bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant cell arteritis with adventitial pattern in a 51‐year‐old man: A case report
Authors: Kapuczinski Abeline , Demeulenaere Nathalie , Tavares Ferreira Nadine , Ciamala Aurélia , Rossi Camélia , Rusu Stefan , Remmelink Myriam , Vandergheynst Frédéric , Léon Marc
Published: March 2023

Clinical presentation as well as histological or biological findings can sometimes make the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis difficult. Histopathological features of temporal artery biopsy from giant cell arteritis patients are also challenging because of the various described appearances or even finding of clinically normal temporal artery biopsy does not rule out the diagnosis. We here describe the case of a 51‐year‐old man with temporal artery biopsy showing lymphocytes infiltrates in the adventitia corresponding to the so‐called adventitial pattern of giant cell arteritis according to Hernandez‐Rodriguez et al.
Unusual presentation of rheumatoid arthritis in a 106‐year‐old woman: A rare case report
Authors: ALQazzaz Ali , Gorial Faiq I. , Al‐Obaidi Ahmed Dheyaa , Al‐Obaidi Mustafa Najah , Awadh Nabaa Ihsan , Hashim Hashim Talib
Published: March 2023

By reporting this case, we hope to encourage medical professionals to concentrate on diagnosing old patients with unusual presentation of rheumatoid arthritis.
Phytate Enhances Intermediate Adsorption Kinetics on Nickel for Efficient Primary Aniline Electrooxidation
Authors: Li Jiayuan , Wang Wei , Li Yuefei , Ma Yuanyuan
Published: March 2023

Nickel (Ni)‐based electrocatalysts are promising for use in the primary amine electrooxidation reaction (pAOR) due to the in situ generation of oxygen intermediates on their surface. Herein, phytate‐coordinated Ni foam (PA‐NF) is reported as an efficient pAOR electrocatalyst with a benzylamine oxidation rate of 1.01 mmol h−1 and a benzonitrile selectivity of ∼100 %. Experimental evidence indicated the upshift of the d‐band center of the Ni sites after PA coordination and enhancement of the adsorption kinetics of oxygen intermediates on the PA‐NF surface during the reaction, resulting in high catalytic performance. This work details a facile strategy for enhancing the pAOR performance of Ni‐ and other transition‐metal‐based electrocatalysts.
Pressure mapped squeeze flow (PMSF): Extending rheological characterization of mortars beyond traditional rheometry
Authors: Grandes Franco A. , Rego Andressa C. A. , Rebmann Markus S. , Cardoso Fábio A. , Pileggi Rafael G.
Published: March 2023

The rheometric techniques available for the evaluation of mortars involve a different set of flow conditions. Squeeze flow is based on the compression of the sample with gap reduction and geometric restrictions, providing important information even when phase separation occurs and an evaluation in conditions similar to those found in several practical situations for many classes of materials, including cement‐based and ceramics. Traditional squeeze flow results are related to bulk normal force and height variation of a sample compressed between parallel plates. Additional information regarding boundary conditions at the interfaces or phenomena related to differential flow can be obtained through further instrumentation of the test. The combination of squeeze flow and a pressure mapping technique has been recently proposed, with great potential for the analysis of cement‐based materials and other granular suspensions. In this work, four mortars were evaluated by the pressure mapped squeeze flow (PMSF) method in two different displacement rates, and new ways to analyze the results were developed to expand the understanding of the flow through the technique, including plotting the pressure along multiple circumferences and an analysis of variation in each radial position. PMSF results were also compared to rotational rheometry and flow table tests for the first time, and concepts of interparticle separation were employed to discuss microstructural aspects of the flow. Due to the variety of mix designs (admixtures, particle size distribution, air content, water content, and other factors), the mortars presented diverse behaviors, ranging from primarily viscous or plastic flows to more granular responses (related to friction between particles with localized formation of jammed structures due to liquid phase migration). This work is part of an effort to establish a foundation for PMSF as a rheometric method that can be used for the analysis of a wide range of materials.
Formate Additive for Efficient and Stable Methylammonium‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells by Gas‐Quenching
Authors: Song Wenlong , Wang Xin , Hou Tian , Li Xiaoshan , Chen Hongwang , Yu Yue , Sun Xiaoran , Singh Ambrish , Zhang Meng
Published: March 2023

In order to promote the commercialization of perovskite solar cells, gas‐quenching is considered to be a promising technique for perovskite film fabrication. However, when handling with methylammonium‐free (MA‐free) perovskites, it is often difficult to obtain high‐quality perovskite films by gas‐quenching. Herein, formate additives are employed to regulate the crystallization of MA‐free perovskite, and improve the quality of perovskite films. Different additives of formamidine formate (FAFO) and potassium formate (KFO) is compared to investigate the role of formate groups in the crystallization of perovskite films prepared by gas‐quenching. The FAFO additive facilitates the perovskite crystallization in (001) orientation whereas KFO favors for (111) orientation. The MA‐free device with addition of FAFO demonstrate a champion power conversion efficiency of 20.94 %, compared to that of 20.14 % for KFO devices. In addition, FAFO device also exhibits improved thermal stability in ambient condition without encapsulation, extending the T80 lifetime by 18 times compared to the pristine device.
PROTOCOL: Education and Covid‐19: An evidence and gap map
Authors: Miller Sarah , Keenan Ciara , Early Erin , McConnell Karen , Rodriguez Leonor
Published: March 2023

This is the protocol for a Campbell evidence and gap map. The objectives are as follows: identify and map all existing primary studies, systematic reviews (published and unpublished), guidelines and policies on education during the Covid‐19 pandemic, creating a live, searchable and publicly available evidence and gap map.
Eco‐Friendly Biosorption of Uranium from Aqueous Solutions Using Sepiolite‐Cavex CA37 Composite Biosorbent
Authors: Erden Kadriye Esen , Donat Ramazan
Published: March 2023

Cavex CA37 is a dental material used for positive tooth impressions. After the mold is taken, it hardens through a fast‐chemical reaction with air, then becomes waste after usage. In this study, natural sepiolite and Cavex CA37 are mixed at certain ratios to obtain a composite SCX‐37 biosorbent that is used for the biosorption of ions from a synthetic aqueous solution. Parameters affecting biosorption, such as solution pH, ambient temperature, contact time, and ion concentration, are investigated. The biosorption of ions on SCX‐37 reaches equilibrium in 120 min with 97.56% efficiency at 30 °C and pH 4. The isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich, and D‐R) and thermodynamic values of the biosorption of ions on the SCX‐37 biosorbent are calculated according to the obtained data. It is determined that there is a high correlation between experimental results and all three isotherm models. The adsorption capacity is found to be 41.39 mg g−1. The biosorption of ions onto the SCX37 biosorbent is a chemisorption process with an adsorption energy of 40.50 kJ mol−1.
Synthesis and Biological Activities of 11‐ and 12‐Substituted Benzophenanthridinone Derivatives as DNA Topoisomerase IB and Tyrosyl‐DNA Phosphodiesterase 1 Inhibitors
Authors: Yang Hao , Qin Chao , Wu Min , Wang Fang‐Ting , Wang Wenjie , Agama Keli , Pommier Yves , Hu De‐Xuan , An Lin‐Kun
Published: March 2023

Herein, a series of 11‐ or 12‐substituted benzophenanthridinone derivatives was designed and synthesized for the discovery of dual topoisomerase IB (TOP1) and tyrosyl‐DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) inhibitors. Enzyme‐based assays indicated that two compounds 12 and 38 showed high TOP1 inhibitory potency (+++), and four compounds 35, 37, 39 and 43 showed good TDP1 inhibition with IC50 values ranging from 10 to 18 μM. 38 could induce cellular TOP1cc formation, resulting in the highest cytotoxicity against HCT‐116 cells (0.25 μM). The most potent TDP1 inhibitor 43 (10 μM) could induce cellular TDP1cc formation and enhance topotecan‐induced DNA damage and showed strong synergistic cytotoxicity with topotecan in both MCF‐7 and MCF‐7/TDP1 cells.
Comparison of genomic profiling of circulating tumor DNA in pancreaticobiliary malignancies in plasma and bile
Authors: Ohyama Hiroshi , Hirotsu Yosuke , Amemiya Kenji , Miura Yoshifumi , Hirose Sumio , Oyama Toshio , Iimuro Yuji , Kojima Yuichiro , Mikata Rintaro , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Kato Naoya , Omata Masao
Published: March 2023

Background

Obtaining sufficient pancreaticobiliary tumor tissue for genomic profiling has limitations. Liquid biopsies using plasma do not provide sufficient sensitivity. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of liquid biopsy between bile and plasma for identifying oncogenic and drug‐matched mutations.

Methods

This study created a panel of 60 significantly mutated genes specific to pancreaticobiliary cancer (PBCA) and used it for genomic analysis of 212 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples (87 bile supernatant, 87 bile precipitate, and 38 plasma) from 87 patients with PBCA. The quantity of extracted DNA from bile and plasma was compared, as were genomic profiles of 38 pairs of bile and plasma from 38 patients with PBCA. Finally, we investigated 87 bile and 38 plasma for the ability to detect druggable mutations.

Results

The amount of DNA was significantly lower in plasma than in bile (p < .001). Oncogenic mutations were identified in 21 of 38 (55%) patients in bile and nine (24%) in plasma samples (p = .005). Bile was significantly more sensitive than plasma in identifying druggable mutations (p = .032). The authors detected 23 drug‐matched mutations in combined bile and plasma, including five ERBB2, four ATM, three BRAF, three BRCA2, three NF1, two PIK3CA, one BRCA1, one IDH1, and one PALB2.

Conclusions

Liquid biopsy using bile may be useful in searching for therapeutic agents, and using the obtained genomic information may improve the prognoses of patients with PBCA.

Plain Language Summary

Genomic profiling of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues may provide actionable targets for molecular and immuno‐oncological treatment.

However, most pancreaticobiliary malignancies are unresectable and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues cannot be obtained.

Although comprehensive genomic profiling tests using plasma have been used in recent years, the utility of those using bile is not clear.

Our study revealed that bile identified more drug‐matched mutations than plasma in advanced pancreaticobiliary cancer patients.

Bile may help widen the patient population benefiting from targeted drugs.
Ruxolitinib in cytopenic myelofibrosis: Response, toxicity, drug discontinuation, and outcome
Authors: Palandri Francesca , Breccia Massimo , Mazzoni Camilla , Auteri Giuseppe , Elli Elena Maria , Trawinska Malgorzata M. , Polverelli Nicola , Tiribelli Mario , Benevolo Giulia , Iurlo Alessandra , Tieghi Alessia , Heidel Florian H. , Caocci Giovanni , Beggiato Eloise , Binotto Gianni , Cavazzini Francesco , Miglino Maurizio , Bosi Costanza , Crugnola Monica , Bocchia Monica , Martino Bruno , Pugliese Novella , Biondo Mattia , Venturi Marta , Scaffidi Luigi , Isidori Alessandro , Cattaneo Daniele , Krampera Mauro , Pane Fabrizio , Cilloni Daniela , Semenzato Gianpietro , Lemoli Roberto M. , Cuneo Antonio , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Bartoletti Daniela , Paglia Simona , Vianelli Nicola , Cavo Michele , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Palumbo Giuseppe A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with cytopenic myelofibrosis (MF) have more limited therapeutic options and poorer prognoses compared with patients with the myeloproliferative phenotype.

Aims and Methods

Prognostic correlates of cytopenic phenotype were explored in 886 ruxolitinib‐treated patients with primary/secondary MF (PMF/SMF) included in the RUX‐MF retrospective study. Cytopenia was defined as: leukocyte count <4 × 109/L and/or hemoglobin <11/<10 g/dL (males/females) and/or platelets <100 × 109/L.

Results

Overall, 407 (45.9%) patients had a cytopenic MF, including 249 (52.4%) with PMF. In multivariable analysis, high molecular risk mutations (p = .04), intermediate 2/high Dynamic International Prognostic Score System (p < .001) and intermediate 2/high Myelofibrosis Secondary to Polycythemia Vera and Essential Thrombocythemia Prognostic Model (p < .001) remained associated with cytopenic MF in the overall cohort, PMF, and SMF, respectively. Patients with cytopenia received lower average ruxolitinib at the starting (25.2 mg/day vs. 30.2 mg/day, p < .001) and overall doses (23.6 mg/day vs. 26.8 mg/day, p < .001) and achieved lower rates of spleen (26.5% vs. 34.1%, p = .04) and symptom (59.8% vs. 68.8%, p = .008) responses at 6 months compared with patients with the proliferative phenotype. Patients with cytopenia also had higher rates of thrombocytopenia at 3 months (31.1% vs. 18.8%, p < .001) but lower rates of anemia (65.6% vs. 57.7%, p = .02 at 3 months and 56.6% vs. 23.9% at 6 months, p < .001). After competing risk analysis, the cumulative incidence of ruxolitinib discontinuation at 5 years was 57% and 38% in patients with cytopenia and the proliferative phenotype (p < .001), whereas cumulative incidence of leukemic transformation was similar (p = .06). In Cox regression analysis adjusted for Dynamic International Prognostic Score System score, survival was significantly shorter in patients with cytopenia (p < .001).

Conclusions

Cytopenic MF has a lower probability of therapeutic success with ruxolitinib as monotherapy and worse outcome. These patients should be considered for alternative therapeutic strategies.
The Dendrobium Orchid: Botany, horticulture, and utilization
Authors: Ketsa Saichol , Warrington Ian J.
Published: March 2023

Dendrobium, one of the largest genera of tropical orchids, is grown commercially on a large scale with an important economic impact in several ASEAN countries.Dendrobiumorchids can be grown in a wide range of climates, but flower production is best under tropical conditions. Due to being the most popular orchid for cut flower production, many hybrids ofDendrobiumhave been produced with colorful and attractive blooms. Cut flowers ofDendrobiumare popular worldwide. In addition, manyDendrobiumcultivars can be grown as flowering potted plants and for other purposes such as in medicinal applications and for use in decorative products. Postharvest physiology and technology are important in maintaining the quality of both cut flowers and potted plants from production sites to the marketplace. Plants of theDendrobiumgenus also contain a wide diversity of bioactive compounds that can be developed into medicinal and cosmetic products. This review describes the botany, cultivation, postharvest physiology, handling and utilization ofDendrobium.
ESPAR array design for the UHF RFID wireless sensor communication system
Authors: Rahman Md. Moklesur , Ryu Heung‐Gyoon
Published: March 2023

In this paper, in order to improve the received signal strength (RSS) and signal quality, three arrays of electronically steerable parasitic array radiator (ESPAR) antennas are suggested for the ultra‐high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) communication and sensing system applications. Instead of the single antenna, the array antennas have recently been widely used in many communication systems because of their peak gains, better radiation patterns, and higher radiation efficiency. Also, there are some important issues to use the antenna array like high data rates in wireless communication systems and to better understand the many targets or sensors. In this article, a wireless sensor network (WSN) is being investigated to overcome multipath fading and interference by antenna nulling technology that can be achieved through beam control ESPAR array antennas. The proposed ESPAR array antennas exhibit higher gains like 9.63, 10.2, and 12 dBi and proper radiation patterns from one array to another. Moreover, we investigate the mutual coupling effect on the performance of array antennas with different spacing (0.5λ, 0.75λ, λ) and configurations. It is found that the worst mutual coupling reduced by −28 to −34 dB for 2 × 2 array, −3 to −43 dB for 2 × 3 array, and finally −42 dB to −51 dB due to the antenna spacing from 0.5λ to λ. Thus, these suggested antennas could effectively be applied in the WSN communication systems, internet of things (IoT) networks, and massive wireless and backscatter communication systems.
Deep reinforcement learning for resource allocation of mobile communication systems with device‐to‐device underlay
Authors: Pimenta de Freitas Cardoso Gabriel , Henrique Portela de Carvalho Paulo , Roberto de Lira Gondim Paulo
Published: March 2023

Over the past few decades, the number of users and services of the mobile communications system has considerably increased, and since its essential resources such as spectrum and energy are limited, their optimization has drawn particular interest. Concomitantly, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have advanced and their applications have been expanded, including problems of classification, regression, and optimization of tasks of mobile communications systems. Regarding fifth and sixth generations of such systems, the insertion of AI is foreseen toward the allocation of available resources. The present study applied two recently proposed techniques based on deep reinforcement learning algorithms (viz., deep deterministic policy gradient [DDPG] and twin‐delayed DDPG [TD3]), for the power control and spectrum allocation of a mobile communications system with device‐to‐device (D2D) underlay communications. The results show that both algorithms have superior performance to the three algorithms used for comparison: A random algorithm, a greedy algorithm, and REINFORCE, a classical reinforcement learning algorithm. Furthermore, the results show the proposed algorithms have good generalization capability and performed the allocation intelligently, taking into account the relationship between distances separating devices and interference between communications. The results also proved robust in terms of small variations in input data and noise.
A case report of contrast‐enhanced harmonic ultrasonography for the diagnosis of an esophageal duplication cyst
Authors: Adachi Kazunori , Tashiro Takashi , Kato Makiko , Ito Takanori , Kato Aya , Takayama Masaaki , Kato Shunsuke , Ono Satoshi , Yoshimine Hisako , Koshino Akira , Nagao Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Yuji , Ebi Masahide , Ogasawara Naotaka , Sasaki Makoto , Kasugai Kunio
Published: March 2023

A 54‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital because of a suspected esophageal submucosal tumor on upper gastrointestinal radiography. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed a 52 mm homogeneous mass attached to the lower thoracic esophagus. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a 50 mm submucosal tumor in the lower esophagus, and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) showed a continuous hypoechoic lesion in the esophageal muscularis propria. Contrast‐enhanced harmonic EUS revealed a non‐echogenic area. T1 and T2 magnetic resonance imaging revealed a high‐signal lesion. Based on imaging studies, an esophageal duplication cyst was diagnosed. Although asymptomatic, the patient underwent video‐assisted thoracic surgery because of the possibility of rupture and the appearance of symptoms due to a future infection or enlargement, although this was not noted before.

In our case, the esophageal duplication cyst appeared as a hypoechoic mass, requiring differentiation from submucosal tumor other than the cyst. Histologically, the cyst was covered by two layers of muscle covered by the chorioepithelial columnar epithelium. EUS fine‐needle aspiration is effective in diagnosing submucosal tumor but also carries the risk of infection. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography was used in this case to observe the interior and reach a preoperative diagnosis. Contrast‐enhanced harmonic EUS appears to be effective in examining the interior of submucosal tumor lesions noninvasively.
Invasive blackberry outcompetes the endemic Galapagos tree daisy Scalesiapedunculata
Authors: Riegl Bernhard , Walentowitz Anna , Sevilla Christian , Chango Rafael , Jäger Heinke
Published: March 2023

Island florae are under threat from habitat loss and competition with introduced species worldwide. In the Galapagos Islands, the endemic tree daisy Scalesia pedunculata (Asteraceae) is the dominant tree in the cloud forest of Santa Cruz Island but suffers from competition with the invasive blackberry Rubus niveus. At the site Los Gemelos, a S. pedunculata population was monitored from 2014 to 2021 following mechanical and chemical removal of R. niveus from 17 plots and compared with 17 additional plots where R. niveus remained. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of the R. niveus invasion on S. pedunculata by characterizing the effects of R. niveus removal. Parameters measured in S. pedunculata were diameter at breast height (DBH, from which annual growth rates were determined), total height, survival of individual plants, and recruitment. In the presence of R. niveus, S. pedunculata trees had smaller DBH stems and shorter asymptotic maximum heights, growth rates declined for thin trees, the mortality of larger trees was elevated, and S. pedunculata recruitment was absent. R. niveus removal resulted in DBH‐ratios of S. pedunculata more frequently meeting our threshold for fast growth (1.2), trees growing significantly thicker and taller, annual mortality being lower (12.5% vs. 16.2% per year), and recruitment being successful. In the presence of R. niveus, lower survival, growth, and absent recruitment suggested that S. pedunculata could reach quasi‐extinction in ~20 years. Swift and decisive management action is needed to prevent the Scalesia forest on Santa Cruz Island from disappearing in less than two decades.
Climate change mitigation potential of Louisiana's coastal area: Current estimates and future projections
Authors: Baustian Melissa M. , Liu Bingqing , Moss Leland C. , Dausman Alyssa , Pahl James W.
Published: March 2023

Coastal habitats can play an important role in climate change mitigation. As Louisiana implements its climate action plan and the restoration and risk‐reduction projects outlined in its 2017 Louisiana Coastal Master Plan, it is critical to consider potential greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes in coastal habitats. This study estimated the potential climate mitigation role of existing, converted, and restored coastal habitats for years 2005, 2020, 2025, 2030, and 2050, which align with the Governor of Louisiana's GHG reduction targets. An analytical framework was developed that considered (1) available scientific data on net ecosystem carbon balance fluxes per habitat and (2) habitat areas projected from modeling efforts used for the 2017 Louisiana Coastal Master Plan to estimate the net GHG flux of coastal area. The coastal area was estimated as net GHG sinks of −38.4 ± 10.6 and −43.2 ± 12.0 Tg CO2 equivalents (CO2e) in 2005 and 2020, respectively. The coastal area was projected to remain a net GHG sink in 2025 and 2030, both with and without the implementation of Coastal Master Plan projects (means ranged from −25.3 to −34.2 Tg CO2e). By 2050, with model‐projected wetland loss and conversion of coastal habitats to open water due to coastal erosion and relative sea level rise, Louisiana's coastal area was projected to become a net source of GHG emissions both with and without the Coastal Master Plan projects. However, in the year 2050, the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan project implementation was projected to avoid the release of +8.8 ± 1.3 Tg CO2e compared with an alternative with no action. Reduction in current and future stressors to coastal habitats, including impacts from sea level rise, as well as the implementation of restoration projects could help to ensure coastal areas remain a natural climate solution.
Locomotor behavior and hearing sensitivity in an early lagomorph reconstructed from the bony labyrinth
Authors: López‐Torres Sergi , Bhagat Raj , Bertrand Ornella C. , Silcox Mary T. , Fostowicz‐Frelik Łucja
Published: March 2023

The structure of the bony labyrinth is highly informative with respect to locomotor agility (semicircular canals [SCC]) and hearing sensitivity (cochlear and oval windows). Here, we reconstructed the agility and hearing sensitivity of the stem lagomorph Megalagus turgidus from the early Oligocene of the Brule Formation of Nebraska (USA). Megalagus has proportionally smaller SCCs with respect to its body mass compared with most extant leporids but within the modern range of variability, suggesting that it was less agile than most of its modern relatives. A level of agility for Megalagus within the range of modern rabbits is consistent with the evidence from postcranial elements. The hearing sensitivity for Megalagus is in the range of extant lagomorphs for both low‐ and high‐frequency sounds. Our data show that by the early Oligocene stem lagomorphs had already attained fundamentally rabbit‐like hearing sensitivity and locomotor behavior, even though Megalagus was not a particularly agile lagomorph. This is likely because Megalagus was more of a woodland dweller than an open‐habitat runner. The study of sensory evolution in Lagomorpha is practically unknown, and these results provide first advances in understanding the primitive stages for the order and how the earliest members of this clade perceived their environment.
Fruit secondary metabolites alter the quantity and quality of a seed dispersal mutualism
Authors: Nelson Annika S. , Gelambi Mariana , Morales‐M. Estefania , Whitehead Susan R.
Published: March 2023

Plant secondary metabolites are key mechanistic drivers of species interactions. These metabolites have primarily been studied for their role in defense, but they can also have important consequences for mutualisms, including seed dispersal. Although the primary function of fleshy fruits is to attract seed‐dispersing animals, fruits often contain complex mixtures of toxic or deterrent secondary metabolites that can reduce the quantity or quality of seed dispersal mutualisms. Furthermore, because seeds are often dispersed across multiple stages by several dispersers, the net consequences of fruit secondary metabolites for the effectiveness of seed dispersal and ultimately plant fitness are poorly understood. Here, we tested the effects of amides, nitrogen‐based defensive compounds common in fruits of the neotropical plant genus Piper (Piperaceae), on seed dispersal effectiveness (SDE) by ants, which are common secondary seed dispersers. We experimentally added amide extracts to Piper fruits both in the field and lab, finding that amides reduced the quantity of secondary seed dispersal by reducing ant recruitment (87%) and fruit removal rates (58% and 66% in the field and lab, respectively). Moreover, amides not only reduced dispersal quantity but also altered seed dispersal quality by shifting the community composition of recruiting ants (notably by reducing the recruitment of the most effective disperser by 90% but having no detectable effect on the recruitment of a cheater species that removes fruit pulp without dispersing seeds). Although amides did not affect the distance ants initially carried seeds, they altered the quality of seed dispersal by reducing the likelihood of ants cleaning seeds (67%) and increasing their likelihood of ants redispersing seeds outside of the nest (200%). Overall, these results demonstrate that secondary metabolites can alter the effectiveness of plant mutualisms, by both reducing mutualism quantity and altering mutualism quality through multiple mechanisms. These findings present a critical step in understanding the factors mediating the outcomes of seed dispersal and, more broadly, demonstrate the importance of considering how defensive secondary metabolites influence the outcomes of mutualisms surrounding plants.
Immunoregulation of asthma by type 2 cytokine therapies: Treatments for all ages?
Authors: Saglani Sejal , Yates Laura , Lloyd Clare M.
Published: March 2023

Asthma is classically considered to be a disease of type 2 immune dysfunction, since many patients exhibit the consequences of excess secretion of cytokines such as IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 concomitant with inflammation typified by eosinophils. Mouse and human disease models have determined that many of the canonical pathophysiologic features of asthma may be caused by these disordered type 2 immune pathways. As such considerable efforts have been made to develop specific drugs targeting key cytokines. There are currently available multiple biologic agents that successfully reduce the functions of IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 in patients, and many improve the course of severe asthma. However, none are curative and do not always minimize the key features of disease, such as airway hyperresponsiveness. Here, we review the current therapeutic landscape targeting type 2 immune cytokines and discuss evidence of efficacy and limitations of their use in adults and children with asthma.
The innate immune response in tauopathies
Authors: Johnson Alexis M. , Lukens John R.
Published: March 2023

Tauopathies, which include frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, are a class of neurological disorders resulting from pathogenic tau aggregates. These aggregates disrupt neuronal health and function leading to the cognitive and physical decline of tauopathy patients. Genome‐wide association studies and clinical evidence have brought to light the large role of the immune system in inducing and driving tau‐mediated pathology. More specifically, innate immune genes are found to harbor tauopathy risk alleles, and innate immune pathways are upregulated throughout the course of disease. Experimental evidence has expanded on these findings by describing pivotal roles for the innate immune system in the regulation of tau kinases and tau aggregates. In this review, we summarize the literature implicating innate immune pathways as drivers of tauopathy.
Mast cells in type 2 skin inflammation: Maintenance and function
Authors: Keith Yuki Honda , Egawa Gyohei , Honda Tetsuya , Kabashima Kenji
Published: March 2023

Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells residing in tissues and playing indispensable roles in maintaining homeostasis and inflammatory states. Skin lesions associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) and type 2 skin inflammation display an increment in MCs, which have both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory effects. The direct and indirect activations of skin MCs by environmental factors such as Staphylococcus aureus can instigate type 2 skin inflammation in AD with poorly understood mechanisms. Furthermore, both IgE‐dependent and ‐independent degranulation of MCs contribute to pruritus in AD. Conversely, MCs suppress type 2 skin inflammation by promoting Treg expansion through IL‐2 secretion in the spleen. Moreover, skin MCs can upregulate gene expression involved in skin barrier function, thus mitigating AD‐like inflammation. These functional variances of MCs in AD could stem from differences in experimental systems, their localization, and origins. In this review, we will focus on how MCs are maintained in the skin under homeostatic and inflammatory conditions, and how they are involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 skin inflammation.
Ferrocene‐Based Actinide Clusters: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Characterization
Authors: Wang Jin‐Dong , Hu Kong‐Qiu , Huang Zhi‐Wei , Mei Lei , Yu Ji‐Pan , Chai Zhi‐Fang , Wang Xin‐Peng , Shi Wei‐Qun
Published: March 2023

The polynuclear metal clusters continually attract wide interest due to their intriguing structures and potential applications in various scientific fields. Here, four actinide clusters have been synthesized by the utilization of multifunctional ligand ferrocenecarboxylic acid (HFcc) and Th4+/U4+ ions by solvent evaporation or solvothermal synthesis strategies in different solvents. Therein, compounds 1, 2 and 4 feature similar [An6(μ3‐O)4(μ3‐OH)4]12+ cores, which are further coordinated by 12 Fcc− ligands and different solvent molecules. The U6Fe12 cluster of compound 4 is linked by four free HFcc molecules via multiple hydrogen bonding to form a supramolecular cluster [U6(μ3‐O)4(μ3‐OH)4(Fcc)12(H2O)4] ⋅ 4HFcc. The cluster core of compound 3 is a μ3‐O2− bridged [U3(μ3‐O)]10+ unit, which is further coordinated by 10 Fcc− ligands via three kinds of coordination modes. It is worth noting that multifunctional Fcc− ligand not only endows compound 1 a main redox wave at E1/2=0.720 V in CH2Cl2/DMF solution, but also enables it to exhibit aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) property.
Interfacial Modification of Multifunctional Organic Ammonium Salt for PEDOT:PSS‐Based Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xue Jianqiang , Su Yingjie , Liu Anmin , Gao Liguo , Ma Tingli
Published: March 2023

The performance of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is highly dependent on the surface properties of the hole‐transport layers (HTLs). Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is one of the most widely used HTLs due to its excellent properties. However, some drawbacks severely limit its application in PSCs. Herein, multifunctional bulk organic ammonium salts (BOASs) are deposited onto PEDOT:PSS films and used for interfacial modifications. The BOASs‐modified PEDOT:PSS has better energy‐level alignment with perovskite (PVK) than PEDOT:PSS, resulting in the suppressed voltage loss of PSCs. Depositing BOASs on top of the PSS isolates moisture to inhibit the ionization of sulfonic acid groups, which is beneficial to reduce the acidity and corrosiveness of PEDOT:PSS. In addition, the interfacial modification of BOASs can effectively enlarge the surface energy of PEDOT:PSS films and improve the morphology of the PVK layer. Therefore, the open‐circuit voltage and fill factor of the PSCs based on BOASs‐modified PEDOT:PSS are simultaneously increased to a maximum of 1.03 V and 73%, respectively, resulting in a champion device efficiency of 18.37%. The unencapsulated PSCs based on BOASs‐modified PEDOT:PSS remain more than 80% power conversion efficiency loss after 700 h of exposure to air.
The Effects of Pore Wettability on the Adsorption and Flow Capacity of Shale Gas: New Insights from Molecular Dynamic Modeling
Authors: Lin Xuan , Li Zhuo , Jiang Zhenxue , Miao Huan , Zhang Cuiting
Published: March 2023

Pore wettability plays a key role in controlling shale gas adsorption and flow in marine shales. To reveal the mechanism of shale gas adsorption and flow in pores with different wettability (hydrophobic or hydrophilic), molecular modelling is simulated using the molecular dynamics method. Three pore assemblages, namely, the quartz–illite (Q–I) pores, the quartz–organic matter (Q–OM) pores, and the illite–organic matter (I–OM) pores, are proposed and the adsorption and diffusion behavior in these pores are simulated under different conditions. The results show that matrix compositions in shale greatly affect pore wettability. Water molecules preferentially absorb on the junction of materials and result in more hydrophilicity at the junction than pores. Methane density simulations reveal that free methane molecules form clusters in the Q–I pores, with higher free methane density than adsorbed methane. Methane molecules in the Q–OM pores are primarily adsorbed on organic matter. Free methane molecules extensively exist in the I–OM pores, leading stronger density of free methane than adsorbed methane. The more the proportion of free methane, the larger the methane self‐diffusion coefficient. This study provides new insights to understanding of shale gas adsorption and diffusion behavior, which is important for the effective development of shale gas reservoirs.
Development and performance evaluation of an improved electric baking oven for baked products
Authors: Rana Masud , Yasmin Sabina , Mahomud Md. Sultan , Noor Fatehatun , Sarker Md. Sazzat Hossain
Published: March 2023

An improved electric baking oven was designed and fabricated using locally available materials for baking cakes and biscuits. Provisions of necessary adjustments were employed for ensuring uniform distribution of heat in all trays of the baking chamber. Its baking characteristics in terms of baking time, specific volume, and product quality in terms of sensory attributes were evaluated. The oven was found to be quite satisfactory in functioning for baking cakes and biscuits. Total time was only 15–28 min for baking the cake samples in the oven. On the other hand, comparatively, a bit longer time 18–35 min required for baking the biscuit samples. Baking cost was lesser in baking small‐sized cakes and biscuits than those of large sized. The quality of baked products was better in terms of taste, color, flavor, texture, and appearance than ordinary market products. Loaf volume of each cake (with 4 × 5 × 8 cm3) was 100%, which gave specific volume of 652.8 cm3/kg. Similarly, the specific volume of biscuits was 810 cm3/kg. The electric baking oven is quite efficient in baking quality cakes and biscuits uniformly, which can be provided to rural small entrepreneurs for commercial manufacturing of biscuits and cakes.
Total meat (flesh) supply may be a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases worldwide
Authors: You Wenpeng , Feng Shuhuan , Donnelly Frank
Published: March 2023

Consumption of red meat instead of white meat has typically been associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Reflecting actual diet patterns, this study explored the role of total meat (red + white) in predicting CVD incidence. Data from 217 countries were extracted from United Nations agencies for the analyses in five steps. Bivariate correlations were applied to examine the relationship between total meat and CVD incidence globally and regionally. Partial correlation was applied to identify that total meat was an independent predictor of CVD incidence while socioeconomic status, obesity, and urbanization were statistically constant. Stepwise linear regression was conducted for selecting the significant predictor of CVD incidence. SPSS 28 and Microsoft Excel were used for correlation analyses. Globally, total meat correlated to CVD incidence strongly and significantly in bivariate correlation models. This relationship remained significant in partial correlation when socioeconomic status, obesity, and urbanization were statistically kept constant. Stepwise multiple regression identified that, second to socioeconomic status, total meat was a significant predictor of CVD incidence. Total meat correlated to CVD incidence in different country groupings. However, the correlations between total meat and CVD incidence were significantly stronger in developing countries than in developed countries. Worldwide, total meat (flesh) consumption correlated to CVD incidence independently, but significantly stronger in developing countries than in developed countries. This correlation is worth exploring further in longitudinal cohort studies.
The effects of using Tempeh as a supplement for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Su Hui‐Kan , Chen Wei‐Chao , Lu Jian‐He , Chao How‐Ran , Liang Yun‐Fang , Haruka Sato , Hsu Wen‐Li , Wu Mei‐Li , Tsai Ming‐Hsien
Published: March 2023

Studies suggest that the consumption of Tempeh can improve abnormal blood glucose and lipid parameters, although it remains still unclear as to whether Tempeh can improve tissue damage. In our study, db/db obese diabetic mice were given Tempeh 1 (300 mg/kg) and Tempeh 2 (600 mg/kg) for 3 months. The tissue samples collected were stained using different tissue‐staining methodologies and were compared with the diabetic control group that was not given any Tempeh. Our results demonstrated that consuming high‐dose Tempeh for 1 month could significantly reduce serum glucose and body weight in mice whereas the tissue section of our result could validate that consuming high‐dose Tempeh for 3 months effectively improves lipid droplet size and lipid accumulation in the liver, aorta, and kidney of the mice. Moreover, an indication of the recovery of the damaged tissue could be observed in the heart and pancreatic tissue when high dosage of Tempeh was given as a treatment. Thus, it can be concluded that continuous consumption of Tempeh as a treatment could improve both blood glucose and body weight of diabetic mice while also improving lipid accumulation and tissue damage.
High‐pressure acidified steaming with varied citric acid dosing can successfully detoxify mycotoxins
Authors: Awuchi Chinaza Godswill , Nwozo Onyenibe Sarah , Aja Patrick Maduabuchi , Odongo Grace Akinyi
Published: March 2023

Mycotoxins are toxic fungal metabolites that exert various toxicities, including leading to death in lethal doses. This study developed a novel high‐pressure acidified steaming (HPAS) for detoxification of mycotoxins in foods and feed. The raw materials, maize and peanut/groundnut, were used for the study. The samples were separated into raw and processed categories. Processed samples were treated using HPAS at different citric acid concentrations (CCC) adjusted to pH 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit method for mycotoxins analysis was used to determine the levels of mycotoxins in the grains, with specific focus on total aflatoxins (AT), aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and citrinin. The mean values of the AT, AFB1, AFG1, OTA, and citrinin in the raw samples were 10.06 ± 0.02, 8.21 ± 0.01, 6.79 ± 0.00, 8.11 ± 0.02, and 7.39 ± 0.01 μg/kg for maize, respectively (p ≤ .05); and for groundnut (peanut), they were 8.11 ± 0.01, 4.88 ± 0.01, 7.04 ± 0.02, 6.75 ± 0.01, and 4.71 ± 0.00 μg/kg, respectively. At CCC adjusted to pH 5.0, the AT, AFB1, AFG1, OTA, and citrinin in the samples significantly reduced by 30%–51% and 17%–38% for maize and groundnut, respectively, and were reduced to 28%–100% when CCC was adjusted to pH 4.5 and 4.0 (p ≤ .05). The HPAS process either completely detoxified the mycotoxins or at least reduced them to levels below the maximum limits of 4.00–6.00, 2.00, 2.00, 5.00, and 100 μg/kg for AT, AFB1, AFG1, OTA, and citrinin, respectively, set by the European Union, WHO/FAO, and USDA. The study clearly demonstrates that mycotoxins can be completely detoxified using HPAS at CCC adjusted to pH 4.0 or below. This can be widely applied or integrated into many agricultural and production processes in the food, pharmaceutical, medical, chemical, and nutraceutical industries where pressurized steaming can be applied for the successful detoxification of mycotoxins.
Disrupting cortical astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in developing brain induces social deficits and depressive‐like behaviors
Authors: Luo Rong , Zhou Bin , Liao Ping , Zuo Yunxia , Jiang Ruotian
Published: March 2023

Astrocytes are present throughout the central nervous system and display complex intracellular Ca2+ signals. However, it is largely unknown regarding how astrocytic Ca2+ signals regulate neural microcircuits in developing brain and mammalian behavior in vivo. In this study, we specifically overexpressed the plasma membrane calcium‐transporting ATPase2 (PMCA2) of cortical astrocytes and used immunohistochemistry, Ca2+ imaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral tests to investigate the effects of genetically reducing cortical astrocyte Ca2+ signaling during a critical developmental period in vivo. We found that reducing cortical astrocyte Ca2+ signaling during development led to social interaction deficits, depressive‐like behaviors, and abnormal synaptic structure and transmission. In addition, restoring cortical astrocyte Ca2+ signaling using chemogenetic activation of Gq‐coupled designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs rescued these synaptic and behavioral deficits. Together, our data demonstrate that the integrity of cortical astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in developing mice is critical for neural circuit development and may be involved in the pathogenesis of developmental neuropsychiatric diseases, such as autism spectrum disorders and depression.
Tumor immune microenvironment alterations using induction cetuximab in a phase II trial of deintensified therapy for p16‐positive oropharynx cancer
Authors: Smith Joshua D. , Ludwig Megan L. , Bhangale Apurva D. , Brummel Collin , Swiecicki Paul L. , Worden Francis P. , Chinn Steven B. , Stucken Chaz L. , Rosko Andrew J. , Prince Mark E. P. , Malloy Kelly M. , Casper Keith A. , Bradford Carol R. , Chepeha Douglas B. , Shah Jennifer , Schonewolf Caitlin A. , McHugh Jonathon B. , Nyati Mukesh K. , Eisbruch Avraham , Mierzwa Michelle L. , Spector Matthew E. , Brenner J. Chad
Published: March 2023

Background

We sought to characterize early changes in CD8+ tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor transcriptomes after induction cetuximab in a cohort with p16‐positive oropharyngeal cancer on a phase II clinical de‐escalation trial.

Methods

Tumor biopsies were obtained before and 1 week after a single cetuximab loading dose in eight patients enrolled in a phase II trial of cetuximab and radiotherapy. Changes in CD8+ tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes and transcriptomes were assessed.

Results

One week after cetuximab, five patients (62.5%) had an increase in CD8+ cell infiltration with a median (range) fold change of +5.8 (2.5–15.8). Three (37.5%) had unchanged CD8+ cells (median [range] fold change of −0.85 [0.8–1.1]). In two patients with evaluable RNA, cetuximab induced rapid tumor transcriptome changes in cellular type 1 interferon signaling and keratinization pathways.

Conclusions

Within 1 week, cetuximab induced measurable changes in pro‐cytotoxic T‐cell signaling and immune content.
Development of preprocessing methods and revised EfficientNet for diabetic retinopathy detection
Authors: Lin Chun‐Ling , Jiang Zhi‐Xiang
Published: March 2023

The evolution of deep learning (DL) has made artificial intelligence image recognition a mature technology. Recently, the use of DL to identify diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been recognized as a major challenge. Retinal abnormalities caused by DR can damage the retina and thus cause permanent damage or even blindness. Therefore, the detection of diabetes symptoms at an early stage can help to considerably reduce the risk of blindness. The differences in environments, equipment, and photographers have led to the inconsistent specifications of images and have thus affected the efficiency of the training model for classifying the DR level. If low‐quality fundus images are removed through an image quality assessment (Eye‐Quality Library, EyeQ), the number of images of the trained model would considerably reduce, in turn affecting the reliability of the training model. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a preprocessing method to strengthen the image features. The results obtained in this study revealed that the preprocessing method could increase the amount of data available for the training model. Thus, this study improved the EfficientNet model for the enhancement of the classification performance of the DR level. The results also showed that an increase in the model accuracy from 0.7727 to 0.7920 for the classification of the different stages of DR. In addition, the results revealed that the revised EfficientNet could obtain better average area under the ROC curve among the five classes (0.926) than MobileNet (0.54) and the original EfficientNet (0.922). Finally, this study implemented the proposed system by using an application programming interface (API) to enable the users to upload a fundus image to the API and obtain the DR results.