bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hallmarks and potential pitfalls of customer‐ and consumer engagement scales: A systematic review
Authors: Hollebeek Linda D. , Sarstedt Marko , Menidjel Choukri , Sprott David E. , Urbonavicius Sigitas
Published: February 2023

Multiple scales measuring a customer's, or consumer's, engagement (CE) with a brand or specific brand elements (e.g., advertising/social media content) have been proposed in the literature, offering researchers different options to gauge CE. However, the myriad proposed operationalizations can yield confusion among scholars regarding how to best capture CE, exposing a growing issue for CE research. Addressing this issue, we take stock of major scales measuring a CE with a brand or specific brand elements. To achieve this objective, we performed a systematic review of major CE scale development articles (2005 to January 2023) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) approach. We systematically evaluated these scales in terms of their respective CE conceptualization, dimensionality, itemization, and underlying theoretical perspective. We also identify potential scale‐related risks, or pitfalls, exposing important insight for CE researchers. Overall, the results suggest the existence of theoretical contamination in specific CE measures (e.g., through the inclusion of related concepts in the proposed CE definition), compromising their theoretical rigor and raising a need for scholars to verify the theoretical underpinnings of their adopted CE scales.
It's not mine: Anthropomorphism attenuates the effect of psychological ownership on product‐to‐self judgment
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Zhou Qiang (Kris) , Yan Dengfeng
Published: February 2023

Previous literature has shown that consumers often see themselves as possessing the characteristics of products they own, referring to product‐to‐self judgment effect. For example, consumers perceive themselves as more innovative after owning an innovative product. The current research identifies and demonstrates a boundary condition for this effect, showing that product anthropomorphism lowers the tendency for consumers to judge themselves in assimilation with the traits and abilities of the product. We further demonstrate that this moderating effect arises because consumers are less likely to classify anthropomorphized product into the “Self” category, for they see the product as an entity like other people. Three experiments provide supportive evidence for this moderating effect and the underlying mechanism. Overall, our research contributes to the literature by uncovering the process of how product anthropomorphism may hinder consumers from using products to express themselves, thus providing implications for promoting products that focus on enhancing consumer self‐expression.
Have We Forgotten What Tics Are? A Re‐Exploration of Tic Phenomenology in Youth with Primary Tics
Authors: Nilles Christelle , Martino Davide , Fletcher Julian , Pringsheim Tamara
Published: February 2023

Background

The first systematic description of tics in a large sample was in 1978.

Objectives

To assess the phenomenology of tics in youth and investigate how age and sex influence tic phenomenology.

Methods

Children and adolescents with primary tic disorders have been prospectively included in our Registry in Calgary, Canada, since 2017. We examined tic frequency and distribution using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, differences between sexes, and changes in tic severity with age and with mental health comorbidities.

Results

A total of 203 children and adolescents with primary tic disorders were included (76.4% males; mean age = 10.7 years, 95% CI = 10.3–11.1). At first assessment, the most common simple motor tics were eye blinking (57%), head jerks/movements (51%), eye movements (48%) and mouth movements (46%); 86% had at least one simple facial tic. The most frequent complex motor tics were tic‐related compulsive behaviors (19%). Throat clearing was the most common simple phonic tic (42%); 5% only had coprolalia. Females had higher frequency and intensity of motor tics than males (P = 0.032 and P = 0.006, respectively), associated with greater tic‐related impairment (P = 0.045). Age was positively correlated with the Total Tic Severity Score (coefficient 0.54, P = 0.005), along with the number, frequency and intensity of motor tics but not with their complexity. Psychiatric comorbidities were associated with greater tic severity.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that age and sex affect clinical presentation in youth with tics. The phenomenology of tics in our sample was similar to the 1978 description of tics, and contrasts with functional tic‐like behaviors.
Impact of sex and aging on radiographic and functional parameters of the anal sphincter complex in patients with accidental bowel leakage
Authors: Artsen Amanda M. , Dyer Keisha Y. , Routzong Megan R. , Zazueta‐Damian Gisselle , Weinstein Milena M. , Alperin Marianna
Published: February 2023

Aims

Treatment outcomes for accidental bowel leakage (ABL) may be influenced by age‐related sarcopenia. We sought to determine if thickness of the anal sphincter complex on endoanal ultrasound correlated with function in women and men with ABL and if women demonstrated age‐related anal sphincter thinning.

Methods

Consecutive patients with ABL presenting to our pelvic floor clinic from 2012 to 2017 were included. Clinical data were obtained from medical records. External anal sphincter (EAS), imaged by endoanal ultrasound at proximal, mid and distal locations, and IAS thickness were measured at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock; puborectalis muscle (PRM) was measured at 4, 6, and 8 o'clock; and averaged. Anorectal manometry was conducted when clinically indicated. Data were compared using Mann–Whitney tests and linear regression. Results are reported as mean ± SD or median (IQR).

Results

Women (n = 136) were younger than men (n = 26) (61 ± 13 vs. 67 ± 13 years, p = 0.02). More women than men had pelvic surgery and less had colorectal surgery, spinal disorders, or a history of smoking (p < 0.05). Eighty‐two percentage of women had an anal sphincter defect versus 31% of men (p < 0.01). All anal sphincter complex components were thinner in women than men with lower squeeze and resting pressures (p < 0.03), even in nulliparous women. Mean resting pressure was lower in older 6.1 (4.6–7.8) versus younger women 8.3 (5.0–12.9) mmHg, p = 0.04.

Conclusions

Women, even nulliparous, with ABL demonstrate thinner and weaker anal sphincters than men, Aging correlated with an increase in anal sphincter thickness, suggesting that age‐related changes in the intrinsic components of the anal sphincter complex associated with ABL are complex and are not always well demonstrated on endoanal ultrasound.
Montclair's Jordanna Maziarz: Take the stress out of college applications
Authors: D'Orio Wayne
Published: February 2023

For many admissions officers, the big goals of their profession seems fixed: increase applicants and ensure your college has a full freshman class. While it's true some schools are trying to increase their class sizes while others are attempting to become more selective, the rules to follow seem pretty well defined in this space.
Effects of acupuncture on obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Jiamin , Kong Yue , Chen Hailan , Zhu Meilin , Lv Qian , Xu Baoling , Zhu Fangfang
Published: February 2023

Our study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of acupuncture in patients with obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Literature search of four Chinese databases and six English databases for studies published from the inception of each database to March 1, 2022 and identify relevant studies published in Chinese or English. Related randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for the treatment of OSAHS were included to analyze the efficacy of acupuncture. Two researchers independently reviewed all of the retrieved studies to screen for eligible studies and extract the required relevant data. Included studies were subjected to a methodological quality assessment using the Cochrane Manual 5.1.0, and to a meta‐analysis using Cochrane Review Manager version 5.4. A total of 19 studies with 1365 participants were examined. Compared with the control group, the apnea–hypopnea index, lowest oxygen saturation, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor α, and nuclear factor κ‐B indicators all exhibited statistically significant changes. Thus, acupuncture was effective in alleviating the state of hypoxia and sleepiness and reduced the inflammatory response and disease severity among reported patients with OSAHS. Therefore, acupuncture could be widely used in the clinical treatment of OSAHS patients as a complementary strategy and warrants further study.
Fabrication and characterization of polylactic acid/natural fiber extruded composites
Authors: Alothman Othman Y. , Awad Sameer , Siakeng Ramengmawii , Khalaf Eman M. , Fouad Hassan , Abd El‐salam Nasser M. , Ahmed Faraz , Jawaid M.
Published: February 2023

In this work, the fabricated polylactic acid (PLA) and hybrid natural fiber (NF) biocomposites via a melt extrusion method were investigated. NFs from locally grown plants were utilized as fillers. Polyethene glycol (PEG) was used as the plasticizer to improve the processability of the PLA. The effect of PLA/NF biocomposite processing was assessed by mechanical characterization (tensile, modulus, strain at break, and impact tests), and thermal properties (thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry [DSC] analysis). The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermo‐mechanical analysis (TMA) of the samples were also analyzed. The mechanical properties of PLA/NF biocomposites improved as compared with that of PLA. The DMA findings show that the storage modulus and loss modulus exhibited a slight reduction for PLA/NF biocomposites compared with the PLA sample. In opposite, the glass transition temperature (Tg) from DSC thermogram results showed no obvious changes in values compared with the PLA sample. Furthermore, the findings of TMA showed a significant decrease in coefficient of thermal expansion values of PLA/NF biocomposites compared with those of PLA samples. The overall findings from this work indicated that PLA/NF biocomposites have the potential to make novel biocomposites and suitable for further application especially in biomedical applications due to its good stiffness, tensile strength, and dimensional stability.
Integrated tandem affinity protein purification using the polyhistidine plus extra 4 amino acids (HiP4) tag system
Authors: Ino Yoko , Yamaoka Yutaro , Tanaka Kiho , Miyakawa Kei , Nishi Mayuko , Hatayama Yasuyoshi , Kimura Hirokazu , Kimura Yayoi , Ryo Akihide
Published: February 2023

Peptide tag systems are a robust biophysical and biochemical method that is widely used for protein detection and purification. Here, we developed a novel tag system termed “HiP4” (histidine plus four amino acids) whose epitope sequence comprises only seven amino acids (HHHDYDI) that partially overlap with the conventional 6x histidine tag (6xHis‐tag). We produced a monoclonal antibody against the HiP4 tag that can be used in multiple immunoassays with high specificity and affinity. Using this system, we developed a tandem affinity purification (TAP) and mass spectrometry (TAP‐MS) system for comprehensive protein interactome analysis. The integrated use of nickel bead purification followed by HiP4 tag immunoprecipitation made it possible to reduce nonspecific binding and improve selectivity, leading to the recovery of previously unrecognized proteins that interact with hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein or TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TARDBP or TDP‐43). Our results indicate that this system may be viable as a simple and powerful tool for TAP‐MS that can achieve low background and high selectivity in comprehensive protein–protein interaction analyses.
Impact of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor on bacterial cultures from people with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Beck Michael R. , Hornick Douglas B. , Pena Tahuanty A. , Singh Sachinkumar B. , Wright Brittany A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators have shown beneficial effects on both forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and frequency of pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). These positive outcomes may be related to changes in bacterial colonization within the lungs. Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) is the first triple therapy CFTR modulator approved for use in people with CF 6 years and older. This study aimed to determine the impact of ELX/TEZ/IVA on the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa), methicillin‐resistant and methicillin‐susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and MSSA, respectively) in respiratory cultures.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of the electronic medical record at the University of Iowa was completed for individuals 12 years and older taking ELX/TEZ/IVA for at least 12 months. The primary outcome was determined by assessing bacterial cultures pre‐ and postinitiation of ELX/TEZ/IVA. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were summarized using mean and standard deviation for continuous outcomes and count and percentage for categorical outcomes. Culture positivity for Pa, MSSA, and MRSA was compared among enrolled subjects between pre‐ and posttriple combination therapy periods using an exact McNemar's test.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐four subjects prescribed ELX/TEZ/IVA for at least 12 months met the requirements for inclusion within our analysis. Culture positivity for Pa, MSSA, and MRSA was approximately 54%, 33%, and 31%, respectively, for the pre‐ELX/TEZ/IVA period. Prevalence decreased to approximately 30%, 32%, and 24% (−24.2% [p < 0.0001], −0.7% [p = 1.00], and −6.5% [p = 0.0963], respectively) post‐ELX/TEZ/IVA. The source of bacterial culture was predominantly sputum (70.2%) in the pre‐ELX/TEZ/IVA group, whereas a throat source (66.1%) was more common post‐ELX/TEZ/IVA.

Conclusions

ELX/TEZ/IVA treatment has an appreciable impact on the detection of common bacterial pathogens in CF respiratory cultures. While previous studies have found a similar effect with single and double CFTR modulator therapies, this is the first single‐center study to show the impact of triple therapy, ELX/TEZ/IVA, on bacterial isolation from airway secretions.
Defined daily doses in pediatric dosing‐ a theoretical example
Authors: Dahlén Elin , Kindblom Jenny Marianne , Kimland Elin Eyfells
Published: February 2023

A defined daily dose for children (cDDD) taking body weight into account, was proposed as a better measure of drug utilization in children than the World Health Organization's DDD. There is no global definition of DDDs for children, and it is unclear which standard doses should be used for children when conducting drug utilization studies. We used doses according to the authorized medical product information and body weight according to national pediatric growth curves to calculate theoretical cDDD for three common medicines in children in a Swedish setting. These examples demonstrate that the concept of cDDD may not be optimal for drug utilization studies in children, especially not for younger children and when dosing is done according to weight is crucial. Validation of cDDD in real‐world data is warranted. When conducting pediatric drug utilization studies, accessibility to individual‐level data on body weight and age combined with dosing information is needed.
The chemosensory protein 1 contributes to indoxacarb resistance in Plutella xylostella(L.)
Authors: Li Yifan , Ni Shujun , Wang Yunping , Li Ruichi , Sun Hong , Ye Xuan , Tian Zhen , Zhang Yalin , Liu Jiyuan
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Insecticide resistance continuously poses a threat to agricultural production. Chemosensory protein‐mediated resistance is a new mechanism of insecticide resistance discovered in recent years. In‐depth research on resistance mediated by chemosensory proteins (CSPs) provides new insight into aid insecticide resistance management.

RESULTS

Chemosensory protein 1 in Plutella xylostella (PxCSP1) was overexpressed in the two indoxacarb‐resistant field populations and PxCSP1 has a high affinity with indoxacarb. PxCSP1 was upregulated when exposed to indoxacarb and the knockdown of this gene elevated sensitivity to indoxacarb, which demonstrate that PxCSP1 is involved in the indoxacarb resistance. Considering that CSPs may confer resistance in insects via binding or sequestering, we explored the binding mechanism of indoxacarb in PxCSP1‐mediated resistance. Using molecular dynamics simulations and site‐directed mutation, we found that indoxacarb forms a solid complex with PxCSP1 mainly through van der Waals interactions and electrostatic interactions. Between these, the electrostatic interaction provided by the Lys100 side chain in PxCSP1, and especially the hydrogen bonding between the NZ atom and the O of the carbamoyl carbonyl group of indoxacarb, are the key factors for the high affinity of PxCSP1 to indoxacarb.

CONCLUSIONS

The overexpression of PxCPS1 and its high affinity to indoxacarb is partially responsible for indoxacarb resistance in P. xylostella. Modification of indoxacarb's carbamoyl group has the potential to alleviate indoxacarb resistance in P. xylostella. These findings will contribute to solving chemosensory protein‐mediated indoxacarb resistance and provide a better understanding of the insecticide resistance mechanism. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Thymol inTrachyspermum ammiseed extract exhibits neuroprotection, learning, and memory enhancement in scopolamine‐induced Alzheimer's disease mouse model
Authors: Timalsina Binod , Haque Md Nazmul , Choi Ho Jin , Dash Raju , Moon Il Soo
Published: February 2023

Several reports have stated the neuroprotective and learning/memory effects ofTachyspermum ammiseed extract (TASE) and its principal component thymol; however, little is known about its underlying molecular mechanisms and neurogenesis potential. This study aimed to provide insights into TASE and a thymol‐mediated multifactorial therapeutic approach in a scopolamine‐induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model. TASE and thymol supplementation significantly reduced oxidative stress markers such as brain glutathione, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde in mouse whole brain homogenates. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha was significantly downregulated, whereas the elevation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and phospho‐glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta (serine 9) enhanced learning and memory in the TASE‐ and thymol‐treated groups. A significant reduction in the accumulation of Aβ 1–42 peptides was observed in the brains of TASE‐ and thymol‐treated mice. Furthermore, TASE and thymol significantly promoted adult neurogenesis, with increased doublecortin positive neurons in the subgranular and polymorphic zones of the dentate gyrus in treated‐mice. Collectively, TASE and thymol could  potentially act as natural therapeutic agents for the treatment of  neurodegenerative disorders, such as  AD.
Extreme rainfall events in the West African Sahel: Understanding storm development over the Damergou gap using convection‐permitting simulations in the Weather Research and Forecasting model
Authors: Vizy Edward K. , Cook Kerry H.
Published: February 2023

Extreme rainfall events in the West African Sahel can be impactful, yet we do not completely understand why such storms develop. Here, we utilize NASA long‐term Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for Global precipitation measurement (IMERG) rainfall estimates, various atmospheric reanalyses, and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) convection‐permitting simulations to further examine the regional/local conditions that led to the development of two extreme events over the Damergou Gap of Niger/Nigeria identified in a prior study. The August 20, 2019 central Niger event is associated with the passage of a westward‐moving convective line. A strong thermal low over eastern Niger preconditions the environment by increasing the atmospheric moisture and vertical wind shear. Cold‐pool outflow boundaries generated from afternoon convection over the higher terrain ahead of the approaching line enhances convergence along the line while slowing down the system's movement, resulting in higher‐intensity rainfall for a longer time over the region. The July 19, 2001 northern Nigerian event has rainfall developing over the Jos Plateau in the afternoon. Guinean Highland ridging combined with low pressure over Niger/Chad produces a strong low‐level height gradient associated with the development of a strong southwesterly flow surge that transports tropical moisture into the region. This surge interacts with the equatorward migration of the Sahel–tropical Africa dryline, enhancing the convergence and convection north of the Jos Plateau. Our results indicate that while extreme rainfall in the Damergou Gap is likely to occur in anomalously moist environments, it is not necessarily associated with highly unstable environments (e.g., convective available potential energy [CAPE] >2,500 J·kg−1). Furthermore, interactions with cold‐pool outflow boundaries generated from other convective areas is important, and local terrain features are influential in the development of such convective areas.
Group sequential multi‐arm multi‐stage trial design with treatment selection
Authors: Wu Jianrong , Li Yimei , Zhu Liang
Published: February 2023

A multi‐arm trial allows simultaneous comparison of multiple experimental treatments with a common control and provides a substantial efficiency advantage compared to the traditional randomized controlled trial. Many novel multi‐arm multi‐stage (MAMS) clinical trial designs have been proposed. However, a major hurdle to adopting the group sequential MAMS routinely is the computational effort of obtaining total sample size and sequential stopping boundaries. In this paper, we develop a group sequential MAMS trial design based on the sequential conditional probability ratio test. The proposed method provides analytical solutions for futility and efficacy boundaries to an arbitrary number of stages and arms. Thus, it avoids complicated computational effort for the methods proposed by Magirr et al. Simulation results showed that the proposed method has several advantages compared to the methods implemented in R package MAMS by Magirr et al.
Determination of Chromium in Contaminated Water Samples Using Chemically Modified Nanoadsorbent: A Computational and Experimental Study
Authors: Tiwari Shelja , Lochab Amit , Jindal Kajal , Saxena Reena
Published: February 2023

In the reported work, a solid phase extraction method for speciation of chromium species in contaminated industrial and river water samples has been studied by using both experimental and computational methods. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine (TREN) was used as a solid phase extractant for the hyphenated preconcentration of chromium species. The characterization of the immobilized MWCNTs was done by FTIR and SEM analysis. This hyphenated system significantly improves the overall analytical performance by reducing sample consumption and sampling time. The computational results supported the experimental findings. The negative adsorption energy (−2.71 eV) suggested that the interaction process between chromium and modified nanoadsorbent is spontaneous. The system showed a limit of detection of 0.07 μg L−1 at optimized condition with an RSD value of 1.2 %. Adsorption capacity was measured using Lagergren's equation which showed that adsorption kinetics follows pseudo second‐order. The suggested method was applied to contaminated real water samples by performing spike recovery tests. The validation of the reported system was done by analysing NIST Standard Reference Material Trace Elements in Natural Water 1640a.
Benzyl‐Triazole Derivatives of Hydrazinecarbothiamide Derivatives as Potent Tyrosinase Inhibitors: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, Structure‐Activity Relationship and Docking Study
Authors: Divar Masoumeh , Tadayyon Somayeh , Khoshneviszadeh Mehdi , Pirhadi Somayeh , Attarroshan Mahshid , Mobaraki Kourosh , Damghani Tahereh , Mirfazli Sara , Edraki Najmeh
Published: February 2023

Skin and hair pigmentation, skin cancer, and enzymatic browning of plants and fruits are caused by tyrosinase, a di‐copper oxidase. In the present work, we developed a novel series of substituted benzyl‐1,2,3‐triazole derivatives linked to hydrazinecarbothiamide via methoxyphenyl linker and assessed them for their tyrosinase inhibitory effects in the presence of L‐dopa as substrates. The majority of the synthesized compounds inhibited tyrosinase at sub‐micromolar concentrations. Compounds with 3,4‐dichloro, 4‐fluoro, and 3‐chloro on the benzyl ring, respectively, exhibited exceptionally high potency against tyrosinase with IC50 values of 0.22, 0.22, and 0.24 μM in the presence of L‐dopa as substrates, which is significantly lower than that of kojic acid as the positive control with an IC50 value of 9.64 μM. Result of kinetic assay demonstrated mixed type of inhibition by 9 g.

The experimental findings of the potent compounds with the target enzyme, tyrosinase, were corroborated by molecular docking studies. The results of the molecular docking analysis showed the presence of critical pi‐pi interactions between potent compounds and residues Phe264, and His263.
Valorization of Yellow Oleander to Nitrogen Doped Carbon Dots: Theragnostic and Genotoxicity Assessment
Authors: Sarkar Suprabhat , Raghavan Akshaya , Deshpande Shruti , Nayak V. Lakshma , Misra Sunil , Sistla Ramakrishna , Ghosh Sutapa
Published: February 2023

Development of useful products from toxic or hazardous waste is a unique strategy to overcome their disposal. In this work, we report the valorization of the toxic flowers of Thevetia peruviana (TP) into blue fluorescent nitrogen doped carbon dots (N‐CDs) with ∼6.6 % nitrogen doping from a single source of biomass without using any external dopant. The hydrophilic N‐CDs are biocompatible and show excitation‐dependent emission. Cytotoxity studies revealed the N‐CDs are selectively toxic towards the cancerous cells (DU‐145, MDA MB‐231, HepG2, and B16) but more biocompatible with normal CHO‐K1 and HEK‐293 cells. It has been observed that generation of reactive oxygen species in presence of N‐CDs cause DNA damage and the unrepaired cells undergo apoptosis in G2/M phase. To investigate the toxicity to normal cells, we further carried out in‐vitro and in‐vivo genotoxicity studies to reveal its non‐mitotoxic, non‐clastogenic, and non‐aneugenic properties.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Aryl‐Tailored Oxadiazole‐thiones as New Urease Inhibitors
Authors: Maz Tugce Gur , Caliskan H. Burak , Capan Irfan , Caliskan Burcu , Özçelik Berrin , Banoglu Erden
Published: February 2023

The ubiquitous chronic gastric infections that cause major human health disorders like gastritis and ulcers can be treated using drugs targeting the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) urease. Targeted eradication therapy is essential given the growing ineffectiveness of current treatment regimens due to broad‐spectrum antibiotic resistance, significant side effects, and low compliance. Therefore, we here report the development of a new series of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiones with various aryl tail groups (compounds 20–27) as effective urease inhibitors. The most promising analog 5‐[(4‐methoxyphenoxy)methyl]‐2,3‐dihydro‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thione (21) inhibited the urease activity with an IC50 value of 26.6 μM. In addition, kinetic studies revealed the competitive inhibition pattern for 21 with a Ki value of 8.72 μM indicating the potent and specific binding interactions with the urease active site. Molecular docking analysis of 21 inside the active pocket of the urease highlighted several important interactions with amino acid residues such as H492, H519 and R439, which pave the way for further development of improved urease inhibitors with potential application as anti‐infective agents.
Development of Two Efficient Dual‐Function Fluorescent Probes for Specific Recognition of Zn2+/H2S
Authors: Pu Yan‐Qing , Yu Xiang‐Zhu , Yu Mohan , Zhao Zheng‐Jia , An Yue
Published: February 2023

In this paper, two dual function fluorescent probes P1 and P2 with obvious fluorescence spectrum change were developed for the detection of Zn2+ and H2S. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to investigate the detection mechanism. A further illustration of the fluorescence quenching mechanism was also studied by 1H NMR titration and UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy. Both probes are new compounds containing coumarin structure as fluorophore. They can quantitatively detect Zn2+ and H2S in the concentration range from 0 to 50 μM with excellent selectivity and anti‐interference ability over many metal ions or anions. Most worthy is that probes P1 and P2 have better cell permeability with lower cytotoxicity, which can be used for fluorescence detection in MCF‐7 cells, as well as the detection of exogenous Zn2+ in organisms.
An Unsymmetrical bis‐Imine Derivative for Solvent Dependent Rapid Optical Discrimination of Al3+, Zn2+ and OCl−: Combined Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Shyam Tandrim , Ghosh Milan , Ghosh Subhasis , Das Debasis
Published: February 2023

An unsymmetrical bis‐imine derivative (A2) selectively detect Al3+, Zn2+ and OCl− in a solvent dependent manner where Al3+ and Zn2+ emit green and blue light in DMSO−H2O media while OCl− emits green‐yellow light in aqueous ethanol. The corresponding florescence enhancements are 8.2 fold, 3.7 fold (chelation enhanced fluorescence and excited state intra‐molecular proton transfer OFF) and 10.6 fold (H‐bonding, excited state intra‐molecular proton transfer OFF) respectively. While the limit of detection (LODs) for Al3+, Zn2+ and OCl− are 49 nM, 35 nM and 74 nM respectively, the corresponding binding/ association constants are 1.79×105 M−1, 1.8×105 M−1 and 3.68×105 M−2. The results of density functional theory (DFT) studies are fairly close to that of experimental findings.
Access to Dihydroquinazolinones, spiro‐Quinazolinones and their Bioactive Molecular Scaffolds by Exploring the Unique Reactivity of 2‐Nitrobenzonitrile towards Cu‐Hydrazine Hydrate
Authors: Sahoo Subrata , Pal Shantanu
Published: February 2023

A unique reactivity of 2‐nitrobenzonitrile towards hydrazine hydrate has been demonstrated, which was explored for the rapid and efficient synthesis of dihydro‐quinazolinone derivatives. In this reaction, hydrolysis of nitriles followed by reduction of the nitro group was observed only for the ortho‐isomer. The reaction sequences involve a concerted pathway for the formation of 2‐aminobenzamide from 2‐nitrobenzonitrile, where copper catalyzed both the hydrolysis of the cyano group as well as the reduction of the nitro group simultaneously. This methodology has been used to synthesize a variety of electronically varied spiro‐ and dihydro quinazolinones with high yield and functional group tolerance. In addition, the methodology has also been applied to the synthesis of biologically potent molecular entities.
A Janus Textile Capable of Radiative Subambient Cooling and Warming for Multi‐Scenario Personal Thermal Management
Authors: Li Keqiao , Li Meng , Lin Chongjia , Liu Gongze , Li Yang , Huang Baoling
Published: February 2023

Textiles with radiative cooling/warming capabilities provide a green and effective solution to personal thermal comfort in different climate scenarios. However, developing multiple‐mode textiles for wearing in changing climates with large temperature variation remains a challenge. Here a Janus textile is reported, comprising a polyethersulfone (PES)‐Al2O3 cooling layer optically coupled with a Ti3C2Tx warming layer, which can realize sub‐ambient radiative cooling, solar warming, and active Joule heating. Owing to the intrinsically high refractive index of PES and the rational design of the fiber topology, the nanocomposite PES textile features a record high solar reflectance of 0.97. Accompanied by an infrared (IR) emittance of 0.91 in the atmospheric window, sub‐ambient cooling of 0.5–2.5 °C is achieved near noontime in humid summer under ≈1000 W m−2 solar irradiation in Hong Kong. The simulated skin covered with the textile is ≈10 °C cooler than that with white cotton. The Ti3C2Tx layer provides a high solar‐thermal efficiency of ≈80% and a Joule heating flux of 66 W m−2 at 2 V and 15 °C due to its excellent spectral selectivity and electrical conductivity. The switchable multiple working modes enable effective and adaptive personal thermal management in changing environments.
Glutamine Induced High‐Quality Perovskite Film to Improve the Efficiency of NIR Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Chen Jianan , Tang Zhaobing , Zhou Yangzhou , Ding Shuo , Li Liang , Qian Lei , Xiang Chaoyu
Published: February 2023

Formamidine lead iodide (FAPbI3) is an important material for realizing high‐performance near‐infrared light‐emitting diodes (NIR‐LEDs). However, due to the uncontrollable growth of solution‐processed films which usually causes low coverage, and poor surface morphology, the development of FAPbI3‐based NIR‐LEDs is hindered, restraining its potential industrial applications. In this work, by employing glutamine (Gln) in perovskite precursor, the quality of FAPbI3 film is improved significantly. Due to the ameliorated solution process by the organic additive, the film coverage over the substrate is substantially enhanced. Meanwhile, the trap state of grain is largely reduced. Consequently, NIR perovskite LEDs are demonstrated with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 15% with the emission peak at 795 nm, which is four times higher than the device with pristine perovskite film.
Facile and Universal Defect Engineering Toward Highly Stable Carbon‐Based Polymer Brushes with High Grafting Density
Authors: Wang Zelin , Lin Xidong , Tang Youchen , Miao Dongtian , Huang Junlong , Lu Yan , Liu Shaohong , Fu Ruowen , Wu Dingcai
Published: February 2023

Carbon‐based polymer brushes (CBPBs) are an important class of functional polymer materials, which synergistically combine the advantageous properties of both carbons and polymers. However, the conventional fabrication procedures of CBPBs involve tedious multistep modification, including preoxidation of carbon substrates, introduction of initiating groups, and subsequent graft polymerization. In this study, a simple yet versatile defect‐engineering strategy is proposed for the efficient synthesis of high‐grafting‐density CBPBs with highly stable CC linkages via free radical polymerization. This strategy involves the introduction and removal of nitrogen heteroatoms in the carbon skeletons via a simple temperature‐Fmed heat treatment, leading to the formation of numerous carbon defects (e.g., pentagons, heptagons, and octagons) with reactive C=C bonds in the carbon substrates. The as‐proposed methodology enables the facile fabrication of CBPBs with various carbon substrates and polymers. More importantly, the highly grafted polymer chains in the resulting CBPBs are tethered with the carbon skeletons by robust CC bonds, which can endure strong acid and alkali environments. These interesting findings will shed new light on the well‐orchestrated design of CBPBs and broaden their applications in various areas with fascinating performances.
A Fluorinated Supramolecular Self‐Assembled Peptide as Nanovaccine Adjuvant for Enhanced Cancer Vaccine Therapy
Authors: Jia Shaorui , Ji Shenglu , Zhao Jia , Lv Yonghui , Wang Jiayang , Sun Daqing , Ding Dan
Published: February 2023

Adjuvants play an important role in enhancing vaccine‐induced immune protection. Adequate cellular uptake, robust lysosomal escape, and subsequent antigen cross‐presentation are critical steps for vaccine adjuvants to effectively elicit cellular immunity. Here, a fluorinated supramolecular strategy to generate a series of peptide adjuvants by using arginine (R) and fluorinated diphenylalanine peptide (DP) is adopted. It is found that the self‐assembly ability and antigen‐binding affinity of these adjuvants increase with the number of fluorine (F) and can be regulated by R. By comparison, 4RDP(F5) shows the strongest binding affinity with model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) and the best performance in dendritic cells maturation and antigen's lysosomal escape, which contributes to the subsequent antigen cross‐presentation. As a consequence, 4RDP(F5)‐OVA nanovaccine generates a strong cellular immunity in a prophylactic OVA‐expressing EG7‐OVA lymphoma model, leading to long‐term immune memory for resisting tumor challenge. What's more, 4RDP(F5)‐OVA nanovaccine in combination with anti‐programmed cell death ligand‐1 (anti‐PD‐L1) checkpoint blockade could effectively elicit anti‐tumor immune responses and inhibit tumor growth in a therapeutic EG7‐OVA lymphoma model. Overall, this study demonstrates the simplicity and effectiveness of fluorinated supramolecular strategies for constructing adjuvants and might provide an attractive vaccine adjuvant candidate for cancer immunotherapy.
A giant phytosaur (Diapsida, Archosauria) from the Upper Triassic of India with new insights on phytosaur migration, endemism and extinction
Authors: Datta Debajit , Ray Sanghamitra
Published: February 2023

A new Mystriosuchinae phytosaur,Colossosuchus techniensis, is described from the Upper Triassic Tiki Formation of India.Colossosuchusis diagnosed by multiple apomorphies, including a strongly downturned terminal rosette (c. 70°), closely spaced mediolateral band‐like ornamentation on dorsal surface of the nasal, dorsolaterally oriented supratemporal fenestra, ventrolaterally inclined postorbital–squamosal bars depressed below the skull table, dorsally convex parietal–squamosal bar that descends ventrolaterally below the skull roof, dome‐shaped skull in lateral view, prominent neural arch laminae and fossae, three sacral vertebrae, robust proximal end of the tibia, and fibula with high anteroposterior flaring of the distal end. The total body length of the largest individual recovered from the bonebed is estimated to be more than 8 m, suggesting thatColossosuchusis one of the largest phytosaurs known. Phylogenetic analysis nestsColossosuchusand other undescribed specimens from India within Mystriosuchinae. These form a distinct clade and represent the earliest record of endemism among Gondwanan phytosaurs. This clade is recovered as sister taxa to ((Volcanosuchus + Rutiodon) + Leptosuchomorpha), where the depressed supratemporal fenestra first appeared in the phytosaur lineage, a feature previously used to diagnose the derived leptosuchomorphs. Early‐diverging phytosaur diversification may have coincided with the final stages of the Carnian Pluvial Event with their possible migratory routes along the circum‐Tethyan coastline. The lineage continued to evolve mostly through endemic radiations and experienced an extinction event during early Norian, which marked the disappearance of most of the non‐leptosuchomorph taxa. This is attributed to post‐CPE aridification, although more study is required.
Chromatographic separation of saponin glycosides from roots of Asparagus racemosus (Wild.) using a modified approach
Authors: Modha Akshay , Tiwari Priti , Patel Samir , Gamit Kanan , Raval Manan
Published: February 2023

Asparagus racemosus (Wild.) (Family: Liliaceae) is extensively used as lactogenic, and the presence of saponin glycosides was found to be  responsible for the biological activity. The studies were performed to isolate saponin glycosides from bioactive n‐butanol fraction of methanolic extract prepared from Asparagus racemosus; through a combined application of alumina‐based vacuum column chromatography and silica gel‐based open column chromatography. The process yielded two steroidal saponins, and the comparative spectral studies of the purified saponins revealed them to be shatavarin‐IV and asparanin‐A. This modified and comparatively simple approach for the separation of shatavarin‐IV and asparanin‐A from the roots of Asparagus racemosus is the first report on the isolation of asparanin‐A from Asparagus racemosus using the conventional column chromatography method. The isolated compounds may serve as standards for ensuring the quality of raw materials.
Teaching the Nation(s): A Duoethnography on Affect and Citizenship in a Content‐BasedEAPProgram
Authors: Morgan Brian , Ahmed Anwar
Published: February 2023

The plurality of nation in this title foregrounds the challenge of teaching a geopolitical entity whose survival depends on building emotional ties of belonging. These ties can be problematic in diverse societies in which collective identities compete for recognition. In Canada, nationhood tied to language and culture is claimed by French‐speaking Quebecers; it is also invoked by many Western‐Canadian politicians to express a growing alienation from Eastern Canada's perceived socio‐economic dominance. In Canada's constitution, the term First Nations represents the indigenous peoples who are the country's original inhabitants. In this context, teaching the nation(s) is indeed challenging. In response, the authors adopt duoethnography as both research methodology and pedagogy in their content‐based English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses. They first explore their experiences and emotional attachments to nationhood, reflecting on their influences on teaching around language and citizenship. They then provide two EAP assignments as examples: The first is a course assignment in which students critically examine hyphenated national identities through duoethnographic inquiry. The second is called the Get Involved project, which examines service learning and citizenship. Both examples demonstrate the importance of critical affective literacies to expand the pedagogical repertoires of EAP teachers and students in a time of resurgent nationalism.
Impact of body mass index on markers of vascular health in normotensive women with history of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Heidema W. H. , Van Drongelen J. , Spaanderman M. E. A. , Scholten R. R.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Obesity and pre‐eclampsia (PE) are both associated with vascular dysfunction, which translates into an increased risk for cardiovascular disease in later life. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an interaction between body mass index (BMI) and a history of PE in their effects on vascular health.

Methods

This was an observational case–control study of 30 women with a history of PE who were compared with 31 age‐ and BMI‐matched controls who had an uncomplicated pregnancy. Flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) and carotid distensibility (CD) were measured 6–12 months postpartum. To evaluate the impact of physical fitness, maximum oxygen uptake capacity was assessed using a standardized maximum exhaustion cycling test using breath‐by‐breath analysis. To specify further BMI subgroups, metabolic syndrome constituents were assessed in all individuals.

Results

Formerly pre‐eclamptic women had significantly lower FMD (5.1 ± 2.1% vs 9.4 ± 3.4%; P < 0.01), higher cIMT (0.59 ± 0.09 vs 0.49 ± 0.07 µm; P < 0.01) and lower CD (1.54 ± 0.37%/10 mmHg vs 1.80 ± 0.39%/10 mmHg; P < 0.01) compared with controls. In our study, population BMI correlated negatively with FMD (P = 0.04) but not with cIMT or CD. BMI and PE did not exhibit an interaction effect on these vascular parameters. Physical fitness was lower in women with a history of PE and in women with higher BMI. Constituents of the metabolic syndrome, including insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐ir), triglyceride, microalbuminuria and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, were significantly higher in formerly pre‐eclamptic women. BMI affected glucose metabolism but not lipids or blood pressure. BMI and PE positively interacted in their effect on insulin (P = 0.04) and HOMA‐ir (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Both BMI and a history of PE have negative effects on endothelial function, insulin resistance and physical fitness. In formerly pre‐eclamptic women, the effect of BMI on insulin resistance was particularly high, suggesting a synergistic effect. Additionally, independently of BMI, a history of PE was associated with reduced FMD and CD and increased cIMT and blood pressure. Recognizing the cardiovascular risk profile is important for informing patients and encouraging targeted lifestyle modifications. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Ethical issues when using digital biomarkers and artificial intelligence for the early detection of dementia
Authors: Ford Elizabeth , Milne Richard , Curlewis Keegan
Published: February 2023

Dementia poses a growing challenge for health services but remains stigmatized and under‐recognized. Digital technologies to aid the earlier detection of dementia are approaching market. These include traditional cognitive screening tools presented on mobile devices, smartphone native applications, passive data collection from wearable, in‐home and in‐car sensors, as well as machine learning techniques applied to clinic and imaging data. It has been suggested that earlier detection and diagnosis may help patients plan for their future, achieve a better quality of life, and access clinical trials and possible future disease modifying treatments. In this review, we explore whether digital tools for the early detection of dementia can or should be deployed, by assessing them against the principles of ethical screening programs. We conclude that while the importance of dementia as a health problem is unquestionable, significant challenges remain. There is no available treatment which improves the prognosis of diagnosed disease. Progression from early‐stage disease to dementia is neither given nor currently predictable. Available technologies are generally not both minimally invasive and highly accurate. Digital deployment risks exacerbating health inequalities due to biased training data and inequity in digital access. Finally, the acceptability of early dementia detection is not established, and resources would be needed to ensure follow‐up and support for those flagged by any new system. We conclude that early dementia detection deployed at scale via digital technologies does not meet standards for a screening program and we offer recommendations for moving toward an ethical mode of implementation.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Health Care

Commercial, Legal, and Ethical Issues > Ethical Considerations

Technologies > Artificial Intelligence