bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
We are MedChem: The Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry 2024
Authors: Schiedel Matthias , Barbie Philipp , Pape Felix , Pinto Marta , Unzue Lopez Andrea , Méndez María , Hessler Gerhard , Merk Daniel , Gehringer Matthias , Lamers Christina
Published: September 2024

The Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry (FiMC) is the largest international Medicinal Chemistry conference in Germany and took place from March 17th to 20th 2024 in Munich. Co‐organized by the Division of Medicinal Chemistry of the German Chemical Society (Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker; GDCh) and the Division of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry of the German Pharmaceutical Society (Deutsche Pharmazeutische Gesellschaft; DPhG), and supported by a local organizing committee from the Ludwigs‐Maximilians‐University Munich headed by Daniel Merk, the meeting brought together approximately 225 participants from 20 countries. The outstanding program of the four‐day conference included 40 lectures by leading scientists from industry and academia as well as early career investigators. Moreover, 100 posters were presented in two highly interactive poster sessions.
Cardiovascular disease and stroke following cancer and cancer treatment in older adults
Authors: Muhandiramge Jaidyn , Zalcberg John R. , Warner Erica T. , Polekhina Galina , Gibbs Peter , van Londen G. J. , Bernstein Wendy B. , Macrae Finlay , Haydon Andrew , Tie Jeanne , Millar Jeremy L. , Mar Victoria J. , Gately Lucy , Tonkin Andrew , Ford Leslie , Umar Asad , Chan Andrew T. , Woods Robyn L. , Orchard Suzanne G.
Published: September 2024

Background

Cancer survivors can be at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) because of either their malignancy or its treatment. Although studies linking cancer and CVD exist, few examine risk in older adults, the impact of cancer treatment, or the effect of aspirin on reducing risk in this cohort.

Methods

The authors conducted a secondary analysis of the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial to investigate the impact of cancer and cancer treatment on a composite CVD end point comprising hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke.

Results

Of 15,454 Australian and US ASPREE participants, 1392 had an incident cancer diagnosis. Rates of CVD were greater in the cancer risk‐set compared to the cancer‐free risk‐set (20.8 vs. 10.3 events per 1000 person‐years; incidence rate ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.51–2.66), with increased incidence seen across MI, HHF, overall stroke, and ischemic stroke. Increased incidence remained after adjustment for clinically significant risk factors for CVD. Incidence was greatest in metastatic, hematological, and lung cancer. Chemotherapy was associated with increased risk of CVD. Similar rates of CVD were seen across aspirin and placebo groups.

Conclusions

Incidence of CVD, including MI, HHF, and ischemic stroke, was increased in older adults with cancer. Aspirin did not impact CVD incidence. Risk may be higher in those with metastatic, hematological, and lung cancer, and following chemotherapy.
Follicular Lymphoma in Chile in the Adult Public Cancer Program: The Impact of Chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Cabrera María Elena , Peña Camila , Vega Valeska , Rojas Hernán , Pizarro Alvaro , Rojas Christine , Calderon Susana , Oliva Jacqueline , Hales Cecilia , Rojas Bernardita , Intriago Marvila , Capurro Marisa , Gonzalez M. Luisa , Castillo Jorge J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in the United States and Europe. However, data on FL from Latin America are scant.

Aims

This study aims at better understand the clinical features, treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with FL in Chile. Of special interest was to evaluate POD24 as an adverse marker.

Methods and Results

We collected retrospective data from 722 patients 15 years or older diagnosed with FL and treated in 17 cancer centers in Chile between 2000 and 2019. Time to first treatment (TTFT), progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional‐hazard regression models were fitted to investigate prognostic factor. The median age at diagnosis was 62 with a female predominance (63%); 73% of patients had advance stage disease and 68% had bone marrow involvement; 63% had intermediate or high FLIPI scores. The 1‐year TTFT rate was 96%, and 30% of patients received chemoimmunotherapy. Adding rituximab to chemotherapy was associated with a higher complete response (69% vs. 60%; p < 0.001) and superior median OS (16 vs. 8 years; p < 0.001). Patients who experience POD24 had an inferior median OS (2.4 vs. 15 years).

Conclusion

Our study shows a female predominance in patients with FL in Chile and confirms superior response and survival outcomes with adding rituximab to chemotherapy. Our study also confirms a poor OS in patients who experience POD24.
Dexamethasone Inhibits the Growth of B‐Lymphoma Cells by Downregulating DOT1L
Authors: Wang Yuting , Zhang Nan , Shang Weilong , Peng Huagang , Hu Zhen , Yang Yi , Tan Li , Zhang Li , He Fengtian , Rao Xiancai
Published: September 2024

Background

Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid that acts by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), has been widely applied to treat leukemia and lymphoma; however, the precise mechanism underlying Dex action is still not well elucidated. DOT1L, a histone H3‐lysine79 (H3K79) methyltransferase, has been linked to multiple cancer types, particularly mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearranged leukemia, but its contribution to lymphoma is yet to be delineated. Analysis from the TCGA database displayed that DOT1L was highly expressed in lymphoma and leukemia.

Results

We initially demonstrated that DOT1L served as a new target gene controlled by GR, and the downregulation of DOT1L was critical for the killing of B‐lymphoma cells by Dex. Further study revealed that Dex had no impact on the transcriptional activity of the DOT1L promoter, rather it reduced the mRNA level of DOT1L at the posttranscriptional level. In addition, knockdown of DOT1L remarkably inhibited the B‐lymphoma cell growth.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings indicated that DOT1L may serve as a potential drug target and a promising biomarker of Dex sensitivity when it comes to treating B lymphoma.
Demographics, Histopathology, and Treatment Outcomes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate
Authors: Gordon Julian A. , Larkins Michael C. , Siripurapu Vaishnavi , Bhatt Arjun , Pasli Melisa , Armel Kristen , Velez‐Martinez Carol , Mitsakos Anastasios , Burke Aidan , Peach M. Sean
Published: September 2024

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate (SCCP) is a neoplasm that comprises fewer than 1% of all primary prostate cancer diagnoses. Given its rarity, there is a paucity of data regarding the treatment of this disease. The limited literature points to the potential of local therapy in conjunction with chemotherapy to improve patient mortality.

Methods

Using the National Cancer Initiative's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with primary SCCP between 2000 and 2018 was performed. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and patient outcomes based on treatment modality were analyzed. Univariate and survival analyses were conducted with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance.

Results

A total of 66 patients were identified. Five‐year overall survival (5y OS) was 24%; mean and median survival were 2.2 years (1.8, 2.7) and 1.2 years (0.3, 2.1), respectively. Patients with Grade I or Grade II disease had an increased 5y OS of 55% (27%, 83%). In comparison, 5y OS was 13% (−2%, 29%) for patients with Grade III and Grade IV disease (p = 0.017). Analysis of 5y OS based on disease histology revealed patients with papillary SCC had a 5y OS of 50% [9.2%, 91%], compared to 21% [9%, 34%] for patients with SCC, not otherwise specified and 0% for those with lymphoepithelial carcinoma (p = 0.048). Analysis of 5y OS stratified by treatment modality revealed no statistically significant change with any treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy). No difference in 5y OS was seen between those treated with radical prostatectomy versus external beam radiation therapy.

Conclusions

The literature on SCCP remains sparse; the rarity of this disease limits analysis. While the investigation undertaken in this paper does not find any change in 5y OS regardless of treatment modality, the variation in 5y OS based on histologic classification of SCCP points to a potential route for the future treatment of this disease.
Sparse representation of finger knuckle print images for personal identification
Authors: Charfi Nesrine , Tounsi Maroua , Solaiman Basel
Published: September 2024

Fraud keeps increasing in our society and security applications become crucial and needed in our daily life. Biometric technology attempts to stop fraud and falsification in different opportunities such as bank services, access to controlled areas or crossing frontiers, by recognizing the identity of a person using his physiological (fingerprint, iris, face) or behavioral modalities (gait, signature). In this article, we focus on an emerging biometric modality called the finger knuckle print (FKP). In fact, this modality has several advantages such as the easy distinction between different persons, stability over time and user acceptance. So, an FKP identification approach is proposed using scale invariant feature transform descriptors based sparse representation method. The classification step, between training and testing FKP samples, is made using the support vector machines method. Experiments applied on two public FKP databases: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Contactless Finger Knuckle Images Database and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) Finger Knuckle Database, containing respectively 2500 and 790 images, demonstrate high correct identification rates by reaching 98.58% and 99.15% for these two databases.
Synthesis of N‐Sulfopropylated Hyperbranched Polyethyleneimine with Enhanced Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Panagiotaki Katerina N. , Lyra Kyriaki‐Marina , Papavasiliou Aggeliki , Stamatakis Kostas , Sideratou Zili
Published: September 2024

Hyperbranched polyethyleneimine having 25,000 Da molecular weight was functionalized by a simple sulfopropylation reaction, affording a novel N‐sulfopropylated PEI derivative (PEI‐SO3−). The successful introduction of N‐sulfopropyl and sulfobetaine groups to the amino groups of PEI was spectroscopically confirmed. Furthermore, the antibacterial and anti‐cyanobacterial activity of PEI‐SO3− in comparison to the parent PEI were investigated on two type heterotrophic bacteria, i. e., Gram (−) Escherichia coli and Gram (+) Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria, and one type of autotrophic cyanobacterium, i. e. Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942. Both PEI‐SO3− and PEI showed an enhanced, concentration‐dependent antibacterial and anti‐cyanobacterial activity against the tested bacteria strains, with PEI‐SO3− exhibiting higher activity than the parent PEI, signifying that the introduction of the sulfopropyl and sulfobetaine groups to the PEI amino groups enhanced the antibacterial and the anti‐cyanobacterial properties of PEI. In the case of cyanobacteria, PEI‐SO3− was found to affect the integrity of the photosynthetic system by the inhibition of Photosystem‐II electron transport activity. Cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility studies revealed that PEI‐SO3− exhibits high biocompatibility, suggesting that PEI‐SO3− could be considered as an attractive antibacterial and anti‐cyanobacterial candidate for various applications in the disinfection industry and also against the harmful cyanobacterial blooms.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Clusters, Exposure to Potentially Morally Injurious Events, and Aggression Among Army Veterans
Authors: Potik David , Einat Tomer , Idisis Yael
Published: September 2024

Objective

Very few studies have examined the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters and aggression since the change in PTSD diagnosis criteria a decade ago. Furthermore, these studies have used measures based on PTSD criteria of the DSM‐IV. The current study therefore examines the association between PTSD symptom clusters, exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs), and various types of aggression following the change in PTSD criteria and in accordance with the criteria of the DSM‐5‐TR.

Method

A sample of 167 Israeli combat veterans completed validated self‐report questionnaires tapping PTSD symptoms, exposure to PMIEs, and aggression levels.

Results

Our analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between the number of court‐martials, betrayal‐based PMIEs, all PTSD symptom clusters, and aggression. We also found that the arousal cluster, as well as the number of court‐martials and age, predicted aggression, whereas the re‐experiencing cluster predicted lower aggression levels.

Conclusion

Besides an updated understanding of the association between all PTSD symptom clusters and various forms of aggression, these findings emphasize the importance of targeting arousal symptoms and especially anger in treatment of veterans with PTSD symptoms and those who report experiences of betrayal. The findings also suggest clinicians to consider arousal symptoms, age, and history of court‐martials when conducting either clinical or actuarial risk assessments of veterans.
Toward Wearables for Bruxism Detection: Voluntary Oral Behaviors Sound Recorded Across the Head Depend on Transducer Placement
Authors: Nahhas Mohammad Khair , Türp Jens Christoph , Cattin Philippe , Gerig Nicolas , Wilhelm Elisabeth , Rauter Georg
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Bruxism is a parafunctional orofacial behavior. For diagnosis, wearable devices that use sounds as biomarkers can be applied to provide the necessary information. Human beings emit various verbal and nonverbal sounds, making it challenging to identify bruxism‐induced sounds. We wanted to investigate whether the acoustic emissions of different oral behaviors have distinctive characteristics and if the placement of the transducer has an impact on recording the sound signals.

Material and Methods

Sounds from five oral behaviors were investigated: jaw clenching, teeth grinding, reading, eating, and drinking. Eight transducers were used; six were attached to the temporal, frontal, and zygomatic bones with the aid of medical tape, and two were integrated into two commercial earphones. The data from 15 participants were analyzed using time‐domain energy, spectral flux, and zero crossing rate (ZCR).

Results

In summary, all oral behaviors showed distinct characteristic features except jaw clenching, though there was a peak in the recording, possibly due to tooth tapping, before its expected onset. For teeth grinding, the transducer placement did not have a significant impact (p > 0.05) based on energy, spectral flux, and ZCR. For jaw clenching, the transducer placement had an impact with regard to spectral flux (p < 0.01). For reading and eating, the transducer placement had a significant impact with regard to energy (p < 0.05 for reading, p < 0.01 for eating), spectral flux (p < 0.001 for reading, p < 0.01 for eating), and ZCR (p < 0.001 for both reading and eating). For drinking, the transducer placement only had a significant impact with regard to ZCR (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

We were able to record the sounds of various oral behaviors from different locations on the head. However, the ears were an advantageous location to place the transducer, since they could compensate for various head movements and ear devices are socially tolerable.
Molecular analysis of St. Augustinegrass cultivar mixtures composition over time and latitude
Authors: van der Laat Rocio , Leon Ramon G. , Dale Adam G. , Gouveia Beatriz , Carbajal Esdras M. , Schiavon Marco , Unruh J. Bryan , Iannone Basil V. , Milla‐Lewis Susana R.
Published: September 2024

St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze] is commonly planted in residential and commercial landscapes as a cultivar monoculture predisposing this lawn to pest invasion and high‐maintenance inputs. Researchers have suggested that increasing genetic diversity by growing cultivars in mixtures may increase turfgrass stress resilience. However, the stability and uniformity of those mixtures has not been studied. The present study was carried out to evaluate the stability of St. Augustinegrass cultivars mixtures over time and across three latitudes. The study was conducted in Citra and Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Jackson Springs, NC. Simple‐sequence repeats markers were used to genotype leaf samples of St. Augustinegrass cultivars planted in two‐ and four‐cultivar mixtures. Leaf samples were collected 1 and 3 years after establishment. In all locations, cultivar richness and evenness declined over time. Similarly, the relative abundance of the least persistent cultivars decreased approximately 50%–100% depending on cultivar and location. Differences in growth patterns among cultivars resulted in cultivar displacement and the predominance of a single cultivar. Cultivars that covered the ground faster or formed dense canopies early after establishment were dominant at the end of the study. Locally developed cultivars tended to be more dominant in their original latitude. The use of cultivar mixtures may help the identification of vigorous, competitive, and stress tolerant cultivars in turfgrass breeding programs. However, their commercial use remains challenging as if the patterns observed here for 3 years are representative of a continuous trend, and they do not persist over time.
Green human resource practices and corporate sustainable performance—The role of corporate green culture and dynamic capabilities
Authors: Hu Wei , Xu Yan , Yang Junyi
Published: September 2024

Sustainable development has always been a hot topic in academia and business circles. The green human resource practices play an important role in the sustainable development of enterprises. However, research on how green human resource practices can improve corporate sustainable performance is relatively scarce. In order to explore the internal mechanism and boundary conditions of the impact of green human resource practice on the sustainable performance of enterprises, the research is based on the dynamic capability theory, through the survey data of 460 enterprise managers. The hierarchical regression and bootstrapping methods are used to analyze the relationship mechanism and boundary conditions between green human resource practice and enterprise sustainable performance through dynamic capabilities. The research results show that green human resources have a positive impact on the sustainable performance and dynamic capabilities of enterprises; dynamic capabilities mediates the relationship between green human resource practices and corporate sustainable performance; corporate green culture not only enhances the relationship between green human resource practices and dynamic capabilities, but also enhances the mediating role of dynamic capabilities in green human resource practices and corporate sustainable performance. The research conclusions lay a theoretical foundation for the implementation of green human resource practices and provided a decision‐making reference for the sustainable development of enterprises.
Task‐Specific Deep Eutectic Solvent for Efficient Dissolution and Further Accelerating Alkaline Hydrolysis of Polyesters Into Their Monomers
Authors: Qin Rui , Wang Zeyu , Cao Yuanyuan , Tian Yurun , Zhou Fengyi , Li Zhiyong , Mu Tiancheng
Published: September 2024

Polyester plastics have brought great convenience to modern society. However, the continuous accumulation of their production increasingly threatens human health. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the largest type of polyester plastics and its recycling is a major challenge. In this work, deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of thenyl alcohol and choline chloride (ChCl) was designed for efficient dissolution of PET at 165 °C for 20 min, and further accelerating complete alkaline hydrolysis of PET into its monomer terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG) with a high TPA monomer yield (98.2 %) in 25 min at 100 °C. Moreover, the designed DES is also efficient for dissolution and alkaline hydrolysis of other polyester plastics, including poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF) into their monomers. This work provides a feasible and sustainable solution for the recycling of polyester wastes.
Clinical and translational mode of single‐cell measurements: An artificial intelligent single‐cell
Authors: Wang Xiangdong , Powell Charles A. , Ma Qin , Fan Jia
Published: September 2024

With rapid development and mature of single‐cell measurements, single‐cell biology and pathology become an emerging discipline to understand the disease. However, it is important to address concerns raised by clinicians as to how to apply single‐cell measurements for clinical practice, translate the signals of single‐cell systems biology into determination of clinical phenotype, and predict patient response to therapies. The present Perspective proposes a new system coined as the clinical artificial intelligent single‐cell (caiSC) with the dynamic generator of clinical single‐cell informatics, artificial intelligent analyzers, molecular multimodal reference boxes, clinical inputs and outs, and AI‐based computerization. This system provides reliable and rapid information for impacting clinical diagnoses, monitoring, and prediction of the disease at the single‐cell level. The caiSC represents an important step and milestone to translate the single‐cell measurement into clinical application, assist clinicians’ decision‐making, and improve the quality of medical services. There is increasing evidence to support the possibility of the caiSC proposal, since the corresponding biotechnologies associated with caiSCs are rapidly developed. Therefore, we call the special attention and efforts from various scientists and clinicians on the caiSCs and believe that the appearance of the caiSCs can shed light on the future of clinical molecular medicine.
Tree diversity across the Minneapolis‐St. Paul Metropolitan Area in relation to climate and social vulnerability
Authors: Keller Adrienne B. , Brandt Leslie A. , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Knight Joseph F. , Hobbie Sarah E.
Published: September 2024

Urban tree canopy cover is often unequally distributed across cities such that more socially vulnerable neighborhoods often have lower tree canopy cover than less socially vulnerable neighborhoods. However, how the diversity and composition of the urban canopy affect the nature of social‐ecological benefits (and burdens), including the urban forest's vulnerability to climate change, remains underexamined. Here, we synthesize tree inventories developed by multiple organizations and present a species‐specific, geolocated database of more than 600,000 urban trees across the 7‐county Minneapolis‐St. Paul (MSP) metropolitan area in the Upper Midwest of the United States. We find that tree diversity across the MSP is variable yet dominated by a few species (e.g., Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Acer platanoides, and Gleditsia triacanthos), contributing to the vulnerability of the MSP urban forest to future climate change and disturbances. In contrast to tree canopy cover, tree diversity was not well predicted by socioeconomic or demographic factors. However, our analysis identified areas where both climate and social vulnerability are high. Our results add to a growing body of literature emphasizing the importance of considering how complex and interacting social and ecological factors drive urban forest diversity and composition when pursuing management objectives.
Retirements of professional tennis players in ATP and WTA tour events
Authors: Oliver Lia , Baiget Ernest , Cortés Jordi , Martínez Joan , Crespo Miguel , Casals Martí
Published: September 2024

Professional tennis competition at the highest levels requires high physical, technical, tactical, and mental demands. Player retirement is a scenario that often occurs at the highest echelons of the game. The objective of this study was to descriptively determine which factors influence retirement of matches in tennis. Matches from the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tours played over 44 and 46 years were included in the study, respectively. The results showed an increasing trend in the incidence of retirements in both ATP and WTA events, especially in recent years. Factors associated with the match characteristics, such as the type of surface, the type of tournament, and the round of the draw, were shown to influence retirement. Variables associated with player characteristics, such as the age difference between players, did not show to influence retirement, whereas the ranking difference did. When comparing ATP and WTA matches, similar results were observed in which surfaces and tournaments had the highest or lowest incidence of retirements. On the other hand, as per the rounds, the results are not conclusive. The findings highlight the growing trend of match retirements in professional tennis and emphasize the relevant influence of match characteristics such as surface type, tournament type, and round of the draw. These insights can guide coaches, players, and tournament organizers in developing strategies to mitigate retirements and inform future research on enhancing player longevity and performance in tennis.
Analyzing thermal‐moisture comfort and thermal protective performance of phase change materials dripped protective clothing
Authors: Gu Zihan , Su Yun , Fan Yuwei , Tian Miao , Li Jun
Published: September 2024

The objective of the study was to alleviate the thermal‐moisture comfort (TMC) of phase change material (PCM) thermal protective clothing, while simultaneously enhancing thermal protective performance (TPP) by a drip molding process. Nine types of PCM dripped fabrics were prepared by the drip molding process and served as comfort layers of thermal protective clothing. The TMC and TPP of the fabric systems were measured. A new method was proposed to balance the TMC and TPP of thermal protective clothing. The results demonstrated that the drip molding process marginally weakened the TMC while substantially enhancing the TPP of fabric systems. But the TMCs of the PCM dripped fabrics were far larger than the PCM coated fabric. Specifically, an increase in droplet diameter led to a decline in TMC and an improvement in TPP, whereas an increase in droplet interval resulted in an enhancement in TMC and a decrease in TPP. The findings obtained in this study can be used to engineer fabric systems that provide better protection for heat stress and skin burns.
The therapeutic potential of red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) intake on muscle atrophy in immobilized mouse skeletal muscles
Authors: Nazari Seyedeh Elnaz , Khalili‐Tanha Nima , Babaei Fatemeh , Jafarzadeh Esfahani Ali , Khalili‐Tanha Ghazaleh , Asgharzadeh Fereshteh , Khojasteh‐Leylakoohi Fatemeh , Asghari Seyyedeh Zahra , Hadjzadeh Mousa‐Al‐Reza , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Ferns Gordon , Avan Amir , Rezvani Reza , Khazaei Majid
Published: September 2024

Skeletal muscle atrophy is the reduction in muscle mass and function caused by an imbalance in protein synthesis and degradation. Inflammation has been shown to accelerate protein degradation during periods of muscle inactivity. We investigated the potential therapeutic effects of beetroot extract (BRE) in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress to prevent muscular atrophy after a short period of immobilization. We divided 36 male BALB/c mice into three groups: control, muscular atrophy mice, and muscular atrophy mice treated with BRE (n = 12). Each group was further divided into two subgroups: (1) 7‐day immobilization and (2) 10‐day recovery. BRE was administered orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg for 17 days. We assessed the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative effects of BRE using ELISA and RT‐PCR assays. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was used to measure the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of muscle fibers, and grip strength tests were performed to assess muscle strength. BRE administration increased muscle weight, CSA, and grip strength in mice with immobilization‐induced muscle atrophy. It also suppressed inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in atrophic muscle fibers. Higher nitrate levels and lower Troponin I (TnI) concentrations were observed in the BRE‐treated group, indicating improved muscle function and structure. These findings suggest that BRE may have therapeutic benefits in improving muscle mass and function and warrant further studies in humans, particularly in individuals with low physical activity levels.
Calcium deficiency and its implications for cardiovascular disease and cancer: Strategies for resolution via agronomic fortification
Authors: Cheng Liping , Lian Jiapan , Ding Yongfeng , Wang Xin , Munir Mehr Ahmed Mujtaba , Ullah Shafqat , Wang Erjiang , He Zhenli , Yang Xiaoe
Published: September 2024

Calcium (Ca) is a vital nutrient essential for structural development and signal transmission in both plants and animals. In humans, inadequate calcium intake has been correlated with various diseases, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and cancer. In areas where plants serve as a main dietary source, calcium intake is significantly lower than the recommended adequate intake, notably in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Exploring the connections between calcium consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer has significant implications for public health, given that these two conditions are the primary contributors to global mortality. This study conducted a systematic review of existing literature to assess the evidence regarding calcium intake and its effect on blood pressure control, stroke prevention, and the controversial association with myocardial infarction. Furthermore, the preventive effect of calcium intake on tumor development, particularly in cancer prevention, was discussed. The study explores the potential of agronomic biofortification as a key strategy to enhance plant‐based dietary calcium density and improve human health. By advocating for the incorporation of calcium‐rich plants and plant‐derived products, alongside appropriate calcium supplementation, the study emphasizes the economic and practical benefits of plants as a calcium source. This approach is aligned with global dietary patterns and socioeconomic disparities. The review also highlights the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms through which agronomic biofortification can increase dietary calcium intake and reduce the risks of CVD and cancer associated with calcium deficiency. Ultimately, this study aims to deepen our understanding of the complex relationship between calcium intake and health.
Detrital Zircons From Lower Palaeozoic Metamorphic Complexes and Silurian–Devonian Strata in the South Kitakami Belt, Northeast Japan: Implications for the Northern Extension of the Terra Australis Orogen in Northeast Gondwana
Authors: Suzuki Keisuke , Kurihara Toshiyuki , Hara Hidetoshi , Ishikawa Kenichi , Otsuki Takeru , Ueda Hayato
Published: September 2024

To reconstruct the detailed location of proto‐Japan around northeastern Gondwana during the early Palaeozoic, this article presents detrital zircon U–Pb age spectra for lower Palaeozoic metamorphic complexes and Silurian–Devonian strata from the western margin of the South Kitakami belt in northeast Japan. Psammitic and siliceous schists have youngest age peaks ranging from the Ordovician (479–458 Ma) to early Silurian (ca. 439 Ma). Sandstones have youngest age peaks varying from the early Silurian (ca. 435 Ma) to Late Devonian (370–360 Ma). The U–Pb age spectra exhibit major peaks at 510–500, 480–470, and 450–440 Ma. Excluding the Upper Devonian sandstones, significant age peaks occur at 650–550 and 1300–900 Ma. These data can be interpreted as a Pacific Gondwana signature, indicating a tectonic association with the Terra Australis Orogen that developed along the northeastern Gondwanan margin and Paleo‐Pacific Ocean, extending from eastern Australia (i.e., the Thomson, Lachlan, and Delamerian orogens) to Antarctica (i.e., the Ross Orogen). In northeast Asia, the Pacific Gondwana detrital zircons and 480–470 Ma zircons occur in the Bainaimiao arc belt along the northern margin of the North China Craton and in the Jiangyu continental arc in the Jilin area. The magmatic arcs of proto‐Japan and these regions were part of the Terra Australis Orogen during the Ordovician–early Silurian. A decrease in the proportion of Pacific Gondwana detrital zircons in Upper Devonian strata may be due to multistage trench retreat, such as that recognized in the Tasmanides in eastern Australia, which corresponds to the northern Terra Australis Orogen.
Superior hypogastric nerve plexus (SHNP) block for pain management after minimally invasive gynecology surgeries: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Agrawal Neha , Singh Pratibha , Goyal Manu , Yadav Garima , Shekhar Shashank
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of superior hypogastric nerve plexus (SHNP) block in postoperative pain management in the first 24 h after minimally invasive gynecological (MIG) surgeries.

Methods

We conducted a double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a tertiary care centre from May 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 in women undergoing major MIG surgeries. At the completion of the surgery, women were randomized to the intervention group who received SHNP block with ropivacaine 10 mL (0.75%) before port removal, whereas no intervention was taken in the control group. The extubation time was noted, and the pain score was assessed after 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h of extubation in the postoperative period using the visual analog scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was done, with a significance level of 0.05, to test the differences between the two groups.

Results

A total of 64 patients were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The median pain score was lower at 1 and 2 h post‐extubation and comparable between the two groups at 6, 12, and 24 h. The surrogate markers that is need for additional analgesia and duration of stay did not differ significantly in the two groups, with P‐values of 0.08 and 0.943, respectively.

Conclusion

Although the SHNP group experienced considerably lower immediate postoperative pain levels in the initial hours following extubation, the impact of this benefit remains uncertain in the longer postoperative period. The effectiveness of this modality for pain control needs further study, particularly at later postoperative hours.
Assessing Visual Pathway White Matter Degeneration in Primary Open‐Angle Glaucoma Using Multiple MRI Morphology and Diffusion Metrics
Authors: Guo Linying , Wang Yin , Gao Fengjuan , Duan Fei , Wang Yuzhe , Cheng Jingfeng , Shen Dandan , Luo Jianfeng , Wu Lingjie , Jiang Rifeng , Sun Xinghuai , Tang Zuohua
Published: September 2024

Background

Primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible blindness, is associated with neurodegeneration in the visual pathway, but the underlying pathophysiology remains incompletely resolved.

Purpose

To characterize macro‐ and microstructural white matter abnormalities in optic tract (OT) and optic radiation (OR) of POAG.

Study type

Prospective.

Populations

A total of 34 POAG patients (21 males, 13 females) and 25 healthy controls (HCs) (16 males, nine females).

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T; multiband spin‐echo echo planar diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI).

Assessment

We compared multiple morphology metrics, including volume, area, length, and shape metrics, as well as diffusion metrics such as diffusion tensor imaging (fractional anisotropy [FA], mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity), mean apparent propagator (mean squared displacement, q‐space inverse variance, return‐to‐origin probability, return‐to‐axis probabilities [RTAP] and return‐to‐plane probabilities, non‐Gaussianity, perpendicular non‐Gaussianity, parallel non‐Gaussianity), and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (intracellular volume fraction, orientation dispersion index [ODI], and isotropic volume fraction of the OT and OR).

Statistical Tests

Statistical comparisons and classifications employed linear mixed model and logistic regression. Diagnostic performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). P‐value <0.05 was statistically significant.

Results

Morphology analysis in POAG revealed a lower span in the OR (29.43 ± 2.30 vs. 30.59 ± 2.01, 3.8%) and OT (19.73 ± 2.21 vs. 20.68 ± 1.37, 4.6%), and a higher curl (3.03 ± 0.22 vs. 2.90 ± 0.16, 4.5%) in OT. Diffusion metrics revealed lower mean FA (OR: 0.328 ± 0.03 vs. 0.340 ± 0.018, 3.5%; OT: 0.255 ± 0.022 vs. 0.268 ± 0.018, 4.9%) and lower mean RTAP (OR: 5.919 ± 0.529 vs. 6.216 ± 0.489, 4.8%; OT: 4.089 ± 0.402 vs. 4.280 ± 0.353, 4.5%), with higher mean ODI in the OT (0.448 ± 0.029 vs. 0.433 ± 0.025, 3.5%). Combined models, incorporating these MRI metrics, effectively discriminated POAG from HCs, achieving AUCs of 0.84 for OR and 0.83 for OT.

Data Conclusions

DSI‐derived morphology and diffusion metrics demonstrated macro‐ and micro abnormalities in the visual pathway, providing insights into POAG‐related neurodegeneration.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Loss of collagen content is localized near cartilage lesions on the day of injurious loading and intensified on day 12
Authors: Hamada Moustafa , Eskelinen Atte S. A. , Florea Cristina , Mikkonen Santtu , Nieminen Petteri , Grodzinsky Alan J. , Tanska Petri , Korhonen Rami K.
Published: September 2024

Joint injury can lead to articular cartilage damage, excessive inflammation, and post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Collagen is an essential component for cartilage function, yet current literature has limited understanding of how biochemical and biomechanical factors contribute to collagen loss in injured cartilage. Our aim was to investigate spatially dependent changes in collagen content and collagen integrity of injured cartilage, with an explant model of early‐stage PTOA. We subjected calf knee cartilage explants to combinations of injurious loading (INJ), interleukin‐1α‐challenge (IL) and physiological cyclic loading (CL). Using Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy, collagen content (Amide I band) and collagen integrity (Amide II/1338 cm−1 ratio) were estimated on days 0 and 12 post‐injury. We found that INJ led to lower collagen content near lesions compared to intact regions on day 0 (p < 0.001). On day 12, near‐lesion collagen content was lower compared to day 0 (p < 0.05). Additionally, on day 12, INJ, IL, and INJ + IL groups exhibited lower collagen content along most of tissue depth compared to free‐swelling control group (p < 0.05). CL groups showed higher collagen content along most of tissue depth compared to corresponding groups without CL (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed higher MMP‐1 and MMP‐3 staining intensities localized within cell lacunae in INJ group compared to CTRL group on day 0. Our results suggest that INJ causes rapid loss of collagen content near lesions, which is intensified on day 12. Additionally, CL could mitigate the loss of collagen content at intact regions after 12 days.
Factors associated with loss and recovery of smell and taste after COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Razura Diego E. , Badash Ido , Wrobel Bozena , Hur Kevin
Published: September 2024

Objective

To identify predictors associated with loss and recovery of smell and taste after COVID‐19 infection.

Methods

The Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) 2021 National Health Interview Series (NHIS) database was used to analyze factors associated with loss and recovery of smell and taste in respondents who had a previous COVID‐19 infection. Significant variables from univariate analysis were included in a stepwise backward regression model to identify independent predictors.

Results

Of the 3844 individuals who answered yes to having contracted COVID‐19, 51.1% and 48.9% reported losing smell and taste, respectively. 95.7% recovered smell and 97% recovered taste. Predictors associated with higher odds of reporting a loss of smell included younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–0.99), female sex (OR 1.38; CI 1.17–1.63), use of e‐cigarettes (OR 1.59; CI 1.25–2.02), and Mexican ethnicity (OR 1.61; CI 1.22–2.11). Predictors of taste loss were younger age (OR 0.98; CI 0.98–0.99), female sex (OR 1.31; CI 1.08–1.58), and higher BMI (OR 1.02; CI 1.00–1.04). Female sex was associated with decreased odds of reporting a recovery of smell (OR 0.74; CI 0.59–0.92) and taste (OR 0.54; CI 0.42–0.69). Black/African American race (OR 1.44; CI 1.03–2.03) and non‐Mexican Hispanic ethnicities (OR 1.55; CI 1.02–2.34) were associated with an increased likelihood of reporting the recovery of smell.

Conclusion

Various factors may be associated with the loss and recovery of smell and taste after COVID‐19 infections. Clinicians may use this information to better counsel patients with these symptoms.

Level of evidence

4.
Development of Figure‐of‐Nine Laser Cavity for Mode‐Locked Fiber Lasers: A Review
Authors: Lau Kuen Yao , Luo Zhichao , Lin Jinwen , Xu Beibei , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong
Published: September 2024

Artificial saturable absorbers (SA) are nonlinear optical devices widely employed in mode‐locked lasers. Among the artificial SAs are nonlinear polarization evolution (NPE) and nonlinear amplifying loop mirrors that can work in either figure‐of‐eight (Fo8) or figure‐of‐nine (Fo9) laser cavities. The NPE technique is highly sensitive to environmental perturbations. Both Fo8 and Fo9 laser cavities exhibit a higher environmental stability than the NPE technique. Here the recent advances of the Fo9 laser cavity, with a focus on the pulse formation mechanisms and the role of different cavity parameters that can enable ultrafast mode‐locking analyses are discussed. Besides, the recent development of using the Fo9 laser cavity to generate high‐energy rectangular laser pulses through either dissipative soliton resonance or noise‐like pulse regimes is also reviewed. In conclusion, the current issues and challenges of pulse formation through the Fo9 laser cavity are highlighted and recommendations for future research directions are proposed. This review is expected to provide a deeper insight into the Fo9 laser cavity as the next generation of artificial SA with interesting cavity structures, laser features, and output performances.
Development of Specially Designed Nanoparticle‐coated 3D‐printed Gelatin Methacryloyl Patches for Potential Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Bedir Tuba , Baykara Dilruba , Sahin Ali , Senel Ilkay , Kaya Elif , Tinaz Gulgun Bosgelmez , Gunduz Oguzhan , Ustundag Cem Bulent
Published: September 2024

Tympanic membrane (TM) perforation is a serious ear discomfort that can cause hearing loss and make the middle ear vulnerable to infections. In this study, a unique TM patch is designed to mimic the structure of the natural eardrum for tissue engineering of TM perforations. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)‐based TM patches are equipped with microneedles (MNs) to better adhere to the perforation site and developed using the digital light processing (DLP) based 3D printing technique. To impart biofunctionality to the 3D‐printed patches, their surfaces are coated with gentamicin (GEN) loaded poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanoparticles (NPs) using the Electrohydrodynamic Atomization (EHDA) method. The physicochemical characteristics, drug release behaviour, antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility of GelMA, PVA NP‐coated GelMA, and GEN@PVA NP‐coated GelMA patches are investigated. Morphological analyses confirmed that 3D‐printed GelMA patches are fabricated in desired sizes and geometries and successfully coated with NPs. In vitro antibacterial tests revealed that GEN@PVA NP‐coated GelMA patches have antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Moreover, in vitro cell culture studies indicated that all GelMA‐based patches have no cytotoxic effect on L929 mouse fibroblast cells. Considering all, these specially designed biofunctional 3D‐printed GelMA patches can be an effective therapeutic approach for repairing TM perforations.
Tensile and Elastocaloric Properties of Natural/Devulcanized Waste Rubber Blends
Authors: Lewandowski Agathe , Candau Nicolas , Maspoch María Lluisa
Published: September 2024

The need for eco‐friendly cooling materials and material recycling are two urgent challenges to address. In this paper, the role of the ground tyre rubber treatment (cryo‐grinding and devulcanization) is investigated on the tensile and elastocaloric properties of Natural rubber (NR)/ ground tyre rubber (GTR). The GTR particles that are sieved (<63µm) and devulcanized by microwave irradiation (1 min at 800Watts) exhibit a low network chain density (0.53 × 10−4 mol.cm−3) resulting from crosslinks breakage and rubber chains scission, as supported by FTIR showing a decrease of S─S, C─S, and C─C bonds. The NR/GTR blends show a high elastocaloric effect as compared to the pristine NR, which can be ascribed to the high content of carbon black in the GTR (52 wt.%) and also the high level of devulcanization of the GTR. NR/GTR blends reach a heating of +8 °C and a cooling of >−6 °C, resulting in a material's coefficient of performance COPmat = 2.8–3 compared to 2.6 for the pristine NR. The concomitant effect of cryogrinding and microwave devulcanization is proposed as a way to improve the tensile and elastocaloric properties of natural rubber/waste rubber blends for their possible integration into elastocaloric devices for heating/cooling applications.
Polyelectrolyte Complex Coated Cotton Fabrics with Hydrophobicity, Antibacterial Activity, and Flame Retardancy
Authors: Deng Jinni , Zhang Jin , Li Jianfeng , He Jialin , Sun Guoxing , Wang Ting , An Wenli , Fu Zhicheng , Zhao Haibo , Chen Mingjun
Published: September 2024

Cotton fabrics with the main constituent of cellulose, which is hydrophilic, bacterial infected, and flammable, are in urgent need of functionalization as a kind of widely applied material. To address these issues, in this work, modified polyelectrolyte complex (MPEC) coatings with polyethylenimine (PEI), polyphosphate (APP), and perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane modified PEI (PFTS‐PEI) are prepared to construct multi‐functionally gradient MPEC coatings on cotton fabrics. Stability and synergistic effects on hydrophobicity, antibacterial activity, and flame retardancy in this system have been studied. Notably, PFTS‐PEI with fluorine and silicone elements are confirmed to provide hydrophobicity and durability for MPEC coatings, which not only has no negative effect on other functions but also makes some improvement in antibacterial activity. This MPEC‐treated cotton fabric finally has an antibacterial rate against S. aureus and E. coli of 99.9% and 96.9%, limiting oxygen index of 28.5% and water contact angle of 118°, which can be almost maintained after 20 times washing. The modified PEC will provide an efficient strategy to achieve durable multi‐functions on cellulose‐based fabrics.