bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional roles of folic acid in alleviating dexamethasone‐induced fatty liver syndrome in laying hens
Authors: Sun Xi , Ma Junjie , Wang Chaohui , Ren Zhouzheng , Yang Xin , Yang Xiaojun , Liu Yanli
Published: July 2024

Fatty liver syndrome (FLS) poses a threat to the poultry industry due to its high occurrence and mortality rate. Folic acid (FA) is a coenzyme crucial for one‐carbon metabolism. However, the mechanism by which FA mitigates FLS in laying hens remains elusive. In this study, 60 21‐week‐old Hy‐Line Brown layers were divided into three groups: the Control (Con) group, the dexamethasone (DXM) group, and the DXM + FA group. Results showed that liver index was significantly increased in the DXM group. H&E and oil red O staining showed the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver was intensified, confirming the successful establishment of an early fatty liver model without inflammation. FA significantly reversed hepatic lipid deposition, and 57 differentially expressed genes affected by FA were identified in the transcriptome analysis. Their transcriptional and translational levels indicate that in the early FLS, insulin‐like growth factor 2/phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B pathway related to lipid metabolism was activated; folate cycling was inhibited, while endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis‐related protein abundance were elevated. Dietary FA enhanced the folate circulation, reduced lipogenesis and ER stress, and apoptosis‐related protein expression, thereby mitigating the lipid metabolism disturbance in FLS. Metabolomics identified 151 differential metabolites involved in early FLS occurrence, 34 of which were reversed by FA. Metabolites were also enriched in pathways related to lipid metabolism and hepatic damage. Collectively, these findings can be concluded that FA can alleviate early FLS by affecting lipogenesis, ER stress and apoptosis, which may be mediated by enhanced folate metabolism.
Green and Enantioselective Synthesis via Cascade Biotransformations: From Simple Racemic Substrates to High‐Value Chiral Chemicals
Authors: Yi Jieran , Goh Nicholas Jun Jie , Li Zhi
Published: July 2024

Asymmetric synthesis of chiral chemicals in high enantiomeric excess (ee) is pivotal to the pharmaceutical industry, but classic chemistry usually requires multi‐step reactions, harsh conditions, and expensive chiral ligands, and sometimes suffers from unsatisfactory enantioselectivity. Enzymatic catalysis is a much greener and more enantioselective alternative, and cascade biotransformations with multi‐step reactions can be performed in one pot to avoid costly intermediate isolation and minimise waste generation. One of the most attractive applications of enzymatic cascade transformations is to convert easily available simple racemic substrates into valuable functionalised chiral chemicals in high yields and ee. Here, we review the three general strategies to build up such cascade biotransformations, including enantioconvergent reaction, dynamic kinetic resolution, and destruction‐and‐reinstallation of chirality. Examples of cascade transformations using racemic substrates such as racemic epoxides, alcohols, hydroxy acids, etc. to produce the chiral amino alcohols, hydroxy acids, amines, and amino acids are given. The product concentration, ee, and yield, scalability, and substrate scope of these enzymatic cascades are critically reviewed. To further improve the efficiency and practical applicability of the cascades, enzyme engineering to enhance catalytic activities of the key enzymes using the latest microfluidics‐based ultrahigh‐throughput screening and artificial intelligence‐guided directed evolution could be a useful approach.
Design, Synthesis of 3‐(Aryl)‐1‐(2‐p‐tolylthiazol‐4‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐ones as Alpha(α)‐Amylase Inhibitors
Authors: Iqbal Hafsa , Haroon Muhammad , Akhtar Tashfeen , Aktaş Aydin
Published: July 2024

α‐Amylase inhibition is vital in controlling diabetic complications. Herein, we have synthesized a hybrid scaffold based on thiazole‐chalcone to access α‐amylase inhbition. The proposed structures were verified with spectroscopic techniques (UV‐Vis., FT‐IR,1H‐,13C‐NMR, and elemental analysis). The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their α‐amylase and antioxidant potential.In vitrohemolytic assay was performed to test biocompatibility of all compounds. Among tested compounds,4 c(IC50=3.8 μM),4 g(IC50=14.5 μM), and4 f(IC50=17.1 μM) were found excellent α‐amylase inhibitors. However, none of the tested compounds exhibited significant antioxidant activity. All compounds showed less lysis than Triton X‐100, but compounds4 fand4 hhad the least lysis at all tested concentrations and were found to be safe for human erythrocytes. Molecular docking study was performed to evaluate the binding interactions of ligands with human pancreatic α‐amylase (HPA). The binding score −8.09 to −8.507 kcal/mol revealed strong binding interactions in the ligand‐protein complex. The docking results supplemented the observed α‐amylase inhibition and hence augment the scaffold to serve as leads for the antidiabetic drug development.
Calcium (Ca2+) hemostasis, mitochondria, autophagy, and mitophagy contribute to Alzheimer's disease as early moderators
Authors: Hadi Fatemeh , Mortaja Mahsa , Hadi Zahra
Published: July 2024

This review rigorously investigates the early cerebral changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, which manifest long before clinical symptoms arise. It presents evidence that the dysregulation of calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis, along with mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant autophagic processes, may drive the disease's progression during its asymptomatic, preclinical stage. Understanding the intricate molecular interplay that unfolds during this critical period offers a window into identifying novel therapeutic targets, thereby advancing the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The review delves into both established and emerging insights into the molecular alterations precipitated by the disruption of Ca2+ balance, setting the stage for cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.
Recent Progress of In‐Depth Analysis Techniques for Si Anodes in Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Batteries: A Concise Overview and Future Perspective
Authors: Jayasubramaniyan S. , Kim Seokjin , Ko Minseok , Sung Jaekyung
Published: July 2024

The utilization of Si anode in sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) has gained more research attention in recent years to overcome the interface challenges associated with ASSB‐containing Li metal anode. However, the volume expansion feature of the Si, stress/strain evolution inside the electrode, and the parasitic side reaction at the Si/sulfide SE interface are the most predominant limiting factors for practical device applications. It is necessary to investigate and understand the interface challenges through in‐depth analysis in real‐time battery operation to design highly efficient ASSBs for commercial device applications. Hence, this perspective paper provides a summary of the characterization tools and the analysis results related to the Si/sulfide SE interface. Moreover, in this perspective, we emphasize the importance of further investigation of the interface through more advanced in‐depth/operando analysis tools to gain insightful information about the anodic interface, which could be useful for the researchers to design efficient research strategies for solving the challenging issues associated with the anodic interface.
Metal halide perovskites for solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion in aqueous media
Authors: Wang Chunhua , Ding Yang , Wang Yannan , Xie Zhirun , Zeng Zhiyuan , Li Xin , Ng Yun Hau
Published: July 2024

Solar‐driven energy conversion is a promising technology for a sustainable energy future and environmental remediation, and an efficient catalyst is a key factor. Recently, metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as promising photocatalysts due to their exceptional photoelectronic properties and low‐cost solution processing, enabling successful applications in H2 evolution, CO2 reduction, organic synthesis, and pollutant degradation. Despite these successes, the practical applications of MHPs are limited by their water instability. In this review, the recently developed strategies driving MHP‐catalyzed reactions in aqueous media are outlined. We first articulate the structures and properties of MHPs, followed by elaborating on the origin of instability in MHPs. Then, we highlight the advances in solar‐driven MHP‐based catalytic systems in aqueous solutions, focusing on developing external protection strategies and intrinsically water‐stable MHP materials. With each approach offering peculiar sets of advantages and challenges, we conclude by outlining potentially promising opportunities and directions for MHP‐based photocatalysis research in aqueous conditions moving forward. We anticipate that this timely review will provide some inspiration for the design of MHP‐based photocatalysts, manifestly stimulating their applications in aqueous environments for solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion.
Conflict and communication in everyday life: An exploration of intercommunity conflict in Assam, India
Authors: Das Amiya Kumar , Ray Soumen , Choudhury Ahana
Published: July 2024

Ethnic conflicts have proved to be inherently dangerous and repressive across the globe. While this signification cannot be negated, a deeper articulation of liminal existences in the conflict‐prone areas requires more attention. Using case studies with a qualitative research design, the paper emphasizes on conflict as a social force, facilitating the (re)structuration of communities entangled within it. The paper explores the mundane lived experiences of the Adivasis and the Bodos, two of the ethnic communities living in Assam, a Northeastern state of India, by making a few claims. First, ethnic conflicts reorient social relations, intercommunity interactions and economic exchanges between the Adivasis and Bodos. Second, ethnic conflicts recourse varied negotiations and emotions in their being(ness), aspirational values, and embodied meanings in mundane life‐processes. The complex realization of identities for the Adivasis and the Bodos is fostered by the exposure of fear, past loss of life, and the varied interactions between victims and perpetrators in everyday social life.
Evaluating Overhead Irrigation Sprinkler Packages in Utah
Authors: Korzekwa Kaine
Published: July 2024

In many areas where center‐pivot irrigation methods are used, the most common sprinkler package is called mid‐elevation sprinkler application, known as MESA. Two alternative sprinkler packages designed for better water use efficiency are called low‐energy precision application, or LEPA, and mobile drip irrigation, called MDI. A recent study evaluated how MDI and LEPA—at full and reduced irrigation rates—impact alfalfa and silage corn yield and quality in trials on two farms in Utah. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Soil & Water Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Metabolic requirements of CD160 expressing memory‐like NK cells in Gram‐negative bacterial infection
Authors: Preechanukul Anucha , Saiprom Natnaree , Rochaikun Kitilak , Moonmueangsan Boonthanom , Phunpang Rungnapa , Ottiwet Orawan , Kongphrai Yuphin , Wapee Soonthon , Janon Rachan , Dunachie Susanna , Kronsteiner Barbara , Chantratita Narisara
Published: July 2024

Objective

Unique metabolic requirements accompany the development and functional fates of immune cells. How cellular metabolism is important in natural killer (NK) cells and their memory‐like differentiation in bacterial infections remains elusive.

Methods

Here, we utilise our established NK cell memory assay to investigate the metabolic requirement for memory‐like NK cell formation and function in response to the Gram‐negative intracellular bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei (BP), the causative agent of melioidosis.

Results

We demonstrate that CD160+ memory‐like NK cells upon BP stimulation upregulate glucose and amino acid transporters in a cohort of recovered melioidosis patients which is maintained at least 3‐month post‐hospital admission. Using an in vitro assay, human BP‐specific CD160+ memory‐like NK cells show metabolic priming including increased expression of glucose and amino acid transporters with elevated glucose uptake, increased mTOR activation and mitochondrial membrane potential upon BP re‐stimulation. Antigen‐specific and cytokine‐induced IFN‐γ production of this memory‐like NK cell subset are highly dependent on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) with some dependency on glycolysis, whereas the formation of CD160+ memory‐like NK cells in vitro is dependent on fatty acid oxidation and OXPHOS and further increased by metformin.

Conclusion

This study reveals the link between metabolism and cellular function of memory‐like NK cells, which can be exploited for vaccine design and for monitoring protection against Gram‐negative bacterial infection.
Multiparameter quantitative analyses of diagnostic cells in brain tissues from tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Arceneaux Jerome S. , Brockman Asa A. , Khurana Rohit , Chalkley Mary‐Bronwen L. , Geben Laura C. , Krbanjevic Aleksandar , Vestal Matthew , Zafar Muhammad , Weatherspoon Sarah , Mobley Bret C. , Ess Kevin C. , Ihrie Rebecca A.
Published: July 2024

The advent of high‐dimensional imaging offers new opportunities to molecularly characterize diagnostic cells in disorders that have previously relied on histopathological definitions. One example case is found in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a developmental disorder characterized by systemic growth of benign tumors. Within resected brain tissues from patients with TSC, detection of abnormally enlarged balloon cells (BCs) is pathognomonic for this disorder. Though BCs can be identified by an expert neuropathologist, little is known about the specificity and broad applicability of protein markers for these cells, complicating classification of proposed BCs identified in experimental models of this disorder. Here, we report the development of a customized machine learning pipeline (BAlloon IDENtifier; BAIDEN) that was trained to prospectively identify BCs in tissue sections using a histological stain compatible with high‐dimensional cytometry. This approach was coupled to a custom 36‐antibody panel and imaging mass cytometry (IMC) to explore the expression of multiple previously proposed BC marker proteins and develop a descriptor of BC features conserved across multiple tissue samples from patients with TSC. Here, we present a modular workflow encompassing BAIDEN, a custom antibody panel, a control sample microarray, and analysis pipelines—both open‐source and in‐house—and apply this workflow to understand the abundance, structure, and signaling activity of BCs as an example case of how high‐dimensional imaging can be applied within human tissues.
Tangent sine search optimization enabled energy prediction and SWIPT‐based power transfer for energy‐aware communication in WSN
Authors: Masilamani Anbarasi , Krishnan Santhi , Singh Brijendra , T Chellatamilan
Published: July 2024

With the rapid increase in energy utilization and the tremendously growing number of connected devices in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), alternate power transfer methods have not only become significant for scholastic purposes but also the growth of WSNs and the reduction of operational costs. Simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) is an emerging technology that has the potential to boost the lifespan of WSNs. This work presents an innovative approach to improving the energy efficiency of WSNs. Here, a WSN is considered, and energy‐aware communication is established in six phases, such as setup, steady state, energy prediction, SWIPT‐based power transfer, communication/route discovery, and route maintenance. Further, a hybrid approach named tangent sine search optimization (TSSO) is created to identify the ideal node as cluster head (CH). Later, the age of the neighboring nodes is forecasted utilizing the deep long short‐term memory (DLSTM), whose trainable parameters are selected using the proposed TSSO algorithm. A SWIPT‐based power transfer is also performed for harvesting the energy to avoid node failures. The proposed TSSO‐DLSTM+SWIPT is investigated given various metrics, like delay, residual energy, throughput, and trust, and the values attained are 0.784 s, 0.790 J, 0.970 Mbps, and 0.997, respectively without any attacks. The proposed TSSO‐DLSTM+SWIPT obtained performance improvement of 11.08%, 10.07%, 7.99%, and 5.83% than the Iterative algorithm in terms of delay, residual energy, throughput, and trust.
Outage and throughput performance analysis of incremental relaying‐based underlay cognitive nonorthogonal multiple access networks with maximal ratio combining
Authors: P Archana , G Griffith Faustina , V.P Harigovindan , A.V Babu
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we investigate the effectiveness of incremental relaying (IR)‐based underlay cognitive nonorthogonal multiple access (CNOMA) system with maximal ratio combining (MRC). Considering imperfect successive interference cancelation (i‐SIC), we derive analytical expressions for the outage probabilities experienced by the secondary users (SUs) and the system outage probability of the IR‐CNOMA system. We also derive the analytical expression for the outage probability of far SUs by considering IR‐CNOMA system with MRC. The maximum transmit power constraint of the secondary nodes and the interference threshold constraint of the primary receiver are considered in the analysis. We also evaluate the system throughput of IR‐CNOMA network. We also derive outage and throughput expression for the traditional cooperative relaying‐based CNOMA system (CR‐CNOMA) for the purpose of comparison. We derive analytical expression for the asymptotic outage probability and the asymptotic system outage probabilities of the SUs of IR‐CNOMA system. Further, we derive expressions for the optimal power allocation (OPA) factor at the secondary source that minimizes the asymptotic system outage probability of the IR‐CNOMA system. Through numerical and simulation investigations, we demonstrate that the system outage probability significantly lowers when the OPA factor is selected based on the criteria outlined in this work. It can be observed from the results that the IR‐CNOMA system outperforms the conventional CR‐CNOMA system in terms of outage probabilities and throughput. The outage probability is further reduced when IR‐CNOMA system with MRC is considered for the far SUs.
Exploring chromone‐2‐carboxamide derivatives for triple‐negative breast cancer targeting EGFR, FGFR3, and VEGF pathways: Design, synthesis, and preclinical insights
Authors: El‐Gamil Dalia S. , Zaky Mohamed Y. , Maximous Patrick M. , Sharaky Marwa , El‐Dessouki Ahmed M. , Riad Noura M. , Shaaban Saad , Abdel‐Halim Mohammad , Al‐Karmalawy Ahmed A.
Published: July 2024

Chromone‐based compounds have established cytotoxic, antiproliferative, antimetastatic, and antiangiogenic effects on various cancer cell types via modulating different molecular targets. Herein, 17 novel chromone‐2‐carboxamide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity against 15 human cancer cell lines. Among the tested cell lines, MDA‐MB‐231, the triple‐negative breast cancer cell line, was found to be the most sensitive, where the N‐(2‐furylmethylene) (15) and the α‐methylated N‐benzyl (17) derivatives demonstrated the highest growth inhibition with GI50 values of 14.8 and 17.1 μM, respectively. In vitro mechanistic studies confirmed the significant roles of compounds 15 and 17 in the induction of apoptosis and suppression of EGFR, FGFR3, and VEGF protein levels in MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells. Moreover, compound 15 exerted cell cycle arrest at both the G0‐G1 and G2‐M phases. The in vivo efficacy of compound 15 as an antitumor agent was further investigated in female mice bearing Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma. Notably, administration of compound 15 resulted in a marked decrease in both tumor weight and volume, accompanied by improvements in biochemical, hematological, histological, and immunohistochemical parameters that verified the repression of both angiogenesis and inflammation as additional Anticancer mechanisms. Moreover, the binding interactions of compounds 15 and 17 within the binding sites of all three target receptors (EGFR, FGFR3, and VEGF) were clearly illustrated using molecular docking.
I Bind It That Way – Bioorthogonal Unmasking of Pro‐Fluorescent Quinone Methides
Authors: Kern Dóra , Lövei Allegra , Kele Péter , Kormos Attila
Published: July 2024

Proof‐of‐concept studies for the bioorthogonally controlled generation of pro‐fluorescent quinone‐methides are presented here. The novel concept relies on a click‐to‐release tetrazine unit that chemically cages a pro‐fluorescent quinone methide precursor. On a synthetically readily accessible model compound we demonstrate that IEDDA reaction of the tetrazine with a TCO leads to the liberation of a pro‐fluorescent quinone methide, which is readily captured by nearby nucleophiles to form a fluorescent scaffold. Unlike in previous approaches to access bioorthogonally activatable fluorogenic probes, where the tetrazine unit acted as a quencher of fluorescence, the role of the tetrazine is redefined here. Such repurposed role of tetrazines is foreseen to address the limitations of tetrazine‐quenched red/NIR excitable fluorogenic probes.
Unraveling unmet needs in ketogenic dietary services: An ERN EpiCARE survey
Authors: De Giorgis Valentina , Pasca Ludovica , Aznar‐Lain Gemma , Bibic Irena , Bibic Vedrana , Darra Francesca , Dianin Alice , Dressler Anastasia , Jonsson Henna , Komulainen‐Ebrahim Jonna , Kverneland Magnhild , Molteberg Ellen , Ragona Francesca , de Saint‐Martin Anne , Varesio Costanza , Cross J. Helen ,   ERN EpiCARE Ketogenic Dietary Therapy Special Interest Group (KDT SIG)
Published: July 2024

The implementation and potential of ketogenic dietary therapies (KDTs) have changed over time. The organization of KDT services, the availability of multidisciplinary teams, resources and support for patients and families still vary widely around the world. This diversity is reflected by a lack of consistency in reported outcomes, optimization of using KDT and KDT compliance. To highlight the unmet needs for KDT services, the ERN EpiCARE Ketogenic Dietary Therapy Special Interest Group (KDT SIG) conducted an online survey on KDT implementation and utilization, addressing the following topics: Use and completeness of guidelines and protocols; assessment of compliance and outcome parameters, sustainability and inclusivity in daily life. Consistently reported unmet needs included the lack of psychological support and resources to measure and improve adherence to KDT, the lack of inclusion strategies, and shared guidelines and protocols adapting to specific needs. Future interventions should focus primarily on educational and informative measures together with creation of shared protocols for complex care.

Plain Language Summary

This study provides the results of a survey compiled by clinicians and patients representatives belonging to ERN Epicare, designed to unravel unmet needs from both patients' and healthcare practitioners' perspectives during ketogenic dietary therapies (KDT) provision. Importantly, results show the need to create new shared protocols and guidelines meant for KDT use in complex care situations and to develop future strategies initiatives to support patients improving their social inclusivity.
Caffeic acid treatment promotes the accumulation of flavonoids in fresh‐cut pineapple by histone lysine methylation regulation
Authors: Zeng Jing , Li Ting , Liu Mengting , Peng Jiechun , Liang Hanzhi , Zhong Ruiming , Peng Yao , Wu Mengyao , Zhang Jiangtao , Duan Xuewu , Yang Xinquan
Published: July 2024

Fresh‐cut pineapple is highly popular with consumers, but it is also susceptible to quality deterioration during storage or shelf life. This study aimed to explore the effects of caffeic acid on the quality of fresh‐cut pineapple, specifically in relation to epigenetic regulation. The application of caffeic acid efficiently maintained fruit quality of pineapple slices stored at 4°C. Interestingly, caffeic acid treatment resulted in the increased accumulation of flavonoids in fresh‐cut pineapple. Moreover, the expression of several flavonoids biosynthesis‐related genes (AcPAL, AcF3’H, AcCHI, AcCHS2, Ac4CL, and AcFLS) was upregulated by caffeic acid. Furthermore, caffeic acid increased the methylation levels of H3K4me3, a gene‐activated epigenetic marker, at the loci of AcF3’H, AcCHI, AcCHS2, Ac4CL, and AcFLS. Overall, these findings suggest that the treatment with caffeic acid leads to increased levels of H3K4me3 and activates the expression of flavonoids biosynthesis‐related genes, thereby promoting the accumulation of flavonoids and maintaining the quality of pineapple slices.
Cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside ameliorates hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress by regulating HMGCR‐mediated cholesterol anabolism in HEK‐293T cells
Authors: Liu Di , Zhang Hanxue , Dai Yu , Sun Jie , Sun Hongyu , Yu Zixiang , Kong Fanli , Feng Xianmin
Published: July 2024

Cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G), as a typical anthocyanin, exhibits excellent antioxidant effects. This study aimed to demonstrate the role and mechanism of C3G in regulating 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR)‐mediated cholesterol anabolism on H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in HEK‐293T cells. Firstly, the inhibitory effect of C3G on oxidative stress was confirmed by CCK‐8, ROS, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) experiments. Then, proteomics was used to investigate and screen differentially expressed proteins in inhibiting cellular oxidative stress by C3G. HMGCR was screened as a key differentially expressed protein by proteomic analysis. The results verified that C3G could reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting sterol regulatory element‐binding protein (SREBP2)/HMGCR pathway, increasing ATP, and reducing acetyl‐CoA. Finally, HMGCR had been shown to positively increase ROS accumulation and decrease MMP, which were reversed by intervention of C3G through a series of knockdown and overexpression experiments. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that C3G could inhibit the disorder of cholesterol synthesis in oxidative stress cells by regulating the ROS/SREBP2/HMGCR pathway.
Study on the Performance Degradation of Membrane Electrode Assembly in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Caused by Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Authors: Gan Zhongyu , Chen Tao , Zhang Rufeng , Zhang Ruixuan
Published: July 2024

Durability of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is a serious problem to be overcome in the commercial development of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The change in volume due to water–ice conversion has an irreversible effect on the MEA, which affects the performance of PEMFC. For investigating the optimal initial water content of MEA that minimizes the impact on PEMFC performance after freeze–thaw (F/T) cycles, this study first measured the high‐frequency resistance to determine the water content of MEA, and then subjected five MEAs with different water contents to 60 F/T cycles at −20°C to 30°C. The fuel cell output performance of five MEAs was found to be inconsistently degraded by polarization curve tests, with the cells of the two MEAs with the lowest and highest water contents exhibiting the worst output performance. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy curves proved that the difference in resistance change after F/T cycles is one reason why the cell output performance is degraded differently. Finally, the degradation of cell performance was further explained by cyclic voltammetry. These results indicate that MEA has the best output performance for F/T cycles at an initial water content of 3.0.
A comparison of domain‐specific evaluations of life in predicting overall life evaluations and biological inflammation
Authors: Oh Vincent Y. S.
Published: July 2024

Which domain of life evaluation is more important? Using a large‐scale public sample of 1888 adults from the United States (880 males, 1008 females; Mage = 53.28), we addressed this question by comparing the predictive strength of six domains of life evaluations on overall life evaluation as well as biomarkers of inflammation. Specifically, we examined individuals' self‐rated evaluations of the domains of social belonging, romantic relationships, work, subjective social status, self‐esteem and finances, and we examined biological inflammation using an index of five biomarkers of inflammation: interleukin‐6, fibrinogen, C‐reactive protein, E‐selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule 1. Adjusting for demographic variability, romantic evaluation, work evaluation, self‐esteem and financial evaluation were equally and uniquely predictive of overall life evaluation. Social belonging remained predictive but was relatively weaker in magnitude, while subjective social status was no longer a significant predictor. Conversely, only financial evaluation was significantly linked to reduced biomarkers of inflammation. The findings suggest that depending on domain‐specificity and whether well‐being is assessed via subjective or objective indicators, links between life evaluations and well‐being may show substantial nuance. In particular, financial evaluation appears to have unique links to biomarkers of inflammation even after accounting for other domains of life evaluations.
Plant disease detection using machine learning techniques based on internet of things (IoT) sensor network
Authors: Sukhadeo Bere Sachin , Sinkar Yogita Deepak , Dhurgude Sarika Dilip , Athawale Shashikant V.
Published: July 2024

In recent years, smart agriculture has grown rapidly. A crop disease is generally caused by pests, insects, or pathogens and reduces the productivity of the crop by adversely affecting its yield. There is a severe loss of crops across the country due to various crop diseases, and one reason is not being able to detect the disease in its early stages keeps them from finding a solution. An Internet of Things (IOT) sensor network is used to detect and classify diseases in leaves in this paper. Precision agriculture uses machine learning techniques to increase crop growth, control the cultivation process, and enhance crop productivity with less human involvement. IOT sensor networks are being used in precision agriculture using machine learning techniques. A result of the proposed method shows an overall accuracy of 88%.
An evaluation of the genotoxicity and 90‐day repeated dose oral toxicity in rats of Porphyridium purpureum
Authors: Murbach Timothy S. , Glávits Róbert , Endres John R. , Hirka Gábor , Vértesi Adél , Béres Erzsébet , Pasics Szakonyiné Ilona
Published: July 2024

Interest in microalgae products for use in food is increasing, as demands for sustainable and cost‐effective food choices grow due to the escalating global population and increase in climate‐related struggles with agriculture. Toxicological assessments of some species of microalgae have been conducted, but there were little data available for the oral consumption of the red microalgae Porphyridium purpureum and no data on genotoxicity. This article articulates a genotoxicity assessment and a 90‐day repeated dose oral toxicity study in rats performed according to OECD guidelines. Under the experimental conditions applied, the test item did not induce gene mutations by base pair changes or frameshifts in the genome of the strains used in the bacterial reverse mutation test. Similarly, the test item did not induce structural chromosomal aberrations in V79 hamster lung cells. The test item also did not cause chromosomal damage in bone marrow of mice in the mammalian micronucleus test. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of the 90‐day repeated dose oral toxicity study in rats was determined to be the highest dose tested, 3000 mg/kg bw/day. These data add to the body of evidence regarding the safety of P. purpureum for human consumption.
Investigation of the effects of curcumin and piperine on cyclophosphamide‐induced brain injury in rats
Authors: Aygörmez Serpil , Maraşli Şaban
Published: July 2024

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an antineoplastic drug widely used in chemotherapy. Curcumin (CUR) and piperine (PP) show a protective effect on neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. This research was designed to measure several biochemical parameters in the brain tissue of CP‐applied rats to investigate the impact of combined CUR–PP administration. The study evaluated six groups of eight rats: Group 1 was the control; Groups 2 and 3 were administered 200 or 300 mg/kg CUR‐PP via oral gavage; Group 4 received only 200 mg/kg CP on day 1; Groups 5 and 6 received CP + CUR‐PP for 7 days. Data from all parameters indicated that CP caused brain damage. Phosphorylated TAU (pTAU), amyloid‐beta peptide 1–42 (Aβ1–42), glutamate (GLU), and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) parameters were the same in Groups 4, 5, and 6. On the other hand, 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), nuclear factor kappa beta (NF‐kβ), malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) levels in the CP + CUR‐PP groups were lower than those in the CP group (p < 0.05). However, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) parameters were higher in the CP + CUR‐PP groups compared to the CP group (p < 0.05). It is thought that the similarity of Groups 5 and 6 with Group 4 in Aβ1–42, pTAU, GLU, and GABA parameters hinder the determination of treatment protection however, they might have a therapeutic effect if the applied dose or study duration were changed. This study attempted to evaluate the effects of a CUR–PP combination on CP‐induced brain damage in rats by measuring biochemical parameters and performing histopathological examinations. Based on the findings, this CUR–PP combination could be considered an alternative medicine option in cases with conditions similar to those evaluated in this study.
Neurocognitive features in childhood & adulthood in autism spectrum disorder: A neurodiversity approach
Authors: Megari Kalliopi , Frantzezou Chionia K. , Polyzopoulou Zoi A. , Tzouni Stella K.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a diverse profile of cognitive functions. Heterogeneity is observed among both baseline and comorbid features concerning the diversity of neuropathology in autism. Symptoms vary depending on the developmental stage, level of severity, or comorbidity with other medical or psychiatric diagnoses such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders.

Method

The neurodiversity movement does not face variations in neurological and cognitive development in ASD as deficits but as normal non‐pathological human variations. Thus, ASD is not identified as a neurocognitive pathological disorder that deviates from the typical, but as a neuro‐individuality, a normal manifestation of a neurobiological variation within the population.

Results

In this light, neurodiversity is described as equivalent to any other human variation, such as ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. This review will provide insights about the neurodiversity approach in children and adults with ASD. Using a neurodiversity approach can be helpful when working with children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Discussion

This method acknowledges and values the various ways that people with ASD interact with one another and experience the world in order to embrace the neurodiversity approach when working with children with ASD.
Exploring the psychosocial burden of foot complications in diabetes: A cross‐sectional survey and qualitative interview study in a United Kingdom coastal community
Authors: Chapman Lara S. , Cochrane Silva , Sykes Gill , Gill Joanne , Nixon Jane , Jayagopal Vijay
Published: July 2024

Background

Foot complications in diabetes are common and destructive, resulting in substantial healthcare costs and high rates of morbidity. Coastal areas have a significantly higher burden of disease. People with diabetes experience disproportionately high rates of psychological health issues, including anxiety, depression and diabetes distress. These can affect self‐management and concordance with preventive measures and treatments of foot complications, negatively impacting on outcomes. Access to psychological health services is variable across the United Kingdom and there is a paucity of high‐quality evidence for the effectiveness of treatments for diabetes distress. This study aimed to explore experiences of psychosocial burden and perceptions and experiences of psychosocial support, among patients with diabetes and foot complications living in a coastal area.

Methods

Patients were eligible to participate if they had experienced diabetes‐related foot complications (amputation, ulceration and/or Charcot neuroarthropathy) within the last 5 years and scored positive for diabetes distress on a validated screening tool (DDS2). Eligible patients completed cross‐sectional questionnaires describing symptoms of diabetes distress (DDS17), anxiety (GAD‐7) and depression (PHQ‐9) and to take part in a face‐to‐face, semi‐structured interview. Questionnaires were analysed using frequencies and interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 183 patients completed the DDS2 screening questionnaire. Of these, 56 (30.6%) screened positive for diabetes distress. Twenty‐seven patients completed DDS17, GAD‐7 and PHQ‐9 questionnaires. Eleven (40.7%) participants indicated high levels of diabetes distress and four (14.8%) indicated moderate distress. Seventeen participants (age range 52–81 years; 12 men) took part in an interview. Four key themes were identified: impact of living with foot problems; emotional consequences of foot problems; experiences and perceptions of psychological support; and strategies to cope with the emotional impact of foot problems.

Conclusion

Diabetes distress was prevalent among patients with diabetes‐related foot complications. Foot problems impacted on participants' daily activities, social lives and ability to work. Despite expressing feelings of ongoing fear, worry and depression relating to their foot problems, only one participant had accessed formal psychological support. Many participants relied on talking to podiatrists at routine appointments and described developing various strategies to cope. The psychosocial burden of living with foot complications in diabetes must not be overlooked by health professionals. Findings from this study can inform the design of future services and interventions.
Recent advances in measuring the effects of diet on gastrointestinal physiology: Probing the “leaky gut” and application of real‐time ultrasound
Authors: Mogilevski Tamara , Maconi Giovanni , Gibson Peter R
Published: July 2024

There is a large pool of ideas in both mainstream and non‐mainstream medicine on how diet can be manipulated in order to treat or prevent illnesses. Despite this, our understanding of how specific changes in diet influence the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract is limited. This review aims to describe two areas that might provide key information on the integrity and function of the gastrointestinal tract. First, demystifying the “leaky gut syndrome” requires rational application and interpretation of tests of intestinal barrier function. Multiple ways of measuring barrier function have been described, but the inherent difficulties in translation from animal studies to humans have created misinterpretations and misconceptions. The intrinsic nature of intestinal barrier function is dynamic. This is seldom considered in studies of intestinal barrier assessment. To adequately understand the effects of dietary interventions on intestinal barrier function, background barrier function in different regions of the gut and the dynamic responses to stressors (such as psychological stress) should be assessed as a minimum. Second, intestinal ultrasound, which is now established in the assessment and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease, has hitherto been poorly evaluated in assessing real‐time intestinal function and novel aspects of structure in patients with disorders of gut‐brain interaction. In conclusion, a more complete functional and structural profile that these investigations enable should permit a greater understanding of the effects of dietary manipulation on the gastrointestinal tract and provide clinically relevant information that, amongst other advantages, might permit opportunities for personalized health care delivery.
Evolution in coeliac disease diagnosis and management
Authors: Tye‐Din Jason A
Published: July 2024

The traditional gut‐centric view of coeliac disease is evolving as immune and genetic insights underscore the central importance of a systemic, T cell immune response to gluten in disease pathogenesis. As the field increasingly recognize the limitations of small intestinal histology as the diagnostic standard, data supporting the accuracy of an immune (serologic) diagnosis of coeliac disease ‐ well demonstrated in children ‐ are growing for adults. Novel biomarkers such as interleukin‐2 that identify the gluten‐specific T cell demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity for coeliac disease and offer the potential for a diagnostic approach that avoids the need for gluten challenge. Asymptomatic disease and manifestations outside the gut pose considerable challenges for diagnosis using a case‐finding strategy and enthusiasm for population screening is growing. The gluten‐free diet remains a highly restrictive treatment and there is a paucity of controlled data to inform a safe gluten intake threshold. Ongoing symptoms and enteropathy are common and require systematic evaluation. Slowly‐responsive disease is prevalent in the older patient diagnosed with coeliac disease, and super‐sensitivity to gluten is an emerging concept that may explain many cases of nonresponsive disease. While there is great interest in developing novel therapies for coeliac disease, no drug has yet been registered. Efficacy studies are generally assessing drugs in patients with treated coeliac disease who undergo gluten challenge or in patients with nonresponsive disease; however, substantial questions remain around specific endpoints relevant for patients, clinicians and regulatory agencies and optimal trial design. Novel immune tools are providing informative readouts for clinical trials and are now shaping their design.
Antioxidant synergistic anti‐inflammatory effect in the MAPK/NF‐κB pathway of peptide KGEYNK (KK‐6) from giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)
Authors: Zhan Jun‐qi , Wu Jun‐xin , Fu Jing‐jing , Li Gao‐shang , Wu Fang , Chen Yue‐wen
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Giant salamander protein peptide is a peptide with rich functional properties. Giant salamander protein peptide KGEYNK (KK‐6) is a peptide with both antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. The antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of KK‐6 are still unclear. When we studied the functional mechanism of KK‐6, we found that the antioxidant property of KK‐6 has a synergistic and promoting effect on anti‐inflammatory properties.

RESULTS

KK‐6 enhances cellular resistance to LPS via the MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway, leading to increased levels of inflammatory factors: interleukin‐1β (764.81 ng mL−1), interleukin‐6 (1.06 ng mL−1) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (4440.45 ng mL−1). KK‐6 demonstrates potent antioxidant properties by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, resulting in elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase: 0.03 μg mL−1; superoxide dismutase: 0.589 μg mL−1) and a reduction in the concentration of the oxidative product malondialdehyde (967.05 μg mL−1).

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the great potential of KK‐6, a peptide extracted from giant salamander protein, as a remedy for intestinal inflammation. Through its dual role as an antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory agent, KK‐6 offers a promising avenue for alleviating inflammation‐related damage and oxidative stress. This study lays the foundation for further exploration of giant salamander products and highlights their importance in health and novel food development. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of steam explosion pretreatment on the digestive properties and gut microbiota of Laminaria japonica polysaccharide
Authors: Lin Yaqing , Zhang Zihao , Ren Sijie , Wang Lin , Xiong Bin , Zheng Baodong , Zhang Yi , Pan Lei
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Laminaria japonica polysaccharide, which is an important bioactive substance of Laminaria japonica with anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, the molecular weight, functional groups and surface morphology were investigated to evaluate the digestive properties of Laminaria japonica polysaccharide before and after steam explosion.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the Laminaria japonica polysaccharide entered the large intestine to be utilized by the gut microbiota after passing through the oral, gastric and small intestinal. Meanwhile, Laminaria japonica polysaccharide of steam explosion promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria Phascolarctobacterium and Intestinimonas, and increased the content of acetic, propionic and butyric acids, which was 2.29‐folds, 2.60‐folds and 1.63‐folds higher than the control group after 48 h of fermentation.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that the effect of steam explosion pretreatment on the digestion in vitro and gut microbiota of Laminaria japonica polysaccharide will provide a basic theoretical basis for the potential application of Laminaria japonica polysaccharide as a prebiotic in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Silibinin promotes healing in spinal cord injury through anti‐ferroptotic mechanisms
Authors: Vahabi Arman , Öztürk Anıl Murat , Kılıçlı Bünyamin , Birim Derviş , Kaftan Öcal Gizem , Dağcı Taner , Armağan Güliz
Published: July 2024

Study Design

Pre‐clinical animal experiment.

Objective

In this study, we investigated therapeutic effects of silibinin in a spinal cord injury (SCI) model. In SCI, loss of cells due to secondary damage mechanisms exceeds that caused by primary damage. Ferroptosis, which is iron‐dependent non‐apoptotic cell death, is shown to be influential in the pathogenesis of SCI.

Methods

The study was conducted as an in vivo experiment using a total of 78 adult male/female Sprague Dawley rats. Groups were as follows: Sham, SCI, deferoxamine (DFO) treatment, and silibinin treatment. There were subgroups with follow‐up periods of 24 h, 72 h, and 6 weeks in all groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and Fe2+ levels were measured by spectrophotometry. Glutathione peroxidase‐4 (GPX4), ferroportin (FPN), transferrin receptor (TfR1), and 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE)‐modified protein levels were assessed by Western blotting. Functional recovery was assessed using Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan test.

Results

Silibinin achieved significant suppression in MDA and 4‐HNE levels compared to the SCI both in 72‐h and 6 weeks group (p < 0.05). GSH, GPX4, and FNP levels were found to be significantly higher in the silibinin 24 h, 72 h, and 6 weeks group compared to corresponding SCI groups (p < 0.05). Significant reduction in iron levels was observed in silibinin treated rats in 72 h and 6 weeks group (p < 0.05). Silibinin substantially suppressed TfR1 levels in 24 h and 72 h groups (p < 0.05). Significant difference among recovery capacities was observed as follows: Silibinin > DFO > SCI (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Impact of silibinin on iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation, both of which are features of ferroptosis, may contribute to therapeutic activity. Within this context, our findings posit silibinin as a potential therapeutic candidate possessing antiferroptotic properties in SCI model. Therapeutic agents capable of effectively and safely mitigating ferroptotic cell death hold the potential to be critical points of future clinical investigations.