bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional chromatin landscapes in somatotroph tumour
Authors: Guo Jing , Chen Yiyuan , Zhu Haibo , Tong Xinyu , Cao Lei , Zhang Yazhuo , Xie Weiyan , Li Chuzhong
Published: May 2024

Background

The three‐dimensional (3D) genome architecture plays a critical role inregulating gene expression. However, the specific alterations in thisarchitecture within somatotroph tumors and their implications for gene expression remain largely unexplored.

Methods

We employed Hi‐C and RNA‐seq analyses to compare the 3D genomic structures of somatotroph tumors with normal pituitary tissue. This comprehensive approachenabled the characterization of A/B compartments, topologically associateddomains (TADs), and chromatin loops, integrating these with gene expression patterns.

Results

We observed a decrease in both the frequency of chromosomal interactions andthe size of TADs in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue. Conversely, the number of TADs and chromatin loops was found to be increased in tumors. Integrated analysis of Hi‐C and RNA‐seq data demonstrated that changes inhigher‐order chromat in structure were associated with alterations in gene expression. Specifically, genes in A compartments showed higher density and increased expression relative to those in B compartments. Moreover, the weakand enhanced insulation boundaries were identified, and the associated genes were enriched in the Wnt/β‐Catenin signaling pathway. We identified the gainedand lost loops in tumor and integrated these differences with transcriptional changes to examine the functional relevance of the identified loops. Notably, we observed an enhanced insulation boundary and a greater number of loops in the TCF7L2 gene region within tumors, which was accompanied by an upregulation of TCF7L2 expression. Subsequently, TCF7L2 expression was confirmed through qRT‐PCR, and upregulated TCF7L2 prompted cell proliferation and growth hormone (GH) secretion in vitro.

Conclusion

Our results provide comprehensive 3D chromatin architecture maps of somatotroph tumors and offer a valuable resource for furthering the understanding of the underlying biology and mechanisms of gene expression regulation.
Therapeutic targeting of PLK1 in TERT promoter‐mutant hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tang Qin , Hu Guanghui , Sang Ye , Chen Yulu , Wei Guangyan , Zhu Meiyan , Chen Mengke , Li Shiyong , Liu Rengyun , Peng Zhenwei
Published: May 2024

Background

Hotspot mutations in the promoter of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene are the most common genetic variants in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and associated with poor prognosis of the disease. However, no drug was currently approved for treating TERT promoter mutation positive HCC patients. Here, we aim to explore the potential therapeutic strategy for targeting TERT promoter mutation in HCC.

Methods

The Liver Cancer Model Repository database was used for screening potential drugs to selectively suppress the growth of TERT promoter mutant HCC cells. RNA‐seq, CRISPR‐Cas9 technology and siRNA transfection were performed for mechanistic studies. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK8) assay and the xenograft tumour models were used for cell growth detection in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were analysed by Annexin V‐FITC staining and/or propidium iodide staining.

Results

PLK1 inhibitors were remarkably more sensitive to HCC cells harbouring TERT promoter mutation than wild‐type cells in vitro and in vivo, which were diminished after TERT promoter mutation was edited to the wild‐type nucleotide. Comparing the HCC cells with wild‐type promoter of TERT, PLK1 inhibitors specifically downregulated Smad3 to regulate TERT for inducing apoptosis and G2/M arrest in TERT mutant HCC cells. Moreover, knockout of Smad3 counteracted the effects of PLK1 inhibitors in TERT mutant HCC cells. Finally, a cooperative effect of PLK1 and Smad3 inhibition was observed in TERT mutant cells.

Conclusions

PLK1 inhibition selectively suppressed the growth of TERT mutant HCC cells through Smad3, thus contributed to discover a novel therapeutic strategy to treat HCC patients harbouring TERT promoter mutations.

Key points

TERT promoter mutation confers sensitivity to PLK1 inhibitors in HCC.

The selective growth inhibition of TERT mutant HCC cells induced by PLK1 inhibitor was mediated by Smad3.

Combined inhibition of PLK1 and Smad3 showed a cooperative anti‐tumor effect in TERT mutant HCC cells.
CD62‐L down‐regulation after L18‐MDP stimulation as a complementary flow cytometry functional assay for the diagnosis of XIAP deficiency
Authors: Rizzo Agustín D. , Sanz Marianela , Roffe Georgina , Sajaroff Elisa O. , Prado Damian A. , Prieto Emma , Goris Verónica , Rossi Jorge G. , Bernasconi Andrea R.
Published: May 2024

X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) deficiency is an infrequent inborn error of immunity caused by mutations in XIAP gene. Most cases present with absence of XIAP protein which can be detected by flow cytometry (FC), representing a rapid diagnostic method. However, since some genetic defects may not preclude protein expression, it is important to include a complementary functional test in the laboratory workup of these patients. L‐selectin (CD62‐L) is a molecule that is cleaved from the surface membrane of leukocytes upon stimulation of different receptors such as toll like receptors (TLRs) and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptors (NLRs), including NOD2. Considering that XIAP deficiency impairs NOD2 signaling, we decided to assess CD62‐L down‐regulation by FC post‐stimulation of neutrophils and monocytes with L18‐muramyl Di‐Peptide (L18‐MDP), a NOD2 specific agonist, in order to develop a novel assay for the functional evaluation of patients with suspicion of XIAP defects. Whole blood samples from 20 healthy controls (HC) and four patients with confirmed molecular diagnosis of XIAP deficiency were stimulated with 200 ng/mL of L18‐MDP for 2 h. Stimulation with 100 ng/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was carried out in parallel as a positive control of CD62‐L shedding. CD62‐L expression was evaluated by FC using an anti CD62‐L‐ antibody and down‐regulation was assessed by calculating the difference in CD62‐L expression before and after stimulation, both in terms of percentage of CD62‐L expressing cells (Δ%CD62‐L) and median fluorescence intensity (ΔMFI%). Neutrophils and monocytes from XIAP deficient patients displayed a significantly diminished response to L18‐MDP stimulation compared with HC (p < 0.0001), indicating a severely altered mechanism of CD62‐L down‐regulation following activation of NOD2‐XIAP axis. On the other hand, the response to LPS stimulation was comparable between patients and heathy controls, suggesting preserved CD62‐L shedding with a different stimulus. FC detection of CD62‐L down‐regulation in monocytes and neutrophils after whole blood stimulation with L18‐MDP results in an effective and rapid functional test for the identification of XIAP deficient patients.
Regime‐dependent commodity price dynamics: A predictive analysis
Authors: Crespo Cuaresma Jesus , Fortin Ines , Hlouskova Jaroslava , Obersteiner Michael
Published: May 2024

We develop an econometric modelling framework to forecast commodity prices taking into account potentially different dynamics and linkages existing at different states of the world and using different performance measures to validate the predictions. We assess the extent to which the quality of the forecasts can be improved by entertaining different regime‐dependent threshold models considering different threshold variables. We evaluate prediction quality using both loss minimization and profit maximization measures based on directional accuracy, directional value, the ability to predict turning points, and the returns implied by a simple trading strategy. Our analysis provides overwhelming evidence that allowing for regime‐dependent dynamics leads to improvements in predictive ability for the Goldman Sachs Commodity Index, as well as for its five sub‐indices (energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture, and livestock). Our results suggest the existence of a trade‐off between predictive ability based on loss and profit measures, which implies that the particular aim of the prediction exercise carried out plays a very important role in terms of defining which set of models is the best to use.
Nanoemulsions of red quinoa and ginseng extracts with chitosan wall: Investigating the antioxidant properties and its effect on the shelf life of dairy cream
Authors: Aziminezhad Hadis , Esmaeilzadeh Kenari Reza , Raftani Amiri Zeynab
Published: May 2024

The study aimed to investigate the antioxidant properties of ginseng and red quinoa extract nanoemulsion and its effect on the shelf life of dairy cream. Nanoemulsion includes dairy cream, Tween 80, chitosan, whey protein powder, chitosan/whey protein powder, red quinoa extract, ginseng extract, and a mixture of extracts (1:1). The highest total phenol content and total flavonoid content were related to ginseng extract (24,009.55 mg of gallic acid equivalent/kg, 883.16 mg quercetin/kg) with ethanol–water solvent (80:20). Most of the phenolic and flavonoid compounds of ginseng and red quinoa extracts were related to p‐coumaric acid (211.3 μg/g), catechin (29.6 μg/g), ellagic acid (73.88 μg/g), and rutin (34.12 μg/g), respectively. Considerable antioxidant power in the concentration of 800 ppm of red quinoa and ginseng extracts (ethanol–water solvent (50:50), (80:20)) in 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (80%, 82%, 80%, and 78%), bleaching β‐carotene: linoleic acid (81%, 73%, 77%, and 86%), and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays (70%, 73%, 72%, and 76%) was observed. Nanoemulsions of red quinoa extract with chitosan wall had the smallest particle size (250.67 nm), the highest encapsulation efficiency (72.79%), and the polydispersity index (0.34). Nanoemulsions containing ginseng + quinoa (1:1) with chitosan/whey protein powder wall showed the highest viscosity (5.30 mPa/s) and the mostzeta potential (−32.6 mv). Also, nanoemulsions of red quinoa extract showed the lowest amount of peroxide value and the thiobarbituric acid value (12 milliequivalent O2/kg–0.48 μg/mL) in dairy cream oil. In general, the red quinoa extract with chitosan wall was superior to other samples due to the delay in oxidation and positive effect on the shelf life of dairy cream.
Ginsenoside Rg3 combined with near‐infrared photothermal reversal of multidrug resistance in breast cancer MCF‐7/ADR cells
Authors: Chang Ying , Fu Qiang , Lu Zhongqi , Jin Quanxin , Jin Tiefeng , Zhang Meihua
Published: May 2024

Adriamycin (ADR) is a frequently employed chemotherapeutic agent for the management of breast cancer. Nevertheless, multidrug resistance (MDR) can impair its therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer. MDR is characterized by increased expression of the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) efflux pump, up‐regulation of anti‐apoptotic proteins, and downregulation of pro‐apoptotic proteins. Consequently, inhibition of ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins has been deemed the most efficacious approach to overcome MDR. In this study, we used MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), Western blots, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and constructed xenograft tumors to investigate whether ginsenoside Rg3‐near‐infrared photothermal (Rg3‐NIR) combination reversed multidrug resistance in MCF‐7/ADR breast cancer. In vivo and in vitro experiments, the results showed that Rg3‐NIR co‐treatment was effective in inducing the apoptosis of MCF‐7/ADR breast cancer cells. This was achieved by reversing the expression of drug resistance‐associated proteins, while also inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes via attenuation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway transduction. Ginsenoside Rg3 combined with near‐infrared photothermal therapy (NIR) effectively reverses multidrug resistance in breast cancer MCF‐7/ADR cells, providing a new therapeutic strategy for breast cancer drug resistance.
Skull base surgery for malignant tumors: The 2nd international collaborative study (1995–2015)
Authors: Shah Jatin P. , Levyn Helena , Valero Cristina , Adilbay Dauren , Eagan Alana , Zheng Junting , Gonen Mithat , Cohen Marc , Patel Snehal , Ganly Ian , Pai Prathamesh , Castelnuovo Paolo , Gao Fang Ju , Piazza Cesare , Nicolai Piero , Panizza Ben , Bowman James , Barnett Catherine , Kowalski Luiz P. , Toledo Ronaldo , Fliss Dan M. , DeAlmeida John , Witterick Ian , Herman Philippe , Fontanella Walter , Aniceto Gregorio Sanchez , Hosal Sefik , Ozer Serdar , Iyer Subramania , Harvey Richard , Leemans C. Rene , Hendrickx Jan‐Jaap , Figari Marcelo , Boccalatte Luis , Nibu Ken Ichi , Clarke Peter , Rennie Catherine , Ming Zhu Yi , Cernea Claudio , Goncalves Sergio , Schlosser Rodney , Dias Fernando , Sargi Zoukaa , Ahmed Shahzada , Golusinski Wojciech , Kim Se Heon , Su Shirley Y. , Raza Shaan M. , DeMonte Franco , Hanna Ehab
Published: May 2024

Background

The current study presents the effort of a global collaborative group to review the management and outcomes of malignant tumors of the skull base worldwide.

Patients and methods

A total of 28 institutions contributed data on 3061 patients. Analysis evaluated clinical variables, survival outcomes, and multivariable factors associated with outcomes.

Results

The median age was 56 years (IQR 44–67). The open surgical approach was used in 55% (n = 1680) of cases, endoscopic resection was performed in 36% (n = 1087), and the combined approach in 9.6% (n = 294). With a median follow‐up of 7.1 years, the 5‐year OS DSS and RFS were 65%, 71.7% and 53%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, older age, comorbidities, histology, dural/intracranial involvement, positive margins, advanced stage, and primary site were independent prognostic factors for OS, DSS, and RFS. Adjuvant RT was a protective prognostic factor.

Conclusion

The progress across various disciplines may have contributed to improved OS and DSS in this study compared to previous reports.
A comparison of hippocampal and retrosplenial cortical spatial and contextual firing patterns
Authors: Subramanian Dev Laxman , Miller Adam M. P. , Smith David M.
Published: May 2024

The hippocampus (HPC) and retrosplenial cortex (RSC) are key components of the brain's memory and navigation systems. Lesions of either region produce profound deficits in spatial cognition and HPC neurons exhibit well‐known spatial firing patterns (place fields). Recent studies have also identified an array of navigation‐related firing patterns in the RSC. However, there has been little work comparing the response properties and information coding mechanisms of these two brain regions. In the present study, we examined the firing patterns of HPC and RSC neurons in two tasks which are commonly used to study spatial cognition in rodents, open field foraging with an environmental context manipulation and continuous T‐maze alternation. We found striking similarities in the kinds of spatial and contextual information encoded by these two brain regions. Neurons in both regions carried information about the rat's current spatial location, trajectories and goal locations, and both regions reliably differentiated the contexts. However, we also found several key differences. For example, information about head direction was a prominent component of RSC representations but was only weakly encoded in the HPC. The two regions also used different coding schemes, even when they encoded the same kind of information. As expected, the HPC employed a sparse coding scheme characterized by compact, high contrast place fields, and information about spatial location was the dominant component of HPC representations. RSC firing patterns were more consistent with a distributed coding scheme. Instead of compact place fields, RSC neurons exhibited broad, but reliable, spatial and directional tuning, and they typically carried information about multiple navigational variables. The observed similarities highlight the closely related functions of the HPC and RSC, whereas the differences in information types and coding schemes suggest that these two regions likely make somewhat different contributions to spatial cognition.
Analysis of the incidence and mortality trends of esophageal cancer in cancer registry areas of China and Japan
Authors: Guo Dongli , Jin Jing , Li Daojuan , He Yutong , Lin Yingsong
Published: May 2024

This study aims to analyze the prevalence trend of esophageal cancer in Japan and China to provide suggestions for the prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer. The results showed that the incidence rate for the years 2010–2018 significantly decreased with an APC of 5.66%, and the mortality rate from 2010 to 2015 had an APC of −5.87% in China. However, the incidence rate of Japanese women showed an upward trend, with an APC of 4.09% from 2010 to 2019. The mortality rate of esophageal cancer in Japan showed a downward trend, with an APC of −2.96% from 2010 to 2021. From 2010 to 2018, Chinese esophageal squamous cell carcinoma accounted for the highest proportion, accounting for 85.96%, with the largest distribution in the middle, accounting for 47.25%. Patients are mostly diagnosed at stage III, and the relative survival rate from 2012 to 2015 was 30.3%. Japan also has the highest proportion of squamous cell carcinoma, and the lesions are also mostly located in the middle segment. While Japanese esophageal cancer patients are mostly diagnosed at stage I, and the relative survival rate was 41.5% in Japan from 2009 to 2011. The results of this article indicate that the current prevalence of esophageal cancer in China and Japan is generally declining, and the quality of life of patients is gradually improving, but effective screening and prevention strategies are still needed to reduce the burden of this disease.
Professional activity and experience after a residency training program in ObGyn: A 10‐year analysis
Authors: Griggio Thauane Batalhoto , de Camargo Pedro Santos Ferreira , Costa Maria Laura , Luz Adriana Gomes
Published: May 2024

Objective

To describe the profile and professional trajectory of the obstetrics and gynecology (ObGyn) graduates over the past decade, at a referral university hospital.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted, utilizing a survey that targeted graduates of the ObGyn residency program from the last decade, asking about demographics, medical undergraduate, residency details, post‐residency trajectory, satisfaction levels, and social media usage. A descriptive analysis was performed. Comparative analyses, including gender‐based differences, were assessed using chi‐squared or Fisher exact tests (P < 0.05).

Results

Among 126 graduates, 84 agreed to participate (66.67%), predominantly comprising females with an average age of 33 years. Most identified themselves as white. The majority had pursued their undergraduate studies at the same institution (78.6%) and subsequently acquired specialized titles in ObGyn from the national society. Most of them were employed in both public and private sectors (71.08%). Male graduates held the majority of medical shifts in obstetrics. A significant gender‐based salary discrepancy was noted, favoring males. More than half of the professionals utilized social media for work‐related purposes. Many expressed the necessity for supplementary education beyond public health, particularly career management.

Conclusion

The findings highlight a predominance of female and white individuals among the graduates. Overall, graduates expressed contentment with their education and professional engagements. A gender‐based income disparity was identified, favoring male graduates. Studies like this can provide insights for improving medical residency education.
“Stereotype embodiment theory”‐based intervention to reduce ageism in Japan: Integration with interventions to encourage life planning among younger people
Authors: Shimizu Yuho
Published: May 2024

To solve the problems related to the ageing society, effective strategies to reduce younger people's ageism towards older adults should be developed. Previous studies incorporated the content of stereotype embodiment theory (SET) into ageism reduction strategy, suggesting that younger participants' ageism eventually has undesirable impacts on their own future (i.e., SET intervention). In the SET intervention, participants read an explanatory text on several empirical findings related to SET. To enhance the versatility of this intervention, two experiments were conducted with younger participants in Japan. Study 1 examined concerns that arise in the practical application of the intervention. Results revealed that the SET intervention had few effects on fear of death and increased state self‐esteem. In Study 2, the SET intervention was combined with interventions to encourage life planning, in which they freely described possible negative/positive events in their future. SET intervention reduced ageism, increased advocacy for policies to support older adults and increased emphasis on life planning and hope for the future. Many previous studies have shown that intergenerational contact‐based interventions are effective in reducing ageism, and future research should be conducted in combination with the SET interventions.
Evaluating pre‐and post‐oral health literacy of undergraduate nursing students on an oral‐systemic health learning intervention
Authors: Koo Fung Kuen , Chen Rebecca , Fethney Judith , Balante Jay , Wong Grace
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Oral health is significantly linked with systemic health. Nurses play a crucial role in patient education. Improving oral health literacy in nursing students can pave the way for the seamless integration of oral health into nursing practice.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate an interprofessional co‐designed oral‐systemic health learning intervention using a pre‐and‐post study design that measured oral health literacy levels among Year 2 undergraduate nursing students.

Methods

Evaluation was measured using the validated Comprehensive Measure of Oral Health Knowledge questionnaire before and after the semester‐long education intervention. Data were analyzed using independent and paired t‐tests and an analysis of variance one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

A total of 78 out of 164 students (82% female, 42% aged 21–24, and 52% speaking English as a first language) participated in the pre‐ and post‐study surveys. Statistically significant improvement was noted in pre‐and‐post total oral health literacy scores (Pre 14.92 [3.85] vs.. Post 15.85 [3.74], p = 0.031). Students showed the highest proficiency in the domain of oral disease prevention, while oral cancer knowledge was the least mastered domain. Those without English as their first language and those with secondary education as the highest qualification showed the greatest improvement in oral health literacy scores post‐intervention.

Conclusions

This study highlights the efficacy of an interprofessional co‐designed oral‐systemic educational intervention in increasing oral health literacy among undergraduate nursing students. This intervention marks a preliminary step towards integrating oral health into future nursing practice. Further research is warranted to explore the enduring impact of these interventions on their future clinical endeavors.
On the fate of protonated chloroformates in the gas phase: a competition between forming HCl and chloroformic acid
Authors: Diedhiou Malick , Mayer Paul M.
Published: May 2024

Chloroformates are prevalent in the atmosphere due to their utilization as fuel additives and industrial solvents. These species may undergo interactions with atmospheric water resulting in protonated chloroformates. This study delves into the gas‐phase dissociation of these protonated species. Tandem mass spectrometry was employed to scrutinize the unimolecular dissociation of protonated methyl (1), ethyl (2), neopentyl (3), and phenyl chloroformate (4). Notably, 1 and 4 exhibited HCl loss, yielding CH3OCO+ and C6H5OCO+, respectively, with 1 additionally generating neutral methanol and ClCO+. 4 additionally loses CO and CO2. In contrast, 2 and 3 each only exhibit a single fragmentation channel, with 2 losing C2H4 to generate protonated chloroformic acid and 3 generating protonated 2‐methylbutene by losing neutral chloroformic acid. Density functional theory at the B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) level of theory was employed to explore minimum energy reaction pathways for each ion, and CBS‐QB3 single‐point energy calculations were added to provide reliable energetics. The Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) calculations of the rate constants for selected competing processes were carried out to link theory and experiment. One common unimolecular process observed was the 1,3‐H shift of the proton from the carbonyl oxygen to the ester oxygen before dissociation.
Outcome in pediatric celiac disease is independent of the diagnostic approach in patients with high antibody levels
Authors: Klöti Simon , Schaad Joachim , Spalinger Johannes , Schibli Susanne , Hart Lara , Sokollik Christiane , Righini‐Grunder Franziska
Published: May 2024

Objectives

European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines enable the diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) without biopsies in patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA)‐antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (TGA‐IgA) ≥ 10× the upper limit of normal (ULN) and positivity of endomysial antibodies in a second blood sample. Limited data exist comparing the biopsy versus the nonbiopsy diagnostic approach regarding long‐term outcomes in CD patients. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of the diagnostic approach on adherence to gluten‐free diet (GFD), serological remission (defined as normalization of TGA‐IgA during follow‐up (FU)) and clinical remission in CD patients with TGA‐IgA ≥ 10× ULN.

Methods

Retrospective multicenter study. Patients with CD and TGA‐IgA ≥ 10× ULN at diagnosis were included in the study. Patients with confirmed diagnosis by biopsy were compared to patients diagnosed by nonbiopsy approach using univariate analysis, Kaplan–Meier survival curve, and logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 282 CD patients (192 [68.1%] in the biopsy group; 90 [31.9%] in the nonbiopsy group) were analyzed. The median time to normalization of TGA‐IgA was 16.5 months [interquartile range, IQR: 13, 28] in the biopsy and 15 months [IQR: 12, 26] in the nonbiopsy group; p = 0.14). Rates of normalized TGA‐IgA at first to third‐year FU were comparable between both groups. Adherence to GFD did not seem to be influenced by the diagnostic approach.

Conclusions

The nonbiopsy approach is not inferior to the biopsy approach in terms of adherence to GFD and serological remission in patients with CD.
A review on the biological and bioactive components of Cyperus esculentus L.: insight on food, health and nutrition
Authors: Edo Great Iruoghene , Samuel Princess Oghenekeno , Nwachukwu Susan Chinedu , Ikpekoro Victor Ovie , Promise Obasohan , Oghenegueke Ogheneochuko , Ongulu Jonathan , Otunuya Chinenye Favour , Rapheal Opiti Ajiri , Ajokpaoghene Mercy Orezimena , Okolie Michael Chukwuma , Ajakaye Ruth Sheyi
Published: May 2024

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is a small, tuberous root vegetable that has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. This review article provides an elaborate overview of tiger nut, including its botany, historical uses, nutritional composition, potential health benefits and traditional medicinal uses. This review article comprehensively discusses the nutritional profile of tiger nut, providing a detailed understanding of its nutrient content. Furthermore, the potential health benefits of tiger nut are thoroughly reviewed, including its effects on digestive health, cardiovascular health, blood sugar control, immune function and other potential therapeutic uses. Scientific articles used for this review were retrieved from ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed and SciELO databases. Only articles published between 1997 and 2022 were used for research. This review contributes to a better understanding of tiger nut and its prospective uses in functional foods and medicine by combining the available scientific material. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Influence of regional and yearly weather patterns on multi‐mycotoxin occurrence in Austrian wheat: a liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric and multivariate statistics approach
Authors: Freitag Stephan , Sulyok Michael , Reiter Elisabeth , Lippl Maximilian , Mechtler Klemens , Krska Rudolf
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Mycotoxin surveys play an essential role in our food safety system. The obtained occurrence data form the basis for the assessment of the exposure of humans and animals to these toxic fungal secondary metabolites. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) has become the gold standard for mycotoxin determination because it enables selective and sensitive multi‐toxin analysis. Simultaneous determination of several hundreds of secondary fungal metabolites is feasible using this technique. In this study, we combined a targeted dilute‐and‐shoot LC‐MS/MS‐based multi‐analyte approach with multivariate statistics for the analysis of Austrian wheat from two different years and different geographical origins.

RESULTS

We quantified 47 secondary fungal metabolites, including regulated emerging and masked mycotoxins. The resulting multi‐mycotoxin occurrence data were further analyzed using both multivariate and univariate statistics. Principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) were employed to identify regional and yearly trends within the dataset and to quantify the variance in metabolite occurrence attributed to the different effects. In addition, secondary fungal metabolites significantly impacted by these factors were selected via ANOVA. Of the 47 secondary metabolites identified, 39 were affected by the year, region or a combined effect. Moreover, our findings show that 43 of the secondary fungal metabolites were significantly influenced by the weather conditions.

CONCLUSION

The results presented in this study underline the added value of combining targeted LC‐MS/MS with multivariate statistics for monitoring a broad spectrum of secondary fungal metabolites in food crops. Through multivariate statistics, trends associated with the year or region can be readily studied. The approach presented could pave the way for a better understanding of the impact of climate change on plant pathogenic fungi and its implications for food safety. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Research on the toxic effects of polyacrylamide and cadmium on plants during soil utilization of municipal sludge
Authors: Cai Jinxing , Gao Shaomin , Wang Fang , Wang Ping , Song Zhenyu , Shao Chaofeng , Ju Meiting , Liu Jinpeng
Published: May 2024

This research aimed to examine the compound effects of polyacrylamide (PAM) and cadmium (Cd) on plant growth subsequent to the mixing of municipal sludge with soil and to explore the potential ecological risks associated with the use of sludge. A pot experiment was performed wherein four gradients (0, 5, 15, and 20 g/[kg dry sludge]) were established corresponding to different PAM concentrations to assess the effects on the physiological and biochemical parameters of Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis Makino and Brassica campestris L. and the effects on Cd and PAM concentrations in soil. The findings indicated that the biomass of both plants increased when the total PAM concentration ranged from 5 g to 15 g/(kg dry sludge). Concurrently, polyacrylamide (PAM) downplayed the uptake of Cd by the plants, reduced phytotoxicity, and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) in the roots. However, the biomass of Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis Makino and Brassica campestris L. decreased significantly when the total PAM concentration was exceeded 15 g/(kg dry sludge), and the toxic effect of Cd on pants was enhanced to some extent. Especially when the PAM concentration was 20 g/(kg dry sludge), apparent cell damage was observed in root cells. It was further noted that Brassica campestris L. portrayed a higher tolerance towards higher proportions of sludge compared with Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis Makino. Sludge holds a wider scale of applicability in landscaping than in agriculture. A fusion of polyacrylamide (PAM) and antioxidant enzymes could potentially counteract the effects of Cd within a specific concentration range, serving as a defense mechanism against stress. The data obtained from this study are crucial for unraveling anti‐stress responses and detoxification mechanisms employed by different plant species under the influence of factors such as PAM, Cd, and others, thus providing novel insights into research related to land use involving sludges.
Strengthening‐Durable Trade‐Off and Self‐Healing, Recyclable Shape Memory Polyurethanes Enabled by Dynamic Boron–Urethane Bonds
Authors: Zhang Qingxiang , Yang Jing , Cao Pengrui , Gong Junhui , Tang Zhangzhang , Zhou Kai , Luo Heming , Zhang Xinrui , Wang Tingmei , Chen Shoubing , Pei Xianqiang , Wang Qihua , Zhang Yaoming
Published: May 2024

Addressing the demand for integrating strength and durability reinforcement in shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) for diverse applications remains a significant challenge. Here a series of SMPUs with ultra‐high strength, self‐healing and recyclability, and excellent shape memory properties through introducing dynamic boron–urethane bonds are synthesized. The introducing of boric acid (BA) to polyurethane leading to the formation of dynamic covalent bonds (DCB) boron–urethane, that confer a robust cross‐linking structure on the SMPUs led to the formation of ordered stable hydrogen‐bonding network within the SMPUs. The flexible crosslinking with DCB represents a novel strategy for balancing the trade‐off between strength and durability, with their strengths reaching up to 82.2 MPa while also addressing the issue of durability in prolonged usage through the provision of self‐healing and recyclability. The self‐healing and recyclability of SMPU are demonstrated through rapid dynamic exchange reaction of boron–urethane bonds, systematically investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). This study sheds light on the essential role of such PU with self‐healing and recyclability, contributing to the extension of the PU's service life. The findings of this work provide a general strategy for overcoming traditional trade‐offs in preparing SMPUs with both high strength and good durability.
Dysregulated Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteome of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 and its Clinical Implications
Authors: Stezin Albert , Sathe Gajanan J. , Gajbhiye Akshada , Bharadwaj Sujas , Ghose Vivek , Bellad Anikha , Malo Palash Kumar , Holla Vikram , Hegde Shantala , Bharath Rose Dawn , Saini Jitender , Jain Sanjeev , Yadav Ravi , Pandey Akhilesh , Pal Pramod Kumar
Published: May 2024

Background

Abnormalities in ataxin‐2 associated with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) may lead to widespread disruptions in the proteome. This study was performed to identify dysregulated proteome in SCA2 and to explore its clinical‐radiological correlations.

Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 21 genetically confirmed SCA2 were subjected to shotgun proteome analysis using mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass tag (TMT)‐based multiplexing. Proteins with at least 1.5‐fold change in abundance were identified. Their relative abundance was measured using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) and correlated against disease‐related factors.

Results

Eleven proteins were significantly upregulated in SCA2. They belonged to the family of cell adhesion molecules and granins. Their fold changes showed significant clinical, genetic, and radiological correlations.

Conclusions

Significant dysregulation of CSF proteome is seen in SCA2. The dysregulated protein may have potential use in clinical evaluation of patients with SCA2.
A comparison of methods for in vivo activity and absorbed dose quantification with PET/CT following yttrium‐90 radioembolization
Authors: Henry Eric Courtney , Mahvash Armeen , Lopez Benjamin P. , Kappadath Srinivas Cheenu
Published: May 2024

Background

Yttrium‐90 (90Y) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging is increasingly being used to perform tumor (T) and normal liver (NL) voxel dosimetry after 90Y‐radioembolization (90Y‐RE). Yet, the accuracy of in vivo 90Y‐PET/CT imaging, subject to motion blur and co‐registration inaccuracies, and 90Y‐PET/CT dose quantification, subject to availability of different voxel dosimetry algorithms, are not well understood.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of 90Y‐PET/CT‐based activity estimates following 90Y‐RE and characterize differences between 90Y‐PET/CT‐based voxel dosimetry algorithms.

Methods

Thirty‐five patients underwent 90Y‐PET/CT imaging after 90Y‐RE with TheraSphere. The net administered 90Y activity (Aadmin) was determined using a dose calibrator and pre‐ and post‐procedure exposure rate measurements. The summation of image‐based activity (Aimage) was extracted from perfused volume (PV) and 3D‐isotropically 2‐cm expanded PV contour (PV+2 cm). Absorbed doses were calculated using voxel S‐value (VSV), local deposition method (LDM), and LDM with known activity (LDMKA) dosimetry algorithms. Linear regression and Bland‐Altman analysis quantified the relationship between Aimage and Aadmin and between mean dose estimates (DLDM, DVSV, DLDM‐KA) for PV, T, and perfused NL volumes.

Results

While Aadmin and Aimage in PV were highly correlated (R2 > 0.95), the mean bias ± standard error (SE) and (95% limits of agreement, LOA) was significantly non‐zero with −22.7 ± 4.7% (± 28.4%). In PV+2 cm, the mean bias ± SE (± LOA) decreased to 1.3 ± 3.4% (± 18.0%) consistent with zero mean error. DLDM and DVSV were highly correlated (R2 > 0.99) for all volumes of interest (VOIs) and the mean bias ± SE (± LOA) was 2.2 ± 0.2% (± 1.0%), 0.7 ± 0.4% (± 2.8%), and 3.2 ± 0.5% (± 2.8%) for PV, T, and NL, respectively. DLDM‐KA and DVSV were correlated with R2 = 0.86, 0.80, and 0.86 for PV, T, and NL, respectively. The mean bias ± SE (± LOA) between DLDM‐KA and DVSV was significantly non‐zero with −19.6 ± 5.1% (± 31.0%), −20.8 ± 4.4% (± 29.0%), and −18.1 ± 5.3% (± 31.1%) for PV, T, and NL, respectively.

Conclusions

The summation of Aimage in PV was underestimated relative to Aadmin. Only by accounting for respiratory motion, limited spatial resolution, and PET/CT co‐registration errors through VOI expansion was Aimage, on average, equal to Aadmin. The differences between DLDM and DVSV were not clinically relevant, though DLDM‐KA was approximately 20% greater than DVSV. Given the high quantitative accuracy of dose calibrators and challenges associated with accurate 90Y‐PET/CT quantification, LDMKA is the preferred algorithm for accurate 90Y‐PET/CT‐based dosimetry following 90Y‐RE.
A machine learning‐based approach to predict energy layer for each field in spot‐scanning proton arc therapy for lung cancer: A feasibility study
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Li Yazhou , Xu Penghui , Zhang Hui , Zhang Xinyang , Liu Xinguo , Li Qiang
Published: May 2024

Background

Determining the optimal energy layer (EL) for each field, under considering both dose constraints and delivery efficiency, is crucial to promoting the development of proton arc therapy (PAT) technology.

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the feasibility and potential clinical benefits of utilizing machine learning (ML) technique to automatically select EL for each field in PAT plans of lung cancer.

Methods

Proton Bragg peak position (BPP) was employed to characterize EL. The ground truth BPPs for each field were determined using the modified ELO‐SPAT framework. Features in geometric, water‐equivalent thicknesses (WET) and beamlet were defined and extracted. By analyzing the relationship between the extracted features and ground truth, a polynomial regression model with L2‐norm regularization (Ridge regression) was constructed and trained. The performance of the regression model was reported as an error between the predictions and the ground truth. Besides, the predictions were used to make PAT plans (PAT_PRED). These plans were compared with those using the ground truth BPPs (PAT_TRUTH) and the mid‐WET of the target volumes (PAT_MID) in terms of relative biological effectiveness‐weighted dose (RWD) distributions. One hundred ten patients with lung cancer, a total of 7920 samples, were enrolled retrospectively, with 5940 cases randomly selected as the training set and the remaining 1980 cases as the testing set. Nine patients (648 samples) were collected additionally to evaluate the regression model in terms of plan quality and robustness.

Results

With regard to the prediction errors, the root mean squared errors and mean absolute errors between the ML‐predicted and ground truth BPPs for the testing set were 9.165 and 6.572 mm, respectively, indicating differences of approximately two to three ELs. As for plan quality, the PAT_TRUTH and PAT_PRED plans performed similarly in terms of plan robustness, target coverage and organs at risk (OARs) protection, with differences smaller than 0.5 Gy(RBE). This trend was also observed for dose conformity and uniformity. The PAT_MID plans produced the lowest robustness index and lowest doses to OARs, along with the highest heterogeneity index, indicating better protection for OARs, improved plan robustness, but compromised dose homogeneity. Additionally, for relatively small tumor sizes, the PAT_MID plan demonstrated a notably poor dose conformity index.

Conclusions

Within this cohort under investigation, our study demonstrated the feasibility of using ML technique to predict ELs for each field, offering a fast (within 2 s) and memory‐efficient reduced way to select ELs for PAT plan.
Der Weg zur Scandium‐45‐Kernuhr
Authors: Röhlsberger Ralf , Evers Jörg , Kocharovskaya Olga , Shvyd'ko Yuri
Published: May 2024

Die resonante Anregung der 45Scandium‐Kernresonanz und die präzise Messung ihrer Energie eröffnen neue Möglichkeiten für Anwendungen in der Ultrapräzisions‐Röntgenspektroskopie bis hin zur Entwicklung einer Kernuhr. Damit kann zum Beispiel die Gravitationsrotverschiebung erstmals auf sehr kurzen Längenskalen überprüft werden. Darüber hinaus demonstriert dieses Experiment das große Potenzial von Self‐Seeding‐Röntgenlasern mit hoher Pulsrate als vielversprechende Plattform für die Spektroskopie von extrem schmalbandigen Kernresonanzen. Die nächsten Schritte in Richtung einer Kernuhr auf der Basis von 45Scandium erfordern eine weitere Erhöhung des spektralen Photonenflusses unter Verwendung verbesserter Röntgenlaserquellen bei 12,4 keV und die Entwicklung von Frequenzkämmen, die bis zu dieser Energie reichen.
A fungal pathogen secretes a cell wall‐associated β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase that is co‐expressed with chitinases to contribute to infection of insects
Authors: Lu Zhuoyue , Zhu Qiankuan , Bai Yuting , Zhao Xin , Wang Huifang , Peng Xinxin , Luo Zhibing , Zhang Yongjun
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidases (HEXs) are widely distributed in fungi and involved in cell wall chitin metabolism and utilization of chitin‐containing substrates. However, details of the fungal pathogens‐derived HEXs in the interaction with their hosts remain limited.

RESULTS

An insect nutrients‐induced β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase, BbHex1, was identified from the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, which was involved in cell wall modification and degradation of insect cuticle. BbHex1 was localized to cell wall and secreted, and displayed enzyme activity to degrade the chitinase‐hydrolyzed product (GlcNAc)2. Disruption of BbHex1 resulted in a significant decrease in the level of cell wall chitin in the presence of insect nutrients and during infection of insects, with impaired ability to penetrate insect cuticle, accompanying downregulated cell wall metabolism‐involved and cuticle‐degrading chitinase genes. However, the opposite phenotypes were examined in the gene overexpression strain. Distinctly altered cell wall structures caused by BbHex1 mutation and overexpression led to the easy activation and evasion (respectively) of insect immune response during fungal infection. As a result, BbHex1 contributed to fungal virulence. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that promoters of some co‐expressed chitinase genes with the BbHex1 promoter shared conserved transcription factors Skn7, Msn2 and Ste12, and CreA‐binding motifs, implying co‐regulation of those genes with BbHex1.

CONCLUSION

These data support a mechanism that the fungal pathogen specifically expresses BbHex1, which is co‐expressed with chitinases to modify cell wall for evasion of insect immune recognition and to degrade insect cuticle, and contributes to the fungal virulence against insects. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quasi‐majority functional voting on expander graphs
Authors: Shimizu Nobutaka , Shiraga Takeharu
Published: May 2024

Consider an ‐vertex graph where each vertex holds one of two distinct opinions. We are interested in the consensus time of synchronous voting processes, where each vertex is allowed to update its opinion according to a predefined commonly local updating rule. This article proposes a general class of voting processes called quasi‐majority functional voting and gives upper and lower bounds of the consensus time. Our results cover many previous results on specific processes, for example, best‐of‐two (a.k.a. 2Choices) and best‐of‐three (a.k.a. 3Majority), as special cases. Our key ingredient is a nonlinear extension of the expander mixing lemma, which enables us to estimate expected and variance changes in opinions of quasi‐majority functional voting on expander graphs.
Fingerprint profile analysis of hirudo polypeptide based on UHPLC–MS and its application
Authors: Song Hongwei , Sun Hui , Fang Heng , Yang Le , Zhao Qiqi , Sun Ye , Yan Guangli , Han Ying , Wang Xijun
Published: May 2024

Hirudo is a medicinal and edible homologous animal. Its rich polypeptides have been proven to have strong biological activity and effects on human health or disease. However, the quality control of hirudo can still be improved. Based on the traditional scientific understanding of oral hirudo administration, this study adopted artificial gastric‐juice extraction combined with pepsin enzymolysis to simulate the digestion and absorption of gastrointestinal tract after taking hirudo. Ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry technology was initially used to screen and characterize 52 enzymolysis components of hirudo. The fingerprint of hirudo enzymolysis polypeptide was then established. The method was confirmed to have high accuracy, repeatability, and stability. Using the established hirudo enzymolysis polypeptide fingerprint, we proved that it can effectively identify different origins of hirudo. The established fingerprint revealed that 19 enzymolysis polypeptides derived from hirudo in the Qizhi capsule, indicating that it can promote and improve the quality control of Qizhi capsule. The present study provided a new technology and idea for the origin identification and quality control of hirudo, and standards for Chinese patent medicines containing hirudo. It can also serve as a reference for the quality control of other animal‐origin drugs or foods.