bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Envelope coronally advanced flap with site‐specific bilaminar acellular dermal matrix or connective tissue graft for management of multiple marginal tissue recessions: A retrospective analysis of cases
Authors: Reddy Saravanan Sampoornam Pape , Krishnan Shreehari Ambika , Singh Sangeeta , Ramachandra Krishnaprasad Kondajji , Singh Harjeet , Harish Ruchi , Francis Delfin Lovelina
Published: February 2023

Background

A proper case selection and decision making is essential for management of multiple marginal tissue recessions (MTR) using a conventional or bilaminar approach. Coronally advanced flap (CAF) is one of the commonly used methods for management of MTR. CAF has been advocated in combination with soft tissue grafts as bilaminar technique, which had showed significant success in terms of root coverage.

Methods and Results

Aim of this case series was to retrospectively evaluate Zucchelli's modification of envelope CAF (eCAF) and site‐specific bilaminar methods using Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) and Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) for management of MTR. A total of 15 subjects (five subjects/25 sites per technique, total number of sites = 75) who were managed by three different techniques with 12 months postoperative records were retrospectively evaluated. All patients showed significant clinical improvement in root coverage outcomes when compared to baseline. Mean root coverage achieved at 3 months (90%), 6 months (95%) and 12 months (95%) postoperatively did not reveal significant difference between three methods. Complete root coverage was observed in 86.6% of eCAF cases and in 86.6% and 95% of ADM/CTG with eCAF, respectively. There was an increase in width of keratinised tissue, both individually and collectively across all of the groups.

Conclusion

Clinical outcomes suggested that bilaminar techniques should be used only in specific cases. Predictable results can be obtained without the use of a soft tissue graft or substitute if a careful treatment plan for technique selection is developed on an individual case‐by‐case basis.

Key points

Why is this case new information?

Comparison of site‐specific bilaminar modalities with modified coronally advanced flap alone

What are the keys to successful management of such cases?

Flap advancement and mobilisation

Flap passivity

What are the primary limitations to success in such cases?

Case selection

Flap tension

Soft tissue phenotype

Thickness of graft

Operator skills
A rare case of gingival necrosis following an extraoral injection of dermal filler
Authors: Livada Rania , Shiloah Jacob
Published: February 2023

Background

The utilization of dermal fillers for cosmetic procedures has increased dramatically in the past several years, and so is the number of reported adverse events and complications. Most of these reports are centered on extraoral facial structures such as skin, nose, forehead, and eyes. However, as this report illustrates, intraoral complications are also possible and require appropriate management. Our extensive search of the medical and dental literature has failed to yield any such report.

Methods and Results

An injection of dermal filler composed of hyaluronic acid for managing a deep nasolabial fold resulting in an arterial occlusion is presented. Patient exhibited facial skin necrosis, with ecchymoses and crusting, extending to the right eye. Transient diplopia and vision changes were also present. Additionally, intraoral necrosis of the palatal mucosa extending from the right central incisor to the molars and approaching the midline was noted. Patient was managed palliatively until complete re‐epithelization was noted, with no further loss of periodontal attachment.

Conclusion

This case illustrates a rare oral complication of extraoral injection of a dermal filler, and its management. The clinicians should be aware of the potential risks of these cosmetic procedures. Early detection and timely management may prevent lasting damage and discomfort. Additionally, some of these complications may require a well‐coordinated multidisciplinary involvement to restore health and functions (plastic surgeon, dermatologist, ophthalmologist, and a periodontist).

Key points

Why is this case new information?

Previous reports of adverse effects linked to dermal fillers were limited to extraoral structures such as the facial skin, nose, forehead, and eye. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first and only documented case of intraoral necrosis following dermal filler injection

What are the keys to successful management of this case?

The most important step in managing intra‐arterial filler injection and occlusion is the immediate injection of hyaluronidase enzyme to minimize the extent of tissue necrosis. In the case of ocular involvement, immediate referral to an ophthalmologist is required

What are the primary limitations to success in this case?

Success of managing the adverse effects of vascular occlusion following filler injection depends on several factors, including the anatomical area of occlusion, its extend, along with timely treatment
MicroRNA transcriptomics in liver of the freeze‐tolerant gray tree frog (Dryophytes versicolor) indicates suppression of energy‐expensive pathways
Authors: Ingelson‐Filpula W. Aline , Hadj‐Moussa Hanane , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: February 2023

The rapid and reversible nature of microRNA (miRNA) transcriptional regulation is ideal for implementing global changes to cellular processes and metabolism, a necessary asset for the freeze‐tolerant gray tree frog (Dryophytes versicolor). D. versicolor can freeze up to 42% of its total body water during the winter and then thaw completely upon more favorable conditions of spring. Herein, we examined the freeze‐specific miRNA responses in the gray tree frog using RBiomirGS, a bioinformatic tool designed for the analysis of miRNA‐seq transcriptomics in non‐genome sequenced organisms. We identified 11 miRNAs differentially regulated during freezing (miR‐140‐3p, miR‐181a‐5p, miR‐206‐3p, miR‐451a, miR‐19a‐3p, miR‐101‐3p, miR‐30e‐5p, miR‐142‐3p and ‐5p, miR‐21‐5p, and miR‐34a‐5p). Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis suggests these miRNAs play roles in downregulating signaling pathways, apoptosis, and nuclear processes while enhancing ribosomal biogenesis. Overall, these findings point towards miRNA inducing a state of energy conservation by downregulating energy‐expensive pathways, while ribosomal biogenesis may lead to prioritization of critical processes for freeze‐tolerance survival.
Electrochemical Conditioning of Metallurgically Prepared NiFe3 Binary Alloy for Facile Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lin Li , Yu Siyang , Liu Juntong , Peng Jianying , Li Yannan , Chen Lijia
Published: February 2023

Low‐cost fabrication and compositional manipulation of electrocatalyst are extremely vital to practical application. In this work, an OER electrode substrate composed solely of NiFe3 binary alloy was metallurgically prepared and was subjected to the electrochemical conditionings including the initial Fe‐leaching in a simple KSCN solution to attain the optimum Ni/Fe ratio, the subsequent LSV polarization to activate the OER‐enhancing species and the final CP‐aging in 1 M KOH solution to stabilize the electrocatalyst. The electrode substrate after being Fe‐leached is OER‐inactive, whereas the spinel type nickel ferrite NiFe2O4, which can be generated by LSV polarization, is considered as the “pre‐catalyst”. The “real‐time catalysts” are actually the Fe‐doped nickel (oxy)hydroxides (NixFe(1−x)OOH), which can be compositionally modulated by in‐situ CP‐aging to accomplish the further enhancement of OER properties. Being binder‐free, self‐supporting and substrate‐rejuvenating, the as‐prepared OER electrode needs an overpotential of only 266 mV to achieve the current density of 10 mA/cm2, and its advantages over all other conventionally prepared counterparts make it more suitable for facile oxygen evolution reaction.
Simulation of Reacting, Moving Granular Assemblies of Thermally Thick Particles by Discrete Element Method/Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Mahiques Enric Illana , Brömmer Maximilian , Wirtz Siegmar , van Wachem Berend , Scherer Viktor
Published: February 2023

The potential and limitations of the discrete element method (DEM) coupled with computational fluid mechanics (CFD) to simulate chemically reacting, moving granular material interacting with a fluid flow are summarized. A special focus is set on thermally thick particles, which requires to resolve the intraparticle transport and reaction processes. The aspect of complex particle shape is addressed, as shape may dominate the particle behavior in densely packed granular assemblies even more than the details of contact force laws. The fluid flow in the granular assembly is assumed to be a gas. The potential of DEM/CFD will be highlighted presenting three illustrative examples: a large‐scale lime shaft kiln with intermittent operation, an industrial‐size grate firing system for the incineration of municipal waste, and a small‐scale straw pellet stove.
Mesoporous CuFe2O4 Photoanodes for Solar Water Oxidation: Impact of Surface Morphology on the Photoelectrochemical Properties**
Authors: Einert Marcus , Waheed Arslan , Moritz Dominik C. , Lauterbach Stefan , Kundmann Anna , Daemi Sahar , Schlaad Helmut , Osterloh Frank E. , Hofmann Jan P.
Published: February 2023

Metal oxide‐based photoelectrodes for solar water splitting often utilize nanostructures to increase the solid‐liquid interface area. This reduces charge transport distances and increases the photocurrent for materials with short minority charge carrier diffusion lengths. While the merits of nanostructuring are well established, the effect of surface order on the photocurrent and carrier recombination has not yet received much attention in the literature. To evaluate the impact of pore ordering on the photoelectrochemical properties, mesoporous CuFe2O4 (CFO) thin film photoanodes were prepared by dip‐coating and soft‐templating. Here, the pore order and geometry can be controlled by addition of copolymer surfactants poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(propylene oxide)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronic® F‐127), polyisobutylene‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PIB‐PEO) and poly(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) (Kraton liquid™‐PEO, KLE). The non‐ordered CFO showed the highest photocurrent density of 0.2 mA/cm2 at 1.3 V vs. RHE for sulfite oxidation, but the least photocurrent density for water oxidation. Conversely, the ordered CFO presented the best photoelectrochemical water oxidation performance. These differences can be understood on the basis of the high surface area, which promotes hole transfer to sulfite (a fast hole acceptor), but retards oxidation of water (a slow hole acceptor) due to electron‐hole recombination at the defective surface. This interpretation is confirmed by intensity‐modulated photocurrent (IMPS) and vibrating Kelvin probe surface photovoltage spectroscopy (VKP‐SPS). The lowest surface recombination rate was observed for the ordered KLE‐based mesoporous CFO, which retains spherical pore shapes at the surface resulting in fewer surface defects. Overall, this work shows that the photoelectrochemical energy conversion efficiency of copper ferrite thin films is not just controlled by the surface area, but also by surface order.
Hit discovery of novel 2‐phenyl‐substituted 4‐amino–6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐cyclopenta[d]pyrimidines as potential anti‐glioblastoma therapeutics: Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and computational screening
Authors: Khairnar Sanjay , Sonawane Anjali , Cheke Rameshwar S. , Kharkar Prashant S. , Gaikwad Vishwas , Patil Sambhaji , Aware Valmik
Published: February 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly‐aggressive, dreadful disease with poor prognosis and disappointing clinical success. There is an unmet medical need of molecularly‐targeted therapeutics for GBM treatment. In the present work, a series of novel 2‐phenyl‐substituted 4‐amino–6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐cyclopenta[d]pyrimidines was designed, synthesized, purified, characterized, and evaluated for cytotoxicity against glioblastoma cell line U87‐MG. The design process (virtual library enumeration around the core, physicochemical and molecular property prediction/calculation of the designs, filtering the undesirable ones, and the diversity analyses of the lead‐like designs), was carefully curated so as to obtain a set of structurally‐diverse, novel molecules (total 20), with a particular focus on the relatively unexplored core structure, 6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐cyclopenta[d]pyrimidine. The preliminary screening was done using MTT assay at 10 and 100 μM concentrations of the title compounds F1−F20 and positive c120cisplatin, which yielded six hits (% inhibition at 10 μM: ~50%)—F2, F3, F5, F7, F15, and F20, which were taken up for IC50 determination. The top hits F2 and F7 (IC50 < 10 μM) were further used for computational studies such as target prediction, followed by their molecular docking in the binding sites of the top‐3 predicted targets (epidermal growth factor receptor kinase domain, cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 [CDK2]) /cyclin E, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase [ALK]). The docking pose analyses revealed interesting trends. The relatively planar core structure, presence of favorable hinge‐binding substructures, basic groups, all added up, and culminated in appreciable cytotoxicity against GBM cell line.
Taxon‐dependent effects of dispersal limitation versus environmental filters on bryophyte assemblages―Multiple perspective studies in land‐bridge islands
Authors: Li Dandan , Zhang Feng , Luo Guangyu , Zhang Ting , Lv Jinqiao , Wang Wenchao , Yang Jun , You Dejun , Xu Nanlong , Guo Shuiliang , Yu Jing
Published: February 2023

To explore the taxon‐dependent contribution of dispersal limitation versus environmental filters to bryophyte assemblages. We investigated bryophytes and six environmental variables on 168 islands in the Thousand Island Lake,China. We compared the observed beta diversity with the expected values based on six null models (EE, EF, FE, FF, PE, and PF), detected the partial correlation of beta diversity with geographical distances. We quantified the contributions of spatial versus environmental variables and island isolation per se to species composition (SC) using variance partitioning. We modeled the species‐area relationships (SARs) for bryophytes and the other eight biotas. To explore the taxon‐dependent effects of spatial versus environmental filters on bryophytes, 16 taxa including five categories (total bryophytes, total mosses, liverworts, acrocarpous, and pleurocarpous mosses) and 11 species‐richest families were included in the analyses. The observed beta diversity values were significantly different from the predicted values for all 16 taxa. For all five categories, the observed partial correlations between beta diversity and geographical distance after controlling environmental effects were not only positive, but also significantly different from the predicted values based on the null models. Spatial eigenvectors are more important in shaping SC than environmental variables for all 16 taxa except Brachytheciaceae and Anomodontaceae. Spatial eigenvectors contributed more to SC variation in liverworts than in mosses and in pleurocarpous mosses than in acrocarpous mosses. The effects of island isolation on SC were significant for all five categories, highly varied at the family level. The z values of the SARs for the five bryophyte categories were all larger than those of the other eight biotas. In subtropical fragmented forests, dispersal limitation exerted significant, taxon‐dependent effects on bryophyte assemblages. It was dispersal limitation rather than environmental filtering that predominantly regulated the SC patterns of bryophytes.
High‐severity fire drives persistent floristic homogenization in human‐altered forests
Authors: Weeks JonahMaria , Miller Jesse E. D. , Steel Zachary L. , Batzer Evan E. , Safford Hugh D.
Published: February 2023

Ecological disturbance regimes across the globe are being altered via direct and indirect human influences. Biodiversity loss at multiple scales can be a direct outcome of these shifts. Fire, especially in dry forests, is an ecological disturbance that is experiencing dramatic changes due to climate change, fire suppression, increased human population in fire‐prone areas, and alterations to vegetation composition and structure. Dry western conifer forests that historically experienced frequent, low‐severity fires are now increasingly burning at high severity. Relatively little work has been done looking at the effects of this novel disturbance type on affected plant communities, and little is known about how these impacts change over time. To fill in these knowledge gaps, we examined a fire that burned in a yellow pine and mixed conifer forest in the central Sierra Nevada in California, USA. We sampled at five time steps across the nine years following the fire (1, 3, 5, 8, and 9 years postfire). We found a generally unimodal relationship between fire severity and plant alpha and gamma diversity, but found that areas that burned at high severity supported progressively lower plant diversity as time since fire increased. Similarly, beta diversity decreased drastically through time for the high‐severity areas, while remaining more static in the other severity classes. The combination of these findings indicates that significant floristic homogenization can result from high‐severity fire in this ecosystem type. We also saw consistently lower diversity in unburned areas in comparison to area burned at low and moderate severity, underlining that both lack of fire and high‐severity fire can have negative impacts on postfire plant diversity. Unburned areas that experienced forest thinning after the first sample year saw an increase in plant diversity over time, suggesting that some—but not all—of the effects of fire on plant diversity can be approximated through forest management.
Bumble bee banquet: Genus‐ and species‐level floral selection by Midwestern Bombus
Authors: Lanterman Novotny Jessie , Lybbert Andrew , Reeher Paige , Mitchell Randall J. , Goodell Karen
Published: February 2023

Regionally specific flower preference data are needed to optimize conservation habitat plantings for at‐risk pollinators such as bumble bees (Bombus spp.). Current tools for selecting flowers for plantings rely on raw bee flower visits, which can be biased toward abundant flowers. To assist in planning habitat enhancements for bumble bees, we quantified genus‐ and species‐level floral preferences using a selection index that accounts for floral availability. Through 477 h of observation in Ohio, USA during the summers of 2017 and 2018, we recorded 22,999 observations of eight Bombus species visiting 96 flowering plant taxa. As a genus, Bombus selected flowers nonrandomly; the most strongly preferred plants included Asclepias spp., Cirsium spp., Convolvulaceae, Dipsacus spp., Echinacea purpurea, Monarda fistulosa, Penstemon digitalis, and Silphium spp. Only a few Fabaceae were highly selected (Baptisia spp., Trifolium pratense, and Vicia spp.), while some were preferred only during their peak bloom (Securigera varia), and others were not preferred by bumble bees (T. hybridum and Melilotus spp.). Diets differed among habitats, and in restored meadows, bumble bees selected for native planted species such as Monarda fistulosa, Asclepias syriaca, Echinacea purpurea, Penstemon digitalis, and Silphium spp. Diets and preferences shifted over the season, largely driven by changes in plant phenologies (e.g., in June, Penstemon was strongly selected, in July, Asclepias, and in August, Verbena). For the three most common Bombus (B. impatiens, B. griseocollis, and B. bimaculatus), rarefaction analysis indicates that we were able to detect almost all plants in their summer diets. However, for five less common species, even our extensive sampling was insufficient to fully characterize their diets. The common Bombus species differed in their feeding niches, perhaps reducing interspecific competition. In contrast, we found high diet overlap between three rarer species—B. vagans, B. fervidus, and B. pensylvanicus, suggesting that these at‐risk species might benefit from different floral communities than would the common species. Five of eight species (including one that is currently under review for federal listing) most strongly preferred one or another non‐native plant, presenting managers with a conservation conundrum concerning how to balance the needs of bees with the preservation of native plants.
Personalized care of patients with heart failure: are we ready for a REWOLUTION? Insights from two international surveys on healthcare professionals' needs and patients' perceptions
Authors: Jankowska Ewa A. , Liu Peter P. , Cowie Martin R. , Groenhart Max , Cobey Kelly D. , Howlett Jonathan , Komajda Michel , Lund Lars H. , Magaña Serrano Jose Antonio , Mourilhe‐Rocha Ricardo , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Saldarriaga Clara , Schwartzmann Pedro V. , Zannad Faiez , Zhang Jian , Zhang Yuhui , Coats Andrew J.S.
Published: February 2023

Aims

Guidelines for the management of heart failure (HF) are evolving, and increasing emphasis is placed on patient‐centred care. As part of the REWOLUTION HF (REal WOrLd EdUcaTION in HF) programme, we conducted two international surveys aimed at assessing healthcare professionals' (HCPs) educational needs and patients' perspectives on the care of HF.

Methods and results

Anonymous online questionnaires co‐developed by HF experts and patients assessed HCPs' educational needs (520 respondents, mostly cardiologists, in 67 countries) and patients' perceptions on HF impact and management (98 respondents in 18 countries). Among HCPs, 62.7% prioritized rapid initiation of all guideline‐mandated medications over up‐titration of some medications, and 87.7% always or frequently discussed treatment goals with patients. There was good agreement between HCPs and patients on key treatment goals, except for a greater emphasis on reducing hospitalizations among HCPs. The most frequently cited barriers to the provision of guideline‐recommended pharmacological therapy were treatment side effects/intolerance, complex treatment regimens, low blood pressure, cost/reimbursement issues, and low estimated glomerular filtration rate. Most patients (81.6%) reported no difficulties taking medications as prescribed, although 21.4% felt they were taking too many pills. Patients wanted more information about HF and its consequences, prognosis, and treatments (70.4%, 74.5% and 76.6%, respectively). Cardiologists were the preferred source of information about HF, followed by general practitioners and HF nurses.

Conclusions

These surveys provide valuable insights into HCPs' needs about personalized care for patients with HF, as well as patients' perceptions, expectations and preferences. These findings will be helpful to develop patient‐centred, needs‐driven quality improvement programmes.
Lithium Intercalation Kinetics and Fast‐Charging Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Rational Design of Graphite Particles Via Spheroidization
Authors: Martin Jan , Axmann Peter , Wohlfahrt-Mehrens Margret , Mancini Marilena
Published: February 2023

Graphite is the state‐of‐the‐art anode active material in lithium‐ion batteries with high specific capacity and long cycling stability. Nevertheless, due to the growing market requirements especially for the automotive sector, many efforts are dedicated to improve the fast‐charging performance of the anode. Therefore, research focuses on different levels of the anode, for example, on material level to improve the kinetics of the lithium intercalation process or by optimization at the electrode level. For anode active material production, the spheroidization of natural and synthetic graphite is a very important step that affects particle characteristics and electrochemical behavior. Herein, natural and synthetic graphite materials are spheroidized by using a lab‐scale spheroidization process. The obtained samples are characterized by means of different analytical techniques to investigate the influence of the spheroidization conditions on selected graphite characteristics that directly influence the charging rate performance. Apart from particle morphology, surface‐related properties induced by the spheroidization process show correlation with the measured lithiation rate performance.
Potential role of FKBP5 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in functional seizures
Authors: Asadi‐Pooya Ali A. , Simani Leila , Asadollahi Marjan , Rashidi Fatemeh Sadat , Ahmadipour Ehsan , Alavi Afagh , Roozbeh Mehrdad , Akbari Nayyereh , Firouzabadi Negar
Published: February 2023

Objective

We investigated the associations between FKBP5 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and functional seizures (FS).

Methods

Seventy patients with FS, 140 with major depressive disorder (MDD), and 140 healthy controls were studied. Their DNAs were analyzed for the rs1360780 in the 3′ region and rs9470080 in the 5′ region of the FKBP5. Childhood trauma questionnaire and hospital anxiety and depression scale were used.

Results

Patients with FS and those with MDD had less GG and more AA genotypes in both rs9470080 and rs1360780 SNPs compared with those in healthy controls. Similar results were observed for allelic frequencies. There were no significant differences between FS and MDD groups in terms of genotype and allelic frequencies for both SNPs. The results of multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that FKBP5 polymorphisms were not associated with the diagnosis.

Significance

Patients with FS and those with MDD had significantly different genotypes in both rs9470080 and rs1360780 SNPs compared with those in healthy controls. However, it seems that FKBP5 polymorphisms were not associated with FS in the absence of depression. Further genetic investigations of patients with FS may increase our understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of this condition, but such studies should be large enough and very well designed; they should include a comparison group with depression in addition to a healthy control group.
Upregulated microRNA‐450b‐5p represses the development of acute liver failure via modulation of liver function, inflammatory response, and hepatocyte apoptosis
Authors: Fang Jun , Kuang Jing , Hu Shuli , Yang Xiuhong , Wan Weibo , Li Jing , Fan Xuepeng
Published: February 2023

Objective

It has been evidenced that microRNAs (miRs) exert crucial effects on acute liver failure (ALF), while the detailed function of miR‐450b‐5p in ALF progression remained obscure. The purpose of this research was to unravel the regulatory mechanism of miR‐450b‐5p in ALF via modulating Mouse Double Minute 2 protein (MDM2).

Methods

ALF was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of d‐galactosamine (
d‐GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Adenoviruses containing overexpressed miR‐450b‐5p, MDM2 shRNA, and overexpressed MDM2 sequences were utilized to manipulate miR‐450b‐5p and MDM2 expression in the liver before the mice were treated with
d‐GalN/LPS‐induced ALF. Subsequently, miR‐450b‐5p and MDM2 expression levels in liver tissues of ALF mice were examined. Serum biochemical parameters of liver function were tested, serum inflammatory factors were assessed, and the histopathological changes and hepatocyte apoptosis in liver tissues were observed. The relation between miR‐450b‐5p and MDM2 was verified.

Results

In ALF mice, miR‐450b‐5p was low‐expressed while MDM2 was high‐expressed. The upregulation of miR‐450b‐5p or downregulation of MDM2 could alleviate liver function, mitigate the serum inflammatory response and pathological changes in liver tissues, as well as inhibit the apoptosis of hepatocytes. MiR‐450b‐5p targeted MDM2. MDM2 overexpression reversed the repressive effects of elevated miR‐450b‐5p on ALF.

Conclusion

The upregulated miR‐450b‐5p blocks the progression of ALF via targeting MDM2. This study contributes to affording novel therapeutic targets for ALF treatment.
Syringin exerts anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects by regulating SIRT1 signaling in rat and cell models of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhao Di , Liu Ketong , Wang Jian , Shao Haifeng
Published: February 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the role of syringin in improving heart function during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and to determine whether the sirtuin 1/peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (SIRT1/PGC‐1α) pathway contributes to this cardioprotective effect in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

H9c2 cells were incubated with H2O2 for 12 h. The effect of syringin was assessed by measuring cell viability; the apoptotic rate; Keap1/NRF2/HO‐1 activation; and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative products, and antioxidative enzymes. In addition, SIRT1 was silenced via short hairpin RNA (shRNA)‐SIRT1 transfection to evaluate its involvement in syringin‐mediated protection. Syringin rescued cells from H2O2‐induced reductions in viability, antioxidative enzyme levels, and NRF2/HO‐1 activation; likewise, syringin inhibited apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. We also created a rat model of I/R by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min, followed by reperfusion for 12 min. Syringin was then intraperitoneally injected, and the effect on infarct size and cardiac function was examined after 7 days. NRF2/HO‐1 activity and the levels of myocardial proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative products, and antioxidative enzymes were measured.

Results

In comparison to the untreated I/R group, the syringin treatment group exhibited improved cardiac function and reduced cardiac lesion and infarct size. Syringin administration also markedly reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species and promoted antioxidative enzyme expression and NRF2/HO‐1 pathway activation.

Conclusions

Syringin may serve a protective role in animal and cell models of I/R by improving cardiac function, inhibiting the inflammatory response, and activating the antioxidative response.
Retracted: METTL3 enhances the effect of YTHDF1 on NEDD1 mRNA stability by m6A modification in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma cells
Authors: Feng Lili , Yan Qinying , Pan Hui , Shi Wodong
Published: February 2023

Aim

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains the most frequent subpopulation of lymphoma, and N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) was implicated in the DLBCL progression. Herein, we sought to decipher the m6A‐asociated mechanism of NEDD1 in DLBCL development.

Methods

The NEDD1 expression profile in DLBCL was assessed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and Western blot. NEDD1 was artificially downregulated or upregulated in DLBCL cells, followed by EdU, Transwell assays and flow cytometry. The Hedgehog pathway activity was assayed by a dual‐luciferase assay. The m6A methylation of NEDD1 in DLBCL was assessed by meRIP‐qPCR, and the regulatory mechanism of METTL3 on NEDD1 was validated. The LDH assay was conducted to examine the impact of CD8+ T cells on DLBCL cells. The DLBCL cells were administrated into mice to evaluate the tumorigenic activity and ki‐67 activity in tumor tissues.

Results

NEDD1 was overexpressed in DLBCL. Depletion of NEDD1 inhibited the aggressiveness of SU‐DHL‐8 and OCI‐LY1 cells, whereas overexpression of NEDD1 expedited the aggressiveness of SU‐DHL‐8 and OCI‐LY1 cells. METTL3 promoted NEDD1 translation in an m6A‐dependent manner via YTHDF1. Depletion of METTL3 inhibited SU‐DHL‐8 and OCI‐LY1 cell activity through regulation of NEDD1. NEDD1 reversed the repressive effect of METTL3 loss on the aggressiveness of SU‐DHL‐8 and OCI‐LY1 cells. NEDD1 activated the Hedgehog signaling to promote immune escape of DLBCL.

Conclusions

METTL3 promotes translation of NEDD1 via YTHDF1‐depedndent m6A modification, thereby activating the Hedgehog signaling pathway to promote immune escape of DLBCL cells.
Oncologic and obstetric outcomes of early‐stage epithelial ovarian cancer patients who underwent fertility‐sparing surgery: A retrospective study
Authors: Ayhan Ali , Tunç Mehmet , Atasoy Karakaş Latife , Tekelioğlu Tuğba , Haberal Reyhan Asuman Nihan , Önalan Göğşen , Kuşçu Esra
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aimed to assess the long‐term oncologic and obstetric outcomes of women with epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent fertility‐sparing surgery.

Methods

A total of 68 patients observed between March 2007 and July 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Unilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and uterine preservation with staging surgery were the main procedures for fertility‐sparing surgery. Disease‐free, overall survival, and obstetric outcomes were measured as primary outcomes.

Results

The median age of the patients was 30.5 years. The median follow‐up time was 60.5 months. Disease recurrence occurred in 15 (22.1%) of the patients. Five‐year disease‐free survival and overall survival (OS) percentages were 75.6% and 83.3%, respectively, for all stages. The FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics) stage was the only significant factor that affected OS (P = 0.001). Twenty‐three patients tried to conceive, and 15 (65.2%) patients became pregnant. Twelve (80%) pregnancies reached term and resulted in 15 live births. Chemotherapy administration and surgical intervention (cystectomy or unilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy) showed no difference in pregnancy results (P = 0.806 and P = 0.066, respectively).

Conclusion

Fertility preservation is safe for invasive epithelial ovarian cancer at early stages for women in the reproductive era. Disease recurrence and OS results are similar to standard treatment at early stages with decent obstetric outcomes.
Feature selection and classification using bio‐inspired algorithms for the diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema subtypes
Authors: Isaac Anisha , Nehemiah H. Khanna , Dunston Snofy D , Kannan A.
Published: February 2023

A computer‐assisted diagnosis framework to examine computed tomography (CT) slices for diagnosing pulmonary emphysema is designed. Partitioning of lung tissues and regions of Interest (ROIs) from the CT slices is achieved using Spatial Intuitionistic Fuzzy C‐Means (SIFCM) clustering algorithm. Shape features, texture features, and run‐length features are extracted from each ROI. Feature selection is performed as a wrapper technique by employing manta ray foraging optimization (MRFO) algorithm and random forest (RF) classifier. A backpropagation neural network (BPNN) using gradient descent is used to train the selected features. Adaptive butterfly optimization algorithm (ABOA) is used to fix the optimal topology and parameters, namely weights and biases of the neural network. The BPNN classifier is initialized with the optimized topology and parameters obtained by the ABOA. The developed framework attained an accuracy of 87.52% when tested on an emphysema dataset, which outperforms the BPNN classifier in terms of accuracy, specificity, precision, and recall.
Impact of biochar‐based slow‐release N‐fertilizers on maize growth and nitrogen recovery efficiency
Authors: Banik Chumki , Bakshi Santanu , Laird David A. , Smith Ryan G. , Brown Robert C.
Published: February 2023

Biochar has been used to address several environmental problems and may be efficacious as a carrier of N‐fertilizer in slow‐release N‐fertilizer (SRF) formulations. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of SRF pellets formulated with different mass ratios of biochar and urea with traditional N‐fertilizers for improving N use efficiency by maize (Zea mays L.) grown under greenhouse conditions. Two different soil types, four SRF formulations with different biochar‐to‐urea (BCN) ratios (1:2 BCN, 1:3 BCN, 1:4 BCN, and 1:6 BCN), three traditional N‐fertilizers (urea, urea ammonium nitrate, and S‐coated urea), and unfertilized controls for each soil were tested. The accelerated urea release test showed significantly less loss of urea for the SRF over time than the traditional N‐fertilizers. The biochar‐based SRF formulations significantly (p < 0.05) decreased nitrate leaching loss for both soils relative to the traditional fertilizers. All the SRF formulations increased maize shoot (1%–34%) and root (0%–23%) biomass, N‐recovery efficiency (17%–50%), and soil potential mineralizable‐N relative to urea and S‐coated urea. The results also indicate that the BCN ratio in the SRF formulation can be used to influence the timing of N release and plant N uptake. The results of the greenhouse study suggest that biochar‐based SRFs have potential agronomic and environmental benefits; however, more research is needed to assess their agronomic value under field conditions.
Venetoclax with decitabine or azacitidine in the first‐line treatment of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Bouligny Ian M. , Murray Graeme , Doyel Michael , Patel Tilak , Boron Josh , Tran Valerie , Gor Juhi , Hang Yiwei , Alnimer Yanal , Zacholski Kyle , Venn Chad , Wages Nolan A. , Grant Steven , Maher Keri R.
Published: February 2023

Treatment paradigms for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have evolved at a rapid pace in recent years. The combination of venetoclax with a hypomethylating agent prolonged survival in clinical trials when compared to hypomethylating agent monotherapy. However, little is known about the performance of venetoclax‐based regimens outside of clinical trials, given conflicting safety and efficacy data. Even less is known about the impact of the hypomethylating agent backbone. In this study, we demonstrate that decitabine‐venetoclax is associated with a significantly higher rate of grade three or higher thrombocytopenia, but lower rates of lymphocytopenia compared to azacitidine‐venetoclax. There was no difference in response or survival across ELN 2017 cytogenetic risk categories in the overall cohort. Significantly more patients succumb to relapsed or refractory disease than death from any other cause. We demonstrated that a Charlson comorbidity index score threshold of seven identifies exceptionally high‐risk patients, providing evidence for clinical use to reduce the risk of early treatment‐related mortality. Lastly, we provide evidence that measurable residual disease negativity and an IDH mutation predict a significant survival benefit outside clinical trials. Taken together, these data illuminate the real‐world performance of venetoclax and decitabine or azacitidine in the treatment of AML.
Knockdown of biglycan reveals an important role in maintenance of structural and mechanical properties during tendon aging
Authors: Darrieutort‐Laffite Christelle , Beach Zakary M. , Weiss Stephanie N. , Eekhoff Jeremy D. , Soslowsky Louis J.
Published: February 2023

Biglycan, a small leucine‐rich proteoglycan (SLRP), is involved in collagen fibrillogenesis and also acts as a signaling molecule. Although decorin has been considered as the primary SLRP in developing and maintaining tendon structure and mechanics, more recent work using inducible knockdown models suggests that biglycan is involved in tendon homeostasis. The purpose of the study was to determine the role of biglycan in tendon homeostasis to maintain mechanical and structural integrity in aged mice. Aged (485 days old) female Bgn+/+ control (wild type [WT], n = 16) and 16 bitransgenic conditional Bgnflox/flox mice (I‐Bgn−/−, n = 16) with a tamoxifen‐inducible Cre (driven by ROSA) were utilized. After biglycan knockdown, the transgenic model demonstrated effective knockdown of the target gene without any compensation from other SLRPs or type I collagen. Patellar tendon cellularity was not modified after biglycan knockdown. However, biglycan knockdown had an impact on collagen fibrillogenesis with a higher percentage of small diameter fibrils (25–45 nm) and a lower percentage of medium size fibrils (150–165 nm) in I‐Bgn−/− tendons. Biglycan knockdown also induced a reduction in the midsubstance modulus and maximum stress compared to WT. Stress relaxation was reduced at 4% strain in I‐Bgn−/− tendons but no changes were observed in dynamic modulus and tan delta. As in mature tendons (120 days old), this study showed significant effects of biglycan knockdown on mechanical and structural properties of aged tendons only 30 days after knockdown. These data suggest that biglycan has a major role in maintaining homeostasis in aged tendon.
Enhancing maize grain yield under salt‐affected field conditions using salt‐resistant maize hybrids and higher planting density
Authors: Saqib Muhammad , Schubert Sven
Published: February 2023

Background

In arid and semiarid countries, grain yield of maize is increasingly impaired by soil salinity. Beside soil amelioration, the development of salt‐resistant cultivars is a possibility to enhance crop yield on salt‐affected soils.

Aims

This study aimed at testing yield performance in the field of salt‐resistant maize hybrids on a salt‐affected soil. In addition, planting density was optimized under the saline conditions.

Methods

Four salt‐resistant maize hybrids (Zea mays L. SR‐05, SR‐12, SR‐15, and SR‐16) were grown under control (EC = 2.0–2.5 dS m−1) and saline (EC = 10.0–12.0 dS m−1) field conditions and compared to the salt‐sensitive maize cv. Pioneer‐3906. Planting density (5, 8, or 11 plants m−2) was optimized for saline soil conditions for SR‐12 and the local hybrid EV‐78.

Results

Yield of Pioneer‐3906 was significantly reduced under salinity because of inhibited kernel setting, whereas the SR hybrids showed no decrease in grain yield. Based on grain yield, the optimum planting density was 8 plants m−2 with no further increase with 11 plants m−2. In contrast to SR‐12, for cv. EV‐78 no increase of harvest index with 8 relative to 5 plants m−2 was observed.

Conclusions

Vegetative growth of Pioneer‐3906 and the SR hybrids was decreased due to Phase‐I effects but neither due to water deficiency nor ion toxicity. The experiment corroborated the salt resistance of the SR hybrids under field conditions. Under saline conditions, optimum planting density of salt‐resistant cultivars may be higher than under nonsaline conditions when sufficient water supply by artificial irrigation is guaranteed.
Sample and library preparation approaches for the analysis of the virome of irrigation water
Authors: Pérez‐Cataluña Alba , Randazzo Walter , Martínez‐Blanch Juan F. , Codoñer Francisco M. , Sánchez Gloria
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

The virome (i.e. community of mainly RNA and DNA eukaryotic viruses and bacteriophages) of waters is yet to be extensively explored. In particular, the virome of waters used for irrigation could therefore potentially carry viral pathogens that can contaminate fresh produce. One problem in obtaining viral sequences from irrigation waters is the relatively low amount of virus particles, as well as the presence of human, bacterial and protozoan cells. The present aimed study was to compare different processing, amplification, and sequencing approaches for virome characterization in irrigation waters.

RESULTS

Our analyses considered percentages of viral reads, values for diversity indices and number of families found in sequencing results. The results obtained suggest that enrichment protocols using two (bezonase and microccocal nuclease) or four enzymes at once (bezonase, microccocal nuclease, DNAse and RNase), regardless of an Amicon filtration step, are more appropriate than separated enzymatic treatments for virome characterization in irrigation water. The NetoVIR protocol combined with the ScriptSeq v2 RNA‐Seq Library (P0‐L20 protocol) showed the highest percentages of RNA viruses and identified the higher number of families.

CONCLUSION

Although virome characterization applied in irrigation waters is an important tool for protecting public health by informing on circulating human and zoonotic infections, optimized and standardized procedures should be followed to reduce the variability of results related to either the sample itself and the downstream bioinformatics analyses. Our results show that virome characterization can be an important tool in the discovery of pathogenic viruses in the environment and can be used to inform and optimize reference‐based detection methods provided that appropriate and rigorous controls are included. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Postoperative Chyle Leak Rate Following Neck Dissection for Squamous Cell Carcinoma Versus Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Baker Austin , Tassone Patrick , Dooley Laura M. , Galloway Tabitha I. , Zitsch Robert P.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Compare the rates of post‐operative chyle leak following therapeutic lateral neck dissection during treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) versus squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 226 consecutive neck dissections in 201 patients who underwent therapeutic neck dissection involving at least levels II‐IV with a final pathologic diagnosis of mucosal SCC of the head and neck or PTC from 2010 to 2020. Specific cases of chyle leak were reviewed. Surgical factors associated with chyle leak were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Duration of chyle leak was assessed by the Kaplan–Meier curve, and time‐to‐resolution was analyzed by Cox proportional hazard analysis.

Results

Postoperative chyle leak was encountered in 15 (6.6%) neck dissections, eight (12.3%) in PTC, and seven (4.3%) in SCC. High‐volume chyle leak and chyle leak requiring operative intervention were only encountered in neck dissections performed for PTC. Chyle leak was significantly associated with PTC on univariable analysis (OR 3.08, p = 0.037), but not on multivariable analysis (OR 1.35, p = 0.711). High‐volume chyle leak and the need for operative intervention were associated only with PTC patients (OR 23.6, p = 0.006; OR 18.09, p = 0.023 respectively). Median duration of chyle leak was 12.1 days among patients with SCC, and 20.5 days among patients with PTC (p = 0.089).

Conclusions

Among 201 patients undergoing therapeutic neck dissection, chyle leak was associated with PTC pathology on univariable but not multivariable analysis. However, high‐volume leaks and leaks requiring operative intervention only occurred among patients with PTC.

Level of evidence

level III Laryngoscope, 133:2959–2964, 2023