bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc Complexes Supported by Hydroxyl‐Containing Schiff‐Base Ligands as Efficient Catalysts for the Borylation of Aryl Iodides
Authors: Wu Mengxiang , Jia Chaohong , Chen Ling , Gao Xue , Wang Biqin , Li Yahong
Published: June 2024

The application of a series of hydroxyl‐containing Schiff‐base ligands in the synthesis of zinc complexes is reported. The substituents on the benzene rings, the positions of the C=N double bonds, and the ratio of the ligands to ZnEt2 affect the nuclearities of the zinc compounds. Complexes of various nuclearities were prepared, ranging from trinuclear cluster and dinuclear complexes to mononuclear compounds. Treatment of HL1 (HL1=2‐(((1‐(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl)‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)methylene) amino)phenol) with one equivalent of ZnEt2 generated a trinuclear compound [(L1)ZnEt]3 ⋅ 0.8Tol (1 ⋅ 0.8Tol). Three dinuclear compounds [(L2)ZnEt]2 ⋅ Tol (2 ⋅ Tol), [(L3)ZnEt]2 (3), and [(L4)ZnEt]2 (4), and two mononuclear complexes [(L5)ZnEt] (5) and [(L6)ZnEt] (6) were formed by the reactions of HL2−HL6, respectively, with ZnEt2. The HL2−HL6 ligands were obtained by slightly modifying the backbone of the HL1 ligand. Three homoleptic compounds [(L1)2Zn] ⋅ THF (7 ⋅ THF), [(L4)2Zn] ⋅ Tol (8 ⋅ Tol), and [(L5)2Zn] (9) were afforded by changing the ratio of the ligands to ZnEt2 from 1 : 1 (compounds 1 ⋅ 0.8Tol, 4 and 5) to 1 : 0.5. The catalytic potential of all nine compounds for the borylation of aryl iodides by B2Pin2 was explored. The catalytic activity of 2 ⋅ Tol was the highest. The reactions catalyzed by 2 ⋅ Tol possess the features of high functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope.
Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Indoles and Carbazoles from o‐ Alkenyl (Alkyl) Anilines via C−H Amination Cyclization
Authors: Zhao Yinglin , Yang Xuesu , Zhu Yifei , Yuan Yuqin , Wang Ruitong , Liu Renhua
Published: June 2024

Various indoles and carbazoles were synthesized from o‐alkenyl anilines and o‐aryl anilines by the β‐C(sp2)−H bond amination cyclization without any oxidants or hydrogen acceptors. Likewise, employing o‐alkyl anilines as substrates, indole products are also obtained by the β‐C(sp3)−H bond amination cyclization, and dehydrogenation. In this cross‐dehydrogenative coupling, many different functional groups are tolerated, and hydrogen gas is the only by‐product, thereby providing an intrinsically waste‐free approach for the synthesis of indoles and carbazoles.
Processing improvement of response and stability of strain sensor based on CNT‐bioplastic composite for estimation of elbow angles
Authors: Tippo Posak , Maruthappan Manikandan , Ručman Stefan , Jumrus Nidchamon , Kantarak Ekkapong , Sroila Wattikon , Thongsuwan Wiradej , Wiranwetchayan Orawan , Thongpan Winai , Kumpika Tewasin , Singjai Pisith
Published: June 2024

Bioplastic is an emerging candidate for replacing traditional fossil‐based plastics due to its fewer carbon emissions, ease of recycling, and high degradability. Current research has shown that bioplastics benefit many applications, such as packaging, kitchenware, drug delivery, and sensors. However, high electrical resistance and poor stability of bioplastic are barriers to electronic components in robotic, bionic, and exoskeleton applications. Here, we introduce a novel bioplastic application as a strain sensor to estimate elbow angles for controlling exoskeletons. This study utilized extracted agar from red algae as the matrix, incorporating various concentrations of carbon nanotube (CNT) as a filler. The results were remarkable, with the increase in filler concentration not only improving strain from 0.8 to 1.1 but also stress from 35.2 to 45.8 kPa, surpassing commercial plastic by approximately two times. The optimized sensors have a response time of 0.16 s, a recovery time of 0.25 s, and stability over 10,000 cycles. Furthermore, the CNT‐bioplastic sensor is seamlessly integrated with the exoskeleton. Our work is a significant step toward using bioplastic in electronic applications.
Developing Asparagaceae1726: An Asparagaceae‐specific probe set targeting 1726 loci for Hyb‐Seq and phylogenomics in the family
Authors: Bentz Philip C. , Leebens‐Mack Jim
Published: June 2024

Premise

Target sequence capture (Hyb‐Seq) is a cost‐effective sequencing strategy that employs RNA probes to enrich for specific genomic sequences. By targeting conserved low‐copy orthologs, Hyb‐Seq enables efficient phylogenomic investigations. Here, we present Asparagaceae1726—a Hyb‐Seq probe set targeting 1726 low‐copy nuclear genes for phylogenomics in the angiosperm family Asparagaceae—which will aid the often‐challenging delineation and resolution of evolutionary relationships within Asparagaceae.

Methods

Here we describe and validate the Asparagaceae1726 probe set (https://github.com/bentzpc/Asparagaceae1726) in six of the seven subfamilies of Asparagaceae. We perform phylogenomic analyses with these 1726 loci and evaluate how inclusion of paralogs and bycatch plastome sequences can enhance phylogenomic inference with target‐enriched data sets.

Results

We recovered at least 82% of target orthologs from all sampled taxa, and phylogenomic analyses resulted in strong support for all subfamilial relationships. Additionally, topology and branch support were congruent between analyses with and without inclusion of target paralogs, suggesting that paralogs had limited effect on phylogenomic inference.

Discussion

Asparagaceae1726 is effective across the family and enables the generation of robust data sets for phylogenomics of any Asparagaceae taxon. Asparagaceae1726 establishes a standardized set of loci for phylogenomic analysis in Asparagaceae, which we hope will be widely used for extensible and reproducible investigations of diversification in the family.
Advancements in biogas: effect of pulsed feeding with corn screen residues on pig manure properties and microbial variability
Authors: Galván María José , Degano Salvador , Cagnolo Mara , Badin Francisco , Acevedo Diego , Becker Analía
Published: June 2024

This research focuses on the impact of pulsed feeding of corn residues on biogas production from pig manure. It also analyzes the properties and microbial diversity in the resulting product. The study highlights the increasing global demand for pork and the resulting environmental challenges, such as effluent management, and suggests that biogas production can be a sustainable solution. The research was conducted at a model farm in Argentina and involved evaluating biogas production and microbial variability at different stages of the pulsed feeding process. The results showed a significant decrease in the chemical and biochemical oxygen demands after the degassing process, indicating a reduction in organic matter. The biogas composition improved with an increase in methane and a reduction in volatile fatty acids. There was also an increase in biogas and methane production and a decrease in methane production lag time, indicating an improvement in anaerobic digestion efficiency. Microbiological analysis revealed a reduction in microbial diversity during pulsed feeding, indicating the adaptation of the microbial community to new conditions. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of pulsed feeding of corn residues to enhance biogas production from pig manure, with significant implications for effluent management in pork production and sustainable biogas production.
Recent advances of piezo‐catalysis and photocatalysis for efficient environmental remediation
Authors: Alshammari Khaled F.
Published: June 2024

The efficient degradation of organic pollutants in diverse environmental matrices can be achieved through the synergistic application of piezo‐catalysis and photocatalysis. The focus of this study is on understanding the fundamental principles and mechanisms that govern the collaborative action of piezoelectric and photocatalytic materials. Piezoelectric nanomaterials, under mechanical stress, generate piezo‐potential, which, when coupled with photocatalysts, enhances the generation and separation of charge carriers. The resulting cascade of redox reactions promotes the degradation of a wide spectrum of organic pollutants. The comprehensive investigation involves a variety of experimental techniques, including advanced spectroscopy and microscopy, to elucidate the intricate interplay between mechanical and photoinduced processes. The influence of key parameters, such as material composition, morphology, and external stimuli on the catalytic performance, is systematically explored. This study contributes to the increasing knowledge of environmental remediation and lays the foundation for the development of advanced technologies using piezo and photocatalysis for sustainable pollutant removal.
Evaluation of hydrolyzed cheese whey medium for enhanced bacterial cellulose production by Komagataeibacter rhaeticus MSCL 1463
Authors: Kolesovs Sergejs , Neiberts Kristaps , Semjonovs Pavels , Beluns Sergejs , Platnieks Oskars , Gaidukovs Sergejs
Published: June 2024

Industrial production of bacterial cellulose (BC) remains challenging due to significant production costs, including the choice of appropriate growth media. This research focuses on optimization of cheese whey (CW) based media for enhanced production of BC. Two modifications were made for CW medium for BC production with Komagataeibacter rhaeticus MSCL 1463. BC production in a medium of enzymatically hydrolyzed CW (final concentration of monosaccharides: glucose 0.13 g L−1, galactose 1.24 g L−1) was significantly enhanced, achieving a yield of 4.95 ± 0.25 g L−1, which markedly surpasses the yields obtained with the standard Hestrin‐Schramm (HS) medium containing 20 g L−1 glucose and acid‐hydrolyzed CW (final concentration of monosaccharides: glucose 1.15 g L−1, galactose 2.01 g L−1), which yielded 3.29 ± 0.12 g L−1 and 1.01 ± 0.14 g L−1, respectively. We explored the synergistic effects of combining CW with various agricultural by‐products (corn steep liquor (CSL), apple juice, and sugar beet molasses). Notably, the supplementation with 15% corn steep liquor significantly enhanced BC productivity, achieving 6.97 ± 0.17 g L−1. A comprehensive analysis of the BC's physical and mechanical properties indicated significant alterations in fiber diameter (62–167 nm), crystallinity index (71.1–85.9%), and specific strength (35–82 MPa × cm3 g−1), as well as changes in the density (1.1–1.4 g cm−3). Hydrolyzed CW medium supplemented by CSL could be used for effective production of BC.
The adverse childhood experiences—International questionnaire in clinical and at‐risk samples worldwide: A systematic review (part II)
Authors: Pace Cecilia Serena , Muzi Stefania , Rogier Guyonne , Ballestracci Elena , Mazzola Ginevra
Published: June 2024

This systematic review aimed to (1) synthesize average means and prevalence rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) measured by the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE‐IQ) in clinical and at‐risk samples; (2) discuss the ACE‐IQ prevalence and means according to participants' gender, age (both adults and <18 years old), and geographic area; (3) map relationships between ACE‐IQ scores and other outcomes; (4) detect methodological issues in studies. PRISMA guidelines were followed, searching studies in seven academic databases, including retrieval of grey literature. After screening, 23 studies were included. Results revealed the following: (1) several clinical (e.g., mood disorders and substance abuse) and at‐risk (e.g., criminal and low‐income) conditions were studied, with an average 4.93 mean and 81.74% prevalence of total ACEs; (2) there is a lack of data on males, with the prevalence of domestic violence and physical neglect being especially marked in minors, and no studies involving European and North‐American at‐risk samples; (3) ACE‐IQ scores were mostly related to substance abuse and risk‐taking behaviours; (4) major methodological issues were not‐randomized/convenience sampling techniques and a lack of methodological information on sample and procedure. In conclusion, the ACE‐IQ seems a promising tool in clinical/at‐risk samples, but more studies are needed to answer all research questions.
Electrospinning engineering of gas electrodes for high‐performance lithium–gas batteries
Authors: Wang Jingzhao , Chen Xin , Wang Jianan , Cui Xiangming , Wang Ze , Zhang Guangpeng , Lyu Wei , Shkunov Maxim , Silva S. Ravi P. , Liao Yaozu , Yang Kai , Yan Wei
Published: June 2024

Lithium–gas batteries (LGBs) have garnered significant attention due to their impressive high‐energy densities and unique gas conversion capability. Nevertheless, the practical application of LGBs faces substantial challenges, including sluggish gas conversion kinetics inducing in low‐rate performance and high overpotential, along with limited electrochemical reversibility leading to poor cycle life. The imperative task is to develop gas electrodes with remarkable catalytic activity, abundant active sites, and exceptional electrochemical stability. Electrospinning, a versatile and well‐established technique for fabricating fibrous nanomaterials, has been extensively explored in LGB applications. In this work, we emphasize the critical structure–property for ideal gas electrodes and summarize the advancement of employing electrospun nanofibers (NFs) for performance enhancement in LGBs. Beyond elucidating the fundamental principles of LGBs and the electrospinning technique, we focus on the systematic design of electrospun NF‐based gas electrodes regarding optimal structural fabrication, catalyst handling and activation, and catalytic site optimization, as well as considerations for large‐scale implementation. The demonstrated principles and regulations for electrode design are expected to inspire broad applications in catalyst‐based energy applications.
Regulating Lewis Acid‐Base Sites over Fenton System for Enhancing Degradation of Pollutants in Saline and Buffered Wastewater†
Authors: Chen Zhuan , Li Jun , Yang Bo , Cao Jiazhen , Zhu Lingli , Xing Mingyang
Published: June 2024

Comprehensive Summary

The saline and buffered environment in actual wastewater imposes higher demands on Fenton and Fenton‐like catalytic systems. This study developed a MoS2 co‐catalytic Fe2O3 Fenton‐like system with controllable Lewis acid‐base sites, achieving efficient treatment of various model pollutants and actual industrial wastewater under neutral buffered environment. The acidic microenvironment structured by the edge S sites (Lewis basic sites) in the MoS2/Fe2O3 catalyst is susceptible to the influence of Lewis acidic sites constructed by Mo and Fe element, affecting catalytic performance. Optimizing the ratio of precursor amounts ensures the stable presence of the acidic microenvironment on the surface of catalyst, enabling the beneficial co‐catalytic effect of Mo sites to be realized. Furthermore, it transcends the rigid constraints imposed by the Fenton reaction on reaction environments, thereby expanding the applicability of commonplace oxides such as Fe2O3 in actual industrial water remediation.
The Effect of Different Statin‐Based Lipid‐Lowering Strategies on C‐Reactive Protein Levels in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Xue Zhimin , Ye Miao , Jiang Hangpan , Li Duanbin , Hong Xulin , Chen Zhezhe , Li Ya , Zhou Binquan , Zhang Wenbin , Wang Miaoyun
Published: June 2024

Background

Statins are lipid‐lowering drugs with favorable anti‐inflammatory effects. This study aimed to explore different statin‐based lipid‐lowering strategies to reduce high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP).

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that different statin‐based lipid‐lowering strategies might reduce hs‐CRP.

Methods

This retrospective study included 3653 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Three statin‐based lipid‐lowering strategies were investigated, including different types of statins (atorvastatin vs. rosuvastatin), statin combined with ezetimibe therapy (vs. without), and intensive statin therapy (vs. regular). The hs‐CRP levels and blood lipid indicators were measured at baseline and after 1‐month lipid‐lowering therapy. Multivariable linear regression analysis and structural equation mode analysis were conducted to verify the association between different lipid‐lowering strategies, Δhs‐CRP (%) and ΔLDL‐C (%).

Results

Totally, 3653 patients were enrolled with an average age of 63.81 years. Multivariable linear regression demonstrated that statin combined with ezetimibe therapy was significantly associated with decreased Δhs‐CRP (%) (β = −0.253, 95% CI: [−0.501 to −0.005], p = 0.045). The increased ΔLDL‐C (%) was an independent predictor of elevated levels of Δhs‐CRP (%) (β = 0.487, 95% CI: [0.15−0.824], p = 0.005). Furthermore, structural equation model analysis proved that statin combined with ezetimibe therapy (β = −0.300, p < 0.001) and intensive statin therapy (β = −0.032, p = 0.043) had an indirect negative effect on Δhs‐CRP via ΔLDL‐C.

Conclusions

Compared with routine statin use, statin combined with ezetimibe therapy and intensive statin therapy could further reduce hs‐CRP levels.
Inhibition Clathrin Mediated Endocytosis: Pitstop 1 and Pitstop 2 Chimeras
Authors: Prichard Kate , Chau Ngoc , Xue Jing , Krauss Michael , Sakoff Jennette A. , Gilbert Jayne , Bahnik Claudia , Muehlbauer Maria , Radetzki Silke , Robinson Phillip J. , Haucke Volker , McCluskey Adam
Published: June 2024

Twenty‐five chimera compounds of Pitstop 1 and 2 were synthesised and screened for their ability to block the clathrin terminal domain‐amphiphysin protein‐protein interaction (NTD‐PPI using an ELISA) and clathrin mediated endocytosis (CME) in cells. Library 1 was based on Pitstop 2, but no notable clathrin PPI or in‐cell activity was observed. With the Pitstop 1, 16 analogues were produced with 1,8‐naphthalic imide core as a foundation. Analogues with methylene spaced linkers and simple amides showed a modest to good range of PPI inhibition (7.6–42.5 μM, naphthyl 39 and 4‐nitrophenyl 40 respectively) activity. These data reveal the importance of the naphthalene sulfonate moiety, with no des‐SO3 analogue displaying PPI inhibition. This was consistent with the observed analogue docked poses within the clathrin terminal domain Site 1 binding pocket. Further modifications targeted the naphthalene imide moiety, with the installation of 5‐Br (45 a), 5‐OH (45 c) and 5‐propyl ether (45 d) moieties. Among them, the OH 45 c and propyl ether 45 d retained PPI inhibition, with propyl ether 45 d being the most active with a PPI inhibition IC50=7.3 μM. This is 2x more potent than Pitstop 2 and 3x more potent than Pitstop 1.
Azologs of the Fatty Acid Mimetic Drug Cinalukast Enable Light‐Induced PPARα Activation
Authors: Sai Minh , van Herwijnen Niels , Merk Daniel
Published: June 2024

Photo‐switchable nuclear receptor modulators (“photohormones”) enable spatial and temporal control over transcription factor activity and are valuable precision tools for biological studies. We have developed a new photohormone chemotype by incorporating a light‐switchable motif in the scaffold of a cinalukast‐derived PPARα ligand and tuned light‐controlled activity by systematic structural variation. An optimized photohormone exhibited PPARα agonism in its light‐induced (Z)‐configuration and strong selectivity over related lipid‐activated transcription factors representing a valuable addition to the collection of light‐controlled tools to study nuclear receptor activity.
Evidence of Energy and Hole Transfer between 2D CdSe0.7Te0.3 Alloy NPLs with Porphyrin Molecules
Authors: Ghosh Pameli , Medda Anusri , Ghosh Soubhik , Patra Amitava
Published: June 2024

Colloidal two‐dimensional (2D) nanoplatelets (NPLs) have been extensively studied owing to promising potential in optoelectronic applications. Here, we have reported the preparation of 2D CdSeTe alloy NPLs and investigated their energy and charge transfer with porphyrin molecules. The red shifting in the optical properties suggests the change in the band gaps. Furthermore, the energy and the charge transfer are evident in the composite of CdSeTe alloy NPLs with 5,10,15,20‐tetra(4pyridyl)‐porphyrin (TpyP) molecules. The quenching in the photoluminescence (PL) spectra and PL decay time supports the energy transfer (~61 % efficiency) and the charge transfer. The thermodynamically feasible hole transfer is evidenced by the band alignment of the alloy NPLs and TpyP molecules, which is further supported by a transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) study. The TA study found the hole transfer within ~3 ps time scale, proving the effective charge carrier separation for better optoelectronic applications.
Elevating the Performance of Heterometallic 3d/4f SMMs: The Role of Diamagnetic CoIII and ZnII Ions in Magnetization Dynamics
Authors: Vipanchi  , Vignesh Kuduva R. , Armenis Alexandros S. , Alexandropoulos Dimitris I. , Stamatatos Theocharis C.
Published: June 2024

Recent advances in the synthesis of 3d/4f Single‐Molecule Magnets (SMMs) have revealed the effective role of incorporating diamagnetic CoIII or ZnII ions to enhance the magnetic properties of LnIII ions. This concept highlights notable examples of CoIII/LnIII and ZnII/LnIII SMMs documented in the recent literature, illustrating how the selection of various peripheral and/or bridging ligands can modulate the magnetic anisotropy of 4f metal ions, thereby increasing their energy barriers.
Validation of a novel alcohol‐free preservative solution in comparison with conventional prefixation on quality of serous body fluid smears
Authors: Ambalaparambil Anagha , Perumal Prasanna Venkadesa , Gochhait Debasis , Siddaraju Neelaiah
Published: June 2024

Background

We describe a novel alcohol‐free preservative composed of glucose, mannitol, disodium hydrogen orthophosphate, thymol, and distilled water (glucose‐mannitol–disodium dihydrogen orhtophosphate‐thymol [GMDT] preservative) in appropriate proportion as an alternative to alcohol prefixation (APF) of body fluids.

Objectives

To assess the cytomorphologic preservation and staining quality of serous body fluid smears generated by GMDT preservative and compare it with smears processed by standard 50% APF.

Methodology

The study comprised 151 effusion samples. Each sample was equally divided into four tubes. Equal volumes of APF and GMDT preservatives were added to the first two tubes and left at room temperature for 24 h. Similarly, the corresponding preservatives were added to the third and fourth tubes and stored for 48 h. Two smears were prepared from the centrifuged sediments of each tube (all four tubes) and stained with May‐Grünwald Giemsa and Papanicolaou (Pap) stains. Using a three‐tiered scoring system, the smear examination was blinded to assess the extent of cellular preservation and the staining quality by two cytotechnologists and two cytopathologists. Statistical analysis was performed by STATA 16.0.

Results

Samples processed with the GMDT preservative at 24 h showed better cytoplasmic preservation and smear background, while nuclear features and staining quality showed no difference between the two preservatives. Mild cytoplasmic and nuclear degenerative changes were noted with the GMDT at 48 h, while all four parameters remained similar with APF at 24 and 48 h.

Conclusions

The newly developed alcohol‐free, GMDT preservative, could be a feasible and cost‐effective alternative to 50% APF, preferably when samples are processed within 24 h.
White‐tailed deer population dynamics in a multipredator landscape shaped by humans
Authors: Ganz Taylor R. , Bassing Sarah B. , DeVivo Melia T. , Gardner Beth , Kertson Brian N. , Satterfield Lauren C. , Shipley Lisa A. , Turnock Benjamin Y. , Walker Savanah L. , Abrahamson Derek , Wirsing Aaron J. , Prugh Laura R.
Published: June 2024

Large terrestrial mammals increasingly rely on human‐modified landscapes as anthropogenic footprints expand. Land management activities such as timber harvest, agriculture, and roads can influence prey population dynamics by altering forage resources and predation risk via changes in habitat, but these effects are not well understood in regions with diverse and changing predator guilds. In northeastern Washington state, USA, white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are vulnerable to multiple carnivores, including recently returned gray wolves (Canis lupus), within a highly human‐modified landscape. To understand the factors governing predator–prey dynamics in a human context, we radio‐collared 280 white‐tailed deer, 33 bobcats (Lynx rufus), 50 cougars (Puma concolor), 28 coyotes (C. latrans), and 14 wolves between 2016 and 2021. We first estimated deer vital rates and used a stage‐structured matrix model to estimate their population growth rate. During the study, we observed a stable to declining deer population (lambda = 0.97, 95% confidence interval: 0.88, 1.05), with 74% of Monte Carlo simulations indicating population decrease and 26% of simulations indicating population increase. We then fit Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate how predator exposure, use of human‐modified landscapes, and winter severity influenced deer survival and used these relationships to evaluate impacts on overall population growth. We found that the population growth rate was dually influenced by a negative direct effect of apex predators and a positive effect of timber harvest and agricultural areas. Cougars had a stronger effect on deer population dynamics than wolves, and mesopredators had little influence on the deer population growth rate. Areas of recent timber harvest had 55% more forage biomass than older forests, but horizontal visibility did not differ, suggesting that timber harvest did not influence predation risk. Although proximity to roads did not affect the overall population growth rate, vehicle collisions caused a substantial proportion of deer mortalities, and reducing these collisions could be a win–win for deer and humans. The influence of apex predators and forage indicates a dual limitation by top‐down and bottom‐up factors in this highly human‐modified system, suggesting that a reduction in apex predators would intensify density‐dependent regulation of the deer population owing to limited forage availability.
Quantifying impacts of recreation on elk (Cervus canadensis) using novel modeling approaches
Authors: Procko Michael , Winder Samantha G. , Wood Spencer A. , Sevigny Michael , Collins Dylan G. , Alves Molly , Prugh Laura R.
Published: June 2024

Recreation is known to impact wildlife by displacing and sometimes contributing to the extirpation of sensitive species, underscoring a need for policies that balance wildlife and recreation. This is especially pressing when Indigenous rights necessitate ecological integrity and sustainable populations of wildlife throughout traditional territories. In the Cascade Mountain Range of Washington, USA, Indigenous harvest of elk (Cervus canadensis) is declining, concurrent with increases in recreation. Yet, the nature and magnitude of the effects of recreation on elk are unknown, which prevents land managers from developing informed policies regarding recreation and wildlife management. Here, we use camera traps alongside visitation models that incorporate geolocated social media to quantify the impacts of recreation on elk in western Washington. Random forest models show elk detection rates are relatively constant at low levels of recreation (0–11 people/day), but decrease by over 41% when recreation increases from 12 to 22 people/day. Activity overlap analysis also revealed a shift toward increased evening activity by elk at cameras with higher‐than‐average recreation (∆ = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.61–0.88; χ2 = 7.79, p = 0.02). Generalized additive modeling confirms that elk are more crepuscular or nocturnal at camera locations with more than 10 hiker detections per day. We compare methods for estimating recreation, showing model‐based estimates are more informative than camera‐based estimates. This indicates that recreational intensity along and in the immediate vicinity of trails may be a better predictor of impacts on wildlife than camera‐based estimates that quantify recreational intensity at specific locations along trails. We stress the importance of examining the impacts of recreation on wildlife across multiple spatiotemporal scales and underscore how novel approaches can provide land managers valuable tools to develop management strategies that balance recreation and wildlife. We hope that our work can also serve as a strong example of collaboration between universities, state agencies, and sovereign Indigenous nations toward the broader goal of mitigating the negative impacts of recreation on wildlife.
A Homochiral Hexagadolinium Phosphonate Cluster: Structure, Chiral Electrochemical Recognition and a Large Magnetocaloric Effect
Authors: Qian Qing‐Qing , Huang Jian , Jia Jia‐Ge , Wu Qiong , Ren Min , Zheng Li‐Min
Published: June 2024

Chiral lanthanide clusters have promising applications in chiral recognition, magneto‐optical memories, and spintronic devices. Nonetheless, the precise prediction and controlled development of homochiral polynuclear Ln‐complexes is still a challenge. Herein, through multidentate chelate synthetic strategy, a new homochiral hexagadolinium phosphonate cluster designated as R/S‐[Gd6(pmhpH)8(NO3)2(H2O)8]⋅19H2O (R/S‐1) was successfully obtained by reacting chiral phosphonomethylhomoproline(pmhpH3) with Gd(III) salt. The cluster, shaped like a lantern, is constructed from {GdO8} polyhedra and {PO3C} tetrahedra surrounded by eight pmhpH2− ligands. Within the structure, two types of gadolinium ions with different coordination modes are observed. Each Gd(III) ion is bound to two carboxylate oxygens and six phosphonate oxygens from the coordinated pmhpH2− ligands. Circular dichroism spectra comfirmed that R/S‐1 exists as a pair of enantiomers. Moreover, the cluster exhibits high thermal stability, decomposing at temperatures exceeding 335 °C. Notably, the chiral cluster materials can be used for enantiomeric recognition for tryptophan (Trp) with the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) peak current ratio (ID/IL) 2.74. Besides, the magnetic measurements revealed that compound R‐1 exhibits a good magnetocaloric effect (MCE) with a maximum entropy change of −ΔSmmax=36.84 Jkg−1 K−1 at T=2 K and ΔH=7 T.
Performance augmentation of photovoltaic solar chimneys using asphalt material
Authors: Saleh Mansour J. , Atallah Faris S. , Ahmed Omer K. , Algburi Sameer
Published: June 2024

In this study, an experimental model of a photovoltaic (PV) solar chimney (SC) was built and study the extent to which the asphalt material, being a phase‐change material, affects its performance electrical and thermal. Results were taken for the two systems: The photovoltaic solar chimney which contains phase change material (SCPV‐PCM), and the photovoltaic solar chimney which does not contain phase change material (SCPV). The finding demonstrated that the PCM affects the SCPV electrical and thermal performance; the results were as follows: The electrical power for the SCPV‐PCM system increased during the day and its highest value at noon was 384.34 W, and then it began to decrease. The SCPV system had a higher power at the end of the test, 73.24 W, due to the lower temperature of the PV panel. The highest electrical efficiency was for the SCPV‐PCM system at the beginning of the test, reaching the highest value of 13.12%, then it decreased at the end of the test to be less than the SCPV system at 5:00 pm. The thermal efficiency of the SCPV‐PCM arrangement is lesser than the arrangement that does not contain PCM, reaching its highest value at noon, which was 57.1% for the SCPV system. The total efficiency of the SCPV‐PCM system is lesser than the SCPV system from the beginning of the test until 3:30 pm approximately, reaching its highest value of 68.05% at noon.
The orchestrated feature of Cornus kousa fruit and gut microbiota against obesity via integrated pharmacology
Authors: Oh Ki‐Kwang , Yoon Sang‐Jun , Lee Sang Youn , Sharma Satya Priya , Won Sung‐Min , Jeong Jin‐Ju , Kim Dong Joon , Suk Ki‐Tae
Published: June 2024

Cornus kousa fruit (CKF) has been utilized as anti‐obesity supplementation in East Asia, including Korea, and gut microbiota (GM) might have synergistic effects on obesity (OB) via its interplay. We aimed to decode molecule(s), mechanism(s), and target(s) on interplay between CKF and GM via network pharmacology analysis. The final targets were analyzed by protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and a bubble plot. The GM interacted with significant targets identified by the gutMGene database. The relationships among CKF or GM, signaling pathways, targets, and molecules (CGSTM) were plotted by R package. Finally, molecular docking assay and density functional theory (DFT) were performed to validate its affinity. The final targets (22) were selected on OB‐responded targets, indicating that interleukin‐6 (IL6) was the most crucial protein‐coding target on PPI networks. A bubble plot and CGSTM networks suggested that the advanced glycation end‐receptor for advanced glycation end products signaling pathway in diabetic complications is inhibited by CKF and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway is activated by GM. As the most stable conformers, IL6‐equol complex was attributed to GM, and PPAR alpha‐linoleic acid, PPAR delta‐stearic acid, and fatty acid–binding protein 4‐dimethyl 2,3‐bis(1,3‐dimethylindol‐2‐yl) fumarate complex were attributed to CKF. Noticeably, stearic acid was removed by DFT analysis; all other three molecules were proposed as good electron donators with the higher electronegativity compared with a standard drug (Orlistat). This study shows that integrated pharmacological analysis can enable to decode the unknown relationships between CKF and GM. Overall, this study reveals that the combination of CKF and favorable GM might exert dual therapeutic effects on OB.
Myelinated peripheral axons are more vulnerable to mechanical trauma in a model of enlarged axonal diameters
Authors: Gargareta Vasiliki‐Ilya , Berghoff Stefan A. , Krauter Doris , Hümmert Sophie , Marshall‐Phelps Katy L. H. , Möbius Wiebke , Nave Klaus‐Armin , Fledrich Robert , Werner Hauke B. , Eichel‐Vogel Maria A.
Published: June 2024

The velocity of axonal impulse propagation is facilitated by myelination and axonal diameters. Both parameters are frequently impaired in peripheral nerve disorders, but it is not known if the diameters of myelinated axons affect the liability to injury or the efficiency of functional recovery. Mice lacking the adaxonal myelin protein chemokine‐like factor‐like MARVEL‐transmembrane domain‐containing family member‐6 (CMTM6) specifically from Schwann cells (SCs) display appropriate myelination but increased diameters of peripheral axons. Here we subjected Cmtm6‐cKo mice as a model of enlarged axonal diameters to a mild sciatic nerve compression injury that causes temporarily reduced axonal diameters but otherwise comparatively moderate pathology of the axon/myelin‐unit. Notably, both of these pathological features were worsened in Cmtm6‐cKo compared to genotype‐control mice early post‐injury. The increase of axonal diameters caused by CMTM6‐deficiency thus does not override their injury‐dependent decrease. Accordingly, we did not detect signs of improved regeneration or functional recovery after nerve compression in Cmtm6‐cKo mice; depleting CMTM6 in SCs is thus not a promising strategy toward enhanced recovery after nerve injury. Conversely, the exacerbated axonal damage in Cmtm6‐cKo nerves early post‐injury coincided with both enhanced immune response including foamy macrophages and SCs and transiently reduced grip strength. Our observations support the concept that larger peripheral axons are particularly susceptible toward mechanical trauma.
Systematic review of adherence to swallow and trismus exercises during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Charters Emma , Ricketts Virginia , Sharman Ashleigh R. , Clark Jonathan
Published: June 2024

Understanding the barriers and facilitators for prophylactic swallowing and trismus exercises for patients undergoing radiation to the head and neck may help exercise adherence. The analysis reviews all published reports of exercise adherence with a critical appraisal following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 137 potential papers were identified; 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly reported facilitators for swallowing and trismus exercises were regular clinician contact and online resources to reinforce instructions, set goals, and manage radiation toxicities. Social support and perceived benefit from exercises were also reported to be of help. The most common barriers to exercise were radiation toxicities, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed with information, and not understanding the reason for the exercises. Understanding facilitators and barriers to adherence is critical when designing exercise interventions for patients undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with sepsis identified by the Sepsis‐3 criteria by blood and urine culture results: A multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Ling , Baker Jannah , Saavedra Aldo , Suster Carl , Moscova Michelle , Iredell Jonathan , Shetty Amith
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

Blood and urine are the most common culture testing for sepsis patients. This study aimed to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes of sepsis patients by blood and urine culture positivity and to identify factors associated with positive cultures.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients aged ≥16 years with sepsis identified by the Sepsis‐3 criteria presenting to the emergency department at four hospitals between 2017 and 2019 in Australia. Patient clinical outcomes were in‐hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital length of stay, and representation following discharge. Four culture groups were defined based on the positivity of blood cultures (BC) and urine cultures (UC) ordered within 24 h of triage.

Results

Of 4109 patient encounters with sepsis, 2730 (66%) were nonbacteremic, urine culture‐negative (BC−UC−); 767 (19%) nonbacteremic, urine culture‐positive (BC−UC+); 359 (9%) bacteremic, urine culture‐negative (BC+UC−); and 253 (6%) bacteremic, urine culture‐positive (BC+UC+). Compared with BC−UC− patients, BC+UC− patients had the highest risk of ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 95% CI: 1.60 [1.18–2.18]) while BC−UC+ patients had lowest risk (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.56 [0.41–0.76]). BC+UC− patients had the highest risk of 3‐day representation (AOR: 1.51 [1.02–2.25]) and second longest hospital stay (adjusted relative risk 1.17 [1.03–1.34]). Antibiotic administration before sample collection for culture was associated with lower odds of positive blood or urine culture results (AOR: 0.38, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Enhanced clinical care should be beneficial for nongenitourinary sepsis patients (BC+UC−) who had the highest comparative risk of adverse clinical outcomes. Every effort needs to be made to collect relevant culture samples before antibiotic administration, to follow up on culture results, and tailor treatment accordingly.
The role of TLC, RDW, and ESR in predicting short‐term prognosis among admitted patients with acute ischemic stroke: Insights from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: KC Suman , KC Rupak , Yadav Birendra Kumar , Basnet Birat , Basnet Anjuli
Published: June 2024

Background

Stroke is the third most common cause of disability and the second most common cause of death worldwide. Prognosis assessment in acute ischemic stroke is challenging for clinicians. The development of simple and easily performed prognostic markers that correlate with the outcome of patients can be of immense benefit. The aim of this study was to find out the prognostic significance of total leukocyte count, red cell distribution width and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted in a tertiary center after ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. The study period spanned from April 18, 2022 to June 17, 2023, a period of 14 months. 136 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke with total leukocyte count (TLC), red cell distribution width (RDW), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were included in the study after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was obtained 28 days following admission. Data was collected and analyzed through Microsoft Excel 365 and SPSS version 22. Spearman Correlation and multivariate regression analysis were used to analyze the association.

Results

TLC, RDW, and ESR were significantly associated with an mRS at 28 days showing a positive correlation between them. Total in‐hospital mortality has been significantly associated with TLC only (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The prognostic value of TLC, RDW, and ESR in patients with acute ischemic stroke was found to be significant and similar to the studies done in similar settings.
Multiplex assays reveal anti‐EBV antibody profile and its implication in detection and diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ma Lin , Wang Tong‐Min , He Yong‐Qiao , Liao Ying , Yan Xiao , Yang Da‐Wei , Wang Rui‐Hua , Li Fa‐Jun , Jia Wei‐Hua , Feng Lin
Published: June 2024

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is detected in nearly 100% of nonkeratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and EBV‐based biomarkers are used for NPC screening in endemic regions. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) against EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) and viral capsid antigen (VCA), and recently identified anti‐BNLF2b antibodies have been shown to be the most effective screening tool; however, the screening efficacy still needs to be improved. This study developed a multiplex serological assay by testing IgA and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against representative EBV antigens that are highly transcribed in NPC and/or function crucially in viral reactivation, including BALFs, BNLF2a/b, LF1, LF2, and Zta (BZLF1). Among them, BNLF2b‐IgG had the best performance distinguishing NPC patients from controls (area under the curve: 0.951, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.913–0.990). Antibodies to lytic antigens BALF2 and VCA were significantly higher in advanced‐stage than in early‐stage tumors; in contrast, antibodies to latent protein EBNA1 and early lytic antigen BNLF2b were not correlated with tumor progression. Accordingly, a novel strategy combining EBNA1‐IgA and BNLF2b‐IgG was proposed and validated improving the integrated discrimination by 15.8% (95% CI: 9.8%–21.7%, p < .0001) compared with the two‐antibody method. Furthermore, we found EBV antibody profile in patients was more complicated compared with that in healthy carriers, in which stronger correlations between antibodies against different phases of antigens were observed. Overall, our serological assay indicated that aberrant latent infection of EBV in nasopharyngeal epithelial cells was probably a key step in NPC initiation, while more lytic protein expression might be involved in NPC progression.
Coping among South Asian individuals living with chronic illnesses: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Younas Ahtisham , Zeb Hussan , Inayat Shahzad , Aziz Faisal
Published: June 2024

Individuals' coping differs based on sociocultural determinants and the nature of illness. This study developed a coping typology for South Asians with chronic illnesses and differentiated the coping profiles based on sociocultural determinants. Individuals (n = 384) with chronic illness were recruited. The Brief COPE scale was used for data collection and latent profile analysis for typology development. The class differences were examined in terms of age, gender, socioeconomic status, education, type of family, smoking, primary decision maker in the family, type of community, number of years living with chronic illness and type of health care services used. Latent profile analysis supported four class model: Avoider‐Emotion (n = 34, 9%), Problem‐Emotion (n = 128, 33.9%), Problem‐Avoider (n = 55, 14.6%) and Emotion‐Avoider (n = 161, 42.6%) copers. Comparison of classes across chronic illness showed that individuals with chronic respiratory disorders were Emotion‐Avoider and Avoider‐Emotion copers, those with cardiac problems were Problem‐Emotional and Problem‐Avoiders copers, those with renal problems were Emotional‐Avoiders and Problem‐Emotions copers, and individuals with mental health issues were mainly Problem‐Emotional and Emotion‐Avoider copers. These class differences were statistically different (χ2 = 134, df = 18, p < .001). The findings can be useful for developing coping programmes for South Asian populations in low‐ and middle‐income countries and South Asian immigrants.
Weakly Supervised Breast Cancer Classification on WSI Using Transformer and Graph Attention Network
Authors: Li Mingze , Zhang Bingbing , Sun Jian , Zhang Jianxin , Liu Bin , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2024

Recently, multiple instance learning (MIL) has been successfully used in weakly supervised breast cancer classification on whole‐slide imaging (WSI) and has become an important assistance for breast cancer diagnosis. However, existing MIL methods have limitations in considering the global contextual information of pathological images. Additionally, their ability to handle spatial relationships among instances should also be improved. Therefore, inspired by transformer and graph deep learning, this study proposes a novel classification method of WSI breast cancer pathological images based on BiFormer and graph attention network (BIMIL‐GAT). In the first stage of instance selection, BiFormer utilizes the two‐stage self‐attention computation mechanism from coarse‐grained region to fine‐grained region to strengthen the global feature extraction ability, which can obtain accurate pivotal instances. Simultaneously, the aim of the second stage is to effectively strengthen the spatial correlation between instances through GAT, thereby improving the accuracy of bag‐level prediction. The experimental results show that BIMIL‐GAT achieves the area under curve (AUC) value of 95.92% on the Cameylon‐16 dataset, which outperforms the baseline model by 3.36%. In addition, our method also shows strong competitiveness in the MSK external extended dataset, which further proves its effectiveness and advancement.
3D printed scaffolds with quercetin and vitamin D3 nanocarriers: In vitro cellular evaluation
Authors: Bose Susmita , Chaudhari Vishal Sharad , Kushram Priya
Published: June 2024

Increasing bone diseases and anomalies significantly challenge bone regeneration, necessitating the development of innovative implantable devices for effective healing. This study explores the potential of 3D‐printed calcium phosphate (CaP) scaffolds functionalized with natural medicine to address this issue. Specifically, quercetin and vitamin D3 (QVD) encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles (QVD‐SLNs) are incorporated into the scaffold to enhance bone regeneration. The melt emulsification method is utilized to achieve high drug encapsulation efficiency (~98%) and controlled biphasic release kinetics. The process‐structure–property performance of these systems allows more controlled release while maintaining healthy cell–material interactions. The functionalized scaffolds show ~1.3‐ and ~‐1.6‐fold increase in osteoblast cell proliferation and differentiation, respectively, as compared with the control. The treated scaffold demonstrates a reduction in osteoclastic activity as compared with the control. The QVD‐SLN‐loaded scaffolds show ~4.2‐fold in vitro chemopreventive potential against osteosarcoma cells. Bacterial assessment with both Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa shows a significant reduction in bacterial colony growth over the treated scaffold. These findings summarize that the release of QVD‐SLNs through a 3D‐printed CaP scaffold can treat various bone‐related disorders for low or non‐load‐bearing applications.