bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARID2, a milder cause of Coffin‐Siris Syndrome? Broadening the phenotype with 17 additional individuals
Authors: Schrier Vergano Samantha A.
Published: January 2024

Coffin‐Siris Syndrome (CSS, MIM 135900) is now a well‐described genetic condition caused by pathogenic variants in the Bromocriptine activating factor (BAF) complex, including ARID1B, ARID1A, ARID2, SMARCA4, SMARCE1, SMARCB1, SOX11, SMARCC2, DPF2, and more recently, BICRA. Individuals with CSS have a spectrum of various medical challenges, most often evident at birth, including feeding difficulties, hypotonia, organ‐system anomalies, and learning and developmental differences. The classic finding of fifth digit hypo‐ or aplasia is seen variably. ARID2, previously described, is one of the less frequently observed gene changes in CSS. Although individuals with ARID2 have been reported to have classic features of CSS including hypertrichosis, coarse facial features, short stature, and fifth digit anomalies, as with many of the other CSS genes, there appears to be a spectrum of phenotypes. We report here a cohort of 17 individuals with ARID2 variants from the Coffin‐Siris/BAF clinical registry and detail their medical challenges as well as developmental progress. Feeding difficulties, hypotonia, and short stature occur often, and hip dysplasia appears to occur more often than with other genes, however more severe medical challenges such as significant brain and cardiac malformations are rarer. Individuals appear to have mild to moderate intellectual impairment and may carry additional diagnoses such as ADHD. Further phenotypic description of this gene will aid clinicians caring for individuals with this rarer form of CSS.
Sticky places for regional immigrant settlement: A literature review
Authors: Bakshi Leena , McKenzie Fiona Haslam , Bolleter Julian
Published: January 2024

Since 1996, migration‐related schemes have directed new immigrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants to regional Australia to mitigate the need for skills and declining population growth in these locations. However, a key concern of these schemes is the uncertainty of long‐term immigrant retention in regional locations beyond the stipulated visa category period. We draw on the metaphor of stickiness: the ability of geographic clusters to attract and retain to examine Australian regional settlement literature and identify factors and processes associated with immigrant settlement and retention. Through a systematic and rigorous review process, we identify seven interconnected factors and processes nestled amongst three core themes of sticky factors and processes that attract, enable and impede settlement and retention contributing to the growing knowledge regarding regional immigrant settlement and retention.
Cultural care and Aboriginal land rights in New South Wales
Authors: Norman Heidi
Published: January 2024

An appreciation of Aboriginal land rights in New South Wales (NSW) is characterised by two dominant narratives. One is that land rights are central to achieving and advancing recognition and support for the existence and survival of Aboriginal peoples in the settled spaces of south‐eastern Australia. In this view, Aboriginal land rights realise intrinsic political power. The second dominant narrative is that the land estate restituted to Aboriginal people's Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) is to be “activated” and “leveraged” for economic prosperity of collectively defined groups and shared to support and sustain individuals and families. This perspective holds that land enables realisation of wealth and prosperity. Although these narratives are based in truth, they have served to make some important work and values held by Aboriginal people less visible in any evaluation of the benefits of land rights. It is this less visible work, the work of care that is unique to Aboriginal worlds and made possible by the resources and structures of LALCs realised through the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, 1983, that is the focus of this paper.
Initiating a High‐Rate and Stable Aqueous Air Battery by Using Organic N‐Heterocycle Anode
Authors: Li Senlin , Hu Sanlue , Li Hongfei , Han Cuiping
Published: January 2024

Alkaline metal‐air batteries are advantageous in high voltage, low cost, and high safety. However, metal anodes are heavily eroded in strong alkaline electrolytes, causing serious side reactions including dendrite growth, passivation, and hydrogen evolution. To address this limitation, we successfully synthesized an organic N‐heterocycle compound (NHCC) to serve as an alternative anode. This compound not only exhibits remarkable stability but also possesses a low redox potential (−1.04 V vs. Hg/HgO) in alkaline environments. To effectively complement the low redox potential of the NHCC anode, we designed a dual‐salt highly concentrated electrolyte (4.0 M KOH+10.0 M KCF3SO3). This electrolyte expands the electrochemical stability window to 2.3 V through the robust interaction between the O atom in H2O molecule with the K+ of KCF3SO3 (H−O⋅⋅⋅KCF3SO3). We further demonstrated the K+ uptaken/extraction storage mechanism of NHCC anodes. Consequently, the alkaline aqueous NHCC anode‐air batteries delivers a high battery voltage of 1.6 V, high‐rate performance (101.9 mAh g−1 at 100 A g−1) and long cycle ability (30,000 cycles). Our work offers a molecular engineering strategy for superior organic anode materials and develops a novel double superconcentrated conductive salt electrolyte for the construction of high‐rate, long‐cycle alkaline aqueous organic anode‐air batteries.
Tetrazine‐Isonitrile Bioorthogonal Fluorogenic Reactions Enable Multiplex Labeling and Wash‐Free Bioimaging of Live Cells
Authors: Deng Yingqiao , Shen Tianruo , Yu Xinyu , Li Jie , Zou Peixuan , Gong Qiyong , Zheng Yongxiang , Sun Hongbao , Liu Xiaogang , Wu Haoxing
Published: January 2024

Developing fluorogenic probes for simultaneous live cell labeling of multiple targets is crucial for understanding complex cellular events. The emerging [4+1] cycloaddition between tetrazine and isonitriles holds promise as a bioorthogonal tool, yet existing tetrazine probes lack reactivity and fluorogenicity. Here, we present the development of a series of tetrazine‐functionalized bioorthogonal probes. By incorporating pyrazole adducts into the fluorophore scaffolds, the post‐reacted probes displayed remarkable fluorescence turn‐on ratios, up to 3184‐fold. Moreover, these modifications are generalizable to various fluorophores, enabling a broad emission range from 473 to 659 nm. Quantum chemical calculations further elucidate the turn‐on mechanisms. These probes enable the simultaneous labeling of multiple targets in live cells, without the need for a washing step. Consequently, our findings pave the way for advanced multiplex imaging and detection techniques for cellular studies.
Locally Concentrated Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Wide‐Temperature‐Range Aluminum‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xu Cheng , Diemant Thomas , Mariani Alessandro , Di Pietro Maria Enrica , Mele Andrea , Liu Xu , Passerini Stefano
Published: January 2024

Aluminum−sulfur (Al−S) batteries are promising energy storage devices due to their high theoretical capacity, low cost, and high safety. However, the high viscosity and inferior ion transport of conventionally used ionic liquid electrolytes (ILEs) limit the kinetics of Al−S batteries, especially at sub‐zero temperatures. Herein, locally concentrated ionic liquid electrolytes (LCILE) formed via diluting the ILEs with non‐solvating 1,2‐difluorobenzene (dFBn) co‐solvent are proposed for wide‐temperature‐range Al−S batteries. The addition of dFBn effectively promotes the fluidity and ionic conductivity without affecting the AlCl4−/Al2Cl7− equilibrium, which preserves the reversible stripping/plating of aluminum and further promotes the overall kinetics of Al−S batteries. As a result, Al−S cells employing the LCILE exhibit higher specific capacity, better cyclability, and lower polarization with respect to the neat ILE in a wide temperature range from −20 to 40 °C. For instance, Al−S batteries employing the LCILE sustain a remarkable capacity of 507 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 20 °C, while only 229 mAh g−1 is delivered with the dFBn‐free electrolyte under the same condition. This work demonstrates the favorable use of LCILEs for wide‐temperature Al−S batteries.
Sequential Oxidation/Cyclization of Readily Available Imine Linkages to Access Benzoxazole‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zhu Yanqiu , Huang Dekang , Wang Wanqin , Liu Gang , Ding Chizhu , Xiang Yonggang
Published: January 2024

Benzoxazole‐linked covalent organic frameworks (BO−COFs), despite their exceptional chemical stability, are still in their infancy. This is primarily because the current prevalent methods require the use of special ortho‐hydroxyl‐substituted aromatic amines as monomers. Herein, we report an innovative strategy to access BO−COFs directly from imine‐linked COFs (Im−COFs) without pre‐embedded OH groups, using a two‐step sequential oxidation/cyclization process. The two‐step process included the oxidation of Im−COFs into amide‐linked COFs, followed by a copper‐catalyzed oxidative cyclization. Five representative BO−COFs were synthesized with retained crystallinity and high oxidization efficiency, offering the potential to convert a significant portion of Im−COFs into BO−COFs. The structural advantages of the newly designed BO−COFs were demonstrated through their application to photocatalytic organic transformations.
Electrochemical studies: Biological evaluation of the homometallic‐binuclear complexes of malonate‐derived tetradentate O2N2 ligand
Authors: Rizk Mariam G. , Magar Hend S. , Fahim Asmaa M. , Mahmoud Nelly H.
Published: January 2024

Novel metal complexes were synthesized by mixing N1,N3‐bis(4‐phenylthiazol‐2‐yl)malonamide with Cr (III), Fe (III), Cu (II), and Zn (II) nitrates in a 1:2 (L: metal) ratio. Through the use of several analytical and spectral methods, the structures of all compounds were determined. It was determined that the novel ligand functions through O2N2 sites as a neutral tetradentate. The thermal stability and the thermodynamic parameters were evaluated using thermal gravimetric analysis and the Coats‐Redfern equations. Powder X‐ray diffraction investigation revealed the type of unit cell and the degree of crystallinity. The complexes were further tested for their antibacterial efficacy, with molecular simulation using several proteins demonstrating the strongest action against a range of pathogens. Optimization for all compounds were made through the basis set DFT/B3LYP/LANL2DZ to find the theoretical stability, FMO orbitals, energy gaps, molecular electrostatic potentials (MEPs), and evaluate physical parameter. Here, the electrochemical properties of the metal complexes were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods. Additionally, [Cr2(L)(NO3)4(H2O)4](NO3)2 complex has been authorized that has high electrocatalytic characteristics, making it attractive for use in supercapacitor applications.
A novel icariin‐encapsulated PLGA/nBM composite biomimetic microspheres for bone repair
Authors: Wu Zhenxu , Niu Guoqing , Xiong Zongtai , Ding Xinxiang , Li Yongbo , Zhang Peibiao , Wu Feng
Published: January 2024

Deer bone in traditional Chinese medicine is valued for its unique biomimetic bone matrix components. Icariin (Ica), which is claimed by Chinese medicine as a bone‐repairing agent, is also widely accepted. In this report, a novel Ica‐encapsulated PLGA/nano deer bone meal (Ica@PLGA/nBM) biomimetic microsphere was fabricated. The Ica could be released from microspheres in a controlled manner. In vitro results showed that the microsphere had good biocompatibility due to the addition of nBM and the MC3T3‐E1 cells could adhere to and grow well on the microspheres. Moreover, Ica and nBM in microspheres could synergically promote the ALP activity of MC3T3‐E1 cells significantly (p < 0.05), which indicated the acceleration of osteogenic differentiation. The RT‐PCR results showed that the expression levels of bone matrix proteins (Col1 & OPN) were enhanced by the composite (p < 0.05). In addition, Ica and nBM in microspheres also obviously promoted the expression of RUNX2 and BMP‐2, respectively (p < 0.05). The in vivo results demonstrated the effective promotion of Ica@PLGA/nBM on complete bony connection to cover the defect site and the bone defect repair. And the Ica(M)@PLGA/nBM microspheres provided the best repair results. All the results confirmed that the Ica@PLGA/nBM composite biomimetic microsphere has the potential for clinical application.
Acetanilide‐loaded injectable hydrogels with enhanced bioactivity and biocompatibility for potential treatment of periodontitis
Authors: Sajjad Saira , Görke Oliver , Kocak Fatma Z. , Shumail Muhammad , Tehseen Saimoon , Zahid Saba , Ikram Fakhera , Yar Muhammad , Khan Abdul Samad , Tufail Shah Asma
Published: January 2024

Chronic periodontitis poses long‐term challenges in dentistry, requiring the development of innovative dental composites with biocompatibility, bone regeneration, and antibacterial properties. This study focuses on synthesis of novel injectable thermoresponsive hydrogels composed of chitosan, sodium bicarbonate, bioactive glass (20 and 40% w/w), and acetanilide drug (0.3 and 0.6% w/w). These hydrogels exhibit a sol–gel transition at 37°C, addressing periodontal challenges with reduced gelation time. The smooth flow characteristic was evaluated through 17‐22 gauge syringe needles at low temperature. Rheological studies demonstrated pseudoplastic behavior, with viscosity decreasing as shear rate increases. Fourier transform infrared and x‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the bioactivity of hydrogels, forming a bone‐like apatite layer in simulated body fluid. The drug‐loaded hydrogels demonstrated promising in vitro antibacterial properties against dental pathogens, specifically Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Drug dissolution analysis revealed relatively high release rate at 37°C, highlighting its role in rapidly eliminating bacterial colonies at the target site, while the subsequent sustained release contributes to the prevention of infection recurrence. Finally, biocompatibility was assessed with fibroblast, where the cells were observed anchoring into the polymeric chains of hydrogel through extended filopodia.
Reinforcement of styrene‐acrylonitrile polymer bulk with glass nanofibers to introduce photoluminescent bricks
Authors: Abd El‐Lateef Hany M. , Khalaf Mai M. , Abou Taleb Manal F. , Gouda Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Transparent and mechanically reliable plastic was developed by reinforcing styrene‐acrylonitrile polymer (SAP) with electrospun glass nanofibers (EGN). The physical inclusion of strontium aluminate nanoparticles (SAN) produced long‐persistent photoluminescent and photochromic EGN@SAP bricks or smart windows. EGN were fabricated by electrospinning technique and incorporated as a toughening mediator into styrene‐acrylonitrile plastic to boost its mechanical properties. Transparency of EGN@SAP with the capacity to shift to green under ultraviolet (UV) illumination was verified using photoluminescence analysis and CIE Lab parameters. EGN@SAP with low content of SAN exhibited immediate reversibility of the photochromic feature, proving fluorescence emission. Afterglow emission from EGN@SAP embedded with high concentration of SAN persisted for longer time and was less easily reversed. After excitation at 365 nm, the emission peaked at 519 nm. Increasing the SAN content resulted in improved hydrophobicity and UV protection. Diameter measurements of SAN (6–14 nm) and EGN (75–300 nm) were taken utilizing transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. EGN and EGN@SAP bricks were analyzed for their morphological characteristics using a variety of analytical techniques. The scratch resistance of EGN@SAP bricks containing SAN was enhanced in comparison to SAN‐free EGN@SAP bricks.
Whole body donation for teaching in Ghana: The perspectives of medical doctors
Authors: Arko‐Boham Benjamin , Abankwah Kofi Ampofo , Adutwum‐Ofosu Kevin , Ahenkorah John , Hottor Bismarck Afedo , Koney Nii Koney‐Kwaku
Published: January 2024

Historically, both donated bodies and unclaimed bodies have been the sources of human bodies for anatomy dissection globally with the latter discouraged for ethical reasons. Ghana lacks well‐established body‐donation programs, thus relying heavily on unclaimed bodies. Medical doctors benefit foremost from human bodies in their training and therefore should have a better disposition toward body bequeathal. This study assessed the perception, knowledge, and attitude of medical doctors in a Ghanaian institution toward body donation. As the first Ghanaian study on the subject, it provides the foundation for systematic study of the subject in Ghana. An internet‐based questionnaire was administered to volunteering medical doctors requesting information on their perception of, knowledge of, and attitude toward whole‐body donation. Data were summarized as frequencies. The 200 respondents comprised 1 consultant, 4 specialists, 14 residents, 63 medical officers, and 118 house officers. About 194 (97.0%) were familiar with body donation while 6 (3.0%) were not. Also, 39 (19.5%) were willing to donate their bodies, 98 (49.0%) were unwilling, and 63 (31.5%) undecided. Religion, culture, mishandling of bodies, and lack of awareness were barriers to body donation. Finally, 178 (89.0%) viewed human body dissection as relevant and should remain as part of medical curriculum. Doctors were aware of body donation though only few were willing to donate. Cultural and religious factors were major hindrances to body donation for anatomy education and research, though they were willing to persuade others to participate. Deliberate public education on the subject is required to grow body donation in Ghana.
Degradation of Various Organic Coatings via UV‐Generated Sulfate Radicals
Authors: Baskoro Ghanyatma Adi , Christstardy Yovita Yudith , Roh Jihun H. , Kim Beom Jin
Published: January 2024

Degradation of organic coatings is essential for recycling valuable substrates. Despite the development of strategies for this purpose, the resulting degradations are typically constrained by the composition of the coating. This paper presents a simple strategy utilizing radicals induced by UV for the degradation of diverse organic coatings. The sulfate radicals, generated from UV‐exposed ammonium persulfates, induce the degradation of various organic coatings, including layer‐by‐layer assembled coating composed of alginate and chitosan polymers as well as polydopamine coating. This strategy also facilitates the separation of two adhered substrates by degrading the adhesive polymer layer positioned between them. This novel approach enables the complete degradation of various organic coatings in aqueous conditions without imposing restrictions on their composition, leading to the recovery of the original surface properties of the substrate.
Assessing and Improving Water Supply Resiliency in New Braunfels, Texas
Authors: Gore‐Datar Nissim , Kent Ashley N. , Zimmermann Ashley , Lundmark Brent , Schoening Charles
Published: January 2024

Key Takeaways

A holistic resiliency study provides a long‐term perspective on the strengths and vulnerabilities of water supplies and encourages proactive planning.

A workshop‐driven approach can tap into the institutional knowledge of staff at all levels.

With this approach, utilities can assess their resiliency, understand present and future water supplies, estimate likelihood and consequences of failure, and anticipate demand changes.

Decision makers can use a cost–benefit analysis to prioritize solutions and develop implementation timelines based on supply and demand projections.
How Machine Learning Can Help Water Systems During Drought
Authors: Wang Dan , Bui Hung , Zúñiga Eric J.
Published: January 2024

Key Takeaways

Traditional drought risk measures can be unreliable and inefficient; machine learning can do better by learning from the data and establishing hidden connections and patterns.

Machine learning models can help water systems determine their vulnerabilities to drought.

Developing a machine learning model should be a collaborative process among data scientists, domain experts, and decision makers.
Help Wanted: Job Descriptions for Digital Workers in the Water Industry
Authors: Curtis Catherine , Goodburn Cindy
Published: January 2024

Key Takeaways

The water industry needs updated job descriptions, not just for positions requiring digital expertise but to cultivate a digital workforce that expects to learn new skills over time.

Novel technologies such as digital twins, drones, and virtual reality training require new job classifications for digital workers in the water sector, now and in the future.

To meet water workforce challenges like employee retention and retirements, accurate job announcements can help utilities fill vacancies faster and maintain a professionally agile staff.
Public health priorities for gastroschisis: Summary of a meeting sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the March of Dimes
Authors: Tepper Naomi K. , Chowdhury Julia , Moore Cynthia A. , Werler Martha M. , Mishkin Kathryn , Reefhuis Jennita
Published: January 2024

Background

Gastroschisis has increased worldwide over several decades; however, there are significant gaps in understanding risk factors for development of the defect, particularly those that might be modifiable. Despite advances in survival, little is known about longer‐term outcomes for affected individuals.

Methods

On April 27– and 28, 2023, the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and March of Dimes sponsored a meeting entitled “Public Health Priorities for Gastroschisis”. The meeting goals were to review current knowledge on gastroschisis, discuss research gaps, and identify future priorities for public health surveillance, research, and action related to gastroschisis. Meeting participants encompassed a broad range of expertise and experience, including public health, clinical care of individuals with gastroschisis, affected individuals and families, and representatives from professional organizations and federal agencies.

Results

Several goals were identified for future public health surveillance and research, including focused theory‐driven research on risk factors and increased study of longer‐term effects of gastroschisis through improved surveillance. Certain public health actions were identified, that which could improve the care of affected individuals, including increased education of providers and enhanced resources for patients and families.

Conclusions

These efforts may lead to an improved understanding of pathogenesis, risk factors, and outcomes and to improved care throughout the lifespan.
Effects of music on cognitive behavioral impairments in both sex of adult rats exposed prenatally to valproic acid
Authors: Taheri Farahnaz , Joushi Sara , Mohammadipoor‐Ghasemabad Lily , Rad Iman , Esmaeilpour Khadijeh , Sheibani Vahid
Published: January 2024

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in reciprocal social interactions, deficits in communication, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors and interests. In previous studies, music has been identified as an intervention therapy for children with ASD.

Objectives

The present study evaluated the effects of music on cognitive behavioral impairments in both sexes of adult rats exposed prenatally to Valproic acid.

Methods

For induction of autism, pregnant female rats were pretreated with either saline or VPA (600 mg/kg.i.p.) at gestational day (GD) 12.5. Male and female offspring were divided into Saline.Non‐Music, VPA.Non‐Music, Saline.Music, and VPA.Music groups. The adult rats in the music groups were exposed to Mozart's piano sonata K.448 for 30 days (4 h/day), from postnatal day (PND) 60 to 90. Social interaction and Morris water maze (MWM) tasks were tested at PND 90.

Results

Our results revealed that prenatal exposure to VPA decreased sociability and social memory performance in both sexes of adult rats. Moreover, prenatal exposure to VPA created learning and memory impairments in both sexes of adult rats in the MWM task. Music intervention improved sociability in both sexes of VPA‐exposed rats and social memory in both sexes of VPA‐exposed rats, especially in females. Furthermore, our results revealed that music ameliorated learning impairments in VPA‐exposed female rats in the MWM task. In addition, music improved spatial memory impairments in VPA‐exposed rats of both sexes, especially in females, which needs more investigation in molecular and histological fields in future studies.

Conclusion

Music intervention improved sociability and social memory in adult VPA‐exposed rats, especially in female animals. Furthermore, music improved memory impairments in VPA‐exposed rats of both sexes. It seems that music had a better influence on female rats. However, future studies need more investigations in molecular and histological fields.
National population‐based estimates for major birth defects, 2016–2020
Authors: Stallings Erin B. , Isenburg Jennifer L. , Rutkowski Rachel E. , Kirby Russell S. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Sandidge Theresa , Villavicencio Stephan , Nguyen Hoang H. , McMahon Daria M. , Nestoridi Eirini , Pabst Laura J. ,   for the National Birth Defects Prevention Network
Published: January 2024

Background

We provide updated crude and adjusted prevalence estimates of major birth defects in the United States for the period 2016–2020.

Methods

Data were collected from 13 US population‐based surveillance programs that used active or a combination of active and passive case ascertainment methods to collect all birth outcomes. These data were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates and national prevalence estimates adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity for all conditions, and maternal age for trisomies and gastroschisis. Prevalence was compared to previously published national estimates from 1999 to 2014.

Results

Adjusted national prevalence estimates per 10,000 live births ranged from 0.63 for common truncus to 18.65 for clubfoot. Temporal changes were observed for several birth defects, including increases in the prevalence of atrioventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, omphalocele, trisomy 18, and trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and decreases in the prevalence of anencephaly, common truncus, transposition of the great arteries, and cleft lip with and without cleft palate.

Conclusion

This study provides updated national estimates of selected major birth defects in the United States. These data can be used for continued temporal monitoring of birth defects prevalence. Increases and decreases in prevalence since 1999 observed in this study warrant further investigation.
Reproductive toxicity of JJH201501 in rats: Perinatal study
Authors: Sun Menghan , Yue Peng , Qiao Hongqun
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In this study, JJH201501 was examined for reproductive toxicity during the perinatal period to support its safety as a novel serotonergic agent (5‐HT) antidepressant. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats (F0, n = 24/group) were continuously exposed to 0 (control), 6, 18, and 60 mg/kg body weight/day of JJH201501 by intragastric administration from gestation day 15 to lactation day 21.

Methods

During this period, maternal toxicity was evaluated based on clinical signs, body weight, feed intake, delivery condition, litter parameters, and necropsy, with body weight, sex ratios, malformation incidence, physical, and neurodevelopmental assessments conducted on all offspring rats. Ten pups (male:female 1:1) from each dam within each dose group on postnatal day 4 (PND4) were randomly selected. One pair was evaluated for behavior evaluations (F1a) after PND35, one for reproduction performance (F1b) after 10 weeks, and three for organ weight and deformities (F1c) on PND35. After successful mating, F1b male rats were weighed and dissected to assess reproductive organ weight and sperm motility. Pregnant F1b rats were weighed and monitored for food intake twice weekly until laparotomy on GD14, which recorded live/dead fetuses, resorptions, implantations, corpora lutea, and uterine weight. Some statistical differences were found between the JJH‐treated and control groups in maternal weight, food consumption, and F1 body weight and water maze performance.

Results

Autopsy results showed that JJH201501 had a low cardiac index effect in F0, with no significant histopathological changes detected. Only one F1 offspring died in the high‐dose group throughout the experiment. Due to the lack of dose‐dependent effects and the consistent growth pattern of these alterations, the study findings do not suggest any toxicological significance for the observed results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level of JJH201501 for perinatal rats is about 60 mg/kg b.w./day.
Retinoblastoma treatment in a Brazilian population. Presentation and long‐term results
Authors: Bonanomi Maria Teresa Brizzi Chizzotti , de Almeida Maria Tereza A. , Hollaender Marianna A. , Bonanomi Roberta Chizzotti , Monteiro Mario Luiz Ribeiro
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Retinoblastoma is a malignant tumor with a high cure potential when proper therapy is used. The purpose of this paper is to report the clinical features and outcomes of patients with retinoblastoma who were treated with a combination of local and systemic chemotherapy‐based protocols.

Method

We retrospectively studied patients treated with systemic chemotherapy plus local treatment between 2003 and 2015 with a follow‐up ≥2 years. We correlated clinical and pathological characteristics with decimal visual acuity (VA) and death.

Results

Among 119 patients, 60% had unilateral disease (UNI), and 52% were male. The median presentation age was 19.5 months, 10% had a positive family history, and the most frequent sign was leukocoria (68.8%). Advanced disease was more frequent in eyes with UNI (98.4%) than in eyes with bilateral retinoblastoma (BIL: 55.3%). Enucleation was performed in 97% of UNI eyes and in 55.8% of BIL eyes. The overall globe salvage was 26.6%, 44.25% of BIL eyes. Bilateral enucleation was required in 5%. High‐risk pathologic features occurred in 50% and 37% of eyes enucleated without and with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, respectively. High‐risk features were related to the presence of goniosynechiae in the pathologic specimen and were more frequent in children younger than 10 months or older than 40 months. Extraocular disease was present in 5% of patients, and the death rate related to metastasis of the tumor was 8%. The final VA was ≥ 0.7 in 72.8% and ≥0.1 in 91% of BIL patients.

Conclusions

Treatment of retinoblastoma with conservative systemic‐based chemotherapy was associated with an excellent survival rate (92%). Albeit the low overall globe salvage rate, in BIL patients, approximately half the eyes were conserved, and a satisfactory functional visual result was achieved The evaluated protocol is an important treatment option, especially in developing countries.
Metabolic Profiling, GC‐MS, LC‐ESI‐MS/MS Analysis, Phenolics Isolation and Biological Evaluation of the Aerial Parts Extracts ofFelicia abyssinicaL.
Authors: Elshorbagy Ahmed M. , Fayed Marwa A. A. , Sallam Amal , Badria Farid A.
Published: January 2024

Felicia abyssinicaL., family Asteraceae, is widely used in folk medicine. This represents the first study to investigate its phytoconstituents and pharmacological effects. Phytoconstituents identified by GC‐MS, LC‐ESI‐MS/MS‐based metabolomics, and NMR (1D & 2D). GC‐MS of the (FAMEs) revealed mainly the identification of 55 fatty acids. LC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis resulted in the tentative identity of 13 compounds representing flavonoids, phenolics, and fatty acids. Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest total flavonoids 66.19 mg/mL Rutin equivalent, while the methanolic fraction showed the highest phenolics 87.70 mg/mL gallic acid equivalent, and the total condensed tannins were 64.35 μg CE/mg catechins equivalent. A flavonoid and a cinnamic acid derivative were identified as quercetin 3‐O‐(2′′′‐O‐acetyl) rutinoside (Mumikotin A) (1) and Methyl sinapate (2). Biological evaluation of antioxidant and cytotoxic activities was carried out. Cytotoxicity was examined on HepG‐2 cell lines where the average cell viability was 91.42 % and 52.48 % for concentrations 10 and 100 μg/mL respectively. Methylene chloride and methanolic fractions showed the highest antioxidant activity 225 μg/mL Ascorbic acid equivalents. It is hypothesized that high phenolics, flavonoid content, and oxygenated identified compounds contribute to the antioxidant activity and can be regarded as a promising species for nutraceuticals active antioxidants with potential value for remedy.
Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Rosmarinic Acid Trimetallic (Cu0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) Nanoparticles
Authors: Imraish Amer , Zihlif Malek , Abu Thiab Tuqa , Al‐Awaida Wajdy , Al‐Ameer Hamzeh J. , Abu‐Irmaileh Basha'er , Al‐Hunaiti Afnan
Published: January 2024

Newly, green metallic‐nanoparticles (NPs) have received scientists’ interest due to their wide variable medicinal applications owned to their economical synthesis and biologically compatible nature. In this study, we used rosmarinic acid (RosA) to prepare Cu0.5Zn0.5FeO4 NPs and later encapsulated them using PEG polymer. Characterization of NPs was done using the XRD method and SEM imaging. Further, we explored the encapsulated NPs for anti‐inflammatory properties by downregulating the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines mRNA in LPS‐stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. Besides, employing DPPH, NO and ABTS radical scavenging assays to examine the antioxidant activity of the synthesized Cu0.5Zn0.5FeO4 NPs. Cu0.5Zn0.5FeO4 NPs revealed moderate antioxidant activity by scavenging DPPH and nitric oxide. We demonstrated that the NPs showed high potential anti‐inflammatory activity by suppressing the mRNA and protein levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in a dose‐dependent manner, in LPS‐induced Raw 264.7 cells. To our best knowledge, this is the first report where RosA was found to be a suitable phyto source for the green synthesis of Cu0.5Zn0.5FeO4 NPs and their in vitro anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Taken together, our findings suggest that the RosA is a green resource for the eco‐friendly synthesis of Cu0.5Zn0.5FeO4/PEG NPs, which further can be employed as a novel anti‐inflammatory therapeutic agent.
Salivary proteomic profile of response to different resistance training protocols: A case report
Authors: Santos Karina Oliveira , Filho Dalton Muller Pessôa , Ventura Talita Mendes Oliveira , Thomassian Larissa Tercilia Grizzo , Macedo Anderson Geremias , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo , Braga Aline Silva , Faria Murilo Henrique , Magalhães Ana Carolina
Published: January 2024

Resistance training (RT) with blood flow restriction (BFR) or high intensity (HI) are effective to increase muscle mass. To understand this effect, techniques known as “omics” are used to identify possible biomarkers. This study analyzed the salivary proteomic profile of healthy individuals trained before and after two RT protocols both designed with eight exercises for upper‐ and lower‐limbs, one performed at low percentage of one‐maximum repetition (%1RM) with BFR technique, and other at high %1RM (HI) without BRF technique. Four healthy males between 18 and 28 years participated in the study. Stimulated saliva was collected before (BBFR/BHI) and immediately after (ABFR/AHI) the two RT protocols. All protein‐related processing was performed using label‐free proteomic. The difference in expression between groups was expressed as p < .05 for downregulated proteins and 1‐p > .95 for upregulated proteins. There was difference in salivary flow between ABFR and BBFR (p = .005). For HI, 87 proteins were found after the practice and 119 before. Three hemoglobin isoforms were increased in AHI compared with BHI. In the BFR comparison, 105 proteins were identified after (ABFR) and 70 before (BBFR). Among those increased ABFR, we highlight five hemoglobin isoforms and Deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 protein. Between ABFR and AHI, 17 isoforms of histones, Transaldolase, Transketolase, Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and Antileukoproteinase were decreased ABFR. For HI, there was an increase in proteins related to oxidative stress and metabolism of the musculoskeletal system, compared with BFR. HI seems to induce higher anabolic signaling to muscle mass increase and antiatherosclerotic effects.
Identification of Ligands for Ion Channels: TRPM2
Authors: Gu Yushu , Liu Miaomiao , Ma Linlin , Quinn Ronald J.
Published: January 2024

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a calcium‐permeable, nonselective cation channel with a widespread distribution throughout the body. It is involved in many pathological and physiological processes, making it a potential therapeutic target for various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cancers. New analytical techniques are beneficial for gaining a deeper understanding of its involvement in disease pathogenesis and for advancing the drug discovery for TRPM2‐related diseases. In this work, we present the application of collision‐induced affinity selection mass spectrometry (CIAS‐MS) for the direct identification of ligands binding to TRPM2. CIAS‐MS circumvents the need for high mass detection typically associated with mass spectrometry of large membrane proteins. Instead, it focuses on the detection of small molecules dissociated from the ligand‐protein‐detergent complexes. This affinity selection approach consolidates all affinity selection steps within the mass spectrometer, resulting in a streamlined process. We showed the direct identification of a known TRPM2 ligand dissociated from the protein‐ligand complex. We demonstrated that CIAS‐MS can identify binding ligands from complex mixtures of compounds and screened a compound library against TRPM2. We investigated the impact of voltage increments and ligand concentrations on the dissociation behavior of the binding ligand, revealing a dose‐dependent relationship.
Rational Design of S‐scheme Heterojunction Based‐Polymeric Carbon Nitride for Enhanced Photocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance
Authors: Zhang Yunxiao , Cao Qingxiang , Chen Xia , Li Wei , Chen Yanwu , Chen Jiazhi
Published: January 2024

S‐scheme heterojunction has emerging as a new star in the field of photocatalysis, attributing to its superior separation of photogenerated charge carriers and strong redox abilities. The general designing criteria and several types of S‐scheme heterojunction were provided. Advanced characterization techniques, including Kelvin probe force microscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and in‐situ irradiated X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, were presented for disclosing the transfer mechanism in S‐scheme heterojunctions. The recent innovations in the application of photocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction in S‐scheme heterojunction based polymeric carbon nitride photocatalyst were discussed. To conclude, this concept highlights the role of S‐scheme heterojunction in photocatalysis and gives future perspectives on their further applications.
Quaternary layered Cr‐doped modified NCMFe cathode material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Lv , He Jie‐Long , Wu Hua‐Cheng , Tang Zhen‐Yuan , Luo Qian , Wu Jia‐Ni , Li Jun
Published: January 2024

A series of cathode materials, Li[Ni0.6Co0.12Mn0.2Fe0.08]1‐xCrxO2 (x=0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06), are synthesized via the co‐precipitation method. Structural characterization shows that Cr3+ ions are successfully incorporated into the material structure and evenly dispersed on the surface of crystal particles with other metal elements. The Cr‐doped material shows a well‐defined hexagonal layered structure with less cation mixing, and the increase in interionic and interlayer distances is beneficial for the transport of lithium ions. Compared to the pure NCMFe phase, the cyclic and rate performances of the Cr‐doped quaternary materials have been significantly improved. Among them, the 4Cr material exhibits the best electrochemical performance. The capacity retention rate after 50 charge‐discharge cycles at 0.1 C was increased from 74.83 % to 87.32 %. The rate performance has also increased from 87.6 % to 92.69 %. The Cr‐doped cathode can reduce the charge transfer resistance and enhance the stability of the layered structure, which results in outstanding electrochemical performance of the Cr‐doped cathode. CV and EIS tests were conducted on materials with various Cr doping levels, further confirming that Cr doping can reduce the degree of polarization in electrode materials, enhance charge and discharge reversibility, and reduce the charge transfer resistance of materials.
Adaptive deep fusion neural network based soft sensor for industrial process
Authors: Guo Xiaoping , Chong Jialin , Li Yuan
Published: January 2024

Deep neural networks have become an important tool for soft sensor modeling. However, common deep autoencoder networks are limited to mining the effective information of each input layer during hierarchical training, ignoring the loss of effective information in the original input data and accumulating it layer‐by‐layer, resulting in incomplete feature representation of the original input. At the same time, there is a lack of mining for temporal correlation between process samples and an adaptive mechanism to strengthen temporal related features, resulting in insufficient process information mining. In addition, deep neural networks generally have overfitting problems. To this end, an adaptive deep fusion neural network (ADFNN) method is proposed. This method reconstructs the original input data at each layer of the feature extraction network. By using the reconstructed original input error in pre‐training loss, it reduces the loss of effective information from the original input. Simultaneously, incorporating sliding windows and self‐attention mechanisms to select and calculate the contribution of historical samples to the current sample, integrating temporal related information, and overcoming dependence on high‐dimensional local features by minimizing Kullback‐Leibier (KL) divergence penalty terms. Finally, the temporal features are adaptively weighted and connected to a fully connected network to achieve quality prediction. Simulation experiments were conducted in cases of debutanizer and industrial polyethylene production to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The experimental results show that compared to the stacked autoencoder (SAE), target dependent stacked autoencoder (TSAE), and stacked isomorphic autoencoder (SIAE) models, the proposed method ADFNN has improved prediction accuracy by 2.4%, 1.7%, and 0.5% in the case of a debutanizer, respectively. In the industrial polyethylene production case, it has increased by 3.6%, 3.3%, and 1.8%, respectively.
Exploring the role of information and communication technologies in allergic rhinitis in specialist centers: Patient perspectives on usefulness, value, and impact on healthcare
Authors: Cherrez‐Ojeda Ivan , Bousquet Jean , Sarfraz Zouina , Sarfraz Azza , Rodriguez Gonzales Monica , Bedbrook Anna , Rosario Nelson , Zepeda‐Ortega Benjamin , Guidos Guillermo , Alcivar Molina Ulbio , Felix Miguel , Vanegas Emanuel , Robles‐Velasco Karla , Zimmermann Luc J. , Gavilanes Antonio W. D.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) improve patient‐centered care and are routinely used in Allergic Rhinitis (AR), but patients' preferences and attitudes are unexplored. This study examines AR‐related information preferences and ICT use by AR patients.

Methods

A survey‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out in Ecuador from July to September 2019 in seven centers of reference for allergic disease. Participants were 18 years or older, diagnosed with AR and had access to ICT and the Internet. Descriptive and binomial logistic regressions were performed. A value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

217 patients were included. 47% (n = 102) used ICTs to learn about AR, of which 38.2% (n = 83) found it useful. Most of participants (75%, n = 164) did not think that ICTs reduce their need to see a doctor. Individuals with poorer quality of life were more likely to utilize ICTs to contact their doctor (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.04–1.55), and more likely to be interested in AR‐related content (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.00–1.52). Patients with long‐term AR or other allergies were less likely to use ICTs (OR 0.92 and OR 0.40 respectively). Higher education and lower quality of life may increase AR apps adoption (OR 4.82, 95% CI 1.11–21.00). Academic preparation five‐fold increased ICT use for health provider communication (OR 5.29, 95% CI 1.18–23.72). Mild‐persistent AR enhanced the probabilities of using ICTs to share experiences and communicate with other patients (OR 12.59, 95% CI 1.32–120.35).

Conclusions

Our study emphasizes the importance of tailoring digital resources to patient needs by considering factors such as quality of life, education, and specific subgroups within the AR patient population. Additionally, the findings suggest that while ICTs can play a valuable role in patient education and support, they should complement, rather than replace, traditional medical care for many AR patients.
A Multicomponent Mannich Reaction Catalyzed by Hydrolases Immobilized on Titanate Nanotubes
Authors: Bessoni Kosctiuk Juliane , Ribeiro Neto Matheus Enrique , Alcoforado Pereira Gabriela , Krieger Nadia , Zambelli Mezalira Daniela , Pilissão Cristiane
Published: January 2024

This study presents an innovative method for synthesizing β‐amino carbonylated compounds, specifically 2‐[phenyl(phenylamino)methyl] cyclohexanone, achieving high conversions and diastereomeric ratios. Using trypsin or α‐chymotrypsin in both free and immobilized forms on titanate nanotubes (NtsTi), synthesized through alkaline hydrothermal methods, successful immobilization yields were attained. Notably, α‐chymotrypsin, when free, displayed a diastereoselective synthesis of the anti‐isomer with 97 % conversion and 16 : 84 (syn : anti) diastereomeric ratio, which slightly decreased upon immobilization on NtsTi. Trypsin, in its free form, exhibited diastereoselective recognition of the syn‐isomer, while immobilization on NtsTi (trypsin/NtsTi) led to an inversion of diastereomeric ratio. Both trypsin/NtsTi and α‐chymotrypsin/NtsTi demonstrated significant catalytic efficiency over five cycles. In conclusion, NtsTi serves as an effective support for trypsin and α‐chymotrypsin immobilization, presenting promising prospects for diastereoselective synthesis and potential industrial applications. Furthermore, it offers promising prospects for the diastereoselective synthesis of 2‐[phenyl(phenylamino)methyl] cyclohexanone through multicomponent Mannich reaction and future industrial application.