bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing temporal and spatial scales of radiatively driven convection in a deep, ice‐free lake
Authors: Austin Jay , Hill Craig , Fredrickson Jacob , Weber Grace , Weiss Kaelan
Published: September 2022

From May to July 2019, an array of moored equipment was deployed in Lake Superior to characterize the spatial and temporal scales of radiatively driven convection (RDC). Previous work suggested that convective plumes have horizontal scales on the order of tens of meters, posing a significant observational challenge. The centerpiece of the deployment was a large, two‐dimensional (2D) array of thermistors that provided resolution on the order of 10 meters in both the vertical and a single horizontal dimension. This was augmented by an acoustic Doppler current meter mooring and a meteorology buoy capable of estimating surface heat and momentum fluxes. Instantaneous temperature variability at a given location is dominated by a lateral background flow advecting strong horizontal temperature gradients. By combining velocity data with temperature data, this fact can be used to examine horizontal structure at centimeter scales, and can produce 2D images of instantaneous temperature distribution on a horizontal surface, revealing multiple patterns of temperature anomaly distribution. The walls of convective structures are very sharp, with horizontal gradients on the order of 1°C m−1; horizontal scales of convective structures themselves are on the order of many tens of meters. Finally, convection is shown to strongly control the vertical distribution of water quality parameters.
Mutation spectrum of non‐syndromic hearing loss in the UAE, a retrospective cohort study and literature review
Authors: Elsayed Omnia , Al‐Shamsi Aisha
Published: September 2022

Background

Hearing loss (HL) is a heterogeneous condition that causes partial or complete hearing impairment. Hundreds of variants in >60 genes have been reported to be associated with Hereditary HL (HHL), variants of the GJB2 gene are the most common cause of congenital SNHL, with >100 variants reported. The HHL prevalence is thought to be high in the Arab population; however, the genetic epidemiology of HHL among Emirati populations is understudied.

Aims

To shed light on the mutational spectrum of NSHL in Emirati patients seen in the genetic clinic over 10 years and to capture founder mutation(s) if any were identified.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of all Emirati patients assessed by clinical geneticists due to NSHL during the period between January 2010 to December 2020. Genetic tests were done based on clinical phenotypes of the patient and family history including targeted mutation testing, next‐generation sequencing, or whole‐exome sequencing (solo or trio). The authors did literature reviews using PubMed for all previously reported articles related to NSHL genes from UAE.

Results

A total of 162 patients with HL, were evaluated during the period between January 2010 to December 2020. There were 82 patients with NSHL, and only 72 patients who completed the genetic evaluations were included in this retrospective study. Among the studied group, 42 (51.2%) were males and 40 (48.78%) were females. The youngest patient was 2 years old and the oldest patient was 50 years old. Consanguinity was documented in 76 patients (92.68%). A total of 14 mutations reported here are novel (23/72 i.e., 31.9%). Twelve missense mutations, 6 nonsense mutations, 6 frameshift mutations, 2 in‐frame deletion mutations, and 1 splice site mutation was found. Variants in the GJB2 gene are the most commonly identified cause of NSHL, with c.35delG being the most followed by c.506G > A. The second commonly found variant is c.934C > G (p.Arg312Gly) in the CDC14A gene, found in 9 patients. This was followed by variants in OTOF and SLC26A4 genes, found in 8 patients, respectively. Chromosomal microdeletions encompassing genes causing NSHL were found in 3 patients. No mitochondrial mutations were found in this study group. A total of 11 previous reports about Emirati patients with NSHL were reviewed, with a total of 35 patients.

Conclusion

Emirati patients with NSHL have several mutations, most notably missense mutations. Novel mutations are worth further testing and represent the area for future researches.
Stability, bifurcation analysis, and chaos control of a discrete bioeconomic model
Authors: Yousef Ahmed M. , Rida Saad Z. , Arafat Soheir , Jang Sophia R.‐J.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we propose a host‐parasitoid model with harvest effort. The existence and stability of a positive fixed point are analyzed. The period‐doubling and Neimark–Sacker bifurcations are studied. These analyses are achieved by applying the normal form of the difference‐algebraic system, bifurcation theory, and center manifold theorem. Furthermore, we apply a state‐delayed feedback control strategy to control the complex dynamics of the proposed model. Numerical examples and simulations are given to verify our findings. Owing to the framework of Nicholson–Bailey host‐parasitoid system, the proposed difference‐algebraic model shows rich dynamics compared with the continuous‐time models.
On differential equations involving the ψ$$ \psi $$‐shifted fractional operators
Authors: Benjemaa Mondher , Jerbi Fatma
Published: September 2022

This paper is in concern with the study of differential problems involving the
‐shifted fractional derivatives, where
is a scaling function. Such operators can be thought of as a generalization of several fractional derivatives such as the classical Riemann–Liouville and Caputo operators, the Hadamard operators, the generalized fractional operators, and the Erdélyi–Kober operators, among others. Two types of boundary conditions are considered: the Cauchy problems and the integral boundary conditions.
A dual‐polarized array based on a novel strip‐typed antenna
Authors: Row Jeen‐Sheen , Han Tuan‐Yung , Chen Jun‐Yan
Published: September 2022

A strip‐typed antenna with the advantages of simple structure and easy fabrication is first proposed. When the antenna is mounted on a planar circuit board, it has the same radiation characteristics as a traditional microstrip antenna operated in the fundamental mode; however, the proposed antenna only occupies a space of a linear length for the surface of the circuit board. Then, A 1 × 4 array with ± 45° polarizations is realized using the strip‐typed antenna as a radiating element. The dual‐polarized array is excited with a pair of coplanar corporate feed networks. Simulated results show that the gains of the radiating element and array are up to 8 and 13 dBi, respectively; in addition, the isolation between the two input ports of the array is higher than 27 dB within an impedance bandwidth of around 11%. Experiments are also carried out, and they validate the simulated results. Details of the designs are presented.
A systematic search and assessment of the quality and characterisation of free mobile applications targeting knee pain
Authors: Nogueira Francisco M. F. , Martins Ricardo P. , Nery Ellen C. H. Pereira , Silva Anabela G.
Published: September 2022

Knee pain has an incidence of approximately 25% in adults and its prevalence has been increasing in the last 20 years. The use of smartphones and mobile applications (apps) has also increased in the ‘Health and Fitness’ field, which might be a useful complement in the rehabilitation process of these patients. However, it is necessary to investigate the quality of these mobile applications.

Aim

This study aimed to assess free mobile apps targeting knee pain and to characterise and critically analyse the interventions described in them.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in the Apple store, Play Store and Microsoft Store.

Results

A total of 26 applications met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated using the Mobile Apps Rating Scale (MARS), and for their content against guidelines on knee pain intervention. The mean MARS total score was 3.3 (±0.5) and the mean subjective quality score was 2.1 (±0.9) out of a maximum of 5 points each. Most apps combined different types of exercises 88% and included both exercise and pain education (62%).

Results

These results suggest a need to improve the quality of these apps aiming to create more engagement and improve app usage. Additionally, as health apps may be useful in pain management and be an alternative to complement rehabilitation, the involvement of health professionals is important during the development process of the apps including evidence‐based content and progression recommendations.
Assessment timing and choice of outcome measure in determining treatment response in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: A post hoc analysis of the PRISM trial
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A. , Ouaja Rabye , Kasiborski Fabrice , Pujol Sonia , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Aims

Treatment response and its timing are variable in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). In this study we assessed the variability using multiple outcome measures.

Methods

We performed a post hoc analysis of the PRISM trial, a 24‐week prospective, multicenter, single‐arm, open‐label, phase III study of a 10% intravenous immunoglobulin preparation for CIDP. We ascertained timing of response with primary/secondary outcome measures.

Results

At 6 weeks after treatment initiation, 13 of 40 subjects (32.5%) were defined as responders on the primary outcome measure, the adjusted Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause And Treatment (INCAT) scale. This increased to 20 of 41 (48.8%) at 12 weeks and to 32 of 42 (76.2%) at 24 weeks. Use of minimal important difference (MID)‐determined amelioration of the inflammatory Rasch‐built Overall Disability Scale (I‐RODS), or of the Medical Research Council sum score (MRCSS), or of dominant hand‐grip strength, in addition to the adjusted INCAT, indicated a sensitivity of 41.7% in identifying adjusted INCAT nonresponders at week 12 who subsequently responded at week 24. Specificity was 60% vs INCAT nonresponders at week 24. Consideration of amelioration of any amplitude on any secondary outcome measure indicated a 75% sensitivity, but only 30% specificity vs adjusted INCAT nonresponders at week 24.

Discussion

Immunoglobulin treatment continuation may be justified for up to 24 weeks in CIDP. Additional outcome measures may help in the early treatment stages to predict delayed response on the adjusted INCAT. However, their use is limited by high false‐positive rates. More robust, reliable, and relevant outcome measures are needed to detect early improvement in immunoglobulin‐treated CIDP.
Biomedical applications of microfluidic devices: Achievements and challenges
Authors: Akbari Kenari Mahsa , Rezvani Ghomi Erfan , Akbari Kenari Amirreza , Arabi Seyed Mohammad Saeed , Deylami Javad , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: September 2022

There has been a recent interest in microfluidics due to their wide application and unique integration of concepts, including physics, materials science, chemistry, microelectronics, and biology. Microfluidic chips can be applied in different fields, particularly in the biomedical sector, such as drug delivery, diagnosis devices, cell culture, and scaffold fabrication. Various materials, including metals, polymers, and ceramics, can be manufactured into microscale chips with channels and chambers. Platforms of any required size, structure, or geometry can be fabricated using a wide range of fabrication techniques, for example, three‐dimensional printing. This manuscript assesses the microfluidic devices starting from their historical development, materials, fabrication methods and challenges, as well as biomedical applications.
Preparation of polystyrene@Ni@Cu core–shell microspheres by pickering emulsion polymerization and their autonomous motion in a magnetic field applied to anisotropic conductive films
Authors: Wang Hu , Hu Xulian , Zhou Zhaoxi , Chen Qihui , Hong Maochun , Fu Heqing
Published: September 2022

Successfully designed and synthesized PS@Ni@Cu core–shell composite microspheres, which provide efficient electronic transmission for anisotropic conductive films for electronic packaging applications. Herein, a simple method for preparing core–shell composite microspheres using Pickering emulsion polymerization as a template, a dense nano‐nickel shell layer was coated on the surface of polystyrene to obtain PS@Ni microspheres, the microspheres have conductivity and magnetic properties. Then the microspheres were coated with nano‐copper layer by electroless plating to enhance the mobility of electrons in specific media. Finally, the microspheres are laminated in epoxy resin, which can realize directional (horizontal, inclined, and vertical) movement under magnetic field force to form anisotropic conductive film. The conductivity is 171.68 S cm−1, the adhesiveness and conductivity of the film can be changed by adjusting the content of microspheres. The film has excellent thermal stability, good adhesion, and can be anisotropic conductive. The difference in conductivity between the conductive direction and the insulating direction is about 108 orders of magnitude, and it can adapt to strong acids and alkalis and other more extreme environments. It is significance to the development of electronic packaging and is expected to be widely used in the field of electronic devices.
Stretching‐induced changes in the crystal structure of isotactic polybutene‐1: Temperature and stretching speed dependence
Authors: Wen Shuai , Yue Qianqian , Liu Yongjia , Peng Yongfei , He Aihua , Nie Huarong
Published: September 2022

To better understand the two synchronous processes of lamella orientation and crystal transition of iPB‐1 during stretching, the stretching‐induced changes in the crystal structure of iPB‐1 were investigated at different temperatures (room temperature, 65, and 85°C) and stretching speeds (5, 10, and 20 μm/s). It was discovered that the acceleration of crystal transition occurred almost simultaneously with strain‐hardening, and that lamella orientation and crystal transition made a different response to the stretching speeds and temperatures. This is attributed to two modes of energy dissipation: (1) the motion and orientation of the lamellae; and (2) the lattice displacement within the individual lamellae, resulting in the crystal transition from form II to I. At high temperatures, the reduced resistance to motion makes the lamellae more inclined to move in the amorphous phase in the stretching direction, which caused a high orientation of the lamellae but a retardation of the crystal transition. When iPB‐1 was stretched at a fast speed, the tie molecules failed to immediately transfer sufficient stress to the individual lamellae to induce the helix displacement of the lattice; thus, the orientation of the lamellae was a dominant trait. As a result, both a rapid crystal transition and a high yield of crystal form I were achieved when iPB‐1 was stretched at a slow speed at room temperature.
Effect of graphite oxide content on shape memory performance of graphite oxide‐carbon fiber hybrid reinforced shape memory polymer composites by VIHPS
Authors: Li Fei , Ma Yuqin , Xu Yi , Xu Wei , Zhu Wen , Guo Haiyin
Published: September 2022

Graphite oxide (GO)‐carbon fiber (CF) hybrid reinforced shape memory polymer composites (SMPC) with different GO content were prepared by vacuum infiltration hot‐press forming experimental system (VIHPS). By studying the wettability and adhesion characteristics between the shape memory matrix and CF, it was found that the addition of GO could improve the ability of the matrix to wet the CF surface and enhance the interface bonding. The shape memory performance of the composite with GO was better than that of CF reinforced epoxy matrix composite. The shape fixed rate increased by nearly 8%, and the shape recovery rate increased by nearly 13%. Combined with the test results and the characterization analysis of microstructure, the strengthening effect of GO was mainly reflected in the following aspects. Firstly, the surface folds of GO and its two‐dimensional grid structure increased the surface roughness and wettability of CF, forming a mechanical interlock among GO, reinforcement and matrix. The mechanical interlock promoted the reinforcement and matrix to have an ideal interfacial bonding strength. Secondly, the addition of GO was conducive to the transfer of deformation force and heat to prevent stress concentration in the composite and significantly improved the shape memory performance of the composite.
SIN3‐HDAC complex‐associated factor, a chromatin remodelling gene located in the 12p amplicon, is a potential germ cell tumour‐specific oncogene
Authors: Jhuang Yu‐Ling , Yang Chun‐Wei , Tseng Yu‐Fen , Hsu Chia‐Lang , Li Huei‐Ying , Yuan Ray‐Hwang , Jeng Yung‐Ming
Published: September 2022

A genetic hallmark of malignant germ cell tumours (GCTs) is isochromosome 12p, but oncogenes located in 12p that are specifically expressed in GCT have not yet been identified. SIN3‐HDAC complex‐associated factor (SINHCAF) is a subunit of the Sin3/histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex, and it defines a Sin3a‐Hdac complex variant that is required for the self‐renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells. This study demonstrated that SINHCAF is expressed in a vast majority of malignant GCTs and is rarely expressed in somatic malignancy. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation revealed SINHCAF amplification in malignant GCTs. SINHCAF silencing using shRNA reduced anchorage‐dependent cell proliferation and tumoursphere formation and inhibited tumour cell migration and invasion in GCT cell lines. Moreover, in the GCT cell line NTERA2/D1, SINHCAF silencing inhibited the expression of genes associated with embryonic stem cells and induced the expression of genes associated with neuronal and white fat cell differentiation. Compared with somatic cell lines, GCT cell lines were more susceptible to HDAC inhibitor treatment. Thus, we identified SINHCAF to be a potential oncogene located in the amplicon of chromosome 12p and showed that SINHCAF was specifically expressed in malignant GCTs. HDAC inhibitor treatment may counteract the oncogenic activity of SINHCAF and is a promising therapeutic approach for GCTs. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Analysis of silica and silicon carbide abrasives characteristics on denim wear
Authors: Elaissi Arwa , Ghith Adel , Alibi Hamza
Published: September 2022

This paper presents the development of certain abrasives based on selected industrial wastes and gives an idea of their postuse behavior. These abrasives are manufactured using two methods: pulverization and coating. For these purposes, we used cellulosic nonwoven fibers as reinforcement, three types of resin (polyurethane, acrylic, and polyester) as a matrix, and abrasive grains of silicon carbide (SiC) and silica to obtain the abrasive character. We report the wear of the developed materials by abrasion, the evaluation of their roughness, the influence of the type of the abrasive grains, and their sizes on the wear performances. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to show the morphology of abrasives. The weight loss of abrasives was measured by thermogravimetric analysis and its derivative. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy allows the chemical characterization and identification of abrasive grains. Under the same test conditions, experimental results indicate that silica‐based abrasives exhibit higher surface roughness and abrasion wear rate than SiC‐based abrasives.
Ultrasound‐based radiomics for the evaluation of fetal rat lung maturity: A noninvasive assessment method (Ultrasound‐based radiomics in fetal rat lung)
Authors: Du Yanran , Jiao Jing , Cao Aili , Ji Chao , Li Man , Ji Chenli , Wu Yang , Guo Yi , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhou Jianqiao , Ren Yunyun
Published: September 2022

Objective

To establish a classification model for the evaluation of rat fetal lung maturity (FLM) using radiomics technology.

Method

A total of 430 high‐throughput features were extracted per fetal lung image from 134 fetal lung ultrasound images (four‐cardiac‐chamber views) of 67 Sprague–Dawley (SD) fetal rats with a gestational age of 16–21 days. The detection of fetal lung tissues included histopathological staining and the expression of surface proteins SP‐A, SP‐B, and SP‐C. A machine learning classification model was established using a support vector machine based on histopathological results to analyze the relationship between fetal lung texture characteristics and FLM.

Results

The rat fetal lungs were divided into two groups: terminal sac period (SD1) and canalicular period (SD2). The mRNA transcription and protein expression level of SP‐C protein were significantly higher in the SD1 group than in the SD2 group (p < 0.05). The diagnostic performance of the rat FLM classification model was measured as follows: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 0.93 (training set) and 0.89 (validation set); sensitivity, 89.26% (training set) and 87.10% (validation set); specificity, 85.87% (training set) and 79.17% (validation set); and accuracy, 87.79% (training set) and 83.64% (validation set).

Conclusion

Ultrasound‐based radiomics technology can be used to evaluate the FLM of rats, which lays a foundation for further research on this technology in human fetal lungs.
Evolution of inverter ground impedances for PV modules with various backsheet types
Authors: Buerhop Claudia , Stroyuk Oleksandr , Pickel Tobias , Hauch Jens , Peters Ian Marius
Published: September 2022

Herein, we present results that emphasize the importance of retaining high insulation resistance in polymer backsheets for the reliable operation of photovoltaic installations. By correlating inverter monitoring data, meteorological data, and spectroscopic information from backsheet materials of photovoltaic modules, we derive performance and degradation rates for inverters connected to photovoltaic modules with several backsheet types. The feasibility of evaluating the degradation status of photovoltaic modules in the field through spectroscopic analysis of the water content in backsheet and encapsulant is demonstrated. We show that an increase in water content is a sign for reduced leakage resistance. Ground impedance was measured alongside relative humidity and temperature for three specific backsheet types. Inverters with polyamide and fluorinated coating/polyethylene terephthalate backsheets showed a significant drop in ground impedance at high humidity, RH > 70%. A loss rate of −2 kΩ/day in ground impedance was found for inverters connected to modules with certain fluorinated backsheets. This value is twice as high as for inverters connected to modules with polyamide backsheets. Time series show that the sensitivity to moisture and water ingress increases with time, especially for modules with polyamide and certain fluorinated backsheets. The worst degradation scenario observed had an annual yield loss of 27% due to inverter outages on humid days. About 25% of inverter trip alerts after 8 years of operation included modules with the specific fluorinated backsheet. In general, the study revealed a distinct backsheet impact on ground impedance and operation of inverters and the resulting yield showing an important role of the choice of polymers for reliable and long‐lasting photovoltaic systems.
Chromosome 3A harbors several pleiotropic and stable drought‐responsive alleles for photosynthetic efficiency selected through wheat breeding
Authors: Koua Ahossi Patrice , Oyiga Benedict Chijioke , Dadshani Said , Benaouda Salma , Sadeqi Mohammad Bahman , Rascher Uwe , Léon Jens , Ballvora Agim
Published: September 2022

Water deficit is the most severe stress factor in crop production threatening global food security. In this study, we evaluated the genetic variation in photosynthetic traits among 200 wheat cultivars evaluated under drought and rainfed conditions. Significant genotypic, treatments, and their interaction effects were detected for chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Drought stress reduced the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (YII) from the anthesis growth stage on. Leaf chlorophyll content measured at anthesis growth stages was significantly correlated with YII and non‐photochemical quenching under drought conditions, suggesting that high throughput chlorophyll content screening can serve as a good indicator of plant drought tolerance status in wheat. Breeding significantly increased the photosynthetic efficiency as newer released genotypes had higher YII and chlorophyll content than the older ones. GWAS identified a stable drought‐responsive QTL on chromosome 3A for YII, while under rainfed conditions, it detected another QTL on chromosome 7A for chlorophyll content across both growing seasons. Molecular analysis revealed that the associated alleles of AX‐158576783 (515.889 Mbp) on 3A co‐segregates with the NADH‐ubiquinone oxidoreductase (TraesCS3A02G287600) gene involved in ATP synthesis coupled electron transport and is proximal to WKRY transcription factor locus. This allele on 3A has been positively selected through breeding and has contributed to increasing the grain yield.
Taro raphide‐associated proteins: Allergens and crystal growth
Authors: Paull Robert E. , Zerpa‐Catanho Dessireé , Chen Nancy J. , Uruu Gail , Wai Ching Man Jennifer , Kantar Michael
Published: September 2022

Calcium oxalate raphide crystals are found in bundles in intravacuolar membrane chambers of specialized idioblasts cells of most plant families. Aroid raphides are proposed to cause acridity in crops such as taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott). Acridity is irritation that causes itchiness and pain when raw/insufficiently cooked tissues are eaten. Since raphides do not always cause acridity and since acridity can be inactivated by cooking and/or protease treatment, it is possible that a toxin or allergen‐like compound is associated with the crystals. Using two‐dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry (MS) peptide sequencing of selected peptides from purified raphides and taro apex transcriptome sequencing, we showed the presence on the raphides of peptides normally associated with mitochrondria (ATP synthase), chloroplasts (chaperonin ~60 kDa), cytoplasm (actin, profilin), and vacuole (V‐type ATPase) that indicates a multistage biocrystallation process ending with possible invagination of the tonoplast and addition of mucilage that may be derived from the Golgi. Actin might play a crucial role in the generation of the needle‐like raphides. One of the five raphide profilins genes was highly expressed in the apex and had a 17‐amino acid insert that significantly increased that profilin's antigenic epitope peak. A second profilin had a 2‐amino acid insert and also had a greater B‐cell epitope prediction. Taro profilins showed 83% to 92% similarity to known characterized profilins. Further, commercial allergen test strips for hazelnuts, where profilin is a secondary allergen, have potential for screening in a taro germplasm to reduce acridity and during food processing to avoid overcooking.
Virtual reality mobility for burn patients (VR‐MOBILE): A within‐subject‐controlled trial protocol
Authors: Le May Sylvie , Genest Christine , Francoeur Maxime , Hung Nicole , Guingo Estelle , Khadra Christelle , Noel Melanie , Paquette Julie , Roy Andrée‐Anne
Published: September 2022

In the acute phase, burn patients undergo several painful procedures. Pediatric burn care procedures conducted in hydrotherapy have been known to generate severe pain intensity and moderate to high levels of anxiety. Hydrotherapy treatments are done with the use of opioids and benzodiazepines for pain and anxiety. Unfortunately, nonpharmacological methods are rarely combined with pharmacological treatments despite evidence showing that distraction can serve as an effective method for pain management and can potentially decrease analgesic requirements in other painful medical procedures. Virtual reality (VR) is a method that uses distraction to interact within a virtual environment. The use of VR is promising for pain reduction in varying settings. Considering the lack of optimal pain and anxiety management during burn wound care and the positive effect of an immersive distraction for painful procedures, using VR for burn wound care procedures may show promising results. This is a within‐subject randomized controlled trial design in which each participant will serve as his/her own control. A minimum of 20 participants, aged 7 to 17 years old undergoing a burn care session, will receive both standard and experimental treatments during the same session in a randomized order. The experimental treatment will consist of combining VR distraction using the video game Dreamland® to the current standard pharmacological care as per unit protocol. The control group will only receive the unit's standard pharmacological care. The mean difference in both pain intensity scores and in anxiety between the two different sequences will be the primary outcomes of this study. This study evaluates the effect of VR on burn wound care. If results from this study show a positive effect of VR compared to standard care, this protocol may provide guidance on how to implement this type of immersive care as part of the tools available for distraction of painful procedures for acute burn victims.
Revisiting the formation mechanism of diarylamines via Smiles rearrangement
Authors: Murillo Fernando , Quintal Alan , Dzib Eugenia , Zarate Ximena , Fernández‐Herrera María A. , Merino Gabriel
Published: September 2022

The mechanisms proposed for the synthesis of diarylamines from diarylsulfinamides are revisited via quantum chemical computations, verifying the 3‐exo‐trig Smiles rearrangement as the most viable pathway. Diarylamine precursors with sterically hindered, electron‐rich, or electron‐deficient N‐aryl rings do not alter the barriers. However, the effects of the substituent on the S‐aryl ring of monosubstituted, dimonosubstituted, and trisubstituted diarylsulfinamides can drastically change the rearrangement barriers. Furthermore, our results of rate constants computed at different temperatures show that the temperature rise favors the 3‐exo‐trig Smiles rearrangement reactions.
Antioxidant and anticancer properties of plant‐based bioactive flavonoids cardamonin and alpinetin: A theoretical insight from •OOH antiradical and Cu (II) chelation mechanisms
Authors: Kabanda Mwadham M. , Bahadur Indra , Singh Prashant
Published: September 2022

A density functional theory (DFT) study aimed at a comparative investigation on the antioxidant mechanisms of cardamonin and alpinetin, two flavonoid bioactive components derived from plant sources with potential medicinal properties, has been performed through assessment of their •OOH scavenging ability in non‐polar medium and Cu (II) chelation ability in the absence and presence of explicit water molecules stabilising the metal cation. In addition, a comparison of the antioxidant properties of cardamonin with the moiety of phloroglucinol and acylated phloroglucinol has been performed to establish cardamonin's antioxidant potentiality among the phloroglucinol family of compounds. The results of the investigation reveal that alpinetin could be considered a better radical scavenger than cardamonin within the non‐polar lipid bilayer medium of biological systems. However, the role of both compounds as •OOH scavengers may be limited, in comparison to standard antioxidant molecules, such as α‐tocopherol, because of the fact that the bond dissociation enthalpy for the hydrogen atom abstraction mechanism has a positive value, which signifies that the radical scavenging mechanism is not a thermodynamically preferred reaction. Cardamonin is found also to be a weaker antioxidant molecule than phloroglucinol and acylated phloroglucinol moieties. In terms of metal chelation mechanism, cardamonin is a better Cu (II) chelator than alpinetin since it has a higher metal ion affinity than alpinetin upon coordination to the Cu (II) cation. The results obtained could also imply that cardamonin is a better agent in dealing with angiogenesis, tumour growth and metastatis stages of cancer than alpinetin, since the ability of chelating metal cation shown by cardamonin ascribes it a better role as an anticancer agent than alpinetin. Therefore, although alpinetin may prove to play an important role as a promising antioxidant and antiinflamatory agent than cardamonin, by scavenging radical species, cardamonin would prove more valuable in the control of various stages of cancer growth than alpinetin.
Synthesis, anticancer evaluation, and molecular docking study of novel 4‐hydroxybenzo[h][1,6]naphthyridine‐2,5‐dione derivatives
Authors: Mostafa Mai A.
Published: September 2022

An operationally efficient and affordable lactone‐to‐lactam transformation was designed from pyrano[3,2‐c]quinolinone 1 to obtain 4‐hydroxybenzo[h][1,6]naphthyridine‐2,5‐dione 2 utilizing ammonium acetate. The newly synthesized compound 2 was subjected to different electrophilic substitution reactions such as nitration, chlorination, bromination, and N‐acylation to obtain novel benzo[h][1,6]naphthyridine derivatives with different substituents at C‐3, C‐4, and NH. Structures of novel products were achieved by elemental analyses and spectroscopic techniques. The benzonapthyridine derivatives were screened for their antitumor activities against some cancer cell lines including HepG‐2, HCT‐116, and MCF‐7. All the examined compounds revealed strong, good, moderate to weak anticancer activity compared with 5‐fluorouracil as a reference standard. Compound (3, ‐3NO2) was the most cytotoxic one and exhibited a higher inhibitory activity than the standard drug against HCT‐116 and MCF‐7 with IC50 values of 20.7 ± 1.9 and 22.5 ± 2.1 μg/ml, respectively, and strong activity against HepG‐2 with IC50 = 15.3 ± 0.7 μg/ml. Moreover, a molecular docking study was carried out for the tested compounds against the crystallographic structure of the Topo II enzyme as a potential target to investigate their binding modes. Docking results showed that compound 6b fitted well into the active site of topoisomerase II (PDB ID: 1ZXM) with hydrogen bond interactions.
microRNA‐34‐5p encoded by Spodoptera frugiperda regulates the replication and infection of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus by targeting odv‐e66, ac78 and ie2
Authors: Jia Qiaojin , Fu Yuejun
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the significant migratory pests in the Global Alert issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. As an insect‐specific microbial insecticide, baculovirus has been used to control various pests. MicroRNA‐34‐5p (miR‐34‐5p) is involved in regulating growth, reproduction and innate immunity to pathogens in insects, playing an essential role in host–virus interactions. In this study, we explored the critical function of miR‐34‐5p encoded by S. frugiperda in the anti‐Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), providing a reference for the design of a miR‐34‐5p target biopesticide against S. frugiperda and a theoretical basis for the wide application of microRNAs (miRNAs) in green pest control technology.

RESULTS

We focused on miR‐34‐5p identified as downregulated in Sf9 cells and S. frugiperda larvae infected by AcMNPV. The regulatory function of miR‐34‐5p in AcMNPV–S. frugiperda interactions was studied by transfecting synthetic mimics and inhibitors, and constructing recombinant bacmids with miR‐34‐5p overexpression. miR‐34‐5p inhibited the production of infectious budded virions at the cellular and insect levels, inhibited the replication of the viral DNA and glucose metabolism, and increased the transcription of the antimicrobial peptide gloverin. Furthermore, the virus genes odv‐e66, ac78 and ie2 were shown to be direct targets.

CONCLUSION

We systematically revealed the mechanism by which miR‐34‐5p is involved in the insect antiviral process. miR‐34‐5p inhibited the replication and infection of AcMNPV by directly targeting AcMNPV genes, especially ac78 and ie2. Our study provides a new direction and thinking for the prevention and green control of lepidopteran pests. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
DNA metabarcoding of gut contents reveals key habitat and seasonal drivers of trophic networks involving generalist predators in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Saqib Hafiz Sohaib Ahmed , Sun Linyang , Pozsgai Gabor , Liang Pingping , You Minsheng , Gurr Geoff M. , You Shijun
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Understanding the networks of trophic interactions into which generalist predators are embedded is key to assessing their ecological role of in trophic networks and the biological control services they provide. The advent of affordable DNA metabarcoding approaches greatly facilitates quantitative understanding of trophic networks and their response to environmental drivers. Here, we examine how key environmental gradients interact to shape predation by Lycosidae in highly dynamic vegetable growing systems in China.

RESULTS

For the sampled Lycosidae, crop identity, pesticide use and seasons shape the abundance of prey detected in spider guts. For the taxonomic richness of prey, local‐ and landscape‐scale factors gradients were more influential. Multivariate ordinations confirm that these crop‐abundant spiders dynamically adjust their diet to reflect environmental constraints and seasonal availability to prey.

CONCLUSION

Plasticity in diet composition is likely to account for the persistence of spiders in relatively ephemeral brassica crops. Our findings provide further insights into the optimization of habitat management for predator‐based biological control practices. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessment of acute and chronic toxicity of cyantraniliprole and sulfoxaflor on honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae
Authors: Kim Juyeong , Chon Kyongmi , Kim Bo‐Seon , Oh Jin‐A , Yoon Chang‐Young , Park Hong‐Hyun
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Recently, cyantraniliprole (CYA) and sulfoxaflor (SUL) have been considered as alternatives to neonicotinoid insecticides. In this study, we evaluated the acute and chronic toxicities of CYA and SUL on honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) larvae reared in vitro.

RESULTS

In the acute toxicity test, the following test doses were used to determine the median lethal dose (LD50): CYA 0.007, 0.014, 0.028, 0.056 and 0.112 μg larva−1; SUL 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 μg larva−1. In the chronic toxicity test, the following test doses were used to determine the LD50: CYA 0.00512, 0.0128, 0.032, 0.08 and 0.2 μg larva−1; SUL 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 μg larva−1. The acute LD50 values of CYA and SUL were 0.047 and 11.404 μg larva−1, respectively. Larvae acutely exposed to SUL had significantly lower body weight than controls, but those exposed to CYA showed no difference. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) and LD50 values of the chronic toxicity tests for each insecticide were 0.00512 and 0.064 μg larva−1 for CYA, and 0.0625 μg larva−1 and 0.212 μg larva−1 for SUL, respectively. Larvae chronically exposed to SUL emerged as bees with deformed wings, reaching adult deformation rates of over 50%; however, CYA had no effect on adult deformation.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to CYA increased larval mortality but did not cause any adult deformation, whereas SUL exposure increased pupal mortality and caused wing deformation in newly emerged bees. Our study may be useful for the assessment of pesticide toxicity by providing valuable findings on the effects of these insecticides on honey bee larvae. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Towards a post‐COVID world: Challenges and progress of recovery in Kazakhstan
Authors: Haruna Usman Abubakar , Amos Oladunni Abimbola , Gyeltshen Dawa , Colet Paolo , Almazan Joseph , Ahmadi Attaullah , Sarria‐Santamera Antonio
Published: September 2022

Kazakhstan announced the first cases of COVID‐19 in March 2020. Within a span of a few months, the pandemic ravaged all regions affecting vulnerable populations due to limited access to healthcare services and co‐morbidities. To minimize the spread of the pandemic, the government announced the implementation of containment measures such as quarantine, movement restrictions, and lockdowns among others. The collateral effect of the pandemic has disrupted economic and learning activities pushing several people below the poverty line. The pandemic revealed the weakness of healthcare including the acute shortage of essential medicines and lack of hospital beds. This calls for stringent measures to revive the economy and mitigate the reeling effect of the pandemic. As a result, Kazakhstan commenced COVID‐19 vaccination efforts in February 2021. To date, about 47.8% are fully vaccinated pushing Kazakhstan closer to achieving herd immunity at the 60% threshold. However, the country faces challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and uncertainty surrounding vaccine effectiveness against new variants of SARS‐CoV2, among others. This paper aims to explore the health and socioeconomic challenges caused by COVID‐19 in Kazakhstan, control strategies, vaccination campaigns and progress towards herd immunity.
Developing transmission mode for infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Joignant Alena N. , Bai Hongxia , Guymon Jacob P. , Garrard Kenneth P. , Pankow Mark , Muddiman David C.
Published: September 2022

Rationale

The development and characterization of the novel NextGen infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR‐MALDESI) source catalyzed new advancements in IR‐MALDESI instrumentation, including the development of a new analysis geometry.

Methods

A vertically oriented transmission mode (tm)‐IR‐MALDESI setup was developed and optimized on thawed mouse tissue. In addition, glycerol was introduced as an alternative energy‐absorbing matrix for tm‐IR‐MALDESI because the new geometry does not currently allow for the formation of an ice matrix. The tm geom was evaluated against the optimized standard geometry for the NextGen source in reflection mode (rm).

Results

It was found that tm‐IR‐MALDESI produces comparable results to rm‐IR‐MALDESI after optimization. The attempt to incorporate glycerol as an alternative matrix provided little improvement to tm‐IR‐MALDESI ion abundances.

Conclusions

This work has successfully demonstrated the adaptation of the NextGen IR‐MALDESI source through the feasibility of tm‐IR‐MALDESI mass spectrometry imaging on mammalian tissue, expanding future biological applications of the method.
Rapid, sensitive analysis method for determining the nitrogen stable isotope ratio of total free amino acids in soil
Authors: Yuan Hongzhao , He Zhen , Chen Xiangbi , Ge Tida , Zhang Liping , Wang Jiurong
Published: September 2022

Rationale

The amino acid–nitrogen (AA‐N) isotope analysis of naturally abundant or isotope‐labeled samples is indispensable for tracing nitrogen transfer in soil nitrogen biogeochemical cycling processes. Despite the usefulness of AA‐N isotope analysis, the preparation methods are complex and time‐consuming, and necessitate the use of toxic reagents.

Methods

We present an improved, rapid method for AA‐N isotope analysis with high precision. At a high pH, AA‐N was released and oxidized to N2O using ClO− under vacuum. Additionally, purge‐and‐trap isotope ratio mass spectrometry was used to analyze N2O. Moreover, we investigated the effect of various factors on the N2O conversion process with glycine and applied the results to seven representative single‐N AAs (alanine, serine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, leucine, and phenylalanine) and five poly‐N AAs (lysine, arginine, histidine, tryptophan, and asparagine), as well as side‐chain analogs, blank reagent, and other N forms.

Results

The concentration of ClO− and the pH were determined to be crucial factors for achieving desirable AA‐N to N2O conversion efficiencies. Glycine‐N had the highest N2O yield of 70%, with isotopic results consistent with those of the reference values at a high precision (within 0.5‰ for natural abundance and 0.01 atom% for 15N‐enrichment) at the nanomolar N level. Additionally, the α‐NH2 AAs were labile, and the single‐N AAs were more easily converted to N2O than poly‐N AAs. With the exception of γ‐aminobutyric acid, the N2O conversion efficiencies of the side‐chain N analogs were very low (below 5%). This method was also applicable to the 15N analysis of the total free AAs in complex soil samples without interference from analytical blanks and other forms of N.

Conclusions

Our method is highly selective for the α‐NH2 groups of an amino acid, and the oxidation of the side chain is difficult. In addition, the method is sensitive, rapid, and convenient, and does not require toxic reagents.
Torque teno virus load as marker of rejection and infection in solid organ transplantation – A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van Rijn AL , Roos R , Dekker FW , Rotmans JI , Feltkamp MCW
Published: September 2022

Balancing immunosuppression to prevent rejection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients remains challenging. Torque teno virus (TTV), a commensal non‐pathogenic virus, has been proposed as marker of functional immunity: higher loads correspond to over‐immunosuppression, and lower loads to under‐immunosuppression. This review offers an overview of the current evidence of the association between TTV‐load and infection and rejection after SOT. A systematic literature search strategy, deposited in the PROSPERO registry, resulted in 548 records. After screening, 23 original and peer‐reviewed articles were assessed investigating the association between TTV‐load, infection and/or rejection in SOT. The Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS)‐tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Meta‐analysis with random‐effects was performed on results with similar outcomes and exposure measures. Most of the included studies involved retrospective cohorts in which the TTV‐load was measured longitudinally, within the first 2 years post‐transplantation. Infection outcomes differed between studies and included viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections. Rejection was defined by biopsy confirmation or initiation of rejection treatment. Twelve out of 16 studies reported an association between high TTV‐load and infections, whereas 13 out of 15 reported an association between low TTV‐load and rejection. Meta‐analysis showed an increased risk of infection (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03–1.32; HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.97–1.14) and a decreased risk of rejection (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.87–0.94; HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.71–0.76) per 1 log TTV‐load increase. The qualitative assessment showed varying risks of bias in the included studies. This systematic review and meta‐analysis indicates that blood TTV‐load measured within the first 2 years after SOT is associated with the risk of infection or allograft rejection, although substantial risk of bias in the studies included warrant cautious interpretation. The results in this review provide a rationale for larger, prospective, studies into TTV as marker of infection and rejection after SOT.