bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative stress is two‐sided in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Fan Chenyang , Yang Xiangdong , Yan Lixiang , Shi Zhexin
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Oxidative stress caused by elevated ROS, as a novel therapeutic mechanism, has been implicated in various tumors including AML. AML cells are chronically under oxidative stress, yet overreliance on ROS production makes tumor cells increasingly vulnerable to further damage. Reducing the cytotoxic effect of ROS on normal cells while killing leukemia stem cell (LSC) with high levels of reactive oxygen species is a new challenge for oxidative stress therapy in leukemia.

Methods

By searching literature databases, we summarized recent relevant studies. The relationship of ROS on AML genes, signaling pathways, and transcription factors, and the correlation of ROS with AML bone marrow microenvironment and autophagy were summarized. In addition, we summarize the current status of research on ROS and AML therapeutics. Finally, we discuss the research progress on redox resistance in AML.

Results

This review discusses the evidence showing the link between redox reactions and the progression of AML and compiles the latest research findings that will facilitate future biological studies of redox effects associated with AML treatment.

Conclusion

We believe that exploiting this unique oxidative stress property of AML cells may provide a new way to prevent relapse and drug resistance.
On the curvilinear effect of suspicion on consumer judgement suspension: The role of uncertainty towards the brand and product imagery
Authors: Panigyraki Artemis , Polyportis Athanasios , Kyriakopoulos Nikolaos
Published: May 2024

When exposed to advertisements, consumers are often suspicious of brand claims. To that end, prior research has explored how individuals evaluate claims to form a judgement under a state of suspicion. Yet, consumer research has not examined how suspicion affects consumers' suspension of their judgement towards the brand. We experimentally investigate the effects of three (low vs. moderate vs. high) levels of consumer suspicion on judgement suspension. Study 1 shows that compared with low or high levels, moderate levels of suspicion lead to significantly higher judgement suspension. Studies 2 and 3 replicate this inverted U‐shaped effect for additional brand and product category contexts and unveil that uncertainty towards the brand mediates the effect of suspicion on judgement suspension. In turn, the impact of uncertainty towards the brand on judgement suspension is mediated by product imagery. This research corroborates the effects of suspicion on consumer judgement suspension.
Exploring the Botanical Origins of Bee‐Collected Pollen: A Comprehensive Historical and Contemporary Analysis
Authors: Kostić Aleksandar Ž. , Dramićanin Aleksandra M. , Milinčić Danijel D. , Pešić Mirjana B.
Published: May 2024

Bee‐collected pollen is one of the most important bee products. In order to predict its chemical composition and nutritional value botanical origin of pollen plays a crucial role. This review intended to collect all available data published about botanical origin of pollen collected all around the world. Due to enourmous amount of data and variables nonlinear principal component analysis (NLPCA), by applying Categorical Principal Component Analysis (CATPCA), was conducted in order to try to determine any specifity and/or differences among samples. Also, importance of some plant families/genera/species for bees was monitored. Based on CATPCA results families can serve in order to distinct samples from North/South America. Also, some samples from Europe (Turkey and Serbia) were characterized with presence of some specific families. Genera were excellent tool to distinguish samples from different parts of Brazil as well as Australia, Asia and Africa. Due to high and specific biodiversity pollen samples obtained from Sonoran desert (USA) completely were separated during analysis. This review presents the first attempt to summarize and classify a large number of data about botanical sources of bee‐collected pollen.
Synthesis of New Chroman‐4‐one Based 1,2,3‐Triazole Analogues as Antioxidant and Anti‐Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Ambala Shankaraiah , Thumma Vishnu , Mallikanti Veerabhadraiah , Bathini Vineesha , K Jyothi , Pochampally Jalapathi
Published: May 2024

A library of new chroman‐4‐one based 1,2,3‐triazole analogues were synthesized involving a series of condensation, cyclization, Suzuki coupling and copper catalysed click chemistry protocols. The newly synthesized compounds 8a–l were screened for their invitro antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities by employing Ascorbic acid and Diclofenac as reference drugs respectively. The compound without any substituent on benzyl ring (8a), compound with ‐Cl substituent in para position of benzyl ring (8i), and compound with ethoxy substituent in para position of benzyl ring (8k) exhibited potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities with higher percentage of inhibition. To understand their binding affinities, molecular docking study of these three compounds performed against NADPH oxidase with presented outstanding docking scores and promising binding interactions like H‐bond and hydrophobic.
Thermal Proteome Profiling Reveals Insight to Antiproliferative and Pro‐Apoptotic Effects of Lagunamide A in the Modulation of DNA Damage Repair
Authors: Hu Yudong , Mostert Dietrich , Orgler Christina , Andler Oliver , Zischka Hans , Kazmaier Uli , Vollmar Angelika M. , Braig Simone , Sieber Stephan A. , Zahler Stefan
Published: May 2024

Lagunamide A is a biologically active natural product with a yet unidentified molecular mode of action. Cellular studies revealed that lagunamide A is a potent inhibitor of cancer cell proliferation, promotes apoptosis and causes mitochondrial dysfunction. To decipher the cellular mechanism responsible for these effects, we utilized thermal protein profiling (TPP) and identified EYA3 as a stabilized protein in cells upon lagunamide A treatment. EYA3, involved in the DNA damage repair process, was functionally investigated via siRNA based knockdown studies and corresponding effects of lagunamide A on DNA repair were confirmed. Furthermore, we showed that lagunamide A sensitized tumor cells to treatment with the drug doxorubicin highlighting a putative therapeutic strategy.
In vivo Labeling and Intravital Imaging of Bacterial Infection using a Near‐infrared Fluorescent D‐Amino Acid Probe
Authors: Li Yixuan , Zhou Yingjun , Du Yahui , Gao Po , Yang Liqun , Wang Wei
Published: May 2024

Bacterial infections still pose a severe threat to public health, necessitating novel tools for real‐time analysis of microbial behaviors in living organisms. While genetically engineered strains with fluorescent or luminescent reporters are commonly used in tracking bacteria, their in vivo uses are often limited. Here, we report a near‐infrared fluorescent D‐amino acid (FDAA) probe, Cy7ADA, for in situ labeling and intravital imaging of bacterial infections in mice. Cy7ADA probe effectively labels various bacteria in vitro and pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus in mice after intraperitoneal injection. Because of Cy7’s high tissue penetration and the quick excretion of free probes via urine, real‐time visualization of the pathogens in a liver abscess model via intravital confocal microscopy is achieved. The biodistributions, including their intracellular localization within Kupffer cells, are revealed. Monitoring bacterial responses to antibiotics also demonstrates Cy7ADA′s capability to reflect the bacterial load dynamics within the host. Furthermore, Cy7ADA facilitates three‐dimensional pathogen imaging in tissue‐cleared liver samples, showcasing its potential for studying the biogeography of microbes in different organs. Integrating near‐infrared FDAA probes with intravital microscopy holds promise for wide applications in studying bacterial infections in vivo.
TM4SF1 is a molecular facilitator that distributes cargo proteins intracellularly in endothelial cells in support of blood vessel formation
Authors: Lin Chi‐Iou , Merley Anne , Jaminet Shou‐Ching S.
Published: May 2024

Transmembrane‐4 L‐six family member‐1 (TM4SF1) is an atypical tetraspanin that is highly and selectively expressed in proliferating endothelial cells and plays an essential role in blood vessel development. TM4SF1 forms clusters on the cell surface called TMED (TM4SF1‐enriched microdomains) and recruits other proteins that internalize along with TM4SF1 via microtubules to intracellular locations including the nucleus. We report here that tumor growth and wound healing are inhibited in Tm4sf1‐heterozygous mice. Investigating the mechanisms of TM4SF1 activity, we show that 12 out of 18 signaling molecules examined are recruited to TMED on the surface of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and internalize along with TMED; notable among them are PLCγ and HDAC6. When TM4SF1 is knocked down in HUVEC, microtubules are heavily acetylated despite normal levels of HDAC6 protein, and, despite normal levels of VEGFR2, are unable to proliferate. Together, our studies indicate that pathological angiogenesis is inhibited when levels of TM4SF1 are reduced as in Tm4sf1‐heterozygous mice; a likely mechanism is that TM4SF1 regulates the intracellular distribution of signaling molecules necessary for endothelial cell proliferation and migration.
Recent Progress on Metal Organic Framework and Covalent Organic Framework Based Solid‐State Electrolyte Membranes for Lithium Battery Applications
Authors: Devendran Arthisree , Shahmirzaee Mozhgan , Nagai Atsushi
Published: May 2024

Lithium batteries have been widely utilized in wide‐ranging electronic devices, from smartphones to electric vehicles. This review explores a new area of advanced materials for energy storage application, especially focusing on solid electrolyte membranes for lithium battery. To enhance the overall performance of lithium batteries, researchers are studying solid electrolyte membranes, aiming to overcome the limitations of liquid electrolytes and other traditional membranes. Recently, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent‐organic frameworks (COFs) exhibit promising characteristics due to their highly organized porous nature and structural properties. These frameworks hold significant potential as a viable component for lithium battery systems, especially in advanced separator/electrolyte setups. Because of their adjustable structural design, MOFs and COFs have the capacity to enhance battery performance by facilitating ion movement, providing superior mechanical stability, and safety. This review provides insight into the recent progress achieved by integrating MOFs and COFs into solid electrolyte membranes for lithium batteries, highlighting their potential advantages, associated challenges, and future research avenues.
Advancements in Interfacial Engineering for Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lee Jaeho , Xie Zixi , Wang Lianzhou , Hou Jingwei
Published: May 2024

Perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have gained significant attention due to their promising optoelectronic properties and potential applications in the fields of lighting and display devices. Despite their potential, PeLEDs face challenges related to stability, high turn‐on voltage, and low external quantum efficiency (EQE) which has restricted their broad acceptance. Most research efforts have predominantly focused on refining the properties of the perovskite films. However, it is becoming more apparent that interfacial layers and device architecture are crucial for achieving stability and high efficiency, making them indispensable components in PeLED development. This perspective highlights remarkable advancements in PeLED devices, with a primary focus on modifying adjacent layers interfacing with the perovskite film.
An Efficient and Scalable “Second Generation” Total Synthesis of the Marine Polyketide Limaol Endowed with Antiparasitic Activity
Authors: Hess Stephan N. , Fürstner Alois
Published: May 2024

The cluster of four skipped exo‐methylene substituents on the “northern” wing of limaol renders this dinoflagellate‐derived marine natural product unique in structural terms. This arguably non‐thermodynamic array gains kinetic stability by virtue of populating local conformations which impede isomerization to a partly or fully conjugated polyene. This analysis suggested that the difficulties encountered during the late stages of our first total synthesis of this polyketide had not been caused by an overly fragile character of this unusual substructure; rather, an unfavorable steric microenvironment about the spirotricyclic core was identified as the likely cause. To remedy the issue, the protecting groups on this central fragment were changed; in effect, this amendment allowed all strategic and practical problems to be addressed. As a result, the overall yield over the longest linear sequence was multiplied by a factor of almost five and the material throughput increased more than eighty‐fold per run. Key‐to‐success was a gold‐catalyzed spirocyclization reaction; the reasons why a Brønsted acid cocatalyst is needed and the origin of the excellent levels of selectivity were delineated. The change of the protecting groups also allowed for much improved fragment coupling processes; most notably, the sequence of a substrate‐controlled carbonyl addition reaction followed by Mitsunobu inversion that had originally been necessary to affix the southern tail to the core could be replaced by a reagent controlled asymmetric allylation. Finally, a much‐improved route to the “northern” sector was established by leveraging the power of asymmetric hydrogenation of a 2‐pyrone derivative. Limaol was found to combine appreciable antiparasitic activity with very modest cytotoxicity.
Chirality Sensing of Cryptochiral Guests with Prism[n]arenes
Authors: Della Sala Paolo , Calice Umberto , Iuliano Veronica , Geremia Silvano , Hickey Neal , Belviso Sandra , Summa Francesco F. , Monaco Guglielmo , Gaeta Carmine , Superchi Stefano
Published: May 2024

Optical chirality sensing has gained significant attention in recent years. Within this field, the quest for stereodynamic chiroptical probes capable of detecting cryptochiral guests presents a formidable challenge. Macrocycles exhibiting planar chirality have emerged as promising candidates for amplifying the chirality of cryptochiral guests. In this study, we demonstrate that the formation of host‐guest complexes between cryptochiral molecules and planar chiral prismarenes triggers electronic circular dichroism (ECD) signals via host‐guest complexation‐induced chirality amplification. The absolute configuration of the most stable chiral macrocyclic host‐guest complex has been established by resorting to both exciton model and DFT computations. Furthermore, we demonstrated that this supramolecular chirality sensing system can be employed to determine the enantiomeric composition of scalemic mixtures by measuring the ECD bands intensity. The information described here opens the way for the use of prismarenes as stereodynamic probes for sensing of cryptochiral guests.
Ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U‐ExM) of mouse and human kidneys for analysis of subcellular structures
Authors: Langner Ewa , Puapatanakul Pongpratch , Pudlowski Rachel , Alsabbagh Dema Yaseen , Miner Jeffrey H. , Horani Amjad , Dutcher Susan K. , Brody Steven L. , Wang Jennifer T. , Suleiman Hani Y. , Mahjoub Moe R.
Published: May 2024

Ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U‐ExM) involves the physical magnification of specimens embedded in hydrogels, which allows for super‐resolution imaging of subcellular structures using a conventional diffraction‐limited microscope. Methods for expansion microscopy exist for several organisms, organs, and cell types, and used to analyze cellular organelles and substructures in nanoscale resolution. Here, we describe a simple step‐by‐step U‐ExM protocol for the expansion, immunostaining, imaging, and analysis of cytoskeletal and organellar structures in kidney tissue. We detail the critical modified steps to optimize isotropic kidney tissue expansion, and preservation of the renal cell structures of interest. We demonstrate the utility of the approach using several markers of renal cell types, centrioles, cilia, the extracellular matrix, and other cytoskeletal elements. Finally, we show that the approach works well on mouse and human kidney samples that were preserved using different fixation and embedding conditions. Overall, this protocol provides a simple and cost‐effective approach to analyze both preclinical and clinical renal samples in high detail, using conventional lab supplies and standard widefield or confocal microscopy.
Exploring the Correlation of Dynamic Surface Tension with Antimicrobial Activities of Quaternary Ammonium‐Based Disinfectants
Authors: Vargas‐Cuebas Germán G. , Sanchez Christian A. , Brayton Samantha R. , Nikoloff Alexander , Masters Ronald , Minbiole Kevin P. C. , Wuest William M.
Published: May 2024

Quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) disinfectants represent one of our first lines of defense against pathogens. Their inhibitory and bactericidal activities are usually tested through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and time‐kill assays, but these assays can become cumbersome when screening many compounds. We investigated how the dynamic surface tension (DST) measurements of QACs correlate with these antimicrobial activities by testing a panel of potent and structurally varied QACs against the gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and the gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We found that DST values correlated well with bactericidal activity in real‐world disinfection conditions but not with MIC values. Moreover, no correlation between these two antimicrobial activities of QACs (bactericidal and inhibition) was observed. In addition, we observed that the bactericidal activity of our QAC panel against the gram‐negative P. aeruginosa was severely affected in the presence of hard water. Interestingly, we found that the counterion of the QAC affects the killing of bacteria in these conditions, a phenomenon not observed in most MIC assessments. Moreover, some of our best‐in‐class QACs show enhanced bactericidal activity when combined with a commercially available QAC. In conclusion, we determined that an intrinsic physical property of QACs (DST) can be used as a technique to screen for bactericidal activity of QACs in conditions that mimic real‐world disinfection conditions.
Population‐specific validation and comparison of the performance of 77‐ and 313‐variant polygenic risk scores for breast cancer risk prediction
Authors: Hovhannisyan Milena , Zemankova Petra , Nehasil Petr , Matejkova Katerina , Borecka Marianna , Cerna Marta , Dolezalova Tatana , Dvorakova Lenka , Foretova Lenka , Horackova Klara , Jelinkova Sandra , Just Pavel , Kalousova Marta , Kral Jan , Machackova Eva , Nemcova Barbora , Safarikova Marketa , Springer Drahomira , Stastna Barbora , Tavandzis Spiros , Vocka Michal , Zima Tomas , Soukupova Jana , Kleiblova Petra , Ernst Corinna , Kleibl Zdenek , Janatova Marketa
Published: May 2024

Background

The polygenic risk score (PRS) allows the quantification of the polygenic effect of many low‐penetrance alleles on the risk of breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to evaluate the performance of two sets comprising 77 or 313 low‐penetrance loci (PRS77 and PRS313) in patients with BC in the Czech population.

Methods

In a retrospective case‐control study, variants were genotyped from both the PRS77 and PRS313 sets in 1329 patients with BC and 1324 noncancer controls, all women without germline pathogenic variants in BC predisposition genes. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated according to the categorical PRS in individual deciles. Weighted Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) per standard deviation (SD) increase in PRS.

Results

The distributions of standardized PRSs in patients and controls were significantly different (p < 2.2 × 10−16) with both sets. PRS313 outperformed PRS77 in categorical and continuous PRS analyses. For patients in the highest 2.5% of PRS313, the risk reached an OR of 3.05 (95% CI, 1.66–5.89; p = 1.76 × 10−4). The continuous risk was estimated as an HRper SD of 1.64 (95% CI, 1.49–1.81; p < 2.0 × 10−16), which resulted in an absolute risk of 21.03% at age 80 years for individuals in the 95th percentile of PRS313. Discordant categorization into PRS deciles was observed in 248 individuals (9.3%).

Conclusions

Both PRS77 and PRS313 are able to stratify individuals according to their BC risk in the Czech population. PRS313 shows better discriminatory ability. The results support the potential clinical utility of using PRS313 in individualized BC risk prediction.
Impact of HIV status on prognosis of malignancies among people living with HIV in Japan
Authors: Ando Kenju , Shimomura Akihiko , Watanabe Koji , Tsukada Kunihisa , Teruya Katsuji , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Shimizu Chikako
Published: May 2024

Background

Antiretroviral therapy has reduced the incidence and mortality of AIDS‐defining malignancies (ADM); however, non–AIDS‐defining malignancies (NADM) are a major cause of death among people living with HIV (PLWH) today. Though current guidelines suggest that PLWH should receive the same treatment as the general population, there are limited studies focused on how HIV status affects the prognosis of cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of malignant diseases among PLWH in Japan.

Methods

Patients with HIV diagnosed with malignant diseases at our institution between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

There were 205 patients who were diagnosed with malignancies. Of these, 87 (42.4%) were diagnosed with ADM and 118 (57.6%) were diagnosed with NADM. Among 69 patients who received chemotherapy for ADM, 24 (34.8%) developed AIDS‐defining opportunistic infections during treatment. In contrast, only one (1.8%) of the 56 patients administered chemotherapy for NADM developed AIDS‐defining opportunistic infections. Complications of opportunistic infections at diagnosis of malignancies, low CD4+ T‐cell count, positive HIV RNA, and nonadministration of antiretroviral therapy were associated with 5‐year overall survival among patients with malignant lymphomas. However, the variables associated with HIV did not affect NADM prognosis.

Conclusions

In this analysis, HIV status had a small impact on the prognosis of malignant diseases in PLWH. Few patients with NADM developed AIDS‐defining opportunistic infections after receiving chemotherapy.
Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the discovery of epidermal growth factor receptor mutation in lung cancer: Translational research at its best
Authors: Leal Ticiana A. , Ramalingam Suresh S.
Published: May 2024

The discovery of epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) launched the era of personalized medicine in advanced NSCLC, which led to a dramatic shift in the therapeutic landscape of this disease.
Transcriptomic analysis revealed potential regulatory biomarkers and repurposable drugs for breast cancer treatment
Authors: Shornale Akter Most , Uddin Md. Helal , Atikur Rahman Sheikh , Hossain Md. Arju , Ashik Md. Ashiqur Rahman , Zaman Nurun Nesa , Faruk Omar , Hossain Md. Sanwar , Parvin Anzana , Rahman Md Habibur
Published: May 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is the most widespread cancer worldwide. Over 2 million new cases of BC were identified in 2020 alone. Despite previous studies, the lack of specific biomarkers and signaling pathways implicated in BC impedes the development of potential therapeutic strategies. We employed several RNAseq datasets to extract differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on the intersection of all datasets, followed by protein–protein interaction network construction. Using the shared DEGs, we also identified significant gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathways to understand the signaling pathways involved in BC development. A molecular docking simulation was performed to explore potential interactions between proteins and drugs. The intersection of the four datasets resulted in 146 DEGs common, including AURKB, PLK1, TTK, UBE2C, CDCA8, KIF15, and CDC45 that are significant hub‐proteins associated with breastcancer development. These genes are crucial in complement activation, mitotic cytokinesis, aging, and cancer development. We identified key microRNAs (i.e., hsa‐miR‐16‐5p, hsa‐miR‐1‐3p, hsa‐miR‐147a, hsa‐miR‐195‐5p, and hsa‐miR‐155‐5p) that are associated with aggressive tumor behavior and poor clinical outcomes in BC. Notable transcription factors (TFs) were FOXC1, GATA2, FOXL1, ZNF24 and NR2F6. These biomarkers are involved in regulating cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Finally, molecular docking suggested Hesperidin, 2‐amino‐isoxazolopyridines, and NMS‐P715 as potential lead compounds against BC progression. We believe that these findings will provide important insight into the BC progression as well as potential biomarkers and drug candidates for therapeutic development.
Tramadol/Diclofenac Fixed‐Dose Combination for Acute Pain Management: Bioavailability Assessment of a Generic Product
Authors: da Silva Thalita Martins , Davanço Marcelo Gomes , Meulman Jessica , Vianna Débora Renz Barreto , Costa Fernando , Pacheco Fernando Bastos Canton , Carandina Silvana Aparecida Calafatti , Issa Eduardo , Vespasiano Celso Francisco Pimentel
Published: May 2024

The multimodal analgesia strategy for acute pain involves using 2 or more analgesic medications with distinct mechanisms of action. This study assessed the bioavailability and tolerability of 2 tramadol hydrochloride (50 mg)/diclofenac sodium (50 mg) fixed‐dose combination formulations under fed conditions to attend the Brazilian regulatory requirements for generic product registration. An open‐label, randomized, single‐dose, 2‐period, 2‐way crossover trial was conducted, including healthy subjects of both sexes. Subjects received a single dose of either the test or reference formulation of tramadol/diclofenac fixed‐dose combination tablets with a 7‐day washout period. Blood samples were collected up to 36 hours after dosing for tramadol and 12 hours for diclofenac and quantified using a validated liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method. Of 56 subjects enrolled, 53 completed the study. The 90% confidence intervals for maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration were within acceptable bioequivalence limits of 80%‐125%. Considering the results presented in this study, the test formulation is bioequivalent to the reference formulation and could be interchangeable in medical practice.
Application of histogram of oriented gradient features and support vector machine models in stage lighting control in drama
Authors: Qu Shen
Published: May 2024

The lighting control of the theatrical stage is directly related to the presentation effect of the program and the audience's experience. With the development of intelligent control technology, the control of lighting effects has been continuously improved. However, the existing stage lighting control lacks intelligence, resulting in poor control effect and weak energy‐saving performance. Based on this, a human contour image classification model using support vector machines (SVM) based on histogram of oriented gradient (HOG) feature extraction method is constructed to achieve stage lighting control. The results show that the revised HOG feature extraction approach achieves recognition performance of 99.6% when the ratio is 0.8. The HOG‐SVM model proposed in the study has the best recognition performance, reaching 99.6%. This indicates that the stage lighting control system based on HOG‐SVM feature extraction constructed in the research can meet the actual needs of stage program performance, which can be applied to stage lighting control to effectively reduce energy consumption.
SNP‐SVant: A Computational Workflow to Predict and Annotate Genomic Variants in Organisms Lacking Benchmarked Variants
Authors: Gunasekaran Deepika , Ardell David H. , Nobile Clarissa J.
Published: May 2024

Whole‐genome sequencing is widely used to investigate population genomic variation in organisms of interest. Assorted tools have been independently developed to call variants from short‐read sequencing data aligned to a reference genome, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and structural variations (SVs). We developed SNP‐SVant, an integrated, flexible, and computationally efficient bioinformatic workflow that predicts high‐confidence SNPs and SVs in organisms without benchmarked variants, which are traditionally used for distinguishing sequencing errors from real variants. In the absence of these benchmarked datasets, we leverage multiple rounds of statistical recalibration to increase the precision of variant prediction. The SNP‐SVant workflow is flexible, with user options to tradeoff accuracy for sensitivity. The workflow predicts SNPs and small insertions and deletions using the Genome Analysis ToolKit (GATK) and predicts SVs using the Genome Rearrangement IDentification Software Suite (GRIDSS), and it culminates in variant annotation using custom scripts. A key utility of SNP‐SVant is its scalability. Variant calling is a computationally expensive procedure, and thus, SNP‐SVant uses a workflow management system with intermediary checkpoint steps to ensure efficient use of resources by minimizing redundant computations and omitting steps where dependent files are available. SNP‐SVant also provides metrics to assess the quality of called variants and converts between VCF and aligned FASTA format outputs to ensure compatibility with downstream tools to calculate selection statistics, which are commonplace in population genomics studies. By accounting for both small and large structural variants, users of this workflow can obtain a wide‐ranging view of genomic alterations in an organism of interest. Overall, this workflow advances our capabilities in assessing the functional consequences of different types of genomic alterations, ultimately improving our ability to associate genotypes with phenotypes. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Predicting single nucleotide polymorphisms and structural variations

Support Protocol 1: Downloading publicly available sequencing data

Support Protocol 2: Visualizing variant loci using Integrated Genome Viewer

Support Protocol 3: Converting between VCF and aligned FASTA formats
Impact of Gender on Chronic Complications in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence From a Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Mokhtarpour Kiavash , Yadegar Amirhossein , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Aghayan Seyedeh Nazanin , Seyedi Seyed Arsalan , Rabizadeh Soghra , Esteghamati Alireza , Nakhjavani Manouchehr
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to assess and compare the prevalence of diabetes complications between men and women with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), as well as how gender relates to these complications.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, complications of diabetes, including coronary artery disease (CAD), retinopathy, neuropathy and diabetic kidney disease (DKD), were evaluated in 1867 participants with T2D. Additionally, baseline characteristics of the individuals, including anthropometric measurements, metabolic parameters and the use of dyslipidaemia drugs and antihyperglycaemic agents, were assessed. Gender differences in complications were examined using the chi‐squared test. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to investigate the relationship between gender and T2D complications, with and without adjusting for the characteristics of the studied population.

Results

In the studied population, 62.1% had at least one complication, and complications were 33.5% for DKD, 29.6% for CAD, 22.9% for neuropathy and 19.1% for retinopathy. The prevalence of CAD and neuropathy was higher in men. However, DKD and retinopathy were more prevalent among women. Odds ratios of experiencing any complication, CAD and retinopathy in men compared with women were 1.57 (95% CI: 1.27–2.03), 2.27 (95% CI: 1.72–2.99) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.52–0.98), respectively, after adjusting for demographic factors, anthropometric measures, metabolic parameters and the consumption of dyslipidaemia drugs and antihyperglycaemic agents.

Conclusion

The prevalence of diabetes complications was significantly higher in men with diabetes, highlighting the need for better treatment adherence. CAD was associated with the male gender, whereas retinopathy was associated with the female gender. Men and women with diabetes should be monitored closely for CAD and retinopathy, respectively, regardless of their age, diabetes duration, anthropometric measures, laboratory findings and medications.
Combined ultra‐microelectrode: Exploring new potentials for in vivo/in situ ascorbic acid electroanalysis
Authors: Fathi Samira , Hatamie Amir
Published: May 2024

Miniaturized and portable analytical tools show promise for sophisticated analysis, particularly in biological systems such as fruits, and they are suitable for advanced agriculture and related food industries. In this study, we developed combined ultra‐microelectrodes (UME) by modifying a microscale carbon fiber electrode (33 μm) coated with an Au nano‐film in a micropipette‐tip system. The proposed UME@Au exhibited a linear response to AC concentrations ranging from 30 to 1400 μM, with a 16 μM limit of detection. It demonstrated the ability to perform in vivo‐in vitro AC analysis in micro‐zones and volumes, such as different points of fruit tissue (Such as lemon) and within the body of a living plant (Such as Cactus arms and trunk), serving as a tiny implanted probe.

In the first part of our study, we analyzed AC levels in lemon tissue directly. Our measurements revealed that AC levels are distributed heterogeneously in a single fruit. Additionally, stored AC levels depend on the color of the lemon (yellow ones have higher levels than the green ones). Furthermore, the UME was applied to control AC levels in different storage conditions, including opened containers, airtight containers, with and without exposing daylight, etc.

In the second part, the UME@Au was utilized as an implanted sensor for in vivo analysis of AC in different parts of the cactus, recognized as a source of AC. No sample preparation is needed with minimum damage. The implanted microsensor could perform electroanalysis inside the live plant and stored parenchyma cells, etc. Notably, our results showed that AC levels are higher in the younger arms compared to the older ones, and so on.

Based on our findings, the miniaturized, small, cheap, user‐friendly electrode demonstrated many capabilities, such as being implantable, having satisfactory stability, and not requiring sample preparations for analysis. It can open up a new window for micro‐electroanalysis in food and analytical plant sciences. We predict that this microscale platform can be modified and used for bioanalysis of other (bio)targets, such as vitamins, ions, and even the detection of plant pathogens in plants and crops directly. This involvement in the smart and modern farming industry is anticipated in the near future.
Predicting the Output Performance of Triboelectric Nanogenerators Using Highly Representative Data‐Based Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Junxiang , Zhou Hao , Chen Jinkai , Wang Junchao
Published: May 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are promising potential sustainable power sources for wireless sensing networks within the Internet of Things (IoT) realm. Developing an efficient TENG evaluation model, characterized by high speed, accuracy, and representativeness, facilitates its integration into practical applications, which is urgent and lack of investigation currently. Herein, an artificial intelligence (AI) based evaluation model is developed to predict the performance of freestanding rotational TENGs (FR‐TENGs) for demonstration. An accurate and representative train dataset is essential for development of AI‐based evaluation model, which has been generated using finite element analysis and equivalent circuit simulation alongside the non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II. Through comprehensive experiments and simulations, the accuracy of the model has been verified in predicting the power output performance of FR‐TENGs, which has 99.6% (three design parameters) and 99.2% (seven design parameters) maximum train set accuracy. More importantly, the predicted results from the AI‐based evaluation model have notably expanded the coverage of data and significantly expedited the generation time from days to seconds. Herein, the use of AI in assessing the performance of TENGs is enhanced. The TENG design process can be significantly simplified, while maintaining a high evaluation model accuracy, thus promising advancements of IoT applications in future.
Seafloor geomorphology of the Wrigley Gulf shelf, Amundsen Sea, West Antarctica, reveals two different phases of glaciation
Authors: Lee Jae Il , Hillenbrand Claus‐Dieter , Wellner Julia S. , Kim Hyoung Jun , Rhee Hyun Hee , Yoo Kyu‐Cheul , Kim Sunghan , Lee Min Kyung
Published: May 2024

Knowledge of the behaviour of marine‐based ice sheets during times of climatic warming, such as the last deglaciation, provides important information to understand how ice sheets respond to external forcing. We analysed swath bathymetric and acoustic sub‐bottom profiler data from Wrigley Gulf on the western Amundsen Sea shelf, West Antarctica, to identify glacial features and reconstruct past changes in the extent of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) and ice flow directions. Glacial bedforms mapped within a bathymetric cross‐shelf trough include features showing cross‐cutting and overprinting relationship and indicate changes in ice‐flow orientation. Here, we distinguish at least two phases of different ice‐flow patterns on the Wrigley Gulf shelf. During the earlier phase, seaward ice stream flow on the inner shelf was deflected towards the east due to the existence of an ice dome on the middle‐outer continental shelf. Retreat of grounded ice towards the centre of this dome is indicated by the asymmetric cross profile of recessional moraines mapped on the middle shelf. The later glaciation phase was characterized by fast, NNW‐directed ice flow across the shelf along a broad front and subsequent stepwise landward retreat, which is evident from the common occurrence and orientation of mega‐scale glaciation lineations and grounding zone wedges on the middle‐inner shelf. It is uncertain whether the two phases of glaciation recorded on the seafloor occurred during the last and penultimate glacial periods or at different times of the last glaciation. Reliable chronological constraints from sediment cores and additional geomorphological information are needed to understand the cause of the changes in WAIS dynamics reflected by the two ice‐flow phases.
Size‐dependent asymmetry of barchans indicates dune growth controlled by basal area or bulk volume
Authors: Robson Dominic T. , Baas Andreas C. W.
Published: May 2024

We introduce a novel analytical model of the growth of barchan dunes in terms of their two flanks, from which we derive expressions for the size‐dependence of the bilateral asymmetry of these bedforms in three cases where different mechanisms dominate the growth process. Analysis of the morphology of barchans on Mars and Earth suggest that there may exist two distinct attractor states for the asymmetry distribution. By comparing our analytical results with the observations, we show that the growth of barchan dunes appears to be dominated by processes, which are proportional to the basal area or volume of the bedforms, rather than being linear to their width as is typically assumed. We propose hypotheses explaining area‐dominated growth as a result of variable wind regimes and volume‐dominated growth from collisions. These predictions appear to be in line with the available data for the terrestrial swarms and barchan‐like submarine bedforms and offer the potential of predicting patterns in inaccessible wind regimes from data on the morphology of the dunes.
Effect of different cooking conditions on the quality characteristics of chicken claws
Authors: Yu Yifan , Yuan Xianling , Zhang Zhouyou , Zheng Yidan , He Ying , Zhou Yingru
Published: May 2024

Chicken claw products with their unique texture are loved by consumers, and cooking is a key step to affect the taste of chicken claw consumption, through the moderate hydrolysis of proteins and a series of physicochemical changes, so that the chicken claw gets tender and presents a crispy taste, but the current research on the optimal cooking conditions for chicken claw is still relatively small. In the present work, combinations of time (11, 13, 15, 17, and 19 min) and temperature (82, 86, 90, 94, and 98°C) were applied to the cooking of chicken claws. The effects of different cooking conditions on the quality characteristics of chicken claws were investigated, with special emphasis on the cooking loss rate, color, texture properties, lipid oxidation, myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), and total sulfhydryl content. The results showed that the cooking loss rate, lipid oxidation, and MFI value of chicken claws gradually increased, and the total color difference (∆E), puncture force, shear force, and total sulfhydryl content gradually decreased with the increase of cooking temperature and cooking time. Overall, chicken claws cooked at 86, 90, and 94°C for 15 and 17 min had better texture and flavor.
Myomucosal composite graft: A simple technique for full‐thickness vermilion defects of the lower lip
Authors: Lee Kyu‐Il , Han Seung‐Kyu , Jeong Seong‐Ho , Dhong Eun‐Sang
Published: May 2024

Reconstruction of vermillion defects of the lower lip requires careful consideration of functional and aesthetic aspects. Traditionally, various local flap methods involving tissue advancement from the corner of the mouth, lateral chin, and medial cheek have been commonly employed to fill lower lip defects. However, these approaches have inherent limitations, which include technical complexity, disruption of the orbicularis oris muscle, lip tightening, microstomia, and visible scarring. To overcome these limitations, we employed a free myomucosal composite graft from the lower lip to reconstruct small to medium vermilion defects. Our technique is based on a simple and reproducible surgical approach that facilitates natural volume rearrangement of tissues. Moreover, this method enables precise inset and tension‐free repair, prevents lip tightening, and offers excellent aesthetic outcomes with no vertical scarring and appropriate color matching with surrounding tissues.
Ambrox through the Looking Glass: Chemoenzymatic Synthesis and GC‐Olfactometric Analysis of 15 Ambrox Stereoisomers
Authors: Flachsmann Felix , Aeberli Natalie , Dossenbach Sandro , Hortencio Lucas , Koch Heinz , Brunner Gerhard , Spenger Benjamin , Eichhorn Eric , Fonzo Alessio , Berweger Raphael , Lelièvre Dominique
Published: May 2024

All eight theoretical stereoisomers of (10S)‐Ambrox have been synthesized by enzymatic polycyclization of the four geometric isomers of homofarnesol with selected squalene hopene cyclases. This includes the highly strained (+)‐(8S,9S)‐Ambrox, an isomer historically considered unlikely to exist. The enantiomeric (10R)‐series has been prepared by a combination of diastereoselective synthesis and preparative chiral HPLC. Thus, for the first time, the synthesis and sensory properties of all but one stereoisomers of Ambrox are presented. The results solve a long standing peradventure: the commercial product (−)‐Ambrox exhibits by far the strongest odour, the previously described 9‐epi‐Ambrox is 26 times weaker. The enantiomer difference between (−)‐and (+)‐Ambrox was also found much higher than in previous reports (1000 vs. 8 times). The (8R)‐configuration was identified as the single most important structural feature for high odour strength.
Identifying modifiable risk factors to prevent aggressive colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Peilu , Song Mingyang , Eliassen A. Heather , Wang Molin , Chan Andrew T. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Tabung Fred K. , Zhang Xuehong , Ugai Tomotaka , Ogino Shuji , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: May 2024

It remains unclear if pre‐diagnostic factors influence the developmental pathways of colorectal cancer (CRC) that could enhance tumor aggressiveness. This study used prospective data from 205,489 cancer‐free US health professionals to investigate the associations of 31 known or putative risk factors with the risk of aggressive CRC. Tumor aggressiveness was characterized by three endpoints: aggressive CRC (cancer that causes death within 5 years of diagnosis), fatal CRC, and tumor stage at diagnosis. The data augmentation method was used to assess the difference in the associations between risk factors and endpoints. We documented 3201 CRC cases, of which 899 were aggressive. The protective associations of undergoing lower endoscopy (hazard ratios [HR] 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37, 0.49 for aggressive versus HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.56, 0.67 for non‐aggressive) and regular use of aspirin (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61, 0.81 versus HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77, 0.92) were stronger for aggressive than non‐aggressive CRC (pHeterogeneity <0.05). Lower intake of whole grains or cereal fiber and greater dietary inflammatory potential were associated with a higher risk of aggressive but not non‐aggressive CRC. The remaining risk factors showed comparable associations with aggressive CRC and non‐aggressive CRC. Aggressive cases were more likely to have KRAS‐mutated tumors but less likely to have distal or MSI‐high tumors (p < .007). Similar results were observed for fatal CRC and advanced tumor stages at diagnosis. These findings provide initial evidence for the role of pre‐diagnostic risk factors in the pathogenesis of aggressive CRC and suggest research priorities for preventive interventions.
Uterine lithiasis, management by hysteroscopy: Case report and literature review
Authors: Sepúlveda Agudelo Janer , Torres Lucero Andrés Sebastián , Sepúlveda Sanguino Andrea Juliana
Published: May 2024

The presence of calculi inside the uterine cavity is an uncommon finding, with few cases described in the literature. Here, we present a clinical case of a 30‐year‐old patient with uterine lithiasis. The patient presented with 3 months of evolution, characterized by abdominal pain in the hypogastrium, with a report of transvaginal ultrasound of hematometra with suggestive images of endometrial polyps. For this reason, she was scheduled for hysteroscopy, where three lesions of hard consistency were found, with the largest 1.5 cm. Currently, due to the few cases of uterine lithiasis described, there is no explanation of how the stones are formed in the uterine cavity. The age of the patient in this case report and the absence of predisposing factors for uterine calcifications reported in the literature is striking, which leads us to propose a hypothesis of the origin of uterine lithiasis, which is related to the history of cesarean section and the presence of hematometra, such hematic retention could have predisposed to the development of calculi in this patient. Uterine lithiasis is an extremely rare entity with few published cases; therefore, further studies are necessary.