bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti‐inflammatory mechanisms in cancer research: Characterization of a distinctM2‐like macrophage model derived from theTHP‐1 cell line
Authors: Scheurlen Katharina M. , Snook Dylan L. , Littlefield Andrew B. , George Joan B. , Parks Mary A. , Beal Robert J. , MacLeod Anne , Riggs Daniel W. , Gaskins Jeremy T. , Chariker Julia , Rouchka Eric C. , Galandiuk Susan
Published: December 2023

Aims

Macrophages play an essential role in cancer development. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) have predominantly M2‐like attributes that are associated with tumor progression and poor patient survival. Numerous methods have been reported for differentiating and polarizing macrophages in vitro, but there is no standardized and validated model for creating TAMs. Primary cells show varying cytokine responses depending on their origin and functional studies utilizing these cells may lack generalization and validity. A distinct cell line‐derived TAM‐like M2 subtype is required to investigate the mechanisms mediated by anti‐inflammatory TAMs in vitro. Our previous work demonstrated a standardized protocol for creating an M2 subtype derived from a human THP‐1 cell line. The cell expression profile, however, has not been validated. The aim of this study was to characterize and validate the TAM‐like M2 subtype macrophage created based on our protocol to introduce them as a standardized model for cancer research.

Methods and results

Using qRT‐PCR and ELISA, we demonstrated that proinflammatory, anti‐inflammatory, and tumor‐associated marker expression changed during THP‐1‐derived marcrophage development in vitro, mimicking a TAM‐related profile (e.g., TNFα, IL‐1β). The anti‐inflammatory marker IL‐8/CXCL8, however, is most highly expressed in young M0 macrophages. Flow cytometry showed increased expression of CD206 in the final TAM‐like M2 macrophage. Single‐cell RNA‐sequencing analysis of primary human monocytes and colon cancer tissue macrophages demonstrated that cell line‐derived M2 macrophages resembled a TAM‐related gene profile.

Conclusions

The THP‐1‐derived M2 macrophage based on a standardized cell line model represents a distinct anti‐inflammatory TAM‐like phenotype with an M2a subtype profile. This model may provide a basis for in vitro investigation of functional mechanisms in a variety of anti‐inflammatory settings, particularly colon cancer development.
Design, Characterization and SAR Studies of Novel Bioactive Benzylideneacetophenone Derivatives as Insecticidal Agents against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Abd El‐Lateef Hany M. , Elkanzi Nadia A. A. , Adel Thabet Marwa , Gad Mohamed A. , Omran Omran A. , Ali Ali M.
Published: December 2023

Unintentional environmental effects brought on by insecticides encourage the creation of safer substitutes. A very polyphagous migrating lepidopteran pest species in Africa called S. Frugiperda causes terrible damage. In the current paper, treatment of 4‐acetylphenyl 4‐methylbenzenesulfonate with different aromatic aldehydes in the presence of NaOH afforded benzylideneacetophenones. The structure of the newly prepared compounds were proved by different spectroscopic techniques such as IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. We looked at the association between contact with S. frugiperda and stricture reaction to examine their harmful effect. Additionally, S. frugiperda was used for testing the newly created compounds for their ability to kill insects. The majority of substances have been proven to be effective and promising. It has been found that 4‐[3‐(4‐Methylphenyl)prop‐2‐enoyl]phenyl‐4‐methyl benzenesulfonate (4) was the most active with an LC50=3.46 mg/L of 2nd instar larvae and LC50=9.45 mg/L of 4th instar larvae. Moreover, some of biological and histopathological aspects of the synthesized products were investigated under laboratory conditions.
Recurrent abdominal wall mass in a hepatitis B‐positive male: An unusual case of lumbar mycetoma
Authors: Abdallah Alaa Tajeldeen Habeeb , Abdelkhalig Rami Elsiddig , Hamid Elwasila , Ahmed Ayman , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

Atypical presentations of eumycetoma can pose a challenge in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Healthcare providers thorough in their differential diagnosis and investigations, even in the absence of classic symptoms, in order to improve early detection and the case management for such a neglected tropical disease.

In this communication, we present a case study of an unusual presentation of eumycetoma; a fungal infection that is considered a neglected tropical disease. The patient, a 28‐year‐old male from Sudan, presented with a recurrent mass in the abdominal wall. Despite two surgeries to remove the mass, it continued to recur. Unlike typical cases of eumycetoma, this patient did not exhibit common symptoms such as painless swelling, sinuses, or grain‐containing discharge. The diagnosis was made incidentally after surgical excision of the mass. The abstract highlights the importance of recognizing uncommon presentations and maintaining a high suspicion for rare diagnoses, even in the absence of classic symptoms. Further research is needed to better understand atypical presentations of eumycetoma and improve early detection.
Rational Design and Biological Application of Hybrid Fluorophores
Authors: Zhang Shiji , Qu Yunwei , Zhang Duoteng , Li Shuai , Tang Fang , Ding Aixiang , Hu Lei , Zhang Jin , Wang Hui , Huang Kai , Li Lin
Published: December 2023

Fluorophores are considered powerful tools for not only enabling the visualization of cell structures, substructures, and biological processes, but also making for the quantitative and qualitative measurement of various analytes in living systems. However, most fluorophores do not meet the diverse requirements for biological applications in terms of their photophysical and biological properties. Hybridization is an important strategy in molecular engineering that provides fluorophores with complementarity and multifunctionality. This review summarizes the basic strategies of hybridization with four classes of fluorophores, including xanthene, cyanine, coumarin, and BODIPY with a focus on their structure‐property relationship (SPR) and biological applications. This review aims to provide rational hybrid ideas for expanding the reservoir of knowledge regarding fluorophores and promoting the development of newly produced fluorophores for applications in the field of life sciences.
pyDarwin: A Machine Learning Enhanced Automated Nonlinear Mixed‐Effect Model Selection Toolbox
Authors: Li Xinnong , Sale Mark , Nieforth Keith , Bigos Kristin L. , Craig James , Wang Fenggong , Feng Kairui , Hu Meng , Bies Robert , Zhao Liang
Published: December 2023

pyDarwin is an open‐source Python package for nonlinear mixed‐effect model selection. pyDarwin combines machine‐learning algorithms and NONMEM to perform a global search for the optimal model in a user‐defined model search space. Compared with traditional stepwise search, pyDarwin provides an efficient platform for conducting an objective, robust, less labor‐intensive model selection process without compromising model interpretability. In this tutorial, we will begin by introducing the essential components and concepts within the package. Subsequently, we will provide an overview of the pyDarwin modeling workflow and the necessary files needed for model selection. To illustrate the entire process, we will conclude with an example utilizing quetiapine clinical data.
Evaluation of the microleakage of class V composite restoration after cavity treatment with Erbium, CO2 lasers, Papain, and Bromelain enzymes
Authors: Sharafeddin Farahnaz , Tabrizi Anahita Fadaei
Published: December 2023

Objectves

Different surface preparation and treatment methods may have dissimilar effects on the microleakage of composite resin. This study was conducted to determine the deproteinizing effect of 10% bromelain enzyme, 10% papain enzyme, CO2, and erbium‐YAG laser in regard to decrease in the microleakage of composite restorations.

Materials and Methods

Thirty teeth were selected and 60 class V cavities were prepared on the lingual and buccal sides. They were divided into six groups (n = 10): Group 1, phosphoric acid gel; Group 2, bromelain enzyme 10%; Group 3, papain enzyme 10%; Group 4, mixed papain and bromelain enzymes 10%; Group 5, CO2 laser; and Group 6, erbium‐YAG laser. They were stored in basic fuchsine and dye penetration was evaluated. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests were used for statistical analysis, p < 0.05

Results

In both occlusal and gingival margins, comparison of microleakage between groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 showed no significant differences (p = 1) and group 6 had a significant difference with other groups (p ˂ 0.001).

Conclusions

Microleakage of composite resin in the dentin surface was not affected significantly using either bromelain or papain 10% enzymes or erbium laser. However, CO2 laser had a negative effect on the enamel and dentin margins and increased the microleakage. Erbium laser showed a better effect than enzymes on microleakage.
Untargeted metabolomics identifies metabolic dysregulation of sphingolipids associated with aggressive chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and poor survival
Authors: Nguyen Van Long Flora , Valcourt‐Gendron Délya , Caron Patrick , Rouleau Michèle , Villeneuve Lyne , Simonyan David , Le Trang , Sergerie Roxanne , Laverdière Isabelle , Vanura Katrina , Guillemette Chantal
Published: December 2023

Background

Metabolic dependencies of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells may represent new personalized treatment approaches in patients harbouring unfavourable features.

Methods

Here, we used untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics analyses to isolate metabolomic features associated with aggressive CLL and poor survival outcomes. We initially focused on profiles associated with overexpression of the adverse metabolic marker glycosyltransferase (UGT2B17) associated with poor survival and drug resistance.

Results

Leukaemic B‐cell metabolomes indicated a significant perturbation in lipids, predominantly bio‐active sphingolipids. Expression of numerous enzyme‐encoding genes of sphingolipid biosynthesis pathways was significantly associated with shorter patient survival. Targeted metabolomics further exposed higher circulating levels of glucosylceramides (C16:0 GluCer) in CLL patients relative to healthy donors and an aggressive cancer biology. In multivariate analyses, C16:0 GluCer and sphinganine were independent prognostic markers and were inversely linked to treatment‐free survival. These two sphingolipid species function as antagonistic mediators, with sphinganine being pro‐apoptotic and GluCer being pro‐proliferative, tested in leukemic B‐CLL cell models. Blocking GluCer synthesis using ceramide glucosyltransferase inhibitors induced cell death and reduced the proliferative phenotype, which further sensitized a leukaemic B‐cell model to the anti‐leukaemics fludarabine and ibrutinib in vitro.

Conclusions

Specific sphingolipids may serve as prognostic markers in CLL, and inhibiting enzymatic pathways involved in their biosynthesis has potential as a therapaeutic approach.
Effects of empagliflozin on collagen biomarkers in patients with heart failure: Findings from the EMPEROR trials
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Butler Javed , Anker Stefan D. , Januzzi James L. , Panova‐Noeva Marina , Reese‐Petersen Alexander L. , Sattar Naveed , Schueler Elke , Pocock Stuart J. , Filippatos Gerasimos , Packer Milton , Sumin Mikhail , Zannad Faiez ,   EMPEROR Committees and Investigators
Published: December 2023

Aims

Extracellular matrix remodelling is one of the key pathways involved in heart failure (HF) progression. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) may have a role in attenuating myocardial fibrosis. The impact of SGLT2i on blood markers of collagen turnover in humans is not fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of empagliflozin on serum markers of collagen turnover in patients enrolled in the EMPEROR‐Preserved and EMPEROR‐Reduced trials.

Methods and results

Overall, 1084 patients (545 in empagliflozin and 539 in placebo) were included in the analysis. Procollagen type I carboxy‐terminal propeptide (PICP), a fragment of N‐terminal type III collagen (PRO‐C3), procollagen type I amino‐terminal peptide (PINP), a fragment of C‐terminal type VIa3 collagen (PRO‐C6), a fragment of type I collagen (C1M), and a fragment of type III collagen (C3M) were measured in serum at baseline, 12 and 52 weeks. A mixed model repeated measurements model was used to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin versus placebo on the analysed biomarkers. Higher baseline PICP, PRO‐C6 and PINP levels were associated with older age, a more severe HF presentation, higher levels of natriuretic peptides and high‐sensitivity troponin T, and the presence of comorbid conditions such as chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation. Higher PICP levels were associated with the occurrence of the study primary endpoint (a composite of HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death), and PRO‐C6 and PINP were associated with the occurrence of sustained worsening of kidney function. On the other hand, PRO‐C3, C1M, and C3M were not associated with worse HF severity or study outcomes. Compared to placebo, empagliflozin reduced PICP at week 12 by 5% and at week 52 by 8% (week 12: geometric mean ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91–0.99, p = 0.012; week 52: geometric mean ratio = 0.92, 95% CI 0.88–0.97, p = 0.003).

Additionally, empagliflozin reduced PRO‐C3 at week 52 by 7% (week 12: geometric mean ratio = 0.98, 95% CI 0.95–1.02, p = 0.42; week 52: geometric mean ratio = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.98, p = 0.003), without impact on other collagen markers.

Conclusion

Our observations are consistent with experimental observations that empagliflozin down‐regulates profibrotic signalling. The importance of such an effect for the clinical benefits of SGLT2i in HF remains to be elucidated.
Development of a 39 MM‐InDel multiplex assay for the forensic application
Authors: Yao Yining , Ji Qiqi , Li Zhimin , Zhou Zhihan , Qian Jinglei , Ji Lili , Sun Kuan , Xie Jianhui
Published: December 2023

Insertion/deletion polymorphisms (InDels) are a category of highly prevalent markers in the human genome, characterized by their distinctive attributes, including short amplicon sizes and low mutation rates, which have shown great potential in forensic applications. Multi‐allelic InDel and multi‐InDel markers, collectively abbreviated as MM‐InDels, were developed to enhance polymorphism by the introduction of novel alleles. Nevertheless, the relatively low mutation rates of InDels, coupled with the founder effect, result in distinct allele frequency distributions among populations. The divergent characteristics of InDels in different populations also pose challenges to the establishment of universally efficient InDel multiplex assays. To enhance the system efficiency of the InDel assay and its applicability across diverse populations, 39 MM‐InDels with high polymorphism in five different ancestry superpopulations were selected from the 1000 Genomes Project dataset and combined with an amelogenin gender marker to construct a multiplex assay (named MMIDplex). The combined power of discrimination and the cumulative probability of exclusion of 39 MM‐InDels were 1 − 1.3 × 10−23 and 1 − 9.83 × 10−6 in the Chinese Han population, and larger than 1–10−19 and 1–10−4 in the reference populations, relatively. These results demonstrate that the MMIDplex assay has the potential to obtain sufficient power for individual identification and paternity test in global populations.
Uncertainty quantification of bank vegetation impacts on the flood flow field in the American River, California, using large‐eddy simulations
Authors: Flora Kevin , Khosronejad Ali
Published: December 2023

Bank vegetation plays a key role in both hydrodynamics and morphodynamics of natural rivers; however, these effects are often unaccounted for in the computational flow dynamics of natural waterways. Recent studies using the large‐eddy simulation (LES), however, have attempted to gain insights into the impacts of bank vegetation on the mean flow field of the natural rivers using a vegetation model, which applies a sink term to the momentum equations of motion. This approach accounts for the effects of the vegetation and provides a practical approach to account for the complex patches of bank vegetation in large‐scale rivers. To implement the vegetation model, a drag coefficient reflecting the overall resistance of vegetal structures to the flow is needed, but due to the lack of calibrated data and range of size, density and type of vegetation, this parameter can be a significant source of uncertainty in the model results. In this study, we use uncertainty quantification (UQ) to investigate the hydrodynamics and bed shear results when a bank vegetation is incorporated in an LES model. To this end, we used the polynomial chaos expansion and Monte Carlo sampling techniques to determine the uncertainties associated with the drag coefficient in the vegetation model and from uncertainties in the bed roughness and inflow discharge. The UQ analysis provided spatially varying confidence levels for the spanwise and vertical distribution of velocity magnitude and for the bed shear stress distributions. In addition, Sobol indices were computed to indicate the relative influence that each parameter had on the overall uncertainty. In general, it was found that uncertainty in flow discharge was the dominant source of uncertainty; however, the drag coefficient in the vegetation model and the bed roughness parameter also made significant contribution to the uncertainty near the banks and bed, respectively.
Effectiveness of a tablet‐based intervention for people living with dementia in primary care—A cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lech Sonia , Gellert Paul , Spang Robert P. , Voigt‐Antons Jan‐Niklas , Huscher Dörte , O’Sullivan Julie L. , Schuster Johanna
Published: December 2023

Background

Primary care physicians (PCP) play a key role in the care of people living with dementia. However, the implementation and practicability of the German S3 Dementia Guideline in primary care remain unclear. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate an intervention for improving guideline‐based dementia care in primary care.

Design

A two‐arm, 9‐month follow‐up cluster‐randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups.

Setting

28 primary care practices in Berlin and the surrounding area in Germany.

Participants

A total of N = 28 PCP, N = 91 people living with dementia, and N = 88 informal caregivers participated in the trial.

Intervention

A tablet‐based intervention to improve adherence to the German S3 Dementia Guideline in primary care was compared to a control group (care as usual plus a handbook on dementia). MeasurementsAdherence to dementia guideline (primary outcome) was measured on PCP’ (23 items) and informal caregivers' level (19 items) with a self‐developed checklist. Secondary outcomes (quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms, activities of daily living, general health status, depression, and caregiver burden) were measured with standardized assessments. Also, post‐hoc per‐protocol analyses were conducted.

Results

No differences in guideline adherence between the intervention and the control group were observed. Further, no significant impact of the intervention on secondary outcomes was detected.

Conclusion

The DemTab Study did not improve self‐reported guideline adherence in PCP. However, important implementation barriers such as lack of interoperability and low applicability of existing German S3 Dementia Guideline in the primary care setting were identified and are being discussed.

Trial registration: The DemTab trial was prospectively registered with the ISRCTN registry (Trial registration number: ISRCTN15854413). Registered 01 April 2019, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15854413.
P2RY13 is a prognostic biomarker and associated with immune infiltrates in renal clear cell carcinoma: A comprehensive bioinformatic study
Authors: Chu Jie , Liu Wei , Hu Xinyue , Zhang Huiling , Jiang Jiudong
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common and aggressive form of cancer with a high incidence globally. This study aimed to investigate the role of P2RY13 in the progression of ccRCC and elucidate its mechanism of action.

Methods

Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases were used to extract gene expression profiles of ccRCC. These profiles were annotated and visualized by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses, as well as Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The STRING database was used to establish a protein–protein interaction network and to analyze the functional similarity. The GEPIA2 database was used to predict survival associated with hub genes. Meanwhile, the TIMER2.0 database was used to assess immune cell infiltration and its link with the hub genes. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to determine the difference between ccRCC and adjacent normal tissue.

Results

We identified 272 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO and KEGG analyses suggested that DEGs were primarily involved in lymphocyte activation, inflammatory response, immunological effector mechanism pathways. By cytohubba, the 20 highest‐scoring hub genes were screened to identify critical genes in the protein–protein interaction network linked with ccRCC. Resting dendritic cells, CD8 T cells, and activated mast cells all showed a significant positive correlation with these hub genes. Moreover, a higher immune score was associated with increased prognostic risk scores, which in turn correlated with a poorer prognosis. IHC revealed that P2RY13 was expressed at higher levels in ccRCC compared to para‐cancer tissues.

Conclusion

Identifying the DEGs will aid in the understanding of the causes and molecular mechanisms involved in ccRCC. P2RY13 may play a pivotal role in the progression and prognosis of ccRCC, potentially driving carcinogenesis though immune system mechanisms.
Exploring the relationship between SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, illness severity at presentation, in‐hospital mortality and COVID‐19 vaccination in a low middle‐income country: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mushtaq Muhammad Zain , Nasir Nosheen , Mahmood Syed Faisal , Khan Sara , Kanji Akbar , Nasir Asghar , Syed M. Asif , Aamir Uzma Bashir , Hasan Zahra
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

COVID‐19 morbidity and mortality varied globally through the pandemic. We studied the relationship of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern (VOC) with COVID‐19 severity and mortality among hospitalized patients in Pakistan.

Methods

A retrospective review of clinical, laboratory, and vaccination data of 197 COVID‐19 adult patients at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi between April 2021, and February 2022 was performed. SARS‐CoV‐2 VOC identified in respiratory samples were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with COVID‐19 outcomes.

Results

The median age of cases was 55 years and 51.8% were males. Twenty‐four percent of females were pregnant. Of COVID‐19 cases, 48.2% had nonsevere disease, while 52.8% had severe/critical disease. Hypertension (48%) and diabetes mellitus (41%) were common comorbids. SARS‐CoV‐2 VOC identified comprised; Omicron (55.3%), Beta (14.7%), Alpha (13.7%), Delta (12.7%), and Gamma (3.6%) variants. Most (59.7%) study subjects were unvaccinated. Of vaccines, 88% had received inactivated virus COVID‐19 vaccines. Increased risk of severe disease was associated with age ≥50 years (odds ratio [OR]: 5.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [2.45–13.7]), as well as with diabetes mellitus (OR: 4.24; 95% CI: [1.82–9.85]). Full vaccination (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: [0.11–0.58]) or infection with Omicron (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: [0.23–0.74]) was associated with reduced disease severity. The risk of mortality increased with age ≥50 years (OR: 5.07; 95% CI: [1.92–13.42]) and a history of myocardial infarction (OR: 5.11; 95% CI: [1.45–17.93]) whilst, infection with Omicron was found to reduce the risk (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: [0.10–0.53]).

Conclusion

Our study describes the relationship between the severity of COVID‐19, in‐hospital mortality in relation to SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, and the impact of COVID‐19 vaccination in Pakistan. Outcomes were more favorable in younger individuals, after vaccinations and with Omicron variant infections. Most cases received inactivated virus vaccines therefore these data highlight the protection provided against severe COVID‐19.
MHD nonlinear natural convection from a uniformly moving porous vertical plate with constant heat and mass flux in the presence of thermal radiation, diffusion‐thermo, heat sink, and chemical reaction
Authors: Khanam Masuma , Ahmed Nazibuddin
Published: December 2023

An attempt has been made to investigate the problem of nonlinear free convection heat and mass transfer flow past an infinite vertical porous plate embedded in a porous medium by taking into account thermal radiation and heat sink with constant heat and mass flux. Transversely oriented and of uniform strength , a magnetic field has been introduced to the fluid area. The nonlinear density variation with temperature as well as concentration are the basis for the current physical situation, which is explained by this mathematical model. Exact solutions are derived for momentum equation, energy equation, and species continuity equation under the relevant boundary conditions. The dimensionless governing equations are analytically solved. The influence of various physical parameters, such as Dufour number, Schmidt number, thermal Grashof number, magnetic parameter, mass Grashof number, heat sink, thermal radiation, Prandtl number, chemical reaction parameter on the flow, and transport characteristic, has been presented graphically and in tabular form. The novelty of the present investigation is that here both constant heat and mass flux at the plate are taken into account in addition to thermal radiation and heat sink. The findings of the mathematical study demonstrate that velocity, temperature, and skin friction intensify with a rise in the Dufour number this is due to the fact that the convection current becomes stronger as the Dufour number rises. Fluid's concentration declines as the Schmidt number grows, or the concentration rises as the mass diffusivity rises. Fluid temperature is enhanced with high thermal diffusivity. Frictional resistance on the plate hikes due to thermal buoyancy force.
An empirical investigation of the relationship between brand value and firm value: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Konuk Serhat , Doruk Ömer Tuğsal , Önal Yıldırım Beyazıt
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between brand value and firm value by using a two‐step approach. In the first step, we use the financial‐based brand valuation model (FBVEM) to obtain the brand value of firms that operated in the Turkish manufacturing industry during the period between 2014 and 2018. In the second step, we examine the effect of brand value on Tobin's Q. In doing so, we use a novel GMM, with a measurement errors model, which takes into account mismeasurements of the financial variables. We try to get an accurate estimation of the link between brand value and Tobin's Q in our analysis. The obtained findings show that the effect of brand value on firm value is positive in the Turkish manufacturing sector. Our results remain stable after robustness checks. This is the first well‐controlled study that considers the endogeneity problem and consequent measurement errors in the relationship between brand value and firm value.
Functional connectome hierarchy dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and its relationship with cognition and gene expression profiling
Authors: Zheng Chuchu , Zhao Wei , Yang Zeyu , Guo Shuixia ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2023

Numerous researches have shown that the human brain organizes as a continuum axis crossing from sensory motor to transmodal cortex. Functional network alterations were commonly found in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Whether the hierarchy of AD brain networks has changed and how these changes related to gene expression profiling and cognition is unclear. Using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 233 subjects (185 AD patients and 48 healthy controls), we studied the changes in the functional network gradients in AD. Moreover, we investigated the relationships between gradient alterations and cognition, and gene expression profiling, respectively. We found that the second gradient organizes as a continuum axis crossing from the sensory motor to the transmodal cortex. Compared to the healthy controls, the secondary gradient scores of the visual and somatomotor network (SOM) increased significantly in AD, and the secondary gradient scores of default mode and frontoparietal network decreased significantly in AD. The secondary gradient scores of SOM and salience network (SAL) significantly positively correlated with memory function in AD. The secondary gradient in SAL also significantly positively correlated with language function. The AD‐related second gradient alterations were spatially associated with the gene expression and the relevant genes enriched in neurobiology‐related pathways, specially expressed in various tissues, cell types, and developmental stages. These findings suggested the changes in the functional network gradients in AD and deepened our understanding of the correlation between macroscopic gradient structure and microscopic gene expression profiling in AD.
Catheter ablation of typical right atrial flutter in a 20‐day‐old neonate with tachycardiomyopathy
Authors: Leiria Tiago Luiz Luz , Cabral Israel Wolski , Schäfer Stephanie , Nicoloso Luiz Henrique Soares , Filho Raul Ivo Rossi , Kruse Marcelo Lapa , Saffi Marco Aurélio Lumertz , de Lima Gustavo Glotz
Published: December 2023

Background

Fetal echocardiography can diagnose neonatal atrial flutter, which can cause heart failure in newborns. Little is known about catheter ablation in this population.

Methods

Case report that aimed to review a successful ablation in a 20‐day‐old patient with refractory atrial flutter.

Results

This is the first report of a successful neonatal atrial flutter ablation without any early recurrence after the procedure.

Conclusions

Atrial flutter ablation performed on newborns is a reliable and long‐lasting treatment option.
Preoperative optimization of the radical cystectomy patient: Current state and future directions
Authors: Ellis Jeffrey L. , Dalimov Zafardjan , Chew Lauren , Quek Marcus L.
Published: December 2023

Radical cystectomy (RC) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality despite adoption of robotics and implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. There have been increased efforts to investigate preoperative optimization through comprehensive nutritional evaluation, preoperative supplementation, and prehabilitation outside of previously described enhanced recovery after surgery protocols to reduce mortality and morbidity from RC. In this review, we summarize and evaluate the current literature on preoperative assessment and optimization in RC.
Bioremediation of mercury contaminated soil and water: A review
Authors: Kumar Amit , Kumar Vinod , Chawla Mrinalini , Thakur Monika , Bhardwaj Renu , Wang Jianxu , O'Connor David , Hou Deyi , Rinklebe Jörg
Published: December 2023

Mercury (Hg) pollution of soil and water environments is a major global threat to human health, agri‐food systems and ecosystems and industrial activities mainly coal combustion augmented their content in different environmental media. Bioremediation is a nature‐based solution involving microbial‐ and plant‐based (phytoremediation) technologies that clean‐up Hg contaminated sites. Here, we review Hg‐resistant bacteria and how latest insights in our understanding of the cellular and biochemical mechanisms of the mer operon genes responsible for Hg resistance and transformation have facilitated developments in microbial Hg‐bioremediation. We also review the phytoremediation mechanisms, including those of bacterial‐ and fungi‐assisted phytoremediation processes, which have shown promising results in reducing Hg2+ to Hg0. This review provides a detailed knowledge of novel Hg bioremediation mechanisms and methods. Consequently, microbial‐ and phyto‐based bioremediation technologies have a critical role in the reclamation of Hg‐contaminated environments and the protection of human health and ecosystems.
Harnessing Macromolecular Chemistry to Design Hydrogel Micro‐ and Macro‐Environments
Authors: Soliman Bram G. , Longoni Alessia , Major Gretel S. , Lindberg Gabriella C. J. , Choi Yu Suk , Zhang Yu Shrike , Woodfield Tim B.F. , Lim Khoon S.
Published: December 2023

Cell encapsulation within three‐dimensional hydrogels is a promising approach to mimic tissues. However, true biomimicry of the intricate microenvironment, biophysical and biochemical gradients, and the macroscale hierarchical spatial organizations of native tissues is an unmet challenge within tissue engineering. This review provides an overview of the macromolecular chemistries that have been applied toward the design of cell‐friendly hydrogels, as well as their application toward controlling biophysical and biochemical bulk and gradient properties of the microenvironment. Furthermore, biofabrication technologies provide the opportunity to simultaneously replicate macroscale features of native tissues. Biofabrication strategies are reviewed in detail with a particular focus on the compatibility of these strategies with the current macromolecular toolkit described for hydrogel design and the challenges associated with their clinical translation. This review identifies that the convergence of the ever‐expanding macromolecular toolkit and technological advancements within the field of biofabrication, along with an improved biological understanding, represents a promising strategy toward the successful tissue regeneration.
Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer cells: a promising antitumor immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Yan , Jin Shengjie , Zhuang Qiqi , Liu Na , Chen Ruyi , Adam Sofia Abdulkadir , Jin Jie , Sun Jie
Published: December 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have been successfully used in adoptive cell therapy for malignancies. However, some obstacles, including side effects such as graft‐versus‐host disease and cytokine release syndrome, therapy resistance, limited sources, as well as high cost, limited the application of CAR T cells. Recently, CAR natural killer (NK) cells have been pursued as the effector cells for adoptive immunotherapy for their attractive merits of strong intrinsic antitumor activity and relatively mild side effects. Additionally, CAR NK cells can be available from various sources and do not require strict human leukocyte antigen matching, which suggests them as promising “off‐the‐shelf” products for clinical application. Although the use of CAR NK cells is restrained by the limited proliferation and impaired efficiency within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, further investigation in optimizing CAR structure and combination therapies will overcome these challenges. This review will summarize the advancement of CAR NK cells, CAR NK cell manufacture, the clinical outcomes of CAR NK therapy, the challenges in the field, and prospective solutions. Besides, we will discuss the emerging application of other immune cells for CAR engineering. Collectively, this comprehensive review will provide a valuable and informative summary of current progress and evaluate challenges and future opportunities of CAR NK cells in tumor treatment.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapists' discharge practices for people treated with low back pain: A United Kingdom survey
Authors: Smith Toby , Singh Gurpreet , Mcnamee George , Newton Christopher
Published: December 2023

Background

Persistent low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability, and a major burden on the healthcare system globally. Many people with LBP experience recurrent pain flares and receive repeated appointments and re‐referrals to services such as physiotherapy. However, it is not clear what the criteria are for discharging people with LBP from physiotherapy services. This study aims to describe the current practices for discharging people from physiotherapy for LBP in the United Kingdom (UK).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study using an anonymous online national (UK) survey was conducted among qualified physiotherapists who treat people with LBP in UK musculoskeletal out‐patient services.

Results

A total of 104 surveys were completed. The majority of respondents reported using (i) a shared decision‐making (77%) and (ii) person‐physiotherapist goal attainment (74%) approach to discharging people with LBP. Sixty‐three percent of respondents reported using a patient‐initiated follow‐up (PIFU) approach. Only 8% of respondents reported using a graded discharge approach with ‘booster’ appointments. A PIFU or graded discharge approach was considered most pertinent for people at higher risk of a pain flare (97%; 86%) and with low self‐efficacy to self‐manage their LBP.

Conclusions

This UK survey established that discharge practices for people with LBP after physiotherapy vary. Whilst the majority of people are currently discharged with a PIFU appointment, a graded discharge approach may be more beneficial for people who are less likely to initiate a PIFU appointment. Further consideration on the development of such a pathway is now required.
Parameter identification of minifrac numerical tests using a gradient boosting‐based proxy model and genetic algorithm
Authors: Abreu Rafael , Mejia Cristian , Roehl Deane , Pereira Leonardo Cabral
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the petroleum industry has devoted considerable attention to studying fluid flow inside fracture channels due to the discovery of naturally fractured reservoirs. The behavior prediction of these reservoirs is a well‐known challenging task, in which the initial stage consists of identifying reservoir hydromechanical parameters. This work proposes an artificial intelligence‐based approach to identify hydromechanical parameters from borehole injection pressure curves acquired through minifrac tests. This approach combines proxy modeling with a stochastic optimization algorithm to match observed and predicted borehole pressure curves. Therefore, a gradient boosting‐based proxy model is built to predict borehole pressure curves, considering a proper strategy to develop time series modeling. Moreover, a Bayesian optimization algorithm is applied to compute the gradient boosting hyperparameters. In this optimization scenario, this paper proposes an appropriate objective function established from the assumed time series prediction strategy and the k‐fold cross‐validation. Finally, a genetic algorithm is adopted to identify unknown hydromechanical parameters, solving an inverse problem. Based on the proposed workflow, a study of the importance of the hydromechanical parameters is developed. To assess the methodology applicability, the approach is employed to identify parameters in synthetic and field minifrac tests. The results present how this approach can adequately identify hydromechanical parameters of hydraulic fracturing problems.
A recycling story: Developing recycling behavior in Turkey with social marketing program
Authors: Özbakır Umut Meftune , Nurtanış Velioğlu Meltem
Published: December 2023

The present study focuses on improving recycling behavior in Turkey with a social marketing program. It is centered on behavior change and social marketing strategies that can address recycling behavior. The social marketing program developed herein outlines segmentation, targeting, product, price, place, and promotional strategies recommended based on theoretical elements across disciplines. This research is the first to develop a social marketing program for recycling behavior in a developing country at the household level. Furthermore, it is the first study in which behavioral change was ensured through marketing strategies. This article provides a framework that can be employed in developing social marketing programs. In this study, qualitative data collection tools and quantitative measurement data were used based on the action research design. Although there are studies in the literature that argue that women and those with undergraduate/graduate education show more recycling behavior than others, the results of the participant‐level research in Turkey showed that there was no significant difference in recycling behavior based on the demographic characteristics of the participants. On the other hand, it has been found that the awareness levels of the people have changed in correspondence with the implementation‐oriented efforts of the municipalities on recycling. However, there is a lack of recycling behavior due to the lack of necessary infrastructure and information in all regions in Turkey. One of the most important results obtained in this social marketing program study was that regional and cultural differences had a role in shaping the recycling behavior. This requires different strategies in implementing the program in different provinces, based on the culture and availability of recycling infrastructure. This article provides an example of a social marketing program to improve recycling behavior. It hopes to inspire significantly more work in this area to make behavior change for the better.
Nondestructive rapid identification of wild Cordyceps sinensis with portable instrument
Authors: Zhang Mengqi , Li Qin , Nie Lei , Hai Ping , Zhang Wei , Caiji Wangmao , Liang Wenyan , Zhang Hui , Zang Hengchang
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is a precious medicinal fungus. Wild CS (WCS) and artificial CS (ACS) are destroyed for their identification using traditional methods, which are time consuming and labor‐intensive. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a nondestructive identification method to rapidly screen WCS.

Objective

The aim of this study was to provide technical support for rapid screening of CS and evaluation of its quality. The applicability of the model was improved through model transfer.

Methods

In this study, continuous wavelet transform was used to analyze the differences in moisture content and active components between WCS and ACS from the perspective of characteristic molecular groups. A portable instrument and a laboratory benchtop instrument were used to determine CS spectra. Partial least squares discrimination analysis was conducted for the identification of WCS and ACS while preserving the original shape of CS. Moreover, improved principal component analysis was utilized to transfer the model between the two types of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) instruments.

Results

The results demonstrated that three peaks, at 1443, 1941, and 2183 nm, were characteristic absorption peaks. The model based on NIRS could initially provide rapid differentiation between WCS and ACS. At the same time, the accuracy of the external test set was further improved to over 95% through forward transfer.

Conclusion

Therefore, this method could be used for rapid screening of WCS and provides technical support for the nondestructive identification of CS and initial assessment of CS quality.
The photovoltaic potential for electric vehicle charging along highways: A Dutch case study
Authors: Peerlings Jordi , Reinders Angèle , Catita Cristina , Brito Miguel Centeno
Published: December 2023

The large‐scale deployment of photovoltaics (PVs) along highways has the potential for the generation of clean electricity without competing for land use or burdening the power grid since energy for electric vehicles (EVs) can be generated locally on wastelands along highways near service stations. An analysis was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of integrating vertical bifacial solar modules into noise barriers. The approach involved integrating geospatial data with PV potential data using geographic information systems (GIS) technology. The results show a potential of around 200 GWh/year if all current noise barriers along highways in the Netherlands are considered suitable for PV module integration. Three case studies have been analysed regarding specific service stations for specific road orientations. It is shown that solar energy can charge more than 300 vehicles per day by combining bifacial PV noise barriers and standard mono‐facial PV modules on publicly available land along the highway in all three case studies, which is sufficient to meet 80% of the expected EV charging demand along highways in 2030.
Proteomic profiling of paired human liver homogenate and tissue derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Useckaite Zivile , Newman Lauren A. , Hopkins Ashley M , Klebe Sonja , Colella Alex D. , Chegeni Nusha , Williams Ruth , Sorich Michael J. , Rodrigues A. David , Chataway Tim K. , Rowland Andrew
Published: December 2023

Advances in technologies to isolate extracellular vesicles (EVs) and detect/quantify their cargo underpin the novel potential of these circulating particles as a liquid biopsy to understand physiology and disease. One organ of particular interest in terms of utilizing EVs as a liquid biopsy is the liver. The extent to which EVs originating from the liver reflect the functional status of this organ remains unknown. This is an important knowledge gap that underpins the utility of circulating liver derived EVs as a liquid biopsy. The primary objective of this study was to characterize the proteomic profile of EVs isolated from the extracellular space of liver tissue (LEV) and compare this profile to that of paired tissue (LH). LCMS analyses detected 2892 proteins in LEV and 2673 in LH. Of the 2673 proteins detected in LH, 1547 (58%) were also detected in LEV. Bioinformatic analyses demonstrated comparable representation of proteins in terms of biological functions and cellular compartments. Although, enriched representation of membrane proteins and associated functions was observed in LEV, while representation of nuclear proteins and associated functions was depleted in LEV. These data support the potential use of circulating liver derived EVs as a liquid biopsy for this organ.