bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antipsychotic prescribing patterns in children and adolescents attending Australian general practice in 2011 and 2017
Authors: Klau Julie , Gonzalez‐Chica David , Raven Melissa , Jureidini Jon
Published: November 2023

Background

Antipsychotics are increasingly prescribed to children and adolescents worldwide, but little is known about reasons for prescribing. We aimed to examine patterns of paediatric antipsychotic prescribing in Australian primary care services in 2011 and 2017, including diagnoses, sociodemographic characteristics, off‐label prescribing, and psychotropic co‐prescribing.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of electronic health records (EHRs) using a large Australian general practice database (MedicineInsight). Diagnoses of mental disorders were extracted from EHRs and associated with antipsychotic prescriptions within the same calendar year for three age‐groups: 0–9, 10–14, and 15–18‐year‐olds.

Results

In 2017, children/adolescents with mental health diagnoses were more likely to be prescribed antipsychotics (2.9% of 27,412 patients) than in 2011 (2.0% of 8418 patients; absolute difference +0.9, 95% CI + 0.5, +1.4). The likelihood was greater for patients with bipolar disorders (21.6% vs. 41.5%), eating disorders (1.1% vs. 7.2%), and autism without behavioural problems (3.7% vs. 6.1%). Depression/anxiety (adjusted 26.8% of patients 2011; 30.8% 2017) was the most common diagnosis associated with antipsychotics in both years. Most antipsychotics were prescribed off‐label (69.8% 2011; 79.7% 2017; absolute difference +9.8, 95% CI + 1.54, +18.4). Off‐label prescribing increased most among those aged 15–18‐years, females, and patients living in outer regional/remote/very remote communities and the most disadvantaged areas. The three most frequently prescribed antipsychotics in both years were risperidone, quetiapine, and olanzapine. Psychotropic co‐prescribing among patients receiving antipsychotic prescriptions was approximately 69% in both years.

Conclusions

Prescribing antipsychotics for mental health diagnoses to children/adolescents attending Australian general practices was more frequent in 2017 than 2011, and most commonly associated with depression/anxiety diagnoses. In both years, most prescribing was off‐label. The majority of patients were co‐prescribed other classes of psychotropics along with antipsychotics.
Insulin signaling in dopaminergic neurons regulates extended memory formation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kanakalatha Rasitha Santhosh , Thekkuveettil Anoopkumar
Published: November 2023

Insulin alters several brain functions, and perturbations in insulin levels could be a precipitating factor for Parkinson's disease, a disease associated with the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. It is unclear whether insulin alters the dopamine signaling pathway and modulates learning and memory. In Caenorhabditis elegans, daf‐2 insulin receptor mutants have extended memory when trained for olfactory adaptation. In this study, we show that the absence of daf‐2 receptors in dopamine neurons results in this unusual learning behavior. Our results show that insulin function in memory is dopamine‐dependent. In the absence of the daf‐2 receptor, the calcium influx in dopamine neurons shows an altered pattern resulting in memory recall for an extended period. These results indicate that learning and memory involve insulin–dopamine crosstalk. Imbalances in this pathway result in changes in memory recall.
Lamin A/C mediates microglial activation by modulating cell proliferation and immune response
Authors: Liu Haotian , Liu Xinnan , Luo Shiqi , Ma Rayna , Ge Wei , Meng Shu , Gao Yanpan
Published: November 2023

Lamin A/C is involved in macrophage activation and premature aging, also known as progeria. As the resident macrophage in brain, overactivation of microglia causes brain inflammation, promoting aging and brain disease. In this study, we investigated the role of Lamin A/C in microglial activation and its impact on progeria using Lmna−/− mice, primary microglia, Lmna knockout (Lmna‐KO) and Lmna‐knockdown (Lmna‐KD) BV2 cell lines. We found that the microglial activation signatures, including cell proliferation, morphology changes, and proinflammatory cytokine secretion (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α), were significantly suppressed in all Lamin A/C‐deficient models when stimulated with LPS. TMT‐based quantitative proteomic and bioinformatic analysis were further applied to explore the mechanism of Lamin A/C‐regulated microglia activation from the proteome level. The results revealed that immune response and phagocytosis were impaired in Lmna−/− microglia. Stat1 was identified as the hub protein in the mechanism by which Lamin A/C regulates microglial activation. Additionally, DNA replication, chromatin organization, and mRNA processing were also altered by Lamin A/C, with Ki67 fulfilling the main hub function. Lamin A/C is a mechanosensitive protein and, the immune‐ and proliferation‐related biological processes are also regulated by mechanotransduction. We speculate that Lamin A/C‐mediated mechanotransduction is required for microglial activation. Our study proposes a novel mechanism for microglial activation mediated by Lamin A/C.
Feasibility of USG‐Guided Objective Initial Assessment of Pupillary Size and Pupillary Reflexes Versus Clinical Examination in Patients With Altered Mental Status
Authors: Modi Priyanka , Bhoi Sanjeev , Aggarwal Praveen , Nayer Jamshed , Sinha Tej Prakash , Ekka Meera , Mishra Prakash Ranjan , Kumar Akshay , Pandey Savan
Published: November 2023

Background

Pupillary assessment is an important part of the neurological assessment which provides vital information in critically ill patients. However, clinical pupillary assessment is subjective. The ultrasound‐guided pupillary examination is objective. There are limited pieces of literature regarding its use in assessing patients with altered mental status. So, we studied the extent of agreement of B‐mode ultrasound with clinical examination for assessment of the pupillary size and reflex in patients with altered mental status.

Objectives

The primary objective was to determine the extent of agreement between clinical examination and ultrasound‐based examination for assessing pupillary reflex and size in patients with altered mental status in two settings (trauma and non‐trauma patients).

Methods

Exactly 200 subjects (158 males, mean [range] age 43.56 [18–92 years]) with no history of partial globe rupture or dementia were included in this cross‐sectional study from March 2019 to March 2020. B‐mode ultrasound was performed with the subject's eyes closed using a 7–12 MHz linear probe and a standardized light stimulus. ICC score, paired t‐test, kappa, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, and Bland–Altman plots were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The clinical‐USG agreement for pupillary light reflex examination (Pupillary Diameter [PD] at rest, after direct light stimulation [Dstim] and consensual light stimulation [Cstim]) was excellent (ICC, 0.93–0.96). The Kappa coefficient (0.74 ± 0.07) showed an agreement of 87.36% between clinical and USG examination for pupillary reflex (reactive or non‐reactive).

Conclusion

USG‐guided pupillary examination proves to be a better adjunct to neurological assessment in patients with altered mental status.
Taming the data deluge: A novel end‐to‐end deep learning system for classifying marine biological and environmental images
Authors: Bi Hongsheng , Cheng Yunhao , Cheng Xuemin , Benfield Mark C. , Kimmel David G. , Zheng Haiyong , Groves Sabrina , Ying Kezhen
Published: November 2023

Underwater imaging enables nondestructive plankton sampling at frequencies, durations, and resolutions unattainable by traditional methods. These systems necessitate automated processes to identify organisms efficiently. Early underwater image processing used a standard approach: binarizing images to segment targets, then integrating deep learning models for classification. While intuitive, this infrastructure has limitations in handling high concentrations of biotic and abiotic particles, rapid changes in dominant taxa, and highly variable target sizes. To address these challenges, we introduce a new framework that starts with a scene classifier to capture large within‐image variation, such as disparities in the layout of particles and dominant taxa. After scene classification, scene‐specific Mask regional convolutional neural network (Mask R‐CNN) models are trained to separate target objects into different groups. The procedure allows information to be extracted from different image types, while minimizing potential bias for commonly occurring features. Using in situ coastal plankton images, we compared the scene‐specific models to the Mask R‐CNN model encompassing all scene categories as a single full model. Results showed that the scene‐specific approach outperformed the full model by achieving a 20% accuracy improvement in complex noisy images. The full model yielded counts that were up to 78% lower than those enumerated by the scene‐specific model for some small‐sized plankton groups. We further tested the framework on images from a benthic video camera and an imaging sonar system with good results. The integration of scene classification, which groups similar images together, can improve the accuracy of detection and classification for complex marine biological images.
Building materials genome from ground‐state configuration to engineering advance
Authors: Liu Zi‐Kui
Published: November 2023

Individual phases are commonly considered as the building blocks of materials. However, the accurate theoretical prediction of properties of individual phases remains elusive. The top‐down approach by decoding genomic building blocks of individual phases from experimental observations is nonunique. The density functional theory (DFT), as a state‐of‐the‐art solution of quantum mechanics, prescribes the existence of a ground‐state configuration at 0 K for a given system. It is self‐evident that the ground‐state configuration alone is insufficient to describe a phase at finite temperatures as symmetry‐breaking non‐ground‐state configurations are excited statistically at temperatures above 0 K. Our multiscale entropy approach (recently terms as Zentropy theory) postulates that the entropy of a phase is composed of the sum of the entropy of each configuration weighted by its probability plus the configurational entropy among all configurations. Consequently, the partition function of each configuration in statistical mechanics needs to be evaluated by its free energy rather than total energy. The combination of the ground‐state and symmetry‐breaking non‐ground‐state configurations represents the building blocks of materials and can be used to quantitatively predict free energy of individual phases with the free energy of each configuration predicted from DFT as well as all properties derived from free energy of individual phases.
Most people in serious psychological distress more aware of 988
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2023

Although increases in call volume to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (launched in July 2022) have been well documented, little is known about the use of the 988 Lifeline across populations with varying levels of psychologi‐ cal distress, said researchers of a recent study published in JAMA Open Access.
Support for EBP linked to VHA therapists' support, less burnout
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2023

Therapists had less burnout and more job satisfaction when they perceived being supported in providing evidence‐based psychotherapy (EBP) and measurement‐based care (MBC), even in analyses adjusted for therapist workload, according to recent research published in Psychiatric Services.
A blow‐up criterion for the compressible nematic liquid crystal flows in three dimensions
Authors: Liu Junchen , Wang Xiuqing , Qin Yuming
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we consider the strong solutions under three different types of boundary problems to a compressible nematic liquid crystals system in three dimensions. We establish the blow‐up criterion in terms of the density and the gradient of direction field, provided the shear viscosity and bulk viscosity coefficients of the fluid satisfy an additional relation (i.e.,
). In particular, the initial vacuum is allowed.
Denoising magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) data using stacked autoencoder for improving signal‐to‐noise ratio and speed of MRS
Authors: Wang Jing , Ji Bing , Lei Yang , Liu Tian , Mao Hui , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: November 2023

Background

While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides high resolution anatomical images with sharp soft tissue contrast, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) enables non‐invasive detection and measurement of biochemicals and metabolites. However, MRS has low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) when concentrations of metabolites are in the range of millimolar. Standard approach of using a high number of signal averaging (NSA) to achieve sufficient SNR comes at the cost of a long acquisition time.

Purpose

We propose to use deep‐learning approaches to denoise MRS data without increasing NSA. This method has potential to reduce the acquisition time as well as improve SNR and quality of spectra, which could enhance the diagnostic value and broaden the clinical applications of MRS.

Methods

The study was conducted using data collected from the brain spectroscopy phantom and human subjects. We utilized a stack auto‐encoder (SAE) network to train deep learning models for denoising low NSA data (NSA = 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16) randomly truncated from high SNR data collected with high NSA (NSA = 192), which were also used to obtain the ground truth. We applied both self‐supervised and fully‐supervised training approaches and compared their performance of denoising low NSA data based on improvement in SNR. To prevent overfitting, the SAE network was trained in a patch‐based manner. We then tested the denoising methods on noise‐containing data collected from the phantom and human subjects, including data from brain tumor patients. We evaluated their performance by comparing the SNR levels and mean squared errors (MSEs) calculated for the whole spectra against high SNR “ground truth”, as well as the value of chemical shift of N‐acetyl‐aspartate (NAA) before and after denoising.

Results

With the SAE model, the SNR of low NSA data (NSA = 1) obtained from the phantom increased by 28.5% and the MSE decreased by 42.9%. For low NSA data of the human parietal and temporal lobes, the SNR increased by 32.9% and the MSE decreased by 63.1%. In all cases, the chemical shift of NAA in the denoised spectra closely matched with the high SNR spectra without significant distortion to the spectra after denoising. Furthermore, the denoising performance of the SAE model was more effective in denoising spectra with higher noise levels.

Conclusions

The reported SAE denoising method is a model‐free approach to enhance the SNR of MRS data collected with low NSA. With the denoising capability, it is possible to acquire MRS data with a few NSA, shortening the scan time while maintaining adequate spectroscopic information for detecting and quantifying the metabolites of interest. This approach has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical MRS data acquisition by reducing the scan time and increasing the quality of spectroscopic data.
Proof‐of‐concept for a thin conical X‐ray target optimized for intensity and directionality for use in a carbon nanotube‐based compact X‐ray tube
Authors: Insley Ben , Bartkoski Dirk , Balter Peter , Prajapati Surendra , Tailor Ramesh , Salehpour Mohammad , Jaffray David
Published: November 2023

Background

Carbon nanotube‐based cold cathode technology has revolutionized the miniaturization of X‐ray tubes. However, current applications of these devices required optimization for large, uniform fields with low intensity.

Purpose

This work investigated the feasibility and radiological characteristics of a novel conical X‐ray target optimized for high intensity and high directionality to be used in a compact X‐ray tube.

Methods

The proposed device uses an ultrathin, conical tungsten‐diamond target that exhibits significant heat loading while maintaining a small focal spot size and promoting forward‐directedness of the X‐ray field through preferential attenuation of oblique‐angled photons. The electrostatic and thermal properties of the theoretical tube were calculated and analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The production, transport, and calculation of radiological properties associated with the resultant X‐ray field were performed using the Geant4 toolkit via its wrapper, TOPAS.

Results

Heat transfer analysis of this X‐ray tube demonstrated the feasibility of a 200‐kV electron beam bombarding the proposed target at a maximum current of 100 mA using a 1‐ms symmetric duty cycle. The cathode of the X‐ray tube was designed to be segmented into nine switchable electrical segments for modulation of the focal spot size from 0.4‐ to 10.8‐mm. After importing the COMSOL‐derived electron beam into TOPAS for X‐ray production simulations, radiological analysis of the resultant field demonstrated high levels of intrinsic beam collimation while maintaining high intensity. A maximum dose rate of 17,887 cGy/min was calculated for 1‐mm depth in water at 7‐cm distance.

Conclusions

The proposed X‐ray tube design can create highly directional X‐ray fields with superior fluence compared to that of current commercial X‐ray tubes of comparable size.
Quantitative diffusion imaging and genotype‐by‐sex interactions in a rat model of Alexander disease
Authors: Stowe Nicholas A. , Singh Ajay P. , Barnett Brian R. , Yi Sue Y. , Frautschi Paloma C. , Messing Albee , Hagemann Tracy L. , Yu John‐Paul J.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The clinical diagnosis and classification of Alexander disease (AxD) relies in part on qualitative neuroimaging biomarkers; however, these biomarkers fail to distinguish and discriminate different subtypes of AxD, especially in the presence of overlap in clinical symptoms. To address this gap in knowledge, we applied neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) to an innovative CRISPR‐Cas9 rat genetic model of AxD to gain quantitative insights into the neural substrates and brain microstructural changes seen in AxD and to potentially identify novel quantitative NODDI biomarkers of AxD.

Methods

Multi‐shell DWI of age‐ and sex‐matched AxD and wild‐type Sprague Dawley rats (n = 6 per sex per genotype) was performed and DTI and NODDI measures calculated. A 3 × 2 × 2 analysis of variance model was used to determine the effect of genotype, biological sex, and laterality on quantitative measures of DTI and NODDI across regions of interest implicated in AxD.

Results

There is a significant effect of genotype in the amygdala, hippocampus, neocortex, and thalamus in measures of both DTI and NODDI brain microstructure. A genotype by biological sex interaction was identified in DTI and NODDI measures in the corpus callosum, hippocampus, and neocortex.

Conclusion

We present the first application of NODDI to the study of AxD using a rat genetic model of AxD. Our analysis identifies alterations in NODDI and DTI measures to large white matter tracts and subcortical gray nuclei. We further identified genotype by sex interactions, suggesting a possible role for biological sex in the neuropathogenesis of AxD.
A viscoplastic constitutive model for unsaturated soils based on nonstationary flow surface theory
Authors: Wang Hao , Cui Yu‐Jun
Published: November 2023

A viscoplastic constitutive model is developed to describe the viscoplastic behavior of unsaturated soils. The proposed model accounts for the stain‐rate and suction effects on yield by adopting an unsaturated isotach concept. The nonstationary flow surface theory (NSFS) is applied for modeling the viscoplastic behavior, with the yield surface which can evolve with the viscoplastic strain, viscoplastic strain rate and suction. Meanwhile, the progressively hardening concept is adopted for reproducing the viscoplastic behavior of soil at an over‐consolidated state. For the validation, a series of loading conditions are considered based on the data from the literature. Results show that the proposed model is able to reproduce the main viscoplastic behaviors of unsaturated highly compacted Gaomiaozi (GMZ) bentonite, Glenroy silt and Qianjiangping landslide (QL) soil, including CRS compression tests, rate‐dependent triaxial shear tests, and triaxial creep tests.
An improved convected particle domain interpolation material point method for large deformation geotechnical problems
Authors: Wang Manling , Li Shuchen , Zhou Huiying , Wang Xiuwei , Peng Kefeng , Yuan Chao , Li Jinglong
Published: November 2023

A novel material point method called the improved convected particle domain interpolation (ICPDI) is proposed in this paper to simulate large‐deformation problems in geotechnical engineering. The ICPDI framework is based on the existing convected particle domain interpolation (CPDI) and employs an adaptive orthogonal improved interpolating moving least square (AOIIMLS) shape functions. The AOIIMLS shape functions prevent computational instability problems caused by singular or ill‐conditioned matrices through avoiding the direct solving of inverse matrices. Additionally, ICPDI adopts the velocity gradient to calculate the velocity field in particle domains and reduces cell‐crossing errors by using AOIIMLS shape functions. To reconstruct the velocity function in the background grid, the velocities of the material points and four related corner points are employed through AOIIMLS shape functions. The bar axis‐aligned vibration, ring radial expansion, slope elasto‐plastic slumping, and post‐failure tunnel collapse behavior examples are used to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of ICPDI by comparing the results with other numerical methods and experiments. Numerical simulation results show that ICPDI outperforms the material point method (MPM) and CPDI in terms of computational accuracy and convergence while reducing cell‐crossing errors. Consequently, this study demonstrates the capability of ICPDI in simulations of large‐deformation geotechnical problems.
The normal 14–18 gestational weeks “parasagittal complex” view of the fetal brain. A 3D transvaginal neurosonographic study
Authors: Birnbaum Roee , Kuperberg Maya , Brusilov Michael , Wolman Igal , Malinger Gustavo , Haratz Karina Krajden
Published: November 2023

Objective

To study the early second trimester development of brain hemispheres, lateral ventricles, choroid plexus, and ganglionic eminence/basal ganglia complex (GEBG).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of TVUS 3D volumes of 14–18 gestational weeks (GW) fetuses. Hemispheres were analyzed for wall thickness, choroid plexus extension, GEBG height and length, lamination pattern (intermediate zone and the subplate border, IZ‐SP), ventricle height, width, and angle. Measurements were correlated with GW and assessed for symmetry and impact of probe resolution.

Results

We included 84 fetuses (168 hemispheres). The CP location is variable at 14–16 GW, becoming consistently and symmetrically posterior at 18 GW. Hemispheric thickness, GEBG height and length grow significantly with fetal age, whereas ventricle height, width, and angle regress. The detection rate of the IZ‐SP line at 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 weeks was 0%, 24%, 78.26%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The ratio between the upper and lower segments of the cerebral lamination grows with GW. For all brain structures, the asymmetry between sides was significant only for ventricular height. The transducer type did not have a significant effect on any outcome except for ventricle height.

Conclusion

These normal features of the parasagittal view should aid clinicians in fetal brain assessment during the early weeks of the second trimester.
Cost‐utility analysis of a telehealth psychological support intervention for people with primary brain tumor: Telehealth Making Sense of brain tumor
Authors: Gordon Louisa G. , Jones Stephanie , Parker Giverny , Chambers Suzanne , Aitken Joanne F. , Foote Matthew , Shum David H. K. , Robertson Julia , Conlon Elizabeth , Pinkham Mark B. , Ownsworth Tamara
Published: November 2023

Objective

To undertake an economic evaluation of a telehealth psychological support intervention for patients with primary brain tumor (PBT).

Methods

A within‐trial cost‐utility analysis over 6 months was performed comparing a tailored telehealth‐psychological support intervention with standard care (SC) in a randomized control trial. Data were sourced from the Telehealth Making Sense of Brain Tumor (Tele‐MAST) trial survey data, project records, and administrative healthcare claims. Quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated based on the EuroQol‐5D‐5L. Non‐parametric bootstrapping with 2000 iterations was used to determine sampling uncertainty. Multiple imputation was used for handling missing data.

Results

The Tele‐MAST trial included 82 participants and was conducted in Queensland, Australia during 2018–2021. When all healthcare claims were included, the incremental cost savings from Tele‐MAST were ‐AU$4,327 (95% CI: −$8637, −$18) while incremental QALY gains were small at 0.03 (95% CI: −0.02, 0.08). The likelihood of Tele‐MAST being cost‐effective versus SC was 87% at a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of AU$50,000 per QALY gain. When psychological‐related healthcare costs were included only, the incremental cost per QALY gain was AU$10,685 (95% CI: dominant, $24,566) and net monetary benefits were AU$534 (95% CI: $466, $602) with a 65% likelihood of the intervention being cost‐effective.

Conclusions

Based on this small randomized controlled trial, the Tele‐MAST intervention is a cost‐effective intervention for improving the quality of life of people with PBT in Australia. Patients receiving the intervention incurred significantly lower overall healthcare costs than patients in SC. There was no significant difference in costs incurred for psychological health services.
The role of bronchial challenge test in guiding therapy in preschool children with atypical recurrent respiratory symptoms
Authors: Wolfson Yonatan , Mandelberg Avigdor , Golan‐Lagziel Tal , Sosnovsky Suzanne , Ater Dorit , Domany Keren Armoni
Published: November 2023

Objective

This retrospective observational cohort study aimed to assess the real‐life application of bronchial challenge test (BCT) in the management of preschool children presenting with atypical recurrent respiratory symptoms (ARRS).

Methods

We included children aged 0.5–6 years referred to a pediatric‐pulmonology clinic who underwent BCT using methacholine or adenosine between 2012 and 2018 due to ARRS. BCT was considered positive based on spirometry results and/or wheezing, desaturation, and tachypnea reactions. We collected data on demographics, BCT results, pre‐BCT and post‐BCT treatment changes, and 3–6 months post‐BCT compliance and symptom control. The primary outcome measure was the change in treatment post‐BCT (step‐up or step‐down).

Results

A total of 228 children (55% males) with a mean age of 4.2 ± 0.6 years underwent BCT (52% adenosine‐BCT, 48% methacholine‐BCT). Children referred for methacholine were significantly younger compared with adenosine (3.6 ± 1.2 vs. 4.2 ± 1.2 years, p < .01). Methacholine and adenosine BCTs were positive in 95% and 61%, respectively. Overall, changes in management were observed in 122 (53.5%) children following BCT, with 83 (36.4%) being stepped up and 37 (17%) being stepped down. Significantly more children in the methacholine group were stepped up compared with the adenosine group (46% vs. 28%, p = .004). During the follow‐up assessment, we observed a clinical improvement in 119/162 (73.4%) of the children, with nearly 87% being compliant.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the importance of BCT in the management of preschool children presenting to pediatric pulmonary units with ARRS. The change in treatment and subsequent clinical improvement observed highlight the added value of BCT to the pulmonologist.
Enantioselective metabolism of fenpropathrin enantiomers by carboxyl/choline esterase 6 in Tetranychus cinnabarinus
Authors: Yang Furong , Ran Lulu , He Yuhan , Xu Zhifeng , He Lin , Zhang Ping
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Tetranychus cinnabarinus is a polyphagous pest mite commonly found in agriculture. As an excellent acaricide, fenpropathrin (FEN) is frequently used to control T. cinnabarinus in agriculture. However, commercial FEN is a racemate with two enantiomers, R‐FEN and S‐FEN. Considering that investigations on the metabolism of FEN by T. cinnabarinus are based on racemate FEN, it is important to investigate the enantioselective metabolism of FEN in T. cinnabarinus.

RESULTS

S‐FEN was more toxic to T. cinnabarinus than R‐FEN by more than 68.8‐fold. Moreover, the synergist bioassay revealed that carboxylesterase and cytochrome P450 were the primary enzymes engaged in the detoxification of FEN in T. cinnabarinus, with carboxylesterase playing a leading role. Seven genes were substantially different after the induction of S‐FEN and R‐FEN. TcCCE06 was screened and selected as a key gene that related to FEN metabolism in T. cinnabarinus. The metabolic results showed that the recombinant TcCCE06 effectively metabolized 32.1% of the R‐FEN and 13.8% of the S‐FEN within 4 h of incubation. Moreover, R‐FEN was demonstrated to have a higher affinity for the TcCCE06 protein than S‐FEN based on molecular docking.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that TcCCE06 mediates the enantioselective metabolism of FEN in T. cinnabarinus. Our findings will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the differential toxicity of the FEN enantiomers against T. cinnabarinus. Furthermore, they also provide a new perspective for the development of enantiomer‐enriched acaricides with higher activity and lower pesticide dosage and pollution risks. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Volatile fingerprints of beef cooking methods using sol–gel‐based solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) and direct analysis in real‐time mass spectrometry (DART‐MS)
Authors: Subbaraj Arvind K. , Deb‐choudhury Santanu , Pavan Enrique , Realini Carolina E.
Published: November 2023

Rationale

The aroma profile of food is a complex mixture of volatile compounds that constitutes a major component of the overall eating experience. The food service industry and chefs therefore constantly seek ways to investigate and thereby enhance the aroma profile. Oven cooking, sous vide and pan fry are three cooking methods of beef commonly practised by chefs. Near real‐time analysis of volatile compounds from these three cooking methods will provide insight into respective volatile fingerprints and help improve cooking techniques.

Methods

Volatile compounds from three beef cooking methods were captured using an in‐house sol–gel based solid phase microextraction (SPME) method and analysed using direct analysis in real‐time mass spectrometry (DART‐MS). A volatile organic compound (VOC) standard was used to demonstrate successful implementation of the sol–gel coating technique. Volatile features discriminating the three cooking methods were shortlisted and statistically assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The VOC standard was successfully adsorbed by the sol–gel method and detected by DART‐MS. Hierarchical cluster analysis clearly demarcated three beef cooking methods based on their volatile fingerprints. Out of 65 significant features differentiating the cooking methods, 50 were at highest concentrations from pan‐fry cooking only, followed by 14 with highest concentrations from oven cooking followed by pan frying. Sous vide followed by pan frying showed lowest concentrations of almost all volatile features.

Conclusions

The sol–gel‐based solid‐phase microextraction technique combined with DART‐MS was successful in differentiating beef cooking methods based on their volatile fingerprints. A workflow for rapid assessment of the volatile profile from beef cooking methods was established, providing a baseline to further explore volatile profiles from other key ingredients.
Dissection of the antitumor mechanism of tetrandrine based on metabolite profiling and network pharmacology
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Jun , Li Hong‐Xin , Zhang Yong‐Ming , Shi Wei , Zhang Feng‐Xiang
Published: November 2023

Rationale

Tetrandrine, the Q‐marker in Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, was proven to present an obvious antitumor effect. Until now, the metabolism and antitumor mechanism of tetrandrine have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

The metabolites of tetrandrine in rats were profiled using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The potential antitumor mechanism of tetrandrine in vivo was predicted using network pharmacology.

Results

A total of 30 metabolites were characterized in rats after ingestion of tetrandrine (10 mg/kg), including 0 in plasma, 7 in urine, 11 in feces, 9 in liver, 8 in spleen, 4 in lung, 5 in kidney, 5 in heart, and 4 in brain. This study was the first to show the metabolic processes demethylation, hydroxylation, and carbonylation in tetrandrine. The pharmacology network results showed that tetrandrine and its metabolites could regulate AKT1, TNF, MMP9, MMP2, PAK1, and so on by involving in proteoglycan tumor pathway, PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, tumor pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and Rap1 signaling pathway.

Conclusions

The metabolism features of tetrandrine and its potential antitumor mechanism were summarized, providing data for further pharmacological validation.
Biochar–manure impacts wheat and canola grain productivity, dry matter partitioning, and protein content in western Canada
Authors: Weber Tien , Hernandez Ramirez Guillermo , Quideau Sylvie , MacKenzie M. Derek
Published: November 2023

Amending soil with manure from cattle fed biochar (BC) (biochar–manure [BM]) is a potential best management practice to improve plant nutrition in the circular economy. Yet, information concerning the agronomic performance of BM under temperate field conditions is scarce. A 2‐year study on a Gray Luvisol was conducted to determine the effect of BM on the crop growth of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), followed by canola (Brassica napus L.), soil fertility, and microbial function. Treatments included (i) no amendments (control), (ii) BC at 5 and 10 Mg·ha−1 (BC5 and BC10), (iii) regular stockpiled manure (RM) at 100 kg total N·ha−1, (iv) stockpiled BM at 100 kg total N·ha−1, and (v) BC and RM (BC+RM) or BC and BM (BC+BM) at the aforementioned rates. During the wheat growing season in 2020, which had high precipitation, grain yield was 2.4 times greater in BM+BC10 than in BM alone (1416 vs. 579 kg·ha−1, p < 0.001), highlighting synergistic effects of BM together with BC application on agronomic performance. Conversely, lower precipitation and warmer temperatures in the canola growing season in 2021 hampered any statistical differences among treatments. While soil microbial biomass did not change by the end of the experiment, shifts toward amino acid utilization with BC additions in both crops potentially influenced crop growth and nitrogen‐use efficiency. In summary, BM+BC at 10 Mg·ha−1 performed best in this study during the first cropping season under cold and rainy conditions.
Formal Synthesis of (+)‐Phomactin A via a Prins/Conia‐ene Cascade and γ‐Hydroxylation Strategy
Authors: Sun Lantian , Huang Junrong , Wang Bo , Du Guangyan , Lee Chi‐Sing
Published: November 2023

An asymmetric formal synthesis of (+)‐phomactin A has been accomplished. The key steps in the synthetic strategy included establishing the AB ring system in one‐pot via Prins/Conia‐ene cascade cyclization reaction and the C ring formation via γ‐hydroxylation of enone in the late‐stage of the synthesis. The two major fragments are readily prepared from (+)‐pulegone and geraniol via a modified Eschenmoser–Tanabe fragmentation strategy in 6 steps and a Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation/hydrozirconation/ Roskamp reaction sequence in 11 steps respectively.
Ion Resource Recovery via Electrodialysis Fabricated with Poly(Arylene Ether Sulfone)‐Based Anion Exchange Membrane in Organic Solvent System
Authors: Xu Jingwen , Mu Junjie , Yao Yuyang , Xu Yanqing , Liao Junbin , Ruan Huimin , Shen Jiangnan
Published: November 2023

Ion resource recovery from organic wastewater is beneficial for achieving emission peaks and carbon neutrality targets. Advanced organic solvent‐resistant anion exchange membranes (AEMs) for treating organic wastewater via electrodialysis (ED) are of significant interest. Herein, a kind of 3D network AEM based on poly(arylene ether sulfone) cross‐linked with a flexible cross‐linker (DBH) for ion resource recovery via ED in organic solvent system is reported. Investigations demonstrate that the as‐prepared AEMs show excellent dimensional stability in 60% DMSO (aq.), 60% ethanol (aq.), and 60% acetone (aq.), respectively. For example, the optimized AEM shows very low swelling ratios of 1.04–1.10% in the organic solvents. ED desalination ratio can reach 99.1% after exposure of the AEM to organic solvents for 30 days, and remain > 99% in a mixture solution containing organic solvents and 0.5 m NaCl. Additionally, at a current density of 2.5 mA cm−2, the optimized AEM soaked in organic solvents for 30 days shows a high perm‐selectivity (Cl−/SO42−) of 133.09 (vs 13.11, Neosepta ACS). The superior ED performance is attributed to the stable continuous sub‐nanochannels within AEM confirmed by SAXS, rotational energy barriers, etc. This work shows the potential application of cross‐linked AEMs for resource recovery in organic wastewater.
One‐droplet saliva detection on photonic crystal‐based competitive immunoassay for precise diagnosis of migraine
Authors: Lin Xiaoxue , Chi Jimei , Lian Zewei , Yun Yang , Yang Xu , He Xuwei , Liu Zheng , Wang Shuqing , Zhao Wei , Gong Zihua , Liu Yingyuan , Zhang Shuhua , Zhai Deqi , Xie Siyuan , Sun Yin , Su Meng , Dong Zhao , Yu Shengyuan , Song Yanlin
Published: November 2023

Migraine exhibits a substantial prevalence worldwide. The current diagnostic criteria rests exclusively on clinical characteristics without any objective and reliable means. The calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), as a biomarker for distinguishing migraine, undergoes swift degradation, featuring a half‐life of under 10 min, which poses a significant challenge to the point‐of‐care testing of CGRP in clinical application. Here, a photonic crystal (PC)‐based biochip has been developed to detect CGRP via the fluorescence competition assay. The chip integrates the functionalities of fluorescence enhancement and hydrophilic–hydrophobic patterning enrichment, enabling rapid and sensitive detection of CGRP. After investigating the optimal enhancement distance of fluorescence near PCs, the chip allows CGRP detection using <30 μL of saliva at room temperature within 10 min. A minimum detection limit of 0.05 pg/mL is achieved. Furthermore, CGRP concentrations in the saliva of 70 subjects have been tested by PC biochips. The results exhibit strong concordance with the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), demonstrating a linear correlation coefficient of R2 of 0.97. This sensitive detection of markers within such a short duration surpasses the capacities of ELISA, which paves the way for establishing a precise diagnostic framework integrating clinical phenotypes and biomarkers for migraine.
Optimal Photovoltaic Array Layout of Agrivoltaic Systems Based on Vertical Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Arena Roberta , Aneli Stefano , Gagliano Antonio , Tina Giuseppe Marco
Published: November 2023

An agrivoltaic (APV) plant is a complex system, where photovoltaic (PV) energy generation is concomitant with agricultural production. These activities can be antagonistic as the presence of PV installation might reduce the favorable conditions for agriculture and vice versa. In this context, vertical bifacial PV (AbPV) farms represent a fascinating perspective to optimize the land's dual‐use request. This means finding geometrical configurations for the AbPV plant to produce the same energy as ground‐mounted PV farms, not hinder agricultural activities, and limit the photosynthetically active radiation deficit. This study evaluates the performances of a vertical bifacial APV plant, located in Sicily, as a function of the PV modules’ plan allocation. The analyses developed through two software tools, SAM and PVsyst, compare the relative capabilities of monofacial and vertical bifacial farms in terms of acceptable PAR debit, and energy yield as a function of the array density. The land equivalent ratios of vertical AbPVs from a maximum value of 1.93 (p/h = 2.5) and a minimum of 1.56 (p/h = 5.0) for crops which have low sensitive response to the drop of solar radiation, while from 1.71 and 1.42 for crops which have higher sensitive response to the drop of solar radiation.
Research on Multi‐Algorithm Switching Hybrid Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor for Electric Special Vehicles
Authors: Wu Zhiheng , Liu Aimin
Published: November 2023

In order to improve the smoothness of the electric special vehicle (ESV) under each operational condition, a multi‐algorithm switching hybrid control (MASHC) algorithm is proposed for the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) of ESV. For a steady–state operation state, the transfer function structure of the motor control system is optimized, avoiding its output variables from varying with the integral and differential changes of the input quantity to enhance the stability and response speed of the control system. For transient operation states, it is considered to avoid the torque ripple that can be generated due to the increased computational effort of introducing an intelligent algorithm. The fuzzy proportional (FP) control algorithm that can replicate the transient performance of the fuzzy control algorithm is designed to improve the control accuracy of the control system. In addition, a switching function is designed to blend the two algorithms to improve the overall vehicle operation performance. To verify the effectiveness of the control algorithm, a simulation model and an experimental platform are developed. Both simulation and experimental results show that the proposed control algorithm has the advantages of no overshoot and oscillation in output, which can improve the smoothness of the ESV drive system. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Visualizing reactive astrocytes: Positron emission tomography imaging ligands for imidazoline‐2 binding sites
Authors: Li Wanqing , Qiao Yuqing , Chen Jiahui , Li Yinlong , Du Xiaoyu , Liang Steven H. , Fu Hualong
Published: November 2023

Imidazoline‐2 binding sites (I2BS) exhibit specific expression in reactive astrocytes of the brain and are implicated in various pathophysiological processes, including analgesia, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and glial tumors. However, the lack of available protein structural data poses a challenge in the exploration of I2BS functions and pharmacological characterizations, indicating the need for the discovery of selective ligands. As a non‐invasive and translational molecular imaging tool, positron emission tomography (PET) has found wide application in clinical diagnosis and drug discovery. Consequently, several PET ligands have been developed to “visualize” I2BS in the living brain, thereby elucidating the biological implications of I2BS and facilitating I2BS‐directed drug development. This review offers a comprehensive update on I2BS PET ligands, with a focus on their chemotypes and PET imaging outcomes. Furthermore, the review provides a summary of recent I2BS drug discoveries, which could serve as a catalyst for the development of more potent PET ligands.
Talking with Patients and the Public About Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
Authors: Giudice Linda C.
Published: November 2023

Talking with patients and the public about endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can be challenging for healthcare providers if they themselves are not well versed with the topic. Scientific and clinical evidence about environmental impacts on reproductive health have escalated exponentially over the past two decades, and this field can no longer be ignored or denied, as the consequences are significant, and many are preventable. EDCs are found in industrial- and e-waste, plastics, pesticides, preservatives, bedding, personal care products, household dust, diesel exhaust, air pollution, and humans and wildlife. They disrupt endocrine processes in the developing fetus, neonates, children, adolescents, and adults. These effects, along with lax toxicity regulations, make a compelling case for healthcare providers to understand the issues for appropriate counseling of patients and the public. Moreover, clinicians can also effectively advocate for change at governmental levels, complementing individual attempts to minimize personal risk. This chapter reviews recent advances enabling healthcare professionals in practice and in training to take an environmental history and talk with patients, the public, and policy makers about EDCs and resources to protect the reproductive health of this and future generations.
Cellular Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption
Authors: Rizzo Roberta , Bortolotti Daria , Rizzo Sabrina , Schiuma Giovanna
Published: November 2023

With industrialization, the production of chemicals and their introduction into the environment have increased massively. These new agents included many chemical classes and comprise an integral part of the world economy and commerce [1]. Nevertheless, several of the chemicals used today are called endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs).
Endocrine Disruption in the Male
Authors: Garolla Andrea , Di Nisio Andrea , De Toni Luca , Ferlin Alberto , Foresta Carlo
Published: November 2023

Many andrological pathologies seen in adults, including infertility, actually arose in younger age, due to the strong susceptibility and vulnerability of male gonads to external insults, starting from gestation age and during all growth phases. Three main phases are particularly susceptible for subsequent normal testis development and function: the intrauterine phase, the neonatal phase comprising the so called “minipuberty” and puberty. However, even during infancy, damaging causes with permanent effects on testicular function can occur. Among risk factors for alterations of sexual and reproductive organs and function, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have gained particular attention in last decades, given their ability to disrupt them at different levels and at different ages, with long-term consequences and possibly also transgenerational effects. Bisphenol, phthalates, perfluoroalkyl substances, heavy metals and dioxins are particularly intriguing, given the strong experimental evidence of effects on hormone nuclear receptors, hypothalamus–pituitary–testis axis and direct action on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Although epidemiological studies in humans have shown controversial and inconsistent results, the overall conclusion points towards a positive association between exposure to EDCs and alteration of the reproductive system.
Organization and Inheritance in Twenty-First-Century Evolutionary Biology
Authors: Pontarotti Gaëlle
Published: November 2023

During the last few years, various authors have called for the elaboration of a theoretical framework that would better take into account the role of organisms in evolutionary dynamics. In this paper, I argue that an organism-centered evolutionary theory, which implies the rehabilitation of an organizational thinking in evolutionary biology and should be associated with what I will call a heuristic of collaboration, may be completed by an organizational perspective of biological inheritance. I sketch this organizational perspective – which allows going beyond gene-centrism –, show how it grounds a systemic concept of heritable variation suited to the new evolutionary framework, and highlight some of its explanatory value and theoretical implications for evolutionary thinking.