bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk management actions following genetic testing in the Cancer Health Assessments Reaching Many (CHARM) Study: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Guo Boya , Knerr Sarah , Kauffman Tia L. , Mittendorf Kathleen F. , Keast Erin , Gilmore Marian J. , Feigelson Heather Spencer , Lynch Frances L. , Muessig Kristin R. , Okuyama Sonia , Zepp Jamilyn M. , Veenstra David L. , Hsu Li , Phipps Amanda I. , Lindström Sara , Leo Michael C. , Goddard Katrina A. B. , Wilfond Benjamin S. , Devine Beth ,   the CHARM Study team
Published: August 2023

Background

Genetic testing can identify cancer risk early, enabling prevention and early detection. We describe use of risk management interventions following genetic testing in the Cancer Health Assessment Reaching Many (CHARM) study. CHARM assessed risk and provided genetic testing to low income, low literacy, and other underserved populations that historically face barriers to accessing cancer genetic services.

Methods

CHARM was implemented in Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW) and Denver Health (DH) between 2018 and 2020. We identified post‐testing screening (mammography, breast MRI, colonoscopy) and surgical (mastectomy, oophorectomy) procedures using electronic health records. We examined utilization in participants who did and did not receive actionable risk management recommendations from study genetic counselors following national guidelines.

Results

CHARM participants were followed for an average of 15.4 months (range: 0.4–27.8 months) after results disclosure. Less than 2% (11/680) received actionable risk management recommendations (i.e., could be completed in the initial years following testing) based on their test result. Among those who received actionable recommendations, risk management utilization was moderate (54.5%, 6/11 completed any procedure) and varied by procedure (mammogram: 0/3; MRI: 2/4; colonoscopy: 4/5; mastectomy: 1/5; oophorectomy: 0/3). Cancer screening and surgery procedures were rare in participants without actionable recommendations.

Conclusion

Though the number of participants who received actionable risk management recommendations was small, our results suggest that implementing CHARM's risk assessment and testing model increased access to evidence‐based genetic services and provided opportunities for patients to engage in recommended preventive care, without encouraging risk management overuse.
Recreational marijuana changes come to campus
Authors: Miles David
Published: August 2023

The times are changing when it comes to the policing of smoking recreational marijuana on college campuses.
Learn how to apply the art of negotiation in your daily work
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2023

BOSTON — In your daily interactions with students, staff, and others, the art of negotiation can come in handy and can make you and others feel empowered. Some common scenarios might include negotiating salaries for you or your staff, a personal or departmental purchase, or sanctions for students. For example, if you ask students what their consequences should be or how long they think their suspension should last, they can leave feeling like they got what they wanted and they will be more invested in the outcome while you also achieve your intended goal.
Exploring biomarkers for autophagy‐mediated macrophage pyroptosis in atherosclerosis
Authors: Yang Rongyuan , Wang Dawei , Ding Yu , Liu Qing
Published: August 2023

This study tried to investigate the macrophage autophagy‐related pyroptosis in atherosclerosis. The gene expression omnibus (GEO) dataset of GSE100927 was used for differentially expressed genes (DEG) screening, gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), CIBERSORT, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), receiver operating characteristic (ROC), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and correlation analysis, and GSE159677 was used for single‐cell analysis, all conducted in R software. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) was constructed in STRING and analyzed in Cytoscape. Transcription factors, drugs, and tissue co‐expression network were explored in NetworkAnalyst. A total of 110 autophagy‐related DEG (DEATG) were identified, and GO/KEGG revealed the top items enriched in autophagy, phagosome and lysosome. CIBERSORT showed 11 cell types were markedly differentially expressed (p < .05). WGCNA found the turquoise and yellow module were positively correlated with macrophage M0 (corr = 0.5, P = 6e‐6) and M2 (corr = 0.54, P = 1e‐6), respectively. Then 35 immune‐related DEATG were identified, and functional analysis showed immune effector process, interleukin‐6 and myeloid cell activation were enriched besides autophagy. PPI and MCC algorithm identified 6 hub genes in regulating macrophage‐related autophagy, and ROC indicated high prediction value (area under curve = 0.961). GSEA enriched 6 common pathways associated with autophagy and atherosclerosis pathogenesis, and immune correlation suggested these hub genes were correlated with macrophages M0/M1, monocytes and T cells. Then venn plot found 3 central genes in mediating macrophage autophagy‐associated pyroptosis in atherosclerosis, and single‐cell analysis demonstrated cell distribution, then validated in THPA human samples. Our data discovered hub genes responsible for macrophage autophagy‐mediated pyroptosis in atherosclerosis, and functional analysis with immune cell distribution evidenced their high phenotype‐trait prediction value.
The role of multidetector CT scan in the management of prosthetic aortic valve thrombosis: A case report
Authors: Dodoo Sheriff N. , Moyine Christelle Yakana , Agyemang‐Sarpong Alicia , Ismail Abdullah , Le Nina , Patel Falgun , Ghasemzadeh Nima , Ramadan Ronnie , Mohammed Khaja Salahuddin , Henry Glen , Parastatidis Ioannis
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

In this case report, the utility of MDCT in elucidating the pathophysiology and etiology of prosthetic aortic valve dysfunction allowed us to distinguish thrombosis from pannus as an etiology of prosthetic valve dysfunction. MDCT also guided the success of therapy.

The diagnosis and management of prosthetic aortic valve thrombosis (PAVT) is challenging. The accurate diagnosis of this entity and its prompt management is vital to improving the prognosis of PAVT patients. Multidetector CT plays a central role in this effort. We present a case of PAVT in which the use of MDCT was useful in guiding management.
Recreational nitrous oxide‐induced injury to the soft palate
Authors: Rowson Antonia C. , Yii Matthew X. , Tan Hannah B. , Prasad Jessica
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Frostbite arising from nitrous oxide (N2O) inhalation is rare. As such, there is no consensus on best treatment for these injuries. In all published reports, judicious use of corticosteroids and antibiotics has resulted in positive clinical outcomes; we endorse these agents in our case of a young man with oropharyngeal burns.
Prolonged SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during obinutuzumab and bendamustine treatment for follicular lymphoma: A case report
Authors: Kambe Ryosuke , Sato Masamichi , Uehara Daisuke , Iizuka Yutaka , Kakizaki Satoru
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection has been associated with a prolonged course and a poor prognosis in patients who receive anti‐CD20 antibodies. However, there are no established treatments for such patients. Serial changes in the SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen titer during the clinical course and treatment strategies for immunosuppressed patients are discussed.

We report a case of prolonged SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during obinutuzumab and bendamustine treatment for follicular lymphoma. Four years previously, the patient had been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma (Stage IIIA, Grade 2). She received several chemotherapy regimens, including rituximab and radiation therapy. Although these therapies achieved complete response temporally, they did not continue and recurred at 8 months before. Obinutuzumab and bendamustine therapy was selected, and she received five courses of obinutuzumab and bendamustine. She also received a SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine two times. Although she did not have any symptoms, a routine check‐up just before the 6th course of obinutuzumab and bendamustine revealed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Because she was immunosuppressed and was considered to be at high risk for the exacerbation of her disease, molnupiravir was immediately administered, and her SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen decreased. However, it was not completely cleared and flared‐up at 6 weeks, with symptoms of COVID‐19 appearing. Despite intensive treatment for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, including remdesivir, baricitinib, tocilizumab and intravenous immunoglobulin, her SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen titer never became negative, and she finally died of respiratory failure caused by prolonged SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Serial changes in the SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen titer during the clinical course and treatment strategies for immunosuppressed patients are discussed.
Biochemical and Structural Characterization of a Uronic Acid Oxidase from Citrus sinensis
Authors: Boverio Alessandro , van Beek Hugo L. , Savino Simone , Ranoux Adeline , Huijgen Wouter J. J. , Raaijmakers Harry W. C. , Fraaije Marco W. , Lončar Nikola
Published: August 2023

Aldaric acids are attractive diacids that can be prepared by selective oxidation of carbohydrates. For this, effective biocatalysts are in demand. This work reports on the discovery, biochemical and structural characterization of a VAO‐type flavin‐containing carbohydrate oxidase from Citrus sinensis: URAOCs3. URAOCs3 could be overexpressed using prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems. Extensive biochemical characterization revealed that the enzyme displays a high thermostability and an exquisite selectivity for uronic acids, galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid. The enzyme was further investigated by determining the crystal structure. The selective oxidation of D‐galacturonic acid in a complex mixture was demonstrated, showing how URAOCs3 was found to be highly effective in selectively producing galactaric acid while leaving other carbohydrates untouched. In addition to the specific discovery of URAOCs3, these findings suggest that plant proteomes can be an interesting source for new biocatalysts.
Tuneable Plasmonic Resonances Of A Dynamic Thin Film Of Ultrasmall Nanocrystals Modified In the Anti‐Galvanic Reduction Process
Authors: Kołodziej Grzegorz , Szostak Szymon , Tomczyk Ewelina , Wójcik Michał
Published: August 2023

Ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (NPs) have revolutionized nanotechnology as they are an excellent starting substrate for the synthesis of organic‐inorganic hybrid materials with photonic or energy conversion applications, often with a responsive nature. However, ultrasmall NPs do not sustain plasmonic resonances, preventing their use in plasmon‐related applications. In the presented work, we show a method of chemical modification of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles in order to fabricate dynamically controlled plasmonic thin films. For this purpose, we used the Anti‐Galvanic Reduction process (AGR) to modify the surface of small gold nanoparticles, inducing plasmonic properties without notable size increases. Au@Ag NPs are then modified with liquid crystal‐like organic ligands. The obtained NPs can assemble into densely packed films with long‐range order and temperature‐dependent structural properties. Namely, we detect two, fully reversible phase transitions between the hexagonal and cubic symmetries. The combination of AGR and organic surface modifications enabled us to demonstrate the possibility of managing plasmonic properties in the thin film of ~2 nm diameter metallic NPs.
Improved Triplex‐Forming Isoorotamide PNA Nucleobases for A−U Recognition of RNA Duplexes**
Authors: Talbott John M. , Tessier Brandon R. , Harding Emily E. , Walby Grant D. , Hess Kyle J. , Baskevics Vladislavs , Katkevics Martins , Rozners Eriks , MacKay James A.
Published: August 2023

Four new isoorotamide (Io)‐containing PNA nucleobases have been designed for A−U recognition of double helical RNA. New PNA monomers were prepared efficiently and incorporated into PNA nonamers for binding A−U in a PNA:RNA2 triplex. Isothermal titration calorimetry and UV thermal melting experiments revealed slightly improved binding affinity for singly modified PNA compared to known A‐binding nucleobases. Molecular dynamics simulations provided further insights into binding of Io bases in the triple helix. Together, the data revealed interesting insights into binding modes including the notion that three Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds are unnecessary for strong selective binding of an extended nucleobase. Cationic monomer Io8 additionally gave the highest affinity observed for an A‐binding nucleobase to date. These results will help inform future nucleobase design toward the goal of recognizing any sequence of double helical RNA.
Optimizing the separation of xylose/xylan from eucalyptus woodchips in the autohydrolysis process
Authors: Ni Jianping , Liang Yinchun , Gong Chen , Fan Shujie , Yang Bin , Zhang Yu , Cheng Chunzu , Su Zhenhua , Chen Xiaolu
Published: August 2023

Effective separation of various components in biomass is critical for biorefinery. Autohydrolysis is a commercialized unit operation to remove hemicelluloses, such as xylan, in producing high‐quality cellulose (the so‐called dissolving pulp) in the pre‐hydrolysis kraft process. In the present study, the autohydrolysis of eucalyptus woodchips was investigated for the purpose of producing dissolving pulps, with a focus on the production of cellulose acetate grade dissolving pulp. First, the effects of liquid‐to‐solid ratio, maximum temperature, and time on hemicelluloses removal were comprehensively studied, and the total xylose saccharides concentration and total xylose saccharides yield were determined as a function of the P factor and log(Ro). The three‐variable Box–Behnken design of the response surface methodology was followed to optimize the autohydrolysis conditions, aiming to achieving the maximum removal of xylan. The as‐obtained optimal conditions were: liquid‐to‐solid ratio of 5.5 mL · g−1, maximum temperature of 165°C, and time of 120 min, with its P factor of 867 h and log(Ro) of 4.03. Under these conditions, the total xylose saccharides concentration was 16.43 g · L−1. Furthermore, the autohydrolysis yield was investigated. The results showed that the purity of as‐prepared cellulose substrate as a result of autohydrolysis at a P factor of 867 h (log(Ro) of 4.03) can meet the stringent requirement of cellulose acetate grade dissolving pulp. Furthermore, the pre‐hydrolysis liquor compositions were compared between the typical autohydrolysis conditions for rayon grade dissolving pulp (a P factor of 690 h and log(Ro) of 3.91) and the optimal conditions (a P factor of 867 h and log(Ro) of 4.03).
Anonymous federated learning framework in the internet of things
Authors: Du Ruizhong , Liu Chuan , Gao Yan
Published: August 2023

With the continuous development of the internet of things (IoT), federated learning is being widely applied. This technology keeps data locally to protect data security. However, during the process of uploading gradients from local clients, there is a possibility of leaking sensitive information such as identities. To address this issue, this paper presents a secure and efficient anonymous federated learning framework. In our proposed, we first design a lightweight key‐sharing protocol based on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) to generate shared keys and ensure secure communication. We then describe the improved process of federated learning, where clients communicate with the cloud server using pseudonyms to achieve anonymity. The security of our protocol is analyzed from both formal and informal perspectives, demonstrating that our proposed protocol satisfies “session key security.” We also employ the formal verification tool ProVerif to validate the security of the protocol in terms of mutual authentication and key configuration in the Dolve–Yao threat model. Finally, the computational and communication costs of the proposed anonymous federated learning framework are evaluated, showing that both the computational and communication expenses are relatively low. A comparison was made between the proposed federated learning process and three other federated learning processes, demonstrating the clear advantages of our proposed.
Environmental stability and genetic effect of soybeans differing in mutant allele combinations between rs and mips1 genes for soluble carbohydrate profiles
Authors: Lee Dongho , Vuong Tri D. , Shannon Grover J. , Shi Haiying , Rainey Katy M. , Nguyen Henry T.
Published: August 2023

Raffinose and stachyose (raffinose family oligosaccharides [RFOs]) in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] are anti‐nutritional carbohydrate components. Previous studies identified mutant alleles of raffinose synthase (rs) 2 and 3 and d‐myo‐inositol‐3‐phosphate synthase 1 (mips1) to increase sucrose and reduce RFOs content. Although earlier studies investigated the effects of rs2 and rs3 mutations, a mips1 mutation has not been tested yet. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the genetic effects and environmental stabilities of rs2, rs3, and mips1 mutations across 18 environments and (2) to evaluate germination rates of genotypes carrying these mutations. Sucrose was significantly affected by all environmental factors (year, location, and planting dates). However, raffinose was not affected by planting dates, and stachyose was only affected by location. The rs2 mutant allele (rs2W331‐) and mips1 showed the highest environmental stability for sucrose and raffinose, respectively. For stachyose, the wild‐type check showed the highest environmental stability. The lines with mips1 mutation showed significantly higher sucrose (11.1%) and lower raffinose (0.5%) and stachyose (0.6%) content than other genotypes across environments. The lines tested in field emergence tests showed no significant difference from the check. Lines with mips1 and rs2W331‐, respectively, showed significantly higher germination rates than the check in the accelerated aging test. In contrast, a line with mips1 showed a significantly higher germination rate than the check in the standard germination test. Desirable carbohydrate allele combinations will facilitate the development of new cultivars with modified carbohydrate profiles that are beneficial to human food and animal feed.
Quantifying impacts of an environmental intervention using environmental DNA
Authors: Allan Elizabeth Andruszkiewicz , Kelly Ryan P. , D'Agnese Erin R. , Garber‐Yonts Maya N. , Shaffer Megan R. , Gold Zachary J. , Shelton Andrew O.
Published: August 2023

Environmental laws around the world require some version of an environmental‐impact assessment surrounding construction projects and other discrete instances of human development. Information requirements for these assessments vary by jurisdiction, but nearly all require an analysis of the biological elements of ecosystems. Amplicon‐sequencing—also called metabarcoding—of environmental DNA (eDNA) has made it possible to sample and amplify the genetic material of many species present in those environments, providing a tractable, powerful, and increasingly common way of doing environmental‐impact analysis for development projects. Here, we analyze an 18‐month time series of water samples taken before, during, and after two culvert removals in a salmonid‐bearing freshwater stream. We also sampled multiple control streams to develop a robust background expectation against which to evaluate the impact of this discrete environmental intervention in the treatment stream. We generate calibrated, quantitative metabarcoding data from amplifying the 12s MiFish mtDNA locus and complementary species‐specific quantitative PCR data to yield multispecies estimates of absolute eDNA concentrations across time, creeks, and sampling stations. We then use a linear mixed effects model to reveal patterns of eDNA concentrations over time, and to estimate the effects of the culvert removal on salmonids in the treatment creek. We focus our analysis on four common salmonid species: cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). We find that one culvert in the treatment creek seemed to have no impact while the second culvert had a large impact on fish passage. The construction itself seemed to have only transient effects on salmonid species during the two construction events. In the context of billions of dollars of court‐mandated road culvert replacements taking place in Washington State, USA, our results suggest that culvert replacement can be conducted with only minimal impact of construction to key species of management concern. Furthermore, eDNA methods can be an effective and efficient approach for monitoring hundreds of culverts to prioritize culverts that are required to be replaced. More broadly, we demonstrate a rigorous, quantitative method for environmental‐impact reporting using eDNA that is widely applicable in environments worldwide.
Production of Raphanus Sativus Biodiesel and Its Performance Assessment in a Thermal Barrier‐Coated Agriculture Sector Diesel Engine
Authors: Ravikumar Venkatachalam , Senthilkumar Duraisamy , Vellaiyan Suresh , Saravanan Chidambaram Ganapathy , Vikneswaran Malaiperumal , Joseph Shobana Bai Femilda Josephin , Varuvel Edwin Geo
Published: August 2023

Herein, in order to estimate the optimized process specifications, an empirical study is done for biodiesel production, performance of standard and coated engine, combustion, and discharge aspects of Raphanus sativus (radish) biodiesel. Optimization process parameters of biodiesel production are done using the response surface method. The importance of this study is that optimized biodiesel production is used to improve the biodiesel properties and fatty acid content to find suitable vegetable oil as well as a new coating material for sustainable development of the country in the field of agriculture and ecological conditions. The mechanism used in this research work is a coating for internal combustion engine components done with partially stabilized zirconia, aluminum–20% silicon carbide (Al–20%SiC), and titanium dioxide that acts as a ceramic composite settled above the coating that has a thickness of 450 μm by the technique called air plasma spray for test purpose. To increase the performance of an engine and reduce the emission particles like smoke density, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbon except NO
x
, the partially stabilized zirconia, aluminum–20% silicon carbide (Al–20%SiC) coated engine is used under various compositions of radish biodiesel and clean diesel. To reduce NO
x
, the engine operation is carried out along with the TiO2 coated combustion chamber steam, and water injection technique is added to overcome the NO
x
formation. From this study, the resulting factor shows that adding 25% radish biodiesel (B25) and 75% clean diesel shows a reasonable reduction in emissions with comparatively better performance and combustion in the engine under consideration.
Graphene Quantum Dots for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Sagayaraj Prince J. J. , Augustin Ashil , Shanmugam Mariyappan , Honnappa Brahmari , Natarajan Thillai Sivakumar , Wilson Karen , Lee Adam F. , Sekar Karthikeyan
Published: August 2023

Sustainable solar fuels production through reduction of molecular CO2 using photocatalysts is an eco‐friendly and dependable source of energy for the future and for controlling the global warming. The growth of quantum dots, especially, graphene quantum dots (GQD), has emerged as a flat 0D material offering unique properties like enhanced solar light absorption, surface reactivity, charge separation, and migration efficiency, which are invariably systemizing high solar photocatalytic CO2 reduction efficiency. In this review, the insights of thermodynamics and kinetics of CO2 reduction are discussed, followed by detailed encapsulation of modification strategies of GQDs and intrinsic analysis of CO2 reduction utilizing solar light. Progressively, the challenges and futuristic outlook of GQDs‐based photocatalytic systems for solar fuels production is also presented.
TREM2 promotes glioma progression and angiogenesis mediated by microglia/brain macrophages
Authors: Chen Xuezhen , Zhao Yue , Huang Yimin , Zhu Kaichuan , Zeng Fan , Zhao Junyi , Zhang Huaqiu , Zhu Xinzhou , Kettenmann Helmut , Xiang Xianyuan
Published: August 2023

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 (TREM2), a myeloid cell‐specific signaling molecule, controls essential functions of microglia and impacts on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. TREM2 is also highly expressed in tumor‐associated macrophages in different types of cancer. Here, we studied whether TREM2 influences glioma progression. We found a gender‐dependent effect of glioma growth in wild‐type (WT) animals injected with GL261‐EGFP glioma cells. Most importantly, TREM2 promotes glioma progression in male but not female animals. The accumulation of glioma‐associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs) and CD31+ blood vessel density is reduced in male TREM2‐deficient mice. A transcriptomic analysis of glioma tissue revealed that TREM2 deficiency suppresses immune‐related genes. In an organotypic slice model devoid of functional vascularization and immune components from periphery, the tumor size was not affected by TREM2‐deficiency. In human resection samples from glioblastoma, TREM2 is upregulated in GAMs. Based on the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases, the TREM2 expression levels were negatively correlated with survival. Thus, the TREM2‐dependent crosstalk between GAMs and the vasculature formation promotes glioma growth.
Elderly responses to private health insurance incentives: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Liu Judith , Zhang Yuting
Published: August 2023

Many governments with dual public and private health systems offer subsidies for private health insurance (PHI) with the aim to ease the burden on the public system. Understanding how elderly individuals respond to these PHI subsidies is important because they typically have greater health care needs but often struggle with the affordability of PHI. However, prior studies provide little guidance on this issue because they have mainly focused on the responses to PHI incentives among the general population. This paper leverages a unique age‐specific policy intervention in Australia that provided higher rebates for individuals over the age of 65. Using administrative tax data, we examine how this policy affected PHI take‐up decisions of elderly individuals under an event study difference‐in‐differences framework. We find that higher rebates led to a modest increase in PHI take‐up. The estimated price elasticities of PHI demand were in the −0.1 to −0.2 range in the first 2 years of the policy. Moreover, the demand responses were more elastic among those with low incomes. Our findings indicate that a more targeted subsidy program, specially tailored to low‐income elders, would yield greater effectiveness in increasing PHI take‐up.
Combatting risk with resilience: How bicultural socialization experiences of Black immigrant‐origin youth relates to well‐being
Authors: Emuka Christine , Karras Juliana E.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Black immigrant‐origin (I‐O) youth's well‐being is at risk as the systemic mistreatment of Black people within the United States can be intensified by migration‐related experiences (e.g., isolationism, xenophobia). These experiences were heightened by the sociopolitical events of 2020 that increased the salience of racism and xenophobia. The current study centered how Black I‐O youth's negotiation of their bicultural socialization experiences impacted the ways in which they processed various social situations/contexts.

Methods

Grounded theory was used to conduct secondary analysis of a sub‐sample (n = 26) from qualitative interviews completed between 2020 and 2021 through The 2020 Study. Participants lived in the United States, identified as Black and I‐O as part of the global African Black Diaspora (Mage = 16.73, SD = 1.08), and as 80.77% female, 7.69% gender diverse, and 11.54% male.

Results

The increased salience of racial injustice throughout 2020 uniquely positioned youth's meaning‐making of their ethnic/racial identity. How youth reflected on their identity and related socialization experiences informed how they focused their attention and perceptions of socialization experiences. This connected to how youth demonstrated positive adaption (e.g., cultural pride) as forms of resilience against hyper‐visible anti‐Blackness throughout 2020. Youth's agentic participation aligned with indicators for positive youth development and well‐being.

Conclusion

By critically exploring the relationship between social competence, youth well‐being, and bicultural socialization among Black I‐O youth, the current study addressed a gap in the extant research regarding how affirming youth identity complexities can lead to building resilience to potential instances of risk (e.g., race‐based trauma, acculturative stress).
Experimental study on the effect of scanning path on skin tissue properties of femtosecond laser welding
Authors: Jia Mengshi , Huang Jun , Chen Yuxin , JinchengLi  , Wang Kehong
Published: August 2023

To study the influence pattern of femtosecond laser scanning path on the welding effect of skin tissue, this experiment analyzed the influence of scanning path on the surface morphology, degree of thermal damage, tensile strength, and microstructure of skin samples after skin attachment by designing nine scanning paths to weld skin tissue. The results showed that the skin samples connected by interrupted parallel mattress eversion sewing method with d = 0.2 mm showed no obvious color changes in morphology, the skin samples were connected on both front and back sides, the tensile strength was the highest, reaching 12.80 N/cm2, the thermal damage parameter was low at 1.08 × 10−2, the microstructure had obvious directionality, and the texture was clear and uniformly distributed.
Electrical stimulation alters DNA methylation and promotes neurite outgrowth
Authors: Ashok Ajay , Tai Wai Lydia , Lennikov Anton , Chang Karen , Chen Julie , Li Boyuan , Cho Kin‐Sang , Utheim Tor Paaske , Chen Dong Feng
Published: August 2023

Electrical stimulation (ES) influences neural regeneration and functionality. We here investigate whether ES regulates DNA demethylation, a critical epigenetic event known to influence nerve regeneration. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) have long served as a standard model for central nervous system neurons, whose growth and disease development are reportedly affected by DNA methylation. The current study focuses on the ability of ES to rescue RGCs and preserve vision by modulating DNA demethylation. To evaluate DNA demethylation pattern during development, RGCs from mice at different stages of development, were analyzed using qPCR for ten‐eleven translocation (TETs) and immunostained for 5 hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmc) and 5 methylcytosine (5mc). To understand the effect of ES on neurite outgrowth and DNA demethylation, cells were subjected to ES at 75 µAmp biphasic ramp for 20 min and cultured for 5 days. ES increased TETs mediated neurite outgrowth, DNA demethylation, TET1 and growth associated protein 43 levels significantly. Immunostaining of PC12 cells following ES for histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation showed cells attained an antiheterochromatin configuration. Cultured mouse and human retinal explants stained with β‐III tubulin exhibited increased neurite growth following ES. Finally, mice subjected to optic nerve crush injury followed by ES exhibited improved RGCs function and phenotype as validated using electroretinogram and immunohistochemistry. Our results point to a possible therapeutic regulation of DNA demethylation by ES in neurons.
Insights of mitochondrial involvement in alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Subramaiyam Nithyananthan
Published: August 2023

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a global concern affecting most of the population and leading to the development of end‐stage liver disease. Metabolic alterations due to increased alcohol consumption surge the hepatic accumulation of lipids and develop into a severe form of alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), depending on age and the consumption rate. The mitochondria in the hepatocyte actively regulate metabolic homeostasis and are disrupted in ALD pathogenesis. The increased NADH upon ethanol metabolism inhibits the mitochondrial oxidation of fatty acids, alters oxidative phosphorylation, and favors de novo lipogenesis. The higher mitochondrial respiration in early ALD increases free radical generation, whereas mitochondrial respiration is uncoupled in chronic ALD, affecting the cellular energy status. The defective glutathione importer due to excessive cholesterol loading and low adenosine triphosphate accounts for additional oxidative stress leading to hepatocyte apoptosis. The defective mitochondrial transcription machinery and sirtuins function in ALD affect mitochondrial function and biogenesis. The metabolites of ethanol metabolism epigenetically alter the gene expression profile of hepatic cell populations by modulating the promoters and sirtuins, aiding hepatic fibrosis and inflammation. The defect in mitophagy increases the accumulation of megamitochondria in hepatocytes and attracts immune cells by releasing mitochondrial damage‐associated molecular patterns to initiate hepatic inflammation and ASH progression. Thus, maintaining mitochondrial lipid homeostasis and antioxidant capacity pharmacologically could provide a better outcome for ALD management.
Functional specialization of two UDP‐glycosyltransferases MpUGT735A2 and MpUGT743A1 in the liverworts Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Zhu Ting‐Ting , Ta He , Ni Rong , Hao Yue , Du Ni‐Hong , Cheng Ai‐Xia , Lou Hong‐Xiang
Published: August 2023

Family 1 UDP‐glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are known to glycosylate multiple secondary plant metabolites and have been extensively studied. The increased availability of plant genome resources allows the identification of wide gene families, both functional and organizational. In this investigation, two MpUGT isoforms were cloned and functionally characterized from liverworts marchantia polymorpha and had high glycosylation activity against several flavonoids. MpUGT735A2 protein, in particular, tolerates a wide spectrum of substrates (flavonols, flavanones, flavones, stilbenes, bibenzyls, dihydrochalcone, phenylpropanoids, xanthones, and isoflavones). Overexpression of MpUGT735A2 and MpUGT743A1 in Arabidopsis thaliana enhances the accumulation of 3‐O‐glycosylated flavonol (kaempferol 3‐O‐glucoside‐7‐O‐rhamnose), consistent with its in vitro enzymatic activity. Docking and mutagenesis techniques were applied to identify the structural and functional properties of MpUGT735A2 with promiscuous substrates. Mutation of Pro87 to Ser, or Gln88 to Val, substantially altered the regioselectivity for luteolin glycosylation, predominantly from the 3′‐O‐ to the 7‐O‐position. The results were elucidated by focusing on the novel biocatalysts designed for producing therapeutic flavonoids. This investigation provides an approach to modulate MpUGT735A2 as a candidate gene for diverse glycosylation catalysis and a tool to design GTs with new substrate specificities for biomedical applications.
Shear wave elastography combined with two‐dimensional ultrasonography for detecting optic nerve sheath: An effective tool for assessing preeclampsia
Authors: Su Shanshan , Zhong Huohu , Wang Xiaohua , Huang Yanyan , Su Qichen
Published: August 2023

Purpose/Objective

This study aimed to investigate two‐dimensional ultrasound and shear‐wave elastography (SWE) in evaluating optic neuropathy in preeclampsia.

Methods

Ninety‐one singleton pregnant women (51 with preeclampsia [observation group]; 40 without complications [control group]) admitted between January 2022 and April 2022 participated in this study.

Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and optic nerve stiffness measurement (ONSM) were measured using two‐dimensional ultrasound and SWE, respectively, and compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic curves were employed to evaluate the performance of ONSD, ONSM, and combination (ONSD + ONSM) for diagnosing preeclampsia.

Results

The observation (preeclampsia) group ONSD and ONSM were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Optimal diagnostic values for ONSD and ONSM were 4.10 mm and 11.20 kPa, respectively. Areas under the curve for diagnosing preeclampsia were 0.958 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.926–0.990) for ONSD, 0.939 (95% CI, 0.894–0.985) for ONSM, and 0.982 (95% CI, 0.962–1.000) for ONSD + ONSM. There was no significant difference between ONSD and ONSM in diagnosing preeclampsia (p = 0.436). However, ONSD + ONSM was significantly advantageous over ONSD or ONSM alone in diagnosing preeclampsia (p = 0.033; p = 0.014).

Conclusions

Ultrasonic evaluation of the optic nerve can quantitatively assess optic nerve changes in pregnant women with preeclampsia.
Teasing out elevational trends in infraspecific Prunus taxa: A vein analysis approach
Authors: Mollman Rachel , Çiftçi Almıla , Kaleli Bilge S. , Erol Osman
Published: August 2023

Using 33 specimens collected from across their range in Turkey, we demonstrate that the subspecies of Prunus microcarpa C.A.Mey react very differently to altitude. We first outline a simplified, flexible protocol for sectioning and removing the epidermis of small, difficult‐to‐image leaves for leaf vein studies. We then used venation analysis software to evaluate the two subspecies of this wild cherry in relation to altitude. We also found key differences in venation features between short‐shoot and long‐shoot leaves for each taxon. Differences include statistically significant negative correlation between vein density, and positive correlation between areole area and altitude in long‐shoot leaves of Prunus microcarpa subsp. microcarpa, while its short‐shoot leaves had a positive relationship between maximum areole area, and negative relationship between vein density, numbers of veins and endpoints. Meanwhile, P. microcarpa subsp. tortuosa (Boiss. & Hausskn.) Browicz recorded trends that were largely opposite of this, but beside vein thickness and areole area, were not statistically significant. This difference may be part of each taxon's overarching syndrome of anatomical and morphological adaptations to its external environment.

Research Highlights

Features of vein density and thickness fell, while areole area and vein length rose with altitude in P. microcarpa.

P. microcarpa subsp. tortuosa showed opposite trends, but reacted less strongly to altitude.

Short‐shoot and long‐shoot have significantly different venation parameters.

Using sections proportionate to leaf size is useful to compare venation of leaves that vary due to dimorphism.

We discuss protocol strategies for imaging of difficult leaves for venation analyses.
A variant in sperm‐specific glycolytic enzyme enolase 4 (ENO4) causes human male infertility
Authors: Nawaz Shoaib , Hussain Shabir , Bilal Muhammad , Syed Najeeb , Liaqat Khurram , Ullah Imran , Akil Ammira Al‐Shabeeb , Fakhro Khalid A. , Ahmad Wasim
Published: August 2023

Background

Although defects in sperm morphology and physiology lead to male infertility, in many instances, the exact disruption of molecular pathways in a given patient is often unknown. The glycolytic pathway is an essential process to supply energy in sperm cell motility. Enolase 4 (ENO4) is crucial for the glycolytic process, which provides the energy for sperm cells in motility. ENO4 is located in the sperm principal piece and is essential for the motility and organization of the sperm flagellum. In the present study, we characterized a family with asthenozoospermia and abnormal sperm morphology as a result of a variant in the enolase 4 (ENO4) gene.

Methods

Computer‐assisted semen analysis, papanicolaou smear staining and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine sperm motility and morphology for semen analysis in patients. For genetic analysis, whole‐exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing was performed.

Results

Two brothers in a consanguineous family were being clinically investigated for sperm motility and morphology issues. Genetic analysis by whole‐exome sequencing revealed a homozygous variant [c.293A>G, p.(Lys98Arg)] in the ENO4 gene that segregated with infertility in the family, shared by affected but not controls.

Conclusions

In view of the association of asthenozoospermia and abnormal sperm morphology in Eno4 knockout mice, we consider this to be the first report describing the involvement of ENO4 gene in human male infertility. We also explore the possible involvement of another variant in explaining other phenotypic features in this family.
Photoinitiating Ability of Pyrene–Chalcone‐Based Oxime Esters with Different Substituents
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiang , Liu Zheng , Zhu Di , Peng Xiaotong , Gigmes Didier , Schmitt Michael , Xiao Pu , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: August 2023

With the rapid development of new irradiation setups as well as the ongoing interest in 3D printing, photopolymerization is extensively studied during the last decades. In photopolymerization, a photoinitiator and/or photosensitizer play(s) a crucial role in the photoinitiation step as this component absorbs light, thus creating the initiating species. In this study, a series of 17 chalcone‐based oxime esters (OXEs) featuring the pyrene chromophore are designed, synthesized, and studied for their photoinitiation properties upon irradiation with visible light. Precisely, their photoinitiation abilities are examined during the free radical photopolymerization of acrylates under the irradiation of light‐emitting diode (LED) at 405 nm. In the series of oxime esters, five of them demonstrate excellent photoinitiation abilities. Their thermal initiation abilities are also examined. To improve their photoinitiation abilities, these type I photoinitiators are also tested as type II photoinitiators in two‐component photoinitiating systems using bis‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)iodonium or ethyl 4‐(dimethylamino)benzoate as additives. In this process, the OXE‐B/iodonium system shows the best photopolymerization. To develop the use of these chalcone‐based oxime esters, the best OXE is used as a monocomponent photoinitiating system in 2D laser writing at 405 nm. The design of composites using glass fibers or carbon fiber as fillers is also examined.
Downregulation of cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 fosters epithelial–mesenchymal transition in thyroid cancer
Authors: Hsu Yi‐Chiung , Huang Wen‐Chien , Kuo Chi‐Yu , Li Ying‐Syuan , Cheng Shih‐Ping
Published: August 2023

Cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (CRABP1) participates in the regulation of retinoid signaling. Previous studies showed conflicting results regarding the role of CRABP1 in tumor biology, including protumorigenic and tumor‐suppressive effects in different types of cancer. Our bioinformatics analyses suggested that CRABP1 expression was downregulated in thyroid cancer. Ectopic expression of CRABP1 in thyroid cancer cells suppressed migratory and invasive activity without affecting cell growth or cell cycle distribution. In transformed normal thyroid follicular epithelial cells, silencing of CRABP1 expression increased invasiveness. Additionally, CRABP1 overexpression was associated with downregulation of the mesenchymal phenotype. Kinase phosphorylation profiling indicated that CRABP1 overexpression was accompanied by a decrease in phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and downstream phosphorylation of Akt, STAT3, and FAK, which were reversed by exogenous EGF treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis of our tissue microarrays revealed an inverse association between CRABP1 expression and disease stage of differentiated thyroid cancer. Taken together, our results suggest that CRABP1 expression is aberrantly lost in thyroid cancer, and this downregulation promotes the epithelial–mesenchymal transition at least partly through modulating EGF receptor signaling.
Cortical Disinhibition Drives Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease and an Exploratory Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study
Authors: Sun Huimin , Gan Caiting , Wang Lina , Ji Min , Cao Xingyue , Yuan Yongsheng , Zhang Heng , Shan Aidi , Gao Mengxi , Zhang Kezhong
Published: August 2023

Background

Dysfunction of the primary motor cortex, participating in regulation of posture and gait, is implicated in freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective

The aim was to reveal the mechanisms of “OFF‐period” FOG (OFF‐FOG) and “levodopa‐unresponsive” FOG (ONOFF‐FOG) in PD.

Methods

We measured the transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) indicators and gait parameters in 21 healthy controls (HCs), 15 PD patients with ONOFF‐FOG, 15 PD patients with OFF‐FOG, and 15 PD patients without FOG (Non‐FOG) in “ON” and “OFF” medication conditions. Difference of TMS indicators in the four groups and two conditions and its correlations with gait parameters were explored. Additionally, we explored the effect of 10 Hz repetitive TMS on gait and TMS indicators in ONOFF‐FOG patients.

Results

In “OFF” condition, short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) exhibited remarkable attenuation in FOG patients (both ONOFF‐FOG and OFF‐FOG) compared to Non‐FOG patients and HCs. The weakening of SICI correlated with impaired gait characteristics in FOG. However, in “ON” condition, SICI in ONOFF‐FOG patients reduced compared to OFF‐FOG patients. Pharmacological treatment significantly improved SICI and gait in OFF‐FOG patients, and high‐frequency repetitive TMS distinctly improved gait in ONOFF‐FOG patients, accompanied by enhanced SICI.

Conclusions

Motor cortex disinhibition, represented by decreased SICI, is related to FOG in PD. Refractory freezing in ONOFF‐FOG patients correlated with the their reduced SICI insensitive to dopaminergic medication. SICI can serve as an indicator of the severity of impaired gait characteristics in FOG and reflect treatments efficacy for FOG in PD patients. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.