bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualization of the dentogingival junction using micro‐plastination technique
Authors: Correa‐Aravena Jaime , Panes Camila , Ponce Nikol , Prado‐Sanhueza Aurora , Guzmán Diego , Vásquez Bélgica , Roa Ignacio , Veuthey Carlos , Masuko Telma S. , Ottone Nicolás E.
Published: October 2024

Plastination has revolutionized the field of anatomy and research by providing biosecurity and enabling the long‐term preservation of biological material, ranging from entire bodies to individual organs and even micron sections. The dentogingival junction (DGJ) consists of both epithelial and connective tissues that are closely related to the tooth's mineralized tissues. Cutting‐grinding techniques are commonly used to visualize DGJ histology. These techniques exclude enamel from preparations and focus on visualizing hard or soft tissues. To improve the micro‐anatomical and histological study of this region, we applied micro‐plastination technique to obtain micro‐thin slices below 150 μm thick from human and animal samples. The DGJ microanatomy was visualized by applying histological stains to the micro‐plastinated slices, highlighting the technique's endogenous autofluorescence capacity identifying periodontal tissues, including dentin, enamel, cementoenamel junction, dentinal tubules, connective tissue, and collagen. Based on our results, we confirm that micro‐plastination is a useful technique for visualizing anatomical regions that are difficult to access, such as the DGJ. Micro‐plastination can be used as an alternative technique, providing a new approach for its application in anatomical and morphological research protocols.
CD11b/CD86 involved in the microenvironment of colorectal cancer by promoting Wnt signaling activation
Authors: Ke Junyu , Chen Guirong , You Yihui , Xie Qinghua , Liu Zheng‐lin , Song Chunhui , Zheng Yanqiu , Shan Zejun , Song Jinbin , Jiang Zhangyu , Wang Haiyan , Du Qun , Wu Yongqiang , Chen Xin‐lin , Li Yanwu
Published: October 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy that arises within the gastrointestinal tract. Despite ongoing research, the etiology and pathogenesis of CRC remain elusive; particularly, the distribution and characteristics of tumor‐associated macrophages is currently an active area of investigation in understanding the pathological progression and prevention of CRC.

Methods

This study utilized CRC patient surgical samples, mouse models of colitis‐associated cancer, colonic organoid, and co‐culture cell line to examine the changes in CD11b/CD86 at different pathological region and detect the Wnt signaling pathway activity.

Results

Our findings revealed a sensitive and increased expression of CD11b from the early to the advanced CRC tissues and correlated with poor prognosis, while CD86 expression was reduced in advanced CRC tissues. CD133 expression was also elevated in advanced CRC tissues and mainly co‐localized with CD11b, suggesting a positive regulatory effect of CD11b and CD133 expression that may contribute to CRC progression. In AOM/DSS mouse models, activation of the Wnt signaling pathway was associated with increased CD133 and CD11b expression. In vitro, THP‐1 cell was induced to high expression of CD11b, and the above conditional cultural medium enhanced HCT116 cell colony number and CD133 protein expression. Furthermore, colonic crypts from AOM/DSS mouse models were isolated to culture, and the colonic organoids exhibited dilation and significant increases expression of CD133 and β‐Catenin/N‐P‐B‐Catenin.

Conclusions

CD11b might be an important factor to participate the progress of CRC. And the high CD11b of CRC microenviroment might potentially promote CD133 expression and associate with Wnt signal activation.
Antibacterial Activity of Glycosylated Flavonoids Isolated from Ocotea notata Leaves
Authors: de Jesus Borges Costa Isabela Francisca , Rocha Reis João Vitor , Ungaretti Paleo Konno Tatiana , Wanderley Tinoco Luzineide , Correa Pinto Shaft , Correa Ramos Leal Ivana , Frazão Muzitano Michelle
Published: October 2024

Research into natural products has led to the discovery of new drugs. This work shows relevant data on the antibacterial activity of Ocotea notata leaves. Dichloromethane fraction (DF) from leaves of O. notata showed antibacterial activity at the concentration of 512 μg/mL against strains of Staphylococcus. The DF was fractionated to investigate bioactive compounds and yielded six subfractions (DF1‐DF6). The DF3, DF5, and DF6 showed bacteriostatic activity, and DF4 showed bactericidal activity at the concentration of 2048 μg/mL and additive effect when combined with the antibiotic oxacillin. The flavonoids miquelianin (1), isoquercitrin (2), reynoutrin (3), guaijaverin (4), and afzelin (5) were isolated from the DF4 and characterized via NMR and HPLC‐DAD‐MS/MS analyses. Flavonoids 1‐5, especially reynoutrin (3), seem to be responsible for the DF4 antibacterial activity. Reynoutrin showed activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 and S. aureus methicillin‐resistant ATCC 33591. This is the first report regarding the reynoutrin antibacterial activity and the first description of the flavonoid guaijaverin for O. notata.
Three New Antibacterial Mycophenolic Acid Derivatives from the Marine‐Derived Fungus Penicillium sp. HN‐66
Authors: Mo TuXiang , Qin YuYue , Zhang Yue , Liang YongBin , Li XiaoBao , Li WanShan , Chen GuangYing
Published: October 2024

Three new mycophenolic acid derivatives, penicacids L−N (1–3), together with four known analogues, were isolated from a fungus Penicillium sp. HN‐66 derived from a South China Sea marine sediment. The structures of compounds 1–3 were determined on the basis of HR‐ESI‐MS, NMR (1H, 13C, HSQC and HMBC) data analyses, and comparison of optical rotations. Antimicrobial activities of 1–7 were tested. The results showed that compounds 1–3 and 5–7 had weak inhibitory effects against E. coli ATCC 25922 with the MIC values of 50 μg/mL.
Exploring Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Callistemon viminalis (Sol. ex Gaertn.) G.Don ex Loudon) By In vitro and In silico Approaches
Authors: Kanwal Shamsa , Ahmad Saeed , Rao Huma , Khan Kashif ur Rehman , Zeeshan Muhammad , Farooq Samra
Published: October 2024

Callistemon viminalis (Sol. ex Gaertn.) G.Don ex Loudon) (family: Myrtaceae) is used for its medicinal properties in treating various metabolic disorders. We investigated the chemical characterization and biological screening of the n‐hexane extract of C. viminalis. The total phenolic content was (37.45±7.40 mg GA.E/g D.E±S.D) and the total flavonoid content was (18.43±6.34 mg R.E/g D.E±S.D). GC‐MS screening of the n‐hexane extract tentatively identified 70 bioactive phytochemicals. The maximum antioxidant potential (289.99±9.01 mg T.E/g D.E±S.D) was observed via the FRAP assay. Enzyme inhibition assays revealed that n‐hexane extract of C. viminalis showed enzyme inhibition against the enzymes including α‐glucosidase (6.9±0.13 mmol of ACA.E/g D.E±S.D); α‐amylase (7.2±0.56 mmol of ACA.E/g D.E±S.D), urease (4.95±0.9 mg of TU.E/g D.E±S.D), acetylcholinesterase (2.9±0.08 mg GALA.E/g D.E±S.D), lipoxygenase (4.93±1.05 mg of Indo.E/g D.E±S.D) and tyrosinase (4.33±0.62 mg of KA.E/g D.E±S.D). The extract showed maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (71.30±4.44 %) followed by Bacillus subtilis (68.55±2.70 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (57.86±6.02 %), and Salmonella typhi (53.90±5.05 %). Docking studies revealed good docking interactions between ligands and the studied enzymes, whereas ADME analysis revealed the pharmacokinetic profiles of the phytoconstituents. C. viminalis possesses promising therapeutic potential and can be further explored for drug development and drug design.
Comparative Analysis of Thermal Activation on Felts and Continuous Carbon Filament Electrodes for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Aguiló‐Aguayo Noemí , Ebert Toni Alena , Amade Roger , Bertran Enric , Ospina Rogelio , Rodriguez‐Pereira Jhonatan , Ponce de León Carlos , Bechtold Thomas , Pham Tung
Published: October 2024

Thermal treatments are commonly used to improve electrode kinetics in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB). The impact of the widely adopted thermal treatment—400 °C for least 24 hours—was investigated on polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐based continuous carbon filaments (tows) and compared to PAN‐based graphite felts. Surface properties were assessed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and wettability measurements. The electrode activity was investigated via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Charge‐transfer resistances and the constant phase element parameters related to the electric double layer were determined, revealing a correlation between enhanced electrode activity and increased double layer across all electrodes. An 8‐hour 400 °C thermal treatment was sufficient to improve electrode activity for tows, whereas felts required longer durations, up to 24 hours, attributed to differences in the carbonization process employed for each material, with the tows undergoing continuous processing and the felts following a batch process. Three‐electrode half‐cell EIS measurements were conducted to elucidate positive and negative electrode contributions. Activated continuous carbon filament electrodes exhibited consistent electrode activities in both the catholyte (VO2+/VO2+) and anolyte (V3+/V2+), whereas the electrochemical activity of felts was limited by the electrode deactivation in the anolyte.
Dynamic interaction between refractory and low‐carbon low‐silicon Al‐killed steel
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Du Tianyu , Ma Guojun , Xu Yanghui , Zheng Dingli , Liu Mengke
Published: October 2024

To investigate the dynamic interaction between refining refractory and low‐carbon low‐silicon Al‐killed steel, the “refractory‐molten steel‐inclusion” system was analyzed using dynamic erosion experiments and the FactSage database. This study discussed the formation of interfacial layers between various refining refractories and molten steel, as well as the transformation of nonmetallic inclusions in steel. The findings indicate that the interaction between refractories and molten steel produces a distinct interface layer. The influence of various refining refractories on inclusions varies significantly. MgO‐C refractory promotes the formation of MgO·Al2O3 inclusions in steel, while Al2O3‐MgO refractory leads to the formation of SiO2‐MnO‐Al2O3 inclusions. Both Al2O3‐SiC refractory and Al2O3‐MgO‐C refractory result in Al2O3 inclusions with trace levels of MgO. Steel refined with Al2O3‐MgO‐C refractory has increased MgO content within Al2O3 inclusions but still does not reach the stoichiometric ratio of MgO·Al2O3. As the initial Al content increases, the influence of MgO‐C refractory inclusions becomes increasingly noticeable. The average MgO content within the inclusions rises with the reaction duration, achieving as high as 62.9%. The transition path of Al2O3 inclusions in molten steel follows “Al2O3→MgO·Al2O3→MgO.”
Predictors and Patterns of Dropout From Psychiatric Treatment Among Trauma‐Affected Refugees: A Large Data Pool Analysis
Authors: Vindbjerg Erik , Sandahl Hinuga , Lindberg Laura Glahder , Attardo Henriette Laugesen , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Carlsson Jessica
Published: October 2024

Dropout from mental health treatment is a substantial hindrance to relevant and effective treatment. Despite the high prevalence of PTSD among refugees, research into their treatment dropout has received limited attention. This study aimed to identify patterns and predictors of treatment dropout versus completion through different treatment stages. The sample included 940 patients with a refugee background undergoing outpatient treatment for PTSD in Denmark. All patients were offered 10 medical doctor sessions and 16–20 psychotherapy sessions. Dropout was analysed in three stages: (1) during the first six MD sessions, (2) during the first eight psychotherapy sessions upon completion of Stage 1, and (3) during psychotherapy sessions 9 to 16. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted for each stage to identify predictors of stage‐specific dropout. Counter to expectations, both early dropout and full completion were associated with better symptom outcomes, relative to late‐treatment dropout. Key predictors varied by stage, with younger age predicting early dropout, whereas chronic pain and poor Danish proficiency predicted late dropout. Female gender and a clearly articulated motivation for active participation were predictors for full treatment completion. Practical advice is suggested to accommodate at‐risk patients and to re‐evaluate patient engagement after familiarisation with treatment.
Selected Acute Safety Events Following the Use of Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir or Molnupiravir for COVID‐19: A Nationwide Cohort Study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Ju Hwan , Choi Ahhyung , Bae Gihwan , Joo Eun‐Jeong , Choi Min Joo , Huh Kyungmin , Lee Hyungmin , Kim Jungyeon , Kim Dong‐Hwi , Yoo Min‐Gyu , Jo Il Uk , Lee Poong Hoon , Lee Geun Woo , Jung Hee Sun , Jung Jaehun , Shin Ju‐Young
Published: October 2024

There had been concerns about the acute complications during or shortly after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMVr) and molnupiravir (MOL). This study aimed to compare the risks of selected acute safety events in patients treated with or without NMVr or MOL using the COVID‐19 oral treatment safety assessment data, constructed through the linkage of nationwide databases: National COVID‐19 registry, Real‐time Prescription Surveillance, and National Health Insurance data. We identified all adults diagnosed with COVID‐19 between January and November 2022, and then constructed two cohorts by matching up to four patients without antiviral treatment records to NMVr or MOL users using propensity score matching. Outcomes of interest were incident‐selected cardiac (i.e., atrial fibrillation, other arrhythmia, bradycardia), neurological (i.e., seizure, neuropathy, encephalomyelitis), and miscellaneous (i.e., acute pancreatitis, acute liver injury, dysgeusia) events. A total of 739,935 NMVr users were matched with 2,951,690 comparators and 150,431 MOL users with 759,521 comparators. NMVr users were at lower risk for developing selected cardiac events (hazard ratio 0.74 [95% CI 0.65–0.87] for atrial fibrillation, 0.81 [0.65–0.99] for other arrhythmia, and 0.82 [0.70–0.96] for bradycardia) and dysgeusia (0.58 [0.45–0.74]). For MOL users, the risk was lower for atrial fibrillation (0.72 [0.53–0.96]) and dysgeusia (0.34 [0.18–0.65]). Overall, there were no increased risks of acute complications during and shortly after treatment with oral COVID‐19 antivirals. Rather, the findings underscore their effectiveness in attenuating the risk of potential acute sequelae of COVID‐19.
CSR as a catalyst: Examining the effects of board gender diversity on earnings management
Authors: Muhammad Hussain , Migliori Stefania , Di Berardino Daniela
Published: October 2024

The importance of board gender diversity (BGD) is well recognized due to its potential to enhance corporate governance and bring diverse perspectives to decision‐making processes. However, empirical evidence on its benefits, particularly for earnings management (EM), remains inconclusive, reflecting the complex dynamics within corporate boards. Given the inconsistent BGD–EM relationship, researchers are left to examine how, if at all, the two are associated, often encountering mixed results that complicate the narrative. Building on agency and stakeholder perspectives, this paper provides deeper insights into the BGD–EM relationship, emphasizing the mediating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a catalyst that enables BGD to impact EM. We sample 10,252 firm‐year observations from publicly listed firms in 15 European countries from 2010 to 2020. The results show that BGD positively impacts CSR performance by indicating that diverse boards prioritize and implement socially responsible initiatives, leading to strategies that constrain EM practices through a culture of transparency and accountability. The results suggest that women directors are committed to enhancing CSR performance and restraining unethical activities such as financial manipulation and EM, reflecting their tendency to uphold higher ethical standards. Our findings alert firms to the need to focus not only on the importance of BGD but also on CSR activities to ensure higher earnings reporting quality and curb EM practices. By integrating BGD and CSR into their core strategies, firms can create a robust framework that mitigates the risks associated with EM. The results also have important implications for regulators, policymakers, and managers in understanding the drivers of higher EM practice quality. The results highlight the need for regulatory frameworks that encourage gender diversity and CSR, thereby promoting sustainable and ethical business practices.
Oxophilic Sn to Promote Glucose Oxidation to Formic Acid in Ni Nanoparticles
Authors: Montaña‐Mora Guillem , Mejia‐Centeno Karol V. , Qi Xueqiang , Xue Qian , Chacón‐Borrero Jesus , Salutari Francesco , Spadaro Maria Chiara , Andreu Teresa , Salazar‐Alvarez Germán , Güell Frank , Llorca Jordi , Arbiol Jordi , Martinez‐Alanis Paulina R. , Cabot Andreu
Published: October 2024

The electrochemical glucose oxidation reaction (GOR) presents an opportunity to produce hydrogen and high‐value chemical products. Herein, we investigate the effect of Sn in Ni nanoparticles for the GOR to formic acid (FA). Electrochemical results show that the maximum activity is related to the amount of Ni, as Ni sites are responsible for catalyzing the GOR via the NiOOH/Ni(OH)2 pair. However, the GOR kinetics increases with the amount of Sn, associated with an enhancement of the OH− supply to the catalyst surface for Ni(OH)2 reoxidation to NiOOH. NiSn nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes (NiSn/CNT) exhibit excellent current densities and direct GOR via C−C cleavage mechanism, obtaining FA with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 93 % at 1.45 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. GOR selectivity is further studied by varying the applied potential, glucose concentration, reaction time, and temperature. FE toward FA production decreases due to formic overoxidation to carbonates at low glucose concentrations and high applied potentials, while acetic and lactic acids are obtained with high selectivity at high glucose concentrations and 55 °C. Density functional theory calculations show that the SnO2 facilitates the adsorption of glucose on the surface of Ni and promotes the formation of the catalytic active Ni3+ species.
A Novel Family of Single‐Phase Direct Buck AC‐AC Converters With Continuous Input Current, Reduced Components, and Balanced Power Losses
Authors: Lahooti Eshkevari Alireza , Abdoli Iman , Karimi Hajiabadi Mostafa
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces a single‐phase step‐down AC‐AC converter designed for voltage sag/swell compensation applications. The converter features a minimal component count, continuous input current, and high efficiency, although only one power switch operates at a high frequency per input voltage half‐cycle. It offers a linear and broad voltage conversion ratio (D) without right‐half‐plane zeros in its small‐signal transfer function, simplifying the controller design. The proposed converter does not need dead time. It ensures balanced voltage and current stresses and power losses among power switches, easing the selection of semiconductors. Compared with existing topologies, it excels in total capacitor voltage, switching device power, and volume metrics of capacitors and inductors, thereby reducing cost and size. Experimental results from a 250‐W prototype demonstrate a peak efficiency of 94.8% and effective voltage sag/swell mitigation as a DVR.
Are Wild Prey Sufficient for the Top Predators in the Lowland Protected Areas of Nepal?
Authors: Lamichhane Saneer , Pathak Abhinaya , Gurung Aasish , Karki Ajay , Rayamajhi Trishna , Khatiwada Ambika Prasad , Mintz Jeffrey , Niroula Sudip Raj , Pokharel Chiranjibi Prasad
Published: October 2024

A balanced equilibrium between carnivores and their prey is crucial for maintaining ecosystem sustainability. In this study, we applied the predator–prey power law equation to assess the balance between the biomass densities of carnivores and their wild prey within Nepal's lowland protected areas during 2013, 2018, and 2022. The estimated value of the power law exponent k for predator–prey biomass was 0.71 (95% CI = 0.39–1.05), indicating an approximate threefold increase in predator biomass density for every fivefold increase in prey biomass density. Consequently, this creates a systematically bottom‐heavy predator–prey biomass pyramid. This finding, consistent with the k = 3/4 trophic biomass scaling across ecosystems, suggests that predator biomass is proportionally sustained by prey biomass, indicating a balance between top predators and their wild prey in Nepal's lowland protected areas. We further demonstrated it is possible to retain the overall power law exponent while jointly measuring intraguild competition between two predators with canonical correlation analysis. This understanding opens avenues for future research directed toward unraveling the factors that drive these consistent growth patterns in ecological communities.
Warming, nitrogen deposition, and provenance shift above–belowground insect interactions and host compensatory growth
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Hui , He Wei‐Ming
Published: October 2024

Above–belowground insect herbivore interactions and plant compensatory growth are crucial for reshaping the fitness of invasive plants, and it is likely that climate warming, nitrogen (N) deposition, and plant provenance influence this interaction and growth in a complex way. We performed an experiment with Solidago canadensis from home and introduced ranges, leaf‐chewing Spodoptera litura, and root‐feeding Protaetia brevitarsis under climate warming and N deposition, and addressed how these abiotic stressors and plant provenance jointly shaped the reciprocal effects between S. litura and P. brevitarsis and the compensatory growth of S. canadensis after herbivory. Under ambient conditions, S. litura and P. brevitarsis inhibited each other on the basis of growth; warming, N addition or warming plus N addition shifted or even reversed this competition depending on provenance. While the survival‐based above–belowground interactions differed from growth‐based ones, warming or warming plus N addition also shifted or even reversed the neutralism or amensalism detected under ambient conditions depending on provenance. S. canadensis from its home range was more tolerant of herbivory than from its introduced range under ambient conditions; warming, N addition or warming plus N addition decreased the plant compensatory growth of native S. canadensis, but increased that of invasive S. canadensis relative to ambient conditions. These findings suggest that climate warming and N deposition could enhance positive above–belowground insect interactions, increasing insect pressures on S. canadensis, and that plant provenance might be important in mediating climate change effects on insect interactions and host compensatory growth under plant invasions.
Exploring the chemical composition and biological effects of four Salvia hybrids: an innovative perspective on functional yields
Authors: Nilofar  , Bahadırlı Nadire Pelin , Elhawary Esraa A. , Eldahshan Omayma , Singab Abdel Nasser , Saka Enver , Cespedes‐ Acuna Carlos L. , Andruch Vasil , Kalyniukova Alina , Zengin Gokhan
Published: October 2024

Genus Salvia is considered one of the largest genera of family Lamiaceae with many recorded species and hybrids of valuable biological importance. This study involved the phytochemical characterization of four Salvia hybrids (KNM23 (S. fructicosa × S. officinalis), KNM101 (S. aramiensis × S. officinalis), KNM5 (S. aramiensis × S. officinalis) and KNM12 (S. fructicosa × S. officinalis)) through measuring their total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) together with profiling through UPLC/MSn analysis followed by investigation of their antioxidant activities and enzyme inhibitory potential through different techniques. Hybrid KNM23 presented significantly high concentration of both phenolic and flavonoid, displaying a TPC of 92.10 mg GAE/g and a TFC of 50.85 mg RE/g. The UPLC/MSn profiling resulted in the tentative identification of one hundred eighty components from different phytochemical classes mainly flavonoids, phenolic acids, phenyl propanoids, tannins and many others. The antioxidant assay showed that hybrid KNM23, a hybrid of S. fruticosa and S. officinalis, exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in the DPPH, ABTS, and PBD assays, measuring 436.38 mmol TE/g, 543.65 mmol TE/g, and 3.20 mmol TE/g, respectively. KNM23 and KNM12 showed no inhibition of AChE and α‐glucosidase. However, KMN12 demonstrated highest BChE and tyrosinase 2.57 mg GALAE/g and 12.91 mg KAE/g, respectively. Our results suggest that the Salvia hybrids can be considered as natural sources of bioactive compounds in the development of health‐promoting applications.
Linear‐ and Cyclo‐Hexa(amino)hexaboranes: New Routes to Synthesis of B6 Chain and B6 Ring
Authors: Mesbah A. Wahid , Berndt Armin , Soleimani Meisam , Massa Werner , Harms Klaus
Published: October 2024

In this work, a linear‐hexaborane(8) B6(NMe2)6(CH2SiMe3)2 was synthesized using a new method. By replacing one chlorine atom of Cl2B3(NMe2)3 with CH2SiMe3 group, compound ClB3(NMe2)3CH2SiMe3 was prepared. Reductive dehalogenative coupling of ClB3(NMe2)3CH2SiMe3 led to linear‐hexaborane(8). Moreover, the six‐membered boron ring, cyclo‐hexaborane B6(NEt2)6 was synthesized by reductive dehalogenation of Br2BNEt2. The first linear‐hexaborane(8) and cyclo‐hexaborane B6(NEt2)6 crystal structures were fully characterized by X‐ray structural analysis and 11B, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. While the B1⋅⋅⋅B6 chain in linear‐hexaborane(8) is strongly twisted at all B−B bonds, the B6 ring cyclo‐hexaborane B6(NEt2)6 has a chair conformation similar to cyclohexane.
Alliance processes in eating disorders with childhood maltreatment sequelae: Preliminary implications
Authors: Olofsson Malin E. , Vrabel KariAnne R. , Kopland Maren C. , Eielsen Hanna P. , Oddli Hanne W. , Brewerton Timothy D.
Published: October 2024

Background

Effective eating disorder (ED) treatments are drastically needed for patients with experiences of sustained and prolonged emotional, physical and sexual childhood maltreatment (CM) that often results in post‐traumatic sequelae such as severe, complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). EDs with comorbid cPTSD (cPTSD‐ED) have protracted treatment courses and poorer prognoses.

Aim

To summarise the knowledge base on cPTSD‐ED with specific emphasis on disturbances in self‐organisation (DSO) in relation to therapeutic alliance (TA) processes.

Method

Expert opinions based on current relevant literature are critically examined.

Results

Preliminary insights on change and alliance processes suggest that neglecting to address emotional‐relational processes in the conceptualisation and treatment of cPTSD‐ED impedes treatment progress.

Conclusion

We hypothesise that the DSO construct inherent in cPTSD‐ED calls for a focus on TA processes in addition to traditional ED treatment elements such as nutritional rehabilitation and behaviour change, and regardless of ED treatment provided. More process research on a larger scale is urgently called for.
Influence of Phosphoric Acid Activation on Physiochemical Characteristics of Activated Carbons and Their Performance as Supercapacitor
Authors: Murugan M. , Dineshkumar G. , Ganesan M. , Sahoo Nanda Gopal , Sivanantham M.
Published: October 2024

We investigate the influence of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) activation on physiochemical characteristics of activated carbons (ACs) as a function of number of activation steps such as two‐step and three‐step and impregnation ratio (IR). Scanning electron microscopy observations identified that different morphologies in the forms of graphene sheet‐like, nano‐granular, and flake‐like carbon structure in the cases of ACs. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that successful incorporation of phosphorous group in the ACs by H3PO4 activation. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) profile exposed that irrespective of the activation method and IR, all AC samples showed narrow and sharp XRD crystalline peak along with the amorphous signals. Raman scattering analysis suggested that three‐step activation create more defective structure as compared to two‐step activation route. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm measurements indicated that upon fabricating ACs via three‐step and two‐step activation approach, around 6.5 times and 3‐fold enhancement in the value of surface area of ACs as compared to that of carbon before activation. In addition, higher the IR value, lower the textural properties of ACs. This study demonstrated that three‐step activation methodology is capable of generating highly porous AC when compared to two‐step activation route. Cyclic voltammetry analysis showed that for the electrode developed from AC that fabricated via three‐step activation, capacitance retention of 50% is achieved upon tuning the scan rate by 10 times. The same electrode exhibited the capacitance retention of 45% upon increasing the current density by 10 times. We have also compared the electrochemical performance of symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitors. Electrochemical capacitance retention of symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitors is determined to be 100% and 92% respectively after 1000 cycles at the current density of 1 A g−1. Based on the Ragone plot study, it is observed that the maximum energy density of 5 W h kg−1 and the maximum power density of 943 W kg−1 are attained for the case of symmetric supercapacitors. Asymmetric supercapacitor displayed improved energy density of 7.15 W h kg−1 and modest power density of 432 W kg−1.
Enhancing Latent Heat Energy Storage With Heat Pipe–Metal Foam: An Experimental Investigation of the Partial Filling Strategy
Authors: Jaisatia Varthani A. , Shasthri S. , Baljit S. , Kausalyah V.
Published: October 2024

Melting and solidification of a phase change material (PCM) is investigated experimentally by applying a partial filling strategy to the hybrid enhancement of heat pipe–metal foam (HP‐MF) in a vertical cylinder. HP‐MF enhancement can improve the heat transfer capacity of the PCM system as it combines HP's efficient heat transfer capacity with MF's highly effective thermal conductivity capability. The experimental results demonstrate that the partial filling strategy in the melting and solidification of HP‐MF PCM can be optimized for effective MF utilization in the HP‐MF PCM system. A filling ratio of 83% of MF in HP‐MF PCM shows almost identical total melting and solidification along with a temperature distribution to that of an HP‐MF PCM (95% porosity, 20 pore density [PPI]). It is plausible to conclude that the removal of 33% or less mass had no significant effect on the overall melting process of HP‐MF PCM. It should be noted that the HP‐MF PCM system's HP heat transfer efficiency significantly decreased during the melting process when the MF filling ratio was 37.5% and 12.5%.
Integrating Maize Yield and Agricultural Drought Analysis for Sustainable Food Security: A Provincial Study in South Africa (1993–2022)
Authors: Letswamotse Tshepiso Vulnary , Arshad Sana , Bashir Bashar , Alsalman Abdullah , Harsányi Endre , Al‐Dalahmeh Main , Mohammed Safwan
Published: October 2024

Extreme climatic events, such as droughts, hinder progress toward achieving the sustainable development goal of food security. South Africa is vulnerable to drought‐related agricultural losses, which have led to food insecurity. However, few studies have focused on the long‐term impacts of drought on crop production at a regional scale. Therefore, we aimed to examine the intensity, magnitude, and trend of rainfall‐based short‐term agricultural drought at the provincial scale in South Africa based on the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Additionally, we analyzed the impact of agricultural drought on maize yield by calculating the Standardized Yield Residual Series (SYRS) and Crop Drought‐Resilience Factor (CDRF). To this end, we collected rainfall data from 29 stations across nine provinces along with maize yield data for the period of 1993–2022. Agricultural drought analyses based on the three‐month (SPI‐3) and six‐month (SPI‐6) SPIs demonstrated dynamic variations in occurrence, with Sen's slope indicating that 10 stations exhibited a significant increase in drought events across South Africa. Notably, SPI‐6 analysis showed that Gauteng, Free State, and North West provinces experienced the highest percentages of severe to extreme drought events during the study period, at 4.17%, 3.89%, and 3.61%, respectively. Furthermore, the majority of provinces in South Africa experienced an extreme SPI‐6 magnitude ranging from −46.03 in Western Cape Province to −61.6 in Free State Province. The dynamic effects of agricultural drought on maize yield revealed that the maximum yield loss of 13% occurred in 1993 in Eastern Cape Province, while some provinces experienced no yield loss during certain years. However, CDRF analyses identified Western Cape (CDRF [SPI‐3] = 0.52, CDRF [SPI‐6] = 0.62) and Mpumalanga (CDRF [SPI‐6] = 0.7) provinces as the most vulnerable to food insecurity due to the severe non‐resilience of maize to drought in these regions. This study reveals the complex interplay between climatic extremes and maize yield variability, providing valuable insights for managing regional food production systems and ensuring future food security in South Africa.
How do various encapsulation techniques improve the oral delivery of food protein hydrolysates?
Authors: Falsafi Seid Reza , Puniabangar Sneh , Trif Monica , Samborska Katarzyna , Barańska Alicja , Aaliya Basheer , Sunooj Kappat Valiyapeediyekkal , Tomas Merve , Capanoglu Esra , Rostamabadi Hadis
Published: October 2024

The development of bioformulations based on food protein hydrolysates (FPHs) has gained significant traction in the food and pharmaceutical sectors due to their biophysical and biochemical properties, including health‐promoting effects, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. However, the oral delivery of FPHs presents notable technical challenges, largely due to their inherent limitations such as (bio)stability, permeability, bioavailability, and molecular size. This review provides a comprehensive overview of FPHs, including their structural characteristics, origins, methods of preparation, and associated health benefits. Additionally, it highlights the challenges related to their oral delivery. Recent advancements in the formulation and delivery of FPHs through biopolymeric controlled release systems—such as micro‐ and nanoparticles, hydrogels, biofunctional films and composites, and electrospun fibers—are discussed. We also explore lipid‐based delivery platforms, including liposomes, chitosomes, emulsions, Pickering emulsions, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and surfactant‐based carriers. Furthermore, this article emphasizes the importance of controlled delivery and targeted release of FPHs following oral administration. The challenges in designing effective lipid/biopolymer‐based carriers for FPHs, along with future prospects and opportunities in this growing field, are also thoroughly examined.
Theorizing about emerging multinationals' cross‐border acquisitions
Authors: Peng Mike W. , Wang Joyce C. , Xie En , Lebedev Sergey
Published: October 2024

Research Summary

The emergence of multinational enterprises from emerging economies (emerging multinationals or EMNEs) has resulted in two puzzles: (1) Why do EMNEs often bid higher for targets in developed economies? (2) Why do EMNEs often allow such targets significant autonomy? From a theoretical standpoint, the two puzzles beg the question of whether an integrative answer exists. Extending property rights theory, we conceptualize an EMNE as a collection of assets over which an emerging‐economy firm has residual control, gained predominantly through cross‐border acquisitions. Leveraging a legitimacy‐based view, we suggest that EMNEs suffer from legitimacy deficits. Overall, the key to theorizing about EMNEs' cross‐border acquisitions and solving the two puzzles is to appreciate EMNEs' endeavors to simultaneously maximize joint value creation, minimize target incentive loss, and overcome legitimacy deficits.

Managerial Summary

Driven by property rights thinking and legitimacy deficits considerations, multinational enterprises from emerging economies (emerging multinationals or EMNEs) often pay higher premiums for and grant significant autonomy to acquisition targets in developed economies. During the pre‐acquisition phase, EMNEs need to carefully evaluate targets' value‐creation potential and asset complementarity. During the post‐acquisition phase, offering autonomy to targets is advisable, if acquisition premiums are high, if pursued assets are knowledge‐based, and if target managers and employees as well as other stakeholders (such as host‐country governments) have raised major concerns. Although few EMNEs explicitly refer to research on property rights and legitimacy deficits, many of them have acted in a way that is consistent with such theoretical reasoning. Emerging‐economy acquirers that follow such reasoning often perform well.
Strategically communicating inclusion efforts at hospitals: Trust‐signalling for community engagement
Authors: Rajkhowa Arjun , Sharp Megan , Kelly Barbara , Lang Birgit , Rizzi Andrea , Woodward‐Kron Robyn
Published: October 2024

Trust is a challenging and complex concept and takes on particular significance in the context of community engagement and communication in healthcare. For the purpose of making health services more inclusive and of tackling discrimination where it occurs, there is a need to articulate a vision for inclusion that communities of historically disadvantaged or stigmatised patients can trust. This article considers examples of diversity and inclusion ‘signals’ on the public websites of two large public hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. We suggest that there is value in public communications reaffirming respect for diversity and a commitment to inclusion in health services. We also make the case for interdisciplinary research into how trust‐signalling strategies, that is, rhetorical strategies employed to reassure or convince, are developed by and for health services for the purposes of community engagement, and the specific effects that they may engender. Websites' framing of messages that affirm institutional commitments to fostering an inclusive environment and addressing barriers can serve as a means of explicitly encouraging patients and healthcare workers from marginalised communities to overcome potential obstacles to fuller healthcare engagement and workforce participation respectively.
Antioxidative effects of N‐acetylcysteine in patients with β–thalassemia: A quick review on clinical trials
Authors: Ghazaiean Mobin , Aliasgharian Aily , Karami Hossein , Ghasemi Mohammad Mohsen , Darvishi‐Khezri Hadi
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims

Several studies have highlighted the potent antioxidant properties of N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC). This review aimed to assess the impact of NAC on oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with β‐thalassemia.

Methods

The review included articles published before 2024 that investigated the effects of NAC on oxidative stress in individuals with β‐thalassemia. A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Trip, and CENTRAL. Only English‐language clinical trials were considered for inclusion in this review. Besides, the number needed to treat (NNT) was calculated based on the included studies.

Results

Ninety‐nine articles were retrieved from electronic databases, and after a thorough review, eight articles were selected for comprehensive text analysis. The highest dose of NAC administered was 10 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 600 mg/day) over a period of 3–6 months. All the studies assessing the impact of NAC on oxidative stress indicators in β‐thalassemia patients demonstrated positive effects during the 3‐month follow‐up period. Most estimated NNTs fell into 1–5, suggesting significant clinical therapeutic value in this context.

Conclusion

The current potency of NAC alone appears to be effective in ameliorating oxidative stress in patients with β‐thalassemia major. While a 3‐month duration seems adequate to demonstrate the antioxidant properties of NAC in this population, larger and well‐designed clinical trials are warranted. Current clinical evidence possesses a high risk of bias.
Organic probes for three‐photon fluorescence imaging in NIR‐II window: Design, applications, and perspectives
Authors: Yang Yuliang , Cen Cui , Kan Lijun , Zhao Qi , Huang Zhongming , Li Shengliang
Published: October 2024

Three‐photon fluorescence (3PF) imaging is an emerging technology for imaging deep‐tissue submicroscopic structures by nonlinearly redshifting the excitation wavelength to the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window; thus, this approach has great advantages, including deep penetration depth, good spatial resolution, low background, and a high signal‐to‐noise ratio. 3PF imaging has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for noninvasively visualizing all kinds of deep tissues in recent years. Benefiting from excellent biosecurity and structural controllability, the development of organic 3PF probes is highly important for advancing 3PF imaging in vivo. However, there is no summary of the generalizability of the design and recent progress in organic 3PF probes. Herein, this review introduces the fundamental principle of 3PF imaging and highlights the advantages of 3PF bioimaging. The molecular design of these organic 3PF probes is also summarized based on relative optical indices. Furthermore, different 3PF imaging application scenarios are listed in detail. In the end, the main challenges, significance of probe exploitation, and prospective orientation of organic probes for precise 3PF imaging are proposed and discussed for promoting future applications and clinical translation.
Phage‐Loaded Biomimetic Apatite Powder With Antibiofilm Activity to Treat Bone‐Associated Infections
Authors: Decodts Maxime , Cantallops‐Vilà Cristina , Hornez Jean‐Christophe , Lacroix Jean‐Marie , Bouchart Franck
Published: October 2024

For decades, calcium phosphate (CaP)‐based ceramics have been used for coating of bone and joint substitutes after arthroplasty due to their biocompatible properties. Infections following orthopedic replacement occur in 1%–5% of cases, causing serious complications. Biofilm formation either on the biomaterial's surface or on patient's tissues greatly enhances the resistance against antibiotic treatments and can induce a chronic infection, emphasizing the need for novel antimicrobial delivery systems. In this study, we established a protocol enabling bacteriophage loading during the synthesis of a CaP‐based powder. The resulting biomaterial proved to be noncytotoxic against human osteoblastic cells and able to significantly inhibit 24‐h matured S. aureus biofilm cultures or even completely eradicate it after 5 days of contact. Additional S. aureus biofilm assays with a freeze‐dried material using two different excipients showed that sucrose had a protective role against Remus bacteriophage treatment of S. aureus biofilms, whereas lactose‐freeze‐dried powder maintained the antibiofilm activity.
Association between dynapenic obesity and risk of cardiovascular disease: The Hisayama study
Authors: Setoyama Yu , Honda Takanori , Tajimi Takahiro , Sakata Satoko , Oishi Emi , Furuta Yoshihiko , Shibata Mao , Hata Jun , Kitazono Takanari , Nakashima Yasuharu , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: October 2024

Background

Dynapenic obesity is a condition characterized by high adiposity levels combined with muscle dysfunction. Although high adiposity and muscle loss/dysfunction are thought to synergistically increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), few studies have addressed the association between dynapenic and sarcopenic obesity and CVD. We aimed to investigate the association of dynapenic obesity with incident CVD events using the data from a population‐based prospective longitudinal study in Japan.

Methods

A total of 2490 community‐dwelling Japanese aged 40–79 years (42.5% males, mean age 57.7 ± 10.6 years) without a history of CVD were followed up for a median of 24 years. Handgrip strength was classified as low, medium, or high by age‐ and sex‐specific tertiles. Body mass index (BMI) levels were categorized as lean (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), or obese (≥25.0 kg/m2). Dynapenic obesity was defined as having both low handgrip strength and obesity. The outcomes were defined as the first‐ever development of CVD (defined as stroke or coronary heart disease). The hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the development of CVD were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model, in which participants with high handgrip strength and normal BMI were used as a reference group. Mediation analyses used serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) as mediators.

Results

During the follow‐up period, 482 participants developed CVD events (324 cases of stroke and 209 of coronary heart disease). The multivariable‐adjusted risk of CVD increased significantly among participants with dynapenic obesity compared with the reference group (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.03–2.17). An analysis by age groups showed a further increase in the risk of CVD among participants with dynapenic obesity aged less than 65 years (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.04–2.65). In mediation analyses for participants aged less than 65 years, serum hs‐CRP was shown to be a significant mediator explaining 13.8% of the association between dynapenic obesity and the development of CVD, while HOMA‐IR explained 12.2% of this relationship.

Conclusions

Dynapenic obesity was a significant risk factor for the development of CVD in a general Japanese population. This association was more pronounced among those aged <65 years. Inflammation, and possibly glucose metabolism, might partly mediate this association. Our findings suggest that preventing muscle dysfunction as well as appropriate weight control, especially in middle‐age, are important for preventing the development of CVD.
The Investigation of Structural, Optical and Thermal Properties of Nickel Doped CeO2 Integrated PVC Nanocomposite
Authors: Khan Rishum , Qamar Muhammad Tariq , Abid Hina , Haider Irfan , Zidan Ammar , Bahadur Ali , Iqbal Shahid , Mahmood Sajid , Alotaibi Mohammed T. , Akhter Toheed
Published: October 2024

PVC nanocomposite (NC) films with cubic CeO2 and Ni‐doped CeO2 (NDC) have been prepared using a conventional solution‐casting technique. The prepared films were characterized with FT‐IR spectrometer, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optical and thermal properties of the films were evaluated using a UV–visible spectrophotometer and TGA/DSC. The optical study revealed a decrease in optical band gap energies (4.19 to 4.06 eV) whereas the increase in other optical constraints such as optical conductivity, Urbach energy, dispersion energy, refractive index, and dielectric constant of PVC NCs than pristine PVC was observed. The XRD patterns showed the presence of cubic crystalline NDC with a relatively narrower principal diffraction peak in the PVC matrix and the nonexistence of unexpected vibrational peaks in the FTIR spectra of PVC NCs confirmed the successful incorporation of nanostructured CeO2 and NDC into PVC. Thermogravimetric analysis showed the higher thermal stability of NDC/PVC NC than PVC whereas differential scanning calorimetry declared no significant change in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the NCs. Moreover, a good dispersion of Ni‐doped CeO2 nanofiller was noticed in scanning electron micrographs.