bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing classical swine fever virus identification: the advantages of Field‐LAMP testing
Authors: Tran DH , Tran HT , Vo BTT , Than TT , Nguyen VT , Le VP , Phung HTT
Published: October 2023

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) identification has witnessed significant advancements with the development of rapid reverse‐transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) assays. However, conventional RT‐LAMP assays for CSFV diagnosis are hindered by a laborious RNA extraction step. Moreover, the need for thermal incubators and expensive micropipettes has limited their application in field settings. Addressing these challenges, our study presents a groundbreaking solution—an electro‐free and point‐of‐care (POC) tool known as the field‐LAMP assay—for the rapid clinical detection of CSFV. By eliminating the RNA extraction requirement, advancing the colorimetric read‐out and lyophilized reaction reagents, our field‐LAMP assay streamlines the diagnostic process, saving valuable time and effort. This novel approach also overcomes the dependency on electric‐dependent thermal incubators and expensive micropipettes, making it practical and accessible for use in the field. The successful development of the field‐LAMP assay marks a significant milestone in CSFV detection. This electro‐free and POC tool offers several advantages, including its ability to deliver rapid results without compromising accuracy, facilitating prompt response and containment measures.
Effect of machine learning‐guided haemodynamic optimization on postoperative free flap perfusion in reconstructive maxillofacial surgery: A study protocol
Authors: Pražetina Marko , Šribar Andrej , Sokolović Jurinjak Irena , Matošević Jelena , Peršec Jasminka
Published: October 2023

Aims

Intraoperative hypotension and liberal fluid haemodynamic therapy are associated with postoperative medical and surgical complications in maxillofacial free flap surgery. The novel haemodynamic parameter hypotension prediction index (HPI) has shown good performance in predicting hypotension by analysing arterial pressure waveform in various types of surgery. HPI‐based haemodynamic protocols were able to reduce the duration and depth of hypotension. We will try to determine whether haemodynamic therapy based on HPI can improve postoperative flap perfusion and tissue oxygenation by improving intraoperative mean arterial pressure and reducing fluid infusion.

Methods

We present here a study protocol for a single centre, randomized, controlled trial (n = 42) in maxillofacial patients undergoing free flap surgery. Patients will be randomized into an intervention or a control group. In the intervention, group haemodynamic optimization will be guided by machine learning algorithm and functional haemodynamic parameters presented by the HemoSphere platform (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA), most importantly, HPI. Tissue oxygen saturation of the free flap will be monitored noninvasively by near‐infrared spectroscopy during the first 24 h postoperatively. The primary outcome will be the average value of tissue oxygen saturation in the first 24 h postoperatively.
Can penalties for environmental violations deter firms from engaging in greenwashing?
Authors: Li Ruiqian , Zhong Ma , Shahab Yasir
Published: October 2023

Preventing firms from engaging in greenwashing is a topic of significant theoretical and practical interest. This study examines the impact of penalties for environmental violations (PEVs) on mitigating greenwashing using a dataset of firms listed on China's A‐share market operating in heavily polluting industries from 2014 to 2020. We also examine how firm‐level characteristics moderate the relationship between PEVs and greenwashing. Our results demonstrate that PEVs can deter firms from engaging in greenwashing and that this negative effect is more pronounced for firms with greater financial slack, effective internal controls and political connections. Additional analysis indicates that PEVs have a negative effect on greenwashing for firms in the growth and mature stages but not for firms in the ‘shake‐out’ stage, and that there is a deterrence effect. Our findings have important implications for mitigating greenwashing behaviours through collaboration between governments and firms.
Triassic temporal and spatial migration of the provenance along the South Ordos Basin: Insights into the tectonic evolution of Eastern Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean
Authors: Xu Yanhua , He Dengfa , Li Di , Huang Hanyu , Cheng Xiang
Published: October 2023

Clarifying the role of mountain‐building processes in the filling history of large hinterland basins is an essential aspect of basin–mountain system research. We consider the case of the Triassic South Ordos Basin (SOB) to clarify these points. Located in the south‐western North China Block (NCB), the SOB which preserves the most complete Triassic deposition on the north of the Qinling Orogenic Belt (QB) is crucial for understanding the detailed tectonic processes of the QB. Sedimentological, petrological and zircon U–Pb geochronological signatures from the three parts (eastern, central and western) in the SOB indicate that the sediment source migrated both temporally and spatially. Stratigraphic correlation identified two fluvial progradational episodes from south to north in the fluvial–deltaic–lacustrine sedimentary system, one in the eastern SOB and the other in the central SOB. The Late Triassic detrital zircons in the central SOB with distinguishing Neoproterozoic ages were derived from the southern margin of the NCB and the QB. The western SOB exhibited the sediment source shifted from pre‐Triassic North Qilian Belt sedimentary cover to basement from the Middle‐to‐Late Triassic based on a zircon age transition from ca. 2000 to ca. 430 Ma. Late Triassic sediment sources also included the southern margin of the NCB and the QB. Differing provenances from east to west were also confirmed using thin section and heavy mineral analyses. Regional comparisons of zircon age distributions in the eastern SOB with published data indicate that detritus from the QB was first transported to the eastern SOB and then to the central and western SOB. Spatiotemporal changes in the sediment source and sedimentary filling transitions in the three parts of the SOB suggest that the QB underwent asynchronous uplift that began in the east during the Early Triassic and propagated westward, reaching its maximum extent in the early Late Triassic.
Generalizability of the effectiveness of a preschool mathematics intervention for low‐socioeconomic status Turkish children
Authors: Karakuş Hilal , Starkey Prentice , Akman Berrin
Published: October 2023

A socioeconomic status (SES)‐related achievement gap in mathematics emerges in children from many countries before school entry, persists in primary school, and imposes challenges for education systems worldwide. In response, the United Nations' sustainable development goals include universal access to quality preschool education to support universal numeracy. A generalizability study of the effectiveness of an early mathematics intervention was conducted for low‐SES Turkish preschool children (33 boys, 27 girls; Mage = 4.32). Classrooms were randomly assigned to treatment (Pre‐K Mathematics) or control conditions. Children's early mathematical knowledge was assessed by the Child Math Assessment. A statistically significant positive impact was found (ES = 1.32). This indicates some generalizability of the intervention and supports the feasibility of using early intervention to achieve UN goals.
Influence of interactive effects on long‐term population trajectories in multispecies reintroductions
Authors: Moseby Katherine E. , Read John L. , Tuft Katherine , Van der Weyde Leanne K.
Published: October 2023

Reintroduced populations are typically considered to progress through establishment, growth, and regulatory phases. However, most reintroduction programs do not monitor intensively enough to test this conceptual model. We studied population indices derived from track activity of 4 threatened species (greater bilby [Macrotis lagotis], burrowing bettong [Bettongia lesueur], greater stick‐nest rat [Leporillus conditor], and Shark Bay bandicoot [Perameles bougainville]) over 23 years after multiple reintroductions of each species in arid Australia. We compared population trajectories among species and investigated the effect of time and environmental variables. All species bred immediately after release, and the growth phase lasted 3–16 years, varying markedly among but not within species. The end of the growth phase was characterized by an obvious peak in population density followed by either a catastrophic decline and sustained low density (bettongs), a slow decline to extirpation after 20 years (stick‐nest rat), or a slight decline followed by irregular fluctuations (bilby and bandicoot). Minor fluctuations were related to environmental variables, including 12‐month cumulative rainfall and lagged summer maximum temperatures. Three of the 4 species did not reach a regulation phase, even after 23 years, possibly due to interspecific competition and trophic cascades triggered by predator removal and multispecies reintroductions. Bilbies and bandicoots exhibited a second growth phase 18 years after reintroduction, likely caused by high rainfall and increased resources following the population crash of overabundant bettongs. Our results suggest that assemblages within multispecies reintroductions demonstrate high variability in population trajectories due to interactive effects. Intensive monitoring to assess population viability may require decades, particularly where multiple species are reintroduced, release sites are confined, and the climate is unpredictable. Intensive monitoring also allows for adaptive management to prevent precipitous population declines. Practitioners should not assume reintroduced species pass through predictable postrelease population phases or that viability is assured after a certain period.
A joint hierarchical cross‐attention graph convolutional network for multi‐modal facial expression recognition
Authors: Xu Chujie , Du Yong , Wang Jingzi , Zheng Wenjie , Li Tiejun , Yuan Zhansheng
Published: October 2023

Emotional recognition in conversations (ERC) is increasingly being applied in various IoT devices. Deep learning‐based multimodal ERC has achieved great success by leveraging diverse and complementary modalities. Although most existing methods try to adopt attention mechanisms to fuse different information, these methods ignore the complementarity between modalities. To this end, the joint cross‐attention model is introduced to alleviate this issue. However, multi‐scale feature information on different modalities is not utilized. Moreover, the context relationship plays an important role in feature extraction in the expression recognition task. In this paper, we propose a novel joint hierarchical graph convolution network (JHGCN) which exploits different layer features and context relationships for facial expression recognition based on audio‐visual (A‐V) information. Specifically, we adopt different deep networks to extract features from different modalities individually. For V modality, we construct V graph data based on patch embeddings which are extracted from the transformer encoder. Moreover, we embed the graph convolution which can leverage the intra‐modality relationships with the transformer encoder. Then, the deep feature from different layers is fed to the hierarchical fusion module to enhance feature representation. At last, we use the joint cross‐attention mechanism to exploit the complementary inter‐modality relationships. To validate the proposed model, we have conducted various experiments on the AffWild2 and CMU‐MOSI datasets. All results confirm that our proposed model achieves highly promising performance compared to the joint cross‐attention model and other methods.
Leukocyte cell‐derived chemotaxin 2 correlates with pediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Paine‐Cabrera Diego , Harvey Lisa K. , Robarts Dakota R. , Pritchard Michele T. , Thyfault John , Weinman Steven A. , Apte Udayan , Slowik Voytek
Published: October 2023

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), newly renamed metabolic dysfunction‐associated liver disease (MASLD), is a leading cause of liver disease in children and adults. There is a paucity of data surrounding potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, especially in pediatric NAFLD. Leukocyte cell‐derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is a chemokine associated with both liver disease and skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Our aim was to determine associations between LECT2 and common clinical findings of NAFLD in pediatric patients. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum LECT2 concentrations in children (aged 2–17 years) with and without NAFLD. LECT2 concentrations were then correlated to clinical parameters in NAFLD. Mean LECT2 was significantly elevated in children with NAFLD versus healthy controls (n = 63 vs. 42, 5.83 ± 1.98 vs. 4.02 ± 2.02 ng/mL, p < 0.005). Additionally, LECT2 had strong correlations with body mass index (BMI) (Pearson r = 0.301, p = 0.002). A LECT2 concentration of 3.76 mg/mL predicts NAFLD with a sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 54.8%. Principal component analysis and logistic regression models further confirmed associations between LECT2 and NAFLD status. This study demonstrates increased serum LECT2 concentrations in pediatric NAFLD, which correlates with BMI and shows strong predictive value within these patients. Our data indicate that LECT2 is a potential diagnostic biomarker of disease and should be further investigated in pediatric as well as adult NAFLD.
Reviewing the “Bilbao effect” inside and beyond the Guggenheim: Its coming of age in sprawling cultural landscapes
Authors: Lorente J. Pedro
Published: October 2023

Invented by journalists, the “Bilbao effect” label has no clear meaning, but it undoubtedly refers to outwardly radiating waves of influence beyond the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Its architecture and urban impact, with trickle down economic returns, has drawn international attention and many emulators. Its museological novelties have inspired great changes in Spanish museums and in Basque cultural policies. However, the external effect of this institution beyond its headquarters should be tracked most particularly along the Abandoibarra district, which is now a thriving curatorial landscape, typifying an outdoors version of Svetlana Alpers's “museum effect.” Are we experiencing a paradigm shift? Outliving all sort of setbacks, the epitome of postmodern museums remains faithful to itself and new kinds of cultural clusters are being promoted beyond it. The current climate crisis has called into question previous assumptions of success based on massive international tourism, which is perhaps unsustainable. But the cultural district of Bilbao is booming and expanding down the Nervión river.
Structural‐functional properties of direct‐pathway striatal neurons at early and chronic stages of dopamine denervation
Authors: Li Chang , Elabi Osama F. , Fieblinger Tim , Cenci M. Angela
Published: October 2023

The dendritic arbour of striatal projection neurons (SPNs) is the primary anatomical site where dopamine and glutamate inputs to the basal ganglia functionally interact to control movement. These dendritic arbourisations undergo atrophic changes in Parkinson's disease. A reduction in the dendritic complexity of SPNs is found also in animal models with severe striatal dopamine denervation. Using 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) lesions of the medial forebrain bundle as a model, we set out to compare morphological and electrophysiological properties of SPNs at an early versus a chronic stage of dopaminergic degeneration. Ex vivo recordings were performed in transgenic mice where SPNs forming the direct pathway (dSPNs) express a fluorescent reporter protein. At both the time points studied (5 and 28 days following 6‐OHDA lesion), there was a complete loss of dopaminergic fibres through the dorsolateral striatum. A reduction in dSPN dendritic complexity and spine density was manifest at 28, but not 5 days post‐lesion. At the late time point, dSPN also exhibited a marked increase in intrinsic excitability (reduced rheobase current, increased input resistance, more evoked action potentials in response to depolarising currents), which was not present at 5 days. The increase in neuronal excitability was accompanied by a marked reduction in inward‐rectifying potassium (Kir) currents (which dampen the SPN response to depolarising stimuli). Our results show that dSPNs undergo delayed coordinate changes in dendritic morphology, intrinsic excitability and Kir conductance following dopamine denervation. These changes are predicted to interfere with the dSPN capacity to produce a normal movement‐related output.
Neurological complications during the Omicron COVID‐19 wave in China: A cohort study
Authors: Lu Lu , Chen Lei , Wang Peiyu , Qi Zhang , Chen Yujie , Wu Xintong , Liu Xu , Wang Minjin , Li Jinmei , Yan Bo , Guo Jian , Teng Sisi , Li Weimin , Sander Josemir W. , Zhou Dong , Xiong Weixi
Published: October 2023

Background and purpose

The aim was to investigate the neurological complications associated with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) during the 2022 Omicron wave.

Methods and analysis

The medical records of a cohort of people admitted to neurological wards of three participating tertiary centres in Sichuan from 12 December 2022 to 12 January 2023 were reviewed. Demographics and clinical data were obtained and analysed with an interest in COVID‐19‐related new‐onset or worse neurological symptoms. The current data were also compared in two centres with similar data from the same period 12 months earlier.

Results

In all, 790 people were enrolled, of whom 436 were positive for COVID‐19. Ninety‐nine had new onset COVID‐related neurological problems, or their known neurological condition deteriorated during the wave. There was a significant difference in demographics from the findings amongst admissions 12 months earlier as there was an increase in the average age, the incidence of encephalitis and encephalopathy, and mortality rates. One hundred and one received COVID‐specific antivirals, intravenous glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. No differences were seen between these and those who did not use them.

Conclusion

New‐onset neurological conditions, particularly encephalitis and encephalopathy, increased significantly during this period. Deterioration of existing neurological conditions, such as seizure exacerbation, was also observed. A large‐scale treatment trial of people with COVID‐19 infection presenting with neurological disorders is still needed.
Meta‐analytic assessment of physiological markers for decapod crustacean welfare
Authors: Conneely Ellie‐Ann , Coates Christopher J.
Published: October 2023

Decapod crustacean welfare is not only an ethical consideration for legislative purposes. Under culture and fishery settings, poor environmental conditions and operator practices can cause stress, which compromises the immune system and increases the risk of disease. For finfish, there are established environmental and animal (group, individual) welfare indicators. This is not the case for crabs, lobsters or shrimp. While environment‐based indicators like temperature, pH and oxygen levels are easily transferable, there is no consensus for a common measure of stress to monitor welfare in decapod crustaceans. To address this shortcoming, we conducted a meta‐analysis of the primary literature to test for relationships between haemolymph (blood) condition, for example, levels of glucose, L‐lactate, haemocytes (n = 8), and sources of physical stress, for example, handling, trawling, emersion and transport (n = 12). Despite variations in effect sizes (n = 459), generalised linear mixed models repeatedly ranked L‐lactate (followed by urea and glucose) as the most significant physiological predictor of stress in the haemolymph, with trawling followed closely by emersion as the most impactful stressors. Duration post (stress) exposure, sex (male, female), water temperature and moult stage (pre‐, inter‐, post‐moult) were not associated significantly with stress prediction using the selected biochemical and cellular parameters, however, moult status was undefined in ~48% of literature sources and should be interpreted with caution. We present evidence that quantitating L‐lactate levels in the haemolymph represents a physiologic operational welfare indicator of decapod crustaceans, which complements existing condition/vigour indices.
Efficacy of panthenol‐ and bisabolol‐containing lip care as monotherapy for mild‐to‐moderate cheilitis
Authors: Varothai Supenya , Chaweekulrat Pichanee , Pruksaeakanan Chutipon , Wongdama Supisara , Boonchai Waranya
Published: October 2023

Background

Cheilitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lips, and frequent or prolonged use of topical corticosteroids may lead to various adverse events. Therefore, alternative therapies with fewer side effects are beneficial for the treatment of this condition.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of a lip care formulation containing both panthenol and bisabolol as a monotherapy for mild‐to‐moderate cheilitis.

Methods

This single‐centre prospective pilot open‐label study included 20 patients with mild‐to‐moderate cheilitis who were treated with the tested lip care for 8 weeks and evaluated by physician and patient assessments before the final efficacy was determined using the Visioscan score.

Results

Of the 20 patients, 13 (65.0%) presented with moderate cheilitis with dry and chapped lips. All parameters, including physician and patient clinical scores and bioengineering measurements, showed significant improvements as early as week 2 and sustained until week 8 following the application of the tested lip care. The frequency of cheilitis flareups also decreased significantly. The tested product was well tolerated without any adverse effects.

Conclusions

Lip care with panthenol and bisabolol was safe and effective. It can be used as monotherapy for the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate cheilitis.
Optimization of corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of Al2O3‐Cr2O3 refractories for waste incinerator
Authors: An Yi , Liu Hao , Wang Zhoufu , Ma Yan , Wang Xitang
Published: October 2023

The corrosion resistance and mechanical properties directly affects the operation and service life of Al2O3‐Cr2O3 refractories used in waste incinerators. In this study, ZrO2 particles were introduced via vacuum impregnation to adjust microstructure and properties of Al2O3‐Cr2O3 refractories. The results showed that the impregnated ZrO2 particles and increasing impregnation times resulted in the decreased median pore size and increased compactness, and mechanical strengths of refractories were elevated from the inhibited cracks propagation by ZrO2 particles. The decreased amounts of large pores and increased amounts of small pores from the filled ZrO2 particles inhibited penetration of low melting point phases, and the formed CaZrO3 phase from the reactions between corrosion reagent and ZrO2 particles increased the viscosity of penetrated corrosion reagent, resulting in the decreased penetration index from 8.57% to 2.58%. Meanwhile, the filled ZrO2 particles around alumina particles prevented reactions between molten corrosion reagent and alumina, leading to the decreased corrosion index from 3.78% to .74%. The decreased pore size and formation of CaZrO3 phase were primary factors that enhanced the penetration resistance. And formation of wrapped layers from ZrO2 particles around alumina particles presented prominent effects on the strengthened corrosion resistance of Al2O3‐Cr2O3 refractories.
Effects of SiC nanowires and whiskers on high‐entropy carbide‐based composites sintered at low and high temperatures
Authors: Liu Yang , Guo Wei‐Ming , Huang Kun‐Heng , Lin Hua‐Tay
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the toughening effects of SiC nanowires (SiCnw) and SiC whiskers (SiCw) on high‐entropy carbide based composites prepared at different temperatures (1600°C and 2000°C). At low temperature (1600°C), SiCnw and SiCw maintain their original morphology and properties, and exhibit the good toughening effects. The SiCnw with larger aspect ratio and more curly wires exhibit a much stronger toughening effect on the (Ti0.2Zr0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2Mo0.2)C0.8 composites reinforced with 15 vol.% SiCnw, which shows the highest value of fracture toughness about 6.7 MPa∙m1/2. However, at high sintering temperature (2000°C), SiCnw and SiCw are prone to thermal‐induced damages, which significantly reduces their mechanical properties, and thus, toughening effects on (Ti0.2Zr0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2Mo0.2)C0.8 composites. The addition of SiCw, which have better thermal stability at 2000°C, results in the (Ti0.2Zr0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2Mo0.2)C0.8–15 vol.% SiCw composite exhibiting relatively better fracture toughness, about 3.7 MPa∙m1/2. Based on the results of the current study, the critical influence of SiCnw and SiCw on the toughening of (Ti0.2Zr0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2Mo0.2)C0.8 composites is highly dependent on their high‐temperature thermal stability.
Impact of soybean protein isolate on gluten‐free bread: a comprehensive study of physicochemical properties of gluten‐free dough and bread matrix properties
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Can , Ma Chun‐Min , Hu Liang‐Shu , Bian Xin , Wang Bing , Zhang Na
Published: October 2023

Rice bread is an essential component of a healthy diet. However, due to the poor processing properties of rice protein and starch, it is difficult to form an effective gel network structure, resulting in poor quality of rice breads. This research investigated the impacts of soy protein isolate (SPI) on the physicochemical properties of rice dough and the quality of rice bread. The results suggested that adding SPI could refine the thermal stability of mixtures and delay the aging of starch compared with pure rice flour, indicating that adding SPI reduced the amylose concentration and inhibited starch interaction in the mixed rice powder system. The rheology and SEM analysis of doughs showed that the appropriate addition of SPI increased the elasticity, and reached the highest fermentation height and gas retention coefficient at 9% SPI content, which increased by 115.38% and 8.39%, respectively. In contrast, excessive SPI led to protein aggregation and weakened the structural strength of the dough. When adding 9% SPI improved the hardness, chewiness and specific volume of rice bread, significantly reduced the brightness and baking loss rate, and refined the performance and quality of rice bread. This study confirms that SPI can be used as an improver for good gluten‐free bread (GFB) through its good functional properties and action on starch and provides some basis for further investigation of the interaction between SPI as an improver and rice starch.
Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva with Lymph Node and Skin Metastasis
Authors: Mizushima Junichi , Ohara Kuniaki
Published: October 2023

A 79‐year‐old Japanese woman who had basal cell carcinoma presenting as a large ulcer on her vulva with lymph node and skin metastasis is described. Histological examination revealed that tumor nests with peripheral palisading invaded deeply into the subcutaneous tissue and were accompanied by marked mucinous changes and fibrous reaction. Vascular invasion was also observed. There were inguinal lymph node metastases and two papular skin metastases on her right thigh. The primary tumor and the metastases were excised. The defect was repaired by bilateral gracilis musculo cutaneous flaps and a skin graft.

We surveyed the literature and found 20 cases of metastasizing basal cell carcinoma in Japan.
Improved purification of an (R)‐oxynitrilase from Linum usitatissimum (flax) and investigation of the substrate range
Authors: Albrecht J. , Jansen I. , Kula MR
Published: October 2023

The purification of (R)‐oxynitrilase (EC 4.1.2.10) from Linum usitatissimum (flax) has been improved considerably. The enzyme is obtained from seedlings in 60% yield by fractional salt precipitation followed by ion‐exchange and hydrophobic‐interaction chromatography. Final gel‐permeation chromatography yields a protein with a specific activity of 53 units/mg at pH 4.1. The N‐terminal sequence is reported and microheterogeneity demonstrated. The substrate range was investigated using (R)‐oxynitrilase immobilized on Eupergit and t‐butyl methyl ether as solvent. The addition of HCN to various aliphatic ketones and aldehydes is catalysed by the enzyme, while aromatic ketones are not converted. (R)‐Butan‐2‐one cyanohydrin was synthesized on a preparative scale and the product characterized.
Cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase from Bacillus circulans E 192: nitration with tetranitromethane
Authors: Villette JR , Helbecque N. , Albani JR , Sicard PJ , Bouquelet SJ
Published: October 2023

Nitration of tyrosine residues was performed on Bacillus circulans E 192 cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) using tetranitromethane (TNM). A maximum of 15 out of 28 tyrosine residues is modified with 8 mM TNM, entailing a concomitant loss of enzymic activity and tryptophan fluorescence. Spectroscopic studies suggest that these two phenomena are related to an impairment of the enzyme conformation as a consequence of the tyrosine nitration. The presence of 5 mM acarbose during the CGTase nitration results in the protection of one tyrosine residue and the rate of inactivation is reduced 9.4‐fold. These results support a contribution of a tyrosine residue in the CGTase catalytic site. The nitration of CGTase also entails a decrease in the enzyme's affinity for a beta‐cyclodextrin (beta‐CD) co‐polymer. Kinetic and analytical investigations on isolated modified enzymes support the concept that this phenomenon is unrelated to the modification of tyrosine residues, but rather concerns a side reaction of the reagent occurring at the raw‐starch‐binding site of the CGTase.
Glycylglycylphenylalaninamide synthesis catalysed by papain in a medium containing polyols.“
Authors: Lozano P. , Cano J. , Iborra JL , Manjon A.
Published: October 2023

The influence of several polyols (ethylene glycol, glycerol, erythritol, xylitol and sorbitol) on both the thermostability and tripeptide(Gly‐Gly‐PheNH2)‐synthesis capability of papain was studied at 60 degrees C. The results obtained from the thermostability studies on papain showed that polyols increased the half‐life time of the esterase activity of the enzyme proportionally to their molecular size and concentration, except for ethylene glycol. The presence of polyols, as water‐activity‐depressing agents, also enhanced the enzyme activity for Gly‐Gly‐PheNH2 synthesis in a way which was directly proportional to the molecular size of the polyol molecule and its water‐activity‐depressing power. A linear relationship between the increase in the synthetic/hydrolytic activity ratio and the overall concentration of hydroxy groups in the reaction media was obtained, indicating that these latter groups are mainly responsible for the modification of the catalytic behaviour of the enzyme, as a result of a change in their microenvironment.
Role of DNA topoisomerase II in chromosome dynamics in mammalian cells
Authors: Andoh T. , Sato M. , Narita T. , Ishida R.
Published: October 2023

ICRF‐193, a bis‐(2,6‐dioxopiperazine) derivative and a non‐cleavable‐complex‐forming‐type topoisomerase II inhibitor, inhibited cell division but allowed cells to traverse the cell cycle, leading to the accumulation of polyploid cells with 8C complements or more of DNA. Analysis of the mechanism of how cell division is inhibited by ICRF‐193 revealed that: (1) replication of DNA was inhibited only at terminal stages; (2) CDC2 kinase was activated and cells enter absence‐of‐chromosome‐segregation (‘ACS’) M‐phase, where chromosomes are not fully condensed and are not separated, but other mitotic events, such as nuclear‐envelope breakdown and cytoskeletal reorganization forming the spindle apparatus, take place, i.e. chromosome dynamics could be uncoupled from the other mitotic events which are normally co‐ordinated with the former in mitosis; (3) cells successfully exit from mitosis to the next G1‐phase to continue the cell cycle; (4) progression through ‘ACS’ M‐phase appears to be lethal to the cells. All of these observations could be accounted for by inactivation of topoisomerase II activity of the cells caused by the drug. ICRF‐193 was thus shown to be a valuable agent in elucidation of the role of topoisomerase II in genetic processes in vivo.
Glycosylation and high‐level secretion of human tumour necrosis factor‐beta in recombinant baculovirus‐infected insect cells
Authors: Chai H. , van Vasude SG , Porter AG , Chua KL , Oh S. , Yap M.
Published: October 2023

Human tumour necrosis factor‐beta (TNF‐beta) was produced in eukaryotic cells using the insect baculovirus cloning and expression system. A novel insect signal sequence, the honey‐bee (Apis mellifera) prepromelittin secretory sequence, was used to aid in the post‐translational modifications, glycosylation and secretion of recombinant human TNF‐beta. Human TNF‐beta cDNA was cloned using the insect baculovirus vector pAcC4s. Expression of the human TNF‐beta was regulated by the insect Autographa californica nuclear‐polyhedrosis‐virus polyhedrin promoter. The 5′ end of the TNF‐beta cDNA was fused to the honey‐bee prepromelittin signal sequence on the baculovirus vector. Insect [Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9)] cells infected with the recombinant baculovirus secreted high levels of recombinant human TNF‐beta into the culture medium. The amount of TNF‐beta secreted by the Sf9 cells was estimated to be 28 micrograms of TNF‐beta/ml of culture medium at 60–72 h post infection. The secreted human TNF‐beta was a 22.5 kDa polypeptide which was glycosylated. Amino acid sequencing of the N‐terminus of the recombinant human TNF‐beta purified from the infected Sf9‐cell culture confirmed that the secreted product was indeed human TNF‐beta. This demonstrates that the honey‐bee prepromelittin signal sequence was efficiently recognized and accurately cleaved in the Sf9 insect cells. The insect‐derived TNF‐beta exhibited a high cytotoxic activity similar to that of the native human TNF‐beta when assessed by cytotoxic assays using murine L929 cells. Thus the insect baculovirus expression vector can be used for the production of abundant quantities of biologically active, glycosylated human TNF‐beta protein.
Effect of saponin from Quillaja saponaria (molina) on antibody, tumour necrosis factor and interferon‐gamma production
Authors: VC Gebara , VL Petricevich , Raw I. , WD Da Silva
Published: October 2023

Saponin has been described to contain adjuvant activity in vaccination protocols, in protection against disease, and on humoral immune response. In this paper we describe the effect of a pure saponin from Quillaja saponaria (molina) on the immune response elicited in mice by two antigens, BSA and Crotalus durissus terrificus (South American rattlesnake) venom. Antibody production as measured by ELISA shows that saponin was able to increase antibody synthesis to both antigens. Moreover, mice immunized with verom plus saponin were completely protected against the lethal effects of the venom. The effect of saponin was also evaluated for cytokine production. Tumour necrosis factor activity about 2.9 times higher than in control mice was detectable in sera from animals immunized with saponin. Interferon‐gamma was produced only when BSA and saponin were injected together into the mice.
Consultation and the Suicidal Patient
Authors: Bongar Bruce
Published: October 2023

This paper presents an argument for a paradigm shift in the way that mental health professionals approach their work with psychiatric patients in the midst of a suicidal crisis and suggests that the time has come to discuss a standard of care based on integration of detected risk factors, effective education and training in suicidology, and most importantly, the routine use of consultation and teamwork. Also proposed is a workable model for the use of consultation that has a number of major components: quality education in suicidology, the training and availability of appropriate consultants, clinical teamwork, and the recognition by training programs and clinical institutions that it is necessary to routinely consider a consultative risk management approach for work with suicidal patients.
Adequacy of Official Suicide Statistics for Scientific Research and Public Policy
Authors: Phillips David P. , Ruth Todd E.
Published: October 2023

Many researchers have claimed that the study of suicide and the formation of public policy are not undermined by the misclassification of suicide as other causes of death. We evaluated this claim using a new technique and causes of death not previously considered. We examined computerized California death certificates, 1966‐1990. Mortality peaks at symbolic ages are a characteristic feature of suicide. We sought such peaks in (1) causes of death commonly suspected of containing misclassified suicides (e.g., accidental barbiturate poisoning), (2) causes of death not hitherto suspected (e.g., pedestrian deaths), and (3) control groups. The first two categories displayed peaks at symbolic ages, but control groups did not. The size of the peak, indicative of misclassified suicides, varied markedly by race (p < .0001) and sex (p < .0001). Misclassification is evident for all time periods examined, large and small counties, and each race and sex. The maximum misclassification occurs for Blacks (14.92% of officially recorded suicides). We conclude that suicides are misallocated to at least five other causes of death (two of which have not been previously considered in the literature) and are most likely to be underreported for groups with low official suicide rates, that is, Blacks and females. Consequently, Blacks and females are not as protected from suicide as was previously supposed. It may be inadvisable to use official suicide data to test scientific hypotheses about suicide, unless the effects of underreporting are estimated and, if necessary, corrected for.
Long‐Term Outpatient Treatment in Alcoholics with Previous Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Öjehagen Agneta , Berglund Mats , Appel Claus‐Peter
Published: October 2023

The importance of previous suicidal behavior for the treatment of alcoholics was analyzed in a long‐term outpatient treatment study. In a series of 72 patients, 21 patients, (29%), 17 men and 4 women, had previously made at least one suicide attempt or had seriously threatened to kill themselves (3 cases). In comparison with the other alcoholics, those with previous suicidal behavior had a similar attrition rate, they were not more troublesome in treatment, and they had the same rate of favorable outcome during the third year after start of treatment. They differed from the other alcoholics in having a more severe abuse and a less favorable outcome during the initial part of the treatment. In conclusion, our results support the possibility of a long‐term outpatient treatment strategy in alcoholics with previous suicide attempts.
Suicidality Among Adolescent Alberta Indians
Authors: Gartrell John W. , Jarvis George K. , Derksen Linda
Published: October 2023

A high rate of suicide attempts and suicide ideation characterized a sample of 229 grade 7 to 9 adolescents resident on seven reserves in central Alberta. The prevalence of suicidality for these adolescent Indians was very similar to rates reported for Navajo youth and for 8th‐ and 10th‐grade American non‐Indian students. Comparison of Indian and non‐Indian suicidality risk factors showed somewhat elevated levels of family disruption and psychological problems among Indian adolescents. Compared to Canadian nonadolescents, substance abuse levels were high, and conditions necessary to modeling were virtually omnipresent. Suicide ideation was significantly elevated for Indian adolescents with low psychological well‐being, no father in the home, and a prior suicide in the household. Controlling for age, risk factors for suicide attempts were heavy alcohol use, no father in the home, sleeping problems, and low psychological well‐being. The high rates of adolescent Native suicide imply that a much higher proportion of their suicide attempts succeed. Targeted, community‐based counselling and educational programs are needed to address these problems.
RETRACTED: Exploiting Cu+–Na+ ion‐exchanged and Ar/H2 annealed glass matrix to synthesize copper nanoparticles
Authors: Toumi Safa , Adawy Alaa , Quaranta Alberto , Farah Khaled
Published: October 2023

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were successfully prepared in Cu+–Na+ ion‐exchanged commercially available silicate glasses followed by being annealed in Ar/H2 atmosphere; in an approach that can be quite economic capable of modifying the physicochemical properties of glass. This approach resulted in the growth of spherical and crystalline CuNPs, with an average size of 67.5 nm, which is greater than the CuNPs average size obtained with annealing at air atmosphere (15.8 nm). On the treated glasses, phase transitions indicative of a shape memory effect and dendritic structures were also detected, indicating their vital roles, as crystal growth mechanisms in the resultant CuNPs. The surface plasmon peaks of CuNPs have been clearly observed in absorption spectra of doped annealed glasses at 350, 450, and 550°C in Ar/H2. Photoluminescence studies have proved the presence of both Cu+ and Cu2O. The detailed methodology and the structural and morphological characterizations of the annealed copper ion‐exchanged samples were carried out using optical microscopy (OM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy and high‐resolution TEM (TEM and HRTEM), and their reasoning are thoroughly described and discussed.
Redefining primary hyperaldosteronism as “The Syndrome of Inappropriate Aldosterone Secretion (SIALDS)”: A common but unrecognized cause of hypertension
Authors: Lamba Rajat
Published: October 2023

The current screening and diagnostic recommendations for detecting Primary Hyperaldosteronism (PHA) focus on diagnosing the more severe and overt instances of renin‐independent aldosterone production. However, milder forms of autonomous aldosterone secretion have been demonstrated to exist below the diagnostic thresholds of current PHA guidelines, and associate with clinically relevant cardiovascular risk. PHAencompasses a spectrum of renin independent aldosterone production, progressing from a subclinical state in normotensives to a full‐blown clinical syndrome representing the resistant hypertension population. The authors propose the Syndrome of Inappropriately Elevated Aldosterone Secretion (SIALDS) concept as a potential new paradigm for understanding and diagnosing PHA and expanded diagnostic approach to improve early detection even in well‐controlled hypertension. The authors also delve into the impact of treatments, including mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and emerging aldosterone synthase inhibitors. Furthermore, The authors outline future research directions, proposing clinical trials to investigate the long‐term identification and treatment outcomes of SIALDS.
Consumers' macroeconomic expectations
Authors: Dräger Lena , Lamla Michael J.
Published: October 2023

After the financial crisis of 2008, central banks around the world have increased their communication efforts to reach consumers, with the aim of both guiding and anchoring their inflation expectations. For the expectations channel of monetary policy to work as intended, central banks need a thorough understanding of the formation process of expectations by the general public and of the relationship between expectations and economic choices. This warrants reliable and detailed data on consumers' expectations of macroeconomic variables such as inflation or interest rates. We, thus, survey the available survey data and issues regarding the measurement of macroeconomic expectations. Furthermore, we discuss the research frontier on important aspects of the expectations channel: We evaluate the evidence on whether expectations are formed consistently with standard macroeconomic relationships, discuss the insights with respect to the anchoring of inflation expectations, explore the role of narratives and preferences and lastly, we survey the research on causal effects of central bank communication on expectations and economic choices.
Characterization of the toll‐like receptor 13 homologs in American bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbeianus, and their involvement in antimicrobial immunity
Authors: Yang Peikui , Aweya Jude Juventus , Guo Lifan , Yang Yalei , Ye Xuelian , Yang Hao , Liu Yaqun , Zheng Yuzhong
Published: October 2023

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are an important family of pattern‐recognition receptors that recognize a series of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns to trigger the host immune response. In the present study, we identified three TLR13 genes (i.e., LcLTR13a, LcTLR13b, and LcTLR13c) in American bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbeianus, and explored their constitutive and pathogen‐induced expression profile in different tissues. The open reading frames of LcLTR13a, LcTLR13b and LcTLR13c are 2811, 2844, and 2814 bp long, encoding 955, 947, and 933 amino acids, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that three LcTLR13 genes grouping in different subclades indicate the gene duplication of bullfrog TLR13 as in teleost. The three LcTLR13 genes were expressed in all the tissues examined, with the liver and spleen expressing the higher levels. Moreover, the expression levels of LcLTR13a, LcTLR13b, and LcTLR13c were significantly induced in the liver and spleen after bullfrogs were challenged with bacterial (i.e., Citrobacter freundii, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Edwardsiella tarda) pathogens. These results indicate that LcTLR13 genes play an essential role in the bullfrog antibacterial innate immune response, providing new insights into immune mechanisms of bullfrogs.
Reference dependence and endogenous anchors
Authors: Guasoni Paolo , Meireles‐Rodrigues Andrea
Published: October 2023

In a complete market, we find optimal portfolios for an investor whose satisfaction stems from both a payoff's intrinsic utility and its comparison with an endogenous reference as modeled by Kőszegi and Rabin. In the regular regime, arising when reference dependence is low, the marginal utility of the optimal payoff is proportional to a twist of the pricing kernel. High reference dependence leads to the anchors regime, whereby investors reduce disappointment by concentrating significant probability in one or few fixed outcomes, or “anchors.” Multiple equilibria arise because anchors may not be unique. If stocks follow geometric Brownian motion, the model implies that investors with longer horizons choose larger stocks holdings.