bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activities of Datura stramonium Extracts against Clinical Pathogens
Authors: Odeleye A. A. , Obameso J. O.
Published: July 2022

Aim: The antimicrobial activities of the ethanolic extracts of D. Stramonium pulp, seed and leaf against some medically important pathogenic microorganisms were studied.

Methodology: The antimicrobial activities of the ethanolic extracts of D. Stramonium pulp, seed and leaf were assessed on Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria).

Results: The highest percentage recovery at 50% ethanolic extract of leaf was 5.6±0.1 and lowest in Pulp with 3.9±0.1. The 50% ethanolic extracts showed significant activities against tested pathogens more than the 75% ethanolic extracts which, may be due to the effect of heat generated by water bath during extraction process. The plant extracts exerted highest zones of inhibition in pulp and seed extracts against P. aeruginosa with 21±1.0 and 17±2.0 respectively and least in K. pneumoniae with 10±0.5 from seed extract. The antimicrobial activities observed in this study were due to the presence of certain phytochemials that have bactericidal or inhibitory effects on  test organisms. These phytochemicals include  alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, phenol and glycosides.

Conclusion: D. stramonium extracts revealed very promising results with health-promoting potentials that could be applied in the treatment of ailments caused by these pathogens.
Muscles, popularity, social capital, and computer skills: Examining “power” in cyberbullying
Authors: Barlett Christopher P. , Roth Brendan R. , Rinker Alexis M.
Published: August 2022

Traditional bullying perpetration explicates the importance of a power differential between the bully and the victim—predominantly physical and/or social status. The application of power from traditional to cyberbullying is unclear. The current research utilized a longitudinal study to examine the relationships between four different derivations of power—belief in the irrelevance of muscularity for online bullying (BIMOB), social capital, harmful computer skills, and popularity motivation—and cyberbullying attitudes and perpetration. Participants (185 US emerging adults) completed self‐report assessments of the aforementioned power constructs, cyberbullying attitudes, and cyberbullying behavior twice—6 months apart. Results showed only Wave 1 BIMOB predicted cyberbullying attitudes to yield subsequent cyberbullying perpetration.
Stereolithography of 3D Sustainable Metal Electrodes towards High‐Performance Nickel Iron Battery
Authors: Li Chen , Du Junjie , Gao Yong , Bu Fan , Tan Yong Hao , Wang Yuxuan , Fu Gangwen , Guan Cao , Xu Xi , Huang Wei
Published: August 2022

The present‐day ubiquity of smart devices used under extreme conditions demands robust and more sustainable energy storage. Therefore, lightweight electrodes with both excellent electrochemical and mechanical performance to meet these needs are of great importance. Moreover, the recycling of current energy storage devices poses significant environmental concerns, a particularly daunting prospect given the increasing waste volume of metal‐based electrodes. To that end, these challenges of performance and sustainability are addressed by leveraging accessible digital light processing (DLP) technology and tailored post‐process heat treatment to fabricate a metal‐based 3D substrate with ultrahigh precision and hierarchical porosity. Here, a 4‐mm‐thickness metal‐based electrode with NiCo2S4 loading of 18.38 mg cm–2 achieves a high areal capacity of 7.327 mA h cm–2 at 44.85 mA cm–2, providing a promising way to fabricate high‐performance thick electrodes. Most importantly, these electrodes can be fabricated from recyclable metal salt feedstock. The geometric freedom offered by 3D printing supplemented by finite element analyses allows for optimized complex structures to be fabricated. Through rational design realized by 3D printing, a desirable compromise between building density, mechanical properties, electrochemical performances, and environment‐friendly processing cycle can be arrived upon.
Ultrafast Fabrication of Large‐Area Colloidal Crystal Micropatterns via Self‐Assembly and Transfer Printing
Authors: Li Xuan , Chen Lei , Ma Yuan , Weng Ding , Li Zhaoxin , Song Lele , Zhang Xuanhe , Yu Guoxu , Wang Jiadao
Published: August 2022

Colloidal crystals have brought the promise of revolution to modern engineering, yet commonly used fabrication technologies are still limited by the small preparation area, time‐consuming process, and dependence on sophisticated equipment. Here, a surface tension gradient‐driven self‐assembly strategy is proposed for the ultrafast fabrication of large‐area colloidal crystals. The hydrogel loaded with sodium dodecyl sulfate is devised to construct a stable and continuous liquid‐air interfacial tension gradient, and the resulting Marangoni effect can drive the micro‐nano particles to instantaneously form (within several seconds) highly ordered colloidal crystals. Benefiting from the long range of surface tension gradients, the fabrication area of colloidal crystal films is demonstrated to exceed an astonishing 1000 cm2 without compromising their quality, showing great potential in scale‐up manufacture. Moreover, particles of a wide variety of sizes, materials, and functionalities can form close‐packed self‐assembly monolayers and be transferred to various substrates without damage, exhibiting great versatility. Inspired by ink microprinting, an ultrafast nanoparticle transfer printing method is further proposed to convert the close‐packed nanoparticle monolayers into large‐area conformal micropatterns with single‐nanoparticle resolution. The great potential of nanoparticle micropatterns is demonstrated in flexible micro‐electronics/skin electronics. This user‐friendly, efficient self‐assembly, and micropatterning strategy provide promising opportunities for academic and real industrial applications.
Unraveling the Antisolvent Bathing Effect on CsPbI3 Crystallization under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Jeong Wooyong , Jang Gyumin , Ma Sunihl , Son Jaehyun , Lee Chan Uk , Lee Junwoo , Im Hayoung , Moon Jooho
Published: August 2022

Antisolvent treatment has been developed to effectively fabricate dimethylammonium‐iodide (DMAI)‐assisted CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells (PSC) under moisture conditions. However, a clear understanding of its effect on the crystallization mechanism is still elusive. Here, the antisolvent bathing effect on DMAI‐assisted CsPbI3 crystallization is investigated under ambient conditions. For films bathed into antisolvents with Lewis basic oxygen (i.e., diethyl ether, anisole, ethyl acetate, and methyl acetate), rapid crystallization kinetics are observed due to the interaction between Cs4PbI6 and antisolvent in the form of the adduct. The Cs4PbI6‐antisolvent adduct lowers the transformation energy barrier, thereby enabling immediate phase transformation to CsPbI3 as soon as DMAPbI3 is decomposed. Based on this observation, a new crystallization mechanism is proposed for DMAI‐assisted CsPbI3 in which Cs4PbI6, instead of DMAPbI3, plays the role of the predominant phase of crystallization. Accelerated crystallization due to anisole antisolvent bathing results in a uniform film morphology and better coverage with fewer defects and pinholes. This enhances the power conversion efficiency of the n‐i‐p‐structured PSCs based on anisole‐bathed CsPbI3 to 18.84%, even under moisture conditions.
Photoredox C(sp3)−C(sp3) Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of Xanthene with β‐keto Moiety using MoS2 Quantum Dot (QD) Catalyst.
Authors: Deore Jiteshkumar P. , De Mrinmoy
Published: August 2022

Visible light‐mediated Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of Xanthene with β‐keto moieties has been developed using MoS2 Quantum Dot (QD) as a photoredox catalyst. Interesting features of this strategy includes circumventing the requisite of pre‐functionalized starting material, broad substrate scope, mild reaction condition, water as a solvent system, and recyclability of catalyst up to six cycles without loss of yield and selectivity. We have also enlightened the Kinetic Solvent Isotope Effect (KSIE) by scrutinizing the aspect of triplet‐to‐triplet photo energy transfer. The reductive quenching mechanism of QD photocatalyst has been endorsed by cyclic voltametric study.

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Idahoa and Subularia: Hidden polyploid origins of two enigmatic genera of crucifers
Authors: Dogan Mert , Mandáková Terezie , Guo Xinyi , Lysak Martin A.
Published: August 2022

Premise

The monotypic Idahoa (I. scapigera) and the bispecific Subularia (S. aquatica and S. monticola) belong to Brassicaceae with unclear phylogenetic relationships and no tribal assignment. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated these species and their closest relatives by combining cytogenomic and phylogenomic methods.

Methods

We used whole plastome sequences in maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses. We tested the phylogenetic informativeness of shared genomic repeats. We combined nuclear gene tree reconciliation and comparative chromosome painting (CCP) to examine the occurrence of past whole‐genome duplications (WGDs).

Results

The plastid data set corroborated the sister relationship between Idahoa and Subularia within the crucifer Lineage V but failed to resolve consistent topologies using both inference methods. The shared repetitive sequences provided conflicting pwhylogenetic signals. CCP analysis unexpectedly revealed that Idahoa (2n = 16) has a diploidized mesotetraploid genome, whereas two Subularia species (2n = 28 and 30) have diploidized mesoctoploid genomes. Several ancient allopolyploidy events have also been detected in closely related taxa (Chamira circaeoides, Cremolobeae, Eudemeae, and Notothlaspideae).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the contentious phylogenetic placement of Idahoa and Subularia is best explained by two WGDs involving one or more shared parental genomes. The newly identified mesopolyploid genomes highlight the challenges of studying plant clades with complex polyploidy histories and provide a better framework for understanding genome evolution in the crucifer family.
Do zoo animals use off‐exhibit areas to avoid noise? A case study exploring the influence of sound on the behavior, physiology, and space use of two pied tamarins (Saguinus bicolor)
Authors: Wark Jason D. , Schook Mandi W. , Dennis Patricia M. , Lukas Kristen E.
Published: August 2022

Noise can be a known stressor but our understanding of its effects on animals living in zoo environments remains limited. Although exposure to loud, chronic noise may be expected to negatively impact welfare, providing access to quiet areas to escape loud noise may buffer these negative effects. In this study, we explored the benefits of access to quiet, off‐exhibit areas for animals living in a chronically loud sound environment. Two pied tamarins (Saguinus bicolor) living near a large waterfall feature that emitted loud, chronic noise were experimentally exposed to varying sound levels during 2‐week treatment conditions. Baseline conditions (waterfall feature on and access to quiet, off‐exhibit areas), were followed by a Quiet sound condition (waterfall off), a Loud sound condition (waterfall on and a speaker in the off‐exhibit area playing volume‐matched white noise), and a final Baseline condition. During Baseline conditions, sound levels were greater than 10 dBA higher in the exhibit than in the off‐exhibit area (i.e., roughly twice as loud). The number of visitor groups present during behavior observations were consistent throughout the study. Both tamarins modified their space use during treatment conditions. Under Baseline conditions, both individuals showed frequent usage of quiet, off‐exhibit areas. During the Quiet and Loud conditions, where sound levels were generally consistent across spaces, both individuals used off‐exhibit areas less and their use of exhibit and off‐exhibit areas was not significantly different than would be expected by chance, given the size of the areas. Additional behavioral changes were minimal. No significant differences in fecal glucocorticoid metabolites were observed. Although the monkeys in this study appeared to avoid noise, the overall impact on welfare appeared to be minimal considering the limited behavioral and hormonal changes observed. This study highlights the potential benefits of off‐exhibit spaces as a quiet refuge from noise in the zoo environment.
The effects of inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination and subsequent infection of pregnant mice on the behaviors of offspring
Authors: Lin Kaili , Liu Meixuan , Sun Lu , Qiao Hongwei , Wang Shunyi , Pan Sidan , Fu Hanjun , Wang Jingzhu , Wei Qiang , Gao Hong
Published: August 2022

The mass inoculation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccines to induce herd immunity is one of the most effective measures we can deploy in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Pregnant women are prone to a higher risk of COVID‐19, and maternal infection is a risk factor for a range of neurological disorders leading to abnormal behavior in adulthood. However, there are limited clinical data to support whether vaccination or infection post‐immunization in pregnant women can affect the behavioral cognition of fetuses in adulthood. In this study, human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 pregnant mice (F0 generation) were immunized with CoronaVac and then infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. Subsequently, we analyzed the behavioral cognition of their adult offspring (F1 generation) using the open‐field test and Morris water maze test. The adult F1 generation did not exhibit any impairments in spontaneous locomotor activity or spatial reference memory.
Lacosamide poisoning improved by hemodialysis
Authors: Takahashi Hiroki , Muroya Takashi , Okamoto Yasutaka , Tamagaki Keisuke , Maeshima Kenji , Onoe Atsunori , Nakamura Fumiko , Nakajima Mari , Sakuramoto Kazuhito , Kajino Kentarou , Ikegawa Hitoshi , Kuwagata Yasuyuki
Published: August 2022

Background

Lacosamide (LCM) is a third‐generation antiepileptic drug that has been proven to be effective and safe, with few side‐effects.

Case Presentation

A woman aged in her 20s was transported to our hospital because of decreased consciousness. Many drugs, such as LCM (328 tablets) and perampanel hydrate (81 tablets), were found in her car. Her Glasgow Coma Scale score was 14. She was intubated and managed with mechanical ventilation, and she was treated with activated charcoal. Subsequently, hemodialysis (HD) was initiated due to the appearance of clonic convulsions. After 4 h of HD, no seizures were noted. The patient was weaned from the ventilator 18 h after admission and discharged on day 4. Her blood LCM level was 91.7 μg/mL on admission and 68.1 and 18.3 μg/ml before and after HD, respectively.

Conclusion

Hemodialysis was carried out in this severe case of LCM poisoning and was found to be effective.
Enantioselective Nickel‐Catalyzed Electrochemical Radical Allylation
Authors: Zhang Qinglin , Liang Kang , Guo Chang
Published: August 2022

A simplified and appealing strategy via a chiral catalyst to facilitate the electrochemical process and provide asymmetric induction of radical reactions is particularly desirable and would have potential applications in electrosynthesis, organic chemistry, and drug discovery. Here, we introduced a novel electrolytic system that diverts the standard ionic reactivity to new catalytic functions, enabling mechanistically distinct single‐electron transfer‐based enantioselective routes to exhibit a brand‐new pattern of reactivity—electricity‐driven asymmetric catalysis as a privileged chiral platform for enantioselective radical allylation. The nickel‐catalyzed activation of nucleophiles triggered a single‐electron transfer process to provide a chiral catalyst‐bound radical cation intermediate, which could be applied as an alternative strategy for the development of stereocontrolled radical reactions.
Dynamic Evolution of Aluminum Coordination Environments in Mordenite Zeolite and Their Role in the Dimethyl Ether (DME) Carbonylation Reaction
Authors: Liu Rongsheng , Fan Benhan , Zhi Yuchun , Liu Chong , Xu Shutao , Yu Zhengxi , Liu Zhongmin
Published: August 2022

Part of tetrahedral framework aluminum in a protonic mordenite (HMOR) will convert geometry to distorted tetrahedral and octahedral coordination. High‐field 27Al NMR data show that more framework Al atoms at T3 and T4 sites change geometry to nonframework structures than others. These nonframework Al species preferentially reside in the side pockets, which will decrease the accessibility of acid sites in the 8‐membered ring (MR) channel, impairing the dimethyl ether (DME) carbonylation reaction. The arisen octahedrally coordinated Al species are framework‐associated, which can be reverted into the zeolite framework. Herein, we find that a facile treatment with pyridine could force the octahedral coordination Al back into a tetrahedral environment, which could increase the number of available active sites and enhance the diffusion of DME, thus improving the reactivity (4 times) of the DME carbonylation reaction and prolonging the lifetime of catalysts.
Noble‐metal free Suzuki–Miyaura reaction catalyzed by magnetically recyclable MOF composites
Authors: Sun Zhong‐Hua , Chen Wang , Wang Le‐Yao , Wang Liang , Tang Yi‐Han , Qian Bin‐Bin , He Ming‐Yang , Chen Qun , Zhang Zhi‐Hui
Published: August 2022

An effective metal–organic frameworks composite, Cu‐BTC@Fe3O4, was applied to catalyze Suzuki–Miyaura reaction under mild conditions and could achieve a good yield up to 98%. This magnetic noble‐metal free catalyst was proved excellent reusability for at least four cycles without loss of catalytic activity and crystallinity. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed that the binding energy of Fe‐2p shifted to a negative value by 0.3 eV in Cu‐BTC@Fe3O4 after catalysis; in the meantime, the binding energy of Cu‐2p shifted to a positive value by 0.1 eV. A possible bimetallic catalytic mechanism involved in this coupling reaction was proposed. In addition, the heterogeneous and recyclable properties of the catalyst were shown by hot filtration experiments, and the catalyst can be easily separated from reaction system in the presence of magnetic field.
The development of an unexpected Cu(I)‐pyrazolo pyrimidine‐based complex: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterizations, and biological activity
Authors: Elbadawy Hemmat A. , Abd‐El‐Nabey Bashir A. , Ali Ali El‐Dissouky , Elsayed Eman Hassan
Published: August 2022

A novel unexpected pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine‐based Cu(I) complex, [Cu (DQPC)2]ClO4, has been synthesized by reaction of 2,7‐diamino‐5‐phenyl‐3‐(phenyldiazenyl)pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine‐6‐carbonitrile (DQPC) and Cu (ClO4)2.6H2O in ethanol. Full characterizations of [Cu (DQPC)2]ClO4 are achieved via CHNCu‐analyses, Ʌm calculation, spectroscopic techniques, and confirmed unambiguously by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystallographic data revealed a distorted tetrahedral environment around the Cu(I) center in the inner sphere, where the (DQPC) acted as a neutral bidentate ligand, while one perchlorate ion, in the outer sphere. [Cu (DQPC)2]ClO4 and DQPC have been screened against six pathogenic microorganisms and breast carcinoma human cancer cell lines (MCF‐7). The data revealed high anti‐bacterial, anti‐fungal, and interesting cytotoxic activities. Furthermore, [Cu (DQPC)2]ClO4 showed significant cell growth inhibition activity (IC50 = 0.89 ± 0.06 μg/ml), even higher than the standard anticancer drugs; cisplatin (IC50 = 5.71 ± 0.55 μg/ml); and vinblastine sulfate (IC50 = 5.44 ± 0.64 μg/ml), while DQPC itself has the lowest cytotoxicity (IC50 = 9.9 ± 1.4 μg/ml). DNA binding study showed that DQPC and [Cu (DQPC)2]ClO4 strongly bind to DNA, presumably via intercalation and electrostatic mechanisms.
Prediction of curing kinetics of resorcinol‐added resole phenolic resins using differential scanning calorimetry for the fabrication of carbon/carbon composites
Authors: Cordeiro Jose C. , Davis Rachel E. , Ramsurn Hema , Crunkleton Daniel W. , Otanicar Todd P. , Keller Michael W.
Published: August 2022

Phenolic resins are commonly used as carbon precursors for the fabrication of carbon/carbon composites due to their high carbon yield and aromatic nature. To decrease curing times, acid catalysts are generally used, but the addition of resorcinol was found to have a similar effect while being incorporated into the resin matrix with no contamination or corrosion issues. In this work, the curing kinetics of pure, 10, 20, and 30 wt% resorcinol‐added phenolic resins were investigated through differential scanning calorimetry. Heating rates of 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5°C min−1 were used with several curing models to predict isothermal curing. Averaged mean absolute error (MAE) for the isoconversional mathematical approaches namely Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (MAE = 12.9 min), Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (15.8 min), and Vyazovkin (14 min) show that these methods provide the best predictions, attributed to their adoption of an activation energy that depends on the extent of cure (Ea (α)). The Kissinger method (MAE = 36 min), which depends only on peak temperature with a constant activation energy assumption, and the data noise sensitive Friedman model (MAE = 1144.7 min) provide the least accurate results. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that resorcinol decreases the curing times by up to 71% without lowering carbon yield.
Long‐term photo‐identification study of fin whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary (NW Mediterranean) as a baseline for targeted conservation and mitigation measures
Authors: Zanardelli Margherita , Airoldi Sabina , Bérubé Martine , Borsani J. Fabrizio , Di‐Meglio Nathalie , Gannier Alexandre , Hammond Philip S. , Jahoda Maddalena , Lauriano Giancarlo , Notarbartolo di Sciara Giuseppe , Panigada Simone
Published: August 2022

Historical abundance estimates are important for establishing baselines from which trends can be determined using more recent data. Long‐term studies based on photo‐identification were merged and used to estimate population size, survival rate and sex ratio (biopsy sampling) of fin whales in the North‐western Mediterranean.

Merging four existing photo‐id catalogues yielded a Mediterranean catalogue with 507 individually identified fin whales. Ninety‐five (18.7%) individuals were resighted at least once during the study period (1990–2007): 71 whales were resighted in different years, 24 within the same season and 13 both in the same season and in different years. The number of resightings within‐season ranged from one to four, over periods from 1 to 90 days.

Capture histories from these individuals were used in the capture–recapture analyses. Estimates of the animals present in the area each year between 1991 and 1995 through different modelling approaches were consistent: 900–1,000 from a POPAN open population model; 1,200 from a multi‐sample closed population model; and 900–1,100 from simple two‐sample closed population models for pairs of consecutive years, all with heavily overlapping 95% confidence intervals.

The estimated apparent survival rate of 0.916 (95% CI = 0.773–0.972) was lower than expected, which may be linked to temporary or permanent emigration, or mortality possibly owing to ship strikes.

Conservation and mitigation measures such as Important Marine Mammal Areas and Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas are presented and discussed.
Genome‐wide survey of open chromatin regions in two swallowtail butterflies Papilio machaon and P. bianor
Authors: Wan Wen‐ting , Hu Ping , Chang Zhou , Ren Yan‐dong , Dong Zhi‐wei , Yang Jie , Pan Xiang‐yu , He Jin‐wu , Liu Wei , Liu Gui‐chun , Zhao Ruo‐ping , Mao Chu‐yang , Li Jun , Wang Wen , Li Xue‐yan
Published: August 2022

Papilio machaon was assigned as the type species for all butterflies by Linnaeus and P. bianor is a congener but exhibits a great difference in morphology (especially larva and adult color pattern) and larval host plants from P. machaon. Thus, they are the ideal models to investigate genetic mechanisms underlying morphology and plasticity between congeners. The reference genomes of both species were dissected in our previous studies, but little is known about their regulatory genome and the epigenetic regulation of gene expression throughout developmental stages. Here, we profiled the chromatin accessibility and gene expression of three developmental stages (the 4th instar larva [L4], the 5th instar larva [L5], and pupa [P]) using transposase accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC‐seq) and RNA‐seq. Results showed that many accessible chromatin peaks were identified at three developmental stages (peak number, P. machaon: 44,977 [L4], 36,919 [L5], 47,147 [P]; P. bianor: 20,341 [L4], 44,668 [L5], 62,249 [P]). Moreover, the number of differentially accessible peaks and differentially expressed genes between larval stages of each butterfly species are significantly fewer than that between larval and pupal stages, suggesting a higher similarity within larvae and a significant difference between larvae and pupae. This study added the annotated information of chromatin accessibility genome‐wide of the two papilionid species and will promote the investigation of gene regulation in butterfly evolution.
Syk Activation in Circulating and Tissue Innate Immune Cells in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Prendecki Maria , Gulati Kavita , Pisacano Noelle , Pinheiro Damilola , Bhatt Tejal , Mawhin Marie‐Anne , Toulza Frederic , Masuda Esteban S. , Cowburn Andrew , Lodge Katharine M. , Tam Frederick W. K. , Roufosse Candice , Pusey Charles D. , McAdoo Stephen P.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Syk is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase that plays a role in signaling via B cell and Fc receptors (FcR). FcR engagement and signaling via Syk is thought to be important in antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA) IgG–mediated neutrophil activation. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of Syk in ANCA‐induced myeloid cell activation and vasculitis pathogenesis.

Methods

Phosphorylation of Syk in myeloid cells from healthy controls and ANCA‐associated vasculitis (AAV) patients was analyzed using flow cytometry. The effect of Syk inhibition on myeloperoxidase (MPO)–ANCA IgG activation of cells was investigated using functional assays (interleukin‐8 and reactive oxygen species production) and targeted gene analysis with NanoString. Total and phosphorylated Syk at sites of tissue inflammation in patients with AAV was assessed using immunohistochemistry and RNAscope in situ hybridization.

Results

We identified increased phosphorylated Syk at critical activatory tyrosine residues in blood neutrophils and monocytes from patients with active AAV compared to patients with disease in remission or healthy controls. Syk was phosphorylated in vitro following MPO‐ANCA IgG stimulation, and Syk inhibition was able to prevent ANCA‐mediated cellular responses. Using targeted gene expression analysis, we identified up‐regulation of FcR‐ and Syk‐dependent signaling pathways following MPO‐ANCA IgG stimulation. Finally, we showed that Syk is expressed and phosphorylated in tissue leukocytes at sites of organ inflammation in AAV.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that Syk plays a critical role in MPO‐ANCA IgG–induced myeloid cell responses and that Syk is activated in circulating immune cells and tissue immune cells in AAV; therefore, Syk inhibition may be a potential therapeutic option.
Recent Advances in Microfluidic Devices for the Radiosynthesis of PET‐imaging Probes
Authors: Elkawad Husamelden , Xu Yangyang , Tian Mei , Jin Chenyang , Zhang Hong , Yu Kaiwu , He Qinggang
Published: August 2022

In order to accommodate the growing demand for positron emission tomography (PET), it will be necessary to create innovative radiochemical and engineering technologies to optimize the manufacture and development of PET probes. Microfluidic devices allow radiosynthesis to be performed in microscale amounts, significantly impacting PET tracer production. Compared to traditional methods, microfluidic devices can produce PET tracers in a shorter time, higher yields, with lower reagent consumption, higher molar activity, and faster purification. This review examines microfluidic devices from an engineering perspective. Recently developed microfluidic radiosynthesis devices are classified into three categories according to their reaction volume: continuous‐flow, batch‐flow, and droplet‐based microreactors. The principles of device architecture, radiosynthesis process, and the relative strengths and limitations of each category are emphasized by citing typical examples. Finally, the possible future applications of this technology are outlined. A flexible, miniature, fully automated radiochemical microfluidic platform will offer more straightforward and cheaper molecular imaging procedures and the potential for precision medicine that could allow operators to create customized tracers for individual patient doses.
Modified Bacterial Cellulose for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Tang Karen Yuanting , Heng Jerry Zhi Xiong , Chai Casandra Hui Teng , Chan Chui Yu , Low Beverly Qian Ling , Chong Serene Ming En , Loh Hong Yi , Li Zibiao , Ye Enyi , Loh Xian Jun
Published: August 2022

Bacterial cellulose, or microbial cellulose, had gained tremendous interest as a hydrogel material for biomedical purposes in the recent years. It has many intrinsic physiological properties like fibrous nature, ultrafine 3D nanostructure network, high water holding capacity, excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility and biodegradability that allow for the use of such purposes, and the lacking properties can be easily supplemented or enhanced by modifications. In this review, some of the biomedical applications that uses bacterial cellulose are discussed. These include wound healing, drug delivery, tissue engineering and tumor cell and cancer therapy. In each section, different modifications of BC are showcased and examined on how they benefit the application. Finally, key takeaways on these modifications are also deliberated.
Microsphere‐containing Hydrogel Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Zhang Shihao , Lin Anqi , Tao Ziwei , Fu Yingying , Xiao Lan , Ruan Guomo , Li Yulin
Published: August 2022

Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education Centre for Biomedical Technologies Current tissue engineering technology aims to achieve the regeneration of human tissues, which integrates the key factors such as scaffolds, cells and biomolecules. Among these key factors, the development of high‐performance scaffolds is the basis for the success of tissue engineering strategies. In the past decades, hydrogel scaffolds have been developed rapidly and widely used in biomedical field, however, their drawbacks have also been revealed, which shows that a single hydrogel scaffold cannot meet the excellent performance required in the field of tissue engineering. Recently, microspheres have been further engineered to fabricate structurally and functionally reliable artificial three‐dimensional scaffolds of desired shape with enhanced specific biological functions. Therefore, the effective combination of hydrogel and microspheres can facilitate the development of high‐performance scaffolds for tissue engineering and further fine‐tuning the composite structure, which is expected to solve the dilemma faced by a single scaffold. In this review paper, we systematically summurized the type and preparation method for synthesis of hydrogel and microsphere materials commonly used in developing microsphere‐containing hydrogel scaffolds. We then reviewed the broad application of these hybrid scaffolds in various fields of tissue engineering, followed by a summary and perspective on future directions.
Reductive SN2’ Reaction of Epoxydienoate with Borane and its Application to the Synthesis and Structural Revision of an Antitumor Active Torrubiellutin Analogue
Authors: Murokawa Shunsuke , Furukawa Koki , Kawano Yoshinori , Nihei Tsukasa , Suzuki Yuji , Yasui Eiko , Nagumo Shinji
Published: August 2022

A reductive SN2’ reaction of epoxydienoates and epoxyenoates with borane was developed to afford skipped dienoates and unconjugated enoates with trisubstituted Z‐alkene linked to asymmetric centers on one side or both sides. This reaction was successfully applied to the alternative synthesis of an antitumor active artificial analogue of torrubiellutin C. A geometric isomer for α,β‐unsaturated amide of the artificial analogue was also synthesized. These syntheses clarified the true structure of the antitumor active artificial analogue of torrubiellutin C.
Supramolecular Gels from Bis‐amides of L‐Phenylalanine: Synthesis, Structure and Material Applications
Authors: Manna Utsab , Roy Rajdip , Datta Hemanta Kumar , Dastidar Parthasarathi
Published: August 2022

A series of small organic molecules having a bis‐amide backbone containing hydrogen‐bond functionalities were rationally designed, synthesized and characterized to examine their ability to act as potential low‐molecular‐weight gelators (LMWGs). All the bis‐amides were decorated with identical 3‐pyridyl amide of L‐phenylalanine moieties along with variously substituted terminal benzoyl groups. Gelation studies revealed that only 4‐methylphenyl substituted bis‐amide (PME) was capable of gelling both aqueous (DMSO/water) and methyl salicylate (MS) (an important solvent for topical formulation for medical applications) solvents; whereas 4‐chlorophenyl and 4‐bromophenyl substituted bis‐amides (PCL, PBR, respectively) acted as organogelator for various organic solvents. On the contrary, 4‐nitrophenyl as well as 3,5‐dinitrophenyl substituted bis‐amides (PNI, DNI, respectively) were unable to gel any solvents studied herein. The corresponding aqueous gel namely PME‐HG and three methyl salicylate gels PME‐MS, PCL‐MS and PBR‐MS were characterized by dynamic and table top rheology followed by electron microscopy. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SXRD) data revealed crucial insights into the supramolecular assembly of all the gelator and nongelator bis‐amides. Both PME‐HG and PME‐MS were rheoreversible – an important property in material applications. Interestingly, PME‐MS displayed remarkable material properties such as shape‐sustaining, loadbearing and self‐healing. Selected MS and aqueous gels loaded with nano‐molar iodine were found to possess anti‐bacterial property as revealed by zone inhibition assay.
Structure analysis of lipid A species in Vibrio parahaemolyticus by constructing mutants lacking multiple secondary acyltransferases of lipid A
Authors: Ji Fan , Huang Danyang , Tan Xin , Guo Yong , Wang Zhen , Zhou Qing , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: August 2022

Four secondary acyltransferases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus lipid A encoded by VP_RS00880, VP_RS08405, VP_RS12170, and VP_RS01045 have been identified. In this study, mutants of V. parahaemolyticus were constructed by deleting two, three, or four of these genes. The double mutants showed similar growth pattern with the wild‐type, but the quadruple mutant VPW011 showed significant growth defect at both 37°C and 21°C. Lipid A samples were extracted from these mutants and analyzed by electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry. The double and triple mutants could synthesize hepta‐ and octa‐acylated lipid A species, while the quadruple mutant VPW011 could synthesize hexa‐ and hepta‐acylated lipid A. The results suggest that the four secondary acyltransferases could complement each other in V. parahaemolyticus. More importantly, additional secondary acyltransferases of lipid A might exist in V. parahaemolyticus and their activities might be as strong as the four known secondary acyltransferases. The unusual multiple secondary acyltransferases of lipid A might play roles in pathogenicity and antimicrobic resistance of V. parahaemolyticus.
GT‐biplot analysis of some biochemical characteristics and mineral composition of different sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) sprouts
Authors: Karaman Kevser , Kardeş Yusuf Murat , Doran Turhan , Akçura Mevlüt , Kaplan Mahmut
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives

The nutritional value of the sprouts has gained interest in recent years because of supplying to fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as antioxidants into the diet. The aim of the present study was to reveal the nutritional characteristics of the different sorghum genotypes exposed to sprouting process. For this purpose, some biochemical characteristics and basic mineral profiles of the sorghum sprouts were investigated.

Findings

According to the results, protein content ranged between 12.17% and 32.24% while the lowest total starch content was determined as to be 3.37% and the highest was 32.71%. Besides, dietary fiber content was in the range of 30.27%–46.42%. Total phenolic content and antiradical activity values of the sprouts were determined as in the range of 3.61–8.42 mg GAE/g and 11.63%–19.51%, respectively.

Conclusion

The results showed that the sprouting process improved the nutritional quality of sorghum compared to grains and also significant variation was observed among the genotypes in terms of examined properties.

Significance and Novelty

The results showed that the nutritional parameters especially phytic acid levels of the sorghum grains could be decreased by sprouting process.
In situ Grignard Metalation Method, Part II: Scope of the One‐Pot Synthesis of Organocalcium Compounds
Authors: Schüler Philipp , Sengupta Simon , Koch Alexander , Görls Helmar , Krieck Sven , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: August 2022

The in situ Grignard Metalation Method (iGMM) is a straightforward one‐pot strategy to synthesize alkaline‐earth metal amides in multi‐gram scale with high yields via addition of bromoethane to an ethereal suspension of a primary or secondary amine and magnesium (Part I) or calcium (Part II). This method is highly advantageous because no activation of calcium is required prior to the reaction. Contrary to the magnesium‐based iGMM, there are some limitations, the most conspicuous one is the large influence of steric factors. The preparation of Ca(hmds)2 succeeds smoothly within a few hours with excellent yields opening the opportunity to prepare large amounts of this reagent. Side reactions and transfer of the iGMM to substituted anilines and N‐heterocycles as well as other H‐acidic substrates such as cyclopentadienes are studied. Bulky amidines cannot be converted directly to calcium amidinates via the iGMM but stoichiometric calciation with Ca(hmds)2 enables their preparation.
Thioxanthylium Cations: Highly Reversible Hydrochromic Mate‐rials with Tunable Color and Moisture Sensitivity
Authors: Chua Ming Hui , Soo Xiang Yun Debbie , Goh Wei Peng , Png Zhuang Mao , Zhu Qiang , Xu Jianwei
Published: August 2022

Hydrochromic materials, which change color in response to moisture, are highly sought‐after due to some unique applications such as moisture detection, humidity monitoring, anti‐counterfeiting, and sweat‐pore mapping. We herein report a new thioxanthene‐9‐ols/thioxanthylium cations hydrochromic system. The hydrochromic thioxanthylium cations can be generated/regenerated by exposing a chemically stable thioxanthene‐9‐ol to trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The intensely colored thioxanthylium cations can be chemically reverted to the colorless thioxanthene‐9‐ol. Interestingly, the conversion between thioxanthene‐9‐ol and its cation species was found to be highly reversible in most cases (up to 50 activation‐deactivation cycles). The color and moisture‐sensitivity of thioxanthylium cations were also validated to be tunable via functionalization of the thioxanthene core with different aliphatic and aromatic groups at its 9 or 2,7‐positions. Finally, paper probes were prepared using solution‐immersion and inkjet‐printing techniques to demonstrate the system's potential applications in humidity sensing and anti‐counterfeiting
The Dowd–Beckwith Reaction: History, Strategies, and Synthetic Potential
Authors: Singha Tushar , Rouf Samim Mondal Abdur , Midya Suparnak , Prasad Hari Durga
Published: August 2022

Ring‐expansion strategies are valuable synthetic tools that take benefit of existing ring structures and evade the unfavorable enthalpic‐and entropic effects that arise with end‐to‐end cyclizations. One potentially important class of such reactions is the Dowd–Beckwith reaction, the ring‐expansion of ketones via alkoxy radicals. The exciting advancement in this research area is starting to show its potential, as demonstrated by applying this methodology in strategy‐level bond formation to synthesize complex natural products. This Review aims to provide the first comprehensive survey of the development of the Dowd–Beckwith reaction spanning three decades from the initial report to the present day, thus providing the readers with great detail about the contributions of this reaction to organic synthesis. We hope that this review will further disclose the salient features of the Dowd–Beckwith reaction for synthetic applications and encourage the development of new, more advanced applications.
Experiments with fluorescent indicators
Authors: Ducci Matthias
Published: August 2022

Lichterscheinungen und Farbe bzw. Farbänderungen sind zwei mögliche Phänomene in chemischen Systemen, welche einen faszinierenden Eindruck auf den Beobachter hinterlassen (können). Fluoreszenzindikatoren weisen beide Kennzeichen sogar vereint in sich auf. In der experimentellen Schulchemie werden sie jedoch selten berücksichtigt, obwohl ihre Verwendung vielfach möglich wäre. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden hierzu eine Reihe von Vorschlägen gemacht und zahlreiche Experimente genau beschrieben.
Coffee and tea consumption, patient‐reported, and clinical outcomes in a longitudinal study of patients with breast cancer
Authors: Soldato Davide , Havas Julie , Crane Tracy E. , Presti Daniele , Lapidari Pietro , Rassy Nathalie , Pistilli Barbara , Martin Elise , Del Mastro Lucia , Martin Anne‐Laure , Jacquet Alexandra , Coutant Charles , Cottu Paul , Merimeche Asma , Lerebours Florence , Tredan Olivier , Vanlemmens Laurence , André Fabrice , Vaz‐Luis Ines , Di Meglio Antonio
Published: August 2022

Background

Higher consumption of coffee and tea has been associated with improved health outcomes in the general population and improved breast cancer (BC) prognosis. This study investigated patterns of coffee and tea consumption and association with patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) and clinical outcomes among survivors of BC.

Methods

The authors included survivors of stage I–III BC enrolled in the CANTO cohort (NCT01993498) that provided post‐treatment assessment of coffee and tea consumption from years 1 to 4 after diagnosis. Group‐based trajectory modeling clustered patients according to daily consumption of coffee and tea. Multivariable mixed models and Cox models examined associations between consumption, PROs and clinical outcomes.

Results

Among 3788 patients, the authors identified four stable patterns of consumption: “Low” (25.8%), “Moderate” (37.6%), “High” (25.3%), and “Very high” (11.3%), corresponding to <1, 2, 3, and ≥ 4 cups of coffee and/or tea per day. Patients in the “Very high” group (vs. “Low”), were more likely to be younger, smokers, with higher monthly income and education. PROs and survival outcomes were similar across the four groups.

Conclusions

Over one in three survivors of BC reported high or very high consumption of coffee and/or tea. The authors found no association between higher consumption of coffee and/or tea, worse PROs and clinical outcomes.
Determinants of personal growth and life satisfaction in divorced adults
Authors: Lamela Diogo , Figueiredo Bárbara
Published: August 2022

Divorce is a major life event that can trigger sudden changes in how adults perceive themselves and operate in their social environments. Some previous evidence has documented changes in personality in reaction to marital dissolution. However, little is known about the determinants of personality development in the post‐divorce period. Guided by the positive personality development model in adulthood, this study examined sociodemographic characteristics, divorce‐related variables and personality‐related indicators as determinants of life satisfaction and personal growth in divorced adults. Participants included 460 divorced adults who completed self‐reported measures regarding sociodemographic characteristics, divorce‐related variables and personality development indicators. Results showed that autonomy, environmental mastery, self‐acceptance, emotional self‐regulation indicators and motivation for personality adjustment goals were associated with post‐divorce life satisfaction. Personal growth was associated with purpose in life, self‐expansion, psychological mindedness and motivation for personality growth goals. The sociodemographic characteristics and divorce‐related variables differently predicted life satisfaction and personal growth. We discussed the implications of the positive personality development model in understanding post‐divorce personality adjustment and maturity.
How accurate are teachers and support specialists when judging students' literacy skills? Special educational service as an external factor influencing judgements
Authors: Juhkam Maris , Soodla Piret , Aro Mikko
Published: August 2022

The aim of the study was to examine the accuracy of Estonian teachers' and support specialists' judgements of students' spelling skills and reading fluency and to investigate the provision of special education services to students as a factor influencing teachers' judgements. The sample included 11 classroom teachers, 8 support specialists, and 187 third‐grade students. The judgements were collected using scales, and students' literacy skills were assessed using group and individual tests. The results indicated that judgements of reading fluency were less accurate than those of spelling skills. In addition, the provision of special education services influenced teachers' judgements, directing them to identify students in need of help, even if the teacher did not initially assign the student to the low‐skilled group. Unexpectedly, teachers' judgements of the skills of students receiving special education services were slightly more accurate than support specialists' judgements.