bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sharing land via keystone structure: Retaining naturally regenerated trees may efficiently benefit birds in plantations
Authors: Yamaura Yuichi , Unno Akira , Royle J. Andrew
Published: December 2022

Meeting food/wood demands with increasing human population and per‐capita consumption is a pressing conservation issue, and is often framed as a choice between land sparing and land sharing. Although most empirical studies comparing the efficacy of land sparing and sharing supported land sparing, land sharing may be more efficient if its performance is tested by rigorous experimental design and habitat structures providing crucial resources for various species—keystone structures—are clearly involved. We launched a manipulative experiment to retain naturally regenerated broad‐leaved trees when harvesting conifer plantations in central Hokkaido, northern Japan. We surveyed birds in harvested treatments, unharvested plantation controls, and natural forest references 1‐year before the harvest and for three consecutive postharvest years. We developed a hierarchical community model separating abundance and space use (territorial proportion overlapping treatment plots) subject to imperfect detection to assess population consequences of retention harvesting. Application of the model to our data showed that retaining some broad‐leaved trees increased the total abundance of forest birds over the harvest rotation cycle. Specifically, a preharvest survey showed that the amount of broad‐leaved trees increased forest bird abundance in a concave manner (i.e., in the form of diminishing returns). After harvesting, a small amount of retained broad‐leaved trees mitigated negative harvesting impacts on abundance, although retention harvesting reduced the space use. Nevertheless, positive retention effects on the postharvest bird density as the product of abundance and space use exhibited a concave form. Thus, small profit reductions were shown to yield large increases in forest bird abundance. The difference in bird abundance between clearcutting and low amounts of broad‐leaved tree retention increased slightly from the first to second postharvesting years. We conclude that retaining a small amount of broad‐leaved trees may be a cost‐effective on‐site conservation approach for the management of conifer plantations. The retention of 20–30 broad‐leaved trees per ha may be sufficient to maintain higher forest bird abundance than clearcutting over the rotation cycle. Retention approaches can be incorporated into management systems using certification schemes and best management practices. Developing an awareness of the roles and values of naturally regenerated trees is needed to diversify plantations.
Examining the existing definitions of wildland‐urban interface for California
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Li Shu , Nguyen Phu , Banerjee Tirtha
Published: December 2022

Past studies reported a drastic growth in the wildland–urban interface (WUI), the location where man‐made structures meet or overlap wildland vegetation. Fighting fire is difficult in the WUI due to the combination of wildland and structural fuels, and therefore, WUI areas are characterized by frequent damage and loss of structures from wildfires. Recent wildland fire policy has targeted fire prevention, evacuation planning, fuel treatment, and home hardening in WUI areas. Therefore, it is important to understand the occurrence of wildfire events relative to the location of the WUI. In this work, we have reported the occurrences of wildfires with respect to the WUI and quantified how much of the WUI is on complex topography in California, which intensifies fire behavior and complicates fire suppression. We have additionally analyzed the relative importance of WUI‐related parameters, such as housing density, vegetation density, and distance to wildfires, as well as topographic factors, such as slope, elevation, aspect, and surface roughness, on the occurrence of large and small wildfires and the burned area of large wildfires near the WUI. We found that a very small percentage of wildfire ignition points and large wildfire‐burned areas (>400 ha or 1000 acres) were located in the WUI areas. A small percentage of large wildfires were encountered in WUI (3%), and the WUI area accounted for only 4% of the area burned, which increased to 5% and 56%, respectively, outside WUI (5‐km buffer from WUI). Similarly, 66% of fires ignited outside WUI, whereas only 3.6% ignited within WUI. Results from this study have implications for fuel management and infrastructure hardening, as well as for fire suppression and community response.
Amorphous Electrode: From Synthesis to Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Li Yu , Chen Zhen , Liu Qian , Chen Qingguo , Chen Minghua
Published: December 2022

Electrochemical batteries and supercapacitors are considered ideal rechargeable technologies for next‐generation energy storage systems. The key to further commercial applications of electrochemical energy storage devices is the design and investigation of electrode materials with high energy density and significant cycling stability. Recently, amorphous materials have attracted a lot of attention due to their more defects and structure flexibility, opening up a new way for electrochemical energy storage. In this perspective, we summarize the recent research regarding amorphous materials for electrochemical energy storage. This review covers the advantages and features of amorphous materials, the synthesis strategies to prepare amorphous materials, as well as the application and modification of amorphous electrodes in energy storage fields. Finally, the challenges and prospective remarks for future development in amorphous materials for electrochemical energy storage are concluded.
Guidelines for DC preparation and flow cytometry analysis of mouse lymphohematopoietic tissues
Authors: Amon Lukas , Dudziak Diana , Backer Ronald A. , Clausen Björn E. , Gmeiner Christina , Heger Lukas , Jacobi Lukas , Lehmann Christian H. K. , Probst Hans‐Christian , Seichter Anna , Tchitashvili Giorgi , Tochoedo Nounagnon Romaric , Trapaidze Lizi , Vurnek Damir
Published: December 2022

This article is part of the Dendritic Cell Guidelines article series, which provides a collection of state‐of‐the‐art protocols for the preparation, phenotype analysis by flow cytometry, generation, fluorescence microscopy, and functional characterization of mouse and human DC from lymphoid organs, and various non‐lymphoid tissues. Within this chapter, detailed protocols are presented that allow for the generation of single‐cell suspensions from mouse lymphohematopoietic tissues including spleen, peripheral lymph nodes, and thymus, with a focus on the subsequent analysis of DC by flow cytometry. However, prepared single‐cell suspensions can be subjected to other applications including sorting and cellular enrichment procedures, RNA sequencing, Western blotting, and many more. While all protocols were written by experienced scientists who routinely use them in their work, this article was also peer‐reviewed by leading experts and approved by all co‐authors, making it an essential resource for basic and clinical DC immunologists.
Regulatory T cells as a therapeutic approach for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Laukova Marcela , Glatman Zaretsky Arielle
Published: December 2022

Foxp3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells suppress inflammation and are essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis. A growing appreciation of tissue‐specific Treg functions has built interest in leveraging the endogenous suppressive mechanisms of these cells into cellular therapeutics in organ‐specific diseases. Notably, Treg cells play a critical role in maintaining the intestinal environment. As a barrier site, the gut requires Treg cells to mediate interactions with the microbiota, support barrier integrity, and regulate the immune system. Without fully functional Treg cells, intestinal inflammation and microbial dysbiosis ensue. Thus, there is a particular interest in developing Treg cellular therapies for intestinal inflammatory disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This article reviews some of the critical pathways that are dysregulated in IBD, Treg cell mechanisms of suppression, and the efforts and approaches in the field to develop these cells as a cellular therapy for IBD.
Heteroleptic Square Planar Cobalt(I/II) Complexes
Authors: Gao Yafei , Lee Wei‐Tsung , Carta Veronica , Chen Chun‐Hsing , Telser Joshua , Smith Jeremy M.
Published: December 2022

Reduction of the cobalt(II) chloride complex, Ph2B(tBuIm)2Co(THF)Cl (1) in the presence of tBuN≡C affords the diamagnetic, square planar cobalt(I) complex Ph2B(tBuIm)2Co(C≡NtBu)2 (2). This is a rare example of a 16‐electron cobalt(I) complex that is structurally related to square planar noble metal complexes. Accordingly, the electronic structure of 2, as calculated by DFT, reveals that the HOMO is largely dz2 in character. Complex 2 is readily oxidized to its cobalt(II) congener [Ph2B(tBuIm)2Co(C=NtBu)2]BPh4 (3‐BPh4), whose EPR spectral parameters are characteristic of low‐spin d7 with an unpaired electron in an orbital of dz2 parentage. This is also consistent with the results of DFT calculations. Despite its 16‐electron configuration and the dz2 parentage of the HOMO, the only tractable reactions of 2 involve one electron oxidation to afford 3.
Ir‐Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation and Alkylation of Aldehydes and Ketones Using Ethanol as the Hydrogen Source
Authors: Yadav Suman , Rao Kuram Malleswara
Published: December 2022

Bio‐derived ethanol is a promising green and sustainable hydrogen‐donor solvent. Herein, we have developed Ir‐catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of ketones and aldehydes using ethanol as a hydrogen source with amides as simple ligands. Furthermore, the alkylation of ketones and tandem alkylation/transfer hydrogenation of acetophenones is reported with ethanol.
Oxidative Coupling of 4‐Hydroxycoumarins with Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones Induced by Visible Light under Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Laze Loris , Romero Paula , Bosque Irene , Gonzalez‐Gomez Jose C.
Published: December 2022

Direct and selective C(sp2)−H/C(sp2)−H cross‐dehydrogenative coupling has become a promising strategy to increase molecular complexity with a high atom economy. This study describes an efficient and straightforward protocol for the regioselective C3‐H/C3‐H cross‐coupling of 4‐hydroxycoumarin derivatives with quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones, including late‐stage modification of natural drugs, promoted by visible light under aerobic conditions at room temperature. With this approach, a wide range of hybrid drug‐like molecules were prepared, using air as the terminal oxidant. Remarkably, the C4‐OH group at the coumarin ring is essential for the reaction and has been used as a handle for diverse functionalizations of the final products. Moreover, sunlight can promote the reaction under very mild and sustainable conditions, even on a gram scale. Qualitative and semi‐quantitative tools were used to demonstrate the greenness advance of this methodology over previously reported ones. Several experiments were conducted to propose a plausible mechanism for this transformation.
Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland: A population‐based study with emphasis on re‐recurrence and malignant transformation
Authors: Xu Wanlin , Zhang Xu , Wu Yifan , Zhu Yun , Liu Shengwen , Lu Hao , Yang Wenjun
Published: December 2022

Background

This study aimed to analyze the prognostic determinants for re‐recurrence and malignant transformation of parotid recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (RPA).

Methods

Between January 2011 and December 2020, all the cases of RPA of the parotid gland at our single institution were reviewed.

Results

A total of 168 patients were included in this study, with a median age of 41.5 years, and 20 (11.9%) patients developed re‐recurrence during follow‐up. It has been evidenced that recurrence times (single or multiple) was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence‐free survival (p = 0.0264). A total of 26 (15.48%) patients experienced malignant transformation of parotid RPA, and older age (>45 year old), male sex, and higher clinical tumor staging (T3–T4) were significantly associated with malignant transformation of parotid RPA.

Conclusions

Recurrence times was an independent prognostic factor for re‐recurrence of parotid RPA, and older male with high T‐stage may more easily develop malignant transformation.
Synthesis of the Multidrug Reversal Agent Ko143 and Its Parent Natural Product Fumitremorgin C
Authors: Zechner Melanie , Altmann Karl‐Heinz
Published: December 2022

Ko143 is a tetracyclic, synthetic analog of the fungal metabolite fumitremorgin C. Ko143 is a potent and specific inhibitor of the membrane‐bound efflux transporter ABCG2, and it reverses ABCG2‐mediated drug resistance in cancer cells. Here, we describe an improved synthesis of Ko143 that relies on the highly selective, substrate‐controlled reduction of an imine that is formed in a Bischler–Napieralski reaction with the amide derived from 6‐methoxy‐l‐tryptophan methyl ester and isovaleric acid as a key step. We have also developed a new route to 6‐methoxy‐l‐tryptophan methyl ester from Cbz‐l‐aspartic acid methyl ester, m‐anisidine and differently substituted benzaldehydes. With p‐nitrobenzaldehyde as one of the starting materials, this route gave access to 6‐methoxy‐l‐tryptophan methyl ester in five steps and 20 % overall yield; however, it is less efficient than a previously reported synthesis of 6‐methoxy‐l‐tryptophan methyl ester from 6‐methoxy indole.
Adoptees relearning their heritage languages: A postcolonial reading of language and dialogue in transnational adoption
Authors: Sacré Hari Prasad Adhikari , Cawayu Atamhi , Clemente‐Martínez Chandra Kala
Published: December 2022

This theoretical article reflects on a recent development in adult literacy studies: transnational adoptees relearning their heritage languages. Literacy and adoption scholars have studied the replacement of the heritage language with a second language and reported it as a permanent loss. Returning to the country of origin, return adoptees challenge such notion by relearning the heritage language as part of their homecoming. We explore how this heritage language relearning could be seen as a renegotiation of the language hierarchies between the adoptive community and the community of origin of languages in the relationship between the adoptive region and the region of origin. Building on Gayatri Chakrabarty Spivak’s “Enabling Violation” concept, we deploy a postcolonial perspective on understanding heritage language relearning in transnational adoptees. We discuss how language relearning can challenge and reproduce the asymmetrical relation between adoptees’ position in the Global North and their first families in the Global South. We argue that heritage language relearning can open the door for adoptees to engage with transnational literacy, carving out global learning trajectories and reconnecting their adoptive and first world. The last section of this article discusses adoption organisations’ dialectic response to this shift by partaking in the organisation of heritage language classes for adoptees. We argue that adult education centres and literacy educators can play a pivotal role in further institutionalising these heritage language classes for transnational adoptees.
The effectiveness of phototherapy for surface decontamination against SARS‐Cov‐2. A systematic review
Authors: Oliveira Susyane Vieira de , Neves Filipe Danilo das , Santos Daniela Carvalho dos , Monteiro Mariana Bernardes Batista , Spanghero Maristela S. , Motta Beatriz Nascimento , Oliveira Igor Pereira de , Rodrigues Maria Fernanda Setúbal Destro , Franco Adriana Lino dos Santos , Cecatto Rebeca Boltes
Published: December 2022

COVID‐19 appeared in December 2019, needing efforts of science. Besides, a range of light therapies (photodynamic therapy, ultraviolet [UV], laser) has shown scientific alternatives to conventional decontamination therapies. Investigating the efficacy of light‐based therapies for environment decontamination against SARS‐CoV2, a PRISMA systematic review of Phototherapies against SARS‐CoV or MERS‐CoV species discussing changes in viral RT‐PCR was done. After searching MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Literatura Latino‐Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde we have found studies about cell cultures irradiation (18), blood components irradiation (10), N95 masks decontamination (03), inanimate surface decontamination (03), aerosols decontamination (03), hospital rooms irradiation (01) with PDT, LED, and UV therapy. The best quality results showed an effective low time and dose UV irradiation for environments and inanimate surfaces without human persons as long as the devices have safety elements dependent on the surfaces, viral charge, humidity, radiant exposure. To interpersonal contamination in humans, PDT or LED therapy seems very promising and are encouraged.
Hsa_circ_0092887 targeting miR‐490‐5p/UBE2T promotes paclitaxel resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Limei , Zhang Zhiyong , Tian Hui
Published: December 2022

Background

Chemoresistance is a major contributing factor to cancer treatment failure. Emerging research reveals that circular RNA (circRNA) dysregulation is implicated in chemoresistance. Our current study aimed to investigate the involvement of hsa_circ_0092887 in paclitaxel (PTX) resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

RT‐qPCR as well as western blotting were used for the analysis of hsa_circ_0092887, miR‐490‐5p and UBE2T expression in PTX‐resistant NSCLC tumor tissues and cells. CCK‐8 assay was done to determine the IC50 value of PTX. CCK‐8 assay, wound healing assay, analysis of apoptosis related proteins (Bax and Bcl‐2), and xenograft mouse models were utilized to investigate the role of hsa_circ_0092887 in PTX‐resistance in NSCLC. The binding sites of miR‐490‐5p to hsa_circ_0092887 or UBE2T were predicted by bioinformatics tools and were verified by RIP and dual‐luciferase assays.

Results

Expression of hsa_Circ_0092887 was upregulated in NSCLC tumor samples/cell lines, and its expression was also higher in PTX‐resistant tumor samples/cell lines when compared with their respective controls. Silencing of hsa_circ_0092887 in PTX‐treated NSCLC cells inhibited cell proliferation and migration, induced apoptosis, and suppressed tumor growth in xenograft mouse models in vivo. MiR‐490‐5p was a direct target of hsa_circ_0092887, and UBE2T was a functional downstream target of hsa_circ_0092887/miR‐490‐5p axis. Hsa_circ_0092887 depletion‐induced anti‐cancer effects in PTX‐treated NSCLC cells were reversed by miR‐490‐5p inhibitor. Furthermore, inhibition of miR‐490‐5p strengthened UBE2T expression, thereby attenuating the anti‐cancer effects caused by UBE2T knockdown.

Conclusion

Hsa_circ_0092887 depletion alleviated PTX‐resistance in NSCLC cells via modulating the miR‐490‐5p/UBE2T axis, and the targeted management of hsa_circ_0092887‐mediated signaling axis might contribute to PTX‐resistance intervention in NSCLC.
The association between serum anion gap and all‐cause mortality of unselected adult patients: A retrospective cohort study of >20,000 patients
Authors: Ji Xuan , Peng Shixuan
Published: December 2022

Background

Even though the serum anion gap (AG) is frequently measured in clinical practice, there is not much research that has examined long‐term mortality in unselected adult patients. Our study's objective was to investigate how serum anion gap levels could be used to predict death in unselected participants.

Methods

The relationship between baseline serum AG levels and short‐, intermediate‐, and long‐term all‐cause mortality in unselected adult patients is examined using the Cox proportional risk analysis, smoothed curve fitting, subgroup analysis, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves.

Results

After screening the database using the appropriate method, a total of 26,270 patients were enrolled in our study for the final data analysis. Our study used smoothed curve fit plots and COX proportional risk regression models incorporating cubic spline functions to evaluate the association between AG levels and all‐cause mortality in a non‐selected population, and the results indicated a non‐linear relationship. In the fully adjusted model, we found that AG levels were positively associated with 30‐day, 90‐day, 365‐day, and 4‐year all‐cause mortality in unselected adult patients with HRs of 1.08 95% CIs (1.06, 1.09); 1.08 95% CIs (1.06, 1.09); 1.08 95% CIs (1.07, 1.08); 1.07 95% CIs (1.06, 1.07).

Conclusion

Serum anion gap levels were positively correlated with all‐cause mortality in unselected adult patients, with increasing levels of serum anion gap increasing patient mortality.
High eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2 expression predicts poor prognosis and may participate in the SNHG16/miR‐10b‐5p/EIF5A2 regulatory axis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ye Shuang , Wang Dan , Jin Ming , Du Juan , Chen Xue , Zhang Hui , Zhou Chongchang , Fang Shuai , Liu Kaitai
Published: December 2022

Background

This study attempted to investigate the significance of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2) in the prognosis and regulatory network of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

EIF5A2 expression, prognostic information, and methylation levels of HNSCC were collected from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot analyses were performed to determine EIF5A2 levels in HNSCC and normal tissue samples. R software was employed for expression analysis and prognosis assessment of EIF5A2 in HNSCC. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was generated with the starBase database. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to determine the enriched physiological functions and network related to high expression of EIF5A2 in HNSCC. Immune infiltration‐related outcomes were acquired from the CIBERSORT and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database.

Results

EIF5A2 overexpression was observed in HNSCC and linked to poor progression‐free survival and overall survival time. Cox regression analyses showed that EIF5A2 level was a stand‐alone indicator of HNSCC patients' prognosis. A ceRNA network analysis highlighted the SNHG16/miR‐10b‐5p/EIF5A2 axis in EIF5A2 regulation. The GSEA results indicated that EIF5A2 was involved in complex signaling pathways. The CIBERSORT and TIMER databases revealed significant associations between EIF5A2 expression and immune cell infiltration.

Conclusion

EIF5A2 overexpression may be a risk factor for prognosis in HNSCC and may be regulated by the SNHG16/miR‐10b‐5p/EIF5A2 axis.
Measuring general mental health in early‐mid adolescence: A systematic meta‐review of content and psychometrics
Authors: Black Louise , Panayiotou Margarita , Humphrey Neil
Published: December 2022

Background

Adolescent mental health is a major concern and brief general self‐report measures can facilitate insight into intervention response and epidemiology via large samples. However, measures' relative content and psychometrics are unclear.

Method

A systematic search of systematic reviews was conducted to identify relevant measures. We searched PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, COSMIN, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Theoretical domains were described, and item content was coded and analysed, including via the Jaccard index to determine measure similarity. Psychometric properties were extracted and rated using the COSMIN system.

Results

We identified 22 measures from 19 reviews, which considered general mental health (GMH) (positive and negative aspects together), life satisfaction, quality of life (mental health subscales only), symptoms, and wellbeing. Measures were often classified inconsistently within domains at the review level. Only 25 unique indicators were found and several indicators were found across the majority of measures and domains. Most measure pairs had low Jaccard indexes, but 6.06% of measure pairs had >50% similarity (most across two domains). Measures consistently tapped mostly emotional content but tended to show thematic heterogeneity (included more than one of emotional, cognitive, behavioural, physical and social themes). Psychometric quality was generally low.

Conclusions

Brief adolescent GMH measures have not been developed to sufficient standards, likely limiting robust inferences. Researchers and practitioners should attend carefully to specific items included, particularly when deploying multiple measures. Key considerations, more promising measures, and future directions are highlighted.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42020184350 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020184350.
Effect of electrified surface casing on the interference characteristics of stray current generated by deep‐well anode beds
Authors: Cen Kang , Dai Minxue , Huang Xiayu , Han Zongzhi , Dong Chunjuan , Li Renke
Published: December 2022

Currently, the impressed current cathodic protection with deep‐well anode beds has been found that the surface casing was charged. In this study, 13 deep‐well anode beds were selected randomly to investigate whether their surface casings were electrified. Possible causes of the electrification of surface casings are also discussed. A numerical model for simulating the geoelectric field of a representative deep‐well anode bed with an electrified surface casing was established and validated by data from on‐site testing. The difference in the interference characteristics between situations with charged and uncharged casings was also discussed. The results showed that 30.7% of deep‐well anode beds had electrified surface casings. The leading root causes may be that the anode cable had been damaged unexpectedly during the construction process or the electrical resistance between the anodes and the surface casing had been reduced dramatically. The peak potential gradient and comprehensive interference intensity were about 20 times and 3–6 times, respectively, those in situations where the casing was uncharged. A polyvinyl chloride surface casing is, therefore, recommended in deep‐well anode beds. Reliable electrical insulation should be implemented if steel casings are used. Furthermore, regular electrification tests on steel surface casings should be conducted during completion acceptance and daily operation.
SNORD60 promotes the tumorigenesis and progression of endometrial cancer through binding PIK3CA and regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Wu , Chen Xi , Liu Xin , Bao Hai‐juan , Li Qian‐hui , Xian Jing‐yuan , Lu Bing‐feng , Zhao Yang , Chen Shuo
Published: December 2022

Endometrial carcinoma is a common gynecological malignant tumor, small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are involved in cancer development. However, researches on the roles of snoRNAs in endometrial carcinoma are limited. The expression levels of snoRNAs in endometrial cancer tissues were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and plasmids were used for transfection. Moreover, CCK‐8, EdU, wound‐healing assay, transwell, cell apoptosis, western blotting, and xenograft model were employed to examine the biological functions of related molecules. real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to detect messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. Including bioinformatics, fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA pulldown, actinomycin D and RTL‐P assays were also carried out to explore the molecular mechanism. Analysis of data from TCGA showed that the expression level of small nucleolar RNA, C/D box 60 (SNORD60) in endometrial cancer tissues is observably higher than that in normal endometrial tissues. Further research suggested that SNORD60 played a carcinogenic role both in vitro and in vivo, and significantly upregulated the expression of PIK3CA. However, the carcinogenic effects can be reversed by knocking down fibrillarin (FBL) or PIK3CA. SNORD60 forms complexes by binding with 2′‐O‐methyltransferase fibrillarin, thus catalyzes the 2′‐O‐methylation (Nm) modification of PIK3CA mRNA and modulates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, so as to promote the development of endometrial cancer. In short, SNORD60 might become a new biomarker for the therapy of endometrial cancer in the future and provide new strategies for diagnosis and treatment.
Microfluidic contact lenses for ocular diagnostics and drug delivery
Authors: Torun Hulya , Fazla Bartu , Arman Samaneh , Ozdalgic Berin , Yetisen Ali K. , Tasoglu Savas
Published: December 2022

The human eye and tear provide essential physiological information for the detection of ocular dysfunctions and therapy monitoring. The measurements of biomarkers in tear composition are critical for disease diagnosis and early interventions. Hence, significant efforts are dedicated to the development of functional contact lenses that can quantify tear analytes and ocular physiological condition. The combination of microfluidics and contact lens technologies offer real‐time monitoring of ocular physiology and timely detection of eye disorders through wireless components. This review discusses the fundamentals of microfluidic contact lenses and their diverse applications in ophthalmic diagnostics and drug delivery. It also elucidates the strategies for the commercialization of microfluidic contact lenses to create clinical and point‐of‐care products.
Does an educational video for aneuploidy screening improve informed choice among pregnant women? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Xian Lim Karen Mei , Lewis Celine , Wong Hung Chew , Chong Glenda Sze Ling , Gosavi Arundhati , Choolani Mahesh Arjandas
Published: December 2022

Background

Poor knowledge and the lack of deliberation have been cited as reasons for women making uninformed choices about aneuploidy screening. Adequate pre‐test counselling is of particular importance where non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) is being increasingly offered as a primary screening test.

Design

Women attending the antenatal clinic with a singleton pregnancy below 14 weeks were randomised to receive routine counselling or the intervention—a 16‐min educational video on aneuploidy screening before their consult. The primary outcome, rate of informed choice, was assessed using an adapted multidimensional measure of informed choice questionnaire, where informed choice was defined as good knowledge and value‐consistent behaviour. Secondary outcomes included informed choice with deliberation, decisional conflict and anxiety.

Results

Two hundred and eighty‐six women were recruited. 69.8% of women in the intervention group made an informed choice compared with 53.6% in the control group (Risk Ratio [RR] 1.30, p = 0.014). A significantly higher number of women in the intervention group had good knowledge compared to controls (81% vs. 60.9%; RR 1.33, p = 0.001). Decisional conflict did not differ between groups, but women in the intervention group had higher anxiety scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study intervention was effective in helping women make informed choice. Qualitative studies to determine the reason for increased anxiety are needed.

Trial registration

Trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NCT05492981.
Registration of ‘CP 14‐1490’ sugarcane
Authors: Momotaz Aliya , Baltazar Miguel , Coto Arbelo Orlando , Davidson R. Wayne , Islam MD S. , Sandhu Hardev , Zhao Duli , Sood Sushma , Gordon Vanessa S.
Published: December 2022

‘CP 14‐1490’ (Reg. no. CV‐212, PI 700785), a sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp) cultivar, was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA‐ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc. The Florida Sugarcane Variety Committee released CP 14‐1490 in June 2021 to growers for commercial cultivation on organic (muck) soils. It originated from a cross made at Canal Point (CP) on 29 Nov. 2011, where ‘CP 04‐1844’ (PI 664935) was the female parent, and the male parent was ‘CPCL 02‐8021’. CP 14‐1490 was released for its high sugar yields; acceptable commercial recoverable sucrose (though it had significantly lower cane yield at the second ratoon); resistances to Sugarcane mosaic virus strain E (mosaic) and ratoon stunt disease (caused by Clavibacter xyli subsp. xyli Davis et al.); moderate resistances to brown [caused by Puccinia melanocephala (H. & P. Sydow)] and orange rusts [caused by Puccinia kuehnii (Kruger) E. Butler], and leaf scald [caused by Xanthomonas albilineans (Ashby) Dowson]; and moderate susceptibility to smut [caused by Sporisorium scitamineum (Syd., M. Piepenbr., M. Stoll & Oberw)]. Yield data of CP 14‐1490 and reference checks (i.e., ‘CP 00‐1101’ [PI 651881], ‘CP 96‐1252’ [PI 634935], ‘CPCL 05‐1201’ [PI 672485]) were collected from 15 harvests (i.e., three crop cycles [plant cane, first and second ratoon] at five organic‐soil locations in final‐stage replicated yield trials. There was no significant difference in cane yield with all tested reference checks and no significant difference in sugar yield with CP 00‐1101 and CPCL 05‐1201. When compared to CP 96‐1252, CP 14‐1490 had significantly (P ≤ .05) higher sucrose yield (19.2%) and commercial recoverable sucrose (5%). CP 14‐1490 rated moderately tolerant to freezing among 23 tested genotypes.
Conditional gene regulation models demonstrate a pro‐proliferative role for growth hormone receptor in prostate cancer
Authors: Unterberger Christopher J. , McIlwain Sean J. , Tsourkas Philippos K. , Maklakova Vilena I. , Prince Jordyn L. , Onesti Abigail , Hu Rong , Kopchick John J. , Swanson Steven M. , Marker Paul C.
Published: December 2022

Background

Humans with inactivating mutations in growth hormone receptor (GHR) have lower rates of cancer, including prostate cancer. Similarly, mice with inactivating Ghr mutations are protected from prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia in the C3(1)/TAg prostate cancer model. However, gaps in clinical relevance in those models persist. The current study addresses these gaps and the ongoing role of Ghr in prostate cancer using loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function models.

Methods

Conditional Ghr inactivation was achieved in the C3(1)/TAg model by employing a tamoxifen‐inducible Cre and a prostate‐specific Cre. In parallel, a transgenic GH antagonist was also used. Pathology, proliferation, and gene expression of 6‐month old mouse prostates were assessed. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data was conducted to identify GHR overexpression in a subset of human prostate cancers. Ghr overexpression was modeled in PTEN‐P2 and TRAMP‐C2 mouse prostate cancer cells using stable transfectants. The growth, proliferation, and gene expression effects of Ghr overexpression was assessed in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Loss‐of‐function for Ghr globally or in prostatic epithelial cells reduced proliferation and stratification of the prostatic epithelium in the C3(1)/TAg model. Genes and gene sets involved in the immune system and tumorigenesis, for example, were dysregulated upon global Ghr disruption. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed higher GHR expression in human prostate cancers with ERG‐fusion genes or ETV1‐fusion genes. Modeling the GHR overexpression observed in these human prostate cancers by overexpressing Ghr in mouse prostate cancer cells with mutant Pten or T‐antigen driver genes increased proliferation of prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Ghr overexpression regulated the expression of multiple genes oppositely to Ghr loss‐of‐function models.

Conclusions

Loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function Ghr models, including prostatic epithelial cell specific alterations in Ghr, altered proliferation, and gene expression. These data suggest that changes in GHR activity in human prostatic epithelial cells play a role in proliferation and gene regulation in prostate cancer, suggesting the potential for disrupting GH signaling, for example by the FDA approved GH antagonist pegvisomant, may be beneficial in treating prostate cancer.
Untargeted lipidomics reveals lipid metabolism disorders induced by oxathiapiprolin in Phytophthora sojae
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Li Chengcheng , Chen Yue , Xue Ziwei , Miao Jianqiang , Liu Xili
Published: December 2022

Background

Oxathiapiprolin, an oxysterol‐binding protein inhibitor (OSBPI), shows unexceptionable inhibitory activity against plant pathogenic oomycetes. FRAC (Fungicide Resistance Action Committee) classifies it into the mode of action group F9 (lipid homeostasis and transfer/storage), but very little is known about the lipid metabolism of oomycete pathogens when subjected to oxathiapiprolin.

Results

In this study, seven lipid categories and 1435 lipid molecules were identified in Phytophthora sojae, among which glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids account for 30.10%, 50.59%, and 7.28%, respectively. These lipids were categorized into 31 subclasses, which varied to different extents when treated with oxathiapiprolin. A total of 11 lipid subclasses showed significant changes. Among them, 10 lipid subclasses, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), ceramide (Cer), triglyceride (TG), (o‐acyl)‐1‐hydroxy fatty acid, diglycosylceramide, sphingoshine (So), and sitosterol ester, were significantly up‐regulated, while digalactosyldiacylglycerol was the only lipid that was significantly down‐regulated by a factor of almost three. These lipid molecules were further analyzed at the lipid species level. A total of 542 species were significantly altered when treated with oxathiapiprolin, including 212 glycerolipids [186 TG and 26 diglycerides (DG)], 167 glycerophospholipids (38 PC, 15 LPC, 19 LPE, seven PS, etc.), 156 sphingolipids (146 Cer, four So, etc.), and some other lipid molecules. Finally, from the orthogonal partial least‐squares discrimination analysis model, variable importance for the projection score analysis showed that Cer, TG, and some glycerophospholipids contribute to the metabolic disorder when subjected to oxathiapiprolin.

Conclusion

Glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids in P. sojae undergo significant changes with oxathiapiprolin treatment. These results provided valuable information for further understanding the function of the target protein and the mode of action of OSBPIs in oomycetes. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Reduction in Residual Impurities in Chemical Vapor Deposition–Grown Hexagonal Boron Nitride Thin Films
Authors: Yamada Hisashi
Published: December 2022

The residual impurities in chemical vapor deposition (CVD)‐grown hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) on Al2O3 substrate grown by CVD using BN‐molded susceptor with B2H6 as a boron precursor are investigated. The Si, C, and O residual impurities of 2.6 × 1016, 3.4 × 1018, and 2.0 × 1017 cm−3 are achieved. These concentrations are two orders of magnitude lower than those when grown on the SiC‐coated graphite susceptor using trimethylboron (TMB) and the lowest values in the CVD‐grown h‐BN thin films. The cathodoluminescence spectrum has 5.5 eV as a broad peak and 4 eV as several peaks. The free excitonic recombination at the higher energy emission (5.79 eV) is owing to the reduction in residual impurities. The absorption coefficient of 1 × 104 cm−1 is observed in the energy range below 5 eV only when using the SiC‐coated graphite susceptor, which is most probably associated with Si contamination in the BN layer. The negligible absorption coefficient when using the BN‐molded susceptor presents high‐purity h‐BN signature.
Dealing with confounding in observational studies: A scoping review of methods evaluated in simulation studies with single‐point exposure
Authors: Varga Anita Natalia , Guevara Morel Alejandra Elizabeth , Lokkerbol Joran , van Dongen Johanna Maria , van Tulder Maurits Willem , Bosmans Judith Ekkina
Published: December 2022

The aim of this article was to perform a scoping review of methods available for dealing with confounding when analyzing the effect of health care treatments with single‐point exposure in observational data. We aim to provide an overview of methods and their performance assessed by simulation studies indexed in PubMed. We searched PubMed for simulation studies published until January 2021. Our search was restricted to studies evaluating binary treatments and binary and/or continuous outcomes. Information was extracted on the methods' assumptions, performance, and technical properties. Of 28,548 identified references, 127 studies were eligible for inclusion. Of them, 84 assessed 14 different methods (ie, groups of estimators that share assumptions and implementation) for dealing with measured confounding, and 43 assessed 10 different methods for dealing with unmeasured confounding. Results suggest that there are large differences in performance between methods and that the performance of a specific method is highly dependent on the estimator. Furthermore, the methods' assumptions regarding the specific data features also substantially influence the methods' performance. Finally, the methods result in different estimands (ie, target of inference), which can even vary within methods. In conclusion, when choosing a method to adjust for measured or unmeasured confounding it is important to choose the most appropriate estimand, while considering the population of interest, data structure, and whether the plausibility of the methods' required assumptions hold.
Joint regression modelling of intensity and timing of accelerometer counts
Authors: Geraci Marco
Published: December 2022

Accelerometers are commonly used in human medical and public health research to measure physical movement, which is relevant in a wide range of studies, from physical activity and sleep behaviours studies, to identification of movement patterns in people affected by diseases of the locomotor system and prediction of risk of injury in high performance sports. The accelerometer output provides the intensity (activity count) and timing (timestamp) of the movement, which can be used to define bouts of activity (periods of sustained movement of a given intensity). In some contexts, it may be important to include both dimensions to obtain a broader and deeper understanding of the phenomenon under study. Such is the case of a large‐scale epidemiological investigation on the daily and weekly physical activity behaviours of school‐aged children enrolled in the UK Millennium Cohort Study, which has motivated the present article. I present a statistical approach to joint modelling of intensity and timing of activity bouts that takes advantage of the circular nature of the timing. The model, which accounts for the longitudinal structure of the observations, is remarkably simple to implement using standard statistical software.
Catecholase Activity of a Mn(III) Complex: An Approach through1H‐NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Rekha Tripathy Rashmi , Jana Samaresh , Kumar Maji Sanjoy , Sarkar Sohini
Published: December 2022

A mononuclear Mn(III) complex, [MnIIIL(Cl)], has been synthesized using a newly explored Schiff base ligand, H2L. Both of them have been characterized by single crystal X‐ray crystallography, UV‐Vis spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy. Interestingly the complex behaved as a model of catechol oxidase toward oxidation of 3,5‐Di‐tert‐butyl catechol to the corresponding quinone. The progress of the oxidation process has been monitored with the help of 1H‐NMR spectroscopy after stirring the reaction mixture in methanol for 2 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours and 48 hours at room temperature. NMR spectral data confirmed completion of the process after 48 hours. Kinetic investigations were carried out in two different solvents, methanol‐water mixture and acetonitrile to check the effect of solvent on the rate of reaction, if any. A greater turnover number was obtained in acetonitrile than methanol‐water medium.
Inserting Single‐Atom Zn by Tannic Acid Confinement To Regulate the Selectivity of Pd Nanocatalysts for Hydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Zhang Sha‐Sha , Yi Jun , Cao Tai , Guan Jian‐Ping , Sun Jia‐Qiang , Zhao Qin‐Ying , Qiu Ya‐Jun , Ye Chen‐Liang , Xiong Yu , Meng Ge , Chen Wei , Lin Zhou , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2022

Precisely controlling the selectivity of nanocatalysts has always been a hot topic in heterogeneous catalysis but remains difficult owing to their complex and inhomogeneous catalytic sites. Herein, an effective strategy to regulate the chemoselectivity of Pd nanocatalysts for selective hydrogenation reactions by inserting single‐atom Zn into Pd nanoparticles is reported. Taking advantage of the tannic acid coating‐confinement strategy, small‐sized Pd nanoparticles with inserted single‐atom Zn are obtained on the O‐doped carbon‐coated alumina. Compared with the pure Pd nanocatalyst, the Pd nanocatalyst with single‐atom Zn insertion exhibits prominent selectivity for the hydrogenation of p‐iodonitrobenzene to afford the hydrodeiodination product instead of nitro hydrogenation ones. Further computational studies reveal that the single‐atom Zn on Pd nanoparticles strengthens the adsorption of the nitro group to avoid its reduction and increases the d‐band center of Pd atoms to facilitate the reduction of the iodo group, which leads to enhanced selectivity. This work provides new guidelines to tune the selectivity of nanocatalysts with guest single‐atom sites.
Boosting the Areal Capacity of Titanium‐Manganese Single Flow Battery by Fe2+/Fe3+ Redox Mediator
Authors: Nan Mingjun , Wu Min , Liu Yuqin , Qiao Lin , Zhang Huamin , Ma Xiangkun
Published: December 2022

Aqueous manganese‐based flow batteries (AMFBs) have attracted great attention due to the advantages of low cost and environmental friendliness. Extending the cycle life of AMFBs has long been a challenging theme. The titanium‐manganese single‐flow batteries (TMSFB) are promising due to their special structure and electrolyte composition. However, TMSFB with high areal capacity faces capacity decay for unknown reasons. In this work, the capacity decay mechanism (accumulation and growth of MnO2) is clarified by a homemade in situ microscope system. Given that, a redox mediator of Fe2+/Fe3+ is specially designed to boost the areal capacity of TMSFB without side reaction. The directional promoting principle of the Fe2+/Fe3+ is elaborated in detail. Fe2+ chemically reacts with the residual MnO2 to form Fe3+, which is reduced to Fe2+ by the electrochemical reaction. And then Fe2+ continues reacting with MnO2 until MnO2 is consumed completely. As a result, the TMSFB with the areal capacity of ≈55 mA h cm−2 can stably operate at a current density of 40 mA cm−2, which is the highest areal capacity reported in aqueous manganese‐based batteries. This work provides a new strategy for boosting the capacity of manganese‐based batteries, shedding light on the improvement of other deposition‐type batteries.