bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guidelines in Practice: Prevention of Unintentionally Retained Surgical Items
Authors: Cochran Karen
Published: October 2022

Retained surgical items (RSIs) are adverse events that can affect patients, surgeons, and nurses. Interdisciplinary teams should work to standardize surgical item accounting processes and help all perioperative team members prevent RSIs. AORN recently revised the “Guideline for prevention of unintentionally retained surgical items,” which provides background information on RSIs and ways to prevent them. The revised guideline describes the role of team communication coupled with specific nursing actions aimed at preventing RSIs. This article reviews key concepts from the guideline and discusses new or changed recommendations regarding a consistent interdisciplinary approach and standard counting procedure; accounting for soft goods, sharps and miscellaneous items, instruments, device fragments and explants, and foam pieces; reconciling count discrepancies; adjunct technology; and education. The article also provides a scenario related to implementing adjunct technology to prevent RSIs. Perioperative leaders and nurses should review the guideline in its entirety and apply the recommendations to prevent RSIs.
Vereinfachte Berücksichtigung der Rahmentragwirkung in Mauerwerksgebäuden
Authors: Kubalski Thomas , Butenweg Christoph , El‐Deib Khaled
Published: October 2022

Aufgrund der gestiegenen Anforderungen durch höhere Einwirkungen aus Wind und Erdbeben ist eine Verbesserung und Optimierung der Berechnungs‐ und Bemessungsansätze für Mauerwerksbauten erforderlich. Eine bessere Ausnutzung der Tragwerksreserven ist durch die Berücksichtigung der Rahmentragwirkung mit einer Aktivierung der Deckenscheiben in den Rechenmodellen möglich, die in der Praxis aufgrund der Komplexität der Wand‐Decken‐Interaktion bislang nicht ausgenutzt wird. Im vorliegenden Aufsatz wird ein vereinfachter Ansatz auf Grundlage der mitwirkenden Plattenbreite von Schubwänden aus Mauerwerk vorgestellt, der die wesentlichen Einflussfaktoren in parametrisierten Tabellen erfasst. Damit steht den Tragwerksplanern ein einfach anwendbares Werkzeug zur Verfügung, um die Rahmentragwirkung in der Mauerwerksbemessung anzusetzen.
The antitumor activity and pharmacokinetics research of PPD‐Arg (Tos) using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Jiayin , An Yang , Su Jun , Dong Qinghai , Xie Hongliu , Liu Jihua
Published: October 2022

In this study, a new compound PPD‐Arg (Tos) (PAT), an arginine derivative of 20(s)‐PPD, was synthesized via Fmoc‐Arg (Tos)‐OH and 20(s)‐PPD. The pharmacokinetic properties in rats, in vitro cytotoxicity, and cell apoptosis rates of protopanaxadiol (PPD) and PAT were determined. A sensitive bioanalytical method for pharmacokinetics using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was developed and validated. The result showed that the Tmax and t1/2 of PAT were significantly enhanced, indicating a long‐lasting effect in vivo. Compared to the PPD group, the PAT group showed higher bioavailability. PAT also exhibited higher antitumor efficacy than PPD against three cancer cells, especially the strongest inhibitory activity against Huh‐7, even more potent than the positive control of paclitaxel. Therefore, the apoptosis assay based on annexin V/propidium iodide–combined staining against Huh‐7 further demonstrated that PAT could induce apoptosis of Huh‐7 cells. Better pharmacokinetic properties and antitumor efficacy of the arginine derivative of 20(s)‐PPD were important. These findings could provide references for further clinical research on amino acid derivatives of PPD as antitumor agents.
Cyclophilin A‐mediated mitigation of coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Sekhon Simranjeet Singh , Shin Woo‐Ri , Kim Sang Yong , Jeong Dong‐Seok , Choi Wooil , Choi Bong‐Keun , Min Jiho , Ahn Ji‐Young , Kim Yang‐Hoon
Published: October 2022

Human cyclophilin A (hCypA) is important for the replication of multiple coronaviruses (CoVs), and cyclosporine A inhibitors can suppress CoVs. The emergence of rapidly spreading severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants has sparked concerns that mutations affect the binding ability of the spike (S) protein to the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) cell receptor, affecting the severity of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). Far‐western blotting and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) results revealed that hCypA interacts strongly with the viral SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain (RBD), with a binding affinity of 6.85 × 10−8 M. The molecular interaction between hCypA and the viral protein interface was shown using three‐dimensional structural analysis, which revealed the blocking of key residues on the RBD interface by hCypA. The RBD facilitates binding to the ACE2 receptor. The hCypA–S protein complex suppressed the binding of RBD to the ACE2 receptor, which a required event for CoV entry into the host cell. The reliability of this postulated blocking mechanism of the hCypA–SARS‐CoV2 RBD complex with ACE was confirmed by SPR and molecular interaction lateral flow (MILF) strip assay, which offers the immunochromatographic signal read‐outs. The emergence of new SARS‐CoV‐2 variants with key mutations in RBD had a negligible effect on the binding of the RBD variants to hCypA, indicating an effective mitigation strategy for SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. The MILF strip assay results also highlight the neutralizing effect of hCypA by effectively blocking RBD (wild type and its variants) from binding ACE2. Given the importance of hCypA in viral entry regulation, it has the potential to be used as a target for antiviral therapy.
The strategy of odor−taste−texture interactions to produce low salt bread: Oral processing and sensory properties
Authors: Faridi Esfanjani Afshin , Mohebbi Mohebbat
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

Since bread consumption has a significant role in enhancing salt intake in the human diet, this study aimed to decrease the salt level in bread while maintaining its desirable properties. The strategy of odor−taste−texture interactions was used to reduce the 50% NaCl level of the bread, in which gel emulsifier was a texture agent, cheese odor was an odor agent, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) and NaCl were taste substances. Bread characterizations (i.e., texture, structure, and mastication), properties of the bolus (i.e., texture and particle size distribution), and the sensory properties of low salt bread were investigated.

Findings

Bread samples with lower porosity had a denser structure, resulting in higher hardness. The low salt bread samples, formulated with a gel emulsifier (1% of flour weight), showed lower hardness and higher porosity (%). The bread samples with higher springiness needed a longer chewing time. The bread samples with larger air cell sizes resulted in bolus with smaller particle sizes. According to sensory analysis the interactions of gel emulsifier with taste in the bread matrix increased porosity and softness perception.

Conclusions

Odor−taste−texture interactions were an appropriate strategy to improve some of the sensory properties of low‐salt bread samples, such as increasing porosity, bread flavor, and softness.

Significance and Novelty

The present study investigated the impact of cheese odor‐NaCl‐MSG interactions combined with a gel emulsifier on the flavor and texture characterization of low salt bread.
Characteristics and health‐status outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation detected via health screening
Authors: Yamashita Terumasa , Kimura Takehiro , Ikemura Nobuhiro , Niimi Nozomi , Tsuzuki Ippei , Seki Yuta , Ibe Susumu , Hashimoto Kenji , Miyama Hiroshi , Fujisawa Taishi , Katsumata Yoshinori , Tanimoto Kojiro , Nagami Keiichi , Suzuki Masahiro , Kohsaka Shun , Fukuda Keiichi , Takatsuki Seiji
Published: October 2022

Background

Early detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) is important. Japan has a universal screening system, and regular health screening (HS) is available to support AF detection without a hospital visit. However, health‐related outcomes and other characteristics of HS‐detected and conventionally diagnosed AF remain unknown.

Hypothesis

That the characteristics and health‐related outcomes of patients with HS‐detected AF may differ from those of patients whose AF was detected by other procedures.

Methods

In total, 3318 consecutive newly referred AF cases were enrolled; demographic characteristics and health‐related and clinical outcomes were compared between two groups created based on the mode of AF detection (the HS and non‐HS groups). Health‐related outcomes were assessed using the AF Effect on QualiTy‐of‐life (AFEQT) questionnaire at baseline and after 1 year of follow‐up.

Results

AF was detected by HS in 25.0% of patients; these patients had lower CHADS2 scores (1.01 vs. 1.50, p < .001), higher prevalence of persistent AF (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval; 2.21, 1.88–2.60) and asymptomatic presentation (3.19, 2.71–3.76), and better baseline QoL scores (83.6 vs. 75.0; p < .001). Catheter ablation was more frequently performed in the HS group at follow‐up (44.4% vs. 34.1%; p < .001). At 1‐year follow‐up, the AFEQT scores of the HS group were significantly better in most subdomains.

Conclusions

In the Japanese registry, AF was detected via HS in 25% of patients referred to specialty centers for management. Notably, the overall health status of patients with HS‐detected AF improved after medical interventions, including catheter ablations.
Effectiveness of immunological agents in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Rekulapelli Akhil , E. Flausino Lucas , Iyer Gayatri , Balkrishnan Rajesh
Published: October 2022

Background and aim

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to claim millions of lives worldwide. Although its poor prognosis is largely attributed to the lack of adequate and precise detection technologies, cancer cells’ suppression of the immune system adds on to the difficulty of identifying abnormal NSCLC tumors in their early stages. Therefore, cancer immunotherapy, which activates the immune system and helps it fight tumors, has recently become the most sought‐after technique, especially in the advanced stages of NSCLC, where surgery or chemotherapy may or may not bring about the desired survival benefits in patients.

Methods

This review focuses on the various immunotherapeutic interventions and their efficacy in advanced NSCLC clinical trials. Monoclonal antibodies like anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 agents and anti‐CTLA‐4 antibodies, cancer vaccines, oncolytic viruses and adoptive T cell therapy have been discussed in brief. Furthermore, the effects of gender, age, and race on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and suggest plausible future approaches in the realm of immuno‐oncology.

Results

Immunotherapy is used alone or in combination either with other immunological agents or with chemotherapy. However, the efficacy of these strategies depends extensively on various demographic variables, as some patients respond perfectly well to immunotherapy, while others do not benefit at all or experience disease progression. By targeting a “hallmark” of cancer (immune evasion), immunotherapy has transformed NSCLC management, though several barriers prevent its complete effectiveness.

Conclusions

All these immunological strategies should be interpreted in the current setting of synergistic treatment, in which these agents can be combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and, or surgery following patient and tumor characteristics to proportionate the best‐individualized treatment and achieve superior results. To better pursue this goal, further investigations on cost‐effectiveness and sex‐gender, race, and age differences in immunotherapy are needed.
Dynamic cognitive maps for robot route planning in complex workplaces represented by abstract mazes
Authors: Huang Ying , Li Wei
Published: October 2022

Adaptive path planning and optimization for robots are a persistent challenge due to the lack of a cognitive map of the complex and dynamic environments. This paper presents a cognitive‐map‐based method for dynamic robot path planning by a formal maze model for workplace layouts representation. The maze model and global path trees provide a cognitive map for the robot to aware the environment. A theory of dynamic Paths Finding and Optimization (PFO) is developed. Powered by the PFO algorithm, a robot is able to autonomously explore the optimal path in a complex workplace by a single sight‐read of its layout. The maze based PFO methodology provides robot for an efficient real time path cognition and optimization algorithm for dealing with dynamic workplaces. A set of experiments demonstrates the efficiency of the method, which extends traditional stepwise robot vision technologies to cognitive‐map‐driven global path optimization.
Progress of Metal Halide Perovskite Crystals From a Crystal Growth Point of View
Authors: Xu Jiayue , Ma Jian , Gu Yankai , Li Yang , Li Yasheng , Shen Hui , Zhang Zhijie , Ma Yunfeng
Published: October 2022

Metal halide perovskites are demonstrated to show fascinating optical and electronic properties, including highly efficient luminescence, outstanding carrier transport behavior, and large light absorption coefficient. In particular, halide perovskite single crystals are characterized with superior optoelectronic performance and enhanced stability, emerging as competitive candidates for applications in solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, lasers, photodetectors, and high‐energy radiation detectors. Recently, remarkable advances have been achieved to grow perovskite single crystals, while there are also many challenges in the control of growth defects and further improvement of the crystal quality. Concerning these factors, recent progress of metal halide perovskite crystals from the view of crystal growth is systematically summarized. Moreover, some ongoing challenges and perspectives for halide perovskite crystals are also proposed, which will possibly provide deeper insight into the exploration of novel perovskite crystals and related devices.
A cotwin control study of associations between financial hardship and binge eating phenotypes during COVID‐19
Authors: Mikhail Megan E. , Ackerman Lindsay S. , Culbert Kristen M. , Burt S. Alexandra , Neale Michael C. , Keel Pamela K. , Katzman Debra K. , Klump Kelly L.
Published: October 2022

Background

COVID‐19 was associated with significant financial hardship and increased binge eating (BE). However, it is largely unknown whether financial stressors contributed to BE during the pandemic. We used a longitudinal, cotwin control design that controls for genetic/environmental confounds by comparing twins in the same family to examine whether financial hardship during COVID‐19 was associated with BE.

Methods

Female twins (N = 158; Mage = 22.13) from the Michigan State University Twin Registry rated financial stressors (e.g., inability to afford necessities) daily for 49 consecutive days during COVID‐19. We first examined whether financial hardship was associated with BE phenotypes across the full sample. We then examined whether cotwins who differed on financial hardship also differed in BE.

Results

Participants who experienced greater mean financial hardship across the study had significantly greater dimensional BE symptoms, and participants who experienced greater financial hardship on a given day reported significantly more emotional eating that day. These results were replicated in cotwin control analyses. Twins who experienced more financial hardship than their cotwin across the study reported greater dimensional BE symptoms than their cotwin, and participants who experienced more financial hardship than their cotwin on a given day reported greater emotional eating that day. Results were identical when restricting analyses to monozygotic twins, suggesting associations were not due to genetic confounds.

Conclusions

Results suggest that BE‐related symptoms may be elevated in women who experienced financial hardship during COVID‐19 independent of potential genetic/environmental confounds. However, additional research in larger samples is needed.

Public Significance

Little is known regarding how financial difficulties during the COVID‐19 pandemic may have contributed to increased binge eating (BE). We found preliminary evidence that financial hardship during COVID‐19 may be associated with greater rates of BE‐related symptoms even when comparing twins from the same family. While additional research is needed, results suggest that people who experienced financial hardship during COVID‐19 may be at increased risk for BE.
Spatial correlation reverses the compound effect of multiple stressors on rocky shore biofilm
Authors: Rindi Luca , He Jianyu , Benedetti‐Cecchi Lisandro
Published: October 2022

Understanding how multifactorial fluctuating environments affect species and communities remains one of the major challenges in ecology. The spatial configuration of the environment is known to generate complex patterns of correlation among multiple stressors. However, to what extent the spatial correlation between simultaneously fluctuating variables affects ecological assemblages in real‐world conditions remains poorly understood. Here, we use field experiments and simulations to assess the influence of spatial correlation of two relevant climate variables – warming and sediment deposition following heavy precipitation – on the biomass and photosynthetic activity of rocky intertidal biofilm. First, we used a response‐surface design experiment to establish the relation between biofilm, warming, and sediment deposition in the field. Second, we used the response surface to generate predictions of biofilm performance under different scenarios of warming and sediment correlation. Finally, we tested the predicted outcomes by manipulating the degree of correlation between the two climate variables in a second field experiment. Simulations stemming from the experimentally derived response surface showed how the degree and direction (positive or negative) of spatial correlation between warming and sediment deposition ultimately determined the nonlinear response of biofilm biomass (but not photosynthetic activity) to fluctuating levels of the two climate variables. Experimental results corroborated these predictions, probing the buffering effect of negative spatial correlation against extreme levels of warming and sediment deposition. Together, these results indicate that consideration of nonlinear response functions and local‐scale patterns of correlation between climate drivers can improve our understanding and ability to predict ecological responses to multiple processes in heterogeneous environments.
Research on land‐use evolution and ecosystem services value response in mountainous counties based on the SD‐PLUS model
Authors: Li Yao , Li Jiulin , Chu Jinlong
Published: October 2022

Rapid urbanization has caused changes in climate and environment and threatened the ecosystem with multiple risks. The ecosystem services capacity has shown a downward trend accordingly. It is significant to explore the spatio‐temporal evolution of land use and ecosystem services value (ESV) in mountainous counties at small scales, as it coordinates economic growth and ecological protection, and promotes sustainable and high‐quality development. Based on the SD‐PLUS model, the study simulated three scenarios of land‐use change in Qianshan city from 2019 to 2035: high‐growth rate, medium‐growth rate, and low‐growth rate, and studied the impacts of land‐use change on the ESV. Results showed that: (1) Under the three scenarios, the construction land in the study area increased significantly, the forest and water have a decreasing trend, and the scale of gardens partly increased. (2) In the urban built‐up areas, a significant amount of construction land is centrally expanded, whereas, in mountainous regions, construction land exhibits sporadic point expansion. And among the various factors that influence land‐use change, the impact of roads at all levels is the most significant, followed by elevation. (3) The overall ESV shows a downward trend, with the low‐growth rate scenario dropping the least (4.91%). The value distribution changes little at the space scale, and different regions demonstrate different degrees of change. From the perspective of value type, the service values of water conservation and waste treatment are significantly reduced, while that of food production is relatively stable; from the perspective of various lands with their ESV, cultivated land and forest remain stable. The study results can provide technical ideas for the coordinated economic development and ecological protection of mountainous cities and boost the implementation of green development.
A possible genomic footprint of polygenic adaptation on population divergence in seed beetles?
Authors: Arnqvist Göran , Sayadi Ahmed
Published: October 2022

Efforts to unravel the genomic basis of incipient speciation are hampered by a mismatch between our toolkit and our understanding of the ecology and genetics of adaptation. While the former is focused on detecting selective sweeps involving few independently acting or linked speciation genes, the latter states that divergence typically occurs in polygenic traits under stabilizing selection. Here, we ask whether a role of stabilizing selection on polygenic traits in population divergence may be unveiled by using a phenotypically informed integrative approach, based on genome‐wide variation segregating in divergent populations. We compare three divergent populations of seed beetles (Callosobruchus maculatus) where previous work has demonstrated a prominent role for stabilizing selection on, and population divergence in, key life history traits that reflect rate‐dependent metabolic processes. We derive and assess predictions regarding the expected pattern of covariation between genetic variation segregating within populations and genetic differentiation between populations. Population differentiation was considerable (mean FST = 0.23–0.26) and was primarily built by genes showing high selective constraints and an imbalance in inferred selection in different populations (positive Tajima's DNS in one and negative in one), and this set of genes was enriched with genes with a metabolic function. Repeatability of relative population differentiation was low at the level of individual genes but higher at the level of broad functional classes, again spotlighting metabolic genes. Absolute differentiation (dXY) showed a very different general pattern at this scale of divergence, more consistent with an important role for genetic drift. Although our exploration is consistent with stabilizing selection on polygenic metabolic phenotypes as an important engine of genome‐wide relative population divergence and incipient speciation in our study system, we note that it is exceedingly difficult to firmly exclude other scenarios.
Including a spatial predictive process in band recovery models improves inference for Lincoln estimates of animal abundance
Authors: Gonnerman Matthew , Linden Daniel W. , Shea Stephanie A. , Sullivan Kelsey , Kamath Pauline , Blomberg Erik
Published: October 2022

Abundance estimation is a critical component of conservation planning, particularly for exploited species where managers set regulations to restrict harvest based on current population size. An increasingly common approach for abundance estimation is through integrated population modeling (IPM), which uses multiple data sources in a joint likelihood to estimate abundance and additional demographic parameters. Lincoln estimators are one commonly used IPM component for harvested species, which combine information on the rate and total number of individuals harvested within an integrated band‐recovery framework to estimate abundance at large scales. A major assumption of the Lincoln estimator is that banding and recoveries are representative of the whole population, which may be violated if major sources of spatial heterogeneity in survival or harvest rates are not incorporated into the model. We developed an approach to account for spatial variation in harvest rates using a spatial predictive process, which we incorporated into a Lincoln estimator IPM. We simulated data under different configurations of sample sizes, harvest rates, and sources of spatial heterogeneity in harvest rate to assess potential model bias in parameter estimates. We then applied the model to data collected from a field study of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallapavo) to estimate local and statewide abundance in Maine, USA. We found that the band recovery model that incorporated a spatial predictive process consistently provided estimates of adult and juvenile abundance with low bias across a variety of spatial configurations of harvest rate and sampling intensities. When applied to data collected on wild turkeys, a model that did not incorporate spatial heterogeneity underestimated the harvest rate in some subregions. Consistent with simulation results, this led to overestimation of both local and statewide abundance. Our work demonstrates that a spatial predictive process is a viable mechanism to account for spatial variation in harvest rates and limit bias in abundance estimates. This approach could be extended to large‐scale band recovery data sets and has applicability for the estimation of population parameters in other ecological models as well.
Extremely divergent COI sequences within an amphipod species complex: A possible role for endosymbionts?
Authors: Park Eunji , Poulin Robert
Published: October 2022

Some heritable endosymbionts can affect host mtDNA evolution in various ways. Amphipods host diverse endosymbionts, but whether their mtDNA has been influenced by these endosymbionts has yet to be considered. Here, we investigated the role of endosymbionts (microsporidians and Rickettsia) in explaining highly divergent COI sequences in Paracalliope fluviatilis species complex, the most common freshwater amphipods in New Zealand. We first contrasted phylogeographic patterns using COI, ITS, and 28S sequences. While molecular species delimitation methods based on 28S sequences supported 3–4 potential species (N, C, SA, and SB) among freshwater lineages, COI sequences supported 17–27 putative species reflecting high inter‐population divergence. The deep divergence between NC and S lineages (~20%; 28S) and the substitution saturation on the 3rd codon position of COI detected even within one lineage (SA) indicate a very high level of morphological stasis. Interestingly, individuals infected and uninfected by Rickettsia comprised divergent COI lineages in one of four populations tested, suggesting a potential influence of endosymbionts in mtDNA patterns. We propose several plausible explanations for divergent COI lineages, although they would need further testing with multiple lines of evidence. Lastly, due to common morphological stasis and the presence of endosymbionts, phylogeographic patterns of amphipods based on mtDNA should be interpreted with caution.
Novel food resources and conservation of ecological interactions between the Andean Araucaria and the Austral parakeet
Authors: Blanco Guillermo , Romero‐Vidal Pedro , Tella José L. , Hiraldo Fernando
Published: October 2022

In fragile ecosystems, the introduction of exotic species could alter some ecological processes. The Austral parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineous) shows close ecological and evolutionary relationships with the Andean Araucaria (Araucaria araucana), so any alteration in these interactions may have negative consequences for both partners and for ecosystem functioning and structure. We conducted extensive roadside surveys to estimate the abundance of parakeets in the northern Patagonian Andes over 4 years and recorded the food plants consumed by foraging flocks. The use of native habitats and humanized areas like villages and farms was influenced by the Araucaria seed crop. In masting years, the large seed crop allowed a massive use of this resource during the non‐breeding season, and even during the breeding season. The exploitation of exotic plants was minor in the masting year, but became predominant in non‐masting years, especially during the non‐breeding season. This feeding switch towards exotic plants primarily arose because the low Araucaria seed crop in non‐masting years is entirely consumed just after production by domestic and wild exotic mammals living in Araucaria forests year‐round, thus forcing the displacement of parakeets towards anthropic habitats to exploit exotic plants. Given the degradation of the remaining Andean Araucaria forests due to the impact of exotic mammals on the ecological interaction between Araucaria and Austral parakeets, ambitious programs to exclude or reduce the density of these alien mammals, including livestock, are warranted.
Effects of exogenous melatonin on the growth and cadmium accumulation of lettuce under cadmium‐stress conditions
Authors: Tang Wen , Liang Le , Li Rulong , Xie Yongdong , Li Xiaomei , Li Huanxiu , Lin Lijin , Huang Zhi , Sun Bo , Sun Guochao , Tu Lihua , Tang Yi
Published: October 2022

Melatonin (MT) is a signaling molecule that is widely present in plants and can help them resist abiotic stresses. In this study, the effects of different concentrations of exogenous MT on the growth and development of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under cadmium stress (50 μmol/L) were investigated. Based on their Cd accumulation differences, the “Hong Feng” and “Luo Ma” lettuce cultivars were selected as research materials. The results showed that different concentrations of MT could promote the growth of lettuce under 50 μmol/L cadmium stress. The application of exogenous melatonin can significantly increase the plant height, biomass, chlorophyll, soluble protein and soluble sugar content of lettuce, and increase the net photosynthetic rate. MT could also reduce the malondialdehyde content in lettuce under cadmium stress and increase the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities. After treatment with different concentrations of MT, the Cd content in the shoots of both cultivars significantly decreased; in contrast, the Cd content in the roots was significantly increased, which limited the transport of Cd from underground to the shoots. In addition, both Cd stress and exogenous MT induced the synthesis of endogenous MT, and 50 μmol/L MT treatment most effectively induced this response. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that MT could alleviate the negative effects of Cd stress on lettuce with different Cd accumulation differences in terms of physiological indicators. Therefore, it provides a certain reference for the potential of MT to be applied to crops threatened by heavy metals.
Decolorization of soybean oil by acid‐activated Ca‐Bentonite (EL Gnater, Central Tunisia)
Authors: Chakroun Salima , Sghaier Dalel , Gaied Mohamed Essghaier
Published: October 2022

In the central Atlas of Tunisia, numerous outcrops of the upper Eocene provide smectitic clays. A representative sample (A) which was collected from the El Gnater region round El Ala underwent mineralogical and physicochemical analyses (granulometry, DRX, BET, FT‐IR, etc.). This clay showing percentage of the order of 80% in smectite were activated with hydrochloric acid to improve its physicochemical properties, and consequently to increase their decolorization power for soybean oils. The best results were obtained using clay, activated with 3 N hydrochloric acid for 3 h at 75°C (AA2). Indeed, the specific surface area increased from 44 to 119 m2/g. The characterization of physicochemical properties was carried out on the samples (A: raw, AA: activated at different acid concentrations 1.5, 3 and 4.5 N at 75°C during 3 h). Under optimal conditions, the decolorization power of AA2 clay (60.15%) was found to be better than that obtained by a bleaching earth imported from Germany (57.27%). These encouraging results allow the reduction or permanently stopping of these materials imports.
Recent advances and potential applications of flexible adsorption and separation materials: A review
Authors: Sun Qi‐Meng , He Jing‐Hui , Lu Jian‐Mei
Published: October 2022

In adsorption processes of the liquid or gas phase, a particular dynamic adsorption behavior caused by the reversible mechanical deformation (expansion or contraction) of absorption materials driven by the host–guest interaction is called “flexible adsorption,” and the materials with this particular behavior can be called “flexible adsorption materials.” Flexible absorption materials, such as crosslinked polymers, have received much attention from researchers due to their flexible framework structure and specific adsorption kinetics. They have shown great potential in gas storage and other energy applications. This paper reviews recent advances in the definition, theoretical development, and classification of flexible absorption materials. Potential application examples of flexible absorption materials in gas/liquid absorption and separation, functional devices, and energy catalysis are analyzed to guide their development.
Impact of upstream reservoirs on geomorphic evolution in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Yang Yunping , Zhou Liangping , Zhu Lingling , Liu Wanli , Wang Jianjun
Published: October 2022

Intensive human activities in river basins have substantial effects on fluvial hydrological and morphological processes and developmental trends. In this study, we assessed the evolutionary characteristics and developmental trends of the fluvial morphological system of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) downstream to understand the impacts of human activities on the fluvial hydrological–morphological system of the region. The results indicated that the Three Gorges Project (TGP) and other upstream cascade reservoirs promoted sediment retention, which in turn aggravated the trend of declining sediment load and cumulative scouring over a long distance in the channels downstream of the TGD. Approximately 84% of scouring occurred in the low‐water channels, along with thalweg scouring and riverbank collapse. Notably, extended operation of the TGP and other upstream cascade reservoirs has resulted in gradual changes in the downstream riverbeds. Specifically, we found that the most intensive scouring zone shifted downstream from the near‐dam Yichang–Chenglingji reach (0–408 km) to the Chenglingji–Hankou reach. The scouring–silting distribution in swales has also changed: the scouring of deep swales and silting on floodplains prior to the TGP have been replaced by the scouring of both deep swales and floodplains. The scouring intensity of riverbeds in the Yichang–Hukou reach (954 km) was slightly higher than that forecasted prior to the TGP; the scouring intensities increased significantly during 2013–2021, which could be attributed to the TGP and other upstream cascade reservoirs; river sand mining and waterway dredging are secondary factors. We conclude that, owing to the effects of sediment retention by cascade reservoirs in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (or Changjiang River), the cumulative scouring intensities of riverbeds in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River will continue to increase in future decades.
Competitive evolved sub‐clonal BCR::ABL1 and novel MSI2::PC fusion genes in myelodysplastic syndrome with isolated del(5q)
Authors: Zhang Yanqing , Liu Yang , Wang Tong , Wang Hui , Chen Xue , Cao Panxiang , Ma Xiaoli , Liu Mingyue , Xu Ping , Bi Hailiang , Pan Jiaqi , Jiang Yongfang , Li Xiaoyun , Wang Wei , Liu Hongxing
Published: October 2022

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) represents a group of neoplasms with extensive heterogeneity. Recurrent mutations in dozens of driver genes have been identified in over 90% of MDS cases, although fusion genes are rarely seen. We first report the competitive evolved sub‐clonal breakpoint cluster region (BCR)::ABL1 and novel MSI2::PC fusion gene in MDS with del(5q) in initial diagnosis that underwent dismal progression. However, the BCR::ABL1 clone vanished while the MSI2::PC clone rose to the major one with disease progression. A novel MSI2::PC fusion transcript was identified in initial diagnosis and disease progression of the patient through transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐seq) and Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) showed MSI2::PC/ABL1 expression at initial diagnosis and disease progression. In addition, mutation screening of 300 leukemia driver genes identified ARID2 c.5046del/p.F1682Lfs*19 and ZNF292 c.4565A > G/p.Q1522R mutation in bone marrow sample at initial diagnosis and disease progression. In conclusion, the dynamic process of the two fusion and phenotype manifestations may help to understand further the molecular significance of the anomalies of BCR::ABL1, MSI2, and PC in oncogenesis.
RNPS1 functions as an oncogenic splicing factor in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Deka Bhagyashree , Chandra Pratap , Yadav Priyanka , Rehman Ayushi , Kumari Sweta , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B. , Singh Kusum Kumari
Published: October 2022

Numerous recent studies suggest that cancer‐specific splicing alteration is a critical contributor to the pathogenesis of cancer. RNA‐binding protein with serine‐rich domain 1, RNPS1, is an essential regulator of the splicing process. However, the defined role of RNPS1 in tumorigenesis still remains elusive. We report here that the expression of RNPS1 is higher in cervical carcinoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA‐cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma) compared to the normal tissues. Consistently, the expression of RNPS1 was high in cervical cancer cells compared to a normal cell line. This study shows for the first time that RNPS1 promotes cell proliferation and colony‐forming ability of cervical cancer cells. Importantly, RNPS1 positively regulates migration‐invasion of cervical cancer cells. Intriguingly, depletion of RNPS1 increases the chemosensitivity against the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin in cervical cancer cells. Further, we characterized the genome‐wide isoform switching stimulated by RNPS1 in cervical cancer cell. Mechanistically, RNA‐sequencing analysis showed that RNPS1 regulates the generation of tumor‐associated isoforms of key genes, particularly Rac1b, RhoA, MDM4, and WDR1, through alternative splicing. RNPS1 regulates the splicing of Rac1 pre‐mRNA via a specific alternative splicing switch and promotes the formation of its tumorigenic splice variant, Rac1b. While the transcriptional regulation of RhoA has been well studied, the role of alternative splicing in RhoA upregulation in cancer cells is largely unknown. Here, we have shown that the knockdown of RNPS1 in cervical cancer cells leads to the skipping of exons encoding the RAS domain of RhoA, consequently causing decreased expression of RhoA. Collectively, we conclude that the gain of RNPS1 expression may be associated with tumor progression in cervical carcinoma. RNPS1‐mediated alternative splicing favors an active Rac1b/RhoA signaling axis that could contribute to cervical cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Thus, our work unveils a novel role of RNPS1 in the development of cervical cancer.
Controlling collagen gelation pH to enhance biochemical, structural, and biomechanical properties of tissue‐engineered menisci
Authors: Kim Jongkil , Bonassar Lawrence J.
Published: October 2022

Collagen‐based hydrogels have been widely used in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility. Enhancing mechanical properties of collagen gels remains challenging while maintaining biocompatibility. Here, we demonstrate that gelation pH has profound effects on cellular activity, collagen fibril structure, and mechanical properties of the fibrochondrocyte‐seeded collagen gels in both short‐ and long‐terms. Acidic and basic gelation pH, below pH 7.0 and above 8.5, resulted in dramatic cell death. Gelation pH ranging from 7.0 to 8.5 showed a relatively high cell viability. Furthermore, physiologic gelation (pH 7.5) showed the greatest collagen deposition while glycosaminoglycan deposition appeared independent of gelation pH. Scanning electron microscopy showed that neutral and physiologic gelation pH, 7.0 and 7.5, exhibited well‐aligned collagen fibril structure on day 0 and enhanced collagen fibril structure with laterally joined fibrils on day 30. However, basic pH, 8.0 and 8.5, displayed a densely packed collagen fibril structure on day 0, which was also persistent on day 30. Initial equilibrium modulus increased with increasing gelation pH. Notably, after 30 days of culture, gelation pH of 7.5 and 8.0 showed the highest equilibrium modulus, reaching 150 –160 kPa. While controlling gelation pH is simply achieved compared with other strategies to improve mechanical properties, its influences on biochemical and biomechanical properties of the collagen gel are long‐lasting. As such, gelation pH is a useful means to modulate both biochemical and biomechanical properties of the collagen‐based hydrogels and can be utilized for diverse types of tissue engineering due to its simple application.
The peritumoral brain zone in glioblastoma: where we are and where we are going
Authors: Giambra Martina , Di Cristofori Andrea , Valtorta Silvia , Manfrellotti Roberto , Bigiogera Vittorio , Basso Gianpaolo , Moresco Rosa Maria , Giussani Carlo , Bentivegna Angela
Published: October 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and invasive primary brain tumor. Current therapies are not curative, and patients' outcomes remain poor with an overall survival of 20.9 months after surgery. The typical growing pattern of GBM develops by infiltrating the surrounding apparent normal brain tissue within which the recurrence is expected to appear in the majority of cases. Thus, in the last decades, an increased interest has developed to investigate the cellular and molecular interactions between GBM and the peritumoral brain zone (PBZ) bordering the tumor tissue. The aim of this review is to provide up‐to‐date knowledge about the oncogenic properties of the PBZ to highlight possible druggable targets for more effective treatment of GBM by limiting the formation of recurrence, which is almost inevitable in the majority of patients. Starting from the description of the cellular components, passing through the illustration of the molecular profiles, we finally focused on more clinical aspects, represented by imaging and radiological details. The complete picture that emerges from this review could provide new input for future investigations aimed at identifying new effective strategies to eradicate this still incurable tumor.
We need to build the evidence: A systematic review of psychological first aid on mental health and well‐being
Authors: Hermosilla Sabrina , Forthal Sarah , Sadowska Karolina , Magill Elizabeth B. , Watson Patricia , Pike Kathleen M.
Published: October 2022

Ensuring effective mental health and psychosocial support is crucial following exposure to a potentially traumatic event and can have long‐term consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Psychological first aid (PFA) has become a widespread intervention of choice following exposure to conflict or disaster; however, its impact is unknown. This systematic review assessed PFA efficacy in improving the mental health and psychosocial well‐being of individuals exposed to potentially traumatic events. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, PTSDpubs, and EMBASE for peer reviewed studies evaluating programmatic outcomes of PFA, or an adapted intervention, published in English before March 9, 2021. Studies evaluating training outcomes or program feasibility were excluded. The primary outcomes were reported measures of participant mental health and psychosocial well‐being, with narrative results presented for each. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was applied. Of 9,048 potentially eligible citations, 12 studies with a total of 1,437 participants met the inclusion criteria. Only one study was a randomized controlled trial. The findings from all studies suggest a positive impact of PFA, with most reporting reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and distress, as well as improved ratings of mood, the experience of safety, connectedness, and a sense of control, among youth and adults. Risk of bias was generally high. Inconsistent intervention components, insufficient evaluation methodologies, and a high risk of bias within the reviewed studies present challenges in assessing PFA efficacy, and an imbalance between popular support for PFA and scant evidence of outcome data exists. Further research is needed to justify the proliferation of PFA.
Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Clinical Characteristics and Molecular Signatures
Authors: Lin Mei‐Chun , Hsu Chia‐Lang , Lai Shih‐Fan , Huang Yen‐Lin , Hsieh Min‐Shu , Chen Tseng‐Cheng , Chen Chun‐Nan , Wang Cheng‐Ping , Yang Tsung‐Lin , Ko Jenq‐Yuh , Tsai Mong‐Hsun , Lou Pei‐Jen
Published: October 2022

Objective/Hypothesis

Spindle cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSpCC) is a rare variant of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study evaluated the clinical characteristics and molecular signatures of such tumors.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Methods

Medical records of patients diagnosed with HNSpCC from 1996 to 2018 were reviewed. The clinicopathologic features, treatment modalities, and survival status were carefully recorded. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to evaluate the genetic signatures of HNSpCC.

Results

We found that among all 71 patients included in this study, the majority of them were male, with tumors developing predominantly in the oral cavity. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) rates were 64.6%, 49.5%, and 43.9%, respectively. A high local recurrence (LR) and distant metastasis (DM) rate (47.9%–25.3%, respectively) were observed. A significant proportion (28.2%) of patients with the worst prognosis had history of previous head and neck cancer (HNC) and had been treated with radiotherapy (RT). WES revealed that those post‐RT SpCC shared common mutations with their previous HNC (pre‐RT SCC), but gained additional genetic traits, such as hypoxia and cell‐ECM interaction that were favorable for survival in an irradiated microenvironment. Distinct genetic landscapes in primary and post‐RT SpCC were also found.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that HNSpCC is a unique entity with more aggressive behavior than conventional HNSCC. HNSpCC arising from a previously irradiated field is a predictor of dismal survival. Both genetic and microenvironmental factors contribute to this highly invasive tumor.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:2183–2191, 2023
Two temperate seagrass meadows are negligible sources of methane and nitrous oxide
Authors: Al‐Haj Alia N. , Chidsey Tyler , Fulweiler Robinson W.
Published: October 2022

Seagrasses are globally important ecosystems that can help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon (C). The net impact seagrass meadows have on the climate, however, also depends on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes. By not accounting for CH4 and N2O fluxes, we may be overestimating or underestimating the true C sequestration capacity of seagrasses. Yet, few observations of seagrass CH4 and N2O fluxes are available. Here, we quantified summer, dark/light CH4 and N2O fluxes across the sediment–water interface from seagrass meadows (Zostera marina) and adjacent nonvegetated sediments in two temperate bays with different environmental characteristics. On two occasions, we also estimated system wide air‐sea CH4 and N2O fluxes. We found the CH4 fluxes across the sediment–water interface varied between the two sites with one site emitting CH4 from vegetated sediments and a net zero flux at the other site. N2O fluxes across the sediment–water interface were not different from zero regardless of seagrass presence, although when we did measure a flux, there was more often a net uptake of N2O. We estimated that both systems were small net sources of CH4 and N2O to the atmosphere; however, the sediments are not likely the source of CH4 and N2O emitted to the atmosphere in the systems. Although the diffusive fluxes measured here are lower than those reported in the literature, they are consistent with our current understanding of seagrass sediments being variable sources of CH4 and potentially a negligible source or sink of N2O.