bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parenting knowledge and parenting self-efficacy of mothers with borderline personality disorder and depression: “I know what to do but think I am not doing it”
Authors: Eyden Julie , MacCallum Fiona , Bornstein Marc H. , Broome Matthew , Wolke Dieter
Published: February 2023

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition often associated with previous childhood adversity including maladaptive parenting. When becoming a parent themselves, mothers with BPD have difficulties with various parenting cognitions and practices, but unknown is whether they have appropriate knowledge of sensitive parenting. This study explored whether differences in parenting knowledge or self-efficacy are specific to BPD or also found in mothers with depression, and whether symptom severity or specific diagnosis better explain parenting perceptions. Mothers with BPD (n = 26), depression (n = 25) or HCs (n = 25) completed a Q-sort parenting knowledge task and a parenting self-efficacy questionnaire. Results showed mothers with BPD had the same knowledge of sensitive parenting behaviors as mothers with depression and healthy mothers. Self-reported parenting self-efficacy was lower in mothers with BPD and depression compared with healthy mothers, with symptom severity most strongly associated. A significant but low correlation was found between parenting self-efficacy and knowledge. Findings suggest that mothers with BPD and depression know what good parenting is but think they are not parenting well. Mental health difficulties are not associated with parenting knowledge, but symptom severity appears to be a common pathway to lower parenting self-efficacy. Future interventions should test whether reduction of symptom severity or positive parenting feedback could improve parenting self-efficacy.
Molecular genetic mechanisms of teratozoospermia
Authors: Chang Ying , Jiang Xin , Liu Wei , Zhang Dongfang , Yang Shubao , Zhao Donghai
Published: February 2023

In recent years, the incidence of teratospermia has been increasing, and it has become a very important factor leading to male infertility. The research on the molecular mechanism of teratospermia is also progressing rapidly. This article briefly summarizes the clinical incidence of teratozoospermia, and makes a retrospective summary of related studies reported in recent years. Specifically discussing the relationship between gene status and spermatozoa, the review aims to provide the basis for the genetic diagnosis and gene therapy of teratozoospermia.
A Smaller Greater India and a Middle‐Early Eocene Collision With Asia
Authors: Jin Shuchen , Sun Xinxin , Jing Xianqing , Zhang Zijian , Zhang Xiang , Yang Zhenyu
Published: February 2023

When and how the collision between India‐Asia occurred continue to be debated. We report new paleomagnetic data (Ds = 158.8°, Is = 7.8°, ks = 81.3, α95 = 5.1°, N = 11 sites) from limestone of the Zongpu Formation Member I in the Tingri, which indicate that the Tethyan Himalaya was situated at 3.9 ± 2.6°S during 62‐59 Ma. This implies that Greater India was ∼900 km and that Tethyan Himalaya did not break off from India, which left a ∼2,000 km Neo‐Tethys Ocean that challenges the prevailing hypothesis that the initial collision of India–Asia occurred during this period. The drift rate of the India plate, with an average rate of 160 ± 28 mm/a during 60‐50 Ma, implies that the northern margin (e.g., the Tingri, Gyangze, Gamba, and Zanskar areas) of Greater India almost simultaneously collided with Asia at ∼50 Ma, quasi‐synchronously, and closing the Neo‐Tethys Ocean.
Strategy to Enhance Geological CO2 Storage Capacity in Saline Aquifer
Authors: Li Songyan , Wang Peng , Wang Zhoujie , Cheng Hao , Zhang Kaiqiang
Published: February 2023

Geological CO2 storage is an emerging topic in energy and environmental community, which is, as a commonly accepted sense, considered as the most promising and powerful approach to mitigate the global carbon emissions during the transition to net‐zero. Of the geological media which initially considered cover the saline aquifers, oil and gas reservoirs, coal beds, and potentially basalts, up to now only the first two choices have been proven to be the most capable storage sites and successfully implemented at pilot/commercial scales. Here, two tandem papers propose novel strategies for the first time, by synthesizing and utilizing new high‐dryness CO2 foam, to enhance geological CO2 storage capacity in saline aquifer and oil and gas reservoirs. In this paper, a new high‐dryness CO2 foam is synthesized and injected into the saline aquifers to explore the storage capacity enhancement, with the unique foam‐induced advantages of sweep area expansion and storage efficiency improvement. Such a new idea is specifically evaluated and validated through a series of static analytical and dynamic performance experiments. With the optimum surfactant concentration of 0.5 wt%, the foaming volume and quality are determined to be 521 mL and 80.81%, respectively, which also shows excellent salt tolerance with 45,000 ppm Na+, 25,000 ppm Ca2+, and 25,000 ppm Mg2+. Moreover, the water consumption for CO2 storage decreases from 464.31 g/mol at 25% foam quality to 67.38 g/mol at 85% foam quality by using the new CO2 foam. Overall, the newly synthesized CO2 foam could effectively enhance geological CO2 storage capacity and concurrently diminish water consumption, therefore realizing the win‐win environment and economic benefits.
3‐D Regional Imaging of Ionosphere Over Africa Through Assimilating Satellite and Ground‐Based Data
Authors: Mengist Chalachew Kindie , Seo Kyong‐Hwan , Kim Yong Ha , Eswaraiah S. , Ssessanga Nicholas , Kwak Young‐Sil
Published: February 2023

In this study, the first high‐resolution regional ionospheric model over Africa and adjacent areas (−40–40°N latitude, 30°W–60°E longitude, and 80–1,400 km in altitude) is constructed by assimilating ground‐based slant total electron content (STEC) from 40 GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver stations and space‐based NmF2 (ionospheric F2 peak density) data from C2 (Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate‐2) into the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI‐2016) model. An Ionospheric Data Assimilation Four‐Dimensional (IDA4D) technique was used to estimate electron densities as high as 1.5°  3° in latitude and longitude, 10 km in altitude in the E and F regions, and 15 min in universal time. Two experiments were run for the following data sets: (a) GPS‐STECs only and (b) GPS‐STECs and NmF2s from C2 during geomagnetically quiet (6–11 May 2021) and storm periods (12–14 May 2021). The IDA4D assimilation results are validated using independent C2 control group, ionosonde, and JASON‐3 observations. Results for the storm period show that experiment 2 reduces the average root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of NmF2, foF2, and VTEC by 34%, 31%, and 34%, respectively, and increases the associated correlations by 10%, 14%, and 2% over IRI, respectively. Using IDA4D, we observed enhancement of the northern crest equatorial ionization anomaly in the late evening that was caused by upward and northward plasma transport.
Thermal Electron Heat Fluxes Associated With Precipitated Auroral Electrons During the Saint Patrick's Days 2013 and 2015 Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Khazanov George V. , Chen Margaret W. , Mishin Evgeny V. , Chu Mike
Published: February 2023

The Rice Convection Model‐Equilibrium (RCM‐E) and SuperThermal Electron Transport (STET) are combined to investigate electron heat flux formation in the region of the diffuse aurora for the geomagnetic storms of 17 March 2013 and 17 March 2015. The primary electron precipitation into the atmosphere resulting from wave particle scattering in the magnetosphere are simulated by the magnetically and electrically RCM‐E during these two geomagnetic storms. The primary precipitating electron fluxes are modified by the STET model by taking into account atmospheric backscatter processes. The modified electron energy fluxes and their mean energies are coupled to the STET code to calculate electron thermal fluxes associated with diffuse aurora on a global scale. We use the simulated heat flux to estimate electron temperatures at the upper ionospheric altitudes and compare them with corresponding observations from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellite.
Dual-AAV split prime editor corrects the mutation and phenotype in mice with inherited retinal degeneration
Authors: She Kaiqin , Liu Yi , Zhao Qinyu , Jin Xiu , Yang Yiliu , Su Jing , Li Ruiting , Song Li , Xiao Jianlu , Yao Shaohua , Lu Fang , Wei Yuquan , Yang Yang
Published: February 2023

The prime editor (PE) can edit genomes with almost any intended changes, including all 12 possible types of base substitutions, small insertions and deletions, and their combinations, without the requirement for double strand breaks or exogenous donor templates. PE demonstrates the possibility of correcting a variety of disease-causing mutations and might expand the therapeutic application of gene editing. In this study, PE was optimized based on a dual-adeno-associated virus (AAV) split-intein system in vitro by screening different split sites and split inteins. We found that splitting PE before amino acid 1105(Ser) of SpCas9 with Rma intein resulted in the highest on-target editing. The orientations of pegRNA and nicking sgRNA in the AAV vector were further optimized. To test the in vivo performance of the optimized dual-AAV split-PE3, it was delivered by subretinal injection in rd12 mice with inherited retinal disease Leber congenital amaurosis. The prime editors corrected the pathogenic mutation with up to 16% efficiency in a precise way, with no detectable off-target edits, restored RPE65 expression, rescued retinal and visual function, and preserved photoceptors. Our findings establish a framework for the preclinical development of PE and motivate further testing of PE for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases caused by various mutations.
Restoration of lipid homeostasis between TG and PE by the LXRα-ATGL/EPT1 axis ameliorates hepatosteatosis
Authors: Chen Yulian , Jiang Huanguo , Zhan Zhikun , Lu Jindi , Gu Tanwei , Yu Ping , Liang Weimin , Zhang Xi , Liu Shuwen , Bi Huichang , Zhong Shilong , Tang Lan
Published: February 2023

Converting lipid disturbances in response to energy oversupply into healthy lipid homeostasis is a promising therapy to alleviate hepatosteatosis. Our clinical studies found that a further elevation of triglyceride (TG) in obese patients with the body mass index (BMI) greater than 28 was accompanied by a further reduction of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Shorter survival and poor prognosis were shown for the patients with high TG and low PE levels. Liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) knockout mice aggravated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and lipid disorders, making the TG enrichment and the PE decrease more pronounced according to the liver lipidomics analysis. The RNA-seq from mice liver exhibited that these metabolism disorders were attributed to the decline of Atgl (encoding the TG metabolism enzyme ATGL) and Ept1 (encoding the PE synthesis enzyme EPT1) expression. Mechanistic studies uncovered that LXRα activated the ATGL and EPT1 gene via direct binding to a LXR response element (LXRE) in the promoter. Moreover, both the supplement of PE in statin or fibrate therapy, and the LXRα inducer (oridonin) ameliorated cellular lipid deposition and lipotoxicity. Altogether, restoration of lipid homeostasis of TG and PE via the LXRα-ATGL/EPT1 axis may be a potential approach for the management of hepatosteatosis and metabolic syndrome.
FcγRIIIA activation-mediated up-regulation of glycolysis alters MDSCs modulation in CD4+ T cell subsets of Sjögren syndrome
Authors: Qi Jingjing , Zhou Xinyang , Bai Ziran , Lu Zhimin , Zhu Xiaolu , Liu Jiaqing , Wang Junli , Jin Minli , Liu Chang , Li Xia
Published: February 2023

Our and other researchers’ previous studies found that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were increased, and these MDSCs, supposed to play immunosuppressive roles, showed significant pro-inflammatory effects in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). However, the key factors and potential mechanisms leading MDSCs to be inflammatory remain unclear. In this study, we found that MDSCs from SS patients were positively correlated with the percentages of Th17 cells, disease activity and serum autoantibodies, and showed higher levels of Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) IIIA and glycolysis. Most importantly, SS MDSCs or heat-aggregated IgG (HAIG)-treated MDSCs down-regulated Th1/Th2 ratio and up-regulated Th17/Treg ratio, which could be obviously rescued by IgG monomer or glycolysis inhibitor 2-DG. As well, the levels of FcγRIV and glycolysis in MDSCs and the ratio of Th17/Treg were increased, and the ratio of Th1/Th2 was decreased in SS-like NOD mice. Our study indicated that MDSCs showed pro-inflammatory phenotypes by disturbing CD4+ T-cell balances in SS. The pro-inflammatory effects of MDSCs might be directly linked to the enhanced glycolysis mediated by FcγRIIIA activation.
Dendritiform immune cells with reduced antigen-capture capacity persist in the cornea during the asymptomatic phase of allergic conjunctivitis
Authors: Tajbakhsh Zahra , Jalbert Isabelle , Stapleton Fiona , Alghamdi Ali , Gray Paul E. , Briggs Nancy , Altavilla Betina , Mobeen Rabia , Golebiowski Blanka
Published: February 2023

Background

Increased density and altered morphology of dendritic cells (DC) in the cornea and conjunctiva occur during active allergic conjunctivitis. This study investigated whether inflammation (characterised by altered DC density and morphology) persists during the symptom-free phase of allergic conjunctivitis.

Methods

Twenty participants (age 43.3 ± 14.3 years, 55% female) assessed during their active (symptomatic) phase of allergic conjunctivitis were re-examined during the asymptomatic phase. Ocular allergy symptoms and signs were evaluated during both phases, and five ocular surface locations (corneal centre, inferior whorl, corneal periphery, corneal limbus, and bulbar conjunctiva) were examined using in vivo confocal microscopy (HRT III). DC were counted manually, and their morphology was assessed for cell body size, presence of dendrites, presence of long dendrites and presence of thick dendrites using a grading system. Mixed model analysis (DC density) and non-parametric tests (DC morphology) were used to examine differences between phases.

Results

DC density at corneal locations did not change between the active and asymptomatic phases (p ≥ 0.22). However, corneal DC body size was smaller and fewer DC presented with long dendrites during the asymptomatic phase (p ≤ 0.02). In contrast, at the bulbar conjunctiva, DC density was reduced during the asymptomatic phase compared to the active phase (p = 0.01), but there were no changes in DC morphology.

Conclusions

Dendritiform immune cell numbers persist in the cornea during the symptom-free phase of allergic conjunctivitis, whereas conjunctival DC appear to return to a baseline state. The morphology of these persisting corneal DC suggests their antigen-capture capacity is reduced during the asymptomatic phase.
Direct digital sensing of protein biomarkers in solution
Authors: Krainer Georg , Saar Kadi L. , Arter William E. , Welsh Timothy J. , Czekalska Magdalena A. , Jacquat Raphaël P. B. , Peter Quentin , Traberg Walther C. , Pujari Arvind , Jayaram Akhila K. , Challa Pavankumar , Taylor Christopher G. , van der Linden Lize-Mari , Franzmann Titus , Owens Roisin M. , Alberti Simon , Klenerman David , Knowles Tuomas P. J.
Published: February 2023

The detection of proteins is of central importance to biomolecular analysis and diagnostics. Typical immunosensing assays rely on surface-capture of target molecules, but this constraint can limit specificity, sensitivity, and the ability to obtain information beyond simple concentration measurements. Here we present a surface-free, single-molecule microfluidic sensing platform for direct digital protein biomarker detection in solution, termed digital immunosensor assay (DigitISA). DigitISA is based on microchip electrophoretic separation combined with single-molecule detection and enables absolute number/concentration quantification of proteins in a single, solution-phase step. Applying DigitISA to a range of targets including amyloid aggregates, exosomes, and biomolecular condensates, we demonstrate that the assay provides information beyond stoichiometric interactions, and enables characterization of immunochemistry, binding affinity, and protein biomarker abundance. Taken together, our results suggest a experimental paradigm for the sensing of protein biomarkers, which enables analyses of targets that are challenging to address using conventional immunosensing approaches.
Conformation-dependent dynamic organic phosphorescence through thermal energy driven molecular rotations
Authors: Wei Juan , Liu Chenyuan , Duan Jiayu , Shao Aiwen , Li Jinlu , Li Jiangang , Gu Wenjie , Li Zixian , Liu Shujuan , Ma Yun , Huang Wei , Zhao Qiang
Published: February 2023

Organic room-temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials exhibiting reversible changes in optical properties upon exposure to external stimuli have shown great potential in diverse optoelectronic fields. Particularly, dynamic manipulation of response behaviors for such materials is of fundamental significance, but it remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a series of RTP polymers were prepared by incorporating phosphorescent rotors into polymer backbone, and these materials show color-tunable persistent luminescence upon excitation at different wavelengths. Experimental results and theoretical calculations revealed that the various molecular conformations of monomers are responsible for the excitation wavelength-dependent (Ex-De) RTP behavior. Impressively, after gaining insights into the underlying mechanism, dynamic control of Ex-De RTP behavior was achieved through thermal energy driven molecular rotations of monomers. Eventually, we demonstrate the practical applications of these amorphous polymers in anti-counterfeiting areas. These findings open new opportunities for the control of response behaviors of smart-responsive RTP materials through external stimuli rather than conventional covalent modification method.
Diverse secondary metabolites are expressed in particle-associated and free-living microorganisms of the permanently anoxic Cariaco Basin
Authors: Geller-McGrath David , Mara Paraskevi , Taylor Gordon T. , Suter Elizabeth , Edgcomb Virginia , Pachiadaki Maria
Published: February 2023

Secondary metabolites play essential roles in ecological interactions and nutrient acquisition, and are of interest for their potential uses in medicine and biotechnology. Genome mining for biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) can be used for the discovery of new compounds. Here, we use metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to analyze BGCs in free-living and particle-associated microbial communities through the stratified water column of the Cariaco Basin, Venezuela. We recovered 565 bacterial and archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and identified 1154 diverse BGCs. We show that differences in water redox potential and microbial lifestyle (particle-associated vs. free-living) are associated with variations in the predicted composition and production of secondary metabolites. Our results indicate that microbes, including understudied clades such as Planctomycetota, potentially produce a wide range of secondary metabolites in these anoxic/euxinic waters.
Dearomative triple elementalization of quinolines driven by visible light
Authors: Ishigaki Shiho , Nagashima Yuki , Yukimori Daiki , Tanaka Jin , Matsumoto Takashi , Miyamoto Kazunori , Uchiyama Masanobu , Tanaka Ken
Published: February 2023

Organoboron and organosilicon compounds are used not only as synthetic building blocks but also as functional materials and pharmaceuticals, and compounds with multiple boryl and silyl groups are beginning to be used for these purposes. Especially in drug discovery, methodology providing easy stereoselective access to aliphatic nitrogen heterocycles bearing multiple boryl or silyl groups from readily available aromatic nitrogen heterocycles would be attractive. However, such transformations remain challenging, and available reactions have been mostly limited to dearomative hydroboration or hydrosilylation reactions. Here, we report the dearomative triple elementalization (carbo-sila-boration) of quinolines via the addition of organolithium followed by photo-boosted silaboration, affording the desired products with complete chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity. The reaction proceeds via the formation of silyl radicals instead of silyl anions. We also present preliminary studies to illustrate the potential of silaboration products as synthetic platforms.
Isoform- and ligand-specific modulation of the adhesion GPCR ADGRL3/Latrophilin3 by a synthetic binder
Authors: Kordon Szymon P. , Dutka Przemysław , Adamska Justyna M. , Bandekar Sumit J. , Leon Katherine , Erramilli Satchal K. , Adams Brock , Li Jingxian , Kossiakoff Anthony A. , Araç Demet
Published: February 2023

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) are cell-surface proteins with large extracellular regions that bind to multiple ligands to regulate key biological functions including neurodevelopment and organogenesis. Modulating a single function of a specific aGPCR isoform while affecting no other function and no other receptor is not trivial. Here, we engineered an antibody, termed LK30, that binds to the extracellular region of the aGPCR ADGRL3, and specifically acts as an agonist for ADGRL3 but not for its isoform, ADGRL1. The LK30/ADGRL3 complex structure revealed that the LK30 binding site on ADGRL3 overlaps with the binding site for an ADGRL3 ligand – teneurin. In cellular-adhesion assays, LK30 specifically broke the trans-cellular interaction of ADGRL3 with teneurin, but not with another ADGRL3 ligand – FLRT3. Our work provides proof of concept for the modulation of isoform- and ligand-specific aGPCR functions using unique tools, and thus establishes a foundation for the development of fine-tuned aGPCR-targeted therapeutics.
Small-molecule-mediated OGG1 inhibition attenuates pulmonary inflammation and lung fibrosis in a murine lung fibrosis model
Authors: Tanner L. , Single A. B. , Bhongir R. K. V. , Heusel M. , Mohanty T. , Karlsson C. A. Q. , Pan L. , Clausson C-M. , Bergwik J. , Wang K. , Andersson C. K. , Oommen R. M. , Erjefält J. S. , Malmström J. , Wallner O. , Boldogh I. , Helleday T. , Kalderén C. , Egesten A.
Published: February 2023

Interstitial lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are caused by persistent micro-injuries to alveolar epithelial tissues accompanied by aberrant repair processes. IPF is currently treated with pirfenidone and nintedanib, compounds which slow the rate of disease progression but fail to target underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The DNA repair protein 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1) has significant roles in the modulation of inflammation and metabolic syndromes. Currently, no pharmaceutical solutions targeting OGG1 have been utilized in the treatment of IPF. In this study we show Ogg1-targeting siRNA mitigates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in male mice, highlighting OGG1 as a tractable target in lung fibrosis. The small molecule OGG1 inhibitor, TH5487, decreases myofibroblast transition and associated pro-fibrotic gene expressions in fibroblast cells. In addition, TH5487 decreases levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, inflammatory cell infiltration, and lung remodeling in a murine model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis conducted in male C57BL6/J mice. OGG1 and SMAD7 interact to induce fibroblast proliferation and differentiation and display roles in fibrotic murine and IPF patient lung tissue. Taken together, these data suggest that TH5487 is a potentially clinically relevant treatment for IPF but further study in human trials is required.
High-throughput single-molecule quantification of individual base stacking energies in nucleic acids
Authors: Abraham Punnoose Jibin , Thomas Kevin J. , Chandrasekaran Arun Richard , Vilcapoma Javier , Hayden Andrew , Kilpatrick Kacey , Vangaveti Sweta , Chen Alan , Banco Thomas , Halvorsen Ken
Published: February 2023

Base stacking interactions between adjacent bases in DNA and RNA are important for many biological processes and in biotechnology applications. Previous work has estimated stacking energies between pairs of bases, but contributions of individual bases has remained unknown. Here, we use a Centrifuge Force Microscope for high-throughput single molecule experiments to measure stacking energies between adjacent bases. We found stacking energies strongest between purines (G|A at −2.3 ± 0.2 kcal/mol) and weakest between pyrimidines (C|T at −0.5 ± 0.1 kcal/mol). Hybrid stacking with phosphorylated, methylated, and RNA nucleotides had no measurable effect, but a fluorophore modification reduced stacking energy. We experimentally show that base stacking can influence stability of a DNA nanostructure, modulate kinetics of enzymatic ligation, and assess accuracy of force fields in molecular dynamics simulations. Our results provide insights into fundamental DNA interactions that are critical in biology and can inform design in biotechnology applications.
Establishment and validation of a plasma oncofetal chondroitin sulfated proteoglycan for pan-cancer detection
Authors: Zhang Pei-Fen , Wu Zi-Yi , Zhang Wen-Bin , He Yong-Qiao , Chen Kexin , Wang Tong-Min , Li Haixin , Zheng Hong , Li Dan-Hua , Yang Da-Wei , Zhou Ting , Deng Chang-Mi , Liao Ying , Xue Wen-Qiong , Cao Lian-Jing , Li Xi-Zhao , Zhang Jiang-Bo , Dong Si-Qi , Wang Fang , Zheng Mei-Qi , Zhang Wen-Li , Mu Jianbing , Jia Wei-Hua
Published: February 2023

Various biomarkers targeting cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating proteins have been tested for pan-cancer detection. Oncofetal chondroitin sulfate (ofCS), which distinctively modifies proteoglycans (PGs) of most cancer cells and binds specifically to the recombinant Plasmodium falciparum VAR2CSA proteins (rVAR2), is explored for its potential as a plasma biomarker in pan-cancer detection. To quantitate the plasma ofCS/ofCSPGs, we optimized an ELISA using different capture/detection pairs (rVAR2/anti-CD44, -SDC1, and -CSPG4) in a case-control study with six cancer types. We show that the plasma levels of ofCS/ofCSPGs are significantly higher in cancer patients (P values, 1.2 × 10−2 to 4.4 × 10−10). Validation studies are performed with two independent cohorts covering 11 malignant tumors. The individuals in the top decile of ofCS-CD44 have more than 27-fold cancer risk (OR = 27.8, 95%CI = 18.8–41.4, P = 2.72 × 10−62) compared with the lowest 20%. Moreover, the elevated plasma ofCS-CD44 could be detected at the early stage of pan-cancer with strong dose-dependent odds risk prediction.
Thermal expansion and the glass transition
Authors: Lunkenheimer Peter , Loidl Alois , Riechers Birte , Zaccone Alessio , Samwer Konrad
Published: February 2023

Melting is well understood in terms of the Lindemann criterion, which essentially states that crystalline materials melt when the thermal vibrations of their atoms become so vigorous that they shake themselves free of the binding forces. This picture does not necessarily have to hold for glasses, where the nature of the solid–liquid cross-over is highly debated. The Lindemann criterion implies that the thermal expansion coefficients of crystals are inversely proportional to their melting temperatures. Here we find that, in contrast, the thermal expansion coefficient of glasses decreases more strongly with increasing glass temperature, which marks the liquid–solid cross-over in this material class. However, this proportionality returns when the thermal expansion coefficient is scaled by the fragility, a measure of particle cooperativity. Therefore, for a glass to become liquid, it is not sufficient to simply overcome the interparticle binding energies. Instead, more energy must be invested to break up the typical cooperative particle network that is common to glassy materials. The thermal expansion coefficient of the liquid phase reveals similar anomalous behaviour and is universally enhanced by a constant factor of approximately 3. These universalities allow the estimation of glass temperatures from thermal expansion and vice versa.
The volatile organic compounds and palatability of mixed ensilage of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) crop residues
Authors: Hou Zhijiang , Liu Jianyong , Cai Ming , Liu Yanpei , Zhang Meiyan , Wang Ling , Yang Wengao , Huang Bizhi
Published: February 2023

With increasing acreage of cash crops, the use of their by-products as supplements for livestock feed becomes an important factor. Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) account for more than half of the world’s loose flower production. However, there is no precedent for the abundantly available marigold crop residue (MCR) being used as feed in agricultural production, probably because of its strong pungent taste. This study aimed to evaluate the biotransformation of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of MCR by mixed ensilage and assess its palatability by cattle. Caryophyllene, the most prevalent VOC in MCR, decreased by 29.11% (P < 0.05), 38.85% (P < 0.05), 37.15% (P < 0.05), and 28.36% (P < 0.05) ensilage with corn meal (CM), bran (BR), crop corn (CC), and straw (ST), respectively. The acetic acid content increased by 686.05% (P < 0.05), 1337.21% (P < 0.05), 1244.19% (P < 0.05), and 1795.34% (P < 0.05) after mixed ensilage with CM, BR, CC, and ST, respectively. The total amount of alcoholic VOCs followed an overall increasing trend during mixed storage and 10 new alcohols were obtained. Over seven days, feed intake of mixed ensilage MCR by cattle differed significantly (P < 0.05) among treatments compared with MCR and was highest in MCRCM. Combined with palatability trials, the best MCR feed intake was achieved with MCRCM. The findings shed light on how feed odor can be improved and how degradation of terpenes can be enhanced in practical applications by mixed ensilage.
Simultaneous detection of omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants by multiplex PCR MassARRAY technology
Authors: Wacharapluesadee Supaporn , Hirunpatrawong Piyapha , Petcharat Sininat , Torvorapanit Pattama , Jitsatja Anusara , Thippamom Nattakarn , Ninwattana Sasiprapa , Phanlop Chanchanit , Buathong Rome , Tangwangvivat Ratanaporn , Klungthong Chonticha , Chinnawirotpisan Piyawan , Hunsawong Taweewun , Suthum Krairerk , Komolsiri Suparerk , Jones Anthony R. , Fernandez Stefan , Putcharoen Opass
Published: February 2023

The rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with high severity and transmutability adds further urgency for rapid and multiplex molecular testing to identify the variants. A nucleotide matrix-assisted laser-desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrophotometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based assay was developed (called point mutation array, PMA) to identify four major SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) including Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron (namely PMA-ABDO) and differentiate Omicron subvariant (namely PMA-Omicron). PMA-ABDO and PMA-Omicron consist of 24 and 28 mutation sites of the spike gene. Both PMA panels specifically identified VOCs with as low as 10 viral copies/µl. The panel has shown a 100% concordant with the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) results testing on 256 clinical specimens with real-time PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values less than 26. It showed a higher sensitivity over NGS; 25/28 samples were positive by PMA but not NGS in the clinical samples with PCR Ct higher than 26. Due to the mass of nucleotide used to differentiate between wild-type and mutation strains, the co-infection or recombination of multiple variants can be determined by the PMA method. This method is flexible in adding a new primer set to identify a new emerging mutation site among the current circulating VOCs and the turnaround time is less than 8 h. However, the spike gene sequencing or NGS retains the advantage of detecting newly emerged variants.
Increased expression of the immunoproteasome subunits PSMB8 and PSMB9 by cancer cells correlate with better outcomes for triple-negative breast cancers
Authors: Geoffroy Karen , Araripe Saraiva Bruna , Viens Melissa , Béland Delphine , Bourgeois-Daigneault Marie-Claude
Published: February 2023

Proteasome dependency is a feature of many cancers that can be targeted by proteasome inhibitors. For some cancer types, notably breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), high mRNA expression of a modified form of the proteasome, called the immunoproteasome (ImP), correlates with better outcomes and higher expression of one ImP subunit was associated with slower tumor growth in a small patient cohort. While these findings are in line with an anti-tumoral role of the ImP in breast cancer, studies investigating ImP expression at the protein level in large patient cohorts are lacking. Furthermore, while ImPs can be found in both immune and non-immune cells, the cellular source is often ignored in correlative studies. In order to determine the impact of ImP expression on breast cancer outcomes, we assessed the protein expression and cellular source of the ImP subunits PSMB8 and PSMB9 in a cohort of 2070 patients. Our data show a clear correlation between high ImP expression and better outcomes, most notably for TNBC patients and when tumor cells rather than stromal or immune cells express PSMB8 or PSMB9. Our results therefore suggest that ImP expression by tumor cells could be used as prognostic markers of TNBC outcomes.
Exact solutions of $$\kappa$$-dependent Schrödinger equation with quantum pseudo-harmonic oscillator and its applications for the thermodynamic properties in normal and superstatistics
Authors: Okorie Uduakobong S. , Ikot Akpan N. , Okon Ituen B. , Obagboye Lewis F. , Horchani Ridha , Abdullah Hewa Y. , Qadir Karwan W. , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem
Published: February 2023

The effects of the curvature parameters on the energy eigenvalues and thermodynamic properties of quantum pseudoharmonic oscillator are investigated within the framework of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. By employing Nikiforov-Uvarov method, the energy spectra are obtained and used to study the ordinary statistics and q-deformed superstatistics as a function of temperature in the presence and absence of the curvature parameters. It is shown that the q-deformed supertatistics properties of the quantum pseudoharmonic oscillator reduce to the ordinary statistical properties in the absence of the deformation parameter. Finally, our results are illustrated graphically to show the behaviour of the energy spectra and thermodynamic properties for the three curvature parameters:$$\kappa = - 1,\,\,\kappa = 1\,\,{\text{and}}\,\,\kappa = 0$$

κ
=
-
1
,

κ
=
1

and

κ
=
0

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An in-depth analysis of four classes of antidepressants quantification from human serum using LC–MS/MS
Authors: Fariha Ramisa , Deshpande Prutha S. , Rothkopf Emma , Jabrah Mohannad , Spooner Adam , Okoh Oluwanifemi David , Tripathi Anubhav
Published: February 2023

Depression is a growing global crisis, with females at a higher rate of diagnosis than males. While the percentage of patients on prescribed antidepressants have tripled over the last two decades, we are still at a crossroad where the discrepancy lies between finding a drug to suit a patient and monitoring the abundance of it in the body to prevent unwanted side effects. Liquid Chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) has garnered the attention of clinicians as a technique to accurately monitor therapeutic drugs in human serum with high specificity and accuracy. This may be a potential solution, but the challenge persists in the realm of sample preparation, where a method is automatable. We have developed and validated an LC–MS/MS-based assay for simultaneous quantification of 4 different classes of commonly prescribed antidepressants in women that is automated using a JANUS G3 Robotic Liquid Handler. Our method utilizes a simple sample preparation technique, utilizing only 20 μL of a serum sample, to accurately measure Bupropion, Citalopram, Desipramine, Imipramine, Olanzapine, Sertraline and Vilazodone across a range of 1.0 to 230 ng/mL. Our method exhibits a linearity of R2 ≥ 0.99 when detected in MRM mode and % CV of ≤ 20% for all analytes across the board. In addition, we have designed a prototype that can be utilized at a clinical mass spectrometry lab and assessed the long-term use of this prototype using an accelerated stability study. Overall, our developed method has the potential to be translated to clinical settings to monitor postpartum depression for a large number of patient samples using automation.
A nomogram for predicting postoperative urosepsis following retrograde intrarenal surgery in upper urinary calculi patients with negative preoperative urine culture
Authors: Yang Miaomiao , Li Yongchao , Huang Fang
Published: February 2023

Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is one of the main surgical methods for upper urinary calculi, but severe complications of infection may occur after surgery. This study aimed to establish and validate a preoperative nomogram for predicting postoperative urosepsis following retrograde intrarenal surgery to treat upper urinary calculus in patients with a negative preoperative urine culture. We retrospectively recruited 1767 patients with negative preoperative urine cultures who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery to treat upper urinary calculi from January 2017 to April 2022. The independent risk factors for urosepsis include a solitary kidney, positive urine nitrite, operative time ≥ 75 min, history of recurrent urinary tract infections, and history of diabetes were identified by univariate analysis and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, which construct a nomogram. The receiver operating characteristic curve of the nomogram for predicting urosepsis was 0.887 in the training cohort and 0.864 in the validation cohort, respectively. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis demonstrated great consistency and clinical utility of the nomogram. Therefore, the nomogram combining preoperative independent risk factors can predict the probability of a postoperative urosepsis following retrograde intrarenal surgery in patients with a negative preoperative urine culture, which could help urologists take preventive measures in advance after surgery to avoid more serious complications of infection.
Risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients: a meta- and network analysis
Authors: Kowsar Rasoul , Rahimi Amir Mohammad , Sroka Magdalena , Mansouri Alireza , Sadeghi Khaled , Bonakdar Elham , Kateb Sayed Farshad , Mahdavi Amir Hossein
Published: February 2023

Understanding the most relevant hematological/biochemical characteristics, pre-existing health conditions and complications in survivors and non-survivor will aid in predicting COVID-19 patient mortality, as well as intensive care unit (ICU) referral and death. A literature review was conducted for COVID-19 mortality in PubMed, Scopus, and various preprint servers (bioRxiv, medRxiv and SSRN), with 97 observational studies and preprints, consisting of survivor and non-survivor sub-populations. This meta/network analysis comprised 19,014 COVID-19 patients, consisting of 14,359 survivors and 4655 non-survivors. Meta and network analyses were performed using META-MAR V2.7.0 and PAST software. The study revealed that non-survivors of COVID-19 had elevated levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase and creatinine, as well as a higher number of neutrophils. Non-survivors had fewer lymphocytes and platelets, as well as lower hemoglobin and albumin concentrations. Age, hypertension, and cerebrovascular disease were shown to be the most influential risk factors among non-survivors. The most common complication among non-survivors was heart failure, followed by septic shock and respiratory failure. Platelet counts, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, and blood urea nitrogen levels were all linked to ICU admission. Hemoglobin levels preferred non-ICU patients. Lower levels of hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and albumin were associated with increased mortality in ICU patients. This meta-analysis showed that inexpensive and fast biochemical and hematological tests, as well as pre-existing conditions and complications, can be used to estimate the risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Recombinant anti-HIV MAP30, a ribosome inactivating protein: against plant virus and bacteriophage
Authors: Amirzadeh Nafiseh , Moghadam Ali , Niazi Ali , Afsharifar Alireza
Published: February 2023

The ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) efficiently decrease the microbial infections in plants. Momordicacharantia MAP30 is a type I RIP that has not been investigated against plant viruses or bacteriophages. To evaluate of these activities, the recombinant MAP30 (rMAP30) was produced in the hairy roots of Nicotianatabacum. Inoculation of 3 μg of transgenic total protein or 0.6 μg of rMAP30 against 0.1 μg of TMV reduced the leaf necrotic spots to 78.23% and 82.72%, respectively. The treatment of 0.1 μg of CMV with rMAP30 (0.6 μg) showed the reduction in the leaf necrotic spots to 85.8%. While the infection was increased after rMAP30 dilution. In the time interval assays, the leaves were first inoculated with 1 μg of rMAP30 or 0.1 μg of purified TMV or CMV agent for 6 h, then virus or protein was applied in order. This led the spot reduction to 35.22% and 67% for TMV, and 38.61% and 55.31% for CMV, respectively. In both the pre- and co-treatments of 1:10 or 1:20 diluted bacteriophage with 15 μg of transgenic total protein, the number and diameter of the plaques were reduced. The results showed that the highest inhibitory effect was observed in the pre-treatment assay of bacteriophage with transgenic total protein for 24 h. The decrease in the growth of bacteriophage caused more growth pattern of Escherichiacoli. The results confirm that rMAP30 shows antibacterial activity against Streptococcusaureus and E.coli, antifungal activity against Candidaalbicans, and antiviral activity against CMV and TMV. Moreover, rMAP30 exhibits anti-phage activity for the first time. According to our findings, rMAP30 might be a valuable preservative agent in foods and beverages in the food industry as well as an antiviral and antimicrobial mixture in agriculture.
Monocyte subsets and monocyte-related chemokines in Takayasu arteritis
Authors: de Aguiar Mariana Freitas , Torquato Heron , Salu Bruno Ramos , Oliveira Ana Cecília Diniz , Oliva Maria Luiza Vilela , Paredes-Gamero Edgar Julian , Abdulahad Wayel H. , Brouwer Elisabeth , de Souza Alexandre W. S.
Published: February 2023

The pathogenesis of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is poorly understood and no previous studies have analyzed monocytes in TAK. This study evaluated monocyte subsets and monocyte-related chemokines in the peripheral blood of TAK patients and healthy controls (HC). Monocyte subsets were identified as classical (CD14+CD16−), intermediate (CD14+CD16dim), and non-classical (CD14dimCD16high) in the peripheral blood. The chemokines CCL (C–C chemokine ligand)2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL7, CXCL (C-X-C motif ligand)10, and CX3CL (C-X3-C motif ligand)1 were measured in the sera. Thirty-two TAK patients and 30 HC were evaluated. Intermediate monocytes were higher in TAK than HC [25.0 cells ×106/L (16.7–52.0) vs. 17.2 cells ×106/L (9.2–25.3); p = 0.014]. Active disease was associated with monocytosis (p = 0.004), increased classical (p = 0.003), and intermediate (p < 0.001) subsets than HC. Prednisone reduced the percentage of non-classical monocytes (p = 0.011). TAK patients had lower CCL3 (p = 0.033) and CCL4 (p = 0.023) levels than HC, whereas CCL22 levels were higher in active TAK compared to the remission state (p = 0.008). Glucocorticoids were associated with lower CXCL10 levels (p = 0.012). In TAK, CCL4 correlated with total (Rho = 0.489; p = 0.005), classical and intermediate monocytes (Rho = 0.448; p = 0.010 and Rho = 0.412; p = 0.019). In conclusion, TAK is associated with altered counts of monocyte subsets in the peripheral blood compared to HC and CCL22 is the chemokine with the strongest association with active disease in TAK.
Ovicidal toxicity of plant essential oils and their major constituents against two mosquito vectors and their non-target aquatic predators
Authors: Moungthipmalai Tanapoom , Puwanard Cheepchanok , Aungtikun Jirapon , Sittichok Sirawut , Soonwera Mayura
Published: February 2023

Plant essential oil (EO) is a natural alternative to synthetic chemical insecticides for mosquito control. EOs from Citrus aurantium L., Cymbopogon citratus (Stapf.), and Cinnamomum verum (J. Presl.) were selected for topical assay of their ovicidal activity against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse). Their efficacy was compared to that of 1% (w/w) temephos. In addition, their non-toxicity against aquatic mosquito predators, Poecilia latipinna and Poecilia reticulata, was tested. Found by GC–MS analysis, the major constituent of C. verum EO was trans-cinnamaldehyde, of C. aurantium EO was d-limonene, and of C. citratus EO was geranial. Both C. verum EO and trans-cinnamaldehyde at a high concentration (30,000 ppm) exhibited high ovicidal activity against Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus eggs after 48 h of incubation with an inhibition rate of 91.0–93.0% for C. verum EO and 96.7–95.2% for trans-cinnamaldehyde. The combination of C. verum EO + geranial exhibited the strongest synergistic inhibition activity (100%) against the two mosquito vectors and was five times more effective than temephos. Moreover, they were not toxic to the non-target fishes. As a safe ovicidal agent for mosquito egg control, the combination of C. verum EO + geranial has excellent potential.
Three-dimensional visualization of the total mesorectal excision plane for dissection in rectal cancer surgery and its ability to predict surgical difficulty
Authors: Nagai Yuzo , Kawai Kazushige , Nozawa Hiroaki , Sasaki Kazuhito , Murono Koji , Emoto Shigenobu , Yokoyama Yuichiro , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki , Abe Shinya , Sonoda Hirofumi , Yoshioka Yuichiro , Shinagawa Takahide , Ishihara Soichiro
Published: February 2023

Total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer is often technically challenging. We aimed to develop a method for three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the TME dissection plane and to evaluate its ability to predict surgical difficulty. Sixty-six patients with lower rectal cancer who underwent robot-assisted surgery were retrospectively analyzed. A 3D TME dissection plane image for each case was reconstructed using Ziostation2. Subsequently, a novel index that reflects accessibility to the deep pelvis during TME, namely, the TME difficulty index, was defined and measured. Representative bony pelvimetry parameters and clinicopathological factors were also analyzed. The operative time for TME was used as an indicator of surgical difficulty. Univariate regression analysis revealed that sex, body mass index, mesorectal fat area, and TME difficulty index were associated with the operative time for TME, whereas bony pelvimetry parameters were not. Multivariate regression analysis found that TME difficulty index (β = − 0.398, P = 0.0025) and mesorectal fat area (β = 0.223, P = 0.045) had significant predictability for the operative time for TME. Compared with conventional bony pelvimetry parameters, the TME difficulty index and mesorectal fat area might be more useful in predicting the difficulty of rectal cancer surgery.