bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Iodide‐Mediated Anodic Amide Coupling
Authors: Großmann Luca Marius , Beier Vera , Duttenhofer Lea , Lennartz Laura , Opatz Till
Published: July 2022

The ubiquity of amide bonds, present in natural products and common pharmaceuticals renders this functional group one of the most prevalent in organic chemistry. Despite its importance and a wide variety of existing methods for its formation, the latter still can be a challenge for classical activating reagents such as chloridating agents or carbodiimides. As the spent reagents often cannot be recycled, the development of more sustainable methods is highly desirable. Herein, we report an operationally simple and mild indirect electrochemical protocol to effect the condensation of carboxylic acids with amines, forming a wide variety of carboxamides.
Adsorption‐hydration hybrid process for CO2 capture in a fixed bed of activated carbons
Authors: Dai Wen‐Xin , Li Xi‐Yue , Zhong Dong‐Liang , Yan Jin , Dong Kai , Deng Xiao‐Yan
Published: July 2022

This work reports an investigation of using a fixed bed of activated carbons (ACs) to capture CO2 at hydrate formation conditions. The experiments were conducted at 277.15 K and 3.5 MPa. The water saturation (WS) of the fixed bed of ACs varies from 0% to 100%. The results indicate that an adsorption‐hydration hybrid process occurred in the fixed bed of wet ACs while a single adsorption process occurred in the fixed bed of dry ACs. The adsorption‐hydration hybrid process performs better than the single adsorption process for CO2 capture. Gas consumption at 100% WS is 3.18 times greater than that obtained using dry ACs (single adsorption process). It is found that 40% WS is an optimal value, and the gas consumption obtained at this WS is larger than that obtained at 0%, 70%, and 100% WS. This gas consumption is also greater than that obtained using stirred reactors at the same temperature and pressure conditions, so the adsorption‐hydration hybrid process achieved in the fixed bed of wet ACs has a greater potential to capture CO2 in comparison with the single adsorption or hydrate formation process.
Bio‐Based Solid Electrolytes Bearing Cyclic Carbonates for Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Raj Ashish , Panchireddy Satyannarayana , Grignard Bruno , Detrembleur Christophe , Gohy Jean‐François
Published: July 2022

Green resources for lithium‐based batteries excite many researchers due to their eco‐friendly nature. In this work, a sustainable bio‐based solid‐state electrolyte was developed based on carbonated soybean oil (CSBO), obtained by organocatalyzed coupling of CO2to epoxidized soybean oil. CSBO coupled with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salt on a bio‐based cellulose separator resulted in free‐standing membranes. Those membranes on electrochemical measurements exhibited ionic conductivity of around 10−3 S cm−1at 100 °C and around 10−6 S cm−1at room temperature with wide electrochemical stability window (up to 4.6 V vs. Li/Li+) and transference number up to 0.39 at RT. Further investigations on the galvanostatic charge‐discharge of LiFePO4cathodes with CSBO‐based electrolyte membranes and lithium metal anodes delivered the gravimetric capacity of 112 and 157 mAh g−1at RT and 60 °C, respectively, providing a promising direction to further develop bio‐based solid electrolytes for sustainable solid‐state lithium batteries.
Mayo normative studies: A conditional normative model for longitudinal change on the Auditory Verbal Learning Test and preliminary validation in preclinical Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Alden Eva C. , Lundt Emily S. , Twohy Erin L. , Christianson Teresa J. , Kremers Walter K. , Machulda Mary M. , Jack Clifford R. , Knopman David S. , Mielke Michelle M. , Petersen Ronald C. , Stricker Nikki H.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study was to develop a conditional normative model for Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) that accounts for practice effects.

Methods

In our normative sample, robust conditional norms were derived from 1001 cognitively unimpaired (CU) adults ages 50 to 89 who completed the AVLT up to eight times. Linear mixed‐effects models adjusted for baseline performance, prior test exposures, time, demographics, and interaction terms. In our preliminary validation, mean performance on conditional and typical normative scores across two to four completed follow‐up tests in preclinical Alzheimer's disease participants at baseline with positive amyloid and tau positron emission (n = 27 CU amyloid [A]+tau[T]+) was compared to biomarker negative individuals (n = 269 CU A–T–).

Results

AVLT performance using typical norms did not differ across A+T+ and A–T– groups. Conditional norms z‐scores were lower in the A+T+ relative to the A–T– group for 30‐minute recall (P = .033) and sum of trials (P = .030).

Discussion

Conditional normative methods that account for practice effects show promise for identifying longitudinal cognitive decline.
Sex differences in the vulnerability of the hippocampus to prenatal stress
Authors: Soti Monavareh , Ranjbar Hoda , Kohlmeier Kristi A. , Shabani Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Distressing events during pregnancy that engage activity of the body's endocrine stress response have been linked with later life cognitive deficits in offspring and associated with developmental changes in cognitive‐controlling neural regions. Interestingly, prenatal stress (PS)‐induced alterations have shown some sex specificity. Here, we review the literature of animal studies examining sex‐specific effect of physical PS on the function and structure of the hippocampus as hippocampal impairments likely underlie PS‐associated deficits in learning and memory. Furthermore, the connectivity between the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the hippocampus as well as the heavy presence of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the hippocampus suggests this structure plays an important role in modulation of activity within stress circuitry in a sex‐specific pattern. We hope that better understanding of sex‐specific, PS‐related hippocampal impairment will assist in uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind sex‐based risk factors in PS populations across development, and perhaps contribute to greater precision in management of cognitive disturbances in this vulnerable population.
The moderating role of emotional intelligence in the link between self‐esteem and symptoms of eating disorders
Authors: Peláez‐Fernández María Angeles , Romero‐Mesa Juana , Franco‐Paredes Karina , Extremera Natalio
Published: July 2022

Objective

This research aimed to explore the moderating role of emotional intelligence (EI) in the relationship between self‐esteem and eating disorders (ED) symptomatology.

Method

A battery of online questionnaires was administered to a sample of 516 adults including university students and a community population. The sample, age range of 18–77 years (X = 38.90; SD = 14.76), was made up of 63% women and 32% men.

Results

EI moderated the association between self‐esteem and ED symptomatology for the total sample. However, a gender‐specific analysis showed that the moderation effect was only significant for women. Specifically, when women reported a low level of self‐esteem, those with high scores in EI reported lower scores in ED symptoms than those with low EI.

Discussion

Our findings are discussed in terms of the need for future research to understand the different gender associations and to consider these differences in further intervention programs for reducing the risk of ED, in which training in emotional skills may be more beneficial for women than men.
Allometry of behavior and niche differentiation among congeneric African antelopes
Authors: Daskin Joshua H. , Becker Justine A. , Kartzinel Tyler R. , Potter Arjun B. , Walker Reena H. , Eriksson Fredrik A. A. , Buoncore Courtney , Getraer Alexander , Long Ryan A. , Pringle Robert M.
Published: July 2022

Size‐structured differences in resource use stabilize species coexistence in animal communities, but what behavioral mechanisms underpin these niche differences? Behavior is constrained by morphological and physiological traits that scale allometrically with body size, yet the degree to which behaviors exhibit allometric scaling remains unclear; empirical datasets often encompass broad variation in environmental context and phylogenetic history, which complicates the detection and interpretation of scaling relationships between size and behavior. We studied the movement and foraging behaviors of three sympatric, congeneric spiral‐horned antelope species (Tragelaphusspp.) that differ in body mass—bushbuck (26–40 kg), nyala (57–83 kg), and kudu (80–142 kg)—in an African savanna ecosystem where (i) food was patchily distributed due to ecosystem engineering by fungus‐farming termites and (ii) predation risk was low due to the extirpation of several large carnivores. Because foraging behavior is directly linked to traits that scale allometrically with size (e.g., metabolic rate, locomotion), we hypothesized that habitat use and diet selection would likewise exhibit nonlinear scaling relationships. All three antelope species selected habitat near termitaria, which are hotspots of abundant, high‐quality forage. Experimental removal of forage from termite mounds sharply reduced use of those mounds by bushbuck, confirming that habitat selection was resource driven. Strength of selection for termite mounds scaled negatively and nonlinearly with body mass, as did recursion (frequency with which individuals revisited locations), whereas home‐range area and mean step length scaled positively and nonlinearly with body mass. All species disproportionately ate mound‐associated plant taxa; nonetheless, forage selectivity and dietary composition, richness, and quality all differed among species, reflecting the partitioning of shared food resources. Dietary protein exhibited the theoretically predicted negative allometric relationship with body mass, whereas digestible‐energy content scaled positively. Our results demonstrate cryptic size‐based separation along spatial and dietary niche axes—despite superficial similarities among species—consistent with the idea that body‐size differentiation is driven by selection for divergent resource‐acquisition strategies, which in turn underpin coexistence. Foraging and space‐use behaviors were nonlinearly related to body mass, supporting the hypothesis that behavior scales allometrically with size. However, explaining the variable functional forms of these relationships is a challenge for future research.
Catalysis in Solid Hydrogen Storage: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Salman Muhammad Saad , Pratthana Chulaluck , Lai Qiwen , Wang Ting , Rambhujun Nigel , Srivastava Kshitij , Aguey-Zinsou Kondo-Francois
Published: July 2022

Catalysis is at the core of previous energy transition. It has enabled the use of oil and natural gas as our primary energy sources in unprecedented ways and led to feedstocks enabling exceptionally high living standards in human history. In a decarbonized economy with hydrogen as the new energy vector, catalysis is already playing a key role in producing hydrogen. However, catalysts for the effective storage of hydrogen must be advanced. Many solid hydrogen storage materials such as magnesium‐based hydrides, alanates, and/or borohydrides display promising hydrogen densities far superior to the current state of compressed or liquid hydrogen. These solid materials have thermodynamic and kinetic barriers which severely hinder their practical hydrogen uptake and release. To date, most of these barriers for solid hydrides (especially boron or nitrogen compounds) are modified via catalysis; however, the catalytic species per se and their roles are obscure. Herein, a comprehensive overview of various catalysts for solid hydrogen storage materials, their catalytic roles, and the underpinning mechanisms is provided. The current state of knowledge is critically reviewed and gaps where further research intensification is needed to support rapid hydrogen generation and storage in solid materials for the emerging hydrogen economy are identified.
Facile 3D Nitrogen‐Doped Hierarchical Porous Carbon for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Cai Jiangtao , Hou Liuhua , Chen Chen , Lan Yujin , Dang Yongqiang , Zhu Youyu , Zhang Jianlan , Zhao Shiyong , Zhang Yating
Published: July 2022

A novel activated nitrogen‐doped hierarchically porous carbon (ANPC) material has been synthesized using polyurethane foam as the supporting template, phenolic resin with a high carbonization ratio, and low‐cost ammonium polyphosphate as the carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The preparation process comprises curing and carbonization combined with KOH activation. Despite the simplicity of the process, the obtained ANPC‐4 exhibits a high specific surface area (1452 m2 g−1), a well‐developed specific pore volume (0.799 cm3 g−1), moderate mesoporous content (32.7%), good electrolyte ions transport property, and appropriate nitrogen dopant content. When used as a material for fabricating supercapacitor electrodes, the ANPC‐4 exhibits a significantly high capacitance value of 356 F g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 in a 6 M KOH electrolyte with outstanding rate performance. In addition, the symmetrical capacitors assembled by ANPC‐4 have good specific capacitance (175 F g−1 at 0.2 A g−1), high energy density up to 24.3 Wh kg−1, and good cycling stability (94.5% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles of testing).
Wind power prediction based on wind speed forecast using hidden Markov model
Authors: Ghasvarian Jahromi Khatereh , Gharavian Davood , Mahdiani Hamid Reza
Published: July 2022

This study examines a new approach for short‐term wind speed and power forecasting based on the mixture of Gaussian hidden Markov models (MoG‐HMMs). The proposed approach focuses on the characteristics of wind speed and power in the consecutive hours of previous days. The proposed method is carried out in two steps. In the first step, for the hourly prediction of wind speed, several wind speed features are employed in MoG‐HMM, and in the second step, the results obtained from the first step along with their characteristics and wind power features are used to predict wind power estimation. To increase the prediction accuracy, the data used in each step are classified, and then for each class, one HMM with its specific parameters is used. The performance of the proposed approach is examined using real NREL data. The results show that the proposed method is more precise than other examined methods.
Current trends in carotid body tumors: Comprehensive review
Authors: Gonzalez‐Urquijo Mauricio , Castro‐Varela Alejandra , Barrios‐Ruiz Alanna , Hinojosa‐Gonzalez David E. , Salas Ana Karen Garza , Morales Erick Ambriz , González‐González Mirna , Fabiani Mario Alejandro
Published: July 2022

Background

Carotid body tumor (CBT) is a rare neoplasm that has been increasingly studied during the last decades; nevertheless, it continues to be a topic of controversy. This review aims to provide an update on the general features of CBT and particularly review different treatment strategies and primary outcomes.

Methods

Data for this literature review were identified by PubMed, Scopus, and Medline. 93 articles from the initial search were included, as well as 28 relevant studies utilizing the snowballing method; totaling 121 articles about CBT.

Results

Main features such as anatomy, embryology, genetics, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of CBT are presented, followed by evidence of different treatment strategies such as radiotherapy, preoperative embolization, vascular resection, and vascular reconstruction. Main complications are also discussed.

Conclusion

This review summarizes the most critical aspects regarding CBT. Future studies should compare different treatments to attain the best surgical results with lower morbidity rates.
Inhibition of mPGES‐2 ameliorates NASH by activating NR1D1 via heme
Authors: Zhong Dandan , Cai Jie , Hu Cheng , Chen Jingshuo , Zhang Rumeng , Fan Chenyu , Li Shanshan , Zhang Hongxing , Xu Zhou , Jia Zhanjun , Guo Dong , Sun Ying
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a complex metabolic syndrome, has limited therapeutic options. Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐2 (mPGES‐2) was originally discovered as a prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthase; however, it does not produce PGE2 in the liver. Moreover, the role of mPGES‐2 in NAFLD remains undefined. Herein, we aimed to determine the function and mechanism of mPGES‐2 in liver steatosis and steatohepatitis.

Approach and Results:

To evaluate the role of mPGES‐2 in NAFLD, whole‐body or hepatocyte‐specific mPGES‐2–deficient mice fed a high‐fat or methionine‐choline‐deficient diet were used. Compared with control mice, mPGES‐2–deficient mice showed reduced hepatic lipid accumulation, along with ameliorated liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Furthermore, the protective effect of mPGES‐2 deficiency against NAFLD was dependent on decreased cytochrome P450 4A14 and increased acyl‐CoA thioesterase 4 levels regulated by the heme receptor nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1), but not PGE2. Heme regulated the increased NR1D1 activity mediated by mPGES‐2 deficiency. Further, we confirmed the protective role of the mPGES‐2 inhibitor SZ0232 in NAFLD therapy.

Conclusion:

Our study indicates the pathogenic role of mPGES‐2 and outlines the mechanism in mediating NAFLD, thereby highlighting the therapeutic potential of mPGES‐2 inhibition in liver steatosis and steatohepatitis.
Hippocampal dentate gyrus integrity revealed with ultrahigh resolution diffusion imaging predicts memory performance in older adults
Authors: Granger Steven J. , Colon‐Perez Luis , Larson Myra Saraí , Phelan Michael , Keator David B. , Janecek John T. , Sathishkumar Mithra T. , Smith Anna P. , McMillan Liv , Greenia Dana , Corrada Maria M. , Kawas Claudia H. , Yassa Michael A.
Published: July 2022

Medial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy is a core feature of age‐related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD). While regional volumes and thickness are often used as a proxy for neurodegeneration, they lack the sensitivity to serve as an accurate diagnostic test and indicate advanced neurodegeneration. Here, we used a submillimeter resolution diffusion weighted MRI sequence (ZOOMit) to quantify microstructural properties of hippocampal subfields in older adults (63–98 years old) using tensor derived measures: fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). We demonstrate that the high‐resolution sequence, and not a standard resolution sequence, identifies dissociable profiles for CA1, dentate gyrus (DG), and the collateral sulcus. Using ZOOMit, we show that advanced age is associated with increased MD of the CA1 and DG as well as decreased FA of the DG. Increased MD of the DG, reflecting decreased cellular density, mediated the relationship between age and word list recall. Further, increased MD in the DG, but not DG volume, was linked to worse spatial pattern separation. Our results demonstrate that ultrahigh‐resolution diffusion imaging enables the detection of microstructural differences in hippocampal subfield integrity and will lead to novel insights into the mechanisms of age‐related memory loss.
The role of digital transformation in improving customer satisfaction: An empirical study on Egyptian hotels
Authors: Abdel‐Hamid Talaat A. , Ahmed Mohamed Abd el Aziz Sayed , Zohry Mohamed Abdel Fattah , Elshabrawy Ghada Atef , Elgohary Esam Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Nowadays, the acceleration toward digital transformation changes both the way business is done and customers behavior; so hotels have to keep pace with this rapid evolution and seek to digital transformation by adopting the advanced information technologies. This research was conducted with the aim of examining the effect of digital transformation on customer satisfaction so the research focuses on the most prominent information technologies related to the guest‐cycle stages. The problem of this paper is summarized in the absence of the related literature in this subject concerning to the Egyptian hotels, as well as the lack of hotel managers and employees' awareness of the optimal utilization of information technologies, in addition to the shortage of the implemented advanced ITs in hotels. So, a survey was applied on 400 respondents in four and five‐star hotel guests in three Egyptian cities, Cairo, Sharm‐Elshiekh and Hurghada, to investigate the impact of guest‐cycle ITs on customer‐satisfaction in order to determine which set of ITs in the guest‐cycle stages can affect the customers satisfaction, as well as determine the differences between guests perceptions toward the study variables and the differences between their preferences toward using ITs according to their demographic features including; nationality, age and gender. The results revealed the importance of all guest‐cycle ITs for customer satisfaction, as each of them has a significant effect on customer satisfaction. As well as, the guests' preferences toward using ITs differ only according to their nationality.
Cholesterol‐dependent cytolysins: The outstanding questions
Authors: Johnstone Bronte A. , Joseph Riya , Christie Michelle P. , Morton Craig J. , McGuiness Conall , Walsh James C. , Böcking Till , Tweten Rodney K. , Parker Michael W.
Published: July 2022

The cholesterol‐dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are a major family of bacterial pore‐forming proteins secreted as virulence factors by Gram‐positive bacterial species. CDCs are produced as soluble, monomeric proteins that bind specifically to cholesterol‐rich membranes, where they oligomerize into ring‐shaped pores of more than 30 monomers. Understanding the details of the steps the toxin undergoes in converting from monomer to a membrane‐spanning pore is a continuing challenge. In this review we summarize what we know about CDCs and highlight the remaining outstanding questions that require answers to obtain a complete picture of how these toxins kill cells.
Prophylactic administration of rosmarinic acid ameliorates depression‐associated cardiac abnormalities in Wistar rats: Evidence of serotonergic, oxidative, and inflammatory pathways
Authors: Verma Himanshu , Shivavedi Naveen , Tej Gullanki N. V. C. , Kumar Mukesh , Nayak Prasanta K.
Published: July 2022

Psychiatric disorders and associated cardiac comorbidities have increased the risk of mortality worldwide. Researchers reported that depression increases the possibility of future cardiac abnormalities by approximately 30%. Therefore, there is an unmet need to develop therapeutic interventions to treat depression and associated cardiac abnormalities. The present study was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic effect of rosmarinic acid (RA) against chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)‐induced depression associated cardiac abnormalities in Wistar rats. The CUS paradigm, which comprised several stressors, was employed for 40 days to induce depressive‐like behavior and associated cardiac abnormalities in rats. Along with CUS, RA at a dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg was administered orally to two groups of animals for 40 days. Behavioral tests (forced swim test and sucrose consumption test) and molecular biomarkers (corticosterone and serotonin) were performed. Electrocardiography was performed before CUS (Day 0), Day 20, and Day 40 to study electrocardiogram parameters. Furthermore, changes in body weight, organ weight, tissue lipid peroxidation, glutathione, catalase, cTn‐I, MMP‐2, and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6) were estimated. Our results showed that RA treatment caused a reduction in immobility period, adrenal hyperplasia, corticosterone level, tissue lipid peroxidation, cTn‐I, MMP‐2, proinflammatory cytokines, and QRS complex duration, while an increase in sucrose consumption, brain serotonin level, T‐wave width, glutathione, and catalase activity as compared with the CUS‐control group. The results of our study proved that RA administration ameliorates CUS‐induced depression‐associated cardiac abnormalities in rats via serotonergic, oxidative, and inflammatory pathways.
MiR‐630 suppresses non‐small cell lung cancer by targeting vimentin
Authors: Wang Bin , Li Jie , Li Yulin , Liang Tao , Chu Xiangyang
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aimed to clarify the function of miR‐630 on non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time PCR was utilized to detect the mRNA expression of miR‐630 and vimentin (VIM) in NSCLC tissues and cells. The protein expression of VIM, P53, Caspase‐3, Bcl‐2, Bax and JAK2/STAT3 was evaluated via Western blot. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was applied to evaluate whether VIM is the target gene of miR‐630. The migration, invasion, proliferation and apoptosis of NSCLC cells were examined by wound‐healing assay, transwell assay, CCK‐8 assay, and flow cytometry, respectively.

Results

MiR‐630 was lowly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells, while VIM was highly expressed in NSCLC cells. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay data validated that miR‐630 directly targeted VIM. MiR‐630 overexpression inhibited VIM expression, but the inhibition of miR‐630 upregulated VIM expression. Besides, miR‐630 mimics restrained cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, and promoted NSCLC cell apoptosis. Whereas, VIM overexpression partly attenuated the inhibitory effect of miR‐630 on NSCLC cells. Moreover, miR‐630 mimics impeded p‐JAK2 and p‐STAT3 protein expression; and miR‐630 inhibitor upregulated p‐STAT3 and VIM protein expression, which was reversed after the addition of STAT3 inhibitor C188‐9.

Conclusion

MiR‐630 constrained the progression of NSCLC by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 pathway and downregulating VIM expression.
Whole‐exome sequencing identified five novel de novo variants in patients with unexplained intellectual disability
Authors: Zhang Wenqiu , Hu Li , Huang Xinyi , Xie Dan , Wu Jiangfen , Fu Xiaoling , Liang Daiyi , Huang Shengwen
Published: July 2022

Background

Intellectual disability (ID) represents a neurodevelopmental disorder, which is characterized by marked defects in the intellectual function and adaptive behavior, with an onset during the developmental period. ID is mainly caused by genetic factors, and it is extremely genetically heterogeneous. This study aims to identify the genetic cause of ID using trio‐WES analysis.

Methods

We recruited four pediatric patients with unexplained ID from non‐consanguineous families, who presented at the Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing validation were performed in the patients and their unaffected parents. Furthermore, conservative analysis and protein structural and functional prediction were performed on the identified pathogenic variants.

Results

We identified five novel de novo mutations from four known ID‐causing genes in the four included patients, namely COL4A1 (c.2786T>A, p.V929D and c.2797G>A, p.G933S), TBR1 (c.1639_1640insCCCGCAGTCC, p.Y553Sfs*124), CHD7 (c.7013A>T, p.Q2338L), and TUBA1A (c.1350del, p.E450Dfs*34). These mutations were all predicted to be deleterious and were located at highly conserved domains that might affect the structure and function of these proteins.

Conclusion

Our findings contribute to expanding the mutational spectrum of ID‐related genes and help to deepen the understanding of the genetic causes and heterogeneity of ID.
Association between squamous cell carcinoma antigen level and EGFR mutation status in Chinese lung adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Zhang Shuying , Gao Jianxiong , Niu Rong , Ye Jiru , Ma Jinhong , Jiang Lijuan , Shao Xiaonan
Published: July 2022

Background

To investigate the association between squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCAg) level and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status in Chinese lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 293 patients with lung adenocarcinoma, divided into EGFR mutant group (n = 178) and EGFR wild‐type group (n = 115). The general data and laboratory parameters of the two groups were compared. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression to analyze the association between SCCAg level and EGFR mutation. Generalized additive model was used for curve fitting, and a hierarchical binary logistic regression model was used for interaction analysis.

Results

Squamous cell carcinoma antigen level in the EGFR wild‐type group was significantly higher than that in the mutant group (p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, we found that elevated SCCAg was associated with a lower probability of EGFR mutation, with an OR of 0.717 (95% CI: 0.543–0.947, p = 0.019). For the tripartite SCCAg groups, the increasing trend of SCCAg was significantly associated with the decreasing probability of EGFR mutation (p for trend = 0.015), especially for Tertile 3 versus Tertile 1 (OR = 0.505; 95% CI: 0.258–0.986; p = 0.045). Curve fitting showed that there was an approximate linear negative relationship between continuous SCCAg and EGFR mutation probability (p = 0.020), which was first flattened and then decreased (p < 0.001). The association between the two was consistent among different subgroups, suggesting no interaction (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

There is a negative association between SCCAg level and EGFR mutation probability in Chinese lung adenocarcinoma patients.
What do dental students expect from oral and maxillofacial surgery externships?
Authors: Smith Natalie R. , Bradshaw Shenan M. , Roser Steven M. , Abramowicz Shelly
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Limited information exists on the goals and expectations of dental students from oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) externships. This information is valuable to OMS residency programs. Dental students use externships to gain insight into various OMS residency programs.  The purpose of this project was to answer the following question: “what do dental students expect from OMS externships?”

Purpose

The aim of this study was to report the expectations of dental students from OMS externships.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study took place from June 2015 to September 2019. Every student completing an Emory OMS externship completed an anonymous survey. The survey consisted of questions regarding (1) demographics, (2) previous OMS experience, and (3) open‐ended questions regarding expectations and sources of anxiety. Answers were grouped into categories with similar answers. Descriptive statistics summarized data.

Results

Of 116 externs who completed the survey, the majority were males (n = 80, 68.9%) with a mean age of 25 (range 21–30) years old in the 3rd/4th year of dental school. Most had previous OMS experience (n = 103, 89.6%) and plan to apply to OMS residency (n = 104, 90.4%). Most externs hoped to learn about life as a resident and the scope and culture of the program. Externs expressed the highest level of anxiety regarding their own experience and/or knowledge level.

Conclusions

This project demonstrated that during the externship, externs expect to gain insight into the daily activities, scope, and culture of the OMS program they are visiting.
Consequences of zinc deficiency on zinc localization, taurine transport, and zinc transporters in rat retina
Authors: Márquez García Asarí , Salazar Víctor , Lima Pérez Lucimey
Published: July 2022

The colocalization of taurine and zinc transporters (TAUT, ZnTs) has not been explored in retina. Our objective is to evaluate the effect of the intracellular zinc chelator N,N,N,N‐tetrakis‐(2‐pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine (TPEN) on zinc localization and colocalization TAUT and ZnT‐1 (of plasma membrane), 3 (vesicular), and 7 (vesicular and golgi apparatus) in layers of retina by immunohistochemistry. To mark zinc, it was used cell‐permeable fluorescent Zinquin ethyl ester. Specific first and secondary antibodies, conjugated with rhodamine or fluorescein‐isothiocyanate were used to mark TAUT and ZnTs. The fluorescence results were reported as integrated optical density (IOD). Zinc was detected in all layers of the retina. The treatment with TPEN produced changes in the distribution of zinc in layers of retina less in the outer nuclear layer compared with the control. TAUT was detected in all layers of retina and TPEN chelator produced decrease of IOD in all layers of retina except in the photoreceptor compared with the control. ZnT 1, 3, and 7 were distributed in all retina layers, with more intensity in ganglion cell layer (GCL) and in the layers where there is synaptic connection. For all transporters, the treatment with TPEN produced significant decrease of IOD in layers of retina least in the inner nuclear layer for ZnT1, in the photoreceptor for ZnT3 and in the GCL and outer plexiform layer for ZnT7. The distribution of zinc, TAUT, and ZnTs in the layers of retina is indicative of the interaction of taurine and zinc for the function of the retina and normal operation of said layers.

Highlights

Taurine and zinc are two molecules highly concentrated in the retina and with relevant functions in this structure. Maintaining zinc homeostasis in this tissue is necessary for the normal function of the taurine system in the retina. The study of the taurine transporter and the different zinc transporters in the retina (responsible for maintaining adequate levels of taurine and zinc) is relevant and novel, since it is indicative of the interactions between both molecules in this structure.
The effect of HLA matching and donor relatedness on the risk of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kennedy Cassandra , Jackson Denise E.
Published: July 2022

Recent studies have identified autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) as a haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) complication that represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for these patients. In order to understand this autoimmune phenomenon, emerging research has focused on the prognostic factors associated with the development of the disorder. These studies have identified numerous possible associations with often contrasting and conflicting results. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed in order to determine the effect of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) matching and donor relatedness on the risk of AIHA post‐HSCT. PubMed, SCOPUS and ProQuest were searched from 1 January 1995 to 1 August 2021 using a range of keywords. Meta‐analysis was performed using OpenMeta‐Analyst software using a random effects model and arcsine risk difference (ARD). Eight eligible articles were identified, and meta‐analysis showed an increased risk of AIHA in those who received HLA‐mismatched transplants (ARD −0.082; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.157, −0.007;p = 0.031) and those who received donations from unrelated donor sources (ARD −0.097; 95% CI −0.144, −0.051;p < 0.001). Patients who receive HSCT from HLA‐matched and related donor sources have a reduced risk of developing AIHA. Healthcare practitioners should be mindful of the risk of AIHA, especially in those who receive HLA‐mismatched and unrelated donor‐sourced stem cells. While these findings provide further evidence for researchers investigating the pathogenesis of this HSCT complication, more studies are needed to fully understand the cause.
Effect of endogenous purines on electrically evoked ACh release at the mouse neuromuscular junction
Authors: González Sanabria Javier , Hurtado Paso Maximiliano , Frontera Tamara , Losavio Adriana
Published: July 2022

At the mouse neuromuscular junction, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is co‐released with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), and its metabolite adenosine, modulate neurotransmitter release by activating presynaptic inhibitory P2Y13 receptors (a subtype of ATP/adenosine diphosphate [ADP] receptor), inhibitory A1 and A3 adenosine receptors, and excitatory A2A adenosine receptors. To study the effect of endogenous purines, when phrenic‐diaphragm preparations are depolarized by different nerve stimulation patterns, we analyzed the effect of the antagonists for P2Y13, A1, A3, and A2A receptors (AR‐C69931MX, 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine, MRS‐1191, and SCH‐58261, respectively) on the amplitude of the end‐plate potentials of the trains, and contrasted these results with those obtained with the selective agonists of these receptors (2‐methylthioadenosine 5′‐diphosphate trisodium salt hydrate, 2‐chloro‐N6‐cyclopentyl‐adenosine, inosine, and PSB‐0777, respectively). During continuous 0.5‐Hz stimulation, the amount of endogenous purines was not enough to activate purinergic receptors, while at continuous 5‐Hz stimulation, an incipient action of endogenous purines on P2Y13, A1 and A3 receptors might be evident just at the end of the trains. During continuous 50‐Hz stimulation, the concentration of endogenous ATP/ADP and adenosine exerted an inhibitory action on ACh release after of the initial phase of the train, but when the nerve was stimulated at intermittent 50 Hz (5 bursts), this behavior was not observed. Excitatory A2A receptors were only activated when continuous 100‐Hz stimulation was applied. In conclusion, when motor nerve terminals are depolarized by repetitive stimulation of the phrenic nerve, endogenous ATP/ADP and adenosine are able to fine‐tune neurosecretion depending on the frequency and pattern of stimulation.
Enhanced nociceptive behavior and expansion of associated primary afferents in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy
Authors: Reedich Emily J. , Genry Landon T. , Singer Meredith A. , Cavarsan Clarissa Fantin , Mena Avila Elvia , Boudreau Daphne M. , Brennan Michael C. , Garrett Alyssa M. , Dowaliby Lisa , Detloff Megan R. , Quinlan Katharina A.
Published: July 2022

Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is a movement disorder marked by hypertonia and hyperreflexia; the most prevalent comorbidity is pain. Since spinal nociceptive afferents contribute to both the sensation of painful stimuli as well as reflex circuits involved in movement, we investigated the relationship between prenatal hypoxia–ischemia (HI) injury which can cause CP, and possible changes in spinal nociceptive circuitry. To do this, we examined nociceptive afferents and mechanical and thermal sensitivity of New Zealand White rabbit kits after prenatal HI or a sham surgical procedure. As described previously, a range of motor deficits similar to spastic CP was observed in kits born naturally after HI (40 min at ~70%–80% gestation). We found that HI caused an expansion of peptidergic afferents (marked by expression of calcitonin gene‐related peptide) in both the superficial and deep dorsal horn at postnatal day (P)5. Non‐peptidergic nociceptive afferent arborization (labeled by isolectin B4) was unaltered in HI kits, but overlap of the two populations (peptidergic and non‐peptidergic nociceptors) was increased by HI. Density of glial fibrillary acidic protein was unchanged within spinal cord white matter regions important in nociceptive transmission at P5. We found that mechanical and thermal nociception was enhanced in HI kits even in the absence of motor deficits. These findings suggest that prenatal HI injury impacts spinal sensory pathways in addition to the more well‐established disruptions to descending motor circuits. In conclusion, changes to spinal nociceptive circuitry could disrupt spinal reflexes and contribute to pain experienced by individuals with CP.
An event‐based approach to psychological contracts: The importance of examining everyday broken and fulfilled promises as discrete events
Authors: Kiefer Tina , Barclay Laurie J. , Conway Neil , Briner Rob B.
Published: July 2022

Psychological contract research has typically focused on employees' perceptions of whether the organization hasgenerallyfulfilled or broken its promises/obligations. However, employees can experience broken and fulfilled promises asdiscreteevents on an everyday basis, which may have immediate implications for employees and also influence their generalized psychological contract. Integrating attribution and appraisal theories of emotions, we argue that discrete psychological contract events (i.e., specific instances of a broken or a fulfilled promise) can initiate attribution and appraisal processes that can guide employees' emotional and behavioral responses. Moreover, experiencing a broken versus a fulfilled promise can have distinct implications for employees' outcomes as well as their generalized perceptions of psychological contract fulfillment. Our hypotheses are generally supported using a daily diary study with event sampling. Theoretical contributions include the importance of (a) examining the attribution and appraisal processes underlying everyday discrete psychological contract events, (b) acknowledging distinctions between broken versus fulfilled promises, and (c) understanding how everyday broken/fulfilled promises can influence generalized perceptions of psychological contract fulfillment. Practical contributions include the importance of effectively managing broken and fulfilled promises on an everyday basis and ensuring that employees perceive that the organization does not breakandalso fulfills its promises.
Application of Sophora alopecuroides organic fertilizer changes the rhizosphere microbial community structure of melon plants and increases the fruit sugar content
Authors: Hua Ling‐qi , Yang Sheng‐qiang , Xia Zhan‐feng , Zeng Hong
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Sophora alopecuroides L. is a leguminous plant commonly found in northwest China. In Xinjiang, the fresh herb of S. alopecuroides is often applied as a green fertilizer to the rhizosphere of melon (Cucumis melo) plants at the end of their flowering period, to improve the taste of the fruits. However, the effects of S. alopecuroides‐based fertilizers on the microbial community structure of soil and crop‐root systems are unclear. In order to study the sweetening mechanism of the S. alopecuroides organic fertilizer, three different varieties of melon were selected. The untreated plants were used as the control (CK) group, and the plants treated with S. alopecuroides‐based organic fertilizer were selected as the treatment (T) group. The physical and chemical properties, enzyme activities and microbial community structure of the rhizosphere samples were also determined, and a correlation analysis with the fruit sweetness index was conducted.

RESULTS

Sugar content of group T was at least 40% higher than that of group CK. The increase in fruit sugar content positively correlated with the increase in the abundance of beneficial microorganisms, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Mycobacterium, Burkholderia, Streptomyces, Acinetobacter, Proteobacteria, Lysobacter, Actinomycetes, Penicillium and Aspergillus.

CONCLUSION

Sophora alopecuroides organic fertilizer could alter the composition and function of bacterial and fungal communities and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the melon plant rhizosphere. Further, it could increase the content of soluble solids and sugar in the fruits to achieve a sweetening effect. This fertilizer can be applied as a fruit sweetener in melon cultivation, improving the sugar content of the fruit and consequently the sweetness. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Influence of patient‐specific factors when comparing multifidus fat infiltration between chronic low back pain patients and asymptomatic controls
Authors: Ballatori Alexander M. , Shahrestani Shane , Nyayapati Priya , Agarwal Vibhu , Krug Roland , Han Misung , Fields Aaron J. , O'Neill Conor , Demir‐Deviren Sibel , Lotz Jeffrey C. , Bailey Jeannie F.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Many studies have attempted to link multifidus (MF) fat infiltration with muscle quality and chronic low back pain (cLBP), but there is no consensus on these relationships.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional cohort study, 39 cLBP patients and 18 asymptomatic controls were included. The MF muscle was manually segmented at each lumbar disc level and fat fraction (FF) measurements were taken from the corresponding advanced imaging water‐fat images. We assessed the distribution patterns of MF fat from L1L2 to L5S1 and compared these patterns between groups. The sample was stratified by age, sex, body mass index (BMI), subject‐reported pain intensity (VAS), and subject‐reported low back pain disability (oswestry disability index, ODI).

Results

Older patients had significantly different MF FF distribution patterns compared to older controls (p < 0.0001). Male patients had 34.8% higher mean lumbar spine MF FF compared to male controls (p = 0.0006), significantly different MF FF distribution patterns (p = 0.028), 53.7% higher mean MF FF measurements at L2L3 (p = 0.037), and 50.6% higher mean MF FF measurements at L3L4 (p = 0.041). Low BMI patients had 29.7% higher mean lumbar spine MF FF compared to low BMI controls (p = 0.0077). High BMI patients only had 4% higher mean lumbar spine MF FF compared to high BMI controls (p = 0.7933). However, high BMI patients had significantly different MF FF distribution patterns compared to high BMI controls (p = 0.0324). Low VAS patients did not significantly differ from the control cohort for any of our outcomes of interest; however, high VAS patients had 24.3% higher mean lumbar spine MF FF values (p = 0.0011), significantly different MF FF distribution patterns (p < 0.0001), 34.7% higher mean MF FF at L2L3 (p = 0.040), and 34.6% higher mean MF FF at L3L4 (p = 0.040) compared to the control cohort. Similar trends were observed for ODI.

Conclusions

This study suggests that when the presence of paraspinal muscle fat infiltration is not characteristic of an individual's age, sex, and BMI, it may be associated with lower back pain.
Reply to “In Response to Assessment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Obstructive Sleep Apnea”
Authors: de Almeida Torres Campanholo Milena , de Aguiar Vidigal Tatiana , de Azevedo Caparroz Fabio , Andersen Monica Levy , Tufik Sergio , Haddad Fernanda Louise Martinho
Published: July 2022

Previously, Dr. Lechien commented on objective diagnostic tools for detecting LPR and highlighted possible findings that may be associated with the relationship between LPR symptoms and OSA. In response, we addressed the limitations of our study and presented perspectives that we believe should be evaluated in future studies on the relationship between LPR and OSA. Laryngoscope, 133:E15–E16, 2023
The parietal notch (Brammer's pointer): Accuracy of a surface landmark for temporal bone surgery
Authors: Castle Michael S. , Myers Orrin B. , Pickett Bradley P.
Published: July 2022

Hypothesis

The parietal notch is a reliable surface landmark of the sigmoid sinus at the sinodural angle.

Background

Currently no surface landmark approximates the anterior border of the sigmoid sinus. Additionally, the temporal line may not accurately identify the tegmen near the sinodural angle. This study examines the reliability of the parietal notch as a surface landmark of the sigmoid sinus at the sinodural angle.

Methods

Forty‐seven cadaveric temporal bones were used to identify the parietal notch by two observers. The parietal notch and sinodural angle were labeled with radiopaque markers, mounted on foam, and CT imaged in the axial plane. The horizontal and vertical distances between the labeled landmarks were measured using PACS software.

Results

The parietal notch location was identified in 43/47 specimens. The notch was posterior to the sinodural angle in 90.6% and superior in 65% of the specimens. The average horizontal and vertical distance between the two landmarks was 6.1 mm (SD = 5.4) and 0.8 mm (SD = 8.7), respectively. In 60% of the specimens the parietal notch was within 6 mm of the sinodural angle in the horizontal dimension.

Conclusions

The parietal notch is identified in most temporal bones. It also approximates the anterior boarder of the sigmoid sinus and level of the tegmen due to its proximity to the sinodural angle. The parietal notch helps to define the posterosuperior margins of a mastoid dissection and may assist surgeons during mastoid surgery.