bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Metabolic Syndrome and its Associated Factors in Patients with Breast Carcinoma at Tertiary Care University Hospitals of Pakistan
Authors: Keerio Rabail Bashir , Abbas Sidra , Owais Muhammad Abid , Iqbal Muhammad , Naqvi Syeda Saima Qamar , Arain Abdul Ghaffar
Published: January 2022

Objective: To determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors in patients with biopsy proven breast cancer at tertiary care university hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at the hospitals affiliated with Dow university of health sciences & Baqai medical university from January 2018 to September 2019.A total of 114women between 30 to 50 years of age presented to the out patients clinics and underwent triple assessment including detailed history &examination, radiological assessment and fine needle aspiration cytology for confirmation of breast cancer were included in the study after taking written informed consent. Along with the routine baseline investigations blood sugar for hyperglycemia&blood sample for lipid profile was taken in fasting from Dow Lab. Blood pressure of the patients was also checked along with the weight, height and waist measurements. The SPSS version 19 was applied to the data for description and analysis.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 42.57 ±4.90 years. Stages of cancer showed that stage III was found in majority (n=50, 43.9%). Frequency of metabolic syndrome was observed in 44 (38.6%) of the patients. A significant association of metabolic syndrome with educational status (p-value <0.001), Hypertension (p-value <0.001), Central obesity (p-value <0.001), Fasting blood sugar levels (p-value <0.001), Triglyceride levels (p-value <0.001), High density lipoprotein levels (p-value <0.001), and different Stages of breast cancer (p-value 0.003) was observed.

Conclusion: This study show that a significant number of patients with breast cancer are suffering from metabolic syndrome which is also correlates with the educational status of the patients.
Oral Submucous Fibrosis – A Clinicopathological Correlation
Authors: Sudarshan R.
Published: January 2022

Objective: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder of the oral mucosa and collagen metabolic disorder caused by betel nut use. Diagnosis of this condition can be made clinically, but ascertaining its malignant transformation histopathology is mandatory. So, the correlation between the clinical and histopathology was conducted. Materials and Methods: The correlation study was conducted on 20 OSMF patients. Clinical diagnosis with histopathological confirmation was based on the standard approach. Study structure included gender, duration, frequency, and quid placement correlated with clinical and histopathological staging.

Results: The current study has included most of the subjects being males and was below 25 years. Habit duration, frequency, and quid placement were correlated with clinical and histopathological staging and were directly related. Six subjects of (30%) Group 1 cases associated with 3 (42.9%) in the histologically early stage of the disease. Further, 14 (70%) cases in Group 2 clinical staging correlated with 8 (88.9%) cases in moderately advanced histological staging.

Conclusion: The clinical and histopathological correlation was not obtained in the present study. The negative p-value could be because of certain factors like biopsy site selection and decreased study subjects. However, factors like frequency and quid keeping had a positive histopathological correlation.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dental Practitioners towards Screening for Oral Pre-Cancer and Cancer
Authors: Manju J. , Krithika Chandrasekaran
Published: January 2022

One of the global health issues is Oral cancer, which has an increased death rate. Awareness of oral cancer screening is important for oral health care professionals for early detection and improving the patients' survival rate. Attitude towards oral cancer awareness and knowledge of oral cancer screening are the key factors that impact oral cancer awareness success.

Materials and Methods: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental practitioners and dental students towards screening for oral pre-cancer and cancer. This study included dental practitioners working in various academic institutions and private practitioners in Chennai. Participants were asked to fill in age, gender, designation, and experience. A structured questionnaire consisting of 10 questions, each having four options, was administered to the participants. The data collected was 100 responses analyzed by statistical package for the social science (spss inc., version 16 for, Chicago, IL, USA). Simple descriptive statistics were used to describe the distribution of data collected. T-test and ANOVA were employed to assess the statistically significant difference in the KAP scores between different groups.

Results: The response rate for the present study was 100%. 37% of general dental practitioners reported that they routinely do a thorough oral examination for all the patients,52% agree that they are adequately trained to examine patients for oral pre-cancer and cancer screening,8% of them reported that they never do toluidine blue staining for patients with oral lesion. Majority(57) of them agree that they would recommend biopsy for suspected cases of oral cancer. Only 9% of the participants were aware of the time required for intraoral screening examination. 31% of them were aware of the risk of malignant transformation in a white lesion. 73% of the participants were aware of the occurrence of oral cancer in non - tobacco users was rare. 53% of agree that thorough intraoral examination for oral cancer will reduce oral cancer mortality and morbidity.
Correlation of Hemoglobin A1c Test (HbAlc) with Different Grades of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Jehan Fathima
Published: January 2022

Diabetic retinopathy is a disorder which generally affects the retina and disturbs the microvasculature of it and is the most dreaded complication of diabetes. This study included 50 patients with diabetic retinopathy, out of which 4% of patients infected with Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), 48% with mild and 20% with very high NPDR. 8% of cases had very severe NPDR while the rest 20% had PDR. Our results which showed a higher prevalence of CSME in patients with HBA 1c of 8. 7 % and above. From the finding the elevated lipid levels in serum are associated with high risk of CSME and retinal hard exudates.
Relationship between the Preoperative Albumin Levels and Postoperative Complications in Carcinoma Stomach Patients
Authors: Haneesh Marella , Merlin Samuel Dev
Published: January 2022

Background: Malnutrition in gastrointestinal cancer patients adversely affects the surgical outcomes. low serum albumin and postoperative complications were associated with one another.

Objectives: To find out the relationship between preoperative albumin levels and postoperative complications among carcinoma stomach patients.

Materials and Methods: The present study was a single institution retrospective study carried out in the department of general surgery, Saveetha medical college and hospital between February 2021 to July 2021. Fifty patients diagnosed with carcinoma stomach and electively posted for surgery during the study period were included into the study. The data was collected using structured proforma. Preoperative albumin and haemoglobin levels were estimated using blood samples. All the data collected were analysed using SPSS version 23.

Results: The preoperative albumin levels among those who had reported complication was 3.04±0.19 g/dl while those who had no complication in the postoperative period had preoperative albumin level of 3.82±0.31g/dl. The preoperative mean haemoglobin level among those who developed complications in the post operative period was 9.68±0.95 mg/dl and the mean haemoglobin level among those with no complication was 11.46±1.89 mg/dl. Albumin and haemoglobin values were found to be negatively correlated with duration of stay in hospital.

Conclusion: Malnutrition in the preoperative period would increase the probability of occurrence of postoperative complications and increased duration of stay in hospital. Attending to malnutrition of the admitted patients in the preoperative period would help in decreasing the postoperative complications and duration of stay.
To Assess the Knowledge Regarding Glaucoma among General Population
Authors: Dhengare Archana , Raut Arti
Published: January 2022

Background: The level of knowledge of glaucoma and their possible determinants in a group of people diagnosed with glaucoma and in a population based group without glaucoma. Studies performed on the prevalence of glaucoma have reported a high proportion of undiagnosed patients. Late diagnosis is related to increased risk of glaucoma associated with visual impairment and disability. Lack of awareness and non-availability of appropriate screening procedures are among the major reasons for non-diagnosis or late diagnosis of glaucoma. The present study has been undertaken to evaluate the level of awareness about glaucoma among the general population.

Objective: 1. To assess the knowledge regarding glaucoma among general population. 2. To find an association between the level of knowledge with selected socio demographic variables.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in selected hospital. Descriptive  research approach was used in this study. Hundred people in the general population were selected for the study. Structured knowledge questionnaire was used to collect the  data. 

Results: The show that 1 (1%) had poor level of knowledge, 27(27%) were having an average level of knowledge. Fifty seven percent (57%) had a good level of knowledge, fifth teen present 15 (15%) had very good knowledge.  None exhibited excellent level of knowledge. The minimum score was 3 and the maximum score was 12, with the mean score for the test being 7.61 ±1.814 and mean percentage of knowledge was 50.73%.
Effects of Terazosin, Silodosin and Alfuzosin on Depression and Anxiety in Mice
Authors: Tanyeri Mehmet Hanifi , Buyukokuroglu Mehmet Emin , Tanyeri Pelin , Kaya Rumeysa Keles , Ozturk Aykut , Bozkurt Şeyma Nur Basarir , Ormanci Dilara , Mutlu Oguz
Published: January 2022

Aims: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common urological disease, is characterized by lower urinary tract syndrome, usually associated with sexual dysfunctions. The aim of present study is to investigate the effects of terazosin, silodosin and alfuzosin which are the main treatment options for BPH on depression and anxiety to understand whether these drugs may be effective in BPH caused mood disorders.

Study Design: All the drugs were given intraperitoneally (i.p.) in a volume of 0.1 ml per 10 g body weight of mice. Drugs were given 30 min before the experiment. We investigated the effects of terazosin, silodosin and alfuzosin on depression and anxiety, in mice.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Department of Pharmacology and Department of Urology, Sakarya University, Animal Research Center, between June 2019 and September 2020.

Methodology: Here, we examined the effects of terazosin (0.5, 1, 2 mg/kg), silodosin silodosin (1, 3, 10 mg/kg) and alfuzosin (3, 6 and 9 mg/kg) on depression and anxiety by using forced swimming test and elevated plus maze test, respectively, in mice (n:96). Additionally, the locomotor activity was evaluated by open field test.

Results: All doses of terazosin, alfuzosin and silodosin significantly increased immobility time, compared to saline group. Silodosin and alfuzosin prolonged the time spent in open arms but terazosin decreased the time spent in open arms compared to saline group. Terazosin, silodosin (1 and 3 mg/kg) and alfuzosin (3 and 6 mg/kg) did not have any effect on the number of entries into the open arms while silodosin (10 mg/kg) and alfuzosin (9 mg/kg) increased the number of entries into open arms.

Conclusion: We found that silodosin and alfuzosin had antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects, while terazosin had depressant and anxiogenic effects. Patients with BPH who need antidepressant and anxiolytic treatment can be treated with a single drug instead of multiple medications.
Exploring the Factors Affecting Organic Food Purchase as Immunity Booster during the Pandemic
Authors: Domle Vajreshwari , Chib Shiney , Ambad Ranjit , Jha Roshan Kumar
Published: January 2022

Organic food products are gaining popularity and are widely accepted by the consumers all over the world.  As they are grown and processed without the use of chemicals, consumers feel that it is safe for consumption and does not have any health hazards. The ongoing pandemic situation, COVID-19 has also given a momentum to the acceptance level of these products, as producers are marketing their products with a tag, ‘immunity booster’.  This study was an effort to identify and validate the dimensions influencing organic food purchase by the consumers.  Questionnaire having 45 questions was developed and administered to 750 respondents. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to explore the factors determining organic food purchase.  Exploratory factor analysis yielded five-factor structure.  Confirmatory factor analysis was used to verify and confirm, the five-factor structure.  Multiple  Regression Analysis  was applied to identify the most prominent factor, which influenced the customer to make the purchase.
Review on Assessment and Evaluation of Vitiligo in Primary Care
Authors: Algaows Faisal Suliman , Bukhari Tala Shawkat , Asiri Tahani Mohammed , Almazyadi Abdulkarim Mudbigh , Khahar Salma Abdul , Alhakeem Ayshah Mohammed K. , Albouri Danah Youssef A. , Alsindi Ali Nasser , Alzeadi Haytham Saleh , Alkanas Amjad Omar , Almotiry Meshary Saud , Alanazi Ashwaq Laili , Alabdulaziz Ahmed Abdulrazagh M.
Published: January 2022

Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder characterised by the disappearance of melanocytes, resulting in well-defined white patches that are frequently symmetrically distributed. The lack of melanin pigment makes the lesional skin more sensitive to sunburn. Vitiligo can be cosmetically disfiguring, and it is a stigmatising condition that can lead to serious psychologic problems in daily life. Vitiligo is treated with a variety of topical and systemic medications, phototherapy, laser therapy, and surgical therapy. Corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and vitamin-D analogues are examples of topical treatment modalities. Phototherapy is a highly effective treatment method. It causes repigmentation in the majority of patients with early and localised disease. Because vitiligo is associated with other autoimmune disorders, a multidisciplinary approach is required. Collaboration and communication between primary care physicians and dermatologists are critical. This review aims to assess role of primary care physicians in assessment and management of vitiligo in primary care settings.
Cord Bilirubin Value as a Predictor of Significant Hyperbilirubinemia in Abo Incompatiblity
Authors: Sundaram C. Shanmuga
Published: January 2022

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition in which the blood contains too much bilirubin and producing jaundice (yellow coloring of the eyes and skin). Low bilirubin levels in newborns are common and do not pose any problems; they will resolve on their own within the first week of life. Studying the cord bilirubin levels in new born babies is significant to predict the risk of abo incompatiblity.

Methods: A total of 129 babies born to O blood group mother were included in the study. Out of which 111 babies were with risk of ABO incompatibility. Among them 17 babies developed pathological hyperbilirubinemia. None of the 0 positive babies developed pathological hyperbilirubinemia.

Results: The peak bilirubin level was attained on 3rd and 4th day for all the babies and was taken as the outcome measure and cord serum bilirubin was taken as the predictive factor. The incidence of pathological hyperbilirubinemia is 13.2%. The mode of delivery had no positive association with the development of pathological hyperbilirubinemia. Male babies had positive ociation for pathological hyperbilirubinemia without any statistical significance. Incidence of pathological hyperbilirubinemia is higher in babies with a birth weight of <3 kg.

Conclusion: A cord bilirubin value of 2.65 mg/dL can be used as a cut off for predicting pathological hyperbilirubinemia. Infants with bilirubin level more than the cutoff values were subjected to early intervention with complete recovery. None of the babies had developed encephalopathy and its sequelae.
Formulation Development of Novel Curcumin Analogue Loaded Non-aqueous Gel and Curcumin Analogue Loaded Nanoparticle (CA-NP) Gel for Topical Use and In-vitro Antioxidant Study
Authors: Gokhale Kunal M. , Pandey Dhara S.
Published: January 2022

In this paper we have reported development of suitable dosage form for novel curcumin analogue synthesized in our laboratory. The work involves preformulation studies of synthesized curcumin analogue followed by preparation and optimization of non-aqueous gel and curcumin loaded (CA-NP) nanoparticle gel. The formulated gels were observed visually for clarity, homogeneity, and phase separation.  They were tested for their appearance and presence of any aggregates. Curcumin analogue loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by using the nanoprecipitation -solvent evaporation method and further optimized. In-vitro antioxidant activity of formulation was then evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging activity. The gel exhibited good antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 5.39 μg/ml.
Impact of COVID-19 on Taste and Smell Sensation among Population in Western Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Issa Lotfi , Alotaibi Feras , Almalki Abdulrahman , Albaradi Abdulelah , Alawi Hamad , Althobaiti Khalid , Althwiby Meshary
Published: January 2022

Background: COVID-19 is pandemic disease caused by (SARS-CoV-2) first discovered in China in December 2019. It affects smell and taste sensation among large proportion of patients with COVID-19.

The aims of this study is to asses impact of COVID-19 on smell and taste sensation among COVID-19 patients in western region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: The study design was descriptive cross sectional and our sample was be is 500 patients with COVID-19. The data was collected by using structured questionnaire which was distributed electronically and contain (sociodemographic data, diagnosed with COVID-19, status of smell and taste sensation…). The data was analyzed using SPSS program version 22.

Results: We were able to collect 404 responses to our questionnaire with response rate of 80.8 %. The mean age of total sample was 32.1 years with standard deviation of 14.34 years and 56.1 % of participants were females. Prevalence of weak or loss of smell or taste after infection with the emerging corona virus was 74.4%. Moreover, we found that patients who had weak or loss of smell or taste because of COVID-19 were older than those whose sense did not be affected. Moreover, non- Saudi Arabian were more affected by losing of smell and taste with significant difference (P=0.026). Considering medical conditions of patients, we found that patients with any medical conditions were associated with significantly higher incidence of losing smell and taste.

Conclusion: The prevalence of losing smell and taste among patients with COVID-19 in our sample were high and was higher in older patients, male, Saudi arabian and those with other medical conditions. More investigations should be conducted to assess the same variables using retrospective study design.
Visualising a Transformative Space that Puts People and Climate First
Authors: Brett Miriam
Published: January 2022

Miriam Brett, Director of Research and Advocacy at London‐based think tank Common Wealth, believes the Covid‐19 pandemic has exposed numerous inequalities in our societies. Common Wealth engages in projects that seek to replace these inequalities with sustainable, equitable and remodelled economic frameworks on which our cities and landscapes can be rebuilt. Here she describes a recent scheme where Green New Deal policies are implemented in Glasgow.
Monsoonal Solidarity: A Global Approach to Climate Justice
Authors: Bremner Lindsay
Published: January 2022

Director of Research at the School of Architecture and Cities at London's University of Westminster and former Principal Investigator of the Monsoon Assemblages research project, Lindsay Bremner investigates the historic, colonial, financial and contemporary dynamic between the Global North and the Global South, particularly in relation to the monsoon and climate justice.
Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Biotherapy Platform for Targeted Photodynamic Immunotherapy of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Hanxi , Feng Yi , Xie Xiaoxue , Song Ting , Yang Geng , Su Qingqing , Li Tingting , Li Shun , Wu Chunhui , You Fengming , Liu Yiyao , Yang Hong
Published: January 2022

Interleukin‐12 (IL12) is a pleiotropic cytokine with promising prospects for cancer immunotherapy. Though IL12 gene‐based therapy can overcome the fatal hurdle of severe systemic toxicity, targeted delivery and tumor‐located expression of IL12 gene remain the challenging issues yet to be solved. Photo‐immunotherapy emerging as a novel and precise therapeutic strategy, which elaborately combines immune‐activating agents with light‐triggered photosensitizers for potentiated anticancer efficacy. Herein, an engineered stem cell‐based biotherapy platform (MB/IL12‐MSCs) incorporating immune gene plasmid IL12 (pIL12) and photosensitizer methylene blue (MB) is developed to realize tumor‐homing delivery of therapeutic agents and photo‐immunotherapy efficacy enhancement. The biotherapy platform retained tumor‐tropic migration and penetration functions, which improved the intratumoral distribution of therapeutic agents, thereby promoting photodynamic effects and reinforcing immune responses. Importantly, MB/IL12‐MSCs restricted the expression and distribution of IL12 at tumor site, which minimized potential toxicity while eliciting sufficient anticancer immunity. In noteworthy, activation of immunity induced by MB/IL12‐MSCs established long‐term systemic immunologic memory to prevent tumor relapse. The MB/IL12‐MSCs outperform their monotherapy counterparts in breast tumor models, and the growth of tumor significantly arrested as well as re‐challenging abscopal tumor growth slowdown. Collectively, this work reveals that MSCs‐based strategy may advance more efficient, durable, and safer cancer photo‐immunotherapy.
Replicating the Cynandra opis Butterfly's Structural Color for Bioinspired Bigrating Color Filters
Authors: Cao Xiaobao , Du Ying , Guo Yujia , Hu Guohang , Zhang Ming , Wang Lu , Zhou Jiangtao , Gao Quan , Fischer Peter , Wang Jing , Stavrakis Stavros , deMello Andrew
Published: January 2022

Multilayer grating structures, such as those found on the wings of the butterfly Cynandra opis, are able to interact with light to generate structural coloration. When illuminated and viewed at defined angles, such structural color is characterized by exceptional purity and brightness. To provide further insight into the mechanism of structural coloration, two‐photon laser lithography is used to fabricate bioinspired bigrating nanostructures, whose optical properties may be controlled by variation of the height and period of the grating features. Through the use of both spectral measurements and finite‐element method simulations, herein specific feature dimensions are identified that due to the combined effects of multilayer interference and diffraction generate excellent spectral characteristics and high color purity over the entire visible range. Additionally, it is demonstrated that variation of feature period and/or height plays a central role in controlling both hue and purity. Importantly, such tuneable bigrating structures are of significant utility in color filtering applications.
Eliminating the Perovskite Solar Cell Manufacturing Bottleneck via High‐Speed Flexography
Authors: Huddy Julia E. , Ye Youxiong , Scheideler William J.
Published: January 2022

Perovskite solar cells have potential to deliver terawatt‐scale power via low‐cost manufacturing. However, scaling is limited by slow, high‐temperature annealing of the inorganic transport layers and the lack of reliable, large‐area methods for depositing thin (<30 nm) charge transport layers (CTLs). We present a method for scaling ultrathin NiOx hole transport layers (HTLs) by pairing high‐speed (60 m min−1) flexographic printing with rapidly annealed sol–gel inks to achieve the fastest reported process for fabrication of inorganic CTLs for perovskites. By engineering precursor rheology for rapid film‐leveling, NiOx HTLs were printed with high uniformity and ultralow pinhole densities resulting in photovoltaic performance exceeding that of spin‐coated devices. Integrating these printed transport layers in planar inverted PSCs allows rapid fabrication of high‐efficiency (PCE > 15%) CsxFA1−xPbI solar cells with improved short circuit currents (Jsc) of 22.4 mA cm−2. Rapid annealing of the HTL accelerates total processing time by 60X, while maintaining the required balance of optoelectronic properties and the chemical composition for effective hole collection. These results build an improved understanding of ultrathin NiOx and reveal opportunities to enhance device performance via scalable manufacturing of inorganic CTLs.
Genetic diversity in tropical wheat germplasm and selection via multitrait index
Authors: Lima Gabriel Wolter , e Silva Caique Machado , Mezzomo Henrique Caletti , Casagrande Cleiton Renato , Olivoto Tiago , Borem Aluizio , Nardino Maicon
Published: January 2022

Genetic diversity studies and analysis of the selection gain of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes released over the decades allow the planning of strategies and support decision‐making for crossing in wheat breeding. We investigated genetic diversity in tropical wheat germplasm, discussed the main trends in breeding programs and selected potential parents. Therefore, a trial with 90 commercial cultivars released in Brazil between 1800–2000 and 2001–2019 was conducted during the 2020 winter crop in Viçosa, MG, Brazil. The following traits were evaluated: spike height and plant height, heading date, spike weight, grain mass per spike, 100‐grain mass, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, hectoliter weight, and grain yield. The data were subjected to restricted maximum likelihood or best linear unbiased prediction analysis and used to calculate the standardized average Euclidean distance and then unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean clusters were generated from the genotypic distance matrix. The selection of the genotypes with the best performance in each phase was accomplished using the multitrait genotype‐ideotype distance index (MGIDI). High genetic diversity was observed between the genotypes evaluated. Multitrait index revealed selection gain in the desired direction in the two phases. The present study will support the efficient use of the genetic variability present in tropical wheat germplasm. Three genotypes were selected by MGIDI in the first phase, while in the second phase 12 were selected. Two groups of dissimilar and potential genotypes were proposed to compose a partial diallel.
On estimating the interface normal and curvature in piecewise linear interface calculation‐volume of fluid approach for three‐dimensional arbitrary meshes
Authors: Amani Ahmad , Muela Jordi , Schillaci Eugenio , Castro Jesús
Published: January 2022

Volume of fluid (VOF) method with its Piecewise Linear Interface Calculation (PLIC) reconstruction algorithm is one of the most popular approaches in numerical simulation of interfacial flows with a wide range of applications in different areas. In an effort to evaluate the similarity of the PLIC‐generated planes in comparison with the exact interface, a point‐cloud, based on the polygon centers of PLIC planes is extracted, which later is used to form a triangular grid that represents the estimated interface. The main objective of this article is to evaluate the interface geometrical properties based on the extracted triangular grid of the interface. The methods presented in this article, characterized by a higher spatially convergence ratio, are compared with the commonly used methods. The proposed methods are tested for two 3‐dimensional general test cases, where an evident improvement is seen in calculation accuracy and spatial convergence of the errors of interface normal vector and curvature.
Separation of He/N2/CH4 ternary mixtures by a triple‐reflux pressure swing adsorption process
Authors: Guo Yalou , Jusko Vincent , Xiao Gongkui , Hanekom Jurgen , Hu Guoping , Webley Paul A. , May Eric F. , Li Gang Kevin
Published: January 2022

Conventional pressure swing adsorption (PSA) processes can only produce one high purity product in a single stage, whereas the state‐of‐art dual‐reflux PSA (DR‐PSA) can produce two high purity products simultaneously. However, multicomponent gas separation is often required in the industry, targeting at recovering several valued products at the same time. In this study, we propose a novel adsorption process, namely triple‐reflux PSA (TR‐PSA), to separate three components simultaneously. A middle product outlet and a middle reflux stream were introduced to the adsorption columns of a conventional DR‐PSA process to separate ternary mixtures of nitrogen, methane, and helium. Nonisothermal dynamic models were built to investigate the impacts of operating parameters particularly the location of the middle reflux/product stream and the middle reflux flow rates. Results showed that the TR‐PSA process successfully separated ternary mixtures obtaining three enriched products simultaneously in a single stage, yielding a separation performance comparable to that of the double‐stage DR‐PSA with significantly lower capital and energy cost.
Risk Factors for Phenoconversion in Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Zhang Hui , Iranzo Alex , Högl Birgit , Arnulf Isabelle , Ferini‐Strambi Luigi , Manni Raffaele , Miyamoto Tomoyuki , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Dauvilliers Yves , Ju Yo‐EI , Puligheddu Monica , Sonka Karel , Pelletier Amélie , Montplaisir Jacques Y. , Stefani Ambra , Ibrahim Abubaker , Frauscher Birgit , Leu‐Semenescu Smaranda , Zucconi Marco , Terzaghi Michele , Miyamoto Masayuki , Janzen Annette , Figorilli Michela , Fantini Maria L. , Postuma Ronald B.
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to follow up predictive factors for α‐synuclein–related neurodegenerative diseases in a multicenter cohort of idiopathic/isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD).

Methods

Patients with iRBD from 12 centers underwent a detailed assessment for potential environmental and lifestyle risk factors via a standardized questionnaire at baseline. Patients were then prospectively followed and received assessments for parkinsonism or dementia during follow‐up. The cumulative incidence of parkinsonism or dementia was estimated with competing risk analysis. Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictive value of environmental/lifestyle factors over a follow‐up period of 11 years, adjusting for age, sex, and center.

Results

Of 319 patients who were free of parkinsonism or dementia, 281 provided follow‐up information. After a mean follow‐up of 5.8 years, 130 (46.3%) patients developed neurodegenerative disease. The overall phenoconversion rate was 24.2% after 3 years, 44.8% after 6 years, and 67.5% after 10 years. Patients with older age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.05) and nitrate derivative use (aHR = 2.18) were more likely to phenoconvert, whereas prior pesticide exposure (aHR = 0.21–0.64), rural living (aHR = 0.53), lipid‐lowering medication use (aHR = 0.59), and respiratory medication use (aHR = 0.36) were associated with lower phenoconversion risk. Risk factors for those converting to primary dementia and parkinsonism were generally similar, with dementia‐first converters having lower coffee intake and beta‐blocker intake, and higher occurrence of family history of dementia.

Interpretation

Our findings elucidate the predictive values of environmental factors and comorbid conditions in identifying RBD patients at higher risk of phenoconversion. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:404–416
Torque‐Driven Orientation Motion of Chemotactic Colloidal Motors
Authors: Zhou Chang , Gao Changyong , Wu Yingjie , Si Tieyan , Yang Mingcheng , He Qiang
Published: January 2022

We report a direct experimental observation of the torque‐driven active reorientation of glucose‐fueled flasklike colloidal motors to a glucose gradient exhibiting a positive chemotaxis. These streamlined flasklike colloidal motors are prepared by combining a hydrothermal synthesis and a vacuum infusion and can be propelled by an enzymatic cascade reaction in the glucose fuel. Their flasklike architecture can be used to recognize their moving posture, and thus the dynamic glucose‐gradient‐induced alignment and orientation‐dependent motility during positive chemotaxis can be examined experimentally. The chemotactic mechanism is that the enzymatic reactions inside lead to the glucose acid gradient and the glucose gradient which generate two phoretic torques at the bottom and the opening respectively, and thus continuously steer it to the glucose gradient. Such glucose‐fueled flasklike colloidal motors resembling the chemotactic capability of living organisms hold considerable potential for engineering active delivery vehicles in response to specific chemical signals.
A Proton‐Activatable DNA‐Based Nanosystem Enables Co‐Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 and DNAzyme for Combined Gene Therapy
Authors: Li Feng , Song Nachuan , Dong Yuhang , Li Shuai , Li Linghui , Liu Yujie , Li Zhemian , Yang Dayong
Published: January 2022

CRISPR/Cas9 is emerging as a platform for gene therapeutics, and the treatment efficiency is expected to be enhanced by combination with other therapeutic agents. Herein, we report a proton‐activatable DNA‐based nanosystem that enables co‐delivery of Cas9/sgRNA and DNAzyme for the combined gene therapy of cancer. Ultra‐long ssDNA chains, which contained the recognition sequences of sgRNA in Cas9/sgRNA, DNAzyme sequence and HhaI enzyme cleavage site, were synthesized as the scaffold of the nanosystem. The DNAzyme cofactor Mn2+ was used to compress DNA chains to form nanoparticles and acid‐degradable polymer‐coated HhaI enzymes were assembled on the surface of nanoparticles. In response to protons in lysosome, the polymer coating was decomposed and HhaI enzyme was consequently exposed to recognize and cut off the cleavage sites, thus triggering the release of Cas9/sgRNA and DNAzyme to regulate gene expressions to achieve a high therapeutic efficacy of breast cancer.
Genetic influences on dentognathic morphology in the Jirel population of Nepal
Authors: Hardin Anna M. , Knigge Ryan P. , Duren Dana L. , Williams‐Blangero Sarah , Subedi Janardan , Mahaney Michael C. , Sherwood Richard J.
Published: January 2022

Patterns of genetic variation and covariation impact the evolution of the craniofacial complex and contribute to clinically significant malocclusions in modern human populations. Previous quantitative genetic studies have estimated the heritabilities and genetic correlations of skeletal and dental traits in humans and nonhuman primates, but none have estimated these quantitative genetic parameters across the dentognathic complex. A large and powerful pedigree from the Jirel population of Nepal was leveraged to estimate heritabilities and genetic correlations in 62 maxillary and mandibular arch dimensions, incisor and canine lengths, and post‐canine tooth crown areas (N ≥ 739). Quantitative genetic parameter estimation was performed using maximum likelihood‐based variance decomposition. Residual heritability estimates were significant for all traits, ranging from 0.269 to 0.898. Genetic correlations were positive for all trait pairs. Principal components analyses of the phenotypic and genetic correlation matrices indicate an overall size effect across all measurements on the first principal component. Additional principal components demonstrate positive relationships between post‐canine tooth crown areas and arch lengths and negative relationships between post‐canine tooth crown areas and arch widths, and between arch lengths and arch widths. Based on these findings, morphological variation in the human dentognathic complex may be constrained by genetic relationships between dental dimensions and arch lengths, with weaker genetic correlations between these traits and arch widths allowing for variation in arch shape. The patterns identified are expected to have impacted the evolution of the dentognathic complex and its genetic architecture as well as the prevalence of dental crowding in modern human populations.
Mode of uterine milk secretion in the white shark
Authors: Tomita Taketeru , Nakamura Masaru , Nozu Ryo , Ogawa Nobuhiro , Toda Minoru , Sato Keiichi
Published: January 2022

Examination of the uterus of a dead female white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), which contained the earliest known white shark embryos, revealed that the uterine wall produces lipid‐rich secretion (histotroph or “uterine milk”) for embryonic nutrition. Uterine tissue was processed for light and electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical techniques to identify its secretory mechanism. Our results indicate that the white shark uterus secretes lipids via holocrine secretion. This type of secretion is characterized by the release of large lipid droplets accumulated in the epithelial cells into the uterine lumen through cell disintegration. The secretory epithelium of the uterus is stratified, and new surface epithelial cells are continuously supplied from deeper epithelial layers to replace the dead secretory cells at the surface. This vertical replacement possibly facilitates the active renewal of the surface epithelium, which is necessary for maintaining holocrine secretory mechanisms. These secretory mechanisms are different from those of myliobatiform stingrays, another elasmobranch taxon that exhibits lipid histotrophy. This may reflect the different origins of lipid histotrophy between these taxa.
Fabrication of Isomorphously Substituted W‐MFI Membrane with High Performance for Ethanol Separation from Water
Authors: Saulat Hammad , Yang Jianhua , Wensen Song , Raza Waseem , He Gaohong
Published: January 2022

Isomorphous substitution of heteroatoms is an effective platform for finely tuning the pore chemistry, pore structure, and surface properties of the zeolite framework as catalysts or separation membranes. A continuous and compact isomorphously substituted tungsten (W)‐MFI membrane was firstly developed on coarse α‐Al2O3 tube dip‐coated with W‐MFI seeds using hydrothermal secondary growth and pretreated synthesis solution. The synthesized W‐MFI membrane is found to be ethanol permselective having a pervaporation based separation factor and flux of 69 and 2.50 kg/m2 h, respectively while exhibiting the highest separation index of 170 kg/m2 h for the separation of 5 wt% ethanol‐water mixture among the reported heteroatoms substituted and α‐Al2O3 supported tubular MFI membranes. The isomorphous substitution of W improves the hydrophobicity and also plays a significant role for the enhanced separation performance.
Enhancing effect of borneol on pharmacokinetics of ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rg1, and notoginsenoside R1 in healthy volunteers after oral administration of compound Danshen dropping pills
Authors: Zheng Dayong , Chu Yang , Li Shuming , Zhou Shuiping , Li Wei , Xie Yuesheng , Sun He
Published: January 2022

Borneol (Bingpian), a monoterpenoid pharmaceutical ingredient, is commonly used as a main composition in traditional Chinese medicine preparations such as compound Danshen dropping pills (CDDP) and has also been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a flavoring substance or adjuvant in food. Borneol plays a regulating and guiding role as a messenger drug in CDDP. However, the effect of borneol on the pharmacokinetics of the components of CDDP in human plasma is unclear. In this study, we investigate the effects of borneol on the pharmacokinetics of ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), and notoginsenoside R1 (NR1) in CDDP. We used a double‐cycle crossover‐administration model in 12 healthy male volunteers, administered CDDP with borneol (drug T) and without borneol (drug R). The selective response monitoring mode was used for MS quantification in the positive mode. As a result, we found that borneol could significantly affect the pharmacokinetic parameters of notoginsenosides and increase the absorption and systemic exposure of Rb1, Rg1, and NR1 in human plasma by ~1.85–3.71 times.
Quantitation of plasma angiotensin II in healthy Chinese subjects by a validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method
Authors: Lo Clara Wai‐Shan , Tsui Teresa Kam‐Chi , Ma Ronald Ching‐Wan , Chan Michael Ho‐Ming , Ho Chung‐Shun
Published: January 2022

Quantitation of plasma angiotensin (Ang) II, the active mediator of the renin–angiotensin system, is challenging owing to its low physiological concentration. We report a validated liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS) method to overcome this challenge. Ang II was extracted from EDTA plasma by an offline solid‐phase extraction procedure with a Waters MAX μElution plate. LCMS quantitation was performed on the Waters TQS system, monitoring the 3+ ions of the peptide. The analytical performance of the LCMS method was validated. The stability of Ang II was studied with or without the presence of a protease inhibitor. Local reference intervals were established from 143 healthy normotensive subjects (57% female, 21–60 years old). The Ang II LCMS method had a measurable range of 3.3–700 pmol/L. The between‐batch precision coefficient of variation was <7% over Ang II concentrations of 8.6–110 pmol/L. No significant matrix interference and carryover were observed. There was no significant difference in Ang II concentration in EDTA blood and plasma for at least 2h and 1 h at room temperature, respectively. Ang II was stable for at least 1 year when stored at −80°C, with or without the protease inhibitor. Age‐dependent Ang II reference intervals were established: 4.4–17.7 pmol/L (21–30 years) and 3.9–12.8 pmol/L (31–60 years). The present LCMS method is suitable for quantitation of plasma Ang II to study the renin‐angiotensin system.
Increased mitochondrial fission drives the reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through suppression of Sirtuin 1
Authors: Wu Dan , Yang Yi , Hou Yiran , Zhao Zifeng , Liang Ning , Yuan Peng , Yang Tao , Xing Jinliang , Li Jibin
Published: January 2022

Background

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that constantly change their morphology through fission and fusion processes. Recently, abnormally increased mitochondrial fission has been observed in several types of cancer. However, the functional roles of increased mitochondrial fission in lipid metabolism reprogramming in cancer cells remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of increased mitochondrial fission in lipid metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

Methods

Lipid metabolism was determined by evaluating the changes in the expressions of core lipid metabolic enzymes and intracellular lipid content. The rate of fatty acid oxidation was evaluated by [3H]‐labelled oleic acid. The mitochondrial morphology in HCC cells was evaluated by fluorescent staining. The expression of protein was determined by real‐time PCR, iimmunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

Results

Activation of mitochondrial fission significantly promoted de novo fatty acid synthesis in HCC cells through upregulating the expression of lipogenic genes fatty acid synthase (FASN), acetyl‐CoA carboxylase1 (ACC1), and elongation of very long chain fatty acid protein 6 (ELOVL6), while suppressed fatty acid oxidation by downregulating carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A (CPT1A) and acyl‐CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1). Consistently, suppressed mitochondrial fission exhibited the opposite effects. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that mitochondrial fission‐induced lipid metabolism reprogramming significantly promoted the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. Mechanistically, mitochondrial fission increased the acetylation level of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor coactivator 1 alpha (PGC‐1α) by suppressing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)/Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) signaling. The elevated SREBP1 then upregulated the expression of FASN, ACC1 and ELOVL6 in HCC cells, while PGC‐1α/PPARα suppressed the expression of CPT1A and ACOX1.

Conclusions

Increased mitochondrial fission plays a crucial role in the reprogramming of lipid metabolism in HCC cells, which provides strong evidence for the use of this process as a drug target in the treatment of this malignancy.
Femvertising or femwashing? Women's perceptions of authenticity
Authors: Hainneville Valentine , Guèvremont Amélie , Robinot Élisabeth
Published: January 2022

Stereotypes in advertising are recognized as contributing to the perpetuation of inequalities. In response to this, femvertising—“advertising that employs pro‐female talents, messages, and imagery to empower women and girls” (SheKnows, 2014)—is increasingly observed in the marketplace. Despite femvertising's prevalence, current research has failed to identify women's core understanding of it. The objectives of this research are to conceptualize femvertising from a consumer perspective, explore the nature of authentic femvertising, and differentiate it from femwashing. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 17 women. The findings help uncover femvertising's complex meaning as perceived by consumers and distinguish it from femwashing. The results suggest that the concepts of femvertising and femwashing coexist in consumers' minds. Six dimensions of authentic femvertising are identified: transparency, consistency, identification, diversity, respect, and challenging stereotypes. This research contributes to the consumer research, advertising, and branding literature; encourages a broader societal reflection about gender stereotypes; and offers several managerial implications.
Caged Iridium Catalyst for Hydrosilylation of Alkynes with High Site Selectivity
Authors: Li Qiaosheng , Gu Defa , Yu Dongdong , Liu Yuzhou
Published: January 2022

The proximity and orientation of the reacting groups can be different in organic cages from in free solution, thus affecting the selectivity of the reaction. Herein, we reported a synthetic strategy to encapsulate iridium nanoparticles (Ir‐NP@COP1‐T) within organic cages in the homogeneous solution. Ir‐NP@COP1‐T showed good selectivity in the hydrosilylation reaction of alkynes. Our work provides a new perspective to the catalysis field by using soluble microporous cages as support for inorganic nano particles.