bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐384‐5p protects against cardiac hypertrophy via the ALPK3 signaling pathway
Authors: Guo Suxia , Yang Yanhua , Qian Weichun , Yao Yongzhao , Zhou Guoxiang , Shen Lihan , Zhou Jianping
Published: May 2022

Heart failure is a condition caused by a variety of pathophysiological factors. One important pathological change of chronic heart failure is myocardial hypertrophy. In recent years, several studies have found that dysregulated microRNAs are involved in regulating the pathological process of heart failure. In this study, cardiac hypertrophy models were constructed using isoproterenol (ISO)‐/angiotensin‐II (Ang‐II) to explore the role of miR‐384‐5p in cardiac hypertrophy and its molecular mechanism in vivo and in vitro. Echocardiography, invasive pressure–volume analysis and hematoxylin–eosin staining were used to explore cardiac structure and function. ALPK3 mRNA and protein expression were detected using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot analysis and miR‐384‐5p expression were assessed via RT‐qPCR. Our findings determined that miR‐384‐5p was notably decreased in cardiac hypertrophic tissues and cells, and overexpression of miR‐384‐5p could ameliorate pressure overload. Furthermore, ALPK3 was determined to downregulate the ALPK3 expression to aggravate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Our findings provided a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
Predictors of posttraumatic stress symptom severity and meaning made in treatment‐seeking veterans
Authors: Owens Gina P. , Hamrick Lauren A. , Keller Emily M. , Perkins Marjorie , Collins Summer , Thomas Elizabeth A. , Haag Ian , Swan Scott , Pickering Natalie
Published: May 2022

Objective

Combat‐exposed veterans risk encountering events that disrupt beliefs. To facilitate reduced discrepancy between prior beliefs and current trauma appraisals, veterans may engage in a process of meaning‐making. Meaning‐making can lead to positive outcomes, such as integrating the traumatic event into one's life narrative or adapting global meaning (meaning made) or elicit distress. Given these potentially different outcomes, this study examined potential correlates of posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) severity and meaning made, including relationship attachment dimensions of anxiety and avoidance, and difficulties with emotion regulation, while controlling for combat exposure.

Method

Veterans receiving mental health services at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and a VA community‐based outpatient clinic (N = 130) completed measures through a paper‐and‐pencil survey. Almost all participants (92%) were male, with a mean age of 55.92 years.

Results

In terms of meaning made, lower levels of attachment anxiety and emotional clarity (an aspect of emotion regulation) predicted higher meaning made. In terms of PTSS severity, higher attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety, and difficulties engaging in goal‐directed behavior (an aspect of emotion regulation) significantly predicted higher PTSS severity.

Conclusion

Aspects of both attachment style and emotion regulation difficulties affect meaning made and PTSS severity. These constructs may be especially relevant for clinicians working with veterans to help PTSS and support meaning made postcombat.
The relationship between distress tolerance and symptoms of depression: Validation of the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) and short‐form (DTS‐SF)
Authors: Brown Ruby J. , Burton Amy L. , Abbott Maree J.
Published: May 2022

Objective: Distress tolerance (DT) has been found to be implicated in the development and maintenance of depressive symptomatology and various other significant psychological conditions. As such, it is critical to have measures of DT that are effective and easy to administer. This study aimed to examine the factor structure, psychometric properties, and clinical utility of the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) and the short‐form version, the Distress Tolerance Scale Short‐form (DTS‐SF), in a large population of individuals with varying levels of self‐reported depressive symptoms. Method: A total of 959 participants completed an online battery of questionnaires which included an assessment of depressive symptoms as well as the DTS and related measures. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses validated the four‐factor structure of the DTS and the one‐factor structure of the DTS‐SF. Good construct validity and good internal consistency were observed across both the DTS and DTS‐SF. Conclusion: Overall, this paper provides new evidence for the validity, reliability and discriminative ability of the DTS and the brief version of the questionnaire, the DTS‐SF.
Three‐dimensional tissue volume generation in conventional brightfield microscopy
Authors: Koudounas Panteleimon , Koniaris Efthymios , Manolis Ioannis , Asvestas Panteleimon , Kostopoulos Spiros , Cavouras Dionisis , Glotsos Dimitris
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the study is to develop and automate a series of steps for enabling digital 3D tissue volume generation in conventional Brightfield microscopy for histopathology applications. Tissue samples were retrieved from the General Hospital of Athens “Hippocration”, Greece. Samples were placed on a microtome that produced consecutive 2 μm sections. Each section was stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin and placed on microscope slides. A histopathologist specified the region of interest (ROI) on each slide. A 2D image was created from each ROI using a LEICA DM2500 microscope with a LEICA DFC 420C camera. Τhe 3D volume was created by stacking consecutive 2D images using a deep learning image interpolation method. The reconstructed 3D tissue volumes were evaluated by an expert histopathologist. Results showed that the 3D volumes might reveal information that is not clearly visible or even undetectable in the conventional 2D Brightfield images. In contrast to other 3D tissue imaging technologies, the proposed method (a) does not depend on the distance of the sample from the objectives producing 3D tissue volumes at any desired magnification, (b) does not require a special instrument, it may be implemented with any conventional Brightfield microscope, and (c) can be used for any given routine application, not only for some specialized clinical studies. The proposed study provides the basis for a feasible, cost‐less and time‐less upgrade of any standard 2D microscope into a 3D imaging instrument that may enhance the quality of diagnostic assessments in histopathology.

Highlights

A method for 3D tissue volume generation.

3D volumes reveal information not clearly visible or even undetectable in 2D images.

A method for feasible, cost‐less and time‐less upgrade of any Brightfield 2D microscope into a 3D imaging instrument.
The arteries of the musculoskeletal system of siamangs, and a comparison with other hylobatids, greater apes, and humans
Authors: Cheung Laraine H. , Martin Jose S. , Barger Nicole , Phillips Carina , Fernandez Vincent , Diogo Rui
Published: May 2022

Limited research on the gross anatomy of the blood vessels has been conducted on hylobatids, or lesser apes, so far. Here, we present a detailed study of the arteries of siamangs (Symphalangus) and compare our findings with data compiled from our previous studies as well as from the literature about other hylobatids, greater apes, and humans. In particular, a three‐dimensional full‐body computed tomography data set of a siamang neonate was analyzed in detail for this study, with notable findings in the head and neck, thorax, upper limb, abdomen and pelvis, and lower limb. Of the 62 arteries that we studied in detail, a total of 20 arteries that have never been described in detail in hylobatids are reported in this study. Key similarities to other apes differing from humans include the existence of a humeral common circumflex trunk and the origination of the dorsalis pedis from the posterior tibial artery or saphenous artery instead of the anterior tibial artery. Similarities to humans differing from other apes include the separation of the lingual and facial arteries and the origination of the profunda brachii from the brachial artery instead of the axillary artery. Our research and broader comparisons, therefore, contribute to knowledge about the soft tissues of hylobatids, other apes, and primates in general and facilitate a better understanding of the anatomical evolution and key differences and similarities among these taxa.
Two conserved amino acids differentiate the biology of high‐risk and low‐risk HPV E5 proteins
Authors: Sudarshan Sawali R. , Schlegel Richard , Liu Xuefeng
Published: May 2022

The high‐risk alpha human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for 99% of cervical cancers. While the biological functions of the HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins are well‐characterized, the function of E5 has remained elusive. Here, we examined gene expression changes induced by E5 proteins from high‐risk HPV‐16 and low‐risk HPV‐6b in multiple pools of primary human keratinocytes. Surprisingly, microarray analysis revealed that over 700 genes were significantly regulated by HPV‐6b E5, while only 25 genes were consistently and significantly regulated by HPV‐16 E5 in three biological replicates. However, we observed that more than thousand genes were altered in individual sample compared with vector. The gene expression profile induced by 16E5 in primary genital keratinocytes was very different from what has been previously published using immortalized HaCaT cells. Genes altered by HPV‐16 E5 were unaffected by HPV‐6b E5. Our data demonstrate that E5 proteins from the high‐ and low‐risk HPVs have different functions in the HPV‐host cell. Interestingly, conversion of two amino acids in HPV‐16 E5 to the low‐risk HPV‐6b sequence eliminated the induction of high‐risk related cellular genes.
Memory impairment and concentration problems in COVID‐19 survivors 8 weeks after non‐ICU hospitalization: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Keijsers Karen , Broeders Marielle , Baptista Lopes Vania , Klinkert Aryan , van Baar Janwillem , Nahar‐van Venrooij Lenny , Kerckhoffs Angèle
Published: May 2022

Studies on the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 have shown long‐term effects on health, rehabilitation, and quality of life in patients.To evaluate effects on recovery and mental health in COVID‐19 survivors.A single center, retrospective cohort study in (non‐ICU admitted) adult patients with COVID‐19 infection was conducted. Next to baseline characteristics during hospital admission, data on remaining symptoms and radiographic abnormalities were extracted at the 8‐week follow‐up at the outpatient clinic. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to detect anxiety and depression.Resulting in two hundred and eleven patients were included, median age of 63 years, 61% male, with overweight (average body mass index 28.6 kg/m2). At the outpatient clinic 13% of the patients were symptom free, whereas 25% reported more than three symptoms. Persisting physical symptoms were mainly fatigue 68%, dyspnea 56%, and cough 26%. Most patients had normalization of chest X‐ray (61.1%) and oxygen saturation (89.9%). Interestingly, 33% reported memory impairment and concentration problems 28%. 7.8% scored for anxiety and 7.1% for depression on the HADS. Correlations were found between the number of physical symptoms and scores on the HADS.In conclusion, only 13% had symptom‐free recovery after 8 weeks. Besides physical symptoms memory problems were frequently seen. The number of mental and physical symptoms were correlated.
Rotavirus and adenovirus prevalence in patients with acute viral gastroenteritis in Denizli, Turkey, 2017–2021
Authors: Öner Sedef Zeliha , Kaleli̇ İlknur , Demi̇r Melek , Mete Ergun , Çalişkan Ahmet
Published: May 2022

This study aims to determine retrospectively the prevalence of rotavirus and enteric adenovirus in patients with gastroenteritis symptoms and the distribution of pathogens by gender, age, seasons, and years. The stool samples sent to Pamukkale University Healthcare Research and Practice Hospital's Medical Microbiology laboratory between January 2017 and December 2021 were evaluated for rotavirus/adenovirus antigen positivity. Rotavirus and adenovirus antigens were studied with the Rotavirus‐Adenovirus Combo Rapid Cassette Test (Acro Biotech) kit. Rotavirus was detected in 683 (8.2%) of the 8315 stool samples evaluated, and 180 (2.2%) samples were positive for adenovirus. Coinfection was detected in 21 (0.25%) samples. Rotavirus was found at the highest rate in 2019 (p = 0.001). The adenovirus was detected in 2020 at a lower rate than in other years (p = 0.0001). The rotavirus was observed at a higher rate in 0–<3, 3–<6, and 6–<13 age groups and adenovirus was detected at a higher rate in 3–<6 and 6–<13 age groups compared to other age groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively). The highest rate of incidence of the rotavirus was found in spring and adenovirus in winter. In the etiology of gastroenteritis, especially in children, adenovirus and rotavirus should not be ignored in winter and spring. The prevalence of rotavirus was observed to have decreased in 2020 and onwards, and the prevalence of adenovirus decreased in 2020.
Chitosan nanoparticles augmented indole‐3‐acetic acid production by rhizospheric Pseudomonas monteilii
Authors: Panichikkal Jishma , Mohanan Deepa P. , Koramkulam Sreekanth , Krishnankutty Radhakrishnan E.
Published: May 2022

Rhizospheric Pseudomonas spp. are widely used for upgrading sustainable agriculture because of their ability to execute multifaceted plant beneficial functions. In the current study, chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were used to analyze their effect on plant beneficial properties of rhizospheric Pseudomonas monteilii. The CNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The impact of CNPs on indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) production of P. monteilii was analyzed and quantified by spectrophotometric and confirmed high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. This revealed the beneficial effect of CNPs (1 mg/ml) by enhancing the IAA production of P. monteilii. In planta effect of varied bacterial IAA production was further demonstrated in Vigna unguiculata. Here, enhancement in shoot length (35.79 ± 0.37 cm), leaf number (7 ± 0.54), and fresh weight (3.07 ± 0.11 g) were observed in the plants treated with the culture filtrate collected from P. monteilii cultivated with 1 mg/ml CNPs. The results of the study highlight the beneficial effect of the CNPs to augment the rhizobacterial functioning by inducing the expression of plant beneficial properties.
First registry of adult patients with chronic intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome in Argentina: The RESTORE project
Authors: Gondolesi Gabriel E. , Ortega Mariana L. , Doeyo Mariana , Buncuga Martin , Pérez Claudia , Mauriño Eduardo , Costa Florencia , De Barrio Silvia , Manzur Alejandra , Donnadio Luciana , Matoso Dolores , Sánchez Claria Rodrigo , Crivelli Adriana , Solar Héctor
Published: May 2022

Background

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is considered a low prevalence disease. In Argentina, no registries are available on chronic intestinal failure (CIF) and SBS. This project was designed as the first national registry to report adult patients with this disease.

Methods

A prospective multicenter observational registry was created including adult patients with CIF/SBS from approved centers. Demographics, clinical characteristics, nutrition assessment, home parenteral nutrition (HPN) management, surgeries performed, medical treatment, overall survival, and freedom from HPN survival were analyzed.

Results

Of the 61 enrolled patients, 56 with available follow‐up data were analyzed. At enrollment, the mean intestinal length was 59.5 ± 47.3 cm; the anatomy was type 1 (n = 41), type 2 (n = 10), and type 3 (n = 5). At the end of the interim analysis, anatomy changed to type 1 in 31, type 2 in 17, and type 3 in 8 patients. The overall mean time on HPN before enrollment was 33.5 ± 56.2 months. Autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction surgery was performed before enrollment on 21 patients, and afterward on 11. Nine patients (16.1%) were weaned off HPN with standard medical nutrition treatment; 12 patients received enterohormones, and 2 of them suspended HPN; one patient was considered a transplant candidate. In 23.7 ± 14.5 months, 11 of 56 patients discontinued HPN; Kaplan‐Meier freedom from HPN survival was 28.9%. The number of cases collected represented 19.6 new adult CIF/SBS patients per year.

Conclusion

The RESTORE project allowed us to know the incidence, the current medical and surgical approach for this pathology, as well as its outcome and complications at dedicated centers.
Association of reduced BMI, length of hospital stay, mortality, and malnutrition diagnosis in patients with acute exacerbation COPD: A secondary analysis of a cohort study
Authors: Bernardes Simone , Teixeira Paulo José Zimermann , Silva Flávia Moraes
Published: May 2022

Background

Body mass index (BMI) presents prognostic value in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and despite its limitations in capturing malnutrition, its use is common to assess nutritional status. We aimed to confirm the association between BMI and in‐hospital outcomes in acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and its inaccuracy in diagnosing malnutrition.

Methods

We diagnosed malnutrition using the Subjective global assessment (SGA), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics–American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (AND‐ASPEN), and two cutoff values for reduced BMI (age‐related and ≤ 21.0). BMI accuracy was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC‐ROC) curve and SGA and AND‐ASPEN as references. We evaluated in‐hospital mortality and hospital stay outcomes and constructed logistic regression models.

Results

The median hospital stay was 11 (7–18) days, and 7.5% of patients died. Malnutrition prevalence according to BMI, SGA, and AND‐ASPEN was 21.4% (mean of both cutoff values), 50%, and 54%, respectively. Reduced BMI presented low agreement (κ = 0.315–0.383) and unsatisfactory accuracy (AUC‐ROC curve = 0.333–0.679) with reference methods for malnutrition diagnosis. Age‐related reduced BMI (odds ratio [OR] = 2.11; 95% CI, 1.10–4.04) and BMI ≤ 21.0 (OR = 2.25; 95% CI, 1.13–4.48) were associated with hospital stays longer than the median in adjusted models, but not in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusion

BMI was inaccurate in identifying malnutrition in hospitalized patients with AECOPD and was associated with hospital stays longer than ten days.
What influences the purchase intentions of sustainable luxury among millennials in the UK?
Authors: Sun Yan , Wang Rachel , Cattaneo Eleonora , Mlodkowska Bianka
Published: May 2022

Five factors are found to influence millennials when buying vegan leather luxury products (VLLPs): sustainability awareness, peer pressure, and the perceived conspicuousness, quality and aesthetics of these products. Five factors are identified, all positively impacting purchase intention: sustainability awareness, positive friend or family opinion on VLLPs, and the perceived conspicuousness, quality, and aesthetics of these products. Brands producing VLLPs and targeting millennials should focus on these factors while creating a marketing strategy.
Magnetic dispersive solid‐phase extraction of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from honey samples using iron (III) oxinate nanocomposite as an efficient sorbent
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Pasandi Somayeh , Mohebbi Ali , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2022

In this work, iron (III) oxinate magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized and employed as an efficient sorbent for the magnetic dispersive solid‐phase extraction of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from honey samples. In the following, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure was used for further preconcentration of the analytes. The prepared sorbent was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, X‐ray diffractometry, vibrating sample magnetometry, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results verified the successful formation of the magnetic sorbent. In the extraction process, the sorbent was added into an aqueous solution and the mixture was vortexed. After completing the adsorption process, the supernatant phase was separated in the presence of a magnet and the analytes adsorbed onto sorbent were eluted by acetonitrile. Then, microliter‐level 1,1,1–trichloroethane was mixed with the obtained acetonitrile and injected into NaCl solution. Finally, one microliter of the sedimented phase was injected into gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector after centrifugation. Under the optimum conditions, a great repeatability (relative standard deviation equal or less than 5 and 6% for intra– and interday precisions, respectively), acceptable extraction recoveries (59–84%), high enrichment factors (118–168), and low limits of detection and quantification (0.16–0.36 and 0.56–1.22 ng/g, respectively) were acquired.
Cellulose filter paper immobilized α‐glucosidase and its application to screening inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Shi Xiao‐Ya , Guo Zhao‐Hui , Chen Juan
Published: May 2022

In this study, α‐glucosidase was successfully immobilized on cellulose filter paper and further applied to screening inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines combined with capillary electrophoresis analysis. For α‐glucosidase immobilization, a cellulose filter paper was used as the carrier and grafted with amino groups by coating chitosan, then α‐glucosidase was covalently bonded on the amino‐modified carrier via epoxy ring‐opening reaction using polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether as the crosslinker. Several parameters influencing the enzyme immobilization were optimized and the optimal values were enzyme concentration of 4 U/mL, polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether concentration of 1.25%, chitosan concentration of 7.5 mg/mL, immobilization pH 7.0, crosslinking time of 4 h and immobilization time of 2 h. The immobilized α‐glucosidase exhibited good batch‐to‐batch reproducibility (RSD = 2.1%, n = 5), excellent storage stability (73.5% of its initial activity after being stored at 4°C for 15 days), and reusability (75% of its initial activity after 10 repeated cycles). The Michaelis constant of immobilized α‐glucosidase and half‐maximal inhibitory concentration of acarbose were calculated to be 1.12 mM and 0.38 μM, respectively. Finally, the immobilized α‐glucosidase was used for screening inhibitors from 14 kinds of Traditional Chinese Medicine extracts, and Sanguisorbae Radix showed the strongest inhibitory effect on α‐glucosidase.
Optimization of reaction parameters of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis in the presence of Co‐V/Al2O3 nano‐catalyst
Authors: Hafizi Ali , Koolivand‐Salooki Mehdi , Esfandyari Morteza , Koulivand Mohsen , Fallahiyekta Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Nano‐catalyst of cobalt‐vanadate (Co‐V/Al2O3, supported on alumina) application in Fischer–Tropsch process (FT) was explored in a various conversions of synthesis gas. The catalyst characterization was performed using different methods including Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Temperature programmed reduction (TPR) profile, and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Due to the extreme complexity and nonlinearity of catalytic processes, adaptive network based fuzzy interface system (ANFIS) was developed as a predictive tool for evaluation of Co‐V/Al2O3 nano‐catalyst performance in FT process. Input vector included reaction condition such as, pressure, temperature, time, and CO/H2 ratio of different experiments while the outputs were composition of CO, CO2, and CH4. The proposed model was used for optimization of the process, also the optimal operating conditions were acquired using particle swarm optimization (PSO). The performance of the algorithms and the quality of the solutions were measured by introducing the optimal operating conditions to obtained model. Comparative studies and results analysis were then conducted on the optimization results. The model result shows a good consistency with experimental observations.
Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of severely deformed TA15 alloy by multi‐directional forging and annealing
Authors: Xue K.M. , Guo S.H. , Guo W.W. , Meng M. , Ji X.H. , Li P.
Published: May 2022

Multi‐directional forging technology, as a representative severe plastic deformation technology, is urgent to be developed because it has strong microstructure refinement and performance improvement effects. In this paper, multi‐directional forging experiments of TA15 titanium alloy with different passes were carried out at 700 °C using unrestricted multi‐directional forging die structure. Then the samples of TA15 titanium alloy after multi‐directional forging deformation were subjected to a high‐temperature vacuum annealing treatment. The test results reveal TA15 alloy was effectively refined through multi‐directional forging without any cracking with the increasing of deformation passes. The mechanism of grain refinement during multi‐directional forging included dynamic recrystallization, grain crushing and adiabatic shear deformation bands refinement. The amount and grain size of recrystallization grains increased when the annealing time increased from 1 hour to 4 hours. Supplemented by annealing, the adiabatic shear deformation bands microstructure with the mixed microstructure of coarse αp and fine αs were obtained and the hardness after multi‐directional forging and annealing was investigated. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength increased by 26.1 % and 25.5 % respectively when the deformation pass increased to 3 passes compared with the initial specimen. The present work revealed that multi‐directional forging deformation combined with appropriate annealing could represent an efficient route to improve the microstructure and mechanical property of TA15 alloy.
Rejection analysis and performance prediction of tubular membranes for dissolved salts
Authors: Qadir D. , Uddin F. , Nasir R. , Mukhtar H.
Published: May 2022

A detailed investigation of the performance of commercially available tubular membranes is carried out under varying operating conditions. Trans‐membrane pressure, feed concentration, and cation types were chosen to study their effects on the membrane‘s performance. Commercially available tubular membranes AFC80, AFC 30, ES404, and PU608 were selected. Aqueous solutions of varying ionic strength (2500 ppm, 5000 ppm,10000 ppm) of three salts, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, and lead chloride were filtered to measure the permeate flux and rejection of selected tubular membranes. The AFC80 membrane had better rejection among all selected tubular membranes for all types of salts tested here. It is deduced that selected membranes carried a negative surface charge, which played a vital role during the separation mechanism. Finally, rejection of lead chloride and sodium chloride aqueous solutions was predicted accurately using the Spiegler‐Kedem model with R2 reaching 0.9.
Monocarboxylate transporter 1 is a novel target for breast cancer stem like‐cell inhibition by diallyl trisulfide
Authors: Kim Su‐Hyeong , Singh Shivendra V.
Published: May 2022

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is a promising small molecule phytochemical that exhibits in vitro and in vivo activity in multiple preclinical solid tumor models including breast cancer, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. We have shown previously that forkhead box Q1 (FoxQ1) transcription factor is a novel target for breast cancer stem‐like cells (bCSC) inhibition by DATS. Analysis of the breast TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) data revealed that FoxQ1 expression was positively associated with that of SLC16A1/monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1). Western blot analysis confirmed increased expression of MCT1 protein in SUM159 (basal‐like) and MCF‐7 cells (luminal‐type) stably transfected to overexpress FoxQ1. Furthermore, FoxQ1 was recruited to the promoter of SLC16A1/MCT1. Treatment of SUM159 and MCF‐7 cell lines with DATS resulted in suppression of MCT1 protein level that was accompanied by a decrease in intracellular and secreted levels of lactate. Overexpression or knockdown of MCT1 protein failed to alter DATS‐mediated inhibition of colony formation or cell migration when compared to corresponding control cells. On the other hand, overexpression of MCT1 protein conferred partial but statistically significant protection against DATS‐mediated inhibition of bCSC fraction (CD49fhigh/CD44high and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 activity). The size of the mammospheres was relatively smaller in the DATS‐treated group compared to control group. Inhibition of bCSC upon DATS treatment was augmented by knockdown of the MCT1 protein. In conclusion, the present study reveals that MCT1 is a novel target for bCSC inhibition by DATS treatment.
Kit-Based Sampling by Trained Fishers Yields Successful DNA Identification of Depredating Shark Species in the Marianas
Authors: Webb Maryann K. , Kraft Derek W. , Hampp Madison N. , Meyer Carl G.
Published: May 2022

Shark depredation is a worldwide yet not well understood problem that is responsible for economic losses in both commercial and recreational fisheries. We collaborated with fishers from the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific to identify depredating shark species via mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) barcoding of partially consumed fish from real-world depredation events. Trained fishers collected swabs from 29 shark depredation events in a line fishery targeting snappers, emperors, and jacks. Results showed that an assemblage of coral reef- and shelf-associated shark species was responsible for catch depredation in this fishery. The successful collection of transfer DNA from depredated fish by trained fishers and a 90% success rate in identifying the depredating shark species via mtDNA barcoding confirm that this approach is a practical tool for improving our understanding of depredation in a wide variety of fisheries. Although identifying the depredating shark species does not solve the problem of shark depredation in fisheries, it is a critical step in better understanding the phenomenon so that potential solutions can be identified.
Analysis of non‐isothermal multiphase flows in porous media
Authors: Beneš Michal
Published: May 2022

We consider an initial‐boundary value problem for a degenerate fully nonlinear parabolic system modeling coupled two‐phase flow and heat transport through porous media. The two‐phase fluid system consists of incompressible wetting phase and compressible nonwetting phase, such that the density of the nonwetting phase is a function of the phase pressure and temperature. To simplify the structure of the problem and overcome degeneracies in transport coefficients, the mathematical model is reformulated by using the feature of the so‐called global pressure and the capillary pressure potential. Under physically relevant assumptions on the data of the problem and taking the initial conditions and mixed boundary conditions into consideration, we prove a global existence of a weak solution to this system on any physically relevant time interval.
Haar wavelet transform and variational iteration method for fractional option pricing models
Authors: Meng Liu , Kexin Meng , Ruyi Xing , Mei Shuli , Cattani Carlo
Published: May 2022

Comparing with the linear Black–Scholes model, the fractional option pricing models are constructed by taking account some more parameters like, for example, the transaction cost, so that it becomes more difficult to find the exact analytical solution. In this paper, we analyze a nonlinear fractional Black and Scholes model, and we find the solution by using a novel numerical method, based on a mixture of efficient techniques. In particular, we combine (1) Haar wavelet integration method which transforms the PDEs into a system of algebraic equations, (2) the homotopy perturbation method in order to linearize the problem, and (3) the variational iteration method which will be used to solve the large system of algebraic equations efficiently. We will also show that, in comparison with other popular methods, our coupling technique has a higher efficiency and calculation precision.
Fish and Prey Resources in Reservoir Coves with and without Offshore Artificial Habitat Structures
Authors: Porreca Anthony P. , Broadway Kyle J. , Detmer Thomas M. , Radford Dakota S. , Fenstermacher Carly C. , Parkos Joseph J.
Published: May 2022

Artificial habitat structures are used to mitigate habitat loss within aquatic ecosystems and to increase angler catch rates; however, the potential trophic outcomes of concentrating fish at structure additions are rarely evaluated. We compared fish and fish prey assemblages between reservoir coves with and without newly added offshore habitat structures (PVC cubes enclosing 2.25 m3). Further, we tested whether offshore habitat additions changed fish assemblage and abundance in littoral habitats of treated coves. Coves with offshore structures had higher concentrations of fish and an assemblage structure dominated by Pomoxis and Lepomis species at offshore sites compared to coves without offshore structures. There was no evidence for an effect of offshore structures on fish relative abundance and assemblage structure in nearby littoral habitats. Zooplankton and benthic macroinvertebrate abundances did not change because of the addition of habitat structures. Lack of a response of lower trophic organisms may be due to low predation mortality or else losses to predation are replaced by increased prey production or immigration at the offshore structures. Our results indicated that artificial structures effectively concentrated fish, but increases in fish density may be partitioned among newly available structure in offshore habitats and existing structure within littoral habitats. Future studies are needed to test for a relationship between foraging space and food resources provided by artificial habitats, which may be useful for optimizing the number, size, and material composition of structures used in habitat enhancement programs.
Physics‐constrained hierarchical data‐driven modelling framework for complex path‐dependent behaviour of soils
Authors: Zhang Pin , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Jin Yin‐Fu , Sheil Brian
Published: May 2022

There is considerable potential for data‐driven modelling to describe path‐dependent soil response. However, the complexity of soil behaviour imposes significant challenges on the training efficiency and the ability to generalise. This study proposes a novel physics‐constrained hierarchical (PCH) training strategy to deal with existing challenges in using data‐driven models to capture soil behaviour. Different from previous strategies, the proposed hierarchical training involves ‘low‐level’ and ‘high‐level’ neural networks, and linear regression, in which the loss function of the neural network is constructed using physical laws to constrain the solution domain. Feedforward and long short‐term memory (LSTM) neural networks are adopted as baseline algorithms to further enhance the present method. The data‐driven model is then trained on random strain loading paths and subsequently integrated within a custom finite element (FE) analysis to solve boundary value problems by way of validation. The results indicate that the proposed PCH‐LSTM approach improves prediction accuracy, requires much less training data and has a lower performance sensitivity to the exact network architecture compared to traditional LSTM. When coupled with FE analysis, the PCH‐LSTM model is also shown to be a reliable means of modelling soil behaviour under loading‐unloading‐reloading and proportional strain loading paths. In addition, strain localisation and instability failure mechanisms can be accurately identified. PCH‐LSTM modelling overcomes the need for ad‐hoc network architectures thereby facilitating fast and robust model development to capture complex soil behaviours in engineering practice with less experimental and computational cost.
Barriers and facilitators to overactive bladder therapy adherence
Authors: Enemchukwu Ekene A. , Subak Leslee L. , Markland Alayne
Published: May 2022

Aims

To provide an overview of the barriers and facilitators to overactive bladder (OAB) therapy initiation and adherence.

Methods

A PubMed and Embase literature search was conducted to identify barriers to OAB therapy adherence.

Results

OAB therapy adherence is associated with improvements in urinary symptoms, and quality of life with reductions in annual costs for OAB‐related expenditures. However, adherence rates to behavioral therapies are as low as 32% at 1 year, only 15%‐40% of treated patients remain on oral medications at 1 year due to several factors (e.g., inadequate efficacy, tolerability, and cost), and 5%−10% of OAB patients progress to advanced therapies. While some common barriers to therapy adherence are often fixed (e.g., costs, lack of efficacy, time, side effects, treatment fatigue), many are modifiable (e.g., lack of knowledge, poor relationships, negative experiences, poor communication with providers). Patient‐centered care may help address some modifiable barriers. Emerging data demonstrate that patient‐centered care in the form of treatment navigators improves OAB therapy adherence and progression to advanced therapies in the appropriate patient.

Conclusions

There are numerous modifiable barriers to OAB therapy adherence. A patient‐centered lens is needed to elicit patient goals, establish realistic treatment expectations, and tailor therapy to improve therapy adherence, optimize outcomes, and reduce healthcare expenditures. Further research is needed to develop and study low‐cost, scalable solutions.
Assessment of cellular responses in three‐dimensional cell cultures through chemical exchange saturation transfer and 1H MRS
Authors: Wu Ssu‐Ting , Chen Pin‐Chen , Tseng Yu‐Hsien , Chen Ting‐Hao , Wang Yi‐Jiun , Tsai Zong‐Lin , Lin Eugene C.
Published: May 2022

Metabolic responses to physiological changes have been detected using chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging in clinical settings. Similarly to other MRI techniques, the CEST technique was based originally on phantoms from buffer solutions and was then further developed through animal experiments. However, CEST imaging can capture certain dynamics of metabolism that solution phantoms cannot model. Cell culture phantoms can fill the gap between buffer phantoms and animal models. In this study, we used 1H NMR and CEST in a B0 field of 9.4 T to investigate HEK293T cells from two‐dimensional (2D) cultures, three‐dimensional (3D) cultures, and 3D cultures seeded with cell spheroids. Two CEST dips were observed: the magnitude of the amine dip at 2.8 ppm increased during the incubation period, whereas the hydroxyl dip at 1.2 ppm remained approximately the same or modestly increased. We also observed a CEST dip at 2.8 ppm from the 2D culture responding dramatically to doxorubicin treatment. By cross‐validating with pH values and the concentrations of amine and hydroxyl protons extracted through 1H NMR, we observed that they did not correspond to an increase in the amine pool. We believe that the denaturation or degradation of proteins from the fetal bovine serum increased the size of the amine pool. Although 3D culture conditions can be further improved, our study suggests that 3D cultures have the potential to bridge studies of solution phantoms and those on animals.
High‐throughput whole‐slide scanning to enable large‐scale data repository building
Authors: Zarella Mark D , Rivera Alvarez Keysabelis
Published: May 2022

Digital pathology and artificial intelligence (AI) rely on digitization of patient material as a necessary first step. AI development benefits from large sample sizes and diverse cohorts, and therefore efforts to digitize glass slides must meet these needs in an efficient and cost‐effective manner. Technical innovation in whole‐slide imaging has enabled high‐throughput slide scanning through the coordinated increase in scanner capacity, speed, and automation. Combining these hardware innovations with automated informatics approaches has enabled more efficient workflows and the opportunity to provide higher‐quality imaging data using fewer personnel. Here we review several practical considerations for deploying high‐throughput scanning and we present strategies to increase efficiency with a focus on quality. Finally, we review remaining challenges and issue a call to vendors to innovate in the areas of automation and quality control in order to make high‐throughput scanning realizable to laboratories with limited resources. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Intuitive endoscopic robot master device with image orientation correction
Authors: Cheon Byungsik , Kim Chang‐Kyun , Kwon Dong‐Soo
Published: May 2022

Background

The camera of an endoscope is fixed to the device, and the image rotates together with the endoscope. This can lead to visual confusion for the user and incorrect image reading. The problem also occurs with endoscopic robots. Using a master device with the same degrees of freedom as the endoscope to control an endoscopic robot causes visual‐motor misorientation, making intuitive control difficult.

Methods

The roll misorientation between the image and master device handle was removed by measuring and correcting for the roll axis displacement of the master device. This enabled intuitive manipulation of the master device. The work speed and number of mistakes were experimentally measured with and without image correction.

Results

The tasks were completed significantly faster and more accurately with image orientation correction than without.

Conclusions

The proposed method enables intuitive manipulation of the master device by correcting the image orientation in endoscopic robot control.
Insight into the Enterovirus A71: A review
Authors: Kinobe Robert , Wiyatno Ageng , Artika I. Made , Safari Dodi
Published: May 2022

Enterovirus A71 is a major causative pathogen of hand, foot and mouth disease. It has become a global public health threat, and is especially important for infants and young children in the Asian‐Pacific countries. The enterovirus A71 is a non‐enveloped virus of the Picornaviridae family having a single‐stranded positive‐sense RNA genome of about 7.4 kb which encodes the structural and nonstructural proteins. Currently there are no US FDA‐approved vaccines or antiviral therapy available against enterovirus A71 infection. Although enterovirus A71 vaccines have been licenced in China, clinically approved vaccines for widespread vaccination programs are lacking. Substantial progress has recently been achieved on understanding the structure and function of enterovirus A71 proteins together with information on the viral genetic diversity and geographic distribution. The present review is intended to provide an overview on our current understanding of the molecular biology and epidemiology of enterovirus A71 which will aid the development of vaccines, therapeutics and other control strategies so as to bolster the preparedness for future enterovirus A71 outbreaks.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering: An emerging tool for sensing cellular function
Authors: Tanwar Swati , Kim Jeong Hee , Bulte Jeff W. M. , Barman Ishan
Published: May 2022

Continuous long‐term intracellular imaging and multiplexed monitoring of biomolecular changes associated with key cellular processes remains a challenge for the scientific community. Recently, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been demonstrated as a powerful spectroscopic tool in the field of biology owing to its significant advantages. Some of these include the ability to provide molecule‐specific information with exquisite sensitivity, working with small volumes of precious samples, real‐time monitoring, and optimal optical contrast. More importantly, the availability of a large number of novel Raman reporters with narrower full width at half maximum (FWHM) of spectral peaks/vibrational modes than conventional fluorophores has created a versatile palette of SERS‐based probes that allow targeted multiplex sensing surpassing the detection sensitivity of even fluorescent probes. Due to its nondestructive nature, its applicability has been recognized for biological sensing, molecular imaging, and dynamic monitoring of complex intracellular processes. We critically discuss recent developments in this area with a focus on different applications where SERS has been used for obtaining information that remains elusive for conventional imaging methods. Current reports indicate that SERS has made significant inroads in the field of biology and has the potential to be used for in vivo human applications.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle‐Based Sensing

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Hurricane effects on wild turkey survival, daily movements, and roost fidelity
Authors: Moscicki David J. , Gerrits Alaina P. , Cantrell Jay R. , Hardin Jason B. , Chamberlain Michael J. , Collier Bret A.
Published: May 2022

Environmental disturbances driven by global climate variability continue to increase in both frequency and intensity. Recent studies on wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) have documented both direct and indirect demographic effects of short‐term, climatically driven events; however, only limited information is available on the effects of extreme environmental disturbance events on turkey demography. Thus, we evaluated space use and movements of eastern wild turkeys (M. g. silvestris; n = 20) and Rio Grande wild turkeys (M. g. intermedia; n = 22) during hurricane events in South Carolina and Texas, respectively. Hurricane Matthew occurred over a 3‐day period in October 2016 impacting ongoing turkey research on the Webb Wildlife Management Area Complex in South Carolina, whereas Hurricane Harvey occurred over a 5‐day period in August 2017 impacting an ongoing 6‐county study region in Texas. We documented 1 and 2 direct mortalities during Hurricanes Matthew and Harvey, respectively. Mean core area size used by turkeys decreased by 75% during both hurricane events. We did not document evidence of changes in roost fidelity or distance between daily roost clusters after either hurricane. We documented direct mortality of 5 and 8% of the study population during Matthew and Harvey, respectively, and turkeys exhibited a gradient of behavioral responses dependent on hurricane intensity and duration. Because hurricanes can produce substantive modifications to areas used by wild turkeys, we suggest that managers consider initiatives to document legacy effects of extreme environmental disturbance events on local wild turkey demographics, including loss of nesting, brooding and roosting sites.