bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of unsoluble corrosion products of WE43 alloys in vitro on macrophages
Authors: Dong Li , Shen Zhiyuan , Zhang Huidi , Zhang Binmei , Zhou Yinze , Lv Xin , Hong Xiaojian , Liu Jiaren , Yang Wei
Published: September 2023

Magnesium alloys have been used to manufacture biodegradable implants, bone graft substitutes, and cardiovascular stents. WE43 was the most widely used magnesium alloy. The degradation process begins when the magnesium alloy stent is implanted in the body and comes into contact with body fluid. The degradation products include hydrogen, Mg2+, local alkaline environment, and unsoluble products. A large number of studies focused on Mg2+ and pH in vitro, and in vivo of magnesium alloys, but few studies on unsoluble corrosion products (UCPs). In this study, UCPs of WE43 alloy were prepared by immersion in vitro, and their effects on macrophages were investigated. The results showed that the unsoluble corrosion products were Mg24Y5, Mg12YNd, and MgCO3·3H2O, which were dose‐dependent on the apoptosis and necrosis of macrophages. After phagocytosis of UCPs, macrophages mainly metabolize in lysosome, and autophagy also participates in the metabolism of UCPs. It also decreases mitochondrial membrane potential and increases lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and P2X7 receptor activation. These will increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, activating NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscles, activating the downstream pro‐IL18 and pro‐IL1β, and converting it to IL‐18, and IL‐1β. However, its pro‐inflammatory effect is far lower than that of the classical Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pro‐inflammatory pathway. This work has increased our understanding of magnesium alloy metabolism and provides new ideas for the clinical application of magnesium alloys.
Mesenchymal stem cells and ovarian cancer: Is there promising news?
Authors: Jahani Saleheh , Zare Nabi , Mirzaei Yousef , Arefnezhad Reza , Zarei Hooman , Goleij Pouya , Bagheri Nader
Published: September 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) is described as a heterogeneous complex condition with high mortality, weak prognosis, and late‐stage presentation. OC has several subgroups based on different indices, like the origin and histopathology. The current treatments against OC include surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy; however, these methods have represented diverse side effects without enough effectiveness on OC. Recently, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based therapy has acquired particular attention for treating diverse problems, such as cancer. These multipotent stem cells can be obtained from different sources, such as the umbilical cord, adipose tissues, bone marrow, and placenta, and their efficacy has been investigated against OC. Hence, in this narrative review, we aimed to review and discuss the present studies about the effects of various sources of MSCs on OC with a special focus on involved mechanisms.
Oncogenic miR‐1825 promotes head and neck carcinogenesis via targeting FREM1
Authors: Capik Ozel , Gundogdu Betul , Tatar Arzu , Sahin Abdulkadir , Chen Fengju , Creighton Chad J. , Karatas Omer Faruk
Published: September 2023

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignant cancer type worldwide. Although the therapeutic modalities currently used for patients with HNSCC improved in recent decades, HNSCC prognosis is still poor. Therefore, it is an urgent necessity to understand the pathogenesis of HNSCC, to develop novel and effective treatment strategies, and to characterize and identify the oncogenes that are responsible for an aggressive HNSCC phenotype. In this study, we aimed to better understand the roles of miR‐1825 in the pathogenesis of HNSCC. We examined the impacts of miR‐1825 deregulation on the cancer‐associated phenotypes using in vitro tests evaluating cell viability, clonogenicity, cell migration, invasion, apoptosis, and stem cell characteristics. In addition, we investigated the effects of miR‐1825 overexpression on the tumor formation capacity of head and neck cancer cells in vivo using nude mice. We searched for potential targets of miR‐1825 using microarray analysis and luciferase assay. We found that miR‐1825 expression is upregulated in head and neck cells and clinical tumor samples in comparison to corresponding controls, where it potentially acts as an oncogene. We, then, showed that ectopic miR‐1825 overexpression promotes cellular phenotypes related to head and neck cancer progression in vitro and has a stimulating potential on cancer formation in vivo. We also identified FREM1 as a direct target of miR‐1825 and demonstrated its reduced expression in HNSCC samples using immunohistochemistry analysis. Collectively, we suggest that the miR‐1825/FREM1 axis serves as an important mediator of HNSCC development, where miR‐1825 acts as an oncogene.
β‐catenin inhibitor ICG‐001 suppress cell cycle progression and induce autophagy in endometrial cancer cells
Authors: Hsin I‐Lun , Wu Pei‐Ju , Tang Sheau‐Chung , Ou Chu‐Chyn , Chang Hui‐Yi , Shen Huang‐Pin , Ko Jiunn‐Liang , Wang Po‐Hui
Published: September 2023

The incidence of endometrial cancer has been rising in recent years. Gene mutation and high protein expression of β‐catenin are commonly detected in endometrioid endometrial cancer. ICG‐001 is a β‐catenin inhibitor via blocking the complex formation of β‐catenin and cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB)‐binding protein (CBP). This study aims to investigate the effect of ICG‐001 on endometrial cancer inhibition. First, endometrial carcinoma patient‐derived xenograft (PDX)‐derived organoids and primary cells were used to verify the inhibiting ability of ICG‐001 on endometrial cancer. Furthermore, endometrial cancer cell lines were used to investigate the anticancer mechanism of ICG‐001. Using MTT assay and tumor spheroid formation assay, ICG‐001 significantly reduced the cell viability of HEC‐59 and HEC‐1A cells. ICG‐001 enhanced cisplatin‐mediated cytotoxicity. ICG‐001 decreased cancer stem cell sphere formation. ICG‐001 decreased the protein expressions of CD44, hexokinase 2 (HK2), and cyclin A. ICG‐001 lowered the cell cycle progression by flow cytometer analysis. Autophagy, but no apoptosis, was activated by ICG‐001 in endometrial cancer cells. Autophagy inhibition by ATG5 silencing enhanced ICG‐001‐mediated suppression of cell viability, tumor spheroid formation, and protein expression of cyclin A and CD44. This study clarified the mechanism and revealed the clinical potential of ICG‐001 against endometrial cancer.
Research progress on the regulation of bone marrow stem cells by noncoding RNAs in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Li Meng‐Jun , Liang Zhuo‐Tao , Sun Yang , Li Jiong , Zhang Hong‐Qi , Deng Ang
Published: September 2023

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal deformity in young women, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. The primary pathogenic factors contributing to its development include genetics, abnormal bone metabolism, and endocrine factors. Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AIS by regulating its occurrence and progression. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are also involved in the pathogenesis of AIS, and their role in regulating BMSCs in patients with AIS requires further evaluation. In this review, we discuss the relevant literature regarding the osteogenic, chondrogenic, and lipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The corresponding mechanisms of ncRNA‐mediated BMSC regulation in patients with AIS, recent advancements in AIS and ncRNA research, and the importance of ncRNA translation profiling and multiomics are highlighted.
Effects of drinking water treatment residual amendments to biosolids on plant uptake of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Authors: Broadbent Emma , Gravesen Caleb , Choi Youn Jeong , Lee Linda , Wilson Patrick C. , Judy Jonathan D.
Published: September 2023

Drinking water treatment residuals (DWTRs), solid by‐products of drinking water treatment, are dominated by calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), or aluminum (Al), depending on the coagulant used. DWTRs are often landfilled, but current research is exploring options for beneficial reuse. Previous studies have shown that Al‐ and Fe‐rich materials have potential to reduce the mobility of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Here, we investigated how amending biosolids with 5% wt/wt DWTRs affected plant bioavailable PFAS in two different simulated scenarios: (1) agricultural scenario with Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) grown in soil amended with an agronomically relevant rate of DWTR‐amended biosolids (0.9% w/w, resulting in 0.045% w/w DWTR in the biosolids‐amended soil) and (2) mine reclamation scenario examining PFAS uptake by Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) grown in soil that received DWTR‐amended biosolids amendment at a rate consistent with the mine remediation (13% w/w, resulting in 0.65% w/w DWTR in the biosolids‐amended soil). Amending biosolids with Ca‐DWTR significantly reduced perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) uptake in ryegrass and perfluorohexanoic acid uptake in tomatoes, possibly due to DWTR‐induced pH elevation, while Fe‐DWTR amendment reduced PFBA bioaccumulation in ryegrass. The Al‐DWTR did not induce a significant reduction in accumulated PFAS compared to controls. Although the reasons for this finding are unclear, the relatively low PFAS concentrations in the biosolids and relatively high Al content in the biosolids and soil may be partially responsible.
Low‐dose gemcitabine plus nab‐paclitaxel versus standard‐dose gemcitabine plus nab‐paclitaxel in elderly patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer: A randomized Phase II trial
Authors: Kamata Ken , Imai Hajime , Matsumoto Hisakazu , Yamashita Yukitaka , Kato Takao , Nishi Katsuhisa , Omoto Shunsuke , Minaga Kosuke , Yamao Kentaro , Hyodo Tomoko , Im Sung‐Woon , Hara Akane , Yoshikawa Tomoe , Ishikawa Rei , Okamoto Ayana , Yamazaki Tomohiro , Nakai Atsushi , Ueshima Kazuomi , Chiba Yasutaka , Takenaka Mamoru , Watanabe Tomohiro , Kitano Masayuki , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim

A multicenter, open‐label randomized Phase II trial was conducted to determine whether low‐dose gemcitabine plus nab‐paclitaxel (GnP) could improve tolerability and show equivalent efficacy to the standard‐dose GnP for elderly patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Consecutive patients aged ≥65 years with metastatic pancreatic cancer who presented at one of four Japanese referral centers between November 2016 and January 2021 were enrolled. The 60 patients were randomly assigned to low‐ or standard‐dose groups with a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the low‐dose GnP group received gemcitabine at a dose of 250 mg/m2 and nab‐paclitaxel at 125 mg/m2.

Results

Low‐dose GnP significantly decreased the rate of cases requiring dose reduction (16.7% vs 63.3%). The response rate (36.7% vs 33.3%) and progression‐free survival (7.3 vs 8 months) were comparable between the low‐ and standard‐dose groups as determined by independent review. The difference in the median overall survival between the two groups was not significant (7.9 vs 12 months). The proportion of patients with hematologic and non‐hematologic treatment‐related adverse events was comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Low‐dose GnP had an equivalent efficacy to conventional therapy; however, it did not reduce adverse events.
Patterns description of hyperostosis observed in Atlantic moonfish Selene setapinnis and lookdown Selene vomer
Authors: Tuna Fernando A. P. , Calixto Flávia A. A. , Luz Marcelline , Mesquita Eliana F. M.
Published: September 2023

Hyperostosis manifests itself and develops differently in taxonomically related species. Radiographic images of individuals belonging to different size classes of Atlantic Moonfish Selene setapinnis and Lookdown Selene vomer were obtained from two different estuarine areas of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. In S. setapinnis, hyperostosis occurred in 65.22% of the specimens analyzed in three different skeletal regions. All specimens of S. vomer had hyperostosis in four regions. Patterns of occurrence were detected in both species, and the affected regions did not coincide in the same bone region, except for the cleithrum. Hyperostosis in S. setapinnis were observed in high frequencies of seventh dorsal pterygiophore, whereas in specimens of S. vomer this condition was detected to a greater extent in the neural spines of the second abdominal vertebra and first to third caudal vertebrae. The data demonstrated a relationship between the sexual maturity and the occurrence and development of hyperostotic bones in ageing process of individuals. It is the first description of S. vomer with a hyperostosis phenomenon for the species on the Brazilian coast.
Value of Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping in Clinical Neuroradiology
Authors: Fushimi Yasutaka , Nakajima Satoshi , Sakata Akihiko , Okuchi Sachi , Otani Sayo , Nakamoto Yuji
Published: September 2023

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is a unique technique for providing quantitative information on tissue magnetic susceptibility using phase image data. QSM can provide valuable information regarding physiological and pathological processes such as iron deposition, hemorrhage, calcification, and myelin. QSM has been considered for use as an imaging biomarker to investigate physiological status and pathological changes. Although various studies have investigated the clinical applications of QSM, particularly regarding the use of QSM in clinical practice, have not been examined well. This review provides on an overview of the basics of QSM and its clinical applications in neuroradiology.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Sensitivity analysis of a layered piezoelectric system using ZFEM
Authors: Acosta Carlos , Bhalla Amar , Guo Ruyan
Published: September 2023

The complex variable finite element method (ZFEM) is a numerical technique which aims to find the partial derivatives of the independent variables with respect to variation in dependent parameters declared in the physics. This is done by combining the complex Taylor series expansion within the weak formulation of the governing equation in a coupled system of linear equations forming a complex valued block matrix given by the Cauchy–Riemann matrix representation. In this work, two‐dimensional linear first‐order elements have been implemented in ZFEM to predict the design derivatives of the mechanical displacement field and the voltage potential field for a layered piezoelectric system in a steady‐state study with Dirichlet boundary condition applied at the top and bottom edges of the geometry. This approach allows the standard FEM solution to quantify the sensitivity of the mechanical displacement and voltage potential fields with respect to small variations in the material properties through the information obtained from the computation of the derivatives. The domain is formed by a layered body with PZT‐4 and PZT‐5 stacked together. For result verification, the numerical solution obtained with ZFEM was compared to results from a commercial FEM package and the solution from the imaginary part was compared to the exact solution of a well‐known benchmark problem. Comparison of the results showed good agreement for both the real and imaginary parts of the solution and the largest sensitivities were found in PZT‐5 specifically in , , and .
Preclinical to clinical translation for intervertebral disc repair: Effects of species‐specific scale, metabolism, and matrix synthesis rates on cell‐based regeneration
Authors: McDonnell Emily E. , Wilson Niamh , Barcellona Marcos N. , Ní Néill Tara , Bagnall Jessica , Brama Pieter A. J. , Cunniffe Gráinne M. , Darwish Stacey L. , Butler Joseph S. , Buckley Conor T.
Published: September 2023

Background

A significant hurdle for potential cell‐based therapies is the subsequent survival and regenerative capacity of implanted cells. While many exciting developments have demonstrated promise preclinically, cell‐based therapies for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration fail to translate equivalent clinical efficacy.

Aims

This work aims to ascertain the clinical relevance of both a small and large animal model by experimentally investigating and comparing these animal models to human from the perspective of anatomical scale and their cellular metabolic and regenerative potential.

Materials and Methods

First, this work experimentally investigated species‐specific geometrical scale, native cell density, nutrient metabolism, and matrix synthesis rates for rat, goat, and human disc cells in a 3D microspheroid configuration. Second, these parameters were employed in silico to elucidate species‐specific nutrient microenvironments and predict differences in temporal regeneration between animal models.

Results

This work presents in silico models which correlate favorably to preclinical literature in terms of the capabilities of animal regeneration and predict that compromised nutrition is not a significant challenge in small animal discs. On the contrary, it highlights a very fine clinical balance between an adequate cell dose for sufficient repair, through de novo matrix deposition, without exacerbating the human microenvironmental niche.

Discussion

Overall, this work aims to provide a path towards understanding the effect of cell injection number on the nutrient microenvironment and the “time to regeneration” between preclinical animal models and the large human IVD. While these findings help to explain failed translation of promising preclinical data and the limited results emerging from clinical trials at present, they also enable the research field and clinicians to manage expectations on cell‐based regeneration.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this work provides a platform to inform the design of clinical trials, and as computing power and software capabilities increase in the future, it is conceivable that generation of patient‐specific models could be used for patient assessment, as well as pre‐ and intraoperative planning.
Quantification of short‐term transformations of proglacial landforms in a temperate, debris‐charged glacial landsystem, Kvíárjökull, Iceland
Authors: Śledź Szymon , Ewertowski Marek W. , Evans David J. A.
Published: September 2023

Proglacial areas are dynamic landscapes and important indicators of geomorphic changes related to climate warming. Systematic and repeat surveys of landforms presently evolving on glacier forelands facilitate the quantification of rates of change and an improved understanding of the processes generating those changes. We report short‐term (2014–2022) transformations of the proglacial landscape in front of Kvíárjökull, SE Iceland, and place them in a longer‐term context of glacial landsystem evolution using aerial image archives since 1945. Short‐term quantification uses a time series of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys, processed utilizing a structure‐from‐motion (SfM) workflow, to produce digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthophoto mosaics. The land elements surveyed include a kame terrace staircase, an outwash plain, an ice‐cored hummocky moraine complex and ice‐cored hummocky terrain with discontinuous sinuous ridges, for which elevation and volumetric changes are quantified. The kame terraces between 2014 and 2022 and the outwash plain between 2016 and 2022 were mainly stable with, respectively, 87% and 85% of their surfaces showing no change. The ice‐cored hummocky terrain with discontinuous sinuous ridges underwent a volume loss of 64,632 m3 in 2016–2022, with a maximum surface lowering of ≤9 m. The most dynamic land element was the ice‐cored hummocky moraine complex, with transformations recorded for more than 87% of its area in 2014–2022; the surface was lowered by ≤23 m in some places, with a total volume loss of 365,773 m3. Our results confirm the ongoing degradation of ice‐cored moraine and outwash complexes at variable rates related to buried ice volume and age of deglaciation. The evolution of chaotic hummocky terrain from debris‐covered glacier ice, glacitectonic thrust masses, outwash fans/heads and complex englacial esker networks is an important modern analogue for informing palaeoglaciological reconstructions.
Phytoplankton as indicators of global warming?
Authors: Cloern James E. , Schraga Tara S. , Nejad Erica , Eddy Taylor
Published: September 2023

Terrestrial plants are sensitive indicators of global warming because their annual cycles of growth and senescence are changing as warming proceeds. Single celled algae are distinct life forms capable of population bursts in any season, so there is uncertainty about phytoplankton phenology as a comparable indicator of global warming. We analyzed 4+ decades of monthly chlorophyll a measurements at two sites in San Francisco Bay and found abrupt shifts during summer months leading to a 48‐day advance in the annual pattern of chlorophyll‐a accumulation at one site and a 36‐day delay at the other. These large phenological changes were not associated with changing temperature, but they were associated with changes in top–down control by bivalve filter feeders as biological communities were restructured by (1) introduction of a non‐native clam, and (2) a shift in atmospheric forcing of the NE Pacific. This study illustrates that changes in phytoplankton phenology are not necessarily responses to or indicators of global warming. However, they can be indicators of human disturbances and natural climate oscillations having effects large enough to mask the effect of climate warming.
Technical note: Clinical evaluation of a newly released surface‐guided radiation therapy system on DIBH for left breast radiation therapy
Authors: Zhao Hui , Sarkar Vikren , Paxton Adam , Huang Y. Jessica , Haacke Christine , Price Ryan G. , Frances Su Fan‐Chi , Szegedi Martin , Rassiah Prema , Salter Bill
Published: September 2023

Background

It has been shown that a significant reduction of mean heart dose and left anterior descending artery (LAD) dose can be achieved through the use of DIBH for left breast radiation therapy. Surface‐guided DIBH has been widely adopted during the last decade, and there are mainly three commercially available SGRT systems. The reports of the performance of a newly released SGRT system for DIBH application are currently very limited.

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical performance of a newly released SGRT system on DIBH for left breast radiation therapy.

Methods

Twenty‐five left breast cancer patients treated with DIBH utilizing Varian's Identify system were included (total 493‐fraction treatments). Four aspects of the clinical performance were evaluated: Identify offsets of free breathing post patient setup from tattoos, Identify offsets during DIBH, Identify agreement with radiographic ports during DIBH, and DIBH reference surface re‐capture post patient shifts. The systematic and random errors of free breathing Identify offsets post patient setup were calculated for each patient, as well as for offsets during DIBH. Radiographic ports were taken when the patient's DIBH position was within the clinical tolerance of (± 0.3 cm, ± 30), and these were then compared with treatment field DRRs. If the ports showed that the patient alignment did not agree with the DRRs within 3 mm, a patient shift was performed. A new reference surface was captured and verification ports were taken.

Results

The all‐patient average systematic and random errors of Identify offsets for free breathing were within (0.4 cm, 1.50) post tattoo setup. The maximum per‐patient systematic and random errors were (1.1 cm, 6.20) and (0.9 cm, 20), and the maximum amplitude of Identify offsets were (2.59 cm, 90). All 493‐fraction DIBH treatments were delivered and successfully guided by the Identify SGRT system. The systematic and random errors of Identify offsets for DIBH were within (0.2 cm, 2.30). Seven patients needed re‐captured surface references due to surface variation or position shifts based on the ports. All patient DIBH verification ports guided by Identify were approved by attending physicians.

Conclusion

This evaluation showed that the Identify system performed effectively for surface‐guided patient setup and surface‐guided DIBH imaging and treatment delivery. The feature of color‐coded real‐time patient surface matching feedback facilitated the evaluation of the patient alignment accuracy and the adjustment of the patient position to match the reference.
Robust mixed electron‐photon radiation therapy planning for soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Heng Veng Jean , Serban Monica , Renaud Marc‐André , Freeman Carolyn , Seuntjens Jan
Published: September 2023

Background

Mixed electron‐photon beam radiation therapy (MBRT) is an emerging technique in which external electron and photon beams are simultaneously optimized into a single treatment plan. MBRT exploits the steep dose falloff and high surface dose of electrons while maintaining target conformity by leveraging the sharp penumbra of photons.

Purpose

This study investigates the dosimetric benefits of MBRT for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients.

Material and methods

A retrospective cohort of 22 STS of the lower extremity treated with conventional photon‐based Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) were replanned with MBRT. Both VMAT and MBRT treatments were planned on the Varian TrueBeam linac using the Millenium multi‐leaf collimator. No electron applicator, cutout or additional collimating devices were used for electron beams of MBRT plans. MBRT plans were optimized to use a combination of 6 MV photons and five electron energies (6, 9, 12, 16, 20 MeV) by a robust column generation algorithm. Electron beams in this study were planned at standard 100 cm source‐axis distance (SAD). The dose to the clinical target volume (CTV), bone, normal tissue strip and other organs‐at‐risk (OARs) were compared using a Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

As part of the original VMAT treatment, tissue‐equivalent bolus was required in 10 of the 22 patients. MBRT plans did not require bolus by virtue of the higher electron entrance dose. CTV coverage by the prescription dose was found to be clinically equivalent between plans of either modality: (MBRT) = 97.9 ± 0.2% versus (VMAT) = 98.1 ± 0.6% (p=0.34). Evaluating the absolute paired difference between doses to OARs in MBRT and VMAT plans, we observed lower to normal tissue in MBRT plans by 14.9 ± 3.2% (). Similarly, to bone was found to be decreased by 8.2 ± 4.0% () of the bone volume.

Conclusion

For STS with subcutaneous involvement, MBRT offers statistically significant sparing of OARs without sacrificing target coverage when compared to VMAT. MBRT plans are deliverable on conventional linacs without the use of electron applicators, shortened source‐to‐surface distance (SSD) or bolus. This study shows that MBRT is a logistically feasible technique with clear dosimetric benefits.
Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesives Compared With Sutures on Facial and Neck Wounds: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Charoenlux Prapitphan , Utoomprurkporn Nattawan , Seresirikachorn Kachorn
Published: September 2023

Objective

To compare the effectiveness between cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives (CTAs) and sutures for skin closure on the face and neck.

Data Sources

Embase, Medline, Scopus, Central, Web of Science.

Review Methods

Randomized controlled trials comparing CTAs versus sutures for skin closure on the face and neck were included. Primary outcomes were cosmetic outcomes. Secondary outcomes were scar depth, scar width, pain, closure time, cost, and adverse events. Subgroup analyses were performed by wound locations, type of CTAs, type of sutures, age groups, and type of wounds. Physicians and patients evaluated the cosmetic outcomes.

Results

Eighteen studies (1020 patients) were included. CTAs offered better cosmetic outcomes by Wound Registry Scale at ≤1 month (physician: mean difference [MD]: −1.50, 95% confidence interval, CI: −2.42 to −0.58). The cosmetic outcomes assessed by Visual Analog Scale were comparable at >1 to ≤3 months (physicians: standard mean difference [SMD], −0.01, 95% CI, −0.25 to 0.23, patients: SMD, −0.02, 95% CI, −0.84 to 0.79). The cosmetic outcomes by the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale favored sutures at >3 to 12 months (physician: MD 4.26, 95% CI, 2.02‐6.50). Subgroup analyses revealed no differences. CTAs offered less scar depth, scar width, pain, closure time, and total cost of closure. Adverse events were similar.

Conclusion

Based on the wound healing process, the cosmetic outcomes exhibited a favorable inclination toward CTAs at <1 month while demonstrating comparable results between CTAs and sutures at >1 to ≤3 months. Subsequently, sutures exhibited superior cosmetic outcomes compared to CTAs at >3 to 12 months.
Single‐cell profiling identifies distinct hormonal, immunologic, and inflammatory signatures of endometriosis‐constituting cells
Authors: Shin Sun , Chung Youn‐Jee , Moon Seong Won , Choi Eun Ji , Kim Mee‐Ran , Chung Yeun‐Jun , Lee Sug Hyung
Published: September 2023

Endometriosis consists of ectopic endometrial epithelial cells (EEECs) and ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EESCs) mixed with heterogeneous stromal cells. To address how endometriosis‐constituting cells are different from normal endometrium and among endometriosis subtypes and how their molecular signatures are related to phenotypic manifestations, we analyzed ovarian endometrial cyst (OEC), superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SPE), and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) from 12 patients using single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq). We identified 11 cell clusters, including EEEC, EESC, fibroblasts, inflammatory/immune, endothelial, mesothelial, and Schwann cells. For hormonal signatures, EESCs, but not EEECs, showed high estrogen signatures (estrogen response scores and HOXA downregulation) and low progesterone signatures (DKK1 downregulation) compared to normal endometrium. In EEECs, we found MUC5B+ TFF3low cells enriched in endometriosis. In lymphoid cells, evidence for both immune activation (high cytotoxicity in NK) and exhaustion (high checkpoint genes in NKT and cytotoxic T) was identified in endometriosis. Signatures and subpopulations of macrophages were remarkably different among endometriosis subtypes with increased monocyte‐derived macrophages and IL1B expression in DIE. The scRNA‐seq predicted NRG1 (macrophage)‐ERBB3 (Schwann cell) interaction in endometriosis, expressions of which were validated by immunohistochemistry. Myofibroblast subpopulations differed according to the location (OECs from fibroblasts and SPE/DIEs from mesothelial cells and fibroblasts). Endometriosis endothelial cells displayed proinflammation, angiogenesis, and leaky permeability signatures that were enhanced in DIE. Collectively, our study revealed that (1) many cell types—endometrial, lymphoid, macrophage, fibroblast, and endothelial cells—are altered in endometriosis; (2) endometriosis cells show estrogen responsiveness, immunologic cytotoxicity and exhaustion, and proinflammation signatures that are different in endometriosis subtypes; and (3) novel endometriosis‐specific findings of MUC5B+ EEECs, mesothelial cell‐derived myofibroblasts, and NRG1‐ERBB3 interaction may underlie the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Our results may help extend pathologic insights, dissect aggressive diseases, and discover therapeutic targets in endometriosis. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A unique coupling agent for elastomer nanocomposites with better carbon black dispersion for higher abrasion resistance and lower rolling resistance
Authors: Gao Jiaming , Xing Yihao , An Lu , Ye Xin , Yao Hong , Wang Hong , Wu Xiaohui , Zhang Liqun
Published: September 2023

Carbon black is a very important reinforcing agent for rubber, which can significantly improve rubber modulus, strength, and abrasion performance. However, there are defects such as large hysteresis loss, dynamic energy loss, and high heat build‐up by using carbon black to reinforce rubber. In this paper, a new silane coupling agent named M1 was prepared and introduced as the coupling agent of carbon black, and M1 modified carbon black was prepared. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer results demonstrated the successful modification and revealed the interaction mechanism between M1 and carbon black. The results showed that strong interfacial bonding can be generated between M1 and carbon black through physical and chemical interactions, thereby promoting the dispersion of carbon black in the rubber matrix. Then, carbon black/rubber nanocomposites were prepared with different amount of M1. Because M1 could improve the dispersion of carbon black in the rubber matrix, the carbon black/rubber nanocomposites with M1 have lower network and loss factor, lower rolling resistance, and higher abrasion resistance, which is ideal to manufacture green bus and truck tires for energy‐saving, environment‐friendly, and low‐carbon society.
Fine‐tuning in‐plane interdomain spacing of polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethene‐co‐butadiene)‐b‐polystyrene triblock copolymer adding monodisperse polystyrene
Authors: Almeida Juliana MP , Staffa Lucas H , Balogh Debora T , Carvalho Antonio JF
Published: September 2023

The influence of adding narrow molar mass distribution polystyrene (PS) homopolymer on the morphology and/or dewetting processing of polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethene‐co‐butadiene)‐b‐polystyrene triblock copolymer (SEBS) thin films was investigated. The addition of the homopolymer caused a transition from non‐straight ribbons (with regularly spaced necks) to a spherical microdomain structure for an amount of 75 vol% PS (SEBS/PS 1:3), which also shows an interdomain distance increase of three times with respect to the neat SEBS. This spacing and interdomain distance control coincides with the amount of homopolymer added in the blend. The blending with PS demonstrates an approach to fine‐tuning the block copolymer structure and tailoring in‐plane microdomain spacing. Smaller or higher amounts of PS changed the spontaneous patterned structure originally observed for the neat triblock copolymer, resulting in a non‐ordered microphase separation. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Kalium 3.0 is a comprehensive depository of natural, artificial, and labeled polypeptides acting on potassium channels
Authors: Krylov Nikolay A. , Tabakmakher Valentin M. , Yureva Daria A. , Vassilevski Alexander A. , Kuzmenkov Alexey I.
Published: September 2023

Here, we introduce the third release of Kalium database (http://kaliumdb.org/), a manually curated comprehensive depository that accumulates data on polypeptide ligands of potassium channels. The major goal of this amplitudinous update is to summarize findings for natural polypeptide ligands of K+ channels, as well as data for the artificial derivatives of these substances obtained over the decades of exploration. We manually analyzed more than 700 original manuscripts and systematized the information on mutagenesis, production of radio‐ and fluorescently labeled derivatives, and the molecular pharmacology of K+ channel ligands. As a result, data on more than 1200 substances were processed and added enriching the database content fivefold. We also included the electrophysiological data obtained on the understudied and neglected K+ channels including the heteromeric and concatenated channels. We associated target channels in Kalium with corresponding entries in the official database of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. Kalium was supplemented with an adaptive Statistics page, where users are able to obtain actual data output. Several other improvements were introduced, such as a color code to distinguish the range of ligand activity concentrations and advanced tools for filtration and sorting. Kalium is a fully open‐access database, crosslinked to other databases of interest. It can be utilized as a convenient resource containing ample up‐to‐date information about polypeptide ligands of K+ channels.
Use of plant viruses as bioherbicides: the first virus‐based bioherbicide and future opportunities
Authors: Charudattan Raghavan
Published: September 2023

Until recently, only a few plant viruses had been studied for use as biological control agents for weeds, but none had been developed into a registered bioherbicide. This position changed in 2014, when the US Environmental Protection Agency granted an unrestricted Section 3 registration for tobacco mild green mosaic virus (TMGMV) strain U2 as a herbicide active ingredient for a commercial bioherbicide (SolviNix LC). It is approved for the control of tropical soda apple (TSA, Solanum viarum), an invasive ‘noxious weed’ in the United States. TSA is a problematic weed in cattle pastures and natural areas in Florida. The TMGMV‐U2 product kills TSA consistently, completely, and within a few weeks after its application. It is part of the TSA integrated best management practice in Florida along with approved chemical herbicides and a classical biocontrol agent, Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). TMGMV is nonpathogenic and nontoxic to humans, animals, and other fauna, environmentally safe, and as effective as chemical herbicides. Unlike the insect biocontrol agent, TMGMV kills and eliminates the weed from fields and helps recycle the dead biomass in the soil. Here the discovery, proof of concept, mode of action, risk analyses, application methods and tools, field testing, and development of the virus as the commercial product are reviewed. Also reviewed here are the data and scientific justifications advanced to answer the concerns raised about the use of the virus as a herbicide. The prospects for discovery and development of other plant‐virus‐based bioherbicides are discussed. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of BiFeO3 Thickness on the Write‐Once‐Read‐Many‐Times Resistive Switching Behavior of Pt/BiFeO3/LaNiO3 Heterostructure
Authors: Fu Yajun , Tang Wei , Wang Jin , Cao Linhong
Published: September 2023

Thickness of the resistive switching materials is an essential factor to determine the integration density of resistive switching devices. Herein, the effect of the thickness of BFO on the write‐once‐read‐many‐times (WORM) resistive switching behavior of Pt/BFO/LNO‐based devices is investigated. The thicknesses of BFO thin films are controlled in the range of 70–220 nm. All the devices exhibit WORM resistive switching behavior with high ON/OFF ratio (≈10−2–10−4), long‐term data retention (>3600 s), and reliable endurance (>1000 cycles). The set voltages (Vset) of the devices exhibit an approximately linear relation to the BFO thicknesses, while the highest ON/OFF ratio appears in the device with BFO thickness of 150 nm. The thickness‐dependent resistive switching characteristic is attributed to the variation of oxygen vacancies and OFF state resistances with the increase of BFO thickness. The results underline the importance of the thickness of resistive switching materials for the future device applications.
Structures, Energies, and Electronic Properties of Low‐Index Surfaces of γ″‐Ni3Nb: A First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Hao Luyao , Chen Wenjin , Lei Xiaowei , Yao Wenjing , Wang Nan
Published: September 2023

First‐principles calculations are carried out to study the surface structure, energies, and electronic properties of Ni3Nb(100), Ni3Nb(001), and Ni3Nb(110) based on the density functional theory (DFT). The surface relaxation results reveal that the relaxations are mainly localized in the first and second atomic layer, and Ni3Nb(110)‐Ni experiences the largest surface relaxation (–16.95%), whereas Ni3Nb(001)‐NiNb undergoes smallest relaxations. The surface energies of nonstoichiometric surfaces present a linear relationship with the chemical potential of Ni (ΔμNi), while those of stoichiometric surface are independent of ΔμNi. Furthermore, Ni3Nb(001)–Ni and Ni3Nb(001)–NiNb are the most stable surfaces owing to their having the lowest surface energy in a wide range of ΔμNi, while the nonstoichiometric Ni3Nb(110)–Ni and Ni3Nb(110)–NiNb surfaces with the largest surface energies are the most unstable surfaces. The electronic structures of nonstoichiometric surfaces are different from that of the bulk Ni3Nb, whereas the effect of surface relaxation on the electronic properties of the stoichiometric surface is weak.
Wave propagation through a stationary field of clouds: A homogenisation approach
Authors: Goldsmith Edward J. , Esler James G.
Published: September 2023

The effect of a subgrid‐scale cloud field on the propagation of long atmospheric waves is investigated using a new scale‐consistent formulation based on the asymptotic theory of homogenisation. A key aim is to quantify potential model errors in wave propagation speeds, introduced by using averaged fields in place of the fully resolved circulation, in the setting of a simple stratified Boussinesq midlatitude ‐channel model. The effect of the cloud field, represented here by a random array of strongly nonlinear axisymmetric circulations, is found to appear in the large‐scale governing equations through new terms which redistribute the large‐scale buoyancy and horizontal momentum fields in the vertical. These new terms, which have the form of nonlocal integral operators, are linear in the cloud number density and are fully determined by the solution of a linear elliptic equation known as a cell problem. The cell problem in turn depends on the details of the nonlinear cloud circulations. The integral operators are calculated explicitly for example cloud fields and then dispersion relations are compared for different waves in the presence of clouds at realistic densities. The main finding is that baroclinic Rossby waves are significantly slowed and damped by the clouds, whilst inertia–gravity waves are affected almost exclusively by damping, most strongly at the lowest frequencies. In contrast, all waves with a barotropic structure are found to be almost unaffected by the presence of clouds, even at the highest realistic cloud densities. An important consequence of this study is a new approach to the closure of subgrid‐scale cloud fields in the parameterisation of convection in large‐scale atmospheric models.
The performance of hybrid and F12∗/F12c explicitly correlated coupled cluster methods for use in anharmonic vibrational frequency computations
Authors: Watrous Alexandria G. , Westbrook Brent R. , Fortenberry Ryan C.
Published: September 2023

A hybrid quartic force field approach produces the same accuracies as non‐hybrid methods but for less than one quarter of the computational time. This method utilizes explicitly correlated coupled cluster theory at the singles and doubles level inclusive of perturbative triples (CCSD(T)‐F12b) in conjunction with a triple‐ basis set, core electron correlation, and scalar relativity for the harmonic terms and CCSD(T)‐F12b with a valence double‐ basis set for the cubic and quartic terms. There is no sacrifice in the prediction of fundamental anharmonic vibrational frequencies or vibrationally‐averaged rotational constants as compared to experiment, but the time saved is notable. Other hybrid methods are examined involving different sizes of basis sets and composite terms included or excluded. Not one is more accurate; only one is faster. F12 (also called F12c) is tested as well, but it has an increase in computational time for no increase in accuracy. As such, this work reports a hybrid and composite approach (F12‐TcCR+DZ) in the computation of rovibrational spectral data which can be applied to the observation of novel molecules in the gas phase in the laboratory and potentially even in astrophysical environments.
Calculation of the moscovium ground‐state energy by quantum algorithms
Authors: Zaytsev V. A. , Groshev M. E. , Maltsev I. A. , Durova A. V. , Shabaev V. M.
Published: September 2023

We investigate the possibility to calculate the ground‐state energy of the atomic systems on a quantum computer. For this purpose we evaluate the lowest binding energy of the moscovium atom with the use of the iterative phase estimation and variational quantum eigensolver (VQE). The calculations by the VQE are performed with a disentangled unitary coupled cluster ansatz and with various types of hardware‐efficient ansatze. The optimization is performed with the use of the Adam and quantum natural gradients procedures. The scalability of the ansatze and optimizers is tested by increasing the size of the basis set and the number of active electrons. The number of gates required for the iterative phase estimation and VQE is also estimated.
Consensus of nonlinear multiagent systems with mode‐dependent delay via stochastic sampled data under Markovian switching topologies
Authors: Yang Jian , Wang JinRong , Fečkan Michal
Published: September 2023

In this article, we investigate the mean‐square consensus problem of multiagent systems with one leader and multiple followers. In consideration of the uncertain disturbance from external environment or internal change of system, the interaction topology and time‐varying delay switch randomly which are regulated by a time‐homogeneous Markovian chain. The distributed control protocol is designed based on the stochastic sampling information from its neighbors and the leader. Using stochastic Lyapunov theory and linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach, the sufficient condition is concluded to guarantee the mean‐square consensus. For the undirected topology case, a low‐dimensional LMI‐based consensus criterion is further derived based on the matrix diagonalization method. Finally, a numerical simulation is provided to demonstrate the reasonability of the theoretical results.
IBLF‐based lanes merging control for vehicle platoon with prescribed performances
Authors: Zhou Zepeng , Zhu Fanglai
Published: September 2023

The lanes merging control is discussed in this paper for the vehicle platoon while the distance as well as bearing angle constraints among the adjacent vehicles are considered. Differing from the existing strategies, some practical concerns are discussed and dealt with in the controller design. First, to lower the dependence on an accurate system model, an ultra‐local model‐based system description is given. Moreover, an adaptive sliding mode disturbance observer is hence constructed so as to offset the lumped disturbance in the newly transformed system. Second, we divide the multi‐lane fusion target into two parts, namely the distance keeping and bearing angle tracking. Specifically, the distance keeping rules are ensured by utilizing the interval expression‐based prescribed performance control and the newly designed time‐varying integral barrier Lyapunov function. As for the bearing angle tracking, the constraints on the bearing angle and the vehicle's angular velocity are guaranteed by the integral barrier Lyapunov function. In addition to these, the event‐triggered control scheme is also considered during the distance keeping and bearing angle tracking so as to reduce the communication burden. Finally, simulation results are provided to show the effectiveness of the given control strategy.