bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteasomes: Isolation and Activity Assays
Authors: Li Yanjie , Tomko Robert J. , Hochstrasser Mark
Published: April 2023

In eukaryotes, damaged or unneeded proteins are typically degraded by the ubiquitin‐proteasome system. In this system, the protein substrate is often first covalently modified with a chain of ubiquitin polypeptides. This chain serves as a signal for delivery to the 26S proteasome, a 2.5‐MDa, ATP‐dependent multisubunit protease complex. The proteasome consists of a barrel‐shaped 20S core particle (CP) that is capped on one or both of its ends by a 19S regulatory particle (RP). The RP is responsible for recognizing the substrate, unfolding it, and translocating it into the CP for destruction. Here we describe simple, one‐step purification schemes for isolating the 26S proteasome and its 19S RP and 20S CP subcomplexes from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A gel filtration step can be added to further enhance purity. We also describe assays for measuring ubiquitin‐dependent and ubiquitin‐independent proteolytic activity in vitro. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Purification of active 26S proteasomes

Support Protocol 1: Growth of yeast strains and production of yeast cell powder

Support Protocol 2: Regeneration of anti‐flag M2 affinity gel

Basic Protocol 2: Purification of the 19S regulatory particle (RP)

Basic Protocol 3: Purification of active 20S CP

Basic Protocol 4: In‐gel peptidase activity assay for 20S CP and 26S proteasomes

Basic Protocol 5: In‐solution peptidase activity assay for 20S and 26S proteasomes

Basic Protocol 6: Measuring degradation of polyubiquitinated SIC1PY

Basic Protocol 7: Gel filtration of purified proteasomes and subcomplexes
Immune landscape and the key role of APOE+ monocytes of lupus nephritis under the single‐cell and spatial transcriptional vista
Authors: Tang Youzhou , Zhang Ying , Li Xinyu , Xu Ruoyao , Ji Ying , Liu Jishi , Liu Jianye , Zhuang Quan , Zhang Hao
Published: April 2023

Background

Lupus nephritis (LN) is among the most common complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with high mortality and morbidity. The analysis of LN kidney's local immune response through single‐cell and spatial transcriptome enables the study of potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

By single cell sequencing and spatial transcriptome, we profile cells from LN kidney and normal kidney tissues to characterize cellular composition and elucidate the potential upstream monocyte/macrophage (Mono/MΦ) initiating the auto‐immune response. After the high‐throughput synergy screening, we performed the immunofluorescence to identify the specific cells in LN patients. The function experiments were finished by flow cytometry and Elisa.

Results

By immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptome, we identified differential subsets of Mono/MΦ and demonstrated that they exhibit temporal expression of TIMP1, IL1B, SPP1 and APOE. With the function experiments, we found that the APOE+ Mono may be compensatorily increased in LN, and the capacity of antigen presenting was decreased with the overexpression of APOE. Furthermore, how do the LN‐specific Mono/MΦ transport in and out the glomerulus to active the local immune response remains unclear. Our results showed that lymphangiogenesis occurred in LN kidneys but not in normal kidneys, suggesting the presence of a new lymphatic vessel may serve as a ‘green channel’ for LN‐specific Mono/MΦ.

Conclusions

In LN, APOE+ Mono are compensatorily elevated, with decreased antigen presenting ability and reduced secretion of interferons. The lymphangiogenesis in LN prompts the trafficking of Mono/MΦ in LN kidney.
Autoantibodies targeting type I interferons: Prevalence, mechanisms of induction, and association with viral disease susceptibility
Authors: Hale Benjamin G.
Published: April 2023

The type I IFN (IFN‐I) system is essential to limit severe viral disease in humans. Thus, IFN‐I deficiencies are associated with serious life‐threatening infections. Remarkably, some rare individuals with chronic autoimmune diseases develop neutralizing autoantibodies (autoAbs) against IFN‐Is thereby compromising their own innate antiviral defenses. Furthermore, the prevalence of anti‐IFN‐I autoAbs in apparently healthy individuals increases with age, such that ∼4% of those over 70 years old are affected. Here, I review the literature on factors that may predispose individuals to develop anti‐IFN‐I autoAbs, such as reduced self‐tolerance caused by defects in the genes AIRE, NFKB2, and FOXP3 (among others), or by generally impaired thymus function, including thymic involution in the elderly. In addition, I discuss the hypothesis that predisposed individuals develop anti‐IFN‐I autoAbs following “autoimmunization” with IFN‐Is generated during some acute viral infections, systemic inflammatory events, or chronic IFN‐I exposure. Finally, I highlight the enhanced susceptibility that individuals with anti‐IFN‐I autoAbs appear to have towards viral diseases such as severe COVID‐19, influenza, or herpes (e.g., varicella‐zoster virus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus), as well as adverse reactions to live‐attenuated vaccines. Understanding the mechanisms underlying development and consequences of anti‐IFN‐I autoAbs will be key to implementing effective prophylactic and therapeutic measures.
Micropore‐Rich Carbon‐Confined Pt as the Phosphoric Acid Poisoning‐Resistant Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wu Meng , Xu Xinlong , Zhang Xiaoming , An Zhao , Zhang Hong , Wang Suli , Sun Gongquan
Published: April 2023

The H3PO4 poisoning problem severely limits the performance of high‐temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT‐PEMFCs) using the H3PO4‐doped polybenzimidazole as electrolyte membrane. Herein, the micropore‐rich carbon shell‐confined Pt‐based nanoparticles (Pt@MPC) with a Pt loading of 44.9 wt% is developed as the H3PO4 poisoning‐resistant electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which possesses both high ORR activity and stability. The half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.898 V and electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of 62.3 m2 gPt−1 are superior to commercial 40 wt% Pt/C (E1/2 = 0.892 V; ECSA = 53.1 m2 gPt−1). Pt@MPC remains almost unchanged after the accelerated durability test of 10 000 cycles. Moreover, Pt@MPC exhibits remarkable H3PO4 tolerance as its negative shift of E1/2 (82 mV) is less in H3PO4‐containing electrolyte compared with commercial Pt/C (114 mV). This can be attributed to the steric effect of the micropore‐rich carbon, which enables the selective transport of reactants while inhibiting H3PO4. The HT‐PEMFCs assembled with Pt@MPC (0.7 mgPt cm−2) exhibit a maximum power density of 674 mW cm−2 under the H2‐O2 condition and outperform the commercial Pt/C (616 mW cm−2). This strategy provides a new direction for the design of ORR catalysts toward HT‐PEMFCs with better phosphoric acid poisoning resistance.
Characterizing key aroma‐active compounds of stewed mutton using gas chromatography‐olfactometry‐mass spectrometry coupled with odour activity value
Authors: Qi Nan , Liu Ruijia , Sun Jie , Chen Haitao , Zhang Ning
Published: April 2023

Stewed mutton is popular for its nutritional and special flavour qualities. To determine the key aroma‐active compounds of stewed mutton in different parts, six experimental groups (sheep fat, sheep bone, sheep brisket, sheep loin, sheep rib and sheep leg) were investigated by gas chromatography‐olfactometry‐mass spectrometry (GC‐O‐MS). Totally, 57 volatile compounds in mutton soup were identified. Of these, 22 aroma‐active compounds were identified as key aroma compounds with odour activity values (OAVs) >1. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) results indicated that sheep fat (SF) was greatly related to most variables of sensory attributes, thus presented richer aroma. Among all samples, 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone and (E)‐2‐nonenal were the major aromatic compounds they shared. There were 22 unique key aromatic compounds, including 3‐methylthiopropana, (E)‐2‐decenal, γ‐decalactone, (E)‐2‐octenal and hydroxyacetone, and the differences in these compounds contributed to the flavour profiles of mutton soup. Our research extends the knowledge into the flavour characteristics of different parts of mutton and provides powerful information for improving the flavour of mutton products.
Investigation of Highly Active Carbon‐, Cobalt‐, and Noble Metal‐Free MnO2/NiO/Ni‐Based Bifunctional Air Electrodes for Metal–Air Batteries with an Alkaline Electrolyte
Authors: Kosin Marvin , Dondrup Simon , Girschik Jan , Burfeind Jens , Apfel Ulf‐Peter , Grevé Anna
Published: April 2023

Compared to other battery technologies, metal–air batteries offer high specific capacities because the active material at the cathode side is supplied by ambient atmosphere. To secure and further extend this advantage, the development of highly active and stable bifunctional air electrodes is currently the main challenge that needs to be resolved. Herein, a highly active carbon‐, cobalt‐, and noble‐metal‐free MnO2/NiO‐based bifunctional air electrode is presented for metal–air batteries in alkaline electrolytes. Notably, while electrodes without MnO2 reveal stable current densities over 100 cyclic voltammetry cycles, MnO2 containing samples show a superior initial activity and an elevated open circuit potential. Along this line, the partial substitution of MnO2 by NiO drastically increases the cycling stability of the electrode. X‐ray diffractograms, scanning electron microscopy images, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectra are obtained before and after cycling to investigate structural changes of the hot‐pressed electrodes. XRD results suggest that MnO2 is dissolved or transformed into an amorphous phase during cycling. Furthermore, SEM micrographs show that the porous structure of a MnO2 and NiO containing electrode is not maintained during cycling.
Microglia actively remove NR1 autoantibody‐bound NMDA receptors and associated post‐synaptic proteins in neuron microglia co‐cultures
Authors: Rahman Kazi Atikur , Orlando Marta , Boulos Ayub , Andrzejak Ewa , Schmitz Dietmar , Ziv Noam E. , Prüss Harald , Garner Craig C. , Ichkova Aleksandra
Published: April 2023

Autoantibodies against the NR1 subunit of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) have been shown to promote crosslinking and internalization of bound receptors in NMDAR encephalitis (NMDARE). This internalization‐mediated loss of NMDARs is thought to be the major mechanism leading to pathogenic outcomes in patients. However, the role of bound autoantibody in engaging the resident immune cells, microglia, remains poorly understood. Here, using a patient‐derived monoclonal NR1 autoantibody (hNR1‐mAb) and a co‐culture system of microglia and neurons, we could show that hNR1‐mAb bound to hippocampal neurons led to microglia‐mediated removal of hNR1‐mAb bound NMDARs. These complexes were found to accumulate inside endo‐lysosomal compartments of microglia. Utilizing another patient isolated monoclonal autoantibody, against the α1‐subunit of GABAA receptors (α1‐GABAA‐mAb), such removal of receptors was found to be specific to the antibody‐bound receptor targets. Interestingly, along with receptor removal, we also observed a reduction in synapse number, more specifically in the numbers of post‐synaptic proteins like PSD95 and Homer 1, when microglia were present in the culture. Importantly, mutations in the Fc region of hNR1‐mAb, blocking its Fcγ receptor (FcγR) and complement binding, attenuated hNR1‐mAb driven loss of NMDARs and synapses, indicating that microglia engagement by bound hNR1‐mAb is critical for receptor and synapse loss. Our data argues for an active involvement of microglia in removal of NMDARs and other receptors in individuals with autoimmune encephalitis, thereby contributing to the etiology of these diseases.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity Studies of Bis(β‐diketiminate) Zinc(II) Complexes
Authors: Rinke Philipp , Görls Helmar , Kretschmer Robert
Published: April 2023

Zinc(II) complexes bearing bis(β‐diketiminate) ligands with various linker groups and terminal substituents have been synthesized by deprotonation of the related bis(β‐diketimine)s with zinc(II) bis[bis(trimethylsilylamide)] and diethyl zinc, respectively. One mononuclear and seven dinuclear zinc(II) complexes could be isolated and fully characterized; their solid‐state structures have been determined by means of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Oxygenation experiments of selected dinuclear ethyl zinc bis(β‐diketiminate) complexes afforded a series of novel heteroleptic zinc alkoxide, hydroxide, carbonate, and carboxylate complexes. These findings do not only illustrate the complexity of both the oxygenation of organozinc compounds and the transformation pathways of the thus formed compounds but highlight also the impact of the reaction conditions and variations in the ligand framework.
On the axial chirality of leucoindigo
Authors: Pagola G. I. , Provasi P. F. , Ferraro M. B. , Lazzeretti P.
Published: April 2023

The diagonal components and the trace of two tensors which account for chiroptical response of the leucoindigo molecule that is, static anapole magnetizability, and dynamic electric dipole‐magnetic dipole polarisability depending on the frequency of impinging light, are a function of the dihedral angle of torsion about the central CC bond, assumed to lie in the direction of the coordinate system. They vanish for symmetry reasons at and , corresponding respectively to and point group symmetries, that is, cis and trans conformers characterized by the presence of molecular symmetry planes. Nonetheless, diagonal components and average value of static anapole polarizability and optical rotation tensors vanish at , where leucondigo is unquestionably chiral from the geometrical viewpoint. Vanishing values of the average chiroptical properties have been observed also in the proximity of other angles. Attempts have been made to explain the occurrence of accidental zeros of chiroptical properties in terms of transition frequencies and scalar products appearing in the numerator of their quantum mechanical definitions. Within the electric dipole approximation, the presence of anomalous vanishing values of tensor components of anapole magnetizability and electric‐magnetic dipole polarizability is ascribed to physical achirality, arising from the lack of either toroidal or spiral electron flow along the , and directions.
Reliable neck sonography of nodal thyroglobulin to diagnose recurrent/persistent disease from papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yilai , Chen Yudong , Zhan Weiwei , Zhou Wei
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study evaluates the correlation between the sonographic features and the nodal fine‐needle aspiration thyroglobulin (FNA‐Tg) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with the recurrent/persistent lymph node for the purpose of the reasonable selection of lymph nodes.

Methods

This study prospectively contained PTC patients with the suspicious cervical lymph nodes in one medical center from April 2018 to January 2019. Each suspected lymph node was aspirated with a 22‐gauge needle and the value of FNA‐Tg was measured as well.

Results

There were 136 lymph nodes related to the disease involved. The FNA‐Tg levels of 89 (65.44%) metastatic lymph nodes were significantly higher than those of the benign. The median value of the former was 631.550 ng/mL while the latter was 0.056 ng/mL (p = 0.000). The cut‐off value of the metastatic lymph nodes diagnosed by FNA‐Tg was 2.71 ng/mL, and 6.5 by FNA‐Tg/sTg. The suspicious ultrasonographic features including cystic, hyperechoic content, and lack of hilum were closely related to the high level of FNA‐Tg value (p < 0.05). However, the round shape (Solbiati index <2) and calcification were not significantly correlated with the positive FNA‐Tg (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

FNA‐Tg is an effective supplement to fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in the nodal metastasis diagnosis. The FNA‐Tg level was much higher in the metastatic lymph nodes. The reliable sonographic features of lymph nodes suggested the positive FNA‐Tg were cystic content, hyperechoic content and lack hilum. Solbiati index <2 and calcification did not show an exact correlation with the result of FNA‐Tg.
A phase 1 first‐in‐human study of GS‐0189, an anti‐signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) monoclonal antibody, in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
Authors: Narkhede Mayur , Bartlett Nancy L. , Ibrahimi Sami , Popplewell Leslie , Seto Anna , Bates Jamie , Lee Yeonju , Ganti Vaishnavi , Han Ling , Chen Tianling , Patel Manish R.
Published: April 2023

Signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) is the receptor for cluster of differentiation (CD)47, a potent “don't eat me” signal for macrophages. Disruption of CD47‐SIRPα signaling in the presence of prophagocytic signals can lead to enhanced phagocytosis of tumor cells, resulting in a direct antitumor effect; agents targeting this pathway have shown efficacy in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and other tumor types. GS‐0189 is a novel anti‐SIRPα humanized monoclonal antibody. Here we report: (1) clinical safety, preliminary activity, and pharmacokinetics of GS‐0189 as monotherapy and in combination with rituximab from a phase 1 clinical trial in patients with relapsed/refractory NHL (NCT04502706, SRP001); (2) in vitro characterization of GS‐0189 binding to SIRPα; and (3) in vitro phagocytic activity. Clinically, GS‐0189 was well tolerated in patients with relapsed/refractory NHL with evidence of clinical activity in combination with rituximab. Receptor occupancy (RO) of GS‐0189 was highly variable in NHL patients; binding affinity studies showed significantly higher affinity for SIRPα variant 1 than variant 2, consistent with RO in patient and healthy donor samples. In vitro phagocytosis induced by GS‐0189 was also SIRPα variant–dependent. Although clinical development of GS‐0189 was discontinued, the CD47‐SIRPα signaling pathway remains a promising therapeutic target and should continue to be explored.
Porphyrin‐based ligand interaction with G‐quadruplex: Metal cation effects
Authors: Otovat Fahimeh , Bozorgmehr Mohammad Reza , Mahmoudi Ali , Morsali Ali
Published: April 2023

The G‐quadruplex planar‐ligand complex is used to detect heavy metal cations such as Ag+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Hg2+, organic molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins. The interaction of the three planar porphyrins (L1), 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis (1‐ethyl‐1‐λ4‐pyridine‐4‐yl) porphyrin (L2), and 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis (1‐methyl‐1‐λ4‐pyridine‐4‐yl) porphyrin (L3), coming from the porphyrin family, with G‐quadruplex obtained from human DNA telomeres in the presence of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, magnesium, and calcium ions was studied by molecular dynamics simulation. When G‐quadruplex containing divalent ions of magnesium and calcium interacts with L1, L2, and L3 ligands, the hydrogen bonds of the lower G‐quadruplex sheet are more affected by ligands and the distance between guanines in the lower tetrad increases. In the case of G‐quadruplex interactions containing monovalent ions with ligands, the hydrogen bond between the sheets does not follow a specific trend. For example, in the presence of lithium ions, the upper and middle sheets are more affected by ligands, while they are less affected by ligands in the presence of sodium. The binding pocket and the binding energy of the three ligands to the G‐quadruplex were also obtained in the various systems. The results show that ligands make the G‐quadruplex more stable through the penetration between the sheets and the interaction with the loops. Among the ligands mentioned, the interaction level of the ligand L2 is greater than the others. Our calculations are consistent with the previous experimental observations so that it can help to understand the molecular mechanism of porphyrin interaction and its derivatives with the G‐quadruplex.
Influence of cantilever tip geometry and contact model on AFM elasticity measurement of cells
Authors: Kulkarni Shruti G. , Pérez‐Domínguez Sandra , Radmacher Manfred
Published: April 2023

We have measured the elastic properties of live cells by Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) using different tip geometries commonly used in AFM studies. Soft 4‐sided pyramidal probes (spring constant = 12 and 30 mN/m, radius 20 nm), 3‐sided pyramidal probes (spring constant = 100 mN/m, radius 65‐75 nm), flat (circular) probes (spring constant = 63 mN/m, radius 290 nm) and spherical probes (spring constant = 43 mN/m, radius 5 μm) have been used. Cells (3T3 fibroblasts) having elastic moduli around 0.5 kPa were investigated. We found that cell measured stiffness shows a systematic dependence on tip geometry: the sharper the tip, the higher the average modulus values. We hypothesize that the blunter the tip, the larger the contact area over which the mechanical response is measured or averaged. If there are small‐scale stiffer areas (like actin bundles) they will be easier to pick up by a sharp probe. This effect can be seen in the wider distribution of the histograms of the measured elastic moduli on cells. Furthermore, non‐linear responses of cells may be present due to the high average pressures applied by sharp probes, which would lead to an overestimation of the Young's modulus. Pressure versus contact radius simulations for the different tip geometries for a 0.5 kPa sample suggested similar average pressure for Bio‐MLCTs, PFQNM and cut tips, except spherical tips that showed much lower average pressure at the same 400 nm indentation. However, real data of the cells suggested different results. Using the same indentation depth (400 nm), PFQNM and Bio‐MLCTs showed similar average pressure and it decreased for cut and spherical tips. The calculated contact area at 400 nm cell indentation, using the obtained apparent Young's modulus for each tip geometry, showed the following distribution: Bio‐MLCTs < PFQNM < cut << spherical. In summary, tip geometry as well as average pressure and tip‐sample contact area are important parameters to take into account when measuring mechanical properties of soft samples. The larger the tip radius, the larger the contact area that will lead to a more evenly distribution of the applied pressure.
Techniques in the freedom‐from oppression model: An integrative existential‐cognitive therapy
Authors: Vickery Patrick J. , Hanna Fred J. , Wilkinson Brett D.
Published: April 2023

The freedom‐from oppression model is an integrative conceptual and practical framework for addressing the deleterious impact of oppression on clients. Applying multiculturally grounded counseling strategies as well as various techniques across three existential‐humanistic stages and 12 cognitive intervention steps, the proposed model supports counselor and client discovery of psychological freedom‐from oppression.
Rheological and quality properties of tiger nut containing biscuit dough baked inIR‐MWcombination oven
Authors: Çinar Azra Tuğçe , Turabi Yolaçaner Elif , Ateş Elif Gökçen
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

The effects of replacing part of the rice flour (RF) with tiger nut flour (TNF) were studied in gluten‐free biscuits. A control biscuit dough containing RF only and five formulations containing 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% tiger nut flour on a flour basis (10TNF, 20TNF, 30TNF, 40TNF, and 50TNF) were prepared. The rheological and quality properties of biscuits baked both in conventional and infrared‐microwave combination (IR‐MW) ovens were determined.

RESULTS

The rheological results showed that as theTNFratio increased, the storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″) and complex viscosity (ƞ*) decreased due to the high oil and dietary fiber content of theTNF. Texture analysis results showed that control dough and biscuits showed harder texture because of the damaged starch content ofRF. Damaged starch also affected the spread ratio of the biscuits adversely. Weight loss of the biscuits baked in theIR‐MWoven was higher than the ones baked in the conventional oven since higher inside pressure occurred in the dough. The color of the conventional baked biscuits was darker thanIR‐MWbaked ones due to the greater extent of Maillard browning. As theTNFratio increased, darker biscuits were obtained sinceTNFhas a high amount of sugar, and also its natural color is brown.

CONCLUSION

Given the excellent nutritional and product quality impacts of TNF, it would be appropriate to use it as a raw material substitute in gluten‐free biscuits. Furthermore, IR‐MW baking was shown to be an appropriate method for biscuit quality when compared to conventional baking. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Comparing carbon nanoparticles and indocyanine green for sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial cancer: A randomized‐controlled single‐center trial
Authors: He Miao , Liang Sichen , Deng Hao , Zhang Guo , Wang Zhiqi , Yang Xin , Wang Yue , Li Yi , Sun Xiuli , Wang Jianliu
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives

To compare the feasibility and diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping with carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and indocyanine green (ICG) in endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods

This was a single‐center, open‐label, randomized controlled trial. Between August 1, 2020 and April 30, 2022, patients with early‐stage EC were assessed for enrollment. All patients underwent SLN mapping with ICG or CNPs ± pelvic and/or para‐aortic lymphadenectomy. The detection rate (DR), its impact factors, the sensitivity and the negative predictive value (NPV) of SLN mapping were analyzed.

Results

In total, 206 patients, with 103 per group, were included. The overall and bilateral DRs of the two groups were comparable without significant differences. There was no difference regarding the distribution of mapped SLNs. The sensitivity was 66.7% for both groups, and the NPVs were not significantly different. Furthermore, the sensitivity and NPV reached 100% when calculated either per hemipelvis or only in patients with bilateral SLN detection.

Conclusions

SLN mapping by CNPs in EC is feasible with high DRs and diagnostic accuracy compared with ICG. CNPs might be an alternative to ICG for SLN mapping when near‐infrared imaging equipment is lacking, especially in stage IA patients.
Does Medical School Rank Impact Matching into Otolaryngology?
Authors: DiNardo Lauren A. , Reese Alyssa D. , Powers Kristina F. , Siddiqui Afreen , Gupta Soumya , Carr Michele M.
Published: April 2023

Objective(s)

To describe how medical school rank may be associated with matriculation into otolaryngology residency programs.

Methods

A list of medical students who matched into otolaryngology residencies in 2020, 2021, and 2022 was obtained from Otomatch (Otomatch.com). For each student, their medical school, U.S. News & World Report Best Medical School (Research) ranking, and region based on the U.S. Census divisions were recorded. The medical schools were divided into four Tiers according to rank: 1–40 (Tier 1), 41–80 (Tier 2), 81–124 (Tier 3), and 125–191 (Tier 4). Residency programs were also grouped by region, whether they were large (>3 residents/year) or small (<3 residents/year), and their Doximity reputation ranking: 1–31 (Tier 1), 32–61 (Tier 2), 62–91 (Tier 3), and 92–125 (Tier 4).

Results

Nine hundred and ninety‐five medical students were included in this study. The majority of residency matriculants were MDs (N = 988, 99.3%) who came from Tier 1 (N = 410, 41.2%) or Tier 2 (N = 313, 31.5%) medical schools. Those who attended higher‐tier medical schools were more likely to match into higher‐tier residency programs (p < 0.001). 57.8% (N = 237) of the applicants who attended Tier 1 medical schools matriculated into a Tier 1 residency program, whereas only 24.7% (N = 42) of the applicants from Tier 4 medical schools matriculated into a Tier 1 residency program.

Conclusion

Applicants who attend top‐tier medical schools represent significantly more residents at top‐tier otolaryngology residency programs than those from lower tier medial schools.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:3353–3357, 2023
Drivers of rhizosphere microbial differences in desert genus Haloxylon
Authors: Wu Deyan , Jiang Lamei , Li Wenjing , Wu Qiong , Lv Guanghui
Published: April 2023

Rhizosphere is a powerful interface for interaction between soil, plants, and soil microorganisms. Little is known about the interactions between closely related species and their microbial communities in the desert. Using 16S rRNA and ITS high‐throughput sequencing methods, we studied the diversity of the rhizosphere and bulk soils microbial communities of the two species (Haloxylon ammodendron and Haloxylon persicum) at the edge of the Gurbantunggut Desert. Results showed that the diversity and composition of bacterial communities of these two species were significantly different, with bacteria and fungi explaining 53.54% and 35.40% of the total variation by principal coordinates analysis analysis. The Chao, Shannon, and Margalef index of the rhizosphere bacteria were significantly higher than those for the bulk bacteria(p < 0.05). The co‐occurrence network in rhizosphere soil were more complex than those in bulk soil, and bacteria were higher than that of fungi. Soil moisture, salinity, and nutrients significantly affected the diversity of the soil bacterial community (p < 0.05), but had no significant effects on the fungal community. The dissimilarity distance of bacterial community composition was significantly correlated with environmental distance (p < 0.05), and the most important environmental factor was available nutrients in the soil, which drove the soil microbial community composition and diversity. The composition and diversity of the bacteria in desert soil were affected by plant species and soil types, and differences among closely related species. These findings can enhance knowledge of the associations between closely related species and soil microorganisms, and contribute to the control of desertification.
Linker Exchange as Facile Method for Post‐Synthetic Modification of β‐Ketoenamine‐linked Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Dippold Veit , Vogl Sarah , Grüneberg Julia , Thomas Arne
Published: April 2023

Post‐synthetic linker exchange performed on covalent organic frameworks (COFs) has become an important method to introduce functional building blocks into their backbone and thus to tune their chemical and physical properties. However, the linker exchange method has so far only been described for COFs with relatively weak linkages like imines. Herein, it is shown that this method can be also used for a post‐synthetic linker exchange reaction on a β‐ketoenamine linked COF. The time needed to achieve considerable linker exchange is much prolonged compared to other COFs with less stable linkages, however, this enables to achieve very good control on the ratio of the respective building blocks within the framework.
Placement defects in thermoset‐impregnated rovings deposited along curved paths
Authors: Eckrich Maximilian , Arrabiyeh Peter A. , Dlugaj Anna M. , May David
Published: April 2023

Wet Fiber Placement (WFP) is a novel process for manufacturing complex shaped parts from continuous fiber‐reinforced polymers without semi‐finished products. Here, dry fiber bundles (rovings) are in‐line impregnated with a thermoset resin, followed by almost tension‐free deposition. The freshly impregnated and limp rovings allow for placement in radii. Due to the lack of compression in deposition, subsequent consolidation, for example, via vacuum bagging, is required. However, this consolidation cannot compensate for defects already present in the deposited lay‐up as they will typically occur when depositing rovings along curved paths. In this study, we deposited two carbon fiber rovings in radii between 5 and 2000 mm by WFP. The occurring defects were visually evaluated. Three main defects were observed: Fiber waviness, up‐folding and twists. The extent of the defects was evaluated using image analysis techniques. Results show, that up‐folding and twists are dominant for radii <100 mm, while for greater radii fiber waviness is the main defect. Up‐folding and twists almost completely disappear for radii >500 mm, but a slight waviness is still observed. However, the effect of fiber waviness on the longitudinal stiffness is estimated to be small for radii >500 mm and perhaps acceptable for some applications.
Soaking pretreatment of hydrogel adsorbent in distilled water to enhance efficiency of adsorption onto low concentration dye
Authors: Wang Wengang , Wu Qi , Wang Lei , Zhang Ming , Yu Bo , Li Xiaoning , Yan Han , Wan Li
Published: April 2023

To address the poor removal rate of low‐concentration dye adsorption, the soaking pretreatment of hydrogel adsorbent in distilled water was suggested. In contrast to the conventional method of directly adding dried particles into dye solution, the purposed procedure involved adding an adsorbent into distilled water before transferring it into the dye solution. A hydrogel adsorbent based on P(AANa/AM) containing COONa groups was fabricated as an example for the hypothesis. The maximum adsorption capacity of P(AANa/AM) hydrogel adsorbent onto MB was 2455.45 mg/g under an initial MB concentration of 1000 mg/L. After two rounds of soaking pretreatment in distilled water, the clearance rate of 20 mg/L MB increased from 97.79% to 99.40%. Considering the hydrophilicity and ionization of COONa group, a high concentration of Na+ was released into solution. Hydrogel soaked multiple times in fresh distilled water induced the continuous release of Na+ into distilled water, although the swelling equilibrium was already achieved in the first soak. In dye adsorption and desorption experiments, the water absorption behavior was observed. Overall, this work revealed that the soaking pretreatment of hydrogel adsorbent in distilled water can enhance the removal rate of low concentration dye through adsorption.
Heterogenization of nickel catalysts with ionic liquid‐modified supports for ethylene polymerization and copolymerization
Authors: Wang Quan , Sun Yao , Pan Yao , Pang Wenmin , Si Guifu , Zou Chen
Published: April 2023

The preparation of heterogeneous catalysts by loading homogeneous metal complexes on the supports is an effective strategy preferred by the polyolefin industry. In this contribution, we synthesize a series of heterogeneous nickel catalysts using the supporting strategy of ionic liquid‐modified supports. These supported catalysts have polymerization activities up to 1.68 × 107 g mol−1 h−1, polymer molecular weights up to 224.1 × 104 g mol−1, and significantly, higher melting points compared to homogeneous systems. The polyolefin materials prepared by this supporting strategy possess a wide range of tunable mechanical properties, from thermoplastics to elastomers. These heterogeneous nickel catalysts can catalyze the copolymerization of ethylene and methyl 10‐undecenoate.
Supramolecular polymers: Dynamic assemblies of “dancing” monomers
Authors: Pavlović Radoslav Z. , Egner Simon A. , Palmer Liam C. , Stupp Samuel I.
Published: April 2023

The objective of this perspective on supramolecular polymers is to highlight how their dynamic nature based on noncovalent bonding among monomers can have a profound impact on their functions. We focus here on peptide amphiphile supramolecular polymers developed in our laboratory and use recent results on their dynamic behavior to reflect on the exciting functions that might emerge in these systems. We are greatly motivated by recent results that demonstrate unprecedented bioactivity in supramolecular polymers to address the enormous scientific challenge of finding strategies to reverse paralysis caused by traumatic injuries or disease. We suggest that future opportunities exist for novel functions in supramolecular polymers by tuning dynamic behavior through the chemical design of monomers, and also by gaining an understanding of the precise spatiotemporal mechanisms linked to supramolecular motion in these emerging polymers.
Cisheteronormativity and its influence on the psychosocial experience of LGBTQ+ people with cancer: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Franco‐Rocha Oscar Y. , Wheldon Christopher W. , Osier Nico , Lett Elle , Kesler Shelli R. , Henneghan Ashley M. , Suárez‐Baquero Daniel Felipe Martín
Published: April 2023

Objective

Cisheteronormativity refers to the relationship of heterosexual and cisgender privilege stemming from patriarchy. Although studies have shown that cisheteronormativity can impact health outcomes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other sexual, gender diverse, and gender nonconforming (LGBTQ+) people, the specific impact on cancer care has not been described. We synthesized the qualitative evidence on how cisheteronormativity impacts the psychosocial experience of LGBTQ+ people with cancer.

Methods

We conducted a historic search in the CINAHL, LGBT+ Health, PsycInfo, and PubMed databases. Qualitative studies that described the psychosocial experience of LGBTQ+ people with cancer were included. After appraising the quality of the publications, 11 articles were included. Then, we conducted inductive nominal coding, taxonomic analysis, and thematic synthesis.

Results

Two main themes emerged, (1) Cisheteronormativity as a social determinant of health, and (2) Cancer, sexual orientation, and gender: Associations and introjections. The themes comprise four categories and 13 subcategories that describe the impact of cisheteronormativity on the cancer experience of LGBTQ+ people.

Conclusion

Cisheteronormativity within the healthcare system impacts the psychosocial experience of LGBTQ+ people with cancer. Understanding how these gender biases, norms, and social expectations impact the cancer experience is necessary to transform social norms and promote health equity.
Enhancing the •OH generation of atmospheric pressure plasma jets by mixing water aerosols at downstream region
Authors: Lin Tsung‐Rong , Hsieh Yu‐Shen , Zhang Rui‐Zhe , Cheng Yun‐Chien
Published: April 2023

We established a downstream plasma–aerosol mixing system to increase the generation of •OH in an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ). Four downstream plasma–aerosol mixers were designed, and flow rates of water aerosol were adjusted. Methods to increase •OH in APPJ include increasing ambient humidity, adding water to working gas, treating on wet surfaces, or using water electro‐spray, but have disadvantages. Our method can increase the reaction area between water and plasma and prevent water from quenching the plasma. The ICCD, TA test, and sterilization results revealed that mixing aerosols in the downstream region effectively increased the amount of •OH generation and enhanced sterilization effect. The cone swirl mixer and two‐way swirl mixer generated the strongest and widest •OH emission region, respectively.
Damage of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein by atomic oxygen of cold atmospheric plasma: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Yang Zihao , Xiao Ao , Liu Dawei , Shi Qi , Li Yan
Published: April 2023

Recently, the cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has demonstrated a satisfactory ability to inactivate severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), but the microscopic inactivation mechanism is still unclear. This paper takes the interaction process between O atoms generated by plasma and the spike protein of coronavirus as the research object. It uses the reaction molecular dynamics simulation method to study the reaction mechanism of different numbers of O atoms and the spike protein molecules. The results show that the O atom triggers a chain reaction by taking away hydrogen atoms in the spike protein molecule, destroying the molecular structure of the spike protein and making it inactive. The severity of the reaction and the destruction of the spike protein molecule also increases with increasing O atom numbers.
Genetically encoded crosslinkers to address protein–protein interactions
Authors: Aydin Yasmin , Coin Irene
Published: April 2023

Noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) for photo‐ and chemical crosslinking are powerful biochemical tools for studying and manipulating interactions between proteins both in vitro and in intact cells. Since the first crosslinking ncAAs were genetically encoded about 20 years ago, the technology has now ripened beyond the proof‐of‐principle demonstrations and is contributing to the study of relevant biological questions in the frame of modern integrative approaches. Here, we provide an overview of available photo‐activatable ncAAs for photo‐crosslinking and electrophilic ncAAs for genetically encoded chemical crosslinking (GECX), with a major focus on the most recent entries such as ncAAs for SuFEx click chemistry and photo‐activatable ncAAs for chemical crosslinking. We present recent examples of the application of genetically encoded crosslinkers to capture protein–protein interactions and identify interaction partners in live cells, to investigate molecular mechanisms of protein function, to stabilize protein complexes for structural studies, to derive structural information about protein complexes from the physiological cell environment, up to perspective applications of GECX‐ncAAs for the development of covalent drugs.
Characterizations of a Spacetime of Quasi‐Constant Sectional Curvature and F(R)$\mathcal {F}(\mathcal {R})$‐Gravity
Authors: De Uday Chand , De Krishnendu , Zengin Fusun Ozen , Demirbag Sezgin Altay
Published: April 2023

The main aim of this article is to investigate a spacetime of quasi‐constant sectional curvature. At first, the existence of such a spacetime is established by several examples. We have shown that a spacetime of quasi‐constant sectional curvature agrees with the present state of the universe and it represents a Robertson Walker spacetime. Moreover, if the spacetime is Ricci semi‐symmetric or Ricci symmetric, then either the spacetime represents a spacetime of constant sectional curvature, or the spacetime represents phantom era. Also, we prove that a Ricci symmetric spacetime of quasi‐constant sectional curvature represents a static spacetime and the spacetime under consideration is of Petrov type I, D or O. Finally, we concentrate on a quasi‐constant sectional curvature spacetime solution in ‐gravity. As a result, various energy conditions are studied and analyzed our obtained outcomes in terms of a ‐gravity model.
Complexity‐Free Anisotropic Solution of Buchdahl's Model and Energy Exchange Between Relativistic Fluids by Extended Gravitational Decoupling
Authors: Maurya S. K. , Singh Ksh. Newton , Govender Megan , Ray Saibal
Published: April 2023

In this work, we present an anisotropic generalization of the Buchdahl static stellar model by implementing the method of extended gravitational decoupling and further requirement of vanishing complexity (Herrera, Phys Rev D 97:044010,2018). Starting off with a general spherically symmetric static metric with two unknown gravitational potentials, we impose the condition of vanishing complexity which then reduces the problem to a single‐generating metric function [Contreras and Stuchlik, Eur. Phys. J. C (2022) 82:706]. The Buchdahl ansatz is then employed to obtain the complete gravitational behavior of the isotropic seed solution. The method of extended gravitational decoupling is thereafter utilized to obtain an anisotropic counterpart of the Buchdahl perfect gravitating sphere. We subject our solution to rigorous physical tests to ensure that it serves as a viable candidate for compact objects such as neutron stars as well as pulsars. We show that the decoupling parameter plays a crucial role in determining the stability and regularity of several key physical features of the entire stellar model. A novel finding of our investigation is the energy exchange between the seed solution and the secondary source which we show is sensitive to the decoupling parameter. In addition, it has also been shown that the direction of energy flow depends on the radial distance of the shell from the center of the stellar configuration.
Biased computation of probability of target attainment for antimicrobial drugs
Authors: Toutain Pierre‐Louis , Gandia Peggy , Pelligand Ludovic , Ferran Aude A. , Lees Peter , Bousquet‐Mélou Alain , Concordet Didier
Published: April 2023

The medical literature is replete with articles in which there is confusion between “free concentration” and “unbound fraction” (fu), which is the ratio of free to total plasma concentration. The lack of clarity in distinguishing between these two terms has led to biased computations, erroneous interpretations, and misleading recommendations. The problems are highlighted in this paper, taking the example of calculation of Probability of Target Attainment (PTA). This metric is used to propose pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) breakpoints required for the interpretation of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Based on Monte Carlo simulations of the PK/PD index, area under the unbound concentration time curve/minimum inhibitory concentration (fAUC/MIC), computation of PTA from total plasma concentrations scaled by fu ineluctably leads to biased estimates. The bias is greater if the variability associated with fu is added, instead of removing it during this scaling. The explanation for the bias is that total plasma drug concentrations are intrinsically more variable than the corresponding free concentrations. This is due to the variability of antimicrobial binding for total, but not for free plasma concentrations. In consequence, the greater variability always leads to underestimation of the PK/PD cutoff (i.e., the critical MIC that is guaranteed for a given percentile of the population). A further consequence is an increase in calculated dosage required to attain the targeted quantile. This erroneous approach, of using free antimicrobial drug fraction, is not limited to the derivation of PK/PD cutoff, but may also have consequences for antimicrobials drug safety in clinical patients.
Effects of Different Silicon Substrates on the Structure and Properties of Deposited Diamond‐like Carbon Films
Authors: Ma Huizhong , Lu Juntao , Zhang Lan
Published: April 2023

Diamond‐like carbon (DLC) has attracted much attention due to its unique properties such as excellent physicochemical and biological properties. Herein, DLC coatings are deposited on four different silicon substrates using a radio frequency plasma‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (RF‐PECVD) technique. The structure and mechanical properties of DLC coatings deposited on different types of silicon substrates under different powers are compared. The surface morphology of the samples is characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The surface roughness of DLC films deposited on different silicon substrates is measured by scanning probe microscopy (SPM). The structural changes of the coatings are investigated by visible Raman spectroscopy. The analysis of DLC films deposited on different silicon substrates reveals that the structure of DLC films deposited on silicon is affected by different crystal directions of silicon substrates (different atomic densities in different crystal directions) and different conduction modes (electronic conduction and hole conduction). Regarding the DLC films deposited on the same substrate, the overall performance of P‐type silicon is better at 150 W, and the overall performance of N‐type silicon is better when the deposition power is 100 W.
Prognosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with pericardial effusion before and after initiation of parenteral prostacyclin therapy
Authors: Abu‐Rmaileh Muhammad , Mirza Omer , Patel Chandni , Shah Trushil , Hardin Elizabeth A. , Bartolome Sonja D. , Chin Kelly M.
Published: April 2023

Few studies have evaluated the effects of pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies on pericardial effusion. We evaluated hemodynamics, echocardiograms, and outcomes for 119 parenteral prostanoid‐treated patients. We discovered an increased frequency of pericardial effusions posttreatment, and that a moderate‐large pericardial effusion at initiation, but not at 1st follow‐up, was significantly associated with mortality.