bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiating Secondary Dengue Using IgG/IgM Antibody Ratio: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Dhason Therese Mary , Kalpanaraj . , Chandrasekaran Rajasekaran , Ravinder Thyagarajan , Krishnan Usha , Chelliah Amutha , Kamalasekaran Lavanya T , Mahalakshmi .
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Dengue is a viral infection with diverse clinical manifestations. Infection in most of the patients is subclinical. It may also present as undifferentiated fever, severe dengue like Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Secondary dengue infection predisposes to severe dengue, a serious threat to the community as they increase morbidities and mortality. The diagnosis of secondary infection is either by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect the serotype or dengue IgG/IgM antibody ratio. A ratio of more than 1.1 is evidence of secondary dengue. Aim: To find out the prevalence of secondary dengue by measuring the dengue anti-IgG/IgM ratio by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Government Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai for a period of six months from July 2021 to December 2021. Sample size was 450 calculated at 95% confidence level, (CI 28.3-38.3) with 33.3% as prevalence. Blood samples were collected and Nonstructural Protein 1 (NS1) antigen assay was done. The IgG and IgM antibodies assays were done for NS1 antigen positive individuals. The IgG/IgM ratio was calculated in patients who were positive for both IgG and IgM. Statistical analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were calculated. Results: Total of 450 patients were included, out of which 194 were NS1 antigen positive, 106 were males and 88 females with the mean age 25±14.85 years. NS1 antigen was positive in 89.17%. Two-tailed Fisher’s-exact test showed a significant proportion of patients among NS1 positive were positive for both IgG and IgM. An IgG/IgM ratio of >1.1 was found in 62.04%. The association between IgG/IgM ratio of >1.1 and thrombocytopenia was significant [p-value=0.00504, Odd’s ratio (OD) =3.316]. Conclusion: Dengue IgG/IgM antibody ratio of more than 1.1 on the third day of symptom onset and the platelet count assist in the early diagnosis of secondary dengue thereby helps clinicians to initiate the appropriate treatment at the right time, reduce mortality rate and decrease the economic burden of the country.
Quantitative Analysis of Placental Mitochondrial DNA in Severe Hypertensive Pregnancies: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ganesan Gayathri , Merla J Johnsy , Sofiah C Selin , Surya A , Swaminathan K
Published: May 2023

Introduction: To address the causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, reproductive health and related disabilities is a motto of World Health Organisation (WHO). Gestational hypertension constitutes as one of the main cause for maternal morbidity and mortality. Aetiology of gestational hypertension- remains a mystery. Mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly in trophoblastic cells, could play an important role in causing gestational hypertension and is postulated to be associated with oxidative stress, impaired differentiation and invasion of trophoblastic tissue. Alterations in peripheral blood mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) copy numbers have been thought as a possible biomarker for mitochondrial dysfunction in disorders induced by oxidative stress. Aim: To estimate, evaluate and compare the mitochondrial copy numbers between placenta of severe gestational hypertensive pregnancies and normotensive pregnancies. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India, with 25 clinically proven cases of severe gestational hypertensive pregnancies and 25 normotensive pregnancies, for a period of one year (August 2020 to July 2021). The placenta were collected from the Department of Obstetrics, in containers within two hours of delivery and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Relative quantitative analysis of placental mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), were done by calculating the copy number value by comparing the levels of two nuclear genes viz., BECN1 and NEB to two mitochondrial genes viz., ND1 and ND6 by using real time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: The placental mitochondrial DNA copy number was higher in severe gestational hypertensive patients than in normotensive pregnancies. A total of 21 (84%) cases of the severe hypertensive placenta had higher copy numbers 100-110 vs only 13 (52%) cases had copy numbers 100-105 in the normotensive group. The difference in copy number value between them was statistically significant with p-value of 0.03. Conclusion: Present study findings suggest significant alterations at the level of the mitochondria in placenta from women with gestational hypertension, which may well contribute to gestational hypertension pathophysiology. Future research should include direct measure of placental and maternal whole body mitochondrial function, and assays that elucidate the potential modifiers of this association.
A REVIEW OF THE POSTERIOR ASPECT OF GREEVA SHARIR AND ITS IMPORTANCE
Authors: Kadam Sanjivani Narsingrao , Khanolkar Gurunath D , Madavi Kishorkumar , Mhaisekar Jayashree , Meshram Dnyaneshwar
Published: May 2023

Nowadays, many people complain about cervical pain. Everyone is busy with work, which requires long sitting hours and improper posture. The use of mobile and laptops is increasing nowadays. Because of all these reasons, cervical region diseases are increasing in the community. Greeva is called “Uttamang” in Ayurveda. The posterior aspect of greeva contains various structures. It is a complex structure of bones, muscles, vessels, nerves, ligaments, and tendons. It contains the important structure of bone, i.e., cervical vertebrae. They give neck structure, support the head and provide a wide range of neck movement. It also contains various intervertebral joints, which offer movements like flexion, extension, and lateral neck rotation. The cervical spine contains intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers to the demands positioned on the spine. They also provide a cushion between the vertebrae during weight-bearing activities. Many muscles are present in the cervical region; not all are attached to the spine, but many do. Krukatika marma is located on the posterior region of the greeva at the junction of the head and neck. Injury to this marma causes ‘Chala Moordhata’, i.e., instability of the head. The neck is covered by numerous muscles which allow a lot of different movements of the head. These muscles contain many tiny and elastic fibres. The complaints we see in everyday life are spasms, strain, headache, and numbness in the neck region. All these complaints are associated with injury to neck muscles. Many vital structures in the posterior of the greeva make it an important topic for study.
CONCEPT OF PUNARJANMA (REBIRTH) IN AYURVEDA: A REVIEW
Authors: Gupta Ridhima , Barla Manjry Anshumala , Munjal Yogita , Roushan Rakesh
Published: May 2023

Health is the best source of virtue, wealth, gratification and emancipation. Dharma, Artha, Kaam and Moksha, also called the Purushartha Chatustaya, form the blueprint for human fulfilment. The concept of punarjanma is devised from Vedic literature, explained in Darshanas and popularized by mythology, whereas its evidence is available in Ayurveda. In modern science, no one believes in the existence of the soul or the concept of rebirth. Still, a lot of research has been undergoing to think about whether any such entity exists after death or, even if it exists, how the transmigration of the soul occurs. In Charaka Samhita, while discussing how Atma (Soul) transmigrates from one Sharira to another Sharira, the reason quoted for the transmigration of Atma is because of the Purva Janma Krta Karma. The Preaching of salvation itself provides evidence of rebirth. To believe in the theory of reincarnation, Acharyas said that the person must have faith in the shastras even when they have not perceived or experienced it. So in this article, an effort has been made to explore the hidden truth behind this concept.
ROLE OF VISHA-RASAYAN IN ACQUIRED IMMUNITY: A CRITICAL REVIEW
Authors: Sharma Renu , Sharma Anita , Katru Priyanka
Published: May 2023

The capacity to resist almost all types of organisms or toxins that tend to damage the tissues and organs (leading to the causation of disease) is called immunity. There are two types of immunity: innate immunity and acquired immunity. In the current pandemic era, there is a need for drugs that can boost immunity in our bodies and give protection against microorganisms. Rasayan is one of the unique branches of Ayurveda and it is suggested to increase Oja. Modern scientific observation on Rasayan shows that rejuvenating drugs can protect the body against detrimental effects of the atmosphere in which we live by augmenting the individual's capability to fight against disease-carrying organisms through stimulating the immune system. When visha (poison) is used correctly, it becomes beneficial as rasayana. A person who regularly consumes poison is not afraid of anything, including poison given by enemies in food, any type of poisoning condition, old age, premature ageing, and organs that cause illness. Rasayan Yoga is mentioned in many Ayurveda texts, which in this research paper describes Visha Rasayan which is mentioned in Rasatarangini. Visha Rasayan contains the following ingredients: Visha (Vatsnabh), vermilion Hingul, Rajat Bhasma, Shunthi Churna, Marich Churna, Pippali Churna, Cinnamon, bay leaf, small cardamom, Nagkeshar, and Chitrakamool Churna. This yoga may protect against disease-causing organisms as well as any type of environmental poison. Visha Rasayan ingredients include Visha dravya, which also has Rasayan properties, making it more beneficial for gaining acquired immunity.
Analysis of Heterosis and Heterobeltiosis for Earliness, Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)
Authors: Chaudhary Pravin L. , Kumar Bijendra , Kumar Rajneesh
Published: May 2023

Thirty-six F1 hybrids were generated from nine lines and four testers through line x tester mating design, these F1’s along with 13 parents and 1 commercial check (Punjab-8) were evaluated to study the magnitude and direction of heterosis for growth and earliness over various characters in okra. Heterosis was studied to compare traits such as days to 50% flowering, days to picking, plant height, number of internodes, number of branches per plant, fruit length at commercial maturity and final maturity, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit, 100 seed weight, fruit weight, and yield per plant. Significant heterosis was found over better parent (Heterobeltiosis), mid parent and commercial checks for all the traits studied in desirable direction. The present study showed that the crosses L3 x T2 (19.04, 15.41, 8.28), L5 x T2 (41.90, 14.55, 7.47), L8 x T3 (23.75, 6.48, 8.46) recorded significant positive heterosis for yield per plant over mid parent, better parent and over standard check. Same hybrid L3 x T2 exhibited negative and highly significant heterosis for days to 50% flowering and days to first picking (-11.65,-12.00, -8.33) and (-11.79, -12.12, -15.94) respectively that are earliness character over mid parent, better parent and standard check. These hybrids may further be tested over various locations before release for commercial cultivation. High estimates of heterosis obtained in hybrid combinations revealed considerable genetic    divergence among the parental lines and reveals good scope for commercial exploitation of heterosis in okra.
Oil Wealth and Economic Growth in Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Oladotun K. Oduola, , Kehinde O. Atoyebi, , Olajide S. Gbemisola, , Damilola I. Usman , Fiberesima Nicodemus Gilbert
Published: May 2023

This study examines the impact of oil wealth on economic growth in Nigeria over the period 1990-2021. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach was used to estimate the long-run and short-run dynamics of the relationship. The study finds that there is a positive and significant relationship between oil revenue and economic growth in Nigeria in the long-run. However, in the short run, the effect of oil revenue on economic growth is not statistically significant. The study also finds that the agricultural sector has a positive and significant impact on economic growth, while the health sector has a mixed impact, depending on the lagged periods considered. The education sector, on the other hand, has a positive impact on economic growth, but this effect is only significant at longer lagged periods. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the Nigerian government should focus on diversifying the economy by investing in non-oil sectors such as agriculture, education, and health to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Composite Spin Hall Conductivity from Non‐Collinear Antiferromagnetic Order
Authors: Novakov Steve , Meisenheimer Peter B. , Pan Grace A. , Kezer Patrick , Vu Nguyen M. , Grutter Alexander J. , Need Ryan F. , Mundy Julia A. , Heron John T.
Published: April 2023

Non‐collinear antiferromagnets (AFMs) are an exciting new platform for studying intrinsic spin Hall effects (SHEs), phenomena that arise from the materials’ band structure, Berry phase curvature, and linear response to an external electric field. In contrast to conventional SHE materials, symmetry analysis of non‐collinear antiferromagnets does not forbid non‐zero longitudinal and out‐of‐plane spin currents with polarization and predicts an anisotropy with current orientation to the magnetic lattice. Here, multi‐component out‐of‐plane spin Hall conductivities are reported in L12‐ordered antiferromagnetic PtMn3 thin films that are uniquely generated in the non‐collinear state. The maximum spin torque efficiencies (ξ  = JS /Je ≈ 0.3) are significantly larger than in Pt (ξ  ≈  0.1). Additionally, the spin Hall conductivities in the non‐collinear state exhibit the predicted orientation‐dependent anisotropy, opening the possibility for new devices with selectable spin polarization. This work demonstrates symmetry control through the magnetic lattice as a pathway to tailored functionality in magnetoelectronic systems.
Rocket‐Inspired Effervescent Motors for Oral Macromolecule Delivery
Authors: Cai Lijun , Chen Guopu , Sun Lingyu , Miao Shuangshuang , Shang Luoran , Zhao Yuanjin , Sun Lingyun
Published: April 2023

Oral administration is among the most convenient ways with good patient compliance for drug delivery; while it remains a challenge to achieve desirable bioavailability of most macromolecules due to the complex gastrointestinal barriers. Here, inspired by the structure and function of rocket, a novel micromotor delivery system is presented with scaled‐down rocket‐like architecture and effervescent‐tablets‐derived fuel for efficient oral macromolecule delivery by penetrating intestinal barrier. These rocket‐inspired effervescent motors (RIEMs) are composed of sharp needle tips for both loading cargoes and efficient penetrating, and tail wings for loading effervescent powders and avoiding perforation. When exposed to a water environment, the effervescent fuel generates intensive CO2 bubbles to propel the RIEMs to move at high speed. Thus, the RIEMs with their sharp tip can inject into the surrounding mucosa for effective drug release. Furthermore, benefiting from their tail‐wing design, perforation can be effectively avoided during the injection process, ensuring the safety of the RIEMs in gastrointestinal active delivery. Based on these advantages, it is demonstrated that the RIEMs can efficiently move and stab into the intestinal mucosa for insulin delivery, exhibiting efficacy in regulating blood sugar glucose in a diabetic rabbit model. These features indicate that these RIEMs are versatile and valuable for clinical oral delivery of macromolecules.
Cyano‐Functionalized Fused Bithiophene Imide Dimer‐Based n‐Type Polymers for High‐Performance Organic Thermoelectrics
Authors: Feng Kui , Yang Wanli , Jeong Sang Young , Ma Suxiang , Li Yongchun , Wang Junwei , Wang Yimei , Woo Han Young , Chan Paddy Kwok Leung , Wang Gang , Guo Xugang , Zhu Meifang
Published: April 2023

Doped n‐type polymers usually exhibit low electrical conductivities and thermoelectric power factors (PFs), restricting the development of high‐performance p–n‐junction‐based organic thermoelectrics (OTEs). Herein, the design and synthesis of a new cyano‐functionalized fused bithiophene imide dimer (f‐BTI2), CNI2, is reported, which synergistically combines the advantages of both cyano and imide functionalities, thus leading to substantially higher electron deficiency than the parent f‐BTI2. On the basis of this novel building block, a series of n‐type donor–acceptor and acceptor–acceptor polymers are successfully synthesized, all of which show good solubility, deep‐lying frontier molecular orbital levels, and favorable polymer chain orientation. Among them, the acceptor–acceptor polymer PCNI2‐BTI delivers an excellent electrical conductivity up to 150.2 S cm−1 and a highest PF of 110.3 µW m−1 K−2 in n‐type OTEs, attributed to the optimized polymer electronic properties and film morphology with improved molecular packing and higher crystallinity assisted by solution‐shearing technology. The PF value is the record of n‐type polymers for OTEs to date. This work demonstrates a facile approach to designing high‐performance n‐type polymers and fabricating high‐quality films for OTE applications.
Gradient Cationic Vacancies Enabling Inner‐To‐Outer Tandem Homojunctions: Strong Local Internal Electric Field and Reformed Basic Sites Boosting CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Wang Yinghui , Hu Jingcong , Ge Teng , Chen Fang , Lu Yue , Chen Runhua , Zhang Hongjun , Ye Bangjiao , Wang Shengyao , Zhang Yihe , Ma Tianyi , Huang Hongwei
Published: April 2023

The slow charge dynamics and large activation energy of CO2 severely hinder the efficiency of CO2 photoreduction. Defect engineering is a well‐established strategy, while the function of common zero‐dimensional defects is always restricted to promoting surface adsorption. In this work, a gradient layer of tungsten vacancies with a thickness of 3–4 nm is created across Bi2WO6 nanosheets. This gradient layer enables the formation of an inner‐to‐outer tandem homojunction with an internal electric field, which provides a strong driving force for the migration of photoelectrons from the bulk to the surface. Meanwhile, W vacancies change the coordination environment around O and W atoms, leading to an alteration in the basic sites and the mode of CO2 adsorption from weak/strong adsorption to moderate adsorption, which ultimately decreases the formation barrier of the key intermediate *COOH and facilitates the conversion thermodynamics for CO2. Without any cocatalyst and sacrificial reagent, W‐vacant Bi2WO6 shows an outstanding photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance with a CO production rate of 30.62 µmol g−1 h−1, being one of the best catalysts in similar reaction systems. This study reveals that gradient vacancies as a new type of defect will show huge potential in regulating charge dynamics and catalytic reaction thermodynamics.
Hydrogel‐Based Strategies to Enhance T‐Cell Performance for Solid Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Oh Seung Won , Kim Pilnam
Published: April 2023

The solid tumor microenvironment presents many challenges for immunotherapy that must be addressed for clinical relevance. This review will highlight research that has attempted to tackle these challenges and summarize recent therapeutic approaches to enhance both native and engineered T cell functions through hydrogel delivery. Different types of hydrogels are presented in this paper and organized based on purpose of the research: activation and expansion, delivery methods, co‐delivery of immunostimulating agents, and overcoming tumor microenvironment barriers. Perspectives in the future of solid cancer immunotherapy are also discussed to share opinion on necessary research for the success in this field.
Perivascular localized cells commit erythropoiesis in PDGF‐B‐expressing solid tumors
Authors: Hosaka Kayoko , Wang Chenchen , Zhang Shiyue , Lv Xue , Seki Takahiro , Zhang Yin , Jing Xu , Wu Jieyu , Du Qiqiao , He Xingkang , Fan Yulong , Li Xuan , Kondo Makoto , Yoshihara Masahito , Qian Hong , Shi Lihong , Zhu Ping , Xu Yuanfu , Yang Yunlong , Cheng Tao , Cao Yihai
Published: April 2023

Background

Tumors possess incessant growth features, and expansion of their masses demands sufficient oxygen supply by red blood cells (RBCs). In adult mammals, the bone marrow (BM) is the main organ regulating hematopoiesis with dedicated manners. Other than BM, extramedullary hematopoiesis is discovered in various pathophysiological settings. However, whether tumors can contribute to hematopoiesis is completely unknown. Accumulating evidence shows that, in the tumor microenvironment (TME), perivascular localized cells retain progenitor cell properties and can differentiate into other cells. Here, we sought to better understand whether and how perivascular localized pericytes in tumors manipulate hematopoiesis.

Methods

To test if vascular cells can differentiate into RBCs, genome‐wide expression profiling was performed using mouse‐derived pericytes. Genetic tracing of perivascular localized cells employing NG2‐CreERT2:R26R‐tdTomato mouse strain was used to validate the findings in vivo. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS), single‐cell sequencing, and colony formation assays were applied for biological studies. The production of erythroid differentiation‐specific cytokine, erythropoietin (EPO), in TME was checked using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, magnetic‐activated cell sorting and immunohistochemistry. To investigate BM function in tumor erythropoiesis, BM transplantation mouse models were employed.

Results

Genome‐wide expression profiling showed that in response to platelet‐derived growth factor subunit B (PDGF‐B), neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2)+ perivascular localized cells exhibited hematopoietic stem and progenitor‐like features and underwent differentiation towards the erythroid lineage. PDGF‐B simultaneously targeted cancer‐associated fibroblasts to produce high levels of EPO, a crucial hormone that necessitates erythropoiesis. FACS analysis using genetic tracing of NG2+ cells in tumors defined the perivascular localized cell‐derived subpopulation of hematopoietic cells. Single‐cell sequencing and colony formation assays validated the fact that, upon PDGF‐B stimulation, NG2+ cells isolated from tumors acted as erythroblast progenitor cells, which were distinctive from the canonical BM hematopoietic stem cells.

Conclusions

Our data provide a new concept of hematopoiesis within tumor tissues and novel mechanistic insights into perivascular localized cell‐derived erythroid cells within TME. Targeting tumor hematopoiesis is a novel therapeutic concept for treating various cancers that may have profound impacts on cancer therapy.
Complement, complosome, and complotype: A perspective
Authors: Singh Parul , Kemper Claudia
Published: April 2023

Recent rapid progress in key technological advances, including the broader accessibility of single‐cell “omic” approaches, have allowed immunologists to gain important novel insights into the contributions of individual immune cells in protective immunity and immunopathologies. These insights also taught us that there is still much to uncover about the (cellular) networks underlying immune responses. For example, in the last decade, studies on a key component of innate immunity, the complement system, have defined intracellularly active complement (the complosome) as a key orchestrator of normal cell physiology. This added an unexpected facet to the biology of complement, which was long considered fully explored. Here, we will summarize succinctly the known activation modes and functions of the complosome and provide a perspective on the origins of intracellular complement. We will also make a case for extending assessments of the complotype, the individual inherited landscape of common variants in complement genes, to the complosome, and for reassessing patients with known serum complement deficiencies for complosome perturbations. Finally, we will discuss where we see current opportunities and hurdles for dissecting the compartmentalization of complement activities toward a better understanding of their contributions to cellular function in health and disease.
Explored potential hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and anti‐hyperuricemic components from Rheum tanguticum combing affinity ultrafiltration with four enzyme targets
Authors: Xu Yongbing , Chen Guilin , Guo Mingquan
Published: April 2023

Due to its variety of biological activities, rhubarb has been widely applied worldwide with a long history. However, the potential bioactive compounds in Rheum tanguticum responsible for hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and anti‐hyperuricemic activities as well as their underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In order to explore these specific multifunctional ingredients, the in vitro α‐glucosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory assays were first determined, and the results indicated that R. tanguticum possessed remarkable hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. Then, 14, 23, 15, and 10 active compounds in R. tanguticum were fast screened out by employing the bio‐affinity ultrafiltration with LC‐MS (Liquid Chromatograph‐Mass Spectrometer) strategy, which displayed various binding abilities to α‐glucosidase, α‐amylase, lipase, and xanthine oxidase enzymes, respectively. Further verifications of potential bioactive ingredients were implemented by molecule docking and the enzyme inhibitory assays in vitro. At last, the first interaction network between multifunctional components in R. tanguticum and their targets was further constructed facilitating to decipher the underlying mechanisms of action regarding R. tanguticum. The present work suggests that R. tanguticum may be a promising natural therapeutics and have good potential to be developed to prevent and treat diabetes, obesity, and gout in the near future.
Intervention time modified the effect of inulin on high‐fat diet‐induced obesity and gut microbial disorders
Authors: Li Xiaofang , Chen Ping , Zhang Yingying , Zhang Jiaming , Shen Shanshan , Li Kaikai
Published: April 2023

Various epidemiological studies support that inulin improves the intestinal environment and decreases the risk of obesity. The same as host feeding rhythms, gut microbiota itself displays daily fluctuations in composition and function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of intervention time of inulin to alleviate high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity based on chrono‐nutrition. Male C57BL/6J mice were given HFD and gavaged inulin at light‐on time (HFM) or light‐off time (HFN) daily. Energy expenditure (EE), 16S rRNA sequencing in colonic contents, and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis were carried out after 12 weeks. Both in HFM and HFN group, the HFD‐induced weight gain was significantly reduced by 20.91% and 23.32%, and the mice in HFN group showed no significant difference in weight gain with the control group. Besides, mice in HFN group showed a tendency to increase EE and fecal SCFAs contents in addition to the relative content of colonic beneficial bacteria. As the light‐off period of mice is their active period, these results suggested that inulin intake at active period exhibited relatively stronger effects on ameliorating obesity and improving the gut microbial environment.
Mapping existing wellbore locations to compare technical risks between onshore and offshore CCS activities in Texas
Authors: Meckel Tip A. , Treviño Ramón H. , Hovorka Susan D. , Bump Alex P.
Published: April 2023

Carbon dioxide capture and geologic storage (CCS; geologic sequestration) is a promising technology for reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere from industrial point sources. Aspects of CCS have been investigated for over two decades, and many large‐ and small‐scale geologic storage field demonstration projects are now underway globally. Interest in offshore CCS has been increasing in recent years (e.g., European Union, Australia, Japan, and the United States). Deep geologic storage in offshore settings is analogous to onshore CCS activities in many respects (i.e., geologic and geotechnical aspects), but is distinct from previously explored seabed sediment CO2 storage) or deep marine dissolution). Given the large subsurface geologic storage volumes available in offshore settings, much discussion of offshore CCS is focused on the benefits and risks of such activity compared to onshore settings. Similar to onshore settings, existing (legacy) wells likely present the most direct migration pathway and largest risk of noncontainment in offshore settings. As part of current studies to evaluate geologic storage options in offshore settings along the Texas coast and greater Gulf of Mexico (GoM), mapping of the geographic distribution and ages of wells in a region containing coastal counties and extending 30 miles offshore Texas indicates that both well spatial density and well age decrease moving from onshore to offshore. Results suggest reduced risk of leakage owing to more rigorous and documented well completion and abandonment practices for these generally younger wells (although many are decades old). A result of decreased well density is that larger areas are available for leasing for CCS projects that avoid legacy wells altogether (> 1 mile from any existing well). The one‐mile designation is used as an arbitrary convention, and while it is recognized that this is smaller than a typical area of review (AoR) for permitting, each site will have a different AoR radius for consideration. The combination of large subsurface storage volumes under control of a single landowner and reduced risks from legacy wells makes offshore CCS attractive in the GoM. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The multiple regulatory effects of white adipose tissue on bone homeostasis
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Du Yuxiang , Zhao Zhonghan , Zou Jun , Zhang Xiaojing , Zhang Lingli
Published: April 2023

White adipose tissue (WAT) is not only an energy storage reservoir that is critical in energy homeostasis but is also a highly metabolically active endocrine organ. WAT can secrete a variety of adipocytokines, including leptin (LEP), adiponectin (APN), resistin, visfatin, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and osteopontin (OPN). It can also synthesize and secrete exosomes, which enhance intercellular communication and participate in various physiological processes in the body. It can also synthesize and secrete exosomes to enhance intercellular communication and participate in a variety of physiological processes in the body. The skeleton is an important organ for protecting internal organs. It forms the scaffolding of the body and gives the body its basic form. It drives muscle contraction to produce movement under the regulation of the nervous system. It is also an important hematopoietic organ; and it is regulated by the cytokines secreted by WAT. As research related to the release of adipocytokines from WAT to affect the skeleton continues to progress, an inextricable link between bone lipid regulation has been identified. In this paper, we review the literature to summarize the structure, function and metabolism of WAT, elaborate the specific molecular mechanisms by which WAT‐secreted hormones, cytokines and exosomes regulate skeletal cells, provide a theoretical basis for the in‐depth study of WAT cross‐organ regulation of bone, and provide new ideas for finding new adipose‐secreted targeting factors for the treatment of skeletal diseases.
Stellate cell in hepatic inflammation and acute injury
Authors: Rani Richa , Gandhi Chandrashekhar R.
Published: April 2023

The perisinusoidal hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been investigated extensively for their role as the major fibrogenic cells during chronic liver injury. HSCs also produce numerous cytokines, chemokines, and growth mediators, and express cell adhesion molecules constitutively and in response to stimulants such as endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide). With this property and by interacting with resident and recruited immune and inflammatory cells, HSCs regulate hepatic immune homeostasis, inflammation, and acute injury. Indeed, experiments with HSC‐depleted animal models and cocultures have provided evidence for the prominent role of HSCs in the initiation and progression of inflammation and acute liver damage due to various toxic agents. Thus HSCs and/or mediators derived thereof during acute liver damage may be considered as potential therapeutic targets.
Nanostructure Scaling in Semi‐Dilute Triblock Copolymer Gels
Authors: Mineart Kenneth P. , Vallely Matthew J. , O'Shea Emma K.
Published: April 2023

There is a considerable body of work that describes the scaling of diblock copolymer micelle dimensions in dilute and semi‐dilute solution based upon block degrees of polymerization and copolymer concentration. However, there is a lack of analogous information for semi‐dilute ABA triblock copolymer gels, which consist of ABA triblock copolymer dissolved in midblock‐selective (B‐selective) solvent. The present study uses small angle X‐ray scattering to extract micelle dimensions for numerous triblock copolymer gels that vary in copolymer identity (and hence block lengths) and copolymer concentration, as well as gels that contain various ratios of two unique triblock copolymers. Analysis of micelle structural data subsequently translates to universal scaling expressions for the micelle core radius – rA ≈ NA0.53NB−0.14ϕABA0.16 where NA and NB are the endblock and midblock degrees of polymerization, respectively, and ϕABA is the volume fraction of triblock copolymer in the gel – and for the intermicelle spacing – lAA ≈ NA0.09NB0.29ϕABA−0.35. Each scaling expression describes the full collection of experimental data very well. Additionally, these scaling expressions are partially in line with expectations from semi‐dilute diblock copolymer solution theory.
Assessment of a novel variation in DHODH gene causing Miller syndrome: The first report in Chinese population
Authors: Yang Kai , Fu Li‐Man , Chu Xiao‐Yang , Zhang Jing , Chen Wen‐Qi , Yan You‐Sheng , Wang Yi‐Peng , Zhang Dong‐Liang , Yin Cheng‐Hong , Guo Qing
Published: April 2023

Background

Miller syndrome is a rare type of postaxial acrofacial dysostosis caused by biallelic mutations in the DHODH gene, which is characterized mainly by craniofacial malformations of micrognathia, orofacial clefts, cup‐shaped ears, and malar hypoplasia, combined with postaxial limb deformities like the absence of fifth digits.

Methods

In this study, a prenatal case with multiple orofacial‐limb abnormities was enrolled, and a thorough clinical and imaging examination was performed. Subsequently, genetic detection with karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. In vitro splicing analysis was also conducted to clarify the impact of one novel variant.

Results

The affected fetus displayed typical manifestations of Miller syndrome, and WES identified a diagnostic compound heterozygous variation in DHODH, consisting of two variants: exon(1‐3)del and c.819 + 5G > A. We conducted a further in vitro validation with minigene system, and the result indicated that the c.819 + 5G > A variant would lead to an exon skipping in mRNA splicing.

Conclusions

These findings provided with the first exonic deletion and first splice site variant in DHODH, which expanded the mutation spectrum of Miller syndrome and offered reliable evidence for genetic counseling to the affected family.
Symptom management in adult brain tumours: A literature review
Authors: Zhang Rong , Wang Dong‐Mei , Liu Yong‐Li , Tian Man‐Li , Zhu Ling , Chen Jing , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2023

Aim

To review the literature related to symptom management, clinical significance and related theoretical framework systems in adult patients with brain tumours.

Background

As understanding of symptoms or symptom clusters and underlying biologic mechanisms has grown, it is apparent that symptom science is moving forward. Although some progress has been made in the symptom science of solid tumours such as breast and lung neoplasms, insufficient attention has been paid to symptom management for patients suffering from brain tumours. Further research is needed to achieve effective symptom management for these patients.

Design

A literature review with a systematic search of symptom management in adult brain tumours.

Methods

Electronic data bases were searched to obtain relevant published literature on symptom management in adults with brain tumours. This was then analysed and a synthesis of relevant findings is presented.

Findings

Four significant general themes relating to symptom management of brain tumours in adults were identified: (1) The potential theoretical foundation related to symptom management was revealed. (2) Widely accepted validated scales or questionnaires for the assessment of single symptoms or symptom clusters were recommended. (3) Several symptom clusters and the underlying biologic mechanisms have been reported. (4) Specific symptom interventions for adults with brain tumours were collected and classified as evidence‐based or insufficient evidence.

Conclusion

There are still many challenges in the effective management of symptoms in adults with brain tumours. The guiding role of theoretical frameworks or models related to symptom management should be utilized in future research. Using the concept of symptom clustering for research into symptoms found in patients with brain tumours, exploring common biological mechanisms for specific symptom clusters and making full use of modern big data resources to build a strong evidence base for an effective intervention or management program may inform the management of symptoms among these patients leading to better results.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This is a literature review.

Implications for Symptom Management

The ultimate goal is obviously not only improving the survival rate of patients with brain tumours, but also enhancing their quality of life. Several important findings from our review include the theoretical foundations, validated assessment tools, the assessment of symptom clusters and the underlying biologic mechanism, and the identification of the evidence base for symptom interventions. These are of relevance for managers, researchers and practitioners and may function as a reference to help the effective symptom management for adults with brain tumours.
Evaluation of the validity and screening performance of a revised single‐item fear of cancer recurrence screening measure (FCR‐1r)
Authors: Smith Allan ‘Ben’ , Gao Mingbo , Tran Mei , Ftanou Maria , Jegathees Sharuja , Wu Verena , Jefford Michael , Lynch Fiona , Dhillon Haryana M. , Shaw Joanne , McDowell Lachlan , White Alan , Halloran Clare , Wiesenfeld David , Bamgboje‐Ayodele Adeola
Published: April 2023

Objective

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is highly prevalent among cancer survivors, but irregularly identified in practice. Single‐item FCR measures suitable for integration into broader psychosocial screening are needed. This study evaluated the validity of a revised version of the original FCR‐1 (FCR‐1r) and screening performance alongside the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System – Revised (ESAS‐r) anxiety item.

Methods

The FCR‐1r was adapted from the FCR‐1 and modelled on the ESAS‐r. Associations between FCR‐1r and FCR Inventory‐Short Form (FCRI‐SF) scores determined concurrent validity. Relationships of FCR‐1r scores with variables related (e.g., anxiety, intrusive thoughts) and unrelated (e.g., employment/marital status) to FCR determined convergent and divergent validity respectively. A Receiver‐Operating Characteristic analysis examined screening performance and cut‐offs for the FCR‐1r and ESAS‐r anxiety item.

Results

107 participants were recruited in two studies (Study 1, July‐October 2021, n = 54; Study 2: November 2021‐May 2022, n = 53). The FCR‐1r demonstrated concurrent validity against the FCRI‐SF (r = 0.83, p < 0.0001) and convergent validity versus the Generalised Anxiety Disorder‐7 (r = 0.63, p < 0.0001) and Impact of Event Scale‐Revised Intrusion subscale (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001). It did not correlate with unrelated variables (e.g., employment/marital status), indicating divergent validity. An FCR‐1r cut‐off ≥5/10 had 95% sensitivity and 77% specificity for detecting clinical FCR (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.97, p < 0.0001); ESAS‐r anxiety cut‐off ≥4 had 91% sensitivity and 82% specificity (AUC = 0.87, 95% CI 0.77–0.98, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The FCR‐1r is a valid and accurate tool for FCR screening. Further evaluation of the screening performance of the FCR‐1r versus the ESAS‐r anxiety item in routine care is needed.
Elucidating the role of P on Mn‐ and N‐doped graphene catalysts in promoting oxygen reduction: Density functional theory studies
Authors: Li Yaqiang , Ren Penghui , Lu Xiangyu , Zhang Jinqiu , Yang Peixia , Yang Xiaoxuan , Wang Guangzhao , Liu Anmin , Wu Gang , An Maozhong
Published: April 2023

The non‐noble Mn coordinated N, P co‐doping graphene materials were investigated theoretically in this work based on density functional theory calculation. The electronic structure is effectively tuned after the introduction of P heteroatom. The moderate d band center and density of states at Fermi energy of MnN4‐P1‐G indicate that it is of modest adsorption ability for these O‐containing intermediates. The rank of adsorption energies of O‐containing intermediates for MnN4‐P1‐G is OH* > 2OH* > OOH* > O* > O2* > H2O*, whereas the MnN4‐P1‐G favors a four‐electron process instead of two‐electron process. The doping of P on MnN4‐P1‐G can increase the kinetic activity for the rate‐determining step as well as the Ulim for MnN4‐P1‐G significantly increases from 0.38 to 0.45 V compared with MnN4‐G. The spin density and magnetic moments of Mn are effectively tuned by d, p hybridization to lower the adsorption energy of OH intermediates (rate‐determining step [RDS]) so as to improve the catalytic activity. It is concluded that the P‐doped MnN4 catalysts with excellent oxygen reduction reaction activity can be obtained and this study can provide theoretical guidance for the rational design of high‐performance Mn‐based carbon materials catalysts.
Rough Skin: An Introduction
Authors: Gentilcore David , Priani Egidio
Published: April 2023

We begin this chapter, and the book, with the tragic story of Mattio Lovat (1806), to introduce the then fairly new and little-understood disease, known in Italy as pellagra—literally, ‘rough skin’, after its primary manifestation. But dermatitis was only the first of the infamous ‘four Ds’, to which we can add diarrhoea, dementia and death. Italy and the United States would be the countries most affected by the disease, but pellagra was either epidemic, endemic or occasional in many other areas where maize cultivation and consumption was widespread. We suggest that what must have seemed like a positive agricultural development—the introduction of the Central American plant maize, with its prodigious yields and its ability to feed so many—had some unintended consequences in Italy over the course of the long nineteenth century. If it became a celebrated part of local culture and diet, because of its very success, maize cultivation altered longstanding landholding patterns and adversely affected peasant conditions and livelihoods. A combination of poverty and meagre diet resulted in endemic pellagra, with an estimated 100,000 sufferers in Italy by the late 1870s. We conclude this chapter by outlining the aims and structure of the book.
Medical Reactions to a New Disease (The Eighteenth Century)
Authors: Gentilcore David , Priani Egidio
Published: April 2023

In this chapter, we explore reactions to pellagra as a new disease and the character of the medical debates that ensued. If pellagra in Italy can be characterised as a disease of the long nineteenth century, this history can be subdivided into three different phases. This chapter will examine the earliest of these, from 1770 to 1815. This phase is characterised by investigations aimed at constructing the new disease’s clinical history, through to the considering the disease as nosological ‘problem’—the question of its nature and how to classify it—and culminating in polemics over its causation. Two things are worth noting here. First of all, during this first phase of investigation, the focus was on the skin—manifestations on the body’s surface—as a key to understanding the new disease. And, secondly, this is far from a history of linear progression, there being as much diversity of opinion in 1815 as there had been a generation earlier.
The Aetiological Turn (The Nineteenth Century)
Authors: Gentilcore David , Priani Egidio
Published: April 2023

Beginning in the 1830s, medical investigators began to think of organic disorders as having single causes that were both universal and necessary. For this to be possible required a radical shift in the way doctors defined diseases: from symptoms to causes. The so-called aetiological approach to disease meant that every case of the disease had the same cause. This, in turn, meant that any prophylactic or therapeutic measures directed at that cause, which were effective in one case, would be effective in every case. The crux of the matter now shifted to identifying a disease’s causation, beyond dispute. And when it came to pellagra, this was precisely the problem. By the middle of the nineteenth century, all the medical actors involved agreed on the close link between pellagra and maize consumption. What they disagreed on was the exact causal nature of that link, propounding two divergent, indeed mutually exclusive, explanatory models. How the cultural dominance of one explanatory model, at the expense of another, came about; what it tells us about the nature of Italian medical science in the second half of the nineteenth century; and what its dominance meant for sufferers, is the subject of this chapter.
Interlude: Patient Voices
Authors: Gentilcore David , Priani Egidio
Published: April 2023

In this ‘Interlude’ between Parts I and II of the book, we reproduce a few verbatim excerpts from the thousands of clinical files of patients diagnosed with forms of pellagrous insanity at the Venetian insane asylums of San Servolo (men) and San Clemente (women) during the latter half of the nineteenth century. They are as close as we can come to the patients’ own harrowing experience of the illness, though of course as mediated by asylum doctors.
Institutionalising Pellagrous Insanity: An Introduction
Authors: Gentilcore David , Priani Egidio
Published: April 2023

Whilst the exact aetiology of pellagra remained unclear, the effects of the disease could not have been clearer: asylums in the maize-growing areas of northern Italy were filled with cases of the disease. Part II of this book focuses on the experience of insanity caused by pellagra. We explore how pellagrous insanity was understood, diagnosed and treated by medical investigators and asylum doctors alike, as well as the patient experience of this terrible phase of the disease. We begin, in this chapter, by introducing pellagrous insanity—how it manifested itself, its place in pellagra’s symptomatology, as well as its impact on society. The qualitative—here referring to individual patient histories and asylum directors’ reports—will be integrated with the quantitative—based on data culled from the five thousand patient files which make up our Venetian Mental Asylums Database.