bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ovarian carcinoma immune‐related microRNA affects the heterogeneity of the endocrine microenvironment and anti‐tumor immune pattern
Authors: Gao Kefei , Wang Qing , Xiang Pan , Xiong Jian , Xu Xindi , Qin Lingshan , Sun Xiang , Fan Yue , Yue Chaomin
Published: October 2023

Background

The eighth‐leading cause of cancer‐related mortality and the seventh‐most prevalent malignancy in women globally is ovarian cancer (OV). However, 5‐year survival expectancy after conventional treatment is not good. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel signatures to guide the designation of therapeutic schemes for OV patients.

Methods

We used univariate Cox analysis to screen hormone secretion regulation axis‐related microRNAs (miRNAs), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis to select candidate miRNAs and multivariate Cox analysis to build the risk model. To evaluate possible route and functional differences, enrichment analysis using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across various risk groups. We compared Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores across risk categories by analyzing immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint gene expression, immunological function and TIDE scores. In the end, we determined the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of chemotherapy and targeted medicines for individual patients. Cell assays were determined to test the migration of the miRNA‐target genes and western blotting was used to test the correlation of the miRNA‐target genes and the pathways.

Results

We finally identified hormone secretion regulation axis‐related 13 microRNAs to build a risk model. The validation of observed and anticipated values revealed a fair level of agreement. To evaluate the molecular pathways between various groups in accordance with the GO and KEGG analyses, we then discovered 173 DEGs between distinct risk groups. The risk score was shown to be inversely related to the number of immune cells, including myeloid dendritic, granulocytes, M1 and M2 macrophages, B cells, t‐lymphocytes, and CD4+ and CD8+ cells, suggesting that immune cells are more frequent in the low‐risk group. Immune cell infiltration investigation yielded these results. Finally, we recognized 11 chemotherapeutic drugs and 30 novels targeted drugs on the basis of IC50 between the different risk groups. GJB5 was determined to be the mir‐219 target gene and was identified as promoting the cell cycle process. In addition, hormone secretion regulation axis related miRNAs were reported to affects the heterogeneity of endocrine microenvironment and anti‐tumor immune pattern.

Conclusions

In conclusion, a 13‐miRNA prognostic model was constructed to know the immune status, prognosis, immunotherapeutic response and anti‐tumor drug sensitivity for OV, which provides theoretical guidance for the effective and individualized treatment of OV patients.
Returning to employment following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant: A major problem among survivors
Authors: Filgueira Luis , Steinberg Amir , Mendonca Rochelle , Lim Seah H.
Published: October 2023

Quality of life (QoL) is an important aspect of cancer survivorship. One of the most acute problems that impact survivors in many aspects of activities of daily living and compromise their QoL is the inability to return to employment following successful cancer therapy. This is most prominent among survivors after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo‐HSCT). More than 50% of the survivors following allo‐HSCT remain unemployed one year after the procedure. This problem extends beyond the initial few years; unemployment rates among those who underwent allo‐HSCT during their childhoods or adolescence have remained high. The inability to return to employment imposes a financial burden. Survivors following allo‐HSCT also experience a multitude of chronic psychosocial complications that may be both contributing and consequential to the inability to return to employment. However, many transplant programs and cancer centers do not have return‐to‐employment programs. In this review paper, we discuss the prevalence of unemployment following allo‐HSCT. We examine the psychosocial symptoms experienced by survivors and how they may affect survivors’ ability to return to employment. Finally, we propose a multi‐disciplinary multi‐pronged occupation‐focused approach to address the complex and inter‐related psychosocial symptoms to help alleviate the problem.
A comparison of the prognostic performance of the Lugano 2014 and RECIL 2017 response criteria in patients with NHL from the phase III GOYA and GALLIUM trials
Authors: Kostakoglu Lale , Martelli Maurizio , Sehn Laurie H. , Davies Andrew , Trněný Marek , Herold Michael , Vitolo Umberto , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Trotman Judith , Knapp Andrea , Mattiello Federico , Nielsen Tina G. , Sahin Deniz , Sellam Gila , Ward Carol , Younes Anas
Published: October 2023

The Lugano 2014 criteria are the standard for response assessment in lymphoma. We compared the prognostic performance of Lugano 2014 and the more recently developed response evaluation criteria in lymphoma (RECIL 2017), which relies primarily on computed tomography and uses unidimensional measurements, in patients with previously untreated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) from the phase III GOYA and GALLIUM trials, respectively. Concordance between responses according to the Lugano 2014 and RECIL 2017 criteria was analyzed. Landmark analyses of progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by end of treatment (EOT) and end of induction (EOI) response status according to RECIL 2017 and Lugano 2014 criteria, and prognostic value of response at EOT/EOI were also compared. Overall, 1333 patients were included from GOYA and 502 from GALLIUM. Complete response (CR) status according to RECIL 2017 criteria showed high concordance with complete metabolic response (CMR) status by Lugano 2014 criteria in both GOYA (92.5%) and GALLIUM (92.4%). EOT and EOI CR/CMR status by both criteria was highly prognostic for PFS in GOYA (RECIL 2017 [CR]: hazard ratio [HR], 0.35 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26–0.46]; Lugano 2014 [CMR]: HR, 0.35 [95% CI 0.26–0.48]; both p < .0001) and GALLIUM (RECIL 2017 [CR]: HR, 0.35 [95% CI 0.23–0.53]; Lugano 2014 [CMR]: HR, 0.21 [95% CI 0.14–0.31]; both p < .0001). In conclusion, response categorization by RECIL 2017 is similar to that by Lugano 2014 criteria, with high concordance observed. Both were prognostic for PFS and OS.
Diastereoselective construction of carbazole‐based spiropyrrolidines and spiropyrrolizidines via cycloaddition reaction
Authors: Varadharajan Panneerselvi , Karikalan Shankar , Kumaresan Prabakaran
Published: October 2023

A series of new spiro heterocyclic compounds having carbazole and pyrrolidine units were successfully synthesized through a one‐pot, three component, 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction in good yields with high diastereoselectivity. Simple reaction, easily accessible chemicals, high yield and diastereoselective formation of monospiropyrrolidine and monospiropyrrolizidine carbazole derivatives in one step are some advantages of this method. The structure of the obtained products was characterized by using spectroscopic techniques.
Quantitative MRI of Gd‐DOTA Accumulation in the Mouse Brain After Intraperitoneal Administration: Validation by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tessier Anthony , Ruze Anthony J. , Varlet Isabelle , Laïb Estelle M.H. , Royer Emilien , Bernard Monique , Viola Angèle , Perles‐Barbacaru Teodora‐Adriana
Published: October 2023

Background

In mice, intraperitoneal (ip) contrast agent (CA) administration is convenient for mapping microvascular parameters over a long‐time window. However, continuous quantitative MRI of CA accumulation in brain over hours is still missing.

Purpose

To validate a quantitative time‐resolved MRI technique for mapping the CA kinetics in brain upon ip administration.

Study Type

Prospective, animal model.

Specimen

25 C57Bl/6JRj mice underwent MRI.

Field Strength/Sequence

7‐T, gradient echo sequence.

Assessment

Gd‐DOTA concentration was monitored by MRI (25 s/repetition) over 135 minutes with (N = 15) and without (N = 10) ip mannitol challenge (5 g/kg). After the final repetition, the brains were sampled to quantify gadolinium by mass spectrometry (MS). Upon manual brain segmentation, the average gadolinium concentration was compared with the MS quantification in transcardially perfused (N = 20) and unperfused (N = 5) mice. Precontrast T1‐maps were acquired in 8 of 25 mice.

Statistical Tests

One‐tailed Spearman and Pearson correlation between gadolinium quantification by MRI and by MS, D'Agostino‐Pearson test for normal distribution, Bland–Altman analysis to evaluate the agreement between MRI and MS. Significance was set at P‐value <0.05.

Results

MRI showed that ip administered CA reached the blood compartment (>5 mM) within 10 minutes and accumulated continuously for 2 hours in cerebrospinal fluid (>1 mM) and in brain tissue. The MRI‐derived concentration maps showed interindividual differences in CA accumulation (from 0.47 to 0.81 mM at 2 hours) with a consistent distribution resembling the pathways of the glymphatic system. The average in‐vivo brain concentration 2 hours post‐CA administration correlated significantly (r = 0.8206) with the brain gadolinium quantification by MS for N = 21 paired observations available.

Data Conclusion

The presented experimental and imaging protocol may be convenient for monitoring the spatiotemporal pattern of CA uptake and clearance in the mouse brain over 2 hours. The quantification of the CA from the MRI signal in brain is corroborated by MS.

Evidence Level

N/A

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
The Use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in the Identification of Acute Rejection and Chronic Allograft Nephropathy After Renal Transplantation
Authors: Jiang Bin , Yu Yixing , Wan Jiayi , Xu Rui , Ma Jiali , Tian Yangyang , Hu Linkun , Wu Peng , Hu Chunhong , Zhu Mo
Published: October 2023

Background

Identifying the cause of renal allograft dysfunction is important for the clinical management of kidney transplant recipients.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for identifying allografts with acute rejection (AR) and chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN).

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Seventy‐seven renal transplant patients (aged 42.5 ± 9.5 years), including 29 patients with well‐functioning stable allografts (Control group), 25 patients diagnosed with acute rejection (AR group), and 23 patients diagnosed with chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN group).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T/T2‐weighted imaging and DTI.

Assessment

The serum creatinine, proteinuria, pathologic results, and fractional anisotropy (FA) values were obtained and compared among the three groups.

Statistical Test

One‐way analysis of variance; correlation analysis; independent‐sample t‐test; intraclass correlation coefficients and receiver operating characteristic curves. Statistical significance was set to a P‐value <0.05.

Results

The AR and CAN groups presented with significantly elevated serum creatinine as compared with the Control group (191.8 ± 181.0 and 163.1 ± 115.8 μmol/L vs. 82.3 ± 20.9 μmol/L). FA decreased in AR group (cortical/medullary: 0.13 ± 0.02/0.31 ± 0.07) and CAN group (cortical/medullary: 0.11 ± 0.02/0.27 ± 0.06), compared with the Control group (cortical/medullary: 0.15 ± 0.02/0.35 ± 0.05). Cortical FA in the AR group was higher than in the CAN group. The area under the curve (AUC) for identifying AR from normal allografts was 0.756 and 0.744 by cortical FA and medullary FA, respectively. The AUC of cortical FA and medullary FA for differentiating CAN from normal allografts was 0.907 and 0.830, respectively. The AUC of cortical FA and medullary FA for distinguishing AR and CAN from normal allografts was 0.828 and 0.785, respectively. Cortical FA was able to distinguish between AR and CAN with an AUC of 0.728.

Data Conclusion

DTI was able to detect patients with dysfunctional allografts. Cortical FA can further distinguish between AR and CAN.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Withdrawal from 3‐Fluoroethamphetamine induces hyperactivity and depression‐like behaviors in male mice
Authors: Jo Cheolmin , Joo Hyejin , Lim Na Young , Park Su‐Jeong , Choi Sun Ok
Published: October 2023

3‐Fluoroethamphetamine (3‐FEA) belongs to the amphetamine class of stimulant drugs and functions as a releasing agent for the monoamine neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. 3‐FEA acts on the central nervous system and elicits physical and mental side effects, such as euphoria, increased heart rate, and excitement. However, little is known about the withdrawal symptoms and behavioral changes induced by 3‐FEA administration. This study aimed to evaluate the short‐term consequences of 3‐FEA administration (twice a day, 7 days, i.p.; 1 and 10 mg/kg) in C57BL/6J mice (male, 7 weeks old) at three behavioral levels following 1–4 days of withdrawal. The evaluation included (1) withdrawal score, (2) hyperactivity (open field [OF], elevated plus maze [EPM], and cliff avoidance [CA] test), and (3) depression‐like behavior (forced‐swim test). In the withdrawal score test, withdrawal behavior increased in all 3‐FEA groups at 16 and 40 h after withdrawal. In the OF, EPM, and CA tests, the 3‐FEA administration group showed significant changes in terms of hyperactivity. In addition, in the forced‐swim test, both the 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg 3‐FEA groups showed increased immobility time. These findings indicate that 3‐FEA administration may lead to physical dependence, demonstrated by the withdrawal score increase and significant changes in hyperactivity and depression‐like behavior following repeated administration and drug cessation. In conclusion, this study reveals the adverse consequences of 3‐FEA administration and highlights the need for awareness raising and regulatory action to control the use of this new psychoactive substance.
TGF‐β signaling pathway in spinal cord injury: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential
Authors: Ma Chun‐wei , Wang Zhi‐qiang , Ran Rui , Liao Hai‐yang , Lyu Jia‐yang , Ren Yi , Lei Ze‐yuan , Zhang Hai‐hong
Published: October 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a highly disabling central nervous system injury with a complex pathological process, resulting in severe sensory and motor dysfunction. The current treatment modalities only alleviate its symptoms and cannot effectively intervene or treat its pathological process. Many studies have reported that the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signaling pathway plays an important role in neuronal differentiation, growth, survival, and axonal regeneration after central nervous system injury. Furthermore, the TGF‐β signaling pathway has a vital regulatory role in SCI pathophysiology and neural regeneration. Following SCI, regulation of the TGF‐β signaling pathway can suppress inflammation, reduce apoptosis, prevent glial scar formation, and promote neural regeneration. Due to its role in SCI, the TGF‐β signaling pathway could be a potential therapeutic target. This article reported the pathophysiology of SCI, the characteristics of the TGF‐β signaling pathway, the role of the TGF‐β signaling pathway in SCI, and the latest evidence for targeting the TGF‐β signaling pathway for treating SCI. In addition, the limitations and difficulties in TGF‐β signaling pathway research in SCI are discussed, and solutions are provided to address these potential challenges. We hope this will provide a reference for the TGF‐β signaling pathway and SCI research, offering a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of SCI.
Strain and charge doping effect in MoS2 sheets decorated with AgFeO2 particles
Authors: Limaye Mukta Vinayak , Pramanik Monidipa , Badola Shalini , Sahoo Pradosh Kumar , Singh Shashi B. , Saha Surajit , Khare Amit , Thakur Anukul , Dash Adarsh Kumar
Published: October 2023

The presence of local strain in two‐dimensional (2D) materials can alter its properties drastically. When the surface of 2D materials is decorated with some other nanomaterials, local strain develops at the surface which can give rise to synergetic effects. Present study is focused on the explanation of this local strain induced phenomenon observed in 2D materials. In this work, we investigate the evolution of local strain and charge doping in MoS2 decorated with silver ferrite (AgFeO2) particles using Raman spectroscopy. MoS2:AgFeO2 (M:A) samples were fabricated by adding different amount of AgFeO2 particles in MoS2 sheets. The local strain and charge doping for M:A samples were estimated from the observed shifts in the Raman active modes of MoS2, that is,
(∼383.1 cm−1) and
(∼408.1 cm−1). M:A samples also exhibit magnified enhancement in the intensity of
and
modes as compared with bare MoS2. These findings present a new pathway towards engineering surface properties of MoS2.
Effects of 2'‐fucosyllactose on the composition and metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota from piglets after in vitro fermentation
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Ye Yanxin , Guo Jiaqing , Wang Mengting , Li Xuan , Ren Yuting , Zhu Weiyun , Yu Kaifan
Published: October 2023

Background

As indigestible carbohydrates, milk oligosaccharides possess various benefits for newborns, mainly through intestinal microbiota, among which 2'‐fucosyllactose (2'‐FL) is the most predominant milk oligosaccharide. However, knowledge about the fermentative characteristics of 2'‐FL in the gut remains limited, especially in the small intestine. The aim of this study is to explore the differential fermentability of 2'‐FL by the small and large intestinal microbiota of piglets using fructo‐oligosaccharide (FOS) and lactose as controls in an in vitro batch fermentation experiment. During fermentation, microbial composition was characterized along with gas production and short‐chain fatty acid production.

Results

2'‐Fucosyllactose showed differential fermentability in jejunal and colonic fermentation. Compared with the colon, 2'‐FL produced less gas in the jejunum than in the FOS and lactose groups (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, 2'‐FL exhibited a different influence on the microbial composition and metabolism in the jejunum and colon compared with FOS and lactose. In the jejunum, compared with the FOS and lactose groups, the 2'‐FL group showed a higher abundance of Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Blautia, but a lower abundance of Streptococcus and Lactobacillus (P < 0.05), with a higher level of propionate and a lower level of lactate during fermentation (P < 0.05). In the colon, compared with the FOS and lactose groups, 2'‐FL increased the abundance of Blautia, Faecalibacterium, and Lachnospiraceae FCS020, but decreased the abundance of Prevotella_9, Succinivibrio, and Megasphaera (P < 0.05) with an increase in acetate production (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Overall, the results suggested that the small intestinal microbiota had the potential to ferment milk oligosaccharides. Meanwhile, in comparison with FOS and lactose, 2′‐FL selectively stimulated the growth of propionate‐producing bacteria in the jejunum and acetate‐producing bacteria in the colon. These results demonstrated the differences in fermentation properties of 2'‐FL by small and large intestinal microbiota and provided new evidence for the application of 2'‐FL in optimizing gut microbiota. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Synchronous mixed reality (SMR): A personalized virtual‐real fusion framework with high immersion and effective interaction
Authors: Guo Jie , Ma Ting , Weng Dongdong
Published: October 2023

Virtual‐real fusion (VRF) technology plays a crucial role in the meta‐universe by bridging the gap between virtual environments (VEs) and physical environments (PEs). However, the current VRF system has the problem of single function and fixed integration, limiting the popularization and application of VRF technology. Therefore, this paper proposes a framework named synchronous mixed reality (SMR) to personalize the VRF system and maintain the balance between interaction efficiency and environmental immersion. We combine an instance segmentation algorithm with an interaction prediction algorithm to achieve this balance. To evaluate the effectiveness of the SMR framework, we design three scenarios based on the interaction properties of physical objects and measure environmental immersion, systematic interaction efficiency, and user experience. Our results demonstrate that the SMR framework meets diverse needs in various PEs while balancing immersion and interaction efficiency. Additionally, our framework significantly reduces collisions and negative emotions experienced by users in VEs. We anticipate that this framework will serve as a guide for constructing virtual‐real fusion systems in the future.
Employment status among US military veterans with a history of posttraumatic stress disorder: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
Authors: Fischer Ian C. , Schnurr Paula P. , Pietrzak Robert H.
Published: October 2023

The current study examined the prevalence and correlates of employment status in a nationally representative sample of U.S. military veterans with a probable lifetime history of posttraumatic stress disorder. Participants were 4,609 veterans from National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS) Bivariate analyses compared the employment status of veterans with regard to sociodemographic, military, health, and psychiatric characteristics. A multinomial regression analysis was conducted to determine the effect of lifetime PTSD status on employment and identify variables that differentiated employment status among veterans with a history of PTSD. In the total sample, 450 (weighted 12.5%) screened positive for lifetime PTSD. Veterans with PTSD were more than twice as likely to be unemployed, OR = 2.41, and retired, OR = 2.26, and nearly 4 times as likely to be disabled, OR = 3.84, relative to those without PTSD. Among veterans with PTSD, 203 (54.0%) were employed, 178 were retired (28.2%), 31 (7.3%) were unemployed, and 38 (10.5%) were disabled. Relative to employed veterans, retired veterans were older and reported more medical conditions; unemployed veterans were almost 5 times as likely to be female; disabled veterans reported lower income, more medical conditions, and more severe symptoms of current major depressive disorder but less severe symptoms of alcohol use disorder, ORs = 0.88–4.88. This study provides an up‐to‐date characterization of employment status in a nationally representative sample of U.S. military veterans with a history of PTSD. Results may inform efforts to provide sustainable employment in this segment of the population.
Autumn resource selection by female elk in a recently burned landscape in western Montana
Authors: Snobl Lauren A. , Proffitt Kelly M. , Hansen Christopher P. , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: October 2023

Wildfire activity across the western United States has increased in recent decades, with wildfires burning at a higher severity and larger scale. The effect of wildfires on forest structure and wildlife habitat is largely influenced by wildfire severity; however, few studies have evaluated the effects of wildfire severity on resource selection of ungulates, particularly during hunting seasons, when knowledge of resource selection is essential for making informed management decisions. To fill this knowledge gap, we fit resource selection probability functions for female elk (Cervus canadensis) in years 2 and 3 post‐wildfire to evaluate the effects of wildfire severity and other environmental and anthropogenic factors on elk resource selection during 4 autumn periods with varying levels of hunter pressure (prehunt, archery‐only, backcountry rifle, and rifle). The probability of female elk selecting low‐severity burned forests during the prehunt, archery‐only, backcountry rifle, and rifle periods was 0.99 (95% credible interval [CrI] = 0.98–1.00), 0.99 (CrI = 0.97–1.00), 0.99 (CrI = 0.99–1.00), and 0.0010 (CrI = 0.00067–0.0015]), respectively, and did not strongly differ from the probability of selecting high‐severity burned forests. During the prehunt period, elk also selected areas with greater forage quality and areas farther from open roads. Elk selected similar resources during the archery period, and selected areas with higher hunter pressure. Elk started leaving hunting districts that had higher snowpack (i.e., snow water equivalent; β = −0.84, CrI = −0.96–−0.72) and allowed rifle hunting (β = −5.39, CrI = −5.80–−4.97) but still selected areas with higher hunter pressure (β = 0.92, CrI = 0.78–1.07) during the backcountry rifle period. During the rifle period, elk continued avoiding areas with high snowpack (β = −3.96, CrI = −4.22–−3.71) and started selecting areas with lower hunter pressure (β = −1.71, CrI = −1.79–−1.64) and lower canopy cover. Overall, wildfire affected elk distributions in early autumn 2 and 3 years after fire in our study area, with limited differences in resource selection between wildfire severity categories. By late autumn, hunter pressure and snowpack were the primary factors influencing elk distribution, and wildfire had little influence on selection. When estimating wildfire effects on elk movements during autumn and establishing appropriate hunting regulations, managers should consider the hunting season, hunter pressure, timing and amount of snowpack, location of traditional winter range, and the seasonal elk range burned, as all these factors may contribute to how elk use the landscape in autumn.
Influences of landscape composition on hunter‐harvested mallard body mass and condition in eastern Arkansas
Authors: Veon John T. , Krementz David G. , Naylor Luke W. , DeGregorio Brett A.
Published: October 2023

Waterfowl with more body mass and a greater body condition during the non‐breeding season are thought to be more likely to survive and have increased productivity during the following breeding season. Body mass and body condition in waterfowl should reflect the resources available to them locally. We analyzed the relationship of landscape composition on mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) body mass and body condition (mass‐wing length index) among age and sex groups. We calculated these variables from hunter‐harvested mallards during the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 duck hunting seasons in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley of Arkansas, USA. We used linear mixed‐effects models to analyze changes in body mass and body condition with changes in the percent landscape composition of water cover, woody wetlands, herbaceous wetlands, rice, soybeans, and disturbance. We found that body mass and condition of harvested mallards were positively associated with greater proportions of water cover and woody wetlands but negatively associated with greater proportions of herbaceous wetlands and human disturbance from human infrastructure. Management actions focused on providing flooded and woody wetland areas on the landscape that allow waterfowl to access food resources, while decreasing the disturbance around wetlands in the form of road density and human infrastructure, should increase body mass and body condition in mallards spending the non‐breeding season in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley.
Mulberroside F improves airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in asthmatic mice
Authors: Huang Wen‐Chung , Wu Shu‐Ju , Hsu Feng‐Wen , Fang Li‐Wen , Liou Chian‐Jiun
Published: October 2023

Mulberroside F is isolated from the leaves and roots of Morus alba L. Here, we investigated whether mulberroside F could alleviate airway inflammation and eosinophil infiltration in the lungs of asthmatic mice. We also examined whether mulberroside F attenuated inflammatory responses in human tracheal epithelial BEAS‐2B cells. Female BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and administered different doses of mulberroside F via intraperitoneal injection. Additionally, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α‐stimulated BEAS‐2B cells were treated with various doses of mulberroside F, followed by detection of the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The results demonstrated that mulberroside F mitigated the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and CCL11, in inflammatory BEAS‐2B cells. Mulberroside F also suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ICAM‐1 expression in TNF‐α‐stimulated BEAS‐2B cells, which effectively suppressed monocyte cell adherence. In an animal model of asthma, mulberroside F treatment attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophil infiltration, and goblet cell hyperplasia. Mulberroside F treatment also decreased lung fibrosis and airway inflammation in OVA‐sensitized mice. Moreover, mulberroside F significantly reduced expressions of Th2‐associated cytokines (including interleukin(IL)‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared to OVA‐sensitized mice. Our results confirmed that mulberroside F is a novel bioactive compound that can effectively reduce airway inflammation and eosinophil infiltration in asthmatic mice via inhibition of Th2‐cell activation.
Uptake of barium, molybdenum, and lithium and incorporation into scallop shells: Refining proxies for primary production dynamics
Authors: Fröhlich Lukas , Siebert Valentin , Huang Qian , Thébault Julien , Moriceau Brivaëla , Jochum Klaus Peter , Schöne Bernd R.
Published: October 2023

Ba/Cashell, Mo/Cashell, and Li/Cashell chronologies of Pecten maximus can provide information on past phytoplankton dynamics. Distinct Ba, Mo, and Li peaks in the shells are associated with algal blooms. This study evaluated the underlying hypothesis that respective element profiles reliably record variations in phytoplankton dynamics occurring within the water column. Therefore, the chemical content of scallops from the Bay of Brest, France, that lived on the sediment surface was compared to conspecific specimens living in a cage above the seafloor and compared with the phytoplankton abundance and the physicochemical properties of the water column. As demonstrated, Ba/Cashell and Mo/Cashell peaks occurred contemporaneously in specimens within the cage and on the sediment, but were higher in the latter. Furthermore, element/Ca peaks agreed with the timing of particulate Ba and Mo enrichments in the seawater. These data support the assumption of a dietary uptake of both elements. Differences in peak heights between shells living in a cage and on the seafloor were controlled by rates of filtration and biomineralization. While the timing and magnitude of Ba/Cashell peaks were linked to Ba‐containing diatoms, Mo/Cashell peaks were related to blooms of Mo‐enriched dinoflagellate and diatom aggregation events. Two episodes of slight Li enrichment occurred synchronously in cage and sediment shells. Although the exact mechanism causing such Li increases remains unresolved, the findings suggest a link to large diatom blooms or the presence of a specific diatom taxon. This study refines previously hypothesized relationships between trace element enrichments in scallop shells and phytoplankton dynamics.
Degradable Poly(styrene sulfonate) Polyanions for Biomedical and Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Zober Maria , Hechenbichler Michelle , Bleiziffer Alexander , Prediger Richard , Lienkamp Karen
Published: October 2023

The synthesis of poly(styrene sulfonate) with hydrolysable ester groups in the main chain is reported. The material is obtained by free radical copolymerization of either styrene sulfonate sodium salt (SSNa) or styrene sulfonate alkyl esters (SSA) with the cyclic ketene acetal 2‐methylen‐1,3,6‐trioxocane (MTC). As for other systems made from cyclic ketene acetals, the reactions are difficult to control and give copolymers with high polydispersity index. MTC homopolymer is obtained as a side product in both cases. Thermal cleavage of the alkyl protective groups of the poly(styrene sulfonate alkyl esters) to obtain the target polystyrene sulfonate anions remains incomplete. Thus, direct synthesis of the polyanion from SSNa and MTC is the more efficient process, especially since the poly(SSNa‐co‐MTC) copolymer can be easily separated from MTC homopolymer. 1H‐NMR analytics indicates MTC repeat unit contents of 2–11%, depending on the initial SSNa to MTC ratio. The MTC ester groups of the copolymers are hydrolyzed in aqueous conditions, with and without enzyme, and a marked decrease in the molar mass is observed after hydrolysis. This confirms that these copolymers have the designed intended break points in the main chain, and could become a part of fully degradable electroactive polymer systems.
Potential of Mean Force of Short‐Chain Surface Adsorption using Non‐Uniform Sampling Windows for Optimal Computational Efficiency
Authors: Vasudevan Naveen Kumar , Li Dongyang , Xi Li
Published: October 2023

Free energy calculation in molecular simulation is an computationally expensive process. Umbrella sampling (US) is a go‐to method for obtaining the potential of mean force (PMF) along a reaction coordinate. Its computational cost increases drastically as the molecular system gets more complex. For many polymeric and biomolecular systems, adequately sampling all configurational degrees of freedom is computationally prohibitive. Using the adsorption of a short‐chain methylcellulose on a cellulose crystalline surface as the test case, this study shows that the sampling time required for reliable results is much higher than typical choices made in the literature. The accuracy of the PMF profile is strongly affected by sampling inadequacy in a few regions along the reaction coordinate. Non‐uniform windows and sampling parameters are proposed to enhance the sampling in difficult regions. Sampling windows that vary with the local PMF steepness are allocated with a new algorithm. Parameters in this algorithm are optimized for the best sampling efficiency. It is demonstrated that significantly less computer time will be required to achieve the same sampling accuracy if computational resources are optimally distributed along the reaction coordinate.
Transcriptomics‐guided identification of an algicidal protease of the marine bacterium Kordia algicida OT‐1
Authors: Syhapanha Kristy S. , Russo David A. , Deng Yun , Meyer Nils , Poulin Remington X. , Pohnert Georg
Published: October 2023

In recent years, interest in algicidal bacteria has risen due to their ecological importance and their potential as biotic regulators of harmful algal blooms. Algicidal bacteria shape the plankton communities of the oceans by inhibiting or lysing microalgae and by consuming the released nutrients. Kordia algicida strain OT‐1 is a model marine algicidal bacterium that was isolated from a bloom of the diatom Skeletonema costatum. Previous work has suggested that algicidal activity is mediated by secreted proteases. Here, we utilize a transcriptomics‐guided approach to identify the serine protease gene KAOT1_RS09515, hereby named alpA1 as a key element in the algicidal activity of K. algicida. The protease AlpA1 was expressed and purified from a heterologous host and used in in vitro bioassays to validate its activity. We also show that K. algicida is the only algicidal species within a group of four members of the Kordia genus. The identification of this algicidal protease opens the possibility of real‐time monitoring of the ecological impact of algicidal bacteria in natural phytoplankton blooms.
Inflammasome: structure, biological functions, and therapeutic targets
Authors: Dai Yali , Zhou Jing , Shi Chunmeng
Published: October 2023

Inflammasomes are a group of protein complex located in cytoplasm and assemble in response to a wide variety of pathogen‐associated molecule patterns, damage‐associated molecule patterns, and cellular stress. Generally, the activation of inflammasomes will lead to maturation of proinflammatory cytokines and pyroptotic cell death, both associated with inflammatory cascade amplification. A sensor protein, an adaptor, and a procaspase protein interact through their functional domains and compose one subunit of inflammasome complex. Under physiological conditions, inflammasome functions against pathogen infection and endogenous dangers including mtROS, mtDNA, and so on, while dysregulation of its activation can lead to unwanted results. In recent years, advances have been made to clarify the mechanisms of inflammasome activation, the structural details of them and their functions (negative/positive) in multiple disease models in both animal models and human. The wide range of the stimuli makes the function of inflammasome diverse and complex. Here, we review the structure, biological functions, and therapeutic targets of inflammasomes, while highlight NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 inflammasomes, which are the most well studied. In conclusion, this review focuses on the activation process, biological functions, and structure of the most well‐studied inflammasomes, summarizing and predicting approaches for disease treatment and prevention with inflammasome as a target. We aim to provide fresh insight into new solutions to the challenges in this field.
The Apolipoprotein E neutralizing antibody inhibits SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by blocking cellular entry of lipoviral particles
Authors: Cui Qi , Jeyachandran Arjit Vijey , Garcia Gustavo , Qin Chao , Zhou Yu , Zhang Mingzi , Wang Cheng , Sun Guihua , Liu Wei , Zhou Tao , Feng Lizhao , Palmer Chance , Li Zhuo , Aziz Adam , Gomperts Brigitte N. , Feng Pinghui , Arumugaswami Vaithilingaraja , Shi Yanhong
Published: October 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the causal agent for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Although vaccines have helped to prevent uncontrolled viral spreading, our understanding of the fundamental biology of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection remains insufficient, which hinders effective therapeutic development. Here, we found that Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a lipid binding protein, is hijacked by SARS‐CoV‐2 for infection. Preincubation of SARS‐CoV‐2 with a neutralizing antibody specific to ApoE led to inhibition of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The ApoE neutralizing antibody efficiently blocked SARS‐CoV‐2 infection of human iPSC‐derived astrocytes and air–liquid interface organoid models in addition to human ACE2‐expressing HEK293T cells and Calu‐3 lung cells. ApoE mediates SARS‐CoV‐2 entry through binding to its cellular receptors such as the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). LDLR knockout or ApoE mutations at the receptor binding domain or an ApoE mimetic peptide reduced SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Furthermore, we detected strong membrane LDLR expression on SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike‐positive cells in human lung tissues, whereas no or low ACE2 expression was detected. This study provides a new paradigm for SARS‐CoV‐2 cellular entry through binding of ApoE on the lipoviral particles to host cell receptor(s). Moreover, this study suggests that ApoE neutralizing antibodies are promising antiviral therapies for COVID‐19 by blocking entry of both parental virus and variants of concern.
Bankruptcy prediction for the European aviation industry: An application of the Altman model
Authors: Shi Yin , Li Xiaoni
Published: October 2023

Aviation industry is extremely vulnerable to economic turbulence or a pandemic. Over the past decade, a number of well‐known European airline brands have gone into bankruptcy, with consequences such as leaving thousands of passengers stranded abroad. The present research assesses the predictive power of the updated Altman Z‐score model (1983 and 2017) using data on European airline bankruptcies over the period 2009–2020. The results indicate that the Z″‐score (2017) for private non‐manufacturing companies shows satisfactory predictive power when applied on European aviation industry. In this study, we analyze in depth the performance of the updated Altman Z′‐ and Z″‐scores (1983, 2017), connecting airline's financial and non‐financial information, and provide a comprehensive interpretation of Z‐score predictive power. We aim to contribute to the literature by offering a unique and novel perspective on the Altman model's accuracy for the European air transport industry.
Local Field Potentials Predict Motor Performance in Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Busch Johannes L. , Kaplan Jonathan , Bahners Bahne H. , Roediger Jan , Faust Katharina , Schneider Gerd‐Helge , Florin Esther , Schnitzler Alfons , Krause Patricia , Kühn Andrea A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment option for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, clinical programming remains challenging with segmented electrodes.

Objective

Using novel sensing‐enabled neurostimulators, we investigated local field potentials (LFPs) and their modulation by DBS to assess whether electrophysiological biomarkers may facilitate clinical programming in chronically implanted patients.

Methods

Sixteen patients (31 hemispheres) with PD implanted with segmented electrodes in the subthalamic nucleus and a sensing‐enabled neurostimulator were included in this study. Recordings were conducted 3 months after DBS surgery following overnight withdrawal of dopaminergic medication. LFPs were acquired while stimulation was turned OFF and during a monopolar review of both directional and ring contacts. Directional beta power and stimulation‐induced beta power suppression were computed. Motor performance, as assessed by a pronation‐supination task, clinical programming and electrode placement were correlated to directional beta power and stimulation‐induced beta power suppression.

Results

Better motor performance was associated with stronger beta power suppression at higher stimulation amplitudes. Across directional contacts, differences in directional beta power and the extent of stimulation‐induced beta power suppression predicted motor performance. However, within individual hemispheres, beta power suppression was superior to directional beta power in selecting the contact with the best motor performance. Contacts clinically activated for chronic stimulation were associated with stronger beta power suppression than non‐activated contacts.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that stimulation‐induced β power suppression is superior to directional β power in selecting the clinically most effective contact. In sum, electrophysiological biomarkers may guide programming of directional DBS systems in PD patients. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Novel HPD mutation p.A244V compound with p.T219M causing tyrosinemia type III in a Chinese girl and review of the genotype–phenotype spectrum
Authors: Han Dong , Wang Lihong , Zhao Chen , Li Juan , Huang Chenggang , Song Wenxia , Wang Haiwei , Li Xiaoze , Tao Yilun
Published: October 2023

Background

Hereditary tyrosinemia type III (HT III) is an extremely rare form of tyrosinemia, characterized by autosomal recessive inheritance and biallelic mutations in the HPD gene. The clinical presentation of HT III is variable and poorly understood, with symptoms ranging from developmental delay and intellectual impairment to seizures and intermittent ataxia. This study aimed to provide further insights into the clinical and genetic characteristics of HT III.

Methods

A 3‐year‐old girl, identified through newborn screening, was diagnosed with HT III using targeted next‐generation sequencing. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, and the clinical, biochemical, and genetic findings of previously reported HT III patients were summarized and analyzed.

Results

The genetic analysis of the proband revealed compound heterozygous mutations in the HPD gene such as c.731C>T (p.A244V) and c.656C>T (p.T219M). Notably, the HPD p.A244V mutation had not been previously documented in public databases or the scientific literature. Bioinformatics analysis classified both variants as pathogenic variants. The patient exhibited persistent tyrosinemia, elevated levels of related metabolite derivatives, confirming the diagnosis of HT III. The review of previously published cases contributed to a better understanding of the clinical and genetic characteristics associated with HT III.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment in infancy are crucial for managing HT III effectively. Dietary therapy, particularly during childhood, plays a significant role in disease management. The findings from this study enhance our understanding of the genotype–phenotype associations in HT III and emphasize the importance of early intervention for improved patient outcomes.
On the dynamic instability of non‐Newtonian fluids driven by gravity
Authors: Jiang Han , Wang Jialiang , Zhang Yajie
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we investigate the instability for Rayleigh–Taylor problem of three‐dimensional incompressible non‐Newtonian fluids with Eills‐type. If the density profile in equilibrium‐state is heavier with increasing height, we prove that the equilibrium‐state solution is unstable under
‐norm by exploiting a bootstrap method.
Shape reconstruction for an inverse biharmonic problem from partial Cauchy data
Authors: Bouslah Zineb , Hadj Abdelhak , Saker Hacene
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we address the Robin inverse problem for the biharmonic equation in a
simply connected domain, to reconstruct the geometric shape of a non‐accessible part of the boundary from a single measurement of Riquier–Neumann data on the accessible part of that boundary. Our approach extends the nonlinear boundary integral equation, to recover the shape of the boundary. We propose the Newton iterative technique based on the Fréchet derivatives to linearize the system and then establish an injectivity of the linearized system for certain Robin coefficients, as well as the iteration scheme to describe the inverse algorithm for recovering the shape with respect to the unknowns. The mathematical spirit of the proposed method will be presented, and to illustrate its feasibility, some numerical examples will be provided.
The Dose‐Dependent Effect of Curcumin Supplementation on Inflammatory Response and Gut Microbiota Profile in High‐Fat Fed C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Bertoncini‐Silva Caroline , Fassini Priscila Giacomo , Carlos Daniela , de Paula Natália Aparecida , Ramalho Leandra Náira Zambelli , Rodrigues Giuliani Marina , Pereira Ítalo Sousa , Guimarães Jhefferson Barbosa , Suen Vivian Marques Miguel
Published: October 2023

Scope

The prevalence of obesity has increased, with excessive consumption of high‐fat foods being one of the primary causes. Curcumin, a polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa L., exhibits anti‐inflammatory activity.  The study aims to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation in different doses on the biochemical profile, inflammatory response, and gut microbiota profile in mice that are fed with high‐fat diet (HFD).

Methods and results

C57BL/6 male mice are fed a standard diet, or a HFD with or without different doses of curcumin (50, 250, and 500 mg kg−1 of body weight). Throughout the experimental period, food intake and body weight are assessed weekly. At euthanasia, blood, stool, and tissue samples are collected for biochemical, histological, and molecular analyses. Curcumin increases the IL‐10 protein expression in the white adipose tissue. In the liver, there is a reduction in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and an increase in IL‐10 gene expression. Also, curcumin promotes the growth of butyrogenic bacteria, such as Clostridium clusters IV and XIVa.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that curcumin has the potential to improve the inflammatory response and modulate healthy gut microbiota. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of curcumin as a preventive and effective strategy for obesity.