bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bioresponsive Genetically Encoded Antimicrobial Crystal for the Oral Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Authors: Zhang Wenxiu , Yang Zaofeng , Zheng Jiale , Fu Kaili , Wong Jack Ho , Ni Yunbi , Ng Tzi Bun , Cho Chi Hin , Chan Michael K. , Lee Marianne M.
Published: September 2023

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes infection in the stomach and is a major factor for gastric carcinogenesis. The application of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as an alternative treatment to traditional antibiotics is limited by their facile degradation in the stomach, their poor penetration of the gastric mucosa, and the cost of peptide production. Here, the design and characterization of a genetically encoded H. pylori‐responsive microbicidal protein crystal Cry3Aa‐MIIA‐AMP‐P17 is described. This designed crystal exhibits preferential binding to H. pylori, and when activated, promotes the targeted release of the AMP at the H. pylori infection site. Significantly, when the activated Cry3Aa‐MIIA‐AMP‐P17 crystals are orally delivered to infected mice, the Cry3Aa crystal framework protects its cargo AMP against degradation, resulting in enhanced in vivo efficacy against H. pylori infection. Notably, in contrast to antibiotics, treatment with the activated crystals results in minimal perturbation of the mouse gut microbiota. These results demonstrate that engineered Cry3Aa crystals can serve as an effective platform for the oral delivery of therapeutic peptides to treat gastrointestinal diseases.
A Review of Soft Microrobots: Material, Fabrication, and Actuation
Authors: Ye Min , Zhou Yan , Zhao Hongyu , Wang Ziya , Nelson Bradley J. , Wang Xiaopu
Published: September 2023

Microrobots have shown great potential in many applications, such as non‐invasive surgery, tissue engineering, precision medicine, and environmental remediation. Within the past decade, soft microrobot has become one of the important branches. It is aimed to create soft and deformable microrobots with high bioaffinity, which can perform complex tasks noninvasively in inaccessible small spaces in the body. Herein, the latest research progress of soft microrobots regarding the three cornerstones of this field is reviewed: material, fabrication, and actuation. First, various materials that are used for the fabrication of soft microrobots are summarized, and their characteristics and functions are discussed. Second, various fabrication methods of soft microrobots are introduced, and their applicability to different materials is discussed. Third, the actuation methods of soft microrobots are discussed, as well as their pros, cons, and adaptability. Moreover, the outstanding behaviors of soft microrobots in biomedical and environmental applications are introduced with some typical examples published recently. Finally, current clinical use challenges of soft microrobots are pointed out, and their intelligentization is proposed and discussed for further innovative development.
Pro‐inflammatory markers associated with COVID‐19‐related persistent olfactory dysfunction
Authors: Jang Sophie S. , Pak Kwang S. , Strom Allyssa , Gomez Leslie , Kim Kyubo , Doherty Taylor A. , DeConde Adam S. , Ryan Allen F. , Yan Carol H.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

While localized inflammation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of acute coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) olfactory dysfunction (OD), persistent COVID‐19 OD remains poorly understood with limited therapeutics. Our prospective study evaluated olfactory cleft (OC) biomarkers as predictors of persistent OD in mucus sampling.

Methods

COVID‐19 subjects with persistent OD >3 months confirmed by psychophysical olfaction tests were compared to COVID‐19 subjects with no OD and those with no prior infection. OC mucus samples were evaluated for 13 anti‐viral and inflammatory biomarkers. Cohorts were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mann–Whitney tests with multi‐comparison adjustment. Viral RNA was assessed through RT‐PCR using the COVID‐19 N2 primer.

Results

Thirty‐five samples were collected (20 COVID persistent OD, 8 COVID no OD, and 7 non‐COVID no OD). Significant differences in IFN‐λ1 (p = 0.007) and IFN‐γ (p = 0.006) expression in OC mucus were found across all three groups, with the highest cytokine concentrations corresponding to COVID OD. IFN‐α2 levels were elevated in COVID OD versus no OD (p = 0.026). Mean IFN‐γ levels were the highest in COVID OD, but there were higher levels found in COVID no OD compared to non‐COVID no OD (p = 0.008). No difference was seen in IL6. No N2 gene expression was detected in all cohorts.

Conclusion

IFN pathway cytokines were found elevated in the olfactory microenvironment of COVID‐19 persistent OD compared to those with no OD and no prior history of COVID‐19 infection.
Profiles of lifestyle health behaviors and cognitive decline in older adults
Authors: Halloway Shannon , Wagner Maude , Tangney Christy , Lange‐Maia Brittney S. , Bennett David A. , Arvanitakis Zoe , Schoeny Michael E.
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to identify profiles of modifiable, late‐life lifestyle health behaviors related to subsequent maintenance of cognition and explore sociodemographics and health characteristics as effect modifiers.

METHODS

Analyses used data from 715 older adults without baseline dementia from the Rush Memory and Aging Project and with lifestyle health behaviors (physical activity, cognitive activity, healthy diet, social activity) at baseline and ≥ 2 annual assessments of cognition. We used latent profile analysis to group participants based on behavior patterns and assessed change in cognition by group.

RESULTS

Three latent profiles were identified: high (n = 183), moderate (n = 441), and low (n = 91) engagement in health behaviors. Compared to high engagement, the moderate (mean difference [MD] = ‐0.02, 95% CI = [‐0.03;‐0.0002], p = 0.048) and low (MD = ‐0.06, 95% CI = [‐0.08;‐0.03], p < 0.0001) groups had faster annual rates of decline in global cognition, with no significant effects modifiers (vascular risk factors, apolipoprotein E [APOE] ε4, motor function).

DISCUSSION

Avoiding low levels of lifestyle health behaviors may help maintain cognition.

Highlights

Latent profile analysis (LPA) captures lifestyle health behaviors associated with cognitive function.

Such behavior include physical activity, cognitive activity, healthy diet, social activity.

We used LPA to examine associations of behaviors and cognitive function over time.

Older adults with low lifestyle health behaviors showed more rapid decline.

To a lesser degree, so did those with moderate lifestyle health behaviors.

Vascular conditions and risks, APOEε4, or motor function did not modify the effect.
Interfacial Self‐assembly of Chiral Selenide Nanomembrane for Enantiospecific Recognition
Authors: Meng Dan , Li Chen , Hao Changlong , Shi Wenxiong , Xu Jun , Sun Maozhong , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai , Xu Liguang
Published: September 2023

Here, we report the synthesis of chiral selenium nanoparticles (NPs) using cysteine and the interfacial assembly strategy to generate a self‐assembled nanomembrane on a large‐scale with controllable morphology and handedness. The selenide (Se) NPs exhibited circular dichroism (CD) bands in the ultraviolet and visible region with a maximum intensity of 39.96 mdeg at 388 nm and optical anisotropy factors (g‐factors) of up to 0.0013 while a self‐assembled monolayer nanomembrane exhibited symmetrical CD approaching 72.8 mdeg at 391 nm and g‐factors up to 0.0034. Analysis showed that a photocurrent of 20.97±1.55 nA was generated by the D‐nanomembrane when irradiated under light while the L‐nanomembrane generated a photocurrent of 20.58±1.36 nA. Owing to the asymmetric intensity of the photocurrent with respect to the handedness of the nanomembrane, an ultrasensitive recognition of enantioselective kynurenine (Kyn) was achieved by the ten‐layer (10L) D‐nanomembrane exhibiting a photocurrent for L‐kynurenine (L‐Kyn) that was 8.64‐fold lower than that of D‐Kyn, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0074 nM for the L‐Kyn, which was attributed to stronger affinity between L‐Kyn and D‐Se NPs. Noticeably, the chiral Se nanomembrane precisely distinguished L‐Kyn in serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples from Alzheimer's disease patients and healthy subjects.
Preparation and performance investigation of high solid content flame retardant waterborne polyurethane
Authors: Yin Yingting , Feng Mao , Li Wei , Yao Jinbo , Niu Jiarong
Published: September 2023

To improve the flame retardancy and solid content of waterborne polyurethane (WPU), AOT, and AOD series of WPU were synthesized and characterized. Carboxylic acid/nonionic composite units were used as hydrophilic groups, and OP550/THPO and OP550/DOPO‐HQ combinations were used as flame retardant modifiers, respectively. The results revealed that the flame retardant‐modified WPU emulsions still had excellent dispersion, stability, and fluidity. The UL‐94 rating of modified WPU could reach V‐0, and the AOD series samples had better flame retardancy than the AOT series, where AO10D3‐WPU containing 3% DOPO‐HQ had an limiting oxygen index value up to 30.5%. Besides, the peak heat release rate and total heat release of AO10D3‐WPU were respectively decreased by 32% and 34%, compared with the control sample in the conical calorimetric test. The TGA, TG‐IR, and SEM‐EDS exhibited that the flame retardants functioned in the condensed phase by promoting carbon formation. The tensile strength of AOT series samples was excellent with a range of 15.84–27.47 MPa, while the elongation at break of AOD series samples was relatively high with a distribution of 850.8%–913.11%, which could be selected to suit the needs of different application scenarios.
Environmental DNA revealed high accuracy in detection of the Eurasian otter in Himalaya
Authors: Jamwal Pushpinder Singh , Bruno Antonia , Galimberti Andrea , Magnani Davide , Casiraghi Maurizio , Loy Anna
Published: September 2023

A precise framework of species occurrence and distribution trends is crucial for conservation measures. Traditional survey methods are often labour‐intensive and time‐consuming, and they can be ineffective in detecting the presence of rare and elusive taxa, especially in harsh environments.

The effectiveness and feasibility of an environmental DNA (eDNA)‐based approach was tested to detect the occurrence of the semiaquatic Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in six rivers in the Trans‐Himalaya, comparing the results with those obtained from a traditional field survey.

Water samples were collected and filtered on‐site at 15 locations, from 2,660 to 3,819 m a.s.l. Otter scats were actively searched for at the same locations in a 900 m buffer along the river bank. Fifteen environmental parameters were recorded at each sampling site. After eDNA extraction and target quantitative realt‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay, statistical analyses were run to explore the relationship between environmental factors and the presence/absence of otters at each site.

Otter DNA was found at 73% of sites, whereas traditional field survey results showed that 53% of sites were positive for otters. Results from principal component analysis showed that the sites avoided by otters, as measured through eDNA, were clearly segregated along PC1 and PC2, with both axes explaining 57% of the cumulative variance. The best‐performing generalized linear model suggested that the occurrence of otter eDNA was influenced by channel width, surface velocity, nitrate level, total dissolved solids, and average water depth.

The results of this study highlight that, compared with traditional field surveys, eDNA‐based methods increased the detection of positive sites by 20%, thus demonstrating their reliability for monitoring the presence of otters in the study area and providing new insights into the ecology of this species in the Indian Trans‐Himalaya.
Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of pure and rare‐earth‐doped ZrO2 prepared by Pechini‐type sol–gel
Authors: Uzun Erdem , Yıldız Esra , Öztürk Esra
Published: September 2023

In this article, photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of ZrO2, ZrO2:Dy3+, ZrO2:Dy3+–Gd3+, ZrO2:Dy3+–Yb3+, ZrO2:Dy3+–Er3+, and ZrO2:Dy3+–Sm3+ phosphors synthesized by the Pechini method were investigated. The crystal structure, thermal properties, morphology, PL and TL properties were investigated using X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), PL and TL, respectively. The room temperature emission bands corresponding to 4F9/2 → 6HJ (J = 9/2, 11/2, 13/2 and 15/2) transitions of Dy3+ ions were measured. The phosphors were analysed using Tm–TSTOP, variable dose, and computerized glow curve fitting methods. Reusability, dose–response, and fading characteristics were investigated. The phosphors have a natural TL emission that vanished by heating treatment. Moreover, new peaks with similar properties to the natural emissions were observed after high‐dose irradiation and long‐term fading experiments. The glow curves of the phosphors have 13 individual peaks and many low‐ and high‐temperature satellite peaks. The origin of the peaks is ZrO2 host material and doping with rare‐earth ions (Gd3+, Dy3+, Yb3+, Er3+ and Sm3+) does not lead to a new glow peak. The dopants cause drastic changes in individual peak intensities of ZrO2.The initial fading rates of all the phosphors are relatively fast, but they slow down as time goes on.
Heterozygous c.175C>T variant in PURA gene causes severe developmental delay
Authors: Noda Yusuke , Kido Jun , Misumi Yohei , Sugawara Keishin , Ohori Sachiko , Fujita Atsushi , Matsumoto Naomichi , Ueda Mitsuharu , Nakamura Kimitoshi
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

This case report presents a child with PURA‐related neurodevelopmental disorder, caused by the heterozygous pathogenic variant c.175C>T (p.Gln59*). The clinical symptoms included microcephaly, brachygnathia, central and peripheral hypotonia, and developmental delay (non‐verbal), among others. On comparison with published literature, even patients with the same mutation present different clinical symptoms.

This case report presents a child with PURA‐related neurodevelopmental disorder, caused by the heterozygous pathogenic variant c.175C>T (p.Gln59*), whose symptoms included microcephaly, brachygnathia, the development of a high anterior hairline, hip dysplasia, strabismus, severe hypotonia, developmental delay (non‐meaningful verbal), feeding difficulties, and respiratory difficulties. His development ceased with age, such that his development at 10 years corresponded to an infant of 6 months. Moreover, even patients with the same variant can have different clinical symptoms, such as the presence or absence of epilepsy or congenital malformations. Therefore, we should follow his long‐term clinical course and provide medical support as necessary.
Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome on MRI: Case report
Authors: Yehouenou Tessi Romeo Thierry , Adeyemi Boris , El Msaadi Sihame , El Haddad Siham , Allali Nazik , Chat Latifa
Published: September 2023

Key clinical message

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is an antenatal anatomical defect characterized by pituitary insufficiency with symptomatology depending on associated hormonal deficits. Diagnosis is often delayed because many clinical findings. The gold standard for detection is pituitary MRI showing absence of pituitary stalk, anterior pituitary hypoplasia, and postpituitary ectopy. The treatment remains polyhormonal substitution.

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is an antenatal anatomical defect. It is characterized by pituitary insufficiency with symptomatology depending on associated hormonal deficits. Diagnosis of PSIS is often delayed probably because of various clinical characteristics findings. Pituitary imaging abnormality is a specific indicator of hypopituitarism. The symptomatological triad associates a very thin or interrupted pituitary stalk, an ectopic or absent pituitary gland and hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary gland. The gold standard for detection is pituitary MRI. Some genetic factors are associated with the disease. The treatment remains polyhormonal substitution depending on the associated deficits. We reported the case of a 14‐year‐old child with growth retardation in whom the biological work‐up and pituitary MRI concluded that the diagnosis was PSIS with growth hormone deficiency. The treatment implemented was a recombinant growth hormone treatment. The immediate outcome was marked by a regression of symptoms.
NIR Light‐Activated and RGD‐Conjugated Ultrasmall Fe/PPy Nanopolymers for Enhanced Tumor Photothermal Ferrotherapy and MR Imaging
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Teng , Zhou Zijian , Zhao Tingting , Shen Yuxian , Fang Weijun
Published: September 2023

Iron‐based nanomaterials have shown great promise for tumor ferrotherapy in recent years. However, nanoparticle‐induced ferroptosis has low therapeutic efficacy owing to unsatisfactory Fenton reaction activity in a typical tumor microenvironment. In this study, NIR light‐activated Fe/PPy‐RGD nanopolymers were developed to combine photothermal therapy and ferrotherapy and achieve enhanced antitumor activity. Importantly, Fe/PPy‐RGD exhibited excellent therapeutic performance under NIR light activation both in vitro and in vivo. Under irradiation with NIR light, the heat generated by Fe/PPy‐RGD not only induced a therapeutic photothermal effect but also enhanced the release of iron ions and the Fenton reaction by inducing ferroptosis. Additionally, by virtue of RGD conjugation and its ultrasmall size, Fe/PPy‐RGD could effectively accumulate at tumor sites in living mice after systemic administration and could be monitored via MR imaging. Hence, this study provides a promising approach for integrating ferrotherapy with photothermal therapy to achieve enhanced tumor treatment.
Kleine Partikel mit großer Wirkung
Authors: Weber Marcel , Horst Marcella , Moschner Robin , Diener Alexander , Schumann Lara , Kwade Arno
Published: September 2023

Die Performance einer Batterie hängt signifikant von den Eigenschaften der kleinen Partikel im Submikro‐ und Mikrometerbereich und ihrer Mikrostruktur ab. Für die Herstellung von maßgeschneiderten Batterien müssen diese im Verlauf des Herstellungsprozesses präzise und reproduzierbar eingestellt werden. Im Zuge der Produktion von Lithium‐‐Ionen‐Batterien haben sich hierfür bewährte Verfahren etabliert. Jeder Produktionsschritt trägt somit auf seine Weise zur Performance der Batterie bei. Durch die Optimierung bekannter oder neuer Verfahren ergibt sich zudem das Potenzial zur Senkung der Produktionskosten oder Nutzung neuer zukunftsträchtiger Materialien.

Antworten hierzu finden Sie in diesem Trendbericht.
Video statt Schnappschuss
Authors: Dueffels Kai
Published: September 2023

Die Bildanalyse ist die eindeutigste und direkteste Methode zur Messung von Partikelgröße und ‐form. Um die Morphologie eines Partikels jedoch so genau wie möglich zu analysieren, muss es in mehrere Richtungen aufgezeichnet und gemessen werden.
Fault detection and diagnosis in a non‐Gaussian process with modified kernel independent component regression
Authors: Liu Meizhi , Kong Xiangyu , Luo Jiayu , Yang Lei
Published: September 2023

Quality‐related fault detection and diagnosis are crucial in the data‐driven process monitoring field. Most existing methods are based on principal component analysis (PCA) or partial least squares (PLS), which will miss high‐order statistical information when the industrial process does not satisfy a Gaussian distribution. Meanwhile, the traditional contribution plot is difficult to directly apply to nonlinear processes in some cases due to its limitation of convergence. As such, a modified kernel independent component regression (MKICR) model, which considers high‐order statistical information, is proposed for quality‐related fault detection and faulty variable identification. First, the relationship between the independent components and quality variables is established by kernel independent component regression, and the correlation matrix is obtained. Then, the kernel independent components can be suitably divided into quality‐related and quality‐unrelated parts. Finally, an analysis of the contribution of each variable to the statistics based on Lagrange's mean value theorem is presented. In addition, a numerical case and the Tennessee Eastman process (TEP) demonstrate the efficacy and superiority of the proposed method.
Optimization of firefighting strategies in process plants with emphasis on domino effects and safe evacuation
Authors: Khakzad Nima , Chen Chao , Reniers Genserik , Amyotte Paul
Published: September 2023

Effective firefighting and evacuation are integral parts of emergency response plans in process plants, which play a key role in protecting human lives and assets in the event of major fires. Given sufficient firefighting resources, firefighters would suppress all the burning vessels and cool off all the exposed vessels in order to contain the fire and prevent a fire‐induced domino effect. However, when the number of critical units—whether on fire or exposed to fire—exceeds the firefighting resources, firefighters should decide how to optimally allocate the resources so as to best satisfy the safety goals. To facilitate such decisions, the present work aims to develop a methodology for effective firefighting under insufficient resources. The methodology seeks out two safety goals via optimal firefighting strategies: (1) providing for the safety of evacuees, and (2) reducing the risk of domino effects. Although both safety goals are attempted to be satisfied at the same time, a higher priority is assigned to the first goal as long as the evacuation is underway. When the evacuation is complete, all the resources are focused on the second goal. The study shows that a multi‐objective optimization approach to identifying firefighting plans outdoes single‐objective optimization approaches in that several safety goals could be met at once. Although only two safety goals are considered in the present study, the methodology is flexible enough to accommodate several goals such as safety of offsite people and assets.
Increasing Complexity in Adamantyl Thioethers Characterized by Rotational Spectroscopy
Authors: Pinacho Pablo , Loru Donatella , Šumanovac Tatjana , Šekutor Marina , Schnell Melanie
Published: September 2023

We report on the synthesis and characterization using high‐resolution rotational spectroscopy of three bulky thioethers that feature an adamantyl group connected to a sulfur atom. Detailed experimental and theoretical structures are provided and compared with the 1,1′‐diadamantyl ether. In addition, we expand on previous findings concerning microsolvation of adamantyl derivatives by investigating the cluster formation between these thioethers and a water molecule. The investigation of such clusters provides valuable insights into the sulfur‐centered hydrogen bonding in thioethers with increasing size and steric repulsion.
Influence of plasma inhomogeneity and ohmic heating on the nonlinear absorption of intense laser pulse in collisional magnetized plasma
Authors: Fallah R. , Khooniki R. , Khorashadizadeh S. M. , Niknam A. R.
Published: September 2023

The nonlinear absorption in the interaction of an intense laser pulse with a collisional magnetized plasma is studied by considering the effects of plasma inhomogeneity, ohmic heating, and ponderomotive force. For this purpose, we obtain the plasma electron density, the effective dielectric permittivity, and the wave equation using the Maxwell and hydrodynamic equations and solve this equation by the Runge–Kutta numerical method. The results are shown that by increasing the plasma inhomogeneity, the inverse bremsstrahlung absorption coefficient is increased, and also the density ramp parameter and its sign can affect more the absorption coefficient than the temperature ramp parameter . However, when the initial electron density and temperature increase, the laser field amplitude and the absorption coefficient are increased and the spatial damping rate of the laser pulse becomes highly peaked inside the plasma. It is shown by increasing laser pulse energy, the nonlinear bremsstrahlung absorption coefficient is decreased significantly. The results also indicate that by increasing the external magnetic field, the dielectric permittivity is decreased while the laser energy spatial damping, and the absorption coefficient are increased. Moreover, it is found that by considering the ohmic heating effect, the electrons absorb further energy from the fields and consequently the nonlinear absorption is increased.
Dead‐end hollow fiber ultrafiltration capture of environmental DNA for freshwater mussel (Unionidae) species detection with metabarcoding
Authors: McKee Anna M. , Klymus Katy E. , Lor Yer , Kaminski Marissa , Tajjioui Tariq , Johnson Nathan A. , Carroll Matt , Goodson Chris , Spear Stephen F.
Published: September 2023

Insufficient water sample volumes can be a limiting factor for detecting species with environmental DNA (eDNA) from aquatic habitats. We compared detections of freshwater mussel (Unionidae) communities using large water sample volumes and dead‐end hollow fiber ultrafiltration (D‐HFUF or DEUF) with traditional eDNA filtration methods that use relatively small water sample volumes. Unionid species were detected in approximately 50‐L D‐HFUF eDNA samples with two mitochondrial DNA metabarcoding markers (COI and ND1) and compared to species detection results from eDNA captured from commonly used 1‐L samples filtered with polyethersulfone (PES) filters at three lotic sites in Georgia and Missouri. Of the 431,560 COI and 1,035,472 ND1 reads from all environmental samples of both filter types that passed quality control, 95% (410,755 reads) of COI reads and 85% (883,472 reads) of ND1 reads were assigned to a unionid species. Nineteen different freshwater mussel species were detected across all D‐HFUF samples, and 11 species were detected across all PES samples. Reads assigned to the genus Elliptio could not be resolved beyond the genus level with either marker. From D‐HFUF samples, 15 and 16 mussel species were detected with the COI and ND1 markers, respectively. From PES samples, nine and seven species were detected with the COI and ND1 markers, respectively. More mussel species were detected at each site in D‐HFUF samples than in PES samples regardless of whether results from both markers were combined or evaluated separately. Our results demonstrate the merit of further exploration and optimization of D‐HFUF for capturing eDNA from high‐volume water samples to facilitate detection of unionids and likely other aquatic organisms.
Evaluation of vector magnetic property in a three‐phase induction motor model core with visualization of streamline
Authors: Kai Yuichiro , Maeda Ryoya , Enokizono Masato
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a streamline display method for magnetic flux density and magnetic field strength vectors in a three‐phase induction motor model core is presented, and the relationship between streamlines and magnetic properties is investigated. It is possible to visualize the vector magnetic properties distribution by representing the magnetic flux density and the magnetic field strength vector with the streamlines. In addition, the time variation of the streamlines of the magnetic flux density and magnetic field strength vectors, and magnetic energy was compared. It was clear that the magnetic energy did not necessarily increase in the areas where the magnetic flux density and magnetic field strength increased because these vectors have the spatial phase difference.
Enantioselective Construction of Axially Iodobenzocarbazole Derivatives by Stereogenic‐at‐Cobalt(III)‐Complex‐Catalyzed Iodoarylation of Alkynes
Authors: Yao Chuan‐Zhi , Zhao Zi‐Yuan , Tu Xue‐Qin , Xie Zu‐Kui , Jiang Hua‐Jie , Li Qiankun , Yu Jie
Published: September 2023

A new synthetic approach to novel axially chiral iodobenzocarbazole derivatives based on the highly enantioselective intramolecular iodoarylation of linked alkyne‐indole systems was developed by using the versatile chiral catalyst, stereogenic‐at‐cobalt(III)‐complex, through an axially chiral iodinated vinylidene o‐quinone methide (IVQM) intermediate. This protocol provides 21 examples in excellent yields with good to high enantioselectivities (up to 96 % yield, 98 % ee). Furthermore, the introduced iodine atoms can easily be converted into other functional groups.
Pain experience in eating disorders: The mediating role of depression, alexithymia and interoceptive awareness
Authors: Fazia Gilda , Carbone Elvira Anna , Rania Marianna , Quirino Daria , Aloi Matteo , de Filippis Renato , De Fazio Pasquale , Colloca Luana , Segura‐García Cristina
Published: September 2023

Objective

Evidence suggests reduced sensitivity to pain due to high pain threshold in anorexia and bulimia nervosa and a possible role of depression, alexithymia and interoceptive awareness on pain experience. This study examined whether self‐report and real‐time evoked pain experience were mediated by depression, alexithymia and interoceptive awareness in a comprehensive sample of patients with eating disorders (ED).

Method

145 participants (90 ED, 55 healthy controls (HC)) underwent a real‐time evoked examination of pain and completed self‐report questionnaires for pain (Pain Detect Questionnaire (PD‐Q), PD‐Q VAS, Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs), depression (BDI‐II), interoceptive awareness Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), and alexithymia (TAS‐20). Three mediation models, with ED diagnosis as independent variable, and BDI, MAIA and TAS‐20 as mediators, were tested.

Results

Participants with ED and HC exhibited similar pain type and intensity (self‐report and real‐time). Eating disorders diagnosis was associated with lower self‐report pain intensity and non‐neuropathic like pain experience (model 1–2). Depressive symptoms partially (model 1–2) or fully (model 3) mediated the association between ED diagnosis and pain experience, alone (model 1) or via alexithymia (model 3). Interoceptive awareness did not influence pain symptomatology.

Discussion

ED diagnosis is associated with non‐neuropathic and lower pain experience. However, concurrent depression and alexithymia are associated with higher pain symptoms and neuropathic features. These results could inform clinicians about the influence of psychopathology on pain experience in ED.
Potato peel waste fermentation by Rhizopus oryzae to produce lactic acid and ethanol
Authors: Ozer Uyar Gülsüm Ebru , Uyar Basar
Published: September 2023

Potato peel waste (PPW), a zero‐value by‐product generated from potato processing, is a promising fermentation substrate due to its large quantity of starch, nonstarch polysaccharides, lignin, protein, and lipid. Rhizopus oryzae is a filamentous fungus that is mainly known as a lactic acid producer and can ferment various agro‐wastes. This study aimed to use R. oryzae for the fermentation of PPW. A series of batch fermentations were conducted to investigate the effects of different PPW loading rates (2%–8%) and particle sizes (0–4 mm). Under an initial PPW loading rate of 8% and particle size of 1–2 mm, the maximum ethanol (18.83 g/L) and lactic acid (3.14 g/L) concentrations, the highest ethanol (9.41 g/L·day) and lactic acid (1.89 g/L·day) average production rates were obtained. Under these conditions, the yield of ethanol and lactic acid was 0.235 g/gPPW and 0.039 g/gPPW, respectively. R. oryzae was shown to utilize PPW as a substrate to produce value‐added bioproducts such as ethanol (major product) and lactic acid.
Petrographic composition and heavy minerals in modern river sand: A global database
Authors: Liang Wendong , Hu Xiumian , Garzanti Eduardo , Wen Huaguo , Hou Mingcai
Published: September 2023

In the case of modern river sediments, source rocks, tectonic setting, and climatic and geomorphological conditions are fully known, diagenetic effects are by definition none, and physical and chemical processes during erosion, transport, and deposition can be investigated directly in any required detail. Their study thus provides the fundamental information needed to understand the impact of various controls on sediment generation and sediment routing systems in diverse geological settings. With the growing interest in source‐to‐sink sedimentary systems for economic purposes, researchers have focused more and more on modern environments, producing an ever‐increasing amount of compositional data on river sediments. To better integrate and utilize these large datasets, we systematically compiled a global database of 4,208 fluvial sediment samples compiled from 100 published papers, book chapters, and dissertations and included 3,747 petrographic and 1,943 heavy‐mineral analyses. The analysed samples are mostly located in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America, with fewer examples from North America and Oceania. Each sample is complemented by metadata describing references, river name, geographic location, sampling date, analytical method, and grain size, so that samples can be grouped and filtered to meet different needs including comparison with other datasets.
Chronic psychosocial stress triggers microglial‐/macrophage‐induced inflammatory responses leading to neuronal dysfunction and depressive‐related behavior
Authors: Kokkosis Alexandros G. , Madeira Miguel M. , Hage Zachary , Valais Kimonas , Koliatsis Dimitris , Resutov Emran , Tsirka Stella E.
Published: September 2023

Chronic environmental stress and traumatic social experiences induce maladaptive behavioral changes and is a risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD) and various anxiety‐related psychiatric disorders. Clinical studies and animal models of chronic stress have reported that symptom severity is correlated with innate immune responses and upregulation of neuroinflammatory cytokine signaling in brain areas implicated in mood regulation (mPFC; medial Prefrontal Cortex). Despite increasing evidence implicating impairments of neuroplasticity and synaptic signaling deficits into the pathophysiology of stress‐related mental disorders, how microglia may modulate neuronal homeostasis in response to chronic stress has not been defined. Here, using the repeated social defeat stress (RSDS) mouse model we demonstrate that microglial‐induced inflammatory responses are regulating neuronal plasticity associated with psychosocial stress. Specifically, we show that chronic stress induces a rapid activation and proliferation of microglia as well as macrophage infiltration in the mPFC, and these processes are spatially related to neuronal activation. Moreover, we report a significant association of microglial inflammatory responses with susceptibility or resilience to chronic stress. In addition, we find that exposure to chronic stress exacerbates phagocytosis of synaptic elements and deficits in neuronal plasticity. Importantly, by utilizing two different CSF1R inhibitors (the brain penetrant PLX5622 and the non‐penetrant PLX73086) we highlight a crucial role for microglia (and secondarily macrophages) in catalyzing the pathological manifestations linked to psychosocial stress in the mPFC and the resulting behavioral deficits usually associated with depression.
Route sequence knowledge supports the formation of cognitive maps
Authors: Hilton Christopher , Wiener Jan
Published: September 2023

In this study, we examined the extent to which knowledge about the sequence of places encountered during route learning supports the formation of a metric cognitive map. In a between subjects design, participants learned a route until they could navigate it independently without error whilst also learning information about either the identity of places along the route (Recognition Learning condition) or the sequence of places along the route (Sequence Learning condition). In a follow‐up Reconstruction of Order Task, we confirmed that participants in the Sequence Learning condition had more accurate route sequence knowledge than those in the Recognition Learning condition, despite requiring the same overall number of trials to learn the route. Participants then completed a Pointing Task to assess the quality of their cognitive map of the environment. Both groups performed above chance level, showing incidental encoding of metric information, but the Sequence Learning group produced significantly lower pointing errors than the Recognition Learning group. Further, we found that route distance between pairs of places was a strong predictor of pointing error in both groups, whilst Euclidean distance between places was a significant, but weak, predictor only for the Sequence Learning condition. The results of this study demonstrate that discrete route sequence knowledge directly supports the formation of metric cognitive maps. We consider how the results are best explained by interactions between striatal route representations and hippocampal metric representations, centered around the sequence of places acting as a scaffold for the encoding of metric information.
Total Synthesis of Salviachinensine A Using a Matteson Homologation Approach
Authors: Kempf Merlin , Andler Oliver , Kazmaier Uli
Published: September 2023

Salviachinensine A, a natural product obtained from the Chinese medicinal plant Salvia chinensis, was synthesized for the first time by employing Donald Matteson's boronic ester homologation. The use of (R,R)‐dicyclohexylethane‐1,2‐diol (DICHED) enabled the generation of the required stereogenic centers in a highly stereoselective fashion. Salviachinensine A was formed in a one‐pot protecting group cleavage/lactonization/ intramolecular Friedel–Crafts alkylation, followed by Lewis acid‐catalysed cleavage of the acetal protecting groups.
Effects of adoptive T‐cell immunotherapy on immune cell profiles and prognosis of patients with unresectable or recurrent cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kida Akihiko , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Kitahara Masaaki , Miyashita Tomoharu , Goto Shigenori , Kamigaki Takashi , Takimoto Rishu , Asai Jun , Kakinoki Kaheita , Urabe Takeshi , Tomita Katsuro , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: September 2023

The identification of immune cell profiles (ICP) involved in anti‐tumor immunity is crucial for immunotherapy. Therefore, we herein investigated cholangiocarcinoma patients (CCA) who received adoptive T‐cell immunotherapy (ATI). Eighteen unresectable or recurrent CCA received ATI of αβ T cells alone or combined with chemotherapy. ICP were evaluated by flow cytometry. There were 14 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and four with distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA). After one course of treatment, nine iCCA and four dCCA had progressive disease (PD), while five iCCA had stable disease (SD). Median overall survival (OS) was prolonged to 21.9 months. No significant differences were observed in OS between the PD and SD groups of iCCA. The frequency of helper T cells (HT) in iCCA decreased from 70.3% to 65.5% (P = .008), while that of killer T cells (KT) increased from 27.0% to 30.6% (P = .005). dCCA showed no significant changes of immune cells. OS was prolonged in iCCA with increased frequencies of CD3+ T cells (CD3) (P = .039) and αβ T cells (αβ) (P = .039). dCCA showed no immune cells associated with OS. The frequencies of CD3+ T cells and αβ T cells in the PD group for iCCA decreased from 63.5% to 53% (P = .038) and from 61.6% to 52.2% (P = .028), respectively. In the SD group, the frequency of HT decreased from 65.8% to 56.9% (P = .043), whereas that of KT increased from 30.1% to 38.3% (P = .043). In conclusions, ATI affected ICP and prolonged OS. Immune cells involved in treatment effects differed according to the site of cholangiocarcinoma.
Partner testing with HIV self‐test distribution by Ugandan pregnant women living with HIV: a randomized trial
Authors: Mujugira Andrew , Nakyanzi Agnes , Donnell Deborah , Boyer Jade , Stein Gabrielle , Bulterys Michelle , Naddunga Faith , Kyomugisha Juliet , Birungi Juliet E. , Ssendiwala Paul , Nsubuga Rogers , Muwonge Timothy R. , Musinguzi Joshua , Sharma Monisha , Celum Connie L.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Secondary distribution of HIV self‐tests (HIVST) by HIV‐negative pregnant women to male partners increases men's testing rates. We examined whether this strategy promotes male partner testing for pregnant women living with HIV (PWLHIV).

Methods

We conducted an open‐label individually randomized trial in Kampala, Uganda, in which PWLHIV ≥18 years who reported a partner of unknown HIV status were randomized 2:1 to secondary distribution of HIVST for male partner(s) or standard‐of‐care (SOC; invitation letter to male partner for fast‐track testing). Women were followed until 12 months post‐partum. Male partners were offered confirmatory HIV testing and facilitated linkage to antiretroviral treatment (ART) or oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Using intention‐to‐treat analysis, primary outcomes were male partner testing at the clinic and initiation on PrEP or ART evaluated through 12 months post‐partum (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03484533).

Results

From November 2018 to March 2020, 500 PWLHIV were enrolled with a median age of 27 years (interquartile range [IQR] 23–30); 332 were randomized to HIVST and 168 to SOC with 437 PWLHIV (87.4%) completing 12 months follow‐up post‐partum. Of 236 male partners who tested at the clinic and enrolled (47.2%), their median age was 31 years (IQR 27–36), 45 (88.3%) men with HIV started ART and 113 (61.1%) HIV‐negative men started PrEP. There was no intervention effect on male partner testing (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79–1.37) or time to ART or PrEP initiation (HR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.69–1.33). Two male partners and two infants acquired HIV for an incidence of 0.99 per 100 person‐years (95% CI: 0.12–3.58) and 1.46 per 100 person‐years (95% CI: 0.18%–5.28%), respectively. Social harms related to study participation were experienced by six women (HIVST = 5, SOC = 1).

Conclusions

Almost half of the partners of Ugandan PWLHIV tested for HIV with similar HIV testing rates and linkage to ART or PrEP among the secondary distribution of HIVST and SOC arms. Although half of men became aware of their HIV serostatus and linked to services, additional strategies to reach male partners of women in antenatal care are needed to increase HIV testing and linkage to services among men.
Facile extraction of berberine from different plants, separation, and identification by thin‐layer chromatography, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and biological evaluation against Leishmaniosis
Authors: Alam Syed Dilshad , Beg Mirza Adil , Bagadi Muralidhararao , Locatelli Marcello , ALOthman Zeid A. , Mustaqeem Mohd , Ali Imran
Published: September 2023

The extraction of berberine was carried out from Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aquifolium, and Hydrastis canadensis plants using ethanol and water (70:30, v/v). The extracted berberine was characterized by ultraviolet‐visible and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The purity of berberine was ascertained by thin‐layer chromatography using n‐propanol‐formic acid‐water (95:1:4) and (90:1:9) solvents. hRf values were in the range of 44–49 with compact spots (diameter 0.2–0.4 cm). HPLC was carried out using ammonium acetate buffer and acetonitrile in gradient mode with Zodiac (4.6 × 150 mm, 3 μm) column. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and detection was at 220 nm. The values of separation and resolution factors of the standard and the extracted berberine were in the range of 1.13–1.16 and 1.40–1.71, respectively. A comparison has shown that both thin‐layer chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods found applications in different situations and requirements. The extracted berberine samples were used to treat Leishmaniosis and the results showed better activity of berberine in comparison to the standard drug Amphotericin B. Briefly, the reported research is a novel and may be used to extract berberine from plants, separation and identification of berberine by thin layer chromatography and HPLC and to treat Leishmaniosis.
Impacts of infiltration holes on rainfall‐runoff production on slopes treated with engineering measures: A simulation study in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Li Gaoliang , Wang Ke , Zheng Jiyong , Zheng Yi , Ma Zhanghuai , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Yang Kaiqi
Published: September 2023

Present slope engineering measures are insufficient to intercept and infiltrate extreme rainstorm runoff in the Loess Plateau of China. The infiltration hole that has specific depth and volume can be used as a supplemental to slope engineering measures to rapidly reduce rainstorm runoff and store them into deep soil layers. In this study, the performance of infiltration holes (60, 80, and 100 cm in depth and 10 cm in diameter) in intercepting and infiltrating rainstorm runoff was evaluated through the field simulation experiment (rainfall intensity of 1.5 mm min−1). The results showed that infiltration holes directly increased the runoff infiltration area by 0.20, 0.26, and 0.32 m2. Before infiltration holes were filled up, all the runoff were intercepted, the reduced runoff were 5.70, 5.85, 8.85 mm, respectively. When runoff reducing rate reached stable (around 110 min), the stable runoff‐reducing rates were 0.079, 0.088, and 0.091 mm min−1, and the cumulative reduced runoff were 15.05, 18.11, and 20.97 mm, accounting for 30.41%, 36.59%, and 42.36% of the simulated rainstorm runoff. This implies that filtration holes could, on average, reduce runoff by 70.50, 132.42, and 256.26 mm within 12, 24, and 48 h, respectively. Based on the results, it was verified that infiltration holes could reduce most of the runoff under the scenario of historical extreme rainstorms in the past two decades. Our research determined the rainfall runoff reduced by infiltration holes and verified the effectiveness of infiltration holes under rainstorm events, and provided a prospective technique for regulating extreme rainstorm runoff and decreasing landslides and mudslides risks on the Loess Plateau.
Correlation between the efficacy of picosecond‐domain laser treatment for solar lentigo and the vascularity in the upper dermis using optical coherence tomography angiography in Asian women
Authors: Hara Yusuke , Ninomiya Masato , Yamashita Toyonobu , Negishi Kei
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to noninvasively confirm the characteristics of the dermal vasculature in patients with solar lentigo (SL) and determine any association with the efficacy of picosecond‐domain laser (PSL) treatment.

Methods

Thirteen facial SL lesions in 11 Asian female patients were included in this study and evaluated over 12 weeks. An Nd:YAG laser was used at 532 nm and 750 ps. Skin color and morphological structure were evaluated by ANTERA‐3D® and optical coherence tomography (OCT), respectively. To analyze the vascularity in the upper dermis, an OCT angiography (OCTA) algorithm was applied to the OCT data.

Results

After PSL treatment, significant improvement in both hyperpigmentation and abnormally thickened epidermis was observed, but the efficacy varied for each lesion. There was a significant correlation between the change in the melanin index due to PSL treatment and preoperative vascular density in the upper dermis.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate a correlation between the efficacy of PSL treatment of SL lesions and the vascularity in the upper dermis. Methods to evaluate the vasculature in the upper dermis may be useful for preoperative prediction of the efficacy of PSL treatment for SL lesions.