bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bee Venom Induces the Interaction between Phosphorylated Histone Variant, H2AX, and the Intracellular Site of beta‐Actin in Liver and Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Tetikoğlu Sinan , Çelik‐Uzuner Selcen
Published: May 2023

Bee venom is a natural mixture and candidate anti‐cancer agent with selective cytotoxic effect on some cancer cells. However, the cellular mechanisms of how bee venom selectively targets cancer cells remain elusive. The aim of this study was to reveal the genotoxic effect of bee venom in concordance with the location of β‐actin protein throughout the nucleus or/and cytoplasm. For this aim, the level of H2AX phosphorylation (γH2AX) and intracellular location of β‐actin were assessed by immunofluorescence in liver (HEPG2) and metastatic breast (MDA‐MB‐231) cancer cell lines compared to normal fibroblasts (NIH3T3) after bee venom treatment. Colocalisation profiles of γH2AX and β‐actin in each cell line were also analysed. The results showed that the levels of γH2AX staining decreased in normal cells but increased in cancer cells. The majority of β‐actin was localised within the cytoplasm of normal cells after bee venom treatment, but it was mostly accumulated within the nucleus in cancer cells. Colocalisation of β‐actin and γH2AX both in nucleus and cytoplasm was induced in each cancer cell by different patterns. The results showed that normal and cancerous cells had different responses against bee venom, and suggested that bee venom induced a cellular response by the interaction between γH2AX and β‐actin.
Energy and Chemicals Production from Coal‐based Technologies: A Review
Authors: Rashid Muhammad Imran , Isah Umar Abdullahi , Athar Muhammad , Benhelal Emad
Published: May 2023

Coal, a solid fossil fuel, consists of organic and inorganic matter. Its complex structure contains fused aromatic moieties, constituting a three‐dimensional macromolecular coal structure network. More efficient utilisation technologies are required to ensure coal becomes a considerably cleaner source of energy in the future. Due to the increase in energy, liquid fuels, and combustible gas demands, coal utilisation is necessary for some developing countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, and India. Furthermore, coal is globally being used to produce liquid fuels and combustible gases. The benefits and drawbacks of various Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis catalysts are discussed. For clean coal carbonisation, blends of coal and biomass, which are the current trends in decarbonising the coal industries, should be adopted and the chemistry of coal carbonisation should be investigated further, especially the phenomenon that occurs at the plastic layer (300–550 °C). In addition, the clean co‐gasification technology presented in this work could be adopted and successfully implemented through government and industry initiatives to study and test coal/biomass for co‐gasification and advanced modelling and simulation of the co‐gasification plant.
Combined removal experiment of multiple impurities from W/O emulsions under high frequency pulsed electric field: Study on laws of desalination, decalcification, and deacidification
Authors: Sun Zhiqian , Li Wangqing , Wang Xiaolei , Li Ning , Qi Zhuang , Weng Shuo
Published: May 2023

Electrocoalescence is widely used to dehydrate crude oil, but impurities in crude oil are extremely complex, which greatly weaken the effect of dehydration. To understand the coupling law of various impurities, a static demulsification experiment was conducted under a high frequency and high voltage pulsed electric field to investigate the effects of electric field parameters (voltage, frequency, pulse width ratio), emulsification strength, electrocoalescence time, water content, acid value, injection alkali ratio, calcium content, decalcification agent concentration and removal process on desalination, decalcification, and deacidification. The results showed that the desalination and decalcification rates varied synchronously with the electric field parameters and water content. Additionally, the desalination and decalcification rates decreased with the emulsification strength, alkali injection ratio, acid value, and calcium content. Further, they increased first and then decreased with decalcifier concentration. The deacidification rate did not vary with the electric field parameters, but it strengthened with the water content and alkali injection ratio. Conversely, it decreased with the acid value, calcium content, and decalcifier concentration. Additionally, it increased first and then decreased with the emulsification intensity. The best removal procedure is deacidification followed by decalcification. These findings are helpful to achieve the combined removal of various impurities in crude oil.
Interaction of lactate/albumin and geriatric nutritional risk index on the all‐cause mortality of elderly patients with critically ill heart failure: A cohort study
Authors: Chen Wanli , Chen Meixia , Qiao Xiao
Published: May 2023

Background

Whether there is a multiplicative interaction of lactate/albumin (L/A) ratio and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) on the mortality of critically ill elderly patients with heart failure (HF) remains unclear.

Hypothesis

To assess the interaction of L/A ratio and GNRI on the all‐cause mortality in critically ill elderly patients with HF.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study and data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC‐III) database. The endpoints were 28‐day and 1‐year all‐cause mortality, and the independent variables were L/A ratio and GNRI. The multiplicative interaction of L/A ratio and GNRI on the mortality was examined using Cox proportional‐hazards model.

Results

A total of 5627 patients were finally included. Results showed that patients with higher L/A ratio or GNRI ≤ 58 had higher risk of 28‐day and 1‐year all‐cause mortality (all p < .01). We also found the significant multiplicative interaction effect between L/A ratio and GNRI score on the 28‐day and 1‐year all‐cause mortality (both p < .05). The increased L/A ratio was associated with higher risk of 28‐day and 1‐year all‐cause mortality in patients with GNRI ≤ 58 than those with GNRI > 58.

Conclusions

There was a multiplicative interaction effect between L/A ratio and GNRI score on the mortality, and low GNRI score was associated with the increased risk of all‐cause mortality with the increase of L/A ratio, suggesting the importance of nutrition‐oriented intervention in critically ill elderly HF patients with high L/A ratio.
A Half‐Sandwich Ruthenium(II) (N^N) Complex: Inducing Immunogenic Melanoma Cell Death in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Xu Zhishan , Xu Mengke , Wu Xueya , Guo Sheng , Tian Zhongwei , Zhu Di , Yang Jixuan , Fu Jiyun , Li Xi , Song Guozhen , Liu Zhe , Song Xiangfeng
Published: May 2023

Efficacy of clinical chemotherapeutic agents depends not only on direct cytostatic and cytotoxic effects but also involves in eliciting (re)activation of tumour immune effects. One way to provoke long‐lasting antitumour immunity is coined as immunogenic cell death (ICD), exploiting the host immune system against tumour cells as a “second hit”. Although metal‐based antitumour complexes hold promise as potential chemotherapeutic agents, ruthenium (Ru)‐based ICD inducers remain sparse. Herein, we report a half‐sandwich complex Ru(II) bearing aryl‐bis(imino) acenaphthene chelating ligand with ICD inducing properties for melanoma in vitro and in vivo. Complex Ru(II) displays strong anti‐proliferative potency and potential cell migration inhibition against melanoma cell lines. Importantly, complex Ru(II) drives the multiple biochemical hallmarks of ICD in melanoma cells, i. e., the elevated expression of calreticulin (CRT), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), Hsp70 and secretion of ATP, followed by the decreased expression of phosphorylation of Stat3. In vivo the inhibition of tumour growth in prophylactic tumour vaccination model further confirms that mice with complex Ru(II)‐treated dying cells lead to activate adaptive immune responses and anti‐tumour immunity by the activation of ICD in melanoma cells. Mechanisms of action studies show that complex Ru(II)‐induced ICD could be associated with mitochondrial damage, ER stress and impairment of metabolic status in melanoma cells. We believe that the half‐sandwich complex Ru(II) as an ICD inducer in this work will help to design new half‐sandwich Ru‐based organometallic complexes with immunomodulatory response in melanoma treatments.
Ni‐rich Cathode Materials for High‐performance Li‐ion Batteries: Challenges, Progress and Perspectives
Authors: He Junnan , Yang Mei , Wang Jiangyan , Yu Ranbo , Wang Dan
Published: May 2023

Ni‐rich layered ternary oxides are considered as one of optimal cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries because of high energy density and low raw material cost. However, their local structural defect, microstructural destruction and poor interfacial stability deteriorate the specific energy density, lifespan and safety of batteries. Therefore, understanding the root cause of failure and clarifying their relationship in depth can pave the way to promoting the modification and application of Ni‐rich cathode materials (NRCM). In this review, the chain‐like failure of NRCM triggered by multiple‐scaled structure variations are systematically analyzed based on their fundamental characteristic. Subsequently, current tailoring strategies of NRCM at different size scales are especially discussed. Finally, along with the concluding remarks and remaining challenges, the future development possibilities are discussed to stimulate the commercialization of NRCM.
A novel self‐adaptive hybrid slime mould naked mole‐rat algorithm for numerical optimization and energy‐efficient wireless sensor network
Authors: Singh Supreet , Singh Urvinder
Published: May 2023

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is made up of widely spaced nodes inside the sensor field. Clustering is an effective data collection approach that lowers energy consumption by organizing nodes into groups. So, choosing the right cluster head (CH) and employing an effective routing protocol is required to prolong the lifetime of WSNs. This paper develops a novel self‐adaptive hybrid slime mould naked mole‐rat algorithm (SM‐NMRA) based on the hybridization of the slime mould algorithm (SMA) and naked mole‐rat algorithm (NMRA) to solve the above‐said problem of WSN. The new approach integrates SMA's wrap food abilities with NMRA to improve the working capabilities of the original NMRA. A new stagnation phase inspired by the grey wolf optimizer and cuckoo search algorithms has been integrated to handle the local optima stagnation problem. In addition, self‐adaptivity has been added for SM‐NMRA's parameters. Here, the performance of SM‐NMRA is evaluated for CEC 2005 and CEC 2014 numerical test suites. The statistical outcomes along with Freidman's test, Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test, and convergence profiles validate the superior performance of SM‐NMRA. The proposed clustering protocol for efficient CH selection in WSN using SM‐NMRA outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art techniques with improved network lifespan and reduced energy consumption.
An artificial intelligence approach for energy‐aware intrusion detection and secure routing in internet of things‐enabled wireless sensor networks
Authors: Aruchamy Prasanth , Gnanaselvi Sabeena , Sowndarya Devi , Naveenkumar Pushpalatha
Published: May 2023

In today's world, the Internet of things (IoT) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been integrated into various applications to support reliable communication systems. The IoT nodes collect the sensed data with the aid of WSN and transfer them to the cloud environment. Nevertheless, these nodes become vulnerable when Denial of Service attacks occurred in the IoT‐enabled WSN (IWSN). The insecure route also affects the energy efficiency of IWSN. Therefore, robust intrusion detection along with secure routing is necessitated to protect the IWSN from various security threats. In this paper, a novel Artificial Intelligence‐based Energy‐aware Intrusion Detection and Secure Routing model has been proposed to develop a secured IWSN. Initially, the proposed model executes the intrusion detection system to identify the various attacks. Afterward, a game strategy‐based decision mechanism is integrated with the proposed intrusion detection model to decide whether protection is needed or not. In the last phase, an energy‐aware ad‐hoc on‐demand distance vector algorithm has been established to offer secured routing among multiple nodes. The performance results show that the proposed model achieves superior detection accuracy of 95% and reduced energy utilization of 38% as compared with the existing intrusion detection models.
Do investors incorporate financial materiality? Remapping the environmental information in corporate sustainability reporting
Authors: Xie Jun , Tanaka Yoshitaka , Keeley Alexander Ryota , Fujii Hidemichi , Managi Shunsuke
Published: May 2023

Although the consideration of financial materiality is important for securing shareholders' interests, the degree of financial materiality that is considered for existing sustainability ratings is still questionable. In this study, we hand‐mapped the financial materiality of environmental information based on Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) industry‐specific accounting metrics to reassess environmental performance. Based on the SASB‐based environmental score, we tested whether investors price environmental risk. The results show significant pricing anomalies related to environmental risk. Companies with lower SASB‐based environmental scores experience higher environmental risk. Additionally, a premium in the cross‐section of stock returns compensates for this risk. Our findings suggest that integrating financial materiality based on the SASB could be an effective way to capture corporate environmental risk.
Neddylation inhibition sensitises renal medullary carcinoma tumours to platinum chemotherapy
Authors: Shapiro Daniel D. , Zacharias Niki Millward , Tripathi Durga N. , Karki Menuka , Bertocchio Jean‐Philippe , Soeung Melinda , He Rong , Westerman Mary E. , Gao Jianjun , Rao Priya , Lam Truong N. A. , Jonasch Eric , Perelli Luigi , Cheng Emily H. , Carugo Alessandro , Heffernan Timothy P. , Walker Cheryl L. , Genovese Giannicola , Tannir Nizar M. , Karam Jose A. , Msaouel Pavlos
Published: May 2023

Background

Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a highly aggressive cancer in need of new therapeutic strategies. The neddylation pathway can protect cells from DNA damage induced by the platinum‐based chemotherapy used in RMC. We investigated if neddylation inhibition with pevonedistat will synergistically enhance antitumour effects of platinum‐based chemotherapy in RMC.

Methods

We evaluated the IC50 concentrations of the neddylation‐activating enzyme inhibitor pevonedistat in vitro in RMC cell lines. Bliss synergy scores were calculated using growth inhibition assays following treatment with varying concentrations of pevonedistat and carboplatin. Protein expression was assessed by western blot and immunofluorescence assays. The efficacy of pevonedistat alone or in combination with platinum‐based chemotherapy was evaluated in vivo in platinum‐naïve and platinum‐experienced patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models of RMC.

Results

The RMC cell lines demonstrated IC50 concentrations of pevonedistat below the maximum tolerated dose in humans. When combined with carboplatin, pevonedistat demonstrated a significant in vitro synergistic effect. Treatment with carboplatin alone increased nuclear ERCC1 levels used to repair the interstrand crosslinks induced by platinum salts. Conversely, the addition of pevonedistat to carboplatin led to p53 upregulation resulting in FANCD2 suppression and reduced nuclear ERCC1 levels. The addition of pevonedistat to platinum‐based chemotherapy significantly inhibited tumour growth in both platinum‐naïve and platinum‐experienced PDX models of RMC (p < .01).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that pevonedistat synergises with carboplatin to inhibit RMC cell and tumour growth through inhibition of DNA damage repair. These findings support the development of a clinical trial combining pevonedistat with platinum‐based chemotherapy for RMC.
NSUN2‐mediated m5C RNA methylation dictates retinoblastoma progression through promoting PFAS mRNA stability and expression
Authors: Zuo Sipeng , Li Lin , Wen Xuyang , Gu Xiang , Zhuang Ai , Li Rui , Ye Fuxiang , Ge Shengfang , Fan Xianqun , Fan Jiayan , Chai Peiwei , Lu Linna
Published: May 2023

Background

The precise temporal and spatial regulation of N5‐methylcytosine (m5C) RNA modification plays essential roles in RNA metabolism, and is necessary for the maintenance of epigenome homeostasis. Howbeit, the mechanism underlying the m5C modification in carcinogenesis remains to be fully addressed.

Methods

Global and mRNA m5C levels were determined by mRNA isolation and anti‐m5C dot blot in both retinoblastoma (RB) cells and clinical samples. Orthotopic intraocular xenografts were established to examine the oncogenic behaviours of RB. Genome‐wide multiomics analyses were performed to identify the functional target of NSUN2, including proteomic analysis, transcriptome screening and m5C‐methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (m5C‐meRIP‐seq). Organoid‐based single‐cell analysis and gene‐correlation analysis were performed to verify the NSUN2/ALYREF/m5C‐PFAS oncogenic cascade.

Results

Herein, we report that NSUN2‐mediated m5C RNA methylation fuels purine biosynthesis during the oncogenic progression of RB. First, we discovered that global and mRNA m5C levels were significantly enriched in RBs compared to normal retinas. In addition, tumour‐specific NSUN2 expression was noted in RB samples and cell lines. Therapeutically, targeted correction of NSUN2 exhibited efficient therapeutic efficacy in RB both in vitro and in vivo. Through multiomics analyses, we subsequently identified phosphoribosylformylglycinamidine synthase (PFAS), a vital enzyme in purine biosynthesis, as a downstream candidate target of NSUN2. The reintroduction of PFAS largely reversed the inhibitory phenotypes in NSUN2‐deficient RB cells, indicating that PFAS was a functional downstream target of NSUN2. Mechanistically, we found that the m5C reader protein ALYREF was responsible for the recognition of the m5C modification of PFAS, increasing its expression by enhancing its RNA stability.

Conclusions

Conclusively, we initially demonstrated that NSUN2 is necessary for oncogenic gene activation in RB, expanding the current understanding of dynamic m5C function during tumour progression. As the NSUN2/ALYREF/m5C‐PFAS oncogenic cascade is an important RB trigger, our study suggests that a targeted m5C reprogramming therapeutic strategy may be a novel and efficient anti‐tumour therapy approach.
A multi‐omics perspective of CAR T cell therapy
Authors: Yang Jingwen , Chen Yamei , Han Leng
Published: May 2023

As omics technologies, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, T cell receptor‐repertorie profiling, proteomics, metabolomics and microbiomics, have provided valuable insights into CAR T cell therapy, in our recent review, we discuss these multidimensional profiling technologies in CAR T cell research, and their potential to identify tumor‐specific antigens and molecular characteristics associated with anti‐tumour effects and toxicities.
Factors Effecting and Structural Engineering of Molybdenum Nitride‐Based Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting: A Critical Review
Authors: Mahmood Asim , Khan Saraf , Rahayu Farida , Shah Anwar Ul Haq Ali , Rahman Ata Ur , Muhammad Taj , Khan Adnan , Ullah Nabi
Published: May 2023

The advancement of spotless hydrogen energy generation is being accelerated by the advancement in nonprecious electrocatalysts for effective hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and overall water splitting. In this review, the main focus is given to the most significant innovations in the surface topography, morphological shape, size distribution, and electrocatalytic functionality of highly engineered molybdenum nitride catalysts, equal to or even better than state‐of‐the‐art electrocatalyst for HER and OER. Different morphological or interfacial engineering techniques, such as in situ electrospinning, topochemical methods, and classic chemical methods for synthesizing nonprecious molybdenum nitride electrocatalysts, are extensively covered. Molybdenum nitrides are discovered the excellent electrocatalyst, and the factors that can improve its electrocatalytic properties, such as morphological tuning, controlled geometrical composition, pH effect, hybrid and electronic structures, the effect of temperature, and effects of active sites, are comprehensively discussed.
Meeting the challenges of educating internal evaluators
Authors: Lam Chi Yan , Kuji‐Shikatani Keiko , Love Arnold
Published: May 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic and its related health, social, economic and geopolitical shocks have greatly increased the demand for internal evaluation as a way of helping organizations, especially those in the public sector, adapt to ongoing challenges and new realities. To help meet the demand, this chapter discusses the recent trend to educate managers, front‐line supervisors and other organization professionals to be nonspecialist internal evaluators—individuals who are not evaluation specialists. Three experienced internal evaluators and educators share real‐world examples of their successful strategies for educating nonspecialist internal evaluators. They conclude with a discussion of lessons learned and suggestions for the road ahead.
Setting the stage for critically defined and responsive evaluator education and training
Authors: LaVelle John M. , Neubauer Leah C. , Boyce Ayesha S. , Archibald Thomas
Published: May 2023

This chapter describes the importance of evaluator education and some of the different ways in which evaluators can learn about the field.It discusses a historic perspective on evaluator education alongside its recent developments, and describes areas where further discussion is needed, including critical adult education, universal design for learning, and explicitly linking evaluator education with contemporary and anticipated future needs. It concludes by asking “what should evaluator education look like in the future?”
Preparing the 21st century evaluator for language equity: Towards a language equity centered evaluation practice
Authors: Robles‐Schrader Grisel Marie , Lemos Diana
Published: May 2023

Clear and effective communication is a critical component of any evaluation design. An aspect of communication that is often overlooked is understanding a community's preferred language(s). This is a result of a power‐based system that operates under a dominant language and cultural structure. When language preferences are not appropriately addressed in evaluation design and implementation, the effect is the intentional or unintentional exclusion of groups of people affected by the very programs whose impact we seek to understand. This requires deeper engagement and continual commitment from evaluation teams to fully integrate language equity throughout an evaluation, from initial development to dissemination, to ensure activities maintain cultural equivalence and integrity surrounding language complexity. Authors propose actionable strategies evaluators can apply to assess and address language needs in evaluation design and implementation.
Building referral mechanisms for neonatal care in humanitarian emergency settings: A systematic review
Authors: Rutherford Spencer , Naman Maryan , Zaka Nabila , Michaux Kathryn , Cupp Meghan A. , Hafezi Hannah , Sami Samira , Alexander Emma C. , Lakhanpaul Monica , Manikam Logan
Published: May 2023

Aim

During humanitarian emergencies, women and children are particularly vulnerable to health complications and neonatal mortality rates have been shown to rise. Additionally, health cluster partners face challenges in coordinating referrals, both between communities and camps to health facilities and across different levels of health facilities. The purpose of this review was to identify the primary referral needs of neonates during humanitarian emergencies, current gaps and barriers, and effective mechanisms for overcoming these barriers.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using four electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, and Scopus) between June and August 2019 (PROSPERO registration number CRD42019127705). Title, abstract, and full text screening were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. The target population was neonates born during humanitarian emergencies. Studies from high‐income countries and prior to 1991 were excluded. The STROBE checklist was used to assess for risk of bias.

Results

A total of 11 articles were included in the analysis; these were mainly cross‐sectional, field‐based studies. The primary needs identified were referrals from homes to health facilities before and during labour, and inter‐facility referrals after labour to more specialised services. Some of the main barriers included a lack of roads and infrastructure for transport, staff shortages—especially among more specialised services, and a lack of knowledge among patients for self‐referral. Mechanisms for addressing these needs and gaps included providing training for community healthcare workers (CHWs) or traditional birth attendants to identify and address antenatal and post‐natal complications; education programmes for pregnant women during the antenatal period; and establishing ambulance services in partnership with local Non‐Governmental Organizations.

Conclusion

This review benefited from a strong consensus among selected studies but was limited in the quality of data and types of data that were reported. Based on the above findings, the following recommendations were compiled:

Focus on local capacity‐building programmes to address programmes acutely.

Recruit CHWs to raise awareness of neonatal complications among pregnant women.

Upskill CHWs to provide timely, appropriate and quality care during humanitarian emergencies.
Environmental exposure and ecotoxicological properties of a new-generation fluorosurfactant (cC6O4): A comparison with selected legacy perfluoroalkyl acids
Authors: Bizzotto Elisa , Bonetto Alessandro , Marcomini Antonio , Vighi Marco
Published: May 2023

Cyclic C6O4 (cC6O4, CAS number 1190931-27-1) is a new-generation polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) used as a polymerization aid in the synthesis of fluoropolymers, which has been produced in Italy since 2011. A review of the properties of cC6O4, focused on environmental distribution and ecotoxicology, was conducted. The EQuilibrium Criterion model was applied, using default environmental scenarios, to estimate environmental distribution and fate. In a situation of static thermodynamic equilibrium in a closed system (Level I), cC6O4 distributes mainly to water (97.6%) and in a minimal amount to soil (2.3%). In a more realistic scenario (Level III), with dynamic conditions in an open system, with advection in air and water and with equal emissions in air and water, the major amount of the compound is transported through water advection. Monitoring data, mainly referring to surface and groundwater, are available for water bodies close to the production sites (maximum measured concentration 52 μg/L) as well as for a wider area in the river Po watershed with concentrations generally lower than 1 μg/L. Few values are also available for concentration in biota. Effect data indicate low toxicity on all tested organisms with no observed effect concentration (NOEC) values always higher than the maximum concentrations tested (100 mg/L for acute tests). Bioaccumulation potential is also very low. A comparison with selected widely used PFAS with five to eight C atoms indicates that cC6O4 is substantially less dangerous to aquatic organisms. For the time being, an ecological risk for the aquatic ecosystem may be excluded even in directly exposed ecosystems. However, for a complete assessment of the suitability of cC6O4 as a substitute for other PFAS (namely, perfluorooctanoic acid), more comprehensive chronic experiments are necessary, to produce realistic NOEC, as well as higher tier experiments (e.g., mesocosms) capable of providing ecologically relevant endpoints. Moreover, a more accurate evaluation of the environmental persistence would be necessary. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1636–1648. © 2023 SETAC
Characterization of ovarian cancer survival by histotype and stage: A nationwide study in Norway
Authors: Fortner Renée Turzanski , Trewin‐Nybråten Cassia B. , Paulsen Torbjørn , Langseth Hilde
Published: May 2023

Contemporary population‐based data on ovarian cancer survival using current subtype classifications and by surgical status are sparse. We evaluated 1‐, 3‐, 5‐ and 7‐year relative (and overall) survival, and excess hazards in patients with borderline tumors or invasive epithelial ovarian cancer diagnosed 2012 to 2021 in a nationwide registry‐based cohort in Norway. Outcomes were evaluated by histotype, FIGO stage, cytoreduction surgery and residual disease. Overall survival was evaluated for non‐epithelial ovarian cancer. Survival of women with borderline ovarian tumors was excellent (≥98.0% 7‐year relative survival). Across all evaluated invasive epithelial ovarian cancer histotypes, 7‐year relative survival for cases diagnosed with stages I or II disease was ≥78.3% (stage II high‐grade serous). Survival for ovarian cancers diagnosed at stage ≥III differed substantially by histotype and time since diagnosis (eg, stage III, 5‐year relative survival from 27.7% [carcinosarcomas] to 76.2% [endometrioid]). Overall survival for non‐epithelial cases was good (91.8% 5‐year overall survival). Women diagnosed with stage III or IV invasive epithelial ovarian cancer and with residual disease following cytoreduction surgery had substantially better survival than women not operated. These findings were robust to restriction to women with high reported functional status scores. Patterns for overall survival were similar to those for relative survival. We observed relatively good survival with early stage at diagnosis even for the high grade serous histotype. Survival for patients diagnosed at stage ≥III invasive epithelial ovarian cancer was poor for all but endometrioid disease. There remains an urgent need for strategies for risk reduction and earlier detection, together with effective targeted treatments.
Successful spontaneous pregnancy after simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant
Authors: Stanić Žana , Fureš Rajko , Vulić Marko , Čečuk Esma , Plazibat Milvija , Hrgović Zlatko , Cerovac Anis
Published: May 2023

Synopsis

Good and meticulous pre‐pregnancy follow up and a multidisciplinary approach is of crucial importance for a successful pregnancy outcome after pancreas and kidney transplantation.
Age‐related trajectory of bone density in children with intestinal failure: A longitudinal retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ali Farhana , Cole Conrad R. , Hornung Lindsey , Mouzaki Marialena , Wasserman Halley , Kalkwarf Heidi J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Longitudinal changes in bone health in children with intestinal failure (IF) are unclear. We aimed to better understand the trajectory of bone mineral status over time in children with IF and identify clinical factors that influence the trajectory.

Methods

Clinical records of patients attending the Intestinal Rehabilitation Center of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center between 2012 and 2021 were reviewed. Children diagnosed with IF before age 3 years with at least two lumbar spine dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scans were included. We abstracted information on medical history, parenteral nutrition, bone density, and growth. We calculated bone density z scores with and without adjustment for height z scores.

Results

Thirty‐four children with IF met inclusion criteria. Children were shorter than average with a mean height z score of −1.5 ± 1.3. The mean bone density z score was −1.5 ± 1.3 with 25 of the cohort having a z score < −2.0. After height adjustment, the mean bone density z score was −0.42 ± 1.4 with 11% below −2.0. Most dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scans (60%) had a feeding tube artifact. Bone density z scores increased slightly with age and lower parenteral nutrition dependency and were higher in scans without an artifact. Etiologies of IF, line infections, prematurity, and vitamin D status were not associated with height‐adjusted bone density z scores.

Conclusion

Children with IF were shorter than expected for age. Deficits in bone mineral status were less common when adjusting for short stature. Etiologies of IF, prematurity, and vitamin D deficiency were not associated with bone density.
Managing allergic conjunctivitis via ophthalmic microemulsions: Formulation, characterization, in vitro irritation studies based onEpiOcular™ eye irritation assay and in vivo studies in rabbit eye
Authors: Yozgatlı Vildan , Üstündağ Okur Neslihan , Okur Mehmet Evren , Sipahi Hande , Charehsaz Mohammad , Aydın Ahmet , Uğurlu Timuçin
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this work was the development of an alternative ocular tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride (THZ) microemulsion for the management of allergic conjunctivitis. Pseudo‐ternary phase diagrams were used to produce the microemulsions. For the formulation of the microemulsions, isopropyl myristate was selected as oil. Furthermore, various surfactants were applied for the determination of their suitability; ME‐1 and ME‐4 were developed using Sorbitan monolaurate 80 and Polysorbate 80, for ME‐2 and ME‐5 Sorbitan monolaurate 80 and macrogolglycerol ricinoleate while for ME‐3 and ME‐6 Sorbitan monolaurate 80 and Polysorbate 20. For ME‐1, ME‐2, and ME‐3 propylene glycol and ethanol, for ME‐4, ME‐5, and ME‐6 ethanol and polyethylene glycol were used as co‐surfactants. Various characterization parameters of microemulsions were evaluated such as droplet size, conductivity, zeta potential, viscosity, and pH. In addition, the drug release, stability, sterility, safety, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments were studied. The characterization showed that the formulations can act as suitable carriers for eye application. In addition, it was revealed that microemulsions were found stable and sterile. The formulations released the drug in a sustained manner. Ex vivo diffusion studies exhibited that the microemulsions can be used for topical delivery to the eye. Assessment of in vitro ocular irritation was conducted by an in vivo prediction model, EpiOcular™ eye irritation test. Based on the in vivo studies, the chosen ideal microemulsion showed longer contact time to the cornea than the commercial product. Moreover, the developed ocular carrier was found to be safe from the viewpoint of in vitro ocular irritancy and mutagenicity. In conclusion, according to characterization results, the THZ microemulsions can act as a hopeful approach for topical eye application.
Structure andin vitrodigestion characteristics of skim goat milk protein during processing: effects of fat separation
Authors: Bao Miaomiao , Jia Xuyu , Cheng Yujia , Zheng Jiaqi , Liu Zhendong , Lü Xin , Shan Yuanyuan
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Although nonfat milk has been used worldwide in the industrial dairy process, little is known about the effects of fat separation during the manufacturing process on skim milk's structural and digestive properties. This study investigated the effects of the manufacturing process on the structure andin vitrodigestion properties of skim goat milk, particularly emphasizing fat separation.

RESULTS

Changes in the surface charge and hydrophobicity of milk proteins caused by fat separation resulted in oxidation and aggregation in the subsequent homogenization, heat and spray‐drying processing, which affected its digestibility. Compared with separation by dish separator (DS), skim milk after tubular centrifugal separation (CS) showed a higher initial and final digestibility. The CS samples also had a lower surface hydrophobicity level and higher free sulfhydryl content,ζ‐potential, and average particle size (P < 0.05). Goat milk protein after CS was more readily oxidized and aggregated during the subsequent homogenization and heat treatment, as evidenced by the higher carbonyl content and particle size. Centrifugal separation also converted moreβ‐sheets toα‐helices, thus promoting the aggregation of oxidized skim milk protein.

CONCLUSION

The skim milk after CS and DS demonstrated different structural and digestive properties. Skim goat milk products after CS were more susceptible to oxidant‐induced protein structural changes, resulting in higher protein digestibility. These findings provide insights into the mechanism involved in the control of gastric digestion of skim milk during manufacturing process. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dietary components regulate chronic diseases through gut microbiota: a review
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhou Ming , Zhou Yaqin , Guan Xiao
Published: May 2023

In recent years, gut microbiota as an immune organ has gradually become the mainstream of research. When the composition of the gut microbiota is changed significantly, this may affect human health. This review details the major microbiota composition and metabolites in the gut and discusses chronic diseases based on gut dysbiosis, including obesity, liver injury, colon cancer, atherosclerosis, and central nervous system diseases. We comprehensively summarize the changes in abundance of relevant gut microbiota by ingesting different diet components (such as food additives, dietary polyphenols, polysaccharides, fats, proteins) and their influence on the microbial quorum sensing system, thereby regulating related diseases. We believe that quorum sensing can be used as a new entry point to explain the mechanism of ingesting dietary components to improve gut microbiota and thereby regulate related diseases. This review hopes to provide a theoretical basis for future research on improving disease symptoms by ingesting functional foods containing dietary components. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
What to communicate in retraction notices?
Authors: Xu Shaoxiong Brian , Hu Guangwei
Published: May 2023

Key points

Retraction notices are widely criticized for pervasive opacity and uninformativeness.

Retraction notices as a high‐stakes academic genre serve three communicative purposes, namely correcting the literature, deterring potential offence, and repairing the tarnished image.

A comprehensive content inventory of retraction notices is developed, drawing on de jure and de facto retraction notice contents.

Five criteria for disclosing information in retraction notices are proposed.

Retraction notices following the content inventory and the disclosure criteria can maximize their transparency.
Pharmacological inhibition of LSD1 suppresses growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing GADD45B
Authors: Sang Na , Zhong Xi , Gou Kun , Liu Huan , Xu Jing , Zhou Yang , Zhou Xia , Liu Yuanzhi , Chen Zhiqian , Zhou Yue , Li Yan , Tao Lei , Su Na , Zhou Lingyun , Qiu Jiahao , Yang Xinyu , Zuo Zeping , Fu Li , Zhang Jingyao , Li Dan , Li Cong , Sun Qingxiang , Lei Jian , Li Rui , Yang Shengyong , Cen Xiaobo , Zhao Yinglan
Published: May 2023

Lysine‐specific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1) is an attractive target for malignancies therapy. Nevertheless, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and the potential of its inhibitor in HCC therapy remains unclear. Here, we show that LSD1 overexpression in human HCC tissues is associated with HCC progression and poor patient survival. ZY0511, a highly selective and potent inhibitor of LSD1, suppressed human HCC cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in cell‐derived and patient‐derived HCC xenograft models in vivo. Mechanistically, ZY0511 induced mRNA expression of growth arrest and DNA damage‐inducible gene 45beta (GADD45B) by inducing histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation at the promoter of GADD45B, a novel target gene of LSD1. In human HCC tissues, LSD1 level was correlated with a decreased level of GADD45B, which was associated with HCC progression and predicted poor patient survival. Moreover, co‐administration of ZY0511 and DTP3, which specifically enhanced the pro‐apoptotic effect of GADD45B, effectively inhibited HCC cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our study revealed the potential value of LSD1 as a promising target of HCC therapy. ZY0511 is a promising candidate for HCC therapy through upregulating GADD45B, thereby providing a novel combinatorial strategy for treating HCC.
The Pain in Dystonia Scale (PIDS)—Development and Validation in Cervical Dystonia
Authors: Bruno Veronica , Achen Beatrice , Morgante Francesca , Erro Roberto , Fox Susan H. , Edwards Mark J. , Schrag Anette , Stamelou Maria , Appel‐Cresswell Silke , Defazio Giovanni , Chaudhuri K. Ray , Pirio Richardson Sarah , Jinnah Hyder A. , Martino Davide
Published: May 2023

Background

A better understanding of pain in adult‐onset idiopathic dystonia (AOID) is needed to implement effective therapeutic strategies.

Objective

To develop a new rating instrument for pain in AOID and validate it in cervical dystonia (CD).

Methods

Development and validation of the Pain in Dystonia Scale (PIDS) comprised three phases. In phase 1, international experts and participants with AOID generated and evaluated the preliminary items for content validity. In phase 2, the PIDS was drafted and revised by the experts, followed by cognitive interviews to ensure self‐administration suitability. In phase 3, the PIDS psychometric properties were assessed in 85 participants with CD and retested in 40 participants.

Results

The final version of PIDS evaluates pain severity (by body‐part), functional impact, and external modulating factors. Test–retest reliability showed a high‐correlation coefficient for the total score (0.9,P < 0.001), and intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.7 or higher for all items in all body‐parts subscores. The overall PIDS severity score showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's α, 0.9). Convergent validity analysis revealed a strong correlation between the PIDS severity score and the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale pain subscale (0.8,P < 0.001) and the Brief Pain Inventory‐short form items related to pain at time of the assessment (0.7,P < 0.001) and impact of pain on daily functioning (0.7,P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The PIDS is the first specific questionnaire developed to evaluate pain in all patients with AOID, here, demonstrating high‐level psychometric properties in people with CD. Future work will validate PIDS in other forms of AOID. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Secondary radiation dose modeling in passive scattering and pencil beam scanning very high energy electron (VHEE) radiation therapy
Authors: Deut Umberto , Ronga Maria Grazia , Bonfrate Anthony , De Marzi Ludovic
Published: May 2023

Background

Electrons with kinetic energy up to a few hundred MeV, also called very high energy electrons (VHEE), are currently considered a promising technique for the future of radiation therapy (RT) and in particular ultra‐high dose rate (UHDR) therapy. However, the feasibility of a clinical application is still being debated and VHEE therapy remains an active area of research for which the optimal conformal technique is also yet to be determined.

Purpose

In this work, we will apply two existing formalisms based on analytical Gaussian multiple‐Coulomb scattering theory and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to study and compare the electron and bremsstrahlung photon dose distributions arising from two beam delivery systems (passive scattering with or without a collimator or active scanning).

Methods

We therefore tested the application of analytical and MC models to VHEE beams and assessed their performance and parameterization in the energy range of 6–200 MeV. The optimized electron beam fluence, the bremsstrahlung, an estimation of central‐axis and off‐axis x‐ray dose at the practical range and neutron contributions to the total dose, along with an extended parameterization for the photon dose model were developed, together with a comparison between double scattering (DS) and pencil beam scanning (PBS) techniques. MC simulations were performed with the TOPAS/Geant4 toolkit to verify the dose distributions predicted by the analytical calculations.

Results

The results for the clinical energy range (between 6 and 20 MeV) as well as for higher energies (VHEE range between 20 and 200 MeV) and for two treatment field sizes (5 × 5 and 10 × 10 cm2) are reported, showing a reasonable agreement with MC simulations with mean differences below 2.1%. The relative contributions of photons generated in the medium or by the scattering system along the central‐axis (up to 50% of the total dose) are also illustrated, along with their relative variations with electron energy.

Conclusions

The fast analytical models parametrized in this study allow an estimation of the amount of photons produced behind the practical range by a DS system with an accuracy lower than 3%, providing important information for the eventual design of a VHEE system. The results of this work could support future research on VHEE radiotherapy.
Uncertainty propagation, entropy, and relative entropy in the homogenization of some particulate composites
Authors: Kamiński Marcin
Published: May 2023

The main idea of this work is an application of probabilistic entropy and also relative entropy in the numerical analysis of uncertainty propagation in the homogenization of some composite materials. The homogenization method is based on the determination of deformation energy for the representative volume elements computed with the use of some specific finite element method experiments. Uncertainty propagation concerns material and geometrical design parameters of particulate composites and is performed thanks to an application of polynomial responses; probabilistic moments of the effective tensor are computed via the iterative generalized stochastic perturbation technique and the semi‐analytical probabilistic method. Probabilistic entropy is determined according to Shannon theory, while relative entropies equations employed here follow mathematical models created by Kullback & Leibler, Jeffreys, Hellinger, and Bhattacharyya. Deterministic analyses have been performed with the use of the system ABAQUS, while all the remaining procedures have been programmed in the computer algebra system MAPLE.
An incremental bond‐based peridynamic method for elastoplastic problems
Authors: Guan Jinwei , Li Wanjin , Yan Xiaofeng , Guo Li
Published: May 2023

The fracture problem of elastoplastic materials is an insistent challenge. It is difficult to implement the fracture simulations of elastoplastic materials in peridynamics (PD), especially in the bond‐based peridynamic (BB–PD) framework. The core issue is how to introduce non‐linear constitutive relationships into BB–PD model. To address this issue, an incremental form of BB–PD model was originally proposed. In the proposed model, a rapid strain identification technique was established. Based on this technique, the constitutive relationship is related to the deformation and the incremental bond force equation is formulated in a unified form. In addition, a fracture criterion controlled by energy was derived to implement plastic fracture simulations. Several numerical examples, including five elastoplastic deformation analyses and three quasi‐static and dynamic fractures, were implemented to verify the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed model. The results show that the proposed model can accurately analyze the deformation of elastoplastic problems, especially plastic deformation. The numerical examples also demonstrate the fracture prediction capability of the proposed model.