bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential diagnosis of melasma and hyperpigmentation
Authors: Honigman Anthony , Rodrigues Michelle
Published: August 2022

Background: Melasma is a common disorder of acquired hyperpigmentation affecting millions of people worldwide, predominantly women. Despite the incidence, there are numerous hyperpigmentary conditions which may clinically resemble melasma. The differential diagnosis of melasma is therefore wide and may prove to be a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. This can delay the appropriate treatment, adversely impacting sufferers. Our review aims to provide clinicians with an understanding of and a comprehensive approach to assessing, diagnosing and treating melasma and other disorders of hyperpigmentation.
Spatio‐temporal changes in chimpanzee density and abundance in the Greater Mahale Ecosystem, Tanzania
Authors: Carvalho Joana S. , Stewart Fiona A. , Marques Tiago A. , Bonnin Noemie , Pintea Lilian , Chitayat Adrienne , Ingram Rebecca , Moore Richard J. , Piel Alex K.
Published: August 2022

Species conservation and management require reliable information about animal distribution and population size. Better management actions within a species' range can be achieved by identifying the location and timing of population changes. In the Greater Mahale Ecosystem (GME), western Tanzania, deforestation due to the expansion of human settlements and agriculture, annual burning, and logging are known threats to wildlife. For one of the most charismatic species, the endangered eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), approximately 75% of the individuals are distributed outside national park boundaries, requiring monitoring and protection efforts over a vast landscape of various protection statuses. These efforts are especially challenging when we lack data on trends in density and population size. To predict spatio‐temporal chimpanzee density and abundance across the GME, we used density surface modeling, fitting a generalized additive model to a 10‐year time‐series data set of nest counts based on line‐transect surveys. The chimpanzee population declined at an annual rate of 2.41%, including declines of 1.72% in riparian forests (from this point forward, forests), 2.05% in miombo woodlands (from this point forward, woodlands) and 3.45% in nonforests. These population declines were accompanied by ecosystem‐wide declines in vegetation types of 1.36% and 0.32% per year for forests and woodlands, respectively; we estimated an annual increase of 1.35% for nonforests. Our model predicted the highest chimpanzee density in forests (0.86 chimpanzees/km2, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 0.60–1.23; as of 2020), followed by woodlands (0.19, 95% CI 0.12–0.30) and nonforests (0.18, 95% CI 0.10–1.33). Although forests represent only 6% of the landscape, they support nearly one‐quarter of the chimpanzee population (769 chimpanzees, 95% CI 536–1103). Woodlands dominate the landscape (71%) and therefore support more than a half of the chimpanzee population (2294; 95% CI 1420–3707). The remaining quarter of the landscape is represented by nonforests and supports another quarter of the chimpanzee population (750; 95% CI 408–1381). Given the pressures on the remaining suitable habitat in Tanzania, and the need of chimpanzees to access both forest and woodland vegetation to survive, we urge future management actions to increase resources and expand the efforts to protect critical forest and woodland habitat and promote strategies and policies that more effectively prevent irreversible losses. We suggest that regular monitoring programs implement a systematic random design to effectively inform and allocate conservation actions and facilitate interannual comparisons for trend monitoring, measuring conservation success, and guiding adaptive management.
Salivary uric acid sensor using the fordable “Finger‐Powered” microfluidic device
Authors: Kudo Hiroyuki , Shibahara Takuya , Tojyo Yoshiki
Published: July 2022

Here, we report a novel biosensing system using a finger‐powered microfluidic device, which is suitable for daily self‐testing of uric acid in saliva. To realize the rapid determination of salivary uric acid, the biosensing system measures directly from the paper‐based saliva sampling device. The microfluidic device has the diaphragm pump, the reagent reservoir, and the reaction cell in which the electrochemical uric acid biosensor is embedded. Once the microfluidic chip has been folded, the finger‐powered microfluidic device prepares the reagent containing the saliva, which is ready to measure. A wireless potentiostat for electrochemical measurement of uric acid with the biosensor was also developed. Combining these elements together, the whole process from saliva sampling to determination was completed in less than a minute (Sensitivity: 0.03 nA/μM). The measurement results were also consistent with that measured using a commercially available uric acid determination kit. Hence, our method is expected to have the potential to enhance the use of biochemical information in the field of healthcare IoT.
Thermal characterization of phase‐changing materials as stabilized thermal energy storage materials in impregnated wood
Authors: Can Ahmet
Published: August 2022

In this study, a palmitic acid‐shellac (PA/Sh) mixture was impregnated into spruce wood. Subsequently, the properties of the modified wood were investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After the impregnation, 10% to 25% weight gains were obtained in the samples. The FT‐IR result demonstrated the physical composition of the PA/Sh mixture. The modified wood samples PA, PASh2, and PASh3 had phase transition temperatures of 59.33°C, 58.37°C, and 58.76°C, and high‐latent heat of 27.54, 10.73, and 14.73 J/g, respectively. The modified wood exhibited high thermal stability because the working temperature was much lower than the decomposition temperature. The SEM analysis showed that the wood microscale pores were filled with PA/Sh. The results obtained determined that the property of storing and releasing solar thermal energy of the modified wood rendered it suitable for practical applications.
Deep graph neural network optimized with fertile field algorithm based detection model for uplink multiuser massive multiple‐input and multiple‐output system
Authors: Eswaramoorthi R. , Leeban Moses M. , Sahul Hameed Jennathu Beevi , Ghanti Basanti
Published: July 2022

The core requirements are generated for sixth generation (6G) wireless communication with low‐latency and ultra‐high speeds to increase the count of ultra scale intelligent factors, like smart cars, mobile root users. The advancement of 6G communication can lead the interference exploitation. To manage the exploitation of uplink multiuser massive (UMM), the multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MIMO) is very difficult to detect the mechanisms, particularly, quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals. To overcome these issues, a novel deep graph neural network optimized with fertile field algorithm based detection model (DGNNO‐FFA) is proposed in this article for uplink multiuser massive MIMO System. The proposed DGNNO‐FFA approach minimizes the channel estimation errors under low signal to noise ratio (SNR) with better bit error rate (BER). Finally, the proposed DGNNO‐FFA approach attains 11.02%, 12.22%, and 25.27% lower BER value, 14.55%, 18.66%, and 29.49% higher energy efficiency, 15.59%, 19.06%, and 29.59% lower NMSE, and 15.59%, 19.06%, and 29.59% lower computational complexity compared with other existing approaches, like deep neural network based semi definite relaxation (DNN‐SDR), QR based zero forcing algorithms (QR‐ZF), and QAM based 2‐dimensional double successive projection model (QAM‐2D‐DSP).
Investigation of the physicochemical, antioxidant, rheological, and sensory properties of ricotta cheese enriched with free and nano‐encapsulated broccoli sprout extract
Authors: Azarashkan Zahra , Motamedzadegan Ali , Ghorbani‐HasanSaraei Azade , Biparva Pourya , Rahaiee Somayeh
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to produce the functional ricotta cheese using broccoli sprouts extract (BSE) and to evaluate its physicochemical, antioxidant, rheological, and sensory properties. The BSE nano‐liposome was nano‐encapsulated into basil seed gum (BSG) and was incorporated into the ricotta cheese formulation in two forms of free and nano‐capsules in two levels of 3% and 5% w/w. The measurements were conducted during a 15‐day storage period at 4–6°C. The results showed that the titratable acidity, hardness, and chewiness of cheeses were increased and the pH, moisture, total phenol content (TPC), and antioxidant activity were decreased (p < .05). With the addition of BSE concentration, the TPC and antioxidant activity increased significantly (p < .05) and applying the nano‐encapsulation method for BSE led to better preservation of bioactive compounds. Based on the rheological results, viscoelastic solid behavior and a weak gel were observed in all cheese samples. The results of sensory evaluation demonstrated that cheeses containing free extract had lower flavor and overall acceptability scores than other samples, which indicates that the nano‐encapsulation covered the undesirable flavor of the BSE. Generally, during the 15‐day cold storage period, the highest sensory acceptance and functional activity were related to the samples containing nano‐encapsulated BSE, especially at the 5% level.
HCC EV ECG score: An extracellular vesicle‐based protein assay for detection of early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Na , Zhang Ceng , Lee Yi‐Te , Tran Benjamin V. , Wang Jing , Kim Hyoyong , Lee Junseok , Zhang Ryan Y. , Wang Jasmine J. , Hu Junhui , Zhang Zhicheng , Alsudaney Manaf S. , Hou Kuan‐Chu , Tang Hubert , Zhang Tiffany X. , Liang Icy Y. , Zhou Ziang , Chen Mengxiang , Yeh Angela Hsiao‐Jiun , Li Wenyuan , Zhou Xianghong Jasmine , Chang Helena R. , Han Steven‐Huy B. , Sadeghi Saeed , Finn Richard S. , Saab Sammy , Busuttil Ronald W. , Noureddin Mazen , Ayoub Walid S. , Kuo Alexander , Sundaram Vinay , Al‐Ghaieb Buraq , Palomique Juvelyn , Kosari Kambiz , Kim Irene K. , Todo Tsuyoshi , Nissen Nicholas N. , Tomasi Maria Lauda , You Sungyong , Posadas Edwin M. , Wu James X. , Wadehra Madhuri , Sim Myung‐Shin , Li Yunfeng , Wang Hanlin L. , French Samuel W. , Lu Shelly C. , Wu Lily , Pei Renjun , Liang Li , Yang Ju Dong , Agopian Vatche G. , Tseng Hsian‐Rong , Zhu Yazhen
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims:

The sensitivity of current surveillance methods for detecting early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is suboptimal. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising circulating biomarkers for early cancer detection. In this study, we aim to develop an HCC EV‐based surface protein assay for early detection of HCC.

Approach and Results:

Tissue microarray was used to evaluate four potential HCC‐associated protein markers. An HCC EV surface protein assay, composed of covalent chemistry‐mediated HCC EV purification and real‐time immuno‐polymerase chain reaction readouts, was developed and optimized for quantifying subpopulations of EVs. An HCC EV
ECG
score, calculated from the readouts of three HCC EV subpopulations (
E
pCAM+ CD63+,
C
D147+ CD63+, and
G
PC3+ CD63+ HCC EVs), was established for detecting early‐stage HCC. A phase 2 biomarker study was conducted to evaluate the performance of ECG score in a training cohort (n = 106) and an independent validation cohort (n = 72).

Overall, 99.7% of tissue microarray stained positive for at least one of the four HCC‐associated protein markers (EpCAM, CD147, GPC3, and ASGPR1) that were subsequently validated in HCC EVs. In the training cohort, HCC EV ECG score demonstrated an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90–0.99) for distinguishing early‐stage HCC from cirrhosis with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 90%. The AUROCs of the HCC EV ECG score remained excellent in the validation cohort (0.93; 95% CI, 0.87–0.99) and in the subgroups by etiology (viral: 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90–1.00; nonviral: 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88–0.99).

Conclusion:

HCC EV ECG score demonstrated great potential for detecting early‐stage HCC. It could augment current surveillance methods and improve patients’ outcomes.
The NADPH oxidase NOX4 regulates redox and metabolic homeostasis preventing HCC progression
Authors: Peñuelas‐Haro Irene , Espinosa‐Sotelo Rut , Crosas‐Molist Eva , Herranz‐Itúrbide Macarena , Caballero‐Díaz Daniel , Alay Ania , Solé Xavier , Ramos Emilio , Serrano Teresa , Martínez‐Chantar María L. , Knaus Ulla G. , Cuezva José M. , Zorzano Antonio , Bertran Esther , Fabregat Isabel
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims:

The NADPH oxidase NOX4 plays a tumor‐suppressor function in HCC. Silencing NOX4 confers higher proliferative and migratory capacity to HCC cells and increases their in vivo tumorigenic potential in xenografts in mice. NOX4 gene deletions are frequent in HCC, correlating with higher tumor grade and worse recurrence‐free and overall survival rates. However, despite the accumulating evidence of a protective regulatory role in HCC, the cellular processes governed by NOX4 are not yet understood. Accordingly, the aim of this work was to better understand the molecular mechanisms regulated by NOX4 in HCC in order to explain its tumor‐suppressor action.

Approach and Results:

Experimental models: cell‐based loss or gain of NOX4 function experiments, in vivo hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine in Nox4‐deficient mice, and analyses in human HCC samples. Methods include cellular and molecular biology analyses, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, as well as histological and immunohistochemical analyses in tissues. Results identified MYC as being negatively regulated by NOX4. MYC mediated mitochondrial dynamics and a transcriptional program leading to increased oxidative metabolism, enhanced use of both glucose and fatty acids, and an overall higher energetic capacity and ATP level. NOX4 deletion induced a redox imbalance that augmented nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity and was responsible for MYC up‐regulation.

Conclusions:

Loss of NOX4 in HCC tumor cells induces metabolic reprogramming in a Nrf2/MYC‐dependent manner to promote HCC progression.
Sustainable management of two‐directional lateral and upconing saltwater intrusion in coastline aquifers to alleviate water scarcity
Authors: Abd‐Elaty Ismail , Kuriqi Alban , Bhat Shakeel Ahmad , Zelenakova Martina
Published: July 2022

Lateral saltwater intrusion (LSWI) and vertical saltwater intrusion (VSWI) are the major problems in coastal aquifers. Coastal aquifers are subjected to natural and artificial changes, including sea‐level rise, decreasing inland recharge, and overexploitation of production wells' water resources. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of changing the coastal aquifers boundary conditions considering climate changes' effect. Parameters describing the upward saline well parameters based on the abstraction conditions, also, the top layer properties were studied based on the erosion and sediments, irrigation, and drainage conditions. For this purpose, the SEAWAT model was employed to simulate lateral SWI based on Henry's problem principle. The sensitivity analysis of the mentioned parameters was accomplished considering as a case study the Biscayne aquifer in the Cutler Ridge area near Deering Estate, Florida, USA, where the LSWI and VSWI were also investigated. The results indicate that the boundary conditions, abstraction well parameters, and top layer cost significantly impact aquifer LSWI and water upconing. The simulation results of the Biscayne aquifer for a saline water head of 84.86 cm for 2060 indicate a decrease in freshwater recharge by 30% and increasing the saltwater concentration by 14.30%. At the same time, the LSWI increased by 3.30%, 22.80%, and 8.70%, while the relative upconing heights reached 0.63, 0.60, and 0.47 compared with 0.42 for the current situation. Increasing the upward saline abstraction well discharge rates by 50% increases the LSWI by 9.40%. In contrast, increasing the depth by 10%; decreases the distance by 30%, the screen length by 30%, the LSWI decreased by 1.80%, 25.10%, and 1.30%, respectively. At the same time, the relative VSWI height reached 0.60, 0.39, 0.48, and 0.40, respectively. Moreover, decreasing the top layer hydraulic conductivity by 25% and increasing the aquitards layer depths by 200% decreased the LSWI by 4.90% and 7.80%, respectively. At the same time, the relative VSWI height reached 0.34 and 0.30, respectively. In addition, the saline water heads, a freshwater recharge should be controlled to manage SWI; the upward well should be utilized at a low abstraction rate, far from the seaside, and with minimum screen length. The agriculture activity for decreasing the soil permeability for the top layer must be extended for better management of the SWI. The solution‐oriented findings resulting from this study might be useful for decision‐makers and engineers to develop effective management measures to tackle the SWI issue in coastal aquifers.
Raman spectroscopy and supervised learning as a potential tool to identify high‐dose‐rate‐brachytherapy induced biochemical profiles of prostate cancer
Authors: Milligan Kirsty , Van Nest Samantha J. , Deng Xinchen , Ali‐Adeeb Ramie , Shreeves Phillip , Punch Samantha , Costie Nathalie , Pavey Nils , Crook Juanita M. , Berman David M. , Brolo Alexandre G. , Lum Julian J. , Andrews Jeffrey L. , Jirasek Andrew
Published: July 2022

High‐dose‐rate‐brachytherapy (HDR‐BT) is an increasingly attractive alternative to external beam radiation‐therapy for patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer. Despite this, no bio‐marker based method currently exists to monitor treatment response, and the changes which take place at the biochemical level in hypo‐fractionated HDR‐BT remain poorly understood. The aim of this pilot study is to assess the capability of Raman spectroscopy (RS) combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and random‐forest classification (RF) to identify radiation response profiles after a single dose of 13.5 Gy in a cohort of nine patients. We here demonstrate, as a proof‐of‐concept, how RS‐PCA‐RF could be utilised as an effective tool in radiation response monitoring, specifically assessing the importance of low variance PCs in complex sample sets. As RS provides information on the biochemical composition of tissue samples, this technique could provide insight into the changes which take place on the biochemical level, as result of HDR‐BT treatment.
Identification of an ERN1 target site within EGFP mRNA
Authors: Baeken Marius W. , Yokobayashi Yohei
Published: July 2022

EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) is one of the most common tools used in life sciences, including research focusing on proteostasis. Here we report that ERN1 (endoplasmic reticulum to nucleus signaling 1), which is upregulated by UPR (unfolded protein response), targets an RNA hairpin loop motif in EGFP mRNA. A silent mutation introduced into EGFP mRNA abolished the ERN1‐dependent mRNA decay. Therefore, experiments that employ EGFP as a reporter gene in studies that involve upregulation of the UPR pathway should be interpreted carefully, and a mutant devoid of the ERN1 target motif may be more suitable for such studies.
Deciphering the signaling mechanisms of β‐arrestin1 and β‐arrestin2 in regulation of cancer cell cycle and metastasis
Authors: Aamna Bari , Kumar Dan Aritra , Sahu Raghaba , Behera Santosh Kumar , Parida Sagarika
Published: July 2022

β‐Arrestins are ubiquitously expressed intracellular proteins with many functions which interact directly and indirectly with a wide number of cellular partners and mediate downstream signaling. Originally, β‐arrestins were identified for their contribution to GPCR desensitization to agonist‐mediated activation, followed by receptor endocytosis and ubiquitylation. However, current investigations have now recognized that in addition to GPCR arresting (hence the name arrestin). β‐Arrestins are adaptor proteins that control the recruitment, activation, and scaffolding of numerous cytoplasmic signaling complexes and assist in G‐protein receptor signaling, thus bringing them into close proximity. They have participated in various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and transcription via canonical and noncanonical pathways. Despite their significant recognition in several physiological processes, these activities are also involved in the onset and progression of various cancers. This review delivers a concise overview of the role of β‐arrestins with a primary emphasis on the signaling processes which underlie the mechanism of β‐arrestins in the onset of cancer. Understanding these processes has important implications for understanding the therapeutic intervention and treatment of cancer in the future.
Two distinctive types of telocytes in gills of fish: A light, immunohistochemical and ultra‐structure study
Authors: Soliman Soha A. , Sobh Ashraf , Ali Lobna ِA. , Abd‐Elhafeez Hanan H.
Published: August 2022

Telocytes (TCs) are a vital constituent of interstitial tissue. They contribute to regulating cell function in heterotypic connections via direct contact or paracrine singling. Few studies mentioned intraepithelial TCs; however, they have been identified with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In this study, we investigated the intraepithelial and interstitial TCs using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and TEM. TCs can be identified by their distinctive telopodes (TPs), which consist of podoms and podomere, using TEM and immunohistochemical staining with CD34, CD117, and VEGF antibodies. Intraepithelial TCs established heterocontact with the lamellar capillary and interstitial TCs connected with the blood vessel in lamina propria. Intraepithelial TCs established direct contact with epithelial cells, which formed the lymph space while interstitial TCs connected with the secondary vascular vessels. The study provides evidence for TCs' heterocontact with lamellar blood capillaries, the blood vessels, chloride cells, and immune cells, such as rodlet cells and lymphocytes. In conclusion, TCs have a role in regulating respiratory activities, maintaining osmotic pressure, modulating the immune response, and conducting immunosurveillance.

Research highlights

We investigated the intraepithelial and interstitial TCs using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and TEM.

TCs can be identified by their distinctive telopodes (TPs), which consist of podoms and podomere, using TEM and immunohistochemical staining with CD34, CD117, and VEGF antibodies.

Intraepithelial TCs established heterocontact with the lamellar capillary and interstitial TCs connected with the blood vessel in lamina propria.
Molecular design and rational optimization of synergistic effect between the two wings of a roughly orthogonal cation‐π‐π stacking system at nasopharyngeal carcinoma YAP1‐TEAD4 parallel Helix‐Helix interaction interface
Authors: Zhu Hongyuan , Xu Shanjing , Wu Jiaojiao , Hu Jun , Mao Xinli
Published: July 2022

The Yes‐associated protein‐1 (YAP1) is an essential regulator of human Hippo signaling pathway and functions through interaction with TEA domain‐4 (TEAD4) transcription factor involved in the tumorigenesis of nasopharyngeal cancer. Previously, a parallel helix‐helix interaction (PHHI) was identified as the key hotspot at YAP1‐TEAD4 complex interface and has been exploited as an attractive druggable target to disrupt the complex. In this study, we investigated a roughly orthogonal cation‐π‐π stacking system across the crystal PHHI packing interface by integrating computational modeling and binding assay, which forms between one YAP1 helical residue Phe69 and two TEAD4 helical residues Phe373/Lys376. A synergistic effect between cation‐π and π‐π interactions was observed; they separately represent two wings of the stacking system. The π‐electron is primarily responsible for the synergistic effect. Combination between diverse aromatic/charged amino acids. as well as neutral alanine on the cation‐π‐π stacking, revealed that the presence of aromatic tryptophan and charged arginine at, respectively, the residues 373 and 376 of TEAD4 helix can considerably improve PHHI binding affinity by ~6‐fold, whereas neutral alanine substitution on each residue and on both would reduce the affinity significantly, confirming a strong synergistic effect involved in the roughly orthogonal cation‐π‐π stacking system at YAP1‐TEAD4 PHHI interface.
Auxin application to maize plants at flowering increases abundance and activity of plasma membrane H+‐ATPase in developing maize kernels
Authors: Tscharn Franziska T. , Hütsch Birgit W. , Dreute Jan , Schubert Sven
Published: August 2022

Background

The kernel number of maize (Zea mays L.) at maturity is mainly determined at the time around pollination. Kernel abortion frequently occurs during this period, leading to grain yield depressions. Plasma membrane (PM) H+‐ATPase was identified as a key enzyme responsible for supply of assimilates to the developing maize kernels shortly after pollination.

Aims

This study aimed at stimulating PM H+‐ATPase activity in the kernels by in vivo application of the auxin indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) to maize plants at flowering, leading to an improved hexose uptake and finally to a better kernel set.

Methods

Maize plants were cultivated under well‐watered conditions using the container technique. IAA was applied to unstressed maize plants twice, 2 days before controlled pollination and at pollination (application rate per plant: 1.9 mL of 1.5 mM IAA). The developing kernels were harvested 2 days after pollination, and PM vesicles were isolated and purified using two‐phase partitioning.

Results

The in vitro hydrolytic activity of the PM H+‐ATPase was significantly stimulated by 22% due to in vivo IAA application (control: 0.99 ± 0.05, IAA treatment: 1.21 ± 0.03* μmol inorganic phosphate mg–1 protein min–1). Vmax was significantly increased by IAA treatment, whereas Km was reduced. The maximal pH gradient (ΔA492) at the PM was increased by 10% (control: 0.071 ± 0.002, IAA treatment: 0.078 ± 0.002*). IAA caused a significant increase of PM H+‐ATPase abundance in the vesicles. Concentrations of sucrose and hexoses as well as acid invertase activity in the kernels were unaffected by IAA treatment. However, at maturity kernel numbers per cob were significantly decreased causing grain yield reductions of 19%.

Conclusions

Increased PM H+‐ATPase activity could not be translated into grain yield improvements. Probably the auxin application occurred too early during kernel development. As cytokinins play a key role during pollination, auxin application at this stage may have disturbed the phytohormone balance, causing disruption of cell division and a rather early onset of cell extension due to increased IAA concentrations. In further studies, it should be tested if applications of cytokinin at flowering or of IAA at a later growth stage have positive impacts on kernel set.
Synthesis of tri‐cationic surfactants containing two amide functional groups and inhibition effectiveness against metal corrosion in acidic medium
Authors: Öztürk Serkan , Altınölçek Nuray
Published: August 2022

In this study, two tri‐cationic surfactants containing two amide functional groups and three positively charged quaternary aminium nitrogens were synthesized. The structures of the synthesized surfactants were proved by various spectroscopic methods (FT‐IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR). Inhibition activities of two synthesized products against mild steel corrosion were determined using the weight loss method in 1.0 M HCl acidic medium. As a result of corrosion tests performed by immersing metal coupons in acidic solutions with different inhibitor concentrations for 24 h at room temperature, close and effective inhibitions were obtained for both surfactants. It has been found that the number of carbons in the long carbon chain in their structures is an effective factor in corrosion protection. In the acid environment, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the inhibitor with more carbon in the long chain was found slightly higher than the other. While the compound containing 16 carbon atoms in its long chain showed corrosion inhibition over 92%, the compound containing 12 carbons in its long chain exhibited corrosion inhibition of 90% and below. In addition, some physicochemical parameters such as critical micelle concentration, surface tensions at this concentration, and free energy of micelle formation were calculated for the tri‐cationic surfactants in order to correlate them with their anti‐corrosion activities. Surface images were also taken by scanning electron microscope, which is an important supporting evidence that surfactants adsorb on the metal surface and protect the surface from corrosion, to determine the roughness conditions on the metal surfaces immersed in the acid solution.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolites of glycosides and lignans of the stem bark of Magnolia officinalis in functional dyspepsia and normal rats using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Jidan , Li Hongmei , Hou Liwei , Sun Jianhui , Wang Weihao , Li Hua , Yang Weipeng , Rong Peijing , Nan Tiegui , Kang Liping , Yang Bin
Published: July 2022

The stem bark of Magnolia officinalis is a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of abdominal distention and functional dyspepsia. The pharmacokinetics of three glycosides (magnoloside A, magnoloside B, and syringin) and two lignans (honokiol and magnolol) in both normal and functional dyspepsia rats were firstly investigated by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method and the influences of the coexisting compounds on the pharmacokinetic parameters of honokiol and magnolol were also studied. It was found that all of the five target compounds were quickly absorbed and eliminated in both normal and functional dyspepsia rats, while, their residence time was significantly decreased in pathological states except magnoloside A. The coexisting compounds in the stem bark of M. officinalis significantly reduced absorption and increased elimination of honokiol in vivo. It's worth noticing that the volume of distribution of lignan was quite lower than that of a glycoside. Moreover, the metabolic profiling of magnoloside A, honokiol, and magnolol in vivo was analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method, from which three prototypes were identified and 35 metabolites were putatively characterized, and 18 unknown metabolites were reasonably characterized for the first time. The results indicated that sulfation and glucuronidation were the main metabolic pathways of honokiol and magnolol.
Depression, anxiety and adjustment disorder among patients with psoriasis receiving systemic agents: A retrospective cohort study in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Milan Raymond , LeLorier Jacques , Brouillette Marie‐Josée , Holbrook Anne , Litvinov Ivan V. , Rahme Elham
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Patients with psoriasis are at risk of depression, anxiety and adjustment disorder (DAAD). Randomized control trials reported improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms among patients with psoriasis receiving tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and ustekinumab (TNFi/UST) versus placebo and conventional systemic agents (CSA). The risk of DAAD among TNFi/UST versus CSA users was not assessed in real‐world settings.

Objective

To compare DAAD incidence among patients with psoriasis using CSA and subsequently received (vs. not) TNFi/UST.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the province of Quebec health administrative databases (1997–2015). Among adult patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis and initiating a CSA, we included those who later initiated a TNFi/UST, as a switch or add‐on, at the date of their first prescription fill (index‐date). We also included TNFi/UST nonusers at a date chosen to match the time between the first CSA and the index date of a random TNFi/UST user. TNFi/UST nonusers were classified into current or previous CSA users according to their last CSA received in the 90 days before or after their index date. Marginal structural Cox regression models weighted by the inverse probability of exposure compared the risk of DAAD between TNFi/UST, current and previous CSA users. Additional analyses were conducted by age group and sex.

Results

Our cohort included 1333 patients with psoriasis: 183 TNFi/UST users, 625 current CSA users and 525 previous CSA users. TNFi/UST users were at a lower risk of DAAD versus previous CSA users (hazard ratio 0.48, 95% confidence intervals: 0.28–0.94). The reduction in risk among TNFi/UST users was not statistically significant versus current CSA users. Similar results were observed across different age groups and sex.

Conclusion

Among patients with psoriasis receiving CSA, those who were subsequently dispensed TNFi/UST were at a lower risk of DAAD compared to those who did not receive these agents.
The Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Head and Neck Malignancies Presentation and Survival
Authors: Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Sullivan Christopher B. , Shama Mohamed A. , Pagedar Nitin A. , Kandil Emad
Published: August 2022

Objective

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid expansion became effective in states that have adopted it. We aim to examine its impact on head and neck cancers.

Methods

A retrospective study that utilizes the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, 2010–2016. Study population included patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), differentiated thyroid carcinoma, and head and neck cutaneous melanoma. The objective is to examine disease‐specific survival before and after Medicaid expansion.

Results

In states that adopted Medicaid expansion, the ratio of Medicaid: uninsured patients increased from 3:1 to 9:1 (p < 0.001). In states that did not adopt Medicaid expansion, the ratio increased from 1:1 to 2:1 (p < 0.001), making the increase in Medicaid coverage in states that adopted the expansion significantly higher (p < 0.001). Patients diagnosed with HNSCC before the expansion had worse survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.11, 1.39, p < 0.001) in states that adopted Medicaid expansion.

Conclusions

Early data indicate that implementation of ACA improved disease‐specific survival of patients with HNSCC.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:1409–1414, 2023
Correlation of Nasal Mucosal Temperature and Nasal Patency—A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study
Authors: Tjahjono Richard , Salati Hana , Inthavong Kiao , Singh Narinder
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Recent evidence suggests that detection of nasal mucosal temperature, rather than direct airflow detection, is the primary determinant of subjective nasal patency. This study examines the role of nasal mucosal temperature in the perception of nasal patency using in vivo and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) measurements.

Methods

Healthy adult participants completed Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaires. A temperature probe measured nasal mucosal temperature at the vestibule, inferior turbinate, middle turbinate, and nasopharynx bilaterally. Participants underwent a CT scan, used to create a 3D nasal anatomy model to perform CFD analysis of nasal mucosal and inspired air temperature and heat flux along with mucosal surface area where heat flux >50 W/m2 (SAHF50).

Results

Eleven participants with a median age of 27 (IQR 24; 48) were recruited. Probe‐measured temperature values correlated strongly with CFD‐derived values (r = 0.87, p < 0.05). Correlations were seen anteriorly in the vestibule and inferior turbinate regions between nasal mucosal temperature and unilateral VAS (r = 0.42–0.46; p < 0.05), between SAHF50 and unilateral VAS (r = −0.31 to −0.36; p < 0.05) and between nasal mucosal temperature and SAHF50 (r = −0.37 to −0.41; p < 0.05). Subjects with high patency (VAS ≤10) had increased heat flux anteriorly compared with lower patency subjects (VAS >10; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Lower nasal mucosal temperature and higher heat flux within the anterior nasal cavity correlates with a perception of improved unilateral nasal patency in healthy individuals.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:1328–1335, 2023
Insights into optimising education for patients living with diabetes mellitus: A model for the post‐pandemic era, informed by survey data
Authors: Hanson Petra , Parmar Dilan , Deo Pranay , Whyteoshodi Daniella , Gotts Charlotte , O'Hare Paul J. , Randeva Harpal , Barber Thomas M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Patient education represents the key element in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) and has changed dramatically during the last 3 years. Uptake of structured education is poor, and patient perception of received education varies greatly. The purpose of this study was to assess patients’ perception of adequacy of delivered education, barriers to attending structured courses and preferences for ongoing DM‐related education.

Methods

Patients living with Type 2 DM attending diabetes clinics were invited to complete a questionnaire about their understanding of DM, adequacy of offered education and desired features of future courses, following their clinic appointment at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW). Those interested (n = 146) completed this questionnaire.

Results

Participants’ mean age was 58.2 years (standard deviation [SD] 13.6, median 59, interquartile range [IQR] 50–66), mean body mass index 34.5 Kgm–2 (SD 9.1, median 33.7 Kgm–2, IQR 29.8–41.7) and duration of T2DM was 13 years (SD 10, median 10 years, IQR 3–19). Thirty‐one per cent of participants received no education at the time of their diagnosis with 51% of participants reporting no ongoing DM‐related education. Thirty‐seven per cent of participants did not understand the meaning of HbA1c. Preference for face‐to‐face versus remote delivery of DM‐related education was roughly split, with 51% preferring the former. Attention to self‐compassion and mental health needs were identified as key elements currently missing from DM‐related education.

Conclusion

The provision of DM‐related education pre‐pandemic did not meet patients’ needs. Gaining insight and understanding into the gaps within current DM‐related educational provision and patient preferences for its delivery are key strategies in the development of reformed DM‐related education that will ultimately equip patients with improved self‐management skills.
Juggling two pandemics: The simultaneous necessity and difficulty of practising lifestyle medicine during the COVID‐19 era
Authors: Shipley Alexandra , Fallows Ellen
Published: August 2022

Since early 2020, COVID‐19 has dominated headlines, claimed millions of lives, crippled global economies, overwhelmed health services, attracted multi‐disciplinary scientific attention and transformed our daily lives. Unsurprisingly, the Lifestyle Medicine field has not been immune to the pandemic's wide‐reaching influence. Although COVID‐19 highlighted the necessity of maintaining healthy behaviours, the associated lockdowns and social distancing measures challenged our ability to do so. Attempts to mitigate the spread of COVID‐19 may, therefore, have exacerbated the obesity pandemic and other diseases associated with unhealthy lifestyle habits. One hopes this devastating virus provides the impetus for policymakers, clinicians and patients to collaborate in tackling the diseases of modern life. This commentary explores how lifestyle‐correlated conditions (which are closely intertwined with socioeconomic factors) rendered much of the UK population vulnerable to COVID‐19 infection, morbidity and mortality. Subsequently, we consider the impact of lockdown measures on the accessibility of healthy living, focussing on eating behaviours, physical activity, relationships, sleep and substance abuse, as well as the social demographics particularly affected. Approaching the aftermath of this vicious cycle with optimism, we discuss why the post‐Covid era presents a unique opportunity for Lifestyle Medicine, as an evidence‐based approach to supporting patients to adopt and sustain healthy behaviours.
Joint detection of miR‐149‐3p and hepcidin predicts the onset of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in obese patients
Authors: Xu Lina , Gao Haipeng , Wang Weizhen
Published: August 2022

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a potentially fatal sleep respiratory disorder, and hepcidin has been found to be related with OSAS onset and severity. This study aimed to examine the serum expression of microRNA‐149‐3p (miR‐149‐3p) and hepcidin in OSAS patients, and evaluate the predictive value of miR‐149‐3p and hepcidin for OSAS occurrence in obese population.

Methods

This study analyzed the data from 212 OSAS patients and 120 control individuals. OSAS severity was evaluated by apnea hypopnea index (AHI) from polysomnography. Serum miR‐149‐3p was examined using reverse transcription quantitative PCR, and hepcidin and inflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA kits. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of miR‐142‐3p and hepcidin for OSAS in obese population, and ROC curve was plotted to assess the predictive accuracy.

Results

Serum miR‐149‐3p and hepcidin were increased in OSAS patients, especially in the severe cases, and had diagnostic potential to distinguish OSAS. High miR‐149‐3p and hepcidin were positively correlated with OSAS patients' inflammatory cytokines. Obese OSAS patients had the highest miR‐149‐3p and hepcidin levels, and the two molecules had predictive value of OSAS present in obese population, and the combination of miR‐149‐3p and hepcidin showed the highest predictive accuracy.

Conclusion

Serum miR‐149‐3p and hepcidin levels were elevated in OSAS patients and correlated with disease severity and systemic inflammation. miR‐149‐3p and hepcidin levels have diagnostic value to distinguish OSAS, exhibited predictive value for OSAS in obese population, and the joint detection of the two molecules showed the highest predictive accuracy.
Reproduction influences seasonal eDNA variation in a temperate marine fish community
Authors: Collins Rupert A. , Baillie Charles , Halliday Nicholas C. , Rainbird Sophie , Sims David W. , Mariani Stefano , Genner Martin J.
Published: August 2022

Many factors influence how environmental DNA (eDNA) abundance varies in natural environments. One of the least studied contributors to eDNA variation is that of reproduction. Marine organisms that broadcast spawn are expected to shed increased quantities of DNA in association with the release of gametes and the elevated levels of activity associated with reproduction. To test this hypothesis at the community level, we present a year‐long eDNA time‐series of a temperate sea‐shelf fish assemblage combined with adult fish and ichthyoplankton abundance data. Our results show that eDNA is associated with species abundance estimated by conventional fish surveys at all life stages (adult, larval, and egg), and was on average 2.3‐fold more abundant during predicted fish reproductive periods.
Exploiting Minimalistic Backbone Engineered γ‐Phenylalanine for the Formation of Supramolecular Co‐Polymer
Authors: Misra Rajkumar , Tang Yiming , Chen Yujie , Chakraborty Priyadarshi , Netti Francesca , Vijayakanth Thangavel , Shimon Linda J. W. , Wei Guanghong , Adler‐Abramovich Lihi
Published: August 2022

Ordered supramolecular hydrogels assembled by modified aromatic amino acids often exhibit low mechanical rigidity. Aiming to stabilize the hydrogel and understand the impact of conformational freedom and hydrophobicity on the self‐assembly process, two building blocks based on 9‐fluorenyl‐methoxycarbonyl‐phenylalanine (Fmoc‐Phe) gelator which contain two extra methylene units in the backbone, generating Fmoc‐γPhe and Fmoc‐(3‐hydroxy)‐γPhe are designed. Fmoc‐γPhe spontaneously assembled in aqueous media forming a hydrogel with exceptional mechanical and thermal stability. Moreover, Fmoc‐(3‐hydroxy)‐γPhe, with an extra backbone hydroxyl group decreasing its hydrophobicity while maintaining some molecular flexibility, self‐assembled into a transient fibrillar hydrogel, that later formed microcrystalline aggregates through a phase transition. Molecular dynamics simulations and single crystal X‐ray analyses reveal the mechanism underlying the two residues' distinct self‐assembly behaviors. Finally, Fmoc‐γPhe and Fmoc‐(3‐OH)‐γPhe co‐assembly to form a supramolecular hydrogel with notable mechanical properties are demonstrated. It has been believed that the understanding of the structure‐assembly relationship will enable the design of new functional amino acid‐based hydrogels.
Regulation of oocyte maturation: Role of conserved ERK signaling
Authors: Das Debabrata , Arur Swathi
Published: July 2022

During oogenesis, oocytes arrest at meiotic prophase I to acquire competencies for resuming meiosis, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Following this arrested period, oocytes resume meiosis in response to species‐specific hormones, a process known as oocyte maturation, that precedes ovulation and fertilization. Involvement of endocrine and autocrine/paracrine factors and signaling events during maintenance of prophase I arrest, and resumption of meiosis is an area of active research. Studies in vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms have delineated the molecular determinants and signaling pathways that regulate oocyte maturation. Cell cycle regulators, such as cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK1), polo‐like kinase (PLK1), Wee1/Myt1 kinase, and the phosphatase CDC25 play conserved roles during meiotic resumption. Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), on the other hand, while activated during oocyte maturation in all species, regulates both species‐specific, as well as conserved events among different organisms. In this review, we synthesize the general signaling mechanisms and focus on conserved and distinct functions of ERK signaling pathway during oocyte maturation in mammals, non‐mammalian vertebrates, and invertebrates such as Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans.
Pain, sleep, fatigue, and activities of daily living in patients with neuropathy
Authors: Karam Chafic
Published: August 2022

See article on pages 404‐410 in this issue