bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of mechanical and thermal properties of carrageenan/hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose hard capsule
Authors: Ramli Nur Amalina , Adam Fatmawati , Mohd Amin Khairatun Najwa , Nor Adibi M. , Ries Michael E.
Published: August 2022

The inherent source of gelatin used for commercial hard capsules causes a surging demand for vegetarian capsules. In this work, carrageenan is utilized in preparing hard capsules to meet consumer preferences. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was incorporated as a reinforcing agent to improve the low mechanical properties of hard capsules made of carrageenan. The HPMC concentration was manipulated from 0.2 to 1.0 w/v% in the carrageenan matrix. The increasing concentration of HPMC exerts significant effects on the tensile strength and elongation at break, with an improvement of 59.1% and 46.9%, respectively, at the optimized HPMC concentration of 0.8 w/v%. The loop strength of the capsule is also increased by 56.4% with decreasing moisture content. The downfield movement from around 3.20 ppm of the carrageenan proton to 3.33 ppm in the proton nuclear magnetic resonanance ( 1H‐NMR) spectrum suggests the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between carrageenan and HPMC, which correlates to the results of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and zeta potential. The glass transition temperature of the film was increased from 37.8 to 65.3°C, showing an upgrade in thermal stability. The film possesses a major mass loss with an activation energy of 64.7 kJ/mol with an increment of 43.4% compared to the control carrageenan. These findings support the conclusion that HPMC enhanced the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the carrageenan film, and the comprehensive analysis of the molecular interaction and decomposition kinetics subsequently may expand the application fields of the carrageenan‐HPMC hard capsule as an alternative to gelatin in the future.
An efficient enhanced prefix hash tree model for optimizing the storage and image deduplication in cloud
Authors: Sujatha G , Jeberson Retnaraj R
Published: August 2022

The popularity of the cloud storage space mainly attracted organizations to store their data in them. Therefore, the avoidance of duplicate data contents is unavoidable and several users share the cloud storage space for data storage, and sometimes this makes higher storage space utilization. Because of the extremely high duplicate copy, memory wastage arises in the case of multimedia data. Identifying the final duplicate copies in the cloud takes more time. To overcome this problem, we employ a significant storage optimization model for deduplication. The digital data hash value is stored by requiring an additional memory space. This study proposed an enhanced prefix hash tree (EPHT) method to optimize the image and text deduplication system to reduce the overhead caused by this procedure. The efficiency of the proposed approach is compared with the interpolation search technique using different levels of tree height (2, 4, 2, 8, 16) in terms of space and time complexity. The proposed EPHT technique shows improvements in terms of speed and space complexity when the number of levels in the EPHT increases.
Performance and power modeling and prediction using MuMMI and 10 machine learning methods
Authors: Wu Xingfu , Taylor Valerie , Lan Zhiling
Published: August 2022

Energy‐efficient scientific applications require insight into how high performance computing system features impact the applications' power and performance. This insight can result from the development of performance and power models. In this article, we use the modeling and prediction tool MuMMI (Multiple Metrics Modeling Infrastructure) and 10 machine learning methods to model and predict performance and power consumption and compare their prediction error rates. We use an algorithm‐based fault‐tolerant linear algebra code and a multilevel checkpointing fault‐tolerant heat distribution code to conduct our modeling and prediction study on the Cray XC40 Theta and IBM BG/Q Mira at Argonne National Laboratory and the Intel Haswell cluster Shepard at Sandia National Laboratories. Our experimental results show that the prediction error rates in performance and power using MuMMI are less than 10% for most cases. By utilizing the models for runtime, node power, CPU power, and memory power, we identify the most significant performance counters for potential application optimizations, and we predict theoretical outcomes of the optimizations. Based on two collected datasets, we analyze and compare the prediction accuracy in performance and power consumption using MuMMI and 10 machine learning methods.
High doses of zoledronic acid induce differential effects on femur and jawbone microstructure
Authors: Soares Mariana Q. S. , Van Dessel Jeroen , Jacobs Reinhilde , Ferreira Gustavo Z. , da Silva Santos Paulo Sérgio , Nicolielo Laura F. P. , Duarte Marco A. H. , Rubira‐Bullen Izabel R. F.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the long‐term effects on jaw and femur bone induced by oncologic doses of zoledronic acid in a young rat model.

Material and Methods

Six 12‐week‐old male Wistar rats received zoledronic acid (0.6 mg/kg) and six control rats received saline solution in the same volume. Compounds were administered intraperitoneally in five doses every 28 days. Euthanasia was performed 150 days after therapy onset. After animal sacrifice, their mandibles and femurs were scanned ex vivo using a high‐resolution (14 μm) micro‐computed tomography. Morphometric bone parameters were calculated using CT‐Analyzer (Bruker, Belgium) between the first and second mandibular molars and in the distal femur metaphysis and epiphysis.

Results

The treatment group as compared to the controls showed a significantly (p < .05) increased bone quantity (↑BV/TV, ↓Po[Tot], ↑Tb.Th), bone density (↑TMD, ↑BMD), and osteosclerosis of the trabecular bone (↓Tb.Sp, ↓Conn.Dn, ↓Tb.Pf, ↓SMI) in all anatomical sites. Bone remodeling suppression due to zoledronic acid treatment was more pronounced (p < .05) in the femoral metaphysis relative to the mandible and epiphysis. The exploratory linear discriminant analysis showed that for the mandible, it was mainly the bone quantity‐related morphometric indices (BV/TV and Tb.Th), while for the femoral epiphysis and metaphysis, it was bone structure‐related (Tb.Pf and Tb.N), which are of primary importance to study the treatment effect.

Conclusion

High doses of bisphosphonates can differently affect the bone quantity, density, and structure in long bones and jawbones. In the metaphysis, bone changes were primarily concentrated in the region of the growth plate. Future studies may consider the use of bone morphometric indices to evaluate the effect of bisphosphonates.
A novel pilot animal model for bone augmentation using osseous shell technique for preclinical in vivo studies
Authors: Kamal Mohammad , Al‐Obaidly Sara , Lethaus Bernd , Bartella Alexander K.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Bone grafting is commonly used to reconstruct skeletal defects in the craniofacial region. Several bone augmentation models have been developed to evaluate bone formation using novel bone substitute materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate a surgical animal model for establishing a three‐dimensional (3D) grafting environment in the animal's mandibular ramus for bone augmentation using the osseous shell technique, as in humans.

Materials and Methods

Osteological survey of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbit skull (Oryctolagus cuniculus): Initial osteological and imaging surveys were performed on a postmortem skull for a feasibility assessment of the surgical procedure. Postmortem pilot surgery and cone beam computed tomography imaging: a 3D osseous defect was created in the mandibular ramus through a submandibular incision. The osseous shell plates were stabilized with osteosynthesis fixation screws, and defects were filled with particular bone grafting material. In vivo surgical procedure: surgeries were conducted in four 8‐week‐old NZW rabbits utilizing two osseous shell materials: xenogeneic human cortical plates and autogenous rabbit cortical plates. The created 3D defects were filled using xenograft and allograft bone grafting materials. The healed defects were evaluated for bone formation after 12 weeks using histological and cone beam computed tomography imaging analysis.

Results

Clinical analysis 12 weeks after surgery revealed the stability of the 3D grafted bone augmentation defects using the osseous shell technique. Imaging and histological analyses confirmed the effectiveness of this model in assessing bone formation.

Conclusions

The proposed animal model is a promising model with the potential to study various bone grafting materials for augmentation in the mandibular ramus using the osseous shell technique without compromising the health of the animal. The filled defects could be analyzed for osteogenesis, quantification of bone formation, and healing potential using histomorphometric analysis, in addition to 3D morphologic evaluation using radiation imaging.
The prevalence and correlates of bulimia nervosa, binge‐eating disorder, and anorexia nervosa: The Saudi National Mental Health Survey
Authors: AlHadi Ahmad N. , Almeharish Amani , Bilal Lisa , Al‐Habeeb Abdulhameed , Al‐Subaie Abdullah , Naseem Mohammad Talal , Altwaijri Yasmin A.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Limited studies have been conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on eating disorders (EDs). This study presents national epidemiological survey data on the prevalence and correlates of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge‐eating disorder (BED) and their association with other mental health disorders, impairment in role functioning, and individual help‐seeking behaviors in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS).

Method

A face‐to‐face survey was conducted in a nationally representative household sample of Saudi citizens aged 15–65 (n = 4004). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0) was used to produce estimates of lifetime and 12‐month prevalence and treatment of common DSM‐IV mental disorders.

Results

Twelve‐month prevalence of any of the three EDs was 3.2%; the overall lifetime prevalence was 6.1%. Education and marital status were significantly associated with both 12‐month and lifetime EDs prevalence. Significant mental health comorbidities associated with 12‐month EDs were anxiety, mood, and impulse‐control disorders, while lifetime EDs were significantly related to all disorders. A similar percentage of respondents that reported having ED‐related treatment at some point in their lifetime utilized healthcare and nonhealthcare sector. There was a significant relationship between body mass index category, and lifetime BED and BN.

Discussion

The 12‐month prevalence of EDs in the Saudi population was higher than the EDs rates reported worldwide. These findings can help healthcare experts, and policymakers in the implementation of initiatives for raising awareness of EDs among the Saudi population, and the development of a country‐wide plan for the prevention of EDs.

Public Significance Statement

The study presents data on the prevalence, correlates, and help‐seeking behaviors of AN, BN, and BED, in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS). Obtaining information on this underrepresented region is essential due to the large differences in cross‐national data in addition to cultural beliefs about mental illness and treatment seeking to exert an important influence on eating disorders. Such knowledge could provide a better understand of mechanisms underlying the development of eating disorders and thereby improve prediction, prevention, and treatment.
Coexistence is stabilized by conspecific negative density dependence via fungal pathogens more than oomycete pathogens
Authors: Liu Xiang , Parker Ingrid M. , Gilbert Gregory S. , Lu Yawen , Xiao Yao , Zhang Li , Huang Mengjiao , Cheng Yikang , Zhang Zhenhua , Zhou Shurong
Published: August 2022

Plant pathogens are often hypothesized to promote species coexistence by generating conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD). However, the relative importance of fungal versus oomycete pathogens in maintaining plant species coexistence and community composition remains unresolved, despite their recognized effects on plant performance. Here, we use fungicide application to investigate how fungal versus oomycete pathogens affect plant species coexistence in an alpine meadow. We found that the severity of foliar fungal disease was density‐dependent at both intra‐ and interspecific levels. Fungal pathogen‐exclusion treatment successfully decreased the severity of foliar fungal diseases, with no detectable effects on root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi or on soil chemical properties. Fungal pathogens were important factors shaping CNDD across 25 coexisting plant species. Exclusion of fungal pathogens significantly reduced plant species richness and Shannon's evenness. Treatments that excluded fungal pathogens also led to significant shifts in plant community composition toward more Poaceae and Cyperaceae. These results indicate that fungal pathogens, especially those affecting aboveground plant parts, may play a larger role in maintaining species coexistence and shaping community composition than has been previously recognized.
Planning and optimization of standalone microgrid with renewable resources and energy storage
Authors: Kamal Md Mustafa , Ashraf Imtiaz , Fernandez Eugene
Published: August 2022

Renewable energy has shown to be a feasible and cost‐effective approach to electrifying rural villages while also meeting the region's long‐term development goals. Due to the intermittent and unpredictable nature of renewable energy supply and the need to satisfy variable demand across time, capacity planning for a sustainable energy system is problematic. Because the energy planning problem is non‐linear and non‐convex, an efficient technique must be used to build a cost‐effective energy system that supplies reliable electricity to the area. In the present work, a rural microgrid is suggested for the isolated community of the Indian hilly region. The integrated model combines existing energy resources in the area. The microgrid consists of the solar photovoltaic system, micro‐hydropower, wind energy biomass, and storage foreconomical and reliable electrification. The modeling of microgrids is based on the availability of renewable resources. Using the Differential Evolution optimization algorithm, the recommended hybrid energy model examined the per‐unit cost of energy and the overall operating cost. Based on the simulation for a year, it has been found that the optimal system has 35 kWof biomass, 30 kW of biogas, 40 kW of MHP, 144 kW of SPV, and 42 kW of the wind energy system to satisfy the energy demand of the area entirely. The per‐unit cost of energy is 0.12$/kWh, and the total operating cost is $ $2 120 700, respectively. Further, the sensitivity analysis is performed to know the impact of change in parameters on energy cost. The suggested microgrid provides a cost‐effective solution to the community.
Complex coacervation of soy protein isolate‐limited enzymatic hydrolysates and sodium alginate: Formation mechanism and its application
Authors: Xu Min , Li Jiayi , Wang Ying , Liu Jiamin , Liu Ping , Wang Qin , Che Zhenming
Published: August 2022

The complex coacervation of soybean protein isolate and polysaccharide has been widely applied for preparing biopolymer materials like microcapsule. In this study, hydrolytic soy protein isolate (HSPI) was prepared by mild hydrolysis of soy protein isolate (SPI) with fungal protease 400 (F400). The degree of hydrolysis (DH) for the enzymatic products was controlled at 1%–5%. Emulsification, oxidation resistance, and thermal stability were used to evaluate the performances of HSPI with different DH. The results showed that the HSPI with the hydrolysis degree of 2% had the optimal property. Subsequently, the complex polymer of HSPI/SA was prepared by the coalescence reaction of HSPI and sodium alginate (SA). The turbidity curves manifested the optimal complex coacervation occurred at the ratio of 7:1 (HSPI:SA). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) presented that the reaction involved electrostatic interactions between ‐NH3+ in HSPI and ‐COO− in SA. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments indicated that the complex coacervation reactions of HSPI and SA arose spontaneously. The microencapsulation by complex coacervation of HSPI and SA was further produced for embedding sweet orange oil. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) result revealed that the microencapsulation system of HSPI/SA had a better heat resistance than that using the SPI/SA complex polymer.
Music appreciation phenotypes in patients with frontotemporal dementia: A pilot study
Authors: van ‘t Hooft Jochum J. , Fieldhouse Jay L. P. , Singleton Ellen H. , Jaschke Artur C. , Warren Jason D. , Tijms Betty M. , Pijnenburg Yolande A. L.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can present with changes in music appreciation. Research has suggested a relationship of altered music appreciation phenotypes with typical socio‐emotional changes. We aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of music appreciation phenotypes in FTD and study the relationship with emotion recognition capacities in order to examine whether they could serve as a proxy for changes in socio‐emotional functioning.

Methods/Design

Based on reported musical changes in the literature, we developed an informant‐based questionnaire to assess musical changes and a music test to assess music emotion recognition. Social cognition was assessed with the Ekman 60 faces test in a subgroup of patients (n = 23). Relationships between measures were assessed with linear regressions.

Results

We included 47 patients (44.7% female, mean age 65.0 ± 8.4, 31 behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), 10 semantic dementia (SD), and six progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA)). Thirty‐six caregivers were included in the music emotion recognition test as controls. Altered music appreciation phenotypes were observed in 79% of the FTD patients. Musicophilia was present in a third of bvFTD patients, and only in up to 10% in language FTD variants. Changes in music appreciation were not associated with decreased music emotion recognition or visual emotion recognition. Compared to controls, bvFTD performed worse on the music emotion recognition task (p < 0.003), and no differences were found with SD (p = 0.06) and PNFA patients (p = 0.8).

Conclusions

Music appreciation phenotypes are highly prevalent in FTD patients. Future studies should further investigate the potential diagnostic value of changes in music processing.
Living for the city: Feasibility study of a dementia‐friendly care farm in an urban area
Authors: Ura Chiaki , Okamura Tsuyoshi , Taga Tsutomu , Yanagisawa Chieko , Yamazaki Sachiko , Shimmei Masaya
Published: August 2022

Key points

Feasibility and transferability of care farms in urban areas have not previously been explored in Asia.

The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of an Dementia‐friendly care farm in urban areas.

The results suggest that care farm programs are feasible even in urban areas, and may have positive impacts on participants’ mental health, cognitive function and interpersonal interaction.
Prevalence and determinants of social isolation among elderly in an urban slum of Raipur city—A community based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kumar Mohan , Ruikar Manisha , Surya Veeramani L.
Published: August 2022

Background

Social isolation is a predictor of mortality and morbidity, as well as an outcome of many health‐related predictors. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of social isolation among the elderly and to study factors associated with it.

Methods

This was an analytical cross‐sectional study conducted in Urban Field Practice Area of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Chhattisgarh, India among elderly more than or equal to 60 years of age selected using random sampling. The data was collected in a sample of 400 elderly by face‐to‐face interview using predesigned, pretested, and semi‐structured proforma that included Lubben Social Network Scale—6 (LSNS‐6) and analyzed using Stata v16.

Results

The prevalence of social isolation was 34.3%; highest among those 65–74 years of age (44.5%) and females (56.9%). Increasing age, elderly with less than three family members, lower socio‐economic status, no children and financial dependence among socio‐demographic factors; insufficient time with children, lack of emotionally attachment and conflict in the family among family support factors; lack of social participation, poor perception of health and feeling lonely among psychosocial factors; lack of physical exercise, spiritual activity and sound sleep among lifestyle factors; and presence of active complaints, raised blood pressure and being anemic among medical factors were significantly associated with social isolation. Overall, the independent predictors of social isolation in elderly were age ≥75 years, lack of participation in social functions, feeling lonely and lack of sound sleep.

Conclusion

The prevalence of social isolation among elderly from an urban slum in India was high and the existing evidence show a rising trend. Social isolation assessment and use of LSNS‐6 by healthcare providers should be incorporated into elderly care at primary healthcare delivery points across the country.
Treatment effect of exercise training on post‐stroke depression in middle‐aged and older adults: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Chuhan , Zhao Mengting , Sun Tengwei , Guo Jiajuan , Wu Mengrui , Li Yanlei , Luo Huiyang , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Junyi
Published: August 2022

Objective

This meta‐analytic study examined the effects of exercise training on depressive symptoms in mild stroke patients and the moderating effects of exercise type, therapeutic method, culture, sex, and gross domestic product (GDP) in the patient’s country.

Methods

The Metafor package in R was chosen to conduct the meta‐analysis, and the quality of each empirical study was evaluated according to the grading system in Cochrane. We included 36 empirical studies and 1477 patients.

Results

The results showed that the treatment effect of exercise training on depression in mild stroke patients was significant. The moderating effects of culture and therapeutic method were significant, but not for exercise type, sex, or GDP in the patient’s country. The moderating effect of culture can be explained by the therapeutic method in different cultures.

Conclusion

Fitness exercise is an effective method for improving depressive symptoms in mild stroke patients. Its effectiveness is moderated by the therapeutic method but is not affected by demographics, exercise type, gender, or GDP level.
Toward mandatory health insurance in low‐income countries? An analysis of claims data in Tanzania
Authors: Durizzo Kathrin , Harttgen Kenneth , Tediosi Fabrizio , Sahu Maitreyi , Kuwawenaruwa August , Salari Paola , Günther Isabel
Published: August 2022

Many low‐income countries are in the process of scaling up health insurance with the goal of achieving universal coverage. However, little is known about the usage and financial sustainability of mandatory health insurance. This study analyzes 26 million claims submitted to the Tanzanian National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which covers two million public servants for whom public insurance is mandatory, to understand insurance usage patterns, cost drivers, and financial sustainability. We find that in 2016, half of policyholders used a health service within a single year, with an average annual cost of 33 US$ per policyholder. About 10% of the population was responsible for 80% of the health costs, and women, middle‐age and middle‐income groups had the highest costs. Out of 7390 health centers, only five health centers are responsible for 30% of total costs. Estimating the expected health expenditures for the entire population based on the NHIF cost structure, we find that for a sustainable national scale‐up, policy makers will have to decide between reducing the health benefit package or increasing revenues. We also show that the cost structure of a mandatory insurance scheme in a low‐income country differs substantially from high‐income settings. Replication studies for other countries are warranted.
The effect of polystyrene microplastic and biosolid application on the toxicity and bioaccumulation of cadmium for Enchytraeus crypticus
Authors: Ozturk Irem , Ozkul Fatma , Topuz Emel
Published: August 2022

Plastics smaller than 5 mm that end up in a soil environment are known as microplastics (MPs). Microplastics have become a common contaminant in agricultural areas in addition to metals. However, the effect of cadmium (Cd) on soil organisms has not been clearly defined in the presence of MPs. In addition to MPs, biosolid application as a soil amendment in agricultural lands is also leading to shifts in soil conditions, such as the concentrations of nutrients and organic matter. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the toxicity and bioaccumulation of Cd for Enchytraeus crypticus in the presence of polystyrene (PS)-MPs and biosolids to provide insight into their possible interactions. The lethal toxic concentration (LC50) for Cd was higher than 650 mg Cd/kg dry soil for all conditions. The presence of PS-MPs increased the toxicity of Cd for which EC50 was 102 and 38 mg Cd/kg dry soil without and with Cd, respectively, which may be the result of an increased exposure rate through adsorption of Cd on PS-MPs. On the contrary, the presence of biosolids decreased the toxicity of Cd where EC50 was 193 and 473 mg Cd/kg dry soil for the sets applied with 0.6 and 0.9 g biosolids, respectively. Coexistence of biosolids and PS-MPs decreased the reproduction toxicity of Cd, which is similar to the biosolid effect (EC50 is 305 mg Cd/kg dry soil). Bioaccumulation of Cd only positively correlated with its initial concentration in soil and was not affected by the presence of PS-MPs or biosolids. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:489–500. © 2022 SETAC
A novel weighted auxiliary set matching pursuit method for glioma in Cerenkov luminescence tomography reconstruction
Authors: Guo Lishuang , Cai Meishan , Zhang Xiaoning , Zhang Zeyu , Shi Xiaojing , Zhang Xiaojun , Liu Jiangang , Hu Zhenhua , Tian Jie
Published: August 2022

Cerenkov luminescence tomography (CLT) is a promising three‐dimensional imaging technology that has been actively investigated in preclinical studies. However, because of the ill‐posedness in the inverse problem of CLT reconstruction, the reconstruction performance is still not satisfactory for broad biomedical applications. In this study, a novel weighted auxiliary set matching pursuit (WASMP) method was explored to enhance the accuracy of CLT reconstruction. The numerical simulations and in vivo imaging studies using tumor‐bearing mice models were conducted to evaluate the performance of the WASMP method. The results of the above experiments proved that the WASMP method achieved superior reconstruction performance than other approaches in terms of positional accuracy and shape recovery. It further demonstrates that the atom selection strategy proposed in this study has a positive effect on improving the accuracy of atoms. The proposed WASMP improves the accuracy for CLT reconstruction for biomedical applications.
Optoacoustic tones generated by nanosecond laser pulses can cover the entire human hearing range
Authors: Lengert Liza , Lohmann Hinnerk , Johannsmeier Sonja , Ripken Tammo , Maier Hannes , Heisterkamp Alexander , Kalies Stefan
Published: August 2022

The aim of this work is to generate defined tones that cover the human hearing range in aqueous media for a later application in middle or inner ear implants. In our experiments, we investigated the characteristics of single laser pulses and pulse trains with different laser repetition rates of nanosecond laser pulses that were focused into aqueous media in a small volume. The frequency of the generated tones was limited by the spectral properties of the single acoustic pulses, which depended on the medium. Tones with fundamental frequencies above 8 kHz were generated using laser pulses focused into water. By replacing water with gel, tones between 500 Hz and 20 kHz could be produced. The generation of tones in the low‐frequency range was only possible when laser pulse trains with pulse density modulated pulse patterns were applied in gel. This enabled the generation of tones between 20 Hz and 2 kHz. Consequently, the combination of different pulse patterns for the different frequency ranges allows generating optoacoustic tones between 20 Hz and 20 kHz in gel. Thus, we can cover the complete range of human hearing through optoacoustically generated tones.
Identification of the histone demethylases gene family in Glycyrrhiza inflata reveals genes responding to abiotic stresses
Authors: Li Yuping , Zhuang Feng , Zeng Jiangyi , Yang Chao , Li Yongqing , Luo Ming , Wang Ying
Published: August 2022

Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. is a type of abiotic‐stress‐resistant plant with extremely high medicinal value. Histone demethylases (HDMTs) have been known to play crucial roles in the regulation of abiotic stress response. However, the molecular functions of HDMTs has not been studied in G. inflata. Here we identified 34 GiHDMT genes in G. inflata, which could be divided into the 6 groups through phylogenetic analysis. We further found that the gene structure and conserved protein motifs exhibit high conservation in each group of GiHDMT genes. Various abiotic‐stress‐related elements are detected in GiHDMT promoters, especially for the light‐responsive element and abscisic acid‐responsive element. Collinearity analysis indicated that segmental duplication contributed to the expansion of the GiHDMT family in licorice. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that green fluorescent protein‐tagged GiHDMT2 and GiHDMT18 were predominantly localized in the nucleus, whereas GiHDMT1 were found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that GiHDMTs presented differential expression patterns across different tissues. Moreover, changes in transcription level of GiHDMTs under abiotic stress indicate the potential role of GiHDMTs in the stress response in licorice. Finally, we found the histone methylation levels probably mediated by GiHDMT genes are changed with the treatment of NaCl and Na2CO3. Our study will lay the foundation for future research on the regulatory roles of GiHDMT genes in the environmental stress.
Roles of apelin/APJ system in cancer: Biomarker, predictor, and emerging therapeutic target
Authors: Chen Jiawei , Li Zhiyue , Zhao Qun , Chen Linxi
Published: August 2022

Cancer is a disease that seriously endangers human health and is mainly characterized by a high metastasis rate, a high recurrence rate, and a high mortality rate. The treatment of cancer has always been an important research direction of scientific research. A number of studies have shown that the apelin/APJ system is involved in the development and poor prognosis of a variety of cancers, such as lung cancer, liver cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, breast cancer, glioblastoma, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and so on. Accumulating evidence has also shown that the apelin/APJ system acts as a biomarker and predictor of postoperative effects in multiple cancers, which can also affect the tumor microenvironment and the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Considering that the apelin/APJ system may be a potential target for cancer treatment, it is of great significance for the study of new cancer treatment targets. To better understand the role of the apelin/APJ system on the occurrence and development of cancer, this article reviews the role of the apelin/APJ system in the occurrence and development of various cancers, angiogenesis, tumor stem cells, tumor microenvironment, drug resistance, poor prognosis, and the research progress of related anticancer drugs.
PTH1R translocation to primary cilia in mechanically‐stimulated ostecytes prevents osteoclast formation via regulation of CXCL5 and IL‐6 secretion
Authors: Tirado‐Cabrera Irene , Martin‐Guerrero Eduardo , Heredero‐Jimenez Sara , Ardura Juan A. , Gortázar Arancha R.
Published: August 2022

Osteocytes respond to mechanical forces controlling osteoblast and osteoclast function. Mechanical stimulation decreases osteocyte apoptosis and promotes bone formation. Primary cilia have been described as potential mechanosensors in bone cells. Certain osteogenic responses induced by fluid flow (FF) in vitro are decreased by primary cilia inhibition in MLO‐Y4 osteocytes. The parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor type 1 (PTH1R) modulates osteoblast, osteoclast, and osteocyte effects upon activation by PTH or PTH‐related protein (PTHrP) in osteoblastic cells. Moreover, some actions of PTH1R seem to be triggered directly by mechanical stimulation. We hypothesize that PTH1R forms a signaling complex in the primary cilium that is essential for mechanotransduction in osteocytes and affects osteocyte‐osteoclast communication. MLO‐Y4 osteocytes were stimulated by FF or PTHrP (1−37). PTH1R and primary cilia signaling were abrogated using PTH1R or primary cilia specific siRNAs or inhibitors, respectively. Conditioned media obtained from mechanically‐ or PTHrP‐stimulated MLO‐Y4 cells inhibited the migration of preosteoclastic cells and osteoclast differentiation. Redistribution of PTH1R along the entire cilium was observed in mechanically stimulated MLO‐Y4 osteocytic cells. Preincubation of MLO‐Y4 cells with the Gli‐1 antagonist, the adenylate cyclase inhibitor (SQ22536), or with the phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122), affected the migration of osteoclast precursors and osteoclastogenesis. Proteomic analysis and neutralizing experiments showed that FF and PTH1R activation control osteoclast function through the modulation of C‐X‐C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5 (CXCL5) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) secretion in osteocytes. These novel findings indicate that both primary cilium and PTH1R are necessary in osteocytes for proper communication with osteoclasts and show that mechanical stimulation inhibits osteoclast recruitment and differentiation through CXCL5, while PTH1R activation regulate these processes via IL‐6.
Exploratory Study of Pharmacists’ Monitoring Methods Based on Left Ventricular Function for Hypermagnesemia by Magnesium Oxide in Heart Failure
Authors: Asai Yuki , Yanagawa Tatsuki , Yamamoto Takanori , Sato Yoshiharu
Published: August 2022

Serum magnesium (Mg) monitoring in patients with heart failure (HF) receiving magnesium oxide (MgO) is not adequately performed. Furthermore, the relationship between left ventricular function (LVF) and hypermagnesemia in HF is unknown. Here, we investigated the efficacy of serum Mg monitoring by protocol‐based pharmaceutical management (PBPM) and the effect of LVF on hypermagnesemia. This protocol is for patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <45 mL/min, receiving MgO, and admitted to the cardiology unit. The pharmacist includes the measurement of Mg when a blood test is ordered for a patient by their physician. Rates of serum Mg measurement and hypermagnesemia detection were compared at 2 years pre‐PBPM (n = 88) and at 2 years post‐PBPM (n = 55). LVF parameters and reported factors for hypermagnesemia were selected as explanatory factors on multivariate logistic regression. The measurement rate of serum Mg concentration significantly increased from 19.3% pre‐PBPM to 80.0% post‐PBPM (P < .001). The detection rate of hypermagnesemia also increased from 3.4% to 27.3%, respectively (P < .001). Our results suggest that serum Mg monitoring by PBPM may contribute to the early detection of hypermagnesemia and prevent its progression in HF. According to logistic regression, the adjusted odds ratio for hypermagnesemia with an exacerbation of HF was 9.57 (95% confidence interval: 1.594–57.477, P = .014), and the E/e’ > 15, an index of reduced left ventricular diastolic capacity, was 6.46 (95% confidence interval: 1.291–32.364, P = .023). We propose that serum Mg monitoring should be performed during exacerbations of HF in patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, with a pharmacist's assistance.
Copper‐catalyzed multicomponent green reaction approach: Synthesis of dihydropyrano [2,3‐c] pyrazoles and evaluation of their anti‐cancer activity
Authors: Kumar Venkata Hema , Tamminana Ramana
Published: August 2022

A facile, efficient, and simple one‐pot multi‐component protocol for the synthesis of pyrano[2,3‐c] pyrazoles has been developed using a cheap and readily available copper catalyst under moderate reaction conditions. Target products are obtained from aromatic aldehyde via Knoevenagel condensation and Michael addition reactions. Functional group tolerance and reaction mechanisms have also been examined in this methodology. In addition, we have also evaluated the anti‐cancer activity of the target products and we have attempted this method for practical utility purposes also.
Synthesis and biological activity of waltherione F‐derived diamide derivatives containing 4‐quinolone group
Authors: Chen Zhanfang , Hua Xuewen , Zhu Xiaohe , Fang Hongbin , Liu Wenrui , Liu Yang , Yuan Man , Sui Junkang , Zhang Lingxiao , Ru Jing , Wang Guiqing , Cui Yanhong
Published: August 2022

The exploitation of new fungicides and the discovery of action targets are effective ways to solve the problem of resistance, and structural optimization of natural products has become an resultful method to discover lead compounds. In this work, in conjunction with the structures of the fungicidal lead compounds h‐I‐9, X‐I‐3, and X‐II‐5 found in our previous project, waltherione F‐derived diamide compounds were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. The biological assays suggested that the target compounds exhibited weak to good fungicidal activity against the tested pathogens, while most of the target compounds displayed high cellular cytotoxicity against Hela cells. The investigation of accidentally discovered fluorescence characteristics revealed that the compound I‐1 exhibited the most vigorous fluorescence intensity at 350 nm, which was significantly higher than that of I‐3 at 225 nm and was further elucidated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Overall, the above results would provide theoretical guidance for the design of active target molecules and the development of fluorescent probes.
Synthesis and antimycobacterial evaluation of pyrazinamide, benzimidazole and carboxamide derivatives
Authors: Shah Rashmi , Verma Prabhakar Kumar , Shah Manisha , Kumar Vipan
Published: August 2022

Due to the unusual structure and chemical composition of the mycobacterial cell wall, it is difficult to develop effective antitubercular treatment as it leads to many antibiotics not working and preventing drug entry. It also leads to the problem of more drug resistance. Tuberculosis (TB) is still the second most contagious disease with about 33% of the world's population being affected mainly by drug‐resistant TB (MDR, XDR), chronic infections, and the combination of TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of novel antitubercular drugs that will shorten the total duration of effective treatment taken under directly observed treatment, short‐course (DOTS) guidance, solve the problem of multiple drug resistance, and provide effective treatment for TB diseases. In this review, we considered various synthetic schemes of pyrazinamide, benzimidazole, and carboxamide derivatives that have antitubercular properties that can overcome the resistance to parental drugs and thus act as an effective alternative.
Amide Proton Transfer Weighted MR Imaging for Predicting Meningioma Stiffness: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Yu Hao , Zhu Laimin , Wang Yanting , Yue Xiuzheng , Wang Weiwei , Sun Zhanguo , Jiang Shanshan , Chen Yueqin , Wen Zhibo
Published: August 2022

Background

Stiffness of meningioma is an important factor affecting the surgical resection and the prognosis of patients.

Purpose

To examine the feasibility of APTw‐magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating meningioma stiffness.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Seventy‐one patient with meningiomas, 39 were male and 32 were female; the mean age was 51 ± 10 years.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T; Turbo‐spin‐echo T1‐weighted and Gd‐T1‐weighted sequence; Turbo‐spin‐echo T2‐weighted sequence; 2D fat‐suppressed, turbo‐spin‐echo APTw pulse sequence.

Assessment

The T1WI signal intensity score, T2WI signal intensity score, APTwmin, APTwmax, and APTwmean values were compared between soft, medium stiff and stiff meningiomas or non‐stiff meningiomas and stiff meningiomas group.

Statistical Tests

Chi‐square test, one‐way ANOVA analysis, independent‐samples t‐test, intra‐class correlation coefficient, rank‐sum test, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in all tests.

Results

APTwmin and APTwmean in the stiff group were significantly lower than that in the non‐stiff group (2.79% ± 0.42% vs. 1.90% ± 0.60% and 3.20% ± 0.31% vs. 2.55% ± 0.61%). APTwmin and APTwmean in the stiff group were significantly lower than that in the medium stiff and soft groups (1.90% ± 0.60% vs. 2.69% ± 0.40% and 3.12% ± 0.32%, 2.55% ± 0.61% vs. 3.17% ± 0.33% and 3.39% ± 0.18%), APTwmin in the medium stiff group was significantly lower than in the soft group, there was no significant difference in APTwmean between the medium stiff and soft groups (P = 0.190). APTwmin showed the best diagnostic performance for evaluating meningioma stiffness with an area under the curve of 0.913, when the APTwmin was lower than 2.4%, the meningioma was defined as a stiff tumor, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 87.1%, 87.5%, and 85.9%, respectively.

Data Conclusion

APTw‐MRI could be used to evaluate meningioma stiffness, with APTwmin having the best evaluative efficiency.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Benchmarking higher energy collision dissociation (HCD) by investigation of binding energies of gas‐phase host–guest complexes of hemicryptophane cages
Authors: Bayat Parisa , Gatineau David , Lesage Denis , Martinez Alexandre , Cole Richard B.
Published: August 2022

Synthesis of host molecules that feature well‐defined characteristics for molecular recognition of guest molecules is often a major aim of synthetic host–guest (H–G) chemistry. A key consideration in evaluating the selectivity of hosts and the affinities of guests is the measurement of binding energies of obtained H–G complexes. In contrast to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or fluorescence measurements that are capable of measuring binding strengths in solution, mass spectrometry offers the opportunity to measure gas‐phase binding energies. Presented in this article is a higher energy collision dissociation (HCD) approach for determining critical energies of dissociation of H–G complexes. Experiments were performed on electrospray ionization (ESI)‐generated H–G pairs in an LTQ‐XL/Orbitrap hybrid instrument. The presented HCD approach requires preliminary calibration of the internal energy distribution of generated ions that was achieved by the use of activation parameters that were known from previous low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation (low‐energy CID) experiments. Internal energy deposition was modeled based on a truncated Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution and characteristic temperature (Tchar). Using this method, critical energies of dissociation were determined for 10 H–G biologically relevant complexes of the heteroditopic hemicryptophane cage host (Host). Obtained results are compared with those found previously by low‐energy CID. The use of this HCD technique is relatively straightforward, although its implementation does require knowledge (or a presumption) about the Arrhenius pre‐exponential factor of the complexes to obtain their critical energies of dissociation.
Diverse variations in middle and high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere spring phenology sensitivity to diurnal temperature during 1982–2015
Authors: Deng Guorong , Zhang Hongyan , Zhao Jianjun , Guo Xiaoyi , Biniyaz Ehsan , Zhao Hang , Guo Dan , Wu Rihan , Li Hui
Published: August 2022

Recent studies have revealed that the influence of diurnal temperature on spring phenology is asymmetric, and the faster night‐time warming in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) has a complex impact on spring phenology. Our understanding from the sensitivity of the start of the growing season (SOS) to daytime (ST_daytime) and night‐time temperatures (ST_night‐time) has urgently needs to be improved. In this study, the SOS sensitivity to diurnal temperature in the middle and high latitudes of the NH (>30°N) from 1982 to 2015 is estimated. The results indicate that although SOS showed stronger sensitivity to daytime than night‐time temperature in most parts of the study areas, the influence of daytime temperature on SOS is decreasing, while the influence of night‐time temperature on SOS is increasing. The variations in ST_daytime and ST_night‐time along the latitude gradient were significantly correlated with the warming rate of the preseason diurnal temperature (p < .01). The SOS between 40°N and 70°N was more sensitive to daytime temperature, while ST_night‐time was higher than ST_daytime at other latitudes due to topography and rapid night‐time warming. On the altitude gradient, the SOS was more sensitive to daytime temperature in areas below 800 and 2,000–4,000 m. ST_night‐time exceeded ST_daytime at other altitudes owing to night‐time warming relief of the severe restrictions on phenological processes and the reduction in frost risk. To reach a comprehensive characterization of the interaction between vegetation and climate systems, the current study suggests more investigation on the response of SOS to diurnal temperature on large scales.
High prevalence of periodontitis in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Todescan Sylvia M. C. , Schroth Robert J. , Dean Heather , Wicklow Brandy , Michel‐Crosato Edgard , Sellers Elizabeth
Published: August 2022

Background

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of periodontitis in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes, and if poor glycemic control is associated with increasing prevalence of the disease.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study involving children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes. A questionnaire related to oral health care history and oral health behaviors was administered to each participant and they then underwent a full‐mouth oral evaluation. In addition, clinical and metabolic parameters were extracted from the clinical chart.

Results

One hundred and twenty one children and adolescents (8–17 years, 11 months) participated. Overall, 45.5% presented some degree of periodontitis, with 10 (8.3%) mild, 36 (29.8%) moderate, and nine (7.4%) severe. The periodontitis group (PD‐group) had higher mean gingival and plaque indexes, periodontal probing depth, and clinical attachment loss than the group without periodontitis (NoPD‐group) (p<0.05). A statistically significant relationship between the prevalence of periodontitis and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was verified in the bivariate (odds ratio [OR] 1.31 [95% CI, 1.13‒1.53], p = 0.001) and multivariate (OR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.03‒1.61], p = 0.03) analysis. For the adjustment variables, associations were verified for duration of diabetes, age, body mass index z‐score, lack of running water, insulin use, and acanthosis nigricans.

Conclusions

Children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes presented high rates of periodontitis comparable with that seen in previous studies in youth with diabetes. Uncontrolled HbA1c influences prevalence of periodontal disease. The lack of matched control group and radiographs are limitations of the study. Comprehensive periodontal examination is essential for children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes to prevent, identify, and treat periodontitis early.