bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced single‐base mutation diversity by the combination of cytidine deaminase with DNA‐repairing enzymes in yeast
Authors: Huang Zi‐Rui , Chen Xiang‐Rong , Liu Dan‐Feng , Cui You‐Zhi , Li Bing‐Zhi , Yuan Ying‐Jin
Published: August 2023

The occurrence of random mutations can increase the diversity of the genome and promote the evolutionary process of organisms. High efficiency mutagenesis techniques significantly accelerate the evolutionary process. In this work, we describe a targeted mutagenesis system named MutaT7trans to significantly increase mutation rate and generate mutations across all four nucleotides in yeast. We constructed different DNA‐repairing enzyme‐PmCDA1‐T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) fusion proteins, achieved targeted mutagenesis by flanking the target gene with T7 promoters, and tuned the mutation spectra by introducing different DNA‐repairing enzymes. With this mutagenesis tool, the proportion of non‐C → T mutations was 10–11‐fold higher than the cytidine deaminase‐based evolutionary tools, and the transversion mutation frequency was also elevated. The mutation rate of the target gene was significantly increased to 5.25 × 10−3 substitutions per base (s. p. b.). We also demonstrated that MutaT7trans could be used to evolve the CrtE, CrtI, and CrtYB gene in the β‐carotene biosynthesis process and generate different types of mutations.
Machine learning chained neural network analysis of oxygen transport amplifies the physiological relevance of vascularized microphysiological systems
Authors: Tronolone James J. , Mathur Tanmay , Chaftari Christopher P. , Sun Yuxiang , Jain Abhishek
Published: August 2023

Since every biological system requires capillaries to support its oxygenation, design of engineered preclinical models of such systems, for example, vascularized microphysiological systems (vMPS) have gained attention enhancing the physiological relevance of human biology and therapies. But the physiology and function of formed vessels in the vMPS is currently assessed by non‐standardized, user‐dependent, and simple morphological metrics that poorly relate to the fundamental function of oxygenation of organs. Here, a chained neural network is engineered and trained using morphological metrics derived from a diverse set of vMPS representing random combinations of factors that influence the vascular network architecture of a tissue. This machine‐learned algorithm outputs a singular measure, termed as vascular network quality index (VNQI). Cross‐correlation of morphological metrics and VNQI against measured oxygen levels within vMPS revealed that VNQI correlated the most with oxygen measurements. VNQI is sensitive to the determinants of vascular networks and it consistently correlates better to the measured oxygen than morphological metrics alone. Finally, the VNQI is positively associated with the functional outcomes of cell transplantation therapies, shown in the vascularized islet‐chip challenged with hypoxia. Therefore, adoption of this tool will amplify the predictions and enable standardization of organ‐chips, transplant models, and other cell biosystems.
Efficient optimization of time‐varying inputs in a fed‐batch cell culture process using design of dynamic experiments
Authors: Luo Yu , Stanton Duane A. , Sharp Rachel C. , Parrillo Alexis J. , Morgan Kelsey T. , Ritz Diana B. , Talwar Sameer
Published: August 2023

In cell culture process development, we rely largely on an iterative, one‐factor‐at‐a‐time procedure based on experiments that explore a limited process space. Design of experiments (DoE) addresses this issue by allowing us to analyze the effects of process inputs on process responses systematically and efficiently. However, DoE cannot be applied directly to study time‐varying process inputs unless an impractically large number of bioreactors is used. Here, we adopt the methodology of design of dynamic experiments (DoDE) and incorporate dynamic feeding profiles efficiently in late‐stage process development of the manufacture of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. We found that, for the specific cell line used in this article, (1) not only can we estimate the effect of nutrient feed amount on various product attributes, but we can also estimate the effect, develop a statistical model, and use the model to optimize the slope of time‐trended feed rates; (2) in addition to the slope, higher‐order dynamic characteristics of time‐trended feed rates can be incorporated in the design but do not have any significant effect on the responses we measured. Based on the DoDE data, we developed a statistical model and used the model to optimize several process conditions. Our effort resulted in a tangible improvement in productivity—compared with the baseline process without dynamic feeding, this optimized process in a 200‐L batch achieved a 27% increase in titer and > 92% viability. We anticipate our application of DoDE to be a starting point for more efficient workflows to optimize dynamic process conditions in process development.
Chemical Composition, Mosquito Larvicidal and Antimicrobial Activities, and Molecular Docking Study of Essential Oils of Cinnamomum melastomaceum, Neolitsea buisanensis and Uvaria microcarpa from Vietnam
Authors: Pham Ty Viet , Ha Nguyen Xuan , Luyen Nguyen Dinh , Xuan Thao Hoang , Le Quoc Thang , Hung Nguyen Huy , The Son Ninh
Published: August 2023

The leaf oil compositions of two Lauraceae and one Annonaceae plants cultivated in Vietnam were analysed by GC/MS (gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry) analysis. The leaf oil of the first Lauraceae plant Cinnamomum melastomaceum contained 34 identified compounds, in which benzyl benzoate (38.5 %), linalool (19.9 %), (E)‐caryophyllene (10.5 %), and α‐terpineol (6.9 %) were the major compounds. The leaves of the second Lauraceae plant Neolitsea buisanensis gave an oil with the main compounds (E)‐β‐ocimene (24.0 %), benzyl benzoate (15.8 %), bicyclogermacrene (14.9 %), and (E)‐caryophyllene (6.3 %). The leaf oil of the Annonaceae plant Uvaria microcarpa consisted of the principal compounds (E)‐caryophyllene (18.0 %), bicyclogermacrene (8.1 %), and δ‐elemene (6.1 %). Two Lauraceae oil samples exhibited strong mosquito larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus with LC50 and LD90 values of less than 50 μg/mL. The Annonaceae oil sample showed strong antimicrobial activity against the fungus Aspergillus niger ATCC 1015 with the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) value of 32 μg/mL. In the docking approach, the major compounds (E)‐caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene, and benzyl benzoate interacted with the mosquito odorant‐binding protein 3OGN, whereas (E)‐caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene, and δ‐elemene also potentially interacted with the 4ZA5 protein of fungus A. niger.
Theoretical, in Vitro Antiproliferative, and in Silico Molecular Docking and Pharmacokinetics Studies of Heteroleptic Nickel(II) and Copper(II) Complexes of Thiosemicarbazone‐Based Ligands and Pefloxacin
Authors: Ahmed Sumeer , Mahendiran Dharmasivam , Bhat Ajmal Rashid , Rahiman Aziz Kalilur
Published: August 2023

Twelve new heteroleptic nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of the type [M(L1–6)(Pfx)2] (1–12), where L1–6=2‐benzylidenehydrazinecarbothioamide (L1), 2‐benzylidene‐N‐methylhydrazinecarbothioamide (L2), 2‐benzylidene‐N‐phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (L3), 2‐(4‐methylbenzylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (L4), 2‐(4‐methylbenzylidene)‐N‐methylhydrazinecarbothioamide (L5) and 2‐(4‐methylbenzylidene)‐N‐phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (L6), Pfx=pefloxacin and M=Ni(II) or Cu(II) have been synthesised, and their structures were confirmed by different spectral techniques. The spectral data and density functional theory (DFT) calculations supported the bonding of pefloxacin drug molecule via one of the carboxylate oxygen atoms and the pyridone oxygen atom, and the thiosemicarbazone ligand via the imine nitrogen and the thione sulfur atoms with the metal(II) ion, forming distorted octahedral geometry. In vitro antiproliferative activity of the synthesized complexes was evaluated against three human breast cancer (T47D, estrogen negative (MDA‐MB‐231) and estrogen positive (MCF‐7)) as well as non‐tumorigenic human breast epithelial (MCF‐10a) cell lines, which showed the higher activity for the copper(II) complexes. The interaction of the synthesized complexes with an oncogenic protein H‐ras (121 p) was explored by in silico molecular docking studies. Further, in silico pharmacokinetics and ADMET parameters were also analysed to predict the drug‐likeness as well as non‐toxic and non‐carcinogenic behavior, and safe oral administration of the complexes.
Tuning the Solution Self‐Assembly of a Peptide‐PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) Conjugate with α‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Castelletto Valeria , Kowalczyk Radoslaw M. , Seitsonen Jani , Hamley Ian W
Published: August 2023

Cyclodextrins are saccharide ring molecules which act as host cavities that can encapsulate small guest molecules or thread polymer chains. We investigate the influence of alpha‐cyclodextrin (αCD) on the aqueous solution self‐assembly of a peptide‐polymer conjugate YYKLVFF‐PEG3K previously studied by our group [Castelletto et al., Polym. Chem., 2010, 1, 453–459]. This conjugate comprises a designed amyloid‐forming peptide YYKLVFF that contains the KLVFF sequence from Amyloid β peptide, Aβ16‐20, along with two aromatic tyrosine residues to enhance hydrophobicity, as well as polyethylene glycol PEG with molar mass 3 kg mol−1. The conjugate self‐assembles into β‐sheet fibrils in aqueous solution. Here we show that complexation with αCD instead generates free‐floating nanosheets in aqueous solution (with a β‐sheet structure). The nanosheets comprise a bilayer with a hydrophobic peptide core and highly swollen PEG outer layers. The transition from fibrils to nanosheets is driven by an increase in the number of αCD molecules threaded on the PEG chains, as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy. These findings point to the use of cyclodextrin additives as a powerful means to tune the solution self‐assembly in peptide‐polymer conjugates and potentially other polymer/biomolecular hybrids.
Effect of biochar application on corn and soybean yield in Michigan and Ohio
Authors: Silva‐Pumarada Gabriela , Shrestha Raj K. , Chiavegato Marília , Mercer Kristin , Agyei Benjamin K. , Singh Maninder P. , Lindsey Laura E.
Published: August 2023

Core Ideas

Biochar was applied to three field locations in Fall 2020 to test impact on corn and soybean yield.

In 2021, corn yield was unaffected by biochar application compared to the non‐treated control.

In 2022, soybean yield increased with biochar application at one out of three locations.
Highly Soluble Ambipolar anti‐Perylene‐3,4 : 9,10‐bis(benzimidazole)s Stabilize a Room‐Temperature Columnar Hexagonal Phase
Authors: Behera Paresh Kumar , Yadav Kajal , Patra Alakananda , Gupta Ravindra Kumar , Rao D. S. Shankar , Kumar Sandeep , Pandey Upendra Kumar , Achalkumar Ammathnadu Sudhakar
Published: August 2023

A new series of highly soluble perylene anti‐bis(4,5‐dialkoxybenzimidazole)s bearing branched flexible chains stabilizing room temperature columnar hexagonal phase and with balanced ambipolar charge carrier mobility is reported for the first time. Only the anti isomer was successfully separated and characterized. These compounds have a high extinction coefficient, small optical band gap and wide absorption range, thus making them a promising class of ambipolar organic semiconductors capable of self‐organizing.
A disturbing link between cancer and suicide
Authors: Nelson Bryn , Faquin William
Published: August 2023

This news section is written by a medical journalist and offers Cancer Cytopathology readers timely information on events, issues, and personalities of interest to the subspecialty. In this issue, multiple studies have pointed to an elevated suicide risk among patients with cancer, especially those with head and neck cancers. We examine the ways in which researchers are trying to reduce the danger.
The effect of nitrogen and water management on the yield and endogenous hormone levels of drip‐irrigated rice
Authors: Zhao Lei , Wang Guodong , Luo Honghai , Tang Qingyun , Song Zhiwen , Li Yuxiang
Published: August 2023

Improving the management of water and fertilizers is an effective method for enhancing the seed‐setting performance of rice. This study aimed to explore the regulation of optimized water and nitrogen management on the root–leaf hormone balance and seed‐setting performance of drip‐irrigated rice. In a 2‐year field experiment, T‐43 (a drought‐resistant cultivar) and LX‐3 (a drought‐sensitive cultivar) were cultivated under two drip irrigation treatments (W1, limited, and W2, deficit) and three nitrogen fertilization treatments (N1, seedling:tillering:panicle:grain‐filling, 30%:50%:13%:7%; N2, 20%:40%:30%:10%; and N3, 10%:30%:40%:20%). Compared with other treatments, the W1N2 treatment increased the seed‐setting rate and grain biomass accumulation (2.7%–9.2% and 4.5%–69.8%) of the two cultivars on the basis of producing a higher effective panicle number, and T‐43 had a much higher seed‐setting rate and yield than LX‐3 (6.8%–14.6%). Increased fertilizer applications at the panicle and grain‐filling stages (N2) enhanced the root oxidation activity (ROA) and the zeatin+zeatin riboside (Z + ZR) and gibberellic acid (GA3) contents in the roots in the 0–10 cm layer and in the leaves from the heading stage to 20 days after heading. The grain biomass accumulation of T‐43 was significantly positively correlated with abscisic acid (ABA) and Z + ZR in the roots and leaves, while the grain biomass accumulation of LX‐3 was significantly positively correlated with auxin, ABA, Z + ZR/ABA, and GA3/ABA in the roots in the 10–20 cm layer. Overall, W1N2 promoted grain biomass accumulation by modulating the Z + ZR and ABA balance in roots and leaves, improved the root–shoot ratio, and enhanced ROA, thereby improving the seed‐setting performance of drip‐irrigated T‐43 rice.
Compact and low phase noise LC‐VCO design using novel V‐shaped inductor in 0.18‐μm CMOS technology for Ku‐band applications
Authors: Ahmed Taha Mohamed , Mansour Islam , Allam Ahmed , El Dessouky Mohamed , Pokharel Ramesh K. , Abdel‐Rahman Adel B.
Published: August 2023

An innovative, high‐quality factor, and small‐area V‐shaped inductor is presented in this article to improve the performance of voltage‐controlled oscillators (VCOs). The differential inductance of the suggested V‐shaped inductor in the resonator and the buffer is 280 pH and 630 pH, respectively. The inductor area is compacted by 42% and 76% compared to the conventional inductor with the same inductance value. Using 0.18‐ CMOS technology, the proposed V‐shaped inductor is employed to design a compact VCO operating at Ku‐band. The proposed VCO has a simulated phase noise range of −114 to −114.6 dBc/Hz, which is relatively constant. Also, its simulated frequency tuning range (FTR) is 5.6 % from 14.03 to 14.74 GHz. The power consumption is 2.2 mW. The simulated figure of merit (FoM) ranges from −193.5 to −194.2 dBc/Hz, which is enhanced by 6%. The designed VCO core area is 0.034 mm2, which is compacted by 35% compared to using a conventional spiral inductor. The achieved area‐included figure of merit ( ) is −208.7 dBc/Hz. The VCO has an output power of −6.8 dBm and a good harmonic suppression of 29.4 dB between the fundamental and the second harmonic.
Inverse relationship between Fusobacterium nucleatum amount and tumor CD274 (PD‐L1) expression in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Ugai Tomotaka , Shimizu Takashi , Kawamura Hidetaka , Ugai Satoko , Takashima Yasutoshi , Usui Genki , Väyrynen Juha P , Okadome Kazuo , Haruki Koichiro , Akimoto Naohiko , Masugi Yohei , da Silva Annacarolina , Mima Kosuke , Zhang Xuehong , Chan Andrew T , Wang Molin , Garrett Wendy S , Freeman Gordon J , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A , Nowak Jonathan A , Song Mingyang , Giannakis Marios , Ogino Shuji
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The CD274 (programmed cell death 1 ligand 1, PD‐L1)/PDCD1 (programmed cell death 1, PD‐1) immune checkpoint axis is known to regulate the antitumor immune response. Evidence also supports an immunosuppressive effect of Fusobacterium nucleatum. We hypothesised that tumor CD274 overexpression might be inversely associated with abundance of F. nucleatum in colorectal carcinoma.

Methods

We assessed tumor CD274 expression by immunohistochemistry and F. nucleatum DNA within tumor tissue by quantitative PCR in 812 cases among 4465 incident rectal and colon cancer cases that had occurred in two prospective cohort studies. Multivariable logistic regression analyses with inverse probability weighting were used to adjust for selection bias because of tissue data availability and potential confounders including microsatellite instability status, CpG island methylator phenotype, LINE‐1 methylation level and KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations.

Results

Fusobacterium nucleatum DNA was detected in tumor tissue in 109 (13%) cases. Tumor CD274 expression level was inversely associated with the amount of F. nucleatum in colorectal cancer tissue (P = 0.0077). For one category‐unit increase in three ordinal F. nucleatum categories (negative vs. low vs. high), multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence interval) of the low, intermediate and high CD274 categories (vs. negative) were 0.78 (0.41–1.51), 0.64 (0.32–1.28) and 0.50 (0.25–0.99), respectively (Ptrend = 0.032).

Conclusions

Tumor CD274 expression level was inversely associated with the amount of F. nucleatum in colorectal cancer tissue, suggesting that different immunosuppressive mechanisms (i.e. PDCD1 immune checkpoint activation and tumor F. nucleatum enrichment) tend to be used by different tumor subgroups.
Impact of age on characteristics, performance measures and outcomes of inpatients for heart failure in Beijing, China
Authors: Yuan Cong , He Liu , Du Xin , Jiang Chao , Xia Shi‐Jun , Zhao Xin , Li Song‐Nan , Sang Cai‐Hua , Long De‐Yong , Dong Jian‐Zeng , Ma Chang‐Sheng
Published: August 2023

Aims

This study aims to provide representative information on heart failure (HF) patients in China, especially older adults aged ≥75 years. We aim to clarify the age‐related discrepancies in performance measures and the modifying effect of age on the impact of HF patients' characteristics on clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

All HF patients admitted into five tertiary and four secondary hospitals of the Capital Medical University were divided into two groups according to age: 1419 (53.3%) were <75 years, and 1244 (46.7%) were ≥75 years. Older HF patients were more likely to be women, with higher left ventricular ejection fraction, with co‐morbidities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma, anaemia, chronic kidney disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, while obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia and valvular heart disease were more prevalent among younger HF patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction assessment was performed in a similar proportion of patients in the younger and older groups (81.7% vs. 80.5%, P = 0.426), while B‐type natriuretic peptide/N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide was tested in a lower proportion in the younger group (84.8% vs. 89%, P = 0.001). At discharge, HF with reduced ejection fraction patients were less likely to receive beta‐blockers, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, or combined beta‐blockers and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers therapy in the older group (49.74% vs. 63.2%, P = 0.002; 52.9% vs. 64.7%, P = 0.006; and 28.57% vs. 45.5%, P < 0.001, respectively) but were equally likely to receive mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in the two age groups (80.8% vs. 84.1%, P = 0.322). Older patients with HF had higher risk of in‐hospital and 1 year mortality (2.7% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.011; 21.7% vs. 12.5%; P < 0.001, respectively). Higher body mass index was associated with better outcomes in both age groups. New York Heart Association functional class IV and estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were independent predictors of 1 year mortality. The associations between patients' characteristics and risk of mortality were not modified by age.

Conclusions

HF patients aged ≥75 years had distinct clinical profiles, received worse in‐hospital therapies and experienced higher in‐hospital and 1 year mortality.
Bio‐inspired Design of Bidirectional Oxygen Reduction and Oxygen Evolution Reaction Molecular Electrocatalysts
Authors: Awasthi Mahendra K. , Saini Abhishek , Das Chandan , Banerjee Anwesha , Shah Naseer Ahmad , Lahiri Goutam Kumar , Dutta Arnab
Published: August 2023

The proper utilization of renewable energy sources has emerged as a major challenge in our pursuit of a sustainable and carbon‐neutral energy landscape. Small molecule activation is a key component for proper utilization of renewable energy resources, where O2/H2O redox couple is reckoned to be a potential game changer. In this regard, electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have become the prime interest of catalyst designers. Typically, these ORR and OER electrocatalysts are developed distinctly; however, very soon, the requirement of a bidirectional ORR/OER electrocatalyst becomes obvious for practical applicability and rapid energy transduction purposes. A bidirectional catalyst is defined as a catalyst capable of driving a redox reaction in opposing directions. This review has portrayed the development of enzyme structure‐inspired design of molecular bidirectional ORR/OER catalysts. The strategic incorporation of secondary and outer coordination sphere features has significantly enhanced the performance of these catalysts, which can be monitored via the key catalytic parameters. These bifunctional OER/ORR catalysts are vital for metal‐air battery and fuel cell applications and appropriately poised to lay the foundation for an efficient, economical, and eco‐friendly pathway for sustainable energy usage with the rational assembly of energy converting and storage devices.
Potassium Persulfate‐Glucose Mediated Synthesis of (3)‐S‐Arylthioindoles from Indole and Thiophenols in Water
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Venkatesh Rapelly , Singh Sundaram , Kandasamy Jeyakumar
Published: August 2023

An efficient and eco‐friendly method has been developed for the preparation of functionalized 3‐(S)‐arylthioindoles in good to excellent yields from indoles and aryl thiols in water. The coupling reaction was prompted by K2S2O8 in the presence of glucose at room temperature. Broad substrate scope, functional group tolerance, room temperature reactions and metal‐free conditions are the salient features of the developed methodology.
Impact of micro graphite particles addition on the mechanical behavior of Al2011 alloy metal composites
Authors: Raksha M. S. , Basavalingappa Adaveesh , Nagaral Madeva , Anjinappa Chandrashekar , Omprakash B. , Razak Abdul , Hasan Nasim
Published: August 2023

Micron‐sized graphite particles additions to Al2011 alloy were investigated to know their impact on mechanical properties. The stir cast method was used to manufacture the Al2011 alloy with 2 and 4 wt% of graphite particles reinforced composites. The microstructural analysis and mechanical properties of the synthesized composites were tested. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) spectrums were used to characterize the microstructure of the samples that were obtained from the casting. SEM micrographs indicated the homogeneous distribution of particles and the EDS patterns confirmed the presence of graphite particles. Al2011 alloy hardness was decreased with the addition of graphite particles. Further, with the addition of 2 and 4 wt% of graphite particles in the Al2011 alloy, the ultimate tensile and yield strengths of composites were increased with increase in elongation. SEM micrographs of tensile fractured surfaces were used to study the various fractured behaviors in the Al2011 alloy‐graphite composites.
Robust optimal scheduling of integrated energy systems considering multiple uncertainties
Authors: Hu Keyong , Wang Ben , Feng Yang , Cao Shihua , Wang Lidong , Li Wenjuan
Published: August 2023

Multiple uncertainties such as renewable energy output, energy purchase prices and integrated demand responses have brought about severe challenges to the safe and economic operation of integrated energy system (IES). To meet this challenge, this study takes the combined cooling heating and power as an example of IES and proposes an optimization model considering multiple uncertainties. First, the structure of IES is given, and these mathematical models and constraints are listed according to the energy supply characteristics. Second, considering uncertain factors such as the wind and solar output, comprehensive demand response and energy purchase price, the different characterization methods are selected to model the uncertainty sources by identifying the characteristics of multiple uncertainty sources. Then, combining the stochastic scenario method and robust optimization method, a day‐ahead optimal scheduling model of IES with multiple uncertainties is established, and the whale optimization algorithm is improved to obtain the optimal solution of the model. Finally, the actual data of an IES is selected to verify the rationality and effectiveness of the model. Meanwhile, the influence of uncertain factors on scheduling is introduced to verify the perfect coordination of economy and robustness of the model at runtime.
Microplastic Pollution in the Gastrointestinal Tract and Gills of Some Teleost and Sturgeon Fish from the Caspian Sea, Northern Iran
Authors: Rasta Majid , Khodadoust Ali , Rahimibashar Mohammad Reza , Taleshi Mojtaba S. , Sattari Masoud
Published: August 2023

The increasing microplastic pollution in the marine environment has raised global concern. The main risk of microplastics in aquatic ecosystem is their bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms. A few studies have reported microplastic pollution in the digestive system of Caspian Sea fish species, but there is no research on sturgeon species, nor on fish gills. We investigated the occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and gills of 62 specimens belonging to four species including three teleosts (Cyprinus carpio, Rutilus kutum, and Chelon aurata) and one sturgeon (Acipenser persicus, a valuable endangered species) from the Caspian Sea between January and March 2022. Fish tissues were removed, exposed for 24 h to 10% KOH, and then dried on filter paper. Particles were observed under a stereomicroscope and analyzed by Raman microspectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. A total of 91 microplastics were detected in the GIT (average of 1.46 ± 1.17 items/individual) and 63 microplastics in the gills (average of 1.01 ± 0.62 items/individual). A significant correlation was not found between the number of microplastics found in both tissues and fish body length, body weight, GIT weight, and gill weight (p > 0.05), except between microplastics isolated from gills and gill weight in C. carpio (rs = 0.707, p = 0.022). The abundance of microplastics in fish followed the order of A. persicus > C. aurata > R. kutum > C. carpio. The microplastics were in the size range of 45 to 5000 µm, with particles of 300 to 1000 µm being the most prevalent; 74.68% of the particles were shaped like fibers, 30.53% were red, and 70.6% were composed of nylon polymer. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2453–2465. © 2023 SETAC

Abstract

Microplastic pollution was found in the gastrointestinal tract and gills of some commercially important fish species, particularly sturgeon from the Caspian Sea.
Environmental Risks of Pharmaceutical Mixtures in Aquatic Ecosystems: Reflections on a Decade of Research
Authors: Kidd Karen A. , Backhaus Thomas , Brodin Tomas , Inostroza Pedro A. , McCallum Erin S.
Published: August 2023

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) occur as variable mixtures in surface waters receiving discharges of human and animal wastes. A key question identified a decade ago is how to assess the effects of long-term exposures of these PPCP mixtures on nontarget organisms. We review the recent progress made on assessing the aquatic ecotoxicity of PPCP mixtures—with a focus on active pharmaceutical ingredients—and the challenges and research needs that remain. New knowledge has arisen from the use of whole-mixture testing combined with component-based approaches, and these studies show that mixtures often result in responses that meet the concentration addition model. However, such studies have mainly been done on individual species over shorter time periods, and longer-term, multispecies assessments remain limited. The recent use of targeted and nontargeted gene analyses has improved our understanding of the diverse pathways that are impacted, and there are promising new “read-across” methods that use mammalian data to predict toxicity in wildlife. Risk assessments remain challenging given the paucity of ecotoxicological and exposure data on PPCP mixtures. As such, the assessment of PPCP mixtures in aquatic environments should remain a priority given the potential for additive—as well as nontarget—effects in nontarget organisms. In addition, we need to improve our understanding of which species, life stages, and relevant endpoints are most sensitive to which types of PPCP mixtures and to expand our knowledge of environmental PPCP levels in regions of the globe that have been poorly studied to date. We recommend an increased use of new approach methodologies, in particular “omics,” to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanics of mixture effects. Finally, we call for systematic research on the role of PPCP mixtures in the development of antimicrobial resistance. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:549–558. © 2023 SETAC.
Application of Ion Mobility Spectrometry–Mass Spectrometry for Compositional Characterization and Fingerprinting of a Library of Diverse Crude Oil Samples
Authors: Cordova Alexandra C. , Dodds James N. , Tsai Han-Hsuan D. , Lloyd Dillon T. , Roman-Hubers Alina T. , Wright Fred A. , Chiu Weihsueh A. , McDonald Thomas J. , Zhu Rui , Newman Galen , Rusyn Ivan
Published: August 2023

Exposure characterization of crude oils, especially in time-sensitive circumstances such as spills and disasters, is a well-known analytical chemistry challenge. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry is commonly used for “fingerprinting” and origin tracing in oil spills; however, this method is both time-consuming and lacks the resolving power to separate co-eluting compounds. Recent advances in methodologies to analyze petroleum substances using high-resolution analytical techniques have demonstrated both improved resolving power and higher throughput. One such method, ion mobility spectrometry–mass spectrometry (IMS–MS), is especially promising because it is both rapid and high-throughput, with the ability to discern among highly homologous hydrocarbon molecules. Previous applications of IMS–MS to crude oil analyses included a limited number of samples and did not provide detailed characterization of chemical constituents. We analyzed a diverse library of 195 crude oil samples using IMS–MS and applied a computational workflow to assign molecular formulas to individual features. The oils were from 12 groups based on geographical and geological origins: non-US (1 group), US onshore (3), and US Gulf of Mexico offshore (8). We hypothesized that information acquired through IMS–MS data would provide a more confident grouping and yield additional fingerprint information. Chemical composition data from IMS–MS was used for unsupervised hierarchical clustering, as well as machine learning–based supervised analysis to predict geographic and source rock categories for each sample; the latter also yielded several novel prospective biomarkers for fingerprinting of crude oils. We found that IMS–MS data have complementary advantages for fingerprinting and characterization of diverse crude oils and that proposed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biomarkers can be used for rapid exposure characterization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2336–2349. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Cross‐border insolvency law in India: Are the principles of comity of courts and inherent common law jurisdiction relevant?
Authors: Godwin Andrew , Garg Risham , Goswami Debaranjan
Published: August 2023

Deliberations are in the final stages for enacting a cross‐border insolvency law in India based on the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross Border Insolvency 1997 (‘Model Law’). The cross‐border insolvency regime in India will provide an avenue for recognising foreign insolvency proceedings in India. Although it is a matter of time before India adopts the Model Law, it is important to examine whether there remains an independent basis in addition to the Model Law for recognising and providing assistance to cross‐border insolvency proceedings in India. This is crucial on account of the following reasons: first, the Model Law does not provide that it is the exclusive pathway for foreign creditors to seek remedies under domestic law. The Model Law, as reflected in Article 7, was intended by its drafters to be an additional gateway to those provided under local laws. The proposed Indian law in Article 5 of Draft Part Z of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 also does not depart expressly from this principle. Second, there may be instances where neither the ‘Centre of Main Interests’ nor an establishment of a corporate debtor is situated in India; therefore, assistance and cooperation in respect of such cross‐border insolvency proceeding can only be based on the inherent common law jurisdiction, if available. Third, the cross‐border insolvency framework in India will be premised on the requirement for reciprocity and, therefore, countries that do not meet the reciprocity requirement may find it beneficial if such an independent basis for recognition exists in India. This article argues that foreign representatives should be encouraged to explore the possibility of seeking assistance from the commercial courts in India under the common law principles governing cross‐border insolvency and that the courts in India should be open to this possibility.
Photobiomodulation in diabetic rats: Effects on morphological, pancreatic parameters, and glucose homeostasis
Authors: Pandolfo Isabella Liba , Bonifacio Mirian , Benfato Izabelle Dias , de Almeida Cruz Matheus , Nagaoka Márcia Regina , Carvalho Carolina Prado de França , de Oliveira Camila Aparecida Machado , Renno Ana Cláudia Muniz
Published: August 2023

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has therapeutic effects on wound healing, diabetic microangiopathy, and retinopathy. However, little is known about the use of PBM for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). In this context, we aimed to evaluate the effects of PBM on pancreas morphology and insulin and glucose tolerance in an experimental model of DM. Thus, DM was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg). Subsequently, the rats were treated with PBM (808 nm and 30 J/cm2). After euthanasia, morphometric parameters and immunoreactivity for insulin and 8‐OHdG were evaluated in the pancreas. The results showed that treated animals had higher values of body mass and higher values in the number of beta cells in the pancreas. In conclusion, PBM resulted in decreased weight loss in STZ‐induced diabetic rats and presented a stimulatory effect on the pancreas of the treated animals, highlighting the promising effects of this therapy in the clinical condition of DM.
A network perspective on real‐life threat, anxiety, and avoidance
Authors: Glück Valentina M. , Engelke Paula , Hilger Kirsten , Wong Alex H. K. , Boschet Juliane M. , Pittig Andre
Published: August 2023

Background

Anxiety, approach, and avoidance motivation crucially influence mental and physical health, especially when environments are stressful. The interplay between anxiety and behavioral motivation is modulated by multiple individual factors. This proof‐of‐concept study applies graph‐theoretical network analysis to explore complex associations between self‐reported trait anxiety, approach and avoidance motivation, situational anxiety, stress symptoms, perceived threat, perceived positive consequences of approach, and self‐reported avoidance behavior in real‐life threat situations.

Methods

A total of 436 participants who were matched on age and gender (218 psychotherapy patients, 218 online‐recruited nonpatients) completed an online survey assessing these factors in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results and Discussion

The resulting cross‐sectional psychological network revealed a complex pattern with multiple positive (e.g., between trait anxiety, avoidance motivation, and avoidance behavior) and negative associations (e.g., between approach and avoidance motivation). The patient and online subsample networks did not differ significantly, however, descriptive differences may inform future research.
Three year outcomes in infants with a family history of autism and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Charman Tony , Pasco Greg , Hendry Alexandra , Bazelmans Tessel , Narvekar Nisha , Goodwin Amy , Halkola Hanna , Agyapong Mary , Holman Rebecca , Ali Jannath Begum , Ersoy Mutluhan , Johnson Mark H. , Pickles Andrew , Jones Emily J. H. ,   The STAARS Team
Published: August 2023

Background

Most research on early outcomes in infants with a family history (FH) of autism has focussed on categorically defined autism, although some have language and developmental delays. Less is known about outcomes in infants with a FH of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods

Infants with and without a FH of autism and/or ADHD, due to a first‐degree relative with either or both conditions, were recruited at 5 or 10 months. Three year outcomes were characterised using latent profile analysis (LPA) across measures of cognitive ability, adaptive functioning and autism, ADHD and anxiety traits (n = 131). We additionally ran an LPA using only autism and ADHD measures, and the broader LPA in an independent cohort (n = 139) and in both cohorts combined (n = 270).

Results

A Low Developmental Level + High Behavioural Concerns class had elevated autism, ADHD and anxiety scores, low cognitive and adaptive function, and included all but one child with autism. A Low Developmental Level + Typical Behaviour class had average cognitive ability and typical behaviour but low adaptive function. A Typical Developmental Level + Some Behavioural Concerns class had average cognitive and adaptive function but slightly elevated behaviour scores. A High Developmental Level + Typical Behaviour class had above average cognitive ability and typical behaviour. All four LPAs identified classes characterised by combinations of either, or both, Low Development Level and elevated behaviour scores, as well as a typically developing class. No classes had elevated autism or ADHD traits in isolation.

Conclusions

Some infants with a FH of autism or ADHD have atypical developmental and behavioural outcomes, but do not show strong autism or ADHD traits in isolation. The field needs to recalibrate aims and methods to embrace the broader transdiagnostic pattern of outcomes seen in these infants.
A comparison of online and face‐to‐face modalities in endodontic preclinical education: A retrospective study
Authors: Tunc Fatma , Yılmaz Melis
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the competency of undergraduate students in following the principles of access cavity preparation and the radiographic quality of root canal filling in maxillary molar teeth in either online or face‐to‐face education courses during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

A total of 178 extracted maxillary molar teeth that underwent endodontic dental treatment by undergraduate students who completed the endodontic preclinical practice course online or face‐to‐face during the COVID‐19 pandemic were retrospectively analyzed. A visual access cavity examination determined the form, width of the cavity, deroofing of the pulp chamber, and the presence of a perforation. Root canal fillings were examined radiographically on periapical radiographs for length, homogeneity, taper, and the presence of iatrogenic defects. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi‐square test.

Results

The incidence of incorrect form, wide cavities, and perforation was statistically higher in the online group than in the face‐to‐face group (p < 0.05). It was determined that root filling length and homogeneity were more successful in the face‐to‐face group (p < 0.05). When evaluated for iatrogenic errors, the presence of broken instruments was found to be significantly higher in the online group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in other iatrogenic errors and the taper of the root canal filling (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The students who underwent face‐to‐face education were more successful in accessing cavity preparation and root canal fillings than the students who undertook online education.
Incorporating telehealth education into the genetic counseling curriculum
Authors: Cacioppo Cara N. , Kessler Lisa Jay , Valverde Kathleen D.
Published: August 2023

As the provision of telehealth genetic counseling (THGC) services continues to expand, it is imperative that genetic counseling students gain proficiency in telehealth service delivery. To prepare students to provide THGC services, the MSGC program at the University of Pennsylvania has included didactic sessions on THGC, THGC role plays, THGC standardized patient sessions, and THGC fieldwork experiences and clinical rotations. This article highlights best practices in THGC and guidance for Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) programs training the next generation of genetic counselors providing THGC services.
High‐resolution stimulated Raman spectroscopy of low‐frequency rotational transitions: Obtention of collisional broadening coefficients in the rotational S branch of CO perturbed by H2
Authors: Paredes‐Roibás Denís , Martínez Raúl Z.
Published: August 2023

We demonstrate the application of high‐resolution quasi‐continuous (q‐cw) stimulated Raman spectroscopy (SRS) to the study of low‐frequency, pure rotational transitions of molecules in diluted samples in order to obtain collisional information. The main problems encountered in the few pioneering q‐cw SRS rotational works, namely weak signals because of the small population differences between the upper and lower states of the transitions and the presence of alternating current (AC) Stark effect, have been addressed: technical improvements in the optical elements that perform the beam mixing, separation, and filtering have allowed us to use a collinear beam geometry and a triple pass configuration to enhance the Raman signals. The distortions in the line profiles caused by AC Stark effect have been measured and included in the numerical treatment of the spectra. With these extended capabilities, we have been able to register stimulated Raman transitions with wavenumbers as low as ∼ 11.5 cm−1, corresponding to the S(0) pure rotational transition of the molecule of CO. We have applied the setup to the study of collisional broadening of CO rotational lines perturbed by H2 and have obtained broadening coefficients for lines from S(0) to S(20) at 77, 180, and 298 K. A comparison between these anisotropic coefficients and those obtained from IR rovibrational experiments shows excellent agreement. This is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of the use of rotational SRS for the obtention of collisional information in diluted gas samples.
Combining meta‐analysis with multiple imputation for one‐step, privacy‐protecting estimation of causal treatment effects in multi‐site studies
Authors: Shu Di , Li Xiaojuan , Her Qoua , Wong Jenna , Li Dongdong , Wang Rui , Toh Sengwee
Published: August 2023

Missing data complicates statistical analyses in multi‐site studies, especially when it is not feasible to centrally pool individual‐level data across sites. We combined meta‐analysis with within‐site multiple imputation for one‐step estimation of the average causal effect (ACE) of a target population comprised of all individuals from all data‐contributing sites within a multi‐site distributed data network, without the need for sharing individual‐level data to handle missing data. We considered two orders of combination and three choices of weights for meta‐analysis, resulting in six approaches. The first three approaches, denoted as RR + metaF, RR + metaR and RR + std, first combined results from imputed data sets within each site using Rubin's rules and then meta‐analyzed the combined results across sites using fixed‐effect, random‐effects and sample‐standardization weights, respectively. The last three approaches, denoted as metaF + RR, metaR + RR and std + RR, first meta‐analyzed results across sites separately for each imputation and then combined the meta‐analysis results using Rubin's rules. Simulation results confirmed very good performance of RR + std and std + RR under various missing completely at random and missing at random settings. A direct application of the inverse‐variance weighted meta‐analysis based on site‐specific ACEs can lead to biased results for the targeted network‐wide ACE in the presence of treatment effect heterogeneity by site, demonstrating the need to clearly specify the target population and estimand and properly account for potential site heterogeneity in meta‐analyses seeking to draw causal interpretations. An illustration using a large administrative claims database is presented.
Emerging Technology of Nanofiber‐Composite Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Choi Cholong , Yun Eunhye , Cha Chaenyung
Published: August 2023

Hydrogels and nanofibers have been firmly established as go‐to materials for various biomedical applications. They have been mostly utilized separately, rarely together, because of their distinctive attributes and shortcomings. However, the potential benefits of integrating nanofibers with hydrogels to synergistically combine their functionalities while attenuating their drawbacks are increasingly recognized. Compared to other nanocomposite materials, incorporating nanofibers into hydrogel has the distinct advantage of emulating the hierarchical structure of natural extracellular environment needed for cell and tissue culture. The most important technological aspect of developing “nanofiber‐composite hydrogel” is generating nanofibers made of various polymers that are cross‐linked and short enough to maintain stable dispersion in hydrated environment. In this review, recent research efforts to develop nanofiber‐composite hydrogels are presented, with added emphasis on nanofiber processing techniques. Several notable examples of implementing nanofiber‐composite hydrogels for biomedical applications are also introduced.
Miniaturized dual wideband MIMO antenna for implantable biomedical applications
Authors: Ashvanth Balu , Partibane Bactavatchalame
Published: August 2023

A novel miniaturized multiple input multiple output (MIMO)‐based implantable antenna is designed to operate with dual bands, which are wide enough to cover three industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands of 402–405 MHz, 902–928 MHz, and 2.4–2.48 GHz. The proposed antenna has an overall dimension of π ×  × 0.635 mm3 and uses an RT3010 substrate of thickness 0.635 mm. Each element of MIMO has a spiral structure made of meandered line to realize resonance at 915 MHz, while an arc is etched in each element for obtaining a band of 403 MHz. Semicircular slots are etched in each quadrant of the ground plane for better impedance matching at the higher band of 2.4 GHz. In a −10 dB fractional bandwidth of 95%, 45.36% is attained for the realized bands. Simulation in a skin phantom provides better impedance matching and mutual coupling of less than −15 dB in the three operating bands.