bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Performance Evaluation of Maize Stalk Harvester
Authors: Kamendra  , Chaudhary Divakar , Sharma Sushil , Singh Sukhbir
Published: May 2023

A power operated maize stalk harvester was designed and developed in the Dept. of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan during 2018-19.  The objective of this study is to optimize the operational parameters of the maize stalk harvesting by using the RSM techniques. The effects of independent parameters i.e., blade speed (2000, 4000 and 6000 rpm) and stalk moisture content (38, 42 and 46%) on cutting efficiency (%) and fuel consumption (l/h) were studied. To correlate the independent parameters with the dependent parameters, the central composite rotatable design (CCRD) method with a quadratic model was used. The findings indicated that the variations in blade speed and stalk moisture content affected the cutting efficiency (%) and fuel consumption (l/h). To assess the statistical significance of the model, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, which showed good agreement between the experimental data and data predicted by the model. The blade speed of 4000 rpm and stalk moisture content of 46.0% was found to be the optimum for power operated maize stalk harvester with the 96.52% cutting efficiency and 0.72 l/h fuel consumption.
A Review of Soil Preparation for Agriculture
Authors: Chauhan R. V. , Paramar N. B. , Gohil G. D.
Published: May 2023

The soil preparation is a plan according to which crops are grown on individual field preparations of a farm during a given period of time with object of obtaining minimizes cost of preparation and higher from each crop without imparting the soil fertility. A soil preparation which can utilize input and other technology available on cultivator, ploughing, levelling etc. should be adopted by the farmer. Thus, soil levelling, land scraping and banding are related to the most profitable use of resources, land, labour, capital and management by the intervention of Artificial Intelligence. In this review article, here trying to cover all challenges faced by farmers by using conventional practices of farming and how Artificial Intelligence is playing a revolutionary role in agriculture by replacing conventional practices of land preparations.
Current Scenario of Wild Edible Plants (WEPs), their Importance, Possible Threats, and Conservation: A Mini Review
Authors: Shirsat Rupali , Jagtap Tripty , Sirsat Ashwini , Rathod Shubham , Koche Dipak
Published: May 2023

The knowledge of Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) is as old as human civilization and still, they are playing a supplementary role in global food security. WEPs are an integral part of their traditional food systems and have nutritional and cultural values in their routine livelihood. WEPs are increasingly considered a potential source of a naturally healthy diet. But in many cases, the available WEPs resources are under threat of various kinds like overexploitation, overgrazing, forest fires, agricultural encroachment, etc.; the changing climate also negatively impacts on WEPs. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the conservation of the diversity of WEPs and their sustainable management. The present mini-review is an attempt to present the current scenario of WEPs, their importance, and a potential source of nutrients for future food security, ethnic knowledge associated with them, threats encountered by WEPs, and their possible sustainable management scheme.
Impact of Effective Performance Appraisal Systems on Employee Motivation and Retention in Private Banking Industry of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Farhad , Islam Nazrul
Published: May 2023

Aims: Healthy economic development requires properly managing the banking industry of any country. Along with state-owned banks, private banks play a critical role in the country's economy. Managers in all types of banks now confront the same challenge: how to get the utmost output from their employees. Therefore, Performance appraisal appears to be inevitable since it set the standard for comparing actual performance to established objectives and recommending practical solutions that help the organization achieve sustainable growth. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to determine the effect of performance appraisal on employee motivation and retention.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the private banking industry of Bangladesh between November 01, 2022, to March 30, 2023. The study duration was determined based on the scope of the research project and the availability of time and resources to complete it within the designated timeframe.

Methodology: A random sampling method was used to conduct the study through a structured questionnaire among 110 employees from various private banks. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, which was then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 25.0 software.

Results: Major findings of the study indicate that performance appraisal is critical for employee motivation and employees perceived performance appraisal as a fair procedure, which increased their motivation and retention. Compensation and reward, and feedback are also perceived positively by the employees, which motivate them to stay in the banks.

Conclusion: There is a recommendation that banks should review the appraisal process regularly, improve the feedback policy, introduce an effective reward system, provide the opportunity to employees for career development and empowerment, and maintain a participative environment.
A morte em tempos de rede social digital: Facebook e o fim da vida pela ótica dos usuários//Death in times of digital social network: Facebook and the end of life from the users point of view
Authors: Sangalli Heryck Luiz Jacob , Martinuzzo José Antonio
Published: May 2023

Esta pesquisa faz parte de um estudo mais ampliado sobre a morte nas redes sociais digitais. O objetivo deste artigo é entender a percepção dos usuários do Facebook em relação aos conteúdos relativos à morte que circulam no referido site de rede social. Primeiramente, visamos a identificar e, em seguida, articular os pontos centrais de nosso arcabouço teórico: as representações da morte ao longo do tempo e o desenvolvimento das redes sociais digitais na atual sociedade midiatizada – espaço onde as representações sobre o fim da vida se reciclam e se transformam. Com essa base, o recurso metodológico da pesquisa empírica foi um questionário online aplicado aos usuários do Facebook, disponibilizado entre 4 e 25 de outubro de 2016. A nossa amostragem foi obtida a partir da reposta de 873 voluntários, que responderam 18 questões. O objetivo foi entender a percepção e a concepção de morte para pessoas que vivenciam e estão inseridas no infoterritório midiatizado do Facebook. Assim, os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que a morte está amplamente presente no cotidiano de quem utiliza o Facebook. Também pudemos verificar questões ligadas aos contextos em que surgem tais conteúdos relacionados à morte e sua circulação em rede, bem como entender a perspectiva de quem vivencia esse tipo de postagem na plataforma.
Sociodemographic, employment and health characteristics related to patients submitted to telemonitoring in a stomatherapy clinic / Características sociodemográficas, laborais, de saúde relacionadas a pacientes submetidos à telenfermagem em estomaterapia
Authors: De melo Guedes Catarina , Valéria Dantas de Oliveira Souza Norma , Carneiro Carvalho Eloá , Cabral Pereira Carolina , Henriques da Silva Fernanda , Seabra Polidoro Cardoso Rafael
Published: May 2023

Objetivo: identificar as características sociodemográficas, laborais de saúde de pessoas submetidas à telenfermagem em uma clínica de estomaterapia. Método: pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva, transversal e de caráter documental, realizada em uma instituição pública de saúde no município do Rio de Janeiro. Resultados: usuários com idade entre 50 e 60 anos (34,79%); pardos (61,96%); homens (55,44%); moradores do município do Rio de Janeiro (69,56%); trabalham sob regime celetista (32,39%); se ausentaram do trabalho ao menos uma vez nos últimos 12 meses (40,85%); não trabalham à noite (81,63%); 18,37% possuem trabalho noturno, 55,85% não descansam ou dormem, e justificam o não descanso noturno pelas altas demandas laborais. Possuem doença crônica (79,75%); são hipertensos (60,31%); não apresentam doença como consequência do trabalho (53,96%). Conclusão: evidenciou-se a necessidade de um maior aprofundamento de práticas de atenção à saúde considerando o impacto das características individuais no processo saúde doença.
Probiotic supplements and stress-related occupational health outcomes: A scoping review
Authors: Jun Jin , Kasumova Ana , Tussing Todd , Mackos Amy , Justice Sheryl , McDaniel Jodi
Published: May 2023

Background

Prolonged and constant stress from work often leads to numerous adverse health effects. In recent years, interest in probiotics, living microorganisms that can benefit their host when consumed in adequate amounts, to aid health and well-being has increased. This scoping review is to systematically evaluate the current state of science on the effects of probiotic supplements on health, stress, and stress-related symptoms among working adults in occupational settings.

Methods

We performed a systematic scoping review following the Arksey and O’Malley Framework. Studies that examined the effects of probiotics on workers’ health and stress-related indicators/outcomes in occupational settings were included. A comprehensive search was performed from November 2021 to January 2022 using MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Embase.

Results

A total of 14 papers met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Probiotics consisted primarily of Lactobacillus and/or Bifidobacterium strains in various forms and doses. Three out of eight studies reported statistical differences in inflammatory markers or stress hormone levels between probiotic and placebo groups. Three of six reported reduced respiratory tract infection incidents in the probiotic groups and three out of four studies reported no differences in anxiety and depression between groups. Lastly, three studies found that absenteeism and presentism were lower in probiotic groups compared with placebo groups.

Conclusion

The potential benefits of probiotics exist; however, the measurements of outcomes, the types of probiotics used, and the characteristics of the intervention varied across studies. Further research is needed focusing on probiotics’ direct and indirect mechanisms of action on the stress response and the standardization of strains and dosing.
Trajectories of sustainable working life in nine Swedish residential regions: A longitudinal twin cohort study
Authors: Raza Auriba , Wang Mo , Narusyte Jurgita , Svedberg Pia , Ropponen Annina
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate trajectories of sustainable working life (SWL, ie, no interruptions or transitions in working life due to sickness absence (SA), disability pension (DP), or unemployment) in Swedish residential regions using a population-based twin cohort, while assessing sociodemographics and twin pair similarity.

Methods

Sample of 60 998 twins born in 1925–1958. SWL was assessed through main labor market status in each year in 1998–2016 based on > 180 days with SA/DP, > 180 days with unemployment, or >half of yearly income from old-age pension for not in SWL, and employment (in paid work and did not fulfill the criteria SA/DP, unemployment, or old-age pension) for SWL. Residential regions were classified into nine groups based on Swedish municipalities. Group-based trajectory models and multinomial logistic regression were applied separately for all regions.

Results

In all regions, the largest trajectory group was sustainable working life. Three to four trajectory groups developed toward unsustainable working life with different exit points from sustainable working life. A small proportion were grouped with partial stable or increase in sustainable working life. Increased age, being a woman, <12 years of education, and history of unstable working life increased, and being married and twin pair similarity decreased the likelihood of belonging to trajectories toward unsustainable working life.

Conclusions

In all regions, most of the individuals followed a sustainable working life trajectory. A reasonable proportion of individuals followed trajectories developing toward unsustainable working life. The influence of sociodemographic and familial factors on trajectory groups was similar in all regions.
Proximity to anthropogenic food sources determine roosting and nesting prevalence of feral pigeons (Columba livia) in a tropical city
Authors: Lim Kai Ning , Soh Malcolm C. K. , Leong Duncan Y. W. , Loo Adrian H. B. , Lee Benjamin P. Y.‐H. , Er Kenneth B. H.
Published: May 2023

The feral pigeon (Columba livia) is a globally commensal bird that can cause dis‐amenities such as soiling and is a potential vector of various diseases. Aside to limiting food as a management strategy, reducing the availability of roosting and nesting sites can help regulate feral pigeon populations. Despite their prevalence, current knowledge of their roosting and nesting preferences is lacking.

Feral pigeons commonly use railway viaduct expansion gaps in Singapore for roosting and nesting. These gaps provided an ideal experimental platform to examine feral pigeon roost and nest site selection while controlling for differing cavity sizes which can significantly affect their reproductive success and site selection decisions. We also conducted an in‐situ experiment to test the efficacy of nest removal as a management option.

Our nationwide surveys of 80.3 km of railway viaducts and 6048 gaps revealed that feral pigeon day roosting and nesting preferences are influenced by structural height and more importantly, their proximity to human food sources. There was a significantly higher probability of feral pigeon roosting in a gap if it had more pigeon feeding incidences in its vicinity and was higher. The probability of feral pigeon nesting in gap was higher if it was closer to a railway station, lower and further from water bodies.

In our field experiment, we did not find any significant differences in the proportions of the abundances of feral pigeon to other urban commensal bird species at the gaps before and after nests were removed.

Overall, our results suggest that a concerted effort to reduce anthropogenic food availability to feral pigeons is central in limiting their reproductive success and controlling their population.
Regulating Cathode‐Electrolyte Interphase by Confining Functional Aluminum Compound within Ni‐Rich Cathodes
Authors: Han Yongkang , Zhang Yingchuan , Lei Yike , Xiao Dongdong , Ni Jie , Lin Weiguang , Ming Pingwen , Zhang Cunman , Xiao Qiangfeng
Published: May 2023

The oxidative capability of Ni4+ and high operation voltage of nickel‐rich LiNi1−x−yCoxMnyO2 (Ni‐rich NCM) cause its continuous and deleterious side reactions with electrolyte and irreversible phase transition, which hinder its industrial application. To mitigate these issues, Al (CF3SO3)3 is proposed as a solid electrolyte additive that can be readily oxidized to regulate the cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI) due to the highest occupied molecular orbital‐level of CF3SO3−, meanwhile being confined within the single‐crystalline NCM811. CF3SO3− prior to the electrolyte is oxidized upon increasing voltage to produce sulfur components and involve CEI formation. Concurrently, the released Al3+ ions are combined with reactive oxygen from NCM811 particles and HF from the electrolyte to form Al2O3 and AlF3, respectively. A robust sandwich CEI film containing sulfur and aluminum species is formed, which cannot only prevent decomposition of the electrolyte, but also alleviate the formation of inactive rock‐salt phase on NCM811 surface. Consequently, such CEI leads to high‐performance batteries with a high‐capacity retention of 91.5% after 200 cycles under 0.5 C compared to 72.4% of pristine NCM811. This facile and environmentally benign method provides a new avenue to develop high‐capacity and durable cathodes for lithium‐ion batteries.
Engineered Bicomponent Adhesives with Instantaneous and Superior Adhesion Performance for Wound Sealing and Healing Applications
Authors: Zhao Kelu , Li Bo , Sun Yao , Jia Bo , Chen Jing , Cheng Wenhao , Zhao Lai , Li Jingjing , Wang Fan , Su Juanjuan , Sun Jing , Han Bing , Liu Yawei , Zhang Hongjie , Liu Kai
Published: May 2023

Surgical adhesives are playing an important role in wound repair and emergency hemostasis in clinical treatment. However, the development of strong bioglue with rapid in situ adhesion, durable adhesiveness, and flexibility in dynamic and moist physiological environments is still challenging. Herein, a new type of biosynthetic protein bioadhesives with superior adhesion performance is reported by developing a protein aldimine condensation strategy. Lysine‐rich recombinant proteins are designed and massively biosynthesized to instantaneously react with aldehyde cross‐linkers to realize in situ strong adhesion. The obtained bioadhesives show an ultra‐high adhesion strength of ≈101.6 kPa on porcine skin, outperforming extant clinical bioglues. In addition, they possess super biocompatibility, flexibility, biodegradability, and compliance with the tissues. Owing to the strong and instantaneous adhesion properties, the bioadhesives are qualified for dynamic wound closure, facilitating wound repair, and noncompressible hemorrhage. Importantly, they can be industrially encapsulated into custom‐made cartridge delivery tubes at low cost for clinical use. Therefore, biosynthetic bioadhesives have great potential for biological applications and are capable of scaling up to the industrial level for clinical transformation, which will be a successful paradigm for reforming existing clinical products.
Programmed Death Ligand‐1‐Overexpressing Donor Exosomes Mediate Donor‐Specific Immunosuppression by Delivering Co‐Inhibitory Signals to Donor‐Specific T Cells
Authors: Luo Xuewei , Du Guicheng , Long Yufei , Zheng Mengchao , Chen Bingye , Li Weiting , Yan Guoliang , Qi Zhongquan , Lan Tianshu
Published: May 2023

Programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) and donor antigens are critical for donor immature dendritic cells (DCs) targeting donor‐specific T cells to induce transplant tolerance. This study aims to clarify whether DC‐derived exosomes (DEX) with donor antigens (H2b) and high levels of PD‐L1 expression (DEXPDL1+) can help to suppress graft rejection. In this study, it is demonstrated that DEXPDL1+ presents donor antigens, as well as PD‐L1 co‐inhibitory signals, directly or semi‐directly via DCs to H2b‐reactive T cells. This dual signal presentation can prolong the survival of heart grafts from B6 (H2b) mice but not from C3H (H2k) mice by inhibiting T cell activation, inducing activated T cell apoptosis, and modulating the balance of T cell differentiation from inflammatory to regulatory. Additionally, even though DEXPDL1+ treatment cannot induce tolerance after short‐term treatment, this study provides a new vehicle for presenting co‐inhibitory signals to donor‐specific T cells. This novel strategy may facilitate the realization of donor‐specific tolerance via the further optimization of drug‐loading combinations and therapeutic regimens to elevate their killing ability.
Whole Model Path Planning‐Guided Multi‐Axis and Multi‐Material Printing of High‐Performance Intestinal Implantable Stent
Authors: Wang Jiahang , Huang Jinjian , Li Ze , Chen Kang , Ren Huajian , Wu Xiuwen , Ren Jianan , Li Zongan
Published: May 2023

The problems of step effects, supporting material waste, and conflict between flexibility and toughness for 3D printed intestinal fistula stents are not yet resolved. Herein, the fabrication of a support‐free segmental stent with two types of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) using a homemade multi‐axis and multi‐material conformal printer guided with advanced whole model path planning is demonstrated. One type of TPU segment is soft to increase elasticity, and the other is used to achieve toughness. Owing to advancements in stent design and printing, the obtained stents present three unprecedented properties compared to previous three‐axis printed stents: i) Overcoming step effects; ii) Presenting comparable axial flexibility to a stent made of a single soft TPU 87A material, thus increasing the feasibility of implantation; and iii) Showing equivalent radial toughness to a stent made of a single hard TPU 95A material. Hence, the stent can resist the intestinal contractive force and maintain intestinal continuity and patency. Through implanting such stents to the rabbit intestinal fistula models, therapeutic mechanisms of reducing fistula output and improving nutritional states and intestinal flora abundance are revealed. Overall, this study develops a creative and versatile method to improve the poor quality and mechanical properties of medical stents.
High Performance Rotary‐Structured Triboelectric‐Electromagnetic Hybrid Nanogenerator for Ocean Wind Energy Harvesting
Authors: Cao Xiaole , Zhou Hanlin , Zhou Yuxuan , Hu Yiran , Wang Yuanyu , Wang Zhong Lin , Sun Qijun
Published: May 2023

Modern ship is an important transportation and even military equipment on the ocean, which has ubiquitous ocean wind energy with high‐speed and stable wind direction. However, much higher‐speed wind energy during the movement of the ship is often abandoned. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that can generate electrical energy by scavenging ambient mechanical energy is one of the emerging energy harvesting technologies. By coupling the TENG and electromagnetic generators (EMG), a high‐performance rotary‐structured triboelectric‐electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator (RS‐HG) is designed in this study. By introducing a matched inductor in the paired energy management circuit (EMC), the charging efficiency of RS‐TENG can be effectively enhanced by 15 times compared to that without EMC. At a simulated wind speed of 15 m s−1, the peak power of lateral TENG (L‐TENG), top TENG (T‐TENG) and EMG are 7.54, 7.85, and 22.5 mW, respectively. The demonstrated RS‐HG comprising two RS‐TENGs and one EMG can readily charge a 1 mF capacitor to 8 V within 15 s under the wind speed of 15 m s−1 and continuously power the electronic devices. Moreover, the RS‐HG can also successfully charge a smartphone through the step‐down and voltage stabilization module to further expand its application scenarios. The applications of powering portable electronics reveal the huge prospects of hybrid nanogenerators in energy harvesting and self‐powered environmental monitoring during navigation.
Amisulpride as a potential disease‐modifying drug in the treatment of tauopathies
Authors: Jahreis Kathrin , Brüge Alina , Borsdorf Saskia , Müller Franziska E. , Sun Weilun , Jia Shaobo , Kang Dong Min , Boesen Nicolette , Shin Seulgi , Lim Sungsu , Koroleva Anastasia , Satała Grzegorz , Bojarski Andrzej J. , Rakuša Elena , Fink Anne , Doblhammer‐Reiter Gabriele , Kim Yun Kyung , Dityatev Alexander , Ponimaskin Evgeni , Labus Josephine
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION

Hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of the microtubule‐associated protein tau cause the development of tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We recently uncovered a causal link between constitutive serotonin receptor 7 (5‐HT7R) activity and pathological tau aggregation. Here, we evaluated 5‐HT7R inverse agonists as novel drugs in the treatment of tauopathies.

METHODS

Based on structural homology, we screened multiple approved drugs for their inverse agonism toward 5‐HT7R. Therapeutic potential was validated using biochemical, pharmacological, microscopic, and behavioral approaches in different cellular models including tau aggregation cell line HEK293 tau bimolecular fluorescence complementation, primary mouse neurons, and human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived neurons carrying an FTD‐associated tau mutation as well as in two mouse models of tauopathy.

RESULTS

Antipsychotic drug amisulpride is a potent 5‐HT7R inverse agonist. Amisulpride ameliorated tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation in vitro. It further reduced tau pathology and abrogated memory impairment in mice.

DISCUSSION

Amisulpride may be a disease‐modifying drug for tauopathies.
Photoredox‐Catalyzed Labeling of Hydroxyindoles with Chemoselectivity (PhotoCLIC) for Site‐Specific Protein Bioconjugation
Authors: Singha Roy Soumya Jyoti , Loynd Conor , Jewel Delilah , Canarelli Sarah E. , Ficaretta Elise D. , Pham Quan A. , Weerapana Eranthie , Chatterjee Abhishek
Published: May 2023

We have developed a novel visible‐light‐catalyzed bioconjugation reaction, PhotoCLIC, that enables chemoselective attachment of diverse aromatic amine reagents onto a site‐specifically installed 5‐hydroxytryptophan residue (5HTP) on full‐length proteins of varied complexity. The reaction uses catalytic amounts of methylene blue and blue/red light‐emitting diodes (455/650 nm) for rapid site‐specific protein bioconjugation. Characterization of the PhotoCLIC product reveals a unique structure formed likely through a singlet oxygen‐dependent modification of 5HTP. PhotoCLIC has a wide substrate scope and its compatibility with strain‐promoted azide‐alkyne click reaction, enables site‐specific dual‐labeling of a target protein.
Sterically‐Hindered Molecular p‐Dopants Promote Integer Charge Transfer in Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Charoughchi Somaiyeh , Liu Jiang Tian , Berteau‐Rainville Melissa , Hase Hannes , Askari Mohammad S. , Bhagat Shubham , Forgione Pat , Salzmann Ingo
Published: May 2023

Molecular p‐dopants designed to undergo electron transfer with organic semiconductors are typically planar molecules with high electron affinity. However, their planarity can promote the formation of ground‐state charge transfer complexes with the semiconductor host and results in fractional instead of integer charge transfer, which is highly detrimental to doping efficiency. Here, we show this process can be readily overcome by targeted dopant design exploiting steric hindrance. To this end, we synthesize and characterize the remarkably stable p‐dopant 2,2′,2′′‐(cyclopropane‐1,2,3‐triylidene)tris(2‐(perfluorophenyl)acetonitrile) comprising pendant functional groups that sterically shield its central core while retaining high electron affinity. Finally, we demonstrate it outperforms a planar dopant of identical electron affinity and increases the thin film conductivity by up to an order of magnitude. We believe exploiting steric hindrance represents a promising design strategy towards molecular dopants of enhanced doping efficiency.
Amine‐Free, Directing‐Group‐Free and Redox‐Neutral α‐Alkylation of Saturated Cyclic Ketones
Authors: Qiao Jia , Ci Rui‐Nan , Gan Qi‐Chao , Huang Cheng , Liu Zan , Hu Hui‐Lan , Ye Chen , Chen Bin , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu
Published: May 2023

The activation of the α‐C−H bond of ketones typically requires an amine and a directing group to guide the reaction selectivity in amine‐catalysis carbonyl chemistry. For an α‐C−H bond activation of ketone, directing groups are also required to control the reaction selectivity. Reported herein is the first α‐alkylation of cyclic ketones in the absence of an amine catalyst and directing group. 1H NMR, XPS, EPR studies and DFT calculations indicate that an α‐carbon radical intermediate is formed through direct and selective activation of the inert α‐C−H bond of ketones chelating on the surface of colloidal quantum dots (QDs). Such an interaction is essential for weakening the C−H bond, as exemplified, using CdSe QDs as the sole photocatalyst to execute α‐C−H alkylation of cyclic ketones under visible‐light irradiation. Without an amine catalyst and directing group, the high step‐ and atom‐economy transformation under redox‐neutral condition opens a new way for α‐C−H functionalization of ketones in carbonyl chemistry.
Orderly Self‐Assembly of Organic Fluorophores for Sensing and Imaging
Authors: Li Zhe , Liang Ping‐Zhao , Ren Tian‐Bing , Yuan Lin , Zhang Xiao‐Bing
Published: May 2023

Fluorescence imaging utilizing traditional organic fluorophores is extensively applied in both cellular and in vivo studies. However, it faces significant obstacles, such as low signal‐to‐background ratio (SBR) and spurious positive/negative signals, primarily due to the facile diffusion of these fluorophores. To cope with this challenge, orderly self‐assembled functionalized organic fluorophores have gained significant attention in the past decades. These fluorophores can create nanoaggregates via a well‐ordered self‐assembly process, thus prolonging their residency time within cells and in vivo settings. The development of self‐assembled‐based fluorophores is an emerging field, and as such, in this review, we present a summary of the progress and challenges of self‐assembly fluorophores, focusing on their development history, self‐assembly mechanisms, and biomedical applications. We hope that the insights provided herein will assist scientists in further developing functionalized organic fluorophores for in situ imaging, sensing, and therapy.
Regio‐ and Chemoselective Formal (4+1) Carbocyclization of Chalcones with Internal Alkynes via Rhodium(III) Catalysis
Authors: Song Shuaishuai , Lai Yunfei , Tuo Zekun , Zhong Jianming , Zhou Wang
Published: May 2023

A rhodium(III)‐catalyzed oxidative cyclization of chalcones with internal alkynes is reported, generating biologically important 3,3‐disubstituted 1‐indanones along with reusable aromatic aldehydes. This transformation features unique (4+1) reaction mode, excellent regioselectivity in alkyne insertion, broad substrate scope, allows for the construction of quaternary carbon centers, and is scalable. Steric hindrance from substrate and ligand probably controls the chemoselectivity of this carbocyclization. Importantly, this discovery enables a practical two‐step protocol switching the overall reaction of acetophenones with internal alkynes from a (3+2) to a (4+1) annulation.
CRISPR‐Mediated Profiling of Viral RNA at Single‐Nucleotide Resolution
Authors: Chen Duo , Huang Wanting , Zhang Yun , Chen Bo , Tan Jie , Yuan Quan , Yang Yanbing
Published: May 2023

Mass pathogen screening is critical to preventing the outbreaks and spread of infectious diseases. The large‐scale epidemic of COVID‐19 and the rapid mutation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus have put forward new requirements for virus detection and identification techniques. Here, we report a CRISPR‐based Amplification‐free Viral RNA Electrical Detection platform (CAVRED) for the rapid detection and identification of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. A series of CRISPR RNA assays were designed to amplify the CRISPR‐Cas system‘s ability to discriminate between mutant and wild RNA genomes with a single‐nucleotide difference. The identified viral RNA information was converted into readable electrical signals through field‐effect transistor biosensors for the achievement of highly sensitive detection of single‐base mutations. CAVRED can detect the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus genome as low as 1 cp μL−1 within 20 mins without amplification, and this value is comparable to the detection limit of real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Based on the excellent RNA mutation detection ability, an 8‐in‐1 CAVRED array was constructed and realized the rapid identification of 40 simulated throat swab samples of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants with a 95.0 % accuracy. The advantages of accuracy, sensitivity, and fast speed of CAVRED promise its application in rapid and large‐scale epidemic screening.
Polyketide Synthase‐Mediated O‐Methyloxime Formation in the Biosynthesis of the Oximidine Anticancer Agents
Authors: Vriens Eveline , De Ruysscher Dries , Weir Angus N. M. , Dekimpe Sofie , Steurs Gert , Shemy Ahmed , Persoons Leentje , Santos Ana Rita , Williams Christopher , Daelemans Dirk , Crump Matthew P. , Voet Arnout , De Borggraeve Wim , Lescrinier Eveline , Masschelein Joleen
Published: May 2023

Bacterial trans‐acyltransferase polyketide synthases (trans‐AT PKSs) are modular megaenzymes that employ unusual catalytic domains to assemble diverse bioactive natural products. One such PKS is responsible for the biosynthesis of the oximidine anticancer agents, oxime‐substituted benzolactone enamides that inhibit vacuolar H+‐ATPases. Here, we describe the identification of the oximidine gene cluster in Pseudomonas baetica and the characterization of four novel oximidine variants, including a structurally simpler intermediate that retains potent anticancer activity. Using a combination of in vivo, in vitro and computational approaches, we experimentally elucidate the oximidine biosynthetic pathway and reveal an unprecedented mechanism for O‐methyloxime formation. We show that this process involves a specialized monooxygenase and methyltransferase domain and provide insight into their activity, mechanism and specificity. Our findings expand the catalytic capabilities of trans‐AT PKSs and identify potential strategies for the production of novel oximidine analogues.
Identification of Distinct Genetic Profiles of Palindromic Rheumatism Using Whole‐Exome Sequencing
Authors: Zheng Chenxiang , Wang Fan , Sun Yue , Zhou Zhuochao , You Yijun , He Dongyi , Zhu Xiaoxia , Jiang Lindi , Lu Cui , Wu Lijun , Wang Hongzhi , Mei Hanying , Zeng Ting , Zheng Hui , Teng Jialing , Liu Honglei , Cheng Xiaobing , Su Yutong , Shi Hui , Hu Qiongyi , Jian Xueming , Fahira Aamir , Yang Qiangzhen , Wang Ke , Wen Yanqin , Wang Zhuo , Huang Jinyan , Yang Chengde , Shi Yongyong , Ye Junna
Published: May 2023

Objective

Previous studies have underlined the genetic susceptibility in the pathogenesis of palindromic rheumatism (PR), but the known PR loci only partially explain the disease's genetic background. We aimed to genetically identify PR by whole‐exome sequencing (WES).

Methods

This multicenter prospective study was conducted in 10 Chinese specialized rheumatology centers between September 2015 and January 2020. WES was performed in 185 patients with PR and in 272 healthy controls. PR patients were divided into PR subgroups who were negative for anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA−) and positive for ACPA (ACPA+) according to ACPA titer (cutoff value 20 IU/liter). We conducted whole‐exome association analysis for the WES data. We used HLA imputation to type HLA genes. In addition, we used the polygenic risk score to measure the genetic correlations between PR and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the genetic correlations between ACPA− PR and ACPA+ PR.

Results

Among 185 patients with PR enrolled in our study, 50 patients (27.02%) were ACPA+ and 135 PR patients (72.98%) were ACPA−. We identified 8 novel loci (in the ACPA− PR group: ZNF503, RPS6KL1, HOMER3, HLA–DRA; in the ACPA+ PR group: RPS6KL1, TNPO2, WASH2P, FANK1) and 3 HLA alleles (in the ACPA− PR group: HLA–DRB1*0803 and HLA–DQB1; in the ACPA+ PR group: HLA–DPA1*0401) that were associated with PR and that surpassed genome‐wide significance (P < 5 × 10−8). Furthermore, polygenic risk score analysis showed that PR and RA were not similar (R2 < 0.025), whereas ACPA+ PR and ACPA− PR showed a moderate genetic correlation (0.38 < R2 < 0.8).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the distinct genetic background between ACPA− and ACPA+ PR patients. Additionally, our findings strengthened that PR and RA were not genetically similar.
Society for birth defects research and prevention's multidisciplinary research needs workshop 2022: A call to action
Authors: Basu Madhumita , Howdeshell Kembra L. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Rychlik Kristal A. , Knudsen Thomas B. , Shuey Dana L. , Slikker William
Published: May 2023

The Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (BDRP) strives to understand and protect against potential hazards to developing embryos, fetuses, children, and adults by bringing together scientific knowledge from diverse fields. The theme of 62nd Annual Meeting of BDRP, “From Bench to Bedside and Back Again”, represented the cutting‐edge research areas of high relevance to public health and significance in the fields of birth defects research and surveillance. The multidisciplinary Research Needs Workshop (RNW) convened at the Annual Meeting continues to identify pressing knowledge gaps and encourage interdisciplinary research initiatives. The multidisciplinary RNW was first introduced at the 2018 annual meeting to provide an opportunity for annual meeting attendees to participate in breakout discussions on emerging topics in birth defects research and to foster collaboration between basic researchers, clinicians, epidemiologists, drug developers, industry partners, funding agencies, and regulators to discuss state‐of‐the‐art methods and innovative projects. Initially, a list of workshop topics was compiled by the RNW planning committee and circulated among the members of BDRP to obtain the most popular topics for the Workshop discussions. Based on the pre‐meeting survey results, the top three discussion topics selected were, A) Inclusion of pregnant and lactating women in clinical trials. When, why, and how? B) Building multidisciplinary teams across disciplines: What cross‐training is needed? And C) Challenges in applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning for risk factor analysis in birth defects research. This report summarizes the key highlights of the RNW workshop and specific topic discussions.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Dexibuprofen Derivatives as Novel Anti‐Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Raza Asim , Abbas Khan Mohsin , Ahmad Irshad , Ur Rehman Sajid , Khaliq Saharish , Ahmed Javed , Awan Breena , Ullah Farhat , Masood Anum , Ahmed Naveed
Published: May 2023

Prodrugs of dexibuprofen having ester moieties instead of free carboxylic acid which involves in gastrointestinal side effects have been synthesized. Dexibuprofen acid was condensed with different alcohols/phenols to afford the ester prodrugs. All of the synthesized prodrugs were characterized by their physical attributes, elemental analysis, FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. The in vitro anti‐inflammatory studies was done by chemiluminescence technique reflect prodrugs have been more potent, owing to the different chemical structures. Lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition assay was also assess and found compound DR7 with IC50=19.8 μM), DR9 (IC50=24.8 μM) and DR3 (IC50=47.2 μM) as compared with Dexibuprofen (IC50=156.6 μM). It was also evaluated for docking studies revealed that DR7 has found to be more potent anti‐inflammatory against 5‐LOX (3 V99) as well as analgesic against COX‐II (5KIR) enzyme. Anti‐oxidant activities were also performed, DR3 (86.9 %), DR5 (83.5 %), DR7 (93.9 %) and DR9 (87.4 %) were found to be more anti‐oxidant as compared to (2S)‐2‐[4‐(2‐methylpropyl)phenyl]propanoic acid (52.7 %).
Picroside III, an Active Ingredient of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Ameliorates Experimental Colitis by Protecting Intestinal Barrier Integrity
Authors: Huan Qiuchan , Gao Zhengxian , Wu Peigen , Zhang Yingdi , Xiao Haitao , Peng Jiao
Published: May 2023

This study aims to explore the protective effects of Picroside III, an active ingredient of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, on the intestinal epithelial barrier in tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) induced Caco‐2 cells and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis in mice. Results show that Picroside III significantly alleviated clinical signs of colitis including body weight loss, disease activity index increase, colon shortening, and colon tissue damage. It also increased claudin‐3, ZO‐1 and occludin expressions and decreased claudin‐2 expression in the colon tissues of mice with colitis. In vitro, Picroside III also significantly promoted wound healing, decreased the permeability of cell monolayer, upregulated the expressions of claudin‐3, ZO‐1 and occludin and downregulated the expression of claudin‐2 in TNF‐α treated Caco‐2 cells. Mechanism studies show that Picroside III significantly promoted AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo, and blockade with AMPK could significantly attenuate the upregulation of Picroside III in ZO‐1 and occludin expressions and the downregulation of claudin‐2 expression in TNF‐α treated Caco‐2 cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Picroside III attenuated DSS‐induced colitis by promoting colonic mucosal wound healing and epithelial barrier function recovery via the activation of AMPK.
Serum‐Based Detection of Liver Pathology Using a Fluorogenic Alkaline Phosphatase Probe
Authors: Zhou Tijian , Li Li , Zhu Zhirong , Chen Xiaoyan , Wang Qi , Zhu Wei‐Hong
Published: May 2023

Development of “ultrahigh contrast” fluorogenic probes for trapping alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in human serum is highly desirable for clinical auxiliary diagnosis for hepatobiliary diseases. However, the intrinsic dilemma of incomplete ionization of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT)‐based ALP fluorophores and autofluorescence interference of serum result in low sensitivity and accuracy. Given that unique halogen effects could lead to a drastic decrease in the pKa value and a significant enhancement in the fluorescence quantum yield, herein we report an enzyme‐activatable near‐infrared probe based on a difluoro‐substituted dicyanomethylene‐4H‐chromenep for achieving fluorescent quantification of human serum ALP. Rational design strategy is demonstrated by altering the substituted halogen groups to well regulate the pKa for meeting the physiological precondition. Owing to the complete ionization at pH 7.4 with tremendous fluorescence enhancement, the difluoro‐substituted DCM‐2F‐HP manifests a linear relationship between the emission intensity and ALP concentration in both solution and serum samples. Along with measuring 77 human serum samples, the DCM‐2F‐HP based fluorescence method not only exhibits significant correlations with clinical colorimetry, but also distinguishes ALP patients from healthy volunteers, as well as assessing the progress of liver disease, thus providing a potential toolbox for quantitatively detecting ALP and warning the stage of hepatopathy.
Medical management of feline emphysematous hepatitis—A case report
Authors: Palko Corinna , Durkan Samuel
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Case report summary: A 9–year‐old male castrated domestic shorthair feline was presented to the emergency department with a chief complaint of constipation of 3‐day duration, decreased urination of 1‐day duration, vomiting, and hind limb weakness. Physical examination abnormalities included hypothermia, dehydration, and generalized paresis with inability to stand for a prolonged period of time. Abdominal ultrasonography showed pinpoint hyperechoic foci throughout the hepatic parenchyma, small gas foci circulating within the portal vasculature consistent with emphysematous hepatitis, and mild volume of ascites. Cytology of the ascites was consistent with inflammatory effusion. Hepatic cytology was consistent with mixed inflammation/hepatitis with no apparent cause for inflammation noted. Urine culture yielded a negative result. Surgical liver biopsy and culture were declined by the patient's family. Ultrasound changes were presumed to be most likely secondary to an ascending infection.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Hemicellulosic Sugars: Reaction Kinetics and Influence of Sugar Structure on Reaction Rate**
Authors: Freitas Victoria D. S. , Paez Ana , Fongarland Pascal , Philippe Régis , Vilcocq Léa
Published: May 2023

Hemicelluloses are a major component of lignocellulosic biomass. Different sugars can be obtained from hemicelluloses: xylose, arabinose, galactose, mannose, glucose. Their catalytic hydrogenation produces polyols: xylitol, arabinitol, dulcitol, mannitol, sorbitol, which are valuable chemicals and platform molecules. In this paper, the hydrogenation of sugars was investigated with a Ru/TiO2 catalyst. The influence of temperature, pressure, xylose concentration and catalyst amount was studied for xylose hydrogenation and a Langmuir‐Hinshelwood kinetic model was designed. The comparative study of five hemicellulose sugars showed a strong impact of sugar structure on hydrogenation rate: hexoses (glucose, mannose, galactose) react slower than pentoses (xylose, arabinose).
Expanding the Portfolio by a Novel Monomeric Oleate Hydratase from Pediococcus parvulus
Authors: Prem Sophia A. , Helmer Carl P. O. , Loll Bernhard , Garbe Daniel , Brück Thomas
Published: May 2023

Oleate hydratases convert oleic acid into 10‐hydroxy stearic acid, a valuable fine chemical, useful in lubricant and surfactant formulations. They are of large interest due to their high expression rates and solubility, however, they differ drastically by their overall stability and pH‐ and temperature ranges. To expand their portfolio, another oleate hydratase named OhyPp (originating from Pediococcus parvulus) was characterized. It is a close relative of the well‐known oleate hydratase OhyRe from Rhodococcus erythropolis. OhyPp is only the second member of the monomeric oleate hydratase family with some surprising catalytic features. A distinct characteristic is OhyPp's higher affinity towards FAD compared to OhyRe's helping to understand and improve FAD binding in the future, which is a current drawback for the industrial application of oleate hydratases.
A Bimetallic Benzene‐1,2,4,5‐Tetrathiolate (btt) Molybdenocene Complex Cp2Mo(btt)MoCp2: Radical and Diradical States
Authors: Youssef Khalil , Poidevin Corentin , Vacher Antoine , Gal Yann Le , Charpentier Oscar , Fourmigué Marc , Fihey Arnaud , Barrière Frédéric , Roisnel Thierry , Lorcy Dominique
Published: May 2023

Benzene‐1,2,4,5‐tetrathiolate (btt) has been used as a bridging ligand to prepare a redox active (molybdenocene dithiolene)‐based bimetallic complex Cp2Mo(btt)MoCp2, which exhibits four successive electron transfers up to the tetracation. Spectro‐electrochemical investigations together with DFT and TD‐DFT calculations evidence that the two electroactive MoS2C2 metallacycles are electronically coupled in the monocationic as in the dicationic state. Two salts of the dication [Cp2Mo(btt)MoCp2]2+ have been structurally characterized with PF6− and HSO4− counterions, showing different chair or boat conformations associated with variable folding angles of the two MoS2C2 metallacycles along the S−S hinge. The bis‐oxidized dicationic complex exhibits a diradical character, with both radicals essentially localized on the metallacycles and with antiferromagnetic coupling evidenced from magnetic susceptibility measurements.
Potent and Selective Cell‐Active Iminosugar Inhibitors of Human α‐N‐Acetylgalactosaminidase (α‐NAGAL)
Authors: Ashmus Roger A. , Wang Yang , González‐Cuesta Manuel , King Dustin T. , Tiet Ben , Chen Xi , Zhu Yanping , Kirk Bryce , García Fernandez José M. , Ortiz Mellet Carmen , Britton Robert , Vocadlo David J.
Published: May 2023

Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) are a class of enzymes with emerging roles in a range of disease. Selective GH inhibitors are sought to better understand their functions and assess the therapeutic potential of modulating their activities. Iminosugars are a promising class of GH inhibitors but typically lack the selectivity required to accurately perturb biological systems. Here, we describe a concise synthesis of iminosugar inhibitors of N‐acetyl‐α‐galactosaminidase (α‐NAGAL), the GH responsible for cleaving terminal α‐N‐acetylgalactosamine residues from glycoproteins and other glycoconjugates. Starting from non‐carbohydrate precursors, this modular synthesis supported the identification of a potent (490 nM) and α‐NAGAL selective (∼200‐fold) guanidino‐containing derivative DGJNGuan. To illustrate the cellular activity of this new inhibitor, we developed a quantitative fluorescence image‐based method to measure levels of the Tn‐antigen, a cellular glycoprotein substrate of α‐NAGAL. Using this assay, we show that DGJNGuan exhibits excellent inhibition of α‐NAGAL within cells using patient derived fibroblasts (EC50=150 nM). Moreover, in vitro and in cell assays to assess levels of lysosomal β‐hexosaminidase substrate ganglioside GM2 show that DGJNGuan is selective whereas DGJNAc exhibits off‐target inhibition both in vitro and within cells. DGJNGuan is a readily produced and selective tool compound that should prove useful for investigating the physiological roles of α‐NAGAL.