bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insertion of a neomycin selection cassette in the Amigo1 locus alters gene expression in the olfactory epithelium leading to region‐specific defects in olfactory receptor neuron development
Authors: Raja Reesha , Dumontier Emilie , Phen Alina , Cloutier Jean‐François
Published: April 2024

During development of the nervous system, neurons connect to one another in a precisely organized manner. Sensory systems provide a good example of this organization, whereby the composition of the outside world is represented in the brain by neuronal maps. Establishing correct patterns of neural circuitry is crucial, as inaccurate map formation can lead to severe disruptions in sensory processing. In rodents, olfactory stimuli modulate a wide variety of behaviors essential for survival. The formation of the olfactory glomerular map is dependent on molecular cues that guide olfactory receptor neuron axons to broad regions of the olfactory bulb and on cell adhesion molecules that promote axonal sorting into specific synaptic units in this structure. Here, we demonstrate that the cell adhesion molecule Amigo1 is expressed in a subpopulation of olfactory receptor neurons, and we investigate its role in the precise targeting of olfactory receptor neuron axons to the olfactory bulb using a genetic loss‐of‐function approach in mice. While ablation of Amigo1 did not lead to alterations in olfactory sensory neuron axonal targeting, our experiments revealed that the presence of a neomycin resistance selection cassette in the Amigo1 locus can lead to off‐target effects that are not due to loss of Amigo1 expression, including unexpected altered gene expression in olfactory receptor neurons and reduced glomerular size in the ventral region of the olfactory bulb. Our results demonstrate that insertion of a neomycin selection cassette into the mouse genome can have specific deleterious effects on the development of the olfactory system and highlight the importance of removing antibiotic resistance cassettes from genetic loss‐of‐function mouse models when studying olfactory system development.
Type 2 vomeronasal receptor‐A4 subfamily: Potential predator sensors in mice
Authors: Rocha Andrea , Nguyen Quynh Anh Thi , Haga‐Yamanaka Sachiko
Published: April 2024

Sensory signals detected by olfactory sensory organs are critical regulators of animal behavior. An accessory olfactory organ, the vomeronasal organ, detects cues from other animals and plays a pivotal role in intra‐ and inter‐species interactions in mice. However, how ethologically relevant cues control mouse behavior through approximately 350 vomeronasal sensory receptor proteins largely remains elusive. The type 2 vomeronasal receptor‐A4 (V2R‐A4) subfamily members have been repeatedly detected from vomeronasal sensory neurons responsive to predator cues, suggesting a potential role of this receptor subfamily as a sensor for predators. This review focuses on this intriguing subfamily, delving into its receptor functions and genetic characteristics.
Diversification of the VH3‐53 immunoglobulin gene segment by somatic hypermutation results in neutralization of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus variants
Authors: Bruhn Matthias , Obara Maureen , Salam Abdus , Costa Bibiana , Ziegler Annett , Waltl Inken , Pavlou Andreas , Hoffmann Markus , Graalmann Theresa , Pöhlmann Stefan , Schambach Axel , Kalinke Ulrich
Published: April 2024

COVID‐19 induces re‐circulating long‐lived memory B cells (MBC) that, upon re‐encounter with the pathogen, are induced to mount immunoglobulin responses. During convalescence, antibodies are subjected to affinity maturation, which enhances the antibody binding strength and generates new specificities that neutralize virus variants. Here, we performed a single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis of spike‐specific B cells from a SARS‐CoV‐2 convalescent subject. After COVID‐19 vaccination, matured infection‐induced MBC underwent recall and differentiated into plasmablasts. Furthermore, the transcriptomic profiles of newly activated B cells transiently shifted toward the ones of atypical and CXCR3+ B cells and several B‐cell clonotypes massively expanded. We expressed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from all B‐cell clones from the largest clonotype that used the VH3‐53 gene segment. The in vitro analysis revealed that some somatic hypermutations enhanced the neutralization breadth of mAbs in a putatively stochastic manner. Thus, somatic hypermutation of B‐cell clonotypes generates an anticipatory memory that can neutralize new virus variants.
Systematic Investigation of Optical and Chiroptical Properties of Chiral π‐Conjugated Oligomers in Solution and Thin Films
Authors: Albano Gianluigi , Taddeucci Andrea , Zinna Francesco , Aronica Laura Antonella , Pescitelli Gennaro , Di Bari Lorenzo
Published: April 2024

Four families of structurally related chiral π‐conjugated oligomers bearing a hydroquinone (HQ), 1,5‐dihydroxynaphthalene (Naph), benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b’]dithiophene‐4,8‐diol (BDT) or 9H‐carbazole (CBZ) central core, for a total of 11 new compounds, have been synthesized by simple and versatile synthetic strategies involving Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling protocols: a Suzuki‐Miyaura reaction, a Sonogashira/desilylation/Sonogashira sequence or a Sonogashira/desilylation/acyl Sonogashira sequence. A systematic investigation of the optical and chiroptical features of the final chiral dyes was performed in chloroform solution and on spin‐coated thin films. The ECD investigation was crucial in revealing that, even within the same family of organic dyes, minor variations in the nature and length of the π‐conjugated backbone can result in very different solid‐state arrangements at different hierarchical scales.
A flexible GOx/PB/Au film biosensor for the detection of glucose
Authors: Cai Kaiwei , Bao Yin , Liu Yichen , Li Bingling
Published: April 2024

Polystyrene (PS), a polymer material renowned for its notable optical and mechanical properties, as well as low cost and ease of processing, stands as one of optimal candidate for flexible electrode substrate materials. However, prevalent modification techniques such as lithography, electron beam evaporation, and plasma etching all entail the requirement for specialized equipment and precise operation, thereby significantly elevating the technical barrier. In this study, we introduce a chemical plating method to fabricate a gold film electrode, coupled with prussian blue (PB) and glucose oxidase (GOx), for the development of a glucose electrochemical biosensor. This process offers simplicity, cost‐effectiveness, and feasibility under regular experimental conditions. The electrode surface is covered with numerous gold nanoparticles, effectively augmenting the actual electrode area and enhancing electron transfer efficiency. Remarkably, without the addition of sensitizing agents, the biosensor achieves highly sensitive glucose detection. The proposed biosensor exhibits a broad linear relationship in the concentration range of 0.005–1 mM, with a detection limit of 4.4 μM. Moreover, it exhibits favorable performance in detecting glucose levels in sweat samples, showcasing promising prospects for personal healthcare diagnostics.
Effect of Hemerocallis essence aroma on brain activity and sleep processes via scalp electroencephalogram
Authors: Ke Qinfei , Yang Jiaqi , Zhu Jiancai , Meng Qingran , Zhang Yunchong , Guo Yihao , Niu Yunwei , Liu Qinglei , Huang Xin , Kou Xingran
Published: April 2024

Sleep disorders are widespread. Inhaled aromatherapy has shown advantages over medication in treating insomnia. Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva) has been found to positively affect sleep either by ingestion or inhalation, but there is a lack of research on the sleep aid effect of its inhalation route. At present, the floral scent characteristics of daylily are not obvious, and the extraction rate of essential oil is low. Based on the above problems, this study developed daylily essence which replicates the natural aroma of plants and investigated the effect of inhaling daylily essence aroma on sleep activity by using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and electroencephalogram (EEG). According to PSQI results, inhaling the aroma of daylily essence improved participants' subjective sleep quality. The difference between men and women was statistically significant (p < .05). The slow‐wave sleep activity of EEG in the experimental group was significantly stronger than that in the control group (p < .01). In addition, the frontal and central regions were more responsive to aroma stimuli (p < .05). The results of this study show that the aroma of daylily can promote the subjective and objective sleep quality of healthy college students, and the use of fragrance intervention is a potential scheme to improve sleep quality and insomnia.
Medicinal utilization and nutritional properties of drumstick (Moringa oleifera)—A comprehensive review
Authors: Zarina  , Wani Ab Waheed , Rawat Monisha , Kaur Harjinder , Das Sachitanand , Kaur Taranpreet , Akram Noor , Faisal Zargham , Jan Syed Saad , Oyshe Nabila Nusrat , Khan Mahbubur Rahman , Shah Yasir Abbas
Published: April 2024

The tropical and subtropical regions of the world support the growth of the Indian plant Moringa oleifera. It usually goes by the name drumstick tree or horseradish tree and thrives in warm climates. The leaves of the M. oleifera tree are now frequently used as nutrients and nutraceuticals due to their availability of various minerals. While having only very minor antinutritional effects, the leaves are abundant in many beneficial compounds. A recent review of the bioactive components and activity of moringa leaves has focused on both in vivo and in vitro studies. Drumstick leaves have antidiabetic qualities, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial qualities among other health benefits. Phytochemicals, in addition to minerals and vitamins, are abundant in this vegetable. The majority of these effects, according to a review in the literature, are mostly brought on by the presence of carotenoids, glucosinolates, and phytochemicals. As a value‐added component in the production of wholesome meals, moringa is becoming more popular. Despite extensive research into locating and quantifying these advantageous elements in drumstick leaves, bioavailability and bioaccessibility studies were carried out. Beneficial photochemicals are absorbed and digested through incredibly intricate processes that involve several physicochemical and physiological interactions. Therefore, the biological impact of food may be attributed to its various metabolites that can access particular areas of action rather than its original substances. This body of literature offers the most recent findings in scientific research on the bioavailability, health advantages, nutritional profiles, and bioactive activities of moringa leaves as they relate to their use in a range of food products. Drumsticks are frequently used as a food element that promotes health because of their potent protection against a variety of ailments and the presence of environmental pollutants.
Sexually dimorphic effects of pexidartinib on nerve injury‐induced neuropathic pain in mice
Authors: Saika Fumihiro , Fukazawa Yohji , Hatano Yu , Kishioka Shiroh , Hino Yuko , Hino Shinjiro , Suzuki Kentaro , Kiguchi Norikazu
Published: April 2024

It is well‐established that spinal microglia and peripheral macrophages play critical roles in the etiology of neuropathic pain; however, growing evidence suggests sex differences in pain hypersensitivity owing to microglia and macrophages. Therefore, it is crucial to understand sex‐ and androgen‐dependent characteristics of pain‐related myeloid cells in mice with nerve injury‐induced neuropathic pain. To deplete microglia and macrophages, pexidartinib (PLX3397), an inhibitor of the colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor, was orally administered, and mice were subjected to partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL). Following PSL induction, healthy male and female mice and male gonadectomized (GDX) mice exhibited similar levels of spinal microglial activation, peripheral macrophage accumulation, and mechanical allodynia. Treatment with PLX3397 significantly suppressed mechanical allodynia in normal males; this was not observed in female and GDX male mice. Sex‐ and androgen‐dependent differences in the PLX3397‐mediated preventive effects were observed on spinal microglia and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) macrophages, as well as in expression patterns of pain‐related inflammatory mediators in these cells. Conversely, no sex‐ or androgen‐dependent differences were detected in sciatic nerve macrophages, and inhibition of peripheral CC‐chemokine receptor 5 prevented neuropathic pain in both sexes. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the presence of considerable sex‐ and androgen‐dependent differences in the etiology of neuropathic pain in spinal microglia and DRG macrophages but not in sciatic nerve macrophages. Given that the mechanisms of neuropathic pain may differ among experimental models and clinical conditions, accumulating several lines of evidence is crucial to comprehensively clarifying the sex‐dependent regulatory mechanisms of pain.
Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and brain morphology: Addressing potential selection bias with inverse probability weighting
Authors: Dijkzeul Annet , Tiemeier Henning , Muetzel Ryan L. , Labrecque Jeremy A.
Published: April 2024

The goal of this study was to examine what happens to established associations between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and cortical surface and thickness regions once we apply inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPCW) to address potential selection bias. Moreover, we illustrate how different factors that predict participation contribute to potential selection bias. Participants were 9‐ to 11‐year‐old children from the Generation R study (N = 2707). Cortical area and thickness were measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ADHD symptoms with the Child Behavior Checklist. We examined how associations between ADHD symptoms and brain morphology change when we weight our sample back to either follow‐up (ages 9–11), baseline (cohort at birth), or eligible (population of Rotterdam at time of recruitment). Weights were derived using IPCW or raking and missing predictors of participation used to estimate weights were imputed. Weighting analyses to baseline and eligible increased beta coefficients for the middle temporal gyrus surface area, as well as fusiform gyrus cortical thickness. Alternatively, the beta coefficient for the rostral anterior cingulate decreased. Removing one group of variables used for estimating weights resulted in the weighted regression coefficient moving closer to the unweighted regression coefficient. In addition, we found considerably different beta coefficients for most surface area regions and all thickness measures when we did not impute missing covariate data. Our findings highlight the importance of using inverse probability weighting (IPW) in the neuroimaging field, especially in the context of mental health‐related research. We found that including all variables related to exposure‐outcome in the IPW model and combining IPW with multiple imputations can help reduce bias. We encourage future psychiatric neuroimaging studies to define their target population, collect information on eligible but not included participants and use inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPCW) to reduce selection bias.
A Multiplex Recombinase‐Aided qPCR Assay for Highly Sensitive and Rapid Detection of khe, blaKPC‐2, and blaNDM‐1 Genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Hua Shao‐wei , Wang Jie , Zhao Zi‐jin , Tian Feng‐yu , Zhao Meng , Wang Yu‐xin , Zhang Rui‐qing , Han Zhi‐qiang , Gao Shi‐jue , Lv Xiao‐na , Li Hong‐yi , Shen Xin‐xin , Ma Xue‐jun , Feng Zhi‐shan
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to establish a highly sensitive and rapid single‐tube, two‐stage, multiplex recombinase‐aided qPCR (mRAP) assay to specifically detect the khe, blaKPC‐2, and blaNDM‐1 genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Methods

mRAP was carried out in a qPCR instrument within 1 h. The analytical sensitivities of mRAP for khe, blaKPC‐2, and blaNDM‐1 genes were tested using recombinant plasmids and dilutions of reference strains. A total of 137 clinical isolates and 86 sputum samples were used to validate the clinical performance of mRAP.

Results

mRAP achieved the sensitivities of 10, 8, and 14 copies/reaction for khe, blaKPC‐2, and blaNDM‐1 genes, respectively, superior to qPCR. The Kappa value of qPCR and mRAP for detecting khe, blaKPC‐2, and blaNDM‐1 genes was 1, 0.855, and 1, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

mRAP is a rapid and highly sensitive assay for potential clinical identification of khe, blaKPC‐2, and blaNDM‐1 genes in K. pneumoniae.
Selenium suppressed growth of Ehrlich solid tumor and improved health of tumor‐bearing mice
Authors: Hekal Heba A. , Amer Maggie E. , Amer Maher , El‐Missiry Mohamed A. , Othman Azza I.
Published: April 2024

Selenium (Se) is an important micronutritional biomolecule in cancer therapy. The current work evaluated the anticancer effect of Se and its ability to improve health of mice with solid Ehrlich carcinoma implanted subcutaneously. Four groups of five female BALB/c mice each were assembled. Ehrlich tumor cells were engrafted into two of them, either with or without Se therapy. The other groups served as control groups, either with or without Se treatment. Se treatment resulted in a notable decrease in both tumor volume and animal body mass in tumor‐bearing mice. Treatment with Se markedly increased oxidative stress in tumor while ameliorating oxidative stress in sera of tumors‐bearing mice. Similarly, treatment with Se resulted in downregulation of inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6) while increasing IL‐10 in serum of tumor‐bearing mice. Conversely, selenium increased TNF‐ α and IL‐6 and decreased IL‐10 in tumor suggesting disruption of tumor immunity. The increased oxidative stress and inflammation in tumor tissue dysregulated cell cycle phases with increase apoptotic tumor cells population in G0/G1 phase. This is supported by the increased levels apoptotic regulating proteins (Bax and caspase‐3 and P‐53) while decreasing Bcl‐2 in the tumor tissue. Treatment with Se also resulted in increased comet parameters indicating DNA damage of tumor cells. Histopathological examination revealed a significant decrease in a number of neoplastic cells within tumor of mice that treated with Se. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Se therapy significantly suppressed solid tumor proliferation and growth while mitigating the health status of tumor‐bearing mice.
Impaired coenzyme A homeostasis in cardiac dysfunction and benefits of boosting coenzyme A production with vitamin B5 and its derivatives in the management of heart failure
Authors: Wedman J. J. , Sibon O. C. M. , Mastantuono E. , Iuso A.
Published: April 2024

Coenzyme A (CoA) is an essential cofactor required for over a hundred metabolic reactions in the human body. This cofactor is synthesized de novo in our cells from vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, a water‐soluble vitamin abundantly present in vegetables and animal‐based foods. Neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases have been linked to defects in de novo CoA biosynthesis or reduced levels of this coenzyme. There is now accumulating evidence that CoA limitation is a critical pathomechanism in cardiac dysfunction too. In the current review, we will summarize our current knowledge on CoA and heart failure, with emphasis on two primary cardiomyopathies, phosphopantothenoylcysteine synthetase and phosphopantothenoylcysteine decarboxylase deficiency disorders biochemically characterized by a decreased level of CoA in patients' samples. Hence, we will discuss the potential benefits of CoA restoration in these diseases and, more generally, in heart failure, by vitamin B5 and its derivatives pantethine and 4′‐phosphopantetheine.
Does jasmonic acid mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress on wheat through the enhancement of ascorbate biosynthesis and the induction of glutamate dehydrogenase activity?
Authors: Horchani Faouzi , Bouallegue Amal , Abbes Zouhaier
Published: April 2024

Background

Salt stress is one of the most common abiotic stresses, reducing plant growth and productivity. Thus, the development of suitable management practices to minimize the deleterious effects of salt stress has become necessary.

Aims

This study was conducted to investigate the possible mechanisms underlying salt tolerance conferred by jasmonic acid (JA).

Methods

Salt‐stressed wheat seedlings were supplemented with 1 mM JA and/or 1 mM ibuprofen (IBU), an inhibitor of endogenous JA biosynthesis, in the culture medium.

Results

The obtained results showed that salt stress significantly decreased shoot and root dry weight production and relative water contents. This was associated with a noteworthy reduction in leaf and root ascorbate (AsA) concentrations, as well as glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activities. Exogenously supplied JA did not affect GS and GOGAT activities in leaves and roots of salt‐treated seedlings. However, noticeable enhancements were observed in growth, AsA concentrations, as well as GDH activities. Likewise, the inhibition of JA biosynthesis by IBU application was accompanied by a significant decrease in seedlings’ growth associated with a noticeable reduction in AsA concentrations and GDH activities. The decreases in growth and GDH activities were also obtained following inhibition of AsA biosynthesis by lycorine (Lyc) application. By contrast, increased GDH activities and enhanced growth were obtained following exogenous AsA supplementation, with or without JA biosynthesis inhibition.

Conclusions

The findings implied that exogenous JA enhanced AsA biosynthesis and induced GDH activity, which further promoted the growth of wheat seedlings in salt‐stressed conditions. Therefore, the stimulation of AsA biosynthesis and GDH activity through JA application in the rhizosphere may be suggested as a vital strategy for strengthening the salt tolerance of wheat plants, at least at the seedling stage.
Anti‐aging effect of peptides on Caenorhabditis elegans: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Chao , Zhu Ling , Zhang Hui , Liu Tongtong , Wang Li , Wu Gangcheng
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Recently, peptides have been studied in Caenorhabditis elegans for anti‐aging research. Due to the lack of sufficient evidence, we conducted this meta‐analysis focusing on the anti‐aging effect of peptides in C. elegans to provide more convincing evidence.

RESULTS

A literature search in PubMed, SCOUPUS, and Web of Science databases yielded 2879 articles. After removing duplicates and based on inclusion criteria and STAIR checklist quality assessment, nine articles were selected. Data extraction and analysis showed that, compared to the control group without peptide intervention, peptide supplementation significantly reduced nematode mortality risk [hazard ratio = 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.47, 0.62; P < 0.05], significantly increased the pharyngeal pumping rate [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.64, 95% CI = 0.87, 2.41; P < 0.05], bending frequency (SMD = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.16, 2.18; P < 0.05), and significantly decreased the accumulation of lipofuscin levels within nematodes (SMD = −4.48, 95% CI = −6.85, −2.12; P < 0.05). Additionally, subgroup analysis showed that doses ranging from 0.1 to 1 mg/mL (HR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.38, 0.65; P < 0.05) displayed better anti‐aging effects compared to other dose ranges.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that peptides can significantly extend the lifespan of C. elegans under normal circumstances and improve three indicators of healthy life. More importantly, subgroup analysis revealed that a dosage of 0.1–1 mg/mL demonstrated superior anti‐aging effects. This meta‐analysis provides more convincing evidence that peptides can play an anti‐aging role in C. elegans. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Enhancing precision in osteochondral lesions of the talus measurements and improving agreement in surgical decision‐making using weight‐bearing computed tomography and distance mapping
Authors: Efrima Ben , Dahmen Jari , Barbero Agustin , Benady Amit , Maccario Camilla , Indino Cristian , Kerkhoffs Gino , Usuelli Federico Giuseppe
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Weight‐bearing computed tomography (WBCT) enables the creation of a three‐dimensional (3D) model that represents the ankle morphology in a standing position. Distance mapping (DM) is a complementary feature that uses color coding to represent the relative intraarticular distance and can be used to outline intraarticular defects. Consequently, DM offers a novel approach to delineating osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT), allowing for the quantification of its surface, volume and depth. The reliability of DM for OLT measurements has yet to be thoroughly evaluated. This study primarily aims to determine the reliability of DM in measuring the surface, depth and volume of OLT. A secondary objective is to ascertain whether measurements obtained through DM, when integrated with a predefined treatment algorithm, can facilitate consensus among surgeons regarding the optimal surgical intervention.

Methods

This cohort comprised 36 patients with 40 OLTs evaluated using WBCT and DM. Two raters used DM to determine the lesion boundary (LB) and lesion fundus (LF) and calculate the lesion depth, surface and volume. The raters were asked to choose between bone marrow stimulation, autologous matrix‐induced chondrogenesis and osteochondral transposition based on the measurement. Inter‐rater and intra‐rater agreement was measured.

Results

Interclass correlation of the lesion's depth surface produced an excellent inter‐rater and intra‐rater agreement of 0.90–0.94 p < 0.001. Cohen's κ agreement analysis of the preferable preoperative plan produced a κ = 0.834, p < 0.001, indicating a near‐perfect agreement.

Conclusion

WBCT‐based 3D modules and DM can be used to measure the lesion's surface, depth and volume with excellent inter‐rater and inter‐rater agreement; using this measurement and a predetermined treatment algorithm, a near‐perfect inter‐rater agreement for the preoperative planning was reached. WBCT in conjunction with AI capabilities could help determine the type of surgery needed preoperatively, evaluate the hindfoot alignment and assess if additional surgeries are needed.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Key developments in global scholarly publishing: Negotiating a double‐edged sword
Authors: Oparinde Kunle , Govender Vaneshree , Adedokun Theophilus , Agbede Grace Temiloluwa , Thungo Sithabile
Published: April 2024

Over the last few years, the publishing industry has experienced significant changes and developments, most of which have had a positive influence on scholarly publishing. For instance, the gradual popularity of open access publishing has contributed to the wider access and readership of published materials. Also, the recent development in the abilities of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the publication process is laudable for its potential. The gradual shift from print to online publication is also a commendable development in global publishing. Not without their own challenges, these developments, among others, have mostly impacted global publishing in a positive way. In the current study, the researchers' argument stems from the notion that although these developments are invaluable, there are accompanying impediments that publishing professionals as well as publishing outlets must consider. In response to these developments, role‐players in the publishing industry must constantly reassess their publishing processes in order to carefully manage and negotiate what is termed by this study as a ‘double‐edged sword’ (capable of having positive and negative consequences). This study reviews existing studies, draws views from publishing experts, and seeks opinions from scholars to establish methods of negotiating some of the key developments in global publishing.
Possible role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the pathogenesis of chronic adenoiditis and adenoid hypertrophy: A prospective, parallel‐group study
Authors: Onal Merih , Elsurer Cagdas , Duran Tugce , Kocak Nadir , Ulusoy Bulent , Bozkurt Mete Kaan , Onal Ozkan
Published: April 2024

Background

Adenoid tissue is a first‐line host defense secondary lymphoid organ, especially in childhood. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is required to maintain balanced cellular activity. With impaired ER functions, protein accumulation occurs, resulting in ER stress, which plays a role in the etiopathogenesis of many diseases.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the relationship between ER stress and adenoid tissue disorders, thereby elucidating the mechanisms of immunity‐related diseases.

Methods

Fifty‐four pediatric patients (>3 years old) who underwent adenoidectomy for chronic adenoiditis (CA) or adenoid hypertrophy (AH) were enrolled in this prospective, parallel‐group clinical study. Adenoids were divided into two groups (CA or AH) based on their size and evaluated for ER stress pathway and apoptosis pathway markers by Real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis.

Results

ER stress pathway markers significantly differed between the CA and AH groups. Children with CA had higher ER stress marker levels than the AH group (p < .001 for ATF‐4, ATF‐6, and GRP78, and p < .05 for EDEM1, CHOP, EIF2AK3, ERNI, and GRP94). Apoptosis pathway marker levels (BAX and BCL‐2) were not different between groups.

Conclusions

ER stress contributes to the etiopathogenesis of adenoid tissue diseases and the pathogenesis of adenoid tissue disorders, which are part of the immune response. These results may guide the development of new and alternative treatments for immune system disorders.
Monodisperse Polyaspartic Acid Derivative Microspheres for Potential Tumor Embolization Therapy
Authors: Xu Anqi , Sun Yuchen , Guo Mingyu
Published: April 2024

Polyaspartic acid derivatives are a well‐known kind of polypeptide with good biocompatibility and biodegradability, and thus have been widely used as biomedical materials, including drug‐loaded nano‐scale micelles or macroscopic hydrogels. In this work, for the first time, monodisperse polyaspartic acid derivative microspheres with diameter ranging from 120 to 350 µm for potential tumor embolization therapy are successfully prepared by single emulsion droplet microfluidic technique. The obtained microsphere shows fast cationic anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride loading kinetics with high loading capacity, which is much better than those of the commercial ones. Additionally, drug release behaviors of the drug‐loaded microspheres with different diameters in different media are also studied and discussed in detail. These results provide some new insights for the preparation and potential application of polyaspartic acid derivative‐based monodisperse microspheres, especially for their potential application as embolic agent.
The Cauchy problem of dissipative hyperbolic mean curvature flow
Authors: Xia Shuangshuang , Wang Zenggui
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the motion of strictly convex closed plane curves under dissipative hyperbolic mean curvature flow is studied. The hyperbolic Monge–Amp
re equation is derived by using the support function. The short‐time existence of the flow is proved, and some evolution equations are derived. Furthermore, according to different initial velocities, we discuss the expansion and contraction of the dissipative hyperbolic curvature flow; that is, if the initial velocity
, the flow will converge to the limit curve at a finite time; if the initial velocity
, the flow will converge to a point
; if the initial velocity
, the flow will contract to a limit curve as
; if the initial velocity
, the flow will expand to a limit curve as
.
Joint promotional effort and assortment optimization under the multinomial logit model
Authors: Xiao Hua , Gong Min , Lian Zhaotong , Nip Kameng
Published: April 2024

Promotional effort is a common strategy to induce sales and broaden the market scope by enhancing the products' utility to customers. In this article, we incorporate promotional effort into the customer choice model and study the joint promotional effort and assortment optimization problems, where the customer's choice behavior follows the widely used multinomial‐logit (MNL) model. Motivated by various marketing scenarios, we introduce two distinct models that address the allocation of promotional effort: (1) differentiated promotional effort—the retailer can arbitrarily allocate promotional resources to each offered product; (2) uniform promotional effort—the retailer can determine a promotional level, and the promotional effort is equally distributed to each offered product. In the first model, the revenue‐ordered assortment strategy is optimal, and we can efficiently determine the optimal promotional effort level. In the second model, the revenue‐ordered assortment is no longer optimal. We develop a polynomial time algorithm to solve the joint optimization problem under this model. Using the algorithmic results, we conduct comparative analyses between the assortment optimization problem under the proposed models and the classic MNL model, which does not exert any promotional effort. We show that the assortment size shrinks when the retailer makes the promotional effort in the decision, which indicates that product variety and promotional effort are strategic substitutes. Moreover, the retailer and customers can be better off in the presence of promotional efforts, irrespective of the format. Additionally, we conduct extensive numerical experiments to demonstrate our analytical results and gain more managerial insights.
Emergence of imaging technology beyond the clinical setting: Utilization of mobile health tools for at‐home testing
Authors: Starkoff Brooke E. , Nickerson Brett S.
Published: April 2024

Body composition assessment plays a pivotal role in understanding health, disease risk, and treatment efficacy. This narrative review explores two primary aspects: imaging techniques, namely ultrasound (US) and dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile health apps in telehealth for body composition. Although US is valuable for assessing subcutaneous fat and muscle thickness, DXA accurately quantifies bone mineral content, fat mass, and lean mass. Despite their effectiveness, accessibility and cost remain barriers to widespread adoption. The integration of AI‐powered image analysis may help explain tissue differentiation, whereas mobile health apps offer real‐time metabolic monitoring and personalized feedback. New apps such as MeThreeSixty and Made Health and Fitness offer the advantages of clinic‐based imaging techniques from the comfort of home. These innovations hold the potential for individualizing strategies and interventions, optimizing clinical outcomes, and empowering informed decision‐making for both healthcare professionals and patients/clients. Navigating the intricacies of these emerging tools, critically assessing their validity and reliability, and ensuring inclusivity across diverse populations and conditions will be crucial in harnessing their full potential. By integrating advancements in body composition assessment, healthcare can move beyond the limitations of traditional methods and deliver truly personalized, data‐driven care to optimize well‐being.
Data sharing mode of dispatching automation system based on distributed machine learning
Authors: He Xiaoli , Luo Mi , Hu Yurui , Xiong Feng
Published: April 2024

The difficulties of sending massive amounts of data between several data centres are examined in this work, with particular attention paid to how poorly current scheduling algorithms handle point‐to‐multipoint transfers and transmission time limits. In this research, a new method called multicast source‐based tree (MSBT) is proposed for effectively handling point‐to‐multipoint transmissions in a certain amount of time. By allowing receivers to simultaneously receive data from several source points, MSBT introduces the idea of ‘source selection’ for the creation of multicast tree structure‐based algorithms. Large data blocks are distributed as efficiently as possible using this method, which also guarantees effective transmission from a single‐source point to several recipient locations. Furthermore covered in the article is how PV producers and sellers' capacity allocation is affected by the discount rate. These results offer insightful information on how decisions are made in related sectors. The development of new energy big data platforms underscores their significance; leaders in the industry, like United Power, Vision Energy and Goldwind, serve as prime examples.
Impact of BMI on Dyspnea and Need for Surgical Intervention in Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility
Authors: Elsamna Samer T. , Lin Matthew E. , Smith Teagen , Johns Michael , Rutt Amy , Bensoussan Yael
Published: April 2024

Objective

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) and posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) are causes of bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) and may cause shortness of breath, stridor, and need for surgical intervention. Although increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with restrictive breathing patterns in patients with normal upper airways, it is unclear how BMI impacts dyspnea and need for surgical intervention in BVFI patients.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Three tertiary academic centers in the United States.

Methods

Demographics, BMI, Dyspnea Index (DI), etiology, presence of tracheostomy and surgical intervention (dilation, tracheostomy, cordotomy, arytenoidectomy, open reconstruction) were collected. Primary outcomes included dyspnea measured by DI and need for surgery to improve airway. Linear regressions were performed to assess continuous outcomes. Mann‐Whitney U‐test was utilized to assess categorical outcomes.

Results

Among 121 patients, 52 presented with BVFP and 69 with PGS. Previous neck surgery was the most common cause of BVFI (40.2%). 44.3% of patients received a tracheostomy. Through multivariate linear regression, increased BMI was significantly associated with increased DI in the entire cohort (β = .43, P = .016). Increased BMI was also associated with need for any surgical intervention (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.01‐1.13]) in the overall cohort. When stratifying our data, BMI was only significantly associated with DI in BVFP (β = .496) and need for surgical intervention in PGS (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = [1.01‐1.21]), although a positive trend was seen in all analyses.

Conclusion

Increased BMI may correlate with worsening dyspnea symptoms and need for surgical intervention in patients with BVFI. Weight‐loss‐related counseling may benefit symptom management.
From morphology to methylome: epigenetic studies of Müllerian mesonephric‐like adenocarcinoma reveal similarities to cervical mesonephric adenocarcinoma†
Authors: Lin Lawrence H , Howitt Brooke E , Kolin David L
Published: April 2024

Mesonephric adenocarcinomas (MAs) and mesonephric‐like adenocarcinomas (MLAs) are rare, aggressive neoplasms that arise in the gynecologic tract and show overlapping morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features. While MAs occur in the cervix and are thought to arise from mesonephric remnants, MLAs occur in the endometrium and ovary and are believed to originate from transdifferentiation of Müllerian lesions. Both MAs and MLAs show a variety of architectural patterns, exhibit frequent expression of GATA3 by immunohistochemistry, and harbor KRAS mutations. In a recent article published in The Journal of Pathology, Kommoss and colleagues used DNA methylation profiling to extend these similarities and showed that MLAs and MAs cluster together based on their epigenetic signatures and are epigenetically distinct from other Müllerian adenocarcinomas. They also showed that MLAs and MAs harbor a high number of global copy number alterations. This study provides evidence that MLAs more closely resemble MAs than Müllerian carcinomas on an epigenetic level. As a result, the authors argue that MLA should be renamed ‘mesonephric‐type adenocarcinoma.’ Further research is needed to establish the relationship between these two entities, their etiology, and pathogenesis. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Peppermint oil‐infused polylactic acid films: A novel approach for antimicrobial and biodegradable food packaging
Authors: Emir Ayca Aydogdu , Yildiz Eda , Kirtil Emrah
Published: April 2024

Extensive research is currently dedicated to creating biodegradable packaging materials that match the qualities of traditional synthetic packaging materials. Among these options, polylactic acid (PLA) is noteworthy. PLA is a renewable‐source‐derived thermoplastic polymer with excellent barrier properties, mechanical strength, and a strong safety profile. To enhance food product shelf life, active packaging materials, incorporating functional ingredients like antimicrobials, have gained prominence. Peppermint essential oil is one such active ingredient, offering potential improvements in preserving food freshness and safety. This study's objective is to craft antimicrobial, biodegradable food packaging materials by blending peppermint oil into PLA films. Various peppermint oil concentrations (1.25%, 1.875%, and 2.5% w/v) were blended with PLA to assess their impact on opacity, water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical and thermal properties, and antimicrobial characteristics. Higher peppermint oil concentrations increased opacity, making them advantageous for light‐sensitive food items. These films reduced WVP without affecting PLA's thermal stability. Antimicrobial effectiveness was evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), showing inhibition with 1.875% and 2.5% w/v peppermint oil concentrations. Compared to control, PLA films with peppermint oil extended the shelf life of packaged chicken breast meats from 3 to 8 days. As a result, incorporating peppermint oil into PLA films presents a promising solution for advanced antimicrobial and biodegradable food packaging.

Highlights

The incorporation of peppermint oil resulted in higher opacity values.

Peppermint incorporated PLA films showed antimicrobial activity.

Peppermint oil addition decreased water vapor permeability of PLA films.

Peppermint oil added PLA films increased the shelf life of chicken meat up to 8 days.
Large‐scale breeding applications of unoccupied aircraft systems enabled genomic prediction
Authors: Herr Andrew W. , Schmuker Peter , Carter Arron H.
Published: April 2024

Breeding for improved, reliable cultivars despite growing environmental irregularity can be challenging. Unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) are a popular high‐throughput phenotyping technology that has been shown to help interpret the mechanisms associated with crop productivity and environmental response, creating potential for improved breeding strategies. Spectral reflectance indices (SRIs), encompassing both vegetation and water indices like normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference red‐edge index, and normalized water index, were employed to assess 4094 winter wheat genotypes across 11,593 breeding plots at Washington State University from 2019 through 2022. SRIs were then used with genomic data in univariate models as covariates and multivariate models as secondary response variables for predictions of grain yield. The prediction accuracy of models was evaluated using a leave‐one‐year‐out validation strategy against a base genomic prediction method. Including SRI data as fixed effects in univariate genomic prediction models can improve prediction accuracy over the control but is unreliable across years. When used in multivariate models, SRIs improve prediction performance across years but require high‐performance computational resources that could limit feasibility. In univariate models, when test year NDVI data were available and used to calculate breeding values, prediction performance was at least 16% better than the control, ranging in prediction accuracy from 0.54 in 2019 to 0.93 in 2020. This study highlights the limited reliability of SRI use in genomic prediction of untested environments and locations. However, a significant application for the technology can be found in early‐season UAS data collection to aid accurate predictions in late season, a helpful tool in tight turnaround times commonly experienced in winter crop breeding programs.
Flexible Complementary Metal‐Oxide‐Semiconductor Inverter Based on 2D p‐type WSe2and n‐type MoS2
Authors: Piacentini Agata , Polyushkin Dmitry K. , Uzlu Burkay , Grundmann Annika , Heuken Michael , Kalisch Holger , Vescan Andrei , Wang Zhenxing , Lemme Max C. , Mueller Thomas , Neumaier Daniel
Published: April 2024

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are a promising class of two‐dimensional (2D) materials for flexible electronic applications due to their low integration temperature, good electronic properties, and excellent mechanical flexibility. Moreover, TMDCs offer the possibility of co‐integrating both n‐ and p‐type transistors on the same substrate, enabling the realization of complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) circuits. In this study, n‐type MoS2field‐effect transistors (FETs), and p‐type WSe2‐FETs integrated on a flexible foil substrate fabricated by standard thin‐film technology are presented. These devices exhibit high stability in their electronic operation under strain and repeated bending cycles. A CMOS inverter based on these transistors is also successfully demonstrated, which shows excellent switching behaviour with high gain (up to 100), high noise margin (0.87 · VDD), and low average static power consumption (40 pW).
DFT study of the half‐metallic variant perovskites A2OsX6 (A = Rb/Cs; X = Cl/Br) for spintronic and thermoelectric applications
Authors: Ullah Rehan , Faizan Muhammad , Khan Shah Haidar
Published: April 2024

We present our results of the spin‐polarized calculations on the structural, magneto‐electronic, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric properties of vacancy‐ordered double perovskites A2OsX6 (A = Rb/Cs; X = Cl/Br). We utilized the Wu‐Cohen generalized gradient approximation (Wu‐GGA) and the mBJ scheme to determine a more reliable electronic structure. The compounds exhibit negative formation energy, suitable tolerance factor, and a stable phonon spectrum, indicating their stability. The compounds show half‐metallicity, acting as semiconductors with direct band gaps between 2 and 3 eV in the spin‐up orientation while metallic in the spin‐down. Each compound shows a total spin magnetic moment of 2.00 μB per formula unit, with Os‐t2g states contributing the most (~1.5 μB). The computed thermoelectric coefficient indicates the usability of these compounds across a wide temperature range (200–800 K) with high electrical conductivity and low electronic thermal conductivity. The compounds exhibit high Seebeck coefficient and figure of merit (ZT), making them suitable for thermoelectric applications. With ferromagnetic and half‐metallic characteristics, these compounds could be promising candidates for spintronics, thermoelectronic, and data storage applications.