bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring engineering strategies that enhance de novo production of exotic cyclopropane fatty acids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Jiang Wei , Peng Huadong , He Lizhong , Lesma‐Amaro Rodrigo , Haritos Victoria S.
Published: February 2024

Cycloalkanes have broad applications as specialty fuels, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals but are not currently available from renewable sources, whereas, production of microbial cycloalkanes such as cyclopropane fatty acids (CFA) has bottlenecks. Here, a systematic investigation was undertaken into the biosynthesis of CFA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae heterologously expressing bacterial CFA synthase. The enzyme catalyzes formation of a 3‐membered ring in unsaturated fatty acids. Monounsaturated fatty acids in phospholipids (PL) are the site of CFA synthesis; precursor cis‐Δ9 C16 and C18 fatty acids were enhanced through OLE1 and SAM2 overexpression which enhanced CFA in PL. CFA turnover from PL to storage in triacylglycerols (TAG) was achieved by phospholipase PBL2 overexpression and acyl‐CoA synthase to increase flux to TAG. Consequently, CFA storage as TAG reached 12 mg g−1 DCW, improved 3‐fold over the base strain and >22% of TAG was CFA. Our research improves understanding of cycloalkane biosynthesis in yeast and offers insights into processing of other exotic fatty acids.
SERPINE2 promotes liver cancer metastasis by inhibiting c‐Cbl‐mediated EGFR ubiquitination and degradation
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Jia Xing , Dai Haojiang , Zhu Xingxin , Song Wenfeng , Bian Suchen , Wu Hao , Chen Shinuo , Tang Yangbo , Chen Junran , Jin Cheng , Zhou Mengqiao , Xie Haiyang , Zheng Shusen , Song Penghong
Published: February 2024

Background

Liver cancer is a malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates. Serpin family E member 2 (SERPINE2) has been reported to play a key role in the metastasis of many tumors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of SERPINE2 in liver cancer metastasis.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA), including DNA methylation and transcriptome sequencing data, was utilized to identify the crucial oncogene associated with DNA methylation and cancer progression in liver cancer. Data from the TCGA and RNA sequencing for 94 pairs of liver cancer tissues were used to explore the correlation between SERPINE2 expression and clinical parameters of patients. DNA methylation sequencing was used to detect the DNA methylation levels in liver cancer tissues and cells. RNA sequencing, cytokine assays, immunoprecipitation (IP) and mass spectrometry (MS) assays, protein stability assays, and ubiquitination assays were performed to explore the regulatory mechanism of SERPINE2 in liver cancer metastasis. Patient‐derived xenografts and tumor organoid models were established to determine the role of SERPINE2 in the treatment of liver cancer using sorafenib.

Results

Based on the public database screening, SERPINE2 was identified as a tumor promoter regulated by DNA methylation. SERPINE2 expression was significantly higher in liver cancer tissues and was associated with the dismal prognosis in patients with liver cancer. SERPINE2 promoted liver cancer metastasis by enhancing cell pseudopodia formation, cell adhesion, cancer‐associated fibroblast activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis. IP/MS assays confirmed that SERPINE2 activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream signaling pathways by interacting with EGFR. Mechanistically, SERPINE2 inhibited EGFR ubiquitination and maintained its protein stability by competing with the E3 ubiquitin ligase, c‐Cbl. Additionally, EGFR was activated in liver cancer cells after sorafenib treatment, and SERPINE2 knockdown‐induced EGFR downregulation significantly enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib against liver cancer. Furthermore, we found that SERPINE2 knockdown also had a sensitizing effect on lenvatinib treatment.

Conclusions

SERPINE2 promoted liver cancer metastasis by preventing EGFR degradation via c‐Cbl‐mediated ubiquitination, suggesting that inhibition of the SERPINE2‐EGFR axis may be a potential target for liver cancer treatment.
Biomarkers of systemic inflammation provide additional prognostic stratification in cancers of unknown primary
Authors: Harvey Svenja , Stares Mark , Scott Julie‐Anne , Thottiyil Tharun Joseph Vattam , Conway Alicia‐Marie , Haigh Rachel , Brown Jackie , Knowles Gillian , Dasgupta Sonali , Shiu Kai‐Keen , Mitchell Claire , Barrie Colin , Cook Natalie , Clive Sally
Published: February 2024

Background

Biomarkers of systemic inflammation have been shown to predict outcomes in patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP). We sought to validate these findings in patients with confirmed CUP (cCUP) and explore their role alongside existing clinicopathological prognostic categories.

Patients and Methods

CUP oncologist from across the United Kingdom were invited to include patients with cCUP referred to their local CUP multidisciplinary team. Patient demographics, clinical, pathological and outcome data were recorded and analysed.

Results

Data were available for 548 patients from four CUP services. 23% (n = 124) of patients met clinicopathological criteria for favourable‐risk cCUP. On multivariate analysis c‐reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001) and the Scottish Inflammatory Prognostic Score (SIPS: combining albumin and neutrophil count) (p < 0.001) were independently predictive of survival. CRP and SIPS effectively stratified survival in patients with both favourable‐risk and poor‐risk cCUP based on clinicopathological features.

Conclusions

Biomarkers of systemic inflammation are reliable prognostic factors in patients with cCUP, regardless of clinicopathological subgroup. We recommend that CRP or SIPS are incorporated into routine clinical assessments of patients with cCUP as a tool to aid investigation and/or treatment decision‐making across all groups. Established clinicopathological factors can then be used to inform management pathways and specific systemic anticancer therapy selection.
Origanum Grosii Extracts as Novel Eco‐Friendly Corrosion Inhibitors for Mild Steel In HCl Medium
Authors: Elyoussfi Abdellah , Hassouni Hafssa EL , Benhiba Fouad , Outada Halima , Amhamdi Hassan , Zarrouk Abdelkader , Romane Abderrahmane , Dafali Ali
Published: February 2024

Two green inhibitors extracted from an endemic species (Origanum grosii (Og)) using two solvents of different polarity (water and ethanol), OgW (aqueous extract) and OgE (ethanolic extract), were used for the anticorrosion of mild steel (M steel) in a 1 M HCl medium. Anticorrosive performance of OgW and OgE was assessed using standard electrochemical techniques, EIS/PDP measurements, weight loss method and SEM/EDX surface analysis. The results show that OgW achieves a maximum inhibition efficiency of 92 % and that the extract in aqueous medium (more polar) is more efficient than the extract in ethanolic medium (less polar). Both extracts act as mixed inhibitors and their corrosion process is predominantly governed by a charge transfer. Concentration and temperature effect was studied and shown that they are two antagonistic parameters for the evolution of inhibitory effectiveness of both OgW and OgE. The adsorption isotherms of the two inhibitors OgE and OgW obey to the Langmuir adsorption model. Moreover, the examination of SEM images and EDX spectra support a deposit of both extracts on the metal surface by an adsorption phenomenon. Besides, theoretical approach of the molecular structures of the major compounds M‐OgW and M‐OgE and inhibition efficiency was examined via DFT calculations and molecular dynamics simulations and it was consistent with the experimental findings.
Evaluation of the Phenolic Content and the Nutraceutical Potential of Ancestor and Cultivated Artichokes
Authors: Ucar Turker Arzu , Basay Sevinc , Cimen Ayca , Baba Yavuz , Birinci Yildirim Arzu
Published: February 2024

Wild cardoon (Cynara cardunculus var. sylvestris) is the ancestor of many cultivated forms, including globe artichoke (C. cardunculus var. scolymus). Four organs (receptacles, bracts, leaves and stems) of wild and cultivated artichokes (organic and conventional) were assessed considering their individual phenolic constituents (HPLC‐DAD), total phenol–flavonoid content, and pharmaceutical potentials (antibacterial and antioxidant). All three sources of artichokes had the highest concentration of 1,3‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (cynarin) in their receptacles and cultivated artichoke receptacles had more cynarin than wild one. On the other hand, receptacles of wild cardoon had the highest 1,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid and caffeic acid than the cultivated ones. Generally, receptacles, stems and leaves of wild cardoon were superior to both cultivated artichokes on antioxidant potential, and total phenol–flavonoid content. The rise in total phenolic content can be attributed to an increase in antioxidant capacity in all artichoke organs. Only the leaves of all different artichokes showed antibacterial activity against Gram–positive bacteria. The investigated wild cardoon was believed to be a true ancestor since a comparison of wild and cultivated varieties revealed similar trends in terms of phenolic profile and biological properties. The nutraceutical industry can profit from this invasive wild cardoon due to their strong antioxidant potential and phenolic content.
Therapeutic Peptides, Proteins and their Nanostructures for Drug Delivery and Precision Medicine
Authors: Kim HaRam , Taslakjian Boghos , Kim Sarah , Tirrell Matthew V. , Guler Mustafa O.
Published: February 2024

Peptide and protein nanostructures with tunable structural features, multifunctionality, biocompatibility and biomolecular recognition capacity enable development of efficient targeted drug delivery tools for precision medicine applications. In this review article, we present various techniques employed for the synthesis and self‐assembly of peptides and proteins into nanostructures. We discuss design strategies utilized to enhance their stability, drug‐loading capacity, and controlled release properties, in addition to the mechanisms by which peptide nanostructures interact with target cells, including receptor‐mediated endocytosis and cell‐penetrating capabilities. We also explore the potential of peptide and protein nanostructures for precision medicine, focusing on applications in personalized therapies and disease‐specific targeting for diagnostics and therapeutics in diseases such as cancer.
Assessment of the MANTA closure device in real‐life transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A single‐centre observational study
Authors: Boussofara Amine , Godin Matthieu , Canville Alexandre , Baala Brahim , Berland Jacques , Koning René , Landolff Quentin
Published: February 2024

Background

Vascular complications increase morbidity and mortality in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Data involving suture‐based percutaneous vascular closure devices (VCDs) have been extensive. Although promising, data regarding the efficacy and safety of the MANTA VCD (Teleflex) are scarce. We sought to assess the safety and effectiveness of the MANTA device in a real‐life unselected cohort of patients undergoing transfemoral‐TAVR (TF‐TAVR).

Methods

This single‐center retrospective observational study included a cohort of consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) treated by our team using TAVR between January 2020 to December 2022. The primary outcome measure was access‐related major and minor vascular complications according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC‐3) definition criteria.

Results

From January 2020 to December 2022, a total of 347 patients underwent TF‐TAVR were treated using the MANTA 18 Fr VCD system for vascular closure. Mean age was 82.4 ± 6.1 years (56–98 years). There were no significant differences in preoperative and procedural characteristics between patients with and without VCD‐related major vascular complications. Access site‐related major and minor vascular complications occurred in 20 of 347 patients (5.7%). Overall, major vascular complications occurred in 5 patients (1.4%) and device failure was seen in 17 patients (4.9%).

Conclusion

This French real world evaluation of large‐bore arteriotomy closure in TF‐TAVR indicated that MANTA VCD is a feasible alternative with an acceptable low rate of access‐site‐related complications.
Structure Activity Relationships for Second‐Coordination Sphere Functional Group Dependent CO2 Reduction by Manganese Bipyridyl Electrocatalysts
Authors: Blasczak Vanna , Murphy Alana , Suntrup Lisa , Ngo Ken T. , Reed Blake , Groysman Stanislav , Grills David C. , Rochford Jonathan
Published: February 2024

A series of twelve second coordination sphere (SCS) functionalized manganese tricarbonyl bipyridyl complexes are investigated for their electrocatalytic CO2 reduction properties in acetonitrile. A qualitative and quantitative assessment of the SCS functional groups is discussed with respect to the catalysts’ thermodynamic and kinetic efficiencies, and their product selectivities. In probing a broad scope of functional groups, it is clear that only the aprotic ortho‐arylester SCS is capable of promoting the highly desired low‐overpotential proton‐transfer electron‐transfer (PT‐ET) pathway for selective CO production. The ortho‐phenolic analogues cause an increase in overpotential with a product selectivity favoring H2 evolution, consistent with a high‐overpotential pathway via the anionic [Mn−H]− intermediate. Alternative aprotic Lewis base functional groups such as trifluoromethyl, morpholine and acetamide are shown to also be capable of intermediate manganese hydride generation. The tertiary amine substituent, 2‐morpholinophenyl, exhibits a desirable product distribution characteristic of syn‐gas (CO : H2=30 : 48) with an impressive turnover frequency, while the secondary amine group, 2‐acetamidophenyl, induces a notable shift in selectivity with a faradaic yield of 55 % for the formate (HCO2−) product. In addition to their catalytic properties, cyclic voltammetry and infrared spectroelectrochemistry (IR‐SEC) studies are presented to probe pre‐catalyst electronic properties and the two‐electron reduction activation pathway.
Modeling and Interpretation of Responses of Concretes in Four‐Probe Impedance Measurements
Authors: Bandarenka Siarhei N. , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S.
Published: February 2024

Typically, a detailed non‐destructive characterization and quality assessment of concretes under “real‐world”, for example, road conditions, are complicated. Impedance spectroscopy is a powerful technique for obtaining insights into concrete property changes during its usage in various environments. However, interpreting and analyzing impedance responses can be challenging due to the lack of explicit physical impedance models of different concretes. In this work, we have elaborated and verified such a model for the so‐called four‐electrode impedance measurements for dry materials and concrete exposed to aqueous K2SO4 solutions, which can cause concrete corrosion. A differential impedance analysis, which does not use any preliminary model assumption, suggested the elements′ presence originating from different types of pores and the contribution of the grain boundary capacitance. Based on this information, the equivalent circuit model was constructed using rules typical in solid‐state ionics and verified by fitting the impedance data to the model; and its parameter changes after adding the K2SO4 solutions were analyzed. The model demonstrated excellent agreement with the measured spectra. Its parameter changes generally agree with the expected behavior of the concrete samples in the corrosive environment. Possible applications of such impedance analysis are briefly discussed.
Study on the anti‐cancer activity of α‐phenethylamine ferrocenecarboxylic acid co‐crystals
Authors: Youyin Liao , Yuexing Ma , Jiahao Chen , Kun Qian , Jie Yang , Rongbin Pan , Yiyong Xu
Published: February 2024

Ferrocene derivatives show a wide range of pharmacological activities in the medical field, especially in the anti‐tumor field, and can be used as candidate drugs or lead compounds for the treatment of tumors and other diseases. And α‐phenethylamine is an important intermediate for the preparation of fine chemical products. (R)‐(+)‐1‐Phenethylamine ferrocenecarboxylic acid/(S)‐(−)‐1‐phenethylamine ferrocenecarboxylic acid were prepared, named compounds 1 and 2, respectively. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction showed that compounds 1 and 2 crystallized in the orthorhombic system space group P212121, and the crystal structures of compounds 1 and 2 exhibited mirror symmetry. The inhibitory effect of two compounds on SW480, MDA‐MB‐231, and H1299 cells was tested by MTT colorimetry. The IC50 values of the compounds against cancer cells were also calculated. The anti‐cancer effect was more pronounced for compounds in the S‐configuration. Compound 2 made the wild‐type cancer cells undergo apoptosis, thus preventing cancer; it also had the function of helping the cell gene repair defects.
Synthesis of nanostructured titanium carbide (TiC) from bitumen coke by mechanical alloying process
Authors: Xing Tingyong , Gieleciak Rafal , Chen Jinwen
Published: February 2024

This study explored synthesizing titanium carbide (TiC) from bitumen coke using mechanical alloying. Initially, raw bitumen coke (5.9 wt.% sulphur) from delayed coking was desulphurized to produce low sulphur coke with a sulphur content of 0.2 wt.% for comparison purposes. Both high and low sulphur coke samples were mechanically alloyed with titanium (Ti) powder in a planetary ball mill under various conditions (milling time, milling speed, and ball‐to‐material ratios [BMR]). TiC was successfully produced from both high sulphur and low sulphur coke samples. The formation of TiC was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The effects of the experimental parameters on the production of TiC were evaluated. The experimental results showed that the high sulphur coke and Ti were converted into TiC after 10 h milling, whereas the low sulphur coke and Ti were converted into TiC much faster (after 5 h milling) at the same milling speed and BMR. Under the same milling time and BMR, the high sulphur coke and Ti were converted into TiC at 400 rpm, whereas the low sulphur coke and Ti were converted into TiC at 300 rpm. In addition, the high sulphur coke and Ti were converted into TiC when the BMR was 60:1, and the low sulphur coke and Ti were converted into TiC when the BMR was 40:1 under the same milling time and speed. Overall, preliminary results suggest that the conversion of low sulphur coke samples is easier and requires less energy to produce TiC compared to the high sulphur coke samples.
The effect of COVID‐19 on employment: A bibliometric review of a she‐cession
Authors: Enciso‐Alfaro Saudi‐Yulieth , Marhroub Salma , Martínez‐Córdoba Pedro‐José , García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María
Published: February 2024

The effort to close the gender gaps in employment is one of the priorities worldwide to help address the disparity that exists between men and women in terms of rights and opportunities and to grow the economy in a sustainable way. Several academics and international organizations are interested in understanding its evolution, as well as the reasons and consequences of its existence. In this sense, the crisis alters the labor markets, affecting male and female employment ratios to varying degrees. To determine the foundations and consequences of the COVID‐19 in the labor sphere: we first discuss the most relevant international analysis of employment in pre‐and post‐COVID‐19 times. Second, we synthesize the state of the art of the most relevant literature on gender gap in employment and its drivers, especially those related to the impact of the coronavirus. To achieve this, we revised 731 papers since 1989 until January 2024. The reports of different organizations, as well as scientific studies indicate that the coronavirus has represented a setback for female empowerment. This is evident in higher rates of destroyed employment due to the pandemic impact on more feminized sectors, and women have assumed greater responsibilities at home compared to males. With a sample of 394 articles published between 2020 and January 2024, we employed a bibliometric approach to understand the evolution of scientific research on the subject. Our results provide a theoretical and conceptual framework that facilitates academic progress in understanding gender inequality, as well as practical guidance in identifying gaps.
Recommendations for using artificial intelligence in clinical flow cytometry
Authors: Ng David P. , Simonson Paul D. , Tarnok Attila , Lucas Fabienne , Kern Wolfgang , Rolf Nina , Bogdanoski Goce , Green Cherie , Brinkman Ryan R. , Czechowska Kamila
Published: February 2024

Flow cytometry is a key clinical tool in the diagnosis of many hematologic malignancies and traditionally requires close inspection of digital data by hematopathologists with expert domain knowledge. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are transferable to flow cytometry and have the potential to improve efficiency and prioritization of cases, reduce errors, and highlight fundamental, previously unrecognized associations with underlying biological processes. As a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders, we review a range of critical considerations for appropriately applying AI to clinical flow cytometry, including use case identification, low and high risk use cases, validation, revalidation, computational considerations, and the present regulatory frameworks surrounding AI in clinical medicine. In particular, we provide practical guidance for the development, implementation, and suggestions for potential regulation of AI‐based methods in the clinical flow cytometry laboratory. We expect these recommendations to be a helpful initial framework of reference, which will also require additional updates as the field matures.
Cover Image, Volume 62, Issue 1
Authors: Zhang Mingyi , Feng Jifan , Li Yue , Qin Peter Z. , Chai Yang
Published: February 2024

Cover illustration: The cover image is based on the Technical Note Generation of tamoxifen‐inducible Tfap2b‐CreERT2 mice using CRISPR‐Cas9 by Mingyi Zhang et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/dvg.23582

image
Using phenology to unravel differential soil water use and productivity in a semiarid savanna
Authors: Steiner Blake , Scott Russell L. , Hu Jia , MacBean Natasha , Richardson Andrew , Moore David J. P.
Published: February 2024

Savannas are water‐limited ecosystems characterized by two dominant plant types: trees and an understory primarily made up grass. Different phenology and root structures of these plant types complicate how savanna primary productivity responds to changes in water availability. We tested the hypothesis that productivity in savannas is controlled by the temporal and vertical distribution of soil water content (SWC) and differences in growing season length of understory and tree plant functional types. To quantify the relationship between tree, understory, and savanna‐wide phenology and productivity, we used PhenoCam and satellite observations surrounding an eddy covariance tower at a semiarid savanna site in Arizona, USA. We distinguished between SWC across two different depth intervals (shallow, <0–30 cm and deep, >30–100 cm). We found that tree greenness increased with SWC at both depths, while understory greenness was only sensitive to the shallower SWC measurements. Onset of ecosystem dormancy, estimated from satellite observations close to the eddy covariance tower, explained more variability in annual gross primary productivity (GPP) than in other phenometrics. Higher SWC led to an extended growing season, caused by delayed dormancy in trees, but the understory showed no evidence of delayed dormancy in wetter periods. We infer that the timing of ecosystem scale dormancy, driven by trees, is important in understanding changes in a savanna's GPP. These findings highlight the important effects of rainfall during the winter. These findings suggest that savanna GPP is conditional on different responses to moisture availability in each of the dominant vegetation components.
Identifying drivers of demographic rates in an at‐risk population of marine mammals using integrated population models
Authors: Nelson Benjamin W. , Ward Eric J. , Linden Daniel W. , Ashe Erin , Williams Rob
Published: February 2024

Effective conservation of threatened populations requires identification of the processes limiting recovery. When multiple population processes are potentially limiting, they are sometimes analyzed independently, often using different datasets. Analytically, this is suboptimal, as processes are often correlated, which can lead to biased estimates of parameters and quantities of interest. Integrated population models (IPMs) can synthesize several data streams in the same probabilistic framework to circumvent these issues. Lack of prey was identified as one of the primary threats to recovery of critically endangered southern resident killer whales (SRKWs), Orcinus orca. Previous studies have correlated SRKW demographic rates with indices of Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha abundance, but these approaches have modeled reproduction and survival independently. We developed an IPM for SRKWs that models both processes simultaneously, as a function of Chinook salmon abundance along the west coast of North America. We used this model to evaluate the relationship between Chinook salmon abundance and demographic rates of SRKWs, with the goal of updating our understanding of a potential causal relationship between prey availability and SRKW population dynamics, and how these relationships may have changed over time. Results suggest that SRKW mortality rates are more strongly associated with Chinook salmon abundance than birth rates. Our analysis also suggests northern resident killer whale abundance could also be affecting SRKW carrying capacity, possibly through competition over shared prey resources. The IPM fit observed total abundance data well and predicted temporal changes in population demographics with reasonable accuracy, but small sample size may have opacified model selection. Our approach offers a valuable tool for predicting the response of the SRKW population to alternative management strategies involving the recovery of Chinook salmon stocks in the eastern Pacific.
Iron Deficiency and Incident Heart Failure in Older Community‐Dwelling Individuals
Authors: Sharma Shilpa , Katz Ronit , Chaves Paulo H.M. , Hoofnagle Andrew N. , Kizer Jorge R. , Bansal Nisha , Ganz Tomas , Ix Joachim H.
Published: February 2024

Aims

Among persons with prevalent heart failure (HF), iron deficiency has been linked to HF admissions, and intravenous iron replacement improves HF outcomes. Recent studies in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD) demonstrate that iron deficiency is associated with incident HF. This study aimed to determine the relationship of iron status with incident HF in community‐dwelling older adults irrespective of their kidney function.

Methods

In this case‐cohort study, 1,006 Cardiovascular Health Study participants (785 from the random sub‐cohort [including 193 HF cases] and 221 additional HF cases [N = 414 total HF cases]) aged ≥ 65 years without HF (41% with CKD), we used weighted Cox models to evaluate associations of iron status with incident HF. Participants were categorized based on quartiles of transferrin saturation and ferritin as “iron replete” (27.3%), “functional iron deficiency” (7.7%), “iron deficiency” (11.8%), “mixed iron deficiency” (5.6%), “high iron” (9.3%) and “non‐classified” (38.1%), consistent with prior studies.

Results

Compared to older persons who were iron replete, those with iron deficiency were at higher risk of incident HF (HR 1.47; 1.02–2.11) in models adjusting for demographics, HF risk factors, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Other iron categories did not associate with incident HF. The relationship of iron deficiency with incident HF did not differ by CKD status (interaction P value 0.2).

Conclusions

Among community‐dwelling elders, iron deficiency is independently associated with incident HF, an association that was similar irrespective of CKD status. Our findings support conduct of clinical trials of iron replacement for prevention of HF in older adults with iron deficiency.
Using velocity recordings to predict squat repetitions to failure in high‐level wrestlers
Authors: Janicijevic Danica , Şentürk Deniz , Akyildiz Zeki , Weakley Jonathon , García‐Ramos Amador
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to assess whether lifting velocity (MV) can provide accurate estimations of the maximum number of repetitions that can be performed to failure (RTF) during the parallel back‐squat exercise performed in a Smith machine. Thirty male wrestlers from the Turkey Olympic preparation center (age = 22.6 ± 2.2 years) completed four testing sessions: a session to determine the back‐squat one‐repetition maximum [1RM], two sessions consisting of single sets to failure against three loads (90%‐80%‐70%1RM), and one session consisting of four sets to failure against the 75%1RM. The goodness‐of‐fit of the generalized RTF‐MV relationship was strong (r2 = 0.838), but the individualized RTF‐MV relationships were stronger (r2 = 0.957 ± 0.058). Only 3 out of 60 individualized RTF‐MV relationships revealed a r2 lower than the r2 of the generalized RTF‐MV relationship (r2 = 0.685, 0.779 and 0.810). The reliability of the fastest MV associated with each RTF ranged from acceptable (4 out of 15 RTFs) to high (11 out of 15 RTFs). The raw and absolute errors in the prediction of RTF did not increase under fatigue and were comparable for both generalized (raw errors: −1.0–0.3 repetitions; absolute errors: 1.1–1.7 repetitions) and individualized (raw errors: −0.8 to 0.1 repetitions; absolute errors: 1.2–1.8 repetitions) RTF‐MV relationships. These results indicate that RTF can be predicted with acceptable precision from MV recordings in resistance‐trained skilled wrestlers during the parallel back‐squat exercise performed in a Smith machine.
Recursive nearest neighbor co‐kriging models for big multi‐fidelity spatial data sets
Authors: Cheng Si , Konomi Bledar A. , Karagiannis Georgios , Kang Emily L.
Published: February 2024

Big datasets are gathered daily from different remote sensing platforms. Recently, statistical co‐kriging models, with the help of scalable techniques, have been able to combine such datasets by using spatially varying bias corrections. The associated Bayesian inference for these models is usually facilitated via Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods which present (sometimes prohibitively) slow mixing and convergence because they require the simulation of high‐dimensional random effect vectors from their posteriors given large datasets. To enable fast inference in big data spatial problems, we propose the recursive nearest neighbor co‐kriging (RNNC) model. Based on this model, we develop two computationally efficient inferential procedures: (a) the collapsed RNNC which reduces the posterior sampling space by integrating out the latent processes, and (b) the conjugate RNNC, an MCMC free inference which significantly reduces the computational time without sacrificing prediction accuracy. An important highlight of conjugate RNNC is that it enables fast inference in massive multifidelity data sets by avoiding expensive integration algorithms. The efficient computational and good predictive performances of our proposed algorithms are demonstrated on benchmark examples and the analysis of the High‐resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder data gathered from two NOAA polar orbiting satellites in which we managed to reduce the computational time from multiple hours to just a few minutes.
Hybrid large eddy simulation and Lagrangian simulation of a compressible turbulent planar jet with a chemical reaction
Authors: Xing Jiabao , Watanabe Tomoaki , Nagata Koji
Published: February 2024

Large eddy simulation (LES) coupled with Lagrangian particle simulation (LPS) is applied to investigate high‐speed turbulent reacting flows. Here, LES solves a velocity field while LPS solves scalar transport equations with notional particles. Although LPS does not require sub‐grid scale models for chemical source terms, molecular diffusion has to be modeled by a so‐called mixing model, for which a mixing volume model (MVM), that is originally proposed for an inert scalar in incompressible flow, is extended to reactive scalars in compressible flows. The extended model is based on a relaxation process toward the average of nearby notional particles and assumes a common mixing timescale for all species. LES/LPS with the MVM is applied to a temporally‐evolving compressible turbulent planar jet with an isothermal reaction and is tested by comparing the results with direct numerical simulation (DNS). The results show that LES/LPS well predicts the statistics of mass fractions. As the jet Mach number increases, the reaction progress delays due to the delayed jet development. This Mach number dependence is also well reproduced in LES/LPS. The mean molecular diffusion term of the product calculated as a function of its mass fraction also agrees well between LES/LPS and DNS. An important parameter for the MVM is the distance among particles, for which the requirement for accurate prediction is presented for the present test case. LES/LPS with the MVM is expected to be a promising method for investigating compressible turbulent reactive flows at a moderate computational cost.
Sirtuin 3 regulates astrocyte activation by reducing Notch1 signaling after status epilepticus
Authors: Zhu Jing , Park Soojin , Kim Se Hoon , Kim Chul Hoon , Jeong Kyoung Hoon , Kim Won‐Joo
Published: February 2024

Sirtuin3 (Sirt3) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide enzyme that contributes to aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have reported that Sirt3 exerts anti‐inflammatory effects in several neuropathophysiological disorders. As epilepsy is a common neurological disease, in the present study, we investigated the role of Sirt3 in astrocyte activation and inflammatory processes after epileptic seizures. We found the elevated expression of Sirt3 within reactive astrocytes as well as in the surrounding cells in the hippocampus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and a mouse model of pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE). The upregulation of Sirt3 by treatment with adjudin, a potential Sirt3 activator, alleviated SE‐induced astrocyte activation; whereas, Sirt3 deficiency exacerbated astrocyte activation in the hippocampus after SE. In addition, our results showed that Sirt3 upregulation attenuated the activation of Notch1 signaling, nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) activity, and the production of interleukin‐1β (IL1β) in the hippocampus after SE. By contrast, Sirt3 deficiency enhanced the activity of Notch1/NF‐κB signaling and the production of IL1β. These findings suggest that Sirt3 regulates astrocyte activation by affecting the Notch1/NF‐κB signaling pathway, which contributes to the inflammatory response after SE. Therefore, therapies targeting Sirt3 may be a worthy direction for limiting inflammatory responses following epileptic brain injury.
Analysis of immunoglobulin/T‐cell receptor repertoires by high‐throughput RNA sequencing reveals a continuous dynamic of positive clonal selection in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Bobée Victor , Viennot Mathieu , Rainville Vinciane , Veresezan Liana , Drieux Fanny , Viailly Pierre‐Julien , Michel Victor , Sater Vincent , Lanic Marie‐Delphine , Bohers Elodie , Camus Vincent , Tilly Hervé , Jardin Fabrice , Ruminy Philippe
Published: February 2024

Follicular lymphoma (FL) course is highly variable, making its clinical management challenging. In this incurable and recurring pathology, the interval between relapses tends to decrease while aggressiveness increases, sometimes resulting in the transformation to higher‐grade lymphoma. These evolutions are particularly difficult to anticipate, resulting from complex clonal evolutions where multiple subclones compete and thrive due to their capacity to proliferate and resist therapies. Here, to apprehend further these processes, we used a high‐throughput RNA sequencing approach to address simultaneously the B‐cell immunoglobulin repertoires and T‐cell immunoglobulin repertoires repertoires of lymphoma cells and their lymphoid microenvironment in a large cohort of 131 FL1/2‐3A patients. Our data confirm the existence of a high degree of intra‐clonal heterogeneity in this pathology, resulting from ongoing somatic hyper‐mutation and class switch recombination. Through the evaluation of the Simpson ecological‐diversity index, we show that the contribution of the cancerous cells increases during the course of the disease to the detriment of the reactive compartment, a phenomenon accompanied by a concomitant decrease in the diversity of the tumoral population. Clonal evolution in FL thus contrasts with many tumors, where clonal heterogeneity steadily increases over time and participates in treatment evasion. In this pathology, the selection of lymphoma subclones with proliferative advantages progressively outweighs clonal diversification, ultimately leading in extreme cases to transformation to high‐grade lymphoma resulting from the rapid emergence of homogeneous subpopulations.
Development and psychometric testing of the Coronavirus Awareness and Preparedness Scale: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhao Meng , Lee Kyoung , Huang Yuxia
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

A comprehensive standardized evaluation tool was needed to assess community awareness and preparedness when the pandemic hit the United States. This study aimed to develop and validate a new Coronavirus Awareness and Preparedness Scale (CAPS) through psychometric testing.

Methods

This study unfolded in two phases. Phase 1 (conducted in March and April 2020) focused on the development of the scale. Phase 2 (conducted in June and July 2020) measured the reliability and validity of the scale. Psychometric testing, including exploratory factor analysis and reliability testing, was performed with a convenience sample of 1237 faculty, staff, and students at a southern university in the United States.

Results

The final CAPS model consists of four factors with 26 items: threat (seven items), confidence (11 items), individual precautions (three items), and public precautions (five items). The scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.75). Strong and statistically significant item correlations were observed within the subscales through item analysis.

Conclusion

The CAPS is a reliable and valid comprehensive evaluation instrument designed to gauge community awareness and preparedness during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Its adaptability makes it suitable for measuring readiness and preparedness concerning any novel airborne disease or future airborne pandemic within a community.
Cognizance and mitigation of falsified immunization documentation: Analyzing the consequences for public health in Nigeria, with a focus on counterfeited COVID‐19 vaccination cards: A case report
Authors: Ali Victor E. , Asika Marvellous O. , Elebesunu Emmanuel Ebuka , Agbo Chioma , Antwi Maxwell Hubert
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

The global immunization campaign against COVID‐19 has mandated vaccination certificates, leading to a surge in fake documentation. In Nigeria, the proliferation of counterfeit COVID‐19 vaccination cards, facilitated by unscrupulous health workers, raises critical public health concerns. This research spotlights various forms of this malpractice, analyzes the factors contributing to the circulation of fake vaccination cards, their implications on public health, and provides recommendations for addressing the issue.

Methods

Extensive literature review and analysis were conducted to investigate the emergence of fake COVID‐19 vaccination cards in Nigeria. Perspectives from health workers and reports from reputable undercover investigations were examined to identify factors contributing to the circulation of fraudulent records. The research also delved into corruption within the health sector and the impact of low salaries on healthcare workers. Additionally, global instances of fake vaccination cards were explored to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Results

Healthcare workers' vaccine hesitancy, corruption, and inadequate salaries were identified as key contributors to the circulation of fake vaccination cards in Nigeria. Instances of health workers accepting bribes to issue cards without administering vaccines were uncovered. The implications on public health included threats to herd immunity, compromised disease surveillance, erosion of public trust, and reinforcement of vaccine hesitancy. The research also highlighted global challenges with fake vaccination cards, emphasizing the need for international cooperation.

Conclusion

Fake vaccination cards in Nigeria poses challenges to public health, affecting the reliability of immunization data and jeopardizing disease control efforts. It is crucial to strengthen healthcare worker engagement, tackle corruption through increased transparency and improved policies, and implement digital vaccination verification systems. International collaboration is essential to establish standardized security measures and verification checkpoints. Addressing flawed vaccination records requires urgent action to enhance vaccination efforts, and safeguard the population from the resurgence of vaccine‐preventable diseases.
18F‐FDG PET/CT findings of endometriosis and corpus luteum cyst
Authors: Wang Guo‐Jie , Chen Jun‐Yong , Hu Qi‐Yi , Chen Shang‐Qiu , Zhang Jie , Wang Ying
Published: February 2024

Synopsis

PET/CT can differentiate between endometriosis, the malignant progression of endometriosis, and ovarian cysts.
Rocephin‐graphene oxide‐silver nanocomposites: A versatile platform for biomedical applications
Authors: Kashif Humaira , Ahmed Muhammad Naeem , Altaf Muhammad , Haq Ihsan ul , Iqbal Anila , Haq Sirajul
Published: February 2024

For many years, the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) had involved exfoliating graphite flakes, and the methods applied were expensive and time‐consuming. Thus, an attempt had been made to create an inventive, less expensive method for the synthesis of GO using unrefined, raw carbon‐containing material. Modified Hummer's method was used to prepare GO from banana peel. In addition, the metallic silver nanocomposite was also synthesized along with laoding of drug Rocephin where they interact with each other through electrostatic hydrogen bond interaction. The degree of crystallinity and the crystallite size were through x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and the crystallite size of AgNPs was found to be 40.40 nm. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that the morphology of the GO gradually changes with the addition of AgNPs and Rocephin. A blue shift was seen in the absorbance maxima of the raw carbon upon the conjugation of Rocephin in UV analysis. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy were used to determine the chemical composition of the samples. Furthermore, a broad biological screening of the synthesized samples had been carried out following the total reducing power (TRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), antibacterial, antifungal, MTT (Cytotoxicity of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles in MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells) cell viability, brine shrimp lethality, and hemolytic protocols. Significant results were obtained, and the Rocephin‐GO‐AgNPs had depicted promising activity as compared with their counterparts.

Research Highlights

The GO was prepared from the raw carbon extracted from banana peels and was used as a substrate for the synthesis Graphene oxide silver nanoparticles (GO‐AgNPs) and Rocephin‐loaded graphene oxide silver nanoparticles (Rocephin‐GO‐AgNPs)

The structural and compositional analysis of the nanomaterial was carried out, and they were screened for several biomedical applications.

The Rocephin‐GO‐AgNPs exhibit the highest activity as compared with their counterparts.
Weather regimes associated with summer precipitation over the southeast Tibetan Plateau and the relationship with ENSO
Authors: Li Qixu , Lin Zhiqiang , Zhou Shunwu , Yang Limin , Du Jun , Zhou Zhenbo
Published: February 2024

The Tibetan Plateau (TP), known as the “Asian water tower,” provides freshwater resources for hundreds of millions of people in Asia. Most of the Asian rivers, such as the Yangtze, the Jinsha, the Salween and the Brahmaputra, are generated from southeastern part of the TP (SETP). In order to explore the influences of atmospheric circulation on the precipitation over the SETP, self‐organizing mapping (SOM) was utilized to identify the weather regimes (WRs) and related precipitation over the SETP and its surrounding areas. The daily scale of large‐scale circulation via ERA5 were classified into nine WRs by the SOM. There are two favourable regimes (rainy WRs) and three adverse ones (rainless WRs) for the SETP precipitation among these WRs, respectively. Furthermore, water vapour transport of the WRs and the relevant effects of ENSO are investigated. The droughts and floods of SETP are determined by the interannual variations of occurred frequency of the WRs. In particular, the SETP is flooded in the years with frequent occurrence of the rainy WRs and vice versa. The occurrence of WRs is closely related to the phase state of ENSO. The 9th WR (SOM9) and the 4th WR (SOM4) are separately occurred more frequently in the El Niño and the La Niña years. Regulation of ENSO on the SETP precipitation are effective through its influences on the state of atmospheric circulation, that is, frequency of various WRs. It implies that the occurred frequency of WRs is modulated by the climate systems and results in the interannual variations of precipitation over the SETP.
Rapid screening and target‐guided isolation of antioxidants from German chamomile by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl‐ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry coupled with off‐line two‐dimensional high‐speed countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Su Wen , Jiang Shujing , Liu Qi , Sun Conghao , Chen Xiaoqing
Published: February 2024

German chamomile is one of the most effective herbal elements used in anti‐allergic products and as an antioxidant. Herein, the antioxidant activity of different extract fractions of German chamomile was initially evaluated using an off‐line 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl spectrophotometric assay. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the highest efficacy in scavenging free radicals. Based on this, a rapid screening and separation method using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assay was implemented to identify antioxidants in the ethyl acetate fraction of German chamomile flowers. Ten potential radical scavengers were tentatively screened from German chamomile using a target‐guided isolating approach with off‐line two‐dimensional high‐speed countercurrent chromatography and the structures of the compounds were analyzed and identified. Ultimately, 10 radical scavengers were obtained from the ethyl acetate extract with a purity quotient exceeding 90%. The results demonstrated the effectiveness and reproducibility of this method for isolating potential antioxidants from complex mixtures in a targeted manner. This strategy can be applied to the target‐guided isolation of complex mixtures of natural products with broad K‐values and similar structures.