bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and gel properties of pumpkin seed protein: a comparative study
Authors: Zeng Lin , Wang Zhaojun , He Zhiyong , Zeng Maomao , Qin Fang , Chen Jie
Published: October 2022

The physicochemical properties and heat‐induced gel properties of pumpkin seed protein isolates (PSPI) were explored and compared with soybean protein isolate (SPI) and pea protein isolates (PPI). These plant proteins were subjected to ultrasound, acid or alkaline treatment (pH 3 or 11). The content of amino acids and subunit composition were different in PSPI compared with SPI and PPI. Rheological and textural experiments showed that native PSPI had the highest gel strength among the three proteins. This was due to the high hydrophobicity of PSPI and the filling effect of insoluble particles in the protein solution. PSPI had a more pronounced improvement in gel properties after ultrasound or alkaline treatment compared with SPI and PPI, which was due to the increased surface hydrophobicity, increased solubility and reduced particle size of the proteins. The acid treatment induced insoluble aggregates increased the protein particle size, and decreased the protein solubility, resulting in a negative effect on the PSPI protein gel. Therefore, it can be concluded that PSPI has better heat‐induced gelation than SPI and PPI and can be used as a substitute for SPI and PPI in the food industry.
Mycobacterium potentiates protection from colorectal cancer by gut microbial alterations
Authors: Kim Yu‐Mi , Choi Jin‐Ouk , Cho Yong‐Joon , Hong Bong‐Ki , Shon Hoh‐Jeong , Kim Bum‐Joon , Park Joo‐Hong , Kim Wan‐Uk , Kim Donghyun
Published: October 2022

Not only are many Mycobacteria pathogens, but they can act as strong non‐specific immunopotentiators, generating beneficial effects on the pathogenesis of some diseases. However, there has been no direct evidence of the effect of mycobacterial species on colorectal cancer (CRC). Herein, we showed that there may be a meaningful inverse correlation between the incidence of tuberculosis and CRC based on global statistics and that heat‐killed Mycobacterial tuberculosis and live Mycobacterium bovis (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin strain) could ameliorate CRC development. In particular, using a faecal microbiota transplantation and a comparison between separate housing and cohousing, we demonstrated that the gut microbiota is involved in the protective effects. The microbial alterations can be elucidated by the modulation of antimicrobial activities including those of the Reg3 family genes. Furthermore, interleukin‐22 production by T helper cells contributed to the anti‐inflammatory activity of Mycobacteria. Our results revealed a novel role of Mycobacteria involving gut microbial alterations in dampening inflammation‐associated CRC and an immunological mechanism underlying the interaction between microbes and host immunity.
MTAP deficiency contributes to immune landscape remodelling and tumour evasion
Authors: Chang Wen‐Hsin , Hsu Ssu‐Wei , Zhang Jun , Li Ji‐Min , Yang David D. , Chu Chih‐Wei , Yoo Estelle E. , Zhang Weici , Yu Sung‐Liang , Chen Ching‐Hsien
Published: October 2022

Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) deficiency occurs in various malignancies and is associated with poor survival in cancer patients. However, the mechanisms underlying tumour progression due to MTAP loss are yet to be elucidated. Utilizing integrated analyses of the transcriptome, proteome and secretome, we demonstrated that MTAP deficiency alters tumour‐intrinsic, immune‐related pathways and reprograms cytokine profiles towards a tumour‐favourable environment. Additionally, MTAP‐knockout cells exhibited a marked increase in the immune checkpoint protein PD‐L1. Upon co‐culturing primary T cells with cancer cells, MTAP loss‐mediated PD‐L1 upregulation inhibited T cell‐mediated killing activity and induced several T cell exhaustion markers. In two xenograft tumour models, we showed a modest increase in average volume of tumours derived from MTAP‐deficient cells than that of MTAP‐proficient tumours. Surprisingly, a remarkable increase in tumour size was observed in humanized mice bearing MTAP‐deficient tumours, as compared to their MTAP‐expressing counterparts. Following immunophenotypic characterization of tumour‐infiltrating leukocytes by mass cytometry analysis, MTAP‐deficient tumours were found to display decreased immune infiltrates with lower proportions of both T lymphocytes and natural killer cells and higher proportions of immunosuppressive cells as compared to MTAP‐expressing tumour xenografts. Taken together, our results suggest that MTAP deficiency restructures the tumour immune microenvironment, promoting tumour progression and immune evasion.
Unraveling the role of shell thickness and pore size on the mechanical properties of ceramic‐based macroporous structures
Authors: Gomez‐Gomez Alberto , Winhard Benedikt , Lilleodden Erica , Huber Norbert , Furlan Kaline P.
Published: October 2022

Macroporous structures are of interest for several technological applications such as catalysis, sensors, filters, membranes, batteries, energy conversion devices, structural colors, and reflective thermal barrier coatings. Ceramic‐based inverse opal macroporous structures are especially interesting for high‐temperature applications. However, the interrelation between the structural parameters, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of such structures is not yet clarified. In this work, we analyzed the mechanical properties as well as the thermal stability of aluminum oxide inverse opal three‐dimensional macroporous structures with different macropore sizes and shell thicknesses produced by atomic layer deposition. Our results show that the structures’ thermal stability increased with increasing shell thickness and macropore size, however, their higher stability was not linked to their mechanical properties. To be able to explain this unexpected behavior, finite element modeling simulations were performed, showing that bending stresses became more pronounced with increasing shell thickness, potentially creating additional critical sites for crack initiation and consequent structural failure.
Stability trend, weak bonding, and magnetic properties of the Al‐ and Si‐containing ternary‐layered borides MAB phases
Authors: Qi Xinxin , He Xiaodong , Yin Weilong , Song Guangping , Zheng Yongting , Bai Yuelei
Published: October 2022

With first‐principles calculations, a global screening was conducted for the Al‐ and Si‐containing MAB phases by considering their stability, damage tolerance, and magnetic properties, of much interest, where these predicted results are in good agreement with the available experimental ones. By examining the thermodynamics competing with all the experimentally identified phases and lattice dynamics, 29 stable MAB phases are predicted in total. Moreover, the Si‐containing MAB phases are much fewer than the Al‐containing ones, except for the 512 phases. Using the “bond stiffness” model, the strongest covalent bonding is formed between B and M/B atoms while the weakest bonding is formed between M/B and A atoms. For most Al‐containing MAB phases except 512‐type, the ratio of bond stiffness of weakest M‐Al or Al‐Al bonds to the strongest M‐B bonds (kmin/kmax) falls into the range of 1/3–1/2, indicating their high damage tolerance. But this is not true for the Si‐containing ones, with the kmin/kmax greater than 1/2 and strong M‐Si bonds. Furthermore, all the Fe/Mn/Co‐containing MAB phases are screened to be magnetic, with the accurately estimated Curie temperature (TC) and magnetic moment, where Fe2AlB2 and Mn2AlB2 have TC around room temperature, contributing to the future design of magnetic MAB phases for potential applications, such as the magnetic refrigeration and two‐dimensional MBenes.
Climate disequilibrium of fishes along elevation and latitudinal gradients: Implications for climate tracking
Authors: Kirk Mark A. , Rahel Frank J.
Published: October 2022

Aim

Differences in realized and fundamental thermal niches can reveal how temperature constrains species distributions. Because climate‐induced range shifts assume that temperature influences distribution limits (i.e. climate equilibrium assumption), understanding the factors that determine the realized thermal niche of species is critical for understanding their climate tracking abilities.

Location

Global, and the Great Plains–Rocky Mountain region, U.S.A.

Taxon

Marine and freshwater fishes.

Methods

Thermal niches were evaluated for two scales: Globally (n = 95 species) andacross the Great Plains–Rocky Mountain region, U.S.A (n = 28 species). We used a combination of realized and fundamental cold limit, thermal niche data to investigate how fish species overfill or underfill their distribution limit along elevation and latitudinal gradients in the context of four hypotheses about dispersal and movement.

Results

First, freshwater species were not more likely than marine species to underfill their latitudinal cold‐edge limit, despite restricted dispersal in freshwater environments from biogeographic barriers. Second, biological traits of dispersal ability were not associated with patterns of overfilling or underfilling along latitudinal gradients, aside from migratory species being more likely to overfill their cold‐edge limits. Third, similar biological traits were not associated with freshwater fishes overfilling or underfilling their cold‐edge, elevation limit with respect to their cold‐edge latitudinal limit. Fourth, 78% of freshwater fish species (22 of 28) were observed underfilling their elevation limit relative to their latitudinal limit.

Main conclusions

Our results reveal that the climate equilibrium assumption is not satisfied for half of marine and freshwater fishes along thermal‐spatial gradients and is largely unrelated to dispersal and movement. Freshwater fishes appear particularly limited in their distribution potential along elevation gradients, given the strong patterns of elevation underfilling.
Feeding habits influence species habitat associations at the landscape scale in a diverse clade of Neotropical fishes
Authors: Coronado‐Franco Karold Viviana , Tedesco Pablo A. , Kolmann Matthew A. , Borstein Samuel R. , Evans Kristine O. , Correa Sandra Bibiana
Published: October 2022

Aim

A primary goal of community ecology is to understand the mechanisms that drive species' spatial distribution and habitat associations. Species' geographic distribution can be influenced by the distribution of their prey partly because consumers' behaviour is oriented to optimal energy use during foraging. We analysed how differences in dietary preferences influence the spatial distribution and habitat associations of species at the landscape scale. We hypothesized that differences in feeding guilds will lead to divergent habitat association patterns among species.

Location

Amazon River drainage basin.

Taxon

Characiform fishes in the family Serrasalmidae (piranhas and pacus).

Methods

We used diet data to classify species into feeding guilds (frugivores, herbivores, piscivores, fin and scale feeders and planktivores). We used three proxies of habitat association derived from satellite products: floodplain extent, landscape heterogeneity and flood duration, in three distance buffers. We implemented phylogenetic generalized least squares models to evaluate the relationship between habitat association and feeding guilds.

Results

Frugivores, piscivores and fin and scale feeders presented similar patterns of habitat associations, with frugivores occupying wider areas of floodplain and greater landscape heterogeneity. Herbivores and planktivores were associated with smaller floodplain extents and lower landscape heterogeneity. All feeding guilds were associated with similar levels of flood duration.

Main conclusions

Differences in resource distribution (assessed through feeding guilds) can influence habitat association. Considering the hydrological variability (i.e. floodplain extent) and landscape heterogeneity that characterize floodplains, the patterns of habitat association vary with the spatial scale considered. This work highlights the importance of understanding species habitat associations by fish as well as food resource dynamics and floodplain dependence. This realization is critical for assessing the impact of anthropogenic activities on freshwater ecosystems.
Left atrial macroreentrant tachycardia via Bachmann bundle revealed by epicardial mapping
Authors: Yamaoka Koichiro , Hojo Rintaro , Mizunuma Yoshiaki , Sasaki Takahumi , Takeda Kosuke , Arai Tomoyuki , Kimura Takashi , Takahashi Masao , Fukamizu Seiji
Published: October 2022

Although it is common for bi‐atrial tachycardia (AT) circuits to include the Bachmann bundle, there are few reports of its role in left AT circuits. A 77‐year‐old man was admitted for recurrent AT with a cycle length of 425 ms. The endocardial and epicardial activation map revealed an AT circuit located in the left atrial anterior wall and transverse pericardial sinus, showing a centrifugal pattern stemming from the left atrial appendage. After radiofrequency ablation, AT was no longer induced. This case suggests that the Bachmann bundle may be part of the left AT circuit.
Amelanotic/hypomelanotic lentigo maligna: Dermoscopic and confocal features predicting diagnosis
Authors: Pizzichetta Maria A. , Polesel Jerry , Perrot Jean L. , Rubegni Pietro , Fiorani Diletta , Rizzo Arianna , Stanganelli Ignazio , Magi Serena , Mazzoni Laura , Medri Matelda , Dominici Michele M. , Toffolutti Federica , Farnetani Francesca , Lippolis Nicola , Pedroni Gioia , Ciardo Silvana , Condorelli Alessandra G. , Conforti Claudio , Pellacani Giovanni , Zalaudek Iris , Puglisi Fabio , Cinotti Elisa ,   the Italian Melanoma Intergroup (IMI), Società Italiana di Dermatologia Chirurgica, Oncologica, Correttiva ed Estetica (SIDCO), and Groupe d'imagerie cutanée non invasive de la Société Française de Dermatologie
Published: October 2022

Background

Amelanotic/hypomelanotic lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma (AHLM/LMM) may be very difficult to diagnose at an early stage.

Objectives

To quantify the predictive value of dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features for AHLM/LMM.

Methods

Dermoscopic and RCM images of histopathologically diagnosed AHLM/LMM, amelanotic/hypomelanotic benign lesions (AHBL), and amelanotic/hypomelanotic basal and squamous cell carcinomas (AHBCC/AHSCC) of the head and neck from consecutive patients were retrospectively collected and blindly evaluated by three observers to assess presence or absence of dermoscopic and RCM criteria.

Results

Overall, 224 lesions in 216 patients including LM/LMM (n = 55, 24.6%), AHBL (n = 107, 47.8%) and AHBCC/AHSCC (n = 62, 27.7%) were analysed. Multivariable analysis showed that milky‐red areas (OR = 5.46; 95% CI: 1.51–19.75), peripheral light brown structureless areas (OR = 19.10; 4.45–81.96), linear irregular vessels (OR = 5.44; 1.45–20.40), and asymmetric pigmented follicles (OR = 14.45; 2.77–75.44) at dermoscopy, and ≥3 atypical cells in five fields (OR = 10.12; 3.00–34.12) and focal follicular localization of atypical cells at dermo‐epidermal junction (DEJ) (OR = 10.48; 1.10–99.81) at RCM were significantly independent diagnostic factors for AHLM/LMM vs. AHBL. In comparison with AHBCC/AHSCC, peripheral light brown structureless area (OR = 7.11; 1.53–32.96), pseudonetwork around hair follicles (OR = 16.69; 2.73–102.07), and annular granular structures (OR = 42.36; 3.51–511.16) at dermoscopy and large dendritic (OR = 6.86; 3.15–38.28) and round pagetoid cells (OR = 26.78; 3.15–227.98) at RCM led to a significantly increased risk of diagnosing AHLM/LMM.

Conclusions

Amelanotic/hypomelanotic lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma may have the same dermoscopic features of AHM on other body sites, such as milky red areas, peripheral light brown structureless areas and linear irregular vessels. These features, asymmetric pigmented follicles and at RCM ≥ 3 atypical cells in five fields and focal follicular extension of atypical cells at DEJ may help in recognizing AHLM/LMM even when LM conventional features (e.g., obliteration of hair follicles under dermoscopy and large pagetoid cells under RCM) are absent or present only in very small areas of the lesion.
Genetic architecture of multiple mutualisms and mating system in Turnera ulmifolia
Authors: Laurich Jason R. , Reid Christopher G. , Biel Caroline , Wu Tianbi , Knox Christopher , Frederickson Megan E.
Published: October 2022

Plants often associate with multiple arthropod mutualists. These partners provide important services to their hosts, but multiple interactions can constrain a plant's ability to respond to complex, multivariate selection. Here, we quantified patterns of genetic variance and covariance among rewards for pollination, biotic defence and seed dispersal mutualisms in multiple populations of Turnera ulmifolia to better understand how the genetic architecture of multiple mutualisms might influence their evolution. We phenotyped plants cultivated from 17 Jamaican populations for several mutualism and mating system‐related traits. We then fit genetic variance–covariance (G) matrices for the island metapopulation and the five largest individual populations. At the metapopulation level, we observed significant positive genetic correlations among stigma–anther separation, floral nectar production and extrafloral nectar production. These correlations have the potential to significantly constrain or facilitate the evolution of multiple mutualisms in T. ulmifolia and suggest that pollination, seed dispersal and defence mutualisms do not evolve independently. In particular, we found that positive genetic correlations between floral and extrafloral nectar production may help explain their stable coexistence in the face of physiological trade‐offs and negative interactions between pollinators and ant bodyguards. Locally, we found only small differences in G among our T. ulmifolia populations, suggesting that geographic variation in G may not shape the evolution of multiple mutualisms.
Oogonial proliferation and early oocyte dynamics during the reproductive cycle of two Clupeiform fish species
Authors: Charitonidou Katerina , Panteris Emmanuel , Ganias Kostas
Published: October 2022

Although oogonial proliferation continues in mature females in most teleosts, its dynamics and the transformation of oogonia to early meiotic oocytes during the reproductive cycle have received little attention. In the present study, early oogenesis was examined throughout the reproductive cycle in two Clupeiform fishes, the Mediterranean sardine, Sardina pilchardus, and the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus. Observations using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) provided extensive information on markers of oogonial proliferation (mitotic divisions, oogonia nests) and meiotic prophase I divisions of oocyte nests (leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene) in ovaries of different reproductive phases. In sardine, oogonial proliferation persisted throughout the entire reproductive cycle, whereas in anchovy, it was more pronounced prior to (developing ovaries) and after (resting ovaries) the spawning period. Anchovy exhibited a higher rate of meiotic activity in developing ovaries, whereas sardine exhibited a higher rate in resting ovaries. The observed differences between the two species can potentially be attributed to different seasonal patterns of energy allocation to reproduction and the synchronization between feeding and the spawning season.
Improving the quality characteristics of low fat toffee by using mango kernel fat, pectin, and high‐speed homogenizer
Authors: Azab Dina El‐Sayed Helmy , Almoselhy Rania I. M. , Mahmoud Marwa Hanafy
Published: October 2022

One of the promising approaches in food sector is the valorization of food by‐products into nutritional ingredients. This study aimed to improve the quality of toffee by adding mango kernel fat (MKF) as a butter replacer (50%), pectin (1%) using the high‐speed homogenization (HSH). Fatty acid composition, melting point, non‐enzymatic browning index (NEBI), texture profile analysis (TPA) were investigated. Results showed the oxidative stability of MKF recorded exceeding value (400 h) indicating great stability compared to butter (21 h), using HSH technique with the addition of pectin and mango fat to toffee induced high‐quality characteristics. Also, an increase in stability of toffee blends (zeta potential: −80 mV), melting point (34.129°C), TPA of the blends was compatible with full butter TPA with high texture, and high acceptability was observed. Results demonstrate that toffee with MKF and using HSH could improve the quality characteristics of toffee as well as have good nutritional aspects.

Novelty impact statement

Improving the quality attributes of toffee confectionery by reducing fat in the recipe as substituted using a high‐speed homogenization technique, with mango fat and/or pectin as a fat replacer. They could make toffee lower in fat content, healthier, cheaper, and with the same quality as full‐fat toffee. It will valorize the mango fat from mango by‐products into nutritional ingredients.
Combination of ethrel and antiseptic medium flow of micro‐circulating improves shelf‐life quality of kiwifruit after long‐term controlled atmosphere storage
Authors: Ran Yalin , Zheng Yanli , Li Xuejin , Jia Xiaoyu , Duan Lihua , Du Meijun , Li Ziqin , Zhao Zhiyong , Li Jixin , Li Xihong , Jiang Yunbin
Published: October 2022

The uneven maturity and severe internal rot of kiwifruit were rapidly accelerated when transferred to room temperature after long‐term controlled atmosphere storage. In this study, the effects of ethrel combined with different flow microcirculation of antiseptic mediums on the shelf‐life quality of “Qinmei” kiwifruit stored at 20°C were evaluated. Results indicated that the combined aerosolization application of 500 mg/L natamycin, 7.5% w/w H2O2 and 0.5 mg/L atomized ozone could control the decay incidence and respiratory rate of ethrel‐treated kiwifruit. Further studies indicated that ethrel and O3 treatment greatly increased the activities of chitinase, β‐1,3‐glucanase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase and produced higher ascorbic acid levels (151.16 mg·100 g−1/FW) to enhance disease‐resistant of kiwifruit. This treatment could inhibit the activity of polyphenol oxidase and delay the process of membrane lipid peroxidation, contributing to preserving the integrity of cell structures well. Moreover, ethrel + O3 treatment could effectively reduce ethylene production (3.12 μl/kg/h) to delay the ripening and senescence of fruit stored at 20°C. More importantly, this treatment exhibited the lowest contents of decay incidence (9.75%), total bacterial count (4.07 log cfu/g), and yeasts and molds (4.18 log cfu/g), and thus extended the shelf life for up to 16 days. Therefore, a combination of ethrel and ozone is a potentially effective method for the maintenance of the shelf‐life properties of kiwifruit after long‐term cold storage.

Novelty impact statement

In this study, the treatment of ethrel‐treated with aerosolized ozone of flow microcirculation of 0.5 mg/L O3 could effectively suppress ripening and senescence, enhance antioxidant capacity and disease resistance, reduce the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation, and considerably preserve the integrity of cell structures, which contributed to preventing the penetration of pathogens, retarding the decay incidence, and delaying the shelf‐life quality deterioration of kiwifruit transferred to room temperature after long‐term controlled atmosphere storage.
Inhibition potential of volatile compounds from Thai rice cultivars against acetylcholinesterase through in vitro and docking studies
Authors: Sansenya Sompong , Payaka Apirak
Published: October 2022

The aroma intensities of rice depend on the variety and the volatile compound content. Many volatile compounds in rice have been identified for their biological activity. In this study, we investigated the biological activity and the volatile compounds content of pigmented rice and non‐pigmented rice extracts. We also investigated the inhibition potential of volatile compounds including methyl vanillate, vanillin, 2‐pentyl furan and guaiacol against acetylcholinesterase through in vitro and in silico studies. The results reveal that the total phenolic and total flavonoid content was closely related to the antioxidant potential of pigmented rice and non‐pigmented rice extracts. The strongest inhibition potential of volatile compounds against acetylcholinesterase was obtained from methyl vanillate followed by 2‐pentyl furan and vanillin. Guaiacol had the lowest inhibition potential. Docking studies also indicated that strong binding affinity was obtained from methyl vanillate followed by 2‐pentyl furan, vanillin and guaiacol, respectively. The highest methyl vanillate and vanillin contents were obtained from Khao Leum Pua. The highest content of 2‐pentyl furan was obtained from Khao Leum Klaeng. Interestingly, the highest inhibition potential against acetylcholinesterase was also investigated from Khao Leum Klaeng and followed by Khao Leum Pua, respectively. The results indicated that the volatile compounds including methyl vanillate, 2‐pentyl furan and vanillin seem to be the key compounds for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity in these rice extracts.

Practical applications

Methyl vanillate, 2‐pentyl furan and vanillin are the key compounds for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of rice extracts. Our findings provided candidate compounds for application in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and also benefit on human health.
Effects of 60Coγ irradiation on storage quality and physiology of fresh hazelnut fruits
Authors: Wang Guan , Gao Jiatong , Lyu Chunmao , Meng Xianjun , Yue Xinying
Published: October 2022

During the storage process of hazelnut fresh fruits, browning is easy to occur, which reduces the storage quality. In this study, the method of 60Coγ irradiation was used to dynamically monitor the effects of fresh hazelnuts on storage quality, physiological indicators, and sterilization effect after being irradiated and refrigerated at 4 ± 0.5°C for 3 months. The results showed that irradiation at a dose of 0.25 to 1.0 kGy could preserve the current quality of the product, delay the browning of hazelnut shells, and reduce the activity of polyphenol oxidase. In addition, 0.5 kGy irradiation inhibited the respiration intensity and the accumulation of malondialdehyde in hazelnut fruits at the later stage of storage. Further research found that the content of microorganisms in hazelnut fruits decreased with the increase in irradiation dose. In addition, 0.5 kGy was the best irradiation dose to slow down the transpiration of hazelnut water and delay the reduction of fat, but the irradiation treatment of less than 1.0 kGy was effective for hazelnuts. Fruit peroxide value had no significant effect. At the same time, through the principal component analysis of hazelnut fruits stored for 90 days, the results also show that the 60Coγ irradiation with a dose of 0.5 kGy has the best storage effect and can effectively prolong the shelf life. The results of this study provide an effective theoretical basis and technical support for the preservation of fresh hazelnut fruits and the inhibition of the browning of hazelnut shells during storage.

Novelty impact statement

In this study, 60Coγ irradiation inhibited the polyphenol oxidase activity of polyphenol oxidase to a certain extent, thus delaying the browning of hazelnut shells. The synergistic effect of irradiation and low temperature prolonged the shelf life of hazelnut. The results showed that treatment with 0.5 kGy had the best effect, which was validated by the results of principal component analysis.
What do you think about climate change?
Authors: Baiardi Donatella
Published: October 2022

To answer this question, this paper reviews the huge and growing body of empirical literature on climate change awareness and summarizes insights emerging from a critical review of about 220 papers. It provides (i) a historical overview of climate change awareness worldwide, (ii) a guide to the most widely used datasets, with particular attention to the wording of questions used to measure climate change awareness when the analysis is performed at individual level; (iii) a detailed analysis of the main socio‐economic and climatological determinants of climate change awareness, such as age, gender, education, political values, the use of mass media and social media, social and institutional trust, experience of extreme weather conditions and the stage of development of the country where people live; and (iv) a summary of the main implications of these findings in terms of public policy responses.
Is local methotrexate therapy effective in the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cagli Fulya , Dolanbay Mehmet , Gülseren Varol , Kütük Serhan , Aygen Ercan M.
Published: October 2022

Aim

To evaluate the success of local methotrexate (MTX) treatment, the side‐effect profile and its fertility effect in patients diagnosed with cesarean scar pregnancy.

Materials

This retrospective cohort study included 56 cesarean scar pregnancy patients who applied to Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between January 2012 and January 2022 and were treated with ultrasound‐guided local MTX. The results of 56 patients with cesarean scar pregnancy who underwent transvaginal ultrasound‐guided single‐dose local MTX treatment were evaluated. First, the contents of the sac were aspirated, and then 50 mg of MTX was injected into the gestational sac.

Results

The median gestational age at diagnosis was 7 weeks 2 days. The mean beta human chorionic gonadotrophin level was 31 345 ± 37 838 (range: 113–233 835 mIU/mL). Fifty‐four patients were successfully treated with local MTX therapy. The interval between the first MTX injection and the normalization of beta human chorionic gonadotrophin was 55.2 ± 41.0 days. None of our patients required surgical treatment. Beta human chorionic gonadotrophin values did not decrease in one patient and she was treated with systemic MTX. Local MTX therapy could not be applied to one patient for technical reasons. Only one patient needed blood transfusion after local MTX. Thirteen patients become pregnant after treatment (76%). No systemic side effects related to MTX were observed in any of the patients.

Conclusion

Transvaginal ultrasound‐guided single‐dose local MTX treatment is an effective, safe, and fertility‐preserving treatment method for cesarean scar pregnancy.
Identification of novel genetic and epigenetic regulators of different tissue types of cervical cancer
Authors: Chandra Sanchita , Sarkar Subham , Mandal Paramita
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The study aimed to find differential gene mutations, DNA methylation, and expression profiles among different categories of cervical cancer samples.

Methods

The study was based on freely available gene mutations, promoter methylation, and gene expression status of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cervical cancer samples and adjacent normal tissues in the Genomic Data Commons (GDC) portal. The association of CpG island methylation with gene expression was determined through negative correlation analysis.

Results

We identified that the ErbB signaling pathway and proteoglycans pathway was significantly associated with adenocarcinoma cervical cancers patients. In these pathways, missense mutation especially S310F in theERBB2gene as well as G12D and A146T in theKRASgene were significantly associated with adenocarcinoma cases. Furthermore, a comparison of SCC cases with adjacent control tissues revealed differential hypermethylation of two CpG positions of theKAAG1gene and differential downregulation ofNPY1RandNPY5Rgenes in cervical squamous cell carcinoma compared to cervical adenocarcinoma cases and adjacent normal tissues. Specifically, the hypermethylation of the promoter region of theKAAG1gene might be responsible for the carcinogenesis of cervical squamous cells exclusively and methylation marks can be reversible by the widely used drug, azacytidine. In contrast, adenocarcinoma cervical cancer cases may be treated with floxuridine which is successfully utilized for other tissue‐specific adenocarcinoma cases.

Conclusions

These results provide valuable insight into the differential molecular markers among the categories of cervical cancer, which helps our ability to classify these cancers and for targeted therapy.
Empowering leadership, promotion focus, and creativity: Gender matters
Authors: Lang Yi , Huang Mingpeng , Tian Guangdi
Published: October 2022

Previous research on the relationship between empowering leadership and employee creativity has found mixed results, calling for more research to explore alternative mechanism and boundary conditions in this relationship. In this research, drawing on regulatory focus theory and social role theory, we propose that empowering leadership has a positive relationship with employee creativity through employee promotion focus and that this relationship is stronger for male (vs. female) leaders and for female (vs. male) employees. We conducted a multi‐source survey study and a vignette experiment to test our theoretical model. Results across these two studies supported our hypotheses. Our findings offer implications for research and practice regarding empowering leadership and creativity.
The association between autoantibody types and salivary gland hypofunction in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Kim Bok Eum , Kwon Jeong‐Seung , Choi Jong Hoon , Park Pil Gyu , Ahn Hyung‐Joon
Published: October 2022

Background

This study analyzed the association between autoantibody types and salivary gland hypofunction in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who visited the Department of Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine at Yonsei University Dental Hospital from January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2021, and who were diagnosed with pSS. Out of 191 patients who fulfilled the 2016 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria, 50 were positive for both anti‐Ro/SSA and anti‐La/SSB, whereas 97 had anti‐Ro/SSA but not anti‐La/SSB antibodies. Forty‐four patients for whom neither anti‐Ro/SSA nor anti‐La/SSB antibodies were found were diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome by minor salivary gland biopsy.

Results

The anti‐Ro/SSA antibody‐positive group showed higher rheumatoid factor (RF) levels than the anti‐Ro/SSA antibody‐negative group. The anti‐La/SSB antibody‐positive group showed lower unstimulated whole saliva (UWS), stimulated whole saliva (SWS), higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate and RF level than the anti‐La/SSB antibody‐negative group. In addition, the group with both anti‐Ro/SSA and anti‐La/SSB antibodies showed lower UWS than the group with only anti‐Ro/SSA antibodies. However, there were no significant differences in UWS or SWS after taking pilocarpine, and C‐reactive protein.

Conclusions

UWS and SWS were lower when a patient was positive for anti‐La/SSB, showing that anti‐La/SSB is more likely to be involved in salivary gland hypofunction than anti‐Ro/SSA in patients with pSS. Therefore, performing laboratory tests, including anti‐La/SSB, helps predict the prognosis of salivary gland function in patients with suspected pSS.
Hepatology in space: Effects of spaceflight and simulated microgravity on the liver
Authors: Vinken Mathieu
Published: October 2022

Microgravity as experienced during spaceflight affects a number of physiological processes in various organs. However, effects on the liver have yet been poorly documented. Nevertheless, the liver is a metabolically highly active organ involved in carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and xenobiotic biotransformation. The present paper provides an overview of the effects of microgravity on the liver observed in experimental animals during actual spaceflight and upon simulation of microgravity on Earth. These include (i) induction of liver injury and inflammation associated with apoptosis and oxidative stress, (ii) changes in liver carbohydrate metabolism resulting in the onset of a diabetogenic phenotype, (iii) modifications in hepatic lipid metabolism leading to early non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and (iv) alterations of the hepatic xenobiotic biotransformation machinery. Although most of these observations remain to be fully validated in humans, appropriate measures to counteract liver pathogenesis should be considered, especially in view of long‐term space missions.
Still “the Domain of Men?” Gender Quotas and Women's Inclusion in Local Politics in Italy
Authors: Weeks Ana Catalano , Masala Francesco
Published: October 2022

Gender quota laws, which require political parties to include women among candidate lists, now exist at the subnational level in 15 European countries. Do they increase the inclusion of women in local legislative processes and facilitate the representation of women's interests? To make progress on these questions, we leverage data from the “most similar” Italian region of Campania, which implemented a quota law in 2010, and Calabria, which had no quota law. Using a mixed‐method approach, we pair quantitative analysis of all legislative bills proposed and passed in both regional councils from 2007 to 2017 with qualitative interviews with regional councillors. We find that Campania's gender quota law increased women's inclusion in the legislative process, but little evidence that this translated into substantive policy gains for women. Our qualitative evidence suggests that arcane legislative processes, male‐dominated leadership roles, and a masculinist culture prevent women's policy interests from being prioritized.
Quest for the Australasian impact crater: Failings of the candidate location at the Bolaven Plateau, Southern Laos
Authors: Mizera Jiří
Published: October 2022

The quest for the parent impact structure for Australasian tektites (AAT) has remained without solution for almost a century. The present paper doubts the plausibility of the recently proposed location of the impact site at the Bolaven volcanic field in Southern Laos by showing problems with most of the presented lines of evidence. The geochemical incompatibility of the AAT composition with a mixture of weathered basalts and Mesozoic sandstones that were proposed as source materials of AAT is demonstrated by a two‐component mixing calculation for major element oxides and the Nd‐Sr isotopic system. Deficiency of the basaltic component as a source of Ni, Co, Cr, and 10Be in AAT and inconsistency with trends observed for O and Pb isotopes are shown. The size of the putative crater, conclusiveness of a gravity anomaly identification, signs of complete crater burial by postimpact lava flows, and identification of proximal ejecta blanket are doubted. Remarks on the shortcomings of the current consensus location of an impact site for AAT in Indochina are presented.
Electrical conductivity through π–π stacking in a two‐dimensional porous gallium catecholate metal–organic framework
Authors: Skorupskii Grigorii , Chanteux Géraldine , Le Khoa N. , Stassen Ivo , Hendon Christopher H. , Dincă Mircea
Published: October 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are hybrid materials known for their nanoscale pores, which give them high surface areas but generally lead to poor electrical conductivity. Recently, MOFs with high electrical conductivity were established as promising materials for a variety of applications in energy storage and catalysis. Many recent reports investigating the fundamentals of charge transport in these materials focus on the role of the organic ligands. Less consideration, however, is given to the metal ion forming the MOF, which is almost exclusively a late first‐row transition metal. Here, we report a moderately conductive porous MOF based on trivalent gallium and 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene. Gallium, a metal that has not been featured in electrically conductive MOFs so far, has a closed‐shell electronic configuration and is present in its trivalent state—in contrast to most conductive MOFs, which are formed by open‐shell, divalent transition metals. Our material, made without using any harmful solvents, displays conductivities on the level of 3 mS/cm and a surface area of 196 m2/g, comparable to transition metal analogs.
Withdrawal: A key consideration in evaluating whether highly processed foods are addictive
Authors: Parnarouskis Lindsey , Leventhal Adam M. , Ferguson Stuart G. , Gearhardt Ashley N.
Published: October 2022

Researchers are currently debating whether theories of addiction explain compulsive overeating of highly processed (HP) foods (i.e., industrially created foods high in refined carbohydrates and/or fat), which contributes to obesity and diet‐related disease. A subset of individuals consumes HP foods with behavioral phenotypes that mirror substance use disorders. Withdrawal, the emergence of aversive physical and psychological symptoms upon reduction or cessation of substance use, is a core component of addiction that was central to historical debates about other substances' addictive potential (e.g., nicotine and cocaine). However, no one has systematically considered evidence for whether HP foods cause withdrawal, which represents a key knowledge gap regarding the utility of addiction models for understanding compulsive overeating. Thus, we reviewed evidence for whether animals and humans exhibit withdrawal when reducing or eliminating HP food intake. Controlled experimental evidence indicates animals experience HP food withdrawal marked by neural reward changes and behaviors consistent with withdrawal from other addictive substances. In humans, preliminary evidence supports subjective withdrawal‐like experiences. However, most current human research is limited to retrospective recall. Further experimental research is needed to evaluate this construct. We outline future research directions to investigate HP food withdrawal in humans and consider potential clinical implications.
The oil price uncertainty effect on stock returns of the Indian renewable energy firms under different market conditions
Authors: Mishra Lalatendu , Acharya Rajesh H.
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the oil price uncertainty effect on stock return of the Indian renewable energy firms under different market conditions. We use the Oil Volatility Index (OVX) as a proxy of oil price uncertainty. All renewable energy companies listed on the National Stock Exchange of India are considered. Monthly data are analysed from January 2009 to December 2019 using panel quantile regression. In the whole sample of the renewable energy firms, we find that the impact of oil price volatility on stock return is negative only in extreme market conditions. In subgroups of renewable energy firms, oil price volatility has negative coefficients in most quantiles. The oil price volatility change is decomposed into positive and negative changes to investigate the asymmetric effect. In subgroups of renewable energy firms' analysis, most of the asymmetric effects of oil price volatility are seen in the bearish market condition. The policymakers can use the findings to formulate policies as per the oil price volatility movement to ensure the growth of the renewable energy sector. Investors and portfolio managers can make appropriate strategies based on oil price volatility to maximise the investment return across market conditions.
Towards an understanding of the pathological basis of senile depression and incident dementia: Implications for treatment
Authors: Kawakami Ito , Iga Jun‐ichi , Takahashi Sho , Lin Yi‐Ting , Fujishiro Hiroshige
Published: October 2022

Senile depression (SD) is a heterogeneous syndrome. Several clinical profiles are more likely to appear in SD than in early‐life depression, but it remains unclear whether the pathophysiology is different. The prevalence of dementia increases with aging, and the underlying pathophysiological processes in the preclinical phase begin even before cognitive deficits or neurological signs appear. SD may be either a risk factor for developing dementia or a prodromal stage of dementia. The inconsistent findings regarding the association between SD and incident dementia may be attributable to the neuropathological heterogeneity underlying SD. Most studies have focused on patients with the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) as an outcome, but several clinicopathological studies suggest that primary age‐related tauopathy and argyrophilic grain disease may account for a proportion of cases clinically misdiagnosed as AD in the elderly population. Furthermore, most AD cases have additional neuropathologic changes such as cerebrovascular disease and Lewy body disease. Here, we review the neuropathological findings linking SD to incident dementia, focusing on common age‐related neuropathologies. In particular, the roles of disturbance of neural circuity, imbalance of monoaminergic systems, dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and elevated neuroinflammatory status are discussed. Finally, we review the current treatment of SD in the context of age‐related neuropathological changes.
Genome‐wide characterization of homeodomain‐leucine zipper genes reveals RsHDZ17 enhances the heat tolerance in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Wang Kai , Xu Liang , Wang Yan , Ying Jiali , Li Jingxue , Dong Junhui , Li Cui , Zhang Xiaoli , Liu Liwang
Published: October 2022

Homeodomain‐leucine zipper (HD‐Zip) transcription factors are involved in various biological processes of plant growth, development, and abiotic stress response. However, how they regulate heat stress (HS) response remains largely unclear in plants. In this study, a total of 83 RsHD‐Zip genes were firstly identified from the genome of Raphanus sativus. RNA‐Seq, RT‐qPCR and promoter activity assays revealed that RsHDZ17 from HD‐Zip Class I was highly expressed under heat, salt, and Cd stresses. RsHDZ17 is a nuclear protein with transcriptional activity at the C‐terminus. Ectopic overexpression (OE) of RsHDZ17 in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced the HS tolerance by improving the survival rate, photosynthesis capacity, and scavenging for reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, transient OE of RsHDZ17 in radish cotyledons impeded cell injury and augmented ROS scavenging under HS. Moreover, yeast one‐hybrid, dual‐luciferase assay, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that RsHDZ17 could bind to the promoter of HSFA1e. Collectively, these pieces of evidence demonstrate that RsHDZ17 could play a positive role in thermotolerance, partially through up‐regulation of the expression of HSFA1e in plants. These results provide novel insights into the role of HD‐Zips in radish and facilitate genetical engineering and development of heat‐tolerant radish in breeding programs.