bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N‐acetylneuraminic acid modulates SQSTM1/p62 sialyation‐mediated ubiquitination degradation contributing to vascular endothelium dysfunction in experimental atherosclerosis mice
Authors: Chen Le , Qiu Hongmei , Chen Qingqiu , Xiang Peng , Lei Jin , Zhang Jun , Lu Yining , Wang Xianmin , Wu Shengde , Yu Chao , Ma Limei
Published: October 2023

Sialic acid (SIA) has been reported to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis (AS) due to its high plasma levels in such patients. However, the effect of increasing SIA in circulation on endothelial function during AS progression remains unclear. In the present study, ApoE−/− mice and endothelial cells line (HUVEC cells) were applied to investigate the effect of SIA on AS progression and its potential molecular mechanism. In vivo, mice were injected intraperitoneally with Neu5Ac (main form of SIA) to keep high‐level SIA in circulation. ORO, H&E, and Masson staining were applied to detect the plaque progression. In vitro, HUVECs were treated with Neu5Ac at different times, CCK‐8, RT‐PCR, western blot, and immunoprecipitation methods were used to analyze its effects on endothelial function and the potential involved mechanism. Results from the present study showed that high plasma levels of Neu5Ac in ApoE−/− mice could aggravate the plaque areas as well as increase necrotic core areas and collagen fiber contents. Remarkably, Neu5Ac levels in circulation displayed a positive correlation with AS plaque areas. Furthermore, results from HUVECs showed that Neu5Ac inhibited cells viability in a time/dose‐dependent manner, by then induced the activation of inflammation makers such as ICAM‐1 and IL‐1β. Mechanism study showed that the activation of excessive autophagy medicated by SQSTM1/p62 displayed an important role in endothelium inflammatory injury. Neu5Ac could modify SQSTM1/p62 as a sialylation protein, and then increase its level with ubiquitin binding, further inducing ubiquitination degradation and being involved in the excessive autophagy pathway. Inhibition of sialylation by P‐3Fax‐Neu5Ac, a sialyltransferase inhibitor, reduced the binding of SQSTM1/p62 to ubiquitin. Together, these findings indicated that Neu5Ac increased SQSTM1/p62‐ubiquitin binding through sialylation modification, thereby inducing excessive autophagy and subsequent endothelial injury. Inhibition of SQSTM1/p62 sialylation might be a potential strategy for preventing such disease with high levels of Neu5Ac in circulation.
Mechanism of action of photobiomodulation with light‐emitting diode on the glutamine‐dependent CT26 cell
Authors: Hu Shaojuan , Liu Timon Cheng‐Yi
Published: October 2023

We investigated the mechanism of action of photobiomodulation (PBM) with light‐emitting diode (led) 640 nm of glutamine‐dependent CT26 cells. Cells were exposed to 0.147–10.979 mW/cm2 of 640 ± 15 nm laser light for 15 min/day for 10 days. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by MTT (3‐(4,5)‐dimethylthiahiazo (‐z‐y1)‐3,5‐diphenytetrazoliumromide) and annexin V‐FITC assays. mRNA and protein levels of cell proliferation‐related genes were measured by RT‐PCR and western blotting, respectively. With Gln 7.94 mM, on Day 8 and 10, genes GLUT1, MEK1, ERK2, BCL2, E2F1, HO‐1, Ctnnb1, and Per2 was significantly upregulated (p < 0.01) of glutamine addiction. In PBM therapy, compared with the non‐illuminated group, 2.17 mW/cm2 can significantly reduce cell apoptosis, the mRNA level of gene mTOR1 was significantly upregulated, and the protein level of raptor of GLUT1 and mTOR1, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 were upregulated. LED 640 nm inhibits cell apoptosis without increasing cell proliferation by regulating GLUT1, MEK/ERK, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signals.
Zucker Diabetic‐Sprague Dawley Rats Have Impaired Peri‐Implant Bone Formation, Matrix Composition, and Implant Fixation Strength
Authors: Anderson Kyle D , Beckmann Christian , Heermant Saskia , Ko Frank C , Dulion Bryan , Tarhoni Imad , Borgia Jeffrey A , Virdi Amarjit S , Wimmer Markus A , Sumner D Rick , Ross Ryan D
Published: October 2023

An increasing number of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) will require total joint replacement (TJR) in the next decade. T2DM patients are at increased risk for TJR failure, but the mechanisms are not well understood. The current study used the Zucker Diabetic‐Sprague Dawley (ZDSD) rat model of T2DM with Sprague Dawley (SPD) controls to investigate the effects of intramedullary implant placement on osseointegration, peri‐implant bone structure and matrix composition, and fixation strength at 2 and 10 weeks post‐implant placement. Postoperative inflammation was assessed with circulating MCP‐1 and IL‐10 2 days post‐implant placement. In addition to comparing the two groups, stepwise linear regression modeling was performed to determine the relative contribution of glucose, cytokines, bone formation, bone structure, and bone matrix composition on osseointegration and implant fixation strength. ZDSD rats had decreased peri‐implant bone formation and reduced trabecular bone volume per total volume compared with SPD controls. The osseointegrated bone matrix of ZDSD rats had decreased mineral‐to‐matrix and increased crystallinity compared with SPD controls. Osseointegrated bone volume per total volume was not different between the groups, whereas implant fixation was significantly decreased in ZDSD at 2 weeks but not at 10 weeks. A combination of trabecular mineral apposition rate and postoperative MCP‐1 levels explained 55.6% of the variance in osseointegration, whereas cortical thickness, osseointegration mineral apposition rate, and matrix compositional parameters explained 69.2% of the variance in implant fixation strength. The results support the growing recognition that both peri‐implant structure and matrix composition affect implant fixation and suggest that postoperative inflammation may contribute to poor outcomes after TJR surgeries in T2DM patients. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy and Offspring's Risk for Bone Fracture in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Kääntä Emil , Parviainen Roope , Tikanmäki Marjaana , Alenius Suvi , Sinikumpu Juha-Jaakko , Kajantie Eero
Published: October 2023

Conditions during gestation, such as maternal smoking, may affect offspring's bone structure. This could increase the offspring's risk of bone fractures during childhood. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between prenatal exposure to maternal smoking and childhood bone fracture risk. We used a register-based birth cohort that included all children born in Finland between January 1987 and September 1990. After exclusions, the final study population consisted of 220,699 persons. Using a unique national identification number, we linked the cohort data to the fracture diagnosis in specialty care and covariate data using the Medical Birth Register (MBR), Statistics Finland and Care Register for Health Care (CRHC). The fractures were analyzed in three groups: all fractures, non-high-energy fractures, and high-energy fractures. The analyses were adjusted for sex, parity, child's year of birth, mother's age at childbirth, mother's and father's educational level, and mother's fracture status. We tested the association in three age groups: <1 year, 1–<5 years, and 5–<15 years using Cox and (recurrent fractures) Poisson regression. A total of 18,857 (8.5%) persons had at least one bone fracture diagnosis before the age of 15 years. In the age group 5–<15 years, maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with higher fracture risk in all of the studied fracture groups: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.17) in all fractures, 1.13 (95% CI 1.07–1.19) in non-high-energy, and 1.15 (95% CI 1.00–1.32) in high-energy fractures. There were no significant associations in other age groups in any of the fracture groups. No statistically significant association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring's risk of recurrent fractures was found. In conclusion, 5- to 15-year-olds whose mothers have smoked during pregnancy have an increased risk of bone fractures treated in specialty care. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The challenges in the interpretation of genetic variants detected by genomics techniques in patients with congenital anomalies
Authors: Vaseghi Hajar , Akrami Seyed Mohammad , Rashidi‐Nezhad Ali
Published: October 2023

Background

Despite the efforts that have been made to standardize the interpretation of variants, in some cases, their pathogenicity remains vague and confusing, and sometimes their interpretation does not help clinicians to establish clinical correlation using genetic test results. This study aims to shed more lights on these challenging variants.

Methods

In a clinical setting, the variants found from 81 array CGH and 79 whole exome sequencing (WES) in patients with congenital anomalies were interpreted based on American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.

Results

In this study, the interpretation of the disease‐causing variants and the variants with uncertain clinical significance detected by WES was far more challenging than the variants detected by array CGH. The presence of unreported clinical symptoms, incomplete penetrance, variable expressivity, parents' reluctance to analyze segregation in the family, and the limitations of prenatal tests, were among the challenging factors in the interpretation of variants in this study.

Conclusion

A careful study of the pedigree and disease mode of inheritance, as well as a careful clinical examination of the carrier parents in diseases with autosomal dominant inheritance, are among the primary strategies for determining the clinical significance of the variants. Continued efforts to mitigate these challenges are needed to improve the interpretation of variants.
Integration of an evidence‐based caries management approach in dental education: The perspectives of dental instructors
Authors: Pillai Sangeeth , Rohani Kimia , Macdonald Mary Ellen , Al‐Hamed Faez Saleh , Tikhonova Svetlana
Published: October 2023

Purpose/objectives

Evidence‐based caries management (EBCM) has developed into an internationally recognized tool for integration of comprehensive non‐surgical caries treatment in dental education. However, uptake of the EBCM approach remains uneven across Canadian dental schools. Our project sought to understand how dental instructors perceive the challenges and solutions to the integration of the EBCM approach in undergraduate clinical education.

Methods

Using a qualitative descriptive design, we recruited a purposeful sample of clinical instructors supervising undergraduate dental students in caries‐related dental care. Semi‐structured, online interviews focused on the main characteristics of EBCM. Interviews were analyzed using the awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, and reinforcement (ADKAR) change management model to understand challenges with EBCM implementation in undergraduate education. The analysis process started with verbatim transcription; then, transcripts were coded deductively based on the interview guide and the ADKAR model domains, and inductively to generate emergent codes. Finally, thematic analysis was used to develop themes and subthemes.

Results

We interviewed 11 dental instructors with a wide range of clinical experience. Our results show that participants had sufficient awareness regarding the need for the EBCM approach and portrayed a strong desire to participate in bringing curricular changes. Knowledge and ability of participants depended on their training, experience, and involvement in continuing education courses. A lack of standardized caries management practices, less chairside time, and poor remuneration for instructors were major barriers in EBCM clinical implementation. Potential solutions suggested included providing continuing education courses, credits for students for non‐surgical caries management, and remunerating instructors for implementation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, most participants were aware of the need for a substantive change toward EBCM and demonstrated the desire to participate and improve its implementation. Our analysis showed that to facilitate full integration of the EBCM approach into the undergraduate dental clinics, organizational focus needs to be placed on the individual's knowledge and ability, with tailored efforts toward reinforcement.
Did in‐between rinsing and agitating with distilled water prevents precipitate formation by the interaction between sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine canal irrigants?
Authors: Maiola Emanuelle Catherine , Boppré Letícia Mendes , Savaris Julia Menezes , Dias Junior Luiz Carlos de Lima , Garcia Lucas da Fonseca Roberti , Teixeira Cleonice da Silveira , Bortoluzzi Eduardo Antunes
Published: October 2023

The interaction of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) produces an orange‐brown precipitate. The present study evaluated the influence of distilled water (H2O) in different irrigation protocols designed to prevent the formation of precipitate with NaOCl and CHX. Fifty canine teeth were instrumented and split longitudinally. The canal was examined with a stereomicroscope and photographed by canal‐thirds. The tooth halves were repositioned and distributed randomly into five groups, according to the final irrigation protocol (n = 10): G1 (control)—Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) + NaOCl + CHX, conventional irrigation (CI); G2—EDTA + NaOCl + CHX, activated with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI); G3—EDTA (PUI) + NaOCl (PUI) + H2O (CI) + CHX (PUI); G4—EDTA + NaOCl + H2O + CHX (PUI); G5—EDTA (PUI) + NaOCl (PUI) + H2O (continuous ultrasonic irrigation [CUI]) + CHX (PUI). The specimens were evaluated with a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy analysis was performed to identify the elemental profile of the irrigated canal walls. The images were scored according to the extensiveness of precipitate. Data were analyzed (Kruskal–Wallis test, α = 5%). Under the stereomicroscope, G1 had significantly higher scores than all the other groups in all canal‐thirds (p < .05). All four experimental groups showed similar scores (p > .05). There were no significant differences in precipitate formation among root‐thirds in intragroup analysis (p > .05). Upon SEM examination, overall, only G5 had lower scores than G1 (p < .05). Analysis by canal‐thirds showed no significant difference among groups and among canal‐thirds in the intragroup analysis (p > .05). G1 showed high Cl peaks. In‐between irrigation with H2O activated by CUI is effective in preventing precipitate formation during canal debridement with NaOCl and CHX.

Research Highlights

Continuous ultrasonic irrigation with distilled water was capable to prevent the precipitate formation.

The precipitate can be classified as a chemical smear layer.
Ten common misconceptions about antibiotic use in the hospital
Authors: Lam John C. , Bourassa‐Blanchette Samuel
Published: October 2023

Antimicrobials are one of the most administered medications in hospitals. Thoughtful and rational antibiotic prescribing by clinicians are important in reducing the adverse effects to both the host that takes the antibiotic and also the individuals in the host's community. Principles informing antibiotic prescribing in the hospital are commonly rooted in misconceptions. We review 10 common myths associated with antibacterial usage in hospitalized patients and share contemporary evidence in hopes of enhancing evidence‐informed practice in this patient care setting.
Best Practice for MRI Diagnostic Accuracy Research With Lessons and Examples from the LI‐RADS Individual Participant Data Group
Authors: van der Pol Christian B. , Costa Andreu F. , Lam Eric , Dawit Haben , Bashir Mustafa R. , McInnes Matthew D. F.
Published: October 2023

Medical imaging diagnostic test accuracy research is strengthened by adhering to best practices for study design, data collection, data documentation, and study reporting. In this review, key elements of such research are discussed, and specific recommendations provided for optimizing diagnostic accuracy study execution to improve uniformity, minimize common sources of bias and avoid potential pitfalls. Examples are provided regarding study methodology and data collection practices based on insights gained by the liver imaging reporting and data system (LI‐RADS) individual participant data group, who have evaluated raw data from numerous MRI diagnostic accuracy studies for risk of bias and data integrity. The goal of this review is to outline strategies for investigators to improve research practices, and to help reviewers and readers better contextualize a study's findings while understanding its limitations.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
In vivo evaluation of the skin penetration and efficacy of ceramide nanomulsions by confocal Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Fan , Zhu Jun , Zhang Ze , Li Shujing , He Yifan , Dong Yinmao , Zhan Xin
Published: October 2023

Ceramide NP (Cer‐NP) has favorable effects in treating dry skin and barrier damage; nevertheless, their efficacy is hindered by a relatively low skin permeability. The most common used method to evaluate drug permeability in cosmetic filed is Franz diffusion cell, which have limitations in terms of experimental materials and manipulation, making it difficult to reliably quantify drug permeability in vivo on the human skin. In contrast, confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRM) is regarded as a versatile tool for tracking of the penetration of active molecules through the skin, which is non‐invasive, non‐destructive, and real‐time and allows in vivo testing of ceramide permeability and efficacy as well. The goal of this study was to track the skin penetration of Cer‐NP nanoemulsions (NEs) into the inner forearm skin, and to assess the short‐term effects of Cer‐NP on stratum corneum (SC) thickness, hydration, and intercellular lipids (ICL) conformation order using the water content and lateral packing order Slat = I2880/I2850, which were obtained by CRM data. Cer‐NP penetrated into the SC and epidermis, and the amount of penetration reduced with depth and increased with duration and finally retained in the SC. The results also uncovered Cer‐NP‐promoted SC hydration and increased SC thickness and Slat. The research mentioned above demonstrated that Cer‐NP NEs successfully penetrated the skin and performed moisturizing and barrier restoration functions.
Distribution of 2,4,6‐Trichloroanisole in cork stoppers
Authors: Monteiro Susana , Bundaleski Nenad , Malheiro Ana , Cabral Miguel , Teodoro Orlando M. N. D.
Published: October 2023

Background

Natural cork stoppers are commonly considered the main source of 2,4,6‐trichloroanisole (TCA) in wine. However, little is known about how TCA is spread inside naturally contaminated cork stoppers. In the present work, the TCA distribution of 37 contaminated stoppers was assessed by slicing them into 3 mm discs and performing TCA analysis on each piece. Additionally, the distribution of TCA in artificially contaminated stoppers was investigated, after exposing clean stoppers to a controlled contaminated environment for 48 h.

Results

The results showed that TCA was concentrated either in small sections or distributed along the length of the stoppers. Regarding the artificially contaminated, it was found that TCA was present not only in the outer layer along the stopper length but some was found 6 mm below the surface.

Conclusion

In this study, no specific distribution pattern could represent TCA contamination in cork stoppers. An equal number of stoppers exhibited either a concentrated distribution or spread over the whole stopper. Lenticular channels are proposed to play a role in the dissemination of TCA from the surface to the interior of the stopper, as TCA was detected in the interior of the stopper within 2 h of exposure to an environment contaminated with TCA. However, the orientation of these channels does not contribute to the transportation of TCA to wine as they are perpendicular to the stopper's axis.
Effect of sugar reduction on sensory characteristics of dried fish mince product
Authors: Wang Shufen , Yang Fang , Wu Yi , Jiang Qixing , Xu Yanshun , Yu Peipei , Gao Pei , Yu Dawei , Xia Wenshui
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to type 2 diabetes, obesity and other diseases. Therefore, it is indispensable to reduce sugar of food. However, the sensory characteristics of food are affected after sugar reduction (SR). Currently, SR has been reported in drinks, jams, candies, and other fruit related or sweet foods; but salty or protein related foods have not been explored, therefore there is a big gap that needs to be filled.

RESULTS

Sensory scores of initial sweetness and sweetness reduced by 0.26 and 0.12 in 10% SR dried fish mince product compared with control, and there was a small difference between 25% SR (3.33) and 40% SR (3.09) samples. It also showed that 10% SR sample had a small reduction in sweetness value and free sugar content by 3.5% (0.42/11.9) and 7.8% (2.12/27.06) compared with control; while values in 25% SR sample decreased sharply but were not much different from 40% SR sample. Electronic nose results showed that SR had a small effect on odor. Texture analysis showed that texture properties of 25% SR sample were significantly different from control.

CONCLUSIONS

Dried fish mince product with below 10% SR had a small difference on the sensory characteristics and there was a big change when SR was more than 20%. Dried fish mince product with 25% SR and 40% SR had no significant difference. SR had a small effect on odor, but had a great effect on texture properties, especially over 20% SR. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Global inequalities in availability of systemic therapies for cancer care and strategies to address them
Authors: Krishnan Mridula , Agarwal Priyal , Pinninti Rakesh , Rajappa Senthil
Published: October 2023

Many Low and middle‐income countries face challenges in delivering chemotherapy services due to limitations in infrastructure, inadequate healthcare facilities, and a shortage of trained medical professionals. High‐income countries often have well‐developed healthcare systems and advanced technology.
Pain management in cancer surgery: Global inequities and strategies to address them
Authors: Pellegrino Peter Ricci , Are Madhuri
Published: October 2023

Among patients undergoing surgical oncologic operations, patients in low‐ and middle‐income countries are at particularly high risk for inadequate perioperative analgesia. This article reviews some of the guiding pillars of pain management for cancer surgery, including use of regional analgesia and acute pain service consultation, multimodal adjunctive analgesia, and judicious opioid use while presenting data on international disparities for each pillar and proposing strategies to address these inequities.
Comparing π‐complexation capabilities of ionic liquids containing silver(I) and copper(I) ions by headspace single drop microextraction in combination with high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Eor Philip , Byington Miles , Anderson Jared L.
Published: October 2023

Selective π‐complexation capabilities of silver(I) and copper(I) ions can be effectively facilitated in ionic liquids. To understand the effects of environmental factors that influence the π‐complexation of these metal ions with analytes, techniques that employ small volumes of ionic liquid that can be readily analyzed are desired. In this study, headspace single drop microextraction coupled with HPLC is used to investigate a diverse set of environmental factors on the metal ion‐mediated complexation with aromatic compounds in ionic liquid media. Silver(I) and copper(I) bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide salts were both studied by dissolving them in the 1‐decyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide ionic liquid and employing the mixture as extraction media for aromatic compounds. Water and acetonitrile within the sample solution were observed to interfere with the complexation of silver(I) ions and aromatic compounds, while ethylene glycol and triethylene glycol did not. The temperature and extraction times were optimized to fully facilitate the π‐complexation capabilities of metal ions in ionic liquid media. Partition coefficients between the sample headspace and metal ion were determined using a three‐phase equilibria model. Although no discernable difference in analyte partitioning between the headspace and ionic liquid solvent was observed, analyte partition coefficients to silver(I) ion tended to be greater compared to copper(I) ion.
Assessment of the Diagnostic Performance of Clinical Examinations and High‐Frequency Ultrasound in Patients With Pigmented Skin Tumors
Authors: Wang Li‐Fan , Ni Na , Hou Jing‐Jing , Wang Sha , Wang Jing‐Yi , Wang Qiao , Zhu An‐Qi , Zhang Ya‐Qin , Ren Wei‐Wei , Chen Zi‐Tong , Shan Dan‐Dan , Zhao Yu‐Jing , Guo Le‐Hang , Xu Hui‐Xiong
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To investigate whether the integration of high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) to routine clinical examinations could improve diagnostic performance and management decision for pigmented skin tumors.

Methods

Three general practitioners trained previously and a dermatologist independently assessed pigmented skin tumors and rendered management decision based on clinical examinations alone or clinical examinations integrating HFUS.

Results

After integrating HFUS, the diagnostic area under the curve (AUC) (0.658–0.693 versus 0.848, all P < .05) and specificity (46.6–58.6% versus 89.7%, all P < .05) for pigmented skin malignancies were improved for general practitioners, meanwhile unnecessary biopsy rate reduced (42.9–53.6% versus 10.7%, P < .001). To the dermatologist, the diagnostic AUC (0.822 versus 0.949, P < .001), sensitivity (81.7% versus 96.7%, P = .012) and specificity (0.828 versus 0.931, P = .031) improved significantly, meanwhile both missed biopsy rate (14.5% versus 4.8%, P = .031) and unnecessary biopsy rate (19.6% versus 7.1%, P = .016) decreased. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of the general practitioner with integrating HFUS could be comparable with the dermatologist based on clinical examinations alone (all P > .05).

Conclusions

As a complementary tool of clinical examinations, HFUS could help physicians differentiate pigmented skin malignancies and manage decision.
Dryland nitrogen deposition induces microbiome‐driven increases in biocrust respiration and losses of soil carbon
Authors: Dou Weiqiang , Xiao Bo , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Revillini Daniel , Kidron Giora J.
Published: October 2023

Biocrusts are a dominant component in drylands worldwide and play critical roles in supporting soil microbial diversity and carbon (C) stocks. Nitrogen (N) fertilization associated with human activities threatens drylands, which are often considered N‐limited ecosystems. Here, we conducted a field experiment in two contrasting soil types (loess vs. sand) to investigate the impacts of low (30 kg N ha−1 year−1) and high (90 kg N ha−1 year−1) fertilization on moss‐biocrust dominated traits, soil nutrients, microbial taxonomic richness, soil C stocks and respiration rates (Rs). We showed that 5 months of N addition resulted in reductions in soil organic C content by 91% and increased both soil microbial richness and diversity. Our results further showed that relative to controls, low levels of N addition increased biocrust Rs by 52% through increased moss biomass and density (38% and 73%) and microbial taxonomic richness and diversity (18% and 23%), while no significant changes in biocrust Rs were observed after high levels of N addition. Considering multiple environmental factors simultaneously, we show that N fertilization indirectly promoted soil respiration and C losses via increases in microbial richness and diversity, which are critical drivers of soil function. Our work provides solid evidence that N deposition, even at low levels of N addition, can result in rapid losses of C in dryland soils. Our findings suggest that to maintain healthy dryland ecosystems and promote C, we must mitigate future land degradation and minimize anthropogenic N deposition.
Converting natural forests to tea plantations reduced soil phosphorus sorption capacity in subtropical China
Authors: Wang Xinlin , Zhang Haikuo , Sun Hongyang , Chang Scott X. , Lin Yang , Cai Yanjiang
Published: October 2023

Converting natural forests to agricultural lands has been widespread globally due to increasing population and the demand for food. Phosphorus (P) is often applied to agricultural lands in excessive amounts which can saturate the natural P sorption capacity of the soil, leading to P leaching and subsequent off‐site water eutrophication. We studied the effect of land‐use conversion from natural forests to tea plantations on total soil P, P fractions, and P sorption capacity in subtropical China. Compared to natural forests, total soil P concentrations increased significantly in both 0–20 and 20–40 cm depths in tea plantations, indicative of the accumulation of P fertilizer. The increases in total soil P were primarily found in NaOH‐extractable inorganic P and residual P fractions in both depths, suggesting that P fertilizer was sorbed and occluded into more stable forms due to the high abundance of sorbents (i.e., iron [Fe], aluminum [Al] minerals, and clay). Across all soil samples, oxalate‐extractable Fe was the best predictor of soil maximum P sorption capacity (r = 0.94, p < 0.001). Surprisingly, the conversion from natural forests to tea plantations decreased both oxalate‐extractable Fe concentration and soil maximum P sorption capacity, hereby increasing the degree of P saturation in soils. Depletion of P sorbents (i.e., soil amorphous Fe) is likely a consequence of Fe removal through tea production and soil erosion, indicating soil degradation. Plantation soils have also shown other signs of degradation including the loss of nutrients (e.g., total soil nitrogen and oxalate‐extractable calcium) and soil organic matter. Our results demonstrate that the conversion of natural forests to tea plantations reduced the ability of the soil to sorb P by both saturating the natural P sorption capacity and depleting P sorbents. Soil degradation resulting from land‐use conversion has increased the environmental risk of P leaching loss, emphasizing the need for improved P fertilization management.
Clinical feature‐based diagnosis criteria of eosinophil and non‐eosinophil chronic rhinosinusitis in Taiwan
Authors: Ma Jia‐Hung , Hsieh Bing‐Han , Huang Shuang‐Shuang , Li Yu‐Ting , Tsou Yung‐An , Lin Chia‐Der , Tai Chih‐Jaan , Shih Liang‐Chun
Published: October 2023

Background

The prevalence of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) has increased in Taiwan with a higher recurrence rate of nasal polyps after surgery. Therefore, we aimed to formulate the pre‐operative diagnostic criteria for patients with ECRS in Taiwan.

Methods

This case–control study included patients diagnosed with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) at a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. The patients were classified into ECRS and non‐eosinophilic CRS (NECRS) groups based on their histopathology. Demographic data, symptom severity scores, and computed tomography findings of the two groups were analyzed. We utilized receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis to evaluate parameters that could predict the diagnosis of ECRS.

Results

Total 408 CRSwNP patients were enrolled (ECRS group: 163; NECRS group: 245). ECRS group was strongly associated with asthma (6.1% vs. 2.0%, p = .03), higher blood eosinophil counts (4.3% vs. 2.7%, p < .01), higher serum IgE (285.3 vs. 50.2 IU/mL, p = .02), and higher 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) score (40.5 vs. 36.7, p = .03). The ECRS criteria based on ROC curve included the SNOT‐22 (>45, 2 points), serum eosinophil count percentage (>4%, 4 points), asthma (4 points), total serum IgE (>140 IU/mL, 4 points), Lund–Mackay score (>9.5, 4 points), and ethmoid‐to‐maxillary opacification ratio on CT (>1.5, 5 points). The cutoff score was 14 points (sensitivity, 70.2%; specificity, 93.3%).

Conclusions

Clinical‐feature‐based criteria may predict the diagnosis of ECRS before FESS in Taiwan.

Level of Evidence

Level 3.
Deciphering sources and processing of dissolved black carbon in coastal seas
Authors: Bao Hongyan , Niggemann Jutta , Du Moge , Zhao Weiqiang , Huang Dekun , Yi Yuanbi , Yang Jin‐Yu Terence , Dittmar Thorsten , Kao Shuh‐Ji
Published: October 2023

Dissolved black carbon (DBC) is the largest known slow‐cycling organic carbon pool in the ocean; yet, its sources and processing in the coastal seas remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study in the East China Sea and South Yellow Sea to quantify and molecularly characterize DBC using benzene polycarboxylic acids (DBCBPCA) and ultra‐high resolution mass spectrometry (DBCFT), respectively. The concentration of DBCBPCA was 0.70–1.9 μmol C L−1 and exhibited a significant negative correlation with salinity. Significant correlations were also observed between salinity and molecular characters (oxygen‐to‐carbon ratio; double bond equivalent; molecular weight) of DBCFT. These findings collectively suggest that mixing processes primarily control the concentration and composition of DBC. A two‐end‐member mixing model revealed that riverine input and offshore water contributed ~ 22% and 63%, respectively, to the DBCBPCA in the study region. Additionally, atmospheric deposition and potentially other unidentified sources contributed at least ~ 15% DBCBPCA, assuming no removal. Furthermore, ~ 70% of DBCFT in the coastal seawater could be found in the river water, and aerosols, which was in line with the information from DBCBPCA. Our study provides the first comprehensive assessment of both the sources and influential processes of DBC in coastal seas, highlighting the importance of additional sources, such as atmospheric deposition, and emphasizing the need to identify previously unknown sources of DBC.
Opto‐Mechano‐Thermo‐Sensitive Allochroic Luminescence Based on Solution‐Grown Halide Double Perovskite Crystal
Authors: Zhang Peng , Xie Wanying , Lin Zenggang , Huang Xiuxiang , Yang Yuzhu , Liu Weisheng
Published: October 2023

Multimode luminescence generally exhibits tunable photon emission through multidimensional stimuli, demonstrating high‐throughput and facile identification for anticounterfeiting and encryption. Nevertheless, producing multimodal luminescent materials through low‐temperature treatment remains a challenge. Herein, the Mn2+/Er3+ co‐doped Cs2Ag0.8Na0.2InCl6 perovskite material (reaction temperature of 180 °C) achieves long‐persistent luminescence, multicolor luminescence, and upconversion emission by responding to several types of excitations ranging from UV to NIR and mechanical force. The adjustable energy transfer process between self‐trapped excitons (STE) and Mn2+ ions achieves multicolor luminescence with temperatures ranging from 97 to 397 K. Theoretical calculation reveals that the important role of Mn2+ dopants and Na+ dopants in the modulation of local electronic environments and the afterglow emission comes from carriers escaping from the trap center (primarily caused by Cl vacancy and interstitial Na) to the local emission center (Mn2+ ions). This integrated multimodal luminescent material provides a novel direction for the development of multifunctional optical materials and devices.
Fabrication of hydrothermal ageing resistant of 3 mol % yttria‐stabilised tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline via microwave sintering
Authors: Ting C. H. , Ting M. L. , Chin K. L. , Yew M. C. , Jun H. K. , Liang M. S. , Ng C. K. , Ramesh S.
Published: October 2023

The influence of microwave sintering on the densification, mechanical performances, microstructure evolution and hydrothermal ageing behaviour of pure 3 mol % yttria‐stabilised tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (3Y‐TZP) ceramics was compared with conventional sintered samples. Green bodies were sintered via conventional pressure‐less and microwave sintering method between 1200 °C to 1400 °C with dwelling time and firing rate at 120 min, 10 °C/min and 1 min, 20 °C/min. Result showed that reduced processing temperature and holding time is possible with microwave sintering technique for fabricating good resistant zirconia sample with bulk density, Young's modulus, and Vicker's hardness that are comparable to samples sintered with conventional method. However, the microwave sintered samples suffered from hydrothermal ageing where their average grain size is above critical size. The enhancement of hydrothermal ageing resistance of the sintered samples is associated with the decreasing grain size of the sintered samples instead of sintering method.
Microstructural analysis of martensitic hard surfacing on low chromium alloy steel
Authors: Oo H.Z. , Muangjunburee P. , Abd Rahim S.Z. , Treeparee T. , Srikarun B.
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on the metallurgical characterization of single and multi‐layer martensitic hard surfacing onto non‐standardized low‐chromium alloy steel with a single buttering layer using an automatic submerged arc welding process as a standard reference. The metallurgical properties of hard surfaced samples are examined using an optical microscope, energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, and x‐ray diffractometer. Micro‐Vickers hardness testing is also conducted to analyze and confirm the metallographic results of hard surfacing. The current study finds that the microstructure of each region is influenced by three key factors: chemical composition, heat input, and dilution. The structural type is determined by the chemical composition of materials, heat input influences the structural characteristics in the heat‐affected zone (needle‐shape martensite and tempered martensite), and dilution affects the structural characteristics of the hard surfacing layers (martensite with retained austenite). Comparing multi‐layer hard surfacing to single‐hard surfacing, the hardness values of the heat‐affected zone of the multi‐layer hard surfacing are greatly reduced, while the hardness values of the hard surfacing layers are raised.
Waiting for the right time and tide: The fine-scale migratory behavior of river herring in two coastal New England streams
Authors: Rillahan Christopher B. , He Pingguo
Published: October 2023

Objective

Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus and Blueback Herring A. aestivalis, collectively referred to as river herring, are anadromous clupeids inhabiting the North American Atlantic coast. Although the seasonal patterns of their spawning migration are well studied and predictable, the fine-scale movements are still poorly resolved.

Methods

This study used high-resolution acoustic imaging to study the fine-scale behavior of river herring during their spring spawning migration in two coastal rivers in Massachusetts, United States.

Result

Observations suggest that seasonal patterns of migration appear to be influenced by temperature, while fine-scale patterns in migration were associated with the time of day, tidal state, and their interaction. River herring were consistently observed during both day and night, with elevated peaks of activity in the early morning and late afternoon. Daytime movement consisted of the intermittent passage of large, dense schools, while nighttime movement consisted of the frequent passage of individuals or small groups. The highest numbers of herring observations were associated with flood and high tides. Additionally, the interactions between time of day and tidal state resulted in synergistic positive effects during crepuscular incoming tides, which were favorable to movement, and synergistic negative effects during midday low tides, which inhibited fish movement.

Conclusion

The changing relationship between the time of day and tidal state within the season manifested in changing periodicity in fish movement to correlate with favorable movement conditions. Since movements may be related to both time of day and tide, previous run size estimates from visual counts made only during the day may be too low. Sampling methodologies that collect information during all 24 h would likely produce the most accurate run size estimates. This study highlights the need to view river herring migration in a holistic context predicated by multiple environmental and biological factors that vary at several temporal scales (i.e., seasonally, daily, and hourly).
Exponential stability result for the wave equation with Kelvin–Voigt damping and past history subject to Wentzell boundary condition and delay term
Authors: Kechiche Dounya , Khemmoudj Ammar , Medjden Mohammed
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we present an analysis of stability of solutions corresponding to a variable coefficient's wave equation subject to a locally Kelvin–Voigt damping and distributed effect driven by a nonnegative function
with dynamic Wentzell boundary conditions and delay term. By using frequency domain approach method, we show that under a suitable assumption between the internal damping function
and the boundary delay feedback, considering some geometrical assumptions on the boundary of
, supposing that the relaxation function
decay exponentially to zero, that the energies of the problem decay exponentially to zero.
Global bifurcation for a Beddington–DeAngelis and Tanner predator–prey reaction–diffusion system with prey‐taxis
Authors: Luo Demou , Wang Qiru
Published: October 2023

The aim of this paper is to establish a precise illustration for the structure of the nonconstant steady states for a Beddington–DeAngelis and Tanner predator–prey reaction–diffusion system with prey‐taxis. We treat the nonlinear prey‐taxis as a bifurcation parameter to analyze the bifurcation structure of the system. Furthermore, the exported global bifurcation theorem, under a rather natural condition, offers the existence of nonconstant steady states. In the proof, a priori estimates of steady states will play an important role. The local stability analysis with a numerical simulation and bifurcation analysis are given. Finally, some conclusions including biological meanings are performed to summarize our main analytic results and future investigations.
Low‐field, not low quality: 1D simplification, selective detection, and heteronuclear 2D experiments for improving low‐field NMR spectroscopy of environmental and biological samples
Authors: Downey Katelyn , Bermel Wolfgang , Soong Ronald , Lysak Daniel H. , Ronda Kiera , Steiner Katrina , Costa Peter M. , Wolff William W. , Decker Venita , Busse Falko , Goerling Benjamin , Haber Agnes , Simpson Myrna J. , Simpson Andre J.
Published: October 2023

Understanding environmental change is challenging and requires molecular‐level tools to explain the physicochemical phenomena behind complex processes. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a key tool that provides information on both molecular structures and interactions but is underutilized in environmental research because standard “high‐field” NMR is financially and physically inaccessible for many and can be overwhelming to those outside of disciplines that routinely use NMR. “Low‐field” NMR is an accessible alternative but has reduced sensitivity and increased spectral overlap, which is especially problematic for natural, heterogeneous samples. Therefore, the goal of this study is to investigate and apply innovative experiments that could minimize these challenges and improve low‐field NMR analysis of environmental and biological samples. Spectral simplification (JRES, PSYCHE, singlet‐only, multiple quantum filters), selective detection (GEMSTONE, DREAMTIME), and heteronuclear (reverse and CH3/CH2/CH‐only HSQCs) NMR experiments are tested on samples of increasing complexity (amino acids, spruce resin, and intact water fleas) at‐high field (500 MHz) and at low‐field (80 MHz). A novel experiment called Doubly Selective HSQC is also introduced, wherein 1H signals are selectively detected based on the 1H and 13C chemical shifts of 1H–13C J‐coupled pairs. The most promising approaches identified are the selective techniques (namely for monitoring), and the reverse and CH3‐only HSQCs. Findings ultimately demonstrate that low‐field NMR holds great potential for biological and environmental research. The multitude of NMR experiments available makes NMR tailorable to nearly any research need, and low‐field NMR is therefore anticipated to become a valuable and widely used analytical tool moving forward.
A pilot study on the relationship between thrombospondin‐1 (THBS1) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1) in the bovine placenta during early mid‐pregnancy as well as parturition with normally released and retained placenta
Authors: Wawrzykowski Jacek , Jamioł Monika , Kankofer Marta
Published: October 2023

During pregnancy, it is necessary to create appropriate conditions for the development of the placenta and the fetus. However, during parturition, the placenta must be separated and subsequently removed as soon as possible to not expose the female to the possibility of infection. In this study, the relationship between thrombospondin‐1 (THBS1) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1) concentrations was described during bovine pregnancy (second, fourth, and sixth months; n = 3/each month), at normal parturition (NR) and parturition with fetal membrane retention (R). The presence of THBS1 and TGFβ1 was confirmed in bovine placental tissues of both maternal and fetal parts. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in THBS1 concentrations (pg/mg protein) between examined parturient samples (maternal part: 5.76 ± 1.61 in R vs. 2.26 ± 1.58 in NR; fetal part: 2.62 ± 1.94 in R vs. 1.70 ± 0.23 in NR). TGFβ1 concentrations (pg/mg protein) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the retained fetal membranes compared to the released fetal membranes in the maternal part of the placenta (26.22 ± 7.53 in NR vs. 17.80 ± 5.01 in R). The participation of THBS1 in the activation of TGFβ1 in parturient bovine placental tissues leading to the normal release of fetal membranes may be suggested.
T1 mapping of myocardium in rats using self‐gated golden‐angle acquisition
Authors: Vitouš Jiří , Jiřík Radovan , Stračina Tibor , Hendrych Michal , Nádeníček Jaroslav , Macíček Ondřej , Tian Ye , Krátká Lucie , Dražanová Eva , Nováková Marie , Babula Petr , Panovský Roman , DiBella Edward , Starčuk Zenon
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to design a method of myocardial T1 quantification in small laboratory animals and to investigate the effects of spatiotemporal regularization and the needed acquisition duration.

Methods

We propose a compressed‐sensing approach to T1 quantification based on self‐gated inversion‐recovery radial two/three‐dimensional (2D/3D) golden‐angle stack‐of‐stars acquisition with image reconstruction performed using total‐variation spatiotemporal regularization. The method was tested on a phantom and on a healthy rat, as well as on rats in a small myocardium‐remodeling study.

Results

The results showed a good match of the T1 estimates with the results obtained using the ground‐truth method on a phantom and with the literature values for rats myocardium. The proposed 2D and 3D methods showed significant differences between normal and remodeling myocardium groups for acquisition lengths down to approximately 5 and 15 min, respectively.

Conclusions

A new 2D and 3D method for quantification of myocardial T1 in rats was proposed. We have shown the capability of both techniques to distinguish between normal and remodeling myocardial tissue. We have shown the effects of image‐reconstruction regularization weights and acquisition length on the T1 estimates.