bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (NanoSIMS) Imaging of Individual Vesicles to Investigate the Relation between Fraction of Chemical Release and Vesicle Size
Authors: Nguyen Tho Duc Khanh , Rabasco Stefania , Lork Alicia A. , Toit Andre Du , Ewing Andrew G.
Published: May 2023

We used correlative transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) imaging to quantify the contents of subvesicular compartments, and to measure the partial release fraction of 13C‐dopamine in cellular nanovesicles as a function of size. Three modes of exocytosis comprise full release, kiss‐and‐run, and partial release. The latter has been subject to scientific debate, despite a growing amount of supporting literature. We tailored culturing procedures to alter vesicle size and definitively show no size correlation with the fraction of partial release. In NanoSIMS images, vesicle content was indicated by the presence of isotopic dopamine, while vesicles which underwent partial release were identified by the presence of an 127I‐labelled drug, to which they were exposed during exocytosis allowing entry into the open vesicle prior to its closing again. Demonstration of similar partial release fractions indicates that this mode of exocytosis is predominant across a wide range of vesicle sizes.
Development of electrospun filter with high efficiency to reduce disturbance on gas detection in dusty environments
Authors: Zhao Bo , Guo Li , Han Mingze , Liang Yunhong , Li Mo , Ma Shuli , Tong Tianjian , Chang Zhiyong
Published: May 2023

In some harsh environments, certain gases are very important for the safety, such as methane gas from underground coal mines, which may explode causing catastrophic consequences. However, such gas detections are often disturbed by the particles. In this study, aiming at the scenario of underground coal mines, electrospun filters were developed and used as the pre‐filter of electronic nose (PFEN) to mitigate the disturbance on gas detection in dusty environments. Two poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) filters and four poly (ε‐caprolactone)/graphene oxide (PCL/GO) filters have been prepared and compared with two commercial filters. The results shows that all filters did not affect the response of sensors to the detecting gas as compared with that without filters. The PCL/GO filter at GO concentration of 0.03% (PCL/GO‐3) had the best performance. The PCL/GO‐3 filter exhibited high removal efficiency of particulate matter (PM) with 99.27% (PM1), 99.67% (PM2.5), and 99.90% (PM10), low pressure drop of 75 Pa, and highest quality factor of 0.076 as compared with other filters. In addition, the PCL/GO‐3 filter exhibited higher tensile strength than those of other electrospun filters and commercial filters. These results indicate that the electrospun filters can be excellent option to be used as PFEN for mitigating PM deposition for gas detection in dusty environments.
Synthesis and structure–activity relationships of USP48 deubiquitinylase inhibitors
Authors: Böhm Kevin , Schulze‐Niemand Eric , Kähne Thilo , Siddiqui Elisa , Täger Christian , Ramsbeck Daniel , Buchholz Mirko , Naumann Michael
Published: May 2023

Ubiquitin‐specific proteases represent a family of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of ubiquitin from specific substrate proteins to regulate their activity. USP48 is a rarely studied USP, which has recently been linked to inflammatory signaling via regulation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B. Nonetheless, a crystal structure of USP48 has not yet been resolved and potent inhibitors are not known. We screened a set of 14 commercially available USP inhibitors for their activity against USP48 and identified the USP2 inhibitor “ML364” as a candidate for further optimization. Using a ligand‐based approach, we derived and synthesized a series of ML364 analogs. The IC50 concentrations of the new compounds to inhibit USP48 were determined in a deubiquitinylase activity assay by measuring the fluorescence intensity using tetra‐ubiquitin rhodamine110 as substrate. A compound containing a carboxylic acid functionalization (17e) inhibited USP48 activity toward tetra‐ubiquitin rhodamine110 with an IC50 of 12.6 µM. Further structure‐based refinements are required to improve the inhibition activity and specificity.
Adaptive neural network finite‐time command filter tracking control for nonlinear systems with multiple coupling high‐order terms and disturbances
Authors: Zhang Xinghui , Zhuang Xinhai , Liu Enyong , Zhang Ancai , Qiu Jianlong
Published: May 2023

This paper is devoted to the research of adaptive command filter tracking control for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems. The coexistence of multiple coupling high‐order terms, uncertain external disturbances, and unknown time‐varying coefficients makes the studied system more general compared with the existing results. By skillfully combining adaptive technology, command filter control, and backstepping method, a new type of adaptive command filter tracking control algorithm is designed. This controller not only solves the problem of complex explosion but also introduces compensation signals to achieve a higher precision tracking effect. Ultimately, the validity of the control algorithm is verified by a numerical simulation and a practical application model simulation.
Phase‐type models involving restarting and instantaneous transitions, with applications to degradation and maintenance
Authors: Lindqvist Bo Henry
Published: May 2023

A phase‐type distribution is the distribution of time to absorption for an absorbing continuous‐time finite state Markov chain. The paper first reviews the extension of the phase‐type setting to modeling of competing risks by introducing multiple absorbing states. The main study of the paper is the further extension to introducing instantaneous transitions at certain stages of the original models. The motivation is from applications to repair and maintenance, bringing failed systems into working ones by instantaneous repair actions. Two slightly different approaches are studied. The first one is based on restarting the original Markov chain upon absorption, leading to the consideration of a Markov renewal process. The second approach involves periodically inspected systems, where maintenance actions are modeled by instantaneous transitions made at regular inspection times. For both approaches are suggested measures of reliability and maintenance based on long run properties.
Bildbasierte Erfassung und digitale Dokumentation von Geometrie und Zustand an Eisenbahnbrücken
Authors: Morgenthal Guido , Helmrich Marcel
Published: May 2023

Die kontinuierliche Sicherheit und Leistungsfähigkeit von Bauwerken der Verkehrsinfrastruktur hat in einer modernen Gesellschaft einen besonderen Stellenwert. Die Bedeutung des Schienennetzes nimmt im Kontext der Energiewende weiter zu. Forderungen nach Ressourcenschonung im Bausektor erfordern zukünftig außerdem deutlich verlängerte Lebensdauern von Bauwerken. Neue digitale Erhaltungsstrategien können dieses Ziel gleichzeitig mit einer Verringerung der Erhaltungsaufwendungen erreichbar machen. Dieser Beitrag fokussiert auf neuartige Verfahren der Bilddatenauswertung zur Zustandsermittlung und digitalen Modellierung von Geometrie und Schadensmerkmalen an Ingenieurbauwerken. Insbesondere die dauerhafte Speicherung von hochgenauen Schadenspositionen und ‐umfängen erlaubt die Verfolgung von Schadensentwicklungen als Basis für neuartige prädiktive Erhaltungsstrategien. Am Beispiel von Eisenbahnbrücken wird gezeigt, wie eine hochwertige digitale Zustandsdokumentation mit dem Konzept des Digitalen Zwillings möglich wird. Aus z. B. mit Drohnen erzeugten Bilddaten werden mittels Fotogrammetrie hochgenaue georeferenzierte 3D‐Bauwerksmodelle generiert und mittels KI‐Verfahren Schadenserkennungen durchgeführt. Die Verknüpfung in einem Digitalen Zwilling ermöglicht Analysen und hochwertige Dokumentationen im Lebenszyklus und sollte zukünftig mit einer Nullmessung an neuen Bauwerken beginnen.
C‐programming self‐assessment exercises versus final exams: 12 years of experience
Authors: Rodríguez‐Vidal Javier , Martínez Raquel , García‐Beltrán Ángel
Published: May 2023

The new curricula derived from the Bologna process encourage continuous evaluations during the teaching period. This situation causes already depleted teachers to have an additional workload during the course, so the emergence of tools that automatically evaluate this work is necessary. In computer science, the ideal evaluation technique would be to use automatic code evaluators (such as C, Java, C++, etc.). The main objective of this work is to analyze whether the use of C‐coding self‐assessment exercises correlates with an improvement in exam performance. For this purpose, the implementation of self‐assessment exercises on the AulaWeb platform during the last 12 academic years (2010/2011–2021/2022) in a Programming Fundamentals course (Fundamentos de Programación) in an engineering faculty at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) was collected. The main tasks carried out in this research have been: (i) recovery and analysis of the information collected from the AulaWeb platform and (ii) the study of the influence of the self‐assessment exercises on the final grades obtained by the students of the course through correlations. The most important findings are: (a) self‐assessment exercises generate experience and confidence when facing problems (this situation translates into a higher probability of passing the course) and (b) self‐assessment exercises influence the final exams taken at the end of the semester, mainly due to the short time between the end of classes and the exam. Self‐assessment exercises provide valuable information for teachers to monitor the progress of large groups of students during the semester and for students to pass exams.
FFT‐based efficient Poisson solver in nonrectangular domain
Authors: Wang Yunong , Hou Fei , Wang Wencheng
Published: May 2023

Poisson's equation is one of the most popular partial differential equation (PDE), which is widely used in image processing, computer graphics and other fields. However, solving a large‐scale Poisson's equation always costs huge computational resources. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) is an efficient Poisson solver but it only works in rectangular domain. In this paper, we propose a FFT‐based Poisson solver in nonrectangular domain on regular grids combined with algebraic multigrid (AMG). We extend the original Poisson's equation to a rectangular domain to construct an equivalent equation, so that it can use FFT algorithm to accelerate the solving to Poisson's equation. Experiments show that the FFT‐based Poisson solver can improve the solving speed of large‐scale Poisson's equations in nonrectangular domain. We demonstrate the solver in applications of image processing and fluid simulation.
Facile Production of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence Factor LasB in Escherichia coli for Structure‐Based Drug Design
Authors: Kolling Dominik , Haupenthal Jörg , Hirsch Anna K. H. , Koehnke Jesko
Published: May 2023

The human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa has a number of virulence factors at its disposal that play crucial roles in the progression of infection. LasB is one of the major virulence factors and exerts its effects through elastolytic and proteolytic activities aimed at dissolving connective tissue and inactivating host defense proteins. LasB is of great interest for the development of novel pathoblockers to temper the virulence, but access has thus far largely been limited to protein isolated from Pseudomonas cultures. Here, we describe a new protocol for high‐level production of native LasB in Escherichia coli. We demonstrate that this facile approach is suitable for the production of mutant, thus far inaccessible LasB variants, and characterize the proteins biochemically and structurally. We expect that easy access to LasB will accelerate the development of inhibitors for this important virulence factor.
Comparison of quantitative flow ratio with instantaneous wave‐free ratio and resting full‐cycle ratio during daily routine in the catheterization laboratory
Authors: Stader Jannis , Antoniadis Marios , Ussat Matti , Wachter Rolf , Lavall Daniel , Metze Michael , Neef Martin , Spies Christian , Laufs Ulrich , Lenk Karsten
Published: May 2023

Background

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a novel, software‐based method to evaluate the physiology of coronary lesions. The aim of this study was to compare QFR with the established invasive measurements of coronary blood flow using instantaneous wave‐free ratio (iFR) or resting full‐cycle ratio (RFR) in daily cathlab routine.

Methods

102 patients with stable coronary artery disease and a coronary stenosis of 40%−90% were simultaneously assessed with QFR and iFR or RFR. QFR‐computation was performed by two certified experts using the appropriate software (QAngio XA 3D 3.2).

Results

QFR showed a significant correlation (r = 0.75, p < 0.001) to iFR and RFR. The area under the receiver curve for all measurements was 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.87–0.98) for QFR compared to iFR or RFR. QFR based assessment required less time with a median of 501 s (IQR 421–659 s) compared to iFR or RFR which required a median of 734 s to obtain the result (IQR 512–967 s; p < 0.001). The median use of contrast medium was similar with 21 mL (IQR 16–30 mL) for the QFR‐based and 22 mL (IQR 15–35 mL) for the iFR‐ or RFR‐based diagnostic. QFR diagnostic required less radiation. The median dose area product for QFR was 307cGycm2 (IQR 151–429 cGycm2) compared to 599 cGycm2 (IQR 345–1082 cGycm2) for iFR or RFR, p < 0.001.

Conclusion

QFR measurements of coronary artery blood flow correlate with iFR or RFR measurements and are associated with shorter procedure times and reduced radiation dose.
Hairy cell leukemia with isolated bone lesions
Authors: Cailly Laura , Gruchet Cécile , Maitre Elsa , Guidez Stephanie , Delwail Vincent , Systchenko Thomas , Moya Niels , Sabirou Florence , Levy Anthony , Bobin Arthur , Gardeney Hélène , Nsiala Laly , Vonfeld Mathilde , Chacon Aurélia , Pichon Aurélien , Bouyer Sabrina , Baslé Caroline , Dindinnaud Elodie , Chomel Jean‐Claude , Raimbault Anna , Borde‐Mougenot Florence , Troussard Xavier , Tomowiak Cécile
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

18F‐FDG PET/CT has clinical relevance in HCL at diagnosis and for the follow‐up of patients treated, especially in case of atypical presentations such as bone involvements (which are probably underestimated) and poor bone marrow infiltration.

Bone lesions are rarely reported in Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL). We report two BRAFV600E mutated HCL patients presented bone lesions at foreground, poor bone marrow involvement, and the important role 18F‐FDG PET/CT played in their management. We discuss the crucial role that 18F‐FDG PET/CT could play in HCL routine practice.
Strong Chiroptical Effects in the Absorption and Emission of Macrocycles Based on the 2,5‐Diaminoterephthalate Minimal Fluorophore
Authors: Nowak Krzysztof , Morawski Olaf , Zinna Francesco , Pescitelli Gennaro , Di Bari Lorenzo , Górecki Marcin , Grzybowski Marek
Published: May 2023

Chiral fluorescent macrocycles consisting of two to four units of dimethyl 2,5‐diaminoterephthalate can be readily synthesized in a one‐pot manner from inexpensive building blocks. Depending on the concentration, either a paracyclophane‐like dimer with closely stacked benzene rings or a triangular trimer is the main product of the reaction. The macrocycles exhibit fluorescence in solution as well as in the solid state with maxima that are red‐shifted with decreasing size of the macrocyclic ring and are observed at wavelengths from 590 (tetramer in solution) to 700 nm (dimer in the solid state). Chirality dictates the differential absorption and emission of circularly polarized light by these molecules. The ECD and CPL effects are particularly strong for the trimer, which is characterized by relatively large dissymmetry factors gabs=±2.8×10−3 at 531 nm and glum=±2.3×10−3 at 580 nm in n‐hexane, being at the same time highly luminescent (Φfl=13.7 %). Despite the small chromophore, the circularly polarized brightness BCPL of 2.3 dm3 mol−1 cm−1 is comparable to values reported for other classes of established CPL emitters in the visible region, such as expanded helicenes or larger π‐conjugated systems.
Strong and Tunable Near‐Infrared Circular Dichroism in Helical Tetrapyrrole Complexes
Authors: Urban Adrian Joe , Yamamoto Hiroshi M.
Published: May 2023

The selective synthesis of nickel and copper complexes of 19‐benzoyl‐5,10,15‐triphenyl‐bilatrien‐1‐one (H2TPBT) is reported, a molecule which crystallizes as a molecular helix of one‐and‐a‐quarter which turns with a 5.7 Å radius and a 3.2 Å pitch, and all 26 participating atoms are sp2‐hybridized. UV/vis, ECD, ESR and cyclic voltammetry experiments reveal a strong interaction between metal and ligand and partial radical character when copper is coordinated instead of nickel. Strong ECD absorption in the 800 nm range is found which, using TD‐DFT calculations as well as literature spectra, is shown to be highly tunable both by metal coordination and variation of the aryl groups in the TPBT periphery. The radical character of the ligand in Cu(TPBT) enables rapid interconversion between (M)‐ and (P)‐enantiomers, possibly via intermittent breakage of a Cu−N bond. The 19‐benzoyl group kinetically stabilizes enantiopure (M/P)‐Ni(TPBT). The results are interpreted with regard to the application as circularly polarized light (CPL) detectors as well as to the chirality‐induced spin‐selectivity (CISS) effect which is currently lacking a concise theoretical model.
Stocking buprenorphine: The latest hitch in the MOUD field
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2023

Prescribers can spend hours trying to find a pharmacy that has buprenorphine — especially in rural areas. This is not a new problem, and in fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) convened a meeting about it last August. A report was supposed to have been issued by now, but so far, according to the press office, there is nothing.
AACAP warns that abortion pill ban will lead to negative mental health outcomes
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2023

In April, after a Texas ruling banning abortion pills, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) warned that access to reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortion, is essential to the physical, emotional, and psychological health of individuals and families. AACAP, along with all other health care organizations, noted that research shows that continues to show that restrictive abortion laws can lead to increased psychological distress and negative mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and post‐traumatic stress disorder. “We firmly believe that reproductive health care decisions should be made by individuals in consultation with their healthcare providers, without interference from the government or other third parties,” the AACAP states. “Banning abortion pills restricts access to safe and legal abortion, potentially putting individuals at risk of unsafe and illegal procedures.” In the April 12 statement, the AACAP also called on “healthcare providers to continue to provide compassionate, evidence‐based care to individuals seeking abortion services, and to advocate for policies that support reproductive health care access and equity.” The Supreme Court later gave some reassurance that this ban would not hold, but in fact, many states have already banned abortion in various ways and forms.
Cell penetrating peptides: Highlighting points in cancer therapy
Authors: Asrorov Akmal M. , Wang Huiyuan , Zhang Meng , Wang Yonghui , He Yang , Sharipov Mirkomil , Yili Abulimiti , Huang Yongzhuo
Published: May 2023

Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs), first identified in HIV a few decades ago, deserved great attention in the last two decades; especially to support the penetration of anticancer drug means. In the drug delivery discipline, they have been involved in various approaches from mixing with hydrophobic drugs to the use of genetically conjugated proteins. The early classification as cationic and amphipathic CPPs has been extended to a few more classes such as hydrophobic and cyclic CPPs so far. Developing potential sequences utilized almost all methods of modern science: choosing high‐efficiency peptides from natural protein sequences, sequence‐based comparison, amino acid substitution, obtaining chemical and/or genetic conjugations, in silico approaches, in vitro analysis, animal experiments, etc. The bottleneck effect in this discipline reveals the complications that modern science faces in drug delivery research. Most CPP‐based drug delivery systems (DDSs) efficiently inhibited tumor volume and weight in mice, but only in rare cases reduced their levels and continued further processes. The integration of chemical synthesis into the development of CPPs made a significant contribution and even reached the clinical stage as a diagnostic tool. But constrained efforts still face serious problems in overcoming biobarriers to reach further achievements. In this work, we reviewed the roles of CPPs in anticancer drug delivery, focusing on their amino acid composition and sequences. As the most suitable point, we relied on significant changes in tumor volume in mice resulting from CPPs. We provide a review of individual CPPs and/or their derivatives in a separate subsection.
Childhood body mass index and the subsequent risk of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa among women: A large Danish population‐based study
Authors: Leth‐Møller Katja Biering , Hebebrand Johannes , Strandberg‐Larsen Katrine , Baker Jennifer Lyn , Jensen Britt Wang
Published: May 2023

Objective

Evidence linking childhood body mass index (BMI) with subsequent eating disorders is equivocal. Potential explanations include different study populations and size, and that anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) should be studied separately. We examined whether birthweight and childhood BMI were associated with subsequent risk of AN and BN in girls.

Method

We included 68,793 girls from the Copenhagen School Health Records Register born between 1960 and 1996 with information on birthweight and measured weights and heights obtained from school health examinations at ages 6–15 years. Diagnoses of AN and BN were retrieved from Danish nationwide patient registers. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We identified 355 cases of AN (median age: 19.0) and 273 cases of BN (median age: 21.8). Higher childhood BMI was linearly associated with decreasing risk of AN and increasing risk of BN at all childhood ages. At age 6, the HR for AN was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74–0.97) per BMI z‐score and the HR for BN was 1.78 (95% CI: 1.50–2.11) per BMI z‐score. Birthweight >3.75 kg was associated with increased risk of BN compared to a birthweight of 3.26–3.75 kg.

Conclusion

Higher BMI in girls at ages 6–15 years was associated with decreasing risk of AN and increasing risk of BN. Premorbid BMI could be relevant for the etiology of AN and BN, and in identifying high risk individuals.

Public significance

Eating disorders are associated with elevated mortality, especially AN. Using a cohort of Copenhagen school children, we linked information on BMI at ages 6–15 years for 68,793 girls with nationwide patient registers. Low childhood BMI was associated with increased risk of AN, whereas high childhood BMI was associated with increased risk of BN. These findings may assist clinicians in identifying individuals at high‐risk of these diseases.
Picky eating is associated with lower life satisfaction and elevated psychological distress and psychosocial impairment in Chinese pregnant women
Authors: He Jinbo , Zhang Xinyi , Barnhart Wesley R. , Cui Shuqi , Liu Yutian , Zhao Yumeng , Yin Junyu , Tan Chuyi
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study assessed picky eating in pregnant women by exploring whether picky eating is associated with pregnant women's well‐being, including life satisfaction, psychological distress, and psychosocial impairment.

Method

Data collected were from 345 Chinese pregnant women ( = 29.95 years, SD = 5.58). Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine zero‐order correlations between picky eating and well‐being variables (i.e., life satisfaction, psychological distress, and psychosocial impairment). Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to examine the unique associations of picky eating with well‐being variables, adjusting for demographic and pregnancy‐related characteristics and thinness‐oriented disordered eating.

Results

Picky eating was significantly and negatively correlated with life satisfaction (r = −.24,p < .001) and positively correlated with psychological distress (r = .37,p < .001) and psychosocial impairment (r = .50,p < .001). When adjusting for covariates and thinness‐oriented disordered eating, picky eating was still significantly associated with lower life satisfaction, higher psychological distress, and higher psychosocial impairment.

Discussion

The findings suggest that picky eating may be a significant correlate of pregnant women's poorer well‐being. Future research with longitudinal designs is warranted to further examine the temporal associations between picky eating and pregnant women's well‐being.

Public Significance

Picky eating behaviors are poorly understood in pregnant women. Our results revealed that higher picky eating behaviors were associated with lower life satisfaction and higher psychological distress and psychosocial impairment in Chinese pregnant women. Researchers and clinicians may consider picky eating in the assessment and treatment of mental health and disordered eating in pregnant women.
Downstream effects: Impact of antibiotic pollution on an aquatic host–parasite interaction
Authors: Melchiorre Hannah G. , Gutierrez Stephanie O. , Minchella Dennis J. , Vannatta J. Trevor
Published: May 2023

The global increase in antibiotic use has led to contamination of freshwater environments. Despite the identified impacts of antibiotics on humans and wildlife, the effect of antibiotics on host–parasite life cycles in freshwater is relatively unexplored. In the current study, we utilize the trematode parasiteSchistosoma mansoni, and its snail intermediate host,Biomphalaria glabrata, to investigate the influence of an ecologically relevant antibiotic concentration on the life history characteristics of both parasite and host. Our results demonstrate that antibiotics not only accelerate parasite development time, but also increase host reproduction and delay parasite‐induced host castration. Using a mathematical model, we suggest that life history alterations associated with antibiotics are likely to increase parasite transmission and disease burden. Our study suggests that antibiotic pollution could impact freshwater ecosystems by influencing host–parasite dynamics and potentially increase the burden of schistosomiasis in endemic regions.
Conspecific density and habitat quality affect breeding habitat selection: Support for the social attraction hypothesis
Authors: Swift Rose J. , Anteau Michael J. , Ellis Kristen S. , Ring Megan M. , Sherfy Mark H. , Toy Dustin L.
Published: May 2023

Breeding habitat selection is a critical component of the annual cycle because of its effect on fitness. Multiple theories of habitat selection can be differentiated by their responses to the quantity of habitat, conspecific density, and habitat quality. Here, we use network analysis to understand the characteristics of fine‐scale breeding habitat selected by both immigrant and returning adult piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) to test five hypotheses of habitat selection. Between 2014 and 2019, we recorded 2034 uniquely marked adults breeding at 326 breeding locations with 1240 successive breeding events. Among adults, immigration events (i.e., individuals that moved to a new breeding location) were detected as often as fidelity to the same breeding location. We found support for the social attraction hypothesis for both immigrants and returners, indicating that adult plovers use social cues for settlement decisions. Adult plovers selected habitats with intermediate levels of conspecific density and high habitat quality, as assessed by con‐ and heterospecific nest survival, with no effect from the amount of available habitat. We also simulated the loss of breeding habitat and identified highly connected breeding locations, which occurred mostly on the riverine habitat type, which have important implications for habitat conservation for this listed species. Our results highlight the role of conspecifics at identifying high‐quality breeding habitat regardless of whether individuals return to the same breeding site or immigrate to new areas.
Photocatalytic Oxidative [3+2] Cycloaddition for Pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline Synthesis Using a Porphyrin‐Based Covalent Organic Framework
Authors: Wu Cheng‐Juan , Shao Ming‐Zhen , Niu Li‐Jing , Li Ting‐Rui , Liang Wen‐Jing , Kan Jing‐Lan , Geng Yan , Dong Yu‐Bin
Published: May 2023

By using a catalytic amount of a porphyrin‐based covalent organic framework (Por‐Ad‐COF) as the efficient recyclable photocatalyst, the photocatalytic oxidative [3+2] cycloaddition reaction between tetrahydroisoquinolines and N‐substituted maleimides was developed under aerobic conditions at room temperature. Various substituted pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolines were obtained in moderate to good yields via the dipolar [3+2] cycloaddition and oxidative aromatization cascade process under visible light irradiation. This was the first example to employ the covalent organic framework as the heterogeneous photocatalyst to perform the photocatalytic dipolar [3+2] cycloaddition reaction for the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolines.
Multizone Aquatic Ecological Exposures to Landfill Contaminants from a Groundwater Plume Discharging to a Pond
Authors: Hua Tammy , Propp Victoria R. , Power Christopher , Brown Susan J. , Collins Pamela , Smith James E. , Roy James W.
Published: May 2023

While it is recognized that groundwater contaminant plumes can impact surface waters, there remains little information on the magnitude, spatial extent, and especially temporal variability of the resulting exposure to the variety of aquatic organisms, particularly for stagnant surface waters (e.g., ponds). The present study of a historic landfill plume discharging to a pond investigated contaminant exposure to multiple aquatic zones (endobenthic, epibenthic, pelagic) over approximately 1 year within a temperate climate. Landfill tracers included the artificial sweetener saccharin, ammonium, chloride, and specific conductance. Sampling of pond sediment porewater (upwelling groundwater) and continuous geophysical imaging of the subsurface showed a relatively stable plume footprint covering approximately 26% of the pond, although with spatially varying leachate composition, revealing year-round exposure to endobenthic (within sediments) organisms. Substantial and variable contaminant exposure to epibenthic organisms within the plume footprint was shown by elevated specific conductance measured directly above the sediment interface. Exposure varied daily at times and increased through winter to values representing undiluted plume groundwater. Exposure to pelagic organisms (overlying water) covered a larger area (~50%) due to in-pond circulation. The stream outlet concentrations were stable at approximately 10 times dilution for chloride and saccharin, but were substantially less in summer for ammonium due to in-pond processes. Whereas groundwater contaminants are typically assumed elevated at base flows, the outlet stream contaminant mass discharges to downstream receptors were notably higher in winter than summer, following stream flow patterns. Insights from the present study into the timings and locations of contaminant plume exposure to multiple ecological zones of a pond can provide guidance to contaminated site and aquatic ecosystem managers on improved monitoring, assessment, and remediation protocols. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1667–1684. © 2023 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada and The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Abstract

Discharge of the contaminants of a groundwater landfill plume to a pond leads to variable exposure across multiple ecological zones, with relative differences in the magnitude in concentrations and in the spatial extent and temporal stability of contamination.
Antiobesity effects of onion (Allium cepa) in subjects with obesity: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chung Min‐Yu , Hwang Jin‐Taek , Park Soo‐Hyun
Published: May 2023

Onions are rich in bioactive compounds and have been found to prevent various chronic diseases, including obesity. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate the antiobesity effect of onions. Studies were identified in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL focusing on clinical trials evaluating the antiobesity effects of onion in obese subjects. The risk of bias in the studies was evaluated using Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool. The effect of onions was analyzed using data from the selected studies, and the results were indicated by weighted mean difference with 95% CI. The I2 static test was used to examine heterogeneity between the studies. A total of 38 studies were reviewed, of which five clinical trials meeting the criteria were selected. As investigational products, onion peels were used in four studies and onions were used in one study. Following systematic review, it was determined that the risk of bias was generally low, and body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced in the onion groups compared to the placebo. In conclusion, onion intake had an antiobesity effect by reducing body weight and body fat, and this effect was particularly pronounced with onion peel.
Significant heterogeneity in structural asymmetry of the habenula in the human brain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abuduaini Yilamujiang , Pu Yi , Thompson Paul M. , Kong Xiang‐Zhen
Published: May 2023

Understanding the evolutionarily conserved feature of functional laterality in the habenula has been attracting attention due to its potential role in human cognition and neuropsychiatric disorders. Deciphering the structure of the human habenula remains to be challenging, which resulted in inconsistent findings for brain disorders. Here, we present a large‐scale meta‐analysis of the left–right differences in the habenular volume in the human brain to provide a clearer picture of the habenular asymmetry. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for articles that reported volume data of the bilateral habenula in the human brain, and assessed the left–right differences. We also assessed the potential effects of several moderating variables including the mean age of the participants, magnetic field strengths of the scanners and different disorders by using meta‐regression and subgroup analysis. In total 52 datasets (N = 1427) were identified and showed significant heterogeneity in the left–right differences and the unilateral volume per se. Moderator analyses suggested that such heterogeneity was mainly due to different MRI scanners and segmentation approaches used. While inversed asymmetry patterns were suggested in patients with depression (leftward) and schizophrenia (rightward), no significant disorder‐related differences relative to healthy controls were found in either the left–right asymmetry or the unilateral volume. This study provides useful data for future studies of brain imaging and methodological developments related to precision habenula measurements, and also helps to further understand potential roles of the habenula in various disorders.
Identification of behavioural changes in reporting adverse events early during COVID‐19: An ambulatory care perspective in Israel
Authors: Reychav Iris , Yaakobi Alon , McHaney Roger , Tal Yossi , Manor Orly
Published: May 2023

This study examined adverse event reporting centred on three significant dates in the months before the pandemic arrived in Israel. On these dates, broad media coverage exposed citizens and health care providers with indications about the forthcoming pandemic. The current study tracked whether parameters related to reporting adverse medical events provided early indications that a large crisis was unfolding. The method for analysing the data was based on a statistical test called Regression Discontinuity Design, which helped identify parameters related to medical reporting patterns which significantly changed. The examination indicated nurses' reports were unique in relation to others and indicated three phases: (1) upon declaration of the upcoming pandemic, there was a rise in reporting; (2) when the disease was named, there was moderation and maintenance in a steady quantity of reports, and finally, (3) when the first case arrived in Israel, a slight decrease in reporting began. Nurses' behaviours manifested as changes in reporting patterns. In this process of increase, moderation and decrease, it can be concluded that these are three stages that may characterise the beginning of a large event. The research method presented reinforces the need for forming tools by which significant events such as the COVID‐19 pandemic can be identified quickly, and aid in proper planning of resources, optimise staffing and maximise utilization of the health systems.
COVID‐19 vaccination success in Bangladesh: Key strategies were prompt response, early drives for vaccines, and effective awareness campaigns
Authors: Nazmunnahar  , Ahamed Bulbul , Haque Md. Anamul , Tanbir Md. , Roknuzzaman A. S. M. , Sarker Rapty , Rabiul Islam Md.
Published: May 2023

Bangladesh is located in Southeast Asia that has a high population density. It is a lower‐middle‐income country. The COVID‐19 pandemic severely impacted the nation that slowed its economic growth. It halted major industries, crippling the nation's economy. The students were uncertain after the declaration of school closures. Hospitals could not treat other patients properly due to the vast health burden of COVID‐19. Bangladesh put up a solid fight during COVID‐19 as a lower‐middle‐income country. Prompt action, early vaccination drives, effective awareness campaigns, and widespread public involvement have enabled Bangladesh to bring more than 90% of its population into COVID‐19 vaccination coverage. It was possible by the effective diplomatic and local health strategy implemented by the Bangladeshi government, the country's extensive prior experience, and its long history of achieving a high success rate in other vaccination campaigns. Bangladesh was able to flatten the curve sooner than other developed countries. Therefore, the cogs of everyday social life and the economy begin to turn once more. The strategy Bangladesh used to combat the COVID‐19 pandemic through vaccination and diplomatic policy by calling on its prior experience has the potential to serve as a model for other low‐ and middle‐income countries and an example for developed nations.
Mother–child separation after twin birth in a maternity unit with an appropriate level of neonatal care
Authors: Pauphilet Victoire , Goffinet François , Korb Diane , Zeitlin Jennifer , Torchin Heloïse , Schmitz Thomas ,   for the Jumeaux Mode d'Accouchement (JUMODA) study group and the Groupe de Recherche en Obstétrique et Gynécologie (GROG)
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate the mother–child separation rate in twin pregnancies delivered in maternity units offering an appropriate level of neonatal care.

Methods

JUMODA is a French, prospective, population‐based cohort study of twin deliveries, including 7998 women who gave birth in maternity units with appropriate levels of neonatal care based on thresholds for weeks of gestational age (wGA) and birth weight according to French guidelines: level I (≥36 wGA), IIA (≥34 wGA), IIB (≥32 wGA and ≥ 1500 g), and IIII (<32 wGA or < 1500 g). The primary outcome was mother–child separation, defined as the transfer of at least one twin or the mother to another hospital.

Results

Mother–child separation occurred in 2.1% of pregnancies. This rate was significantly higher in level I (4.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5–12.5) and IIA (3.4%, 95% CI 2.4–4.7) compared with level IIB (1.6%, 95% CI 1.1–2.3) and level III maternity units (2.1%, 95% CI 1.9–2.8). In level IIA units, the rate of mother–child separation was higher for babies born between 34 and 36 wGA (8.3%) than for those born at 36 wGA or beyond (1.7%). In level IIb, the rate of mother–child separation for babies born between 32 and 34 wGA (7.5%) was higher than for those born between 34 and 36 wGA (2.1%) and at 36 wGA or beyond (0.9%).

Conclusion

Mother–child separation rates were low but differed by level of care. By using specific thresholds for twins to define levels of care, rather than data from singleton births, one‐fifth of mother–child separations could have been avoided.
Comparison of an automated digital cell morphology analysis system with manual counting
Authors: Jiao Juan , Yin Xin , Ma Jiali , Xia Yinglong , Xu Jianxia , Zhao Shaozhe , Liu Jie
Published: May 2023

Background

Bionovation's CSFA800 is a new automated digital cell imaging analyzer. We evaluated the performance of the CSFA800 by comparing it with artificial peripheral blood white blood cell counting.

Methods

According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 131 randomly selected samples (77 abnormal samples and 54 normal samples) were compared. Correlations between automated and manual counting results were analyzed. Manual counting was carried out according to the guidelines of the Association of Clinical and Laboratory Standards.

Results

Counts of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and immature granulocytes obtained from CSFA800 and artificial methods were linearly and positively correlated, with R values of 0.73, 0.65, 0.24, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.63, respectively, all p < 0.05. Therefore, correlations between CSFA800 and manual counting are acceptable. Compared with the DI‐60 Automated Digital Cell Morphology System (DI‐60; Sysmex), CSFA800 is more efficient and can analyze 20,000 cells in 1 min. However, the overall accuracy of CSFA800 is not as good as DI‐60, although its counting performance is better for basophils.

Conclusions

The performance of CSFA800 for WBC counts is acceptable, and it displayed good performance for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and immature granulocytes. Compared to DI‐60, CSFA800 is more efficient but has slightly lower overall accuracy. To some extent, CSFA800 is helpful to optimize the clinical laboratory workflow and improve the working efficiency of inspectors.
Comparison of adsorption performance for Cd(II) removal from aqueous solution using biochar derived from different types of carbon sources: aquatic plants, pine branches and peat
Authors: Li Yuhuan , Sui Xin , Wang Xuemei , Ji Hongbing
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Guizhou Province, China is rich in forest, peat and aquatic plants. The effect of biochar prepared by pyrolysis carbonization on the Cd(II) adsorption has not been effectively studied. In this work, the physicochemical structural characteristics of different biochars were investigated. On this basis, the influence of pH value, acid washing, adsorption time on Cd(II) removal efficiency and the characteristics of adsorption isotherms of four biochars were studied. The adsorption mechanism was discussed by adopting the Langmuir and Freundlich kinetic model.

RESULTS

The findings exhibited that PT contained a great amount of free humic acid, fulvic acid and montan wax, which had a considerable impact on the Cd(II) adsorption. The surface of biochar AP300 has a fine crack structure, and the specific surface area (SSA) is the largest, reaching 2.9006 m2/g. When the solution range in pH value above 6, the removal efficiency of PT and biochar AP300 for Cd(II) exceeds 80%. The acid‐washed biochar with increased SSA did not exhibit an increase in Cd(II) removal efficiency, or even decreased significantly. Under the same adsorption time, the Cd(II) removal efficiency was in the following order: PT>AP300>PT300>PB300. The fitting effect of the Freundlich model for the four biochars was more than a match for Langmuir model, and the former is more appropriate to expression of the adsorption mechanism of Cd(II). Among the four biochars, AP300 had the smallest ΔG°, and the Cd(II) adsorption was the most easily performed.

CONCLUSION

Both PT and AP carbon material adsorbents can both meet the removal of Cd (II) in water, and can be promoted to treat heavy metals in soil later. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Uptake of genetic testing among patients seeking cancer genetic counseling in Taiwan
Authors: Fang Su‐Ying , Hsieh Ling‐Ling , Hung Chen‐Fang , Wang Yong Alison
Published: May 2023

Genetic testing is becoming increasingly available and affordable. Understanding the reasons for individual decisions about genetic testing may assist in the identification of clinically appropriate use of genetic counseling and genetic testing resources. With the ongoing development of cancer genetic counseling services in Taiwan, we conducted this study to understand the characteristics of those seeking cancer genetic counseling and genetic testing and the predictors for undergoing genetic testing after counseling. Cross‐sectional with correlational design was used in this study. Surveys completed by patients visiting the genetic counseling clinic at the cancer center included demographics, personal and family history of cancer, and questions on attitudes toward genetic counseling and genetic testing. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze the predictors of decision to undergo genetic testing. A total of 120 participants between the years 2018 and 2021 were analyzed, of which 54.2% were referred by health care professionals. The majority (76.7%) had a personal history of cancer and 50% had breast cancer. Over half (53.3%) had a strong family history of cancer defined as two or more 1st‐degree relatives having cancer at a young age. Only 35.8% decided to receive genetic testing right after counseling and 47.5% were undecided. The main reason for hesitation or not pursuing testing was cost (41.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a positive attitude toward genetic counseling was significantly associated with the uptake of genetic testing (Odds ratio 7.60, 95% CI 2.34–24.66, p < 0.001). Given the significant number of individuals undecided about genetic testing after counseling, decision aid could be developed to support genetic counseling and increase satisfaction with the testing decision.