bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR-190 ameliorates glucotoxicity-induced dysfunction and apoptosis of pancreatic β-cells by inhibiting NOX2-mediated reactive oxygen species production
Authors: Lu Huinan , Yang Junyu , Li Juan , Yuan Huiping
Published: August 2022

Glucotoxicity-induced pancreatic β-cell failure contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Accumulating evidence reveals that miRNAs play a critical role in regulating pancreatic β-cell function and survival. In this study, we employed a self-assembled cell microarray (SAMcell)-based functional screening assay to identify miRNAs that are capable of regulating the dysfunction of β-cells induced by glucotoxicity. Among 62 conserved miRNAs we tested, miR-190 was identified as a candidate regulator that could effectively restore insulin expression in NIT-1 cells under high-glucose (HG) stimulation. Further analyses demonstrated that miR-190 was significantly down-regulated in HG-treated NIT-1 cells, as well as in the pancreas of diabetic mice. Mechanistic studies showed that Cybb is the direct target gene of miR-190, which encodes the gp91phox protein, a subunit of the NOX2 complex. Furthermore, both miR-190 overexpression and Cybb knockdown inhibited apoptosis and improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in HG-stimulated NIT-1 cells by attenuating the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). More importantly, a targeted delivery of mPEG-PCL-g-PDMAEMA nanoparticles/miR-190 complexes (PECgD NPs/miR-190) to the pancreas significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia, decreased fasting serum insulin levels, and improved glucose tolerance in diabetic mice. Taken together, our findings suggest that the miR-190/Cybb axis plays an important role in glucotoxicity-induced pancreatic β-cell failure. Restoring miR-190 expression levels may be a possible therapeutic strategy to protect β-cells in T2DM.
Implementing a Brief Evidence-Based Tier 2 School Mental Health Intervention: The Enablers and Barriers as Seen through a Clinical Team Supervisor Lens
Authors: Crooks Claire V. , Fortier Alexandra , Graham Rachelle , Hernandez Morena E. , Chapnik Eve , Cadieux Courtney , Ludwig Kristy A.
Published: August 2022

This paper describes the implementation of BRISC, a brief evidence-based intervention within an implementation framework; specifically, we provide a 5-year retrospective on the successes and remaining gaps of the approach. Interviews were conducted with 13 clinical team leads from diverse school boards in Ontario. Seven themes emerged from our coding: BRISC being seen as an effective and efficient practice, clinicians’ attitudes and self-efficacy, promoting system readiness, high-quality training, data-informed decision-making, effective clinical supervision, and communities of practice to create ongoing learning and professional development. These themes highlight the importance of considering different levels and systems in developing an implementation plan.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate‐lyase deficiency affects glucose metabolism in a way that abets oncogenesis
Authors: Afsar Sumaiya Y. , Alam Shah , Fernandez Gonzalez Carina , van Echten‐Deckert Gerhild
Published: August 2022

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), a bioactive signaling lipid, is involved in several vital processes, including cellular proliferation, survival and migration, as well as neovascularization and inflammation. Its critical role in the development and progression of cancer is well documented. The metabolism of S1P, which exerts its effect mainly via five G protein‐coupled receptors (S1PR1–5), is tightly regulated. S1P‐lyase (SGPL1) irreversibly cleaves S1P in the final step of sphingolipid catabolism and exhibits remarkably decreased enzymatic activity in tumor samples. In this study, we used SGPL1‐deficient (Sgpl1−/−) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and investigated the impact of S1P on glucose metabolism. Accumulated S1P activates, via its receptors (S1PR1–3), hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 and stimulates the expression of proteins involved in glucose uptake and breakdown, indicating that Sgpl1−/− cells, like cancer cells, prefer to convert glucose to lactate even in the presence of oxygen. Accordingly, their rate of proliferation is significantly increased. Activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway and hence down‐regulation of autophagy indicate that these changes do not negatively affect the cellular energy status. In summary, we report on a newly identified role of the S1P/S1PR1–3 axis in glucose metabolism in SGPL1‐deficient MEFs.
Incorporating Copper to Biodegradable Magnesium Alloy Vascular Stents via a Cu(II)‐Eluting Coating for Synergistic Enhancement in Prolonged Durability and Rapid Re‐Endothelialization
Authors: Li Ling‐Yu , Yang Zhou , Pan Xiang‐Xiang , Feng Bo‐Xuan , Yue Rui , Yu Bo , Zheng Yu‐Feng , Tan Jin‐Yun , Yuan Guang‐Yin , Pei Jia
Published: August 2022

Biodegradable magnesium‐based scaffolds present outstanding potential to revolutionize the treatment of coronary artery diseases, in which full recovery of arteries without long‐term irritation of implants is anticipated for averting adverse events associated with the permanent stents. However, overfast degradation of magnesium (Mg) alloys obstructs their extensive applications in terms of early structural failure and impaired biocompatibility. Herein, a facile copper‐incorporated coating system through nonaqueous phase synthesis of polydopamine is developed to facilitate Cu(II) capture along with robust film deposited on easily corrodible Mg, which subsequently enables sustained Cu(II) elution. It remarkably enhances corrosion resistance and impedes Mg degradation, which also contributes to improved, superior cytocompatibility, and abolished hemolysis. Moreover, through simultaneous control of Cu(II) and Mg(II) release to modulate the local microenvironment, a synergistic biochemical effect on desirable vascular cell selectivity is triggered for boosted endothelial cell viability and suppressed smooth muscle cell. Stent implantation into rabbit abdominal aorta thus exhibits accelerated re‐endothelialization completed in a week, and enhanced biological outcomes, alleviated complications and prolonged structural durability in 3‐month follow‐up. Collectively, this study opens up an alternative route of deploying a multifunctional surface modification strategy tailoring active interplay with the Mg matrix for better outcomes of next‐generation bioresorbable vascular stents.
A High Air‐Stability and Li‐Metal‐Compatible Li3+2xP1−xBixS4−1.5xO1.5x Sulfide Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Li–Metal Batteries
Authors: Ni Yu , Huang Chao , Liu Hong , Liang Yuhao , Fan Li‐Zhen
Published: August 2022

All‐solid‐state batteries are one of the most promising lithium–ion batteries as they are safe with high energy density and applicable to different occasions. Sulfide solid electrolytes (SSEs) are welcoming due to their good ionic conductivity and processability. However, as the SSE conductor is unstable when exposed to air, its development and application are limited. A series of new Li3+2xP1−xBixS4−1.5xO1.5x (X = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08) solid electrolytes are synthesized by co‐doping Li3PS4 with Bi and O, and the new electrolytes have better ionic conductivity and air‐stability than Li3PS4. The lithium ionic conductivity of Li3.12P0.94Bi0.06S3.91O0.09 solid electrolytes reached up to 2.8 mS cm–1 at room temperature, the highest and 9 times as high as that of Li3PS4. The doped solid electrolytes are compatible with lithium anode, and the cycling performance is improved. Importantly, the critical current density of Li3.12P0.94Bi0.06S3.91O0.09 electrolytes can reach to 1.2 mA cm–2. In particular, the Li|Li3.12P0.94Bi0.06S3.91O0.09|Li symmetric cells are stable even after 400 h running at 1 mA cm–2 and 25 °C. Bi2O3 doping SSEs are expected to be the next generation of all‐solid‐state lithium batteries due to their good ionic conductivity and air‐stability.
Programming Shape Memory Hydrogel to a Pre‐Encoded Static Deformation toward Hierarchical Morphological Information Encryption
Authors: Lu Huanhuan , Wu Baoyi , Le Xiaoxia , Lu Wei , Yang Qiu , Liu Qingquan , Zhang Jiawei , Chen Tao
Published: August 2022

Morphological information encryption such as gesture and sign language is a traditional but efficient way of information storage and communication. However, due to the limited deformability, almost all of the existing information encryption materials store and deliver information via the pattern or color changes on the 2D plane. Herein, a thermo and ion dual‐responsive shape memory hydrogel containing short alkyl chains modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVA‐C6) and polyacrylamide‐co‐polyacrylic acid [P(AAm‐co‐AAc)], is prepared. In this system, the ion‐responsive shape memory process of P(AAm‐co‐AAc) provides the preprogrammed morphological information and actuating force while the thermo‐responsive hydrophobic clusters of PVA‐C6 are utilized as a molecular switch to control the deformed posture within the deformation process. Incorporated with a photothermal particle, Fe3O4, the photothermal PVA‐C6 hydrogel is capable of generating diverse configurations that can be encoded as the corresponding information. With the assistance of the programmable NIR, the hydrogel can transfer to the encoded configuration and decrypt the information. Besides, the obtained morphological information can also be erased by immersing the hydrogel in hot water, in order to avoid the leakage of information. This study motivates the design and fabrication of deformable materials and provides a new insight into the information encrypt materials.
Irreversible Conductive Filament Contacts for Passivated van der Waals Heterostructure Devices
Authors: Na Youn Sung , Shin June‐Chul , Ji Eunji , Huh Woong , Im Inhyuk , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Jang Ho Won , Lee Chul‐Ho , Lee Gwan‐Hyoung
Published: August 2022

2D materials with atomic‐scale thickness have attracted immense interest owing to their intriguing properties, which can be useful for electronic devices. As ultrathin 2D materials are highly vulnerable to external conditions, passivation of 2D materials is required to maintain the stability of 2D electronic devices. However, 2D channels are embedded in passivation layers, making the formation of suitable contacts in passivated 2D devices challenging. Here, a novel method for fabricating irreversible conductive filament (ICF) contacts on a 2D channel passivated by hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) layers is demonstrated. Defective paths are formed in the top hBN layer of hBN‐encapsulated graphene (or MoS2) using oxygen‐plasma treatment, along which ICFs are fabricated by applying repetitive bias. ICF contacts formed in the combined paths of migrated metal atoms and vacancies are stable during device operation, which is in contrast with that the filaments in hBN memristors are reversible. Field‐effect transistors with ICF contacts exhibit a low contact resistance and high stability. This study shows a new contact method, which has great potential for high‐performance 2D electronics devices.
Living Biomaterials to Engineer Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niches
Authors: Petaroudi Michaela , Rodrigo‐Navarro Aleixandre , Dobre Oana , Dalby Matthew J. , Salmeron‐Sanchez Manuel
Published: August 2022

Living biointerfaces are a new class of biomaterials combining living cells and polymeric matrices that can act as biologically active and instructive materials that host and provide signals to surrounding cells. Here, living biomaterials based on Lactococcus lactis to control hematopoietic stem cells in 2D surfaces and 3D hydrogels are introduced. L. lactis is modified to express C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), thrombopoietin (TPO), vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM1), and the 7th–10th type III domains of human plasma fibronectin (FN III7‐10), in an attempt to mimic ex vivo the conditions of the human bone marrow. These results suggest that living biomaterials that incorporate bacteria expressing recombinant CXCL12, TPO, VCAM1, and FN in both 2D systems direct hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs)–bacteria interaction, and in 3D using hydrogels functionalized with full‐length human plasma fibronectin allow for a notable expansion of the CD34+/CD38–/CD90+ HSPC population compared to the initial population. These results provide a strong evidence based on data that suggest the possibility of using living materials based on genetically engineered bacteria for the ex‐vivo expansion of HSPC with eventual practical clinical applications in HSPCs transplantation for hematological disorders.
Sprayable Antibacterial Hydrogels by Simply Mixing of Aminoglycoside Antibiotics and Cellulose Nanocrystals for the Treatment of Infected Wounds
Authors: Li Lin , Cheng Xuejing , Huang Quan , Cheng Yiyun , Xiao Jianru , Hu Jingjing
Published: August 2022

Antibiotic hydrogels with sustained release profiles are recognized as promising candidates to treat local bacterial infections with reduced adverse effects. However, it still remains challenging for clinical translation of these antibiotic gels due to safety concern of gel ingredients, complicated synthesis and fabrication procedures, and unsatisfactory rheological properties for practical uses in vivo. Herein, the preparation of a type of sprayable hydrogels by ionic interactions between aminoglycosides and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) is proposed for the treatment of local infections such as bacteria‐infected wounds. The CNC‐based hydrogels are applicable for all kinds of aminoglycoside antibiotics and show excellent gel stability and rheological behaviors such as shear thinning and fast self‐healing, allowing facile administration by injection or spraying. The hydrogels exhibit efficient antibacterial activity both in vitro and in vivo, and accelerate bacteria‐infected wounds by spraying on the infected area. The proposed hydrogels by simply mixing of aminoglycosides and CNC provide great prospects for clinical translation in the treatment of local infections.
Mechanochemical Ni‐Catalysed Arylation of ortho‐Hydroxyarylenaminones: Synthesis of Isoflavones
Authors: Mkrtchyan Satenik , Jakubczyk Michał , Lanka Suneel , Yar Muhammad , Mahmood Tariq , Ayub Khurshid , Sillanpää Mika , Thomas Christine M. , Iaroshenko Viktor O.
Published: August 2022

This work describes two new synthetic methods for the preparation of isoflavones following the Ni‐catalysed domino arylation reactions of the vast range of ortho‐hydroxyarylenaminones utilising aromatic bromides as well as carboxylic acids. The presented protocols tolerated significant variation of all coupling partners and enabled synthesis of isoflavone library of twenty‐three representatives. This is the first communicated precedent where the mechanic energy was utilised in the synthesis of isoflavones following the domino cyclisation mode.

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Clinical outcomes of single incision laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer: A propensity score‐matched analysis between well‐experienced and novice surgeons
Authors: Tei Mitsuyoshi , Suzuki Yozo , Ohtsuka Masahisa , Iwamoto Kazuya , Naito Atsushi , Imasato Mitsunobu , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Akamatsu Hiroki
Published: August 2022

Background

Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a recent advancement in minimally invasive techniques for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, SILS is a technically challenging procedure for novice surgeons. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of SILS for CRC performed by novice surgeons compared with those performed by well‐experienced surgeons.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 1004 consecutive patients with stage I‐IV CRC who underwent SILS between May 2009 and December 2018, using propensity score‐matched analysis.

Results

After propensity score‐matching, we enrolled 344 patients (n = 172 in each group). Before matching, significant group‐dependent differences were observed in terms of age (P = 0.034) and tumor location (P < 0.001). After matching, preoperative clinical factors were similar between groups, but operative time was longer in the Novice group (213 vs 171 min, P < 0.001). Other operative factors and morbidity rates did not differ significantly between groups. The number of harvested lymph nodes was smaller in the Novice group (23 vs 25, P = 0.040), and the number of patients with lymph node metastases was smaller in the Novice group (57 vs 86, P = 0.002). The 3‐year disease‐free survival rate was 85.8% in the Novice group and 89.9% in the Experienced group (P = 0.512). Three‐year overall survival rate was 92.2% in the Novice group and 90.0% in the Experienced group (P = 0.899).

Conclusion

SILS for CRC was safely performed by novice surgeons under the guidance of well‐experienced surgeons, and could provide satisfactory oncological outcomes.
Erythroferrone contributes to iron mobilization for embryo erythropoiesis in iron‐deficient mouse pregnancies
Authors: Sangkhae Veena , Yu Vivian , Coffey Richard , O'Brien Kimberly O. , Ganz Tomas , Nemeth Elizabeta
Published: August 2022

Erythroferrone (ERFE) is an erythroblast‐secreted regulator of iron metabolism. The production of ERFE increases during stress erythropoiesis, leading to decreased hepcidin expression and mobilization of iron. Pregnancy requires a substantial increase in iron availability to sustain maternal erythropoietic expansion and fetal development and is commonly affected by iron deficiency. To define the role of ERFE during iron‐replete or iron‐deficient pregnancy, we utilized mouse models expressing a range of ERFE levels: transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing ERFE, wild‐type (WT), and ERFE knockout (KO) mice. We altered maternal iron status using diets with low or standard iron content and performed the analysis at E18.5. Iron deficiency increased maternal ERFE in WT pregnancy. Comparing different maternal genotypes, ERFE TG dams had lower hepcidin relative to their liver iron load but similar hematological parameters to WT dams on either diet. In ERFE KO dams, most hematologic and iron parameters were comparable to WT, but mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was decreased under both iron conditions. Similar to dams, TG embryos had lower hepcidin on both diets, but their hematologic parameters did not differ from those of WT embryos. ERFE KO embryos had lower MCV than WT embryos on both diets. The effect was exacerbated under iron‐deficient conditions where ERFE KO embryos had higher hepcidin, lower Hb and Hct, and lower brain iron concentration compared to WT embryos, indicative of iron restriction. Thus, under iron‐deficient conditions, maternal and embryo ERFE facilitate iron mobilization for embryonic erythropoiesis.
An Overview of Monkeypox Virus and Its Neuroinvasive Potential
Authors: Pastula Daniel M. , Tyler Kenneth L.
Published: August 2022

Monkeypox virus (MPV) is an orthopox virus in the Poxviridae family that is currently of international concern. It is endemic to Central and Western Africa with two known viral clades. Various African rodents and primates are likely the natural reservoirs. Zoonotic transmission occurs by direct contact with infected animals (e.g., bites, scratches, slaughtering). Human to human transmission occurs through close contact with infected persons (e.g., respiratory droplets, skin‐on‐skin, or sexual contact) or fomites. Classically, human MPV disease first has a febrile prodrome with lymphadenopathy followed by a diffuse maculopapular to vesiculopustular skin/mucosal lesion eruption. In the current 2022 outbreak, which is primarily affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) currently, the febrile prodrome may be absent and skin/mucosal lesions may be isolated to the genital and anal regions. Rarely, MPV likely has the potential to be neuroinvasive based on animal models, previous case series, and preliminary reports currently under investigation. Even though neurologic manifestations of human MPV infection are rare, given the sheer numbers of increasing cases throughout the world, neurologists should be prepared to recognize, diagnose, and treat potential neuroinvasive disease or other neurologic symptoms. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:527–531
Adjunct Thrombolysis Enhances Brain Reperfusion following Successful Thrombectomy
Authors: Laredo Carlos , Rodríguez Alejandro , Oleaga Laura , Hernández‐Pérez María , Renú Arturo , Puig Josep , Román Luis San , Planas Anna M. , Urra Xabier , Chamorro Ángel
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to investigate whether adjunct alteplase improves brain reperfusion following successful thrombectomy.

Methods

This single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study included 36 patients (mean [standard deviation] = 70.8 [13.5] years old, 18 [50%] women) with large vessel occlusion undergoing thrombectomy resulting in near‐normal (expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [eTICI] b50/67/2c, n = 23, 64%) or normal angiographic reperfusion (eTICI 3, n = 13, 36%). Seventeen patients were randomized to intra‐arterial alteplase (0.225mg/kg), and 19 received placebo. At 48 hours, patients had brain perfusion/diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRI‐spectroscopy. The primary outcome was the difference in the proportion of patients with areas of hypoperfusion on MRI. Secondary outcomes were the infarct expansion ratio (final to initial infarction volume), and the N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) peak relative to total creatine as a marker of neuronal integrity.

Results

The prevalence of hypoperfusion was 24% with intra‐arterial alteplase, and 58% with placebo (adjusted odds ratio = 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.04–0.91, p = 0.03). Among 14 patients with final eTICI 3 scores, hypoperfusion was found in 1 of 7 (14%) in the alteplase group and 3 of 7 (43%) in the placebo group. Abnormal brain perfusion was associated with worse functional outcome at day 90. Alteplase significantly reduced the infarct expansion ratio compared with placebo (median [interquartile range (IQR)] = 0.7 [0.5–1.2] vs 3.2 [1.8–5.7], p = 0.01) and resulted in higher NAA peaks (median [IQR] = 1.13 [0.91–1.36] vs 1.00 [0.74–1.22], p < 0.0001).

Interpretation

There is a high prevalence of areas of hypoperfusion following thrombectomy despite successful reperfusion on angiography. Adjunct alteplase enhances brain reperfusion, which results in reduced expansion of the infarction and improved neuronal integrity. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:860–870
Training Process of Unsupervised Learning Architecture for Gravity Spy Dataset
Authors: Sakai Yusuke , Itoh Yousuke , Jung Piljong , Kokeyama Keiko , Kozakai Chihiro , Nakahira Katsuko T. , Oshino Shoichi , Shikano Yutaka , Takahashi Hirotaka , Uchiyama Takashi , Ueshima Gen , Washimi Tatsuki , Yamamoto Takahiro , Yokozawa Takaaki
Published: August 2022

Transient noise appearing in the data from gravitational‐wave detectors frequently causes problems, such as instability of the detectors and overlapping or mimicking gravitational‐wave signals. Because transient noise is considered to be associated with the environment and instrument, its classification would help to understand its origin and improve the detector's performance. In a previous study, an architecture for classifying transient noise using a time–frequency 2D image (spectrogram) is proposed, which uses unsupervised deep learning combined with variational autoencoder and invariant information clustering. The proposed unsupervised‐learning architecture is applied to the Gravity Spy dataset, which consists of Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational‐Wave Observatory (Advanced LIGO) transient noises with their associated metadata to discuss the potential for online or offline data analysis. In this study, focused on the Gravity Spy dataset, the training process of unsupervised‐learning architecture of the previous study is examined and reported.
Reconfigurable Guided‐Mode Conversion Using Cladding Medium Switching Strategy in Subwavelength Grating Waveguide
Authors: Jia Hao , Chen Haoxiang , Wang Tao , Yang Jianhong
Published: August 2022

In a waveguide‐based coupled‐mode system, various mode conversions are achieved by designing mode evolution procedures. However, the differences of refractive indices among modes exceed the capability of conventional tuning mechanism, so most reported mode manipulation devices can only realize fixed mode conversions. This paper introduces the cladding medium switching strategy to the subwavelength grating waveguide‐based coupled‐mode system, and proposes a reconfigurable mode converter on silicon nitride platform. This work systematically analyzes the phase matching conditions on a coupled‐mode system. Results show that for both whole and partial upper‐cladding switchable, it is possible to achieve reconfigurable mode conversions. For whole cladding switchable case, this work demonstrates a double‐state mode converter, which converts the input mode to TE2 and TE1 modes under cladding refractive indices of 1 and 1.7. This work expands it to triple‐state mode conversion with window‐style cladding, which converts the input to TE2, TE1, and TE0 modes under cladding of 1, 1.54, and 1.7. The optical bandwidths are relatively large, and the conversion efficiencies exceed 56% for all cases. The mechanism provides a non‐volatile and energy‐efficient way for tunable mode conversions, which is promising for applications in optical networks, communications, and sensors, etc.
Non‐Hermitian Hartman Effect
Authors: Longhi Stefano
Published: August 2022

The Hartman effect refers to the rather paradoxical result that the time spent by a quantum mechanical particle or a photon to tunnel through an opaque potential barrier becomes independent of barrier width for long barriers. Such an effect, which has been observed in different physical settings, raised a lively debate and some controversies, owing to the correct definition and interpretation of tunneling times and the apparent superluminal transmission. A rather open question is whether (and under which conditions) the Hartman effect persists for inelastic scattering, that is, when the potential becomes non‐Hermitian and the scattering matrix is not unitary. Here, tunneling through a heterojunction barrier in the tight‐binding picture is considered, where the barrier consists of a generally non‐Hermitian finite‐sized lattice attached to two semi‐infinite nearest‐neighbor Hermitian lattice leads. A simple and general condition is derived for the persistence of the Hartman effect in non‐Hermitian barriers, showing that it can be found rather generally when non‐Hermiticity arises from nonreciprocal couplings, that is, when the barrier displays the non‐Hermitian skin effect, without any special symmetry in the system.
Tetracoordinated ONNO donor purine‐based Schiff base and its metal complexes: Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding, theoretical studies, and bioactivities
Authors: Singh Anmol , Gogoi Himadri Priya , Barman Pranjit , Das Ankita , Pandey Piyush
Published: August 2022

Tetracoordinated ONNO purine‐based novel Schiff base (1) and its metal complexes Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) (2–5) were procured from 2,6‐diaminopurine and 5‐chlorosalicylaldehyde and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV–Vis, magnetic measurements, ESI‐MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR analysis. The new complexes showed an interesting structural variation: Distorted tetrahedral (CoL, CuL, and ZnL) and tetrahedral (NiL) geometries indicate that the metal ions bind with ligands through ONNO coordination sites. Density functional theory (DFT) and neutral bond orbital (NBO) calculations were performed to obtain an understanding of the structural characteristics, orbital interactions, and electronic chemical descriptors evaluation. Absorption and fluorescence spectra have been employed to examine the calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (CT‐DNA)‐binding behavior of the ligand and its complexes. Pharmacological activities, including in vitro antioxidant, in vitro anti‐inflammatory, and in vitro antidiabetic assays, were performed. All compounds showed better activities compared with the free ligand. For anti‐inflammatory and antidiabetic assays, ZnL complex showed high activity, whereas CuL complex exhibited the highest antioxidant activity among other metal complexes. Moreover, the zone of inhibition (ZOI) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the synthesized compounds were screened for in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here also, complexes exhibited better antibacterial activity than the free ligand, especially the ZnL complex. The docking active site interactions were gauged to predict the activity of ligand and its metal complexes by binding with distinct active sites of B‐DNA dodecamer (for DNA‐binding activity), cyclooxygenase‐2 (for anti‐inflammatory assay), and α‐amylase enzyme and α‐glucosidase enzyme of human pancreatic system (for antidiabetic assay). The results indicated that the compounds are worth further investigation as a possible therapeutic agent.
Gold nanoparticles supported on ionic‐liquid‐functionalized cellulose (Au@CIL): A heterogeneous catalyst for the selective reduction of aromatic nitro compounds
Authors: Singh Anoop , Singh Narinder , Kaur Navneet , Jang Doo Ok
Published: August 2022

In response to the increasing need for green and cost‐effective catalysts, a novel biomass‐derived heterogeneous catalyst that is effective in a number of environmentally friendly applications has been synthesized. The heterogeneous catalyst (Au@CIL), composed of ionic‐liquid‐functionalized cellulose embedded with Au nanoparticles (NPs), was developed for the selective reduction of the nitro group. The Au NPs are formed by the reduction of Au3+ to Au0 with ascorbic acid while embedded in the solid support system. The presence of embedded Au NPs was confirmed using infrared spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, zeta‐potential measurements, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, elemental dot mapping, and atomic force microscopy. In water at 30 °C, the heterogeneous catalyst Au@CIL selectively transforms aromatic nitro compounds into the corresponding amines in the presence of other functional groups, such as hydroxy, amino, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, and amide.
A high‐performance self‐healing polyurea material based on exchangeable aromatic disulfide
Authors: Hao Yujia , Zhu Guangming , Li Ben , Ren Tianning
Published: August 2022

High‐performance polyurea materials demonstrate promising applications in the field of aerospace, military, etc. During processing and use, however, the formation of cracks may cause serious degradation of material properties. Self‐healing polyurea should be an effective way to address this issue. Here, an innovative polyurea material, which exhibited excellent mechanical properties and self‐healing abilities, was synthesized from the commercially available poly(propylene glycol) bis(2‐aminopropyl ether), isophorone diisocyanate, and 2‐Aminophenyl disulfide (APD). The rigid benzene ring in APD is beneficial to the mechanical properties of polyureas, simultaneously the irregular structure of APD prevents the hard segments from stacking tightly, which facilitates the exchange of disulfide bonds to achieve the self‐healing function. Furthermore, the microstructure, mechanical properties and self‐healing ability of the polyureas are highly dependent on the amount of APD. The obtained SPU‐4 exhibits robust mechanical strength (tensile stress of 21.2 MPa), outstanding stretchability (strain of 1006%), high rigidity (Young's modulus of 248.1 MPa), and excellent energy absorption (toughness of 139.7 MJ·m−3), besides, with heat stimulation, the self‐healing efficiencies based on strength and elongation could reach 92.7% and 74.5%, respectively. The excellent properties allow the material to show broad potential in the practical applications such as protection, energy absorption, etc.
Improved genome assembly provides new insights into the environmental adaptation of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana
Authors: Zheng Xiaofeng , Wang Lei , Liu Yi , Yang Zhen , Li Fengjun , Yan Lin , Shen Yongmei , Yue Bisong , Zhou Chuang
Published: August 2022

The synanthropic pest and a model organism for entomological research, American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus), can survive in unfavorable environments for humans. To investigate the genetic mechanisms of success in environmental adaptation of P. americana, we de novo reassembled its whole genome based on next‐generation sequencing and PacBio sequencing. The final genome reassembly consisted of approximately 3.34 Gb with scaffold N50 of 465.51 Kb. The completeness (95.4%) of the complete genome was evaluated with single‐copy orthologous genes using BUSCO. We identified 18,618 protein‐coding genes, 16,443 (88.32%) of which were well supported by public protein databases. We identified 482.04 Mb (approximately 14.45%) repeat elements, 1,385,093 perfect microsatellites simple sequence repeats in P. americana genome, which was higher than other four Blattaria insects. Comparative genomics analysis revealed obvious expansion in the gene families associated with chemoreception (olfactory receptors, gustatory receptors, ionotropic glutamate receptors, chemosensory protein, and sensory neuron membrane protein), which provided the necessary information for functional characterization of the chemosensory receptors of P. americana, with potential for new or refined applications of semiochemicals‐based control of this pest insect. Similarly, gene families (cytochrome P450s, carboxyl/choline esterases, and UDP‐glycosyl‐transferases) encoding receptors for bitter or toxic substances and detoxification enzymes were obviously expanded in P. americana, enabling its ability to detect and detoxify many toxins. Enrichment analysis of positively selected genes in P. americana revealed items associated with metabolic process and catalytic activity, which possibly contributed to the pesticide resistance of P. americana. We also analyzed the homologs to antimicrobial peptide genes reported in the Drosophila genome, and identified two attacins and seven defensins in P. americana. Our data and findings will substantially facilitate molecular studies in P. americana, including elucidation of detoxification mechanisms of xenobiotic, as well as development of new pest management strategies for the control of pests like P. americana.
Bioactivity of hamamelitannin, flavokawain A, and triacetyl resveratrol as natural compounds: Molecular docking study, anticolon cancer, and anti‐Alzheimer potentials
Authors: Zhang Ming , Xue Jiao , Chen Xiao , Elsaid Fahmy G. , Salem Eman T. , Ghanem Reham A. , El‐kott Attalla F. , Xu Zhongkai
Published: August 2022

In this study, we worked on anticolon cancer effects and anti‐Alzheimer's disease with molecular docking studies. Hamamelitannin, flavokawain A, and triacetyl resveratrol compounds showed good inhibitory activities on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzymes. The inhibition effects of flavokawain A, hamamelitannin, and triacetyl resveratrol on AChE and BuChE enzymes were determined spectrophotometrically conforming to Ellman. IC50values of these enzymes were ranging between 0.95 ± 0.12 and 93.27 ± 8.14 nM for AChE and 5.71 ± 0.77 and 52.10 ± 8.41 nM for BuChE. The inhibitory activities of some chemical compounds such as flavokawain A, hamamelitannin, and triacetyl resveratrol were assessed by performing the molecular docking study in the presence of AChE and BuChE. Also, the features of the ligand–enzyme complex had value of −7.722 kcal/mol for flavokawain A against AChE and −5.530 kcal/mol against BuChE. The molecular docking calculations indicated the probable interactions and their characteristics at an atomic level. Due to the outcomes gained from docking, the affinity of the chemical compounds to the enzymes was considerable. In vitro cell viabilities of flavokawain A, hamamelitannin, and triacetyl resveratrol with various concentrations on SW620, DLD‐1, HT29, HCT8, and HCT116 were investigated by MTT assay with Doxorubicin as the control compound.
Prognosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma in head and neck region treated with different regimens—A single‐centre study
Authors: Cheng Yutian , Xu Le , Chen Zhanwei , Wu Haiwei , Zou Huwei , Zhang Tianqi , Liu Guijun , Liu Zhenxing , Yin Changwei , Ma Li , Zhang Shizhou , Li Wengang , Huang Shengyun , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: August 2022

Background

No study has evaluated the impact of regimen on recurrence, metastasis and survival in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of radioactive seed implantation and other regimens in treating ACC, so as to investigate the clinical applicability of radioactive seed implantation and determine the indications for this regimen.

Methods

A total of 188 patients with ACC in oromaxillofacial region were allocated to four groups according to the treatment regimen: group 1 was treated with a combination of surgery and 125I seed therapy, group 2 with a combination of surgery and external radiotherapy, group 3 with surgery, whereas group 4 was untreated. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to assess the survival rates, and the Cox regression analyses were used to identify the associated prognostic factors.

Results

The overall survival rates of 188 patients and groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 85.7%, 75%, 68.2% and 37.5%, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that age, T stage, N stage and regimen were independent prognostic factors of survival. Amongst patients with primary ACC, the efficacy of radioactive seed implantation was higher in those with perineural invasion than in those without.

Conclusion

Patient age, T stage, N stage and regimen are independent prognostic factors of survival in patients with ACC. Patients treated with surgery combined with postoperative 125I seed radiotherapy have a higher overall survival rate, and those with perineural invasion are more suitable for radioactive seed implantation therapy.
Different predictive values of microvessel density for biochemical recurrence among different PCa populations: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiang Jinjiang , Li Jinze , Xiong Xingyu , Zhang Shiyu , Tan Daqing , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang
Published: August 2022

Background

Several studies have explored the relationship between intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) and the risk of postoperative biochemical recurrence (BCR) in prostate cancer (PCa), although the results are contradictory. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis to investigate the effect of MVD on BCR in PCa.

Method

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct/Elsevier, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and EMBase databases from inception through January 2022, with no year or language restrictions, and used NOS guidelines to evaluate the quality of the 19 eligible studies. The derived hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were used to assess each endpoint. Data synthesis was performed with RevMan to assess the prognostic value of MVD in PCa and its heterogeneity, while the publication bias was examined using STATA 16.0.

Results

Our meta‐analysis included 19 articles (4 for T1‐2, 6 for T1‐3, and 9 for T1‐4) on postoperative biochemical recurrence of PCa, among which, 3933 patients were pooled. The predictive ability of intratumoral MVD for different stages of PCa on BCR was T1‐2 (HR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.08–5.58; p = 0.03; I2 = 83%), T1‐3 (HR, 2.38, 95% CI, 1.41–4.01; p = 0.001; I2 = 82%), T1‐4 (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.19–2.19; p = 0.002; I2 = 61%).The subgroup analyses based on European and immunohistochemical antibody none‐factor VII were consistent with primary one. Sensitivity analysis excluding those studies judged to be at high risk of bias in T1‐2 showed a HR of 2.99[1.70,5.27] (I2 = 38%, p = 0.0001), demonstrating the robustness of risk estimates of MVD for the assessment of biochemical recurrence.

Conclusion

Microvessel density is a predictor of BCR among patients with PCa, and earlier T stage PCa with a stronger MVD is associated with BCR. Further studies are needed to investigate neoangiogenesis in different T stages of PCa and whether MVD will be of benefit to the EAU‐recommended tool for biochemical recurrence risk assessment.
FAT2 mutation is associated with better prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Wang Zhe , Xing Linan , Huang Yujie , Han Peilin
Published: August 2022

Background

Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) ranks sixth among malignant tumors in women and the mortality is still rising. FAT2 gene has been considered to be related to the survival and prognosis of some certain diseases in previous studies, but the FAT2 mutation status in UCEC and its prognostic value has been rarely studied. Hence, the purpose of our study was to explore the role of FAT2 mutations for predicting prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy in patients with UCEC.

Methods

UCEC samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas database were analyzed. We evaluated the impact of FAT2 gene mutation status and clinicopathological characteristics on the prognosis of UCEC patients and used univariate and multivariate Cox analysis risk scores to independently predict patient overall survival (OS). Tumor mutation burden (TMB) values of the FAT2 mutant and non‐mutant groups were computed by Wilcoxon rank sum test. The correlation of FAT2 mutation and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of various anticancer drugs was analyzed. Gene Ontology data and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were employed to examine the differential expression of genes between the two groups. Finally, a single‐sample GSEA arithmetic was utilized to measure the abundance of tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in UCEC patients.

Results

FAT2 mutations suggested better OS (p < 0.001) and disease‐free survival (DFS) (p = 0.007) in UCEC. The IC50 values of 18 anticancer drugs were upregulated in FAT2 mutation patients (p < 0.05). The TMB and microsatellite instability values of patients with FAT2 mutations were significantly higher (p < 0.001). Next, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional analysis and GSEA revealed the potential mechanism of FAT2 mutation on the tumorigenesis and progression of UCEC. In addition, in reference to the UCEC microenvironment, the infiltration levels of activated CD4/CD8 T cells (p < 0.001/p = 0.001) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (p = 0.006) were upregulated in the non‐FAT2 mutation group, and Type 2 T helper cells (p = 0.001) were downregulated in the FAT2 mutation group.

Conclusions

UCEC patients with FAT2 mutations have better prognosis and are more likely to respond to immunotherapy. FAT2 mutation may be a valuable predictor for prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy in UCEC patients.
Determinants of support for social integration in South Africa: The roles of race relations, social distrust, and racial identification
Authors: Olonisakin Tosin Tunrayo , Idemudia Erhabor Sunday
Published: August 2022

South Africa is divided along race lines and this has made social integration difficult to achieve in the nation. The aspiration for the rainbow nation since the end of apartheid has been a country united in its diversity. Research evidence shows that interracial trust and interaction are still very low in the nation. This study set out to examine the determinants of support for social integration in South Africa. The variables of perceived improvement in race relations, social distrust, and racial identification were examined. Data were sourced from the South African Social Attitudes Survey 2017. Participants were 2,946 men (38.9%) and women (61.1%) with the age range of 16 to 99 years. Data analysis showed that perceived improvement in race relations, social distrust, and racial identification were all associated with increased support for social integration. However, a low level of social distrust provides the best outcome for support for social integration. Equally, identifying with one's racial group is likely to be beneficial for increasing social contact between groups. Findings were discussed based on the peculiarity of South African society and existing literature. The implication of the findings for policies and programmes to facilitate social contact and social cohesion was emphasised. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Effect of rice bran with extrusion cooking on quality and starch retrogradation of fresh brown rice noodles during storage at different temperatures
Authors: Tian Xiao‐Hong , Tan Bin , Wang Lei‐Xin , Zhai Xiao‐Tong , Jiang Ping , Qiao Cong‐Cong , Wu Na‐Na
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives

As whole grain foods, fresh brown rice noodles have unique advantages in taste, nutrition, and health. However, the quality of fresh brown rice noodles is poor and the shelf life is short because of the rice bran. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of rice bran with extrusion cooking on the quality and starch retrogradation of fresh brown rice noodles during storage at –18°C, 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C.

Findings

In this study, fresh brown rice noodles prepared from rice bran with extrusion cooking (FBRN‐ERB) were prepared to improve storage quality compared to fresh brown rice noodles with unextruded rice bran (FBRN) (data of FBRN were shown in our previous study). The pH, hardness, iodine blue value, moisture content and migration, and starch retrogradation of FBRN‐ERB were studied. The rice bran with extrusion cooking prevented the decrease of pH and moisture content, decreased the iodine blue value and cooking loss rate, and enhanced the percentage of free and weakly bound water of fresh brown rice noodles during storage processes at –18°C, 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C. The microstructure of FBRN‐ERB exhibited a complete and regular porous structure. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction showed that the starch retrogradation of FBRN‐ERB was inhibited or delayed during storage at different temperatures, especially storage at 4°C.

Conclusions

The results showed that the storage quality of fresh brown rice noodles prepared from rice bran with extrusion cooking could be enhanced, and the starch retrogradation of FBRN‐ERB during storage was inhibited, which was beneficial for the quality improvement of FBRN‐ERB during storage at different temperatures.

Significance and Novelty

The rice bran with extrusion cooking is very helpful for enhancing the storage quality of fresh brown rice noodles, and this may be useful for the development and consumption of fresh brown rice noodles as functional food products.
Synthesis of Metal Chalcogenide Semiconductors by Thermal Decomposition of Organosulfur and Organoselenium Compounds
Authors: Obata Keisuke , Higashi Tomohiro , Hasegawa Motoki , Katayama Masao , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: August 2022

Metal chalcogenides – because of their excellent optical and electrical properties – are important semiconductor materials for optical devices, such as solar cells, sensors, and photocatalysts. The challenges associated with metal chalcogenides are the complexity of the conventional synthesis methods and the stringent synthesis conditions. In this study, the synthesis conditions were simplified in a solvent‐free synthesis method using cadmium precursor, thiourea and selenium to synthesize metal chalcogenides, such as CdS and CdSe, which have particularly suitable band gaps for the optical devices. CdSxSe1‐x solid solution was successfully synthesized under molten thiourea as the reactive reaction medium at relatively low temperatures, even at 180 °C, with residual melamine derivatives in the solid phase. The luminescence properties of CdSxSe1‐x and the products in the gas and solid phases were investigated. Optimization of the synthesis conditions for solid solutions of CdSxSe1‐x and the role of organic compounds in the formation of metal chalcogenides are discussed.