bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of the Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activity of Leaves, Trunk and Roots of Schumanniophyton Magnificum
Authors: Essonkene Thérèse , Loe Gisèle Marie Marguerite Etame , Okalla Cécile , Nguedia Jules Clement Assob , Teinkela Jean Emmanuel Mbosso
Published: March 2023

Aims: Schumanniophyton magnificum is a plant reputed traditionally to treat numerous urogenital infections linked to several germs, notably: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonhorhea, Treponema palidum, Candida albican. This study aims to evaluate and compare the in vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the leaves, trunk and roots of S. magnificum in order to determine the parts displaying the best activity.

Study Design: This is an experimental study.

Location and Duration of the Study: The work was conducted at the Pharmacochemistry and Natural Substances Laboratories of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala for the extraction and at the Medical Analysis Laboratory of the Douala General Hospital for antibacterial test as well as Biomedical Chemistry Research Center of Rhodes University in South Africa for cytotoxic essay. All the experiments were carried out from the 15th November 2020 to the 31th May 2021.

Methodology: The in vitro Antibacterial activity essay was conducted on two strains, one Gram+ bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and one Gram- bacteria: Escherichia coli, while cytotoxicity was evaluated on HeLa cell line.

Results: The root wood extract and the root bark extract presented a good antibacterial activity (MIC = 195.31 µg/mL) and average activity (MIC = 390.63 µg/mL) respectively with E. coli. The different extracts were found to be bactericidal against the tested micro-organisms. At the concentration of 20 µg/mL, all extracts tested did not significantly reduce HeLa cells, with an inhibition rate ranging from 13.5 to 37.6%, suggesting a low cytotoxicity of S. magnificum extracts towards these human cells line.

Conclusion: This is the first comparative report on the antibacterial and cytotoxic study conducted on the different parts of S. magnificum. It appears from this study that these results could justify the use of the stem bark of S. magnificum in the traditional pharmacopeia for the treatment of urogenital infections. However, the roots wood having presented the best antibacterial activity (MIC = 195.31 µg/mL), it would be beneficial to suggest this plant part to the local populations for the treatment of bacterial diseases specific to E. coli and S. aureus, after the preclinical and clinical tests are carried out.
Optimizing US Global Health Funding
Authors: Parekh Anand
Published: March 2023

This Viewpoint recommends increasing US global health funding levels, outlines steps for ensuring optimal integration and coordination of activities, and discusses ways to elevate noncommunicable diseases.
Increasingly Privatized Public Health Insurance Programs in the US
Authors: Levitt Larry
Published: March 2023

This JAMA Forum discusses the increasingly privatized public health insurance programs in the US and the current debates over payment reform and prior authorization.
Agriculture, Horn of Africa
Authors: Taddesse Habtamu
Published: March 2023

The location and the diverse geographical environment of the Horn of Africa played a dynamic role in the development of the cultural history of the region, including agriculture. Archaeological research indicates distinct pathways to agriculture in the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia/Eritrea) and the rest of the continent. Unlike in other parts of the world, animal domestication associated with mobile herders, not plant domestication, was more successful in the region.
Sthāṇu Ravi
Authors: Veluthat Kesavan
Published: March 2023

Sthāṇu Ravi was a Chera Perumāḷ (“king”) who ruled Kerala from Mahodayapuram in the second half of the ninth century
ce
. It was during his reign that the famous Kollam Plates were issued to the church of Tarisāppaḷḷi in Kollam. He is also identified with the royal playwright Kulaśekharavarman and the Tamil Vaiṣṇava devotee Kulaśekhara Aḻvār. The kingdom was established on strong foundations during his reign.
Xuanzang
Authors: Deeg Max
Published: March 2023

Xuanzang was a Chinese Buddhist monk known for his travels to and studies in India, as a proponent of the Buddhist “Consciousness‐Only” Philosophy in East Asia and as a prolific translator of Buddhist texts.
Haḷebīḍu
Authors: Kasdorf Katherine E.
Published: March 2023

Haḷebīḍu, a village in what is today southern India's Karnataka state, flourished between the mid‐eleventh and mid‐fourteenth centuries as Dorasamudra, capital of the Hoysaḷas. Śaiva and Jain temples were prominent in the fortified city, and the centrally located Hoysaḷeśvara and Nagareśvara temples were among the earliest examples of the Hoysaḷa style, in which detailed sculpture covers the exterior walls.
Punchmarked Coins and Tribal Coins, North India
Authors: Majumdar Susmita Basu
Published: March 2023

Punchmarked coins are the earliest coins issued in the Indian subcontinent (ca. fifth century
bce
). These early coins can be divided into local (
janapada
) and imperial (Magadha–Maurya) categories. With the disintegration of the Mauryan Empire, local dynasties, powerful officials, and cities minted coins from roughly the second century
bce
to the second century
ce
.
Mingqi
(Spirit Object)
Authors: Hung Wu
Published: March 2023

This entry discusses the concept and practice of
mingqi
, “spirit objects” made specifically for burials, in their ritual, cultural, and intellectual contexts, and relates such objects discovered in ancient tombs with traditional Chinese theories on objects.
Christian Communities, Iran, 600–1500
Authors: Dickens Mark
Published: March 2023

Before Islam arrived, Christians made up a significant religious minority in Persia. The faith presumably moved eastward from its Palestinian origins during the Parthian period and was already established when the Sasanian era began. The Church of the East developed as an independent body under the Sasanians, headed by a Catholicos‐patriarch and with a network of bishops and metropolitans. Periods of official persecution occurred from the fourth century on and the impact of the fifth‐century Christological controversies (Nestorianism and Monophysitism) was also felt. After the advent of Islam, Christians in Persia were subject to the
jizya
poll tax but also had protected
dhimmi
status. Whereas the Umayyads were less concerned with conversion than with tax revenues, their successors the Abbasids prioritized conversion, resulting in a gradual decline in the Christian population and an increase in the number of Muslims. Nonetheless, Christians continued to play key roles in the caliphate, as doctors, administrators, and translators from Greek to Arabic. After two centuries of Seljuk rule, the Mongols conquered Baghdad and Christians found themselves in favor initially. However, the rulers of the Ilkhanate eventually converted to Islam, shortly after which the state collapsed, to be succeeded by the Timurids and the Turkmen Federations (Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu), under whom Christianity shrank further in numerical strength and influence.
Electret Molecular Configuration Induced Programmable Photonic Memory for Advanced Logic Operation and Data Encryption
Authors: Shen Jinghui , Liang Baoshuai , Dong Yu , Feng Shiyu , Huang Weiguo
Published: March 2023

Nonvolatile organic photonic transistor (OPT) memories have attracted widespread attention due to their nondestructive readout, remote controllability, and robust tunability. Developing electrets with similar molecular structures but different memory behaviors and light‐responsive features is crucial for light‐wavelength‐modulated data encryption. However, reported OPT memories have yet to meet this challenge. Here a new electret molecule (“H‐PDI”) is developed via reconfiguring the linear perylene diimide molecule (“L‐PDI”) to a helical shape. Respectively incorporating H‐PDI and L‐PDI into the floating gate layer results to H‐PDI OPT and L‐PDI OPT. Attributing to their remarkably different electronic structures and energy bandgaps, H‐PDI OPT and L‐PDI OPT preferably respond to 405 and 532 nm light irradiation, respectively. Upon electrical programming, data can be written and stored in both memories with good retention features and a high “1”/“0” state current ratio over 105, though the data can only be erased by light with correct wavelengths, rather than the electrical field. Moreover, data stored in a memory array consisting of both H‐PDI OPT and L‐PDI OPT can only be read out by correct inputs, and wrong inputs will lead to highly deceptive outputs. This study provides a general design strategy of OPT for advanced data encryption and protection.
Localized Nanoparticle‐Mediated Delivery of miR‐29b Normalizes the Dysregulation of Bone Homeostasis Caused by Osteosarcoma whilst Simultaneously Inhibiting Tumor Growth
Authors: Freeman Fiona E. , Dosta Pere , Shanley Lianne C. , Ramirez Tamez Natalia , Riojas Javelly Cristobal J. , Mahon Olwyn R. , Kelly Daniel J. , Artzi Natalie
Published: March 2023

Patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma undergo extensive surgical intervention and chemotherapy resulting in dismal prognosis and compromised quality of life owing to poor bone regeneration, which is further compromised with chemotherapy delivery. This study aims to investigate if localized delivery of miR‐29b—which is shown to promote bone formation by inducing osteoblast differentiation and also to suppress prostate and cervical tumor growth—can suppress osteosarcoma tumors whilst simultaneously normalizing the dysregulation of bone homeostasis caused by osteosarcoma. Thus, the therapeutic potential of microRNA (miR)‐29b is studied to promote bone remodeling in an orthotopic model of osteosarcoma (rather than in bone defect models using healthy mice), and in the context of chemotherapy, that is clinically relevant. A formulation of miR‐29b:nanoparticles are developed that are delivered via a hyaluronic‐based hydrogel to enable local and sustained release of the therapy and to study the potential of attenuating tumor growth whilst normalizing bone homeostasis. It is found that when miR‐29b is delivered along with systemic chemotherapy, compared to chemotherapy alone, the therapy provided a significant decrease in tumor burden, an increase in mouse survival, and a significant decrease in osteolysis thereby normalizing the dysregulation of bone lysis activity caused by the tumor.
Multimodal‐Driven Magnetic Microrobots with Enhanced Bactericidal Activity for Biofilm Eradication and Removal from Titanium Mesh
Authors: Mayorga‐Martinez Carmen C. , Zelenka Jaroslav , Klima Karel , Kubanova Michaela , Ruml Tomas , Pumera Martin
Published: March 2023

Modern micro/nanorobots can perform multiple tasks for biomedical and environmental applications. Particularly, magnetic microrobots can be completely controlled by a rotating magnetic field and their motion powered and controlled without the use of toxic fuels, which makes them most promising for biomedical application. Moreover, they are able to form swarms, allowing them to perform specific tasks at a larger scale than a single microrobot. In this work, they developed magnetic microrobots composed of halloysite nanotubes as backbone and iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles as magnetic material allowing magnetic propulsion and covered these with polyethylenimine to load ampicillin and prevent the microrobots from disassembling. These microrobots exhibit multimodal motion as single robots as well as in swarms. In addition, they can transform from tumbling to spinning motion and vice‐versa, and when in swarm mode they can change their motion from vortex to ribbon and back again. Finally, the vortex motion mode is used to penetrate and disrupt the extracellular matrix of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm colonized on titanium mesh used for bone restoration, which improves the effect of the antibiotic's activity. Such magnetic microrobots for biofilm removal from medical implants could reduce implant rejection and improve patients’ well‐being.
Self‐Tracking Solar Concentrator with Absorption of Diffuse Sunlight
Authors: van der Burgt Julia S. , Rigter Susan A. , de Gaay Fortman Nelson , Garnett Erik C.
Published: March 2023

The highest solar cell efficiencies are obtained with concentrating systems. However, these systems have two major drawbacks: solar tracking is needed and diffuse sunlight is poorly absorbed. Here, a system that overcomes both limitations is presented, by exploiting light‐induced halide segregation in mixed halide perovskite films. A monolayer of silica microspheres focuses direct sunlight in a mixed halide perovskite film below. Through light‐induced phase segregation a low bandgap region forms in the focal point. Together with funneling of excited states toward the low bandgap regions, this results in a voltage increase characteristic for concentrating systems. Diffuse sunlight is still absorbed by the high bandgap material, avoiding the loss of diffuse sunlight characteristic for conventional concentrators. The formation of low bandgap regions in the perovskite is dynamic, and can follow the position of the focus as the sun moves throughout the day, making solar tracking unnecessary. With detailed optical and electrical simulations, it is shown that this concept can lead to an increase in both voltage and current. This leads to a 6.6% absolute increase in power conversion efficiency compared to the film without microspheres. Absorption and emission measurements confirm the concentration effect, showing the promising potential for a self‐optimizing concentrating system.
Correlated Disorder Substrate‐Integrated Nanodisk Scatterers for Light Extraction in Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Piechulla Peter M. , Donie Yidenekachew J. , Wehrspohn Ralf B. , Lemmer Uli , Gomard Guillaume , Sprafke Alexander N.
Published: March 2023

A major loss mechanism in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) is the coupling of the emitter molecule light field to waveguide modes in the OLED thin film stack. In this work, a disordered 2D array of TiO2 nanodisk scatterers is integrated into the OLED substrate to enable efficient light extraction from these waveguide modes. Fabrication of the nanodisks is based on a bottom‐up, colloidal lithography technique and subsequent pattern transfer into high refractive index TiO2 via reactive ion etching. The substrates are completed by spin‐coating a polymer planarization layer before applying the OLED thin film stack. This ensures reproducible optoelectronic properties of the OLED through leaving the electrically active layers planar. Simultaneously, the nanodisks in close vicinity to the thin film stack ensure efficient out‐of‐plane scattering of waveguide modes. In a monochromatic OLED (center wavelength λ0 = 520 nm), a 44.2%rel increase in external quantum efficiency is achieved in comparison to a device without scattering structure. An in‐depth numerical analysis reveals that this significant enhancement is only partly due to the out‐coupling of waveguide modes. Additional enhancement is suspected to result from out‐coupling of substrate modes through scattering by the nanodisks. Further improvements to the scattering structure are numerically evaluated.
Investigating tradeoffs in nitrogen loss pathways using an environmental damage cost framework
Authors: Preza‐Fontes Giovani , Christianson Laura E. , Pittelkow Cameron M.
Published: March 2023

Few studies have addressed whether in‐field practices to reduce nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) leaching might increase nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, which could undermine attempts to mitigate agricultural N pollution. Over a 3‐year period, we assessed the impacts of N application timing and cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop on subsurface drainage NO3‐N leaching and N2O emissions to quantify changes in total N loss and corresponding social and environmental damage costs under continuous corn (Zea mays L.). While NO3‐N losses were reduced by 37% with the combination of in‐season split N application and cereal rye cover crop relative to pre‐season N application, soil N2O emissions increased by 26%, highlighting a tradeoff between N loss pathways. As a result, total N losses and social and environmental damage costs from each system were not different. These results demonstrate the importance of addressing agricultural N pollution using a holistic framework accounting for the environmental and social risks of both NO3‐N losses and N2O emissions.
Trends in point‐of‐care ultrasound use among emergency medicine residency programs over a 10‐year period
Authors: Gottlieb Michael , Cooney Robert , King Andrew , Mannix Alexandra , Krzyzaniak Sara , Jordan Jaime , Shappell Eric , Fix Megan
Published: March 2023

Background

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly utilized in emergency medicine (EM). While residents are required by the Accreditation Council for General Medical Education to complete a minimum of 150 POCUS examinations before graduation, the distribution of examination types is not well‐described. This study sought to assess the number and distribution of POCUS examinations completed during EM residency training and evaluate trends over time.

Methods

This was a 10‐year retrospective review of POCUS examinations across five EM residency programs. The study sites were deliberately selected to represent diversity in program type, program length, and geography. Data from EM residents graduating from 2013 to 2022 were eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were residents in combined training programs, residents who did not complete all training at one institution, and residents who did not have data available. Examination types were identified from the American College of Emergency Physicians guidelines for POCUS. Each site obtained POCUS examination totals for every resident upon graduation. We calculated the mean and 95% confidence interval for each procedure across study years.

Results

A total of 535 residents were eligible for inclusion, with 524 (97.9%) meeting all inclusion criteria. The mean number of POCUS examinations per resident increased by 46.9% from 277 in 2013 to 407 in 2022. All examination types had stable or increasing frequency. Focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST), cardiac, obstetric/gynecologic, and renal/bladder were performed most frequently. Ocular, deep venous thrombosis, musculoskeletal, skin/soft tissue, thoracic, and cardiac examinations had the largest percentage increase in numbers over the 10‐year period, while bowel and testicular POCUS remained rare.

Conclusions

There was an overall increase in the number of POCUS examinations performed by EM residents over the past 10 years, with FAST, cardiac, obstetric/gynecologic, and renal/bladder being the most common examination types. Among less common procedures, increased frequency may be needed to ensure competence and avoid skill decay for those examination types. This information can help inform POCUS training in residency and accreditation requirements.
Polyaromatic anion exchange membranes for alkaline fuel cells with high hydroxide conductivity and alkaline stability
Authors: Chen Chunming , Zeng Xingrong , Peng Zhenlun , Chen Zhonghua
Published: March 2023

Poly (terphenylene‐methyl piperidine‐biphenyl) was synthesized using biphenyl, terphenyl, and N‐methyl‐4‐piperidone as raw materials to prepare anion exchange membranes (AEMs). Biphenyl and terphenyl as the copolymer monomers were used to regulate the morphology and properties of the AEMs. The flexible copolymer backbone promoted efficient transport of hydroxyl ions. The obtained AEMs show a high ion conductivity of 49.16 mS/cm at 80°C. Furthermore, the stable piperidine cation and polyarylene chain contributed to the excellent alkaline stability of AEMs that showed only 0.63% deterioration in ion conductivity after soaking in 1 M KOH at 80°C for 720 h. The peak of single cell power density of 54 mW cm−2 was obtained at a load current density of 150.1 mA cm−2 using an aqueous solution containing 1 M methanol and 1 M potassium hydroxide as the anode fuel, and pure oxygen gases as the cathode fuel at 30°C.
Maternal Anti‐Ro Antibody Titers Obtained With Commercially Available Immunoassays Are Strongly Associated With Immune‐Mediated Fetal Heart Disease
Authors: Jaeggi Edgar , Kulasingam Vathany , Chen Jack , Fan Chun‐Po Steve , Laskin Carl , Hamilton Robert M. , Hiraki Linda T. , Silverman Earl D. , Sepiashvili Lusia
Published: March 2023

Objective

Anti‐Ro antibody–positive mothers are frequently referred for serial echocardiography due to the fetal risk of developing heart block and endocardial fibroelastosis. Little is known why only some and not all offspring develop these cardiac manifestations of neonatal lupus (CNL). This prospective study examined associations between anti‐Ro antibody titers and fetal CNL.

Methods

Antibody‐positive mothers referred since 2018 for fetal echocardiography at risk of CNL (group 1; n = 240) or with CNL (group 2; n = 18) were included. Maternal antibody titers were measured with a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA). Additional testing on diluted serum samples was used to quantify anti–Ro 60 antibody titers above the analytical measuring range (AMR) of the standard CIA (≥1,375 chemiluminescent units [CU]).

Results

Among 27 total mothers with a fetal diagnosis of CNL, all displayed anti–Ro 60 antibody titers that exceeded the AMR of the CIA at least 10‐fold. Of 122 mothers in group 1 who underwent additional anti–Ro 60 antibody testing, event rates of CNL (n = 9) were 0% (0 of 45) among mothers with anti–Ro 60 antibody titers from 1,375–10,000 CU, 5% (3 of 56) among mothers with titers from 10,000–50,000 CU, but 29% (6 of 21) among mothers with titers >50,000 CU (odds ratio 13.1, P = 0.0008). Of mothers in group 2 with a primary diagnosis of CNL, 0% (0 of 18 mothers) had anti–Ro 60 antibody titers <10,000 CU, 44% (8 of 18 mothers) had titers from 10,000–50,000 CU, and 56% (10 of 18 mothers) had titers >50,000 CU.

Conclusion

CNL is associated with substantially higher anti‐Ro antibody titers than are obtained using a standard CIA. Enhancing the assay measuring range allows an improved specificity of identifying pregnancies at risk of CNL.
Trifluoromethylated Oxidopyridinium Betaines: Unique (5+2) Cycloaddition Selectivity Imposed by 2‐ or 6‐Trifluoromethyl Groups
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshihiko , Tazawa Syunji , Tadano Ryu , Yasui Takeshi
Published: March 2023

Despite the significant advances in trifluoromethylation methods, the synthesis of complex trifluoromethylated molecules, bearing a natural‐product‐like three‐dimensional framework, remains as a formidable challenge. Therefore, the cycloaddition of unprecedented CF3‐substituted oxidopyridinium betaines was investigated. After the methylation of trifluoromethylated pyridin‐3‐ols with methyl triflate, pyridinium ions generated in‐situ were treated with triethylamine in the presence of N‐methylmaleimide to produce trifluoromethylated 8‐azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives via (5+2) cycloaddition of the corresponding oxidopyridinium betaines. Exo/endo‐selectivity varied depending on the positions of the CF3 substituents; endo‐products were preferred in the reactions of oxidopyridinium betaines with the CF3 group at the 2‐ or 6‐positions, whereas the 5‐CF3‐substituted betaine exclusively produced an exo‐product. Moreover, unique regio‐ and stereoselectivities have been observed in the reactions of 2‐ or 6‐CF3‐substituted oxidopyridinium betaines with vinyl sulfones and trans‐1,2‐disubstituted alkenes. To gain insight into the reactivity of trifluoromethylated oxidopyridinium betaines, computational investigations were also conducted.
Guillain‐Barre syndrome secondary to COVID‐19 infection: A case report
Authors: Tran Dena H. , Basra Dalwinder , Bilgrami Zaid , Challa Suryanarayana R. , Kwon Christina , Marciniak Ellen , Verceles Avelino C.
Published: March 2023

Guillain‐Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disease that often manifests as a post‐viral complication. However, its association with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is unclear. We present a rare case of GBS secondary to COVID‐19 infection complicated by rapidly progressive sensorimotor deterioration resistant to plasma exchange therapy.
Association of simple bone cyst and cemento‐osseous dysplasia: A long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Hajjami Fatma , Ouertani Hend , Brahem Hichem , Mehrez Hichem , Blouza Ikdam , Khattech Mohamed Bassem
Published: March 2023

Cemento‐osseous dysplasia (COD) is a non‐neoplastic, usually asymptomatic condition characterized by the presence of amorphous cement‐like calcifications located exclusively in the tooth‐bearing regions of the jawbone. Simple bone cysts (SBCs) of the jaws are benign intraosseous cavities, empty or filled with serous, serohematic, or blood fluid. They are characterized by the absence of an epithelial lining. COD and SBCs are two distinct lesions of the jaws that have long been described separately in the literature; however, their co‐occurrence remains rare and only a few cases have been reported illustrating this relationship. This association can be considered as a distinct entity since it presents specific epidemiological, clinical, and radiological data. The aim of this article was to report a new case of association between COD and SBC by illustrating a florid COD formation in mandibular SBC detected in a 31‐year‐old patient followed over a period of 11 years.
Recent Advances in Glycopeptide and Glycoprotein Synthesis: A Refined Synthetic Probe towards the Biological World
Authors: Zhuang Haoru , Hao Huiran , Qiu Yongshun , Gan Jinjuan , Li Tianlu
Published: March 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Protein glycosylation is the most complex and diverse form of post‐translational modification in human body. Meanwhile, glycosylation of peptides and proteins emerges as a promising strategy to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of peptide‐ and protein‐based therapeutics. Owing to the importance of protein glycosylation, a rigorous evaluation of the relationship between the precise structure and biological function of glycoproteins has to be performed. Recently, chemical synthesis, chemoenzymatic synthesis and semisynthesis strategies have attracted extensive attentions towards the preparation of structurally defined glycopeptides and glycoproteins; the obtained synthetic glycoforms thus enable the thorough investigation of specific effects of protein glycosylation. This review highlights the recent progress in the development of novel strategies, preparation of homogeneous glycoproteins and exploration of structure‐activity relationships. On this basis, the challenges and prospects are discussed.
Inhibition of Human Cholinesterases and in vitro β‐Amyloid Aggregation by Rationally Designed Peptides
Authors: Sanchis Ivan , Spinelli Roque , Dias José , Brazzolotto Xavier , Rietmann Álvaro , Aimaretti Florencia , Siano Álvaro S.
Published: March 2023

The multifactorial nature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is now widely recognized, which has increased the interest in compounds that can address more than one AD‐associated targets. Herein, we report the inhibitory activity on the human cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase, hAChE and butyrylcholinesterase, hBChE) and on the AChE‐induced β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) aggregation by a series of peptide derivatives designed by mutating aliphatic residues for aromatic ones. We identified peptide W3 (LGWVSKGKLL‐NH2) as an interesting scaffold for the development of new anti‐AD multitarget‐directed drugs. It showed the lowest IC50 value against hAChE reported for a peptide (0.99±0.02 μM) and inhibited 94.2 %±1.2 of AChE‐induced Aβ aggregation at 10 μM. Furthermore, it inhibited hBChE (IC50, 15.44±0.91 μM), showed no in vivo toxicity in brine shrimp and had shown moderated radical scavenging and Fe2+ chelating capabilities in previous studies. The results are in line with multiple reports showing the utility of the indole moiety for the development of cholinesterase inhibitors.
Development of the attitude toward mediation scale
Authors: Helsen Valerie
Published: March 2023

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that has been acclaimed for its effectiveness in reaching settlement—as well as relationship‐oriented goals, as well as for being faster and cheaper than a judicial procedure. However, despite mediation's rising popularity and use, the success of its uptake remains limited, with large local differences in implementation rates. While attitude has been regarded consistently as a predictor of behavior, researchers currently lack a reliable and validated way of assessing attitude toward mediation in the general population. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate a measure to assess attitude toward mediation. The Attitude toward Mediation Scale (AMS) was developed by integrating the attitude and mediation literature and by adapting established attitude measures to reflect attitudes toward mediation. Based on data collected between April 15, 2021 and April 26, 2021 in 1220 Flemish adults (1004 women, 213 men, 3 nonbinary adults) between the ages of 18 and 80 (M = 42.57, SD = 14.51), results provided initial support for the reliability and construct validity of the AMS. In addition, while the attitude toward mediation was generally positive, results indicated that women reported more positive attitudes than men, and that as age, level of education, and knowledge of mediation increased, the attitude toward mediation was more positive. We hope this measure encourages future researchers to study the association between attitude toward mediation and its uptake, increasing the understanding of its varying implementation rates.
Foliar spraying tea infusion decreases selenium uptake of Cyphomandra betacea in selenium‐contaminated soil
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zhu Ying , Li Wanzhi , Liao Qiuyu , Liu Linxi , Zhou Lianying , Lin Lijin
Published: March 2023

Selenium (Se) is one of the essential trace elements for human, but the Se deficiency of most areas resulting in low a Se content in fruits. To increase the Se uptake in fruit trees, the effects of foliar spraying four types of tea (black, green, white, and dark) infusions on the growth and Se uptake of Cyphomandra betacea were studied using a pot experiment. The white and dark tea infusions increased the biomass, superoxide dismutase activity, and catalase activity of C. betacea, while the black and green tea infusions had no significant effects. The green, white, and dark tea infusions increased the contents of photosynthetic pigments in C. betacea, the while the black tea infusions had no significant effects. The black, white, and dark tea infusions increased the peroxidase activity of C. betacea, while the green tea infusion decreased. All tea infusions increased the potassium (K) content in aboveground part of C. betacea and phosphorus (P) content in leaves to some extent. The different tea infusions decreased the Se contents in roots and shoots of C. betacea. Compared to the control, the black, green, white, and dark tea infusions decreased the Se contents in shoots by 16.67%, 27.30%, 33.33%, and 40.07%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the contents of P and K were negatively correlated with the Se content. Therefore, foliar spraying tea infusion can decrease the Se uptake in C. betacea, and the white and dark tea infusions can promote C. betacea growth.
The role of topography in landform development at an active temperate glacier in Arctic Norway
Authors: Boston Clare M. , Chandler Benjamin M. P. , Lovell Harold , Weber Paul , Davies Bethan J.
Published: March 2023

Topography exerts a strong control on how glaciers respond to changes in climate. Increased understanding of this role is important for both refining model predictions of future rates of glacier recession and for reconstructing climatic change from the glacial geological record. In this paper, we examine the geomorphological and sedimentological evidence in the foreland of Fingerbreen, a temperate outlet of the plateau icefield Østre Svartisen. The aim is to investigate the relationship between processes of landform generation and the changing influence of topography as recession progressed. The Fingerbreen foreland is dominated by bouldery Little Ice Age moraines and extensive areas of striated bedrock. A heavily fluted zone occurs in the central part of the foreland that is cross‐cut by annual transverse and sawtooth moraines. Systematic investigations of the structural architecture of moraines at various locations in the foreland provide evidence for a range of moraine‐forming processes, which can be linked to the topographic setting (e.g. deposition on a reverse bedrock slope) and drainage conditions. This includes push and bulldozing of proglacial sediments and squeezing of sub‐glacial sediments and submarginal freeze‐on of sediment slabs. We also identify variations in moraine spacing as a result of topography. This research demonstrates the importance of topography when interpreting moraine records in the context of climate and glacier dynamics.
Microglia directly associate with pericytes in the central nervous system
Authors: Morris Gary P. , Foster Catherine G. , Courtney Jo‐Maree , Collins Jessica M. , Cashion Jake M. , Brown Lachlan S. , Howells David W. , DeLuca Gabriele C. , Canty Alison J. , King Anna E. , Ziebell Jenna M. , Sutherland Brad A.
Published: March 2023

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is important for the maintenance of brain function and its dysregulation has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglia associations with capillaries suggest they may play a role in the regulation of CBF or the blood–brain‐barrier (BBB). We explored the relationship between microglia and pericytes, a vessel‐resident cell type that has a major role in the control of CBF and maintenance of the BBB, discovering a spatially distinct subset of microglia that closely associate with pericytes. We termed these pericyte‐associated microglia (PEM). PEM are present throughout the brain and spinal cord in NG2DsRed × CX3CR1+/GFP mice, and in the human frontal cortex. Using in vivo two‐photon microscopy, we found microglia residing adjacent to pericytes at all levels of the capillary tree and found they can maintain their position for at least 28 days. PEM can associate with pericytes lacking astroglial endfeet coverage and capillary vessel width is increased beneath pericytes with or without an associated PEM, but capillary width decreases if a pericyte loses a PEM. Deletion of the microglia fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) did not disrupt the association between pericytes and PEM. Finally, we found the proportion of microglia that are PEM declines in the superior frontal gyrus in AD. In summary, we identify microglia that specifically associate with pericytes and find these are reduced in number in AD, which may be a novel mechanism contributing to vascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.
Lymph node metastasis from olfactory neuroblastoma at presentation and as disease relapse: A systematic review and proportion meta‐analysis of prevalence data and variables influencing regional control
Authors: Tomasoni Michele , Marazzi Elisa , Rampinelli Vittorio , Mattavelli Davide , Schreiber Alberto , Deganello Alberto , Piazza Cesare
Published: March 2023

Background

Aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of cervical nodal metastasis at presentation and as disease relapse in primary, treatment‐naive olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), and to review treatment modalities, risk factors for regional failure and survival outcomes according to nodal status.

Methods

A systematic review and proportion meta‐analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines based on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus.

Results

Eighteen articles were examined. The pooled proportion of patients with nodal metastasis at presentation (11.5%) was comparable to that of cN0 patients not receiving elective neck treatment developing nodal metastasis during follow‐up (12.3%). Of the latter, most were Kadish stage C tumors (85.5%).

Conclusions

Cervical involvement is common both at presentation and during follow‐up of cN0 ONB. The highest risk of developing late nodal metastasis is seen in cN0 patients with Kadish stage C tumors not receiving elective neck treatment. Elective cN0 neck treatment should be encouraged in selected patients to increase regional control.
Nonlinear behavior mechanism and modeling method of wound SMD inductor
Authors: Yin Lu , Chen Zhanfei , Liu Jun
Published: March 2023

In the actual use process, the characteristics of the wire‐wound power inductor will change. On the one hand, the DC bias will fluctuate because the working current of the wire‐wound power inductor is not constant; on the other hand, there is a variable magnetic field, which, according to the principle of electromagnetic, affects structural size, core permeability, and flux density, both of which affect the amount of inductance. As a result, this research examines the wire‐wound SMD inductor's nonlinear behavior and modeling approach. Under the condition of zero bias at normal temperature, the static model is determined by simulating Y parameters and comparing its main performance parameters. The influence factors of temperature and DC bias are studied. The nonlinear model circuit is written in Verilog‐A format, and the inductor‐current curve is fitted by polynomial. The dynamic model is verified by ADS and compared with the test data. SWPA series power inductor measurement data from Sunlord is used to verify the validation of the model proposed in this paper. The Y parameter and performance index under zero DC bias at room temperature, inductance characteristics under different currents and inductance characteristics under different temperatures were compared respectively. From the comparison results, it can be concluded that, The fitting accuracy of the model is good in the frequency range of 100 KHz ~ 100 MHz, DC bias range of 0 ~ 0.28 A, and different temperatures (−40, 25, 125°C).
Improvement of the UV‐resistance capability of fish gelatin‐oxidized starch film via inserting mycosporine‐like amino acids
Authors: Wang Donghui , Guan Chenxia , Sun Lirong , Zhang Qinling , Pan Shihui , Chen Hao
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs) are known as the strongest solar guardians in nature.

RESULTS

In the present study, the extraction of MAAs from dried Pyropia haitanensis was achieved. Fish gelatin and oxidized starch composite films embedded with MAAs (0–0.3% w/w) were fabricated. The maximum absorption wavelength of the composite film appeared at 334 nm, which was consistent with MAA solution. Furthermore, the UV absorption intensity of the composite film was highly dependent on the concentration of MAAs. The composite film exhibited excellent stability during the 7‐day storage period. The physicochemical features of composite film were demonstrated by the measurement of water content, water vapor transmission rate, oil transmission, and visual characteristics. Furthermore, in the actual anti‐UV effect investigation, the increase in peroxide value and the acid value of grease under the films coverage was delayed. In the meantime, the decrease in ascorbic acid content in dates was postponed, and survivability of Escherichia coli was increased.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that fish gelatin‐oxidized starch‐mycosporine‐like amino acids film (FOM film) with biodegradable and anti‐ultraviolet properties has a high potential for usage in food packaging materials. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Feeling pressured to talk about trauma: How pressure to disclose alters the association between trauma disclosure and posttraumatic growth
Authors: Kimbley Claire T. , Cox Daniel W. , Kahn Jeffrey H. , Renshaw Keith D.
Published: March 2023

Talking with others about traumatic experiences (i.e., trauma disclosure) has been associated with increased posttraumatic growth (PTG). Although this association indicates the value of disclosing, there is evidence that external pressure to disclose can hinder the benefits of trauma disclosure. The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of pressure to disclose on the association between trauma disclosure and PTG. People who had experienced a traumatic event and disclosed their trauma to a close other were recruited using Amazon's Mechanical Turk (N = 208). Participants completed measures of trauma exposure, trauma disclosure, pressure to disclose, PTG, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and response to disclosure. The results indicated that the linear association between trauma disclosure and PTG was quadratically moderated by pressure to disclose, ηp2 = .025. Pressure to disclose strengthened the positive association between trauma disclosure and PTG from low, B = 0.818 (SE = 0.267), to moderate levels of pressure, B = 2.109 (SE = 0.471). However, when pressure was high, the association between disclosure and PTG was not significant, B = −1.19 (SE = 1.327). These findings indicate that a moderate amount of pressure to disclose may facilitate the positive impact of disclosure on PTG, yet a high amount of pressure may impede the positive association between disclosure and PTG. This research furthers understanding of the nuances of trauma disclosure and how close others’ involvement in disclosure can impact the process of PTG for trauma survivors.
Methodology for the definition of the mixing zones of punctual discharges in coastal waters
Authors: Romero Inmaculada , Martínez‐Guijarro Remedios , Pachés Maria
Published: March 2023

The European Union allows the designation of mixing zones (MZ) adjacent to a punctual discharge. Concentrations of one or more substances could exceed the environmental quality standards in the MZ if the rest of the water body meets the standards. However, the European Union does not explain how to define it. In this paper, the simulation of the MZ is done through two free software, Discharge Test and Visual Plumes. Discharge Test is used to perform a first analysis of the proposed scenario and to assess the discharge effects on the receiving environment. Visual Plumes is used to analyze in more detail these effects and the behavior of the polluting plume. The results obtained, for a mercury discharge from an outfall that discharges into the coastal zone of the Mediterranean Sea, show that these models could be a useful tool for the determination of MZ. A methodology is defined to delimit the MZ for an outfall. This MZ will be the circular surface, with a radius equivalent to the estimated distance, around the discharge point.
Accelerated offline setup of homogenized microscopic model for multi‐scale analyses using neural network with knowledge transfer
Authors: Yuan Zhongbo , Biswas Raja , Poh Leong Hien
Published: March 2023

The FE computational homogenization method is a predictive multi‐scale method without the need for constitutive assumptions and/or potential function postulates at the macro engineering scale. Instead, the effective micro‐structural responses are extracted directly from a representative volume element (RVE) underlying each macro point. However, the FE method is still computationally too expensive for most practical uses, since the micro‐macro FE coupling is done at each loading step/iteration for the entire domain. To this end, the machine learning method has been utilized in the literature for the offline training of a surrogate model to predict the RVE homogenized response for general loading conditions. In this contribution, the neural network (NN) is incorporated into the macro finite element framework in a non‐intrusive manner. This is termed as the FE‐NN framework, in analogy to the FE method. In general, online simulations in the FE‐NN method is very efficient, with predictions matching closely to those obtained from reference direct numerical simulations (DNS). A bottleneck with the FE‐NN framework, however, is the high computational cost associated with the data generation for offline NN model setup. In this paper, focusing on the FE‐NN multi‐scale framework for non‐linear elastic deformation of heterogeneous materials, a sequential training strategy with knowledge transfer is proposed, to enable an efficient offline microscopic NN model setup. For a given target RVE, we first consider a simplified source RVE, where data can be generated rapidly, for the NN pre‐training of surrogate model. The pre‐trained network parameters are next downloaded to initialize the target NN surrogate model, followed by a fine‐tuning training process, using only a small dataset generated by the computationally expensive high‐fidelity RVE. The efficiency of the proposed sequential learning method over the conventional NN training, as well as, its excellent predictive capability for multi‐scale analyses, are demonstrated for a multi‐phase composite material. The proposed FE‐NN‐KT approach can be implemented easily without complicated pre‐processing procedures, since the data generation only involves the standard extraction of effective responses from RVEs, together with a standard NN architecture.
High‐performance hierarchical composites based on polyamide 6, carbon fiber and graphene oxide
Authors: Damacena Luiz Henrique Cavalcante , Ferreira Eder Henrique Coelho , Ribeiro Hélio , Fechine Guilhermino José Macedo , Souza Adriana Martinelli Catelli
Published: March 2023

This study reports the effect of graphene oxide (GO) coating on carbon fiber (CF) surface on the mechanical and thermal properties and morphology of CF‐reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) composites containing 7.5 wt% of short CFs. GO was coated on the CF surface by a physical absorption method with concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 wt% GO. The PA6/CF composites were prepared by extrusion, and the specimens were obtained by injection molding. Their morphology (SEM, XRD tests), mechanical (tensile, flexural, impact, and fatigue tests), and thermal properties (DSC, TG and HDT tests) were analyzed. A significant change in the preferential (growth) crystal planes of PA6 was observed upon the incorporation of CFs containing GO, favoring the formation of α crystals in PA6. GO coating on CFs was effective and provided an increase in tensile strength and Young's modulus up to 12% and 24%, flexural strength and flexural modulus up to 22% and 25%, and a decrease in impact strength and fatigue life up to 30% and 23%, respectively, when compared to unmodified PA6/CF composites. Fracture micrographs indicated an increase in the PA6/CF interaction and the effectiveness of GO as a coupling agent for the composite.
Laser therapy versus expectant management for selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twins: A systematic review
Authors: Buskmiller Cara , Munoz Jessian L. , Cortes Magdalena Sanz , Donepudi Roopali V. , Belfort Michael A. , Nassr Ahmed A.
Published: March 2023

Selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) complicates 10%–26% of monochorionic twins. Treatment options include cord coagulation, expectant management, and fetoscopic laser photocoagulation. This review compared laser to expectant management for situations when cord coagulation is not an option. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were queried for studies that compared laser to expectant management for sFGR. GRADE was used to assess quality prior to meta‐analysis. A random‐effects model was used to generate relative risks. Six studies were included, encompassing 299 pregnancies. One study was randomized and the remainder were retrospective cohorts. Laser is associated with more fetal deaths of the FGR twin compared to expectant management (risk ratio [RR] 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43–4.37, p = 0.001, I2 = 48%). Neonatal deaths and gestational age at delivery did not differ. Laser was associated with decreased abnormal neuroimaging in the AGA twin (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07–0.97, p = 0.05). Neurodevelopmental outcomes did not differ, although these data are limited. Laser causes more fetal deaths of the FGR twin without altering gestational age at delivery or rates of neonatal death. The literature is heterogeneous and the level of bias is high. Randomized trials that address laser for type II sFGR are needed and should include long‐term neurological outcomes.