bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Territoriality drives patterns of fixed space use in Caribbean parrotfishes
Authors: Manning Joshua C. , McCoy Sophie J.
Published: February 2023

Animals often occupy home ranges where they conduct daily activities. In many parrotfishes, large terminal phase (TP) males defend their diurnal (i.e., daytime) home ranges as intraspecific territories occupied by harems of initial phase (IP) females. However, we know relatively little about the exclusivity and spatial stability of these territories. We investigated diurnal home range behavior in several TPs and IPs of five common Caribbean parrotfish species on the fringing coral reefs of Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands. We computed parrotfish home ranges to investigate differences in space use and then quantified spatial overlap of home ranges between spatially co‐occurring TPs to investigate exclusivity. We also quantified the spatial overlap of home ranges estimated from repeat tracks of a few TPs to investigate their spatial stability. We then discussed these results in the context of parrotfish social behavior. Home range sizes differed significantly among species. Spatial overlap between home ranges was lower for intraspecific than interspecific pairs of TPs. Focal TPs frequently engaged in agonistic interactions with intraspecific parrotfish and interacted longest with intraspecific TP parrotfish. This behavior suggests that exclusionary agonistic interactions may contribute to the observed patterns of low spatial overlap between home ranges. The spatial overlap of home ranges estimated from repeated tracks of several TPs of three study species was high, suggesting that home ranges were spatially stable for at least 1 month. Taken together, our results provide strong evidence that daytime parrotfish space use is constrained within fixed intraspecific territories in which territory holders have nearly exclusive access to resources. Grazing by parrotfishes maintains benthic reef substrates in early successional states that are conducive to coral larval settlement and recruitment. Behavioral constraints on parrotfish space use may drive spatial heterogeneity in grazing pressure and affect local patterns of benthic community assembly. A thorough understanding of the spatial ecology of parrotfishes is, therefore, necessary to elucidate their functional roles on coral reefs.
Water use characteristics of the artificial forests black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis) on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Zhu Haoyang , Li Hongyu , Wang Xiaolei , Jiang Ting , Sun Lin , Luo Yi
Published: February 2023

The broad leaf, deciduous black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and needle leaf, evergreen Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis) are the major afforestation species on the Loess Plateau of China, accounting for 29.5% and 15.9% of the afforestation area, respectively. The decay of black locust and drying of the forest land soil in this region have caused serious concerns among scientific community and local management authorities. Understanding the hydrological characteristics of the afforestation plantation may provide clues for choosing proper species. However, previous studies demonstrated diverse or even contradictory understandings due to incomplete observations of the water balance. We used a model to reconstruct the water balance based on 5 years (2015–2019) of incomplete soil water and transpiration observations at the field for these two species. The R‐squares of linear regression analysis of simulated and observed soil water in black locust and Chinese pine plantations were 0.69 and 0.90, respectively; and transpiration was 0.62 and 0.69, respectively. Based on the reconstructed water balance components, we found that (1) black locust and Chinese pine had similar annual evapotranspiration in quantity. However, the Chinese pine transpired less and evaporated more water from the canopy than the black locust, with their ratios to the annual precipitation 50.7% and 69.7%, 26.3% and 17.2%, respectively; (2) the Chinese pine has higher evapotranspiration than the black locust in the non‐growing season, accounting for 19.5% and 9.2% of the annual evapotranspiration, respectively; and (3) the Chinese pine is more tolerable to soil water drought than black locust. The findings may suggest that the Chinese pine is a more favourable species for afforestation than the black locust from the point view of drought resistance in this region.
Advances in the blue‐green space evaluation index system
Authors: Xiangxiang Jiao , Zhimiao Zhao , Xiao Li , Zhufang Wang , Yinjiang Zhang
Published: February 2023

Blue‐green spaces have certain ecological, economic, and social benefits for urban development. Many evaluation index systems have been developed to evaluate the health status of urban ecosystems; however, blue and green spaces are separately evaluated without considering the synergistic effect between water and green spaces in the ecosystem, thus affecting the unified planning and construction of cities. Therefore, based on existing studies, the development process of the blue‐green space evaluation index system is divided into three stages: Supply service evaluation stage, adjustment service evaluation stage, and cultural service evaluation stage in order to deeply discuss the development path of the blue‐green space evaluation index system. The blue and green evaluation index systems are compared from the perspectives of index selection and evaluation content. Moreover, the characteristics of conventional evaluation methods are discussed in order to propose an applicable evaluation index system and evaluation method of blue‐green spaces for evaluating the degree of blue‐green integration of cities. The review provides the basis for urban planning and ecological restoration.
Woody debris dominates the exports of carbon and nitrogen from headwater streams in an alpine forest
Authors: Liang Ziyi , Zhuang Liyan , Yang Jiaping , Yang Fan , Yue Kai , Ni Xiangyin , Xu Zhenfeng , Wu Fuzhong , Li Han , Bol Roland
Published: February 2023

The exports of carbon and nitrogen with water flowing in the headwater streams could be important components of material mitigation in forest ecosystems. Plant debris is a major source of dissolved organic matter for headwater streams, but few studies have investigated the differences between the impacts of woody debris and non‐woody debris inputs on headwater streams in terms of carbon and nitrogen exports. Here, we assessed the effects of plant debris (i.e., woody debris, non‐woody debris and mixed debris) on the concentrations and exports of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) in the headwater streams of an alpine forest on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Woody and non‐woody debris only weakly affected the DOC and TDN concentrations in the headwater streams. Compared with those in the reference stream excluding plant debris, woody debris increased the exports of DOC and TDN by 19% and 13%, whereas non‐woody debris decreased the exports of DOC and TDN by 22% and 25%, respectively. However, when fall approached, the role of non‐woody debris reversed to enhance the stream‐water exports of DOC and TDN. The effect of non‐woody debris during the fall season differed from that during the overall growing season, indicating that restricting non‐woody debris inputs might improve the ability of the stream to retain forest carbon and nitrogen. Notwithstanding the relatively limited experimental period, this work revealed the critical importance of plant debris for carbon and nutrients within water conservation regions like alpine forests.
MicroRNA‐494 regulates high glucose‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy by PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway
Authors: Ning Shuwei , Zhang Siqi , Guo Zhikun
Published: February 2023

Aims

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the major cardiovascular complications of diabetes. However, the mechanism of DCM is not fully understood. Studies have confirmed that certain microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are key regulators of DCM. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of microRNA (miR)‐494 in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy induced by high glucose (HG).

Methods and results

By establishing a rat DCM model and an HG‐treated H9c2 cells injury model, cardiac function was detected by echocardiography, myocardial tissue was stained by immunohistochemistry, and Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase assay were used to detect the cardiomyocyte injury. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling staining, and western blotting was used to detect death and autophagy. The results showed that the expression level of miR‐494 was higher in the myocardial tissue of DCM rats and the myocardial cells of H9c2 treated with HG. Compared with the corresponding negative control groups, miR‐494 mimics enhanced HG‐induced apoptosis and autophagy, whereas miR‐494 inhibitors showed the opposite effect, corresponding PI3K, AKT, and mTOR phosphorylation level has changed.

Conclusions

These findings identify that miR‐494 could regulate cell apoptosis and autophagy through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, participating in the regulation of cardiomyocyte cell damage after HG. These findings provide new insights for the further study of the molecular mechanism and treatment of DCM.
3D Double‐Crosslinked Polyaniline/p‐Phenylenediamine‐Modified Graphene Free‐Standing Electrodes for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Hou Zhaoxia , Li Jianjun , Qu Chenying , Li Wei , Wang Kai
Published: February 2023

The free‐standing electrodes are important for high‐performance supercapacitors. Polyaniline/graphene (PANI/rGO) composites are extensively researched. However, the structural design of free‐standing PANI/rGO electrodes needs further discussion. Herein, free‐standing PANI/rGO with 3D double‐crosslinked network structures is prepared by rGO modification, freeze drying, in situ polymerization, and gel die‐casting technology. The uniform precipitation of the ammonium persulfate on the surface of modified graphene (P‐rGO) sheets is profit to build a 3D double‐crosslinked network structure with PANI. Besides, the synergistic effect of aniline and p‐phenylenediamine helps to construct crosslinked PANI on the surface and deep in the pores of P‐rGO. The PANI/P‐rGO aerogels with a 3D porous double‐crosslinked structure are pressed into free‐standing electrodes by gel die casting and assembled into symmetrical supercapacitors. The electrodes show good cycling stability, which is much higher than that of P‐rGO or pure PANI.
CO2 emissions and growth: A bivariate bidimensional mean‐variance random effects model
Authors: Maruotti Antonello , Alaimo Di Loro Pierfrancesco
Published: February 2023

We introduce a bivariate bidimensional mixed‐effects regression model, motivated by the analysis of emission levels and growth on OECD countries from 1990 to 2018. The model is able to capture heterogeneity across countries and allows for a full association structure among outcomes, assuming a discrete distribution for the random terms with a possibly different number of support points in each univariate profile. We test the behavior of the proposed approach via a simulation study, considering several factors such as the number of observed units, times, and levels of heterogeneity in the data. Empirically, we define an extended version of the STIRPAT model where all model parameters, and not only the mean, vary according to a regression model. Our empirical findings provide evidence of heterogeneous behaviors across countries and suggest the need of a flexible approach to properly reflect the heterogeneity in both the emission levels and the growth processes.
A Bayesian change point modeling approach to identify local temperature changes related to urbanization
Authors: Berrett C. , Gurney B. , Arthur D. , Moon T. , Williams G. P.
Published: February 2023

Changes to the environment surrounding a temperature measuring station can cause local changes to the recorded temperature that deviate from regional temperature behavior. This phenomenon—often caused by construction or urbanization—occurs at a local level. If these local changes are assumed to represent regional or global processes it can have significant impacts on historical data analyses. These changes or deviations are generally gradual, but can be abrupt, and arise as construction or other environmental changes occur near a recording station. We propose a methodology to examine if changes in temperature behavior at a point in time exist at a local level at various locations in a region assuming that regional or global processes are correlated among nearby stations. Specifically, we propose a Bayesian change point model for spatio‐temporally dependent data where we select the number of change points at each location using a “forward” selection process using deviance information criterion. We then fit the selected version of the model and examine the linear slopes across time to quantify the local changes in long‐term temperature behavior. We show the utility of this model and method using both synthetic data and observed temperature measurements from eight stations in Utah consisting of daily temperature data for 60 years.
Wall‐diaphragm interactions in seismic response of building systems ii: Inelastic response and design
Authors: Fischer Astrid W. , Schafer Benjamin W.
Published: February 2023

An elastic parametric study of simplified single‐ and multi‐story building models presented in a companion paper shows that seismic building response depends on the period(s) of the vertical lateral force resisting system (vLFRS), the period of the diaphragm (i.e. the horizontal LFRS, or hLFRS) and the mass distribution between the walls and floors. This paper extends the study to include the potential for inelasticity (ductility) in both the v‐ and hLFRS and examines the impact of this inelasticity on the building response. Increased ductility in the vLFRS reduces vLFRS forces, but to what extent are hLFRS (diaphragm) demands reduced? Similarly, ductile hLFRS presumably reduce hLFRS forces, but what about vLFRS forces? Past work has shown that hLFRS forces are difficult to predict. The building model responses indicate wall‐diaphragm interactions may occur between higher modes of the vertical system and the rigid diaphragms causing increased force demands. Ductility demands are observed to be driven by the element (wall or diaphragm) with the larger inelasticity. Significant ductility demands are observed for short period buildings. A simplified formula for an effective ductility seismic force response modification coefficient for the horizontal LFRS is proposed that considers force reductions from both the inelastic vertical and horizontal LFRS.
Reliability‐based partial factors for seismic design and assessment consistent with second‐generation Eurocode 8
Authors: Franchin Paolo , Noto Fabrizio
Published: February 2023

Second‐generation Eurocode 8 introduces displacement‐based design alongside the traditional force‐based one with reduced equivalent forces; it provides resistance models needed to apply the approach to reinforced concrete, steel and composite frame or wall‐frame structures: chord rotation for members, and shear strength for members and joints; finally, it declares a target reliability level for near collapse. This paper discusses the formulation of partial factors to achieve a target reliability when using the displacement‐based approach. The factors are derived following a traditional, time‐invariant way of performing code‐calibration for other non‐seismic design situations, starting from the probability distributions for the seismic action effect and the resistance. It is shown that the problem can be simplified to one with two Lognormal variables, a uniform reliability can be achieved over the calibration space when both a load‐side and a resistance‐side factor are used, and constant sensitivity coefficients can be used, with values different from the original König and Hosser ones and reflecting the larger weight of the action‐related uncertainty in the seismic case. The problem with this otherwise good result is that a partial factor on the load side must be used and, further, that its value is site dependent. This approach is not in line with current European practice, thus a corrected site‐independent resistance‐side partial factor is proposed, which is compatible with the framework of Eurocode 8. As a further advantage, the proposed format coincides with that proposed in the second‐generation EN1990/EN1992 for the assessment of existing structures under non‐seismic design situations.
On the performance of uplink NOMA‐based satellite‐aerial‐terrestrial integrated networks
Authors: Yuan Zuxia , Ouyang Jian , Liu Xiaoyu , Kan Pengcheng
Published: February 2023

In this article, we study the performance for a satellite‐aerial‐terrestrial integrated network with imperfect successive interference cancellation (SIC), where the combination of uplink non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technology with beamforming (BF) scheme is implemented. First, to maximize the ergodic sum rate of the uplink NOMA‐based satellite network, a BF scheme is proposed with statistical channel state information. Then, assuming that the terrestrial‐UAV links undergo correlated Rayleigh fading and the UAV‐satellite link experiences correlated Shadowed‐Rician fading respectively, the derivation processes of the exact expressions are provided for our system sum rate and energy efficiency with imperfect SIC. Eventually, results together with simulation and analysis are given to validate the correctness of our study. In addition, our proposed scheme has superiority in system performance with comparison to the benchmark schemes.
Proof‐of‐concept of a novel structural equation modelling approach for the analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data applied to investigate individual differences in human pain responses
Authors: Stroman Patrick W. , Powers Jocelyn M. , Ioachim Gabriela
Published: February 2023

A novel network analysis method is demonstrated for applications with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. The method is based on structural equation modeling (SEM) plus modeling of physiological responses in order to explain blood oxygenation‐level dependent (BOLD) responses across interconnected regions. The method, termed structural and physiological modeling (SAPM) aims to overcome a weakness of previous analysis methods by estimating both input and output signaling of every region of a network. The results also provide weighting factors (B) which describe the influence of each input signal to a region on its output signaling to another region. The SAPM method is demonstrated by applying it to fMRI data from the brainstem and spinal cord in 55 healthy participants undergoing repeated applications of a heat pain stimulation paradigm. Data are also analyzed using our established SEM method for comparison. The results with both methods indicate that individual differences in nociceptive processing are mediated by differences in descending regulation of spinal cord neurons under the influence of both the nucleus tractus solitarius and periaqueductal gray region. The SAPM results show that BOLD responses in the entire network can be explained during all periods of the stimulation paradigm based on two latent (unobserved) input signaling sources, and a model of the predicted BOLD responses to the heat stimulus. The results demonstrate the concept of our novel SAPM method and provide evidence for its validity. Additional studies are needed to further develop the method and its applications to investigations of complex neural processes across networks.
Establishment and validation of reference intervals for tumor markers (AFP, CEA, CA19‐9, CA15‐3, CA125, PSA, HE4, Cyfra 21‐1, and ProGRP) in primary care centers in Korea: A cross‐sectional retrospective study
Authors: Nah Eun‐Hee , Cho Seon , Park Hyeran , Kim Suyoung , Kwon Eunjoo , Cho Han‐Ik
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

The reference interval (RI) for a tumor marker may vary between populations, detection systems, and the methods used to obtain their values. The aims of this study were to establish age‐ and sex‐specific RIs for the following nine common tumor markers and to validate the established RIs in Korean adults: alpha fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA) 19‐9, CA15‐3, CA125, Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), total prostate specific antigen, cytokeratin fragment (Cyfra) 21‐1, and progastrin‐releasing peptide (ProGRP).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study consecutively selected 214,159 individuals (aged 18–98 years) who underwent health checkups at 16 health‐promotion centers in 13 Korean cities. Finally, 62,752 examinees were used to establish the RIs after removing outliers. RIs were established using an indirect method according to the CLSI EP28‐A3C guideline. The established RIs were validated by calculating the proportion of individuals outside each RI.

Results

Sex‐related differences were observed for AFP, CEA, CA19‐9, Cyfra 21‐1, and ProGRP (p < 0.05): AFP, CEA and Cyfra 21‐1 were higher in males, and CA19‐9 and proGRP were higher in females. Most of the tumor markers except CA15‐3 and CA125 increased with age: CA125 decreased at ≥50 years of age (p < 0.05), while CA15‐3 did not vary with age. Less than 5% of subjects were outside all RIs (the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles) established in the present study. Meanwhile, less than 3% of the healthy reference subjects fell outside the current and manufacturers' RIs of all tumor markers except Cyfra 21‐1.

Conclusion

This study has determined age‐ and sex‐specific RIs for nine common tumor markers in the healthy Korean population, which could be useful for clinicians making clinical decisions and assessments.
A readiness assessment of an Indonesian pilot project: Case study Kedungputri, a premium irrigation area, Central Java
Authors: Ariyanti Vicky
Published: February 2023

Modernization in irrigation has finally touched down in Indonesia with better efforts in technological advancement, institutional strengthening and human resource enhancement. The current project in Kedungputri has proven to hold the potential for modernization. This paper answers how ready the irrigation area status is for the modernization ideal. The ambitious project is performed on a premium irrigation area, an irrigation area with a reservoir as its water source, or in this case potential reservoir as the dam is still under construction. It is a strategic project, with its upstream Bener Dam constructed by the Government of Indonesia with financing of the World Bank's SIMURP (Strategic Irrigation Modernization and Urgent Rehabilitation Project). The analysis uses purposive sampling and qualitative methodology based on existing documents and evidence of the ongoing modernization project since 2019. This readiness status is based on five pillars of the Indonesian version of irrigation modernization. The findings show that the conditions of institutional arrangements have unique and significant impacts on the readiness status, which is covered under the soft components. We urge that modernization efforts should start with the soft components.
Using Google Trends to track the global interest in International Financial Reporting Standards: Evidence from big data
Authors: Zhang Yuqian
Published: February 2023

This study proposes a novel method for identifying international accounting differences under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Using Google Trends data extracted between January 2014 and August 2022, it creates an index, the Global IFRS/IAS Search Index (GISI), which comprises the search activities of 121 jurisdictions for 45 IFRS accounting standards. To assess its relative validity, I classify Nobes' (1983) 14 jurisdictions in addition to 20 OECD countries. The cluster analysis demonstrates that the GISI is a viable alternative for analyzing international differences under IFRS. The results indicate that incorporating big data could be beneficial for examining global accounting issues.

A judgmental international classification of financial reporting practices
Sustained release resolvin D1 liposomes are effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis in obese mice
Authors: Dravid Ameya A. , Dhanabalan Kaamini M. , Naskar Soumyadeep , Vashistha Akshi , Agarwal Smriti , Padhan Bhagyashree , Dewani Mahima , Agarwal Rachit
Published: February 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder and currently affects >500 million patients worldwide, with ~60% of them also suffering from obesity. There is no drug approved for human use that changes the course of OA progression. OA is one of the most common comorbidities of obesity, and obesity‐related OA (ObOA) is a serious health concern because it shows heightened severity of tissue damage and also predominantly affects the working population. Unresolved inflammation is a major driver of ObOA, thus, resolving disease‐associated inflammation is a viable strategy to treat ObOA. Resolvins are highly potent molecules that play a role in the resolution of inflammation and promote tissue healing. However, small molecules (like Resolvin D1; RvD1) have to be administered frequently or prior to injury because they lose their in vivo activity rapidly either by lymphatic clearance, or oxidation‐mediated deactivation. In this study, we have encapsulated RvD1 in liposomes and established its efficacy in the mouse model of ObOA at much lower dosages than freely administered RvD1. Liposomal RvD1 (lipo‐RvD1) acted as a source of the RvD1 molecules for ~11 days in vitro in synovial fluid derived from patients. When administered prophylactically or therapeutically, lipo‐RvD1 suppressed cartilage damage in male C57BL/6 mice compared to untreated and free RvD1 treatments. This efficacy was achieved by increasing the proportion of the proresolution M2 macrophages over proinflammatory M1 macrophages in the synovial membrane. These results show the potential of lipo‐RvD1 as an anti‐OA agent.
Copper‐deposited diatom‐biosilica enhanced osteogenic potential in periodontal ligament stem cells and rat cranium
Authors: Qiu Xu , Feng Chao , Wang Wenxuan , Wu Guangsheng , Hu Yingzhe , Li Shuhan , Gao Xiangru , Chen Xiguang , Ji Qiuxia
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to establish that copper‐deposited Diatom‐biosilica have the potential and possibility for clinical applications in repairing bone defects in a state of inflammation, such as periodontitis. Treatment of alveolar bone defects caused by periodontitis is a major challenge for clinicians. To achieve better repair results, the material should not only be bone conductive but also have the ability to stimulate osteogenesis and angiogenesis at the lesion site. Copper (II) and silicon (IV) ions could react to form basic copper silicate, which promoted both osteogenesis and angiogenesis. The mineralized diatom (Cu‐DBs) loaded with copper (II) ions were synthesized by processing diatom shells using a hydrothermal method. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are used to detect the osteogenic properties of Cu‐DBs at the gene and protein levels. Using a rat cranial defect model and a full‐thickness skin incision model to test the osteogenic properties of Cu‐DBs in vivo. Compared with untreated diatoms (DBs), Cu‐DBs extract significantly promoted the expression of osteogenesis‐related factors like ALP, RUNX2, BSP, OCN, and OPN in PDLSCs. In vivo experiments further confirmed that Cu‐DBs could effectively stimulate the osteogenesis of a rat skull defect and promote angiogenesis, significantly inhibit the inflammatory responses to bone damages, and reduce the infiltration of inflammatory immune cells to the lesion site. Due to the unique chemical characteristics of Si4+ and Cu2+ ions, the Cu‐DBs composite biomaterial could enhance the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCS in vitro, as well as stimulate the osteogenesis of the rat in vivo.
Reproductive deliberation: Supporting autonomous decision making in prenatal genetic counseling
Authors: Warton Chanelle , Johnston Molly , Mills Catherine
Published: February 2023

As both the scope and popularity of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) have expanded, debate has emerged about the extent to which this test enhances or undermines reproductive autonomy. Genetic counseling is crucial to support autonomy in the context of making complex and value‐laden decisions about reproductive care following high‐chance results from NIPT. Two models of post‐test prenatal genetic counseling have been proposed; the first of these, non‐directive counseling, is the predominant model, while shared decision making is an alternative model deriving from patient care for chronic conditions. In this paper, we argue that neither of these approaches is adequate for counseling after NIPT to support reproductive autonomy. Instead, then, we propose an alternative approach that we call reproductive deliberation. This approach to prenatal genetic counseling simultaneously recognizes the relationality of the counseling encounter and supports the decision making capacity and decisional responsibility of the pregnant person.
IOP Injection, A Novel Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Particle MRI Contrast Agent for the Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Phase II Clinical Trial
Authors: Chiang Chi‐Feng , Hsu Yuan‐Hung , Hsieh Wen‐Yuan , Liao Tzu‐Hsin , Chen Chih‐Lung , Chen Yung‐Chu , Liang Po‐Chin , Wang Shian‐Jy
Published: February 2023

Background

MRI is crucial in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIO) are liver‐specific contrast agents which enhance lesions in T2‐weighted images. Iron oxide nano‐particle m‐PEG‐silane (IOP) Injection, a newly developed SPIO, showed promising imaging effects and good safety profile in preclinical studies and in phase I clinical trial.

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and clinical validity of IOP Injection as MRI contrast agent in diagnosing HCC.

Study type

Prospective.

Subjects

A total of 52 subjects (61.6 ± 11.05 years, 45 males/7 females) with suspected HCC.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T, T1‐weighted in/opposed phase, T2*‐weighted gradient echo, T2‐weighted fast spin echo, true fast imaging with steady‐state free precession.

Assessment

Adverse effects and clinical monitoring were recorded throughout the 5‐day study. Two independent readers (M.G.H. with 30 years of experience, S.P.K. with 26 years of experience) made the diagnosis. The diagnostic performance of IOP‐enhanced MRI was evaluated with sensitivity and positive predictive value by comparing to the pathology reports from subsequent hepatic resection. The number of lesions with various sizes and degrees of differentiation detected by IOP‐enhanced MRI was assessed. The relative change in signal intensities over time was indirectly measured from acquired images.

Statistical Tests

Sensitivity and positive predictive value were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of IOP‐enhanced MRI. Prevalence‐adjusted and bias‐adjusted 𝜅 coefficient was used to assess the interreader variability.

Results

No serious adverse event related to IOP Injection was found. IOP Injection enhanced the lesion‐to‐liver contrast ratio in T2*‐weighted images by 50.1% ± 4.8%. IOP‐enhanced MRI detected HCC with 100% sensitivity by subject and 96% sensitivity by lesion. IOP Injection visualized subtle vascular invasion as filling defect within vessels in true fast imaging with steady‐state free precession (TrueFISP) images.

Data Conclusion

IOP Injection was safe and efficacious as MRI contrast agent in diagnosing HCC in a limited group of subjects.

Evidence Level

2.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
“Mitochondrial pathogenic mutations and metabolic alterations associated with COVID‐19 disease severity”
Authors: Kumari Diksha , Singh Yamini , Singh Sayar , Dogra Vikas , Srivastava Ashish Kumar , Srivastava Swati , Garg Iti , Bargotya Mona , Hussain Javid , Ganju Lilly , Varshney Rajeev
Published: February 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) caused global pandemic and drastically affected the humankind. Mitochondrial mutations have been found to be associated with several respiratory diseases. Missense mutation and pathogenic mitochondrial variants might unveil the potential involvement of the mitochondrial genome in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pathogenesis. The present study aims to elucidate the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, mitochondrial haplogroup, and energy metabolism in disease severity. The study was performed on 58 subjects comprising COVID‐19‐positive (n = 42) and negative (n = 16) individuals. COVID‐19‐positive subjects were further categorized into severe deceased (SD), severe recovered (SR), moderate (Mo), and mild (Mi) patients, while COVID‐19‐negative subjects were healthy control (HC) for the study. High throughput next‐generation sequencing was done to investigate mtDNA mutations and haplogroups. The computational approach was applied to study the effect of mtDNA mutations on protein secondary structure. Real time polymerase chain reaction was used for mtDNA copy number determination and mitochondrial function parameters were also analyzed. We found 15 mtDNA mutations in MT‐ND5, MT‐ND4, MT‐ND2, and MT‐COI genes uniquely associated with COVID‐19 severity affecting the secondary structure of proteins in COVID‐19‐positive subjects. Haplogroup analysis suggests that mtDNA haplogroups M3d1a and W3a1b might be potentially associated with COVID‐19 pathophysiology. The mitochondrial function parameters were significantly altered in severe patients (SD and SR; p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between mtDNA mutations and oxidative stress markers (p > 0.05). The study highlights the importance of mitochondrial reprogramming in COVID‐19 patients and may provide a feasible approach toward finding a path for therapeutic interventions to COVID‐19 disease.
Human cytomegalovirus infection perturbs neural progenitor cell fate via the expression of viral microRNAs
Authors: Jiang Xuan , Liu Siqing , Fu Ya‐Ru , Liu Xi‐Juan , Li Xiao‐Jun , Yang Bo , Jiang Hai‐Fei , Shen Zhang‐Zhou , Alemu Endalkachew Ashenafi , Vazquez Pavel , Tang Yaping , Kaarbø Mari , McVoy Michael A. , Rayner Simon , Luo Min‐Hua
Published: February 2023

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) preferentially targets neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in congenitally infected fetal brains, inducing neurodevelopmental disorders. While HCMV expresses several microRNAs (miRNAs) during infection, their roles in NPC infection are unclear. Here, we characterized expression of cellular and viral miRNAs in HCMV‐infected NPCs during early infection by microarray and identified seven differentially expressed cellular miRNAs and six significantly upregulated HCMV miRNAs. Deep learning approaches were used to identify potential targets of significantly upregulated HCMV miRNAs against differentially expressed cellular messenger RNA (mRNAs), and the associations with miRNA‐mRNA expression changes were observed. Gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated cellular gene targets were significantly enriched in pathways involved in neurodevelopment and cell‐cycle processes. Viral modulation of selected miRNAs and cellular gene targets involved in neurodevelopmental processes were further validated by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Finally, a predicted 3′ untranslated region target site of hcmv‐miR‐US25‐1 in Jag1, a factor important for neurogenesis, was confirmed by mutagenesis. Reduction of Jag1 RNA and protein levels in NPCs was observed in response to transient expression of hcmv‐miR‐US25‐1. A hcmv‐miR‐US25‐1 mutant virus (ΔmiR‐US25) displayed limited ability to downregulate Jag1 mRNA levels and protein levels during the early infection stage compared with the wild type virus. Our collective experimental and computational investigation of miRNAs and cellular mRNAs expression in HCMV‐infected NPCs yields new insights into the roles of viral miRNAs in regulating NPC fate and their contributions to HCMV neuropathogenesis.
metaCOVID: A web‐application for living meta‐analyses of COVID‐19 trials
Authors: Evrenoglou Theodoros , Boutron Isabelle , Seitidis Georgios , Ghosn Lina , Chaimani Anna
Published: February 2023

Outputs from living evidence syntheses projects have been used widely during the pandemic by guideline developers to form evidence‐based recommendations. However, the needs of different stakeholders cannot be accommodated by solely providing pre‐defined non amendable numerical summaries. Stakeholders also need to understand the data and perform their own exploratory analyses. This requires resources, time, statistical expertise, software knowledge as well as relevant clinical expertise to avoid spurious conclusions. To assist them, we created the metaCOVID application which, based on automation processes, facilitates the fast exploration of the data and the conduct of sub‐analyses tailored to end‐users needs. metaCOVID has been created in R and is freely available as an R‐Shiny application. Based on the COVID‐NMA platform (https://covid-nma.com/) the application conducts living meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials related to COVID‐19 treatments and vaccines for several outcomes. Several options are available for subgroup and sensitivity analyses. The results are presented in downloadable forest plots. We illustrate metaCOVID through three examples involving well‐known treatments and vaccines for COVID‐19. The application is freely available from https://covid-nma.com/metacovid/.
Preparation and characterization of silica nanoparticles as an efficient carrier for two bio‐detergents based enzymes
Authors: El Salamony Dina H. , El Gayar Dina A. , El Mahdy Ahmed R. , Zaghloul Taha I.
Published: February 2023

Bio‐detergents are new bio‐friendly formulas that contain biobased ingredients, including enzymes. In the present study, alkaline protease and α‐amylase were immobilized via physisorption onto silica nanoparticles (SNPs). The derivatized SNPs served as major components of a prepared bio‐detergent. Alkaline protease was produced by the recombinant Bacillus subtilis cells that carry the protease genes on a multiple‐copy plasmid, while α‐amylase was commercially purchased. SNPs were prepared by the sol–gel method and well‐characterized through the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity of the SNPs was determined via colorimetry through the adsorption of methylene blue dye (MB), with approximately 97% adsorption achieved under the conditions employed. The Langmuir isotherm well‐described the adsorption of MB on SNPs. High immobilization yield for the enzymes was obtained, and the storage stability of SNP‐alkaline protease and SNP‐α‐amylase was good, reaching 65% and 85% of their initial activities after 6 weeks of storage at 4°C, respectively. The immobilized enzymes could be reused for 7 cycles. Additionally, the immobilized enzymes retained residual activity to a greater extent than free enzymes in simulated basic detergent solutions. SNPs containing adsorbed alkaline protease and α‐amylase were mixed with a basic detergent solution, and the washing efficiency of some proteinous and starchy stains was examined through Hunter Lab spectrophotometry. The latter experiments demonstrated that the immobilized enzymes performed well during the washing process.
Minor millets: a review on nutritional composition, starch extraction/modification, product formulation, and health benefits
Authors: Kaur Baljeet , Singh Ajay , Suri Shweta , Usman Muhammad , Dutta Debashis
Published: February 2023

Minor millet grains are the abode of healthy constituents of human concern that contribute to healthy longevity. Additionally, they are excellent in nutritional value including macronutrients namely, protein (7–13%), carbohydrates (60–70%), fat (1.5–5%), fiber (2–7%) and for micronutrients as well namely; iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, etc. All these beneficial traits along with the availability of bioactive constituents (polyphenols and antioxidants) prove them to be therapeutic in action and also uplift the immunity among users. Employed isolation tactics for starch also govern yield characteristics and is usually preferred by way of wet method. Minor millets are abundant in starch (50–70%) thus application broadness is another attribute which could be addressed in vivid food segments. In case, native starches somehow possess least application credentials in food and non‐food sectors thus modification is the only alternative to eliminate shortcomings. As in trend, modification using physical, chemical, and enzymatic ways have a wide impact on the properties of millet starch. The present review summarizes the nutritional, bioactive and therapeutic potential of minor millets, along with ways of starch modification and product development through millet involvement. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of pre‐treatment and freezing on the polyphenol oxidase activity and color stability of sliced peaches
Authors: Al‐Jeddawi Wesam , Northcutt Julie K. , Dawson Paul
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

A study was conducted to determine the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and changes in surface color and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content in fresh and pre‐frozen peach slices stored at different temperatures. In this study, fresh (F) and pre‐frozen (P) peaches were subjected to one of four treatments: (i) no treatment (N); (ii) blanching in boiling (96 °C ± 4 °C) water (B); (iii) dipping in 2% l‐ascorbic acid and 2% citric acid (AC); or (iv) blanching placed in boiling water, cooling and dipping in 2% ascorbic acid and 2% citric acid (BAC). Peaches from each treatment group were held at −7, −9, or − 12 °C for 21 days.

RESULTS

After 21 days of storage, PPO activity and browning was greater in peaches stored at −7 °C than the PPO activity and browning of peaches stored at −9 °C and − 12 °C. Overall, lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), chroma (c*) and hue (h*) decreased while redness (a*) increased during storage. The BAC peaches had less discoloration and lower PPO activity than peach slices exposed to other treatments. Non‐enzymatic browning (HMF indicator) was more pronounced for blanched peaches during storage than unblanched peaches. Pretreatment of blanched peaches with ascorbic and citric acid reduced browning during 21 days at frozen storage for peaches held at −9 °C or − 12 °C.

CONCLUSION

Storage at −12 °C significantly reduced browning and HMF formation in both blanched and unblanched peach slices in comparison with −7 °C storage. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Uncovering the effective substances and mechanism of Ipomoea pes‐caprae against rheumatoid arthritis using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and targeted network pharmacology
Authors: Cheng Xiaoxu , Cui Naiyun , Hou Xiaotao , Pi Zifeng , Deng Jiagang , Liu Shu
Published: February 2023

Ipomoea pes‐caprae (L.) R. Br (Convolvulaceae) is a commonly used marine traditional Chinese medicine in the southern coastal areas of China. It has been widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but its effective substances and anti‐rheumatoid arthritis mechanism remain ambiguous. Hence, in this study, the chemical profile and absorbed ingredients of Ipomoea pes‐caprae were elucidated by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Moreover, targeted network pharmacology was used to clarify the mechanism of action of Ipomoea pes‐caprae in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Finally, 23 compounds were identified in the aqueous extracts of Ipomoea pes‐caprae and 12 absorbed ingredients were detected in rats' plasma. These 12 absorbed ingredients might be the essential effective substances of Ipomoea pes‐caprae. The tissue distributions of 3 absorbed ingredients in rats were successfully analyzed. The targeted network pharmacological analysis results indicated that the regulation of inflammatory reaction, immune response, cell proliferation, and apoptosis were the critical mechanism of Ipomoea pes‐caprae against rheumatoid arthritis. This study successfully clarified the effective substances and potential mechanisms of Ipomoea pes‐caprae in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The results of this research could provide a valuable reference for further scientific research and clinical application.
Using interferometric synthetic aperture rader (InSAR) analysis to detect ground deformation related to irreversibly changing ground ice, Mongolia
Authors: Ishikawa Mamoru , Avtar Ram , Mo Shixin
Published: February 2023

Permafrost in Mongolia shows highly heterogeneous features in space and the contents of ground ice are dependent on the local geographies such as topography, ground wetness, and vegetation cover. Recent permafrost degradation would cause thawing and disappearance of ground ice, destabilizing and subsiding the ground surface. This study aimed to detect topographic deformation related to irreversibly changing ground ice over the permafrost terrain of Mongolia. To end this we used interferometric synthetic aperture RADAR (InSAR) technique, which is capable to measure vertical ground deformation on a centimeter scale. Advanced land observing satellite‐based phased array type L‐band synthetic aperture radar (PALSAR) images (June to September 2007 to 2010) and PALSAR‐2 images (June to September 2014 to 2017) quantified near‐year‐round displacement of the ground surface. The overall deformation was in a range of −3 to 3 cm (subsidence and uplift, respectively) between the image interval and relatively high subsidence occurred during warm years. The areas experiencing consecutive uplift and subsidence correspond to ground underlain by ice‐rich soils, indicating the dominant roles of thawing and growing ground ice for local deformation over permafrost terrain. We discuss the relation of observed ground deformation trends with regional climate and local geohydrology that influence ground ice formation.