bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of oleuropein on miRNAs regulating cell death signaling pathway in human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Amini‐Farsani Zeinab , Hashemi Sheikhshabani Somayeh , Shaygan Nasibeh , Asgharzade Samira
Published: October 2023

Cervical cancer is known as the second most pervasive malignancy in women across the globe. The role played by microRNAs (miRNAs) in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of this cancer has received specific attention. The use of natural compounds leading cancer cells toward apoptosis is a feasible strategy for cancer therapy. Oleuropein, an olive‐extracted phenolic substance, displays anticancer properties. Here, it was attempted to assess the role played by oleuropein in cell viability in cervical cancer and changes in the expression of some miRNAs associated with cervical cancer as well as some of their possible target genes selected using bioinformatics analysis. For this purpose, HeLa cell line was exposed to several oleuropein concentrations for 48 and 72 h. After that, 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry were employed to assess cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. In addition, to conduct bioinformatics analysis, Cytoscape computer program was used based on STRING database. Furthermore, to examine the role played by oleuropein in the expression of miRNAs of interest as well as their potential target genes, real‐time PCR was employed. The findings indicated that oleuropein reduced cell viability through inducing apoptosis. As a result of treatment with oleuropein, miR‐34a, miR‐125b, and miR‐29a showed increased expression levels, whereas miR‐181b, miR‐221, and miR‐16 showed decreased expression levels. Furthermore, oleuropein reduced the expression of the anti‐apoptotic genes Bcl‐2 and Mcl1, whereas it elevated the expression of the pro‐apoptotic Bid, Fas, and TNFRSF10B genes and the p53 tumor suppressor. Our results indicate that the apoptosis induction is a mechanism of action of oleuropein in HeLa cells. Because of its effect on the reflation of the expression of genes and miRNAs effective in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer, oleuropein shows potential as an effective research tool for developing new natural drugs for treating cervical cancer.
MoS2 Nanoflakes based Kilohertz Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Bal Sourayan , Baranwal Rishav , Lin Xueyan , Li Wenyue , Yang Shize , Islam Nazifah , Fan Zhaoyang
Published: October 2023

An ultra‐fast electrochemical capacitor (EC) designed for efficient ripple current smoothing was fabricated using vertically oriented MoS2 (VOM) nanoflakes deposited on freestanding carbonized cellulose (CC) sheets as electrodes. The daily used cellulose tissue sheets were transformed into electrode scaffolds through a rapid pyrolysis process within a preheated furnace, on which VOM nanoflakes were formed in a conventional hydrothermal process. With these ~10 μm thick VOM‐CC electrodes, ultrafast ECs with tunable frequency response and specific capacitance density were fabricated. The ECs with a cell‐level areal capacitance density of 0.8 mF/cm2 at 120 Hz were demonstrated for ripple current filtering from 60 Hz to 60 kHz. At a lower frequency response level, EC cell with a large capacitance density of 4.8 mF/cm2 was also demonstrated. With the facile and easily scaled up process to producing the nanostructured electrode, the miniaturized VOM‐CC based ECs have the potential to substitute the bulky aluminum electrolytic capacitors for current smoothing and pulse power applications.
Der Ultraschallabbau langkettiger Moleküle. I
Authors: Sata Naoyasu , Okuyama Masataka
Published: October 2023

Der Mechanismus der Ultraschalldepolymerisation der Hochpolymeren mit Kettenstruktur wird theoretisch behandelt.
Wasserstoff in Palladiumlegierungen
Authors: Brodowsky H. , Husemann H.
Published: October 2023

An Palladiumlegierungen mit 4,78 Atom‐% Zinn, 5 Atom‐% Blei, 5 Atom‐% Rhodium und 16,7 Atom‐% Nickel wurden im Temperaturbereich von 30–175 °C und im Druckbereich von 1–800 Torr Wasserstoffabsorptionsisothermen gasvolumetrisch gemessen. Die thermodynamischen Exzeßfunktionen der Systeme Wasserstoff/Legierung konnten durch folgende Modellvorstellungen gedeutet werden: 1. Das Fermi‐Niveau der Legierung wird durch die Elektronen des Wasserstoffs entsprechend den Zustandsdichten von 4d‐ und 5s‐Band erhöht. 2. Das Gitter erfährt beim Eintritt der Protonen in die Oktaederlücken eine elastische Verspannung. Der Einfluß der Legierungszusätze stimmt mit der Vorstellung überein, daß die vier Außenelektronen des Zinns und des Bleis das 4d‐Band in Konkurrenz zu den Elektronen des Wasserstoffs auffüllen, daß das Rhodium hingegen die Zahl der Lücken im 4d‐Band vermehrt. Die beim Eintritt der Protonen in die Oktaederlücken aufzuwendende Energie der elastischen Verspannung wird durch Legierungspartner mit relativ großem Atom volumen ermäßigt, durch Legierungspartner mit kleinem Atomvolumen dagegen erhöht.
Die Dichte des Wassers von 200 bis 850 °C und von 1000 bis 6000 bar
Authors: Maier S. , Franck E. U.
Published: October 2023

Mit einem statischen Verfahren wurde in einem Autoklaven aus einer hochwarmfesten und korrosionsfesten Nickellegierung die Dichte des Wassers bei 14 Temperaturen zwischen 200 und 850 °C gemessen. Der Maximaldruck betrug 6000 bar bis 800 °C und 4500 bar bei 850 °C. Die Apparatur wird beschrieben, und die etwa 200 Meßwerte werden mitgeteilt. Die kritische Abschätzung der Fehlerquellen ergibt einen Maximalfehler der Meß werte von etwa 1%. Zum Ausgleich der Dichtemeßwerte wird ein im ganzen Meßbereich brauchbares Polynom benutzt, das vom sechsten Grad für Temperatur und Druck ist. Der Betrag der mittleren Abweichung der Meßwerte von den Werten des Polynoms beträgt 0,43%. Die Kompressionskoeffizienten z = pv/RT für den Meßbereich werden angegeben.
Countercurrent‐exchange‐electrolysis applied to a lead‐thallium system
Authors: Arkenbout G. J. , Smit W. M.
Published: October 2023

A simple method has been developed for testing the column performance in countercurrent‐exchange‐electrolysis. This separation process is based on an exchange between an electrolyte phase and an electrode phase like an amalgam, transported in countercurrent through a column.

Lead and thallium appeared to be a suitable metal pair for testing exchange columns.

When dissolved in an acidic medium lead and thallium are difficult to separate and thus suitable for the determination of large plate numbers. However, when dissolved in an alkaline medium, these two metals may be simply analyzed by means of a polarograph.

The performance of a sand filled column with a length of 1 m was tested by exchange experiments without application of reflux. Plate numbers of 50 ± 20 and 20 ± 5 per m were obtained using flow rates of 0.1 and 0.2 ml/min cm2 respectively.

The concentration distribution in a column without a reflux section is dicussed.
Becoming Natural: The Naturalization of Synthetic Flavors in the Twentieth Century and the Introduction of Konsumstoff
Authors: Gennermann Paulina S.
Published: October 2023

Is it possible that non‐natural chemical substances become natural without changing their chemical, physical or physiological characteristics? The history of synthetic flavors with a special emphasis on vanillin suggests that yes, it is possible. This process is called naturalization and means in this case the change of status of a synthetic flavor to something natural. In this article the history of vanillin as a frequently used flavor and its transformation into a natural ingredient in the twentieth century will be presented and analyzed. Studying the particular characteristics of vanillin, it seems that known concepts in the history of science like Ersatzstoff (surrogate) or Wirkstoff (active agent) do not constitute the best fit in describing this flavoring agent. Categorizing vanillin as a Konsumstoff (commodity agent) seems more useful in order to classify its characteristics and its historical development. I suggest using Konsumstoff as a new theoretical and methodological approach to study the history of chemical substances. In this article, the concept of Konsumstoff will be outlined and developed using the vanillin case as a paradigmatic example.
Conservative and cost‐effective rehabilitation of a deep bite patient with worn dentition: A case report of the Dahl technique approach
Authors: Rezaei Mahla , Chalakinia Hossein , Mohammadi Maedeh Doost , Khosravi Farzaneh
Published: October 2023

Key clinical message

The reformation of teeth with severe wear is a real challenge for clinicians. Through a clinical case study, this case illustrates a minimally invasive approach using the Dahl technique and bonded restorations for the treatment of a worn dentition with a loss of vertical dimension of occlusion and restoring ideal aesthetics.
Successful treatment of resistant plantar ulcerative lichen planus with tofacitinib: A case report and comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Bazargan Afsaneh Sadeghzadeh , Jafarzadeh Alireza , Nobari Niloufar Najar
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

Ulcerative lichen planus, a challenging variant of lichen planus, has limited response to traditional treatments. Tofacitinib, a JAK–STAT pathway inhibitor, shows promise in effectively treating these lesions.

Lichen planus is a mucocutaneous disease that can cause various manifestations, such as itchy erythematous papules, cicatricial alopecia, erosion, and mucocutaneous ulcers. One uncommon manifestation of this disease is the occurrence of erosion and skin ulcers in the soles of the feet, which can cause many problems for patients. Tofacitinib, a Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor drug, has found a special place in the field of inflammatory diseases, especially inflammatory skin diseases. In this regard, studies on the effective role of this drug in the treatment of certain forms of lichen planus, including lichen planopilaris, and erosive lichen planus have been performed. In upcoming study, we introduce a 52‐year‐old woman with lichen planus who complained of ulcerative lesions on the sole of her foot, for whom a diagnosis of plantar ulcerative lichen planus was proposed. After the patient did not respond therapeutically to intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection, as well as methotrexate and cyclosporine tablets, significant improvement was finally achieved with a 5 mg twice daily dose of tofacitinib. In the following, we will comprehensively review previous articles on the role of tofacitinib in the treatment of lichen planus lesions, as well as the proposed treatment options for erosive and ulcerative lichen planus lesions specifically located on the sole of the foot. Despite limited reports of the successful treatment of mucosal erosive lesions in the oral, esophageal, genital, and ocular mucosa areas with tofacitinib, no previous study has reported the successful treatment of ulcerative lichen planus lesions of the plantar area with tofacitinib. While reporting this case, we recommend considering tofacitinib as a treatment option for plantar ulcerative lichen planus. To confirm its effectiveness, it is necessary to conduct more extensive studies with a larger sample size.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Glycosyl Luciferins
Authors: Sondag Daan , de Kleijne Frank F. J. , Castermans Sam , Chatzakis Isa , van Geffen Mark , van't Veer Cornelis , van Heerde Waander L. , Boltje Thomas J. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T.
Published: October 2023

Measuring glycosidase activity is important to monitor any aberrations in carbohydrate hydrolase activity, but also for the screening of potential glycosidase inhibitors. To this end, synthetic substrates are needed which provide an enzyme‐dependent read‐out upon hydrolysis by the glycosidase. Herein, we present two new routes for the synthesis of caged luminescent carbohydrates, which can be used for determining glycosidase activity with a luminescent reporter molecule. The substrates were validated with glycosidase and revealed a clear linear range and enzyme‐dependent signal upon the in situ generation of the luciferin moiety from the corresponding nitrile precursors. Besides, we showed that these compounds could directly be synthesized from unprotected glycosyl‐α‐fluorides in a two‐step procedure with yields up to 75 %. The intermediate methyl imidate appeared a key intermediate which also reacted with d‐cysteine to give the corresponding d‐luciferin substrate rendering this a highly attractive method for synthesizing glycosyl luciferins in good yields.
Chromium(VI) Oxyfluoride Dianions, [Cr2O4F6]2− and [CrO2F4]2−; Syntheses and Structures of [XeF5]2[Cr2O4F6], [XeF5]2[Cr2O4F6] ⋅ nX (X=HF, n=4; X=XeOF4, n=2), and [XeF5][Xe2F11][CrO2F4]
Authors: Bortolus Mark R. , Mercier Hélène P. A. , Schrobilgen Gary J.
Published: October 2023

The fluorobasic character of the strong oxidative fluorinator, XeF6, and the oxidative resistance of the [XeF5]+ and [Xe2F11]+ cations have been exploited for the syntheses of several novel Cr(VI) dianion salts. The reactions of XeF6 and CrO2F2 in anhydrous HF and by direct fusion of the reactants in melts have yielded the first dinuclear Cr(VI) oxyfluoro‐dianion salts, [XeF5]2[Cr2O4F6], [XeF5]2[Cr2O4F6] ⋅ 4HF, [XeF5]2[Cr2O4F6] ⋅ 2XeOF4, and mononuclear Cr(VI) oxyfluoro‐dianion salt, [XeF5][Xe2F11][CrO2F4]. The salts were structurally characterized by low‐temperature (LT) single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) and LT Raman spectroscopy. The [CrO2F4]2− and [Cr2O4F6]2− dianions have distorted octahedral cis‐dioxo Cr(VI) coordination spheres in which two F‐atoms are trans to one another and two F‐atoms are trans to O‐atoms, where the [Cr2O4F6]2− dianion is the fluorine‐bridged dimer of the [CrO2F3]− anion. Quantum‐chemical calculations were used to obtain the energy‐minimized, gas‐phase geometries, and the calculated vibrational spectra of the gas‐phase dianions and their ion‐pairs, which were used to aid in the vibrational frequency assignments of the crystalline salts. NBO and MEPS analyses and SCXRD show these salts are comprised of intimate ion‐pairs in which their cations and anions interact through primarily electrostatic Xe‐ ‐ ‐F σ‐hole bonds.
Identification of diagnostic markers of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using transcriptomic tumour and blood sample data
Authors: Sionakidis Aristeidis , Lalagkas Panagiotis Nikolaos , Malousi Andigoni , Vizirianakis Ioannis S.
Published: October 2023

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most frequently diagnosed form of pancreatic cancer worldwide. PDAC is associated with a poor survival rate mainly due to the disease being usually diagnosed at late stages.

Methods

Publicly available gene expression data from 10 studies with tumour tissue (448 samples) and/or blood samples (128 samples) from PDAC patients were pooled together and analyzed for the identification of stage‐specific and global diagnostic markers using differential gene expression analysis. The list of statistically significant () differentially expressed genes were used to carry out enrichment analysis via active subnetworks and miRNA enrichment analysis. We then used the results from these analyses to identify the most significant genes and pathways and map these to marketed drugs’ pharmacological targets. The same process was replicated for studies with blood samples and results were compared to those from the tissue analysis. A set of consistently deregulated genes (pancreatic tumour signature, PTS) in both tissue and blood samples was derived and validated in external cohorts and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data.

Results

Notable gene expression deregulation was found in all tumour stages with significant overlap. We identified 820 consistently deregulated genes (PTS) in tissue samples of all stages and blood samples. Active subnetwork analysis revealed enriched ribosome, proteasome, adherens junction and cell cycle pathways across all stages and blood samples. Our findings suggest that microRNA (miRNA) contribution to PDAC pathology plays a significant role and is probably mediated by distinct miRNAs across stages of PDAC. Stage‐specific enriched miRNAs with diagnostic potential included miR‐21, miR‐29, miR‐124 and miR‐30, for stages 1–4, respectively. By investigating the pharmacogenetic interactions of the identified targets with clinically approved drugs, we outline potential paths for personalized interventions. Importantly, the PTS showed a significant association with survival in TCGA data.

Conclusion

Thus, we present a compilation of protein‐coding markers and miRNAs that hold potential as a diagnostic tool for the early detection of PDAC, as well as for designing novel therapeutic strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Prepare for increasing natural disasters and other emergencies on or near campus
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: October 2023

The news is full of alarming global reports of unusual natural disasters attributed to rapidly increasing climate changes. Floods, forest fires, powerful winter storms, and storms with high winds and massive amounts of rain are increasingly common.
The anatomy of an OCR complaint form
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: October 2023

The Office for Civil Rights is responsible for enforcing federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal funding. To this end, it investigates complaints of disability discrimination (as well as other forms of discrimination) against colleges and universities.
Self‐care and self‐awareness — two keys to leading well
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura
Published: October 2023

In this month's column, I am writing about self‐care and self‐awareness, two of the most important habits of good leaders. I’ll also discuss the Buddhist concepts of monkey mind and comparative mind, and how managing these will dramatically improve your sense of peace and your ability to lead.
Effectiveness of blood steroidal passport markers for detecting testosterone abuse in Asians
Authors: Okano Masato , Shiomura Sho
Published: October 2023

The World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) has introduced an Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) with a steroidal module, which is intended for the monitoring of longitudinal profiles of an athlete's steroid variables in urine to identify endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids that are administered exogenously. It has been in use since 2014. The prevalence of UGT2B17 gene deletion with relatively low levels of testosterone (T) glucuronide in urine is high in the Asian region. There are cases in which urinary T is below the detection limit in specific urine samples, for example, diluted urine, urine collected from females, or urine collected from UGT2B17 deletion individuals. Additional steroid markers T, 4‐androstenedione (A4), and the T/A4 ratio in serum were newly added to the ABP steroidal module by WADA in 2023 to compensate for the urine steroid profile. In this study, populations of blood steroid markers in Asians (n = 510) were investigated and classified according to UGT2B17 polymorphism to confirm the effectiveness of blood steroid markers in monitoring Asian athletes. No significant difference in the T/A4 ratio was observed between the genotypes. Furthermore, an administration study of T enanthate in females (n = 10) who were classified according to UGT2B17 genotypes was performed. The concentration of T and the T/A4 ratio were found to be significantly increased in all post‐administration samples until 15 days after administration (p < 0.01). The overall results supported the high effectiveness of subject‐based monitoring for serum T and T/A4 ratio for recently identified shortcomings in the detection of T abuse in Asians.
Maternal exposure to hyperbaric oxygen at the preimplantation stages increases apoptosis and ectopic Cdx2 expression and decreases Oct4 expression in mouse blastocysts via Nrf2‐Notch1 upregulation and Nf2 downregulation
Authors: Li Yu‐Ming , Chung Yu Lang , Wu Yung‐Fu , Wang Chien‐Kuo , Chen Chieh‐Min , Chen Yi‐Hui
Published: October 2023

Background

The environmental oxygen tension has been reported to impact the blastocyst quality and cell numbers in the inner cell mass (ICM) during human and murine embryogenesis. While the molecular mechanisms leading to increased ICM cell numbers and pluripotency gene expression under hypoxia have been deciphered, it remains unknown which regulatory pathways caused the underweight fetal body and overweight placenta after maternal exposure to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO).

Results

The blastocysts from the HBO‐exposed pregnant mice revealed significantly increased signals of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear Nrf2 staining, decreased Nf2 and Oct4 expression, increased nuclear Tp53bp1 and active caspase‐3 staining, and ectopic nuclear signals of Cdx2, Yap, and the Notch1 intracellular domain (N1ICD) in the ICM. In the ICM of the HBO‐exposed blastocysts, both Nf2 cDNA microinjection and Nrf2 shRNA microinjection significantly decreased the ectopic nuclear expression of Cdx2, Tp53bp1, and Yap whereas increased Oct4 expression, while Nrf2 shRNA microinjection also significantly decreased Notch1 mRNA levels and nuclear expression of N1ICD and active caspase‐3.

Conclusion

We show for the first time that maternal exposure to HBO at the preimplantation stage induces apoptosis and impairs ICM cell specification via upregulating Nrf2‐Notch1‐Cdx2 expression and downregulating Nf2‐Oct4 expression.
Autotaxin in encephalitogenic CD4 T cells as a therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Petersen‐Cherubini Cora L. , Murphy Shawn P. , Xin Matthew , Liu Yue , Deffenbaugh Joshua L. , Jahan Ishrat , Rau Christina N. , Yang Yuhong , Lovett‐Racke Amy E.
Published: October 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune‐mediated inflammatory disease of the CNS. A defining characteristic of MS is the ability of autoreactive T lymphocytes to cross the blood–brain barrier and mediate inflammation within the CNS. Previous work from our lab found the gene Enpp2 to be highly upregulated in murine encephalitogenic T cells. Enpp2 encodes for the protein autotaxin, a secreted glycoprotein that catalyzes the production of lysophosphatidic acid and promotes transendothelial migration of T cells from the bloodstream into the lymphatic system. The present study sought to characterize autotaxin expression in T cells during CNS autoimmune disease and determine its potential therapeutic value. Myelin‐activated CD4 T cells upregulated expression of autotaxin in vitro, and ex vivo analysis of CNS‐infiltrating CD4 T cells showed significantly higher autotaxin expression compared with cells from healthy mice. In addition, inhibiting autotaxin in myelin‐specific T cells reduced their encephalitogenicity in adoptive transfer studies and decreased in vitro cell motility. Importantly, using two mouse models of MS, treatment with an autotaxin inhibitor ameliorated EAE severity, decreased the number of CNS infiltrating T and B cells, and suppressed relapses, suggesting autotaxin may be a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of MS.
Determination of inorganic ions and carbohydrates in cardioplegia and nephroplegia solutions by ion chromatography
Authors: Wen Zhiqi , Van Schepdael Ann , Adams Erwin
Published: October 2023

In this study, methods for analyzing inorganic ions and carbohydrates in cardioplegia and nephroplegia solutions were developed and validated using ion chromatography with both conductivity and pulsed amperometric detection. The inorganic ions such as sodium, potassium, and calcium were separated by a cation‐exchange column with 27 mM methanesulfonic acid as mobile phase at 0.5 mL/min. The anion (chloride) and carbohydrates (mannitol and glucose) were analyzed by an anion‐exchange column using a mobile phase of 20 mM sodium hydroxide at 1.0 mL/min. The methods showed a high sensitivity for all analytes, with quantification limits from 0.0002 to 0.06 mg/L. Good linearities between the peak areas and concentrations were found for all analytes within the selected concentration range (R2 > 0.999). Relative standard deviation values for repeatability and interday precision were 0.1%–1.0% and 0.7%–1.6%, respectively. The accuracy was validated by determining the percentage recovery, which was between 98.0% and 101.3% for all analytes, indicating good accuracy of the methods. The robustness was verified by using an experimental design. Finally, real samples were analyzed to determine the content of the analytes. All assay values were between 96.8% and 102.5%.
The relationship between epistemic curiosity and creativity: Research status and educational implications
Authors: Li Yadan , Emin Merbiya , Zhou Qianzhu , Zhang Jing , Hu Weiping
Published: October 2023

Creativity is a core driver of social development and technological progress. Epistemic curiosity (EC), as an important intrinsic motivation, is a prerequisite for creativity. Understanding the cognitive and neural mechanisms through which EC affects creativity is the “golden key” to cultivate top‐notch innovative talents based on cognitive and neural principles and stimulate the innovative vitality of talents. In this paper, we have combined research evidence from behavioral and neuroimaging studies, introduced the basic concepts of EC and creativity, reviewed and evaluated prior empirical research and several theoretical perspectives linking EC and creativity. Additionally, we have discussed the shared characteristics of EC and creativity as well as the cognitive and neural mechanisms associated with them. Then, we have proposed several practical suggestions to fostering and promoting EC as a means to enhancing creativity. These suggestions serve as a foundation and inspiration for future research and educational practices and provide a theoretical framework for cultivating innovative talents. Finally, we indicated possible directions for future research on the relationship between EC and creativity.
The impact of COVID‐19 concerns on perceiving others' faces
Authors: Magalhães Ana C. , Pandeirada Josefa N. S. , Soares Sandra C.
Published: October 2023

Unlike most infectious diseases, COVID‐19 is characterised by an absence of facial disease‐signalling cues. Yet, it is still unclear whether it has influenced face perception. Understanding this may help clarify if and how our motivation toward social interactions is conditional on situational pathogen threats. The present study investigated if priming disease concerns about COVID‐19 would change people's perception of neutral faces on perceived disease, social discomfort and arousal elicited by such faces; this condition was compared with other infectious/non‐infectious diseases and a non‐disease priming condition. One‐hundred sixty‐six participants recruited nationally performed the online task. When compared with the non‐disease condition, participants primed for COVID‐19 perceived faces as sicker and tended to view them as eliciting more social discomfort; no difference occurred in arousal. No other difference was found between conditions. These findings suggest that the pandemic context can shape how we perceive others' apparent sickness. Overall, these might reflect adaptations intertwined with the behavioural immune system's defence mechanisms.
Impact of irrigated agriculture on households' income and food security: Evidence from the south‐west region of Ethiopia
Authors: Sisay Kindineh
Published: October 2023

This study was conducted to identify the determining factors of participation in irrigated farming and to estimate its impact on households' farm income and food security using cross‐sectional data collected from Gimbo District, south‐west Ethiopia. Primary data for this study were collected from 200 irrigator and 219 non‐irrigator households using a structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and econometric analyses were employed to analyse the data using farm income, calorie intake, binary food security and dietary diversity as the outcome variables. As the propensity score matching result revealed, small‐scale irrigation significantly and positively increases calorie intake, annual farm income and diet group by 320 kcal, 7653 Ethiopian birr (ETB) and 0.65 points, respectively. The results obtained from the logit model further revealed that the age of the household head, education level of the household head, distance of land from the irrigation source, land size, off‐/nonfarm income, distance from the nearest market, slope of the land and access to irrigation services are the variables that were found to significantly affect participation in irrigation. Given the significant contributions of small‐scale irrigation to rural households' annual farm income and food security, policy priorities should be placed on awareness creation about the relevance of irrigation technology by informing households of how much irrigator households differ from non‐irrigators in terms of their annual farm income and food security. The study further recommends that the government and any other concerned bodies ought to toil in the expansion of irrigated farming and technological development of small‐scale irrigation schemes.
Sectoral slowdowns in the United Kingdom: Evidence from transmission probabilities and economic linkages
Authors: Janssens Eva F. , Lumsdaine Robin L.
Published: October 2023

This paper studies spillovers across macroeconomic sectors in the United Kingdom, using data from the Bank of England's Flow of Funds statistics. We combine two different approaches to quantify the spread of economic deterioration to assess whether sectors with large bilateral economic linkages as measured through network data have a greater statistical likelihood of spillovers between them. The combination of both approaches reveals the Monetary Financial Institutions sector's role as shock absorber and identifies the most important channels of spillovers. The inferential discrepancies between network data and statistical spillovers highlight the contribution of the proposed methodology.
Fabrication of wound dressings: Herbal extract‐loaded nanoliposomes embedded in fungal chitosan/polycaprolactone electrospun nanofibers for tissue regeneration
Authors: Erdoğmuş Sevim Feyza , Altintaş Özlem Erdal , Demirel Hasan Hüseyin , Okumuş Nurullah
Published: October 2023

Wound healing is a complex process and one of the major therapeutic and economic subjects in the pharmaceutical area. In recent years, the fabrication of nano‐sized wound dressing models has attracted great attention for tissue regeneration. Plant extracts loaded nanoparticles are environmentally friendly and non‐toxic and the release of the bioactive substance will be controlled to the wound area. This study aims to fabricate wound dressing models that contain bioactive components for tissue regeneration. Fungal chitosan/polycaprolactone nanofiber was fabricated by electrospinning and it has been characterized. Plant extracts loaded nanoliposomes were prepared, characterized, and embedded in nanofiber structures. The effectiveness of wound dressing models for tissue regeneration was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo studies. It was observed that all wound dressing models positively affect the cell viability of human dermal fibroblast cells. It was determined that plant extracts loaded nanoparticles embedded in nanofibers increased in cell viability than nanoparticles that were non‐embedded in nanofiber structures. Histological analysis showed that plant extract‐loaded nanoliposomes embedded in chitosan/PCL nanofibers were used for tissue regeneration. The most effective nanofibers were determined as Wd‐ClNL nanofibers.

Research Highlights

Hypericum perforatum L. and Cistus laurifolius L. were prepared by modified ultrasonic extraction method.

Fungal chitosan/polycaprolactone nanofiber was fabricated by electrospinning and it has been characterized.

Plant extract‐loaded nanoliposomes were prepared, and characterized.

They were embedded in chitosan/polycaprolactone nanofiber.

Effects of the wound dressing model were analyzed by in vitro and in vivo assays for tissue regeneration.
Advancing health information during interhospital transfer: An interrupted time series
Authors: Mueller Stephanie K. , Garabedian Pamela , Goralnick Eric , Bates David W. , Samal Lipika
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Although the transfer of patients between acute care hospitals (interhospital transfer, IHT) is common, health information exchange (HIE) during IHT remains inadequate, with fragmented communication and unreliable access to clinical information. This study aims to design, implement, and rigorously evaluate the implementation of a HIE platform to improve data access during IHT.

Methods and Analysis

Study subjects include patients aged >18 transferred to the medical, cardiology, oncology, or intensive care unit (ICU) services at an 800‐bed quaternary care hospital; and healthcare workers involved in their care. The first aim of this study is to optimize clinician workflow, data visualization, and interoperability through user‐centered design sessions for HIE platform development. The second aim is to evaluate the impact of the intervention on clinician‐reported medical errors among 500 pre‐ and 500 postintervention IHT patients using interrupted time series methodology, adjusting for confounding variables and temporal trends. The third aim is to evaluate intervention fidelity, use and perceived usability of the platform, and barriers and facilitators of implementation from interprofessional stakeholder input, using mixed‐methods evaluation. The fourth aim is to consolidate key findings to create a toolkit for spread and sustainability.

Ethics and Dissemination

We will track patient safety endpoints and clinician workflow burdens and ensure the protection of patient data throughout the study. We will disseminate our findings via the creation of a toolkit for spread and sustainability, partnering with our funder (AHRQ) for dissemination, and communicating our results via abstracts and publications.
Total and Regional Brain Volumes in Fetuses With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Cromb Daniel , Uus Alena , Van Poppel Milou P.M. , Steinweg Johannes K. , Bonthrone Alexandra F. , Maggioni Alessandra , Cawley Paul , Egloff Alexia , Kyriakopolous Vanessa , Matthew Jacqueline , Price Anthony , Pushparajah Kuberan , Simpson John , Razavi Reza , DePrez Maria , Edwards David , Hajnal Jo , Rutherford Mary , Lloyd David F.A. , Counsell Serena J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is common and is associated with impaired early brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes, yet the exact mechanisms underlying these associations are unclear.

Purpose

To utilize MRI data from a cohort of fetuses with CHD as well as typically developing fetuses to test the hypothesis that expected cerebral substrate delivery is associated with total and regional fetal brain volumes.

Study Type

Retrospective case–control study.

Population

Three hundred eighty fetuses (188 male), comprising 45 healthy controls and 335 with isolated CHD, scanned between 29 and 37 weeks gestation. Fetuses with CHD were assigned into one of four groups based on expected cerebral substrate delivery.

Field Strength/Sequence

T2‐weighted single‐shot fast‐spin‐echo sequences and a balanced steady‐state free precession gradient echo sequence were obtained on a 1.5 T scanner.

Assessment

Images were motion‐corrected and reconstructed using an automated slice‐to‐volume registration reconstruction technique, before undergoing segmentation using an automated pipeline and convolutional neural network that had undergone semi‐supervised training. Differences in total, regional brain (cortical gray matter, white matter, deep gray matter, cerebellum, and brainstem) and brain:body volumes were compared between groups.

Statistical Tests

ANOVA was used to test for differences in brain volumes between groups, after accounting for sex and gestational age at scan. PFDR‐values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Total and regional brain volumes were smaller in fetuses where cerebral substrate delivery is reduced. No significant differences were observed in total or regional brain volumes between control fetuses and fetuses with CHD but normal cerebral substrate delivery (all PFDR > 0.12). Severely reduced cerebral substrate delivery is associated with lower brain:body volume ratios.

Data Conclusion

Total and regional brain volumes are smaller in fetuses with CHD where there is a reduction in cerebral substrate delivery, but not in those where cerebral substrate delivery is expected to be normal.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
The role of dopamine in visual imagery—An experimental pharmacological study
Authors: Monzel Merlin , Karneboge Jana , Reuter Martin
Published: October 2023

Mental imagery enables people to simulate experiences in their minds without the presence of an external stimulus. The underlying biochemical mechanisms are poorly understood but there is vague evidence that dopamine may play a significant role. A better understanding at the biochemical level could help to unravel the mechanisms of mental imagery and related phenomena such as aphantasia (= lack of voluntary mental imagery), but also opens up possibilities for interventions to enhance or restore mental imagery. To test the hypothesis that acute dopamine depletion leads to a decrease in the strength of mental imagery, N = 22 male participants will be administered an amino acid mixture containing branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) and tryptophan (TRP) to transiently reduce dopamine synthesis and further N = 22 male participants will receive a placebo. Plasma prolactin (PRL) levels are determined as a peripheral marker of brain dopamine function. The strength of mental imagery will be measured before and after ingestion of the BCAA/TRP mixture using the method of mental imagery priming. Additional exploratory analyses will use genetic data to investigate possible effects of variations on dopaminergic gene loci (e.g., DAT1) on dopamine levels and strength of mental imagery. The results show […].
Innovative non‐targeted liquid chromatography fingerprinting approach for authenticating tigernuts under Protected Designation of Origin quality seal
Authors: Medina‐García Miriam , Jiménez‐Carvelo Ana M. , Bagur‐González María G. , González‐Casado Antonio
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Tigernut is a typical foodstuff from a specific region of Valencia (Spain) called ‘L'Horta Nord’, where it is commercialized under a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) as Chufa de Valencia (‘Valencia's tigernut’). PDO‐recognized tigernuts present unique characteristics associated with their particular production region. Increasing demand and the associated expansion of its cultivation area has made necessary an exhaustive quality control to check the geographical origin and quality seal.

RESULTS

In this work, a new multivariate analytical method capable of authenticating the PDO quality seal of tigernut samples was developed. Tigernut fat fraction was extracted under optimal conditions, applying the methodology of design of experiments. The analytical method combined fingerprinting methodology and chemometric tools to observe the natural grouping of samples using the exploratory analysis method and to develop classification models (partial least squares–discriminatory analysis; PLS‐DA) to discriminate between two sample categories: (i) PDO tigernuts; and (ii) NON‐PDO tigernuts.

CONCLUSION

The built PLS‐DA model demonstrated 100% accuracy, high sensitivity and specificity, revealing that the tigernut fat fraction can be applied to authenticate the PDO quality seal. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of white jade snail secretion on antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbial diversity in mouse model of acute gastric ulcer
Authors: Cheng Qian , Wang Kaidi , Lu Rui , Xiong Yi , Luo Xianqing , Li Xian , Liu Wei , Wang Jiayu , Li Yixiang , Yan Jianhua
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

In the present work, acute gastric ulcer models were constructed by administering hydrochloric acid/ethanol. The mice ingested white jade snail secretion (WJSS) through gastric infusion. Ulcer areas in gastric tissue were recorded, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also measured. Notably, high‐throughput 16S rDNA analysis of intestinal flora and determination of amino acid composition in feces were performed to understand the effect of WJSS on model mice.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the ulcer area in the WJSS low‐, medium‐ and high‐concentration groups declined by 28.02%, 39.57% and 77.85%, respectively. MDA content decreased by 24.71%, 49.58% and 64.25%, and SOD relative enzyme activity fell by 28.19%, 43.37% and 9.60%, respectively. The amounts of amino acids in the low‐, medium‐ and high‐concentration groups were slightly lower, and probiotic bacteria such as Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillales increased in different‐concentration WJSS groups. Adding WJSS contributes to the establishment of beneficial intestinal flora and the absorption of amino acids.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that WJSS has a beneficial effect on inhibiting hydrochloric acid–ethanolic gastric ulcers, suggesting that WJSS has excellent potential as a novel anti‐ulcer agent. Combined with ulcer area, MDA content, SOD content, gut probiotics and other indicators, a high concentration of WJSS had the best protective effect on acute gastric ulcer. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultrasonography‐Derived Elasticity Estimation of Live Porcine Oral Mucosa
Authors: Yu Hsi‐Chien , Kripfgans Oliver D. , Rodriguez Amanda B. , Samal Ankita , Quesada Carole , Webber Liana P. , Mazzocco John P. , Wang I‐Ching , Woo Jaeman , Chan Hsun‐Liang
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To investigate the biomechanical properties of porcine oral tissues with in vivo ultrasonography and to compare the difference between oral alveolar mucosa and gingival tissue concerning compressional and tensile mechanical strain.

Materials and Methods

Sinclair minipigs (6 females and 4 males, 6 to 18 months of age) were anesthetized for ultrasonography. In vivo high‐frequency tissue harmonic ultrasound (12/24 MHz) cine‐loops were obtained while inducing mechanical tissue stress (0 to 1 N). Post‐processing strain analysis was performed in a cardiac speckle tracking software (EchoInsight®). Region of interest (ROI) was placed for gingival and alveolar mucosa tissues for longitudinal (compressional) and tensile strain analyses. A calibrated gel pad was employed to determine the absolute force (pressure) for the measured tissue strain response function. The resulting elasticity data was statistically analyzed using custom Matlab scripts.

Results

In total, 38 sonography cine‐loops around the third premolars were included in the investigation. The longitudinal strain of alveolar mucosa was found to be significantly (P < .05) larger than that of gingiva . Across the measured force range,  ~ 1.7 × . Significant differences between alveolar mucosa and gingiva tissues were found for all forces. The tensile strain of the alveolar mucosa was found to be ~2 ×  (on the epithelial surface of the gingiva). Both were statistically significantly different for forces exceeding ~0.08 N. At depth, that is, 500 and 1000 μm below the epithelial surface, the gingiva was found to have less ability to stretch contrary to the alveolar mucosa. Gingival tissue at 500 μm depth has significantly less tensile strain than at its surface and more than at 1000 μm depth. In contrast, the tensile strain of alveolar mucosa is largely independent of depth.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography can reveal significant differences in oral alveolar mucosal and gingival elastic properties, such as compressional and tensile strain. Under minute forces equivalent to 10 to 40 g, these differences can be observed. As dental ultrasound is a chairside, and noninvasive modality, obtaining real‐time images might soon find clinical utility as a new diagnostic tool for the objective and quantitative assessment of periodontal and peri‐implant soft tissues in clinical and research realms. As ultrasound is a safe modality with no known bioeffects, longitudinal monitoring of areas of concern would be particularly attractive.
Airway Collapsibility during Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy Relates with Clinical Features of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Parekh Manan , Triantafillou Vasiliki , Keenan Brendan T. , Seay Everett G. , Thuler Eric , Schwartz Alan R. , Dedhia Raj C.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Increased pharyngeal collapsibility leads to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Positive airway pressure titration during drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE‐PAP) provides objective collapsibility metrics, the pharyngeal opening pressure (PhOP), and active pharyngeal critical pressure (PcritA). We examined the interrelationships between risk factors of OSA, airway collapsibility measures, and clinical manifestations of the disease.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional analysis of consecutive OSA patients undergoing DISE‐PAP. Nasal PAP was increased stepwise until inspiratory flow limitation was abolished, signifying PhOP. PcritA was derived from the resulting titration pressure‐flow relationships. Clinical data including demographics, anthropometrics, sleep studies, and patient‐symptom questionnaires were obtained from the electronic medical record. Multivariate regression was used to evaluate the relationship between risk factors, airway collapsibility, and clinical data.

Results

On average, the 164 patients meeting inclusion criteria were middle‐aged (54.2 ± 14.7 years), overweight/obese (BMI 29.9 ± 4.5 kg/m2), male (72.6%), White (79.3%) and had severe OSA (AHI 32.0 ± 20.5 events/hour). Mean PhOP was 7.5 ± 3.3 cm H2O and mean PcritA was 0.80 ± 3.70 cm H2O. Younger age (Standardized β = −0.191, p = 0.015) and higher BMI (Standardized β = 0.176, p = 0.028) were associated with higher PhOP, but not PcritA. PhOP and PcritA were both associated with AHI, supine AHI, and SpO2 nadir. Higher PhOP was associated with higher snoring scores (Standardized β = 0.246, p = 0.008), but not other patient‐reported outcomes.

Conclusion

Objective assessment of passive and active airway mechanics during DISE relates with clinical risk factors for OSA. Quantitative measures of collapsibility provide accessible and meaningful data, enhancing the standard sleep surgery evaluation.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:1978–1985, 2024
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Long‐Term Outcomes After Pediatric Tracheostomy
Authors: Mitchell Dalia N. , Beams Dylan R. , Chorney Stephen R. , Kou Yann‐Fuu , Liu Pamila , Dabbous Helene , Johnson Romaine F.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To determine whether long‐term outcomes after pediatric tracheostomy are impacted by neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage.

Methods

A prospective cohort of children with tracheostomies was followed at an academic pediatric hospital between 2015 and 2020. Patients were grouped into low or high socioeconomic disadvantage using their neighborhood area deprivation index (ADI). Survival and logistic regression analyses determined the relationship between ADI group, decannulation, and mortality.

Results

A total of 260 children were included with a median age at tracheostomy of 6.6 months (interquartile range [IQR], 3.9–42.3). The cohort was 53% male (N = 138), 55% White race (N = 143), and 35% Black or African American (N = 90). Tracheostomy was most frequently indicated for respiratory failure (N = 189, 73%). High neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was noted for 66% of children (N = 172) and 61% (N = 158) had severe neurocognitive disability. ADI was not associated with time to decannulation (HR = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.53–1.53) or time to death (HR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.49–1.72).

Conclusions

Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was not associated with decannulation or mortality among children with a tracheostomy. These findings suggest that long‐term outcomes after pediatric tracheostomy are less dependent on socioeconomic factors in an individual community.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:2415–2421, 2024