bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensory and motor deficits as contributors to early cognitive impairment
Authors: Sayyid Zahra N. , Wang Hang , Cai Yurun , Gross Alden L. , Swenor Bonnielin K. , Deal Jennifer A. , Lin Frank R. , Wanigatunga Amal A. , Dougherty Ryan J. , Tian Qu , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Ferrucci Luigi , Schrack Jennifer A. , Resnick Susan M. , Agrawal Yuri
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION

Age‐related sensory and motor impairment are associated with risk of dementia. No study has examined the joint associations of multiple sensory and motor measures on prevalence of early cognitive impairment (ECI).

METHODS

Six hundred fifty participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging completed sensory and motor function tests. The association between sensory and motor function and ECI was examined using structural equation modeling with three latent factors corresponding to multisensory, fine motor, and gross motor function.

RESULTS

The multisensory, fine, and gross motor factors were all correlated (r = 0.74 to 0.81). The odds of ECI were lower for each additional unit improvement in the multisensory (32%), fine motor (30%), and gross motor factors (12%).

DISCUSSION

The relationship between sensory and motor impairment and emerging cognitive impairment may guide future intervention studies aimed at preventing and/or treating ECI.

Highlights

Sensorimotor function and early cognitive impairment (ECI) prevalence were assessed via structural equation modeling.

The degree of fine and gross motor function is associated with indicators of ECI.

The degree of multisensory impairment is also associated with indicators of ECI.
Dyssynchronous heart failure models in canines: New insights into electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and histological features
Authors: Jin Han , Yang Shengwen , Huang Hao , Cheng Sijing , He Pengkang , Weng Sixian , Gu Min , Niu Hongxia , Hua Wei , Hu Yiran , Li Hui
Published: February 2024

Background

We investigated the similarities and differences between two experimental approaches using tachy‐pacing technology to induce desynchronized heart failure in canines.

Methods

A total of eight dogs were included in the experiment, four were tachy‐paced in right ventricle apex (RVAP) and 4 were paced in right atrium after the ablation of left bundle branch to achieve left bundle branch block (RAP+LBBB). Three weeks of follow‐up were conducted to observe the changes in cardiac function and myocardial staining was performed at the end of the experiment.

Results

Both experimental approaches successfully established heart failure with reduced ejection fraction models, with similar trends in declining cardiac function. The RAP+LBBB group exhibited a prolonged overall ventricular activation time, delayed left ventricular activation, and lesser impact on the right ventricle. The RVAP approach led to a reduction in overall right ventricular compliance and right ventricular enlargement. The RAP+LBBB group exhibited significant reductions in left heart compliance (LVGLS, %: RAP+LBBB −12.60 ± 0.12 to −5.93 ± 1.25; RVAP −13.28 ± 0.62 to −8.05 ± 0.63, p = 0.023; LASct, %: RAP+LBBB −15.75 ± 6.85 to −1.50 ± 1.00; RVAP −15.75 ± 2.87 to −10.05 ± 6.16, p = 0.035). Histological examination revealed more pronounced fibrosis in the left ventricular wall and left atrium in the RAP+LBBB group while the RVAP group showed more prominent fibrosis in the right ventricular myocardium.

Conclusion

Both approaches establish HFrEF models with comparable trends. The RVAP group shows impaired right ventricular function, while the RAP+LBBB group exhibits more severe decreased compliance and fibrosis in left ventricle.
Spatiotemporal Utilization of Latent Heat in Erythritol‐based Phase Change Materials as Solar Thermal Fuels
Authors: Chen Jie , Kou Yan , Zhang Shihui , Zhang Xinyu , Liu Hanqing , Yan Huiming , Shi Quan
Published: February 2024

Solar thermal fuels (STFs) have been particularly concerned as sustainable future energy due to their impressive ability to store solar energy in chemical bonds and controllably release thermal energy. However, currently studied STFs mainly focus on molecule‐based materials with high photochemical activity, toxicity, and compromised features, which greatly restricts their applications in practical scenarios of solar energy utilization. Herein, we present a novel erythritol‐based composite phase change material (PCM) as a new type of STFs with an outstanding capability to store solar energy as latent heat in its stable supercooling state and release thermal energy as needed. This composite PCM with stored thermal energy can be maintained stably at room temperature and subsequently release latent heat as high as 224.9 J/g during the crystallization process triggered by thermal stimuli. Remarkably, solar energy can be converted into latent heat stored in the composite PCM over months. Through mechanical stimulations, the released latent heat can increase the temperature of the composite up to 91 °C. This work presents a new concept of using spatiotemporal storage and release of latent heat in PCMs for solar energy utilization, making it a potential candidate as STFs for developing future clean energy techniques.
Preparation and characterization of green‐based anti‐ultraviolet and antidripping biodegradable film
Authors: Zhang Lu , Li Fayong , Xie Dong , Li Yuan
Published: February 2024

The biodegradable materials cannot meet the requirements as the agricultural film due to the poor UV resistance and antidripping performance. The work herein thus presented the development of the green‐based anti‐ultraviolet and antidripping multifunctional composite films using poly(butyleneadipate‐co‐terephthalate), microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), and soybean protein isolate (SPI) as the raw materials in the presence of other agents. The resulting composite films were systematically characterized using scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetry analysis (TG), UV, and rheometer measurements. The morphology changed obviously after introducing the MFC and SPI into the substrate film. In addition, the results indicated that the addition of MFC and SPI had a positive effect on the thermal stability and heat preservation of the film, respectively. The contact angle results indicated that SPI was an ideal antidripping agent and the MFC could be used as the release agent. The time of the first water drop of the film containing 2.5 g MFC and 2.0 g SPI was 6 min and 46 s, and the time of each 10 drops was less than 60 s, showing the advantages of using MFC as the release agent and SPI as the antidripping agent. The resulting multifunctional biodegradable films can be widely used in the agricultural and packaging fields.
Oral stereotypic behaviors in farm animals and their causes
Authors: Li Chenyang , Gu Xianhong
Published: February 2024

High stocking density and suboptimal conditions limit animal behaviors in modern livestock farming. This is particularly evident in captive animals, in which the motivation for foraging behavior is often thwarted. Oral stereotypic behaviors are common in farm animals. Ruminants (e.g., cattle and sheep) show oral stereotypic behaviors such as tongue‐rolling, self‐sucking, and inter‐sucking. Captive pigs exhibit oral stereotypic behaviors such as bar‐biting, sham‐chewing, and ear‐biting. Chickens peck at drinkers, feeders, and pens. Stereotypic behavior in livestock can be reduced by selecting a specific diet composition that prolongs their eating time and increases their satiety. Furthermore, reducing stocking density and enriching the farming environment encourage livestock to explore and reduce stereotypic behavior. It is important to note that stereotypic behavior is also influenced by organismal physiology. Stereotypic behavior was considered an indicator of poor animal welfare. However, recent research has revealed that animals engage in stereotypic behavior as a response to external stimuli, aiming to alleviate the negative impact of these stimuli on their well‐being. Animals that frequently show stereotypic behavior may have higher levels of stress. Certain stress indicators also affect the expression of stereotypic behavior, such as 5‐hydroxytryptamine and dopamine. Consequently, further investigation is necessary to understand how stereotypic behaviors affect the physiological state and metabolic processes of animals. This paper discusses the research progress on the oral stereotypic behaviors of farm animals. The objective is to establish a foundation for enhancing livestock feeding conditions and optimizing feeding practices, ultimately reducing stereotypic behaviors.
Determination of lead(II) in food samples using a functionalized paper‐based fluorescent sensor modified by carbon dots
Authors: Aboobakri Elias , Heidari Tahereh , Jahani Moslem
Published: February 2024

This work discusses surface modification of cellulose paper specimens for compatibility with nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped carbon dots (NSCDs) for lead ion sensing. The interaction of carbon dots (CDs) and cellulose fibers was investigated using silane or chitosan‐modified cellulose papers. It was found that modified papers could reduce undesirable redistribution of CDs, during paper drying. Also, only chitosan‐modified filter paper was suitable for the successful immobilization of NSCDs. The effect of paper type, chitosan amount, pH, and NSCDs concentration was also studied, and a Whatman No. 42 filter paper modified with chitosan (1% w/v), pH 8.0, and an NSCD concentration of 2.5 g L−1being selected for further studies. The sensor exhibited high selectivity for lead(II) compared with other metal ions because lead(II) resulted in the most significant changes in the emitted light intensity. Variations in NSCDs fluorescence were measured using a fluorescence imaging system. The NSCDs‐paper sensor showed a linear relationship between mean fluorescence intensity and lead(II) in the concentration range of 5.00–1.25 × 102 μmol L−1with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9988 and a detection limit of 4.50 μmol L−1. The suggested method showed satisfying results for lead(II) determination in different samples as a fast and low‐cost approach with on‐site application.
Dual cytoplasmic‐peroxisomal compartmentalization engineering and multiple metabolic engineering strategies for high yield non‐psychoactive cannabinoid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ding Yun‐kun , Ning Yuan , Xin Di , Fu Yu‐jie
Published: February 2024

CBG (Cannabigerol), a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, has garnered attention due to its extensive antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory properties. However, the natural content of CBG in Cannabis sativa L. is minimal. In this study, we developed an engineered cell factory for CBG production using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We introduced the CBGA biosynthetic pathway into S. cerevisiae and employed several strategies to enhance CBGA production. These strategies included dynamically inhibiting the competitive bypass of key metabolic pathways regulated by Erg20p. Additionally, we implemented a dual cytoplasmic‐peroxisomal compartmentalization approach to further increase CBGA production. Furthermore, we ensured efficient CBGA production by optimizing NADPH and acetyl‐CoA pools. Ultimately, our engineered strain achieved a CBG titer of 138 mg L−1 through fed‐batch fermentation in a 5 L bioreactor, facilitated by microwave decarboxylation extraction. These findings underscore the significant potential of yeast cell factories for achieving higher yields in cannabinoid production.
A deep‐well plate enabled automated high‐throughput cell line development platform
Authors: Tang Xiaoyan , Quiroz Jorge , Zhang Yixiao , Pan Jessica , Lai Zhong , Du Zhimei , Liu Ren
Published: February 2024

Cell line development (CLD) plays a crucial role in the manufacturing process development of therapeutic biologics. Most biologics are produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell. Because of the nature of random transgene integration in CHO genome and CHO's inherent plasticity, stable CHO transfectants usually have a vast diversity in productivity, growth, and product quality. Thus, we often must resort to screening a large number of cell pools and clones to increase the probability of identifying the ideal production cell line, which is a very laborious and resource‐demanding process. Here we have developed a deep‐well plate (DWP) enabled high throughput (DEHT) CLD platform using 24‐well DWP (24DWP), liquid handler, and other automation components. This platform has capabilities covering the key steps of CLD including cell passaging, clone imaging and expansion, and fed‐batch production. We are the first to demonstrate the suitability of 24DWP for CLD by confirming minimal well‐to‐well and plate‐to‐plate variability and the absence of well‐to‐well cross contamination. We also demonstrated that growth, production, and product quality of 24DWP cultures were comparable to those of conventional shake flask cultures. The DEHT platform enables scientists to screen five times more cultures than the conventional CLD platform, thus significantly decreases the resources needed to identify an ideal production cell line for biologics manufacturing.
Editorial comment: SYNTAX score II 2020 as a tool for decision making on revascularization strategy in high‐risk patients with complex coronary artery disease
Authors: Aleksandric Srdjan , Beleslin Branko
Published: February 2024

Key points

SYNTAX Score II 2020 outperforms both the anatomical SYNTAX Score and SYNTAX Score II in terms of predicting all‐cause mortality during long‐term follow‐up among patients with complex coronary artery disease (left main coronary artery disease, three‐vessel disease, or both) and chronic renal insufficiency undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

A predicted all‐cause mortality of the SYNTAX Score II 2020 >7% significantly adversely affected the observed all‐cause mortality in patients with complex coronary artery disease and chronic renal insufficiency undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

For prospective validation of the SYNTAX score II 2020 model in patients with complex coronary artery disease, particularly those with moderate‐to‐severe chronic renal insufficiency (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2), further adequately powered, randomized trials of percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass graft surgery must be conducted, with long‐term follow‐up.
Left atrial appendage closure and advanced chronic kidney disease: Another string to the bow
Authors: D'Amico Gianpiero , Gallo Francesco
Published: February 2024

Key points

Patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation are underrepresented in left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) studies, despite their higher fragility and greater intolerance to antithrombotic therapy.

LAAO appears to be safe and effective in reducing thromboembolic and bleeding recurrences both in patients with and without advanced CKD.

Despite favorable ischemic and bleeding outcomes, patients with severe CKD experienced higher mortality rate, compared to those without severe CKD
Daptomycin plus ceftaroline salvage therapy for persistent Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremia
Authors: Zhang Hayden , Tran Kylie , Lindley Richard , Dotel Ravindra
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

Initial antibiotics for true Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremia include vancomycin or linezolid, but if bacteremia persists, consideration should be made for salvage combination therapy regimes such as daptomycin with ceftaroline.
Transient blindness due to mild reversible encephalopathy in a 7‐year‐old boy
Authors: Shekari Shima , Farsi Farima , Ashrafzadeh Farah , Imannezhad Shima , Niazi Ahmad Sohrab , Kamali Samane
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

Mild encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is a rare phenomenon, which shows transient lesion in corpus callosum and causes temporary encephalopathy features. A disturbance of consciousness and abnormal and delirious behavior are the most significant neurological symptoms. A seven‐year‐old child with a history of fever and cough was admitted to our hospital due to sudden bilateral blindness. His physical examination showed confusion, fever, and delirious behavior. No sign of meningeal irritation or focal neurological deficit was observed. The electroencephalogram showed diffuse slow waves representing mild encephalopathy. Brain MRI showed a signal alteration in the splenium of the corpus callosum, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was normal. This finding was suggestive of a reversible cytotoxic lesion. Treatment with empiric antivirals was initiated, and the symptoms were completely resolved. In a few children, sudden blindness has been reported to be an initial symptom of MERS. There is currently no evidence of efficient treatment methods. However, to convince patients and their families about the good outcome of the disease, the diagnosis of MERS provides pediatricians with useful prognostic information.
Effect of carbon oxygen functionalization on the activity of Pd/C catalysts in hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Stucchi M. , Capelli S. , Villa A. , Vandegehuchte B. D. , Prati L.
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a study on the effects of oxygen functionalities on a mesoporous and graphitized carbon support (GNP, Graphene Nanoplatelets), on the catalytic activity of Pd/GNP catalysts in hydrogenation reactions. A functionalization method in liquid phase has been employed, using different oxidants (HNO3, H2O2, KMnO4), with the aim to tune the amount and the type of introduced oxygen functionalities. Preformed Pd nanoparticles have been used as Pd‐precursor to limit differences in metal particle size and dispersion on differently functionalized carbon. The catalytic behaviour in benzaldehyde hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis to benzyl alcohol and toluene revealed that the introduction of oxygen functionalities has a generally detrimental effect. NMR relaxometry studies highlighted the weaker interaction between the carbonyl group and the functionalized Pd/GNP surface than the non–functionalized Pd/GNP demonstrating that the origin of the different catalytic activity lies on the first step of the reaction. O‐functionalities also impacted on the Pd0/Pd2+ ratio at the surface which is an established parameter correlated to the reaction rate.
Image‐based characterization of flocculation processes through PLS inspired representation learning in convolutional neural networks
Authors: Baum Andreas , Moiseyenko Rayisa , Glanville Simon , Martini Jørgensen Thomas
Published: February 2024

Monitoring of flocculation processes such as those used in downstream processing of a fermentation broth is essential for process control. One approach is to apply microscopic imaging combined with image analysis for characterizing the state of the process. In this work, we investigate and compare the use of supervised feedforward convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures to predict the process states from the image information and compare the results with the traditional alternative of characterizing flocs based on manually engineered image features guided by human expertise. From a well‐defined image data set representing six process states, the objective is to establish end‐to‐end classification models which are accurate but at the same time learn meaningful latent variable space representations. Specifically, we evaluate three different CNN architectures with varying degrees of regularization and compare results with logistic regression models based on inputs from two different traditional feature engineering methods. By applying global average pooling as a structural regularizer to the CNN architecture, we significantly improve the generalization performance in comparison with the classification accuracies of the traditional feature engineered models. Furthermore, we show that by imposing a projection to latent structures (PLS) like regularization framework onto the CNN, it can also learn a latent variable representation that mimics the features selected by human expertise.
Co(II) Substitution Enhances the Esterase Activity of a de Novo Designed Zn(II) Carbonic Anhydrase
Authors: Borghesani Valentina , Zastrow Melissa L. , Tolbert Audrey E. , Deb Aniruddha , Penner‐Hahn James E. , Pecoraro Vincent L.
Published: February 2024

Carbonic Anhydrases (CAs) have been a target for de novo protein designers due to the simplicity of the active site and rapid rate of the reaction. The first reported mimic contained a Zn(II) bound to three histidine imidazole nitrogens and an exogenous water molecule, hence closely mimicking the native enzymes’ first coordination sphere. Co(II) has served as an alternative metal to interrogate CAs due to its d7 electronic configuration for more detailed solution characterization. We present here the Co(II) substituted [Co(II)(H2O/OH−)]N(TRIL2WL23H)3n+ that behaves similarly to native Co(II) substituted human‐CAs. Like the Zn(II) analogue, the cobalt‐derivative at slightly basic pH is incapable of hydrolyzing p‐nitrophenylacetate (pNPA); however, as the pH is increased a significant activity develops, which at pH values above 10 eventually yields a catalytic efficiency that exceeds that of the [Zn(II)(OH−)]N(TRIL2WL23H)3+ peptide complex. X‐ray absorption analysis is consistent with an octahedral species at pH 7.5 that converts to a 5‐coordinate species by pH 11. UV‐vis spectroscopy can monitor this transition, giving a pKa for the conversion of 10.3. We assign this conversion to the formation of a 5‐coordinate Co(II)(Nimid)3(OH)(H2O) species. The pH dependent kinetic analysis indicates the maximal rate (kcat), and thus the catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km), follow the same pH profile as the spectroscopic conversion to the pentacoordinate species. This correlation suggests that the chemically irreversible ester hydrolysis corresponds to the rate determining process.
Intermolecular Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Biosystems: Impact of Conformational Transitions and Multiple Channels on Kinetics
Authors: Zanetti‐Polzi Laura , Pantazis Dimitrios A. , Daidone Isabella
Published: February 2024

Estimating the kinetics of electron transfer (ET) processes in biologically relevant systems using theoretical‐computational methods remains a formidable task. This challenge arises from the inherent complexity of these systems, which makes it impractical to apply a fully quantum‐mechanical treatment. Hybrid quantum mechanical/classical mechanical computational approaches have been devised to enable the explicit simulation of electron transfer kinetics. This concept article focuses on a specific theoretical‐computational method employed in this context, namely the Perturbed Matrix Method (PMM), which has the merit of being able to include large‐scale conformational effects in the ET kinetics and potential multiple, alternative, ET channels. We describe its underlying physical principles, examine its advantages and limitations, and offer insights into its applications. Examples of the approach are discussed in the context of estimating photo‐induced electron transfer kinetics in proteins. The non‐exponential behavior observed in the presented case studies mainly arises from an active coupling with the environment fluctuations, but also partly stems from the presence of branching ET pathways.
Plastic recycling stripped naked – from circular product to circular industry with recycling cascade
Authors: Lange Jean‐Paul , Kersten Sascha R. A. , De Meester Steven , van Eijk Marcel C. P. , Ragaert Kim
Published: February 2024

This perspective combines various expertise to develop and analyse the concept of technology cascade for recycling waste plastics with the goal of displacing as much fossil crude oil as possible. It thereby presents archetype recycling technologies with their strengths and weaknesses. It then combines them in various cascades to process a representative plastic mix, and determines how much (fossil) naphtha could be displaced and at which energy consumption. The cascades rely on a limited number of parameters that are fully reported in supplementary information and that were used in a simple and transparent spreadsheet model. The calculated results bust several common myths in plastic recycling, e. g. by prioritizing here recycled volume over recycling efficiency, and prioritizing circular industry over circular products . It unravels the energy cost of solvent‐based recycling processes, shows the key role of gasification and the possibility to displace up to 70 % of the fossil feedstock with recycled carbon, a recycling rate that compares well with that aluminium, steel or paper. It suggests that deeper naphtha displacement would require exorbitant amount of energy. It therefore argues for the need to complement recycling with the use of renewable carbon, e. g. based on biomass, to fully defossilise the plastic industry.
Resource asynchrony and landscape homogenization as drivers of virulence evolution: The case of a directly transmitted disease in a social host
Authors: Kürschner Tobias , Scherer Cédric , Radchuk Viktoriia , Blaum Niels , Kramer‐Schadt Stephanie
Published: February 2024

Throughout the last decades, the emergence of zoonotic diseases and the frequency of disease outbreaks have increased substantially, fuelled by habitat encroachment and vectors overlapping with more hosts due to global change. The virulence of pathogens is one key trait for successful invasion. In order to understand how global change drivers such as habitat homogenization and climate change drive pathogen virulence evolution, we adapted an established individual‐based model of host–pathogen dynamics. Our model simulates a population of social hosts affected by a directly transmitted evolving pathogen in a dynamic landscape. Pathogen virulence evolution results in multiple strains in the model that differ in their transmission capability and lethality. We represent the effects of global change by simulating environmental changes both in time (resource asynchrony) and space (homogenization). We found an increase in pathogenic virulence and a shift in strain dominance with increasing landscape homogenization. Our model further indicated that lower virulence is dominant in fragmented landscapes, although pulses of highly virulent strains emerged under resource asynchrony. While all landscape scenarios favoured co‐occurrence of low‐ and high‐virulent strains, the high‐virulence strains capitalized on the possibility for transmission when host density increased and were likely to become dominant. With asynchrony likely to occur more often due to global change, our model showed that a subsequent evolution towards lower virulence could lead to some diseases becoming endemic in their host populations.
International evidence of the forecasting ability of option‐implied distributions
Authors: Serrano Pedro , Vaello‐Sebastià Antoni , Magdalena Vich Llompart M.
Published: February 2024

This paper analyzes the forecasting ability of option‐implied distributions of 12 stock indexes representative of the most relevant economic regions for a long period ranging from 1996 to 2021. After performing alternative tests, the rejection of the forecasting ability of the risk‐neutral densi (RNDs) is not evident, since results are mixed depending on the test performed and market studied: The forecasting ability of the RNDs of East Asian indexes as well as other smaller European economies cannot be discarded. In addition, subjective (actual) probability densit (SPDs) resulting from the risk adjustments of the RNDs using constanCRRA) preferences improve substantially the test results, leading to a general failure to reject their forecasting ability.
Bioactive polysaccharides from Aegle marmelos fruit: Recent trends on extraction, bio‐techno functionality, and food applications
Authors: Sharma Madhu , Bains Aarti , Goksen Gulden , Sridhar Kandi , Sharma Minaxi , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Chawla Prince
Published: February 2024

Polysaccharides from non‐conventional sources, such as fruits, have gained significant attention recently. Aegle marmelos (Bael), a non‐conventional fruit, is an excellent source of biologically active components with potential indigenous therapeutic and food applications. Apart from polyphenolic components, this is an excellent source of mucilaginous polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are one the major components of bael fruit, having a high amount of galactose and glucuronic acid, which contributes to its potential therapeutic properties. Therefore, this review emphasizes the conventional and emerging techniques of polysaccharide extraction from bael fruit. Insight into the attributes of polysaccharide components, their techno‐functional properties, characterization of bael fruit polysaccharide, emulsifying properties, binding properties, reduction of hazardous dyes, application of polysaccharides in film formation, application of polysaccharide as a nanocomposite, and biological activities of bael fruit polysaccharides are discussed. This review also systematically overviews the relationship between extraction techniques, structural characteristics, and biological activities. Additionally, recommendations, future perspectives, and new valuable insight towards better utilization of bael fruit polysaccharide have been given importance, which can be promoted in the long term.
Thermal stimulus task fMRI in the cervical spinal cord at 7 Tesla
Authors: Seifert Alan C. , Xu Junqian , Kong Yazhuo , Eippert Falk , Miller Karla L. , Tracey Irene , Vannesjo S. Johanna
Published: February 2024

Although functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is widely applied in the brain, fMRI of the spinal cord is more technically demanding. Proximity to the vertebral column and lungs results in strong spatial inhomogeneity and temporal fluctuations in B0. Increasing field strength enables higher spatial resolution and improved sensitivity to blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signal, but amplifies the effects of B0 inhomogeneity. In this work, we present the first task fMRI in the spinal cord at 7 T. Further, we compare the performance of single‐shot and multi‐shot 2D echo‐planar imaging (EPI) protocols, which differ in sensitivity to spatial and temporal B0 inhomogeneity. The cervical spinal cords of 11 healthy volunteers were scanned at 7 T using single‐shot 2D EPI at 0.75 mm in‐plane resolution and multi‐shot 2D EPI at 0.75 and 0.6 mm in‐plane resolutions. All protocols used 3 mm slice thickness. For each protocol, the BOLD response to 13 10‐s noxious thermal stimuli applied to the right thumb was acquired in a 10‐min fMRI run. Image quality, temporal signal to noise ratio (SNR), and BOLD activation (percent signal change and z‐stat) at both individual‐ and group‐level were evaluated between the protocols. Temporal SNR was highest in single‐shot and multi‐shot 0.75 mm protocols. In group‐level analyses, activation clusters appeared in all protocols in the ipsilateral dorsal quadrant at the expected C6 neurological level. In individual‐level analyses, activation clusters at the expected level were detected in some, but not all subjects and protocols. Single‐shot 0.75 mm generally produced the highest mean z‐statistic, while multi‐shot 0.60 mm produced the best‐localized activation clusters and the least geometric distortion. Larger than expected within‐subject segmental variation of BOLD activation along the cord was observed. Group‐level sensory task fMRI of the cervical spinal cord is feasible at 7 T with single‐shot or multi‐shot EPI. The best choice of protocol will likely depend on the relative importance of sensitivity to activation versus spatial localization of activation for a given experiment.

Practitioner Points

First stimulus task fMRI results in the spinal cord at 7 T.

Single‐shot 0.75 mm 2D EPI produced the highest mean z‐statistic.

Multi‐shot 0.60 mm 2D EPI provided the best‐localized activation and least distortion.
Corporate commitments to biodiversity disclosure and sustainable board. Do NGO directors on board matter? Recent evidence from S&P 500 companies
Authors: Toukabri Mohamed , Alwadai Abdullah Mohammed
Published: February 2024

This study analyzes the impact of the characteristics of sustainable boards and NGO directors on biodiversity disclosures. This research uses data from 481 US companies that are taken from Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P), ASSET4, for the period 2009–2020 (5616 company‐year observations). Data on NGO directors is provided by MSCI's GMI Rankings database. A panel data analysis with fixed effects models is used to estimate the results. The results also indicate that a sustainable board structure (proxied by Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) and Sustainability‐related executive compensation) is positively correlated with biodiversity disclosure. Our empirical results also show that the moderating role of NGO directors has a greater interaction effect with the characteristics of sustainable boards and biodiversity information disclosure initiatives. The results are also consistent for exploitative and nonexploitative industries, as well as for the pre‐ and post SDG (14–15) of the agenda 2030. In addition, the framework of SDG (14‐15) and the strategic plan of partnership with the Agenda of 2030 show a positive relationship with biodiversity disclosure. We then develop a causal relationship through the positive impact of NGO directors serving on the board of directors on a strategy of partnerships, onboarding, and increase/decrease of NGO directors—possible mechanisms by which NGO directors can influence biodiversity disclosure. Overall, our findings suggest that while NGO directors can potentially be appointed to a company's board of directors for legitimization reasons, these directors are associated with better biodiversity disclosure. The study has valuable implications for enduring board members, practitioners, and scholars. The results are supported by theories of legitimacy, stakeholders and resource dependence. However, evidence on this research question is still unknown and critical, especially in the context of stakeholder‐emphasized governance systems (continental Europe, Japan) and developing countries where there is a lack of knowledge application of regulations related to the disclosure of biodiversity.
The role of key biomarkers in lymphatic malformation: An updated review
Authors: Modaghegh Mohammad Hadi Saeed , Tanzadehpanah Hamid , Kamyar Mohammad Mahdi , Manoochehri Hamed , Sheykhhasan Mohsen , Forouzanfar Fatemeh , Mahmoudian Reihaneh Alsadat , Lotfian Elham , Mahaki Hanie
Published: February 2024

The lymphatic system, crucial for tissue fluid balance and immune surveillance, can be severely impacted by disorders that hinder its activities. Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are caused by fluid accumulation in tissues owing to defects in lymphatic channel formation, the obstruction of lymphatic vessels or injury to lymphatic tissues. Somatic mutations, varying in symptoms based on lesions' location and size, provide insights into their molecular pathogenesis by identifying LMs' genetic causes. In this review, we collected the most recent findings about the role of genetic and inflammatory biomarkers in LMs that control the formation of these malformations. A thorough evaluation of the literature from 2000 to the present was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Although it is obvious that the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 mutation accounts for a significant proportion of LM patients, several mutations in other genes thought to be linked to LM have also been discovered. Also, inflammatory mediators like interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and mammalian target of rapamycin are the most commonly associated biomarkers with LM. Understanding the mutations and genes expression responsible for the abnormalities in lymphatic endothelial cells could lead to novel therapeutic strategies based on molecular pathways.
Effectiveness of nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir on severe outcomes of COVID‐19 in the era of vaccination and Omicron: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Ombelet Sien , Castanares‐Zapatero Diego , Desimpel Fabian , Hulstaert Frank , Stordeur Sabine , Roberfroid Dominique
Published: February 2024

Nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir (NR) was approved to treat SARS‐CoV‐2 positive outpatients at high risk of progression to severe disease, based on a randomized trial in unvaccinated patients. Effectiveness in vaccinated patients and against Omicron has not yet been confirmed by clinical trial data, but a recent meta‐analysis suggested good real‐world effectiveness based on 12 studies. We updated this meta‐analysis by searching Medline and Embase databases for studies assessing effectiveness of NR on mortality, hospitalization, composite outcome of hospitalization and/or death, and progression to severe disease, published between October 1, 2022 and May 22, 2023. Random effects meta‐analysis and subgroup analysis for vaccinated patients was performed. A total of 32 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled RR for the effect of NR on mortality, hospitalization, hospitalization and/or mortality, and progression to severe disease were 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25−0.52), 0.43 (CI: 0.37−0.51), 0.52 (CI: 0.45−0.61) and 0.54 (CI: 0.41−0.73), respectively. A subgroup analysis on vaccinated patients indicated lower effectiveness of NR on mortality (RR: 0.55, CI: 0.45−0.68), but similar effectiveness for hospitalization, hospitalization and/or mortality, or progression to severe disease (RR: 0.52, 0.58, and 0.66, respectively). This updated meta‐analysis robustly confirms the protective effects of NR on severe COVID‐19 outcomes.
A field diagnostic method for rapid and sensitive detection of mpox virus
Authors: Zhao Fei , Xu Fengwen , Wang Xinming , Song Rui , Hu Yamei , Wei Liang , Xie Yu , Huang Yu , Mei Shan , Wang Liming , Wang Lingwa , Gao Zhao , Guo Li , Fang Jugao , Ren Lili , Jin Ronghua , Wang Jianwei , Guo Fei
Published: February 2024

The mpox outbreak has subdued with fewer reported cases at the present in high‐income countries. It is known that mpox virus (MPXV) infection has been epidemic for more than 50 years in African countries. The ancestral MPXV strain has changed into multiple clades, indicating the ongoing evolution of MPXV, which reflects the historical neglect of mpox in Africa, especially after smallpox eradication, and bestows the danger of more severe mpox epidemics in the future. It is thus imperative to continue the development of mpox diagnostics and treatments so we can be prepared in the event of a new mpox epidemic. In this study, we have developed an MPXV detection tool that leverages the recombinase‐aid amplification assay by integrating lateral flow strips (RAA‐LF) and one‐step sample DNA preparation, with visible readout, no need of laboratory instrument, and ready for field deployment. The detection limit reaches 10 copies per reaction. The performance of our RAA‐FL assay in diagnosing mpox clinical samples is on par with that of the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Taken together, we have developed a point‐of‐care RAA‐LF method of high accuracy and sensitivity, readily deployable for field detection of MPXV. This diagnostic tool is expected to improve and accelerate field‐ and self‐diagnosis, allow timely isolation and treatment, reduce the spread of MPXV, thus effectively mitigate MPXV outbreak in the future.
Growth pattern of paediatric patients affected by cow milk protein allergy fed with rice hydrolyzed formula
Authors: Nocerino Rita , Coppola Serena , Carucci Laura , Oglio Franca , Cozzolino Marica , Masino Antonio , Ozen Gulsum , Farnetano Margherita , Berni Canani Roberto
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Formulas made from hydrolyzed rice proteins (HRPF) are well‐tolerated plant‐based alternatives to cow's milk protein (CMP)‐based formulas for the dietary management of paediatric patients with CMP allergy (CMPA). Growth in patients with CMPA fed with HRPF has been evaluated in several studies with conflicting results. The aim was to evaluate the growth pattern of children with CMPA over a 12‐month follow‐up period.

Methods

Prospective cohort study evaluating growth patterns in challenge proven CMPA paediatric patients receiving HRPF for 12 months. Outcomes were anthropometry (body weight, body length, head circumference), adherence to the study formula and occurrence of adverse events (AEs).

Results

Sixty‐six children were included and completed the 12‐month study. At baseline, all CMPA patients were weaned. For the entire CMPA pediatric patients' cohort, from baseline to the end of the study period, the growth pattern resulted within the normal range of World Health Organization (WHO) growth references. The formula was well tolerated. Adherence was optimal and no AEs related to HRPF use were reported.

Conclusions

HRPF is well tolerated and can help support healthy growth and development in infants and young children with CMPA. These type of formula can be given with complementary foods in the dietary management of CMPA.
Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry profile and antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and enzyme activities of Thymus pectinatus and Thymus convolutus: in vitro and in silico approach
Authors: Akman Tuğrul Çağrı , Şimşek Samed , Akşit Zeynep , Akşit Hüseyin , Aydin Ali , Tüfekçi Ali Riza , Adem Sevki , Yilmaz Mustafa Abdullah
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to investigate the antiproliferative, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme activity capacities and phytochemical compositions of Thymus pectinatus (TP), Thymus convolutus (TC), which are endemic to Türkiye. Quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in the extracts was conducted using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, targeting 53 phenolic compounds.

RESULTS

Rosmarinic acid, quinic acid, and cynaroside were identified as the major compounds, exhibiting quantitative variation in both extracts. The extracts had a high total phenolic content, with 113.57 ± 0.58 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract for TP and 130.52 ± 1.05 mg GAE/g extract for TC. Furthermore, although both extracts exhibited high total flavonoid content; the TP extract (75.12 ± 1.65 mg quercitin equivalents (QE)/g extract) displayed a higher flavonoid content than the TC extract (30.24 ± 0.74 mg QE/g extract) did. The extracts had a promising antiproliferative effect on C6, HeLa, and HT29 cancer cell lines with a less cytotoxic effect (10.5–14.2%) against normal cells. Both extracts exhibited very potent inhibitory activity against the xanthine oxidase enzyme, with half‐maximal inhibitory concentration values of respectively 2.07 ± 0.03 μg mL−1 and 2.76 ± 0.06 μg mL−1 and moderate activity against tyrosinase and α‐glucosidase. Docking simulations proved that rosmarinic acid and cynaroside, the major components of the extracts, were the most potent inhibitors of xanthine oxidase. According to antimicrobial activity results, the TC extract exhibited moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and the TP extract had strong activity against both Enterococcus faecium and S. aureus.

CONCLUSION

These findings emphasize the beneficial effects of the two endemic Thymus species on human health and suggest their potential use as plant‐derived bioactive agents. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Alginate beads loaded with rambutan extract: characterization and stability during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Aksornsri Tanwarat , Peanparkdee Methavee
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Fallen young rambutan fruit is an underrated agricultural waste which may contain several bioactive compounds. In this study, fallen young rambutan fruit was assessed regarding its phenolic contents and antioxidant activities. In order to expand its utilization, rambutan extract‐loaded hydrogel beads were developed by a basic spherification technique using sodium alginate. The effect of ratios of polymer and extract and different calcium sources were evaluated. The recovery of bioactive compounds from the hydrogel beads was determined using in vitro gastrointestinal digestion models.

RESULTS

Use of 50% (v/v) ethanol yielded rambutan extract with good chemical properties. The production of hydrogel beads using a ratio of 1:3 with calcium lactate provided the highest production yield of 122.94%. The hydrogel beads developed using the ratio of 1:3 with a combination of calcium lactate and calcium chloride showed high recovery of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity after simulated intestinal digestion, which were greater compared to unencapsulated extract.

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate that the ratio of wall material to rambutan extract and the calcium source influence the physical properties, chemical properties and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion stability of alginate beads. The obtained hydrogel beads may have potential for application in the food or pharmaceutical industries. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of different tillage and fertilizer on soil quality under wheat‐maize rotation in the North China Plain
Authors: Zhang Daijing , Chen Huiping , Guo Yuxin , Hao Xinru , Fang Ling , Jiang Lina , Li Chunxi
Published: February 2024

The North China Plain plays an important role in China's crop cultivation regions, with the wheat‐maize rotation serving as the predominant cropping system. Nonetheless, a dearth of research refers to the impact of tillage and fertilizer employment on soil quality (SQ) in this region. In this study, the primary objective centered on utilizing the soil quality index (SQI) derived from both minimum and total datasets (MDS, TDS) by the linear and nonlinear scoring criteria to assess SQ. The results indicated that there was a significant correlation between wheat‐maize yield and SQI, revealing a significant association between yield and key soil parameters such as bulk density, soil porosity, total phosphorus, alkali‐hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus and cation exchange capacity at 0–60 cm soil layer. The study identifies that substantially elevated SQI mean values were completely under T8 whose values were 0.980 (linear), 0.672 (nonlinear) under MDS and 0.908 (linear), 0.701 (nonlinear) under TDS at 20–40 cm. Importantly, the annual yields were the highest when the SQI values were the maximum. Furthermore, SQ levels within this locale demonstrate a moderate to highly favorable status, ultimately underscoring the area's propitious conditions for crop cultivation. This research provides indispensable theoretical guidance for agricultural practitioners and offers a foundational framework supporting enhanced yields in local grain crops.
Spatial Nonlinear Conversion of Structured Light for Machine Learning Based Ultra‐Accurate Information Networks
Authors: Zhang Zilong , He Wei , Zhao Suyi , Gao Yuan , Wang Xin , Li Xiaotian , Wang Yuqi , Ma Yunfei , Hu Yetong , Shen Yijie , Zhao Changming
Published: February 2024

Structured light can be encoded to carry information for free‐space optical communications with an extended degree of freedom to increase the capacity, however, the accuracy issue along with capacity increase is one of the biggest challenges that prevent practical applications. To achieve high accuracy with high capacity by a simple method, they propose the spatial nonlinear conversion of structured light into a communication network, especially, realizing an ultra‐high‐accuracy point‐to‐multipoint (PtoMP) information transmission link. A series of coherently superposed spatial modes and their spatial nonlinear conversion states are used as information carriers to replace the prior orbital angular momentum beams and greatly expand channel capacity within quite low spatial mode order. Through the spatial nonlinear conversion of simple dual‐mode superposition and a very basic neural network for machine learning‐based recognition, as high as 99.5% accuracy for more than 500 modes is obtained. By a combination of diffuse reflection screens and multiple CCDs, the large observation angle PtoMP information transmission is also proved to be feasible. This work paves the way for practical large‐scale multi‐party information networks using structured light.