bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysregulation of circulating CDC42 and its correlation with demographic characteristics, comorbidities, tumor features, chemotherapeutic regimen and survival profile in non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Yan Jie , Wan Daihong
Published: December 2021

Objective

Cell division control protein 42 (CDC42) induces the immune escape, represses the CD8+ T‐cell activation, and further leads to the tumor metastasis in various neoplasms, whereas the correlation of circulating CDC42 with clinical features and prognosis of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains elusive. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate this topic.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 263 NSCLC patients before treatment and 50 health controls (HC) were used for CDC42 determination by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) assay.

Results

CDC42 expression was higher in NSCLC patients than HCs (p < 0.001). Besides, elevated CDC42 expression was correlated with the occurrence of lymph node (LYN) metastasis (p = 0.003) and advanced TNM stage (p = 0.007), but not related to other tumor features, demographic characteristics, comorbidities, nor neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy (all p > 0.05). Additionally, elevated CDC42 expression was correlated with unfavorable accumulating disease‐free survival (DFS) (p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.025). More importantly, multivariate Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that elevated CDC42 expression (hazard ratio (HR): 1.284, p < 0.001) and higher TNM stage (HR: 1.428, p = 0.003) were independently associated with shorter DFS, meanwhile elevated CDC42 expression (HR: 1.193, p = 0.035), higher pathological grade (HR: 1.558, p = 0.003), higher TNM stage (HR: 1.703, p = 0.001) and higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) score (HR: 1.538, p = 0.038) were independently correlated with unsatisfying OS.

Conclusion

Circulating CDC42 is highly expressed with its overexpression linked with LYN metastasis, poor DFS, and OS in NSCLC patients.
Identification of a novel mutation in the BMPR2 gene in a pulmonary arterial hypertension patient using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Xu Xiao , Wang Xin , Yang Guo‐Can , Liu Qi
Published: December 2021

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a hemodynamic state that is characterized by pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling, leading to a continuous increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and eventually right heart failure. Mutations of the bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor (BMPR2) gene are the most common genetic cause of PAH.

Methods

A 52‐year‐old woman was admitted to Shaoxing People's Hospital after suffering from a cough for 2 months. In our hospital, the proband got a thorough medical examination and was diagnosed with PAH following genetic testing.

Results

Genetic test showed that the proband carried a novel heterozygous c.1481C>T (p.Ala494Val) mutation in the BMPR2 gene. The new mutation was initially discovered as a potential pathogenic variant by bioinformatics research, but it needed to be functionally verified.

Conclusions

The novel mutation may be related to the development of the PAH. In addition to general examinations, clinicians must thoroughly examine molecular genetics to provide an accurate diagnosis in the clinic, particularly for rare disorders.
Regulatory and other rheumatoid factors in rheumatoid arthritis patients with active disease or in remission
Authors: Beduleva Liubov , Sidorov Alexandr , Semenova Kseniya , Khokhlova Zhanna , Menshikova Daria , Khramova Tatyana , Menshikov Igor
Published: December 2021

Background

Previously, we identified a regulatory rheumatoid factor (regRF), the production of which provides rats with resistance to collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). Immunization with conformers of IgG Fc fragments carrying epitopes specific to regRF reduces symptoms of CIA. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a link between regRF levels and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity in humans in order to assess the potential of regRF as a therapeutic biotarget in RA. The variability of rheumatoid factor (RF) specificities present in the blood of RA patients was also studied.

Methods

The regRF were studied in RA patients with active disease and in remission. Variability in the specificities of RF associated with RA was studied by concurrent inhibition of RF latex fixation by variants of modified IgG.

Results

Patients in remission had regRF levels higher than in healthy subjects. The regRF in remission was characterized by tight binding to its antigen, as in healthy subjects. The regRF levels in patients with active RA varied dramatically, and regRF binding to its antigen was weak. The exacerbation of Still's disease coincided with low regRF levels and affinity, while an improvement in patient condition was associated with an increase in regRF levels and affinity. The RF specific to RA, which was detected by the RF latex‐fixation method, was a nonhomogeneous population of antibodies that included RF to lyophilized IgG, to IgG immobilized on polystyrene, and to rabbit IgG.

Conclusion

Stimulating regRF production might enable improved RA therapy.
Identification and validation of PGLS as a metabolic target for early screening and prognostic monitoring of gastric cancer
Authors: Yuan Xiaoxia , Xiao Yang , Luo Yaomin , Wei Chen , Wang Jiaxin , Huang Jinglin , Liao Weiliang , Song Shenjie , Jiang Zhen
Published: December 2021

Background

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer‐related death in the world. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the expression and prognostic significance of 6‐phosphogluconolactonase (PGLS) in gastric cancer.

Methods

The protein extracted from a panel of four pairs of gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues, labeled with iTRAQ (8‐plex) reagents, and followed by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. The expressions of proteins were further validated by immunohistochemistry analysis. The expression levels of mRNA were analyzed and validated in the Oncomine database. The correlations of PGLS with prognostic outcomes were evaluated with Kaplan‐Meier plotter database.

Results

The present study found that PGLS was significantly up‐regulated in gastric cancer by using iTRAQ‐based proteomics and immunohistochemistry analysis. The sensitivity of PGLS in gastric cancer was 72.9%. The high expression of PGLS was significantly correlated with TNM staging in gastric cancer (p = 0.02). The overexpression of PGLS predicts worse overall survival (OS) and post‐progression survival (PPS) for gastric cancer (OS, HR = 1.48, p = 2.1e‐05; PPS, HR = 1.35, p = 0.015). Specifically, the high PGLS expression predicts poor OS, PPS in male gastric cancer patients, in patients with lymph node metastasis and in patients with Her‐2 (‐).

Conclusions

These findings suggested that PGLS was aberrantly expressed in gastric cancer and predicts poor overall survival, post‐progression survival for gastric cancer patients. The present study collectively supported that PGLS is an important target for early determining and follow‐up monitoring for gastric cancer.
Association between ABO blood group and risk of Crohn’s disease: A case‐control study in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Chen Jintong , Chen Huaning , Lin Yi , Zheng Weiwei , Wang Chengdang
Published: December 2021

Background

Blood group O has been reported to be a potentially protective factor for Crohn's disease (CD) susceptibility in Caucasian and Korean populations, but a similar conclusion was not found in a Chinese study. The present study investigated the potential association in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

We included 275 CD patients, 132 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and 1201 healthy individuals in this case‐control study. The demographic characteristics and ABO blood group were compared among the three groups. The clinical characteristics and treatment of CD were further investigated according to the blood group distribution.

Results

The blood group distribution in CD patients was significantly different from healthy controls, and the frequency of O blood in CD patients was significantly lower compared to healthy controls. After adjusting for age and gender, the non‐O blood groups remained significantly associated with CD susceptibility in propensity score‐adjusted and propensity score‐matched analyses. Compared to CD patients with non‐O blood groups, patients with O blood were at a lower risk of developing penetrating disease, more likely to receive immunosuppressant treatment and less likely to receive biological treatment.

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that non‐O blood groups were significantly associated with an increased risk of CD in the Chinese Han population.
MicroRNA‐146a and microRNA‐146b deficiency correlates with exacerbated disease activity, and their longitude increment relates to etanercept response in psoriasis patients
Authors: Shen Hui , Wang Dan , Zhan Mengyun , Ding Hanping , Zhao Hongbo
Published: December 2021

Background

MicroRNA (miR)‐146a and miR‐146b regulate autoimmunity, inflammation, and keratinocytes proliferation to engage in psoriasis pathology. The current study aimed to investigate their correlation with disease risk and clinical features, and the linkage of their longitudinal changes with clinical response to etanercept in psoriasis patients.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from 84 moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis patients who underwent etanercept treatment (at baseline (M0), 1 month (M1), 3 months (M3), and 6 months (M6)), 80 disease controls and 80 health controls (both after enrollment); afterward, miR‐146a and miR‐146b expressions were detected by RT‐qPCR. Furthermore, PASI75 and PASI90 responses were assessed in psoriasis patients.

Results

Both miR‐146a and miR‐146b were decreased in psoriasis patients compared with disease controls and health controls (all p < 0.001), which also distinguished psoriasis patients from disease controls and health controls by receiver‐operating characteristic analyses. Furthermore, miR‐146a positively correlated with miR‐146b in psoriasis patients (p < 0.001) and disease controls (p = 0.005) but not in healthy controls (p = 0.062). In psoriasis patients, miR‐146a negatively related to psoriatic body surface area (p = 0.011) and PASI score (p = 0.003); miR‐146b negatively linked with PASI score (p = 0.020). At M1, M3, and M6 after etanercept treatment, PASI75 response rate was 14.3%, 32.1%, and 69.0%, respectively; PASI90 response rate was 1.2%, 17.9%, and 36.9%, respectively. During etanercept treatment, both miR‐146a and miR‐146b elevated gradually over time and their longitude increments were associated with PASI75 response (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion

MiR‐146a and miR‐146b might serve as indicators for optimizing etanercept application and improving treatment outcomes in psoriasis patients.
Absolute and relative grip strength as predictors of cancer: prospective cohort study of 445 552 participants in UK Biobank
Authors: Parra‐Soto Solange , Pell Jill P. , Celis‐Morales Carlos , Ho Frederick K.
Published: December 2021

Background

Reduced muscular strength, as measured by absolute grip strength, has been associated with increased risk of some site‐specific cancers. The ability of grip strength to predict other diseases may be affected by whether it is expressed in absolute or relative terms, but the evidence for cancer is scarce. This study compared the associations of absolute and relative grip strength with all‐cause and 15 site‐specific cancers.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was undertaken using data from the UK Biobank. The exposure variable was grip strength, in absolute form (kilogrammes) and relative to weight, body mass index (BMI), height. and body fat mass. The outcome was incident cancer, at 15 sites and overall. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to study the associations.

Results

This study included 445 552 participants, where 53.8% of the participants were women, with a mean (SD) age of 56.3 (8.11) years. During a median of 8.8 years follow‐up period, 48 886 (11.0%) patients were diagnosed with cancer. After adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, as well as multiple testing, absolute grip strength was inversely and linearly associated with endometrial [hazard ratio (HR): 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69; 0.79, P value <0.001], gallbladder (HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72; 0.92, P value = 0.001), liver (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79; 0.93, P value <0.001), kidney (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88; 0.99), and breast (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91; 0.96, P value = 0.031), as well as all‐cause cancer (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95; 0.98, P value <0.001). Eight cancer sites were inversely associated with HGS relative to weight and BMI: endometrium, liver, gallbladder, kidney, oesophagus, pancreas, colorectal, breast, and all‐cause cancer. Compared with absolute grip strength, grip strength relative to body fat mass had better discriminatory power for head and neck and breast cancer. Grip strength relative to BMI was marginally better than absolute grip strength in predicting stomach cancer.

Conclusions

Grip strength was associated with risk of several site‐specific cancers and all‐cause cancer. Head and neck and breast cancers might be better predicted by relative grip strength.
Palyno‐anatomical microscopic characterization of selected species of Boraginaceae and Fabaceae
Authors: Yousaf Zainab , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Sultana Shazia , Rozina  , Ozdemir Fethi Ahmet , Abidin Sheikh Zain Ul
Published: December 2021

Palyno‐anatomical characterization of some selected species of Boraginaceae and Fabaceae using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted. Six species of them belongs to four genera of family Boraginaceae and other six species belongs to four genera of Fabaceae. The current study aimed to investigate palyno‐anatomical features for correct identification and taxonomic significance. Pollen grains were acetolyzed and observed both qualitatively and quantitatively through light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Statistical data was analyzed through cluster analysis which categorized plants into clusters. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to illustrate morphological variation among selected plant species. Studied plant species showed variation in shape, size, aperture type, exine ornamentation of pollen, size and shape of epidermal cells, types of stomata, guard cells, subsidiary cells and trichome types. Exine thickness was recorded maximum 2.30 ± 0.1 μm in Lablab purpureus and minimum 1.05 ± 0.2 in Gastrocotyle hispida. PCA summarized 73.78% of accumulative variance. Trichome index was observed highest 62% on the adaxial surface of Heliotropium europaeum and lowest 21% on adaxial surface of L. purpureus. These findings reinforce the importance of palyno‐anatomical features in the characterization and identification of taxa. It was concluded that description of palyno‐anatomical characteristics presented in this study, highly contribute to our knowledge for correct identification of plant species.
An algorithm selection methodology for automated focusing in optical microscopy
Authors: Bonet Sanz Marina , Machado Sánchez Felipe , Borromeo Susana
Published: December 2021

Autofocus systems are essential in optical microscopy. These systems typically sweep the sample through the focal range and apply an algorithm to determine the contrast value of each image, where the highest value indicates the optimal focus position. As the optimal algorithm may vary according to the images' content, we evaluate the 15 most used algorithms in the field using 150 stacks of images from four different kinds of tissue. We use four measuring criteria and two types of analysis and propose a general methodology to apply to select the best fitting algorithm for any given application. In this paper, we present the results of this evaluation and a detailed discussion of different features: the threshold used for the algorithms, the criteria parameters, the analysis used, the bit depth of the images, their magnification, and the type of tissue, reaching the conclusion that some of these parameters are more relevant to the study than others, and the implementation of the proposed methodology can lead to a fast and reliable autofocus system capable of performing an analysis and selection of algorithms with no supervision required.
Adhatoda vasica and Calotropis procera as a resource of novel chemical compounds, their biological bioluminescence assay, and investigation of morphological features of bacterial growth through advanced technologies
Authors: Ahmed Waseem , Azmat Rafia , Chendouh‐Brahmi Nabila , Hussain Ijaz , Ahmed Rasheed , Ahmad Zahoor , Qayyum Abdul , Moin Sumeira , Bibi Yamin
Published: December 2021

This article reports the three principal groups of compounds for the first time from Adhatoda vasica and Calotropis procera plants species using nuclear magnetic resonance methods in which aliphatic, oxy heterocyclic, and tannins compounds were detected from these plants. The leaves of both species were subjected to testing tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant activities. ATP bioluminescence use for indirect measurement of the amount of organic residue on the surface of the leaves that provide support to microbial growth. The distinguishing characteristics and intraoperative findings of bacterial diseases involved in treatments were conducted against the positive and negative microbial strains using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The methanolic extracts of leaves of both species were applied to bacterial strains through broth microdilution method to determine the minimum inhabitation concentrations (MICs) for both species. It was concluded that both plants are a rich resource of bioactive compounds. Their extract may also be used to treat various bacterial diseases and in drug manufacturing.

Highlights

New chemical compounds of oxy‐heterocyclic, aliphatic, and tannins derivatives are isolated from herbal plants as a source of various drugs.

1H NMR spectrum and 13C NMR spectrum of each new derivate were calculated.

NMR‐spectral analysis of new compound of chemistry class was studied and further applied in various bacterial strains.

Tyrosinase inhibition property of bacteria strains by application of active compounds on these strains.

Agar overlay bioassays were used to evaluate intercellular morphological features of strains applied on extracts by electron microscope (SEM).

a‐Glucosidase inhibition assay determined with antioxidants activity through FRAP assay methods.
Lusutrombopag has slightly stronger effects on patients with mild thrombocytopenia compared with those with severe thrombocytopenia: A multicenter propensity score matching study
Authors: Furuichi Yoshihiro , Takeuchi Hirohito , Uojima Haruki , Atsukawa Masanori , Arai Taeang , Arase Yoshitaka , Kako Makoto , Hidaka Hisashi , Itoi Takao
Published: December 2021

Background

Lusutrombopag effectively increases platelet count in patients with severe thrombocytopenia. However, no multicenter studies analyzing the effects of Lusutrombopag on patients with mild thrombocytopenia (platelet count > 50 000/µL) have been performed. In this study, we aimed to clarify the efficacy of Lusutrombopag on these patients by unifying background factors by propensity score matching.

Methods

A total of 139 patients with thrombocytopenia were enrolled, and matched for age, sex, etiology, disease, treatment, liver function, renal function, peripheral blood count, and spleen index. The primary endpoint was to compare the increase in platelet count from baseline between the high‐platelet group (>50 000/µL) and the low‐platelet group (<50 000/µL) after Lusutrombopag treatment, using propensity score matching. The secondary endpoint was to clarify platelet transfusion avoidance rate and adverse events, moreover, to identify independent predictors associated with the increase in platelet count.

Results

The mean increase in platelet count was 67 000/μL vs 48 000/μL in all patients (high‐ vs low‐platelet group, P = .024), and 64 000/μL vs 48 000/μL (P = .12) after propensity score matching. The increase in platelet count and the platelet transfusion avoidance rate tended to be higher in the high‐platelet group. There was no significant difference between adverse events. Predictors associated with an increase in platelet count were sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and spleen index by multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Lusutrombopag has a little stronger effect in patients with mild thrombocytopenia than those with severe thrombocytopenia and showed a more substantial effect in patients with impaired renal function and small spleen.
The Combination of MR Elastography and Proton Density Fat Fraction Improves Diagnosis of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Alsaqal Salem , Hockings Paul , Ahlström Håkan , Gummesson Anders , Hedström Anders , Hulthe Johannes , Johansson Lars , Niessen Heiko G. , Schoelch Corinna , Schultheis Christian , Vessby Johan , Wanders Alkwin , Rorsman Fredrik , Ebeling Barbier Charlotte
Published: December 2021

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly increasing worldwide. It is subdivided into nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and the more aggressive form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which carries a higher risk of developing fibrosis and cirrhosis. There is currently no reliable non‐invasive method for differentiating NASH from NAFL.

Purpose

To investigate the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based imaging biomarkers to diagnose NASH and moderate fibrosis as well as assess their repeatability.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Sixty‐eight participants (41% women) with biopsy‐proven NAFLD (53 NASH and 15 NAFL). Thirty participants underwent a second MRI in order to assess repeatability.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T; MR elastography (MRE) (a spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging [SE‐EPI] sequence with motion‐encoding gradients), MR proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and R2* mapping (a multi‐echo three‐dimensional gradient‐echo sequence), T1 mapping (a single‐point saturation‐recovery technique), and diffusion‐weighted imaging (SE‐EPI sequence).

Assessment

Quantitative MRI measurements were obtained and assessed alone and in combination with biochemical markers (cytokeratin‐18 [CK18] M30, alanine transaminase [ALT], and aspartate transaminase [AST]) using logistic regression models. Models that could differentiate between NASH and NAFL and between moderate to advanced fibrosis (F2–4) and no or mild fibrosis (F0–1), based on the histopathological results, were identified.

Statistical Tests

Independent samples t‐test, Pearson's chi‐squared test, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), Spearman's correlation, intra‐individual coefficient of variation, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

There was a significant difference between the NASH and NAFL groups with liver stiffness assessed with MRE, CK18 M30, and ALT, with an AUROC of 0.74, 0.76, and 0.70, respectively. Both MRE and PDFF contributed significantly to a bivariate model for diagnosing NASH (AUROC = 0.84). MRE could significantly differentiate between F2–4 and F0–1 (AUROC = 0.74). A model combining MRE with AST improved the diagnosis of F2–4 (AUROC = 0.83). The ICC for repeatability was 0.94 and 0.99 for MRE and PDFF, respectively.

Data Conclusion

MRE can potentially diagnose NASH and differentiate between fibrosis stages. Combining MRE with PDFF improves the diagnosis of NASH.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Typing of alpha and beta coronaviruses by DNA barcoding of NSP12 gene
Authors: Nemr Waleed A. , Radwan Nashwa K.
Published: December 2021

Since the spread of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the world paid attention to coronaviruses (CoVs) evolution and their diverged lineages because many researches studies supposed that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is evolutionarily developed from a lineage of bats CoVs. This is due to the ability of some mutant CoVs to transmit from a host to different hosts. For this reason, there are many fears about the pathogenicity of the upcoming variants of CoVs. Thus, it is important to get a rapid and economic technique for typing a wide range of human and animal CoVs species for following up their mutant transmission. Therefore, the present study aims at approaching a simple design of DNA barcoding of a wide range of mammals' CoVs (including alpha and beta CoVs), by universal amplification of a species‐specific sequence inside a conserved gene (NSP12) followed by amplicon sequencing. The in silico evaluation involved 96 nucleotide sequences of different CoVs (18 alpha CoVs and 78 beta CoVs), and was applied experimentally into the lab on 5 human CoVs isolates; 3 of them belong to beta CoVs (OC43, MERS, and SARS‐CoV‐2) and 2 are alpha CoVs (229E and NL63). The results indicated that the designed universal primers are able to amplify 332 bp of a taxonomic region inside the NSP12 coding sequence that facilitates the identification and classification of mammals' CoVs upon the resulting phylogenetic tree.
Enhanced winter, spring, and summer hydroclimate variability across California from 1940 to 2019
Authors: Zamora‐Reyes Diana , Black Bryan , Trouet Valérie
Published: December 2021

California’s recent hydroclimatic pivots have caused billions of dollars in damages with the potential to become more extreme in the future, even if the mean total precipitation and streamflow do not change. In this study, we compile instrumental precipitation and streamflow records across California to quantify trends in hydroclimatic variability across spatial, temporal, and seasonal domains. We use the 10th and 90th percentiles of the distribution to examine whether any trends in variability are driven primarily by extreme low or high rainfall or streamflow events. Our analysis shows that there is a statistically significant positive trend in precipitation variability that is driven by long‐term increases to the 90th percentile through most of California during winter (January–March), which has been steadily increasing since the mid‐20th century. In contrast, significant positive streamflow trends are seen in winter, spring (April–June), and summer (July–September) and are driven by changes to both the 10th and 90th percentiles. Moreover, we found that there is a decreasing trend in fall (October–December) hydroclimatic variability, particularly over central California, that is related to declining values in the 90th percentile in both precipitation and streamflow. Our results suggest that California’s hydroclimate has been under a continually heightened state of volatility, leaving the state vulnerable to hydroclimatic extremes and elevated risk of associated compound events (floods, landslides, fires). Thus, water resources managers will need to incorporate this increased volatility into their planning for public and agricultural water supply, while being aware of the higher risks for wildfires and floods as well as the disproportionate and lasting impact on vulnerable ecosystem structures.
Introducing long‐term trends into subseasonal temperature forecasts through trend‐aware postprocessing
Authors: Shao Yawen , Wang Quan J. , Schepen Andrew , Ryu Dongryeol
Published: December 2021

Skilful subseasonal forecasts are crucial for issuing early warnings of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods. Operational subseasonal climate forecasts are often produced by global climate models not dissimilar to seasonal forecast models, which typically fail to reproduce observed temperature trends. In this study, we identify that the same issue exists in the subseasonal forecasting system. Subsequently, we adapt a trend‐aware forecast postprocessing method, previously developed for seasonal forecasts, to calibrate and correct the trend in subseasonal forecasts. We modify the method to embed 30‐year climate trends into the calibrated forecasts even when the available hindcast period is shorter. The use of 30‐year trends is to robustly represent long‐term climate changes and overcome the problem that trends inferred from a shorter period may be subject to large sampling variability. Calibration is applied to 20‐year ECMWF subseasonal forecasts and AWAP observations of Australian minimum and maximum temperatures with forecast horizons of up to 4 weeks. Relative to day‐of‐year climatology, raw week‐1 forecasts reproduce temperature trends of the 20‐year observations in many regions while raw week‐4 forecasts do not exhibit the 20‐year observed trends. After trend‐aware postprocessing, the behaviour of forecast trends is related to raw forecast skill regarding accuracy. Calibrated week‐1 forecasts show apparent trends consistent with the 20‐year observations, as the calibration transfers forecast skill and embeds the 20‐year observed trends into the forecasts when raw forecasts are inherently skilful. In contrast, calibrated week‐4 forecasts exhibit the 30‐year observed trends, as the calibration reverts the forecasts to the 30‐year observed climatology with trends when raw forecasts have little skill. For both weeks, the trend‐aware calibrated forecasts are more reliable, and as skilful as or more skilful than raw forecasts. The extended trend‐aware method can be applied to deliver high‐quality subseasonal forecasts and support decision‐making in a changing climate.
Encapsulating quercetin in cyclodextrin metal–organic frameworks improved its solubility and bioavailability
Authors: Wang Zhenjiong , Ma Yiding , Jiang Ying , Zhou Feng , Wu Yulong , Jiang Haitao , Wang Renlei , Xu Qing , Hua Chun
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Quercetin (Que) has many pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, antioxidant, cardiovascular protection, antihypertensive and lipid‐lowering activities. However, its poor water solubility greatly limits its application in medicine and food. γ‐Cyclodextrin metal–organic frameworks (γ‐CD‐MOFs) are novel porous carriers for loading functional products. In this study, Que was successfully loaded into γ‐CD‐MOFs, and the new compound (Que‐CD‐MOFs) was characterised by X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The apparent solubility of Que‐CD‐MOFs was enhanced by 100‐fold compared with that of pure Que. The free radical scavenging ability of the encapsulated Que was significantly improved. The cytotoxicity of Que‐CD‐MOFs to HK‐2 cells was decreased, and their inhibition on HT‐29 tumour cells was maintained, as confirmed by CCK‐8 assays. Flow cytometry of HT‐29 cells showed that Que‐CD‐MOFs can inhibit G2 phase cells. Based on molecular modelling, Que molecules were preferentially located inside the cavities of γ‐CD pairs in γ‐CD‐MOFs.

CONCLUSION

γ‐CD‐MOFs are promising carriers for bioactive agents in food and pharmaceutical applications. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of olive leaf extract marination on heterocyclic aromatic amine formation in pan‐fried salmon
Authors: Macit Arife , Kizil Mevlude
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

In this study, the reducing effects of varying levels of olive leaf extract (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%) on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in pan‐cooked salmon at 180 and 220 °C were examined.

RESULTS

All salmon samples were analyzed for ten HAAs: IQx, IQ, MeIQx, MeIQ, 4,8‐DiMeIQx, 7,8‐DiMeIQx, PhIP, AαC, MeAαC and Trp‐P‐2. The most abundant HAA was MeIQ (≤2.98 ng g−1) followed by Trp‐P‐2 (≤2.40 ng g−1), MeIQx (≤0.83 ng g−1), IQ (≤0.41 ng g−1), 7,8‐DiMeIQx (≤0.29 ng g−1), 4,8‐DiMeIQx (≤0.16 ng g−1) and IQx (≤0.06 ng g−1). However, PhIP, AαC and MeAαC were undetectable in all samples. In the control samples, HAAs were found at levels ranging from not detected to 2.40 ng g−1. Total HAA content was between 0.81 and 4.03 ng g−1. The olive leaf extracts reduced the total HAA levels at all certain concentration levels at 180 °C and the reducing effects were found to be 32.78–77.69%.

CONCLUSION

The current study displayed that olive leaf extracts could be efficient when added in up to 1% concentration prior to cooking for reducing HAA formation without changing organoleptic characteristics of salmon. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Improving the texture properties and protein thermal stability of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) by L‐lysinemarination
Authors: Lin Junxin , Zhang Yuying , Li Yiwei , Sun Peizi , Ren Xiang , Li Dongmei
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

The quality deterioration of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) after thermal processing limits its industrial application. This study sought to improve the texture characteristics of Antarctic krill after heat treatment through pre‐soaking usingl‐lysine (Lys) solution and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). Moreover, the effects of Lys on heat‐treated Antarctic krill were explored.

RESULTS

Lys significantly reduced the cooking loss and improved the texture characteristics of Antarctic krill during heat treatment. The low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance results showed that Lys reduced the water loss of Antarctic krill during heat treatment. Additionally, the surface hydrophobicity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and endogenous fluorescence spectroscopy results showed that Lys could inhibit the structural damage of Antarctic krill protein under the thermal denaturation condition and enhance the thermal stability of the protein. The scanning electron microscopy results showed that Lys could protect the structural integrity of Antarctic krill muscle fibers during heat treatment.

CONCLUSION

The cooking loss in the Lys added groups was better than the sodium tripolyphosphate added group, and 2.0% Lys solution could minimize the cooking loss of Antarctic krill. The secondary and tertiary structures of the Antarctic krill protein were actively protected by Lys during heat treatment. Overall, the study will provide insights into the application of Lys in the food industry as a natural additive and an alternative to phosphate. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Atmospheric CO2 concentration affects the life cycle, yield, and fruit quality of early maturing edible legume cultivars
Authors: Garmendia Idoia , Rashidi Sakineh , Quezada‐Salirrosas Marilyn RA , Goicoechea Nieves
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Elevated CO2 usually reduces levels of proteins and essential micronutrients in crops. The adoption of early maturing varieties may minimize the deleterious effect of climate change on farming activities. Legumes stand out for their high nutritional quality, so the objective was to study whether the atmospheric CO2 concentration affected the growth, yield, and food quality of early maturing cultivars of peas, snap beans, and faba beans. Plants grew in greenhouses either at ambient (ACO2, 392 μmol mol−1) or under elevated (ECO2, 700 μmol mol−1) CO2 levels. Minerals, proteins, sugars, and phenolic compounds were measured in grains of peas and faba beans, and in pods of snap beans.

RESULTS

The effect of ECO2 depended on legume species, being more evident for food quality than for vegetative growth and yield. The ECO2 increased Fe and P in faba bean grains, and Ca in snap bean pods. Under ECO2, grains of pea and faba bean increased levels of proteins and phenolics, respectively, and the sugars‐to‐protein ratio decreased in pods of snap beans.

CONCLUSION

Early maturing varieties of legumes appear to be an interesting tool to cope with the negative effects that a long exposure to rising CO2 can exert on food quality. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Mix‐cropping of rice and water mimosa (Neptunia oleracea Lour.) increases rice photosynthetic efficiency, yield, grain quality and soil available nutrients
Authors: Hei Zewen , Xiang Huimin , Zhang Jiaen , Liang Kaiming , Zhong Jiawen , Li Meijuan , Ren Xiaoqiao
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Cereal cultivation with legumes plays an important role in improving biodiversity and productivity. However, there are limited references concerning rice/legume mix‐cropping in paddy fields. An aquatic leguminous plant, water mimosa (Neptunia oleracea Lour.), was introduced and a related field experiment of two seasons (early and late seasons in 2019) was carried out to explore the effects of rice/water mimosa mix‐cropping on rice growth, yield, grain quality and soil nutrients in the present study. Three treatments – rice monocropping, rice/water mimosa intercropping and mix‐cropping – were employed in this study.

RESULTS

Results showed that rice grew better with greater height, tiller number, chlorophyll content, actual photosynthetic efficiency [Y(II)], maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) in the intercropping and mix‐cropping treatments. In addition, the intercropping and mix‐cropping treatments increased nutrient uptake of nitrogen (N) by11.89–24.42%, phosphorous (P) by 17.75–36.61% and potassium (K) by 19.22–47.44%, and rice yield by 19.9% and 21.8%. Conversely, the non‐photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ), chalkiness degree and chalky rate of rice were lower in the intercropping and mix‐cropping treatments relative to those in the monocropping treatments. Notably, soil alkali‐hydrolysable N (AN), available P (AP) and K (AK) contents were the highest in the mix‐cropping treatments among the three cropping systems.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that rice/water mimosa mix‐cropping is an environmentally friendly agroecological system with a higher output and can be extended for green rice production and largely applied in the paddy field. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The influence of thyroid status, serum Tg, TSH, and TgAb on FNA‐Tg in cervical metastatic lymph nodes of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Sun Jingjing , Li Peipei , Chen Xiao , Yu Qiujie , Li Li
Published: December 2021

Objective

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is treated in China mostly with surgery, including total ablation, lobectomy, and lobe and isthmus resection. Therefore, whether thyroid status affects the FNA‐Tg cutoff value in the diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis deserves our attention. In addition, we investigated the influence of serum Tg, TSH, and TgAb on the accuracy of using FNA‐Tg for diagnosis.

Methods

Our retrospective analysis included 189 suspected cervical lymph nodes, and we determined whether the cutoff value of FNA‐Tg was affected by thyroid status, sTg, sTSH, and sTgAb.

Results

In thyroid present cases, the optimal cutoff value of FNA‐Tg was 2.3 ng/ml (sensitivity 96.2%, specificity 100%), and in the thyroid absent cases, the optimal cutoff value of FNA‐Tg was 0.7 ng/ml (sensitivity 97.6%, specificity 96.0%). Although serum Tg, TSH, and TgAb were weakly correlated with FNA‐Tg values, they did not affect the diagnostic performance of the optimal cutoff value of FNA‐Tg according to thyroid status.

Conclusions

The optimal cutoff value of FNA‐Tg should be selected according to the thyroid status (2.3 ng/ml for thyroid present cases and 0.7 ng/ml for thyroid absent cases) to ensure the efficient diagnosis of cervical metastatic lymph nodes of papillary thyroid carcinoma. It was determined that sTg, sTSH, and sTg‐Ab cannot influence the diagnostic performance of FNA‐Tg. The combination method of FNA‐Tg and FNAC is the most optimal choice for the diagnosis of lymph nodes metastasis.
Changes in laryngopharyngeal reflux after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea: An observational study
Authors: Tang Xiaojun , Tang Qinglai , Li Shisheng , Yang Xinming , Zhang Ying , Zeng Shiying , Huang Peiying , Li Mengmeng
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To estimate laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) changes after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using the reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) questionnaires.

Methods

A total of 91 participants were recruited and divided into three groups: control (n = 27), OSA mild to moderate (n = 29), and OSA severe (n = 35) groups according to polysomnography. All participants completed the preoperative RSI, and underwent blinded evaluation on videolaryngoscopy using the RFS questionnaire. Thirty‐four OSA patients who underwent UPPP surgery completed postoperative polysomnography and questionnaires again after a 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

The RSI score and RFS were higher in patients with OSA than in those without OSA. Patients with severe OSA also had a higher RSI score and RFS than those with mild to moderate OSA. Apnea and hypopnea index degree and percentage of recording time for <90% oxygen saturation showed positive correlation with LPR symptoms. But the lowest blood oxygen saturation during the recording time was negatively correlated with LPR symptoms. The mean RSI score and RFS before UPPP surgery were 15.88 ± 4.85 and 13.18 ± 4.80, after surgery decreasing to 9.53 ± 4.16 and 8.65 ± 4.87, respectively (P <.05). In 25 patients where surgery was successful, RSI scores, RFSs and individual RSI variables decreased after surgery.

Conclusions

LPR symptoms are common among OSA patients, and the coexistence of OSA and LPR cannot be ignored. Successful UPPP surgery potentially reduces LPR symptoms and improves laryngoscopic signs by alleviating sleep respiratory disorders.

Level of Evidence: 3.
Phytoplankton antioxidant systems and their contributions to cellular elemental stoichiometry
Authors: McCain J. Scott P. , Bertrand Erin M.
Published: December 2021

Oxidative stress plays a role in many aspects of cellular metabolism, and as a result, antioxidants have the potential to impact cellular stoichiometry and biogeochemical cycles. We reviewed how antioxidant systems influence macronutrient and micronutrient stoichiometry in marine phytoplankton and identified that antioxidant systems have important implications for micronutrient stoichiometry. By leveraging diatom proteomic data, we empirically estimated the level of micronutrient quota variation that can be attributed to antioxidant systems. Fe‐containing antioxidant expression may contribute to 3.3–10 μmol : mol variation in Fe : C, and superoxide dismutases appear to be important contributors to variation in Mn, Ni, Zn, and Cu quotas in phytoplankton. Critical next steps for the study of phytoplankton antioxidant systems are to (1) distinguish between oxidative stress and redox‐based gene regulation and (2) determine how antioxidants influence variation or consistency in micronutrient quotas under various environmental conditions.
A genotype and phenotype analysis of SMAD6 mutant patients with radioulnar synostosis
Authors: Shen Fang , Yang Yongjia , Li Pengcheng , Zheng Yu , Luo Zhenqing , Fu Yuyan , Zhu Guanghui , Mei Haibo , Chen Shanlin , Zhu Yimin
Published: December 2021

Background

SMAD6 variants have been reported in patients with radioulnar synostosis (RUS). This study aimed to investigate the genotypes and phenotypes for a large cohort of patients with RUS having mutant SMAD6.

Methods

Genomic DNA samples were isolated from 251 RUS sporadic patients (with their parents) and 27 RUS pedigrees. Sanger sequencing was performed for the SMAD6 coding regions. For positive probands, co‐segregation and parental‐origin analysis of SMAD6 variants and phenotypic re‐evaluation were performed for their family members.

Results

We identified 50 RUS probands with SMAD6 variants (13 co‐segregated with RUS in pedigrees and 37 in RUS‐sporadic patients). Based on the new and previous data, we identified SMAD6 mutated in 16/38 RUS pedigrees and 61/393 RUS sporadic patients, respectively. Overall, 93 SMAD6 mutant patients with RUS were identified, among which 29 patients had unilateral RUS, where the left side was more involved than the right side (left:right = 20:9). Female protective effects and non‐full penetrance were observed, in which only 6.90% mothers (vs. ~50% fathers) of SMAD6 mutant RUS probands had RUS. Pleiotropy was observed as a re‐evaluation of SMAD6 mutant families identified: (a) three families had axial skeletal malformations; (b) two families had polydactyly; and (c) eight families had other known malformations.

Conclusion

SMAD6 was mutated in 42.11% RUS pedigrees and 15.52% RUS sporadic patients.

The RUS patients with SMAD6 variants exhibit both non‐full‐penetrance, variable expressivity, pleiotropy, female protective effects, and the left side is more susceptible than the right side.
The efficacy of combining a vascularized biogenic conduit and a decellularized nerve graft in the treatment of peripheral nerve defects: An experimental study using the rat sciatic nerve defect model
Authors: Takeuchi Hisataka , Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Noguchi Takashi , Ando Maki , Yoshimoto Koichi , Sakamoto Daichi , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: December 2021

Background

Although decellularized nerve grafts are often used as a bridging material in nerve defect repair, the lack of perfusion support in this procedure limits the regeneration capacity. To address this, we applied vascularized biogenic conduits, which are fibrous membranes prefabricated around the silicone rod that contain rich vascularity and macrophages, to nerve defect repair procedures using decellularized nerve grafts. The purpose of this study is to investigate the capacity of combining a vascularized biogenic conduit and a decellularized nerve graft for peripheral nerve regeneration using a 10‐mm nerve defect model in rats.

Materials and Methods

Sixteen adult male rats (F344 rats, 10–12 weeks, 200–250 g) were used in this study. For the prefabrication of vascularized biogenic conduits, a silicone rod was transplanted next to the sciatic nerve. After 8 weeks, this silicone rod was enveloped in connective tissue, called a vascularized biogenic conduit. The first rat was used to investigate the histological characteristics of vascularized biogenic conduits through immunofluorescence studies. The remaining 15 rats were divided into three groups to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of a decellularized nerve graft and a vascularized biogenic conduit: a decellularized nerve graft (DNG) group, a decellularized nerve graft with a vascularized biogenic conduit (DNG‐w‐VBC) group, and an autologous nerve graft (ANG) group. Eight weeks after nerve graft surgery, the assessment results of both functional recovery (electrophysical studies and target muscle atrophy) and morphological recovery (total number, diameter, and myelin thickness of the regenerated axons) of the regenerated nerves were examined.

Results

Immunofluorescence studies revealed that the VBC contains extracellular matrix, vascular tissue, and macrophages. The results of the DNG‐w‐VBC group were superior to the DNG group in electrophysiological studies (CMAP; 6.29 ± 0.80% vs. 4.02 ± 3.35%, MNCV; 50.6 ± 8.4% vs. 25.7 ± 15.6%, p < .05, respectively), regenerated axon number (11,348 ± 812 vs. 7697 ± 2197, p < .05), and mean axon diameter (2.72 ± 0.33 μm vs. 1.64 ± 0.12 μm, p < .05).

Conclusions

Our study confirms that vascularized biogenic conduits supply vascularity and macrophages to nerve defect sites. Combining vascularized biogenic conduits with decellularized nerve grafts to treat nerve defects offers superior functional and morphological recovery of regenerated axons.