bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glioblastoma‐educated mesenchymal stem‐like cells promote glioblastoma infiltration via extracellular matrix remodelling in the tumour microenvironment
Authors: Kim Seung‐Mo , Lim Eun‐Jung , Yoo Ki‐Chun , Zhao Yi , Kang Jae‐Hyeok , Lim Eun‐Ji , Shin Incheol , Kang Seok‐Gu , Lim Han Woong , Lee Su‐Jae
Published: July 2022

Background

The biological function of mesenchymal stem‐like cells (MSLCs), a type of stromal cells, in the regulation of the tumour microenvironment is unclear. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling and crosstalk between MSLCs and glioblastomas (GBMs) in tumour progression.

Methods

In vitro and in vivo co‐culture systems were used to analyze ECM remodelling and GBM infiltration. In addition, clinical databases, samples from patients with GBM and a xenografted mouse model of GBM were used.

Results

Previous studies have shown that the survival of patients with GBM from whom MSLCs could be isolated is substantially shorter than that of patients from whom MSLCs could not be isolated. Therefore, we determined the correlation between changes in ECM‐related gene expression in MSLC‐isolatable patients with that in MSLC non‐isolatable patients using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We found that lysyl oxidase (LOX) and COL1A1 expressions increased in MSLCs via GBM‐derived clusters of differentiation 40 ligand (CD40L). Mechanistically, MSLCs are reprogrammed by the CD40L/CD40/NFκB2 signalling axis to build a tumour infiltrative microenvironment involving collagen crosslinking. Importantly, blocking of CD40L by a neutralizing antibody‐suppressed LOX expression and ECM remodelling, decreasing GBM infiltration in mouse xenograft models. Clinically, high expression of CD40L, clusters of differentiation 40 (CD40) and LOX correlated with poor survival in patients with glioma. This indicated that GBM‐educated MSLCs promote GBM infiltration via ECM remodelling in the tumour microenvironment.

Conclusion

Our findings provide mechanistic insights into the pro‐infiltrative tumour microenvironment produced by GBM‐educated MSLCs and highlight a potential therapeutic target that can be used for suppressing GBM infiltration.
Trappc1 deficiency impairs thymic epithelial cell development by breaking endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis
Authors: Dong Xue , Liang Zhanfeng , Zhang Jiayu , Zhang Qian , Xu Yanan , Zhang Zhaoqi , Zhang Lianfeng , Zhang Baojun , Zhao Yong
Published: July 2022

Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are important for T cell development and immune tolerance establishment. Although comprehensive molecular regulation of TEC development has been studied, the role of transport protein particle complexes (Trappcs) in TECs is not clear. Using TEC‐specific homozygous or heterozygous Trappc1 deleted mice model, we find that Trappc1 deficiency cause severe thymus atrophy with decreased cell number and blocked maturation of TECs. Mice with a TEC‐specific Trappc1 deletion show poor thymic T cell output and have a greater percentage of activated/memory T cells, suffered from spontaneous autoimmune disorders. Our RNA‐seq and molecular studies indicated that the decreased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus, enhanced unfolded protein response (UPR) and subsequent Atf4‐CHOP‐mediated apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated ferroptosis coordinately contributed to the reduction of Trappc1‐deleted TECs. Additionally, reduced Aire+ mTECs accompanied by the decreased expression of Irf4, Irf8, and Tbx21 in Trappc1 deficiency mTECs, may further coordinately block the tissue‐restricted antigen expression. In this study, we reveal that Trappc1 plays an indispensable role in TEC development and maturation and provide evidence for the importance of inter‐organelle traffic and ER homeostasis in TEC development.
Timing differences between HFOs and interictal epileptiform discharges generated in vitro by different mechanisms in rat hippocampal slices: A novel approach
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Konstantinos , Kleidonas Dimitrios , Psarropoulou Caterina
Published: July 2022

Objective

To investigate the effect of generating mechanism on the relationship between interictal‐like epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and the underlying High Frequency Oscillations (HFOs; Ripples, R, and Fast Ripples, FR).

Methods

Synchronous spontaneous IEDs were recorded from the CA1 area of hippocampal slices from adult rats, perfused by Mg2+‐free ACSF (n = 41slices/14 animals) or 4‐aminopyridine (50 μM, n = 37slices/16 animals); IED filtering revealed Rs and FRs and several metrics were calculated and compared (amplitude, duration, relative onset, time lag, % overlap, peak frequency, peak power, FR/R).

Results

Longer IEDs and higher 1st Population Spike (PS) amplitude in Mg2+‐free ACSF (vs 4‐AP; P < .001, P < .001) correlated with longer duration and higher amplitude Rs (P < .0001, P = .001) and longer duration FRs (P < .001). In both media, Rs and FRs appeared before IED onset with Rs preceding FRs; R‐ and FR‐IED lag (P = .008, P = .01) as well as R‐FR lag (P = .04) were significantly longer in Mg2+‐free ACSF vs in 4‐AP. R peak frequency and power were higher in Mg2+‐free ACSF, while no such differences were observed in FRs. Inter‐model differences were mostly reflected in Rs, not FRs, suggesting that mechanisms unique to R generation are more active in Mg2+‐free ACSF vs in 4‐AP. FRs appeared to contribute equally to IEDs irrespective of generating mechanism.

Significance

Several of the metrics used, particularly those regarding the timing between HFOs and IEDs, appear to correlate with the synchronizing mechanism and we propose that they may be useful when investigating antiepileptic substance effects on neuronal network activity.
Psychiatric adverse events in three phase III trials of eslicarbazepine acetate for focal seizures
Authors: Altalib Hamada , Grinnell Todd , Cantu David , Ikedo Fábio , Vieira Mariana , Zhang Yi , Blum David
Published: July 2022

Objective

Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a once‐daily (QD), oral anti‐seizure medication for the treatment of focal (partial‐onset) seizures. Here, we evaluate risk factors for the development of psychiatric treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in clinical trials of adjunctive ESL in adults with focal seizures.

Methods

This post‐hoc analysis evaluated data pooled from three Phase III, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials (BIA‐2093‐301, ‐302, ‐304). After an 8‐week baseline period, patients were randomized equally to receive placebo, ESL 400 mg (not reported here), 800 mg, or 1200 mg QD (up to 2‐week titration; 12‐week maintenance; optional open‐label extension [OLE]). Incidences of psychiatric TEAEs were evaluated according to three separate criteria: medical history of psychiatric disorders (yes/no); baseline use of psychotropic drugs (yes/no); Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score at baseline (0–6: normal; 7–19: mild depression; 20–34: moderate depression).

Results

The analysis populations comprised 1251 patients for the controlled study period and 1137 patients for the 1‐year OLE. Psychiatric TEAE incidence was similar between patients taking ESL and placebo in the controlled and OLE study periods and was not related to ESL dose. Psychiatric TEAEs generally occurred more frequently in patients with a medical history of psychiatric disorders, using psychotropic drugs, or with depressive symptoms than in those without a history, not using psychotropic drugs, or with no depressive symptoms. Depression and anxiety were the most frequently reported psychiatric TEAEs.

Significance

Overall, in clinical trials of ESL in adults with focal seizures, incidences of psychiatric events were not statistically different between patients taking ESL and placebo, were not related to ESL dose, and generally occurred more frequently in patients with baseline psychiatric symptoms or a history of psychiatric disorders. Long‐term exposure to ESL was not associated with a marked increase in the incidence of psychiatric TEAEs.
Epidemiology and disease burden of tuberous sclerosis complex in France: A population‐based study based on national health insurance data
Authors: Fagnani Francis , Laurendeau Caroline , de Zelicourt Marie , Marshall Jade
Published: July 2022

Objective

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem disorder, often associated with epilepsy. This retrospective study aimed to identify patients with TSC, including those with epilepsy, from a French healthcare claims database, and to report incidence, prevalence, and healthcare costs and resource utilization.

Methods

The anonymized French health insurance database (SNDS) covers almost the entire French population. Patients with TSC were identified as having ≥1 International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD‐10) diagnosis code Q85.1 or a long‐term disease (LTD) registration over the inclusion period (2006–2017). Patients with an ICD‐10 epilepsy code or who were dispensed ≥1 antiseizure medication (ASM) in the same year or after their TSC diagnosis were identified as having TSC with epilepsy. Newly diagnosed patients over the inclusion period constituted the incident cohort. Healthcare costs (patients with recorded costs only), healthcare resource use, and ASM dispensation are reported for patients with 2018 data.

Results

In 2018, 3139 prevalent patients with TSC were identified (crude prevalence, 4.69 per 100 000); the incident cohort comprised 2988 patients (crude incidence, 0.44 per 100 000). Among patients with TSC, 67% (2101/3139) had epilepsy (mean [standard deviation, SD] age: 28.8 [18.8] years; male: 48%). Among patients with epilepsy, total mean (SD) annual healthcare costs were €11 413 (27 620) per capita (outpatient, 63%; inpatient, 37%), 46% were hospitalized during 2018 (mean [SD]: 1.8 [10.9] acute care visits per patient), and 65% visited a hospital specialist. Among patients with epilepsy, medication (mean [SD]: €4518 [12 102] per capita) was the greatest contributor (63%) to outpatient costs, and in 2018, 74% were dispensed ≥1 different ASM and 9% were dispensed ≥4 ASMs.

Significance

TSC with epilepsy was associated with substantial healthcare costs and resource utilization, particularly outpatient and medication costs. Many patients with TSC with epilepsy were prescribed multiple ASMs, suggesting refractory epilepsy.
Relevance of oxygen carrier properties on the design of a chemical looping combustion unit with gaseous fuels
Authors: Abad Alberto , Gayán Pilar , García‐Labiano Francisco , de Diego Luis F. , Izquierdo María T. , Mendiara Teresa , Adánez Juan
Published: July 2022

Chemical looping combustion (CLC) is a novel technology for the combustion of fuels with inherent CO2 capture. CLC is based on the transference of oxygen from air to fuel by means of an oxygen carrier which is based on a metal oxide. CuO/Al2O3 (14 wt.% CuO) and Fe2O3/Al2O3 (20 wt.% Fe2O3) particles have been used in several CLC units with different results when methane combustion was evaluated. In order to shed light on the main processes affecting methane conversion in CLC, a mathematical model for a dual circulating fluidized bed (DCFB) system was developed to simulate the behavior of CuO/Al2O3 and Fe2O3/Al2O3 in a CLC unit. The model consists of the coupling of individual fuel and air reactor models to simulate steady state of the CLC unit. Individual models consider both the fluid dynamics of the fluidized beds at the high velocity regime and the corresponding kinetics of oxygen carrier reactions, that is, reduction in the fuel reactor and oxidation in the air reactor. The model was validated using results obtained in a 120 kWth CLC unit with CuO/Al2O3 and Fe2O3/Al2O3 particles. The validated model was used to simulate the performance of these materials in the 10 MWth CLC unit. Desing parameters of the fuel and air reactors as well as the suitable particle size of the oxygen carriers were determined in order to achieve the complete combustion of natural gas in the CLC unit as a function of the oxygen carrier properties. © 2022 The Authors. Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Adsorptive capture of CO2 by amine‐impregnated activated carbon, pumice, and zeolite 4A
Authors: Ozturk Bahtiyar , Demiral Seyda , Ozen Hulya Aykac
Published: July 2022

This study provides comparative information about CO2 capture of raw and amine‐impregnated micro‐, meso‐, and macroporous support materials. Zeolite 4A (4A), activated carbon (AC), and pumice (P) were used as micro‐, meso‐, and macroporous support materials, respectively, and monoethanolamine (MEA) and diethanolamine (DEA) were used as the immobilized liquid. Adsorption of CO2 from CO2‐N2 mixtures (3–28%, v/v) was performed in a constant volume‐variable pressure cell at 293 ± 2 K, and desorption of saturated sorbents was carried out at 373 ± 2 K. The textural properties of the porous supports have been seen to play an important role in amine loading into the pores and the mass transport of CO2 into/from the amine‐loaded pores. Among the porous supports, despite its lower surface area, pumice with a macroporous backbone helped immobilization of a large amount of amine and facilitated the CO2 sorption and desorption. Amine loading increased the CO2 capture efficiencies of activated carbon, pumice, and zeolite 4A as 13.4, 19.1, and 5.4 times for MEA and 6.2, 8.8, and 4.1 times for DEA, respectively. It was found that the CO2 release rates from MEA‐ and DEA‐impregnated 4A, AC, and P were 0.215, 0.475, and 0.556 mg CO2·g sorbent–1·min–1 and 0.242, 0.580, and 0.670 mg CO2·g sorbent–1·min–1, respectively, at 373 ± 2 K and 1 kPa. The CO2 sorption capacities of the MEA‐impregnated support materials from the cyclic operation were affected negatively more than the DEA‐impregnated ones and this effect increased from the microporous support material to the macroporous. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cooperative spectrum sensing algorithm based on cognitive users selection and Adaboost
Authors: Wang Xin , Zheng Xiaoyan , Liu Jianshun , Mao Yongming
Published: July 2022

In cognitive radio networks, it is a challenge to increase the performance of cooperative spectrum sensing when the number of cognitive users become large. In this paper, a novel spectrum sensing algorithm based on the cognitive users selection strategy and Adaboost classification is proposed by adaptively selecting uncorrelated cognitive radio users with the difference of the maximum degree based on the K‐medoids clustering. Since the proposed users selection strategy is based on the correlation evaluation among the cognitive radio users, it is mandatory to have parameters able to measure the correlation among them and divide into distinct clusters. For this, the spatial correlation coefficient and the clustering quality coefficient are proposed to express the correlation characteristics of cognitive radio users in sensing environments. Performance evaluation is conducted through simulations, and the results are shown to the superior detection performance of the proposed CR user selection strategy based on the K‐medoids clustering for cooperative spectrum sensing.
Computational macroscopic lifetime imaging and concentration unmixing of autofluorescence
Authors: Ochoa Marien , Smith Jason T. , Gao Shan , Intes Xavier
Published: July 2022

Single‐pixel computational imaging can leverage highly sensitive detectors that concurrently acquire data across spectral and temporal domains. For molecular imaging, such methodology enables to collect rich intensity and lifetime multiplexed fluorescence datasets. Herein we report on the application of a single‐pixel structured light‐based platform for macroscopic imaging of tissue autofluorescence. The super‐continuum visible excitation and hyperspectral single‐pixel detection allow for parallel characterization of autofluorescence intensity and lifetime. Furthermore, we exploit a deep learning based data processing pipeline, to perform autofluorescence unmixing while yielding the autofluorophores' concentrations. The full scheme (setup and processing) is validated in silico and in vitro with clinically relevant autofluorophores flavin adenine dinucleotide, riboflavin, and protoporphyrin. The presented results demonstrate the potential of the methodology for macroscopically quantifying the intensity and lifetime of autofluorophores, with higher specificity for cases of mixed emissions, which are ubiquitous in autofluorescence and multiplexed in vivo imaging.
Acute stress induces an aberrant increase of presynaptic release of glutamate and cellular activation in the hippocampus of BDNFVal/Met mice
Authors: Musazzi Laura , Tornese Paolo , Sala Nathalie , Lee Francis S. , Popoli Maurizio , Ieraci Alessandro
Published: July 2022

Stressful life events are considered major risk factors for the development of several psychiatric disorders, though people differentially cope with stress. The reasons for this are still largely unknown but could be accounted for by individual genetic variants, previous life events, or the kind of stressors. The human brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met variant, which was found to impair intracellular trafficking and activity‐dependent secretion of BDNF, has been associated with increased susceptibility to develop several neuropsychiatric disorders, although there is still some controversial evidence. On the other hand, acute stress has been consistently demonstrated to promote the release of glutamate in cortico‐limbic regions and altered glutamatergic transmission has been reported in psychiatric disorders. However, it is not known if the BDNF Val66Met single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affects the stress‐induced presynaptic glutamate release. In this study, we exposed adult male BDNFVal/Val and BDNFVal/Met knock‐in mice to 30 min of acute restraint stress. Plasma corticosterone levels, glutamate release, protein, and gene expression in the hippocampus were analyzed immediately after the end of the stress session. Acute restraint stress similarly increased plasma corticosterone levels and nuclear glucocorticoid receptor levels and phosphorylation in both BDNFVal/Val and BDNFVal/Met mice. However, acute restraint stress induced higher increases in hippocampal presynaptic release of glutamate, phosphorylation of cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB), and levels of the immediate early gene c‐fos of BDNFVal/Met compared to BFNFVal/Val mice. Moreover, acute restraint stress selectively increased phosphorylation levels of synapsin I at Ser9 and at Ser603 in BDNFVal/Val and BDNFVal/Met mice, respectively. In conclusion, we report here that the BDNF Val66Met SNP knock‐in mice display an altered response to acute restraint stress in terms of hippocampal glutamate release, CREB phosphorylation, and neuronal activation, compared to wild‐type animals. Taken together, these results could partially explain the enhanced vulnerability to stressful events of Met carriers reported in both preclinical and clinical studies.
Influence of sphingomyelin metabolism during epithelial–mesenchymal transition associated with aging in the renal papilla
Authors: Brandán Yamila Romina , Favale Nicolás Octavio , Pescio Lucila Gisele , Santacreu Bruno Jaime , Guaytima Edith del Valle , Sterin‐Speziale Norma B. , Márquez María Gabriela
Published: July 2022

The renal collecting ducts (CD) are formed by a fully differentiated epithelium, and their tissue organization and function require the presence of mature cell adhesion structures. In certain circumstances, the cells can undergo de‐differentiation by a process called epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), in which the cells lose their epithelial phenotype and acquire the characteristics of the mesenchymal cells, which includes loss of cell–cell adhesion. We have previously shown that in renal papillary CD cells, cell adhesion structures are located in sphingomyelin (SM)‐enriched plasma membrane microdomains and the inhibition of SM synthase 1 activity induced CD cells to undergo an EMT process. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of SM metabolism during the EMT of the cells that form the CD of the renal papilla during aging. To this end, primary cultures of renal papillary CD cells from young, middle‐, and aged‐rats were performed. By combining biochemical and immunofluorescence studies, we found experimental evidence that CD cells undergo an increase in spontaneous and reversible EMT during aging and that at least one of the reasons for this phenomenon is the decrease in SM content due to the combination of decreased SM synthase activity and an increase in SM degradation mediated by neutral sphingomyelinase. Age is a risk factor for many diseases, among which renal fibrosis is included. Our findings highlight the importance of sphingolipids and particularly SM as a modulator of the fate of CD cells and probably contribute to the development of treatments to avoid or reverse renal fibrosis during aging.
A novel role of helix‐loop‐helix transcriptional factor Bhlhe40 in osteoclast activation
Authors: Hirata Hirohito , Kamohara Asana , Murayama Masatoshi , Nishioka Kenichi , Honda Hiroaki , Urano Yasuteru , Soejima Hidenobu , Oki Shinya , Kukita Toshio , Kawano Shunsuke , Mawatari Masaaki , Kukita Akiko
Published: July 2022

The basic helix‐loop‐helix transcriptional factor, Bhlhe40 has been shown as a crucial regulator of immune response, tumorigenesis, and circadian rhythms. We identified Bhlhe40 as a possible regulator of osteoclast differentiation and function by shRNA library screening and found that Bhlhe40 was required for osteoclast activation. Bhlhe40 expression was induced in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) by RANKL, whereas the expression of its homolog Bhlhe41 was decreased in osteoclastogenesis. μCT analysis of tibias revealed that Bhlhe40 knockout (KO) mice exhibited increased bone volume phenotype. Bone morphometric analysis showed that osteoclast number and bone resorption were decreased in Bhlhe40 KO mice, whereas significant differences in the osteoblast parameters were not seen between wild‐type (WT) and Bhlhe40 KO mice. In vitro culture of BMMs showed that Bhlhe40 deficiency did not cause difference in osteoclast formation. In contrast, bone resorption activity of Bhlhe40 KO osteoclasts was markedly reduced in comparison with that of WT osteoclasts. Analysis of potential target genes of Bhlhe40 using data‐mining platform ChIP‐Atlas (http://chip-atlas.org) revealed that predicted target genes of Bhlhe40 were related to proton transport and intracellular vesicle acidification. We then analyzed the expression of proton pump, the vacuolar (V)‐ATPases which are responsible for bone resorption. The expression of V‐ATPases V1c1 and V0a3 was suppressed in Bhlhe40 KO osteoclasts. In addition, Lysosensor yellow/blue DND 160 staining demonstrated that vesicular acidification was attenuated in vesicles of Bhlhe40 KO osteoclasts. Furthermore, analysis with pH‐sensitive fluorescent probe showed that proton secretion was markedly suppressed in Bhlhe40 KO osteoclasts compared to that in WT osteoclasts. Our findings suggest that Bhlhe40 plays a novel important role in the regulation of acid production in osteoclastic bone resorption.
Synthesis and characterization of LaCoxNi1‐xO3 perovskites as heterogeneous catalysts for phenolics degradation by persulfate activation
Authors: Latsiou Angeliki , Lykos Christos , Bairamis Feidias , Konstantinou Ioannis
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

During the last few years, perovskite materials have been widely investigated as catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and persulfate (PS) activation in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the degradation of various pollutants. In the present work, a sequence of LaCoxNi1‐xO3 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1) perovskite materials was synthesized by sol–gel method using glycolic acid ethoxylate lauryl ether anionic surfactant as soft template.

RESULTS

The physicochemical properties of the prepared materials were studied by several techniques, such as N2 porosimetry, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR FT‐IR), X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), X‐Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The catalytic activity towards phenolic degradation by persulfate (PS) activation was studied and, based on the reaction rate constant values, the order of increasing catalytic performance was LaCoO3 < LaCo0.75Ni0.25O3 < LaCo0.5Ni0.5O3 < LaCo0.25Ni0.75O3 < LaNiO3. The perovskites that exhibited optimal catalytic activity (i.e., LaCo0.25Ni0.75O3 and LaNiO3) were further evaluated for their stability, reusability, and catalytic mechanism. Finally, according to scavenging experiments, 1O2, SO4•‐, and •OH generated with 1O2 played the dominant role in phenolic degradation.

CONCLUSION

The substitution of Co by Ni in LaCoO3 materials showed an increase in their catalytic activity towards phenolic oxidation through persulfate activation. The results provide insights into the characterization and mechanisms of novel perovskite catalysts and their applications for the removal of organic pollutants by advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Further studies improving the stability and reusability of the catalysts should be conducted. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Attitudes towards and sociodemographic determinants of genetic test usage in the USA; data from the Health Information National Trend Survey, 2020
Authors: Swoboda Christine M. , Wijayabahu Akemi T. , Fareed Naleef
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the trends in who obtains genetic tests, and opinions about how genes affect health. Cross‐sectional survey data from Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 5, Cycle 4 was used. This data was collected from adults 18 years of age or older who completed mailed surveys sent by the National Cancer Institute between January and April 2020. The sample consisted of 2,947 respondents who answered the question ‘Have you ever had a genetic test’? 727 had a test and 2,220 did not have a test. The measures used included survey questions that asked whether respondents obtained certain kinds of genetic tests, who they shared test results with, whether they believed genes affect health status, and their demographic and cancer status information. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed to assess which demographic variables were associated with having different kinds of genetic tests, and whether those who had genetic tests had different opinions about genetic testing and the influence of genes on health. We found that female respondents [OR: 1.9; CI: (1.2–3.1)] had higher odds of having any genetic tests while Hispanic [OR: 0.5; CI: (0.2–1.0)] respondents had lower odds. Our findings indicate that there are demographic disparities in who received genetic tests, and that cancer risk alone does not explain the differences in prevalence of genetic testing.
Race may modify the association between blood type and COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Luo Jiajun , Craver Andrew , Zakin Paul , Stepniak Liz , Moore Kayla , King Jaime , Kibriya Muhammad G. , Johnson Julie , Olopade Christopher O. , Pinto Jayant M. , Kim Karen , Ahsan Habibul , Aschebrook‐Kilfoy Briseis
Published: July 2022

This study aims to investigate the race/ethnicity‐specific association between blood type and COVID‐19 susceptibility during March, 2020 and December, 2021 using data from the electronic health record at the University of Chicago Medicine. The study population was stratified into four groups: non‐Hispanic White, non‐Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and other. Log‐binomial generalized mixed model was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). When compared to blood type O, type B was associated with positive COVID‐19 test in Blacks (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02–1.23), Whites (RR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.99–1.66), and Hispanic (RR = 1.36, 95% CI: 0.97–1.92).
Study on the interaction mechanism between luteoloside and xanthine oxidase by multi‐spectroscopic and molecular docking methods
Authors: Chen Junliang , Wang Yuxiao , Pan Xinyu , Cheng Ye , Liu Jianli , Cao Xiangyu
Published: July 2022

Gout is an inflammatory joint disease caused by urate crystal deposition, which is associated with hyperuricemia. Gout will take place when the uric acid accumulates. Xanthine oxidase (XO) is a crucial enzyme in the formation of uric acid. Inhibiting XO is one of the means to ameliorate gout. Luteoloside is a kind of natural flavonoid, which has an excellent prospect for relieving gout. But there are few reports on the interaction mechanism between luteoloside and XO currently. In this study, the interaction mechanism between luteoloside and XO was explored using spectroscopy and molecular docking. The fluorescence spectroscopy results indicated that luteoloside could make the intrinsic fluorescence of XO quenched, and the binding constant between luteoloside and XO was (1.85 ± 0.22) × 103 L mol−1 at 298 K. The synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy results showed that the absorption peaks of Tyr and Trp shifted blue, and the hydrophobicity of the microenvironment increased. Moreover, CD spectra showed that α‐helix of XO decreased, β‐sheet and β‐turn increased after adding luteoloside. The results of molecular docking analysis showed that XO could combine with luteoloside through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic force. The results indicated that luteoloside could remarkably interact with XO. Insights into the interaction mechanism provide a necessary basis for the search for low‐toxic natural products as targets of XO.

Highlights

Luteoloside and xanthine oxidase was a strong binding mode and had only one binding site.

Luteoloside could cause α‐helix reduced, β‐sheet and β‐turn increased, and change the secondary structure of XO.

The binding between luteoloside and xanthine oxidase was a spontaneous process.

The main binding force was hydrophobic force between luteoloside and xanthine oxidase.
Contextualisation of salinisation and adaptation preferences in the coastal areas of Bangladesh: Bringing together farmers' salinity perspectives into place‐based policy initiatives
Authors: Islam Md Aminul , Lobry de Bruyn Lisa , Koech Richard , Warwick Nigel
Published: July 2022

The salinisation of coastal areas in Bangladesh reduces livelihood options for rice intensification but offers a more suitable environment for shrimp and salt farming. Thus, farmers' salinity perspectives might vary resulting in contested land use settings that may create uncertainties for policymakers in planning adaptation initiatives to address salinisation. The aim of this study was to examine co‐located farmers' salinisation perspectives (e.g., trends, causes, impacts), and to demonstrate its potential for place‐based policy initiatives and research prioritisation for sustainable agricultural development in the coastal areas. Primary data were collected from randomly selected rice, shrimp and salt prodcrs/farmers in two coastal sub‐districts through semi‐structured interviews at the household level. Furthermore, key informant interviews were conducted with personnel from research and extension organisations at national and local levels to complement the survey results. Perceptions of the salinity extent contrasted starkly among the various types of farmers. While the majority of rice farmers (87%) perceived increased salinity, just over half of the salt and shrimp farmers perceived that salinity had decreased over the last 20 years. There was also a lack of agreement on the causes of salinity, with most rice farmers (62%) indicating anthropogenic factors as the main causes, while the majority of shrimp and salt farmers focused more on natural factors. Rice farmers (42%) also perceived a reduction in yield followed by less income (30%) under saline conditions, while shrimp farmers (70%) and salt farmers (55%) perceived production gains when high salinity prevailed. The adaptation preferences to combat salinity were also at odds between different types of farmers, with rice farmers having adaptation preferences for the development of salinity‐tolerant rice varieties that should have greater tolerance at the reproductive stages, while shrimp and salt farmers' preferences were for engineering‐based solutions to prevent seawater inundation during cyclones. Thus, research and extension services on integrated coastal resources management need to consider tailoring their approach to accommodate varied livelihood perspectives of salinity, as this place‐based approach could accelerate the pace of achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), such as SDG‐1, SDG‐2 and SDG‐3 due to a more strategic targeting of farmer types and their context.
Plateau pika burrowing and yak grazing jointly determine ecosystem greenhouse gas emissions of alpine meadow
Authors: Wang Yingxin , Sun Jian , Hou Shuaijun , Tan Yuhui , Wang Zhaofeng , Chang Shenghua , Chen Junhe , Qian Yongqiang , Chu Jianmin , Hou Fujiang
Published: July 2022

Domestic yak (Bos grunniens) have coexisted with plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) for thousands of and they play irreplaceable roles in shaping the structure and function of alpine meadow ecosystem. However, the mechanisms whereby the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions change in response to the interactive effects between yak grazing and plateau pika burrowing remain unclear. In this study, we examined the response of ecosystem GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O flux) to yak grazing and pika burrowing in alpine meadow in Zoige County, China. The GHG emissions was measured with a static opaque chamber method. Our results revealed that CO2, CH4, N2O flux and CO2‐eq were significantly influenced by yak grazing and pika burrowing independently, and in conjunction. Crucially, the relative importance of pika burrowing was higher than yak grazing on a pastoral scale. Specifically, high pika burrowing led to an increase of 440.29%, and 110.72% for CO2‐eq relative to low pika burrowing under moderate and heavy yak grazing situations, respectively. The value of CO2‐eq with low pika burrowing was negative, especially under light yak grazing conditions. Furthermore, we found that GHG emissions were sensitive to plant species richness, soil temperature, soil moisture, soil organic carbon, and soil microbial factors. Structural equation modeling indicated that pika burrowing can affect CO2‐eq though altering soil temperature and belowground biomass under heavy yak grazing conditions and changing soil moisture and soil microbe under light yak grazing. The results of this study enrich our understanding of the role of small burrowing mammals in the carbon sequestration of alpine meadow. In the context of the carbon neutrality of alpine grassland ecosystem, small mammals' activities and their interactions with domestic livestock‐induced changes in microtopography on GHG emissions should not be neglected.
Polyolefin Innovations toward Circularity and Sustainable Alternatives
Authors: Westlie Andrea H. , Chen Eugene Y.‐X. , Holland Chris M. , Stahl Shannon S. , Doyle Meredith , Trenor Scott R. , Knauer Katrina M.
Published: July 2022

The unprecedented growth and socioeconomic impacts of polyolefins clearly outline a major success story in the world of polymer science. Polyolefins revolutionizes industries such as health care, construction, and food packaging. Despite the benefits of polyolefins, there is a rising concern for the environment due to high production volume (i.e., fossil fuel consumption), often short usage time, and problems related to waste management and accumulation in the natural environment. Creating a circular economy for polyolefins through effective recycling technologies has the potential to decrease the environmental impact of these materials. This perspective discusses polyolefins and their impact, existing and emerging recycling/upcycling solutions, and recycle‐by‐design alternatives that are challenging the status quo.
Technical note: Characteristics of the energy spread kernels of scattered radiation in an x‐ray room
Authors: González‐López Antonio
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To describe the scattered radiation spectra inside an x‐ray room for different scattering conditions.

Methods

Monte Carlo simulations of an x‐ray room using phantoms of different size, varying field sizes, and a range of mono‐energetic beams were carried out. For each energy, the particle fluence spectrum of scattered photons was collected at different spherical zones to describe the radiation reaching the different boundaries of the x‐ray room. The effect on the scattered spectrum of the room floor was also considered.

Results

The scattered spectra for mono‐energetic primary beams at a given spherical zone give rise to oriented energy spread kernels (OESKs) that can be used to calculate the scattered spectrum for any poly‐energetic beam at that zone. Despite the large differences, which can be seen in the OESKs when the scattering conditions vary, an important invariance is also observed: the position of the broad scatter peak for a given primary energy and zone.

Conclusions

The result of breaking down the calculation of the scattered radiation spectrum into the different factors that influence it allows estimating the spectrum in a wide range of situations. The invariant position of the broad scatter peak can be used to estimate the highest energy of the scattered photons for a given primary energy and zone, which may determine radiation shielding needs.
A data‐driven bond‐based peridynamic model derived from group method of data handling neural network with genetic algorithm
Authors: Yu Xiang‐Long , Zhou Xiao‐Ping
Published: July 2022

In the governing equation of motion of bond‐based peridynamics, the acceleration of a material point can be considered as the response function of all the displacements of material points in the horizon and a micro stiffness containing Young's modulus and length scale. A group method of data handling (GMDH) neural network is first developed to explicitly derive the discrete bond‐based peridynamic equation of motion based on measured data in this study rather than traditional complicated mathematical derivation. In order to discover the optimal structure more efficiently and to avoid exhaustive search, genetic algorithm is incorporated into GMDH structure. It is found that the prediction results obtained by GMDH model agree well with measured values both for training and testing data. Moreover, the derived equation of motion is expressed as the product of parameter composed of Young's modulus and length scale and linear combination of displacements of material points in the horizon, which is in accordance with the original bond‐based peridynamic formulation. Furthermore, numerical benchmarks associated with elastic deformation and crack problems are performed and compared with analytical solution or finite element analysis result to verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed model.
Quality analysis of hawthorn leaves (the leaves of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var major N.E.Br) in different harvest time
Authors: Zheng Wei , Zhou Ming , Chai Rui‐ping , Liang Hai‐zhen , Zhang Jie , Zhao Ye , Zheng Xiao‐hui , Jin Yan , Guo Bao‐lin , Ma Bai‐ping
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Harvest time plays an important role on the quality of medicinal plants. The leaves of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var major N.E.Br (hawthorn leaves) could be harvested in summer and autumn according to the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (Pharmacopoeia). However, little is known about the difference of the chemical constituents in hawthorn leaves with the harvest seasonal variations.

Objective

The chemical constituents of hawthorn leaves in different months were comprehensively analysed to determine the best harvest time.

Methods

Initially, the chemical information of the hawthorn leaves were obtained by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS). Subsequently, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to compare the chemical compositions of hawthorn leaves harvested in different months. Then, an absolute quantitation method was established using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐charged aerosol detector (HPLC‐CAD) to determine the contents of five compounds and clarify the changes of these components with the harvest seasonal variations. Meanwhile, a semi‐quantitative method by integrating HPLC‐CAD with inverse gradient compensation was also established and verified.

Results

Fifty‐eight compounds were identified through UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS. PCA revealed that the harvest season of hawthorn leaves had a significant effect on the chemical compositions. The contents of five components were relatively high in autumn. Other four main components without reference standards were further analysed through the semi‐quantitative method, which also showed a high content in autumn.

Conclusions

This work emphasised the effect of harvest time on the chemical constituents of hawthorn leaves and autumn is recommended to ensure the quality.
Integrating a Bacillus‐based product with fungicides by foliar application to protect soybean: a sustainable approach to avoid exclusive use of chemicals
Authors: Santos Fabio M , Viera Laura S , Camargo Darcila P , Muniz Marlove FB , Costa Ivan FD , Guedes Jerson VC , Santos Jansen RP , Silva Julio CP
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Biological control is widely applied against soybean (Glycine max L.) soil‐borne pathogens by furrow or seed treatments. The efficiency of bioproducts and timing of application by foliar sprays against soybean pathogens needs to be more fully understood. This work investigated the efficiency of foliar application with a Bacillus subtilis‐based product (BBP) to protect soybean from multiple pathogens and the best moment to apply it considering its compatibility with fungicides.

RESULTS

Foliar applications (from stages V6 to R4) with BBP, mancozeb (M) and systemic fungicides (S) applied against Asian rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi), BBP followed by S (BBP‐S), BBP along with S (S + BBP), S along with M (S + M) or water were carried out in a soybean field for two years. The treatments S + BBP, S + M and BBP‐S reduced the severity of Asian rust by 82% compared to the control. Except for M, all treatments reduced the severity of other foliar diseases by >60%. The defoliation was reduced by BBP and BBP‐S, whereas the yield was 25% higher than control by using BBP, S + M, S + BBP or BBP‐S. Also, the incidence of Fusarium sp. was significantly reduced on seeds from treatments BBP and BBP‐S. The compatibility tests in Petri dishes demonstrated that all fungicides decreased the bacterial growth when applied along with BBP, whereas previous applications of BBP did not reduce the bacterial growth.

CONCLUSIONS

The BBP protected soybean against multiple pathogens, reduced defoliation and promoted soybean yield similarly to conventional fungicides, but in general, the early application of the BBP was the most efficient protection. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Feeding behaviour and mortality of Philaenus spumarius exposed to insecticides and their impact on Xylella fastidiosa transmission
Authors: Lago Clara , Cornara Daniele , Minutillo Serena Anna , Moreno Aránzazu , Fereres Alberto
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Insecticides are essential, though controversial tools in modern pest management. Insecticides can slow the spread of key vector‐borne plant pathogens, but often lead to inconsistent results given that insecticide use is generally focused on acute toxicity under no‐choice conditions. Here, we analysed the lethal (survival) and sublethal (feeding behaviour) effects of six commercial products (acetamiprid, deltamethrin, spinosad, sulfoxaflor, pyrethrin and kaolin) on Philaenus spumarius, vector of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Furthermore, we assessed the impact of insecticides displaying different degrees of acute toxicity against spittlebugs (highest to lowest: acetamiprid, pyrethrin and kaolin) on the transmission of X. fastidiosa by P. spumarius under both free‐choice and no‐choice conditions.

RESULTS

Deltamethrin, acetamiprid and to a limited extent pyrethrin significantly altered the feeding behaviour of P. spumarius. Deltamethrin and acetamiprid were highly toxic against P. spumarius, but the mortality induced by exposure to pyrethrin was limited overall. By contrast, spinosad, sulfoxaflor and kaolin did not significantly impact P. spumarius feeding behaviour or survival. Under no‐choice conditions, both pyrethrin and acetamiprid reduced the X. fastidiosa inoculation rate compared with kaolin and the control. On the other hand, pyrethrin reduced transmission, but acetamiprid failed to significantly affect bacterial inoculation under free‐choice conditions.

CONCLUSION

Pyrethrin was the only compound able to reduce X. fastidiosa transmission under both free‐choice and no‐choice conditions. Xylella fastidiosa management strategy based exclusively on the evaluation of insecticide acute toxicity under no‐choice conditions would most likely fail to prevent, or slow, bacterial spread. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The G143A/S substitution of mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b (Cytb) in Magnaporthe oryzae confers resistance to quinone outside inhibitors
Authors: Li Tao , Xu Jinke , Gao Han , Cao Zhiguo , Wang Jianxin , Cai Yiqiang , Duan Yabing , Zhou Mingguo
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, is a destructive disease threatening the production of staple foods worldwide. Quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs) are a group of chemicals exhibiting excellent activity against a majority of plant pathogens, with the disadvantage that pathogens can easily develop resistance to QoIs.

RESULTS

Here, we investigated the activity of picoxystrobin against M. oryzae, which showed a great inhibitory effect on 100 strains of M. oryzae with half‐maximal effective concentrations (EC50) ranging from 0.0251 to 0.1337 μg ml−1. The EC50 values showed a continuous unimodal distribution that was identical to the normal distribution, suggesting the potency of our study to represent baseline sensitivity. In addition, nine resistant mutants were obtained by exposing M. oryzae to a high dosage of picoxystrobin in the laboratory; all of them showed cross‐resistance to the other five QoI fungicides. Although some mutants showed a decreased resistance factor after ten successive cultures on fungicide‐free medium, the resistance to picoxystrobin was still inheritable. Amino acid substitution of G143S was detected in eight of nine picoxystrobin‐resistant mutants, and G143A was detected in only one of nine mutants. A fitness penalty was found in the mutants carrying G143S rather than G143A.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that M. oryzae had a mid to high risk of resistance to picoxystrobin. Considering this, we should be vigilant to the resistance risk and apply picoxystrobin sensibly in the field. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Flexible Recyclable Cellulose Paper Templated Cu‐Doped Polydopamine Membranes with Dual Enzyme‐Like Activity
Authors: Li Hong , Xiong Zhuzhu , Jia Yi , Gao Fan , Wang Chenlei , Li Qi , Li Junbai
Published: July 2022

The development of high‐efficiency enzyme mimics is of great significance in the field of biocatalysis. However, it remains challenging to design novel enzyme mimics with multiple enzyme‐like activities, excellent stability, and good reusability. Herein, a facile molecular assembly strategy to construct dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) templated Cu‐doped polydopamine (DAC@PDA/Cu) membrane with dual enzyme‐like activities is presented. The Schiff base bonds formed between polydopamine (PDA) and DAC can not only accelerate the adhesion of PDA thin layer but also contribute to Cu‐loading and high stability of DAC@PDA/Cu membrane. Importantly, the assembled DAC@PDA/Cu membrane exhibits a remarkable catalytic activity that is superior to the natural laccase along with high stability and excellent reusability. Moreover, the DAC@PDA/Cu membrane also demonstrates peroxidase‐like activity, and it is successfully applied in the sensitive detection of ascorbic acid (AA). This work will provide a new paradigm methodology for rational design and practical applications of enzyme mimics based on bioinspired molecular assemblies.