bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory effect and mechanism of Rosiglitazone on M1 type polarization of central microglia in intracerebral hemorrhage mice based on JNK/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Chao Chenglei , Li Yinghui , Li Quan , Wu Guofeng
Published: October 2023

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) seriously threatens the health of people. In addition, microglia M1 polarization was confirmed to be involved in the progression of ICH. Rosiglitazone was able to be used as an antidiabetic agent, which could activate PPAR‐γ, and PPAR‐γ was reported to inhibit inflammation in microglia. However, the detailed function of Rosiglitazone in ICH remains unclear.

Methods

In vivo and in vitro experiments were used to test the function of Rosiglitazone in ICH. In addition, RT‐qPCR and western blot were performed to evaluate the mRNA and protein level of PPAR‐γ, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the levels of CD206 and CD86, and ELISA was used to measure the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines.

Results

PPAR‐γ was downregulated in ICH mice, whereas p‐JNK and p‐STAT3 were upregulated. Thrombin notably downregulated the level of PPAR‐γ in BV2 cells, whereas Rosiglitazone partially reversed this phenomenon. In addition, Rosiglitazone markedly reversed thrombin‐induced microglia M1 polarization. Consistently, thrombin‐induced inflammatory response in BV2 cells was abolished in the presence of Rosiglitazone. SP600125 (JNK/STAT3 inhibitor) greatly reversed thrombin‐induced M1 polarization in microglia, and GW9662 abolished the effect of SP600125. Meanwhile, Rosiglitazone could inactivate JNK/STAT3 pathway through the upregulation of PPAR‐γ. Furthermore, Rosiglitazone notably alleviated the symptom of ICH in vivo through inhibiting the apoptosis and mediating PPAR‐γ/JNK/STAT3 axis.

Conclusion

Rosiglitazone could attenuate the inflammation in ICH through inhibiting microglia M1 polarization. Thus, our research would shed now lights on exploring new therapeutic strategies against ICH.
Extracellular vesicles from normal tissues orchestrate the homeostasis of macrophages and attenuate inflammatory injury of sepsis
Authors: Ge Xinyu , Meng Qingshu , Liu Xuan , Shi Shanshan , Geng Xuedi , Wang Enhao , Li Mimi , Ma Xiaoxue , Lin Fang , Zhang Qianqian , Li Yinzhen , Tang Lunxian , Zhou Xiaohui
Published: October 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) exist throughout our bodies. We recently revealed the important role of intracardiac EVs induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion on cardiac injury and dysfunction. However, the role of EVs isolated from normal tissues remains unclear. Here we found that EVs, derived from murine heart, lung, liver and kidney have similar effects on macrophages and regulate the inflammation, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis of macrophages. Interestingly, EV‐treated macrophages showed LPS resistance with reduced expressions of inflammatory cytokines and enhanced phagocytic activity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the protein content in EVs contributed to the activation of inflammation, while the RNA component mainly limited the excessive inflammatory response of macrophages to LPS. The enrichment of miRNAs, including miR‐148a‐3p, miR‐1a‐3p and miR‐143‐3p was confirmed in tissue EVs. These EV‐enriched miRNAs contributed to the inflammation remission in LPS induced macrophages through multiple pathways, including STAT3, P65 and SAPK/JNK. Moreover, administration of both EVs and EV‐educated macrophages attenuated septic injury and cytokine storm in murine CLP models. Taken together, the present study disclosed that EVs from normal tissues can orchestrate the homeostasis of macrophages and attenuate inflammatory injury of sepsis. Therefore, tissue derived EVs or their derivatives may serve as potential therapeutic strategies in inflammatory diseases.
Multimodal nanoparticle‐containing modified suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid polymer conjugates to mitigate immune dysfunction in severe inflammation
Authors: Truong Nhu , Cottingham Andrea L. , Dharmaraj Shruti , Shaw Jacob R. , Lasola Jackline Joy Martin , Goodis Christopher C. , Fletcher Steven , Pearson Ryan M.
Published: October 2023

Excessive immune activation and immunosuppression are opposing factors that contribute to the dysregulated innate and adaptive immune responses seen in severe inflammation and sepsis. Here, a novel analog of the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA‐OH), was incorporated into immunomodulatory poly(lactic acid)‐based nanoparticles (iNP‐SAHA) by employing a prodrug approach through the covalent modification of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) with SAHA‐OH. iNP‐SAHA formulation allowed for controlled incorporation and delivery of SAHA‐OH from iNP‐SAHA and treatment led to multimodal biological responses including significant reductions in proinflammatory cytokine secretions and gene expression, while increasing the survival of primary macrophages under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Using a lethal LPS‐induced endotoxemia mouse model of sepsis, iNP‐SAHA administration improved the survival of mice in a dose‐dependent manner and tended to improve survival at the lowest doses compared to iNP control. Further, iNP‐SAHA reduced the levels of plasma proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines associated with sepsis more significantly than iNP and similarly improved inflammation‐induced spleen and liver toxicity as iNP, supporting its potential polypharmacological activity. Collectively, iNP‐SAHA offers a potential drug delivery approach to modulate the multifaceted inflammatory responses observed in diseases such as sepsis.
Residual circulating tumor DNA after adjuvant chemotherapy effectively predicts recurrence of stage II‐III gastric cancer
Authors: Yuan Shu‐Qiang , Nie Run‐Cong , Huang You‐Sheng , Chen Ying‐Bo , Wang Si‐Yu , Sun Xiao‐Wei , Li Yuan‐Fang , Liu Ze‐Kun , Chen Yan‐Xing , Yao Yi‐Chen , Xu Yu , Qiu Hai‐Bo , Liang Yao , Wang Wei , Liu Ze‐Xian , Zhao Qi , Xu Rui‐Hua , Zhou Zhi‐Wei , Wang Feng
Published: October 2023

Background

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising biomarker for predicting relapse in multiple solid cancers. However, the predictive value of ctDNA for disease recurrence remains indefinite in locoregional gastric cancer (GC). Here, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of ctDNA in this context.

Methods

From 2016 to 2019, 100 patients with stage II/III resectable GC were recruited in this prospective cohort study (NCT02887612). Primary tumors were collected during surgical resection, and plasma samples were collected perioperatively and within 3 months after adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT). Somatic variants were captured via a targeted sequencing panel of 425 cancer‐related genes. The plasma was defined as ctDNA‐positive only if one or more variants detected in the plasma were presented in at least 2% of the primary tumors.

Results

Compared with ctDNA‐negative patients, patients with positive postoperative ctDNA had moderately higher risk of recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.37–5.48; P = 0.003], while patients with positive post‐ACT ctDNA showed remarkably higher risk (HR = 14.99, 95% CI = 3.08‐72.96; P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses indicated that both postoperative and post‐ACT ctDNA positivity were independent predictors of recurrence‐free survival (RFS). Moreover, post‐ACT ctDNA achieved better predictive performance (sensitivity, 77.8%; specificity, 90.6%) than both postoperative ctDNA and serial cancer antigen. A comprehensive model incorporating ctDNA for recurrence risk prediction showed a higher C‐index (0.78; 95% CI = 0.71–0.84) than the model without ctDNA (0.71; 95% CI = 0.64–0.79; P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Residual ctDNA after ACT effectively predicts high recurrence risk in stage II/III GC, and the combination of tissue‐based and circulating tumor features could achieve better risk prediction.
Bioevaluation of Spiro N‐Propargylic β‐Enaminones as Anti‐Breast Cancer Agents: In Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Atmaca Harika , Ilhan Suleyman , Dundar Buse Aysen , Zora Metin
Published: October 2023

The study aimed to investigate the in vitro inhibitory activities of spiro N‐propargylic β‐enaminones, SPEs 1‐31, against BCa cells, to perform in silico molecular docking studies to understand the nature of the interaction between the compounds and the ERα, PR, EGFR, and Her2, and to determine the ADMET and drug‐likeness properties. Cytotoxic activity was investigated via MTT assay. DNA fragmentation was evaluated via ELISA assay. Cell cycle distributions were investigated by flow cytometry. Expression levels of Bcl‐2, Bax, p21 and Cyclin D1 were measured by qRT‐PCR and western blot analysis. Molecular docking was done using Autodock/vina software. ADMET analysis was calculated using the ADMETlab 2.0 tool. SPEs 1, 22, and 28 showed selective cytotoxic activity against all BCa cells with SI values >2. SPEs induced apoptosis and caused significant changes in Bcl‐2 and Bax levels. The cell cycle was arrested at the S phase and levels of p21 and Cyclin D1 were induced in all BCa cells. Molecular docking analysis revealed that SPE1, SPE22, and SPE28 showed high binding affinities with ERα, PR, EGFR, and Her2. ADMET analysis revealed that SPEs are drug‐like compounds as they obey the five rules of Lipinsky and are not toxic. Therefore, these potential anticancer compounds should be further validated by in vivo studies for their appropriate function in human health with a safety profile, and a comprehensive drug interaction study should be performed.
Photoinduced Carbon−Heteroatom Cross‐Coupling Catalyzed by Nickel Naphthyridine Complexes
Authors: Bahri Janet , Deolka Shubham , Vardhanapu Pavan K. , Khaskin Eugene , Govindarajan Ramadoss , Fayzullin Robert R. , Vasylevskyi Serhii , Khusnutdinova Julia R.
Published: October 2023

We describe versatile and practical light‐promoted C−N and C−O cross‐coupling reactions catalyzed by NiII complexes supported by 2,7‐dimethyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine ligand. Using the same Ni catalyst and visible light irradiation, both C−O and C−N coupling reactivity was observed without additional photocatalysts. These results demonstrate that Ni naphthyridine complexes represent a versatile catalytic motif for photoredox nickel catalysis alternative to commonly used bipyridines or multidentate ligands.
Probing Radical Addition to 1‐Phosphabutadienes by Employing Muonium as a “Light Isotope” of Hydrogen
Authors: Walsgrove Henry T. G. , Percival Paul W. , Gates Derek P.
Published: October 2023

Understanding free radical addition to multiple bonds is important to elucidating the mechanistic details of addition polymerization reactions, albeit the fleeting radical intermediates are very difficult to detect by conventional methodologies. Muon spin spectroscopy (μSR) is a highly sensitive method that can detect radical species at 106 spins (cf. EPR: 1012 spins, NMR: 1018 spins). Herein, we employ μSR to detect the radical‐addition products from three 1‐phosphabutadiene monomers, P‐analogues of isoprene. We show that muonium (Mu), a “light” H‐atom surrogate, adds predominantly at the C4 position of the P1=C2−C3=C4 moiety to give unprecedented 1‐phosphaallyl radicals as the major products. Our structural assignments are supported by assignment of muon, phosphorus and proton hyperfine coupling constants using DFT‐calculations. A minor radical product is also detected that is tentatively assigned to an PC3‐heterocyclic free radical. On the basis of DFT‐predictions, we speculate that its formation may involve initial addition of Mu+ at the C3 position followed by electron capture. These studies provide rare insights into the prospective radical (or cationic) polymerization of 1‐phosphabutadienes, which have previously been polymerized using anionic initiation.
Early improvement of nailfold videocapillaroscopy abnormalities in dermatomyositis patients with anti‐NXP‐2 antibody
Authors: Mugii Naoki , Hamaguchi Yasuhito , Fushida Natsumi , Horii Motoki , Kitano Tasuku , Fujii Ko , Sawada Kaori , Oishi Kyosuke , Maeda Shintaro , Matsushita Takashi
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to evaluate long‐term changes in nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) findings in dermatomyositis patients with antinuclear matrix protein 2 (NXP‐2) antibody (Ab). All four patients with anti‐NXP‐2 Ab presented irregularly enlarged and reduced capillaries and hemorrhages at the initial assessment. After disease stabilization, irregularly enlarged capillaries and hemorrhages disappeared within the mean observation period of 6 months. These early improvements were not observed in patients with anti‐TIF1 Ab. The results of this study show that long‐term changes in NVC findings should be assessed using myositis‐specific Ab information.
The double‐edged sword of going “overboard”: Board connectedness, debt quality, and the cost of debt
Authors: Hammami Ahmad , Lyubimov Alexey , Yousefvand Mansouri Rozhin
Published: October 2023

Board connectedness, a result of directors serving the boards of more than one firm, impacts companies positively (access to resources provided by connected directors) and negatively (directors being “spread too thin”). Given that debt quality has a high influence on the cost of debt, this paper examines how the cost of debt (bond yield spread) is influenced by a firm's board connectedness while considering the effect that debt quality (bond ratings) may have on such a relationship. Results show that the relationship between connectedness and the cost of debt is highly dependent on debt quality, where connectedness is associated with a lower cost of debt if debt quality is high; however, connectedness is also associated with a higher cost of debt if debt quality is low. We also note that as the debt quality for connected firms decreases as their cost of debt increases. We are contributing to administrative sciences by studying one of its key elements: governance, more specifically the connectivity of boards of directors. This contributes to the current debate on the effect of board connectivity: prior research has not provided conclusive results, and we show that the effect is different based on the characteristics of the firm's debt.
Enhancing Photovoltaic Performance of Nonfused‐Ring Electron Acceptors via Asymmetric End‐Group Engineering and Noncovalently Conformational Locks
Authors: Liu Bo , Li Congqi , Gu Xiaobin , Han Yinghui , Wei Zhixiang , Cai Yunhao , Zhang Xin , Huang Hui , Huo Yanping
Published: October 2023

Comprehensive Summary

By employing the asymmetric end‐group engineering, an asymmetric nonfused‐ring electron acceptor (NFREA) was designed and synthesized. Compared with the symmetric analogs (NoCA‐17 and NoCA‐18), NoCA‐19 possesses broader light absorption range, more coplanar π‐conjugated backbone, and appropriate crystallinity according to the experimental and theoretical results. The organic solar cells based on J52:NoCA‐19 exhibited a power conversion efficiency as high as 12.26%, which is much higher than those of J52:NoCA‐17 (9.50%) and J52:NoCA‐18 (11.77%), mainly due to more efficient exciton dissociation, better and balanced charge mobility, suppressed recombination loss, shorter charge extraction time, longer charge carrier lifetimes, and more favorable blend film morphology. These findings demonstrate the great potential of asymmetric end‐group engineering in exploring low‐cost and high‐performance NFREAs.
Promoting informed approaches in precision oncology and clinical trial participation for Black patients with cancer: Community‐engaged development and pilot testing of a digital intervention
Authors: An Jinghua , Ferrante Jeanne M. , Macenat Myneka , Ganesan Shridar , Hudson Shawna V. , Omene Coral , Garcia Harold , Kinney Anita Y.
Published: October 2023

Background

Black patients with cancer are less likely to receive precision cancer treatments than White patients and are underrepresented in clinical trials. To address these disparities, the study aimed to develop and pilot‐test a digital intervention to improve Black patients’ knowledge about precision oncology and clinical trials, empower patients to increase relevant discussion, and promote informed decision‐making.

Methods

A community‐engaged approach, including a Community Advisory Board and two rounds of key informant interviews with Black patients with cancer, their relatives, and providers (n = 48) was used to develop and refine the multimedia digital intervention. Thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative data. The intervention was then pilot‐tested with 30 Black patients with cancer to assess feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, knowledge, decision self‐efficacy, and patient empowerment; Wilcoxon matched pairs signed‐rank test was used to analyze quantitative data.

Results

The digital tool was found to be feasible, acceptable, and culturally appropriate. Key informants shared their preferences and recommendations for the digital intervention and helped improve cultural appropriateness through user and usability testing. In the pilot test, appreciable improvement was found in participants’ knowledge about precision oncology (z = –2.04, p = .052), knowledge about clinical trials (z = –3.14, p = .001), and decisional self‐efficacy for targeted/immune therapy (z = –1.96, p = .0495).

Conclusions

The digital intervention could be a promising interactive decision‐support tool for increasing Black patients’ participation in clinical trials and receipt of precision treatments, including immunotherapy. Its use in clinical practice may reduce disparities in oncology care and research.

Plain Language Summary

We developed a digital interactive decision support tool for Black patients with cancer by convening a Community Advisory Board and conducting interviews with Black patients with cancer, their relatives, and providers.

We then pilot‐tested the intervention with newly diagnosed Black patients with cancer and found appreciable improvement in participants’ knowledge about precision oncology, knowledge about clinical trials, and confidence in making decisions for targeted/immune therapy.

Our digital tool has great potential to be an affordable and scalable solution for empowering and educating Black patients with cancer to help them make informed decisions about precision oncology and clinical trials and ultimately reducing racial disparities.
Iridium Catalyst Immobilized on Crosslinked Polyethyleneimine for Continuous Hydrogen Production Using Formic Acid
Authors: Sawahara Keito , Tanaka Shinji , Kodaira Tetsuya , Kanega Ryoichi , Kawanami Hajime
Published: October 2023

Hydrogen is an alternative fuel that can play a critical role in achieving net zero emissions, leading to global environment sustainability. An iridium‐immobilized catalyst based on polyethyleneimine (PEI) was synthesized and utilized for hydrogen production via formic acid dehydrogenation (FADH). Iridium complex is cross‐linked with its ligand and PEI to form the immobilized catalyst, where the iridium content could be easily varied in the range of 1–10 %. The structure of the iridium‐immobilized catalyst was confirmed using solid‐state NMR, DNP NMR, and FTIR spectroscopies. The iridium‐immobilized catalyst with PEI showed excellent catalytic activity for FADH, exhibiting the catalyst's highest turnover frequency (TOF) value of 73 200 h−1 and a large turnover number (TON) value of over 1 130 000. The catalyst could be used for continuous hydrogen production via FADH, exhibiting high durability for over 2 000 h with TON value of 332 889 without any degradation in catalytic activity. The obtained hydrogen gas was evaluated for power generation using a standard fuel cell, as well as achieved 5 h of stable power generation.
Cullin‐associated and neddylation‐dissociated 1 regulate reprogramming of lipid metabolism through SKP1‐Cullin‐1‐F‐boxFBXO11‐mediated heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 ubiquitination and promote hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Hao , Xia Peng , Yang Zhangshuo , Liu Jie , Zhu Yimin , Huang Zan , Zhang Zhonglin , Yuan Yufeng
Published: October 2023

Background

Enhanced de novo lipogenesis is essential for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Abnormally high cullin‐associated and neddylation‐dissociated 1 (CAND1) expression is associated with poor clinical prognosis in HCC. The SKP1‐Cullin‐1‐F‐box (SCF) complex consists of the SKP1, Cullin‐1 and F‐box proteins (FBPs) and performs multiple functions including adipogenesis. SCF complex was modulated by CAND1, but Whether and how the CAND1 promotes HCC by regulating SCF complex and lipogenesis are unknown.

Methods

HCC samples were used to analyze the correlations between CAND1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics such as survival and prognosis. The in vitro functions of CAND1, FBXO11 and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNPA2B1) were measured by cell proliferation, colony formation and migration assays. The in vivo functions were tested in multiple mouse liver cancer models including patient‐derived xenograft (PDX), cell line‐derived xenograft and AKT/NRASV12‐induced primary liver cancer models. Injections of adeno‐associated virus targeting CAND1 (AAV‐shCAND1) were performed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of targeting CAND1. RNA‐Seq and lipidomic assays followed by serial biochemical experiments including mass spectrometry, immunoprecipitation and GST pull‐down were performed to dissect the underlying mechanisms.

Results

CAND1 promoted the expression of lipid synthesis genes by disrupting SCF complex assembly and lipid accumulation. Furthermore, we identified hnRNPA2B1 as a novel F‐box protein 11 (FBXO11)‐binding partner. FBXO11 directly bound to hnRNPA2B1 and promoted hnRNPA2B1 ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. Our evaluations of the therapeutic efficacy of AAV‐shCAND1 injections confirmed that targeting the CAND1‐SCFFBXO11‐hnRNPA2B1A signalling axis was therapeutically effective. CAND1 downregulation significantly reduced the tumour burden in a primary mouse liver cancer model and a PDX model.

Conclusions

Our results highlight that CAND1 is associated with poor prognosis in HCC and regulates lipid metabolic reprogramming by dissociating the SCF complex. Targeting the CAND1‐SCFFBXO11‐hnRNPA2B1 axis may be a novel strategy for HCC treatment.
H1Innovative approaches to combat anti‐cancer drug resistance: Targeting lncRNA and autophagy
Authors: Zhong Chenming , Xie Zijun , Duan Shiwei
Published: October 2023

Background

To date, standardizing clinical predictive biomarkers for assessing the response to immunotherapy remains challenging due to variations in personal genetic signatures, tumour microenvironment complexities and epigenetic onco‐mechanisms.

Main Body

Early monitoring of key non‐coding RNA (ncRNA) biomarkers may help in predicting the clinical efficacy of cancer immunotherapy and come up with standard predictive ncRNA biomarkers. For instance, reduced miR‐125b‐5p level in the plasma of non‐small cell lung cancer patients treated with anti‐PD‐1 predicts a positive outcome. The level of miR‐153 in the plasma of colorectal cancer patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor T lymphocyte (CAR‐T) cell therapy may indicate the activation of T‐cell killing activity. miR‐148a‐3p and miR‐375 levels may forecast favourable responses to CAR‐T‐cell therapy in B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. In cancer patients treated with the GPC3 peptide vaccine, serum levels of miR‐1228‐5p, miR‐193a‐5p and miR‐375‐3p were reported as predictive biomarkers of good response and improved overall survival. Therefore, there is a critical need for further studies to elaborate on the key ncRNA biomarkers that have the potential to predict early clinical responses to immunotherapy.

Conclusions

This review summarises important predictive ncRNA biomarkers that were reported in cancer patients treated with different immunotherapeutic modalities including monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, cancer vaccines and CAR‐T cells. In addition, a concise discussion on forthcoming perspectives is provided, outlining technical approaches for the optimal utilisation of immune‐modulatory ncRNA biomarkers as predictive tools and therapeutic targets.
Darwin, Haeckel, and the “Mikluskan gas organ theory”
Authors: Werneburg Ingmar , Hoßfeld Uwe , Levit Georgy S.
Published: October 2023

A previously unknown reference to the Russian ethnologist, biologist, and traveler Nikolai N. Miklucho‐Maclay (1846–1888) was discovered in correspondence between Charles Darwin (1809–1882) and Ernst Haeckel (1834–1919). This reference has remained unknown to science, even to Miklucho‐Maclay's biographers, probably because Darwin used the Russian nickname “Mikluska” when alluding to this young scientist. Here, we briefly outline the story behind the short discussion between Darwin and his German counterpart Haeckel, and highlight its importance for the history of science. Miklucho‐Maclay's discovery of a putative swim bladder anlage in sharks, published in 1867, was discussed in four letters between the great biologists. Whereas, Haeckel showed enthusiasm for the finding because it supported (his view on) evolutionary theory, Darwin was less interested, which highlights the conceptual differences between the two authorities. We discuss the scientific treatment of Miklucho‐Maclay's observation in the literature and discuss the homology, origin, and destiny of gas organs—swim bladders and lungs—in vertebrate evolution, from an ontogenetic point of view. We show that the conclusions reached by Miklucho‐Maclay and Haeckel were rather exaggerated, although they gave rise to fundamental insights, and we illustrate how tree‐thinking may lead to differences in the conceptualization of evolutionary change.
Recent advances on portable photoelectrochemical biosensors for diagnostics
Authors: Wu Di , Tang Dianping
Published: October 2023

Efficient and accurate diagnostic methods are important for human health monitoring and prevention of major diseases, so the establishment of efficient and convenient testing methods for clinical diagnosis is urgent. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensors have attracted much attention because of their high sensitivity, low detection background, and especially the advantages of combining photoexcitation and electrochemical detection. With the rapid development of integrated circuit technology many wireless transmissions of highly aggregated portable micro devices are manufactured, its small size, easy to carry, and the ability to visualize the results of the test is shown to be the potential for the application of such devices. This review aims to cover recent advances in PEC biosensing within the field of portable detection, including the principles of PEC biosensors, common photovoltaic materials, and scalable fabrication techniques for portable PEC biosensing. Future prospects in the field are also discussed.
Effects of tea application on cadmium, phosphorus, and iron accumulations in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings
Authors: Shi Jun , Hu Rongping , Li Qin , Li Xiufen , Liu Dingyou , Xiang Zufen , Liao Shuang , Yu Huaqing , Huang Tingyou , Li Yan
Published: October 2023

To decrease the cadmium (Cd) uptake in rice and study the relationships of phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and Cd uptakes in rice, the effects of four different tea types (green, black, dark, and white teas) on the P, Fe, and Cd accumulation in rice seedlings were studied. The results showed that only the black and dark teas increased the biomass of rice seedlings. The application of green, black, dark, and white teas increased the photosynthetic pigment content to some extent. Only the black tea increased the shoot P content, and the black, dark, and white teas increased the shoot Fe content. Compared with the control, only the black and dark teas decreased the shoot Cd content by 9.51% and 25.02%. Correlation and gray relational analyses showed that the root Cd content, soil pH value and soil exchangeable Cd concentration were the most closely associated with the shoot Cd content. The principal component and cluster analyses also showed the top three close cluster categories with shoot Cd content were root Cd content, soil exchangeable Cd concentration, and soil pH value. These findings indicate that the application of black and dark teas can promote the growth and decrease the Cd uptake of rice.
Spatial transcriptomic analysis of the mouse brain following chronic social defeat stress
Authors: Wang Ting , Song Zhihong , Zhao Xin , Wu Yan , Wu Liying , Haghparast Abbas , Wu Haitao
Published: October 2023

Depression is a highly prevalent and disabling mental disorder, involving numerous genetic changes that are associated with abnormal functions in multiple regions of the brain. However, there is little transcriptomic‐wide characterization of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) to comprehensively compare the transcriptional changes in multiple brain regions. Spatial transcriptomics (ST) was used to reveal the spatial difference of gene expression in the control, resilient (RES) and susceptible (SUS) mouse brains, and annotated eight anatomical brain regions and six cell types. The gene expression profiles uncovered that CSDS leads to gene synchrony changes in different brain regions. Then it was identified that inhibitory neurons and synaptic functions in multiple regions were primarily affected by CSDS. The brain regions Hippocampus (HIP), Isocortex, and Amygdala (AMY) present more pronounced transcriptional changes in genes associated with depressive psychiatric disorders than other regions. Signalling communication between these three brain regions may play a critical role in susceptibility to CSDS. Taken together, this study provides important new insights into CSDS susceptibility at the ST level, which offers a new approach for understanding and treating depression.
A comprehensive review of goji berry processing and utilization
Authors: Yu Jing , Yan Yamei , Zhang Lutao , Mi Jia , Yu Limei , Zhang Fengfeng , Lu Lu , Luo Qing , Li Xiaoying , Zhou Xuan , Cao Youlong
Published: October 2023

Goji berry (wolfberry, Lycium), is a genus of Solanaceae, in which the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits are for both food and medicinal uses. In recent years, the demand for health food and research purposes has led to increasing attention being paid to the application of goji berry nutrients and resources. There are three general strategies to process and utilize the goji berry plant. First, the primary processing of goji berry products, such as dried goji berry pulp, and fruit wine with its by‐products. Second, deep processing of sugar–peptides, carotenoids, and the extraction of other efficacy components with their by‐products. Third, the utilization of plant‐based by‐products (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit residuals). However, the comprehensive use of goji berry is hampered by the non‐standardized production technology of resource utilization and the absence of a multi‐level co‐production and processing technology systems. On the basis of this, we review some novel techniques that are made to more effectively use the resources found in goji berry or its by‐products in order to serve as a guide for the thorough use of these resources and the high‐quality growth of the goji berry processing industry.
Phytate degradation in composite wheat/cassava/sorghum bread: Effects of phytase‐secreting yeasts and addition of yeast extracts
Authors: Vilanculos Serafina Lídia , Svanberg Ulf , Andlid Thomas
Published: October 2023

Iron deficiency anemia is highly prevalent in developing countries due to the consumption of cereal‐based foods rich in phytate that chelates minerals such as iron and zinc making them unavailable for absorption by humans. The aim of the present study was to degrade phytic acid in composite flour (wheat/cassava/sorghum) bread by the addition of phytase‐producing yeasts in the baking process to achieve a phytate‐to‐iron molar ratio <1 and a phytate‐to‐zinc molar ratio <15, ratios needed to achieve an enhanced absorption by humans. The high‐phytase (HP)‐producing yeasts were two Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YD80 and BY80) that have been genetically modified by a directed mutagenesis strategy, and Pichia kudriavzevii TY13 isolated from a Tanzanian lactic fermented maize gruel (togwa) and selected as naturally HP yeast. To further improve the phytase production by the yeasts, four different brands of phytase‐promoting yeast extracts were added in the baking process. In addition, two yeast varieties were preincubated for 1 h at 30°C to initiate phytase biosynthesis. The phytate content was measured by high‐performance ion chromatography (HPIC) and the mineral content by ion chromatography (HPIC). The results showed that all three HP yeasts improved the phytate degradation compared with the composite bread with no added HP yeast. The composite bread with preincubated S. cerevisiae BY80 or P. kudriavzevii TY13 plus Bacto yeast extract resulted in the lowest phytate content (0.08 μmol/g), which means a 99% reduction compared with the phytate content in the composite flour. With added yeast extracts from three of the four yeast extract brands in the baking process, all composite breads had a phytate reduction after 2‐h fermentation corresponding to a phytate: iron molar ratio between 1.0 and 0.3 and a phytate: zinc molar ratio <3 suggesting a much‐enhanced bioavailability of these minerals.
Nutritional analysis of rice landraces from southern Odisha, India
Authors: Panda Koustava Kumar , Bisht Satpal Singh , Mishra Rojita , Sahu Parmeshwar Kumar , Panda Amrita Kumari , Subedi Roshan
Published: October 2023

Rice landraces conserved by tribal farmers are important for their nutritional richness. Landraces are rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids useful to cure noncommunicable diseases and metabolic disorders. A study was carried out with 10 rice landraces from the tribal‐dominated belt of Southern Odisha to investigate grain nutrition, proximate composition, and vitamin and mineral contents. The protein content of the landraces was higher (>6 g/100 g) and the fat content was lower (<0.6 g/100 g) than popular Indian rice varieties. The mean nutrient content of 10 rice landraces was as follows: protein 6.3 ± 0.313 g/100 g, total dietary fiber 1.6 ± 0.094 g/100 g, fat 0.536 ± 0.008 g/100 g, ash 10.514 ± 6.753%, and total sugar 77.18 ± 2.118 g/100 g. The high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was observed for alkali spreading value (31.11%), capacity of grain hydration (52.705), index of hydration (171.439), moisture (46.343%), and vitamin B2 (23.994%) in rice landraces. Few landraces had superior iron content: Kalamalli (1.49 mg/100 g), Kandulakathi (1.42 mg/100 g), and Dudhamani (1.39 mg/100 g) compared to popular Indian rice varieties. Tikichudi had highest moisture (19%) and fat (0.53 g/100 g) content, which signifies the taste quality of rice. Kanakchudi exhibited the highest fiber content (1.8 g/100 g) and ash content (22.80%). Kalamalli contained higher zinc (0.49 mg/100 g), iron (1.49 mg/100 g), potassium (108.33 mg/100 g), magnesium (78.33 mg/100 g), and phosphorus (125.00 mg/100 g), whereas Muktabali was found to have higher Ca (3.88 mg/100 g) and Baunsidubraj exhibited higher niacin (4.9 mg/100 g). The indigenous landraces Kalamalli, Kandulakathi, and Dudhamani had considerably high iron content, whereas Kalamalli, Baunsidubraj, and Muktabali possessed less phytic acid in comparison with existing varieties and other landraces reported from various states of our country. Landraces Kalamalli, Kanakchudi, Tikichudi, and Muktabali from southern Odisha, India, represented nutritionally better genetic pool for future rice improvement.
Aberrant degree centrality profiles during rumination in major depressive disorder
Authors: Jia Feng‐Nan , Chen Xiao , Du Xiang‐Dong , Tang Zhen , Ma Xiao‐Yun , Ning Tian‐Tian , Zou Si‐Yun , Zuo Shang‐Fu , Li Hui‐Xian , Cui Shi‐Xian , Deng Zhao‐Yu , Fu Jia‐Lin , Fu Xiao‐Qian , Huang Yue‐Xiang , Li Xue‐Ying , Lian Tao , Liao Yi‐Fan , Liu Li‐Li , Lu Bin , Wang Yan , Wang Yu‐Wei , Wang Zi‐Han , Ye Gang , Zhang Xin‐Zhu , Zhu Hong‐Liang , Quan Chuan‐Sheng , Sun Hong‐Yan , Yan Chao‐Gan , Liu Yan‐Song
Published: October 2023

Rumination is closely linked to the onset and maintenance of major depressive disorder (MDD). Prior neuroimaging studies have identified the association between self‐reported rumination trait and the functional coupling among a network of brain regions using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, little is known about the underlying neural circuitry mechanism during active rumination in MDD. Degree centrality (DC) is a simple metric to denote network integration, which is critical for higher‐order psychological processes such as rumination. During an MRI scan, individuals with MDD (N = 45) and healthy controls (HC, N = 46) completed a rumination state task. We examined the interaction effect between the group (MDD vs. HC) and condition (rumination vs. distraction) on vertex‐wise DC. We further characterized the identified brain region's functional involvement with Neurosynth and BrainMap. Network‐wise seed‐based functional connectivity (FC) analysis was also conducted for the identified region of interest. Finally, exploratory correlation analysis was conducted between the identified region of interest's network FCs and self‐reported in‐scanner affect levels. We found that a left superior frontal gyrus (SFG) region, generally overlapped with the frontal eye field, showed a significant interaction effect. Further analysis revealed its involvement with executive functions. FCs between this region, the frontoparietal, and the dorsal attention network (DAN) also showed significant interaction effects. Furthermore, its FC to DAN during distraction showed a marginally significant negative association with in‐scanner affect level at the baseline. Our results implicated an essential role of the left SFG in the rumination's underlying neural circuitry mechanism in MDD and provided novel evidence for the conceptualization of rumination in terms of impaired executive control.
Assessing canopy rainfall partitioning by Mediterranean dryland shrubs under extreme rainfall
Authors: Lucas‐Borja Manuel Esteban , Van Stan John T. , Carmona Yáñez María Dolores , García López Carlos Alberto , Zema Demetrio Antonio
Published: October 2023

Intense rain events have become more frequent in some regions due to climate change, and this trend is particularly concerning in dryland regions where the ecological and geomorphological impacts of rainfall are intimately tied to its intensity. The interception of rainfall by vegetation is a critical process in the water balance of drylands; thus, this study estimated the canopy interception capacity and interception rates as well as stemflow of three typical Mediterranean shrub species (Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, and Macrochloa tenacissima) of three size classes in Spain under a simulated extreme rainfall rate (~8 mm min−1, historical return period of >100 years). Given that these plants' canopy structures markedly differ from taller woody plants (i.e., trees), a novel method was developed to assess the stemflow fraction. Results showed significant differences in interception amount, rates, and storage capacity among the shrub species, with variations in plant morphology, such as shrub height and canopy diameter, being the key factors determining interception capacity. R. officinalis had the highest interception fraction per unit canopy area, or ‘specific interception,’ (18.4%). In contrast, the lowest specific interception fraction was measured for M. tenacissima (6.5%). Thymus vulgaris was characterized by the highest stemflow yields per unit canopy area (4.85 mm) and fraction (up to 29.6% of rainfall), which was the lowest for M. tenacissima (1.09 mm, ~1%–4%). Strong linear correlations were found between canopy interception and shrub canopy diameter (|r| > −0.51, max = −0.90), when observations were grouped for size class. These linear correlations between shrub morphology and partitioning enabled multiple‐regression linear models to be developed that predicted canopy interception and stemflow with good accuracy (r2 > 0.64, with a maximum of 0.82) from shrub height, canopy diameter, dry biomass, size class, and species. Despite these measurements being conducted under one extreme storm depth and intensity, the results provide: (i) values of rainfall partitioning for important shrub species in Mediterranean dryland environments; and (ii) a simple but reliable model that may be further developed (e.g., embedding variable rainfall values as weather input or incorporating other morphological parameters) and may be integrated into complex hydrological models.
Hybrid‐NET: A fusion of DenseNet169 and advanced machine learning classifiers for enhanced brain tumor diagnosis
Authors: Khan Saif Ur Rehman , Zhao Ming , Asif Sohaib , Chen Xuehan
Published: October 2023

The computer‐aided diagnostic (CAD) method to detect human brain tumors relies heavily on automated tumor characterization. Although CAD method has been extensively researched, significant obstacles still exist. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) classifiers brain tumors into glioma, meningioma, and pituitary tumors. However, accurately distinguishing between these tumor types remains a complex challenge in medical imaging. The recently developed deep learning and machine learning (ML) techniques have shown immense potential in image classification. However, the low numbers of medical image archives also pose a problem for medical image classification. As a result, fewer medical images are available to use in deep learning research and development. To address this issue, we use three highly effective ML classifiers with deep convolutional learned features for medical image classification. The MRI images of the three distinct types of brain tumors may be found in an open dataset on Figshare, which tests the automated approach's efficacy. Features are extracted from brain MRI scans using the DenseNet169 model. Extracted features are fed into a multiclass three ML classifiers (RF, SVM, XGBoost) for improved performance. Results from testing and evaluation of the entire framework are promising, especially compared to the field's state‐of‐the art technique. The suggested model outperformed the state‐of‐the‐art technique, with an overall classification accuracy of 95.10%. To verify the enhanced performance of the proposed system, extensive tests are conducted on the brain MRI dataset available on Figshare. The optimal hyper‐parameter fading classifier is seen to outperform the Softmax classifier for the features when there is limited training data.
Peyronie Disease in Younger Men: Characteristics and Treatment Results
Authors: Levine Laurence A. , Estrada Carlos R. , Storm Douglas W. , Matkov Thomas G.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with 30 men with Peyronie disease (PD) younger than age 40 years to describe their clinical presentation, physical examination findings, and treatment outcomes. In addition, we performed a literature review to define the typical patient with PD and to compare our findings with those in the literature. The mean age of our study population was 31 years (range 18–38 years). The prevalence of patients under the age of 40 presenting with PD was 1.5%. In this population, 97% reported normal erectile capacity, and 100% presented with a palpable plaque. Medical and surgical treatments were used in the young population with results comparable to published data. According to the published literature we reviewed, patients with PD were less likely to recall a specific traumatic event, less likely to complain of painful intercourse, they had different directions of penile curvature, and different locations of penile plaques. Younger men with PD commonly present with complaints and physical examination findings that differ from the typical patient with PD.
Immunohistochemical Detection of the Retinoid × Receptors α, β, and γ in Human Prostate
Authors: Alfaro Juan M. , Fraile Benito , Lobo Maria V. T. , Royuela Mar , Paniagua Ricardo , Arenas María I.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and distribution of retinoid × receptors (RXRs) α, β, and γ in normal, hyperplastic (nodular, basal cell, and atrophic hyperplasia), and carcinomatous human prostates in order to elucidate the relationship among these receptors and the onset and development of prostatic adenocarcinoma. RXRα and RXRγ were immunodetected in all samples of normal, nodular, and basal cell hyperplasia, as well as carcinomatous prostates. In atrophic glands, the expression of both receptors was found in 22.5% of samples. Positive immunostaining for RXRβ was observed in 53.3% of normal prostates, 100% of samples showed basal cell hyperplasia, and were negative in nodular and atrophic hyperplasia. In prostatic adenocarcinoma, only 3 of 25 samples (the 3 diagnosed as well‐differentiated) were positive for RXRβ. Results suggest that diminished RXRβ expression might be related to prostate cancer progression and because the responsiveness to retinoic acid treatments depends on the expression of different receptors, it is important to study their expression before therapy.
Establishment and Characterization of Neonatal Mouse Sertoli Cell Lines
Authors: Hofmann Marie‐Claude , van, Der Wee Katherine S. , Dargart Jamie L. , Dirami Ghenima , Dettin Luis , Dym Martin
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Sertoli cells isolated from 6‐day postpartum mouse testes were conditionally immortalized with the simian virus 40 large tumor antigen gene (SV40‐LTAg) under the control of a promoter inducible with ponasterone A, an analog of ecdysone. This strategy produced 2 cell lines, which exhibited mixed phenotypes. We first tested the conditional expression of the LTAg gene in the presence or absence of ponasterone A. The results showed that both cell lines expressed LTAg when the inducer was present in the culture media. When ponasterone A was removed, the majority of the cells died. After 60 generations, however, the continued expression of LTAg in the absence of the hormone indicated that unknown changes may have occurred in the genome of the cells. One of the cell lines was further subcloned, resulting in 7 new lines exhibiting a morphology resembling that of Sertoli cells in tissue culture. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed on RNA collected from each cell line in order to determine which cells were phenotypically similar to Sertoli cells in vivo. All cell lines expressed the products of the Sertoli cell—specific genes stem cell factor (SCF) and sulfated glycoprotein‐2 (SGP‐2), in addition to α‐inhibin, GATA‐1, and steroidogenic factor‐1. Further, the lines express growth and differentiation factors known to act upon germ cells in vivo and in vitro such as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Moreover, when used as feeder layers in cocultures, at least 2 of these lines are able to maintain the viability of type A spermatogonia for at least 7 days and to support the first steps of spermatogonial differentiation.