bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unified bursting strategies in ectopic and endogenous even-skipped expression patterns
Authors: Berrocal Augusto , Lammers Nicholas C , Garcia Hernan G , Eisen Michael B
Published: August 2023

Transcription often occurs in bursts as gene promoters switch stochastically between active and inactive states. Enhancers can dictate transcriptional activity in animal development through the modulation of burst frequency, duration, or amplitude. Previous studies observed that different enhancers can achieve a wide range of transcriptional outputs through the same strategies of bursting control. For example, despite responding to different transcription factors, all
even-skipped
enhancers increase transcription by upregulating burst frequency and amplitude while burst duration remains largely constant. These shared bursting strategies suggest that a unified molecular mechanism constraints how enhancers modulate transcriptional output. Alternatively, different enhancers could have converged on the same bursting control strategy because of natural selection favoring one of these particular strategies. To distinguish between these two scenarios, we compared transcriptional bursting between endogenous and ectopic gene expression patterns. Because enhancers act under different regulatory inputs in ectopic patterns, dissimilar bursting control strategies between endogenous and ectopic patterns would suggest that enhancers adapted their bursting strategies to their
trans
-regulatory environment. Here, we generated ectopic
even-skipped
transcription patterns in fruit fly embryos and discovered that bursting strategies remain consistent in endogenous and ectopic
even-skipped
expression. These results provide evidence for a unified molecular mechanism shaping
even-skipped
bursting strategies and serve as a starting point to uncover the realm of strategies employed by other enhancers.
Hierarchical Morphogenesis of Swallowtail Butterfly Wing Scale Nanostructures
Authors: Seah Kwi Shan , Saranathan Vinodkumar
Published: August 2023

The study of color patterns in the animal integument is a fundamental question in biology, with many lepidopteran species being exemplary models in this endeavor due to their relative simplicity and elegance. While significant advances have been made in unravelling the cellular and molecular basis of lepidopteran pigmentary coloration, the morphogenesis of wing scale nanostructures involved in structural color production is not well understood. Contemporary research in this topic largely focuses on a few nymphalid model taxa (
e.g.
,
Bicyclus
,
Heliconius
), despite an overwhelming diversity in the hierarchical nanostructural organization of lepidopteran wing scales. Here, we present a time-resolved, comparative developmental study of hierarchical scale nanostructures in
Parides eurimedes
and five other papilionid species. Our results uphold the putative conserved role of F-actin bundles in acting as spacers between developing ridges, as previously documented in several nymphalid species. Interestingly, while ridges are developing in
P. eurimedes
, plasma membrane manifests irregular mesh-like crossribs characteristic of Papilionidae, which delineate the accretion of cuticle into rows of planar disks in between ridges. Once the ridges have grown, disintegrating F-actin bundles appear to reorganize into a network that supports the invagination of plasma membrane underlying the disks, subsequently forming an extruded honeycomb lattice. Our results uncover a previously undocumented role for F-actin in the morphogenesis of complex wing scale nanostructures, likely specific to Papilionidae.
Temporally resolved early BMP-driven transcriptional cascade during human amnion specification
Authors: Sekulovski Nikola , Wettstein Jenna C. , Carleton Amber E. , Taniguchi Linnea E. , Ma Xiaolong , Rao Sridhar , Schmidt Jenna K. , Golos Thaddeus G. , Lin Chien-Wei , Taniguchi Kenichiro
Published: August 2023

Amniogenesis, a process critical for continuation of healthy pregnancy, is triggered in a collection of pluripotent epiblast cells as the human embryo implants. Previous studies have established that BMP signaling is a major driver of this lineage specifying process, but the downstream BMP-dependent transcriptional networks that lead to successful amniogenesis remain to be identified. This is, in part, due to the current lack of a robust and reproducible model system that enables mechanistic investigations exclusively into amniogenesis. Here, we developed an improved model of early amnion specification, using a human pluripotent stem cell-based platform in which the activation of BMP signaling is controlled and synchronous. Uniform amniogenesis is seen within 48 hours after BMP activation, and the resulting cells share transcriptomic characteristics with amnion cells of a gastrulating human embryo. Using detailed time-course transcriptomic analyses, we established a previously uncharacterized BMP-dependent amniotic transcriptional cascade, and identified markers that represent five distinct stages of amnion fate specification; the expression of selected markers was validated in early post-implantation macaque embryos. Moreover, a cohort of factors that could potentially control specific stages of amniogenesis was identified, including the transcription factor TFAP2A. Functionally, we determined that, once amniogenesis is triggered by the BMP pathway, TFAP2A controls the progression of amniogenesis. This work presents a temporally resolved transcriptomic resource for several previously uncharacterized amniogenesis states and demonstrates a critical intermediate role for TFAP2A during amnion fate specification.
Opposing chemosensory functions of closely related gustatory receptors
Authors: Ahn Ji-Eun , Amrein Hubert
Published: August 2023

In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, gustatory sensory neurons express taste receptors that are tuned to distinct groups of chemicals, thereby activating neural ensembles that elicit either feeding or avoidance behavior. Members of a family of ligand -gated receptor channels, the Gustatory receptors (Grs), play a central role in these behaviors. In general, closely related, evolutionarily conserved Gr proteins are co-expressed in the same type of taste neurons, tuned to chemically related compounds, and therefore triggering the same behavioral response. Here, we report that members of the Gr28 subfamily are expressed in largely non-overlapping sets of taste neurons in Drosophila larvae, detect chemicals of different valence, and trigger opposing feeding behaviors. We determined the intrinsic properties of Gr28 neurons by expressing the mammalian Vanilloid Receptor 1 (VR1), which is activated by capsaicin, a chemical to which wild-type Drosophila larvae do not respond. When VR1 is expressed in Gr28a neurons, larvae become attracted to capsaicin, consistent with reports showing that Gr28a itself encodes a receptor for nutritious RNA. In contrast, expression of VR1 in two pairs of Gr28b.c neurons triggers avoidance to capsaicin. Moreover, neuronal inactivation experiments show that the Gr28b.c neurons are necessary for avoidance of several bitter compounds. Lastly, behavioral experiments of Gr28 deficient larvae and live Ca2+ imaging studies of Gr28b.c neurons revealed that denatonium benzoate, a synthetic bitter compound that shares structural similarities with natural bitter chemicals, is a ligand for a receptor complex containing a Gr28b.c or Gr28b.a subunit. Thus, the Gr28 proteins, which have been evolutionarily conserved over 260 million years in insects, represent the first taste receptor subfamily in which specific members mediate behavior with opposite valence.
Integrated lipidomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals diacylglycerol accumulation in olive of Longnan (China)
Authors: Hu Wei , Ma Junyi , Zhang Hongjie , Miu Xin , Miao Xin , Deng Yu
Published: August 2023

Background

Olive (Olea europaea L.) oil accumulate more diacylglycerols (DAG) than mostly vegetable oils. Unsaturated fatty acids-enriched DAG consumption enhanced wellness in subjects. However, the mechanism of DAG accumulation is not yet fully understood.

Methods

In this study, gene network of DAG accumulation and fatty acid composition in the two olive mesocarps (“Chenggu 32” (CG) and “Koroneiki” (QJ)) were investigated by integrating lipidome and transcriptome techniques.

Results

A total of 1,408 lipid molecules were identified by lipidomic analysis in olive mesocarp, of which DAG (DAG36:3, DAG36:4 and DAG36:5) showed higher content, and triacylglycerols (TAG54:3, TAG54:4) exhibited opposite trend in CG. Specifically, DAG was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially C18:2) at the sn-2 position, which was inconsistent with TAG at the same positions (Primarily C18:1). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that phospholipase C (NPC, EC 3.1.4.3) were up-regulated relative to QJ, whereas diacylglycerol kinase (ATP) (DGK, EC 2.7.1.107), diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT, EC 2.3.1.20), and phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT, EC 2.3.1.158) were down-regulated.

Conclusion

We speculated that the non-acyl coenzyme A pathway played a significant role in DAG biosynthesis. Additionally, fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase B (FATB, EC 3.1.2.14), stearoyl [acyl-carrier-protein] 9-desaturase (SAD, EC 1.14.19.2) and omega-6 fatty acid desaturase (FAD2, EC 1.14.19.6) were highly expressed in CG and may be involved in regulating fatty acid composition. Meanwhile, phospholipase A1 (LCAT, EC 3.1.1.32) involved in the acyl editing reaction facilitated PUFA linkage at the sn-2 position of DAG. Our findings provide novel insights to increase the DAG content, improve the fatty acid composition of olive oil, and identify candidate genes for the production of DAG-rich oils.
Superoxide dismutase ameliorates oxidative stress and regulates liver transcriptomics to provide therapeutic benefits in hepatic inflammation
Authors: Chen Longyan , Liu Yang , Zhang Yonggang , Zhang Yanmin , Wang Wei , Han Hongyu , Yang Chunyu , Dong Xueqian
Published: August 2023

Background

Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in organisms and often induces hepatic inflammation. Supplementing exogenous superoxide dismutase is an effective way to alleviate oxidative stress; however, the effects and mechanisms by which superoxide dismutase alleviates hepatic inflammation remain unclear.

Methods

This study established a Kunming mouse model to verify and investigate the oxidative stress and hepatic inflammation-alleviating effects of the superoxide dismutase oral supplement that was prepared by our research group in a previous study.

Results

The superoxide dismutase product significantly restored the body weight and liver alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase levels of oxidative stress induced mice. Moreover, exogenous superoxide dismutase significantly inhibited interleukin 1β and interleukin 6 mRNA expression in the livers of mice with hepatic inflammation. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that superoxide dismutase had a significant inhibitory effect on Endog expression, alleviating oxidative stress damage, and mediating liver cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of Rab5if, Hnrnpab, and Ifit1.

Conclusion

Our research verified the oxidative stress remediation effects of superoxide dismutase and its therapeutic role against hepatic inflammation. This study can lay a foundation for investigating the mechanism by which superoxide dismutase alleviates hepatic disease.
The moderating and mediating effects of personality on the association between morningness and well-being
Authors: Lee Soo Jin , Jeong Sudong , Chae Han
Published: August 2023

Background

Morningness (morning-eveningness preference or chronotypes) and personality can be both associated with well-being, but few studies have directly compared these two constructs as correlates of well-being. Thus, the first purpose of this study was to test the effects of interactions between stable personality traits (temperaments) and morningness on well-being. Furthermore, personality factors are often composed of both stable biological factors (temperament) and socio-cultural factors (character), and little is known about personality interplay of temperament and character factors with respect to morningness and well-being. The second purpose of this study was therefore to examine the sequential mediating effects of temperament and character factors on the relationship between morningness and well-being.

Methods

The Composite Scale of Morningness, the Korean version of the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised Short Version (TCI-RS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were used to measure morningness, personality dimensions, and well-being, respectively, in 287 Korean university students. Moderating and sequentially mediating effects of temperament and character traits were determined using Hayes’ PROCESS macro in SPSS after controlling for sex and age.

Results

First, novelty-seeking (NS) and persistence (PS) temperaments have demonstrated the moderating effect in the association between morningness and well-being. The positive effects of morningness on life satisfaction increased with lower NS and PS, respectively. However, other temperaments such as harm avoidance (HA) and reward dependence (RD) have not shown the moderation in the relationship between morningness on well-being. Second, HA temperament and self-directedness (SD) character sequentially mediated the relationship between morningness and well-being. The combination of low scores of HA and high scores of SD have shown the positive effect on the relationship between morningness and well-being.

Discussion

This study demonstrated that both the interactions between temperaments and morningness, and combination of specific TCI-RS temperament and character traits play important roles in influencing the association between morningness and well-being. The significance of the mature SD character and its implications for well-being are discussed with limitation of the present study.
The Effect of Employer Branding and E-recruitment on the Intention to Apply for a Job in Z Generation
Authors: Lestari Dian , Manggiasih Trisnia
Published: August 2023

This study examines the influence of employer branding and e-recruitment among z generation in applying for a job. The study aims to investigate whether there is an effect of employer branding and e-recruitment on intention to apply for a job in z generation. This study using quantitative approach and an explanatory survey. The research methodology involves 120 job seekers as samples from z generation in Bandung Raya, using a questionnaire for a survey that measures the variable of this research namely employer branding, e-recruitment, and intention to apply for a job. The sampling technique uses incidental sampling technique, where sampling is carried out based on coincidence, that is anyone who meets the researcher and considered fit the sample criteria can be a research sample. The data collected is analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis and the hypotheses test are using T test dan F test. The findings suggest that employer branding and e-recruitment have an effect of 36.6% on the intention to apply for a job in z generation. Furthermore, according to t test it is known that employer branding has a positive effect on intention to apply for a job in the z generation, so does e-recruitment variable has a positive effect on intention to apply for a job in the z generation. Furthermore, F test founds that employer branding and e-recruitment effect simultaneously on intention to apply for a job in z generation.
Sigmoid Volvulus: A Narrative Review and Current Management
Authors: Kumar H. R. , Soma M.
Published: August 2023

Sigmoid volvulus is a common cause of acute intestinal obstruction in older patients and the diagnosis is made by clinical examination and imaging. Sigmoid volvulus can be divided into complicated or uncomplicated clinical presentation. Once the diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus is made, the treatment is initially endoscopic decompression followed by flatus tube insertion. This is followed by surgical intervention which is sigmoid colectomy followed by anastomosis. For complicated sigmoid volvulus, the Hartmann’s procedure is the most common operation. We have conducted this review article to review the current management of sigmoid volvulus.
Screening of Mustard Varieties for Resistance against Mustard Aphid, (Kaltenbach)
Authors: Chand Amar , Khinchi S. K. , Redhu Mandeep , Arvind  , Choudhary Renu , Choudhary Arjun , Nayak Rohit Kumar
Published: August 2023

The present investigation was conducted at Agronomy Farm and Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner (Rajasthan) during Rabi, 2019-20 and Rabi, 2020-21 to screen out the varieties of mustard for their resistance to mustard aphid,  Lipaphis erysimi. The overall pooled mean aphid population ranged from 42.99 to 80.55 per 10 cm terminal shoots of five plants on different varieties. The minimum aphid infestation (42.99 aphids/ 10 cm terminal shoot) was recorded on Varuna followed by Bio-902 (44.63 aphids/ 10 cm terminal shoot) and both were found statistically same in reaction to aphid incidence. The maximum infestation/ 10 cm terminal shoot was recorded on Kranti (80.55 aphids) followed by GM-2 (79.99 aphids), and RH-30 (79.46 aphids) which remained at par to harbour the aphid population. The variability of resistance in mustard varieties in the decreasing order was Varuna, Bio-902, NRCDR-2, Pusa Bold, Laxmi, NRCHB-101, Rohini, Durgamani, Vardan, RH-9304, GM-1, Maya, RH-30, GM-2 and Kranti. The statistical characterization of results revealed that out of fifteen mustard varieties, two varieties Varuna and Bio-902 were found less susceptible to the mustard aphid,  L. erysimi. Nine varieties viz., NRCDR-2, Laxmi, Pusa Bold, NRCHB-101, Rohini, Vardan, RH-9304, Durgamani and GM-1 were categorized as moderately susceptible, whereas, four varieties viz., Maya, RH-30, GM-2 and Kranti were categorized as highly susceptible in both years of the study.
Analysis on Selected Physical Properties in Soil Sample of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria
Authors: Jimeta Zubairu Gaddafi , Idi Ahmad , Aisha Danladi , Kiri Audu Sanusi
Published: August 2023

Soil is a natural body consisting of layers (soil horizons) of mineral constituents of variable thicknesses, which differ from the parent materials in their morphological, physical, chemical and biological properties. Soil testing is the only way to determine the availability of moisture, texture, pH, and nutrient status in soil. Results of physical and chemical tests provide information about the capacity of soil to supply mineral nutrients. Soils in the garden may have been deposited some thousands of years ago by volcanoes, glaciers, floods, or other processes or were delivered to the site by truck or other mechanical device, but little or no research was carried out (no documents) to determine and ascertain the soil properties or nutrient elements found in the area. The aim of the study is to analyse some selected physical elements from soil samples obtained in the botanical garden of Department of Plant Science with objectives as to determine soil texture, moisture and pH of samples in the area. Results in the physical analysis of selected soil samples showed that the soil sample with highest amount in percentage in soil texture is clay soil with 60%, followed by silt with 21% and sandy with 19% respectively. Furthermore; the analysis revealed soil moisture (0.998%) and pH is neither acidic no alkaline i. e neutral (7.10) and this type of soil pH indicates the ability of a soil to favour some agricultural practices. It is concluded from the results obtained that soils in the area are composed of clay (60%), silt (21%) and sandy (19%) which are good for few crop’s cultivation but can be better by addition of organic and (or) inorganic fertilizers. It is recommended to amend the area with organic fertilizers as they are biodegradable and don’t cause harm to humans as well as the environment.
Artificial Light Spectra and Its Impact on Plant Physiological Processes and Secondary Metabolism
Authors: Gawande Vaishnavi , Priya  , Raut Dnyaneshwar , Rai Sumit , Beese Shreedhar , Singh Bal Veer , Agnihotri Nikhil
Published: August 2023

Understanding the effects of artificial light spectra on plant physiological processes and secondary metabolism is critical for optimizing plant growth and productivity, particularly in controlled environment agriculture. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on this topic, exploring the fundamental principles of light spectra, their impacts on plant physiology, including photosynthesis and growth, as well as on secondary metabolism. Artificial light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), have been shown to significantly influence these plant processes, owing to their controllable spectra and intensities. These artificial light spectra can enhance photosynthetic efficiency, manipulate growth and development, and stimulate the production of valuable secondary metabolites. The review further discusses the potential applications of this understanding in sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and even space agriculture. However, the interactions of artificial light spectra with other environmental factors, the development of custom light recipes for specific plant species or cultivars, and the need for long-term studies are identified as areas needing further research. This review contributes to the growing body of literature exploring the opportunities and challenges of utilizing artificial light spectra for improving plant performance and secondary metabolite production.
Influences on Growth Parameters and Yield of Various Moisture Regimes and Weed Management Practices on Drum Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Prakash Ram , Kumar Rajesh , Vishudhanand  , Kumar Neeraj , Kumar Ankit , Baboo Kaptan
Published: August 2023

The field experiment was conducted on Agronomy research farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj Ayodhya UP, (India) during Kharif season 2021 and 2022. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications taking three moisture regimes viz., 6 cm at 1 DADPW, 6 cm at 4 DADPW and 6 cm at 7 DADPW (Days after disappearance of ponded water) in main plot, and four weed management practices viz., control, Organic Mulch (Rice Straw@5t ha-1), Herbicide (Bispyribac sodium (10%) @ 200 ml ha-1 post emergence) and Two hand weeding at 25 and 45 DAS in sub plot. Result revealed that significantly plant height, numbers of tillers, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and test weight, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index was recorded in 6 cm at 4 cm DADPW during both the years of investigation. Among the weed management practices, higher value recorded with sequential two hand weeding at 25 and 45 day after sowing.
FDA’s 2023 Policy Update—Promoting Safety and Inclusivity in Blood Donation
Authors: Miller Amitai S. , Cahill Sean , Mayer Kenneth H.
Published: August 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the US Food and Drug Administration’s 2023 policy update to its blood donation guidelines for men who have sex with men.
Headpulse Biometric Measures Following Concussion in Young Adult Athletes
Authors: Halabi Cathra , Norton Lynda , Norton Kevin , Smith Wade S.
Published: August 2023

Importance

Concussions are common in sports. Return-to-play protocols can be enhanced by objective biometrics.

Objective

To characterize temporal changes of headpulse, a digital biometric, in athletes with sports-related concussion; to explore the association of unstructured physical activity with headpulse changes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included headpulse measurements from players in the highest level of amateur Australian Rules Football in South Australia. Analysis included feasibility and validation phases, with the feasibility cohort recruited between August 5, 2021, and September 10, 2021, and the validation cohort recruited between May 5, 2022, and September 3, 2022. Data were analyzed October 2022 through January 2023.

Interventions

Cranial accelerometry detected micromovements of the head following cardiac contraction (what we have described as “headpulse”). Headpulse was serially recorded for 1 month in concussed individuals.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Headpulse waveforms underwent frequency transformation analysis per prespecified algorithm. Result Z scores were calculated. Headpulse Z scores exceeding 2 (2 SDs from control means) met an abnormality threshold. Headpulse sensitivity, timing, and duration of change were determined.

Results

A total of 59 control and 43 concussed individuals (44 total concussions; 1 control also concussed, 1 concussed individual injured twice) provided headpulse measurements. The feasibility cohort (all male) included 17 control (median [IQR] age, 23 [19-28] years) and 15 concussed individuals (median [IQR] age, 21 [19-23] years). The validation cohort included 25 female (median [IQR] age, 21 [20-22] years) and 17 male (median [IQR] age, 26 [23-29] years) control individuals, and 8 female (median [IQR] age, 28 [20-31] years) and 20 male (median [IQR] age, 21 [19-23] years) concussed individuals. Headpulse reached abnormality threshold in 26 of 32 concussed individuals (81%; 9% on day 0, 50% by day 2, 90% by day 14). Headpulse alterations lasted 14 days longer than symptoms and were exacerbated by return-to-play or unsupervised physical activity.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of 101 amateur Australian Rules Football athletes, the digital headpulse biometric was evaluated in 44 sports-related concussions. Compared with controls, new headpulse changes occurred after concussion; this objective metric may complement return-to-play protocols.
American Football Play and Parkinson Disease Among Men
Authors: Bruce Hannah J. , Tripodis Yorghos , McClean Michael , Korell Monica , Tanner Caroline M. , Contreras Brittany , Gottesman Joshua , Kirsch Leslie , Karim Yasir , Martin Brett , Palmisano Joseph , Abdolmohammadi Bobak , Shih Ludy C. , Stein Thor D. , Stern Robert A. , Adler Charles H. , Mez Jesse , Nowinski Chris , McKee Ann C. , Alosco Michael L.
Published: August 2023

Importance

Parkinsonism and Parkinson disease (PD) are known to result from repetitive head impacts from boxing. Repetitive head impacts from American football may also be associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative pathologies that cause parkinsonism, yet in vivo research on the association between football play and PD is scarce and limited by small samples and equivocal findings.

Objective

To evaluate the association between football participation and self-reported parkinsonism or PD diagnosis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study leveraged data from the online Fox Insight study. Participants completed online questionnaires and self-reported whether they currently had a diagnosis of Parkinson disease or parkinsonism by a physician or other health care professional. In November 2020, the Boston University Head Impact Exposure Assessment was launched for data collection on repetitive head impacts. Data used for this manuscript were obtained from the Fox Insight database on June 9, 2022. A total of 1875 men who endorsed playing any organized sport were included. Former athletes were divided into those who participated in football (n = 729 [38.9%]) and those who participated in other sports (reference group).

Exposures

Self-reported participation in football, duration and level of football play, age at first exposure.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Logistic regression tested associations between PD status and history of football play, duration of football play, highest level played, and age at first exposure, controlling for age, education, history of diabetes or heart disease, body mass index, history of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness, and family history of PD.

Results

In this sample of 1875 men (mean [SD] age, 67.69 [9.84] years) enriched for parkinsonism or PD (n = 1602 [85.4%]), 729 (38.9%) played football (mean [SD] duration, 4.35 [2.91] years). History of playing football was associated with higher odds of having a parkinsonism or PD diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% CI, 1.19-2.17). Among the entire sample, longer duration of play was associated with higher odds of having a parkinsonism or PD diagnosis (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06-1.19). Among football players, longer duration of football play (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02-1.23) and higher level of play (OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.28-6.73) were associated with higher odds of having parkinsonism or PD.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of participants enriched for PD, participation in football was associated with higher odds of having a reported parkinsonism or PD diagnosis.
Impact of the Acuros XB spatial discretization error on ArcCHECK VMAT QA for small‐field SBRT
Authors: He Chuan , Pant Ankit , Le Anh H.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of the Acuros XB spatial discretization errors on ArcCHECK volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) QA for small‐field SBRT plans.

Methods

Eighteen SBRT VMAT arcs that failed the ArcCHECK VMAT QA were retrospectively analyzed. Plan verification doses were calculated using Eclipse Acuros XB, and absolute 3%/2 mm gamma passing rates were calculated to compare ArcCHECK and MapCHECK2 with MapPHAN. Verification doses were recalculated using AAA in Eclipse and with the EGSnrc Monte Carlo package. In addition, error‐reduced Acuros XB doses were calculated by subdividing the entire arc into several sub‐arcs (“split‐arc” method), with the angular ranges of the sub‐arcs optimized to balance accuracy and efficiency. Relative gamma passing rates were calculated and compared for the four methods: (1) Acuros XB; (2) AAA; (3) EGSnrc Monte Carlo; and (4) the split‐arc method.

Results

The absolute gamma passing rates were below 90% for ArcCHECK and above 95% for MapCHECK2. The averaged relative gamma passing rates were (1) 84.7% for clinical Acuros XB; (2) 96.8% for AAA; (3) 98.8% for EGSnrc Monte Carlo; and (4) 96.8% for the split‐arc method with 60° sub‐arc angle. Compared to the clinical Acuros XB, the split‐arc method improved the relative gamma passing rate by 12.1% on average. No significant difference was found between AAA and the split‐arc method (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The Acuros XB spatial discretization errors can significantly impact the ArcCHECK VMAT QA results for small‐field SBRT plans. The split‐arc method may be used to improve the VMAT QA results.
Treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica by Rheumatology Providers: Analysis from the American College of Rheumatology RISE Registry
Authors: Sattui Sebastian E. , Xie Fenglong , Wan Zihan , Clinton Cassie , Domsic Robyn T. , Curtis Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study describes the demographics, comorbidities, and treatment patterns in a national cohort of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) who received care from rheumatology providers.

Methods

Patients with PMR were identified in the American College of Rheumatology Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness registry from 2016 to 2022. Use of glucocorticoids and immunomodulatory antirheumatic medications used as steroid‐sparing agents were examined overall and in a subgroup of patients new to rheumatology practices, the majority with presumed new‐onset PMR. In these new patients, multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with persistent glucocorticoid and steroid‐sparing agent use at 12 to 24 months.

Results

A total of 26,102 patients with PMR were identified, of which 16,703 new patients were included in the main analysis. Patients were predominantly female (55.8%) and White (46.7%), with a mean age of 72.0 years. Hypertension (81.2%), congestive heart failure (52.4%), hyperlipidemia (41.3%), and ischemic heart disease (36.0%) were the most prevalent comorbidities. At baseline, 92.3% of patients were on glucocorticoids, and only 13.1% were on a steroid‐sparing agent. At 12 to 24 months, most patients remained on glucocorticoids (63.8%). Although there was an increase in use through follow‐up, antirheumatic medications were prescribed only to a minority (39.0%) of patients with PMR.

Conclusion

In this large US‐based study of patients with PMR receiving rheumatology care, only a minority of patients were prescribed steroid‐sparing agents during the first 24 months of follow‐up; most patients remained on glucocorticoids past one year. Further identification of patients who would benefit from steroid‐sparing agents and the timing of steroid‐sparing agent initiation is needed.

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A Dihydroartemisinin‐Loaded Nanoreactor Motivates Anti‐Cancer Immunotherapy by Synergy‐Induced Ferroptosis to Activate Cgas/STING for Reprogramming of Macrophage
Authors: Li Liu‐Gen , Yang Xiao‐Xin , Xu Hua‐Zhen , Yu Ting‐Ting , Li Qi‐Rui , Hu Jun , Peng Xing‐Chun , Han Ning , Xu Xiang , Chen Nan‐Nan , Chen Xiao , Tang Jun‐Ming , Li Tong‐Fei
Published: August 2023

Infiltration of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) characterized by an M2 phenotype is an overriding feature in malignant tumors. Reprogramming TAM is the most cutting‐edge strategy for cancer therapy. In the present study, an iron‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoreactor loaded with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is developed, which provides high uptake by TAM and retains their viability, thus effectively addressing the inefficiency of the DHA at low concentrations. Impressively, DHA@MIL‐101 can selectively accumulate in tumor tissues and remodel TAM to the M1 phenotype. The results of RNA sequencing further suggest that this nanoreactor may regulate ferroptosis, a DNA damage signaling pathway in TAM. Indeed, the outcomes confirm that DHA@MIL‐101 triggers ferroptosis in TAM. In addition, the findings reveal that DNA damage induced by DHA nanoreactors activates the intracellular cGAS sensor, resulting in the binding of STING to IRF3 and thereby up‐regulating the immunogenicity. In contrast, blocking ferroptosis impairs DHA@MIL‐101‐induced activation of STING signaling and phenotypic remodeling. Finally, it is shown that DHA nanoreactors deploy anti‐tumor immunotherapy through ferroptosis‐mediated TAM reprogramming. Taken together, immune efficacy is achieved through TAM's remodeling by delivering DHA and iron ions into TAM using nanoreactors, providing a novel approach for combining phytopharmaceuticals with nanocarriers to regulate the immune microenvironment.
Membrane‐Active Metallopolymers: Repurposing and Rehabilitating Antibiotics to Gram‐Negative Superbugs
Authors: Hwang JiHyeon , Barman Swagatam , Gao Ruixuan , Yang Xiaoming , O'Malley Andrea , Nagarkatti Prakash , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Chruszcz Maksymilian , Tang Chuanbing
Published: August 2023

Among multiple approaches to combating antimicrobial resistance, a combination therapy of existing antibiotics with bacterial membrane‐perturbing agents is promising. A viable platform of metallopolymers as adjuvants in combination with traditional antibiotics is reported in this work to combat both planktonic and stationary cells of Gram‐negative superbugs and their biofilms. Antibacterial efficacy, toxicity, antibiofilm activity, bacterial resistance propensity, and mechanisms of action of metallopolymer‐antibiotic combinations are investigated. These metallopolymers exhibit 4‐16‐fold potentiation of antibiotics against Gram‐negative bacteria with negligible toxicity toward mammalian cells. More importantly, the lead combinations (polymer‐ceftazidime and polymer‐rifampicin) eradicate preformed biofilms of MDR E. coli and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Further, β‐lactamase inhibition, outer membrane permeabilization, and membrane depolarization demonstrate synergy of these adjuvants with different antibiotics. Moreover, the membrane‐active metallopolymers enable the antibiotics to circumvent bacterial resistance development. Altogether, the results indicate that such non‐antibiotic adjuvants bear the promise to revitalize the efficacy of existing antibiotics to tackle Gram‐negative bacterial infections.
Hemoperfusion Adsorbents for Removal of Common Toxins in Liver and Kidney Failure: Recent Progress, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Wu Shuangquan , Yue Pengpeng , Ma Yongsheng , Zou Yongkang , Liang Wenjin , Ye Qifa
Published: August 2023

Liver and kidney failure can lead to extensive accumulation of toxic metabolites in the blood and tissues, such as bilirubin, blood ammonia, endotoxins, cytokines, creatinine, uric acid, and urea, which aggravate the progression of the disease. Hemoperfusion can effectively adsorb and remove toxins from the blood and treat liver and kidney failure. However, the adsorption efficiency and safety of traditional hemoperfusion adsorbents are not ideal. Thus, it is urgent to develop adsorbents with good blood compatibility, as well as high adsorption and strong selective capacities, to fulfill the clinical needs. In recent years, new hemoperfusion adsorbents with improved adsorption performance and good blood compatibility have been developed. This review classifies and summarizes the recent research progress in hemoperfusion adsorbents for common blood toxins (bilirubin, blood ammonia, endotoxins, cytokines, creatinine, uric acid, and urea) produced by liver and kidney failure. The composition and structure of various toxin adsorbents, toxin adsorption performance, biocompatibility, blood safety, and the adsorption mechanisms of toxins are discussed. Based on a summary of recent studies, feasible strategies have been explored for designing and preparing hemoperfusion adsorbents to fulfill future development requirements. The trends and clinical application prospects of various toxin adsorbents are also discussed.
Ultrasonic Field Induces Better Crystallinity and Abundant Defects at Grain Boundaries to Develop CuS Electromagnetic Wave Absorber
Authors: Chen Geng , Liang Hongsheng , Yun Jijun , Zhang Limin , Wu Hongjing , Wang Jianyuan
Published: August 2023

Ultrasonic field (USF) is widely used to regulate the intrinsic properties of materials that are not applied in electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption. One reason is that the lack of a response mechanism for the materials to USF hinders the expansion of their EMW absorption performance. Therefore, to address this issue, a series of CuS nanoparticles with diverse anions are constructed in the presence or absence of USF. The ultrasonic‐induced cavitation effect can significantly promote CuS crystallization and lead to the accumulation of S defects at the grain boundaries (GBs). Furthermore, the S defects at the GBs are easily oriented and arranged, allowing the polarization relaxation retention to be maintained at 10 wt%. Consequently, the CuS with a nitrate precursor under USF shows an optimum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 10.24 GHz at a thickness of 3.5 mm, which is 228.6% more than that without the USF. CuS with a chloride precursor also achieves an EAB of 3.92 GHz, even at a considerably low filler ratio. Thus, this study demonstrates the response mechanism of diverse anions to the USF for the first time and provides a novel technique to optimize the EMW absorption performance of semiconductors.
Rational Designs of Biomaterials for Combating Oral Biofilm Infections
Authors: Yin Zhengrong , Liu Yaxi , Anniwaer Annikaer , You Yuan , Guo Jingmei , Tang Ying , Fu Lei , Yi Luyao , Huang Cui
Published: August 2023

Oral biofilms, which are also known as dental plaque, are the culprit of a wide range of oral diseases and systemic diseases, thus contributing to serious health risks. The manner of how to achieve good control of oral biofilms has been an increasing public concern. Novel antimicrobial biomaterials with highly controllable fabrication and functionalization have been proven to be promising candidates. However, previous reviews have generally emphasized the physicochemical properties, action mode, and application effectiveness of those biomaterials, whereas insufficient attention has been given to the design rationales tailored to different infection types and application scenarios. To offer guidance for better diversification and functionalization of anti‐oral‐biofilm biomaterials, this review details the up‐to‐date design rationales in three aspects: the core strategies in combating oral biofilm, as well as the biomaterials with advanced antibiofilm capacity and multiple functions based on the improvement or combination of the abovementioned antimicrobial strategies. Thereafter, insights on the existing challenges and future improvement of biomaterial‐assisted oral biofilm treatments are proposed, hoping to provide a theoretical basis and reference for the subsequent design and application of antibiofilm biomaterials.
Anion Confinement for Homogeneous Mixed Halide Perovskite Film Growth by Electrospray
Authors: Niu Xiuxiu , Li Nengxu , Cui Zhenhua , Li Liang , Pei Fengtao , Lan Yisha , Song Qizhen , Du Yujiang , Dou Jing , Bao Zhaoboxun , Wang Lina , Liu Huifen , Li Kailin , Zhang Xinran , Huang Zijian , Wang Lan , Zhou Wentao , Yuan Guizhou , Chen Yihua , Zhou Huanping , Zhu Cheng , Liu Guilin , Bai Yang , Chen Qi
Published: August 2023

Wide‐bandgap perovskites are promising absorbers for state‐of‐the‐art tandem solar cells to feasibly surpass Shockley–Queisser limit with low cost. However, the commonly used mixed halide perovskites suffer from poor stability; particularly, photoinduced phase segregation. Electrospray deposition is developed to bridge the gap of growth rate between iodide and bromide components during film growth by spatially confining the anion diffusion and eliminating the kinetic difference, which universally improves the initial homogeneity of perovskite films regardless of device architectures. It thus promotes the efficiency and stability of corresponding solar cells based on wide‐bandgap (1.68 eV) absorbers. Remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 21.44% and 20.77% are achieved in 0.08 cm2 and 1.0 cm2 devices, respectively. In addition, these devices maintain 90% of their initial PCE after 1550 h of stabilized power output (SPO) tracking upon one sun irradiation (LED) at room temperature.
Continuous Volumetric 3D Printing: Xolography in Flow
Authors: Stüwe Lucas , Geiger Matthias , Röllgen Franz , Heinze Thorben , Reuter Marcus , Wessling Matthias , Hecht Stefan , Linkhorst John
Published: August 2023

Additive manufacturing techniques continue to improve in resolution, geometrical freedom, and production rates, expanding their application range in research and industry. Most established techniques, however, are based on layer‐by‐layer polymerization processes, leading to an inherent trade‐off between resolution and printing speed. Volumetric 3D printing enables the polymerization of freely defined volumes allowing the fabrication of complex geometries at drastically increased production rates and high resolutions, marking the next chapter in light‐based additive manufacturing. This work advances the volumetric 3D printing technique xolography to a continuous process. Dual‐color photopolymerization is performed in a continuously flowing resin, inside a tailored flow cell. Supported by simulations, the flow profile in the printing area is flattened, and resin velocities at the flow cell walls are increased to minimize unwanted polymerization via laser sheet‐induced curing. Various objects are printed continuously and true to shape with smooth surfaces. Parallel object printing paves the way for up‐scaling the continuous production, currently reaching production rates up to 1.75 mm3 s−1 for the presented flow cell. Xolography in flow provides a new opportunity for scaling up volumetric 3D printing with the potential to resolve the trade‐off between high production rates and high resolution in light‐based additive manufacturing.
Preparation and Surface Functionalization of a Tunable Porous System Featuring Stacked Spheres in Cylindrical Pores
Authors: Ruiz M Christhy V. , Terlinden Markus , Engelhardt Matthias , Magnabosco Giulia , Papastavrou Georg , Vogel Nicolas , Thommes Matthias , Bachmann Julien
Published: August 2023

A geometrically tunable nanoporous system featuring enhanced active surface area by stacking of spheres in cylindrical pores is fabricated. Highly ordered arrays of straight, constricted pores are obtained by anodization of metallic aluminum. Polystyrene (PS) spheres are assembled inside the pores by flowing their suspension through the porous membrane, whereas the construction serves as a filter. After surface functionalization with a noble metal catalyst, these model electrocatalysis systems exhibit functional properties (capacitance in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) that mirror their geometric parameters. A systematic investigation of the system's geometry as it depends on the surface chemistry of the pores, on the one hand, and the physical parameters of the infiltration procedure, on the other hand, shows that mechanical stacking prevails over surface chemical interactions to determine the stacking density. The highest values of surface area are obtained when PS spheres are put in contact with HfO2 followed by ZnO according to adsorption measurements. Surface derivatization with organic layers does not improve stacking any further. However, choosing the proper concentration of PS spheres and flow rate are crucial for obtaining densely packed sphere assemblies without clogging of the pore entrance.
Nuclear Actin Polymerization Regulates Cell Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Du William W. , Qadir Javeria , Du Kevin Y. , Chen Yu , Wu Nan , Yang Burton B.
Published: August 2023

Current studies on actin function primarily rely on cytoplasmic actin due to the absence of cellular models specifically expressing nuclear actin. Here, cell models capable of expressing varying levels of nuclear F/G‐actin are generated and a significant role of nuclear actin in the regulation of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is uncovered. Through immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analyses, distinct binding partners for nuclear F‐actin (β‐catenin, SMAD2, and SMAD3) and nuclear G‐actin (MYBBP1A, NKRF, and MYPOP) are investigated, which respectively modulate EMT‐promoting and EMT‐repressing transcriptional events. While nuclear F‐actin promotes EMT with enhanced cell migration, survival, and elongated mesenchymal morphology, nuclear G‐actin represses EMT and related cell activities. Mechanistically, nuclear F‐actin enhances β‐catenin, SMAD2, and SMAD3 expression and stability in the nuclei, while nuclear G‐actin increases MYBBP1A, NKRF, and MYPOP expression and stability in the nuclei. The association between nuclear F/G‐actin and N‐cadherin/E‐cadherin in the cell lines (in vitro), and increased nuclear actin polymerization in the wound healing cells (in vivo) affirm a significant role of nuclear actin in EMT regulation. With evidence of nuclear actin polymerization and EMT during development, and irregularities in disease states such as cancer and fibrosis, targeting nuclear actin dynamics to trigger dysregulated EMT warrants ongoing study.