bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The roles of community‐based organizations in socializing sustainable behavior: Examining the urban case of Budapest, Hungary
Authors: Veress Tamas , Kiss Gabriella , Neulinger Agnes
Published: June 2023

This research supports the argument that community‐based organizations (CBOs) can be effective vehicles to shift societal norms and expectations in order to facilitate co‐creation and acceptability of new and sustainable ways of living. CBOs are conceptualized as meso‐level entities where sustainable behavior can be socialized through not‐for‐profit and socioecological‐oriented approaches, a unique position in a market society. To learn what roles CBOs fulfill when providing space for peer interactions influencing sustainable behavior, a qualitative research study was carried out based on 21 interviews with key stakeholders from CBOs working in different sustainability‐related fields (mobility, food, energy, etc.) in the urban context of Budapest, Hungary. The grouping and interpretation of interview data show that the sampled urban CBOs can impact sustainable behavior through (1) raising members' awareness; (2) influencing everyday practices; and (3) providing space for non‐consumerist peer interactions. These impacts can be exercised through the three roles of translation, reinforcement, and contribution. Translation covers the practical‐cognitive (why it is important and how to do it) dimensions of peer interactions, while reinforcement and contribution are psychological‐emotional factors, the former being directed toward adopting individual practices (through positive reinforcement), the latter pointing to the collective, the common good to which one feels one is contributing. These results imply that sustainability‐oriented policymaking could support the sustainability transition by co‐designing systems of provisions together with the affected communities.
Biodiesel from Biomass Waste Feedstock Prosopis Juliflora as a Fuel Substitute for Diesel and Enhancement of Its Usability in Diesel Engines Using Decanol
Authors: Duraisamy Boopathi , Velmurugan Kandasamy , Venkatachalapathy V. S. Karuppannan , Madheswaran Dinesh Kumar , Varuvel Edwin Geo
Published: June 2023

Biomass‐based biofuel production is a promising solution to the decline of fossil fuels. Prosopis juliflora seed‐derived vegetable oil, known as Prosopis juliflora methyl ester (JFME), offers a potential feedstock for biodiesel. To enhance its properties, the addition of Decanol is investigated, a higher‐order alcohol similar to Diesel. Experiments are conducted on a 5.2 kW compression ignition (CI) engine using JFME blended with different decanol concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis confirm its compliance with fuel standards. The findings reveal that the 20% decanol blend (D20) achieves a brake thermal efficiency of 29.9% at full load, with reduced NO, smoke, and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions compared to diesel. D20 shows NO emissions of 1265 ppm, smoke opacity of 53%, and HC emissions of 69 ppm, while diesel records 1320 ppm, 69%, and 75 ppm, respectively. The CO emissions for D20 are 0.359 vol%, slightly higher due to decanol's higher latent heat of evaporation. Moreover, D20 exhibits improved combustion with a higher mass fraction burnt and faster heat release rates. These results indicate the potential of using JFME blended with 20% decanol as an alternative fuel for CI engines, offering higher performance and reduced emissions.
Recent progress of metal‐based nanomaterials with anti‐tumor biological effects for enhanced cancer therapy
Authors: Lei Huali , Pei Zifan , Jiang Chenyu , Cheng Liang
Published: June 2023

Metal‐based nanomaterials have attracted broad attention recently due to their unique biological physical and chemical properties after entering tumor cells, namely biological effects. In particular, the abilities of Ca2+ to modulate T cell receptors activation, K+ to regulate stem cell differentiation, Mn2+ to activate the STING pathway, and Fe2+/3+ to induce tumor ferroptosis and enhance catalytic therapy, make the metal ions and metal‐based nanomaterials play crucial roles in the cancer treatments. Therefore, due to the superior advantages of metal‐based nanomaterials and the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, we will summarize the recent progress of the anti‐tumor biological effects of metal‐based nanomaterials. Based on the different effects of metal‐based nanomaterials on tumor cells, this review mainly focuses on the following five aspects: (1) metal‐enhanced radiotherapy sensitization, (2) metal‐enhanced catalytic therapy, (3) metal‐enhanced ferroptosis, (4) metal‐enhanced pyroptosis, and (5) metal‐enhanced immunotherapy. At the same time, the shortcomings of the biological effects of metal‐based nanomaterials on tumor therapy are also discussed, and the future research directions have been prospected. The highlights of promising biosafety, potent efficacy on biological effects for tumor therapy, and the in‐depth various biological effects mechanism studies of metal‐based nanomaterials provide novel ideas for the future biological application of the nanomaterials.
Multidimensional evaluation of the impacts of agricultural interventions to achieve food security in Malawi
Authors: Chikafa Mervis , Nejadhashemi A. Pouyan , Moller Kieron , Razavi Hoda , Bizimana Jean‐Claude
Published: June 2023

Malawi's food and nutrition security heavily relies on rainfed agricultural production, which is prone to the effects of climate change, such as floods and dry spells. To improve the situation, policies have been established as a guide to assist in the implementation of agricultural technologies in the country. This study aims to evaluate the effect of two national policies on addressing nutrition, economics, and food security by introducing modern/existing technologies in the Phalombe district in Malawi. To gain insight into the representative farm operations, financial, demographic, and consumption behaviors of smallholder farmers, the data were obtained through a combination of focus group discussions, expert opinions, and various published reports, including both government and nongovernment sources. The farm simulation model (FARMSIM) was utilized to analyze district‐level crop and livestock farm operations. In this study, four irrigation technologies (treadle pump system, motorized pump system, solar‐powered system, and river diversion irrigation system) were assessed among the agricultural interventions implemented in Malawi. Also, seven land uses (i.e., corn, onion, bean, rice, tomato, leafy vegetable, and cabbage) were developed and simulated under irrigation scenarios. The irrigation systems and land use scenarios were evaluated based on economics, productivity, nutrition, and risk. The treadle pump and leafy vegetable scenario were generally identified as the most preferred combination. In addition, the productivity and riskiness of the other scenarios can be improved by selecting the best combination of crop and irrigation systems. The study concludes that government and private investment in subsidies for large‐scale irrigation systems, as well as improvements to market prices and infrastructure, are necessary to boost food security and enhance the livelihood of smallholder farmers in rural Malawi.
The benefit of the Covid‐19 pandemic on global temperature projections
Authors: Rostan Pierre , Rostan Alexandra
Published: June 2023

This paper illustrates the benefit of the Covid‐19 pandemic on global temperature projections. Global temperature projections are obtained by forecasting Earth's temperature anomalies time series with spectral analysis. Time series of Earth's Temperature Anomalies of the Globe are collected by NASA/GISS and in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres by the Climatic Research Unit of the University of East Anglia and Hadley Centre. Spectral analysis aims at unveiling temperature anomalies time series by transforming them into simplified time series after decomposition, extrapolating information nested in these simplified series and rebuilding the forecasted time series. Earth's temperature anomalies are forecasted until 2100. Two sets of forecasts are generated, one with historical data including the Covid‐19 pandemic (from 1880 up to 2021 with NASA/GISS data or from 1850 up to 2022 with East Anglia and Hadley Centre data) and one excluding the Covid‐19 pandemic up to 2019. With the sets of data not including the pandemic, forecasts show temperature anomalies skyrocketing and bringing Earth's global warming at alarming levels in Northern and Southern Hemispheres. With the set of data including the pandemic, forecasts are reverting showing lower alarming levels by the end of the century, in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and globally.
Assessing the failure of Open Government Data initiatives in Brazil
Authors: Wiedenhöft Guilherme Costa , Alexopoulos Charalampos , Saxena Stuti , Rizun Nina , Matheus Ricardo
Published: June 2023

While assessing the potential of a particular digital innovation initiative, especially when it has implications for a range of societal stakeholders, it becomes pertinent to understand the possible bottlenecks in its acceptability as well. In this regard, the present study seeks to understand how the Open Government Data (OGD) initiatives in Brazil are being confronted with bottlenecks in terms of their execution and acceptability. This exploratory study adopts a qualitative cross‐sectional research approach wherein interviews are being conducted with 11 managers working in public organizations and are directly associated with the OGD initiatives. Findings from the interview responses delineate internal and external factors, resource availability, data maintenance, and lack of knowledge as the key determinants for the bottlenecks associated with the execution and acceptability of OGD initiatives by the societal stakeholders. The study's originality lies in its theoretical contribution towards an understanding of how a novel digital innovation‐OGD, in the present case‐ is fraught with impediments in terms of its execution and acceptability. The study concludes with directions for further research and practitioner implications.
Taxonomic significance of seed macro‐micromorphology of Turkish Alcea L. (Malvaceae) through light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Özbek Funda , Uzunhisarcıklı Mehmet Erkan
Published: June 2023

Seed morphological properties of 19 taxa belonging to the genus Alcea L. (Malvaceae) distributed in Turkey were investigated using a light microscope and scanning electron microscope to identify their characters and to evaluate their diagnostic value. The seeds are reniform with a rounded apex and base, reniform in shape, and light to dark brown, grayish‐brown, or blackish‐brown in color. The seed length ranges from 2.22 to 6.5 mm and seed width from 1.72 to 6.5 mm. The indumentum at the ventral and dorsal regions of the seed differs in density. Three types of seed coat ornamentations were observed: reticulate, reticulate‐rugulate, and reticulate‐ruminate on the dorsal and lateral faces. Principal component analysis was used to evaluate the important seed morphological characteristics among the taxa studied, with four components accounting for 90.761% of the total variance. Numerical analysis revealed that seed size, color, seed surface patterns on dorsal and lateral sides, indumentum at dorsal and ventral regions, and periclinal surface sculpture of epidermal cells are particularly the most useful variables for discriminating the Alcea taxa. The findings also showed a partial relationship among the Alcea taxa clusters, based on seed morphology and the systematics of these taxa, based on general macromorphology. Taxonomic key using the seed features is provided to identify the species studied. The current work will contribute to the knowledge about the family Malvaceae, and microscopic macro‐micromorphological analysis can be used for identification by the taxonomists for further studies on this family.

Research Highlights

Seed color, indumentum and surface sculpturing have systematic value for separating the taxa.

Seed morphology of the Alcea taxa was studied via light microscope and scanning electron microscope.

Numerical analysis provided the contribution of seed characters to taxa relationships.
Reasons for shortening snow cover duration in the Western Sudetes in light of global climate change
Authors: Urban Grzegorz , Richterová Dáša , Kliegrová Stanislava , Zusková Ilona
Published: June 2023

This article discusses the reasons for shortening snow cover duration in the Western Sudetes, considering local changes in: air temperature; amount and type of precipitation; sunshine duration and atmospheric circulation leading to changes in the number of days with snow cover and its depth; and its start and end dates. All factors were linked to the exposure and relief of the study area. The analysis was made for the winter seasons (Nov–Apr) 1961/1962–2020/2021. It was found that the primary reasons for the shortening of snow cover duration in the Western Sudetes are: a multi‐year increase in air temperature and sunshine duration; changes in precipitation patterns—a decrease in the proportion of solid precipitation, changes in atmospheric circulation—including an increase in anticyclonic circulation types with sunny weather, especially in April (snow cover disappears in most of the elevation profile of the Sudetes); and less cyclonic weather types. The above factors synergistically affect the lower snow depth, and fewer days with solid precipitation, which promotes its faster spring ablation. In the subsequent 30 years (climatological norms), there is a successive shortening in its duration. On the snow cover start dates, there are no clear trends in the direction and rate of change. On end dates, negative trends are observed, in most cases statistically significant. The rate of change for the end dates of snow cover is about twice as high as the start dates. The rate of decline in snow cover is higher at stations at similar altitudes with northern macro‐exposure than southern. The results correspond with other studies from Europe and the world on the earlier disappearance of snow cover. They confirm the successive global warming and shortening snow cover duration, especially evident in the last few decades.
Laser‐induced Fano interference subsumed by electron–phonon coupling in orthorhombic KNbO3nano‐bricks: An ab initio vibrational and Raman spectroscopic investigation
Authors: Bhattacharjee Souvik , Chattopadhyay Kalyan Kumar
Published: June 2023

Hydrothermally prepared potassium niobate (KNbO3) nanoparticles are characterized meticulously to explore various crystallographic, microstructural, morphological, optical, compositional, and lattice‐vibrational properties. Laser power‐dependent Raman spectroscopy is employed to study the Fano effect in asymmetrically broadened optic (LO/TO) phonon modes in the orthorhombic KNbO3system, considering interference with the interband electronic continuum. The phonon softening, alterations in charge‐phonon coupling constant, linewidth and lifetime of phonon modes, and so on are explained in the light of theories formulated by Fano, Allen, and Hui, accompanying factor group analysis of the Raman‐active modes. Under local heating via focused laser irradiation, highly sensitive Raman spectra introspect perturbations in the generic vibrations at the first Brillouin zone center and moderations in the constructive/destructive interference conditions of resonant Fano scattering. Density functional theory (DFT)‐based calculations on phonon dispersion, density of phonon states, and relevant thermodynamic attributes decipher the theoretical background. Amid photoexcited electron plasma, the charge‐phonon coupling for distinct modes is strengthened considerably against strong excitation intensity without any unwanted anharmonicity, extensive lattice thermal expansion, phonon decay, or microscopic phase transformation. Finally, the direction of asymmetry, particle–particle, and particle–quasiparticle interactions are illustrated using Feynman diagrams for the associated and phonon modes.
Calculating the power of a planned individual participant data meta‐analysis of randomised trials to examine a treatment‐covariate interaction with a time‐to‐event outcome
Authors: Riley Richard D. , Collins Gary S. , Hattle Miriam , Whittle Rebecca , Ensor Joie
Published: June 2023

Before embarking on an individual participant data meta‐analysis (IPDMA) project, researchers should consider the power of their planned IPDMA conditional on the studies promising their IPD and their characteristics. Such power estimates help inform whether the IPDMA project is worth the time and funding investment, before IPD are collected. Here, we suggest how to estimate the power of a planned IPDMA of randomised trials aiming to examine treatment‐covariate interactions at the participant‐level (i.e., treatment effect modifiers). We focus on a time‐to‐event (survival) outcome with a binary or continuous covariate, and propose an approximate analytic power calculation that conditions on the actual characteristics of trials, for example, in terms of sample sizes and covariate distributions. The proposed method has five steps: (i) extracting the following aggregate data for each group in each trial—the number of participants and events, the mean and SD for each continuous covariate, and the proportion of participants in each category for each binary covariate; (ii) specifying a minimally important interaction size; (iii) deriving an approximate estimate of Fisher's information matrix for each trial and the corresponding variance of the interaction estimate per trial, based on assuming an exponential survival distribution; (iv) deriving the estimated variance of the summary interaction estimate from the planned IPDMA, under a common‐effect assumption, and (v) calculating the power of the IPDMA based on a two‐sided Wald test. Stata and R code are provided and a real example provided for illustration. Further evaluation in real examples and simulations is needed.
Selective extraction of apixaban from plasma by dispersive solid‐phase microextraction using magnetic metal organic framework combined with molecularly imprinted polymer nanocomposite
Authors: Fathi Ali Akbar , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza , Sorouraddin Saeed Mohammad , Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Mohebbi Ali
Published: June 2023

This research aims to synthesize a specific and efficient sorbent to use in the extraction of apixaban from human plasma samples and its determination by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. High specific surface area of metal‐organic framework, magnetic property of iron oxide nanoparticles, selectively of molecular imprinted polymer toward the analyte, and the combination of dispersive solid‐phase extraction method with a sensitive analysis system provided an efficient analytical method. In this study, first, a molecularly imprinted polymer combined with magnetic metal organic framework nanocomposite was prepared and then characterized using different techniques. Then the sorbent particles were used for selective extraction of the analyte from plasma samples. The efficiency of the method was improved by optimizing effective parameters. According to the validation results, wide linear range (1.02–200 ng mL−1), acceptable coefficient of determination (0.9938), low limit of detection (0.32 ng mL−1) and limit of quantification (1.02 ng mL−1), high extraction recovery (78%), and good precision (relative standard deviations ≤ 2.9% for intra‐ (n = 6) and interday (n = 6) precisions) were obtainable using the proposed method. These outcomes showed the high potential of the proposed method for screening apixaban in the human plasma samples.
Preparative three‐dimensional GC and nuclear magnetic resonance for the isolation and identification of two sesquiterpene ethers from Dictyota Dichotoma
Authors: De Grazia Gemma , Cucinotta Lorenzo , Sciarrone Danilo , Donato Paola , Trovato Emanuela , Riad Nacera , Hattab Mohamed El , Mondello Luigi , Rotondo Archimede
Published: June 2023

Separation science plays a crucial role in the isolation of novel compounds contained in complex matrices. Yet their rationale employment needs preliminary structure elucidation, which usually requires sufficient aliquots of grade substances to characterize the molecule by nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. In this study, two peculiar oxa‐tricycloundecane ethers were isolated by means of preparative multidimensional gas chromatography from the brown alga species Dictyota dichotoma (Huds.) Lam., aiming to assign their 3D structures. Density functional theory simulations were carried out to select the correct configurational species matching the experimental NMR data (in terms of enantiomeric couples). In this case, the theoretical approach was crucial as the protonic signal overlap and spectral overcrowding were preventing any other unambiguous structural information. Just after the identification through the density functional theory data matching of the correct relative configuration it was possible to verify an enhanced self‐consistency with the experimental data, confirming the stereochemistry. The results obtained further pave the way toward structure elucidation of highly asymmetric molecules, whose configuration cannot be inferred by other means or strategies.
Achievement and maintenance of therapeutic response to brodalumab in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: An Italian, observational, retrospective and prospective study (BRIGHT study)
Authors: Dapavo Paolo , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Campione Elena , Giofrè Claudia , Balato Anna , Potenza Concetta , Dastoli Stefano , Malagoli Piergiorgio , Offidani Annamaria , Bardazzi Federico , Peris Ketty , Pella Paolo , De Pasquale Rocco , Bonifati Claudio , Giacchetti Alfredo , Pallotta Sabatino , Congedo Maurizio , Amerio Paolo , Fargnoli Maria Concetta , Calzavara Pinton Piergiacomo , Venturini Marina ,   the BRIGHT Study Group
Published: June 2023

Background

Brodalumab, a fully human anti‐interleukin (IL)‐17 monoclonal antibody that blocks IL‐17RA, is approved in Europe for the treatment of adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic treatment.

Objectives

This study evaluated the achievement and maintenance of therapeutic response for 1 year in psoriasis patients treated with brodalumab in the Italian clinical practice.

Methods

Real‐world, multicenter, observational, retrospective and prospective study. The retrospective phase ranged from enrolment visit to initiation of brodalumab (12 ± 4 weeks before). The prospective phase ranged from enrolment to a routine follow‐up visit set after 52 ± 4 weeks.

Results

One hundred eighty‐four patients were eligible and 164 completed the observation period (median 11.9 months; Q1–Q3: 11.4–12.3). At enrolment, the mean duration of disease was 13.9 years (standard deviation; 13.3), 94% of patients (N = 172) had ≥1 clinical manifestation of psoriasis, mainly erythema and itching, and 95.6% had received ≥1 antipsoriatic treatment before brodalumab. Patients who reached an absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score ≤3 at week 12 and maintained it ≤3 through week 52 were 97 (64.7%). At week 12, 72.7% of patients achieved PASI 75, 54.5% PASI 90 and 42.0% PASI 100. At Week 52, 92.9% of patients achieved PASI 75, 84.4% PASI 90 and 61.7% PASI 100. A static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) score = 0 was obtained by 55.0% of patients after 12 weeks of brodalumab and by 77.0% after 52 weeks. A Dermatology Life Quality Index ≤1 was reported by 71.9% of patients after 12 weeks and by 89.9% after 52 weeks of treatment. No significant outcome differences were shown among patient subgroups defined by previous antipsoriatic treatments (none, systemic other than biologics or biologic) at either brodalumab initiation or any of the subsequent study visits.

Conclusions

In this real‐world setting, brodalumab was rapidly effective on skin lesions and quality of life both in biologic‐naïve and biologic‐experienced moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis patients, with a favourable safety profile.
Height‐Gradiently‐Tunable Nanostructure Arrays by Grayscale Assembly Nanofabrication for Ultra‐realistic Imaging
Authors: Geng Guangzhou , Pan Ruhao , Li Chensheng , Zheng Ruixuan , Liu Yunan , Zhang Zhongshan , Gu Changzhi , Li Junjie
Published: June 2023

Due to the limitation of nanofabrication technology, nanostructured arrays and devices are usually of equal height, and it is difficult to change simultaneously its height in the Z direction at X–Y direction regulation. However, the tunable height as an indispensable part of structural spatial freedom control is very conducive to the functional expansion and innovation of nanodevices. Here, a grayscale assembled fabrication method is developed by combining e‐beam lithography with atomic layer deposition and transfer technology, and a wide range of the height gradient of nanostructures can be realized in the same array and then applied in high‐quality images. Following this strategy, ultra‐realistic relief‐nanostructured images with 256 grayscale levels are demonstrated, consisting of height‐varying nanopillars with 100 nm in pixel size and 6.4×1010 dpi in resolution. Especially, multi‐dimensional structural color based on metasurfaces with C4 symmetric pixels is designed and prepared by height regulation nanofabrication, enabling a strong multi‐dimensional control ability in hue, saturation, and brightness of the structural color display with the single pixel of 1.5 µm in size. The as‐developed grayscale nanoconfigurations open a new approach for multidimensionally structural regulations, showing great applied potential not only in high‐resolution imaging but also in more advancednanophotonic devices.
Plasticization, Antiplasticization, and Fragility in Blends of Polyvinyl Butyral and Polyethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether
Authors: Bartolotta Antonino , Carini Giuseppe , D'Angelo Giovanna , Federico Mauro , Romano Valentino , Di Marco Gaetano
Published: June 2023

Blends of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether (PEGDME) with low molecular weight (= 250 g mol−1) show two calorimetric (for PEGDME content higher than 11% by weight) and mechanical glass transitions. Their substantial changes in the relative content of the two components are explained by considering the self‐concentrations of both polymers determined by the connectivity of their own chains. Increasing content of PEGDME lower the glass transition temperature Tg of PVB (the component with the highest Tg) by about 100 K, also causing a progressive and significant increase of its fragility (following the Angell's strong/fragile liquids classification scheme). Strengthening of polymer blends is observed in the fully glassy region, quite below the Tg's of both the components, with the storage modulus E′ becoming more than a factor 2 higher than that of neat PVB. The progressive increase of E′, without any change of slope, points to structural homogeneity of blends determined by compatibility of components, as a result of interchain interactions activated by the polar groups of both polymers. The present results reveal that PEGDME plasticizes PVB when the blend is in the fully rubbery state while acting as an anti‐plasticizer in the fully glassy state.
M1 macrophage‐derived exosomes promote autoimmune liver injury by transferring long noncoding RNA H19 to hepatocytes
Authors: Zhang Yongting , Hong Liang , Li Xuehui , Li Yuyu , Zhang Xujun , Jiang Jingjing , Shi Fan , Diao Hongyan
Published: June 2023

Exosomes mediate intercellular communication by transmitting active molecules. The function of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 in autoimmune liver injury is unclear. Concanavalin A (ConA)‐induced liver injury is well‐characterized immune‐mediated hepatitis. Here, we showed that lncRNA H19 expression was increased in the liver after ConA treatment, accompanied by increased exosome secretion. Moreover, injection of AAV‐H19 aggravated ConA‐induced hepatitis, with an increase in hepatocyte apoptosis. However, GW4869, an exosome inhibitor, alleviated ConA‐induced liver injury and inhibited the upregulation of lncRNA H19. Intriguingly, lncRNA H19 expression in the liver was significantly downregulated, after macrophage depletion. Importantly, the lncRNA H19 was primarily expressed in type I macrophage (M1) and encapsulated in M1‐derived exosomes. Furthermore, H19 was transported from M1 to hepatocytes via exosomes, and exosomal H19 dramatically induced hepatocytes apoptosis both in vitro and vivo. Mechanistically, H19 upregulated the transcription of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α), which accumulated in the cytoplasm and mediated hepatocyte apoptosis by upregulating p53. M1‐derived exosomal lncRNA H19 plays a pivotal role in ConA‐induced hepatitis through the HIF‐1α–p53 signaling pathway. These findings identify M1 macrophage‐derived exosomal H19 as a novel target for the treatment of autoimmune liver diseases.
Genome‐wide identification of endogenous retrovirus elements and their active transcription in mink genome
Authors: Li Zheng , Wang Qing , Lv Na , Xu Guojin , Yang Xuemei , Zhu Baoli
Published: June 2023

Mammalian endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancient retroviruses that have been integrated into genomes. ERVs were believed to be inactive until the discovery of ERV transcription in the mouse genome. However, the transcription level and function of ERV elements in mammalian genomes are not well understood. In this study, we performed the first genome‐wide scanning of ERV loci in the American mink (Neogale vison) genome (NeoERV) followed by transcriptomic analysis to detect actively transcribed NeoERV elements. A total of 365,791 NeoERV loci were identified, and161,205 (44%) of these loci were found to be actively transcribed based on transcriptomic data from three types of tissues (amygdala, trachea and lung). More than one third of the actively transcribed NeoERV loci were tissue‐specific. Furthermore, some of the active loci were associated with host gene transcription, and the level of NeoERV transcription was positively correlated with that of host genes, specifically when active loci were located in overlapped gene regions. An in‐depth analysis of the envelope protein coding env gene showed that, in general, its transcription level was higher than that of NeoERVs, which is believed to be associated with host immunity.
Deep learning‐based combination of [18F]‐FDG PET and CT images for producing pulmonary perfusion image
Authors: Gu Jiabing , Qiu Qingtao , Zhu Jian , Cao Qiang , Hou Zhen , Li Baosheng , Shu Huazhong
Published: June 2023

Background

The main application of [18F] FDG‐PET (18FDG‐PET) and CT images in oncology is tumor identification and quantification. Combining PET and CT images to mine pulmonary perfusion information for functional lung avoidance radiation therapy (FLART) is desirable but remains challenging.

Purpose

To develop a deep‐learning‐based (DL) method to combine 18FDG‐PET and CT images for producing pulmonary perfusion images (PPI).

Methods

Pulmonary technetium‐99 m‐labeled macroaggregated albumin SPECT (PPISPECT), 18FDG‐PET, and CT images obtained from 53 patients were enrolled. CT and PPISPECT images were rigidly registered, and registration displacement was subsequently used to align 18FDG‐PET and PPISPECT images. The left/right lung was separated and rigidly registered again to improve the registration accuracy. A DL model based on 3D Unet architecture was constructed to directly combine multi‐modality 18FDG‐PET and CT images for producing PPI (PPIDLM). 3D Unet architecture was used as the basic architecture, and the input was expanded from a single‐channel to a dual‐channel to combine multi‐modality images. For comparative evaluation, 18FDG‐PET images were also used alone to generate PPIDLPET. Sixty‐seven samples were randomly selected for training and cross‐validation, and 36 were used for testing. The Spearman correlation coefficient (rs) and multi‐scale structural similarity index measure (MS‐SSIM) between PPIDLM/PPIDLPET and PPISPECT were computed to assess the statistical and perceptual image similarities. The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was calculated to determine the similarity between high‐/low‐ functional lung (HFL/LFL) volumes.

Results

The voxel‐wise rs and MS‐SSIM of PPIDLM/PPIDLPET were 0.78 ± 0.04/0.57 ± 0.03, 0.93 ± 0.01/0.89 ± 0.01 for cross‐validation and 0.78 ± 0.11/0.55 ± 0.18, 0.93 ± 0.03/0.90 ± 0.04 for testing. PPIDLM/PPIDLPET achieved averaged DSC values of 0.78 ± 0.03/0.64 ± 0.02 for HFL and 0.83 ± 0.01/0.72 ± 0.03 for LFL in the training dataset and 0.77 ± 0.11/0.64 ± 0.12, 0.82 ± 0.05/0.72 ± 0.06 in the testing dataset. PPIDLM yielded a stronger correlation and higher MS‐SSIM with PPISPECT than PPIDLPET (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The DL‐based method integrates lung metabolic and anatomy information for producing PPI and significantly improved the accuracy over methods based on metabolic information alone. The generated PPIDLM can be applied for pulmonary perfusion volume segmentation, which is potentially beneficial for FLART treatment plan optimization.
Small thiophene fluorophores in live cells promote protein self‐assembly into nanostructured fluorescent and electroactive microfibers
Authors: Palamà Ilaria Elena , Maiorano Gabriele , Barbarella Giovanna , Gigli Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

This review describes an unprecedented class of biocompatible protein‐based microfibers obtained by exploiting the ability of small thiophene fluorophores: (1) to be spontaneously incorporated by living cells (2D or 3D) without causing any harm, (2) to act as protein self‐assembly inducers, and (3) to transfer their long‐lasting fluorescence and electroactivity properties to the protein‐fluorophore microfibers. The process is driven by cell's own metabolism and leads to the generation of stable multifunctional microfibers exhibiting hierarchical order across several length‐scales with morphologies varying from helical wires to rigid rods. Analogous microfibers are obtained following uptake of an appropriate thiophene fluorophore by small living organisms (Hydra vulgaris). Due to the high photostability of thiophene fluorophores, the entire process of fibers formation can be tracked in real time by LSCM. Moreover, the microfibers can be picked up and separated by their environment to assess their composition and properties by a variety of techniques including electrophoretic analyses and Q‐TOF mass spectrometry, Tr‐TUNA AFM and KPFM. This review also reports DFT calculations aimed to provide indications for the design of appropriate thiophene fluorophores for microfibers formation inside live cells.
Knowledge, risk assessment, practices,self‐efficacy, attitudes, and behaviour's towards venous thromboembolism among nurses: A systematic review
Authors: Al‐Mugheed Khalid , Bayraktar Nurhan
Published: June 2023

Aim

This study reviewed the literature on nurses' knowledge, risk assessment practices, self‐efficacy, attitudes, and behaviours towards venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Design

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.

Methods

CINAHL (via EBSCO), MEDLINE (via PubMed), and Web of Science were electronic databases used to find studies published from 2010 to November 2020 in English language. A Hoy critical appraisal checklist was used to assess the risk of bias and methodologic quality.

Results

This study included fourteen studies conducted on 8628 Registered Nurses. Nine of the fourteen studies examined nurses' general knowledge level regarding VTE, and five showed that most nurses had a good knowledge of VTE. Of the 14 studies, six assessed nurses' risk assessment knowledge regarding VTE, and three showed that nurses had low knowledge of VTE risk assessment. Eleven studies assessed nurses' practices concerning VTE prophylaxis; 5 of the 11 studies reported that nurses had poor and unsatisfactory levels of VTE practice. Three of the 14 studies showed that nurses had low self‐efficacy and varied beliefs. The most frequent recommendations were to create continuous educational programs and in‐service training programs (n = 11), followed by creating institutional protocols standardizing VTE (n = 6).

Conclusions

Comprehensive educational programs and campaigns based on well‐established and standardized tools should be provided to nurses to improve their VTE knowledge.
Effects of N‐acetylcysteine on oxidative stress biomarkers, depression, and anxiety symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Khalatbari Mohseni Golsa , Hosseini Seyed Ahmad , Majdinasab Nastaran , Cheraghian Bahman
Published: June 2023

Aim

N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a thiol‐containing antioxidant and glutathione (GSH) precursor, attenuates oxidative stress, and possibly improves psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral NAC on oxidative stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

This clinical trial was conducted on 42 MS patients randomly assigned to intervention (n = 21) and control (n = 21) groups. The intervention group received 600 mg of NAC twice daily for 8 weeks, and the control group received a placebo with the same prescription form. An analysis of serum malondialdehyde (MDA), serum nitric oxide (NO), and erythrocyte GSH was carried out on both groups, along with a complete blood count. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess symptoms of depression (HADS‐D) and anxiety (HADS‐A).

Results

Compared to the control group, NAC consumption significantly decreased serum MDA concentrations (−0.33 [−5.85–2.50] vs. 2.75 [−0.25–5.22] μmol/L; p = 0.03) and HADS‐A scores (−1.6 ± 2.67 vs. 0.33 ± 2.83; p = 0.02). No significant changes were observed in serum NO concentrations, erythrocyte GSH levels, and HADS‐D scores (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the present study, NAC supplementation for 8 weeks decreased lipid peroxidation and improved anxiety symptoms in MS patients. The aforementioned results suggest that adjunctive therapy with NAC can be considered an effective strategy for MS management. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted.
Evaluation in nonprofit organizations: A defense of perception as a managerial and scientific tool
Authors: Plaisance Guillaume
Published: June 2023

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are subject to multiple pressures from their stakeholders. Stakeholders are at the same time the target of the organization's mission, the evaluators, the providers of resources and the demanders. This article is an essay that defends reciprocal perception as a managerial tool. The proposed intellectual path leads to the revalorization of stakeholder perception as a very useful practical and scientific tool for the management and study of NPOs. However, perception has limitations that the introduction of the concept of reciprocity can address.
Recent trends in thermo‐responsive elastomeric shape memory polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Gopinath Sithara , Adarsh Nayarassery N. , Radhakrishnan Nair P. , Mathew Suresh
Published: June 2023

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are polymeric smart materials, a class of stimuli‐responsive polymers that can return to their initial shape from a programmed temporary shape under the application of external stimuli, such as light, heat, magnetism, and electricity. Because of these unique features, SMPs can find applications in many fields, like aerospace, biomedical devices, flexible electronics, soft robotics, shape memory arrays, and 4D printing. The comparatively low density, low cost, easy biodegradability, and biocompatibility make SMPs a better candidate for shape memory applications. Among them, thermo‐responsive SMPs can revert to their permanent shape depending on a temperature greater than their polymer transition temperature. Thermo‐responsive SMPs combine semi‐crystalline or elastomeric polymers with improved mechanical and electrical properties. Integrating nanofillers into the polymer elastomer matrices can further enhance these properties, forming shape‐memory polymer nanocomposites (SMPNCs). This review focuses on the basics, design, and classifications of thermo‐responsive SMPs and the characteristics of elastomers and blends of polymers used. Incorporating various nanofillers to get SMPNCs to have improved properties over SMPs is also presented. The importance of Tg (glass transition temperature) and Tm (melting temperature) based SMPs and SMPNCs, various elastomers used, and the methods for preparation like solution casting, melt compounding, in situ polymerization, and their possible future applications are also discussed.
Leaves micromorphology, chemical profile, and bioactivity of in vitro‐propagated Nepeta cyrenaica (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Alimpić Aradski Ana , Oalđe Pavlović Mariana , Janošević Dušica , Todorović Slađana , Gašić Uroš , Mišić Danijela , Pljevljakušić Dejan , Šavikin Katarina , Marin Petar D. , Giweli Abdulhmid , Duletić‐Laušević Sonja
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The endemic species Nepeta cyrenaica Quézel & Zaffran, native to northeastern Libya, is valued as an important honey‐bearing plant.

Objectives

This study was aimed to examine the micromorphology, phytochemistry, and bioactivity of in vitro‐propagated N. cyrenaica for the first time.

Materials and Methods

The leaf indumentum was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy and further characterised for histochemistry. The chemical composition of essential oil (EO) was performed using GC‐MS analysis, while dichloromethane (DCM), methanol (ME), ethanol (ET), and aqueous (AQ) extracts were analysed using qualitative and quantitative LC/MS analyses. The antioxidant activities of EO and extracts were assessed using three parallel assays, while enzyme‐inhibiting effects were evaluated against four enzymes.

Results

The leaves bear various types of glandular trichomes, with lipophilic secretion predominating. The main EO component of EO was 1,8‐cineole. A considerable number of phenolics and iridoids were tentatively identified in the ME extract. Quantitative LC/MS analysis confirmed that ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, and epigallocatechin gallate were present in the highest amount in the extracts, in which three iridoids were also quantified. Although the ME extract contained the highest amount of polyphenolics and iridoids, the DCM extract showed the best overall biological potential. Additionally, EO exerted the strongest acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the endemic N. cyrenaica can be efficiently grown under in vitro conditions, where it develops various glandular trichomes that are thought to secrete and/or accumulate bioactive compounds with valuable medicinal potential.
Causes and predictors of mortality in South Africans with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Dire Zodwa , Ickinger Claudia , Tikly Mohammed
Published: June 2023

Background

There is a dearth of mortality data on systemic sclerosis (SSc) in sub‐Saharan Africa. We undertook a retrospective study of causes and predictors of death in low‐income indigent South Africans with SSc.

Methods

A retrospective records review of clinicodemographic, laboratory, and outcome data of SSc patients attending a state‐funded tertiary Rheumatology service in South Africa.

Results

Most of the 164 patients were Black (92.7%) and female (87.8%). The mean (SD) age at diagnosis and follow‐up duration were 42.6 (12.9) and 5.5 (5.6) years, respectively. The majority (75.6%) had diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc); and digital pits/ulcers, interstitial lung disease (ILD), and pulmonary hypertension (PH) were documented in 73.6%, 55.0%, and 38.3%, respectively. There were 56 known deaths and an equal number of patients were lost to follow‐up. Deaths resulted from ILD complicated by PH (42.9%), infections (8.9%), cardiac disease (7.1%), and malignancies (3.6%). Estimated 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates for patients with known outcomes were 58% and 42%, respectively. Independent predictors of death were renal dysfunction and cor pulmonale.

Conclusion

Most patients in this study of South Africans had dcSSc and poor outcomes. Known deaths resulted from cardiorespiratory complications of ILD complicated by PH. Cor pulmonale and renal dysfunction were independent predictors of death.
A deep learning factor analysis model based on importance‐weighted variational inference and normalizing flow priors: Evaluation within a set of multidimensional performance assessments in youth elite soccer players
Authors: Kilian Pascal , Leyhr Daniel , Urban Christopher J. , Höner Oliver , Kelava Augustin
Published: June 2023

Exploratory factor analysis is a widely used framework in the social and behavioral sciences. Since measurement errors are always present in human behavior data, latent factors, generating the observed data, are important to identify. While most factor analysis methods rely on linear relationships in the data‐generating process, deep learning models can provide more flexible modeling approaches. However, two problems need to be addressed. First, for interpretation, scaling assumptions are required, which can be (at least) cumbersome for deep generative models. Second, deep generative models are typically not identifiable, which is required in order to identify the underlying latent constructs. We developed a model that uses a variational autoencoder as an estimator for a complex factor analysis model based on importance‐weighted variational inference. In order to receive interpretable results and an identified model, we use a linear factor model with identification constraints in the measurement model. To maintain the flexibility of the model, we use normalizing flow latent priors. Within the evaluation of performance measures in a talent development program in soccer, we found more clarity in the separation of the identified underlying latent dimensions with our models compared to traditional PCA analyses.
Systemically Understanding Aqueous Photocatalytic Upgrading of Microplastic to Fuels
Authors: Kan Miao , Tao Meng , Zhuang Weijie , Wu Shiqun , Ye Ziwei , Zhang Jinlong
Published: June 2023

Microplastics (MPs) are regarded as a pervasive contaminant that poses threats to the environment and human safety. However, the high energy storage potential of the C–C and C–H bonds in MPs has led to increased attention toward technological methods for upgrading plastic waste to high‐value‐added fuels. Aqueous photocatalysis has emerged as a promising approach for upgrading MPs due to its solar‐driven properties and ability to generate various radicals. While extensive investigations and reviews have been conducted on photocatalysts and the resulting products within this system, there is an emerging need to comprehensively understand the entire process to enhance efficiency and selectivity further. In this review, significant advancements in the overall system are summarized, including reactants, pretreatments, photocatalysts, additives, and reactors, to enable efficient and selective reactions based upon the principles of state‐of‐the‐art photocatalytic microplastic upgrading. Furthermore, the shortcomings are clarified with proposed possible breakthrough points in each research direction. Ultimately, the significance of developments in pretreatments is highlighted, paving the way for future research possibilities.