bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Amygdala and Subregions at 3 Tesla: A Scoping Review
Authors: Foster Sheryl L. , Breukelaar Isabella A. , Ekanayake Kanchana , Lewis Sarah , Korgaonkar Mayuresh S.
Published: June 2023

The amygdalae are a pair of small brain structures, each of which is composed of three main subregions and whose function is implicated in neuropsychiatric conditions. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has been utilized extensively in investigation of amygdala activation and functional connectivity (FC) with most clinical research sites now utilizing 3 Tesla (3T) MR systems. However, accurate imaging and analysis remains challenging not just due to the small size of the amygdala, but also its location deep in the temporal lobe. Selection of imaging parameters can significantly impact data quality with implications for the accuracy of study results and validity of conclusions. Wide variation exists in acquisition protocols with spatial resolution of some protocols suboptimal for accurate assessment of the amygdala as a whole, and for measuring activation and FC of the three main subregions, each of which contains multiple nuclei with specialized roles. The primary objective of this scoping review is to provide a broad overview of 3T fMRI protocols in use to image the activation and FC of the amygdala with particular reference to spatial resolution. The secondary objective is to provide context for a discussion culminating in recommendations for a standardized protocol for imaging activation of the amygdala and its subregions. As the advantages of big data and protocol harmonization in imaging become more apparent so, too, do the disadvantages of data heterogeneity.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Reengineering professional services through automation, remote outsourcing, and task delegation
Authors: Sampson Scott E. , dos Santos Rebecca Pires
Published: June 2023

Digital technology has enabled significant productivity gains in many industries. Manufacturers have benefited from robotics, and service businesses have benefited from self‐service technologies. An area that has seen only meager productivity gains is professional services, such as healthcare, consulting, legal services, and higher education. Despite the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and other new technologies, professional services continue to be labor intensive with high labor costs. In 2021, Sampson published an empirically‐based framework suggesting that emerging technologies would allow professional services to improve productivity by automating some tasks with self‐service technologies, outsourcing some tasks to remote professionals, and delegating some tasks to semiprofessional workers. The underlying theory was that this restructuring hinges on the creative and interpersonal skill requirements of various tasks. Our research builds on Sampson's framework by modeling a professional service operation and studying the influence of task offloading on costs and quality. Our model involves discrete event simulation parameterized by empirical data. We consider labor costs, managerial costs, delay costs (including customer balking), and assessment costs. Results show contexts wherein increased task offloading can reduce costs with negligible impact on quality, suggesting great opportunities for reengineering professional services through increased automation, offshore outsourcing, and task delegation.
Nutrition dose in the early acute phase of critical illness: Finding the sweet spot and heeding the lessons from the NUTRIREA trials
Authors: Patel Jayshil J. , Rice Todd W. , Mundi Manpreet S. , Stoppe Christian , McClave Stephen A.
Published: June 2023

The landmark NUTRIREA‐2 and NUTRIREA‐3 trials compared the route and dose of nutrition, respectively, in critically ill patients with circulatory shock. The results of both trials support a “less‐is‐more” paradigm shift in the early acute phase of critical illness. In this review, the authors outline and appraise the results of the NUTRIREA‐2 and NUTRIREA‐3 trials, introduce the concept of identifying the “sweet spot” for nutrition dose based on severity of illness/nutrition risk and nutrition dose, and identify the unintended consequences of delivering full‐dose nutrition in sicker critically ill patients during the early acute phase of critical illness.
Sodium substitutes potassium requirements of sugar beet under saline–sodic conditions
Authors: Tayyab Muhammad , Sanaullah Muhammad , Wakeel Abdul
Published: June 2023

Background

Potassium (K) substitution by sodium (Na) in sugar beet nutrition has been investigated during the last two decades and promising results have been revealed. However, substitution is still not used in agriculture although it has been recommended that Na can replace K to a large degree, proposing an interesting fertilization strategy for such plants. This study investigates the feasibility of sugar beet production on saline–sodic soils considering Na as a substituent for K.

Aims

The aim of this study is to develop a fertilizer strategy considering Na concentration in saline–sodic soils as a partial substituent to K fertilizer and to determine the level of substitution.

Methods

Two saline–sodic soils (SAR15 and SAR19 representing sodium adsorption ratios 15 and 19 [mmol L–1]1/2, respectively) with low plant‐available K were selected to investigate the substitution of K fertilizer requirements with indigenous soil Na. A pot experiment was conducted with 20 kg soil per pot having four treatments, that is, KA: recommended K; KB: recommended K–K equivalent to 2.5% of soil Na; KC: recommended K–K equivalent to 5% of soil Na; and control without K fertilizer application were established mixing potassium sulfate (K2SO4) in the soil at the time of sugar beet sowing. The sugar beet plants were harvested 90 days after sowing.

Results

The results revealed that total plant biomass was significantly improved in KB as compared to KA. This indicates that K requirement of sugar beet was substituted by Na, and KB provided optimum results on SAR15 as compared SAR19 considering all other K combinations.

Conclusion

In sugar beet nutrition, K can be replaced by Na to a large degree on saline–sodic soils under K‐deficient conditions. Therefore, sugar beet production on marginal saline–sodic soil can be a win–win strategy boosting sugar beet production and reducing input cost.
Effects of different extraction methods on the phenolic profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the coffee grounds and coffee silverskin (Coffea arabica L.)
Authors: Inácio Heloisa Patrício , Santetti Gabriela Soster , Dacoreggio Marina Volpato , da Silva Haas Isabel Cristina , Baranzelli Julia , Emanuelli Tatiana , Hoff Rodrigo Barcellos , Kempka Aniela Pinto , Fritzen Freire Carlise Beddin , de Mello Castanho Amboni Renata Dias
Published: June 2023

Background

During coffee processing, a large volume of waste is generated. This study investigated the phenolic profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of coffee grounds and silverskin using different extraction methods.

Results

Ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE), enzyme‐assisted extraction (EAE), and ultrasound‐assisted enzyme extraction (UAEE) were effective for extraction of polyphenols, with UAE being the method that promoted the highest extraction of polyphenols. The coffee ground and coffee silverskin extracts showed high antioxidant capacity for the three methods ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC (4013.36–3241.89 μmol Trolox/g; 1.82–2.06 IC50 μg/mL; and 26.60–16.20 μmol Trolox/mL, respectively). The phenolic profile demonstrated that most of the compounds in both matrices were chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, 2,4‐DHBA, 2,5‐DHBA, and 3,4‐DHB. EAE promoted a greater release of polyphenols in the coffee ground (2676.42 μg/g), while UAEE was more effective for the coffee silverskin (2111.54 μg/g). The Principal Component Analysis grouped the samples according to the extraction method, based on their content and phenolic potential, for coffee ground and coffee silverskin. As for antibacterial activity, the most expressive result was for Gram‐positive bacteria. For both matrices, when extracted by the UAEE method, they presented the minimum inhibitory concentration to inhibit the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria monocytogenes.

Conclusion

The extraction methods used are environmentally safe alternatives, enabling the reuse of natural compounds and contributing to the circular economy, seeking to transform waste into raw material for the extraction of compounds of interest and possible subsequent application in agriculture as biofertilizers or bioherbicides.
Effect of abrocitinib and dupilumab on eosinophil levels in patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Staumont‐Sallé Delphine , Barbarot Sébastien , Bouaziz Jean David , Chan Chan , Clibborn Claire , Du‐Thanh Aurélie , Feeney Claire , Lejeune Alexandre , Misery Laurent , Nosbaum Audrey , Seneschal Julien , Soria Angèle , Zhang Fan
Published: June 2023

Background

Eosinophilia is common in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Abrocitinib, an oral Janus kinase‐1 inhibitor and dupilumab, an anti–interleukin‐4 receptor‐α antibody, are approved for moderate‐to‐severe AD. Dupilumab has been associated with transient eosinophilia.

Objectives

To assess the effect of abrocitinib and dupilumab on eosinophils in patients from the phase 3 JADE COMPARE (NCT03720470) and JADE EXTEND (NCT03422822) trials.

Methods

In JADE COMPARE, patients received once‐daily oral abrocitinib (200/100 mg), placebo or subcutaneous dupilumab (300 mg, biweekly) with background topical therapy. In the ongoing long‐term JADE EXTEND study (Data cutoff: April 22, 2020), dupilumab‐treated patients from JADE COMPARE received once‐daily abrocitinib (200/100 mg) with background topical therapy. The proportion of patients with eosinophilia and hypereosinophilia, and association of eosinophilia with clinical efficacy was assessed. Adverse events (AEs) were also assessed.

Results

Of the 837 patients in JADE COMPARE, 58 (25.7%), 47 (19.7%) and 51 (21.1%) had eosinophilia at baseline in the abrocitinib 200 mg, abrocitinib 100 mg and dupilumab groups, respectively. At Week 16, eosinophilia decreased with abrocitinib 200 mg (9.3%) and abrocitinib 100 mg (19.0%) but not dupilumab (21.5%); no cases of hypereosinophilia were observed with abrocitinib 200 mg compared with abrocitinib 100 mg (1.9%) and dupilumab (2.3%). Decreases in median eosinophil counts were greater with abrocitinib 200 mg (difference, −100/mm3) and abrocitinib 100 mg (−70/mm3) than dupilumab (+25/mm3) or placebo (+30/mm3) at Week 16. Similar trends were observed in patients with comorbid asthma and allergic rhinitis. Eosinophilia decreased from baseline to Week 12 in dupilumab‐treated patients who switched to abrocitinib in JADE EXTEND. Decreased eosinophil counts with abrocitinib correlated positively with improvements in AD severity, itch and sleep loss. No eosinophilia‐associated AEs occurred.

Conclusions

Abrocitinib decreased eosinophilia in patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD who had baseline eosinophilia. Resolution of eosinophilia was associated with abrocitinib clinical efficacy.
Intralesional and systemic rituximab in the treatment of primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Besch‐Stokes Jake G. , Shahin Ahmad , Bhullar Puneet , Hwang Angelina , Kechter Jacob , Puri Pranav , Butterfield Richard , Costello Collin , Rule William G. , Rosenthal Allison , DiCaudo David J. , Pittelkow Mark R. , Mangold Aaron R.
Published: June 2023

Background

Primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma (PCBCL) is a group of B‐cell lymphomas of the skin containing primary cutaneous follicle centre lymphoma (PCFCL) and marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma/lymphoproliferative disorder (PCMZL), which are indolent, and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL‐LT), which is aggressive.

Objectives

To evaluate treatment outcomes between PCBCL subtypes after treatment with rituximab and to compare the efficacy of intralesional against systemic rituximab in indolent subtypes.

Methods

A search for patients diagnosed with PCBCL and treated with rituximab (systemic or intralesional) across all Mayo Clinic sites was performed, yielding 39 patients.

Results

Eight patients had PCFCL (six treated intralesionally and two systemically), 11 had PCMZL (four intralesional, eight systemic with one dual‐treated) and 20 had PCDLBCL‐LT (all systemic). The average age at diagnosis was 62.1 years (SD = 15.1), with average follow‐up of 1852.6 days (SD = 1473.2). 69.2% of all patients treated with any form of rituximab experienced a complete response (100% PCFCL, 81.8% PCMZL and 50% PCDLBCL‐LT). When comparing all three subtypes, a significant difference was seen in overall treatment response (p = 0.022), and progressive disease rates (p = 0.015), but not in retreatment with rituximab (p = 0.440), time to retreatment (p = 0.757), recurrence (p = 0.907) or survival (p = 0.093). In the indolent subtypes, no difference in overall treatment response (p = 1.000), progressive disease rates (p = 1.000), recurrence (p = 0.650), rituximab retreatment (p = 0.650) or time to retreatment (p = 0.724) was observed.

Conclusions

This study suggests that rituximab, as systemic therapy and intralesional therapy, is effective in the management of PCBCL, and that intralesional therapy should be considered before more aggressive therapy in indolent disease.
Vulnerability of pastoral ecosystems in northwestern Tunisia to climate change
Authors: Hammami Oumayma , Ferchichi Ali
Published: June 2023

Climate change is among the most serious impediments to agricultural prosperity in rural areas, particularly livestock. Three pastoral systems: pastoral, semi‐pastoral and agro‐pastoral were identified from a field survey in the Ain Es Snoussi area in northwestern Tunisia. Their vulnerability to climate change was different and depended on their socio‐economic resources. The survey results allowed us to community's adaptation response strategies to involve adjustments in pastoral and no‐pastoral practises. However, the current state of the farms remains fragile despite the various adaptation measures adopted in response to climate change. The most vulnerable are landless and poor pastoralists.
Effects of the combined application of biochar and humic substances on the improvement of saline cropland in the Yellow River Delta of China
Authors: Liu Xiaoyuan , Yang Jingsong , Tao Jianyu , Yao Rongjiang , Li Wenxiu , Xie Wenping , Wang Xiangping
Published: June 2023

Soil salinization has become a global environmental problem with the potential to cause serious land degradation. Thus, improving salt‐affected soils and enhancing the nutrient utilization efficiency of saline farmlands through scientific and effective measures are urgent scientific problems. In this study, a 2‐year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different soil amendments and their combinations on the dynamics of soil salinity, soil nutrients, and crop yield in a moderately salinized soil (EC1:5 of 0.78 dS m−1 and total salt content of 3.06 g kg−1). Nine soil treatments were implemented: biochar (B), lignocellulose (L), humic acid (H), fulvic acid (F), biochar + humic acid (B + H), biochar + fulvic acid (B + F), lignocellulose + humic acid (L + H), lignocellulose + fulvic acid (L + F), and control (CK). The results demonstrated that the application of F led to a certain reduction on the contents of soil salt, Na+, and Cl− among the soils amended with a single amendment application. The combined application of B and F or H could increase the soil desalination rate and increase the mineral N and Olsen‐P concentrations at a soil depth of 0–20 cm, which improved the grain yield, biological yield, N recovery efficiency (REN), N agronomic efficiency (AEN), N partial factor productivity (PFPN), P agronomic efficiency (AEP), and P partial factor productivity (PFPP). Although the single application of L led to decreases in the grain yield, biological yield, REN, AEN, PFPN, REP, AEP, PFPP, and P physiological efficiency (PEP), the combined application of L and F had superior effects on enhancing the winter wheat grain yield and accumulative nutrient use efficiency. In conclusion, the combined application of B and F or H is recommended to ameliorate salt‐affected soils and improve nutrient availability.
Mucosal flaps prevent neo‐osteogenesis after frontal drill‐out procedures: A computer‐assisted study
Authors: Ye Ting , Zhou Bing , Li Cheng , Zhang Xiaoqing , Shao Yameng , Huang Qian , Cui Shunjiu
Published: June 2023

Objective

Although several mucosal flap techniques have been reported to improve the outcomes in Draf IIb and Draf III procedures, there is scant knowledge on frontal ostium neo‐osteogenesis after reconstruction with mucosa flap. This study evaluates the potential benefits of mucosa flaps on frontal ostium neo‐osteogenesis after frontal sinus drill‐out procedures.

Methods

Forty‐three patients who underwent extended Draf IIb and Draf III were enrolled. Among them, 20 patients had frontal neo‐ostium (FNO) reconstructed by mucosal flap (group A), and 23 patients did not have neo‐ostium reconstruction (group B). The cross‐sectional area of FNO, frontonasal bone, and the amount of frontal neo‐osteogenesis (FNOG) were measured with OsiriX®. In addition, the Global Osteitis Scoring Scale (GOSS), Lund–Mackay score (LMS), and Lund–Kennedy score (LKS) were also evaluated.

Results

At one year postoperatively, the remaining neo‐ostium area was significantly larger in group A (p = .001), and group A had significantly less FNOG (p < .05). The month 12 postoperative GOSS score was significantly decreased in group A. In contrast, it slightly increased in group B. Both the average LKS and LMS were significantly reduced in groups A and B at month 12 postoperatively. Still, the average LKS of group A significantly decreased than that of group B at month 12 postoperatively.

Conclusion

Coverage of the bare frontal bone with the mucosal flap could prevent excessive neo‐osteogenesis and keep the neo‐ostium open widely.

Level of Evidence

2b
Building an inclusive work culture can help BH agencies in retention
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: June 2023

Creating work environments that give staff members a sense of belonging and fulfillment proves critical to organizations’ success in the face of a behavioral health workforce shortage, a human services leader said this month during a National Council for Mental Wellbeing webinar.
Therapy decreases, medication increases for youth with anxiety
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2023

The proportion of office visits related to anxiety disorders diagnoses and treatment among children, adolescents and young adults increased while the proportion of those receiving therapy or medication decreased, according to the first study to reveal recent trends in these visits.
An efficient numerical scheme and its analysis for the multiterm time‐fractional convection‐diffusion‐reaction equation
Authors: Roul Pradip , Rohil Vikas
Published: June 2023

This article aims at developing a robust numerical method based on graded mesh for solving the multiterm time‐fractional convection‐diffusion‐reaction (TFCDR) equation whose solution very likely exhibits a weak singularity at the initial time. The time‐fractional derivative in the model problem is described in terms of Liouville–Caputo. In order to handle the weak singularity at the initial time, we use a graded mesh technique for discretization of multiterm temporal fractional derivatives. The space derivatives are approximated by means of a compact finite difference (CFD) method. The proposed method is analyzed for its stability and convergence. Two numerical examples are considered to demonstrate the applicability and accuracy of the method. It is shown that the proposed graded mesh technique provides an optimal rate of convergence in time direction for the problem with nonsmooth exact solution, while the method on the uniform mesh yields a nonoptimal rate of convergence.
Efficient eighth‐order accurate energy‐preserving compact difference schemes for the coupled Schrödinger–Boussinesq equations
Authors: Almushaira Mustafa
Published: June 2023

In this study, efficient eighth‐order accurate energy‐preserving compact finite difference schemes are constructed for solving the two‐dimensional coupled Schrödinger–Boussinesq equations (CSBEs) with periodic boundary conditions. The temporal discretization of the first scheme is carried out by a second‐order fully implicit scheme, which requires an iterative method. Thanks to the circulant matrix of spatial discretization, we significantly reduce the computational costs of matrix‐array multiplications and memory requirements via the discrete Fourier transform. The considered scheme is shown to preserve the total mass and energy in a discrete sense, and the rate of convergence is proved, without any restriction on the grid ratio, to be of the order of
in the discrete
‐norm with time step
and mesh size
. To overcome the challenge of nonlinearity, we also constructed two other schemes based on improved scalar auxiliary variable approaches by transforming the CSBEs into an equivalent new system that involves solving linear systems with constant coefficients at each time step. Furthermore, their algorithms are supplied, and the time‐consuming challenge resulting from the coupled problem is addressed. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the excellent long‐time conservation behaviors of the presented schemes and to verify their effectiveness and correctness.
α‐Lactalbumin Peptide Asp‐Gln‐Trp Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Oxidative Stress in Free Fatty Acids‐Treated HepG2 Cells and High‐Fat Diet‐Induced NAFLD Mice by Activating the PPARα Pathway
Authors: Chen Haoran , Ma Yanfeng , Qi Xiaofen , Tian Jianjun , Ma Ying , Niu Tianjiao
Published: June 2023

Scope

Dietary intervention has emerged as a promising strategy for the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study is to investigate the ameliorative effects of the α‐lactalbumin peptide Asp‐Gln‐Trp (DQW) against NAFLD and the underlying mechanism.

Methods and results

The models of lipid metabolism disorders are established both in HepG2 cells and in C57BL/6J mice. The results demonstrate that DQW activates peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) and subsequently ameliorates lipid deposition and oxidative stress in vitro. Interestingly, GW6471 markedly attenuates the modulatory effects of DQW on the PPARα pathway in HepG2 cells. Moreover, results of in vivo experiments indicate that DQW alleviates body weight gain, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and oxidative stress in high‐fat‐diet (HFD)‐induced NAFLD mice. At the molecular level, DQW activates PPARα, subsequently enhances fatty acid β‐oxidation, and reduces lipogenesis, thereby ameliorating hepatic steatosis. Meanwhile, DQW may ameliorate liver injury and oxidative stress via activating the PPARα/nuclear‐factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2)/heme‐oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) pathway.

Conclusion

Those results indicate that α‐lactalbumin peptide DQW may be an effective dietary supplement for alleviating NAFLD by alleviating lipid deposition and oxidative stress.
The Gut Microbiome and Autoimmune Hepatitis: Implications for Early Diagnostic Biomarkers and Novel Therapies
Authors: Li Liping , Kang Yongbo
Published: June 2023

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a serious chronic liver disease that may last for decades and eventually develop into cirrhosis and liver failure. In recent years, people have paid more attention to the microbiome‐gut‐liver axis, which provides guidance for all to explore the role of microbiome in the occurrence and development of liver diseases. In this review, the possible mechanism of intestinal microbes promoting the occurrence of AIH, mainly expounding the key ways such as bacterial ecological imbalance, intestinal leakage, and molecular simulation between microbes and autoantigens is summarized. In addition, this paper also discusses that intestinal microbiome has great potential as a biomarker for early diagnosis of AIH, and intestinal microbiome is also a candidate target for prevention and treatment of AIH. Finally, the study summarizes and prospects the targeted therapy of intestinal microorganisms to prevent the occurrence and development of AIH.
Formulation and numerical applications of efficient pile–soil integrated element considering structural inelasticity
Authors: Wan Jian‐Hong , Bai Rui , Li Xue‐You
Published: June 2023

The prediction of pile behavior under extreme loading is an essential consideration in the design. The pile behavior at a large displacement level is governed by the pile–soil interaction and the material inelasticity. The conventional numerical model using a large number of elements is inefficient for modeling the nonlinear pile–soil interaction and structural inelasticity in finite element analysis. To accurately and effectively evaluate the behavior of piles under extreme loading, this paper develops a pile–soil integrated element considering structural inelasticity. The pile–soil interaction force can be efficiently evaluated according to the soil resistance at the Gauss integration points. The different types of p‐y and t‐z curves can be applied in this element to represent soil properties at any soil depth. Zero‐length plastic hinges at the ends and middle of an element are used to capture the inelastic behavior of a pile. The plastic hinges and the soil springs are integrated into the proposed element formulations, and thus one element type is sufficient to conveniently simulate the nonlinear pile–soil interactions. Comparisons between the results of the elastic pile element and the data from published literature and field tests are provided to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.
Endoscopic Suture With Chemocauterization: An Effective Treatment of Congenital Pyriform Sinus Fistula
Authors: Tian Jiajun , Cui Peng , Zhang Haiyan , Lv Zhenghua , Xu Wei
Published: June 2023

Objective

Endoscopic cauterization is an effective method for treating pyriform sinus fistula (PSF). However, these approaches sometimes result in a higher failure rate. We present an effective technique utilizing suture combined with chemocauterization as first‐line treatment in patients with PSF and evaluate the safety and efficacy of its use in 126 patients.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

Retrospective case review of patients treated between March 2012 and June 2021 at our institution with descriptive statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 126 patients with PSF were included in this study with a mean age of 14.7 years. There was no sex predilection. The majority of patients presented with a left‐sided neck lesion (89.7%). Ten patients presented following prior attempts at the surgery of the PSF at another institution; 8 via open surgery and 2 following endoscopic CO2 laser cauterization; other patients only had a history of repeat incision and drainage or antibiotic treatment. The success rate of obliteration of the internal opening was 96.83% after a single treatment without complications. Following reoperation, a successful outcome was achieved in the remaining 4 patients. Length of stay ranged from 10 to 14 days. No recurrences occurred within 12 to 120 months followed‐up.

Conclusion

Endoscopic suture combined with chemocauterization is a safe and effective treatment of PSF. Surgery can be performed during the acute cervical inflammatory period without increased risk of complication or recurrence, however, patients found to have acute changes affecting the pyriform sinus should be treated with a staged surgery strategy.
Involvement of the vagus nerve in the anorectic effect of monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 inhibition in mice
Authors: Takemoto Kosuke , Kato Hideaki , Higashino Kenichi
Published: June 2023

Background

Many of the drugs used for obesity treatment have adverse effects on the central nervous system. Therefore, novel treatments, such as peripherally acting drugs, are needed. Monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (MGAT2), highly expressed in the small intestine, catalyzes the first step of triacylglycerol re‐synthesis. MGAT2 inhibition suppresses food intake in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, the involvement of the vagus nerve in MGAT2 inhibition‐induced feeding suppression was investigated.

Methods

Fasted mice were administered an MGAT2 inhibitor. Food intake was measured after HFD re‐feeding, and the effect of capsaicin pretreatment on changes in food intake was evaluated. The number of c‐fos‐positive cells in the nucleus tractus solitarius and levels of appetite regulators were determined after HFD re‐feeding or lipid gavage.

Results

The anorectic effect of the MGAT2 inhibitor was abolished when vagus nerve function was interrupted by capsaicin. MGAT2 inhibition increased the number of c‐fos‐positive cells in the nucleus tractus solitarius and elevated intestinal oleoylethanolamide, plasma peptide tyrosine–tyrosine and plasma glucagon‐like peptide‐1 levels.

Conclusion

MGAT2 inhibition suppresses feeding behavior via peripheral vagus nerve signaling and may serve as a novel anti‐obesity strategy with a low risk of unexpected central nervous system‐related adverse effects.
Multilevel Airway Obstruction Phenotypes in Adult OSA
Authors: Bacak Bartholomew , Porterfield Lee , Karelsky Sveta
Published: June 2023

Objective

To describe multilevel phenotypes of airway obstruction identified on drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in adults.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Methods

Video recordings of DISE on adult patients were retrospectively scored. A cross‐correlation matrix was created to detect significant correlations between DISE findings at anatomical subsites. Three multilevel phenotypes resulted from the matrix: complete collapse at the tongue base with complete collapse at the epiglottis (T2‐E2), complete circumferential obstruction at the velum with complete lateral pharyngeal wall collapse at the oropharynx (V2C‐O2LPW), and incomplete collapse at the velum with complete collapse due to tonsillar hypertrophy (V0/1‐O2T). The mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for demographic and polysomnogram metrics of each phenotype compared to all other subjects.

Results

Phenotype 1 (T2‐E2) (n = 88) had older ages (MD 5.784 years, CI [1.992, 9.576]), lower body mass index (BMI) (MD –1.666 kg/m2, CI [02.570, −0.762]), and smaller neck circumferences (MD –0.448 in., CI [−9.14, −0.009]) than the other phenotypes. Phenotype 2 (V2C‐O2LPW) (n = 25) had higher BMIs (MD 2.813 kg/m2, CI [1.362, 4.263]), higher neck circumference (MD 0.714 in., CI [0.004, 1.424]), and higher apnea‐hypopnea index (MD 8.252, CI [0.463, 16.041]). Phenotype 3 (V0/1‐O2T) (n = 20) had younger ages (MD –17.697, CI [−25.215, −11.179]).

Conclusion

Three distinct multilevel phenotypes of obstruction were identified on DISE, suggesting different anatomic subsites collapse in a nonrandom pattern. The phenotypes appear to represent distinct patient groups and their identification may have implications in terms of pathophysiology and treatment modalities.
Cardiotoxicity in children with cancer treated with anthracyclines: A position statement on dexrazoxane
Authors: Bertorello Nicoletta , Luksch Roberto , Bisogno Gianni , Haupt Riccardo , Spallarossa Paolo , Cenna Rosita , Fagioli Franca
Published: June 2023

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of non‐malignant morbidity and mortality in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). Anthracyclines are included in many treatment regimens for paediatric cancer, but unfortunately, these compounds are cardiotoxic. One in 10 CCSs who has received an anthracycline will develop a symptomatic cardiac event over time. Given the crucial need to mitigate anthracycline‐related cardiotoxicity (ARC), the authors critically examined published data to identify effective cardioprotective strategies. Based on their expert analysis of contemporary literature data, it was concluded that consideration should be given for routine use of dexrazoxane in children with cancer who are at risk of ARC.
Flexural and sinking stiffnesses investigation of metal, glass fiber reinforced plastic and hybrid laminates through a semi‐experimental method
Authors: Duan Libin , Wu Chuang , Liu Xing , Xu Wei , Du Zhanpeng , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2023

The hybrid metal/GFRP laminate is a kind of typical hybrid structure consisting of thin metal sheets and glass fiber reinforced plastic laminates, which combines the benefits of low cost, high strength, excellent impact resistance, and good corrosion resistance. In this work, a semi‐experimental method based on a nondestructive test and the analytic solution of the thin plate's deflection for the flexural and sinking stiffnesses identification of hybrid metal/GFRP laminates was proposed and validated by corresponding numerical simulations. Then, in total 17 different specimens (including metal, GFRP and hybrid metal/GFRP) were prepared and tested by the proposed semi‐experimental method to investigate their flexural and sinking stiffness performances in multiple perspectives (including stiffness per unit mass/volume/price/surface density). The analytic solutions show that the flexural and sinking stiffnesses are proportional to macro equivalent moduli of laminate specimens and proportional to the third power of thicknesses of specimens. The test results show that the stiffnesses per unit mass/density of the 7‐ply GFRP laminate can be comparable to those of the variable‐thickness rolled blank (VRB) made of steels, but the stiffnesses per volume/price of the 7‐ply GFRP laminate are only one fifth to one quarter of those of VRB. It is also found that though the hybrid metal/GFRP laminate with the combination sequence of aluminum plate/5‐ply GFRP/aluminum plate has the lowest GFRP layers' volume fraction, but has the best performances of stiffnesses per unit mass/density. Besides, the VRB part can significantly improve the stiffnesses per unit volume of hybrid metal/GFRP laminates.
Preparation and properties of antibacterial biomaterial PAA/TiO2/Ag
Authors: Fan Xiaoxia , Zhu Sudi , Wei Xiaobo , Zhang Ziyue , Zhao Lin , Yan Lin , Li Baoli
Published: June 2023

Bacterial infection caused by medical material is a common problem in the field of medicine. In this work, we aim to develop a novel antimicrobial bioplastic with potential medical value. A novel composite material composed of polyamino acid (PAA) and titanium dioxide/silver nanoparticles (TiO2/Ag NPs) was synthesized by in situ melting polycondensation with different TiO2/Ag loadings. The morphological, antibacterial, mechanical, thermal, and cytotoxicity properties of the PAA/TiO2/Ag composites were investigated. The results showed that uniform nanocomposites with amide bonds were synthesized, and the nanocomposites with 10% TiO2/Ag incorporation exhibited the best thermal and mechanical properties. Cytotoxicity assay showed that the composites significantly promoted the proliferation of MG‐63 cells. The composites showed obvious inhibitory effect on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and this effect was increased as the TiO2/Ag NPs doping was increased. These PAA/TiO2/Ag composites are suitable for antibacterial and high‐performance biomaterials in the medical field.
Study on the foaming behavior of density‐controllable epoxy resin composite foam under negative pressure environment
Authors: Zhou Taineng , Jin Bo , Liu Wei , Yang Le , Jiang Tuanhui , Zeng Xiangbu , Shi Faguo , Shen Kuanchun , Zhang Chun , He Li
Published: June 2023

The incomplete decomposition of foaming agent and tedious process during the preparation of epoxy resin composite foam (ERCF) will reduce the mechanical properties and lead to more complex production. Therefore, in this study, a new and simple negative pressure foaming method was designed innovatively to prepare ERCF under negative pressure using strong gas adsorption capacity of inorganically modified calcium silicate (MCS) particles as air carriers instead of foaming agent, and the density and expansion ratio of ERCF could be precisely controlled by adjusting the negative pressure value in a vacuum oven. The results showed that the density of ERCF could reach a very low value of 0.056 g/cm3 at 15 wt% MCS content with decreased negative pressure, but the negative pressure decreases would damage the quality of cells. At the same time, it was found that a rapid rise in the viscosity of the epoxy composite material system under negative pressure of −0.080 MPa owing to the increase in MCS content, when the MCS content was higher than 15 wt%, the MCS dispersion was reduced, leading to a decrease in the quality of the cells. In addition, the ERCF products prepared by the negative pressure foaming method in this study could be easily molded and possessed a better compressive strength among epoxy foams of similar density.
Investigation of Young's modulus of defective graphene‐reinforced epoxy at different weight ratios by molecular dynamics
Authors: Erdol Muhammet , Konukman Alp Er S. , Oktem Ahmet Sinan
Published: June 2023

Experimental studies have shown that adding graphene to epoxy at even a low weight ratio increases strength, temperature resistance, and electrical conductivity. This study examines the effects of combining graphene with epoxy and assesses Young's modulus of the resulting nano‐composite materials with various defective graphene types. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is are utilized to predict the mechanical properties of nano‐composite materials, and a heuristic protocol is implemented to avoid incorrect bond structures during crosslinking reactions. The study demonstrates that adding graphene to epoxy increases Young's modulus, but the effect declines when the graphene is defective. These results significantly advance the field's knowledge by providing a new understanding of the effects of pristine and defective graphene reinforcement on epoxy Young's modulus. This research stands out for its evaluation of the impact of various graphene defects on epoxy properties using MD simulations. The employed heuristic protocol in this study, which includes thorough updates of both bonded and non‐bonded terms as well as partial charges, serves as a more reliable algorithm than iterative multi‐step protocols by reducing the risk of incorrect molecular linkages resulting from the neglect of angle‐based covalent terms. Additionally, this study evaluates the constant strain minimization method's suitability for determining the mechanical properties of nano‐composite materials. Finally, a thorough comparison between the simulation results and the existing experimental findings reported in scholarly sources was made to guarantee the full disclosure of both qualitative and quantitative results within the scope of the investigation.
Comprehensive prenatal diagnostics: Exome versus genome sequencing
Authors: Miceikaite Ieva , Fagerberg Christina , Brasch‐Andersen Charlotte , Torring Pernille Mathiesen , Kristiansen Britta Schlott , Hao Qin , Sperling Lene , Ibsen Mette Holm , Löser Katrin , Bendsen Eske Alf , Ousager Lilian Bomme , Larsen Martin Jakob
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of prenatal genetic testing using trio whole exome sequencing (WES) and trio whole genome sequencing (WGS) in pregnancies with fetal anomalies by comparing the results with conventional chromosomal microarray (CMA) analysis.

Methods

A total of 40 pregnancies with fetal anomalies or increased nuchal translucency (NT ≥ 5 mm) were included between the 12th and 21st week of gestation. Trio WES/WGS and CMA were performed in all cases.

Results

The trio WES/WGS analysis increased the diagnostic yield by 25% in cases with negative CMA results. Furthermore, all six chromosomal aberrations identified by CMA were independently detected by WES/WGS analysis. In total, 16 out of 40 cases obtained a genetic sequence variant, copy number variant, or aneuploidy explaining the phenotype, resulting in an overall WES/WGS diagnostic yield of 40%. WES analysis provided a more reliable identification of mosaic sequence variants than WGS because of its higher sequencing depth.

Conclusions

Prenatal WES/WGS proved to be powerful diagnostic tools for fetal anomalies, surpassing the diagnostic yield of CMA. They have the potential to serve as standalone methods for prenatal diagnosis. The study highlighted the limitations of WGS in accurately detecting mosaic variants, which is particularly relevant when analyzing chorionic villus samples.
Bio‐based Polyamide 56: Recent advances in basic and applied research
Authors: Yang Haoyu , Wentao Liu
Published: June 2023

Traditional polyamide goods have suffered greatly as a result of the deteriorating environmental situation and the growing depletion of petroleum resources. Therefore, research and development of bio‐based polyamide materials gains increasing popularity. The emergence of Polyamide 56 (PA56), a brand‐new class of biomaterial that has the excellent moisture absorption and dyeability properties, has garnered considerable interest. This review screens the research on bio‐based PA56 in the past 20 years, summarizing the synthesis method, condensed structure, material properties, and market applications of PA56. The research and development direction of PA56 material is analyzed and predicted.
Light and jasmonic acid coordinately regulate the phosphate responses under shade and phosphate starvation conditions in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sun Yanzhao , Zheng Yanyan , Yao Heng , Ma Zhaodong , Xiao Mengwei , Wang Haiyang , Liu Yang
Published: June 2023

In the natural ecosystem, plants usually grow at high vegetation density for yield maximization. The high‐density planting triggers a variety of strategies to avoid canopy shade and competes with their neighbors for light and nutrition, which are collected termed shade avoidance responses. The molecular mechanism underlying shade avoidance and nutrition has expanded largely in the past decade; however, how these two responses intersect remains poorly understood. Here, we show that simulated shade undermined Pi starvation response and the phytohormone JA is involved in this process. We found that the JA signaling repressor JAZ proteins directly interact with PHR1 to repress its transcriptional activity on downstream targets, including phosphate starvation induced genes. Furthermore, FHY3 and FAR1, the negative regulators of shade avoidance, directly bind to promoters of NIGT1.1 and NIGT1.2 to activate their expression, and this process is also antagonized by JAZ proteins. All these results finally result in attenuation of Pi starvation response under shade and Pi‐depleted conditions. Our findings unveil a previously unrecognized molecular framework whereby plants integrate light and hormone signaling to modulate phosphate responses under plant competition.
Construction of silsesquioxane and phosphinum‐based ionic porous hypercrosslinked polymers for efficient heterogeneous catalytic CO2 cycloaddition
Authors: Huang He , Meng Chaoran , Xu Zixuan , Wang Shijie , Chang Yanan , Wang Shuo , Chen Juan , Long Zhouyang , Chen Guojian
Published: June 2023

In this work, we reported a facile one‐pot route to construct polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and phosphonium‐based ionic porous hypercrosslinked polymers (denoted as P‐iPHCPs) with multiple catalytic active sites, which could be regarded as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to highly value‐added cyclic carbonates. The targeted polymers P‐iPHCPs were prepared from a rigid building block octavinylsilsesquioxane (VPOSS) and a low‐cost commercially available organic ionic salt methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide ([Ph3PMe]Br) by the AlCl3‐catalyzed Friedel‐Crafts reaction. The series of polymers P‐iPHCPs that synthesized by different molar ratios of VPOSS to [Ph3PMe]Br possess hierarchical micro/mesoporous structures with high surface areas ranging from 376 to 429 m2 g−1 and behave the flower‐like nano‐morphology. Especially, the desired multiple active sites involved the mixed anions including free Cl−, Br− anions and the in‐situ formed metal‐halogen complex anion [AlCl3Br]− within phosphonium segments, and the enriched POSS‐derived SiOH hydrogen bond donor (HBD) groups that derived from the breakage of POSS cages during the synthetic process. The typical polymer P‐iPHCP‐14 has the aforementioned nucleophilic‐electrophilic multiple catalytic active sites, which was regarded as an efficient recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for synergistic catalytic conversion of CO2 with various epoxides into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions.
Characterization of the pH‐dependent protein stability of 3α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/carbonyl reductase by differential scanning fluorimetry
Authors: Chou Yun‐Hao , Hsieh Chia‐Lin , Chen Yan‐Liang , Wang Tzu‐Pin , Wu Wen‐Jeng , Hwang Chi‐Ching
Published: June 2023

The characterization of protein stability is essential for understanding the functions of proteins. Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is involved in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones and the detoxification of xenobiotic carbonyl compounds. However, the stability of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases has not yet been characterized in detail. Here, we determined the changes in Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity of unfolding for 3α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/carbonyl reductase (3α‐HSD/CR) by varying the pH and urea concentration through differential scanning fluorimetry and presented pH‐dependent protein stability as a function of temperature. 3α‐HSD/CR shows the maximum stability of 30.79 kJ mol−1 at 26.4°C, pH 7.6 and decreases to 7.74 kJ mol−1 at 25.7°C, pH 4.5. The change of heat capacity of 30.25 ± 1.38 kJ mol−1 K−1 is obtained from the enthalpy of denaturation as a function of melting temperature at varied pH. Two proton uptakes are linked to protein unfolding from residues with differential pKa of 4.0 and 6.5 in the native and denatured states, respectively. The large positive heat capacity change indicated that hydrophobic interactions played an important role in the folding of 3α‐HSD/CR. These studies reveal the mechanism of protein unfolding in HSD and provide a convenient method to extract thermodynamic parameters for characterizing protein stability using differential scanning fluorimetry.
Large library docking for novel SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease non‐covalent and covalent inhibitors
Authors: Fink Elissa A. , Bardine Conner , Gahbauer Stefan , Singh Isha , Detomasi Tyler C. , White Kris , Gu Shuo , Wan Xiaobo , Chen Jun , Ary Beatrice , Glenn Isabella , O'Connell Joseph , O'Donnell Henry , Fajtová Pavla , Lyu Jiankun , Vigneron Seth , Young Nicholas J. , Kondratov Ivan S. , Alisoltani Arghavan , Simons Lacy M. , Lorenzo‐Redondo Ramon , Ozer Egon A. , Hultquist Judd F. , O'Donoghue Anthony J. , Moroz Yurii S. , Taunton Jack , Renslo Adam R. , Irwin John J. , García‐Sastre Adolfo , Shoichet Brian K. , Craik Charles S.
Published: June 2023

Antiviral therapeutics to treat SARS‐CoV‐2 are needed to diminish the morbidity of the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. A well‐precedented drug target is the main viral protease (MPro), which is targeted by an approved drug and by several investigational drugs. Emerging viral resistance has made new inhibitor chemotypes more pressing. Adopting a structure‐based approach, we docked 1.2 billion non‐covalent lead‐like molecules and a new library of 6.5 million electrophiles against the enzyme structure. From these, 29 non‐covalent and 11 covalent inhibitors were identified in 37 series, the most potent having an IC50 of 29 and 20 μM, respectively. Several series were optimized, resulting in low micromolar inhibitors. Subsequent crystallography confirmed the docking predicted binding modes and may template further optimization. While the new chemotypes may aid further optimization of MPro inhibitors for SARS‐CoV‐2, the modest success rate also reveals weaknesses in our approach for challenging targets like MPro versus other targets where it has been more successful, and versus other structure‐based techniques against MPro itself.