bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of serum interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist levels in major depressive disorder: A case‐control study
Authors: Nahar Zabun , Monisha Shahrin Tasnim , Qusar MMA Shalahuddin , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by the occurrence of one or more depressive episodes lasting a minimum of 2 weeks and is marked by a persistently low mood and a lack of enjoyment in daily activities. The diagnosis of MDD is not possible by a well‐established laboratory test or biomarker. A wide range of potential biomarkers for depression have been proposed by many studies, but none of them has adequately described the correlation between the biomarkers and depression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA) levels as an early depression risk factor.

Methods

The present case‐control study included 88 participants. Among them, 44 MDD patients enrolled from the psychiatry department of a public hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and 44 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HCs) from various sites in Dhaka city. A qualified psychiatrist evaluated the cases and HCs based on the fifth edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM‐5). The Hamilton depression (Ham‐D) rating scale was employed to evaluate the intensity of depression. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit (Boster Bio, USA) was used to determine serum IL‐1RA concentrations.

Results

We observed no marked alteration in the serum concentration of IL‐1RA in MDD patients in comparison to HCs (292.81 ± 24.81 and 288 ± 24.87 pg/mL; p > 0.05). Among MDD patients, we found no noteworthy association between the severity of depression and serum IL‐1RA levels.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study imply that IL‐1RA may not be identified as a promising biomarker for risk assessment of depression. However, its neuroprotective role may be taken into consideration for the understanding of pathophysiology of MDD.
The other side of false belief: Constructing the objectivity of reality
Authors: Li Leon
Published: March 2023

Young children appear not to grasp the independence between objective reality and subjective beliefs, as evidenced by their errors on false belief tasks. Whereas decades of research have examined children's developing understanding of the subjectivity of beliefs, however, almost no research has examined the other side of the issue: How do humans come to understand the objectivity of reality, and why is this understanding important? To help address this gap, this article proposes an evolutionary‐developmental account of how the understanding that reality is objective may have emerged in human thinking. Three key steps are highlighted: (i) phylogenetic foundations in great ape competitive mindreading, (ii) ontogenetic foundations in preverbal infant joint attention, and (iii) key experiences of perspectival conflict in linguistic humans. Functionally, the concept of an objective reality facilitated collaborative reasoning and joint decision‐making. To arrive at good joint decisions, individuals needed to recognize that both their own beliefs and others' beliefs could be wrong—with respect to the objective reality.
Emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein at the vaccination site
Authors: Beck Annika , Dietenberger Hanna , Kunz Sebastian N. , Mellert Kevin , Möller Peter
Published: March 2023

Background

The anti‐coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccines are of paramount importance in the fight against the COVID‐19 pandemic. Both viral vector‐ and nucleic acid‐based vaccines are known to effectively induce protection against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus by generating high antibody titers and effective T‐cell responses to the spike protein they encode. Although these vaccines are being applied worldwide and have been extensively investigated, the immunomorphological events at the vaccination site with respect to SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein expression have not yet been described.

Methods

We had the opportunity to examine the deltoid muscles of three men who died shortly after vaccination for unrelated reasons. We examined the vaccination sites histologically and immunohistochemically with various antibodies. Furthermore we incubated two different cell lines with one vaccine and examined the expression of the spike protein.

Results

The vaccination sites show a dense lymphohistiocytic interstitial infiltrate which surrounds the small vessels and extends into the perimysium. The spike protein is expressed by histiocytic cells with a dendritic shape that are CD68‐positive and CD207‐negative, fibrocytes, and very rare S100‐positive cells. Interestingly, the skeletal muscle, being constitutively human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A,B,C‐negative, is induced at different levels in each specimen. In a cell culture experiment, we confirmed the ability of fibroblasts and interdigitating dendritic sarcoma cells to express spike protein in vitro after incubation with the Comirnaty vaccine.

Conclusions

Histiocytic cells and fibrocytes are the heralds of spike protein synthesis at the vaccination site. The underlying cause of this apparent cell specifity is unknown. This needs to be investigated in future experiments, for example in an animal model.
Rapamycin treatment unmasks a sex‐specific pattern of scar expansion of the infarcted rat heart: The relationship between mTOR and KATP channel
Authors: Al‐Katat Aya , Bergeron Alexandre , Parent Lucie , Lorenzini Maxime , Fiset Celine , Calderone Angelino
Published: March 2023

Inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) with the macrolide rapamycin or pharmacological suppression of KATP channel opening translated to scar expansion of the myocardial infarcted (MI) adult female rodent heart. The present study tested the hypotheses that rapamycin‐mediated scar expansion was sex‐specific and that mTOR signaling directly influenced KATP channel subunit expression/activity. Scar size was significantly larger in post‐MI male rats as compared to the previous data reported in post‐MI female rats. The reported scar expansion of rapamycin‐treated post‐MI female rats was not observed following the administration of the macrolide to post‐MI male rats. Protein levels of the KATP channel subunits Kir6.2 and SUR2A and phosphorylation of the serine2448 residue of mTOR were similar in the normal heart of adult male and female rats. By contrast, greater tuberin inactivation characterized by the increased phosphorylation of the threonine1462 residue and reduced raptor protein levels were identified in the normal heart of adult female rats. Rapamycin pretreatment of phorbol 12,13‐dibutyrate (PDBu)‐treated neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NNVMs) suppressed hypertrophy, inhibited p70S6K phosphorylation, and attenuated SUR2A protein upregulation. In the presence of low ATP levels, KATP channel activity detected in untreated NNVMs was significantly attenuated in PDBu‐induced hypertrophied NNVMs via a rapamycin‐independent pathway. Thus, rapamycin administration to post‐MI rats unmasked a sex‐specific pattern of scar expansion and mTOR signaling in PDBu‐induced hypertrophied NNVMs significantly increased SUR2A protein levels. However, the biological advantage associated with SUR2A protein upregulation was partially offset by an mTOR‐independent pathway that attenuated KATP channel activity in PDBu‐induced hypertrophied NNVMs.
Dendritic cell‐derived exosomal miR‐3064‐5p inhibits SIRT6/PCSK9 to protect the blood‐brain barrier after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Long , Lv Li , Zhou Ziqi , Xi Haipeng
Published: March 2023

The protection of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) is the key direction to improving subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Therefore, developing appropriate targeted drugs and therapies has become an urgent task for SAH patients. In this study, we investigated the role of dendritic cells (DCs) exosomal miR‐3064‐5p in repairing the BBB, providing a new basis for treating SAH. We detected the expression of miR‐3064‐5p in exosomes secreted by DCs (DCs‐exo). An SAH rat model was constructed by intravascular perforation and characterized by HE and TUNEL‐IF staining. We found that overexpression of miR‐3064‐5p in SAH rats suppressed iNOS expression and promoted the accumulation of tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin‐3, ZO‐1), whereas knockdown of miR‐3064‐5p exerted the opposite effect. Dual‐LUC assay confirmed that miR‐3064‐5p could target and inhibit SIRT6. Knockdown of SIRT6 inhibited inflammatory cytokine (IL‐6, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, and TGF‐β1) levels and apoptosis. The results of the co‐IP assay showed that SIRT6 interacted with PCSK9, and knockdown of SIRT6 suppressed the expression of PCSK9. Moreover, DCs‐exo reduced brain edema, upregulated miR‐3064‐5p and downregulated SIRT6 and PCSK9 in SAH rats. DCs‐exo reduced inflammatory factors and increased tight junction proteins in SAH rats. Overexpression of miR‐3064‐5p enhanced the protective effect of DCs‐exo, while overexpression of SIRT6 partially counteracted the effect. This study confirmed that DCs could secrete miR‐3064‐5p to ameliorate BBB damage after SAH. Mechanistically, miR‐3064‐5p alleviated BBB damage by targeting and inhibiting SIRT6/PCSk9 signaling pathway.
Evaluation of cardiac chamber functions by speckle‐tracking echocardiography in the presence of coronary artery flow disturbances other than stenosis: A review
Authors: Khederlou Hamid , Hosseinsabet Ali
Published: March 2023

Conditions other than stenosis also disturb the coronary flow. Such conditions include the coronary slow flow phenomenon, coronary artery ectasia, and coronary artery tortuosity. Evidence exists regarding myocardial dysfunction in these conditions. In this review, we present studies that have used speckle‐tracking echocardiography to determine whether coronary flow disturbances are accompanied by myocardial dysfunction. Additionally, we seek to show the gaps in knowledge concerning this issue and the dimensions that future studies should consider.
Biphasic reinforcement of nascent adhesions by vinculin
Authors: Baumann Hella , Schwingel Melanie , Sestu Marcello , Burcza Anna , Marg Susanna , Ziegler Wolfgang , Taubenberger Anna V. , Muller Daniel J. , Bastmeyer Martin , Franz Clemens M.
Published: March 2023

Vinculin is an integral component of integrin adhesions, where it functions as a molecular clutch coupling intracellular contraction to the extracellular matrix. Quantitating its contribution to the reinforcement of newly forming adhesions, however, requires ultrasensitive cell force assays covering short time and low force ranges. Here, we have combined atomic force microscopy‐based single‐cell force spectroscopy (SCFS) and optical tweezers force spectroscopy to investigate the role of vinculin in reinforcement of individual nascent adhesions during the first 5 min of cell contact with fibronectin or vitronectin. At minimal adhesion times (5‐10 s), mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) wildtype (wt) and vinculin knock‐out (vin(−/−)) cells develop comparable adhesion forces on the scale of several individual integrin‐ligand bonds, confirming that vinculin is dispensable for adhesion initiation. In contrast, after 60 to 120 s, adhesion strength and traction reinforce quickly in wt cells, while remaining low in vin(−/−) cells. Re‐expression of full‐length vinculin or a constitutively active vinculin mutant (vinT12) in MEF vin(−/−) cells restored adhesion and traction with the same efficiency, while vinculin with a mutated talin‐binding head region (vinA50I) or missing the actin‐binding tail‐domain (vin880) was ineffective. Integrating total internal reflection fluorescence imaging into the SCFS setup furthermore enabled us to correlate vinculin‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) recruitment to nascent adhesion sites with the built‐up of vinculin‐dependent adhesion forces directly. Vinculin recruitment and cell adhesion reinforcement followed synchronous biphasic patterns, suggesting vinculin recruitment, but not activation, as the rate‐limiting step for adhesion reinforcement. Combining sensitive SCFS with fluorescence microscopy thus provides insight into the temporal sequence of vinculin‐dependent mechanical reinforcement in nascent integrin adhesions.
MRI of Peliosis Hepatis: A Case Series Presentation With a 2022 Systematic Literature Update
Authors: Calistri Linda , Nardi Cosimo , Rastrelli Vieri , Maraghelli Davide , Grazioli Luigi , Messerini Luca , Colagrande Stefano
Published: March 2023

Background

Peliosis hepatis (PH) is a rare benign condition, characterized by hepatic sinusoidal dilatation and blood‐filled cystic cavities, often found incidentally, with still challenging diagnosis by imaging due to polymorphic appearance.

Purpose

Based on a retrospective analysis of our series (12 patients) and systematic literature review (1990–2022), to organize data about PH and identify features to improve characterization.

Study Type

Retrospective case series and systematic review.

Population

Twelve patients (mean age 48 years, 55% female) with pathology‐proven PH and 49 patients (mean age 52 years, 67% female) identified in 33 studies from the literature (1990–2022).

Field Strength/Sequence

1,5‐T; T1‐weighted (T1W), T2‐weighted (T2W), diffusion‐weighted (DW), contrast‐enhanced (CE) T1W imaging.

Assessment

We compared our series and literature data in terms of demographic (gender/age/ethnicity), clinical characteristics (symptoms/physical examination/liver test), associated conditions (malignancies/infectious/hematologic/genetic or chronic disorders/drugs or toxic exposure) percentage. On magnetic resonance imaging lesion numbers/shape/mean maximum diameter/location/mass effect/signal intensity were compared. PH pathological type/proposed imaging diagnosis/patient follow‐up were also considered.

Statistical Tests

Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports/Series quality assessment. Intraclass correlation and Cohen's kappa coefficients for levels of inter/intrareader agreement in our experience.

Results

Patients were mainly asymptomatic (92% vs. 70% in our study and literature) with associated conditions (83% vs. 80%). Lesions showed homogeneous T1W‐hypointensity (58% vs. 65%) and T2W‐hyperintensity (58% vs. 66%). Heterogeneous nonspecific (25% vs. 51%), centrifugal (34% vs. 8%), or rim‐like centripetal (25% vs. 23%) patterns of enhancement were most frequent, with hypointensity on the hepatobiliary phase (HBP), without restricted diffusivity. Good inter‐ and intrareader agreement was observed in our experience. Concerning JBI Checklist, 19 out of 31 case reports met at least 7 out of 8 criteria, whereas 2 case series fulfilled 5 and 6 out of 10 items respectively.

Data Conclusion

A homogeneous, not well‐demarcated T1W‐hypointense and T2W‐hyperintense mass, with heterogeneous nonspecific or rim‐like centripetal or centrifugal pattern of enhancement, and hypointensity on HBP, may be helpful for PH diagnosis. Among associated conditions, malignancies and drug exposures were the most frequent.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Cardiac MRI‐Based Assessment of Myocardial Injury in Asymptomatic People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Correlation With nadir CD4 Count
Authors: Peng Xin , Ding Haibo , Huo Huaibi , Zheng Yue , Zhou Jie , Li Han , Hou Yang , Li Xiaolin , Geng Wenqing , Shang Hong , Liu Ting
Published: March 2023

Background

There are known cardiac manifestations of HIV, but the findings in asymptomatic subjects are still not fully explored.

Purpose

To evaluate for the presence of subclinical myocardial injury in asymptomatic people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) by cardiac MRI and to explore the possible association between subclinical myocardial injury and HIV‐related clinical characteristics.

Study Type

Cross‐sectional.

Population

A total of 80 asymptomatic PLWH (age: 53 years [47–56 years]; 90% male) and 50 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy participants.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3‐T, cine sequence, T1, T2, and T2* mapping.

Assessment

Function analysis was derived from short axis, two‐, three‐, and four‐chamber cine images by feature tracking. Regions of interest were manually selected in the midventricular septum T1, T2, and T2* mapping sequences. PLWH were evaluated for T1 increment (△T1 mapping = native T1 − cutoff values) and HIV‐related clinical characteristics, particularly the nadir CD4 count. And PLWH were stratified into two groups according to the cutoff value of native T1: elevated native T1 and normal.

Statistical Tests

T test, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, Chi‐square test, Spearman rank correlation, and logistic regression. P <0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

Asymptomatic PLWH revealed significantly higher native myocardial T1 values (1241 ± 29 msec vs. 1189 ± 21 msec), T2 values (40.7 ± 1.5 msec vs. 37.9 ± 1.4 msec), and lower LVGRS (30.2% ± 6.2% vs. 35.8% ± 6.4%), LVGCS (−18.0% ± 2.5% vs. −19.5% ± 2.0%), and LVGLS (−16.0% ± 3.8% vs. −17.9% ± 2.6%) but showed no difference in T2* values (17.3 msec [16.3–19.1 msec] vs. 18.3 msec [16.5–19.3 msec], P = 0.201). A negative correlation between the native T1 increment in PLWH with subclinical myocardial injury and the nadir CD4 count (u = −0.316). Nadir CD4 count <500 cells/mm3 was associated with higher odds of elevated native T1 myocardial values (odds ratio, 6.12 [95% CI, 1.07–34.91]) in PLWH.

Data Conclusion

Subclinical myocardial inflammation and dysfunction were present in asymptomatic PLWH, and a lower nadir CD4 count may be a risk factor for subclinical myocardial injury.

Evidence Level

1.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
SMAD genes are up‐regulated in brain and blood samples of individuals with schizophrenia
Authors: Wolf Ammie , Yitzhaky Assif , Hertzberg Libi
Published: March 2023

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder, with heritability around 80%, but a not fully understood pathophysiology. Signal transduction through the mothers against decapentaplegic (SMADs) are eight different proteins involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes, cell cycle, and tissue patterning. The literature is not consistent regarding the differential expression of SMAD genes among subjects with schizophrenia. In this article, we performed a systematic meta‐analysis of the expression of SMAD genes in 423 brain samples (211 schizophrenia vs. 212 healthy controls), integrating 10 datasets from two public repositories, following the PRISMA guidelines. We found a statistically significant up‐regulation of SMAD1, SMAD4, SMAD5, and SMAD7, and a tendency for up‐regulation of SMAD3 and SMAD9 in brain samples of patients with schizophrenia. Overall, six of the eight genes showed a tendency for up‐regulation, and none of them was found to have a tendency for down‐regulation. SMAD1 and SMAD4 were up‐regulated also in blood samples of 13 individuals with schizophrenia versus eight healthy controls, suggesting the SMAD genes' potential role as biomarkers of schizophrenia. Furthermore, SMAD genes' expression levels were significantly correlated with those of Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor‐1 (S1PR1), which is known to regulate inflammatory processes. Our meta‐analysis supports the involvement of SMAD genes in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia through their role in inflammatory processes, as well as demonstrates the importance of gene expression meta‐analysis for improving our understanding of psychiatric diseases.
Antioxidants attenuate mitochondrial oxidative damage through the Nrf2 pathway: A promising therapeutic strategy for stroke
Authors: Chen Ling , Chen Su , Yang Xiao‐Fei , Min Jia‐Wei
Published: March 2023

Stroke represents one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Reactive oxygen species overproduction‐induced oxidative stress in mitochondria results in mitochondrial DNA damage, mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy), inflammation, and apoptosis during the pathologic progression of stroke. Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator that induces the transcription of a wide range of antioxidant genes to attenuate mitochondrial oxidative stress. Different antioxidative compounds, including polyphenols, mitochondrial antioxidants, triterpenoids, and others, have been shown to be able to activate Nrf2 and, thus, exert neuroprotective effects on stroke by ameliorating mitochondrial oxidative damage. In this review, we briefly discussed the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of stroke and focused on the protective effects of antioxidative compounds through attenuating mitochondrial oxidative damage by activating Nrf2 in stroke. In conclusion, these antioxidants may represent novel therapeutic strategies against stroke.
Effect of fiber‐bound polyphenols from highland barley on lipid oxidation products of cooked pork during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Li Jinxin , Zhang Hao , Yang Xijuan , Zhu Ling , Wu Gangcheng , Qi Xiguang , Zhang Hui , Wang Yongjin , Chen Xiaoyu
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a major site of lipid oxidation, and the lipid oxidation products are related to an increased risk of various chronic diseases. In this study, the inhibition capacity of bound‐polyphenol rich insoluble dietary fiber (BP‐IDF) from highland barley (HB) to lipid oxidation was evaluated during simulated GI digestion.

RESULTS

We found that the level of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and aldehydes were significantly inhibited when highland barley bound‐polyphenol rich insoluble dietary fiber (HBBP‐IDF) co‐digestion with cooked pork. The lipid oxidation products were more effectively scavenged during simulated gastric digestion, with inhibition of 77.4% for LOOH, 52.3% for malondialdehyde, 46.5% for 4‐hydroxy‐2‐hexenal and 48.7% for 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenel, respectively. The fiber‐bound polyphenols are the principal scavengers of lipid oxidation products.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that HBBP‐IDF could be used as a functional ingredient able to scavenge lipid oxidation products across the GI tract. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fructo‐oligofructose ameliorates 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene‐induced atopic dermatitis‐like skin lesions and psychiatric comorbidities in mice
Authors: Chen Shaoze , Tang Liu , Nie Tingting , Fang Mingyu , Cao Xiaoqin
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritus and eczema lesions and psychiatric comorbidities. The gut–brain–skin axis plays a pivotal role during AD development, which might suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for AD. The present study aims to uncover the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of fructo‐oligofructose (FOS), a type of prebiotic, on AD‐like skin manifestations and comorbid anxiety and depression in AD mice.

RESULTS

Female Kunming mice were treated topically with 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) to induce AD‐like symptoms and FOS was administered daily for 14 days. The results showed that FOS could alleviate AD‐like skin lesions markedly as evidenced by dramatic decreases in severity score, scratching bouts, the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and T helper 1(Th1)/Th2‐related cytokines, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells and mast cells to the dermal tissues. The comorbid anxiety and depressive‐like behaviors, estimated by the forced swimming test (FST), the tail‐suspension test (TST), the open‐field test (OFT), and the zero maze test (ZMT) in AD mice, were significantly attenuated by FOS. Fructo‐oligofructose significantly upregulated brain neurotransmitters levels of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and dopamine (DA). Furthermore, FOS treatment increased the relative abundance of gut microbiota, such as Prevotella and Lactobacillus and the concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially acetate and iso‐butyrate in the feces of AD mice. The correlation analysis indicated that the reshaped gut microbiome composition and enhanced SCFAs formation are associated with skin inflammation and behavioral alteration.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these data identify FOS as a promising microbiota‐targeted treatment for AD‐like skin inflammation and comorbid anxiety and depressive‐like behaviors. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Structural properties of Phoenix oolong tea polysaccharide conjugates and the interfacial stability in nanoemulsions
Authors: Lin Jiayi , Lin Qiaoyi , Zhu Linjia , Xie Xinan , Li Yan , Li Lu
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Tea polysaccharide conjugate (TPC) is a naturally occurring active substance that is extracted from tea. Owing to its benefits in enhancing human immunity and antioxidant effects, TPC is widely used in culinary products. The binding mode of polysaccharides and proteins in TPC, however, has not been well studied; it may be closely related to their functional properties, especially emulsification.

RESULTS

The molecular weights and monosaccharide compositions of TPC were determined by ion chromatography and high‐performance gel permeation chromatography. Although the functional groups of polysaccharides and proteins were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, the presence of proteins could not be detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and ultraviolet spectroscopy. It was hypothesized that the hydrophobic groups of the proteins in TPC were wrapped by polysaccharide chains, thus making the proteins undetectable. The rheology and interfacial protein adsorption results show that TPC forms a viscoelastic film at the oil–water interface to prevent the aggregation of oil droplets, thereby enhancing the stability of the emulsion. Based on these structural and emulsifying properties of TPC, the binding mode of polysaccharides and proteins along with their phase behavior at the oil–water interface of the emulsion was speculated.

CONCLUSION

In TPC, the hydrophilic groups of the proteins are linked to polysaccharides by covalent interactions, where the hydrophobic groups are wrapped with the polysaccharide chains with the help of hydrophobic forces to form a hydrophobic core. The unique binding of polysaccharides and proteins in TPC enhances its amphiphilic properties, which can be effectively distributed at the oil–water interface and form stable emulsions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Lyapunov inequality for a Caputo fractional differential equation with Riemann–Stieltjes integral boundary conditions
Authors: Srivastava Satyam Narayan , Pati Smita , Padhi Seshadev , Domoshnitsky Alexander
Published: March 2023

In this a Lyapunov‐type inequality is obtained for the fractional differential equation with Caputo derivative

together with the boundary conditions

where
are functions of bounded variation,
, and
are nonnegative constants, and
is a continuous function. We have divided the Greens function of this problem into two parts, and their upper bounds are obtained separately in order to obtain our results. The classical celebrated result of Lyapunov has become a consequence of our result.
Similarity solutions to nonlinear models of coupled fractional equations
Authors: Yue Chao
Published: March 2023

Scalar similarity transformation method is extended to nonlinear models of coupled fractional equations, as to 2‐coupled fractional generalized derivative nonlinear schrödinger (GDNLS) equations, whose two similarity solutions corresponding to time‐fractional GDNLS equations and space‐fractional GDNLS equations are obtained, respectively. Furthermore, by using generalized similarity transformation 3‐coupled fractional nonlinear Heisenberg equations are reduced to ordinary differential equations, from which three different similarity solutions are also worked out, including a kind of traveling‐wave similarity solutions.
Dietary Intervention with the Gut Microbial Metabolite Urolithin A Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Deficits via the Sirt1/acetyl‐NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Yiran , Yuan Quan , Ma Yilu , Zhou Xiang , Wang Gang , Wang Shanshan , Li Sanqiang , Shi Jian , Wang Dongmei
Published: March 2023

Scope

The gut microbial metabolite Urolithin A (UA) exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties in vivo and in vitro. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is present in abundance in the gut, induces chronic neuroinflammation and triggers behavioral abnormalities. However, the neuroprotective effects of UA and the underlying mechanisms implicate in an LPS‐elicited neuroinflammation mouse model remain elusive.

Methods and results

Daily administration of UA (200 mg kg−1 d−1; i.g.) for 21 days significantly mitigates cognitive deficits following LPS exposure. UA prevents LPS‐induced neural loss and synaptic injury in the hippocampus. UA administration substantially represses LPS‐triggered glial cell activation and the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6). Further study reveals that UA promotes Sirt1 expression and NF‐κB p65 deacetylation. Importantly, all the beneficial effects of UA, including biochemical and neuropathological changes and cognitive function, are abrogated by 6‐chloro‐2,3,4,9‐tetrahydro‐1H‐carbazole‐1‐carboxamide (EX‐527), a specific Sirt1 inhibitor.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that UA ameliorates LPS‐triggered neural/synaptic damage and cognitive deficits, which potentially contributes to the inhibition of neuroinflammation by promoting the Sirt1/acetyl‐NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Farnesol Exerts Protective Effects against Chronic Sleep Deprivation‐Induced Cognitive Impairment via Activation SIRT1/Nrf2 Pathway in the Hippocampi of Adult Mice
Authors: Li Yujuan , Xie Zheng , Luo Xiaoxiao , Wang Xuan , Wang Yue , Guo Mingke , Zhou Zhiqiang , Sun Rao , Hua Dongyu , Luo Ailin , Li Shiyong
Published: March 2023

Scope

Sleep deprivation (SD) negatively affects all aspects of health, with one serious consequence being impaired cognition. Farnesol (FOL) is a sesquiterpene synthesized by plants and mammals that has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This study investigates the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of FOL on SD‐induced cognitive impairment.

Methods and results

Administration of FOL dramatically ameliorates chronic sleep deprivation (CSD)‐induced cognitive impairment. In addition, FOL notably attenuates oxidative stress damage, pro‐inflammatory cytokines activation, and microglial activation in the hippocampi of the CSD‐exposed mice. Further examination indicates that administration of FOL after the CSD significantly increases the protein expressions of silent information regulator factor 2‐related enzyme 1 (Sirt1), nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) in the hippocampi. Sirt1 agonist resveratrol (RES) has a similar neuroprotective effect, indicating that FOL could exert neuroprotective effects through the activation of the Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The results reveal that FOL could protect against CSD‐induced cognitive impairment by activating the Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Fully‐automated detection of small bowel carcinoid tumors in CT scans using deep learning
Authors: Shin Seung Yeon , Shen Thomas C. , Wank Stephen A. , Summers Ronald M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Small bowel carcinoid tumor is a rare neoplasm and increasing in incidence. Patients with small bowel carcinoid tumors often experience long delays in diagnosis due to the vague symptoms, slow growth of tumors, and lack of clinician awareness. Computed tomography (CT) is the most common imaging study for diagnosis of small bowel carcinoid tumor. It is often used with positron emission tomography (PET) to capture anatomical and functional aspects of carcinoid tumors and thus to increase the sensitivity.

Purpose

We compared three different kinds of methods for the automatic detection of small bowel carcinoid tumors on CT scans, which is the first to the best of our knowledge.

Methods

Thirty‐three preoperative CT scans of 33 unique patients with surgically‐proven carcinoid tumors within the small bowel were collected. Ground‐truth segmentation of tumors was drawn on CT scans by referring to available 18F‐DOPA PET scans and the corresponding radiology report. These scans were split into the trainval set (n = 24) and the test positive set (n= 9). Additionally, 22 CT scans of 22 unique patients who had no evidence of the tumor were collected to comprise the test negative set. We compared three different kinds of detection methods, which are detection network, patch‐based classification, and segmentation‐based methods. We also investigated the usefulness of small bowel segmentation for reduction of false positives (FPs) for each method. Free‐response receiver operating characteristic (FROC) curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for lesion‐ and patient‐level evaluations, respectively. Statistical analyses comparing the FROC and ROC curves were also performed.

Results

The detection network method performed the best among the compared methods. For lesion‐level detection, the detection network method, without the small bowel segmentation‐based filtering, achieved sensitivity values of (60.8%, 81.1%, 82.4%, 86.5%) at per‐scan FP rates of (1, 2, 4 ,8), respectively. The use of the small bowel segmentation did not improve the performance (). For patient‐level detection, again the detection network method, but with the small bowel segmentation‐based filtering, achieved the highest AUC of 0.86 with a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 82% at the Youden point.

Conclusions

The carcinoid tumors in this patient population were very small and potentially difficult to diagnose. The presented method showed reasonable sensitivity at small numbers of FPs for lesion‐level detection. It also achieved a promising AUC for patient‐level detection. The method may have clinical application in patients with this rare and difficult to detect disease.
Measuring media‐related health and mental health information acquisition among Latino adults in the United States
Authors: DuPont‐Reyes Melissa J. , Villatoro Alice , Gama Giovanni , Tang Lu
Published: March 2023

Objectives

We developed and evaluated new media‐related health information acquisition measures for U.S.‐based Latino populations.

Methods

In 2021, a sample of U.S.‐based Latino adults (N = 1574) self‐completed a 20‐min survey of health information acquisition measures across three language/cultural dimensions: Spanish media, Latino‐tailored media in English, and general media in English. Socio‐demographics were also ascertained. Means and standard deviations for the health acquisition measures were adjusted for age and sex and reported across nativity status.

Results

The sample was diverse across age, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, migration, and language competency. Internal consistency reliability of developed scales was excellent overall and within age, gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic subgroups (Cronbach's alphas = 0.86–0.94). English media scales had higher means overall indicating higher prolonged quantity (i.e., dosage) than Spanish media scales. In contrast, standard deviations for Spanish media scales were higher overall indicating broader reach at lower doses than English media scales.

Conclusions

Findings suggest English‐language media is popular among Latino populations overall. However, Spanish‐language media retains broad reach through both passive and active exposure. Our findings demonstrate the value of including more nuanced measurement of health information acquisition such as the scales developed in this study to improve health promotion among Latino populations.
B1 and magnetization decay correction for hyperpolarized 129Xe lung imaging using sequential 2D spiral acquisitions
Authors: Bdaiwi Abdullah S. , Costa Mariah L. , Plummer Joseph W. , Willmering Matthew M. , Walkup Laura L. , Cleveland Zackary I.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To mitigate signal variations caused by inhomogeneous RF and magnetization decay in hyperpolarized 129Xe ventilation images using flip‐angle maps generated from sequential 2D spiral ventilation images acquired in a breath‐hold. Images and correction maps were compared with those obtained using conventional, 2D gradient‐recalled echo.

Theory and Methods

Analytical expressions to predict signal intensity and uncertainty in flip‐angle measurements were derived from the Bloch equations and validated by simulations and phantom experiments. Imaging in 129Xe phantoms and human subjects (1 healthy, 1 cystic fibrosis) was performed using 2D gradient‐recalled echo and spiral. For both sequences, consecutive images were acquired with the same slice position during a breath‐hold (Cartesian scan time = 15 s; spiral scan time = 5 s). The ratio of these images was used to calculate flip‐angle maps and correct intensity inhomogeneities in ventilation images.

Results

Mean measured flip angle showed excellent agreement with the applied flip angle in simulations (R2 = 0.99) for both sequences. Mean measured flip angle agreed well with the globally applied flip angle (∼15% difference) in 129Xe phantoms and in vivo imaging using both sequences. Corrected images displayed reduced coil‐dependent signal nonuniformity relative to uncorrected images.

Conclusions

Flip‐angle maps were obtained using sequentially acquired, 2D spiral, 129Xe ventilation images. Signal intensity variations caused by RF‐coil inhomogeneity can be corrected by acquiring sequential single‐breath ventilation images in less than 5‐s scan time. Thus, this method can be used to remove undesirable heterogeneity while preserving physiological effects on the signal distribution.
How durable are the effects of cognitive‐behavioural therapy‎ in controlling fibromyalgia symptoms? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zabihiyeganeh Mozhdeh , Afshar Sedigheh Vafaee , Kadijani Azade Amini , Janbozorgi Masoud , Akbari Abolfazl , Yahyazadeh Hooman , Mirzaei Alireza
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) is widely used for the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, there is no consensus on the durability of its effects on these patients. In this study, we evaluated how durable are the effects of CBT in controlling fibromyalgia symptoms.

Methods

Forty‐eight fibromyalgia patients treated with traditional face‐to‐face CBT were included. CBT was performed in 20 consecutive group sessions. To evaluate the durability of treatment, the effects of CBT on fibromyalgia symptoms were checked at five time‐points: before the CBT, immediately after the CBT, 3 months after the CBT, 6 months after the CBT, and 12 months after the CBT. Outcome measures were the Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) and widespread pain index (WPI).

Results

The mean FIQ score of the patients was 68.3 ± 18.8 before the CBT and 50.5 ± 14.1 1 week after the CBT (p < 0.001). The mean post‐CBT FIQ score did not significantly change three and 6 months after the CBT (p = 0.11 and p = 0.09, respectively) while the positive effects of CBT significantly diminished after 12 months (p < 0.001). The mean WPI was 10.4 ± 3.6 before the CBT and 8.6 ± 3.1 1 week after the end of CBT (p < 0.001). The mean WPI of three and 6 months was not statistically different from that immediately after the CBT (p = 0.18 and p = 0.15, respectively), while after 12 months, it significantly worsened (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

CBT's beneficial effects for fibromyalgia patients are durable for 6 months. Complementary CBT sessions could be implemented to boost the CBT effect after this period.
Resource allocation in two‐layered cyber‐defense
Authors: Atkinson Michael P. , Kress Moshe
Published: March 2023

A common network security approach is to create a De‐Militarized Zone (DMZ) comprising two layers of network defense. The DMZ structure provides an extra layer of security between the sensitive information in a network (e.g., research and development files) and the component of the network that must interface with the general internet (e.g., the mail server). We consider a cyber‐attack on a DMZ network where both attacker and defender have limited resources and capabilities to attack and defend, respectively. We study two optimization problems and one game‐theoretic problem. Given that the attacker (defender) knows the potential capabilities of the defender (attacker) in the two layers, we obtain the optimal allocation of resources for the attacker (defender). The two‐optimization problems are not symmetrical. Absent any knowledge regarding the allocation of the adversary's resources, we solve a game‐theoretic problem and obtain some operational insights regarding the effect of combat (e.g., cyber) capabilities and their optimal allocation.
Price or quantity? An analysis of strategies in the presence of gray markets
Authors: Chen Jingxian , Liang Liang , Mukhopadhyay Samar , Yao Dong‐qing
Published: March 2023

Gray markets, a double‐edged sword for the multinational firms' profitability, can boost the sales revenues of low‐end subsidiaries while cannibalizing the demands of high‐end arms. To counter the adverse effects of the gray market, firms can flexibly adjust between the two strategies of setting prices (the price strategy) and choosing quantity (the quantity strategy) for its products. This paper investigates the best strategy for responding to gray markets. We consider a firm that produces two substitute products, each sold in an independent market (country). A gray marketer purchases the product sold in the low‐priced market and resells it in the high‐priced market, thereby starting a gray market. By studying the conditions of determining when and which strategy is more profitable, we establish several findings that are absent in the current literature. For instance, we find that it is likely that the quantity strategy could also be the best one in the presence of the gray competition. Moreover, implementing the quantity strategy can even automatically eliminate the gray market, which will not happen if the price strategy is employed. In addition, we identify special cases in which implementing one of the two strategies can lead to profit improvements while employing the other will cause the firm to suffer in case a gray market exists. We also examine the robustness of these findings in several cases of extensions of our model.
Metabolic dysfunction in obesity is related to impaired suppression of fatty acid release from adipose tissue by insulin
Authors: Schleh Michael W. , Ryan Benjamin J. , Ahn Cheehoon , Ludzki Alison C. , Varshney Pallavi , Gillen Jenna B. , Van Pelt Douglas W. , Pitchford Lisa M. , Howton Suzette M. , Rode Thomas , Chenevert Thomas L. , Hummel Scott L. , Burant Charles F. , Horowitz Jeffrey F.
Published: March 2023

Objective

The aims of this study were: 1) to assess relationships among insulin‐mediated glucose uptake with standard clinical outcomes and deep‐phenotyping measures (including fatty acid [FA] rate of appearance [FA Ra] into the systemic circulation); and 2) to examine the contribution of adipocyte size, fibrosis, and proteomic profile to FA Ra regulation.

Methods

A total of 66 adults with obesity (BMI = 34 [SD 3] kg/m2) were assessed for insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp), and stable isotope dilution methods quantified glucose, FA, and glycerol kinetics in vivo. Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (aSAT) and skeletal muscle biopsies were collected, and magnetic resonance imaging quantified liver and visceral fat content.

Results

Insulin‐mediated FA Ra suppression associated with insulin‐mediated glucose uptake (r = 0.51; p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with liver (r = −0.36; p < 0.01) and visceral fat (r = −0.42; p < 0.01). aSAT proteomics from subcohorts of participants with low FA Ra suppression (n = 8) versus high FA Ra suppression (n = 8) demonstrated greater extracellular matrix collagen protein in low versus high FA Ra suppression. Skeletal muscle lipidomics (n = 18) revealed inverse correlations of FA Ra suppression with acyl‐chain length of acylcarnitine (r = −0.42; p = 0.02) and triacylglycerol (r = −0.51; p < 0.01), in addition to insulin‐mediated glucose uptake (acylcarnitine: r = −0.49; p < 0.01, triacylglycerol: r = −0.40; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Insulin's ability to suppress FA release from aSAT in obesity is related to enhanced insulin‐mediated glucose uptake and metabolic health in peripheral tissues.
Investigation of the effect of chelating nitrogenous bases on click reactions on poly[(methyl acrylate)‐co‐(5‐azido‐1‐pentene)]
Authors: Hession Benjamin J , Botcha Niharika Krishna , Mukherjee Anusree , Scholz Carmen
Published: March 2023

Click reactions on poly[(methyl acrylate)‐co‐(5‐azido‐1‐pentene)], synthesized by radical polymerization of methyl acrylate and 1‐bromo‐5‐pentene, and converted into the click‐ready azido form by nucleophilic substitution with sodium azide, were studied. Propargyl benzoate and propargyl acetate were clicked onto the polymeric substrate, with the latter known to be a poor click reactant. The impact of solvents (dimethyl formamide (DMF) and tetrahydrofuran (THF)), catalytic systems (CuSO4/Na ascorbate, [Cu(BPMEN)(ClO4)2]/Na ascorbate, bromotris(triphenylphosphine) copper(I) ([CuBr(PPh3)3])) and the addition of chelating nitrogenous bases (triethylamine (TEA), diisopropylethylamine, N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) on the degree of conversion was analyzed. Only reactions catalyzed with [CuBr(PPh3)3] led to high or complete conversions in both solvents. Reactions catalyzed with the pre‐catalyst complexes CuSO4⋅5H2O and [(CuBPMEN)(ClO4)2], which require the in situ reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) by sodium ascorbate, yielded incomplete conversions in both solvents. Adding chelating nitrogenous bases, with TEA being the most effective, yielded complete conversions for propargyl benzoate with all three catalytic systems in DMF. Adding TEA to reactions of propargyl acetate in DMF increased conversion by 17.9% for CuSO4⋅5H2O/Na ascorbate and 29.6% for [(CuBPMEN)(ClO4)2]/Na ascorbate. The addition of chelating bases was more effective in DMF than in THF, which was also the less suited solvent in reactions without chelating bases. The results show that click reactions with propargyl reagents that cannot increase the nucleophilicity of the vinylidene‐like β‐carbon through electron conjugation yield lower conversions. The effectiveness of catalytic systems that undergo in situ reductions can be enhanced by nitrogenous chelating bases that stabilize the Cu(I) stage. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Dynamic monomers for Hot Lithography: The UPy motif as a versatile tool towards stress relaxation, reprocessability, and 3D printing
Authors: Ruppitsch Larissa Alena , Ecker Jakob , Koch Thomas , Ehrmann Katharina , Stampfl Jürgen , Liska Robert
Published: March 2023

Supramolecular polymers can substantially influence the dynamic mechanical properties in slightly crosslinked polymer networks. One prominent example of supramolecular building blocks is 2‐ureido‐4[1H]‐pyrimidinones (UPy). Combining UPy‐terminated supramolecular segments with classical covalent‐reactive monomers implements dynamic behavior in photopolymerizable systems. In this work, a UPy‐based methacrylic monomer (up to 20 mol%) was introduced in a classical photopolymerizable methacrylate matrix. The influence of the UPy‐motif on the reactivity and (thermo)mechanical properties was investigated via RT‐NIR photorheology, DMTA, and tensile testing. The dynamic behavior was characterized via stress relaxation and reprocessing studies to demonstrate the dynamic effects of photopolymers containing the UPy building block compared to difunctional photopolymers with similar structural features. In a final step, the UPy‐based photopolymerizable system was applied in bulk in a Hot Lithography printing process at elevated temperatures yielding complex 3D‐printed parts with high resolution and precision.