bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PES1 is a biomarker of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and is associated with the tumor microenvironment
Authors: He Yaodong , Xiang Junwei , Li Yunshan , Huang Wenkai , Gu Feihan , Wang Yuanyin , Chen Ran
Published: April 2023

Background

As a nucleolar protein associated with ribosome biogenesis in multiple cancer types, PES1 has been reported to be overexpressed, promoting cancer cell proliferation and invasion. However, in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the role of PES1 on the prognosis and immune infiltration remains unknown.

Methods

Multiple databases and qRT‐PCR evaluated the expression of PES1 in HNSCC. The prognostic potential of PES1 in HNSCC patients was analyzed by Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier curves. Then, we used LASSO regression and stepwise multivariate Cox regression to construct the PES1‐related risk assessment model. In addition, the association between PES1 and tumor immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity was explored by R packages. Finally, we used cell function assays to explore in HNSCC if PES1 influences tumor growth and metastasis.

Results

PES1 was significantly up‐regulated in HNSCC and closely correlated with HPV status, tumor stage, clinical grade, and TP53 mutation status. Survival analysis suggested that PES1 is associated with worse survival outcomes, acting as an independent prognostic indicator for HNSCC. Our model also performed well in terms of prognosis prediction. Furthermore, tumor‐infiltrating immune cells and antitumor drug susceptibility were negatively related to PES1 expression. Functionally, as for HNSCC cell lines in vitro, the knockdown of PES1 could inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that PES1 may be a promoter of tumor growth. PES1 holds excellent promise as a novel biomarker to assess the prognosis of patients with HNSCC and may guide immunotherapy.
Fermentative Biohydrogen Fuel Production Utilizing Wastewater: A Review
Authors: Thulasisingh Anitha , Ananthakrishnan Krithika , Nandakumar Janani , Kannaiyan Sathishkumar
Published: April 2023

Currently, there is greater emphasis on using renewable energy sources as compared to conventional sources of energy. Biohydrogen, a renewable energy source, serves as a promising alternative to fossil fuel‐based energy sources. The demand for sustainability is met by producing biohydrogen with the use of wastewater as a substrate. This review article focuses on different ways of biohydrogen production from wastewater with the help of microorganisms, such as light independent processes like dark fermentation and light dependent processes like photo‐fermentation, bio‐photolysis (direct and indirect) and integrated processes like sequential fermentation and combined fermentation. The biochemical pathways, microorganisms employed, specific pretreatment techniques, and efficiency of the biohydrogen production methods by H2yield and H2production rate from different wastewater sources are also discussed. Different methods like dark fermentation, photo‐fermentation and integration of these types using various substrates have been put forth. This review article also explains the various pretreatment methods of wastewater like physical, chemical, biological, and mechanical which is essential when using wastewater as substrate in order to increase biohydrogen production. The important characteristics that can influence hydrogen production, such as pH, temperature, hydraulic retention rate, and organic loading rate are also mentioned. In addition, the advantage and drawbacks of biohydrogen production, as well as the potential advancements presently being investigated to tackle these challenges are also highlighted. Therefore, many techniques and technologies are currently adopted to enhance the production of biohydrogen, which will lead to a sustainable environment.
Oral Lactobacillus species and their probiotic capabilities in patients with periodontitis and periodontally healthy individuals
Authors: Etebarian Arghavan , Sheshpari Tahere , Kabir Kourosh , Sadeghi Hanieh , Moradi Abouzar , Hafedi Avin
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to identify oral Lactobacillus species and characterize their adhesion properties and antibacterial activity in patients with periodontitis compared with periodontally healthy individuals.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred and fifty‐four isolates from the saliva, subgingival, and tongue plaque of 59 periodontitis patients and 59 healthy individuals were analyzed. Oral Lactobacillus species were identified through the culture method in the modified MRS medium and confirmed by molecular testing. Moreover, the radial diffusion assay and cell culture methods were used to determine the antibacterial activities of oral strains against oral pathogens and their adhesion activity in vitro.

Results

67.7% of the cases and 75.7% of the control samples were positive for the Lactobacillus species. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Limosilactobacillus fermentum were the dominant species in the case group, whereas Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were dominant in the control group. Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus gasseri had higher antibacterial effects against oral pathogens. Moreover, Ligilactobacillus salivarius and L. fermentum demonstrated the highest ability to adhere to oral mucosal cells and salivary‐coated hydroxyapatite.

Conclusion

L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. fermentum, and L. salivarius can be introduced as probiotic candidates since they demonstrated appropriate adherence to oral mucosal cells and salivary‐coated hydroxyapatite and also antibacterial activities. However, further studies should be conducted to assess the safety of probiotic interventions using these strains in patients with periodontal disease.
Testing the predictive value of functional traits in diverse ant communities
Authors: Drager Kim I. , Rivera Michael D. , Gibson Joshua C. , Ruzi Selina A. , Hanisch Priscila E. , Achury Rafael , Suarez Andrew V.
Published: April 2023

Associating morphological features with ecological traits is essential for understanding the connection between organisms and their roles in the environment. If applied successfully, functional trait approaches link form and function in an organism. However, functional trait data not associated with natural history information provide an incomplete picture of an organism's role in the ecosystem. Using data on the relative trophic position of 592 ant (Formicidae) samples comprising 393 species from 11 subfamilies and 19 widely distributed communities, we tested the extent to which commonly used functional proxies (i.e., morphometric traits) predict diet/trophic position as estimated from stable isotopes (δ15N). We chose ants as a group due to their ubiquity and abundance, as well as the wealth of available data on species traits and trophic levels. We measured 12 traits that have previously been identified as functionally significant, and corrected trait values for size and evolutionary history by using phylogenetically corrected trait residuals. Estimated trophic positions varied from 0.9 to 4.8 or roughly 4 trophic levels. Morphological data spanned nearly the entire size range seen in ants from the smallest (e.g., Strumigenys mitis total length 1.1 mm) to the largest species (e.g., Dinoponera australis total length 28.3 mm). We found overall body size, relative eye position, and scape length to be informative for predicting diet/trophic position in these communities, albeit with relatively weak predictive values. Specifically, trophic position was negatively correlated with body size and positively correlated with sensory traits (higher eye position and scape length). Our results suggest that functional trait‐based approaches can be informative but should be used with caution unless clear links between form and function have been established.
Niche breadth of Amazonian trees increases with niche optimum across broad edaphic gradients
Authors: Vleminckx Jason , Barrantes Oscar Valverde , Fortunel Claire , Paine C. E. Timothy , Bauman David , Engel Julien , Petronelli Pascal , Dávila Nállarett , Rios Marcos , Valderrama Sandoval Elvis Harry , Mesones Italo , Allié Elodie , Goret Jean‐Yves , Draper Freddie C. , Guevara Andino Juan Ernesto , Béroujon Solène , Fine Paul V. A. , Baraloto Christopher
Published: April 2023

Understanding how biotic interactions and environmental filtering mediated by soil properties shape plant community assembly is a major challenge in ecology, especially when studying complex and hyperdiverse ecosystems like tropical forests. To shed light on the influence of both factors, we examined how the edaphic optimum of species (their niche position) related to their edaphic range (their niche breadth) along different environmental gradients and how this translates into functional strategies. Here we tested four scenarios describing the shape of the niche breadth—niche position relationship, including one neutral scenario and three scenarios proposing different relative influences of abiotic and biotic factors on community assembly along a soil resource gradient. To do so, we used soil concentration data for five key nutrients (N, P, Ca, Mg, and K), along with accurate measurements of 14 leaf, stem, and root traits for 246 tree species inventoried in 101 plots located across Eastern (French Guiana) and Western (Peru) Amazonia. We found that species niche breadth increased linearly with species niche position along each soil nutrient gradient. This increase was associated with more resource acquisitive traits in the leaves and the roots for soil N, Ca, Mg, and K concentration, while it was negatively associated with wood density for soil P concentration. These observations agreed with one of our hypothetical scenarios in which species with resource conservation traits are confined to the most nutrient‐depleted soils (abiotic filter), but they are outperformed by faster‐growing species in more fertile conditions (biotic filter). Our results refine and strengthen support for niche theories of species assembly while providing an integrated approach to improving forest management policies.
Do plant–soil feedbacks promote coexistence in a sagebrush steppe?
Authors: Chung Y. Anny , Monaco Thomas A. , Taylor J. Bret , Adler Peter B.
Published: April 2023

Recent studies have shown the potential for negative plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs) to promote stable coexistence, but have not quantified the stabilizing effect relative to other coexistence mechanisms. We conducted a field experiment to test the role of PSFs in stabilizing coexistence among four dominant sagebrush steppe species that appear to coexist stably, based on previous work with observational data and models. We then integrated the effects of PSF treatments on focal species across germination, survival, and first‐year growth. To contribute to stable coexistence, soil microbes should have host‐specific effects that result in negative feedbacks. Over two replicated growing seasons, our experiments consistently showed that soil microbes have negative effects on plant growth, but these effects were rarely host‐specific. The uncommon host‐specific effects were mostly positive at the germination stage, and negative for growth. Integrated effects of PSF across early life‐stage vital rates showed that PSF‐mediated self‐limitation occasionally had large effects on projected plant biomass, but occurred inconsistently between years. Our results suggest that while microbially‐mediated PSF may not be a common mechanism of coexistence in this community, it may still affect the relative abundance of dominant plant species via changes in host fitness. Our work also serves as a blueprint for future investigations that aim to identify underlying processes and test alternative mechanisms to explain important patterns in community ecology.
Facile Suzuki Coupling Strategy toward New Nile Red Derivatives with Improved Two‐Photon Brightness
Authors: Mulberg Mads W. , Hornum Mick , Reinholdt Peter , Jensen Brian Bjarke , Szomek Maria , Brewer Jonathan R. , Wüstner Daniel , Kongsted Jacob , Nielsen Poul
Published: April 2023

Chemical fine‐tuning of fluorophores is a pivotal step towards development of next generation fluorescent dyes for microscopy. With the advent of high‐resolution two‐photon excitation fluorescence imaging, there is a growing demand for very sensitive laser dyes that can be efficiently excited using commercial Ti:sapphire laser sources in the first near‐infrared window (NIR‐I, 780–1020 nm). Using the fluorescent dye Nile Red as the lead structure, we report a robust and concise Suzuki coupling approach for the synthesis of 14 new Nile Red analogues that feature extended π ring systems and diverse functionalities. For this set, we gauged their two‐photon excitation efficiency in NIR‐I as well as evaluated their general fluorescent properties (emission wavelength, Stokes shift, quantum yield and solvatochromism). Several of the new fluorophores were found to display very favorable characteristics. In particular, the derivative featuring a 4‐aminophenyl group in the 2‐position of Nile Red exhibited extreme solvent sensitivity, and the thien‐2‐yl substituted Nile Red derivative showed significantly redshifted emission, large Stokes shift and high two‐photon brightness.
Optimization strategies for multi‐block structured CFD simulation based on Sunway TaihuLight
Authors: Lv Xiaojing , Leng Wenhao , Liu Zhao , Wu Chengsheng , Li Fang , Xu Jiuxiu
Published: April 2023

Decomposition and solver are the main performance bottlenecks of multi‐block structured CFD simulation involving complex industrial configurations such as aero‐engine, shock‐boundary layer interactions, turbulence modeling and so on. In this article, we proposed several optimization strategies to improve the computing efficiency of multi‐block structured CFD simulation based on Sunway TaihuLight super computing system, including: (1) a load balancing decomposition approach combined with recursive segmentation of undirected graphs and block mapping for multi‐structured blocks, (2) two‐level parallelism that utilizes MPI + OpenACC2.0* hybrid parallel paradigms with various performance optimizations such as data preprocessing, reducing unnecessary loops of subroutine calls, collapse, and tile syntax, memory access optimization between the main memory and local data memory (LDM), and (3) a carefully orchestrated pipeline and register communication strategy between computing processor elements (CPEs) to tackle the dependence of LU‐SGS (Lower‐Upper Symmetric Gauss–Seidel). Numerical simulations were conducted to evaluate the proposed optimization strategies. The results showed that our parallel implementation provides high load balance and efficiency, achieving a speedup of 8× + for one loop step, and a speed up of 2× + for strong correlation kernels.
Electrochemical CO2 Reduction on Copper in Propylene Carbonate: Influence of Water Content and Temperature on the Product Distribution
Authors: Burgers Iris , Pérez-Gallent Elena , Goetheer Earl , Kortlever Ruud
Published: April 2023

Aqueous electrolytes are most commonly used for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), but suffer from a low CO2 solubility that limits the reaction. Electrochemical CO2 reduction in nonaqueous electrolytes can provide a solution, due to the higher CO2 solubility of organic solvent‐based electrolytes. Herein, the product distribution of the electrochemical CO2 reduction on polycrystalline Cu in 0.7 m tetraethylammonium chloride in propylene carbonate with different water additions (0, 10, and 90 v%), and for different operating conditions (10, 25, 40, and 60 °C), is investigated. It is found that CO2 reduction on Cu in a propylene carbonate solution results in H2, CO, and formic acid formation only, even though Cu is known to produce C2+ products such as ethylene and ethanol in aqueous electrolytes. Increasing the operating temperature increases the CO2RR kinetics and shows an improvement in CO formation and decrease in H2 formation. However, increasing the operating temperature also increases water transport through the membrane, resulting in an increase of H2 formation over time when operating at 60 °C.
Spectrally matching pulse‐like records to a target RotD100 spectrum
Authors: Montejo Luis A.
Published: April 2023

This article evaluates two different approaches to generate pulse‐like spectrally matched earthquake records pairs compatible with a target RotD100 spectrum. One is the conventional approach of separately matching each horizontal component to the target RotD100 spectrum, the other approach simultaneously modifies both horizontal components to tightly match the target RotD100. The characteristics of the resulting records are evaluated using amplitude scaled pulse records as baseline for comparison. It is shown that, using a target spectrum that includes a narrow‐band modification to accommodate the presence of a pulse, largely increases both methodologies likelihood of generating spectrally matched records that preserve the pulse‐like nature of the seeds. However, the records generated through independent component matching exhibit RotD100 spectral amplitudes that largely surpass the target amplitudes, and instantaneous power (IP) and peak ground velocities (PGV) substantially larger than the observed for the amplitude scaled records. Consequently, these motions generated unrealistically large inelastic demands when used as input for nonlinear response history analyses (NRHA), with mean peak inelastic demands up to 60% larger than the expected from amplitude scaled records. Conversely, the approach based on simultaneous modification of the two horizontal components generated the largest number of successful matches and the resulting records exhibited IP and PGV values close to the obtained for the amplitude scaled records. When used as input for NRHA, the mean peak inelastic demands were very close to the demands imposed by the amplitude scaled set. These results suggest that current 10% spectral amplitude penalization for spectrally matched records in ASCE7 is unnecessary for pulse‐like motions.
Effect of CDH1 and CDH2 genes polymorphisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility in a sample of Iranian population: A case‐control study
Authors: Kadeh Hamideh , Parsamanesh Negin , Miri‐Moghaddam Ebrahim
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a global malignant epithelial neoplasm affecting the oral cavity. Cadherins, as an adhesion molecule, are involved in cell−cell interaction. We aim to study the effect of two cadherin polymorphisms on OSCC risk in southeast of Iran.

Methods

In this case‐control study, 94 individuals (47 OSCC cases and 47 controls), that referred to the Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iran were included. Cadherin single nucleotide polymorphisms CDH1 (rs16260) and CDH2 (rs11564299) were genotyped by the tetra‐Amplification Refractory Mutation System—PCR technique.

Results

N‐cadherin genotyping showed that the AA, AG, and AG + GG were presented 78.7%, 17%, 21.3% versus 66%, 29.7%, 34% in the cases and the control group, respectively. AG genotype was more common in control than case (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.17−1.29, p = 0.14). G allele was more prevalent in control (19.1%) than the case group (12.8%) (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.27−1.36, p = 0.23). In E‐cadherin, AC, AA, and AC + AA genotypes frequency were 17%, 12.8%, and 29.8% in case versus 8.5%, 8.5%, and 17% in the control group. Allele A was more common in the case than the control group (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 0.84−4.03, p = 0.12). Also, AA and CC, the codominant genotypes were common in CDH2 and CDH1 respectively in all histopathological grades, and no statically significant association was observed between OSCC different histopathological grades and cadherin genotypes (p = 0.39 in N‐cadherin, p = 0.74 in E‐cadherin).

Conclusion

Our results showed a lack of association between CDH1 and CDH2 gene polymorphisms with OSCC risk in a population of Southeastern of Iran.
Extended validation of the Relational Depth Frequency Scale: Retest reliability, divergent validity, criterion validity with psychotherapy satisfaction, and measurement invariance in UK‐ and US‐stratified samples
Authors: Di Malta Gina , She Zhuang , Raymond‐Barker Brett , Cooper Mick
Published: April 2023

Background

The Relational Depth Frequency Scale (RDFS) assesses moments of profound connection in psychotherapy, associated with therapeutic benefit. To date, the RDFS has not been tested for its retest reliability, divergent and criterion validity, and measurement invariance, nor has it been tested in stratified samples of psychotherapy patients.

Methods

Two stratified online samples of United Kingdom (n = 514) and United States (n = 402) psychotherapy patients filled out the RDFS, the Brief Social Desirability Scale (BSDS); and the Satisfaction with Therapy and Therapist Scale‐revised (STTS‐R). Two subsamples of patients (United Kingdom: n = 50 and United States: n = 203) filled out the RDFS again after 1 month.

Results

Reliability for the six‐item RDFS were excellent in United Kingdom and United States samples (Cronbach's α = 0.91 and 0.92; retest r = 0.73 and r = 0.76). Divergent (r = 0.10 and r = 0.12) and criterion validity (r = 0.69; and r = 0.70) were good. Full scalar invariance was established across countries, genders, and time.

Conclusion

This contributes important evidence to the validity of the RDFS. Future research should assess predictive validity against psychotherapy outcomes and replicate these analyses in diverse samples.
Ginkgolide B facilitates muscle regeneration via rejuvenating osteocalcin‐mediated bone‐to‐muscle modulation in aged mice
Authors: Wang Belle Yu‐Hsuan , Chen Yi‐Fan , Hsiao Allen Wei‐Ting , Chen Wan‐Jing , Lee Chien‐Wei , Lee Oscar Kuang‐Sheng
Published: April 2023

Background

The progressive deterioration of tissue–tissue crosstalk with aging causes a striking impairment of tissue homeostasis and functionality, particularly in the musculoskeletal system. Rejuvenation of the systemic and local milieu via interventions such as heterochronic parabiosis and exercise has been reported to improve musculoskeletal homeostasis in aged organisms. We have shown that Ginkgolide B (GB), a small molecule from Ginkgo biloba, improves bone homeostasis in aged mice by restoring local and systemic communication, implying a potential for maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis and enhancing regeneration. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of GB on skeletal muscle regeneration in aged mice.

Methods

Muscle injury models were established by barium chloride induction into the hind limb of 20‐month‐old mice (aged mice) and into C2C12‐derived myotubes. Therapeutic efficacy of daily administrated GB (12 mg/kg body weight) and osteocalcin (50 μg/kg body weight) on muscle regeneration was assessed by histochemical staining, gene expression, flow cytometry, ex vivo muscle function test and rotarod test. RNA sequencing was used to explore the mechanism of GB on muscle regeneration, with subsequent in vitro and in vivo experiments validating these findings.

Results

GB administration in aged mice improved muscle regeneration (muscle mass, P = 0.0374; myofiber number/field, P = 0.0001; centre nucleus, embryonic myosin heavy chain‐positive myofiber area, P = 0.0144), facilitated the recovery of muscle contractile properties (tetanic force, P = 0.0002; twitch force, P = 0.0005) and exercise performance (rotarod performance, P = 0.002), and reduced muscular fibrosis (collagen deposition, P < 0.0001) and inflammation (macrophage infiltration, P = 0.03). GB reversed the aging‐related decrease in the expression of osteocalcin (P < 0.0001), an osteoblast‐specific hormone, to promote muscle regeneration. Exogenous osteocalcin supplementation was sufficient to improve muscle regeneration (muscle mass, P = 0.0029; myofiber number/field, P < 0.0001), functional recovery (tetanic force, P = 0.0059; twitch force, P = 0.07; rotarod performance, P < 0.0001) and fibrosis (collagen deposition, P = 0.0316) in aged mice, without an increased risk of heterotopic ossification.

Conclusions

GB treatment restored the bone‐to‐muscle endocrine axis to reverse aging‐related declines in muscle regeneration and thus represents an innovative and practicable approach to managing muscle injuries. Our results revealed the critical and novel role of osteocalcin–GPRC6A‐mediated bone‐to‐muscle communication in muscle regeneration, which provides a promising therapeutic avenue in functional muscle regeneration.
Histopathological correlations and fat replacement imaging patterns in recessive limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 12
Authors: De Wel Bram , Huysmans Lotte , Depuydt Christophe E. , Goosens Veerle , Peeters Ronald , Santos Filipa P. , Thal Dietmar R. , Dupont Patrick , Maes Frederik , Claeys Kristl G.
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite the widespread use of proton density fat fraction (PDFF) measurements with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track disease progression in muscle disorders, it is still unclear how these findings relate to histopathological changes in muscle biopsies of patients with limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy autosomal recessive type 12 (LGMDR12). Furthermore, although it is known that LGMDR12 leads to a selective muscle involvement distinct from other muscular dystrophies, the spatial distribution of fat replacement within these muscles is unknown.

Methods

We included 27 adult patients with LGMDR12 and 27 age‐matched and sex‐matched healthy controls and acquired 6‐point Dixon images of the thighs and T1 and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) MR images of the whole body. In 16 patients and 15 controls, we performed three muscle biopsies, one in the semimembranosus, vastus lateralis, and rectus femoris muscles, which are severely, intermediately, and mildly affected in LGMDR12, respectively. We correlated the PDFF to the fat percentage measured on biopsies of the corresponding muscles, as well as to the Rochester histopathology grading scale.

Results

In patients, we demonstrated a strong correlation of PDFF on MRI and muscle biopsy fat percentage for the semimembranosus (r = 0.85, P < 0.001) and vastus lateralis (r = 0.68, P = 0.005). We found similar results for the correlation between PDFF and the Rochester histopathology grading scale. Out of the five patients with inflammatory changes on muscle biopsy, three showed STIR hyperintensities in the corresponding muscle on MRI. By modelling the PDFF on MRI for 18 thigh muscles from origin to insertion, we observed a significantly inhomogeneous proximo‐distal distribution of fat replacement in all thigh muscles of patients with LGMDR12 (P < 0.001), and different patterns of fat replacement within each of the muscles.

Conclusions

We showed a strong correlation of fat fraction on MRI and fat percentage on muscle biopsy for diseased muscles and validated the use of Dixon fat fraction imaging as an outcome measure in LGMDR12. The inhomogeneous fat replacement within thigh muscles on imaging underlines the risk of analysing only samples of muscles instead of the entire muscles, which has important implications for clinical trials.
Stability of labile xanthones and dihydrochalcones in a ready‐to‐drink honeybush beverage during storage
Authors: Human Chantelle , de Beer Dalene , Tredoux Andreas , de Villiers André , Joubert Elizabeth
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

The shelf‐life of a functional herbal tea‐based beverage is important not only for consumer acceptability, but also for the retention of bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to clarify the role of common iced tea beverage ingredients (citric and ascorbic acids) on the shelf‐life stability of an herbal tea‐based beverage. A hot water extract of green Cyclopia subternata, also used as honeybush tea, was selected as the main ingredient because it provides different types of phenolic compounds associated with bioactive properties (i.e. xanthones, benzophenones, flavanones, flavones and dihydrochalcones).

RESULTS

The model solutions were stored for 180 and 90 days at 25 and 40 °C, respectively. Changes in their volatile profiles and color were also quantified as they contribute to product quality. 3′,5′‐Di‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐3‐hydroxyphloretin (HPDG; dihydrochalcone) and, to a lesser extent, mangiferin (xanthone), were the most labile compounds. Both compounds were thus identified as critical quality indicators to determine shelf‐life. The stability‐enhancing activity of the acids depended on the compound; ascorbic acid and citric acid enhanced the stability of HPDG and mangiferin, respectively. However, when considering all the major phenolic compounds, the base solution without acids was the most stable. This was also observed for the color and major volatile aroma‐active compounds [α‐terpineol, (E)‐β‐damascenone, 1‐p‐menthen‐9‐al and trans‐ocimenol].

CONCLUSION

The addition of acids, added for stability and taste in ready‐to‐drink iced tea beverages, could thus have unwanted consequences in that they could accelerate compositional changes and shorten the shelf‐life of polyphenol‐rich herbal tea beverages. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Phosphorylated heat shock protein 27 improves the bone formation ability of osteoblasts and bone marrow stem cells from patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: He Sihan , Li Jiong , Wang Yunjia , Xiang Gang , Yang Guanteng , Xiao Lige , Tang Mingxing , Zhang Hongqi
Published: April 2023

Background

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a scoliotic deformity of unknown etiology that occurs during adolescent development. Abnormal bone metabolism is closely related to AIS, but the cause is uncertain. Recent studies have shown that heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) and its phosphorylation (pHSP27) play important roles in bone metabolism. However, whether HSP27 and pHSP27 are involved in abnormal bone metabolism in AIS is unclear.

Methods

Osteoblasts (OBs) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were extracted from the facet joints and bone marrow of AIS patients and controls who underwent posterior spinal fusion surgery. The expression levels of HSP27 and pHSP27, as well as the expression levels of bone formation markers in OBs from AIS patients and controls, were examined by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT–PCR) and Western blotting. The mineralization ability of OBs from AIS patients and controls was analyzed by alizarin red staining after osteogenic differentiation. Heat shock and thiolutin were used to increase the levels of pHSP27 in OBs, and the levels of bone formation markers were also investigated. In addition, the levels of pHSP27 and the bone formation ability of BMSCs from AIS patients and controls were investigated after heat shock treatment.

Results

Lower pHSP27 levels and impaired osteogenic differentiation abilities were observed in the OBs of AIS patients than in those of controls. Thiolutin increased HSP27 phosphorylation and increased the mRNA levels of SPP1 and ALPL in OBs from AIS patients. Heat shock treatment increased SPP1 and HSP27 mRNA expression, pHSP27 levels, OCN expression, and mineralization ability of both OBs and BMSCs from AIS patients.

Conclusion

Heat shock treatment and thiolutin can increase the levels of pHSP27 and further promote the bone formation of OBs and BMSCs from AIS patients. Therefore, decreased pHSP27 levels may be associated with abnormal bone metabolism in AIS patients.
Pattern diagnosis of onycholysis
Authors: Navarro Lourdes
Published: April 2023

Onycholysis is defined as the detachment of the nail plate from the underlying and/or lateral supporting structures. Trauma, inflammatory conditions, infectious agents, tumours and toxic substances are the most commonly reported causes of onycholysis. We review the main causes of onycholysis in clinical practice and provide a diagnostic approach based on morphologic patterns of the proximal border of onycholysis, as defined by clinical and dermoscopic examination. Four morphologic patterns of onycholysis, namely transversal, lateral, V‐shaped and circular are presented with their most common causes and triggers.
The effects of two different biochars on the characteristics of saline acid sulfate soil
Authors: Nguyen Tung Xuan Tan , Nguyen Binh Thanh
Published: April 2023

Biochar can be a potential bio‐amendment for remediating saline acid sulfate soil and its effects may be dependent on its properties. The current study sought to assess the effects of two different biochars on the properties and quality of saline acid sulfate soil. The experiment was implemented by mixing soil with biochars made from longan branches (LBs) and coconut coir biochar (CB) at five rates of 0%, 0.7%, 1.5%, 3%, and 6% (w/w). After 100 days of incubation in a greenhouse, soil samples from experimental pots were taken and analyzed for 11 parameters. The results showed that biochar significantly enhanced pH while declining the concentration of SO42− and exchangeable Al and Fe. Mechanisms responsible for these effects could be due to the high alkaline properties of the added biochar. Coconut biochar raised the concentration of exchangeable Na, K, and Mg more strongly than LB. Consequently, coconut biochar greatly increased the soil electrical conductivity (EC) value, while longan biochar exhibited no significant effect. The soil quality index of the 6%‐LB‐added soil increased by 64% and that of the 6%‐CB‐added soil increased by 45%, compared with the zero‐biochar‐added soil. Lower soil quality induced by CB compared with LB may be attributed to CB's initial properties, which had higher EC, Cl−, and Na levels than LB. The findings suggested that biochar addition can improve overall quality but alter individual properties of saline acid sulfate soil in different directions, depending on the properties of the added biochar, which requires more studies to clarify its ameliorative effects.
Risk factors for developing subglottic and tracheal stenosis from the medical intensive care unit
Authors: Pappal Robin B. , Burruss Clayton Prakash , Witt Michael A. , Harryman Christopher , Ali Syed Z. , Bush Matthew L. , Fritz Mark A.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Endotracheal intubation is a common procedure in the medical intensive care unit (MICU), but it carries risk of complications including, but not limited to, subglottic stenosis (SGS) and tracheal stenosis (TS). Current literature suggests identifiable risk factors for the development of airway complications. This study is a comprehensive evaluation of potential risk factors in patients who developed SGS and TS following endotracheal intubation in our MICU.

Methods

Patients intubated in our MICU were identified from 2013 to 2019. Diagnoses of SGS or TS within 1 year of MICU admission were identified. Data extracted included age, sex, body measurements, comorbidities, bronchoscopies, endotracheal tube size, tracheostomy, social history, and medications. Patients with prior diagnosis of airway complication, tracheostomy, or head and neck cancer were excluded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed.

Results

A total of 136 patients with TS or SGS were identified out of a sample of 6603 patients intubated in the MICU. Cases were matched to controls who did not develop airway stenosis based on identical Charlson Comorbidity Index scores. Eighty six controls were identified with a complete record of endotracheal/tracheostomy tube size, airway procedures, sociodemographic data, and medical diagnosis. Regression analysis showed that SGS or TS were associated with tracheostomy, bronchoscopy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, current tobacco use, gastroesophageal reflux disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, pneumonia, bronchitis, and numerous medication classes.

Conclusion

Various conditions, procedures, and medications are associated with an increased risk of developing SGS or TS.

Level of evidence

4.
Preparation and intraocular evaluation of cetirizine hydrochloride ophthalmic liposomes and a liposome in situ gel
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Lan , Li Jianghong , Guo Yuhong , Chen Jinxin , Li Xudong , Cheng Man , Feng Bo , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2023

Cetirizine hydrochloride (CTZ), an antiallergic drug, is a new‐generation H1 receptor antagonist and a second‐generation H1 antihistamine. We aimed to prepare cetirizine hydrochloride liposomes, based on which cetirizine hydrochloride liposomal (CTZL) in situ gel (ISG) was prepared, to improve the retention time in the eye. CTZL were prepared by the ethanol injection method combined with the ammonium sulfate gradient method. A CTZ liposomal temperature‐sensitive gel was prepared using the cold dissolution method. Large‐eared white rabbits were used in retention and irritation experiments. The liposomes were small single‐chambered liposomes, spherical or sphere‐like, with a vesicle size of 187.03 ± 6.20 nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 70.39 ± 1.13%, and a drug loading capacity of 4.63 ± 0.06%. The gelling temperatures before and after dilution by simulated tear fluid were 26.1 ± 0.2°C and 34.2 ± 0.2°C, the vesicle size was 184.94 ± 7.28 nm, and the liposomes were spherical or sphere‐like in the gel matrix. The in vitro dissolution and release experiments indicate that the gel was released upon dissolution and exhibited a zero‐level release pattern. Preparation into liposomes and liposomal gels prolonged the ocular retention time of the formulation without ocular irritation.
Barriers in cancer trajectories of patients with pre‐existing severe mental disorders—A systematic review
Authors: Bentson Terese Myhre , Fløe Louise E. , Bruun Josefine M. , Eriksen Jesper Grau , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Videbech Poul , Brogaard Trine , Andreassen Pernille , Mygind Anna , Bøndergaard Kirstine B. , Neergaard Mette Asbjoern
Published: April 2023

Background

Patients with pre‐existing severe mental disorders are significantly less likely to receive guideline‐recommended cancer treatment and seems to have a significantly lower rate of cancer survival compared to patients with cancer without mental disorders.

Aim

To perform a systematic review on barriers at patient‐, provider‐ and system‐levels in cancer trajectories of patients with pre‐existing severe mental disorders.

Method

A systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022316020).

Results

Nine eligible studies were identified. Barriers at patient‐level included lack of self‐care and ability to recognize physical symptoms and signs. Provider‐level barriers included stigma from health care professionals on mental disorders, whereas system‐level barriers included fragmented health care and consequences of this.

Conclusion

This systematic review found that barriers at patient‐, provider‐ and system‐levels exist in cancer trajectories for patients with severe mental disorders, causing disparities in cancer care. Further research is needed to improve cancer trajectories for patients with severe mental disorder.
Computational design and molecular modeling of morphine derivatives for preferential binding in inflamed tissue
Authors: Augenstein Makena , Alexander Nayiri , Gartner Matthew
Published: April 2023

The opioid epidemic has impacted over 10 million Americans in 2019. Opioids, like morphine, bind non‐selectively in both peripheral tissue, leading to effective pain relief, and central tissue, resulting in dangerous side effects and addiction. The inflamed conditions of injured tissues have a lower pH (pH = 6–6.5) environment than healthy tissue (pH = 7.4). We aim to design a morphine derivative that binds selectively within inflamed tissue using molecular extension and dissection techniques. Morphine binds to the μ‐opioid receptor (MOR) when the biochemically active amine group is protonated. Fluorination of a β‐carbon from the tertiary amine group led to a reduced pKa of the derivative through induction. Through a decrease in the pKa, protonation is still statistically favored in lower pH environments of inflamed tissue but primarily deprotonated in healthy tissue. The cyclohexenol and N‐methyl‐piperidine rings of morphine are removed to increase conformational flexibility when binding while still maintaining the interactions required for analgesia. Electronic structure calculations were performed with Gaussian16 using the Keck Computational Research Cluster at Chapman University to determine the pKa. The theoretical pKa values are determined at the M06‐2X(SMD)/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level of theory to calculate the ΔG°aq values for the amine deprotonation reactions. Fluoromorphine β‐C2 was designed computationally and modeled within the MOR using Maestro: Schrödinger. This derivative exhibits a pKa reduction and enhanced ligand‐protein interactions within the MOR. β‐fluorination decreased the overall pKa values of the morphine derivatives (pKa: 6.1–7.83) relative to morphine, reducing binding within healthy, central tissue.
A method for time‐varying reliability calculation of RC bridges considering random deterioration process
Authors: Yang Yong , Li Haibin , Huang Hong‐Zhong
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a new method based on dual neural networks to improve the efficiency of time‐varying reliability calculation of bridge structures. Based on the basic theory of structural time‐varying reliability analysis, this method uses the dyadic neural network integration method to convert the time‐varying reliability calculation of bridges from the traditional Monte Carlo simulation to the direct integration operation, which improves operation efficiency and retains high working accuracy. In addition, considering the randomness of the decay process of different bridge resistances, the variation law of time‐varying reliability of bridges in the process of uncertain resistance reduction is studied, and an explicit formula for time‐varying reliability of bridges is given and solved by using the proposed dual neural network method. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by an engineering arithmetic example. The result indicates that the bridge has a greater probability of failure under random conditions.
Selective Ion‐pair Potentiometric Sensor for the Determination of Ondansetron Hydrochloride in Different Matrixes
Authors: Dyab Abdalqader , Darwish Maher , Al Rahal Fatema , Moustapha Aoula
Published: April 2023

A facile, novel, and, sensitive potentiometric sensor has been developed to quantitatively determine ondansetron hydrochloride in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms. The sensor comprised an ion‐pair between ondansetron hydrochloride and ammonium reineckate reagent, as an electrochemically active substance, on a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix. Synthesis optimization was carried out by firstly altering the proportion of the ion‐pair, PVC, and the plasticizer and subsequently, many plasticizer types have been investigated to realize the best performance. The optimum electrode consisted of 48.5 % polyvinyl chloride, 48.5 % dibutyl phthalate, and 3 % ionic pair complex and has shown a respectful Nernstian relationship within a linear range of (5.06×10−6–2592.92×10−6 M) and a slope of 57.277 mV×decade−1 in response to the drug. The electrode worked perfectly in a pH range of (1.9–6.1) where the analyte kept dissolved. Interestingly, the electrode demonstrated a fast response time of 30 sec, a lower limit of detection of 4.83×10−6 M, and an electrode lifetime of up to 30 days. The prepared electrode was applied successfully to determine the drug in its pharmaceutical dosage forms and the method validity was established. Hence, the electrode might be applied easily for the routine analysis of ondansetron hydrochloride in both scientific labs and drug industry.
Two Birds with One Stone: Broadband Electromagnetic Wave Absorption and Anticorrosion Performance in 2–18 GHz for Prussian Blue Analog Derivatives Aimed for Practical Applications
Authors: Zheng Chunlin , Ning Mingqiang , Zou Zhe , Lv Ganggang , Wu Qiang , Hou Jianhua , Man Qikui , Li Run‐Wei
Published: April 2023

Nowadays, the exploration of electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbers with anticorrosion to improve the survivability and environmental adaptability of military targets in the harsh environments is becoming an attractive and unavoidable challenge. Herein, through modulation of the metal composition in the precursors, the core@shell structure Prussian blue analog‐derived NiCo@C, CoFe@C, NiFe@C, and NiCoFe@C are obtained with excellent EM wave absorption performance. As for NiCoFe@C, ascribed to the coupling effect of the dual magnetic alloy, a minimum reflection loss (RL) of −47.6 dB and an effective absorption bandwidthof 5.83 GHz are realized, which cover the whole Ku‐band. Meanwhile, four absorbers display the lower corrosion current density (10−4–10−6 A cm−2) and larger polarization resistance (104–106 Ω) under acid, neutral, and alkaline corrosion conditions over uninterrupted 30 days. Furthermore, due to the spatial barrier effect and the passivation effect of the graphitic carbon shell , the continuous salt spray test has little effect on RL performance and inconspicuously changes the surface morphologies of coating, demonstrating its excellent bifunctional performance. This work lays the foundation for the development of metal–organic frameworks‐derived materials with both anticorrosion and EM wave absorption performance.
Anchoring Pt Particles onto Mesoporousized ZnO Holey Cubes for Triethylamine Detection with Multifaceted Superiorities
Authors: Dong Chengjun , Tian Ruonan , Qu Honglong , Tan Huai , Chen Gang , Guan Hongtao , Yin Zongyou
Published: April 2023

Designing sensing materials with integrating unique spatial structures, functional units, and surface activity is vital to achieve high‐performance gas sensor toward triethylamine (TEA) detection. Herein, a simple spontaneous dissolution is used with subsequent thermal decomposition strategy to fabricate mesoporousized ZnO holey cubes. The squaric acid is crucial to coordinate Zn2+ to form a cubic shape (ZnO‐0) and then tailor the inner part to open a holey cube with simultaneously mesoporousizing the left cubic body (ZnO‐72). To enhance the sensing performance, the mesoporous ZnO holey cubes have been functionalized with catalytic Pt nanoparticles, which deliver superior performances including high response, low detection limit, and fast response and recovery time. Notably, the response of Pt/ZnO‐72 towards 200 ppm TEA is up to 535, which is much higher than those of 43 and 224 for pristine ZnO‐0 and ZnO‐72. A synergistic mechanism combining the intrinsic merits of ZnO, its unique mesoporous holey cubic structure, the oxygen vacancies, and the catalytic sensitization effect of Pt has been proposed for the significant enhancement in TEA sensing. Our work provides an effective facile approach to fabricate an advanced micro‐nano architecture with manipulating its spatial structure, functional units, and active mesoporous surface for promising TEA gas sensors.