bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating comprehensive medication management in specialty clinics: A feasibility study
Authors: Livet Melanie , Richard Chloe , Pathak Shweta , Blanchard Carrie
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Patients dealing with complex medical conditions requiring specialty care and polypharmacy therapy experience many challenges, including the lack of adequate medication optimization services. Pharmacists within specialty clinics are uniquely positioned to improve patient care by offering comprehensive medication management (CMM) services.

Objectives

This study explores the feasibility of CMM delivery by clinical pharmacists within specialty clinics. More specifically, it aimed to (1) assess the pharmacists, pharmacy managers, and clinic team members' experience with CMM implementation; and (2) evaluate preliminary evidence of treatment effectiveness.

Methods

Seven specialty clinics within an academic medical center were recruited to prepare for, implement, and evaluate CMM over an 18‐month period, with two additional clinics joining mid‐project. This exploratory feasibility study used mixed data to understand levels of service adoption, evaluate changes in feasibility indicators (acceptability, appropriateness, practicality, intent to continue use, and satisfaction), collect implementation feasibility insights, and evaluate treatment outcomes, both perceived and based on medication therapy problem (MTP) resolution rates. Data sources included administrative data, surveys, interviews, and MTP documentation.

Results

Service uptake was highly context dependent, with three of the five clinics discontinuing participation doing so because of challenges with service fit (appropriateness). For the four clinics implementing CMM throughout the study, the benefits were evidenced by the positive changes in the feasibility indicators ratings, perceived improved patient care, and a 96.2% MTP resolution rate. Gaining an understanding of CMM as a service and its potential role within a specialty clinic, ensuring buy‐in from clinics and management, identifying implementation strategies such as preparation of workflows, and using a standardized MTP documentation form were highlighted as critical to successful implementation.

Conclusion

Providing CMM as a service option for complex patients in specialty care clinics was deemed feasible and beneficial, providing alignment with the clinic culture, patient care approach, and pharmacist role.
Research and scholarly methods: Writing abstracts
Authors: Dupree Lori H. , Casapao Anthony M.
Published: May 2023

An abstract is a concise summary of scholarly work and is the first impression for the editor, peer reviewer, or journal audience. When presenting or writing up scholarly activity, an abstract is required for submission and guidelines vary depending on the conference, journal, and grant application. Many early career researchers and pharmacists feel unequipped to summarize research activity and need guidance to get started with abstract writing. A stepwise approach can be a valuable tool for all types of learners. From start to finish, this paper provides guidance and specific examples to write a high‐quality abstract effectively for conferences, journals, and grant application submissions. By following the eight sequential steps of abstract writing provided, pharmacists can potentially develop a skillset to advance scholarly work and showcase it to the scientific community.
Amendments of weld formation in human skin laser soldering
Authors: Ryabkin Dmitrii , Meglinsk Igor , Gerasimenko Alexander
Published: May 2023

A computational modeling is employed for quantitative assessment of weld formation and area of tissue temperature necrosis during the human skin laser soldering. The evaluation is carried out depending on the components composition of using solders, including bovine serum albumin (BSA), indocyanine green (ICG), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), as well as the angle of incidence of laser light and its pulse duration. The influence of CNT on the change of thermodynamic characteristics of albumin denaturation and the rate of formation of the laser weld is investigated. The obtained results suggest to limit the duration of laser light pulse by temperature relaxation time to minimize transfer of thermal energy to reduce the heating of human skin tissues. The developed model has a great potential for further optimization of laser soldering of biological tissues technology with greater efficiency in minimizing the weld area.
MasR and pGCA receptor activation protects primary vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells against oxidative stress via inhibition of intracellular calcium
Authors: Ghatage Trupti , Singh Sameer , Mandal Kalyaneswar , Dhar Arti
Published: May 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are associated with vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and endothelial cell (EC) damage. Angiotensin1‐7 (Ang1‐7) and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are responsible for vasodilation and regulation of blood flow. These protective effects of BNP are primarily mediated by the activation of sGCs/cGMP/cGKI pathway. Conversely, Ang1‐7 inhibits Angiotensin II‐induced contraction and oxidative stress via Mas receptor activation. Thus, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of co‐activation of MasR and particulate guanylate cyclase receptor (pGCA) pathways by synthesized novel peptide (NP) in oxidative stress‐induced VSMCs and ECs. MTT and Griess reagent assay kits were used for the standardization of the oxidative stress (H2O2) induced model in VSMCs. The expression of targeted receptors in VSMC was done by RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis. Protective effect of NP in VSMC and EC was determined by immunocytochemistry, FACS analysis, and Western blot analysis. Underlying mechanisms of EC‐dependent VSMC relaxation were done by determining downstream mRNA gene expression and intracellular calcium imaging of cells. Synthesized NP significantly improved oxidative stress‐induced injury in VSMCs. Remarkably, the actions of NP were superior to that of the Ang1‐7 and BNP alone. Further, a mechanistic study in VSMC and EC suggested the involvement of upstream mediators of calcium inhibition for the therapeutic effect. NP is reported to possess vascular protective activities and is also involved in the improvement of endothelial damage. Moreover, it is highly effective than that of individual peptides BNP and Ang1‐7 and therefore it may represent a promising strategy for CVDs.
Molecular dynamics simulations corroborate recombinant expression studies carried out on three αIIb β‐propeller mutations reported in Indian Glanzmann thrombasthenia patients
Authors: Chandrasekaran Finola Priyadharshini , Vishal Adarsh , Arora Udita , Kumar S. Udhaya , George C. Priya Doss , Nelson Everette Jacob Remington
Published: May 2023

Mutations in the αIIb β‐propeller domain have long been known to disrupt heterodimerization and intracellular trafficking of αIIbβ3 complexes leading to diminished surface expression and/or function, resulting in Glanzmann thrombasthenia. Our previous study on three β‐propeller mutations, namely G128S, S287L, and G357S, showed variable defects in protein transport correlated with the patient's clinical phenotypes. Pulse‐chase experiments revealed differences in αIIbβ3 complex maturation among the three mutations. Hence, the current study aims to correlate conformational changes caused by each one of them. Evolutionary conservation analysis, stability analysis, and molecular dynamics simulations of the three mutant structures were carried out. Stability analysis revealed that, while G128S and G357S mutations destabilized the β‐propeller structure, S287L retained the stability. Wild‐type and mutant β‐propeller structures, when subjected to molecular dynamics simulations, confirmed that G128S and G357S were both destabilizing in nature when compared with the wild‐type and S287L based on several parameters studied, like RMSD, RMSF, Rg, FEL, PCA, secondary structure, and hydrogen bonds. In our previous study, we demonstrated that mutant S287L αIIbβ3 complexes were more stable than the wild‐type αIIbβ3 complexes, as evidenced in pulse‐chase experiments. These findings corroborate variable intracellular fates of mutant αIIbβ3 complexes as a result of these β‐propeller mutations.
New insights into follicular regulatory T cells in the intestinal and tumor microenvironments
Authors: Cao Yejin , Hou Yueru , Zhao Longhao , Huang Yijin , Liu Guangwei
Published: May 2023

Follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells are a novel and unique subset of effector regulatory T (Treg) cells that are located in germinal centers (GCs). Tfr cells express transcription profiles that are characteristic of both follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and Treg cells and negatively regulate GC reactions, including Tfh cell activation and cytokine production, class switch recombination and B cell activation. Evidence also shows that Tfr cells have specific characteristics in different local immune microenvironments. This review focuses on the regulation of Tfr cell differentiation and function in unique local immune microenvironments, including the intestine and tumor.
Experimental study on preparation of calcium oxide by coal reduction of calcium sulfate in carbon dioxide atmosphere
Authors: Ma Dong , Wang Qinhui
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Recent studies show that CaO is being produced from CaSO4 by CO reduction using fixed‐bed reactors. However, the product yield is low and the reaction time is long. Furthermore, the high cost of CO hinders its application in industrial processes. Therefore, a new process is proposed for preparing CaO by CaSO4 decomposition using lignite under CO2. The influence of various process conditions on the production of CaO by CaSO4 decomposition is investigated by combining kinetic and FactSage simulations. Finally, a typical industrial gypsum – phosphogypsum (PG) – is used for experimental verification.

RESULTS

The study found that adding CO2 during the coal reduction of CaSO4 increases the CaO yield. The ideal conditions are 1.75 C/Ca molar ratio, 7.5% CO2 concentration at 1100 °C with the maximum CaSO4 decomposition rate and CaO yield of 99.63% and 99.28%, respectively. CaO generation is carried out using a two‐step process. Initially, CaSO4 is reduced to become CaS and CaO, and CaS interacts with CaSO4 to produce CaO. Secondly, the reaction between CaS and CO2 produces CaO. The nucleation and growth model with g(α) = −ln(1 − α) is applicable to both processes. The experimental use of PG confirms the above conclusions, but SiO2 in PG reacts with CaO to produce Ca2SiO4 and affect the CaO yield.

CONCLUSION

The addition of CO2 promotes the conversion process of CaSO4 to CaO. Increasing the temperature, C/Ca molar ratio and CO2 concentration favor the decomposition of CaSO4 into CaO. This study offers advice for using CaSO4 products like PG as resources. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The comparative morphology of the musculature controlling the pectoral free rays in scorpaenoid fishes
Authors: Taft Natalia , Harris Jeremy , Grande Terry C.
Published: May 2023

Free rays are ventral pectoral fin rays (lepidotrichia) that are free of the pectoral fin webbing. They are some of the most striking adaptations of benthic fishes. Free rays are used for specialized behaviors such as digging, walking or crawling along the sea bottom. Studies of pectoral free rays have focused on a small number of species, most notably the searobins (Family Triglidae). Previous research on the morphology of the free rays has emphasized their functional novelty. We hypothesize that the more extreme specializations of the pectoral free rays in searobins are not precisely novel, but are part of a broader range of morphological specializations that are associated with the pectoral free rays in suborder Scorpaenoidei. We perform a detailed comparative description of the intrinsic musculature and osteology of the pectoral free rays in three families of scorpaenoid fishes: Hoplichthyidae, Triglidae, and Synanceiidae. These families vary in the number of pectoral free rays and the degree of morphological specialization of those rays. As part of our comparative analysis, we propose significant revisions to earlier descriptions of both the identity and function of the musculature associated with the pectoral free rays. We focus particularly on the specialized adductors that are important for walking behaviors. Our emphasis on the homology of these features provides important morphological and evolutionary context for understanding the evolution and function of free rays within Scorpaenoidei and other groups.
Mechanistic aspects of binding of telomeric over parallel G‐quadruplex with novel synthesized Knoevenagel condensate 4‐nitrobenzylidene curcumin
Authors: Sharma Padma , Jha Niki Sweta
Published: May 2023

The introduction of small ligands to stabilise G‐quadruplex DNA structures is a promising method for developing anti‐cancer drugs. It is challenging to stabilise the G‐quadruplex structure, which can take on a variety of topologies and is known to inhibit specific biological processes. To achieve this, 4‐nitrobenzylidene curcumin (NBC), the Knoevenagel condensate of curcumin, was synthesized and characterized. The interaction of 4‐nitrobenzylidene curcumin with parallel (c‐MYC) and hybrid (H‐telo) G‐quadruplex structures was studied by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, UV‐thermal melting, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and docking studies. The outcome demonstrates that, in a K+‐rich solution, the ligand NBC can stabilise the parallel c‐MYC and hybrid H‐telo G‐quadruplex structures by 5°C. The absorption and fluorescence studies show that the ligand NBC binds to c‐MYC and H‐telo with affinities of 0.3 × 106 M−1 and 0.6 × 106 M−1, respectively. The ligand interacts with the terminal G‐quartet of the quadruplex structure via intercalation and the groove mode of binding, well supported by docking studies as well. NBC has more potent antioxidant activity as compared to the curcumin and 4‐nitro benzaldehyde. It was also found to have higher cytotoxic activity towards cell line such as HeLa and MCF‐7, while less cytotoxic for healthy Vero cells. Overall, the results show that the Knoevenagel product of curcumin can work better as a G‐quadruplex binder and could be used as a possible treatment.
Nonablative monopolar radiofrequency for the reduction of facial pores and sebum excretion in Thai patients: A novel approach
Authors: Techapichetvanich Thanya , Manuskiatti Woraphong , Wongdama Supisara , Viriyaskultorn Noldtawat , Li Jayne Bernadeth , Jantanapornchai Nuttagarn
Published: May 2023

Background

Enlarged facial pores are visible topographic features of the skin that have been associated with cutaneous photoaging and increased sebum production. It has remained a common dermatologic concern, gaining a significant number of in‐clinic consults. Available treatment modalities often operate on a single mode of action, consequently offering limited and short‐term outcomes.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of a nonablative monopolar radiofrequency (NMRF) for pore tightening and sebum output reduction in Thai patients.

Methods

Nineteen patients with enlarged pores underwent two sessions of NMRF treatments at 4‐week intervals. The measurements of pore volume, skin texture, average pore size, sebum production, and skin elasticity were quantified using Antera® 3D imaging system, dermoscopic image analysis with ImageJ software, Sebumeter® and Cutometer®. Clinical evaluation by two dermatologists was done using blinded clinical photographs. All objective and subjective assessments were done at the baseline, a month after the first treatment, and during follow‐up visits 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment. Adverse effects were also recorded during each visit.

Results

Seventeen out of the 19 subjects completed the study protocol. The mean pore volume significantly reduced by 24% from the baseline at 1 month after the first treatment (p < 0.016). The pore volume continued to decrease by 34% and 38% a month (p < 0.001) and 6 months (p < 0.001) following the final treatment, respectively. Sebum excretion likewise significantly decreased from baseline by 39% (p = 0.002) and 36% (p < 0.001), 3 and 6 months after the second treatment, respectively. Skin texture and elasticity also significantly improved following two NMRF sessions. The objective assessments of the pore appearance corresponded to subjective clinical evaluations. The treatment was well‐tolerated without significant side effects, such as dyspigmentation, textural alteration, and scarring.

Conclusion

NMRF appears to be effective and safe for the reduction of pore size and sebum production, with therapeutic outcomes persisting up to 6 months after two treatment sessions.
Post‐translational modifications of histones: Mechanisms, biological functions, and therapeutic targets
Authors: Liu Ruiqi , Wu Jiajun , Guo Haiwei , Yao Weiping , Li Shuang , Lu Yanwei , Jia Yongshi , Liang Xiaodong , Tang Jianming , Zhang Haibo
Published: May 2023

Histones are DNA‐binding basic proteins found in chromosomes. After the histone translation, its amino tail undergoes various modifications, such as methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, malonylation, propionylation, butyrylation, crotonylation, and lactylation, which together constitute the “histone code.” The relationship between their combination and biological function can be used as an important epigenetic marker. Methylation and demethylation of the same histone residue, acetylation and deacetylation, phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, and even methylation and acetylation between different histone residues cooperate or antagonize with each other, forming a complex network. Histone‐modifying enzymes, which cause numerous histone codes, have become a hot topic in the research on cancer therapeutic targets. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the role of histone post‐translational modifications (PTMs) in cell life activities is very important for preventing and treating human diseases. In this review, several most thoroughly studied and newly discovered histone PTMs are introduced. Furthermore, we focus on the histone‐modifying enzymes with carcinogenic potential, their abnormal modification sites in various tumors, and multiple essential molecular regulation mechanism. Finally, we summarize the missing areas of the current research and point out the direction of future research. We hope to provide a comprehensive understanding and promote further research in this field.
Theory of chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI in the context of different magnetic fields
Authors: Zaiss Moritz , Jin Tao , Kim Seong‐Gi , Gochberg Daniel F.
Published: May 2023

The article from this special issue was previously published in NMR In Biomedicine , Volume 35, Issue 11, 2022. For completeness we are including the title page of the article below. The full text of the article can be read in Issue 35:11 on Wiley Online Library: https://doi.org/10.1002/nbm.4789
Sensitivity schemes for dynamic glucose‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to detect glucose uptake and clearance in mouse brain at 3 T
Authors: Huang Jianpan , Lai Joseph H. C. , Han Xiongqi , Chen Zilin , Xiao Peng , Liu Yang , Chen Lin , Xu Jiadi , Chan Kannie W. Y.
Published: May 2023

The article from this special issue was previously published in NMR In Biomedicine , Volume 35, Issue 3, 2022. For completeness we are including the title page of the article below. The full text of the article can be read in Issue 35:3 on Wiley Online Library: https://doi.org/10.1002/nbm.4640
Assessment of cellular responses in three‐dimensional cell cultures through chemical exchange saturation transfer and 1H MRS
Authors: Wu Ssu‐Ting , Chen Pin‐Chen , Tseng Yu‐Hsien , Chen Ting‐Hao , Wang Yi‐Jiun , Tsai Zong‐Lin , Lin Eugene C.
Published: May 2023

The article from this special issue was previously published in NMR In Biomedicine , Volume 35, Issue 9, 2022. For completeness we are including the title page of the article below. The full text of the article can be read in Issue 35:9 on Wiley Online Library: https://doi.org/10.1002/nbm.4757
Upper Airway Surgery or Weight Control? Modified Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Lin Hung‐Che , Wang Chih‐Hung , Kuo Terry B. J. , Yang Cheryl C. H. , Lee Jih‐Chin , Chiu Feng‐Shiang , Chang Yi , Jacobowitz Ofer , Chu Chi‐Ming , Hsu Ying‐Shuo
Published: May 2023

Objective

To identify the value of head rotation in the supine position and oral appliance (OA) use in drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).

Study Design

Eighty‐three sleep apnea adults undergoing target‐controlled infusion‐DISE (TCI‐DISE) were recruited from a tertiary academic medical center.

Setting

During DISE, 4 positions were utilized: supine position (position 1), head rotation (position 2), mandibular advancement using an OA (position 3), and head rotation with an OA (position 4).

Methods

Polysomnography (PSG) data and anthropometric variables during DISE were analyzed.

Results

Eighty‐three patients (65 men and 18 women; mean [standard deviation, SD], 48.5 [11.0] years) who underwent PSG and TCI‐DISE were included. The mean (SD) apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was 35.5 (22.4) events/h. Twenty‐three patients had persistent complete concentric velopharyngeal collapse in the supine position, even with concurrent head rotation and OA (position 4). Their mean (SD) AHI was 54.7 (24.6) events/h, significantly higher than that of the 60 patients without such collapse in position 4 (p < .001). Their mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) was 29.0 (4.1) kg/m2, also significantly higher (p = .005). After adjustment for age, BMI, tonsil size, and tongue position, the degree of velum and tongue base obstruction was significantly associated with sleep apnea severity in positions 2, 3, and 4.

Conclusion

We showed the feasibility, safety, and usefulness of using simple edge‐to‐edge, reusable OA in DISE. Patients who are not responsive to head rotation and OA during TCI‐DISE may need upper airway surgery and/or weight control.
Otolaryngologists and Reproductive Rights
Authors: Yalamanchi Pratyusha , Faucett Erynne A. , Shuman Andrew G.
Published: May 2023

Our nation faces contentious questions regarding reproductive rights and access to abortion which have long been viewed as beyond the scope of otolaryngology. The broad implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization (Jackson) impact all people who are, or can become, pregnant and their health care providers. The consequences for otolaryngologists are thus far‐reaching and poorly understood. Here we describe how the post‐Dobbs landscape is relevant to the practice of otolaryngology and offer suggestions for how otolaryngologists can best respond, prepare, and support their patients in this tenuous political landscape.
Spontaneous Ventilation With High‐Flow Nasal Oxygen for Elective Suspension Microlaryngoscopy
Authors: Courbon Cecile
Published: May 2023

Objective

Spontaneous ventilation under intravenous anesthesia allows the surgeon to work without interruption or obstruction of the operating field during suspension microlaryngoscopy (SML). High‐flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO) is increasingly used in anesthesia. We hypothesized that its use during SML would increase patient safety even in situations where the airway is compromised by tumor or stenosis.

Study Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland.

Methods

Adults patients who were scheduled for elective microlaryngeal surgery and managed with HFNO in spontaneous ventilation under general anesthesia between October 2020 and December 2021.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients for a total of 32 surgical procedures were performed under HFNO with spontaneous ventilation. Seventy‐five percent of the patients had respiratory symptoms. Twelve patients (42.9%) were planned for the treatment of subglottic or tracheal stenosis and 5 patients were managed for vocal cord cancer (18.5%). Out of 32 surgeries, 4 cases of saturation < 92% occurred, 3 of them during the decrease of the fraction of inspired oxygen to 30% for the use of the laser. In 3 cases, the patients were intubated to correct the hypoxemia.

Conclusion

Spontaneous respiration using intravenous anesthesia and high‐flow nasal oxygen is a modern technique that increases patient safety while allowing the surgeon to work without interruption or imputation of the operative field during SML. This approach is particularly promising for the management of airways compromised by tumors or laryngotracheal stenosis.
Biochemical, structural, and kinetic characterization of PPi‐dependent phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase from Propionibacterium freudenreichii
Authors: McLeod Matthew J. , Holyoak Todd
Published: May 2023

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases (PEPCK) are a well‐studied family of enzymes responsible for the regulation of TCA cycle flux, where they catalyze the interconversion of oxaloacetic acid (OAA) and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) using a phosphoryl donor/acceptor. These enzymes have typically been divided into two nucleotide‐dependent classes, those that use ATP and those that use GTP. In the 1960's and early 1970's, a group of papers detailed biochemical properties of an enzyme named phosphoenolpyruvate carboxytransphosphorylase (later identified as a third PEPCK) from Propionibacterium freudenreichii (PPi‐PfPEPCK), which instead of using a nucleotide, utilized PPi to catalyze the same interconversion of OAA and PEP. The presented work expands upon the initial biochemical experiments for PPi‐PfPEPCK and interprets these data considering both the current understanding of nucleotide‐dependent PEPCKs and is supplemented with a new crystal structure of PPi‐PfPEPCK in complex with malate at a putative allosteric site. Most interesting, the data are consistent with PPi‐PfPEPCK being a Fe2+ activated enzyme in contrast with the Mn2+ activated nucleotide‐dependent enzymes which in part results in some unique kinetic properties for the enzyme when compared to the more widely distributed GTP‐ and ATP‐dependent enzymes.
Automated identification of occluded sectors in midlatitude cyclones: Method and some climatological applications
Authors: Naud Catherine M. , Martin Jonathan E. , Ghosh Poushali , Elsaesser Gregory , Posselt Derek
Published: May 2023

A novel automated scheme for identifying occluded mid‐latitude cyclones from gridded datasets is described and employed to construct a limited climatology of such storms as well as composites of their thermodynamic and kinematic structures. The climatology (2006–2017) is derived from the MERRA‐2 reanalysis and reveals differences in the distribution of occlusions between the hemispheres. Northern Hemisphere occlusions are most frequent in winter (DJF) and are found poleward of the mean tropopause‐level jets in both the Atlantic and Pacific basins. In the Southern Hemisphere, however, occlusions are most frequent during autumn (MAM) and are almost never found equatorward of . Using the identification scheme, wintertime occlusions are stratified based upon the value of 700 hPa (equivalent potential temperature) in their characteristic thickness ridges. Composites of six groups of occlusions, based upon this distinction, are constructed for each hemisphere. The composites reveal notable differences in the thermodynamic structures among these six groups with more poleward (lower or “colder”) storms exhibiting shallower, less developed thermal structures as compared to their lower‐latitude (higher or “warmer”) counterparts. These differences are attended by contrasts in the intensity of upward vertical motions in the occluded sectors of the various composite storms implying that “warm” storms are associated with greater latent heat release than “colder” storms. It is suggested that these coincident differences between “cold” and “warm” storms provide further evidence of the fundamental importance of latent heat release to the development of occluded thermal structures.
Explicitly determined sea ice emissivity and emission temperature over the Arctic for surface‐sensitive microwave channels
Authors: Kang Eui‐Jong , Sohn Byung‐Ju , Tonboe Rasmus Tage , Noh Young‐Chan , Kwon In‐Hyuk , Kim Sang‐Woo , Maturilli Marion , Kim Hyun‐Cheol , Liu Chao
Published: May 2023

Data assimilation of satellite microwave measurements is one of the important keys to improving weather forecasting over the Arctic region. However, the use of surface‐sensitive microwave‐sounding channel measurements for data assimilation or retrieval has been limited, especially during winter, due to the poorly constrained sea ice emissivity. In this study, aiming at more use of those channel measurements in the data assimilation, we propose an explicit method for specifying the surface radiative boundary conditions (namely emissivity and emitting layer temperature of snow and ice). These were explicitly determined with a radiative transfer model for snow and ice and with snow/ice physical parameters (i.e. snow/ice depths and vertical distributions of temperature, density, salinity, and grain size) simulated from the thermodynamically driven snow/ice growth model. We conducted 1D‐Var experiments in order to examine whether this approach can help to use the surface‐sensitive microwave temperature channel measurements over the Arctic sea ice region for data assimilation. Results show that (1) the surface‐sensitive microwave channels can be used in the 1D‐Var retrieval, and (2) the specification of the radiative boundary condition at the surface using the snow/sea ice emission model can significantly improve the atmospheric temperature retrieval, especially in the lower troposphere (500 hPa to surface). The successful retrieval suggests that useful information can be extracted from surface‐sensitive microwave‐sounding channel radiances over sea ice surfaces through the explicit determination of snow/ice emissivity and emitting layer temperature.
Equatorial Rossby waves on cold surge days and their impact on rainfall
Authors: Diong Jeong‐Yik , Xavier Prince , Woolnough Steven J. , Abdullah Firdaus Ammar
Published: May 2023

This study aims to understand the process that determines the regional rainfall distribution in the equatorial South China Sea (SCS) and its surrounding during the cold surge (CS) days by looking at the different vorticity phases of active equatorial Rossby (R1) waves and the dynamics of the CSs related to the R1 wave. The CS can be thought of as an anticyclonic outflow from midlatitude and behaves like a dispersive group of R1 meridional modes. From the study, it shows the vorticity of the R1 wave arranges itself in such a way that the anticyclonic phase is located to the west and the cyclonic phase is located to the east of the cold CS axis. The CS winds in the equatorial SCS occur early, remain longer, and possess a larger zonal component in the active cyclonic phase compared with the active anticyclonic phase. During the active cyclonic vorticity phase, the rainfall anomalies pattern in the equatorial SCS changes from a “tick‐mark‐like” pattern to a “V‐shape” pattern as a consequence of the westward propagation of the wave. The probability of rainfall increases near the centre of cyclonic vorticity, but for anticyclonic vorticity the probability increases in the southern part of the vorticity centre. There is both increased (decreased) intensity and probability of extreme rainfall events during the active cyclonic (anticyclonic) vorticity phase on CS days. Overall, the rainfall anomalies are largely dominated by changes in the intensity on wet days rather than the number of wet days. These changes indicate the roles of the R1 wave vorticity phase in the rainfall distribution during CS days. The timing of enhancement and suppression of rain will provide additional valuable information to help improve forecast extreme weather events.
Eutectic Mixture of Fenofibric Acid and Syringic Acid: Improvement of Dissolution Rate and Its Antihyperlipidemic Activity
Authors: Zaini Erizal , Wahyuni Fitri , Salsabila Hulwa , Anggraini Deni , Yuliandra Yori , Lucida Henny
Published: May 2023

Fenofibric acid is a poorly water‐soluble drug with high permeability; thus, it is classified as a Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) class II. This study aimed to prepare a eutectic mixture of fenofibric acid with syringic acid as a coformer to improve its solubility, dissolution rate, and antihyperlipidemic activity. The solvent co‐evaporation method was used to form a eutectic mixture. Solid‐state properties were characterized, solubility and in vitro dissolution profiles were studied, and in vivo antihyperlipidemic effectiveness was investigated in male Wistar rats. The results showed that the eutectic mixture of fenofibric acid‐syringic acid enhanced the solubility (3.4‐fold) and in vitro dissolution rate (3.62‐fold) and significantly improved the antihyperlipidemic activity compared with intact fenofibric acid.
Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular Docking and in vitro Biological Studies of Thiazolidin‐4‐one Derivatives as Anti‐Breast‐Cancer Agents
Authors: Şenol Halil , Ağgül Ahmet Gökhan , Atasoy Sezen
Published: May 2023

In this study, 16 new compounds were synthesized starting from methylparaben. These new compounds consist of eight arylidenehydrazide derivatives and eight thiazolidin‐4‐on derivatives. All compounds were tested against MCF‐7 breast cancer cells and MCF10A breast healthy tissue to determine their anti‐cancer activity. Molecular docking studies were also carried out against receptor proteins related to the growth factor of cancer cells to understand inhibition mechanism. According to the results, 4‐furan‐2‐ylmethoxy)‐N‐(4‐oxo‐2‐phenylthiazolidin‐3‐yl)benzamide (5 a) and 4‐(furan‐2‐ylmethoxy)‐N‐(2‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐4‐oxothiazolidin‐3‐yl)benzamide (5 e) were found as the highest selective and most active compounds against breast cancer cells.
Synaptic dysfunction in schizophrenia
Authors: Mısır Emre , Akay Güvem Gümüş
Published: May 2023

Schizophrenia is a chronic disease presented with psychotic symptoms, negative symptoms, impairment in the reward system, and widespread neurocognitive deterioration. Disruption of synaptic connections in neural circuits is responsible for the disease's development and progression. Because deterioration in synaptic connections results in the impaired effective processing of information. Although structural impairments of the synapse, such as a decrease in dendritic spine density, have been shown in previous studies, functional impairments have also been revealed with the development of genetic and molecular analysis methods. In addition to abnormalities in protein complexes regulating exocytosis in the presynaptic region and impaired vesicle release, especially, changes in proteins related to postsynaptic signaling have been reported. In particular, impairments in postsynaptic density elements, glutamate receptors, and ion channels have been shown. At the same time, effects on cellular adhesion molecular structures such as neurexin, neuroligin, and cadherin family proteins were detected. Of course, the confusing effect of antipsychotic use in schizophrenia research should also be considered. Although antipsychotics have positive and negative effects on synapses, studies indicate synaptic deterioration in schizophrenia independent of drug use. In this review, the deterioration in synapse structure and function and the effects of antipsychotics on the synapse in schizophrenia will be discussed.
Deployment of EPIC framework for intelligence transportation system
Authors: Sitton Miri
Published: May 2023

Enterprise system engineering is a new practice that has emerged over the last few decades, promising to achieve better enterprises by improving cross‐enterprise processes. However, enterprises have a unique property as a system of unsynchronized arrays of systems. This property can lead to severe problems and anomalies, such as cross‐enterprise failures. These issues become even more drastic in supporting cross‐enterprises processes like transportation. The transportation arena is a complex system in itself. It comprises a variety of enterprises and systems supported by different technologies and vendors. Moreover, it involves governmental, municipal, and private stakeholders. Therefore, planning and designing a coordinated and integrated architecture is difficult. A new enterprise system engineering framework called EPIC addresses these issues by enabling better coordination of unsynchronized arrays of systems across enterprises. This research explores the application of an architectural framework to the transportation arena, where existing methods have not adequately addressed its unique properties. Deploying it in the “real world” plants the seeds to improve the transportation processes, their performance, efficiency, and reliability.
Immunosuppressants exert differential effects on pan‐coronavirus infection and distinct combinatory antiviral activity with molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir
Authors: Wang Yining , Li Pengfei , Lavrijsen Marla , Rottier Robbert J. , den Hoed Caroline M. , Bruno Marco J. , Kamar Nassim , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , de Vries Annemarie C. , Pan Qiuwei
Published: May 2023

Background

Immunocompromised populations, such as organ transplant recipients and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory medications, may be more susceptible to coronavirus infections. However, little is known about how immunosuppressants affect coronavirus replication and their combinational effects with antiviral drugs.

Objective

This study aims to profile the effects of immunosuppressants and the combination of immunosuppressants with oral antiviral drugs molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir on pan‐coronavirus infection in cell and human airway organoids (hAOs) culture models.

Methods

Different coronaviruses (including wild type, delta and omicron variants of SARS‐CoV‐2, and NL63, 229E and OC43 seasonal coronaviruses) were used in lung cell lines and hAOs models. The effects of immunosuppressants were tested.

Results

Dexamethasone and 5‐aminosalicylic acid moderately stimulated the replication of different coronaviruses. Mycophenolic acid (MPA), 6‐thioguanine (6‐TG), tofacitinib and filgotinib treatment dose‐dependently inhibited viral replication of all tested coronaviruses in both cell lines and hAOs. The half maximum effective concentration (EC50) of tofacitinib against SARS‐CoV‐2 was 0.62 μM and the half maximum cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was above 30 μM, which resulted in a selective index (SI) of about 50. The anti‐coronavirus effect of the JAK inhibitors tofacitinib and filgotinib is dependent on the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. Combinations of MPA, 6‐TG, tofacitinib, and filgotinib with the oral antiviral drugs molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir exerted an additive or synergistic antiviral activity.

Conclusions

Different immunosuppressants have distinct effects on coronavirus replication, with 6‐TG, MPA, tofacitinib and filgotinib possessing pan‐coronavirus antiviral activity. The combinations of MPA, 6‐TG, tofacitinib and filgotinib with antiviral drugs exerted an additive or synergistic antiviral activity. Thus, these findings provide an important reference for optimal management of immunocompromised patients infected with coronaviruses.
Pathogenic bacteria associated with outbreaks of respiratory disease in Iranian broiler farms
Authors: Bashashati Mohsen , Shojaei Mohammad , Sabouri Fereshteh
Published: May 2023

Background

Multi‐causal respiratory infections are more commonly observed than uncomplicated cases with single agents in the commercial poultry industry. Recently, increased mortality rates associated with respiratory clinical signs have been reported in Iranian broiler farms.

Objectives

The present study aimed to determine the spectra of avian mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma gallisepticum, MG and Mycoplasma synoviae, MS) and Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) in the broiler farms with the multi‐causal respiratory disease (MCRD) from 2017 to 2020.

Methods

Trachea and lung tissue samples were collected from 70 broiler flocks presenting increased mortality and acute respiratory disease. MG, MS, and ORT were detected by performing polymerase chain reaction with primers complementary to the 16S rRNA, vlhA, and 16S rRNA genes, respectively.

Results

Genetic materials of MG, MS, and ORT were detected in five, three, and five of the 70 flocks. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the complete mgc2 coding sequences, all MG strains formed a distinct cluster along with other Iranian MG isolates. According to the phylogenetic analysis of the partial vlhA gene of MS strains, two isolates were located along with Australian and European strains. In addition, one of them displayed an out‐group association with MS isolates from Jordan. Phylogenetic analysis of Iranian ORT strains using a partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene showed a distinct group among the other ORT strains.

Conclusions

The results indicate that MG, MS, and ORT are not predominantly responsible for the MCRD. However, continuous monitoring of poultry flocks could be significant for obtaining valuable information related to different MG, MS, and ORT strains and designing effective control strategies.
Understanding the Silala River—Scientific insights from the dispute over the status and use of the waters of the Silala (Chile v. Bolivia)
Authors: Wheater Howard S. , Peach Denis W. , Suárez Francisco , Muñoz Jose F.
Published: May 2023

The flows of surface water and groundwater from the Andes to the Atacama Desert are a vital source of freshwater, supporting ecosystems and human activities, but few substantive studies have addressed the hydrological and hydrogeological functioning of these systems. A dispute between Chile and Bolivia concerning the transboundary Silala River, recently heard before the International Court of Justice, The Hague, provided a unique opportunity for new scientific studies, reviewed in this Special Issue. First, findings from field studies that address the geological and geomorphological evolution of the Silala River basin and its current status, the key hydrological processes (including infiltration, actual evaporation from wetlands and alluvial plains, and surface water‐groundwater interactions), and the hydrogeological characterization of the major aquifers are reviewed. The dispute arose because Bolivia disagreed that the Silala was a transboundary river, subject to international law. As the Court proceedings evolved, this was accepted by Bolivia, but effects on surface flows of historical channelization in the Bolivian headwater wetlands remained a point of legal and technical disagreement. Bolivia asserted large increases in surface flow, based on modeling by their consultants, DHI. Chile held that these effects are small. In the second part of this paper, we summarize the modeling evidence. Chile's use of DHI's models, and its own hydrological and groundwater modeling of the basin, fully support Chile's position. We conclude with discussion of the Court's judgment, the challenges of physically‐based modeling of small changes in complex systems, and associated implications for judicial practice.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Stress‐modulated growth in the presence of nutrients—Existence and uniqueness in one spatial dimension
Authors: Bangert Kira , Dolzmann Georg
Published: May 2023

Existence and uniqueness of solutions for a class of models for stress‐modulated growth is proven in one spatial dimension. The model features the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient F into an elastic part and a growth‐related part G. After the transformation due to the growth process, governed by G, an elastic deformation described by is applied in order to restore the Dirichlet boundary conditions and, therefore, the current configuration might be stressed with a stress tensor S. The growth of the material at each point in the reference configuration is given by an ordinary differential equation for which the right‐hand side may depend on the stress S and the pull‐back of a nutrient concentration in the current configuration, leading to a coupled system of ordinary differential equations.
Deviation from equidistance for one-dimensional sequences
Authors: Weiß Christian
Published: May 2023

For a finite sequence$$(x_i)_{i=1}^N$$(xi)i=1Nin the unit interval, we introduce the gap ratio function which measures the size of the maximal gap length relative to all other gap lengths. This function (asymptotically) captures a lot of information about the degree of uniformity of the sequence. We discuss connections to the theories of dispersion, discrepancy, pair correlation statistics and covering numbers. Furthermore, we explicitly calculate the gap ratio function for some important classes of uniformly distributed sequences.
Vector valued invariant means, complementability and almost constrained subspaces
Authors: Łukasik Radosław
Published: May 2023

In this paper we will study a connection between some generalization of AC-subspaces, vector valued invariant $$\lambda $$
λ
-means and $$\lambda $$
λ
-complementability.
Involvement of necroptosis in the selective toxicity of the natural compound (±) gossypol on squamous skin cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Haasler Lisa , von Montfort Claudia , Kondadi Arun Kumar , Golombek Mathias , Ebbert Lara , Wenzel Chantal-Kristin , Stahl Wilhelm , Reichert Andreas S. , Brenneisen Peter
Published: May 2023

Cutaneous basal and squamous cell carcinoma reflect the first and second most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer, respectively. Especially cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma has the tendency to metastasize, finally resulting in a rather poor prognosis. Therapeutic options comprise surgery, radiation therapy, and a systemic or targeted chemotherapy. There are some good treatment results, but overall, the response rate of newly developed drugs is still modest. Drug repurposing represents an alternative approach where already available and clinically approved substances are used, which originally intended for other clinical benefits. In this context, we tested the effect of the naturally occurring polyphenolic aldehyde (±) gossypol with concentrations between 1 and 5 µM on the invasive squamous cell carcinoma cell line SCL-1 and normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Gossypol treatment up to 96 h resulted in a selective cytotoxicity of SCL-1 cells (IC50: 1.7 µM, 96 h) compared with normal keratinocytes (IC50: ≥ 5.4 µM, 96 h) which is mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction and finally leading to necroptotic cell death. Taken together, gossypol shows a high potential as an alternative anticancer drug for the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.