bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting Ligand‐to‐Ligand Charge Transfer Phosphorescence Emission from Zinc(II) Diimine Bis‐Thiolate Complexes: It is Actually Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: Lüdtke Nora , Kuhnt Julia , Heil Tabea , Steffen Andreas , Marian Christel M.
Published: September 2022

In this work we revisit and re‐evaluate the photophysical behavior of the prototypical complex [Zn(SC6H4‐4‐R)2(phen)] as the most in‐depth studied type of Zn(II)‐based triplet state emitters. Previous reports suggest population of ligand‐to‐ligand charge transfer (LLCT) states via phenanthroline localized ππ* states, with an energy barrier between the3ππ* and the bk;1/3LLCT states requiring thermal activation. Besides very weak prompt fluorescence, the dominant radiative mechanism was attributed to phosphorescence. Our photophysical studies, including temperature‐dependent quantum yield determination and time‐resolved luminescence measurements, reveal a high radiative rate constantkr=3.5×105 s−1at room temperature and suggest thermally activated luminescence as the major emission path. High‐level DFT/MRCI calculations confirm this assignment and provide deeper insight into the excited‐state kinetics, including rate constants for the (reverse) intersystem crossing processes. Thus, our study demonstrates that further optimization of the photophysical properties of this type of Zn(II) triplet exciton emitter bears great potential for future application in devices.
Comparison of polymerization shrinkage of a new bulk‐fill flowable composite with other composites: An in vitro study
Authors: Khoramian Tusi Somayeh , Hamdollahpoor Hajar , Mohammadi Savadroodbari Maryam , Sheikh Fathollahi Mahmood
Published: September 2022

Objective

Since composites still face a critical problem called polymerization shrinkage and bulk‐fill composites have reported acceptable results for this issue, this study aims to assess the polymerization shrinkage of a new bulk‐fill flowable composite (G‐aenial bulk injectable [GBI]) and compare it to other bulk‐fill and conventional composites.

Materials and Methods

In this in vitro study, 25 composite discs were fabricated using three bulk‐fill and two conventional composites. They were bonded to a microscopic slide and were covered by a coverslip. This assembly was transferred to a linear variable differential transformer and composite samples were cured from underneath the slides. Dimensional changes formed in composite samples were recorded. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by post hoc Tukey's and Dunnett's tests.

Results

The groups were significantly different regarding polymerization shrinkage. G‐aenial bulk injectable and G‐aenial universal flo showed significantly higher polymerization shrinkage than other composites at 30, 60, and 1800 s after light irradiation, while X‐tra fil and Filtek Z250 showed the lowest polymerization shrinkage at the aforementioned time points.

Conclusion

According to the results, the new composite had polymerization shrinkage similar to the conventional one. Bulk‐fill composites reported similar or lower shrinkage to conventional composites.
Institutional antecedents of integrated reporting quality: The moderating role of board independence
Authors: Wong Kar Shun , Amran Azlan , Chu Ei Yet
Published: September 2022

This study aims to examine a set of institutional isomorphic influences toward integrated reporting quality (IRQ) and the role of board independence in moderating such influences. The results from a cross‐sectional sample of 200 international companies indicated that both coercive (regulatory quality) and normative isomorphism (press freedom, CEO with accounting qualification, Dow Jones Sustainability Index listing, and winning an IR award) exert positive effects on IRQ. Moreover, board independence moderates positively for the effects of mimetic isomorphism (environmental sensitive industry) on IRQ. This study contributes to filling the gap in the literature by offering a multi‐theory approach to analyzing the antecedent of IRQ from the lenses of both institutional and agency theory. It also offers a practical contribution for corporate IR adopters, users, and regulatory authorities to improve corporate reporting. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that examines the moderating role of board independence on IRQ.
Comprehensive analysis on sensor node fault management schemes in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Babu Nagarajan , Santhosh Kumar Sripathi Venkata Naga
Published: September 2022

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are ad hoc networks that consist of tiny sensor nodes deployed in the sensed environment to monitor the natural phenomenon and send the monitored data to the base station for further processing. Due to the unfriendly deployment of the sensor nodes and their resource‐constrained nature, the sensor nodes are subjected to frequent node failure. Detecting sensor node failures and recovering them is a major challenge in WSN. Due to the failure of the nodes in WSN, there exist various problems such as a change in the network topology, communication link failure, a disjoint partition of the network, and failure to transmit the data to the sink. Various authors have proposed various techniques to detect and recover from node failure in the WSN. In this paper, a comprehensive analysis of the various node failure and node recovery techniques has been carried out to highlight the advantages and limitations along with the open research challenges for addressing the failure of the nodes in an effective manner.
Paeonol inhibits chronic constriction injury‐induced astrocytic activation and neuroinflammation in rats via the HDAC/miR‐15a pathway
Authors: Cai Longxue , Zeng Renqing , Huang Qi , Liu Xianfa , Cao Zuohong , Guo Qicai
Published: September 2022

Neuropathic pain affects millions of people in the worldwide, but the major therapeutics perform limited effectiveness. Paeonol (PAE) is widely distributed in Paeonis albiflora, and has manifested anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative effects in multiple diseases. The present study aims to elucidate the effect of Paeonol (PAE) on neuropathic pain (NP) and the potential targets. Chronic constriction injury model was established to mimic NP in vivo in rats. The expression of GFAP, HDAC2, AHDAC3, Ac‐H3K9, Histone‐H3, Ac‐H4K12, Histone‐H4, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 was assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and/or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Ultimately, results indicated that intervention of PAE significantly blocked neuroinflammation and astrocytic activation via blocking HDAC/miR‐15a signaling in CCI rats. These data revealed PAE is a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Non‐ubiquitous expression of core spliceosomal protein SmB/B′ in chick and mouse embryos
Authors: Turner Benedict R. H. , Mellor Charlotte , McElroy Clara , Bowen Natalie , Gu Wenjia , Knill Chris , Itasaki Nobue
Published: September 2022

Background

Although splicing is an integral part of the expression of many genes in our body, genetic syndromes with spliceosomal defects affect only specific tissues. To help understand the mechanism, we investigated the expression pattern of a core protein of the major spliceosome, SmB/B′ (Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Polypeptides B/B′), which is encoded by SNRPB. Loss‐of‐function mutations of SNRPB in humans cause cerebro‐costo‐mandibular syndrome (CCMS) characterized by rib gaps, micrognathia, cleft palate, and scoliosis. Our expression analysis focused on the affected structures as well as non‐affected tissues, using chick and mouse embryos as model animals.

Results

Embryos at young stages (gastrula) showed ubiquitous expression of SmB/B′. However, the level and pattern of expression became tissue‐specific as differentiation proceeded. The regions relating to CCMS phenotypes such as cartilages of ribs and vertebrae and palatal mesenchyme express SmB/B′ in the nucleus sporadically. However, cartilages that are not affected in CCMS also showed similar expressions. Another spliceosomal gene, SNRNP200, which mutations cause retinitis pigmentosa, was also prominently expressed in cartilages in addition to the retina.

Conclusion

The expression of SmB/B′ is spatiotemporally regulated during embryogenesis despite the ubiquitous requirement of the spliceosome, however, the expression pattern is not strictly correlated with the phenotype presentation.
Evaluation of transmission characteristics of differential and common modes of parallel two‐conductor microstrip lines with a Co‐Zr‐Nb film
Authors: Masaki Masataka , Muroga Sho , Mikami Takahiro , Tanaka Motoshi
Published: September 2022

The effect of sheet‐ and film‐type electromagnetic noise suppressors on differential mode (DM) and common mode (CM) transmission characteristics in two parallel lines was investigated. Simple two parallel microstrip lines with a Co‐Zr‐Nb film were used as a test bench. The transmission characteristics of DM and CM were measured by four‐port network analyzer. The ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) and eddy current losses generated in the Co‐Zr‐Nb film were calculated by 3D full wave simulator, and the effects of these losses on the transmission characteristics were estimated. The results show that the transmission characteristics are different in DM and CM because the frequency characteristics of the losses are different according to the different FMR frequency in each mode. Furthermore, the feasibility of the application of the magnetic film as a frequency‐selective CM filter is demonstrated by using the difference in frequency characteristics of loss of DM and CM.
Dispersal, kin aggregation, and the fitness consequences of not spreading sibling larvae
Authors: Burgess Scott C. , Powell Jackson , Bueno Marília
Published: September 2022

Dispersal has far‐reaching implications for individuals, populations, and communities, especially in sessile organisms. Escaping competition with conspecifics and with kin are theorized to be key factors leading to dispersal as an adaptation. However, manipulative approaches in systems in which adults are sessile but offspring have behaviors is required for a more complete understanding of how competition affects dispersal. Here, we integrate a series of experiments to study how dispersal affects the density and relatedness of neighbors, and how the density and relatedness of neighbors in turn affects fitness. In a marine bryozoan, we empirically estimated dispersal kernels and found that most larvae settled within ~1 m of the maternal colony, although some could potentially travel at least 10s of meters. Larvae neither actively preferred or avoided conspecifics or kin at settlement. We experimentally determined the effects of spreading sibling larvae by manipulating the density and relatedness of settlers and measuring components of fitness in the field. We found that settler density reduced maternal fitness when settler neighbors were siblings compared with when neighbors were unrelated or absent. Genetic markers also identified very few half sibs (and no full sibs) in adults from the natural population, and rarely close enough to directly interact. In this system, dispersal occurs over short distances (meters) yet, in contrast with expectations, there appears to be limited kinship between adult neighbors. Our results suggest that the limited dispersal increases early offspring mortality when siblings settle next to each other, rather than next to unrelated conspecifics, potentially reducing kinship in adult populations. High offspring production and multiple paternity could further dilute kinship at settlement and reduce selection for dispersal beyond the scale of 10s of meters.
Warming reduced flowering synchrony and extended community flowering season in an alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Yaya , Collins Scott L. , Zhao Yunpeng , Zhang Tianwu , Yang Xiangrong , An Hang , Hu Guorui , Xin Chunming , Zhou Juan , Sheng Xiongjie , He Mingrui , Zhang Panhong , Guo Zengpeng , Zhang Hui , Li Lanping , Ma Miaojun
Published: September 2022

The timing of phenological events is highly sensitive to climate change, and may influence ecosystem structure and function. Although changes in flowering phenology among species under climate change have been reported widely, how species‐specific shifts will affect phenological synchrony and community‐level phenology patterns remains unclear. We conducted a manipulative experiment of warming and precipitation addition and reduction to explore how climate change affected flowering phenology at the species and community levels in an alpine meadow on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. We found that warming advanced the first and last flowering times differently and with no consistent shifts in flowering duration among species, resulting in the entire flowering period of species emerging earlier in the growing season. Early‐flowering species were more sensitive to warming than mid‐ and late‐flowering species, thereby reducing flowering synchrony among species and extending the community‐level flowering season. However, precipitation and its interactions with warming had no significant effects on flowering phenology. Our results suggest that temperature regulates flowering phenology from the species to community levels in this alpine meadow community, yet how species shifted their flowering timing and duration in response to warming varied. This species‐level divergence may reshape flowering phenology in this alpine plant community. Decreasing flowering synchrony among species and the extension of community‐level flowering seasons under warming may alter future trophic interactions, with cascading consequences to community and ecosystem function.
Integrated evidence‐based extent of occurrence for North American bison (Bison bison) since 1500 CE and before
Authors: Martin Jeff M. , Short Rachel A. , Plumb Glenn E. , Markewicz Lauren , Van Vuren Dirk H. , Wehus‐Tow Bradly , Otárola‐Castillo Erik , Hill Matthew E.
Published: September 2022

Following the near extinction of bison (Bison bison) from its historic range across North America in the late 19th century, novel bison conservation efforts in the early 20th century catalyzed a popular widespread conservation movement to protect and restore bison among other species and places. Since Allen's initial delineation (1876) of the historic distribution of North American bison, subsequent attempts have been hampered by knowledge gaps about bison distribution and abundance prior to and following colonial arrival and settlement. For the first time, we applied a multidisciplinary approach to assemble a comprehensive, integrated geographic database and meta‐analysis of bison occurrence over the last 200,000 years, with particular emphasis on the 450 years before present. We combined paleontology, archaeology, and historical ecology data for our database, which totaled 6438 observations. We derived the observations from existing online databases, published literature, and first‐hand exploration journal entries. To illustrate the conservative maximum historical extent of occurrence of bison, we created a concave hull using observations occurring over the last 450 years (n = 3379 observations), which is the broadly accepted historical benchmark at 1500 CE covering 59% of the North American continent. Although this distribution represents a historic extent of occurrence—merely delineating the maximum margins of the near‐continental distribution—it does not replace a density‐based approach reconstructing potential historical range distributions, which identifies core and marginal ranges. However, we envision the observations contained in this database will contribute to further research in the increasingly evidence‐based disciplines of bison ecology, evolution, rewilding, management, and conservation. There are no copyright or proprietary restrictions on these data, and this data paper should be cited when the data are reused.
Zinc nutrition and human health: Overview and implications
Authors: Sangeetha V. J. , Dutta Sayantani , Moses J. A. , Anandharamakrishnan C.
Published: September 2022

Zinc deficiency, being the fifth leading risk factor for diseases is associated with several disorders and infections, especially diarrhea. The common strategies for sustaining zinc's bioavailability include food fortification, biofortification, supplementation, and dietary diversification. To obtain the best technique, we need to appraise ourselves of the causes of deficiency, zinc bioavailability modalities, potential enhancers as well as inhibitors. This review highlights the role of zinc in human health, its bioavailability, causes and consequences of deficiency, and the strategies to alleviate the deficiency. The strategy of supplementation is pertinent, mostly for the population for whom the usual diet is insufficient for replenishment, and in a short period, the zinc status has to be enhanced. For high‐risk groups, fortification could be targeted to prevent potent inhibitors from hindering zinc absorption. By biofortification, enhancement of zinc concentration can be obtained in the edible portion of plants. Germination, fermentation, addition of enhancers, and other processing techniques also help to increase zinc absorption. Dietary modification is found to be an economically feasible, equitable, and sustainable strategy, and can be used to mitigate zinc deficiencies without any antagonistic effect. These strategies should be integrated with health and nutrition programs to create awareness and education, to enhance their sustainability and effectiveness.
Optimization and characterization of malted proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) based bread
Authors: Mohan Aringalayan Nikhitha , Singh Rakhi , Mishra Shivangi , Thangalakshmi S. , Kaur Barjinder Pal , Bajpai Vivek K. , Singh Anurag
Published: September 2022

An optimal mixture design was employed to optimize flour combination consisting of refined wheat flour (50%–75.9%), malted proso millet flour (20%–45.7%), and gluten (2%–5%) on responses, namely bread volume, hardness, springiness, L* value of crust, L* value of crumb, and overall acceptability of malted millet bread. The optimum level was found to be 73.3% of refined wheat flour, 24.7% of malted proso millet, and 2% of gluten, resulting in bread volume (773.33 cm3), hardness (79.08 N), springiness (0.054 mm), L* value crust (58.16), L* value crumb (64.08), and overall acceptability (7.89), respectively. The optimized bread showed significantly higher protein, ash, crude fiber, dietary fiber, and antioxidant activity than the control refined wheat flour bread. Therefore, optimized bread exhibited higher nutritional properties, making it appropriate for large‐scale production to improve consumers' nutrient delivery and protein requirements.
Dye‐Sensitization‐Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of BiOCl/Sulfur Quantum Dot Heterojunction under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Liang Yuting , Tao Ying , Cao Congli , Liu Yunni , Xu Hu , Yu Jun , Tao Jianwei , Li Guisheng , Wang Yuhong
Published: September 2022

Herein, we report a novel narrow band gap sulfur quantum dots (SQDs)‐modified BiOCl heterojunction (BOC/SQDs) for the photo‐degradation of hazardous organic pollutants via rhodamine B (RhB)‐sensitization. Such a high photocatalytic activity of RhB‐sensitized BOC/SQDs heterojunction derives not only from the improved visible‐light response capacity, high surface area/pore volume, suitable band structure for efficient electron transfer, but also from the surge of the number of electrons via RhB‐sensitization for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Superoxide radicals (⋅O2−), holes (h+), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) play the important roles in the photo‐degradation. A possible mechanism for RhB‐sensitization enhanced degradation performance for treating organic pollutants by BOC/SQDs is proposed. The combination of dye‐sensitization with BOC/SQDs heterojunction can explore a greener, energy saving, and efficient photo‐induced nanoplatform for treating organic pollutants in aqueous media.
Minthostachys Mollis Essential Oil and Its Combination with Tert‐butylhydroquinone for Control of Lipid Oxidation
Authors: López Paloma Lucía , Juncos Nicolle Stefani , Grosso Nelson Rubén , Olmedo Rubén Horacio
Published: September 2022

Lipid oxidation constitutes a problem because it affects food quality and safety. The aim is to study the effect of Minthostachys mollis essential oil and its combination with Tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) on lipid oxidation mechanisms to control lipid deterioration and maintain adequate food protection. An accelerated oxidation test with sunflower oil is carried out at 60 °C, and samples are extracted in triplicate every week (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days). Peroxide value, conjugated dienes, p‐anisidine, and oxidation volatiles compounds are measured. M. mollis showed low antioxidant activity (AA) and worse AA combined with TBHQ. However, combined TBHQ and M. mollis essential oil systems impact on the secondary reactions of lipid oxidation, which result in smaller amounts of oxidation volatile compounds.

Practical applications: Nowadays, synthetic additives, compared to natural ones, presents a negative consumer perception. Regarding antioxidant activity, the essential oils show a good antioxidant response, but sometimes they do not have a very strong effect, unlike synthetic antioxidant such as Tert‐butylhydroquinone or butylated hydroxytoluene. The essential oil as an antioxidant in food system implies that they need to put a high concentration of it, bringing a strong odor to the food. However, the essential oil provides flavor to food with a good consumer perception. This combination can be used as an alternative to prevent lipid oxidation, using a lower concentration of both.
Domino Reactions through Recursive Anionic Cascades: The Advantageous Use of Nitronates
Authors: Sengupta Saumitra , Pabbaraja Srihari , Mehta Goverdhan
Published: September 2022

Recursive Anionic Cyclization (RAC) continues to proliferate as a mechanistically distinct domino strategy. Deployment of nitroalkanes as a source of recursive carbanions has created a niche operating space for generating molecular complexity and diversity. This new corollary i. e. recursive nitronate cyclization is the basis of a domino [5 C+1 C] cyclization strategy wherein nitroalkanes act as one‐carbon lynchpin, providing rapid access to topologically intriguing, densely functionalized carbo‐ and heterocycles embodying multiple chiral centers with regio‐, stereo‐ and enantioselectivity. Extension to aromatic domains, particularly via benzannulation reactions, has further consolidated the operating space. While leveraging the functional versatility of nitro group for post‐domino modifications, such endeavors have culminated in total synthesis of diverse natural products. An incisive analysis of recursive nitronate cyclizations and their emergent potentials is delineated in this review. It is hoped that this focused narrative will enthuse and draw new practitioners to the arena to advance the field.
Unprecedented formation of reactive BrO– ions and their role as mediators for organic compounds degradation: The fate of bromide ions released during the anodic oxidation of Bromophenol blue dye
Authors: Carvalho de Almeida Camila , Ganiyu Soliu O. , Martínez‐Huitle Carlos A. , dos Santos Elisama Vieira , Barrios Eguiluz Katlin Ivon , Salazar‐Banda Giancarlo Richard
Published: September 2022

Based on the existing literature, active chlorine‐mediated electrochemical oxidation has been extensively studied when Cl‒ is added or Cl‒ is already present in the water matrices, as well as when Cl‒ is released from the target organic pollutants during their degradation. However, no attempts have been published concerning the fate and role of bromide (Br‒) ions released during the anodic oxidation (AO) of organobromine compounds. Therefore, the AO of bromophenol blue dye (BPB) was investigated in a parallel plate flow reactor using a boron‐doped diamond (BDD) anode. The effect of the applied current on the color removal efficiency and mineralization of BPB solution was examined and compared with AO of phenol red (PR) which has a similar molecular structure to BPB (but without Br) in order to understand the role of Br heteroatoms on the mineralization of BPB. Faster and higher mineralization and discoloration were achieved when treated with BPB solution compared to PR under similar experimental conditions. This behavior was associated with the electrogeneration of BrO‒, from the heteroatom Br which is released as the bromide ion (Br‒), during the degradation of BPB. The active bromine species are formed via direct and indirect oxidation approaches which were proposed based on ion chromatography and linear scanning voltammetry analysis.
Environmental and damage assessment of transparent solar cells compared with first and second generations using the LCA approach
Authors: Zahedi Rahim , Moosavian Seyed Farhan , Aslani Alireza
Published: September 2022

With the development of different generations of solar cell (photovoltaic) technologies, extensive research has been conducted to evaluate their performances, applications, and cost benefits. Despite these technologies being known as green technologies compared with fossil fuels, however, their environmental problems and damages have not been assessed and compared systematically in their whole life cycle. In this study, the environmental effects of different solar cell generations are assessed and compared using the life cycle assessment approach. Environmentally speaking, the results obtained from the software indicate that the first (polycrystalline) and third (transparent Perovskite) generation panels cause the greatest (1.43 × E−6 Daly) and least (4.56 × E−7 Daly) damage to human health, respectively. In addition, these two generations of photovoltaic panels have the most significant and least negative influence on the ecosystem with 2.18 × E−8 and 7.05 × E−10 Species.Yr, respectively. Regarding the environmental effect of damage to the resources, the third and second (cadmium telluride) panels have the least damage with 0.027 USD2013 and 0.0184 USD2013, respectively. The most negative midpoint effect is associated with the marine ecotoxicity of 0.101 kg 1.4‐DCB by the second generation panels. Concerning global warming as the most critical consequence, all three panels also severely impact increasing the global warming index by 399, 164, and 134 (gCO2 eq), respectively. Based on perovskite technologies that are being rapidly evolved with extensive applications, replacing this technology with the current generations is expected due to its less environmental impacts.
Dynamic response and emergency measures under failure conditions of sCO2 Brayton cycle
Authors: Wang Rui , Li Xinyu , Qin Zheng , Wang Lintao , Lin Zhimin , Wang Xuan , Tian Hua , Shu Gequn
Published: September 2022

The sCO2 Brayton cycle has gained interest because of its flexibility and ability to provide higher thermomechanical conversion efficiency. Studies on failure conditions and corresponding emergency measures are of great significance to ensure the safety of the system, while there are limited studies related to the sCO2 Brayton cycle because the test circuit has not been applied in practice at present. In this study, we have developed a dynamic model of the CO2 Brayton cycle, and carefully validated its components against experimental data. Preliminary safety assessment and dynamic response under loss of cooling water (LOCW), loss of heat source (LOHS), and pipeline leakage have been analyzed. Emergency strategies are proposed to maintain the safe operation under failure conditions. The primary objective of this study is to reveal the dynamic performance and emergency measures under failure conditions of the sCO2 Brayton cycle. The results demonstrate that the system net power decreases at rates close to 10%/s and less than 0.1%/s under LOCW and LOHS, respectively. The system responds more dramatically under LOCW compared with LOHS. The system needs emergency measures under LOCW, while it has sufficient time to realize a normal slow shutdown under LOHS. The leakage rate is at least five times higher in the high‐pressure pipeline compared with the low‐pressure pipeline for the same area of the leakage hole. Under pipeline leakage, the heat source should be cut‐off slowly, and the rotation speeds of the main compressor and recompressor should be reduced simultaneously to protect the system.
Parallel evolution in human populations: A biocultural perspective
Authors: Balentine Christina M. , Bolnick Deborah A.
Published: September 2022

Parallel evolution—where different populations evolve similar traits in response to similar environments—has been a topic of growing interest to biologists and biological anthropologists for decades. Parallel evolution occurs in human populations thanks to myriad biological and cultural mechanisms that permit humans to survive and thrive in diverse environments worldwide. Because humans shape and are shaped by their environments, biocultural approaches that emphasize the interconnections between biology and culture are key to understanding parallel evolution in human populations as well as the nuances of human biological variation and adaptation. In this review, we discuss how biocultural theory has been and can be applied to studies of parallel evolution and adaptation more broadly. We illustrate this through four examples of parallel evolution in humans: malaria resistance, lactase persistence, cold tolerance, and high‐altitude adaptation.
Geographical similarity and differences in the burden and genetic predisposition of NAFLD
Authors: Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Vilar‐Gomez Eduardo , Petta Salvatore , Yilmaz Yusuf , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Adams Leon A. , de Lédinghen Victor , Sookoian Silvia , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun
Published: September 2022

NAFLD has become a major public health problem for more than 2 decades with a growing prevalence in parallel with the epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The disease burden of NAFLD differs across geographical regions and ethnicities. Variations in prevalence of metabolic diseases, extent of urban–rural divide, dietary habits, lifestyles, and the prevalence of NAFLD risk and protective alleles can contribute to such differences. The rise in NAFLD has led to a remarkable increase in the number of cases of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic decompensation, and liver‐related mortality related to NAFLD. Moreover, NAFLD is associated with multiple extrahepatic manifestations. Most of them are risk factors for the progression of liver fibrosis and thus worsen the prognosis of NAFLD. All these comorbidities and complications affect the quality of life in subjects with NAFLD. Given the huge and growing size of the population with NAFLD, it is expected that patients, healthcare systems, and the economy will suffer from the ongoing burden related to NAFLD. In this review, we examine the disease burden of NAFLD across geographical areas and ethnicities, together with the distribution of some well‐known genetic variants for NAFLD. We also describe some special populations including patients with T2D, lean patients, the pediatric population, and patients with concomitant liver diseases. We discuss extrahepatic outcomes, patient‐reported outcomes, and economic burden related to NAFLD.
Macroeconomic determinants of households' indebtedness in Portugal: What really matters in the era of financialisation?
Authors: Romão Ana , Barradas Ricardo
Published: September 2022

The objective of this paper is to perform a time series econometric analysis in order to empirically assess the macroeconomic determinants and the corresponding drivers of Portuguese households' indebtedness in the period 1988 to 2016. During that period, the Portuguese economy experienced a process of financialisation that contributed to an increase in Portuguese households' indebtedness to unprecedented levels. The Portuguese households' indebtedness played a crucial role in the recent sovereign debt crisis. Based on the existing literature, we hypothesise that Portuguese households' indebtedness was due to seven macroeconomic determinants, notably housing prices, financial asset prices, the degree of personal income inequality, households' labour income, the importance of welfare state expenditures, the fraction of the working‐age population and the level of interest rates. Our findings reveal that the housing prices busts, financial asset prices, the degree of personal income inequality, households' labour income and the fraction of the working‐age population positively impact Portuguese households' indebtedness. Our findings also show that the increase in financial asset prices and the decline in housing prices were the main drivers of Portuguese households' indebtedness in the last few decades.
The impact of guardian's usage of the Internet on children's cognitive skills
Authors: Zhou Guangsu , Guo Keyi
Published: September 2022

In the digital age, the internet has become an essential source of information gathering and maintains a network of social contact. In this paper, we use microdata from the China Family Panel Studies to examine the effects of guardian's internet use on teenager's cognitive skills. Using mobile internet users and base station density as instruments, we found that guardian's internet use had a significant impact on teenager's cognitive abilities as measured by math and verbal tests. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact is more substantial for guardians in rural areas and less‐educated guardians. Further exploration of the mechanism shows that internet usage affects cognitive skills through monetary investment, time investment, and parental environment. The result suggests that promoting internet usage for less educated families in rural areas can potentially improve children's academic performance and decrease inequality across regions and generations.
Automated thermal imaging monitors the local response to cervical cancer brachytherapy
Authors: Hoffer Oshrit , Rabin Tatiana , Nir Rony‐Reuven , Brzezinski Rafael Y. , Zimmer Yair , Gannot Israel
Published: September 2022

Malignant tumors have high metabolic and perfusion rates, which result in a unique temperature distribution as compared to healthy tissues. Here, we sought to characterize the thermal response of the cervix following brachytherapy in women with advanced cervical carcinoma. Six patients underwent imaging with a thermal camera before a brachytherapy treatment session and after a 7‐day follow‐up period. A designated algorithm was used to calculate and store the texture parameters of the examined tissues across all time points. We used supervised machine learning classification methods (K Nearest Neighbors and Support Vector Machine) and unsupervised machine learning classification (K‐means). Our algorithms demonstrated a 100% detection rate for physiological changes in cervical tumors before and after brachytherapy. Thus, we showed that thermal imaging combined with advanced feature extraction could potentially be used to detect tissue‐specific changes in the cervix in response to local brachytherapy for cervical cancer.
Theranostic‐guided corneal cross‐linking: Preclinical evidence on a new treatment paradigm for keratoconus
Authors: Lombardo Giuseppe , Bernava Giuseppe Massimo , Serrao Sebastiano , Lombardo Marco
Published: September 2022

Theranostics is an emerging therapeutic paradigm of personalized medicine; the term refers to the simultaneous integration of therapy and diagnostics. In this work, theranostic‐guided corneal cross‐linking was performed on 10 human sclero‐corneal tissues. The samples were soaked with 0.22% riboflavin formulation and underwent 9 minutes UV‐A irradiance at 10 mW/cm2 using theranostic device, which provided both a measure of corneal riboflavin concentration and a theranostic score estimating treatment efficacy in real time. A three‐element viscoelastic model was developed to fit the deformation response of the cornea to air‐puff excitation of dynamic tonometry and to calculate the mean corneal stiffness parameter before and after treatment. Significant correlation was found between the theranostic score and the increase in mean corneal stiffness (R = 0.80; P < .001). Accuracy and precision of the theranostic score in predicting the induced corneal tissue stiffening were both 90%. The riboflavin concentration prior to starting the UV‐A photo‐therapy phase was the most important variable to allow corneal cross‐linking to be effective. Theranostic UV‐A light mediated imaging and therapy enables the operator to adopt a precise approach for achieving highly predictable biomechanical strengthening on individual corneas.
Incidence of Atypical Femoral Fractures in Patients on Osteoporosis Therapy—A Registry‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Everts‐Graber Judith , Bonel Harald , Lehmann Daniel , Gahl Brigitta , Häuselmann HansJörg , Studer Ueli , Ziswiler Hans‐Rudolf , Reichenbach Stephan , Lehmann Thomas
Published: September 2022

Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) have been reported in patients taking bisphosphonates (BPs) for osteoporosis therapy but also in patients with no exposure to these drugs. In contrast, less is known about the incidence of AFFs in patients taking denosumab. This registry‐based cohort study analyzed the incidence of AFFs in patients with suspected or confirmed osteoporosis who were included in the osteoporosis register of the Swiss Society of Rheumatology between January 2015 and September 2019. Statistical analyses included incidence rates, rate ratios, and hazard ratios for AFFs, and considered sequential therapies and drug holidays as time‐dependent covariates. Among the 9956 subjects in the cohort, 53 had subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures. Ten fractures occurred under BP or denosumab treatment and two under teriparatide therapy. Five fractures were classified as AFFs based on the revised American Society of Bone and Mineral Research case definition of AFFs from 2014. Three AFFs occurred in women being treated with denosumab at the time of diagnosis, all with prior BP use (10, 7, and 1 years, respectively). One AFF developed in a woman receiving ibandronate and one arose in a woman receiving glucocorticoids rather than antiresorptive therapy. The incidence of AFFs per 10,000 observed patient‐years was 7.1 in patients receiving denosumab and 0.9 in patients with BP‐associated AFFs, yielding a rate ratio of 7.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63–413), p = 0.073. The risk of AFFs was not significantly higher in patients receiving denosumab therapy compared with BP therapy (hazard ratio = 7.07, 95% CI 0.74–68.01, p = 0.090). We conclude that the risk of AFFs is low in patients taking BPs, denosumab, or both sequentially. All three patients with AFFs under denosumab therapy had undergone prior BP therapy. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Copper regulation disturbance linked to oxidative stress and cell death during Zika virus infection in human astrocytes
Authors: Puig‐Pijuan Teresa , Souza Leticia R. Q. , Pedrosa Carolina da S. G. , Higa Luiza M. , Monteiro Fabio Luis , Tanuri Amilcar , Valverde Rafael H. F. , Einicker‐Lamas Marcelo , Rehen Stevens Kastrup
Published: September 2022

The Zika virus (ZIKV) caused neurological abnormalities in more than 3500 Brazilian newborns between 2015 and 2020. Data have pointed to oxidative stress in astrocytes as well as to dysregulations in neural cell proliferation and cell cycle as important events accounting for the cell death and neurological complications observed in Congenital Zika Syndrome. Copper imbalance has been shown to induce similar alterations in other pathologies, and disturbances in copper homeostasis have already been described in viral infections. Here, we investigated copper homeostasis imbalance as a factor that could contribute to the cytotoxic effects of ZIKV infection in astrocytes. Human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived astrocytes were infected with ZIKV; changes in the gene expression of copper homeostasis proteins were analyzed. The effect of the administration of CuCl2 or a copper chelator on oxidative stress, cell viability and percentage of infection were also studied. ZIKV infection leads to a downregulation of one of the transporters mediating copper release, ATP7B protein. We also observed the activation of mechanisms that counteract high copper levels, including the synthesis of copper chaperones and the reduction of the copper importer protein CTR1. Finally, we show that chelator‐mediated copper sequestration in ZIKV‐infected astrocytes reduces the levels of reactive oxygen species and improves cell viability, but does not change the overall percentage of infected cells. In summary, our results show that copper homeostasis imbalance plays a role in the pathology of ZIKV in astrocytes, indicating that it may also be a factor accounting for the developmental abnormalities in the central nervous system following viral infection. Evaluating micronutrient levels and the use of copper chelators in pregnant women susceptible to ZIKV infection may be promising strategies to manage novel cases of congenital ZIKV syndrome.
Synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes and spirochromenes using basic ionic liquid, 2‐hydroxyethylammonium formate as green, stable, and reusable catalyst
Authors: Sanchooli Tazeh Kazem , Heydari Reza , Fatahpour Maryam
Published: September 2022

In this study, a number of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes and spirochromenes were fabricated in a one‐pot three‐component synthesis manner from commercially available chemicals including phloroglucinol, malononitrile, and aldehydes/isatines with acceptable and easy efficiencies. This methodology was performed in the presence of 2‐hydroxyethylammonium formate as an effective and reusable ionic liquid catalyst. Water was selected as the reaction medium and the reaction was carried out at ambient temperature to create an environmentally friendly route. Other salient features of this method include catalyst chemical stability, good yields, short reaction times, and a simple work‐up procedure.
Correlation of acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase 1 with Th17 and Th1 cells, serving as a potential prognostic biomarker for acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Jiang Jingjing , Meng Shifeng , Li Linlin , Duan Xinfei , Xu Haifa , Li Shurui
Published: September 2022

Background

Acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (ACC1) regulates lipid homeostasis, T helper (Th) cell differentiation, oxidative stress, inflammation response, and neurological process, engaging in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) pathogenesis, while its clinical utility in AIS is unclear. Hence, this study intended to explore the correlation among blood ACC1, Th17, and Th1 cells, and ACC1’s potency as a prognostic biomarker for AIS management.

Methods

ACC1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 160 AIS patients and 30 controls were determined using RT‐qPCR; blood Th17 and Th1 cells in AIS patients were quantified by flow cytometry.

Results

ACC1 was increased in AIS patients compared with controls (median (interquartile range): 2.540 (1.753–3.548) vs. 0.980 (0.655–1.743), p < 0.001), which exhibited a good value to reflect AIS risk with the area under the curve of 0.872 (95% CI: 0.805–0.939). Moreover, ACC1 was positively linked with Th17 (r = 0.374, p < 0.001) and Th1 (r = 0.178, p = 0.024) cells in AIS patients. Additionally, ACC1 (r = 0.328, p < 0.001), Th17 (r = 0.272, p = 0.001), and Th1 cells (r = 0.195, p = 0.014) were positively associated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score in AIS patients. ACC1 high vs. low (p = 0.038) and Th17 high vs. low (p = 0.026) were related to shortened recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in AIS patients, while Th1 cells (p = 0.179) were not correlated with RFS. Whereas ACC1 (p = 0.248), Th17 (p = 0.079), and Th1 cells (p = 0.130) were not linked with overall survival (OS) in AIS patients.

Conclusion

Circulating ACC1 overexpression correlates with increased Th17, Th1 cells, NIHSS score, and shortened RFS in AIS patients.
LncRNA OR2A1‐AS1 index predicts survival in germinal center‐like diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ye Shuting , Ying Weiwei , Lin Yi , Hou Zhengjun , Su Meiyun
Published: September 2022

Background

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a highly aggressive form of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been evaluated as prognostic markers in various carcinomas. However, the prognostic value of the lncRNA index in DLBCL has not been fully understood. Hence, this study aimed to identify the prognostic value of lncRNA olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily A member 1‐antisense RNA 1 (OR2A1‐AS1) in DLBCL.

Methods

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain the GSE97336 dataset comprising lncRNA expression profiles. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QRT‐PCR) was conducted to evaluate the expression of OR2A1‐AS1 in 98 cases of DLBCL.

Results

OR2A1‐AS1 expression was considerably reduced in DLBCL patients, reduced OR2A1‐AS1 expression was linked to a shorter overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) in DLBCL patients, especially those with the germinal center B‐cell‐like subtype (GCB). Multivariate analysis (MVA) revealed that the OR2A1‐AS1 index had prognostic significance. Patients with low OR2A1‐AS1 expression have a poor prognosis.

Conclusions

OR2A1‐AS may represent an effective predictor of patients' outcomes with DLBCL.