bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proapoptotic effects of halogenated bis‐phenylthiourea derivatives in cancer cells
Authors: Strzyga‐Łach Paulina , Chrzanowska Alicja , Kiernozek‐Kalińska Ewelina , Żyżyńska‐Granica Barbara , Podsadni Katarzyna , Podsadni Piotr , Bielenica Anna
Published: July 2023

New halogenated thiourea derivatives were synthesized via the reaction of substituted phenylisothiocyanates with aromatic amines. Their cytotoxic activity was examined in in vitro studies against solid tumors (SW480, SW620, PC3), a hematological malignance (K‐562), and normal keratinocytes (HaCaT). Most of the compounds were more effective against SW480 (1a, 3a, 3b, 5j), K‐562 (2b, 3a, 4a), or PC3 (5d) cells than cisplatin, with favorable selectivity. Their anticancer mechanisms were studied by Annexin V‐fluorescein‐5‐isothiocyanate apoptosis, caspase‐3/caspase‐7 assessment, cell cycle analysis, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) release inhibition, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assay. Thioureas 1a, 2b, 3a, and 4a were the most potent activators of early apoptosis in K‐562 cells, and substances 1a, 3b, 5j triggered late‐apoptosis or necrosis in SW480 cells. This proapoptotic effect was proved by the significant increase of caspase‐3/caspase‐7 activation. Cell cycle analysis revealed that derivatives 1a, 3a, 5j increased the number of SW480 and K‐562 cells in the sub‐G1 and/or G0/G1 phases, and one evoked cycle arrest at the G2 phase. The most potent thioureas inhibited IL‐6 cytokine secretion from PC3 cells and both colon cancer cell lines. Apoptosis‐inducing compounds also increased ROS production in all tumor cell cultures, which may enhance their anticancer properties.
An overview of the privileged synthetic heterocycles as urease enzyme inhibitors: Structure–activity relationship
Authors: Sepehri Saghi , Khedmati Mina
Published: July 2023

Urease is a metalloenzyme including two Ni2+ ions, found in some plants, bacteria, fungi, microorganisms, invertebrate animals, and animal tissues. Urease acts as a significant virulence factor, mainly in catheter blockage and infective urolithiasis as well as in the pathogenesis of gastric infection. Therefore, studies on urease lead to novel synthetic inhibitors. In this review, the synthesis and antiurease activities of a collection of privileged synthetic heterocycles such as (thio)barbiturate, (thio)urea, dihydropyrimidine, and triazol derivatives were described and discussed according to structure–activity relationship findings in search of the best moieties and substituents that are answerable for encouraging the desired activity even more potent than the standard. It was found that linking substituted phenyl and benzyl rings to the heterocycles led to potent urease inhibitors.
GKL‐finite‐time stability via comparison principles for stochastic impulsive systems
Authors: Xiao Pan , Liu Bin , Tang Qiong , Sun Zhijie
Published: July 2023

This paper studies the finite‐time stability (FTS) for stochastic impulsive systems (SIS). The notions of FTS including
‐FTS and event‐
‐FTS are proposed for SIS. The comparison principles for
‐FTS and event‐
‐FTS are established, respectively. Then the FTS criteria with the settling time estimates are derived. The criteria of
‐FTS and event‐
‐FTS relax the requirements on stabilizing flow and jump for FTS in the literature. Finally, two examples are presented to demonstrate the obtained results.
Nomilin and its analogue obacunone alleviate NASH and hepatic fibrosis in mice via enhancing antioxidant and anti‐inflammation capacity
Authors: Han Yongli , Luo Lingling , Li Hongli , Zhang Lijun , Yan Yingxuan , Fang Minglv , Yu Jing , Gao Xiaoyan , Liu Ying , Huang Cheng , Fan Shengjie
Published: July 2023

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatic fibrosis are leading causes of cirrhosis with rising morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, there is no appropriate treatment for NASH and hepatic fibrosis. Many studies have shown that oxidative stress is a main factor inducing NASH. Nomilin (NML) and obacunone (OBA) are limonoid compounds naturally occurring in citrus fruits with various biological properties. However, whether OBA and NML have beneficial effects on NASH remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that OBA and NML inhibited hepatic tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration and liver fibrosis progression in methionine and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐treated and bile duct ligation (BDL) NASH and hepatic fibrosis mouse models. Mechanistic studies showed that NML and OBA enhanced anti‐oxidative effects, including reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) level, increase of catalase (CAT) activity and the gene expression of glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) and Nrf2‐keap1 signaling. Additional, NML and OBA inhibited the expression of inflammatory gene interleukin 6 (Il‐6), and regulated the bile acid metabolism genes Cyp3a11, Cyp7a1, multidrug resistance‐associated protein 3 (Mrp3). Overall, these findings indicate that NML and OBA may alleviate NASH and liver fibrosis in mice via enhancing antioxidant and anti‐inflammation capacity. Our study proposed that NML and OBA may be potential strategies for NASH treatment.
Structure of the perception of health professionals regarding the quality of health services in the context of COVID‐19
Authors: Vega‐Dienstmaier Johann M. , Fernández‐Arana Alberto , Olórtegui‐Yzú Adriel
Published: July 2023

Background

The health emergency caused by COVID‐19 revealed the shortcomings of health services (HS), but little is known about how this has impacted the mental health of health professionals (HP) when perceiving these difficulties.

Methods

Data were collected through an online survey administered to HP in Lima (Peru) between May and July 2020. A questionnaire was applied to identify perceived quality of health services (PHQS). A network analysis was performed, and the centrality measures of the variables were calculated and plotted.

Results

A total of 507 HP completed the survey. In the network analysis of PHQS, four clusters were identified: (A) “empathy” and “recognition of competencies,” (B) “logistical support,” “protection,” “personal early diagnosis,” and “early family diagnosis”; C) “professional competence with regard to their treatment and treatment for their family,” “equipment for their treatment and treatment for their family,” “professional competence with regard to their treatment and treatment for their family,” and “institutional support for them and their family”; and D) “fear of being infected or infecting their family,” “fear of dying or death of a family member,” “knowledge stability,” “job burnout,” and “role change.” The variables of PHQS with the greatest centrality were “equipment for their treatment,” “equipment for the treatment of their family,” and “early family diagnosis.”

Conclusions

The structure of the PHQS of HP describes direct and indirect influences of different variables in the context of COVID‐19.
Navigating circular economy: Unleashing the potential of political and supply chain analytics skills among top supply chain executives for environmental orientation, regenerative supply chain practices, and supply chain viability
Authors: Bag Surajit , Rahman Muhammad Sabbir
Published: July 2023

In a changing business environment, firms encounter significant challenges to fulfill sustainable development goals. However, firms can make substantial progress by adopting regenerative approaches grounded in circular economy principles, enabling them to effectively pursue sustainable development objectives such as responsible production and consumption (goal 12), climate action (goal 13), and the preservation of life on land (goal 15). However, there is a scarcity of research studies that offer guidance to top supply chain (SC) executives, aiming to enhance their environmental focus and enhance the SC viability through regenerative SC practices. This study employed the philosophical perspective of the natural resource‐based view. Advancing the SC literature, it tested a theoretical model to investigate the relationship between the political skills and SC analytics skills of top SC executives and the environmental orientation of SCs. Additionally, it examined the direct and indirect (via regenerative SC) relationships between a firm's environmental orientation and SC viability. This study also tested the moderating role of a firm's artificial intelligence‐driven big data analytics culture in these relationships. Applying a mixed‐methods approach, the study derived a theoretical model to link the aforementioned constructs. Apart from a qualitative investigation, data were also collected through a questionnaire‐based survey from 375 samples. The results indicated that the relationship between the political skills and SC analytics skills of top SC executives toward the environmental orientation of SCs is significant. Furthermore, they indicated that a firm's environmental orientation is positively related to a regenerative SC, which in turn enhances SC viability. The findings also provided evidence that a firm's AI‐driven big data analytics culture enhances the strength of these relationships. The current study extends the knowledge base by integrating the two unique concepts of digitalization and circular economy.
The impact of preoperative waiting time in Stage II–III gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Yen Chih‐Chieh , Yang Yi‐Hsin , Ku Hsiu‐Ying , Hu Huang‐Ming , Lo Su‐Shun , Chang Hung‐Chi , Chao Yee , Chen Jen‐Shi , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Wang Tsang‐En , Bai Li‐Yuan , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Yen Chia‐Jui , Chen Li‐Tzong , Shan Yan‐Shen
Published: July 2023

Background

Gastrectomy remains the curative option in gastric cancer. However, the growing concern that preoperative waiting jeopardizes survival has not been fully addressed. The present population‐based cohort study aimed to clarify the impact of preoperative waiting time (PreWT).

Methods

We included patients with clinical Stage II–III gastric cancer who received curative surgery from 2008 to 2017 of Taiwan Cancer Registry. PreWT was defined as the time from endoscopic diagnosis to surgery. The prognostic impact on overall survival (OS) was evaluated with Cox and restricted cubic spline regressions.

Results

A total of 3059 patients with a median age of 68 years were evaluated. The median PreWT was 16 days (interquartile range, 11–24 days), and patients with a shorter PreWT were younger, had a more advanced disease and received adjuvant therapies. Despite a shorter OS occurring with prolonged PreWT (median OS by PreWT [days]: 7–13, 2.7 years; 14–20, 3.1 years; 21–27, 3.0 years; 28–34, 4.7 years; 35–31, 3.7 years; 42–48, 3.4 years; 49–118, 2.8 years; p = 0.029), the differences were not significant after adjustment. The Cox and restricted cubic spline regressions showed that prolonged PreWT was not a significant prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.719).

Conclusions

The population‐based study suggests that a PreWT of 49–118 days does not independently correlate with a poor prognosis in Stage II–III gastric cancer. The study provides rationale for a window period for preoperative therapies and patient optimization.
Electrochemical Considerations for the Electropolymerization of PPy on PEDOT:PSS for Yarn Actuator Applications
Authors: Martinez Jose G. , Mehraeen Shayan , Jager Edwin W. H.
Published: July 2023

Electrochemical devices as conducting polymer‐based actuators or textile actuators often use layers of different conducting polymers. Although research has been performed on such devices, it is still not very clear how the different layers affect each other. Here we attempt to clarify such influence on yarn actuators using electrochemical methods. Different electrochemical methods as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry or chronopotentiometry were used to electropolymerize polypyrrole on top of a poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) coated textile yarns by using different applied electrochemical conditions (potentials/currents). Thus, we found that selecting suitable conditions (as an applied potential of +0.8 V) for such electropolymerization is key to obtain a polypyrrole of high quality. Besides, we show that the underlying layer of PEDOT:PSS has an influence on such electropolymerization conditions and can be subjected to parallel redox reactions as oxidation or electrochemical degradation that influence the electropolymerized polypyrrole.
Far‐Red Excitation Induced Electron Transfer in Bis Donor‐AzaBODIPY Push‐Pull Systems; Role of Nitrogenous Donors in Promoting Charge Separation
Authors: Alsaleh Ajyal Z. , Pinjari Dilip , Misra Rajneesh , D'Souza Francis
Published: July 2023

A far‐red absorbing sensitizer, BF2‐chelated azadipyrromethane (azaBODIPY) has been employed as an electron acceptor to synthesize a series of push‐pull systems linked with different nitrogenous electron donors, viz., N,N‐dimethylaniline (NND), triphenylamine (TPA), and phenothiazine (PTZ) via an acetylene linker. The structural integrity of the newly synthesized push‐pull systems was established by spectroscopic, electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical, and DFT computational methods. Cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry studies revealed different redox states and helped in the estimation of the energies of the charge‐separated states. Further, spectroelectrochemical studies performed in a thin‐layer optical cell revealed diagnostic peaks of azaBODIPY⋅− in the visible and near‐IR regions. Free‐energy calculations revealed the charge separation from one of the covalently linked donors to the 1azaBODIPY* to yield Donor⋅+‐azaBODIPY⋅− to be energetically favorable in a polar solvent, benzonitrile, and the frontier orbitals generated on the optimized structures helped in assessing such a conclusion. Consequently, the steady‐state emission studies revealed quenching of the azaBODIPY fluorescence in all of the investigated push‐pull systems in benzonitrile and to a lesser extent in mildly polar dichlorobenzene, and nonpolar toluene. The femtosecond pump‐probe studies revealed the occurrence of excited charge transfer (CT) in nonpolar toluene while a complete charge separation (CS) for all three push‐pull systems in polar benzonitrile. The CT/CS products populated the low‐lying 3azaBODIPY* prior to returning to the ground state. Global target (GloTarAn) analysis of the transient data revealed the lifetime of the final charge‐separated states (CSS) to be 195 ps for NND‐derived, 50 ps for TPA‐derived, and 85 ps for PTZ‐derived push‐pull systems in benzonitrile.
Unexcited Light Source Imaging for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Ding Ruihao , Liu Danqing , Feng Yu , Liu Haoxin , Ji Hongrui , He Liangcan , Liu Shaoqin
Published: July 2023

Optical imaging has a wide range of applications in the biomedical field, allowing the visualization of physiological processes and helping in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Unexcited light source imaging technologies, such as chemiluminescence imaging, bioluminescence imaging and afterglow imaging have attracted great attention in recent years because of the absence of excitation light interference in their application and the advantages of high sensitivity and high signal‐to‐noise ratio. In this review, the latest advances in unexcited light source imaging technology for biomedical applications are highlighted. The design strategies of unexcited light source luminescent probes in improving luminescence brightness, penetration depth, quantum yield and targeting, and their applications in inflammation imaging, tumor imaging, liver and kidney injury imaging and bacterial infection imaging are introduced in detail. The research progress and future prospects of unexcited light source imaging for medical applications are further discussed.
The Power of Automation in Polymer Chemistry: Precision Synthesis of Multiblock Copolymers with Block Sequence Control
Authors: Jafari Vianna F. , Mossayebi Zahra , Allison‐Logan Stephanie , Shabani Sadegh , Qiao Greg G.
Published: July 2023

Machines can revolutionize the field of chemistry and material science, driving the development of new chemistries, increasing productivity, and facilitating reaction scale up. The incorporation of automated systems in the field of polymer chemistry has however proven challenging owing to the demanding reaction conditions, rendering the automation setup complex and costly. There is an imminent need for an automation platform which uses fast and simple polymerization protocols, while providing a high level of control on the structure of macromolecules via precision synthesis. This work combines an oxygen tolerant, room temperature polymerization method with a simple liquid handling robot to automatically prepare precise and high order multiblock copolymers with unprecedented livingness even after many chain extensions. The highest number of blocks synthesized in such a system is reported, demonstrating the capabilities of this automated platform for the rapid synthesis and complex polymer structure formation.
[3+2]‐Cycloaddition Reactions of gem‐Difluorocyclopropenes with Azomethine Ylides – Access to Novel Fluorinated Scaffolds
Authors: Donnelly Kian , Singh Amritpal , Tuttle Tell , Baumann Marcus
Published: July 2023

The introduction of fluorinated moieties into drugs as well as the increase of their overall three‐dimensionality have become key strategies amongst medicinal chemists to generate sets of compounds with favorable drug‐like properties. However, the introduction of fluorinated cyclopropane ring systems which combines both strategies is not widely exploited to date. This paper reports synthetic strategies exploiting the reactivity of gem‐difluorocyclopropenes in dipolar cycloaddition reactions with azomethine ylides to afford sets of new fluorine‐containing 3‐azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes. In addition, the unexpected formation of complex trifluorinated scaffolds arising from proline esters and gem‐difluorocyclopropenes is highlighted along with computational studies to elucidate the underlying mechanism. This study presents new avenues towards pharmaceutically relevant fluorinated 3‐azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes that are accessible via robust and short synthetic sequences.
Smoke on the water(pipe) – an experimental study of waterpipe charcoal
Authors: Pansegrau Svenja , Busker Maike
Published: July 2023

Vor allem bei Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen liegt der Konsum von fruchtig‐süßlichen Tabaksorten durch die Wasserpfeife (Shisha) sehr im Trend. Das Angebot und die Nachfrage an Wasserpfeifenprodukten steigt stetig. Laut Einschätzungen der Konsumenten ist das Rauchen einer Shisha aufgrund der Filterwirkung des Wassers gesünder als die herkömmliche Tabakzigarette. Das Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR) konnte diese Aussage in neueren Studien jedoch widerlegen. Unter anderem konnten hohe Mengen an Kohlenstoffmonooxid nachgewiesen werden, welche hauptsächlich durch die Verbrennung der Wasserpfeifenkohle gebildet werden. Zum Betreiben einer Wasserpfeife werden häufig Naturkohlen aus Kokosschalen und selbstentzündende Kohletabletten eingesetzt. Laut Internetrecherche sollen die selbstentzündenden Kohletabletten geringe Mengen Schwarzpulver enthalten. In diesem Artikel werden Experimente für den Chemieunterricht vorgestellt, mit denen Unterschiede bei der Verwendung von Naturkohle und selbstentzündender Kohletabletten untersucht werden können.
Factors associated with oral anticoagulant prescription status among patients with a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Manning Evan , Burns Kelley , Laurie Melissa , Patten Luke , Ho Michael , Sandhu Amneet
Published: July 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in adults and increases stroke risk. Treatment with oral anticoagulants (OACs) may reduce this risk however many patients do not receive OAC therapy. This study aimed to use electronic health record data to identify newly diagnosed AF patients at high risk for stroke and not anticoagulated as well as factors associated with OAC prescription.

Hypothesis

Timely prescription of OACs among patients with newly diagnosed AF is poor.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of patients with a new diagnosis of AF. We assessed stroke risk with the CHA2DS2‐VASc score. The primary outcome was prescription of an OAC within 6 months following diagnosis. We used logistic regression to see how the odds of being prescribed an OAC differs for 17 independent variables.

Results

We identified 18 404 patients with a new diagnosis of AF. Among patients at high risk for stroke, 41.3% received an OAC prescription within 6 months. Male sex, Caucasian compared to African American race, stroke, obesity, congestive heart failure, vascular disorder, current antiplatelet, beta blocker, or calcium channel blocker prescription, and increasing CHA2DS2‐VASc score were positively associated with receiving an OAC. Whereas anemia, renal dysfunction, liver dysfunction, antiarrhythmic drug use and increasing HAS‐BLED score were negatively associated.

Conclusions

Most newly diagnosed AF patients at high stroke risk do not receive an OAC prescription in the first 6 months following diagnosis. Our analysis suggests that patient sex, race, comorbidities, and additional prescriptions are associated with rates of OAC prescribing.
StreamPU: A DSEL for high throughput and low latency software‐defined radio on multicore CPUs
Authors: Cassagne Adrien , Tajan Romain , Aumage Olivier , Leroux Camille , Barthou Denis , Jégo Christophe
Published: July 2023

This article presents a new Domain Specific Embedded Language (DSEL) dedicated to Software‐Defined Radio (SDR). From a set of carefully designed components, it enables to build efficient software digital communication systems, able to take advantage of the parallelism of modern processor architectures, in a straightforward and safe manner for the programmer. In particular, proposed DSEL enables the combination of pipelining and sequence duplication techniques to extract both temporal and spatial parallelism from digital communication systems. We leverage the DSEL capabilities on a real use case: a fully digital transceiver for the widely used DVB‐S2 standard designed entirely in software. Through evaluation, we show how proposed software DVB‐S2 transceiver is able to get the most from modern, high‐end multicore CPU targets.
An intelligent multiclass deep classifier‐based intrusion detection system for cloud environment
Authors: Bingu Rajesh , Jothilakshmi S. , Srinivasu N.
Published: July 2023

The intrusion detection process is considered an efficient mechanism that plays a prominent role in network security. Traditional approaches for attack detection, like signature‐based detection, are easily prone to a new variant of attacks. Hence, the most prominent solution for cloud security attacks is an intrusion detection system through deep learning (DL) techniques. The behavior‐based intrusion detection system has been constructed by depicting the cloud traffic as input attributes. The deep learning technique is preferred to extract and analyze the traffic attributes rather than machine learning. Hence, an unsupervised technique named deep autoencoder (AE) is used to extract a feature in this research work. The resultant features are then classified by three classifiers named convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), and long‐short term memory (LSTM). The designed approach is trained and assessed using a real‐time cloud attack dataset, namely, CICIDS 2018. Experimental results are analyzed using quality metrics such as receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, precision, accuracy, recall, and F1‐measure. Also, the performance of the proposed method is analyzed with existing literature. Higher accuracy rates like 99.55%, 94.33%, and 99.08% are attained with CNN, RNN, and LSTM networks, which are comparatively higher than the existing approaches.
A practical method to improve the efficiency of pollination in maize breeding and genetics research
Authors: Schoemaker Dylan L. , McFarland Frank , Martinell Brian , Michel Kathryn J. , Mathews Lucas , O'Brien Dan , de Leon Natalia , Kaeppler Heidi F. , Kaeppler Shawn M.
Published: July 2023

Seed increase through manual pollination is a critical part of maize breeding and genetics research to advance generations in breeding programs, to create desired research crosses, and produce hybrid seed for trials. Pollination in the field and in controlled environments relies on the availability of high‐quality pollen at the time that recipient silks are receptive. Generally, pollinations are made by capturing pollen from the tassel in a paper pollinating bag placed on the tassels one day prior to pollination and newly released pollen is then transferred to silks on the target plant. In the field, maize pollen is only viable for one to four hours following dehiscence and the rate of desiccation is influenced by environmental conditions. We have developed a method which increases the lifespan of pollen and allows pollen from a single tassel to be used to pollinate many ears by mixing fresh pollen with a dilutant that can be stored for multiple days. We identified characteristics of the size of suitable substrates and selected a PEEK‐based substrate for regular utilization. We evaluated pollen viability and empirically demonstrated the capability to store pollen up to 9 days when pollen is mixed with a PEEK substrate and stored at 6°C. The pollen storage method was used to make successful pollinations across 24 maize inbred lines tested and was generally equivalent to the standard manual pollination process. This method has the potential to increase the efficiency of breeding operations and may be useful in an array of genetic studies.
The urge to breed early: Similar responses to environmental conditions in short‐ and long‐distance migrants during spring migration
Authors: Rüppel Georg , Hüppop Ommo , Schmaljohann Heiko , Brust Vera
Published: July 2023

Birds migrating different distances experience different temporal, energetic, physiological, and physical constraints throughout migration, which is reflected in their migration strategy. Consequently, we predict different behavioral decisions to similar environmental cues between short‐ and long‐distance migrants, which has been documented for autumn migration. Here, we focus on the question whether trade‐off decisions regarding departure, routing, and landing when alternating between migratory endurance flights and stopovers also differ during spring migration. As early arrivals at the breeding grounds should be ultimately favored regardless of migration distance, selection may favor more similar behavioral decisions in spring than in autumn. We radio‐tagged short‐ and long‐distance migratory songbirds at stopover sites along the German North Sea coast during spring and automatically tracked their migratory behavior using a large‐scale network of receiver stations. Once departed, birds could either cross the sea or detour along the coast. We corrected for spatially biased detection data, using a hierarchical multistate model to assess how birds respond to variation in environmental conditions in their day‐to‐day departure decisions and route selection. The day‐to‐day departure probability was higher in long‐distance migrants independently of the routing decision. Irrespective of migration distance, all species more likely departed under light winds and rainless conditions, while the influence of air pressure change and relative humidity was species‐specific. By accounting for detection probabilities, we estimated that about half of all individuals of each species crossed the sea but did not find differences between short‐ and long‐distance migrants. Offshore flights were more likely when winds blew offshore and began earlier within the night compared with onshore flights. Our results suggest that selection more similarly affects birds of different migration distances in spring than in autumn. These findings put the focus toward how ultimate mechanisms may shape departure and routing decisions differently between migration seasons.
Is personality and its association with energetics sex‐specific in yellow‐necked mice Apodemus flavicollis?
Authors: Strijker Beau N. , Iwińska Karolina , van der Zalm Bram , Zub Karol , Boratyński Jan S.
Published: July 2023

For the last two decades, behavioral physiologists aimed to explain a plausible covariation between energetics and personality, predicted by the “pace‐of‐life syndrome” (POLS) hypothesis. However, the results of these attempts are mixed with no definitive answer as to which of the two most acknowledged models “performance” or “allocation” predicts covariation between consistent among‐individual variation in metabolism and repeatable behavior (animal personality). The general conclusion is that the association between personality and energetics is rather context‐dependent. Life‐history, behavior, and physiology as well as its plausible covariation can be considered a part of sexual dimorphism. However, up to now, only a few studies demonstrated a sex‐specific correlation between metabolism and personality. Therefore, we tested the relationships between physiological and personality traits in a single population of yellow‐necked mice Apodemus flavicollis in the context of a plausible between‐sexes difference in this covariation. We hypothesized that the performance model will explain proactive behavior in males and the allocation model will apply to females. Behavioral traits were determined using the latency of risk‐taking and the open field tests, whereas the basal metabolic rates (BMR) was measured using indirect calorimetry. We have found a positive correlation between body mass‐adjusted BMR and repeatable proactive behavior in male mice, which can support the performance model. However, the females were rather consistent mainly in avoidance of risk‐taking that did not correlate with BMR, suggesting essential differences in personality between sexes. Most likely, the lack of convincing association between energetics and personality traits at the population level is caused by a different selection acting on the life histories of males and females. This may only result in weak support for the predictions of the POLS hypothesis when assuming that only a single model explaining the link between physiology and behavior operates in males and females. Thus, there is a need to consider the differences between sexes in behavioral studies to evaluate this hypothesis.
Diversification processes in Gerp's mouse lemur demonstrate the importance of rivers and altitude as biogeographic barriers in Madagascar's humid rainforests
Authors: van Elst Tobias , Schüßler Dominik , Rakotondravony Romule , Rovanirina Valisoa S. T. , Veillet Anne , Hohenlohe Paul A. , Ratsimbazafy Jonah H. , Rasoloarison Rodin M. , Rasoloharijaona Solofonirina , Randrianambinina Blanchard , Ramilison Miarisoa L. , Yoder Anne D. , Louis Edward E. , Radespiel Ute
Published: July 2023

Madagascar exhibits exceptionally high levels of biodiversity and endemism. Models to explain the diversification and distribution of species in Madagascar stress the importance of historical variability in climate conditions which may have led to the formation of geographic barriers by changing water and habitat availability. The relative importance of these models for the diversification of the various forest‐adapted taxa of Madagascar has yet to be understood. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeographic history of Gerp's mouse lemur (Microcebus gerpi) to identify relevant mechanisms and drivers of diversification in Madagascar's humid rainforests. We used restriction site associated DNA (RAD) markers and applied population genomic and coalescent‐based techniques to estimate genetic diversity, population structure, gene flow and divergence times among M. gerpi populations and its two sister species M. jollyae and M. marohita. Genomic results were complemented with ecological niche models to better understand the relative barrier function of rivers and altitude. We show that M. gerpi diversified during the late Pleistocene. The inferred ecological niche, patterns of gene flow and genetic differentiation in M. gerpi suggest that the potential for rivers to act as biogeographic barriers depended on both size and elevation of headwaters. Populations on opposite sides of the largest river in the area with headwaters that extend far into the highlands show particularly high genetic differentiation, whereas rivers with lower elevation headwaters have weaker barrier functions, indicated by higher migration rates and admixture. We conclude that M. gerpi likely diversified through repeated cycles of dispersal punctuated by isolation to refugia as a result of paleoclimatic fluctuations during the Pleistocene. We argue that this diversification scenario serves as a model of diversification for other rainforest taxa that are similarly limited by geographic factors. In addition, we highlight conservation implications for this critically endangered species, which faces extreme habitat loss and fragmentation.
Emerging Anticancer Therapeutic Modalities Brought by Gold Complexes: Overview and Perspectives
Authors: Salmain Michèle , Bertrand Benoît
Published: July 2023

The medicinal chemistry of gold has experienced an exponential development since the 2000s. For long, the mechanisms of action of gold complexes have been limited to direct coordination of the gold ion or supramolecular interactions of the whole gold complex with biomolecules. In the recent years, other modes of action of gold‐based drug candidates have emerged. Herein, we review these new modalities, including photo‐induced cytotoxicity, selective protein modification and in cellulo catalysis.
C−H Functionalization of Aldehydes and Ketones with Transient Directing Groups: Recent Developments
Authors: Amistadi‐Revol Hugo , Liu Shanshan , Prévost Sébastien
Published: July 2023

In order to directly functionalize C−H bonds of complex molecules and, in particular, to control the regioselectivity of the reaction, a wide range of directing groups has been used. However, these directing groups need to be installed and removed for further applications, which may limit the use of C−H activation in synthesis. Concerning aldehydes and ketones, a transient directing group strategy has recently emerged to overcome this drawback. The addition of an additive, in general an amine, allowed the in situ formation of the real directing group to achieve C−H activation. This review presents the latest developments in the field over the period 2020–2023.
Evaluation of Toxicity and Genotoxicity of Concrete Cast with Steel Slags Using Higher Terrestrial Plants
Authors: Alias Carlotta , Piovani Giovanna , Benassi Laura , Abbà Alessandro , Sorlini Sabrina , Gelatti Umberto , Zerbini Ilaria , Feretti Donatella
Published: July 2023

The potential impact of concrete mixtures containing steel slag (SS) as a partial replacement of natural aggregates (NA) on the terrestrial ecosystem was assessed using a battery of plant-based bioassays. Leaching tests were conducted on four concrete mixtures and one mixture containing only NA (reference concrete). Leachates were tested for phytotoxicity using seeds of Lepidium sativum, Cucumis sativus, and Allium cepa. Emerging seedlings of L. sativum and A. cepa were used to assess DNA damage (comet test). The genotoxicity of the leachates was also analyzed with bulbs of A. cepa using the comet and chromosome aberration tests. None of the samples caused phytotoxic effects. On the contrary, almost all the samples supported the seedlings; and two leachates, one from the SS-containing concrete and the other from the reference concrete, promoted the growth of C. sativus and A. cepa. The DNA damage of L. sativum and A. cepa seedlings was significantly increased only by the reference concrete sample. In contrast, the DNA damage in A. cepa bulbs was significantly enhanced by the reference concrete but also by that of a concrete sample with SS. Furthermore, all leachates caused an increase in chromosomal aberrations in A. cepa bulbs. Despite some genotoxic effects of the concrete on plant cells, the partial replacement of SS does not seem to make the concrete more hazardous than the reference concrete, suggesting the potential use of SS as a reliable recycled material. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2193–2200. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Chronic Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Imidacloprid Impact Survival and Ecologically Relevant Behaviors of Fathead Minnow Larvae
Authors: Jeninga Anya J. , Wallace Zion , Victoria Shayla , Harrahy Elisabeth , King-Heiden Tisha C.
Published: July 2023

Imidacloprid (IM) has emerged as a contaminant of concern in several areas within the United States due to its frequent detection in aquatic ecosystems and its pseudo-persistence, which pose potential risks to nontarget species. We evaluated the sublethal toxicity of IM to fathead minnow larvae following chronic exposure beginning just after fertilization. Our in silico analysis and in vivo bioassays suggest that IM has a low binding affinity for the vertebrate nicotinate acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), as expected. However, chronic exposure to ≥0.16 µg IM/L reduced survival by 10%, and exposure to ≥18 µg IM/L reduced survival by approximately 20%–40%. Surviving fish exposed to ≥0.16 µg IM/L showed reduced growth, altered embryonic motor activity, and premature hatching. Furthermore, a significant proportion of fish exposed to ≥0.16 µg IM/L were slower to respond to vibrational stimuli and slower to swim away, indicating that chronic exposure to IM has the potential to impair the ability of larvae to escape predation. The adverse health effects we observed indicate that chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of IM may elicit sublethal responses that culminate in a significant increase in mortality during early life stages, ultimately translating to reduced recruitment in wild fish populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2184–2192. © 2023 SETAC

Abstract

“Potential for chronic exposure to imidacloprid to adversely affect fish larvae.”
Quantifying phosphorus fertilizer distribution and the contribution of fertilizer and soil legacy phosphorus to phosphorus uptake by maize – A 32P‐labelling study
Authors: Zheng Dongfang , Yuan Huimin , Yang Guojiang , Feng Gu , Rengel Zed , Shen Jianbo
Published: July 2023

The availability of phosphorus (P) fertilizer applied to soil can diminish rapidly because of the complex soil P immobilization processes. However, the quantitative distribution of fertilizer P in the soil P fractions is not fully understood. Here, two experiments were conducted in a greenhouse using 32P‐labelled KH2PO4 to (i) quantify the distribution of P fertilizer in soil fractions, microorganisms and maize shoots grown in contrasting soils; (ii) characterize the effect of planting maize on soil P fractions and (iii) determine the amount of plant P derived from fertilizer vs. soil. Depending on the soil type, 74.1%–84.1% of the labelled P was retained in the soil, 11.4%–14.5% was found in maize shoots and 0.7%–4.5% was present in microorganisms. Distribution of applied P in the soil P fractions was dependent on soil type, with most P present as NaOH‐Pi and residual‐P in the Red soil, and as HCl‐P in the Fluvo‐aquic soil. Root‐mediated processes were involved in mobilisation of residual‐P in all three soils, with significant depletion of NaOH‐Pi in the Red soil, NaOH‐Pi and HCl‐P in the Black soil, and HCl‐P in the Fluvo‐aquic soil. The plant P derived from fertilizer and soil increased with increasing P addition rates in all three soils. In the soils with low‐P availability, fertilizer contributed more P to plants than soil, whereas in the initially high‐P soil, the opposite occurred. In conclusion, the partitioning of fertilizer P to various soil P fractions is dependent on the soil type, and the contribution of P derived from fertilizer to maize P uptake was related inversely to the soil legacy P.
Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl seed extract on hyperthyroidism: A double‐blind placebo‐controlled pilot clinical trial
Authors: Farzameh Fatemeh , Azadbakht Mohammad , Kashi Zahra , Asgarirad Hossein , Salehifar Ebrahim , Mirzaee Fatemeh , Davoodi Ali , Amirkhanloo Shervin
Published: July 2023

The seeds of Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl contain goitrogenic glucosinolates, such as gluconapin (3‐butenyl glucosinolate). Because of the important role of iodine in the synthesis of thyroid hormones and the inhibitory activity of D. sophia on iodine uptake by the thyroid gland, this study aimed to determine the effects of D. sophia syrup on clinical and biochemical variables of thyrotoxicosis in hyperthyroid patients. In this randomized, double‐blind trial, 10 newly diagnosed hyperthyroid female patients were randomly assigned to treatment with (1) methimazole (MMI) plus D. sophia capsules (350 mg/d) or (2) MMI plus placebo capsules. The primary outcomes were clinical and biochemical manifestations of hyperthyroidism after 60 days. Serum levels of FT3 and FT4 significantly decreased (5.9 ± 2.5 vs. 9.4 ± 5.9 and 29.1 ± 3.1 vs. 31.77 ± 3.7, respectively) and the serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration significantly increased in the D. sophia group contrasted to the placebo group (4.7 ± 0.1 vs. 0.05 ± 0.02). Significant improvement in the thyrotoxicosis clinical symptoms was reported in the D. sophia group contrasted to the placebo group (p < .05). D. sophia can suppress plasma levels of FT3 and FT4 and may be useful as adjunctive therapy for hyperthyroidism.
Mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) may alleviate the effect of high‐fat diet/streptozotocin‐induced diabetes by activation of the GSK‐3β/Fyn/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Yazici Emrah , Sahin Emre , Sahin Nurhan , Tuzcu Mehmet , Sahin Kazim , Orhan Cemal
Published: July 2023

Mango ginger (MG) exhibits antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic effects; however, the exact mechanism of action of MG extract in relation to its antidiabetic properties remains unclear. To investigate the potential antidiabetic effect of MG extract, we used a high‐fat diet (HFD)/low‐dose streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced type 2 diabetic rat model. A total of 28 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: (i) Control, (ii) MG (50 mg/kg/day of MG extract), (iii) HFD + STZ (40 mg/kg i.p.), and (iv) HFD + STZ + MG. Following a 12‐week administration of MG extract, significant reductions were observed in serum glucose, insulin, free fatty acid, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats (p < .0001 for all). MG extract supplementation led to an increase in the total antioxidant capacity of the serum and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in both the serum and liver (p < .0001). Furthermore, hepatocellular fat accumulation was partially attenuated in the HFD + STZ + MG group. Notably, MG extract inhibited glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) in the liver (p < .01) and downregulated Fyn expression, resulting in elevated nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity in the HFD + STZ + MG group compared to the HFD + STZ group (p < .05). The increased activity of Nrf2 in the HFD + STZ + MG group likely promoted the upregulation of heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) in the liver (p < .0001). In conclusion, MG extract may exert antidiabetic effects by augmenting the antioxidant defense system through the regulation of GSK‐3β/Fyn/Nrf2 in a rat model of type 2 diabetes.
Work with me or work for me: The effect of brand roles depends on implicit theories of self‐change
Authors: Rai Dipankar , Lin Chien‐Wei (Wilson) , Yang Chun‐Ming , Saint Clair Julian K.
Published: July 2023

Consumer‐brand relationships are important predictors of consumption, but the psychology surrounding the different roles brands occupy within these relationships is not fully understood. Three experiments and one field study investigate how preferences for two of these brand roles, partner and servant, depend on consumers' implicit theories of self‐change. Counter to what prior literature might suggest, findings show that consumers who believe that self‐traits are relatively malleable (incremental theorists) and fixed (entity theorists) prefer partner and servant brands, respectively. Results demonstrate that a partner brand signals an equal effort by both the consumer and the brand, whereas a servant brand signals less effort by the consumer and more effort by the brand. The relatively greater consumer effort signals by partner (vs. servant) brands align with the effort beliefs associated with consumers' implicit theories, thereby mediating preferences. Findings are demonstrated across different product categories and samples (Taiwan and US). The focus on dyadic effort signals of brand roles in consumer‐brand relationships, and the resulting interactive effect with implicit theories, provide novel contributions to theory and practice.
Do single‐case experimental designs lead to randomised controlled trials of cognitive behavioural therapy interventions for adolescent anxiety and related disorders recommended in the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines? A systematic review
Authors: Cawthorne Tom , Käll Anton , Bennett Sophie , Baker Elena , Cheung Emily , Shafran Roz
Published: July 2023

Background

Although Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective for 60% of adolescents with anxiety disorders, only 36% are in remission post‐intervention. This indicates that more effective treatments are needed which should be reflected in the NICE guidelines. We hypothesised that Single‐case experimental designs (SCEDs) may provide a framework for accelerating the development of novel interventions. The primary purpose of this review was to investigate whether SCEDs are currently followed by randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of CBT intervention for adolescent anxiety disorders named in the NICE guidelines. The secondary objective was to investigate whether using SCEDs prior to RCTs could be a helpful approach.

Method

For the primary search of SCEDs five databases were used (PsycINFO, PubMed, PsycArticles, Web of Science and ProQuest). Nineteen articles met eligibility criteria including a total of 107 participants. For the secondary search of RCTs named in the NICE guidelines for adolescent anxiety disorders 53 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review.

Results

The 19 SCED studies included in the review were conducted with participants with a diverse range of anxiety disorders and across a range of CBT formats. Two of the SCEDs were followed by RCTs, but neither of these were named in the NICE guidelines for anxiety disorders. All of the SCEDs identified were rated as low quality with none meeting the criteria for the highest or second highest quality rating. From the secondary searches, none of the RCTs named in the NICE guide were preceded by SCEDs.

Conclusions

It was concluded that currently SCEDs were not followed by RCTs of CBT interventions named in the NICE guidelines for adolescent anxiety disorders. However, it was suggested that SCEDs may provide an important framework for the development of more effective interventions for adolescents with anxiety.