bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteoporosis screening in Australian community pharmacies: A mixed methods study
Authors: Phuong Jonathan , Moles Rebekah , Mason Deborah , White Christopher , Center Jacqueline , Carter Stephen
Published: May 2024

Issues Addressed

Osteoporosis and poor bone health impact a large proportion of the Australian population, but is drastically underdiagnosed and undertreated. Community pharmacies are a strategic location for osteoporosis screening services due to their accessibility and the demographic profile of customers. The aim of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate a community pharmacy health promotion service centred on encouraging consumers to complete an anonymous osteoporosis screening survey called Know Your Bones.

Methods

The implementation process was documented using the REAIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework. Uptake of the Know Your Bones screening tool was monitored anonymously with website traffic. Surveys and interviews were designed to capture consumer outcomes after screening. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Australian community pharmacy stakeholders during design and implementation phases to explore their perspectives of the barriers and facilitators.

Results

The service was implemented in 27 community pharmacies. There were 448 visits to the screening website. Interviews were conducted with 41 stakeholders. There were a range of factors that appeared to influence implementation of the service. Perceived acceptability was critical, which depended on staff training, pharmacists' altruism, and remuneration. Staff relied heavily on their existing close relationships with consumers. No consumers completed non‐anonymous surveys or agreed to participate in interviews post‐screening.

Conclusion

Using an implementation science approach, a community pharmacy osteoporosis screening service for the Australian context was designed and found to be acceptable to pharmacy staff and effective in reaching the target population.

So What?

This low‐cost and non‐invasive health promotion has potential to sustainably increase national screening rates for osteoporosis.
mtDNA amplifies beryllium sulfate‐induced inflammatory responses via the cGAS‐STING pathway in 16HBE cells
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Jiang Tianyi , Jin Huiyun , Yan Chenxi , Tong Yuqi , Ding Jiaquan , Li Yaqi , Huang Lian , Zhang Zhaohui
Published: May 2024

Beryllium sulfate (BeSO4) can cause inflammation through the mechanism, which has not been elucidated. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a key contributor of inflammation. With mitochondrial damage, released mtDNA can bind to specific receptors (e.g., cGAS) and then activate related pathway to promote inflammatory responses. To investigate the mechanism of mtDNA in BeSO4‐induced inflammatory response in 16HBE cells, we established the BeSO4‐induced 16HBE cell inflammation model and the ethidium bromide (EB)‐induced ρ016HBE cell model to detect the mtDNA content, oxidative stress‐related markers, mitochondrial membrane potential, the expression of the cGAS‐STING pathway, and inflammation‐related factors. Our results showed that BeSO4 caused oxidative stress, decline of mitochondrial membrane potential, and the release of mtDNA into the cytoplasm of 16HBE cells. In addition, BeSO4 induced inflammation in 16HBE cells by activating the cGAS‐STING pathway. Furthermore, mtDNA deletion inhibited the expression of cGAS‐STING pathway, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and IFN‐β. This study revealed a novel mechanism of BeSO4‐induced inflammation in 16HBE cells, which contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanism of beryllium and its compounds‐induced toxicity.
The basement membrane regulates the cellular localization and the cytoplasmic interactome of Yes‐Associated Protein (YAP) in mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Manucci Antonio Carlos , Fiore Ana Paula Zen Petisco , Genesi Giovani Luiz , Bruni‐Cardoso Alexandre
Published: May 2024

The Hippo pathway, a signaling cascade involved in the regulation of organ size and several other processes, acts as a conduit between extracellular matrix (ECM) cues and cellular responses. We asked whether the basement membrane (BM), a specialized ECM component known to induce quiescence and differentiation in mammary epithelial cells, would regulate the localization, activity, and interactome of YAP, a Hippo pathway effector. To address this question, we used a broad range of experimental approaches, including 2D and 3D cultures of both mouse and human mammary epithelial cells, as well as the developing mouse mammary gland. In contrast to malignant cells, nontumoral cells cultured with a reconstituted BM (rBM) displayed higher concentrations of YAP in the cytoplasm. Incidentally, when in the nucleus of rBM‐treated cells, YAP resided preferentially at the nuclear periphery. In agreement with our cell culture experiments, YAP exhibited cytoplasmic predominance in ductal cells of developing mammary epithelia, where a denser BM is found. Conversely, terminal end bud (TEB) cells with a thinner BM displayed higher nucleus‐to‐cytoplasm ratios of YAP. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that genes regulated by YAP were overrepresented in the transcriptomes of microdissected TEBs. Consistently, mouse epithelial cells exposed to the rBM expressed lower levels of YAP‐regulated genes, although the protein level of YAP and Hippo components were slightly altered by the treatment. Mass spectrometry analysis identified a differential set of proteins interacting with YAP in cytoplasmic fractions of mouse epithelial cells in the absence or presence of rBM. In untreated cells, YAP interactants were enriched in processes related to ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis, whereas in cells exposed to rBM YAP interactants were mainly key proteins related to amino acid, amino sugar, and carbohydrate metabolism. Collectively, we unraveled that the BM induces YAP translocation or retention in the cytoplasm of nontumoral epithelial cells and that in the cytoplasm YAP seems to undertake novel functions in metabolic pathways.
Benzotrifuran based organic molecules for optoelectronic and charge transport properties for organic electronic devices
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Chetti Prabhakar
Published: May 2024

The key motive of the current work is the detailed study of charge transport and optoelectronic properties of Benzotrifuran based organic molecules for organic electronic device applications. Density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent‐DFT simulations were executed on studied organic molecules. The absorption characteristics are ascertained and the results are compared with corresponding known experimental results. Frontier molecular orbitals, that is; highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, electron extraction potential, electron affinities, ionization potentials, reorganization energies (Z), and hole extraction potential of all the studied molecules are explored. In contrast, all of the examined organic compounds are with low hole (Zh) and electron (Ze) reorganization energies, making them suitable for use in organic electrical devices.
Neuron mapping in the Molly fish optic tectum: An emphasis on the adult neurogenesis process
Authors: Hussein Manal T. , Sayed Ramy K. A. , Mokhtar Doaa M.
Published: May 2024

Teleost fish exhibit the most pronounced and widespread adult neurogenesis. Recently, functional development and the fate of newborn neurons have been reported in the optic tectum (OT) of fish. To determine the role of neurogenesis in the OT, this study used histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic investigations on 18 adult Molly fish specimens (Poecilia sphenops). The OT of the Molly fish was a bilateral lobed structure located in the dorsal part of the mesencephalon. It exhibited a laminated structure made up of alternating fiber and cellular layers, which were organized into six main layers. The stratum opticum (SO) was supplied by optic nerve fibers, in which the neuropil was the main component. Radial bipolar neurons that possessed bundles of microtubules were observed in the stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale (SFGS). Furthermore, oligodendrocytes with their processes wrapped around the nerve fibers could be observed. The stratum album centrale (SAC) consisted mainly of the axons of the stratum griseum centrale (SGC) and the large tectal, pyriform, and horizontal neurons. The neuronal cells of the SO and large tectal cells of the SAC expressed autophagy‐related protein‐5 (APG5). Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) was expressed in both neurons and glia cells of SGC. Additionally, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was expressed in the neuropil of the SAC synaptic layer and granule cells of the stratum periventriculare (SPV). Also, transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), SRY‐box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), and myostatin were clearly expressed in the proliferative neurons. In all strata, S100 protein and Oligodendrocyte Lineage Transcription Factor 2 (Olig2) were expressed by microglia, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. In conclusion, it was possible to identify different varieties of neurons in the optic tectum, each with a distinct role. The existence of astrocytes, proliferative neurons, and stem cells highlights the regenerative capacity of OT.

Research Highlights

The OT of the Molly fish exhibited a laminated structure made up of alternating fiber and cellular layers, which were organized into six main layers.

Radial bipolar neurons that possessed bundles of microtubules were observed in the stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale (SFGS).

The stratum album central (SAC) consisted mainly of the axons of the stratum griseum centrale (SGC) and the large tectal, pyriform, and horizontal neurons.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was expressed in the neuropil of the SAC synaptic layer and granule cells of the stratum periventricular (SPV). Also, transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), SRY‐box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), and myostatin were clearly expressed in the proliferative neurons.

The existence of astrocytes, proliferative neurons, and stem cells highlights the regenerative capacity of OT.
Taenia solium cysticerci's extracellular vesicles Attenuate the AKT/mTORC1 pathway for Alleviating DSS‐induced colitis in a murine model
Authors: Rawat Suraj Singh , Keshri Anand Kumar , Arora Naina , Kaur Rimanpreet , Mishra Amit , Kumar Rajiv , Prasad Amit
Published: May 2024

The excretory–secretory proteome plays a pivotal role in both intercellular communication during disease progression and immune escape mechanisms of various pathogens including cestode parasites like Taenia solium. The cysticerci of T. solium causes infection in the central nervous system known as neurocysticercosis (NCC), which affects a significant population in developing countries. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are 30–150‐nm‐sized particles and constitute a significant part of the secretome. However, the role of EV in NCC pathogenesis remains undetermined. Here, for the first time, we report that EV from T. solium larvae is abundant in metabolites that can negatively regulate PI3K/AKT pathway, efficiently internalized by macrophages to induce AKT and mTOR degradation through auto‐lysosomal route with a prominent increase in the ubiquitination of both proteins. This results in less ROS production and diminished bacterial killing capability among EV‐treated macrophages. Due to this, both macro‐autophagy and caspase‐linked apoptosis are upregulated, with a reduction of the autophagy substrate sequestome 1. In summary, we report that T. solium EV from viable cysts attenuates the AKT–mTOR pathway thereby promoting apoptosis in macrophages, and this may exert immunosuppression during an early viable stage of the parasite in NCC, which is primarily asymptomatic. Further investigation on EV‐mediated immune suppression revealed that the EV can protect the mice from DSS‐induced colitis and improve colon architecture. These findings shed light on the previously unknown role of T. solium EV and the therapeutic role of their immune suppression potential.
Modulating effect of the divergent and rotational wind induced by mesoscale sea surface temperature perturbations in the Kuroshio Extension
Authors: Wei Yanzhou
Published: May 2024

Mesoscale wind stress perturbations induced by sea surface temperature (SST) perturbations have a feedback effect on the ocean by influencing air–sea heat and momentum fluxes. Unlike the thermal feedback mechanism, which is well understood, the momentum feedback still needs to be studied, especially the respective roles of divergent and rotational wind components. In this study, momentum feedback was examined using an ocean model and an empirical equation, which solved wind stress field perturbations from their divergence and curl estimated from time‐evolving downwind and crosswind SST gradients. Through several numerical experiments, it was found that both the divergent and rotational wind can induce positive and negative temperature changes at varying regions and depths. This modulating effect is weak, with a maximum SST change of about 0.4°C on average, but it can reach the deep ocean beyond 1000 m.
Effect of amniotic suspension allograft in a rat destabilization of medial meniscus osteoarthritis model
Authors: Harmon Katrina A. , Kimmerling Kelly A. , Mowry Katie C.
Published: May 2024

Placental‐derived allografts have been of interest as a potential nonsurgical treatment to reduce pain and improve function in knee osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of single and repeat injection of amniotic suspension allograft (ASA) on pain, function, and cytokine levels using a destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) rat model of OA. Post‐DMM surgery, animals were treated with a single injection of either ASA, vehicle, or triamcinolone, or repeated injection of either ASA or vehicle. Behavioral testing including knee swelling, pain threshold, dynamic weight bearing (DWB), and gait analysis were evaluated during the in‐life phase. Postsacrifice, histopathology and serum and synovial fluid analyses were evaluated. Significant improvements in both DWB differentials and pain threshold were seen in response to repeated injection of ASA, while a single injection of ASA and triamcinolone resulted in significant improvements in pain threshold. Histopathology analysis found no significant differences regardless of treatment compared to vehicle, except for an increase in synovitis following repeated injection of ASA. A single injection of ASA and triamcinolone resulted in increased anti‐inflammatory cytokines; repeated ASA injection resulted in significant increases in several immune‐modulating factors relevant to OA. When comparing the impact of single and repeat ASA treatments on behavioral testing, repeated injection provided significant additional improvements in both pain and function. This study provides evidence demonstrating the impact of a second injection while also providing additional data for evaluating the use of ASA as a nonsurgical treatment for knee OA.
Exclusive enteral nutrition impacts peripheral blood mononuclear cell profile of children with Crohn's disease
Authors: White Bernadette , Curle Jessica , Gervais Lisa , Wands David , Nichols Ben , Hansen Richard , Russell Richard K. , Gerasimidis Konstantinos , Milling Simon
Published: May 2024

The immunological effects of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) in the treatment of active Crohn's disease (CD) are yet to be unveiled. The present study investigated changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell profiles in children with active CD following 8‐week treatment with EEN. In nine children, EEN significantly decreased the number and frequency of circulating effector memory CD8+ T cells re‐expressing CD45RA, with corresponding increases observed in the frequency of circulating central and effector memory CD8+ T cells. These signals were conserved when looking at a subgroup of patients who achieved remission, and another who demonstrated the highest level of compliance to EEN. We speculate that the increases in circulating central and effector memory CD8+ T cells may be related to the extensive microbiome‐modifying effects of EEN dampening immune response within the gastrointestinal tract.
Raman scattering of TixV1‐xO2 thin films on (110) rutile TiO2 in the low and high temperature phase adjacent to the metal–insulator transition
Authors: Kuhl Florian , Lu Hao , Becker Martin , Chen Limei , Zheng Yonghui , Polity Angelika , Zhang Zaoli , He Yunbin , Klar Peter J.
Published: May 2024

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) undergoes a reversible first‐order metal‐to‐insulator transition (MIT) from a high‐temperature metallic phase to a low‐temperature insulating phase at a critical temperature Tc of 68°C. The MIT is accompanied by a structural phase transition. In addition to the metallic high‐temperature rutile phase, several insulating phases may be involved depending on doping, interfacial stress, or external stimuli. Unambiguously identifying the crystal phases involved in the phase transition is of key interest from the point of view of application as well as fundamental science. We study the impact of Ti doping of VO2 thin films on (110) rutile TiO2 substrates. We conduct a careful analysis of structural properties by combining results of x‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The transition temperature Tc of the deposited thin films decreases with increasing Ti‐content. All our thin film samples undergo a structural phase transition from the monoclinic M1‐phase to the rutile R‐phase with increasing temperature without passing the intermediate monoclinic M2‐phase. A careful analysis of polarization and angle‐dependent Raman data reveals that, above Tc, the unit cell of the high‐temperature rutile TixV1‐xO2 phase is aligned with that of the rutile TiO2 substrate whereas, below Tc, 180°‐domains of the M1‐phase of TixV1‐xO2 are observed. The structural relationship between TiO2 substrate and the high respective low‐temperature phase of the TixV1‐xO2 determined by Raman spectroscopy is in excellent agreement with TEM results on these samples. Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying structural changes of VO2‐based samples in the vicinity of MIT.
Anti‐Inflammatory Potential of Beclometasone‐Loaded Filomicelles on Activated Human Monocytes
Authors: Gardey Elena , Eberhardt Juliane , Hoeppener Stephanie , Sobotta Fabian H. , Brendel Johannes C. , Stallmach Andreas
Published: May 2024

Polymeric micelles with a hydrophobic core represent versatile nanostructures for encapsulation and delivery of water‐insoluble drugs. Here, water‐insoluble beclometasone dipropionate (BDP) which is a potent anti‐inflammatory therapeutic agent but limited to topical applications so far, is encapsulated. Therefore, this work used an amphiphilic block copolymer self‐assembling into flexible polymeric filomicelles, which have recently proven to selectively target inflamed areas in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The small diameter and flexibility of these filomicelles is considered beneficial for transepithelial passages, while their length minimizes the unspecific uptake into nontargeted cells. This work successfully establishes a protocol to load the water‐insoluble BDP into the core of the filomicelles, while maintaining the particle stability to prevent any premature drug release. The anti‐inflammatory efficacy of BDP‐loaded filomicelles is further investigated on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated human monocytes. In these ex vivo assays, the BDP‐loaded filomicelles significantly reduce TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1ß, IL‐12p70, IL‐17a, and IL‐23 release after 24 h. Additional time course study of drug‐loaded filomicelles and their comparison with a common water‐soluble and unspecific corticosteroid demonstrate promising results with significant immune response suppression in stimulated monocytes after 2 and 6 h. These findings demonstrate the potential of polymeric filomicelles as a vehicle for potent water‐insoluble corticosteroids.
Review on Processing, Flame‐Retardant Properties, and Applications of Polyethylene Composites with Graphene‐Based Nanomaterials
Authors: Temane Lesego Tabea , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Orasugh Jonathan Tersur
Published: May 2024

This paper presents recent developments in graphene‐based nanomaterial (GNM)‐containing flame‐retardant (FR) polyethylene (PE) composites for advanced applications and introduces knowledge gaps and potential solutions. Various nanomaterials have been used to improve the FR properties of PEs. Among these, GNMs score highly because of their superior performance and multifunctional characteristics. By offering a holistic overview of the fundamentals of the FR characteristics of GNMs, the processing and characterization of PE/GNM composites, and the critical aspects related to the development of FR PE/GNM composites for advanced applications, this review provides insights into advances in this area as well as prospects. Furthermore, the kinetics of the FR characteristics of PE and PE/GNM composites are critically discussed in the context of how the FR properties of PE/GNM composites can be tailored by modifying either the surface of the GNM, PE or both, an area seldom discussed in the literature. Moreover, the FR performance of PE/GNM composites is compared with PE/Expandable Graphite (EG) composites because EG has been recognized as a highly efficient and eco‐friendly intumescent FR. In summary, this review offers new insights into the design of advanced PE/GNM composites for automotive, construction, aerospace, and electronic packaging applications.
Investigating the effectiveness of virtual influencers in prosocial marketing
Authors: Igarashi Reika , Bhoumik Kshitij , Thompson Jamie
Published: May 2024

Heeding the rising popularity of virtual influencers on social media, many established brands are beginning to collaborate with them. Although virtual influencers are perceived as novel and exciting, their effectiveness in different areas of consumer behavior has not been examined. While previous research has compared several attributes of virtual and human influencers, our research is specifically motivated to answer: how can marketers increase the effectiveness of virtual influencers in promoting prosocial causes? Across four experiments employing different prosocial contexts, we compared the effectiveness of virtual and human influencers in increasing consumers' prosocial intentions and behaviors. Findings suggest that although human influencers are more persuasive in promoting prosocial behaviors, this effect only occurs when a virtual influencer is perceived as a standalone influencer (i.e., not affiliated with a brand). Overall, our results imply that marketers can substantially increase the effectiveness of virtual influencers by making the cues of brand affiliation salient in influencers' posts.
Implantable Patch of Oxidized Nanofibrillated Cellulose and Lysozyme Amyloid Nanofibrils for the Regeneration of Infarcted Myocardium Tissue and Local Delivery of RNA‐Loaded Nanoparticles
Authors: Carvalho Tiago , Bártolo Raquel , Correia Alexandra , Vilela Carla , Wang Shiqi , Santos Hélder A. , Freire Carmen S. R.
Published: May 2024

Biopolymeric implantable patches are popular scaffolds for myocardial regeneration applications. Besides being biocompatible, they can be tailored to have required properties and functionalities for this application. Recently, fibrillar biobased nanostructures prove to be valuable in the development of functional biomaterials for tissue regeneration applications. Here, periodate‐oxidized nanofibrillated cellulose (OxNFC) is blended with lysozyme amyloid nanofibrils (LNFs) to prepare a self‐crosslinkable patch for myocardial implantation. The OxNFC:LNFs patch shows superior wet mechanical properties (60 MPa for Young's modulus and 1.5 MPa for tensile stress at tensile strength), antioxidant activity (70% scavenging activity under 24 h), and bioresorbability ratio (80% under 91 days), when compared to the patches composed solely of NFC or OxNFC. These improvements are achieved while preserving the morphology, required thermal stability for sterilization, and biocompatibility toward rat cardiomyoblast cells. Additionally, both OxNFC and OxNFC:LNFs patches reveal the ability to act as efficient vehicles to deliver spermine modified acetalated dextran nanoparticles, loaded with small interfering RNA, with 80% of delivery after 5 days. This study highlights the value of simply blending OxNFC and LNFs, synergistically combining their key properties and functionalities, resulting in a biopolymeric patch that comprises valuable characteristics for myocardial regeneration applications.
Exploring solute binding proteins in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that bind to γ‐aminobutyrate and 5‐aminovalerate and their role in activating sensor kinases
Authors: Cerna‐Vargas Jean Paul , Krell Tino
Published: May 2024

The standard method of receptor activation involves the binding of signals or signal‐loaded solute binding proteins (SBPs) to sensor domains. Many sensor histidine kinases (SHKs), which are activated by SBP binding, are encoded adjacent to their corresponding sbp gene. We examined three SBPs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, encoded near the genes for the AgtS (PA0600) and AruS (PA4982) SHKs, to determine how common this arrangement is. Ligand screening and microcalorimetric studies revealed that the SBPs PA0602 and PA4985 preferentially bind to GABA (KD = 2.3 and 0.58 μM, respectively), followed by 5‐aminovalerate (KD = 30 and 1.6 μM, respectively) and ethanoldiamine (KD = 2.3 and 0.58 μM, respectively). In contrast, AgtB (PA0604) exclusively recognizes 5‐aminovaleric acid (KD = 2.9 μM). However, microcalorimetric titrations did not show any binding between the AgtS sensor domain and AgtB or PA0602, regardless of the presence of ligands. Similarly, bacterial two‐hybrid assays did not demonstrate an interaction between PA4985 and the AruS sensor domain. Therefore, sbp and shk genes located nearby are not always functionally linked. We previously identified PA0222 as a GABA‐specific SBP. The presence of three SBPs for GABA may be linked to GABA's role as a trigger for P. aeruginosa virulence.
Sulforaphane impaired immune checkpoint blockade therapy through activating ΔNP63α/PD‐L1 axis in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yang Chenying , Ma Zhijian , Ye Liangwen , Wu Yunfeng , Zhong Caiyun , Shi Ye , Zhu Mingming
Published: May 2024

Sulforaphane (SFN) exerts anticancer effect on various cancers including gastric cancer. However, the regulatory effect of SFN on programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and checkpoint blockade therapy in gastric cancer have not been elucidated. Here we demonstrated that SFN suppressed gastric cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo study. SFN upregulated PD‐L1 expression through activating ΔNP63α in gastric cancer cells. Further, we found that SFN impaired the anticancer effect of anti‐PD‐L1 monoclonal antibody (α‐PD‐L1 mab) on gastric cancer cells. These results uncover a novel PD‐L1 regulatory mechanism and the double‐edged role of SFN in gastric cancer intervention.
CD44 and its implication in neoplastic diseases
Authors: Xu Yiming , Bai Ziyi , Lan Tianxia , Fu Chenying , Cheng Ping
Published: May 2024

CD44, a nonkinase single span transmembrane glycoprotein, is a major cell surface receptor for many other extracellular matrix components as well as classic markers of cancer stem cells and immune cells. Through alternative splicing of CD44 gene, CD44 is divided into two isoforms, the standard isoform of CD44 (CD44s) and the variant isoform of CD44 (CD44v). Different isoforms of CD44 participate in regulating various signaling pathways, modulating cancer proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance, with its aberrant expression and dysregulation contributing to tumor initiation and progression. However, CD44s and CD44v play overlapping or contradictory roles in tumor initiation and progression, which is not fully understood. Herein, we discuss the present understanding of the functional and structural roles of CD44 in the pathogenic mechanism of multiple cancers. The regulation functions of CD44 in cancers‐associated signaling pathways is summarized. Moreover, we provide an overview of the anticancer therapeutic strategies that targeting CD44 and preclinical and clinical trials evaluating the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and drug‐related toxicity about CD44‐targeted therapies. This review provides up‐to‐date information about the roles of CD44 in neoplastic diseases, which may open new perspectives in the field of cancer treatment through targeting CD44.
A new genetic diagnosis strategy for paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia: Targeted high‐throughput detection of PRRT2 gene c.649 locus
Authors: Wen Min , Huang Hui , Huang Fei , Xu Ru , Zhang Jing , Fan Jia‐Geng , Zeng Jun , Jiang Kai‐Wen , Liu Ding , Huang Hua‐Lin , He Qing‐Nan
Published: May 2024

Background

Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is the most prevalent kind type of paroxysmal Dyskinesia, characterized by recurrent and transient episodes of involuntary movements. Most PKD cases were attributed to the proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) gene, in which the c.649 region is a hotspot for known mutations. Even though some patients with PKD have been genetically diagnosed using whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing, there are still cases of missed diagnoses due to the limitations of sequencing technology and analytic methods on throughput.

Methods

Patients meeting the diagnosis criteria of PKD with negative results of PRRT2‐Sanger sequencing and WES were included in this study. Mutation screening and targeted high‐throughput sequencing were performed to analyze and verify the sequencing results of the potential mutations.

Results

Six patients with PKD with high mutation ratios of c.649dupC were screened using our targeted high‐throughput sequencing from 26 PKD patients with negative results of PRRT2‐Sanger sequencing and WES (frequency = 23.1%), which compensated for the comparatively shallow sequencing depth and statistical flaws in this region. Compared with the local normal population and other patients with PKD, the mutation ratios of c.649dupC of these six patients with PKD were much higher and also had truncated protein structures and differentially altered mRNA expression.

Conclusion

Based on the above studies, we emphasize the routine targeted high‐throughput sequencing of the c.649 site in the PRRT2 gene in so‐called genetic‐testing‐negative patients with PKD, and manually calculate the deletion and duplication mutations depth and ratios to lower the rate of clinical misdiagnosis.
An analysis of stability on the L2‐critical inhomogeneous nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Xiaoguang
Published: May 2024

We study the inhomogeneous nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the
‐critical case
(
):

We establish a detailed analysis of solutions as the initial data
approaches the unstable ground state
, which satisfies the stationary equation
. The results provide information about singularity formation of the blow‐up solutions and about large‐time asymptotic behavior of the global solutions.
Insensitizing controls for the micropolar fluids
Authors: Tao Qiang , Yao Zheng‐an , Yin Xuan
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we investigate the existence of insensitizing controls for the micropolar fluids in a bounded domain with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions and arbitrarily located internal controller. The study of insensitizing controls is essential to solve a stability problem, which means that we look for controls such that some functionals of the velocity fields (the so‐called sentinels) are insensitive to the small perturbations of initial data. The problem of insensitizing controls is transformed into a suitable controllability problem for a cascade system. Our proof relies on a new global Carleman inequality and the inverse mapping theorem.
Joint Effects of Dietary Patterns and Paraoxonase1 rs662 Polymorphism on Coronary Artery Disease Severity (Gensini and SYNTAX Scores) and Its Risk Factors in adults Undergoing Angiography
Authors: Darand Mina , Askari Gholamreza , Feizi Awat , Seyedhossaini Seyedmostafa , Ashrafzadeh Hamidreza , Arabi Vahid , Yavari Mahdie , Vasmehjani Azam Ahmadi , Salehi‐Abargouei Amin
Published: May 2024

Scope

The present study aims to assess the interaction of dietary patterns (DPs) and paraoxonase1 (PON1) rs662 polymorphism on coronary artery disease (CAD) severity and its risk factors.

Methods and results

This cross‐sectional study is conducted on 425 patients undergoing angiography. The PON1 genotypes are detected by the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP‐PCR) technique. DPs are extracted by exploratory factor analysis. Two dietary patterns Western (WDP) and Traditional (TDP) are extracted. A gene‐diet interaction concerning a high Gensini score is observed. Accordingly, high adherence to the WDP increases the odds of a high Gensini score in R allele carriers compared to QQ genotype carriers by 2.48 times (odds ratio [OR]: 2.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–6.26, p = 0.05). Also, the risk of high systolic blood pressure (SBP) is higher in R allele carriers with high adherence to the WDP compared to QQ genotype carriers (OR: 3.49, 95% CI 1.38–8.82, p < 0.001. No significant interaction is observed between TDP and PON1 rs662 on any cardiometabolic risk factors (p‐value > 0.05). The results remain significant after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

The present study's findings indicate the existence of an interaction between the PON1 rs662 polymorphism and the WDP on the risk of stenosis severity and high SBP.
Quantitative evaluation of 90Y‐PET/CT and 90Y‐SPECT/CT‐based dosimetry following Yttrium‐90 radioembolization
Authors: Kappadath Srinivas Cheenu , Henry Eric Courtney , Lopez Benjamin P. , Mahvash Armeen
Published: May 2024

Background

Following yttrium‐90 radioembolization (90Y‐RE), 90Y‐PET/CT and 90Y‐SPECT/CT imaging provide the means to calculate the voxelized absorbed dose distribution. Given the widespread use of the two imaging modalities and lack of well‐established standardized dosimetry protocols for 90Y‐RE, there is a clinical need to systematically investigate and evaluate differences in the performance of voxel‐based dosimetry between 90Y‐PET/CT and 90Y‐SPECT/CT.

Purpose

To quantitatively analyze and compare 90Y‐PET/CT and 90Y‐SPECT/CT‐based dosimetry following 90Y‐RE.

Methods

90Y‐PET/CT and 90Y‐SPECT/CT imaging was acquired for 35 patients following 90Y‐RE with TheraSphere for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Dosimetry was performed using the local deposition method with known activity and the mean dose (Dmean) was calculated for perfused liver volumes (PV), tumors (T), and perfused normal livers (NL). Additionally, the absorbed dose to x% of the volume (Dx, x [5%, 10%, …, 90%, 95%]) and the volume receiving y Gy (Vy, y [10 Gy, 20 Gy, …, 190 Gy, 200 Gy]) were calculated for T and NL, respectively. Dose metrics were compared using linear regression, Bland‐Altman analysis, and statistical testing.

Results

Both 90Y‐SPECT/CT and 90Y‐PET/CT‐based tumor Dmean were strongly correlated (R2 ≥ 0.90) with Dx, excluding metrics on the extrema. Intra‐modality comparisons of various Dx and Vy metrics yielded statistically significant differences (ANOVA, p < 0.001) for both90Y‐PET/CT and 90Y‐SPECT/CT. Based on statistical testing, only Dx metrics separated by greater than 20%–30% coverage, and only Vy metrics separated by greater than 40–70 Gy, reported significant differences. For PV, there was a strong correlation (R2 ≥ 0.99) between Dmean derived separately from 90Y‐PET/CT and 90Y‐SPECT/CT imaging. The strength of the correlation was slightly reduced for T and NL with R2 = 0.91 and R2 = 0.95, respectively. For PV, the mean bias ± standard error (SE) and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) between Dmean from the two modalities was effectively zero with ‐0.8 ± 0.4% (± 2.5%). For T and NL, the mean bias ± SE (± LOA) was ‐14.5 ± 3.7% (± 24%) and 9.4 ± 4.7% (± 27%), respectively.

Conclusion

The strong correlation between Dmean and Dx suggests information from multiple dose metrics (e.g., D70 and Dmean) is largely redundant when establishing dose‐response relationships in 90Y‐RE. Dmean is highly correlated between 90Y‐PET/CT and 90Y‐SPECT/CT‐based dosimetry, for all liver VOIs. Relative to 90Y‐SPECT/CT, 90Y‐PET/CT, on average, yielded higher Dmean to tumors (14%) and lower Dmean to perfused normal livers (9%). Absorbed dose differences for perfused liver volumes between 90Y‐SPECT/CT and 90Y‐PET/CT were negligible.
Three‐dimensional EPI with shot‐selective CAIPIRIHANA for rapid high‐resolution quantitative susceptibility mapping at 3 T
Authors: Tourell Monique , Jin Jin , Bachrata Beata , Stewart Ashley , Ropele Stefan , Enzinger Christian , Bollmann Saskia , Bollmann Steffen , Robinson Simon Daniel , O'Brien Kieran , Barth Markus
Published: May 2024

Purpose

QSM provides insight into healthy brain aging and neuropathologies such as multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases. Phase data for QSM are usually acquired from 3D gradient‐echo (3D GRE) scans with long acquisition times that are detrimental to patient comfort and susceptible to patient motion. This is particularly true for scans requiring whole‐brain coverage and submillimeter resolutions. In this work, we use a multishot 3D echo plannar imaging (3D EPI) sequence with shot‐selective 2D CAIPIRIHANA to acquire high‐resolution, whole‐brain data for QSM with minimal distortion and blurring.

Methods

To test clinical viability, the 3D EPI sequence was used to image a cohort of MS patients at 1‐mm isotropic resolution at 3 T. Additionally, 3D EPI data of healthy subjects were acquired at 1‐mm, 0.78‐mm, and 0.65‐mm isotropic resolution with varying echo train lengths (ETLs) and compared with a reference 3D GRE acquisition.

Results

The appearance of the susceptibility maps and the susceptibility values for segmented regions of interest were comparable between 3D EPI and 3D GRE acquisitions for both healthy and MS participants. Additionally, all lesions visible in the MS patients on the 3D GRE susceptibility maps were also visible on the 3D EPI susceptibility maps. The interplay among acquisition time, resolution, echo train length, and the effect of distortion on the calculated susceptibility maps was investigated.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that the 3D EPI sequence is capable of rapidly acquiring submillimeter resolutions and providing high‐quality, clinically relevant susceptibility maps.
Sturgeons in materials from archaeological sites of Ukraine: A review
Authors: Volynskyi Tyt , Kovalchuk Oleksandr
Published: May 2024

The article presents a critical review of all published data on findings of the skeletal elements of sturgeons (Acipenseridae) during archaeological excavations conducted in the territory of Ukraine. Sturgeon remains are present in materials from 41 archaeological sites, the age of which covers the stage from the Neolithic (4 kyr bc) up to the Modern Period (17th century ad). Five species (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii, Acipenser nudiventris, Acipenser ruthenus, Acipenser stellatus, and Huso huso) are recognized. Of them, the Russian sturgeon, the sterlet, and the stellate sturgeon are the most abundant, while beluga is somewhat less numerous, and the fringebarbel sturgeon is represented by the smallest number of remains. The presence of the latter species (and the absence of the European sturgeon Acipenser sturio) in the historical past of Ukraine is discussed. We also highlight the importance of original and published data accessibility in archaeozoological research and discuss the issues of species identification, body length, and weight reconstruction of sturgeons based on skeletal elements.
Adolescent‐ and adult‐onset neuroblastic tumor: A retrospective multicenter observational study of patients diagnosed in France between 2000 and 2020
Authors: Magnier Orlane , Schiff Isabelle , Cristante Justine , Chabre Olivier , Veloso Melanie , Bosson Jean‐Luc , Defachelles Anne‐Sophie , Cordero Camille , Cao Christine Do , Thebaud Estelle , Drui Delphine , Berlanga Pablo , Dumont Benoit , Chastagner Philippe , Tandonnet Julie , Gambart Marion , Jannier Sarah , Pluchart Claire , Andry Leslie , Laithier Véronique , Klein Sébastien , Carausu Liana , Akbaraly Tasmine , Probert Jamie , Habert‐Dantigny Raphaelle , Plantaz Dominique
Published: May 2024

Background

Adult‐ and adolescent‐onset neuroblastomas are rare, with no established therapy. In addition, rare pheochromocytomas may harbor neuroblastic components. This study was designed to collect epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic data in order to better define the characteristics of malignant peripheral neuroblastic tumors (MPNT) and composite pheochromocytomas (CP) with MPNT.

Procedure

Fifty‐nine adults and adolescents (aged over 15 years) diagnosed with a peripheral or composite neuroblastic tumor, who were treated in one of 17 institutions between 2000 and 2020, were retrospectively studied.

Results

Eighteen patients with neuroblastoma (NB) or ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB) had locoregional disease, and 28 patients had metastatic stage 4 NB. Among the 13 patients with CP, 12 had locoregional disease. Fifty‐eight percent of the population were adolescents and young adults under 24 years of age. The probability of 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was 40% (confidence interval: 27%–53%).

Conclusions

Outcomes were better for patients with localized tumor than for patients with metastases. For patients with localized tumor, in terms of survival, surgical treatment was the best therapeutic option. Multimodal treatment with chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy‐based maintenance allowed long‐term survival for some patients. Adolescent‐ and adult‐onset neuroblastoma appeared to have specific characteristics associated with poorer outcomes compared to pediatric neuroblastoma. Nevertheless, complete disease control improved survival. The presence of a neuroblastic component in pheochromocytoma should be considered when making therapeutic management decisions. The development of specific tools/resources (Tumor Referral Board, Registry, biology, and trials with new agents or strategies) may help to improve outcomes for patients.
Pore structure evolution and adsorption behaviors of porous poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogel prepared using Na2SO4 and CaCO3 as porogens
Authors: Xiang Lubing , Yu Xi , Xiang Aimin , Lu Xiaoying , Zhang Meng , Zhou Hongfu
Published: May 2024

In this work, porous poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels with different pore sizes were fabricated using inorganic non‐metallic porogens by an environmentally friendly method, providing a potential solution for the field of wastewater treatment. PVA hydrogels have gained much attention in the field of wastewater treatment due to their excellent adsorption performance and porous network structure. However, the employment of inorganic non‐metallic salts as porogens for PVA hydrogels has received limited attention so far. In this study, porous PVA hydrogels were prepared by freeze‐thawing and freeze‐drying with sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as porogens. PVA‐Na exhibited denser network structure with the concentration of Na2SO4 solution increased, and the tensile stress was enhanced by about 45 times. Meanwhile, the tensile stress of PVA‐Ca was improved significantly from 0.06 to 1.67 MPa, and the network structure became looser after adding CaCO3. Moreover, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on the adsorption performance of porous PVA hydrogel for Congo red (CR). Finally, five adsorption models were fitted to investigate the adsorption mechanism of porous PVA hydrogels, in which the maximum adsorption capacity of CR by PVA‐Na‐0.5 was predicted to be 215 mg/g by the Langmuir isothermal model fitting.

Highlights

The structure of PVA hydrogels was adjusted by Na2SO4 and CaCO3, respectively.

The tensile stress of PVA‐Na with dense network structure increased 45 times.

Compared to PVA‐FD, swelling equilibrium time of PVA‐Na reduced from 24 to 6 h.

Equilibrium swelling rate of PVA‐Ca declined by half in comparison to PVA‐FD.

Langmuir isothermal model predicted qmax of 215 mg/g for CR by PVA‐Na‐0.5.
Olfactory preference of the litchi fruit borer for oviposition on two litchi varieties
Authors: Lin Xian‐yu , Zheng Yuan , Shen Ying , Li Dun‐Song
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

The litchi fruit borer Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley is a major destructive pest of litchi and longan plants in China, India and South East Asia. Given its strong olfactory‐based oviposition behaviour, interfering with the chemical communication between this insect pest and its host plant may serve as a potential control strategy. However, the chemical compounds associated with its egg‐laying behaviour remain poorly understood.

RESULTS

In this study, we investigated the olfactory preference of female C. sinensis for oviposition on intact mature fruits of the Feizixiao (FZX) and Guiwei (GW) varieties. Results showed that female C. sinensis preferred to lay eggs on FZX compared with GW fruits, and this preference was olfactory‐induced. In addition, we identified differences in the chemical composition of the volatile blend and proportions between FZX and GW fruits, with terpenes being the main volatile components contributing to this divergence. Compounds that induced electrophysiological activity in female borers were subsequently screened from FZX. d‐Limonene exhibited the strongest oviposition attraction among four candidates. Furthermore, this compound served as a volatile olfactory cue for recognition and orientation in female C. sinensis.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide a deeper understanding of the olfactory preferences of female C. sinensis for oviposition on specific litchi varieties. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Left main coronary artery compression in precapillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Badea Ruxandra , Enache Roxana , Predescu Lucian M. , Platon Pavel , Catana Nicu , Deleanu Dan , Iosifescu Andrei George , Radu Noela , Radu Teodora , Olaru‐Lego Georgiana , Coman Ioan M. , Popescu Bogdan A.
Published: May 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and invalidating condition despite available therapy. Addressing complications such as left main coronary artery compression (LMCo) due to the dilated pulmonary artery (PA) may improve symptoms and survival. Nevertheless, clear recommendations are lacking. The aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence, characteristics, predictive factors and impact of LMCo in a heterogenous precapillary PH population in a single referral center. Two hundred sixty‐five adults with various etiologies of precapillary PH at catheterization were reviewed. Coronary angiography (CA) was performed for LMCo suspicion. Revascularization was performed in selected cases. Outcomes were assessed at a mean follow‐up of 3.9 years. LMCo was suspected in 125 patients and confirmed in 39 (31.2%), of whom 21 (16.8%) had 50%–90% stenoses. Nine revascularizations were performed, with clinical improvement. The only periprocedural complication was a stent migration. LMCo was associated with PH etiology (p 0.003), occuring more frequently in congenital heart disease‐associated PH (61.5% of all LMCo cases, 66.6% of LMCo ≥ 50%). Predictors of LMCo ≥50% were PA ≥ 37.5 mm (Sn 81%, Sp 74%) and PA‐to‐aorta ≥1.24 (Sn 81%, Sp 69%), with increased discrimination when considering RV end‐diastolic area. LMCo ≥ 50% without revascularization presented clinical deterioration and worse survival (p 0.019). This analysis of a heterogeneous pre‐capillary PH population provides LMCo prevalence estimation, predictive factors (PA size, PA‐to‐aorta, RV end‐diastolic area and PH etiology) and long‐term impact. While LMCo impact on survival is inconclusive, untreated LMCo ≥ 50% has worse prognosis. LMCo revascularization may be performed safely and with good outcomes.