bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PTCH1 gene variants rs357564, rs2236405, rs2297086 and rs41313327, mRNA and tissue expression in basal cell carcinoma patients from Western Mexico
Authors: Zambrano‐Román Marianela , Padilla‐Gutiérrez Jorge R. , Valle Yeminia , Muñoz‐Valle José F. , Guevara‐Gutiérrez Elizabeth , Martínez‐Fernández Diana Emilia , Valdés‐Alvarado Emmanuel
Published: January 2024

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents about 80% of all cases of skin cancer. The PTCH1 is a transmembrane protein of the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway that regulates cell proliferation. Genetic variants in PTCH1 gene have been previously described in association with BCC development. In addition, PTCH1 mRNA and protein expression analysis are also significant to understand its role in skin cancer physiopathology.

Methods

An analytical cross‐sectional study was performed, and a total of 250 BCC patients and 290 subjects from the control group (CG) were included, all born in western Mexico. The genotypes and relative expression of the mRNA were determined by TaqMan® assay. The protein expression was investigated in 70 BCC paraffin‐embedded samples with PTCH1 antibodies. Semi‐quantitative analysis was performed to determine the expression level in the immunostained cells.

Results

We did not find evidence of an association between PTCH1 rs357564, rs2297086, rs2236405, and rs41313327 genetic variants and susceptibility to BCC. Likewise, no statistically significant differences were found in the comparison of the mRNA level expression between BCC and CG (p > 0.05). The PTCH1 protein showed a low expression in 6 of the analyzed samples and moderate expression in 1 sample. No association was found between genetic variants, protein expression, and demographic‐clinical characteristics (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The studied PTCH1 variants may not be associated with BCC development in the Western Mexico population. The PTCH1 mRNA levels were lower in patients with BCC compared to the control group, but its protein was underexpressed in the tissue samples.
Granulomatous orchitis: A case report of misdiagnosis and review of the literature
Authors: Song Xinrong , Niu Huimin , Yang Ming , Wang Xiaona
Published: January 2024

Granulomatous orchitis is a relatively rare clinical testicular lesion. The imaging manifestations and clinical symptoms are similar to those of testicular tumors. In order to improve the understanding of this disease, this article reports the ultrasonographic manifestations of a case of granulomatous orchitis and reviews the relevant literature with.
Opuntioideae cactus stem Bioimaging analysis: Bridging taxonomy and antimicrobial research
Authors: Almalki Waleed Hassan
Published: January 2024

This study presents a comprehensive scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of Opuntioideae cactus stems indigenous to the arid regions of Saudi Arabia, elucidating their intricate microstructural features. The findings not only advance taxonomic understanding by aiding in species differentiation but also reveal the antimicrobial potential of these cacti, highlighting their significance as valuable natural resources for both ecological and pharmaceutical applications. The present study is aimed to present the stem epidermal anatomical description of Opuntioideae (Cactaceae) belonging to genus Opuntia (five Species), Cylindropuntia (two Species), and Austrocylindropuntia (one Species) as tool for systematic identification. Stem epidermal anatomical features represent here are epidermal cells, stomatal complex, subsidiary cells, and trichomes findings was observed using light microscope and SEM. The stem epidermal sections were made by heating in test tube containing lactic acid and nitric acid protocol. In anatomical findings, irregular, zigzag, wavy, and polygonal epidermal cells with sinuate, sinuous, and straight anticlinal walls were observed. Quantitatively minimum length (28.05 ± 2.05 μm) and width (23.15 ± 3.41 μm) of epidermal cells were noted in Cylindropuntia kleiniae. Paracytic type of stomata present was observed in all species with kidney‐shaped guard cell present in six species, and in Opuntia macrocentra and Austrocylindropuntia subulata, dumbbell‐shaped guard cells were observed. The largest length of stomata (53.25 ± 2.05 μm) and width of stomata (35.10 ± 5.19 μm) were observed in Opuntia monacantha. In present research work, stem anatomical features show many diverse characters are of special attention for plant taxonomist for the correct identification and provide baseline for further study in subfamily Opuntiodeae.

Research Highlights

The intricate microstructures of Opuntioideae cactus stems.

Investigating the antimicrobial potential of compounds found within Opuntioideae cactus stems.

Correlations between the unique structural features observed through SEM and the antimicrobial activity of Opuntioideae cactus stem extracts.
Changes in regional daily precipitation intensity and spatial structure from global reanalyses
Authors: Lussana Cristian , Benestad Rasmus , Dobler Andreas
Published: January 2024

We conducted an analysis of hydrological cycle variations across 13 regions of varying sizes distributed across different continents. The analysis is based on five reanalysis datasets of daily precipitation, all produced by the European Centre on Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF): ERA5 high‐resolution, ERA5 ensemble, CERA‐20C, ERA20‐C and ERA20‐CM. We examined several climate indicators, including the daily mean precipitation, the 75th and 99th percentiles, the precipitation area fraction and the area fractions with precipitations exceeding 10 and 20 mm. We evaluated the ability of the reanalyses to capture precipitation at specific spatial scales using scale‐separation diagnostics based on 2D wavelet decomposition. The climatological energy spectra of precipitation derived from the analysis describe the scales that each reanalysis can accurately reproduce, serving as a unique signature for each dataset. We compared the spatial scales that were comparable across the different reanalyses and examined the temporal trends of energy on those scales. The results indicate that the hydrological cycle is undergoing changes in all regions, with some variations observed across different regions. Common features include an increase in intense precipitation events and a decrease in the corresponding spatial extent. The ensemble of ERA5 reanalyses exhibited the smallest effective resolution, as determined by the scale‐separation method, and displayed more pronounced trends compared to other reanalyses. Notably, an acceleration of changes is evident in the last 20 years. However, Central Asia may be an exception, showing relatively less noticeable changes in the hydrological cycle.
Language inclusion in ecological systematic reviews and maps: Barriers and perspectives
Authors: Hannah Kelsey , Haddaway Neal R. , Fuller Richard A. , Amano Tatsuya
Published: January 2024

Systematic reviews and maps are considered a reliable form of research evidence, but often neglect non‐English‐language literature, which can be a source of important evidence. To understand the barriers that might limit authors' ability or intent to find and include non‐English‐language literature, we assessed factors that may predict the inclusion of non‐English‐language literature in ecological systematic reviews and maps, as well as the review authors' perspectives. We assessed systematic reviews and maps published in Environmental Evidence (n = 72). We also surveyed authors from each paper (n = 32 responses), gathering information on the barriers to the inclusion of non‐English language literature. 44% of the reviewed papers (32/72) excluded non‐English literature from their searches and inclusions. Commonly cited reasons included constraints related to resources and time. Regression analysis revealed that reviews with larger author teams, authors from diverse countries, especially those with non‐English primary languages, and teams with multilingual capabilities searched in a significantly greater number of non‐English languages. Our survey exposed limited language diversity within the review teams and inadequate funding as the principal barriers to incorporating non‐English language literature. To improve language inclusion and reduce bias in systematic reviews and maps, our study suggests increasing language diversity within review teams. Combining machine translation with language skills can alleviate the financial and resource burdens of translation. Funding applications could also include translation costs. Additionally, establishing language exchange systems would enable access to information in more languages. Further studies investigating language inclusion in other journals would strengthen these conclusions.
Tannic acid alleviates ETEC K88‐induced intestinal damage through regulating the p62‐keap1‐Nrf2 and TLR4‐NF‐κB‐NLRP3 pathway in IPEC‐J2 cells
Authors: Liu Wenhui , Guo Kangkang
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Tannic acid (TA), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has shown diverse potential in preventing intestinal damage in piglet diarrhea induced by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. However, the protective effect of TA on ETEC k88 infection‐induced post‐weaning diarrhea and its potential mechanism has not been well elucidated. Therefore, an animal trial was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with TA on the intestinal diarrhea of weaned piglets challenged with ETEC K88. In addition, porcine intestinal epithelial cells were used as an in vitro model to explore the mechanism through which TA alleviates intestinal oxidative damage and inflammation.

RESULTS

The results indicated that TA supplementation (2 and 4 g kg−1) reduced diarrhea rate, enzyme activity (diamine oxidase [DAO] and Malondialdehyde [MAD]) and serum inflammatory cytokines concentration (TNF‐α and IL‐1β) (P < 0.05) compared to the Infection group (IG), group in vivo. In vitro, TA treatment effectively alleviated ETEC‐induced cytotoxicity, increased the expression of ZO‐1, occludin and claudin‐1 at both mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, TA pre‐treatment increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (such as T‐SOD) and decreased serum cytokine levels (TNF‐α and IL‐1β). Furthermore, TA increased cellular antioxidant capacity by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and decreased inflammatory response by down‐regulating the expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF‐kB and NLRP3.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that TA reduced the diarrhea rate of weaned piglets by restoring the intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier function, alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation. The underlying mechanism was achieved by modulating the p62‐keap1‐Nrf2 and TLR4‐NF‐κB‐NLRP3 pathway. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cut me some slack! How perceptions of financial slack influence pain of payment
Authors: Pomerance Justin , Reinholtz Nicholas
Published: January 2024

Consumers often experience pain of payment, a tug of negative affect that holds back their spending. While the literature has long viewed pain of payment as self‐regulatory in nature, it has left the dynamics of self‐regulation that lead to the pain of paying largely unaddressed. In self‐regulation, affect arises when people move away from a goal they hold. Thus, understanding the specific goals that people consider when making a payment can help us better predict when pain of payment will arise. We propose that people have a goal to maintain financial slack, and that violating this goal contributes to pain of payment. Thus, people experience more pain of payment when the goal to maintain financial slack is stronger or when it is particularly salient that a purchase entails losing financial slack. Critically, subjective changes in financial slack are not equivalent to objective changes in wealth, altering pain of payment for economically equivalent trades. This research contributes to the existing literature by identifying a novel antecedent to the pain of payment. It additionally expands our understanding of people's preferences between payment systems. Finally, it offers guidance to practitioners who wish to minimize pain of payment among their consumers.
MaDDOSY (Mass Determination Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy) using an 80 MHz Bench Top NMR for the Rapid Determination of Polymer and Macromolecular Molecular Weight
Authors: Tooley Owen , Pointer William , Radmall Rowan , Hall Mia , Beyer Valentin , Stakem Kieran , Swift Thomas , Town James , Junkers Tanja , Wilson Paul , Lester Daniel , Haddleton David
Published: January 2024

Measurement of molecular weight is an integral part of macromolecular and polymer characterization which usually has limitations. Herein, this article presents the use of a bench‐top 80 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer for diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy as a practical and rapid approach for the determination of molecular weight/size using a novel solvent and polymer‐independent universal calibration.
Algebraic algorithms for a class of Schrödinger equations in split quaternionic mechanics
Authors: Jiang Tongsong , Wang Gang , Guo Zhenwei , Zhang Dong
Published: January 2024

With the breakthroughs made by physicists in high‐dimensional mathematics, it has become possible to represent and solve a number of classical mathematical physics problems using the split quaternion algebra. In this paper, we study the least squares approximation of a class of Schrödinger equations in split quaternionic mechanics and propose two algebraic algorithms to the generalized right eigen‐problem for an i‐Hermitian split quaternion matrix pencil by using two isomorphic mappings. Numerical examples show the effectiveness of the proposed theories and algorithms.
Surgical management of bladder outlet obstruction due to functional and anatomical etiologies in women
Authors: Dequirez Pierre‐Luc , Wasserman Meredith C. , Brucker Benjamin M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women includes functional and anatomic etiologies. Primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO), Fowler's syndrome (FS), and dysfunctional voiding (DV) are some examples of functional obstructions, whereas pelvic organ prolapse (POP), periurethral masses, and intragenic causes are some of the anatomic causes.

Methods

This literature review describes the etiologies of female BOO, unique aspects of the workup and diagnosis, and the data for the standard surgical treatments and newer surgical techniques to treat women. Urethral stenosis and sling‐related obstruction are treated in the other articles of this series. Where possible the focus is the efficacy and outcomes.

Results

Treatment of PBNO using a transurethral incision of the bladder neck and injection of botulinum toxin in the bladder neck decreases the BOO. After the failure of conservative approaches, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is effective for FS, while DV may benefit from SNM or botulinum toxin injections. Concerning POP, most surgeries have been reported to significantly improve a pre‐existent BOO but the level of evidence is low. Benign urethral and periurethral masses may provoke BOO, and surgical excision usually resolves this condition.

Conclusion

Although most surgical treatments of BOO for functional and benign anatomical etiologies in women seem to be effective, data are scarce even for more common conditions like POP. Further studies are required to give better advice on the choice of surgical technique for these patients.
Lifelong LUTS: Understanding the bladder's role and implications across transition phases, a comprehensive review
Authors: Kheir George Bou , Verbakel Irina , Wyndaele Michel , Monaghan Thomas F. , Sinha Sanjay , Larsen Tove Holm , Van Laecke Erik , Birder Lori , Hervé François , Everaert Karel
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) are a diverse array of urinary and pelvic dysfunctions that can emerge from childhood, extend through adulthood, and persist into older age. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the continuum of LUTS and shed light on the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications that span across the lower urinary tract.

Methods

A panel of five experts from Belgium, the Netherlands, India, Denmark, and the United States participated in an intensive research to explore and pinpoint existing insights into the lifelong concept of LUTS, particularly at the pelvic level. The experts reviewed the existing literature and held a webinar to discuss their findings.

Results

Childhood LUTS can persist, resolve, or progress into bladder underactivity, dysfunctional voiding, or pain syndromes. The Lifelong character can be explained by pelvic organ cross‐talk facilitated through complex neurological and nonneurological interactions. At the molecular level, the role of vasopressin receptors in the bladder's modulation and their potential relevance to therapeutic strategies for LUTS are explored. Frailty emerges as a parallel concept to lifelong LUTS, with a complex and synergistic relationship. Frailty, not solely an age‐related condition, accentuates LUTS severity with insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety profile of the available therapeutic modalities.

Conclusion

Understanding lifelong LUTSs offers insights into genetic, anatomical, neurological, and molecular mechanisms. Further research could identify predictive biomarkers, elucidate the role of clinically translatable elements in pelvic cross‐talk, and uncover molecular signatures for personalized management.
Oral health and nonmolar dental attrition in the Siwa‐period individuals from the Bronze Age Mogou cemetery, Northwest China
Authors: Monroe Shannon , Dittmar Jenna M. , Berger Elizabeth , Dautartas Angela , Mao Ruilin , Wang Hui , Yeh Ivy Hui‐Yuan
Published: January 2024

Dental data can reveal evidence for a past population's oral health, nutrition, and certain cultural activities. This study aims to explore oral health and dental attrition during the late Bronze Age in order to explore health outcomes in different subgroups as well as aspects of foodways and changes in subsistence strategies during the second millennium BCE in northwest China. To do this, the skeletal remains of adult individuals associated with the Siwa material culture (1400–1100 BC) from the Mogou site (n = 28) were macroscopically assessed and compared with previously published data derived from a subsample of individuals associated with Qijia period material culture complex (1750–1400 BC) from the same site. The results show that the Siwa‐period population experienced a high frequency of carious lesions and antemortem tooth loss associated with advanced attrition (of both molars and nonmolar teeth), which did not vary significantly by sex. Females had a higher prevalence of carious lesions and antemortem tooth loss than did males, while males had a higher prevalence of dental calculus. These male/female health outcomes are also attested during the earlier Qijia period at the Mogou site. The Siwa period differs from the Qijia in that females experienced slightly worse attrition than their predecessors. Overall, oral health does not diverge significantly between the Qijia and Siwa periods, suggesting that the factors that contributed to oral health including dietary practices may have persisted diachronically for individuals buried at this site.
Cross‐cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Turkish version of the Oral Behaviours Checklist
Authors: Kaynak Besime Ahu , Aktaş Arda , Tüfek Muhammed Taha , Taş Serkan
Published: January 2024

Aim

Determining the occurrence of oral parafunctional behaviors is essential for the clinical management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). For this reason, the evaluation of parafunctional behaviors in patients with TMDs is highly important.

Methods

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Oral Behaviours Checklist (OBC‐T) in patients with TMDs. To determine the reliability of the questionnaire, it was applied in 142 patients with TMDs twice at a 2‐week interval. For concurrent validity of the OBC, Spearman correlation analysis was performed with Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), Jaw Function Limitation Scale‐20 (JFLS‐20), and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia for TMDs (TSK‐TMDs).

Results

Items had good to excellent test–retest reliability. The OBC‐T score was correlated with FAI, JFLS‐20, PHQ‐9, and TSK‐TMDs scores.

Conclusion

These results provided important evidence that the OBC‐T can be used to evaluate parafunctional behaviors in individuals with TMDs in Turkish‐speaking populations.
Chemokine profiling of melanoma–macrophage crosstalk identifies CCL8 and CCL15 as prognostic factors in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Barrio‐Alonso Celia , Nieto‐Valle Alicia , García‐Martínez Elena , Gutiérrez‐Seijo Alba , Parra‐Blanco Verónica , Márquez‐Rodas Iván , Avilés‐Izquierdo José Antonio , Sánchez‐Mateos Paloma , Samaniego Rafael
Published: January 2024

During cancer evolution, tumor cells attract and dynamically interact with monocytes/macrophages. To find biomarkers of disease progression in human melanoma, we used unbiased RNA sequencing and secretome analyses of tumor–macrophage co‐cultures. Pathway analysis of genes differentially modulated in human macrophages exposed to melanoma cells revealed a general upregulation of inflammatory hallmark gene sets, particularly chemokines. A selective group of chemokines, including CCL8, CCL15, and CCL20, was actively secreted upon melanoma–macrophage co‐culture. Because we previously described the role of CCL20 in melanoma, we focused our study on CCL8 and CCL15 and confirmed that in vitro both chemokines contributed to melanoma survival, proliferation, and 3D invasion through CCR1 signaling. In vivo, both chemokines enhanced primary tumor growth, spontaneous lung metastasis, and circulating tumor cell survival and lung colonization in mouse xenograft models. Finally, we explored the clinical significance of CCL8 and CCL15 expression in human skin melanoma, screening a collection of 67 primary melanoma samples, using multicolor fluorescence and quantitative image analysis of chemokine–chemokine receptor content at the single‐cell level. Primary skin melanomas displayed high CCR1 expression, but there was no difference in its level of expression between metastatic and nonmetastatic cases. By contrast, comparative analysis of these two clinically divergent groups showed a highly significant difference in the cancer cell content of CCL8 (p = 0.025) and CCL15 (p < 0.0001). Kaplan–Meier curves showed that a high content of CCL8 or CCL15 in cancer cells correlated with shorter disease‐free and overall survival (log‐rank test, p < 0.001). Our results highlight the role of CCL8 and CCL15, which are highly induced by melanoma–macrophage interactions in biologically aggressive primary melanomas and could be clinically applicable biomarkers for patient profiling. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Prevention of potential‐induced degradation using a moisture barrier in crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules
Authors: Lee Solhee , Lee Kyung Dong , Bae Soohyun , Kang Yoonmook , Kim Donghwan , Lee Hae‐Seok
Published: January 2024

As photovoltaic (PV) modules are exposed to high temperatures and humidity over time, they generate leakage current, which leads to potential‐induced degradation (PID) and lower power output. In silicon, Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 (CIGS) thin film and perovskite solar cells, PID has been shown to be driven by the presence of Na in the module glass. PID stability is crucial for the commercialization of such solar modules. This study aims to confirm the leaching phenomenon of Na in soda–lime module glass and study the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a moisture barrier to prevent PID. By water immersion and exposure to different temperature and humidity conditions, we exhibited Na leaching in soda–lime glass. Moreover, we demonstrate the use of an anti‐PID moisture barrier made of PTFE, which was deposited using kinetic spraying between the cover glass and encapsulant in the solar module. The thickness of the moisture barrier was controlled by adjusting the deposition rate, and the PID characteristics were evaluated by manufacturing solar modules for different barrier thicknesses. Light current–voltage (LIV), dark current–voltage (DIV), and electroluminescence (EL) measurements confirmed that the PTFE moisture barrier effectively inhibits the degradation of solar cells. This study provides further insights into the Na leaching phenomenon and PID mechanism in PV modules and contributes to the design and development of more stable solar cells.
Physiologic stress in the classroom: Does teacher's cortisol expression influence children's afternoon rise in cortisol at childcare?
Authors: Schlueter Lisa J. , McGee Andrew B. , Link Tasha , Badanes Lisa S. , Dmitrieva Julia , Watamura Sarah E.
Published: January 2024

Extant literature has demonstrated that children's diurnal stress physiology often looks different on childcare versus home days. Specifically, children experience a rise in cortisol, rather than a decline, over the day while in full‐time care. Additionally, temperamental fit within classroom environment may influence both child and teacher cortisol and outcomes. The current study investigated whether teachers' cortisol levels (n = 11) were associated with child cortisol levels (n = 71, mean age = 4.18 ± 0.81, 51% female) in the classroom while taking into account temperament, child sex assigned at birth, and classroom quality. Cortisol samples were collected on consecutive days at home and childcare for children, and at childcare for teachers. We hypothesized that (1) teacher cortisol will predict child afternoon cortisol, (2) that a portion of the variance in this relationship will be accounted for by classroom quality. Using a cross‐sectional design, children in this sample had higher cortisol values in the afternoon while at childcare than at similar times of day at home. Teachers demonstrated a typical diurnal decline across the day but variation in total cortisol output at childcare. Two distinct predictors of afternoon cortisol levels were identified in children attending childcare: child age and mean teacher cortisol levels across the day, while negative affect and classroom quality were not significant. Younger children and children whose teachers had higher mean cortisol levels were more likely to have high afternoon cortisol at childcare. Higher diurnal cortisol values for teachers may indicate a higher stress environment for both teachers and children. These preliminary findings suggest that teacher stress may not only have implications for children in terms of teacher burnout, high staff turnover, and learning, but possibly also for children's health and well‐being. Implications for research and policy, as well as limitations and strengths, are discussed.
A new feature of the laboratory model plant Nicotiana benthamiana: Dead‐end trap for sustainable field pest control
Authors: Han Wen‐Hao , Wang Jun‐Xia , Zhang Feng‐Bin , Ji Shun‐Xia , Zhong Yu‐Wei , Liu Yin‐Quan , Liu Shu‐Sheng , Wang Xiao‐Wei
Published: January 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Conventional pest management measures release large amounts of chemical or plastic pollutants into the environment. Nicotiana benthamiana, a commonly employed laboratory model plant, demonstrated remarkable lethality and attractiveness towards several important Hemiptera and Thysanoptera insect pests. Field trials showed that the N. benthamiana plants can be used as a dead‐end trap to successfully control these pests, comparable to commercial plastic sticky traps. Notably, the N. benthamiana in the field grew well without negatively impacting crop growth, natural enemies, and pollinators. This study unearths a new benefit of N. benthamiana and develops an easy‐to‐apply and sustainable strategy for field pest control.

Hemiptera and Thysanoptera insects pose persistent threats to agricultural production. Conventional management strategies involve the release of chemical or plastic agents, causing adverse environmental and global health issues. Notably, Nicotiana benthamiana, a globally utilized model plant, exhibits remarkable lethal effects and attraction towards these pests.

In this study, we explored the potential of using N. benthamiana for Hemiptera and Thysanoptera pest control in the laboratory and field. Through net cover and three field assays over 2 years, we demonstrated the efficacy and benefits of using N. benthamiana as a field‐deployed pest control dead‐end trap.

N. benthamiana demonstrated nearly 100% lethality to whiteflies, aphids, and thrips, with emitted volatiles attracting these insects. Field trials showed that potted and planted N. benthamiana blocks and traps whiteflies and thrips from several Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae crops effectively, comparable to common commercial yellow and blue sticky boards. Moreover, N. benthamiana in the field exhibited robust growth in commercial greenhouses without negatively impacting crop growth, natural enemies, and pollinators.

Our study introduces an innovative, easily implementable, and sustainable approach for controlling Hemiptera and Thysanoptera pests. Moreover, it unveils the novel utility of N. benthamiana in field‐based pest management.
Precision radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Chen Xiangzhou , Yuan Taize
Published: January 2024

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) occurs frequently in Southern China, and radiotherapy is the main treatment method. At present, intensity‐modulated radiotherapy is widely used, which has improved efficacy in patients with NPC and reduced toxicity and side effects. Recently, helical tomography radiotherapy, proton radiotherapy, carbon particle radiotherapy, and other radiotherapy techniques have been used for the clinical treatment of NPC. Individualized nasopharyngeal cancer targets have also been explored. This paper reviews the research progress in radiotherapy techniques and target volume for NPC
III. Geometrical framework for thinking about globular proteins: Turns in proteins
Authors: Škrbić Tatjana , Giacometti Achille , Hoang Trinh X. , Maritan Amos , Banavar Jayanth R.
Published: January 2024

We have shown recently that the notion of poking pairwise interactions along a chain provides a unifying framework for understanding the formation of both secondary and the tertiary protein structure based on symmetry and geometry. α‐helices and β‐sheets are found to be special geometries that have systematic poking contacts in a repetitive manner with the contacts being local along the α‐helix and non‐local along a pair of adjacent strands within a β‐sheet. Pairwise poking interactions also govern tertiary structure formation, but they are weaker and there are no special geometrical constraints as in secondary structure formation. Here we demonstrate that protein turns, the most prevalent non‐repetitive structural element in proteins, are instances of local (as in α‐helices) and isolated (non‐repetitive) poking pairwise contacts for which the geometrical constraints are partially relaxed. This simple and purely geometrical definition of protein turns (also sometimes known as reverse turns, β‐turns, β‐bends, hairpin bends, 310 bends, kinks, widgets, etc.) provides a simple framework for unifying them. We present the results of a systematic analysis and identify their structural classes as well as their respective amino acid preferences.
Canola bee pollen is an effective artificial diet additive for improving larval development of predatory coccinellids: a lesson from Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Sun Yuan‐Xing , Chen Ming‐Juan , Hao Ya‐Nan , Wang Sen‐Shan , Zhang Chu‐Lin
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Pollen is a common plant‐derived food source for predatory ladybird beetles under field conditions, yet the potential for pollen to improve the quality of artificial diets remains largely unexplored. In this study, we developed three pollen diets by incorporating varying proportions of canola bee pollen (7.5%, 15.0% and 22.5% with 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% of water, respectively) into a conventional diet. The feeding efficiency of Harmonia axyridis, an omnivorous predator, was evaluated and compared on three pollen diets, a conventional nonpollen diet and pea aphids.

RESULTS

The larvae fed a medium or high pollen diet exhibited significantly higher survival in the 4th instar, pupa and adult stages than those fed a nonpollen diet. These larvae also developed into significantly heavier adults, and their survival rates in adulthood were comparable to those fed pea aphids. Specifically, we revealed the underlying mechanisms through which a high pollen diet enhances pupal development. Consumption of high pollen diet versus nonpollen diet resulted not only in a significant decrease in pupal glycogen content, but also an increase in adult lipid content. Both diet treatments induced similar changes in carbohydrate and glycogen content compared to the aphid diet while exhibiting different alterations in pupal protein content and adult lipid content. Furthermore, the transcriptome analysis revealed that the nutrient metabolism, immune response, and cuticle development pathways were predominantly enriched among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs).

CONCLUSION

Canola bee pollen offers diverse advantages in terms of rearing H. axyridis larvae with an artificial diet, which will advance the development of effective diets for predaceous coccinellids. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Public health consequences of armed conflict in Sudan in the face of global donor fatigue
Authors: Musa Muhammad Kabir , Eshun Gibert , Modber Mohamed Abdulkareem Adam , Haruna Usman Abubakar , Abdulsalam Abdullateef , Zailani Asma'u Shuaibu , Zakariya Farida , Adamu Nuruddeen Abubakar , Musa Mohamed Babiker , Biney Godness Kye
Published: January 2024

Sudan, a country located in northeastern Africa, is grappling with a profound health crisis resulting from the recent war that erupted on April 15, 2023. This conflict has inflicted significant damage on the country's health system, particularly through the destruction of healthcare infrastructure. Approximately 61% of health facilities have been destroyed, leaving only 16% operating optimally in Khartoum. Hospitals and clinics, vital for public health, have become targets of violence, exacerbating the challenges faced by the nation. The World Health Organization has noted the closure of roughly 16 hospitals since the start of the conflicts due to staff safety concerns as well as a shortage of hospital supplies, consumables, and medication. There has also been a gradual waning of donor support and resources allocated to address protracted crises and emergencies worldwide Sudan receives very little funding from donor organizations to maintain its healthcare system, which worsens the nation's general public health architecture. This makes the country vulnerable to serious challenges like disease outbreaks, starvation, infectious diseases, deteriorating health infrastructure, and mental health issues. To successfully reduce the severity of negative impacts on public health, the crisis must be ceased and facilities reopened. An emergency disease surveillance system for infectious diseases should be established, women and child health should be prioritized, and mental health awareness programs and services should be implemented. The global community must support the efforts to mitigate the devastating effects of this crisis. This article aims to highlight the critical impact of the recent war on Sudan's healthcare, advocating for urgent measures, including facility reopening, disease surveillance, and global support to mitigate devastating consequences.
Monitoring the mean of autocorrelated data with long memory from cable production using one‐sided runs rules schemes with ARFIMA (1,d,1) model
Authors: Babatunde Oluwagbenga Tobi , Khoo Michael B. C. , Saha Sajal , Godase Dadasaheb G.
Published: January 2024

Classical control charts were developed with the assumption that the quality characteristics being monitored are independent. However, observations from several time‐dependent processes, such as industrial or manufacturing, are bound to be autocorrelated such that their autocorrelations decay gradually (long memory) rather than exponentially (short memory). Runs rules monitoring schemes have been proposed in Statistical Process Control literature to monitor processes in the presence of autocorrelation by incorporating the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) class of models which can only handle autocorrelation with a short memory. This paper therefore incorporates the autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average (ARFIMA (1,d,1)) model into four one‐sided runs rules schemes to monitor the mean of an autocorrelated process with long memory. The performance of these four one‐sided schemes was assessed using average run length (ARL) and expected ARL (EARL) metrics. Based on the ARL and EARL of the improved runs rules (IRR) schemes, the IRR5‐of‐5 and IRR2‐of‐7 were found to issue an out‐of‐control signal faster than the corresponding standard runs rules (RR) schemes, RR5‐of‐5 and RR2‐of‐7, respectively. Also, the four one‐sided schemes IRR5‐of‐5, IRR2‐of‐7, RR5‐of‐5, and RR2‐of‐7 in their steady state condition perform better than their corresponding zero state condition. We further observed that as the fractional parameter d increases, the detection ability of the monitoring schemes reduces. The application of the four one‐sided schemes was demonstrated on the diameter of cable production.
Ni‐Catalyzed/mediated C−X (X=N, O, S) Bond Formation Chelation‐Assisted by Bidentate Directing Groups
Authors: Xu Peng , Zhao Shengxian
Published: January 2024

Recently, transition‐metal‐catalyzed C−H functionalization has attracted significant attention due to its potential applications in different fields. Among different metals, nickel is regarded as a more sustainable 3d‐transition metal, which has been widely explored. Therefore, this review focuses on the recent advances in the field of nickel‐catalyzed C−H functionalization assisted with bidentate directing groups (DGs) to construct C−X (N, S, O) bond. The latest advancement in nickel catalysed C−X (N, S, O) bond are reviewed and covers literatures from 2015–2022. In addition, the substrate scope and limitations as well as partial mechanism are discussed.
Improvements in stress among Latinas participating in a randomized controlled trial of technology‐supported physical activity interventions
Authors: Pekmezi Dori , Dunsiger Shira , Benitez Tanya , Larsen Britta , Vasconez Andrea Mendoza , Marcus Bess
Published: January 2024

High levels of stress and inactivity likely contribute to chronic disease disparities among Latinas in the U.S. and call for intervention. To inform such efforts, the current study examined the relationships among changes (over time) in physical activity, stress, and related cardiometabolic biomarkers among sedentary (mostly) first generation Latinas. Data are taken from a randomized controlled trial (N = 199 Latinas) of two home‐based physical activity interventions (Original vs. theory‐ and technology‐ Enhanced versions). Physical activity and perceived stress were assessed at baseline and 6 and 12 months. Blood draws occurred at baseline and 6 months in a random subsample (N = 153). The participants were underactive (<60/min week of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity) Mexican American (89%) women with moderate perceived stress scores (M = 21.49, SD = 8.55, range = 0–40) and excess weight (M BMI = 30.6) at baseline. Overall, participants reported decreases in stress after 6 months enroled in the physical activity programs. The odds of a reduction in perceived stress were 11% higher among Enhanced versus Original Intervention participants (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05–2.27). Those who met physical activity guidelines were significantly more likely to report reductions in perceived stress over 6 months (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.08–4.16). Furthermore, those who reported reductions in perceived stress over 6 months reported significantly more moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity at 12 months (+69 min/week, SE = 27.98, p = 0.01) compared to those who did not. Greater reductions in perceived stress over 6 months were associated with greater improvements in cardiometabolic biomarkers (HbA1c, triglycerides, p's < 0.05). These results support a bidirectional relationship between improvements in stress and physical activity among Latinas. Future implications include using physical activity to address stress management and health disparities in this community.
Tip‐based Lithography with a Sacrificial Layer
Authors: Jo Jeong‐Sik , Lee Jinho , Choi Chiwon , Jang Jae‐Won
Published: January 2024

The fabrication of a highly controlled gold (Au) nanohole (NH) array via tip‐based lithography is improved by incorporating a sacrificial layer—a tip‐crash buffer layer. This inclusion mitigates scratches during the nano‐indentation process by employing a 300 nm thick poly(methyl methacrylate) layer as a sacrificial layer on top of the Au film. Such a precaution ensures minimal scratches on the Au film, facilitating the creation of sub‐50 nm Au NHs with a 15 nm gap between the Au NHs. The precision of this method exceeds that of fabricating Au NHs without a sacrificial layer. Demonstrating its versatility, this Au NH array is utilized in two distinct applications: as a dry etching mask to form a molybdenum disulfide hole array and as a catalyst in metal‐assisted chemical etching, resulting in conical‐shaped silicon nanostructures. Additionally, a significant electric field is generated when Au nanoparticles (NPs) are placed within the Au NHs. This effect arises from coupling electromagnetic waves, concentrated by the Au NHs and amplified by the Au NPs. A notable result of this configuration is the enhancement factor of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, which is an order of magnitude greater than that observed with just Au NHs and Au NPs alone.
Crown Ether Electrolyte Additive Enables High‐Rate and Stable Polyviologen Cathode Material for Chloride Ion Batteries
Authors: Xue Zhiyang , Chen Yun , Xu Kangjie , Miao Yingchun , Zhao Xiangyu
Published: January 2024

A variety of inorganic and inorganic cathode materials for chloride ion storage are reported. However, their application in chloride ion batteries (CIB) is hindered by poor rate capability and cycling stability. Herein, an organic poly(butyl viologen dichloride) (PBVCl2) cathode material with significantly enhanced rate and cycling performance in the CIB is achieved using a crown ether (18‐Crown‐6) additive in the tributylmethylammonium chloride‐based electrolyte. The as‐prepared PBVCl2 cathodes exhibit impressive capacity increases from 149.4 to 179.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and from 57.8 to 111.9 mAh g−1 at 10 C, demonstrating the best rate performance with the highest energy density among those of various reported cathodes for CIBs. This impressive performance improvement is a result of the great boosts in charge transfer, ion transport, and interface stability of the battery by the use of 18‐Crown‐6, which also contributes to a more than twofold increase in capacity retention after 120 cycles. The electrode reaction mechanism of the CIB based on highly reversible chloride ion transfer is revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Pluralistic Electronic Structure Modulation of Ruthenium Oxide for Enhanced Acidic Water Electrolysis
Authors: Wu Xiaotong , Lin Chao , Hu Weibo , Fu Chao , Tan Lei , Wang Haifeng , Meharban Faiza , Pan Xiangxiang , Fu Pan , Um Han‐Don , Xiao Qi , Li Xiaopeng , Yamauchi Miho , Luo Wei
Published: January 2024

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) with high‐purity H2 and O2 products and swift response to electricity fluctuation is of great interest for renewable energy, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Ruthenium oxide shows promise as an alternative to iridium oxide catalysts in PEMWE but suffers from severe anodic corrosion. Herein, a pluralistic electronic structure modulation approach is presented to address the instability issue of Ru, by in situ growing MnxRu1−xO2 solid solution on MnO2, coated carbon fibers (MnxRu1−xO2/MnO2/CFs). Due to higher ion electronegativity, Mn dopants in the MnxRu1−xO2 solid solution accept electrons, activating the Ru site. Simultaneously, the MnO2 support donates electrons to prevent Ru site overoxidation and dissolution due to its lower work function than the MnxRu1−xO2 solid solution. As a result, the MnxRu1−xO2/MnO2/CFs catalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 161 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a remarkable stability exceeding 600 h. Profiting by its improved oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetic activity, the MnxRu1−xO2/MnO2/CF‐based PEMWE shows a low cell voltage of 1.9 V at 2 A cm−2, and stably operate at current density of 500 mA cm−2 for 24 h. This work shows the potential of the pluralistic electronic structure modulation to boost activity and stability of Ru‐based acidic OER electrocatalysts.
Language teacher identities and identity tensions of early career English teachers
Authors: Taşdemir Hanife , Seferoğlu Gölge
Published: January 2024

In this article, we explore the tensions early career English teachers experience in their language teacher identities (LTIs). To this effect, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with three early career English teachers at Turkish public schools. The findings showed that the teachers experienced tensions with their roles as teachers, language competency, and structural and relational aspects in their contexts. Devising and employing coping strategies in navigating challenges, the teachers developed their own ways to deal with various identity tensions. The findings of this study conclude that (i) maintaining LTIs is emotionally complex, (ii) LTIs happen in social practice, and (iii) meso and macro contexts supersede ideals causing dilemmas, conflicts, and tensions in LTIs. Drawing on the findings, we argue that teachers' emotional needs and identity tensions should be provided for through institutional and interrelational support systems so that teachers can manage tensions and emotionality as potential in their identities.
Constraining the Higgs trilinear coupling from an SU(2) quadruplet with bounded-from-below conditions
Authors: Kannike K.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Integrating out a heavy scalar can cause the Higgs trilinear coupling to deviate from its Standard Model value: a good example is provided by an SU(2) quadruplet. Constraints on the full theory, however, can limit the size of the deviation. We show that the bounded-from-below conditions for the Standard Model extended by an SU(2) quadruplet strongly constrain the ℤ2-breaking Higgs portal and can bound the Higgs trilinear coupling close to its Standard Model value. For TeV-scale quadruplet masses in models with custodial symmetry violation, these constraints can be a few times stronger than constraints from electroweak precision measurements. For the custodial quadruplet, these are the strongest theoretical constraints available.
Computational Mirror Symmetry
Authors: Demirtas Mehmet , Kim Manki , McAllister Liam , Moritz Jakob , Rios-Tascon Andres
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We present an efficient algorithm for computing the prepotential in compactifications of type II string theory on mirror pairs of Calabi-Yau threefolds in toric varieties. Applying this method, we exhibit the first systematic computation of genus-zero Gopakumar-Vafa invariants in compact threefolds with many moduli, including examples with up to 491 vector multiplets.