bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethanolic Fruit Extract of Piper Retrofractum Induced Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis, Increased Reactive Oxygen Species Production, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Human Cervical Cancer
Authors: Chaisri Patcharaporn , Laoprom Nonglak , Buranrat Benjaporn
Published: November 2024

Cervical cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with high mortality rates and a pressing need for more effective therapeutic options. This study investigates the effects of an ethanolic extract from the fruit of Piper retrofractum (PR) on proliferation and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. We evaluated the cytotoxicity of the crude ethanolic extract of PR using the sulforhodamine B and colony formation assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function were quantified via flow cytometry. The effects on cell migration were assessed using wound healing and Transwell migration assays. The PR extract exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on HeLa cell viability, leading to reduced cancer cell proliferation. The extract induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in a dose‐dependent manner and decreased the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase at concentrations of 100 and 250 µg/mL. Additionally, treatment with the PR extract resulted in a marked increase in ROS production, disruption of mitochondrial function, and inhibition of cell migration. These findings suggest that the PR ethanolic fruit extract exerts substantial antiproliferative, antimigratory, and proapoptotic effects on HeLa cells. Consequently, the PR ethanolic fruit extract holds promise as a potential novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of cervical cancer.
Chemical Composition and Analgesic and Antidiabetic Activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides L
Authors: Drioua Soufiane , Ameggouz Mouna , Laabar Abdelmounaim , Aasfar Abderrahim , Faouzi Moulay El Abbes , Zahidi Ahmed , Ullah Riaz , Alotaibi Amal , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Zengin Gokhan , Balahbib Abdelaali , Benzied Hanane , Doukkali Anass
Published: November 2024

This study focuses on identifying active compounds within Chenopodium ambrosioides extracts and fractions, with a specific emphasis on their potential analgesic and antidiabetic properties. The motivation arises from the reported therapeutic effects of the plant and the desire to pinpoint the compounds responsible for these benefits. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry spectrophotometric analysis was employed to characterize chemical constituents in the aqueous extracts (infused aqueous extract and macerated aqueous extract) and fractions (cyclohexane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, butanol fraction, remaining aqueous fraction) of C. ambrosioides. Animal models were used to examine the analgesic activity, while α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase enzyme assays were used to investigate the antidiabetic effect. Throughout the investigation, several chemical families were found, including phenolic compounds, alcohols, acids, terpenes, steroids, and others. Trans‐ascaridol glycol, palmitic acid, phenol, octadecadienoic acid, isoascaridol, eicosanoic acid, 2‐methoxy‐4‐vinyl phenol, mexiletine, and thymol were among the significant chemicals found. At a dose of 500 mg/m, starting with α‐amylase inhibition, among the extracts, EAF (59 ± 0.7 μg/mL) showed the highest potency, followed by FA (129 ± 0.22 μg/mL), FB (140 ± 0.9 μg/mL), and EAM (178 ± 0.9 μg/mL). Interestingly, EAI demonstrated a relatively weak inhibition (430 ± 0.2 μg/mL), and no result was reported for FCH in this category. Regarding α‐glucosidase inhibition, the most potent activity was observed with EAM (1.4 ± 0.7 μg/mL), The other extracts demonstrated varying levels of inhibition, with EAI (4.4 ± 0.5 μg/mL) and EAF (140 ± 1.9 μg/mL) showing moderate activity. FA (25 ± 0.9 μg/mL) and FB (34 ± 0.3 μg/mL) exhibited lower inhibition compared to EAM but still outperformed acarbose in this test. The observed synergistic effects of phenolic compounds in Chenopodium ambrosioides provide insights into the biological properties contributing to its reported analgesic and antidiabetic effects. The study underscores the potential of natural plant products for pharmaceutical applications, especially in enzymatic inhibition. All things considered, these results add to the expanding corpus of information about substances originating from plants and their uses in industry and health.
Exploring the Chemical Space of Mycobacterial Oxidative Phosphorylation Inhibitors Using Molecular Modeling
Authors: Matar Islam K. , Dong Zhongmin , Matta Chérif F.
Published: November 2024

Mycobacteria are opportunistic intracellular pathogens that have plagued humans and other animals throughout history and still are today. They manipulate and hijack phagocytic cells of immune systems, enabling them to occupy this peculiar infection niche. Mycobacteria exploit a plethora of mechanisms to resist antimicrobials (e. g., waxy cell walls, efflux pumps, target modification, biofilms, etc.) thereby evolving into superbugs, such as extensively drug‐resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) bacilli and the emerging pathogenic Mycobacterium abscessus complex. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action of some of the surging antimycobacterial strategies. Exploiting the fact that mycobacteria are obligate aerobes and the differences between their oxidative phosphorylation pathways versus their human counterpart opens a promising avenue for drug discovery. The polymorphism of respiratory complexes across mycobacterial pathogens imposes challenges on the repositioning of antimycobacterial agents to battle the rise in nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. In silico strategies exploiting mycobacterial respiratory machinery data to design novel therapeutic agents are touched upon. The potential druggability of mycobacterial respiratory elements is reviewed. Future research addressing the health challenges associated with mycobacterial pathogens is discussed.
Hodgkin Lymphoma Presenting as Pel–Ebstein Fever: A Case Report
Authors: Shriwastav Ujjawal Kumar , Sundriyal Deepak , Kumar Parmod , Sehrawat Amit
Published: November 2024

Background

Prolonged fever of more than a year duration can be a symptom of underlying malignancy. This article appreciates the need for diligent history taking and carefully performed clinical examination, which is fundamental to reaching an initial diagnosis.

Case

We report the case of a middle‐aged male who presented to us with a fever of more than a year duration. The patient's residence was located in a remote area where the nearby tertiary care center was almost 250 km away. He was empirically treated with antibiotics without any success by local physicians. After more than a year, he reported to us and was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma with a characteristic Pel–Ebstein pattern of fever missed earlier by the local physicians. His fever resolved within 5 days of chemotherapy, and he achieved complete remission.

Conclusion

Meticulous history‐taking and clinical examination are essential for reaching a clinical diagnosis. Malignant causes should be considered in the differentials of prolonged fever.
Investor's ESG tendency probed by pre‐trained transformers
Authors: Li Chao , Keeley Alexander Ryota , Takeda Shutaro , Seki Daikichi , Managi Shunsuke
Published: November 2024

Due to climate change and social issues, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) solutions receive increased attention and emphasis. Being influential market leaders, investors wield significant power to persuade companies to prioritize ESG considerations. However, investors' preferences for specific ESG topics and changing trends in those preferences remain elusive. Here, we build a group of large language models with 128 million parameters, named classification pre‐trained transformers (CPTs), to extract the investors' tendencies toward 13 ESG‐related topics from their annual reports. Assisted by the CPT models with approximately 95% cross‐validation accuracy, more than 3000 annual reports released by globally 350 top investors during 2010–2021 are analyzed. Results indicate that although the investors show the strongest tendency toward the economic aspect in their annual reports, the emphasis is gradually reducing and shifting to environmental and social aspects. Nonfinancial investors like corporation and holding company investors prioritize environmental and social factors, whereas financial investors pay the most attention to governance risk. There are differences in patterns at the country level, for instance, Japan's investors show a greater focus on environmental and social factors than other major countries. Our findings suggest that investors are increasingly valuing sustainability in their decision‐making. Different investor businesses may encounter unique ESG challenges, necessitating individualized strategies. Companies should improve their ESG disclosures, which are increasingly focused on environmental and social issues, to meet investor expectations and bolster transparency.
Polymer Networks Assembled by Ruthenium Catalysts for Enhanced Water Splitting Performance in Calixarene Dye‐Sensitized Photoelectrochemical Cells
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Lin , Tan Li‐Lin , Liu Yang , Liu Jia‐Xin , Li Xin‐Ao , Liang Zi‐Zhan , Huang Jian‐Feng , Liu Jun‐Min
Published: November 2024

Metal‐free photosensitizers for the construction of low‐cost and eco‐friendly dye‐sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (DSPECs) have recently been greatly improved, but the optimization of water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) used in DSPECs based on metal‐free dyes has received little attention. Herein, a series of polymer networks (RuTPA, RuCz, RuPr and RuTz) assembled by ruthenium WOCs (RuCHO) with various organic donors are constructed and combined with calixarene dyes to prepare DSPEC devices. The FTO|TiO2|C4BTP+RuTPA photoanode shows the best performance with 85 % Faraday efficiency for oxygen production and 477 μA cm−2 photocurrent density after 200 s chopping irradiation at 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl, one of the highest records among other reported dye‐sensitized photoanodes. Compared to monomeric RuCHO, Ru‐based polymers with lower Ru content have higher activity and stability due to their rapid electron transfer and anti‐aggregation ability. Meanwhile, RuTPA loaded electrodes show better performance due to the lower overpotential of the water oxidation reaction caused by the higher electron donating ability of its donor. This pioneering work incorporates Ru polymer networks as WOCs into the calixarene‐sensitized DSPEC system, which has significant potential as a highly efficient and stable photoelectrochemical water splitting device.
A Five‐Level Boosting Inverter for Grid‐Tied Photovoltaic Application
Authors: Choudhary Ankita , Kumar Mandal Rajib
Published: November 2024

Grid‐tied photovoltaic (PV) systems using switched capacitor (SC) inverters face challenges related to efficiency, reliability, and power quality. Despite their simplicity and reduced need for passive components, these inverters often experience high voltage stress on switches, limited voltage gain, and significant power losses due to frequent switching operations. These issues can negatively impact the efficiency, lifespan, and cost‐effectiveness of PV systems—factors that are increasingly critical for sustainable energy solutions. To address these challenges, we present a cost‐effective five‐level SC‐based grid‐tied inverter for PV applications. The proposed inverter features seven power switches, a single SC, and one source, providing a two‐fold voltage boost. Additionally, a current control structure is incorporated to regulate synchronized grid current injection. This paper offers a detailed analysis of the inverter's specifications, control technique, PWM scheme, and loss calculations, along with comprehensive design recommendations for components. Furthermore, when compared to recent topologies, the proposed inverter demonstrates superior performance in terms of power devices, leakage current, and efficiency. The design is validated through Matlab simulations and a hardware prototype.
Comparative Plastome Analysis Between Endangered Mangrove Species Acanthus ebracteatus and Acanthus Relatives Provides Insights into Its Origin and Adaptive Evolution
Authors: Fang Zanshan , Li Danfeng , Murong Haien , He Meng , Liu Yuqi , Liu Jiaxuan , Wu Jiaxiao , Li Yingqi , Li Yongyu , Jin Xiang , Yang Yuchen , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2024

Acanthus ebracteatus is a typical true mangrove species with great ecological and medicinal values. However, it has become endangered in China. Moreover, because of the similar morphology and distribution, it is commonly confused with the congeneric mangrove species, A. ilicifolius, which poses challenges to the protection and proper medicinal utilization of A. ebracteatus. Plastomes provide a solution for molecular identification and adaptive evolution investigation of plants. In this study, we dissected the complete plastome for A. ebracteatus and performed comparative analysis to A. ilicifolius and three non‐mangrove relatives (A. montanus, A. leucostachyus and A. mollis). Both plastome sequences and structure are highly conserved between the two mangrove species, while less similar between mangrove and non‐mangrove species. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the mangrove species were divergent from the non‐mangrove groups at approximately 15.15 million years ago (Mya), where early to middle Miocene global warming and high sea level might act as one of the main forces driving the mangrove lineage entering into intertidal environments. Furthermore, 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 10 insertions/deletions (indels) were detected between the plastomes of A. ebracteatus and A. ilicifolius. PCR validation further demonstrated the effectiveness of the plastid marker in distinguishing the two sibling mangrove species. Taken together, our study broadens the understanding of the origin and evolution of Acanthus mangrove plants, and provided valuable information on the correct identification and protection of endangered mangrove species A. ebracteatus.
Maternal Androgens in Dominant Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) Reduce Juvenile Offspring Health and Survivorship
Authors: Smyth‐Kabay Kendra N. , Caruso Nicholas M. , Stonehill Alexandra C. , Clutton‐Brock Tim H. , Drea Christine M.
Published: November 2024

In oviparous vertebrates, maternal androgens can alter offspring immune function, particularly early in development, but the potential for negative health effects of maternal androgens in mammals remains unclear. We investigated the relation between maternal androgens, particularly in late gestation, and offspring health in the meerkat (Suricata suricatta) by comparing offspring from (a) normative dominant and subordinate matrilines, whose dams naturally express high versus lower circulating androgen concentrations, respectively, and (b) normative dominant and antiandrogen‐treated dominant matrilines, whose dams' androgen function was intact versus blocked owing to experimental antagonism of the latter's androgen receptors (using Flutamide). Foetal offspring thus experienced three different endocrine environments (‘high’, ‘lower’ and ‘blocked’ androgens) late in prenatal development. We assessed parasitism, immune function, sex steroid concentrations and survivorship in these three offspring groups, both during juvenility and early adulthood. The juvenile offspring of subordinate control and dominant treated dams generally had lower intensities of parasite infections and greater immune function than did their peers from dominant control dams—patterns not found in adult offspring, or in relation to the offspring's concurrent hormone concentrations. Survivorship to adulthood was greatest in the progeny of treated dams. Descendants of dominant female meerkats—those in the ‘high’ prenatal androgen category—suffered increased parasitism and decreased immunocompetence as juveniles, as well as reduced survivorship relative to antiandrogen‐exposed peers, providing evidence in mammals that maternal androgens can negatively impact offspring health and survival. These intergenerational, androgen‐mediated, health effects represent early costs imposed by female intrasexual competition and its associated selection pressures.
A continuum chemo‐mechano‐biological model for in‐stent restenosis with consideration of hemodynamic effects
Authors: Manjunatha Kiran , Ranno Anna , Shi Jianye , Schaaps Nicole , Nilcham Pakhwan , Cornelissen Anne , Vogt Felix , Behr Marek , Reese Stefanie
Published: November 2024

The occurrence of in‐stent restenosis following percutaneous coronary intervention highlights the need for the creation of computational tools that can extract pathophysiological insights and optimize interventional procedures on a patient‐specific basis. In light of this, a modeling framework encompassing the chemo‐mechano‐biological interactions in the arterial wall and the effects of hemodynamic perturbations is introduced in this work.
Microglia and Astrocytes in Postnatal Neural Circuit Formation
Authors: Duffy Abigayle S. , Eyo Ukpong B.
Published: November 2024

Over the past two decades, microglia and astrocytes have emerged as critical mediators of neural circuit formation. Particularly during the postnatal period, both glial subtypes play essential roles in orchestrating nervous system development through communication with neurons. These functions include regulating synapse elimination, modulating neuronal density and activity, mediating synaptogenesis, facilitating axon guidance and organization, and actively promoting neuronal survival. Despite the vital roles of both microglia and astrocytes in ensuring homeostatic brain development, the extent to which the postnatal functions of these cells are regulated by sex and the manner in which these glial cells communicate with one another to coordinate nervous system development remain less well understood. Here, we review the critical functions of both microglia and astrocytes independently and synergistically in mediating neural circuit formation, focusing our exploration on the postnatal period from birth to early adulthood.
ApoE Gene Polymorphism and Clinical, Biochemical, and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Alzheimer's Disease Patients From Northern and Southern Regions of Kazakhstan
Authors: Zholdasbekova Gulnaz , Kaiyrlykyzy Aiym , Kassenova Aliya , Alzhanova Dinara , Klyuev Dmitry , Askarova Sholpan
Published: November 2024

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia in seniors and is also one of the critical social issues of modern healthcare. Since AD is considered a multifactorial disease, the significance of particular risk factors in different ethnic populations is constantly reevaluated.

Method

The study group consisted of 181 patients with AD, and the control group included 244 healthy seniors comparable in sex and age to the dementia group. Our study compared clinical data, blood biochemical parameters, various sociodemographic characteristics, and ApoE gene polymorphism in patients diagnosed with AD from Kazakhstan's north (Astana city) and south (Almaty city) regions.

Results

In our cohort, significant dementia‐associated variables included smoking, clinically significant depression, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and liver dysfunction. Notably, AD patients had higher HDL levels, lower ALT levels, and higher total bilirubin and AST/ALT ratios. The ApoE ɛ4 genotype, a well‐known AD risk factor, was more prevalent in the northern AD group. Additionally, participants from Astana city had a higher incidence of strokes, potentially linked to elevated LDL levels, while Almaty city residents exhibited a higher prevalence of clinically severe depression.

Discussion

These findings underscore the importance of considering bio‐geographic and environmental factors in AD research. The study's outcomes may aid in further research and the development of personalized approaches for managing and treating AD in distinct geographical regions.
Unveiling Cancer: A Data‐Driven Approach for Early Identification and Prediction Using F‐RUS‐RF Model
Authors: Javeed Ashir , Anderberg Peter , Saleem Muhammad Asim , Ghazi Ahmad Nauman , Sanmartin Berglund Johan
Published: November 2024

Globally, cancer is the second‐leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease. To improve survival rates, risk factors and cancer predictors must be identified early. From the literature, researchers have developed several kinds of machine learning‐based diagnostic systems for early cancer prediction. This study presented a diagnostic system that can identify the risk factors linked to the onset of cancer in order to anticipate cancer early. The newly constructed diagnostic system consists of two modules: the first module relies on a statistical F‐score method to rank the variables in the dataset, and the second module deploys the random forest (RF) model for classification. Using a genetic algorithm, the hyperparameters of the RF model were optimized for improved accuracy. A dataset including 10 765 samples with 74 variables per sample was gathered from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC). The acquired dataset has a bias issue due to the extreme imbalance between the classes. In order to address this issue and prevent bias in the newly constructed model, we balanced the classes using a random undersampling strategy. The model's components are integrated into a single unit called F‐RUS‐RF. With a sensitivity of 92.25% and a specificity of 85.14%, the F‐RUS‐RF model achieved the highest accuracy of 86.15%, utilizing only six highly ranked variables according to the statistical F‐score approach. We can lower the incidence of cancer in the aging population by addressing the risk factors for cancer that the F‐RUS‐RF model found.
A solid waste with special surface wettability under‐liquid used for surfactant‐stabilized emulsion separation
Authors: Dong Yijun , Zhang Yu‐Ping , Tan Min , Liu Jun , Chen Haie , Yuan Pei
Published: November 2024

Inspired by the strong adsorption of oil and moisture for the ashes of mosquito‐repellent incense (MRI) in daily life, their potential application for the highly efficient separation of water‐in‐oil (W/O) and oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions was developed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy spectrometer (EDS) were used to determine the micromorphology and composition of the MRI ashes. The packed ashes were both superhydrophilicity/superoleophilicity in the air, and underwater superoleophobicity/under‐oil superhydrophobicity. Based on the special dual wettability of the ash layer, the resultant packed column was used for the efficient separation of O/W emulsions and the corresponding W/O emulsions, respectively. The separation flux of different types of O/W and W/O emulsions was over 2×104 L/m2h and their separation efficiencies were maintained at over 95%. The waste MRI ashes without any physical and chemical treatment provided a new idea for the selection of efficient separation materials.
Age‐Dependent Pathogenesis of Influenza A Virus H7N9 Mediated Through PB1‐F2‐Induced Mitochondrial DNA Release and Activation of cGAS‐STING‐NF‐κB Signaling
Authors: Cheung Pak‐Hin Hinson , Yuen Tin‐Long , Tang Tze‐Tung , Leung Ho‐Yin , Lee Terence Tak‐Wang , Chan Pearl , Cheng Yun , Fung Sin‐Yee , Ye Zi‐Wei , Chan Chi‐Ping , Jin Dong‐Yan
Published: November 2024

Exactly why human infection of avian influenza A virus H7N9 causes more severe disease in the elderly remains elusive. In this study, we found that H7N9 PB1‐F2 is a pathogenic factor in 15–18‐month‐old BALB/C mice (aged mice) but not in 6–8‐week‐old young adult mice (young mice). Recombinant influenza A virus with H7N9 PB1‐F2‐knockout was less pathogenic in aged mice as indicated with delayed weight loss. In contrast, survival of young mice infected with this virus was diminished. Furthermore, tissue damage, inflammation, proinflammatory cytokine and 2′3′‐cGAMP production in the lung were less pronounced in infected aged mice despite no change in viral titer. cGAS is known to produce 2′3′‐cGAMP to boost proinflammatory cytokine expression through STING‐NF‐κB signaling. We found that H7N9 PB1‐F2 promoted interferon β (IFNβ) and chemokine gene expression in cultured cells through the mitochondrial DNA‐cGAS‐STING‐NF‐κB pathway. H7N9 PB1‐F2 formed protein aggregate and caused mitochondrial cristae collapse, complex V‐dependent electron transport dysfunction, reverse electron transfer‐dependent oxidized mitochondrial DNA release to the cytoplasm and activation of cGAS‐STING‐NF‐κB signaling. PB1‐F2 N57 truncation, which is frequently observed in human circulating strains, mitigated H7N9 PB1‐F2‐mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and cGAS activation. In addition, we found that PB1‐F2 of pathogenic avian influenza viruses triggered more robust cGAS activation than their human‐adapted descendants. Our findings provide one explanation to age‐dependent pathogenesis of H7N9 infection.
A Herpes Simplex Virus Type‐1‐Derived Influenza Vaccine Induces Balanced Adaptive Immune Responses and Protects Mice From Lethal Influenza Virus Challenge
Authors: Rider Paul J. F. , Dulin Harrison , Uche Ifeanyi K. , McGee Michael C. , Huang Weishan , Kousoulas Konstantin G. , Hai Rong
Published: November 2024

Influenza virus is a major respiratory viral pathogen responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands worldwide each year. Current vaccines provide protection primarily by inducing strain‐specific antibody responses with the requirement of a match between vaccine strains and circulating strains. It has been suggested that anti‐influenza T‐cell responses, in addition to antibody responses may provide the broadest protection against different flu strains. Therefore, to address this urgent need, it is desirable to develop a vaccine candidate with an ability to induce balanced adaptive immunity including cell mediated immune responses. Here, we explored the potential of VC2, a well‐characterized Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 vaccine vector, as a live attenuated influenza vaccine candidate. We generated a recombinant VC2 virus expressing the influenza A hemagglutinin protein. We show that this virus is capable of generating potent and specific anti‐influenza humoral and cell‐mediated immune responses. We further show that a single vaccination with the VC2‐derived influenza vaccine protects mice from lethal challenge with influenza virus. Our data support the continued development of VC2‐derived influenza vaccines for protection of human populations from both seasonal and pandemic strains of influenza. Finally, our results support the potential of VC2‐derived vaccines as a platform for the rapid development of vaccines against emerging and established pathogens, particularly respiratory pathogens.
A case of double‐mutant resistant tinea indotineae
Authors: Koncan R. , Benini A. , Lo Cascio G. , Di Meo N. , Lepera V. , Palladino G. , Clemente L. , Barbone F. , Zalaudek I.
Published: November 2024

In recent years, there has been a concerning increase in a challenging‐to‐treat dermatophyte lineage of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex, known as Trichophyton indotineae. We report the first case of resistant T. indotineae bearing a double mutation in the squalene epoxidase gene (SQLE), isolated in Italy from a 26 ‐year‐old Nepali woman affected by a persistent tinea corporis. Topical terbinafine yielded minimal to no improvement while itraconazole provided partial relief but failed to eradicate the infection. Molecular identification through Sanger sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region confirmed T. indotineae and sequencing of the SQLE gene revealed the presence of a double mutation (Phe397Leu/Ala448Thr) associated with antifungal resistance. Broth microdilution susceptibility testing demonstrated resistance to fluconazole, but susceptibility to itraconazole. Ultimately complete cure was achieved with prolonged high‐dose itraconazole therapy.
Middle Ear microRNAs Drive Mucin Gene Response
Authors: Nahas Gabriel , Chen Yajun , Ningundi Apurva , Tercyak Samuel , Preciado Diego
Published: November 2024

Objective(s)

To investigate the role of microRNA‐378 (miR‐378) in the regulation of mucin gene expression and inflammatory response in human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEEC) during bacterial infection by non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi).

Methods

Human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEEC) were cultured and transfected with miR‐378 or control miRNA. Post‐transfection, cells were exposed to NTHi lysates. mRNA levels of MUC5B, MUC5AC, and IL‐8 were quantified using RT‐qPCR, and promoter activity was measured via luciferase assays. The effects of miR‐378 on mucin and cytokine gene expression were analyzed.

Results

Transfection with miR‐378 significantly increased the expression of MUC5B (3.6 fold, p < 0.01), MUC5AC (19.1 fold, p < 0.01), and IL‐8 (2.01 fold, p < 0.05) in HMEEC. NTHi exposure reduced MUC5B (1.385 fold, p < 0.05) and MUC5AC (1.61 fold, p < 0.05) gene expression in miR‐378 transfected cells but significantly increased IL‐8 levels (1.32 fold, p < 0.05). Luciferase assays showed that miR‐378 upregulated the promoter activity of MUC5B (1.4 fold, p < 0.01) and MUC5AC (1.6 fold, p < 0.01) genes, indicating its role in transcriptional regulation.

Conclusion

miR‐378 plays a crucial role in promoting mucin overproduction and an inflammatory response in the middle ear epithelium during OM. Targeting miR‐378 could offer a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing the progression from AOM to COM.

Level of Evidence

na Laryngoscope, 2024
Low‐Frequency Deep Brain Stimulation in Non‐Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Modifies Memory Retention in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Herz Damian M. , Blech Jenny , Winter Yaroslav , Gonzalez‐Escamilla Gabriel , Groppa Sergiu
Published: November 2024

Background and Objective

Memory impairment is a frequent and debilitating symptom in neurodegenerative disorders. The objective of this study was to provide proof‐of‐principle that deep brain stimulation during sleep can modify memory consolidation in people with Parkinson's disease depending on the stimulation frequency that is applied.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with Parkinson's disease who were treated with deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus were included in this single‐blind pilot study. Six patients had to be excluded because of insomnia on the night of testing. Patients were randomized (1:1 ratio) to receiving either low frequency deep brain stimulation (4 Hz) or clinically used high frequency deep brain stimulation (130 Hz) during early non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. The main outcome measure was overnight memory retention as measured by a validated declarative memory task.

Results

Patients receiving low frequency deep brain stimulation during early NREM sleep (n = 9, 4 females, mean age 61.1 ± 4.3 years) showed improved overnight memory retention (z = 2.549, P = 0.011). Patients receiving clinically used high frequency deep brain stimulation (n = 9, 2 females, mean age 62.2 ± 7.1) did not show any improvement (z = 1.023, P = 0.306) leading to a significant difference between groups (z = 2.214, P = 0.027). Stronger improvement in memory function was correlated with increased cortical low frequency activity after low frequency deep brain stimulation as measured by electroencephalography (ρ = 0.711, P = 0.037).

Conclusion

These results provide proof‐of‐principle that memory can be modulated by frequency‐specific deep brain stimulation during sleep. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Disaster‐Related Wound Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Shu Qin , Zhang Xiang , Yuan Yitong , Li Zhifang , Ren Wei , Chen Beijing , Xie Fei , Hu Guangyun
Published: November 2024

Aim

To better understand the research status and demand of society on disaster‐related wound care.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

A systematic search and screening was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, WHO Guidelines, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, MEDLINE and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) Database, and 31 articles were selected from 244 articles for critique and synthesis.

Results

Existing disaster‐related wound care research lacks a systematic review. In numerous nations, the technology and administration of disaster‐related wound care for Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) are still nascent, the responsibilities are ambiguous, and there is a shortage of wound professionals. Current critical issues include the following: (1) inadequate strategies for enhanced orderly management of disaster‐related wounds, particularly in an emergency setting and (2) lack of associations and organisations responsible for promoting research and development of catastrophe‐related wound care proliferation strategies in disaster wound care.

Conclusion

There is still a lack of understanding regarding effective organisation and scientific implementation of disaster‐related wound care. More research should be carried out, focusing on the formulation of guidelines and continuous training, so as to promote the standardisation of disaster‐related wound care in the future.
Initial psychotropic prescriptions and symptom associations in first‐visit patients with major depressive disorder: A single‐center cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ishihara Yugo , Sugawara Norio , Kawamata Yasushi , Yasui‐Furukori Norio
Published: November 2024

Aim

There are limited reports regarding psychotropic prescriptions in first‐visit patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The objective of this study is to clarify the prescription patterns of psychotropics and their association with symptoms among first‐visit patients with MDD in Japan.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional analysis, we examined 376 first‐visit patients diagnosed with MDD. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Japanese version (QIDS‐J). To assess personality traits, we administered the Japanese version of the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI‐J), and psychotic symptoms were evaluated using the PRIME Screen‐Revised (PS‐J).

Results

Among the first‐visit patients with MDD, 31.4% (118/376) were prescribed antidepressants, and 18.1% (68/376) received benzodiazepines. Overall, 40.2% (151/376) of the patients were prescribed at least one psychotropic medication. In a multivariate logistic regression model using the forced entry method, missing data on educational attainment and the view of myself domain of the QIDS‐J were negatively associated, while the concentration/decision‐making domain of the QIDS‐J was positively associated with antidepressant prescription.

Conclusion

More than half of the first‐visit patients did not receive any psychotropic medication. Psychiatrists appear to consider specific symptoms and personality traits when deciding whether to prescribe medications, which may also be influenced by patient preferences. Further studies, including longitudinal analyses, are needed to explore these associations in more detail.
Informing proactive wildfire management that benefits vulnerable communities and ecological values
Authors: Lacey L. Mae , Suraci Justin P. , Littlefield Caitlin E. , Busse Blake S. , Dickson Brett G.
Published: November 2024

In response to mounting wildfire risks, land managers across the country will need to dramatically increase proactive wildfire management (e.g. fuel and forest health treatments). While human communities vary widely in their vulnerability to the impacts of fire, these discrepancies have rarely informed prioritizations for wildfire mitigation treatments. The ecological values and ecosystem services provided by forests have also typically been secondary considerations.

To identify locations across the conterminous US where proactive wildfire management is likely to be effective at reducing wildfire severity and to yield co‐benefits for vulnerable communities and ecological values, we developed a set of spatial models that estimated wildfire mitigation potential (based on wildfire hazard and biophysical forest conditions) and either included or excluded information on vulnerable human communities, ecological values and ecosystem services. We then compared areas with high wildfire mitigation potential alone to refined ‘focal areas’ that overlaid social and ecological considerations to quantify the potential benefits of targeted wildfire mitigation treatments.

Inclusion of social and ecological considerations substantially increased representation of vulnerable communities and ecological values in focal areas relative to the model that considered wildfire alone. For instance, restoration in these refined focal areas would cover 28% greater imperilled species richness, 45% greater water importance and 26% more families falling below the poverty line.

By examining overlap between our refined focal areas and U.S. Forest Service top ranked firesheds (a prominent existing wildfire prioritization scheme), we show that our analysis can help to target wildfire mitigation efforts within firesheds to areas with particularly high social vulnerability and/or ecological value, providing an important compliment to a prioritization scheme based largely on risk to structures.

Our results highlight the importance of considering ecological and social factors when implementing wildfire mitigation treatments and provide actionable guidance for integrating these considerations into existing prioritizations.

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A Biolayer Interferometry‐Based SARS‐COV‐2 Mpro‐Targeted Active Ingredients Recognition System: Construction and Application in Ligand Screening From Herbal Medicines
Authors: Zhang Dai , Han Bing , Chen Xiao‐Fei , Zhao Shuai , Li Wei‐Xia , Zhang Hui , Zhang Ming‐Liang , Huo Meng‐Qi , Qiu Yong‐Sheng , Ren Ying‐Jie , Zhang Yao‐Dong , Ren Xian‐Qing , Wang Wei , Tang Jin‐Fa
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Drug discovery research targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 and other emerging pathogens remains critically important. Active compounds derived from plants frequently serve as lead compounds for further drug discovery; however, numerous unrelated chemical constituents in crude extracts may obscure the effective ingredients in LC‐MS analysis.

Objective

The aim of this study is to construct a biolayer interferometry (BLI)‐based system for recognizing active ingredients that inhibit the main protease (Mpro) of SARS‐CoV‐2 and to identify the active chemical components binding to Mpro from herbal medicines.

Methodology

We developed a novel FRET fluorogenic probe by linking the amino acid sequences of the fluorescent proteins Lssmorange and mKate2 (Ls‐mK). The interaction between traditional Chinese medicine and Mpro was analyzed using BLI. Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF‐MS) was employed to analyze the composition of herbal medicines.

Results

Fluorescence detection and spectroscopy confirmed the successful construction of an Mpro inhibitor screening system. Lanqin Oral Liquid (LQL) and Gardeniae fructus exhibited strong inhibitory effects on Mpro. Ten compounds were identified from G. fructus extracts; among them, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester (DAAME) and Gardoside were found to strongly bind to Mpro, with dissociation constants (KD) of 3.41 μM and 801 nM, respectively. The half‐maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of DAAME and Gardoside for Mpro were 27.46 and 13.7 μM, respectively.

Conclusion

This study established a functional Mpro inhibitor screening system. Among the 10 components identified from G. fructus that bind to Mpro, DAAME and Gardoside displayed strong binding and inhibitory activity, indicating their potential as lead compounds for inhibiting SARS‐CoV‐2 viral replication.
Remediation Efficiency and Influencing Factors of PAHs‐Contaminated Soil by a Dielectric Barrier Discharge Reactor: DBD System Parameters, Soil Characteristics, and Microbial Properties
Authors: Ma Yichi , Gao Xiaolong , Li Aoran , Zhang Ben , Xiao Bing , Wang Weiran , Mei Jing , Jia Jianli
Published: November 2024

The efficiency and influencing factors during PAH‐polluted soil remediation by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) low‐temperature plasma technology are investigated in this study. Gas chromatography, microbial community structure analysis, and response surface analysis were used to optimize suitable remediation processing factors. The degradation rates of phenanthrene and benzo[a]pyrene reached 94.37% and 86.53%, respectively, at an initial concentration of 100.00 mg/kg, whereas optimal parameters for the system were identified as 130 V for voltage, 160 Hz for frequency, 0.60 L/min for gas flow rate, and 40 min for discharge time. Comprehensively, DBD plasma is an efficient, low‐energy, and sustainable remediation technology according to the energy consumption calculation and comparison with the relevant literature.
Dynamic Exchange‐Correlation Effects on Coulomb Drag in Coupled Nanowires
Authors: Rani Preeti , Garg Vinayak , Moudgil Rajinder Kumar
Published: November 2024

In this article, a study is done on the dynamic exchange‐correlation effects on Coulomb drag in coupled electron–electron (e–e) and electron–hole (e–h) nanowires fabricated on ‐based heterostructures. The drag rate is calculated over a wide range of temperature (T), particle number density parameter (), and inter‐wire separation (d) using the dynamic mean‐field theory of Hasegawa and Shimizu, known as the qSTLS theory. It is found that at a fixed T, the drag rate increases with an increase (or decrease) in (or d) and exhibits a peaked structure at sufficiently high T for both the coupled systems. The formation of peak in drag rate is explained by showing the variation of drag intensity function and dynamic local‐fields with T and . As anticipated, the drag is higher for the e–h nanowire system as compared to the e–e system due to stronger particle correlations in the former. It is asserted that the dynamics of particle correlations is crucial and more conspicuous at higher , leading to a significant reduction in drag compared to the STLS theory. Finally, the plasmon dispersion of both systems is reported and it is noted that there exist four plasma modes — two optic and two acoustic, and the energy of all modes shows a consistent blue shift with rise in T. However, as d is decreased, the uppermost optic and acoustic plasma modes seem to repel each other, while they gain in energy with an increase in in each of the coupled system.
Soil Health to Enhance Ecological Restoration and Conservation
Authors: Raupp Paola , Carrillo Yolima , Nielsen Uffe N.
Published: November 2024

Ecological restoration has gained increased attention to combat the global biodiversity and habitat loss driven by human activities and climate change. To address these impacts, restoration efforts apply interventions aimed at recovering native ecosystems on degraded lands. However, they tend to centre on vegetation‐based interventions, with limited attention to aboveground and belowground linkages. Soil health, including its physicochemical, biological and functional attributes, is fundamental to ecosystem resilience and sustainability, provision of services, and human well‐being. This synthesis explores how a deeper understanding of soil‐vegetation interactions can support restoration and conservation efforts. We discuss how restoration interventions can be applied from early to later stages of restoration, future directions and novel approaches that target aboveground and belowground processes to promote soil health and successful plant community establishment. We propose that integrating practices that explicitly consider linkages among vegetation, soil properties and biota can lead to more effective restoration outcomes and the establishment of resilient, self‐sustaining ecosystems.
Quantum Chemical, Molecular Docking, and Dynamics Simulation Studies of 2,6‐Pyridinedimethanol
Authors: Fatima Aysha , Siddiqui Nazia , Saral A. , Shahid Mudassar , Javed Saleem
Published: November 2024

An experimental and theoretical analysis of 2,6‐pyridinedimethanol (2,6‐PDM) is presented here. The DFT and B3LYP methods with a 6–311++G (d,p)basis set were applied to obtain theoretical results. The molecular structure of the monomer and dimer were enhanced. The estimated and measured geometrical characteristics and spectrum were analyzed and were demonstrated to be in close agreement with one another. MEP and Fukui functions gave details about reactive areas and charge distribution of the molecule. The techniques of the Hirshfeld method and fingerprint graphs were carried out to investigate the intermolecular relationship of crystalline surfaces. Docking studies were carried out on 1BX4, 2BBW, 2I6B, 4O1L, 6TA0, and TB8H proteins, and drug similarity was also determined via the drug‐likeness properties. The stability and interaction of ligands with receptors have been studied with molecular dynamics simulation.
Development and Characterization of New Cannabidiol‐Loaded Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles for Increased Bioavailability
Authors: Ediz Emre Fatih , Demirel Kars Meltem , Çetin Kemal
Published: November 2024

The potential therapeutic applications of herbal cannabidiol (CBD) extend to various health conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, insomnia, and anxiety. However, the practical use of CBD for medicinal purposes is hindered by its high lipophilicity, bioavailability and dosing. To overcome this, CBD was encapsulated in the biodegradable and biocompatible polymer polycaprolactone (PCL) ensuring prolonged release. Ultrasonication and oil‐in‐water emulsion were employed to fabricate PCL nanoparticles (NPs), and at optimal conditions, different amounts of CBD were encapsulated within PCL NPs. Morphological and physicochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles were evaluated via FE‐SEM, STEM, zeta sizer, HPLC, FT‐IR and DSC analyses. The blank and CBD‐loaded NPs exhibited mean particle diameters in between 207.5 nm and 227.7 nm with charges ranging −23.37 and −9.40 mV. The stabilities of the NPs were evaluated for 4‐day period and NPs are found to be stable in terms of size and zeta potential. Release kinetics of CBD‐loaded NPs were found to fit Zero‐order kinetic model at pH 1.2 and Higuchi kinetic model at pH 7.4. The internalization of NPs into fibroblast cells was depicted using fluorescence microscopy. The effect of CBD and NPs‐4 on the proliferation of the fibroblast and breast cancer cells were demonstrated. The results clearly indicate that the NP formulation reduced the toxic effects of CBD on both cell types. The findings suggest the potential application of innovative NPs as carriers for sustained release of CBD to be used in new formulations.
Structural, Dielectric, and Electrical Properties of Chitosan Composites Doped with Silver for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Ayhan Nagihan Karaaslan , Torgut Gulben
Published: November 2024

In this study, chitosan‐silver (Chs‐Ag) composites containing Ag in different concentrations (0.01–0.08 M) were prepared. The characterization and structure studies of the composites containing 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 M Ag were carried out, and then the dielectric properties of these composites were examined. The composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The dielectric and electrical properties of these composites were investigated depending on the frequency at room temperature, and these properties were determined using an impedance analyzer. Spectroscopy revealed that the dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε′′), and real (Z′) and imaginary (Z″) components of impedance are found to decrease with increased frequency for both Chs and Chs‐Ag (0.01M–0.08 M) composites. On the contrary, the AC conductivity (σac) of samples increased with increasing frequency. ε′ and ε′′ values of Chs were lower than when the Ag was added. The AC conductivity was improved by the addition of silver particles. The results show that the dielectric and electrical properties of Chs‐Ag samples were improved by using Ag as filler.