bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicological evaluation of zidovudine and novel chalcogen derivatives in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Michelotti Paula , Gonçalves Débora F. , Duarte Tâmie , Sarturi Joelma M. , Da Silva Rafael S. , Rodrigues Oscar E. D. , Rocha João B. T. , Dalla Corte Cristiane L.
Published: April 2023

Zidovudine (AZT) is the most commonly prescribed antiviral drug for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, its chronic administration causes toxic side effects limiting its use. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of different concentrations of AZT and novel chalcogen derivatives (7A, 7D, 7G, 7K, 7M) on locomotion, mitochondrial dysfunction, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in adult Drosophila melanogaster. Our results show that AZT and its derivative 7K at a concentration of 10 μM impaired flies' locomotor behavior. Furthermore, AZT and the derivatives 7K, 7A, and 7M induced mitochondrial dysfunction observed by a decrease in oxygen flux through mitochondrial complexes I and II. Neither of the compounds tested affected AChE activity or ROS production in flies. According to these data, AZT derivatives presented the following decreasing order of toxicity: 7K > AZT > 7G > 7A > 7M > 7D. Based on the chemical structure, it is possible to infer that the presence of the seleno‐phenyl group in 7A and 7G increases their toxicity compared to compounds 7D and 7M. In addition, compounds 7G, 7M, and 7K with three carbon atoms as spacer were more toxic than analogs containing one carbon atom (7A and 7D). Finally, the insertion of a p‐methoxyl group enhances toxicity (7K). Based on these results, excepting 7K, all other chalcogen derivatives presented lower toxicity than AZT and are potential drug candidates.
Teamwork for complex clinical situations in psychotherapy: Introduction to the issue
Authors: Montesano Adrián , Scherb Elena
Published: April 2023

This in‐session issue is focused on psychotherapists involved in and performing teamwork practices. Specifically, five teamwork‐based psychotherapy interventions are illustrated as solutions for complex clinical situations drawing from multiple theoretical approaches (narrative, systemic, cognitive behavioral, and integrative) and applied in different health care provision settings, ranging from psychotherapy private office to a multidisciplinary oncological service. The contributions try to cover a diversity of presenting problems: separating couples, gang involvement, schizophrenia, cancer and suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder; and formats of delivery such as couple therapy supervision, family therapy, multidisciplinary team formulation and interprofessional health psychology. Three main shared coordinates underlie the diversity of interventions: (1) Considering that psychotherapy is just a piece of a broader network of interactions and meanings generated around a given problem/solution and, thus, it is part of an ecology of ideas (ecological dimension), (2) Assuming interdependence and collaboration as the best strategies to interact with professionals and significant others involved with a given problem or solution (collaborative dimension), and (3) fostering a strengths‐based case formulation (epistemological dimension). The issue aims at enriching practitioners' toolbox willing to incorporate team‐based interventions as part of their range of professional competences.
Dropping out of an online mentoring program for girls in STEM: A longitudinal study on the dynamically changing risk for premature match closure
Authors: Uebler Claudia , Emmerdinger Kathrin J. , Ziegler Albert , Stoeger Heidrun
Published: April 2023

Premature closure of mentoring relationships decreases positive effects of mentoring or can even lead to negative effects for mentees. Past studies retrospectively investigated mechanisms of premature match closure. However, a deeper understanding of the dynamics that lead to premature match closure is still missing. In our study, we longitudinally examined the preprogram characteristics, program adherence, as well as program communication and networking behavior of girls (N = 901, M = 13.80 years) who took part in a 1‐year online mentoring program in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), comparing girls who dropped out of the program prematurely (N = 598) with girls who were considered as non‐dropouts (N = 303). We used survival analysis methods to simultaneously analyze time‐independent characteristics and time‐dependent dynamics of mentees' communication and networking behavior. Besides mentees' interest in STEM and compliance with program specifications, a frequent and steady communication with their mentors decreased the risk for premature match closure, especially, if it focused on STEM. Mentors' mentoring experience, mentees' program‐wide networking and their networking with other mentees reduced the risk for premature match closure. Regarding the STEM focus of networking, we found competing influences, which need to be further explored in future research.
Prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Correlating H2 or CH4 production with severity of IBS
Authors: Onana Ndong Philippe , Boutallaka Hanae , Marine‐Barjoan Eugenia , Ouizeman Dann , Mroue Raja , Anty Rodolphe , Vanbiervliet Geoffroy , Piche Thierry
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim

The prevalence and the role of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remain unclear, as the literature provides heterogeneous information on the subject. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SIBO in IBS and to assess the correlation between methane and hydrogen levels measured during breath tests and the severity of IBS.

Method

Two‐hundred and forty‐seven patients with IBS were prospectively included. A glucose breath test (GBT) measured H2 and CH4 production to diagnose SIBO. A test was positive when H2 values exceeded 12 ppm in the first 90 min and/or when a CH4 value exceeded 10 ppm at any time. IBS severity (IBS‐SSS), quality of life (GIQLI), and anxiety and depression (HAD) were assessed to investigate the correlation with H2 and CH4 production.

Results

The prevalence of SIBO in IBS was 36.4% (9.7% with H2, 26.7% with CH4). CH4 levels were significantly higher in the predominantly constipated patients (P = 0.00), while H2 levels were significantly higher within the diarrheal phenotype (P = 0.01). IBS severity was not correlated with either H2 levels (r = 0.02; P = 0.84) or CH4 levels (r = 0.05; P = 0.64). H2 production was inversely correlated with the quality of life (r = −0.24; P = 0.03) and significantly correlated with the HAD scale (r = 0.22; P = 0.03). The pain and discomfort experienced during GBT was not correlated with methane levels (r = −0.09, P = 0.40), hydrogen levels (r = −0.01, P = 0.93), or sum of both (r = 0.06, P = 0.58), but significantly associated with IBS severity (r = 0.50, P <0.00).

Conclusion

SIBO has a high prevalence in IBS but does not increase its severity. Individual susceptibility to pain may have a greater influence on the severity of IBS.
Chironomid (Insecta: Chironomidae) community structure response to hydrological changes in the mid‐1950s in lake Nam Co, Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Echeverría‐Galindo Paula , Rigterink Sonja , Massaferro Julieta , Pérez Liseth , Wünnemann Bernd , Hoelzmann Philipp , Kang Wengang , Börner Nicole , Schwarz Anja , Laug Andreas , Peng Ping , Wang Junbo , Zhu Liping , Schwalb Antje
Published: April 2023

The recent rise in air temperatures detected at high altitudes of the Tibetan Plateau has accelerated glacier melt and retreat. Moreover, enhanced monsoonal precipitation has increased runoff and transport of allochthonous material to the lakes. Consequently, water levels are rising, modifying the spatial distribution and composition of local aquatic biota. To infer these environmental and biological changes in recent decades, a 30‐cm‐long sediment core, representing the past ~160 years, from Nam Co, an endorheic lake, was analyzed for subfossil chironomid assemblages and sediment geochemistry. In total, 25 chironomid morphotypes were identified. Nineteen were considered as non‐rare taxa (abundances ≥2%) and six as rare taxa (abundances <2%). Since 1956 ce, higher chironomid richness (S = 19) is evident compared to the previous 100 years. The simultaneous decrease in the abundance of profundal Micropsectra radialis‐type and increase of both Chironomus and Procladius, taxa adapted to more eurytopic and slightly warmer water bodies, indicate increasing water temperatures and intensified primary productivity. The dominance of littoral chironomid assemblages reflects increasing lake water levels, flooded shorelines and expansion of littoral areas driven by increased precipitation and glacial meltwater input both resulting from the increase in air temperatures. This scenario is confirmed by increases in total nitrogen and Zr/Rb ratios, indicating higher productivity and coarser grain size as a consequence of increased runoff via the Niya Qu. These hydrological changes have resulted in a positive water balance that can be linked to an increase in moisture supply from the Indian summer monsoon and glacier melt, reflecting increasing temperatures and precipitation since 1956 ce, ultimately driven by anthropogenic warming.
Controllable crystal form transformation and temperature sensing properties studies of K3Sc0.5Lu0.5F6: Ho3+, Yb3+ with cryolite structure
Authors: Shuai Pengfei , Guo Qingfeng , Liao Libing , Yan Zhaoliang , Su Ke , Wang Yujia , Mei Lefu
Published: April 2023

In this work, a method for controllable regulation of crystal form was proposed for the first time and the effects of different crystal forms on the up‐conversion luminescence properties of Ho3+, Yb3+ co‐doped K3Sc0.5Lu0.5F6 (KSLF) phosphors was explored. KSLF:Ho3+, Yb3+ phosphors were synthesized by the high temperature solid‐state reaction method, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results illustrate that the compounds can obtain monoclinic phase and cubic phase at different synthesis temperatures. In addition, according to the power‐dependent up‐conversion luminescence (UCL) intensity, the UCL mechanism and the electronic transition process are discussed. Simultaneously, the temperature sensing behavior of the best samples with different crystal forms at different temperatures was studied by fluorescence intensity ratio technique. All the results show that KSLF:Ho3+, Yb3+ phosphors show great application potential in the field of temperature sensing, and the preparation of KSLF:Ho3+, Yb3+ in different crystal forms can provide a reference value for crystal design and growth.
Blue agave inulin‐soluble dietary fiber: effect on technological quality properties of pangasius mince emulsion‐type sausage
Authors: Sherpa Kusang , Priyadarshini Mocherla Bhargavi , Mehta Naresh Kumar , Waikhom Gusheinzed , Surasani Vijay Kumar Reddy , Tenali Diamond Rajakumar , Vaishnav Anand , Sharma Sanjeev , Debbarma Sourabh
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

The aim of the work was to investigate the influence of supplementing pangasius mince‐based emulsion sausages with blue agave‐derived inulin at 1% (T1), 2% (T2), 3% (T3), 4% (T4), and 5% (T5) on its technological quality attributes and acceptability.

RESULTS

The cooking yield of T‐2, T‐3, and T‐4 sausages (96–97%) exhibited no significant difference (P > 0.05), which was higher than the other lots. The T‐2 batter exhibited a significant difference with all other treatments, showing the lowest total expressible fluid (12.20%) value, indicating the highest emulsion stability of the batter. There was a significant effect on the diameter reduction of the cooked sausages as the level of inulin increased. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the proteolysis of raw mince without inulin and new bands in cooked sausage samples were observed. Increasing inulin content increased the hardness of the sausages from 2510.81 ± 114.31 g to 3415.54 ± 75.88. The differential scanning calorimetry melting temperatures of peak 2 of the T‐1, T‐2, T‐3, and T‐4 increased as the inulin content increased from 1 to 4%. The scanning electron microscope images exhibited a smooth appearance on the surface as the inulin level increased.

CONCLUSION

The sausages incorporated with the 2% and 3% blue agave plant‐derived inulin (T‐2 and T‐3) showed better sensory overall acceptability scores than the control. The results suggested that the blue agave plant‐derived inulin could be efficiently utilized at the 2% and 3% levels to enhance the quality of emulsion‐type pangasius sausage. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Postoperative inflammatory markers predict survival in patients after McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Takahashi Keita , Masuda Takahiro , Ishikawa Yoshitaka , Tanishima Yuichiro , Kurogochi Takanori , Yuda Masami , Tanaka Yujiro , Matsumoto Akira , Yano Fumiaki , Eto Ken
Published: April 2023

Background

Preoperative C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio (CAR) and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are correlated with a poor prognosis of various cancers. The significance of postoperative systemic inflammation markers for prognostic stratification of patients with esophageal cancer (EC) has not been established. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the impact of postoperative CAR and NLR on survival in patients with EC for prognostic stratification.

Methods

A total of 235 patients who received curative esophagectomy were analyzed. A Cox proportional hazard model was performed to detect prognostic factors.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed that postoperative CAR ≥ 0.05 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–2.57) and NLR ≥ 3.0 (HR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.79–4.40) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Meanwhile, postoperative CAR ≥ 0.05 (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.07–2.41) and NLR ≥ 3.0 (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.29–2.85) were also significant prognostic factors for relapse‐free survival. In addition, the patient group with postoperative CAR ≥ 0.05 and NLR ≥ 3.0 had the worst survival.

Conclusions

Postoperative CAR ≥ 0.05 and NLR ≥ 3.0 can predict the poor survival of patients who received curative esophagectomy for EC.
Toward 3D Integration of Highly See‐Through Photonic Circuits in Glass
Authors: Zhong Lijing , Wang Yuying , Tan Dezhi , Qiu Jianrong
Published: April 2023

Embedding naked‐eye‐invisible electronic and optical elements in transparent panels is at the heart of enabling mobile transparent accessories by making see‐through smart screens. Here, a novel invisible photonic element, highly see‐through (HST) waveguide, is reported, which is written by femtosecond laser in glass. A general synergistic control of the thermodynamic and dynamic behavior over the matter fluid in the laser irradiated confined region to tune the cross‐section of waveguides and suppress the generation of scattering centers in the waveguides is established. An effective reduction of light leakage (covering red, green, and blue coupled light) by an order of magnitude compared to conventional waveguides is achieved, making it highly see‐through at bright illumination of >100 lux. A general dynamical model based on a frozen‐in shock wave diffusion process is proposed, which is applicable to various glasses regardless of their compositions. Ultra‐wide tuning of HST waveguide mode diameters from 4.9 to 26.5 µm is demonstrated, making it versatile for functionalizing various transparent screens by mode‐matching with fiber sources and integrated planar waveguides of different working wavelengths.
A vertical DIM lidar for refractive index structure parameter profiles estimation in low‐layer atmosphere
Authors: Qiu Chenxiang , Wang Hao , Hou Zaihong , Jing Xu , He Feng , Zhang Silong
Published: April 2023

This Letter presents an experimental demonstration of a vertical differential image motion (DIM) lidar for calculating the profiles of the low‐layer atmospheric refractive index structure parameters. Utilizing the differences between weighting functions, we propose a convenient approach for the real‐time estimation of low‐layer profiles from DIM lidar data. This approach only requires returned fluxes as input, yet it has the intrinsic ability to capture real‐time turbulence profiles. Validations against the collected observational data have shown this approach to be computationally inexpensive. The long‐term comparisons with micro‐thermometers indicate that in such a way vertical DIM lidars can be used for providing not only a general assessment of turbulence effects along the measurement path but turbulence profiles.
Prostate lesions characterization using diffusion‐weighted spatiotemporal encoded MRI: Feasibility and initial assessment
Authors: Otikovs Martins , Portnoy Orith , Anaby Debbie , Rosenzweig Barak , Nissan Noam , Frydman Lucio
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To assess the feasibility and reliability of a DWI protocol based on spatiotemporally encoding (SPEN), to target prostate lesions along guidelines normally used in EPI‐based DWI clinical practice.

Methods

Prostate Imaging—Reporting and Data System recommendations underlying clinical prostate scans were used to develop a SPEN‐based DWI protocol, which included a novel, local, low‐rank regularization algorithm. These DWI acquisitions were run at 3 T under similar nominal spatial resolutions and diffusion‐weighting b‐values as used in EPI‐based clinical studies. Prostates of 11 patients suspected of clinically significant prostate cancer lesions were therefore scanned using the two methods, with the same number of slices, same slice thickness, and same interslice gaps.

Results

Of the 11 patients scanned, SPEN and EPI provided comparable information in 7 of the cases, whereas EPI was deemed superior in a case for which SPEN images had to be acquired with a shorter effective TR owing to scan‐time constraints. SPEN provided reduced susceptibility to field‐derived distortions in 3 of the cases.

Conclusions

SPEN's ability to provide prostate lesion contrast was most clearly evidenced for DW images acquired with b ≥ 900 s/mm2. SPEN also succeeded in decreasing occasional image distortions in regions close to the rectum, affected by field inhomogeneities. EPI advantages arose when using short effective TRs, a regime in which SPEN‐based DWI was handicapped by its use of nonselective spin inversions, leading to the onset of an additional T1 weighting.
Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia differentially alters the neurochemical profiles of the developing cerebellum and hippocampus in a preterm Gunn rat model
Authors: Satrom Katherine M. , Rao Raghavendra B. , Tkáč Ivan
Published: April 2023

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NHB) can lead to brain injury in newborn infants by affecting specific regions including the cerebellum and hippocampus. Extremely preterm infants are more vulnerable to bilirubin neurotoxicity, but the mechanism and extent of injury is not well understood. A preterm version of the Gunn rat model was utilized to investigate severe preterm NHB. Homozygous/jaundiced Gunn rat pups were injected (i.p.) on postnatal day (P) 5 with sulfadimethoxine, which increases serum free bilirubin capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier and causing brain injury. The neurochemical profiles of the cerebellum and hippocampus were determined using in vivo 1H MRS at 9.4 T on P30 and compared with those of heterozygous/non‐jaundiced control rats. Transcript expression of related genes was determined by real‐time quantitative PCR. MRI revealed significant morphological changes in the cerebellum of jaundiced rats. The concentrations of myo‐inositol (+54%), glucose (+51%), N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (+21%), and the sum of glycerophosphocholine and phosphocholine (+17%) were significantly higher in the cerebellum of the jaundiced group compared with the control group. Despite the lack of morphologic changes in the hippocampus, the concentration of myo‐inositol (+9%) was higher and the concentrations of creatine (−8%) and of total creatine (−3%) were lower in the jaundiced group. In the hippocampus, expression of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II alpha (Camk2a), glucose transporter 1 (Glut1), and Glut3 transcripts were downregulated in the jaundiced group. In the cerebellum, glial fibrillary acidic protein (Gfap), myelin basic protein (Mbp), and Glut1 transcript expression was upregulated in the jaundiced group. These results indicate osmotic imbalance, gliosis, and changes in energy utilization and myelination, and demonstrate that preterm NHB critically affects brain development in a region‐specific manner, with the cerebellum more severely impacted than the hippocampus.
Coping in times of disruption and deprivation—Experiences of family members during COVID‐19 patients' critical illness: A qualitative study
Authors: Berntzen Helene , Lind Ranveig , Alfheim Hanne , Tøien Kirsti
Published: April 2023

Aim

To explore the experiences and needs of family members during the course of COVID‐19 critical illness from onset to rehabilitation.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study.

Methods

Twelve family members of surviving critically ill COVID‐19 patients and restricted from visiting the patients, were interviewed digitally. Reflexive thematic analysis was used.

Results

Three themes were generated from the data; ‘Experiencing a double burden’, ‘Becoming an insignificant other’ and ‘Regaining significance’. Family members were often ill themselves, which represented an extra burden when the patient deteriorated. From admission, the family members became bystanders, deprived of most contact with the patients, as communication and information from the intensive care unit appeared unstructured and haphazard. However, when patients were discharged, great responsibility was placed on the family members.
Relationships among nurse managers' job design, work environment, and nurse and patient outcomes
Authors: Grandfield Elizabeth M. , Schlotzhauer Ann E. , Cramer Emily , Warshawsky Nora E.
Published: April 2023

The importance of nurse managers' practice environments in affecting outcomes for direct care nurses and patients has been well‐researched. Nonetheless, much remains to be learned about the determinants of the nurse manager practice environment. In this study, 541 US nurse managers' survey responses were matched to unit‐level aggregate data of their subordinates' responses on the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators. A model relating job design and experience to the nurse manager's practice environment and direct care nurse (i.e., job satisfaction, intent to stay, and joy and meaning in work) and patient outcomes (i.e., nurse‐reported quality of care and missed nursing care) was evaluated through multilevel path analysis. Nurse manager span of control, support staff, and experience influence nurse managers' perceptions of their practice environment and nurse and patient outcomes. Although support staff can offset some negative effects of wide spans of control, it does not fully compensate for wide spans. Thus, nurse manager job design factors and experience relate to nurse manager practice environments and valued downstream outcomes. The present research emphasizes the importance of a positive nurse manager practice environment and provides guidance for nurse manager hiring and job design decisions.
The greening of diabetes
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: April 2023

Here, Mark Greener discusses the work of key diabetes stakeholders in reducing the environmental footprint left by plastics used in diabetes care, innovations in diabetes device sustainability, and the collaborative approach that is emerging across the pharmaceutical industry for the good of the planet.
Evaluation of integrated diabetes and mental health care for type 1 diabetes and disordered eating (T1DE): the ComPASSION service
Authors: Wild Daisy , Kerr Marion , Figueiredo Carla , Partridge Helen
Published: April 2023

Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating (T1DE) is often poorly understood and treatment is inadequate in many cases, with little or no co‐ordination between physical and mental health teams. In 2019, NHS England launched two pilot programmes to increase understanding of T1DE, and to trial an integrated diabetes and mental health pathway for assessment, referral and treatment. This paper sets out key findings from the independent evaluation of one of these pilots, the ComPASSION service in Wessex, including baseline patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, and patient and staff experience. Among 11 patients with at least 12 months follow‐up, the median change in HbA1c was a reduction of 31mmol/mol. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
Teplizumab – preventative approaches to type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Seewoodhary Jason , Silveira Angela
Published: April 2023

Immunotherapies offer the potential to reprogramme the immune system to halt autoimmune destruction of insulin‐producing β‐cells within the pancreas, dealing with the root cause of type 1 diabetes (T1DM) for the first time. Leading on from this, teplizumab, the first drug in this class, has been found to delay the onset of T1DM by an average of three years in people stratified high risk for developing T1DM. This review will critically consider the evidence basis underlying the utility of teplizumab in the management of T1DM. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
Using pooled electronic health records data to conduct pharmacoepidemiology safety studies: Challenges and lessons learned
Authors: Beukelman Timothy , Chen Lang , Annapureddy Narender , Oates Jim , Clowse Megan E. B. , Long Millie , Kappelman Michael D. , Rhee Rennie L. , Merkel Peter A. , Nowell William Benjamin , Xie Fenglong , Clinton Cassie , Curtis Jeffrey R.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

We assessed the suitability of pooled electronic health record (EHR) data from clinical research networks (CRNs) of the patient‐centered outcomes research network to conduct studies of the association between tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and infections.

Methods

EHR data from patients with one of seven autoimmune diseases were obtained from three CRNs and pooled. Person‐level linkage of CRN data and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) fee‐for‐service claims data was performed where possible. Using filled prescriptions from CMS claims data as the gold standard, we assessed the misclassification of EHR‐based new (incident) user definitions. Among new users of TNFi, we assessed subsequent rates of hospitalized infection in EHR and CMS data.

Results

The study included 45 483 new users of TNFi, of whom 1416 were successfully linked to their CMS claims. Overall, 44% of new EHR TNFi prescriptions were not associated with medication claims. Our most specific new user definition had a misclassification rate of 3.5%–16.4% for prevalent use, depending on the medication. Greater than 80% of CRN prescriptions had either zero refills or missing refill data. Compared to using EHR data alone, there was a 2‐ to 8‐fold increase in hospitalized infection rates when CMS claims data were added to the analysis.

Conclusions

EHR data substantially misclassified TNFi exposure and underestimated the incidence of hospitalized infections compared to claims data. EHR‐based new user definitions were reasonably accurate. Overall, using CRN data for pharmacoepidemiology studies is challenging, especially for biologics, and would benefit from supplementation by other sources.
Why to target G‐quadruplexes using peptides: Next‐generation G4‐interacting ligands
Authors: Sharma Taniya , Kundu Nikita , Kaur Sarvpreet , Shankaraswamy Jadala , Saxena Sarika
Published: April 2023

Guanine‐rich oligonucleotides existing in both DNA and RNA are able to fold into four‐stranded DNA secondary structures via Hoogsteen type hydrogen‐bonding, where four guanines self‐assemble into a square planar arrangement, which, when stacked upon each other, results in the formation of higher‐order structures called G‐quadruplexes. Their distribution is not random; they are more frequently present at telomeres, proto‐oncogenic promoters, introns, 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated regions, stem cell markers, ribosome binding sites and so forth and are associated with various biological functions, all of which play a pivotal role in various incurable diseases like cancer and cellular ageing. Several studies have suggested that G‐quadruplexes could not regulate biological processes by themselves; instead, various proteins take part in this regulation and can be important therapeutic targets. There are certain limitations in using whole G4‐protein for therapeutics purpose because of its high manufacturing cost, laborious structure prediction, dynamic nature, unavailability for oral administration due to its degradation in the gut and inefficient penetration to reach the target site because of the large size. Hence, biologically active peptides can be the potential candidates for therapeutic intervention instead of the whole G4‐protein complex. In this review, we aimed to clarify the biological roles of G4s, how we can identify them throughout the genome via bioinformatics, the proteins interacting with G4s and how G4‐interacting peptide molecules may be the potential next‐generation ligands for targeting the G4 motifs located in biologically important regions.
Measurement and analysis of truck vibration levels in logistic Spain distribution to simulate package testing
Authors: Garrido Marta , Esteban Laura , Navarro Patricia , Herranz Nuria , Zabaleta Francisco Javier , Rouillard Vincent
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to measure the vibration levels in one of the types of truck most used in Spain for the shipment of packaged goods, formed by tractor unit and air‐suspension semi‐trailer with 26 tonnes (26 000 kg) payload capacity, considering the most representative routes of the main Spanish road network. The data presented in this study will enable the development of new specific vibration tests and will help product and package engineers to reduce damage in transit. In this study, 30 transport routes recording nearly 10 000 km of the Spanish main road network have been selected and analysed, and power spectral density (PSD) profiles are provided to simulate truck transport in Spain using random vibration test methods. The resulting PSD profiles were established by generating two grms levels (0.21 and 0.15) obtaining the highest intensity from the calculation of the upper one‐sided normal tolerance limit (NTL) (30,95,50) and an average intensity profile at −6 dB with respect to the calculated NTL curve, which represents 70% of the lowest grms values of the study. This study uses NTL analysis to explore the vibration characteristics of a typical heavy goods transport vehicle type for various routes along main highways in Spain and propose new transport simulation test protocols dedicated to the Spanish main road distribution environment.
A review of experimental techniques for erectile function researches and development of medical technology using animal erectile dysfunction models in sexual and reproductive medicine
Authors: Kataoka Tomoya , Hotta Yuji , Kimura Kazunori
Published: April 2023

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the causes of male infertility and is a disease that requires treatment. The first‐line drugs for ED are phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE‐5) inhibitors, and further treatment options are currently limited. Medical technologies, such as genetic control and regenerative medicine, are developing rapidly. Research on erectile function is progressing rapidly, coupled with technological innovations in other areas.

Methods

A PubMed search using the keywords “animal (rat, mouse, rabbit, dog, and monkey)” and “erectile” was conducted, and all relevant peer‐reviewed English results were evaluated.

Main findings

The methods for evaluating erectile function include intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurements, isometric tension studies, and dynamic infusion cavernosometry. Papers also reported various disease model animals for the study of diabetes mellitus, cavernous nerve injury, and drug‐induced ED.

Conclusion

Basic research on ED treatment has progressed rapidly over the past 20 years. In particular, research on the mechanism of ED has been accelerated by the publication of a study on the evaluation of erectile function using ICP measurements in rats. In addition, molecular biological experimental methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting have become relatively easy to perform due to technological progress, thus advancing research development.
Enhanced Open‐Circuit Voltage by Using 2,7‐Pyrene as a Central Donor Unit in A‐π‐D‐π‐A‐Type Small‐Molecule‐Based Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Heng , Tao Qiang , Deng Jiyong , Peng Wenhong , Zhu Weiguo , Yu Donghong
Published: April 2023

To get insights into the relationship between molecular structure and performance in photovoltaic cells, two small molecules of T(3TDRCN)2 and Pr(3TDRCN)2 were synthesized with an A‐π‐D‐π‐A type backbone structure. The T(3TDRCN)2 and Pr(3TDRCN)2 were using n‐octyl side chains substituted trithiophene (3T) as the π‐linker and 2‐(1,1‐dicyanomethylene)‐rhodanine (DRCN) as terminal acceptor (A) group, while varied the central donor (D) unit from thiophene (T) to 2,7‐pyrene (Pr). Both SMs were applied as donor materials along with fullerene acceptor (PC71BM) for solution‐processed bulk‐heterojunction solar cells. The impacts of central donor units on their optical absorption, electrochemical property, hole mobility, and solar cell performance were primarily studied. The T(3TDRCN)2:PC71BM based devices yielded a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.60 % with an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.89 V. Interestingly, the Pr(3TDRCN)2 based solar cell exhibited an higher PCE of 4.47 % with an improved Voc of 0.95 V. Our work indicates that using large π‐conjugated aromatic donor with weak‐electron donating property as central unit can improve Voc, as well as high photovoltaic efficiency of the A‐π‐D‐π‐A type SMs in organic solar cells.
Donor:Acceptor Janus Nanoparticle‐Based Films as Photoactive Layers: Control of Assembly and Impact on Performance of Devices
Authors: Du Yixuan , Wang Yuemeng , Shamraienko Volodymyr , Pöschel Kathrin , Synytska Alla
Published: April 2023

Water‐processable organic semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) are considered promising materials for the next‐generation of optoelectronic applications due to their controlled size, internal structure, and environmentally friendly processing. Reasonably, the controllable assembly of donor:acceptor (D:A) NPs on large areas, quality, and packing density of deposited films, as well as layer morphology, will influence the effectiveness of charge transfer at an interface and the final performance of designed optoelectronic devices.This work represents an easy and effective approach for designing self‐assembled monolayers of D:A NPs. In this self‐assembly procedure, the NP arrays are prepared on a large scale (2 × 2 cm2) at the air/water interface with controlled packing density and morphology. Due to the unique structure of individual D:A Janus particles and their assembled arrays, the Janus nanoparticle (JNP)‐based device exhibits an 80% improvement of electron mobility and more balanced charge extraction compared to the conventional core–shell NP‐based device. An outstanding performance of polymer solar cells with over 5% efficiency is achieved after post‐annealing treatment of assembled arrays, representing one of the best results for NP‐based organic photovoltaics. Ultimately, this work provides a new protocol for processing water‐processable organic semiconductor colloids and future optoelectronic fabrication.
Modulating Electronic Structure with Copper Doping to Promote the Electrocatalytic Performance of Cobalt Disulfide in Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Ding Shengqi , Wu Liang , Zhang Fang , Yuan Xianxia
Published: April 2023

Introducing heteroatom into catalyst lattice to modulate its intrinsic electronic structure is an efficient strategy to improve the electrocatalytic performance in Li–O2 batteries. Herein, Cu‐doped CoS2 (Cu–CoS2) nanoparticles are fabricated by a solvothermal method and evaluated as promising cathode catalysts for Li–O2 batteries. Based on physicochemical analysis as well as density functional theory calculations, it is revealed that doping Cu heteroatom in CoS2 lattice can increase the covalency of the CoS bond with more electron transfer from Co 3d to S 3p orbitals, thereby resulting in less electron transfer from Co 3d to O 2p orbitals of Li–O species, which can weaken the adsorption strength toward Li–O intermediates, decrease the reaction barrier, and thus improve the catalytic performance in Li–O2 batteries. As a result, the battery using Cu–CoS2 nanoparticles in the cathode exhibits superior kinetics, reversibility, capacity, and cycling performance, as compared to the battery based on CoS2 catalyst. This work provides an atomic‐level insight into the rational design of transition‐metal dichalcogenide catalysts via regulating the electronic structure for high‐performance Li–O2 batteries.
Surface Stretching Enables Highly Disordered Graphitic Domains for Ultrahigh Rate Sodium Storage
Authors: Liu Yi , Wan Yanhua , Zhang Jun‐Ye , Zhang Xingmiao , Hung Chin‐Te , Lv Zirui , Hua Weiming , Wang Yonggang , Chao Dongliang , Li Wei
Published: April 2023

Hard carbons (HCs) with high sloping capacity are considered as the leading candidate anode for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs); nevertheless, achieving basically complete slope‐dominated behavior with high rate capability is still a big challenge. Herein, the synthesis of mesoporous carbon nanospheres with highly disordered graphitic domains and MoC nanodots modification via a surface stretching strategy is reported. The MoOx surface coordination layer inhibits the graphitization process at high temperature, thus creating short and wide graphite domains. Meanwhile, the in situ formed MoC nanodots can greatly promote the conductivity of highly disordered carbon. Consequently, MoC@MCNs exhibit an outstanding rate capacity (125 mAh g−1 at 50 A g−1). The “adsorption‐filling” mechanism combined with excellent kinetics is also studied based on the short‐range graphitic domains to reveal the enhanced slope‐dominated capacity. The insight in this work encourages the design of HC anodes with dominated slope capacity toward high‐performance SIBs.
Solar Energy Storage Using a Cu2O‐TiO2 Photocathode in a Lithium Battery
Authors: Ciria‐Ramos Isabel , Juarez‐Perez Emilio J. , Haro Marta
Published: April 2023

A Cu2O‐TiO2 photoelectrode is pr+oposed for simultaneous solar light energy harvesting and storing of electrochemical energy in an adapted lithium coin cell. The p‐type Cu2O semiconductor layer is the light harvester component of the photoelectrode and the TiO2 film performs as the capacitive layer. The rationale of the energy scheme shows that the photocharges generated in the Cu2O semiconductor induce lithiation/delithiation processes in the TiO2 film as a function of the applied bias voltage and light power. A photorechargeable lithium button cell drilled on one side recharges with visible white light in ≈9 h in open circuit. It provides an energy density of ≈150 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C discharge current in dark, and the overall efficiency is 0.29%. This work draws a new approach for the photoelectrode role to advance in monolithic rechargeable batteries.
Rhodium‐Based Nanozymes: Recent Advances and Challenges
Authors: Dai Pengyu , Li Jingqi , Sun Tiedong , Chen Chunxia
Published: April 2023

Rhodium (Rh) is a non‐toxic transition metal used as various nanomaterials with unique structures and properties. Rh‐based nanozymes can mimic the activities of natural enzymes, overcome the limitation of the application scope of natural enzymes, and interact with various biological microenvironments to play a variety of functions. Rh‐based nanozymes can be synthesized in various ways, and different modification and regulation methods can also enable users to control catalytic performance by adjusting enzyme active sites. The construction of Rh‐based nanozymes has attracted great interest in the biomedical field and impacted the industry and other areas. This paper reviews the typical synthesis and modification strategies, unique properties, applications, challenges, and prospects of Rh‐based nanozymes. Next, the unique features of Rh‐based nanozymes are emphasized, including adjustable enzyme‐like activity, stability, and biocompatibility. In addition, we discuss Rh‐based nanozymes biosensors and detection, biomedical therapy, and industrial and other applications. Finally, the future challenges and prospects of Rh‐based nanozymes are proposed.
Photoswitchable Chiral Organocatalysts: Photocontrol of Enantioselective Reactions
Authors: Kondo Masaru , Nakamura Kento , Krishnan Chandu G. , Sasai Hiroaki , Takizawa Shinobu
Published: April 2023

This study presents recent advances in photoswitchable chiral organocatalysts and their applications in the photomodulation of enantioselective reactions. Under irradiation with an appropriate wavelength of light, the E/Z‐photoisomerization of the photoresponsive units on the catalysts leads to the control of the catalytic activity and/or selectivity of the enantioselective reactions. Additionally, this study elucidates the design, synthesis, and catalytic application of the fabricated azobenzene BINOL‐based photoswitchable chiral phase‐transfer catalysts. This account will provide insights into the appropriate design of a photoswitchable chiral organocatalyst that can achieve both good enantioselectivity and photocontrol.
Organometallic Ionic Liquids Containing Sandwich Complexes: Molecular Design, Physical Properties, and Chemical Reactivities
Authors: Mochida Tomoyuki
Published: April 2023

Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts with low melting points and are useful as electrolytes and solvents. We have developed ILs containing cationic metal complexes, which form a family of functional liquids that exhibit unique physical properties and chemical reactivities originating from metal complexes. Our study explores the liquid chemistry in the field of coordination chemistry, where solid‐state chemistry is currently the main focus. This review describes the molecular design, physical properties, and reactivities of organometallic ILs containing sandwich or half‐sandwich complexes. This paper mainly covers stimuli‐responsive ILs, whose magnetic properties, solvent polarities, colors, or structures change by the application of external fields, such as light, heat, and magnetic fields, or by reaction with coordinating molecules.
Fault diagnosis of low‐speed rolling bearing based on weighted reconstruction of vibration envelopes
Authors: Huang Yukun , Zhang Wanyang , Wang Kun , Zhang Baoqiang , Zhang Fanghong , Luo Huageng
Published: April 2023

The main bearing supports the rotation of the main shaft of a wind turbine. It bears heavy dead weights as well as variable speed dynamic loading during operations; thus, it is a vulnerable part in a wind turbine drive train. Because of the low speed and time‐varying operations of the main bearing, vibrations generated by bearing faults are often weak in response amplitudes, low in frequency range, and smeared in damage feature energy. As a result, the applicability of the conventional acceleration envelope analysis (AEA) technique, a traditionally effective technology for bearing fault diagnosis, is limited in such cases. In order to resolve this, a modified AEA method specially designed for bearings with low and variable speed operation is proposed in this paper. First, the structural response is decomposed by means of variational mode decomposition (VMD) for the low frequency components to form a series of band‐limited intrinsic mode functions (BLIMFs). Next, weighting factors are determined for the BLIMFs by defined energy ratios. Finally, a new envelope is reconstructed by weighting the envelopes of each BLIMF for bearing fault diagnosis. The effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method for the diagnosis of main bearing faults in wind turbines is verified through the analysis of measured data from a wind turbine in the field. The proposed method provides an effective way for bearing fault diagnosis at low and variable rotational speeds.
Finanzplatz Schweiz: Finance Center Switzerland
Authors: Meier Henri B. , Marthinsen John E. , Gantenbein Pascal A. , Weber Samuel S.
Published: April 2023

During the past forty years, Switzerland’s financial system has transformed itself from an outdated assortment of trading, clearing, settlement, and payment systems into “Finanzplatz Schweiz” (i.e., “Finance Center Switzerland”), a wholly integrated and fully automated electronic securities trading and post-trading infrastructure, operated and managed by the SIX Group. Because the nation’s financial system competes in a high-stakes global environment, where survival is based on successful risk management and state-of-the-art handling of financial instruments, doing so meant modifying and modernizing Swiss regulators and regulations. Customers expect ever-improving financial depth, breadth, and sophistication. These strengths form the basis for all value-added services the Swiss financial industry offers and enable Swiss financial institutions to compete internationally despite their home country’s diminutive geographical size.
Swiss Bank (Customer) Secrecy and the International Exchange of Information
Authors: Meier Henri B. , Marthinsen John E. , Gantenbein Pascal A. , Weber Samuel S.
Published: April 2023

Swiss banking secrecy dates back more than 300 years. In 1934, the Federal Act on Banks and Savings Banks made the unauthorized disclosure of confidential bank customer information a federal crime. Because bank secrecy could shield illegal financial activities, the Swiss government, Swiss banks, Swiss Bankers Association, and central bank have taken significant steps to halt tax evasion, insider trading, market and share price manipulation, money laundering, organized crime, financing terrorism, and corruption (bribery). In December 2015, the government implemented the Federal Act on the International Automatic Exchange of Information in Tax Matters (AEOIA) to assist foreign governments. Banking secrecy issues intersect with other important topics, such as whistleblower legislation and Swiss neutrality.
VStrains: De Novo Reconstruction of Viral Strains via Iterative Path Extraction from Assembly Graphs
Authors: Luo Runpeng , Lin Yu
Published: April 2023

With the high mutation rate in viruses, a mixture of closely related viral strains (called viral quasispecies) often co-infect an individual host. Reconstructing individual strains from viral quasispecies is a key step to characterizing the viral population, revealing strain-level genetic variability, and providing insights into biomedical and clinical studies. Reference-based approaches of reconstructing viral strains suffer from the lack of high-quality references due to high mutation rates and biased variant calling introduced by a selected reference. De novo methods require no references but face challenges due to errors in reads, the high similarity of quasispecies, and uneven abundance of strains.

In this paper, we propose VStrains, a de novo approach for reconstructing strains from viral quasispecies. VStrains incorporates contigs, paired-end reads, and coverage information to iteratively extract the strain-specific paths from assembly graphs. We benchmark VStrains against multiple state-of-the-art de novo and reference-based approaches on both simulated and real datasets. Experimental results demonstrate that VStrains achieves the best overall performance on both simulated and real datasets under a comprehensive set of metrics such as genome fraction, duplication ratio, NGA50, error rate, etc.

Availability: VStrains is freely available at https://github.com/MetaGenTools/VStrains.