bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confinement of SnCuxO2+x Nanoclusters in Zeolites for High‐Efficient Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Zhu Yanbin , Li Peize , Yang Xiaoju , Wang Muqin , Zhang Yali , Gao Pengkun , Huang Qikang , Wei Yan , Yang Xuan , Wang Deyu , Shen Yan , Wang Mingkui
Published: May 2023

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) to methane has achieved impressive Faradaic efficiencies of over 40% with copper‐based catalysts including Cu2O, copper‐silver alloys and others. Although copper‐based catalysts work effectively in the CO2RR, they suffer from a major disadvantage: low selectivity of desired products due to the difficulty of regulating the intermediate coverage on the catalyst surface. Here, this work presents new SnCuxO2+x nanocluster electrocatalysts encapsulated in purely siliceous MFI zeolites (coded as SnCuxO2+x@MFI) for a high‐efficient CO2RR. This allows the formation of *CO intermediates in the channels of zeolites, which further undergoes a multi‐step protonation process to generate methane, a very attractive feature for Li‐CO2 batteries that use the CO2RR catalyst as the cathode. The obtained SnCu1.5O3.5@MFI catalyst possesses a desired catalytic performance with the Faradaic efficiency of CO2 reduction to methane at 66.6 ± 3.2% in a 0.1 m KHCO3 electrolyte. Using the SnCu1.5O3.5@MFI as a cathode within a Li‐CO2 battery, this work achieves a full discharge specific capacity of 23 000 mAh g−1 at a cut‐off voltage of 2.0 V (vs Li+/Li) and an operational life over 100 cycles at 1000 mAh g−1 cutoff specific capacity. This novel confinement catalyst offers a viable pathway to develop efficient CO2RR and Li‐CO2 batteries with attractive properties for practical applications.
Natural recovery of old crop fields in a South African grassland biome
Authors: Coetzer Willem G. , Coetzer Kayleigh
Published: May 2023

Changing land‐use practices have led to an increased rate of cropland abandonment in South Africa. Globally, climate change has increased the need for additional studies on the impact of land abandonment on soil health in arid and semi‐arid environments. We, therefore, aimed to measure the changes in soil health with time following abandonment. The study site is located in the Winterberg Mountains of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Standard soil characteristics were assessed for three recovering old crop fields. Samples from the surrounding natural habitat were also included for comparison. Significant positive changes in soil water‐holding capacity and carbon and nitrogen characteristics were observed with increased age since abandonment, pointing to soil quality recovery. It will, however, still take a significant amount of time for total recovery to be achieved. Continuous monitoring of old crop fields in agricultural and formally protected areas is needed to fully understand the long‐term effects of cropping on soil quality in this region.
Relaxing the constant molar overflow assumption in distillation optimization
Authors: Mathew Tony Joseph , Tawarmalani Mohit , Agrawal Rakesh
Published: May 2023

The constant molar overflow (CMO) framework, while useful for shortcut distillation models, assumes that all components have the same latent heats of vaporization. A simple transformation, from molar flows to latent‐heat flows, allows shortcut models to retain the mathematical simplicity of the CMO framework while accounting for different latent heats, resulting in the constant heat transport (CHT) framework for adiabatic distillation columns. Although several past works have already proposed this transformation in the literature, it has not been well utilized in recent times. In this article, we show the utility of this transformation in upgrading various applications such as identifying energy‐efficient multicomponent distillation configurations based on heat duty rather than surrogate vapor flow. The method transforms the diagram to a diagram. Furthermore, we derive new and insightful analytical results in distillation, such as cumulative latent‐heat stage fractions having monotonic profiles within a distillation column under the CHT framework.
Anticipating and Addressing Chemical Supply Chain Disruptions in the Water Industry
Authors: Gorzalski Alexander S. , Kuhnel Benjamin , Smoak Patrick
Published: May 2023

Key Takeaways

Bulk treatment chemicals often have supply chains or market pricing of a global nature, making utilities vulnerable to supply disruptions and price shocks from events around the world.

At the same time, the cost of hauling chemicals often limits competition within a local geographic area.

Strategies and resources are available to help utilities prepare for chemical supply chain disruptions.
Effect of protein fouling on filtrate flux and virus breakthrough behaviors during virus filtration process
Authors: Suh Dongwoo , Jin Hoeun , Park Hosik , Lee Changha , Cho Young Hoon , Baek Youngbin
Published: May 2023

Virus filtration process is used to ensure viral safety in the biopharmaceutical downstream processes with high virus removal capacity (i.e., >4 log10). However, it is still constrained by protein fouling, which results in reduced filtration capacity and possible virus breakthrough. This study investigated the effects of protein fouling on filtrate flux and virus breakthrough using commercial membranes that had different symmetricity, nominal pore size, and pore size gradients. Flux decay tendency due to protein fouling was influenced by hydrodynamic drag force and protein concentration. As the results of prediction with the classical fouling model, standard blocking was suitable for most virus filters. Undesired virus breakthrough was observed in the membranes having relatively a large pore diameter of the retentive region. The study found that elevated levels of protein solution reduced virus removal performance. However, the impact of prefouled membranes was minimal. These findings shed light on the factors that influence protein fouling during the virus filtration process of biopharmaceutical production.
Management of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas: Review of current diagnosis and treatment options
Authors: Eid Michal , Foukal Jakub , Sochorová Dana , Tuček Štěpán , Starý Karel , Kala Zdeněk , Mayer Jiří , Němeček Radim , Trna Jan , Kunovský Lumír
Published: May 2023

Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors derived from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. When these tumors have an extra‐adrenal location, they are called paragangliomas (PGLs) and arise from sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia, particularly of the para‐aortic location. Up to 25% of PCCs/PGLs are associated with inherited genetic disorders. The majority of PCCs/PGLs exhibit indolent behavior. However, according to their affiliation to molecular clusters based on underlying genetic aberrations, their tumorigenesis, location, clinical symptomatology, and potential to metastasize are heterogenous. Thus, PCCs/PGLs are often associated with diagnostic difficulties. In recent years, extensive research revealed a broad genetic background and multiple signaling pathways leading to tumor development. Along with this, the diagnostic and therapeutic options were also expanded. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge and recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of PCCs/PGLs with respect to the underlying gene alterations while also discussing future perspectives in this field.
Study on Components with Anti‐Neuroinflammatory Activities from Caragana microphylla Lam.
Authors: Qi Jiaxin , Su Xin , Xu Libin , Tang Yue , Zhou Di , Chen Gang , Hou Yue , Li Ning
Published: May 2023

Caragana microphylla Lam., is a perennial herb in the genus Caragana in the Fabaceae family. Two undescribed triterpenoid saponins (1–2), along with thirty‐five known components (3–37) were obtained from the roots of C. microphylla Lam. These compounds were identified using physicochemical analyses and various spectroscopic methods. The anti‐neuroinflammatory activities were evaluated by measuring the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced BV‐2 microglial cells. Compared with positive control minocycline, compounds 10, 19, and 28 exhibited significant effects with IC50 values of 14.04, 19.35 and 10.20 μM, respectively.
Arthroscopic repair of traumatic rotator cuff tear following total shoulder arthroplasty: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Guzman Alvarho , Shin Caleb , Gamboa Miles , Wu Didi , Dela Rueda Therese , Jenkins Sarah , McGahan Patrick , Chen James
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

We highlight the rare case of arthroscopic repair of a traumatic tear following total shoulder arthroplasty. Moreover, there is no reported literature describing the arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff tear after total shoulder arthroplasty.

This case report highlights an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair involving full‐thickness tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus after a total shoulder arthroplasty performed 7 years prior. To our best knowledge, no published literature exists highlighting the arthroscopic repair of a traumatic rotator cuff tear following total shoulder arthroplasty.
An elderly man with mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) without neuropsychiatric sequelae
Authors: Fujii Rintaro , Yamamoto Ryo , Inoue Yoshino , Fukuyo Shunsuke , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Yoshimura Reiji
Published: May 2023

Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is less common in the elderly, and most have some sequelae. However, even in the elderly, MERS may have a good prognosis, and a specific treatment is not always required.
Prevention of vasculitis and vascular pain by side route administration of vinorelbine: A case report
Authors: Ishii Shunichi , Ichimura Takenori , Ichikura Daisuke
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

A 49‐year‐old female with non‐small‐cell lung cancer was placed on adjuvant chemotherapy with vinorelbine (25 mg/m2: Day 1.8) and cisplatin (80 mg/m2: Day 1). The simultaneous intravenous infusion of vinorelbine from the side route and 500 mL of saline from the main route successfully prevented vasculitis and vascular pain.
Accidental finding of COVID‐associated mucormycosis (CAM) in a patient presenting as toothache: A case report and review of literature
Authors: GB Protyusha , B Kavitha , Sivapathasundharam B. , Manodh P. , Raj A. Thirumal , Ghosh Snehashish , Dhungel Safal
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Mucormycosis is an angio‐invasive rapidly progressing fungal infection, usually reported in immunocompromised individuals. We present a case of COVID‐associated mucormycosis in a patient with a presenting symptom of toothache in the maxilla with a possible mild case of COVID‐19.

Coronavirus‐associated mucormycosis (CAM) had reached epidemic status, especially during the second wave of COVID‐19. It was especially prevalent in India with a large mortality rate. Mucormycosis, particularly the rhinocerebral type is seen to be greatly associated with COVID‐19, especially in patients with altered immunity. Uncontrolled diabetes, chronic kidney disease, immunocompromised patients, malignant hematological diseases, etc. are the major risk factors of CAM, precipitated by the injudicious use of corticosteroids for the treatment of COVID‐19. CAM may often present in the maxillofacial region which warrants that dental clinicians be aware of the clinical presentation, diagnostic guidelines, and appropriate management measures for the disease. This report is one such case of CAM involving the posterior maxilla in a middle‐aged individual with mild COVID‐19 symptoms.
Pemphigus vulgaris presenting with epigastric pain
Authors: Elmassry Marawan , Thongpiya Jerapas , Yingchoncharoen Pitchaporn , Garza Jali , Soape Matthew , Das Kanak
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune mucocutaneous disease with an involvement in gastrointestinal tract especially in oral cavity and esophagus. Ulcers can be the initial presentation even before visible mucosal or cutaneous lesions. The presenting symptoms will be in accordance with the affected organ such as throat pain, hoarseness, dysphagia, odynophagia, or even bleeding. Here, we report a case of undiagnosed pemphigus vulgaris presenting with epigastric pain whose endoscopy showed oropharyngeal involvement and isolate esophageal ulcer, which failed proton pump inhibitor treatment.
Thyroid papillary cancer elements arising from struma ovarii with benign peritoneal strumosis: Utility of iodine‐123 imaging in diagnostics and treatment planning
Authors: Groener Daniel , Baumgarten Justus , Happel Christian , Mader Nicolai , Ngoc Christina Nguyen , Sabet Amir , Grünwald Frank
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

In this case of struma ovarii a right‐sided ovarian mass contained features of papillary thyroid cancer. Diagnostic iodine‐123 revealed multiple foci of extraovarian spread, likely as a manifestation of concomitant peritoneal strumosis. Unilateral oophorectomy, partial peritonectomy, and adjuvant iodine‐131 treatment were performed for successful curative treatment.

Struma ovarii is a rare form of mature teratoma defined by a predominance of thyroid tissue. Approximately 5% of all ovarian strumae exhibit malignant transformation. Due to their extreme rarity, there has been a lack of consensus concerning uniform diagnostic criteria. Appropriate, risk‐stratified treatment strategies also remain widely unelaborated, based only on a small number of cases reported in the literature. We describe the case of a 35‐year‐old female, who presented after undergoing unilateral oophorectomy for a right‐sided ovarian mass. Histological workup revealed a struma ovarii containing papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Postoperative I‐123 scintigraphy with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) detected multifocal extra‐ovarian spread to the peritoneum, containing likely benign strumosis upon pathological examination. The subsequent treatment strategy involved an ablative concept including total thyroidectomy and subsequent I‐131 radioiodine therapy. Throughout a 3‐year follow‐up, the patient has remained without recurrence with thyroglobulin levels ranging below detection limits. Surgical resection with adjuvant radioiodine therapy is a curative therapeutic strategy in cases of struma ovarii with thyroid‐type carcinoma and peritoneal strumosis. Its benefits lay in avoiding more extensive surgery, potentially maintaining fertility, facilitating follow‐up, and minimizing the risk of recurrence. Reliable criteria for risk stratification are needed to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from this treatment approach.
Variation in location of the distobuccal root canal in a permanent maxillary second molar: A case report
Authors: Mishra Anisha , Natanasabapathy Velmurugan , Kowsky Dinesh , Sharan Jitendra , Marya Anand
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Clinicians should be aware of the variations in the number of roots and root canals and the peculiar or eccentric location of root canals. An intraoperative CBCT can be very useful in improved visualization of the anatomical variations.

This case report describes the unusual location of the distobuccal root canal in a maxillary second molar with root fusion. On access opening, three distinct root canal orifices, the mesiobuccal canal, palatal canal, and a third orifice closer to the palatal canal, were seen, giving an illusion of an additional palatal canal. An attempt was made to search for the distobuccal canal in its usual position, leading to the gouging of the pulp chamber floor. An intraoperative limited field of view cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed the root orifice adjacent to the palatal canal was the distobuccal canal. CBCT also revealed fusion of both the buccal and palatal roots in the root's coronal and middle third region, but they were not fused apically.
Supine headache and papilledema: A case and review of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Pasricha Sachin V. , Bhayana Rajesh , Wu Peter E.
Published: May 2023

Key clinical message

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) should be on the differential for intracranial hypertension, and the preferred diagnostic tests are CT venogram or MR venography.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare cause of stroke and is on the differential for intracranial hypertension. Non‐contrast head CT is often normal. CT venogram or MR venography are the preferred diagnostic tests, as was required in our patient. We review the presentation, diagnosis, and management of CVST.
Late‐Stage, Stereoretentive, and Site‐Selective Modification of Synthetic Peptides by Using Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Flitcroft Claire E. , Jolliffe Katrina A. , McErlean Christopher S. P.
Published: May 2023

Late‐stage functionalisation is an attractive method to generate peptide analogues containing non‐natural residues. It is shown that cysteine residues can be activated as Crich‐type thioethers, either by alkylation of a synthetic cysteine‐continuing peptide or by incorporation of a modified cysteine unit into solid phase or solution phase peptide synthesis. Photoredox catalysed reaction of the thioether generates an alanyl radical intermediate in a stereoretentive and site‐selective manner, even in the presence of free cysteine residues. The radical can react with non‐activated alkenes to form non‐natural residues bearing aliphatic, hydrophobic units. A method to avoid unwanted alkylation of amine residues was identified and the process was applied to the functionalization of both linear and cyclic synthetic peptides.
Amino alcohol‐derived chiral stationary phases
Authors: Seog David Jin Han , van Kien Nguyen , Ryoo Jae Jeong
Published: May 2023

An updated minireview of chiral stationary phases (CSPs) based on amino alcohols is presented. In this minireview, we focused on amino alcohols as starting materials in preparation of chiral catalysts for asymmetric organic synthesis and CSPs for chiral separations. Among the various CSPs, we summarized the important developments and applications of the amino alcohol‐based Pirkle‐type CSPs, ligand exchange CSPs, α‐amino acid‐derived amino alcohol CSPs, and symmetric CSPs from their first appearance to the present day to propose ideas for the development of new CSPs with improved performance.
Left bundle branch area pacing in mildly reduced heart failure: A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Ga‐In , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Cho Yun‐Ho , Bae Jae‐Seok , Ahn Jong‐Hwa , Jang Jeong Yoon , Park Yong Whi , Kwak Choong Hwan
Published: May 2023

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) strategy for heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is controversial. Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is an emerging pacing modality and an alternative option to CRT. This analysis aimed to perform a systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis on the impact of the LBBAP strategy in HFmrEF, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between 35% and 50%. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for full‐text articles on LBBAP from inception to July 17, 2022. The outcomes of interest were QRS duration and LVEF at baseline and follow‐up in mid‐range heart failure. Data were extracted and summarized. A random‐effect model incorporating the potential heterogeneity was used to synthesize the results. Out of 1065 articles, 8 met the inclusion criteria for 211 mid‐range heart failure patients with an implant LBBAP across the 16 centers. The average implant success rate with lumenless pacing lead use was 91.3%, and 19 complications were reported among all 211 enrolled patients. During the average follow‐up of 9.1 months, the average LVEF was 39.8% at baseline and 50.5% at follow‐up (MD: 10.90%, 95% CI: 6.56−15.23, p < .01). Average QRS duration was 152.6 ms at baseline and 119.3 ms at follow‐up (MD: −34.51 ms, 95% CI: −60.00 to −9.02, p < .01). LBBAP could significantly reduce QRS duration and improve systolic function in a patient with LVEF between 35% and 50%. Application of LBBAP as a CRT strategy for HFmrEF may be a viable option.
Genetic variability of kernel phenolics in maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds with differing levels of resistance to gibberella ear rot
Authors: Hadinezhad Mehri , Harris Linda J. , Miller Susan Shea , Schneiderman Danielle
Published: May 2023

A comprehensive study was performed to investigate the kernel phenolics content and profile of a broad range of maize inbreds varying in disease resistance to gibberella ear rot. Three phenolic fractions (soluble free, soluble conjugated, and insoluble bound) at different kernel developmental stages in two growing seasons were analyzed. The phenolics content and profile revealed a genotype dependency. The highest amount and diversity of phenolics were at day 11 after self‐pollination in both growing seasons. This was confirmed by a distinctive PCA biplot clustering of phenolics at day 11 compared to other harvesting days for all fractions. A strong negative correlation was found between the conjugated and bound phenolics in both growing seasons (in 2016, r = 0.93, p < 0.0001; and in 2018, r = 0.94, p < 0.0001). In both growing seasons, the main phenolic compounds in the free, conjugated, and bound fractions were chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and t‐ferulic acid, respectively. Comprehensive results were presented for how the phenolics evolved over the period of kernel development and how their content changed. The PCA‐biplot analysis revealed different patterns of clustering for phenolic associations in different fractions as well as in different growing seasons, reflecting the evolution process of individual phenolics during kernel filling period. Overall, genotypes with higher disease resistance possessed higher phenolics in the bound and conjugated fractions at blister stage. This study provides a useful resource of maize inbred phenolics profiles that could be applied in future breeding efforts.
Optimal AID expression and efficient immunoglobulin class switch recombination are dependent on the hypoxia‐inducible factor
Authors: Heyer Vincent , Reina‐San‐Martin Bernardo
Published: May 2023

During immune responses, B cells engaging a cognate antigen are recruited to GCs in secondary lymphoid organs where they will diversify their BCR to generate highly specific and adapted humoral responses. They do so, by inducing the expression of activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID), which initiates somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR). AID deaminates cytosines in ss DNA, generating U:G mismatches that are processed to induce ds DNA break intermediates during CSR that result in the expression of a different antibody isotype. Interestingly, hypoxia regions have been reported in GCs and suggesting that hypoxia could modulate the humoral response. Furthermore, hypoxia inducible transcription factor (HIF) can bind to the AID promoter and induce AID expression in a non‐B‐cell setting, suggesting that it might be involved in the transcriptional induction of AID in B cells, hence, regulating SHM and CSR. We, thus, hypothesized that HIF could regulate the efficiency of CSR. Here, we show that the inactivation of both the HIF‐1α and HIF‐1β subunits of the HIF transcription factor in murine CH12 B cells results in defective CSR and that this is due to the suboptimal induction of AID expression.
Methods for Imputing Scores When All Responses Are Missing for One or More Polytomous Items: Accuracy and Impact on Psychometric Property
Authors: Qu Yanxuan , Sinharay Sandip
Published: May 2023

Though a substantial amount of research exists on imputing missing scores in educational assessments, there is little research on cases where responses or scores to an item are missing for all test takers. In this paper, we tackled the problem of imputing missing scores for tests for which the responses to an item are missing for all test takers. We considered three missing‐data imputation methods—the median method, the item response theory (IRT) method, and the two‐way method—for imputing scores. We compared the performance of these three imputation methods with respect to their accuracy in estimating scaled scores and test reliability for the aforementioned problem. Real data were used in the comparison. All three methods performed well in imputing scaled scores with negligible imputation error: The IRT method and the median method provided slightly more accurate scaled scores. The two‐way method provided the most accurate reliability estimates. Recommendations for practice are provided.
An experimental study on the combustion process and thermodynamic characteristic parameters of copper wire overcurrent fault
Authors: Wang Weifeng , Ji Xiaohan , Shi Lin , Lu Cuizhen , Liu Hanfei , Lv Huifei , Zhao Xuanchong , Gui Xiaoyun
Published: May 2023

The overcurrent fault of copper wire is an important cause of electrical fire, and the combustion process of which is relatively complicated. In this study, the rated current of 32A of the wire was taken, and the electrical fault simulation device was used. After the overcurrent Io was set to 128A, 160A, 192A, and 224A, respectively, to analyze the combustion evolution process of PVC‐insulated copper wire, the evolution of pyrolysis gas from the insulating layer, and the change of functional groups. The results show that when the overcurrent fault of PVC‐insulated copper wire happened, the core wire was turning red, the wire was deforming, the smoke was releasing, the insulating layer was dripping, the wire was fusing, and the continuous burning occurred. When the current Io < 160A, there was only one fusing point on the wire. In addition, when an overcurrent fault occurred in the PVC‐insulated copper wire, the temperature rise rate increased exponentially, which can be divided into three stages of the initial heat accumulation stage, the wire fusing stage, and the continuous burning stage. Furthermore, CO, HCl, CH4, olefins, and aliphatic and aromatic compounds were precipitated during the combustion process of the PVC insulating layer. The quality of the insulating layer decreased with the increase in temperature, and the weight loss rate was higher at 300°C. The conclusions of this study have provided experimental basis and technical support for the physical and evidence identification of fire accidents.
Hippocampal integration and separation processes with different temporal and spatial dynamics during learning for associative memory
Authors: Kwon Minjae , Lee Sang Wan , Lee Sue‐Hyun
Published: May 2023

The hippocampus is known to be critically involved in associative memory formation. However, the role of the hippocampus during the learning of associative memory is still controversial; while the hippocampus is considered to play a critical role in the integration of related stimuli, numerous studies also suggest a role of the hippocampus in the separation of different memory traces for rapid learning. Here, we employed an associative learning paradigm consisting of repeated learning cycles. By tracking the changes in the hippocampal representations of associated stimuli on a cycle‐by‐cycle basis as learning progressed, we show that both integration and separation processes occur in the hippocampus with different temporal dynamics. We found that the degree of shared representations for associated stimuli decreased significantly during the early phase of learning, whereas it increased during the later phase of learning. Remarkably, these dynamic temporal changes were observed only for stimulus pairs remembered 1 day or 4 weeks after learning, but not for forgotten pairs. Further, the integration process during learning was prominent in the anterior hippocampus, while the separation process was obvious in the posterior hippocampus. These results demonstrate temporally and spatially dynamic hippocampal processing during learning that can lead to the maintenance of associative memory.
Myo‐inositol oxygenase (MIOX) accelerated inflammation in the model of infection‐induced cardiac dysfunction by NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Zhou Wenjun , Yu Congyi , Long Yiwen
Published: May 2023

Background

Cardiac dysfunction is an important component of multiple organ failure caused by sepsis, and an important cause of high mortality in patients with sepsis. Herein, we attempted to determine whether myo‐inositol oxygenase (MIOX) has proinflammation enzyme in infection‐induced cardiac dysfunction (IICD) and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

Patients with IICD were collected by our hospital. A mouse model of IICD was induced into male db/db mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). All mice were injected with 20 μL of LV‐MIOX or LV‐control short hairpin RNA using a 0.5‐mL insulin syringe. On the second day, all mice were induced by CLP. H9C2 cell was also induced with lipopolysaccharide and adenosine triphosphate. Quantitative analysis of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and gene microarray hybridization was used to analyze the mRNA expression levels. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis were used to analyze the protein expression levels.

Results

The serum expressions of MIOX mRNA level in patients with IICD were upregulated compared to normal healthy volunteers. MIOX promoted inflammation levels in the in vitro model of IICD. Si‐MIOX inhibited inflammation levels in the in vitro model of IICD. MIOX accelerated inflammation and cardiac dysfunction in infection‐induced mice. MIOX interacted with NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) protein to reduce the degradation of NLRP3. The inhibition of MIOX reversed the effects of NLRP3 in the in vitro model of cardiac dysfunction.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings demonstrate that MIOX accelerates inflammation in the model of IICD, which may be, at least in part, attributable to NLRP3 activity by the suppression of NLRP3 degradation in IICD.
Exploring Membrane‐tethering Technology for Proteins as a Versatile Tool for Uncovering Novel Disease Targets and Advancing Biotherapeutic Development
Authors: Noh Soojeong , Park Jun‐kook , Shin Sanghee , Jeong Jongwon , Jung Inseong , Shin Jiwon , Park Eunju , Yea Kyungmoo
Published: May 2023

Membrane‐tethering technology for proteins (MTFP) is a promising approach for the development of therapeutic agents that display bioactive proteins, such as antibodies and cytokines, on the cell surface, resulting in the induction of autocrine signalling. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the MTFP, including its basic principles, selection of agonist antibodies and peptides, and the identification of novel functions of natural cytokines. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of increasing the therapeutic efficacy of existing treatments by engineering active proteins to the cell and extracellular vesicle surfaces. We suggest that the MTFP has the potential to maximize efficiency in drug discovery by identifying proteins with regulatory functions and engineering existing treatments. Our review highlights the importance of MTFP in basic research and translational research, and its potential to apply the development of biotherapeutics.
Feline respiratory disease. Part 2: management of the common causes
Authors: Cannon Martha
Published: May 2023

Background: Chronic nasal discharge and sneezing are common problems in cats and can be among the most frustrating conditions we have to deal with. While conditions that cause unilateral signs can usually be diagnosed and often effectively treated, the most common cause of bilateral nasal discharge is chronic rhinosinusitis, a lifelong condition that can be managed with varying degrees of success but will rarely resolve.

Aim of the article: This article, the second in a two‐part series, reviews the treatment options and current approaches to managing common causes of feline respiratory disease. The first article, published in last month's In Practice, covered the common causes of nasal discharge in the UK cat population and the diagnostic investigations that can assist in reaching a definitive diagnosis.
An interprofessional education initiative: Introducing a local anesthesia dental course for nurse practitioner and physician assistant students
Authors: Marwaha Rochisha S. , Bland Leticia , Hicks Jeffery , Hendricson William D. , Aguilar Rosalie P. , Torre Magda de la , Pao Wen , Challa Suman N.
Published: May 2023

Purpose/Objective

To assess the impact of local anesthesia (LA) course for physician assistant (PA) and adult gerontology‐acute care nurse practitioner (NP) program students on knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and intention to incorporate skills in clinical practice.

Methods

The course was conducted by dental faculty for forty‐eight PA and seven NP students and consisted of two lecture hours on anatomy of the oral cavity, anesthesia and pain management, 2 hours of preclinic lab where participants practiced injection technique on mannikins, and a clinical practicum conducted by dental school faculty and residents where students observed dental treatment including administration of LA, and discussed symptom triage by NPs and PAs for patients with dental problems including orofacial pain, initial management including LA, and patient referral to dentists. An online survey was administered to all students before and after the course to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and intention to incorporate LA administration skills into clinical practice and elicit students’ perception of program quality. Pre‐ to post‐changes were analyzed by two‐tailed t‐tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with significance at 0.05.

Results

The response rate for pre‐ and post‐course assessment was 96.4% and 87.3% respectively. Students’ overall scale score for self‐assessment of dental knowledge increased significantly from pre‐ (2.34) to post‐assessment (4.19). An increase was seen in students’ attitudes regarding management of dental emergencies (t = 2.181; p < 0.05). Furthermore, overall confidence of students related to managing patients with dental problems increased significantly (2.00 to 3.85) after taking the course.

Conclusion

The LA course was well received by PA and NP students and resulted in increased knowledge and confidence in recognizing common oral health conditions, understanding dental pain management including administration of LA, and making referrals to dentists to optimize patient care.
Odd covers of graphs
Authors: Buchanan Calum , Clifton Alexander , Culver Eric , Nie Jiaxi , O'Neill Jason , Rombach Puck , Yin Mei
Published: May 2023

Given a finite simple graph , an odd cover of is a collection of complete bipartite graphs, or bicliques, in which each edge of appears in an odd number of bicliques, and each nonedge of appears in an even number of bicliques. We denote the minimum cardinality of an odd cover of by and prove that is bounded below by half of the rank over of the adjacency matrix of . We show that this lower bound is tight in the case when is a bipartite graph and almost tight when is an odd cycle. However, we also present an infinite family of graphs which shows that this lower bound can be arbitrarily far away from . Babai and Frankl proposed the “odd cover problem,” which in our language is equivalent to determining . In this paper, we determine that is when and is when is equivalent to 1 or modulo 8.
Surgical treatment for pelvic bone metastatic disease from renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Scoccianti Guido , Scanferla Roberto , Scorianz Maurizio , Frenos Filippo , Sacchetti Federico , Muratori Francesco , Campanacci Domenico A.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Pelvic bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are challenging due to their destructive pattern, poor response to radiotherapy and hypervascularity. The purpose of our study was to review a series of patients undergoing surgical treatment with the aim to investigate: 1) survival; 2) local disease control; and 3) complications.

Methods

A series of 16 patients was reviewed. A curettage procedure was performed on 12 patients. In eight the lesion involved the acetabulum; a cemented hip arthroplasty with cage was performed in seven; a flail hip in one. Four patients received a resection; in two cases with acetabular involvement, reconstruction was performed with a custom‐made prosthesis and with an allograft and prosthesis.

Results

Disease‐specific survival accounted for 70% at 3 years and 41% at 5 years. Only one local tumor progression after curettage occurred. Revision surgery (flail hip) was necessary for deep infection of the custom‐made prosthesis.

Conclusion

A prolonged survival in patients affected by bone metastatic disease from RCC can justify also major surgical procedures. Due to a low local progression rate after intralesional procedures, curettage, cement and a total hip arthroplasty with cage, when feasible, should be considered as an alternative to more demanding surgeries like resections and reconstructions.

Level of Evidence (Oxford)

Level 4.
Improvement of tribological properties of water‐based ZnO nanoparticles lubricant for zirconium alloy cold rolling by hydroxyethyl cellulose
Authors: Liu Qi , Li Jing , Zhang Junfeng , Yuan Hengdi , Kouediatouka Ange Nsilani , Dong Guangneng
Published: May 2023

Currently, substantial adhesion wear frequently occurs in Zr alloy cold rolling, which not only affects the quality of product's surface, but shortens the mould's service life. In this paper, water‐based lubricant was prepared by using ZnO as additive and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as dispersant. The tribological test results showed the friction coefficient decreased by a maximum of 84.6%, and the friction surface was smooth and flat, with essentially no wear. By analysing the friction area, it was found after ZnO entered the friction interface, HEC carried a hydrated molecular layer to form a stable lubrication film at the interface. This film worked with nanoparticles to reduce friction and wear, and is expected to prolong the service life of rolling dies.
Mechanomorphological Guidance of Colloidal Gel Regulates Cell Morphogenesis
Authors: Lin Meng Hsuan , Linares Isabelle , Ramirez Cesar , Ramirez Yanni Correa , Sarkar Debanjan
Published: May 2023

Microstructural morphology of the extracellular matrix guides the organization of cells in 3D. However, current biomaterials‐based matrices cannot provide distinct spatial cues through their microstructural morphology due to design constraints. To address this, colloidal gels are developed as 3D matrices with distinct microstructure by aggregating ionic polyurethane colloids via electrostatic screening. Due to the defined orientation of interconnected particles, positively charged colloids form extended strands resulting in a dense microstructure whereas negatively charged colloids form compact aggregates with localized large voids. Chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial morphogenesis of human endothelial cells (ECs) are examined in these colloidal gels. MSCs show enhanced chondrogenic response in dense colloidal gel due to their spatial organization achieved by balancing the cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions compared to porous gels where cells are mainly clustered. ECs tend to form relatively elongated cellular networks in dense colloidal gel compared to porous gels. Additionally, the role of matrix stiffness and viscoelasticity in the morphogenesis of MSCs and ECs are analyzed with respect to microstructural morphology. Overall, these results demonstrate that colloidal gels can provide spatial cues through their microstructural morphology and in correlation with matrix mechanics for cell morphogenesis.
Perry Disease: Expanding the Genetic Basis
Authors: Dulski Jarosław , Koga Shunsuke , Liberski Paweł P. , Sitek Emilia J. , Butala Ankur A. , Sławek Jarosław , Dickson Dennis W. , Wszolek Zbigniew K.
Published: May 2023

Background

Perry disease (or Perry syndrome [PS]) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder inevitably leading to death within few years from onset. All previous cases with pathological confirmation were caused by mutations within the cytoskeleton‐associated protein glycine‐rich (CAP‐Gly) domain of the DCTN1 gene.

Objectives

This paper presents the first clinicopathological report of PS due to a novel DCTN1 mutation outside the CAP‐Gly domain.

Methods

Clinical and pathological features of the new variant carrier are compared with another recently deceased PS case with a well‐known pathogenic DCTN1 mutation and other reported cases.

Results and Conclusions

We report a novel DCTN1 mutation outside the CAP‐Gly domain that we demonstrated to be pathogenic based on clinical and autopsy findings.
How one Kansas CMHC aims to address workforce challenges
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2023

Amid increased demand for mental health services and workforce shortages, the CEO of a rural Kansas‐based community mental health center (CMHC), said they have reason to be encouraged about addressing the challenges. Pawnee Mental Health Services in Manhattan, Kansas, recently received a provisional certification for the CMHC to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).
Hausdorff–Berezin operators on weighted spaces
Authors: Karapetyants Alexey , Mirotin Adolf
Published: May 2023

The research presented in this paper is a continuation of the recent studies of new classes of integral operators on the unit disc
, which are called Hausdorff–Berezin operators. We consider general operators of Hausdorff–Berezin type constructed with an arbitrary positive Radon measure on the unit disc within the framework of weighted spaces with the so‐called Möbius weights. This is a fairly wide class of weights in the unit disc which includes classical radial weights with singularities or zeroes at the boundary. Sufficient conditions for the boundedness of the Hausdorff–Berezin operators in these spaces are obtained. In the case of nonnegative kernels, a boundedness criterion is obtained in
. Approximation properties of operators of Hausdorff–Berezin type are also studied. We also discuss some applications.
Stability and bifurcation analysis of delayed tri‐trophic food chain model in poisoned environment with fear effect and additional food
Authors: Ramasamy Sivasamy , Banjerdpongchai David , Park PooGyeon
Published: May 2023

One of the most important goals of theoretical ecologists is to find a strategy for controlling the chaos in ecological models to maintain healthy ecosystems. We investigate the influence of fear and the supply of additional food to predators in a delayed tri‐trophic food chain model, where interference among the species is determined by Holling type‐II functional response. The proposed model incorporates the fact that the growth rates of prey and middle predators are decreased due to the fear of middle and special predators, respectively. The additional food is supplied to both predators by either nature or external agencies. Furthermore, the poisoned prey in the predator's environment is taken into account. In the proposed model, we use two time delays: one for the growth term of the middle predator and another for the gestation delay of the special predator. We determine the conditions for the existence of ecologically feasible equilibrium points and their local and global stability. In addition, we establish the conditions for the existence of Hopf bifurcation around interior equilibrium to seek periodic behavior in nondelayed and delayed models. Numerical investigations are performed to justify the proposed theoretical findings through phase portraits, time series of solutions, and bifurcation diagrams. We observe that the chaotic dynamics of a tri‐trophic food chain model can be controlled by the proper choice of the fear effect and by supplying additional food parameters. As a result, our findings provide more ecological insights into the dynamics of the delayed tri‐trophic food chain model with the fear effect and additional food supply.
Cedrol, a Major Component of Cedarwood Oil, Ameliorates High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obesity in Mice
Authors: Zhao Yuhan , Li Mengjie , Guo Jingya , Fang Jingjing , Geng Ruixuan , Wang Yanan , Liu Tingting , Kang Seong‐Gook , Huang Kunlun , Tong Tao
Published: May 2023

Scope

Excellent health‐promoting effects of cedrol (CED), including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐arthritic, and antinociceptive effects, have been reported. The present study aims to investigate the preventive effects of CED on high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity and the related metabolic syndrome, and to delineate the underlying mechanism.

Methods and results

Ten‐week‐old C57BL/6J mice are fed chow, HFD, or HFD supplemented with CED (0.2% w/w) for 19 weeks. Results demonstrate that CED effectively reduces HFD‐induced body weight gain, decreases visceral fat pad weight, and significantly prevents adipocyte hypertrophy in mice. HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and gluconeogenesis are ameliorated by CED supplementation. 16S rRNA analysis reveals that CED does not change gut microbiota composition at the phylum and genus levels, indicating that CED may have limited effects on gut microbiota in HFD‐fed mice. Further transcriptome analysis of epididymal white adipose tissue reveals reprogrammed RNA profiles by CED.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that incorporating CED in the diet can prevent HFD‐induced obesity and related metabolic syndrome, and highlight that CED can be a promising dietary component for obesity therapeutic intervention.
Differences between brain responses to peroneal electrical transcutaneous neuromodulation and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, two treatments for overactive bladder
Authors: Krhut Jan , Tintěra Jaroslav , Rejchrt Michal , Skugarevská Barbora , Zachoval Roman , Zvara Peter , Blok Bertil F. M.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To compare brain responses to peroneal electrical transcutaneous neuromodulation (peroneal eTNM®) and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS), two methods for treating overactive bladder (OAB), using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The present study was not designed to compare their clinical efficacy.

Materials and Methods

This study included 32 healthy adult female volunteers (average age 38.3 years (range 22−73)). Brain MRI using 3 T scanner was performed during three 8‐min blocks of alternating sequences. During each 8‐min block, the protocol alternated between sham stimulation (30 s) and rest (30 s) for 8 repeats; then peroneal eTNM® stimulation (30 s) and rest (30 s) for 8 repeats; then, TTNS stimulation (30 s) and rest (30 s) for 8 repeats. Statistical analysis was performed at the individual level with a threshold of p = 0.05, family‐wise error (FWE)‐corrected. The resulting individual statistical maps were analyzed in group statistics using a one‐sample t‐test, p = 0.05 threshold, false discovery rate (FDR)‐corrected.

Results

During peroneal eTNM®, TTNS, and sham stimulations, we recorded activation in the brainstem, bilateral posterior insula, bilateral precentral gyrus, bilateral postcentral gyrus, left transverse temporal gyrus, and right supramarginal gyrus. During both peroneal eTNM® and TTNS stimulations, but not sham stimulations, we recorded activation in the left cerebellum, right transverse temporal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, and right inferior frontal gyrus. Exclusively during peroneal eTNM® stimulation, we observed activation in the right cerebellum, right thalamus, bilateral basal ganglia, bilateral cingulate gyrus, right anterior insula, right central operculum, bilateral supplementary motor cortex, bilateral superior temporal gyrus, and left inferior frontal gyrus.

Conclusions

Peroneal eTNM®, but not TTNS, induces the activation of brain structures that were previously implicated in neural control of the of bladder filling and play an important role in the ability to cope with urgency. The therapeutic effect of peroneal eTNM® could be exerted, at least in part, at the supraspinal level of neural control.