bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Adsorption of para‐Aminothiophenol on Trap States and Recombination Kinetics at Plasmonic Ag‐TiO2 Heterostructure Interfaces
Authors: Wang Dan , Liang Zhi‐Hao , Xiao Yuan‐Hui , Lin Jian‐De , Zhou Jian‐Zhang , Wu De‐Yin
Published: March 2023

The variation of trap states and the involving kinetics on the Ag‐TiO2 interfaces after the adsorption of reactant molecules were explored with the help of the combination of spectroscopic, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical methods by using para‐aminothiophenol (PATP) as a probe molecule. The results of photoluminescence spectroscopy and chronoamperometry revealed the distribution of trap states of Ag‐TiO2 heterostructures and the influence of PATP's adsorption. Kinetic measurements of open‐circuit photovoltage showed that the adsorption of PATP affects not only the electron lifetime (τn) but also the recombination mechanism of charge‐carrier on Ag‐TiO2 heterostructures. The analysis of the obtained effective recombination orders indicated that the charge‐carrier recombination on the Ag‐TiO2 electrode followed second‐order kinetics, while the one of the Ag‐TiO2/PATP electrode evolved from first‐order kinetics at first (at higher Voc) to second‐order kinetics (at lower Voc).
Spatiotemporally deciphering the mysterious mechanism of persistent HPV‐induced malignant transition and immune remodelling from HPV‐infected normal cervix, precancer to cervical cancer: Integrating single‐cell RNA‐sequencing and spatial transcriptome
Authors: Guo Chenyan , Qu Xinyu , Tang Xiaoyan , Song Yu , Wang Jue , Hua Keqin , Qiu Junjun
Published: March 2023

Background

The mechanism underlying cervical carcinogenesis that is mediated by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains elusive.

Aims

Here, for the first time, we deciphered both the temporal transition and spatial distribution of cellular subsets during disease progression from normal cervix tissues to precursor lesions to cervical cancer.

Materials & Methods

We generated scRNA‐seq profiles and spatial transcriptomics data from nine patient samples, including two HPV‐negative normal, two HPV‐positive normal, two HPV‐positive HSIL and three HPV‐positive cancer samples.

Results

We not only identified three ‘HPV‐related epithelial clusters’ that are unique to normal, high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and cervical cancer tissues but also discovered node genes that potentially regulate disease progression. Moreover, we observed the gradual transition of multiple immune cells that exhibited positive immune responses, followed by dysregulation and exhaustion, and ultimately established an immune‐suppressive microenvironment during the malignant program. In addition, analysis of cellular interactions further verified that a ‘homeostasis‐balance‐malignancy’ change occurred within the cervical microenvironment during disease progression.

Discussion

We for the first time presented a spatiotemporal atlas that systematically described the cellular heterogeneity and spatial map along the four developmental steps of HPV‐related cervical oncogenesis, including normal, HPV‐positive normal, HSIL and cancer. We identified three unique HPV‐related clusters, discovered critical node genes that determined the cell fate and uncovered the immune remodeling during disease escalation.

Conclusion

Together, these findings provided novel possibilities for accurate diagnosis, precise treatment and prognosis evaluation of patients with precancer and cervical cancer.
Difficult conversations — turn dread to joy!
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura
Published: March 2023

I want to introduce a guide for having difficult conversations at work. Tony Panos, another Partner at Organizational Performance Group, created this template over the years because the most dreaded management and leadership activity seems to be having a difficult conversation with a colleague. Or anyone!
Effect of MHC and inbreeding on disassortative reproduction: A data revisit, extension and inclusion of fertilization in sand lizards
Authors: Bererhi Badreddine , Duchesne Pierre , Schwartz Tonia S. , Ujvari Beata , Wapstra Erik , Olsson Mats
Published: March 2023

The harmful effects of close inbreeding have been recognized for centuries and, with the rise of Mendelian genetics, was realized to be an effect of homozygosis. This historical background led to great interest in ways to quantify inbreeding, its depression effects on the phenotype and flow‐on effects on mate choice and other aspects of behavioral ecology. The mechanisms and cues used to avoid inbreeding are varied and include major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and the peptides they transport as predictors of the degree of genetic relatedness. Here, we revisit and complement data from a Swedish population of sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) showing signs of inbreeding depression to assess the effects of genetic relatedness on pair formation in the wild. Parental pairs were less similar at the MHC than expected under random mating but mated at random with respect to microsatellite relatedness. MHC clustered in groups of RFLP bands but no partner preference was observed with respect to partner MHC cluster genotype. Male MHC band patterns were unrelated to their fertilization success in clutches selected for analysis on the basis of showing mixed paternity. Thus, our data suggest that MHC plays a role in pre‐copulatory, but not post‐copulatory partner association, suggesting that MHC is not the driver of fertilization bias and gamete recognition in sand lizards.
Role of priority effects in invasive plant species management: Early arrival of native seeds guarantees the containment of invasion by Giant ragweed
Authors: Byun Chaeho
Published: March 2023

Empirical evidence shows that early arrival of native species, which induces the priority effects, can contribute to invasive plant species containment. However, more systematic studies are required to test the applied relevance of the priority effect. This study therefore aimed at testing the priority effects generated by different sowing times of seeds of nine native species on one target invasive plant species, that is, Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida). This study hypothesized that, when sown earlier, some native species will be able to substantially contain A. trifida through resource preemption. An additive competition design was used to test the competitive effects of native species on A. trifida. Depending on the sowing times of native and invasive plant species, three priority treatments were conducted: all species sown at the same time (T1); native species sown 3 weeks before A. trifida (T2); and native species sown 6 weeks before A. trifida (T3). Priority effects created by all nine native species significantly affected the invasibility of A. trifida. The average value of the relative competition index (RCIavg) of A. trifida was the highest when native seeds were sown 6 weeks early and decreased with decreasing early sowing time of native plants. The species identity effect was not significant on RCIavg if natives were sown at the same time or 3 weeks earlier than A. trifida invasion, but it was significant (p = .0123) if they were sown 6 weeks earlier than A. trifida. Synthesis and applications. The findings of this study clearly show that native species, when sown early, provide strong competition and resist invasion through prior utilization of resources. The consideration of this knowledge might improve A. trifida invasion management practices.
Geographic variation in the altitudinal migration patterns, body size, oxidative status and exploratory behavior in a neotropical bird
Authors: Poblete Yanina , Contreras Carolina , Fernández Carolina , Flores Cristian R. , Vega Patricia , Ávila Miguel , Sabat Pablo
Published: March 2023

To cope with life in the mountains, populations of the same species can exhibit substantial variability in their altitudinal migration patterns and phenotypes in response to local weather conditions. Studying such variability can provide valuable insights into how local populations respond to environmental challenges, and this information can be useful for conservation efforts in mountain ecosystems. Here, we used δ2H values of feathers and blood to evaluate latitudinal variation in altitudinal migration patterns and its possible links with body size, oxidative status, and exploratory behavior in 72 individuals of rufous‐collared sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) that breed at low and high elevations in the center (~33°) and south (~38°) of Chile. Our results show that both altitudinal migration patterns and oxidative status were significantly influenced by the latitude of breeding sites, while exploratory behavior was associated with elevation. Notably, we found that fast‐explorer birds inhabiting low elevations in central Chile displayed higher levels of oxidative damage than slow‐explorer birds. These outcomes underscore the possibility of local adaptations in response to diverse local environmental conditions in the Andes. We discuss the implications of latitude, elevation, and environmental temperature in shaping the observed patterns and highlight the significance of identifying local adaptations in mountain birds for better predicting their response to climate change and other challenges stemming from anthropogenic activities.
Prolonged opioid use after distal radius fracture
Authors: Larrosa Pardo Fabian , Bondesson Elisabeth , Petersson Ingemar F. , Schelin Maria E. C. , Jöud A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Prolonged opioid use (more than 90 days) after injury puts the patient at risk for adverse effects. We investigated the patterns of opioid prescription after distal radius fracture and the effect of pre‐ and post‐fracture factors on the risk for prolonged use.

Methods

This register‐based cohort study uses routinely collected health care data, including purchases of prescription opioids, in the county of Skåne, Sweden. 9369 adult patients with a radius fracture diagnosed 2015–2018 were followed for 1 year after fracture. We calculated proportions of patients with prolonged opioid use, both in total and according to different exposures. Using modified Poisson regression, we calculated adjusted risk ratios for the following exposures: previous opioid use, mental illness, consultation for pain, surgery for distal radius fracture and occupational/physical therapy after fracture.

Results

Prolonged opioid use (4–6 months after fracture) was found in 664 (7.1%) of the patients. A previous, but discontinued, regular use of opioids up to 5 years before fracture increased the risk compared to opioid‐naïve patients. Both regular and non‐regular opioid use the year before fracture increased the risk. The risk was also higher for patients with mental illness, and those who were treated with surgery, we found no significant effect of pain consultation in previous year. Occupational/physical therapy lowered the risk for prolonged use.

Conclusion

Considering history of mental illness and previous opioid use while promoting rehabilitation can be important to prevent prolonged opioid use after distal radius fracture.

Significance

We show that a common injury such as distal radius fracture can be a gateway to prolonged opioid use, especially among patients with previous history of opioid use or mental illness. Importantly, previous opioid use as far back as 5 years earlier greatly increases the risk of regular use after the reintroduction of opioids. Considering past use is important when planning treatment with opioids. Occupational or physical therapy after injury is associated with lower risk of prolonged use and should be encouraged.
A Multiscale Flow Battery Modeling Approach Using Mass Transfer Coefficients
Authors: Wolf Amadeus , Baudrin Emmanuel , Nirschl Hermann
Published: March 2023

A novel multiscale flow battery simulation approach is presented. Therefore, the mass transfer coefficient (MTC) is extracted from the 3D‐resolved microscale simulations, transferred to the homogenized cell scale and compared to empirical formulations from literature. The models are parameterized with an organic system and experimentally validated on the microscale. It resolves the real geometry of the electrode microstructure obtained by experimental image reconstruction from microtomography. It accounts for flow, mass, and coupled charge transport using Butler–Volmer kinetics. It is suitable to study power density as a function of concentration, velocity, and discharge rate. The MTC is extracted under transfer‐limiting operating conditions. Bulk and surface concentrations of active material and the reaction rate are used. The 2D homogenized cell‐scale model considers half‐cell single species transport and reduced order reaction. The extracted MTC is implemented as a function of state of charge (SOC) and velocity, distinctive for specific initial concentration and discharge rate. It is used to calculate the reaction rate for evolving species in the electrode and is investigated in a parameter study. The approach is compared to empirical formulations of the MTC based on velocity. It can be shown that the MTC is one order of magnitude higher and depends significantly on SOC.
Advancing the operationalization of national policy styles
Authors: Zahariadis Nikolaos , Karokis‐Mavrikos Vassilis , Exadaktylos Theofanis , Kyriakidis Alexandros , Sparf Jörgen , Petridou Evangelia
Published: March 2023

While national policy styles have (re)gained academic attention in recent comparative public policy work, the concept still needs a widely accepted operationalization that can allow the collection and analysis of data across contexts while steering away from construct validity threats. We build on Tosun and Howlett's (2022) work and employ a mixed‐methods approach, which relies on exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. We put forth an operationalization, using Bertelsmann's Sustainable Governance Indicators (SGI) as proxies, that achieves conceptual clarity and distinctiveness, informational robustness, and statistical power. Ultimately, we construct two composite indicators—mode of problem‐solving and inclusiveness—calculate them in 41 countries and present policy style classifications based on their combinations. We report the distribution of countries across four policy styles (administrative, managerial, accommodative, adversarial) and conclude with an analysis of the clusters, assessments of robustness, and comparison with other national policy style classification schemes.
Three‐dimensional visualization experimental study on proppant transportation and placement in the Hi‐way channel hydraulic fracturing technique
Authors: Xiang Chuangang , Li Song
Published: March 2023

The pattern of placement of the proppant in the fracture determines the stimulation and success of the surgery. Using a three‐dimensional visual parallel plate fracture model capable of simulating fracture height, length, and variable fracture width, we experimentally investigate the impact of fiber loading, fracture fluid viscosity, sand concentration, pulse time, perforation pattern, and injection rate on proppant transport, placement pattern, and access rate. Experimentally and visually, the migration process and the morphology of the proppant placement in the fracture were assessed. The formation laws of stable support columns and well‐shaped high conductivity fracture channels in fractures have been elucidated. Experimental results show that increasing the fiber concentration improves the channel rate and the proppant mass is large and stable. The channel rate increases with the viscosity of the fracturing fluid, and it is difficult to form a perfect channel when the viscosity is small. If the constructive displacement is too slight or too large, it will not favor the formation of a Hi‐way channel in the fracture. The optimal design displacement is 4.5 m3/min. When the proppant concentration is low, the passage rate is large, but the stability of proppant mass is poor under the scour of large displacement, the conductivity is low under the high closure pressure, the proppant concentration is too high, the suspension is difficult, the settlement rate is large, and it is difficult to form a large passage. The current column and the passage rate are larger for pulse times of 15–20 s. Cluster perforations are better than large continuous perforations. The higher the number of clusters in the same number of holes, the higher the channel rate. The formation laws of stable support pillars and well‐shaped high conductivity fracture channels in fractures have been elucidated, which can be useful for efficient stimulation of oil and gas reservoirs.
A search optimized blockchain‐based verifiable searchable symmetric encryption framework
Authors: Han Mu , Wu Shuai
Published: March 2023

Outsourcing storage and computation to cloud servers have become a trend. Although searchable symmetric encryption (SSE) had handled the data privacy issue caused by honest‐but‐curious servers, a semi‐honest server may return incomplete or incorrect results when users search for their encrypted data. To against such servers, scholars have recently used blockchain/Ethereum‐based SSE schemes which utilize the public, that is, active nodes, to verify the search process. However, the search operation in existing schemes is very expansive in terms of fee and time. In this paper, we propose a new blockchain‐based searchable encryption framework with search optimized, that is, free of charge, quicker, and more private, at the cost of some extra storage. Besides, we design a general and efficient verification algorithm for our framework, which makes the search verifiable. In addition, we deploy an instance of our framework on an official Ethereum test network, and the experimental results and evaluations demonstrate the advantage of our framework.
Toward an understanding of potato starch structure, function, biosynthesis, and applications
Authors: Tong Chuan , Ma Zheng , Chen Hangjun , Gao Haiyan
Published: March 2023

Starch is the most important component in potato tubers, whose structure and composition play key roles in properties of potato storage, processing, and applications. This review identifies the biodiversity of starch content, structure, and physiochemical properties, particularly the amylose and amylopectin content, molecular and granular structure, gelatinization, retrogradation, swelling power, solubility, and digestibility of potato in the past decade. Various functions of major potato starch biosynthesis‐related enzymes, such as AGPase, starch synthase, starch branching enzyme, debranching enzyme, and glucan/water dikinase, are also summarized. The potential utilization of native and modified potato starch in food and medicine fields owing to its high pasting viscosity is also analyzed. This review will contribute to a better understanding of the genetics–structure–functions of potato starch and may provide insights into potential potato starch utilization and further genetic improvement of starch quality.
Schwann cell‐specific RhoA knockout accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration via promoting Schwann cell dedifferentiation
Authors: Liu Jingmin , Ma Xinrui , Hu Xiaofang , Wen Jinkun , Zhang Haowen , Xu Jiawei , He Ye , Wang Xianghai , Guo Jiasong
Published: March 2023

Our previous studies indicated that RhoA knockdown or inhibition could alleviate the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of Schwann cells. However, the role of RhoA in Schwann cells during nerve injury and repair is still unknown. Herein, we developed two lines of Schwann cells conditional RhoA knockout (cKO) mice by breeding RhoAflox/flox mice with PlpCre‐ERT2 or DhhCre mice. Our results indicate that RhoA cKO in Schwann cells accelerates axonal regrowth and remyelination after sciatic nerve injury, which enhances the recovery of nerve conduction and hindlimb gait, and alleviates the amyotrophy in gastrocnemius muscle. Mechanistic studies in both in vivo and in vitro models revealed that RhoA cKO could facilitate Schwann cell dedifferentiation via JNK pathway. Schwann cell dedifferentiation subsequently promotes Wallerian degeneration by enhancing phagocytosis and myelinophagy, as well as stimulating the production of neurotrophins (NT‐3, NGF, BDNF, and GDNF). These findings shed light on the role of RhoA in Schwann cells during nerve injury and repair, indicating that cell type‐specific RhoA targeting could serve as a promising molecular therapeutic strategy for peripheral nerve injury.
Chromatin access regulates the formation of Müller glia‐derived progenitor cells in the retina
Authors: Campbell Warren A. , El‐Hodiri Heithem M. , Torres Diego , Hawthorn Evan C. , Kelly Lisa E. , Volkov Leo , Akanonu David , Fischer Andy J.
Published: March 2023

Chromatin access and epigenetic control over gene expression play important roles in regulating developmental processes. However, little is known about how chromatin access and epigenetic gene silencing influence mature glial cells and retinal regeneration. Herein, we investigate the expression and functions of S‐adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH; AHCY) and histone methyltransferases (HMTs) during the formation of Müller glia (MG)‐derived progenitor cells (MGPCs) in the chick and mouse retinas. In chick, AHCY, AHCYL1 and AHCYL2, and many different HMTs are dynamically expressed by MG and MGPCs in damaged retinas. Inhibition of SAHH reduced levels of H3K27me3 and potently blocks the formation of proliferating MGPCs. By using a combination of single cell RNA‐seq and single cell ATAC‐seq, we find significant changes in gene expression and chromatin access in MG with SAHH inhibition and NMDA‐treatment; many of these genes are associated with glial and neuronal differentiation. A strong correlation across gene expression, chromatin access, and transcription factor motif access in MG was observed for transcription factors known to convey glial identity and promote retinal development. By comparison, in the mouse retina, inhibition of SAHH has no influence on the differentiation of neuron‐like cells from Ascl1‐overexpressing MG. We conclude that in the chick the activity of SAHH and HMTs are required for the reprogramming of MG into MGPCs by regulating chromatin access to transcription factors associated with glial differentiation and retinal development.
Integrin β3 regulates apical dendritic morphology of pyramidal neurons throughout hippocampal CA3
Authors: Handwerk Christopher J. , Denzler Collin J. , Kalinowski Anna R. , Cook Hollyn N. , Rodriguez Hilda V. , Bland Katherine M. , Brett Cooper A. , Swinehart Brian D. , Vinson Elizabeth C. , Vidal George S.
Published: March 2023

In excitatory hippocampal pyramidal neurons, integrin β3 is critical for synaptic maturation and plasticity in vitro. Itgb3 is a potential autism susceptibility gene that regulates dendritic morphology in the cerebral cortex in a cell‐specific manner. However, it is unknown what role Itgb3 could have in regulating hippocampal pyramidal dendritic morphology in vivo, a key feature that is aberrant in many forms of autism and intellectual disability. We found that Itgb3 mRNA is expressed in the stratum pyramidale of CA3. We examined the apical dendritic morphology of CA3 hippocampal pyramidal neurons in conditional Itgb3 knockouts and controls, utilizing the Thy1‐GFP‐M line. We fully reconstructed the apical dendrite of each neuron and determined each neuron's precise location along the dorsoventral, proximodistal, and radial axes of the stratum pyramidale. We found a very strong effect for Itgb3 expression on CA3 apical dendritic morphology: neurons from conditional Itgb3 knockouts had longer and thinner apical dendrites than controls, particularly in higher branch orders. We also assessed potential relationships between pairs of topographic or morphological variables, finding that most variable pairs were free from any linear relationships to each other. We also found that some neurons from controls, but not conditional Itgb3 knockouts, had a graded pattern of overall diameter along the dorsoventral and proximodistal axes of the stratum pyramidale of CA3. Taken together, Itgb3 is essential for constructing normal dendritic morphology in pyramidal neurons throughout CA3.
Dimensionality reduction for regional flood frequency analysis: Linear versus nonlinear methods
Authors: Haddad K. , Rahman A.
Published: March 2023

Regional flood frequency analysis is still an important area of hydrology research as there are many ungauged catchments. The majority of hydrological methods in regional flood frequency analysis involve complex non‐linear relationships between predictor variables and flood characteristics. In the past, dimensionality reduction techniques based on linear methods such as canonical correlation analysis (CCA) were used in regional flood frequency analysis to delineate hydrological clusters. Non‐linear dimensionality reduction techniques, such as KCCA and multidimensional scaling (MDS), have been used in several fields of science, but not explicitly in regional flood frequency analysis. To determine hydrologically similar clusters, the approaches considered in this article use CCA, KCCA, and MDS as dimensionality reduction techniques in conjunction with Gaussian mixture models (GMM). Log‐linear regression and generalized additive models are then applied to the hydrological clusters to evaluate regional flood frequency analysis. A comparison of linear and non‐linear (NL) methods is performed using data from Victoria, Australia, to demonstrate the benefit of these methods. It has been found that the non‐linear frameworks of multi‐dimensional scaling with Gaussian mixture model‐non‐linear (MDSGMM‐NL) and KCCA with Gaussian mixture model‐non‐linear (KCCAGMM‐NL), as well as the mixed frameworks (i.e. KCCA and Gaussian mixture model‐non‐linear [CCAGMM‐NL]), can be used to represent the non‐linear complexities of hydrological processes in regional flood frequency analysis.
Antibodies to oral pathobionts and colon cancer risk in the CLUE I cohort study
Authors: Debertin Julia , Teles Flavia , Martin Lynn M. , Lu Jiayun , Koestler Devin C. , Kelsey Karl T. , Beck James D. , Platz Elizabeth A. , Michaud Dominique S.
Published: March 2023

Periodontitis has been associated with an increased risk for gastrointestinal cancers. The objective of our study was to investigate the association of antibodies to oral bacteria and the risk of colon cancer in a cohort setting. Using the CLUE I cohort, a prospective cohort initiated in 1974 in Washington County, Maryland, we conducted a nested case‐control study to examine the association of levels of IgG antibodies to 11 oral bacterial species (13 total strains) with risk of colon cancer diagnosed a median of 16 years later (range: 1‐26 years). Antibody response was measured using checkerboard immunoblotting assays. We included 200 colon cancer cases and 200 controls matched on age, sex, cigarette smoking status, time of blood draw and pipe or cigar smoking status. Controls were selected using incidence density sampling. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess the association between antibody levels and colon cancer risk. In the overall analysis, we observed significant inverse associations for 6 of the 13 antibodies measured (P‐trends <.05) and one positive association for antibody levels to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (ATCC 29523; P‐trend = .04). While we cannot rule out a role for periodontal disease in colon cancer risk, findings from our study suggest that a strong adaptive immune response may be associated with a lower risk of colon cancer. More studies will need to examine whether the positive associations we observed with antibodies to A. actinomycetemcomitans reflect a true causal association for this bacterium.
Involvement of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and autophagic pathways in the mechanism of action of the tris(2,3‐dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TDBP‐TAZTO or TBC) flame retardant in the lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells in vitro
Authors: Szychowski Konrad A. , Skóra Bartosz
Published: March 2023

Tris(2,3‐dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TDBP‐TAZTO or TBC) belongs to the class of novel brominated flame retardants. TBC is relatively easily released from products both during production and use; hence, it has been detected in various environmental samples. It has also been reported that TBC causes toxic effects in different cell types and now its mechanism of action is connected with oxidative stress. However, the molecular mechanism of the TBC action is mostly unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the involvement of the PPARγ receptor and certain autophagic proteins (mTOR and p62) in the mechanism of the TBC action in adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549) in vitro. Our study showed that TBC induced toxicity only at the highest micromolar concentrations (10, 50, and 100 μM) in human A549 cells, which are a well‐established model of the alveolar type II pulmonary epithelium. TBC probably induced apoptosis only at the 50‐ and 100‐μM concentrations. However, in our experimental model, TBC showed the ability to trigger oxidative stress and affected the mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD1 and CAT) at the lower concentrations (1 and 10 μM) than in the case of apoptosis, suggesting that the apoptosis was ROS independent. Our experiments with the PPARγ agonist (rosiglitazone) and antagonist (GW9662) suggests that TBC acted in the A549 cell line probably through activation of the mTOR‐PPARγ pathway and could interfere with the p62 autophagy pathway.
Effect of a modified adhesive system with encapsulated arginine and calcium carbonate on dentin permeability
Authors: AlShehri Aram Mushabbab , Kamocki Krzysztof , Viana Ítallo Emídio Lira , Scaramucci Taís , Hara Anderson , Windsor L. Jack , Platt Jeffrey A. , Cook Norman Blaine , Sochacki Sabrina Feitosa
Published: March 2023

To modify an adhesive system with halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) containing arginine and calcium carbonate and to evaluate their cytocompatibility, viscosity and efficacy in reducing dentin permeability. HNTs containing arginine and calcium carbonate were incorporated into the primer and adhesive of a three‐step adhesive system (SBMP), and their viscosity was measured. Discs (n = 4/group) were prepared: SBMP (control), HNT‐PR (modified primer), HNT‐ADH (modified adhesive) and HNT‐PR + ADH (modified primer and adhesive) were evaluated regarding cell death and viability. Dentin discs were prepared and randomly assigned into the following treatments (n = 10): NC (no treatment), SBMP, HNT‐PR, HNT‐ADH, HNT‐PR + ADH and COL (Colgate® Sensitive Pro‐relief™ prophylaxis paste). After, they were submitted to an erosive‐abrasive cycling. Dentin permeability (hydraulic conductance) was evaluated at baseline, 24 h after treatment and after cycling. Both the modified primer and adhesive showed significantly higher viscosity than their controls. Group HNT‐PR resulted in significantly higher cytotoxicity when compared to SBMP and HNT‐PR + ADH groups. Group HNT‐ADH resulted in the highest cell viability compared to all other groups. All groups showed significantly lower dentin permeability when compared to the NC group. Post‐cycling, SBMP and HNT‐ADH groups showed significantly lower permeability when compared to COL group. The addition of encapsulated arginine and calcium carbonate did not affect the cytocompatibility of the materials nor their ability to reduce dentin permeability.
Successful liver transduction by re‐administration of different adeno‐associated virus vector serotypes in mice
Authors: Baatartsogt Nemekhbayar , Kashiwakura Yuji , Hiramoto Takafumi , Hayakawa Morisada , Kamoshita Nobuhiko , Ohmori Tsukasa
Published: March 2023

Background

Intravenous administration of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors is a promising gene therapy approach for monogenic diseases. However, re‐administration of the same AAV serotype is impossible because of the induction of anti‐AAV neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Here, we examined the feasibility of re‐administrating AAV vector serotypes different from the initial AAV vector serotype.

Methods

Liver‐targeting AAV3B, AAV5, and AAV8 vectors were intravenously injected in C57BL/6 mice, and the emergence of NAbs and the transduction efficacy following re‐administration were evaluated.

Results

For all serotypes, re‐administration of the same serotype was not possible. Although the highest neutralizing activity of NAb was induced by AAV5, anti‐AAV5 NAbs did not react with other serotypes, resulting in successful re‐administration with the other serotypes. AAV5 re‐administration was also successful in all mice treated with AAV3B and AAV8. Effective secondary administration of AAV3B and AAV8 was observed in most mice initially administrated AAV8 and AAV3B, respectively. However, few mice developed NAbs cross‐reacting with the other serotypes, especially those with close sequence homology.

Conclusions

In summary, AAV vector administration induced NAbs relatively specific to the administrated serotype. Secondary administration of AAVs targeting liver transduction could be successfully achieved by switching AAV serotypes in mice.
Influence of anthropogenic and natural forcings on future changes in precipitation projected by the CMIP6–DAMIP models
Authors: Wang Yafang , Zhao Tianbao , Hua Lijuan , Guan Xiaodan , Xu Chuan , Chen Qingxin
Published: March 2023

Warming has already changed the patterns of precipitation and increased the risk of extreme climate events. An assessment of the influences from anthropogenic and natural forcings on future changes in precipitation is therefore essential to define appropriate mitigation and adaptation policies. We assess the effects of natural (NAT) and anthropogenic forcings (greenhouse gases [GHG] and anthropogenic aerosols [AA]) on precipitation over land areas simulated under the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) SSP2‐4.5 scenario. Our results indicate that changes in precipitation due to GHG forcing, AA forcing and all external forcings (ALL) are projected to increase by about 3.0%–24.8%, 1.1%–6.9% and 4.2%–31.2%, respectively, across most land areas in the twenty‐first century, especially over the mid‐ and high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere and central Africa, with an increase in the mean and flattening of the probability distribution functions (PDFs). By contrast, the NAT‐induced changes are relatively small, with a slight increase in the mean of the PDFs. The frequencies of both future extreme precipitation and dry events are projected to increase by 11%–101% and 3%–72%, respectively, over many continental regions under the influence of external forcings, especially under GHG forcing. Fingerprinting detection shows that the signals of GHG (except for Australia), AA and ALL forcing are detectable at the likely level (signal‐to‐noise ratio >0.95; 66% confidence) over most land areas. The GHG signals are stronger and detected earlier (after 2010s, likely level) than the AA signals (after 2060s, likely level).
Isolation and identification of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory peptides from Tartary buckwheat albumin
Authors: Li Yongfu , Yang Nan , Shi Feng , Ye Fei , Huang Jinrong
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Tartary buckwheat protein peptides have been shown to be able to inhibit angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), but the exact protein type has been less studied for ACE activity inhibition, and only a few types of ACE inhibitory peptides have been reported. In this study, we purified and identified ACE inhibitory peptides from albumin hydrolysate (AH).

RESULTS

Albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin were extracted from Tartary buckwheat, and their ACE active peptides were obtained by a pepsin–trypsin sequential hydrolysis process. All four hydrolysates exhibited ACE inhibitory activity, and AH displayed the strongest ACE inhibition activity and the highest peptide yield (82.28%). At 0.2 mg mL−1, the inhibition rate of AH was 79.89%, followed by globulin hydrolysate at 71.84%, while prolamin hydrolysate and glutelin hydrolysate showed lower inhibition rates. The peptides with the highest inhibition rate were then isolated from AH using gel filtration chromatography and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography, and identified using nanoscale high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. After isolation and purification, 42 ACE inhibitory peptides were identified in the fraction with the highest inhibition rate, 14 of which were completely novel discoveries in this study. These 14 peptides showed potent ACE inhibitory effects through computer analysis.

CONCLUSION

Tartary buckwheat albumin can be used as a good source of ACE inhibitory peptides and can be further developed and utilized as edible supplements or drugs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Burden of Migraine on Quality of Life in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Derbarsegian Armo , Adams Sarah M. , Phillips Katie M. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To determine the impact of comorbid migraine on quality of life (QOL) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

A total of 213 adult patients with CRS were recruited. All participants completed the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), from which total and validated nasal, ear/facial pain, sleep, and emotional subdomain scores were calculated, and the 5‐dimension EuroQol general health questionnaire (EQ‐5D), from which the visual analogue scale (VAS) and health utility value (HUV) were calculated. The presence of comorbid migraine was determined by a score of ≥4 on the 5‐item Migraine Screen Questionnaire (MS‐Q).

Results

Of the participants, 36.2% were screened positive for having comorbid migraine. The mean SNOT‐22 score was 64.9 (SD: 18.7) in participants with migraine and 41.5 (SD: 21.1) in participants without migraine (p < 0.001). The mean EQ‐5D VAS and HUV were 60.2 (SD: 21.9) and 0.69 (SD: 0.18), respectively, in participants with migraine and 71.4 (SD: 19.4) and 0.84 (SD: 0.13), respectively, in participants without migraine (p < 0.001 for both). Higher ear/facial pain (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.10–1.36, p < 0.001) and sleep (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04–1.18, p = 0.002) SNOT‐22 subdomain scores were positively associated with migraine. The SNOT‐22 item scores related to dizziness, reduced concentration, and facial pain, in descending order, were most associated with migraine. The presence of nasal polyps (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07 ‐ 0.80, p = 0.020) was negatively associated with migraine.

Conclusion

Comorbid migraine may be relatively common amongst CRS patients, and its presence is associated with significantly worse QOL. Dizziness as a symptom in CRS patients may be particularly indicative of migraine.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:3279–3284, 2023
The value of 3D quantitative scoring of endolymphatic hydrops in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Ménière's disease
Authors: Xiao Heng , Lin Jianwei , Lin Chenxin , Guo Xiaojing , Cai Huimin , Lin Xing , Ye Shengnan
Published: March 2023

Objective

We aimed to explore the application of three‐dimensional (3D) quantitative scoring of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) based on gadolinium‐contrast MRI in both the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Ménière's disease (MD).

Methods

Local threshold method based on signal intensities was used to quantitatively measure volumes, and the degree of EH was scored by 3D quantitative scoring. The receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the diagnostic efficacy of this method against conventional evaluation methods. The scores of MD, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH), and vestibular migraine (VM) group were compared and correlated with clinical examination results, including pure tone audiometry (PTA), electrocochleogram, and caloric test.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of 3D quantitative scoring were 94.1% and 92.2%, while conventional evaluation methods were 84.3% and 88.2%, respectively. Cochlear score (CR), vestibular score (VR), semicircular canal score (SR), and total scores (TR) in MD group were significantly higher than those in SSNHL group. The rate of diagnosis of MD was significantly higher in the MD group (92.2%) than VM group (27.3%). In MD, PTA was significantly correlated with CR and SR, the ratio of summating potential to action potential (‐SP/AP) of electrocochleogram was significantly correlated with CR, VR, and SR, also canal paresis (CP) value of caloric test was significantly correlated with SR.

Conclusion

3D quantitative scoring demonstrated better diagnostic efficacy than conventional evaluation methods for Ménière's disease, and it may be an effective clinical tool to distinguish MD from SSNHL and VM. The clinical practicality of inner ear‐enhanced MRI was further confirmed.

Level of Evidence

IV.
Surfaces Coated with Polymer Brushes Work as Carriers for Histidine Ammonia Lyase
Authors: Marcelino Thaís , Docampo Miguel A. Ramos , Qian Xiaomin , Ade Carina , Brodszkij Edit , Ceccato Marcel , Foss Morten , Dulchavsky Mark , Bardwell James C. A. , Städler Brigitte
Published: March 2023

The immobilization of enzymes on solid supports is an important challenge in biotechnology and biomedicine. In contrast to other methods, enzyme deposition in polymer brushes offers the benefit of high protein loading that preserves enzymatic activity in part due to the hydrated 3D environment that is available within the brush structure. The authors equipped planar and colloidal silica surfaces with poly(2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)‐based brushes to immobilize Thermoplasma acidophilum histidine ammonia lyase, and analyzed the amount and activity of the immobilized enzyme. The poly(2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) brushes are attached to the solid silica supports either via a “grafting‐to” or a “grafting‐from” method. It is found that the grafting‐from method results in higher amounts of deposited polymer and, consequently, higher amounts of Thermoplasma acidophilum histidine ammonia lyase. All polymer brush‐modified surfaces show preserved catalytic activity of the deposited Thermoplasma acidophilum histidine ammonia lyase. However, immobilizing the enzyme in polymer brushes using the grafting‐from method resulted in twice the enzymatic activity from the grafting‐to approach, illustrating a successful enzyme deposition on a solid support.
Preparation, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan/Kaolin Clay Biocomposite Films
Authors: Bhattacharjee Madhabi , Goswami Shyam , Borah Pranab , Saikia Mousmi , Barman Jayanta , Pramanik Nabendu B. , Haloi Dhruba J.
Published: March 2023

Chitosan (CS) is a polycation found in nature that exhibits many good properties. Kaolin (KAO) clay is a natural inorganic filler and is being used in medicine, ceramic, food additives, etc. Therefore, the mixing of two such biomaterials, a natural polycation (CS) and natural filler (KAO clay) may lead to a biocomposite, chitosan/kaolin (CS/KAO) clay, with many interesting properties. In this study, the composites of CS and KAO clay are prepared by mixing the solution of CS (in dilute acetic acid) with KAO clay at various weight ratios. FT‐IR, UV/Vis, X‐Ray diffraction, SEM, UTM, TGA, and DSC analyses are used to investigate these biocomposites thoroughly. Agar well diffusion method has been used to determine the antibacterial activities of different concentrations of the CS‐ KAO clay against gram ‐positive (Bacillus subtilis) and gram‐ negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The biocomposites exhibited antibacterial activities against tested microrganisms. In addition, swelling tests of the biocomposites are also carried out. The CS/KAO clay biocomposite films show better tensile strength than CS film. It is observed that dispersed KAO clay improves the thermal stability and enhances the hardness of the matrix systematically with the increase of its loading.
Uniform error bound of a Crank–Nicolson‐type finite difference scheme for Zakharov system in the subsonic limit regime
Authors: Wang Tingchun , Yang Zhuo
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we use the order reduction method to present a Crank–Nicolson‐type finite difference scheme for Zakharov system (ZS) with a dimensionless parameter , which is inversely proportional to the ion acoustic speed. The proposed scheme is proved to perfectly inherit the mass and energy conservation possessed by ZS, while the invariants satisfied by most existing schemes are expressed by two‐level's solution at each time step. In the subsonic limit regime, that is, when , the solution of ZS propagates rapidly oscillatory initial layers in time, and this brings significant difficulties in designing numerical methods and establishing the error estimates, especially in the subsonic limit regime. After proving the solvability of the proposed scheme, we use the cut‐off function technique and energy method to rigorously analyze two independent error estimates for the well‐prepared, less‐ill‐prepared, ill‐prepared initial data, respectively, which are uniform in both time and space for and optimal at second order in space. Numerical examples are carried out to verify the theoretical results and show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Initial‐boundary value problem for a multiterm time‐fractional differential equation and its application to an inverse problem
Authors: Sin Chung‐Sik , Choe Hyon‐Sok , Rim Jin‐U
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we deal with the multiterm time‐fractional partial differential equation involving the Caputo operator associated with the Laplace operator, which includes the momentum equations of the fractional Oldroyd‐B fluid and the fractional Burgers fluid under some suitable conditions. By using several properties of multivariate Mittag–Leffler functions, the well‐posedness and the long‐time behavior for the Dirichlet problem are obtained. In addition, the uniqueness in inverse problem of determining orders of time‐fractional derivatives of the equation is proved.
Theories and applications associated with biquaternion linear canonical transform
Authors: Gao Wen‐Biao , Li Bing‐Zhao
Published: March 2023

The quaternion linear canonical transform (QLCT) has been widely used in color image processing. Biquaternion is a more generalized algebra of quaternion, which has attracted scholars' research interest in recent years. In this paper, a new transform is proposed called the biquaternion linear canonical transforms (BiQLCTs). Due to the noncommutativity of biquaternion algebra multiplication, there are three different types of the BiQLCTs: Left‐sided BiQLCT, right‐sided BiQLCT, and two‐side BiQLCT. The transforms are the extension of the complex linear canonical transforms. Then, the relationships between the three kinds of transforms are obtained. Next, based on the right‐side biquaternion linear canonical transform (RBiQLCT), some general properties of this transform are proved. Moreover, the convolution and correlation theorems of the RBiQLCT are studied. As an application, according to the convolution operator and convolution theorem, the biquaternion linear time‐invariant system is analyzed. Finally, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle for the RBiQLCT is established.