bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A temporally‐restricted pattern of endothelial cell collagen 4 alpha 1 expression during embryonic development determined with a novel knockin Col4a1‐P2A‐eGFP mouse line
Authors: Lartey Nathaniel L. , van der Ent Martijn , Alonzo Roxann , Chen Di , King Philip D.
Published: July 2023

Classical collagen type IV comprising of a heterotrimer of two collagen IV alpha 1 chains and one collagen IV alpha 2 chain is the principal type of collagen synthesized by endothelial cells (EC) and is a major constituent of vascular basement membranes. In mouse and man, mutations in genes that encode collagen IV alpha 1 and alpha 2 result in vascular dysfunction. In addition, mutations in genes that encode the Ephrin receptor B4 (EPHB4) and the p120 Ras GTPase‐activating protein (RASA1) that cause increased activation of the Ras mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in EC result in vascular dysfunction as a consequence of impaired export of collagen IV. To understand the pathogenesis of collagen IV‐related vascular diseases and phenotypes it is necessary to identify at which times collagen IV is actively synthesized by EC. For this purpose, we used CRISPR/Cas9 targeting in mice to include immediately after the terminal Col4a1 codon a sequence that specifies a P2A peptide followed by enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). Analysis of eGFP expression in Col4a1‐P2A‐eGFP mice revealed active embryonic EC synthesis of collagen IV alpha 1 through mid to late gestation followed by a sharp decline before birth. These results provide a contextual framework for understanding the basis for the varied vascular abnormalities resulting from perturbation of EC expression and export of functional collagen IV.
The complex genomic diversity of Yersinia pestis on the long‐term plague foci in Qinghai–Tibet plateau
Authors: Liang Junrong , Duan Ran , Qin Shuai , Lv Dongyue , He Zhaokai , Zhang Haoran , Duan Qun , Xi Jinxiao , Chun Hua , Fu Guoming , Zheng Xiaojin , Tang Deming , Wu Weiwei , Han Haonan , Jing Huaiqi , Wang Xin
Published: July 2023

Plague is a typical natural focus disease that circulates in different ecology of vectors and reservoir hosts. We conducted genomic population and phylogenetic analyses of the Yersinia pestis collected from the 12 natural plague foci in China with more than 20 kinds of hosts and vectors. Different ecological landscapes with specific hosts, vectors, and habitat which shape various niches for Y. pestis. The phylogeographic diversity of Y. pestis in different kinds plague foci in China showed host niches adaptation. Most natural plague foci strains are region‐and focus‐specific, with one predominant subpopulation; but the isolates from the Qinghai–Tibet plateau harbor a higher genetic diversity than other foci. The Y. pestis from Marmota himalayana plague foci are defined as the ancestors of different populations at the root of the evolutionary tree, suggesting several different evolutionary paths to other foci. It has the largest pan‐genome and widest SNP distances with most accessory genes enriched in mobilome functions (prophages, transposons). Geological barriers play an important role in the maintenance of local Y. pestis species and block the introduction of non‐native strains. This study provides new insights into the control of plague outbreaks and epidemics, deepened the understanding of the evolutionary history of MHPF (M. himalayana plague focus) in China. The population structure and identify clades among different natural foci of China renewed the space cognition of the plague.
A size‐based perspective on the decoupling between compositional and functional changes in planktonic communities
Authors: Zhu Konghao , Zhang Huan , Li Hailu , Zhang Peiyu , Zhang Min , Urrutia‐Cordero Pablo , Xu Jun
Published: July 2023

Recent studies have shown a decoupling in the way community composition and functions respond to environmental changes. A common pattern observed is that aggregated functions at the community level are more stable than community composition, which is likely the result of functional compensatory dynamics driven by interspecific differences in response to environmental change. However, the mechanisms by which these patterns emerge remain largely unexplored. Here we investigated in a mesocosm experiment for four weeks the compositional and functional responses of edible phytoplankton (<64 μm) and cladoceran zooplankton communities to climate warming (a constant increase of +3.5°C plus heat wave) and eutrophication (nutrient additions) from a size‐based perspective. Our results show that warming increases small‐sized taxa and decreases large‐sized taxa within both phytoplankton and zooplankton community composition. We found that such opposite responses of different‐sized taxa contributed to the stability of planktonic community functions and thereby resulted in a decoupling between compositional and functional changes. We also found that nutrient additions increased the abundance of all‐sized algal taxa, while phytoplankton community function remained stable. Nutrient additions did not alter the zooplankton community, neither compositionally nor functionally. Under the combined stress of warming and nutrient additions, the compositional and functional responses of planktonic communities were mainly driven by warming. In a broader perspective, our findings reveal a size‐dependent compensation mechanism and suggest that functional stability relies on compensatory effects among different‐sized taxa, and it is therefore important that communities host a large range of taxa differing in size to withstand an increasingly more variable environment in the future.
LC‐MS based metabolite profiling, in‐vitro antioxidant and in‐vivo antihyperlipidemic activity ofNigella sativaextract
Authors: Shrivastava Amit Kumar , Shrestha Laxmi , Pokhrel Buddhi Raj , Joshi Bishal , Lamichhane Gopal , Vidović Bojana , Koirala Niranjan
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to identify the bioactive phytoconstituents present in the aqueous extract ofNigella sativaand also, to evaluate the antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity in Wistar rats. The LC‐MS/MS analysis was assessed for the determination of different bioactive compounds present inN. sativaextract. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined by using validated Folin‐Ciocalteu and Aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The in‐vitro antioxidant and in‐vivo antihyperlipidemic activity in Wistar rats were also evaluated. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, and amino acids in the aqueous extract. The bioactive compounds of the aqueous extract were identified through LC‐MS/MS analysis. The in‐vitro antioxidant activity ofN. sativashowed the highest free radical scavenging capacity in DPPH, H2O2, and OH radical scavenging assays with IC50values 11.916 ± 2.828, 30.294 ± 13.790, and 12.048 ± 2.828 µg/mL, respectively. Evaluation of antihyperlipidemic activity of extract in Wistar rats showed that a high dose (800 mg/kg) of extract significantly decreased total cholesterol (TC) 71.76 ± 6.91 mg/dL, TG 83.6 ± 8.09 mg/dL, low‐density lipoproteins (LDL‐c) 33.86 ± 6.05 mg/dL, very low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL‐c) 16.72 ± 1.61 mg/dL level in blood. However, the HDL‐C level was significantly improved (21.18 ± 1.80 mg/dL) as compared to HFD‐induced control rats (11.76 ± 1.14 mg/dL) after 28 days of treatment. Also, at the same dose, animal body weight was also decreased to 162.6 ± 16.40 g compared with control 184.4 ± 10.24 g. The aqueous extract ofN. sativawas found to be an effective natural source of antioxidant and hypolipidemic agents. This activity was attributed to the presence of diverse bioactive compounds in it.
Enolase 1 of Candida albicans binds human CD4+ T cells and modulates naïve and memory responses
Authors: Daud Muhammad , Dasari Prasad , Adelfinger Marion , Langenhorst Daniela , Lother Jasmin , Slavkovic‐Lukic Dragana , Berges Carsten , Kruhm Michaela , Galler Annette , Schleussner Cathrin , Luther Christian H. , Alberter Karl , Althammer Anton , Shaikh Haroon , Pallmann Niklas , Bodem Jochen , El‐Mowafy Mohammed , Beilhack Andreas , Dittrich Marcus , Topp Max S. , Zipfel Peter F. , Beyersdorf Niklas
Published: July 2023

To obtain a better understanding of the biology behind life‐threatening fungal infections caused by Candida albicans, we recently conducted an in silico screening for fungal and host protein interaction partners. We report here that the extracellular domain of human CD4 binds to the moonlighting protein enolase 1 (Eno1) of C. albicans as predicted bioinformatically. By using different anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibodies, we determined that C. albicans Eno1 (CaEno1) primarily binds to the extracellular domain 3 of CD4. Functionally, we observed that CaEno1 binding to CD4 activated lymphocyte‐specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK), which was also the case for anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibodies tested in parallel. CaEno1 binding to naïve human CD4+ T cells skewed cytokine secretion toward a Th2 profile indicative of poor fungal control. Moreover, CaEno1 inhibited human memory CD4+ T‐cell recall responses. Therapeutically, CD4+ T cells transduced with a p41/Crf1‐specific T‐cell receptor developed for adoptive T‐cell therapy were not inhibited by CaEno1 in vitro. Together, the interaction of human CD4+ T cells with CaEno1 modulated host CD4+ T‐cell responses in favor of the fungus. Thus, CaEno1 mediates not only immune evasion through its interference with complement regulators but also through the direct modulation of CD4+ T‐cell responses.
Efficiently Aerobic Dehydrogenation of N‐Heterocycles and Hydrocarbons over MnAl Oxides
Authors: Wang Anwei , Zhou Xue , Yan Jiaqi , Hou Tao , He Mingyang , Qian Junfeng , Zhou Weiyou , Sun Yunjuan
Published: July 2023

Dehydrogenation of saturated N‐heterocycles and hydrocarbons provides an important route to corresponding aromatic compounds. Herein, an efficient and selective MnAlO‐catalyzed aerobic oxidative dehydrogenation of five‐ and six‐membered N‐heterocycles, imines and hydrocarbons is presented. The reaction features excellent yields of the products, mild reaction conditions, readily available and reusable catalyst. Various N‐heterocycles and hydrocarbons can be tolerated by the reaction system and transformed to the corresponding aromatic counterparts. Mechanistic studies revealed that the reaction proceeds mainly through an electron transfer mechanism.
Socioeconomic risk factors for long‐term opioid use: A national registry‐linkage study
Authors: Nestvold H. H. , Skurtveit S. S. , Hamina A. , Hjellvik V. , Odsbu I.
Published: July 2023

Background

Opioid use has increased substantially as a treatment for chronic pain, although harms from long‐term opioid therapy outweigh the benefits. More knowledge about factors associated with long‐term opioid use is needed. We aimed to investigate the association between socioeconomic status and long‐term opioid use in the period 2010–2019.

Methods

This was a nested case–control study in which the cases were all persons ≥18 years with long‐term opioid use, that is use of opioids for more than 3 months (N = 215,642). Cases were matched on gender, age and index year (first long‐term use period) with four controls who filled at least one opioid prescription, but never developed long‐term opioid use in the study period (N = 862,568). We performed a logistic regression analysis adjusted for relevant confounders, stratified on age groups (18–67 years and 68 years and above).

Results

In the younger age group, long‐term opioid use was associated with low education (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.54; 95% confidence interval, CI [1.51–1.57]), low income (1.33 [1.31–1.36]), being unemployed (1.40 [1.38–1.42]) and receiving disability pension (1.36 [1.33–1.38]). Weaker associations were found for living in a single‐person household or in a dense geographical area. Similar associations were found for the older age group.

Conclusion

We found that low socioeconomic status was associated with long‐term opioid use both among people in working age and older people. These results indicate a need for social and financial support for non‐pharmacological treatment of chronic pain among people with lower socioeconomic status.

Significance

This study shows that people with low socioeconomic status are at higher risk of developing long‐term opioid use. In the clinical setting, physicians should consider socioeconomic status when prescribing opioids for chronic pain. Non‐pharmacological treatment options funded by public health services should be prioritized to those with low socioeconomic status as long‐term opioid use in chronic pain patients is not recommended.
Experimental and mathematical model of the variable friction adaptive self‐centering energy dissipative brace
Authors: Liu Tong , Zhu Li‐Hua , Dong Yao‐Rong , Luo Jin‐Wu , Li Zi‐Jie
Published: July 2023

The self‐centering energy dissipative (SCED) brace can limit the maximum story drift and eliminate residual drift during an earthquake. The inadequate reliability or excessive complexity of the energy dissipative system, the contradiction between the energy dissipative system and self‐centering system, the limited elongation capacity, and the difficulty in replacement and reuse are the main challenges faced by the existing developed SCED brace. To solve these problems, a variable friction adaptive self‐centering energy dissipative (VFA‐SCED) brace has been proposed. First, the details of the VFA‐SCED brace are introduced, and the force analysis of each component and the working mechanism of the brace are expounded. Then, the equations that govern the brace performance have been derived, key parameters and mathematical models have been identified. Finally, the feasibility of the new system was demonstrated with a set of experiments, in which five specimens with different key parameters were fabricated, tested, and analyzed. The test results show that the hysteretic curve of the VFA‐SCED brace is typically flag‐shaped, and there is almost no residual deformation after multiple cyclic loadings, which means that the brace has good energy dissipative capacity and self‐centering ability, replaceable and recyclable for each component, and stable working performance. The elongation capacity, friction, energy dissipative capacity, and self‐centering ability can be changed by adjusting the relevant key parameters of the spring and wedge block, and the proposed mathematical model can well predict the force‐deformation hysteresis of the brace with different parameters. The results show that the VFA‐SCED brace successfully avoids the main obstacles of previous SCED braces.
Effect of preserved eggs on the health of SD rats, and anti‐tumor action of HT‐29 cells
Authors: Wu Yan , Mao Changyi , Hu Gan , Ma Lulu , Li Shugang , Ma Meihu
Published: July 2023

Preserved eggs are traditional alkali‐pickled food in China and have been enjoyed by consumers and extensively studied by researchers for their nutritional tastes and their anti‐tumor, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, lipid‐lowering, and blood pressure‐lowering properties. To study the anti‐tumor effects of preserved eggs, this project observed the health on rats, and anti‐tumor effects and separated anti‐tumor active components on HT‐29 cells. SD rats fed for 80 days showed that preserved eggs had no significant effect on weight, food intake, blood pH, liver tissues, or organ indices. Preserved eggs significantly increased blood levels of oxidative stress markers SOD and CAT, decreased MDA levels by 0.46, 0.23, and 0.25 times. Moreover, they also increased the level of IL‐2 from 1233 to 1340 pg/mL. Two water‐soluble bioactive peptide fractions, B1 and B2, with molecular weights ≥10 kDa were further obtained from preserved eggs by ultrafiltration and Superdex Peptide 10/300 GL. The potential mechanism of B1 and B2 is to activate the internal mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and induce apoptosis by up‐regulating the expression of the pro‐apoptotic factors cytochrome C, caspase‐3, and caspase‐9 mRNA in HT‐29 cells.
Reconstructing formation processes at the Canary Islands indigenous site of Belmaco Cave (La Palma, Spain) through a multiproxy geoarchaeological approach
Authors: Fernández‐Palacios Enrique , Jambrina‐Enríquez Margarita , Mentzer Susan M. , Rodríguez de Vera Caterina , Dinckal Ada , Égüez Natalia , Herrera‐Herrera Antonio V. , Navarro Mederos Juan Francisco , Marrero Salas Efraín , Miller Christopher E. , Mallol Carolina
Published: July 2023

The indigenous populations of La Palma (Canary Islands), who arrived on the island from Northwest Africa ca. 2000 years B.P., were predominantly pastoralists. Yet, many aspects of their subsistence economy such as the procurement, management, and use of wild plant resources remain largely unknown. To explore this, we studied the 600–1100‐year‐old archaeological site of Belmaco Cave, which comprises a stratified sedimentary deposit representative of a fumier. Here, we present a high‐resolution, multiproxy geoarchaeological study combining soil micromorphology, lipid biomarker analysis, X‐ray diffraction, μ‐X‐ray diffraction, μ‐X‐ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and μ‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, to characterize formation processes and explore plant sources. Recurrent goat/sheep habitation and maintenance activities are represented by interstratified layers of unburned dung, charcoal‐rich sediment, and dung ash. Lipid biomarker data show a herd diet mainly composed of herbaceous plants, which is key to understanding the mobility of indigenous shepherds. Our results also revealed an unusual suite of authigenic minerals including hazenite, aragonite, and sylvite, possibly formed through diagenetic processes involving interaction between ash, dung, urine, volcanogenic components, and bacterial activity, coupled with arid and alkaline conditions. Our study shows the potential of a multiproxy approach to a fumier deposit in a volcanogenic sedimentary context.
Decision‐making of powerful CEOs on green innovation: The roles of performance feedback and institutional investors
Authors: Zhao Jianyu , Qu Jing
Published: July 2023

This study assesses the effects of CEO power on green innovation and, more importantly, explores how different performance feedback affects this relationship by considering the positive and negative aspects of financial and environmental performance feedback. We further discuss how institutional investors respond to the decision‐making of powerful CEOs on green innovation. By using Chinese manufacturing observations, we find that although powerful CEOs positively promote firms' green innovation, this positive effect does not apply to all conditions. The impacts of CEO power on green innovation are different under the positive and negative aspects of performance feedback, and under financial and environmental performance feedback. Accordingly, heterogeneous institutional investors respond differently to these various situations. Specifically, pressure‐resistant institutional investors serve as ‘supervisors’ under the positive aspects of financial and environmental performance feedback and shift to ‘bystanders’ under the negative aspects of financial and environmental performance feedback. Pressure‐sensitive institutional investors always act as ‘bystanders’ under different performance feedback.
Glycolipotoxicity conferred tendinopathy through ferroptosis dictation of tendon‐derived stem cells by YAP activation
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Shikun , Ouyang Xingyu , Wang Hui , Li Xiao , Yao Zhixiao , Chen Shuai , Fan Cunyi
Published: July 2023

Tendinopathy is a condition characterized by chronic, complex, and multidimensional pathological changes in the tendons. The etiology of tendinopathy is the combination of several factors, and diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor. Increasing evidence has shown that the diabetic microenvironment plays an important role in tendinopathy. However, the mechanism causing tendinopathy in patients with DM remains unclear. Our study found that ferroptosis played an important role in tendinopathy in patients with DM. In vitro, high glucose and high fat treatment was used to simulate the DM microenvironment. Results showed that such a mechanism significantly increased ferroptosis, which was characterized by mass cell death, lipid peroxide accumulation, mitochondrial morphological changes, mitochondrial membrane potential decline, iron overload, and the activation of ferroptosis‐related genes, in tendon‐derived stem cells cultured in vitro. In the animal studies, db/db mice were used in the DM model, and the db mice had severe tendon injury and high ACSL4 and TfR1 expressions. These phenomena could be alleviated by the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin‐1. In conclusion, ferroptosis is associated with tendinopathy in patients with DM, and ferroptosis targeting may be a novel approach for treating diabetic tendinopathy. Our results can provide a new strategy for managing tendinopathy clinically in patients with DM.
Gene expression analyses reveal potential mechanism of inorganic arsenic‐induced apoptosis in zebrafish
Authors: Silva Camila S. , Kudlyk Tetyana , Tryndyak Volodymyr P. , Twaddle Nathan C. , Robinson Bonnie , Gu Qiang , Beland Frederick A. , Fitzpatrick Suzanne C. , Kanungo Jyotshna
Published: July 2023

Our previous study showed that sodium arsenite (200 mg/L) affected the nervous system and induced motor neuron development via the Sonic hedgehog pathway in zebrafish larvae. To gain more insight into the effects of arsenite on other signaling pathways, including apoptosis, we have performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction array‐based gene expression analyses. The 96‐well array plates contained primers for 84 genes representing 10 signaling pathways that regulate several biological functions, including apoptosis. We exposed eggs at 5 h postfertilization until the 72 h postfertilization larval stage to 200 mg/L sodium arsenite. In the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, nuclear factor κ‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells, and Wingless/Int‐1 signaling pathways, the expression of only one gene in each pathway was significantly altered. The expression of multiple genes was altered in the p53 and oxidative stress pathways. Sodium arsenite induced excessive apoptosis in the larvae. This compelled us to analyze specific genes in the p53 pathway, including cdkn1a, gadd45aa, and gadd45ba. Our data suggest that the p53 pathway is likely responsible for sodium arsenite‐induced apoptosis. In addition, sodium arsenite significantly reduced global DNA methylation in the zebrafish larvae, which may indicate that epigenetic factors could be dysregulated after arsenic exposure. Together, these data elucidate potential mechanisms of arsenic toxicity that could improve understanding of arsenic's effects on human health.
Stem cell mobilizating effect of heparin in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Merter Mustafa , Sahin Ugur , İlhan Osman , Beksac Meral
Published: July 2023

Background

Adequate stem cell collection is essential for successful stem cell transplantation. Heparin enhances stem cell mobilization by competing with heparin sulfate proteoglycans. Heparin is also used as an anticoagulant before leukapheresis. Here, we evaluated the effects of heparin on stem cell mobilization in patients who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).

Methods

We evaluated patients who underwent ASCT. Patients were divided into two groups: those who received heparin plus citrate (heparinized patients) and those who received citrate only (nonheparinized patients) for anticoagulation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were also performed. The collection efficiency 2 (CE2) for CD34+ cells was calculated and compared between heparinized and nonheparinized patients.

Results

This study included 1017 patients. There were 478 (47%) heparinized and 539 (53%) nonheparinized patients. The number of collected CD34+ cells was significantly higher in heparinized patients (P < .00001). The multivariate analyses showed that using heparin was an independent positive factor for collected CD34+ cells (adj‐R2 = 0.744; F = 369.331, P < .00001). CE2 was significantly higher in heparinized patients than in nonheparinized patients (66.8% vs 52.1%; P < .00001). The rate of collecting at least 2 × 106/kg CD34+ cells was 3.3 times higher for heparinized patients in poor mobilizers (P < .00001). Heparinized patients had significantly higher total nucleated and mononuclear cell counts (P < .00001 and <.00001, respectively).

Conclusion

Heparin enhances stem cell collection and increases CE2. The use of heparin may reduce the need for other strategies to increase stem cell mobilization.
Latent profiles of counselor burnout: Associations with self‐discrepancy
Authors: Kim Isak , Lee Donghun , Lee Janghee , Lee Sang Min
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this research study was to identify heterogeneous counselor burnout profiles using a latent profile analysis (LPA) and examine the profiles in association with counselors’ personal and professional self‐discrepancies in counselor qualities. Data from 360 practicing professional counselors were used for analysis. LPA identified four distinct profiles: Well‐Adjusted Counselors (n = 167, 46.4%), Disconnected Counselors (n = 68, 18.9%), Impaired Counselors (n = 22, 6.1%), and Persevering Counselors (n = 103, 28.6%). A series of Chi‐square tests indicated there were significant associations between the burnout profiles and self‐discrepancies in some counselor qualities, such as “open‐minded,” “stable,” “dependable,” “consistent,” “empathic,” “optimistic,” “trustworthy,” and “sociable.” Professional counselors are encouraged to identify their burnout profile and address personal and professional self‐discrepancy, which may affect burnout symptomology.
Solvent‐free synthesis of ZIF‐67 thin films as the catalyst for the direct growth of carbon nanotubes for the fabrication of electrical double‐layer capacitors
Authors: Lo Kai‐Hsiang , Lin Jeng‐Yu , Hsieh Chien‐Kuo
Published: July 2023

Objective

This work is focused on the direct growth of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto the flexible stainless‐steel mesh (SM) substrate using ZIF‐67 as the catalytic layer.

Materials & Methods

The CNTs/SM electrode is prepared by two‐step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using ZIF‐67 thin films as the catalytic layers. The time duration for the deposition of ZIF‐67 thin films by an atmospheric CVD process is controlled for direct, vertically aligned, dense and uniform growth of CNTs by a low‐pressure CVD process at a low temperature of 450 °C.

Results & Discussion

The electrochemical performance of CNTs/SM electrode is studied by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements using KOH aqueous electrolyte which showed their better EDLC features and outstanding rate capability. The binder‐free directly grown CNTs/SM electrode displayed a low interfacial resistance between CNTs and SM substrate which comes from their synergistic effect of lower charge loss and better charge collection. Moreover, vertically aligned one‐dimensional CNTs could be rendered as the charge highway in the axial direction, which can promote the rapid charge transportation.

Conclusions

The directly grown CNTs on the commercial SM substrate using the ZIF‐67 catalytic layer fabricated via the solvent free technology can be regarded as a promising EDLC electrode for flexible super capacitors.
Effect of sex differences and time of oxytocin administration on treatment of rat model of autism spectrum disorder: Focused on necroptosis markers
Authors: Shariatpanahi Marjan , Sojoudi Zahra , Khodagholi Fariba , Rahmati Hiva , Jameie Seyed Behnamedin , Eftekharzadeh Mina , Karizmeh Maryam Soleimani , Shabani Mostafa , Zamani Ehsan
Published: July 2023

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. A variety of molecular and cellular abnormalities leads to behavioral deficits in autism. Nevertheless, its etiology and treatment strategy are not completely understood. Oxytocin has recently shown improvements in social functioning. This study aimed to evaluate the necroptosis pathway for the neuroprotective effects of oxytocin in the valproic acid‐induced autism spectrum disorder model. The autism spectrum disorder was induced by valproic acid on gestational day 12.5 (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Offspring received intranasal oxytocin (1 μg/μL) on the 21st and 40th days after birth. The offspring behaviors were scrutinized by self‐grooming, marble‐burying, three‐chamber, and Morris water maze tests. Western blot was performed on the hippocampus and amygdala tissues to investigate the expression of RIP3 and MLKL markers. The valproic acid group demonstrated more anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and expression of RIP3 and MLKL markers, and less social interaction and spatial memory compared with the control group. Oxytocin considerably improved social interactions, preference for social novelty, and memory. The elevated expression of RIP3 and MLKL markers in valproic acid‐induced autistic rats were alleviated after treatment with oxytocin. We also highlighted the importance of age and gender in autism spectrum disorder interventions. Our findings suggested that oxytocin administration was as an effective treatment in two areas of repetitive/stereotyped behaviors, social interactions/cognitive function. Notably, early administration of oxytocin resulted in better therapeutic responses in autism‐like behaviors. The molecular tests introduce oxytocin as a potential candidate for reducing the expression of necroptosis mediators in the brain. This reinforced our hypothesis that the necroptosis pathway takes part in autism spectrum disorder.
Retracted: Assessment of HBV infection and inter‐host cellular responses using intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids
Authors: Lim Chuan Kok , Tran Bang Manh , Flanagan Dustin , McCartney Erin , Tse Edmund , Vincan Elizabeth
Published: July 2023

Intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids (ICOs) model was evaluated for host differences in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, cellular responses, antiviral, and immunomodulator responses. Twelve ICOs generated from liver resections and biopsies were assessed for metabolic markers and functional HBV entry receptor expression throughout differentiation. Structural changes relevant to HBV infection were characterized using histology, confocal, and electron microscopy examinations. Optimal ICO culture conditions for HBV infection using HepAD38 (genotype D) and plasma derived HBV (genotype B & C) were described. HBV infection was confirmed using HBcAg immunostaining, qRT‐PCR (RNA, cccDNA, extracellular DNA), and ELISA (HBsAg and HBeAg). Drug response to antiviral and immunosuppressive agent, and cellular responses (interferon‐stimulated genes [ISG]) to interferon‐α and viral mimic (PolyI:C) were assessed. ICOs underwent metabolic and structural remodeling following differentiation. Optimal HBV infection was achieved in well‐differentiated ICOs using spinoculation, with time and donor dependent increase in HBV RNA, cccDNA, extracellular DNA, HBeAg, and HBsAg. Donor dependent drug‐responsiveness to entry inhibitor and JAK inhibitor was observed. Despite having a robust ISG response to interferon‐α and PolyI:C, HBV infection in ICOs did not upregulate ISGs. Human ICOs support HBV infection and replication with donor dependent variation in viral dynamics and cellular responses. These features can be utilized for development of personalized drug testing platform for antivirals.
Determinants of protection against SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BA.1 and Delta infections in fully vaccinated outpatients
Authors: Roy Alvaro , Saade Carla , Josset Laurence , Clément Bénédicte , Morfin Florence , Destras Grégory , Valette Martine , Icard Vinca , Billaud Geneviéve , Oblette Antoine , Debombourg Marion , Garrigou Christine , Brengel‐Pesce Karen , Generenaz Laurence , Saker Kahina , Hernu Romain , Pozzetto Bruno , Lina Bruno , Trabaud Mary‐Anne , Trouillet‐Assant Sophie , Bal Antonin
Published: July 2023

We aimed to evaluate the association between the humoral and cellular immune responses and symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection with Delta or Omicron BA.1 variants in fully vaccinated outpatients. Anti‐receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG levels and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) release were evaluated at PCR‐diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 in 636 samples from negative and positive patients during Delta and Omicron BA.1 periods. Median levels of anti‐RBD IgG in positive patients were significantly lower than in negative patients for both variants (p < 0.05). The frequency of Omicron BA.1 infection in patients with anti‐RBD IgG concentrations ≥1000 binding antibody units (BAU)/mL was 51.0% and decreased to 34.4% in patients with concentrations ≥3000 BAU/mL. For Delta infection, the frequency of infection was significantly lower when applying the same anti‐RBD IgG thresholds (13.3% and 5.3% respectively, p < 0.05). In addition, individuals in the hybrid immunity group had a 4.5 times lower risk of Delta infection compared to the homologous vaccination group (aOR = 0.22, 95% CI: [0.05−0.64]. No significant decrease in the risk of Omicron BA.1 infection was observed in the hybrid group compared to the homologous group, but the risk decreased within the hybrid group as anti‐RBD IgG titers increased (aOR = 0.08, 95% CI: [0.01−0.41], p = 0.008). IFN‐γ release post‐SARS‐CoV‐2 peptide stimulation was not different between samples from patients infected (either with Delta or Omicron BA.1 variant) or not (p > 0.05). Our results show that high circulating levels of anti‐RBD IgG and hybrid immunity were independently associated with a lower risk of symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in outpatients with differences according to the infecting variant (www.clinicaltrials.gov; ID NCT05060939).
Multimodal microscope system for hyperspectral imaging of scattering directionality and Raman excitation spectroscopy
Authors: Amirsalari Abdolvahab , Razi Sepehr , Gawinkowski Sylwester
Published: July 2023

Plasmonic nanostructures enable the strong localization of an electromagnetic field, which allows them to be used for enhancing Raman signals. This property has a range of applications in various fields, from detecting small quantities of substances to studying the interactions between compounds and metals. Although the general mechanism of Raman signal enhancement by metal nanoparticles is accepted, details related to the interaction of the nanoparticle with the molecule are still unexplained because of its complexity. A versatile, high‐resolution microscope system is required to investigate the spectroscopic properties of nanoparticles and the Raman signals enhanced by them. This study describes a multifunctional microscope system designed for comprehensive microspectroscopic analysis of plasmonic nanostructures functionalized with chemicals. The integrated system combines various excitation and detection modalities, enabling hyperspectral Raman mapping, Rayleigh (dark‐field) scattering hyperspectral mapping, and angular scattering and emission mapping in defocused mode. The flexibility in excitation wavenumber choice ensures optimal measurement efficiency and the ability to perform all measurements as a function of excitation. We demonstrate the system's capabilities using malachite green deposited on gold nanorods, showcasing the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) excitation profiles and scattering directionality defocused imaging using the hyperspectral imaging of the angular distribution of Raman scattering technique. This integrated microscope system promises to advance the study of plasmonic nanostructures and their interactions with chemical compounds at the single‐particle level. The construction of a multimodal Raman microscopic system that enables hyperspectral imaging of the angular distribution of Raman scattering and dark‐field scattering, as well as Raman excitation profiles, is presented. The capabilities of the system are demonstrated by studying the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering of malachite green deposited on gold nanorods.
A comparative study of the image quality of dermoscopic images acquired in general practice versus at a dermatology department
Authors: Niklasson Louise , Prasad Sumangali Chandra , Schuster Annette , Laurinaviciene Rasa , Vestergaard Tine
Published: July 2023

Background

Skin cancer constitutes a significant and growing disease burden. To deal with this, teledermoscopy (TDS) can be useful. However, image quality is a concern for implementing TDS. High image quality can be obtained at a dermatology department, but in many occasions, it is more sensible to acquire TDS images in general practice.

Objectives

To compare image quality, diagnostic confidence, suggested management, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy between two sets of dermoscopic images of the same skin tumour, where one set was acquired in general practice, and the other was obtained at a dermatology department.

Methods

Two sets of dermoscopic images of 192 skin lesions were evaluated by the same dermatologist at two different occasions approximately 4 years apart (2018 vs. 2022). On both occasions, the images were evaluated in regard to image quality, diagnostic confidence, whether the lesion was a benign or malignant, primary diagnosis and suggested management.

Results

There were statistically significant differences of diagnostic confidence and suggested management (p = 0.00 for respective parameter), but not for image quality (p = 0.37), sensitivity (p = 0.67), specificity (p = 0.66) and diagnostic accuracy (p = 0.81). The intraobserver agreements were slight for image quality (κ = 0.012), fair for diagnostic confidence (κ = 0.313) and moderate for suggested management (κ = 0.467).

Conclusions

The image quality of both sets of dermoscopic images was most often good. Although we did not find a statistically significant difference in image quality between the two sets of images, our minimal level of intraobserver agreement suggests otherwise. However, this should not hinder TDS image acquisition in general practice as our results indicate that with the availability of referral notes, TDS images taken in general practice can achieve a similar sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy as dermoscopic images obtained at a dermatology department.
Breeding records, urban habitat, and threats to the masked palm civet in Taiwan
Authors: Lim Pin Xuan , Lin Si‐Min , Lin Wen‐Loung , Tseng Hui‐Yun
Published: July 2023

An increasing number of mammalian species worldwide have adapted to urban environments following the alteration and fragmentation of natural habitats. In recent years, the masked palm civet (Paguma larvata) has increased in several highly populated cities in Taiwan. Twelve‐years (2010–2021) of civet records in Taichung (the largest city in central Taiwan) from the rescue center of Taichung Wildlife Conservation Group report the population of civets has grown steadily since 2017, with the number of records in 2020 (n = 58) and 2021 (n = 55) approximately 5 times of that in 2010–2014 (mean ± SD = 5.0 ± 2.6). Our objective was to use the records from the rescue center to evaluate the potential sexual dimorphism of urban civets, explore temporal variation of civet activity and age structure, identify major threats to civets inhabiting urban areas, and investigate the environmental characteristics surrounding civet nesting sites in urban environments. The civet breeding season lasts from spring to autumn, with primary mating season in spring. The main cause of mortality in adults was dog attack followed by car accident, while the main rescue reason for young civets was because they were considered orphans following human interferences. Many civets in urban areas inhabit locations where >90% of the land cover is covered by buildings and man‐made structures, and even nest inside buildings. Our results demonstrated the need for new civet conservation and management policies to minimize dog attacks on civets to enhance co‐existence between wildlife and humans.
Poly (Ionic Liquid)‐Metal Organic Framework‐Derived Nanoporous Carbon Membranes: Facile Fabrication and Ultrahigh Areal Capacitance
Authors: Shi Yu , Long Wenhua , Wang Yue , He Xuelong , Lv Baokang , Zuo Hongyu , Li Xinghao , Liao Yaozu , Zhang Weiyi
Published: July 2023

With the rapid development of energy storage technology, the operation of portable and wearable devices is inseparable from high energy density power supplies. However, the demand for high performance supercapacitors in movable smart electronics is still restrained by their insufficient areal capacitance and limited power/energy densities. In addition, some electroactive materials, including metal oxides, conductive polymers, graphene, porous carbons, etc., are inevitable to use extra adhesives for the preparation of electrode materials. In this work, integrated hierarchical graphitic porous carbon membranes used as the electrodes without adhesives are successfully synthesized, via pyrolyzing poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs)‐metal organic frameworks (MOFs) composite membranes. The asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled by the carbonized PIL‐MOF composite membrane and PILs‐derived porous carbon membrane, and exhibits significant areal capacitance with remarkable power and energy densities. In the two‐electrode system, the areal capacitance can reach 9.5 F cm−2 with an energy density of 1.91 mWh cm−2. In the fabricated all‐solid‐state supercapacitors, the areal capacitance and energy density achieved 3.2 F cm−2 and 0.65 mWh cm−2, respectively, exceeding most reported ones. Therefore, the integrated carbon membrane electrodes with high areal capacitance reveal great potential in miniaturized devices, and further show a wider application scope through regulating PILs.
Compliance quality improvement and carbon reduction strategies for a fuel vehicle supply chain based on the manufacturer's carbon social responsibility
Authors: Yi Yongxi , Zhang Meng , Li Yuqiong , Wang Yangyang
Published: July 2023

It investigates compliance quality improvement and carbon reduction in the fuel vehicle supply chain. In our model, a manufacturer with carbon social responsibility first determines the level of carbon reduction, vehicle fuel consumption reduction, and compliance quality improvement. Multiple retailers then select the level of marketing effort. The analysis of decentralized, cost‐sharing, and revenue‐sharing decisions shows that the ranking of carbon and fuel consumption reduction and compliance quality improvement under the three models depends on the parameters. Cost‐sharing and revenue‐sharing can improve the utility of supply chain members, but the sharing modes that they prefer are different.
Successfully operating patent digital platforms in China: A configurational perspective
Authors: Liang Kaitong , Ma Lei , Liu Zheng , Yi Chaonan
Published: July 2023

The increasing value of patents for innovation and the permeability of digital technologies have triggered patent digital platforms (PDPs) as a new business model of patent intermediaries. While current literature mainly focuses upon PDPs within a developed country, China shows unique features with a relatively unmatured patent market. This paper aims to explore conditional configurations that lead to the operational success of PDPs throughout China. The results indicate two configurational paths: “firm size driven” and “digital infrastructure and knowledge assets driven.” Furthermore, environmental factors are peripheral conditions yet important. Our findings have enriched the understanding of patent intermediaries in digital age and sheds light on PDP theory and practice.
A tunable water antenna
Authors: Wu Yuting , Lin Peiying , Wu Zhouyi , Liu Xingyu , Huangfu Jiangtao
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a pure water antenna with frequency reconfigurability, which is composed of a water resonator, L‐shaped feeder, and metal ground pad. An L‐shaped feeding structure is designed so that the working frequency can be adjusted by changing the water level of the resonator. The cross‐stack periodic water radiator structure improves the radiation efficiency by 2–4 dB compared with simple rectangular structure. The working frequency of this antenna is around 1 GHz, and will decrease by 17 MHz for every 5 mm increase in water level, which proves the feasibility of this antenna for water level monitoring. It has the potential for application in the field of wireless environmental monitoring for the Internet of Things.
A novel method to measure small antennas using a wideband coaxial cone TEM cell
Authors: Ji Rui , Zhou Feng , Yuan Xiuhua , Cheng Kai
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a novel method to measure physically small antennas using a coaxial cone transverse electromagnetic wave (TEM) cell. Due to the ultra‐wideband, large electric field strength, and high dynamic range characteristics, coaxial cone provides a reliable environment to measure parameters such as gain and antenna factor of small antennas. The frequency could cover 200 MHz–40 GHz. To investigate the suitability of the coaxial cone TEM cell to measure antenna, measurements for a wideband small antenna and a horn antenna are carried out. And the validity of this method is verified through comparison of the obtained results, the measurement uncertainty is evaluated. Compared to an anechoic chamber, the space, cost, and time requirements are reduced drastically. Accordingly, this method could be a more effective alternative way to conventional methods such as the three antennas method and the two antennas method using anechoic chambers.
Children's Oncology Group's 2023 blueprint for research: Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Castellino Sharon M. , Giulino‐Roth Lisa , Harker‐Murray Paul , Kahn Justine M. , Forlenza Christopher , Cho Steve , Hoppe Bradford , Parsons Susan K. , Kelly Kara M. ,   the COG Hodgkin Lymphoma Committee
Published: July 2023

The goal of therapy in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is to maximize overall survival while minimizing the morbidity of curative therapy. Key findings from recent Children's Oncology Group (COG) trials include: (i) superior event‐free survival with the addition of brentuximab vedotin (Bv) in frontline regimens for high‐risk disease, (ii) successful reduction in myeloablative regimens with demonstrated safety and efficacy of Bv and checkpoint inhibitor therapy in relapsed disease, and (ii) the potential to select a population that can be salvaged after relapse without receiving a stem cell transplant. The COG HL committee will lead a National cancer Institute National Clinical Trials Network phase 3 trial to evaluate the combination of Bv/nivolumab in early‐stage disease. Ongoing advances in technology and blood biomarkers are increasing the ability to deliver biologically driven, personalized treatment for HL.