Fenton‐like reactions that produced abundant ROS and GSH oxidase‐like activity decreasing GSH. This destruction of redox balance further promotes the effectiveness of radiotherapy. Transcriptome sequencing reveals that CWP induced ferroptosis by regulating the KEAP1/NRF2/HMOX1/GPX4 molecules. Therefore, owing to its multiple enzymatic activities, high‐atomic W elements, nucleus‐penetrating, and ferroptosis‐inducing capacities, CWP effectively improves the efficiency of radiotherapy for breast carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, CWP‐mediated radiosensitization can trigger immunogenic cell death (ICD) to improve the anti‐PD‐L1 treatments to inhibit the growth of primary and distant tumors effectively. These results indicate that CWP is a multifunctional nano‐sensitizers for radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
Nano‐bio‐interface: Unleashing the Potential of Noble Nanometals
Authors: Guo Peng , Wang Yiyun , Cui Hongbo , Yao Xiang , Guan Guijian , Han Ming‐Yong
Published: February 2024

Engineered noble metal nanomaterials (NMN) possess adjustable optical, electrical, and biocompatible properties that make them excellent tools for probing the nano‐bio‐interface. Understanding their interactions with biomolecules, cells, and tissues at the nano‐bio‐interface is crucial in designing these nanomaterials for biomedical applications. This review summarizes the structure, properties, synthesis, and passivation methods of noble metal nanoparticles, as well as the construction strategy and detection technology of the nano‐bio‐interface to provide important information about their uptake, distribution, metabolism, and degradation in vivo and in vitro. The related action mechanisms include the kinetic and thermodynamic processes of the nano‐bio‐interface, the driving forces for its formation, and the chemical reactions at the nano‐bio‐interface. By exploring the action mechanism of the nano‐bio‐interface, the antibacterial properties and cytotoxicity of NMN could be better understood, and open up more extensive biological applications. Finally, the future trends of NMNs in the biological field and the challenges encountered in realizing these technologies are discussed.
Macrocyclic Diacetylene / Sulfonate Fluorophore Hierarchical Multifunctional Nanotoroids
Authors: Kadamannil Nila Nandha , Jang Daewoong , Lee Haksu , Kim Jong‐Man , Jelinek Raz
Published: February 2024

Functional supramolecular materials exhibit important features including structural versatility and versatile applications. Here, this study reports the construction of unique hierarchically organized nanotoroids exhibiting fluorescence, photocatalytic, and sensing properties. The nanotoroids comprise of macrocyclic diacetylenes (MCDA) and 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalene sulfonate (ANS), a negatively charged aromatic fluorescent dye. This study shows that the hierarchical structure of the nanotoroids consist of MCDA nanofibers formed by stacked diacetylene monomers as the basic units, which are further bent and aligned into toroidal organization by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with the ANS molecules. The amine moieties on the nanotoroids surface are employed for deposition of gold nanostructures – Au nanoparticles or Au nanosheets – which constitute effective platforms for photocatalysis and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐based sensing.
Considerations of communication challenges facing sonographers in Australia beyond 2024: An ageing population, ageism and maintaining the focus on patient‐centred care
Authors: White Alison , Humphreys Linda , Oomens Donna
Published: February 2024

In the coming decades, the number of people in the Australian population over the age of 65 is predicted to increase to 23% by the year 2066. The process of physiological ageing is associated with an increase in the presentation of disease pathologies, an increased potential for physical and cognitive deficits and a decrease in health literacy. The ageing of the Australian population presents challenges for the sonography profession including an increasing age gap between the sonographer and their patient as well as increasing complexities in performing ultrasounds on older patients. The natural changes that accompany ageing can create barriers to effective communication between sonographers and their patients. Ageist beliefs can lead to conscious and unconscious bias and unfounded judgements by sonographers decreasing the quality of patient care. To combat the decline in the quality of healthcare that is reported for older patients, sonographers can endeavour to put into place deliberate practical tools and strategies to avoid ageism and improve communication with older patients. Conversely, institutional awareness, education and policies that address age related judgements and bias from older patients towards younger sonographers can foster respectful dialogue, promote understanding and stimulate positive communication across different age groups.
Nanostructured Composite of Starch/Silica Hybrid Decorated with Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic, Sonocatalytic, and Sonophotocatalytic
Authors: Tolba Emad , Hasanin Mohamed S. , Abdelhameed Reda M.
Published: February 2024

Nanocomposite‐based heterostructure plays an important role in both industrial and advanced applications. A series of TiO2 nanoparticles decorated on silica/starch hybrid material (TiO2(x)@SiO2(x)@Starch nanocomposites) is synthesized using a facile sol–gel method. The intrinsic characteristics of the as‐prepared nanocomposites are studied using a variety of techniques. In this study, the degradation of paracetamol (PCT) is investigated in the presence of TiO2(x)@SiO2(x)@Starch nanocomposites. Photocatalysis and sonocatalysis systems are used separately and simultaneously in presence of sunlight and low‐power ultrasound. The adsorption results are essential factor in the degradation process. The non‐linear transform of the kinetics is further used to determine the characteristic parameters of TiO2(x)@SiO2(x)@Starch nanocomposites. The obtained results confirm that the experimental kinetic data follow the pseudo‐first order model in photocatalytic, sonocatalytic, and sonophotocatalytic processes but the rate constant of sonophotocatalysis is higher than the sum of it at photocatalysis and sonocatalysis process. This work develops a new sono‐photo active hybrid process for potential application in wastewater treatment. Additionally, the prepared TiO2 nanoparticles with silica/starch hybrid material perform antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity is increased parallel with the TiO2 percent. The broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites is noticed at the highest percentage of TiO2 in TiO2(0.8)@SiO2(0.2)@Starch.
Experimental study on protection of prestressed concrete box girder under vehicle explosion of bridge deck
Authors: Sun Qixin , Liu Chao
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a study on the explosion protection of prestressed concrete box girder, which is a commonly used in concrete bridges. The explosion protection tests of four prestressed box beams were designed with 1:5 scale. In order to evaluate the explosion performance of different protective layers, steel plate, ultra‐high‐performance concrete (UHPC) layer, and composite protective layer were used to protect the box girder. The experimental results revealed that under the effect of deck explosion, local penetrating failure occurred in the top plate of the box girder, which exhibited characteristics of punching failure. The web and bottom plate of the box girder as a whole exhibited bending characteristic. Compared with the unprotected box girder, the damage of the top plate of the protected box girder was less severe, whereas the damage of the bottom plate was greater. In working conditions 2–4, the UHPC protective box girder suffered less damage to the top plate, whereas the other protective box girders suffered more. The explosion dynamic responses of the box girder were compared, and the influences of different protective layers on the explosion dynamic response of box girder were studied. Based on the box girder damage, the protective efficiency of each protective layer under near‐explosion was studied. Based on the explosion tests, three‐dimensional numerical analysis model of box girder explosion was established. The accuracy of the numerical simulations of the box girder explosion were verified by comparing with the experimental failure data. Through the numerical results, the explosive energy dissipation capacity of different protective materials was compared and analyzed. Finally, based on the dynamic response of the box girder under different working conditions, the sensitivity of the protective layer to the dynamic responses of the box girder were studied. The analysis showed that the UHPC layer was sensitive to the change of prestress and explosion damage area of the box girder but had little influence on the rebars stress and the overall response of the box girder.
An Optimization for Resting Blood Pressure Estimation Model Based on Independent Components of Facial Thermal Images
Authors: Ito Atsushi , Nagumo Kent , Oiwa Kosuke , Nozawa Akio
Published: February 2024

The increasing number of patients with hypertension is a problem worldwide. Daily blood pressure monitoring is important for the prevention of this disease, and a non‐contact measurement method is desirable. A previous study applied independent components analysis to facial skin temperatures measured remotely using a thermography device for extracting features related to resting blood pressure. Then, a blood pressure estimation model was constructed and obtained an accuracy of 7.73 mmHg root mean square error. However, this previous study did not consider the variables selection methods and models to be constructed. Considering these factors is expected to improve the accuracy of estimation. The objective of this study is to optimize the resting blood pressure estimation model. Two variable selection methods and three modeling methods were applied to independent components of facial thermal images, and the accuracy was compared. The result showed an accuracy of 6.80 mmHg root mean square error with a pattern of support vector regression model using independent components selected by Boruta. In addition, eight explanatory variables were selected by Boruta, and suggesting that the lip, orbital, and lateral nasal regions were related to resting blood pressure. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Analysis of Kampo case reports from the viewpoint of “Yasui Classification”
Authors: Motoo Yoshiharu , Yasui Hiromichi
Published: February 2024

Background

The “Yasui Classification” categorizes the indication for Kampo medicine into four main types in the medical field where standard treatment of Western medicine exists regardless of the school of Kampo medicine. We aimed to elucidate how Kampo case reports are presented from the viewpoint of the Yasui Classification.

Methods

Using the general presentations at the 69th Japan Society for Oriental Medicine (JSOM) Academic Meeting held in Osaka in June 2018, the contents of each abstract were analyzed with the Yasui Classification.

Results

There were 289 abstracts. The numbers of included abstracts was 140 (48.4%), and their breakdown was as follows: Type 1: 97, Type 2: 27, Type 3: 12, and Type 4: 4. Therefore, Kampo monotherapy yielded the greatest number of presentations where Western medicine‐refractory cases were treated with Kampo medicine. In Type 2, which is the combination of Kampo and Western medicines, there were various applications of Kampo medicine in clinical fields such as pain control, respiratory, cardiovascular, and psychiatric subspecialties. Furthermore, in Type 3, which is also the combination of Kampo and Western medicines, 7 of 12 presentations were related to the alleviation of the side effects of cancer therapy.

Conclusions

Kampo monotherapy is most popularly reported at the Congress of JSOM in various fields of medicine, whereas the concurrent use of Kampo and Western medicines is also reported in a variety of clinical subspecialties. A new horizon of clinical significance for Kampo medicine will be opened with the Yasui Classification.
An analysis of the prognostic role of reactive oxygen species‐associated genes in breast cancer
Authors: Zhong Yangyan , Cao Hong , Li Wei , Deng Jian , Li Dan , Deng Junjie
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aimed to type breast cancer in relation to reactive oxygen species (ROS), clinical indicators, single nucleotide variant (SNV) mutations, functional differences, immune infiltration, and predictive responses to immunotherapy or chemotherapy, and constructing a prognostic model.

Methods

We used uniCox analysis, ConsensusClusterPlus, and the proportion of ambiguous clustering (PAC) to analyze The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data to determine optimal groupings and obtain differentially expressed ROS‐related genes. Clinical indicators were then combined with the classification results and the Chi‐square test was used to assess differences. We further examined SNV mutations, and functional differences using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, immune cell infiltration, and response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. A prognostic model for breast cancer was constructed using these differentially expressed genes, immunotherapy or chemotherapy responses, and survival curves. RT‐qPCR was used to detect the differences in the expression of LCE3D, CA1, PIRT and SMR3A in breast cancer cell lines and normal breast epithelial cell line.

Results

We identified two distinct tumor types with significant differences in ROS‐related gene expression, clinical indicators, SNV mutations, functional pathways, and immune infiltration. The response to specific chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy treatments also documented significant differences. The prognostic model constructed with 16 genes linked to survival could efficiently divide patients into high‐ and low‐risk groups. The high‐risk group showed a poorer prognosis, higher tumor purity, distinct immune microenvironment, and lower immunotherapy response. RT‐qPCR results showed that LCE3D, CA1, PIRT and SMR3A are highly expressed in breast cancer.

Conclusion

Our methodical examination presented an enhanced insight into the molecular and immunological heterogeneity of breast cancer. It can contribute to the understanding of prognosis and offer valuable insights for personalized treatment strategies. Further, the prognostic model can potentially serve as a powerful tool for risk stratification and therapeutic decision‐making in clinical settings.
Hsa_circ_0008133 contributes to lung cancer progression by promoting glycolysis metabolism through the miR‐760/MEX3A axis
Authors: Kang Shuhong , Ni Yunfeng , Lan Ke , Lv Feng
Published: February 2024

Background

Lung cancer is a very common cancer with poor prognosis and high mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been confirmed to be related to the occurrence of lung cancer, and circ_0008133 has been found to be possibly related to lung cancer.

Methods

Expression of circ_0008133, miR‐760, and mex‐3 RNA binding family member A (MEX3A) messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Cell viability, colony number, migration, and invasion were assessed using cell counting kit‐8 (CCK8), colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays. Glucose consumption and lactate production were detected using commercial kits. Protein expression was measured using western blot. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull‐down assay were used to analyze the relationships between miR‐760 and circ_0008133 or MEX3A. The effects of circ_0008133 knockdown on tumor growth in vivo were examined by the nude mice expriment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay analyzed Ki‐67 expression.

Results

Circ_0008133 and MEX3A were markedly boosted in lung cancer tissues and cells. Circ_0008133 knockdown decreased lung cancer cell viability, glucose consumption, lactate production, colony formation, migration, and invasion. In mechanism, circ_0008133 might positively regulate MEX3A expression by sponging miR‐760. Additionally, knockdown of circ_0008133 inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ_0008133 accelerated the progression of lung cancer by promoting glycolysis metabolism through the miR‐760/MEX3A axis.