bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tier‐grown Expansion of Design‐of‐Experiments Parameter Spaces for Synthesis of a Nanometer‐scale Macrocycle
Authors: Akiyoshi Misato , Ikemoto Koki , Isobe Hioyuki
Published: November 2022

A method to find optimum synthetic conditions was devised by combining a data‐driven empirical model with a traditional mechanistic model. In this method, an experimental parameter space was empirically obtained by Design‐of‐Experiments optimizations with machine‐learning supplements and was strategically expanded by examination of the mechanistic model of the reaction paths. An extra tier grown on the original 3×3×3 parameter space succeeded in allocating an optimum reaction condition in the expanded 3×3×4 parameter space. The method was specifically devised for the synthesis of a macrocycle, [n]cyclo‐meta‐phenylenes ([n]CMP), and the largest congener with n=12 was synthesized and fully characterized for the first time. Crystallographic and photophysical analyses revealed favorable features of [12]CMP for the material applications.
Sodium formate redirects carbon flux and enhances heterologous mevalonate production in Methylobacterium extorquens AM1
Authors: Cui Lan‐Yu , Yang Jing , Liang Wei‐Fan , Yang Song , Zhang Chong , Xing Xin‐Hui
Published: November 2022

Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 (AM1), a model strain of methylotrophic cell factories (MeCFs) could be used to produce fine chemicals from methanol. Synthesis of heterologous products usually needs reducing cofactors, but AM1 growing on methanol lack reducing power. Formate could be used as a reducing agent. In this study, mevalonic acid (MEV) yield of 0.067 gMEV/g methanol was reached by adding 10 mmol L–1 sodium formate in MEV accumulating stage (at 72 h). The yield was improved by 64.57%, and represented the highest yield reported to date. 13C‐labeling experiments revealed global effects of sodium formate on metabolic pathways in engineered Methylobacterium extorquens AM1. Sodium formate significantly increased the ratios of reducing equivalents, enhanced the metabolic rate of pathways demanding reducing cofactors and redirected the carbon flux to MEV synthesis. As a result, coupling formate to methanol‐based production provide a promising way for converting C1 substances to useful chemical products.
Phase‐Separated Structures of Sake Flavors‐Containing Cell Model Membranes
Authors: Yoda Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2022

Sake (a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage) contains ethyl caproate (EC), which enhances its economic value. Isovaleraldehyde (IVA) is also a well‐known flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages, which some people enjoy. Recently, studies revealed that EC decreased the size of homogenous 1,2‐Dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DOPC) liposomes whereas IVA increased their size. Cholesterol (Chol) and ergosterol were previously referred to as animal and fungus sterols. For the first time, this study demonstrated the phase behavior of the membrane in cell‐sized liposomes containing EC and IVA. After adding EC, the solid ordered/liquid disordered (Ld) and liquid ordered (Lo)/Ld phase separation in DOPC/dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine/cholesterol or ergosterol ternary membranes decreased, but the Lo/Ld phase separation decreased after adding IVA. Biophysics, physiological, and application aspects of EC and IVA evaluation were discussed. The findings of this study not only enhance our understanding of the function of flavors but also provide rapid and cost effective performance for the measurement.
Revealing the Active Constituents and Mechanisms of Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang Roots against Rheumatoid Arthritis through Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and in Vivo Experiment
Authors: Xia Xiaoyi , Zeng Huang , Wang Huilei , Li Xin , Zhang Shengyuan , Yang Li , He Junwei
Published: November 2022

Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang roots (SC) are traditional Chinese medicine for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the effect and potential mechanism of SC remain unclear. This study aims to reveal the anti‐RA constituents and mechanisms of SC based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AIA) model rat experiment. In this work, 9 potential active constituents, including kaempferol, quercetin, naringenin, paeoniflorin, catechin, fraxin, gentianin, hesperetin, and ellagic acid 3,3′,4‐trimethyl ether, in SC crossed 65 target genes of RA. In addition, 28 core targets were enriched in inflammation and others, among which interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were the major targets. The binding of bio‐constituents with IL‐17 and TNF were performed using molecular docking. Rat experiment demonstrated that the extract of SC restored body weight loss, reduced arthritis score and the indices of thymus and spleen, alleviated ankle joint histopathology, decreased the levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), C‐reactive protein (CRP), IL‐17, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX), and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), whereas elevated the levels of IL‐4 and IL‐10. Collectively, it was the first time to comprehensively reveal the anti‐RA efficacy and mechanism of SC via suppressing the inflammatory pathway based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification, which provide chemical and pharmacological evidences for the clinical application of SC.
Concentration Effect, Structural Properties, and Driving Force on Aβ28 Dimerization with and without Zn2+ Cooperation: Learning from Replica Exchange Sampling**
Authors: Sun Yue , Yao Zeshuai , Wang Guangyu , Wang Lisha , Bai Min , Shi Hu
Published: November 2022

Zn2+ is a very important factor in promoting the formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregates and amyloid plaques. The Zn2+‐bound Aβ species generate amorphous or low molecular‐weight oligomers. However, it is a lack of studies to approach the starting structural features (dimerization) in Aβ nucleation processes with and without Zn2+, which is the key point in understanding Zn2+‐induced nucleation mechanisms. To better understand the effect of concentration, structural properties, and the driving force, 14 independent replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations were performed in Aβ28 dimerization with and without Zn2+ (zAβ28) cooperation. Our scanning results show that the aggregation propensity is easier in Aβ28‐Aβ28 and Aβ28‐zAβ28 systems than zAβ28‐zAβ28 system. In binding property, the Aβ28‐Aβ28 model (−61.5 kcal mol−1) is stronger than zAβ28‐zAβ28 (−26.6 kcal mol−1) and Aβ28‐zAβ28 (−7.24 kcal mol−1) models. Further analysis confirmed that H13 and H14 residues play specific roles in the three systems. The key point is the orientation of N atom of the imidazole ring in histidine residues. Furthermore, we discovered different driving forces for each system. Our current study contributes to the understanding of how the Aβ28 dimer interacts with Zn2+, which could lead to new insights into Zn2+‐induced nucleation mechanisms.
Raspberry‐Like Gold Nanoparticles Based On Nanoclusters Anchored on Cyclodextrin‐Functionalized Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Detection of Chromium(VI) Ions
Authors: Lu Yongkai , Zhou Yangyang , Xia Junjie , Zhong Suyun , Liu Yawen , Chen Qiang , Chen Hongxia
Published: November 2022

A facile synthetic strategy is devised to construct raspberry like gold nanoparticles (RbNPs) formed by gold nanoclusters wrapped around β‐cyclodextrin functionalized gold nanoparticles (CD‐AuNPs@AuNCs). An efficient and sensitive electrochemical sensor for the detection of Cr(VI) has been developed based on RbNPs. The sensing platform exhibits an excellent wide linear range (100 pg mL−1 to 10 μg mL−1), extremely low detection limit (40.91 fg mL−1 i. e. 0.79 pM), which may pave a new way to fabricate other ultrasensitive electrochemical sensors based on the designed RbNPs.
Effectiveness of using platelet‐rich fibrin to increase keratinized tissue around the tooth in the modified apical reposition flap method: A split‐mouth, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Torkzaban Parviz , Rabienejad Nazli , Cheraghi Zahra , Lahoorpoor Kamran
Published: November 2022

Objectives

One of the simplest methods to increase keratinized gingiva is the modified apically repositioned flap (MARF) technique. In this method, the periosteum remains exposed, which may lead to postoperative pain and discomfort. In the presence of bone dehiscence, bone resorption and gingival recession may occur. Hence, this study aims to use platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) to promote wound healing in the MARF technique and overcome its disadvantages.

Material and Methods

In this randomized controlled trial study, 10 patients (six males and four females with a mean age of 33.9 ± 11.13) with less than 2 mm of attached gingiva bilaterally were treated by the MARF + PRF membrane (test group), on the one hand, whereas, on the other hand, it was treated only by MARF (control group). Clinical parameters of keratinized gingiva include thickness, width, and vestibule depth before and 8 weeks after the intervention were measured.

Results

The attached gingival width increased significantly in both groups (1.7 mm in the MARF and 2.3 mm in the PRF) and this was greater in the PRF group (p < .05). Gingival thickness in the PRF method was significantly higher than in the control group (p < .05). Probe depth, vestibular depth, and postoperative pain were not different in both groups. Wound shrinkage in the MARF group (51%) was significantly higher than in the PRF group (30%) (p < .05).

Conclusion

Using PRF with the MARF method significantly increased the width and thickness of the gingiva and reduced shrinkage compared to MARF only. Postoperative pain and vestibular depth changes were similar in both groups.
Recent advances on the structure identification of components in food
Authors: Zhao Min , Tian Jin‐Long
Published: November 2022

With the rapid development of food industry, people pay more and more attention to the health benefits of food‐active molecules. The active function of food molecules depends on the chemical structure. So how to determine the chemical composition of food becomes very important. Based on this, this paper mainly expounds the structural analysis methods and specific processes of food chemical components, as well as the difficulties encountered in the determination of structure, and summarizes the latest research trends of food structural analysis. The purpose is to let more scholars understand the structure analysis process of the chemical substance basis of food, and provide a reference for the healthy development of food.
Dynamic aspects of ventricular interaction during exercise in HFpEF and in pre‐capillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Claeys Mathias , Petit Thibault , Bogaert Jan , La Gerche Andre , Los Jan , Delcroix Marion , Willems Rik , Claessen Guido , Claus Piet
Published: November 2022

Aims

The contribution of adverse ventricular interdependence remains undervalued in heart failure or pulmonary vascular disease, and not much is known about its dynamic nature during exercise and respiration. In this study, we evaluated ventricular interaction during exercise in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) as compared with healthy controls.

Methods and results

Forty‐six subjects (10 controls, 19 CTEPH patients, and 17 HFpEF patients) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during exercise. Ventricular interaction was determined through analysis of the septal curvature (SC) of a mid‐ventricular short‐axis slice at end‐diastole, end‐systole, and early‐diastole, both in expiration and inspiration. Exercise amplified ventricular interaction in CTEPH patients and to a lesser extent in HFpEF patients (P < 0.05 for decrease in SC with exercise). Adverse interaction was most profound in early‐diastole and most pronounced in CTEPH patients (P < 0.05 interaction group * exercise) because of a disproportionate increase RV afterload (P < 0.05 to both controls and HFpEF) and diastolic pericardial restraint (P < 0.001 for interaction group * exercise) during exercise. Inspiration enhanced diastolic interdependence in CTEPH and HFpEF patients (P < 0.05 vs. expiration). Both at rest and during exercise, SC strongly correlated with RV volumes and pulmonary artery pressures (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Exercise amplifies adverse right–left ventricular interactions in CTEPH, while a more moderate effect is observed in isolated post‐capillary HFpEF. Given the strong link with RV function and pulmonary hemodynamic, assessing ventricular interaction with exCMR might be valuable from a diagnostic or therapeutic perspective.
Experimental testing of aluminum‐core buckling restrained knee braced Truss moment frames for earthquake resistance
Authors: Chhabra Jaskanwal P. S. , Rai Durgesh C.
Published: November 2022

Application of Buckling Restrained Braces (BRBs) with Truss Moment Frames (TMFs) results in a robust seismic force‐resisting system, herein referred to as Buckling Restrained Knee Braced Truss Moment Frame (BRKB‐TMF), which utilizes the advantages of both BRBs and TMFs. Although steel is commonly used to make the core of BRBs, previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of annealed aluminum as a preferred core material because of its high ductility and high over‐strength. However, the deformation compatibility of the truss members with the aluminum‐core BRB in BRKB‐TMFs at high drifts is not well studied in the literature. Hence, an experimental study is performed on a scaled sub‐assemblage of a BRKB‐TMF frame designed using the Performance‐Based Plastic Design method. Cyclic tests are performed on 1:3 scale models of aluminum‐core BRB and BRKB‐TMF to evaluate their performance at drifts corresponding to Maximum Considered Earthquake intensity. Also, to further compare the performance of steel and aluminum as suitable BRB core materials, cyclic tests are performed on BRBs with steel and aluminum cores designed using a consistent criterion. The experiments demonstrated the superior performance of aluminum core BRB over steel core BRB. The experimental studies on the BRKB‐TMF concluded that per the design intent, the BRB acted like a fuse for the frame by restricting all the inelastic deformations to itself and the study frame could successfully meet the target drift criteria.
A novel advanced test system for polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis based on hydraulic cell compression
Authors: Rost Ulrich , Wirkert Florian Josef , Roth Jeffrey , Brodmann Michael , Stiber Svenja , Gago Aldo Saul , Friedrich Kaspar Andreas
Published: November 2022

In this work, a novel polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) test cell based on hydraulic single‐cell compression is described. In this test cell, the current density distribution is almost homogeneous over the active cell area due to hydraulic cell clamping. As the hydraulic medium entirely surrounds the active cell components, it is also used to control cell temperature resulting in even temperature distribution. The PEMWE single‐cell test system based on hydraulic compression offers a 25 cm2 active surface area (5.0 × 5.0 cm) and can be operated up to 80°C and 6.0 A/cm2. Construction details and material selection for the designed test cell are given in this document. Furthermore, findings related to pressure distribution analyzed by utilizing a pressure‐sensitive foil, the cell performance indicated by polarization curves, and the reproducibility of results are described. Experimental data indicate the applicability of the presented testing device for relevant PEMWE component testing and material analysis.
Partially different? The importance of general equilibrium in health economic evaluations: An application to nocturia
Authors: Hafner Marco , Yerushalmi Erez , Andersson Fredrik L. , Burtea Teodor
Published: November 2022

Both the human capital approach and the friction cost approach are frequently used to quantify the productivity costs associated with illness, disability or death in health economic evaluations. In this paper we argue that these approaches have one major, but common shortcoming: they only capture partial equilibrium (PE) effects and therefore underestimate the true potential productivity costs associated with health conditions. They neglect the sizable, indirect, ripple effects in the economy captured by general equilibrium (GE) models. To demonstrate our point, we compare a traditional PE with a GE approach for the application to nocturia, a condition characterized by the need to frequently wake up at night to urinate. Nocturia is associated with substantial impairment of daytime functioning and work productivity. We employ large‐scale United Kingdom (UK) employer‐employee survey data to estimate the prevalence and productivity loss. These estimates are then used as shared inputs to drive both approaches. We find that the traditional PE approach underestimates the annual productivity cost of clinically relevant nocturia by around 16%. We propose a generalized GE/PE multiplier to approximate the GE effect for other health conditions. Our findings stress the importance of accounting for sizable GE effects when conducting health economic evaluations.
The clinicopathological and microrna expression signature associated with lymphovascular invasion in squamous cell carcinoma: A basic descriptive study
Authors: Robinson Shayene , Ngwenya Sharol , Molaudzi Mulalo , Molepo Julitha , Adeola Henry , Magangane Pumza
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims

Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is an indicator of lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in various cancers including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Despite being easily resectable and having little potential for LVI; SCC displays aggressive behavior and often results in the death of the patient. With this in mind, it may be useful to investigate the clinical, pathological, and microRNA expression profile associated with LVI in SCC.

Methods

We evaluated the histological hallmarks associated with LVI from 16 formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples (10 LVI−, 6 LVI+). We also quantified the expression of 10 microRNAs (hsa‐miR‐21‐5p, hsa‐miR‐21‐3p, hsa‐miR‐155‐5p, hsa‐miR‐196a‐5p, hsa‐miR‐375, hsa‐let‐7d‐5p, hsa‐miR‐146b‐3p, hsa‐miR‐221‐5p, hsa‐miR‐205‐5p, hsa‐miR‐491‐5p), which have been previously identified to play a role in SCC development, using real time‐PCR with the Qiagen miRCURY LNA SYBR Green PCR Kit.

Results

We observed a significant upregulation of microRNA‐155, microRNA‐196a, microRNA‐375, and microRNA‐221 in cases with lymphovascular invasion. Morphologically, we identified poor differentiation, dysplasia, loss of membrane polarity, high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, and the presence of squamous nests as defining features of LVI. Additionally, we found a gender bias and observed a tendency toward lymphatic invasion in lesions presenting around the perineal and abdominal regions.

Conclusion

We speculate that this profile may have prognostic significance and could guide the clinician in their treatment protocols for patients matching our genetic, demographic, and morphologic profile.
TMEM173 rs7447927 genetic polymorphism and susceptibility to severe enterovirus 71 infection in Chinese children
Authors: Song Jie , Liu Yedan , Guo Ya , Qu Zhenghai , Liu Peipei , Li Fei , Yang Chengqing , Fan Fan , Chen Zongbo
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This study was designed to explore the association between the TMEM173 polymorphism (rs7447927) and the severity of enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection among Chinese children.

Methods

The TMEM173 polymorphism was identified in EV71‐infected patients (n = 497) and healthy controls (n = 535) using the improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR). The interferon‐α (IFN‐α) serum levels were detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The frequencies of the GG genotype and G allele of TMEM173 rs7447927 in the mild EV71 infection and severe EV71 infection groups were markedly higher than those in the control group. The GG genotype and G allele frequencies in severely infected EV71 patients were significantly higher than those in mildly infected EV71 patients. Severely infected EV71 patients with the GG genotype had higher white blood cell counts (WBC), and C‐reactive proteins (CRP), and blood glucose (BG) levels, longer fever duration, higher vomiting frequency, spirit changes, and electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities. IFN‐α serum concentration in severely infected patients was significantly higher than in the mildly infected group. The IFN‐α concentration in the GG genotype was significantly higher compared with those in the GC and CC genotypes in severe cases.

Conclusions

The TMEM173 rs7447927 polymorphism was associated with EV71 infection susceptibility and severity. The G allele and GG genotype are susceptibility factors in the development of severe EV71 infection in Chinese children.
Two formulations of coronavirus disease‐19 recombinant subunit vaccine candidate made up of S1 fragment protein P1, S2 fragment protein P2, and nucleocapsid protein elicit strong immunogenicity in mice
Authors: Özcengiz Erkan , Keser Duygu , Özcengiz Gülay , Çelik Gözde , Özkul Aykut , İnçeh Fatma Nur
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is ongoing as a global epidemic and there is still a need to develop much safer and more effective new vaccines that can also be easily adapted to important variants of the pathogen. In the present study in this direction, we developed a new COVID‐19 vaccine, composed of two critical antigenic fragments of the S1 and S2 region of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 as well as the whole nucleocapsid protein (N), which was formulated with either alum or alum plus monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) adjuvant combinations.

Methods

From within the spike protein S1 region, a fragmented protein P1 (MW:33 kDa) which includes the receptor‐binding domain (RBD), another fragment protein P2 (MW:17.6) which contains important antigenic epitopes within the spike protein S2 region, and N protein (MW:46 kDa) were obtained after recombinant expression of the corresponding gene regions in Escherichia coli BL21. For use in immunization studies, three proteins were adsorbed with aluminum hydroxide gel and with the combination of aluminum hydroxide gel plus MPLA.

Results

Each of the three protein antigens produced strong reactions in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and Western blot analysis studies performed with convalescent COVID‐19 patient sera. In mice, these combined protein vaccine candidates elicited high titer anti‐P1, anti‐P2, and anti‐N IgG and IgG2a responses. These also induced highly neutralizing antibodies and elicited significant cell‐mediated immunity as demonstrated by enhanced antigen‐specific levels of interferon‐γ (INF‐γ) in the splenocytes of immunized mice.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that formulations of the three proteins with Alum or Alum + MPLA are effective in terms of humoral and cellular responses. However, since the Alum + MPLA formulation appears to be superior in Th1 response, this vaccine candidate may be recommended mainly for the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. We also believe that the alum‐only formulation will provide great benefits for adults, young adolescents, and children.
Telemedicine for home care of fetal growth restriction with mobile cardiotocography: A case series
Authors: Suemitsu Tokumasa , Kadooka Mizuho , Mitani Takahiro , Matsui Hiroki , Suzuki Makoto
Published: November 2022

Objective

Modern technological advancements have made it possible to perform cardiotocography at home. Home‐based management of high‐risk pregnancies using a mobile cardiotocography system has been reported; however, its effectiveness in monitoring cases of fetal growth restriction (FGR) remains unclear. Therefore, the authors aimed to investigate the clinical usefulness of home‐based telemedicine for FGR management using the mobile cardiotocography (iCTG).

Methods

The authors conducted a single‐center, retrospective case series of patients with FGR. Seventeen women diagnosed with FGR were enrolled. Patients performed iCTG for 1 hour twice daily to examine their fetuses; data were uploaded and saved on the cloud.

Results

The median and minimum compliance rates were 93.33 (interquartile range [IQR], 70.00–100.00) and 40.7, respectively. The median and minimum validity rates were 100.00 (IQR, 90.48–100.00) and 36.4, respectively. In this study, many of the patients were managed at home and underwent delivery as planned. However, three patients required emergency visits; one had a nonreassuring fetal status and underwent an emergency cesarean section.

Conclusion

Even when the fetal prognosis is good, careful pre‐evaluation is required before initiating home care management. The current study shows that the economic burden of hospitalization for patients can be reduced by using iCTG.
Hsa_circ_0000129 drives tumor growth via sequestering miR‐485‐3p and upregulating SPIN1 in breast cancer
Authors: Zhou Yuxin , Wu Minhua , Wen Limu , Wu Weizhu
Published: November 2022

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is second cancer frequently occurring worldwide. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000129 (circ_0000129) exerts a tumor‐promoting effect in BC. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms mediated by the upregulation of circ_0000129 during BC progression are not well understood.

Methods

Forty‐five BC patients were recruited for the research. Changes in circ_0000129 levels were detected with quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and angiopoiesis were determined by cell counting, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, transwell, and tube formation assays. Protein levels were detected by western blot analysis. The regulatory mechanism of circ_0000129 was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and validated by dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. In vivo experiments were carried out to verify the function of circ_0000129.

Results

Circ_0000129 was overexpressed in BC samples and cell lines. Functionally, circ_0000129 silencing reduced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis, as well as induced HUVEC angiopoiesis in vitro. Furthermore, circ_0000129 knockdown decreased BC cell growth in mouse xenograft models. Mechanically, circ_0000129 interacted with miR‐485‐3p to mediate the inhibiting effect of miR‐485‐3p on SPIN1. Silenced miR‐485‐3p expression weakened the inhibiting effect of circ_0000129 knockdown on BC cell malignant behaviors. Also, forced SPIN1 expression weakened miR‐485‐3p upregulation mediated effects on BC cell malignant behaviors.

Conclusion

Circ_0000129 acted as a miR‐485‐3p sponge molecular to mediate expression, thus promoting BC progression.
Crosstalk of moderate ROS and PARP‐1 contributes to sustainable proliferation of conditionally reprogrammed keratinocytes
Authors: Liu Linhua , Mondal Abdul M. , Liu Xuefeng
Published: November 2022

Conditionally reprogrammed cell (CRC) technique is a promising model for biomedical and toxicological research. In the present study, our data first demonstrated an increased level of PARP‐1 in conditionally reprogrammed human foreskin keratinocytes (CR‐HFKs). We then found that PARP inhibitor ABT‐888 (ABT), reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC), or combination (ABT + NAC) were able to inhibit cell proliferation, ROS, PARP‐1, and ROS related protein, NRF2, and NOX1. Interestingly, knockdown of endogenous PARP‐1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, indicating that the increased PARP‐1 expression was critical for CR. Importantly, we found that a moderate level of ROS contributed the cell proliferation and increased PARP‐1 since knockdown of PARP‐1 also inhibited the ROS. The similar inhibition of cell proliferation, ROS, and expression of PARP‐1 and NRF2 proteins was observed when CR‐HFKs were treated with hydroquinone (HQ), a key component from skin‐lightening products. Moreover, the treatment of HQ plus treatment of ABT, NAC, or combination can further inhibit cell proliferation, ROS, expression of PARP‐1, and NRF2 proteins. PARP‐1 knockdown inhibited the population doubling (PDL) and treatment of HQ inhibited the PDL further, as well as the change of ROS. Finally, we discovered that pathways including cyclin D1, NRF2, Rb and pRb, CHK2, and p53, were involved in cell proliferation inhibition with HQ. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that crosstalk between ROS and PARP‐1 involves in the cell proliferation in CR‐HFKs, and that inhibition of CR‐HFK proliferation with HQ is through modulating G1 cell cycle arrest.
Antiphospholipid antibodies in autoimmune thyroid diseases
Authors: Mankaï Amani , Melayah Sarra , Bousetta Syrine , Ghozzi Mariem , Yacoub‐Jemni Saloua , Ghedira Ibtissem
Published: November 2022

Background

Antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies have been reported in several autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of aPL (anti‐cardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and anti‐β2 glycoprotein I antibodies (aβ2GPI)) in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD).

Methods

One hundred and ninety‐five patients with AITD (139 Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients and 56 Graves' disease (GD) patients) and 90 healthy blood donors (HBD) were studied. IgG, IgA and IgM aCL and aβ2GPI were determined by ELISA.

Results

One hundred fifty‐four AITD patients were women and 41 were men. Fifty‐six healthy subjects were women and 34 were men. The median age of patients and the control group was 45 and 38.5 years, respectively. The frequency of aPL was significantly higher in patients with AITD and in patients with HT than in HBD (33.3% vs 11.1%, p < 10−3 and 38.1% vs 11.1%, p < 10−3). The frequency of aPL in GD was significantly lower than in HT (21.4% vs 38.1%, p = 0.025). In patients with HT, aβ2GPI (34.5%) was significantly more frequent than aCL (13.6%) (p < 10−3). The frequency of aβ2GPI was significantly higher in patients with HT than in healthy population (34.5% vs 11.1%, p < 10−3). In HT patients, IgA isotype of aβ2GPI was significantly more common than in HBD and in GD patients (27.3% vs 7.8%, p < 10−3 and 27.3% vs 12.5%, p = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion

aβ2GPI and not aCL were frequent in AITD. IgA was the predominant isotype of aβ2GPI. aβ2GPI‐IgA was more frequent in HT than in GD.
Main patterns of radula formation and ontogeny in Gastropoda
Authors: Vortsepneva Elena , Mikhlina Anna , Kantor Yuri
Published: November 2022

Gastropoda is morphologically highly variable and broadly distributed group of mollusks. Due to the high morphological and functional diversity of the feeding apparatus gastropods follow a broad range of feeding strategies: from detritivory to highly specialized predation. The feeding apparatus includes the buccal armaments: jaw(s) and radula. The radula comprises a chitinous ribbon with teeth arranged in transverse and longitudinal rows. A unique characteristic of the radula is its continuous renewal during the entire life of a mollusk. The teeth and the membrane are continuously synthesized in the blind end of the radular sac and are shifted forward to the working zone, while the teeth harden and are mineralized on the way. Despite the similarity of the general mechanism of the radula formation in gastropods, some phylogenetically determined features can be identified in different phylogenetic lineages. These mainly concern shape, size, and number of the odontoblasts forming a single tooth. The radular morphology depends on the shape of the formation zone and the morphology of the subradular epithelium. The radula first appears at the pre‐ and posttorsional veliger stages as an invagination of the buccal epithelium of the larval anterior gut. The larval radular sac is lined with uniform undifferentiated cells. Each major phylogenetic lineage is characterized by a specific larval radula type. Thus, the docoglossan radula of Patellogastropoda is characterized by initially three and then five teeth in a transverse row. The larval rhipidoglossan radula has seven teeth in a row with differentiation into central, lateral, and marginal teeth and later is transformed into the adult radula morphology by the addition of lateral and especially marginal teeth. The taenioglossan radula of Caenogastropoda is nearly immediately formed in adult configuration with seven teeth in a row.
Early warning signals for Omicron outbreaks in China: A retrospective study
Authors: Li Ke , Shi Jin , Liu Xin , Ward Michael P. , Wang Zengliang , Liu Rui , Zhao Zheng , Yin Yun , Liu Yuanhua , Hong Jie , Huang Jiaqi , Chen Xi , Zhang Zhijie
Published: November 2022

The Omicron variant has become the dominant COVID‐19 variant worldwide due to its rapid and cryptic spread. Therefore, successful early warning is of great importance to be able to control epidemics in their early phase, before developing into large outbreaks. COVID‐19‐related Baidu search index, which reflects human behavior to a certain degree, was used to retrospectively detect the warning signs for Omicron variant outbreaks in China in 2022. The characteristics and effects of warning signs were analyzed in detail. We detected the presence of early warning signs (both high and low thresholds) and found that these occurred 4–7 days earlier than traditional epidemiological surveillance and >20 days earlier than the implementation of the local “lockdown” policy. Compared with the “high threshold” warning, the early warning effect of the “low threshold” is also vital because it indicates a negligence about epidemic prevention and control. However, there is obvious heterogeneity in the optimal threshold for detecting early warning signs and their distribution in different cities. Multi‐source and multi‐point early warning systems should be established via combining internet‐based big data in the future to conduct effective and early real‐time warning. This would create precious time for the early control of COVID‐19 outbreaks.
Impacts of El Niño–Southern Oscillation on tropical precipitation via triggering anomaly water vapour transport from ocean to land
Authors: Wang Jialin , Pan Feifei , Li Haiyan , An Pingli , Han Guolin , Jiang Kang , Chen Xiao , Zhang Ziyuan , Song Yu , Huang Na , Ma Shangqian , Zhang Zhenzhen , Men Jingyu , Lv Xiaoqin , Pan Zhihua
Published: November 2022

Atmospheric water vapour transport is one of the most active components of the hydrological cycle, which shows great effects on the regional climate variability, while it is largely affected by the large‐scale circulation systems. El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) shows a remarkable influence on the atmospheric water circulation via disrupting the normal/regular water vapour transport processes, producing the anomaly water vapour fluxes input from ocean to land (Qnet), and leading to regional precipitation anomalies. However, their quantitative impact has not been fully studied. This study quantified the effect of ENSO on the water vapour transport from ocean to land and identified its impact on tropical precipitation anomalies. The results showed that the global detrended Qnet displayed a significantly negative correlation with the strength of ENSO. The notable impact of ENSO on Qnet was largely affected by the different patterns of the atmospheric moisture circulation during El Niño and La Niña and was responsible for the change of the spatial distribution of precipitation over the Tropics. El Niño reduced precipitation over the Malay Archipelago and increased precipitation over south China, especially in boreal winter, while La Niña enhanced precipitation over the Malay Archipelago. This study identified the impacts of ENSO on the circulation and water vapour transport process and improved our understanding of the influencing mechanism of ENSO on regional precipitation anomalies, which has important significance on regional water resource management and disaster risk assessment, especially as the extreme climate events have become increasingly frequent.
Development and characterization of chitosan edible film incorporated with epoxy‐activated agarose
Authors: Sutharsan Jenani , Boyer Cyrille Andre , Zhao Jian
Published: November 2022

Backround

Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide, which has promising characteristics to be used as a packaging film. In this study chitosan‐based edible films incorporated with epoxy‐activated agarose (EAA) at different levels [5, 10, 15, and 20% (w/w of chitosan)] were developed by casting method and their physicochemical and barrier properties were evaluated.

Results

Addition of EAA to chitosan produced translucent and flexible films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) revealed functional groups of chitosan and EAA interacting via hydrogen bonds. Tensile strength, moisture content, swelling power, film solubility, and the thermal stability of the films were declined by 65%, 12%, 50%, 13%, and 68%, respectively, with increasing concentrations of EAA up to 15%. Whereas film thickness, opacity, and elongation at break significantly increased by 23%, 69%, and 160%, respectively. In particular, the elongation of the composite films and the opacity was doubled that of the pure chitosan film when 20% EAA was incorporated. The color variations between pure chitosan and chitosan‐EAA films were minimal. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images showed that at higher concentrations of the EAA, the films produced had a slightly rougher surface.

Conclusion

This study indicates that the addition of EAA at appropriate levels to chitosan can improve the physicochemical properties of chitosan‐based edible composite films, which may find potential applications in food packaging.
Agronomic biofortification of forage crops with zinc and copper for enhancing nutritive potential: a systematic review
Authors: Singh Dhaliwal Salwinder , Sharma Vivek , Kumar Shukla Arvind , Singh Shivay Yashbir , Hossain Akbar , Verma Vibha , Kaur Gill Manmeet , Singh Jaswinder , Singh Bhatti Sandip , Verma Gayatri , Singh Jagdish , Singh Prabhjot
Published: November 2022

Many developing countries are facing a silent increase in deficiency of micronutrients in forage crops that results in decreased levels of essential nutrients in animals. Micronutrients are essential not only for basic metabolic processes of forage crops but also for sustaining animal health. Forage productivity and quality are severely affected by soil micronutrients deficiencies, especially zinc and copper. This review summarizes the literature highlighting the significance of different methodologies used to increase the biomass and quality of forage so as to enhance the micronutrient content of the forage crops through biofortification. Biofortification is a promising and sustainable agriculture‐based strategy to reduce micronutrient deficiency in crops. The experiments and trials conducted at different locations of the world showed that copper and zinc concentrations in animal fodders can be enhanced through the process of foliar application. Additionally, agronomic biofortification showed more promising results, and thus is an outstanding, fast, and cost‐effective technique for the immediate enrichment of forage in order to overcome malnutrition in animals. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The audiological characteristics of infant auditory neuropathy patients without otoacoustic emission
Authors: Wu Kaili , Lan Lan , Shi Wei , Li Jin , Xie Linyi , Xiong Fen , Wang Hongyang , Wang Qiuju
Published: November 2022

Objective

To explore the audiological characteristics of infant auditory neuropathy (AN) patients with cochlear microphonic (CM) recorded but absent otoacoustic emission (OAE), clinically reducing the rate of missed diagnosis of AN.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the audiological characteristics of infant AN patients in our medical center between 2003 and 2020. A total of 18 infant AN patients were OAE absent group, with CM present and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) absent in both ears. A total of 44 infant AN patients were OAE present group, with CM and DPOAE present in both ears.

Results

(1) The found age in OAE absent group was 0.9 (0.02) years old, which was younger than 1.11 (1.63) years old in OAE present group (p = .041). (2) The CM threshold of OAE absent group was 80 (10) dB nHL, which was significantly higher (p < .001) than OAE present group. CM amplitude were smaller (p < .05), and CM duration were shorter (p < .05) in OAE absent group. (3) The thresholds of auditory steady‐state response (ASSR) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz were 94 (10), 94 (10), 87 (20), and 81 (10) dB HL cg, respectively in OAE absent group, which were higher than those in OAE present group (p < .01).

Conclusions

Infant AN patients with CM present and OAE absent showed earlier detection and different audiological performance, which was manifested in ASSR thresholds, audiometric configurations and CM performance. CM thresholds were increased, amplitude and duration were decreased, non‐linearity of I/O function was reduced.

Level of Evidence

4
Autophagy‐independent mitochondrial quality control: Mechanisms and disease associations
Authors: Bao Feixiang , Xiao Jiahui , Zhou Lingyan , Xie Yaohang , Li Yueqiao , Wu Yi , Liu Xingguo
Published: November 2022

Maintaining a healthy and functional mitochondrial network is crucial for cell survival and function. Protein misfolding and dysfunction are particularly prevalent in them due to physiological adaptations and stress conditions. For mitochondria to function properly, multiple quality control systems have evolved to ensure that there are enough mitochondria to meet cells’ needs, damaged mitochondrial proteins or mitochondrial parts can be eliminated using these pathways. Several mechanisms control mitochondrial quality, including protein, organelle, and cellular levels. As the extensive study of canonical mitochondrial quality‐mitophagy, this paper reviews the processes and mechanisms of mitochondrial quality control independent of autophagy, including mitochondrial protein and DNA degradation, mitochondria‐derived vesicles and mitochondria‐derived compartments, mitochondrial secretion, tunneling nanotubes, mitocytosis, and mitolysosome exocytosis. Understanding these novel quality control pathways may provide insights into mitochondrial homeostasis and for developing targeted treatments for diseases where these systems fail.
Congenital disorder of glycosylation with defective fucosylation 2 (FCSK gene defect): The third report in the literature with a mild phenotype
Authors: Al Tuwaijri Abeer , Alyafee Yusra , Umair Muhammad , Alsubait Arwa , Alharbi Mashael , AlEidi Hamad , Ballow Mariam , Aldrees Mohammed , Alam Qamre , Al Abdulrahman Abdulkareem , Alrifai Muhammad Talal , Alfadhel Majid
Published: November 2022

Background

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a group of heterogeneous disorders caused by abnormal lipid or protein glycosylation. Variants in the FCSK gene have been reported to cause CDG. Defective FCSK‐induced CDG (FCSK–CDG) has only been reported previously in three unrelated children.

Methods

In this study, we genetically and clinically examined a 3‐year‐old proband with resolved infantile spasms and normal development. Standard whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify the functional impact of the variant.

Results

WES revealed a rare biallelic missense variant (c.3013G>C; p.Val1005Leu) in FCSK. RT‐qPCR showed a significant depletion in FCSK gene expression in the affected individual. Western blotting revealed reduced FCSK expression at the protein level compared to that in the control. Furthermore, 3D protein modeling suggested changes in the secondary structure, which might affect the overall FCSK protein function.

Conclusion

This study broadens the mutation and phenotypic spectrum of FCSK‐associated developmental disorders.
An asymptotic consistent couple stress theory for the three‐dimensional free vibration analysis of functionally graded microplates resting on an elastic medium
Authors: Wu Chih‐Ping , Lyu Yu‐Shu
Published: November 2022

Based on the three‐dimensional (3D) consistent couple stress theory (CCST), we develop an asymptotic theory for the free vibration analysis of functionally graded (FG) microplates resting on an elastic medium. The material properties of the FG microplate are assumed to obey a power‐law distribution of the volume fractions of the constituents in the thickness direction, for which the effective material properties are estimated using the rule of mixtures. The interactions between the FG microplate and its foundation medium are simulated using a Winkler–Pasternak foundation. Carrying out the asymptotic expansion method, we obtain recursive sets of motion equations for various order problems. The CCST‐based classical plate theory is derived as a first‐order approximation of the 3D CCST. The asymptotic theory is shown to converge rapidly and to be in excellent agreement with the exact solutions for FG macroplates reported in the literature when the value of the material length scale parameter is assigned to be zero.
Technical note: Performance evaluation of volumetric imaging based on motion modeling by principal component analysis
Authors: Asano Suzuka , Oseki Keishi , Takao Seishin , Miyazaki Koichi , Yokokawa Kohei , Matsuura Taeko , Taguchi Hiroshi , Katoh Norio , Aoyama Hidefumi , Umegaki Kikuo , Miyamoto Naoki
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To quantitatively evaluate the achievable performance of volumetric imaging based on lung motion modeling by principal component analysis (PCA).

Methods

In volumetric imaging based on PCA, internal deformation was represented as a linear combination of the eigenvectors derived by PCA of the deformation vector fields evaluated from patient‐specific four‐dimensional‐computed tomography (4DCT) datasets. The volumetric image was synthesized by warping the reference CT image with a deformation vector field which was evaluated using optimal principal component coefficients (PCs). Larger PCs were hypothesized to reproduce deformations larger than those included in the original 4DCT dataset. To evaluate the reproducibility of PCA‐reconstructed volumetric images synthesized to be close to the ground truth as possible, mean absolute error (MAE), structure similarity index measure (SSIM) and discrepancy of diaphragm position were evaluated using 22 4DCT datasets of nine patients.

Results

Mean MAE and SSIM values for the PCA‐reconstructed volumetric images were approximately 80 HU and 0.88, respectively, regardless of the respiratory phase. In most test cases including the data of which motion range was exceeding that of the modeling data, the positional error of diaphragm was less than 5 mm. The results suggested that large deformations not included in the modeling 4DCT dataset could be reproduced. Furthermore, since the first PC correlated with the displacement of the diaphragm position, the first eigenvector became the dominant factor representing the respiration‐associated deformations. However, other PCs did not necessarily change with the same trend as the first PC, and no correlation was observed between the coefficients. Hence, randomly allocating or sampling these PCs in expanded ranges may be applicable to reasonably generate an augmented dataset with various deformations.

Conclusions

Reasonable accuracy of image synthesis comparable to those in the previous research were shown by using clinical data. These results indicate the potential of PCA‐based volumetric imaging for clinical applications.