bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process development for the total synthesis of the novel drug metabolite Carboxy toremifene as a standard reference material along with characterization and purity assessment for the Antidoping quality Control Purposes
Authors: Kumar Gangasani Jagadeesh , Pawar Sachin Dattram , Pawar Swati Ramesh , Khatib Abraroddin Mumtajoddin , Saini Anurag , Das Pintu , Sethi Kalyan K. , Radhakrishnanand Pullapanthula , Murty Upadhyayula Suryanarayana , Sahu P. L. , Dubey Sachin , Sahu Kapendra , Upadhyay Awanish , Kori Rajesh Kumar , Kumar Pramod
Published: October 2022

Tamoxifen and toremifene are two selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) commonly used to treat breast cancer in women. Toremifene is well‐known as a triphenylethylene derivative. Carboxy toremifene is a common metabolite of toremifene and tamoxifen. Since 2005, the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) has banned the SERMs category during in and out of competition. These substances are in the S4 category in the WADA prohibited list as “agents with anti‐oestrogenic activity.” However, there is no commercially accessible carboxy toremifene reference material in the market. This research highlights the novel synthetic procedure, the development of a carboxy toremifene HPLC method, and validation, along with detailed characterization using advanced analytical techniques using 1H NMR, HRMS, FT‐IR‐ATR and UV–visible spectroscopy. RP‐HPLC‐DAD method was developed and validated to assess the purity of carboxy toremifene. Developed reference material has shown 100% purity. Therefore, we recommend that this synthesized carboxy toremifene may be used as reference material to strengthen the WADA‐accredited lab to maintain a clean sports mission during sports competitions.
Phase 2 trial with imeglimin in patients with Type 2 diabetes indicates effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity
Authors: Theurey Pierre , Thang Carole , Pirags Valdis , Mari Andrea , Pacini Giovanni , Bolze Sébastien , Hallakou‐Bozec Sophie , Fouqueray Pascale
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 18‐week monotherapy with imeglimin on glucose tolerance and on insulin secretion/sensitivity in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients.

Methods

The study was an 18‐week, double‐blind clinical trial in T2D subjects previously treated with stable metformin therapy and washed out for 4 weeks. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive a 1500 mg bid of imeglimin or placebo. The primary endpoint was the effect of imeglimin vs placebo on changes from baseline to week 18 in glucose tolerance (glucose area under the curve [AUC]) during a 3 h‐glucose tolerance test [OGTT]). Secondary endpoints included glycaemic control and calculated indices of insulin secretion and sensitivity.

Results

A total of 59 subjects were randomized, 30 receiving imeglimin and 29 receiving placebo. The study met its primary endpoint. Least squares (LS) mean difference between treatment groups (imeglimin ‐ placebo) for AUC glucose from baseline to week 18 was −429.6 mmol/L·min (p = .001). Two‐hour post‐dose fasting plasma glucose was significantly decreased with LS mean differences of −1.22 mmol/L (p = .022) and HbA1c was improved with LS mean differences of −0.62% (p = .013). The AUC0‐180min ratio C‐peptide/glucose [LS mean differences of 0.041 nmol/mmol (p < .001)] and insulinogenic index were significantly increased by imeglimin treatment. The increase in insulin secretion was associated with an increase in beta‐cell glucose sensitivity. Additionally, the insulin sensitivity indices derived from the OGTT Stumvoll (p = .001) and Matsuda (not significant) were improved in the imeglimin group vs placebo. Imeglimin was well tolerated with 26.7% of subjects presenting at least one treatment‐emergent adverse event versus 58.6% of subjects in the placebo group.

Conclusions

Results are consistent with a mode of action involving insulin secretion as well as improved insulin sensitivity and further support the potential for imeglimin to improve healthcare in T2D patients.
Overall Water Splitting Under Visible Light Irradiation Over Ir and A‐Codoped KTaO3 (A=Ca, Sr, Ba, La) Photocatalysts
Authors: Iwase Akihide , Misono Haruka
Published: October 2022

Metal oxides are an attractive material group as photocatalysts, while the number of visible‐light‐responsive metal oxide photocatalysts especially for overall water splitting is quite limited. Herein, overall water splitting under visible light irradiation over Ir and A‐codoped KTaO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba, La) photocatalysts is demonstrated. The Ir and A‐codoped KTaO3 works by the electron transition from impurity levels formed by Ir3+ to the conduction band formed by Ta5d orbitals. The codoping of Ca, Sr, Ba, and La contributes to the formation of fine photocatalyst particles and stabilization of doped Ir as trivalent. An Rh‐core/Cr2O3‐shell cocatalyst loaded by photodeposition is effective for overall water splitting over Ir and La‐codoped KTaO3 compared to a RhCrO3 cocatalyst loaded by impregnation and other metal‐core/Cr2O3‐shell cocatalysts. The Rh/Cr2O3‐loaded KTaO3 codoped with Ir and La is also active for solar water splitting.
Predictors of clinical evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in hematological patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Carrara Elena , Razzaboni Elisa , Azzini Anna Maria , De Rui Maria Elena , Pinho Guedes Mariana Nunes , Gorska Anna , Giannella Maddalena , Bussini Linda , Bartoletti Michele , Arbizzani Federica , Palacios‐Baena Zaira R. , Caponcello Giulia , Maldonado Natalia , Rodríguez‐Baño Jesús , Visco Carlo , Krampera Mauro , Tacconelli Evelina
Published: October 2022

Main aim of this systematic review is to quantify the risk and identify predictors of clinical evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2 in hematological patients compared to different control populations. Two independent reviewers screened the literature assessing clinical outcomes of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in adult patients with active hematological malignancies published up to June 2021. Primary outcome was COVID‐19 related mortality, secondary outcomes were hospital and intensive‐care admission, mechanical ventilation (MV), and thromboembolic events. Variables related to study setting, baseline patients' demographic, comorbidities, underlying hematological disease, ongoing chemotherapy, COVID‐19 presentation, and treatments were extracted. A total of 67 studies including 10,061 hematological patients and 111,143 controls were included. Most of the studies were retrospective cohorts (51 studies, 76%) and only 19 (13%) provided data for a control group. A significant increased risk of clinical progression in the hematological population compared to the controls was found in terms of COVID‐19 related mortality (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.77–2.54), hospitalization (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.15–3.43), intensive‐care admission (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.38–2.26), and MV (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.71–2.75). The risk remained significantly higher in the subgroup analysis comparing hematological patients versus solid cancer. Meta‐regression analysis of uncontrolled studies showed that older age, male sex, and hypertension were significantly related to worse clinical outcomes of COVID‐19 in hematological population. Older age and hypertension were found to be associated also to thromboembolic events. In conclusion, hematological patients have a higher risk of COVID‐19 clinical progression compared to both the general population and to patients with solid cancer.
Impacts of different vegetation in riparian buffer strips on runoff and sediment loss
Authors: Dunn Robert M. , Hawkins Jane M. B. , Blackwell Martin S. A. , Zhang Yusheng , Collins Adrian L.
Published: October 2022

Buffer strips continue to feature in the management of agricultural runoff and water pollution in many countries. Existing research has explored their efficacy for reducing environmental problems in different geoclimatic settings but, the evidence on the efficacy of different vegetation treatments is less abundant than that for other buffer strip characteristics, including width, and is more contradictory in nature. With policy targets for various environmental outcomes including water or air quality and net zero pointing to the need for conversion of agricultural land, the need for robust experimental evidence on the relative benefits of different vegetation types in buffer strips is now renewed. Our experiment used a replicated plot scale facility to compare the efficacy of 12 m wide buffer strips for controlling runoff and suspended sediment loss during 15 sampled storms spanning 2017–2020. The buffer strips comprised three vegetation treatments: a deep rooting grass (Festulolium cv. Prior), a short rotation coppice willow and native broadleaved woodland trees. Over the duration of the monitoring period, reductions in total runoff, compared with the experimental control, were in the order: willow buffer strips (49%); deciduous woodland buffer strips (46%); grass buffer strips (33%). The corresponding reductions in suspended sediment loss, relative to the experimental control, were ordered: willow buffer strips (44%) > deciduous woodland buffer strips (30%) > grass buffer strips (29%). Given the 3‐year duration of our new dataset, our results should be seen as providing evidence on the impacts during the establishment phase of the treatments.
A 15‐year analysis of precipitation and rain garden response
Authors: Amur Achira , Wadzuk Bridget , Traver Robert
Published: October 2022

The longevity and resilience of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) over time is a key concern as municipalities around the world move to incorporating GSI into stormwater management strategies. The Villanova University bioinfiltration rain garden (BRG) was constructed as a retrofit of an existing parking lot traffic island in 2001 and has been monitored since 2003, providing a long hydrological data record that is valuable for an in‐depth analysis of rainfall characteristics and rain garden response. The goal of this research is to use the data to assess the reliability of a rain garden's response in terms of its ability to manage incoming runoff from different rainfall event sizes, distributions, and antecedent conditions. A high‐resolution analysis of rainfall event frequency was done for all rainfall events within a 15 year (2003–2018) study period. Rainfall events were discretized into 2.5 mm, 2‐hour bins. Rainfall within each bin were compared and contrasted to discern the similarity of the rainfall distribution and trends in rain garden response. The rainfall‐runoff parameters were also analysed to understand if the occurrence of overflow could be expected based on storm characteristics. Results show that of the 1202 recorded events, 82% of them were less than 25 mm. Approximately 15% of all observed events resulted in measurable overflow, ranging from 0.01 to 685 m3. When compared to the design storm standards set for the region for GSI (the 2‐year, 24‐hour event), only 1% of all the storms recorded at the site were higher in terms of precipitation amount and event duration. In terms of design, the static rainfall volumes set by the standards did not represent the variety of storms experienced at the site. The overall analysis provided lessons into system components that can be used to advance green infrastructure design and policy standards.
Spin‐Control in Electrocatalysis for Clean Energy
Authors: Liang Yunchang , Lihter Martina , Lingenfelder Magalí
Published: October 2022

A sustainable future demands a successful transition from a carbon energy‐dependent economy towards renewable energy schemes, many of which ultimately rely on the development of efficient electrocatalysis that either converts chemical energy into electricity or uses electrons to produce chemical energy. In general, electrocatalysis studies focus on the interactions (e. g., electron transfer) between the catalyst surface and the reaction intermediates. However, the role of electron spin, as an intrinsic property of electrons, has commonly been overlooked. Recently, controlling the electron spin polarization at the catalyst's surface demonstrated the great potential of boosting both reaction activity and product selectivity. Molecule‐induced electron spin polarization inspired by the chiral‐induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect has started to have a remarkable impact in electrocatalysis. In this compact review, we summarize the latest studies that use molecule‐induced electron spin polarization to enhance catalytic performance. We focus on the reactions essential to the so‐called hydrogen economy, and discuss the feasibility and limitations of this effect. Finally, we share our perspective regarding the more impactful future applications.
Gut microbiota composition in the sympatric and diet‐sharing Drosophila simulans and Dicranocephalus wallichii bowringi shaped largely by community assembly processes rather than regional species pool
Authors: Zhu Yu‐Xi , Yang Run , Wang Xin‐Yu , Wen Tao , Gong Ming‐Hui , Shen Yuan , Xu Jue‐Ye , Zhao Dian‐Shu , Du Yu‐Zhou
Published: October 2022

Clarifying the mechanisms underlying microbial community assembly from regional microbial pools is a central issue of microbial ecology, but remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the gut bacterial and fungal microbiome assembly processes and potential sources in Drosophila simulans and Dicranocephalus wallichii bowringi, two wild, sympatric insect species that share a common diet of waxberry. While some convergence was observed, the diversity, composition, and network structure of the gut microbiota significantly differed between these two host species. Null model analyses revealed that stochastic processes (e.g., drift, dispersal limitation) play a principal role in determining gut microbiota from both hosts. However, the strength of each ecological process varied with the host species. Furthermore, the source‐tracking analysis showed that only a minority of gut microbiota within D. simulans and D. wallichii bowringi are drawn from a regional microbial pool from waxberries, leaves, or soil. Results from function prediction implied that host species‐specific gut microbiota might arise partly through host functional requirement and specific selection across host–microbiota coevolution. In conclusion, our findings uncover the importance of community assembly processes over regional microbial pools in shaping sympatric insect gut microbiome structure and function.
Catalyst or barrier? Heterogeneous effects of standards on agricultural trade between China and the Belt and Road countries
Authors: Yang Lijuan , Du Weigong
Published: October 2022

There is an ongoing debate about whether standards act as trade catalysts or barriers. This article uses a gravity model to analyze the effects of national standards on the trade of agricultural products between China and the 64 Belt and Road (B&R) countries from 1990 to 2019. Mandatory country‐specific standards have positive and significant effects on total trade, exports, and imports. Mandatory international harmonization standards have positive and significant effects on total trade and exports. Voluntary country‐specific standards positively (and significantly) affect exports, while voluntary internationally harmonized standards positively (and significantly) affect total trade, exports, and imports. The magnitude of coefficients of mandatory country‐specific standards is the highest, followed by mandatory internationally harmonized standards and voluntary internationally harmonized standards. It is beneficial for China and the B&R countries to strengthen standards cooperation, actively adopt international standards, and evaluate the implementation effect of standards over time.
MST4 as a novel therapeutic target for autophagy and radiosensitivity in gastric cancer
Authors: Shi Xiuhua , Zou Junwei , Wang Yinhua , Zhao Jian , Ye Bin , Qi Qinghua , Liu Fei , Hu Jun , Li Shu , Tian Ye
Published: October 2022

Background

Mammalian ste20‐like kinase 4 (MST4) and autophagy have been implicated in ailments such as inflammatory and cancers.

Methods

In this study, the expression of MST4 data was extracted from TCGA, GTEx, and GEPIA. The infiltration of immune cells and methylation level of MST4 in tumor and normal tissues were extracted from GEPIA 2021, TISIDB, UALCAN, EWAS, MethSurv, and MEXPRESS database. We also predict the efficacy of outcome prediction with receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). All proteins expressions of MST4, P62, and LC3 were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in paired Gastric cancer (GC) and para‐cancerous normal tissue samples. We verify the effects of MST4 on irradiation‐induced gastric death, and also investigate effects of MST4 activating autophagy in GC cell lines with various in vitro assays using western blotting.

Results

We have confirmed the high transcription level of MST4 from TCGA, USLCAN, HPA, and other portals, but a rapid decrease in protein level. More, MST4 can be considered as an independent prognostic molecule, which has significant prognostic significance in tumor grade, anti‐tumor treatment, histological type, and time‐dependent ROC curve. The methylation degree of MST4 promoter region in tumor is much lower than that in normal tissue, which may be the main reason for the remarkably high transcription level of MST4. In addition, MST4 transcription level was significantly inversely proportional to the infiltration level of most immune cells. The MST4 up‐regulation and the positive association of MST4 with autophagy expression were cross‐validated in open‐access datasets.

Conclusions

MST4, as an autophagy‐associated protein, plays a potential role in inducing cell death by increasing protein content in radiotherapy.
Selective immunocapture reveals neoplastic human mast cells secrete distinct microvesicle‐ and exosome‐like populations of KIT‐containing extracellular vesicles
Authors: Pfeiffer Annika , Petersen Jennifer D. , Falduto Guido H. , Anderson David Eric , Zimmerberg Joshua , Metcalfe Dean D. , Olivera Ana
Published: October 2022

Activating mutations in the receptor KIT promote the dysregulated proliferation of human mast cells (huMCs). The resulting neoplastic huMCs secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can transfer oncogenic KIT among other cargo into recipient cells. Despite potential contributions to diseases, KIT‐containing EVs have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we isolated and characterized KIT‐EV subpopulations released by neoplastic huMCs using an immunocapture approach that selectively isolates EVs containing KIT in its proper topology. Immunocapture of EVs on KIT antibody‐coated electron microscopy (EM) affinity grids allowed to assess the morphology and size of KIT‐EVs. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated KIT‐EVs have a distinct protein profile from KIT‐depleted EVs, contain exosome and microvesicle markers, and are separated into these subtypes by ultracentrifugation. Cell treatment with sphingomyelinase inhibitors shifted the protein content among KIT‐EV subtypes, suggesting different biogenesis routes. Proteomic analysis revealed huMC KIT‐EVs are enriched in proteins involved in signalling, immune responses, and cell migration, suggesting diverse biological functions, and indicated neoplastic huMCs disseminate KIT via shuttling in heterogeneous microvesicle‐ and exosome‐like EVs. Further, selective KIT‐immunocapture will enable the enrichment of specific huMC‐derived EVs from complex human biosamples and facilitate an understanding of their in vivo functions and potential to serve as biomarkers of specific biological pathologies.
Defective mitochondria‐lysosomal axis enhances the release of extracellular vesicles containing mitochondrial DNA and proteins in Huntington's disease
Authors: Beatriz Margarida , Vilaça Rita , Anjo Sandra I. , Manadas Bruno , Januário Cristina , Rego A. Cristina , Lopes Carla
Published: October 2022

Mitochondrial and autophagy dysfunction are mechanisms proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with mutant Huntingtin‐induced abnormalities in neuronal mitochondrial dynamics and quality control. Former studies suggest that the removal of defective mitochondria may be compromised in HD. Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is a complex, well‐orchestrated pathway that can be compromised through mitophagy dysregulation or impairment in the mitochondria‐lysosomal axis. Another mitochondrial stress response is the generation of mitochondrial‐derived vesicles that fuse with the endolysosomal system and form multivesicular bodies that are extruded from cells as extracellular vesicles (EVs). In this work, we aimed to study the presence of mitochondrial components in human EVs and the relation to the dysfunction of both mitochondria and the autophagy pathway. We comprehensively characterized the mitochondrial and autophagy alterations in premanifest and manifest HD carriers and performed a proteomic and genomic EVs profile. We observed that manifest HD patients exhibit mitochondrial and autophagy impairment associated with enhanced EVs release. Furthermore, we detected mitochondrial DNA and proteins in EVs released by HD cells and in neuronal‐derived EVs including VDAC‐1 and alpha and beta subunits of ATP synthase F1. HD‐extracellular vesicles transport higher levels of mitochondrial genetic material in manifest HD patients, suggesting an alternative pathway for the secretion of reactive mitochondrial components. This study provides a novel framework connecting EVs enhanced release of mitochondrial components to mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction in HD.
Aggressive, early resistant and relapsed mantle cell lymphoma distinct extrinsic microenvironment highlighted by transcriptome analysis
Authors: Le Bris Yannick , Normand Adeline , Bouard Louise , Ménard Audrey , Bossard Céline , Moreau Anne , Béné Marie C.
Published: October 2022

Immunotherapy strategies relying on innate or adaptive immune components are increasingly used in onco‐haematology. However, little is known about the infiltrated lymph nodes (LN) or bone marrow (BM) landscape of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The original transcriptomic approach of reverse transcriptase multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (RT‐MLPA) was applied here to explore the expression of 24 genes of interest in MCL at diagnosis (21 LN and 15 BM) or relapse (18 LN). This allowed us to identify that at baseline, samples from MCL patients with an aggressive morphology (i.e. blastoid or pleomorphic) or a high proliferative profile, displayed significantly higher monocyte/macrophage‐associated transcripts (CD14 and CD163) in LN and BM. Regarding T‐cells, aggressive MCL forms had significantly lower amounts of LN CD3E transcripts, yet an increased expression of cytotoxic markers in LN (CD8) and BM (CD94). A very high‐risk group with early treatment resistance displayed, at diagnosis, high proliferation (KI67) and high macrophages and cytotoxic transcript levels. Post‐immunochemotherapy relapsed samples revealed lower levels of T‐ and natural killer‐cells markers, while monocyte/macrophage markers remained similar to diagnosis. This study suggests that rapid analysis of MCL microenvironment transcriptome signatures by RT‐MLPA could allow for an early distinction of patient subgroups candidates for adapted treatment strategies.
Feasibility of MRI Quantification of Myelin Water Fraction in the Fetal Guinea Pig Brain
Authors: Sethi Simran , Friesen‐Waldner Lanette J. , Wade Trevor P. , Courchesne Marc , Nygard Karen , Sarr Ousseynou , Sutherland Brian , Regnault Timothy R.H. , McKenzie Charles A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Fetal myelination assessment is important for understanding neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Myelin water imaging (MWI) quantifies myelin water fraction (MWF), a validated marker for myelin content, and has been used to assess brain myelin in children and neonates.

Purpose

To demonstrate that MWI can quantify MWF in fetal guinea pigs (GPs).

Study Type

Animal model.

Animal Model

Nine pregnant, Dunkin‐Hartley GPs with 31 fetuses (mean ± standard deviation = 60 ± 1.5 days gestation).

Field Strength/Sequence

3D spoiled gradient echo and balanced steady‐state free precession sequences at 3.0 T.

Assessment

MWF maps were reconstructed for maternal and fetal GP brains using the multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT) approach. Myelin basic protein (MBP) stain provided histological validation of the MWF. Regions of interest were placed in the maternal corpus callosum (CC), maternal fornix (FOR), fetal CC, and fetal FOR in MWF maps and MBP stains.

Statistical Tests

Linear regression between MWF and MBP stain intensity (SI) of all four regions (coefficient of determination, R2). A paired t‐test compared the MWF of maternal and mean fetal CC, MBP SI of maternal and mean fetal CC, MWF of maternal and mean fetal FOR, MBP SI of maternal and mean fetal FOR. A paired t‐test with a linear mixed model compared the MWF of fetal CC and fetal FOR, and MBP SI of fetal CC and fetal FOR. A  P value < 0.0083 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean MWF of the analyzed regions are as follows (mean ± standard deviation): 0.338 + 0.016 (maternal CC), 0.340 ± 0.017 (maternal FOR), 0.214 ± 0.016 (fetal CC), and 0.305 ± 0.025 (fetal FOR). MWF correlated with MBP SI in all regions (R2 = 0.81). Significant differences were found between MWF and MBP SI of maternal and fetal CC, and MWF and MBP SI of fetal CC and fetal FOR.

Data Conclusion

This study demonstrated the feasibility of MWI in assessing fetal brain myelin content.

Evidence Level: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1
SARS‐CoV‐2, HIV, and HPV: Convergent evolution of selective regulation of cGAS–STING signaling
Authors: Shen Si , Rui Yajuan , Wang Yanpu , Su Jiaming , Yu Xiao‐Fang
Published: October 2022

Recognizing aberrant cytoplasmic double‐stranded DNA and stimulating innate immunity is essential for the host's defense against viruses and tumors. Cyclic GMP–AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) is a cytosolic DNA sensor that synthesizes the second messenger 2′3′‐cGAMP and subsequently activates stimulator of interferon genes (STING)‐mediated activation of TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1)/interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and the production of type I interferon (IFN‐I). Both the cGAS–STING‐mediated IFN‐I antiviral defense and the countermeasures developed by diverse viruses have been extensively studied. However, recent studies have revealed a convergent evolutionary feature of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral proteins in terms of the selective regulation of cGAS–STING‐mediated nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling without any effect on cGAS–STING‐mediated TBK1/IRF3 activation and IFN production. The potential beneficial effect of this cGAS–STING‐mediated, NF‐κB‐dependent antiviral effect, and the possible detrimental effect of IFN‐I in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 and HIV infection deserve more attention and future investigation.
Clinical characteristics of 1139 mild cases of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant infected patients in Shanghai
Authors: Wang Miao , Liu Zhidong , Wang Zengliang , Li Ke , Tian Yu , Lu Wei , Hong Jie , Peng Xinwei , Shi Jin , Zhang Zhijie , Mei Guojiang
Published: October 2022

In March 2022, the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) surged during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in Shanghai, but over 90% of patients were mild. This study included 1139 COVID‐19 patients mildly infected with the Omicron variant of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Shanghai from May 1 to 10, 2022, aiming to clarify the demographic characteristics and clinical symptoms of patients with mild Omicron infection. The clinical phenotypes of Omicron infection were identified by model‐based cluster analysis to explore the features of different clusters. The median age of the patients was 41.0 years [IQR: 31.0–52.0 years] and 73.0% were male. The top three clinical manifestations are cough (57.5%), expectoration (48.3%), and nasal congestion and runny nose (43.4%). The prevalence of nasal congestion and runny nose varied significantly across the doses of vaccinations, with 23.1% in the unvaccinated population and 30%, 45.9%, and 44.3% in the 1‐dose, 2‐dose and 3‐dose vaccinated populations, respectively. In addition, there were significant differences for fever (23.1%, 26.0%, 28.6%, 18.4%), head and body heaviness (15.4%, 14.0%, 26.7%, 22.4%), and loss of appetite (25.6%, 30.0%, 33.6%, 27.7%). The unvaccinated population had a lower incidence of symptoms than the vaccinated population. Cluster analysis revealed that all four clusters had multisystemic symptoms and were dominated by both general and respiratory symptoms. The more severe the degree of the symptoms was, the higher the prevalence of multisystemic symptoms will be. The Omicron variant produced a lower incidence of symptoms in mildly infected patients than previous SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, but the clinical symptoms caused by the Omicron variant are more complex, so that it needs to be differentiated from influenza.
High‐pressure Raman study of Na‐Ca burbankite—A possible CO2 host in deep mantle
Authors: Rashchenko Sergey , Mikhno Anastasia , Shatskiy Anton
Published: October 2022

Na‐Ca carbonates synthesized in high‐pressure experiments and found in mineral inclusions inside diamonds, exhumed from mantle depths, attract a lot of attention as potential hosts of subducted CO2 in the deep mantle and sources of carbonate‐rich magmas, involved in mantle metasomatism and diamond formation. However, the Na‐Ca carbonates synthesized at pressures of mantle transition zone (13–24 GPa) were not characterized structurally or spectroscopically. At the same time, the stability of well‐characterized Na‐Ca carbonates synthesized at lower pressures (3–6 GPa) at higher pressures was never studied in in situ experiments. Here, we report an in situ Raman study of Na‐Ca burbankite, Na2Ca4(CO3)5, synthesized at 6 GPa using diamond anvil cell technique up to the pressures of 24 GPa, corresponding to the mantle transition zone. The obtained results link the observations from experiments corresponding both to the upper mantle and mantle transition zone by demonstration of structural stability of Na‐Ca burbankite and the absence of phase transitions up to 24 GPa (at least at ambient temperature). The latter allows to preliminary assign the Na‐Ca‐carbonates synthesized in carbonated pelites and eclogites under pressures of mantle transition zone to the burbankite structural type.
Pea (Pisum sativum L.) pod powder as a potential enhancer of probiotic Enterococcus faeciumM74 in ice cream and its physicochemical, structural, and sensory effects
Authors: Çam Gizem , Akın Nihat , Konak Göktepe Çiğdem , Demirci Talha
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

In this study, pea (Pisum sativum L.) pod powder (PPP) was incorporated (1% and 3% w/w) into a probiotic ice cream formulation containing Enterococcus faecium M74 to investigate the potential effect of PPP on the probiotic survivability in the ice cream throughout 60 days of frozen storage. Moreover, the produced symbiotic ice creams were evaluated for their physiochemical properties, stability, and sensory acceptability.

RESULTS

Incorporation of PPP into ice cream caused significantly (P < 0.05) increased protein and ash content and lower pH values. Besides that, the addition of PPP resulted in ice creams with higher hardness and lower overrun. A significant diminishing was observed in the melting rates of the ice creams as the percentage of PPP increased and storage time progressed. Ice cream with PPP presented lower lightness and higher greenness and yellowness compared with control. All ice creams had viable counts of E. faecium M74 of ≥6 log cfu g−1 during storage and provided the number of viable cells that the probiotic product should contain. On day 60, the viability of E. faecium M74 in ice cream containing 1% PPP (7.64 ± 0.02) was higher than the control (7.28 ± 0.00). Sensory analyses revealed that there was no statistical difference in ice cream with 1% PPP and the control without PPP in terms of general acceptability.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that pea pods, which is a waste product of the pea industry and obtained at zero cost, could be used as a potential prebiotic and an agent to improve technological properties of dairy products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Repeated exposure to fractional CO2 laser delays squamous cell carcinoma formation and prevents clinical and subclinical photodamage visualized by line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography and histology
Authors: Olesen Uffe H. , Jacobsen Kevin , Lerche Catharina M. , Haedersdal Merete
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Ablative fractional laser (AFL) is a well‐established modality for treating ultraviolet radiation (UVR)‐induced skin photodamage. We aimed to investigate the potential of AFL to delay squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) formation and prevent photodamage in a preclinical UVR‐induced SCC model.

Materials and Methods

Hairless C3.Cg‐Hrhr/TifBomTac mice (n = 50) were exposed to UVR three times weekly throughout the study. UV‐exposed mice were randomized to two groups that received dorsal CO2 AFL (10 mJ/mb, 10% density) or no treatment. AFL was performed every other week for a total of 16 weeks (nine treatments in total). The primary outcome was time to tumor occurrence. In a subset of mice on Day 150, prevention of clinical photodamage was assessed by examination of skin tightness and dyspigmentation. Concomitantly, assessment of subclinical photoprevention based on normalization of keratinocyte dysplasia, dermo‐fiber morphology (collagen and elastin fibers), and skin thickness, was performed using line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) and histology.

Results

Repeated AFL treatments delayed SCC tumor development compared to UVR control mice by 12, 19, and 30 days for first, second, and third tumors, respectively (p ≤ 0.0017). Compared to UVR controls, AFL prevented photodamage both clinically and subclinically, based on LC‐OCT and histology. In the epidermal layer, AFL imparted photopreventative effects including reduced dyspigmentation and keratinocyte dysplasia (1 vs. 2.5, p = 0.0079) and partial normalization of the epidermal thickness (p < 0.0001). In the dermis, AFL led to twofold greater skin tightness (p = 0.0079), improved dermo‐fiber structure, and dermal thickness (p = 0.0011).

Conclusion

In conclusion, repeated AFL treatments of UVR‐exposed skin significantly delayed SCC tumor formation and prevented clinical and imaging‐assessed subclinical signs of photodamage, indicating a potential for AFL in prevention strategies for SCC and photodamage in high‐risk populations.
On the existence of distributional potentials
Authors: Voigt Jürgen
Published: October 2022

We present proofs for the existence of distributional potentials for distributional vector fields , that is, , where Ω is an open subset of . The hypothesis in these proofs is the compatibility condition for all , if Ω is simply connected, and a stronger condition in the general case. A key tool in our treatment is the Bogovskiĭ formula, assigning vector fields satisfying to functions with . The results are applied to properties of Hilbert spaces of functions occurring in the treatment of the Stokes operator and the Navier–Stokes equations.
Isolation and test of novel yeast strains with lignin usage capability and phenolic compound resistance
Authors: Bautista‐Guerrero Anaid , Lara‐Diaz Rene A. , Pihen Valérie , Bandala Erick R. , Sanchez‐Sala Jose Luis
Published: October 2022

Five yeast fungi strains (i.e., two Cryptococcus albidus, one Candida guillermondii, and two Candida tropicalis) were isolated from sugarcane and tested for their use of lignin as sole carbon source and their potential to grow in the presence of phenol and phenol derivatives (i.e., pentachlorophenol and p‐nitrophenol). The full set of isolated yeasts showed ligninolytic activity, achieving at least 36% lignin degradation after 25 days. The C. albidus JS‐B1 strain had the highest ligninolytic activity, achieving 27% lignin degradation within 4 days. This increased activity was associated with the production of ligninolytic laccase enzymes. All the tested yeast fungi strains showed growth in the presence of high concentrations of phenolic compounds (i.e., 900 mg/L phenol, 200 mg/L p‐nitrophenol, 50 mg/L pentachlorophenol) and showed significant potential for lignin and lignin by‐product degradation. Each of these five strains has the potential to be used in biological treatment processes for contaminated effluents from paper pulping and bleaching or phenol and phenol‐derivative biodegradation processes for other industrial wastewater effluents.
Tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles confer 5‐fluorouracil resistance in esophageal cancer via long noncoding RNA AC116025.2 delivery
Authors: Zhang Shuyao , Liu Shaojie , Ren Jingqing , Zhang Hanshuo , Chen Song , Chen Yun , Zhang Shengqi , Chen Wang , Xu Chengcheng , Zhong Shilong , Liu Sulin , Lin Chaoxian
Published: October 2022

5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) resistance is one of the main causes for treatment failure in esophageal cancer (EC). Here, we intended to elucidate the mechanism of tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles (TEVs)‐encapsulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) AC116025.2 in 5‐FU resistance in EC. EVs were isolated from the serum samples of EC patients and HEEC, TE‐1, and TE‐1/5‐FU cells, followed by RT‐qPCR detection of AC116025.2 expression in EVs. The relationship among AC116025.2, microRNA (miR)‐4496, and SEMA5A was evaluated. Next, EC cells were cocultured with EVs, followed by lentivirus transduction and plasmid transfection for studying the role of TEVs‐AC116025.2 in EC cells in relation to miR‐4496 and SEMA5A. Tumor formation in nude mice was applied for in vivo confirmation. Elevated AC116025.2 expression was seen in the EVs from the serum of 5‐FU insensitive patients and from 5‐FU‐resistant EC cells. Mechanistically, AC116025.2 bound to miR‐4496 that inversely targeted SEMA5A in EC cells. EVs‐oe‐AC116025.2 augmented EC cell viability, colony formation, and 5‐FU resistance, but diminished their apoptosis through miR‐4496‐mediated SEMA5A. Furthermore, EVs‐oe‐AC116025.2 augmented tumor formation and 5‐FU resistance of EC cells in vivo. Conclusively, our data offered evidence of the promoting mechanism of TEVs in the 5‐FU resistance of EC by delivering AC116025.2.
The impact of local gambling preferences on firm‐level environmental violations: Evidence from China
Authors: Zuo Jingjing , Qiu Baoyin
Published: October 2022

We examine the impact of local gambling preferences on firms' environmental violations using a sample of Chinese firms. Our findings suggest that firms in regions with high gambling preferences have higher environmental and continuous environmental violations. The results are robust to using two stage least square (2SLS) regression analysis, a propensity score matching sample, other robustness tests, and excluding alternative explanations of social responsibility and financial pressure. Further analysis shows that the impact of gambling preferences on environmental violations is more salient for firms with high managerial overconfidence and low environmental awareness. Hence, the illusion of control and underestimating the punishment costs are underlying causes.
A posteriori error estimations and convergence criteria in fast Fourier transform‐based computational homogenization
Authors: Ferrier Renaud , Bellis Cédric
Published: October 2022

A stopping criterion for fast Fourier transform (FFT)‐based iterative schemes in computational homogenization is proposed and investigated numerically. This criterion is based on the separate evaluation and comparison of the discretization and iteration errors on the computed fields. Some estimators for these errors are proposed and their performances are assessed on a set of 2D problems in the frameworks of both the classical FFT‐based methods and these that use a modified version of the featured Green's operator. In particular, two novel strategies for estimating the discretization error are investigated: either using an image processing approach or transposing to the FFT‐based setting the constitutive relation error that is well‐established in the context of the finite element method. It is then shown that the resulting stopping criterion leads to a better control of the global error on the computed effective property compared to the classical criterion based on the residual of the iterative scheme alone.
Early time‐restricted feeding improves high‐density lipoprotein amount and function in nonhuman primates, without effects on body composition
Authors: Kavanagh Kylie , Bashore Alexander C. , Davis Matthew A. , Jorgensen Matthew J. , McClouth Christopher J. , Beavers Daniel A. , Parks John S.
Published: October 2022

Objective

Time‐restricted feeding (TRF), whereby caloric intake is limited to a <12‐hour window, is a potential regimen to ameliorate metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk co‐occurring with aging and with obesity. Early TRF (eTRF; early morning feeding followed by overnight fasting) times calorie consumption with hepatic circadian gene expression rhythms. Brief TRF trials demonstrate that high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increases similar to diet/exercise interventions, which may impart beneficial CVD effects. Using a nonhuman primate (NHP) model, the efficacy of eTRF to raise HDL and increase plasma cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) (primarily mediated by cholesterol efflux to HDL particles, a process that is inversely associated with CVD risk) was examined.

Methods

Adult (8–16 years old, n = 25) and geriatric (≥17 years old) NHPs were randomized to ad libitum feeding or eTRF for 12 months, and relevant body composition, glycemic control, and plasma HDL cholesterol levels and CEC were measured.

Results

Impaired CEC was found in geriatric NHPs. eTRF induced larger‐sized HDL particles, increased HDL apolipoprotein A‐1 content, lowered triglyceride concentrations, and increased plasma CEC (primarily to HDL particles) in both adult and geriatric NHPs without changes in glycemic control or body composition.

Conclusions

A beneficial effect of eTRF on increasing HDL CEC in NHPs was demonstrated.
Alcohol Price Floors and Externalities: The Case of Fatal Road Crashes
Authors: Francesconi Marco , James Jonathan
Published: October 2022

In May 2018, Scotland introduced a minimum unit price on alcohol. We examine the impact of this policy on traffic fatalities and drunk driving accidents. Using administrative data on the universe of vehicle collisions in Britain and a range of quasi‐experimental modeling approaches, we do not find that the policy had an effect on road crash deaths and drunk driving collisions. The results are robust to several sensitivity exercises. There is no evidence of effect heterogeneity by income and other predictors of alcohol consumption or cross‐border effects. A brief discussion of the policy implications of our findings is provided.
Sacrococcygeal teratoma: Long‐term outcomes. A UK CCLG Surgeons Group Nationwide Study
Authors: Braungart Sarah , James Eleanor Ca , Powis Mark , Gabra Hany ,   CCLG Surgeons Collaborators, Losty Paul D.
Published: October 2022

Aim

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a rare paediatric germ cell tumour (1:40,000). Long‐term data regarding urinary tract and bowel function after SCT resection is limited to few studies. A UK Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) Surgeons multicentre study aimed to critically analyse long‐term functional outcomes in patients following resection of SCT.

Methods

Nationwide study of UK paediatric surgical oncology centres using a standardised data collection form. All index cases of newborn infants and children <16 years with SCT diagnosis during 2005–2015 were included.

Results

165 SCT patients treated at 14 UK paediatric surgical oncology centres were included. Median age at presentation was 1 day [interquartile range, IQR: 0–25]; median age at surgery was 10 days [IQR: 4–150]. One hundred seventeen (70%) were female and 48 (30%) male. Antenatal diagnosis was made in 44% index cases. Total 59% of patients were Altman Stage I or II lesions. Follow‐up data were available in 83% cases. Tumour recurrence occurred in 13 (7%) patients at median age 13 months [IQR: 8.75–30 months]. Fifty‐nine (36%) of 165 patients had documented adverse bladder or bowel dysfunction. Twenty‐two (37%) cases required urinary clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC) urology health care, with eight patients (14%) needing operative intervention to control management of bowel dysfunction.

Conclusion

This UK CCLG study showed 36% of SCT patients develop bladder or bowel dysfunction after primary tumour resection. Functional assessment of bladder and bowel function is mandatory during after‐care follow‐up of all SCT patients. A multidisciplinary care pathway, with surgeon speciality groups including surgical oncology, paediatric urology and paediatric colorectal specialists, is strongly advised to facilitate ‘best practice’ monitoring of long‐term health and improve patient quality of life (QoL) into adulthood.
Investigation on the sound absorption of multilayered woven and nonwoven fabrics with different bonding conditions
Authors: Wang Jingshu , Tang Xiaoning
Published: October 2022

In this study, multilayer composite was fabricated by the lamination of woven and nonwoven fabrics for sound absorption applications. These fabrics exhibited different weaving densities and thicknesses, and were compounded through different methods including adhesives bonding, stich bonding, and facile plying‐up. The structure, mechanical, and sound absorption properties of laminated composites were investigated. It was found that the construction form plays an important role for enhancing the properties of multilayered composite. The sound absorption efficiency of multilayered composite can be improved by optimizing the combination of woven and nonwoven fabrics. This work has provided a valuable reference for the future development of sound absorption materials, and is also benefit for the utilization of textiles in noise reduction engineering.
Detection of disease‐causing CFTR variants in state newborn screening programs
Authors: McGarry Meghan E. , Ren Clement L. , Wu Runyu , Farrell Philip M. , McColley Susanna A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Newborn screening (NBS) algorithms for cystic fibrosis (CF) vary in the United State of America and include different cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) variants. CFTR variant distribution varies among racial and ethnic groups.

Objective

Our objectives were to identify differences in detection rate by race and ethnicity for CFTR variant panels, identify each US state detection rate for CFTR variant panels, and describe the rate of false‐negative NBS and delayed diagnoses by race and ethnicity.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional analysis of the detection rate of at least 1 CFTR variant for seven panels by race and ethnicity in genotyped people with CF (PwCF) or CFTR‐related metabolic syndrome (CRMS)/CFTR‐related disorders in CF Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR) in 2020. We estimated the case detection rate of CFTR variant panels by applying the detection rate to Census data. Using data from CFFPR, we compared the rate of delayed diagnosis or false‐negative NBS by race and ethnicity.

Results

For all panels, detection of at least 1 CFTR variant was highest in non‐Hispanic White PwCF (87.5%−97.0%), and lowest in Black, Asian, and Hispanic PwCF (41.9%−93.1%). Detection of at least 1 CFTR variant was lowest in Black and Asian people with CRMS/CFTR‐related disorders (48.4%−64.8%). States with increased racial and ethnic diversity have lower detection rates for all panels. Overall, 3.8% PwCF had a false‐negative NBS and 11.8% had a delayed diagnosis; Black, Hispanic, and mixed‐race PwCF were overrepresented.

Conclusion

CFTR variant panels have lower detection rates in minoritized racial and ethnic groups leading to false‐negative NBS, delayed diagnosis, and likely health disparities.