bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of adhesive area on cellular traction force and spread area
Authors: Holland Elijah N. , Lobaccaro Deborah , Fu Jianping , García Andrés J.
Published: February 2023

Cells integrate endogenous and exogenous mechanical forces to sense and respond to environmental signals. In particular, cell‐generated microscale traction forces regulate cellular functions and impact macroscale tissue function and development. Many groups have developed tools for measuring cellular traction forces, including microfabricated post array detectors (mPADs). mPADs are a powerful tool that provides direct traction force measurements through imaging post deflections and utilizing Bernoulli‐Euler beam theory. In this technical note, we investigated how mPADs presenting two different top surface areas but similar effective stiffness influence cellular spread area and traction forces for murine embryonic fibroblasts and human mesenchymal stromal cells. When focal adhesion size was restricted via mPAD top surface area, we observed a decrease in both cell spread area and cell traction forces as the mPAD top surface area decreased, but the traction force‐cell area linear relationship was maintained, which is indicative of cell contractility. We conclude that the mPAD top surface area is an important parameter to consider when utilizing mPADs to measure cellular traction forces. Furthermore, the slope of the traction force‐cell area linear relationship provides a useful metric to characterize cell contractility on mPADs
Cord Blood Plasma Metabolome-wide Associations With Height From Birth to Adolescence
Authors: Cao Tingyi , Zhao Jiaxuan , Hong Xiumei , Wang Guoying , Pearson Colleen , Adams William G. , Hu Frank B. , Wang Xiaobin , Liang Liming
Published: February 2023

Although the maternal intrauterine metabolic environment has been recognized to have a profound impact on fetal growth and development with lifelong health implications, to our knowledge, there have been few large-scale birth cohort studies linking the cord metabolome (reflecting both the maternal and fetal metabolic state) with postnatal height measurements across the pediatric age range. Using data from the Boston Birth Cohort, an ongoing prospective birth cohort, this study investigated the association of cord plasma metabolites with children's height from birth to adolescence. Height was analyzed as attained height and longitudinal trajectories. Distinctive cord metabolite types were associated with attained height at different developmental windows: triacylglycerols [TAGs], diacylglycerols [DAGs], cholesterol ester [CEs], phospholipids, amino acids [AAs], acylcarnitines [ACs], and nucleotides in early (age 0–4 years) and middle (age 6–12 years) childhood; various metabolite types other than TAGs in later childhood (after age 14 years). Functional principal component analysis on children's repeated height measurements summarized two typical height trajectory components: loadings on first eigenfunction [FPC1] representing overall height by age, and loadings on second eigenfunction [FPC2] representing speed of pubertal height growth. Although only one cord metabolite was correlated with FPC1 after accounting for multiple testing, the study found 27 metabolites with significant overall effect on FPC2 among females and 18 among males. These metabolites were mostly phospholipids (including phosphatidylethanolamines [PEs], phosphatidylethanolamine plasmalogens [PE_Ps], phosphatidylcholines [PCs], lysophosphatidylethanolamines [LPEs], and lysophosphatidylcholines [LPCs]), AAs, and nucleotides. Their associations with height differed between overweight/obesity (OWO) and non-OWO children, especially among females. In this prospective study of US understudied urban, low-income, racially diverse children, we demonstrated that cord plasma metabolites were significantly associated with postnatal attained height at different age windows as well as height trajectories from birth to adolescence. We also revealed how these associations differed by children's sex and OWO status. Our findings help elucidate metabolic pathways underlying fetal origins of height growth across developmental stages. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Discovery of VEGFR inhibitors through virtual screening and energy assessment
Authors: Reang Jurnal , Sharma Kalicharan , Sharma Prabodh C. , Yadav Vivek , Sharma Vinita , Majeed Jaseela
Published: February 2023

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) is crucial in promoting tumor angiogenesis and cancer metastasis. Thus, inhibition of VEGFR‐2 has appeared as a good tactic for cancer treatment. To find out novel VEGFR‐2 inhibitors, first, the PDB structure of VEGFR‐2, 6GQO, was selected based on atomic nonlocal environment assessment (ANOLEA) and PROCHECK assessment. 6GQO was then further used for structure‐based virtual screening (SBVS) of different molecular databases, including US‐FDA approved drugs, US‐FDA withdrawn drugs, may bridge, MDPI, and Specs databases using Glide. Based on SBVS, receptor fit, drug‐like filters, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis of 427877 compounds, the best 22 hits were selected. From the 22 hits, hit 5 complex with 6GQO was put through molecular mechanics/generalized born surface area (MM/GBSA) study and hERG binding. The MM/GBSA study revealed that hit 5 possesses lesser binding free energy with more inferior stability in the receptor pocket than the reference compound. The VEGFR‐2 inhibition assay of hit 5 disclosed an IC50 of 165.23 nM against VEGFR‐2, which can be possibly enhanced through structural modifications.
Defining orienting language in the genetic counseling process
Authors: Cook Katherine E. , Baty Bonnie J. , Dent Karin M. , Kaphingst Kimberly A. , Erby Lori H.
Published: February 2023

We defined orienting language in genetic counseling sessions as ‘language intended to direct focus to a particular aspect of the counseling process; a physical, emotional, or cognitive space; or an outcome’. This is a concept expanding on the idea of ‘orientation’ statements in the genetic counseling literature. We propose that orienting language is an important component of effective communication in the genetic counseling process. Our goals were to document the presence of orienting language in genetic counseling sessions with practicing genetic counselors and simulated clients, categorize types of orienting language, and evaluate the purpose of this language. A sample of Genetic Counseling Video Project videotape transcripts was evaluated through consensus coding for orienting language. Orienting language was found to be abundant in the dataset evaluated. Each excerpt was coded for orienting language Strategies and Purpose. The six categories of Strategy codes identified were Logical Consistency, Providing Context, Guidance, Structuring the Session, Anchoring, and Procedural. The six categories of Purpose codes were Counselee Understanding, Guidance, Engagement, Promoting Effective Counselor/Counselee Interactions, Counselee Adaptation, and Relationship Building. Results support our expanded definition of orienting language, which was similar in both cancer and prenatal specialties and across years of counselor experience. Orienting language acts as a series of signposts to help clients navigate the sometimes complex and unfamiliar territory of a genetic counseling session. The introduction of this term into the genetic counseling literature allows its use by genetic counselors to be further evaluated and potentially incorporated into genetic counselor training.
Critical components of genomic medicine practice for non‐genetics healthcare professionals: Genetic counselors' perspectives and implications for medical education
Authors: Coleman Tanner , Bensend Tracy , Mills Rachel , Orlando Lori A. , Doyle Lauren
Published: February 2023

Genetic services are increasingly provided by non‐genetics healthcare professionals (NGHPs) with minimal formal training in genetics/genomics. Research demonstrates gaps in knowledge and clinical practices in genetics/genomics among NGHPs, but there is a lack of consensus on the specific knowledge needed by NGHPs to effectively provide genetic services. As clinical genetics professionals, genetic counselors (GCs) have insight into the critical components of genetics/genomics knowledge and practices needed by NGHPs. This study explored GCs' beliefs regarding whether NGHPs should provide genetic services and identified GCs' perceptions of the components of knowledge and clinical practice in genetics/genomics that are most critical for NGHPs providing genetic services. Two hundred and forty GCs completed an online quantitative survey with 17 participating in a follow‐up qualitative interview. Descriptive statistics and cross‐comparisons were generated for survey data. Interview data were analyzed using an inductive qualitative method for cross‐case analysis. Most GCs disagreed with NGHPs providing genetic services, but beliefs varied widely, ranging from disagreement due to perceived gaps in knowledge or clinical skills to acceptance of NGHPs providing genetic services due to limited access to genetics professionals. Across survey and interview data, GCs endorsed the interpretation of genetic test results, understanding implications of results, collaboration with genetics professionals, knowledge of the risks and benefits to testing, and recognizing indications for genetic testing as critical components of knowledge and clinical practice for NGHPs. Several recommendations for improving the provision of genetic services were provided by respondents including educating NGHPs to provide genetic services through case‐based continuing medical education and increasing collaboration between NGHPs and genetics professionals. As GCs are healthcare providers with experience and vested interests in educating NGHPs, their perspectives can help inform the creation of continuing medical education to ensure patients' access to high‐quality genomic medicine care from providers of varying backgrounds.
Complete minors and average degree: A short proof
Authors: Alon Noga , Krivelevich Michael , Sudakov Benny
Published: February 2023

We provide a short and self‐contained proof of the classical result of Kostochka and of Thomason, ensuring that every graph of average degree has a complete minor of order .
Antiretroviral postnatal prophylaxis to prevent HIV vertical transmission: present and future strategies
Authors: Penazzato Martina , Kasirye Ivy , Ruel Theodore , Mukui Irene , Bekker Adrie , Archary Mohendran , Musoke Philippa , Essajee Shaffiq , Siberry George K. , Mahy Mary , Simnoue Daniele , Simione Beatriz , Zech Jennifer M. , Mushavi Angela , Abrams Elaine J. ,   PNP meeting participants
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) with viral suppression prior to conception, during pregnancy and throughout the breastfeeding period accompanied by infant postnatal prophylaxis (PNP) forms the foundation of current approaches to preventing vertical HIV transmission. Unfortunately, infants continue to acquire HIV infections, with half of these infections occurring during breastfeeding. A consultative meeting of stakeholders was held to review the current state of PNP globally, including the implementation of WHO PNP guidelines in different settings and identifying the key factors affecting PNP uptake and impact, with an aim to optimize future innovative strategies.

Discussion

WHO PNP guidelines have been widely implemented with adaptations to the programme context. Some programmes with low rates of antenatal care attendance, maternal HIV testing, maternal ART coverage and viral load testing capacity have opted against risk‐stratification and provide an enhanced PNP regimen for all infants exposed to HIV, while other programmes provide infant daily nevirapine antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis for an extended duration to cover transmission risk throughout the breastfeeding period. A simplified risk stratification approach may be more relevant for high‐performing vertical transmission prevention programmes, while a simplified non‐risk stratified approach may be more appropriate for sub‐optimally performing programmes given implementation challenges. In settings with concentrated epidemics, where the epidemic is often driven by key populations, infants who are found to be exposed to HIV should be considered at high risk for HIV acquisition. All settings could benefit from newer technologies that promote retention during pregnancy and throughout the breastfeeding period. There are several challenges in enhanced and extended PNP implementation, including ARV stockouts, lack of appropriate formulations, lack of guidance on alternative ARV options for prophylaxis, poor adherence, poor documentation, inconsistent infant feeding practices and in inadequate retention throughout the duration of breastfeeding.

Conclusions

Tailoring PNP strategies to a programmatic context may improve access, adherence, retention and HIV‐free outcomes of infants exposed to HIV. Newer ARV options and technologies that enable simplification of regimens, non‐toxic potent agents and convenient administration, including longer‐acting formulations, should be prioritized to optimize the effect of PNP in the prevention of vertical HIV transmission.
GluCEST Imaging and Structural Alterations of the Bilateral Hippocampus in First‐Episode and Early‐Onset Major Depression Disorder
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Dong Yingying , Zou Linxuan , Xu Donghao , Luo Xunrong , Chu Tongpeng , Wang Jing , Ren Qingfa , Liu Quanyuan , Li Xianglin
Published: February 2023

Background

Glutamate dysregulation is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms of major depressive disorder (MDD), and glutamate chemical exchange saturation transfer (GluCEST) has been used for glutamate measurement in some brain diseases but rarely in depression.

Purpose

To investigate the GluCEST changes in hippocampus in MDD and the relationship between glutamate and hippocampal subregional volumes.

Study Type

Cross‐sectional.

Subjects

Thirty‐two MDD patients (34% males; 22.03 ± 7.21 years) and 47 healthy controls (HCs) (43% males; 22.00 ± 3.28 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T; magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE) for three‐dimensional T1‐weighted images, two‐dimensional turbo spin echo GluCEST, and multivoxel chemical shift imaging (CSI) for proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS).

Assessment

GluCEST data were quantified by magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) analysis and assessed by the relative concentration of 1H MRS‐measured glutamate. FreeSurfer was used for hippocampus segmentation.

Statistical Tests

The independent sample t test, Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation, and partial correlation analysis were used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the left hippocampus, GluCEST values were significantly decreased in MDD (2.00 ± 1.08 [MDD] vs. 2.62 ± 1.41 [HCs]) and showed a significantly positive correlation with Glx/Cr (r = 0.37). GluCEST values were significantly positively correlated with the volumes of CA1 (r = 0.40), subiculum (r = 0.40) in the left hippocampus and CA1 (r = 0.51), molecular_layer_HP (r = 0.50), GC‐ML‐DG (r = 0.42), CA3 (r = 0.44), CA4 (r = 0.44), hippocampus‐amygdala‐transition‐area (r = 0.46), and the whole hippocampus (r = 0.47) in the right hippocampus. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores showed significantly negative correlations with the volumes of the left presubiculum (r = −0.40), left parasubiculum (r = −0.47), and right presubiculum (r = −0.41).

Data Conclusion

GluCEST can be used to measure glutamate changes and help to understand the mechanism of hippocampal volume loss in MDD. Hippocampal volume changes are associated with disease severity.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Structural and metabolic brain correlates of arithmetic word‐problem solving in Huntington's disease
Authors: Horta‐Barba Andrea , Martinez‐Horta Saul , Sampedro Frederic , Pérez‐Pérez Jesús , Camacho Valle , Pagonabarraga Javier , Kulisevsky Jaime
Published: February 2023

Individuals with pre‐manifest and early symptomatic Huntington's disease (HD) have shown deficits in solving arithmetic word‐problems. However, the neural correlates of these deficits in HD are poorly understood. We explored the structural (gray‐matter volume; GMV) and metabolic (18F‐FDG PET; SUVr) brain correlates of arithmetic performance using the recently developed HD‐word problem arithmetic task (HD‐WPA) in seventeen preHD and sixteen HD individuals. Symptomatic participants showed significantly lower scores in the HD‐WPA than preHD participants. Lower performance in the HD‐WPA was associated with reduced GMV in subcortical, medial frontal, and several posterior‐cortical clusters in HD participants. No significant GMV loss was found in preHD participants. 18F‐FDG data revealed a widespread pattern of hypometabolism in association with lower arithmetic performance in all participants. In preHD participants, this pattern was restricted to the ventrolateral and orbital prefrontal cortex, the insula, and the precentral gyrus. In HD participants, the pattern extended to several parietal–temporal regions. Word‐problem solving arithmetic deficits in HD is subserved by a pattern of asynchronous metabolic and structural compromise across the cerebral cortex as a function of disease stage. In preHD individuals, arithmetic deficits were associated with prefrontal alterations, whereas in symptomatic HD patients, more severe arithmetic deficits are associated with the compromise of several frontal‐subcortical and temporo‐parietal regions. Our results support the hypothesis that cognitive deficits in HD are not exclusively dominated by frontal‐striatal dysfunctions but also involve fronto‐temporal and parieto‐occipital damage.
A new surfactant wettability alteration model for reservoir simulators
Authors: Chang Leonard Yujya , Pope Gary Arnold
Published: February 2023

Surfactants enhance oil recovery in naturally‐fractured oil‐wet rocks by wettability alteration and interfacial tension reduction. The oil‐wet state is ascribed to the adsorption of soap on the rock surface. Soaps are the dissociated forms of carboxylic acids in the crude oil, that is, carboxylate surfactants. This paper describes a new mechanistic surfactant wettability alteration model that was developed for and implemented in a reservoir simulator. The model captures the geochemical reactions of acid/soap, the formation of mixed micelles, Henry's law adsorption, and the formation of cationic surfactant‐anionic soap ion‐pairs. A new wettability scaling factor is used to interpolate between the oil‐wet and water‐wet relative permeability and capillary pressure curves. The new model also accounts for the effect of salinity and pH, so it should also be useful for modeling low‐salinity flooding without surfactant. Previous surfactant wettability alteration models ignored the underlying mechanisms and were not predictive. Simulations of both static and dynamic imbibition were performed to better understand the key surfactant parameters and the dynamics of wettability alteration, microemulsion phase behavior, and interfacial tension reduction on oil recovery. Optimizing surfactant formulations for wettability alteration is discussed.
Heterologous expression and characterization of Bacillus velezensisSW5 serine protease involved in the hydrolysis of anchovy protein
Authors: Li Na , Shen Biao , Liu Yang , Weng Peifang , Wu Zufang
Published: February 2023

Background

Bacillus velezensis SW5, with good enzyme production ability, was isolated and identified in our laboratory from fermented fish sauce. Its galactosidase has been expressed in Escherichia coli, which could hydrolyze lactose in milk. The present study aims to express a novel serine protease gene (SPr‐SW5) of this strain by Bacillus subtilis WB800N, and applies the expressed enzyme in hydrolysis of anchovy to prepare antioxidant substances, aiming to alleviate the waste of low‐value fish resources.

Results

SPr‐SW5 with the open reading frame of 1353 bp encodes a serine protease (SPr‐SW5) with 450 amino acids. The theoretical molecular weight and isoelectric point are 47.2 kDa and 5.22, respectively. The successful expression of SPr‐SW5 in B. subtilis WB800N was confirmed by a skim milk plate test. Its optimal temperature and pH were 50 °C and 8.0, respectively. SPr‐SW5 activity was increased by Ca2+ and Zn2+, but inhibited by Fe3+. Furthermore, SPr‐SW5 was tolerant to 1% Tween‐40 and Tween‐80; however, its activity was strongly inhibited by 10 mm phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. Additionally, SPr‐SW5 could be capable of hydrolyzing anchovy, the hydrolysate (AHP) at 10 g L−1, with 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl (·OH) scavenging rates of 73.21% and 79.71%, displaying good antioxidant activity.

Conclusion

The novel SPr‐SW5 was successfully expressed in B. subtilis WB800N. It exhibited excellent temperature stability and good tolerance to several metal ions. In addition, the anchovy hydrolyzed by expressed SPr‐SW5 has good antioxidant ability. Overall, this research lays a good foundation for SPr‐SW5 with respect to exploration and application in the food industry as enzyme preparation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Neuroprotective effects of hydroponic ginseng fermented by Lactococcus lactisKC24 in oxidatively stressed SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Park Ji‐Young , Kim Kee‐Tae , Paik Hyun‐Dong
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Panax ginseng Meyer, a traditional herb in Asia, contains bioactive compounds such as polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and ginsenosides. Furthermore, fermentation with probiotics can promote the biofunctional activities of ginseng. This study's object was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of hydroponic ginseng against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced cytotoxicity and its effect on the fermentation time.

RESULTS

Nonfermented hydroponic ginseng (HNF) was fermented with Lactococcus lactis KC24 at 37 °C for 12 h (H12F) or 24 h (H24F). As fermentation progressed, the content of ginsenosides Rd and F2 increased slightly. The viability of cells pretreated with H2O2‐exposed nonfermented soil‐cultivated ginseng (SNF), HNF, H12F, and H24F gradually improved. In addition, a similar cytotoxicity trend was observed for the level of lactate dehydrogenase released. Fermentation with L. lactis KC24 also enhanced the protective effect of HNF in all assays related to the neuroprotective pathway. In other words, superoxide dismutase and catalase messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels were upregulated in H24F‐treated cells. Similarly, H24F also upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor to the highest observed concentration. Moreover, the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio was the lowest after H24F pretreatment in H2O2‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells. Attenuating the cytotoxicity in H2O2‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells, H24F markedly reduced caspase‐3 and ‑9 mRNA expression and caspase‐3 activity.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that HNF exhibited higher neuroprotection than SNF, which was enhanced after fermentation. This study demonstrates that H12F and H24F can be potential ingredients for developing healthy functional foods and pharmaceutical materials. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Nodules Identified on Surveillance Ultrasound for HCC
Authors: Hu Jinghui , Burrowes David P. , Caine Benjamin A. , Gibson Nicolas , Bhayana Deepak , Medellin Alexandra , Burak Kelly W. , Wilson Stephanie R.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Following positive surveillance ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended for further characterization. We propose contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) shows equivalent efficacy.

Methods

This prospective institutional review board approved study recruited 195 consecutive at‐risk patients with a positive surveillance US. All had CEUS and MRI. Biopsy (n = 44) and follow‐up are gold standard. MRI and CEUS results are classified according to liver imaging reporting and data system (LI‐RADS) and patient outcome.

Results

As an US‐based modality, CEUS is superior in confirming findings from surveillance US, correlation in 189/195 (97%) on CEUS compared to 153/195 (79%) on MRI. Within these negative MRI examinations, there are 2 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 1 cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) diagnosed on CEUS and proven by biopsy. From 195 patients, there are 71 malignant diagnoses from all sources, including 58 LR‐5 (45 on MRI and 54 on CEUS) and 13 others, including HCC outside of LR‐5 category, and LR‐M with biopsy proven iCCA (3 on MRI and 6 on CEUS). CEUS and MRI show concordant results in the majority of patients (146/195, 75%), including 57/146 malignant and 89/146 benign diagnoses. There are 41/57 concordant LR‐5 and 6/57 concordant LR‐M. When CEUS and MRI are discordant, CEUS upgraded 20 (10 biopsy‐proven) from MRI LR‐3/4 to CEUS LR‐5 or LR‐M by showing washout (WO) that MRI failed to show. Additionally, CEUS characterized time and intensity of WO and diagnosed 13/20 LR‐5 by showing late and weak WO and 7 LR‐M by showing fast and marked WO. CEUS is 81% sensitive and 92% specific in diagnosing malignancy. MRI is 64% sensitive and 93% specific.

Conclusions

CEUS performance is at least equivalent if not superior to MRI for initial evaluation of lesions from surveillance US.
Optical and Mechanical Properties of Thin PTFE Films, Deposited from a Gas Phase
Authors: Grytsenko Kostyantyn , Kolomzarov Yurii , Lytvyn Peter , Kondratenko Olga , Sopinskyy Mykola , Lebedyeva Iryna , Niemczyk Agata , Baranovska Jolanta , Moszyński Dariusz , Villringer Claus , Schrader Sigurd
Published: February 2023

Thin polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films are produced by deposition from a gas phase by two methods: electron‐enhanced vacuum deposition (EVD) and EVD + low‐temperature plasma (LTP). Structure, morphology, and composition of the films are studied by IR spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. They are close to the structure of bulk PTFE. The roughness of the films’ surface is changed with gas pressure and LTP power variations. Films are transparent from UV to near‐infrared regions. Refractive and extinction indices and their anisotropy are measured by spectral ellipsometry. They are tuned by variations of deposition conditions. Hardness and Young modulus of the films are increased if EVD + low power LTP is used for film deposition. Use of EVD + LTP also increases thermal stability of the films. Contact angle of the films corresponds to the bulk PTFE. The PTFE molecules oriented are preferentially in perpendicular direction to the substrate surface.
Antimicrobial Brushes on Titanium via “Grafting to” Using Phosphonic Acid/Pyridinium Containing Block Copolymers
Authors: Methling Rafael , Dückmann Oliver , Simon Frank , Wolf‐Brandstetter Cornelia , Kuckling Dirk
Published: February 2023

Coating medical implants with antibacterial polymers may prevent postoperative infections which are a common issue for conventional titanium implants and can even lead to implant failure. Easily applicable diblock copolymers are presented that form polymer brushes via “grafting to” mechanism on titanium and equip the modified material with antibacterial properties. The polymers carry quaternized pyridinium units to combat bacteria and phosphonic acid groups which allow the linear chains to be anchored to metal surfaces in a convenient coating process. The polymers are synthesized via reversible‐addition‐fragmentation‐chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization and postmodifications and are characterized using NMR spectroscopy and SEC. Low grafting densities are a major drawback of the “grafting to” approach compared to “grafting from”. Thus, the number of phosphonic acid groups in the anchor block are varied to investigate and optimize the surface binding. Modified titanium surfaces are examined regarding their composition, wetting behavior, streaming potential, and coating stability. Evaluation of the antimicrobial properties revealed reduced bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation for certain polymers, albeit the cell biocompatibility against human gingival fibroblasts is also impaired. The presented findings show the potential of easy‐to‐apply polymer coatings and aid in designing next‐generation implant surface modifications.
Positive solutions for singular p(z)$p(z)$‐equations
Authors: Liu Zhenhai , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S.
Published: February 2023

We consider a Dirichlet problem driven by the anisotropic p‐Laplacian, with a reaction having the competing effects of a singular term and a parametric superlinear perturbation. We prove a bifurcation‐type theorem describing the changes of the set of positive solutions as the parameter varies. We also prove the existence of minimal positive solutions.
Targeted therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Mechanisms and clinical study
Authors: Kung Heng‐Chung , Yu Jun
Published: February 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive and lethal malignancy with a high rate of recurrence and a dismal 5‐year survival rate. Contributing to the poor prognosis of PDAC is the lack of early detection, a complex network of signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms, a dense and desmoplastic stroma, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. A recent shift toward a neoadjuvant approach to treating PDAC has been sparked by the numerous benefits neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) has to offer compared with upfront surgery. However, certain aspects of NAT against PDAC, including the optimal regimen, the use of radiotherapy, and the selection of patients that would benefit from NAT, have yet to be fully elucidated. This review describes the major signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC initiation and progression in addition to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of PDAC. We then review current guidelines, ongoing research, and future research directions on the use of NAT based on randomized clinical trials and other studies. Finally, the current use of and research regarding targeted therapy for PDAC are examined. This review bridges the molecular understanding of PDAC with its clinical significance, development of novel therapies, and shifting directions in treatment paradigm.
Pallidal Beta Activity Is Linked to Stimulation‐Induced Slowness in Dystonia
Authors: Lofredi Roxanne , Scheller Ute , Mindermann Aurika , Feldmann Lucia K. , Krauss Joachim K. , Saryyeva Assel , Schneider Gerd‐Helge , Kühn Andrea A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) effectively alleviates symptoms in dystonia patients, but may induce movement slowness as a side‐effect. In Parkinson's disease, hypokinetic symptoms have been associated with increased beta oscillations (13–30 Hz). We hypothesize that this pattern is symptom‐specific, thus accompanying DBS‐induced slowness in dystonia.

Methods

In 6 dystonia patients, pallidal rest recordings with a sensing‐enabled DBS device were performed and tapping speed was assessed using marker‐less pose estimation over 5 time points following cessation of DBS.

Results

After cessation of pallidal stimulation, movement speed increased over time (P < 0.01). A linear mixed‐effects model revealed that pallidal beta activity explained 77% of the variance in movement speed across patients (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

The association between beta oscillations and slowness across disease entities provides further evidence for symptom‐specific oscillatory patterns in the motor circuit. Our findings might help DBS therapy improvements, as DBS‐devices able to adapt to beta oscillations are already commercially available. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Effect of Protein Fermentation Products on Gut Health Assessed in an In Vitro Model of Human Colon (TIM‐2)
Authors: Wang Shan , van Geffen Myrte , Venema Koen , Mommers Alex , Jonkers Daisy , van Schooten Frederik‐Jan , Godschalk Roger
Published: February 2023

Scope

Western type of diets are characterized by high animal protein intake and are associated with various chronic inflammatory diseases. With a higher protein consumption, excess undigested protein will reach the colon and be subsequently metabolized by gut microbiota. Depending on the type of protein, fermentation in the colon generates different metabolites with varying biological effects. This study aims to compare the impact of protein fermentation products from different sources on gut health.

Methods and results

Three high protein diets (vital wheat gluten [VWG], lentil, or casein) are submitted to the in vitro model of colon. Fermentation of excess lentil protein for 72 h results in highest production of short‐chain fatty acids and lowest production of branched‐chain fatty acids. Exposure of Caco‐2 monolayers or Caco‐2 monolayers co‐cultured with THP‐1 macrophages to luminal extracts of fermented lentil protein results in less cytotoxicity of Caco‐2 monolayers and less damage to barrier integrity, when compared to VWG and casein. Lowest induction of interleukin‐6 is observed in THP‐1 macrophages after treatment with lentil luminal extracts, which is identified to be regulated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that protein sources affect the health effects of high protein diet in the gut.
Patient care, integration and collaboration of physician associates in multiprofessional teams: A mixed methods study
Authors: Wilsher Stephanie Howard , Gibbs Audrey , Reed Joanne , Baker Rebecca , Lindqvist Susanne
Published: February 2023

Aims

The aim of the study was to explore the physician associate role in patient care, integration and collaboration with team members, within the hospital setting.

Design

Convergent mixed methods case study design.

Methods

Questionnaires with some open‐ended questions and semi‐structured interviews were analysed with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

Participants included 12 physician associates, 31 health professionals and 14 patients/relatives. Physician associates provide effective, safe and, importantly, continuity of care and patients received patient‐centred care. Integration into teams was variable, and there was a lack of knowledge about the physician associate role amongst staff and patients. Views towards physician associates were mostly positive, but support for physician associates differed across the three hospitals.

Conclusion

This study further consolidates the role of physician associates to multiprofessional teams and patient care and emphasises the importance of providing support to individuals and teams when integrating new professions. Interprofessional learning throughout healthcare careers can develop interprofessional working within multiprofessional teams.

Impact

Leaders in healthcare will see that clarity about the role of physician associates must be given to staff members and patients. Employers and team members will see the need to properly integrate new professions and team members within the workplace and to enhance professional identities. The research will also impact on educational establishments to provide more interprofessional training.

Patient and Public Involvement

There is no patient and public involvement.
Anxiety subtypes in rural ischaemic stroke survivors: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Ma Junyan , Sun Yuyan , Xiao Lily Dongxia , Yan Fang , Tang Siyuan
Published: February 2023

Aim

To determine the potential profile classes of anxiety reported by ischaemic stroke survivors in rural China, and to explore the characteristics of patients having different types of post‐stroke anxiety.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted by using convenience sampling to collect data from 661 ischaemic stroke survivors in rural Anyang city, Henan Province, China, from July 2021 to September 2021. The parameters included in the study were the socio‐demographic characteristics, self‐rating anxiety scale (SAS), self‐rating depression scale (SDS) and the Barthel index of daily activity ability. Potential profile analysis was done to recognize subgroups of post‐stroke anxiety. The Chi‐square test was performed to explore the characteristics of individuals with different types of post‐stroke anxiety.

Results

The model fitting indices of stroke survivors supported three classes of anxiety models which were as follows: (a) Class 1, low‐level, stable group (65.3%, N = 431); (b) Class 2, moderate‐level, unstable group (17.9%, N = 118) and (c) Class 3, high‐level, stable group (16.9%, N = 112). The risk factors associated with post‐stroke anxiety were female patients, lower levels of education, living alone, lower monthly household income, other chronic diseases, impaired daily activity ability and depression.

Conclusions

This study identified three different subgroups of post‐ischaemic stroke anxiety and their characteristics in patients in rural China.

Impact

This study has significance in providing evidence for the development of targeted intervention measures to reduce negative emotions in different subgroups of post‐stroke anxiety patients.

Patient or Public Contribution

In this study, the researchers arranged the time of questionnaire collection with the village committee in advance, gathered the patients to the village committee for face‐to‐face questionnaire survey and collected the household data of the patients with mobility difficulties.
Association between negative psychology and sleep quality in dialysis patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Huang Liuyan , Zhang Fan , Zhu Rong , Wang Liya , Zhang Yue , Zhang Huachun , Zhong Yifei
Published: February 2023

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the sleep quality in dialysis patients during the COVID‐19 epidemic and explore the association between negative psychology (including depression, anxiety, and stress) and sleep quality in this population.

Design

A cross‐sectional study including three centres.

Methods (Patients or Public Contribution)

This cross‐sectional study included 378 dialysis patients from April to May 2022 in three dialysis centres in Shanghai. Methods. Depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale‐14 (PSS‐14), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), respectively. With a threshold of 5 to classify participants into good and poor sleep quality, with HADS/PSS‐14 scores as independent variables (per standard deviation (SD) increment), respectively and binary Logistic regression model was constructed to explore the association between the three negative psychological aspects of depression, anxiety, and stress and sleep quality.

Results

The median PSQI score was 11.0 (mean ± SD: 11.8 ± 4.8). Among them, poor sleep quality (i.e., PSQI >5) was reported by 90.2% of participants. After adjusting for sociodemographic and disease‐related information, HADS‐depression was associated with a significant 49% (odds ratio (OR): 1.49; 95% CI 1.02–2.18) increase in the risk of poor sleep quality for each additional SD (2.4). Correspondingly, for each SD (7.1) increase in PSS‐14, the risk of poor sleep quality was significantly increased by 95% (OR: 1.95; 95% CI 1.35–2.82).

Conclusion

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was a significant negative association between negative psychology, such as depression and stress, and sleep quality in dialysis patients, and this relationship was independent of the dialysis modality.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

In the context of the rampant COVID‐19, the vast majority of dialysis‐dependent chronic kidney disease presents with severe sleep quality problems, and negative psychology is a potential influencing factor.
How to study the market when you want to add a degree or certificate program
Authors: Felix Elliot
Published: February 2023

Workforce needs are changing. The number of job posts mentioning data analysis has increased 50% in the last few years. There are now more people getting MBAs online than on campus. There are 39 million people in the U.S. with some college credit but no degree. There are new credentials and competitors. Google plans to enroll 20,000 learners in their certificate programs in the coming years.
The role of status, diets, and mobility in understanding the impacts of urbanization in early medieval Bergen, Norway (St. Mary's Church): Insights from stable isotope analyses
Authors: Dolphin Alexis E. , Teeter Mathew A. , Szpak Paul
Published: February 2023

This research examines the diets and mobility of higher status individuals buried in the St. Mary's (Mariakirken) churchyard (1140 and 1248 AD), located in Bergen, Norway. Stable isotope data are used to explore the role that diets (preferential access, choice of foods) may have played in mitigating the negative impacts of rapid urbanization. Dietary reconstruction involved analysis of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios from paired bone and tooth samples from St. Mary's individuals (N = 25). Oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) were derived from analyses of tooth enamel carbonate to comment on individuals' origins and mobility (N = 26). Individualδ13C andδ15N collagen values indicate that St. Mary's individuals consumed variable diets, with some relying on marine animal protein almost exclusively, while others primarily consumed C3plants or animals that consumed C3plants as the main source of their dietary protein.δ18O ratios showed that some individuals originated outside of Bergen. Thus, the stable isotope evidence (δ13C andδ15N) indicates that diets of St. Mary's individuals were more varied, and in some cases, relied primarily on imported trade goods such as grain/grain fed animals, and marine resources. This reinforces the view that St. Mary's represented an affluent segment of the growing Bergen population, and that its members were heavily involved in trade. Oxygen isotopes show that some individuals spent time living outside of Bergen during childhood. These data suggest that diets were more variable within the St. Mary's sample than at contemporary Norwegian sites, and that the process of urbanization did not impact the people of Bergen in a unified way.
Liver insulin‐like growth factor‐1 mediates effects of low‐intensity vibration on wound healing in diabetic mice
Authors: Roberts Rita E , Cavalcante‐Silva Jacqueline , Del Rio‐Moreno Mercedes , Bilgen Onur , Kineman Rhonda D , Koh Timothy J
Published: February 2023

Chronic wounds in diabetic patients are associated with significant morbidity and mortality; however, few therapies are available to improve healing of diabetic wounds. Our group previously reported that low‐intensity vibration (LIV) could improve angiogenesis and wound healing in diabetic mice. The purpose of this study was to begin to elucidate the mechanisms underlying LIV‐enhanced healing. We first demonstrate that LIV‐enhanced wound healing in db/db mice is associated with increased IGF1 protein levels in liver, blood, and wounds. The increase in insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) 1 protein in wounds is associated with increased Igf1 mRNA expression both in liver and wounds, but the increase in protein levels preceded the increase in mRNA expression in wounds. Since our previous study demonstrated that liver was a primary source of IGF1 in skin wounds, we used inducible ablation of IGF1 in the liver of high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice to determine whether liver IGF1 mediated the effects of LIV on wound healing. We demonstrate that knockdown of IGF1 in liver blunts LIV‐induced improvements in wound healing in HFD‐fed mice, particularly increased angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation, and inhibits the resolution of inflammation. This and our previous studies indicate that LIV may promote skin wound healing at least in part via crosstalk between the liver and wound. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Fluorescent nano‐particles prepared by eATRP combined with self‐assembly imprinting technology
Authors: Yan Liu , Xu Lan
Published: February 2023

A novel amphiphilic photoreactive block copolymer was synthesized by electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP) of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), N‐vinyl carbazole (VK) with polyethylene glycol‐based initiator (PEG‐Br). And then the double bond and the boric acid group were introduced through the epoxy group. Fluorescent molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (nano‐FMIPs) were prepared using self‐assembly imprinting technology with PEG‐b‐P(GMA‐co‐VK) as a functional monomer and sialic acid (SA) as a template molecule. The nano‐FMIPs prepared by this method have the advantages of uniform size and small particle size, which greatly improves their recognition performance. It is found that the SA template can significantly quench the fluorescence intensity of nano‐FMIPs linearly within a concentration range of 4 × 10−4–4 × 10−6 mol L−1, which is well described by Stern–Volmer equation. The nano‐FMIPs can selectively and sensitively detect down to 2.9 μM of SA concentration. This study provides a new and general strategy for the preparation of nano‐MIPs with high selective recognition ability in aqueous media, which has good application prospects in biomedicine.
Synthesis and characterization of sulfonated polytriazoles utilizing 1,4‐bis(4‐azido‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)benzene for the proton exchange membrane applications
Authors: Ghanti Bholanath , Kamble Riddhi , Roy Sambit , Banerjee Susanta
Published: February 2023

The aromatic hydrocarbon‐based sulfonated polytriazoles have a reputation as a high‐performing polymer because of their excellent properties. This work demonstrates the synthesis of a new semi‐fluorinated diazide monomer, that is, 1,4‐bis(4‐azido‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)benzene (BATFB), and exploiting this compound a series of aromatic hydrocarbon‐based semi‐fluorinated sulfonated polytriazoles (BABPSSH‐60, −70, −80, −90) was synthesized utilizing the Cu(I)‐induced “click” cycloaddition polymerization reaction along with the sulfonated diazide monomer, 4,4′‐diazido‐2,2′‐stilbenesulfonic acid disodium salt tetrahydrate (DASSA) and the terminal dialkyne monomer, 4,4′‐(propane‐2,2′‐diyl)bis((prop‐2‐ynyloxy)benzene) (BPAAL). The structural analysis of those copolymers was completed by the FTIR and the NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopic methods. Further, the degree of sulfonation (DS) and the ion exchange capacity (IEC) values of the copolymers were confirmed using the 1H NMR spectrums. They are readily soluble in respective solvents, and a light yellowish membrane was obtained using the solution casting procedure. These membranes demonstrated admissible mechanical and thermal stabilities, balanced water absorption properties, and reasonable chemical stability. The surface phase (SAXS, AFM) and bulk phase (TEM) morphological analysis proved the well‐separated phase morphology. The BABPSSH‐90 displayed a proton conductivity of 104 mS cm−1 at 90.
Self‐consistent modeling of the flow‐chemistry interplay in supersonically expanding CO2 mixtures; positive feedback of flow properties in supporting dissociation
Authors: Khaji Maryam , Degrez Gérard , van der Mullen Joost
Published: February 2023

A self‐consistent model giving insights on the flow‐chemistry interplay in supersonic nozzles is presented. It is shown that the change of flow properties, caused by dissociation, enhances the cooling potential. This results in positive feedback boosting the dissociation. The focus of this study is on the second stage of a tandem‐construction, that is, the expanding afterglow. The first stage of activating the vibrational states can be done by combustion or a plasma treatment. The expansion in the second stage triggers the vibrational‐vibrational ladder‐climbing mechanism favorable for dissociation. It is seen that an additional dissociation can be obtained by adding Ar before the expansion. Two different model types are used: a self‐consistent full‐numerical model and a fast semi‐analytical approach of acceptable accuracy.