bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NKG2D engagement on human NK cells leads to DNAM‐1 hypo‐responsiveness through different converging mechanisms
Authors: Milito Nadia D. , Zingoni Alessandra , Stabile Helena , Soriani Alessandra , Capuano Cristina , Cippitelli Marco , Gismondi Angela , Santoni Angela , Paolini Rossella , Molfetta Rosa
Published: November 2022

Natural killer (NK) cell activation is regulated by activating and inhibitory receptors that facilitate diseased cell recognition. Among activating receptors, NKG2D and DNAM‐1 play a pivotal role in anticancer immune responses since they bind ligands upregulated on transformed cells. During tumor progression, however, these receptors are frequently downmodulated and rendered functionally inactive. Of note, NKG2D internalization has been associated with the acquisition of a dysfunctional phenotype characterized by the cross‐tolerization of unrelated activating receptors. However, our knowledge of the consequences of NKG2D engagement is still incomplete. Here, by cytotoxicity assays combined with confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that NKG2D engagement on human NK cells impairs DNAM‐1‐mediated killing through two different converging mechanisms: by the upregulation of the checkpoint inhibitory receptor TIGIT, that in turn suppresses DNAM‐1‐mediated cytotoxic function, and by direct inhibition of DNAM‐1‐promoted signaling. Our results highlight a novel interplay between NKG2D and DNAM‐1/TIGIT receptors that may facilitate neoplastic cell evasion from NK cell‐mediated clearance.
Ligand‐Free Copper‐Catalyzed 1,6‐Conjugate Reaction of para‐Quinone Methides with gem‐Diborylalkanes
Authors: He Jing , Meng Deyuan , Lee Dong Yeon , Yun Jaesook
Published: November 2022

We report a ligand‐free copper‐catalyzed 1,6‐addition of α‐borylalkyl copper species, catalytically generated from gem‐diborylalkanes to para‐quinone methides. The reaction proceeds with good yield for a variety of para‐quinone methides and substituted gem‐diborylalkanes with a catalytic amount of CuI as catalyst. This catalytic system provides a cost‐effective process with good functional group tolerance under mild conditions.
Molecular and clinical markers of pain relief in complex regional pain syndrome: An observational study
Authors: Reinhold Ann Kristin , Kindl Gudrun‐Karin , Dietz Christopher , Scheu Nathalie , Mehling Katharina , Brack Alexander , Birklein Frank , Rittner Heike L.
Published: November 2022

Background

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is marked by disproportionate pain after trauma. Whilst the long‐term outcome is crucial to patients, predictors or biomarkers of the course of pain or CRPS symptoms are still lacking. In particular, microRNAs, such as miR‐223, decreased in CRPS, have been described only in cross‐sectional studies.

Methods

In this study, we characterised CRPS patients over a course of 2.5 years of standard treatment. The patient underwent clinical examination including pain measurement, symptom questionnaires, quantitative sensory testing (QST) and blood sampling. Exosomal microRNA levels were measured via qPCR. After follow‐up, patients were stratified into ‘pain relief’ (mean pain reduced by ≥2 numeric rating scale) or ‘persistence’ (mean pain unchanged or worsened). The primary outcome was miR‐223 and miR‐939 expression, secondary outcomes were differences in clinical parameters between groups and time points.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients were included, 33 of whom qualified for stratification. Overall, patients reported lower pain and improved clinical characteristics after 2.5 years, but no significant changes in QST or miR‐223 and miR‐939 expression levels. 16 patients met the criteria for pain relief. This was associated with stable exosomal miR‐223 expression, whilst levels further decreased in pain persistence. Clinically, pain relief was marked by shorter disease duration and correlated positively with high initial pain.

Conclusion

We identified progressively reduced miR‐223 as a putative biomarker of chronic CRPS pain. Clinically, this study underlines the importance of early diagnosis and treatment showing that high initial pain does not predict an unfavourable outcome. Finally, pain relief and recovery of sensory disturbances seem independent processes.
True or false? Four higher education myths
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: November 2022

A myth is a widely held but false belief or idea. If college administrators believe these myths, it can have negative implications for how they govern in the future.
The geochronology, geochemistry and petrogenesis of ca. 2.65 Ga tonalites and ca. 2.61 Ga amphibolites in the Jiefangyingzi area: Implications for the northern boundary of the North China craton
Authors: Cui Yuliang , Wang Genhou
Published: November 2022

The Bayan Obo–Duolun–Chifeng–Kaiyuan (BDCK) Fault is considered the boundary between the North China Craton (NCC) and Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). However, the site of this boundary from Duolun to Chifeng and Kaiyuan remains highly controversial. Here, we present an integrated study of petrology, whole‐rock geochemistry, and zircon U–Pb and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope compositions for tonalites and amphibolites in the Bainaimiao arc belt (BAB) to better constrain the northern NCC margin. The tonalites are similar to NCC tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorites (TTGs), characterized by relatively high Na2O/K2O and Sr/Y ratios and fractionated rare earth element (REE) patterns, with high light REE (LREE) but low heavy REE (HREE) concentrations. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) zircon U–Pb dating yields formation ages of 2599–2674 Ma, with a weighted average of 2649.6 ± 3.7 Ma. TheεHf(t) values (3.5–7.5), two‐stage model ages (2673–2793 Ma), whole‐rock positiveεNd(t) values (1.3–1.9), and two‐stage model ages (2841–2880 Ma) suggest that the Neoarchean tonalites likely originated from remelting of thickened Meso‐Neoarchean mafic crust. LA–ICP–MS U–Pb isotope data reveal that the amphibolites formed at ~2610 Ma. They have high‐Fe tholeiitic compositions and are close to normal mid‐ocean ridge basalt (N‐MORB)‐like rocks, indicating that they were generated from partial melting of the depleted mantle. The existence of Neoarchean basement rocks, combined with seismic and isotope data, suggests that the Jiefangyingzi area is part of the Trans‐North China Orogen (TNCO) in the NCC rather than part of the CAOB and that the northern boundary of the NCC in Chifeng is located north to the Jiefangyingzi area.
Are mothers under lunchbox pressure? An exploration of the experiences of Victorian mothers preparing lunchboxes for their children
Authors: Watson‐Mackie Kimberley , McKenzie Hayley , McKay Fiona
Published: November 2022

Issue Addressed

A healthy diet is particularly important during childhood. Research suggests that more than 95% of Australian primary school aged children do not eat a diet consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines, putting them at risk of poor health. Interventions to improve the quality of children's lunchboxes may help address this issue. However, there is limited understanding of the factors impacting lunchbox preparation.

Methods

This study explored the experiences of 10 mothers of Victorian primary school students. Mothers took part in semi‐structured interviews exploring their views on lunchbox preparation and food choices. The study used a Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology and data were analysed using an inductive, thematic approach.

Results

Analysis of the interviews yielded four main themes. (i) Mothers experienced a range of non‐nutritional barriers that impacted the food choices they made for their children. (ii) Children's preferences influenced parental food choices. (iii) Mothers experienced and/or perceived judgement about the food choices they make for their children. And (iv) Mothers identified a lack of support and information from schools about what was appropriate for school lunch.

Conclusion

Findings of this study indicate that mothers are concerned with balancing nutrition and child preferences within the broader context of guidelines, perceived or real judgement and income constraints.

So What?

The school environment may be an ideal setting to promote healthy eating but support for parents is needed. This is the first study in Victoria exploring mothers' perspectives on lunchbox preparation and provides initial information on which future research can build.
Cost drivers for benign hysterectomy within a health care system: Influence of patient, perioperative, and hospital factors
Authors: Kohn Jaden R. , Frost Anja S. , Tambovtseva Anastasia , Hunt Megan , Clark Katharine , Wilson Christina , Borahay Mostafa A.
Published: November 2022

Objective

To identify patient, perioperative, and hospital factors that drive total hospital charges for benign hysterectomy.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study between July 2014 and February 2019 at five academic and community hospitals within an integrated healthcare system in the state of Maryland with a Global Budget Revenue methodology for hospital charges. Predictor variables included patient, perioperative and hospital characteristics. One‐way analysis of variance was used to compare charges among approaches. A multiple linear regression model was built to account for the interaction between covariates.

Results

A total of 2592 patients underwent hysterectomy via laparoscopic (61%), abdominal (16%), robotic (14%), or vaginal (9%) approaches. Before adjusting for covariates, laparoscopic and vaginal approaches had similar charges ($11 637 and $12 229, respectively), while robotic and open approaches had higher charges ($17 535 and $19 099, respectively). After adjusting, charges for open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches were higher than the vaginal approach ($692, $712, and $1279, respectively). Each operating room minute resulted in an increased cost of $46. Length of stay >23 h was associated with an increase of $865. Year, uterine size, body mass index, additional procedures, and transfusion influenced charges.

Conclusion

Perioperative and hospital characteristics significantly influence hospital charges for benign hysterectomy, more so than nonmodifiable patient characteristics. This provides opportunities to reduce healthcare expenditures, such as improving operating room efficiency and reducing length of stay.
Effects of a structural simulation curriculum for the repair of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries
Authors: Tang Pingping , Zhong Yifeng , Yin Jie , Song Yingna
Published: November 2022

Objective

To assess the short‐term and skill‐retention effects of a structural simulation curriculum for the repair of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries (OASIS).

Methods

This prepost experimental study recruited 31 obstetrics and gynecology residents from Peking Union Medical College Hospital. OASIS repair skill evaluations (at all timepoints) comprised a task‐specific checklist (TSC), global rating scale (GRS), and pass/fail grade. A beef‐tongue model was adopted in the simulation curriculum. After baseline testing, residents completed a structured 1‐h workshop. Two weeks later, a second test was performed, followed by a one‐to‐one teaching workshop, with the proper completion of a checklist as the end‐point. Three months later, residents completed a third test.

Results

The overall pass rate at baseline was 16.1%, with higher GRS scores (p = 0.035) in senior residents. Additionally, previewing the procedure before class and a history of OASIS repair observation were associated with higher TSC and GRS scores. Significant skill improvement was observed in the second and third tests, with pass rates of 96.8% and 93.5% respectively. Both TSC and GRS scores were improved compared with baseline (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A structural simulation curriculum integrating deliberate practice under supervision improves OASIS repair competence and achieves satisfactory skill retention.
Effectiveness of snow harvesting and water productivity practices in combatting climate change‐induced drought in a Himalayan district of Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Shankar , Chiang Jie‐Lun , Upadhyaya Sadananda
Published: November 2022

In Jumla, a Himalayan district of Nepal, apples of low quality and productivity are a key challenge; this results from the severe shortage of soil moisture during the crucial phenological stages of apple growth. Recently, prolonged dry spells, reduced snowfall and increased temperature in mountain regions have resulted in shortened winters, early snowmelt and increased water stress for crops. To address these problems, in this on‐farm study, we evaluated the effectiveness of snow harvesting for irrigation during the crucial phenological stages of apple growth and mulching to increase water productivity. Quality, productivity and premature fruit drop of apple trees grown using snow harvesting and water productivity practices were compared with those of trees grown using a percolation pit and rainfed agriculture. Moreover, we performed a cost–benefit analysis to build investment confidence. Snow harvesting and water productivity practices improved fruit productivity and quality and prevented premature fruit drop. Using these methods, net income was increased by approximately 2.47 times of that generated through rainfed agriculture. Thus, snow harvesting and water productivity practices appear to be economically feasible, accessible and affordable methods that may help address climate change‐related challenges (drought and water stress) in mountain agriculture.
MODEL FOLLOWING AND POLE‐PLACEMENT SELF‐TUNERS
Authors: Clarke D. W.
Published: November 2022

The implicit self‐tuner of Clarke and Gawthrop1 was interpreted as a model‐reference strategy by Gawthrop.2 More recently Wellstead et al.3 derived an explicit self‐tuning regulator which placed the closed‐loop poles at prescribed locations, ignoring the closed‐loop zeros. Äström and Wittenmark4 then proposed a pole‐placement servo which could, if desired, also deal with process zeros within some restricted stability region. This design was for the noise‐free case.

This paper proposes a simple extension to these explicit methods, deriving a self‐tuner which encompasses both regulation and servo performance, and includes the treatment of load‐disturbances by feedforward action. The resulting algorithm is compared with that of Clarke and Gawthrop for the case of variable time‐delay. Problems associated with the resolution of the Diophantine equation involved in explicit pole‐placement strategies are explored.
SELF‐TUNING CONTROL WITH LINEAR INPUT CONSTRAINTS
Authors: Mäkilä P. M.
Published: November 2022

Self‐tuning control in the presence of linear input constraints is considered. Quadratic one‐step criteria are used in control law computation to obtain simple input‐constrained self‐tuning regulators. The resulting algorithms involve a positive‐definite quadratic programme for control signal computation. Explicit solution to the quadratic programme is given for SISO systems and for two‐input two‐output MIMO systems. Approximation of the solution to the quadratic programme with simple saturated control laws is demonstrated to result in good control performance in the simulated examples. A saturated minimum variance control law can perform well even for a non‐minimum phase system. Design of self‐tuning regulators for MIMO systems with singular B0‐matrix is furthermore briefly discussed.
Identification of the rare yeast Cutaneotrichosporon (Trichosporon) debeurmannianum from diabetic foot infection
Authors: Yoo In Young , Heo Woong , Kwon Joo An , Lee Miran , Park Yeon‐Joon
Published: November 2022

Background

Diabetic foot infection is the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. Although most of the diabetic foot infections has been known to be caused by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, mycotic diabetic foot infection caused by Candida species has also been reported recently. Here, we present the first case of diabetic foot infection caused by Cutaneotrichosporon debeurmannianum (previously known as Trichosporon debeurmannianum).

Methods

A 68‐year‐old diabetic male patient was admitted for management of the necrosis of the big toe. Wound swab culture was performed three times, and each time after 5 days of incubation, beige‐colored, wrinkled, and rough colonies were observed on chocolate agar plate.

Results

The isolate was identified as C. debeurmannianum with the matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry system (MicroIDSys, ASTA corp.). For confirmation, the sequencing for ITS1/ITS2 and D1/D2 ribosomal DNA was also performed, and the isolate was confirmed as C. debeurmannianum with 100% identity. The isolate exhibited low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for azoles and high MICs for all echinocandins.

Conclusion

Considering that usual incubation time for bacterial culture of open wound specimens is only 48 h, it is important to include the request for fungus culture to detect pathogen in diabetic foot lesion.
EVAnalyzer: High content imaging for rigorous characterisation of single extracellular vesicles using standard laboratory equipment and a new open‐source ImageJ/Fiji plugin
Authors: Schürz Melanie , Danmayr Joachim , Jaritsch Maria , Klinglmayr Eva , Benirschke Heloisa Melo , Matea Cristian‐Tudor , Zimmerebner Patrick , Rauter Jakob , Wolf Martin , Gomes Fausto Gueths , Kratochvil Zdenek , Heger Zbynek , Miller Andrew , Heuser Thomas , Stanojlovic Vesna , Kiefer Jana , Plank Tanja , Johnson Litty , Himly Martin , Blöchl Constantin , Huber Christian G. , Hintersteiner Martin , Meisner‐Kober Nicole
Published: November 2022

Extracellular vesicle (EV) research increasingly demands for quantitative characterisation at the single vesicle level to address heterogeneity and complexity of EV subpopulations. Emerging, commercialised technologies for single EV analysis based on, for example, imaging flow cytometry or imaging after capture on chips generally require dedicated instrumentation and proprietary software not readily accessible to every lab. This limits their implementation for routine EV characterisation in the rapidly growing EV field. We and others have shown that single vesicles can be detected as light diffraction limited fluorescent spots using standard confocal and widefield fluorescence microscopes. Advancing this simple strategy into a process for routine EV quantitation, we developed ‘EVAnalyzer’, an ImageJ/Fiji (Fiji is just ImageJ) plugin for automated, quantitative single vesicle analysis from imaging data. Using EVAnalyzer, we established a robust protocol for capture, (immuno‐)labelling and fluorescent imaging of EVs. To exemplify the application scope, the process was optimised and systematically tested for (i) quantification of EV subpopulations, (ii) validation of EV labelling reagents, (iii) in situ determination of antibody specificity, sensitivity and species cross‐reactivity for EV markers and (iv) optimisation of genetic EV engineering. Additionally, we show that the process can be applied to synthetic nanoparticles, allowing to determine siRNA encapsulation efficiencies of lipid‐based nanoparticles (LNPs) and protein loading of SiO2 nanoparticles. EVAnalyzer further provides a pipeline for automated quantification of cell uptake at the single cell–single vesicle level, thereby enabling high content EV cell uptake assays and plate‐based screens. Notably, the entire procedure from sample preparation to the final data output is entirely based on standard reagents, materials, laboratory equipment and open access software. In summary, we show that EVAnalyzer enables rigorous characterisation of EVs with generally accessible tools. Since we further provide the plugin as open‐source code, we expect EVAnalyzer to not only be a resource of immediate impact, but an open innovation platform for the EV and nanoparticle research communities.
Ameliorative effect of Vitis vinifera (Linn.) seed extract on lead acetate induced oxidative damage on testis and sperm quality in Wistar rats
Authors: Yallamati Mahesh Babu , Sampath Senthil Kumar , Mary Vasanthi , Khan Muhammad Zafar
Published: November 2022

Lead is considered one of the most prevalent environmental and biologically hazardous toxicants among metallic elements. It severely affects human health and especially the male reproductive system by causing reproductive organ dysfunction leading to infertility. Natural dietary antioxidants are studied for their ability to ameliorate the cells' miscellaneous damage. The current study was designed to explore the effect of Vitis vinifera (Linn.) (grape) seed extract (GSE) on lead acetate (LA)‐induced oxidative damage on testis and sperm quality in rats. Twenty‐four male Wistar rats were allocated into four equal groups. Group I received distilled water; Group II received LA 50 mg/kg body weight (Bw); Group III received LA 50 mg/kg + GSE 200 mg/kg Bw; and Group IV received LA 50 mg/kg + GSE 400 mg/kg Bw (orally once a day for 28 days). After 28 days, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated in the testicular tissue. The cauda of the epididymis was used to study the characteristics of the sperm, such as sperm count, motility, viability, tail‐coiled sperm, and morphology. The hematoxylin and eosin staining method was used to study histomorphology. Results revealed that LA induction significantly increased MDA concentration and decreased the levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH. It also reduced the weight of the testis and testosterone hormone levels, declined the quality of sperm, and increased morphologically abnormal sperm. Moreover, LA severely altered the histomorphology of the testis, such as atrophy of the seminiferous tubule, degeneration of germinal epithelium, and increased interstitial space, compared with the control group. In Groups III and IV, coadministration of LA with GSE reduced the MDA concentration, preserved the antioxidant enzyme system and testosterone hormonal levels, restored the sperm characteristics, reduced the abnormal sperm, and improved histomorphological alterations in the testis compared with the LA‐induced group. In conclusion, GSE has a potent natural antioxidant that provides promising protection against LA‐induced testicular oxidative damage on testis and sperm quality in rats.
MRI Assessment of the Relationship Between Cortical Morphological Features and Hemiparetic Motor‐Related Outcomes in Chronic Subcortical Stroke Patients
Authors: Hong Wenjun , Zhang Xin , Liu Zaixing , Li Ming , Yu Zhixuan , Zhao Guanchun , Wang Yuxin , Sun Cuiyun , Yang Bo , Xu Rong , Zhao Zhiyong
Published: November 2022

Background

It is unclear which cortical regions are specific to or commonly associated with the impairments of the upper/lower limbs and the activities of daily life (ADL) in stroke patients.

Purpose

To investigate the relationships between MRI‐assessed surface‐based morphometry (SBM) features and motor function as well as ADL in participants with chronic stroke.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Thirty‐five participants with subcortical stroke more than 3 months from the first‐onset (age: 56.44 ± 9.56 years; 32 male).

Field Strength/Sequence

T1‐weighted images, 3.0 T, three‐dimensional fast field‐echo sequence.

Assessment

FreeSurfer (6.0) was used to parcellate each hemisphere into 34 regions based on the Desikan–Killiany atlas and to extract the surface area, volume, thickness, and curvature. The motor function and ADL were assessed by the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment for the Upper/Lower Extremity (FMA‐UE/FMA‐LE) and the Chinese version of the Modified Barthel Index (MBI‐C), respectively.

Statistical Tests

A linear mixed‐effect model was applied to evaluate the relationship between the morphological features and the FMA‐UE, FMA‐LE, and MBI‐C. A false discovery rate corrected P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Correlations between the size of stroke lesion and MRI measurements did not pass the FDR correction (adjusted P > 0.05). SBM features in motor‐related and high‐order cognitive cortical regions showed significant correlations with FMA‐UE and FMA‐LE, respectively. Moreover, the thickness in the prefrontal cortex significantly positively correlated, while the surface area in the right supramarginal gyrus significantly negatively correlated, with both FMA‐UE, FMA‐LE, and MBI‐C. The thickness in the left frontal lobe significantly positively correlated with both FMA‐UE and MBI‐C.

Data Conclusion

This study's findings suggest that different hemiparetic motor‐related outcomes in participants with subcortical stroke which suffered a corticospinal tract‐related injury show specific, but also share common, associations with several cortical regions.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Immune landscape of viral cancers: Insights from single‐cell sequencing
Authors: Lei Tianyu , Li Xiaohui , Wang Fuhao , Huang Qingyu , Liu Tianxing , Liu Chao , Hu Qinyong
Published: November 2022

Viral infections trigger a wide range of immune responses thought to drive tumorigenesis and malignant progression. Dissecting virus‐induced changes in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is therefore crucial to identify key leukocyte populations that may represent novel targets for cancer therapy. Single‐cell sequencing approaches have now been widely applied to the analysis of various tumors, thus enabling multiomics characterization of the highly heterogeneous TIME that bulk‐sequencing cannot fully elucidate. In this review, we summarized key recent findings from sequencing studies of the immune infiltrate and antitumor response in virus‐associated cancers at single cell resolution. Additionally, we also reviewed recent developments in immunotherapy for virus‐associated cancers. We anticipate that the strategic use of single‐cell sequencing will advance our understanding of the TIME of viral cancers, leading to the development of more potent novel treatments.
HPV‐related cervical diseases: Alteration of vaginal microbiotas and promising potential for diagnosis
Authors: Xu Xiaoxian , Rao Huiting , Fan Xiaoji , Pang Xiangwei , Wang Yichen , Zhao Lingqin , Xing Jie , Lv Xiaojuan , Wang Tingzhang , Tao Jin , Zhang Xiaojing , Qian Jianhua , Lou Hanmei
Published: November 2022

Vaginal microbiota is closely associated with women's health, however, the correlation between HPV‐related cervical disease (HRCD) and vaginal microbiota is still obscure. In this study, patients with HRCD (n = 98) and healthy controls (n = 58) in Hangzhou were recruited, and their vaginal microbiota were collected and analyzed. The composition of the vaginal microbial community was explored, and a disease classification model was developed by random forest algorithm. The results suggested that the diversity of vaginal microbiota was significantly higher in HRCDs than that in healthy controls (p < 0.05). Firmicutes is the dominant phylum in vaginal microbiota, and Lactobacillus was identified as the most altered genus between two groups (p < 0.01). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis suggested the difference in vaginal microbial community functions between two groups. Furthermore, we identified 10 biomarkers as the optimal marker sets for the random forest model and found a higher probability of disease values in HRCD group in discovery cohort (p < 0.0001), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve reaching 89.7% (95% confidence interval: 78.3%–100%). We further validated the model in both validation and independent diagnosis cohorts, confirming its accuracy in the prediction of HRCD. In conclusion, this study revealed the community composition of vaginal microbiota in HRCDs and successfully constructed a diagnostic model for HRCD.
ADAM9: A regulator between HCMV infection and function of smooth muscle cells
Authors: He Hanlin , Tan Yurong , Tang Zhongxiang , Wang Lili , Liu Shuiping , Wu Guojun
Published: November 2022

Lots of epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is related to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Released by inflammatory cells and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs), metalloproteinases are observed in many pathological vessel conditions, including atherosclerosis and restenosis. This study was designed to investigate the effect of HCMV infection on the expression of metalloproteinases and their involvements in the HCMV‐induced functional changes of VSMCs. Differential metalloproteinase after HCMV infection was assayed using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) microarray. The most significant increased a disintegrin and metalloprotease 9 (ADAM9) was chosen to investigate the mechanism of its specific increase after infection using the treatment of UV‐irradiated replication‐deficient HCMV, HCMV‐infected cell lysate filters or Foscarnet. The function of proliferation, migration, production of inflammatoty factors and phenotypic transformation were determined by using cell counting kit‐8, transwell, Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, RT‐quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot, respectively. Moreover, the effect of ADAM9 deficiency on HCMV replication was also determined using RT‐qPCR and immunofluorescence. The expression levels of 6 genes were upregulated and 14 genes were downregulated at different time points after HCMV infection. Among these, the expression level of ADAM9 increased most significantly at each time point and the abnormal expression of ADAM9 might be induced by the early gene products of HCMV. Further studies found that ADAM9 promoted the proliferation, the migration, the production of inflammatory factors and the transit from the contractile phenotype (decreased ACTA2 expression) to the synthetic phenotype (increased osteopontin [OPN] expression). Knockdown theADAM9 expression could rescue the decreased ACTA2 expression, but has no effect on OPN expression. ADAM‐9 deficiency didn't affect the replication of HCMV. The findings of our study suggest that HCMV infection changed VSMC function through ADAM9 expression, which may contribute to the understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms of HCMV‐induced atherosclerosis.
Quantitative determination of four mycotoxins in cereal by fluorescent microsphere based immunochromatographic assay
Authors: Sheng Wei , Guo Jing , Liu Chenchen , Ma Yueru , Liu Junli , Zhang Haoyu
Published: November 2022

Background

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi, which have serious effects on humans and animals. In this study, we selected the monodispersed polystyrene fluorescent microspheres with good luminescence performance and strong stability as markers to conjugate with four mycotoxins antibodies for preparing fluorescent probes. We have developed a fluorescent microsphere based immunochromatographic assay (FMICA) to detect sensitively and quickly zearalenone (ZEN), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), fumonisin B1 (FB1), and ochratoxin A (OTA) in cereal.

Results

Under optimal experimental conditions, the procedure of this method can be completed within 10 min. The limit of detection (LOD) of FMICA for ZEN, AFB1, FB1, and OTA is 0.072, 0.093, 0.32, and 0.19 μg L−1, respectively. And FMICA has good specificity and no cross‐reactivity with other mycotoxins. Four mycotoxins in naturally contaminated cereal samples (corn, rice, and oat) are detected by this method, and the results are highly consistent with that of ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS).

Conclusion

The developed FMICA has good accuracy, high sensitivity, simplicity, convenience, rapidity, and low cost, and it could be employed for sensitive and quantitative detecting of mycotoxins in cereal on‐site. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Second‐harmonic generation technique for in situ study of passive film formation on carbon steel surfaces in aqueous solutions
Authors: Martinelli‐Orlando Federico , Dénervaud Eric , Grange Rachel , Angst Ueli
Published: November 2022

The aim of this work was to revisit second‐harmonic generation (SHG) as a technique for the in situ analysis of oxide film formation on steel samples immersed in aqueous solutions and during electrochemical experiments. The measurements were compared to active reflectance spectroscopy (ARS), which is a more established in situ spectroscopy technique. Carbon steel electrodes were subjected to polarization in pH neutral and mild‐alkaline electrolytes to provoke the formation of passive films. In situ SHG measurements allowed monitoring of compositional changes in the formed film, as the SHG intensity increased in the domain of stability of Fe3O4 and decreased in the domain of stability of Fe2O3 during potentiodynamic polarization. ARS, on the other hand, is suitable to monitor film thickness. ARS absorption increased along with film growth when moving in the anodic direction during potentiodynamic polarization. During 30 min cathodic polarization at −0.9 VAg/AgCl sat. KCl in initially pH neutral the combination of SHG and ARS revealed the presence of an oxide film that was primarily composed of Fe3O4 and with a thickness up to 0.7 nm.
Applying the Inelastic Thermal Spike Model to the Investigation of Damage Induced by High‐Energy Ions in Polymers
Authors: da Rocha Maximiliano S. , May João Pedro M. , Thomaz Raquel S. , Papaléo Ricardo M. , Toulemonde Marcel
Published: November 2022

This work reports on damage production in polymers by high‐energy ions within the framework of the inelastic thermal spike model (i‐TS). The model is used to describe the effective size of the damaged region around the ion path (the track size) in amorphous poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and the semicrystalline poly(p‐phenylene sulphide) (PPS), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF). Track size calculations are compared to experimental data deduced from measurements of crater size, bond‐breaking cross‐sections, changes in crystallinity and electron density, track etching, and electrical depolarization. The use of data obtained from distinct types of damage provides a broad platform to test the applicability of the model to polymers. This work shows that the i‐TS correctly describes the dependence of the track size on energy loss obtained from most experimental probes, when the activation energy of thermal decomposition of the polymers is used as the criterion of track formation, using an electron–phonon mean free path of ≈3 nm. As damage is not uniform across the ion track radial dimension, there are fine variations in the experimental damage radii that can only be accounted for by using multiple activation processes. Amorphization radii of the semicrystalline polymers are not directly correlated to melting induced by the ions.
Exosome‐based cancer stem cell communication: Implication for detecting and eliminating cancer stem cells
Authors: Dutta Abhishek , Paul Swastika
Published: November 2022

Exosomes are bilayered nano‐dimensional bio‐vesicles shed by all types of cells including transformed malignant cells. They are primarily involved in cell‐to‐cell communication and resemble the contents of their parental cells. They transport specific contents, like DNA, proteins, and lipids, which is selectively absorbed by proximate and distant cell from the site of their release, conditioning the recipient cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the root cause behind tumor development, immune evasion, and relapse also produce and secrete large quantities of exosomes that aid and abet CSCs. Interaction of CSCs and neighboring cells occurs through the exosomal exchange of biological materials. Exosomes promote immune evasion, metastasis, and self‐renewal within the tumor microenvironment. These properties of exosomes are exploited to detect the presence of malignant cells via noninvasive techniques. These exosomes can be modified to target CSCs. In this review, we highlight the unique role of exosomes in disease progression and how they can be exploited to detect CSCs or be used as a vehicle for medicinal drugs and genetic components to destroy CSCs. Exosome research is still in its inception, in‐depth analysis of the components and mechanistic details involved in exosome synthesis and precise bio‐engineering for cell‐targeting will help us discern it as a next‐generation cancer therapy option.
Hybrid active and passive local shimming (HAPLS) for two‐region MRI
Authors: Ren Zhi Hua , Stockmann Jason , Dewdney Andrew , Lee Ray F.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

An MRI scanner is equipped with global shim systems for shimming one region of interest (ROI) only. However, it often fails to reach state‐of‐the‐art when shimming two isolated regions of interest simultaneously, even though the two‐area shimming can be essential in scan scenarios, such as bilateral breasts or dyadic brains. To address these challenges, a hybrid active and passive local shimming technique is proposed to simultaneously shim two isolated region‐of‐interest areas within the whole FOV.

Methods

A local passive shimming system is constructed by optimized bilateral ferromagnetic chip arrays to compensate for the magnet's significant high‐order B0 inhomogeneities at the boundary of the manufacturer's specified homogeneous volume, thus locally improving the available FOV. The local active shimming consists of 40‐channel DC loops powered by 64‐channel current amplifiers. With the optimized current distribution, active shimming can correct the residual low‐order B0 inhomogeneities and subject‐specific field inhomogeneities. In addition, active shimming is used to homogenize the center frequencies of the two regions.

Results

With the implementation of the hybrid active and passive local shimming, the 95% peak‐to‐peak was reduced from 1.92 to 1.12 ppm by 41.7%, and RMS decreased from 0.473 to 0.255 ppm by 46.1% in a two‐phantom experiment. The volume ratio containing MR voxels within a 0.5‐ppm frequency span increased from 64.3% to 81.3% by 26.3%.

Conclusion

The proposed hybrid active and passive local shimming technique uses both passive and active local shimming, and it can efficiently shim two areas simultaneously, which is an unmet need for a commercial MRI scanner.
Performance of the new nutrition evaluation tool for hospitalized pediatric patients with cancer in Brazil (ANPEDCancer)
Authors: Saraiva Danúbia d. C. A. , Martucci Renata B. , Monteiro Gina T. R.
Published: November 2022

Background

There is a lack of specific nutrition assessment tools for pediatric patients with cancer. The aim was to evaluate the performance of the ANPEDCancer assessment tool in a pediatric population with cancer, verifying its ability to detect nutrition inadequacy and predict the length of hospital stay (LOS).

Methods

Evaluated 111 pediatric patients hospitalized in the National Cancer Institute (INCA) in 2019 to assess nutrition status. Patients were classified as malnourished and well nourished by the ANPEDCancer. Measures of weight, height, anthropometric indicators, body composition, laboratory parameters, LOS, and death were compared between groups. The ANPEDCancer classification was compared with the complete nutrition assessment, calculating sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values, and with the LOS.

Results

The prevalence of malnutrition was 12.6%, nutrition risk was 48.6%, risk of overweight/obesity was 6.3%, and well‐nourished status was 32.4%. According to ANPEDCancer, malnourished patients showed a higher frequency of inadequacy for all anthropometric indices, percentage of weight loss, serum albumin level, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and longer LOS when compared with well‐nourished patients. There was an association between the tool's diagnosis and measures of body composition, CRP, and LOS. ANPEDCancer validation with the complete nutrition assessment showed a sensitivity of 81.6%, specificity of 55%, positive predictive value of 53.4%, and negative of 82.5%. The LOS was almost twice as long among malnourished patients and was statistically significant (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

ANPEDCancer is a feasible tool to assess nutrition status and identify the presence of nutrition risk, allowing for targeted assistance in hospitalized pediatric patients with cancer.
Registered nurses' perceptions of their roles in medical‐surgical units: A qualitative study
Authors: Nazon Evy , St‐Pierre Isabelle , Pangop Denise
Published: November 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to gain insight into the perception of nurses about their roles in medical‐surgical units.

Background

As a result of ever‐changing work environments, medical‐surgical nurses find it difficult to know and practice according to the full scope of their roles.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted with 21 nurses on three campuses of a large tertiary care hospital located in Quebec, Canada. Thematic analysis was used to construe meaning from the interviews. This research adheres to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines and checklist.

Results

The data analysis resulted in three main themes: (i) confusion in nurses' roles and scope of practice; (ii) challenges in the continuity of care and (iii) factors affecting the roles of nurses in medical‐surgical units.

Conclusion

Attention must be paid to the care continuum as it represents a critical element for surgical patients' quality and safety of care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Medical‐surgical nurses should understand their roles and the factors that limit their full scope of practice in order to provide and manage complex care situations. Additionally, an interdisciplinary approach is a strategy that may better respond to patients' clinical needs across the surgical journey.
Cell death induced by NLRP3–palmitate axis impairs pulmonary damage tolerance and aggravates immunopathology during obesity‐tuberculosis comorbidity
Authors: Palma Albornoz Sandra P , Fraga‐Silva Thais FC , de Carvalho Renan VH , Rodrigues Tamara S , Gembre Ana Flávia , de Oliveira Rômulo Silva , de Souza Fernanda Mesquita , Corrêa Giseli Furlan , Ramalho Leandra NZ , Carlos Daniela , de Almeida Danilo C , Câmara Niels OS , Zamboni Dario S , Takahashi Viviani Nardini , Sorgi Carlos A , Faccioli Lucia H , Medeiros Alexandra I , Costa Diego Luís , Bonato Vânia LD
Published: November 2022

A low‐grade and persistent inflammation, which is the hallmark of obesity, requires the participation of NLRP3 and cell death. During Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, NLRP3 signaling is important for bacterial killing by macrophages in vitro but was shown to be dispensable for host protection in vivo. We hypothesized that during obesity‐tuberculosis (TB) comorbidity, NLRP3 signaling might play a detrimental role by inducing excessive inflammation. We employed a model of high‐fat‐diet‐induced obesity, followed by M. tuberculosis infection in C57BL/6 mice. Obese mice presented increased susceptibility to infection and pulmonary immunopathology compared to lean mice. Using treatment with NLRP3 antagonist and Nlrp3−/− mice, we showed that NLRP3 signaling promoted cell death, with no effect in bacterial loads. The levels of palmitate were higher in the lungs of obese infected mice compared to lean counterparts, and we observed that this lipid increased M. tuberculosis‐induced macrophage death in vitro, which was dependent on NLRP3 and caspase‐1. At the chronic phase, although lungs of obese Nlrp3−/− mice showed an indication of granuloma formation compared to obese wild‐type mice, there was no difference in the bacterial load. Our findings indicate that NLRP3 may be a potential target for host‐directed therapy to reduce initial and severe inflammation‐mediated disease and to treat comorbidity‐associated TB. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Malignant ectomesenchymoma in children: The European pediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group experience
Authors: Milano Giuseppe Maria , Orbach Daniel , Casanova Michela , Berlanga Pablo , Schoot Reineke A. , Corradini Nadege , Brennan Bernadette , Ramirez‐Villar Gema L. , Lyngsie Hjalgrim Lisa , van Noesel Max M. , Alaggio Rita , Ferrari Andrea
Published: November 2022

Malignant ectomesenchymoma (MEM) is an extremely rare soft tissue tumor typical of young children, currently included in the category of skeletal muscle malignancies and characterized by a neuroblastic component. This study describes a series of 10 patients prospectively registered in the European paediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group (EpSSG) database Of the 10 cases, seven had an initial local diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. All patients received chemotherapy according to rhabdomyosarcoma strategy, four had radiotherapy. Overall, six patients were alive in first remission, two in second remission and one after second tumor. Only the patient with initially metastatic tumor died of disease.
Northward propagation of convection over the Indian region in multiphysics multimodel ensemble
Authors: Karmakar Nirupam , Joseph Susmitha , Sahai Atul K. , Kaur Manpreet , Phani R. , Mandal Raju , Dey Avijit
Published: November 2022

An assessment of a multiphysics multimodel ensemble (MPMME) strategy is provided to simulate the critical aspects of the Indian summer monsoon and its intraseasonal variability. Using various physics combinations of Climate Forecast System (CFS) and its atmospheric component Global Forecast System (GFS), a 15‐year hindcast for May–October is generated. Three different convective parametrizations, simplified Arakawa–Shubert (sas), revised deep‐convection sas (nsas), and revised sas with modified shallow‐convection (nsas_sc) are coupled with two microphysics schemes Zhao and Carr (zc) and Ferrier. Spatiotemporal characteristics of predicted Indian summer monsoon climatology and 20–70‐day periodic intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs) are evaluated using observations. MPMME members reproduce the overall characteristics of the seasonal mean, but they have significant biases over different regions. Pattern correlations reveal that CFS_nsaszc performs best among MPMME in simulating the observed characteristics of rainfall ISOs and providing significant ISO forecast up to pentad 3 lead. A diagnostic based on the vorticity budget equation during strong convective events (SCEs) associated with ISOs is used to understand better the mechanism of northward‐propagating ISOs and the responsible factors that develop a vorticity tendency to the north of convection maxima. The tilting term in the vorticity equation shows northward propagation and leads precipitation maxima by about a week over the Bay of Bengal. Vertical shear of mean zonal winds and meridional gradients of vertical winds are found to be essential in developing vorticity tendency. SCEs are better represented in CFS than in GFS. Notably, along with CFS_nsaszc, two CFS_sas members capture the occurrence of SCEs reasonably well. However, errors in vertical shear of mean zonal winds are remarkably high after pentad 2 lead in CFS_sas and GFS, explaining their relative weakness in simulating ISOs during June–September. This study demonstrates that the MPMME strategy could utilize individual physical schemes' strengths to provide better subseasonal forecasts.