bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly efficient three‐dimensional solar evaporator for zero liquid discharge desalination of high‐salinity brine
Authors: Ding Meichun , Zhao Demin , Feng Panpan , Wang Baolei , Duan Zhenying , Wei Rui , Zhao Yuxi , Liu Chen‐Yang , Li Chenwei
Published: April 2024

Solar‐driven interfacial evaporation is a promising technology for freshwater production from seawater, but salt accumulation on the evaporator surface hinders its performance and sustainability. In this study, we report a simple and green strategy to fabricate a three‐dimensional porous graphene spiral roll (3GSR) that enables highly efficient solar evaporation, salt collection, and water production from near‐saturated brine with zero liquid discharge (ZLD). The 3GSR design facilitates energy recovery, radial brine transport, and directional salt crystallization, thereby resulting in an ultrahigh evaporation rate of 9.05 kg m−2 h−1 in 25 wt% brine under 1‐sun illumination for 48 h continuously. Remarkably, the directional salt crystallization on its outer surface not only enlarges the evaporation area but also achieves an ultrahigh salt collection rate of 2.92 kg m−2 h−1, thus enabling ZLD desalination. Additionally,  3GSR exhibits a record‐high water production rate of 3.14 kg m−2 h−1 in an outdoor test. This innovative solution offers a highly efficient and continuous solar desalination method for water production and ZLD brine treatment, which has great implications for addressing global water scarcity and environmental issues arising from brine disposal.
Nano‐LaMnO3 Modified Separator for Enhanced Redox Reaction Kinetics and Electrochemical Performance of Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yi Dawei , Chang Linqing , Zhou Ben , Ma Yitian , Wu Yuhao , Wang Peipei , Hou Zhaoqi , Du Huiling , Lu Hai
Published: April 2024

The “shuttle effect” and sluggish conversion reaction kinetics of polysulfides seriously hinder the practical application of Li−S batteries. In this study, nano‐sized LaMnO3 (N‐LMO) with typical perovskite structure combined with highly‐conductive carbon black (SP) was introduced on the commercial separator to fabricate a functional surface modification. It is found that the polar N‐LMO with abundant active sites offers strong chemisorption towards the soluble polysulfides meanwhile accelerates their redox conversion, and the conductive SP contributes to extra spots to reactivate the trapped sulfur species. Consequently, the synergistic effect of adsorption‐catalysis‐conduction built by the cooperative N‐LMO/SP modification greatly enhances the sulfur redox kinetics as well as suppresses the polysulfide shuttling not at the expense of weakening Li‐ion transport, which endows the Li−S cell with a high initial discharge capacity of 1143.6 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and a capacity decay rate of only 0.072 % per cycle at 1 C over 500 cycles.
Thoracic duct identification with indocyanine green fluorescence to prevent chyle leaks during minimally invasive esophagectomy
Authors: Mahmoodzadeh Habibollah , Farahzadi Athena , Omranipour Ramesh , Harirchi Iraj , Jalaeefar Amirmohsen , Shirkhoda Mohammad , Miri Seyed Rouhollah , Hadjilooei Farimah
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Chylothorax (CT) is a rare yet serious complication after esophagectomy. Identification of the thoracic duct (TD) during esophagectomy is challenging due to its anatomical variation. Real‐time identification of TD may help to prevent its injury. Near infra‐red imaging with Indocyanine green (ICG) is a novel technique that recently has been used to overcome this issue.

Methods

Patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were divided into two groups with and without ICG. We injected ICG into bilateral superficial inguinal lymph nodes. Identification of TD and its injuries during the operation was evaluated and compared with the non‐ICG group.

Results

Eighteen patients received ICG, and 18 patients underwent surgery without ICG. Each group had one (5.5%) TD ligation. In the ICG group injury was detected intraoperative, and ligation was done at the site of injury. In all cases, the entire thoracic course of TD was visualized intraoperatively after a mean time of 81.39 min from ICG injection to visualization. The Mean extra time for ICG injection was 11.94 min. In the ICG group, no patient suffered from CT. One patient in the non‐ICG group developed CT after surgery that was managed conservatively. According to Fisher's exact test, there was no significant association between CT development and ICG use, possibly due to the small sample size.

Conclusions

This study confirms that ICG administration into bilateral superficial inguinal lymph nodes can highlight the TD and reduce its damage during esophagectomy. It can be a standard method for the prevention of postoperative CT.
Composite System of Lauryl Glucoside and Lauryl Glycoside Sulfosuccinate: Properties and Applications in Vitamin E Nanoemulsions
Authors: Qi Yunqin , Zhang Zhihui , Wu Zhiyu , Qin Ziyu , Zhou Yuan , Yang Xiuquan
Published: April 2024

The synergistic effect of surfactant compounding on performance can be leveraged to enhance product application performance. An investigation of the surface tension and emulsification properties revealed the complex synergistic effect of the composite system comprising lauryl glucoside (LG) and lauryl glycoside sulfosuccinate (LG–SS). The composite system was used as an emulsifier for vitamin E (VE) emulsification. VE nanoemulsions with high VE content were successfully prepared. The nanoemulsion appears homogeneous and transparent and has an average size of approximately 200 nm. It has better temperature and centrifugal stability, an antioxidant capacity 2.89 times that of untreated VE, and is not easily oxidized and deactivated. In this study, we successfully constructed a complex system of LG and its derivatives and applied it to VE emulsification – this is a step toward expanding the effective application of glycosides and their derivative composite systems in food, pharmaceutics, and other industries.
A cultural models approach to understanding body fatness perceptions and disordered eating in young South Korean men
Authors: Monocello Lawrence T. , Lavender Jason M. , Fowler Lauren A. , Fitzsimmons‐Craft Ellen E. , Wilfley Denise E.
Published: April 2024

Objective

The eating disorders field has been limited by a predominant focus on White, Western women, and there is growing recognition of the need to understand cross‐cultural variation in key constructs (i.e., ideal body types). A transdisciplinary, cultural models approach systematizes the incorporation of an “emic” perspective (a culture's own understandings of phenomena) into assessments of relationships between body shapes and eating disorders.

Method

Eighty‐one young South Korean men aged 19–34 years living in Seoul participated in this research. A cultural model of body fatness was identified using cultural consensus analysis during 18 months of ethnographic, mixed‐methods fieldwork. Participants also completed questionnaires assessing age, height, weight, sexual identity, university prestige, body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptoms, and cultural consonance with the Korean cultural model of the ideal male body. Variation in these factors was analyzed using a series of chi‐squares and analyses of variance with the culturally defined categories of body fatness as the independent variables.

Results

Cultural consensus analysis found that young South Korean men are consistent in identifying categories of “too thin,” “balanced,” and “too fat.” The “balanced” category contained the lowest proportion of high‐prestige university attendees and the highest average cultural consonance. The “too fat” category was characterized by the highest levels of body dissatisfaction and dieting, as well as proportion of probable eating disorders.

Discussion

A cultural models approach identified culturally important factors and patterns in disordered eating among young South Korean men and may be effective for understanding eating disorders in other populations not typically studied.

Public Significance

This study applies a systematic, “emic” perspective to young South Korean men's body ideals. Young Korean men share a cultural model of body fatness, and this model frames how they experience risk for eating disorders. This study demonstrates a method for incorporating culture into research on eating disorder risk.
Protein analysis using capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry through vibrating sharp‐edge spray ionization
Authors: Witzel Makenzie T , Veltri Lindsay M. , Kostelic Marius , Elshamy Yousef S. , Lucas John A. , Lai Stella , Du Chen , Wysocki Vicki H. , Holland Lisa A.
Published: April 2024

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) interfaced to mass spectrometry (MS) with electrospray ionization typically incorporates acidic additives or organic solvents to assist in ionization. Vibrating sharp‐edge spray ionization (VSSI) is a voltage‐free method to interface CE and MS that does not require these additives, making it appealing for protein analyses. CE–VSSI nanoflow sheath separations are performed with low ionic strength aqueous solutions in the sheath to reduce suppression. Serine is also included in the sheath to reduce analyte adduction. Proteins are detected in the 2.5–10 µM range, corresponding to an injected mass range of 0.1–1.2 ng. The anionic proteins β‐lactoglobulin and transferrin are resolved using an unmodified fused silica capillary because they do not exhibit nonspecific surface adsorption. Conversely, separations of cationic proteins cytochrome c, ribonuclease A, and α‐chymotrypsinogen A in an unmodified capillary require acidic background electrolytes to overcome adsorption. Alternatively, a semipermanent coating comprised self‐assembled lipids overcomes surface adsorption at a neutral pH. Separations with zwitterionic and hybrid cationic coatings are complete within 15 or 6 min, respectively. The dimeric form of triosephosphate isomerase was observed at a 60 µM, corresponding to a mass of 19 ng, by dropping the temperature of the MS inlet.
Carbon Dioxide Toxicity to Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) is Dependent on Water Chemistry
Authors: Barbour Matthew T. , Meulemans Matthew J. , Severson Todd J. , Wise Jeremy K. , Waller Diane L.
Published: April 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is gaining interest as a tool to combat aquatic invasive species, including zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). However, the effects of water chemistry on CO2 efficacy are not well described. We conducted five trials in which we exposed adult zebra mussels to a range of CO2 in water with adjusted total hardness and specific conductance. We compared dose–responses and found differences in lethal concentration to 50% of organisms (LC50) estimates ranging from 108.3 to 179.3 mg/L CO2 and lethal concentration to 90% of organisms (LC90) estimates ranging from 163.7 to 216.6 mg/L CO2. We modeled LC50 and LC90 estimates with measured water chemistry variables from the trials. We found sodium (Na+) concentration to have the strongest correlation to changes in the LC50 and specific conductance to have the strongest correlation to changes in the LC90. Our results identify water chemistry as an important factor in considering efficacious CO2 concentrations for zebra mussel control. Additional research into the physiological responses of zebra mussels exposed to CO2 may be warranted to further explain mode of action and reported selectivity. Further study could likely develop a robust and relevant model to refine CO2 applications for a wider range of water chemistries. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1312–1319. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Inward FDI and local firms' political connections in emerging markets: Evidence from China
Authors: Dong Meitong , Ma Pengcheng , Cui Lin
Published: April 2024

Research Summary

Research on the spillover effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) into emerging markets has primarily focused on local firms' productivity or innovation outcomes while overlooking their nonmarket strategies. Based on the resource dependence theory, we propose that inward FDI has a U‐shaped impact on local firms' political connections. This is because when FDI is at a low to medium level, its spillover benefits substitute for local firms' dependence on government resources. As FDI further increases, its competitive threats outweigh spillover benefits, driving local firms to a greater dependence on the government to neutralize the threats. This relationship is contingent on external and internal factors altering resource similarity between FDI and local government. Our analyses of Chinese listed firms support our predictions.

Managerial Summary

This study delves into how firms in emerging markets respond to inward FDI, particularly focusing on the role of political connections as a nonmarket strategy. Our findings offer valuable insights for both local firms and governments, providing a holistic view of the opportunities and challenges associated with inward FDI. We advise local firms to adopt a balanced approach by integrating both market and nonmarket strategies to maximize benefits, as relying solely on political connections may not be the most effective way to address the challenges posed by inward FDI. Additionally, our research emphasizes the importance of evaluating the resources provided by inward FDI against those provided by local governments, as the similarity of these resources alters the role of inward FDI as perceived by local firms.
Analysis of network expression and immune infiltration of disulfidptosis‐related genes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Liu Yanqun , Zhu Tao , Wang Juan , Cheng Yan , Zeng Qiang , You Zhangqiang , Dai Guangming
Published: April 2024

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a globally prevalent respiratory disease, and programmed cell death plays a pivotal role in the development of COPD. Disulfidptosis is a newly discovered type of cell death that may be associated with the progression of COPD. However, the expression and role of disulfidptosis‐related genes (DRGs) in COPD remain unclear.

Methods

The expression of DRGs was identified by analyzing RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data in COPD. Further, COPD patients were classified into two subtypes by unsupervised cluster analysis to reveal their differences in gene expression and immune infiltration. Meanwhile, hub genes associated with disulfidptosis were screened by weighted gene co‐expression network analysis. Subsequently, the hub genes were validated experimentally in cells and animals. In addition, we screened potential therapeutic drugs through the hub genes.

Results

We identified two distinct molecular clusters and observed significant differences in immune cell populations between them. In addition, we screened nine hub genes, and experimental validation showed that CDC71, DOHH, PDAP1, and SLC25A39 were significantly upregulated in cigarette smoke‐induced COPD mouse lung tissues and bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS‐2B) treated with cigarette smoke extract. Finally, we predicted 10 potential small molecule drugs such as Atovaquone, Taurocholic acid, Latamoxef, and Methotrexate.

Conclusion

We highlighted the strong association between COPD and disulfidptosis, with DRGs demonstrating a discriminative capacity for COPD. Additionally, the expression of certain novel genes, including CDC71, DOHH, PDAP1, and SLC25A39, is linked to COPD and may aid in the diagnosis and assessment of this condition.
Correlation between inflammatory factors, autophagy protein levels, and infection in granulation tissue of diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: Deng Lijuan , Wang Gang , Ju Shang
Published: April 2024

Objective

To observe the expression of inflammatory factors and autophagy‐related proteins in granulation tissue of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients and analyze their relationship with infection.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. One hundred and fifty‐two patients with DFU in our hospital from July 2020 to March 2022 were selected as the DFU group, including 98 cases in infection stage group and 54 cases in infection control group. The patients were further graded as the mild (51 cases), the moderate (65 cases), and the severe infection group (36 cases) according to the Wagner grading criteria. Sixty‐seven patients with foot burns during the same period were selected as the control group. The distribution of pathogenic bacteria on the ulcer surface was examined using fully automated bacterial analyzer. The expression of inflammatory factors (procalcitonin [PCT], tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α], and interleukin‐6 [IL‐6]) was valued by real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR). Protein expression was measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The correlation was analyzed by Pearson.

Results

The surface infection of DFU patients was mostly induced by gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa predominating among the Gram‐negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus among the gram‐positive bacteria. The infection stage group had higher content of PCT, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 and lower content of Beclin‐1 and LC3 than the infection control group (p < .001). The levels of PCT, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 in the DFU patients with cardiovascular events were higher than those in the nonoccurrence group (p < .001). Glycated hemoglobin in patients with DFU was positively correlated with PCT, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 levels (p < .05), and negatively correlated with Beclin‐1 and LC3 levels (p < .001).

Conclusion

P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were predominant bacterial in DFU infections. Inflammatory factor and autophagy protein expression were closely correlated with the degree of infection.
The proportion of CD161 on CD56+ NK cells in peripheral circulation associates with clinical features and disease activity of primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Zhao Ping , Yang Yanhong , Song Saizhe , Cheng Wei , Peng Cheng , Chang Xin , Wu Jian , Liu Cuiping
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the proportion of CD161 on CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and investigate its clinical relevance of pSS.

Methods

The proportion of CD56+ NK cells and CD161 on CD56+ NK cells was detected by flow cytometry in 31 pSS patients and 29 healthy controls (HCs). The correlations between the proportion of CD161+CD56+ NK cells and clinical features and disease activity of pSS were further analyzed. Meanwhile, we drew the receiver operating characteristic curve to evaluate the diagnostic value of CD161+CD56+ NK cells in pSS. In addition, we evaluated the differences in the effects of CD161+ cells and CD161− cells in peripheral blood on the function of CD56+ NK cells in 5 pSS patients.

Results

The proportion of CD56+ NK cells and CD161+CD56+ NK cells decreased markedly in pSS patients compared to HCs. The correlation analysis showed that the proportion of CD161+CD56+ NK cells negatively correlated with white blood cells, Immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, IgG, European League Against Rheumatism Sjogren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index and European League Against Rheumatism Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index, and positively correlated with complement C4. The proportion of CD161+CD56+ NK cells in pSS patients with decayed tooth, fatigue, arthralgia, skin involvement, primary biliary cirrhosis, interstitial lung disease, anti‐SSA/Ro60 positive, anti‐SSB positive and high IgG was lower than that in negative patients. Furthermore, compared with inactive patients, the proportion of CD161+CD56+ NK cells decreased obviously in active patients. The area under the curve was 0.7375 (p = .0016), the results indicated that CD161+CD56+ NK cells had certain diagnostic values for pSS. In addition, the proportion of CD86, HLA‐DR, Ki67, FasL, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ on CD161+CD56+ NK cells was lower than that on CD161−CD56+ NK cells in the peripheral blood of pSS patients.

Conclusion

This study suggested that the proportion of CD56+ NK cells and CD161+CD56+ NK cells decreased significantly in pSS patients, and the proportion of CD161+CD56+ NK cells negatively associated with the clinical features and disease activity of pSS patients. CD161 expression inhibited the function of CD56+ NK cells in peripheral blood of pSS patients. The CD161+CD56+ NK cells may present as a potential target for therapy and a biomarker of disease activity in pSS.
Clinical utility of office hysteroscopy following failed in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Hanyun , Wu Lukanxuan , Liao Tianji , Wang Ruiying , Zhu Huili , Lin Lijun , Wang Wei , Huang Wei
Published: April 2024

Objective

Despite its widespread use, in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes are challenged by implantation failure, largely due to factors such as embryo quality and endometrial receptivity. In this study, we investigated the clinical effect of office hysteroscopy (OH) on the subsequent frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET) in infertile women who experienced a failed IVF–embryo transfer (IVF‐ET) cycle.

Methods

We included 577 infertile women who underwent OH because of a history of failed ET between October 2019 and September 2021. During OH, visible endometrial polyps (EPs) were diagnosed and removed by curette or biopsy forceps; chronic endometritis (CE) was diagnosed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry and treated with oral doxycycline (0.2 g/d) for 14 days. According to the hysteroscopic findings and endometrial pathology with immunohistochemistry, patients were divided into three groups: group A (n = 161) had CE with or without EPs, group B (n = 156) had EPs only, and group C (n = 260) had no CE or EPs.

Results

In the following FET cycle, the implantation rates were 47%, 51%, and 45% (P = 0.411); the clinical pregnancy rates were 56%, 62%, and 55% (P = 0.436); the live birth rates were 45%, 51%, and 42% (P = 0.205); and the miscarriage rates were 18%, 16%, and 22% (P = 0.497) in groups A, B, and C, respectively. There were no significant differences among groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

OH is helpful for diagnosis and treatment of abnormal intrauterine environment in women with a failed IVF cycle and further improves their pregnancy outcome in the following FET.
Clinical features and molecular landscape of cuproptosis signature‐related molecular subtype in gastric cancer
Authors: Chong Wei , Ren Huicheng , Chen Hao , Xu Kang , Zhu Xingyu , Liu Yuan , Sang Yaodong , Li Han , Liu Jin , Ye Chunshui , Shang Liang , Jing Changqing , Li Leping
Published: April 2024

Recent studies have highlighted the biological significance of cuproptosis in disease occurrence and development. However, it remains unclear whether cuproptosis signaling also has potential impacts on tumor initiation and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). In this study, 16 cuproptosis‐related genes (CRGs) transcriptional profiles were harnessed to perform the regularized latent variable model‐based clustering in GC. A cuproptosis signature risk scoring (CSRS) scheme, based on a weighted sum of principle components of the CRGs, was used to evaluate the prognosis and risk of individual tumors of GC. Four distinct cuproptosis signature‐based clusters, characterized by differential expression patterns of CRGs, were identified among 1136 GC samples across three independent databases. The four clusters were also associated with different clinical outcomes and tumor immune contexture. Based on the CSRS, GC patients can be divided into CSRS‐High and CSRS‐Low subtypes. We found that DBT, MTF1, and ATP7A were significantly elevated in the CSRS‐High subtype, while SLC31A1, GCSH, LIAS, DLAT, FDX1, DLD, and PDHA1 were increased in the CSRS‐Low subtype. Patients with CSRS‐Low score were characterized by prolonged survival time. Further analysis indicated that CSRS‐Low score also correlated with greater tumor mutation burden (TMB) and higher mutation rates of significantly mutated genes (SMG) in GC. In addition, the CSRS‐High subtype harbored more significantly amplified focal regions related to tumorigenesis (3q27.1, 12p12.1, 11q13.3, etc.) than the CSRS‐Low tumors. Drug sensitivity analyses revealed the potential compounds for the treatment of gastric cancer with CSRS‐High score, which were experimentally validated using GC cells. This study highlights that cuproptosis signature‐based subtyping is significantly associated with different clinical features and molecular landscape of GC. Quantitative evaluation of the CSRS of individual tumors will strengthen our understanding of the occurrence and development of cuproptosis and the treatment progress of GC.
Internet financial reporting disclosure index of e‐commerce businesses on social media
Authors: Probowulan Diyah , Ardianto Ardianto
Published: April 2024

The study measured the Internet Financial Reporting (IFR) disclosure index and compared the results across three continents of the global e‐commerce business. In addition, it documents various social media platforms used by e‐commerce. We use content analysis with a scoring matrix based on content, timeliness, technology, and support used in websites and a one‐way ANOVA. The findings identified an average IFR e‐commerce disclosure index of 0.735, which is of good quality as it approaches the value of 1. There is no difference in index IFR between the three continental zones overall, but slightly different from non‐e‐commerce companies. The results also prove that websites and blog media still dominate the use of social media, while other social media platforms have not provided financial information. Researchers in accounting have not conducted research topics on social media, so there are still limited references and narrow analytical content. This research will interest the e‐commerce business industry and compile their financial reporting through the website to improve the quality of their IFR and financial access. Since the e‐commerce business is an internet‐based company growing significantly, it can use other social media to reveal its reporting as decent work and economic growth. This subject is relatively innovative because none of the IFR disclosure index studies focuses on e‐commerce businesses on social media. It fills the research gap related to the characteristics of e‐commerce businesses, where almost all activities are internet‐based.
Adipose tissue plasticity mediated by the counterregulatory axis of the renin‐angiotensin system: Role of Mas and MrgD receptors
Authors: Proença Ana Beatriz , Medeiros Gabriela Rodrigues , Reis Guilherme dos Santos , Losito Luiza da França , Ferraz Luiza Mazzali , Bargut Thereza Cristina Lonzetti , Soares Nícia Pedreira , Alexandre‐Santos Beatriz , Campagnole‐Santos Maria Jose , Magliano D'Angelo Carlo , Nobrega Antonio Claudio Lucas da , Santos Robson Augusto Souza , Frantz Eliete Dalla Corte
Published: April 2024

The renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) is an endocrine system composed of two main axes: the classical and the counterregulatory, very often displaying opposing effects. The classical axis, primarily mediated by angiotensin receptors type 1 (AT1R), is linked to obesity‐associated metabolic effects. On the other hand, the counterregulatory axis appears to exert antiobesity effects through the activation of two receptors, the G protein‐coupled receptor (MasR) and Mas‐related receptor type D (MrgD). The local RAS in adipose organ has prompted extensive research into white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue (BAT), with a key role in regulating the cellular and metabolic plasticity of these tissues. The MasR activation favors the brown plasticity signature in the adipose organ by improve the thermogenesis, adipogenesis, and lipolysis, decrease the inflammatory state, and overall energy homeostasis. The MrgD metabolic effects are related to the maintenance of BAT functionality, but the signaling remains unexplored. This review provides a summary of RAS counterregulatory actions triggered by Mas and MrgD receptors on adipose tissue plasticity. Focus on the effects related to the morphology and function of adipose tissue, especially from animal studies, will be given targeting new avenues for treatment of obesity‐associated metabolic effects.
The relationship between the systemic immune inflammatory index and computerized tomography guided coronary lesion severity in diabetic patients
Authors: Aksu Uğur , Korucu Cem , Ekşi Ramazan Anıl , Gökaslan Çiğdem Özer
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The incidence of cardiovascular events is high in diabetic patients. In diabetic patients, the levels of inflammatory parameters in the circulation are increased, which is associated with poor outcome. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the systemic immune inflammatory index (SII), which is a sensitive indicator of the inflammatory response, and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods

Diabetic patients who underwent coronary computed tomography for chest pain were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to their median systemic immune inflammatory index values, and the predictors of SII elevation were investigated.

Results

A total 210 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 52.6 ± 9.3 and 44.3% were male. In univariate analysis, HDL, triglyceride, lesion severity, and CAR were associated with high SII. In the regression analysis, lesion severity and lower HDL levels were determined as predictor of high SII.

Conclusion

Inflammation plays an important role in the development of coronary atherosclerosis. Diabetic patients with elevated SII levels may require further investigation for significant atherosclerosis.
Discovery of low‐molecular‐weight phenylalanine derivatives as novel HIV capsid modulators with improved antiretroviral activity and metabolic stability
Authors: Jiang Xiangyi , Gao Zhen , Sharma Prem Prakash , Kumar Sumit , Rathi Brijesh , Ji Xiangkai , Dai Jiaojiao , Xie Minghui , Dong Guanyu , Xu Shujing , De Clercq Erik , Pannecouque Christophe , Dick Alexej , Zhan Peng , Liu Xinyong
Published: April 2024

The HIV capsid (CA) protein is a promising target for anti‐AIDS treatment due to its critical involvement in viral replication. Herein, we utilized the well‐documented CA inhibitor PF74 as our lead compound and designed a series of low‐molecular‐weight phenylalanine derivatives. Among them, compound 7t exhibited remarkable antiviral activity with a high selection index (EC50 = 0.040 µM, SI = 2815), surpassing that of PF74 (EC50 = 0.50 µM, SI = 258). Furthermore, when evaluated against the HIV‐2 strain, 7t (EC50 = 0.13 µM) demonstrated approximately 14‐fold higher potency than that of PF74 (EC50 = 1.76 µM). Insights obtained from surface plasmon resonance (SPR) revealed that 7t exhibited stronger target affinity to the CA hexamer and monomer in comparison to PF74. The potential interactions between 7t and the HIV‐1 CA were further elucidated using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, providing a plausible explanation for the enhanced target affinity with 7t over PF74. Moreover, the metabolic stability assay demonstrated that 7t (T1/2 = 77.0 min) significantly outperforms PF74 (T1/2 = 0.7 min) in human liver microsome, exhibiting an improvement factor of 110‐fold. In conclusion, 7t emerges as a promising drug candidate warranting further investigation.
Rare cutaneous manifestation of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia involving the toes
Authors: Costa Blasco Marta , Molloy Kevin , Doyle Claire , O'Brien Odharnaith , Quinn John , Ní Raghallaigh Siona
Published: April 2024

B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL) presenting with cutaneous infiltration is rare, and when it occurs, it presents most commonly on the head and neck. We present the case of an 80‐year‐old woman with a 2‐month history of erythema, swelling and pain affecting all her toes. She had a history of B‐CLL diagnosed 20 years previously that had remained stable under observation without treatment. A toe skin biopsy showed a diffuse infiltrate of lymphoid cells occupying the dermis composed of small mature lymphoid cells with a monotonous appearance. On immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic lymphoid cells stained positive for the B‐cell marker CD20. Overall, the morphology and immunophenotype were consistent with cutaneous involvement by chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). We concluded that her symptoms were directly caused by skin infiltration of B‐CLL.
Modeling pulsed dye laser treatment of psoriatic plaques by combining numerical methods and image‐derived lesion morphologies
Authors: Wilk Leah S. , Doppegieter Meagan , van der Beek Nick , van Leeuwen Ton G. , Aalders Maurice C. G.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Knowledge of the physical effects of pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment of psoriatic lesions is essential in unraveling the remedial mechanisms of this treatment and hence also in maximizing in its disease‐modifying potential. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to provide estimates of these physical effects (for laser wavelengths of 585 and 595 nm), with the aim of identifying pathogenic processes that may be affected by these conditions.

Methods

We modeled the laser light propagation and subsequent photothermal heating by numerically solving the transient diffusion and heat equations simultaneously. To this end, we used the finite element method in conjunction with an image‐derived psoriatic lesion morphology (which was defined by segmenting blood vessels from a confocal microscopy image of a fluorescently labeled section of a 3 mm punch biopsy of a psoriatic lesion). The resulting predictions of the generated temperature field within the lesion were then used to assess the possibility of stalling or arresting some suspected pathogenic processes.

Results

According to our results, it is conceivable that perivascular nerves are thermally denatured, as almost all locations that reach 60°C were found to be within 18 µm (at 585 nm) and 11 µm (at 595 nm) of a blood vessel wall. Furthermore, activation of TRPV1 and TRPV2 channels in perivascular neuronal and immune cells is highly likely, since a critical temperature of 43°C is generated at locations within up to 350 µm of a vessel wall (at both wavelengths) and sustained for up to 700 ms (at 585 nm) and 40 ms (at 595 nm), while a critical temperature of 52°C is reached by locations within 80 µm (at 585 nm) and 30 µm (at 595 nm) of a vessel wall and sustained for up to 100  ms (at 585 nm) and 30 ms (at 595 nm). Finally, we found that the blood vessel coagulation‐inducing temperature of 70°C is sustained in the vascular epithelium for up to 19 and 5 ms at 585 and 595 nm, respectively, rendering partial or total loss of vascular functionality a distinct possibility.

Conclusions

The presented approach constitutes a useful tool to provide realistic estimates of the photothermal effects of PDL treatment of psoriatic plaques (as well as other selective photothermolysis‐based treatments), yielding information that is essential in guiding future experimental studies toward unraveling the remedial mechanisms of these treatments.
Protein glycosylation in lung cancer from a mass spectrometry perspective
Authors: Balbisi Mirjam , Sugár Simon , Turiák Lilla
Published: April 2024

Lung cancer is a severe disease for which better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Increasing evidence implies that aberrant protein glycosylation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of lung cancer. Differences in glycosylation patterns have been previously observed between healthy and cancerous samples as well as between different lung cancer subtypes, which suggests untapped diagnostic potential. In addition, understanding the changes mediated by glycosylation may shed light on possible novel therapeutic targets and personalized treatment strategies for lung cancer patients. Mass spectrometry based glycomics and glycoproteomics have emerged as powerful tools for in‐depth characterization of changes in protein glycosylation, providing valuable insights into the molecular basis of lung cancer. This paper reviews the literature on the analysis of protein glycosylation in lung cancer using mass spectrometry, which is dominated by manuscripts published over the past 5 years. Studies analyzing N‐glycosylation, O‐glycosylation, and glycosaminoglycan patterns in tissue, serum, plasma, and rare biological samples of lung cancer patients are highlighted. The current knowledge on the potential utility of glycan and glycoprotein biomarkers is also discussed.
De novo FRMD5 Missense Variants in Patients with Childhood‐Onset Ataxia, Prominent Nystagmus, and Seizures
Authors: Keller Sarmiento Ignacio J. , Bustos Bernabe I. , Blackburn Joanna , Hac Nicholas E.F. , Ruzhnikov Maura , Monroe Matthea , Levy Rebecca J. , Kinsley Lisa , Li Megan , Silani Vincenzo , Lubbe Steven J. , Krainc Dimitri , Mencacci Niccolò E.
Published: April 2024

Background

FRMD5 variants were recently identified in patients with developmental delay, ataxia, and eye movement abnormalities.

Objectives

We describe 2 patients presenting with childhood‐onset ataxia, nystagmus, and seizures carrying pathogenic de novo FRMD5 variants. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to gain insights into the function of FRMD5 in the brain.

Methods

Trio‐based whole‐exome sequencing was performed in both patients, and CoExp web tool was used to conduct WGCNA.

Results

Both patients presented with developmental delay, childhood‐onset ataxia, nystagmus, and seizures. Previously unreported findings were diffuse choreoathetosis and dystonia of the hands (patient 1) and areas of abnormal magnetic resonance imaging signal in the white matter (patient 2). WGCNA showed that FRMD5 belongs to gene networks involved in neurodevelopment and oligodendrocyte function.

Conclusions

We expanded the phenotype of FRMD5‐related disease and shed light on its role in brain function and development. We recommend including FRMD5 in the genetic workup of childhood‐onset ataxia and nystagmus. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Retention profiles of multiparticle filtration in porous media
Authors: Kuzmina Liudmila I. , Osipov Yuri V. , Astakhov Maxim D.
Published: April 2024

A one‐dimensional deep bed filtration model of a polydisperse suspension or colloid in a porous medium is considered. The model includes a quasilinear system of 2n equations for concentrations of suspended and retained particles of n types. The problem is reduced to a closed 3 × 3 system for total concentrations of suspended and retained particles and of occupied rock surface area, which allows an exact solution. The exact solution to the n‐particle problem is derived, the existence and uniqueness of the solution are proven, and the solution in the form of a traveling wave is obtained. The retention profiles (dependence of the deposit concentration on the coordinate at a fixed time) of different size particles and the total profile are studied. It is shown that the profile of large particles decreases monotonically, while the profile of small particles is nonmonotonic. Conditions for the monotonicity/nonmonotonicity of the intermediate particle profiles and the total profile are obtained. The maximum point of the small particles profile tends to infinity with unlimited growth of time, and the maximum points of nonmonotonic profiles of intermediate particles are limited. The asymptotical expansion of the maximum points of nonmonotonic profiles is constructed.
Simultaneous brain and neck time‐of‐flight MRA using spiral multiband with localized quadratic encoding
Authors: Peng Xi , Wang Dinghui , Borup Daniel , Krishnamoorthy Guruprasad , Pipe James G.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To develop a method that achieves simultaneous brain and neck time‐of‐flight (ToF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) within feasible scan timeframes.

Methods

Localized quadratic (LQ) encoding is efficient for both signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and in‐flow enhancement. We proposed a spiral multiband LQ method to enable simultaneous intracranial and carotid ToF‐MRA within a single scan. To address the venous signal contamination that becomes a challenge with multiband (MB) ToF, tilt‐optimized non‐saturated excitation (TONE) and partial‐Fourier slice selection (PFSS) were further introduced in the LQ framework to mitigate the venous signal and improve artery contrast. A sequential spiral MB and LQ reconstruction pipeline was employed to obtain the brain‐and‐neck image volumes.

Results

The proposed MB method was able to achieve simultaneous brain and neck ToF‐MRA within a 2:50‐min scan. The complementarily boosted SNR‐efficiency by MB and LQ acquisitions allows for the increased spatial coverage without increase in scan time or noticeable compromise in SNR. The incorporation of both TONE and PFSS effectively alleviated the venous contamination with improved small vessel sensitivity. Selection of scan parameters such as the LQ factor and flip angle reflected the trade‐off among SNR, blood contrast, and venous suppression.

Conclusions

A novel MB spiral LQ approach was proposed to enable fast intracranial and carotid ToF‐MRA with minimized venous corruption. The method has shown promise in MRA applications where large spatial coverage is necessary.
Adipocyte‐derived inflammatory molecules induce senescent B cells through metabolic pathways
Authors: Frasca Daniela , Romero Maria , Garcia Denisse , Thaller Seth , Bueno Valquiria
Published: April 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that an adipocyte tissue‐derived conditioned medium (ACM) contains inflammatory molecules that induce senescence in B cells.

Methods

We incubated blood‐derived B cells from lean donors with ACM obtained from the adipose tissue of adult female donors with obesity undergoing weight reduction surgery or with medium as control. After 24 h, cells were harvested, and the expression of transcripts for proinflammatory cytokines (TNF/IL‐6), chemokines (IL‐8), and for markers of the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. B cells were also stained with the marker of immunosenescence β‐galactosidase, and their metabolic status was evaluated in Seahorse using a Mito Stress Test.

Results

We show that the incubation of B cells from lean donors with ACM induces the expression of transcripts for inflammatory and SASP transcripts, increases the amount of β‐galactosidase staining, and induces a metabolic phenotype characterized by higher basal and maximal oxygen consumption, spare respiratory capacity (difference between maximal and basal respiration), nonmitochondrial oxygen consumption, ATP production, and proton leak.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that B cells from lean individuals, after incubation with ACM, become inflammatory and senescent, and this occurs through metabolic pathways needed to support their secretory phenotype.
Improving processability and mechanical properties of epoxy resins with biobased flame retardants
Authors: Gong Yuning , Zhang Lanyue , He Jiahuan , Liu Baiyu , Wang Lu , Ao Yuhui , Liu Yu , Shang Lei
Published: April 2024

Integrating flame‐retardant additives into epoxy resins is an essential strategy for improving their fire resistance. However, introducing flame‐retardant groups often compromises the processability and mechanical integrity of such resins. In this research, we synthesized a novel, biobased flame retardant, referred to as DPN, using naringenin and chlorodiphenylphosphine as precursors via a straightforward single‐step process. The addition of DPN markedly decreased the viscosity of hydantoin epoxy resin, from 7468 to 1285 mPa s. Furthermore, when cured with 4,4‐diaminodiphenylmethane, the composite containing five equivalents of DPN (DPN‐5) exhibited a marked improvement in mechanical strength, reaching 190 MPa, significantly outperforming the pure thermoset (DPN‐0: 104 MPa), while preserving high transparency. Combustion tests further confirmed that DPN significantly boosts the flame resistance of the thermoset, with DPN‐5 achieving a limiting oxygen index of 37% and securing a UL‐94 V‐0 rating. Cone calorimetry analysis showed that DPN‐5 effectively reduced heat and smoke production during combustion, achieving a 13.4% reduction in peak heat release rate and a 28.2% decrease in total heat release compared to DPN‐0. This study underscores the potential of multifunctional biobased flame retardants derived from renewable resources in advancing the development of high‐performance materials. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Registration of ‘CP 10‐1620’ sugarcane
Authors: Davidson R. Wayne , Gordon Vanessa S. , Islam Md. , McCord Per , Sandhu Hardev S. , Zhao Duli , Sood Sushma , Comstock Jack C. , Singh Maninder P. , Baltazar Miguel
Published: April 2024

‘CP 10‐1620’ (Reg. no. CV‐216, PI 693837) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA–ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc. At the June 7, 2018, Florida Sugarcane Variety Committee Meeting, CP 10‐1620 was released to growers for mineral (sand) soils in Florida, and seed was available in September 2018. CP 10‐1620 was selected from a polycross of ‘CP 00‐1100’ × ‘CP 05‐1740’ (Cross no. X07‐1225) made at Canal Point, FL, in December 2007. Neither the female parent, CP 00‐1100, nor the male parent, CP 05‐1740, is a commercial cultivar. Cane yield of CP 10‐1620 on sand soils, averaged across 12 harvests through three crop cycles (plant cane, first ratoon, and second ratoon), was 11.0% higher (P < 0.05) than the combined mean of three checks, ‘CL 88‐4730’, ‘CP 96‐1252’, and ‘CPCL 97‐2730’, which are commercial checks for sand soils. The commercial recoverable sucrose for CP 10‐1620 was not significantly lower than the combined mean of the checks but the higher cane yield resulted in 8.4% higher (P < 0.05) sucrose yield than the combined mean of the checks. CP 10‐1620 was released because of its high cane yields on sand soils, and its acceptable levels of resistance to brown rust (caused by Puccinia melanocephala H. & P. Sydow), leaf scald (caused by Xanthomonas albilineans Ashby, Dowson), Sugarcane mosaic virus strain E (mosaic), smut (caused by Sporisorium scitamineum), Sugarcane yellow leaf virus, and ratoon stunt [caused by Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Davis et al.) Evtushenko]. CP 10‐1620 was moderately susceptible to orange rust (caused by Puccinia kuehnii E. J. Butler), and it has high freeze tolerance. CP 10‐1620 tested positive for the Bru1 locus, which is an indicator of brown rust resistance.