bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renda, preço dos alimentos e participação de frutas e hortaliças na dieta
Authors: Claro Rafael Moreira , Carmo Heron Carlos Esvael do , Machado Flávia Mori Sarti , Monteiro Carlos Augusto
Published: June 2007

OBJETIVO: Analisar a influência da renda e preços dos alimentos sobre a participação de frutas, legumes e verduras no consumo alimentar das famílias. MÉTODOS: Os dados provêm da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares da Fundação Instituto de Pesquisas Econômicas 1998/99, no Município de São Paulo. A influência da renda e do preço dos alimentos sobre a participação de frutas, legumes e verduras no total calórico foi estudada utilizando-se técnicas de análise de regressão para estimação de coeficientes de elasticidade. RESULTADOS: Observou-se aumento da participação de frutas, legumes e verduras no total de calorias adquirido com a diminuição de seu próprio preço, elevação da renda familiar, e aumento do preço dos demais alimentos. Um por cento da diminuição de preço das frutas, legumes e verduras aumentaria em 0,2% sua participação no total calórico; 1% de aumento do preço dos demais alimentos reduziria em 0,07%, a participação; 1% de aumento da renda familiar aumentaria em 0,04% a participação. O efeito dos preços dos demais alimentos perdeu intensidade nos estratos de maior renda, e nos outros dois casos não se identificou um padrão consistente de relação com os estratos de renda. CONCLUSÕES: A redução de preço de frutas, legumes e verduras, possível de ser obtida por meio de políticas públicas, poderia aumentar a participação desses alimentos na dieta dos domicílios do município de São Paulo e em realidades urbanas semelhantes.
Oportunidades na indústria de medicamentos e a lógica do desenvolvimento local baseado nos biomas brasileiros: bases para a discussão de uma política nacional
Authors: Villas Bôas Glauco de Kruse , Gadelha Carlos Augusto Grabois
Published: June 2007

Este trabalho traz para a Saúde Pública a discussão de novos conceitos sobre o desenvolvimento tecnológico de medicamentos de origem vegetal, constatando as oportunidades no mercado da indústria farmacêutica tanto para a produção de medicamentos fitoterápicos quanto para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos a partir de moldes ou moléculas vegetais. As recentes premissas teóricas e científicas para o desenvolvimento sócio-econômico na "Era do Conhecimento", que consideram os Arranjos e Sistemas Produtivos Locais, podem assegurar a vantagem competitiva no setor dada a exuberância da flora e biodiversidade de cada bioma brasileiro.
Riscos ocupacionais para o câncer de laringe: um estudo caso-controle
Authors: Sartor Sergio Guerra , Eluf-Neto José , Travier Noemie , Wünsch Filho Victor , Arcuri Arline Sydneia Abel , Kowalski Luís Paulo , Boffetta Paolo
Published: June 2007

O tabagismo e o consumo de álcool são os fatores de risco mais bem estabelecidos para o câncer de laringe. Com relação aos fatores ocupacionais, o único carcinógeno estabelecido é a exposição a névoas de ácidos inorgânicos fortes. Entretanto, asbesto, pesticidas, tintas, gases de combustão de gasolina e diesel e poeiras, entre outros, aparecem na literatura como agentes ocupacionais que aumentam o risco de câncer de laringe. Um estudo caso-controle de base hospitalar foi conduzido para investigar fatores de risco ocupacionais para câncer de laringe. Foram coletadas informações detalhadas sobre tabagismo, consumo de álcool e história ocupacional de 122 casos de câncer de laringe e 187 controles pareados por freqüência (segundo sexo e idade). Encontrou-se risco aumentado de câncer de laringe nos indivíduos com exposição à sílica cristalina livre respirável (OR = 1,83; IC95%: 1,00-3,36), à fuligem (de carvão mineral, coque, madeira, óleo combustível) (OR = 1,78; IC95%: 1,03-3,03), a fumos em geral (OR = 2,55; IC95%: 1,14-5,67) e a animais vivos (OR = 1,80; IC95%: 1,02-3,19).
Patients Are Turning to TikTok for Health Information—Here’s What Clinicians Need to Know
Authors: Anderer Samantha
Published: March 2024

This Medical News article discusses research on health information being shared on the social media platform.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Telemedicine Use
Authors: Marcondes Felippe O. , Normand Sharon-Lise T. , Le Cook Benjamin , Huskamp Haiden A. , Rodriguez Jorge A. , Barnett Michael L. , Uscher-Pines Lori , Busch Alisa B. , Mehrotra Ateev
Published: March 2024

Importance

Individuals of racial and ethnic minority groups may be less likely to use telemedicine in part due to lack of access to technology (ie, digital divide). To date, some studies have found less telemedicine use by individuals of racial and ethnic minority groups compared with White individuals, and others have found the opposite. What explains these different findings is unclear.

Objective

To quantify racial and ethnic differences in the receipt of telemedicine and total visits with and without accounting for demographic and clinical characteristics and geography.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included individuals who were continuously enrolled in traditional Medicare from March 2020 to February 2022 or until death.

Exposure

Race and ethnicity, which was categorized as Black non-Hispanic, Hispanic, White non-Hispanic, other (defined as American Indian/Pacific Islander, Alaska Native, and Asian), and unknown/missing.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Total telemedicine visits (audio-video or audio); total visits (telemedicine or in-person) per individual during the study period. Multivariable models were used that sequentially adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics and geographic area to examine their association with differences in telemedicine and total visit utilization by documented race and ethnicity.

Results

In this national sample of 14 305 819 individuals, 7.4% reported that they were Black, 5.6% Hispanic, and 4.2% other race. In unadjusted results, compared with White individuals, Black individuals, Hispanic individuals, and individuals of other racial groups had 16.7 (95% CI, 16.1-17.3), 32.9 (95% CI, 32.3-33.6), and 20.9 (95% CI, 20.2-21.7) more telemedicine visits per 100 beneficiaries, respectively. After adjustment for clinical and demographic characteristics and geography, compared with White individuals, Black individuals, Hispanic individuals, and individuals of other racial groups had 7.9 (95% CI, −8.5 to −7.3), 13.2 (95% CI, −13.9 to −12.6), and 9.2 (95% CI, −10.0 to −8.5) fewer telemedicine visits per 100 beneficiaries, respectively. In unadjusted and fully adjusted models, and in 2019 and the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Black individuals, Hispanic individuals, and individuals of other racial groups continued to have fewer total visits than White individuals.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cross-sectional study of US Medicare enrollees suggest that although nationally, Black individuals, Hispanic individuals, and individuals of other racial groups received more telemedicine visits during the pandemic and disproportionately lived in geographic regions with higher telemedicine use, after controlling for geographic region, Black individuals, Hispanic individuals, and individuals of other racial groups received fewer telemedicine visits than White individuals.
Concomitant Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors With Oral Anticoagulants and Risk of Major Bleeding
Authors: Rahman Alvi A. , Platt Robert W. , Beradid Sarah , Boivin Jean-François , Rej Soham , Renoux Christel
Published: March 2024

Importance

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed antidepressants associated with a small increased risk of major bleeding. However, the risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of SSRIs and oral anticoagulants (OACs) has not been well characterized.

Objectives

To assess whether concomitant use of SSRIs with OACs is associated with an increased risk of major bleeding compared with OAC use alone, describe how the risk varies with duration of use, and identify key clinical characteristics modifying this risk.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A population-based, nested case-control study was conducted among patients with atrial fibrillation initiating OACs between January 2, 1998, and March 29, 2021. Patients were from approximately 2000 general practices in the UK contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. With the use of risk-set sampling, for each case of major bleeding during follow-up, up to 30 controls were selected from risk sets defined by the case and matched on age, sex, cohort entry date, and follow-up duration.

Exposures

Concomitant use of SSRIs and OACs (direct OACs and vitamin K antagonists [VKAs]) compared with OAC use alone.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of hospitalization for bleeding or death due to bleeding.

Results

There were 42 190 patients with major bleeding (mean [SD] age, 74.2 [9.3] years; 59.8% men) matched to 1 156 641 controls (mean [SD] age, 74.2 [9.3] years; 59.8% men). Concomitant use of SSRIs and OACs was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding compared with OACs alone (IRR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.24-1.42). The risk peaked during the initial months of treatment (first 30 days of use: IRR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.37-2.22) and persisted for up to 6 months. The risk did not vary with age, sex, history of bleeding, chronic kidney disease, and potency of SSRIs. An association was present both with concomitant use of SSRIs and direct OACs compared with direct OAC use alone (IRR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.12-1.40) and concomitant use of SSRIs and VKAs compared with VKA use alone (IRR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.25-1.47).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that among patients with atrial fibrillation, concomitant use of SSRIs and OACs was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding compared with OAC use alone, requiring close monitoring and management of risk factors for bleeding, particularly in the first few months of use.
Phloem Parenchyma
Authors: Kim Ji Yun , Frommer Wolf B
Published: March 2024

Phloem parenchyma is one of the key cell types constituting the phloem of angiosperms. Phloem parenchyma cells play essential roles in the transfer of diverse compounds, such as sucrose and amino acids, into the sieve element‐companion cell complex (SECCC). A fraction of the phloem parenchyma cells
trans
‐differentiate into phloem parenchyma transfer cells (PPTC) by developing plasma membrane amplification associated with cell wall ingrowth. The increased membrane surface area in PPTCs may create additional space for the transporters to localise thereby enhancing phloem loading efficiency. Recent advances in single‐cell sequencing and imaging techniques have provided new information on the potential roles of the phloem parenchyma, not only in the transport of nutrients but also in plant metabolism and defence mechanisms.

Key Concepts

The phloem consists of sieve elements, companion cells and phloem parenchyma cell types.

The phloem parenchyma cells play pivotal roles during phloem loading.

Certain phloem parenchyma cells undergo
trans
‐differentiation and develop cell wall ingrowth.

The entry of sucrose into the SECCC follows at least one of the two paths – the apoplasmic and/or the symplasmic pathway.

In
Arabidopsis
, SWEET11, SWEET12 and SWEET13, sucrose transporters are localised to the phloem parenchyma and efflux sucrose to the apoplasm. Sucrose in the apoplasm is actively taken up into the SECCC complex by SUT1/SUC2 proton‐coupled sucrose symporters for long‐distance transport.

Metabolic activities in the phloem parenchyma and the adjacent companion cells likely contribute to reshaping the metabolomes of the phloem and xylem.

The ontogenetic development of phloem parenchyma remains elusive, requiring future research activities.
Blumeria
graminis
f. sp.
avenae
Authors: Reilly Aisling , Kildea Steven , Finnan John , Feechan Angela
Published: March 2024

Blumeria graminis
f. sp.
avenae (Bga)
, the causal agent of powdery mildew disease on oats, is one of the most important diseases of oat production. The main control strategies include the use of fungicides and resistant cultivars. However, with the overuse of chemical controls and a dependency on a limited number of resistance genes, this pathogen is becoming more difficult to control and eradicate from the crop. To date, only 12 genes that confer resistance to
Bga
have been catalogued in oats, and only half of these are deployed in commercially available oat cultivars. Because of this, there is a constant need to understand the mechanisms underlying oat resistance and a demand for new durable forms of resistance.

Key Concepts

Bga
is the causal agent of powdery mildew disease in oats and a major limiting factor to oat yield and quality.

Genetic resistance is considered the most sustainable control method, to date 12 powdery mildew (Pm) resistance genes have been identified in oats.

Pre‐ and post‐penetration defence mechanisms, such as papillae formation, cell death and encasements contribute to oat plant defence against Bga infection.

New disease resistance may be sourced from wild oat relatives, but sterility barriers may cause breeding issues.

The published oat
MLO (Mildew Locus O)
gene family presents a potential opportunity for generating durable mlo‐based powdery mildew resistance in oats.
Carnosine and Inflammation
Authors: Caruso Giuseppe , Maugeri Salvatore , Privitera Anna , Lazzarino Giacomo , Lazzarino Giuseppe , Amorini Angela M
Published: March 2024

Inflammation represents a complex biological response of the body to dangerous stimuli such as pathogens and involves different types of cells including immune cells (e.g., astrocytes and microglia), blood vessels, and molecular mediators. The main function of inflammation is to eradicate the causes responsible for cell injury, remove dead cells and damaged tissues, and allow the beginning of tissue repair. Carnosine is a dipeptide composed by β‐alanine and
l
‐histidine possessing multiple functions that include anti‐aggregant, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities. Carnosine has also been shown to accelerate the wound‐healing process. Since numerous diseases are characterized by systemic and/or central inflammation such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and neurodegenerative disorders, this molecule could be of great interest.

Key Concepts

Carnosine is a naturally occurring molecule characterized by a multimodal mechanism of action.

The inflammatory process can be either short‐lived (acute; hours or days) or long‐lasting (chronic; months or years).

Numerous systemic and neurodegenerative diseases show common pathogenic mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation and aggregation phenomena such as diabetes and Alzheimer disease.

The versatile pharmacodynamic profile of carnosine including its anti‐inflammatory potential suggests a promising therapeutic potential in different diseases.

Inflammation represents a complex biological response of the body to dangerous stimuli and involves different cell types such as immune cells (eg., astrocytes and microglia), blood vessels, and molecular mediators.
Obesity: Its Status as a Disease
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn
Published: March 2024

Is obesity a disease? Yes, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other authoritative institutions say so, is the standard answer. However, by investigating these sources and some standard definitions of disease, the answer becomes much less obvious. According to naturalist and hybrid definitions of disease, obesity does not qualify as a disease, but according to several normativist conceptions of disease, it does. This undecidedness gives leeway for a wide range of pragmatic arguments for and against making obesity a disease. Using social conceptions of disease to make obesity a disease calls for careful reflection, as they may be based on contested aesthetic, moral and other social norms. History is full of examples where socially defined diseases later have been heavily criticised. Homosexuality, dissidency, drapetomania and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are some examples.

Key Concepts

Obesity is acknowledged as a disease by a wide range of organisations.

Obesity is commonly defined by having a body mass index (BMI) over 30.

Disease is defined as naturalistic, normativistic, or hybrid concepts.

The reasons for making obesity a disease are pragmatic and not principled.

It is easier to argue that obesity is a disease from normativist than from naturalist conceptions of disease.

Until more facts are available, and a wide range of key issues are solved, obesity's status as a disease remains speculative.
An Injectable Hydrogel System with Mild Photothermal Effects Combined with Ion Release for Osteosarcoma‐Related Bone Defect Repair
Authors: Yao Jiaxin , He Qiya , Zheng Xiaoyan , Shen Shihong , Hui Junfeng , Fan Daidi
Published: March 2024

Osteosarcoma, a common invasive malignant bone disease, presents therapeutic challenges due to the persistent problem of incomplete resection during surgical treatment. This often results in postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis, and large‐scale bone defects are difficult to self‐repair, seriously affecting patient health. In this study, a dual‐ion doped organic‐inorganic composited SOH1(CP)1 injectable hydrogel system is successfully designed and constructed. This system consists of sericin protein grafted with hydrazide bonds, oxidized chondroitin sulfate, Se and Mg co‐doped HAp nanorods, and polydopamine‐coated CaO2 nanospheres. The system displays strong anti‐tumor activity due to its mild photothermal effects combined with the chemotherapeutic efficacy of SeO32−. Because the degradation behavior of hydrogel matches the bone repair cycle, including the nutritional support of hydrogel skeleton degradation products to promote bone cell proliferation, and the positive regulation of Ca2+, Mg2+, and PO43− released via the degradation of inorganic nanoparticles to promote bone differentiation, the system shows excellent bone defect repair efficacy. Importantly, this system achieves 100% tumor inhibition after 18 days, while ensuring complete bone repair after 12 weeks. Hence, the SOH1(CP)1 injectable hydrogel system, which displays both high anti‐osteosarcoma efficacy and strong bone repair properties, can serve as a new tool for osteosarcoma‐related bone defect repair.
Biotechnological Effects of Advanced Smart‐Bile Acid Cyclodextrin‐Based Nanogels for Ear Delivery and Treatment of Hearing Loss
Authors: Kovacevic Bozica , Wagle Susbin Raj , Ionescu Corina Mihaela , Foster Thomas , Đanić Maja , Mikov Momir , Mooranian Armin , Al‐Salami Hani
Published: March 2024

Inner ear delivery requires safe and effective drug delivery vehicles incorporating high‐viscosity formulations with permeation enhancers. This study designs novel thermoresponsive‐smart polymer‐bile acid and cyclodextrin‐based nanogels for inner ear delivery. Nanogels are examined for their rheological and physical properties. The biocompatibility studies will be assessed on auditory and macrophage cell lines by investigating the impact of nanogels on cellular viability, mitochondrial respiration, glycolysis, intracellular oxidative stress, inflammatory profile, and macrophage polarization. Novel ther nanogels based on bile acid and beta‐cyclodextrin show preserved porous nanogels' inner structure, exhibit non‐Newtonian, shear‐thinning fluid behavior, have fast gelation at 37 °C and minimal albumin adsorption on the surface. The nanogels have minimal impact on cellular viability, mitochondrial respiration, glycolysis, intracellular oxidative stress, and inflammatory profile of the auditory cell line House Ear Institute‐Organ of Corti 1 after 24 h incubation. Nanogel exposure of 24 h to macrophage cell line RAW264.7 leads to decreased viability, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased intracellular ROS and inflammatory cytokines. However, polarization changes from M2 anti‐inflammatory to M1 pro‐inflammatory macrophages are minimal, and inflammatory products of RAW264.7 macrophages do not overly disrupt the survivability of HEI‐OC1 cells. Based on these results, thermoresponsive bile acid and cyclodextrin nanogels can be potential drug delivery vehicles for inner ear drug delivery.
Design of Mixed‐Matrix MOF Membranes with Asymmetric Filler Density and Intrinsic MOF/Polymer Compatibility for Enhanced Molecular Sieving
Authors: Hardian Rifan , Jia Jiangtao , Diaz‐Marquez Alejandro , Naskar Supriyo , Fan Dong , Shekhah Osama , Maurin Guillaume , Eddaoudi Mohamed , Szekely Gyorgy
Published: March 2024

The separation of high‐value‐added chemicals from organic solvents is important for many industries. Membrane‐based nanofiltration offers a more energy‐efficient separation than the conventional thermal processes. Conceivably, mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs), encompassing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as fillers, are poised to promote selective separation via molecular sieving, synergistically combining polymers flexibility and fine‐tuned porosity of MOFs. Nevertheless, conventional direct mixing of MOFs with polymer solutions results in underutilization of the MOF fillers owing to their uniform cross‐sectional distribution. Therefore, in this work, a multizoning technique is proposed to produce MMMs with an asymmetric‐filler density, in which the MOF fillers are distributed only on the surface of the membrane, and a seamless interface at the nanoscale. The design strategy demonstrates five times higher MOF surface coverage, which results in a solvent permeance five times higher than that of conventional MMMs while maintaining high selectivity. Practically, MOFs are paired with polymers of similar chemical nature to enhance their adhesion without the need for surface modification. The approach offers permanently accessible MOF porosity, which translates to effective molecular sieving, as exemplified by the polybenzimidazole and Zr–BI–fcu‐MOF system. The findings pave the way for the development of composite materials with a seamless interface.
Magnetic Fe‐Ni bimetallic oxide shell nanorods containing anti‐protein polymer segments for protein purification
Authors: Wang Ting , Lyu Yanting , Ahmad Mudasir , Zhang Baoliang
Published: March 2024

In this paper, BSA surface‐imprinted magnetic Fe‐Ni bimetallic oxide shell nanorods (m‐FeNi@MIPs@PCBMA) were prepared with the assistance of poly(3‐[[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethylammonium] propionate (PCBMA) in connection with the surface‐imprinting technique. The Fe‐Ni bimetallic oxide shell layer nanorods (m‐FeNi) with magnetic responsiveness simplified the separation and recovery process of adsorbed materials. The controlled introduction of PCBMA facilitated the reduction of protein non‐specific adsorption. At the optimal encapsulation ratio of 1:0.75 (Wm‐FeNi@MIPs: WCBMA), m‐FeNi@MIPs@PCBMA could adsorb 122.98 ± 5.00 mg/g of BSA within 80 min, and the value of the imprinting factor (IF) was also increased from 1.68 (m‐FeNi@MIPs) to 3.95. In the mixed protein adsorption and real sample separation experiments, m‐FeNi@MIPs@PCBMA could selectively separate BSA. Meanwhile, after seven adsorption–desorption experiments, the loss of BSA adsorption by the imprinted nanorods was only 15.9%, which had good reusability. Therefore, m‐FeNi@MIPs@PCBMA has a broader application prospect in the field of protein separation and purification.
Medical findings and congenital anomalies in Vermeer's paintings
Authors: Bianchi Diana W. , Scherjon Sicco A.
Published: March 2024

The 17th century was a time of scientific discovery in Europe. Leading academic centers provided the general population with an opportunity to view anatomic dissections of human bodies. Rather than portray idealized versions of individuals, Dutch painters were committed to accurately representing their models. This was true for Johannes Vermeer. The 2023 exhibition of Vermeer's paintings at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam provided an unprecedented opportunity to observe 28 of his 37 existing paintings simultaneously in person. Here the authors suggest that in at least eight paintings a visibly pregnant woman is present. Vermeer's wife was pregnant or lactating most of the time during their 22‐year marriage. Further, evidence of specific medical findings and congenital anomalies such as polydactyly, ectrodactyly, alopecia, kyphosis, and hyperthyroidism were observed in the paintings. These have not been previously reported in the medical or art history literature.
Pump and sway: Wild primates use compliant supports as a tool to augment leaping in the canopy
Authors: Janisch Judith , Myers Lydia C. , Schapker Nicole , Kirven Jack , Shapiro Liza J. , Young Jesse W.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Despite qualitative observations of wild primates pumping branches before leaping across gaps in the canopy, most studies have suggested that support compliance increases the energetic cost of arboreal leaping, thus limiting leaping performance. In this study, we quantified branch pumping behavior and tree swaying in wild primates to test the hypothesis that these behaviors improve leaping performance.

Materials and Methods

We recorded wild colobine monkeys crossing gaps in the canopy and quantitatively tracked the kinematics of both the monkey and the compliant support during behavioral sequences. We also empirically measured the compliance of a sample of locomotor supports in the monkeys' natural habitat, allowing us to quantify the resonant properties of substrates used during leaping.

Results

Analyses of three recordings show that adult red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus tephrosceles) use branch compliance to their advantage by actively pumping branches before leaping, augmenting their vertical velocity at take‐off. Quantitative modeling of branch resonance periods, based on empirical measurements of support compliance, suggests that monkeys specifically employed branch pumping on relatively thin branches with protracted periods of oscillation. Finally, an additional four recordings show that both red colobus and black and white colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) utilize tree swaying to cross large gaps, augmenting horizontal velocity at take‐off.

Discussion

This deliberate branch manipulation to produce a mechanical effect for stronger propulsion is consistent with the framework of instrumental problem‐solving. To our knowledge, this is the first study of wild primates which quantitatively shows how compliant branches can be used advantageously to augment locomotor performance.
Korrepondenz zu “Structure of Violet Phosphorus and Its Phosphorene Exfoliation”
Authors: Herbst‐Irmer Regine , Stalke Dietmar
Published: March 2024

Die Struktur, die in der im Titel genannten Publikation beschrieben wird (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59, 1074–1080), ist identisch zu der Struktur, die bereits 1969 von Thurn und Krebs veröffentlicht wurde und ist daher keine neue Modifikation.
Modular Weaving DNAzyme in Skeleton of DNA Nanocages for Photoactivatable Catalytic Activity Regulation
Authors: Zhao Hengzhi , Yi Deyu , Li Lele , Zhao Yuliang , Li Mengyuan
Published: March 2024

DNAzymes exhibit tremendous application potentials in the field of biosensing and gene regulation due to its unique catalytic function. However, spatiotemporally controlled regulation of DNAzyme activity remains a daunting challenge, which may cause nonspecific signal leakage or gene silencing of the catalytic systems. Here, we report a photochemical approach via modular weaving active DNAzyme into the skeleton of tetrahedral DNA nanocages (TDN) for light‐triggered on‐demand liberation of DNAzyme and thus conditional control of gene regulation activity. We demonstrate that the direct encoding of DNAzyme in TDN could improve the biostability of DNAzyme and ensure the delivery efficiency, comparing with the conventional surface anchoring strategy. Furthermore, the molecular weaving of the DNA nanostructures allows remote control of DNAzyme‐mediated gene regulation with high spatiotemporal precision of light. In addition, we demonstrate that the approach is applicable for controlled regulation of the gene editing functions of other functional nucleic acids.
On human cruelty
Authors: Akhtar Salman
Published: March 2024

Cruelty as a character trait and as a large‐group praxis has existed from times immemorial. It is witnessed among all religious, ethnic, and national groups. A complex phenomenon, cruelty has five features that refer to its being (i) destructive, (ii) intentional, (iii) pleasurable to the perpetrator, (iv) inhumane, and (v) unethical. The etiology of cruelty is complex and involves myriad biopsychosocial variables. Attempts at its amelioration center upon education, empathy‐building, and victim‐empowerment. All such proposals are thoroughly elucidated and illustrated with the help of clinical vignettes and socio‐historical events.
Geographic And Taxonomic Occurrence R‐based Scrubbing (gatoRs): An R package and workflow for processing biodiversity data
Authors: Patten Natalie N. , Gaynor Michelle L. , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S.
Published: March 2024

Premise

Digitized biodiversity data offer extensive information; however, obtaining and processing biodiversity data can be daunting. Complexities arise during data cleaning, such as identifying and removing problematic records. To address these issues, we created the R package Geographic And Taxonomic Occurrence R‐based Scrubbing (gatoRs).

Methods and Results

The gatoRs workflow includes functions that streamline downloading records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and Integrated Digitized Biocollections (iDigBio). We also created functions to clean downloaded specimen records. Unlike previous R packages, gatoRs accounts for differences in download structure between GBIF and iDigBio and allows for user control via interactive cleaning steps.

Conclusions

Our pipeline enables the scientific community to process biodiversity data efficiently and is accessible to the R coding novice. We anticipate that gatoRs will be useful for both established and beginning users. Furthermore, we expect our package will facilitate the introduction of biodiversity‐related concepts into the classroom via the use of herbarium specimens.
New approaches for low phototoxicity imaging of living cells and tissues
Authors: Kasprzycka Wiktoria , Szumigraj Wiktoria , Wachulak Przemysław , Trafny Elżbieta Anna
Published: March 2024

Fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool used in scientific and medical research, but it is inextricably linked to phototoxicity. Neglecting phototoxicity can lead to erroneous or inconclusive results. Recently, several reports have addressed this issue, but it is still underestimated by many researchers, even though it can lead to cell death. Phototoxicity can be reduced by appropriate microscopic techniques and carefully designed experiments. This review focuses on recent strategies to reduce phototoxicity in microscopic imaging of living cells and tissues. We describe digital image processing and new hardware solutions. We point out new modifications of microscopy methods and hope that this review will interest microscopy hardware engineers. Our aim is to underscore the challenges and potential solutions integral to the design of microscopy systems. Simultaneously, we intend to engage biologists, offering insight into the latest technological advancements in imaging that can enhance their understanding and practice.
Use of interactive mathematical simulations in Fundamentals of Biochemistry, a LibreText online educational resource, to promote understanding of dynamic reactions
Authors: Jakubowski Henry V. , Agnew Henry , Jardine Bartholomew , Sauro Herbert M.
Published: March 2024

Biology is perhaps the most complex of the sciences, given the incredible variety of chemical species that are interconnected in spatial and temporal pathways that are daunting to understand. Their interconnections lead to emergent properties such as memory, consciousness, and recognition of self and non‐self. To understand how these interconnected reactions lead to cellular life characterized by activation, inhibition, regulation, homeostasis, and adaptation, computational analyses and simulations are essential, a fact recognized by the biological communities. At the same time, students struggle to understand and apply binding and kinetic analyses for the simplest reactions such as the irreversible first‐order conversion of a single reactant to a product. This likely results from cognitive difficulties in combining structural, chemical, mathematical, and textual descriptions of binding and catalytic reactions. To help students better understand dynamic reactions and their analyses, we have introduced two kinds of interactive graphs and simulations into the online educational resource, Fundamentals of Biochemistry, a LibreText biochemistry book. One is available for simple binding and kinetic reactions. The other displays progress curves (concentrations vs. time) for simple reactions and complex metabolic and signal transduction pathways. Users can move sliders to change dissociation and kinetic constants as well as initial concentrations and see instantaneous changes in the graphs. They can also export data into a spreadsheet for further processing, such as producing derivative Lineweaver‐Burk and traditional Michaelis–Menten graphs of initial velocity (v0) versus substrate concentration.
Dynamic map‐making technology and the application in geographic information science
Authors: Wanwu Li , Lin Liu , Hui Zhang , Jinhong Li
Published: March 2024

The dynamic map is applied instead of traditional static maps in the teaching of geographic information science (GIS)‐related majors so as to meet the need for teaching animations and teaching interaction in new teaching methods such as mobile personalized learning, massive open online course, and Flipped Classroom. The research introduces the concept and the making tools of dynamic maps, studies the making principles and key technologies of dynamic maps, and constructs the relevant theories such as the “frame” model based on time granularity, the dynamic interpolation algorithm based on spatial characteristics, dynamic symbolic logic model, and algorithm. Based on the above principles and theories, taking a dynamic map of the change in the population of each city in Shandong province as an example, the research demonstrates the making method and process of the dynamic maps for teaching with Flash MX. At last, it analyzes the role of dynamic map in GIS‐related courses teaching and evaluates the teaching effect of dynamic maps.
Advanced Hybrid Molecular Imprinted Polymers for Antibiotics Remediation from Wastewater
Authors: Mumtaz Fatima , Atif Muhammad , Naz Farah , Li Baosong , Wang Kean , AlShehhi Maryam Rashed
Published: March 2024

Increasing contamination of water bodies with antibiotics has necessitated the development of novel mitigation methods. Many studies have applied adsorption and photocatalytic processes using different nanoparticles, metal‐organic frameworks, etc., as sorbents and photocatalysts for antibiotics removal. Among these materials, the development of molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) is desirable owing to their low cost, structural predictability, detection at deficient concentrations, and versatile applicability. These attributes further encouraged researchers to fabricate hybrid MIP‐based materials to abate antibiotic contamination in wastewater. This review summarizes recent studies that deal with conventional and hybrid MIPs such as MIPs‐hybrid carbon nanomaterials, magnetic nanomaterials, advanced MIP‐based sensors, and photocatalytic materials MIPs for synergic adsorption/separation of antibiotic residuals from wastewater. Economic perspectives of the emerging hybrid materials are also discussed. Some limitations, research gaps, and future potentials for further advancement and efficient remediation results are outlined.
Management of an undetectable Diverticular Bleed: A Case Report and Literature review
Authors: Rentiya Zubir S. , Palle Lokeshwar Raaju Addi , Emmanuel Sanni , Shah Heeya , Adegbite Abiodun , Chu Carredo Carlo Kristian , Blanco Montecino Ronald Mauricio , Asfeen Ummul Z. , Hussain Akbar , Akuma Ogbonnaya , Khan Aadil Mahmood , Kelechi Anasonye Emmanuel
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Diverticular bleeding is the most common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and accounts for 20.8%–41.6% of cases in the Western world. Management involves initial resuscitation followed by diagnostic assessment. Colonoscopy is the investigation of choice as it localizes the bleed and has the potential to effectively deliver therapeutic interventions. Other diagnostic modalities include flexible sigmoidoscopy, a tagged red blood cell scan, or angiography. In cases where the bleeding source cannot be identified, intraoperative enteroscopy has emerged as a valuable tool for investigating obscure gastroenterology bleeds in specific patients. In this case report, we describe the management of a 77‐year‐old male with recently diagnosed pan‐colonic diverticulosis who presented with multiple episodes of rectal bleeding and syncope. Due to his declining hemodynamic status and failed endoscopy and embolization, he was taken to surgery for a colectomy. Intraoperative colonoscopy was utilized to facilitate accurate identification of the pathology, assessment of anastomotic patency, and detection of surgical complications. This case report attempts to portray how the incorporation of endo‐videoscopy into surgical planning has the potential to enhance patient outcomes and represent a significant advancement in the field of minimally invasive surgery.
Infected femoral artery pseudoaneurysm ligation and revascularisation: A case report
Authors: Alhewy Mohammed Alsagheer , Ghazala Ehab Abd Elmoneim , Gado Hassan , Abd‐Elgawad Wael Abdo Abdo , Khamis Ahmed Atef
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Although ligating femoral pseudoaneurysm is a safe procedure, some cases require revascularization, and the appropriate treatment should be tailored to the patient.

In this case report, we highlight the challenge in treating infected femoral artery pseudoaneurysm. The patient, a 37‐year‐old male intravenous drug abuser, presented to the emergency department with a 2‐month history of a progressively growing lump over his right groin. Two days before the presentation the swelling became hot and painful. After physical examination, it was revealed that the localized swelling is about 15 × 15 cm in size. It is pulsating, expanding in all directions, moving from side to side, and has been reduced in size due to proximal artery compression with the inflamed overlying skin causing slight flexion of the right hip joint and there was serosanguineous discharge as well. The affected leg was warm with intact motor and sensory function, palpable femoral, and popliteal arterial pulses, but non‐palpable left posterior tibial and anterior tibial arterial pulses, both of which had triphasic wave signals on a portable hand‐held Doppler (there was below knee marked edema). CT angiography (CTA) revealed a large well‐defined heterogeneous cystic structure at the right groin with an average diameter of 11 × 10 × 9 cm, with a connection with the common femoral artery. After proximal and distal control, excision of the infected femoral pseudoaneurysm, a swab was taken, and ligation of the common femoral artery superficial femoral artery, and profunda femoral artery. No signals were detected on the posterior or anterior tibial arteries by hand‐held Doppler and oxygen saturation on the big toe was markedly decreased, so we did an extra‐anatomic lateral ilio‐femoral anastomosis using silver‐impregnated vascular graft.
PROTOCOL: Factors influencing the implementation of non‐pharmacological interventions for behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia in residential aged care homes: A systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Ayeno Hunduma Dinsa , Kassie Gizat M. , Atee Mustafa , Nguyen Tuan
Published: March 2024

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review. The objectives are as follows. This paper aims to describe a protocol for a systematic review that will synthesise the qualitative evidence regarding factors influencing the implementation of non‐pharmacological interventions (NPIs) for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) management in residential aged care homes (RACHs). The planned systematic review aims to answer the research question: ‘What are the factors influencing the implementation of NPIs in the management of BPSD at RACHs?’. Additionally, the planned systematic review also aims to generate recommendations to guide stakeholders (e.g., clinicians and aged care staff) and policymakers in the implementation of NPIs for managing BPSD at RACHs.
Remediation of petroleum‐contaminated soil by Fenton oxidation–pyrolysis
Authors: Gu Meixia , Zhou Guangxue , Zhu Wei , Guo Shuhai , Dong Jianing , Tian Lingyan , Dai Hongbo , Kong Dehui , Yin Xiaoshuang , Lou Bin , Wen Fushan , Shi Nan , Liu Dong
Published: March 2024

Petroleum‐contaminated soil (PCS) is urgently to be remediated due to its risk to ecological environment and human health. In this study, a Fenton oxidation–pyrolysis strategy was employed to accomplish effective petroleum removal and PCS remediation. The highest total petroleum hydrocarbon removal efficiency could achieve 99.6% after 2 h Fenton oxidation, with H2O2/Fe2+, 6:1, and pH 3, followed by pyrolysis at 370°C. The organic compositions of the soil after Fenton oxidation, the kinetics and process of the pyrolysis, morphologies and structures of the treated soil, as well as energy consumption and cost savings were comprehensively researched and analyzed. Through the Fenton oxidation–pyrolysis treatment, the macromolecules were effectively degraded and the contents of asphaltenes and resins were significantly reduced in the soil. Graphitized carbon was dominatingly existed after the pyrolysis. A 1.5 order reaction model was proposed to reasonably describe the pyrolysis remediation process of PCS. The Fenton oxidation–pyrolysis treatment can reduce energy consumption and cost compared with pyrolysis alone. This work not only offered an alternative approach of PCS remediation, but also provided theoretical guidance for practical soil remediation.
Clinical Pharmacology of GP40321 (Insulin Glulisine Biosimilar): Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Comparability in a Hyperinsulinemic‐Euglycemic Clamp Procedure
Authors: Koksharova Ekaterina , Drai Roman , Noskov Sergei , Dorotenko Artem , Protsenko Ekaterina , Radaeva Kseniia , Arefeva Anna , Gefen Maria , Galstyan Gagik , Makarenko Igor
Published: March 2024

The aim of the study was to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of T‐glu (GP40321, test drug), and reference insulin glulisine in a hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp procedure. During this study, 34 healthy male volunteers underwent the hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp procedure following subcutaneous 0.3 U/kg injection of T‐glu or reference insulin glulisine in a randomized, double‐blind, crossover study. Plasma glucose levels were monitored every 5 minutes for 8 hours. Glucose infusion rate adjustment was based on the blood glucose measurements. Evaluation of PD was performed using the glucose infusion rate values, while PK was calculated using insulin concentrations measured via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The study results showed that the 90% CI for the geometric mean ratios of primary PK and PD of T‐glu and reference insulin glulisine were within 80%‐125% comparability limits, and that the safety profiles were comparable. PK, PD, and safety similarity of T‐glu and reference insulin glulisine was demonstrated.
Effect of Surface Functional Groups on the Electronic Behavior and Optical Spectra of Mn2N Based MXenes
Authors: Ul Haq Bakhtiar , Kim Se‐Hun , Rasool Chaudhry Aijaz , AlFaify S. , Butt Faheem K. , Tahir S. A. , Ahmed R. , Laref A.
Published: March 2024

The extensive applications of MXenes, a novel type of layered materials known for their favorable characteristics, have sparked significant interest. This research focuses on investigating the influence of surface functionalization on the behavior of Mn2NTx (Tx=O2, F2) MXenes monolayers using the “Density functional theory (DFT) based full‐potential linearized augmented‐plane‐wave (FP‐LAPW)” method. We elucidate the differences in the physical properties of Mn2NTx through the influence of F and O surface functional groups. We found that O‐termination results in half‐metallic behavior, whereas the F‐termination evolves metallic characteristics within these MXene systems. Similarly, surface termination has effectively influenced their optical absorption efficiency. For instance, Mn2NO2 and Mn2NF2 effectively absorb UV light ~50.15×104 cm−1 and 37.71×104 cm−1, respectively. Additionally, they demonstrated prominent refraction and reflection characteristics, which are comprehensively discussed in the present work. Our predictions offer valuable perspectives into the optical and electronic characteristics of Mn2NTx‐based MXenes, presenting the promising potential for implementing them in diverse optoelectronic devices.
Phase Diagrams of Anthracene Derivatives in Pyridinium Ionic Liquids
Authors: Watanabe Satoshi , Ono Keigo , Nakayama Rinsuke , Tajiri Kaho , Inouchi Shun , Matsuo Takumi , Kunitake Masashi , Hayashi Shotaro
Published: March 2024

Crystal engineering for single crystallization of π‐conjugated molecules has attracted much attention because of their electronic, photonic, and mechanical properties. However, reproducibility is a problem in conventional printing techniques because control of solvent evaporation is difficult. We investigated the phase diagrams of two anthracene derivatives in synthesized ionic liquids for non‐volatile crystal engineering to determine the critical points for nucleation and crystal growth. Anthracene and 9,10‐dibromoanthracene were used as representative π‐conjugated molecules that form crystal structures with different packing types. Ionic liquids with an alkylpyridinium cation and bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide were good solvents for the anthracene derivatives from ca. 0 °C to 200 °C. The solubilities (critical points for crystal growth) of the anthracene derivatives in the ionic liquids reached the 100 mM level, which is similar to those in organic solvents. Ionic liquids with phenyl and octyl groups tended to show high‐temperature dependence (a high dissolution entropy) with 9,10‐dibromoanthracene. The precipitation temperature (critical point for crystal nucleation) at each 9,10‐dibromoanthracene concentration was lower than the dissolution temperature. The differences between the dissolution and precipitation temperatures (supersaturated region) in the ionic liquids were greater than those in an organic solvent.
Tuning Properties of Layered Materials Based on Hexagonal Boron Nitride by Methylation: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Mazarei Elham , Saalfrank Peter
Published: March 2024

In this work, the rational design of optoelectronic properties of two‐dimensional materials based on hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) by functionalization by methyl (CH3) groups is proposed. Using density functional theory, we examine the functionalization of single‐ or double‐layer systems with either CH3 radicals alone or with both CH3 (cations) and chlorine (anions), i. e., under conditions of homolytic or heterolytic splitting of CH3Cl precursor molecules, respectively. Different degrees of methylation (coverages) are considered. The methylation of pure h‐BN leads to a reduction of the band gap, while in h‐BN/G heterostructures (with methylated graphene layer), methylation increases the band gap. As a consequence, h‐BN/G heterostructures offer a high tunability of their optoelectronic properties. To guide possible experiments, vibrational properties and spectra of methylated h‐BN and methylated h‐BN/G are determined.