bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Three Ovulation Induction Therapies for Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Infertility
Authors: Xia Ting‐Ting , Zeng Ke‐Fei , Peng Qing‐Mei
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of 3 ovulation induction therapies for treating infertility in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this retrospective study, we compared the success rates of 90 patients who underwent intrauterine insemination, who were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: letrozole (LE) + urinary gonadotropin (human menopausal gonadotropin [HMG]), clomiphene (CC) + HMG, or HMG alone. Using ultrasound scanning, we examined the number of mature follicles, ovulation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, endometrial thickness, and blood flow. When compared to the other 2 groups, the LE + HMG group had significantly higher levels of mature follicles, ovulation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone on the day of the human chorionic gonadotropin injection and endometrial receptivity (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups in terms of abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, or adverse reactions. In this research, we found that infertility in patients with PCOS could be effectively treated by combining LE with HMG. This protocol increased ovulation, boosted fertility, and enhanced endometrial receptivity with no increase in adverse reactions. Therefore, it may be a useful clinical approach for inducing ovulation and treating infertility in patients with PCOS.
Incidence of Adverse Events Induced by Atropine in Myopic Children: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sun Hong , Bu Fengjiao , Xin Xiu , Yan Jingchao
Published: July 2023

A large number of studies have evaluated the efficacy of low‐dose atropine in preventing or slowing myopic progression. However, it is challenging to evaluate the ocular safety from these studies. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of adverse events induced by atropine in children with myopia. We performed a systematic literature search in several databases for studies published until November 2022. The incidence of adverse events induced by atropine was pooled by a common‐effect (fixed‐effect) or random‐effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to drug doses, types of adverse events, and ethnicity. A total of 31 articles were ultimately included in the study. The overall incidence of adverse events for atropine was 5.9%, and the incidence of severe adverse events was 0.0%. The most commonly reported adverse events were photophobia (9.1%) and blurred near vision (2.9%). Other adverse events including eye irritation/discomfort, allergic reactions, headache, stye/chalazion, glare, and dizziness occurred in less than 1% of the patients. The incidence of atropine‐induced adverse events varied depending on the drug doses. A lower dose of atropine was associated with a lower incidence of adverse events. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events for low‐dose atropine between Asian and White children. Our study suggests photophobia and blurred near vision are the most frequently reported adverse events induced by atropine. Low‐dose atropine is safer than moderate‐ and high‐dose atropine. Our study could provide a safe reference for ophthalmologists to prescribe atropine for myopic children.
Drug‐induced liver injury by glatiramer acetate leading to liver transplant: A case report
Authors: Amirkhani Nikan , Khalaji Amirmohammad , Alehossein Parsa , Safaei Masoomeh , Aletaha Najme , Miroliaee Arash
Published: July 2023

Glatiramer acetate (GA) is a widely used immune‐modulating drug in relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Although a few cases of drug‐induced liver injury during GA therapy have been reported earlier, herein we present the case of a 43‐year‐old woman with relapsing MS who experienced acute liver failure after GA therapy, ultimately leading to liver transplant.
Symptom‐based portopulmonary hypertension screening questionnaire in Japanese patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Wakabayashi Shun‐Ichi , Joshita Satoru , Kimura Kazuhiro , Motoki Hirohiko , Okumura Taiki , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Yamashita Yuki , Sugiura Ayumi , Yamazaki Tomoo , Kimura Takefumi , Kuwahara Koichiro , Umemura Takeji
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim

As the exact prevalence of portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) and the etiology of chronic liver disease (CLD) remain unknown, the present study aimed to clarify these points in Japanese patients with CLD using symptom‐based questionnaire screening.

Methods

Patients with CLD were asked to complete an eight‐item written questionnaire on pulmonary hypertension (PH) symptoms. If at least one item response was “yes,” the patient was offered ultrasonic echocardiography (UCG). Patients identified as having an intermediate or high risk of PH by UCG were referred to a cardiologist for further evaluation, whereby a definitive diagnosis of PoPH was made using right heart catheterization (RHC) findings.

Results

A total of 1111 patients with CLD completed the survey. Of the 566 symptomatic patients with at least one question answered as “yes,” approximately half agreed to undergo UCG (n = 267). Compared with asymptomatic patients, symptomatic patients were significantly older, predominantly female, and more frequently exhibited cirrhosis. Based on UCG findings, 228, 12, and 8 patients had a low, intermediate, or high risk for PH, respectively. Intermediate‐/high‐risk patients showed significantly more advanced disease progression status than low‐risk patients. The frequencies of answer to the eight questions were comparable. Ultimately, three patients were diagnosed as having PoPH (1.1% of UCG cases), one with underlying hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and two with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

Conclusion

This symptom‐based PoPH screening study clarified the prevalence of PoPH in CLD patients according to a PH symptom questionnaire, UCG, and RHC. Patients with HCV and PBC may have a higher risk of PoPH.
Regulation of miRNA expression by α4β1 integrin‐dependent multiple myeloma cell adhesion
Authors: Rodríguez‐García Yaiza , Martínez‐Moreno Mónica , Alonso Lola , Sánchez‐Vencells Anna , Arranz Alicia , Dagà‐Millán Roger , Sevilla‐Movilla Silvia , Valeri Antonio , Martínez‐López Joaquin , Teixidó Joaquin
Published: July 2023

The α4β1 integrin regulates the trafficking of multiple myeloma (MM) cells and contributes to MM disease progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can have both tumor suppressor and oncogenic roles and thus are key controllers of tumor evolution, and have been associated with different phases of MM pathogenesis. Using small RNAseq analysis, we show here that α4β1‐dependent MM cell adhesion regulates the expression of forty different miRNAs, therefore expanding our current view of the α4β1 involvement in MM cell biology. Specific upregulation of miR‐324‐5p and miR‐331‐3p in cells attached to α4β1 ligands was confirmed upon silencing the α4 integrin subunit, and their increased levels found to be dependent on Erk1/2‐ and PI3K‐Akt‐, but not Src‐dependent signaling. Enhanced miR‐324‐5p expression upon α4β1‐mediated MM cell adhesion aimed the hedgehog (Hh) component SMO, revealing that the miR‐324‐5p‐SMO module represents a α4β1‐regulated pathway that could control Hh‐dependent cellular responses in myeloma. Our results open new therapy research avenues around the α4β1 contribution to MM progression that deserve to be investigated.
Absorption and fluorescence spectra of new pyrrolo[3,4‐b]quinolizines in condensed phases: A joint experimental and computational study
Authors: Shigemitsu Yasuhiro , Nishimura Yasuhisa , Hagimori Masayori
Published: July 2023

Newly synthesized pyrrolo[3,4‐b]quinolizines, blue‐green to orange‐red in fluorescent dye in solutions and yellow to red fluorescent dyes in solid states, were experimentally and computationally investigated for the electronic and fluorescence spectra in solution as well as in solid state. The solvent effects on the absorption and emission spectra were theoretically investigated by the snapshots‐averaged spectra obtained by the first principle molecular dynamics combined with polarizable continuum model (PCM). Alternatively, the solute–solvent interaction effect on the spectra was examined by fragment molecular orbital‐time dependent density functional theory (FMO‐TDDFT) which considered the explicit solute–solvent interactions. The results indicate that the quantitative prediction limitations of PCM and that the solvatochromic shifts in dichloromethane and ethanol were correctly reproduced by FMO‐TDDFT. The luminescence quantum yields of the compounds were analyzed on the excited state potential surface via the S0/S1‐conical intersections.
Oral enzyme therapy for maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) suppresses plasma leucine levels in intermediate MSUD mice and healthy nonhuman primates
Authors: Skvorak Kristen , Liu Joyce , Kruse Nikki , Mehmood Roasa , Das Subhamoy , Jenne Stephan , Chng Chinping , Lao U. Loi , Duan Da , Asfaha Jonathan , Du Faye , Teadt Leann , Sero Antionette , Ching Charlene , Riggins James , Pope Lianne , Yan Ping , Mashiana Harminder , Ismaili Moulay Hicham Alaoui , McCluskie Kerryn , Huisman Gjalt , Silverman Adam P.
Published: July 2023

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an inborn error of branched‐chain amino acid metabolism affecting several thousand individuals worldwide. MSUD patients have elevated levels of plasma leucine and its metabolic product α‐ketoisocaproate (KIC), which can lead to severe neurotoxicity, coma, and death. Patients must maintain a strict diet of protein restriction and medical formula, and periods of noncompliance or illness can lead to acute metabolic decompensation or cumulative neurological impairment. Given the lack of therapeutic options for MSUD patients, we sought to develop an oral enzyme therapy that can degrade leucine within the gastrointestinal tract prior to its systemic absorption and thus enable patients to maintain acceptable plasma leucine levels while broadening their access to natural protein. We identified a highly active leucine decarboxylase enzyme from Planctomycetaceae bacterium and used directed evolution to engineer the enzyme for stability to gastric and intestinal conditions. Following high‐throughput screening of over 12 000 enzyme variants over 9 iterative rounds of evolution, we identified a lead variant, LDCv10, which retains activity following simulated gastric or intestinal conditions in vitro. In intermediate MSUD mice or healthy nonhuman primates given a whey protein meal, oral treatment with LDCv10 suppressed the spike in plasma leucine and KIC and reduced the leucine area under the curve in a dose‐dependent manner. Reduction in plasma leucine correlated with decreased brain leucine levels following oral LDCv10 treatment. Collectively, these data support further development of LDCv10 as a potential new therapy for MSUD patients.
Online monitoring of higher alcohols and esters throughout beer fermentation by commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces pastorianus yeast
Authors: Roberts Rebecca , Khomenko Iuliia , Eyres Graham T. , Bremer Phil , Silcock Patrick , Betta Emanuela , Biasioli Franco
Published: July 2023

Higher alcohols and esters are among the predominant classes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that influence the quality of beer. The concentrations of these compounds are determined through a specific yeast strain selection and fermentation conditions. The effect of yeast strains on the formation of higher alcohols and esters throughout fermentations (at 20°C) was investigated. Flavour‐relevant esters (ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate and ethyl octanoate) and higher alcohols (isoamyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol and phenylethyl alcohol) were monitored throughout the fermentation using proton transfer reaction–time of flight–mass spectrometry (PTR‐ToF‐MS) coupled with an automated sampling system for continuous measurements. Compound identification was confirmed by analysis of samples using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results demonstrated the specific time points where variation in higher alcohol and ester generation between yeast strains occurred. In particular, the concentrations of isoamyl acetate, ethyl octanoate and isoamyl alcohol between yeast strains were significantly different over the first 2 days of fermentation; whereas, after Day 3, no significant differences were observed. The two Saccharomyces pastorianus strains produced comparable concentrations of the key higher alcohols and esters. However, the key higher alcohol and ester concentrations varied greatly between the two S. cerevisiae strains. The use of PTR–ToF–MS to rapidly measure multiple yeast strains provides new insights on fermentation for brewers to modify the sensory profile and optimise quality.
Characterization of a human–mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting rabies virus glycoprotein
Authors: Cai Meina , Hu Ziliang , Yang Yi , Mao Ting , Liu Yacui , Lu Guangwen , Yang Fanli , Qi Jianxun , Huang Weijin , Wang Youchun
Published: July 2023

At present, the horse or human rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) used for postexposure prevention of human rabies (PEP) has high cost and limited availability. It is strongly encouraged to replace RIG with equivalent or more effective and safer products. Mouse and human monoclonal antibodies have been shown to protect rodents from lethal rabies virus (RABV) attacks. In this study, we reported a human–mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody, 12‐2A12, which showed a strong neutralization potency and a wide breadth against multiple street viruses of RABV in vitro. The antibody binded the viral glycoprotein (G) with nanomolar affinity. The complex structure of 12‐2A12 bound to RABV G revealed that the antibody recognizes an epitope that partially overlaps with the recognition region for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). The antibody therefore would interfere with the nAChR/G interaction to block the viral receptor binding. In addition, comparison of our complex structure with the G structure in the acidic state reveals a clear steric clash, highlighting that the antibody would further prevent the conformational changes of the viral glycoprotein that are essential for membrane fusion. In light of these functional and structural data, we believe that 12‐2A12 might be developed to be included in an antibody cocktail for potential use in human rabies PEP.
Welcome to the club? Unethical behavior and proactivity in promotion and derailment decisions
Authors: Crossley Craig , Taylor Shannon G. , Treviño Linda K. , Taylor Regina , Rice Darryl
Published: July 2023

Challenging research that touts positive career outcomes for proactive individuals, this study takes the organizational decision‐maker's perspective and draws on tournament theory to qualify and better understand the link between manager proactivity and subsequent promotion into the executive ranks. Results from three studies support a moderated mediation model wherein proactivity is associated with leader schema matching, which, in turn, enhances promotion and inhibits derailment. However, the positive effects of proactivity are nullified when managers also engage in unethical behavior, which operates as a boundary condition on the indirect relations between proactivity and subsequent job mobility. These findings help explain why some proactive managers are derailed rather than promoted into senior leadership.
circSLC25A13 acts as a ceRNA to regulate AML progression via miR‐616‐3p/ADCY2 axis
Authors: Wei Wenwen , Pan Jiajia , Wang Jinghan , Mao Shihui , Qian Yu , Lin Xiangjie , Ling Qing , Ye Wenle , Zhou Yutong , Zhao Yanchun , Huang Jiansong , Huang Xin , Ma Zhixin , Wang Huanping , Li Chenying , Sun Jie , Jin Jie
Published: July 2023

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a type of endogenous noncoding RNA (ncRNA), exert vital roles in leukemia progression and are promising prognostic factors. Here, we report a novel circRNA, circSLC25A13 (hsa_circ_0081188), which was increased in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with poor overall survival (OS) comparing to patients with good prognosis. Knockdown of circSLC25A13 in AML cells inhibited proliferation and increased cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Enhanced circSLC25A13 expression promoted the survival of AML cells. Mechanistically, circSLC25A13 played as a microRNA sponge of miR‐616‐3p, which inhibited the expression of adenylate cyclase 2 (ADCY2). Downregulation of miR‐616‐3p and overexpression of ADCY2 partially rescued circSLC25A13 deficient induced cell growth arrest. In summary, through competitive absorption of miR‐616‐3p and thereby upregulating ADCY2 expression, circSLC25A13 promoted AML progression. Moreover, circSLC25A13 may represent a potential novel biomarker for the prognosis of AML and offer a potential therapeutic target for AML treatment.
Invisible governance: Cognitive ability and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Zhuang Xudong , Lin Xi
Published: July 2023

Our research examines the effect of cognitive ability on corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on the data of listed companies in China's A‐share market. As an informal system, cognitive ability plays an important governance role in CSR performance. The channel analysis shows that cognitive ability stimulates CSR through three mechanisms: improving external supervision, strengthening internal control, and promoting external supervision to boost internal control. In addition, the effect of cognitive ability on CSR performance is heterogeneous according to the different ownership of enterprises. Furthermore, we find that cognitive ability has an important supervisory effect on the CSR of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) with greater financing constraints. Mitigating the financing constraints and the operating risks of non‐SOEs can better improve governance effect of cognitive ability on them, reducing their practices of CSR motivated by rent‐seeking.
Basal Forebrain Atrophy, Cortical Thinning, and Amyloid‐β Status in Parkinson's disease‐Related Cognitive Decline
Authors: Labrador‐Espinosa Miguel A. , Silva‐Rodríguez Jesús , Reina‐Castillo María Isabel , Mir Pablo , Grothe Michel J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Degeneration of the cortically‐projecting cholinergic basal forebrain (cBF) is a well‐established pathologic correlate of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease (PD). In Alzheimer's disease (AD) the effect of cBF degeneration on cognitive decline was found to be mediated by parallel atrophy of denervated cortical areas.

Objectives

To examine whether the association between cBF degeneration and cognitive decline in PD is mediated by parallel atrophy of cortical areas and whether these associations depend on the presence of comorbid AD pathology.

Methods

We studied 162 de novo PD patients who underwent serial 3 T magnetic resonance imaging scanning (follow‐up: 2.33 ± 1.46 years) within the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. cBF volume and regional cortical thickness were automatically calculated using established procedures. Individual slopes of structural brain changes and cognitive decline were estimated using linear‐mixed models. Associations between longitudinal cBF degeneration, regional cortical thinning, and cognitive decline were assessed using regression analyses and mediation effects were assessed using nonparametric bootstrap. Complementary analyses assessed the effect of amyloid‐β biomarker positivity on these associations.

Results

After controlling for global brain atrophy, longitudinal cBF degeneration was highly correlated with faster cortical thinning (PFDR < 0.05), and thinning in cBF‐associated cortical areas mediated the association between cBF degeneration and cognitive decline (rcBF‐MoCA = 0.30, P < 0.001). Interestingly, both longitudinal cBF degeneration and its association with cortical thinning were largely independent of amyloid‐β status.

Conclusions

cBF degeneration in PD is linked to parallel thinning of cortical target areas, which mediate the effect on cognitive decline. These associations are independent of amyloid‐β status, indicating that they reflect proper features of PD pathophysiology. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Rare functional variants in the CRP and G6PC genes modify the relationship between obesity and serum C‐reactive protein in white British population
Authors: Li Xia , Ploner Alexander , Wang Yunzhang , Mak Jonathan K. L. , Lu Yi , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Jylhävä Juulia , Hägg Sara
Published: July 2023

Background

C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive biomarker of inflammation with moderate heritability. The role of rare functional genetic variants in relation to serum CRP is understudied. We aimed to examine gene mutation burden of protein‐altering (PA) and loss‐of‐function (LOF) variants in association with serum CRP, and to further explore the clinical relevance.

Methods

We included 161,430 unrelated participants of European ancestry from the UK Biobank. Of the rare (minor allele frequency <0.1%) and functional variants, 1,776,249 PA and 266,226 LOF variants were identified. Gene‐based burden tests, linear regressions, and logistic regressions were performed to identify the candidate mutations at the gene and variant levels, to estimate the potential interaction effect between the identified PA mutation and obesity, and to evaluate the relative risk of 16 CRP‐associated diseases.

Results

At the gene level, PA mutation burdens of the CRP (β = −0.685, p = 2.87e‐28) and G6PC genes (β = 0.203, p = 1.50e‐06) were associated with reduced and increased serum CRP concentration, respectively. At the variant level, seven PA alleles in the CRP gene decreased serum CRP, of which the per‐allele effects were approximately three to seven times greater than that of a common variant in the same locus. The effects of obesity and central obesity on serum CRP concentration were smaller among the PA mutation carriers in the CRP (pinteraction = 0.008) and G6PC gene (pinteraction = 0.034) compared to the corresponding non‐carriers.

Conclusion

PA mutation burdens in the CRP and G6PC genes are strongly associated with decreased serum CRP concentrations. As serum CRP and obesity are important predictors of cardiovascular risks in clinics, our observations suggest taking rare genetic factors into consideration might improve the delivery of precision medicine.
An application of soliton solutions of a differential equation in the progression of aortic dissection
Authors: Jadaun Vishakha , Raja Singh Nitin
Published: July 2023

Aortic dissection is a serious pathology involving the vessel wall of the aorta with significant societal impact. To understand aortic dissection, we explain the role of the dynamic pathology in the absence or presence of structural and/or functional abnormalities. We frame a differential equation to evaluate the impact of mean blood pressure on the aortic wall and prove the existence and uniqueness of its solution for homeostatic recoil and relaxation for infinitesimal aortic tissue. We model and analyze a generalized (3 + 1)‐dimensional nonlinear partial differential equation for aortic wave dynamics. We use the Lie group of transformations on this nonlinear evolution equation to obtain invariant solutions, traveling wave solutions including solitons. We find that abnormalities in the dynamic pathology of aortic dissection act as triggers for the progression of disease in the early stage through the formation of soliton‐like pulses and their interaction. We address the role of unstable wavefields in waveform dynamics when waves are unidirectional. Moreover, the notion of dynamic pathology within the domain of vascular geometry may explain the evolution of aneurysms in cerebral arteries and cardiomyopathies even in the absence of anatomical and physiological abnormalities.
The Larrakia Kinship Terminology: Asymmetrical Cross‐Cousin Marriage and Omaha Skewing
Authors: Harvey Mark
Published: July 2023

The Larrakia terminology is a member of the very small class of asymmetric terminologies in Australia, but it is the most poorly described. There are a number of documentary sources, and this paper considers principled bases for the comparative evaluation of sources in order to produce a well‐founded description which can contribute to theories of kinship both in Australia and more generally. In terms of general kinship theory, the reconstructed Larrakia terminology raises issues for the analysis of Omaha skewing as a category. The prototype equation for Omaha skewing is MB = MBS, with equations such as MMB = MMBS being extensions. The Larrakia kin terminology is unusual among kin terminologies in having the extension equation MMB = MMBS but not the prototype equation. This raises a question as to the sufficiency conditions for membership of the Omaha category and the implications of the inclusion or exclusion of the Larrakia terminology in debates over the Omaha category.
‘Stalked by the Malignant Father's Spirit: A Case of Patricide among the Yagwoia (PNG)’ by Jadran Mimica
Authors: Gillison Gillian
Published: July 2023

Jadran Mimica presents the ‘life‐world’ of Yagwoia people of Papua New Guinea as a unique variant of the Jungian Ouroboric archetype, a primal pattern or symbol derived from the ancient Greek ‘tail devourer’ (the serpent that eats its own tail), found in many cultures and individual unconscious phantasies. Treated in terms of ‘ouroboric dialectics’, relations between Yagwoia father and son are hostile, even patricidal, because the son's very existence derives from the father's ‘continuous and irreversible’ transfer to him of his limited supply of vital substance or ‘paternal bone’. Sons replace fathers in ways that fathers may experience as ‘violent loss of … generative bodily core’, a process that Mimica asserts ‘can only be adequately understood through individual‐biographical life‐situations and trajectories’. In bypassing anthropology's classical terrain, or treating Yagwoia life‐ways as contingent upon the ‘ouroboric cosmic Self’ – a ‘wholly pre‐genital gestalt of self‐generation’ – Mimica distorts the role of collective rites of passage and affinal exchange to counter, inhibit, and redirect the primary narcissism intrinsic to human beings. In a small scale society like the Yagwoia, whose survival and well‐being depend upon the integration of nearly all its members, the main ‘work of culture’ is to recruit socially adept adults from each new crop of infants by helping them to overcome – not to repeat or magnify – existential problems of growing up that afflict everyone but that no one can resolve, or even fully understand, on their own. The ‘ouroboric (self‐copulating^eating) phallus’ is one image or ‘mythologeme’ of infantile narcissism. Based upon my own fieldwork among Gimi‐speakers in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, I suggest that such myths serve as templates for rites of exchange intended to thwart the calamity myths envisage – not to facilitate or intensify it.
Simulation of microtubule–cytoplasm interaction revealed the importance of fluid dynamics in determining the organization of microtubules
Authors: Murshed Mohammad , Wei Donghui , Gu Ying , Wang Jin
Published: July 2023

Although microtubules in plant cells have been extensively studied, the mechanisms that regulate the spatial organization of microtubules are poorly understood. We hypothesize that the interaction between microtubules and cytoplasmic flow plays an important role in the assembly and orientation of microtubules. To test this hypothesis, we developed a new computational modeling framework for microtubules based on theory and methods from the fluid–structure interaction. We employed the immersed boundary method to track the movement of microtubules in cytoplasmic flow. We also incorporated details of the encounter dynamics when two microtubules collide with each other. We verified our computational model through several numerical tests before applying it to the simulation of the microtubule–cytoplasm interaction in a growing plant cell. Our computational investigation demonstrated that microtubules are primarily oriented in the direction orthogonal to the axis of cell elongation. We validated the simulation results through a comparison with the measurement from laboratory experiments. We found that our computational model, with further calibration, was capable of generating microtubule orientation patterns that were qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with the experimental results. The computational model proposed in this study can be naturally extended to many other cellular systems that involve the interaction between microstructures and the intracellular fluid.
Coronary and carotid imaging of atherosclerosis and contributing factors in middle‐aged people with long‐term cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord injuries
Authors: Hill Mattias , Jörgensen Sophie , Engström Gunnar , Persson Margaretha , Lexell Jan
Published: July 2023

Background

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death in people aging with spinal cord injury (SCI) and is predominantly caused by atherosclerosis; however, knowledge of atherosclerosis in people with SCI is scarce.

Objective

To describe coronary and carotid atherosclerosis in middle‐aged people with long‐term cervical and upper thoracic SCI using coronary computed tomography angiography, carotid ultrasound, and cardiovascular disease risk factors and to compare with the general population.

Design

Cross‐sectional study with matched controls.

Setting

Outpatient SCI unit in southern Sweden.

Participants

Participants (n = 25) in the Swedish SPinal Cord Injury Study on Cardiopulmonary and Autonomic Impairment (SPICA) (20% women, mean age 58 years, mean time since injury 28 years, injury levels C2‐T6, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A‐C). Non‐SCI controls (n = 125; ratio 5:1) from the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS).

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measurements

Presence of coronary atherosclerosis, coronary artery calcium score, carotid plaques, carotid intima media thickness, blood pressure, lipids, Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), and anthropometry.

Results

Coronary and carotid atherosclerotic plaques occurred in 44% of the participants, 67% of the controls exhibited coronary and 59% carotid plaques; odds ratios (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]): 0.38 (0.13–1.17) and 0.54 (0.22–1.32), respectively. Mean number of segments with coronary atherosclerosis were 1.0 in participants and 2.1 in controls (OR: 0.74 [0.52–1.06]). Coronary artery calcium score > 100 occurred in 4 (18%) of the participants and 23 (21%) of the controls. The participants had significantly lower levels of total and non‐high density lipoprotein cholesterol and SCORE than the controls.

Conclusions

This is the first comprehensive assessment of atherosclerosis in people with SCI using advanced imaging techniques. The atherosclerotic burden in middle‐aged people with long‐term cervical and upper thoracic SCI was not increased, whereas SCORE was lower due to lower cholesterol levels. Imaging techniques may be valuable tools for assessment of atherosclerosis in SCI.
Synthesis of degradable polyacetals via an intramolecular phosphonium bisborane Lewis pair catalyzed copolymerization of epoxides with o‐phthaladehyde
Authors: Shi Minmin , Kou Xinhui , Li Jingjing , Hui Jiwen , Wang Xiaowu
Published: July 2023

An intramolecular phosphonium bisborane Lewis pair (PBB‐Br) was used for the copolymerization of o‐phthalaldehyde (OPA) with epoxides under mild conditions. In particular, poly(o‐phthalaldehyde‐alt‐propylene oxide) termed as (poly(OPA‐alt‐PO)), having high molecular weight (Mn = 42.5 kg/mol) with Đ = 1.12 was generated at 25 °C using PBB‐Br as a highly efficient catalyst. The purity of OPA, temperature and monomer/comonomer feeding ratio effects on the copolymerization were investigated. Subsequently, the degradability and thermal stability of generated polyacetals were studied. Using alcohol as chain transfer agent, random or block polyacetal‐polyethers with different structures can be obtained in one‐pot synthesis. The cooperation of the two boron centers plays a pivotal role in boosting the activity of copolymerization of OPA and PO.
Pulmonary extra‐nodal mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma: A rare cause of persistent lung consolidation
Authors: Kou Lily , Huan Nai‐Chien , Nyanti Larry Ellee , Chin Jiunn Sheng , Mohamad Nor Bahiyyah , Ramarmuty Hema Yamini
Published: July 2023

Pulmonary extra‐nodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma, also known as extra‐nodal mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, is rare among all non‐Hodgkin lymphomas and generally among all pulmonary malignancies. We present a 46‐year‐old lady with persistent right lower lung consolidation despite earlier treatment efforts with intravenous antibiotics for community acquired pneumonia. Apart from initial presentation with a short 3‐day history of fever, cough and shortness of breath, she had remained largely asymptomatic throughout the follow‐up period. Flexible bronchoscopy done ruled out infectious aetiologies but transbronchial lung biopsies showed atypical lymphocytes. A computed tomography guided core biopsy of her right lung consolidation was subsequently performed, confirming a diagnosis of pulmonary MALT lymphoma. She was promptly referred to the haematology team for further management and commencement of chemotherapy. Pulmonary MALT lymphoma, albeit uncommon and often follows a relatively indolent cause, should be considered as a differential diagnosis among patients with persistent lung consolidation.
COVID‐19 associated Bell's palsy
Authors: Yamasaki Kei , Manabe Taiki , Iwanaga Yuto , Akaike Ryota , Kawanami Toshinori , Yatera Kazuhiro
Published: July 2023

Key message

While rare, a diagnosis of Bell's palsy should be considered in young patients who test positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and who also present with notable neurological facial signs and symptoms suggestive of lower motor neuron‐type seventh cranial nerve palsy.
Primary pulmonary amoebiasis mimicking lung tumour in immunocompromised patient: A case report
Authors: Putra Andika Chandra , Chyntia Bernadina , Winardi Emon , Johan Maisie , Pradwiyanto Albertus Ardian , Tambun Renaningtyas , Wiyono Wiwien Heru , Alatas Fahmi
Published: July 2023

Amoebiasis is the most common protozoan disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica. The second most frequent extraintestinal infection, behind amoebic liver abscess, is pulmonary amoebiasis. We present the case of an immunocompromised 40‐year‐old man. He complained of cough for 1 month, shortness of breath, and fever. Chest x‐ray demonstrated left paracardial consolidation, possibly pneumonia or a mass. Chest CT scans with contrast revealed the presence of an abscess‐mimicking tumour. CT‐guided TTB and histology examinations indicated the presence of trophozoites of E. histolytica. This patient was diagnosed with pulmonary amoebiasis. Diagnostic criteria for pulmonary amoebiasis include clinical manifestations, radiography, and microscopic examination. There was an improvement in clinical response after a 10‐day course of antibiotics. Amoebiasis of the lungs is treatable with medicines and drainage when necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to decrease mortality and morbidity.
The Adaptive Systemic Approach: Catalysing more just and sustainable outcomes from sustainability and natural resources development research
Authors: Palmer Carolyn , Tanner Jane , Akanmu James , Alamirew Tena , Bamutaze Yazidhi , Banadda Noble , Cleaver Frances , Faye Serigne , Kabenge Isa , Kane Alioune , Longe Ezechiel , Nobert Joel , Nsengimana Venuste , Speight Vanessa , Weston Sally , Winter Kevin , Woldu Zerihun
Published: July 2023

It has become increasingly common to include participatory processes, several academic disciplines, and additional wide‐ranging ways of knowing, in using research to tackle the escalating environmental problems of the 21st Century. There are barriers to the success of these efforts. In this paper we present the Adaptive Systemic Approach (ASA). The ASA is designed to provide a clear pathway for research related to sustainability issues, river basin problems and natural resource development, and to deliver change towards improved ecological health and social justice outcomes. The design of the ASA rests on three key concepts: complex social‐ecological systems, transdisciplinarity, and transformative social learning, together with Strategic Adaptive Management as the theoretically consistent operational process. We identify logical connections between the concepts and Strategic Adaptive Management so that the ASA emerges as a coherent and practical research and praxis pathway. The ASA process is then outlined to support uptake and wider application. We present findings from ASA praxis in a collaborative African research program considering river basin problems in seven countries, where key contextual learnings led to the recognition of five barriers to effective research impact outcomes: (1) Lack of an integrative conceptual grounding. (2) Participatory stakeholder engagement flawed by epistemic injustice. (3) Inadequate transdisciplinary team building. (4) Insufficient inclusion of learning, reflection, and systemic adaptation. (5) Inflated claims of probable impact in terms of creating change towards improved ecological health and social justice. We reflect on the ways the ASA contributes to breaching these barriers. Early key learnings from ASA praxis leads us to suggest that the ASA has practical value for policy makers, practitioners and researchers seeking pathways for fair and sustainable river management, and more broadly in natural resource development.
Structure and stability characteristics of zonal soil aggregates in the Three Rivers Source of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Sun Fenghao , Zhang Zhichun , Jiang Pingan , Zhou Shaolong , Ou Jianfang
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to explore the structure and stability characteristics of zonal soil aggregates in cold high‐altitude regions and reveal the variation patterns of alpine soil aggregates, using the Three Rivers Source of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau as an example. Zonal soils representing the local vegetation types (alpine meadow soil, alpine grassland soil) were collected, and soil aggregates were separated using wet and dry sieving methods. Random forest modeling was used with climate data from 2011 to 2019 as variables in order to generate multifactor digital maps of water‐stable and mechanically stable aggregates. The composition and differences of zone‐specific soil aggregates were compared and analyzed using the evaluation indices of macroaggregate content (R > 0.25), mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter, and fractal dimensions. Their controlling factors were also explored. The study results showed that the model's explanatory power for soil aggregates was over 68%. In the random forest model, elevation and sunshine duration contributed more to soil water‐stable aggregates, whereas precipitation contributed more to soil mechanically stable aggregates. The content of large aggregates with particle size greater than 0.5 mm was higher in alpine meadow soils than in alpine grassland soils. In contrast, the content of large aggregates with particle size less than 0.5 mm was lower than that of alpine grassland soils. There are also some differences in the distribution of water‐stable aggregates and mechanically stable aggregates between alpine meadow soils and alpine grassland soils in each particle size, and these differences are most pronounced in the particle sizes >2 and <0.25 mm. In addition, the stability of alpine meadow soil aggregates is higher than that of alpine grassland soil aggregates. Finally, the mapping results show that the stability of soil aggregates in the study area has similar zonal characteristics to the zonal variation of vegetation cover and climate and other factors.
Principles for the consideration of intersectionality in place‐based disaster risk governance in islands
Authors: Hill Lowine Stella , Armitage Derek , Collins Andrea M. , Pittman Jeremy
Published: July 2023

This paper advances disaster risk governance (DRG) research and practice by incorporating elements of intersectionality and place‐based thinking. Intersectionality provides a crucial yet underutilised lens to examine power, positionality, and individuals' experiences facing disasters and other climatic events. Through six principles and using examples from small islands and a synthesis of the literature, this paper presents an intersectional approach for DRG to support inclusive and contextualised actions: (i) individuals are multi‐dimensional and complex; (ii) identities and vulnerability are not predefined; (iii) spatial and temporal differences influence the expression of identities; (iv) materiality of ecological systems influences intersectionality; (v) power relations are central the emergence of social processes and epistemologies; and (vi) positionality plays an important role in defining risk reduction agendas and choices. This paper examines how an intersectional perspective generates pathways to address the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters beyond the ‘one size fits all’ approaches promoted globally.
Cationic Exchange of Evans‐Showell Polyoxometalate to Construct Efficient Hydrodesulfurization Catalyst
Authors: Liang Jilei , Wang Wanwan , Wu Wenjie , Wu Mengmeng , Hua Jiawei , Liu Yunqi , Liu Chenguang
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a simple cationic exchange method was proposed to increase the Co/Mo ratio in the Evans‐Showell polyoxometalate to the desired 0.5 with both Mo and Co atoms in one molecule. This approach was proved successfully by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyzer. Then, the obtained Evans‐Showell‐type polyoxometalate was used as a superior precursor to construct efficient hydrodesulfurization catalyst, and the dibenzothiophene evaluation results showed that the hydrodesulfurization reaction turnover frequency, the rate constant, and the dibenzothiophene conversion are 1.8×10−3 s−1, 6.4×10−7 mol g−1 s−1, and 95.2 %, respectively, illustrating the excellent hydrodesulfurization performance of the catalyst. The cationic exchange approach promises the Mo and Co atoms in one molecule and the desired proximity of them, leading to a higher dispersion of MoS2 nanoparticles, a higher percent of CoMoS active phase and the excellent hydrodesulfurization performance for dibenzothiophene consequently.
Synthesis and structural characterization of azine based oligoesteric chemosensors for Fe2+ ion detection
Authors: Manigandan Subramani , Muthusamy Athianna , Nandhakumar Raju , Prabakaran Gunasekaran
Published: July 2023

Azine‐based monomer and its three oligoesters were synthesized, characterized with IR, UV, GC‐MS, GPC, 1H NMR, 13C{1H} NMR, 31P NMR and applied to chemosensor applications. In the chemosensor study, fluorophores show selective and sensitive responses with Fe2+ ions in the DMF/H2O solution (1 : 1, pH: 7.4, fluorophore: 5 μM). The quenching of fluorescence intensity with the addition of Fe2+ ion gives the correlation coefficient (R2) value above 0.99286, exhibiting good binding stoichiometry nature of fluorophores with Fe2+ than the oligoesters. The high detecting capability of oligoesters is further ascertained by its higher LOD than the monomer (5.05×10−7). The binding constant values of fluorophores obtained from the Benesi‐Hildebrand plot show that the oligoesters have a higher binding ability (1.0012–1.0025 M−1) with Fe2+ ion than the monomer (1.0011 M−1). The conductivity nature of the oligoester gradually increased with the contact time of iodine. After 96hr of iodine doping, EMDAP exhibits higher conductivity (1.98×10−3 Scm−1) than the other oligoesters due to higher electron‐density nitrogen atoms in the structure. The EMDOP shows high dielectric constant value because of its π‐π interaction, loosely attached π electrons and high dipole moment values. All these experimental results are validated with the theoretical (DFT) approach by optimizing the structure of the fluorophore with B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level basis set. The DFT approach also explains the mechanism of fluorescence quenching and the exact binding sites of fluorophores with Fe2+ ions.
Response surface methodology based on the Box‐Behnken design for optimizing the synthesis of symmetrical anhydrides from acid chlorides using cerium (III) as a homogeneous catalyst
Authors: Larba Seif Eddine , Boukachabia Mourad , Zeror Saoussen , Bendjeffal Hacene , Bouaroudj Tayeb
Published: July 2023

Here we report the synthesis of symmetrical carboxylic acid anhydrides from acid chlorides using cerium (III) as a homogeneous catalyst. The optimal experimental conditions (temperature at 40 °C, catalyst loading at 30 mg, 1.5 equivalents of base, and solvent volume at 1 mL) for the preparation of benzoic anhydride2 awere obtained using the Box‐Behnken design in combination with the response‐surface methodology. The analysis of variance showed that the presented quadratic model successfully performed the experimental data with coefficients of determination of R2=0.99. The predicted yield of synthesized anhydride2 aobtained from the RSM under optimal conditions was 98.63 %. A confirmation test of the optimal conditions proved the viability of the model and gave a yield of 97.27 %. Under the optimal conditions, the resulting synthesized anhydrides2 a–gwere obtained with good isolated chemical yields of 60 %<yield<96 %.
Antimycobacterial, Molecular Docking and ADME Studies of Spiro Naphthyridine Pyrimidine and N‐(Quinolin‐8‐yl)acetamide Derivatives
Authors: Satisha Sahana , Revanasiddappa Vijayakumar G. , Ramaiah Sivakumar
Published: July 2023

Two series of compounds viz., spiro naphthyridine pyrimidine derivatives and N‐(quinolin‐8‐yl)acetamide derivatives which possess the quinoline core moiety were designed and synthesized. The spectral analysis viz., FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and mass was carried out to establish the structures for the synthesized compounds. In vitro anti‐tubercular activity was done against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv by following “microplate alamar blue assay (MABA)”. The synthesized compounds showed good anti‐tuberculosis (TB) activity with the least minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 6.25 μg/mL. Computational molecular docking studies were performed out with Mycobacterium tuberculosis enoyl reductase (INHA) (PDB code: 4TZK) using AutoDock to predict the key binding interactions responsible for the activity and the Swiss ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) tool computed the in silico drug likeliness properties. The synthesized title compounds create a way for the optimization and development of potential drugs against tuberculosis.
Preparation of a Durable CuO/ZnO/CeO2/ZrO2 Catalyst on an SiC Support by an Inverse Microemulsion/Precipitation Method for Methanol Steam Reforming
Authors: Zhou Hui , Sun Xiaoliang , Guo Wenming , Bao Tingting , Zhang Yi , Guo Chenxu , Xiao Hanning , Qin Hang , Gao Pengzhao
Published: July 2023

Durable CuO/ZnO/CeO2/ZrO2 catalyst on SiC support for methanol steam reforming (MSR) was prepared by the combination of inverse microemulsion method and precipitation method which is termed as inverse microemulsion/precipitation method. The presence of Ce−O−Zr solid solution facilitated the production of oxygen vacancies and Ce3+ species in the prepared CuO/ZnO/CeO2/ZrO2 catalyst. Owing to the unique tiny reaction pool and the addition of precipitant for inverse microemulsion/precipitation method, the particle size of the prepared catalyst was principally between 2 and 6 nm, with an average size of 3.66 nm. Besides, the small particle size and the highly dispersed of Cu species boosted the reduction performance of the catalyst, enabling the reduction temperature to be only 201 °C. The methanol conversion of the reduced catalyst was still reached 98.8 % after 150 h, considerably higher than that of solution combustion method (70 %), without carbon deposition and pronounced sintering after MSR reaction.