bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening stabilisers for cyanoenone triterpenoid TX101 in rat plasma samples by simultaneous analysis of parent drug and the epoxidation product
Authors: Tian Lynn , Tian Qingguo , Tamer Edward
Published: January 2024

In the development of bioanalytical methods, stabilizing drug molecules in biological matrices is crucial for ensuring reliable exposure data in pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic sample analyses. This study focuses on the evaluation of stabilizing effects on the synthetic triterpenoid TX101, a cyanoenone triterpenoid Nrf2 activator with known instability in plasma samples. The molecule's unsaturated double bond is susceptible to oxidation, either nonenzymatically via oxygen or enzymatically through cytochrome P450 enzyme‐catalyzed epoxidation. The research explores the impact of antioxidants (L‐ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite) and P450 enzyme inhibitors (sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, memantine hydrochloride, 1‐aminobenzotriazole) on TX101 stability in rat plasma samples. Results reveal that adding 2.5 mg/mL sodium sulfite or sodium metabisulfite effectively inhibits the nonenzymatic oxidation of TX101 to TX101‐epoxide, while L‐ascorbic acid shows minimal stabilizing effect. Among P450 enzyme inhibitors, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate and memantine hydrochloride exhibit modest stabilizing effects, likely attributed to their antioxidant activity. The developed High‐formance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method, incorporating Supported Liquid Extraction for sample cleanup, allows simultaneous monitoring of TX101 and TX101‐epoxide. Application of this method in a rat dose‐range finding study confirms successful inhibition of TX101‐epoxide formation in samples treated with sodium sulfite or sodium metabisulfite. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of stabilizers in preventing nonenzymatic oxidation reactions during sample storage, providing valuable insights for bioanalytical method development and validation.
Lipophrys pholis is larger, grows faster and is in better condition in protected than in unprotected rocky shores
Authors: Compaire Jesus C. , Visintini Natalia , Soriguer Milagrosa C. , Johnson Magnus L. , Hull Susan L. , Barrett Christopher J.
Published: January 2024

Intertidal fish are a key component of littoral food webs, contributing to the diets of birds and commercial fish species. Ascertaining their growth and condition can therefore help understand the health status of local communities.

Lipophrys pholis is a fish of the rocky intertidal with a wide distribution throughout the North‐eastern Atlantic (NE Atlantic) that has been recommended for use as an indicator in the environmental biomonitoring of marine ecosystems. However, it is unclear yet if this species is sensitive to the reserve effect.

In this study, the size, growth and body condition of specimens caught at protected and unprotected rocky shores of two contrasting marine provinces of the NE Atlantic were analysed to address whether L. pholis is sensitive to the reserve effect.

L. pholis were larger, grew faster in weight and were in better condition in the protected shores of both provinces. A faster growth rate was observed in the populations of the warmer province.

Inshore waters of unprotected sites in the Northern European Seas sampled in this study have recently been incorporated into a protected area. Thus, these results can help assess the success of the marine conservation programme and the time L. pholis needs to improve its population's health at these shores.

Regulating access to shores to avoid trampling and harvesting is a protection measure that can help enhance the health and conservation of L. pholis populations.
Limitations of the modified blackbody fit method for determining molecular cloud properties
Authors: Zielinski Niko , Wolf Sebastian
Published: January 2024

Achieving a comprehensive understanding of the star and planet formation process is one of the fundamental tasks of astrophysics, requiring detailed knowledge of the physical conditions during the different phases of this process. During the earliest stages, that is, concerning physical processes in molecular clouds and filaments, the column density N(H2), dust temperature and dust emissivity index of these objects can be derived by adopting a modified blackbody fit of the far‐infrared (FIR) to (sub‐)millimeter spectral energy distributions (SEDs). However, this often applied method is based on various assumptions. In addition, the observational basis and required, but only assumed cloud properties, such as a limited wavelength‐coverage of the SED and dust properties, respectively, may differ between different studies. We review the basic limitations of this method and evaluate their impact on the derived physical properties of the objects of interest, that is, molecular clouds and filaments. We find that the highest uncertainty when applying this method is introduced by the often poorly constrained dust properties. Therefore, we propose to first derive the optical depth and subsequently the column density with the help of a suitable dust model as the optical depth can be obtained with high accuracy, especially at longer wavelengths. The method provides reliable results up to the high densities and corresponding optical depths observed in molecular clouds. Considering typically used observational data, that is, measurements obtained with FIR instruments like Herschel/PACS, JCMT/SCUBA‐2 and SOFIA/HAWC+, data at four wavelengths are sufficient to obtain accurate results. Furthermore, we find that the dust emissivity index derived from this method is not suitable as an indicator of dust grain size.
Using Digital Twins to Improve Pumping and Distribution System Operations
Authors: Bernard Michael
Published: January 2024

Key Takeaways

Digital twins of water systems can give utility staff the real‐time, detailed analyses they need to manage the complexities of pumping and distribution operations.

Among others, the benefits yielded by investing in digital twins include cost savings, improved staff efficiency, optimal equipment operation, and the ability to quickly and accurately identify system issues.

Five utility case studies illustrate how real‐time data analysis effortlessly produced information that helped solve significant problems, some of which might not have been discovered otherwise.
Computational exploration of microsomal cytochrome P450 3A1 enzyme modulation by phytochemicals ofCichorium intybusL.: Insights into drug metabolism
Authors: Pathak Abhishek , Singh Satya Pal , Singh Dev Bukhsh , Anjaria Pranav , Tiwari Apoorv
Published: January 2024

Drug metabolism plays a crucial role in drug fate, including therapeutic inactivation or activation, as well as the formation of toxic compounds. This underscores the importance of understanding drug metabolism in drug discovery and development. Considering the substantial costs associated with traditional drug development methods, computational approaches have emerged as valuable tools for predicting the metabolic fate of drug candidates. With this in mind, the present study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the modulation of microsomal cytochrome P450 3A1 (CYP3A1) enzyme activity by various phytochemicals found inCichorium intybusL., commonly known as chicory. To achieve this goal, severalin silicomethods, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, were employed to explore computationally the microsomal CYP3A1 enzyme. Schrodinger software was utilized for the molecular docking study, which involved the interaction analysis between CYP3A1 and 28 phytoconstituents ofCichorium intybus. Virtual screening of 28 compounds from chicory led to the identification of the top five ranked compounds. These compounds were evaluated for drug‐likeness properties, pharmacokinetic profiles, and predicted binding affinities to CYP3A1. Caffeoylshikimic acid and cichoric acid emerged as promising candidates due to their favorable characteristics, including good oral bioavailability and high binding affinities to CYP3A1. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to assess the stability of caffeoylshikimic acid within the CYP3A1 binding pocket. The results demonstrated that caffeoylshikimic acid maintained stable interactions with the enzyme throughout the simulation, suggesting its potential as an effective modulator of CYP3A1 activity. The findings of this study have the potential to provide valuable insights into the complex molecular mechanisms by whichCichorium intybusL. acts on hepatocytes and modulates CYP3A1 enzyme expression or activity. By elucidating the impact of these phytochemicals on drug metabolism, this research contributes to our understanding of how chicory may interact with drugs and influence their efficacy and safety profiles.
Synthesis and investigation of novel boron‐ and magnesium‐doped YAG:Ce and LuAG:Ce phosphor ceramics
Authors: Inkrataite Greta , Skruodiene Monika , Skaudzius Ramunas
Published: January 2024

YAG:Ce and LuAG:Ce ceramics are widely used as scintillator materials that convert high‐energy radiation into visible light. For the practical application of such compounds, short decay times are a necessity. One way of shortening the existing decay times even more is to change the local environment of emitting ions by means of doping the matrix with additional elements, for example, boron or magnesium. Furthermore, boron ions also can help absorb gamma rays more efficiently, therefore improving overall applicability. Due to the aforementioned reasons, YAG and LuAG ceramics doped with cerium, boron, and magnesium were synthesized. Initial amorphous powders have been obtained by means of sol–gel synthesis and pressed into pellets under isostatic pressure and finally calcinated to form crystalline ceramics. The effects of boron and magnesium doping on the morphological, structural, and luminescence properties were investigated. The key results showed that doping with boron has indeed shortened the decay times of the garnet pellets. Overall, boron doping of ceramics is a relatively new research area; however, it is rather promising as it helps both to improve the luminescence properties and to increase particle growth rate.
Amplified detection of SARS‐COV‐2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) gene oligonucleotides based on exonuclease III‐aided MoS2/AIE nanoprobes
Authors: Oudeng Gerile , Ni Junguo , Wu Hao , Wu Honglian , Yang Mo , Wen Chunyi , Wang Yuanwei , Tan Hui
Published: January 2024

The coronavirus disease‐2019 pandemic reflects the underdevelopment of point‐of‐care diagnostic technology. Nuclei acid (NA) detection is the “gold standard” method for the early diagnosis of the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus disease‐2. Polymerase chain reaction is the main method for NA detection but requires considerable manpower and sample processing taking ≥ 3 h. To simplify the operation processes and reduce the detection time, exonuclease III (Exo III)‐aided MoS2/AIE nanoprobes were developed for rapid and sensitive detection of the oligonucleotides of Omicron. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets with excellent optical absorbance and distinguishable affinity to single‐strand and duplex DNAs were applied as quenchers, and aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) molecules with high luminous efficiency were designed as donor in fluorescence resonance energy transfer‐based nanoprobes. Exo III with catalytic capability was used for signal amplification to increase the sensitivity of detection. The composite nanoprobes detected the mutated nucleocapsid (N)‐gene and spike (S)‐gene oligonucleotides of Omicron within 40 min with a limit of detection of 4.7 pM, and showed great potential for application in community medicine.
Synthesis and characterization of high‐sensitivity Dy,Eu co‐doped CaSO4 thermoluminescent phosphor using coprecipitation technique
Authors: Mohamed Salwa , Salama Elsayed , Alazab Huda A. , Bakry Assem , Sharma Archana , Assran Yasser
Published: January 2024

In this work, (99 − x)CaSO4‐Dy2O3–xEu2O3, (where x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) thermoluminescence phosphors were prepared using a coprecipitation method. The thermoluminescence (TL) dosimetry (TLD) characteristics such as TL sensitivity, dose–response, minimum detectable dose, thermal fading, and the effect of sunlight on the prepared phosphors were investigated. The obtained results indicated that the most sensitive phosphor was obtained at x = 0.05. Large thermal fading of 6% after 1 h and 26% after 24 h from irradiation followed by 71% after 1 month with no additional fading was observed within a time frame exceeding 2 months throughout the remaining duration of the investigation, which also spanned over 2 months. Despite the phosphor's high fading rate, the relative sensitivity of the prepared samples was ~90% compared with TLD‐100. The marked effect of day sunlight was also determined. High dose–response within the low‐dose range from 0.01 to 5 Gy was observed. The obtained results suggested that the synthesized phosphor is well suited for applications involving radiation biology and radiotherapy dosimetry.
AI‐organoid integrated systems for biomedical studies and applications
Authors: Maramraju Sudhiksha , Kowalczewski Andrew , Kaza Anirudh , Liu Xiyuan , Singaraju Jathin Pranav , Albert Mark V. , Ma Zhen , Yang Huaxiao
Published: January 2024

In this review, we explore the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing the biomedical applications of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)‐derived organoids. Stem cell‐derived organoids, these miniature organ replicas, have become essential tools for disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine. However, analyzing the vast and intricate datasets generated from these organoids can be inefficient and error‐prone. AI techniques offer a promising solution to efficiently extract insights and make predictions from diverse data types generated from microscopy images, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics. This review offers a brief overview of organoid characterization and fundamental concepts in AI while focusing on a comprehensive exploration of AI applications in organoid‐based disease modeling and drug evaluation. It provides insights into the future possibilities of AI in enhancing the quality control of organoid fabrication, label‐free organoid recognition, and three‐dimensional image reconstruction of complex organoid structures. This review presents the challenges and potential solutions in AI‐organoid integration, focusing on the establishment of reliable AI model decision‐making processes and the standardization of organoid research.
The role of TRPV ion channels in adipocyte differentiation: What is the evidence?
Authors: Zou Wenyu , Zhang Ling , Hu Yongyan , Gao Ying , Zhang Junqing , Zheng Jia
Published: January 2024

Obesity is a complex disorder, and the incidence of obesity continues to rise at an alarming rate worldwide. In particular, the growing incidence of overweight and obesity in children is a major health concern. However, the underlying mechanisms of obesity remain unclear and the efficacy of several approaches for weight loss is limited. As an important calcium‐permeable temperature‐sensitive cation channel, transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) ion channels directly participate in thermo‐, mechano‐, and chemosensory responses. Modulation of TRPV ion channel activity can alter the physiological function of the ion channel, leading to neurodegenerative diseases, chronic pain, cancer, and skin disorders. In recent years, increasing studies have demonstrated that TRPV ion channels are abundantly expressed in metabolic organs, including the liver, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, pancreas, and central nervous system, which has been implicated in various metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes mellitus. In addition, as an important process for the pathophysiology of adipocyte metabolism, adipocyte differentiation plays a critical role in obesity. In this review, we focus on the role of TRPV ion channels in adipocyte differentiation to broaden the ideas for prevention and control strategies for obesity.
Functional and dysfunctional impulsivity mediates the relationships between ‘Dark Triad’ traits and cyberbullying perpetration
Authors: Park Miriam Sang‐Ah , Billieux Joël , Raj Sanjana , Lee Mei Chee , Geoffrey Dianne Shaneeta , Nuyens Filip
Published: January 2024

Background

Cyberbullying perpetration and victimisation have been associated with psychological distress, including depression and suicidal ideation. Prior studies have shown that the ‘Dark Triad’ personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) are associated with greater likelihood of perpetration, yet there is a research gap regarding potential mediators of this relationship.

Aims

To test whether functional and dysfunctional impulsivity act as mediators between Dark Triad traits and cyberbullying perpetration.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online study was conducted, in which a sample of 141 university students (63% male) from Malaysia were recruited by online and local poster advertising inviting them to complete a questionnaire containing a series of psychometric scales, including measures of ‘Dark Triad’ personality traits, impulsivity and cyberbullying perpetration.

Results

A relationship between cyberbullying perpetration and higher psychopathy scale scores was mediated by dysfunctional, but not functional, impulsivity. The relationship between cyberbullying and narcissism scores was not mediated by impulsivity. Higher Machiavellianism scores were similarly associated with cyberbullying, but there was no correlation at all between Machiavellianism and impulsivity scores.

Conclusion

Our findings add to the literature by showing that not only Dark Triad scale scores are associated with cyberbullying, but that difficulty in refraining from or controlling impulsive behaviours (dysfunctional impulsivity) may be a key component in this relationship. Given that our sample was of generally well‐functioning people, our findings may not extend to those with serious cyberbullying problems. Yet, they provide avenues for identifying people at risk of such behaviours before problems become well‐established and call for more nuanced approaches towards understanding and intervening with problematic cyberbullying.
Quantitative study on impact damage of honey peaches based on reflection, absorbance, and Kubelka‐Munk spectrum combined with color characteristics
Authors: Li Bin , Zou Jiping , Su Chengtao , Zhang Feng , Liu Yande , Wu Jian , Chen Nan , Xiao Yihua
Published: January 2024

Impact damage is one of the key factors affecting the quality of honey peaches. Quantitative study of impact damage is of great significance for the sorting of postharvest quality of honey peaches. In order to realize the quantitative prediction of impact damage of honey peaches, the impact damage of honey peaches was quantitatively studied based on the fusion of color characteristics with reflection spectra (R), absorbance spectra (A), and Kubelka‐Munk spectra (K‐M). The mechanical parameters of honey peaches during collision were obtained using a single pendulum collision device. Reflectance spectra and color characteristics of damaged honey peaches were obtained by a hyperspectral imaging system. The R spectra were converted into A and K‐M spectra, and the partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was built based on the three spectra and the three spectra combined with color characteristics for quantitative prediction of mechanical parameters. The results show that the prediction performance of the PLSR model is improved by combining color features with spectral information. In order to eliminate the redundant information in the spectral data, the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm was used to select the characteristic wavelengths of the three spectra, and the selected characteristic wavelengths were fused with the color features to establish the PLSR model. The results show that the PLSR model built by the characteristic wavelengths of the A spectrum combined with the color features has the best prediction performance for the mechanical parameters. The RP value for maximum force is 0.862, and the RP value for damage depth is 0.894. The results of this study not only provide the theoretical support for the quality sorting, packaging, and transportation of honey peaches but also provide the reference for the biomechanical properties of various agricultural products.
Assessment of adulteration of sage (Salvia sp.) with olive leaves using high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography, image analysis, and multivariate linear modeling
Authors: Tomčić Nina , Jankov Milica , Ristivojević Petar , Trifković Jelena , Andrić Filip
Published: January 2024

According to the study carried out at the University of Bristol, 60% of oregano spices present on the European Union (EU) market are adulterated with olive, myrtle, cistus, and hazelnut leaves. According to the same authors, the sage products are adulterated by similar bulking agents. The aim of this study was to assess possibilities for detection of sage adulteration by olive leaves using high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled with digital image analysis and multivariate linear regression/classification (partial least squares and partial least squares discriminant analysis). Twenty‐four samples (4 pure sage leaves, 4 pure olive leaves, and 16 mixtures of olive and sage leaves with content of added olive leaves varying in 5%, 10%, 20%, and 50%) have been prepared, extracted, and analyzed under normal‐phase conditions. Several derivatization methods were tested, and derivatized HPTLC plates were inspected under visible or ultraviolet light. Digital images of chromatograms were recorded. In order to minimize effects of intraplate and interplate peak shifts, background changes, and baseline drifts, correlation‐optimized warping, standard normal variate, and mean centering were applied to acquired signals. Partial least squares and partial least squares discriminant analysis models with moderate complexity (two to four latent variables) based on chromatographic signals obtained after derivatization by FeCl3, anisaldehyde–sulfuric acid, and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl demonstrated good statistical performances with R2 ranging 0.894–0.998 and relative prediction error of 4–12%. Misclassification error <4% was obtained in the case of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and anisaldehyde–sulfuric acid derivatization. Therefore, HPTLC combined with multivariate image analysis, signal processing, and linear modeling proved to be promising, cost‐effective chromatographic tool for assessment of sage adulteration by olive leaves.
A Three‐Dimensional Non‐Fullerene Acceptor with Contorted Hexabenzocoronene and Perylenediimide for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhu Xin , Yang Lei , Pan Yangyang , Yang Yuqin , Ding Xuming , Wan Chuanming , Zhang Zhuo , Luo Yun , Zhou Qinghai , Wang Liwei , Xiao Shengxiong
Published: January 2024

Although fullerene derivatives such as [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61/C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM/PC71BM) have dominated the the photoactive acceptor materials in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (OSCs) for decades, they have several drawbacks such as weak absorption, limited structural tunability, prone to aggregation, and high costs of production. Constructing non‐fullerene small molecules with three‐dimensional (3D) molecular geometry is one of the strategies to replace fullerenes in OSCs. In this study, a 3D molecule, contorted hexa‐cata‐hexabenzocoronene tetra perylenediimide (HBC‐4‐PDI), was designed and synthesized. HBC‐4‐PDI shows a wide and strong light absorption in the whole UV‐vis region as well as suitable energy levels as an acceptor for OSCs. More importantly, the 3D construction effectively reduced the self‐aggregation of c‐HBC, leading to an appropriate scale phase separation of the blend film morphology in OSCs. A preliminary power conversion efficiency of 2.70 % with a champion open‐circuit voltage of 1.06 V was obtained in OSCs with HBC‐4‐PDI as the acceptor, which was the highest among the previously reported OSCs based on c‐HBC derivatives. The results indicated that HBC‐4‐PDI may serve as a good non‐fullerene acceptor for OSCs.
Anaplastic and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas: genetic evidence of high‐grade transformation from differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Gu Haiyan , Wang Jingnan , Ran Wenwen , Li Guangqi , Hu Shasha , Zhao Han , Wang Xiaonan , Wang Jigang
Published: January 2024

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most advanced and aggressive thyroid cancer, and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) lacks anaplastic histology but has lost architectural and cytologic differentiation. Only a few studies have focused on the genetic relationship between the two advanced carcinomas and coexisting differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs). In the present study, we investigated clinicopathologic features and genetic profiles in 57 ATC and PDTC samples, among which 33 cases had concomitant DTC components or DTC history. We performed immunohistochemistry for BRAF V600E, p53, and PD‐L1 expression, Sanger sequencing for TERT promoter and RAS mutations, and fluorescence in situ hybridization for ALK and RET rearrangements. We found that ATCs and PDTCs shared similar gene alterations to their coexisting DTCs, and most DTCs were aggressive subtypes harboring frequent TERT promoter mutations. A significantly higher proportion of ATCs expressed p53 and PD‐L1, and a lower proportion expressed PAX‐8 and TTF‐1, than the coexisting DTCs. Our findings provide more reliable evidence that ATCs and PDTCs are derived from DTCs.
Theoretical Study on the Structures and Electronic Properties of Tungsten Fluorides at High Pressures
Authors: Lin Jianyan , Liu Xin , Yuan Yuan , Zhao Yusen , She Weihan , Yang Guangmin
Published: January 2024

Transition metal fluorides are a series of strong oxidizing agents. Tungsten (W) fluorides, particularly WF6, have shown broad applications such as luminescence and fluorinating agent. However, other stoichiometries of W fluorides have rarely been studied. It is well‐known that pressure can induce structural phase transition, stabilize new compounds, and produce novel properties. In this work, the high‐pressure phases of W−F were searched systematically at the pressure range of 0–200 GPa through first‐principles swarm‐intelligence structural search calculations. A new stoichiometry of WF4 has been predicted to be stable under high pressures. On the other hand, two new high‐pressure phases of WF6 with the symmetries of
/m and
‐1 were found with decahedral structural units. The electronic properties of the W−F compounds were then investigated. The predicted stable WF6 high‐pressure phases maintain semiconducting features, since the W atom provides all its valence electrons to fluorine. We evaluated the oxidizing ability of WF6 by calculating its electron affinity potential. The high pressure
/m WF6 molecular phase shows higher oxidation capacity than the ambient phase. The built pressure‐composition phase diagram and the theoretical results of W−F system provide some useful information for experimental synthesis.
Biochar application improves the yield, lodging resistance, and lignin synthesis mechanism in rice
Authors: Gong Diankai , Xu Zhengjin , Zheng Wenjing , Dai Guijin , Chen Ying , Yu Guangxing
Published: January 2024

Biochar application elicits positive environmental and agricultural impacts owing to its physicochemical properties; however, the mechanism of biochar in regulating the lodging resistance in rice remains unclear. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of biochar application on rice yield, lodging‐related traits, and enzymes activity and gene expression related to lignin biosynthesis in two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, that is, Shennong 265 and Akihikari. The biochar treatments were: 0 (B1), 5 (B2), 10 (B3), 20 (B4), and 40 (B5) t/ha. Results depicted that compared with B1, the B2 and B3 treatments improved the rice yield by 8.36%–27.62% and decreased the lodging index by 7.72%–24.14% for both rice cultivars, respectively. The increase in rice yield was mainly due to an increase in chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, and dry matter at the heading stage. The reduced lodging index in B2 and B3 was mainly owing to an increase in stem lignin and silicon content by 28.55%–62.80% and 16.27%–50.09%, respectively, that was possibly linked to an increase in lignin synthase activity and its gene expression, that is, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, caffeic acid 3‐O‐methyltransferase, 4CL3 (where 4CL is 4‐coumarate: CoA ligase), and CCR20 (where CCR is cinnamyl coenzyme A reductase). Furthermore, the numbers of large and small vascular bundles were the highest in B2 and B3 treatment for both rice cultivars. However, excess biochar applications had an inhibitory effect on rice yield. Overall, biochar application at 5–10 t/ha is an appropriate dosage to improve lodging resistance and rice yield.
Regulation of Photogenerated Redox Species through High Crystallinity Carbon Nitride for Improved C−S Coupling Reactions
Authors: Liu Chen , Ma Yukun , Lian Ronghong , Chen Jiayin , Yang Mingcheng , Cheng Jiajia
Published: January 2024

A novel and efficient approach for the synthesis of α, β‐unsaturated sulfones through heterogeneous photocatalyzed C−S coupling reactions have been developed. The use of molten‐salt method derived carbon nitride (MCN), a transition metal‐free polymeric photocatalyst, combined with enhanced crystallinity and potassium iodide as an additive, effectively modulates photogenerated reactive redox species, markedly increasing the overall reaction selectivity. This method achieves the shortest reaction time (2 h) with high yield (up to 95 %) among the reported heterogeneous catalytic C−S bond formation reactions, matching the efficiency of the homogeneous photocatalysts. Furthermore, the application to challenging alkyne substrates has been demonstrated, underscoring the potential for a broad range of applications in pharmaceutical research and synthetic chemistry.
Design of passive filter based on magnetic integrated technology for single‐phase grid‐connected inverter
Authors: Jiang Jianbo , Li Zhenyu , Zhao Enming , Li Peng , Qu Kai , Yang Nianting
Published: January 2024

In response to the need for smaller and lighter power supply equipment, there has been a push towards higher power density in current power electronic converters. This development aligns well with the requirements of photovoltaic grid‐connected inverters. Among various passive filters utilized in these inverters, the LCL filter stands out as a popular choice. Nevertheless, it should be noted that traditional LCL filters have limited core utilization and exhibit significant redundancy. In view of the above problems, this paper proposes a magnetic integrated passive filter based on ripple transfer technology and carries out volume optimization design. Compared to the conventional LCL filter, the magnetic integrated passive filter offers a reduction in size and weight while preserving its capability to ripples attenuate. Finally, a laboratory prototype with a rated power of 2 kW is built to verify the effectiveness of the proposed magnetic integrated passive filter.
Cross‐blockchain decentralized asset transfer protocol for public blockchains
Authors: Monika  , Bhatia Rajesh
Published: January 2024

The lack of interoperability between blockchains is a primary barrier to adopting the technology. Blockchains suffer from vendor lock‐ins as users cannot easily move their assets between blockchains. To resolve this issue, we propose a cross‐chain decentralized asset transfer protocol for blockchains without involving any intermediaries. Cross‐chain transactions can be efficiently executed using our proposed protocol without including any centralized third party. Most of the existing asset transfer solutions neglect the transaction finality guarantees; however, the protocol presented in this paper keeps track of transaction finality, providing transaction irreversibility guarantees and preventing assets from being lost in the transfer process. The reference implementation for the proposed protocol consists of smart contracts and a Web API for carrying out the cross‐chain transfer of assets. The proposed protocol is experimentally validated for the transfer of assets between Ethereum and Binance testnets. The performance testing shows that the cost of the proposed protocol is acceptable.
Investigation of MTAP and BAP1 staining loss and P16/CDKN2A deletion in pleural cytology specimens and its role in the diagnosis of mesothelioma
Authors: Şeker Nazli Sena , Tekin Emel , Ak Güntülü , Metintaş Muzaffer , Metintaş Selma , Dündar Emine
Published: January 2024

Background

Mesothelioma is a malignant neoplasm with a poor survival rate. We aimed to investigate the importance of BAP1, MTAP (IHC), and p16/CDKN2A homozygous deletion (FISH) in cytologic material obtained from pleural effusion sampling, which is a less invasive procedure in the diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Methods

Our study discussed pleural cytology samples of cases with histopathologically proven mesothelioma diagnoses between 2017 and 2022. As the control group, materials that had pleural effusion sampling for other reasons and reactive mesothelial hyperplasia were included in the study. Cell blocks prepared from these materials were subjected to fluorescent in situ hybridization for p16/CDKN2A homozygous deletion and immunohistochemistry for BAP1 and MTAP.

Results

The specificity of the P16/CDKN2A homozygous deletion in diagnosing mesothelioma is 100%. Its sensitivity is 68.75%. The specificity of BAP1 immunohistochemical nuclear expression loss is 95%, while the sensitivity is 60%. Loss of nuclear expression of MTAP alone has the lowest specificity and sensitivity, with a specificity of 86% and a sensitivity of 43%. The highest sensitivity is reached when BAP1 loss and p16/CDKN2A homozygous deletion are evaluated together, increasing to 81%. The specificity is 95%.

Conclusion

It has been determined that any marker alone cannot be used for a definitive mesothelioma diagnosis in pleural effusion cytological specimens; however, sensitivity increases in some combinations. The combination of BAP1 immunohistochemistry and p16/CDKN2A homozygous deletion detected by FISH, which has a higher specificity and sensitivity, can be routinely used in the diagnosis of mesothelioma under the guidance of clinical and radiologic information.
Hair analysis in postmortem investigations: Case of a skeletonized body
Authors: Pelissier‐Alicot Anne‐Laure , Ameline Alice , Kintz Pascal , Adalian Pascal , Leonetti Georges
Published: January 2024

Analysis of hair collected from putrefied or skeletal bodies is always complex and must take into account several pitfalls, such as external contamination and contamination by biological fluids. This work presents a case of particular complexity. A skeletonized body was discovered on a country road. A tuft of brown hair, detached from the scalp, irregular in length, non‐oriented, in contact with soil and vegetation, was removed. An anthropological examination was carried out and genetic samples were taken from the right femoral shaft. After about 10 washes with warm water and dichloromethane, the tuft of hair was analyzed without segmentation. General unknown screening was performed by liquid chromatography system coupled to a high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS) after incubation in pH 9.5 borate buffer and liquid–liquid extraction. Specific Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) methods for date rape drugs were carried out by liquid chromatography system coupled to a tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The anthropological examination allowed to determine that the victim was a female individual, over 60 years old, the death dating from 3 months to 1 year. Comparison of the DNA results with the Missing Persons Index led to the identification, a 60‐year‐old woman who disappeared 5 months earlier. Hair analysis showed the presence of oxazepam (361 pg/mg), nordiazepam (54 pg/mg), and alimemazine (5 pg/mg). The interpretation of these concentrations is extremely difficult due to the risk of degradation of the hair cuticle during prolonged stay in the soil, as well as of contamination by putrefactive fluids. The authors discuss the value of using multiple biological and non‐biological matrices in this context to improve the interpretation of the results.
Institutional Review Boards' Assessment of Local Context: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Guetterman Timothy C. , Haggins Adrianne , Montas Sacha , Black Joy , Harney Deneil , Fetters Michael D. , Silbergleit Robert , Dickert Neal W.
Published: January 2024

The nature of the review of local context by institutional review boards (IRBs) is vague. Requirements for single IRB review of multicenter trials create a need to better understand interpretation and implementation of local‐context review and how to best implement such reviews centrally. We sought a pragmatic understanding of IRB local‐context review by exploring stakeholders' attitudes and perceptions. Semistructured interviews with 26 IRB members and staff members, institutional officials, and investigators were integrated with 80 surveys of similar stakeholders and analyzed with qualitative theme‐based text analysis and descriptive statistical analysis. Stakeholders described what they considered to be local context, the value of local‐context review, and key processes used to implement review of local context in general and for emergency research conducted with an exception from informed consent. Concerns and potential advantages of centralized review of local context were expressed. Variability in perspectives suggests that local‐context review is not a discrete process, which presents opportunities for defining pathways for single IRB review.
Hypothalamic subregion alterations in anorexia nervosa and obesity: Association with appetite‐regulating hormone levels
Authors: Alzaid Haidar , Simon Joe J. , Brugnara Gianluca , Vollmuth Philipp , Bendszus Martin , Friederich Hans‐Christoph
Published: January 2024

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and obesity are weight‐related disorders with imbalances in energy homeostasis that may be due to hormonal dysregulation. Given the importance of the hypothalamus in hormonal regulation, we aimed to identify morphometric alterations to hypothalamic subregions linked to these conditions and their connection to appetite‐regulating hormones.

Methods

Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained from 78 patients with AN, 27 individuals with obesity and 100 normal‐weight healthy controls. Leptin, ghrelin, and insulin blood levels were measured in a subsample of each group. An automated segmentation method was used to segment the hypothalamus and its subregions. Volumes of the hypothalamus and its subregions were compared between groups, and correlational analysis was employed to assess the relationship between morphometric measurements and appetite‐regulating hormone levels.

Results

While accounting for total brain volume, patients with AN displayed a smaller volume in the inferior‐tubular subregion (ITS). Conversely, obesity was associated with a larger volume in the anterior‐superior, ITS, posterior subregions (PS), and entire hypothalamus. There were no significant volumetric differences between AN subtypes. Leptin correlated positively with PS volume, whereas ghrelin correlated negatively with the whole hypothalamus volume in the entire cohort. However, appetite‐regulating hormone levels did not mediate the effects of body mass index on volumetric measures.

Conclusion

Our results indicate the importance of regional structural hypothalamic alterations in AN and obesity, extending beyond global changes to brain volume. Furthermore, these alterations may be linked to changes in hormonal appetite regulation. However, given the small sample size in our correlation analysis, further analyses in a larger sample size are warranted.

Public Significance

Using an automated segmentation method to investigate morphometric alterations of hypothalamic subregions in AN and obesity, this study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between hypothalamic alterations, hormonal appetite regulation, and body weight, highlighting the need for further research to uncover underlying mechanisms.
Association between haemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes, and platelets and mortality in patients with heart failure
Authors: Liu Ling , Gong Benbingdi , Wang Wei , Xu Kai , Wang Kaoshan , Song Guixian
Published: January 2024

Aims

The combination of haemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes, and platelets (HALP) is a new metric used to assess patient prognosis in many diseases. This study aimed to assess the relationship between HALP and short‐ and long‐term mortality in patients with heart failure.

Methods and results

This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with heart failure who were hospitalized between 2019 and 2021. The primary outcomes were 1‐month mortality and 1‐year mortality. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between HALP and the risk of mortality. Stratified analyses were conducted based on New York Heart Association functional classification (NYHA) stage (II/III, IV) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, <50%, ≥50%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the ability of HALP, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and the Meta‐Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC‐HF) risk score in predicting mortality in patients with heart failure. A total of 730 patients with heart failure were included, of whom 61 (8.36%) died within 1 month and 77 (10.55%) died within 1 year. High HALP scores were associated with a reduced risk of 1‐month mortality (odds ratio (OR) = 0.978, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.963–0.992, P = 0.003) and 1‐year mortality (OR = 0.987, 95% CI: 0.977–0.997, P = 0.009) in patients with heart failure. In patients with different NYHA stages or LVEF levels, high HALP scores were correlated with a reduced risk of 1‐year mortality in patients with NYHA stage II/III (OR = 0.978, 95% CI: 0.957–1.000, P = 0.045) or LVEF ≥50% (OR = 0.970, 95% CI: 0.945–0.996, P = 0.024). The AUC for HALP, PNI, CRP, and MAGGIC‐HF to predict 1‐year mortality in patients with heart failure were 0.677 (95% CI: 0.619–0.735), 0.666 (95% CI: 0.608–0.723), 0.638 (95% CI: 0.572–0.704), and 0.654 (95% CI: 0.591–0.717), respectively.

Conclusions

HALP may be a potential marker for predicting mortality in patients with heart failure. Further exploration based on HALP may yield better clinical predictors of prognosis in patients with heart failure.
Synthesis of Diverse 4‐Pyrrolin‐2‐ones by Electrochemically Induced Dehydrogenative Regioselective Cyclization of 3‐Aza‐1,5‐dienes and 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Ji Xing , He Run , Shi Lou , Sun Shaoguang , Liang Deqiang
Published: January 2024

A practical and mild electrochemical dehydrogenative regioselective cyclization method has been established for the synthesis of 4‐pyrrolin‐2‐ones using 3‐aza‐1,5‐dienes and 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds as substrates. This protocol is catalyst‐free, metal‐free, and does not require oxidizing agents. It exhibits wide substrate compatibility and can be easily scaled up to the gram scale.
Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala berry extract and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside inhibit hepatotoxicity and apoptosis
Authors: Panritdum Pasitta , Muangnoi Chawanphat , Tuntipopipat Siriporn , Charoenkiatkul Somsri , Sukprasansap Monruedee
Published: January 2024

Excessive oxidative toxicity in liver cells is a significant risk factor that can cause cellular injury, leading to the development of chronic liver disease (CLD). Natural anthocyanins have been shown to prevent the harmful effects of oxidative toxicity in mammalian cells. Ripe Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala berry fruits are rich in anthocyanins, which have been reported to possess many health benefits. Therefore, this study examined the protective effect of ethanolic fruit extract of C. nervosum var. paniala (CNPE) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced oxidative damage and cell death in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Results showed that CNPE had strong antioxidant capabilities and high amounts of total phenolics and anthocyanins. HPLC analysis showed that CNPE consists of cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (C3G). Our investigations found that HepG2 cells pretreated with CNPE or anthocyanin C3G inhibited H2O2‐induced cellular damage and apoptosis by increasing the viability of cells, the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 protein, and the activities of cellular antioxidant enzymes, namely SOD, CAT, and GPx. Moreover, both CNPE and C3G significantly suppressed expression of apoptotic proteins (Bax and cytochrome c) and the activities of cleaved caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 caused by H2O2. Our results indicate that CNPE and C3G can suppress H2O2‐induced hepatotoxicity and cell death through stimulation of endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and inhibition of apoptosis pathway in HepG2 cells. These findings might support development of CNPE as an alternative natural product for preventing CLD.
Bioinspired reflective display based on photonic crystals
Authors: Liu Yifan , Hou Xiaoyu , Song Yanlin , Li Mingzhu
Published: January 2024

Reflective displays have the advantages of energy efficiency, high brightness, eye protection, and good readability, making them an attractive display technology. Photonic crystal (PhC) structural color is highly regarded as an ideal choice for reflective displays for its ecofriendliness, colorfastness, and adjustability. In this review, we introduce the fundamental classification and manufacturing methods of PhC reflective displays. We systematically summarize the display principles of PhC‐based displays driven by various stimuli. Furthermore, we present the latest research advancements in PhC displays based on smart actuators. Additionally, we offer a detailed overview of the current research status and application prospects of liquid crystal structural color displays and three‐dimensional PhC displays. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced by PhC displays and provide insights into their prospects.
Exchange rate misalignment and financial development in Africa
Authors: Nchofoung Tii N. , Ojong Nathanael , Gachili Ladifatou Ndi Gbambie
Published: January 2024

We examine the effect of misaligned exchange rates on financial development in Africa. Results from quantile regression techniques and the IV Lewbel estimator reveal that exchange rate misalignment significantly hampers financial development on that continent. This result is robust across financial institutions and financial markets. We also show that while the effects of misaligned exchange rates are negative on financial institutions and positive on financial markets in African franc‐zone countries, the effects are consistently negative across all financial sectors in the non‐franc‐zone countries there. When robustness assessment is done using quantile regression, the results show that the negative effect of misalignment on financial development is only feasible from the 75th percentile and higher in Africa in general and for the non‐franc‐zone countries in particular.
Copper levels in cervical mucus of copper intrauterine device users versus non‐users
Authors: Han Leo L. , Edelman Alison B. , Sosanya Oluwadamilola , Garg Bharti , Chi Vivia , Ralle Martina
Published: January 2024

Synopsis

We found higher copper levels in the cervical mucus of Cu‐IUD users compared with non‐users.