bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assignment of the Gene for Human Intra‐Acrosomal Protein SP‐10 to the p12→q13 Region of Chromosome 11
Authors: HERR JOHN C. , WRIGHT RICHARD M. , FLICKINGER CHARLES J. , EDDY ROGER L. , SHOWS THOMAS B.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The human sperm antigen SP‐10 is a testis‐specific, intra‐acrosomal protein associated with the membranes of the acrosomal vesicle. The molecule has been designated a “primary vaccine candidate” by a World Health Organization (WHO) Taskforce on Contraceptive Vaccines. cDNA cloning and sequencing have indicated that SP‐10 is encoded by a 795‐base‐pair (bp) reading frame that predicts a 265‐amino acid protein of 28.3 kd. In this study, we used a 634‐bp fragment (bp 68 through 700, amino acids 3 through 222) of the SP‐10 sequence to probe, by Southern blotting, EcoRI‐digested DNA from 33 mouse/human somatic cell hybrids involving 16 unrelated human cell lines and 4 mouse cell lines. The hybrids were characterized by karyotypic analysis and by mapped enzyme markers. The presence or absence of positive human bands was scored on the blots and the percent of concordance and discordance with a specific human chromosome was determined. The DNA probe for SP‐10 showed a concordancy of 31 and a discordancy of 0 for human chromosome 11, mapping SP‐10 unequivocally to this chromosome. The hybrid XER‐7 with the 11/X translocation: 11p12 or 11p11→11qter:: Xq11→Xqter and the hybrid EXR‐5CSAZ with the X/11 translocation: Xpter→Xq22::11q13→11qter localized the SP‐10 gene to the p12→q13 region. The SP‐10 locus has been assigned the gene symbol ACRV1 (acrosomal vesicle protein‐1).
17β‐Estradiol Inhibition of Leydig Cell Regeneration in the Ethane Dimethylsulfonate‐Treated Mature Rat
Authors: ABNEY TOM O. , MYERS RUSSELL B.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This study was designed to determine the effects of 17β‐estradiol (E2) on Leydig cell development in the rat. Mature (60 to 65 days old) male rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of ethane dimethylsulfonate (EDS, 100 mg/kg body weight); untreated rats served as controls. In one series of experiments, groups of EDS‐treated rats also received daily injections of either E2 (25 μg/100 g body weight), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 20 U/day), a combination of the two, or vehicle only (EDS controls). Animals were killed on days 2, 4, 10, 16, 24, 30, and 36 after EDS treatment. In another series of experiments, groups of EDS‐treated rats received daily injections of hCG and E2 during days 0 through 5, 5 through 30, or 16 through 30 after EDS treatment, and were killed on day 30. In both series of experiments, the steroidogenic capacity and hCG binding capacity of the Leydig cells were examined in short‐term in vitro incubations using collagenase‐dispersed interstitial cells. Testes were also prepared and examined histologically by light and electron microscopy. E2 treatment of animals during the initial 5 days after EDS administration had no effect on the regeneration of interstitial cells and Leydig cells. Treatment with E2 during days 5 to 30 post‐EDS blocked the regeneration of Leydig cells and thereby significantly reduced the increase in interstitial cell numbers. Finally, when E2 treatment was delayed until 16 days post‐EDS, there was no significant reduction in the regeneration of interstitial or Leydig cells. These data suggest that an important developmental process that is necessary for Leydig cell regeneration occurs between days 5 and 16 post‐EDS. Furthermore, this process appears to be sensitive to the inhibitory action of E2. The results of this study implicate the Leydig precursor cell as an estrogen target cell. These results are the first to demonstrate that daily administration of E2 blocked the reappearance of Leydig cells in the EDS‐treated rat.
Polyamines in Ejaculated Ram Spermatozoa and Their Relationship with Sperm Motility
Authors: MELENDREZ CARMAN S. , RUTTLE JACK L. , HALLFORD DENNIS M. , CHAUDHRY PREM S. , CASILLAS EDMUND R.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Intracellular polyamine levels in ejaculated spermatozoa and seminal fluid from rams were determined by fluorescent spectroscopy of their dansyl derivatives. Relationships between the sperm polyamine content and sperm motility of six mature and eight pubescent rams were studied. Samples were collected from both groups once a month from August through October. Mature rams had a greater percentage of motile sperm cells than lambs (94% versus 73% in September and 92% versus 78% in October); higher spermidine content (36 versus 9 pmol/108 cells in September and 162 versus 55 pmol/108 cells in October); higher spermine content (984 versus 205 pmol/108 cells in September and 1,229 versus 414 pmol/108 cells in October); and higher total sperm polyamine content (1,021 versus 216 pmol/108 cells in September and 2,258 versus 973 pmol/108 cells in October). In the lambs, spermidine content increased (55 versus 9 pmol/108 cells); spermine content increased (414 versus 205 pmol/108 cells); and total sperm polyamine content increased (973 versus 215 pmol/108 cells) in October compared to September. Ejaculates with sperm motility higher than 85% had greater spermine (848 versus 234 pmol/108 cells in September and 1064 versus 449 pmol/108 cells in October), and total sperm polyamine content (882 versus 244 pmol/108 cells in September and 2,015 versus 1,008 pmol/108 cells in October) than ejaculates with less than 85% motility. Sperm motility in ejaculates with less than 450 pmol total sperm polyamines/108 cells was 68% ± 6% compared to 90% ± 4% in cells with greater than 450 pmol (average for all ejaculates) total sperm polyamines/108 cells. These data suggest a positive relationship between sperm polyamine content and sperm motility. Sperm‐free seminal plasma from mature rams contained 7.5 and 0.28 nmol/ml of spermine and spermidine, respectively. Seminal fluids from pre‐pubertal rams also contained similar amounts of polyamines.
A Long‐term, Prospective Study of the Physiologic and Behavioral Effects of Hormone Replacement in Untreated Hypogonadal Men
Authors: BURRIS ALLEN S. , BANKS STEVEN M. , CARTER C. SUE , DAVIDSON JULIAN M. , SHERINS RICHARD J.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This study describes sexual activity, nocturnal penile erections, and mood states as a function of serum levels of androgens in previously untreated hypogonadal men before and during hormone replacement, selected infertile men (elevated serum follicle‐stimulating hormone levels), and normal men. Nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity were measured with a portable monitor, and sexual activity and mood were assessed by prospective, self‐reported written forms. Nocturnal erections were absent or of very low amplitude and duration in the untreated hypogonadal men compared to the infertile and normal men. Nocturnal erections increased steadily during hormone replacement and were in the normal range within 6 to 12 months of treatment. In contrast, serum testosterone concentration rapidly reached the upper range of normal. During treatment, the hypogonadal men reported increases in several aspects of sexual activity, including sexual interest and the number of spontaneous erections. On mood inventories, the untreated hypogonadal men scored significantly higher in ratings of depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion than did infertile and normal men. During hormonal replacement therapy these scores decreased, although the hypogonadal men continued to score higher in “depression” than did infertile and normal men. In most instances, the men with infertility and the normal men were statistically indistinguishable in nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity parameters, self‐reported sexual activity, and mood state. These data support the hypothesis that androgen treatment increases nocturnal and spontaneous erections, and sexual interest, and has some capacity to improve mood.
The Free Hormone Hypothesis Distinction from the Free Hormone Transport Hypothesis
Authors: MENDEL CARL M.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT:

The free hormone transport hypothesis: distinction from the free hormone hypothesis

The free hormone hypothesis: importance of the rate‐limiting step in tissue uptake

Explicit consideration of multiple plasma hormone‐binding proteins in transport models

Diffusion barriers in transport models

Functions of plasma hormone‐binding proteins

Conclusions and areas for future investigation
Effect of lead exposure on histone modifications: A review
Authors: Kumar Kanishka , Anjali Sudha , Sharma Shailja
Published: October 2023

Lead at any levels can result in detrimental health effects affecting various organ systems. These systematic manifestations under Pb exposure and the underlying probable pathophysiological mechanisms have not been elucidated completely. With advancements in molecular research under Pb exposure, epigenetics is one of the emerging field that has opened many possibilities for appreciating the role of Pb exposure in modulating gene expression profiles. In terms of epigenetic alterations reported in Pb toxicity, DNA methylation, and microRNA alterations are extensively explored in both experimental and epidemiological studies, however, the understanding of histone modifications under Pb exposure is still in its infant stage limited to experimental models. In this review, we aim to present a synoptic view of histone modifications explored in relation to Pb exposure attempting to bring out this potential lacunae in research. The scarcity of studies associating histone modifications with Pb toxicity, and the paucity of their validation in human cohort further emphasizes the strong research potential of this field. We summarize the review by presenting our hypotheses regarding the involvement of these histone modification in various diseases modalities associated with Pb toxicity
Fraxetin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of bladder cancer through the Akt pathway in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Weng Mingfang , Deng Zhen , Huang Shuijing , Lin Xiaowen , Xu Na , Sun Xinghui , Wu Weizhen , Lu Jun , Wang Dong
Published: October 2023

Fraxetin, a natural compound extracted from the Chinese herb Cortex Fraxini, is reported to boast extensive antitumor properties in various cancers. However, whether fraxetin exhibited an anticancer effect on bladder cancer remains unknown. In this study, cell counting kit‐8 was utilized to detect cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis was performed for cell apoptosis analysis. Western blot analysis and real‐time PCR were used to ascertain gene expression analysis. A mouse bladder cancer xenograft model was established and subjected to fraxetin treatment. Fraxetin reduced the viability of bladder cancer cells, induced apoptosis in vitro, and inhibited the growth of bladder cancer in vivo. Fraxetin inhibited the Akt pathway in J82 cells. In conclusion, the growth inhibitory properties of fraxetin against bladder cancer may be mediated via an Akt inhibitory effect and cell apoptosis promotion.
CircMETTL15 induces TMTC3 production by absorbing miR‐944 to promote hepatocellular carcinoma cell malignancy
Authors: Zhao Yajun , Chen Jianbo , Xu Shuzhen , Chen Yanwen
Published: October 2023

Previous data have suggested the involvement of circular RNA (circRNA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Up to now, the effect of circMETTL15 on HCC development remains unknown. This study aims to analyze the function of circMETTL15 in HCC development and the underlying mechanism. RNA expression of circMETTL15, miR‐944, and transmembrane O‐mannosyltransferase targeting cadherins 3 (TMTC3) were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Protein expression was evaluated by Western blot analysis assay or immunohistochemistry assay. Cell proliferation was investigated by cell counting kit‐8 assay, 5‐Ethynyl‐29‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, and cell colony formation assay. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by wound‐healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. Angiogenic capacity was analyzed by tube formation assay. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were conducted to identify the interplay between miR‐944 and circMETTL15 or TMTC3. Xenograft mouse model assay was conducted to reveal the effect of circMETTL15 on tumor formation in vivo. CircMETTL15 and TMTC3 expression were significantly upregulated, while miR‐944 expression was downregulated in HCC tissues and cells. CircMETTL15 knockdown led to decreased cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation. Besides, the inhibitors of miR‐944, a target miRNA of circMETTL15, partially restored circMETTL15 silencing‐mediated effects on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation of HCC cells. MiR‐944 overexpression also inhibited HCC cell malignancy by targeting TMTC3. Furthermore, circMETTL15 absence inhibited tumor formation by regulating miR‐944 and TMTC3 in vivo. In conclusion, circMETTL15 induced HCC development through the miR‐944/TMTC3 pathway, raising the potential of circMETTL15 as a target for HCC therapy.
Emergency department visits by older adults receiving postacute care in skilled nursing facilities
Authors: Tian Ye , Shultz Kaitlyn , Ryskina Kira
Published: October 2023

Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) represent a common postdischarge destination for hospitalized older adults. The goals of SNF care include the completion of extended skilled nursing care and physical rehabilitation to enable patients to safely return home. However, nearly one in four older adults discharged to SNF are rehospitalized and one in five seek care in the emergency department (ED) but are discharged back to SNF. Our aim was to measure the national prevalence and costs to Medicare of ED visits by SNF patients. Of the 1,551,703 Medicare beneficiaries discharged to SNF in 2019, 16.3% had an ED visit within 14 days (n = 253,104). Of those ED visits, 25.5% resulted in a same‐day discharge back to SNF (n = 64,472), costing Medicare $24.6 million. Novel care models that can leverage SNF staff and resources while providing rapid diagnostic services are urgently needed.
Comparison of clinical course of Mpox among HIV‐negative and HIV‐positive patients: A 2022 cohort of hospitalized patients in Central Europe
Authors: Kowalski Jacek , Cielniak Iwona , Garbacz‐Łagożna Ewelina , Cholewińska‐Szymańska Grażyna , Parczewski Miłosz
Published: October 2023

Mpox has become the most significant orthopoxviral infection among humans. Since May 2022, there has been a multicountry outbreak of mpox across six continents. Retrospective observational cohort study of 94 patients with probable or confirmed mpox of whom 86.2% were hospitalized in Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, Poland between May 16 and October 30, 2022. Most patients were young (median age: 31, IQR: 25−43 years), predominantly (88.3%) Polish men who have sex with men exposed most commonly in Poland (82.7%), Spain (6.2%), or Germany (4.9%). The median observed mpox incubation period was 7 (IQR: 4−8) days with the median hospitalization time of 7 (range: 2−24, IQR: 5−11) days. History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was common in the group (previous syphilis or hepatitis C virus in 33.3% and 17.3%, respectively, 6.2% of early syphilis or gonorrhea). A significant proportion (n = 43, 45.7%) of mpox cases were people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), all except one were on stable and virologically effective (88.4% with HIV viral load <50 copies/mL) antiretroviral treatment. Chemsex was reported in 34.6% of hospitalized cases, more commonly among people with HIV (48.5% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.029). None of the mpox infected patients presented with advanced HIV infection. Despite the fact that 6.3% of cases presented with >50 skin lesions the course of the disease was self‐limited with no severe cases or deaths. There were no significant clinical or laboratory differences or complication rates between patients with and without HIV coinfection. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of mpox in Poland are similar to other countries, but there were no targeted, population oriented interventions or vaccination programs. Mpox diagnosis provided an opportunity to screen and diagnose other STIs. As Central European populations, including refugees from Ukraine, are largely unvaccinated against mpox access to preventive vaccinations and antiviral therapy should be maximized.
Human monkeypox: An updated appraisal on epidemiology, evolution, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment strategies
Authors: Ejaz Mohammad , Jabeen Momina , Sharif Mehmoona , Syed Muhammad Ali , Shah Pir T. , Faryal Rani
Published: October 2023

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The recent occurrence of Mpox infections has become a significant global issue in recent months. Despite being an old disease with a low mortality rate, the ongoing multicountry outbreak is atypical due to its occurrence in nonendemic countries. The current review encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the literature pertaining to MPXV, with the aim of consolidating the existing data on the virus's epidemiological, biological, and clinical characteristics, as well as vaccination and treatment regimens against the virus.
The True‐Blue technique: Enhanced chondral assessment of the chest wall
Authors: Brahme Indraneel S. , LaRoque Michael C. , Paull Thomas Z. , Cole Peter A.
Published: October 2023

There is a growing understanding and identification of costal cartilage injuries, however, diagnosis of these injuries remains difficult. We present a novel radiodensity based coloring technique, termed the True‐Blue technique, to manipulate 3D CT imaging and more accurately diagnose costochondral injuries.
Fast and low‐cost method for direct and simultaneous determination of nitrogen and carbon in soybean leaves using benchtop and portable near‐infrared devices
Authors: da Silva Isadora Cristina Marteli , Abich José Guilherme , Maurer Natalia Bechi , Soares Jocelene , Pessatto Demis Faqui , Santos Roberta Oliveira , Helfer Gilson Augusto , da Costa Adilson Ben
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

The current techniques for determining carbon and nitrogen content to provide information about the nutritional status of plants are time‐consuming and expensive. For this reason, the objective of this study was to develop an analytical method for the direct and simultaneous determination of nitrogen and carbon elemental content in soybean leaves using near‐infrared spectroscopy and compare the performance of conventional (1100–2500 nm spectral range) and portable equipment (1100–1700 nm spectral range). Partial least‐squares regression models were developed using 27 soybean leaf samples collected during the 2021 harvest and applied for the simultaneous determination of carbon and nitrogen in 13 samples collected during the 2022 harvest.

RESULTS

The root‐mean‐square error of prediction values for nitrogen and carbon were low (2.42 g kg−1 and 4.37 g kg−1 respectively) for the benchtop method yielded low but higher for the portable method (3.82 g kg−1 and 10.7 g kg−1 respectively). The benchtop method did not show significant differences when compared with the reference method for determining nitrogen and carbon. In contrast, the portable methodology showed potential as a screening method for determining nitrogen levels, particularly in fieldwork.

CONCLUSION

The methodologies evaluated in this study were implemented and evaluated under real crop monitoring conditions, using independent sets of calibration and prediction samples. Their utilization enables the acquisition of cost‐effective, safe analytical data aligning with the principles of green analytical chemistry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessment of individual differences for aftereffect of viewing autostereoscopic 3D display
Authors: Wang Qin , Zhao Wu‐Xiang , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2023

The representation of images on autostereoscopic 3D display often suffers from visual fatigue induced by stereoscopic images (VFSI) and visually induced motion sickness (VIMS), deriving from conflict between accommodation and convergence and from mismatches between vestibule system and visual system of viewers, respectively. In this study, a subjective experiment was conducted to investigate the implications of age and gender on the visual discomfort when watching the 3D video clips with four levels of parallax on autostereoscopic 3D display. This study found that the age of observers significantly affected both VFSI and VIMS symptoms. The young observers reported more serious VFSI and VIMS symptoms than the middle and elderly, while the three age groups had significantly pairwise difference for VIMS symptoms. Although gender differences did not exist in the ratio of VFSI symptoms, females had significant higher VIMS scores than males. The effect of parallax on symptom scores varied with age and gender. The elderly and male observers could endure larger parallax when compared to other groups. Furthermore, considering viewing safety for observers, it is recommended to limit parallax to a threshold of 40′.
Safety and factors affecting same‐day discharge following mastectomy and immediate alloplastic reconstruction
Authors: Ghosh Kanad , Shakir Afaaf , Kuchta Kristine , Seth Akhil , Sisco Mark
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Patients undergoing breast reconstruction following mastectomy are often admitted overnight. In 2020, our institution implemented a protocol change to discharge clinically stable patients immediately. In this study, we examine the safety of same‐day discharge following mastectomy and reconstruction.

Methods

Our retrospective study included female adults undergoing mastectomy and immediate alloplastic reconstruction from August 2019 to January 2020, before implementation of the same‐day discharge protocol, and from March 2020 to September 2021, after the protocol implementation. Independent t‐test and chi‐square analysis was conducted to examine statistical differences.

Results

Two hundred and eighty‐five patients were included. Forty‐two patients underwent reconstruction before the protocol change (Group 1) and 243 patients underwent reconstruction after the protocol change (Group 2). Group 2 had a greater percentage of prepectoral implant placement. There was no difference in demographics, complications, readmission, or reoperation. Within Group 2, 157 patients were discharged the same day (Group 2a) and 88 patients required overnight admission (Group 2b). Group 2b had higher body mass index, higher percentage of bilateral mastectomy, and larger mastectomy weights. Despite no differences in complications, Group 2b exhibited higher rates of requiring intravenous antibiotics and reoperation.

Conclusions

Patients may be safely discharged the same day following mastectomy and alloplastic reconstruction without an increase in complications.
Multimodal feedback systems for smart laser osteotomy: Depth control and tissue differentiation
Authors: Hamidi Arsham , Bayhaqi Yakub A. , Drusová Sandra , Navarini Alexander A. , Cattin Philippe C. , Canbaz Ferda , Zam Azhar
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The study aimed to improve the safety and accuracy of laser osteotomy (bone surgery) by integrating optical feedback systems with an Er:YAG laser. Optical feedback consists of a real‐time visual feedback system that monitors and controls the depth of laser‐induced cuts and a tissue sensor differentiating tissue types based on their chemical composition. The developed multimodal feedback systems demonstrated the potential to enhance the safety and accuracy of laser surgery.

Materials and Methods

The proposed method utilizes a laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system and long‐range Bessel‐like beam optical coherence tomography (OCT) for tissue‐specific laser surgery. The LIBS system detects tissue types by analyzing the plasma generated on the tissue by a nanosecond Nd:YAG laser, while OCT provides real‐time monitoring and control of the laser‐induced cut depth. The OCT system operates at a wavelength of 1288 ± 30 nm and has an A‐scan rate of 104.17 kHz, enabling accurate depth control. Optical shutters are used to facilitate the integration of these multimodal feedback systems.

Results

The proposed system was tested on five specimens of pig femur bone to evaluate its functionality. Tissue differentiation and visual depth feedback were used to achieve high precision both on the surface and in‐depth. The results showed successful real‐time tissue differentiation and visualization without any visible thermal damage or carbonization. The accuracy of the tissue differentiation was evaluated, with a mean absolute error of 330.4 μm and a standard deviation of ±248.9 μm, indicating that bone ablation was typically stopped before reaching the bone marrow. The depth control of the laser cut had a mean accuracy of 65.9 μm with a standard deviation of ±45 μm, demonstrating the system's ability to achieve the pre‐planned cutting depth.

Conclusion

The integrated approach of combining an ablative laser, visual feedback (OCT), and tissue sensor (LIBS) has significant potential for enhancing minimally invasive surgery and warrants further investigation and development.
Conversion of CO2‐Derived Amorphous Carbon into Flash Graphene Additives
Authors: Advincula Paul Andrade , Meng Wei , Beckham Jacob L. , Nagarajaiah Satish , Tour James M.
Published: October 2023

CO2 emissions have become a significant environmental problem over the last few decades, often stemming from combustion of fossil fuels. Production and disposal of waste plastic also contribute greatly to greenhouse gas emissions, due to combustion of fossil fuels during manufacture and incineration or pyrolysis of the waste materials. Hence, researchers have begun developing technologies geared toward the capture, sequestration, and utilization of CO2. Several methods are shown to be useful for conversion of gaseous CO2 into solid carbon feedstocks, such as molten carbonate electrolysis. At the same time, flash Joule heating can rapidly and inexpensively convert carbon‐rich feedstocks into flash graphene (FG). Here, amorphous carbon derived from molten carbonate electrolysis of carbon dioxide is converted into FG, sometimes in combination with waste plastic, and demonstrated for use as a reinforcing additive in composite applications. FG can be used in epoxy and vinyl ester resins with a maximum increase in Young's modulus and hardness of 73% and 73%, respectively. Life cycle assessment also shows that adding 5 wt% 25:75 amorphous carbon‐derived FG to the epoxy results in 7.7%, 5%, and 2.7% decreases in CO2 emissions, water consumption, and energy consumption, respectively.
Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Effects of Three MUFA‐Rich Oils on Hepatic Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Mice
Authors: Zhou Yingfang , Zhang Linyu , Guo Fangrui , Liu Xiangyan , Li Xin , Han Zongding , Li Xiaowen , Shi Xingyong , Wen Lixin , Wang Ji
Published: October 2023

Scope

Olive oil, rapeseed oil, and lard are dietary fats rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, but the effects of dietary oils enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids on hepatic lipid deposition have seldom been compared.

Methods and results

Ninety 8‐week‐old C57BL/6J male mice are randomly divided into six groups and fed diets containing lard, rapeseed oil, or olive oil with a 10% or 45% fat energy supply for 16 weeks. Under high‐fat conditions, serum total cholesterol levels in the lard and olive oil groups are significantly higher than those in the rapeseed oil group. Hepatic lipid content in the olive oil group is higher than that in the other two groups. Compared with rapeseed oil, lard increases the liver levels of arachidonic, palmitic, and myristic acids and decreases the levels of eicosapentaenoic linolenic acid and linoleic acid. Olive oil increases the liver levels of docosatrienoic, arachidonic, oleic, and myristic acids; maltose; and fructose and decreases the levels of eicosapentaenoic, linolenic, and linoleic acids.

Conclusion

Olive oil probably causes hepatic lipid deposition in mice, which may enhance hepatic lipid synthesis by activating the starch and sucrose metabolic pathways. By contrast, rapeseed oil shows a significant anti‐lipid deposition effect on the liver.
Planarizing Gysel power divider/combiner with ring coupler
Authors: Yi Zixuan , Li Chenchen , Wang Haipeng , Yang Xuexia , Li Meiling
Published: October 2023

This letter proposes a N‐way planar power divider/combiner using a combination of a Gysel power divider and a ring coupler. This innovative approach enables the realization of a fully planar multiway (>2) Gysel power divider. By replacing the common point of the conventional Gysel power divider with a ring coupler, the entire symmetrical divider can be implemented on a two‐layer printed circuit board. To validate the design concept, an eight‐way planar power divider is designed, fabricated, and tested. Experimental results obtained within the frequency range of 5.10–7.25 GHz (34.8% fractional bandwidth) demonstrate excellent performance. The insertion loss is below 1.24 dB, the input port return loss exceeds 12.65 dB, the output ports exhibit return loss greater than 14.83 dB, the isolation exceeds 22.41 dB, and the maximum measured phase imbalance is within ±2.7°.
Nuclear Overhauser enhancement imaging at −1.6 ppm in rat brain at 4.7T
Authors: Viswanathan Malvika , Kurmi Yashwant , Zu Zhongliang
Published: October 2023

Purpose

A new nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE)‐mediated saturation transfer signal at around −1.6 ppm, termed NOE(−1.6), has been reported at high fields of 7T and 9.4T previously. This study aims to validate the presence of this signal at a relatively low field of 4.7T and evaluate its variations in different brain regions and tumors.

Methods

Rats were injected with monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticles to reduce the NOE(−1.6) signal. CEST signals were measured using different saturation powers before and after injection to assess the presence of this signal. Multiple‐pool Lorentzian fits, with/without inclusion of the NOE(−1.6) pool, were performed on CEST Z‐spectra obtained from healthy rat brains and rats with 9L tumors. These fits aimed to further validate the presence of the NOE(−1.6) signal and quantify its amplitude.

Results

The NOE(−1.6) signal exhibited a dramatic change following the injection of monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticles, confirming its presence at 4.7T. The NOE(−1.6) signal reached its peak at a saturation power of ∼0.75 μT, indicating an optimized power level. The multiple‐pool Lorentzian fit without the NOE(−1.6) pool showed higher residuals around −1.6 ppm compared to the fit with this pool, further supporting the presence of this signal. The NOE(−1.6) signal did not exhibit significant variation in the corpus callosum and caudate putamen regions, but it showed a significant decrease in tumors, which aligns with previous findings at 9.4T.

Conclusion

This study successfully demonstrated the presence of the NOE(−1.6) signal at 4.7T, which provides valuable insights into its potential applications at lower field strengths.
Does the psychological profile of a patient with frozen shoulder predict future outcome? A systematic review
Authors: Brindisino Fabrizio , Minnucci Silvia , Sergi Giorgio , Lorusso Mariangela , Struyf Filip , Innocenti Tiziano
Published: October 2023

Background and Purpose

Frozen shoulder (FS) is defined as a condition characterised by functional restriction and daily and nightly pain. As in other shoulder pathologies, the manifestation of psychological factors is recognised in FS; however, from a psychological point of view, only few studies have reported its prognostic value. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate, in patients with FS, the prognostic value of psychological factors on pain, function, disability, health‐related quality of life, return to work and time to recovery.

Materials and Methods

This systematic review was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analysis—PRISMA 2020 guideline. The authors followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic review of Intervention as methodological guidance. The Quality in Prognostic Studies—QUIPS tool was used to assess the risk of bias.

Results

Pain‐related fear and depression could be prognostic regarding patient‐reported outcome measures assessing shoulder function, disability, and pain; instead, pain catastrophizing could have a prognostic value assessed by the disability of the arm shoulder and hand ‐DASH scale. Anxiety would appear to impact on disability and pain.

Discussion and Conclusions

As widely reported in numerous musculoskeletal conditions, also in FS psychological factors influence the physical dimension such as pain, disability and function. Therefore, clinicians should be encouraged to identify these factors through a comprehensive assessment of the bio‐psychological profile of each individual with FS. Perhaps, patients with FS that show such psychological prognostic factors could benefit from a comprehensive and shared approach with other dedicated professionals.
A very rare cause of pre‐capillary pulmonary hypertension: The PAMI syndrome
Authors: Iseppi Manuela , Savonitto Giulio , Tommasini Alberto , Pin Alessia , Sinagra Gianfranco , Stolfo Davide
Published: October 2023

We report the first known case of PAMI syndrome associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with a positive response to cyclophosphamide and pulmonary vasodilators. The patient's history began at 7 months with severe pancytopenia and fever. As time progressed, migrating arthritis, hepatosplenomegaly, and a growth deficit manifested without a plausible explanation. At the age of 17, worsening dyspnea led to a diagnosis of severe pre‐capillary pulmonary hypertension and, after a multidisciplinary evaluation, a dual therapy with both vasoactive and immunosuppressive agents led to rapid clinical improvement. After a decade of stability, stopping sildenafil caused deterioration, reversed upon reintroduction. Thirty years after the onset of signs and symptoms, a genetic test identified the underlying condition known as PAMI syndrome. As PAMI syndrome involves intense systemic inflammation similar to PAH related to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), parameters and functional autonomy appropriately responded to early immunosuppressive and vasoactive therapy. PAMI syndrome, a rare autoinflammatory disease, is linked to precapillary pulmonary hypertension but the exact cause and optimal treatment approach are not fully understood, requiring further research for clarification and improved treatment options.
Preparation, Electrochemical Behavior, and Reactivity of Bis(N‐Boc type Indroquinoxaline) Derivatives
Authors: Hayashi Hideki , Oda Mitsuo , Koizumi Take‐aki
Published: October 2023

Bis(N‐butoxycarbonyl indroquinoxaline) derivatives with various junctures and various arylene units were prepared. Optical and electrochemical properties were dependent not only on the juncture system but also on the introduced arylene unit at the two indroquinoxalines. Both heating and addition of trifluoroacetic acid to the compounds afforded cleavage of the N‐butoxycarbonyl (Boc) unit to form bis(N−H type indroquinoxaline) derivatives. Conversion of the Boc unit caused optical properties to change. These suggest that the properties of the indroquinoxaline derivatives are expected to be changed by chemical modification.
Fluorescent Noncovalent Organic Framework for Supporting Gold Nanoparticles as Heterogeneous Catalyst with Merits of Easy Detection and Recycle
Authors: Wang Kang , Zhao Jing , Zhang Xu , Jiang Lijia , Zhou Xue , Xie Congxia , Jia Xiaofei , Zhang Lei , Wu Zhongtao
Published: October 2023

A porous noncovalent organic framework with AIE effect is designed and synthesized as the support for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The framework is fabricated through the electrostatic complexation between carboxymethyl cellulose and tetraphenylethene‐containing ammonium surfactant, which can complex AuNPs via the noncovalent interactions to offer a heterogeneous catalyst. Compared to the covalent modification on cellulose, this noncovalent framework gains superiorities in the catalyst synthesis and the size control of AuNPs. The AIE property and water‐insolubility allow such heterogeneous catalysts to be easily detected, separated, and recycled, opening a new pathway for the reduction of nitrobenzene compounds and some dye compounds in aqueous conditions, which present the features of green chemistry. The use of cellulose for developing new heterogeneous metal catalysts, especially in a noncovalent way, would promote the value‐added utilization of cellulose. This work provides a design strategy for gaining heterogeneous metal catalysts by taking advantage of natural bioresources.
Lipid Nanoparticle Encapsulation Empowers Poly(I:C) to Activate Cytoplasmic RLRs and Thereby Increases Its Adjuvanticity
Authors: Lamoot Alexander , Jangra Sonia , Laghlali Gabriel , Warang Prajakta , Singh Gagandeep , Chang Lauren A. , Park Seok‐Chan , Singh Gagandeep , De Swarte Kim , Zhong Zifu , Louage Benoit , De Lombaerde Emily , Ye Tingting , Chen Yong , Cuadrado‐Castano Sara , Lienenklaus Stefan , Sanders Niek N. , Lambrecht Bart N. , García‐Sastre Adolfo , Schotsaert Michael , De Geest Bruno G.
Published: October 2023

Poly(I:C) is a synthetic analogue of dsRNA capable of activating both TLR3 and RLRs, such as MDA‐5 and RIG‐I, as pathogen recognition receptors. While poly(I:C) is known to provoke a robust type I IFN, type III IFN, and Th1 cytokine response, its therapeutic use as a vaccine adjuvant is limited due to its vulnerability to nucleases and poor uptake by immune cells. is encapsulated poly(I:C) into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing an ionizable cationic lipid that can electrostatically interact with poly(I:C). LNP‐formulated poly(I:C) triggered both lysosomal TLR3 and cytoplasmic RLRs, in vitro and in vivo, whereas poly(I:C) in an unformulated soluble form only triggered endosomal‐localized TLR3. Administration of LNP‐formulated poly(I:C) in mouse models led to efficient translocation to lymphoid tissue and concurrent innate immune activation following intramuscular (IM) administration, resulting in a significant increase in innate immune activation compared to unformulated soluble poly(I:C). When used as an adjuvant for recombinant full‐length SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein, LNP‐formulated poly(I:C) elicited potent anti‐spike antibody titers, surpassing those of unformulated soluble poly(I:C) by orders of magnitude and offered complete protection against a SARS‐CoV‐2 viral challenge in vivo, and serum from these mice are capable of significantly reducing viral infection in vitro.
Polylysine‐Coated Surfaces Drive Competition in Chemical Reaction Networks to Enable Molecular Information Processing
Authors: Koyuncu A. Hazal , Movilli Jacopo , Sahin Sevil , Kriukov Dmitrii V. , Huskens Jurriaan , Wong Albert S. Y.
Published: October 2023

This work describes a competing activation network, which is regulated by chemical feedback at the liquid‐surface interface. Feedback loops dynamically tune the concentration of chemical components in living systems, thereby controlling regulatory processes in neural, genetic, and metabolic networks. Advances in systems chemistry demonstrate that chemical feedback could be designed based on similar concepts of using activation and inhibition processes. Most efforts, however, are focused on temporal feedback whereas biological networks are maintained by the interplay between temporal and spatial organization. Here, we designed a feedback system comprising a simple acid‐base equilibrium that can be perturbed by two opposing activation processes. Crucially, one of the processes is immobilized on the surface of a microfluidic channel using poly‐l‐lysine (PLL). We measured the capacity of the PLL‐coated channels to resist changes in pH in flow using a pH‐sensitive indicator, phenol red, and showed that this capacity can be increased by employing polyelectrolyte multilayers. Specifically, we found that the rate of local activation (i. e., the deprotonation of the immobilized lysine residues) could be significantly increased to delay the otherwise fast equilibrium. This effect allowed for encoding read and write operations, providing the potential to bestow CRNs with the capacity of molecular information processing.
Transition Metals‐Based Water Splitting Electrocatalysts on Copper‐Based Substrates: The Integral Role of Morphological Properties
Authors: Selvanathan Shankary , Meng Woi Pei , Selvanathan Vidhya , Karim Mohammad Rezaul , Sopian Kamaruzzaman , Akhtaruzzaman Md.
Published: October 2023

Electrocatalytic water splitting is a promising alternative to produce high purity hydrogen gas as the green substitute for renewable energy. Thus, development of electrocatalysts for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are vital to improve the efficiency of the water splitting process particularly based on transition metals which has been explored extensively to replace the highly active electrocatalytic activity of the iridium and ruthenium metals‐based electrocatalysts. In situ growth of the material on a conductive substrate has also been proven to have the capability to lower down the overpotential value significantly. On top of that, the presence of substrate has given a massive impact on the morphology of the electrocatalyst. Among the conductive substrates that have been widely explored in the field of electrochemistry are the copper based substrates mainly copper foam, copper foil and copper mesh. Copper‐based substrates possess unique properties such as low in cost, high tensile strength, excellent conductor of heat and electricity, ultraporous with well‐integrated hierarchical structure and non‐corrosive in nature. In this review, the recent advancements of HER and OER electrocatalysts grown on copper‐based substrates has been critically discussed, focusing on their morphology, design, and preparation methods of the nanoarrays.
“Noble cause casuistry” in forensic genetics
Authors: Wienroth Matthias , McCartney Carole
Published: October 2023

In the forensic genetics community, too often one can find what we have called “noble cause casuistry”: scientists believing that, “since we are catching criminals, any ethical shortfalls in our work are negated by good outcomes.” Such casuistry is also characterized by the extrapolation of “success” in individual case work to assumptions of reliability and usefulness for all forensic genetic applications, in all contexts. The increasing and deepening interaction of forensic (epi)genetics technologies with broader surveillance logics, is also rarely problematized within the community, with a notable reticence to address fundamental and complex questions about the role of forensic genetics in society. Furthermore, despite some initial progress, forensic genetics largely remains content to be guided by “thin” empiricist ethics, foregrounding notions that “maths does not lie,” with little acknowledgement of the serious limitations of this approach. Outside of laboratory settings, social and cultural effects of forensic genetics technology alter regardless of the “maths.” As such, the field needs to adopt an ethos that centralizes and deepens their ethical bona fides, approaching ethics as “lived practice,” with community accountability similar to other public‐serving professions and disciplines. This could commence with a commitment to professionalism, with a robust ethos grounded in both integrity and social justice.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Biology > Ethical and Social Implications
Pulmonary delivery of nano‐particles for lung cancer diagnosis and therapy: Recent advances and future prospects
Authors: A Rong , Han Zhaoguo , Wang Tianyi , Zhu Mengyuan , Zhou Meifang , Sun Xilin
Published: October 2023

Although our understanding of lung cancer has significantly improved in the past decade, it is still a disease with a high incidence and mortality rate. The key reason is that the efficacy of the therapeutic drugs is limited, mainly due to insufficient doses of drugs delivered to the lungs. To achieve precise lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, nano‐particles (NPs) pulmonary delivery techniques have attracted much attention and facilitate the exploration of the potential of those in inhalable NPs targeting tumor lesions. Since the therapeutic research focusing on pulmonary delivery NPs has rapidly developed and evolved substantially, this review will mainly discuss the current developments of pulmonary delivery NPs for precision lung cancer diagnosis and therapy.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Respiratory Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Efficient PCR‐based gene targeting in isolates of the nonconventional yeast Debaryomyces hansenii
Authors: Alhajouj Sondos , Turkolmez Selva , Abalkhail Tarad , Alwan Zeena Hadi Obaid , James Gilmour Daniel , Mitchell Phil J. , Hettema Ewald H.
Published: October 2023

Debaryomyces hansenii is a yeast with considerable biotechnological potential as an osmotolerant, stress‐tolerant oleaginous microbe. However, targeted genome modification tools are limited and require a strain with auxotrophic markers. Gene targeting by homologous recombination has been reported to be inefficient, but here we describe a set of reagents and a method that allows gene targeting at high efficiency in wild‐type isolates. It uses a simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based amplification that extends a completely heterologous selectable marker with 50 bp flanks identical to the target site in the genome. Transformants integrate the PCR product through homologous recombination at high frequency (>75%). We illustrate the potential of this method by disrupting genes at high efficiency and by expressing a heterologous protein from a safe chromosomal harbour site. These methods should stimulate and facilitate further analysis of D. hansenii strains and open the way to engineer strains for biotechnology.
Spectral Decomposition of Compliance and Stiffness Fourth‐Rank Tensors Suitable for Orthotropic Materials
Authors: Theocaris P. S. , Philippidis T. P.
Published: October 2023

The spectral decomposition of the compliance and stiffness tensors related with tranversely isotropic materials was developed and their characteristic values were calculated by using the components of these fourth‐rank tensors in a Cartesian frame defining the principal material directions. Imposing the eigenvalues of the 6 × 6 matrix associated with the contracted 4th rank symmetric tensor to be strictly positive, as implied by the positive definiteness of the elastic potential, bounds of the values of Poisson 's ratios were established. They were shown to restrain considerably the existing limits of variations of this fundamental property of the orthotropic materials. Energy orthogonal states of stress for the tranversely isotropic material were also established decomposing the elastic potential in distinct parts associated with the deformation eigen‐states of the material symmetry. Thus, the unsolved as yet important problem of extension of separation of the elastic energy to anisotropic materials was achieved by an effective manner which is useful in practical applications.