bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical fitness characteristics and neck and shoulder pain incidence in school‐aged children—A 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Pirnes Katariina Pauliina , Kallio Jouni Juhani , Hakonen Harto Juho , Hautala Arto Jorma , Joensuu Laura , Häkkinen Arja Helena , Tammelin Tuija Heini
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Neck and shoulder pain (NSP) is common in school age, but preventative factors have not been identified. The purpose was to study whether a fitness test could be used to predict the incidence of NSP and determine whether good physical fitness characters would be associated with lower NSP incidence in school‐aged children at 2‐year follow‐up.

Methods

After the invitation to nine schools, 970 children (10–15 years old) agreed to participate. Flexibility, fundamental movement skills, musculoskeletal fitness, and cardiorespiratory fitness measurements included in Finnish Schools on the Move! monitoring system for physical functional capacity were measured at baseline in 2013. The NSP incidence was assessed by an online survey during school hours after 1 and 2 years. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations between physical fitness characteristics and NSP incidence.

Results

The mean prevalence of NSP was 26% at baseline. The NSP incidence was 15% in the first and 18% in the second follow‐up year. Good physical fitness was not associated with lower NSP incidence in the 2‐year follow‐up. Successful lower back extension (odds ratio [OR] = 2.83) and good scores in curl‐up (OR = 1.80) adjusted with age, gender, and body mass index, were associated with higher NSP incidence between T0 and T2. Throwing–catching combination (OR = 0.55) was associated with a lower NSP incidence in unadjusted analysis, but the association did not remain after adjustments.

Conclusion

Good physical fitness characteristics were not consistently associated with a lower NSP incidence in school‐aged children in a 2‐year follow‐up. The role of general field‐based physical fitness test as a screening tool for NSP incidence remains unconfirmed. More longitudinal studies are needed to detect the factors underlying NSP incidence in school‐aged children.
Ukraine's triple emergency: Food crisis amid conflicts and COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Nchasi Goodluck , Mwasha Carolyn , Shaban Moshi Moshi , Rwegasira Rose , Mallilah Benardine , Chesco Joshua , Volkova Anastasiia , Mahmoud Ashraf
Published: October 2022

Globally, both Russia and Ukraine play a key role in food production. Both countries are known for their meticulous positions in producing and exporting wheat, maize, sunflower seed oil, and cotton seed oil. Although the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for more than 5 years, the recent invasion of Russia in Ukraine has endangered food security in Ukraine during the COVID‐19 pandemic. As COVID‐19 cripples the healthcare infrastructure of Ukraine, food insecurity challenges the civilian population to migration. As the conflict intensitifes, damages to properties, loss of lives, rise of infectious diseases, incremental rise in energy prices, and fuel consumption are some of the possible consequences. This commentary aims to highlight the different ways in which access to food has been endangered, the implications that food crisis has on the world, and thus provide key recommendations on what needs to be addressed to mitigate the rising risks of the food crisis in the world.
A Markov jump process approach to modeling blood donor status: Donor retention and attrition rates at a blood service center in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chikobvu Delson , Chideme Coster
Published: October 2022

Background

Blood service agencies depend upon the availability of regular blood donors for sustainability. The knowledge and understanding of the stochastic behavior of donors is the first step toward sustaining the blood supply. Analyzing the changes in the donor status within the donor pool will help the blood service authorities to manage the blood donation process.

Objectives

The study presents a multistate Markov jump model in analyzing the changes in blood donor status during their blood donation career. Relevant covariates are used to aid in explaining the transitions.

Materials and Methods

The status of a blood donor i that can be in one of four states S = {1; 2; 3; 4}. A new donor (s = 1), repeat/regular donor (s = 2), occasional donor (s = 3), and lapsed donor (s = 4). A Continuous‐time Markov model was used to estimate blood donor progression during their blood donation career. Frequencies of blood donations made in a given time interval determines the state occupied.

Results

In the early years of blood donation career, first‐time donors have a higher likelihood of becoming regular donors. Donor attrition increases with time whilst donor retention decreases with time. The results show that when the jump process is currently in an occasional state, the probability that it moves into lapsed state when it leaves the occasional state is given as 69.06%. Similarly, donors are forecasted to spend 21.193 months (1.8 years) in the occasional state before lapsing. Repeat donors can spend 39.342 months (3.3 years) in the regular state before the transition to other states. The study established that donor‐specific demographic factors such as age and gender are critical in donor status transitions.

Conclusions

With the passage of time, donor status evolves, with trend inclined towards reduction in the frequency of blood donations as more donors become inactive or lapsed. The transition of donors in various states can be described by a time homogeneous Markov model.
The Easterlin paradox of entrepreneurs during China's economic transition
Authors: Yang Jidong , Zeng Yunqi , Wang Qing
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates the determinants and the time pattern of the subjective well‐being of private business owners. We find that both personal and enterprise‐level factors have a significant influence on subjective status of private business owners. Meanwhile, we find supportive evidence of Easterlin paradox among Chinese private entrepreneurs: both personal income and operating revenue enhance subjective status in a certain period, but subjective status declines as time goes by, even as incomes continue to rise. A further Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition suggests that the competition and provincial factors are the keys to explaining the paradox. Finally, we try to verify the positive effect of political connection on entrepreneurs' subjective status to provide some helpful advice for the government.
How free trade agreement affects the success of China's Belt and Road infrastructure projects
Authors: Hu Beibei , Jin Yuying , Wang Kai
Published: October 2022

After China launched the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, the Chinese government has invested over 1200 infrastructure projects in countries along the Belt and Road, and nearly 10% of the projects have failed or been delayed. China has also concluded free trade agreements with many countries along the Belt and Road to reduce trade and investment barriers to promote economic and trade cooperation. This paper analyzes whether the signing of the free trade agreement (FTA) is conducive to promoting China's infrastructure investment projects’ success in the countries along the Belt and Road. We conclude that the signing of the FTA agreement is conducive to reducing the failure rate of China's infrastructure investment in the countries along the Belt and Road. For deeper FTAs, the effect is more pronounced. This paper further explores the investment provision of FTA and concludes that investment provision can improve the success rate of investment, especially if it includes provision of national treatment in the pre‐establishment and the dispute settlement mechanism.
Bioactive fluorcanasite reinforced magnesium alloy‐based porous bio‐nanocomposite scaffolds with tunable mechanical properties
Authors: Garimella Adithya , M Ramya , Ghosh Subrata Bandhu , Bandyopadhyay‐Ghosh Sanchita , Agrawal Ashish Kumar
Published: October 2022

Magnesium (Mg) alloy‐based porous bio‐nanocomposite bone scaffolds were developed by powder metallurgy route. Selective alloying elements such as calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn) and strontium (Sr) were incorporated to tune the mechanical integrity while, bioactive fluorcanasite nano‐particulates were introduced within the alloy system to enhance the bone tissue regeneration. Green compacts containing carbamide were fabricated and sintered using two‐stage heat treatment process to achieve the targeted porosities. The microstructure of these fabricated magnesium alloy‐based bio‐nanocomposites was examined by Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) and x‐ray micro computed tomography (x‐ray μCT), which revealed gradient porosities and distribution of alloying elements. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirmed the presence of major crystalline phases in the fabricated samples and the evolution of the various combinations of intermetallic phases of Ca, Mg, Zn and Sr which were anticipated to enhance the mechanical properties. Further, XRD studies revealed the presence of apatite phase for the immersed samples, a conducive environment for bone regeneration. The fabricated samples were evaluated for their mechanical performance against uniaxial compression load. The tunability of compressive strengths and modulus values could be established with variation in porosities of fabricated samples. The retained compressive strength and Young's modulus of the samples following immersion in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution was found to be in line with that of natural human cancellous bone, thereby establishing the potential of the fabricated magnesium‐alloy‐based nanocomposite as a promising scaffold candidate for bone tissue engineering.
Syndecan‐4 and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 alpha functionalized endovascular scaffold facilitates adhesion, spreading and differentiation of endothelial colony forming cells and functions under flow and shear stress conditions
Authors: Wu Yidi , Yazdani Saami K. , Bolander Johanna Elin Marie , Wagner William D.
Published: October 2022

Acellular vascular scaffolds with capture molecules have shown great promise in recruiting circulating endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) to promote in vivo endothelialization. A microenvironment conducive to cell spreading and differentiation following initial cell capture are key to the eventual formation of a functional endothelium. In this study, syndecan‐4 and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 alpha were used to functionalize an elastomeric biomaterial composed of poly(glycerol sebacate), Silk Fibroin and Type I Collagen, termed PFC, to enhance ECFC‐material interaction. Functionalized PFC (fPFC) showed significantly greater ECFCs capture capability under physiological flow. Individual cell spreading area on fPFC (1474 ± 63 μm2) was significantly greater than on PFC (1187 ± 54 μm2) as early as 2 h, indicating enhanced cell–material interaction. Moreover, fPFC significantly upregulated the expression of endothelial cell specific markers such as platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (24‐fold) and Von Willebrand Factor (11‐fold) compared with tissue culture plastic after 7 days, demonstrating differentiation of ECFCs into endothelial cells. fPFC fabricated as small diameter conduits and tested using a pulsatile blood flow bioreactor were stable and maintained function. The findings suggest that the new surface functionalization strategy proposed here results in an endovascular material with enhanced endothelialization.
Subsidence of a partially porous titanium lumbar cage produced by electron beam melting technology
Authors: Distefano Fabio , Epasto Gabriella , Guglielmino Eugenio , Amata Aurora , Mineo Rosalia
Published: October 2022

The lumbar intervertebral devices are widely used in the surgical treatment of lumbar diseases. The subsidence represents a serious clinical issue during the healing process, mainly when the interfaces between the implant and the vertebral bodies are not well designed. The aim of this study is the evaluation of subsidence risk for two different devices. The devices have the same shape, but one of them includes a filling micro lattice structure. The effect of the micro lattice structure on the subsidence behavior of the implant was evaluated by means of both experimental tests and finite element analyses. Compressive tests were carried out by using blocks made of grade 15 polyurethane, which simulate the vertebral bone. Non‐linear, quasi‐static finite element analyses were performed to simulate experimental and physiologic conditions. The experimental tests and the FE analyses showed that the subsidence risk is higher for the device without micro lattice structure, due to the smaller contact surface. Moreover, an overload in the central zone of the contact surface was detected in the same device and it could cause the implant failure. Thus, the micro lattice structure allows a homogenous pressure distribution at the implant–bone interface.
An in vivo and in vitro model on the protective effect of cilnidipine on contrast‐induced nephropathy via regulation of apoptosis and CaMKⅡ/mPTP pathway
Authors: Liu Kun , Hu Can , Yin Wenjun , Zhou Lingyun , Gu Xurui , Zuo Xiaocong
Published: October 2022

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is an acute kidney injury (AKI) observed after the administration of contrast media. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) have been reported to exert a renal protective effect. This study aims to investigate the role of cilnidipine, a novel CCBs, on CIN by regulating the calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase Ⅱ(CaMKⅡ)/mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) pathway. Here, iohexol, a representative contrast media, was used to establish CIN model. KN‐93 (CaMKⅡ inhibitor) and atractyloside (mPTP opener) were administered in rats, and CaMKⅡ overexpression was used in Human proximal tubular epithelial cells. Markers of renal injury (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urinary NAGL), hematoxylin‐eosin stain, oxidative stress (ROS, superoxide dismutase [SOD], and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels), cell death (MTT and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling [TUNEL]), mitochondrial function (mPTP, mitochondrial membrane potential [MMP], and ATP) were assessed. Western blots were used to measure the expression levels of Bax/Bcl‐2, caspase‐3, CaMKⅡ/mPTP signaling pathways. Results showed that cilnidipine markedly improved kidney function, and alleviated tubular cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage induced by iohexol in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism may be that cilnidipine relieved CaMKⅡ activation and mPTP opening induced by iohexol. All of these protective effects of cilnidipine were attenuated by CaMKⅡ overexpression and atractyloside (mPTP opener) pretreatment. Moreover, KN‐93 (CaMKⅡ inhibitor) treatment showed a similar renal protective effect with cilnidipine, while the protective effect of cilnidipine on kidney in CIN rats was not further suppressed by KN‐93 cotreatment. These in vitro and in vivo results point toward the fact that cilnidipine might be a novel therapeutic drug against contrast‐induced nephrotoxicity in a CaMKⅡ‐dependent manner.
The terminology of sponge spicules
Authors: Łukowiak Magdalena , Van Soest Rob , Klautau Michelle , Pérez Thierry , Pisera Andrzej , Tabachnick Konstantin
Published: October 2022

Sponges (Porifera) are a diverse and globally distributed clade of benthic organisms, with an evolutionary history reaching at least the Ediacaran‐Cambrian (541 Ma) boundary interval. Throughout their research history, sponges have been subjects of intense studies in many fields, including paleontology, evolutionary biology, and even bioengineering and pharmacology. The skeletons of sponges are mostly characterized by the presence of mineral elements termed spicules, which structurally support the sponge bodies, though they also minimize the metabolic cost of water exchange and deter predators. The description of the spicules' shape and the skeleton organization represents the fundamental basis of sponge taxonomy and systematics. Here, we provide an illustrated catalogue of sponge spicules, which is based on previous works on sponge spicules, for example, and gathers and updates all terms that are currently used in sponge descriptions. Each spicule type is further illustrated through high quality scanning electron microscope micrographs. It is expected to be a valuable source that will facilitate spicule identification and, in certain cases, also enable sponge classification.
Unraveling the regulation of pyocyanin synthesis by RsmA through MvaU and RpoS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa ID4365
Authors: Montelongo‐Martínez Luis F. , Hernández‐Méndez Cristina , Muriel‐Millan Luis F. , Hernández‐Estrada René , Fabian‐Del Olmo Misael J. , González‐Valdez Abigail , Soberón‐Chávez Gloria , Cocotl‐Yañez Miguel
Published: October 2022

Pyocyanin is a phenazine with redox activity produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that is harmful to other bacteria and eukaryotic organisms by generating reactive oxygen species. Gene regulation of pyocyanin synthesis has been addressed in the PAO1 and PA14 strains and involves the three‐quorum sensing systems Las, Rhl, and Pqs; the regulators RsaL, MvaU, and RpoS, and the posttranscriptional Rsm system, among others. Here, we determined how RsmA regulates pyocyanin synthesis in P. aeruginosa ID4365, an overproducer strain. We found that, in the protease peptone glucose ammonium salts medium, rsmA inactivation increases pyocyanin production compared with the wild‐type strains ID4365, PAO, and PA14. We showed that RsmA regulates inversely the expression of both phz operons involved in pyocyanin synthesis; particularly the phz2 operon is positively regulated at the transcriptional level indirectly through MvaU. In addition, we found that the phz1 operon contributes mainly to pyocyanin synthesis and that RsmA negatively regulates phzM and phzS expression. Finally, we showed that translation of the sigma factor RpoS is positively regulated by RsmA, and the expression of rpoS under an independent promoter decreases pyocyanin production in the IDrsmA strain. These results indicate that RsmA regulates not only the genes for pyocyanin production but also their regulators.
Bio‐based mixed CO2‐switchable surfactant for reducing viscosity of heavy oil
Authors: Guan Dan , Luan Huoxin , Shao Hongzhi , Que Tingli , Xu Congjun , Liu Lulu , Huang Xiaoling , Su Xin
Published: October 2022

CO2‐switchable surfactants have significant viscosity‐reducing abilities, but their applicability is limited by the complexity of their manufacture. In this work, a simple mix of CO2‐switchable bio‐based surfactants N‐lauroylsarcosine (LS) and glucosamine (GA) was used to reduce viscosity of heavy crude oil. Surface tensiometer was used to investigate the surface activity of LS/GA, revealing the potential for viscosity reduction. By alternating sparging of CO2 and N2, the switchability of LS/GA was examined and proved. It reveals that LS/GA significantly reduces the viscosity of heavy oil by emulsification, but the formed emulsion can be quickly destabilized by introduction of CO2. The results of this study reveal that CO2‐switchable bio‐based surfactants with viscosity‐reducing capabilities for heavy crude oil may be produced by simple mixing, paving the way for reversible emulsification of heavy crude oil utilizing CO2‐switchable bio‐based surfactant.
Curcumin: a potential exogenous additive for the prevention of LPS‐induced duck ileitis by the alleviation of inflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Yang Hao , Yu Chunting , Yin Zesheng , Guan Peiyue , Jin Sanjun , Wang Yingjie , Feng Xingjun
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are the main pathogenic substances in Gram‐negative bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of dietary curcumin (CUR) on LPS toxicity in the duck ileum. The duck diet was supplemented with CUR (0.5 g kg−1) for 28 days, while the birds were injected with LPS (0.5 mg kg−1 body weight per injection, administered as seven injections in the last week of the experimental period).

RESULTS

LPS significantly decreased the ileal villus‐to‐crypt ratio in the non‐supplemented CUR group. Dietary CUR alleviated LPS‐induced morphological damage to the ileum. Moreover, dietary CUR alleviated oxidative stress by increasing the levels of total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) (P < 0.05) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) (P < 0.05) and decreasing the production of malonic dialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05) in control ducks and LPS‐challenged ducks. Dietary CUR significantly inhibited the LPS‐induced massive production of inflammatory factors (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) (P < 0.05). CUR induced the inhibition of TLR4 and activation of Nrf2 to reduce the expression of inflammation‐related genes (TLR4, NF‐κB, IKK, TXNIP, NLRP3, caspase‐1, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α). Moreover, dietary CUR ameliorated the decrease in claudin‐1 and occludin expression (P < 0.05) and improved ZO‐1 expression in the duck ileum (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, dietary CUR has beneficial effects on LPS‐induced ileal damage, oxidative damage, and inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR/NF‐κB and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathways in ducks. This study provides valuable information regarding the therapeutic uses of CUR in duck ileitis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Time‐restricted feeding affects transcriptomic profiling of hypothalamus in pigs through regulating aromatic amino acids metabolism
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Xia Pengke , Lu Zhiyang , Su Yong , Zhu Weiyun
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Time‐restricted feeding (TRF) is an effective means that can efficiently regulate the metabolism and health of animals and humans. However, the effect of TRF on hypothalamic function remains unclear.

RESULTS

Results showed that TRF significantly increased the activities of digestive enzymes lipase, maltase in the duodenum and lipase, trypsin in the pancreas whereas significantly decreased serum gastrointestinal hormones gastrin, glucagon‐like peptide‐1, cholecystokinin, peptide YY, and ghrelin. Metabolites related to amino acid metabolism, including citrulline, kynurenine, N‐acetylleucine, l‐tryptophan, and l‐tyrosine, significantly increased in the TRF group. Differential metabolites were mainly enriched in phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis and tryptophan metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis of hypothalamus showed that a total of 462 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly changed by TRF. In particular, DEGs such as DDC, TH, GOT2, and DBH involved in aromatic amino acid metabolism pathways were significantly downregulated, whereas the expression of CYP1B1 was significantly upregulated. Moreover, DEGs (PDYN and PPP3CA) involved in amphetamine addiction and cocaine addiction were also downregulated in the TRF group.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggested that TRF improved the digestion and absorption of nutrients and thus increased the accessibilities of aromatic amino acids. The increasing of circulating aromatic amino acids might mediate the regulatory neuroendocrine effects of TRF regimes on the hypothalamus functions, especially on drug addictions. This study reveals a possible mechanism underlying the effects of regulating feeding patterns on the function of the hypothalamus by altering aromatic amino acids metabolism. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Application of physical field‐assisted freezing and thawing to mitigate damage to frozen food
Authors: Jiang Qiyong , Zhang Min , Mujumdar Arun S.
Published: October 2022

Freezing is an effective technique to prolong the storage life of food. However, the freeze‐thaw process also brings challenges to the quality of food, such as mechanical damage and freeze cracks. Increasingly, physical fields have been preferred as a means of assisting the freezing and thawing (F/T) processes to improve the quality of frozen food because of their high efficiency and simplicity of application. This article systematically reviews the application of high‐efficiency physical field techniques in the F/T of food. These include ultrasound, microwave, radio frequency, electric fields, magnetic fields, and high pressure. The mechanisms, application effects, advantages and disadvantages of these physical fields are discussed. To better understand the role of various physical fields, the damage to food caused by the F/T process and traditional freezing is discussed. The evidence shows that the physical fields of ultrasound, electric field and high pressure have positive effects on the F/T of food. Proper application can control the size and distribution of ice crystals effectively, shorten the freezing time, and maintain the quality of food. Microwave and radio frequency exhibit positive effects on the thawing of food. Dipole rotation and ion oscillation caused by electromagnetic waves can generate heat inside the product and accelerate thawing. The effects of magnetic field on F/T are controversial. Although some physical field techniques are effective in assisting F/T of food, negative phenomena such as uneven temperature distribution and local overheating often occur at the same time. The generation of hotspots during thawing can damage the product and limit application of these techniques in industry. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Vegetation regeneration on natural terrain landslides in Hong Kong: Direct seeding of native species as a restoration tool
Authors: Law Ying Ki , Lee Calvin K. F. , Pang Chun Chiu , Hau Billy Chi Hang , Wu Jin
Published: October 2022

Landslides are common in tropical and subtropical regions with hilly terrains and heavy rainstorms, and can cause significant economic, ecological, and social impacts. Natural forest succession is usually slow on landslides due to poor soil structure and lack of woody plant seeds, and often comes with a higher risk of repeated landslides. Active forest restoration has been increasingly suggested as an effective alternative to restore exposed landslide scars. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of using different seed coatings and surface soil treatments on seed germination and seedling establishment of pioneer and late‐successional tree species on landslide scars in Hong Kong. Our results show that biochar‐dominant seed coating boosted seed germination rate by an additional 9.33% (Standard error = 0.04), while clay‐dominant seed coating did not show significant effects. The effects on seedling survival were not significant in both seed coating and surface soil treatments. Our results also show that large seed and later successional species have significantly higher germination rates than pioneer species and are able to successfully establish on landslide sites. These results suggest that direct seeding using a biochar seed coat with large seeds or late‐successional species is a useful method to enhance tree seed germination—an essential first step to restore the forests after landslide disturbances, with potential to be extended to other humid tropical and subtropical forests.
Effects of artificial restoration on vertical distribution of soil carbon storage following revegetation in a semiarid grassland of North China
Authors: Chen Lingling , Sun Jiahui , Baoyin Taogetao
Published: October 2022

Artificial restoration is an important strategy to restore plant communities and soil nutrients in degraded grassland ecosystems. Despite that research has been extensive on the impacts of vegetation restoration on soil carbon storage, little work has been tried to examine the impacts of artificial restoration on the vertical distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) storage following revegetation in grassland ecosystems. In this paper, the responses of plant species diversity, litter biomass (LB), aboveground biomass (AGB), the relative biomass of three dominant plant species, and the belowground biomass (BGB) were quantified under five different restoration regimes (natural recovery, harrowing, harrowing plus fertilization, harrowing plus irrigation, harrowing plus fertilization and irrigation), to explore the direct and indirect effects of artificial restoration, mediated by changes in the plant properties following revegetation, on SOC storage in Leymus chinensis steppe, North China. We found that artificial restoration greatly facilitated the recovery of Leymus chinensis but lowered the plant diversity. Irrigation treatment, particularly harrowing plus irrigation, was associated with both higher BGB and LB, which had positive effects on SOC storage at the 30–60 cm soil layer when compared with natural restoration. In addition, artificial restoration had positive but not significant effects on SOC storage in the surface soil layer (0–10 cm) mediated directly by changes in BGB, while it exerted negative indirect effects on SOC storage at the 10–30 cm soil layer through low level of plant species diversity. The loss of two dominant species (Stipa krylovii and Cleistogenes squarrosa) could greatly impact SOC storage not only due to lowered species diversity but also the reduced quality of litter input into soil. It is therefore proposed that maintaining high levels of plant species diversity could help sustain higher soil carbon storage through producing high‐quality root and litter. Our findings from the 9‐year restoration experiment suggested that natural restoration is a sustainable grassland restoration regime to conserve both plant diversity and soil nutrients over short timescales in semi‐arid grasslands in North China. In the long term, SOC storage can be substantially enhanced by artificial restoration, especially under treatments that include irrigation.
Long‐term outcomes of early stage oral tongue cancer: Main cause of treatment failure and second primary malignancy
Authors: Park Young M. , Lim Jae‐Yol , Koh Yoon W. , Kim Se‐Heon , Choi Eun C.
Published: October 2022

Objective

We attempted to investigate the long‐term outcomes, prognostic factors, treatment failures, second primary malignancies, and salvage therapies in early (pT1‐2N0) oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 295 early stage OTSCC patients.

Results

Two hundred ninety‐five patients were enrolled. The average follow‐up period was 64.5 months (range, 1–190 months). Five‐year recurrence‐free survival rate was 84.8% and disease‐specific survival rate was 91.2%. On multivariate analysis, only the depth of invasion (DOI) exhibited significant correlations with the disease recurrence. Patient's age and DOI demonstrated a significant association with survival. A total of 53 recurrence and 35 death events occurred, with the main cause of treatment failure being regional or local recurrence. In recurrent cases, the success rate of salvage treatment was 42% at 5 years. During the follow‐up period, second primary malignancy occurred in 13 patients, and 8 (61.5%) of those patients were successfully treated.

Conclusions

In pT1‐2N0 OTSCC, regional or local recurrence is the main recurrence pattern, whereas age and DOI >5 mm are significant prognostic factors related to recurrence and survival. Since several patients experienced second primary malignancies in the head and neck, careful and thorough surveillance may be required to detect second primary lesions.

Level of Evidence

4.
Diverse impacts of day and night temperature on spring phenology in freshwater marshes of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Shen Xiangjin , Jiang Ming , Lu Xianguo
Published: October 2022

Understanding the spatiotemporal variation in vegetation phenology of freshwater marshes and its response to climate change is significant to evaluate the global carbon cycling. Based on the climate and satellite‐derived vegetation index data, this work investigated the temporal and spatial variation of spring phenology and its response to climatic change in freshwater marshes of the Tibetan Plateau. We found that the start date of vegetation growing season (SOS) showed a significant advancing trend of 3.4 d decade−1 from 2001 to 2019 in freshwater marshes of the Tibetan Plateau. The increase of spring daytime and nighttime temperatures could advance the vegetation SOS over the marshes of the Tibetan Plateau. However, the effects of day maximum and night minimum temperature on freshwater marsh SOS were divergent at different altitudes: the advancing effect of warming night‐time and daytime temperature on the SOS was more significant in the regions below and above 4000 m, respectively.
Feasibility of photoacoustic‐guided ultrasound treatment for port wine stains
Authors: Chua Chloe J. , Pandey Prabodh K. , Kelly Kristen M. , Xiang Liangzhong
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

Port wine birthmark, also known as port wine stain (PWS) is a skin discoloration characterized by red/purple patches caused by vascular malformation. PWS is typically treated by using lasers to destroy abnormal blood vessels. The laser heating facilitates selective photothermolysis of the vessels and attenuates quickly in the tissue due to high optical scattering. Therefore, residual abnormal capillaries deep in the tissue survive and often lead to the resurgence of PWS. Ultrasound (US) has also been proposed to treat PWS, however, it is nonselective with respect to the vasculature but penetrates deeper into the tissue. We aim to study the feasibility of a hybrid PWS treatment modality combining the advantages of both modalities.

Materials and Methods

In this manuscript, we propose a photoacoustic (PA) guided US focusing methodology for PWS treatment which combines the optical contrast‐based selectivity with US penetration to focus the US energy onto the vasculature. The PA signals collected by the transducers, when time‐reversed, amplified, and transmitted, converge onto the PWS, thus minimally affecting the neighboring tissue. We performed two‐ and three‐dimensional simulations that mimic realistic transducers and medium properties in this proof of concept study.

Results

The time‐reversed PA signals when transmitted from the transducers converged onto the vasculature, as expected, thus reducing the heating of the neighboring tissue. We observed that while the US focus is indeed affected due to experimental factors such as limited‐view, large detector separation and finite detection bandwidth, and so forth, the US did focus completely or partially onto the vasculature demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed methodology.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the potential of the proposed methodology for PWS treatment. This treatment method can destroy the deeper capillaries while minimally heating the neighboring tissue, thus reducing the chances of the resurgence of PWS and as well as cosmetic scarring.
Supramolecular Coassembled Peptide Hydrogels for Efficient Anticancer Therapy by RNS‐Based PDT and Immune Microenvironment Regulation
Authors: Wang Dan , Li Hui , Wang Dianyu , Hao Yusen , Gui Han , Liu Jianfeng , Zhang Yumin , Liu Jinjian , Yang Cuihong
Published: October 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted much attention in cancer treatment due to its tumor selectivity and noninvasive nature. Recent studies have demonstrated that PDT mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in tumor microenvironment (TME) synergistically improves the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. However, the instability and short half‐life of the ROS generated by PDT limit its clinical applications. Herein, a coassembled peptide hydrogel comprising two short peptides that contained the same assembly unit, Ce6‐KKFKFEFEF (KEF‐Ce6) and RRRRRRRR‐KFKFEFEF (KEF‐R8) is developed. When exposed to 635 nm laser irradiation, KEF‐Ce6 released ROS, while KEF‐R8 plays as nitric oxide (NO) donor. Subsequently, ROS reacts with NO to produce reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Both in vitro and in vivo experiments prove that converting ROS into more cytotoxic RNS caused intense cell death. Importantly, it is observed that tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are polarized to proinflammatory types (M1‐type) by the RNS‐based PDT. The increase of M1 macrophages relieves the immunosuppressive situation in TME. Thus, when combined with αPD‐L1 treatment, the survival time of tumor‐bearing mice is prolonged. Overall, a simple yet efficient coassembled hydrogel that can cascade release ROS/NO/RNS and strengthen antitumor T cell responses to boost cancer immunotherapy by reprogramming TAMs is provided.
Soybean Oil Based Allyl Acrylates and Methacrylates: Synthesis, Characterization, and Polymerization
Authors: Çayli Gökhan , Hatir Pınar Çakir
Published: October 2022

In this study, a simple synthesis method for the allylic acrylates and methacrylates of soybean oil is evaluated. As a model compound, allylic acrylation and methacrylation of methyl oleate is also studied. IR and 1H NMR techniques are used in order to characterize all the allylic esters. Although homopolymerization of allylic esters is unsuccessful, copolymers of the allylic esters with acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, n butyl acrylate, and styrene are obtained as low load bearing solids. Copolymerization products of acrylated soybean oil (ACSO) and methacrylted soybean oil (METACSO with styrene show rubbery properties. METACSO‐Styrene and ACSO‐styrene copolymers exhibit 35.3 and 24.9 kPa tensile strengths with more than 200% of elongation. Thermal stabilities of the synthesized polymers are measured by TGA technique. The copolymers of methyl oleate‐based allyl acrylates and methacrylates exhibit higher 5% weight loss temperature than the copolymers of allylic acrylate and methacrylate of soybean oil.
Photoswitchable and Solvent‐Controlled Directional Actuators: Supramolecular Assembly and Crosslinked Polymers
Authors: Chen Yi‐Fan , Hsieh Chia‐Ling , Lee Lin‐Ruei , Liu Yu‐Chun , Lee Min‐Jie , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: October 2022

Untethered small actuators have drawn tremendous interest owing to their reversibility, flexibility, and widespread applications in various fields. For polymer actuators, however, it is still challenging to achieve programmable structural changes under different stimuli caused by the intractability and single‐stimulus responses of most polymer materials. Herein, multi‐stimuli‐responsive polymer actuators that can respond to light and solvent via structural changes are developed. The actuators are based on bilayer films of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and azobenzene chromophore (AAZO)‐crosslinked poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDAC). Upon UV light irradiation, the AAZO undergoes trans‐cis‐trans photoisomerization, causing the bending of the bilayer films. When the UV light is off, a shape recovery toward an opposite direction occurs spontaneously. The reversible deformation can be repeated at least 20 cycles. Upon solvent vapor annealing, one of the bilayer films can be selectively swollen, causing the bending of the bilayer films with the directions controlled by the solvent vapors. The effects of different parameters, such as the weight ratios of AAZO and film thicknesses, on the bending angles and curvatures of the polymer films are also analyzed. The results demonstrate that multi‐stimuli‐responsive actuators with fast responses and high reproducibility can be fulfilled.
Mitochondrial quality control proteases and their modulation for cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Jiangnan , Qiao Wenliang , Luo Youfu
Published: October 2022

Mitochondria, the main provider of energy in eukaryotic cells, contains more than 1000 different proteins and is closely related to the development of cells. However, damaged proteins impair mitochondrial function, further contributing to several human diseases. Evidence shows mitochondrial proteases are critically important for protein maintenance. Most importantly, quality control enzymes exert a crucial role in the modulation of mitochondrial functions by degrading misfolded, aged, or superfluous proteins. Interestingly, cancer cells thrive under stress conditions that damage proteins, so targeting mitochondrial quality control proteases serves as a novel regulator for cancer cells. Not only that, mitochondrial quality control proteases have been shown to affect mitochondrial dynamics by regulating the morphology of optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), which is closely related to the occurrence and progression of cancer. In this review, we introduce mitochondrial quality control proteases as promising targets and related modulators in cancer therapy with a focus on caseinolytic protease P (ClpP), Lon protease (LonP1), high‐temperature requirement protein A2 (HrtA2), and OMA‐1. Further, we summarize our current knowledge of the advances in clinical trials for modulators of mitochondrial quality control proteases. Overall, the content proposed above serves to suggest directions for the development of novel antitumor drugs.
Wave process in viscoelastic media using fractional derivatives with nonsingular kernels
Authors: Antonio Taneco‐Hernández Marco , Gómez‐Aguilar José Francisco , Cuahutenango‐Barro Bricio
Published: October 2022

We consider the equations of motion of a bar, with given density, infinite in both directions, subjected to longitudinal vibrations under the action of an external load, and a stress–strain relation represented by a fractional‐order operator. Using three types of fractional operators, the initial‐boundary value problems associated with the described phenomenon are posed and solved. Through the bivariate Mittag–Leffer function, which has been recently introduced, we find the fundamental solution of these problems and calculate their moments.
GPR109a Regulates Phenotypic and Functional Alterations in Macrophages and the Progression of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Zhang Zhaodi , Li Jiahong , Zhang Ming , Li Binbin , Pan XiaoHua , Dong Xiaoliang , Pan Li‐Long , Sun Jia
Published: October 2022

Scope

Dietary fibers can alter gut microbiota and microbial metabolite profiles. SCFAs are produced by bacterial fermentation of fiber, mediating immune homeostasis through G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPR109a, a receptor for niacin and butyrate, expressed by immune cells and non‐immune cells, is a key factor regulating immune responses. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of GPR109a in type 1 diabetes (T1D) remain unclear.

Methods and results

Experimental T1D was induced by streptozotocin in GPR109a‐deficient (Gpr109a−/−) and wild type mice. The study found that Gpr109a−/− mice were more susceptible to T1D with dysregulated immune responses, along with increased M1 macrophage polarization (from 10.55% to 21.48%). Further, an adoptive transfer experiment demonstrated that GPR109a‐deficient macrophages promoted the homing of intestine‐derived type 1 cytotoxic T cells to pancreas (from 18.91% to 24.24%), thus disturbing the pancreatic immune homeostasis in non‐obese diabetic mice. Mechanistically, GPR109a deficiency promoted M1 macrophage polarization associated with the activation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The findings reveal that macrophage GPR109a deficiency accelerates the development of T1D. Activation of GPR109a on macrophage by dietary components may provide a new strategy for preventing or treating T1D.
Design of microstrip Yagi‐Uda antenna array for 4.5 GHz band fixed wireless access in 5G
Authors: Roy Jibendu S.
Published: October 2022

Fixed wireless is a part of wireless local area network (WLAN) infrastructure which connects two fixed locations, like, tower to building or building to building by radio link or by other wireless link. In fifth generation (5G) for fixed wireless access (FWA) one of the attractive bands is 4.5 GHz band. The designs of a microstrip Yagi‐Uda antenna and a 4‐element Yagi‐Uda array for the application to 5G FWA at 4.5 GHz band are reported here. The experimentally investigated impedance and radiation properties of Yagi‐Uda antenna and a 4‐element array of it are reported. The antenna has 10 dB return loss bandwidth of 580 MHz which is 12.8% of the centre frequency and the array has bandwidth of 520 MHz which is 11.7% at the centre frequency. The Yagi‐Uda antenna array beam is tilted by 46° from the broadside direction. The measured maximum gains of the Yagi‐Uda antenna and the 4‐element array are 7.2 and 16.5 dBi, respectively. The cross‐polarization levels lower by about 20 dB than the main lobes are observed. The Yagi‐Uda array has high front‐to‐back ratio of better than 25 dB. The measured results are compared with the simulated results.
Silver sulfide as Q‐switcher and mode‐locker in Erbium‐doped fiber laser cavity
Authors: Ahmed Norizan , Omar Suziana , Jusoh Zulzilawati , Rahman Husna A. , Dimyati Kaharudin , Apsari Retna , Harun Sulaiman W.
Published: October 2022

A silver sulfide saturable absorber (SA) was successfully employed in an Erbium‐doped fiber laser (EDFL) cavity for short and ultrashort pulse generations. The Q‐switched laser was obtained with an operation wavelength of 1566 nm, pulse rate of 93.81 kHz, and pulse duration of 1.68 μs at a 187.04 mW pump. As the EDFL cavity was optimized for mode‐locking operation by adding 100 m long single mode fiber, a stable soliton pulse train operating at 1564 nm was realized with a constant repetition rate of 1.88 MHz and pulse duration of 3.01 ps. The good nonlinear characteristics of the SA make synergetic contributions to the generation of high‐performance Q‐switched and mode‐locked lasers.
Technical note: Investigation of dose and LETd effect to rectum and bladder by using non‐straight laterals in prostate cancer receiving proton therapy
Authors: Yang Yunze , Rwigema Jean‐Claude M. , Vargas Carlos , Yu Nathan Y. , Keole Sameer R. , Wong William W. , Schild Steven E. , Bues Martin , Liu Wei , Shen Jiajian
Published: October 2022

Background

Parallel‐opposed lateral beams are the conventional beam arrangements in proton therapy for prostate cancer. However, when considering linear energy transfer (LET) and RBE effects, alternative beam arrangements should be investigated.

Purpose

To investigate the dose and dose averaged LET (LETd) impact of using new beam arrangements rotating beams 5°–15° posteriorly to the laterals in prostate cancer treated with pencil‐beam‐scanning (PBS) proton therapy.

Methods

Twenty patients with localized prostate cancer were included in this study. Four proton treatment plans for each patient were generated utilizing 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15° posterior oblique beam pairs relative to parallel‐opposed lateral beams. Dose‐volume histograms (DVHs) from posterior oblique beams were analyzed. Dose‐LETd‐volume histogram (DLVH) was employed to study the difference in dose and LETd with each beam arrangement. DLVH indices, , defined as the cumulative absolute volume that has a dose of at least d (Gy[RBE]) and a LETd of at least l (keV/µm), were calculated for both the rectum and bladder to the whole group of patients and two‐sub groups with and without hydrogel spacer. These metrics were tested using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

Rotating beam angles from laterals to slightly posterior by 5°–15° reduced high LETd volumes while it increased the dose volume in the rectum and increased LETd in bladders. Beam angles rotated five degrees posteriorly from laterals (i.e., gantry in 95° and 265°) are proposed since they achieved the optimal balance of better LETd sparing and minimal dose increase in the rectum. A reduction of V(50 Gy[RBE], 2.6 keV/µm) from 7.41 to 3.96 cc (p < 0.01), and a slight increase of V(50 Gy[RBE], 0 keV/µm) from 20.1 to 21.6 cc (p < 0.01) were observed for the group without hydrogel spacer. The LETd sparing was less effective for the group with hydrogel spacer, which achieved the reduction of V(50 Gy[RBE], 2.6 keV/µm) from 4.28 to 2.10 cc (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Posterior oblique angle plans improved LETd sparing of the rectum while sacrificing LETd sparing in the bladder in the treatment of prostate cancer with PBS. Beam angle modification from laterals to slightly posterior may be a strategy to redistribute LETd and perhaps reduce rectal toxicity risks in prostate cancer patients treated with PBS. However, the effect is reduced for patients with hydrogel spacer.