bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organocatalytic Activation of Pyruvates Toward Michael Addition to Nitroalkenes: Synthesis of γ‐Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Derivatives
Authors: Włoszczak Łukasz Adam , Karczewski Romuald , Mlynarski Jacek
Published: January 2024

Despite the significant role of pyruvic acid in biotransformations, the utilization of pyruvates in the field of catalytic asymmetric synthesis has been unexpectedly limited. This statement also applies to enamine catalysis, in which pyruvates seem to be challenging substrates. Recently, the first illustration of the asymmetric addition of pyruvic acid to β‐nitrostyrenes, catalyzed by a NahE enzyme using the enamine mechanism, has appeared in the literature. Now, we demonstrate pyrrolidine‐based catalyst can mimick enamine mechanism used by this enzyme to activate pyruvates in the asymmetric addition to structurally diverse nitroalkenes to produce highly enantioenriched Michael adducts without the limitations in substrate structures associated with biocatalysts. In addition to confirming that optically pure pyrrolidines can serve as ultimately small organic catalysts in pyruvate activation, we present an exceedingly simple and versatile method for the synthesis of optically pure γ‐nitro acids, which are precursors for well‐known active pharmaceutical ingredients namely GABA derivatives
Defective Homologous Recombination Repair By Up‐Regulating Lnc‐HZ10/Ahr Loop in Human Trophoblast Cells Induced Miscarriage
Authors: Chen Weina , Mi Chenyang , Zhang Ying , Yang Yang , Huang Wenxin , Xu Zhongyan , Zhao Jingsong , Wang Rong , Wang Manli , Wan Shukun , Wang Xiaoqing , Zhang Huidong
Published: January 2024

Human trophoblast cells are crucial for healthy pregnancy. However, whether the defective homologous recombination (HR) repair of dsDNA break (DSB) in trophoblast cells may induce miscarriage is completely unknown. Moreover, the abundance of BRCA1 (a crucial protein for HR repair), its recruitment to DSB foci, and its epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, are also fully unexplored. In this work, it is identified that a novel lnc‐HZ10, which is highly experssed in villous tissues of recurrent miscarriage (RM) vs their healthy control group, suppresses HR repair of DSB in trophoblast cell. Lnc‐HZ10 and AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) form a positive feedback loop. AhR acts as a transcription factor to promote lnc‐HZ10 transcription. Meanwhile, lnc‐HZ10 also increases AhR levels by suppressing its CUL4B‐mediated ubiquitination degradation. Subsequently, AhR suppresses BRCA1 transcription; and lnc‐HZ10 (mainly 1‐447 nt) interacts with γ‐H2AX; and thus, impairs its interactions with BRCA1. BPDE exposure may trigger this loop to suppress HR repair in trophoblast cells, possibly inducing miscarriage. Knockdown of murine Ahr efficiently recovers HR repair in placental tissues and alleviates miscarriage in a mouse miscarriage model. Therefore, it is suggested that AhR/lnc‐HZ10/BRCA1 axis may be a promising target for alleviation of unexplained miscarriage.
Review of computer‐aided methods in fat crystallization studies
Authors: Qi Ang , Zhang Lu
Published: January 2024

With recent improvements in computer performance, computer‐aided studies have become increasingly important. Computer‐aided methods have been applied in fat crystallization studies for modeling, simulation, optimization, data analysis and visualization. In this paper, various methods, such as molecular dynamic simulation, Monte Carlo, cellular automata modeling, finite element analysis, machine learning and computer vision, are introduced. Applications and advances in mechanism explanation, behavior prediction, process optimization, and so forth, are reviewed for fat crystallization. As a powerful and essential tool, computer‐aided study should play an important role in the field of lipid research in the future.
Antioxidative effects of alkyl esters of sinapic acid on flaxseed oil and its fatty acid methyl esters
Authors: Arslan Derya , Polak Tomaž , Poklar Ulrih Nataša
Published: January 2024

Alkyl esters of sinapic acid were enzymatically synthesized by using hexanol CH3(CH2)5OH and palmitoyl chloride CH3(CH2)14COCl as acyl donors. The lipid oxidation retarding activities of these conjugates were determined using different methods in two lipid media; bulk flaxseed oil and its fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Palmitoyl sinapate more efficiently slowed down the formation of primary and secondary oxidation products in both lipid media. In terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity, β‐carotene bleaching and TEAC assays, it provided higher activity compared to hexyl ester in FAME. Hexyl ester was more active in bulk oil in terms of antioxidant activity analyses. The alkyl side chain length of these molecules had an impact on their antioxidative activity and this effect differed according to the environment in which they were used. The conjugates remained more stable on storage compared to the phenolic compounds originally found in the oil samples.
ESG ratings and green innovation: A U‐shaped journey towards sustainable development
Authors: Yang Cunyi , Zhu Conghao , Albitar Khaldoon
Published: January 2024

This study examines the relationship between corporate ESG ratings and green innovation based on data from Chinese A‐share listed companies for the period between 2011 and 2022. The findings suggest a “U”‐ shaped relationship between ESG ratings and green innovation. Companies with lower ESG ratings (referred to as “bad” companies) tend to focus on improving their corporate governance and operational conditions, often at the expense of green innovation. However, as companies improve their ESG ratings, they increasingly view green innovation as a key growth area. This relationship is particularly evident in companies with low profitability and high operational risks. Additionally, we explore the impact of corporate ESG ratings on different types of green patents. The study finds that “bad” companies can mitigate the negative impact on green innovation through collaborative efforts, while non‐inventive green innovations, they benefit from independent research and development. Furthermore, the study examines the role of government subsidies and executive compensation in influencing this relationship. The results show that government subsidies can both positively and negatively affect green innovation, depending on the company's operational status and ESG rating. The results provide valuable insights for companies, investors, and policymakers regarding the significant role of ESG scores in promoting green innovation and suggest strategies to enhance corporate sustainability performance.
Endothelial‐mesenchymal transition in skeletal muscle: Opportunities and challenges from 3D microphysiological systems
Authors: Francescato Riccardo , Moretti Matteo , Bersini Simone
Published: January 2024

Fibrosis is a pathological condition that in the muscular context is linked to primary diseases such as dystrophies, laminopathies, neuromuscular disorders, and volumetric muscle loss following traumas, accidents, and surgeries. Although some basic mechanisms regarding the role of myofibroblasts in the progression of muscle fibrosis have been discovered, our knowledge of the complex cell–cell, and cell–matrix interactions occurring in the fibrotic microenvironment is still rudimentary. Recently, vascular dysfunction has been emerging as a key hallmark of fibrosis through a process called endothelial‐mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). Nevertheless, no effective therapeutic options are currently available for the treatment of muscle fibrosis. This lack is partially due to the absence of advanced in vitro models that can recapitulate the 3D architecture and functionality of a vascularized muscle microenvironment in a human context. These models could be employed for the identification of novel targets and for the screening of potential drugs blocking the progression of the disease. In this review, we explore the potential of 3D human muscle models in studying the role of endothelial cells and EndoMT in muscle fibrotic tissues and identify limitations and opportunities for optimizing the next generation of these microphysiological systems. Starting from the biology of muscle fibrosis and EndoMT, we highlight the synergistic links between different cell populations of the fibrotic microenvironment and how to recapitulate them through microphysiological systems.
Harm‐reduction approach to drug education can save lives
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: January 2024

BURLINGTON, VERMONT — What if, instead of only trying to find new ways to convince students to never use drugs, campuses implemented effective methods to reduce harm for those students who choose to experiment with or even regularly use drugs? That shift in thinking was discussed by panelists at the University of Vermont's Legal Issues in Higher Education annual conference.
Take steps to reduce liabilities related to vehicle use by coaches, staff
Authors: O’Brien Timothy
Published: January 2024

Tragic accidents all too often provide instructive guidance on future liability‐prevention efforts. A recent car accident case that resulted in two deaths and a serious injury provides the unfortunate context for a reassessment of an institution's vehicle‐usage policies.
Chymotrypsin and Trypsin Inhibitory Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Collected from Rize (Türkiye)
Authors: Gunbatan Tugba , Sucu Melike , Gokbulut Alper , Dilmac Elif , Gurbuz Ilhan
Published: January 2024

In this research, the evaluation of in vitro chymotrypsin and trypsin inhibitory activities of ten plant species collected from Rize were aimed, and fractions that showed strong activity were analyzed through HPLC. Daphne pontica L. and Mentha longifolia (L.) L. were found to have the highest chymotrypsin inhibitory activities (87.75 and 84.24 % inhibition). Similarly, the highest trypsin inhibitory activity was observed in D. pontica (%99.93 inhibition), followed by Sambucus ebulus L. flowers (87.47 % inhibition). Extracts showing strong enzyme inhibition were fractioned and subjected to activity tests. The highest chymotrypsin inhibitory activity was observed in the n‐hexane fraction of D. pontica (%80.70 inhibition), while the highest trypsin inhibitory activity was found in the n‐butanol fraction of S. ebulus (%86.81 inhibition). HPLC studies determined that the 80 % ethanol extract of D. pontica and its dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions contained umbelliferone. It was found that chlorogenic acid was present in the 80 % ethanol extracts of S. ebulus flowers. M. longifolia was found to contain chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, luteolin‐7‐glucoside, and rosmarinic acid. M. longifolia has been identified as the plant exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity in ABTS and CUPRAC tests, consistent with its high phenolic and flavonoid content.
Photo‐affinity and Metabolic Labeling Probes Based on the Opioid Alkaloids
Authors: Duque Mark Anthony Leon , Vallavoju Nandini , Zhang Tiffany , Yvon Robert , Pan Ying‐Xian , Woo Christina M.
Published: January 2024

The opioids are powerful analgesics yet possess contingencies that can lead to opioid‐use disorder. Chemical probes derived from the opioid alkaloids can provide deeper insight into the molecular interactions in a cellular context. Here, we designed and developed photo‐click morphine (PCM‐2) as a photo‐affinity probe based on morphine and dialkynyl‐acetyl morphine (DAAM) as a metabolic acetate reporter based on heroin. Application of these probes to SH‐SY5Y, HEK293T, and U2OS cells revealed that PCM‐2 and DAAM primarily localize to the lysosome amongst other locations inside the cell by confocal microscopy and chemical proteomics. Interaction site identification by mass spectrometry revealed the mitochondrial phosphate carrier protein, solute carrier family 25 member 3, SLC25A3, and histone H2B as acylation targets of DAAM. These data illustrate the utility of chemical probes to measure localization and protein interactions in a cellular context and will inform the design of probes based on the opioids in the future.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

A new website for teens on drinking from NIAAA

The need for screening moms for depression before, during, and after pregnancy

The need for a complete medical exam before diagnosing ADHD
Study: Teen OD deaths driven by counterfeits containing fentanyl
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

Adolescents who want to experiment with drugs are not seeking illicit fentanyl, and in fact many believe what they are taking is a benzodiazepine or another prescription medication, but in fact, it's a counterfeit masking as a seemingly safer medication and containing illicit fentanyl, which can be lethal even for those who are tolerant to opioids. For naïve users, they are fatal.
A challenging transseptal mitral valve in valve case report: Success and safety
Authors: Alizadehasl Azin , Eslami Samira , Vakili Kimia , Abdi Seifollah , Firouzi Ata , Azarfarin Rasoul , Abdi Amir
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) is considered a less‐invasive approach than open‐heart surgery, favored in high‐risk patients elected for valve replacement. Although seemingly suitable, this procedure is highly operator‐dependent.

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) is an alternative in high‐risk patients. We reported a 72‐year‐old patient with mitral bioprosthesis degeneration successfully receiving TMVI. The procedure has lower morbidity and mortality rate than the surgical approach but can be accompanied by several complications, especially when conducted by an inexperienced operator.
Prospects for green steelmaking technology with low carbon emissions in China
Authors: Fucheng Zhang , Lukuo Hong , Ying Xu
Published: January 2024

The steel industry is a major source of CO2 emissions, and thus, the mitigation of carbon emissions is the most pressing challenge in this sector. In this paper, international environmental governance in the steel industry is reviewed, and the current state of development of low‐carbon technologies is discussed. Additionally, low‐carbon pathways for the steel industry at the current time are proposed, emphasizing prevention and treatment strategies. Furthermore, the prospects of low‐carbon technologies are explored from the perspective of transitioning the energy structure to a “carbon–electricity–hydrogen” relationship. Overall, steel enterprises should adopt hydrogen‐rich metallurgical technologies that are compatible with current needs and process flows in the short term, based on the carbon substitution with hydrogen (prevention) and the CCU (CO2 capture and utilization) concepts (treatment). Additionally, the capture and utilization of CO2 for steelmaking, which can assist in achieving short‐term emission reduction targets but is not a long‐term solution, is discussed. In conclusion, in the long term, the carbon metallurgical process should be gradually supplanted by a hydrogen–electric synergistic approach, thus transforming the energy structure of existing steelmaking processes and attaining near‐zero carbon emission steelmaking technology.
Grundlagenuntersuchungen zum Einfluss verschiedener Zerkleinerungsparameter auf die spezifische Zerkleinerungsarbeit von kohlenstofffaserverstärkten Kunststoffen
Authors: Niebel Philipp Karsten , Krampitz Thomas , Lieberwirth Holger , Zeisberg Marcel
Published: January 2024

Bei kohlenstofffaserverstärktem Kunststoff (CFK) handelt es sich um einen zunehmend eingesetzten Leichtbauwerkstoff mit begrenzter Recyclingfähigkeit. Da die Zerkleinerung von Abfällen einen unvermeidbaren Schritt jeder Recyclingprozesskette für CFK darstellt, werden in diesem Artikel konstruktive, betriebsbedingte und stoffliche Einflussgrößen des Zerkleinerungsprozesses untersucht. Dafür werden an einem Pendelschlagwerk die Beanspruchungsarbeit, die Reibungsverluste sowie die auftretenden Kräfte ermittelt. Die Materialeigenschaften und die Beanspruchungsart haben einen signifikanten Effekt auf das Zerkleinerungsverhalten von CFK. Aus den Ergebnissen können materialspezifisch konstruktive Maßnahmen zur Reduktion der zur Zerkleinerung benötigten Energie abgeleitet werden.
Late‐Stage Diversification of Pyrazoles as Antileishmanial Agents
Authors: Winge Tobias , Perry Ben , Matheeussen An , Caljon Guy , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: January 2024

N‐Pyrazolylcarboxamides and N‐pyrazolylureas represent promising lead compounds for the development of novel antileishmanial drugs. Herein, we report the late‐stage diversification of 3‐bromopyrazoles 10 A/B and 14 A by Pd‐catalyzed Sonogashira and Suzuki‐Miyaura cross coupling reactions. The electron‐withdrawing properties of the cyano moiety in 4‐position of the pyrazole ring limited the acylation of the primary amino moiety in 5‐position. A large set of pyrazoles bearing diverse aryl and alkynyl substituents in 3‐position was prepared and the antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activity was recorded. The urea 38 lacking the electron withdrawing cyano moiety in 4‐position and containing the large 4‐benzylpiperidinoo moiety exhibited a modest antileishmanial (IC50=19 μM) and antitrypanosomal activity (IC50=7.9 μM)). However, its considerable toxicity against the PMM and MRC‐5 cells indicates low selectivity, i. e. a small gap between the desired antiparasitic activity and undesired cytotoxicity of <2‐ to 4‐fold.
Primary results and characterization of patients with exceptional outcomes in a phase 1b study combining PARP and MEK inhibition, with or without anti–PD‐L1, for BRCA wild‐type, platinum‐sensitive, recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Mutch David , Voulgari Athina , Chen Xian (Marissa) , Bradley William H. , Oaknin Ana , Perez Fidalgo José Alejandro , Montosa Fernando Galvez , Herraez Antonio Casado , Holloway Robert W. , Powell Matthew A. , Nowicka Malgorzata , Schaefer Gabriele , Merchant Mark , Yan Yibing
Published: January 2024

Background

This phase 1b study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03695380) evaluated regimens combining PARP and MEK inhibition, with or without PD‐L1 inhibition, for BRCA wild‐type, platinum‐sensitive, recurrent ovarian cancer (PSROC).

Methods

Patients with PSROC who had received one or two prior treatment lines were treated with 28‐day cycles of cobimetinib 60 mg daily (days 1–21) plus niraparib 200 mg daily (days 1–28) with or without atezolizumab 840 mg (days 1 and 15). Stage 1 assessed safety before expansion to stage 2, which randomized patients who had BRCA wild‐type PSROC to receive either doublet or triplet therapy, stratified by genome‐wide loss of heterozygosity status (<16% vs. ≥16%; FoundationOne CDx assay) and platinum‐free interval (≥6 to <12 vs. ≥12 months). Coprimary end points were safety and the investigator‐determined objective response rate (ORR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Potential associations between genetic parameters and efficacy were explored, and biomarker profiles of super‐responders (complete response or those with progression‐free survival [PFS] >15 months) and progressors (disease progression as the best response) were characterized.

Results

The ORR in patients who had BRCA wild‐type PSROC was 35% (95% confidence interval, 20%–53%) with the doublet regimen (n = 37) and 27% (95% confidence interval, 14%–44%) with the triplet regimen (n = 37), and the median PFS was 6.0 and 7.4 months, respectively. Post‐hoc analyses indicated more favorable ORR and PFS in the homologous recombination‐deficiency‐signature (HRDsig)‐positive subgroup than in the HRDsig‐negative subgroup. Tolerability was consistent with the known profiles of individual agents. NF1 and MKNK1 mutations were associated with sustained benefit from the doublet and triplet regimens, respectively.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy‐free doublet and triplet therapy demonstrated encouraging activity, including among patients who had BRCA wild‐type, HRDsig‐positive or HRDsig‐negative PSROC harboring NF1 or MKNK1 mutations.
MoNP‐doped Defective Carbon Fibers with Bark‐like Nanosurface as Effective Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Zn‐air Batteries
Authors: Wang Jiangbo , Zhang Yanan , Liao Shiqin , Chen Dongsheng , Mensah Alfred , Wei Qufu
Published: January 2024

The flexible air electrode with high oxygen electrocatalytic performance and outstanding stability under various deformations plays a vital role in high‐performance flexible Zn‐air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a self‐supported Mo, N, and P co‐doped carbon cloth (CC) denoted as MoNP@CC with bark‐like surface structure is fabricated by a facile two‐step approach via a one‐pot method and pyrolysis. The surface of the electrode shows a nanoscale “rift valley” and uniformly distributed active sites. Taking advantage of the nano‐surface as well as transition metal and heteroatom doping, the self‐supported electrocatalysis air electrode exhibits considerable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance in terms of low overpotential (388 mV at 10 mA cm−2) for OER and a much positive potential (0.74 V) at 1.0 mA cm−2 for ORR. Furthermore, MoNP@CC is further used for the flexible ZAB to demonstrate its practical application. The MoNP@CC‐based ZAB displays a good cycling performance for 2800 min and an open‐circuit voltage of 1.44 V. This work provides a new approach to the construction of a high‐performance, self‐supported electrocatalysis electrode used for a flexible energy storage device.
A sulfur‐modified pore‐blocking method to enhance the electrocatalytic stability of carbon‐supported platinum nanoparticles
Authors: Xie Yuhang , Wang Zhengluo , Xu Mingjie , Xiong Hongxi , Chen Yonglin , Wang Xiaohan , Yu Zelong , Zhou Weijiang , Tang Shuihua
Published: January 2024

Currently, the durability of electrode materials remains a big obstacle to the widespread adoption of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Herein thiourea and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDS) were employed as sulfur source and carbon source to modify the pristine carbon black (Ketjen black EC300 J). A highly durable carbon supported Pt nanosized catalyst with higher platinum utilization for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in PEMFCs was produced by doping elemental sulfur into carbon supports and decreasing the carbon pore sizes and volume through a successive impregnation technique. The catalyst exhibits an initial activity of 0.167 A mgPt−1 at 0.90 V and demonstrates minimal activity loss after acceleration stress test (30,000 cycles of AST). The half‐wave potential loss for representative sample (Pt/S−C‐3) is only 14 mV with only 21.8 % ECSA decrease, 27.5 % MA loss and 5.9 % SA loss. A sintering test at various temperature shows a minor average size increase for sulfur‐doped carbon (S−C) supported one (from 2.09 to 2.52 nm). In single‐cell test, the MEA sample employing the platinum catalyst on modified carbon as cathode exhibited almost negligible performance loss after 30,000 cycles of AST.
γδ T cells mediate robust anti‐HIV functions during antiretroviral therapy regardless of immune checkpoint expression
Authors: Field Kirsty R , Wragg Kathleen M , Kent Stephen J , Lee Wen Shi , Juno Jennifer A
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) efficiently suppresses HIV viral load, immune dysregulation and dysfunction persist in people living with HIV (PLWH). γδ T cells are functionally impaired during untreated HIV infection, but the extent to which they are reconstituted upon ART is currently unclear.

Methods

Utilising a cohort of ART‐treated PLWH, we assessed the frequency and phenotype, characterised in vitro functional responses and defined the impact of immune checkpoint marker expression on effector functions of both Vδ1 and Vδ2 T cells. We additionally explore the in vitro expansion of Vδ2 T cells from PLWH on ART and the mechanisms by which such expanded cells may sense and kill HIV‐infected targets.

Results

A matured NK cell‐like phenotype was observed for Vδ1 T cells among 25 ART‐treated individuals (PLWH/ART) studied compared to 17 HIV‐uninfected controls, with heightened expression of 2B4, CD160, TIGIT and Tim‐3. Despite persistent phenotypic perturbations, Vδ1 T cells from PLWH/ART exhibited strong CD16‐mediated activation and degranulation, which were suppressed upon Tim‐3 and TIGIT crosslinking. Vδ2 T cell degranulation responses to the phosphoantigen (E)‐4‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐but‐2‐enyl pyrophosphate at concentrations up to 2 ng mL−1 were significantly impaired in an immune checkpoint‐independent manner among ART‐treated participants. Nonetheless, expanded Vδ2 T cells from PLWH/ART retained potent anti‐HIV effector functions, with the NKG2D receptor contributing substantially to the elimination of infected cells.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight that although significant perturbations remain within the γδ T cell compartment throughout ART‐treated HIV, both subsets retain the capacity for robust anti‐HIV effector functions.
Trichilemmal carcinoma metastatic to parotid gland: First report of fine needle aspiration cytology features
Authors: Jayakumar Priya , Kakkar Aanchal , Arava Sudheer , Mallick Supriya
Published: January 2024

Trichilemmal carcinoma is a rare malignant cutaneous adnexal neoplasm arising from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. Majority of cases occur on sun‐exposed sites such as the face, scalp and neck, making them easily amenable to being biopsied and subjected to histological examination for definitive diagnosis. Thus, cytological features of trichilemmal carcinoma have not been described till date. Trichilemmal carcinoma is a low‐grade malignancy, albeit with potential to metastasize to regional lymph nodes and distant sites. We report the case of trichilemmal carcinoma of scalp that metastasized to cervical lymph nodes and parotid gland and underwent fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from the parotid lesion. The aspirate showed tightly cohesive cell clusters with sharp borders. Tumour cells ranged from basaloid with scant cytoplasm to those with abundant cytoplasm. Nuclei were vesicular, with inconspicuous to prominent nuclei. Intercellular bridges, masses of keratin, and fragments of desmoplastic stroma were present, closely recapitulating histological features of trichilemmal carcinoma, which enabled diagnosis as metastasis. Cell block showed similar tumour fragments with evidence of differentiation towards outer root sheath. FNAC is the first‐line investigation to obtain a tissue diagnosis of masses in the head and neck region. Although rarely encountered, the lack of knowledge of cytological features of trichilemmal carcinoma may hamper its FNAC diagnosis at metastatic sites. When intraparotid metastases occur, they may be mistaken as primary salivary gland carcinoma. Thus, awareness of the cytological features of this tumour must be raised among cytopathologists to enable accurate diagnosis and further management.
Diurnal temperature variation impacts energetics but not reproductive effort across seasons in a temperate dung beetle
Authors: Fleming J. Morgan , Marshall Katie E. , Coverley Alexander J. , Sheldon Kimberly S.
Published: January 2024

Temperature varies on multiple timescales and ectotherms must adjust to these changes to survive. These adjustments may lead to energetic trade‐offs between self‐maintenance and reproductive investment. However, we know little about how diurnal and seasonal temperature changes impact energy allocation. Here we used a combination of empirical data and modeling of both thermoregulatory behaviors and body temperature to examine potential energetic trade‐offs in the dung beetle Onthophagus taurus. Beginning in March 2020, universities and laboratories were officially closed due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. We thus performed experiments at a private residence near Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, leveraging the heating, ventilation and air conditioning of the home to manipulate temperature and compare beetle responses to stable indoor temperatures versus variable outdoor temperatures. We collected O. taurus beetles in the early‐, mid‐, and late‐breeding seasons to examine energetics and reproductive output in relation to diurnal and seasonal temperature fluctuations. We recorded the mass of field fresh beetles before and after a 24‐h fast and used the resulting change in mass as a proxy for energetic costs of self‐maintenance across seasons. To understand the impacts of diurnal fluctuations on energy allocation, we held beetles either indoors or outdoors for 14‐day acclimation trials, fed them cow dung, and recorded mass change and reproductive output. Utilizing biophysical models, we integrated individual‐level biophysical characteristics, microhabitat‐specific performance, respirometry data, and thermoregulatory behaviors to predict temperature‐induced changes to the allocation of energy toward survival and reproduction. During 24 h of outdoor fasting, we found that beetles experiencing reduced temperature variation lost more mass than those experiencing greater temperature variation, and this was not affected by season. By contrast, during the 14‐day acclimation trials, we found that beetles experiencing reduced temperature variation (i.e., indoors) gained more mass than those experiencing greater temperature variation (i.e., outdoors). This effect may have been driven by shifts in the metabolism of the beetles during acclimation to increased temperature variation. Despite the negative relationship between temperature variation and energetic reserves, the only significant predictor of reproductive output was mean temperature. Taken together, we find that diurnal temperature fluctuations are important for driving energetics, but not reproductive output.
Taking a walk on the heart failure side: comparison of metabolic variables during walking and maximal exertion
Authors: Mapelli Massimo , Salvioni Elisabetta , Bonomi Alice , Paneroni Mara , Raimondo Rosa , Gugliandolo Paola , Mattavelli Irene , Bidoglio Jacopo , Mirza Kiran K. , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Gustafsson Finn , Agostoni Piergiuseppe
Published: January 2024

Aims

Although cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the gold standard to assess exercise capacity, simpler tests (i.e., 6‐min walk test, 6MWT) are also commonly used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cardiorespiratory parameters during CPET and 6MWT in a large, multicentre, heterogeneous population.

Methods

We included athletes, healthy subjects, and heart failure (HF) patients of different severity, including left ventricular assist device (LVAD) carriers, who underwent both CPET and 6MWT with oxygen consumption measurement.

Results

We enrolled 186 subjects (16 athletes, 40 healthy, 115 non‐LVAD HF patients, and 15 LVAD carriers). CPET‐peakV̇O2 was 41.0 [35.0–45.8], 26.2 [23.1–31.0], 12.8 [11.1–15.3], and 15.2 [13.6–15.6] ml/Kg/min in athletes, healthy, HF patients, and LVAD carriers, respectively (P < 0.001). During 6MWT they used 63.5 [56.3–76.8], 72.0 [57.8–81.0], 95.5 [80.3–109], and 95.0 [92.0–99.0] % of their peakV̇O2, respectively. None of the athletes, 1 healthy (2.5%), 30 HF patients (26.1%), and 1 LVAD carrier (6.7%), reached a 6MWT‐V̇O2 higher than their CPET‐peakV̇O2. Both 6MWT‐V̇O2 and walked distance were significantly associated with CPET‐peakV̇O2 in the whole population (R2 = 0.637 and R2 = 0.533, P ≤ 0.001) but not in the sub‐groups. This was confirmed after adjustment for groups.

Conclusions

The 6MWT can be a maximal effort especially in most severe HF patients and suggest that, in absence of prognostic studies related to 6MWT metabolic values, CPET should remain the first method of choice in the functional assessment of patients with HF as well as in sport medicine.
The impact of different warm‐up strategies on acceleration and deceleration demands in highly trained soccer players
Authors: Silva Hugo , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo , Bajanca Catarina , Pinho Gonçalo , Loturco Irineu , Marcelino Rui
Published: January 2024

This study compared the differences in acceleration and deceleration demands between three different warm‐up (WU) strategies (Reaction speed [exercises with reaction to a stimulus], Run [self‐paced running], and Speed [exercises such as shuttle running or circuits]) applied to highly trained soccer players. Nineteen players were monitored for 4 weeks using a 10 Hz Global Positioning System. Accelerations and decelerations magnitudes were classified as low (25%–50%), moderate (50%–75%), and high (>75%) intensities. Additionally, efforts were analyzed according to their respective starting speeds (<5, 5–10, 10–15, 15–20, 20–25, and >25 km h−1). Differences between WU strategies were estimated via paired mean differences along with effect sizes. The three WU strategies led to few efforts starting >15 km h−1 and high‐intensity efforts (<1 effort per minute). Players performed more high‐intensity accelerations during Speed than Reaction Speed (ES: 0.74 [90% CI: 0.21, 1.33]); more moderate‐intensity accelerations during Reaction Speed than Run (ES: 1.29 [90% CI: 0.72, 2.00]); more moderate‐intensity decelerations during Reaction Speed than Run (ES: 0.64 [90% CI: 0.04, 1.32]) and Speed (ES: 0.89 [90% CI: 0.37, 1.50]); more decelerations started at 20–25 km h−1 during Speed than Reaction Speed (ES: 0.81 [90% CI: 0.20, 1.49]) and Run (ES: 0.76 [90% CI: 0.42, 1.18]); and more decelerations started at >25 km h−1 during Speed than Reaction Speed (ES: 3.57 [90% CI: 2.88, 4.58]). In conclusion, Speed elicited higher acceleration and deceleration demands than the Reaction Speed and Run WU strategies, and this should be considered when designing training sessions.
Enhancement of yogurt functionality by adding Mentha piprita phenolic extract and evaluation of its quality during cold storage
Authors: Guemidi Chafika , Ait Saada Djamal , Ait Chabane Ouiza , Elmastas Mahfuz , Erenler Ramazan , Yilmaz Mustafa Abdullah , Tarhan Abbas , Akkal Salah , Khelifi Haroune
Published: January 2024

New functional food products with health benefits are currently in high demand among health‐conscious consumers. The present research aims to improve the functional properties of yogurt by adding peppermint hydroethanolic extract (PHE) at different doses. The impact of PHE (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) on yogurt was studied for acidity, pH, organoleptic quality, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, and fatty acid profile. The results revealed that PHE is rich in phenolic compounds, of which rosmarinic acid was the main one (339.88 mg/g lyophilized extract) and has considerable antioxidant potential, which remarkably (p < .01) increased antioxidant capacity in yogurt by over 39.51%, even at a low dose of 2%, giving the product better protection against lipid peroxidation and preserving its physicochemical and sensory quality. At 4%, PHE increased significantly (p < .01) the content of omega‐3 fatty acids, notably alpha‐linolenic acid, in fortified yogurt compared with the control, and reduced (p < .01) the ratio of omega‐6/omega‐3, which dropped from 5.21 to 4.11. It looks feasible to prepare a yogurt with health‐giving properties by adding Mentha piperita hydroethanolic extract at a concentration of up to 4% as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants, which would also extend its shelf life.
Production of low‐protein cocoa powder with enzyme‐assisted hydrolysis
Authors: Cerit İnci , Mehdizade Könül , Avcı Ayşe , Demirkol Omca
Published: January 2024

Amino acid‐related disorders are caused by a defect in the metabolic pathways of amino acid groups. These patients must follow a lifelong protein diet. The objective of this study was to produce a low‐protein cocoa powder (LPP) with enzymatic hydrolysis and precipitation method. First, the solubility of cocoa powder was increased by heat and enzyme treatments (Amylase, Viscozyme, and Alcalase). Then, the protein level was decreased by isoelectric precipitation. According to the obtained results, the solubility of cocoa powder rose from 28.61% to 50.69%. Protein content decreased by almost 40% and significant reductions in the amino acid profile were also provided; the highest ones were detected in methionine (100%), lysine (73.65%), leucine (53.64%), alanine (46.17%), and isoleucine (44.73%) levels. LPP had high phenolic content (25.10 mg/g GAE) and the changes in the antioxidant activities were not significant (p > .05). Moreover, chocolate production with LPP and control powder was also carried out under laboratory conditions. Hardness (1732.52 g), moisture content (0.60%), and water activity (0.37) of chocolate samples produced with low‐protein cocoa powder (LPC) were lower than those of the control sample. The Casson model well fitted to the rheological data (R2 > .990) and chocolate samples showed elastic behavior. The removal of proteins from the cocoa was verified with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The melting temperatures of chocolates (31.84 and 31.54°C for control and LPC samples, respectively) did not change with the applied process. As a conclusion, it was revealed that the production of low‐protein cocoa powder and chocolate is feasible for patients with amino acid disorders with this study.
The trend of mortality rates following hospitals downgrading and closures due to outbreak of COVID‐19 in Fars province: A comparative cohort study
Authors: Fallahi Mohammad Javad , Seifbehzad Sarvin , Fereidooni Mehran , Farrokhi Amirmohammad , Ranjbar Keivan , Shahriarirad Reza
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

Hospitals are one of the most important healthcare centers for providing the patients with different medical needs. Several different factors might cause hospitals to downgrade their services or departments or close down overall. One of the most multifaceted reasons for hospital downgrading or closure is infectious disease outbreaks. In this regard, we aimed to evaluate the effects of hospital closure and downgrading due to the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mortality rate of the people residing in Fars province, Iran.

Methods

We gathered mortality information, including the cause of death, age, sex, place, and time of death of all deceased cases occurring during a period of 3 years, from February 20, 2018 to March 2021 from the forensic medicine and also the Department of Biostatistics in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.

Results

A total of 71,331 deaths have been reported since 2018 through the first quarter of 2021, with 57.9% of total mortality cases attributed to male gender. The total mortality counts ranged from 4229 to 9809 deaths per quarter, from which the minimum rate was reported in the first quarter of 2018 and the maximum in the fourth quarter of 2020. Based on the causes of death, diseases of the circulatory system were shown to be the all‐time most frequent cause of death, accounting for a total of 42.8% of recorded deaths, followed by neoplasms (9.77%) and diseases of the respiratory system (9.45%).

Conclusion

Although the large number of deaths at the time of the pandemic are immediately due to COVID‐19 infection, deaths due to a notable number of other causes have had a significant increase which, along with the specific trend of place and causes of death, shows that the downgrading and closure of hospitals have had a significant impact on overall population mortality.
SnS2 nanoparticles embedded in sulfurized polyacrylonitrile composite fibers for high‐performance potassium‐ion batteries
Authors: Li Ruiling , Tong Lijuan , Jiang Yitong , Wang Yaxin , Long Jing , Chen Xiaochuan , Wu Junxiong , Li Xiaoyan , Chen Yuming
Published: January 2024

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have garnered significant attention as a promising alternative to commercial lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to abundant and cost‐efficient potassium reserves. However, the large size of potassium ions and the resulting sluggish reaction kinetics present major obstacles to the widespread use of PIBs. Herein, we present a simple method to ingeniously encapsulate SnS2 nanoparticles within sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) fibers (SnS2@SPAN) for serving as a high‐performance PIB anode. The large interlayer spacing of SnS2 provides a fast transport channel for potassium ions during charge–discharge cycles, while the one‐dimensional SPAN skeleton offers massive binding sites and shortens the diffusion path for potassium ions, facilitating faster reaction kinetics. Additionally, the excellent ductility of SPAN can effectively accommodate the large volume changes that occur in SnS2 upon potassium‐ion insertion, thereby enhancing the cyclic stability of SnS2. Benefiting from the above advantages, the SnS2@SPAN composites exhibit impressive cyclability over 500 cycles at 4 A g−1, with a capacity retention rate close to 100%. This study provides an effective approach for stabilizing high‐capacity PIB anode materials with large volume variations.
The ECB press conference statement: deriving a new sentiment indicator for the euro area
Authors: Kanelis Dimitrios , Siklos Pierre L.
Published: January 2024

We analyse the introductory statements of the ECB president and derive new sentiment indicators for the euro area based on a novel approach. To evaluate sentiment, we utilize a Large Language Model, namely FinBERT, which classifies the verbal sentiment of economics and finance‐related textual data. We find that the ECB's conveyed sentiment about monetary policy, which is influenced by the economic outlook and the state of the euro area macroeconomy as expressed in speeches, plays a significant role in shaping the content of press conferences following a governing council decision. In contrast, speech sentiment regarding financial stability does not significantly influence introductory statements.
A systematic review of enhanced resurgence paradigms
Authors: King Hunter , Martone Lauren , Laureano Brianna , Falligant John Michael
Published: January 2024

Following successful treatment in which problem behavior is reduced, it may reemerge as a function of changes in contextual stimuli or the worsening of reinforcement conditions for an alternative response. Although understudied, preliminary research suggests that simultaneous changes in contextual stimuli and reinforcement conditions may represent particularly exigent treatment challenges that create the condition for additive or superadditive relapse. The purpose of the present review was to systematically examine the relapse literature involving simultaneous changes in contextual stimuli and reinforcement conditions in relapse tests and experimental preparations arranged to evaluate their effect on response recovery. We identified 16 empirical articles spanning 27 experiments. Although all experiments included at least one condition that experienced a change in contextual stimuli and worsening of alternative reinforcement conditions, only two experiments included the comparison conditions needed to precisely evaluate additive and superadditive relapse. Our findings establish the preclinical generality of relapse effects associated with simultaneous changes to reinforcement conditions and contextual stimuli across a range of subjects, schedule arrangements, response topographies, reinforcers, and types of contextual changes. We make several recommendations for future research based on our findings from this nascent and clinically relevant subdomain of the relapse literature.
Evaluation of the highest temperature WMO region VI Europe (continental): 48.8°C, Siracusa Sicilia, Italy on August 11, 2021
Authors: Merlone Andrea , Pasotti Luigi , Musacchio Chiara , Bessemoulin Pierre , Brunet Manola , El Faldi Khalid , Jones Philip , van der Schrier Gerard , Raspanti Adriano , Trewin Blair , Krahenbuhl Dan , Cerveny Randall
Published: January 2024

A maximum temperature of 48.8°C (119.8°F) was purportedly recorded for the automated station in Siracusa (Syracuse) Contrada Monasteri, on the island of Sicilia (Sicily) Italy on August 11, 2021. A World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ad hoc evaluation committee was assembled to assess the possibility that the Sicilia temperature was the highest recorded temperature in WMO Region VI (continental only). After a detailed review of the site considerations and of the regional synoptic weather conditions, combined with detailed sensor testing and calibration by the Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), the WMO evaluation committee concluded (and the Rapporteur accepted) that (1) on August 11, 2021 the high temperature recorded for the automated station in Siracusa C. da Monasteri, did reach a maximum value of 48.8°C (119.8°F), (2) that temperature is recommended to be listed as the WMO official “highest recorded temperature in WMO Region VI (continental only)” and (3) although, as the INRiM testing established, the recorded value of 48.8°C is actually an underestimate of the temperature, the committee recommend that the recorded (likely conservative) value of 48.8°C be the value listed in the Archive. An arbitrated archive of current weather and climate extremes is one means of ensuring that we have the best possible data for climate change analysis and public dissemination.
Effect of age, pregnancy, and tuberculosis status on oocyte parameters in African buffalo
Authors: Kosior Michal A. , Lyne Kirsty Y. , Salerno Francesca , Gasparrini Bianca , Esposito Giulia
Published: January 2024

In the past decades, the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) population has steadily declined; an estimated reduction of 31.2% over 3 generations has resulted in classifying it as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Therefore, the aim of this work was a preliminary evaluation of the size and number of ovarian follicles and oocyte quality and quantity in African buffaloes in relationship to age, tuberculosis, and pregnancy status to assess feasibility of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) as a tool for conservation and propagation of this species. The study occurred during the winter dry season (Jul–Aug) of 2018 within Huluhluwe‐Imfolozi National Park in Kwa‐Zulu Natal, South Africa during the routine culling procedures of African buffalo carried out at the park by the provincial authorities as means of disease management and population control. We obtained ovaries from 39 adults and 10 juveniles, and transported them to the field laboratory where we counted follicles, collected oocytes by aspiration and slicing, and classified oocytes according to their morphology. Adult animals had more small and medium follicles compared to juveniles (small: 14.5 ± 0.1 [SE] vs. 14.0 ± 0.1; medium: 4.6 ± 0.7 vs. 2.0 ± 1.3); however, juvenile animals had more cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs). Pregnancy and tuberculosis status did not affect COC recovery rate and quality. The oocyte recovery rate is comparable to cattle and higher than in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Therefore, our results suggest that IVEP could be an effective tool for conservation of valuable germplasm in African buffalo. The use of aspiration, using an 18‐gauge needle and syringe, followed by slicing the ovary with a scalpel blade increased the recovery of suitable COCs (aspiration = 37.2 ± 3.02%; aspiration and slicing = 46.1 ± 3.02%), supporting the use of aspiration and slicing to optimize oocyte collection for conservation of African buffalo.