bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Robust In Vitro Anti‐tuberculosis, Antimicrobial, and Anti‐inflammatory Activities Based on Azomethine Chelates Incorporating Co(II), Ni (II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) Ions: Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of the Aspects of Docking Interaction
Authors: Rani Manju , Devi Jai , Kumar Jai , Sharma Dhananjay
Published: August 2024

In recent times, there has been a growing exploration of transition metal complexes as potential solutions for significant health challenges, including tuberculosis, microbes infection, and inflammation. Therefore, in our ongoing effort to identify biologically effective agents, Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) metal complexes of H2L1–H2L2 hydrazone ligands were synthesized. The structural features of synthesized compounds were recognized by employing several techniques such as FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, powder x‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV‐Vis, ESR, TG‐DTA, mass spectrometry, and molar conductance measurements. The bonding of ligands via Ophenolic, Oenolic, and Nazomethine donor atoms and the attachment of the three water molecules with metal ion to form the octahedral structure of complexes were corroborated by different spectroscopic techniques. The anti‐tuberculosis, antimicrobial, and anti‐inflammatory activities of the synthesized compounds were assessed using the microplate alamar blue assay, serial dilution, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) methods, respectively, and highlighted the more potency of the complexes than ligands. The synthesized Cu(II) (9) and Zn(II) (10) metal complexes exhibited excellent ability to inhibit the growth of H37Rv strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in comparison to standard drug streptomycin. The Cu(II) (6 and 9) and Zn(II) (10) complexes showed superb ability as antimicrobial agents, whereas Cu(II) (5) and Zn(II) (6) complexes exhibited significant anti‐inflammatory ability. The in vitro findings on the antituberculosis activity were reinforced by a significant molecular docking study, which has become a crucial component of computational research utilizing the enzyme Mtb Pks13 thioesterase domain of M. tuberculosis. Additionally, in this research work, the absorption–distribution–metabolism–excretion–toxicity (ADMET) study sparked the compounds' drug‐like behavior.
A novel water‐in‐water emulsion drag reducer with instant solubility and viscosity enhancement for slickwater fracturing fluid
Authors: Liu Shichun , Tian Wei , Wang Xianwen , Yang Xudong , Xiao Shuqin , Cai Jiaming , Zhao Mingwei
Published: August 2024

Drag reducers are indispensable components of slickwater fracturing fluids and play a pivotal role in the reconstitution of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. Water‐in‐water emulsion (W/W) drag reducers have garnered significant attention owing to their rapid dissolution and environmentally benign properties. The solubility and viscosity enhancing ability of W/W drag reducers were further enhanced by synthesizing a novel W/W drag reducer through dispersion polymerization, thereby meeting the requirements of real‐time mixed fracturing construction technology. The solubility, viscosity enhancement, and synthesis state of the synthetic drag reducer were employed as evaluation criteria, whereby the synthetic systems underwent screening and optimization of the synthesis conditions. The final synthetic conditions were determined as follows: the monomer (AM and DMC) had a total mass concentration of 25 wt%, with an AM to DMC molar ratio of 95:5. The dispersion medium (sodium sulfate and sodium chloride) had a total mass concentration of 12 wt%, with a sodium sulfate to sodium chloride mass ratio of 1:2. The dispersion stabilizer PVP K60 had a mass concentration of 7 wt%. The initiator had a total mass concentration of 0.05 wt%, with an ammonium persulfate to sodium bisulfite mass ratio of 1:1. The reaction was conducted at 35°C and a stirring speed of 500 r min−1 for a duration of 8 h. The successful synthesis of the polymer was demonstrated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Environmental scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy have characterized that the drag reducer has good viscosity enhancement potential. The performance evaluation results show that the solid content of drag reducer was 32.68%, and the residue content was 11.70 mg L−1. The viscosity enhancement rate of 1.3 wt% drag reducer was 93.7%. The dissolution time of 0.1 wt% drag reducer was only 25 s. The drag‐reduction rate of drag reducer reached 73.52%. Experimental results have proved that the drag reducer has the advantages of instant solubility, appreciable viscosity enhancement and drag‐reduction efficiency, fully meeting the real‐time mixing fracturing construction conditions, improving construction efficiency, and reducing construction costs. We expect that this study can broaden the application of W/W drag reducers in unconventional reservoir and provide a theoretical basis for field applications.
Cognitive authority: A scoping review of empirical research. An Annual Review of Information Science and Technology (ARIST) paper
Authors: Hirvonen Noora , Multas Anna‐Maija , Nygård Tuula , Huotari Maija‐Leena
Published: August 2024

This article provides a scoping review of 25 years of research on the notion of cognitive authority (CA), examining its conceptualization and empirical examination. The review follows the PRISMA statement and its extension for scoping reviews. Peer‐reviewed journal articles on CA were identified through database searching with the specific search term “cognitive authorit*” in the title or abstract and covering work published in 2022 or earlier. In total, 235 unique references were identified, and their abstracts and then selected full texts were screened according to predetermined exclusion criteria. In total, 40 articles were included in the review, extracted, and analyzed with qualitative content analysis focusing on the conceptualization of CA, the methodological approach taken to examine it, and the different spheres of knowledge and levels of activity the research addressed. Based on this analysis, four parallel lines of research were identified including studies conceptualizing CA: (1) as an indicator of information source quality, (2) as discursively constructed, (3) as situated in social mechanisms and settings, and (4) as institutional legitimacy of science and professions. This body of research has extended Wilson's (1983; Second‐hand knowledge: An inquiry into cognitive authority. Greenwood Press) original work contributing to our understanding of CA at individual, communal, and societal levels.
Hidden Markov model‐based filtering for 2‐D Markov jump Roesser systems subject to analog fading channels
Authors: Ni Zhenghao , Li Feng , Su Lei , Fei Xihong , Wang Jing
Published: August 2024

This article considers the filtering problem for 2‐D Markov jump Roesser systems, in which the measurement signal is transmitted via analog fading channels. The time‐varying amplitude attenuation of the analog fading channels is described by the fading gain modeled as a random variable. The hidden Markov model is used to deal with the mode mismatch phenomenon between the plant and the filter, then a full‐order asynchronous filter is designed for 2‐D Markov jump Roesser systems under analog fading channels. The purpose is to introduce a filter to guarantee that the filtering error system is not only asymptotically mean square stable, but also satisfies the
disturbance attenuation performance. An improved decoupling method is proposed to acquire the 2‐D filter parameters such that the conservatism of the 2‐D filter designed law can be effectively reduced. Finally, a verification example and Darboux equation are given to illustrate the validity of the introduced asynchronous filter design law.
Scaling of Planar Sodium‐Nickel Chloride Battery Cells to 90 cm2 Active Area
Authors: Lan T. , Svaluto‐Ferro E. , Kovalska N. , Graeber G. , Vagliani F. , Basso D. , Turconi A. , Makowska M. , Blugan G. , Battaglia C. , Heinz M. V. F.
Published: August 2024

High‐temperature sodium‐nickel chloride (Na−NiCl2) batteries offer a competitive solution for stationary energy storage due to their long‐term stability, high energy efficiency, and sustainable raw materials. However, scaling up this technology faces challenges related to the costly integration of tubular Na‐β′′‐alumina ceramic electrolytes into hermetically sealed battery cells. Alternative cell designs with a planar Na‐β′′‐alumina ceramic electrolyte have been a focus of research for many years, and a series of achievements were made on cell design, on reduction of the operating temperature, and on the analysis of electrochemical reaction mechanisms. However, the data presented in these reports was derived from laboratory‐scale cells with small area (1–5 cm2). To date, there has been no research conducted on enlarging planar cells to an economically viable size. Here we report the fabrication of large planar Na‐β′′‐alumina electrolytes and their integration into planar Na−NiCl2 cells with 90 cm2 active area and >7 Ah capacity. Our cell design enabled cycling at 300 °C for three months, transferring a cumulative capacity of 323 Ah. We discuss design and engineering considerations for large planar high‐temperature cells emphasizing the need for cell stacking to compete with tubular Na−NiCl2 batteries in terms of mass‐specific energy.
Clustering‐triggered emission mechanism of carboxymethyl β‐cyclodextrin aqueous solution and efficient recognition of Fe3+ in mixed ions
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Wang Jun , Li Qi , Zhou Qing
Published: August 2024

Most nonconventional luminogens enjoy good water solubility and biocompatibility, showing unique application prospects in fields like biological imaging. Although clustering‐triggered emission (CTE) mechanisms have been proposed to explain such emissions, the have not been thoroughly elucidated, which limits their development and application. Here, the photoluminescence properties of carboxymethyl β‐cyclodextrin (CM‐β‐CD) aqueous solution are utilized to further investigate the effects of changes in concentration, in order to elucidate the emission mechanism through cryo‐transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM), small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), molecular interaction analysis, and theoretical calculation. The results showed that the size distribution, morphology, and distance between water aggregates were successfully correlated with the cluster emission centers. The emission mechanism of nonconventional luminogen solutions was more clearly and intuitively elucidated, which has a promoting effect on the emission and application of this field. It is interesting that temperature‐dependent emission spectra show the blue‐shift phenomenon of PL with increasing excitation wavelengths. Moreover, due to its strong static quenching effect for Fe3+, CM‐β‐CD can efficiently detect Fe3+ in mixed‐ion aqueous solutions. It provides a strategy to clarify the CTE mechanism of nonconventional luminogen solutions more clearly and its application of mixed‐ion detection.
Supporting Ukrainian refugees: Examining intergroup contact, empathy and European identity in promoting helping behaviours
Authors: Destro Calogero Lo , Rullo Marika , Telesca Giovanni , Visintin Emilio Paolo
Published: August 2024

The escalation of the Russian–Ukrainian conflict has forced many Ukrainian people to leave their country seeking safety and support. To date, more than 6 million of refugees have crossed the borders into neighbouring countries. Nearly all European countries were involved in refugee‐hosting, including Italy. In a cross‐sectional study with Italian respondents (N = 338), we examined direct contact with and empathy towards Ukrainians and identification with Europe as predictors of helping behaviours towards Ukrainian refugees. Specifically, based on intergroup contact theory, we expected contact to be associated with helping behaviours via increased empathy. The European identity, rooted in values such as tolerance and egalitarianism can be seen as a common ingroup that includes people from various European countries, including Ukrainians. Consequently, it should be associated with helping behaviours, and could boost the effects of contact and empathy. As hypothesised, identification with Europe boosted the direct effect of contact on helping behaviours. Instead, the indirect effect of contact on helping behaviours via empathy was significant only among respondents with low Identification with Europe. This research highlights processes related to intergroup helping behaviours and, more specifically, participation in humanitarian initiatives favouring Ukrainian refugees. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Lavandula angustifolia Herb from Ukraine: Comparative Chemical Profile and in vitro Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Mykhailenko Olha , Hurina Viktoriia , Ivanauskas Liudas , Marksa Mindaugas , Skybitska Mariia , Kovalenko Oleh , Lytkin Dmytro , Vladymyrova Inna , Georgiyants Victoriya
Published: August 2024

Lavandula L. genus plants have always been relevant as medicines for various purposes in food, medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetology and aromology. Ukraine is a new territory in the mass plant cultivation and lavender essential oil production. Therefore, the issue of integrated use of herbal raw materials and their intended use is still relevant. For the first time, ten samples of Lavendula angustifolia herb from 5 growing regions of Ukraine were studied for the composition and content of polyphenols and terpenoids using HPLC and HPTLC methods, respectively, to assess the prospects and quality of herbal raw materials. The results obtained showed that L. angustifolia herb has pronounced antioxidant activity due to the high content of phenolic compounds, namely hyperoside (5.665–11.629 mg/g), vanillic acid (5.986–11.196 mg/g), rosmarinic acid (0.211 to 1.488 mg/g), caffeic acid (0.369–3.835 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (0.239–4.619 mg/g), genistein‐7‐O‐glucoside, as well as due to the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate, which was confirmed by qualitative analysis. The total antioxidant activity was the highest in samples from Lviv Botanical Garden (0.293 Trolox mg/mL), Kyiv OLawander (0.288 Trolox mg/mL), Kharkiv Bohodukhiv (0.270 Trolox mg/mL) which is due to the qualitative composition of phenolic compounds. At the same time, the most intense zones of terpenoids in lavender herb were noted for images from Kharkiv region Lebiazhe and Kitchenkivka villiges. Cluster analysis showed priority in the selection of marker compounds (vanillic acid, hyperoside, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid) for lavender herb based on their quantitative content in the samples. In the future, lavender herb from Ukraine can be considered as a promising raw material with neuroprotective properties as part of its complex use, as research continues.
A failing right heart in an eggshell: A case report of idiopathic constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Balaji Nivedha , Dodoo Sheriff N. , Adams Alex , Dixit Priyadarshini , Acosta Giancarlo , Burkle Jaime
Published: August 2024

key Clinical Message

Constrictive Pericarditis is a rare fibrotic conversion of the pericardium that results in non‐specific clinical symptoms such as hepatomegaly, ascites, pleural effusions, and lower extremity edema. A multi‐modal diagnostic approach with cardiac imaging tools, cardiac hemodynamic measurements, and tissue biopsy can be used to diagnose Constrictive Pericarditis.

Constrictive Pericarditis is a rare complication resulting in the fibrotic conversion of the pericardium secondary to idiopathic, infective, post‐surgical, or post‐radiation etiologies. The rigid and restrictive nature of the pericardium can result in non‐specific symptoms of volume overload that can mimic liver cirrhosis or congestive heart failure. We present the case of a 73‐year‐old female with constrictive pericarditis who presented with vague symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, and bilateral lower extremity edema. This case report highlights the clinical manifestation, invasive, and non‐invasive diagnostic work‐up, and management of constrictive pericarditis.
Obesity as a misleading factor in the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus: A case report
Authors: Dróżdż Olgierd , Bińczyk Wiktoria , Siudek Bartosz , Błaszczyszyn Katarzyna , Grajnert Filip Jan , Grzelka Michalina Zofia , Rabczyński Maciej
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

A comprehensive evaluation, including symptoms, medical history, C‐peptide levels, and anti‐GAD antibodies, is essential for distinguishing between diabetes' types, particularly in cases of diagnostic uncertainty. While obesity is often associated with T2DM, BMI should be viewed as a factor rather than a criterion for the exclusion of diabetes type.
The Wheel of Fortune: Helical Wheel Alanine Scanning of a Spider Venom Antimicrobial Peptide Reveals Residues Involved in Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Fernando Jomari C. , Batucan Jeremiah D. , Peran Jacquelyn E. , Salvador‐Reyes Lilibeth A. , Villaraza Aaron Joseph L.
Published: August 2024

A preference for several amino acids is observed to occur at particular positions of cationic α‐helical antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which ensures the formation of amphipathic regions once they assume their correct secondary structure in membranes or membrane‐mimicking environments and makes them active against pathogens. This study determined the effect of alanine mutations on the secondary structure and bioactivity of lyp1987 (GRLQAFLAKMKEIAAQTL‐NH2), a cationic α‐helical AMP obtained from the venom of Lycosa poonaensis which exhibits broad range activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria with micromolar minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). CD spectroscopy revealed no significant difference in the secondary structure, with all alanine‐substituted analogs exhibiting predominantly α‐helical structure in buffered 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol solution. Alanine substitution at Glu12 and Thr17 increased the activity of lyp1987 against Gram‐positive and ‐negative bacteria, while alanine substitution at Lys9 increased its selectivity against Gram‐positive bacteria. Further investigation can be done to determine positions and substitutions that will give less cytotoxic analogs.
Adsorption of Colloidal Nanoparticles to Supports: Employing Electrostatic Charge Screening and Barrierless Self‐Assembly as Nanointegration Strategy
Authors: Tack Meike , Plech Anton , Reichenberger Sven
Published: August 2024

Surfactant‐free nanoparticles can be adsorbed on a support material by electrostatic deposition which requires electrostatic attraction between the nanoparticles and the support material. However, when nanoparticles and support have a similar isoelectric point (IEP), it is difficult to create such electrostatically attractive conditions and trigger the adsorption process by pH adjustment. In this work, we present an alternative approach to support laser‐generated metal nanoparticles by controlled precipitation onto thin graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets via a kinetically barrierless process induced by high ionic strength. This enables supporting the nanoparticles on the GO sheets with a uniform distribution even though they share a similar IEP. The broad applicability of this method is demonstrated by using different metals, nanoparticle diameters, and mass loadings. In summary, this approach allows supporting nanoparticles regardless of their surface charge.
Dysregulation of parvalbumin expression and neurotransmitter imbalance in the auditory cortex of the BTBR mouse model of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Tang Binliang , Zhao Jingting , Zhang Cui , Qi Pengwei , Zheng Shuyu , Xu Chengyuan , Chen Ming , Ye Xiangming
Published: August 2024

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently exhibit abnormalities in auditory perception, a phenomenon potentially attributed to alterations in the excitatory and inhibitory cells constituting cortical circuits. However, the exact genetic factors and cell types affected by ASD remain unclear. The present study investigated the balance of excitatory and inhibitory activity in the auditory cortex using BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, a well‐established model for autism research. Our investigation unveiled a reduction in parvalbumin‐positive (PV+) neurons within the AC of BTBR mice. Remarkably, in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies disclosed an elevation in glutamate (Glu) levels alongside a decrement in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in this cortical region. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis of the mouse model facilitated the classification of several ASD‐associated genes based on their cellular function and pathways. By comparing autism risk genes with RNA transcriptome sequencing data from the ASD mouse model, we identified the recurrent target gene Scn1a and performed validation. Intriguingly, we uncovered the specific expression of Scn1a in cortical inhibitory neurons. These findings hold significant value for understanding the underlying neural mechanisms of abnormal sensory perception in animal models of ASD.
Genesis and reservoir preservation mechanism of 10 000‐m ultradeep dolomite in Chinese craton basin
Authors: Zhu Guangyou , Li Xi , Zhao Bin , Jiang Hua , Cao Yinghui , Zhang Yan , Chen Weiyan , Li Tingting , Hou Jiakai
Published: August 2024

The 10 000‐m ultradeep dolomite reservoir holds significant potential as a successor field for future oil and gas exploration in China's marine craton basin. However, major challenges such as the genesis of dolomite, the formation time of high‐quality reservoirs, and the preservation mechanism of reservoirs have always limited exploration decision‐making. This research systematically elaborates on the genesis and reservoir‐forming mechanisms of Sinian–Cambrian dolomite, discussing the ancient marine environment where microorganisms and dolomite develop, which controls the formation of large‐scale Precambrian–Cambrian dolomite. The periodic changes in Mg isotopes and sedimentary cycles show that the thick‐layered dolomite is the result of different dolomitization processes superimposed on a spatiotemporal scale. Lattice defects and dolomite embryos can promote dolomitization. By simulating the dissolution of typical calcite and dolomite crystal faces in different solution systems and calculating their molecular weights, the essence of heterogeneous dissolution and pore formation on typical calcite and dolomite crystal faces was revealed, and the mechanism of dolomitization was also demonstrated. The properties of calcite and dolomite (104)/(110) grain boundaries and their dissolution mechanism in carbonate solution were revealed, showing the limiting factors of the dolomitization process and the preservation mechanism of deep buried dolomite reservoirs. The in situ laser U‐Pb isotope dating technique has demonstrated the timing of dolomitization and pore formation in ancient carbonate rocks. This research also proposed that dolomitization occurred during the quasi‐contemporaneous or shallow‐burial periods within 50 Ma after deposition and pores formed during the quasi‐contemporaneous to the early diagenetic periods. And it was clear that the quasi‐contemporaneous dolomitization was the key period for reservoir formation. The systematic characterization of the spatial distribution of the deepest dolomite reservoirs in multiple sets of the Sinian and the Cambrian in the Chinese craton basins provides an important basis for the distribution prediction of large‐scale dolomite reservoirs. It clarifies the targets for oil and gas exploration at depths over 10 000 m. The research on dolomite in this study will greatly promote China's ultradeep oil and gas exploration and lead the Chinese petroleum industry into a new era of 10 000‐m deep oil exploration.
Metal Acetylene Dicarboxlylates as Catalyst for Printable Low Temperature Carbon Precursors
Authors: Otto Thomas , Gellrich Christin , Bräuniger Yannik , Mielewczyk Lukas , Getzschmann Jürgen , Seewald Felix , Klauss Hans‐Henning , Grothe Julia , Kaskel Stefan
Published: August 2024

The synthesis of various metal acetylene dicarboxylates (MxADC, M=Cu, Ag, Fe, Co, Ni) via new methods are reported. The previously unknown crystal structures for Ag2ADC and FeADC are presented. The behaviour of the different metal dicarboxylates and their role as graphitization catalysts in a printable highly energetic carbon precursor is investigated in detail. Despite the copper compound has the lowest decomposition temperature of all studied acetylene dicarboxylates and is significantly enhancing the conductivity of carbon thin films obtained at low pyrolysis temperatures, the catalytic effect of cobalt and iron on graphitizing carbon results in a superior conductivity in carbon thin films pyrolyzed at lower temperatures down to 600 °C. The newly designed precursors are demonstrated to produce micro‐supercapacitors via 3D‐piezoelectric inkjet technique at low pyrolysis temperature.
A Metal‐Free Photochemical Atom Transfer Radical Addition of CBr4 onto Alkenes as a Key Step for Their Conversion to Propargylamines
Authors: Kontara Iliana I. , Panagiotari Vasiliki A. , Mountanea Olga G. , Mantzourani Christiana , Gkizis Petros L. , Kokotos George
Published: August 2024

Α green and sustainable metal‐free photochemical protocol for the atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) of carbon tetrabromide onto alkenes was developed. Phenylglyoxylic acid was employed as the photoinitiator to promote the water‐mediated anti‐Markovnikov photochemical addition. A vast variety of alkenes was employed successfully, providing the corresponding products in good to high yields with excellent regioselectivity. The photochemical protocol found an application towards the three‐step synthesis of secondary or tertiary propargylamines starting from alkenes.
Impacts of early psychological changes on correlates of weight‐loss maintenance: Seeking increased precision for sustained behavioural obesity treatment effects
Authors: Annesi James J. , Powell Sara M. , Stewart Francine A.
Published: August 2024

Issue Addressed

Obesity is an increasing worldwide health issue. In affluent English‐speaking countries, obesity ranges from ~28% (Australia) to ~42% (United States) of the adult population. Enabling weight loss beyond an initial 6 months is an unresolved challenge.

Methods

Women with obesity participated in community‐based obesity treatments incorporating either cognitive‐behavioural methods emphasizing self‐regulatory skills development (n = 106) or typical information/education processes (n = 47). Psychosocial, behavioural, and weight changes were measured.

Results

Significant overall improvements in exercise‐related self‐regulation and self‐efficacy, mood, physical activity/exercise (PA/exercise), diet, and weight were found from baseline–month 6 (weight‐loss phase) and baseline–month 12, but not from months 6–12 (weight‐loss maintenance phase). Significantly greater improvements were found in the cognitive‐behavioural group. Within the weight‐loss phase, changes in both PA/exercise and diet significantly contributed to the explained variance in weight loss, whereas within the weight‐loss maintenance phase, only change in PA/exercise was a significant predictor. There was no significant relationship of weight loss across phases. Months 6–12 change in PA/exercise significantly mediated relationships of changes in self‐regulation→weight, mood→weight, and self‐efficacy→weight. Earlier scores and score changes in mood and self‐efficacy significantly impacted the subsequent parallel relationships.

Conclusions

Cognitive‐behavioural methods affect psychosocial changes leading to initial changes in diet, PA/exercise, and weight. Those changes then impact subsequent changes in PA/exercise—a primary malleable correlate of maintained weight loss.

So What?

This research extended previous findings to better‐inform behavioural obesity‐treatment foci to address the pervasive public health problem of attaining and sustaining weight loss. Findings related to PA/exercise will help impact health‐promotion outcomes.
Comparative analysis of prescription patterns and errors in government versus private hospitals in Dhaka: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Samad Md Abdus , Sikdar K. M. Yasif Kayes , Munia Ashfia Tasnim , Patwary Farhan Tanvir , Sarkar Md Raihan , Rashed Md. Rashidul Islam
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

Prescription errors can inadvertently compromise the effectiveness and increase the risk of adverse events. This study aims to compare prescription patterns and errors between government and private hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh, by evaluating the World Health Organization (WHO) prescription indicators, polypharmacy, and omission errors.

Methods

Between September 2021 and November 2021, a total of 399 prescriptions were collected from outpatient departments of various government and private hospitals from patients or their attendants. The data were analyzed using the statistical package STATA 15. Chi‐square and Fisher's exact test were employed to determine associations (p < 0.05) among various types of categorical data.

Results

Of the collected prescriptions, 48% (n = 192) were from government, while 52% (n = 207) were from private hospitals. The mean number of medicines per prescription was 5.16 for government and 5.87 for private hospitals. Generic names were absent (0%) in both types of hospitals. Antibiotics were present in 34.37% of prescriptions from government and 51.69% from private hospitals. Moreover, injection were found in 17.70% of government and 18.35% of private hospitals' prescriptions. Government hospitals adhered to 67.97% of the essential drug list, whereas private hospitals adhered to 80.42%. Associations between hospital types were observed in missing age, and comorbidities, while no association was found in inscription mistakes. Missing dates and signatures were also associated with hospital types. Polypharmacy was observed in 49.47% of government hospitals and 71.01% of private hospitals. Additionally, polypharmacy in females, pediatrics, geriatrics, and missing comorbidity were also associated with hospital types (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both government and private hospitals exhibited similar deviations from the WHO prescribing indicators. While government hospitals showed more omission errors, private hospitals exhibited higher rates of polypharmacy. Physicians in both types of hospitals should be vigilant about omission errors, maintain the WHO prescribing indicators, and minimize polypharmacy.
The mediating role of self‐esteem in the relationship between hope and life satisfaction among university students during a global health crisis
Authors: Chan Stephen Cheong Yu , Huang Qi Lu
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

The worldwide health emergency sparked by the COVID‐19 pandemic has deeply shaken educational environments, posing unprecedented challenges to university students’ well‐being. While individual links between self‐esteem, hope, and well‐being are established, their combined impacts during crises remain underexplored. Our study addresses this gap by investigating the interplay among hope, self‐esteem, and life satisfaction within the context of university students navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Methods

Conducting an online cross‐sectional self‐administered survey during Hong Kong's third pandemic wave, we measured hope, self‐esteem, and life satisfaction using validated scales. Three hundred and fifteen university students (211 females; mean age = 22.08;SD = 2.74) participated.

Results

Through multiple regression and mediation analyses, our findings indicate that university students with elevated hope and self‐esteem scored higher on life satisfaction measures. Specifically, our analysis revealed that self‐esteem may serve as a partial mediator in the relationship between hope and life satisfaction, highlighting how heightened hope indirectly enhances life satisfaction by strengthening self‐esteem.

Conclusion

This study reveals intricate relationships among hope, self‐esteem, and life satisfaction in university students, particularly during external adversities like the COVID‐19 pandemic. The implications extend to mental health interventions, emphasizing the potential benefits of cultivating hope and self‐esteem to enhance life satisfaction among university students confronting formidable challenges.
Structure designing, interface engineering, and application prospects for sodium‐ion inorganic solid electrolytes
Authors: Wu Meng , Liu Hong , Qi Xiang , Li Dabing , Wang Chao , Nan Ce‐Wen , Fan Li‐Zhen
Published: August 2024

All‐solid Na‐ion batteries (ASNIBs) present significant potential for integration into large‐scale energy storage systems, capitalizing on their abundant raw materials, exemplary safety, and high energy density. Among the pivotal components propelling the advancement of ASNIBs, inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs) have garnered substantial attention in recent years due to their high ionic conductivity (σ), wide electrochemical stability window (ESW), and high shear modulus. Herein, this review systematically encapsulates the latest strides in Na‐ion ISEs, furnishing a comprehensive panorama of various ISE systems along with their interface engineering strategies against the electrodes. The prime focus resides in accentuating key strategies for refining ion conduction properties and interfacial compatibility of ISEs through structure design and interface modification. Furthermore, the review explores the foremost challenges and prospects inherent to sodium‐ion ISEs, striving to deepen our understanding of how to engineer more robust and efficient ISEs and interface stability, poised for the forthcoming era of advanced ASNIBs.
Estrogen treatment in combination with pyruvate kinase M2 inhibition precipitate significant cumulative antitumor effects in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zamer Batoul Abi , Cui Zheng‐Guo , Eladl Mohamed Ahmed , Hamad Mawieh , Muhammad Jibran Sualeh
Published: August 2024

It is well established that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) activity contributes to metabolic reprogramming in various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Estrogen or 17β‐estradiol (E2) signaling is also known to modulate glycolysis markers in cancer cells. However, whether the inhibition of PKM2 combined with E2 treatment could adversely affect glucose metabolism in CRC cells remains to be investigated. First, we confirmed the metabolic plasticity of CRC cells under varying environmental conditions. Next, we identified glycolysis markers that were upregulated in CRC patients and assessed in vitro mRNA levels following E2 treatment. We found that PKM2 expression, which is highly upregulated in CRC clinical samples, is not altered by E2 treatment in CRC cells. In this study, glucose uptake, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate production, cell viability, and apoptosis were evaluated in CRC cells following E2 treatment, PKM2 silencing, or a combination of both. Compared to individual treatments, combination therapy resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability and enhanced apoptosis. Glucose uptake and ROS production were markedly reduced in PKM2‐silenced E2‐treated cells. The data presented here suggest that E2 signaling combined with PKM2 inhibition cumulatively targets glucose metabolism in a manner that negatively impacts CRC cell growth. These findings hold promise for novel therapeutic strategies targeting altered metabolic pathways in CRC.
Targeting the hydrophobic region of pyroglutamate‐modified amyloid‐β by tyrocidine A prevents its nucleation–aggregation process and its “catalytic effect” on the Aβs aggregation
Authors: Qin Wenjing , Chen Daoyuan , Wang Youqiao , Liu Ziyi , Zhou Binhua , Bu Xianzhang , Wen Gesi
Published: August 2024

Pyroglutamate (pE)‐modified amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides play a crucial role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. pEAβ3‐42 can rapidly form oligomers that gradually elongate hydrophobic segments to form β‐sheet‐rich amyloid intermediates, ultimately resulting in the formation of mature amyloid fibrils. pEAβ3‐42 can also catalyze the aggregation of Aβ species and subsequently accelerate the formation of amyloid senile plaques. Considering the recent clinical success of the pEAβ3‐42‐targeting antibody donanemab, molecules that strongly bind pEAβ3‐42 and prevent its aggregation and catalytic effect on Aβs may also provide potential therapeutic options for Alzheimer's disease. Here, we demonstrate that the natural antibiotic cyclopeptide tyrocidine A (TA) not only strongly inhibits the aggregation of Aβ1‐42 as previously reported, but also interacts with the hydrophobic C‐terminus and middle domain of pEAβ3‐42 to maintain an unordered conformation, effectively impeding the formation of initial oligomers and subsequently halting the aggregation of pEAβ3‐42. Furthermore, TA can disrupt the “catalytic effect” of pEAβ3‐42 on amyloid aggregates, effectively suppressing Aβ aggregation and ultimately preventing the pathological events induced by Aβs.
mTORC2 knockdown mediates lipid metabolism to alleviate hyperlipidemic pancreatitis through PPARα
Authors: Wang Xiangyang , Liu Yilei , Zhou Yaxiong , Li Min , Mo Tingting , Xu Xiaoping , Chen Zhiyuan , Zhang Yu , Yang Li
Published: August 2024

Hyperlipidemic pancreatitis (HP) is an inflammatory injury of the pancreas triggered by elevated serum triglyceride (TG) levels. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating lipid homeostasis and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate whether the activity of mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) affects the progression of HP and its underlying mechanisms. In vivo, a high‐fat diet and retrograde administration of sodium taurocholate were employed to establish the HP models in rats, with pancreatic tissue pathology evaluated. The expression of Rictor and peroxisome proliferator‐activator receptor (PPAR) was examined. The serum levels of TG, fatty acid metabolites, inflammatory and lipid metabolism‐related factors were determined. In vitro, pancreatic acinar cells (PACs) were exposed to palmitic acid and cholecystokinin‐8. PAC apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis were assessed. In the HP models, rats and PACs exhibited upregulated Rictor and downregulated PPARα, and Rictor knockdown promoted PPARα expression. In vivo, Rictor knockdown decreased the serum levels of TG, α‐amylase, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and inflammatory factors, while increasing high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Rictor knockdown increased ACOX1 and CPT1α and decreased SREBP‐1, CD36, SCD1, ACLY, and ACACA. Rictor knockdown reduced damage to pancreatic tissue structure. In vitro, Rictor knockdown inhibited PAC apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. Treatment with the PPARα antagonist GW6471 abolished the beneficial effects of Rictor knockdown. Rictor/mTORC2 deficiency reduces serum TG levels, maintains lipid homeostasis, and suppresses inflammation by inhibiting PPARα expression. Weakening mTORC2 activity holds promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for HP.
Astaxanthin ameliorated isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction via improving the mitochondrial function and antioxidant activity in rats
Authors: Mahmoud Doaa Salah Eddin , Kamel Maher A. , El‐Sayed Ibrahim El‐Tantawy , Binsuwaidan Reem , Elmongy Elshaymaa I. , Razzaq Mohand Kareem , Abd Eldaim Mabrouk Attia , Ahmed El S. Abdel Megeed , Shaker Sara A.
Published: August 2024

The present study evaluated the cardioprotective effect of astaxanthin (ASX) against isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction in rats via the pathway of mitochondrial biogenesis as the possible molecular target of astaxanthin. The control group was injected with normal physiological saline subcutaneously for 2 days. The second group was injected with ISO at a dose of 85 mg/kg bwt subcutaneously for 2 days. The third, fourth and fifth groups were supplemented with ASX at doses of 10, 20, 30 mg/kg bwt, respectively daily by oral gavage for 21 days then injected with ISO dose of 85 mg/kg bwt subcutaneously for 2 successive days. Isoproterenol administration in rats elevated the activities of Creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and other serum cardiac biomarkers Troponin‐I activities, oxidative stress biomarkers, malondialdehyde(MDA), Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐KB), while it decreased Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator (PGC‐1α), Nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (Nfe212), mitochondrial transcriptional factor A (mt TFA), mitochondrial DNA copy number and glutathione system parameters. However, Astaxanthin decreased the activities of serum AST, LDH, CK‐MB, and Troponin I that elevated by ISO. In addition, it increased glutathione peroxidase and reductase activities, total glutathione and reduced GSH content, and GSH/GSSG ratio, mtDNA copy number, PGC‐1α expression and Tfam expression that improved mitochondrial biogenesis while it decreased GSSG and MDA contents and NF‐KB level in the cardiac tissues. This study indicated that astaxanthin relieved isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction via scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative damage and apoptosis in cardiac tissue.
Changes in Red Cell Morphology and Haematological Laboratory Parameters Associated With Alectinib
Authors: Li Ting Hon Stanford , Chik Yin Kwan Jeannie , Ng Ka Yan , Wong Wai Shan
Published: August 2024

Background

Alectinib is a second‐generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor indicated for ALK‐mutated non‐small‐cell lung cancer. Recently, the association between alectinib and red cell morphological abnormalities has been reported in a few case series. This retrospective observational study aims to determine the frequency of occurrence of acanthocytosis in patients taking alectinib and to evaluate the red cell indices, biochemical markers of haemolysis and eosin‐5‐maleimide (EMA) binding assay results in patients receiving alectinib.

Methods

Patients who were on alectinib and had a complete blood count test performed in Queen Elizabeth Hospital Haematology Laboratory between 1 May 2021 and 31 August 2021 were included in the study. Haematological investigations that had been performed before and after the commencement of alectinib were reviewed.

Results

Fifty patients receiving alectinib were evaluated in this analysis. One hundred per cent of patients showed 3+ acanthocytes on the peripheral blood smears. Compared with the test results before starting alectinib, the post‐alectinib blood tests showed a significantly lower haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count and haematocrit; and a significantly higher mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and red cell distribution width. All the tested patients showed a marked reduction in EMA mean channel fluorescence compared with normal control.

Conclusion

Our cohort revealed that alectinib caused significant acanthocytosis in all patients. Alectinib was also associated with changes in red cell indices and biochemical markers of haemolysis, compatible with a spherocytic and anisopoikilocytic morphology with haemolysis. Patients on alectinib had reduced EMA binding.
Five‐cycle double cover and shortest cycle cover
Authors: Liu Siyan , Hao Rong‐Xia , Luo Rong , Zhang Cun‐Quan
Published: August 2024

The 5‐even subgraph cycle double cover conjecture (5‐CDC conjecture) asserts that every bridgeless graph has a 5‐even subgraph double cover. A shortest even subgraph cover of a graph is a family of even subgraphs which cover all the edges of and the sum of their lengths is minimum. It is conjectured that every bridgeless graph has an even subgraph cover with total length at most . In this paper, we study those two conjectures for weak oddness 2 cubic graphs and present a sufficient condition for such graphs to have a 5‐CDC containing a member with many vertices. As a corollary, we show that for every oddness 2 cubic graph  satisfying the sufficient condition has a 4‐even subgraph ‐cover with total length at most . We also show that every oddness 2 cubic graph  with girth at least 30 has a 5‐CDC containing a member of length at least and thus it has a 4‐even subgraph ‐cover with total length at most .
Portal vein hypoplasia is present in patients with biliary atresia at the time of diagnosis
Authors: Takimoto Aitaro , Wolfe Nicholas , Jiahui Liu , Kato Daiki , Yasui Akihiro , Uchida Hiroo , Asai Akihiro
Published: August 2024

Background

In patients with biliary atresia (BA), severe portal hypertension (HTN) develops even with successful bile flow restoration, suggesting an intrinsic factor driving portal HTN independent from bile obstruction. We hypothesize that patients with BA have abnormal portal vein (PV) development, leading to PV hypoplasia.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, we enrolled patients who were referred to a tertiary center from 2017 to 2021 to rule out BA. Newborns who underwent computed tomography angiogram as a clinical routine before intraoperative cholangiogram, and laparoscopic Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy. The diameter of the PV and hepatic artery (HA) were compared to the degree of liver fibrosis in the wedge biopsies. The jaundice clearance, native liver survival, and clinical portal hypertensive events, including ascites development and intestinal bleeding, were assessed.

Results

47 newborns with cholestasis were included in the cohort; 35 were diagnosed with BA. The patients with BA had a smaller median PV diameter (4.3 vs. 5.1 mm; p < 0.001) and larger median HA diameter (1.4 vs. 1.2 mm; p < 0.05) compared to the patients with other forms of cholestasis. The median PV and HA diameter did not correlate with the degree of liver fibrosis. Among 35 patients with BA, 29 patients (82.9%) achieved jaundice clearance, and 23 patients (65.7%) were alive with their native liver at two years of age. Seven patients (20%) developed intestinal bleeding, and seven patients (20%) developed ascites, with one overlapping patient.

Conclusion

PV hypoplasia is present in patients with BA independent of liver fibrosis at the time of diagnosis.
Patients' joint perception after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction as a reliable patient‐reported outcome measure
Authors: Mirghaderi Peyman , Poursalehian Mohammad , Eshraghi Nasim , Ayati Firoozabadi Mohammad , Mortazavi S. M. Javad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate and compare patients' joint perception (PJP) with other commonly employed patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) in a cohort of patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 108 patients who underwent ACLR between 2017 and 2021, with complete data available for visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, PJP, Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), Tegner Activity Scale, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport After Injury (ACL‐RSI), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS) and The Hospital for Special Surgery Anterior Cruciate Ligament Satisfaction Survey (HSS ACL‐SS) at a mean follow‐up of 3 years. Spearman's rank‐order correlation was used to determine the correlations between clinical scores. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the discriminatory power of the chosen PROMs in detecting natural joint perception. Natural joint perception was defined as patients responding ‘like a native or natural joint’ or PJP = 1. This study hypothesized that PJP would demonstrate significant correlations with established PROMs, indicating its reliability and validity as a tool for assessing outcomes following ACLR.

Results

PJP showed significant correlations with all the reported PROMs, suggesting its potential as a valid and reliable assessment tool for evaluating ACLR outcomes. The ROC curve analysis indicated a good area under the curve for identifying natural joint perception using various PROMs. According to the PJP, nearly 20% of patients reported natural joint perception.

Conclusion

This study evaluates PJP as a reliable tool for assessing patient outcomes following ACLR. Its significant correlation with other established PROMs underscores its potential as a valuable addition to the existing array of PROMs in ACLR.

Level of Evidence

Level III.