bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genipa americana L.: A New Phytochemical for White Hair Coloring
Authors: Machado Andréa V. , Menezes Luana R. O. , Santana Adilson A. M. , Marques Maria N. , de Lima Adriana K. , Cano Amanda , Severino Patrícia , Souto Eliana B. , Cardoso Juliana C.
Published: September 2023

This work describes a new hair dyeing methodology using a chemical reaction between geniposide, an iridoid glycoside extracted from the fruit of Genipa americana (geniposide extract, GE) and the amine group of hair keratin. The influence of reaction conditions (pH, temperature, and extract concentration) on the staining of hair fibers, color development, fiber morphology, and mechanical hair properties of black and white human hair samples, was evaluated before and after GE dyeing treatment. Eye contact safety of GE was also studied using HET‐CAM. The treatment of white hair fibers using GE at 20 mg mL−1, temperature of 80 °C and pH 5.5 presented the greatest color change (ΔE=54.0). The higher pH influence was observed at pH 10.0 on white hair tresses (ΔE=6.8), using an GE concentration of 20 mg mL−1 and room temperature (25 °C). Treated samples showed marked changes on mechanical and morphological properties. The HET‐CAM did not show any change, thus demonstrating that using GE is safe. In conclusion, the temperature and concentration of the extract were the variables that mostly influenced the color and hair damage. A new approach for hair dyeing was established where iridoids may potentially be useful as a natural hair dyeing.
Structurally Diverse Sesquiterpenoids with NO Production and α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities from the Fruits of Schisandra chinensis
Authors: Sun Ping , Pan Yin‐Bo , Ma Ren‐Fen , Zhao Xue‐Chun , Wang Yin‐Yin , Miao Lei , Zhang Hua
Published: September 2023

Chemical fractionation of the AcOEt partition, generated from the EtOH extract of the fruits of Schisandra chinensis, afforded a series of sesquiterpenyl constituents including two new cadinanes, a new eudesmane, two new widdranes (a handling artefact and a new natural product), a new bisabolane and two new natural cuparane enantiomers, along with 15 known structurally related analogs. Structures of the new compounds were unambiguously characterized by interpretation of detailed spectroscopic data including ESI‐MS and 1D/2D NMR, with their absolute configurations being established by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation and induced ECD experiment. The inhibitory effects of all the isolates against α‐glucosidase and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) production in murine RAW264.7 macrophages, as well as their antibacterial and cytotoxic potential, were evaluated, with selective compounds showing moderate α‐glucosidase and NO inhibitory activity. Notably, canangaterpene III exhibited the most significant NO inhibitory effect with an IC50 value of 31.50±1.49 μM.
Hemodynamics after TAVR matter
Authors: Herrmann Howard C.
Published: September 2023

Key Points

Adverse hemodynamics after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are more common in patients with a small aortic annulus (SAA) and affect clinical outcomes.

In this observational study of 628 patients with a very SAA, 89% of whom were women, severe prothesis patient mismatch (PPM) was associated with an up to fivefold increase in 1‐year mortality.

As younger and more active patients are treated with TAVR, it will be important to consider strategies including prosthesis choice as well as surgical root enlargement to avoid severe PPM.
Abdominal pseudocyst complicating ventriculoperitoneal shunt: A rare indication for ventriculopleural shunt conversion
Authors: Shrestha Nishan , Gautam Naveen , Shrestha Merina
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

Abdominal pseudocyst is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. Ventriculopleural shunt (VPL) can be an effective treatment option for the recurrent complications of VP shunt failure.

Abdominal pseudocyst (APC) is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement for the treatment of congenital hydrocephalus. This case report presents a two‐and‐a‐half‐year‐old male child who underwent VP shunt placement for aqueductal stenosis‐related hydrocephalus. The patient subsequently developed recurrent shunt failure and an APC, which was managed initially by surgical excision of the cyst and repositioning of the catheter. However, shunt failure recurred. The patient underwent ventriculopleural (VPL) shunt conversion as a more viable option for recurrent blockage. Postoperatively, the patient developed respiratory distress with massive pleural effusion, which was treated with chest tube insertion. This case highlights the complexity of managing congenital hydrocephalus and its rare complication, APC. Prompt recognition and appropriate management of APC can lead to improved outcomes and minimize the need for invasive procedures. VPL shunt conversion can be considered an alternative treatment option when other treatments have failed. Further research is needed to establish guidelines for the management of APC and determine the long‐term effectiveness of VPL shunting.
Relapsing anemia associated with parvovirus B19 infection in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yaghoubi Fatemeh , Dalil Davood , Tavakoli Farnaz , Hosseini Seyyed Mohammad
Published: September 2023

Key clinical message

PB19 infection should be considered an uncommon cause of posttransplant anemia in renal transplant recipients, particularly those whose anemia is not associated with common etiologies. IVIG treatment and reduced immunosuppression could be beneficial.

Parvovirus B19‐associated relapsing anemia is rare in kidney transplant recipients. Herein, we report a case of relapsed anemia due to parvovirus B19 infection in a 53‐year‐old woman 18 months after kidney transplantation. The patient presented with palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, and lethargy. Early laboratory findings showed a WBC count of 6.000/μL, RBC count of 1.89/μL, hemoglobin (Hb) 3.5 g/dL, hematocrit (Hct) 15%, platelet count 266.000/μL, MCV 89, reticulocyte count 0.8%, and serum iron 221 μg/dL. Upon further evaluation, the RT‐PCR test for BK polyomavirus and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was negative, while the parvovirus B19 RT‐PCR was positive. The patient was treated with blood transfusion and IVIG 25 g daily for 5 days. Two months after discharge, the patient presented, complaining of palpitation, shortness of breath, and dizziness, with RBC 2.7/μL, Hb 6.5 g/dL, Hct 25%, and MCV 85. Again, the CMV RT‐PCR was negative, while the parvovirus B19 RT‐PCR was positive. Tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid were stopped, and IVIG 25 g daily for 5 days was administered. Consequently, her Hb level increased to 9 g/dL, and the patient was discharged with prednisolone 5 mg daily and cyclosporine 50 mg daily instead of tacrolimus. Viral infection, particularly PB19 infection, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of posttransplantation anemia in KTRs. IVIG treatment and modification of immunosuppressive medications are suggested standard therapies for such patients. The function of transplanted kidneys should be carefully monitored during treatment.
From a Batch to a Continuous Supported Ionic Liquid Phase (SILP) Process: Anhydrous Synthesis of Oxymethylene Dimethyl Ethers
Authors: Billion Andreas , Vogel Andreas , Schulte Jonas , Scherer Harald , Krossing Ingo
Published: September 2023

Oxymethylene dimethyl ethers (OMEn; CH3(−OCH2)n−OCH3) are promising sustainable synthetic fuels when produced from CO2 and green H2. The synthesis pathway presented here overcomes synthetic problems and includes the reaction of dimethoxymethane (OME1) with molecular gaseous formaldehyde in a novel continuous, anhydrous reaction setup. An initially performed wide batch‐catalyst screening highlighted the salts M[NTf2]x with M=Cu+, Co2+ and Mg2+ as especially interesting catalysts (NTf2=N(SO2CF3)2). Supported ionic liquid phase (SILP)‐catalysts were prepared on this basis and demonstrated the successful synthesis of OMEn in a continuous process. The SILP‐catalysts immobilized in the IL EMIM[BF4] showed a fast and strong deactivation, but those with the IL EMIM[NTf2] showed excellent catalytic performance and stable results in continuous operations exceeding 19 h. The influence of the weight hourly space velocity (WHSV), the reaction temperature as well as the storage conditions of the catalysts (inert vs non‐inert) were investigated. 90 °C was identified as ideal reaction temperature. High feed‐gas flows (WHSV=15.8 h−1) are preferable in terms of product selectivity SOME2‐5>90 mol‐ % with an OME1 conversion XOME1=5.10 mol‐ % at the same time. We also demonstrated that the catalysts can be stored in air for 50 days without loss of activity. The SILP‐catalysts were analyzed by NMR and IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the thermodynamics of the reaction mechanism of some selected catalysts was calculated by DFT theory to this reaction.
Manganese‐catalyzed Dehydrogenation of Amido Alcohols with Liberation of Hydrogen for the Synthesis of Oxazoles
Authors: Leinert Max , Irrgang Torsten , Kempe Rhett
Published: September 2023

Syntheses of important classes of (heterocyclic) compounds, the sustainable generation of hydrogen, and the use of abundantly available metals are highly desirable. We introduce here a catalytic oxazole synthesis. Our reaction is a regio selective, one‐pot reaction and starts from esters and amino alcohols. Both are abundantly and diversely available and inexpensive starting materials. Hydrogen is liberated during the reaction and a molecular earth‐abundant metal catalyst, a Mn(I) compound, mediates the reaction most effectively ‐ and more efficiently than Ir and Ru catalysts. None of the oxazole derivatives synthesized, except the screening substrate and an active ingredient of a drug (an application), have been reported in literature yet.
Water‐Abundant Electrolytes: Towards Safer and Greener Aqueous Zinc‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Qian Long , Yao Rui , Yang Cheng
Published: September 2023

Aqueous Zn metal batteries have been regarded as promising candidates as an alternative to Li‐ion batteries in large‐scale energy storage systems due to their low‐cost, safe and environmentally benign advantages. However, because of the introduction of solvent water, several problems, for example dendrites, parasite reactions, hydrogen evolution, and so on, are brought into aqueous Zn metal batteries. Regrettably, when trying to solve these problems, most efforts have taken the form of adding a large amount of non‐aqueous components, which are usually harmful to the environment and not conducive to greener and safer aqueous batteries. In this Concept, we will introduce several electrolyte systems and mainly focus on how to build a water‐abundant electrolyte with fewer non‐aqueous components. This work will review the literature and offer instructive guidance for environmentally benign Zn metal batteries.
The Origin of Delayed Polymorphism in Molecular Crystals Under Mechanochemical Conditions
Authors: Linberg Kevin , Szymoniak Paulina , Schönhals Andreas , Emmerling Franziska , Michalchuk Adam A. L.
Published: September 2023

We show that mechanochemically driven polymorphic transformations can require extremely long induction periods, which can be tuned from hours to days by changing ball milling energy. The robust design and interpretation of ball milling experiments must account for this unexpected kinetics that arises from energetic phenomena unique to the solid state. Detailed thermal analysis, combined with DFT simulations, indicates that these marked induction periods are associated with processes of mechanical activation. Correspondingly, we show that the pre‐activation of reagents can also lead to marked changes in the length of induction periods. Our findings demonstrate a new dimension for exerting control over polymorphic transformations in organic crystals. We expect mechanical activation to have a much broader implication across organic solid‐state mechanochemistry.
Surface Modification Functionalized Carbon Dots
Authors: Wang Haolin , Ai Lin , Song Ziqi , Nie Mingjun , Xiao Jiping , Li Guoping , Lu Siyu
Published: September 2023

Carbon dots (CDs) smaller than 10 nm constitute a new type of fluorescent carbon‐based nanomaterial. They have attracted much attention owing to their unique structures and excellent photoelectric properties. Primitive CDs usually comprise carbon and oxygen and are synthesized in one step from various natural products or synthetic organic compounds, usually via microwave or hydrothermal methods. However, the uniformity of surface functional groups often make CDs lack the diversity of active sites required for specific applications. Therefore, the functionalization of CDs by specific groups is a powerful strategy for improving their photophysical and photochemical properties. This paper reviews surface modification strategies to overcome these shortcomings. Functionalizing CDs using covalent or non‐covalent modification can give them unique properties and broaden their applicability.
Impact of Hard Magnetic Nanocrystals on the Properties of Hardened Cement Paste
Authors: Kißling Patrick A. , Mahlbacher Markus , Wesemann Christoph , Mundstock Alexander , Lübkemann-Warwas Franziska , Klimke Stephen , Renz Franz , Lohaus Ludger , Haist Michael , Bigall Nadja C.
Published: September 2023

In this work, nano‐sized hard magnetic gallium‐substituted iron oxide crystals, wherein gallium is used to stabilize the metastable epsilon iron oxide phase, were added to cement‐water suspensions at different ratios, which were subsequently hydrated for at least 28 days. It is shown that higher contents of such nanocrystals in the hardened cement paste introduce a magnetic moment, whereas the mechanical properties remain unchanged compared to non‐blended hardened cement paste for a wide concentration range.
Necroptosis‐related regulatory pattern and scoring system for predicting therapeutic efficacy and prognosis in ovarian cancer
Authors: Lai Huiling , Guo Yunyun , Wu Linxiang , Yusufu Aligu , Zhong Qiyu , Liao Zhouzhou , Ma Jianyu , Shi Wen , Yang Guofen , Chen Shuqin
Published: September 2023

Background

Ovarian cancer is difficult to treat and is, therefore, associated with a high fatality rate. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have been successfully used clinically to improve the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, most tumors become drug resistant, and patients experience relapse, meaning that the overall survival rate remains low.

Aims

There is currently a lack of effective biomarkers for predicting the prognosis and/or outcomes of patients with ovarian cancer. Therefore, we used published transcriptomic data derived from a large ovarian cancer sample set to establish a molecular subtyping model of the core genes involved in necroptosis in ovarian cancer.

Methods and Results

Clustering analysis and differential gene expression analyses were performed to establish the genomic subtypes related to necroptosis and to explore the patterns of regulatory gene expression related to necroptosis in ovarian cancer. A necroptosis scoring system (NSS) was established using principal component analysis according to different regulatory patterns of necroptosis. In addition, this study revealed important biological processes with essential roles in the regulation of ovarian tumorigenesis, including external encapsulating structure organization, leukocyte migration, oxidative phosphorylation, and focal adhesion. Patients with high NSS scores had unique immunophenotypes, such as more abundant M2 macrophages, monocytes, CD4+ memory T cells, and regulatory T cells. Immune checkpoint CD274 had a greater expression in patients with high NSS values.

Conclusion

This NSS could be used as an independent predictor of prognosis to determine the sensitivity of ovarian cancer to various small‐molecule inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and platinum‐based chemotherapy drugs.
Inferring chromosomal instability from copy number aberrations as a measure of chromosomal instability across human cancers
Authors: Taluri Sasha , Oza Vishal H. , Soelter Tabea M. , Fisher Jennifer L. , Lasseigne Brittany N.
Published: September 2023

Background

Cancer is a complex disease that is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Despite research efforts, the ability to manage cancer and select optimal therapeutic responses for each patient remains elusive. Chromosomal instability (CIN) is primarily a product of segregation errors wherein one or many chromosomes, in part or whole, vary in number. CIN is an enabling characteristic of cancer, contributes to tumor‐cell heterogeneity, and plays a crucial role in the multistep tumorigenesis process, especially in tumor growth and initiation and in response to treatment.

Aims

Multiple studies have reported different metrics for analyzing copy number aberrations as surrogates of CIN from DNA copy number variation data. However, these metrics differ in how they are calculated with respect to the type of variation, the magnitude of change, and the inclusion of breakpoints. Here we compared metrics capturing CIN as either numerical aberrations, structural aberrations, or a combination of the two across 33 cancer data sets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

Methods and Results

Using CIN inferred by methods in the CINmetrics R package, we evaluated how six copy number CIN surrogates compared across TCGA cohorts by assessing each across tumor types, as well as how they associate with tumor stage, metastasis, and nodal involvement, and with respect to patient sex.

Conclusions

We found that the tumor type impacts how well any two given CIN metrics correlate. While we also identified overlap between metrics regarding their association with clinical characteristics and patient sex, there was not complete agreement between metrics. We identified several cases where only one CIN metric was significantly associated with a clinical characteristic or patient sex for a given tumor type. Therefore, caution should be used when describing CIN based on a given metric or comparing it to other studies.
Effects of Charged Surfactants on Interfacial Water Structure and Macroscopic Properties of the Air‐Water Interface
Authors: Nguyen Thao T. P. , Raji Foad , Nguyen Cuong V. , Nguyen Ngoc N. , Nguyen Anh V.
Published: September 2023

Surfactants are used to control the macroscopic properties of the air‐water interface. However, the link between the surfactant molecular structure and the macroscopic properties remains unclear. Using sum‐frequency generation spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, two ionic surfactants (dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide, DTAB, and sodium dodecyl sulphate, SDS) with the same carbon chain lengths and charge magnitude (but different signs) of head groups interact and reorient interfacial water molecules differently. DTAB forms a thicker but sparser interfacial layer than SDS. It is due to the deep penetration into the adsorption zone of Br− counterions compared to smaller Na+ ones, and also due to the flip‐flop orientation of water molecules. SDS alters two distinctive interfacial water layers into a layer where H+ points to the air, forming strong hydrogen bonding with the sulphate headgroup. In contrast, only weaker dipole‐dipole interactions with the DTAB headgroup are formed as they reorient water molecules with H+ point down to the aqueous phase. Hence, with more molecules adsorbed at the interface, SDS builds up a higher interfacial pressure than DTAB, producing lower surface tension and higher foam stability at a similar bulk concentration. Our findings offer improved knowledge for understanding various processes in the industry and nature.
ZnGa2O4 : Cr3+@Calcium Phosphate Nanocomposite with Near‐Infrared Persistent Luminescence and High Stability
Authors: Lee Clement , Liu Yihong , Hulme Benjamin , Chang Lo‐Yeuh , Ke Shang‐Wei , Wang En‐Rui , Wu Yu‐Hao , Lin Bi‐Hsuan , Jiang Yingying , Liu Lijia
Published: September 2023

Persistent luminescence (PersL) is an optical phenomenon which allows for materials to emit luminescence after ceasing excitation. The long‐lasting luminescence is ascribed to the presence of trap states, which can be exploited through the introduction of various dopants and post‐synthesis treatment. In this study, ZnGa2O4 : Cr3+ (CZGO), one of the most widely investigated near‐infrared‐emitting PersL materials, is synthesized in the form of nanoparticles, and incorporated into amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) to form a luminescent nanocomposite with drug attachment potential. The effects of annealing CZGO in the composite are comparatively studied alongside the composite that contains unannealed CZGO. We find that ACP with annealed CZGO exhibits much higher luminescence intensity and longer PersL duration. The formation of the nanocomposite also results in the redistribution of Zn, and its influence on the composite luminescence intensity and the long‐term chemical stability are investigated.
Amine‐Functionalized Amyloid Aerogels for CO2 Capture
Authors: Dong Zhou , Peydayesh Mohammad , Donat Felix , Jin Tonghui , Li Ting , Müller Christoph R. , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: September 2023

Climate change caused by excessive CO2 emissions constitutes an increasingly dire threat to human life. Reducing CO2 emissions alone may not be sufficient to address this issue, so that the development of emerging adsorbents for the direct capture of CO2 from the air becomes essential. Here, we apply amyloid fibrils derived from different food proteins as the solid adsorbent support and develop aminosilane‐modified amyloid fibril‐templated aerogels for CO2 capture applications. The results indicate that the CO2 sorption properties of the aerogels depend on the mixing ratio of aminosilane featuring different amine groups and the type of amyloid fibril used. Notably, amine‐functionalized β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) fibril‐templated aerogels show the highest CO2 adsorption capacity of 51.52 mg (1.17 mmol) CO2/g at 1 bar CO2 and 25.5 mg (0.58 mmol) CO2/g at 400 ppm; similarly, the CO2 adsorption capacity of chitosan‐BLG fibril hybrid aerogels is superior to that of pure chitosan. This study provides a proof‐of‐concept design for an amyloid fibril‐templated hybrid material facilitating applications of protein‐based adsorbents for CO2 capture, including direct air capture.
Hydrogen Evolution of a Unique DNAzyme Composed of Cobalt‐Protoporphyrin IX and G‐Quadruplex DNA
Authors: Cui Yue , Zhang Li , Liu Jing , Zhang Taozhe , Sugahara Aya , Momotake Atsuya , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Mao Zong‐wan , Tai Hulin
Published: September 2023

Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a clean and renewable fuel that has garnered significant interest in the search for alternatives to fossil fuels. Here, we constructed an artificial DNAzyme composed of cobalt‐protoporphyrin IX (CoPP) and G‐quadruplex DNA, possessing a unique H2Oint ligand between the CoPP and G‐quartet planes. We show for the first time that CoPP‐DNAzyme catalyzes photo‐induced H2 production under anaerobic conditions with a turnover number (TON) of 1229 ± 51 over 12 h at pH 6.05 and 10 °C. Compared with free‐CoPP, complexation with G‐quadruplex DNA resulted in a 4.7‐fold increase in H2 production activity. The TON of the CoPP‐DNAzyme revealed an optimal acid‐base equilibrium with a pKa value of 7.60 ± 0.05, apparently originating from the equilibrium between Co(III)‐H− and Co(I) states. Our results demonstrate that the H2Oint ligand can augment and modulate the intrinsic catalytic activity of H2 production catalysts. These systems pave the way to using DNAzymes for H2 evolution in the direct conversion of solar energy to H2 from water.
METTL3‐mediated m6A modification of circPRKAR1B promotes Crohn's colitis by inducing pyroptosis via autophagy inhibition
Authors: Zhao Jie , Zhao Zhibin , Ying Pu , Zhou Yan , Xu Ziwei , Wang Honggang , Tang Liming
Published: September 2023

Background

The roles of circRNA and N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) methylation in Crohn's disease (CD) have drawn much attention. Therefore, this investigation aimed to discover how the m6A modification of circRNAs contributes to CD progression.

Methods

The study performed circRNA sequencing on colon samples from four CD patients and four normal controls (NCs) to screen for dysregulated circRNAs. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was performed to validate the candidate circRNA expression and determine its correlation to CD‐associated inflammatory indicators. In vivo and in vitro investigations were conducted to examine the functions and pathways of circPRKAR1B in CD, besides investigating the m6A modification role in circRNA expression modulation.

Results

The RNA‐seq revealed that hsa_circ_0008039 (circPRKAR1B) was the most significant upregulated circRNA and was identified as the candidate circRNA for further examinations. Relative circPRKAR1B expression was significantly upregulated in CD colon tissues and closely related to CD‐associated inflammatory indices. The circPRKAR1B expression and function were regulated by methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3)‐mediated m6A methylation. In vitro studies indicated that circPRKAR1B promoted pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3; nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain, leucine‐rich repeat and pyrin domain‐containing 3) and impaired autophagy by interacting with the RNA‐binding protein (RBP) SPTBN1, (SPTBN1; spectrin beta, non‐erythrocytic 1). The in vivo investigations revealed the treatment effects of si‐circPRKAR1B and si‐METTL3 in colitis models of IL‐10‐deficient mice.

Conclusion

Our study reveals that METTL3‐mediated m6A modification of circPRKAR1B promotes Crohn's colitis by aggravating NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated pyroptosis via autophagy impairment in colonic epithelial cells.
An interdisciplinary framework for evaluating 19th century landscape paintings for ecological research
Authors: Warren Dana R. , Loeb Harper M. , Betjemann Peter , Munck Isabel A. , Keeton William S. , Shaw David C. , Harvey Eleanor J.
Published: September 2023

As we contemplate the future of forest landscapes under changing climate conditions and land‐use demands, there is increasing value in studying historic forest conditions and how these landscapes have changed following past disturbances. Historic landscape paintings are a potential source of data on preindustrial forests with highly detailed, full‐color depictions of overstory and understory environments. They display key details about forest community composition, microhabitat features, and structural complexity from a time well before the advent of color photography. Despite these paintings' potential, their scientific applications have been impeded by questions of validity.How truly accurate are the images portrayed in these paintings? How much of an image is an artist's manipulation of a scene to best illustrate an allegory or romanticized view of nature?Following an established assessment model from historical ecology for evaluating resource validity, we demonstrate how scholarship on art history can be integrated with ecological understanding of forest landscapes to follow this model and address these questions of image veracity in 19th century American art. Further, to illustrate the potential use of these historic images in ecological studies, we present in a case study assessing microhabitat features of 10 different paintings. While this paper explores 19th century landscape art broadly, we focus our art historical review in particular on Asher Durand, a prolific and influential artist associated with the so‐called “Hudson River School” in the mid‐1800s. Durand left clear records about his perspectives on accurately depicting nature, and from a review of images and writings of Durand, we find support for the potential use of many of his paintings and sketches in historic forest ecology research. However, we also identify important caveats regarding potential ecological interpretations from these images. More broadly, because 19th century landscape paintings are not always directly transcriptive, and because regional art cultures differed in the 1800s, we cannot within this paper speak about landscape image veracity across all 19th century landscape art. However, in following established methods in historical ecology and integrating tools from art history research, we show that one can identify accurate historic landscape paintings for application in scientific studies.
Maximum stem diameter predicts liana population demography
Authors: Schnitzer Stefan A. , DeFilippis David M. , Aguilar Antonio , Bernal Boris , Peréz Salomé , Valdés Abelino , Valdés Seberino , Bernal Fidedigna , Mendoza Adrián , Castro Biancolini , Garcia‐Leon Maria
Published: September 2023

Determining population demographic rates is fundamental to understanding differences in species’ life‐history strategies and their capacity to coexist. Calculating demographic rates, however, is challenging and requires long‐term, large‐scale censuses. Body size may serve as a simple predictor of demographic rate; can it act as a proxy for demographic rate when those data are unavailable? We tested the hypothesis that maximum body size predicts species' demographic rate using repeated censuses of the 77 most common liana species on the Barro Colorado Island, Panama (BCI) 50‐ha plot. We found that maximum stem diameter does predict species' population turnover and demography. We also found that lianas on BCI can grow to the enormous diameter of 635 mm, indicating that they can store large amounts of carbon and compete intensely with tropical canopy trees. This study is the first to show that maximum stem diameter can predict plant species' demographic rates and that lianas can attain extremely large diameters. Understanding liana demography is particularly timely because lianas are increasing rapidly in many tropical forests, yet their species‐level population dynamics remain chronically understudied. Determining per‐species maximum liana diameters in additional forests will enable systematic comparative analyses of liana demography and potential influence across forest types.
Detection of fish and mussel DNA in lake sediment cores depends on location, species, and molecular method
Authors: Thomson‐Laing Georgia , Howarth Jamie D. , Atalah Javier , Vandergoes Marcus J. , Rees Andrew , Steiner Konstanze , Thomson‐Laing Jacob , Wood Susanna A.
Published: September 2023

Environmental DNA provides an opportunity to track long‐term changes in biological communities in lake ecosystems but the detection of macroorganisms, such as freshwater fish and mussels, in sedimentary DNA (sedDNA) has only been successfully reported in a few studies to date. Factors such as low abundance of the target organisms, sampling location, the molecular approach used, and DNA quantity may influence detection, though studies exploring these factors are lacking. In the present study, sediment cores were collected from a depocenter and nearshore site in a small shallow lake where some historical fish survey data was available. DNA was extracted from the sediment core and analyzed for Anguilla australis (shortfin eel), Echyridella menziesii (freshwater mussel), and Perca fluviatilis (European perch) using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and general fish (class Actinopterygii) and macroinvertebrates using metabarcoding. The data from the historical fish surveys (last 20 years) aligned with the molecular data except for a lack of Anguilla dieffenbachii (longfin eel) DNA detection. Generalized additive mixed model analysis showed significantly higher detections in samples from the nearshore compared to depocenter core, which is most likely related to habitat of the target species. Differential detection of target species was likely caused by their ecology and locality. The ddPCR assays were more sensitive (88 ± 3% of samples with positive detections) than metabarcoding (48 ± 10%). However, the metabarcoding enabled the detection of additional fish species. Target species detection was negatively impacted by a reduction in total DNA concentration in older sediments. This research highlights that current molecular techniques used to target fish and mussel sedDNA can result in inconsistent temporal and spatial detection of species, especially in older sediments. We recommend that the methodology and interpretation of sedDNA results need to be considered in the context of species ecology, abundance, and DNA concentrations.
End effects of Halbach field magnet‐type linear motor
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroto , Morishita Mimpei
Published: September 2023

A linear motor that uses a finite length Halbach array as its magnetic field causes a thrust force ripple owing to end effects. In this paper, the theoretical and numerical analysis methods of the Halbach array are investigated. The results of the electromagnetic field analysis are compared to confirm the validity of the theoretical and numerical solutions. Moreover, we focus on the magnetic pole period and coil arrangement of the finite length Halbach field type linear motor to eliminate the influence of the end effects, and report the relationship with the end effects.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydrofunctionalization of Alkenes: Recent Advances
Authors: Yin Xuemei , Li Shanshan , Guo Kun , Song Lei , Wang Xiaoling
Published: September 2023

Palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrofunctionalization of alkenes is one of the most powerful and straightforward methods to forge a new C−H bond and a new C−X (X=C, N, O, F, Si etc) bond, which provides an efficient way to obtain valuable enantioenriched molecules from cheap and readily available feedstocks. Catalytic asymmetric hydrofunctionalization of simple alkenes is challenging but still highly sought after. This review will mainly focus on the recent advances in Palladium catalyzed asymmetric hydrofunctionalization of alkenes over the past decade, including hydroamination, hydrooxygenation, hydrofluorination, hydrosilylation, hydroarylation, hydroalkenylation and hydrocarbonylation.
Phenotyping and identification of target traits for de novo domestication of wheat wild relatives
Authors: Zeibig Frederike , Kilian Benjamin , Özkan Hakan , Pantha Sumitra , Frei Michael
Published: September 2023

De novo domestication—the modification of domestication genes in crop wild relatives via genome editing—is an approach for harnessing the beneficial genetic diversity of crop wild relatives. A prerequisite for de novo domestication is phenotyping to identify genetic materials suitable for cultivation in the respective environment. Taxa from the wheat genepool (Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Triticum monococcum) are a staple food; these taxa comprise wild relatives of different ploidy levels. The diploid Triticum boeoticum and Triticum urartu and the tetraploid Triticum dicoccoides and Triticum araraticum harbor desirable traits such as high grain quality and abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. Hence, they are candidates for de novo domestication. Here, we grew 111 wild wheats and 38 landraces originating predominantly from the Fertile Crescent and six modern wheat cultivars in a field in Giessen, Germany, to evaluate their environmental adaptability to the central European climate and to identify potential candidates and target traits for de novo domestication. We demonstrate that several wild taxa are suitable for cultivation in the central European environment and that they have distinct characteristics that need to be modified during de novo domestication. The normalized difference vegetation index and the thermal time to heading and flowering indicated excellent adaptability of some wheat wild relatives to central European conditions. The values of yield parameters such as grain weight per plant, number of tillers, and thousand kernel weight were lower in the wild wheats than in the landraces. Therefore, these traits should be targeted for improvement during the de novo domestication of wild wheats.
Effect of propolis extract addition on some physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of kefir drinks
Authors: Bengi Sinem , Gursoy Oguz , Güler Dal Hande Özge , Yilmaz Yusuf
Published: September 2023

Kefir drinks with sugar (5%, w/v), strawberry flavor (0.15%, v/v), and propolis extract (PE) at different ratios (0.150%, 0.225%, and 0.300%, v/v) were produced and stored at 4°C, and their physicochemical, rheological, microbiological, and sensory properties were monitored during storage. The ratio of PE and storage time had an insignificant effect on the dry matter, protein, fat contents, Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) L* and a* color values, apparent viscosity, consistency coefficient, flow behavior index, Lactobacillus spp., Lactococcus spp., and yeast counts of kefir drinks (p > .05). The CIE b* values of kefir drinks increased with an increase in PE ratio (p < .05). All kefir samples exhibited a pseudoplastic flow behavior. Initially, the total antioxidant capacity of kefir drinks was 2.19 μmol TE/100 mL, which increased to 2.51 μmol TE/100 mL for kefir drinks with 0.225% PE. The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of kefir drinks with PE decreased during storage. PE addition did not influence the sensory color and taste liking scores of kefir drinks adversely until the 8th day of storage. In terms of odor liking scores, kefir drinks with 0.225% and 0.300% PE had a similar score to control drinks. Additionally, kefir drinks with 0.150% and 0.225% PE received an overall liking score similar to control drinks. Results indicated that the incorporation of PE at a ratio of 0.225% was recommended for the production of strawberry‐flavored kefir drinks with acceptable sensory characteristics and increased functional properties, and this product could be stored for up to 8 days.
Transcriptional subtypes of glottic cancer characterized by differential activation of canonical oncogenic programming
Authors: Panuganti Bharat A. , Carico Christine , Jeyarajan Harishanker , Flagg Mitchell , Tamayo Pablo
Published: September 2023

Background

There is a paucity of data concerning molecular heterogeneity among glottic squamous cell carcinoma, and the clinical implications thereof.

Methods

Data corresponding to glottic squamous cell carcinoma were derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The Onco‐GPS computational methodology was levied to derive four patterns of transcriptional activity and three functional subtypes of glottic cancer.

Results

Thirty glottic cancer samples stratified to three distinct oncogenic states (S0–S2) based on a Onco‐GPS model containing four transcriptional components (F0‐F3). Membership in S2 and association with transcriptional component F0 conveyed an invasive phenotype, with transcriptional activity strongly reflecting EMT programming (including TGF‐B and NF‐KB signaling). S2 membership also correlated with inferior disease‐specific survival (HR 9.027, 95% CI 1.021–79.767), and higher incidences of extracapsular spread and perineural invasion.

Conclusions

We present a functional taxonomy of glottic cancer, with subtypes demonstrating differential upregulation of canonical oncogenic networks and survival implications.
Types of colourants used in tattoo and permanent make‐up techniques, legal regulations, health, and psychological aspects of tattooing
Authors: Charuta Anna , Wegner Robert , Charuta Kamila M. , Hanusek Karolina , Paziewska Agnieszka
Published: September 2023

Background

It is estimated that more than 60 million people in Europe, that is, around 12% of the European population, have at least one tattoo. However, there is still little information on the long‐term effects of tattoos. Inks used for tattooing are a mixture of chemicals, with pigments being the main components responsible for the visual effect. The pigments used are not produced specifically as ingredients for tattooing, but mainly/primarily for the needs of industry, where lower purity requirements and quality standards are acceptable. It is therefore necessary to understand the risks associated with tattoos, but also to implement appropriate legal regulations. The aim of this article was to collect and summarise the results of research conducted so far on the type of colourants used in tattoo ink and to analyze the impact of these on human health. In addition, as part of this work, the current legal acts regulating the concentration limits and composition of inks used in tattooing as well as the psychological aspects of tattooing were collected and presented.

Methods

Scientific reports and articles from renowned journals from 1994 to 2022, relevant review and research publications in PubMed, and Google Scholar were analyzed. To analyze the available research literature, the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed databases were used. The following keywords were used to search for publications: tattoos, colourants used in tattoos, side effects of tattoos, legal acts, psychological aspects of tattoos.

Results

The result of the literature analysis indicates a risk to health and side effects associated with tattooing the body. There are still no standardised test methods to analyze tattoo inks and assess their safety. Although the art of tattooing has been known for millennia, European legal authorities have not yet implemented effective regulations. Currently, tattoo products in Europe are covered by the general REACH regulation (Resolution ResAP, 2008; EU regulation 2020/2081, 2020). on product safety. The new amendment in force since January 4, 2022 introduces concentration limits for certain substances used in tattoo and permanent makeup inks. However, these provisions do not sufficiently protect either the consumer or the tattoo industry.

Conclusions

The results of the research indicate a potentially harmful effect on skin health. A more stringent safety assessment of the colourants used for tattooing is recommended, supported by studies and applicable legislation.
Investigating the impact of prior COVID‐19 on IgG antibody and interferon γ responses after BBIBP‐CorV vaccination in a disease endemic population: A prospective observational study
Authors: Hasan Zahra , Masood Kiran Iqbal , Qaiser Shama , Khan Erum , Hussain Areeba , Ghous Zara , Khan Unab , Yameen Maliha , Hassan Imran , Nasir Muhammad Imran , Qazi Muhammad Farrukh , Memon Haris Ali , Ali Shiza , Baloch Sadaf , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Veldhoen Marc , Pedro Simas J. , Mahmood Syed Faisal , Ghias Kulsoom , Hussain Rabia
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

COVID‐19 vaccinations have reduced morbidity and mortality from the disease. Antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) have been associated with immune protection. Seroprevalence studies revealed high immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels to SARS‐CoV‐2 in the Pakistani population before vaccinations. We investigated the effect of BBIBP‐CorV vaccination on circulating IgG antibodies and interferon (IFN)‐γ from T cells measured in a cohort of healthy individuals, with respect to age, gender, and history of COVID‐19.

Methods

The study was conducted between April and October 2021. BBIBP‐CorV vaccinated participants were followed up to 24 weeks. Antibodies to SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein and its receptor‐binding domain (RBD) were measured. IFNγ secreted by whole blood stimulation of Spike protein and extended genome antigens was determined.

Results

Study participants with a history of prior COVID‐19 displayed a higher magnitude of IgG antibodies to Spike and RBD. IgG seropositivity was greater in those with prior COVID‐19, aged 50 years or younger and in females. At 24 weeks after vaccination, 37.4% of participants showed IFN‐γ responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens. T cell IFN‐γ release was higher in those with prior COVID‐19 and those aged 50 years or less. Highest IFN‐γ release was observed to extended genome antigens in individuals both with and without prior COVID‐19.

Conclusion

We found that IgG seropositivity to both Spike and RBD was affected by prior COVID‐19, age and gender. Importantly, seropositive responses persisted up to 24 weeks after vaccination. Persistence of vaccine induced IgG antibodies may be linked to the high seroprevalence observed earlier in unvaccinated individuals. Increased T cell reactivity to Spike and extended genome antigens reflects cellular activation induced by BBIBP‐CorV. COVID‐19 vaccination may have longer lasting immune responses in populations with a higher seroprevalence. These data inform on vaccination booster policies for high‐risk groups.
Cultural brokering in pregnancy care: A critical review
Authors: DiMeo Amanda , Karlage Ami , Schoenherr Karen , Spigel Lauren , Chakraborty Saugata , Bazan Maria , Molina Rose L.
Published: September 2023

People who speak languages other than English face structural barriers in accessing the US healthcare system. With a growing number of people living in countries other than their countries of birth, the impact of language and cultural differences between patients and care teams on quality care is global. Cultural brokering presents a unique opportunity to enhance communication and trust between patients and clinicians from different cultural backgrounds during pregnancy care—a critical window for engaging families in the healthcare system. This critical review aims to synthesize literature describing cultural brokering in pregnancy care. We searched keywords relating to cultural brokering, pregnancy, and language in PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL and traced references of screened articles. Our search identified 33 articles. We found that cultural brokering is not clearly defined in the current literature. Few of the articles provided information about language concordance between cultural brokers and patients or clinicians. No article described the impact of cultural brokering on health outcomes. Facilitators of cultural brokering included: interprofessional collaboration within the care team, feeling a family connection between the cultural broker and patients, and cultivating trust between the cultural broker and clinicians. Barriers to cultural brokering included: misunderstanding the responsibilities, difficulty maintaining personal boundaries, and limited availability and accessibility of cultural brokers. We propose cultural brokering as interactions that cover four key aims: (1) language support; (2) bridging cultural differences; (3) social support and advocacy; and (4) navigation of the healthcare system. Clinicians, researchers, and policymakers should develop consistent language around cultural brokering in pregnancy care and examine the impact of cultural brokers on health outcomes.
Segmentation and classification of medical big data on brain tumor using bacteria foraging optimization algorithm along with learning automata
Authors: Keerthi Devarahatty Shivakumar , Maithri Chandrashekhar , Dayanidhi Mohapatra , Kavitha Malali Vishveshwarappa Gowda , Ananda Babu Jayachandra
Published: September 2023

Detecting the early stage of brain tumors is significant for an effective therapy that can probably minimize the death rate of patients affected from brain tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging is the benchmark standard for diagnosing brain cancers but, it was difficult to split and categorize different kinds of brain tumors due to the delicate arrangement of the brain's anatomy. To overcome these difficulties and provide an effective classification, this research introduced a hybridized optimization technique which enhance the performance of the classifier. The hybridization is done between Bacteria Foraging Optimization Algorithm (BFOA) along with Learning Automata (LA), these two techniques improve the search speed and automate the learning capability of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) classifier. The obtained results show that proposed BFOA LN‐CNN classifier better than the existing Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) based on Improved Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) known as G‐HHO and Improved Invasive Bat (IIB)‐based Deep Residual network model. The classification accuracy of the proposed method is 99.41% whereas the DCNN‐G‐HHO and IIB deep residual neural network provides accuracy of 97% and 91.9% respectively.