bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Androgen promotes squamous differentiation of atypical cells in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia via an ELF3‐dependent pathway
Authors: Matsumoto Takeo , Suzuki Takuma , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Yamamoto Megumi , Iizuka Takashi , Ono Masanori , Kagami Kyosuke , Kasama Haruki , Kanda Tatsuhito , Sakai Yuya , Iwadare Junpei , Matsuoka Ayumi , Kayahashi Kayo , Wakae Kousho , Muramatsu Masamichi , Kyo Satoru , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Mizumoto Yasunari , Daikoku Takiko , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Background

Since the human papillomavirus vaccines do not eliminate preexisting infections, nonsurgical alternative approaches to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) have been required. We previously reported that FOXP4 (forkhead box transcription factor P4) promoted proliferation and inhibited squamous differentiation of CIN1‐derived W12 cells. Since it was reported that FOXP expressions were regulated by the androgen/androgen receptor (AR) complex and AR was expressed on the CIN lesions, in this study we examined the effects of androgen on CIN progression.

Methods

Since AR expression was negative in W12 cells and HaCaT cells, a human male skin‐derived keratinocyte cell line, we transfected AR to these cell lines and investigated the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on their proliferation and squamous differentiation. We also examined the immunohistochemical expression of AR in CIN lesions.

Results

DHT reduced the intranuclear expression of FOXP4, attenuating cell proliferation and promoting squamous differentiation in AR‐transfected W12 cells. Si‐RNA treatments showed that DHT induced the expression of squamous differentiation‐related genes in AR‐transfected W12 cells via an ELF3‐dependent pathway. DHT also reduced FOXP4 expression in AR‐transfected HaCaT cells. An immunohistochemical study showed that AR was expressed in the basal to parabasal layers of the normal cervical epithelium. In CIN1 and 2 lesions, AR was detected in atypical squamous cells, whereas AR expression had almost disappeared in the CIN3 lesion and was not detected in SCC, suggesting that androgens do not act to promote squamous differentiation in the late stages of CIN.

Conclusion

Androgen is a novel factor that regulates squamous differentiation in the early stage of CIN, providing a new strategy for nonsurgical and hormone‐induced differentiation therapy against CIN1 and CIN2.
Anti‐tumor effects of miR‐34a by regulating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Yin Man , Zhang Zhiqiang , Wang Yunfei
Published: March 2023

Malignant tumors pose a serious threat to human health. The development of malignant tumors is characterized by uncontrolled cell division and immune evasion. The micro‐ribonucleic acid‐34a (miR‐34a) is a small noncoding single‐stranded ribonucleic acid that is ubiquitously present in normal human tissues. However, it has been confirmed to be dysregulated in a variety of tumor cells. Numerous research have revealed the importance of miR‐34a in the treatment of various malignancies. MiR‐34a deletion can hasten the growth of tumors whereas miR‐34a overexpression suppresses the proliferation, invasion, and migration of cancer cells. Moreover, more recent studies have highlighted its role in immunity and investigated its applicability to particular tumors. Through various immune cells, factors, and other mechanisms, miR‐34a can inhibit tumor carcinogenesis. In view of the important role of miR‐34a in tumors, this research reviewed the aspects of miR‐34a regulation of tumor immune microenvironment to exert anti‐tumor effects in order to clarify the potential immunotherapy value of miR‐34a in tumors.
Impact of residual disease biomarkers on the prognosis of HER2‐positive breast cancer following neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Ma Youzhao , Zhu Mingda , Lv Minhao , Yuan Peng , Chen Xiuchun , Liu Zhenzhen
Published: March 2023

Background

The changes in prognostic factors and clinicopathological characteristics of residual disease following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for breast cancer are important references for postoperative adjuvant therapy. The analyses of the relationship between the clinicopathological characteristics of residual diseases and the prognosis were not comprehensive in most previous studies. This study aimed to determine how prognostic factors changed following NAT and the impact of clinicopathological characteristics of residual disease on the prognosis of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer.

Methods

The study comprised 350 consecutive patients with HER2‐positive breast cancer who had residual disease after surgery following NAT. The independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of HER2‐positive breast cancer were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Chi‐square test and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of HER2 loss following NAT.

Results

The expression of prognostic factors changed significantly following NAT. A total of 44 patients (12.6%) had HER2 loss. HER2 status (immunohistochemistry (IHC) 3+ vs. IHC 2+/FISH+, p < 0.001) at baseline was associated with HER2 loss. In this investigation, the HER2 loss did not affect the prognosis. In univariate analysis, the decrease in Ki‐67 (p < 0.001) after NAT was associated with improved prognosis, but this influence was lost in the Cox proportional hazards model. The ypN stage (p < 0.001), postoperative ER status (p = 0.020), Miller–Payne grade (p = 0.007), and targeted therapy (p = 0.003) were all independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

ER, PR, HER2, and Ki‐67 changed significantly after NAT, but no impact of these changes on DFS was observed in this study. Postoperative N stage, postoperative ER status, MP grade, and targeted therapy were independent prognostic factors in patients with HER2‐positive breast cancer after NAT.
Neuroendocrine neoplasm of the gallbladder: Clinical features, surgical efficacy, and prognosis
Authors: Wu Xin , Li Binglu , Hong Tao , Liu Wei , He Xiaodong , Zheng Chaoji
Published: March 2023

Background

Neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) of the gallbladder is rare. It is usually asymptomatic and occurs in older adults. Its clinicopathological characteristics remain controversial, and the diagnosis and treatment strategies are usually based on models of adenocarcinoma. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of gallbladder NEN.

Methods

The data of patients with gallbladder NEN admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital was reviewed, and a database was established for retrospective analysis. Clinicopathological features were analyzed descriptively and the prognosis was studied according to different factors. The Kaplan–Meier curve was used to describe the cumulative survival rate.

Results

In total, 22 patients with gallbladder NEN were included in this study. There were 10 male (45.5%) and 12 female (54.5%) patients with a median age of onset of NEN at 57.5 (49.0, 62.3) years. Abdominal discomfort was the most common symptom. Twenty patients (90.9%) underwent surgery, and two patients (9.1%) with unresectable lesions underwent a biopsy. Twenty‐one patients were followed up. The 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year cumulative overall survival rates of all patients and patients with resectable lesions were 65.9%, 54.9%, and 48.1%, and 72.9%, 60.7%, and 53.1%, respectively. Patients with resectable lesions had a better cumulative overall survival rate than those who with unresectable lesions (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Gallbladder NEN is more common in the elderly and has a slight female predominance. The most common symptom is abdominal discomfort. Surgery is the first choice of treatment for this rare disease. The prognosis of gallbladder NEN is generally poor. Patients with resectable lesions have a better prognosis.
The nature of deprovincialism: Assessment, nomological network, and comparison of cultural and group deprovincialization
Authors: Lucarini Alice , Boin Jessica , Fuochi Giulia , Voci Alberto , Verkuyten Maykel , Pettigrew Thomas F.
Published: March 2023

This study (N = 770) explores in depth the construct of deprovincialization by both uniting and comparing two scales that assess its two facets: the Group Deprovincialization Scale (GDS; Martinovic & Verkuyten, 2013) and the Cultural Deprovincialization Scale (CDS, Boin et al., 2020). First, we tested the factorial structure of the construct through confirmatory factor analyses. Second, we compared the mean scores of the GDS and the CDS and a list of variables related to individual dispositions and intergroup outcomes for participants who had (vs. had not) lived abroad. Then, we explored the nomological net of correlates of deprovincialization to examine whether the GDS and the CDS differed in their relationship with the correlates. Finally, we tested the simultaneous relationships of both scales with a subset of variables via network analysis. Results offer insights on the important construct of deprovincialization, its assessment, and the relevance of its facets, showing that the GDS and te CDS tap into related yet different nuances of the broad deprovincialization construct. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Implicit smoothed particle hydrodynamics model for simulating incompressible fluid‐elastic coupling
Authors: Wang Xiaokun , Wang Tiancheng , Wang Jiamin , Xu Yanrui , Ban Xiaojuan , Huang Houbin , Zhu Zhihong , Chang Jian , Zhang Jian Jun
Published: March 2023

Fluid simulation has been one of the most critical topics in computer graphics for its capacity to produce visually realistic effects. The intricacy of fluid simulation manifests most with interacting dynamic elements. The coupling for such scenarios has always been challenging to manage due to the numerical instability arising from the coupling boundary between different elements. Therefore, we propose an implicit smoothed particle hydrodynamics fluid‐elastic coupling approach to reduce the instability issue for fluid‐fluid, fluid‐elastic, and elastic‐elastic coupling circumstances. By deriving the relationship between the universal pressure field with the incompressible attribute of the fluid, we apply the number density scheme to solve the pressure Poisson equation for both fluid and elastic material to avoid the density error for multi‐material coupling and conserve the non‐penetration condition for elastic objects interacting with fluid particles. Experiments show that our method can effectively handle the multiphase fluids simulation with elastic objects under various physical properties.
Influence factors of channel geometry for separation of circulating tumor cells by four‐ring inertial focusing microchannel
Authors: Liu Donglei , Chen Song , Luo Xin
Published: March 2023

Inertial microfluidics is a high‐throughput and high‐efficiency cell separation approach to which attention has been progressively paid in recent years. However, research on the influencing factors that compromise the efficiency of cell separation is still lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cell separation efficiency by changing the influencing factors. A four‐ring inertial focusing spiral microchannel was designed to separate two kinds of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood. Human breast cancer (MCF‐7) cells and human epithelial cervical cancer (HeLa) cells enter the four‐ring inertial focusing spiral microchannel together with blood cells, and cancer cells and blood cells were separated from each other at the outlet of the channel by inertial force. The cell separation efficiency at the inlet flow rate in the Reynolds number range of 40–52 was studied by changing the influencing factors such as the cross‐sectional shape of the microchannel, the average thickness of the cross‐section, and the trapezoidal inclination angle. The results showed that the reduction of the channel thickness and the increase of a certain trapezoidal inclination enhanced the cell separation efficiency to a certain extent, the study showed that when the channel inclination was 6 ° and the average channel thickness was 160 μm. The two kinds of CTC cells could be completely separated from the blood and the efficiency could reached 100%.
Definition of an Index Parameter To Screen Highly Functional Enzymes Derived from a Biochemical and Thermodynamic Analysis of Ancestral meso‐Diaminopimelate Dehydrogenases
Authors: Araseki Hayato , Kawasaki Mayu , Kambe Akira , Kozuka Kohei , Ito Sohei , Nakano Shogo
Published: March 2023

Sequence‐based protein design approaches are being adopted to generate highly functional enzymes; however, screening the enzymes remains a time‐consuming task. In this study, by analyzing the enzymatic properties of four ancestral meso‐2,6‐diaminopimelate dehydrogenases (AncDAPDHs), AncDAPDH‐N1, ‐N2, ‐N3, and ‐N4, we attempted to define a new index parameter that is helpful for efficiently screening the enzymes. Biochemical and thermodynamic analyses indicated that only AncDAPDH‐N4 exhibited greater thermal stability than and activity similar to those of native DAPDHs. Structural and sequence comparisons between DAPDH from Corynebacterium glutamicum (CgDAPDH) and the AncDAPDHs suggested that “quality of mutations” is a potential index parameter. In fact, the mutations introduced from CgDAPDH to AncDAPDH‐N4 correlated highly with the mutations accumulated during the evolution process from mesophiles to thermophiles. These results suggest that, although there are several exceptions, the correlation coefficient can be used as an index parameter for screening high‐functioning enzymes from sequence data.
RNF150 suppresses papillary thyroid carcinoma with ASK1 ubiquitination presenting a direct target via inactivating p38 signaling axis
Authors: Deng Wei , Wu Jing , Zheng Wei , Wang Qian , Li Dongling , Kuang Hongyu
Published: March 2023

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most prevalent cancer in endocrine system. However, the pathogenic mechanism underlying tumor recurrence remains unclear. RING finger protein (RNF) family plays a crucial role in cancers whereas the role of RNF150 in PTC requires investigation. Our study aimed to explore the function and molecular mechanism of RNF150 in PTC. Here, we extracted data from The Cancer Genome Atlas‐THCA (TCGA‐THCA) data set to investigate the expression and prognostic value of RNF150 in THCA. We found that RNF150 was lowly expressed in THCA and its high expression indicated favorable prognosis in THCA patients. RNF150 could inhibit the proliferation of PTC cells and suppress p38 phosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, the knockdown of RNF150 significantly promoted the proliferation of PTC cells and the phosphorylation of p38, which could be reversed by p38 inhibitor. Besides, RNF150 could interact with ASK1 and promoted its ubiquitination. The overexpression of ASK1 exerted opposite effects against RNF150 in PTC cells. In PTC specimens, RNF150 and ASK1 shared reversed expression pattern. In conclusion, our study revealed that RNF150 could suppress the proliferation of PTC by inactivating p38 pathway and promoting ASK1 ubiquitination, which provided novel targets for PTC treatment.
Plaque characterization of a saphenous vein graft by near‐infrared spectroscopy and histopathology in a patient with a percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Mori Hiroki , Kurita Tairo , Takasaki Akihiro , Dohi Kaoru
Published: March 2023

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an intravascular imaging (IVUS) modality that detects lipid core plaques in the vessel wall, which are regarded as high‐risk plaques for distal embolization in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions have friable lipid‐rich plaques and thrombus prone to distal embolization. The plaque characterization of SVG by NIRS was confirmed herein for the first time with histopathology before and after PCI. The present case was a man in his 60 s with a history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Coronary angiography revealed severe stenosis in multiple segments of the SVG to left circumflex artery (LCX). NIRS IVUS showed large amounts of lipidic materials at each segment before PCI. After balloon dilatation, NIRS IVUS revealed a marked reduction in yellow signals on chemography. A histopathological analysis of the captured specimen showed that it was mainly composed of fibrin and contained numerous histiocytes with foam cells, lymphocytes, and other cells, which was consistent with the histopathological findings of plaque rupture.
Octahedral Iron‐Acyl‐Nitrenoid Intermediates in Sulphur −Nitrogen Coupling and Hydrogen Atom Transfer Reactions
Authors: Rodríguez Mònica , Pereverzev Aleksandr Y. , Roithová Jana
Published: March 2023

Iron‐nitrenoid complexes can activate C−H bonds and, thus, potentially directly transform C−H into C−N bonds. Low‐coordination complexes are the main reported systems; however, octahedral iron complexes can be air‐stable alternatives forming the iron‐nitrenoid species. Here, a novel octahedral non‐heme iron‐acyl‐nitrenoid complex is presented. Its reactivity was studied using a flow chemistry setup with online mass spectrometry detection, which allows qualitative reaction kinetics evaluation and the detection of the intermediates. The iron‐nitrenoid complex reacts with thiophenol by H‐Atom transfer, followed by a rebound to form a new N−S bond. The rebound intermediate could be detected and distinguished from the product complex. The reaction of the iron‐acyl‐nitrenoid complex with hydrocarbons results in the activation of the C−H bond via hydrogen‐atom transfer with no subsequent rebound process.
Chiral Diketopyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,2,3‐1H‐triazole Dyes with Highly Tuneable Properties in Solution and Thin Films
Authors: Albano Gianluigi , Zinna Francesco , Taddeucci Andrea , Capozzi Maria Annunziata M. , Pescitelli Gennaro , Punzi Angela , Di Bari Lorenzo , Farinola Gianluca M.
Published: March 2023

We have studied the impact of achiral substituents on the chiral supramolecular architectures of diketopyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,2,3‐1H‐triazole (DPP) dyes. We decorated the same chiral DPP motif with substituent groups on the nitrogen atoms of the lactam moiety: the hydrophobic n‐octyl alkyl chain, the hydrophilic tri(ethylene glycol) (TEG) chain and the thermo‐cleavable tert‐butoxycarbonyl (t‐Boc) carbamate group. In spite of having identical conjugated chromophore and chiral appendages, in aggregated form the three dyes displayed profoundly different optical, chiroptical, electrochemical and thermal features. ECD measurements revealed differences in the aggregation modes, which would be inaccessible by most other techniques. We found strong chiroptical features, which would have major implications in the context of chiral organic opto‐electronics and in the development of other highly innovative technological applications.
Modelling of a continuous kneader reactor for the polymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid
Authors: Luciani Carla , Choi Kyu Yong
Published: March 2023

A mathematical model and analysis of the continuous polymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid (AA) in a continuous kneader reactor is presented here as an initial attempt to simulate the synthesis of a superabsorbent polymer. A detailed kinetic model has been used to describe the copolymerization of AA and sodium acrylate (NaA) in aqueous medium. This model is used to describe batch and continuous operations. The polymerization is initiated by a mixture of potassium persulphate (K2S2O8, KPS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as oxidizing agent and ascorbic acid (AsA) as reducing agent. A novel set of kinetic parameters has been estimated by fitting experimental data from different literature sources. The operation of a continuous kneader reactor modelled as a plug‐flow reactor with axial dispersion is theoretically investigated to predict temperature profile, total and individual monomer conversion, consumption of KPS, H2O2, and AsA, and polymer average molecular weights. The simulation results show the presence of a hot spot close to the reactor entrance that could be potentially severe during startup and could have a detrimental impact on polymer quality. This model is a first step in the direction of achieving optimal operating protocols and exploring improved polymerization reactor designs.
Radiofrequency ablation of premature ventricular contractions guided by robotic magnetic navigation combined with pattern matching filter
Authors: Liu Xiao‐yu , Zheng Jie , Li Ku‐lin , Dang Shi‐peng , Li Xiao‐yan , Zhao Xiao‐xi , Wang Chao , Yu Zhi‐ming , Wang Ru‐xing
Published: March 2023

Background

This study's intent is to evaluate the usefulness of pattern matching filter (PMF) function combined with robotic magnetic navigation (RMN) in guiding the ablation of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).

Hypothesis

Assume that PMF can improve the outcomes of PVCs ablation using RMN.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was completed consisting of 118 consecutive patients with PVCs who underwent radiofrequency ablation guided by RMN. According to the application of PMF, patients were divided into two groups: 20 patients underwent ablation without PMF (group A), and another 98 patients received ablation incorporating PMF (group B).

Results

Compared with group A, the procedure time (135.0 ± 28.3 min vs. 106.3 ± 37.9 min, p = 0.02) in group B was significantly decreased, while the X‐ray exposure time (6.0 ± 2.6 min vs. 6.5 ± 3.6 min, p = 0.705) and dose (3.2 ± 2.4 gycm2 vs. 3.9 ± 2.7 gycm2，p = 0.208) had no significant difference. Group B had a more than twofold number of points acquired (66.9 ± 23.0 vs. 143.9 ± 68.3, p < 0.001) and required a shorter radiofrequency ablation time (13.2 ± 3.5 min vs. 8.1 ± 2.9 min, p < 0.001). There were no serious complications in either group. The acute success rate was similar [90.0% (18/20) vs. 87.8% (86/98), p = 1.000] in two groups, and the success rate was also similar in the long‐term follow‐up [83.3% (15/18) vs. 87.2% (75/86), p = 0.776].

Conclusions

The ablation of PVCs guided by RMN is safe and effective. Combined with the functional capability of PMF, both procedure time and radiofrequency ablation time were significantly decreased.
Helping oncologists utilize genomics in cancer care
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: March 2023

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, advances in genomics over the last 20 years have helped make a difference in the development of targeted therapies and how physicians can use this information in the clinic. In addition, accredited cancer programs have brought screening levels back to pre‐COVID‐19 rates, and an increase in a particular gut bacteria is a primary contributor to neutropenic fever not caused by an infection.
A cost‐efficient and QoS‐aware adaptive placement of applications in fog computing
Authors: Li Hongjian , Xu Chen , Wang Tiantian , Wang Jingjing , Zheng Peng , Liu Tongming , Tang Libo
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT), fog computing has emerged as a complementary solution to address the issues faced in cloud computing. However, it is a challenging issue to ensure both of the high Quality of Service (QoS) and low cost for different requests when dealing with computing resources. In this article, we propose a new approach on adaptive cost‐efficient and QoS‐aware application placement for fog computing called DATSS. Specifically, this approach consists of a QoS state driven strategy and a credibility rating mechanism. The algorithm divides the QoS into three different states by calculating the QoS violation rate and adaptively selects the best scheduling strategy. Then evaluates the stability of the node based on the task history, and prioritize the task on the node with a higher rating. Performance results show that the cost, delay and energy consumption of the proposed algorithm can be reduced by 20.9%, 15.7%, and 12.6% respectively compared with other algorithms at most. The proposed algorithm can effectively improve cost efficiency and stability under QoS constraints in fog computing environments.
Heteronuclear Trimetallic MFe2 and M2Fe (M=V, Nb, and Ta) Clusters for Dinitrogen Activation
Authors: Wang Ya Ya , Ding Xun‐Lei , Ji Zhi‐Wen , Huang Xiao‐Meng , Li Wei
Published: March 2023

Catalysts with heteronuclear metal active sites may have high performance in the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), and the in‐depth understanding of the reaction mechanisms is crucial for the design of related catalysts. In this work, the dissociative adsorption of N2 on heteronuclear trimetallic MFe2 and M2Fe (M=V, Nb, and Ta) clusters was studied with density functional theory calculations. For each cluster, two reaction paths were studied with N2 initially on M and Fe atoms, respectively. Mayer bond order analysis provides more information on the activation of N−N bonds. M2Fe is generally more reactive than MFe2. The coordination mode of N2 on three metal atoms can be end‐on: end‐on: side‐on (EES) for both MFe2 and M2Fe. In addition, a unique end‐on: side‐on: side‐on (ESS) coordination mode was found for M2Fe, which leads to a higher degree of N−N bond activation. Nb2Fe has the highest reactivity towards N2 when both the transfer of N2 and the dissociation of N−N bonds are taken into account, while Ta‐containing clusters have a superior ability to activate the N−N bond. These results indicate that it is possible to improve the performance of iron‐based catalysts by doping with vanadium group metals.
Observation of a Long‐lived Electronic Coherence Modulated by Vibrational Dynamics in Molecular Nd3+‐Complexes at Room Temperature
Authors: Ghosh Jayanta , Gheibi Mirali , Kalas Tillmann , Sarpe Cristian , Zielinski Bastian , Ciobotea Ramela , Burghard Morscher Christoph , Koehne Ingo , Pietschnig Rudolf , Senftleben Arne , Baumert Thomas , Braun Hendrike
Published: March 2023

Temporally delayed, phase‐locked coherent pairs of near IR femtosecond laser pulses were employed to study electronic coherences in molecular Nd3+‐complexes at room temperature. Dissolved and solid complexes were studied under a confocal microscope set‐up with fluorescence detection. The observed electronic coherence on a few hundred femtoseconds time scale is modulated by additional coherent wave packet dynamics, which we attribute mainly to be vibrational in nature. In future, the complexes may serve as prototypes for possible applications in quantum information technology.
Comparative analysis of infection process in Upland cottons differing in resistance to Fusarium wilt caused byFusarium oxysporumf. sp.vasinfectumrace 4
Authors: Zhu Yi , Abdelraheem Abdelraheem , Cooke Peter , Wheeler Terry , Dever Jane K. , Hake Kater , Bissonnette Kaitlyn , Zhang Jinfa
Published: March 2023

Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporumf. sp.vasinfectumrace 4, FOV4) in cotton is an early season soil‐borne vascular disease including seedling wilt and death. Its infection process in Upland cotton is currently unknown. This study compared the infection process among three Upland cotton cultivars (Gossypium hirsutum) using a confocal microscope. Seedlings were grown in a hydroponic system to the two‐true leaf stage and inoculated with a virulent local FOV4 isolate. Based on the infection process, the resistant cultivar FM 2334GLT was divided into resistant (R) and susceptible (S) groups. The susceptible PHY 725 RF and FM 2334GLT(S) had the highest numbers of conidia attached and germinated on the root surface, followed by susceptible Acala 1517‐08. FM 2334GLT(R) had the lowest numbers. Hyphae penetration and colonization inside the root followed a similar trend. In PHY 725 RF, FM 2334GLT(S), and Acala 1517‐08, hyphae started to penetrate into epidermal cells at 2 days post inoculation (dpi), spread in the cortex intercellularly and intracellularly at 3–5 dpi, and entered the xylem vessels at 7 dpi, followed by colonization at 11–15 dpi. FM 2334GLT(R) had the lowest numbers of penetrating hyphae inside the root, with no apparent hyphae observed in the xylem. This study demonstrated that FM 2334GLT(R) had delayed infection, reduced fungal growth and reproduction, and prevented the FOV4 fungus from invading the xylem. The resistance in FM 2334GLT(R) was similar to that in Pima PHY 841 RF but with fewer hyphae in the cortex, suggesting possible different resistant mechanisms.
A CRISPR/Cas9‐engineered mouse carrying a conditional knockout allele for the early growth response‐1 transcription factor
Authors: Maurya Vineet K. , Ying Yan , Lanza Denise G. , Heaney Jason D. , Lydon John P.
Published: March 2023

Early growth response 1 (EGR1) mediates transcriptional programs that are indispensable for cell division, differentiation, and apoptosis in numerous physiologies and pathophysiologies. Whole‐body EGR1 knockouts in mice (Egr1KO) have advanced our understanding of EGR1 function in an in vivo context. To extend the utility of the mouse to investigate EGR1 responses in a tissue‐ and/or cell‐type‐specific manner, we generated a mouse model in which exon 2 of the mouse Egr1 gene is floxed by CRISPR/Cas9 engineering. The floxed Egr1 alleles (Egr1f/f) are designed to enable spatiotemporal control of Cre‐mediated EGR1 ablation in the mouse. To confirm that the Egr1f/f alleles can be abrogated using a Cre driver, we crossed the Egr1f/f mouse with a global Cre driver to generate the Egr1 conditional knockout (Egr1d/d) mouse in which EGR1 expression is ablated in all tissues. Genetic and protein analysis confirmed the absence of exon 2 and loss of EGR1 expression in the Egr1d/d mouse, respectively. Moreover, the Egr1d/d female exhibits overt reproductive phenotypes previously reported for the Egr1KO mouse. Therefore, studies described in this short technical report underscore the potential utility of the murine Egr1 floxed allele to further resolve EGR1 function at a tissue‐ and/or cell‐type‐specific level.
Effect of modifying negative interpretation bias toward ambiguous social stimuli across eating and personality disorders
Authors: An Zhen , Kwag Kyung Hwa , Kim Mirihae , Yang Jae‐Won , Shin Hui‐Ji , Treasure Janet , Kim Youl‐Ri
Published: March 2023

Objective

Heightened sensitivity toward social rejection has been implicated in eating disorders (ED) and personality disorder (PD). This study examined the effect of a cognitive bias modification training (CBM‐I) targeting the interpretation of ambiguous social situations in individuals with comorbid ED and PD.

Method

A total of 128 participants [33 with ED and PD, 22 with ED‐only, 22 with PD‐only, and 51 healthy controls (HC)] were recruited from a hospital and university settings, and included in the final analyses. The participants were randomly assigned to a CBM‐I task with benign resolutions or a control task with neutral resolutions in a counterbalanced order in two sessions using a within‐subject design. Interpretation bias toward social stimuli was measured using the ambiguous sentence completion task before and after completing the assigned task.

Results

The CBM‐I task increased benign and decreased negative interpretations with large effect sizes in the diagnostic groups, and with a moderate effect size in the HC group. Participants' anxiety levels were also reduced after the task. The size of the change in negative interpretation was positively associated with baseline negative affect, and negatively associated with baseline positive affect.

Discussion

The results suggest that modifying interpretation bias has the potential as a transdiagnostic target of treatment for ED and PD, and a fully powered clinical trial with consecutive sessions would be warranted.

Public Significance

Participants with eating disorders and/or personality disorder, and healthy controls completed a single session of a cognitive training intervention targeting rejection sensitivity. The training produced a large decrease in negative interpretation in the diagnostic groups, and a moderate effect in healthy controls. The findings indicate that training for positive processing of social information may be of value to augment treatment in conditions such as eating disorders and personality disorder, in which there are high levels of rejection sensitivity.
Understanding Pseudocapacitance Mechanisms by Synchrotron X‐ray Analytical Techniques
Authors: Tang Pei , Tan Wuyang , Deng Guangyang , Zhang Yunting , Xu Shan , Wang Qijun , Li Guosheng , Zhu Jian , Dou Qingyun , Yan Xingbin
Published: March 2023

Pseudocapacitive materials that store charges via reversible surface or near‐surface faradaic reactions are capable of overcoming the capacity limitations of electrical double‐layer capacitors. Revealing the structure–activity relationship between the microstructural features of pseudocapacitive materials and their electrochemical performance on the atomic scale is the key to build high‐performance capacitor‐type devices containing ideal pseudocapacitance effect. Currently, the high brightness (flux), and spectral and coherent nature of synchrotron X‐ray analytical techniques make it a powerful tool for probing the structure–property relationship of pseudocapacitive materials. Herein, we report a comprehensive and systematic review of four typical characterization techniques (synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, pair distribution function [PDF] analysis, soft X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and hard X‐ray absorption spectroscopy) for the study of pseudocapacitance mechanisms. In addition, we offered significant insights for understanding and identifying pseudocapacitance mechanisms (surface redox pseudocapacitance, intercalation pseudocapacitance, and the extrinsic pseudocapacitance phenomenon in battery materials) by combining in situ hard XAS and electrochemical analyses. Finally, a perspective for further depth of understanding into the pseudocapacitance mechanism using synchrotron X‐ray analytical techniques is proposed.
Harnessing Deep Neural Networks to Analyze Multi‐Channel Anion Sensing Characteristics of a Ru(II)‐Pyrazolyl‐Bis(Benzimidazole) Complex
Authors: Deb Sourav , Sahoo Anik , Baitalik Sujoy
Published: March 2023

In this work, the anion‐responsive conduct of a Ru(II)‐bipyridine complex incorporating pyrazolyl‐bis (benzimidazole) ligand is thoroughly investigated in acetonitrile and water via absorption and emission spectroscopy as well as by square‐wave voltammetry (SWV). Substantial alteration of the photo‐redox behavior of the complex is observed in the presence of the selected anions. The free form of the complex exhibits emission indicating the “on‐state”, while inclusion of anions leads to quenching of emission and represents the “off‐state”. The restoration of the initial state of the complex is feasible in the presence of acid and the process is reversible and can be recycled. In essence, the complex functions as anion‐ and acid‐responsive molecular switches. Additionally, we applied herein neural network based deep learning methodologies, viz. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS)} for thorough analysis and fully understand the multi‐channel anion sensing behavior of the complex.
An online service function chain orchestration method for profit maximization in edge computing networks
Authors: Yang Chen , Hu Bingtao , Feng Yixiong , Huang Hua , Lai Haoshan , Tan Jianrong
Published: March 2023

Network function virtualization (NFV) is an appealing solution that transforms complex network functions from dedicated hardware to software instances running in a virtualized environment. However, some new challenges will arise when deploying virtual network functions to meet the needs of NFV and edge‐computing (EC) enabled 5G networks. In this paper, we focus on the service function chain (SFC) orchestration problem for EC‐enabled networks to maximize the profit of network service providers. First, the mathematical model of SFC orchestration in NFV and EC‐enabled networks is defined. Then, a two‐stage heuristic algorithm is proposed to optimize the total revenue. Finally, the performance of the method is evaluated by simulation experiments and the results show its effectiveness.
Autopsy of a failed trial part 1: A qualitative investigation of clinician's views on and experiences of the implementation of the DAISIES trial in UK‐based intensive eating disorder services
Authors: Phillips Matthew , İnce Başak , Webb Hannah , Dalton Bethan , McCombie Catherine , Irish Madeleine , Mercado Daniela , Peachey Gemma , Zenasni Zohra , Himmerich Hubertus , Robinson Paul , Arcelus Jon , Byford Sarah , Treasure Janet , Landau Sabine , Lawrence Vanessa , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: March 2023

Objective

The DAISIES trial, comparing inpatient and stepped‐care day patient treatment for adults with severe anorexia nervosa was prematurely terminated in March 2022 due to poor recruitment. This qualitative study seeks to understand the difficulties faced during the trial by investigating stakeholders' views on and experiences of its implementation.

Method

Semi‐structured interview and focus group transcripts, and trial management and oversight group meeting minutes from May 2020‐June 2022 were analysed using thematic analysis. Participants were 47 clinicians and co‐investigators involved with the DAISIES trial. The Non‐Adoption, Abandonment, Scale‐up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework was applied to the interpretive themes to classify barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Results

Five themes were identified: incompatible participation interests; changing standard practice; concerns around clinical management; systemic capacity and capability issues; and Covid‐19 disrupting implementation. Applying the NASSS framework indicated the greatest implementation challenges to arise with the adopters (e.g. patients, clinicians), the organisational systems (e.g. service capacity), and the wider socio‐political context (e.g. Covid‐19 closing services).

Conclusions

Our findings emphasise the top‐down impact of systemic‐level research implementation challenges. The impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic accentuated pre‐existing organisational barriers to trial implementation within intensive eating disorder services, further limiting the capacity for research.
A robust‐link controller placement model for large‐scale software defined networks
Authors: Wang Zhenqi , Li Yi , Guan Shaopeng
Published: March 2023

The software defined network (SDN) is a novel flexible network architecture. For the purpose of facilitating management, multiple controllers need to be placed in large‐scale SDN. When a link failure occurs, the path can be re‐planned by the control layer. However, unreasonable controller placement scheme brings about a sharp latency increase between controllers and switches. The reliability of the SDN is therefore affected. To this end, we define a link robust distance (LRD) by considering the states during link failures and non‐link failures. Then, we use it design a robust link controller placement model (RLCPM) which can reduce the impact of link failures on the delay between the controller and the switch. In addition, we design a heuristic algorithm with low‐time complexity to solve the RLCPM more effectively. Experimental results show that, compared with other models, RLCPM simplifies the controller placement problem when considering a link failure. The maximum latency between controllers and switches of the obtained controller placement scheme is lower.
Metal‐Organic Cycle/Cage (MOC)‐Based Supramolecular Photosensitizers: A Promising Strategy to Construct Robust Phototherapeutic Agents
Authors: Tuo Wei , Li Yuanyuan , Olenyuk Bogdan , Sun Yao , Sun Yan , Stang Peter J.
Published: March 2023

Metal‐organic cycles/cages (MOCs) are discrete and well‐defined molecular entities formed by coordination between metal centers and organic donors. To date, two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional suprastructures such as triangle, rhomboid, hexagon, and cube have been prepared. The tunable sizes and shapes endow MOCs with unique properties and promising applications in catalysis, sensors, and biomaterials. This review mainly covers achievements in the application of MOCs photosensitizers for the elimination of tumors and bacteria. Finally, it also discusses the future of MOCs for the design of novel type of photosensitizers and the possibility for novel therapeutic modalities.
Alpha‐ketoglutaric acid based polymeric particles for cutaneous wound healing
Authors: Jaggarapu Madhan M. C. S. , Ghosh Deepanjan , Johnston Tyler , Yaron Jordan R. , Mangal Joslyn L. , Inamdar Sahil , Gosangi Mallikarjun , Rege Kaushal , Acharya Abhinav P.
Published: March 2023

Metabolites are not only involved in energy pathways but can also act as signaling molecules. Herein, we demonstrate that polyesters of alpha‐ketoglutararte (paKG) can be generated by reacting aKG with aliphatic diols of different lengths, which release aKG in a sustained manner. paKG polymer‐based microparticles generated via emulsion‐evaporation technique lead to faster keratinocyte wound closures in a scratch assay test. Moreover, paKG microparticles also led to faster wound healing responses in an excisional wound model in live mice. Overall, this study shows that paKG MPs that release aKG in a sustained manner can be used to develop regenerative therapeutic responses.
MentorOn: A peer mentoring program developed for COVID‐19 times
Authors: Patel Kira N. , Lincoln Brenna , Gomez Lester A. Mejia , Lopez Ana C. , Ting Tobin , Lund Terese J. , Liang Belle
Published: March 2023

Burgeoning research has documented COVID–19's detrimental impacts globally, especially on the lives of adolescents. The present study examined the positive influences of a virtual, cross‐age peer mentoring program on the development of adolescent participants in the face of the hardships created by the pandemic. In particular, this study focuses on the experiences of high school participants who served as both mentors and mentees in the program. Semi‐structured interviews with participating high schoolers (n = 13) were coded and analyzed using the thematic analysis process. The interview data indicated that increased social support, the agency in prosocial pursuits, and greater purpose engagement resulted from their participation in the program. Results are discussed in the context of self‐determination theory: youths' needs for relatedness, competence, and autonomy. The program met these basic needs among participants which in turn supported purpose exploration during the pandemic.
Causal associations and shared genetics between hypertension and COVID‐19
Authors: Baranova Ancha , Cao Hongbao , Zhang Fuquan
Published: March 2023

To evaluate the genetic relationship between hypertension and COVID‐19 and explore the molecular pathways linking hypertension to COVID‐19. We performed genetic correlation and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to assess potential associations between hypertension and hospitalized COVID‐19. We compared genome‐wide association signals to reveal shared genetic variation between hypertension and hospitalized COVID‐19. Moreover, hypertension‐driven molecular pathways were constructed based on large‐scale literature data to understand the influence of hypertension on COVID‐19 at the molecular level. Hypertension has a positive genetic correlation with COVID‐19 (rg = 0.19). The MR analyses indicate that genetic liability to hypertension confers a causal effect on hospitalized COVID‐19 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.09, p = 0.030). Hypertension and hospitalized COVID‐19 have three overlapping loci and share eight protein‐coding risk genes, including ABO, CSF2, FUT2, IZUMO1, MAMSTR, NPNT, RASIP1, and WNT3. Molecular pathway analysis suggests that hypertension may promote the development of COVID‐19 through the induction of inflammatory pathways. Our study suggests that genetically determined hypertension may increase the risk for severe COVID‐19. The shared genetic variation and the connecting molecular pathways may underline causal links between hypertension and COVID‐19.
Lung adenocarcinoma presenting with eosinophilic erythroderma associated with anti‐KRT6B antibodies: Case report
Authors: Erden Nihan , Khoshbakht Saba , Yaycioglu Arda , Kizilirmak Ali , Kayalar Özgecan , Demirkesen Cüyan , Kulaç Ibrahim , Özkan Küçük Nazlı Ezgi , Ozlu Nurhan , Ruzicka Thomas , Wollenberg Andreas , Vural Seçil
Published: March 2023

Paraneoplastic erythroderma (PE) is a rare and potentially life‐threatening inflammatory condition associated with malignancy. PE may potentially develop due to antibodies produced against tumoral antigens that cross‐react with epidermal structures. We report a patient with paraneoplastic eosinophilic erythroderma associated with lung adenocarcinoma. Erythroderma and eosinophilia subsided after wedge‐resection of the tumour. To tackle the pathogenesis of PE in this patient, we performed western blot analysis (WB) using healthy human skin tissue lysate and the patient's serum. Samples were analysed first by immunoprecipitation of autoantibody‐target protein complexes and mass spectrometry to reveal the corresponding protein. After incubating patient serum with skin proteins, in WB, we could observe a distinct band around 60 kD. Later, immunoprecipitation for mass spectrometry showed a bar in the same area which was not present in healthy controls. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed that KRT6B might be the potential target protein. In this patient with PE, which resolved after surgical removal of lung adenocarcinoma, the antibody production to tumoral antigens cross‐reacting with keratins in skin may have initiated the dermatitis.
The utility and safety of diode laser in endoscopic stapes surgery
Authors: Plodpai Yuvatiya
Published: March 2023

Objective

The advantages of laser stapedotomy are less trauma and more precise and minimally invasive techniques; however, the potential risk of overheating from the laser combined with the endoscope tip must be considered. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of diode lasers for endoscopic stapes surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of 56 patients with otosclerosis who underwent primary endoscopic stapedotomy with a diode laser from 2017 to 2020 was conducted. Demographic data, intraoperative findings, preoperative and postoperative audiological assessments, and postoperative complications were analyzed.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative bone conduction thresholds. The mean postoperative air‐bone gap (ABG) improved significantly compared to the preoperative ABG (4.07 vs. 35.43 dB, p < .001). The postoperative ABG closure within 10 dB at 6 and 12 months was achieved in 87.50% and 91.07% of patients, respectively. The postoperative pain scores at 4 and 24 h were 2.55 and 0.39, respectively. Immediate postoperative vertigo was reported in 12.50% of patients, with 100% complete recovery 2 months after surgery. The chorda tympani nerve was preserved in all the cases. Postoperative taste disturbances at 2 and 12 months were observed in 17.86% and 1.79% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion

The diode laser in endoscopic stapedotomy is a safe and effective technique that provides satisfactory hearing outcomes. Temporary taste disturbances during the early postoperative period are a concern. The handheld diode laser delivery system is suitable for an endoscopic approach and is an alternative armamentarium for the treatment of otosclerosis.

Level of evidence: IV.