bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clonal origin and genomic diversity in Lynch syndrome‐associated endometrial cancer with multiple synchronous tumors: Identification of the pathogenicity of MLH1 p.L582H
Authors: Takahashi Kotaro , Yachida Nozomi , Tamura Ryo , Adachi Sosuke , Kondo Shuhei , Abé Tatsuya , Umezu Hajime , Nyuzuki Hiromi , Okuda Shujiro , Nakaoka Hirofumi , Yoshihara Kosuke
Published: March 2024

Lynch syndrome‐associated endometrial cancer patients often present multiple synchronous tumors and this assessment can affect treatment strategies. We present a case of a 27‐year‐old woman with tumors in the uterine corpus, cervix, and ovaries who was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and exhibited cervical invasion and ovarian metastasis. Her family history suggested Lynch syndrome, and genetic testing identified a variant of uncertain significance, MLH1 p.L582H. We conducted immunohistochemical staining, microsatellite instability analysis, and Sanger sequencing for Lynch syndrome‐associated cancers in three generations of the family and identified consistent MLH1 loss. Whole‐exome sequencing for the corpus, cervical, and ovarian tumors of the proband identified a copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity (LOH) occurring at the MLH1 position in all tumors. This indicated that the germline variant and the copy‐neutral LOH led to biallelic loss of MLH1 and was the cause of cancer initiation. All tumors shared a portion of somatic mutations with high mutant allele frequencies, suggesting a common clonal origin. There were no mutations shared only between the cervix and ovary samples. The profiles of mutant allele frequencies shared between the corpus and cervix or ovary indicated that two different subclones originating from the corpus independently metastasized to the cervix or ovary. Additionally, all tumors presented unique mutations in endometrial cancer‐associated genes such as ARID1A and PIK3CA. In conclusion, we demonstrated clonal origin and genomic diversity in a Lynch syndrome‐associated endometrial cancer, suggesting the importance of evaluating multiple sites in Lynch syndrome patients with synchronous tumors.
Optimizing presurgical education for patients with head and neck cancer receiving laryngectomy and free flap surgery: A qualitative study
Authors: Mikhael Marian , Kansara Bhargav , Basta Ameer , Hume Emma , Nguyen Oliver T. , Reblin Maija , Hong Young‐Rock , Tabriz Amir Alishahi , Patel Krupal , Magnuson Jeffery Scott , Turner Kea
Published: March 2024

Background

There has been limited study of oncology professionals' perspectives on optimizing delivery of presurgical education for individuals with head and neck cancer (HNC). Therefore, we assessed oncology professionals' perspectives about presurgical education for laryngectomy and free flap surgeries, which have a significant impact on patients' quality of life.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 27 oncology professionals from an NCI‐designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a community oncology setting.

Results

Participants identified six recommendations to improve presurgical education: (1) establishing preoperative consultations with allied health professionals; (2) educating patients and providers on the concept of team‐based care; (3) optimizing education through multimodal strategies; (4) connecting patients with other HNC surgical patients; (5) preparing caregivers for their role; and (6) educating patients on insurance navigation.

Conclusions

Study findings demonstrate gaps in the timing, content, and mode of delivery for presurgical education and suggest strategies for further evaluation in future studies.
β‐D‐Glucopyranose—silver+ (1:1) complex as a small gas molecule scavenger
Authors: Mondal Sukanta
Published: March 2024

In this article, density functional theory computations at the PBE0‐D3/def2‐TZVP level are reported to unveil the type of bonding between β‐D‐glucopyranose—silver ion (1:1) complex ([Ag(C6H12O6)]+) and seven gas molecules, namely, H2, C2H2, C2H4, CO, N2, NO and O2. Moreover, the relative preference of trapping among these molecules within the sight of Ag metal ion in the complex is explored. The nature of interaction of these small molecules with the [Ag(C6H12O6)]+ ion is studied. Exergonic nature of binding is noted with the metal center for all the chosen small molecules except O2. Thermochemical data reveals the binding preference of C2H4 > C2H2 > CO > NO > N2 > H2. Natural bond orbital analysis, contour plot of the Laplacian of electron density, electron density descriptors, and gradient isosurface help in understanding the nature of interactions. Maximum bond formation is noted between the Ag‐complex and CO molecule. Assessed energy decomposition analysis discloses the nature of interaction as mainly orbital between the bound small gas molecules and the Ag‐complex. Frontier molecular orbital pictures further help in understanding the type of interaction as orbital. To disclose the kinetic stability of the gas molecule bound Ag complexes an ab initio molecular dynamics study is done at different temperatures up to 2 ps. These studies help in understanding the type of adsorption. Calculated conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) based reactivity descriptors corroborate well with results. β‐D‐glucopyranose—silver ion (1:1) complex may be used as small gas molecule scavenger.
Exploring networks of complex developmental trauma symptomatology among children and adolescents involved in child welfare
Authors: Smith Jackson A. , Zhang Jasmine , Urusov Alexey , Colucci Laura , Sloss Imogen , Eckert Lillian , Price‐Cameron Mary , Browne Dillon T.
Published: March 2024

Background

Clinical presentations of child and adolescent psychopathology can vary systematically for boys and girls. While network analysis is increasingly being applied to explore psychopathology in adults, there is a dearth of network studies considering differences in symptoms for boys and girls, particularly in developmental trauma‐related symptomatology.

Methods

This study involves rural children (n = 375, 39.47% girls) and adolescents (n = 291, 51.20% girls) involved with child protection services in Ontario, Canada. Caregivers completed the Assessment Checklist for Children or Adolescents within the first 6 months of care. Psychometric network analyses were conducted using subscales for boys and girls. Differences were examined via network comparison permutation tests, moderated network models, and independent t‐tests.

Results

Attachment‐related interpersonal difficulties were the most central nodes in the child and adolescent networks for both boys and girls. Emotional dysregulation also had high strength centrality for adolescents. While network comparison tests found the overall network structures and global network strength to be invariant between boys and girls for children and adolescents, moderated network models and independent t‐tests revealed several differences with regards to the expression of specific symptoms. Among children, girls exhibited more indiscriminate and pseudomature interpersonal behaviors, whereas boys expressed significantly more non‐reciprocal interpersonal behaviors and self‐injury. Adolescent girls exhibited more behavioral dysregulation and suicide discourse in the moderated network model; t‐tests also indicated higher levels of emotional dysregulation, negative self‐image, and other items considered clinically important complex trauma symptoms (e.g., distrust of adults, confused belonging).

Discussion

This study supports evidence of differences in the expression of complex trauma symptomatology for boys and girls. Additionally, girls exhibit more symptoms, in general. Consistent with the transdiagnostic conceptualization of the consequences of developmental trauma, findings demonstrate the primacy of attachment‐specific difficulties and emotion dysregulation.
Synthesis of a novel fused thieno‐pyrimidine with tetrazole analogs
Authors: Rajeswari Muthirevula , Nagaraju Begari , Chunduri Venkata Rao , Gumbi Bhekumuzi , Maddila Suresh
Published: March 2024

This current investigation represents the new series of fused thieno‐pyrimidine with synthesized tetrazole analogs (6a–j). Intermediates thieno‐[2,3‐d]‐pyrimidine were prepared by utilizing the Gewald method, and tetrazole (5a–j) was synthesized by [3 + 2] cycloaddition of azide and appropriate nitrile. All the prepared novel molecules were characterized and confirmed by 1HNMR, 13CNMR, LC‐MS, and FT‐IR spectral analysis.
Understanding seasonal cycle of daily extreme temperatures based on generalized additive model for location, scale and shape with smoothing spline
Authors: Tu Kai , Yan Zhongwei , Qian Cheng
Published: March 2024

The seasonal cycle (SC) of surface air temperature is a substantial element in climatology. Some basic and important topics in climate change studies are based on accurate and reliable estimation of SCs, such as percentile‐based indices of extremes and probability density function (PDF) changes of daily temperatures. For both of them, most studies characterized SCs using averages of multi‐days windows, which is not smooth and accurate enough representing the extreme thresholds and climatological normal of SCs. It is necessary to construct smooth and reasonable SCs for more accurate estimation of temperature changes on extreme thresholds and PDFs. In this study, we propose a flexible method based on generalized additive models for location scale and shape and penalized b‐spline smoothing technique with respective distributions to construct smooth SCs and SC for extreme temperatures (SCETs). The accuracy of the constructed smooth SCETs is good with the estimation biases of percentiles tending to be zero. The constructed smooth SCET also exhibits good stability over time, such that the magnitude changes of temperatures on each calendar day are close to climatic changes of mean temperature when the concerned period shifts. Based on the constructed smooth SCs, climatic changes by seasons and PDFs between two periods, 1961–1990 and 1991–2020, are examined over China. The increase of thresholds for hot extremes in spring during the recent period is prominent, while the increase of thresholds for daytime cold extremes in summer over a part of central to southern China is also notable. The smooth SCs and SCETs based on our flexible statistical modelling framework can characterize daily extreme temperatures reasonably and accurately, and should be expected to have more applications for a better understanding of climate changes related to distributions and seasonal cycles.
Malnutrition as a prognostic factor for 2‐year mortality in hospitalized patients in Norway: A matched cohort study
Authors: Trollebø Marte A. , Tangvik Randi J. , Skeie Eli , Grønning Martin K. , Nygård Ottar , Eagan Tomas M. L. , Dierkes Jutta
Published: March 2024

Background

Risk of malnutrition and malnutrition have been previously associated with increased risk of mortality. It remains unclear, however, whether the severity of malnutrition differentiates in association with all‐cause mortality. The aim was to assess the association between being at risk of malnutrition or being diagnosed with malnutrition according to the diagnostic assessment of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) with all‐cause mortality during a 2‐year follow‐up in hospitalized patients.

Methods

A matched cohort study was conducted in hospitalized patients (excluding cancer, intensive care, and transmissible infections) at a university hospital in Bergen, Norway. All patients underwent nutrition screening with the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and a further nutrition assessment using the GLIM criteria. All‐cause mortality was estimated from the Norwegian death registry after 2 years, and risk factors were calculated by Cox regression analysis.

Results

Among 326 patients included, 55 patients died within 2 years (17% mortality rate). Risk of malnutrition was associated with increased all‐cause mortality, which disappeared after adjustment for age and sex. Malnutrition was associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality at 2 years also after adjustment for age and sex and, additionally, for further comorbidities (hazard ratio = 2.50; 95% CI, 1.41–4.42). When analyzed separately only severe malnutrition was associated with mortality (hazard ratio = 2.73; 95% CI, 1.44–5.15).

Conclusion

The findings highlight a strong association between inpatients with severe malnutrition, defined by the GLIM criteria, and an increased risk of all‐cause mortality within a 2‐year follow‐up.
Drivers for soil organic carbon stabilization in Elbe River floodplains
Authors: Heger Adrian , Becker Joscha N. , Vásconez Lizeth K. , Eschenbach Annette
Published: March 2024

Background

Floodplains play an important role in the global carbon (C) cycle, particularly due to their large soil organic carbon (SOC) storage potential. However, a heterogeneous microrelief and anthropogenic landscape modifications complicate the understanding of stabilization processes of SOC in floodplains.

Aim

Determining the predominant drivers for SOC stabilization in Elbe River floodplain soils.

Methods

We measured SOC density fractions, microbial biomass, and mineralization characteristics in top‐ and subsoils of eight floodplain sites of the lower middle Elbe River.

Results

The heavy fraction (HF) was the most important SOC pool, with a contribution of >64% at both depth intervals. With soil depth, HF pool size increased and the occluded light fraction (oLF) decreased, whereas the free LF (fLF) stayed the same. The contribution of the HF to SOC was positively related to fine texture (R2 = 0.64). Mineralizable C was negatively related to fine texture at both depth intervals. Both results suggest a positive effect of fine texture on SOC stabilization. The metabolic quotient was related to the amount of available SOC in the topsoil, but no relation was found in the subsoil. However, in top‐ and subsoil, the mineralization rate constant was positively related to the C/N ratios of the fLF and the oLF, indicating that the quality of fresh plant litter is an important energy source for microbial mineralization.

Conclusion

Sedimentation of fine‐textured material is the most important driver for SOC stabilization rather than fresh plant litter input. Thus, SOC stabilization strongly depends on relief, flooding, and sedimentation.
Long‐term organic management: Mitigating land use intensity drawbacks and enhancing soil microbial redundancy
Authors: Paliaga Sara , Muscarella Sofia Maria , Lucia Caterina , Pampinella Daniela , Palazzolo Eristanna , Badalucco Luigi , Badagliacca Giuseppe , Laudicina Vito Armando
Published: March 2024

Background

Soils under organic farming systems exhibit better quality and higher biological activity than conventional systems. Manure addition, especially coupled with reduced or no tillage, significantly enhances microbial biomass and activity by improving soil physical properties and providing carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) sources. While several studies have examined the effects of transitioning from conventional to organic farming on soil chemistry and biochemistry, limited research has explored the influence of land use variations on soil fertility within long‐term organic farming systems.

Aims

Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess how three different land uses—pasture, vegetable crops, and orchard—affected soil fertility under a long‐term organic farming system.

Methods

Soil samples were collected from the 0 to 15 cm layer of plots used for pasture, vegetable crops and orchard, being the latter cover cropped with legumes, and analyzed to determine chemical and biochemical soil parameters.

Results

Contrary to expectations, high land use intensity (vegetable crops and orchard soils) resulted in increased soil organic C and total N, compared to low intensity (pasture). Such an increase was ascribed to farmyard manure addition that counteracted the negative impact of tillage. Consequently, microbial biomass C and activity also increased. The greatest availability of organic substrates favored bacteria, particularly gram‐positive strains, shaping the microbial community. However, despite changes of microbial biomass and of the main microbial groups, microbial activity was only slightly affected, suggesting high functional redundancy of microorganisms in long‐term organic farming soil.

Conclusions

Results suggested that if land use intensification provides for organic supply, its negative impact on soil fertility may be mitigated.
Electronic eye and electronic tongue data fusion combined with a GETNet model for the traceability and detection of Astragalus
Authors: Jin Xinning , Wang Zhiqiang , Ma Jingyu , Liu Chuanzheng , Bai Xuerui , Lan Yubin
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Astragalus is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine material that is easily confused due to its quality, price and other factors derived from different origins. This article describes a novel method for the rapid tracing and detection of Astragalus via the joint application of an electronic tongue (ET) and an electronic eye (EE) combined with a lightweight convoluted neural network (CNN)–transformer model. First, ET and EE systems were employed to measure the taste fingerprints and appearance images, respectively, of different Astragalus samples. Three spectral transform methods – the Markov transition field, short‐time Fourier transform and recurrence plot – were utilized to convert the ET signals into 2D spectrograms. Then, the obtained ET spectrograms were fused with the EE image to obtain multimodal information. A lightweight hybrid model, termed GETNet, was designed to achieve pattern recognition for the Astragalus fusion information. The proposed model employed an improved transformer module and an improved Ghost bottleneck as its backbone network, complementarily utilizing the benefits of CNN and transformer architectures for local and global feature representation. Furthermore, the Ghost bottleneck was further optimized using a channel attention technique, which boosted the model's feature extraction effectiveness.

RESULTS

The experiments indicate that the proposed data fusion strategy based on ET and EE devices has better recognition accuracy than that attained with independent sensing devices.

CONCLUSION

The proposed method achieved high precision (99.1%) and recall (99.1%) values, providing a novel approach for rapidly identifying the origin of Astragalus, and it holds great promise for applications involving other types of Chinese herbal medicines. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pseudostellaria heterophylla improves intestinal microecology through modulating gut microbiota and metabolites in mice
Authors: Zhang Shengkai , Kang Tao , Malacrinò Antonino , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Zhongyi , Lin Wenxiong , Wu Hongmiao
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Pseudostellaria heterophylla is a Chinese medicine and healthy edible that is widely used to for its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic and antitussive properties. However, the potential function of P. heterophylla in intestinal microecology remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of P. heterophylla on immune functions and evaluated its potential to regulate the gut microbiota and metabolome.

RESULTS

The results showed that P. heterophylla significantly increased the content of red blood cells, total antioxidant capacity and expression of immune factors, and decreased platelet counts when compared to the control under cyclophosphamide injury. In addition, P. heterophylla altered the diversity and composition of the gut bacterial community; increased the abundance of potentially beneficial Akkermansia, Roseburia, unclassified Clostridiaceae, Mucispirillum, Anaeroplasma and Parabacteroides; and decreased the relative abundance of pathogenic Cupriavidus and Staphylococcus in healthy mice. Metabolomic analyses showed that P. heterophylla significantly increased the content of functional oligosaccharides, common oligosaccharides, vitamins and functional substances. Probiotics and pathogens were regulated by metabolites across 11 pathways in the bacterial–host co‐metabolism network.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that P. heterophylla increased the abundance of probiotics and decreased pathogens, and further stimulated host microbes to produce beneficial secondary metabolites for host health. Our studies highlight the role of P. heterophylla in gut health and provide new insights for the development of traditional Chinese medicine in the diet. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass combined with UNIFI to study the mechanism of Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction in the treatment of postpartum blood stasis
Authors: Zhao Mengdie , Xia Wenwen , Zhang Peiliang , Xie Qingqing , Mu Wenyu , Tang Linfeng , Liu Zhuqing , Han Lan , Peng Daiyin
Published: March 2024

Postpartum hemorrhage can lead to a variety of maternal complications. Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction (THSWD) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for treating gynecological diseases. However, the active ingredients of THSWD and its pharmacological mechanism of treatment for postpartum blood stasis still remained unclear. In this study, 201 components were identified in THSWD ethanol extract using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, including 59 terpenoids and volatile oil, 61 Phenylpropanoids, 41 flavonoids, 22 alkaloids, and other 18 components. A total of 45 active compounds were identified in the blood and 33 active compounds were identified in the uterine. Taking the common components into the blood and into the uterus combined with network pharmacology. It was demonstrated that the active compounds can bind to the core target with good affinity through molecular docking. The results of this study will provide a reference for the quality control and pharmacodynamic material base research of THSWD.
Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐based strategy for systematic profiling of chemical components and associated quantitative analysis of quality markers in Qi‐Wei‐Tong‐Bi oral liquid
Authors: Huang Xiaojun , Fei Qingqing , Yu Sheng , Qiu Rongli , Geng Ting , Chen Xialin , Cao Liang , Wang Zhenzhong , Shan Mingqiu
Published: March 2024

Qi‐Wei‐Tong‐Bi oral liquid (QWTB), a famous Chinese medicine preparation composed of seven crude drugs has a good therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis and is widely used in China. However, its chemical composition and quality control have not been comprehensively and systematically investigated. In this study, high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was employed for its chemical profiling. As a result, 100 components were chemically characterized. Additionally, high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry method was developed to simultaneously quantify nine bioactive components (hyperoside, ononin, quercetin, sinomenine, magnoflorine, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, monotropein, and cyclo‐(Pro‐Tyr)) in multiple‐reaction monitoring mode. After successful validation in terms of linearity, precision, repeatability, and recovery, the assay method was applied for the determination of 10 batches of QWTB. The results showed that QWTB was enriched in sinomenine and magnoflorine with the highest amount up to hundreds or even thousands of µg/mL, while quercetin, ononin, cyclo‐(Pro‐Tyr), and hyperoside were much lower with the lowest content below 10 µg/mL. This study work would help to reveal the chemical profiling and provide a valuable and reliable approach for quality evaluation and even pharmacodynamic material basis studies of QWTB.
High‐Grade Pleomorphic Sarcoma in Postauricular Keloid Scar After Surgical Excision and Radiation
Authors: Walker Wadsworth Elizabeth , Duckett Kelsey A. , Patel Krishna G.
Published: March 2024

Keloid scars can cause significant morbidity to the patient including substantial cosmetic disfigurement, particularly in the head and neck region. Surgical excision followed by immediate postoperative radiation therapy has been shown to be more effective than single modality treatment. Radiation therapy increases risk for radiation‐induced malignancy, though very few cases have been reported in the treatment of keloids. We report the case of a patient with a large postauricular keloid treated with excision and immediate post‐operative radiation who developed a high‐grade pleomorphic sarcoma in the scar bed. Laryngoscope, 134:3143–3145, 2024
Particulate organic carbon sedimentation triggers lagged methane emissions in a eutrophic reservoir
Authors: Martínez‐García Andrés , Peralta‐Maraver Ignacio , Rodríguez‐Velasco Eva , Batanero Gema L. , García‐Alguacil Miriam , Picazo Félix , Calvo Juan , Morales‐Baquero Rafael , Rueda Francisco J. , Reche Isabel
Published: March 2024

Reservoirs act as carbon sinks when sedimentation of particulate organic carbon (POC) exceeds CO2 and CH4 emissions. Here, we study the poorly explored process where phytoplankton‐derived acidic polysaccharides (APs) aggregate into particulate organic matter, promoting carbon export to sediments. This source of POC in sediments can mineralize to CO2 and CH4 over various timescales. Our research, centered on a Mediterranean reservoir, elucidates phenological trends of APs and POC sedimentation and identifies their predominant drivers. Our findings present synchronic sedimentation patterns of POC and APs but identify a 2‐week delay between POC sedimentation and CH4 emissions. Despite its eutrophic status, our data demonstrate this reservoir's role as a carbon sink, sequestering 4.33 g C m−2 yr−1. This highlights the need to consider various time scales when quantifying carbon budgets in reservoirs.
Biomimetic Dehydrogenation of Non‐Conventional Lignin Monomers on Cellulose Ferulate Interfaces
Authors: Elschner Thomas , Geissler Andreas , Adam Jörg , Joseph Yvonne , Fischer Steffen
Published: March 2024

Cellulose ferulate, synthesized by Mitsunobu reaction, is shaped into thin films and also used as an aqueous dispersion to perform artificial lignin polymerization on anchor groups. This biomimetic approach is carried out in a Quartz crystal microbalance with a dissipation monitoring (QCM‐D) device to enable online monitoring of the dehydrogenation, applying H2O2 and adsorbed horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The systematic use of phenylpropanoids with different oxidation states, i.e., ferulic acid, coniferyl aldehyde, coniferyl alcohol, and eugenol allowed to conclude structure‐property relationships. Both the deposited material, as well as the surface roughness increased with the hydrophobicity of the monomers. Beyond surface characterizations, py‐GC‐MS, HSQC NMR spectroscopy and Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) measurements revealed the linkage types β‐β, β‐5, 5‐5, and β‐O‐4, as well as the oligomeric character of the dehydrogenation products. All samples possessed an antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and can be used in the field of antimicrobial biomaterials.
AMPK‐upregulated microRNA‐708 plays as a suppressor of cellular senescence and aging via downregulating disabled‐2 and mTORC1 activation
Authors: Zhang Jian , Gong Hui , Zhao Tingting , Xu Weitong , Chen Honghan , Li Tiepeng , Yang Yu , Yang Ming , Huang Ning , Gong Chuhui , Wang Fangfang , Zhang Cuiying , Liu Jin , Xiao Hengyi
Published: March 2024

Senescence‐associated microRNAs (SA‐miRNAs) are important molecules for aging regulation. While many aging‐promoting SA‐miRNAs have been identified, confirmed aging‐suppressive SA‐miRNAs are rare, that impeded our full understanding on aging regulation. In this study, we verified that miR‐708 expression is decreased in senescent cells and aged tissues and revealed that miR‐708 overexpression can alleviate cellular senescence and aging performance. About the molecular cascade carrying the aging suppressive action of miR‐708, we unraveled that miR‐708 directly targets the 3′UTR of the disabled 2 (Dab2) gene and inhibits the expression of DAB2. Interestingly, miR‐708‐caused DAB2 downregulation blocks the aberrant mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activation, a driving metabolic event for senescence progression, and restores the impaired autophagy, a downstream event of aberrant mTORC1 activation. We also found that AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation can upregulate miR‐708 via the elevation of DICER expression, and miR‐708 inhibitor is able to blunt the antiaging effect of AMPK. In summary, this study characterized miR‐708 as an aging‐suppressive SA‐miRNA for the first time and uncovered a new signaling cascade, in which miR‐708 links the DAB2/mTOR axis and AMPK/DICER axis together. These findings not only demonstrate the potential role of miR‐708 in aging regulation, but also expand the signaling network connecting AMPK and mTORC1.
Current clinical findings of acute neurological syndromes after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Wang Minjin , Wang Jierui , Ren Yan , Lu Lu , Xiong Weixi , Li Lifeng , Xu Songtao , Tang Meng , Yuan Yushang , Xie Yi , Li Weimin , Chen Lei , Zhou Dong , Ying Binwu , Li Jinmei
Published: March 2024

Neuro‐COVID, a condition marked by persistent symptoms post‐COVID‐19 infection, notably affects various organs, with a particular focus on the central nervous system (CNS). Despite scant evidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 invasion in the CNS, the increasing incidence of Neuro‐COVID cases indicates the onset of acute neurological symptoms early in infection. The Omicron variant, distinguished by heightened neurotropism, penetrates the CNS via the olfactory bulb. This direct invasion induces inflammation and neuronal damage, emphasizing the need for vigilance regarding potential neurological complications. Our multicenter study represents a groundbreaking revelation, documenting the definite presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a significant proportion of Neuro‐COVID patients. Furthermore, notable differences emerged between RNA‐CSF‐positive and negative patients, encompassing aspects such as blood–brain barrier integrity, extent of neuronal damage, and the activation status of inflammation. Despite inherent limitations, this research provides pivotal insights into the intricate interplay between SARS‐CoV‐2 and the CNS, underscoring the necessity for ongoing research to fully comprehend the virus's enduring effects on the CNS. The findings underscore the urgency of continuous investigation Neuro‐COVID to unravel the complexities of this relationship, and pivotal in addressing the long‐term consequences of COVID‐19 on neurological health.
Modifying the electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of cancer cells: A comprehensive approach for cancer management
Authors: Sharma Rishav , Malviya Rishabha
Published: March 2024

Despite the recent successes of cancer therapy, numerous obstacles remain. The medical community of the 16th century believed that magnets might be used to cure or prevent illness. However, this concept has only recently been put into practice in the treatment of cancer. Cancers vary greatly not only at the patient, tissue, and cellular levels but also at the molecular level. Because of this multiscale heterogeneity, effective treatments that not only differentiate between cancerous and healthy tissues but also target a wide variety of tumor subclones are difficult to develop. Most treatments either take advantage of a specific biological characteristic shared by cancer cells (e.g., their propensity for rapid division) or indiscriminately eradicate every cell in an area of interest. In this article, we review the physical, chemical, electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of cancer cells, before discussing how these properties may be modulated by current and future cancer therapies.
A broadband transparent antenna applied in indoor mobile communication system
Authors: Weng Zibin , Liu Jia , Su Youqian , Wang Xiaoming , Yan Bo
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a broadband optical transparent antenna using a transparent conductor film on a transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The planar wide‐slot antenna coupling fed by microstrip has a wide impedance bandwidth, so it is selected to design the transparent antenna. The upper surface of the PET substrate is a microstrip line with a fork‐shaped tuning branch, and the lower surface is a wide slot. They were made of transparent conductor film. Finally, a new capacitive coupling method is used to feed the transparent antenna. The transparent conductor film used in the antenna is metal mesh, which was developed by 3M company. The metal mesh with an open area greater than 80% to achieve high transmittance. The measured results show that the impedance bandwidth is 177% (0.30–5.0 GHz), and the gain of the antenna varies from 5.06 to 7.8 dBi over the entire frequency band. Therefore, it can be well applied to the current indoor mobile communication system.
Physics and small‐scale dosimetry of α$\alpha$‐emitters for targeted radionuclide therapy: The case of 211At$^{211}{\rm At}$
Authors: Alcocer‐Ávila Mario Enrique , Larouze Alexandre , Groetz Jean‐Emmanuel , Hindié Elif , Champion Christophe
Published: March 2024

Background

Monte Carlo simulations have been considered for a long time the gold standard for dose calculations in conventional radiotherapy and are currently being applied for the same purpose in innovative radiotherapy techniques such as targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT).

Purpose

We present in this work a benchmarking study of the latest version of the Transport d'Ions Lourds Dans l'Aqua & Vivo (TILDA‐V ) Monte Carlo track structure code, highlighting its capabilities for describing the full slowing down of ‐particles in water and the energy deposited in cells by ‐emitters in the context of TRT.

Methods

We performed radiation transport simulations of ‐particles (10 keV –100 MeV ) in water with TILDA‐V and the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) version 3.33. We compared the predictions of each code in terms of track parameters (stopping power, range and radial dose profiles) and cellular S‐values of the promising radionuclide astatine‐211 (). Additional comparisons were made with available data in the literature.

Results

The stopping power, range and radial dose profiles of ‐particles computed with TILDA‐V were in excellent agreement with other calculations and available data. Overall, minor differences with PHITS were ascribed to phase effects, that is, related to the use of interaction cross sections computed for water vapor or liquid water. However, important discrepancies were observed in the radial dose profiles of monoenergetic ‐particles, for which PHITS results showed a large underestimation of the absorbed dose compared to other codes and experimental data. The cellular S‐values of computed with TILDA‐V  agreed within 4% with the values predicted by PHITS and MIRDcell.

Conclusions

The validation of the TILDA‐V code presented in this work opens the possibility to use it as an accurate simulation tool for investigating the interaction of ‐particles in biological media down to the nanometer scale in the context of medical research. The code may help nuclear medicine physicians in their choice of ‐emitters for TRT. Further research will focus on the application of TILDA‐V for quantifying radioinduced damage on the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule.
Singer and songwriter: Enhancing the dual functions of the electrodiagnostic report
Authors: Hearn Sandra L. , Simmons Zachary
Published: March 2024

See article on pages 620–625 in this issue.
Tunnel resistivity deep learning inversion method based on physics‐driven and signal interpretability
Authors: Liu Benchao , Tang Yuting , Zhang Yongheng , Jiang Peng , Zhang Fengkai
Published: March 2024

Data‐driven deep learning technology has a strong non‐linear mapping ability and has good development potential in geophysical inversion problems. Traditional inversion techniques offer broad generality, but they can remain trapped in local minima, particularly for three‐dimensional tunnelling resistivity inversion. In this work, we present an inversion methodology that combines traditional physics‐driven and deep learning data‐driven inversion approaches. To further support deep neural networks' dependability on unseen data, the interpretability of their working mechanism is explored. We execute migration learning based on small sample data after identifying the critical parameters that restrict the effectiveness of inversion by analysing the feature maps of various model data. We demonstrate, using both synthetic examples and field data, that the proposed method can improve the accuracy in detecting water‐bearing anomalies (caves and faults), which are typically encountered during tunnel excavation.
How the emotions evoked by homeless pets induce online charitable giving
Authors: Shepelenko Anna , Shepelenko Pavel , Panidi Ksenia , Kosonogov Vladimir , Shestakova Anna
Published: March 2024

In this study, we investigated the relationship between emotions and charitable behavior in the context of pet charities. In particular, we examined the role of pet characteristics such as age, health status, signs of homelessness, and the animal being in the presence of a human as factors in a potential benefactors' emotional state (valence and arousal) that are associated with the willingness to donate. We conducted an online experiment in which participants (N = 54) voluntarily donated in response to being presented with pictures of dogs in various conditions. Emotional state was measured as self‐reported valence and arousal. Our findings showed that willingness to donate was higher when participants experienced unpleasant emotions with a high arousal. In addition, we found that animals' apparent sickness and signs of homelessness provoked larger donations, while age (adult or puppy) and being in the presence of a human did not affect charitable behavior. Our study contributes to the research on the effectiveness of charity appeals in the context of pet charities and complements the literature on human prosocial behavior in support of other species. The results have practical implications for the development of advertising on behalf of pet charities as they explore the impact of dogs' characteristics on donors' emotions and willingness to donate under ecologically valid conditions, in contrast to previous laboratory studies.
Caution with noninvasive prenatal screening for single gene disorders: A case report of a COL1A1 variant in osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Chafitz Olivia B. , Feigenblum Nicole S. , Haddad Andrew S. , Abdelhak Yaakov E. , Oladipo Antonia F.
Published: March 2024

Key points

What is already known?

Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) for monogenic conditions is now available, and patients commonly pursue this despite normal sonographic findings or the absence of pertinent family history.

What does this study add?

This case underscores the limitations of NIPS for monogenic conditions in low‐risk populations and the importance of pre‐ and post‐test genetic counseling, family history, and parental testing.

Further research is needed to determine the clinical utility of NIPS for single gene disorders in low‐risk populations.
The Height Pole: Measuring plot height using a single‐point LiDAR sensor
Authors: Morrison Malcolm J. , Gahagan Alison Claire , Hotte Thomas , Morrison Hannah E. , Kenny Matthew , Saumure Alain , Lefevbre Marc B.
Published: March 2024

Plant canopy height is an essential trait for phenomics and plant breeding. Despite its importance, height is still largely measured by manual means with a ruler and notepad. Here, we present the Height Pole, a novel single‐point LiDAR (SPL)‐based instrument to measure and record plant and canopy height in the field quickly, reliably, and accurately. An SPL was mounted on the top of a pole and aimed downwards at an adjustable paddle that was positioned at the desired height. A custom app, written for Android OS, saved the plant height data from the SPL to a tablet. The Height Pole was tested against a ruler in the lab, in a field trial setting, and by multiple operators. Indoor and outdoor testing found no significant differences between a ruler and the Height Pole measurements. A test with five operators revealed that measuring, recording, transcribing, and digitizing were on average 20 s per plot slower with a ruler than with the Height Pole. The Height Pole required only one operator to measure and record data, reduced operator fatigue, and by directly writing the data to a .CSV file eliminated transcription errors. These improvements make it easier to collect crop height data on large experiments rapidly and accurately with low input costs.
A scalable, low‐cost phenotyping strategy to assess tuber size, shape, and the colorimetric features of tuber skin and flesh in potato breeding populations
Authors: Feldman Max J. , Park Jaebum , Miller Nathan , Wakholi Collins , Greene Katelyn , Abbasi Arash , Rippner Devin A. , Navarre Duroy , Schmitz Carley Cari , Shannon Laura M. , Novy Rich
Published: March 2024

Tuber size, shape, colorimetric characteristics, and defect susceptibility are all factors that influence the acceptance of new potato cultivars. Despite the importance of these characteristics, our understanding of their inheritance is substantially limited by our inability to precisely measure these features quantitatively on the scale needed to evaluate breeding populations. To alleviate this bottleneck, we developed a low‐cost, semiautomated workflow to capture data and measure each of these characteristics using machine vision. This workflow was applied to assess the phenotypic variation present within 189 F1 progeny of the A08241 breeding population. Machine vision was applied to estimate linear and volumetric tuber size, assess tuber shape characteristics using aspect ratio and biomass profiles, and quantify tuber skin and flesh color; additionally, a deep learning mode was developed to classify the presence of hollow‐heart defect. Our results provide an example of quantitative measurements acquired using machine vision methods that are reliable, heritable, and capable of being used to understand and select multiple traits simultaneously in structured potato breeding populations.
Allosteric pathways of SARS and SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein identified by neural relational inference
Authors: Hu Yao , Li Mingwei , Wang Qian
Published: March 2024

The receptor binding domain (RBD) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike protein must undergo a crucial conformational transition to invade human cells. It is intriguing that this transition is accompanied by a synchronized movement of the entire spike protein. Therefore, it is possible to design allosteric regulators targeting non‐RBD but hindering the conformational transition of RBD. To understand the allosteric mechanism in detail, we establish a computational framework by integrating coarse‐grained molecular dynamic simulations and a state‐of‐the‐art neural network model called neural relational inference. Leveraging this framework, we have elucidated the allosteric pathway of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein at the residue level and identified the molecular mechanisms involved in the transmission of allosteric signals. The movement of D614 is coupled with that of Q321. This interaction subsequently influences the movement of K528/K529, ultimately coupling with the movement of RBD during conformational changes. Mutations that weaken the interactions within this pathway naturally block the allosteric signal transmission, thereby modulating the conformational transitions. This observation also offers a rationale for the distinct allosteric patterns observed in the SARS‐CoV spike protein. Our result provides a useful method for analyzing the dynamics of potential viral variants in the future.
Functional analysis of adipokinetic hormone signaling in reproductive diapause of Coccinella septempunctata
Authors: Shen Zhongjian , Liu Zhaohan , Chen Junjie , Li Yuyan , Mao Jianjun , Wang Mengqing , Zhang Lisheng
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The ladybeetle, Coccinella septempunctata, an important predator, is widely used to control aphids, whiteflies, mites, thrips, and lepidopteran pests. Diapause control technology is key to extending C. septempunctata shelf‐life and commercialization. Lipid accumulation is a major feature of reproductive diapause, but the function of AKH signaling as a regulator of lipid mobilization in reproductive diapause remains unclear. This study aimed to identify and characterize AKH and AKHR genes, and clarify their functions in reproductive diapause.

RESULTS

The relative expression levels of CsAKH and CsAKHR were the highest in the head and fat body, respectively, and were significantly decreased under diapause conditions, both in developmental stages and tissues (head, midgut, fat body, and ovary). Furthermore, CsAKH and CsAKHR expression was increased significantly after juvenile hormone (JH) injection, but CsMet silencing significantly inhibited CsAKH and CsAKHR expression, whereas CsMet knockdown blocked the induction effect of JH. CsAKH and CsAKHR knockdown significantly reduced water content, increased lipid storage, and promoted the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis, but significantly blocked ovarian development, and induced forkhead box O (FOXO) gene expression in C. septempunctata under reproduction conditions. By contrast, injection of AKH peptide significantly inhibited FOXO expression, reduced lipid storage, and increased water content in C. septempunctata under diapause conditions.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that CsAKH and CsAKHR are involved in the regulation of lipid accumulation and ovarian development during diapause in C. septempunctata, and provide a promising target for manipulating C. septempunctata diapause. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A flexible modulated pesticide release platform through poly(urethane–urea) microcapsules: effect of different crosslinkers compositions
Authors: Wang Jian , Shi Zefeng , Yuan Guohui , Zhang Nianlei , Xiao Yanan , Jin Zijin , Li Mengdie , Wu Wenneng , Yuan Yongda , Ren Tianrui , Zhang Bo
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Polymeric microcapsules (MCs) have become an important issue and have attracted increasing attention because of their tunable physical and chemical properties. Diverse shell structures can confer multiple properties on MCs.

RESULTS

Different polyols (1,4‐butanediol and glycerin) and polyamines (triethylenetetramine and isophorondiamine) were selected as crosslinkers to obtain emamectin benzoate (EB)‐loaded poly(urethane–urea) MCs (PU‐MCs) by interfacial polymerization. The four obtained PU‐MCs showed sphericity with different degrees of smoothness on their surfaces, and displayed a uniform size distribution ranging from 500 to 700 nm. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy showed that the shell thickness was roughly uniform, and was greatly influenced by the type and structure of the crosslinker. GI‐MCs, prepared using glycerin and isophorondiamine, had the largest shell thickness. GT‐MCs, obtained using glycerin and triethylenetetramine, had the highest encapsulation efficiency and drug‐loading content, and BT‐MCs, obtained using mixtures of 1,4‐butanediol and triethylenetetramine, had the fastest release behavior. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the greater the degree of shell crosslinking, the higher decomposition temperature and the greater the thermal stability. A BT‐MC suspension had the lowest viscosity and contact angle with the best wettability. Bioassay experiments showed that BT‐MCs exhibited good insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella larvae with a half‐maximal lethal concentration of 4.19 mg/L. Furthermore, a BT‐MC suspension showed good thermal and light stability, with potential applications in minimizing the toxicity of EB through sustained release.

CONCLUSION

Various properties of EB‐loaded PU‐MCs were modulated through simple selection of different polyols and polyamines during fabrication, which might have an important role in constructing the pesticide delivery system and improving pesticide utilization. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.