bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality diets for better health: Integrated orange‐fleshed sweetpotato intervention improved dietary practice in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Brouwer Roland , Bocher Temesgen Fitamo , Low Jan W.
Published: August 2023

Poor diet quality for women and children under 2 years of age is the major public health problem in developing countries claiming lives of millions of children and mothers. Nutrition‐sensitive, climate smart orange‐fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] intervention has been proved to be an effective approach to ensure enhanced diet quality and reduce the health burden faced by women and children. The objective of this study is to contribute to evidence generation effort by assessing the effectiveness of the introduction of vitamin A‐rich, OFSP cultivars alongside social and behavior change communication strategy and agronomic practice in improving diet quality. Cluster‐randomized control trial design was implemented on cross‐sectional data collected from project beneficiary and control households in 2017 (n = 1451) and 2019 (n = 2065). Quasi‐experimental double difference analysis is used to measure the impact of the intervention on key nutrition outcome indicators. Nutrition‐sensitive climate smart agriculture focused on OFSP cultivars with integrated nutrition behavioral change social communication and agronomic training presented significant potential to improved food security, dietary diversity, and frequency of vitamin A food‐rich intake among the rural population of southern Ethiopia. Thus, it is concluded that enhanced investment in nutrition dense agricultural commodities such as orange fleshed‐sweetpotatoes with appropriate training on both nutrition and agronomic can be effective and cheaper means to address the diet quality problem.
Glucocorticoid regulation of the mTORC1 pathway modulates CD4+ T cell responses during infection
Authors: Chen Huihui , Liu Zhiwen , Zha Jie , Zeng Li , Tang Runyan , Tang Chengyuan , Cai Juan , Tan Chongqing , Liu Hong , Dong Zheng , Chen Guochun
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Conventional glucocorticoid (GC) treatment poses significant risks for opportunistic infections due to its suppressive impact on CD4+ T cells. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which GCs modulate the functionality of CD4+ T cells during infection.

Methods

We consistently measured FOXP3, inflammatory cytokines and phospho‐S6 ribosomal protein levels in CD4+ T cells from patients undergoing conventional GC treatment. Using Foxp3EGFP animals, we investigated the dynamic activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway and its correlation with the immunoregulatory function of CD4+ T cells under the influence of GCs.

Results

GCs dynamically altered the expression pattern of FOXP3 in CD4+ T cells, promoting their acquisition of an active T regulatory (Treg) cell phenotype upon stimulation. Mechanistically, GCs undermined the kinetics of the mTORC1 pathway, which was closely correlated with phenotype conversion and functional properties of CD4+ T cells. Dynamic activation of the mTORC1 signaling modified the GC‐dampened immunoregulatory capacity of CD4+ T cells by phenotypically and functionally bolstering the FOXP3+ Treg cells. Interventions targeting the mTORC1 pathway effectively modulated the GC‐dampened immunoregulatory capacity of CD4+ T cells.

Conclusion

These findings highlight a novel mTORC1‐mediated mechanism underlying CD4+ T cell immunity in the context of conventional GC treatment.
Liquid encapsulation in a freezing sessile drop
Authors: Lyu Sijia , Zhu Xun , Legendre Dominique , Sun Chao
Published: August 2023

During the solidification of a sessile drop, the effect of heat exchange from the gaseous environmental medium is generally ignored. However, by combining experimental observations, direct numerical simulations, and a theoretical model, we have demonstrated that the environmental medium, particularly one with high thermal conductivity such as a liquid, has nonnegligible heat exchange with both the drop and the substrate, leading to accelerated cooling of the outer surface of the sessile drop. Consequently, it causes alterations in the geometry of the freezing front and ultimately results in the formation of a solidified shell that encloses the drop. Furthermore, the encapsulated liquid continues to solidify, which induces volume change and consequently changes the final outcome of the freezing process. This study highlights the importance of considering the properties of the environmental medium and provides novel strategies to manipulate the freezing rate and reshape the morphology of the solidified drop.
Coordination chemistry applied to anti‐doping analysis: Cobalt quantification as its diethyldithiocarbamate complex by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: dos Santos Vanessa Farelo , Carneiro Gabriel Reis Alves , Braz Bernardo Ferreira , Santelli Ricardo Erthal , de Paula Machado Sérgio , Gualberto Pereira Henrique Marcelo
Published: August 2023

Cobalt was included on the World Anti‐Doping Agency Prohibited List in 2015 due to its effect on stimulus of erythropoiesis via stabilization of hypoxia‐inducible factor. Although it has proven benefits for performance enhancement, the unavailability of inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry on routine of the accredited laboratories is a factor that reduces its applicability in anti‐doping analysis. Therefore, an analytical method for quantification of urinary cobalt as its diethyldithiocarbamate complex by liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated. Palladium was proposed as internal standard and rhodium as a complexation control. A microwave‐assisted acid digestion of the urine samples was essential, not only to eliminate the matrix effect but mainly to avoid the non‐specific bond of cobalt to endogenous molecules. A linear method was obtained over the studied range from a negative urine control to a spiked concentration of 25 ng/mL, with an estimated limit of quantification of 2.5 ng/mL, and an adequate combined standard uncertainty of 11.4%. Considering that all reagents are commercially available, the proposed strategy is feasible to be included on routine sample preparation. Monitoring urinary cobalt concentrations globally opens the perspective to support the anti‐doping system to define a suitable threshold value and to understand its potential misuse by athletes seeking for performance improvement.
Patterns in antipredator armature reduction and maintenance in isolated spring populations of an amphipod crustacean
Authors: Loehr John , Sundell Janne , Immonen Mikko , Väinölä Risto
Published: August 2023

Organisms colonizing new habitats can undergo adaptive change due to novel selective landscapes encountered in the new environment. Examples in nature where the development of the same traits has repeatedly occurred on multiple independent occasions upon colonizing a novel habitat represent instances of parallel evolution. Here we test whether the colonization of spring habitat by the principally lacustrine amphipod crustacean Pallaseopsis quadrispinosa has resulted in parallel evolution in armature traits using empirical data on morphology and mitochondrial DNA and through a breeding experiment. Analysis of mtDNA CO1 sequences shows that the spring populations share no common history and have evolved in isolation from each other and from their neighbouring lake populations since deglaciation approximately 12,000 years ago and are now fixed for different haplogroups. Dorsal spines and lateral projections were absent or less developed in all spring populations than in lake populations. Variation in armature development also could be explained by predator presence as populations with fish predators exhibited more developed spines than those without fish. In a laboratory breeding experiment, hybrid Spring × Lake F1 offspring had intermediate development of armature compared to offspring of Lake × Lake and Spring × Spring matings. The results support the hypothesis that armature reduction has independently evolved on multiple occasions in P. quadrispinosa. Recent research has questioned the degree to which parallel evolution actually explains variance in traits. Taking into account the predation regime, sexual dimorphism and mineral composition of the trait, a more precise understanding of the factors influencing parallel evolution emerges.
Soil respiration responses of moss and lichen biocoenoses to moderate and severe rain events after summer drought in a temperate early‐successional ecosystem
Authors: Fischer Thomas , Kholiavko Tatiana , Schaaf Wolfgang , Veste Maik
Published: August 2023

It is commonly accepted that CO2 efflux increases with soil water content in aerated soils and that rewetting after periods of soil drying can result in respiration pulses. It has further been shown that soil pores may become water logged which can impede soil gas exchange. The present study aimed to quantify the carbon response of moss (Polytrichum piliferum) and lichen (Cladonia coniocraea) biocoenoses to different quantities of rain in an artificial catchment, which granted that the starting point of the development of both biocoenoses was the same. To address this aim, we conducted in situ soil moisture and soil respiration measurements, where soil respiration was hypothesised to emerge from a cryptogamic vegetation layer and from mineral soil beneath. We found that higher water‐holding capacity of the moss layer and higher accumulation of organic matter in the upper mineral soil under mosses result in higher amounts of water stored near the surface. As a consequence, evaporation of water as well as pulses of CO2 efflux after moderate rain following a period of drought were higher in the moss biocoenosis, where the upper mineral soil was of key importance. In contrast, the lichen biocoenosis facilitated penetration of rainwater into the deep soil. Superimposing rewetting pulses, near‐saturation of soil pores with water after severe rain resulted in gas exchange inhibition and diminished soil respiration until subsequent aeration in both biocoenoses.
Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Activity of Cyclometalated Iridium Complexes with a Bidentate POC Ligand
Authors: Polukeev Alexey V.
Published: August 2023

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of cyclometalated iridium complexes with a bidentate POC ligand is presented. Metalation of POC‐H (di‐tert‐butyl(phenoxy)phosphane) with [Ir(COD)Cl]2 proceeded rapidly at room temperature and afforded mixture of (POC)(POC‐H)IrHCl (1 a) and (POC)(COD)IrHCl (1 b), from which complexes (POC)(L)IrHCl where L=PPh3 (1 c), bipyridine (1 d) and [2,2′‐bipyridine]‐6,6′‐diol (1 e) were prepared through ligand exchange. The compounds were tested in acceptorless dehydrogenation of 1‐phenylethanol and transfer dehydrogenation of ethanol in a context of comparison with pincer counterparts (POCOP)IrHCl and (PCN)IrHCl. An attempt to prepare a dihydride complex from 1 e led to dimeric complex [(POC)(bipy‐diol−)IrH]2 (3) that could explain the low activity of 1 e. DFT studies provided insight into POC‐H vs POCOP‐H metalation mechanism.
Adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics of aromatic amino acids in feather hydrolysate onto modified activated carbon
Authors: Wang Dexing , Ding Song , Zhang Wei , Hu Yi , Xu Huajin
Published: August 2023

The main objective of this study was to produce low cost activated carbons for the adsorption of aromatic amino acids (AA) from feather hydrolysate. By optimizing the static adsorption conditions (time, pH and concentration) of amino acids, the adsorption amounts of tyrosine and phenylalanine reached 15.2 and 20.1 mg/g, respectively, under optimal conditions. Furthermore, it exhibits excellent reusability as it maintains a removal efficiency of 82.0% and 82.8% for tyrosine and phenylalanine after being reused 4 times. The effects of NaOH modified activated carbon (NA‐AC) on the adsorption capacity of AA in feather hydrolysate at different temperatures (298.15, 308.15, 318.15 K) were investigated, and the static adsorption kinetics curves were plotted. The adsorption isotherm (Langmuir, Freundlich model), kinetics (pseudo‐first‐order‐mode, pseudo‐second‐order‐mode, particle diffusion model) and thermodynamics were studied. The results shown that the adsorption process of AA onto NA‐AC accorded with the pseudo‐second‐order‐mode. The adsorption rate was mainly controlled by the liquid film diffusion and the particle diffusion. The adsorption isotherm accorded with the Langmuir adsorption isothermal model. Adsorption was an endothermic process, and increasing temperature was conducive to adsorption. Gibbs energy ΔG indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous, and enthalpy △H indicated that the adsorption process was mainly physical adsorption. The proposed adsorption mechanisms provide a theoretical basis for the optimization of AA separation and purification process in feather hydrolysate by NA‐AC, which may further improve the separation and purification efficiency of other amino acids in feather hydrolysate.
Strontium‐promoted Ni/ZrO2–Al2O3 catalysts for dry reforming of methane
Authors: Al‐Fatesh Ahmed S. , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Osman Ahmed I. , Abasaeed Ahmed E. , Alotibi Mohammed F. , Alfatesh Sadeq A. , Rooney David W. , Fakeeha Anis H. , Yin Chun‐Yang
Published: August 2023

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is an established process that utilizes CH4 and CO2 to produce syngas, which is subsequently used to produce liquid fuel. Developing an optimized catalyst with favorable physicochemical properties is essential to enhance the effectiveness of the DRM process. In this study, we report novel findings on Ni/ZrO2 + Al2O3 catalyst performance promoted with strontium (Sr) for DRM reaction. The characteristics of fresh and spent catalysts were evaluated via a suite of analytical characterization techniques, including physisorption analysis, temperature‐programmed reduction, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, temperature‐programmed desorption, temperature‐programmed oxidation, and thermogravimetric analysis before actual DRM performance analysis. The integration of Sr essentially enhanced the basicity, imparted CO2 adsorption stability, and improved the reducibility of the catalyst. An optimal concentration of 3.0 wt% Sr promoted on the catalyst afforded the highest CH4 and CO2 conversions. The work presented in this contribution affords an understanding of optimum Sr loading and provides insights into the synergistic role of Sr on catalytic performances as applied to the DRM process.
Energy storage in the forest ecosystem
Authors: Duran Şölen , Özilgen Mustafa
Published: August 2023

Inhabitants in the forest ecosystem store energy for their own use and then give it to their predators. There is animal territorialism in the forest ecosystem. Large animals need a larger territory to harvest their needs. Some species mark the boundaries of their territory with their urine to prevent other species from intruding. Natural plant saps are usually the first step of the food chain. Ants, larvae, and flies that consume the natural plant juices are usually the second step of the food chain. Anteaters, larvae‐eating birds, and frogs constitute the third step. Pumas and jaguars, wolves, tigers, and lions eat the anteaters, frogs, and birds. The average exergy efficiency of going from the nth step to n + 1 step is 0.078‐fold of the previous step. Energy storage efficiency of any species depends on the path they follow. The longer the path is, the smaller will be the energy stored by each of the species efficiency down the food chain.
Effects of sesame dehulling on physicochemical and sensorial properties of its oil
Authors: Amini Maryam , Golmakani Mohammad Taghi , Abbasi Azam , Nader Marzieh
Published: August 2023

At present, sesame oil is extracted from un‐hulled white sesame seeds by using cold press lubrication machines in local stores in Iran. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties and safety parameters of the hulled and un‐hulled white sesame oils. The fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, oxalates content, total phenolic content, carotenoid content, acid value, peroxide value, p‐anisidine value, value total oxidation value (TOTOX), aflatoxins and pesticides residue, smoke point, color, relative density, and refractive index of oil sample were examined immediately after extracting the oil. The peroxide, p‐anisidine, and TOTOX value of the hulled and un‐hulled sesame oil samples were also examined periodically. After 7 months, the quality parameters were high and the oil samples were not consumable. Linoleic and oleic acids were the predominant fatty acids in the hulled and un‐hulled sesame oils. The results of this study showed that the oil extracted from raw un‐hulled sesame had a lower initial quality than hulled sesame oil and was oxidized more rapidly than it during the storage period. Virgin oils contained impurities acting like prooxidants and reduced their stability and shelf life. In addition, the un‐hulled sesame oil contained higher amounts of antinutrient compounds (e.g., oxalate and pesticide residues) than the hulled sesame oil. Aflatoxin was not detected in our oil samples.
Is inflammatory potential of the diet related to oral and periodontal health?
Authors: Metin Ziya Erokay , Tengilimoglu‐Metin M. Merve , Oğuz Nuh , Kizil Mevlüde
Published: August 2023

Inflammation is among the risks of periodontal diseases. The relationship between the inflammatory load of the diet and inflammation has been shown in previous studies, but the relationship between periodontal diseases and the inflammatory load of the diet is not clear. In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and periodontal health. Board approved the protocol. Information about the study was given to the patients who met the criteria of the study and agreed to participate in the study. Oral health status was evaluated by measuring the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT). Periodontal health status was determined using the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI). Twenty‐four‐hour dietary record was taken for 1 day to calculate the inflammatory load gained from daily diet, and the DII score was used. The study group consisted of 138 participants. DMFT scores were found with median 4.0, and no statistically significant difference was observed between DII quartiles. 65.8% of the participants had absence or small amount of plaque accumulation, while 39.2% had moderate or dense amount of plaque accumulation according to the PI classification. While DII did not differ by PI classification, DII quartile between second and third found a difference according to the GI classification. The new definition of periodontal health has been proposed as the absence of clinically detectable inflammation. It seems that pro‐inflammatory properties of the diet and periodontal health are related. But future randomized controlled trials are needed.
Cross‐border and cross‐commodity volatility spillover effects of Chinese soybean futures
Authors: Qin Sisi , Lau Wee‐Yeap
Published: August 2023

This study examines the volatility spillover between the US and China's soybean futures markets, and between China's soybean, soybean oil, and meal futures markets. A synchronization technique is used to overcome the bias from differences in the closing time of two exchanges. On the basis of BEKK‐GARCH and DCC‐GARCH on the data from January 2010 to April 2023, our results indicate that: First, there is a one‐way spillover from the US to China's No.1 soybean futures and a two‐way spillover between the US and No.2 soybean futures. Second, after 2018, the volatility spillovers of No.1 soybean futures declined, while that of No.2 increased significantly. Third, the dynamic conditional correlations confirmed our results that the spillover between No.2 soybean and soymeal, and between No.2 soybean and soyoil futures increased significantly. Our findings demonstrate the leading role of US soybeans in cross‐border trading and the increasing role of No.2 soybeans in cross‐country and cross‐commodity spillover.
U–Pb geochronology and metamorphic history of gneissic rocks from Sarwar‐Junia Fault Zone, Rajasthan, NW India: Implications for the tectonothermal evolution of the Aravalli‐Delhi Mobile Belt
Authors: Okazaki Jun‐ya , Das Kaushik , Chattopadhyay Anupam , Ando Jun‐ichi , Sarkar Arindam
Published: August 2023

The gneisses of the Sarwar‐Junia Fault Zone (SJFZ), in the Mangalwar Gneissic Complex, a part of the Banded Gneissic Complex (BGC‐II) of northwest India recorded two phases of metamorphism. The pelitic gneiss from SJFZ mainly consists of biotite, sillimanite, garnet, quartz, K‐feldspar and plagioclase. On the other hand, the granitic gneiss from SJFZ mainly consists of quartz, plagioclase, K‐feldspar and biotite. From zircon and monazite geochronology, the protolith of pelitic gneiss was deposited on basement granitic gneiss and the metamorphism occurred at ca. 950 Ma affecting both the granitic gneiss and the pelitic gneiss. Estimation of the P‐T conditions of metamorphism and pseudosection modelling of the pelitic gneiss revealed that the peak stage metamorphic condition of M2 culminated at ~850°C and ~7 kbar pressure followed by a near‐isobaric cooling. Large garnet porphyroblasts in contact with retrograde biotite shows Fe‐Mg resetting close to the core region, which implies a slow cooling. Therefore, the possible exhumation during the subduction‐collision tectonics was very slow, if not completely ceased, at ca. 950 Ma. The shared tectonothermal history of the Sandmata Metamorphic Complex and Mangalwar Metamorphic Complex in the BGC‐II is now evident from the present study of the SJFZ, and confirms the presence of Grenvillian‐aged tectonothermal events in the eastern part of BGC‐II. The abovementioned near‐isobarically cooled and hydrated crust of the SJFZ records subsequent event(s) of shallow crustal brittle faulting as evident by the presence of pseudotachylyte veins and cataclastic fabric observed in the studied gneisses. Brittle faulting possibly occurred between ca. 905 Ma and ca. 750 Ma, as interpreted from the present geochronological data.
The effect of early oral nutritional supplements on improving nutritional outcomes and radiation‐induced oral mucositis for nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Su Li , Lin Qiao‐Jing , Ma Shu‐Qing , Song Xiu‐Rong , Ye Jin‐Ru , Ni Meng‐Shan , Hong Jin‐Sheng
Published: August 2023

Background

To explore the value of early oral nutritional supplements (ONS) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed II‐IVA stage NPC were analyzed and divided into Early and Routine ONS groups according to whether they received early ONS at the beginning of CCRT. Changes in nutritional indicators, incidence of treatment‐related toxicity, radiation interruption, and completion of CCRT were compared.

Results

In total, 161 patients with NPC were analyzed, including 72 in the Early ONS group and 89 in the Routine ONS group. Multivariate analysis showed that early ONS was an independent protective factor for concurrent chemotherapy ≥2 cycles, and a protective factor against ≥grade 3 radiation‐induced oral mucositis (RIOM) and weight loss >5%. In stage III‐IVA patients, early ONS was beneficial in decreasing the risk of severe malnutrition.

Conclusions

Early ONS can improve nutritional outcomes, reduce RIOM, and enhance treatment adherence.
Enhancing banking performance through dynamic digital transformation capabilities and governance, risk management, and compliance: Insights from the Indonesian context
Authors: Abdurrahman Abdurrahman , Gustomo Aurik , Prasetio Eko Agus
Published: August 2023

Digital transformation (DT) is a crucial strategic initiative for organizations to rectify output, adapt, and keep up with the digital economy. Dynamic capability (DC) is a widely‐used model for managing opportunities and risks from digital transformation. However, there is a lack of research examining the measurement and relationship between the primary activities of dynamic capability and DT, especially within the banking sector. Acknowledging the importance of DC, we propose this research which emphasizes the significance of sensing, seizing, and transforming aptitudes in promoting DT and improving banking performance. Within this study, we specifically investigate the role of governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) factors. By utilizing structured equation modeling (SEM) and analyzing data from 322 respondents representing 45 banks in Indonesia, our empirical findings demonstrate that all three DC activities have a significant influence on DT, in which sensing activity has the biggest impact, followed by transforming and seizing. Furthermore, we reveal that DT acts as an intermediary between DC activities and banking performance, and GRC factors further enhance the impact of DT on organizational performance. Our research offers valuable insights to assist banks in prioritizing essential capabilities, including GRC, to enhance overall performance through dynamic digital transformation capabilities.
Applying the bioisosterism strategy to obtain lead compounds against SARS‐CoV‐2 cysteine proteases: An in‐silico approach
Authors: Borba João Ricardo Bueno de Morais , de Araújo Leonardo Pereira , Veloso Marcia Paranho , da Silveira Nelson José Freitas
Published: August 2023

SARS‐CoV‐2 cysteine proteases are essential nonstructural proteins due to their role in the formation of the virus multiple enzyme replication‐transcription complex. As a result, those functional proteins are extremely relevant targets in the development of a new drug candidate to fight COVID‐19. Based on this fact and guided by the bioisosterism strategy, the present work has selected 126 out of 1050 ligands from DrugBank website. Subsequently, 831 chemical analogs containing bioisosteres, some of which became structurally simplified, were created using the MB‐Isoster software, and molecular docking simulations were performed using AutoDock Vina. Finally, a study of physicochemical properties, along with pharmacokinetic profiles, was carried out through SwissADME and ADMETlab 2.0 platforms. The promising results obtained with the molecules encoded as DB00549_BI_005, DB04868_BI_003, DB11984_BI_002, DB12364_BI_006 and DB12805_BI_004 must be confirmed by molecular dynamics studies, followed by in vitro and in vivo empirical tests that ratify the advocated in‐silico results.
OTUD4 regulates metastasis and chemoresistance in melanoma by stabilizing Snail1
Authors: Gao Yuchen , Tang Jiaxin , Ma Xiuqing , Zhang Caishi , Huang Lei , Che Jingjing , Wen Yalei , Zhang Yinci , Zhu Yingjie , Liu Tongzheng , Zhang Haoxing
Published: August 2023

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer with rapidly increased incidence worldwide especially in the Caucasian population. Surgical excision represents the curative treatment choice in patients with early‐stage disease. However, the therapeutic outcomes in patients with metastatic melanoma remains unsatisfactory. Thus, understanding molecular mechanisms contributing to metastasis and chemoresistance is critical for new improved therapies of melanoma. Snail1, an important epithelial‐mesenchymal transition transcription factors (EMT‐TFs), is critical to induce the EMT process, thereby contributing to cancer metastasis. However, the involvement of Snail1 in melanoma metastasis remains elusive and the underlying mechanism to regulate Snail1 in melanoma needs to be further investigated. Here, we identified OTUD4 as a novel deubiquitinase of Snail1 in melanoma. Moreover, the depletion of OTUD4 in melanoma cells markedly inhibited Snail1 stability and Snail1‐driven malignant phenotypes both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our study establishes OTUD4 as a novel therapeutic target in metastasis and chemoresistance of melanoma by stabilizing Snail1 and provides a rationale for potential therapeutic strategies of melanoma.
Research participants' perspectives about the return of uninformative genomic test results in a clinical research setting
Authors: Jamal Leila , May Makenna , Setzer Michael R. , Yu Mary , Berkman Benjamin , Similuk Morgan
Published: August 2023

The majority of genomic sequencing and microarray results are clinically uninformative, meaning that they do not suggest a need for any behavioral action or medical intervention. Prior studies have shown that recipients of uninformative genomic testing results (“uninformative results” hereafter) may incorrectly interpret them to imply a lowered risk of disease or false reassurance about future health risks. Few studies have examined how patients understand uninformative results when they are returned in a research setting, where there is wide variation in analytical specifications of testing, interpretation and reporting practices, and resources to support the return of results. We conducted cross‐sectional interviews (N = 17) to explore how a subset of research participants in one genomics study at the National Institutes of Health reacted to and understood their uninformative test results, which were returned to them via a patient portal without genetic counseling. We found that most participants did not remember the details of the informed consent process, including the distinction between “primary” and “secondary” findings. Participants had questions about what genes were tested for and, in most cases, requested a list of the genes covered. Several participants incorrectly assumed that autosomal recessive carrier results would have been reported to them if detected. Some participants interpreted their uninformative results to mean that they could forgo prenatal testing, and participants had mixed expectations about whether their results might be reinterpreted in the future. These themes suggest that there are specific challenges to returning uninformative results in research settings. Educational supplements to uninformative test reports may be most useful if they contextualize results in relation to other types of clinical genetic or genomic testing that may be made available to research participants in their lifetimes.
Prognostic Significance of the Microenvironment in Human Papillomavirus Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Baudouin R. , Hans S. , Lisan Q. , Morin B. , Adimi Y. , Martin J. , Lechien J. R. , Tartour E. , Badoual C.
Published: August 2023

Objective

The immune microenvironment of HPV‐associated (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) (HPV+OPSCCs) differs from that of HPV‐independent oropharyngeal cancers (HPV‐independent OPSCCs). The literature on the subject is very abundant, demanding an organized synthesis of this wealth of information to evaluate the hypothesis associating the favorable prognosis of HPV+OPSCC patients with a different immune microenvironment. A systematic review of the literature was conducted regarding the microenvironment of HPV+OPSCCs.

Data Source

MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases.

Review Methods

A literature search was performed following PRISMA guidelines (Moher D. PLoS Med. 2009). The PEO (Population, Exposure, and Outcome) framework is detailed as follows: P: patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, E: human papillomavirus (HPV), and O: histological and immunological composition of the tumoral microenvironment (TME). No meta‐analysis was performed.

Results

From 1,202 studies that were screened, 58 studies were included (n = 6,474 patients; n = 3,581 (55%) HPV+OPSCCs and n = 2,861(45%) HPV‐independent OPSCCs). The presence of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), CD3+ in 1,733 patients, CD4+ in 520 patients, and CD8+ (cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL)) in 3,104 patients, and high levels of PD‐L1 expression in 1,222 patients is strongly correlated with an improved clinical outcome in HPV+OPSCCs.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides the most comprehensive information on the immune microenvironment of HPV+OPSCCs to date. Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes and PD‐L1 expression are associated with a favorable prognosis. B, CD8+ and resident memory cells densities are higher in HPV+OPSCCs. The importance of myeloid lineages is still a matter of debate and research.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:1507–1516, 2024
Microbial community in the Leymus chinensis rhizosphere associates with its high production in mild saline–alkaline grassland
Authors: Guo Peiran , Guo Wei , Hao Baihui , Zhang Zhechao , Lu Chengyan , Liu Tai , Ding Shengli , Zhao Liqing , Cheng Jianwei , Li Frank Yonghong
Published: August 2023

Leymus chinensis is a dominant grass widely distributed in Central Asia, in both saline−alkaline and non‐saline−alkaline grasslands. However, the mechanisms underlying its saline−alkaline tolerance have not been explored from the perspective of rhizosphere microbial communities. We investigated L. chinensis rhizosphere microbial communities in both saline–alkaline and non‐saline–alkaline grasslands. It was found that the biomass of L. chinensis was remarkably higher in saline–alkaline than in non‐saline–alkaline habitat and that changes in the rhizosphere bacterial and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities had a greater effect on biomass than climate, soil moisture, nutrients, and salinity. We demonstrated that the bacteria and AMF in the rhizosphere of L. chinensis grown in saline–alkaline grassland differed from those in non‐saline–alkaline grassland, and the differences were associated with soil salinity or alkalinity. The co‐occurrence networks of bacteria and AMF and bacteria–AMF interaction networks in rhizosphere were complex and connected, with more nodes and edges and a higher average degree of nodes and modularity in the saline–alkaline grassland. More complex networks promoted plant tolerance and growth under salt–alkali stress. High number of microbial keystone taxa was related to the nutrient concentration in the soil and L. chinensis leaves, and more remarkable direct effects of the bacterial and AMF keystone communities on plant nutrient concentrations were demonstrated in saline–alkaline grassland. This indicates that bacterial and AMF communities in saline–alkaline grasslands are favorable for plant growth and nutrient uptake. This study provides an accurate and beneficial source of soil microbial assemblages for future plant–microbial joint remediation of the saline–alkaline ecosystems.
The role of land use and land cover changes in triggering soil losses in the SE Alentejo, Portugal
Authors: Roxo Maria José , Cerqueira Henrique Morgado , Calvo‐Cases Adolfo
Published: August 2023

This study analyses and interprets the effects of historical and contemporary land use and cover changes (LULC) on soil erosion in the Serra de Mértola region, Portugal, by using the 58 years of measurements in 8 × 22 m erosion plots at the Vale Formoso Erosion Centre and employing methodologies including field observations, aerial image analysis and Landsat NDVI trend assessment. Land cover and management changes, influenced by agricultural policies since the early 20th century, notably during the wheat campaigns of the fascist regime, have exacerbated soil erosion, with the highest rates observed in vertical fallow (964 g m−2 yr−1), wheat (90 g m−2 yr−1) and horizontal fallow (66 g m−2 yr−1). These practices continue to be somewhat relevant today, as cereal production is still being subsidized. However, Quercus, Pines—introduced since agrarian reforms and Portugal's entry into the common agricultural policy (CAP)—and spontaneous vegetation from CAP's set‐aside policies and recent land abandonment trends show lower erosion rates, underlining vegetation's role in erosion protection. Using NDVI trend analysis, we distinguish between natural fluctuations and land cover changes impacts. Understanding these changes and how they relate to slope and valley floor dynamics, such as incision, aggradation or stabilization, is crucial for recognizing human influences on the earth's surface. Our research highlights sustainable land management's role in reducing soil erosion in desertification‐prone areas.
JSI‐124 inhibits cell proliferation and tumor growth by inducing autophagy and apoptosis in murine malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Zhang Chengke , Sun Qifeng , Zhao Jiangfeng , Jiang Ning , Hao Yingtao , Luo Junwen , Karim Saraf , Wu Licun , de Perrot Marc , Peng Chuanliang , Zhao Xiaogang
Published: August 2023

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), mainly caused by asbestos exposure, has a poor prognosis and lacks effective treatment compared with other cancer types. The intracellular transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is overexpressed and hyperactivated in most human cancers. In this study, the role of STAT3 in murine MPM was examined. Inhibition of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 pathway with the selective inhibitor JSI‐124 has an antitumor effect in murine MPM. Specifically, we demonstrated that JSI‐124 inhibits murine MPM cell growth and induces apoptotic and autophagic cell death. Exposure of RN5 and AB12 cells to JSI‐124 resulted in apoptosis via the Bcl‐2 family of proteins. JSI‐124 triggered autophagosome formation, accumulation, and conversion of LC3I to LC3II. Autophagy inhibitors, Chloroquine (CQ) and Bafilomycin A1 (Baf‐A1), inhibited autophagy and sensitized RN5 and AB12 cells to JSI‐124‐induced apoptosis. Our data indicate that JSI‐124 is a promising therapeutic agent for MPM treatment.
Hydrodynamics simulation of red blood cells: Employing a penalty method with double jump composition of lower order time integrator
Authors: Laadhari Aymen , Deeb Ahmad , Kaoui Badr
Published: August 2023

We propose a numerical framework tailored for simulating the dynamics of vesicles with inextensible membranes, which mimic red blood cells, immersed in a non‐Newtonian fluid environment. A penalty method is proposed to handle the inextensibility constraint by relaxation, allowing a simple computer implementation and an affordable computational load compared to the full mixed formulation. To handle the high‐order derivatives in the stress jump across the membrane, which arise due to the high geometric order of the Helfrich functional, we employ higher degree finite elements for spatial discretization. The time integration scheme relies on the double composition of the Crank–Nicolson scheme to achieve faster fourth‐order convergence behavior. Additionally, an adaptive time‐stepping strategy based on a third‐order temporal integration error estimation is implemented. We address the main features of the proposed method, which is benchmarked against existing numerical and experimental results. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of non‐Newtonian rheology on the system dynamics.
Goal setting in physiotherapy‐led adult musculoskeletal care: A scoping review
Authors: Gayton Jonathan , Monga Aastha
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Goal setting is a key part of rehabilitation across various fields of physiotherapy. It is less clear what evidence exists to underpin its effectiveness and to practically guide its use within musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Objectives

This scoping review provides an overview of current research regarding goal setting in adult physiotherapy‐led musculoskeletal care with three aims: 1) to identify and analyse any gaps in the literature, 2) to identify relevant features of goal setting theory and 3) to make recommendations for future research. The principal research question was what does the literature tell us about the role of goal setting for adults over the age of 18 with musculoskeletal pain accessing outpatient physiotherapy services?

Inclusion Criteria

The population, concept and context framework was used to define the inclusion criteria. Key definitions were adults over the age of 18 with musculoskeletal conditions, goal setting, and physiotherapy‐led interventions.

Methods

This scoping review followed the guidance set out by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, American Psychological Association PsycInfo and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Protocols and Trials were searched using pre‐defined search criteria. Data were extracted from screened full‐text articles and presented in basic statistical and narrative form.

Results

41 articles were included in the review. Several broad themes and research methods were identified. The nature of the studies suggested that the clinical application of goal setting is complex and the depth of understanding is limited. Most studies suggested that goal setting is feasible and has a positive impact on outcomes. A common finding was a lack of clear definitions regarding goal setting terminology and approaches. Study samples were generally defined by biomedical categories, suggesting a pathoanatomical approach to researching a cognitive construct. Theoretical underpinning was lacking in many studies. No frameworks guiding goal setting in physiotherapy‐led musculoskeletal rehabilitation have been identified.

Conclusions

Goal setting is a popular tool within musculoskeletal outpatient physiotherapy. Further research is required to clarify its efficacy and provide guidance on its role and application in clinical practice.
FEM‐based dual length‐scale simulation of hydrothermal ore‐forming systems involving convective flow in fluid‐saturated porous media
Authors: Zhao Chongbin , Liu Gaozhi
Published: August 2023

Hydrothermal ore‐forming systems usually involve coupled processes among pore‐fluid flow, heat transfer, mass transport and chemical reactions in fluid‐saturated porous media. The finite element method (FEM) has provided a powerful tool to solve hydrothermal ore‐forming problems associated with pore‐fluid convective flow. Depending on different interests of research, a hydrothermal ore‐forming system may be simulated at two different length‐scale models, such as a regional (i.e., large length‐scale) model or a deposit (i.e., small length‐scale) model. However, there is an unsolved issue to guarantee the consistency between the applied boundary conditions to a deposit model and the predicted results, at exactly the same location as the boundary of the deposit model, from using the regional model. This paper proposes a FEM‐based dual length‐scale simulation procedure to address this issue. In the proposed procedure, a regional model of coarse mesh is first simulated by the FEM. Since a deposit model is located within the regional model, the applied boundary conditions to the deposit model of fine mesh can be determined from the simulation results of the regional model, so that the consistency can be guaranteed at the common boundary between the deposit model and the regional model. Main outcomes of this study have demonstrated that: (1) the proposed FEM‐based dual length‐scale simulation procedure is suitable and applicable for solving coupled problems involving pore‐fluid flow, heat transfer, mass transport and chemical reactions in fluid‐saturated porous media; (2) the proposed procedure is predictive because it is unnecessary to know the location of an ore deposit prior to the simulation of a hydrothermal ore‐forming system; (3) the boundary condition of a deposit model of fine mesh is consistent with the simulation results obtained from the regional model of coarse mesh, so that the reliability of the simulation results obtained from the deposit model can be ensured.
Expandable graphite embedded in flexible polymer surfaces for fire detection in multiple modes
Authors: Gao Xiping , Li Dongxue , Lu Min , Yao Dahu , Lu Chang
Published: August 2023

Fire detection sensors are a necessary facility to ensure fire safety. The long fire response time and the false fire alarms caused by a single fire response mode are urgent problems for fire detection sensors. Here, a strategy of embedding expandable graphite (EG) in the sample surface of a styrene‐butadiene‐styrene block copolymer/intumescent flame retardant is used to endow the sample with fire detection in multiple modes and early warning functions, thus shortening the fire warning time and preventing the false fire alarms. The EG improved the flame retardancy of the samples from failing to V‐0 in the vertical burning rating test. The EG also gave the samples the ability to sense tensile and bending deformation. The negative temperature effect of the EG resistance gave the sample an early warning capability for fires with warning temperatures as low as 200°C. The rapid expansion of EG exposed to flame into graphite worms was used for the rapid response of the sample to fire (response time < 1 s). The Seebeck effect with response voltage of up to 0.3 V was used for fire detection of samples based on the temperature difference of EG on the sample surface caused by the flame. This study has potential application prospects for rapid fire warning in buildings.
Performance evaluation of polyethersulfone membranes modified with poly (acrylic acid‐co‐N‐vinyl pyrrolidone) grafted mesoporous carbon nitride for effective removal of cadmium(II) from wastewater
Authors: Jahani Zohreh , Mosaffa Elias , Oroujzadeh Maryam , Ghafuri Hossein
Published: August 2023

Industrial pollutants in water streams, such as heavy metals, are among the most important issues for ecosystem and human health. Membrane filtration is an appealing technique for the removal of these contaminants from wastewater. In this study, composite ultrafiltration polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were fabricated by implementing poly (acrylic acid‐co‐N‐vinyl pyrrolidone) grafted mesoporous carbon nitride (MCN) nanoparticles to improve the performance of membranes. Polymer grafted MCN was synthesized through (3‐methacryloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane and (3‐Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane treatment and subsequent in situ radical polymerization on MCN. Modified membranes exhibited significantly improved hydrophilicity; the contact angle decreased from 66° for the PES membrane to 36° for the modified membranes. In addition, the morphology, surface roughness, thermal stability, and mechanical stability of membranes were studied. The results revealed that the pure water flux of membranes was improved from 82.6 to 329. 8 L/m2 h by increasing the nano‐additive content. Moreover, the membranes showed a maximum rejection of 92.3% for Cd2+ metal ions. Studying the fouling resistance of membranes showed a significant increase in fouling ratio recovery from 42.77% to 87.64%. It was also found that the irreversible fouling values were remarkably reduced because of the higher hydrophilicity of fabricated composite membranes.
Brief case report: A case of FOLFIRI—Induced psychosis
Authors: Mukherji Shamik , Shoaib Humaira , Jimenez Xavier
Published: August 2023

Key points

Psychosis may occur due to the FOLFIRI chemotherapy regimen.

An exhaustive approach to confounding elements of a patient's medical history should be taken to rule out competing causes of psychosis.

Both 5‐FU and Irinotecan may be implicated in psychosis, though which agent in particular is the cause is unclear.

Risperidone assisted in resolution of this patient's psychosis whilst Olanzapine and Quetiapine did not.

Both 5‐FU and Irinotecan have pharmacologic traits that may induce changes in mental status.