bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cadmium: Biomolecular Interactions
Authors: Templeton Douglas M.
Published: April 2023

Cadmium has no known function in higher organisms, which evolved in an essentially cadmium‐free environment until the last several hundred years of industrial activity. Thus, cadmium's interactions with biological molecules are not selected by evolution but are determined fortuitously by its inorganic chemistry. Under physiological conditions, cadmium exists exclusively in the Cd2+ionic state, and its biomolecular interactions are dominated by two, at first sight contradictory, principles. On the one hand, Cd2+is a Group 12 “soft” ion, and as such shows preferential interaction with thiols and other soft ligands. On the other hand, its ionic radius is a close match to the “hard” ion Ca2+, and it fits by mimicry into many oxygen‐rich Ca2+‐binding sites. Both aspects of Cd2+chemistry are covered in this article. General effects of Cd2+on cellular Ca2+levels have implications for multiple signaling pathways. Interactions of Cd2+with Ca2+binding sites in specific proteins are also of consequence. Together, these aspects of Cd2+biology have consequences for cell survival and proliferation, and for mechanisms of cell death. A special class of Cd2+‐sequestering proteins, the thiol‐rich metallothioneins, buffer cytosolic levels of Cd2+, and also serve as a strong link between it and the essential Zn2+ion; displacement of Zn2+from important binding sites, not only in metallothioneins and related proteins, but also in Zn2+‐binding loops (“zinc fingers”) in various transcription factors is another important theme in the biological chemistry (and toxicology) of Cd2+. Cellular thiols are involved as both protective antioxidants against reactive oxygen species and as signaling sensors of cellular redox status. Cadmium interacts with many of these sensing and defensive pathways. The antioxidant glutathione is a crucial player in redox biology, and Cd2+exerts some of its biological effects by influencing levels of protein glutathione adducts. It also interacts with proteins involved in sensing cellular oxygen levels, such as Nrf2 and the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1. The ability of Cd2+to act both as a Ca2+mimic and a thiol group poison also allows it to interact with a wide range of other proteins. In addition to proteins involved in signaling and cell death pathways, these include interactions with cell membrane transport proteins, DNA repair enzymes, and the structural components of the cytoskeleton, all with profound biological consequences. Cadmium (as the Cd2+ion) has truly pleiotropic, and generally adverse, effects on cells that are understood by the inorganic chemistry of its interactions with biological ligands.
CSAT: Federal BOP facilities must provide methadone
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2023

“All three medications” to treat opioid use disorder must be available in federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities, said Yngvild Olsen, M.D. at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit last month in Atlanta. Olsen, director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), noted that the three medications include methadone (“the most heavily regulated,”), buprenorphine (now easier to prescribe because of the elimination of the X‐waiver), and naltrexone (“especially injectable naltrexone,” or Vivitrol). “All three have been heavily studied,” Olsen told the audience, adding that she was “not necessarily comparing one against another,” but that the key is to provide access to all three.
Four out of five buprenorphine patients drop out: Study
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2023

Only 1 in 5 patients started on buprenorphine treatment were retained for at least 180 days from January 2016 through October 2022, a recent study has found. During that same period, the monthly initiation rate at first increased, and then flattened (prior to the COVID‐19 epidemic). The study, “Trends in Buprenorphine Initiation and Retention in the United States, 2016‐2022,” published in JAMA on April 25, is based on the IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription Database, which covers more than 90% of all prescriptions to pharmacies.
Phase Transitions and Oxidation Behavior During Oxyacetylene Torch Testing of TaC–HfC Solid Solutions
Authors: Sanchez Maritza , Acord Katherine A. , Frueh Samuel , Rueschhoff Lisa M. , Graeve Olivia A.
Published: April 2023

Tantalum carbide (TaC) and hafnium carbide (HfC) have some of the highest melting temperatures among the transition metal carbides, borides, and nitrides, making them promising materials for high‐speed flight and high‐temperature structural applications. Solid solutions of TaC and HfC are of particular interest due to their enhanced oxidation resistance compared to pure TaC or HfC. This study looks at the effect of Hf content on the oxidation resistance of TaC–HfC sintered specimens. Five compositions are fabricated into bulk samples using spark plasma sintering (2173 K, 50 MPa, 10 min hold). Oxidation behavior of a subset of the compositions (100 vol% TaC, 80 vol% TaC + 20 vol% HfC, and 50 vol% TaC + 50 vol% HfC) is analyzed using an oxyacetylene torch for 60 s. The TaC–HfC samples exhibit a reduction in the oxide scale thickness and the mass ablation rate with increasing HfC content. The improved oxidation resistance can be attributed to the formation of a Hf6Ta2O17 phase. This phase enhances oxidation resistance by reducing oxygen diffusion and serving as a protective layer for the unoxidized material. The superior oxidation resistance of TaC–HfC samples makes these materials strong contenders for the development of high‐speed flight coatings.
Observation of Uniaxial Strain Tuned Spin Cycloid in a Freestanding BiFeO3 Film
Authors: Ding Zhe , Sun Yumeng , Zheng Ningchong , Ma Xingyue , Wang Mengqi , Zang Yipeng , Yu Pei , Chen Zhousheng , Wang Pengfei , Wang Ya , Yang Yurong , Nie Yuefeng , Shi Fazhan , Du Jiangfeng
Published: April 2023

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) possesses a non‐collinear spin order while the ferroelectric order breaks space inversion symmetry. This allows efficient electric‐field control of magnetism and makes it a promising candidate for applications in low‐power spintronic devices. Epitaxial strain effects have been intensively studied and exhibit significant modulation of the magnetic order in bismuthBiFeO3, but tuning its spin structure with continuously varied uniaxial strain is still lacking at this moment. Herein, in situ uniaxial tensile strain is applied to a freestanding BiFeO3 film by mechanically stretching an organic substrate. A scanning nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) microscopy is applied to image the nanoscale magnetic order in real space. The strain is continuously increased from 0% to 1.5% and four images under different strains are acquired during this period. The images show that the spin cycloid tilts by ≈12.6° when strain approaches 1.5%. A first principle calculation is processed to show that the tilting is energetically favorable under such strain. The in situ strain applying method in combination with scanning NV microscope real‐space imaging ability paves a new way in studying the coupling between magnetic order and strain in BiFeO3 films.
Spin Polarization of Chiral Amorphous Fe‐Ni Electrocatalysts Enabling Efficient Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Feng Tanglue , Chen Weihua , Xue Jie , Cao Fangfang , Chen Zhongwei , Ye Jichun , Xiao Chuanxiao , Lu Haipeng
Published: April 2023

Chiral‐induced spin selectivity is recently demonstrated in a range of spin‐dependent optoelectronics and electrochemistry. Herein, a new type of amorphous chiral tartaric acid‐FeNi coordination polymer fabricated by electrodeposition methods, achieving both high spin‐polarization and high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution, is reported. Circular dichroism shows signature optical activity from the coordination polymer. Conductive atomic force microscopy measurements demonstrate a high spin polarization through the chiral electrocatalyst, which significantly suppresses the formation of hydrogen peroxide byproducts compared to the achiral ones. These chiral Fe‐Ni electrocatalysts exhibit a low overpotential of 205 and 280 mV to achieve 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively.
Incombustible Polymer Electrolyte Boosting Safety of Solid‐State Lithium Batteries: A Review
Authors: Han Longfei , Wang Li , Chen Zonghai , Kan Yongchun , Hu Yuan , Zhang Hao , He Xiangming
Published: April 2023

Lithium‐ion batteries with their portability, high energy density, and reusability are frequently used in today's world. Under extreme conditions, lithium‐ion batteries leak, burn, and even explode. Therefore, improving the safety of lithium‐ion batteries has become a focus of attention. Researchers believe using a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one can solve the lithium battery safety issue. Due to the low price, good processability and high safety of the solid polymer electrolytes, increasing attention have been paid to them. However, polymer electrolytes can also decompose and burn under extreme conditions. Moreover, lithium dendrites are formed continuously due to the uneven charge distribution on the surface of the lithium metal anode. A short circuit caused by a lithium dendrite can cause the battery to thermal runaway. As a result, the safety of polymer solid‐state batteries remains a challenge. In this review, the thermal runaway mechanism of the batteries is summarized, and the batteries abuse test standard is introduced. In addition, the recent works on the high‐safety polymer electrolytes and the solution strategies of lithium anode problems in polymer batteries are reviewed. Finally, the development direction of safe polymer solid lithium batteries is prospected.
Deterministic Polymorphic Engineering of MoTe2 for Photonic and Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Ahmed Faisal , Rodríguez‐Fernández Carlos , Fernandez Henry A. , Zhang Yi , Shafi Abde Mayeen , Uddin Md Gius , Cui Xiaoqi , Yoon Hoon Hahn , Mehmood Naveed , Liapis Andreas C. , Yao Lide , Caglayan Humeyra , Sun Zhipei , Lipsanen Harri
Published: April 2023

Developing selective and coherent polymorphic crystals at the nanoscale offers a novel strategy for designing integrated architectures for photonic and optoelectronic applications such as metasurfaces, optical gratings, photodetectors, and image sensors. Here, a direct optical writing approach is demonstrated to deterministically create polymorphic 2D materials by locally inducing metallic 1T′‐MoTe2 on the semiconducting 2H‐MoTe2 host layer. In the polymorphic‐engineered MoTe2, 2H‐ and 1T′‐ crystalline phases exhibit strong optical contrast from near‐infrared to telecom‐band ranges (1–1.5 µm), due to the change in the band structure and increase in surface roughness. Sevenfold enhancement of third harmonic generation intensity is realized with conversion efficiency (susceptibility) of ≈1.7 × 10−7 (1.1 × 10−19 m2 V−2) and ≈1.7 × 10−8 (0.3 × 10−19 m2 V−2) for 1T′ and 2H‐MoTe2, respectively at telecom‐band ultrafast pump laser. Lastly, based on polymorphic engineering on MoTe2, a Schottky photodiode with a high photoresponsivity of 90 AW−1 is demonstrated. This study proposes facile polymorphic engineered structures that will greatly benefit realizing integrated photonics and optoelectronic circuits.
Albumin‐Hitchhiking Drug Delivery to Tumor‐Draining Lymph Nodes Precisely Boosts Tumor‐Specific Immunity through Autophagy Modulation of Immune Cells
Authors: Wang Xuhui , Chen Dong , Huang Kexin , Li Man , Zhan Changyou , Dong Ziyan , Deng Tao , Ren Kebai , Qiu Yue , Zhang Zhirong , He Qin
Published: April 2023

Tumor‐draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) are the first sites where tumor components reach and dendritic cells (DCs) present tumor‐associated antigens to T cells. DCs rely on autophagy to process tumor antigens into epitope peptides to form epitope‐MHC complexes. Selective delivery of autophagy‐stimulating drugs to TDLNs may be a precise strategy to boost chemotherapy‐induced antitumor immunity. Here, a multistage stimulating strategy is proposed to activate the antitumor immunity cascade by inducing immunogenic death of tumor cells and elevating antigen presentation of DCs in TDLNs. A tumor‐microenvironment‐responsive “albumin‐hitchhiking” micelle is established by self‐assembling tumor‐targeting oxaliplatin prodrug and lipophilized trehalose prodrug. This demonstrates that lipophilic modification of trehalose with a DSPE tail and the precise exposure in the tumor site enhances its binding to endogenous albumin and realizes TDLNs‐selective reflux, where it upregulates antigen processing and presentation of DCs. This study introduces an approach for targeted delivery to TDLNs and provides insights into mechanisms of autophagy in tumor‐specific immunity.
Polarization‐Driven Ultrafast Optical Switching in TiS3 Nanoribbons via Anisotropic Hot Carrier Dynamics
Authors: Suk Sang Ho , Nah Sanghee , Sajjad Muhammad , Seo Sung Bok , Song Jiacheng , Singh Nirpendra , Sim Sangwan
Published: April 2023

Layered quasi‐1D nanomaterials exhibit strong linear dichroism and effective light‐matter interactions, promising for novel information devices driven by light‐polarization. In particular, their optical anisotropy and ultrafast photoresponse allow for polarization‐controlled nanophotonic switches and modulators. However, the technology still requires substantial further studies due to an insufficient understanding of modulation mechanisms and limited investigations of a few materials. Here, transient absorption (TA) microscopy is employed to investigate the ultrafast polarization‐based optical switching in TiS3 nanoribbons, a rising quasi‐1D material of the transition metal trichalcogenide family. Highly anisotropic sub‐picosecond near‐infrared modulation is observed, which is most pronounced when the polarization of the probe pulse is aligned with the nanoribbon axis but disappears as the polarization is rotated to the perpendicular orientation. The authors attribute this significant dependence on the probe polarization to the hot carrier‐induced broadening of an anisotropic interband resonance, as supported by analyses of transient TA line shapes and first principles calculated optical transitions. Furthermore, a strong pump polarization‐dependent modulation is obtained by tuning the pumping energy, enabling highly anisotropic all‐optical switching controlled solely by polarization. These results offer comprehensive information on both probe‐ and pump‐polarization‐based modulations and a deeper physical understanding of polarization‐dependent photoresponse through ultrafast hot carrier dynamics.
Stimuli‐Induced Subconformation Transformation of the PSI‐LHCI Protein at Single‐Molecule Resolution
Authors: Yang Zhiheng , Wang Jie , Yin Bing , Liu Wenzhe , Yin Dongbao , Shen Jianren , Wang Wenda , Li Lidong , Guo Xuefeng
Published: April 2023

Photosynthesis is a very important process for the current biosphere which can maintain such a subtle and stable circulatory ecosystem on earth through the transformation of energy and substance. Even though been widely studied in various aspects, the physiological activities, such as intrinsic structural vibration and self‐regulation process to stress of photosynthetic proteins, are still not in‐depth resolved in real‐time. Herein, utilizing silicon nanowire biosensors with ultrasensitive temporal and spatial resolution, real‐time responses of a single photosystem I‐light harvesting complex I (PSI‐LHCI) supercomplex of Pisum sativum to various conditions, including gradient variations in temperature, illumination, and electric field, are recorded. Under different temperatures, there is a bi‐state switch process associated with the intrinsic thermal vibration behavior. When the variations of illumination and the bias voltage are applied, two additional shoulder states, probably derived from the self‐conformational adjustment, are observed. Based on real‐time monitoring of the dynamic processes of the PSI‐LHCI supercomplex under various conditions, it is successively testified to promising nanotechnology for protein profiling and biological functional integration in photosynthesis studies.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Activates Enzyme‐Driven Cascade Reactions for Cooperative Cancer Therapy and Cancer Stem Cells Elimination
Authors: Xiong Yuxuan , Yong Zhengtao , Xu Chen , Deng Qingyuan , Wang Qiang , Li Shiyou , Wang Chong , Zhang Zhijie , Yang Xiangliang , Li Zifu
Published: April 2023

Tumor starvation induced by intratumor glucose depletion emerges as a promising strategy for anticancer therapy. However, its antitumor potencies are severely compromised by intrinsic tumor hypoxia, low delivery efficiencies, and undesired off‐target toxicity. Herein, a multifunctional cascade bioreactor (HCG), based on the self‐assembly of pH‐responsive hydroxyethyl starch prodrugs, copper ions, and glucose oxidase (GOD), is engineered, empowered by hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) for efficient cooperative therapy against aggressive breast cancers. Once internalized by tumor cells, HCG undergoes disassembly and releases cargoes in response to acidic tumor microenvironment. Subsequently, HBO activates GOD‐catalyzed oxidation of glucose to H2O2 and gluconic acid by ameliorating tumor hypoxia, fueling copper‐catalyzed •OH generation and pH‐responsive drug release. Meanwhile, HBO degrades dense tumor extracellular matrix, promoting tumor accumulation and penetration of HCG. Moreover, along with the consumption of glucose and the redox reaction of copper ions, the antioxidant capacity of tumor cells is markedly reduced, collectively boosting oxidative stress. As a result, the combination of HCG and HBO can not only remarkably suppress the growth of orthotopic breast tumors but also restrain pulmonary metastases by inhibiting cancer stem cells. Considering the clinical accessibility of HBO, this combined strategy holds significant translational potentials for GOD‐based therapies.
Multiscale Hierarchical Structured NiCoP Enabling Ampere‐Level Water Splitting for Multi‐Scenarios Green Energy‐to‐Hydrogen Systems
Authors: Chen Ding , Bai Huawei , Zhu Jiawei , Wu Can , Zhao Hongyu , Wu Dulan , Jiao Jixiang , Ji Pengxia , Mu Shichun
Published: April 2023

Efficient and stable low‐cost catalysts are seriously lacking for industrial water electrolysis at large‐current‐density. To meet industrial‐scale hydrogen production, fully utilized active sites by a rational structure design is an attractive route. Herein, dynamic microstructure manipulation of bimetallic phosphide NiCoP is conducted. Among different microstructures for NiCoP, as‐obtained NiCoP‐120 at hydrothermal temperature of 120 °C, shows a special multiscale hierarchical structure from 3D‐nickel foam substrates, 2D‐nanosheets to 1D‐nanoneedles, which is conducive to efficient utilization of active sites and rapid gas release, thus manifesting outstanding electrocatalytic activities and stability as required by industry. To reach a current density of 10 and 1000 mA cm−2 for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), NiCoP‐120 requires ultra‐low overpotentials of 56 and 247 mV, respectively. Particularly, as a bifunctional catalyst, it only needs 1.981 V to drive the 1 A cm−2 overall water splitting and can maintain stable output for 600 h, which is superior to almost all reported non‐noble metal catalysts. Moreover, its application prospect in integrated green energy‐to‐hydrogen systems, including sunlight, wind, thermal, and lithium cells, is well demonstrated. This work provides a guiding strategy for the design of industrial water electrolysis catalysts and the establishment of an externally driven water‐splitting hydrogen production system.
Do chimpanzee food calls bias listeners toward novel items?
Authors: Déaux Eloïse C. , Bonneaud Clémence , Baumeyer Adrian , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: April 2023

Social learning is beneficial in almost every domain of a social animal's life, but it is particularly important in the context of predation and foraging. In both contexts, social animals tend to produce acoustically distinct vocalizations, alarms, and food calls, which have remained somewhat of an evolutionary conundrum as they appear to be costly for the signaller. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that food calls function to direct others toward novel food items, using a playback experiment on a group of chimpanzees. We showed chimpanzees novel (plausibly edible) items while simultaneously playing either conspecific food calls or acoustically similar greeting calls as a control. We found that individuals responded by staying longer near items previously associated with food calls even in the absence of these vocalizations, and peered more at these items compared with the control items, provided no conspecifics were nearby. We also found that once chimpanzees had access to both item types, they interacted more with the one previously associated with food calls than the control items. However, we found no evidence of social learning per se. Given these effects, we propose that food calls may gate and thus facilitate social learning by directing listeners' attention to new feeding opportunities, which if integrated with additional cues could ultimately lead to new food preferences within social groups.
Exploring semantic verbal fluency patterns and their relationship to age and Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Mgaieth Farah , Baksh R. Asaad , Startin Carla M. , Hamburg Sarah , Hithersay Rosalyn , Pape Sarah , Zetterberg Henrik , Ashton Nicholas J. , Tamayo‐Elizalde Miren , Saini Fedal , Idris Mina , Consortium The LonDownS , Strydom Andre
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Adults with Down syndrome (DS) are at ultra‐high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by poor episodic memory and semantic fluency in the preclinical phase in the general population. We explored semantic fluency performance in DS and its relationship to age, AD, and blood biomarkers.

Methods

A total of 302 adults with DS at baseline and 87 at follow‐up from the London Down Syndrome Consortium cohort completed neuropsychological assessments. Blood biomarkers were measured with the single molecule array technique in a subset of 94 participants.

Results

Poorer verbal fluency performance was observed as age increases. Number of correct words declined in those with AD compared to those without over 2 years and was negatively correlated with neurofilament light (r = –0.37, P = .001) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (r = –0.31, P = .012).

Discussion

Semantic fluency may be useful as an early indicator of cognitive decline and provide additional information on AD‐related change, showing associations with biomarkers in DS.
Catalytic Linkage Engineering of Covalent Organic Frameworks for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Li Xuewen , Yang Shuai , Liu Minghao , Yang Xiubei , Xu Qing , Zeng Gaofeng , Jiang Zheng
Published: April 2023

Metal‐free covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been employed to catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). To achieve high activity and selectivity, various building blocks containing heteroatoms and groups linked by imine bonds were used to create catalytic COFs. However, the roles of linkages of COFs in ORR have not been investigated. In this work, the catalytic linkage engineering has been employed to modulate the catalytic behaviors. To create single catalytic sites while avoiding other possible catalytic sites, we synthesized COFs from benzene units linked by various bonds, such as imine, amide, azine, and oxazole bonds. Among these COFs, the oxazole‐linkage in COFs enables to catalyze the ORR with the highest activity, which achieved a half‐wave potential of 0.75 V and a limited current density of 5.5 mA cm−2. Moreover, the oxazole‐linked COF achieved a conversion frequency (TOF) value of 0.0133 S−1, which were 1.9, 1.3, and 7.4‐times that of azine‐, amide‐ and imine‐COFs, respectively. The theoretical calculation showed that the carbon atoms in oxazole linkages facilitated the formation of OOH* and promoted protonation of O* to form the OH*, thus advancing the catalytic activity. This work guides us on which linkages in COFs are suitable for ORR.
Cloning and characterization of Aedes aegypti blood downregulated chymotrypsin II
Authors: Borovsky Dov , Rougé Pierre
Published: April 2023

Aedes aegypti adult and larval blood downregulated chymotrypsin II was cloned, sequenced and its 3D conformation modeled. Cloning of the enzymes from adult and larval guts indicated that both genes sit at the same location on Chromosome 2. Genomic analyses showed that larval and adult genes are the same and both have four exons and three introns that are located on an 8.32 Kb DNA in direction with the Ae. aegypti genome. The adult and larval transcript synthesis is controlled by alternative splicing explaining small difference in the amino acids sequences. Chymotrypsin II that was extracted from guts of sugar‐fed and at 48 after blood feeding showed a pH optimum of 4–5 with a broad shoulder of activity from pH 6 to 10. Dot blot analyses show that the enzyme's transcript is downregulated after females take a blood meal and upregulated at 48 h after the blood meal. A Chymotrypsin II transcript was also detected in the larval gut during different times of larval developmental stages, indication that Ae. aegypti chymotrypsin II is synthesized by adults and larval guts. The possibility that JH III and 20HE play an active role in the regulation is discussed.
Synthesis of o‐carboranyl‐acyl‐substituted diazo compounds from B(4)‐acylmethyl carboranes and 2‐azido‐1,3‐dimethylimidazolinium hexafluorophosphate
Authors: Maeng Chanyoung , Ko Gi Hoon , Lee Kyungsup , Noh Hee Chan , Park Dae Su , Lee Phil Ho
Published: April 2023

Reaction of B(4)‐acylmethyl o‐carborane with 2‐azido‐1,3‐dimethylimidazolinium hexafluorophosphate (ADMP) in the presence of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]‐undec‐7‐ene (DBU) in acetonitrile at 25 °C for 3 h produced a wide range of o‐carboranyl‐acyl‐substituted diazo compounds in high yields with good functional group tolerance.
Sample pretreatment and HPLC determination of antiplatelet drug ticagrelor in blood plasma from patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Sunarić Slavica , Mladenov Kristina , Nikolić Valentina , Pavlović Milan
Published: April 2023

A simple HPLC method was developed for the determination of antiplatelet drug ticagrelor (TCG) in blood. Sample preparation and extraction conditions were investigated and optimized. The preparation of blood plasma was investigated by protein precipitation using perchloric acid, methanol, acetonitrile (ACN), and trifluoroacetic acid. Protein precipitation using ACN was found to be the most suitable. Chromatographic separation of TCG was performed on a C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of ACN and 15 mM ammonium acetate buffered at pH 8.0. The method was applied to determine TCG in blood plasma of patients who had a heart attack. Blood samples were collected 1.5 h after the administration of the initial loading dose of the antiplatelet drug. The average concentration of TCG was found to be 0.97 ± 0.53 μg/ml. The developed method proved to be very selective, without interferences from other endogenous substances and the influences of possible coadministered drugs. The limits of detection and quantification estimated by the signal‐to‐noise ratio in real samples were 0.24 and 0.4 μg/ml, respectively. The developed method is simple and can be easily applied in clinics and emergency cardiac situations after the initial loading dose of TCG in the first few hours of a heart attack.
CHOsynthetic promoters improve expression and product quality of biotherapeutic proteins
Authors: Sou Si Nga , Harris Claire L. , Williams Rebecca , Kozub Dorota , Zurlo Fabio , Patel Yash D. , Kallamvalli Illam Sankaran Praveen , Daramola Olalekan , Brown Adam , James David C. , Hatton Diane , Dunn Sarah , Gibson Suzanne J.
Published: April 2023

When expressing complex biotherapeutic proteins, traditional expression plasmids and methods may not always yield sufficient levels of high‐quality product. High‐strength viral promoters commonly used for recombinant protein (rProtein) production in mammalian cells allow for maximal expression, but provide limited scope to alter their transcription dynamics. However, synthetic promoters designed to provide tunable transcriptional activity offer a plasmid engineering approach to more precisely regulate product quality, yield or to reduce product related contaminants. We substituted the viral promoter CMV with synthetic promoters that offer different transcriptional activities to express our gene of interest in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Stable pools were established and the benefits of regulating transgene transcription on the quality of biotherapeutics were examined in stable pool fed‐batch overgrow experiments. Specific control of gene expression of the heavy chain (HC):light chain (LC) of a Fab, and the ratio between the two HCs in a Duet mAb reduced levels of aberrant protein contaminants; and the controlled expression of the helper gene XBP‐1s improved expression of a difficult‐to‐express mAb. This synthetic promoter technology benefits applications that require custom activity. Our work highlights the advantages of employing synthetic promoters for production of more complex rProteins.
Psychological crisis intervention for students during COVID‐19 lockdown in China
Authors: Fan Zhaolan , Yang Hanbo , Su Yaling , Wang Wenna
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study aims to describe the experience and practice of an intervention process for mental health crisis with 14,093 students living in a suddenly quarantined campus during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

An expert committee of psychiatrists, psychologists and student counsellors was formed to manage the psychological crisis experienced by students. The committee provided online and onsite support, disclosed timely information, attended various online courses and facilitated various activities. Using the PHQ‐9, GAD‐7 and ISI scales, psychological weekly reports, student files and emergencies, students who were likely to have a crisis event were screened, and their degree of crisis was evaluated. A “one person–one case–one team” intervention was conducted for high‐risk students.

Results

Of the 14,093 students, 11,121 finished all three online questionnaires. Based on the results of the screening tests, 732 students were placed in the prioritised attention group, 293 in the crisis group and 33 (10 [3.41%] male and 23 [7.85%] female) showed severe suicidal intentions. In total, 186 (3.26%) students declared poor sleep quality, while 610 (10.05%) students were found to have depression. The number of students affected with generalised anxiety was 650 (10.77%). Clinical intervention was successful with no untoward incidents.

Conclusions

With strong support from the government, and the cooperation between multidisciplinary experts and the comprehensive intervention programme, the study obtained positive results. However, the limitations include the partial online survey responses and incomplete records of intervention. Nevertheless, the findings of this study could provide a foundation for further research.
Modulating Energy Transfer and Light‐Emitting Colors by Chiral Dye Exchange and Achiral‐to‐Chiral Dye Conversion
Authors: Jia Mingkai , Zheng Haifeng , Zhang Yongsheng , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2023

New chiral and achiral dyes were synthesized by using clean, highly efficient Diels–Alder ‘click’ reactions. We prepared pure endo‐ and exo‐ stereoisomers and blue‐light‐emitting single crystal of an exo‐isomer. 1H NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction reveal the precise spatial configurations of endo‐ and exo‐dye stereoisomers. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction results reveal the dynamic nature of Diels–Alder covalent bonds. By reversible formation and cleavage of dynamic covalent bonds, an achiral dye was converted to a chiral dye, where achiral dansyl dye moiety was replaced by chiral moiety. Before achiral‐to‐chiral dye conversion, the dye system displayed dansyl acceptor green light‐emitting color due to intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer, where the blue emission of pyrene donor fluorophore was not observed. After achiral‐to‐chiral dye conversion, light‐emitting colors of dye system change from green to blue, where the pyrene‐to‐dansyl fluorophore energy transfer was suppressed, and pyrene fluorophore blue emission was restored. Chiral transfer occurs in a chiral dye solid from non‐chromophore alky chirality to pyrene chromophore. Thus, the chiral dye solid displayed chiral optical behaviors, i. e., circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence.
Relay intercropping cover crop combined with reduced nitrogen application improves subsequent cotton agronomic traits while maintaining yield and quality
Authors: Guo Xiaoyan , Zhang Zhenggui , Sun Guilan , Xiong Shiwu , Han Yingchun , Wang Guoping , Li Cundong , Li Yabing , Zhang Yongjiang , Wang Zhanbiao
Published: April 2023

Applying cover crops to reduce nitrogen (N) fertilizer application while ensuring crop productivity is a major challenge for sustainable agricultural production. However, few studies have quantified N fertilizer application reduction through the use of February orchid (Orychophragmus violaceus) cover crops with the goal of ensuring cotton productivity. We conducted field experiments in the Yellow River basin on two cropping systems, monoculture cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) and cotton/February orchid under four levels of N application (0 [N0], 112.5 [N1], 168.75 [N2], and 225 [N3] kg N·ha−1), to evaluate the impacts of cover cropping on cotton growth parameters, yield, and quality under different N application levels. The results indicated that replacing winter fallow with February orchid prolonged the cotton growth period and increased plant height, leaf area index (LAI), and dry matter accumulation but did not improve cotton yield or fiber quality. The Cotton/February orchid system under a 168.75 kg ha−1 N application rate improved cotton growth, and achieved yield and quality equivalent to those of monoculture cotton under a 225 kg ha−1 N application. Further analysis revealed that February orchid cover crop and N application positively affected lint yield, whereas plant height, LAI, and dry matter accumulation (positively) and phenology (negatively) predicted lint yield and fiber quality. In conclusion, cotton relay intercropping with February orchid in combination with 168.75 kg ha−1 N application is recommended as a suitable cropping system to reduce fallow fields and ensuring cotton productivity in the Yellow River basin and other areas with similar ecological conditions.
A bermudagrass variant exhibits strong tolerance to low temperature associated with enhanced sugar metabolism and cold‐responsive pathways
Authors: Li Zhou , Huang Cheng , Zhao Junming , Yu Guohui , Huang Ting , Peng Yan , Hassan Muhammad Jawad
Published: April 2023

As a warm‐season turfgrass, bermudagrass (Cynodon) is sensitive to low ambient temperature. The objectives of this study were to evaluate cold tolerance of a new variant Chuannong‐3 under field condition and to further elucidate metabolic and molecular bases of cold tolerance in the Chuannong‐3 as compared to triploid Tifdwarf (Cynodon transvaalensis × Cynodon dactylon) and tetraploid common bermudagrass 001 (C. dactylon). The Chuannong‐3 was identified as a triploid bermudagrass based on ploidy analysis. Chuannong‐3, Tifdwarf, or common bermudagrass 001 exhibited different tolerance to low temperature in field (Chuannong‐3 > common bermudagrass 001 > Tifdwarf). The Chuannong‐3 maintained significantly lower oxidative damage to cell membrane system, chlorophyll loss, and inhibition of photochemical efficiency as well as higher water‐soluble carbohydrate content than Tifdwarf or common bermudagrass 001 in winter of 2022 and 2021. Further study found that Chunanong‐3 exhibited the highest glucose, fructose, sucrose, raffinose content, raffinose synthase activity, and CdSPS1 expression as compared to Tifdwarf and common bermudagrass 001, which provided potential protection against chilling and freezing damages. Chilling and freezing stresses significantly up‐regulated ABA‐dependent (endogenous ABA level, CdABF1, CdDHN4, and CdLEA3) and ABA‐independent (CdWRKY2, CdCBF1, and CdCOR440) pathways in three bermudagrasses, but the most pronounced effects were detected in the Chuannong‐3. These findings indicated that Chuannong‐3 had better ability to acclimate to low temperature stress in relation to up‐regulation of sugar accumulation and metabolism, ABA signaling, and CBF‐COR pathway. This new variant Chuannong‐3 could be a valuable bermudagrass grown in temperate and transition zones.
Multi‐location trials identify stable high‐yielding spring bread and durum wheat cultivars in Mexico
Authors: Valenzuela‐Antelo Jorge L. , Benitez‐Riquelme Ignacio , Vargas‐Hernandez Mateo , Huerta‐Espino Julio , Bentley Alison R. , Villaseñor‐Mir Hector E. , Piñera‐Chavez Francisco J.
Published: April 2023

Determining the stability and consistency of grain yield performance requires accurate evaluation of genotypes in different environments. In Mexico, annual national spring wheat irrigated trials (ENTRI) are conducted to assess elite bread (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum (Triticum durum L.) wheat performance in different testing environments (TEs) in the main wheat‐growing areas. These trials provide data supporting release of new cultivars and aim to also address Mexican wheat value chain grain needs. This study analyzed grain yield performance of 30 bread and durum wheat cultivars grown in trials in the 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 growing cycles conducted across TEs in northwest, north, and central Mexico. Environmental variability (location, sowing timing, and irrigation schemes) across the ENTRI enabled genotype by environment interaction to be effectively evaluated. Bread and durum wheat genotypes with high and stable grain yield were also identified and compared across TEs of the wheat‐growing areas of Mexico. The bread wheat cultivars Bacorehuis F2015 and Borlaug100 F2014, and the durum cultivars Barobampo C2015, CONASIST C2015, and Anatoly C2011 were high yielding and gave stable performance in most of the TEs. This analysis demonstrates the utility of multi‐year, multi‐environment testing and analysis to identify improved wheat cultivars to meet wheat production demand in Mexico. It also provides useful testing and analysis methods for selection of suitable broadly as well as locally adapted varieties in other wheat producing regions of the world.
Endoscopic and video capsule endoscopic observation of Yersinia enterocolitis
Authors: Marubashi Kyouko , Takagi Hitoshi , Wakagi Tadatake , Takakusagi Satoshi , Yokoyama Youzou , Kizawa Kazuko , Kosone Takashi , Uraoka Toshio
Published: April 2023

A woman in her late 20s suffered from epigastralgia following lower abdominal pain with diarrhea. Kampo medicine relieved the complaints, but the pain recurred a month later. She had immigrated from Vietnam to Japan 6 months before the onset of the abdominal pain. Blood test findings were almost within normal limits, except for mild C‐reactive protein elevation and positive Helicobacter pylori antibody findings. Colonoscopy revealed an edematous cobblestone‐like appearance at the end of the ileum with irregular ulceration mimicking Crohn's disease. Video capsule endoscopy was performed to detect lesions in the small intestine and demonstrated irregular ileal ulcer, reminiscent of Crohn's disease. A biopsy performed during colonoscopy demonstrated granulomatous inflammation with a moderate accumulation of plasma cells and mononuclear cells. The bacterial culture of the biopsy specimen proved the growth of Yersinia enterocolitica. Levofloxacin 500 mg for 7 days rapidly relieved abdominal pain. Yersinia enterocolitis is rare in developed countries, but as a differential diagnosis for Crohn's disease, it is important to treat. This is the first case report of the video capsule endoscopy findings of Yersinia enterocolitis. Video capsule endoscopy can help to confirm the spread of the lesions of Yersinia enterocolitis.
Hyponatraemia and changes in natraemia during hospitalization for acute heart failure and associations with in‐hospital and long‐term outcomes – from theESC‐HFA EORPHeart Failure Long‐Term Registry
Authors: Kapłon‐Cieślicka Agnieszka , Benson Lina , Chioncel Ovidiu , Crespo‐Leiro Maria G. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Anker Stefan D. , Ruschitzka Frank , Hage Camilla , Drożdż Jarosław , Seferovic Petar , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Piepoli Massimo , Mebazaa Alexandre , McDonagh Theresa , Lainscak Mitja , Savarese Gianluigi , Ferrari Roberto , Mullens Wilfried , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Maggioni Aldo P. , Lund Lars H. ,   on behalf of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the ESC Heart Failure Long‐Term Registry Investigators
Published: April 2023

Aims

To comprehensively assess hyponatraemia in acute heart failure (AHF) regarding prevalence, associations, hospital course, and post‐discharge outcomes.

Methods and results

Of 8298 patients in the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long‐Term Registry hospitalized for AHF with any ejection fraction, 20% presented with hyponatraemia (serum sodium <135 mmol/L). Independent predictors included lower systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and haemoglobin, along with diabetes, hepatic disease, use of thiazide diuretics, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, digoxin, higher doses of loop diuretics, and non‐use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and beta‐blockers. In‐hospital death occurred in 3.3%. The prevalence of hyponatraemia and in‐hospital mortality with different combinations were: 9% hyponatraemia both at admission and discharge (hyponatraemia Yes/Yes, in‐hospital mortality 6.9%), 11% Yes/No (in‐hospital mortality 4.9%), 8% No/Yes (in‐hospital mortality 4.7%), and 72% No/No (in‐hospital mortality 2.4%). Correction of hyponatraemia was associated with improvement in eGFR. In‐hospital development of hyponatraemia was associated with greater diuretic use and worsening eGFR but also more effective decongestion. Among hospital survivors, 12‐month mortality was 19% and adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were for hyponatraemia Yes/Yes 1.60 (1.35–1.89), Yes/No 1.35 (1.14–1.59), and No/Yes 1.18 (0.96–1.45). For death or heart failure hospitalization they were 1.38 (1.21–1.58), 1.17 (1.02–1.33), and 1.09 (0.93–1.27), respectively.

Conclusion

Among patients with AHF, 20% had hyponatraemia at admission, which was associated with more advanced heart failure and normalized in half of patients during hospitalization. Admission hyponatraemia (possibly dilutional), especially if it did not resolve, was associated with worse in‐hospital and post‐discharge outcomes. Hyponatraemia developing during hospitalization (possibly depletional) was associated with lower risk.
Synthesis of 3‐Arylselanyl Benzothiophenes through Visible‐Light‐Mediated Radical Cyclization
Authors: K P Sujith , Lee Anna
Published: April 2023

A novel method for synthesizing 3‐arylselanyl benzothiophenes through visible‐light‐mediated radical cyclization was developed. Diaryl selenides were used as aryl selenium sources under the irradiation of white‐light‐emitting diodes (5 W). The reactions were conducted under mild conditions, where the desired products were obtained at room temperature (23 °C) without the need for catalysts or additives. This simple method allows for an efficient route for synthesizing benzothiophene derivatives, which are crucial scaffolds in organic synthesis.
Personalized treatment of neuropathic pain: Where are we now?
Authors: Bouhassira Didier , Attal Nadine
Published: April 2023

Background

The treatment of neuropathic pain remains a major unmet need that the development of personalized and refined treatment strategies may contribute to address.

Database

In this narrative review, we summarize the various approaches based on objective biomarkers or clinical markers that could be used.

Results

In principle, the validation of objective biomarkers would be the most robust approach. However, although promising results have been reported demonstrating a potential value of genomics, anatomical or functional markers, the clinical validation of these markers has only just begun. Thus, most of the strategies documented to date have been based on the development of clinical markers. In particular, many studies have suggested that the identification of specific subgroups of patients presenting with specific combinations of symptoms and signs would be a relevant approach. Two main approaches have been used to identify relevant sensory profiles: quantitative sensory testing and specific patients reported outcomes based on description of pain qualities.

Conclusion

We discuss here the advantages and limitations of these approaches, which are not mutually exclusive.

Significance

Recent data indicate that various new treatment strategies based on predictive biological and/or clinical markers could be helpful to better personalized and therefore improve the management of neuropathic pain.
Evaluating the utility of a two‐assay serological algorithm for hepatitis C screening in a low prevalence population
Authors: Rogers Kai J. , Halvorson Tracy S. , Krasowski Matthew D. , Merrill Anna E.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is performed by testing for anti‐HCV antibodies, which may yield false‐positive results leading to additional testing and other downstream consequences for the patient. We report our experience in a low prevalence population (<0.05%) using a two‐assay algorithm aimed at testing specimens with borderline or weak positive anti‐HCV reactivity in the screening assay by a second anti‐HCV assay prior to confirming positive anti‐HCV results with RT‐PCR.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of 58,908 plasma samples was obtained over a 5‐year period. Samples were initially tested using the Elecsys Anti‐HCV II assay (Roche Diagnostics), with borderline or weakly positive results (defined in our algorithm as a Roche cutoff index of 0.9–19.99) reflexively analyzed using the Architect Anti‐HCV assay (Abbott Diagnostics). The Abbott anti‐HCV results dictated the final anti‐HCV interpretation for reflexed samples.

Results

Our testing algorithm resulted in 180 samples requiring second‐line testing, with final anti‐HCV results interpreted as 9% positive, 87% negative, and 4% indeterminate. The positive predictive value (PPV) of a weakly positive Roche result was 12%, which was significantly lower than the PPV using our two‐assay approach (65%).

Conclusions

The incorporation of a two‐assay serological testing algorithm in a low prevalence population provides a cost‐effective method of improving the PPV of HCV screening in specimens with borderline or weakly positive anti‐HCV results.