bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural extracts against agricultural pathogens: A case study of Celtis australis L.
Authors: Perović Tatjana , Petrović Jovana , Gašić Uroš , Kostić Marina , Ćirić Ana
Published: March 2023

Plant extracts and other plant products have been used as an alternative to synthetic fungicides or an additional way to reduce their use. The choice of plant extracts and their application depends on their functional characteristics, availability, cost‐effectiveness, and their impact on phytopathogens, and also on the environment. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the potential of Celtis australis methanolic extracts as source of compounds with antifungal activity. Methanolic extracts prepared from leaves and unripe mesocarps of C. australis collected from different localities of Montenegro (Podgorica—PG, Donja Gorica—DG, and Bar—BR) were evaluated for their phenolic compounds' composition as well as antifungal and cytotoxic properties. Obtained results revealed that extracts contain various bioactive constituents including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their derivatives. The predominant phenolic acid was ferulic acid, identified in leaf samples from DG (187.97 mg/100 g dw), while isoorientin was the most abundant phenolic compound found in all examined samples. Regarding antifungal potential of the tested samples, all but one (prepared from mesocarp BR) possessed higher activity than Previcur, a commercial systemic fungicide intended to control seedlings. In vitro studies on HaCaT cell line showed that the extracts had no toxic effect toward the tested cell line. These results lead to the conclusion that methanolic extracts of C. australis can become an alternative to the use of synthetic fungicides in agriculture. Those extracts represent natural biodegradable fungicides and enable more efficient control of pathogenic fungi.
Exploring early career researchers' perspectives of training and funding opportunities: Motivations and setbacks when applying for the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research's fellowships and research funding
Authors: Hashem Ferhana , Huber Jörg , Egan Bernadette , Barnes Rebecca , Newby Christopher
Published: March 2023

Despite the availability of training and funding opportunities with the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), early career researchers (ECRs) invariably experience concern in sustaining an academic career in health research given the uncertainties of success following rejection from peer‐reviewed funding bodies. The objective of this study was to consider what motivates ECRs when applying for funding to NIHR programmes and how they overcome funding setbacks. Eleven ECRs took part in a one‐to‐one virtual in‐depth interview; the sample included more women (n = 8) than men (n = 3) and participants included pre‐doctoral researchers (n = 5), and both doctoral (n = 2) and post‐doctoral (n = 4) ECRs. The interviews were analysed using the logic of a systems theory framework identifying factors impacting on ECRs occurring within an individual, within their social system and within their broader environment. The central themes that emerged from the data focussed on: (1) facilitators for ECRs to apply for NIHR funding; (2) exploring ECRs' setbacks and disappointments; (3) improving chances of funding; and (4) deciding to apply with a view to re‐applying in future. The participants' responses provided an honest and frank reflection of the uncertainties and challenges as ECRs in the current climate. Further strategies to support ECRs could be facilitated through local NIHR infrastructure, mentorship, better access to local support networks and hard‐wiring research into an organisation's strategic priorities.
Greenhouse gas emissions and ammonia loss of maize fertigation with a centre pivot system in the North China Plain
Authors: Fan Xinrui , Zhao Weixia , Li Jiusheng
Published: March 2023

Whether sprinkler fertigation stimulates greenhouse gas emissions and ammonia loss is an indispensable consideration for nitrogen management. To assess the effect of sprinkler fertigation on N2O, CH4, CO2 and NH3 emissions, three N recommendation methods for summer maize, including the local empirical value, mineral nitrogen method and modified mineral nitrogen method, and three topdressing methods, including no topdressing, one topdressing and two topdressings following intermittent rainfall events, were tested in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Surface irrigation with fertilizer broadcasting was used as the control treatment. The results indicated that nitrogen topdressing and rainfall promoted soil N2O, CO2 and NH3 emissions but had no obvious effect on CH4 emissions. The increasing nitrogen application rate increased gaseous nitrogen losses of N2O and NH3. Sprinkler fertigation with the modified mineral nitrogen method and two topdressings obtained the greatest yield and nitrogen use efficiency. Compared to the control treatment, the yield and nitrogen use efficiency in the sprinkler fertigation treatments was maximally increased by 20%, and the cumulative NH3 volatilization losses and gaseous nitrogen loss rate were both reduced by 16%, while the cumulative N2O emissions increased by 4%. No significant difference in global warming potential was obtained among all treatments.
Medical interpreter‐mediated genetic counseling for Spanish preferring adults at risk for a hereditary cancer syndrome
Authors: Joseph Galen , Lindberg Nangel M. , Guerra Claudia , Hernandez Cindy , Karliner Leah S. , Gilmore Marian J. , Zepp Jamilyn , Rolf Bradley A. , Caruncho Mikaella , Riddle Leslie , Kauffman Tia L. , Leo Michael C. , Wilfond Benjamin S.
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to identify interpretation challenges specific to exome sequencing and errors of potential clinical significance in the context of genetic counseling for adults at risk for a hereditary cancer syndrome. Thirty transcripts of interpreter‐mediated telephone results disclosure genetic counseling appointments were coded for errors by bilingual researchers, and the coders applied an overall rating to denote the degree to which the errors interfered with communication overall. Genetic counselors reviewed a subset of errors flagged for potential clinical significance to identify those likely to have clinical impact. Qualitative interviews with 19 interpreters were analyzed to elucidate the challenges they face in interpreting for genetic counseling appointments. Our analysis identified common interpretation errors such as raising the register, omissions, and additions. Further, we found errors specific to genetic counseling concepts and content that appeared to impact the ability of the genetic counselor to accurately assess risk. These errors also may have impacted the patient's ability to understand their results, access appropriate follow‐up care, and communicate with family members. Among interpreters' strengths was the use of requests for clarification; in fact, even more use of clarification would have been beneficial in these encounters. Qualitative interviews surfaced challenges stemming from the structure of interpreter work, such as switching from medical and nonmedical interpretations without substantial breaks. Importantly, while errors were frequent, most did not impede communication overall, and most were not likely to impact clinical care. Nevertheless, potentially clinically impactful errors in communication of genetics concepts may contribute to inequitable care for limited English proficient patients and suggest that additional training in genetics and specialization in healthcare may be warranted. In addition, training for genetic counselors and guidance for patients in working effectively with interpreters could enhance interpreters' transmission of complex genetic concepts.
Radiographers' decision‐making processes in the movement of pain‐afflicted adult trauma patients in planar diagnostic imaging
Authors: Talevski Christopher , Kilgour Andrew , Spuur Kelly
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The need to balance pain management and radiographic image quality is at the forefront of patient care in diagnostic radiography. This study aimed to identify the decision‐making that radiographers employ when undertaking planar diagnostic imaging for pain‐afflicted adult trauma patients and the factors that influence these decisions. Methods: A virtual focus group interview was undertaken with six experienced Australian radiographers using a realistic scenario and questions based on it. Thematic analysis was employed to explore how radiographers approached planar diagnostic imaging of trauma patients and what influenced decisions regarding patient movement. Results: Five key factors in radiographers' decision‐making were identified: assistance from the multidisciplinary team, understanding the patient, pain reduction methods, the patient being informed and radiographer competence. Radiographers were found to further utilise professional knowledge of image interpretation and anatomy and physiology, in conjunction with interpersonal capabilities, to undertake radiographic examinations. Conclusion: The decision‐making process that informs the movement of pain‐afflicted adult trauma patients is multifactorial, aligning with the broad healthcare principles of multidisciplinary teamwork, holistic management of the patient and professional knowledge and practice. Further research is needed to explore correlations with different patient groups to validate this research.
Blueberry extract alleviated lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation responses in mice through activating the FXR/TGR5 signaling pathway and regulating gut microbiota
Authors: Zhou Shanshan , Yang Li , Hu Liang , Qin Wen , Cao Yang , Tang Zizhong , Li Hua , Hu Xinjie , Fang Zhengfeng , Li Shanshan , Huang Zhiqing , Chen Hong
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Blueberry extract (BE) is rich in phenols, especially anthocyanins. Anthocyanins regulate the inflammatory response in mice and may be related to gut microbiota and bile acid receptors. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of BE on the inflammatory response by regulating gut microbiota and bile acid receptors in mice administered Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHOD

Thirty male KM mice were randomly divided into three groups: CON (control diet) group; LPS (LPS stimulation) group; and LPS + BE (LPS stimulation, 5% BE intervention) group.

RESULTS

our results showed that, compared with the LPS group, the addition of BE decreased the level of inflammatory factors in serum and tissues, inhibited the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway, protected the intestinal barrier and activated FXR/TGR5, which was related to gut microbiota (especially Akkermansia). The active component (e.g., cyanidin 3‐O‐glucoside, C3G) in BE may be an important factor in regulating gut microbiota.

CONCLUSION

BE alleviated the inflammatory response mainly by activating bile acid receptor expression and regulating the gut microbiota; this effect may be related to the composition of bioactive substances in BE. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Age‐related next‐generation sequencing mutational analysis in 1196 melanomas
Authors: Santamaria‐Barria Juan A. , Matsuba Chikako , Khader Adam , Scholar Anthony J. , Garland‐Kledzik Mary , Fischer Trevan D. , Essner Richard , Salomon Matthew P. , Mammen Joshua M. V. , Goldfarb Melanie
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

Melanoma mutational burden is high and approximately 50% have oncogenic mutations inBRAF. We sought to evaluate age‐related mutational differences in melanoma.

Methods

We analyzed melanoma samples in the Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange database. Targetable mutations were identified using the Precision Oncology Knowledge Base (OncoKB).

Results

We found 1194 patients with a common set of 30 genes. The top mutated genes in patients <40 years old (y/o) (n = 98) wereBRAF(59%),TP53(31%),NRAS(17%), andPTEN(14%); in 40–59 y/o (n = 354) wereBRAF(51%),NRAS(30%),TP53(26%), andAPC(13%); and in ≥60 y/o (n = 742) wereBRAF(38%),NRAS(33%),TP53(26%), andKDR(19%).BRAFmutations were almost mutually exclusive fromNRASmutations in <40 y/o (58/59). Mutational burden increased with age, with means of 2.39, 2.92, and 3.67 mutations per sample in patients <40, 40–59, and ≥60 y/o, respectively (p < 0.0001). There were 10 targetable mutations meeting OncoKB criteria for melanoma:BRAF(level 1),RET(level 1),KIT(level 2),NRAS(level 3A),TP53(level 3A), andFGFR2,MET,PTEN,PIK3CA, andKRAS(level 4).

Conclusions

Mutations in melanoma have age‐related differences and demonstrates potential targetable mutations for personalized therapies.
Artificial Nerve Conduit for Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Reconstruction in Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Watanabe Akihito , Kimura Yuki , Tsukamoto Shinji , Taniguchi Masanobu , Ito Suguru
Published: March 2023

Objective

Oncological reconstruction of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is sometimes necessary for RLN invaded by thyroid cancer. There have been no case reports of RLN reconstruction using artificial nerve conduits, which are often used for peripheral nerves. In this study, we retrospectively evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a collagen conduit with collagen filaments for RLN reconstruction cases at our hospital.

Methods

Artificial nerve conduits were used in seven cases of RLN reconstruction. Two patients had preoperative unilateral vocal cord paralysis with severe vocal cord atrophy, and two had vocal cord paresis without atrophy. The remaining three patients had functional vocal cords before surgery that had to be resected via surgery due to thyroid cancer infiltration of the RLN. Reconstruction was performed using RENERVE®, which is a collagen conduit. Voice examination and laryngeal endoscopy were performed 1, 3, and 12 months after surgery.

Results

There was no improvement in the phonetics of the two patients with vocal cord atrophy before surgery. In the remaining five cases, three with functional vocal cords improved to preoperative values, and two with vocal cord paresis improved to greater than preoperative values.

Conclusion

We report the first case series using an artificial nerve conduit for human RLN reconstruction. In cases of RLN resection when the patient has good voice quality pre‐operatively, reconstruction of the RLN using an artificial nerve may be a favorable option in cases where direct anastomosis or ansa cervicalis to RLN anastomosis cannot be performed.

Level of Evidence

4Laryngoscope, 133:1773–1779, 2023
GREAT LEADERS DELIVER GREAT RESULTS
Authors: Phillips Patti P. , Phillips Jack J.
Published: March 2023

The authors, leaders of ROI Institute, write about the impact of leaders, how they can drive positive results in organizations of all types, and the importance of Return on Investment (ROI). They write about specific leaders and organizations, such as Starbucks and Howard Schultz; and Gail McGovern, of The American Red Cross. “Great leaders deliver great results,” the authors contend, “including the financial and non‐financial impact they have in their organizations. Without impact, leaders are largely ineffective.” They note five areas within “The Basics of Accountability.” In area one, “Inspiring others means that leaders compel those who follow to feel or do something different.” In area two, “learning means that people gain new knowledge or insight from the leader.” In area three, “Doing more means a leader drives change.” In area four, “Often, impact is reflected in the performance data of an individual or organization.” In area five, “Is the impact worth the effort?” A chart depicts the five levels of success, which in their words are: 1‐Reaction and planned action. 2‐Learning. 3‐Application and implementation. 4‐Impact. 5‐ROI. They conclude that “the dilemmas about the business connection to leadership development can easily be resolved by shifting responsibilities for the entire team to focus on impact results.”
Proteoforms of β‐Casein, α‐s1‐Casein, α‐Lactalbumin, Serum Albumin, and Lactotransferrin Identified in Different Lactation Phases of Human Milk by Proteomics Approach
Authors: Ribeiro Alessandra Casagrande , Fontes Edimar Aparecida Filomeno , López Camilo José Ramirez , Sousa Wassali Valadares , Gomes Isabela Souza , Barros Edvaldo , Coimbra Jane Sélia dos Reis , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro , Silva Danielle Aparecida , Baracat‐Pereira Maria Cristina
Published: March 2023

Scope

Human milk (HM) has a wide range of proteins with biological and nutritional functions, essential for newborns. The roles of proteins and their proteoforms in HM are not fully understood. This study aims to assess, by 2‐DE proteomics, the differential proteoforms in HM, present in colostrum (COL), transition (TRA), and mature milk (MAT), aiming to contribute to understanding neonates’ protein needs.

Methods and results

HM samples are collected from 39 healthy lactating women. COL presents the higher concentration of essential amino acids. After MALDI‐MS/MS and bioinformatics analysis, proteoforms are differentially detected. Abundances of β‐casein (CSN2), α‐s1 casein, and α‐lactalbumin (LALBA) are higher in MAT; CSN2s are found in 11 spots and the isoforms increase in size as the pI becomes more acidic; regarding LALBA, two variant forms are found with different abundances in TRA and MAT; CSN2, LALBA, lactotransferrin (LTF), and serum albumin forms are present in all lactation phases.

Conclusion

This study reveals differential proteoforms in COL involved in tissue growth and body development, besides essential amino acids, and, in MAT, involved in muscle mass gain, strengthening of the immune system, and energy production. The results provide new insight about proteoforms involved in maturation of the newborn's organs and systems.
Great Achievements and Promising Technologies
Authors: Atwood Stephen P.
Published: March 2023

As we gain a foothold in the new year, I am finding many things to get excited about. For example, I can't remember a time when the TV and large‐size panel market has been this rich with diverse offerings and competing technologies.
Analyzing Optics' Pivotal Role in Augmented and Mixed Reality Displays
Authors: Guttag Karl
Published: March 2023

In designing a successful, engaging AR/MR display, optics knowledge is key.
Particle count estimation in dilution series experiments
Authors: Duan Yajie , Lin Chun‐Pang , Sargsyan Davit , Cabrera Javier , Livingston Christine , Vogel Robert , Sendecki Jocelyn , Talloen Willem , Geys Helena , Mohanty Surya
Published: March 2023

Estimation of microorganism concentration in samples (bacterial cells or viral particles) has been a focal point in biomedical experiments for more than a century. Serial dilution of the samples is often used to estimate the target concentrations in immunology, virology, and pharmaceutical industry. A new methodology, called joint likelihood estimation (JLE), is proposed to estimate particles such as the number of microorganisms in a sample from counts obtained by serially diluting the sample. It models count data from the entire single dilution series rather than using only specific dilutions. The theoretical framework is based on the binomial and the Poisson distributions and is consistent with the actual experimental process. The estimator of the target concentration is obtained by MLE with derived joint likelihood functions of the observed counts including right‐censored values. Simulations demonstrated that the new JLE method significantly increases precision and accuracy of the estimate compared to the existing methods. It can be applied to a variety of studies with similar experimental designs, especially when the number of particles in the neat sample is very large.
Characterization of hepatic fatty acids using magnetic resonance spectroscopy for the assessment of treatment response to metformin in an eNOS−/− mouse model of metabolic nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Lavin Begoña , Eykyn Thomas R. , Phinikaridou Alkystis , Xavier Aline , Kumar Shravan , Buqué Xabier , Aspichueta Patricia , Sing‐Long Carlos , Arrese Marco , Botnar René M. , Andia Marcelo E.
Published: March 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis and staging of disease. There is a clinical need for noninvasive diagnostic tools for risk stratification, follow‐up, and monitoring treatment response that are currently lacking, as well as preclinical models that recapitulate the etiology of the human condition. We have characterized the progression of NAFLD in eNOS−/− mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) using noninvasive Dixon‐based magnetic resonance imaging and single voxel STEAM spectroscopy‐based protocols to measure liver fat fraction at 3 T. After 8 weeks of diet intervention, eNOS−/− mice exhibited significant accumulation of intra‐abdominal and liver fat compared with control mice. Liver fat fraction measured by 1H‐MRS in vivo showed a good correlation with the NAFLD activity score measured by histology. Treatment of HFD‐fed NOS3−/− mice with metformin showed significantly reduced liver fat fraction and altered hepatic lipidomic profile compared with untreated mice. Our results show the potential of in vivo liver MRI and 1H‐MRS to noninvasively diagnose and stage the progression of NAFLD and to monitor treatment response in an eNOS−/− murine model that represents the classic NAFLD phenotype associated with metabolic syndrome.
Social media and deep learning reveal specific cultural preferences for biodiversity
Authors: Havinga Ilan , Marcos Diego , Bogaart Patrick , Massimino Dario , Hein Lars , Tuia Devis
Published: March 2023

Social media has created new opportunities to map cultural ecosystem services (CES) related to biodiversity at large scales. However, using these novel data to understand people's preferences in relation to these CES remains a challenge.

To address this, we trained a deep learning model to capture people's interactions with selected flora and fauna on Flickr as a cultural service related to biodiversity and compared this with citizen science data on iNaturalist, with photos of individual species considered as human–species interactions.

After mapping the distribution of people's interactions in Great Britain on Flickr and iNaturalist, we find significant spatial differences in people's preferences on the two platforms.

Using a second, pretrained deep learning model, we were also able to identify different preferences for species groups such as birds on social media versus citizen science.

To better understand people's preferences, we also compared people's interactions with species richness and abundance for a group of 36 bird species, sometimes finding large differences between people's interactions and these ecological measures.

Our findings demonstrate that social media can be used to include a wider range of preferences in CES assessments along‐side citizen science data. However, these preferences reflect only a limited first‐hand experience of biodiversity.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Frequency‐dependent dynamic moduli prediction for general bio‐inspired staggered platelet reinforced composites
Authors: Rao Yanni , Wan Wei , Wei Ning , Wang Kui
Published: March 2023

Load‐bearing biological staggered composites, like nacre, teeth, and bone, possess an exceptional combination of material properties like high stiffness and high toughness. To date, most of the analytical research are for nacre‐like bio‐inspired staggered composites, with highly overlapped platelets. But the collagen fibril‐like staggered composites, with slender or barely overlapped platelets, are out of their scope. This motivates this work. In this paper, based on the previous research, according to the elastic‐viscoelastic corresponding principle, an analytical model for dynamic properties of general bio‐inspired staggered composites is presented. Moreover, the effect of loading frequency in a wide range is studied. The accuracy of the model is verified by comparison with existing models and finite element simulations. Besides, parametric analyses and sensitivity analysis are conducted thoroughly. The results reveal that besides the platelet concentration and the platelet aspect ratio, the platelet overlap ratio also influences the damping behavior of bio‐inspired staggered composites to a certain extent; for biological/biomimetic composites with a larger overlap ratio, higher loss modulus is possible to be achieved, and the optimal aspect ratio is mostly within [5, 30]. These findings are of great significance to the optimal design of bio‐inspired engineering materials in the future.
Cooperativity and intermolecular hydrogen bonding in donor‐acceptor complexes of phenol and polyhydroxybenzenes
Authors: Lomas John S. , Rosenberg Robert E.
Published: March 2023

Cooperativity between intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonds is an important factor determining the strength of donor‐acceptor complexes. Its impact in poly‐1,2‐diols, notably polyhydroxybenzenes, is subject to debate. Density functional theory calculations have been performed on complexes of phenol, catechol, pyrogallol and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroxybenzene with pyridine, trimethylamine and trimethylphosphine oxide. Binding energies, proton NMR shifts, Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules analysis and Interacting Quantum Atoms (IQA) interaction energies reveal a positive cooperative effect of a topological intramolecular hydrogen bond (IMHB) in catechol relative to phenol, with insignificant or small negative effects of further HO groups. Except for catechol complexes, there are no topological IMHBs in any donors or their complexes, although all show Non‐Covalent Interaction isosurfaces. The absence of a topological IMBH in catechol itself is explained by electron density contour plots. Complexes of Me3N and Me3PO with catechol, pyrogallol and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroxybenzene display additional intermolecular hydrogen bonds, C‐H…H‐C and C‐H…O=P, respectively, with the hydrogen atomorthoto the bound HO group. The predominantly covalent or electrostatic character of the various hydrogen bond types is discussed in terms of the IQA energy partition scheme, which is also useful for characterising IMHBs in the absence of a bond critical point. These results further our understanding of the nature and the limits of cooperative hydrogen bonding in donor‐acceptor complexes.
Hormonal and genotoxic estrogen‐androgen carcinogenesis in the NBL rat prostate: A role for aromatase
Authors: Bosland Maarten C. , Vega Katherine , Horton Lori , Schlicht Michael J.
Published: March 2023

Background

Androgens are generally thought to cause prostate cancer, but the data from animal studies suggest that they must be aromatized to estrogen and act in concert with genotoxic estrogen metabolites. The objective of this study was to determine whether treatment with testosterone (T) combined with a nonestrogenic estrogen metabolite and a nongenotoxic estrogenic compound would all be necessary and sufficient for the induction of a high incidence of prostate cancer in the susceptible NBL rat strain.

Methods

NBL rats were treated with low‐dose testosterone via slow‐release Silastic implants and with the marginally estrogenic genotoxic catechol estrogen 4‐hydroxyestradiol (4OH‐E2) and the nongenotoxic estrogen 2‐fluoroestradiol (2F‐E2) and in one experiment the aromatase inhibitor letrozole via custom‐made slow‐release pellets. Animals were euthanized 52 weeks after implantation and their pituitaries and prostate complexes weighed and fixed in formalin. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained step sections were prepared and examined microscopically for proliferative lesions.

Results

Animals treated with 2F‐E2, with or without the other compounds, had enlarged pituitaries demonstrating its estrogenicity. Animals treated with T, with or without the other compounds, had enlarged prostates consistent with its androgenicity. Rats treated with T plus 2F‐E2 and 4OH‐E2 developed a high incidence of prostatic cancer (89%), while, surprisingly, rats treated with T plus only 2F‐E2 also had a high incidence of prostate cancer (95%) contradicting our initial hypothesis. To test whether the formation of E2 from T by aromatase could lead to estrogen genotoxicity and prostate carcinogenesis we then rats treated with T and 2F‐E2 also with letrozole and found that it reduced prostate cancer incidence by about 50%.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that long‐term treatment with a nongenotoxic estrogen (2F‐E2) and T as well as uninhibited prostatic aromatase activity generating genotoxic E2 are all required for induction of a high incidence of prostatic adenocarcinomas in NBL rats. These and previous data indicate that androgen receptor‐mediated action, estrogen receptor mediation, and estrogen genotoxicity are all required and sufficient for hormonal carcinogenesis in the NBL rat prostate. Interference with the estrogen genotoxicity is a potential approach to prostate cancer chemoprevention.
Cell‐Derived Vesicles for Antibiotic Delivery—Understanding the Challenges of a Biogenic Carrier System
Authors: Heinrich Eilien , Hartwig Olga , Walt Christine , Kardani Arefeh , Koch Marcus , Jahromi Leila Pourtalebi , Hoppstädter Jessica , Kiemer Alexandra K. , Loretz Brigitta , Lehr Claus‐Michael , Fuhrmann Gregor
Published: March 2023

Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) sparked substantial therapeutic interest, particularly due to their ability to mediate targeted transport between tissues and cells. Yet, EVs’ technological translation as therapeutics strongly depends on better biocompatibility assessments in more complex models and elementary in vitro–in vivo correlation, and comparison of mammalian versus bacterial vesicles. With this in mind, two new types of EVs derived from human B‐lymphoid cells with low immunogenicity and from non‐pathogenic myxobacteria SBSr073 are introduced here. A large‐scale isolation protocol to reduce plastic waste and cultivation space toward sustainable EV research is established. The biocompatibility of mammalian and bacterial EVs is comprehensively evaluated using cytokine release and endotoxin assays in vitro, and an in vivo zebrafish larvae model is applied. A complex three‐dimensional human cell culture model is used to understand the spatial distribution of vesicles in epithelial and immune cells and again used zebrafish larvae to study the biodistribution in vivo. Finally, vesicles are successfully loaded with the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin (CPX) and showed lower toxicity in zebrafish larvae than free CPX. The loaded vesicles are then tested effectively on enteropathogenic Shigella, whose infections are currently showing increasing resistance against available antibiotics.
Synergistic Functionality of Dopants and Defects in Co‐Phthalocyanine/B‐CN Z‐Scheme Photocatalysts for Promoting Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Reactions
Authors: Khan Imran , Khan Salman , Wu Shiuan‐Yau , Chen Hsin‐Tsung , Zada Amir , Linlin Liu , Ismail Ahmed , Ali Sharafat , Raziq Fazal , Haider Mustafa , Khan Javid , Ullah Sami , Ju Shin‐pon , Wang Shiliang
Published: March 2023

The realization of solar‐light‐driven CO2 reduction reactions (CO2 RR) is essential for the commercial development of renewable energy modules and the reduction of global CO2 emissions. Combining experimental measurements and theoretical calculations, to introduce boron dopants and nitrogen defects in graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), sodium borohydride is simply calcined with the mixture of g‐C3N4 (CN), followed by the introduction of ultrathin Co phthalocyanine through phosphate groups. By strengthening H‐bonding interactions, the resultant CoPc/P‐BNDCN nanocomposite showed excellent photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity, releasing 197.76 and 130.32 µmol h−1 g−1 CO and CH4, respectively, and conveying an unprecedented 10‐26‐time improvement under visible‐light irradiation. The substantial tuning is performed towards the conduction and valance band locations by B‐dopants and N‐defects to modulate the band structure for significantly accelerated CO2 RR. Through the use of ultrathin metal phthalocyanine assemblies that have a lot of single‐atom sites, this work demonstrates a sustainable approach for achieving effective photocatalytic CO2 activation. More importantly, the excellent photoactivity is attributed to the fast charge separation via Z‐scheme transfer mechanism formed by the universally facile strategy of dimension‐matched ultrathin (≈4 nm) metal phthalocyanine‐assisted nanocomposites.
Zn Microbatteries Explore Ways for Integrations in Intelligent Systems
Authors: Ma Jiachen , Quhe Ruge , Zhang Wenlan , Yan Yaping , Tang Hongmei , Qu Zhe , Cheng Yapeng , Schmidt Oliver G. , Zhu Minshen
Published: March 2023

As intelligent microsystems develop, many revolutionary applications, such as the swallowing surgeon proposed by Richard Feynman, are about to evolve. Nonetheless, integrable energy storage satisfying the demand for autonomous operations has emerged as a major obstacle to the deployment of intelligent microsystems. A reason for the lagging development of integrable batteries is the challenge of miniaturization through microfabrication procedures. Lithium batteries, generated by the most successful battery chemistry, are not stable in the air, thus creating major manufacturing challenges. Other cations (Na+, Mg2+, Al3+, K+) are still in the early stages of development. In contrast, the superior stability of zinc batteries in the air brings high compatibility to microfabrication protocols and has already demonstrated excellent practicability in full‐sized devices. To obtain energy‐dense and high‐power zinc microbatteries within square‐millimeter or smaller footprints, sandwich, pillar, and Swiss‐roll configurations are developed. Thin interdigital and fiber microbatteries find their applications being integrated into wearable devices and electronic skin. It is foreseeable that zinc microbatteries will find their way into highly integrated microsystems unlocking their full potential for autonomous operation. This review summarizes the material development, configuration innovation, and application‐oriented integration of zinc microbatteries.
Recent progress in studies of photocages
Authors: Li Yajing , Wang Maolin , Wang Fang , Lu Sheng , Chen Xiaoqiang
Published: March 2023

Photocages are a class of substances containing photosensitive groups, also known as “photoremovable protecting groups”, from which target substances are released upon exposure to specific wavelengths of light. The substances released in the light‐promoted processes have chemical or biological properties that enable them to carry specifically designed functions. As a result, photocages can be utilized in various fields such as chemistry, biology, and medicine. In this paper, progress made in research carried out in recent years aimed at developing photocage molecules with different photosensitive moieties is reviewed.
Modification of Octenyl Succinic Anhydride Starch by Grafting Folic Acid and its Potential as an Oral Colonic Delivery Carrier
Authors: Gao Xiang , Du Jing , Cheng Li , Li Zhaofeng , Li Caiming , Ban Xiaofeng , Gu Zhengbiao , Hong Yan
Published: March 2023

In this study, an oral colonic delivery system is designed using octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) starch grafted with folic acid (FA). OSA starch with different degrees of substitution (DS) (0.011, 0.027, and 0.039) is prepared by reacting OSA with waxy maize starch. To optimize the drug‐loading efficiency, the study choses OSA6 starch (DS = 0.027) as the substrate to prepare OSA starch grafted with FA (FA‐OSA6). Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirms the successful introduction of FA. The scanning electron micrograph indicates that the surface of the FA‐OSA starch granules is rough and uneven. Drug loading analysis shows that FA‐OSA6 starch efficiently loaded doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) up to 87.71%. In vitro release studies suggest that the drug‐loaded complex released only 15.8% DOX through the upper gastrointestinal tract. The cell viability assay shows that the drug‐loaded complex effectively inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells (Caco‐2). These results suggest that OSA6 starch grafted with FA has potential as an oral colonic delivery carrier for DOX.
Visualization of sacral nerve roots and sacral plexus on gynecological transvaginal ultrasound: feasibility study
Authors: Szabó G. , Madár I. , Hudelist G. , Arányi Z. , Turtóczki K. , Rigó J. , Ács N. , Lipták L. , Fancsovits V. , Bokor A.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To investigate the feasibility of identifying and measuring the normal sacral plexus (SP) on gynecological transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) examination.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study conducted at a single tertiary gynecological referral center, including consecutive women undergoing TVS for various indications between November 2021 and January 2022. A standardized assessment of the pelvic organs was performed and the presence of any congenital or acquired uterine pathology or ovarian abnormality was recorded. Visualization of the right and left SP was attempted in all cases. The success rate and the time needed to identify the SP were recorded and measurements of the SP were made.

Results

A total of 326 patients were included in the study. In all women, the SP was identified successfully on at least one side. SP were visualized bilaterally in 317 (97.2% (95% CI, 94.4–98.5%)) women. Only the right SP was seen in 3/326 (0.9% (95% CI, 0.2–2.7%)) and only the left in 6/326 (1.8% (95% CI, 0.6–4.0%)) (P = 0.5048). There was no significant difference in the median time required to visualize the right vs left SP (9.0 (interquartile range (IQR), 8.0–10.0) s  vs 9.0 (IQR, 8.0–10.0) s; P = 0.0770). The median transverse diameter of the right SP was 15.0 (IQR, 14.2–15.6) mm and that of the left SP was 14.9 (IQR, 14.4–15.6) mm.

Conclusions

We describe a novel method which allows for the consistent and rapid identification of the SP on TVS. Integrating assessment of the SP into routine pelvic TVS may be helpful particularly for women suffering from deep endometriosis. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The decomposition of neutron-antineutron oscillation operators
Authors: Chen Shao-Long , Xiao Yu-Qi
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We study the systematic decomposition of the dimension nine neutron-antineutron oscillation operators at tree and one-loop levels. We discuss the topologies’ generation and the assignment of the chiral quarks. The completed lists of the decompositions are provided. We furthermore show an example that the neutron-antineutron oscillation occurs at one-loop level, with the tiny neutrino mass being generated via the scotogenic model and proton decay being evaded.
Soft-collinear gravity with fermionic matter
Authors: Beneke Martin , Hager Patrick , Schwienbacher Dominik
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We extend the effective field theory for soft and collinear gravitons to interactions with fermionic matter fields. The full theory features a local Lorentz symmetry in addition to the usual diffeomorphisms, which requires incorporating the former into the soft-collinear gravity framework. The local Lorentz symmetry gives rise to Wilson lines in the effective theory that strongly resemble those in SCET for non-abelian gauge interactions, whereas the diffeomorphisms can be treated in the same fashion as in the case of scalar matter. The basic structure of soft-collinear gravity, which features a homogeneous soft background field, giving rise to a covariant derivative and multipole-expanded covariant Riemann-tensor interactions, remains unaltered and generalises in a natural way to fermion fields.
Dominance Regions for Rank Two Cluster Algebras
Authors: Rupel Dylan , Stella Salvatore
Published: March 2023

We study the polygons defining the dominance order on $${\varvec{g}}$$

g

-vectors in cluster algebras of rank 2 as in Fig. 1.
Empirical modeling of internal migration and commuting flows for economic regions in Norway
Authors: Kornstad Tom , Skjerpen Terje , Stambøl Lasse Sigbjørn
Published: March 2023

This article provides empirical results for internal migration and commuting flows using panel data for 89 economic regions in Norway for the years 2001–2014. The emphasis is on the potential effects of different incentive variables. We consider both in- and out-migration as well as in- and out-commuting with a common set of explanatory variables. We perform panel data analysis for four educational groups using seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) models, acknowledging that the effects of the incentive variables may vary across educational groups. Generally, we find weak responses to the incentive variables for the eight response variables, but they differ somewhat across the educational groups. The group comprised of those with a low education appears to be most responsive. An increase in an economic region’s relative wage rate leads to higher in-migration and lower out-migration for individuals with low education. Furthermore, an increase in an economic region’s relative unemployment rate leads to lower in-migration whereas out-migration is left unaffected for individuals with this type of education. Besides, an increase in the relative unemployment rate leads to a significant reduction in in-commuting for this group.
Comparison of two rapid automated analysis tools for large FTIR microplastic datasets
Authors: Moses Sonya R. , Roscher Lisa , Primpke Sebastian , Hufnagl Benedikt , Löder Martin G. J. , Gerdts Gunnar , Laforsch Christian
Published: March 2023

One of the biggest issues in microplastic (MP, plastic items  <5 mm) research is the lack of standardisation and harmonisation in all fields, reaching from sampling methodology to sample purification, analytical methods and data analysis. This hampers comparability as well as reproducibility among studies. Concerning chemical analysis of MPs, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscocopy is one of the most powerful tools. Here, focal plane array (FPA) based micro-FTIR (µFTIR) imaging allows for rapid measurement and identification without manual preselection of putative MP and therefore enables large sample throughputs with high spatial resolution. The resulting huge datasets necessitate automated algorithms for data analysis in a reasonable time frame. Although solutions are available, little is known about the comparability or the level of reliability of their output. For the first time, within our study, we compare two well-established and frequently applied data analysis algorithms in regard to results in abundance, polymer composition and size distributions of MP (11–500 µm) derived from selected environmental water samples: (a) the siMPle analysis tool (systematic identification of MicroPlastics in the environment) in combination with MPAPP (MicroPlastic Automated Particle/fibre analysis Pipeline) and (b) the BPF (Bayreuth Particle Finder). The results of our comparison show an overall good accordance but also indicate discrepancies concerning certain polymer types/clusters as well as the smallest MP size classes. Our study further demonstrates that a detailed comparison of MP algorithms is an essential prerequisite for a better comparability of MP data.
Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate interacts with alpha-synuclein and initiates its aggregation and formation of Parkinson’s disease-related fibril polymorphism
Authors: Choong Chi-Jing , Aguirre César , Kakuda Keita , Beck Goichi , Nakanishi Hiroki , Kimura Yasuyoshi , Shimma Shuichi , Nabekura Kei , Hideshima Makoto , Doi Junko , Yamaguchi Keiichi , Nakajima Kichitaro , Wadayama Tomoya , Hayakawa Hideki , Baba Kousuke , Ogawa Kotaro , Takeuchi Toshihide , Badawy Shaymaa Mohamed Mohamed , Murayama Shigeo , Nagano Seiichi , Goto Yuji , Miyanoiri Yohei , Nagai Yoshitaka , Mochizuki Hideki , Ikenaka Kensuke
Published: March 2023

Lipid interaction with α-synuclein (αSyn) has been long implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, it has not been fully determined which lipids are involved in the initiation of αSyn aggregation in PD. Here exploiting genetic understanding associating the loss-of-function mutation in Synaptojanin 1 (SYNJ1), a phosphoinositide phosphatase, with familial PD and analysis of postmortem PD brains, we identified a novel lipid molecule involved in the toxic conversion of αSyn and its relation to PD. We first established a SYNJ1 knockout cell model and found SYNJ1 depletion increases the accumulation of pathological αSyn. Lipidomic analysis revealed SYNJ1 depletion elevates the level of its substrate phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). We then employed Caenorhabditis elegans model to examine the effect of SYNJ1 defect on the neurotoxicity of αSyn. Mutations in SYNJ1 accelerated the accumulation of αSyn aggregation and induced locomotory defects in the nematodes. These results indicate that functional loss of SYNJ1 promotes the pathological aggregation of αSyn via the dysregulation of its substrate PIP3, leading to the aggravation of αSyn-mediated neurodegeneration. Treatment of cultured cell line and primary neurons with PIP3 itself or with PIP3 phosphatase inhibitor resulted in intracellular formation of αSyn inclusions. Indeed, in vitro protein–lipid overlay assay validated that phosphoinositides, especially PIP3, strongly interact with αSyn. Furthermore, the aggregation assay revealed that PIP3 not only accelerates the fibrillation of αSyn, but also induces the formation of fibrils sharing conformational and biochemical characteristics similar to the fibrils amplified from the brains of PD patients. Notably, the immunohistochemical and lipidomic analyses on postmortem brain of patients with sporadic PD showed increased PIP3 level and its colocalization with αSyn. Taken together, PIP3 dysregulation promotes the pathological aggregation of αSyn and increases the risk of developing PD, and PIP3 represents a potent target for intervention in PD.
Hypoxia-induced autophagy in triple negative breast cancer: association with prognostic variables, patients’ survival and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: El-Guindy Dina M. , Ibrahim Fatma MKh , Ali Dina A. , El-Horany Hemat El-Sayed , Sabry Nesreen M. , Elkholy Rasha A. , Mansour Wael , Helal Duaa S.
Published: March 2023

Autophagy is a cellular response to diverse stresses within tumor microenvironment (TME) such as hypoxia. It enhances cell survival and triggers resistance to therapy. This study investigated the prognostic importance of HIF-1α and miR-210 in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Also, we studied the relation between beclin-1 and Bcl-2 and their prognostic relevance in triple negative breast cancer. Furthermore, the involvement of hypoxia-related markers, beclin-1 and Bcl-2 in mediating resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in TNBC was evaluated. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate HIF-1α, beclin-1 and Bcl-2 expression whereas, miR-210 mRNA was detected by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (q-PCR) in 60 TNBC patients. High HIF-1α expression was related to larger tumors, grade III cases, positive lymphovascular invasion, advanced stage, high Ki-67 and poor overall survival (OS). High miR-210 and negative Bcl-2 expression were related to nodal metastasis, advanced stage and poor OS. High beclin-1 was associated with grade III, nodal metastasis, advanced stage and poor OS. Also, high beclin-1 and negative Bcl-2 were significantly associated with high HIF-1α and high miR-210. High HIF- 1α, miR-210 and beclin-1 as well as negative Bcl-2 were inversely related to pathologic complete response following NACT. High beclin-1 and lack of Bcl-2 are significantly related to hypoxic TME in TNBC. High HIF-1α, miR-210, and beclin-1 expression together with lack of Bcl-2 are significantly associated with poor prognosis as well as poor response to NACT. HIF-1α and miR-210 could accurately predict response to NACT in TNBC.