bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Mycotoxins and Its Importance in Public Health
Authors: Cordero-Mendoza Dulce D. , Hernández-Ceruelos María del Carmen A. , Muñoz-Juárez Sergio , Izquierdo-Vega Alelí Julieta , Vega-Gaitan Indira , Ledezma Jesús Carlos Ruvalcaba
Published: September 2023

There are a wide variety of toxic compounds that are produced by fungi, known as mycotoxins, which are extremely important because they are found as contaminants in food for human and animal consumption, mycotoxicoses are diseases caused by mycotoxins, exposure to it occurs by ingestion, by skin contact and inhalation, which cause adverse damage to human and animal health, these effects cost millions of dollars annually in global losses in human and animal health, as well as in agricultural products, some mycotoxins of importance in public health they include aflatoxins, trichothecenes, fumonists, ochratoxins, among others.

Objective: The objetive was describe the state of the art on exposure to microtoxins and its importance in public health. The state of the art allows us to conclude that exposure to food contaminated with this type of toxin.

Methodology: A search was carried out in information sources indexed in Crossref, Google scholar Web of Science and in some specific journals such as toxins, Biomedical Journal, and Public Health Journal, using the keywords: mycotoxins, mycotoxigenic foods, aflatoxins, aflatoxigenic foods.

Results and Conclusions: Has a negative impact on public health. In conclusion it is also urgent to search for alternatives to inhibit the growth of said toxigenic fungi and guarantee food quality, free of mycotoxins. and therefore, risks to human health.
Determinants of Farmers’ Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in the Hyper-Arid Partially Irrigated Western Plain of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Gandhi Tarun , Saravanakumar V. , Senthilnathan S. , Sathyamoorthy N. K. , Ganapati Patil Santosh
Published: September 2023

Climate change is a global environmental threat to all economic sectors, mainly the agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to the negative impact of climate change. Using cross-sectional data of 120 farmers collected from three blocks of the Jaisalmer district of the hyper-arid partially irrigated western plain of Rajasthan, this study investigates farmers' adaptation measures to climate change and their determinants of adaptive strategies. The study used a logistic model to analyze the relationship between binary dependent variables and other explanatory variables. According to logistic regression results, factors such as land area, farming experience, and household income are positively related to climate change adaptation strategies. The marginal effects for the land area (0.040), farming experience (0.004), and household income (0.00). Further, the result of the study also shows the basic adaptation measures adopted by the farmers are mulching, changing in the crop, changing in sowing date, changing in cultivation practices, changing in water management and changing in input management. According to the study's findings, farmers' well-being will be improved by more significant investment in farmer education, farmers’ training through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), and financial inclusion through Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for climate change adaptation.
Exploration of Exopolysaccharide Producing Bacterial Cultures from Various Drought Affected Region
Authors: Niranjani N. , Kumutha K. , Subhashini R. , Kannan P. , Mini M. L.
Published: September 2023

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are extracellular macromolecules secreted by microorganisms play a vital role in improving soil aggregation as well as enhancing the water holding capacity of the soils.  This study focuses onto the isolation and characterization of bacterial strains capable of producing Exopolysaccharides (EPS) from drought-affected soil regions across different districts of Tamil Nadu. The core objective revolves around the molecular identification of elite cultures and pivotal genes, responsible for EPS production namely dex (dextransucrase) by using the primer pair WConDex fw and WConDex rev at an amplification size of 1037 bp size. A total of 72 bacterial cultures were isolated from 67 soil samples that are capable of secreting EPS using specific medium.
Assessing the Effect of Irrigation Levels and Hydrogel on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Cholavardan Dade , V. V. S. Jaya Krishna , Sushant
Published: September 2023

One of the most essential inputs for agriculture is water. Moisture stress at critical growth stages in wheat severely effects the growth and yield. Hydrogel (water-absorbing polymer) can keep the appropriate moisture level at the root zone depth and protects the crop from adverse effect of moisture stress. The present trial was conducted during rabi season of 2020-21 to assess the performance of different hydrogels under different levels of irrigations on growth, yield, and water use efficiency of wheat. Results revealed that application of 3 irrigations recorded significantly maximum number of tillers per m2 at 90 Days After Sowing and at harvest. The application of Nano hydrogel @ 20 kg ha-1 significantly increased the number of tillers per m2 at 90 DAS and at harvest over control. Significantly maximum grain (26.1%) and straw (24.5%) yield were obtained with 3 irrigation levels over one irrigation. The Nano hydrogel increased grain (33.6%) and straw (22.9%) yield significantly over control. Water use efficiency significantly improved with one irrigation over 3 irrigation levels, application of Nano hydrogel @ 20 kg ha-1 significantly increased WUE.
Diversity and Abundance of Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) in Sethu Bhaskara Agricultural College and Research Foundation, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, South India
Authors: Narmadha A. , Ravinasree R. , Kayalvizhi S. R. Sakthi , Mathialagan M. , Mitta Kishan Tej , Meena R. , Sarathkumar V. , Kumaravel S. , Priyanka S. Lekha , Mangayarkarsi S. , Ganesh U.
Published: September 2023

Butterflies play a vital role in the ecosystem, acting as pollinators, pollution indicators, pests, predators, weed killers, a good source of food and being of aesthetic, economic and ecological importance. World-wide butterfly populations are on the decline due to habitat destruction and deforestation. This study was taken with the prime objective of preparing the checklist of butterflies at Sethu Bhaskara Agricultural College and Research Foundation, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, from April 2023 to July 2023. A total of 976 individuals of 76 species belonging to 5 families have been recorded in the survey. For this study, the college was mapped into four different habitats: botanical garden area, agricultural field area, horticultural field area and grassland area. Results revealed that the family Nymphalidae showed the maximum number of species (22.0 species) from 12 genera (29.0%), followed by Lycaenidae (20.0 species) from17genera (26.5%), Pieridae (18.0 species) from 9 genera (24.0%), Hesperiidae (12.0 species) from 11 genera (16.0%) and the least being Papilionidae (4.0 species) from 2 genera (5.5%). Among the four sites, the botanical garden area ranks first with the highest number of butterflies (140 species, N =280), followed by the horticultural field area (129 species, N = 258), the agricultural field area (115 species, N = 230) and the grassland area (104 species, N = 208). According to the monthly distribution of butterflies, the maximum number of species and abundance were recorded in the months of July (307 species, N = 332), followed by June (141 species, N = 282), April (112 species, N= 224) and least in May (69 species, N = 138). The overall Shannon-Weiner diversity index was H = 1.50, Pielou’s evenness index was E = 0.60 and Margalef’s index was R = 13.30. This study illustrated useful information on butterfly diversity in the study region, which serves as a baseline for future monitoring programs.
Estimation of Soil Loss for Different Soil Series, Tillage Management and Slopes under Soybean Cropping in Malwa Agro-Climatic Zone
Authors: Manekar Urwashi , Sharma S. K. , Trivedi S. K. , Wankhede Ranjeet
Published: September 2023

The soil erosion can cause a reduction in agricultural productivity, ecosystem disturbances, and pollution of water. Physical and climatic features of a catchment such as topographic conditions, land use land cover, rainfall intensity, and the soil characteristics are the key significant factors of the soil erosion. The loss of the top fertile soil nutrients is intensely increasing. In present study soil loss for 12 soil series viz., Kheri, Bararia, Junapania, Namali, Dhamaniya Diwan, Dhodar, Surajpura, Paroliya, Ratangarh, Khermaliya, Morwan and Hathipura and 3 different tillage management viz., conventional tillage, ridge and furrow system and no tillage system under soybean crop in Malwa Agro-climatic Zone in central India has been estimated. The soil loss for four different sloes viz., 1%, >1% to < 3%, >3 to <5% and >5% under these soil series and management practices have been studied. The results of the study revealed that soil loss found decreased with decrease in slope and vice-versa. Similarly, the soil loss was found higher under conventional tillage (4.134 t acre-1 y-1) as compared to the ridge and furrow system (1.447 t acre-1 y-1) and no tillage system (1.033 t acre-1 y-1). The Bararia soil series (4.196 t acre-1 y-1) found most vulnerable to the soil loss whereas the Dhodar soil series (1.036 t acre-1 y-1) was found resistant to soil loss under soybean cropping in Malwa Agro-climatic Zone.
Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessment of Utaewa Estuary Water
Authors: Ekanem Jonathan Okokon , Itah Alfred Young , Ndubuisi-Nnaji Uduak , Gabriel Patience Uche-awaji , Raphael Mkpoikanke Ibanga , Godswill Mary Ufon
Published: September 2023

Most communities in the oil rich Niger Delta find it difficult to access to potable water due to constant pollution of their natural water sources. The sole aim of this study was to examine the microbiological and physicochemical qualities of the Estuary water at Utaewa to ascertain its suitability for potable use. Standard culture dependent techniques as well as metagenomics approach using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) on Illumina Miseq platform was used to determine the microbiological characteristics while standard analytical procedures were employed to ascertain the physicochemical properties of Utaewa in Imo River. The average microbial counts ranged as follows: Total Heterotrophic Bacteria; 2.17±0.08x106 to 2.23±0.08x106 cfu/ml, Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria; 1.03±0.06x105 to 1.39±0.08x105 cfu/ml, Total Heterotrophic Fungi; 1.23±0.13x105 to 1.64±0.09x105 cfu/ml, Hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungi; 7.9±0.21x103 to 8.6±1.00x103 cfu/ml. Bacterial isolates belonging to the genera Escherichia, Citrobacter, Bacillus, Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Flavobacterium, Vibrio, Micrococcus and Pseudomonas. were isolated and identified. The fungal isolates belonged to the genera Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Saccharomyces and Candida. On the other hand, Unknown (50.16%), Acinetobacter (8.34%), Ignatzschineria (4.73%), Planctomyces (3.28%), Anaerospora (3.27%), RS62 (2.73%), Methylophaga (1.64%), Wohlfahrtiimonas (1.31%), Myroides (1.23%) and Candidatus (0.95%) were captured by metagenomics analysis at the generic level. All the physicochemical parameters conformed to WHO and NIS standards for potable water except for Turbidity and Magnesium. Cultural methods used in this study were able to identify many potential water borne pathogens, metagenomics captured more microbial groups and give a better insight to bacterial composition and diversity. The presence of theses pathogenic bacteria underlies poor water quality and can pose public health threat to man and aquatic fauna. There is need to adhere to good hygienic practices and minimize the direct discharge of waste without proper treatment.
Clinical Relevance of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Dental Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Duarte Ana Vitória Machado , Barbosa Beatriz Soares Leitão , Oliveira Giovana Gisele Costa , Borges Júlia Maria de Sá , Sousa Kamila Gregório da Costa , Cavalcante Milleny Ribeiro da Silva , Araújo Pedro Lucas Rocha dos Santos , Rocha Thales Amon Pereira Duarte , Vieira Felipe Cardoso Rodrigues , Santos Stanley Keynes Duarte dos
Published: September 2023

Background: Antibiotic prophylaxis is a procedure performed with the use of antibiotics to prevent the patient from contracting some type of infection during surgical procedures.

Aim: To analyze the clinical relevance of using antibiotic prophylaxis before dental surgical procedures.

Methods: This is a systematic review of the qualitative literature in the PubMed, LILACS and Medline databases, using the health descriptors "Antibiotic Prophylaxis", "Dentistry" and "Oral Surgical Procedures" and selected articles in English and Portuguese published between 2018 and 2022. Articles that did not follow the eligibility criteria and that did not address relevant data for the present study were excluded. Abstracts were also excluded; duplicate articles; review articles; meta-analysis and studies not related to dentistry.

Results: After the research, considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria and thematic relevance, 15 articles were selected. Upon analysis, it was found that the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis in case of dental surgeries is small and may not be clinically relevant. Some improvement in postoperative symptoms in dental surgeries can be explained by the decrease in bacterial contamination of the surgical wound, and antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with a lower need for analgesic administration. Amoxicillin is considered the antibiotic of choice for antibiotic prophylaxis in clinical dental practice. In cases of penicillin allergy, clindamycin is often prescribed as a substitute of choice, with lower doses of clindamycin when given over shorter periods of time beneficial in relieving pain and reducing postoperative complications.

Conclusion: Regarding the analyzed studies, it appears that the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis in cases of dental surgery may be small and not clinically relevant. In view of this, more studies on the clinical relevance of antibiotic prophylaxis in dental procedures should be carried out and more factors should be addressed in research to increase the scope of analysis.
Virtual Design of Novel Coumarinyl-Substituted Sulfonamide Inhibitors of Carbonic Anhydrase II as Potential Drugs against Glaucoma
Authors: Ziki Eric , Akonan Ludovic , Kouman Koffi Charles , Dali Brice , Megnassan Eugene , Kakou-Yao Rita , Tenon Abodou Jules , Frecer Vladimir , Miertus Stanislav
Published: September 2023

Background: We have carried out virtual design of coumarinyl-substituted sulfonamides (CSAM) analogs as inhibitors of human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) endowed with favorable predicted pharmacokinetic profiles and potential therapeutic effects against glaucoma.

Methods: modifying in situ the x-ray structure of 2-(7-methoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)-N-(4-sulfamoyl-phenyl)-acetamide (CSAM0)-hCA II complex (PDB entry 3ML2), permitted 3D models of hCA II-CSAMx complexes preparation for a TS of 14 CSAMs the experimental activities of which are available in the literature (IC50exp). Active bound conformation of the CSAM1-14 assessment led to linear correlation between computed enthalpy of hCA II-CSAMx complexes formation in gas phase (ΔΔHMM) with the IC50exp. Moreover, considering the solvation and ligand loss of entropy upon binding led to a superior QSAR model where a better linear correlation is established between calculated GFE (ΔΔGcom) and IC50exp. The successive 3D-pharmacophore (PH4) built from CSAMs active conformations helped to virtually screen CSAM populating a sulfonamides scaffolds virtual combinatorial library (VCL), focused by Lipinski’s rule-of-five to reach novel CSAMs.

Results: Enthalpy QSAR model: pIC50exp = -0.068×ΔΔHMM + 7.722, R2 = 0.82; GFE QSAR model: pIC50exp = - 0.061× ΔΔGcom + 7.647, R2 = 0.92 and PH4 model: pIC50exp = 1.095×pIC50pre – 0.680, R2 = 0.87. The VCL of more than 1,500,625 CSAMs was lowered to 865,670 drug likely compounds by the Lipinski’s rule (except the restriction Mw ≤ 500 g/mol). The three-point PH4-based screening identified 81 novel CSAMs with predicted IC50pre reaching 78-times better than CSAM1 potency (IC50exp = 23 nM). Computed pharmacokinetic profile of the new candidates showed enhanced cell membrane permeability and high human oral absorption compared to current anti-glaucoma agents.

Conclusions: Combination of QSAR models of the CSAMs’ affinity to the hCA II, pharmacophore model, and ADME profile guided to the sulfonamides inhibitors identification and helped to in silico screen VCL sulfonamides scaffold bearing analogs and allowed emerging of novel more potent compounds with predicted IC50 and favorable pharmacokinetic profiles.
Protecting Medicare’s Discretion to Say No to Unproven Therapies
Authors: Daval C. Joseph Ross , Bendicksen Liam , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: September 2023

In this Viewpoint, Kesselheim and coauthors discuss 2 bills in Congress that would curtail Medicare’s ability to decline, limit, or conditionally cover medical products that lack robust evidence and argue that officials should distinguish between better and worse therapies when determining reimbursement.
Hot on RAD51C: structure and functions of RAD51C‐XRCC3
Authors: Szakal Barnabas , Branzei Dana
Published: September 2023

A new study by Longo, Roy et al. has solved the structure of the RAD51C‐XRCC3 (CX3) heterodimer with a bound ATP analog, identifying two main structural interfaces and defining separable replication fork stability roles. One function relates to the ability of RAD51C to bind and assemble CX3 on nascent DNA, with an impact on the ability of forks to restart upon replication stress. The other relates to effective CX3 heterodimer formation, required for 5′ RAD51 filament capping, with effects on RAD51 filament disassembly, fork protection and influencing the persistence of reversed forks.
Novelty detection for election fraud: A case study with agent‐based simulation data
Authors: Yamin Khurram , Jadali Nima , Xie Yao , Nazzal Dima
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we propose a robust election simulation model and independently developed election anomaly detection algorithm that demonstrates the simulation's utility. The simulation generates artificial elections with similar properties and trends as elections from the real world, while giving users control and knowledge over all the important components of the elections. We generate a clean election results dataset without fraud as well as datasets with varying degrees of fraud. We then measure how well the algorithm is able to successfully detect the level of fraud present. The algorithm determines how similar actual election results are as compared to the predicted results from polling and a regression model of other regions that have similar demographics. We use k‐means to partition electoral regions into clusters such that demographic homogeneity is maximized among clusters. We then use a novelty detection algorithm implemented as a one‐class support vector machine where the clean data is provided in the form of polling predictions and regression predictions. The regression predictions are built from the actual data in such a way that the data supervises itself. We show both the effectiveness of the simulation technique and the machine learning model in its success in identifying fraudulent regions.
Dosimetric evaluation of a spinal cord dose‐limiting 3D‐CRT technique for radiotherapy of spinal metastases
Authors: Arnold Christian Cornelius , Toussaint André , Mantel Frederick , Flentje Michael , Bratengeier Klaus
Published: September 2023

Background

To evaluate the possible advantages of a simple spinal cord (SC) dose‐limiting three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D‐CRT) technique in comparison to conventional two‐dimensional (2D) techniques and other 3D‐CRT techniques for spinal bone irradiation.

Methods

For 41 spinal target volumes, seven different techniques were evaluated, using a standard schedule of 30 Gy in 10 fractions. The SC dose‐limiting 3D‐CRT technique 1F2S‐18MV using a single posterior field (F) supplemented by two anterior segment fields (S) and 18‐MV photon beams was compared to two conventional 2D techniques (a single posterior field, PA, and two opposed anterior‐posterior fields, APPA), three other 3D‐CRT techniques (a single posterior field supplemented by four segment fields, 1F4S; two wedged fields, WD, and the SC dose‐limiting variant using 6 MV, 1F2S‐6MV) along with the original clinically applied plans.

Results

1F2S‐18MV demonstrated notably better results for all target volume parameters compared to the conventional 2D techniques (p < 0.001). Limitation of the SC dose was significantly superior with 1F2S‐18MV in comparison to PA and APPA (SC Dmean: 28.9 ± 0.4  vs. 30.1 ± 0.6 Gy and 30.1 ± 0.4 Gy; SC Dmax: 30.9 ± 0.7  vs. 32.5 ± 1.0 Gy and 31.8 ± 0.7 Gy; SC D1cm3: 30.1 ± 0.6  vs. 31.7 ± 0.9 Gy and 31.1 ± 0.6 Gy; p < 0.001). Likewise, lower mean SC doses with 1F2S‐18MV were observed in comparison to the more treatment time‐consuming 3D‐CRT techniques (1F4S, WD) and the original plans without relevant compromises on the dose homogeneity in the target volume and the dose exposure to the other OARs.

Conclusion

In treatment planning of spinal metastases, simple variants of 3D‐CRT‐techniques like 1F2S‐18MV can offer a significant dose limitation to the SC while providing a sufficient dose coverage of the target volume. Especially in patients with favorable life expectancy and potential need for re‐irradiation, such SC dose‐limiting 3D‐CRT techniques may be a reasonable approach.
In Situ Regeneration of Oxidized Copper Flakes Forming Nanosatellite Particles for Non‐Oxidized Highly Conductive Copper Nanocomposites
Authors: Faseela K. P. , Ajmal C. Muhammed , Cha Seokjae , Baik Seunghyun
Published: September 2023

Copper (Cu) is an attractive low‐cost alternative to silver or gold. However, it is susceptible to oxidation in air. Here, facile in situ regeneration of oxidized Cu flakes (CuFLs) for the synthesis of highly conductive non‐oxidized nanocomposites is reported. The oxidized CuFLs are regenerated into non‐oxidized CuFLs and Cu nanosatellite (CuNS) particles by formic acid‐aided in situ etching and reduction reaction in soft epoxy matrix. The average particle size of CuNS particles is only 3.3 nm with an interparticle distance of 2.7 nm. Furthermore, the negligible potential barrier height between Cu and epoxy dramatically increases the electrical conductivity (66 893 S cm−1) of the nanocomposite (Cu = 46 vol%) by more than three orders of magnitude. The thermal conductivity is also highest (85.1 W m−1 K−1), compared with Cu‐based nanocomposites in literature. The conductivities are invariant in air for more than 95 days. The simple scalable in situ regeneration of oxidized CuFLs may find immediate industrial applications.
Ion Clusters‐Driven Strong and Acid/Alkali/ Freezing‐Tolerant Conductive Hydrogels for Flexible Sensors in Extreme Environments
Authors: Lyu Yang , Guo Rui , Lin Zhengwei , Zhai Fei , Wu Tao , Jiang Pan , Ji Zhongying , Ma Shuanhong , Shi Xinyan , Wang Xiaolong
Published: September 2023

Supramolecular polymer hydrogels, exhibiting wide applications in flexible sensing, wearable electronics, artificial skin, etc., often require complex molecule and component design to adapt extreme environments. Most supramolecular polymer hydrogels currently, however, are unable to satisfy the harsh demands ascribed to their poor mechanical properties and chemical stability. Herein, this study demonstrates a novel strategy to fabricate superstrong polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels with densely supramolecular polymer networks (SPNs) and complexation, induced by simple deprotonation and reconfiguration of ion clusters (ICs). Such strategy enables the PVA hydrogels with high strength (9.64 ± 0.5 MPa), compressibility, and recoverability (load objects over ≈10000 times more than its weight), resistance to various solvents, freezing tolerance (keep flexible and conductive even at −50 °C) and many other performances. Notably, the properties of resultant hydrogels surpass majority reported, tackling a long‐standing dilemma both mechanical properties and stability for PVA hydrogels. A proof‐of‐concept spider robot is assembled by 3D printed model, which achieves successfully signal acquisition in different extreme conditions. In this study the multifunctional PVA hydrogels are envisioned as a simple and universal strategy for sensors in various conditions, which is significant for the exploration in extreme environments that are not easily accessible to humans, such as the North and South Poles and solvent leakage area.
Bitumen‐Like Polymers Prepared via Inverse Vulcanization with Shear Stiffening and Self‐Healing Abilities for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Hou Ke‐Xin , Zhao Pei‐Chen , Duan Lei , Fan Minjie , Zheng Pengfei , Li Cheng‐Hui
Published: September 2023

Bitumen, which is widely used in various applications, is facing the challenge of being unsustainable. Many strategies are proposed to recycle or replace bitumen. However, most of them can not address the unsustainability of bitumen from the roots. On the other hand, sulfur exists widely on the earth as a kind of industrial waste despite its extensive applications. Herein, a series of bitumen‐like polymers from elemental sulfur is obtained through an inverse vulcanization reaction. The sulfur‐containing polymers exhibit self‐healing, non‐toxic, and adjustable properties depending on the working environment. Based on these features, the applications of sulfur‐containing polymers in self‐healing waterproof sealants, impact‐resistance or shock‐absorption devices, and non‐Newtonian speed bumps are demonstrated. With the method of synthesizing multifunctional bitumen‐like polymers from sulfur wastes, a feasible way is provided to solve simultaneously the challenging problem of bitumen's unsustainability as well as sulfur's utilization, with the advantages including easy massed‐fabrication, non‐toxicity, extremely low cost (≈2 cents per gram) and environment friendliness.
Synergistic Approach to Combat Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer: B7‐H4 Checkpoint‐Based Photodynamic Nanodrug Coupled with Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Regulation
Authors: Jiang Zeyu , Chen Xiangwu , Lin Yang , Li Qian , Nie Xinxin , Xu Guixiang , Yu Cancan , Zhang Xinke , Luan Yuxia
Published: September 2023

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype, which often results in distant metastasis and dismal prognosis. Unfortunately, current treatments for TNBC are not effective due to its resistance to immunotherapy. Recent studies indicate that B7‐H4 immune checkpoint overexpression and inflammation‐initiated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are closely associated with the poor immunotherapy outcome of TNBC. This study finds that a B7‐H4 checkpoint‐based photodynamic nanodrug combined with NETs regulation enables a potent therapeutic outcome of TNBC. The nanodrug induces antitumor immunity via photodynamic therapy, enabling a cascade reinforcement of B7‐H4 target‐based therapeutic outcomes. By combining DNase I with the B7‐H4 checkpoint‐based photodynamic nanodrug, the DNase I potentiates the immunotherapeutic efficacy by disrupting NETs barrier between tumor cells and T cells, cascade reinforcing the antitumor immune response and antimetastasis efficacy. This combination therapy demonstrates a powerful ability in suppressing TNBC growth and metastasis, offering a robust approach for treating immune‐cold TNBC while addressing its resistance to immunotherapy.
Mesoporous Single Crystal NiS2 Microparticles with FeS Clusters Decorated on the Pore Walls for Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Rong Ju , Lin Yunxiang , Yang Yongqiang , Zhu Huaze , Yu Xiaohua , Kang Xiangdong , Chen Chunlin , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Liu Gang
Published: September 2023

Abundant active sites and their easy accessibility in a stable and conductive structure are of great importance for efficient electrocatalysts. In principle, activated mesoporous single‐crystal microparticles can meet these desired requirements. Here, the Fe‐doped NiS2 mesoporous single crystal microparticles decorated with FeS clusters on the pore walls (FeS@MSC‐NiS2:Fe) are constructed via a pre‐decorated and sequentially seeded mesoporous silica template. Throughout the external and internal surfaces, the Fe‐doped NiS2 modulated by the adjacent FeS clusters induces favorable charge distributions and promotes the crucial formation of the active Fe/Ni (oxy)hydroxide. Combined with the spatial enrichment effect of the intermediates in the holey space and the boosted charge transfer within the continuous single‐crystalline framework, the dually regulated FeS@MSC‐NiS2:Fe as ideal integral microreactors show efficient performances in oxygen evolution reaction. In electrochemical tests, the particulate FeS@MSC‐NiS2:Fe requires an overpotential of only 236 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and displays fast reaction kinetics with a Tafel slope of 32.4 mV dec−1. This study provides an important strategy to construct electrocatalysts with highly active sites and good accessibility.
Novel Natural Carrier‐Free Self‐Assembled Nanoparticles for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Balancing Immune Microenvironment and Intestinal Barrier
Authors: Gao Shan , Zheng Haocheng , Xu Shujing , Kong Jingwei , Gao Feng , Wang Zhijia , Li Yuan , Dai Ziqi , Jiang Xinqi , Ding Xia , Lei Haimin
Published: September 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory illness affecting the colon and rectum, with current treatment methods being unable to meet the clinical needs of ulcerative colitis patients. Although nanomedicines are recognized as promising anti‐inflammatory medicines, their clinical application is limited by their high cost and unpredictable safety risks. This study reveals that two natural phytochemicals, berberine (BBR) and hesperetin (HST), self‐assemble directly to form binary carrier‐free multi‐functional spherical nanoparticles (BBR‐HST NPs) through noncovalent bonds involving electrostatic interactions, π–π stacking, and hydrogen bonding. Because of their synergistic anti‐inflammatory activity, berberine–hesperetin nanoparticles (BBR‐HST NPs) exhibit significantly better therapeutic effects on UC and inhibitory effects on inflammation than BBR and HST at the same dose by regulating the immune microenvironment and repairing the damaged intestinal barrier. Furthermore, BBR‐HST NPs exhibit good biocompatibility and biosafety. Thus, this study proves the potential of novel natural anti‐inflammatory nanoparticles as therapeutic agents for UC, which could promote the progress of drug development for UC and eventually benefit patients who suffering from it.
A Targeted Exosome Therapeutic Confers Both CfDNA Scavenging and Macrophage Polarization for Ameliorating Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wang Zhe , Zhang Chuanjie , Meng Jiaqi , Jiao Zhouguang , Bao Weier , Tian He , Wu Chao , Chai Wei , Li Rui , Liu Zheng , Ma Guanghui , Mei Xifan , Wei Wei
Published: September 2023

Only a minority of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients achieve disease remission, so the exploration of additional pathogenic factors and the development of new therapeutics are needed. Here, strong correlations among the cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) level and the inflammatory response in clinical synovial fluid samples and RA disease activity are discovered. The important role of cfDNA in disease development in a collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) murine model is also demonstrated. Building on these findings, a novel therapeutic based on anti‐inflammatory (M2) macrophage‐derived exosomes as chassis, that are modified with both oligolysine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐cleavable polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the membrane, is developed. After intravenous injection, PEG‐enabled prolonged circulation and C─C motif chemokine ligand‐directed accumulation together result in enrichment at inflamed joints. Following subsequent MMP cleavage, the positively charged oligolysine is exposed for cfDNA scavenging, while exosomes induce M2 polarization. By using a classical CIA murine model and a newly established CIA canine model, it is demonstrated that the rationally designed exosome therapeutic substantially suppresses inflammation in joints and provides strong chondroprotection and osteoprotection, revealing its potential for effective CIA amelioration.
Electrically Tunable Topological Notch Filter for THz Integrated Photonics
Authors: Gupta Manoj , Kumar Abhishek , Singh Ranjan
Published: September 2023

Electromagnetic filtering is essential for emerging integrated photonic technologies and widely adaptable processing of high‐bandwidth signals. The conventional electro‐optic modulator‐based photonic approach for signal filtering at microwave frequencies cannot be implemented at terahertz (THz) frequencies due to the unavailability of the THz signal‐driven optical modulator. Here, an electrically tunable on‐chip THz photonic notch filter based on the topologically protected valley hall waveguide‐cavity platform is demonstrated. The device shows a significantly large notch suppression depth of more than 20 dB with a return loss of 13 dB in the entire tuning range of notch frequency. The feedback control circuit enables precise control of the notch frequency shift with a minimum step size of 7 MHz. This work extends the application of topological photonic crystals in developing THz‐integrated photonic devices for transformative technologies, including sixth‐generation (6G) communication and high‐resolution spectral sensing.
Introgression and persistence of cultivar alleles in wild carrot (Daucus carota) populations in the United States
Authors: Hernández Fernando , Palmieri Luciano , Brunet Johanne
Published: September 2023

Premise

Cultivated species and their wild relatives often hybridize in the wild, and the hybrids can survive and reproduce in some environments. However, it is unclear whether cultivar alleles are permanently incorporated into the wild genomes or whether they are purged by natural selection. This question is key to accurately assessing the risk of escape and spread of cultivar genes into wild populations.

Methods

We used genomic data and population genomic methods to study hybridization and introgression between cultivated and wild carrot (Daucus carota) in the United States. We used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained via genotyping by sequencing for 450 wild individuals from 29 wild georeferenced populations in seven states and 144 cultivars from the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Results

Cultivated and wild carrot formed two genetically differentiated groups, and evidence of crop–wild admixture was detected in several but not all wild carrot populations in the United States. Two regions were identified where cultivar alleles were present in wild carrots: California and Nantucket Island (Massachusetts). Surprisingly, there was no evidence of introgression in some populations with a long‐known history of sympatry with the crop, suggesting that post‐hybridization barriers might prevent introgression in some areas.

Conclusions

Our results provide support for the introgression and long‐term persistence of cultivar alleles in wild carrots populations. We thus anticipate that the release of genetically engineered (GE) cultivars would lead to the introduction and spread of GE alleles in wild carrot populations.
Regioselective Carbozincation and Further Functionalization of Allenamides Catalyzed by an N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)‐Copper Complex
Authors: Takimoto Masanori , Hou Zhaomin
Published: September 2023

An efficient protocol for the carbozincation of allenamides with dialkylzinc reagents catalyzed by an NHC−Cu complex has been developed. This protocol could provide alkenylzinc species introducing the alkyl group to γ‐position and the zinc component to β‐position of the allenamides in a regio‐ and stereoselective manner. The resulting alkenylzinc species can undergo further C−C bond‐forming reactions, such as allylation, arylation, and benzoylation, affording a variety of β,β‐disubstituted enamides with well‐controlled configurations of the two substituents. Moreover, the chiral allenamide synthesized via this method can be converted to a chiral aminocyclopropane derivative. In view of the high regio‐ and stereoselectivity and the convenient one‐pot procedure, this sequential transformation protocol offers a potentially useful method for synthesizing multi‐substituted enamides, which are important compounds in synthetic organic chemistry.
Acid‐Catalyzed Alkylation of NH‐1,2,3‐Triazoles with Alcohols
Authors: Chen Xuyang , Yi Zhenwu , Wang Can , Chen Yunfeng
Published: September 2023

An efficient method for the synthesis of N‐alkylated 1,2,3‐triazoles from NH‐1,2,3‐triazoles and alcohols was developed by utilizing Lewis or Brønsted acid as a catalyst. The reaction demonstrates mild reaction conditions, straightforward operation, and 92–97 % overall yield. Allylic alcohols and triphenyl methanol together with 1,1‐diphenylethan‐1‐ol gave single N2‐substituted products, while the regioselectivities of the reactions for aryl‐substituted secondary alcohols, including diarylmethanols, 1‐phenylethanol, were controlled by the electronic effect and spatial hindrance of the NH‐1,2,3‐triazoles. Furthermore, tert‐butanol always gave low regioselectivites for different NH‐1,2,3‐triazoles.
First‐Row d6 Metal Complex Enables Photon Upconversion and Initiates Blue Light‐Dependent Polymerization with Red Light
Authors: Wang Cui , Wegeberg Christina , Wenger Oliver S.
Published: September 2023

Photosensitizers for sensitized triplet‐triplet annihilation upconversion (sTTA‐UC) often rely on precious heavy metals, whereas coordination complexes based on abundant first‐row transition metals are less common. This is mainly because long‐lived triplet excited states are more difficult to obtain for 3d metals, particularly when the d‐subshell is only partially filled. Here, we report the first example of sTTA‐UC based on a 3d6 metal photosensitizer yielding an upconversion performance competitive with precious metal‐based analogues. Using a newly developed Cr0 photosensitizer featuring equally good photophysical properties as an OsII benchmark complex in combination with an acetylene‐decorated anthracene annihilator, red‐to‐blue upconversion is achievable. The upconversion efficiency under optimized conditions is 1.8 %, and the excitation power density threshold to reach the strong annihilation limit is 5.9 W/cm2. These performance factors, along with high photostability, permit the initiation of acrylamide polymerization by red light, based on radiative energy transfer between delayed annihilator fluorescence and a blue light absorbing photo‐initiator. Our study provides the proof‐of‐concept for photon upconversion with elusive first‐row analogues of widely employed precious d6 metal photosensitizers, and for their application in photochemical reactions triggered by excitation wavelengths close to near‐infrared.
Merging the Isonitrile‐Tetrazine (4+1) Cycloaddition and the Ugi Four‐Component Reaction into a Single Multicomponent Process
Authors: Méndez Yanira , Vasco Aldrin V. , Ivey Galway , Dias Ana Laura , Gierth Peter , Sousa Bárbara B. , Navo Claudio D. , Torres‐Mozas Angel , Rodrigues Tiago , Jiménez‐Osés Gonzalo , Bernardes Gonçalo J. L.
Published: September 2023

Multicomponent reactions are of utmost importance at generating a unique, wide, and complex chemical space. Herein we describe a novel multicomponent approach based on the combination of the isonitrile‐tetrazine (4+1) cycloaddition and the Ugi four‐component reaction to generate pyrazole amide derivatives. The scope of the reaction as well as mechanistic insights governing the 4H‐pyrazol‐4‐imine tautomerization are provided. This multicomponent process provides access to a new chemical space of pyrazole amide derivatives and offers a tool for peptide modification and stapling.
Improvement in strain‐induced crystallization and physicochemical property of natural rubber by protease treatment
Authors: Xing Yihao , Yang Yi , Song Weixiao , Wang Zixuan , Li Xiaolin , Wu Xiaohui , Zhang Liqun
Published: September 2023

Natural rubber (NR) distinguishes itself from a synthetic one in that it contains non‐rubber components and is subject to strain‐induced crystallization (SIC). Non‐rubber components may have a great influence on the physicochemical properties and SIC behavior of NR. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This work uses protease to treat the non‐rubber components so as to control their content. The mechanical properties, dynamic properties, and crystallization kinetics of the resulting NR are compared. The protease treatment shortens the solidification time of latex. Thus, a higher phospholipid content is retained. A higher protease content yields better mechanical and dynamic properties. Protease‐treated NR shows a SIC behavior at lower strain and a higher crystallinity at the same strain. This indicates that phospholipids have a greater impact on the properties than proteins, namely they better speed up vulcanization and SIC.
A preliminary study of minimal left atrial appendage occlusion using Watchman under the guidance of fluoroscopy
Authors: Ruan Zhong‐bao , Li Wei , Jin Kai , Ding Xiang‐wei , Chen Ge‐cai , Zhu Jun‐guo , Ren Yi , Zhu Li
Published: September 2023

Background

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has been considered an alternative treatment to prevent embolic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, it carries a risk of general anesthesia or esophageal injury if guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Aims

We aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of minimal LAAO (MLAAO) using Watchman under fluoroscopy guidance alone in patients with NVAF.

Methods

A total of 249 consecutive patients with NVAF who underwent LAAO using the WATCHMAN device were divided into two groups: the Standard LAAO (SLAAO) group and the MLAAO group. Procedural characteristics and follow‐up results were compared between the two groups.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of successful device implantation (p > 0.05). Fluoroscopy time, radiation exposure dose, and contrast medium usage in the MLAAO group were higher than those in the SLAAO group (p < 0.001). The procedure time and hospitalization duration were significantly lower in the MLAAO group than those in the SLAAO group (p < 0.001). The occluder compression ratio, measured with fluoroscopy, was lower than that measured with TEE (17.63 ± 3.75% vs. 21.69 ± 4.26%, p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed between the SLAAO group and the MLAAO group (p < 0.05) in terms of oropharyngeal/esophageal injury, hypotension, and dysphagia. At 3 months after LAAO, the MLAAO group had a higher incidence of residual flow within 1−5 mm compared to the SLAAO group, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

MLAAO guided by fluoroscopy, instead of TEE, without general anesthesia simplifies the operational process and may be considered safe, effective, and feasible, especially for individuals who are unable to tolerate or unwilling to undergo TEE or general anesthesia.
Effect of milling degree on volatile profiles of cooked rice determined by electronic nose and HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS
Authors: Wang Zongwei , Zhang Yiman , Yang Xiao , Wang Ziyuan , Xu Tongcheng , Liu Jie , Wang Jing
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives

Volatile components are mainly distributed in the rice bran layer; thus, rice with different milling levels exhibit different volatile profiles, which affects the aroma of rice and cooked rice. Seven diverse rice varieties were investigated to explore the effect of milling degree on volatile profiles of cooked rice, odor activity value (OAV) was applied to identify key aroma compounds, and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) was applied to determine important marker compounds that may affect aroma.

Findings

The volatile profiles of cooked rice with different milling times were different according to the result of electronic nose. A total of 82 volatiles were identified by headspace solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The number and total content of volatile compounds in most samples decreased with increasing milling time. The number of key aroma compounds (OAV > 1) in most samples also showed a decreasing trend with increasing milling time. PLS‐DA model successfully discriminated the differential volatile compounds in cooked rice samples with different milling times. Tridecane, 6‐methyl‐5‐heptene‐2‐one, nonanal, decanal, 2‐butyl‐2‐octenal, pentadecanal, 2,4‐decadienal, anethole, geranylacetone, 1‐dodecanol, 2‐pentadecanone, 2‐methoxy‐4‐vinylphenol, and indole were identified as 13 marker aroma‐active compounds.

Conclusions

The effect of milling degree on the volatile profiles of cooked rice was closely related to the rice varieties. Longer milling time was not in favor of the aroma of cooked rice. Milling degree mainly affected the nutty, citrus, fruity, waxy, herbal, fatty, celery, smoky, and floral aromas of cooked rice.

Significance and Novelty

The study provided important information for understanding the impacts of milling degree on volatile compounds and aroma properties of cooked rice. This is of great significance for advocating moderate processing of rice and regulating the aroma quality of cooked rice.
Renal aspergillosis after COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis: A case report
Authors: Ghasemian Roya , Vahedi Larijani Lale , Rasouli Kimia , Hedayati Mohammad Taghi , Tavakol Chanour , Heydari Keyvan , Zalpoor Hamidreza , Hoseini Aref
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

Renal aspergillosis is a rare condition and this case the first case of Renal aspergillosis reported after COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis. Renal symptoms should arise clinical suspicion to renal involvement that happened as a result of hematogenous spreading of pulmonary aspergillosis.

Secondary fungal infections are among the most significant complications that can arise after COVID‐19 and have the potential to lead to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. As COVID‐19 primarily involves the airway, the majority of fungal infections reported have been related to the respiratory system. However, renal aspergillosis that we have reported is a rare condition that also can occur. A 67‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital and admitted as a COVID‐19 patient. After the initial recovery, he experienced a recurrence of fever accompanied by a productive cough. The histopathological studies were conducted on the sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples, which revealed the presence of Aspergillus flavus. We treated the patient with voriconazole and the patient was discharged after a period of time. However, after approximately 6 months, he returned to the hospital with a fever and abdominal pain. We started a fever workup. Two new hypoechoic abscess‐like masses were spotted in the right kidney in the ultrasonography (U/S) and the direct molecular studies of the biopsy sample obtained under U/S guidance identified Aspergillus flavus. Although renal aspergillosis is a rare condition, it should not be overlooked, especially in patients with severe COVID‐19 and pulmonary aspergillosis, as these conditions can lead to renal aspergillosis, which may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain with fever. Therefore, it is necessary to perform radiological and histopathological studies when renal aspergillosis is suspected.