bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin protects gingival mesenchymal stem cells and promotes differentiation into osteoblasts
Authors: Solá Verónica M. , Aguilar Juan J. , Farías Adrián , Vazquez Mosquera Ana P. , Peralta López María E. , Carpentieri Agata R.
Published: July 2022

Melatonin (MEL) has antioxidant properties and participates in osteogenic differentiation. In periodontitis, in which increased oxidative stress and bone resorption are involved, mesenchymal stem cells derived from the gingiva (GMSCs) combined with MEL could be relevant for osteogenic regeneration. In this study, we studied the antioxidant and differentiating effect of MEL on an in vitro system of GMSCs. Primary culture of GMSCs from Wistar rats was developed to evaluate differentiation into osteoblasts with an appropriate medium with or without MEL. Marker genes of mesenchymal stem cells by real time‐polymerase chain reaction, clonogenic capacity, and cell migration after wound assay were used to characterize GMSCs as mesenchymal stem cells. Alkaline phosphatase activity and the alizarin red technique were used to evaluate osteogenic activity and differentiation. MEL increased alkaline phosphatase activity and alizarin red values, promoting osteogenic differentiation. Besides this, MEL protected GMSCs in a model of cellular damage related to oxidative stress, returning viability to baseline. MEL was more effective in promoting and protecting GMSCs by the production of osteogenic cells when oxidative stress is present. This evidence supports the use of MEL as a novel bone‐regenerative therapy in periodontal diseases.
Lotus root‐like appearance in the left anterior descending artery treated with a drug‐coated balloon angioplasty
Authors: Takagi Wataru , Okada Tomoaki , Nosaka Kazumasa , Miyoshi Toru , Doi Masayuki
Published: July 2022

A lotus root‐like appearance of the coronary artery diagnosed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) is characterized by old coronary thrombi that form small lumen channels. Herein, serial OCT images of a left anterior descending artery with a lotus root‐like appearance, treated with drug‐coated balloon angioplasty are described.
Evaluation of pulmonary blood flow in bilateral bidirectional Glenn shunts: value of 4‐D flow cardiac magnetic resonance in the evaluation of pulmonary artery confluence stenosis
Authors: Al Kindi Faiza , Maddali Madan Mohan , Al Balushi Asim , Al Kindi Hamood
Published: July 2022

Bilateral bidirectional Glenn shunts are associated with the risk of developing pulmonary artery bifurcation stenosis, resulting in variable pulmonary blood flow to either lung. This could negatively impact the subsequent stages of the single ventricle palliation pathway. This report highlights the value of 4D flow sequence from the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in demonstrating the pulmonary blood flow characteristics following a bilateral bidirectional Glenn procedure. Mapping the blood flow pattern and its quantification to each lung provide objective insights into the possible predisposing factors for the development of pulmonary bifurcation stenosis.
Bilateral inguinal bladder hernias
Authors: Fujita Naoya , Ono Yosuke , Obuchi Yasuhiro , Tanaka Yuji
Published: July 2022

Inguinal hernia may contain the bladder as one of its contents, while bilateral inguinal bladder herniation is rare. Urinary obstruction and obesity are associated with increased abdominal pressure and are risk factors of bladder herniation. Clinicians should be aware of the bladder hernia in elderly with chronic dysuria and obesity.
Aggressive prolactinomas responsive to temozolomide treatment: Report of two cases
Authors: Davoudi Zahra , Hallajnejad Mohammad , Jamali Elena , Honarvar Mohammadjavad
Published: July 2022

Refractory aggressive prolactinomas are detected after the unresponsiveness to conventional therapies. We report two cases that underwent temozolomide treatment and have been in near‐complete remission ever since. We suggest the pathology techniques for earlier detection and, subsequently, treatment with temozolomide to reduce morbidities and better respond to therapy.
Bimetallic‐Catalyzed Oxidative Esterification Reaction Forming α‐Acyloxy Ether
Authors: Nguyen Oanh T. K. , Nguyen Trinh Duy , Quang Tran Huu , Huy Tran Huu , Trang Pham Quynh , Sy Do Trung
Published: July 2022

A bimetallic‐catalyzed oxidative esterification reaction has been conducted between non‐activated C(sp3)–H bonds of symmetric ethers and carboxylic acids with the presence of di‐tert‐butyl peroxide as the oxidant through a cross‐dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reaction. This approach allows the derivatives of cyclic ether substrates to interact with aromatic acids, giving excellent yields for the formation of α‐acyloxy ethers. The bimetallic organic frameworks catalyst (Fe2Ni‐BDC) that had been synthesized by solvothermal method was successfully utilized for the formation of α‐acyloxy ethers based on the CDC reaction of carboxylic acid with diethylene oxide (approx. 84 % product yield). Besides, this material was also used as catalyst for research scope of benzoic acid containing various substituents.
Synthesis of Graphite‐Based Ion‐Imprinted Polymer for the Selective Removal of Nitrate Ions
Authors: Ismail Anis Syahirah , Ishak Noorhidayah , Kamarudin Qasrina , Ewe Vivian Shin Hui , Mustapa Nur Bahijah , Mohamed Nasir Azalina
Published: July 2022

A graphite‐based ion‐imprinted polymer (G‐IIP) was synthesized using the surface‐printing technique. Allylthiourea was used as the functional monomer, nitrate as the template, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a crosslinker. The polymers were characterized, and the adsorption capacity was tested. The binding ability of G‐IIP was nearly twice higher than that of the graphite‐non‐imprinted polymer (G‐NIP). The adsorption of G‐IIP followed the Freundlich isotherm and the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic. G‐IIP showed good removal efficiency of nitrate ions in actual wastewater samples with 85 % recovery. Overall, the fabricated G‐IIP would be a potential adsorbent for wastewater treatment.
Influence of the Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond on the Fluorescence of 2‐ortho‐Aminophenyl Pyridines
Authors: Esteves Cátia I. C. , Fontes Luís F. B. , Rocha João , Silva Artur M. S. , Guieu Samuel
Published: July 2022

The dynamic nature of excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and its effect on emission spectra is an attractive strategy to create multi‐emissive dyes. Here we describe the behavior of a series of hydrogen‐bonded triphenylpyridines with a set of donor–acceptor combinations that allowed us to perceive the influence of each substitution on the photophysical properties of the dyes. The susceptibility of these ESIPT moieties to pH variations was also studied, elucidating that the level of protonation had a significant effect on the emission color. The assignment of each emission band was made by using DFT and td‐DFT calculations that were in agreement with the experimental results. This study emphasizes the versatility of triphenylpyridines that can be synthesized effortlessly with a logical and independent C‐2, C‐4 and C‐6 substitution in order to have the desired ESIPT modulation and subsequent multi‐emission response.
Identification and Profiling of Histone Acetyltransferase Substrates by Bioorthogonal Labeling
Authors: Song Jiabao , Han Zhen , Zheng Y. George
Published: July 2022

Histone acetyltransferases (HATs, also known as lysine acetyltransferases, KATs) catalyze acetylation of their cognate protein substrates using acetyl‐CoA (Ac‐CoA) as a cofactor and are involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Advances in mass spectrometry‐based proteomics have allowed the discovery of thousands of acetylated proteins and the specific acetylated lysine sites. However, due to the rapid dynamics and functional redundancy of HAT activities, and the limitation of using antibodies to capture acetylated lysines, it is challenging to systematically and precisely define both the substrates and sites directly acetylated by a given HAT. Here, we describe a chemoproteomic approach to identify and profile protein substrates of individual HAT enzymes on the proteomic scale. The approach involves protein engineering to enlarge the Ac‐CoA binding pocket of the HAT of interest, such that a mutant form is generated that can use functionalized acyl‐CoAs as a cofactor surrogate to bioorthogonally label its protein substrates. The acylated protein substrates can then be chemoselectively conjugated either with a fluorescent probe (for imaging detection) or with a biotin handle (for streptavidin pulldown and chemoproteomic identification). This modular chemical biology approach has been successfully implemented to identify protein substrates of p300, GCN5, and HAT1, and it is expected that this method can be applied to profile and identify the sub‐acetylomes of many other HAT enzymes. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Labeling HAT protein substrates with azide/alkyne‐biotin

Alternate Protocol: Labeling protein substrates of HATs with azide/alkyne‐TAMRA for in‐gel visualization

Support Protocol 1: Expression and purification of HAT mutants

Support Protocol 2: Synthesis of Ac‐CoA surrogates

Basic Protocol 2: Streptavidin enrichment of biotinylated HAT substrates

Basic Protocol 3: Chemoproteomic identification of HAT substrates

Basic Protocol 4: Validation of specific HAT substrates with western blotting
Biomass‐Based N‐Rich Porous Carbon Materials for CO2 Capture and in‐situ Conversion
Authors: Xie Wei‐Hang , Yao Xiangyang , Li Heng , Li Hong‐Ru , He Liang‐Nian
Published: July 2022

Capturing CO2 and subsequently converting into valuable chemicals has attracted extensive attention. Herein, a series of biomass‐based N‐rich porous carbon materials with high specific surface area and pore volume were prepared using biomass waste soybean dregs as precursors. The nitrogen content was up to 4 % with different forms in the carbon skeleton such as pyridine‐N, pyrrole‐N. The synergistic effect of ultra‐micropore (pore size <0.7 nm) and N‐containing groups endowed the materials with a high CO2 adsorption capacity, reaching 6.3 and 3.6 mmol g−1 at 0 and 25 °C under atmospheric pressure, respectively. In addition, the sufficient interaction between N‐containing groups and CO2 was demonstrated by solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the captured CO2 was possibly activated in the form of carbamate, which is conducive to subsequent conversion. Therefore, the supported catalyst with the as‐synthetic porous carbon material as the carrier and ZnII as catalytic sites was prepared and successfully applied for carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amine with CO2 to afford the 3‐benzyl‐5‐methyleneoxazolidin‐2‐one. The results showed that CO2 capture and in‐situ conversion work effectively to produce highly value‐added chemicals. In this process, the captured CO2 could be activated and fixed into chemicals in mild conditions. More importantly, the energy consumption in CO2 desorption and adsorbent regeneration could be avoided. The valorization of both solid waste and CO2 to valuable chemicals provides an elegant strategy of killing three birds with one stone.
Reproduction in deep‐sea vent shrimps is influenced by diet, with rhythms apparently unlinked to surface production
Authors: Methou Pierre , Chen Chong , Kayama Watanabe Hiromi , Cambon Marie‐Anne , Pradillon Florence
Published: July 2022

Variations in offspring production according to feeding strategies or food supply have been recognized in many animals from various ecosystems. Despite an unusual trophic structure based on non‐photosynthetic primary production, these relationships remain largely under‐studied in chemosynthetic ecosystems. Here, we use Rimicaris shrimps as a study case to explore relationships between reproduction, diets, and food supply in these environments. For that, we compared reproductive outputs of three congeneric shrimps differing by their diets. They inhabit vents located under oligotrophic waters of tropical gyres with opposed latitudes, allowing us to also examine the prevalence of phylogenetic vs environmental drivers in their reproductive rhythms. For this, we used both our original data and a compilation of published observations on the presence of ovigerous females covering various seasons over the past 35 years. We report distinct egg production trends between Rimicaris species relying solely on chemosymbiosis—R. exoculata and R. kairei—and one relying on mixotrophy, R. chacei. Besides, our data suggest a reproductive periodicity that does not correspond to seasonal variations in surface production, with substantial proportions of brooding females during the same months of the year, despite those months corresponding to either boreal winter or austral summer depending on the hemisphere. These observations contrast with the long‐standing paradigm in deep‐sea species for which periodic reproductive patterns have always been attributed to seasonal variations of photosynthetic production sinking from the surface. Our results suggest the presence of an intrinsic basis for biological rhythms in the deep sea, and bring to light the importance of having year‐round observations in order to understand the life history of vent animals.
Genetic diversity of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) unravels phylogeographic structure and invasion history of eastern African populations
Authors: Ajene Inusa Jacob , Khamis Fathiya Mbarak , van Asch Barbara , Pietersen Gerhard , Seid Nurhussen , Wairimu Anne Wambui , Ombura Fidelis Levi , Akutse Komivi Senyo , Sétamou Mamoudou , Subramanian Sevgan , Mohammed Samira , Ekesi Sunday
Published: July 2022

The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama) is a key pest of Citrus sp. worldwide, as it acts as a vector for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the bacterial pathogen that causes citrus Huanglongbing. Diaphorina citri has been reported in Kenya, Tanzania, and more recently in Ethiopia. This study assessed the genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of the pest to gain insights into the potential sources of its introduction into Africa. Population structure and differentiation of D. citri populations from China, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and the USA were assessed using 10 microsatellite loci. Additionally, five new complete mitogenomes of D. citri collected in China, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and the USA were analyzed in the context of publicly available sequences. Genotype data grouped the D. citri populations from Kenya and Tanzania in one cluster, and those from Ethiopia formed a separate cluster. The two genetic clusters inferred from genotype data were congruent with mitochondrial sequence data. The mitogenomes from Kenya/Tanzania/China had 99.0% similarity, and the Ethiopia/USA had 99.9% similarity. In conclusion, D. citri populations in eastern Africa have different sources, as the Kenyan and Tanzanian populations probably originated from southeastern Asia, while the Ethiopian population most probably originated from the Americas.
Behavioral “bycatch” from camera trap surveys yields insights on prey responses to human‐mediated predation risk
Authors: Burton A. Cole , Beirne Christopher , Sun Catherine , Granados Alys , Procko Michael , Chen Cheng , Fennell Mitchell , Constantinou Alexia , Colton Chris , Tjaden‐McClement Katie , Fisher Jason T. , Burgar Joanna
Published: July 2022

Human disturbance directly affects animal populations and communities, but indirect effects of disturbance on species behaviors are less well understood. For instance, disturbance may alter predator activity and cause knock‐on effects to predator‐sensitive foraging in prey. Camera traps provide an emerging opportunity to investigate such disturbance‐mediated impacts to animal behaviors across multiple scales. We used camera trap data to test predictions about predator‐sensitive behavior in three ungulate species (caribou Rangifer tarandus; white‐tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus; moose, Alces alces) across two western boreal forest landscapes varying in disturbance. We quantified behavior as the number of camera trap photos per detection event and tested its relationship to inferred human‐mediated predation risk between a landscape with greater industrial disturbance and predator activity and a “control” landscape with lower human and predator activity. We also assessed the finer‐scale influence on behavior of variation in predation risk (relative to habitat variation) across camera sites within the more disturbed landscape. We predicted that animals in areas with greater predation risk (e.g., more wolf activity, less cover) would travel faster past cameras and generate fewer photos per detection event, while animals in areas with less predation risk would linger (rest, forage, investigate), generating more photos per event. Our predictions were supported at the landscape‐level, as caribou and moose had more photos per event in the control landscape where disturbance‐mediated predation risk was lower. At a finer‐scale within the disturbed landscape, no prey species showed a significant behavioral response to wolf activity, but the number of photos per event decreased for white‐tailed deer with increasing line of sight (m) along seismic lines (i.e., decreasing visual cover), consistent with a predator‐sensitive response. The presence of juveniles was associated with shorter behavioral events for caribou and moose, suggesting greater predator sensitivity for females with calves. Only moose demonstrated a positive behavioral association (i.e., longer events) with vegetation productivity (16‐day NDVI), suggesting that for other species bottom‐up influences of forage availability were generally weaker than top‐down influences from predation risk. Behavioral insights can be gleaned from camera trap surveys and provide complementary information about animal responses to predation risk, and thus about the indirect impacts of human disturbances on predator–prey interactions.
Dietary characterization of the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse and sympatric rodents using DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Aylward Cody M. , Statham Mark J. , Barthman‐Thompson Laureen , Kelt Douglas A. , Sacks Benjamin N.
Published: July 2022

The salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris; RERA) is an endangered species endemic to the coastal wetlands of the San Francisco Estuary, California. RERA are specialized to saline coastal wetlands, and their historical range has been severely impacted by landscape conversion and the introduction of non‐native plant and rodent species. A better understanding of their diet is needed to assess habitat quality, particularly in relation to potential competitors. We investigated three questions using DNA metabarcoding with ITS2 and trnL markers: (1) Do RERA specialize on the native plant, pickleweed (Salicornia pacifica), (2) Do RERA consume non‐native plants, and (3) What is the dietary niche breadth and overlap with three sympatric native and non‐native rodents? RERA diet was dominated by two plants, native Salicornia and non‐native salt bush (Atriplex spp.), but included 48 plant genera. RERA diet breadth was narrowest in fall, when they consumed the highest frequencies of Salicornia and Atriplex, and broadest in spring, when the frequencies of these two plants were lowest. Diet breadth was slightly lower for RERA than for co‐occurring species in pairwise comparisons. All four species consumed similarly high frequencies of wetland plants, but RERA consumed fewer grasses and upland plants, suggesting that it may be less suited to fragmented habitat than sympatric rodents. Diet overlap was lowest between RERA and the native California vole (Microtis californicus). In contrast, RERA diet overlapped substantially with the native western harvest mouse (R. megalotis) and non‐native house mouse (Mus musculus), suggesting potential for competition if these species become sufficiently abundant.
Constructing Bidirectional Fluorine‐Rich Electrode/Electrolyte Interphase Via Solvent Redistribution toward Long‐Term Sodium Battery
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Gu Zhenyi , Guo Jinzhi , Wang Xiaotong , Liang Haojie , Xie Dan , Li Wenhao , Jia Wanqing , Wu Xinglong
Published: July 2022

The high concentration electrolytes with specific solvation structure could passivate the electrodes to prolong battery cycle life but at the expense of increased cost, which limits the wide application in commercialization. The regular concentration (1 m) electrolytes with suitable properties (viscosity, ionic conductivity, etc.) are cost‐guaranteed, but undesired reactions would always occur and lead to battery degradation during long cycles. To promote the long‐term cycle stability in a cost‐effective way, this work constructs bidirectional fluorine‐rich electrode/electrolyte interphase (EEI) by redistribution of solvents and electrochemical induction. The fluorinated effect with reasonable zoning planning restricts morphological disintegration, meanwhile, forms spatial confinement on cathode. In particular, the obtained cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) gets the ample ability of Na+ transport, which benefits from the fluorinated organics arranged in the epitaxy and the hemi‐carbonate content acting on the thickness. Thus, the electrochemical long cycling performance of F‐NVPOF||F‐CC full cells is significantly enhanced (the decay rate at 1 C per cycle is as low as 0.01%). Such a fluorine‐rich EEI engineering is expected to take transitional layers against the degradation of cells and make ultra‐long cycle batteries possible.
Seamless Stitching of Redox Windows to Enable High‐Voltage Resilient Solid Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiangdan , Huang Yuanyuan , Hu Xiaoyi , Guo Ruxin , Zhang Yongshang , Wu Zhiheng , Cao Guoqin , Yu Yuran , Wang Zhuo , Shen Yonglong , Shao Guosheng
Published: July 2022

While sulfide solid electrolytes such as Na11Sn2PS12 can allow fast transport of Na+ ions, their utilization in solid sodium ion batteries is rather unsuccessful since they are not electrochemically compatible to both high‐voltage cathodes and sodium metal anode. In this work, we devise an effective approach toward realizing solid sodium ion batteries, using the Na11Sn2PS12 electrolyte and slurry‐coated NASICON‐type Na3MnTi(PO4)3@C as high‐voltage cathode, highly beneficial for low processing cost and high content/loading of active cathode matter. We report that through significantly improved integrity of electrolyte‐cathode interface, such solid sodium ion batteries can deliver outstanding cycling and rate performance, with a charge voltage resilience up to 4.1 V, a high cathode discharge capacity of 128.7 mAh g−1 against the Na3MnTi(PO4)3@C in cathode is achieved at 0.05 C, and capacity retention ratio of 82% with a rate of 0.1 C is realized after prolonged cycling at room temperature. Besides, we demonstrate that such a solid sodium ion battery can even perform at a sub‐zero Celsius temperature of −10°C, when the conventional control cell using liquid electrolyte completely fail to function. This work is to offer a dependable avenue in engineering next generation of safe solid ion batteries based on highly sustainable and much cheaper material resources.
Efficacy and tolerability of brivaracetam monotherapy in childhood and juvenile absence epilepsy: An innovative adaptive trial design
Authors: Bast Thomas , Schulz Anne‐Liv , Floricel Florin , Morita Diego , Cleveland Jody M. , Elshoff Jan‐Peer
Published: July 2022

Objective

Despite introduction of several antiseizure medications over the past two decades, treatment options for childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) and juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE) remain limited. We report the innovative adaptive design of an ongoing phase 2/3 trial to evaluate efficacy, safety, and tolerability of brivaracetam (BRV) monotherapy in patients 2–25 years of age with CAE or JAE.

Methods

N01269 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04666610; start: July 2021; expected completion: 2024) is a randomized, dose‐finding and confirmatory, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, multicenter trial. The trial consists of a dose‐selection and assessment for futility stage, followed by an optimal‐dose stage after interim analysis. Both stages include an up to 2‐week screening period, a 2‐week placebo‐controlled period, and an 11‐week active treatment period (10 weeks of initial treatment followed by a 24‐hour electroencephalogram [EEG] and an additional week of active treatment for 24‐hour EEG assessment). Patients who are absence seizure‐free will enter an up to 4‐week randomized withdrawal period. Efficacy assessments will be based on 24‐hour EEG and seizure diaries.

Significance

This two‐stage adaptive trial design allows investigation of two potentially efficacious BRV doses, where one dose is dropped in favor of the other dose with a better benefit–risk profile. This allows for a combined phase 2 dose‐finding and phase 3 confirmatory efficacy trial, which reduces the number of patients needed to be recruited and reduces trial duration. A randomized withdrawal period is included to evaluate sustainability of treatment effect over time and to allow for placebo control while minimizing placebo exposure. Use of EEG capture in addition to seizure diaries offers a robust mechanism of detecting seizure activity and measuring treatment effect. Positive efficacy and safety/tolerability data may support the use of BRV as monotherapy for CAE or JAE, providing another treatment option and representing long‐delayed progress in the treatment of absence seizures in these populations.
Bringing life out of diversity: Boosting network lifetime using multi‐PHY routing in RPL
Authors: Rady Mina , Lampin Quentin , Barthel Dominique , Watteyne Thomas
Published: July 2022

In this article, we propose a routing mechanism based on the RPL protocol in a wireless network that is equipped with a mix of short‐range and long‐range radios. We introduce Life‐OF, an objective function for RPL which uses a combination of metrics and the diverse physical layers to boost the network's lifetime. We evaluate the performance of Life‐OF compared to the classical MRHOF objective function in simulations. Two key performance indicators (KPIs) are reported: network lifetime and network latency. Results demonstrate that MRHOF tends to converge to a pure long‐range network, leading to short network lifetime. However, Life‐OF improves network lifetime by continuously adapting the routing topology to favor routing over nodes with longest remaining lifetime. Life‐OF combines diverse radios and balances power consumption in the network. This way, nodes switch between using their short‐range radio to improve their own battery lifetime and using their long‐range radio to avoid routers that are close to depletion. Results show that using Life‐OF improves the lifetime of the network by up to 470% that of MRHOF, while maintaining similar latency.
Effect of vitamin C fortification on the quality of cow's and goat's yoghurt
Authors: Sobczak Alicja , Danowska‐Oziewicz Marzena , Ząbek Katarzyna , Miciński Jan , Narwojsz Agnieszka
Published: July 2022

Yoghurt is one of the well‐known fermented dairy products that play an important role in the human diet. At present, products made of goat's milk are becoming more popular. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of physicochemical properties of yoghurt fortified with vitamin C. Six different yoghurts were developed: from goat's and cow's milk without any addition, with L‐ascorbic acid and acerola addition. The results showed that the addition of L‐ascorbic acid significantly decreased pH. Based on the sensory evaluation, the natural cow's yoghurt has scored higher in the overall rating among yoghurts. The addition of L‐ascorbic acid to natural goat's yoghurt positively affected the color, taste, flavor, and consistency. In the case of cow's milk yoghurt, the addition of L‐ascorbic acid and acerola deteriorated the taste of the product.
Effect of storage on the nutritional and antioxidant properties of brown Basmati rice
Authors: Naveed Aqsa , Zubair Muhammad , Baig Ayesha , Farid Mujahid , Ahmed Waqar , Rehman Rafia , Ayub Muhammad Adnan , Hassoun Abdo , Cropotova Janna
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of storage time and temperature on the nutritional and antioxidant values of different varieties of brown rice. PARB approved indigenous Basmati varieties (Basmati 86, Basmati 515, Basmati super, Basmati super fine and Basmati kainat) were procured and initially tested for physicochemical parameters, including moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and fibers from the brown rice powder. Similarly, antioxidant capacity of these brown rice samples was assessed in terms of total phenolic content and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging potential. Samples of brown rice were stored for 3 and 6 months at 25 and 5°C. On increasing the storage time and temperature, antioxidant activity of rice decreases up to 50%. Nutritional parameters, such as minerals, carbohydrates, and fatty acids were characterized using UV/Vis spectrophotometer, ICP‐OES, GC–MS, and HPLC, revealing significant changes in the chemical composition of brown rice. Observation indicates that storage at high temperatures leads to a rapid decrease in carbohydrate and moisture content than at lower temperatures. The protein and ash content remains controlled and integrate with the mineral composition found. Decrease in the glucose and fructose amount was observed in brown rice varieties except for Basmati super fine and Basmati kainat at 5°C. Regarding fatty acids, oleic and linoleic acids were prominent in oils extracted from the different brown rice varieties, and their content was reduced during the storage due to conversion to behenic, and erucic acids, respectively. From the present study, it can be concluded that low storage temperatures reduce the loss of nutrients, offering better nutritional quality for the consumer.
Impacts of agar gum and fucoidan on gel properties of surimi products without phosphate
Authors: Zheng Mingjing , Hong Jinling , Chuai Pengjie , Chen Yanhong , Ni Hui , Li Qingbiao , Jiang Zedong
Published: July 2022

Phosphate is widely used in surimi products to improve the gel properties. However, excess addition of phosphate occurs, which can harm the consumer's health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of agar gum and fucoidan on maintaining the gel properties of surimi products instead of phosphate. Interestingly, our results showed that 0.125% of agar gum and fucoidan to replace phosphate could enhance water‐holding capacity and maintain gel strength and textual properties of surimi products well. Especially at frozen storage for 1 year, 0.125% of agar gum reduced the expressible moisture content of surimi products by around 10% (p < .05). Sensory evaluation showed that 0.125% of agar gum and fucoidan instead of phosphate can improve tissue and fondness of surimi products in refrigerated storage for 24 h but not in frozen storage for 1 year. The addition of agar gum and fucoidan at a high concentration >0.50% increased the WHC, but significantly decreased gel strength and springiness of surimi products (p < .05). Particularly, 1.00% of agar gum and fucoidan reduced gel strength by around 20% (p < .05). It might be due to the destruction of the gel network structure of surimi protein following the excess addition of these polysaccharides. It can be concluded that 0.125% of agar gum and fucoidan can replace phosphate to develop high‐quality surimi products, and excessive addition of them have negative effects.
Gut microbiome and metabolome analyses reveal the protective effect of special high‐docosahexaenoic acid tuna oil on d‐galactose‐induced aging in mice
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yi Congmin , Han Jiaojiao , Ming Tinghong , Zhou Jun , Lu Chenyang , Li Ye , Su Xiurong
Published: July 2022

Aging is closely related to altered gut function and its microbiome composition. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in the preventive effect of special high‐docosahexaenoic acid tuna oil (HDTO) on senescence, the effects of different doses of HDTO on the gut microbiome and metabolome of d‐galactose‐induced aging mice were studied. Deferribacteres and Tenericutes and uridine might be used as indicator bacteria and characteristic metabolites to identify aging, respectively. HDTO markedly improved the impaired memory and antioxidant abilities induced by d‐galactose. At the phylum level, the abundance of Firmicutes and Tenericutes was significantly increased upon d‐galactose induction, while that of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Deferribacteres was significantly decreased. At the genus level, the variation mainly presented as an increase in the abundance of the Firmicutes genera Ligilactobacillus, Lactobacillus, and Erysipelothrix, the decrease in the abundance of the Bacteroidetes genera Bacteroides and Alistipes, the Firmicutes genus Dielma, and the Deferribacteres genus Mucispirillum. HDTO supplementation reversed the alterations in the intestinal flora by promoting the proliferation of beneficial flora during the aging process; the metabolic pathways, such as glycine–serine–threonine metabolism, valine–leucine–isoleucine biosynthesis, and some metabolic pathways involved in uridine, were also partially restored. Furthermore, the correlation analysis illustrated an obvious correlation between gut microbiota, its metabolites, and aging‐related indices. Moreover, it is worth noting that the metabolic regulation by dietary intervention varied with different HDTO doses and did not present a simple additive effect; indeed, each dose showed a unique modulation mechanism.
Condensed Fuzheng extract increases immune function in mice with cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppression
Authors: Wang Ji‐Da , Wang Li , Yu Shuang , Jin Yu‐Tong , Wang Yi‐Yang , Chai Run‐Dong , Zhao Ze‐Yu , Bian Yu‐Hong , Zhao Shu‐Wu
Published: July 2022

Our general purpose was to examine the effect of condensed Fuzheng extract (CFE) on the alleviation of immunosuppression. A mouse model of immunosuppression was established by intraperitoneal injection of CTX. A healthy control group received no CTX and no CFE; different intragastric doses of CFE were administered to three groups of mice for 28 days (4500, 2250, or 1125 mg/kg/day); a negative control received CTX alone, and a positive control received CTX and levamisole hydrochloride. We evaluated the effects of CFE on the immune system organs, cells, and molecules by comparing the different groups. CFE significantly improved immune system organs (spleen and thymus indices and histology), stimulated immune cell activities (number of white blood cells and lymphocytes, phagocytosis of mononuclear phagocytes, proliferation of splenic lymphocytes, antibody formation, and NK cell activity), and increased the levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) and cytokines (IL‐2 and IFN‐γ). Thus CFE effectively alleviated CTX‐mediated immunosuppression and oxidative stress and enhanced the immunological functions of mice.
The role of socio‐political factors in public debt accumulation: Evidence from CEMAC countries
Authors: Ekouala Ulrich M.
Published: July 2022

The analysis of public debt determinants is well documented in the literature. However, previous studies give more focus to the economic determinants neglecting the role played by socio‐political factors. The purpose of this study is to fill that gap observed in the literature by investigating the impact of socio‐political factors on CEMAC countries' public debt accumulation in a bivariate relationship. The paper employs the OLS and GLS as baseline models using panel data covering the period from 1980 to 2021. The study uses as alternative techniques the FE, FE‐IV, and the GMM for robustness checks. The empirical findings highlight the system (both presidential and legislative), corruption, Electoral openness and Competitiveness for legislative election (Liec), and fraud as the main driving factors of public debt in CEMAC countries. This paper suggests further studies to give a particular interest to socio‐political factors while investigating the determinants of public debt in developing countries.
The role of SF3B1 and NOTCH1 in the pathogenesis of leukemia
Authors: Abolhasani Shiva , Hejazian Seyyed Sina , Karpisheh Vahid , Khodakarami Atefeh , Mohammadi Hamed , Gholizadeh Navashenaq Jamshid , Hojjat‐Farsangi Mohammad , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad
Published: July 2022

The discovery of new genes/pathways improves our knowledge of cancer pathogenesis and presents novel potential therapeutic options. For instance, splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) and NOTCH1 genetic alterations have been identified at a high frequency in hematological malignancies, such as leukemia, and may be related to the prognosis of involved patients because they change the nature of malignancies in different ways like mediating therapeutic resistance; therefore, studying these gene/pathways is essential. This review aims to discuss SF3B1 and NOTCH1 roles in the pathogenesis of various types of leukemia and the therapeutic potential of targeting these genes or their mutations to provide a foundation for leukemia treatment.
Non‐Invasive imaging of extracellular vesicles: Quo vaditis in vivo?
Authors: Arifin Dian R. , Witwer Kenneth W. , Bulte Jeff W. M.
Published: July 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid‐bilayer delimited vesicles released by nearly all cell types that serve as mediators of intercellular signalling. Recent evidence has shown that EVs play a key role in many normal as well as pathological cellular processes. EVs can be exploited as disease biomarkers and also as targeted, cell‐free therapeutic delivery and signalling vehicles for use in regenerative medicine and other clinical settings. Despite this potential, much remains unknown about the in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetic profiles of EVs after administration into living subjects. The ability to non‐invasively image exogeneous EVs, especially in larger animals, will allow a better understanding of their in vivo homing and retention patterns, blood and tissue half‐life, and excretion pathways, all of which are needed to advance clinical diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications of EVs. We present the current state‐of‐the‐art methods for labeling EVs with various diagnostic contrast agents and tracers and the respective imaging modalities that can be used for their in vivo visualization: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X‐ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, magnetic particle imaging (MPI), single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and optical imaging (fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging). We review here the strengths and weaknesses of each of these EV imaging approaches, with special emphasis on clinical translation.
Circulating extracellular vesicles provide valuable protein, but not DNA, biomarkers in metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Tkach Mercedes , Hego Caroline , Michel Marc , Darrigues Lauren , Pierga Jean‐Yves , Bidard François‐Clément , Théry Clotilde , Proudhon Charlotte
Published: July 2022

Detection of cell‐free circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) and cancer‐specific extracellular vesicles (EVs) in patient blood have been widely explored as non‐invasive biomarkers for cancer detection and disease follow up. However, most of the protocols used to isolate EVs co‐isolate other components and the actual value of EV‐associated markers remain unclear. To determine the optimal source of clinically‐relevant circulating biomarkers in breast cancer, we applied a size exclusion chromatography (SEC) procedure to analyse separately the content in nucleic acids of EV‐enriched and EV‐depleted fractions, in comparison to total plasma. Both cellular and mitochondrial DNA (cellDNA and mtDNA) were detected in EV‐rich and EV‐poor fractions. Analysing specific mutations identified from tumour tissues, we detected tumour‐specific cellular alleles in all SEC fractions. However, quantification of ctDNA from total plasma was more sensitive than from any SEC fractions. On the other hand, mtDNA was preferentially enriched in EV fractions from healthy donor, whereas cancer patients displayed more abundant mtDNA in total plasma, and equally distributed in all fractions. In contrast to nucleic acids, using a Multiplexed bead‐based EV‐analysis assay, we identified three surface proteins enriched in EVs from metastatic breast cancer plasma, suggesting that a small set of EV surface molecules could provide a disease signature. Our findings provide evidence that the detection of DNA within total circulating EVs does not add value as compared to the whole plasma, at least in the metastatic breast cancer patients used here. However, analysis of a subtype of EV‐associated proteins may reliably identify cancer patients. These non‐invasive biomarkers represent a promising tool for cancer diagnosis and real‐time monitoring of treatment efficacy and these results will impact the development of therapeutic approaches using EVs as targets or biomarkers of cancer.
Visualization Score of Gadoxetic Acid‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The Effect on the Diagnostic Accuracy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Heo Subin , Choi Sang Hyun , Hong Sun , Kim Dong Wook
Published: July 2022

Background

The visualization score of hepatobiliary‐phase (HBP) images has been introduced as an image quality index for gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI. It may be associated with hepatic function and could have an implication on the diagnostic accuracy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Purpose

To investigate the association between the visualization score of gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI and clinical factors and to evaluate its effect on the diagnostic accuracy for HCC ≤ 3.0 cm.

Study type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 493 focal lesions from 397 patients.

Field strength/Sequence

A 5‐T or 3.0 ‐T with pre/postcontrast T1‐weighted 3D gradient echo sequence, and T2‐weighted fast spin‐echo sequence

Assessment

Child‐Pugh classification and albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) score were assessed. Three readers evaluated the visualization score of each MRI examination (A, no or minimal; B, moderate; and C, severe limitations), and major features (arterial‐phase hyperenhancement, washout, enhancing capsule, threshold growth) and ancillary features of each focal lesion.

Statistical Tests

Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine significant clinical factors associated with a suboptimal visualization score (B or C). Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing HCC between the two group (visualization score A vs. B or C). A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of the 397 MRI examinations, the incidence of suboptimal visualization score was 13%. A suboptimal visualization score was significantly associated with Child‐Pugh classification B or C (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 15.2) and ALBI grade 2 or 3 (OR = 4.7). Compared with the visualization score A group, the suboptimal visualization score group showed significantly lower sensitivity (56.8% vs. 75.2%) and less frequent washout in HCC (62.2% vs. 84.0%).

Data Conclusion

The visualization score on gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI can be an important image quality index and the diagnostic accuracy for HCC ≤ 3.0 cm may not be sufficient in the suboptimal visualization score group.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Working from home and firm resilience to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ge Chunmian , Huang Hanwei , Wang Zhiqiang , Jiang Junhui , Liu Chang
Published: July 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has disrupted firms' operations. To cope with the crisis, many firms have allowed their employees to work from home (WFH). We examine whether a firm's WFH capacity has increased its resilience during the pandemic. We test the hypotheses using a unique data set that combines listed firms' financial statements, supply chain partners, and job postings on a leading online platform that provides hiring services. We find that imposing COVID‐19 anti‐contagion policies on firms and their suppliers or customers significantly increases their operating revenue volatility, slows their recovery, and has repercussions on their supply chains. WFH enhances firms' resistance capacity by reducing the effect of COVID‐19 on their operating revenue volatility and disruptions to their supply chain partners; however, it also decreases their recovery capacity by extending the time taken to return to normal. Firm attributes, along with workers' occupations, education, and experience, have an impact on the effect of WFH on firm resilience. This study enhances our understanding of shock transmission across supply chains and WFH as a source of firm resilience.
When is enteral nutrition indicated?
Authors: Bechtold Matthew L. , Brown Patricia M. , Escuro Arlene , Grenda Brandee , Johnston Theresa , Kozeniecki Michelle , Limketkai Berkeley N. , Nelson Krystie K. , Powers Jan , Ronan Andrea , Schober Nathan , Strang Brian J. , Swartz Cristina , Turner Justine , Tweel Lauren , Walker Renee , Epp Lisa , Malone Ainsley ,   the ASPEN Enteral Nutrition Committee
Published: July 2022

Enteral nutrition (EN) is a vital component of nutrition around the world. EN allows for delivery of nutrients to those who cannot maintain adequate nutrition by oral intake alone. Common questions regarding EN are when to initiate and in what scenarios it is safe. The answers to these questions are often complex and require an evidence‐based approach. The Board of Directors of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) established an Enteral Nutrition Committtee to address the important questions surrounding the indications for EN. Consensus recommendations were established based on eight extremely clinically relevant questions regarding EN indications as deemed by the Enteral Nutrition Committee. These consensus recommendations may act as a guide for clinicians and stakeholders on difficult questions pertaining to indications for EN. This paper was approved by the ASPEN Board of Directors.
Modification of Keggin anion structure with ion beams—A new spectroscopic insights into the effects of keV‐ and MeV‐ion beam irradiation on 12‐tungstophosphoric acid
Authors: Mravik Željko , Bajuk‐Bogdanović Danica , Jovanović Sonja , Rmuš Jelena , Olejniczak Andrzej , Mraković Ana , Lazarević Jasmina , Uskoković‐Marković Snežana , Lazarević Nenad , Skuratov Vladimir , Jovanović Zoran
Published: July 2022

Ion beam irradiation is a versatile tool for structural modification and engineering of new materials. In this study, 12‐tungstophosphoric acid (WPA) films of different thickness were spin‐coated on platinized silicon substrate and irradiated with low energy hydrogen ions (10 keV) and swift heavy ions (Bi, Xe, and V) with energies up to 710 MeV. The different energy/fluence combinations allowed controllable structural changes that were investigated in detail using Raman and Infrared spectroscopy. For 120‐nm‐thick WPA samples, the irradiation led to the decrease of intensity of the skeletal and W‐Oc‐W bands of Keggin anion in order: Bi < V < Xe (for their applied energy/fluence combination). Also, symmetry change of Keggin anion similar to the one observed in the case of Keggin anions interacting with the supports was observed. For the selected ion beam irradiation parameters, xenon ion beam induced transformation of WPA to polytungstate. For 20‐μm‐thick WPA samples, the irradiation with hydrogen ion beam induced changes of skeletal vibrations and increased individualistic behavior of Keggin anions. As the fluence increased, the amount of the Keggin anions partially transformed to bronze also increased. Irradiation with vanadium also caused transformation to bronze‐like structure but with higher ratio of terminal W=Od bonds. The overall results show clear correlation between degree of structural modification of WPA and the calculated displacement per atom value. These results open possibilities for engineering new catalytically active structures of polyoxometalates with the help of ion beams.