bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Per-ischemic changes in penumbral blood supply and its microscopic distribution
Authors: Iversen Nina K. , Jimenéz Eugenio Gutierréz , Rasmussen Peter Mondrup , Angelys Hugo , Mikkelsen Irene Klærke , Hollyer Tristan R. , Østergaard Leif
Published: August 2023

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a frequent cause of death and adult disability. AIS patient management targets the
ischemic penumbra
: Hypoperfused, electrically silent brain tissue, which can be salvaged by restoring blood flow during the first, critical hours after symptom onset. Neuroimaging studies in AIS patients suggest that penumbral tissue is characterized not only by hypoperfusion, but also by microvascular flow disturbances that strongly affect tissue outcome. Here, we demonstrate that microvascular flows become increasingly chaotic in the ischemic penumbra in the hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion in a rat model of AIS. Biophysical models suggest that these disturbances are accompanied by increasing hypoxia in the absence of blood flow changes. Unlike findings in severe ischemia, pericyte constrictions do not appear to occlude penumbral capillaries. We propose that microvascular flow disturbances represent a critical feature of penumbral tissue, and a potential target for neuroprotective therapy after AIS.
Negative cell cycle regulation by Calcineurin is necessary for proper beta cell regeneration in zebrafish
Authors: Massoz Laura , Bergemann David , Lavergne Arnaud , Reynders Célia , Désiront Caroline , Goossens Chiara , Flasse Lydie , Peers Bernard , Voz Marianne L. , Manfroid Isabelle
Published: August 2023

Stimulation of pancreatic beta cell regeneration could be a therapeutic lead to treat diabetes. Unlike humans, the zebrafish can efficiently regenerate beta cells, notably from ductal pancreatic progenitors. To gain insight into the molecular pathways involved in this process, we established the transcriptomic profile of the ductal cells after beta cell ablation in the adult zebrafish. These data highlighted the protein phosphatase calcineurin as a new potential modulator of beta cell regeneration. We showed that calcineurin overexpression abolished the regenerative response, leading to glycemia dysregulation. On the opposite, calcineurin inhibition increased ductal cell proliferation and subsequent beta cell regeneration. Interestingly, the enhanced proliferation of the progenitors was paradoxically coupled with their exhaustion. This suggests that the proliferating progenitors are next entering in differentiation. Calcineurin appears as a guardian which prevents an excessive progenitor proliferation to preserve the pool of progenitors. Altogether, our findings reveal calcineurin as a key player in the balance between proliferation and differentiation to enable a proper beta cell regeneration.
Apoptotic signaling clears engineered Salmonella in an organ-specific manner
Authors: Abele Taylor J , Billman Zachary P , Li Lupeng , Harvest Carissa K , Bryan Alexia K , Magalski Gabrielle R , Lopez Joseph P , Larson Heather N , Yin Xiao-Ming , Miao Edward A
Published: August 2023

Pyroptosis and apoptosis are two forms of regulated cell death that can defend against intracellular infection. When a cell fails to complete pyroptosis, backup pathways will initiate apoptosis. Here, we investigated the utility of apoptosis compared to pyroptosis in defense against an intracellular bacterial infection. We previously engineered Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium to persistently express flagellin, and thereby activate NLRC4 during systemic infection in mice. The resulting pyroptosis clears this flagellin-engineered strain. We now show that infection of caspase-1 or gasdermin D deficient macrophages by this flagellin-engineered S. Typhimurium induces apoptosis in vitro. Additionally, we engineered S. Typhimurium to translocate the pro-apoptotic BH3 domain of BID, which also triggers apoptosis in macrophages in vitro. During mouse infection, the apoptotic pathway successfully cleared these engineered S. Typhimurium from the intestinal niche but failed to clear the bacteria from the myeloid niche in the spleen or lymph nodes. In contrast, the pyroptotic pathway was beneficial in defense of both niches. To clear an infection, cells may have specific tasks that they must complete before they die; different modes of cell death could initiate these ‘bucket lists’ in either convergent or divergent ways.
Apoptotic signaling clears engineered Salmonella in an organ-specific manner
Authors: Abele Taylor J. , Billman Zachary P. , Li Lupeng , Harvest Carissa K. , Bryan Alexia K. , Magalski Gabrielle R , Lopez Joseph P , Larson Heather N. , Yin Xiao-Ming , Miao Edward A.
Published: August 2023

Pyroptosis and apoptosis are two forms of regulated cell death that can defend against intracellular infection. Although pyroptosis and apoptosis have distinct signaling pathways, when a cell fails to complete pyroptosis, backup pathways will initiate apoptosis. Here, we investigated the utility of apoptosis compared to pyroptosis in defense against an intracellular bacterial infection. We previously engineered
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium to persistently express flagellin, and thereby activate NLRC4 during systemic infection in mice. The resulting pyroptosis clears this flagellin-engineered strain. We now show that infection of caspase-1 or gasdermin D deficient macrophages by this flagellin-engineered
S
. Typhimurium induces apoptosis in vitro. Additionally, we also now engineer
S
. Typhimurium to translocate the pro-apoptotic BH3 domain of BID, which also triggers apoptosis in macrophages in vitro. In both engineered strains, apoptosis occurred somewhat slower than pyroptosis. During mouse infection, the apoptotic pathway successfully cleared these engineered
S.
Typhimurium from the intestinal niche, but failed to clear the bacteria in the myeloid niche in the spleen or lymph nodes. In contrast, the pyroptotic pathway was beneficial in defense of both niches. In order to clear an infection, distinct cell types may have specific tasks (bucket lists) that they must complete before they die. In some cells, either apoptotic or pyroptotic signaling may initiate the same bucket list, whereas in other cell types these modes of cell death may lead to different bucket lists that may not be identical in defense against infection.
Normal and dysregulated crosstalk between iron metabolism and erythropoiesis
Authors: Ginzburg Yelena , An Xiuli , Rivella Stefano , Goldfarb Adam
Published: August 2023

Erythroblasts possess unique characteristics as they undergo differentiation from hematopoietic stem cells. During terminal erythropoiesis, these cells incorporate large amounts of iron in order to generate hemoglobin and ultimately undergo enucleation to become mature red blood cells, ultimately delivering oxygen in the circulation. Thus, erythropoiesis is a finely tuned, multifaceted process requiring numerous properly timed physiological events to maintain efficient production of 2 million red blood cells per second in steady state. Iron is required for normal functioning in all human cells, the erythropoietic compartment consuming the majority in light of the high iron requirements for hemoglobin synthesis. Recent evidence regarding the crosstalk between erythropoiesis and iron metabolism sheds light on the regulation of iron availability by erythroblasts and the consequences of insufficient as well as excess iron on erythroid lineage proliferation and differentiation. In addition, significant progress has been made in our understanding of dysregulated iron metabolism in various congenital and acquired malignant and non-malignant diseases. Finally, we report several actual as well as theoretical opportunities for translating the recently acquired robust mechanistic understanding of iron metabolism regulation to improve management of patients with disordered erythropoiesis, such as anemia of chronic inflammation, β-thalassemia, polycythemia vera, and myelodysplastic syndromes.
Green inspired synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Silybum marianum (milk thistle) extract and evaluation of their potential pesticidal and phytopathogens activities
Authors: Jahan Nazish , Rasheed Kousar , Rahman Khalil-Ur- , Hazafa Abu , Saleem Amna , Alamri Saud , Iqbal Muhammad Omer , Rahman Md Atikur
Published: August 2023

Background

The green approaches for the synthesis of nanoparticles are gaining significant importance because of their high productivity, purity, low cost, biocompatibility, and environmental friendliness.

Methods

The aim of the current study is the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using seed extracts of Silybum marianum, which acts as a reducing and stabilizing agent. central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) optimized synthesis parameters (temperature, pH, reaction time, plant extract, and salt concentration) for controlled size, stability, and maximum yields of ZnO-NPs. Green synthesized ZnO-NPs was characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy and Zetasizer analyses.

Results

The Zetasizer confirmed that green synthesized ZnO-NPs were 51.80 nm in size and monodispersed in nature. The UV-visible results revealed a large band gap energy in the visible region at 360.5 nm wavelength. The bioactivities of green synthesized ZnO-NPs, including antifungal, antibacterial, and pesticidal, were also evaluated. Data analysis confirmed that these activities were concentration dependent. Bio-synthesized ZnO-NPs showed higher mortality towards Tribolium castaneum of about 78 ± 0.57% after 72 h observation as compared to Sitophilus oryzae, which only displayed 74 ± 0.57% at the same concentration and time intervals. Plant-mediated ZnO-NPs also showed high potential against pathogenic gram-positive bacteria (Clavibacter michiganensis), gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas syringae), and two fungal strains such as Fusarium oxysporum, and Aspergillums niger with inhibition zones of 18 ± 0.4, 25 ± 0.4, 21 ± 0.57, and 19 ± 0.4 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that Silybum marianum-based ZnO-NPs are cost-effective and efficient against crop pests.
Prevalence and virulence genes of Staphylococcus aureus from food contact surfaces in Thai restaurants
Authors: Tasanapak Kannipa , Kucharoenphaibul Siriwat , Wongwigkarn Jintana , Sitthisak Sutthirat , Thummeepak Rapee , Chaibenjawong Plykaeow , Chatdumrong Wassana , Nimanussornkul Kunsuda
Published: August 2023

Background

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common pathogens responsible for food poisoning due to its ability to produce staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE). S. aureus can form biofilms on the surfaces of food processing devices, enabling the distribution of SE on foods through cross-contamination events. Thailand is known for its exotic cuisine, but there is no data on the prevalence of SE-harboring S. aureus in restaurants in Thailand.

Methods

In this study, we conducted surface swabs on surfaces of kitchen utensil that come into contact with food and on the hands of food handlers working in restaurants in the north part of Thailand. Isolated S. aureus was investigated for biofilm formation, virulence, and SE genes.

Results

Two hundred S. aureus were isolated from 650 samples. The highest prevalence of S. aureus contamination was detected on the hands of food handlers (78%), followed by chopping boards (26%), plates (23%), knives (16%), spoons (13%), and glasses (5%). All of them were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and the mecA gene was not present in any strains. Biofilm formation was detected using the CRA method, and 49 (24.5%) were identified as biofilm-producing strains, with the hands of food handlers identified as the primary source of biofilm-producing strains. The prevelence of biofilm-related adhesion genes detected were: icaAD (13%), fnbA (14.5%), cna (6.5%), and bap (0.5%). Two classical enterotoxin genes, sec and sed, were also found in four and six of the S. aureus isolates, respectively, from hands and utensils.

Conclusion

The highest prevelence of S. aureus was detected on the hands of food handlers. S. aureus strains with biofilm and enterotoxin production abilities were discovered on food contact surfaces and the hands of food handlers, implying significant risk of food contamination from these sources that could be harmful to consumers. To avoid cross-contamination of food with food contact items, the food handlers’ hands should be properly washed, and all food preparation equipment should be thoroughly cleaned.
Analysis of Selected Macroeconomic Variables and Property Development in Kwara State, Nigeria: Implications on Investment Decisions
Authors: Samson Olatunji Olarewaju , Olaolu Adewusi Amos
Published: August 2023

The widening gap between housing need and supply has created a void for private developers to fill in housing delivery in Nigeria. However, the uncertainty and instability of the economy across countries of the world as indicated by macroeconomic variables appears very important to be considered. Thus, the study's objective was to evaluate the effect of macroeconomic variables on private residential property development in Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria, for investment decision making. This study focused on three macroeconomic variables which include GDP, Interest rate and Inflation rate.

The research utilized both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected via structured questionnaires administered on Real Estate Development Association Practitioners (REDAN) in Ilorin, Kwara State. The secondary data which include GDP, Interest rate and Inflation rate from 2010 to 2020 was also obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The information obtained were analyzed using Trend analysis and multiple regressions. Trend analysis aimed at projecting macroeconomic movement from 2010 to 2030, while the multiple regressions was used to investigate the effects of macroeconomic variables on private housing development in Ilorin Metropolis.

The result of the analysis revealed among others that macroeconomic variables affect property development as they show significant effect on private residential property development with GDP producing positive significant effect on residential property development, while interest rate and inflation rate have negative significant effect on property development.

Therefore, this study recommends that real estate investors in Ilorin metropolis should consider the macroeconomic environment, and evaluate their risk exposure to make informed investment decisions.
Role of Genetic Variability and Their Associated Character on Yield Attributing Traits in Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Germplasm Lines
Authors: Rajavardhan Yenametla , Lal J. Jawahar , Lakshmamma P. , Kumar C. V. Sameer , Kumar A. Anil
Published: August 2023

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an industrially important non-edible oil seed crop with limited genetic variation. It is consequently important to diversify the genetic base to utilize the diversity. The primary objective of this study was to assess the extent and significance of variability among castor genotypes concerning yield and its associated traits. A study with two hundred germplasm lines along with four checks on genotypes on variability, correlation, and path coefficient was carried out for nine traits. The genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) values indicated the presence of broad variation for all characters except for days to 50 percent flowering, days to maturity, number of nodes, and oil content. However, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent mean was observed for plant height, days to 50 percent flowering, days to maturity, number of nodes, total length of the primary spike, number of effective spikes, seed weight, and total yield. The character's plant height,    number of nodes, total length of the primary spike, number of effective spikes, seed weight, and oil content show a positive significant correlation with the total yield. The path coefficient analysis indicates that the utmost positive direct effect on total yield was exerted by a number of effective spikes per plant. Hence it was concluded that selection for traits total length of the primary spike, number of effective spikes, and 100 seed weight beneficial in yield improvement programs of castor.
Recent Trends and Advances in the Removal of Dyes from Industrial Wastewater Using Low Cost Adsorbents
Authors: Manne Ravi
Published: August 2023

Dyes are complex class of organic compound having wide range of applications in textile and food industries and a large amount of dyes are wasted, which get mixed in natural water resources, and pollute environment. Mixing of dyes in water resources must be prohibited for the safety of natural ecosystem. Dyes are used for coloring textiles, wool, leather, paper and fibers. Natural dyes like indigo have been in use for over 5000 years. Natural dyes are replaced by synthetic dyes because of their low cost and vast range of new colors. Today, there are more than 10,000 dyes with different chemical structures available commercially. The natural and modified adsorbents are being successfully used for the adsorption of dyes from wastewater. Importance of several adsorbents like industrial waste, agricultural waste and clay adsorbents of both raw and modified for adsorption of dyes from textile wastewater has been highlighted in this review article. In this review we cover the regeneration capacity and adsorption efficiency of different adsorbents for the treatment of industrial dyes to control water pollution. We also reviewed wide variety of techniques and materials that have been used to remove organic pollutants from water. some adsorption techniques are cost-effective, ecofriendly, clay-supported adsorbents are widely because if their simplicity and good efficiency.

 Graphical Abstract:
Patient Factors Associated With Biased Language in Nightly Resident Verbal Handoff
Authors: Wesevich Austin , Patel-Nguyen Sonya , Fridman Ilona , Langan Erica , Parente Victoria
Published: August 2023

This cross-sectional study uses audio recordings of resident handoff of inpatient general medicine and general pediatrics teams to measure the extent of stigmatizing language and describes associations between patient factors and biased language in handoffs.
High‐Entropy Co‐Free O3‐Type Layered Oxyfluoride: A Promising Air‐Stable Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Joshi Akanksha , Chakrabarty Sankalpita , Akella Sri Harsha , Saha Arka , Mukherjee Ayan , Schmerling Bruria , Ejgenberg Michal , Sharma Rosy , Noked Malachi
Published: August 2023

Sodium‐ion batteries have recently emerged as a promising alternative to lithium‐based batteries, driven by an ever‐growing demand for electricity storage systems. The present workproposes a cobalt‐free high‐capacity cathode for sodium‐ion batteries, synthesized using a high‐entropy approach. The high‐entropy approach entails mixing more than five elements in a single phase; hence, obtaining the desired properties is a challenge since this involves the interplay between different elements. Here, instead of oxide, oxyfluoride is chosen to suppress oxygen loss during long‐term cycling. Supplement to this, lithium is introduced in the composition to obtain high configurational entropy and sodium vacant sites, thus stabilizing the crystal structure, accelerating the kinetics of intercalation/deintercalation, and improving the air stability of the material. With the optimization of the cathode composition, a reversible capacity of 109 mAh g−1 (2–4 V) and 144 mAh g−1 (2–4.3 V) is observed in the first few cycles, along with a significant improvement in stability during prolonged cycling. Furthermore, in situ and ex situ diffraction studies during charging/discharging reveal that the high‐entropy strategy successfully suppresses the complex phase transition. The impressive outcomes of the present work strongly motivate the pursuit of the high‐entropy approach to develop efficient cathodes for sodium‐ion batteries.
Photoinduced Mechanical Cloaking of Diarylethene‐Crosslinked Microgels
Authors: He Siyang , Schog Simon , Chen Ying , Ji Yuxin , Panitz Sinan , Richtering Walter , Göstl Robert
Published: August 2023

The serial connection of multiple stimuli‐responses in polymer architectures enables the logically conjunctive gating of functional material processes on demand. Here, a photoswitchable diarylethene (DAE) acts as a crosslinker in poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) microgels and allows the light‐induced shift of the volume phase‐transition temperature (VPTT). While swollen microgels below the VPTT are susceptible to force and undergo breakage–aggregation processes, collapsed microgels above the VPTT stay intact in mechanical fields induced by ultrasonication. Within a VPTT shift regime, photoswitching of the DAE transfers microgels from the swollen to the collapsed state and thereby gates their response to force as demonstrated by the light‐gated activation of an embedded fluorogenic mechanophore. This photoinduced mechanical cloaking system operates on the polymer topology level and is thereby principally universally applicable.
Simulating Proton Radiation Tolerance of Perovskite Solar Cells for Space Applications
Authors: Nguyen Dang-Thuan , Walter Daniel , Weber Klaus J. , Duong The , White Thomas P.
Published: August 2023

Perovskite solar cell technology offers a promising power option for space applications due to its potential properties of high power‐to‐weight ratios and space‐radiation tolerance. Herein, a new simulation‐based method is introduced to predict the degradation of perovskite solar cells under proton radiation. The approach uses ion scattering simulations to generate depth‐dependent defect profiles as a function of proton energy and fluence, which are then incorporated into optoelectronic simulations to predict the degradation. The method to study the impact of perovskite compositions on radiation tolerance is applied and an inorganic perovskite CsPbI2Br and an organic–inorganic perovskite FAMAPbI3 is compared. The simulations predict that CsPbI2Br and FAMAPbI3 cells retain 62% and 65% of their initial efficiencies after a 100 keV fluence of 1e14 cm−2, respectively. For comparison, unshielded III–V solar cells display similar degradation for proton fluences 3–4 orders of magnitude lower. It is also shown that the radiation direction must be considered when interpreting and predicting radiation tolerance, as the spatial overlap between photogenerated carriers and radiation‐induced defects has a significant impact on cell performance. Finally, a method to predict mission end‐of‐life performance of perovskite cells is demonstrated, taking into account the full proton radiation energy spectrum and fluence and the incident direction.
Fast Water Transport in UTSA‐280 via a Knock‐Off Mechanism
Authors: Hsu Cheng‐Hsun , Yu Hsin‐Yu , Lee Ho Jun , Wu Pei‐Hao , Huang Shing‐Jong , Lee Jong Suk , Yu Tsyr‐Yan , Li Yi‐Pei , Kang Dun‐Yen
Published: August 2023

Water and other small molecules frequently coordinate within metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs). These coordinated molecules may actively engage in mass transfer, moving together with the transport molecules, but this phenomenon has yet to be examined. In this study, we explore a unique water transfer mechanism in UTSA‐280, where an incoming water molecule can displace a coordinated molecule for mass transfer. We refer to this process as the “knock‐off” mechanism. Despite UTSA‐280 possessing one‐dimensional channels, the knock‐off transport enables water movement along the other two axes, effectively simulating a pseudo‐three‐dimensional mass transfer. Even with a relatively narrow pore width, the knock‐off mechanism enables a high water flux in the UTSA‐280 membrane. The knock‐off mechanism also renders UTSA‐280 superior water/ethanol diffusion selectivity for pervaporation. To validate this unique mechanism, we conducted 1H and 2H solid‐state NMR on UTSA‐280 after the adsorption of deuterated water. We also derived potential energy diagrams from the density functional theory to gain atomic‐level insight into the knock‐off and the direct‐hopping mechanisms. The simulation findings reveal that the energy barrier of the knock‐off mechanism is marginally lower than the direct‐hopping pathway, implying its potential role in enhancing water diffusion in UTSA‐280.
Room Temperature Anhydrous Suzuki–Miyaura Polymerization Enabled by C−S Bond Activation
Authors: Wen Xuan , Xie Wenbin , Li Yawen , Ma Xiaoying , Liu Zhaoying , Han Xiao , Wen Kaikai , Zhang Fengjiao , Lin Yuze , Shi Qinqin , Peng Aidong , Huang Hui
Published: August 2023

The Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling is one of the most important and powerful methods for constructing C−C bonds. However, the protodeboronation of arylboronic acids hinder the development of Suzuki–Miyaura coupling in the precise synthesis of conjugated polymers (CPs). Here, an anhydrous room temperature Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction between (hetero)aryl boronic esters and aryl sulfides was explored, of which universality was exemplified by thirty small molecules and twelve CPs. Meanwhile, the mechanistic studies involving with capturing four coordinated borate intermediate revealed the direct transmetalation of boronic esters in the absence of H2O suppressing the protodeboronation. Additionally, the room temperature reaction significantly reduced the homocoupling defects and enhanced the optoelectronic properties of the CPs. In all, this work provides a green protocol to synthesize alternating CPs.
Stereochemically Active Lone Pair Induced Polar Tri‐layered Perovskite for Record‐Performance Polarized Photodetection
Authors: Li Ruiqing , Wang Zirui , Zhu Tingting , Ye Huang , Wu Jianbo , Liu Xitao , Luo Junhua
Published: August 2023

Bulk photovoltaic effect, a promising optoelectronic phenomenon for generating polarized dependent steady‐state photocurrent, has been widely applied in various photodetectors. However, incorporating stereochemically active lone pair to construct bulk photovoltage in organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite (OIHP) is still elusive and challenging. Herein, bulk photovoltage (1.2 V) has been successfully achieved by introducing the stereo‐chemically active lone pair perovskitizer to construct a polar tri‐layered hybrid perovskite, namely, (IBA)2MHy2Pb3Br10 (1, IBA=iso‐butylamine, MHy=methylhydrazine). Strikingly, owning to the promising bulk photovoltage, 1‐based detectors exhibit an ultra‐highly sensitive polarized photodetection (polarization ratio of up to 24.6) under self‐powered mode. This ratio surpasses all the reported two‐dimension OIHP single‐crystal photodetectors. In addition, detectors exhibit outstanding responsivity (≈200 mA W−1) and detectivity (≈2.4×1013 Jones). More excitingly, further investigation confirms that lone pair electrons in MHy+ result in the separation of positive and negative charges to produce directional dipoles, which further directional alignment to generate bulk photovoltage, thereby resulting in polarization‐dependent photocurrent. Our findings provide a new demonstration for polar multilayer materials’ construction and may open opportunities for a host of high‐sensitive polarized photodetection.
2D Plasmonic Molecules via Hydrogen Bond Interaction between Polymer‐Grafted Nanoparticles
Authors: Cai Yingying , Vana Philipp
Published: August 2023

The use of macromolecular design features to regulate non‐covalent bonding on the nanoscale is a young and emerging fabrication strategy for advanced nanostructures. For the first time, we describe a self‐assembly method to create a series of 2D plasmonic molecules (PMs) using hydrogen‐bond interaction between a pair of polymer‐capped gold nanoparticles (hydrogen‐bond donor and acceptor). Due to the nature of hydrogen‐bond interaction, we found that polymer interaction and solvation compete with each other during the self‐assembly process, which turns out to be the most important condition for controlling the coordination number of PMs. We have conducted an extensive study on the solvent effect, which has helped us to design and fabricate a series of precise PMs with high symmetry.
Synthesis and application of flame retardant self‐matting aqueous polyurethane dispersion
Authors: Ao Wei , Qu Jinqing
Published: August 2023

To address the issues of insufficient film smoothness, and flammability of aqueous polyurethane dispersions (PUD) prepared by adding matting agents, two hydrophilic chain extenders, dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) and sodium 2‐[(2‐aminoethyl)amino] ethanesulphonate (A95), were used to regulate the particle size of the emulsion while using FRC‐6 flame retardant as a small molecule chain extender to prepare a self‐matting and flame retardant PUD. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscopy were used to structurally characterize the latex films. The results showed that as theR‐value (NCO/OH molar ratio) and soft segment content decreased, the prepolymer viscosity increased, making it difficult to emulsify and reducing the glossiness of the film. Moreover, an initial increase in DMPA content led to a decrease in film glossiness, followed by an increase. Increasing the molar ratio of A95 sulfonic acid salt‐based chain extender to EDA affected the glossiness of the film, with a 2:8 molar ratio of A95: ethylenediamine (EDA) resulting in a glossiness of the film of 6.5%. The addition of reactive flame retardant diethyl bis (2‐hydroxyethyl) aminomethyl phosphonate (FRC‐6) increased the branching content in the prepolymer, improved the flame retardancy of the film, and reduced its glossiness. As a result, the self‐prepared PUD had a flat film with a glossiness as low as 6.0% and a flame retardancy rating of level 4.
Self‐representation and future perception of youth followed by a specialized intervention team in violent radicalization
Authors: Desmarais Christian , Rousseau Cécile
Published: August 2023

In response to the increase in ideological and non‐ideological mass killings, mental health professionals are beginning to invest in prevention and intervention in violent radicalization situations. The psychological and psychiatric literature proposes multiple psychological theories describing the individual factors at play in the process of violent radicalization: loss of meaning, responses to humiliation, dehumanization of the other as well as serious identity problems are often mentioned, but little is known about the self‐representation of individuals attracted or involved in violent radicalization. This qualitative study aims at giving a sense of the complexity and texture of the experience of radicalized youth (18–30 years old), followed by a specialized clinic in Quebec (Canada). Ten patients, 18–30 years old, a significant age group for identity formation, were recruited for the study. An art‐based method (self‐portrait with a collage) and a projective testing method (the Thematic Apperception Test) were used to elicit the psychic representations of the patient about their identity and document their time perception. The results show that idealization and devaluation processes are central to these patients' self‐representation and are associated with adverse childhood experiences. Regarding time perception, many participants were spontaneously drawn toward a nostalgic past, manifesting significant difficulties in anchoring themselves in the present and imagining a future. These results confirm the vulnerability of this clientele and show that the projective art‐based methods are perceived as more soothing than threatening. Clinical implications, tools and approaches to help evaluate and intervene with radicalized youth are discussed.
Information practices around genetic testing for ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Trace Ciaran B. , Zhang Yan , Yi Siqi , Williams‐Brown Marian Yvette
Published: August 2023

Knowledge of ovarian cancer patients' information practices around cancer genetic testing (GT) is needed to inform interventions that promote patient access to GT‐related information. We interviewed 21 ovarian cancer patients and survivors who had GT as part of the treatment process and analyzed the transcripts using the qualitative content analysis method. We found that patients' information practices, manifested in their information‐seeking mode, information sources utilized, information assessment, and information use, showed three distinct styles: passive, semi‐active, and active. Patients with the passive style primarily received information from clinical sources, encountered information, or delegated information‐seeking to family members; they were not inclined to assess information themselves and seldom used it to learn or influence others. Women with semi‐active and active styles adopted more active information‐seeking modes to approach information, utilized information sources beyond clinical settings, attempted to assess the information found, and actively used it to learn, educate others, or advocate GT to family and friends. Guided by the social ecological model, we found multiple levels of influences, including personal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal, acting as motivators or barriers to patients' information practice. Based on these findings, we discussed strategies to promote patient access to GT‐related information.
Technoeconomic assessment comparison of batch and continuous hydrothermal carbonization of waste corn stover into advanced biorefinery feedstock
Authors: Islam Md Tahmid , Saha Nepu , Klinger Jordan L. , Reza M. Toufiq
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the economic feasibility of the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of waste corn stover. Two different cases of HTC of waste corn stover were considered for a 544 320 kg day−1 as‐received corn stover plant. Case I assumed a batch HTC process, and case II assumed a continuous HTC process. The results show that both cases were economically feasible; however, case I reached the break‐even point at 3 years whereas case II reached the break‐even point at 4 years. Case I also showed greater return on investment (5.02) than case II (3.98) at the end of the 20 year project life, including 26.6% lower total capital investment. About 73% of fixed capital cost came from investment in the reactor alone for case I, whereas 63% came from the reactor for case II. The break‐even selling price of the product was found to be $86.1/kg. A sensitivity analysis showed that the break‐even selling price of the product was the most sensitive to the variation of the cost of corn stover and the least sensitive to variation in the tipping income.
Neighborhood social deprivation and healthcare utilization, disability, and comorbidities among young adults with congenital heart defects: Congenital heart survey to recognize outcomes, needs, and well‐being 2016–2019
Authors: Judge Ashley , Kramer Michael , Downing Karrie F. , Andrews Jennifer , Oster Matthew E. , Benavides Argelia , Nembhard Wendy N. , Farr Sherry L.
Published: August 2023

Background

Research on the association between neighborhood social deprivation and health among adults with congenital heart defects (CHD) is sparse.

Methods

We evaluated the associations between neighborhood social deprivation and health care utilization, disability, and comorbidities using the population‐based 2016–2019 Congenital Heart Survey To Recognize Outcomes, Needs, and well‐beinG (CH STRONG) of young adults. Participants were identified from active birth defect surveillance systems in three U.S. sites and born with CHD between 1980 and 1997. We linked census tract‐level 2017 American Community Survey information on median household income, percent of ≥25‐year‐old with greater than a high school degree, percent of ≥16‐year‐olds who are unemployed, and percent of families with children <18 years old living in poverty to survey data and used these variables to calculate a summary neighborhood social deprivation z‐score, divided into tertiles. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) derived from a log‐linear regression model with a Poisson distribution estimated the association between tertile of neighborhood social deprivation and healthcare utilization in previous year (no encounters, 1 and ≥2 emergency room [ER] visits, and hospital admission), ≥1 disability, and ≥1 comorbidities. We accounted for age, place of birth, sex at birth, presence of chromosomal anomalies, and CHD severity in all models, and, additionally educational attainment and work status in all models except disability.

Results

Of the 1435 adults with CHD, 43.8% were 19–24 years old, 54.4% were female, 69.8% were non‐Hispanic White, and 33.7% had a severe CHD. Compared to the least deprived tertile, respondents in the most deprived tertile were more likely to have no healthcare visit (aPR: 1.5 [95% CI: 1.1, 2.1]), ≥2 ER visits (1.6 [1.1, 2.3]), or hospitalization (1.6 [1.1, 2.3]) in the previous 12 months, a disability (1.2 [1.0, 1.5]), and ≥1 cardiac comorbidities (1.8 [1.2, 2.7]).

Conclusions

Neighborhood social deprivation may be a useful metric to identify patients needing additional resources and referrals.
A genome‐wide analysis of the GRAS gene family in upland cotton and a functional study of the role of the GhGRAS55 gene in regulating early maturity in cotton
Authors: Xie Zhangshu , Yang Dan , Zhou Zhenzhong , Li Kan , Yi Penghui , Liu Aiyu , Zhou Zhonghua , Tu Xiaoju
Published: August 2023

The members of the GRAS gene family play important roles in regulating plant growth and development, but their functions in regulating early plant maturity traits are still unknown. In this study, we used a series of bioinformatics tools to identify GRAS gene family members and investigate the function of the gene family (GhGRAS55) using a genome‐wide database of upland cotton samples. A total of 58 members of the GRAS gene family were identified and screened, which were distributed on 21 chromosomes within the whole cotton genome. The results of the phylogenetic analysis showed that the genes of upland cotton, island cotton, African cotton, Raymond cotton, and Arabidopsis were distributed in subfamilies I–VIII, although subfamily II did not contain any upland cotton or Arabidopsis GRAS family members. The structures and other characteristics of the genes in this family were clarified using bioinformatics technology. The transcriptomic sequencing results for early and late maturing cotton species showed that the expression of most GRAS family genes, such as GhGRAS10, GhGRAS5511, and GhGRAS55, was lower in early maturing species than late maturing species. We also found that cotton plants with GhGRAS55 genes that were silenced by virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology showed early bud emergence phenotypes, so it could be speculated that the GhGRAS55 gene has the function of regulating early maturity in cotton.
Bioprocess development to produce a hyperthermostable S‐methyl‐5′‐thioadenosine phosphorylase in Escherichia coli
Authors: Schollmeyer Julia , Waldburger Saskia , Njo Kendra , Yehia Heba , Kurreck Anke , Neubauer Peter , Riedel Sebastian L.
Published: August 2023

Nucleoside phosphorylases are important biocatalysts for the chemo‐enzymatic synthesis of nucleosides and their analogs which are, among others, used for the treatment of viral infections or cancer. S‐methyl‐5′‐thioadenosine phosphorylases (MTAP) are a group of nucleoside phosphorylases and the thermostable MTAP of Aeropyrum pernix (ApMTAP) was described to accept a wide range of modified nucleosides as substrates. Therefore, it is an interesting biocatalyst for the synthesis of nucleoside analogs for industrial and therapeutic applications. To date, thermostable nucleoside phosphorylases were produced in shake flask cultivations using complex media. The drawback of this approach is low volumetric protein yields which hamper the wide‐spread application of the thermostable nucleoside phosphorylases in large scale. High cell density (HCD) cultivations allow the production of recombinant proteins with high volumetric yields, as final optical densities >100 can be achieved. Therefore, in this study, we developed a suitable protocol for HCD cultivations of ApMTAP. Initially, optimum expression conditions were determined in 24‐well plates using a fed‐batch medium. Subsequently, HCD cultivations were performed using E. coli BL21‐Gold cells, by employing a glucose‐limited fed‐batch strategy. Comparing different growth rates in stirred‐tank bioreactors, cultivations revealed that growth at maximum growth rates until induction resulted in the highest yields of ApMTAP. On a 500‐mL scale, final cell dry weights of 87.1–90.1 g L−1 were observed together with an overproduction of ApMTAP in a 1.9%–3.8% ratio of total protein. Compared to initially applied shake flask cultivations with terrific broth (TB) medium the volumetric yield increased by a factor of 136. After the purification of ApMTAP via heat treatment and affinity chromatography, a purity of more than 90% was determined. Activity testing revealed specific activities in the range of 0.21 ± 0.11 (low growth rate) to 3.99 ± 1.02 U mg−1 (growth at maximum growth rate). Hence, growth at maximum growth rate led to both an increased expression of the target protein and an increased specific enzyme activity. This study paves the way towards the application of thermostable nucleoside phosphorylases in industrial applications due to an improved heterologous expression in Escherichia coli.
Development and validation of a sensitive LC‐MS/MS method for simultaneous analysis of clopidogrel and simvastatin and their main metabolites in beagles: Application to pharmacokinetic drug interactions
Authors: Tang Xiao , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yue Yi , Zhang Zunjian , Tian Yuan
Published: August 2023

Clopidogrel (CLP) and simvastatin (SV) are commonly used in combination therapies as anti‐cardiovascular drugs. However, the effect of coadministration on the absorption and metabolism of the two drugs in vivo is not clear. This study developed and validated an LC‐MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of CLP, clopidogrel carboxylic acid (CLPCA), 2‐oxo‐clopidogrel (2‐O‐CLP), SV, and simvastatin hydroxy acid (SVA) in beagle plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an InfinityLab Poroshell 120 SB‐C8 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 2.7 μm) using methanol and 0.1% formic acid in water as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min in gradient mode. The lower limits of quantification are 0.1, 0.8, 0.05, 0.05, and 0.05 ng/mL for CLP, CLPCA, 2‐O‐CLP, SV, and SVA, respectively. The selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, extraction recovery, matrix effect, and stability were validated within acceptable criteria. This method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic drug interaction study between CLP and SV, and the results revealed that combined administration affected the metabolic rate of CLP, SV, and their metabolites. This study is the first to detect CLP, CLPCA, 2‐O‐CLP, SV, and SVA simultaneously.
Conventional Understanding of SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro and Common Strategies for Developing Its Inhibitors
Authors: Zhou Kun , Chen Daquan
Published: August 2023

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has brought a widespread influence on the world, especially in the face of sudden coronavirus infections, and there is still an urgent need for specific small molecule therapies to cope with possible future pandemics. The pathogen responsible for this pandemic is Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), and understanding its structure and lifecycle is beneficial for designing specific drugs of treatment for COVID‐19. The main protease (Mpro) which has conservative and specific advantages is essential for viral replication and transcription. It is regarded as one of the most potential targets for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 drug development. This review introduces the popular knowledge of SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro in drug development and lists a series of design principles and relevant activities of advanced Mpro inhibitors, hoping to provide some new directions and ideas for researchers.
Imaging findings of succinate dehydrogenase‐deficient renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Wenqin , Chen Guiwu , Meng Jiaxin , Liao Xiaomin , Xie Yuhuan
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

A 50‐year‐old man with a mass located in the left kidney was described by multimodal images, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. After surgical resection of the mass, pathological examination confirmed succinate dehydrogenase‐deficient renal cell carcinoma.

Succinate dehydrogenase‐deficient renal cell carcinoma (SDH‐deficient RCC) is a malignant tumor in the kidney associated with the loss of mitochondrial enzyme II. Due to its rarity, SDH‐deficient RCC is frequently misdiagnosed. We present multimodal imaging and pathologic findings in a 50‐year‐old male with SDH‐deficient RCC.
Water‐Soluble Arylazoisoxazole Photoswitches
Authors: Höglsperger Fabian , Larik Fayaz Ali , Bai Changzhuang , Seyfried Maximilian D. , Daniliuc Constantin , Klaasen Henning , Thordarson Pall , Beves Jonathon E. , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: August 2023

Azoheteroarenes are emerging as powerful alternatives to azobenzene molecular photoswitches. In this study, water‐soluble arylazoisoxazole photoswitches are introduced. UV/vis and NMR spectroscopy revealed moderate to very good photostationary states and reversible photoisomerization between the E‐ and Z‐isomers over multiple cycles with minimal photobleaching. Several arylazoisoxazoles form host–guest complexes with β‐ and γ‐cyclodextrin with significant differences in binding constants for each photoisomer as shown by isothermal titration calorimetry and NMR experiments, indicating their potential for photoresponsive host–guest chemistry in water. One carboxylic acid functionalized arylazoisoxazole can act as a hydrogelator, allowing gel properties to be manipulated reversibly with light. The hydrogel was characterized by rheological experiments, atom force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. These results demonstrate that arylazoisoxazoles can find applications as molecular photoswitches in aqueous media.
Mechanistic Characterisation of Collinodiene Synthase, a Diterpene Synthase from Streptomyces collinus
Authors: Taizoumbe Kizerbo A. , Steiner Simon T. , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: August 2023

Two homologs of the diterpene synthase CotB2 from Streptomyces collinus (ScCotB2) and Streptomyces iakyrus (SiCotB2) were investigated for their products by in vitro incubations of the recombinant enzymes with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, followed by compound isolation and structure elucidation by NMR. ScCotB2 produced the new compound collinodiene, besides the canonical CotB2 product cyclooctat‐9‐en‐7‐ol, dolabella‐3,7,18‐triene and dolabella‐3,7,12‐triene, while SiCotB2 gave mainly cyclooctat‐9‐en‐7‐ol and only traces of dolabella‐3,7,18‐triene. The cyclisation mechanism towards the ScCotB2 products and their absolute configurations were investigated through isotopic labelling experiments.