bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative RNA-sequencing profiled the differential gene expression of liver in response to acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor GS-0976 in a mouse model of NASH
Authors: Lu Ying , Su Xiaolan , Zhao Manyu , Zhang Qianru , Liu Chuang , Lai Qinhuai , Wu Sijia , Fang Aiping , Yang Jinliang , Chen Xiaoxin , Yao Yuqin
Published: December 2019

Background

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation and fibrosis. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) isoform 1 and 2 involved in de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and fatty acid oxidation have been identified as a therapeutic target in NASH. GS-0976, the inhibitor of ACC1 and ACC2, has achieved favorable therapeutic effects in clinical trials with NASH. The purpose of this study was to explore the transcriptional alterations regulated by GS-0976 in NASH.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were fed on a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) or normal diet for 12 weeks. Mice were treated with or without GS-0976 (3 mg/kg per day) in the last 8 weeks. Oil Red O, Haematoxylin-eosin (H & E), and Sirius Red were used to evaluate hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. The comparative RNA-sequencing was conducted to analyse the hepatic gene expression profiles in mice. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to validate the differential expression of representative genes.

Results

GS-0976 attenuated the steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis of NASH in CDAHFD mouse model. High-throughput sequencing and differential gene expression analysis showed that there were 516 up-regulated genes and 525 down-regulated genes after GS-0976 treatment. Genes involved in the metabolic process, extracellular matrix formation, immune response, and angiogenesis were significantly enriched. The “Metabolic pathways” and “ECM-receptor interaction” pathways were the most significantly enriched KEGG pathways in the up-regulated and down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively.

Conclusions

Transcriptome analysis showed that GS-0976 could regulate the expression of genes related to metabolism, inflammation and fibrosis in NASH. The global transcriptomic changes in gene expression promote the further understanding for the inhibition mechanisms of GS-0976 in NASH.
Systematic evaluation of the gut microbiome of swamp eel (Monopterus albus) by 16S rRNA gene sequencing
Authors: Chen Xuan , Fang Shaoming , Wei Lili , Zhong Qiwang
Published: December 2019

Background

The swamp eel (Monopterus albus) is a commercially important farmed species in China. The dysbiosis and homeostasis of gut microbiota has been suggested to be associated with the swamp eel’s disease pathogenesis and food digestion. Although the contributions of gut microbiome in fish growth and health has been increasingly recognized, little is known about the microbial community in the intestine of the swamp eel (Monopterus albus).

Methods

The intestinal microbiomes of the five distinct gut sections (midgut content and mucosa, hindgut content and mucosa, and stools) of swamp eel were compared using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence and statistical analysis.

Results

The results showed that the number of observed OTUs in the intestine decreased proximally to distally. Principal coordinate analysis revealed significant separations among samples from different gut sections. There were 54 core OTUs shared by all gut sections and 36 of these core OTUs varied significantly in their abundances. Additionally, we discovered 66 section-specific enriched KEGG pathways. These section-specific enriched microbial taxa (e.g., Bacillus, Lactobacillus) and potential function capacities (e.g., amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism) might play vital roles in nutrient metabolism, immune modulation and host-microbe interactions of the swamp eel.

Conclusions

Our results showed that microbial diversity, composition and function capacity varied substantially across different gut sections. The gut section-specific enriched core microbial taxa and function capacities may perform important roles in swamp eel’s nutrient metabolism, immune modulation, and host-microbe interactions. This study should provide insights into the gut microbiome of the swamp eel.
Reduced GRAMD1C expression correlates to poor prognosis and immune infiltrates in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Hao Haiyan , Wang Ziheng , Ren Shiqi , Shen Hanyu , Xian Hua , Ge Wenliang , Wang Wei
Published: December 2019

There has been an increase in the mortality rate and morbidity of kidney cancer (KC) with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) being the most common subtype of KC. GRAMD1C (GRAM Domain Containing 1C) has not been reported to relate to prognosis and immunotherapy in any cancers. Using bioinformatics methods, we judged the prognostic value of GRAMD1C expression in KIRC and investigated the underlying mechanisms of GRAMD1C affecting the overall survival of KIRC based on data downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The outcome revealed that reduced GRAMD1C expression could be a promising predicting factor of poor prognosis in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Meanwhile, GRAMDIC expression was significantly correlated to several tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), particularly the regulatory T cells (Tregs). Furthermore, GRAMD1C was most significantly associated with the mTOR signaling pathway, RNA degradation, WNT signaling pathway, toll pathway and AKT pathway in KIRC. Thus, GRAMD1C has the potential to become a novel predictor to evaluate prognosis and immune infiltration for KIRC patients.
Effect of induced hyperopia on fall risk and Fourier transformation of postural sway
Authors: Moon Byeong-Yeon , Choi Jae Hyeok , Yu Dong-Sik , Kim Sang-Yeob
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose

Fall accidents are a social challenge in Korea and elsewhere. Most previous studies have focused on the effects of reduced visual acuity due to myopia on falls and body balance. The objective of this study was to investigate whether uncorrected hyperopia was a major risk factor for falls and to establish whether the risk of falls was absolutely correlated with visual acuity.

Methods

Fifty-one young subjects with a mean age of 22.75 ± 2.13 years were enrolled in this study. To induce hyperopic and myopic refractive errors, spherical lenses of ±1.0–6.0 D (1.0 D stepwise) were used. Under each induced condition, fall risk index and sway power were assessed via Fourier transformation of postural sway using a TETRAX system.

Results

The fall risk index for eyes-closed was significantly greater than that of eyes-open with full correction (t = −5.876, p < 0.05). The fall risk index increased significantly from hyperopia induced with −4.0 D lenses (with visual acuity of 0.69 ± 0.32) compared to eyes-open with full correction (F = 3.213, p < 0.05). However, there was no significant change in the induced myopia conditions, despite a drastic decline in decimal visual acuity. Sway power increased significantly in the low-to-medium frequency band derived from the peripheral vestibular system when hyperopia was induced. A significant difference was detected in hyperopia induced with −6.0 D lenses compared to eyes-open with full correction (F = 4.981, p = 0.017).

Conclusion

An uncorrected hyperopia rather than myopia may increase the risk of falls, although eyes may show normal visual acuity due to the inherent accommodation mechanism. Our findings suggest that the corrected state of refractive errors is more important than the level of visual acuity as the criteria for appropriate visual input, which contributes to stable posture. Therefore, clinicians should consider the refractive condition, especially the characteristics of hyperopia, when analyzing body balance, and appropriate correction of uncorrected hyperopia to prevent falls.
Diet composition and its relation to the characteristics of the digestive tract of the blue sea catfish, Ariopsis guatemalensis (Actinopterygii: Ariidae), in Barra de Navidad Lagoon, Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Benítez-Mondragón Brenda Daniela , Aguilar-Betancourt Consuelo M , González-Sansón Gaspar , Lucano-Ramírez Gabriela , Flores-Ortega Juan Ramón , Ruiz-Ramírez Salvador , Kosonoy-Aceves Daniel
Published: December 2019

Diet composition and the characteristics of the digestive tract of the blue sea catfish, Ariopsis guatemalensis, in a coastal lagoon in western Mexico were investigated. This species is consumed by locals and it has been used as a bioindicator of sewage pollution. This study aimed to determine if the feeding habits of this species were related to the macroscopic and microscopic morphological characteristics of the digestive tract. Specimens were captured in the Barra de Navidad Lagoon (Jalisco, Mexico) from 2011 to 2016. For every fish collected, total length (TL) was recorded and the esophagus, stomach, and intestine were extracted for histological analyses and identification of food items in their diet. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the digestive tract and the stomach content analysis indicate A. guatemalensis is a carnivorous species with preference for goby fish. Crustaceans were the second most important food item and were dominated by portunid crabs and mud shrimps. The size and position of the mouth, the presence of dental plates on the vomer, palatines, premaxilla, and pharynx, and the presence of goblet cells in the digestive tract are characteristic of fishes that consume live hard-bodied prey and crush their food before it enters the esophagus. The relatively short intestine and the folds in the mucous membrane are characteristic of carnivorous fishes.
Length–weight relationship and condition factor for 7 loliginid squid species in Mexican waters
Authors: Granados-Amores Jasmín , Salinas-Zavala César Augusto , Flores-Ortega Juan Ramón , Díaz-Santana-Iturrios Mariana
Published: December 2019

The length–weight relationship and the condition factor are key parameters in stock assessment. Despite the fisheries potential loliginid squids have in Mexico, the group is scarcely known and no formal management has been implemented. A total of 1,105 squids captured on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of Mexico were measured to estimate length–weight relations and condition factors. Except for Lolliguncula brevis and Lolliguncula argus, all species showed negative allometric growth. The 2 species with isometric growth showed a poor condition, according to Fulton’s condition factor, and the rest of the species were in good health, according to the relative condition factor. The type of growth exhibited by the species identified in this study could be associated with their swimming habits or otherwise be affected by the same variables that determine the type of growth of other squid found in Mexican waters. The parameters evaluated in this research are now available for incorporation in further fishery stock assessment models for loliginid squids.
Treatment of Port Harcourt Refinery Effluent by a Bacterial Consortium Immobilized on Agro-based Bio Carriers
Authors: Iheanacho G. C. , Ibiene A. A. , Okerentugba P. O.
Published: December 2019

Discharge of poorly treated refinery wastewater has always been a major environmental challenge. Bacterial immobilization is key to the maintenance of biomass on a contaminated site. In this study, a mixed culture of three bacterial isolates from oil-polluted water: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MN294989), Bacillus tequilensis (MN294990) and Micrococcus sp. immobilized on Groundnut Shell (GS), Melon Husk (MH) and Sugarcane Bagasse (SB) were employed in the bioremediation of Port Harcourt refinery wastewater. Surface area and pore size distribution of the agro-based bio carriers were suitable for bacteria adhesion. The bacterial isolates were screened for phenol, naphthalene and hydrocarbon utilization. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to ascertain the immobilization of the consortium on the agro-base carriers. A 15-days laboratory-scale treatment of refinery raw wastewater was compared in the immobilised and immobilized consortium. The agro-based residue immobilized consortium enhanced the reduction in BOD5, COD, oil and grease, phenol by 7%, 9%, 30% and 5% respectively compared to the free form of the consortium. This study underscores the role of immobilization in maintaining high bacterial biomass on contaminated site and possible improvement in bioremediation of refinery wastewater.
Influence of Sublethal Temperatures on Some Spore-forming and Vegetative Foodborne Bacteria and Impact on Hygienic Quality of the “Foléré” (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Beverage
Authors: Bayoï James Ronald , Djoulde Roger Darman , Ehawa Flaure Essoung , Etoa Francois-Xavier
Published: December 2019

Aims: “Foléré” beverage is a refreshing locally made drink much appreciated by the populations of the hottest parts of Cameroon. This paper aims at investigating microbial contamination of “Foléré” beverage and highlights impact of the sublethal temperatures on the hygienic quality the beverage.

Study Design: Design used for describing physicochemical and microbial profile is a random sampling and for impact of sublethal temperature on hygienic quality, we used food matrix simulations.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples: Local markets, between August 2018 and June 2019.

Methodology: The sample pH and soluble solids content were recorded using portables devices. Microbial analysis focused on total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Escherichia coli, and spore-forming bacteria were determined according to accredited culture methods. Acidic “Foléré” beverage produced by an artisanal processing was sterilized and inoculated by Bacillus cereus T spores and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 cells thermally stressed by pre-incubation at 10°C, 45°C, 50°C or 60°C for 45 min, 90 min and 180 min. The recovery method was used to determine acid pH resistance of both bacteria before and after sublethal thermal processing.

Results: “Foléré” beverage is of poor hygienic quality according to standards, despite its very low pH (2.01). Beverages at pH 2.01 and inoculated by each one of referenced bacteria indicated that the samples which contained thermally stressed bacteria were worse hygienic quality than the same ones which contaminated with unstressed bacteria. Some of recovery percentages of bacteria thermally stressed were significantly higher (P =.05) than those of same bacteria thermally unstressed after acid treatments. That phenomenon was called thermal-induced bacterial acid resistance.

Conclusion: it appeared that some sublethal cold and heat shock treatments (10°C/45 min, 45°C/45 min, 50°C/90 min and 180 min) could negatively affect food quality. So, the control of emergence and evolution of stress-resistant bacteria in food could help to improve food safety.
Analytical Solution of the Complex Polymer Equation Systems via the Homogeneous Balance Method
Authors: Abourabia Aly M. , Eldreeny Yasser A.
Published: December 2019

In this article, we solve analytically the nonlinear Doubly Dispersive Equation (DDE) in (1+1)-D by the homogeneous balance method, introduced to investigate the strain waves propagating in a cylindrical rod in complex polymer systems. The linear dispersion relation plays important role in connecting the frequency of the emitted nonlinear waves with the wave number of the ablating laser beam affecting the polymers with their characteristic parameters. In accordance with the normal dispersion conditions, the resulting solitary wave solutions show the compression characters in the nonlinearly elastic materials namely Polystyrene (PS) and PolyMethylMethAcrylate (PMMA). The ratio between the estimated potential and kinetic energies shows good agreement with the physical situation, and as well in making comparisons with the bell-shaped model conducted in the literature.
Analysis of Gastric Carcinoma With Neuroendocrine Character
Authors: Tomono Ayako , Suzuki Satoshi , Yamamoto Masashi , Otowa Yasunori , Kanaji Shingo , Kanemitsu Kiyonori , Yamashita Kimihiro , Imanishi Tatsuya , Sumi Yasuo , Nakamura Tetsu , Tanaka Kenichi , Kakeji Yoshihiro
Published: December 2019

The clinical significance of gastric adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation is unclear because of its rarity. The aim of this study was to suggest a treatment strategy for this tumor. A total of 10 resected gastric tumors with neuroendocrine character, including 3 neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) and 7 adenocarcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation, were retrospectively reviewed regarding tumor characteristics and therapeutic outcomes. The gastric adenocarcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation had high rates of lymph node metastasis and vessel invasion, and showed the poor prognoses as NEC. The median survival time (MST) was 13 months. Preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy tended to prolong the MST compared with operation alone (112.5 versus 5 months; P = 0.058). Moreover, chemotherapy for postoperative recurrence significantly contributed to improving prognosis (MST, 15 versus 7 months; P = 0.025). Gastric adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation had equivalently high potential malignancy as NEC. More aggressive treatment should be considered for this tumor according to NEC.
Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor Producing Extrahepatic Bile Duct Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Sho Masayuki , Kinoshita Shoichi , Hatakeyama Kinta , Enomoto Yasunori , Akahori Takahiro , Nagai Minako , Nishiwada Satoshi , Nakamura Kota , Morita Kohei , Ohbayashi Chiho
Published: December 2019

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) producing tumors are rare diseases and occur in various organs. However, due to the rarity of these tumors, the precise biologic characteristics and optimal therapeutic strategies are largely unknown. Previous studies have shown the extremely high malignant potential and aggressive clinical features of G-CSF producing tumors, regardless of the histologic type and tumor location. We present the case of a 59-year-old female who had large tumor in extrahepatic bile duct. She underwent surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Then, she also received gemcitabine and cisplatin combination chemotherapy for metastatic lesions. The therapy showed a certain effect and she survived for 17 months after surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of multidisciplinary treatment with surgery and systemic chemotherapy for G-CSF producing extrahepatic bile duct cancer. This study highlights the potential of multidisciplinary treatment even for this lethal disease condition.
Percursos urbanos como forma de pesquisar o patrimônio afrocratense
Authors: Macedo da Silva Meryelle , Cunha Junior Henrique
Published: December 2019

A consciência espacial deve ser o principal objetivo do ensino de Geografia, seja no ambiente acadêmico ou escolar, como meio de apreensão e transformação da realidade. Para tanto, o estudo do lugar é imprescindível, enquanto espaço de vivência cotidiana, onde podemos vislumbrar com mais veemência a materialidade e as relações sociais. Nesse contexto, os percursos urbanos constituem uma metodologia apropriada para compreender a relação entre consciência, espaço e lugar, à medida que permitem o caminhar pela cidade, vislumbrando a forma-essência dos objetos geográficos. No caso desse trabalho, tivemos como aporte a relação entre consciência, espaço, lugar e espacialidade negra, considerando o patrimônio arquitetônico forjado através de técnicas de construção africanas e da mão de obra africana e afrodescendente, na cidade do Crato-CE. Tendo como concepção a pesquisa afrodescendente, as africanidades e a afrodescendência, associada à metodologia dos percursos urbanos, pesquisamos o patrimônio afrocratense a partir da arquitetura. Sintetizamos os resultados em três exemplares arquitetônicos, a saber, a antiga Casa Câmara e Cadeia, a Feira livre e tradicional e o Seminário São José. Desse modo, os percursos urbanos, condicionados sob a base conceitual apropriada, promoveram a consciência espacial sobre o patrimônio afrocratense, sendo relevante instrumento de estudo do espaço urbano.

Abstract

URBAN PATHWAYS AS A WAY TO SEARCH AFROCRATENSE HERITAGE

Spatial awareness should be the main objective of teaching geography, whether in the academic or school environment, as a means of apprehending and transforming reality. Therefore, the study of the place is essential, as a space of daily living, where we can glimpse more strongly the social materiality. In this context, urban paths constitute an appropriate methodology for understanding the spatial consciousness-place relationship, as they allow the city to walk, glimpsing the essence-form of geographic objects. In the case of this work, we had as a contribution the relationship spatial awareness-place-black space, considering the architectural heritage forged through African construction techniques and African and African descent workforce in the city of Crato-Ce. Based on the African descent research (CUNHA JUNIOR, 2013), Africanities and African descent (CUNHA JUNIOR, 2001), associated with the methodology of urban pathways, we researched the Afrocratean heritage from architecture. We synthesized the results into three architectural examples, namely the old House Chamber and Jail, the free and traditional Fair and the São José Seminary. Thus, the urban paths, conditioned on the appropriate conceptual basis, promoted spatial awareness of the Afrocrat heritage, being relevant instrument of study of the urban space.
OTIMIZAÇÃO DE VOLUMES DE RESERVATÓRIOS DE ÁGUA DA CHUVA PARA USO PECUÁRIO
Authors: Giffoni Vinícius Velanes , Cohim Silva Eduardo Henrique Borges
Published: December 2019

A captação da água da chuva é uma antiga prática que tem como objetivo suprir as necessidades de água para irrigação, higiene pessoal e o consumo humano ou animal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um método de otimização econômica de sistemas de captação de água da chuva. Para o cálculo do volume, foram utilizados dados diários de precipitação, por um período de 20 anos, coletados em estações meteorológicas na região de Feira de Santana-BA. Foram analisados potenciais de atendimento variando de 65% a 95%. Os resultados demonstraram que, para um potencial de atendimento adotado e uma dada demanda, existe uma infinidade de combinações entre área de captação e volume de reservatório, configurando uma indeterminação matemática, entretanto, há uma combinação que apresenta um custo mínimo. O método aplicado para as condições de Feira de Santana-BA resultou, para o sistema de aproveitamento ótimo, em um potencial de atendimento de 95% e demanda de 250 L/dia, numa área de captação de 208 m² e volume de cisterna de 20.900 L.
Loss to Follow-Up in Patients With Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy or Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Huang Ryan S. , Naidu Sumana C. , Mihalache Andrew , Popovic Marko M. , Kertes Peter J. , Sarraf David , Sadda SriniVas R. , Muni Rajeev H. , Kohly Radha P.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Effective management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) requires reliable patient follow-up to prevent disease progression.

Objective

To investigate the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with being lost to follow-up (LTFU) among individuals with PDR or DME treated with anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) intravitreal injections (IVIs) or panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included a multicenter, retrospective review of patients with PDR or DME treated in Toronto, Canada, from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021. Data were analyzed from February 1 to May 31, 2024.

Exposures

All patients received at least 1 anti-VEGF IVI or PRP session.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the LTFU rate, defined as the absence of an ophthalmic visit or intervention in the 1-year period following an individual’s last visit with the treating retinal specialist. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to evaluate associations between sociodemographic and clinical factors with the LTFU rate.

Results

Overall, 2961 patients with PDR or DME (mean [SD] age, 71 [13] years; 1640 [55.4%] male) were included, of whom 507 (17.1%) were LTFU over a mean (SD) follow-up period of 61 (22) months. In the multivariable analysis, older patients (age ≥85 years vs age <65 years: odds ratio [OR], 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40-0.81; P = .002), those with worse baseline visual acuity (>20/200 Snellen vs 20/40 Snellen or better: OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48-0.97; P = .04), those with DME (OR vs no DME, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43-0.83; P = .003), those with frequent clinic visits (≥6 visits vs <6 visits: OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62-0.98; P = .04), and those with a high anti-VEGF IVI burden in the first year (OR vs low anti-VEGF burden, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.21-0.76; P = .006) were less likely to be LTFU. In contrast, males (OR vs females, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.04-1.52; P = .04), patients living further from the point of care (>200 vs ≤20 km OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.85-3.76; P < .001), and those treated with PRP (OR vs anti-VEGF IVIs, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.24-3.55; P < .001) were more likely to be LTFU. Compared with White patients, Black patients (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.50-2.95; P < .001) and Hispanic patients (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.05-2.21; P = .03) were more likely to be LTFU.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found multiple factors associated with LTFU rates. Identifying individuals at higher risk of LTFU and developing targeted strategies may reduce disease progression and vision loss in individuals with PDR.
Parent and Primary Care Clinician Perceptions About Pediatric Hypertension
Authors: Zaidi Abbas H. , Sood Erica , De Ferranti Sarah , Gidding Samuel , Zadokar Varsha , Miller Jonathan , Kazak Anne
Published: December 2024

Importance

Despite published guidelines and a prevalence of pediatric hypertension of approximately 3%, less than 25% of affected children are identified, with 60% not receiving any intervention despite detection. Understanding the knowledge and perceptions of parents or caregivers and health care teams is crucial to identify factors that may contribute to these unacceptably low detection rates.

Objective

To examine the knowledge and perceptions of parents and health care teams regarding pediatric hypertension to identify common themes contributing to low hypertension detection.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This qualitative study, interviewed parents of children diagnosed with hypertension who did not follow up within 1 year after diagnosis and health care clinicians (medical assistants, nurses, managers, pediatricians, and nurse practitioners) across 10 clinics in Delaware and Pennsylvania between November 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

With the use of an inductive thematic approach, codes were developed and themes identified by multidisciplinary research investigators.

Results

A total of 38 stakeholders (mean [range] age, 43 [25-64] years; 33 [86%] female), including 13 parents and 25 health care clinicians, were interviewed. The parent sample was diverse based on race (5 [46%] Black, 5 [38%] White, and 3 [23%] other race), ethnicity (5 [38%] Hispanic and 8 [62%] non-Hispanic), and Child Opportunity Index (5 [38%] very low or low, 3 [23%] moderate, and 5 [38%] high or very high). Parents and clinicians demonstrated awareness of the significance of pediatric hypertension. Parents thought blood pressure checks were important; however, clinicians often had competing priorities during annual visits. Both groups expressed skepticism about high blood pressure readings, attributing them to situational factors or white coat syndrome. Parents and clinicians shared concerns about medication use and preferred lifestyle change. Parents advocated for further testing, whereas clinicians exhibited varying perspectives on additional diagnostics, emphasizing targeted testing strategies and cautious medication approaches.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this qualitative study of parents and clinicians, both groups were skeptical of blood pressure readings and expressed concerns about medication use, with a preference for lifestyle changes over medication. Improving detection may require better measurement tools, reassurance about medications, and clear communication on the role of nonpharmacologic treatments, while future interventions should incorporate the perspectives of both parents and clinicians to develop practical strategies for managing pediatric hypertension.
Lost in the Mall? Interrogating Judgements of False Memory
Authors: Andrews Bernice , Brewin Chris R.
Published: December 2024

Loftus and Pickrell's (1995) famous ‘Lost in the Mall’ false memory implantation experiment was recently replicated in Ireland. In this new study standard investigator judgements indicated many more false memories than did participants themselves, consistent with similar studies. We reanalysed the transcripts with investigator‐judged false memories, focusing on recall of six suggested core details. On average, fewer than two details in the fake event were explicitly recalled; 20% with full and 58% with partial false memories did not recall being lost. Participants' own self‐reported recall was associated with remembering more details. Half the participants described potentially true experiences, distinguishable from the fake event; this group recalled more suggested details but tended to remember them differently. The data suggested investigator ratings reflect individual comments made when participants are considering whether they remember different elements of the fake event but may not capture the way these comments are integrated in participants' own recall decisions.
Adding CM to MOUD using smartphone is effective: Study
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2024

Researchers have found that contingency management (CM)– rewarding desired behavior – using a smartphone application is effective in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). In “Smartphone App–Based Contingency Management and Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Outcomes published in the December 2 issue of JAMA Network Open, researchers reported that augmenting medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) with a smartphone app that financial rewards to patients for not using opioids was effective. Patients participating using the app plus receiving MOUD had fewer days of illicit opioid use and were retained in treatment longer than patients receiving MOUD only. Led by Elise N. Marino, Ph.D. of the Be Well Institute on Substance Use and Related Disorders, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, the researchers suggested that such programs should be expanded. Senior author Jennifer S. Potter, Ph.D. reported as a conflict of interest that she has received funding from KIOS, which makes a smartphone app to treat addiction, but did not participate in this study. The study was funded by Texas Targeted Opioid Response, a public health initiative operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) through federal funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The study used the WEconnect smartphone app, a competitor to KIOS. The sample included 600 individuals, with 300 in each treatment group.
Sol‐Gel Processed Metal‐Organic Complex as Robust Hole‐Transporting Layer Enabling Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Li Mengdi , Fang Jie , Cheng Yang , Gao Zihao , Fang Haisheng , Lu Ziheng , Zhao Chaowei , Zhang Jicai , Xiao Chengyi , Li Weiwei
Published: December 2024

Inorganic metal oxides and salts are widely employed as hole‐transporting layers (HTLs) in organic solar cells (OSCs) due to their advantages of low cost and facile preparation. However, issues such as severe agglomeration can negatively impact film quality, leading to reduced reproducibility and device stability. To address these challenges, this work reports the synthesis of a vanadium trichloride‐benzene tricarboxylic acid (BTC) complex (denoted as VB) via a sol‐gel process under mild conditions (60 °C annealing). The VB film demonstrates well‐aligned energy levels and enhanced conductivity when integrated with the PM6:L8‐BO active layer. Consequently, binary OSCs incorporating the VB HTL achieve a high‐power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 19.60%. Notably, the sol‐gel processing technique offers a versatile approach for the fabrication of metal‐organic complex, resulting in a uniform and dense film. The robust coordination metal‐organic network structure of VB endows the VB‐based OSCs with exceptional thermal stability, as evidenced by a T80 (PCE retention to 80% of the initial value) lifetime of 5142 h, which is among the best performances reported for state‐of‐the‐art OSCs.
Phase Modulation on Low‐Dimensional Perovskite for High Performance Blue Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wang Kangyang , Zou Shibing , Fan Kezhou , Zhang Zheng , Li Jiong , Chen Honggang , Zou Feilin , Wong Kam Sing , Xu Jianbin , Yan Keyou
Published: December 2024

Layered low‐dimensional perovskite nanostructures have recently been utilized in blue perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs), but excess organic ammonium spacers restrict charge transfer and radiative recombination, as well as device stability. Introducing diammonium can improve the stability due to the short distance between layered slices. However, the small n‐phases (n = 1, 2, 3) still cause the nonradiative recombination. Herein, 1,3,5‐Tris(1‐phenyl‐1H‐benzimidazole‐2‐yl) benzene (TPBi), is employed to control the film growth and modulate the phase purification for low‐dimensional perovskites. The coordination of imidazole with Pb2+ helps to mediate the growth and passivate defects. Transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy reveals that the incorporation of TPBi effectively suppresses the formation of the small‐n phase. The N‐type doping uplifts the Fermi energy level by 0.3 eV, ensuring balanced charge injection. Consequently, sky‐blue PeLEDs emitting at 488 nm achieve impressive external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 15.18%, a high brightness of 2358 cd m−2, and a low turn‐on voltage of 2.6 V. The blue PeLED exhibits a stable electroluminescent (EL) spectrum and a half‐lifetime (L0 = 100 cd m−2) of 740 s.
Continental‐scale interactions of Australian showy mistletoes and their hosts
Authors: Santiago‐Rosario Luis Y. , Book Jordan , Mathews Sarah
Published: December 2024

Premise

Showy mistletoes are obligate hemiparasites of woody plants. Host specificity is therefore a fundamental determinant of mistletoe diversity, persistence, geographic distribution, and abundance. Investigations of host specificity in Australian Loranthaceae have focused mostly on host range (taxon counts), but additional insights into specificity are gained by quantifying mistletoe prevalence on taxa in their host range and by exploring specificity in a phylogenetic context.

Methods

We estimated measures of host specificity to characterize mistletoe–host interactions at a continental scale by using occurrence records in the Atlas of Living Australia. We calculated host taxon richness, mistletoe prevalence, and phylogenetic diversity, and used rarefaction curves to evaluate sampling coverage.

Results

Many mistletoe taxa were represented by few records that listed the host, which often was identified to genus only. Mistletoe genera were recorded on 29 orders and 80 families, and no association was observed between host richness and number of records per genus. Rarefaction curves suggested that additional host orders and families remain to be discovered for Amylotheca, Decaisnina, Dendrophthoe, and Muellerina. Four mistletoe genera were most prevalent on Myrtales, one on Fabales, and one on Laurales. Rosids were most often the recorded hosts (84.3% of all records). We found evidence of significant phylogenetic clustering in host use by Amyema, Amylotheca, and Decasinina.

Conclusions

Our results, particularly the high prevalence on rosids, suggest that relationships of mistletoes with rainforest lineages may have been established early in the history of Australian Loranthaceae and that some lineages co‐diversified with their hosts in arid regions.
Insights Into the Role of π‐Electrons of Aromatic Aldehydes in Passivating Perovskite Defects
Authors: Jiang. Xiaoqing , Zhu Lina , Zhang Bingqian , Yang Guangyue , Zheng Likai , Dong Kaiwen , Yin Yanfeng , Wang Minhuan , Liu Shiwei , Pang Shuping , Guo Xin
Published: December 2024

Carbonyl‐containing aromatic ketones or aldehydes have been demonstrated to be effective defect passivators for perovskite films to improve performances of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). It has been claimed that both π‐electrons within aromatic units and carbonyl groups can, separately, interact with ionic defects, which, however, causes troubles in understanding the passivation mechanism of those aromatic ketone/aldehyde molecules. Herein, we clarify the effect of both moieties in one molecule on the defect passivation by investigating three aromatic aldehydes with varied conjugation planes, namely, biphenyl‐4‐carbaldehyde (BPCA), naphthalene‐2‐carbaldehyde (NACA) and pyrene‐1‐carbaldehyde (PyCA). Our findings reveal that the π‐electrons located in the conjugated system do not directly present strong passivation for defects, but enhance the electron cloud density of the carbonyl group augmenting its interaction with defect sites; thereby, with the extended conjugation plane of the three molecules, their defect passivation ability is gradually improved. PSCs incorporating PyCA with the most extended π‐electrons delocalization achieve maximum power conversion efficiencies of 25.67 % (0.09 cm2) and 21.76 % (14.0 cm2). Moreover, these devices exhibit outstanding long‐term stability, retaining 95 % of their initial efficiency after operation for 1000 hours at the maximum power point.
The Intrinsic Fluorescence of Peptide Self‐Assemblies Across pH Levels
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Yang Yuqing , Yang Haokun , Dong Hao
Published: December 2024

The regulation of solution pH on the structural and optical properties of peptide self‐assemblies remains a critical yet unresolved issue in peptide research. This study investigates the heptapeptide Ac‐IHIHIQI‐NH2 and its intrinsic fluorescence across a range of pH levels, demonstrating that variations in pH lead to significant changes in the morphology of the self‐assembled structures. While the position of the fluorescence emission remains constant—due to the stability provided by the hydrogen bonding network of the peptide backbone—the intensity of the fluorescence exhibits a direct correlation with the degree of self‐assembly. This finding underscores a dynamic relationship between structural morphology and optical properties. Notably, the ability of the peptide to self‐assemble under diverse pH conditions is a novel observation that contrasts with previously reported literature. By employing a computationally driven approach, complemented by rigorous experimental validation, this work establishes a new paradigm for studying complex interacting systems such as peptide self‐assembly. Our findings enhance the understanding of how environmental factors influence peptide behavior and pave the way for the design of innovative peptide‐based materials with tunable optical characteristics, with potential applications in bioluminescent probes and diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases.
Synthesis of Arenesulfenyl Fluorides and Fluorosulfenylation of Alkenes, Alkynes, and α‐Diazocarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Faialaga Nathan H. , Gephart Dana P. , Silva Breno D. , Liu Richard Y.
Published: December 2024

Sulfenyl fluorides are organic compounds of sulfur in formal oxidation state +2 with the formula R−S−F. Although the chloride, bromide, and iodide analogues have been extensively described in the literature, arenesulfenyl fluorides remain essentially unstudied. These structures have been implicated as putative intermediates in established processes to access polyfluorinated sulfur species; however, definitive and direct evidence of their existence has not been obtained, nor has a systematic understanding of their reactivity. Here, we report the synthesis, isolation, and spectroscopic characterization of several arenesulfenyl fluorides, including structural analysis of 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfenyl fluoride and 4‐cyano‐2‐nitrobenzenesulfenyl fluoride by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The functional group undergoes direct, efficient, and highly regioselective anti‐addition to alkenes and alkynes, as well as insertion by carbenes. The resulting α‐ or β‐fluoro thioether adducts can be readily transformed into useful fluorinated motifs, for example by modification of the sulfur groups (to sulfonamides or sulfonyl fluorides), by sulfur elimination (to generate formal C−H fluorination products), or by Julia–Kocienski olefination (to form vinyl fluorides). Thus, we establish that sulfenyl fluorides are unexpectedly accessible and stable compounds, which serve as versatile reagents for the production of fluorinated organic compounds.
Circadian Control of Protein Synthesis
Authors: James Nathan R. , O'Neill John S.
Published: December 2024

Daily rhythms in the rate and specificity of protein synthesis occur in most mammalian cells through an interaction between cell‐autonomous circadian regulation and daily cycles of systemic cues. However, the overall protein content of a typical cell changes little over 24 h. For most proteins, translation appears to be coordinated with protein degradation, producing phases of proteomic renewal that maximize energy efficiency while broadly maintaining proteostasis across the solar cycle. We propose that a major function of this temporal compartmentalization—and of circadian rhythmicity in general—is to optimize the energy efficiency of protein synthesis and associated processes such as complex assembly. We further propose that much of this temporal compartmentalization is achieved at the level of translational initiation, such that the translational machinery alternates between distinct translational mechanisms, each using a distinct toolkit of phosphoproteins to preferentially recognize and translate different classes of mRNA.
Curcumin‐Derived Turn‐Off Fluorescent Probe for Copper (II) Ion Detection and Live Cell Imaging Applications
Authors: Rajam Pappian , Jeevika Alagan , Mahalakshmy Rajaram
Published: December 2024

A curcumin‐derived chemosensor 4,4′‐((1E,3Z,5Z,6E)‐3,5‐bis((2hydroxyphenyl)imino) hepta‐1,6‐diene‐1,7‐diyl)bis(2‐methoxyphenol) (HIBMP) was developed from curcumin and o‐aminophenol using Schiff base condensation method. HIBMP selectively recognizes Cu (II) ion (Cu (II)) relative to other tested metal ions. Selective binding of Cu (II) ion turns off the fluorescent property of HIBMP and shows no interference with other metal ions. Moreover, the favourable binding of Cu (II) with HIBMP was noticed by a good linearity between the fluorescence intensity and concentration of Cu (II) with a range of 0–15.6 × 10−7 M, and the limit of detection was determined to be as low as 30.1 nM. Furthermore a 1:1 stoichiometry was identified from the results of Job's plot and HR‐MS. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation results expressed that the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) during chelation is responsible for quenching of fluorescence. Besides, the fluorescence life time measurement and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) titration method revealed the stability and reversibility of the sensor. Practical use of the sensor was achieved through the quantitative analysis of spiked Cu (II) ion in real water samples with good recoveries, and biological experiments exposed that the sensor was less toxic and could be applied in fluorescence imaging of Cu (II) in living cells.
Screening Asian Medicinal Plants for SARS‐CoV‐2 Inhibitors: A Computational Approach
Authors: Khalid Hira , Ahmad Iqra , Sarfraz Asifa , Iqbal Anwar , Nishan Umar , Dib Hanna , Ullah Riaz , Sheheryar Sheheryar , Shah Mohibullah
Published: December 2024

This work aimed to evaluate the antiviral potential of compounds from Asian medicinal plants against SARS‐CoV‐2's main protease and spike glycoprotein, identifying dual inhibitors from these plants that target both proteins through advanced virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulations, and pharmacophore analysis. An in‐house library of 335 antiviral natural products was prepared from the selected medicinal plants. Following the virtual screening of this library against the main protease and spike glycoprotein, top compounds were subjected to downstream analysis for evaluating druggability potential and toxicity analysis. Molecular dynamic simulations were performed to confirm the stability of interactions between the ligands and target proteins. Our analysis demonstrated 67 compounds as dual inhibitors. The six top dual inhibitors, namely trans‐delta‐viniferin, trans‐E‐viniferin, 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA, oleuropein aglycone, lactucopicrin, and 11β,13‐dihydrolactucopicrin, exhibited superior docking scores and met drug‐likeness criteria, including Lipinski's rule, bioavailability, and favorable ADME and toxicity profiles. Trans‐delta‐viniferin and trans‐E‐viniferin, featuring a stilbene scaffold, emerged as the most promising candidates due to their stable interactions, minimal fluctuations, and consistent hydrogen bonding across SARS‐CoV‐2's Mpro and S‐protein in MD simulations, while 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA displayed comparatively less stability. All compounds demonstrated key pharmacophoric features and lacked mutagenicity or PAINS alerts, although lactucopicrin and 11β,13‐dihydrolactucopicrin showed risks for hepatotoxicity. Overall, the critical bonding and drug‐like features, biological activity spectra, and favorable medicinal characteristics predict their biological behavior in laboratory testing. Although additional experimental validations are necessary, our findings indicate that the three lead compounds—namely, trans‐delta‐viniferin, trans‐E‐viniferin, and 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA, isolated from traditional medicinal plants—are promising novel dual inhibitors of two critical SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins.
An Oxazole Alkaloid, Terpenoids, and Cyclodipeptides With Cytotoxic and Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Effects From a Mangrove‐Derived Fungus Trichoderma sp. GXT‐22.1
Authors: Anh Dang Viet , Anh Do Hoang , Vien Le Thi , Huong Pham Thi Mai , Cuong Nguyen Xuan , Ngan Nguyen Thi Thanh , Tung Nguyen Ngoc , Quang Tran Hong
Published: December 2024

Chemical investigation of the mangrove‐derived fungus Trichoderma sp. GXT‐22.1 led to the isolation and identification of 10 secondary metabolites, including one new compound, 5′‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐1′,3′‐oxazole (1), one new natural compound, (E)‐6,10‐dimethyl‐5‐undecene‐2,9,10‐triol (2), along with eight known compounds, tricholumin A (3), harzianol J (4), cyclonerodiol (5), 10,11‐dihydro‐11‐hydroxycyclonerodiol (6), cyclonerodiol B (7), epicyclonerodiol oxide (8), cyclo(Val‐Pro) (9), and cyclo‐(4‐hydroxyprolinyl‐leucine) (10). The structural feature of oxazole in 1 was unusually found among the fungal metabolites. Compounds 1 and 4 exhibited weak cytotoxicity toward HepG2 and MCF‐7 human carcinoma cell lines at the concentration of 100 µM, with induction of 41.5 ± 3.0% and 39.3 ± 2.3% cell death, respectively. Compounds 1−5, 8, and 10 showed their inhibitory effect against nitric oxide (NO) overproduction in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells, with half inhibition concentration values ranging from 37.5 ± 2.6 to 86.5 ± 5.1 µM. Molecular docking simulation suggested that 1 inhibits NO overproduction via modulating the action of the inducible NO synthase protein.
Intranasal Dexmedetomidine Administration Precipitates Respiratory Failure in Child With Croup and Asthma
Authors: Novotny William E. , Fox Pam , Haislip Dynita
Published: December 2024

Intranasal dexmedetomidine administration in clinically recommended doses has a small but important risk of causing catastrophic respiratory failure in the setting of preexisting severe respiratory workloads.