bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Bones Exhibit Adaptive Responses to Chronic Low‐Dose‐Rate Ionizing Radiation despite its Lifespan‐Shortening and Carcinogenic Effects on C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Kohzaki Masaoki , Ootsuyama Akira , Abe Toshiaki , Tsukamoto Manabu , Umata Toshiyuki , Okazaki Ryuji
Published: October 2022

Ionizing radiation (IR) is a well‐known carcinogen. High‐dose‐rate (HDR) IR is known to damage long bones (in terms of mass and structure), but the relationships among dose rates (particularly low‐dose‐rate [LDR] IR), long‐bone condition, cancer incidence, and lifespan shortening remain elusive. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of LDR‐IR on long‐bone condition by comparing the long‐term consequences of HDR‐ and LDR‐IR exposure in mice. We utilized micro–computed tomography (μCT) scans of the long bones at similar ages (mean 77–96 weeks) to compare mice receiving approximately equivalent total doses of internal LDR‐IR or external HDR‐IR starting at 4 weeks of age, and their respective control groups. The lifespan‐shortening effects of LDR‐IR and HDR‐IR were similar in these mixed‐sex cohorts. Notably, compared to HDR‐IR mice, mice internally exposed to chronic LDR‐IR with continuous hypohematopoiesis showed a significantly higher trabecular bone connective density [femur: 247% (p = 0.0042), tibia: 169% (p = 0.0005)] and midshaft cortical bone thickness/area (femur: 130% [p = 0.0079]/120% [p = 0.021], tibia: 148% [p = 0.0004]/129% [p = 0.002]). Consistent with this result, when comparing 26–32 weeks post‐IR with 2–8 weeks post‐IR, compared to HDR‐IR‐treated mice, LDR‐IR‐treated mice exhibited higher levels of an osteoblast marker (OPG; p = 0.67 for HDR‐IR, p = 0.068 for LDR‐IR) and lower levels of an osteoclast marker (CTX‐I; p = 0.0079 for HDR‐IR, p = 0.72 for LDR‐IR) despite significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers (CCL2 and CXCL1; p = 0.36–0.8 for HDR‐IR, p = 0.013–0.041 for LDR‐IR). These results suggest that long bones under chronic LDR‐IR stress may exhibit an adaptive response to stresses such as chronic inflammation associated with IR‐induced lifespan shortening. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Characterizing the excited states of large photoactive systems by exciton models
Authors: Wang Ke , Ma Jing , Ma Haibo
Published: October 2022

The theoretical investigation of excited state for large photoactive systems plays the fundamental role in understanding various optical processes in material and biological system. Frenkel exciton (FE) model describing the excitation of the whole system as a collective effect of quasi‐particles of excitons, that is, bound electron–hole pairs, is well‐known as a simple but powerful theoretical scheme to present a clear and insightful physical picture for complicated excited state problems. In this mini‐review, we summarize our recent developments of quantum chemical methods based on exciton models and their related applications for large photoactive systems. It is shown that our developed ab initio renormalized exciton model (REM) and block interaction product state (BIPS) schemes provide new efficient and automatic low‐scaling excited state methods for both localized and delocalized excited states in large systems. Illustrative examples including simulations of both absorption and emission spectrum in large sized molecular aggregates, indicate the exciton model based methods provide promising computational tools for unravel the mechanism of photophysical and photochemical processes in large photoactive systems.
GRAP2 is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Song Shimao , Deng Xinzhou , Jiang Shan , Tian Chao , Han Jiahui , Chai Jingjing , Li Na , Yan Yutao , Luo Zhiguo
Published: October 2022

Background

GRAP2 is an adaptor protein involved in leukocyte signal activation; however, the prognostic value of GRAP2 and its correlation with immune infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are unclear.

Methods

Original data were downloaded from the TCGA database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GRAP2 expression was analyzed with the TCGA and TIMER databases. We evaluated the influence of GRAP2 on clinical prognosis using the Kaplan–Meier plotter, GEO, and GEPIA database. The TIMER and TISIDB databases were used to investigate correlations between GRAP2 expression and cancer immune characteristics. Finally, we confirmed the expression of GRAP2 in LUAD by immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

The transcription levels of GRAP2 were significantly lower in several human cancer types, including LUAD, than in adjacent normal tissues. Immunohistochemistry staining confirmed that LUAD tumor tissues had lower GRAP2 protein expression levels than adjacent normal tissues. GRAP2 downregulation was associated with poorer overall survival, pathologic stage, T stage, N stage, and primary therapy outcome in LUAD. Mechanistically, we found a hub gene set that included a total of 91 genes coexpressed with GRAP2, which were closely related to the immune response in LUAD. The expression levels of GRAP2 were positively correlated with the infiltration levels of multiple immune cells and the cumulative survival time of a few immune cells. GRAP2 expression was found to be positively correlated with that of multiple immune markers, chemokines, chemokine receptors, and MHC molecules in LUAD.

Conclusions

GRAP2 can be used as a biomarker for assessing prognosis and immune infiltration levels in LUAD.
Hsa_hsa_circ_0081069 promotes the progression of colorectal cancer through sponging miR‐665 and regulating E2F3 expression
Authors: Xie Jingjing , Jin Dan , Xu Jinyin , Yang Fei , Jin Jianying
Published: October 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the initiation and development of various cancers. This study explored the potential contribution of hsa_hsa_circ_0081069 in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

The gene expression was analyzed by qRT‐PCR. Functional roles of hsa_circ_0081069 were examined by shRNA‐mediated silencing using CCK‐8 proliferation assay, Transwell migration and invasion assay, tube formation assay. The tumorigenesis and metastasis of CRC cells were assess in a xenograft mouse model.

Results

Hsa_circ_0081069 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. Hsa_circ_0081069 knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion in CRC cells, as well as the angiogenesis. Silencing hsa_circ_0081069 also impaired the tumorigenesis of CRC cells in a xenograft mouse model. Furthermore, miR‐665 was identified as an interacting partner of hsa_circ_0081069, which was negatively regulated by hsa_circ_0081069. miR‐665 targeted the mRNA of E2F3 to suppress its expression. We further demonsatred that miR‐665/E2F3 axis mediated the functional role of hsa_circ_0081069 in regulating the malignant phenotype of CRC cells.

Conclusions

Collectively, our study suggests that hsa_circ_0081069 could serve as a prognostic marker in progression of CRC. Targeting hsa_circ_0081069 and miR‐665/E2F3 axis could serve as potential therapeutic strategies for CRC treatment.
Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 that is essential for glycolysis may act as a novel metabolic target for predicating poor prognosis for patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Wei Chen , Xie Jiebin , Yuan Xiaoxia , Luo Yaomin , Xiao Yang , Liao Weiliang , Jiang Zhen
Published: October 2022

Background

To identify a novel marker for gastric cancer, we examined the usefulness of phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) as a potential diagnostic marker using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)‐based quantitative proteomics and evaluated its clinical significance.

Methods

Proteins from a discovery group of four paired gastric cancer tissues and adjacent gastric tissues were labeled with iTRAQ reagents and then identified and quantified using LC–MS/MS. The expression of PGAM1 was further validated in 139 gastric cancer patients using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the correlation of PGAM1 expression with clinical parameters was analyzed. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify gene sets that were activated in PGAM1‐overexpressing patients with gastric cancer.

Results

PGAM1 was significantly overexpressed in most cancers but particularly so in gastric cancer, with a sensitivity of 82.01% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 75.5%–88.5%) and specificity of 79.13% (95% CI: 72.3%–86%). Its expression was significantly associated with histological grade II and III tumors (p = 0.033), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.031), and TNM III‐IV staging (p = 0.025). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the detection of PGAM1 overexpression in gastric cancer was 0.718 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, GSEA revealed that several important pathways such as glycolysis pathway and immune pathways were significantly enriched in patients with gastric cancer with PGAM1 overexpression.

Conclusions

This study provided a sensitive method for detecting PGAM1, which may serve as a novel indicator for poor prognosis of gastric cancer, as well as a potent drug target for gastric cancer.
Downregulation of MMP1 functions in preventing perineural invasion of pancreatic cancer through blocking the NT‐3/TrkC signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Xiaoqing , Lu Xiaomin , Chen Liping , Peng Ke , Ji Fuhai
Published: October 2022

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a fatal malignancy that frequently involves perineural invasion (PNI). This study aims to investigate the function and underlying mechanisms of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP1) in PNI of PC.

Methods

Human pancreatic cancer PANC‐1 cells were co‐cultured with dorsal root ganglion in vitro. The expression of MMP1, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, Schwann cell markers, neurotrophic factors, NT‐3, and TrkC was measured by qRT‐PCR or Western blot. Transwell assay was performed to evaluate cell migration and invasion. In vivo model of PNI was established via inoculating PANC‐1 cells into mice. PANC‐1 cells and mice were also treated with LM22B‐10 (an activator of TrkC) to confirm the mechanisms involving NT‐3/TrkC in PNI of PC both in vivo and in vitro.

Results

The expression of MMP1 was significantly higher in PDAC tissues than non‐cancerous tissues, which was positively associated with PNI. MMP1 knockdown repressed the migration and invasion of PANC‐1 cells. Except for E‐cadherin, the expression of EMT markers, Schwann cell markers, neurotrophic factors, NT‐3, and TrkC was inhibited by MMP1 silencing. The same effects of MMP1 knockdown on the above factors were also observed in the PNI model. Moreover, MMP1 knockdown elevated the sciatic nerve function and reduced PNI in the model mice. LM22B‐10 partially abolished the effects of MMP1 knockdown both in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions

Silencing of MMP1 prevents PC cells from EMT and Schwann‐like cell differentiation via inhibiting the activation of the NT‐3/TrkC signaling pathway, thus alleviating the PNI of PC.
Exploration of a predictive model based on genes associated with fatty acid metabolism and clinical treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Zhechen , Huang Juntao , Teh Bing Mei , Hu Shiyu , Hu Yi , Shen Yi
Published: October 2022

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors of the head and neck and presents high risks of recurrence and poor prognosis postoperatively. The aim of this study was to establish a predictive model based on fatty acid metabolism (FAM) genes to forecast the prognosis of HNSCC patients and the subsequent treatment strategies.

Methods

We accessed the TCGA and GEO databases for HNSCC genes and clinical data. The FAM risk score model was created and validated using a combination of univariate Cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. Combining risk scores and clinical characteristics, a nomogram was established and assessed. Subsequently, the function, gene mutation, immune difference, and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity of the groups with high‐ and low‐risk scores were analyzed. Consequently, the mode's validity was evaluated comprehensively by combining single gene analysis.

Results

The FAM risk score model for predicting HNSCC prognosis had certain validity. Patients in the high‐ and low‐risk groups had genetic mutations, and the prognosis was the poorest for the high‐risk groups with high genetic mutations. The patients with low‐risk scores were suitable for immunotherapy since they had increased infiltration of immune cells. In contrast, the patients in the other groups were more suitable for chemotherapy.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrated that the FAM risk score model may predict the prognosis of HSNCC and has a certain therapeutic guidance value.
The CHST11 gene is linked to lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Li Chien‐Hsiu , Chan Ming‐Hsien , Chang Yu‐Chan , Hsiao Michael
Published: October 2022

Background

The abnormal modification of chondroitin sulfate is one of the leading causes of disease, including cancer progression. During chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis, the CHST11 enzyme plays a vital role in its modification, but its role in cancer is not fully understood. Therefore, understanding the relationship between CHST11 and pulmonary‐related diseases through clinically relevant information may be useful for diagnosis or treatment.

Methods

A variety of pulmonary fibrosis clinical gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets were used to assess the association between CHST11‐related manifestations and fibrosis. Multiple lung cancer‐related databases, including The Cancer Genome Atlas, GEO datasets, UCSC Xena, GEPIA2, Cbioportal and ingenuity pathway analysis were used to evaluate the clinical correlation between CHST11 and lung cancer and potential molecular mechanisms. For drug repurposing prediction, the molecules that correlated with CHST11 were subjected to the LINCS L1000 algorithm. A variety ofin vitroassays were performed to evaluate thein‐silicomodels, including RNA and protein expression, proliferation, migration and invasion.

Results

Clinical analyses indicate that the levels of CHST11 are significantly elevated in cases of pulmonary‐related diseases, including fibrosis and lung cancer. According to multiple lung cancer cohorts, CHST11 is the only member of the carbohydrate sulfotransferase family associated with overall survival for lung adenocarcinomas, and it is highly related to smoking‐induced lung cancer patients. Based on the results ofin vitroexperiments, CHST11 expression contributes to tumor malignancy and promotes multiple fibrotic activators. Correlation‐based ingenuity pathway analysis indicated that CHST11‐related molecules contributed to pulmonary fibrosis or lung adenocarcinomas via similar upstream stimulators. Based on known molecular regulatory relationships, CHST11 has been associated with the regulation of TGF‐βand INFγas important molecules contributing to fibrosis and cancer progression. Interestingly, WordCloud analysis revealed that CHST11‐related molecules are involved in regulation primarily by integrin signaling, and these relationships were consistently reflected in the analysis of cell lines and the clinical correlation. A CHST11 signature‐based drug repurposing analysis demonstrated that the CHST11/integrin axis could be targeted by AG‐1478 (Tyrphostin AG 1478), brefeldin A, geldanamycin and importazole.

Conclusions

This study provides the first demonstration that CHST11 may be used as a biomarker for pulmonary fibrosis or lung cancer, and the levels of CHST11 were increased by TGF‐βand INFγ. The molecular simulation analyses demonstrate that the CHST11/integrin axis is a potential therapeutic target for treating lung cancer.
The long non‐sacoding RNA TMEM147‐AS1/miR‐133b/ZNF587 axis regulates the Warburg effect and promotes prostatic carcinoma invasion and proliferation
Authors: Wu Tao , Han Niwei , Zhao Changyong , Huang Xiang , Su Peng , Li Xiaoguang
Published: October 2022

Background

The Warburg effect is a characteristic tumor cell behavior regarded as one of the cancer hallmarks and promotes tumor progression by promoting glucose uptake and lactate production. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) had been reported to emerge as a vital function in cancer development. The present research is designed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of lncRNA TMEM147 antisense RNA 1 (TMEM147‐AS1) on aerobic glycolysis in prostatic carcinoma.

Methods

lncRNA TMEM147‐AS1, miR‐133b and ZNF587 levels in prostatic carcinoma tissues and cells were detected by a polymerase chain reaction or western blot assays. Cell viability or invasion was determined by Edu (i.e. 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine), MTT (i.e. 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) or transwell assays. Hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining were applied for histopathological examination. Tumor xenograft model was employed to investigate tumor growth in vivo. The combinative relationship between TMEM147‐AS1 or ZNF587 and miR‐133b was confirmed by a luciferase reporter assay.

Results

TMEM147‐AS1 and ZNF587 were up‐regulated in prostatic carcinoma tissues and cells. Knockdown of TMEM147‐AS1 or ZNF587 within prostate cancer cells significantly restrained cell viability, invasion and aerobic glycolysis in vitro and suppressed the neoplasia of prostatic carcinoma in vivo. miR‐133b was directly targeted in both TMEM147‐AS1 and ZNF587. Overexpression of miR‐133b restrained prostate cancer cell viability, invasion and aerobic glycolysis. TMEM147‐AS1 competitively targeted miR‐133b, therefore counteracting miR‐133b‐mediated repression on ZNF587.

Conclusions

TMEM147‐AS1 plays a tumor‐promoting action in prostatic carcinoma aerobic glycolysis via affecting the miR‐133b/ZNF587 axis, therefore regulating prostatic carcinoma cells invasion and proliferation. These outcomes implied that TMEM147‐AS1 could be an effective treatment strategy for further study of prostatic carcinoma.
The significance of osteosarcopenia as a predictor of the long‐term outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection
Authors: Yanagaki Mitsuru , Haruki Koichiro , Taniai Tomohiko , Igarashi Yosuke , Yasuda Jungo , Furukawa Kenei , Onda Shinji , Shirai Yoshihiro , Tsunematsu Masashi , Ikegami Toru
Published: October 2022

Background

Frailty, represented by sarcopenia and osteopenia, has been associated with worse survival after hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently, the concept and term “osteosarcopenia” have been proposed, which has been associated with worse outcome in several malignancies.

Methods

This study included 227 patients who underwent elective hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. Osteopenia was evaluated with computed tomographic measurement of pixel density in the midvertebral core of the 11th thoracic vertebra. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was evaluated with psoas muscle areas at the third lumbar vertebra. Osteosarcopenia was defined as the concomitant occurrence of osteopenia and low SMI. We retrospectively investigated the relationship between osteosarcopenia and disease‐free and overall survival.

Results

Osteosarcopenia was identified in 27 (12%) of the patients. Multivariate analysis showed that osteosarcopenia (P < .001), C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio ≥0.02 (P = .002), and stage ≥III (P ≤ .001) were independent predictors of disease‐free survival, while osteosarcopenia (P < .001), Child‐Pugh grade B (P = .002), C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio ≥0.02 (P = .001), low SMI (P ≤ .001), and stage ≥III (P ≤ .001) were independent predictors of overall survival.

Conclusion

Preoperative osteosarcopenia may be a prognostic factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection. Our results suggests that the preoperative maintenance of skeletal muscle and bone density may potentially improve prognosis.
Changes in Hungarian academic psychology after the end of “people's democracy”
Authors: Pléh Csaba
Published: October 2022

The paper surveys the last 30 years of Hungarian academic psychology. Around 1989–1990, the time of the great social changes Hungarian psychology was rather Westernized, but still a relatively small scientific field and applied profession. The opening and liberalization of politics made psychology in Hungary a booming profession and a rich research field. Education of psychologists was spreading, and becoming more Westernized in textbook usage and reading materials. Entrance numbers at two universities with 80 students were replaced by 2010 by 6 university programs and about 8000 incoming students. The training system is a Bologna type BA + MA + PhD system, The educational booming has its own problems. As all university subjects, psychology training is also underfinanced, with high teaching loads and a move by university management towards applied areas, neglecting basic research. The research activity is characterized by a fivefold increase of English language publications coming from Hungary over a 20 years period. University research was strengthened, and competitive grant systems were introduced, whth good success aretes by psychologists. Here again, managerial thinking questions many aspects of basic research and liberalized science management. These factors are peculiar to psychology, but they do have an impact on it. The paper gives some details about one chapter of academic psychology, cognitive psychology. Institutionally, support by the Soros foundation in the 90s for the university cognitive programs had as one consequence that three departments of cognition are active in Budapest today. Another aspect of insitutional development was the series of multidisciplinary conferences in Hungary (MAKOG), and Hungarian involvement in international graduate training programs in cognitive science. The most successful cognitive group, at Central European University (5 ERC grants, publications in leading journals) is recently chased out of Hungary by anti‐Western and antiliberal legal moves. This would certainly have a detrimental effect on Hungarian cognitive psychology for quite a time.
Killing your children to hurt your partner: A South African perspective on the motivations for revenge filicide
Authors: Moen Melanie , Bezuidenhout Christiaan
Published: October 2022

The aim of the study was to investigate the offence characteristics and motivations for revenge filicides. Revenge filicide is an act where one parent kills their own offspring for retribution to hurt and upset the other parent. The cases of 20 revenge filicide murderers (14 male and six female) were analysed to determine the motivations and offence characteristics of revenge filicide offenders. It is the first South African study to highlight the motivations and associated characteristics in revenge filicides. Themes such as a loss of social identity due to rejection; extreme rage type anger; external locus of control; sadism; a desire to cause pain and a need to inflict harm are highlighted in this article. The initial emotional response may escalate from mild anger to a level of narcissistic rage which eventually culminates in the murdering of the child to punish and hurt the other parent and to restore control.
Rapid separation and identification of 96 main constituents in Huanglian Jiedu decoction via ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometer
Authors: He Dongmei , Liao Fengyun , Wang Peng , Gan Bing , Yu Lingling
Published: October 2022

Huanglian Jiedu decoction is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with a broad spectrum of therapeutic effects, including heat clearing, detoxification, and attenuation of inflammation. However, the composition of Huanglian Jiedu decoction is still unclear due to its complexity and limitations of analytical methods. In this study, we established a fast and reliable analytical method based on ultra‐performance LC–Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometer for high‐speed separation and structural identification of multiple compounds in Huanglian Jiedu decoction. The analysis was carried out using a Hypersil GOLD C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.9 μm) with gradient elution coupled to a high‐definition mass spectrometer system operating in both positive and negative ESI modes. According to the chromatographic retention time, precise molecular weight, fragment ion peaks, and published data, the main chromatographic peaks were attributed to specific molecules whose chemical structures were determined. In total, 96 components were identified, including 34 flavonoids and their glycosides, 23 alkaloids, 18 organic acids, 13 terpenoids, and 8 miscellaneous compounds. This study revealed the detailed chemical composition of Huanglian Jiedu decoction, which is of great importance for quality control and further pharmacological and mechanistic studies.
Thermal conductivity and phonon anharmonicity of chemical vapor transport grown and mineral–FeS2single crystals: An optothermal Raman study
Authors: Özden Ayberk , Zuñiga‐Puelles Esteban , Kortus Jens , Gumeniuk Roman , Himcinschi Cameliu
Published: October 2022

In this work, thermal conductivity and anharmonic properties of chemical vapor transport (CVT)‐grown pyrite‐FeS2and mineral single crystals have been investigated and compared. It has been shown that optothermal Raman technique is able to capture the large thermal conductivity difference between the CVT and mineral samples at low temperatures. This difference is attributed to point defects such as sulfur vacancies or impurity doping of CVT‐grown FeS2crystals. Balkanski–Klemens model analysis of the samples has shown that three‐phonon scattering of Agand Egmodes and the lattice thermal expansion are the dominant anharmonic contributors while four‐phonon scattering is negligible in pyrite‐FeS2. Thus, thermal conductivity of materials that is difficult to measure by conventional methods (i.e., flash method) can be measured in their most native form by using optothermal Raman spectroscopy (RS) without rigorous sample preparation.
N‐acetylcysteine attenuates oxidative stress‐mediated cell viability loss induced by dimethyl sulfoxide in cryopreservation of human nucleus pulposus cells: A potential solution for mass production
Authors: Tamagawa Shota , Sakai Daisuke , Schol Jordy , Sako Kosuke , Nakamura Yoshihiko , Matsushita Erika , Warita Takayuki , Hazuki Soma , Nojiri Hidetoshi , Sato Masato , Ishijima Muneaki , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: October 2022

Background

Cell therapy is considered a promising strategy for intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration. However, cell products often require long‐term cryopreservation, which compromises cell viability and potency, thus potentially hindering commercialization and off‐the‐shelf availability. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a commonly used cryoprotectant, however, DMSO is associated with cytotoxicity and cell viability loss. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DMSO on human nucleus pulposus cells (NPC) and the role of oxidative stress in DMSO‐induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we examined the potential of antioxidantN‐acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation to mitigate the negative effects of DMSO.

Methods

NPC were exposed to various concentrations of DMSO with or without a freezing cycle. Cell viability, cell apoptosis and necrosis rates, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and gene expression of major antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. In addition, NAC was added to cryopreservation medium containing 10% DMSO and its effects on ROS levels and cell viability were assessed.

Results

DMSO concentrations ≤1% for 24 h did not significantly affect the NPC viability, whereas exposure to 5 and 10% DMSO (most commonly used concentration) caused cell viability loss (loss of 57% and 68% respectively after 24 h) and cell death in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. DMSO increased intracellular and mitochondrial ROS (1.9‐fold and 3.6‐fold respectively after 12 h exposure to 10% DMSO) and downregulated gene expression levels of antioxidant enzymes in a dose‐dependent manner. Tempering ROS through NAC treatment significantly attenuated DMSO‐induced oxidative stress and supported maintenance of cell viability.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated dose‐ and time‐dependent cytotoxic effects of DMSO on human NPC. The addition of NAC to the cryopreservation medium ameliorated cell viability loss by reducing DMSO‐induced oxidative stress in the freeze–thawing cycle. These findings may be useful for future clinical applications of whole cells and cellular products.
The impact of an otolaryngology inpatient consult documentation improvement program
Authors: Virani Farrukh R. , Wickwire Peter C. , Aizenberg Debbie A.
Published: October 2022

Objective

In an era of limited medical training funds and challenges for teaching centers to maintain their academic mission, the importance of accurate documentation to ensure commensurate coding and billing for services is critical. We sought to develop a practical program that would teach residents documentation skills with the goal of more accurately capturing the work being done in a tertiary care academic medical center.

Methods

A case–control study was performed. Otolaryngology inpatient and Emergency Department consultation notes at a single tertiary medical center were reviewed and knowledge gaps and shortcomings in documentation identified. Three short educational sessions were provided on documentation skills. During the same timeframe, templates in the electronic medical record were standardized to help maintain thoroughness of documentation within the consultation note.

Results

A total of 1476 consultations performed by the Otolaryngology department during a 9‐month period in FY17/18 (preintervention) were compared to a total of 1622 consultations performed during the same 9‐month period in FY19/20 (postintervention). The percent of billable consultations increased from 42.4% to 50.9% (p < .001). Similarly, the percentage of consultations coding at a higher level of complexity rose from 51.6% to 59.5% (p = .002). This improvement led to an increase in consultation charges of more than $130,000.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a simple documentation and coding curriculum and workflow interventions can lead to more thorough and improved consult documentation as evidenced by a significant increase in the percentage and complexity of billable Otolaryngology consultations at a tertiary academic center.

Level of Evidence

4.
Leaky Integrate‐and‐Fire Mechanism in Exciton–Polariton Condensates for Photonic Spiking Neurons
Authors: Tyszka Krzysztof , Furman Magdalena , Mirek Rafał , Król Mateusz , Opala Andrzej , Seredyński Bartłomiej , Suffczyński Jan , Pacuski Wojciech , Matuszewski Michał , Szczytko Jacek , Piętka Barbara
Published: October 2022

This paper introduces a new approach to neuromorphic photonics in which microcavities exhibiting strong exciton–photon interaction may serve as building blocks of optical spiking neurons. The experimental results demonstrate the intrinsic property of exciton–polaritons to resemble the Leaky Integrate‐and‐Fire (LIF) spiking mechanism. It is shown that exciton–polariton microcavities when non‐resonantly pumped with a pulsed laser exhibit leaky integration due to relaxation of the excitonic reservoir, threshold‐and‐fire mechanism due to transition to Bose–Einstein Condensate (BEC), and resetting due to stimulated emission of photons. These effects, evidenced in photoluminescence characteristics, arise within sub‐ns timescales. The presented approach provides means for ultrafast processing of spike‐like laser pulses with energy efficiency at the level below 1 pJ per spike.
On‐Chip Chiral Mode Switching by Encircling an Exceptional Point in an Anti‐Parity‐Time Symmetric System
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Zhang Yicong , Deng Zhihua , Ye Jianghua , Wang Kai , Wang Bing , Gao Dingshan , Lu Peixiang
Published: October 2022

Dynamically encircling the exceptional point (EP) of an anti‐parity‐time (anti‐PT) symmetric system can achieve chiral mode switching between symmetry‐broken eigenmodes, which is especially important for developing nanophotonic devices. However, the realization of anti‐PT‐symmetric systems on a chip still remains significantly challenging as precisely controlling the parameters of nanophotonic structures is difficult. Herein, a novel anti‐PT‐symmetric system is designed and constructed on a silicon‐on‐insulator chip by taking advantage of subwavelength gratings to help engineer nanophotonic structures. Consequently, on‐chip chiral switching between symmetry‐broken eigenmodes is experimentally realized by dynamically encircling the EP in parametric space of the proposed anti‐PT‐symmetric system. Moreover, the achieved chiral mode switching exhibits high output power ratios (≥ 6.4 dB) at 1550 nm, wide‐band response that covers C‐band completely, and great thermal stability up to 90 °C, which indicate desirable performance features for practical applications in optical communication. This study paves an avenue for realizing on‐chip chiral switching between symmetry‐broken modes, which shows great promise for developing nanophotonic devices, such as optical switching, logic gates, and isolators, in optical telecommunication bands.
Semilinear problems at resonance with nonlinearities depending only on the derivative
Authors: Cid Jose Ángel
Published: October 2022

We deal with second‐order semilinear equations with a nonlinear term depending only on the derivative. Our main results extend or complement some previous work by J. Mawhin.
The Impact of Low‐Viscosity Soluble Dietary Fibers on Intestinal Microenvironment and Experimental Colitis: A Possible Preventive Application of Alpha‐Cyclodextrin in Intestinal Inflammation
Authors: Yamanouchi Yuka , Chudan Seita , Ishibashi Riko , Ohue‐Kitano Ryuji , Nishikawa Miyu , Tabuchi Yoshiaki , Kimura Ikuo , Nagai Yoshinori , Ikushiro Shinichi , Furusawa Yukihiro
Published: October 2022

Scope

The purpose of this study is to compare the impact of four low‐viscosity soluble dietary fibers (DFs) on the intestinal microenvironment, in terms of microbiota composition, short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, proportion of colonic peripherally induced regulatory T cells (pTregs), and experimental colitis in mice.

Methods and results

Mice are administered 5% w/v low‐viscosity soluble DFs in drinking water for 2 weeks. The gut microbiota composition is determined using 16S rRNA sequencing. Luminal SCFAs are quantified by gas chromatography, and colonic pTregs are analyzed using flow cytometry. All low‐viscosity soluble DFs promote the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides acidifaciens, while eliminating pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens. Moreover, two low‐viscosity soluble DFs significantly increase the abundance of commensal bacteria and promote the accumulation of propionate and butyrate, leading to marked induction of colonic pTregs. Consistently, these two fibers, in particular α‐cyclodextrin, show remarkable anti‐inflammatory properties in a colitis mouse model.

Conclusion

Mice administered any low‐viscosity soluble DF show comparable gut microbiota compositions, but differ in terms of bacterial abundance, SCFA concentration, pTreg population, and colitis development. This exploratory study suggests that administration of α‐cyclodextrin may be a possible strategy for the prevention of colitis.
Child health care nurses' cultural competence in health visits with children of foreign background
Authors: Golsäter Marie , Karlsson Fiallos Maria , Olsson Vestvik Sølvi , Anefur Hilda , Harder Maria
Published: October 2022

Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate child health care nurses' cultural competence in health visits with children and their families of foreign background.

Design

A cross‐sectional design combined with a qualitative explorative design.

Methods

The nurses assessed their cultural competence using a modified version of the Clinical Cultural Competency Questionnaire. Interviews were used to obtain a detailed description of the nurses' cultural competence.

Results

The nurses assessed themselves as rather culturally competent. They scored above mid‐score in the total score for cultural competence and on all subscales. Education in cultural diversity at the nurses' workplace had the highest association to cultural competence. The nurses described their awareness as recognizing each child and her/his family rather than their cultural background, and viewing the child as a unique part of her/his cultural context. Despite their high scores on cultural competence, the nurses described a lack of cultural knowledge and explained their need of further knowledge.
Post‐deposition annealing and interfacial atomic layer deposition buffer layers of Sb2Se3/CdS stacks for reduced interface recombination and increased open‐circuit voltages
Authors: Weiss Thomas Paul , Minguez‐Bacho Ignacio , Zuccalà Elena , Melchiorre Michele , Valle Nathalie , El Adib Brahime , Yokosawa Tadahiro , Spiecker Erdmann , Bachmann Julien , Dale Phillip J. , Siebentritt Susanne
Published: October 2022

Currently, Sb2Se3 thin films receive considerable research interest as a solar cell absorber material. When completed into a device stack, the major bottleneck for further device improvement is the open‐circuit voltage, which is the focus of the work presented here. Polycrystalline thin‐film Sb2Se3 absorbers and solar cells are prepared in substrate configuration and the dominant recombination path is studied using photoluminescence spectroscopy and temperature‐dependent current–voltage characteristics. It is found that a post‐deposition annealing after the CdS buffer layer deposition can effectively remove interface recombination since the activation energy of the dominant recombination path becomes equal to the bandgap of the Sb2Se3 absorber. The increased activation energy is accompanied by an increased photoluminescence yield, that is, reduced non‐radiative recombination. Finished Sb2Se3 solar cell devices reach open‐circuit voltages as high as 485 mV. Contrarily, the short‐circuit current density of these devices is limiting the efficiency after the post‐deposition annealing. It is shown that atomic layer‐deposited intermediate buffer layers such as TiO2 or Sb2S3 can pave the way for overcoming this limitation.
A rapid and selective methionine oxidative modification strategy
Authors: Zhang Meng‐Qian , He Pei‐Yang , Hu Jin‐Jian , Li Yan‐Mei
Published: October 2022

Considering the fact that site‐selective late‐stage diversification of peptides and proteins remains a challenge for biochemistry, strategies targeting low‐abundance natural amino acids need to be further developed. As an extremely oxidation‐sensitive and low‐abundance amino acid, methionine emerges as a promising target for chemo‐ and site‐selective modification. Herein we report an efficient and highly selective modification on methionine residues by one‐pot O‐ and N‐transfer reaction, generating sulfoximine‐modified peptides with near‐perfect conversion within 10 min. Moreover, the great tolerance to other natural amino acids has been demonstrated in reactions with various peptide substrates. To demonstrate the generality of this protocol, we have modified natural peptides and obtained sulfoximination products with high conversion rates. This methodology provides a novel strategy as the expansion of the methionine‐based peptide functionalization toolbox.
Fully GaN Monolithic Integrated Light Emitting Triode‐on‐Bipolar Junction Transistor Device Drivable with Small Current Signals and Its Frequency Response Characteristic: A Modeling and Simulation Study
Authors: Hao Shaokun , Ye Jinyu , Guo Chenguang , Zhou Xiongtu , Zhang Yongai , Wu Chaoxing , Guo Tailiang , Sun Jie , Yan Qun , Zhan Fan , Liu Hengshan
Published: October 2022

Intelligent display with multifunctional integration is becoming the frontier and focus of current research on novel display technology. How to realize the single chip integration of lighting with other functions such as switching and driving remain the technical and scientific problems that are desiderated to solve. This article proposes a novel idea of a light‐emitting triode (LET), in which light‐emitting diode (LED) and bipolar junction transistor (BJT) are vertically integrated on a single GaN chip with the same GaN processing. The photoelectrical performances of this “LED on BJT” structure are investigated using finite element simulation. It is verified that LET with electrical–optical modulation and amplification capabilities could be achieved simultaneously. By optimizing the device structure and the doping concentrations of each epitaxial layers, the LET can be operated at a low modulation current injection in the range of tens of microamperes. Therefore, the LET is expected to be directly driven by IC circuits without additional amplifier circuits. Meanwhile, the LET cut‐off frequency can reach more than 80 MHz, allowing the applications of pulse width modulation (PWM) driving and visible light communications.
P‐Type Nb‐Doped MoS2Layer for Solar Cell Application
Authors: Nishimura Takahito , Nakaji Kento , Chantana Jakapan , Mavlonov Abdurashid , Kawano Yu , Negami Takayuki , Minemoto Takashi
Published: October 2022

Herein, under a H2S/Ar ambient, a p+‐type Nb‐doped MoS2(MoS2:Nb) film is developed via a sulfurization for a cosputtered Mo–Nb metal precursor to be applied to chalcogenide thin‐film solar cells. With the [Nb]/([Nb] + [Mo]) compositional ratio, the surface roughness and growth rate increase with the domination and diminishment of the (100) and (002) planes, respectively. By increasing the [Nb]/([Nb] + [Mo]) compositional ratio from 0 to 0.06, simultaneously, the carrier density of the MoS2:Nb films increases from 2.9 × 1016up to 3.7 × 1020 cm−3, and the conductivity type changes from n‐type to p‐type as a result of the Nb atoms acting as acceptors. The ionization energy indicates a transition from a broad Nb acceptor band to a vacuum level for the highly doped p‐type MoS2:Nb films. Thus, by utilizing the p+‐type MoS2:Nb intermediate layer in the chalcogenide solar cells, a suppressed carrier recombination at the Mo back electrode/chalcogenide absorber interface by a back surface field is expected. Overall, it is believed that the obtained findings in this work can help boost the power conversion efficiency of the chalcogenide solar cells owing to the back junction modification.
Fundamental Identification of Defect‐Related Electron Trap in Hf1−xZrxO2Alloy Gate Dielectric on Silicon: Oxygen Vacancy versus Hydrogen Interstitial
Authors: Liu Zhu-You , Zhang Cai-Xin , Cao Ruyue , Cai Xuefen , Deng Hui-Xiong
Published: October 2022

Hf1−xZrxO2alloy is recently employed as gate dielectric in complementary metal–oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices because of its relatively low carrier trapping ability, low threshold voltage shift, and good reliability. Experimentally it is found that as the Zr concentrationxincreases, the device reliability caused by the defect‐related electron trapping would be improved. However, the trap nature in Hf1−xZrxO2alloy is still not yet well understood. Herein, using first‐principles hybrid‐functional calculations, the transition energies of some possible defects tending to occur in the experimental process for Hf1−xZrxO2alloys are discussed. The results show that, differing from previous studies suggesting that the oxygen vacancy (VO) is the main defect of electron trapping, the hydrogen interstitial (Hi), which can successfully explain the experimental observations of a reduction of the electron trapping ability as the Zr concentration increases, is more likely to be the origin responsible for the electron trapping in Hf1−xZrxO2dielectric. This work, therefore, broadens the understanding of electron trapping effect in high‐kdielectrics and gives guidance on improving the reliability in microelectronics.
The effect of green cardamom on blood pressure and inflammatory markers among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Izadi Bahareh , Joulaei Hassan , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri , Tabrizi Reza , Taherifard Erfan , Sadeghpour Ali , Vali Mohebat , Akbari Maryam
Published: October 2022

Research shows that herbal spices, including seeds of Elettaria cardamomum, may exert beneficial effects on unhealthy metabolic status. This study is a systematic review of the effect of green cardamom in patients with metabolic syndrome and its related disorders. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify the relevant randomized clinical trials. The data were pooled using the random‐effects model, and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as summary effect size. Of 625 clinical trials, eight reports with 595 patients (299 in intervention group and 296 in control group) were included. The findings indicated that green cardamom significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure (WMD: −0.91 mmHg, 95%CI; −1.19, −0.62), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (WMD: −1.21 mg/L, 95%CI; −2.18, −0.24), interleukin 6 levels (WMD: −2.41 ng/L, 95%CI; −4.35, −0.47). However, cardamom supplementation did not significantly affect systolic blood pressure. This meta‐analysis demonstrated that green cardamom could improve blood pressure control and exert antiinflammatory effects which could help patients with unhealthy metabolic profile better manage their health. Importantly, there were few eligible randomized trials with quite a low number of participants. Further prospective studies on larger sample sizes and longer duration of supplementation are warranted for its widespread use.
Molecular level investigation on the dispersion of hydrophilic modified SiO2 nanoparticles in water from a bond energy viewpoint
Authors: Liu Nannan , Chen Yan , Yu Changfeng , Wu Dan , Chen Xinglong , Xu Hui , Mu Shuaichen , Zhu Qingjie
Published: October 2022

The dispersion characteristic of nanoparticles is of more interest in some engineering applications, including polymer filling, foam stability, chemical catalysis, and materials surface package. In this paper, the surface modification of SiO2 nanoparticles was carried out based on molecular dynamics simulation. The characteristics of aggregation and diffusion of SiO2 nanoparticles were explained by the radial distribution function (RDF), concentration profile, length distribution, mean squared displacement (MSD), and microscopic testing (MT). The results showed that the orbital provided by the three types of atoms (H, O, and Si) corresponding to the different bandwidths caused the energy alternation of state density. According to the results of RDF, the HO bond energy mainly provided by the water molecules showed the maximum bond energy with 463 kJ/mol. The results indicated that the bonds breakage and formation were accompanied by changes in total energy, kinetic energy, non‐bond energy, and potential energy. After the modification of SiO2 nanoparticles, the concentration profile of the water molecules decreased first at 1–8.5 Å and then increased at 8.5–17.2 Å, but the length distribution climbed to 15.7 at 0.975 Å. When the temperature reached 398 K, the peak value of the length distribution declined to 13.6 Å and the relative concentration profile of water molecules fluctuated around 1.0. With the increase of salinity, the peak value of length distribution reached 15.7 at 0.975 Å, but the concentration profile of water molecules at 3.1–9 Å decreased quickly and then gradually increased. The results of MSD and MT about water molecules presented the largest diffusion coefficient appeared at 398 K and had the best dispersion effect owing to the average kinetic energy among the molecules. Conversely, the diffusion coefficient decreased with the incremental solution salinity because the inhabitation of sodium for the motion of water molecules resulted in the ion bridging and hydrogen bonding.