bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Infection-Control Barriers on the Light Intensity of Light-Cure Units and Depth of Cure of Composite
Authors: Hodson Nicholas A , Dunne Stephen M , Pankhurst Caroline L
Published: April 2005

Aim

Dental curing lights are vulnerable to contamination with oral fluids during routine intra-oral use. This controlled study aimed to evaluate whether or not disposable transparent barriers placed over the light-guide tip would affect light output intensity or the subsequent depth of cure of a composite restoration.

Methods

The impact on light intensity emitted from high-, medium- and low-output light-cure units in the presence of two commercially available disposable infection-control barriers was evaluated against a no-barrier control. Power density measurements from the three intensity light-cure units were recorded with a radiometer, then converted to a digital image using an intra-oral camera and values determined using a commercial computer program. For each curing unit, the measurements were repeated on ten separate occasions with each barrier and the control. Depth of cure was evaluated using a scrape test in a natural tooth model.

Results

At each level of light output, the two disposable barriers produced a significant reduction in the mean power density readings compared to the no-barrier control (P<0.005). The cure sleeve inhibited light output to a greater extent than either the cling film or the control (P<0.005). Only composite restorations light-activated by the high level unit demonstrated a small but significant decrease in the depth of cure compared to the control (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Placing disposable barriers over the light-guide tip reduced the light intensity from all three curing lights. There was no impact on depth of cure except for the high-output light, where a small decrease in cure depth was noted but this was not considered clinically significant. Disposable barriers can be recommended for use with light-cure lights.
Increased SH2-Bβ content and membrane association in transgenic mice overexpressing GH
Authors: Miquet J G , Sotelo A I , Bartke A , Turyn D
Published: April 2005

Transgenic mice overexpressing GH present a marked GH signaling desensitization, reflected by low basal phosphorylation levels of the tyrosine kinase JAK2, and signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT5) and a lack of response of these proteins to a high GH dose. To evaluate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of JAK2 activity by high GH levels in vivo, the content and subcellular distribution of SH2-Bβ were studied in GH-overexpressing transgenic mice. SH2-B is a member of a conserved family of adapter proteins characterized by the presence of a C-terminal SH2 domain, a central pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, and an N-terminal proline rich region. The isoform SH2-Bβ modulates JAK2 activity by binding to the phosphorylated enzyme, further increasing its activity. However, it may also interact with non-phosphorylated inactive JAK2 via lower affinity binding sites, preventing abnormal activation of the kinase. SH2-Bβ may also function as an adapter protein, acting as a GH signaling mediator.

We now report that, in an animal model of GH excess in which JAK2 is not phosphorylated, although it is increased in the membrane-fraction, both the level of SH2-Bβ, and especially its association to membranes, are augmented (67% and 13-fold vs normal mice values respectively), suggesting SH2-Bβ could modulate JAK2 activity in vivo.
The cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes mediates glucocorticoid-induced loss of the type-2 IGF receptor in ileal epithelial cells
Authors: Gordon P V , Paxton J B , Fox N S
Published: April 2005

Glucocorticoids induce hypertrophy of the neonatal ileal mucosa but the molecular mechanisms behind this growth induction remain poorly understood. Ileal epithelial cells (IECs) are dependent upon IGF-II for proliferation both in vivo and in culture. The type-2 IGF receptor (IGFR-2) is a lysosomal transport protein that attenuates IGF-II-driven growth and is highly abundant in the ileum. The cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes (CREG) is a secreted phosphoglycoprotein that affects cell fate via ligand binding with IGFR-2, although the mechanism by which it does so is unknown. We hypothesized that glucocorticoids might facilitate IGF-mediated hypertrophy through CREG-mediated degradation of IGFR-2. To test this hypothesis, confluent rat IECs (IEC-18) were cultured for 72 h with or without dexamethasone (DEX) and harvested for Western blot, immunocytochemistry, gene array and CREG immunoneutralization experiments. IGFR-2 and CREG immunohistochemistry were also performed in archived ileal specimens from control and DEX-exposed newborn mice and extremely premature infants to investigate in vivo and clinical relevance. DEX exposure was found to diminish IGFR-2 immunolocalization in cultured rat IECs, newborn mouse ileal mucosa and human neonatal ileal mucosa. Gene array data indicated that IGFR-2 expression was unchanged with DEX treatment, suggesting a mechanism of protein degradation. CREG immunolocalization and abundance was found to be increased by DEX and immunoneutralization of CREG resulted in the abolition of IGFR-2 degradation. We have concluded that CREG is a secreted mediator by which DEX induces degradation of IGFR-2 and speculate that this is a fundamental mechanism of mucosal growth induction.
Role of Matrix Extracellular Phosphoglycoprotein in the Pathogenesis of X-Linked Hypophosphatemia
Authors: Liu Shiguang , Brown Thomas A. , Zhou Jianping , Xiao Zhou-Sheng , Awad Hani , Guilak Farshid , Quarles Darryl L.
Published: April 2005

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), a disorder characterized by hypophosphatemia, impaired skeletal mineralization, and aberrant regulation of 1, 25(OH)2D3, is caused by inactivating mutations of Phex, which results in the accumulation of putative phosphaturic factors, called phosphatonins. Matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (Mepe) is a proposed candidate for phosphatonin. The authors found that

Hyp

mice had increased expression of the MEPE and another phosphaturic factor, Fgf23. To establish MEPE's role in the pathogenesis of the XLH,

Mepe

-deficient mice were back-crossed onto the

Hyp

mouse homologue of XLH and phenotypes of wild-type,

Mepe

−/−,

Hyp

, and

Mepe

−/−/

Hyp

mice were examined. Transfer of

Mepe

deficiency onto the

Phex

-deficient

Hyp

mouse background failed to correct hypophosphatemia and aberrant serum 1,25(OH)2D3 levels. Increased Fgf23 levels in

Hyp

mice were not affected by superimposed Mepe deficiency. In addition,

Mepe

-deficient

Hyp

mice retained bone mineralization defects

in vivo

, characterized by decreased bone mineral density, reduced mineralized trabecular bone volume, lower flexural strength, and histologic evidence of osteomalacia; however, cultures of

Hyp

-derived bone marrow stromal cells in the absence of Mepe showed improved mineralization and normalization of osteoblast gene expression profiles observed in cells derived from

Mepe

-null mice. These results demonstrate that MEPE elevation in

Hyp

mice does not contribute to the hypophosphatemia associated with inactivating Phex mutations and is therefore not phosphatonin.
Narrowband ultrasonic spectroscopy for NDE of layered structures
Authors: Stepinski T , Jonsson M
Published: April 2005

NDE of airspace sandwich structures is often performed using a simple resonant transducer sensing the information in the frequency domain obtained due to the constructive and destructive interference of elastic waves. Application field of ultrasonic narrowband ultrasonic spectroscopy
(NBS) is likely to increase rapidly with the growing application of layered structures in modern aircraft, for example, GLARE. The aim of this paper is to enlighten the potential and the limitations of the NBS techniques. Operation of the NBS technique based on the measurements performed using
a specially designed resonance transducer with carefully selected narrow frequency band is explained in detail.A novel method, based on the use of impedance plane for sensing transducer resonance, is presented. Theoretical results illustrate the relation of the impedance plane indications
to the adhesive strengths in aluminium sandwich structures. Finally, practical application of the proposed technique on mechanised inspection of carbon fibre reinforced structures is presented.
Material and component validation by speckle interferometry and correlation methods
Authors: Walz T , Ettemeyer A
Published: April 2005

Challenging the limits of modern material and component designs requires a deep understanding of the product performance with respect to stress distribution, fatigue and lifetime. With the help of modern simulation tools such as FEA this process has significantly been improved and simplified.
However, for experimental validation in the test, modern and efficient test methods have to be provided. Here, the speckle technique offers an excellent potential. Electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) has been proven to be a flexible and efficient tool for characterisation of material
properties of complex materials. Inversing the measuring principle by moving the illumination instead of the object, the ESPI technique also enables contour measurement functions, which have been integrated into the ESPI technique. This enlarged the application range to the inspection of components
under load and for direct comparison of the measured contour and strain data with the FEA simulation.In order to meet the increasing need for the analysis of a larger range of deformations, for example in forming processes or for inspection of polymers, the development of a new digital
3D image correlation technique was initiated. Two cameras observe the object under investigation and calculate the 3D surface of the component using a photogrammetric algorithm. The correlation of images, taken at different load levels leads to the complete information about the deformations
and strains at each point of the surface.In this paper, both techniques are compared and examples of successful applications are presented.
Radiographic Evaluation of Dental Implants Placed Using an Osteotome Technique
Authors: Leblebicioglu B. , Ersanli S. , Karabuda C. , Tosun T. , Gokdeniz H.
Published: April 2005

Background: The osteotome technique has been successfully used for implant placement when a limited vertical height is available at posterior maxilla. However, it is not clear if new bone is formed at the apical portion of the implant placed by this technique without any bone graft. The aim of this study was to radiographically evaluate bone formation around dental implant surfaces exposed to the space created at the sinus floor without the presence of any graft material.

Methods: Forty patients (21 male, 19 female; mean age 46.7 years) who received a total of 75 dental implants together with indirect sinus lifting procedure were included. Initial and 6‐month postoperative panoramic films were scanned and analyzed using a commercially available software program. Implants were divided into two groups: initial alveolar bone height <9 mm or ≥9 mm. This helped determine the effect of available bone and exposed implant surface on bone formation in a system where the shortest implant was 8 mm.

Results: The mean implant length placed at locations with <9 mm initial bone height (mean 7 ± 1.3 mm, N = 29 implants) was 11 ± 1.7 mm; gain in bone height was 3.9 ± 1.9 mm. At locations where minimum bone height was 9 mm (mean 10.4 ± 0.7 mm), 44 implants were placed with a 13.5 ± 1.06 mm mean length. Mean gain in bone height was 2.9 ± 1.2 mm at these sites. Two implants were lost at stage 2 surgery. The success rate after 25 months of loading was 97.3%.

Conclusions: It is possible to radiographically observe a gain of approximately 3 to 4 mm of bone from the sinus floor to the implant apex. The amount of initial alveolar bone height, presence of sinus membrane perforation, and the amount of exposed implant surface appear to play a role in the presence or absence of radiopacity within the elevated sinus floor, following 6 months of healing. J Periodontol 2005;76:385‐390.
Histologic Evaluation of Three Methods of Periodontal Root Surface Treatment in Humans
Authors: Crespi Roberto , Barone Antonio , Covani Ugo
Published: April 2005

Background: Removing subgingival plaque and calculus is a major goal of periodontal treatment. Few attempts have been made to evaluate the use of lasers for root surface debridement in periodontal therapy. The aim of the present study was to compare, histologically, the effects of hand instrumentation, ultrasonic instrumentation, and CO2 lasers on the root surfaces of teeth treated in situ.

Methods: A total of 33 teeth scheduled for extraction due to severe periodontal disease were divided into three groups. In the first group, teeth were treated by ultrasonic bactericidal curettage (UBC) with an ultrasonic scaler; in the second group, teeth were treated by hand instrumentation; and in the third group, after hand instrumentation, roots were lased by a CO2 laser. The samples were then processed for histological examination.

Results: In the first and second groups, plaque and calculus were present in interradicular septa, lacunae, and surface concavities. In the third group, surfaces of specimens treated by a low‐power defocused CO2 laser showed areas devoid of cementum, with completely sealed dentinal tubules, and no bacterial cell remnants.

Conclusions: The CO2 laser treatment, used at low power and in the defocused mode, combined with traditional mechanical instrumentation, could improve root surface debridement of periodontally involved teeth. More extensive, long‐term studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. J Periodontol 2005;76: 476‐481.
A Novel Mutation of the Cathepsin C Gene in a Thai Family With Papillon‐Lefèvre Syndrome
Authors: Nitta Hiroshi , Wara‐aswapati Nawarat , Lertsirivorakul Jinda , Nakamura Tsutomu , Yamamoto Matsuo , Izumi Yuichi , Nakamura Toshiaki , Ishikawa Isao
Published: April 2005

Background: Papillon‐Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by palmar‐ plantar hyperkeratosis and rapid periodontal destruction of both primary and permanent dentitions. It has been shown that the disease is caused by cathepsin C gene (CTSC) mutation leading to the deficiency of cathepsin C enzymatic activity. This study demonstrates the clinical manifestations and CTSC mutational and enzymatic activity analyses in a 5‐year‐old Thai male PLS patient and his parents.

Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained for genomic DNA isolation. All exons of the CTSC gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. Mutations were identified by DNA sequencing. Verification of the mutation was performed by digestion of PCR products by restriction endonucleases. The cathepsin C enzymatic activity was determined using the synthetic substrate glycyl‐ L‐arginine‐7‐amino‐4‐methylcoumarin.

Results: The patient demonstrated classical characteristics of PLS, including hyperkeratotic skin lesions. By the age of 5, all of his primary teeth were extracted due to severe periodontal infection. The parents had no physical abnormalities. The periodontal examination revealed localized mild periodontal destruction. Sequence analysis showed a nucleotide change at position 90 from C >A (c.90C >A) which resulted in a change from cysteine residue to a premature stop codon at the amino acid position 30 in the exon 1. The HpyCH4V digestion revealed that the patient was homozygous, whereas both the father and mother were heterozygous carriers of this mutation. The cathepsin C activity was reduced in the patient's mother, and the activity in the patient was almost completely lost.

Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate a CTSC gene mutation in a Thai family with PLS. The identified mutation is novel and potentially leads to the drastic reduction of the cathepsin C enzymatic activity. This suggests that the mutation is pathogenetic, causing the PLS. Mutational analysis in more members of the family is warranted to identify whether the mutation is inherited from a common ancestor. J Periodontol 2005;76:492‐496.
Regulating the Layered Stacking of a Covalent Triazine Framework Membrane for Aromatic/Aliphatic Separation
Authors: Liu Cuijing , Hou Junjun , Yan Mingzheng , Zhang Jianqi , Gebrekiros Alemayehu Haftu , Zheng Wei , Liu Pengchao , Tang Zhiyong , Li Lianshan
Published: February 2024

Membrane separation of aromatics and aliphatics is a crucial requirement in chemical and petroleum industries. However, this task presents a significant challenge due to the lack of membrane materials that can endure harsh solvents, exhibit molecular specificity, and facilitate easy processing. Herein, we present a novel approach to fabricate a covalent triazine framework (CTF) membrane by employing a mix‐monomer strategy. By incorporating a spatial monomer alongside a planar monomer, we were able to subtly modulate both the pore aperture and membrane affinity, enabling preferential permeation of aromatics over aliphatics with molecular weight below 200 Dalton (Da). Consequently, we achieved successful all‐liquid phase separation of aromatic/aliphatic mixtures. Our investigation revealed that the synergistic effects of size sieving and the affinity between the permeating molecules and the membrane played a pivotal role in separating these closely resembling species. Furthermore, the membrane exhibited remarkable robustness under practical operating conditions, including prolonged operation time, various feed compositions, different applied pressure, and multiple feed components. This versatile strategy offers a feasible approach to fabricate membranes with molecule selectivity toward aromatic/aliphatic mixtures, taking a significant step forward in addressing the grand challenge of separating small organic molecules through membrane technology.
Enhanced Charge Transfer Process and Photocatalytic Activity over a Phosphonate‐based MOF via Amorphization Strategy
Authors: Zhang Honggang , Liu Shaozhi , Zheng Aili , Wang Peng , Zheng Zhaoke , Wang Zeyan , Cheng Hefeng , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao , Liu Yuanyuan
Published: February 2024

Recently, amorphous materials have gained great attention as an emerging kind of functional material, and their characteristics such as isotropy, absence of grain boundaries, and abundant defects are very likely to outrun the disadvantages of crystalline counterparts, such as low conductivity, and ultimately lead to improved charge transfer efficiency. Herein, we investigated the effect of amorphization on the charge transfer process and photocatalytic performance with a phosphonate‐based metal–organic framework (FePPA) as the research object. Comprehensive experimental results suggest that compared to crystalline FePPA, amorphous FePPA has more distorted metal nodes, which affects the electron distribution and consequently improves the photogenerated charge separation efficiency. Meanwhile, the distorted metal nodes in amorphous FePPA also greatly promote the adsorption and activation of O2. Hence, amorphous FePPA exhibits a better performance of photocatalytic C(sp3)−H bond activation for selective oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde. This work illustrates the advantages of amorphous MOFs in the charge transfer process, which is conducive to the further development of high performance MOFs‐based photocatalysts.
Characterization of flexural and compressive behavior in polylactic acid composites for low‐cost transtibial prosthetic applications: Influence of reinforcements
Authors: Tyagi Bobby , Dixit Khushboo , Sahai Ankit , Sharma Rahul Swarup
Published: February 2024

Loss of a lower limb leads to immobility, necessitating the use of prosthetic foot and socket as substitutes for lost limbs. However, the production of these prosthetic devices poses challenges due to the wide array of printing settings, materials, and post‐processing techniques involved. The objectives of this study were to examine the compression and flexural behavior of polylactic acid reinforced with carbon fiber fabricated via fused filament fabrication (FFF) and to investigate the effects of process constraints, namely nozzle hole diameter (0.20, 0.40, and 0.60 mm) and internal filling pattern (rectilinear, honeycomb, and triangle). The study employed compression and flexural tests, along with the analysis of failure morphology, on build samples. The resulting data were analyzed using Taguchi ANOVA and response surface methodology (RSM) to determine how compression and flexural behavior vary with the specified process constraints. The research findings demonstrate that the prosthetic socket and foot prosthesis created using FFF exhibit superior flexural and compressive behavior and strength, respectively. These results signify the potential for cost reduction in the production of prosthetic devices. The significance of these results lies in the improvement of prosthetic device production, enabling enhanced mobility and independence for amputees.
Antiproliferative in Vitro Evaluation of Terpenic Amines Synthesized via a Rhodium‐catalyzed Hydroaminomethylation
Authors: Pérez Alonso Alejandro , Gibot Laure , Favier Isabelle , Pham Minh Doan , Gómez Montserrat , Pla Daniel
Published: February 2024

Terpene‐derived alkaloids show a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity effects. In this work, homologated monoterpene amines have been prepared via a rhodium‐catalyzed hydroaminomethylation of biomass‐based alkenes, such as (R)‐limonene, linalool, myrcene and camphene, in combination with secondary amines of aliphatic and aromatic nature, namely morpholine and N‐methylaniline, leading to highly chemo‐ and regioselective processes. The as‐prepared amines were obtained in 50–99 % overall yields, and in vitro tested on a human colon cancer cell line (HCT‐116) to evaluate their cytotoxic potential. The lead compound of the series (3 a) showed cytotoxicity in the micromolar range (IC50 52.46 μM) via the induction of cell death by apoptosis, paving the way towards further structure‐activity relationship studies.
Minimally invasive procedures for right side infective endocarditis: A targeted literature review
Authors: Wang Weijia , Itagaki Shinobu , Egorova Natalia
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Right‐side infective endocarditis (RSIE) is caused by microorganisms and develops into intracardiac and extracardiac complications with high in‐hospital and 1‐year mortality. Treatments involve antibiotic and surgical intervention. However, those presenting with extremes e.g. heart failure, or septic shock who are not ideal candidates for conventional medical therapy might benefit from minimally invasive procedures.

Objective

This review summarizes existing observational studies that reported minimally invasive procedures to debulk vegetation due to infective endocarditis either on valve or cardiac implantable electronic devices.

Methods

A targeted literature review was conducted to identify studies published in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Database from January 1, 2015 to June 5, 2023. The efficacy and/or effectiveness of minimally invasive procedural interventions to debulk vegetation due to RSIE were summarized following PRISMA guidelines.

Results

A total of 11 studies with 208 RSIE patients were included. There were 9 studies that assessed the effectiveness of the AngioVac system and 2 assessed the Penumbra system. Overall procedure success rate was 87.9%. Among 8 studies that reported index hospitalization, 4 studies reported no death, while the other 4 studies reported 10 deaths.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that multiple systems can provide minimally invasive procedure options for patients with RSIE with high procedural success. However, there are mixed results regarding complications and mortality rates. Further large cohort studies or randomized clinical trials are warranted to assess and/or compare the efficacy and safety of these systems.
Utility and optimal dose of nicorandil for physiological assessment of the femoropopliteal artery
Authors: Yoshioka Naoki , Shimada Takenobu , Iwasaki Yoshihiro , Yoshida Hisako , Otsuka Kenichiro , Yamazaki Takanori , Morita Yasuhiro , Nakamura Shigeru , Fukuda Daiju , Morishima Itsuro
Published: February 2024

Background

Nicorandil is widely used as a vasodilator for the physiological assessment of coronary arteries because of its usefulness and safety; however, there are no data on its use in peripheral arteries.

Aims

To identify the utility of nicorandil and its appropriate dose for the physiological assessment on the femoropopliteal artery.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients from three institutes in which physiological assessment was carried out with various doses of nicorandil before treatment. Twenty‐four femoropopliteal artery stenotic lesions from 22 patients were included. The nicorandil doses used were 2, 4, and 6 mg. Twenty‐two lesions were also assessed using 30 mg of papaverine. The pressure gradient (PG) and peripheral fractional flow reserve (pFFR) were calculated based on the mean and systolic pressure levels. We examined the correlation of each parameter with the peak systolic velocity ratio (PSVR) based on the duplex ultrasound images using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Systemic blood pressure was assessed for safety.

Results

The correlations were higher for mean pressure‐based parameters than for systolic pressure‐based parameters. As the nicorandil dose increased, the correlations among PG, pFFR, and PSVR also increased (mean pressure‐based PG: 2 mg, r = 0.360; 4 mg, r = 0.498; 6 mg, r = 0.694, mean pressure‐based pFFR: 2 mg, r = −0.479; 4 mg, r = −0.469; 6 mg, r = −0.641). The blood pressure after the administration of 6 mg of nicorandil was low, and the median systemic mean pressure was 65 mmHg.

Conclusion

A 4 mg dose of nicorandil is effective and safe for the mean pressure‐based physiological assessment of lesions in the femoropopliteal artery.
Association of COVID 19 pneumonitis and acute mesenteric ischemia
Authors: Norman James , Mohamed Mohamed Siddig , Mohamed Hussam Khougali , Baig Mirza Khurrum
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

D. dimer could be useful as an indicator in diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia in COVID patients. A two staged damage control emergency laparotomy is of good benefits in such patients.

Bowel ischemia in COVID 19 patients is extremely rare condition results from migrating thrombus formed by a hypercoagulable inflammatory state that is frequently associated COVID 19 infection. A two staged damage control emergency laparotomy is of good benefits in general especially in those with active COVID 19 infection.
Influence of Charge Delocalization on Manganese Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Wiedemaier Fabian , Hofer Christa , Belaj Ferdinand , Mösch‐Zanetti Nadia C.
Published: February 2024

Hydrogen transfer reactions promoted by Mn(I)‐based catalysts are a recently emerged field of research. Herein, we demonstrate the crucial effect of charge delocalization on the catalytic activity in transfer hydrogenation. Therefore, we synthesized pyridyl‐pyrazole ligands and a pyridyl‐pyridazinone ligand which exhibit resonance structures upon deprotonation with varying capability to transfer charge to the manganese center. The corresponding Mn(I) complexes were characterized and their activity as catalyst in transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone was determined using in‐situ IR techniques. Kinetic data and DFT calculations reveal that the ligands are deprotonated throughout the catalytic cycle and that the catalysts in which resonance structures point towards more negative charge at the metal center are also the more active ones. Thus, we deliver ample evidence that for effective hydrogen transfer the manganese catalyst requires a ligand with a deprotonable moiety allowing efficient delocalization to the metal while geometrical access of the acidic proton to the substrate is not essential. Our findings highlight the importance of an anionic hydrido intermediate, where mesomerism allows an effective charge transfer to the metal. This may support the ongoing development of new manganese‐based catalysts.
Synthesis of N‐Glycosylated Soluble Fas Ligand
Authors: Schmid Alanca , Bello Claudia , Becker Christian F. W.
Published: February 2024

Controlled cell death is essential for the regulation of the immune system and plays a role in pathogen defense. It is often altered in pathogenic conditions such as cancer, viral infections and autoimmune diseases. The Fas receptor and its corresponding membrane‐bound ligand (FasL) are part of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway activated in these cases. A soluble form of FasL (sFasL), produced by ectodomain shedding, displays a diverse but still elusive set of non‐apoptotic functions and sometimes even serves as a pro‐survival factor. To gather more knowledge about the characteristics of this protein and the impact N‐glycosylations may have, access to homogeneous posttranslationally modified variants of sFasL is needed. Therefore, we developed a flexible strategy to obtain such homogeneously N‐glycosylated variants of sFasL by applying chemical protein synthesis. This strategy can be flexibly combined with enzymatic methods to introduce more complex, site selective glycosylations.
Evaluation of Sort Recovery via Rmax
Authors: Perez‐Gonzalez Alexis , Lopes Telma , Martinez Lola , Bispo Claudia , Gardner Rui , Riddell Andy
Published: February 2024

Cell sorting performance can be evaluated in regard to the purity and recovery of the sorted fractions. The purity provides checks on sample quality, acquisition settings, gating strategy, and the sort decisions made by the instrument, but alone it is not sufficient to evaluate sorting performance. Recovery, defined here as the number of target particles sorted relative to the number of original target particles to be sorted, is a key metric of sort fitness and performance but is often neglected due to difficulties in its measurement. Both purity and recovery require re‐sampling of the sorted fraction, but unlike determining purity, calculating recovery calls for the absolute counting of particles in the sorted fraction that comes with large errors, and may not be feasible for rare populations or precious samples.

Here, we describe a recently developed metric and method for calculating sort recovery called Rmax, representing the maximum expected recovery for a particular set of instrument settings. Rmax calculation avoids re‐sampling of the total sorted fraction and absolute counting, being instead based on the ratios of target and non‐target populations in the original pre‐sort sample and in the waste stream or center stream catch. The Rmax method is ideal to evaluate and troubleshoot the optimum drop‐charge delay of the sorter or any instrument‐related failures that will affect sort performance. It can be used as a daily quality control check but can be particularly useful to assess instrument fitness before single‐cell or rare population sorts. Because the sorted fraction is not perturbed, we can calculate Rmax during the sort run. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Evaluating sorter setup with Rmax

Basic Protocol 2: Finding the maximum Rmax: scanning over the drop charge delay

Alternate Protocol: Finding the maximum Rmax for cells: scanning over the drop charge delay

Basic Protocol 3: Estimating sorted cell number with Rmax
Absence of new psychoactive substances in wastewater from South Wales, UK, revealed by optimised liquid chromatography‐time‐of‐flight analysis
Authors: Davies Bethan , Paul Richard , Osselton David , Evers Richard , Woolley Timothy
Published: February 2024

New psychoactive substances are produced and marketed to mimic the effects of their illicit counterparts and to attempt to evade drug tests and prosecution. Here, we present the optimisation, validation and application of an analytical method using liquid chromatography–time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry to detect and quantify 37 new psychoactive substances and illicit substances in wastewater from South Wales, UK, using a targeted analysis method. Sample preparation was performed using solid‐phase extraction with Oasis HLB cartridges. The LC separation was performed using a YMC‐Triart Phenyl 450 bar column (12 nm, 5 μm, 100 × 3 mm) which provided good separation and resolution for all targeted analytes with a run time of 9 min. The method was validated using the following parameters: sensitivity, selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery and matrix effects. The method was then applied to influent wastewater samples collected from two wastewater treatment plants in Wales, UK.
Spatiotemporal variability of evapotranspiration in Alpine grasslands and its biotic and abiotic drivers
Authors: Ambrosi Lisa , Berger Vanessa , Rainer Georg , Obojes Nikolaus , Tappeiner Ulrike , Tasser Erich , Leitinger Georg
Published: February 2024

To gain a deeper understanding of the water balances of Alpine grassland ecosystems, it is crucial to know the abiotic and biotic drivers of evapotranspiration. The abiotic drivers are very heterogeneous in mountain regions because elevation, slope and aspect control incoming Rs, and atmospheric layering affect air temperature, humidity and wind distribution. In a study with 24 lysimeter plots distributed over a study area of approx. 300 km2in the Eastern Alps, we covered a wide range of topographic conditions. We investigated the effects of abiotic drivers on evapotranspiration by measuring evaporation from a free‐water body (Ew). For the biological modulation of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), we analysed two different grassland types (at peak biomass and at low biomass) and calculated the respective crop coefficients (Kc). Results showed that primarily physical drivers such as the accumulated solar radiation from sunrise to measurement (Rs_acc), followed by atmospheric pressure (P), wind speed (u) and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) influence both Ewand ETc. Moreover, ETcis also significantly influenced by standing biomass and the grassland type (i.e., resource use strategies of the vegetation types) and by the geographic location along the valley (i.e., entrance, middle and head of the valley). We suppose plant stress and/or ground winds to be the underlying factor for the significance of the geographic location, yet further research is needed. The current study helps towards a better understanding of the water balance in alpine grassland ecosystems, but we also show that some spatial drivers cannot yet be adequately addressed.
Evaluating immaturity risk in young stands of the serotinous knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata)
Authors: Marlin Katherine F. , Greene David F. , Kane Jeffrey M. , Reilly Matthew , Madurapperuma Buddhika D.
Published: February 2024

As wildfire becomes increasingly frequent, many serotinous plant populations risk local extirpation if fire recurs prior to sufficient seed accumulation in the canopy (i.e., “immaturity risk”). Following two 2018 wildfires in northwestern California, we studied seed viability, cone production, and postfire regeneration of a serotinous conifer, knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata), with stand ages (time since fire) ranging from 6 to 79 years. Cone density per tree was more strongly associated with tree diameter than age, and cone density was positively related to postfire seedling regeneration. Most of the postfire knobcone pine regeneration established during the first year with high survivorship in the following first postfire year. Adjusting for survivorship, the estimated minimum age for knobcone pine to promote self‐replacement (one recruit per tree) was 9.5 years (or 4.6‐cm dbh) and the probability of reburning at the modern fire rotation of 43 years was 19.8%. Based on our results, we found that immaturity risk was currently low for knobcone pine. Our approach provides a quantitative method to assess immaturity risk in knobcone pine and other serotinous conifer species that can be used to evaluate future risk under rapidly changing climate and fire conditions.
Exploitation of carbon surface functionality toward additive‐free formation of gold nanocuboids suitable for sensitive assay of N‐acetylcysteine in pharmaceutical formulations
Authors: Murphy Eoghain , Guin Saurav K. , Lapiy Alexandra , Camisasca Adalberto , Giordani Silvia , Dempsey Eithne
Published: February 2024

Chemical additive and physical template‐free electrochemical methods to prepare carbon‐supported nanostructures of catalyst metals represent an emerging technology. Formation of the metal nano/microstructures depends not only on the electrochemical method/parameters but also on the nature of the underlying carbon material. Here, we present a comparative evolution of unevenly distributed coral‐like aggregates of nanocuboid‐shaped gold nanostructures (AuNCBs) on the oxidised form of boron, nitrogen‐doped carbon nanoonions (oxi‐B,N‐CNO) compared to evenly distributed bud‐like aggregates of cubic shaped gold nanostructures on bare glassy carbon electrode under a similar electrochemical approach. The synthesis method provided the best availability of the surface active sites, whereas the shape of the structures showed a direct influence of both outer‐sphere and inner‐sphere electron transfer reactions. The higher sensitivity of AuNCBs@oxi‐B,N‐CNO compared to individual components and bare carbon/gold electrodes toward the inner‐sphere oxidative reaction of N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) was exploited in order to develop an electrochemical assay method with sensitivity and linear dynamic range of (4.70 ± 0.25) × 10−4 C∙cm−2∙mM−1 and 0.2–2.5 mM, respectively in acetate buffer (pH 4.45). Furthermore, the sensor design was deployed in the quantitation of NAC in pharmaceutical preparations, resulting in 89%–106% recovery.
Transient demyelination causes long‐term cognitive impairment, myelin alteration and network synchrony defects
Authors: Mercier Océane , Quilichini Pascale P. , Magalon Karine , Gil Florian , Ghestem Antoine , Richard Fabrice , Boudier Thomas , Cayre Myriam , Durbec Pascale
Published: February 2024

In the adult brain, activity‐dependent myelin plasticity is required for proper learning and memory consolidation. Myelin loss, alteration, or even subtle structural modifications can therefore compromise the network activity, leading to functional impairment. In multiple sclerosis, spontaneous myelin repair process is possible, but it is heterogeneous among patients, sometimes leading to functional recovery, often more visible at the motor level than at the cognitive level. In cuprizone‐treated mouse model, massive brain demyelination is followed by spontaneous and robust remyelination. However, reformed myelin, although functional, may not exhibit the same morphological characteristics as developmental myelin, which can have an impact on the activity of neural networks. In this context, we used the cuprizone‐treated mouse model to analyze the structural, functional, and cognitive long‐term effects of transient demyelination. Our results show that an episode of demyelination induces despite remyelination long‐term cognitive impairment, such as deficits in spatial working memory, social memory, cognitive flexibility, and hyperactivity. These deficits were associated with a reduction in myelin content in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HPC), as well as structural myelin modifications, suggesting that the remyelination process may be imperfect in these structures. In vivo electrophysiological recordings showed that the demyelination episode altered the synchronization of HPC‐mPFC activity, which is crucial for memory processes. Altogether, our data indicate that the myelin repair process following transient demyelination does not allow the complete recovery of the initial myelin properties in cortical structures. These subtle modifications alter network features, leading to prolonged cognitive deficits in mice.
Induction of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase confers cell density‐dependent ferroptosis resistance in melanoma
Authors: Shirahama Hitomi , Tani Yuri , Tsukahara Satomi , Okamoto Yuka , Hasebe Akiko , Noda Tomomiki , Ando Shuji , Ushijima Masaru , Matsuura Masaaki , Tomida Akihiro
Published: February 2024

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death that is induced by inhibiting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which eliminates lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis induction is influenced by the cell environment. However, the cellular states altering ferroptosis susceptibility remain largely unknown. We found that melanoma cell lines became resistant to ferroptosis as cell density increased. Comparative transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that cell density‐dependent ferroptosis resistance was coupled with a shift toward a lipogenic phenotype accompanied by strong induction of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD). Database analysis of gene dependency across hundreds of cancer cell lines uncovered a negative correlation between GPX4 and SCD dependency. Importantly, SCD inhibition, either pharmacologically or through genetic knockout, sensitized melanoma cells to GPX4 inhibition, thereby attenuating ferroptosis resistance in cells at high density. Our findings indicate that transition to an SCD‐inducing, lipogenic cell state produces density‐dependent resistance to ferroptosis, which may provide a therapeutic strategy against melanoma.
Chemical Recycling and Physical Tuning of Necklace‐Shaped Polydimethylsiloxanes Bearing Anthracene Dimer Units
Authors: Mori Atsuro , Pathak Agamoni , Watanabe Satoshi , Kunitake Masashi
Published: February 2024

The problem of plastic waste in the environment calls for the development of new polymeric materials designed specifically for easy recycling at the end of their life cycle. Herein, a green polymer system comprising a series of necklace‐shaped polydimethylsiloxanes bearing anthracene dimer units is developed. The polymers have low environmental impact and are easily recycled. Further, their flexibility and glass transition temperatures are easy to control. These necklace‐shaped inorganic polymers are synthesized by photopolymerizing (dimerizing) anthracene‐terminated oligo‐dimethylsiloxane monomers. A key achievement of the present work is the successful chemical recovery of the monomers from the polymers through thermal depolymerization, enabling monomer–polymer recycling. By applying equilibrium polymerization with base catalysts, monomers with a controlled distributed chain length are synthesized from monomers with a constant chain length. The necklace‐shaped polymers synthesized from these randomized monomers have amorphous structures and readily form transparent films. It is possible to modulate the thermal and mechanical properties of the polymers by controlling the average chain length of the polydimethylsiloxane between the anthracene dimers. This investigation presents a method for the synthesis and cyclic utilization of polymer materials with a wide range of applications, including plastics and elastomers.
Substantial innovation or strategic innovation: An evolutionary game analysis of companies' green technology innovation strategies under carbon emission trading market
Authors: Cui Beiqing , Chun Weide , Shui Zhonghao , Lei Tianyi , Li Zhihui
Published: February 2024

Although both the carbon emission trading market (CETM) and government regulatory actions promote companies' green technology innovation (GTI), little research has considered whether such innovation is substantial. In this paper, we categorize companies' GTI strategies into substantial innovation and strategic innovation. Considering market powers, the heterogeneity of companies, and the mutual influence of governments and companies, we construct a tripartite evolutionary game model that involves large and small companies and the government and conduct a simulation utilizing data on China's CETM. Our findings reveal that carbon trading prices, innovation subsidies, and the government's verification mechanism are the main factors that affect companies' choices regarding substantial innovation. However, the current carbon trading prices in China are relatively low, and companies are still likely to choose strategic innovation. Moreover, we find that when the substantial innovation of large companies exerts a greater impact on the product revenues of small companies, small companies are more inclined to choose substantial innovation. Therefore, in an effort to induce companies to choose substantial innovation, the CETM should play the leading role in this situation, and the government should implement different innovation subsidies and improve the verification mechanism.
State policy teams probe strategies to address crisis in children's care
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2024

This month's convening of child‐serving agency officials from nine states offered a rare opportunity for policy leaders in mental health, child welfare and Medicaid to strategize together toward system improvement. Attendees of the Children's Behavioral Health State Policy Lab reported that while the nine state teams identified some immediate steps that they can take to improve service coordination, the most impactful actions to improve child outcomes would likely take shape over a much longer period.
Functional and morphological evaluation of the trapezius muscle after spinal accessory nerve transfer to brachial plexus nerves
Authors: Simão Danielle Tiemi , Heise Carlos O. , Rodrigues João C. , Yamauti Lucas S. , Villegas Robin I. , Cho Alvaro B. , Mattar Junior Rames
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The main innervation of the trapezius muscle is provided by the spinal accessory nerve. Several studies describe the contributions of cervical plexus roots to the trapezius muscle innervation, either directly or through connections with the spinal accessory nerve. There is no adequate understanding of how the trapezius muscle is affected after using the spinal accessory nerve in nerve transfer procedures with the usual technique, preserving at least 1 branch for the upper trapezius.

Methods

We evaluated 20 patients with sequelae of traumatic brachial plexus injury who underwent surgical procedures for brachial plexus repair or free muscle transfer, which included the spinal accessory nerve transfer technique and were followed for a minimum of 1 year. The three portions trapezius muscle were evaluated by physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (analysis of fatty degeneration) and electromyography.

Results

In all evaluation methods, the middle and lower portions of the trapezius muscle showed more significant morphological and/or functional impairment than the upper portion, in most cases. There was a statistically significant difference in all the complementary exams results, between the affected side (with sacrifice of the nerve) versus the normal side, in the middle and lower portions of the trapezius muscle.

Conclusions

Physical examination alone is not sufficient to determine the residual functionality of the trapezius muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography are useful tools to assess both morphological involvement of the trapezius muscle and nerve conduction impairment of the trapezius muscle, respectively. The results suggest that the middle and lower portions of the trapezius muscle are affected by previous SAN transfer and should be considered with caution for further muscle transfer procedures.