bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile Synthesis of Surfactant‐Induced Platinum Nanospheres with a Porous Network Structure for Highly Effective Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Zhao Xiao , Sun Liangyu , Cai Jialin , Jung Joey Chung‐Yen , Xia Zhonghong , Zhang Jiujun , Zhang Shiming
Published: April 2022

Developing a facile and eco‐friendly method for the large‐scale synthesis of highly active and stable catalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is very important for the practical application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this paper, a mild aqueous‐solution route has been successfully developed for the gram‐scale synthesis of three‐dimensional porous Pt nanospheres (Pt‐NSs) that are composed of network‐structured nanodendrites and/or oval multipods. In comparison with the commercial Pt/C catalyst, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrates the dominant metallic‐state of Pt and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicates the substantial improvement of conductivity for the Pt‐NSs/C catalyst. The surfactant‐induced porous network nanostructure improves both the catalytic ORR activity and durability. The optimal Pt‐NSs/C catalyst exhibits a half‐wave potential of 0.898 V (vs. RHE), leading to the mass activity of 0.18 A mgPt−1 and specific activity of 0.68 mA cm−2 which are respectively 1.9 and 5.7 times greater than those of Pt/C. Moreover, the highly‐active Pt‐NSs/C catalyst shows a superior stability with the tenable morphology and the retained 78% of initial mass activity rather than the severe Pt aggregation and the only 58% retention of the commercial Pt/C catalyst after 10000 cycles.
Off‐target screening of amyloid‐beta plaque targeting [18F]florapronol ([18F]FC119S) in postmortem Alzheimer's disease tissues
Authors: Kim Min Hwan , Jung Woon Jung , Jeong Hyeon Jin , Lee Kyongkyu , Kil Hee Seup , Chung Wee Sup , Nam Kyung Rok , Lee Yong Jin , Lee Kyo Chul , Lim Sang Moo , Chi Dae Yoon
Published: April 2022

We investigated the off‐target binding of amyloid‐beta (Aβ) target [18F]florapronol ([18F]FC119S) using postmortem Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain tissue, compared with a known Aβ target imaging agent, [125I]TZDM and tau targeting [125I]MK as positive and negative controls, respectively. Off‐target binding of monoamine oxidase‐A and ‐B (MAO‐A and ‐B) was screened for FC119S and Pittsburgh compound B (PiB). Autoradiography (ARG) was performed to screen the Aβ‐binding potential using human AD postmortem brain tissue sections. Colocalization was quantitatively analyzed by using image analysis software. Pathological analysis was performed for screening of specific binding of amyloid‐beta and phospho‐tau. Amyloid‐beta targeting [18F]FC119S and [125I]TZDM tracers were showed a similar binding pattern in ARG, but [125I]MK was showed a different binding patterns. In the blocking experiment, [18F]FC119S binding was effectively blocked by a cold TZDM compound. FC119S and PiB were not showed specific binding with MAO‐A and MAO‐B. The autoradiographic binding pattern was positively correlated with the Aβ expression.
Development of a miniature bioreactor model to study the impact of pH and DOT fluctuations on CHO cell culture performance as a tool to understanding heterogeneity effects at large‐scale
Authors: Zakrzewski Roman , Lee Kenneth , Lye Gary J.
Published: April 2022

Understanding the impact of spatial heterogeneities that are known to occur in large‐scale cell culture bioreactors remains a significant challenge. This work presents a novel methodology for mimicking the effects of pH and dissolved oxygen heterogeneities on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture performance and antibody quality characteristics, using an automated miniature bioreactor system. Cultures of 4 different cell lines, expressing 3 IgG molecules and one fusion protein, were exposed to repeated pH and dissolved oxygen tension (DOT) fluctuations between pH 7.0–7.5 and DOT 10%–30%, respectively, for durations of 15, 30, and 60 min. Fluctuations in pH had a minimal impact on growth, productivity, and product quality although some changes in lactate metabolism were observed. DOT fluctuations were found to have a more significant impact; a 35% decrease in cell growth and product titre was observed in the fastest growing cell line tested, while all cell lines exhibited a significant increase in lactate accumulation. Product quality analysis yielded varied results; two cell lines showed an increase in the G0F glycan and decrease in G1F, G2F, and Man5; however, another line showed the opposite trend. The study suggests that the response of CHO cells to the effects of fluctuating culture conditions is cell line specific and that higher growing cell lines are most impacted. The miniature bioreactor system described in this work therefore provides a platform for use during early stage cell culture process development to identify cell lines that may be adversely impacted by the pH and DOT heterogeneities encountered on scale‐up. This experimental data can be combined with computational modeling approaches to predict overall cell culture performance in large‐scale bioreactors.
Tumor remnant after silicone implant en bloc capsulectomy: The magnetic resonance role
Authors: de Faria Castro Fleury Eduardo
Published: April 2022

Recently, there has been an increase in surgeries to treat silicones implant complications. These procedures are generally related to diseased fibrous capsules, with capsular contracture the most common clinical manifestation. However, patients often do not undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan for the explant surgical programming to access the fibrous capsule status and avoid residual diseased tissue. The accuracy of MRI to assess fibrous capsule breast neoplasm remnants depends on the surgical time. The ideal time for the evaluation is up to 72 h after the surgery when the repaired tissue starts to appear. Up to 2–3 weeks after surgery, MRI can provide information on the presence of a residual tumor. After this period, the presence of scar tissue and granuloma impairs the analysis. This communication discusses the role of MRI in evaluating residual fibrous capsules in the postoperative period.
Identification of a combined apoptosis and hypoxia gene signature for predicting prognosis and immune infiltration in breast cancer
Authors: Ren Xueting , Cui Hanxiao , Wu Jianhua , Zhou Ruina , Wang Nan , Liu Dandan , Xie Xin , Zhang Hao , Liu Di , Ma Xiaobin , Dang Chengxue , Kang Huafeng , Lin Shuai
Published: April 2022

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor worldwide. Apoptosis and hypoxia are involved in the progression of BC, but reliable biomarkers for these have not been developed. We hope to explore a gene signature that combined apoptosis and hypoxia‐related genes (AHGs) to predict BC prognosis and immune infiltration.

Methods

We collected the mRNA expression profiles and clinical data information of BC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The gene signature based on AHGs was constructed using the univariate Cox regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The associations between risk scores, immune infiltration, and immune checkpoint gene expression were studied using single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis. Besides, gene signature and independent clinicopathological characteristics were combined to establish a nomogram. Finally, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed on the potential functions of AHGs.

Results

We identified a 16‐AHG signature (AGPAT1, BTBD6, EIF4EBP1, ERRFI1, FAM114A1, GRIP1, IRF2, JAK1, MAP2K6, MCTS1, NFKBIA, NFKBIZ, NUP43, PGK1, RCL1, and SGCE) that could independently predict BC prognosis. The median score of the risk model divided the patients into two subgroups. By contrast, patients in the high‐risk group had poorer prognosis, less abundance of immune cell infiltration, and expression of immune checkpoint genes. The gene signature and nomogram had good predictive effects on the overall survival of BC patients. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the differential expression of AHGs may be closely related to tumor immunity.

Conclusion

We established and verified a 16‐AHG BC signature which may help predict prognosis, assess potential immunotherapy benefits, and provide inspiration for future research on the functions and mechanisms of AHGs in BC.
Unilateral syphilitic optic neuritis without meningitis or uveitis
Authors: Yamashita Shun , Tago Masaki , Nishi Tomoyo M. , Yamashita Shu‐ichi
Published: April 2022

A 69‐year‐old man with left eye pain and visual impairment was diagnosed with syphilitic optic neuritis, who was successfully treated by penicillin. Although it is difficult to decide syphilis as the direct cause of optic neuritis, it is essential to diagnose syphilis in every patient with optic neuritis.
Congenital generalized lipodystrophy in two siblings from Saudi Arabia: A case report
Authors: Hummadi Abdulrrahman , Nahari Ahmed Ali , Alhagawy Ali Jaber , Zakri Ibrahim , Abutaleb Raed , Yafei Saeed
Published: April 2022

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 1 (CGL1) is a very rare autosomal recessive genetic mutation with generalized lipoatrophy and metabolic complications. We report CGL1 in two Saudi female siblings with lipoatrophy, diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, steatohepatitis, and acanthosis due to very rare homozygous 1‐acylglycerol‐3‐phosphate O‐acyltransferase β (AGPAT2) genetic variant.
Left free wall‐sided Mahaim type fiber and A‐V nodal reentry tachycardia: Unusual but not impossible combination
Authors: Stoyanov Milko , Shalganov Tchavdar
Published: April 2022

A 52‐year‐old patient with previous catheter ablation of A‐V nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) had a redo procedure for reported recurrence. During the study, AVNRT was not inducible, but a previously unrecognized left‐sided Mahaim‐type accessory pathway was diagnosed and ablated successfully.
Case report on the legal assurance of Advance Care Planning in collective culture
Authors: Miyatake Hirotomo , Ozaki Akihiko , Kotera Yasuhiro , Sakamoto Ryo , Bhandari Divya , Uneno Yu , Beniya Hiroyuki
Published: April 2022

This case report shows that there is a lack of a legal framework in Japan to protect patients' right during the end‐of‐life period, which hinders the implementation of ACP in medical practice. This report suggests that legal support can contribute to the advancement of ACP while addressing cultural differences.
Bronchial tear consecutive to blunt chest trauma
Authors: Naggar Amine , Jellal Sanae , El Fenni Jamal , Saouab Rachida
Published: April 2022

Tracheobronchial injuries following blunt chest trauma are rare and can be lethal. CT scan can help to diagnose it when a defect to the tracheobronchial wall is visible or to suspect it in front of indirect signs.
Influence of Grafting of a Polymeric Antistatic Membrane Doped with Orthophosphoric Acid on its Electrical Properties
Authors: Doma Ahmed S. , Kamoun Elbadawy A. , Abboudy Sayed , Belal Mohamed A. , Khattab Sherine N. , El-Bardan Ali A.
Published: April 2022

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) antistatic membranes were prepared by two types of grafting, namely, self‐ and chemical grafting processes, using solvent‐casting technique via tetrahydrofuran and toluene as solvents for PVC and SBR, respectively. The membrane modification was carried out by doping orthophosphoric acid (OPA) in the polymer solution. The effect of OPA on the properties of the PVC/SBR membranes was studied in detail with respect to the electrical properties of the antistatic membranes. The electrical conductivities were improved by increasing the OPA content onto membranes. These results suggest that PVC/SBR antistatic membranes doped with OPA can be utilized as promising antistatic material candidates for fabrication of automobile tires and electronic materials.
Energy‐Saving Separation of the Ethanol‐tert‐Butanol‐Water Azeotrope System Based on an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Tian Zenghu , Wang Xiaohong , Chen Jingxuan , Du Peng , Ding Xin
Published: April 2022

The separation requirements of the ethanol‐tert‐butanol‐water system are difficult to meet due to the formation of azeotropes under normal pressure. After screening the four most important ionic liquids, i.e., [BMIM][BF4], [EMIM][Cl], [HMIM][Cl], and [EMIM][AC], ionic liquid [EMIM][AC] was selected as extractant, and quantum chemical calculations based on COSMO‐SAC theory were carried out to analyze the mechanism of the separation process. An ethanol‐tert‐butanol‐water extractive distillation process was designed, optimized with the goal of the lowest total annual economic cost, and the cost of carbon dioxide emissions was calculated. To further save energy, a heat pump distillation process was designed and compared with the conventional ionic liquid process. The annual total cost of the heat pump distillation process is reduced by 10.11 %, and carbon dioxide emission costs are reduced by 61.9 %. Comparison with the conventional extractive distillation process and its modified process revealed economic advantages for the ionic liquid extractive distillation process and its heat pump version.
Asymmetric Alkynylation of Tertiary Carbon‐Centered Radical via Copper‐Catalyzed Radical Relay
Authors: Wu Dunqi , Wu Lianqian , Chen Pinhong , Liu Guosheng
Published: April 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Alkynes are frequently found in a high proportion of natural products and bioactive moleculars, as well as a common synthon in organic synthesis, which can be easily transformed to an alkenyl, alkyl, heteroaryl, or carboxylic acid group. The enantioselective construction of alkyne substituted all carbon quaternary stereocenters is rarely reported and still a big challenge. As part of our continuous effort on developing asymmetric radical transformations, we found introducing an amidyl group (CONHAr) adjacent to the tertiary carbon radical could enable the asymmetric radical coupling with alkyne reagents. The amidyl group may stabilize the tertiary carbon radical or coordination with the chiral copper catalyst. Herein, we communicate a copper‐catalyzed asymmetric trifluoromethyl‐alkynylation of α‐aryl substituted acrylamides, which provides a straightforward and efficient access to chiral quaternary all‐carbon centers bearing alkynyl groups in good yields and enantioselectivities. This reaction was also applied for the synthesis of chiral functionalized dipeptide.
Detection of Nitric Oxide from Chickpea Using DAF Fluorescence and Chemiluminescence Methods
Authors: Kumari Aprajita , Bhatoee Manbir , Singh Pooja , Kaladhar Vemula Chandra , Yadav Nidhi , Paul Debarati , Loake Gary J. , Gupta Kapuganti Jagadis
Published: April 2022

The free radical nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as an important signal molecule in plants, due to its involvement in various plant growth, development, and stress responses. For elucidating the role of NO, it is very important to precisely determine, localize, and quantify NO levels. Due to a relatively short half‐life and its rapid, complex reactivity with other radicals, together with its capacity to diffuse from the source of production, the quantification of NO in whole plants, tissues, organelles, and extracts is notoriously difficult. Hence, it is essential to employ sensitive procedures for precise detection of NO. Currently available methods can fulfill many requirements to precisely determine NO, but each method has several advantages and pitfalls. In this article, we describe a detailed procedure for the measurement of NO by diaminofluorescein (DAF) in cell‐permeable forms (DAF‐FM‐DA). In this method, the tissues are immersed in DAF‐FM DA, leading to their diffusion from the plasma membrane to the inside of the cell, where intracellular esterases cleave the ester bonds, leading to DAF‐FM release. The resulting DAF‐FM reacts with intracellularly generated NO and forms highly fluorescent triazolofluorescein (DAF‐FMT), which can be localized and monitored by fluorescence or confocal microscopy, and can also be detected via fluorimetry and flow cytometry. DAF dyes are very popular as they are non‐invasive, relatively easy to handle, and commercially available. Another precise and very sensitive method is chemiluminescence detection of NO, where NO reacts with ozone (O3), leading to emission of a quantum of light from which NO can be calculated. Using chickpea seedlings, we describe in detail the measurement of NO using DAF‐FM‐DA and chemiluminescence methods. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Measurement of nitric oxide from chickpea seedlings using DAF‐FM DA fluorescence with fluorescence and confocal microscopy

Basic Protocol 2: Chemiluminescence detection of nitric oxide from chickpea seedlings
Selective Hydrogenolysis of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2‐Hexanol over Au/ZrO2 Catalysts
Authors: Hu Xiaohong , Li Zhijian , Wang Haiyong , Xin Haosheng , Li Song , Wang Chenguang , Ma Longlong , Liu Qiying
Published: April 2022

2‐Hexanol (2‐HOL) is a versatile biomass‐derived platform molecule for synthesis of liquid transportation fuels, lubricants, or detergents. Herein, a one‐step preparation of 2‐HOL using 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) as a substrate was reported for the first time. Several Au‐based catalysts supported on different metal oxides were prepared to explore the relationship between carrier and catalytic activity. The results showed that the highest 2‐HOL yield of 65.8 % was obtained at complete HMF conversion over the 5 %Au/ZrO2 catalyst. The 5 %Au/ZrO2 catalyst exhibited excellent durability after five consecutive recycling runs, while confirming its remarkable ring‐opening hydrogenolysis on other biomass‐derived furanics, furfural, with a total yield of 1‐pentanol and 2‐pentanol of 67.4 %. The distinguished ring‐opening hydrogenolysis performance of the Au/ZrO2 catalyst originated from a synergistic effect between the interfacial Au‐O‐Zr oxygen vacancies‐induced Lewis acidic sites (activating C−OH/C=O bonds) and metallic Au (activating H2). This work provides a possibility for producing 2‐HOL from HMF with high yield, expanding the sustainable application of lignocellulosic biomass.
Paedomorphic salamanders are larval in form and patterns of limb emergence inform life cycle evolution
Authors: Bonett Ronald M. , Ledbetter Nicholus M.
Published: April 2022

Amphibians undergo a variety of post‐embryonic transitions (PETr) that are partly governed by thyroid hormone (TH). Transformation into a terrestrial form follows an aquatic larval stage (biphasic) or precedes hatching (direct development). Some salamanders maintain larval characteristics and an aquatic lifestyle into adulthood (paedomorphosis), which obscures the conclusion of their larval period. Paedomorphic axolotls exhibit elevated TH during early development that is concomitant with transcriptional reprogramming and limb emergence. A recent perspective suggested this cryptic TH‐based PETr is uncoupled from metamorphosis in paedomorphs and concludes the larval period. This led to their question: “Are paedomorphs actual larvae?”. To clarify, paedomorphs are only considered larval in form, even though they possess some actual larval characteristics. However, we strongly agree that events during larval development inform amphibian life cycle evolution. We build upon their perspective by considering the evolution of limb emergence and metamorphosis. Limbless hatchling larval salamanders are generally associated with ponds, while limbed larvae are common to streams and preceded the evolution of direct development. Permian amphibians had limbed larvae, so their PETr was likely uncoupled from metamorphosis, equivalent to most extant biphasic and paedomorphic salamanders. Coupling of these events was likely derived in frogs and direct developing salamanders.
Novel hosts can incur fitness costs to a frugivorous insect pest
Authors: Lampasona Timothy , Rodriguez‐Saona Cesar , Nielsen Anne L.
Published: April 2022

In phytophagous insects, adult attraction and oviposition preference for a host plant are often positively correlated with their immature fitness; however, little is known how this preference–performance relationship changes within insect populations utilizing different host plants. Here, we investigated differences in the preference and performance of two populations of a native North American frugivorous insect pest, the plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar)—one that utilizes peaches and another that utilizes blueberries as hosts—in the Mid‐Atlantic United States. We collectedC. nenupharadult populations from peach and blueberry farms and found that they exhibited a clear preference for the odors of, as well as an ovipositional preference for, the hosts they were collected from, laying 67%–83% of their eggs in their respective collected hosts. To measureC. nenupharlarval performance, a fitness index was calculated using data on larval weights, development, and survival rate from egg to 4th instars when reared on the parent's collected and novel hosts. Larvae ofC. nenupharadults collected from peach had high fitness on peach but low fitness when reared on blueberry. In contrast, larvae fromC. nenupharadults collected in blueberry had high fitness regardless of the host on which they were reared. In this study, we show that utilizing a novel host such as blueberry incurs a fitness cost forC. nenupharfrom peaches, but this cost was not observed forC. nenupharfrom blueberries, indicating that the preference–performance relationship is present in the case of insects reared on peach, but insects reared on blueberry were more flexible and able to utilize either host, despite preferring blueberry.
Multigenerational exposure to increased temperature reduces metabolic rate but increases boldness in Gambusia affinis
Authors: Moffett Emma R. , Fryxell David C. , Simon Kevin S.
Published: April 2022

Acute exposure to warming temperatures increases minimum energetic requirements in ectotherms. However, over and within multiple generations, increased temperatures may cause plastic and evolved changes that modify the temperature sensitivity of energy demand and alter individual behaviors. Here, we aimed to test whether populations recently exposed to geothermally elevated temperatures express an altered temperature sensitivity of metabolism and behavior. We expected that long‐term exposure to warming would moderate metabolic rate, reducing the temperature sensitivity of metabolism, with concomitant reductions in boldness and activity. We compared the temperature sensitivity of metabolic rate (acclimation at 20 vs. 30°C) and allometric slopes of routine, standard, and maximum metabolic rates, in addition to boldness and activity behaviors, across eight recently divergent populations of a widespread fish species (Gambusia affinis). Our data reveal that warm‐source populations express a reduced temperature sensitivity of metabolism, with relatively high metabolic rates at cool acclimation temperatures and relatively low metabolic rates at warm acclimation temperatures compared to ambient‐source populations. Allometric scaling of metabolism did not differ with thermal history. Across individuals from all populations combined, higher metabolic rates were associated with higher activity rates at 20°C and bolder behavior at 30°C. However, warm‐source populations displayed relatively bolder behavior at both acclimation temperatures compared to ambient‐source populations, despite their relatively low metabolic rates at warm acclimation temperatures. Overall, our data suggest that in response to warming, multigenerational exposure (e.g., plasticity, adaptation) may not result in trait change directed along a simple “pace‐of‐life syndrome” axis, instead causing relative decreases in metabolism and increases in boldness. Ultimately, our data suggest that multigenerational warming may produce a novel combination of physiological and behavioral traits, with consequences for animal performance in a warming world.
Effects of propolis supplementation on irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C) and mixed (IBS‐M) stool pattern: A randomized, double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Miryan Mahsa , Soleimani Davood , Alavinejad Pejman , Abbaspour Mohammadreza , Ostadrahimi Alireza
Published: April 2022

Background

Recent evidence indicates that propolis can modulate gastrointestinal (GI) function. This trial aims to assess the efficacy of propolis supplementation on the severity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.

Methods

This clinical trial was conducted on 56 subjects with IBS diagnosed by Rome IV criteria. Eligible subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 900 mg/day of propolis or matching placebo tablets for 6 weeks. The IBS symptom severity scale (IBS‐SSS) was used to evaluate IBS severity in five clinically applicable items.

Results

After adjusting anxiety scores, a significant reduction was observed in the overall score of IBS symptoms (−98.27 ± 105.44), the severity of abdominal pain (−24.75 ± 28.66), and the frequency of abdominal pain (−2.24 ± 3.51) with propolis treatment as compared to placebo (p‐value < .05). Patients in the propolis group were 6.22 times more likely to experience improvement in IBS symptoms than those in the placebo group (95% CI: 1.14–33.9; p‐value: .035). There was no significant change in anthropometric measurements and dietary intakes in both groups (p‐value > .05).

Conclusions

Our results showed that propolis supplementation might have a beneficial effect on constipation subtype of IBS (IBS‐C) and mixed subtype of IBS (IBS‐M) severity by reducing the severity and frequency of abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Evolution of nonenzymatic browning during the simulated Msalais‐production process in models of grape juice
Authors: Zhang Rui‐li , Zhang Meng‐Meng , Pu Yun‐Feng , Zhu Li‐Xia
Published: April 2022

Msalais is a wine fermented from boiled grape juice. Nonenzymatic browning (NEB) greatly affects the quality of Msalais, but to date its mechanism has not been systematically analyzed. In the current study, the evolution of NEB during Msalais production was investigated using models of grape juice. 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF), browning index (BI), yellowness index (YI), sample absorbance at 420 (A420), and b* increased during heating, with a clear transition point at 110 min. The Maillard reaction (MR) was the major contributor to NEB. Vitamin C (VC) facilitated NEB in the late stage of heating. During heating that lasted over 130 min, glucose contributed to NEB more than fructose, while the reverse was true for heating lasting less than 130 min. Proline (Pro) was the most important amino acid in facilitating NEB. BI and A420 decreased during fermentation, while increasing slightly during wine storage. In conclusion, this study identified the evolution of NEB during the Msalais process, which will facilitate the control of traditional Msalais production for improved wine quality.
Effect of color protection treatment on the browning and enzyme activity of Lentinus edodes during processing
Authors: Lin Tong , Zhou Zhiguo , Xing Chunmiao , Zhou Jiahui , Fan Gongjian , Xie Chunyan
Published: April 2022

Fresh Lentinus edodes (L. edodes) are prone to browning (including enzymatic and nonenzymatic browning), which affects their quality and leads to economic losses during later processing. This study explored various effective color protection methods (color protection reagent and/or blanching) for inhibiting the browning of L. edodes. First, a single‐factor experiment and a response surface method were used to optimize the concentration of the color retention reagent. The compound color retention reagent (comprising 0.1% phytic acid, 0.8% sodium citrate, and 0.5% d‐sodium erythorbate) had the smallest total color difference (ΔE) value, suggesting that the compound color reagent had a better inhibiting effect than the single agent. Following this, the blanching conditions were studied; the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity was the lowest when the blanching temperature was 90°C and blanching time 180 s, indicating that browning is likely to be minimal. Finally, comparing the oxidase activity and total color difference (ΔE) revealed that combining the two color protection methods inhibits browning better than using a single method (color protection reagent or blanching). In addition, the polysaccharide and vitamin C (VC) contents of L. edodes under optimal color protection conditions were determined, which were 0.96 and 2.54 g/100 g fresh weight (FW), respectively. The results demonstrated that this color protection method effectively inhibits browning, reduces the nutritional loss, and improves the quality of L. edodes.
Estimating survival after salvage surgery for recurrent salivary gland cancers: Systematic review
Authors: Mannelli Giuditta , Comini Lara V. , Sacchetto Andrea , Santoro Roberto , Spinelli Giuseppe , Bonomo Pierluigi , Desideri Isacco , Bossi Paolo , Orlandi Ester , Alderotti Giammarco , Franchi Alessandro , Palomba Annarita , Eccher Albino , Marchioni Daniele , Nocini Riccardo , Piazza Cesare , Molteni Gabriele
Published: April 2022

Recurrent salivary gland carcinomas (RSCs) are poorly characterized and their clinical features and treatment options have not yet been fully described. The goal of this study was to analyze the therapeutic strategies and oncological outcomes of RSC patients through a literature review analysis. This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA statements. Inclusion criteria for the systematic review were based on the population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes according to (PICO) framework. Two thousand seven hundred and four records were selected and 1817 recurrences were studied. Three hundred and sixty‐five patients underwent salvage surgery (20.1%) and their 5‐year mortality rate, overall survival and disease‐free survival were 35%, 70%, and 42%, respectively. RSCs are aggressive neoplasms with a high rate of distant metastases (28.9%). Salvage surgery can be considered in patients with limited local and/or regional recurrences, even in case of single distant relapse, appearing within the first 3 years of follow‐up.
Relationship between NAFLD and coronary artery disease: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ren Zhewen , Simons Pomme I. H. G. , Wesselius Anke , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Brouwers Martijn C. G. J.
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims:

There is an ongoing debate on whether NAFLD is an active contributor or an innocent bystander in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the present study was to assess the causal relationship between NAFLD and CAD.

Approach and Results:

We performed two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses using summary‐level data to assess the association between genetically predicted NAFLD (i.e., chronically elevated serum alanine aminotransferase levels [cALT], imaging‐based and biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD) and risk of CAD. Analyses were repeated after exclusion of NAFLD susceptibility genes that are associated with impaired VLDL secretion.

Inverse‐variance weighted MR analyses showed a statistically significant association between genetically predicted cALT and risk of CAD (OR: 1.116, 95% CI: 1.039, 1.199), but not for the other NAFLD‐related traits (OR: 1.046, 95% CI: 0.764, 1.433 and OR: 1.014, 95% CI: 0.968, 1.062 for imaging‐based and biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD, respectively). MR‐Egger regression revealed a statistically significant intercept, indicative of directional pleiotropy, for all traits. Repeat analyses after exclusion of genes associated with impaired VLDL secretion showed consistent associations between genetically predicted NAFLD and CAD for all traits (i.e., cALT [OR: 1.203, 95% CI: 1.113, 1.300]), imaging‐based (OR: 2.149, 95% CI: 1.276, 3.620) and biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD (OR: 1.113, 95% CI: 1.041, 1.189), which persisted when more stringent biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD criteria were used (OR: 1.154, 95% CI: 1.043, 1.278) or when more stringent MR methods were applied. MR‐Egger regression did not show a statistically significant intercept.

Conclusion:

The two‐sample MR analyses showed a robust association between genetically predicted NAFLD and CAD after exclusion of genetic variants that are implicated in impaired VLDL secretion.
The short‐run and long‐run effects of trade openness on financial development: Some panel evidence for Europe
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Sova Anamaria Diana , Sova Robert
Published: April 2022

This paper analyses the short‐ and long‐run effects of trade openness on financial development in a panel including data on 35 European countries over the period 2001–2019. For this purpose, it uses the pooled mean group (PMG) estimator for dynamic panels developed by Pesaran et al. (Journal of the American Statistical Association, 1999;94:621). The results differ depending on the income, governance and financial development level of the countries considered. In particular, it appears that in the middle‐income countries trade openness tends to strengthen financial development in the long run but to have an adverse effect in the short run. By contrast, in the case of high‐income countries with better institutions and a higher level of financial development, there is a positive and significant impact in the short run. Some policy implications of these findings are drawn.
Involvement of blood lncRNA UCA1 in sepsis development and prognosis, and its correlation with multiple inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Wang Jingmei , Feng Qiang , Wu Yiping , Wang Haiyan
Published: April 2022

Background

Sepsis is a highly life‐threatening disease. Long non‐coding RNA urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (lncRNA UCA1) participates in the processes of inflammation and organ injury in several diseases, whereas its role in sepsis patients is still unclear. The aim was to explore the clinical value of lncRNA UCA1 in sepsis patients.

Methods

One hundred seventy‐four sepsis patients and 100 age and gender‐matched controls were enrolled. LncRNA UCA1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples was examined, and the level of inflammatory cytokines in serum samples was assessed.

Results

LncRNA UCA1 was highly expressed in sepsis patients compared with controls. LncRNA UCA1 was positively correlated with tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐17, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 in sepsis patients, while it was not correlated with these inflammatory cytokines in controls. lncRNA UCA1 upregulation was related to raised APACHE II score and SOFA score in sepsis patients. Moreover, lncRNA UCA1 was increased in sepsis deaths compared with sepsis survivors and was independently correlated with increased 28‐day sepsis mortality risk. Further receiver operating characteristic curves presented that lncRNA UCA1 had a good value to predict 28‐motality risk, while its combination with other independent factors (including age, history of chronic kidney disease, G+ bacterial infection, Fungus infection, C‐reactive protein, and APACHE II score) exerted a great predictive value for 28‐day mortality risk.

Conclusion

LncRNA UCA1 is upregulated and correlates with multiple pro‐inflammatory cytokines, terrible disease severity, and poor prognosis in sepsis patients.
Frequency histograms of three high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin assays in a reference population
Authors: Cho Hanwool , Kim Hyunjung , Lee Jehoon , Kim Soo‐Young , Lee Hae Kyung , Kwon Hi Jeong , Kim Yeongsic
Published: April 2022

Background

Cardiac troponin (cTn) values above the 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL) indicate myocardial injury. We established 99th percentile URLs for three high‐sensitivity cTn (hs‐cTn) assays (Beckman Coulter Access hs‐cTnI, Abbott STAT hs‐cTnI, and Roche Elecsys hs‐cTnT) using a healthy population in Korea.

Methods

Each cTn value was measured by three assays and analyzed by dividing by gender and age.

Results

The frequency histograms of log‐transformed cTn values for Beckman and Abbott assays exhibited a bell‐shaped distribution. The 99th percentile URLs were 9.8, 17.4, and 17.3 ng/L in the total population; 10.9/9.0, 18.9/17.0, and 18.9/17.7 ng/L in the male/female population (p < 0.001 for all three assays); and 11.2/7.2, 19.9/14.5, and 22.7/9.3 ng/L in the older/younger population (p < 0.001 for all three assays) for Beckman, Abbott, and Roche assays, respectively.

Conclusion

Among the three assays, bell‐shaped distributions were observed in a frequency histogram of log‐transformed cTn values for healthy population in Beckman and Abbott assays. Also, our findings show that the 99th percentile URLs for cTn levels vary not only by gender but age.
Fluorescence evidence of annexin A6 translocation across membrane in model matrix vesicles during apatite formation
Authors: Wang Yubo , Weremiejczyk Liliana , Strzelecka‐Kiliszek Agnieszka , Maniti Ofelia , Amabile Veschi Ekeveliny , Bolean Mayte , Ramos Ana Paula , Ben Trad Layth , Magne David , Bandorowicz‐Pikula Joanna , Pikula Slawomir , Millán Jose Luis , Bottini Massimo , Goekjian Peter , Ciancaglini Pietro , Buchet René , Dou Wei Tao , Tian He , Mebarek Saïda , He Xiao P. , Granjon Thierry
Published: April 2022

Matrix vesicles (MVs) are 100–300 nm spherical structures released by mineralization competent cells to initiate formation of apatite, the mineral component in bones. Among proteins present in MVs, annexin A6 (AnxA6) is thought to be ubiquitously distributed in the MVs’ lumen, on the surface of the internal and external leaflets of the membrane and also inserted in the lipid bilayer. To determine the molecular mechanism(s) that lead to the different locations of AnxA6, we hypothesized the occurrence of a pH drop during the mineralization. Such a change would induce the AnxA6 protonation, which in turn, and because of its isoelectric point of 5.41, would change the protein hydrophobicity facilitating its insertion into the MVs’ bilayer. The various distributions of AnxA6 are likely to disturb membrane phospholipid organization. To examine this possibility, we used fluorescein as pH reporter, and established that pH decreased inside MVs during apatite formation. Then, 4‐(14‐phenyldibenzo[a,c]phenazin‐9(14H)‐yl)‐phenol, a vibration‐induced emission fluorescent probe, was used as a reporter of changes in membrane organization occurring with the varying mode of AnxA6 binding. Proteoliposomes containing AnxA6 and 1,2‐Dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3phosphocholine (DMPC) or 1,2‐Dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3phosphocholine: 1,2‐Dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoserine (DMPC:DPPS 9:1), to mimic the external and internal MV membrane leaflet, respectively, served as biomimetic models to investigate the nature of AnxA6 binding. Addition of Anx6 to DMPC at pH 7.4 and 5.4, or DMPC:DPPS (9:1) at pH 7.4 induced a decrease in membrane fluidity, consistent with AnxA6 interactions with the bilayer surface. In contrast, AnxA6 addition to DMPC:DPPS (9:1) at pH 5.4 increased the fluidity of the membrane. This latest result was interpreted as reflecting the insertion of AnxA6 into the bilayer. Taken together, these findings point to a possible mechanism of AnxA6 translocation in MVs from the surface of the internal leaflet into the phospholipid bilayer stimulated upon acidification of the MVs’ lumen during formation of apatite.
The Janus face of development brokers across migration borders
Authors: Marabello Selenia
Published: April 2022

Employing an ethnographic approach, I analyse the agentive practices of a codevelopment project named Africoop, showing how it navigates the migration‐development field by blending egalitarianism rights‐based concerns with hierarchical political authority, foregrounding economic neoliberalism and translating development. Africoop advocated for migrants rights and opened up opportunities for social mobility and also reproduced gender asymmetries and power relations among Italian donors and Ghanaian recipients. By examining the organisational level of brokerage and the career trajectories of the main leaders, I unravel how social nets, aspirations and biographical paths are interwoven to reconfigure the brokers' representativeness and accountability across migration borders.
Serotonin 5‐HT7 receptor overexpression in the raphe nuclei area produces antidepressive effect and affects brain serotonin system in male mice
Authors: Rodnyy Alexander Ya. , Kondaurova Elena M. , Bazovkina Darya V. , Kulikova Elisabeth A. , Ilchibaeva Tatiana V. , Kovetskaya Alexandra I. , Baraboshkina Irina A. , Bazhenova Ekaterina Yu. , Popova Nina K. , Naumenko Vladimir S.
Published: April 2022

Heterodimerization between 5‐HT7 and 5‐HT1A receptors seems to play an important role in the mechanism of depression and antidepressant drug action. It was suggested that the shift of the ratio between 5‐HT1A/5‐HT7 hetero‐ and 5‐HT1A/5‐HT1A homodimers in presynaptic neurons toward 5‐HT1A/5‐HT1A homodimers is one of the reasons of depression. Consequently, the artificial elevation of 5‐HT7 receptor number in presynaptic terminals might restore physiological homo‐/heterodimer ratio resulting in antidepressive effect. Here we showed that adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐based 5‐HT7 receptor overexpression in the midbrain raphe nuclei area produced antidepressive effect in male mice of both C57Bl/6J and genetically predisposed to depressive‐like behavior ASC (antidepressant sensitive cataleptics) strains. These changes were accompanied by the elevation of 5‐HT7 receptor mRNA level in the frontal cortex of C57Bl/6J and its reduction in the hippocampus of ASC mice. The presence of engineered 5‐HT7 receptor in the midbrain of both mouse strains was further demonstrated. Importantly that 5‐HT7 receptor overexpression resulted in the reduction of 5‐HT1A receptor level in the membrane protein fraction from the midbrain samples of C57Bl/6J, but not ASC, mice. 5‐HT7 receptor overexpression caused an increase of 5‐HIAA/5‐HT ratio in the midbrain and the frontal cortex of C57Bl/6J and in all investigated brain structures of ASC mice. Thus, 5‐HT7 receptor overexpression in the raphe nuclei area affects brain 5‐HT system and causes antidepressive effect both in C57Bl/6J and in “depressive” ASC male mice. Obtained results indicate the involvement of 5‐HT7 receptor in the mechanisms underlying depressive behavior.
Altered basal ganglia infraslow oscillation and resting functional connectivity in complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: Lee Barbara , Di Pietro Flavia , Henderson Luke A. , Austin Paul J.
Published: April 2022

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition commonly accompanied by movement disturbances and often affects the upper limbs. The basal ganglia motor loop is central to movement, however, non‐motor basal ganglia loops are involved in pain, sensory integration, visual processing, cognition, and emotion. Systematic evaluation of each basal ganglia functional loop and its relation to motor and non‐motor disturbances in CRPS has not been investigated. We recruited 15 upper limb CRPS and 45 matched healthy control subjects. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, infraslow oscillations (ISO) and resting‐state functional connectivity in motor and non‐motor basal ganglia loops were investigated using putamen and caudate seeds. Compared to controls, CRPS subjects displayed increased ISO power in the putamen contralateral to the CRPS affected limb, specifically, in contralateral putamen areas representing the supplementary motor area hand, motor hand, and motor tongue. Furthermore, compared to controls, CRPS subjects displayed increased resting connectivity between these putaminal areas as well as from the caudate body to cortical areas such as the primary motor cortex, supplementary and cingulate motor areas, parietal association areas, and the orbitofrontal cortex. These findings demonstrate changes in basal ganglia loop function in CRPS subjects and may underpin motor disturbances of CRPS.
Task management in decentralized autonomous organization
Authors: Zhao Xi , Ai Peilin , Lai Fujun , Luo Xin (Robert) , Benitez Jose
Published: April 2022

In the emerging platform economy, blockchain technologies are reshaping the digital economy. Moreover, disintermediation and decentralization have broken new ground for platform organizations and management mechanisms and instigated the concept of a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization). Recent literature on operations management has called for further research on governance issues related to DAOs. In response to this call, we explore the relationship between DAO management efforts and platform performance in this study. Specifically, we propose and theoretically articulate decentralized voting tasks in DAOs as a new form of organizing. Harnessing both online and on‐chain data from seven sources, we empirically examine how voting task division, task allocation, reward distribution, and information provision affect platform performance in the context of MakerDAO (an Ethereum‐based stablecoin issuance platform). Our findings reveal that strategic decisions arrived at through voting have a positive impact on platform operational performance under certain conditions, whereas operational decisions resulting from voting have a negative impact. Moreover, we elucidate the moderating effects of voting task execution characteristics on the relationship between completed decision tasks and operational performance. These findings have important implications from both theoretical and practical perspectives. We also share all the raw data we use to promote the development of blockchain‐related empirical research.
Accurate screening of early‐stage lung cancer based on improved ResNeXt model combined with serum Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Leng Hongyong , Chen Cheng , Si Rumeng , Chen Chen , Qu Hanwen , Lv Xiaoyi
Published: April 2022

Screening and diagnosis of early‐stage lung cancer is low worldwide, and when lung cancer progresses to late stage, it will greatly affect the treatment and survival time of patients. Therefore, the development of an affordable and accurate diagnostic technique is critical for lung cancer patients. In this study, we analyzed and verified the changes of substance composition in the serum of early‐stage lung cancer patients and proposed an improved ResNeXt model to achieve accurate classification of serum Raman spectra of lung cancer. The robustness of the model is improved by adding different decibels of Gaussian white noise and spectral offset to augment the data, trying to process the augmented data with various pre‐processing methods, and inputting the pre‐processed data into the improved ResNeXt model, the improved ResNeXt model still shows the optimal performance after sufficient comparison experiments with three other more advanced deep learning models. The experimental results show that the improved ResNeXt model is very suitable for the classification of early‐stage lung cancer serum Raman spectra and may provide a reference for future early screening studies of other cancers.