bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bausteine zu einer Oral History der Wissenschaftsgeschichte Wissenschaft als Arbeitsprozess. Interview mit Wolfgang Lefèvre
Authors: Grote Mathias , te Heesen Anke , Lefèvre Wolfgang
Published: May 2022

Wie kann man einen historischen Blick auf das eigene Fach werfen? Diese Frage ist nicht einfach zu beantworten – will man einerseits nicht in einer Nabelschau und Hagiographie enden, andererseits aber auch keinen umfassenden Entwurf einer zukünftigen Historiographie vorlegen. Die hier als Bausteine zu einer Oral History der Wissenschaftsgeschichte in loser Folge publizierten Interviews mit bekannten Protagonisten der Berliner Wissenschaftsgeschichte von ca. 1970–1990 in West und Ost rücken die Geschichte des Faches deshalb in einem bestimmten Milieu in den Fokus und versuchen, die Historiographie jenseits einer Institutionen‐ oder Theoriegeschichte voranzutreiben. Welche Motivationen oder Probleme bewegten einzelne Wissenschaftler:innen, sich der Geschichte ihres Faches zu widmen oder sich etwa aus der Soziologie oder Philosophie in die Wissenschaftsgeschichte zu bewegen? Welche Ausbildungspraxen existierten in diesem heterogenen, zwischen den Disziplinen angesiedelten Feld, welche Anregungen bezog man aus welchen Kontexten? Wie war Lehre strukturiert und welche Netzwerke bildeten sich mit der Zeit? Kurz: Mit welchem Interesse kam man zur Wissenschaftsgeschichte und was wurde daraus? Die Auswahl der Interviewees erfolgt ohne Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit oder Proporz; der Fragenkatalog der Interviews richtet sich individuell nach den Biographien und dem Werk und entfaltet sich oft spontan im Gespräch. Die Interviews wurden digital aufgezeichnet, transkribiert, der Schriftsprache angepasst, gegebenenfalls gekürzt, annotiert und von den Interviewees authentifiziert. Wir beabsichtigen mit dieser Serie von Interviews zunächst die Dokumentation rezenter Geschichte durch eine Oral History, die subjektive Wahrnehmungen und persönliche Erlebnisse einschließt. Auf diese Weise werden Segmente einer größtenteils ungeschriebenen Geschichte anhand von Biographien erfahrbar und damit auch einer weiteren kritischen Bearbeitung und Integration in ein Gesamtbild zugänglich. Da uns im Zuge der jeweiligen Vorbereitung und Durchführung, Transkription und Abstimmung der Interviews daran gelegen war, aus Sicht der Akteure wichtige Sammelbände und Aufsätze, Graue Literatur oder Monographien zu erfassen, wird nebenbei eine kommentierte Bibliographie zur Geschichte der Wissenschaftsgeschichte entstehen. Unsere Hoffnung besteht darin, mittels dieser Sammlung mit Berlin einen fruchtbaren Raum und mit den 1970er und 1980er Jahren eine produktive Zeit des Faches jenseits von Reminiszenz oder Nostalgie zu erkunden nicht zuletzt auch, um den Blick für gegenwärtige Herausforderungen des Faches zu schärfen.

Mathias Grote, Anke te Heesen
LncRNA MALAT1 promotes decidualization of endometrial stromal cells via sponging miR‐498‐3p and targeting histone deacetylase 4
Authors: Shi Lijuan , Zhu Lihua , Gu Qiao , Kong Chengcai , Liu Xinmei , Zhu Zonghao
Published: May 2022

Decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) is important for the maintenance of a successful pregnancy. Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) was reported to be involved in the dysfunction of decidua‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. However, the role of HDAC4 underlying decidualization of hESCs remains unclear. We intended to explore the function and molecular mechanism of HDAC4 in hESCs. In vitro expansion of hESCs using a serum‐free medium was used to confirm the characteristics of hESCs. Gene expression in hESCs was evaluated by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction. CCK‐8 assay, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry analysis, and Western blot analysis were performed to test the effects of HDAC4 and metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) on hESCs. RNA pull‐down and luciferase reporter assays were performed to validate the relationship between genes. In this study, the characteristics of hESCs were sustained in serum‐free medium during a process of propagation. HDAC4 knockdown suppressed hESCs viability and promoted hESCs apoptosis. HDAC4 was targeted by miR‐498‐3p in hESCs. MALAT1 bound with miR‐498‐3p in hESCs. HDAC4 expression was positively regulated by MALAT1 and negatively regulated by miR‐498‐3p in hESCs. HDAC4 upregulation countervailed the effects of MALAT1 silencing on hESCs proliferation, apoptosis, and decidualization of hESCs. Overall, MALAT1 facilitated the decidualization of hESCs via binding with miR‐498‐3p and upregulating HDAC4, which might provide a new direction for the maintenance of a successful pregnancy.
Luminescent Pyrrole‐Based Phosphaphenalene Gold Complexes: Versatile Anticancer Tools with Wide Applicability
Authors: Fermi Valentina , Regulska Elzbieta , Wolfram Anna , Wessling Patrick , Rominger Frank , Herold‐Mende Christel , Romero‐Nieto Carlos
Published: May 2022

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Christel Herold‐Mende and Carlos Romero‐Nieto at the Universities of Heidelberg and Castilla–La Mancha. The image depicts the use of phosphaphenalene gold(I) complexes for the treatment of brain cancer. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202104535.
Controllable Zeolite AST Crystallization: Between Classical and Reversed Crystal Growth
Authors: Yue Qiudi , Kutukova Kristina , Li Ang , Čejka Jiří , Zschech Ehrenfried , Opanasenko Maksym
Published: May 2022

Invited for the cover of this issue are Maksym Opanasenko and co‐workers at Charles University in Prague, IKTS and deepXscan GmbH in Dresden. The image depicts a controllable crystallization mechanism that can be switched from classical to reversed crystal growth by manipulating the interplay between silica particles and the structure‐directing agent. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202200590.
Further refining 2020ESGO/ESTRO/ESPmolecular risk classes in patients with early‐stage endometrial cancer: A propensity score–matched analysis
Authors: Nero Camilla , Pasciuto Tina , Cappuccio Serena , Corrado Giacomo , Pelligra Silvia , Zannoni Gian Franco , Santoro Angela , Piermattei Alessia , Minucci Angelo , Lorusso Domenica , Fanfani Francesco , Scambia Giovanni
Published: May 2022

Background

The integration of molecular features with clinicopathological findings in endometrial cancer classification seems to be able to significantly refine risk assessment. Nevertheless, clinical management remains challenging, and different therapeutic options are available for each class. Further prognostic characterization of the subgroups within each risk class could be helpful in the decision‐making process.

Methods

This study evaluated the role of the 2020 European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO)/European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)/European Society of Pathology (ESP) risk assessment system and the three prognostic profiles adopted in the PORTEC‐4a trial in predicting disease‐free and overall survival in a retrospective study cohort of patients with early‐stage endometrial cancer. Patients were selected according to a 1:2 propensity score matching analysis. Moreover, the sequencing of 29 genes was undertaken for tumor samples.

Results

The study included 137 patients. No differences in disease‐free or overall survival at 5 years were observed among the 2020 ESGO/ESTRO/ESP risk classes without molecular features (p = .766 andp = .176, respectively). Once molecular features were integrated, the probability of overall survival was significantly different (p = .011). When the three prognostic profiles were applied, the probability of recurrence had apvalue of .097, and significant differences were observed in overall survival (p = .004). Among patients experiencing recurrence, 17.6% showed mutations inBRCA1/2, RAD50, BRIP1, andXRCC2, whereas 22.5% had PD‐L1–positive expression and anMUTYHmutation.

Conclusions

Further stratification within each risk class according to the most relevant prognostic features could better define the prognosis of patients with early‐stage endometrial cancer. Nearly half of the patients who experienced recurrence showed a targetable molecular alteration for which dedicated trials should be encouraged.
Effects of post‐flowering heat stress on chlorophyll content and yield components of a spring wheat diversity panel
Authors: Fu Jianming , Krishna Jagadish S. V. , Bowden Robert L.
Published: May 2022

High temperature has been a major limiting factor for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity and will become a significant driver of yield loss as global warming progresses. Many wheat‐growing regions worldwide experience terminal heat stress during the grain‐filling period, resulting in grain yield reduction. A sustainable solution to mitigate heat stress‐induced damage is to develop heat‐tolerant cultivars. To achieve this, identifying tolerant lines is essential to incorporate heat stress resilience into commercial varieties. Our working hypothesis was that retaining chlorophyll content during post‐flowering heat stress will reduce yield losses. In this study, we evaluated the terminal heat stress tolerance of 254 diverse spring wheat lines from North American and Australian wheat‐breeding programs in two independent experiments. The plants were grown in individual pots under controlled environments. Significant genetic variation was observed for the ability to retain post‐stress chlorophyll content and yield components. Grain yield per plant and individual grain weight were significantly correlated with chlorophyll content under heat stress. The reduction in grain yield per plant was contributed more by the reduction of the individual grain weight than by the grain number under heat stress. A highly tolerant line, cultivar Otis, retained 79.2% chlorophyll content relative to control, and also recorded 55% greater chlorophyll content than the average of all 254 lines, at the end of 16 d of severe heat stress treatment. Mapping populations are being developed using Otis, with an aim to identify the genetic basis of chlorophyll retention under terminal heat stress. Resilient wheat lines identified with high grain weight under stress will serve as useful resources for abiotic stress breeding programs.
To act or to react? The role of responsiveness in corporate social performance disclosure in preventing plastic pollution in the travel and tourism sector
Authors: Fait Monica , Meissner Dirk , Gregori Gian Luca , Monge Filippo , Cillo Valentina
Published: May 2022

A corporate social performance model is dependent on strategies involving the processes of social responsiveness. From this perspective, this article observes that the voluntary disclosure of corporate social performances (CSP‐D) is a proactive behavior based on “responsiveness” because it corresponds to the ability to reduce the gap between disclosed content and the perception of the content by stakeholders. The study examines the voluntary disclosure actions undertaken through social media by 60 T&T companies to communicate to their stakeholders how they contribute to reducing environmental negative externalities, plastic pollution in particular. Then, a co‐word analysis is carried out, adopting social network maps to highlight and compare the cognitive paths that characterize disclosure and reaction. The findings suggest that when the cognitive pathways of stakeholders tend to converge towards the behavior disclosed by companies, their expectations are met and this enhances CSP‐D effectiveness. Finally, social media are suitable for generating this alignment, reducing the legitimacy gap and building a good reputation.
Flying through the secure fog: A complete study on UAV‐Fog in heterogeneous networks
Authors: Gupta Akshita , Gupta Sachin Kumar
Published: May 2022

A drone or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is becoming a trending area for researchers worldwide. UAV's contribution is increasing in day‐to‐day life, whether it is in a military zone, disaster management, healthcare sector, smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT), urban air mobility, and many more. In contrast, UAV's limited computational capability and low‐energy sources pose significant challenges for real‐time data processing, storage, networking, and security that are critical in emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones. UAVs are rapidly used to satisfy user requirements as well as services. As the demand for UAVs aided heterogeneous wireless networks increases in critical emergencies, fog computing serves several benefits to fulfill users' demands in terms of low latency, support, data storage, mobility, availability, scalability, and so on. This study aims to present a comprehensive study with their technical aspects for understanding fog computing, security issues, privacy concerns, and risks, along with its solutions. This paper suggests the collaboration of UAV‐Fog architecture based on the four‐tier network consisting of smart things, local UAVs, UAV‐Fog, and cloud server, to control UAV's data and also described some of the security issues faced by this cloud infrastructure. Further, this research article also sheds new light on some scenarios of UAV‐Fog for such deployments, applications, opportunities, challenges, and their major security threats and their countermeasures. Afterward, we design taxonomy of the collaboration of UAV‐Fog with their respective approaches.
Synthesis of Diarylamines and Methylcarbazoles and Formal Total Synthesis of Alkaloids Ellipticine and Olivacine
Authors: Barrera Edson , Hernández‐Benitez R. Israel , González‐González Carlos A. , Escalante Carlos H. , Fuentes‐Benítes Aydeé , González‐Romero Carlos , Becerra‐Martínez Elvia , Delgado Francisco , Tamariz Joaquín
Published: May 2022

New and efficient strategies for the conversion of 4‐oxazolin‐2‐ones into 1‐methyl and 1,4‐dimethyl 3‐formylcarbazoles are herein described. Highly convergent cascade and one‐pot processes afforded the corresponding diarylamines, as in situ formed synthetic intermediates or final products in high overall yields. Special attention was given to the synthesis of methylated carbazoles by reacting 4,5‐dimethyl‐4‐oxazolin‐2‐ones with enones under microwave irradiation. The carbazole scaffold was provided by the palladium(II)‐catalyzed double C−H activation to generate oxidative cyclization of diarylamines. This methodology allowed for formal total syntheses of four naturally occurring pyrido[4,3‐b]carbazole alkaloids ellipticine, 9‐methoxyellipticine, olivacine, and 9‐methoxyolivacine.
Preparation of a zeolite imidazole skeleton–silica hybrid monolithic column for amino acid analysis via capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Qin Shili , Cui Hongshou , Chu Hongtao , Gao Lidi , Li Xue , Tang Yimin , You Xingyu , Dong Qing
Published: May 2022

We developed a novel, convenient and low‐cost one‐pot strategy for preparing a zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8)–silica hybrid monolithic column by adding ZIF‐8 directly to a polymer solution of the silica matrix. The simulated stationary phase and monolithic column prepared under optimal conditions were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis nitrogen physisorption and zeta potential. The results obtained confirmed the successful introduction of ZIF‐8 into the silica monolithic column, and the prepared monolithic column exhibited good permeability and physicochemical stability. A capillary electrochromatography method was developed based on a ZIF‐8–silica hybrid monolithic column through which 15 mixed amino acids, 4 neutral compounds, 4 nipagin esters and 2 chlorinated fungicides were separated in 14, 5, 7 and 6 min, respectively, under optimal conditions. The relative standard deviations retention times and column efficiencies in run‐to‐run, day‐to‐day and column‐to‐column varied in the ranges of 1.90%–2.21%, 2.13%–2.51% and 3.08%–6.65%, respectively, which demonstrated that ZIF‐8–silica hybrid monolithic column exhibited satisfactory reproducibility and stability. The incorporation of ZIF‐8 into a silica monolithic column is a promising method for preparing novel monolithic columns composed of a metal–organic framework.
Sleep duration and risk of cancer incidence and mortality: A pooled analysis of six population‐based cohorts in Japan
Authors: Wilunda Calistus , Abe Sarah Krull , Svensson Thomas , Sawada Norie , Tsugane Shoichiro , Wada Keiko , Nagata Chisato , Kimura Takashi , Tamakoshi Akiko , Sugawara Yumi , Tsuji Ichiro , Ito Hidemi , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Sakata Ritsu , Mizoue Tetsuya , Matsuo Keitaro , Tanaka Keitaro , Lin Yingsong , Inoue Manami ,   For the Research Group for the Development and Evaluation of Cancer Prevention Strategies in Japan
Published: May 2022

Sleep duration is emerging as an important modifiable risk factor for morbidity and mortality. We assessed the association between sleep duration and cancer incidence and mortality among Japanese adults using data from six population‐based cohorts with 271 694 participants. During a total follow‐up period of about 5.9 million person‐years, we identified 40 751 incident cancer cases and 18 323 cancer deaths. We computed study‐specific hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Cox proportional hazards regression models and pooled the estimates using random‐effects meta‐analysis. Sleep duration of ≥10 hours (vs 7 hours) was associated with increased risk of cancer incidence among women (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02‐1.38), but not men, and increased risk of cancer mortality among men (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.00‐1.39) and women (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.20‐1.73). Sleep duration of ≤5 hours (vs 7 hours) was not associated with cancer incidence and mortality. However, among postmenopausal women, sleep durations of both ≤5 and ≥10 hours (vs 7 hours) were associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality. Among Japanese adults, sleep duration of ≥10 hours is associated with increased risk of cancer incidence and mortality among women and cancer mortality among men.
Does financial fraud affect implied cost of equity?
Authors: Rind Asad Ali , Sarang Aitzaz Ahsan Alias , Kumar Ameet , Shahbaz Muhammad
Published: May 2022

The paper examines the relationship between financial fraud and a firm's implied equity cost. Using a U.S. sample of 15,552 firm‐year observations, we find a positive relationship between a firm's financial fraud and implied equity cost. Consistent with the monitoring channel, financial fraud increases a firm's equity cost in the presence of higher external and internal monitoring in terms of higher analyst coverage and institutional ownership. Our results are robust to alternate specifications and tests, including alternate definitions of equity cost, financial fraud, and other endogeneity concerns. The findings negate the business case of financial fraud by showing that financial fraud tends to enhance equity cost, thereby lowering the firm's value.
On proposing an intelligent model for tracking agrochemicals
Authors: Monteiro Emiliano Soares , Mignoni Maria Eloisa , Righi Rodrigo da Rosa , Costa Cristiano André da , Kunst Rafael , Barbosa Jorge Luis Victória , Alberti Antonio Marcos
Published: May 2022

Agrochemicals are products that, due to their hazardous nature and high cost, need to be monitored. The management of agrochemical packaging is generally precarious, and the supply chain needs more control due to its reverse characteristic. Traceability in the supply chain usually uses one sensor and not a combination of multiple sensors. The proposed model allows one to trace agrochemicals with reliable and immutable information coming from various sensors, solving problems of unreliable traceability, product theft, and product tampering. Unlike related work, this model contributes with a proposal segmented in modules that focus on security and scalability in controlling used packaging. In this case, the proofs of concept indicate detection of the opening movement of the safe cabinet from 5 lx (unit of illuminance) and movement of packages after a radius of 2 cm, and the data sending time between the model layers was around 1 second. The positive aspects are benefits for detecting intact products and packages openly within the production process and persistently; other benefits include better use of assets and management of the production chain, real‐time production data collection, classification, grouping, and prediction of events. Monitoring the packaging reverse chain and the possibility of transaction auditing. Benefits include better use of assets and management of the production chain, real‐time production data collection, classification, grouping, and prediction of events generated by the production operation, and persistence of this information for future transactions and audits. Farmers and society benefit from making production and supply chains cleaner and safer and reducing the risk of costly and environmental accidents.
Substance use and individual assets in urban adolescents: Subgroups and correlates in emerging adulthood
Authors: Min Meeyoung O. , Kim June‐Yung , Minnes Sonia , Kim Sun‐Kyung , Musson Rose Devon , Singer Lynn T.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

To investigate patterns of divergence in adolescent adjustment, this study examined the co‐occurring patterns of adolescents' individual assets (e.g., school engagement, values) and substance use, and whether the co‐occurring patterns were associated with later functioning in emerging adulthood.

Methods

Participants were 358 (54% females), predominantly African American, urban adolescents, recruited at birth for a prospective study on the effects of prenatal substance exposure in the Midwest United States. Individual assets, using the Developmental Assets Profile, substance use (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana), via biologic assays and self‐report, and substance use‐related problems were assessed at age 15 years. High‐school completion, substance use disorder, mental health symptoms, and legal problems were assessed at age 21 years.

Results

Latent class analysis identified five classes as follows: high assets with low substance use (C1, 10.2%); moderate assets with low substance use (C2, 28.7%); low assets with low substance use (C3, 32%); moderate assets with high substance use (C4, 9.4%); and low assets with high substance use (C5, 19.2%). Despite similar levels of assets, adolescents in C5 reported more life adversities (suboptimal caregiving environment, daily hassles, non‐birth parents' care) than those in C3. C4 and C5 reported more substance use disorder at age 21 years than the three low substance use classes; adolescents in C5 were less likely to complete high school than those in C2. More females in C5 reported greater mental health symptoms than those in C1 and C3, and criminal justice involvement than those in C1.

Conclusions

The current findings underscore the significance of substance use in adolescence in disrupting healthy transition to adulthood, especially among females in the context of low individual assets.
Adolescence dropout risk predictors: Family structure, mental health, and self‐esteem
Authors: Lawrence Kehinde Clement , Adebowale Titilola A.
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the predictive roles of family structure, mental health, and self‐esteem in dropout risk among school‐going adolescents in the Ibadan Municipality of Oyo State, Nigeria. A quantitative research design approach was adopted. A total of 287 school‐going adolescents with consistent record of absenteeism were randomly selected from 14 schools in the Ibadan Municipality. A single adapted questionnaire divided into sections was used to collect data. The hypotheses raised were tested using the Pearson's product–moment correlation and multiple regression analysis. The study established that the relationship between dropout risk, lack of family structure (r = 0.491, n = 287, p < 0.05), mental health (r = 0.373, n = 287, p < 0.05), and self‐esteem (r = 0.428, n = 287, p < 0.05) of the participants was significant. Furthermore, the joint influence of the predictive variables (family structure, mental health, and self‐esteem) was also significant on dropout risk (R = 0.489, adjusted R2 of 0.398). The study concludes that dropout risk among school‐going adolescents can be safeguarded with factors such as family structure, mental health, and self‐esteem as guided against. Hence, the family structure, mental health, and self‐esteem are very crucial if the upsurge of school dropout that is bedeviling the society will be reduced to bearable level or eradicated.
The Clock‐NAD+‐Sirtuin connection in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Aggarwal Savera , Trehanpati Nirupma , Nagarajan Perumal , Ramakrishna Gayatri
Published: May 2022

Nonalcoholic or metabolic associated fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MAFLD) is a hepatic reflection of metabolic derangements characterized by excess fat deposition in the hepatocytes. Identifying metabolic regulatory nodes in fatty liver pathology is essential for effective drug targeting. Fatty liver is often associated with circadian rhythm disturbances accompanied with alterations in physical and feeding activities. In this regard, both sirtuins and clock machinery genes have emerged as critical metabolic regulators in maintaining liver homeostasis. Knockouts of either sirtuins or clock genes result in obesity associated with the fatty liver phenotype. Sirtuins (SIRT1‐SIRT7) are a highly conserved family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)‐dependent deacetylases, protecting cells from metabolic stress by deacetylating vital proteins associated with lipid metabolism. Circadian rhythm is orchestrated by oscillations in expression of master regulators (BMAL1 and CLOCK), which in turn regulate rhythmic expression of clock‐controlled genes involved in lipid metabolism. The circadian metabolite, NAD+ , serves as a crucial link connecting clock genes to sirtuin activity. This is because, NAMPT which is a rate limiting enzyme in NAD+ biosynthesis is transcriptionally regulated by the clock genes and NAD+ in turn is a cofactor regulating the deacetylation activity of sirtuins. Intriguingly, on one hand the core circadian clock regulates the sirtuin activity and on the other hand the activated sirtuins regulate the acetylation status of clock proteins thereby affecting their transcriptional functions. Thus, the Clock‐NAD+‐Sirtuin connection represents a novel “feedback loop” circuit that regulates the metabolic machinery. The current review underpins the importance of NAD+ on the sirtuin and clock connection in preventing fatty liver disorder.
Structure, function and druggability of the African trypanosome flagellum
Authors: Sáez Conde Julia , Dean Samuel
Published: May 2022

African trypanosomes are early branching protists that cause human and animal diseases, termed trypanosomiases. They have been under intensive study for more than 100 years and have contributed significantly to our understanding of eukaryotic biology. The combination of conserved and parasite‐specific features mean that their flagellum has gained particular attention. Here, we discuss the different structural features of the flagellum and their role in transmission and virulence. We highlight the possibilities of targeting flagellar function to cure trypanosome infections and help in the fight to eliminate trypanosomiases.
Bisphenol A aggravates renal apoptosis and necroptosis in selenium‐deficient chickens via oxidative stress and PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Chen Huijie , Zhang Yue , Zou Mengmeng , Qi Xue , Xu Shiwen
Published: May 2022

Bisphenol A (BPA) in the environment can have deleterious effects on humans and animals. BPA can exert nephrotoxicity by inducing oxidative stress. Selenium (Se) deficiency can specifically impair kidney tissues and additionally show a synergistic effect on the toxicity of several environmental chemicals. However, the toxic effects of BPA on the chicken kidney and whether Se deficiency produces synergistic effects on the toxicity of BPA remain poorly understood. Herein, we established BPA exposure models and Se deficiency model in vivo and in vitro, and described the discovery path of BPA aggravation on apoptosis and necroptosis in Se‐deficient chicken kidneys via regulation of oxidative stress and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. We found that BPA exposure increased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, reduced activities of catalase, GPx, and superoxide dismutase, downregulated PI3K and AKT expressions, activated Bcl/Bax‐Caspase 9‐Caspase 3, and receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1/mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein signaling pathways, resulting in apoptosis and necroptosis in the chicken kidney. In addition, Se deficiency significantly promoted the expression of renal apoptosis and necroptosis in BPA‐exposed chicken kidneys. Altogether, our results showed that BPA aggravates apoptosis and necroptosis in Se‐deficient chicken kidneys via regulation of oxidative stress and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our findings elucidate the mechanism of BPA nephrotoxicity and Se deficiency exacerbation toxicity in chickens and will provide great significance for the protection of the ecological environment and animal health.
The non‐canonical nuclear functions of key players of the PI3K‐AKT‐MTOR pathway
Authors: Gupta Sakshi , Kumar Mukund , Chaudhuri Soumi , Kumar Arun
Published: May 2022

The PI3K‐AKT‐MTOR signal transduction pathway is one of the essential signalling cascades within the cell due to its involvement in many vital functions. The pathway initiates with the recruitment of phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinases (PI3Ks) onto the plasma membrane, generating phosphatidylinositol‐3,4,5‐triphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P3] and subsequently activating AKT. Being the central node of the PI3K network, AKT activates the mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1 (MTORC1) via Tuberous sclerosis complex 2 inhibition in the cytoplasm. Although the cytoplasmic role of the pathway has been widely explored for decades, we now know that most of the effector molecules of the PI3K axis diverge from the canonical route and translocate to other cell organelles including the nucleus. The presence of phosphoinositides (PtdIns) inside the nucleus itself indicates the existence of a nuclear PI3K signalling. The nuclear localization of these signaling components is evident in regulating many nuclear processes like DNA replication, transcription, DNA repair, maintenance of genomic integrity, chromatin architecture, and cell cycle control. Here, our review intends to present a comprehensive overview of the nuclear functions of the PI3K‐AKT‐MTOR signaling biomolecules.
The impact of medical therapy on left ventricular strain: Current state and future perspectives
Authors: Karev Egor , Verbilo Sergey L. , Malev Eduard G. , Prokudina Maria N.
Published: May 2022

The speckle tracking strain is becoming a frequently used marker of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Despite the wide range of data concerning left ventricular strain variability in the general population and its changes in various pathologic conditions, the information about the impact of medical therapy on left ventricle strain is limited. This article provides an analysis of published studies of left ventricle strain changes in response to different agents and combinations of medical therapies used for hypertension and congestive heart failure.
Yolk corticosterone and progesterone levels in Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) eggs vary in a changing social environment
Authors: Della Costa Natalia S. , Martella Mónica B. , Bernad Lucía , Marin Raúl H. , Navarro Joaquín L.
Published: May 2022

Maternal hormones in avian egg yolks may signal and prepare offspring for the prevailing conditions. However, this adjustment requires some degree of flexibility in regulating yolk hormone deposition. The Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) has a particular mating system that combines mixed polygyny and polyandry, communal nesting, and exclusive paternal care of chicks. In this species, we previously found that yolk hormone deposition varies among eggs of different captive populations and could influence chicks' physiology and behavior. However, it is still unknown whether females can modify yolk hormone deposition in a changing social environment. Using a captive population of Greater Rheas, in this study, we quantified yolk hormone levels before and after a reduction in the number of females present in the population. We found that females deposited on average higher yolk corticosterone and lower yolk progesterone after the change in their social environment. Since corticosterone deposited into the yolk comes exclusively from the female's plasma, our results suggest that females had, on average, higher plasma corticosterone levels. The change in the number of females may increase the events of male–male competitions, courtships, and matings, leading to an increase of corticosterone in the females' plasma and then into their eggs. Since we previously found that higher yolk corticosterone and lower yolk progesterone were associated with the production of chicks that have an attenuated stress response, the present study results suggest that yolk hormone deposition is mediated by flexible mechanisms that could adjust development to the prevailing conditions.
Use of a wireless ultrasound probe as a portable, noninvasive method for studying reproductive biology in the asp viper, Vipera aspis
Authors: Sassoè‐Pognetto Marco , Acierno Sonia , Roatta Silvestro
Published: May 2022

In this study, we investigated the use of wireless ultrasonography as an imaging system to study the reproductive ecology of the asp viper (Vipera aspis), a viviparous snake found in southwestern Europe. Female vipers were captured during the summer and immediately scanned to obtain an estimate of the number of embryos. Ultrasound imaging was performed with a pocket‐sized wireless ultrasound probe interfaced with a tablet with a dedicated app. Vipers were then released at the exact capture site after collecting data on body size and weight. We validate wireless ultrasonography as a non‐destructive, effective tool for ultrasonic investigations in the field. Wireless probes are light and compact, which facilitates carriage in rugged terrain. Moreover, the absence of cables simplifies the maneuvers to be made on a small, potentially dangerous snake. Importantly, ultrasound scans can be performed at the capture site, thus minimizing restraint time and handling of gravid females.
Humoral immune response to authentic circulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants elicited by booster vaccination with distinct receptor‐binding domain subunits in mice
Authors: Jiang Yushan , Zhang Huan , Yu Jianhai , Huang Dong , Zhai Linlin , Li Mengjun , Wang Yuelin , Ren Zuning , Zou Lirong , Zheng Zhonghua , Hu Huanyu , Zhang Junfang , Zhang Bao , Zhao Wei , Yang Xingfen , Li Baisheng , Shen Chenguang
Published: May 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants could induce immune escape by mutations of the spike protein which are threatening to weaken vaccine efficacy. A booster vaccination is expected to increase the humoral immune response against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in the population. We showed that immunization with two doses of wild type receptor‐binding domain (RBD) protein, and booster vaccination with wild type or variant RBD protein all significantly increased binding and neutralizing antibody titers against wild type SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants in mice. Only the booster immunization by Omicron (BA.1)RBD induced a strong antibody titer against the omicron virus strain and comparable antibody titers against all the other virus strains. These findings might shed the light on coronavirus disease 2019 booster immunogens.
A bivalent vaccine containing D614G and BA.1 spike trimer proteins or a BA.1 spike trimer protein booster shows broad neutralizing immunity
Authors: Du Peng , Li Ning , Xiong Xinxin , Tang Shengjun , Dai Qinjin , Liu Zhihai , Wang Taorui , Gu Xueping , Zhou Zhongcheng
Published: May 2022

The newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron variant, sublineages BA.1 and BA.2, recently became the dominant variants of concern (VOCs) with significantly higher transmissibility than any other variant appeared and markedly greater resistance to neutralization antibodies and original ancestral WA1 spike‐matched vaccine. Therefore, it is urgent to develop vaccines against VOCs like Omicron. Unlike the new booming messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine, protein vaccines have been used for decades to protect people from various kinds of viral infections and have advantages with their inexpensive production protocols and their relative stability in comparison to the mRNA vaccine. Here, we show that sera from BA.1 spike protein vaccinated mice mainly elicited neutralizing antibodies against BA.1 itself. However, a booster with BA.1 spike protein or a bivalent vaccine composed of D614G and BA.1 spike protein‐induced not only potent neutralizing antibody response against D614G and BA.1 pseudovirus, but also against BA.2, other four SARS‐CoV‐2 VOCs (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta) and SARS‐CoV‐2‐related coronaviruses (pangolin CoV GD‐1 and bat CoV RsSHC014). The two recombinant spike protein vaccines method described here lay a foundation for future vaccine development for broad protection against pan‐sarbecovirus.
Surgical outcomes of gastro‐entero‐pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors G3 versus neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: Li Mu‐Xing , Lopez‐Aguiar Alexandra G. , Poultsides George , Rocha Flavio , Weber Sharon , Fields Ryan , Idrees Kamran , Cho Cliff , Maithel Shishir K. , Zhang Xu‐Feng , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: May 2022

Background

To define surgical outcomes of patients with high‐grade gastro‐entero‐pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm grade G3 (GEP‐NEN G3).

Methods

Patients who underwent surgical resection between 2000 and 2016 were identified. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) of patients with gastro‐entero‐pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors grade G3 (GEP‐NET G3) versus neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) were evaluated.

Results

Fifty‐one out of 2182 (2.3%) patients who underwent surgical resection were diagnosed as GEP‐NEN G3. The pancreas was the most common primary site (n = 3772.5%). A majority of patients had lymph node metastasis (n = 3262.7%); one in three (n = 1631.4%) had distant metastasis. The median OS and RFS of the entire cohort were 56.4 and 34.5 months, respectively. Perineural invasion was a strong prognostic factor associate with OS after surgical resection. Patients with NEC had a worse survival outcome versus patients with NET G3 (median OS: 33.1 months vs. not attained, p = 0.088). In contrast, among patients who underwent curative‐intent resection, patients with NEC had comparable RFS versus patients with NET G3 (median RFS: 35.6 vs. 33.9 months, p = 0.774).

Conclusions

Surgical resection provided acceptable short‐ and long‐outcomes for well‐selected patients with resectable GEP‐NEN G3. NEC was associated with a worse OS versus NET G3.
Application of liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry methods to 45 weight loss compounds in health functional food, food, and illegal drug
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Jin Kim Su , Seo Min Kyeong , Ham Hyeon Joo , Jung Eun Ju , Kim Nam Sook , Kim Hyung Il , Baek Sun Young
Published: May 2022

In order to effectively and quickly monitor such illegal food and drugs, simultaneous screening and quantitative analysis for multiple compounds are needed. In this study, we established a method of identifying fragmentation ions of 45 compounds for weight loss using liquid chromatography and high‐resolution mass spectrometry and developed a quantitation method through liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Note that, 656 samples selected as health functional food, food, and illegal drug were applied. The detection rate of banned weight loss compounds in health functional food, food, and illegal drug was showed as 19.2, 27.3, 40.7%, respectively. Among them, sibutramine, sennoside A and B, ephedrine were most frequently detected in 237 samples that contained weight loss compounds. The detection range about sibutramine was 0.03–159.3 mg/g, sennoside was 0.1–97.6 mg/g, and ephedrine was 0.1–587.7 mg/g in the detected 237 samples. In addition, the unknown compounds not included in our simultaneous analysis method in some samples were identified as furosemide and chlorpheniramine. High selectivity of high resolution mass spectrometry combined with these fragmentation pathways and tandem mass spectrometry methods can be successfully applied to screening and identifying 45 weight loss compounds for continuous blocking and supervision of illegally distributed health functional food, food, and illegal drug.
Recurrent sudden sensorineural hearing loss—A literature review
Authors: Zhang Bang‐Yan , Wang Yu‐Chien , Chan Kai‐Chieh
Published: May 2022

Objective

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is one of the few emergent otologic conditions. Although more than half of all patients would benefit from timely treatment, recurrence occasionally develops unexpectedly. The aim of our study is to evaluate the recurrence rate after SSNHL, and present the prognosis after first‐episode and recurrent SSNHL.

Methods

A literature search was conducted of the PubMed and Embase electronic databases.

Results

Seven studies with a total of 3781 patients were included, and 96 patients experienced recurrence. The recurrence rate ranged between 1.4% and 17%. The average time to recurrence was about 2 years in most studies. The majority of the studies reported using systemic steroids for treating first‐episode SSNHL, and one study used a plasma expander in patients with recurrent SSNHL. The recovery rate for first‐episode patients was 58%–79%, while that for recurrent SSNHL ranged widely, from 21% to 86%. There were no common risk factors for SSNHL recurrence among the studies, although low‐frequency hearing loss, the presence of tinnitus during follow‐up, and an increased neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio have been proposed.

Conclusion

Understanding the recurrence rate, risk factors, and prognosis after recurrence of SSHNL is crucial for comprehensive medical care; in this respect, further prospective studies with long‐term follow‐up may be instructive.

Level of Evidence

4
Genetic Determinants of Survival in Parkinson's Disease in the Asian Population
Authors: Li Chunyu , Hou Yanbing , Ou Ruwei , Gu Xiaojing , Chen Yongping , Zhang Lingyu , Liu Kuncheng , Lin Junyu , Cao Bei , Wei Qianqian , Chen Xueping , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Wu Ying , Cui Yiyuan , Shang Huifang
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. Genetic variation was shown to play a role in the heterogeneity of survival for patients with PD, although the underlying genetic background remains poorly studied.

Objective

The aim was to explore the genetic determinants influencing the survival of PD.

Methods

We performed a genome‐wide association analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model in a longitudinal cohort of 1080 Chinese patients with PD. Furthermore, we built a clinical‐genetic model to predict the survival of patients using clinical variables combined with polygenic risk score (PRS) of survival of PD.

Results

The cohort was followed up for an average of 7.13 years, with 85 incidents of death. One locus rs12628329 (RPL3) was significantly associated with reduced survival time by ~10.8 months (P = 2.72E‐08, β = 1.79, standard error = 0.32). Functional exploration suggested this variant could upregulate the expression of RPL3 and induce apoptosis and cell death. In addition, adding PRS of survival in the prediction model substantially improved survival predictability (concordance index [Cindex]: 0.936) compared with the clinical model (Cindex: 0.860).

Conclusions

These findings improve the current understanding of the genetic cause of survival of PD and provide a novel target RPL3 for further research on PD pathogenesis and potential therapeutic options. Our results also demonstrate the potential utility of PRS of survival in identifying patients with shorter survival and providing personalized clinical monitoring and treatment. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Adipocytes‐Derived Exosomal microRNA‐1224 Inhibits M2 Macrophage Polarization in Obesity‐Induced Adipose Tissue Inflammation via MSI2‐Mediated Wnt/β‐Catenin Axis
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Yao Xiaoyan , Teng Yaqin , Zhao Tiantian , Lin Liangyan , Li Yuanyuan , Shang Hongxia , Jin Yongjun , Jin Qingsong
Published: May 2022

Scope

Phenotypic switch of macrophage polarization in adipose tissue has been associated with obesity‐induced adipose tissue inflammation (OATI). Therefore, this study aims to explore the possible mechanism of adipocytes‐derived exosomes (ADEs) carrying microRNA‐1224 (miR‐1224) in M2 macrophage polarization of OATI.

Methods and results

miR‐1224‐knockout (miR‐1224‐KO) mice for this study, and isolated primary adipocytes from high‐fat diet (HFD) or normal diet (SD)‐fed mice are developed. ADEs are extracted and cocultured with bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs). The macrophagic crown‐like structures (CLS) and M1 and M2 phenotype macrophages in epididymal white adipose tissue (epiWAT) are observed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The obtained data indicate that miR‐1224 is highly expressed in adipose tissues and adipocytes of obese mice. miR‐1224 knockout decreases CLS number and increases M2 macrophages polarization in epiWAT. In addition, miR‐1224 can be transferred to BMDMs via ADEs, which targeted musashi RNA binding protein 2 (MSI2) expression and inactivated Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, inhibiting macrophage M2 polarization and promoting inflammatory factor release.

Conclusion

Exosomal miR‐1224 derived by adipocytes targets MSI2 and blocks the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, which inhibits macrophage M2 polarization and promotes inflammatory factor release, ultimately promoting OATI.
Assessing perspectives of disease burden and clinically meaningful changes using the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Health Index in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Mazzella Allison , Cruz Rosángel , Belter Lisa , Curry Mary , Dilek Nuran , Zizzi Christine , Heatwole Chad , Jarecki Jill
Published: May 2022

Introduction/Aims

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatment may increase survival and improve physical function among adolescents and young adults. Validated patient‐reported outcome measures are needed to understand which treatment benefits are clinically meaningful and to develop targeted resources for this population. To date, use of the SMA Health Index (SMA‐HI) in pediatric and young adult populations has been limited. Here, we report results from a survey of adolescents and young adults with SMA to quantifiably understand individuals' perceptions of disease burden.

Methods

Participants aged 12–25 y with a self‐reported diagnosis of SMA completed an online survey containing demographic questions and the SMA‐HI, a patient‐reported outcome measure that assesses individuals' perceptions of disease burden in 15 symptomatic areas.

Results

Eighty‐eight participants completed the survey. Total SMA‐HI scores and SMA‐HI subscale scores including shoulder and arm function; back, chest, and abdominal function; activity participation; hand and finger strength; swallowing function; gastrointestinal function; respiratory function; mobility and ambulation, and total disease burden were significantly higher (greater disease burden) in patients with poorer motor function and severe SMA. SMA‐HI total and subscale scores were generally lower in adolescents (12–17 y old) versus adults (18–25 y old), suggesting a possible progression of symptomatic disease burden over time.

Discussion

This study demonstrates the utility of the SMA‐HI for measuring clinically relevant disease burden in adolescents and young adults with SMA. This study demonstrates how disease burden varies by age, SMA type, and other demographics.