bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similar but distinct: The impact of biomechanical forces and culture age on the production, cargo loading, and biological efficacy of human megakaryocytic extracellular vesicles for applications in cell and gene therapies
Authors: Thompson Will , Papoutsakis Eleftherios Terry
Published: June 2023

Megakaryocytic extracellular vesicles (MkEVs) promote the growth and megakaryopoiesis of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) largely through endogenous miR‐486‐5p and miR‐22‐3p cargo. Here, we examine the impact of biomechanical force and culture age/differentiation on the formation, properties, and biological efficacy of MkEVs. We applied biomechanical force to Mks using two methods: shake flask cultures and a syringe pump system. Force increased MkEV production in a magnitude‐dependent manner, with similar trends emerging regardless of whether flow cytometry or nanoparticle tracking analysis was used for MkEV counting. Both methods produced MkEVs that were relatively depleted of miR‐486‐5p and miR‐22‐3p cargo. However, while the shake flask‐derived MkEVs were correspondingly less effective in promoting megakaryocytic differentiation of HSPCs, the syringe pump‐derived MkEVs were more effective in doing so, suggesting the presence of unique, unidentified miRNA cargo components. Higher numbers of MkEVs were also produced by “older” Mk cultures, though miRNA cargo levels and MkEV bioactivity were unaffected by culture age. A reduction in MkEV production by Mks derived from late‐differentiating HSPCs was also noted. Taken together, our results demonstrate that biomechanical force has an underappreciated and deeply influential role in MkEV biology, though that role may vary significantly depending on the nature of the force. Given the ubiquity of biomechanical force in vivo and in biomanufacturing, this phenomenon must be grappled with before MkEVs can attain clinical relevance.
Regarding a human costoscapular joint by Prof. Dr. H. von Luschka (1870): A translation
Authors: Somerson Jeremy S. , Jung Beate , Stegink‐Jansen Caroline W.
Published: June 2023

Knowledge of variant anatomy was important during the time of Dr. Hubert von Luschka (1820–1875) and continues to be of relevance in current practice to prevent medical and surgical errors and to improve patient outcomes. Dr. H. von Luschka described an anatomical variant observed in the left scapula of a 40‐year‐old male: a connection between the medial superior angle of the scapula, piercing through the serratus posterior muscle to connect via a synovial capsule to the articular surface of the thoracic wall. The clinical relevance of this so‐called “Luschka's tubercle” of the shoulder continues to be discussed. This translation is intended to broaden access to this hallmark manuscript to a wide audience of English readers. The introduction places the manuscript in the context of historical and current discussions. Three authors, all proficient in the German and English languages and educated in the anatomy of the shoulder, conducted the translation. The skeletal process that is part of the described joint structure appears similar to what is now called Luschka's tubercle. The full structure, including its connecting parts, are not currently included in anatomical nomenclature. In conclusion, Luschka's text and named tubercle continue to contribute to the discussion of scapulothoracic joint disorders.
KCND2: A prognostic biomarker and regulator of immune function in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhou Hongying , Su Dan , Chen Yun , Zhang Yiwen , Huang Ping
Published: June 2023

Background

Gastric cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, which makes it challenging to develop effective targeted therapies. Although the potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily D (KCND) channels, particularly KCND2 (also known as Kv4.2), have found evidence of involvement in the occurrence and development of various cancers, there are still some limitations in our understanding of KCND2's roles in gastric cancer.

Methods

We analyzed the correlation between KCND2 expression and clinical features as well as immune infiltration using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Functional assays of KCND2 were conducted using Cell counting Kit‐8 (CCK8), clone formation assay and cell cycle analysis. Additionally, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) techniques were used to investigate tumor proliferation and immune cell infiltration at different levels of KCND2 expression in vivo.

Results

KCND2 was markedly elevated in gastric cancer and its expression appeared to link to different grades, T stages, and N stages. In addition, KCND2 was an independent predictor of prognosis, and its elevated levels in TCGA database revealed a more unfavorable prognosis for patients with gastric cancer. KCND2 strengthened the viability at the cellular level by boosting the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and reducing their death rate. Additionally, it also highlights that KCND2 the abilities of proliferating of gastric cancer cells by stimulating NF‐κB both in cell and animal levels. In addition, the findings provided proof that in animal levels, KCND2 might regulate the immune system by associating with promoting M2 macrophages, which are known to play critical roles in cancer progression. Mechanistically, KCND2 was found to lead to the infiltration of M2 macrophages through activation of NF‐κB, ultimately promoting the advancement of gastric cancer.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings suggest that KCND2 is likely to be available as an underlying therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
Addressing, preventing discrimination can limit liability
Authors: O’Brien Timothy
Published: June 2023

During the last several years, an increasing number of lawsuits have been filed by current and former student‐athletes alleging mistreatment, bullying, harassment, and even discrimination by members of their coaching staff. Allegations have ranged from excessive and overly demanding practices to verbal harassment and an abusive culture and environment. Some of these cases have included serious allegations of harassment and discrimination based on race.
Consider implications of recent district court decision regarding intersection of esports and Title IX
Authors: Romano Robert J.
Published: June 2023

A Florida district court judge recently ruled that competitive video gaming, known as esports, actually isn’t a sport for the purposes of Title IX. And because of his Feb. 17, 2023 finding, Judge Carlos Mendoza of the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, ordered the Florida Institute of Technology to return its men's rowing team to the status of a varsity sport.
Optimizing the Production of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Alkaloids from Macleaya cordata by Subcritical Water Extraction Technology
Authors: Zhang Jianhui , Chen Jin , Zhao Wenhua , Wang Jun , Pan Xuexue , Lai Meiyun , Nguemdjo Chimeze V. Wilfried , Pameté Emmanuel
Published: June 2023

In this work, the subcritical water extraction technology was used to extract alkaloids from Macleaya cordata, and the effects of extraction temperature and time on its yield were investigated to find the best extraction conditions. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity of Macleaya cordata extract were studied. Furthermore, through the single‐factor method, it was found that properly increasing the extraction temperature and prolonging the extraction time was conducive to increasing alkaloid yield. Still, a considerable amount of alkaloids might be decomposed by heat, resulting in a decrease in their yield. The results showed that the optimal extraction temperature of alkaloids from Macleaya cordata with subcritical water is 190 °C, the time is 45 min, and the corresponding maximum yield is 35.19±0.12 mg/g (sanguinarine equivalent in raw materials). In addition, the antioxidation and bacteriostasis abilities of subcritical water extract are better than those of traditional hot water extract, indicating that it is a feasible method to extract alkaloids from Macleaya cordata with subcritical water.
Preparation and Antioxidant Activity of Acetylated Mung Bean Peel Polysaccharides
Authors: Chen Quan , Zhang Wenting , Huang Gangliang
Published: June 2023

Mung bean peel polysaccharides are one of the main active components in mung bean peel. Acetylated mung bean peel polysaccharides were prepared by extracting and acetylating them, and characterized by infrared and ultraviolet methods to preliminarily understand the structural characteristics and activity of acetylated mung bean peel polysaccharides. Acetylation modification can improve the structure of polysaccharides, thereby causing changes in their properties. The product obtained after acetylation modification exhibited new characteristic absorption peaks at 1732 cm−1, and the scavenging ability of hydroxyl radicals was improved. Therefore, acetylation modification of mung bean peel polysaccharides could enhance the activity by improving the structure, which provided an experimental basis for the application of mung bean peel polysaccharides.
Elsholblanosides A−D, Four New Oleuropeic Acid Derivatives Isolated from Elsholtzia blanda and Their Inhibition of NO Production in LPS‐activated RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Thi Dung Duong , Thi Trang Do , Hai yen Pham , Huy Hoang Nguyen , Huu Tai Bui , Van Kiem Phan
Published: June 2023

Phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of Elsholtzia blanda Benth. afforded four new oleuropeic acid derivatives (1–4), named as elsholblanosides A−D, respectively, together with 11 known compounds (5–15). Their structures were determined based on extensive analyses of HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD spectra. Compounds 1–4 and 14 showed moderate NO production inhibition in LPS‐activated RAW264.7 cells with their IC50 values ranging from 23.2 to 86.33 μM, compared to that of the positive control compound, dexamethasone, IC50 value of 16.9 μM.
Pretreatment with P2Y12 inhibitors in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gewehr Douglas Mesadri , Carvalho Pedro Emanuel de Paula , Dagostin Caroline Serafim , Cardoso Rhanderson , Kubrusly Taiane Belinati Loureiro , Kubrusly Fernando Bermudez , Kubrusly Luiz Fernando
Published: June 2023

Background

Pretreatment with oral P2Y12 inhibitors is a standard practice for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the efficacy and safety of P2Y12 inhibitors pretreatment remain unclear.

Objectives

We conducted a meta‐analysis to investigate the impact of P2Y12 inhibitor pretreatment on thrombotic and hemorrhagic endpoints in STEMI patients.

Methods

We searched multiple databases for studies that compared P2Y12 inhibitor pretreatment with no pretreatment in STEMI patients and reported endpoints of interest. Random effects model was used for the meta‐analysis.

Results

Our meta‐analysis included 3 randomized controlled trials and 14 observational studies, comprising 70,465 patients assigned to either P2Y12 inhibitor pretreatment (50,328 patients) or no pretreatment (20,137 patients). Compared to no pretreatment, P2Y12 inhibitor pretreatment did not result in significant reductions in all‐cause mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52–1.03; p = 0.07), myocardial infarction (RR 0.75; 95% CI: 0.53–1.07; p = 0.11), or major bleeding (RR 0.80; 95% CI: 0.56–1.16; p = 0.22) at 30 days. However, our subgroup analysis revealed that P2Y12 inhibitor pretreatment administered in the pre‐hospital setting was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of myocardial infarction compared to no pretreatment (RR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.56–0.91; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our analysis suggests that pretreatment with oral P2Y12 inhibitors before PCI in patients with STEMI was not associated with reduced all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or major bleeding. However, pretreatment with P2Y12 inhibitors in the pre‐hospital setting appears to be beneficial in reducing reinfarction.
Evaluation of physicochemical and sensorial properties of gluten‐free boza formulated with chia and quinoa flours
Authors: Göncü Ali , Kuzumoğlu Yasemin , Vardin Aslı Y. , Çelik İlyas , Karaman Ayşe D.
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives

Boza is a traditional cereal‐based (millet, corn, rice, etc.) and fermented beverage with sweet‐sour and bread‐like taste. It is a low‐alcohol and high‐viscosity beverage. In this study, it was aimed to develop a new gluten‐free boza formulation consisting of chia (100%), quinoa (100%) and chia + quinoa mixtures (50% + 50%) and determine its characteristics. For this purpose, physical, chemical, rheological, microbiological, and sensory properties of gluten‐free boza were researched.

Findings

The highest protein (6.44%), ash (0.89%), pH (3.24%), oil (0.84%), and mineral content were determined for the chia boza samples. The highest lightness (L*) and yellowness (+b*) values were determined in quinoa boza samples (p < .05). The highest soluble dietary fiber (1.22%) and insoluble dietary fiber (1.25%) contents were determined for chia boza samples. The dietary fiber content of quinoa and chia + quinoa boza were similar (p > .05). The highest lactic acid bacteria (9.03 lab log cfu/g) and yeast mould counts (6.72) were observed for quinoa boza samples. Rheological analyses results showed that all boza samples showed pseudoplastic behavior with a flow behavior index ranging from 0.66 to 0.98. The highest viscosity belonged to chia‐containing samples.

Conclusions

Considering sensory analyses, quinoa boza samples got the highest general acceptance in terms of color, sensory, flavor, and consistency according to panelists results.

Significance and novelty

Gluten‐free boza production with high nutritional value and acceptable taste can be achieved. For the first time, chia and quinoa were used as raw materials in the production of boza.
Traumatic myositis ossificans of the temporal muscle after dental local anesthesia
Authors: Helland Saeedeh Bagheri , Pedersen Torbjørn Østvik
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Traumatic myositis ossificans of the temporal muscle can occur following local trauma. The diagnosis could be considered for patients presenting with therapy‐resistant trismus after intraoral procedures.

A female in her 30s developed ossification of the temporal muscle attachment after local trauma during dental treatment, resulting in an inability to open her mouth. Following surgical treatment and physical therapy acceptable mouth opening and masticatory function was achieved.
Highly Efficient Oxindole‐Based Molecular Photoswitches
Authors: Doellerer Daniel , Pooler Daisy R. S. , Guinart Ainoa , Crespi Stefano , Feringa Ben L.
Published: June 2023

3‐Benzylidene‐indoline‐2‐ones play a prominent role in the pharmaceutical industry due to the diverse biomedical applications of oxindole heterocycles. Despite the extensive reports on their biological properties, these compounds have hardly been studied for their photochemical activity. Here, we present 3‐benzylidene‐indoline‐2‐ones as a promising class of photoswitches with high yields, robust photochemical switching with quantum yields reaching up to 50 % and potential for biological applications.
Insights into the origins of inverted circular dichroism in thin films of a chiral side chain polyfluorene
Authors: Minion Louis , Wade Jessica , Moreno‐Naranjo Juan Manuel , Ryan Seán , Siligardi Giuliano , Fuchter Matthew J.
Published: June 2023

We synthesized a fluorene‐bithiophene co‐polymer with chiral side chains (cPFT2) and investigated its chiroptical properties via synchotronradiation circular dichroism. We observed that thin films of the polymer display an intense circular dichroism (CD) upon annealing, which is of opposite handedness to the CD reported for similar polyfluorenes bearing the same enantiomeric chiral side chain. We then contrast the properties of this polymer with chiral side chain fluorene homopolymer (cPF) and observe large differences in their thin film morphology. Using photoluminescence spectroscopy, we uncover evidence of polymer chain bending in cPFT2, which is further supported by theoretical calculations, and propose an explanation for the observed inverted optical activity.
A review of treatment options in HER2‐low breast cancer and proposed treatment sequencing algorithm
Authors: Roy Arya Mariam , Kumarasamy Vasanthan Muthusamy , Dhakal Ajay , O’Regan Ruth , Gandhi Shipra
Published: June 2023

The expansion of the spectrum of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐status to HER2‐low, defined as HER2 expression of 1+ by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or 2+ by IHC without gene amplification, has made a major impact in the field of oncology. The HER2‐low expression has emerged as a targetable biomarker, and anti‐HER2 antibody‐drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan has shown significant survival benefit in pretreated metastatic HER2‐low breast cancer (BC). With these recent data, the treatment algorithm for hormone receptor–positive and triple‐negative BC needs to be reconsidered, as approximately half of these BCs are HER2‐low. Although there are different therapeutic agents for hormone receptor–positive and hormone receptor–negative HER2‐low BCs, there is no consensus regarding the sequencing of these agents. In this article, the treatment options for HER2‐low BC are enumerated and a treatment sequencing algorithm based on the current clinical evidence proposed.
Realizing Influence of Supports in Aqueous‐Phase Hydrogenation of Furfural over Nickel Catalysts
Authors: Rajpurohit Anil Singh , Mohan Talla Venkata Rama , Jaccob Madhavan , Ramaswamy Krishnamurthy Konda , Viswanathan Balasubramanian
Published: June 2023

The catalytic activity of nickel nanoparticles (5% Ni w/w loading) dispersed on different metal oxide supports has been explored for the hydrogenation of furfural. Nickel, supported on reducible oxides (CeO2 and TiO2), displays higher (almost 100%) conversion compared to that on non‐reducible oxide supports (SiO2, Al2O3, Mg3AlOx). H2‐TPR and XPS analyses bring out the influence of metal‐support interaction during the reduction of nickel precursor and their electronic properties. The adsorption and activation of furfural on the catalyst has been studied using infrared spectra and DFT calculations. The reaction proceeds via both ring‐rearrangement and ring hydrogenation pathways, with furfuryl alcohol as the primary intermediate. At higher reaction temperature, reducible oxide supported catalysts, particularly titania, favours deep‐hydrogenated products and higher conversion than non‐reducible oxide supported catalysts. Among all the catalysts, nickel on titania displayed maximum conversion of furfural. TiO2 possessing higher acidity than ceria, favoured ring‐rearrangement of furfuryl alcohol to cyclopentanone at high temperatures, while the latter retarded reduction of cyclopentanone due to blockage of active‐sites by unreacted furfural and strongly adsorbing intermediates. The combined effects of the electronic‐state of supported metal and surface acidity of catalyst provide a new strategy to tune catalytic properties for selective transformation during hydrogenation of furfural.
The effect of expressive writing on Chinese cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized control trails
Authors: Zhang Chen , Xu Shuo , Wen Xinyue , Liu Mowen
Published: June 2023

Cancer patients in China encounter distinctive challenges stemming from cultural disparities and variations in the healthcare systems. This meta‐analysis aimed to provide a synthesis of the expressive writing (EW) interventions delivered to Chinese cancer patients and assess the pooled effect of EW on their well‐being. The review adheres to the latest PRISMA 2020 guidelines to ensure transparency and rigour. Randomized control trials (RCTs) published before 1 April 2023, and meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Keywords searching was performed in both English and Chinese electronic databases. Ten RCTs were identified and included in the analysis. The results showed that EW usually encompassed four to six writing sessions; the most common writing themes were ‘emotional expression’, ‘cognitive appraisal’, ‘benefit finding’, ‘coping strategies’ and ‘looking to the future’. The meta‐analysis suggested that EW had a substantial impact on reducing anxiety levels (Hedges' g = −1.22, 95% CI [−1.54, −0.90], I2 = 0.00%). It is worth noting that although the results of these studies could not be statistically synthesized, their individual findings suggest that EW may be beneficial in reducing anxiety, self‐perceived burden and depressive symptoms, as well as increasing self‐efficacy in Chinese cancer patients. In conclusion, this review highlights the importance and effectiveness of Ewin alleviating anxiety among Chinese cancer patients and underscores the potential benefits of incorporating EW into comprehensive care programmes for cancer patients in China. More RCTs are needed to explore the broader impact of EW in China.
Effects of Omega‐3 as an adjuvant in the treatment of periodontal disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Miroult Clementine , Lasserre Jerome , Toma Selena
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Promoting resolution of inflammation using new classes of lipids mediators has been proposed for the management of inflammatory disease. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the benefits of the use of omega‐3 fatty acids as an adjuvant in the nonsurgical treatment of periodontitis.

Material and Methods

The data search was conducted into three main databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. The search equation was built around the PICO framework in which the population was constituted by human adults suffering from chronic periodontitis that had to be treated with conventional SRP with the adjunction of omega‐3 fatty acids (I) or without the adjunction of omega‐3 fatty acids (C), with, as a first outcome the probing pocket depth reduction (PPD) and as a second outcome the clinical attachment loss reduction (CAL). Risk of bias within studies was evaluated for each included study using the Cochrane collaboration tool for randomized studies (RoB Tool). A meta‐analysis was performed using REVMAN 5.3.

Results

After a global search, 117 studies were selected but only seven of them were eligible for the systematic review and meta‐analysis. Six out of seven studies showed a significantly better PPD reduction in the omega‐3 fatty acids group compared to the control group and five out of seven studies showed a significantly better CAL reduction in the omega‐3 fatty acids group compared to the control group. The meta‐analysis showed a statistically significant difference for PPD reduction (SMD: −0.78 [95% CI: −1.02, −0.54, p < .0001]) and CAL reduction (SMD: −0.80 [95% CI: −1.04, −0.56, p < .0001]) in favor of the test group.

Conclusion

After scaling and root planning, PPD reduction and CAL reduction were observed in both control and test groups, but with statistically significant better values for the omega‐3 fatty acids group. Patients suffering from periodontitis could benefit from the use of omega‐3 fatty acids to increase the effectiveness of a nonsurgical treatment.
Refine control methodology and implementation of capacitor voltage control for improved switched inductor Z‐source inverter
Authors: Ismeil Mohammed , Orabi Mohammed , Ahmed Emad , Hussein Hany S.
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, Z‐source inverter (ZSI) has received several attentions compared to other power converters owing to their simplicity and reliability. In this paper, a refine control methodology of capacitor voltage control is presented based on third‐order small signal analysis. The proposed control is applied to the improved switched inductor ZSI (ISL‐ZSI). Proportional, integral, and derivative controller (PID) is adopted due to their capability to operate with large operation levels, reliable operation, and cheaper implementation. In addition, the function of this control can be achieved even with incomplete system data or parameters variations. ISL‐ZSI has been presented because of its advantages such as the high gain of direct current voltage, low voltage stress for both the Z‐network and the inverter bridge switches, and ensuring good soft starting. In addition, the inrush current has been removed based on its configuration. The proposed control is validated by both experimental and simulation results under input voltage change, load change, and steady‐state operations using DSP F28335 and MATLAB SIMULINK Real‐Time Workspace.
Utility of cytopathologic diagnosis of adult solid renal lesions: An academic Institution's 10‐year experience
Authors: Satturwar Swati , Quiroga‐Garza Gabriela M. , Xing Juan , Khader Samer N.
Published: June 2023

Background

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and/or needle core biopsy (NCB) are increasingly used for managing patients with renal lesions, especially small renal masses (SRMs). One of the treatment options for SMRs is active surveillance. Hence, accurate diagnosis of renal lesions is critical for treatment planning. The aim of this study is to investigate the utility of FNA and/or NCB in the diagnosis of adult renal lesions at our institute.

Materials and Methods

Laboratory information system was queried over a period of 10 years (2011–2020) to identify cases of FNA and/or NCB with touch preparation (TP) of adult renal masses. Patient demographics, cytopathologic diagnoses, ancillary tests and follow‐up surgical resection data were reviewed and correlated.

Results

A total 138 cases from 138 patients (male = 80, female = 58) were identified. Sixty‐one (44.20%) cases had FNA and NCB, 48 (34.78%) had NCB only and 29 (21.01%) had FNA only. 118 (85.50%) cases had definitive diagnoses and 13 (9.42%) had indeterminant diagnoses and seven cases were non‐diagnostic (5.07%). Most common benign and malignant diagnoses were oncocytoma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). 41/138 (29.71%) cases had follow‐up resection. There were no false positive or false negative cases. Subtyping was feasible in majority cases with only 3/138 (2.17%) misclassified cases.

Conclusions

Majority of renal masses (85.50%) had definitive cytology diagnoses. Only three had misclassification. FNA and/or NCB are useful methods in diagnosing and subclassifying adult renal masses and showed high accuracy (91.89%) when compared to surgical resections.
Design and synthesis of guaianolide‐germacranolide heterodimers as novel anticancer agents against hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yan Jia‐Xin , Li Qi‐Hao , Li Tian‐Ze , Huang Zhi‐Yan , Ma Yun‐Bao , Chen Ji‐Jun
Published: June 2023

Inspired by our previous finding that disesquiterpenoids showed more potent antihepatoma cytotoxicity than their corresponding parent monomers, natural product‐like guaianolide‐germacranolide heterodimers were designed and synthesized from guaianolide diene and germacranolides via a biomimetic Diels–Alder reaction to provide three antihepatoma active dimers with novel scaffolds. To explore the structure–activity relationship, 31 derivatives containing ester, carbamate, ether, urea, amide, and triazole functional groups at C‐14′ were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against HepG2, Huh7, and SK‐Hep‐1 cell lines. Among them, 25 compounds were more potent than sorafenib against HepG2 cells, 15 compounds were stronger than sorafenib against Huh7 cells, and 17 compounds were stronger than sorafenib against SK‐Hep‐1 cells. Compound 23 showed the most potent cytotoxicity against three hepatoma cell lines with IC50 values of 4.4 µM (HepG2), 3.7 µM (Huh7), and 3.1 µM (SK‐Hep‐1), which were 2.7‐, 2.2‐, and 2.8‐fold more potent than sorafenib, respectively. The underlying mechanism study demonstrated that compound 23 could induce cell apoptosis, prevent cell migration and invasion, cause G2/M phase arrest in SK‐Hep‐1 cells. Network pharmacology analyses predicted PDGFRA was one of the potential targets of compound 23, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay verified that 23 had strong affinity with PDGFRA with a dissociatin constant (KD) value of 90.2 nM. These promising findings revealed that structurally novel guaianolide‐germacranolide heterodimers might provide a new inspiration for the discovery of antihepatoma agents.
Study Finds AI Language Models Show Bias Against Individuals With Disabilities
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: June 2023

ChatGPT, Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri, and many other artificial intelligence systems utilize natural language processing to understand and analyze human language. They use NLP to perform repetitive tasks, organize data, answer user queries, and engage in other types of text generation. However, a recent study suggests the algorithms that employ NLP may be biased against individuals with disabilities.
Discipline
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: June 2023

An overview of the key topics faced by disability services providers with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Planting design influences green infrastructure performance: Plant species identity and complementarity in rain gardens
Authors: Bruner Sarah G. , Palmer Matthew I. , Griffin Kevin L. , Naeem Shahid
Published: June 2023

Green infrastructure's capacity to mitigate urban environmental problems, like heat island effects and excessive stormwater runoff, is partially governed by its plant community. Traditionally, green infrastructure design has focused on engineered aspects, such as substrate and drainage, rather than on the properties of its living components. Since the functioning of these plant assemblages is controlled by ecophysiological processes that differ by species, the identity and relative abundance of the species used will influence green infrastructure performance. We used trait‐based modeling to derive principles for the effective composition of green infrastructure plant assemblages, parameterizing our model using the vegetation and ecophysiological traits of the species within New York City rain gardens. Focusing on two plant traits that influence rain garden performance, leaf surface temperature and stomatal conductance, we simulated the cumulative temperature and transpiration for plant communities of differing species composition and diversity. The outcomes of the model demonstrate that plant species composition, species identity, selection effects, and interspecific complementarity increase green infrastructure performance in much the way biodiversity affects ecosystem functioning in natural systems. More diverse assemblages resulted in more consistent transpiration and surface temperatures, with the former showing a positive, saturating curve as diversity increased. While the dominant factors governing individual species leaf temperature were abiotic, transpiration was more influential at the community level, suggesting that plants within diverse communities may be cooler in aggregate than any individual species on its own. This implies green infrastructure should employ a variety of vegetation; particularly plants with different statures and physical attributes, such as low‐growing ground covers, erect herbaceous perennials, and shrubs.
Delayed recovery and host specialization may spell disaster for coral‐fish mutualism
Authors: Froehlich Catheline Y. M. , Klanten O. Selma , Hing Martin L. , Dowton Mark , Wong Marian Y. L.
Published: June 2023

Mutualisms are prevalent in many ecosystems, yet little is known about how symbioses are affected by ecological pressures. Here, we show delayed recovery for 13 coral‐dwelling goby fishes (genus Gobiodon) compared with their host Acropora corals following four consecutive cyclones and heatwaves. While corals became twice as abundant in 3 years postdisturbances, gobies were only half as abundant relative to predisturbances and half of the goby species disappeared. Although gobies primarily occupied one coral species in greater abundance predisturbances, surviving goby species shifted hosts to newly abundant coral species when their previously occupied hosts became rare postdisturbances. As host specialization is key for goby fitness, shifting hosts may have negative fitness consequences for gobies and corals alike and affect their survival in response to environmental changes. Our study is an early sign that mutualistic partners may not recover similarly from multiple disturbances, and that goby host plasticity, while potentially detrimental, may be the only possibility for early recovery.
The role of body mass in limiting post heat‐coma recovery ability in terrestrial ectotherms
Authors: Leong Chi Man , Hui Tin Yan , Guénard Benoit
Published: June 2023

Under global warming, animal species show shrinking body size responses, cascading deep changes in community structure and ecosystem functions. Although the exact physiological mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unsolved, smaller individuals may benefit from warming climate more than larger ones. Heat‐coma, a physiological state with severe consequences on locomotion ability, is often considered as an “ecological death” scenario under which individuals are unable to escape and exposed to predation, further heat injury, and other hazards. Species are expected to increasingly encounter heat‐coma temperature thresholds under warming climate, and body size may be an important trait for thermoregulation in particular for ectotherms. The relationship between heat‐coma and shrinking body size remains, however, unclear. Yet, recovery after short‐term heat‐coma is possible, but little is known about its importance in thermal adaptation and how organismal size correlates with post heat‐coma recovery. Here, using ants as a model system, we firstly examined the fate of heat‐comatose individuals under field conditions to quantify the ecological benefits of post heat‐coma recovery. Then, we quantified ants' recovery ability after heat‐coma using a dynamic thermal assay in the laboratory and asked if thermal resilience varies between species with different body mass. Our results confirm that heat‐coma represents an inherent ecological death where individuals failed to recover from coma suffer strong predation pressure. Additionally, following phylogenetic signals inclusion, organisms with small mass were more likely to recover, supporting the temperature‐size rule in thermal adaptation and recent studies showing a decrease in body size composition of ectotherm community under warmer climatic conditions. Body size as a fundamental trait in ecology thus affects ectotherm survival under thermal stress, which may drive species body size adaptations and community composition under future warming scenarios.
Does life form affect tree species assembly? A demographic study across the life history of a temperate forest in Japan
Authors: Wijenayake Pavithra Rangani , Masaki Takashi , Shibata Mitsue , Kubota Yasuhiro
Published: June 2023

In this study, the dominant mechanism that defines the species assembly in an old‐growth temperate forest was investigated by analyzing the species specificity of demographic parameters in relation to the life history stage, testing the hypotheses that early life stages should be more critical for sub‐canopy species than canopy species. Data for 17 major tree species in the Ogawa Forest Reserve (OFR) in Japan were analyzed, together with data from early stages (seed production, seed dispersal, and seedling emergence) to dbh‐based transition probability and survival stages (5–80 cm). Both datasets were subjected to principal components analysis (PCA): one included tree of dbh < 35 cm for all species (small‐sized trees of all species [SSAS]) and the other included tree species with dbh ≥ 55 cm (large‐sized species [LSS]). The most influential was the growth–survival trade‐off for trees at small‐to‐middle‐sized stages (dbh: 10–40 cm), which captured a moderate proportion of the demographic variation (24.3%–26.4%). At these stages, some Quercus species were characterized by higher growth, and some Fagus and Acer species by shade tolerance. Behavior during early‐to‐late life stages was the second most important dimension, for SSAS, sub‐canopy tree species showed high survival at early life stages than canopy species as the second important dimension, which differed between the SSAS‐ and LSS‐based PCAs. The relationship between functional traits and PCA axis dimensions varied with PCA type and dimension. The growth–survival trade‐off in the OFR was closely associated with maximum tree height, a proxy for life form, and specific leaf area a proxy for shade tolerance. This finding implies a significant role for the growth–survival trade‐off in stable species coexistence by maintaining mutual claims to vertical light resources and allowing the more efficient use of the forest canopy space. However, there was no significant association between wood density and demographic variables. Our study shows that interspecies relationships vary with the life history stage and that early life stages are more critical for sub‐canopy species than canopy species in temperate forests, where the entire life history of the trees must be considered focusing on the difference in life forms.
Long‐term analysis of body condition reveals species coupling and the impacts of an invasion
Authors: Martin Benjamin E. , Vander Zanden M. Jake
Published: June 2023

Predator–prey coupling can result in oscillations of predator–prey densities. These oscillations in predator–prey densities correspond to oscillations in intraspecific competition where a high population density causes high intraspecific competition. Strong coupling of native species can however be disrupted by the introduction of invasive species into food webs. Here, we investigated how the body condition (body mass relative to body length) of a predator, lake trout, and its primary prey, cisco, changed as their respective population densities shifted. We found that the body condition of lake trout and cisco was strongly influenced by their respective population densities, that is, density dependence. The body conditions of lake trout and cisco were also inversely related, which highlights strong predator–prey coupling. Further, we were able to detect the impacts of a recent invasive species, Bythotrephes, as we saw size‐specific shifts in the body condition of prey following the invasion. Overall, this study highlights how the long‐term study of a simple measure, body condition, can reveal predator–prey coupling and yield new insights into the impacts of an invasive species.
Probabilistic analysis of seismic mitigation of base‐isolated structure with sliding hydromagnetic bearings based on finite element simulations
Authors: Peng Yongbo , Ding Luchuan , Liu Jiangtao , Chen Jianbing
Published: June 2023

Base isolation is one of the most efficient methods for seismic mitigation of building and bridge structures in high‐intensity areas. However, the base‐isolated structure designed according to current codes based on the local seismic hazard and a few station records might not guarantee the performance of the base isolation system and ensure the safety of the structure. Carrying out a probabilistic analysis of seismic mitigation of base‐isolated structures, considering the randomness associated with earthquake ground motions, is thus necessary. To this end, the stochastic seismic response and reliability analysis of base‐isolated structures subjected to stochastic ground motions are conducted in this study, in conjunction with the probability density evolution method and the principle of equivalent extreme value event. The recently developed sliding hydromagnetic bearing is employed to constitute the base isolation layer of the base‐isolated structure. A refined finite element analysis is carried out to accurately reveal the dynamic characteristics of the base‐isolated structure. It is shown that the base‐isolated structure can be well simulated by the finite element model, which is verified through a comparative study with the results of shaking‐table tests. The base‐isolated structure gains a sound seismic mitigation compared to the base‐fixed structure in a probabilistic sense, and can ensure the safety of the structure by deploying a moderately designed base isolation system.
Prognostic significance of plasma chloride in elderly patients hospitalized for acute heart failure
Authors: Llàcer Pau , Croset François , Núñez Julio , Campos Jorge , Fernández Cristina , Fabregate Martín , Del Hoyo Beatriz , Ruiz Raúl , López Genoveva , Tello Susana , Lorenzo Ana , Fernández José María , Manzano Luis
Published: June 2023

Aims

Previous studies demonstrated the relationship between hypochloraemia and poor prognosis in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF). However, the usefulness of chloride in clinical practice remains uncertain, notably in very old patients with predominantly heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of chloride in a cohort of very aged patients with AHF and the possible existence of different phenotypes of hypochloraemia with distinct clinical significance.

Methods and results

It was an observational study of 429 patients hospitalized for AHF in which chloraemia was measured. Two different phenotypes of hypochloraemia were identified by their relationship with estimated plasma volume status (ePVS) as a proxy of intravascular congestion. The endpoint of interest was time to all‐cause mortality and the composite of death and/or HF readmission. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model was constructed to analyse the endpoints. The median age was 85 (78–92) years, 266 (62%) were women, and 80% had HFpEF. After multivariable analysis, chloraemia, but not natraemia, was associated with the risk of death and HF readmission in a U‐shaped pattern. The phenotype characterized by hypochloraemia and low ePVS (depletional) was associated with an increased risk of mortality when compared with patients with normochloraemia [hazard ratio (HR) 1.86, P = 0.008]. In contrast, hypochloraemia with high ePVS (dilutional) had no prognostic significance (HR 0.94, P = 0.855).

Conclusions

In very old patients hospitalized with AHF, plasma chloride was associated with the risk of death and HF readmission in a U‐shaped pattern and could potentially be used for congestion phenotyping.
An Unexpected New Member of the Family of Lithium Oxonitridosilicates – Li7Si2NO6
Authors: Rießbeck Kilian M. , Seibald Markus , Schwarzmüller Stefan , Baumann Dominik , Huppertz Hubert
Published: June 2023

With Li7Si2NO6, a new member of the family of lithium oxonitridosilicates with a so far unseen structure type could be synthesized. Using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction in open nickel crucibles under nitrogen flow, it was possible to obtain single crystals from the starting materials SiO2, Li3N, and Li2O at temperatures of 900 °C. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction data yielded lattice parameters of a=5.0934(2), b=7.4128(2), c=8.5918(2) Å, α=75.16(1)°, β=87.36(1)°, γ=73.01(1)° and a cell volume of V=299.75(2) Å3. The compound, crystallizing in the triclinic space group P
(no. 2), consists of a highly condensed anionic network built up by [SiNO3]‐, [LiO4]‐, and [LiN2O2]‐tetrahedra as well as lithium in octahedral coordination as completing cation. With an activation barrier of 695 meV for lithium migration, Li7Si2NO6 is a potential lithium‐ion conductor. The structure allows a classification not only as a sorosilicate but also as a tecto‐lithosilicate and most precisely as a lithium oxonitridolithosilicate, when the different coordinations of the lithium ions are taken into account. Interestingly, the new compound is none of the several proposed representatives of the lithium oxonitridosilicates, thus expanding this substance class unexpectedly.
An Improved Procedure for Aryne Generation from o‐Triazenylarylboronic Acids through One‐Pot Boronate Formation/Silica Gel Treatment
Authors: Ito Motoki , Yamazaki Haruna , Ito Aguri , Oda Ryuhei , Komiya Moeka , Higuchi Kazuhiro , Sugiyama Shigeo
Published: June 2023

We have developed an improved method for generating aryne from o‐triazenylarylboronic acids. Unlike the previous method that required excess o‐triazenylarylboronic acids as aryne precursors, we used corresponding boronates as limiting reagents, which resulted in high yields. By combining the formation of boronates and aryne generation through silica gel treatment in one‐pot, we were able to effectively use a wide range of o‐triazenylarylboronic acids in reactions with various arynophiles. This one‐pot method was particularly suitable for transforming complex aryne precursors with different functional groups.
Task‐dependent functional connectivity of pain is associated with the magnitude of placebo analgesia in pain‐free individuals
Authors: Bush Nicholas J. , Boissoneault Jeff , Letzen Janelle , Staud Roland , Robinson Michael E.
Published: June 2023

Background

Task‐based functional connectivity (FC) of pain‐related regions resulting from expectancy‐based placebo induction has yet to be examined, limiting our understanding of regions and networks associated with placebo analgesia.

Methods

Fifty‐five healthy pain‐free adults over 18 (M = 22.8 years, SD = 7.75) were recruited (65.5% women; 63.6% non‐Hispanic/Latino/a/x; 58.2% White). Participants completed a baseline followed by a placebo session involving the topical application of an inactive cream in the context of an expectancy‐enhancing instruction set. Noxious heat stimuli were applied to the thenar eminence of the right palm using an fMRI‐safe thermode. Stimulus intensity was individually calibrated to produce pain ratings of approximately 40 on a 100‐point visual analogue scale.

Results

A total of 67.3% of the participants showed a reduction in pain intensity in the placebo condition with an average reduction in pain across the whole sample of 12.7%. Expected pain intensity was associated with reported pain intensity in the placebo session (b = 0.32, p = 0.004, R2 = 0.15). Voxel‐wise analyses indicated seven clusters with significant activation during noxious heat stimulation at baseline (pFDR < 0.05). Generalized psychophysiological interaction analysis suggested that placebo‐related FC changes between middle frontal gyrus‐superior parietal lobule during noxious stimulation were significantly associated with the magnitude of pain reduction (pFDR < 0.05).

Conclusions

Results suggest that stronger expectancy‐based placebo responses might be underpinned by greater FC among attentional and somatosensory regions.

Significance

This article provides support and insight for task‐dependent functional connectivity differences related to the magnitude of placebo analgesia. Our findings provide key support that the magnitude of expectation‐based placebo response depends on the coupling of regions associated with somatosensory and attentional processing.