bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Concentrations and ATP/Adenosine Diphosphate Ratios in Human Sperm of Normospermic, Oligospermic, and Asthenospermic Specimens and in their Swim‐up Fractions: Lack of Correlation Between ATP Parameters and Sperm Creatine Kinase Concentrations
Authors: VIGUE CHARLES , VIGUE LYNNE , HUSZAR GABOR
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The authors had previously found an inverse correlation between per sperm creatine Phosphokinase activity and sperm concentrations in men. Because creatine Phosphokinase is a key enzyme in sperm energy transport, the possible relationship of sperm creatine Phosphokinase activity, sperm adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations, sperm ATP/ADP (adenosine diphosphate) ratios, and computer‐aided semen analysis sperm motility parameters were then studied. The ATP concentrations and ATP/ADP ratios, measured by high‐pressure liquid chromatography in washed sperm, were similar in normospermic and Oligospermic specimens (ATP: 123.1 ± 21.6 vs. 90.0 ± 24.5 pmol/106 sperm; ATP/ADP: 2.8 ± 0.4 vs. 2.1 ± 0.4, N = 32 and 17, mean ± SEM), and in samples with normal and less than 40% sperm motility (ATP: 96.8 ± 27.2 vs. 122.2 ± 19.6 pmol/106 sperm; ATP/ADP: 2.4 ± 0.5 vs. 2.8 ± 0.4, n = 26 and 23). In the swim‐up sperm fractions, which showed improved motility, the ATP concentrations, but not the ATP/ADP ratios, were lower than in the initial semen samples (ATP: 152.9 ± 28.4 vs. 90.3 ± 10.6 pmol/106 sperm, P < 0.05; ATP/ADP: 3.3 ± 0.5 vs. 3.9 ± 0.7, N = 18 pairs of samples). This is consistent with our previous finding of a lower cytoplasmic content in sperm in swim‐up fractions. The sperm creatine Phosphokinase activities were different (0.12 ± 0.04 vs. 0.45 ± 0.14 IU/108 sperm, P < 0.05) in the six normospermic and seven Oligospermic samples (33.2 ± 6.1 vs. 13.8 ± 1.5 × 106 sperm/ml), but there were no corresponding differences in ATP concentrations or ATP/ADP ratios (ATP: 148 ± 65 vs. 112 ± 23 pmol/106 sperm; ATP/ADP: 3.3 ± 0.5 vs. 3.7 ± 1.1). It was concluded that: 1) per sperm ATP concentrations and ATP/ADP ratios are independent of sperm density in the samples; 2) sperm with higher fertilizing potential do not show higher ATP concentrations or ATP/ADP ratios; and 3) the lack of a relationship among sperm creatine Phosphokinase activities (which are significantly higher in infertile than in fertile men), ATP/ADP ratios, and ATP concentrations suggests that sperm ATP concentrations are unrelated to fertility.
Hyperactivated Motility is Coupled with Interdependent Modifications at Axonemal and Cytosolic Levels in Human Spermatozoa
Authors: MURAD CAROL , de LAMIRANDE EVE , GAGNON CLAUDE
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Whether the motility characteristics of hyperactivated spermatozoa were determined by stable changes at the axonemal level and whether the presence of cytosolic factors was required for the expression of these changes was investigated. Different degrees of sperm hyperactivation were produced in Percoll‐washed spermatozoa after incubation for 1 hour to 3 hours at 37°C in Ham's F‐10 supplemented with human blood plasma or fetal cord serum. Decomplemented fetal cord serum induced the highest percentage of hyperactivation (19 ± 3%), followed by human plasma (13 ± 2%). Fetal cord serum that was not decomplemented did not induce a level of hyperactivation (1.7 ± 0.2%) significantly different from control levels (0.9 ± 0.2%). Dialyzed fetal cord serum induced intermediate levels of hyperactivation (6 ± 1%). The motility characteristics of demembranated sperm models of hyperactivated spermatozoa induced by decomplemented fetal cord serum and nonhyperactivated spermatozoa were compared by videomicroscopy and computer‐assisted digital image analysis. After demembranation with Triton X‐100 and reactivation of motility by Mg. adenosine triphosphate (Mg.ATP), hyperactivated and nonhyperactivated spermatozoa showed similar motility characteristics. However, hyperactivated spermatozoa that were demembranated and reactivated in cytosolic extracts from hyperactivated spermatozoa had significantly higher (P < 0.05) linear velocity (33 ± 4 μ/sec) and lower linearity (0.23 ± 0.04) than control spermatozoa that were demembranated and reactivated in control cytosolic extracts (velocity = 24 ± 1 μ/sec; linearity = 0.32 ± 0.02). The data suggest that the expression of hyperactivated motility requires interdependent changes at the axonemal and cytosolic levels. The data also suggest that demembranated sperm models can provide a useful, cell‐free system to study biochemical modifications that occur during hyperactivation.
Changes in the Hypothalamic—Pituitary—Gonadal Axis in Men After Cadaver Kidney Transplantation and Cyclosporine Therapy
Authors: SAMOJLIK E. , KIRSCHNER M. A. , RIBOT S. , SZMAL E.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: A variety of plasma androgens, estradiol, follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, Cortisol, and thyroid parameters were examined in 10 men followed serially before and after cadaver kidney transplantation. Before transplantation, plasma testosterone levels were below normal in 8 of the 10 men. Free testosterone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were at the lower range of normal values, yet plasma estradiol levels were elevated 3‐fold, and prolactin levels were also high. One month after transplantation, all hormones measured were suppressed, probably reflecting high‐dose steroids and multiple‐drug regimens used in the period following the operation. After 3 months, when other immunosuppressants were reduced and cyclosporine dosage was stabilized, plasma testosterone, androgens, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels were restored toward normal. After 12 months, plasma testosterone levels exceeded pretransplant levels. Plasma estradiol and prolactin levels dramatically decreased after transplantation and remained in the normal range thereafter. These data indicate that abnormalities of plasma estradiol and prolactin levels observed in patients with end‐stage renal disease are restored toward normal after cadaver kidney transplantation. Androgen levels that were suppressed in the period immediately after transplantation were restored to normal levels in the succeeding months despite chronic usage of cyclosporine, suggesting that cyclosporine, in currently used doses, does not prevent the restoration of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐testicular axis.
Sperm Penetration into a Hyaluronic Acid Polymer as a Means of Monitoring Functional Competence
Authors: AITKEN R. JOHN , BOWIE HELEN , BUCKINGHAM DONNA , HARKISS DIANA , RICHARDSON DAVID W. , WEST KATRINE M.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The diagnostic significance of sperm penetration assays based on a commercially available hyaluronate preparation (Sperm Select) has been investigated in the male partners of 77 couples characterized by a normal female partner. Sperm penetration into hyaluronate was highly correlated with the ability of the same sperm populations to penetrate bovine cervical mucus and, moreover, depended on the same attributes of semen quality, including the morphology of the spermatozoa, their number, and their motility as reflected by their mean path velocity. Stepwise multiple regression analyses employing these independent variables generated r values of 0.821 to 0.931, depending on the criterion of hyaluronate penetration used; path velocity was consistently the most informative variable according to the standardized regression coefficients. The relationship between hyaluronate penetration and sperm movement was so close that multiple regression equations could be generated that were capable of accounting for up to 76% of the variance in sperm velocity measurements obtained with a computerized image analysis system. Regression equations could also be generated using the hyaluronate penetration data that could account for 65% of the variance observed in an A23187‐enhanced zona‐free hamster oocyte penetration test, including the successful identification of the subpopulation of patients in whom 0% oocyte penetration had been recorded. Within the same data set, independent variables based on bovine cervical mucus penetration could only account for 43.5% of the variance in sperm‐oocyte fusion. Hyaluronate penetration therefore appears to offer a simple, objective means of generating information on the functional competence of human spermatozoa that should find a role in routine diagnostic services where the more specialized tests are not available.
GnRH‐A Induced Arrest of Spermiogenesis in Rats is Associated with Altered Androgen Binding Protein Distribution in the Testis and Epididymis
Authors: HUANG H.F.S , POGACH L. , GIGLIO W. , NATHAN E. , SEEBODE J.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This study examines the effects of a potent gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)‐antagonist (GnRH‐A, Ac‐D[2] Nal1 4‐CL‐D Phe2, D‐Trp3, D‐Arg6, D‐Ala10) upon the distribution of androgen binding protein (ABP) in serum, testis, and epididymis, and its relationship with the completion of spermatogenesis in Sprague‐Dawley rats. After 2 weeks of daily injections of 10 μg/kg, 50 μg/kg, 100 μg/kg, or 500 μg/kg of GnRH‐A, testicular ABP content was either unchanged or elevated (P < 0.05), and serum ABP levels were elevated (P < 0.01). Spermatogenesis was maintained in animals administered 10 μg/kg or 50 μg/kg GnRH‐A, and epididymal ABP content remained unchanged. On the other hand, daily injections of 100 μg/kg or 500 μg/kg GnRH‐A resulted in a significant decrease in epididymal ABP content (P < 0.05), and spermatogenesis was arrested at early spermiogenesis. After 4 weeks of GnRH‐A administration, both testicular and epididymal ABP were decreased in a dose‐dependent manner in animals receiving doses of 50 μg/kg or higher of GnRH‐A. In order to evaluate the normalcy of the bidirectional release of ABP in GnRH‐A treated rats, additional rats were given daily injections of 25 μg/kg or 250 μg/kg of GnRH‐A for 2 weeks. Concentrations of ABP in interstitial fluid (ITF) and seminiferous tubular fluid (STF) remained unchanged, but serum ABP levels were significantly increased (P <0.05) in rats administered 25 μg/kg GnRH‐A. Qualitatively normal spermatogenesis was maintained and epididymal ABP content did not differ from that of control animals. In contrast, administration of 250 μg/kg GnRH‐A resulted in a significant elevation of ABP concentration in both serum (P < 0.01) and ITF (P <0.05), while ABP in STF remained unchanged. Spermatogenesis was arrested at early spermiogenesis and was associated with a marked decrease of epididymal ABP content (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that disruption of spermatogenesis following high doses of GnRH‐A was associated with abnormal distribution of ABP between the testis and epididymis, as well as elevated serum ABP. Despite the maintenance of qualitatively normal spermatogenesis and normal epididymal ABP content in rats administered low doses of GnRH‐A, serum ABP was also elevated. The mechanisms responsible for these changes remain unknown, as does their possible involvement in the regulation of spermiogenesis.
Sertoli Cell Plasma Membrane Polypeptides Involved in Spermatogenic Cell‐Sertoli Cell Adhesion
Authors: NEWTON SEAN C. , MILLETTE CLARKE F.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This study concerns Sertoli cell‐spermatogenic cell adhesive interactions in the seminiferous tubule. Sertoli cell surface polypeptides involved in germ cell‐Sertoli cell adhesion were identified by serological inhibition of an in vitro Sertoli‐germ cell adhesion assay. This assay was modified from a previously reported adhesion assay, and employs a scanning laser cytometer for quantification of adherent cells. Reactivity of the polyclonal antiserum raised against rat Sertoli cells was also assessed via immunofluorescent microscopy. The addition of antiserum to the adhesion assay resulted in a 42% to 66% inhibition of cell‐cell adhesion. Moreover, preincubation of antiserum with Sertoli cell monolayers resulted in a significant reduction of spermatogenic cell binding. Conversely, preincubation of antiserum with germ cells resulted in no reduction. Western blot analysis of the antiserum against purified Sertoli cell membranes indicated reactivity with four polypeptides. The data suggest that one or more of these polypeptides are directly involved in the adhesion of germ cells to Sertoli cell monolayers in vitro.
Circ_0001982 aggravates breast cancer development through the circ_0001982‐miR‐144‐3p‐GSE1 axis
Authors: Gao Fei , Han Jianjun , Jia Li , He Jun , Wang Yun , Chen Mi
Published: October 2023

This study was designed to explore the role of circ_0001982 in breast cancer (BC) development. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis assays were used to determine circ_0001982, miR‐144‐3p, and gse1 coiled‐coil protein (GSE1) expression. Functional assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The glycolysis was analyzed with commercial kits. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to analyze the relationships among circ_0001982, miR‐144‐3p, and GSE1. A murine xenograft model assay was performed to determine circ_0001982‐induced effects on BC cell tumor properties in vivo. Circ_0001982 expression was upregulated, but miR‐144‐3p was reduced in BC tissues and cells in comparison with normal breast tissues and normal human mammary epithelial cells. Circ_0001982 knockdown or miR‐144‐3p overexpression inhibited BC cell proliferation, glycolysis, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. Circ_0001982 sponged miR‐144‐3p and negatively regulated miR‐144‐3p expression in BC cells. In addition, GSE1 was identified as a target mRNA of miR‐144‐3p. Ectopic GSE1 expression relieved circ_0001982 depletion‐induced effects on BC cell tumor properties. Furthermore, circ_0001982 absence suppressed BC cell tumor properties in vivo. Circ_0001982 contributed to the BC cell tumor properties by regulating the miR‐144‐3p‐GSE1 axis.
Is the road to burnout paved with perfectionism? The prevalence of obsessive‐compulsive personality disorder in a clinical longitudinal sample of female patients with stress‐related exhaustion
Authors: Reinhardt P. , Ellbin S. , Carlander A. , Hadzibajramovic E. , Jonsdottir Ingibjörg H. , Lindqvist Bagge A.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Few studies have investigated the relationship between stress‐related mental health problems and obsessive‐compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). Similarly, little research has focused on the moderating effect of OCPD on recovery in clinical patients with stress‐related mental health problems. The general aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of OCPD and the associations between OCPD and level of burnout, anxiety, and depression symptoms, during a 7‐years follow‐up in a clinical longitudinal sample of female patients with stress‐related exhaustion.

Method

The included patients (n = 84) were referred to a specialist outpatient clinic for patients with stress‐related exhaustion between 2006 and 2011. Data was collected at the initial examination and during a 7‐year treatment follow‐up.

Results

OCPD was the most common personality disorder in the present clinical sample, with 40% of patients fulfilling the criteria. There was a significant association between OCPD and the degree of burnout symptoms as well as the degree of depression, both at baseline and during the 7‐year follow‐up. No significant association between OCPD and levels of anxiety was observed.

Conclusion

The results support the hypothesis that there might be an association between OCPD and stress‐related exhaustion, including preservation of symptoms over time. OCPD and its related traits, such as perfectionism, may be important factors to consider when constructing effective treatment and rehabilitation plans for these patients.
Knowledge and attitude of dental students regarding etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of peri‐implantitis
Authors: Madi Marwa , Tabassum Afsheen , Attia Dina , Al Muhaish Luba , Al Mutiri Hadeel , Alshehri Turki , Zakaria Osama , Aljandan Badr
Published: October 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitude of dental students about the etiology, diagnosis, and management of peri‐implantitis.

Methods

An online cross‐sectional study that targeted senior undergraduate dental students at the College of Dentistry was conducted. A closed‐ended survey consisting of 28 questions was designed. Three sections were created: 1) participants' characteristics; 2) Knowledge of peri‐implantitis etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and complications; 3) The use of antibiotics in peri‐implantitis, diagnosis, and treatment methods. SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp.) was used for data analysis. Counts and percentages were calculated for correct answers in each section.

Results

A total of 267 dental students responded to the questionnaire. The majority of the participants (81.6%) were knowledgeable about peri‐implantitis being an inflammatory reaction, and a lesser percentage (77.9%) knew that bacterial plaque is an etiologic factor for peri‐implant diseases. 82.0% of the participants identified smoking as a risk factor, followed by periodontitis (80.5%). Regarding implant complications, 57.3% of the participants considered implant mobility as a definitive indication for implant removal. More than half of the participants reported using crater‐like bone defects surrounding implants to diagnose peri‐implantitis. The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin (34.1%), followed by amoxicillin combined with metronidazole (26.9%).

Conclusion

Most participants had a basic understanding of the etiology and risk factors of peri‐implantitis. On the other hand, more courses addressing peri‐implantitis diagnosis are needed.
Preparation of glucoamylase microcapsule beads and application in solid‐state fermentation
Authors: Zong Xuyan , Luo Wenli , Wen Lei , Shao Shujuan , Li Li
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Baijiu brewing adopts the solid‐state fermentation method, using starchy raw materials, Jiuqu as saccharifying fermenting agent, and distilled spirits made by digestion, saccharification, fermentation and distillation. In the late stages of solid‐state fermentation of Baijiu, the reduced activity of glucoamylase leads to higher residual starch content in the Jiupei, which affects the liquor yield. The direct addition of exogenous glucoamylase leads to problems such as the temperature of the fermentation environment rising too quickly, seriously affecting the growth of microorganisms.

RESULTS

To solve the problem of reduced activity of glucoamylase in the late stage of solid‐state fermentation of Baijiu, microcapsule beads (M‐B) based on microcapsule emulsion were prepared and the effect of M‐B on solid‐state fermentation of Baijiu was investigated. The results showed that the release of M‐B before and after drying was 53.27% and 25.77% in the liquid state (120 h) and 29.84% and 22.62% in the solid state (15 days), respectively. Adding M‐B improved the alcohol by 0.33 %vol and reducing sugar content by 0.51%, reduced the residual starch content by 1.21% of the Jiupei, and had an insignificant effect on the moisture and acidity of the Jiupei.

CONCLUSION

M‐B have excellent sustained‐release properties. The addition of M‐B in solid‐state fermentation significantly increased the alcohol content, reduced the residual starch content of Jiupei, ultimately improving the starch utilization rate and liquor yield of Baijiu brewing. The preparation of M‐B provides methods and approaches for applying other active substances and microorganisms in the brewing of Baijiu. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multiple topical product dermatitis: Paradigms in understanding and future perspectives
Authors: Mangion Sean E. , Mikkonen Antti , Mackenzie Lorraine , Roberts Michael S. , Maibach Howard I.
Published: October 2023

It is common for people to be exposed to multiple topical products daily, either through cosmetics, personal care or drug formulations. This increases the possibility of contact dermatitis and poses a major challenge for treatment as well as the design and regulation of safe and effective topical products. Here, we define the scope of the problem of multiple topical product dermatitis and highlight a strategy for differential diagnosis. The tools currently available for prediction of skin reactions are also discussed along with further work required to improve our ability to (1) identify irritant or sensitising agents and (2) prevent dermatitis occurrence.
Evaluation of the quality of thyroidectomy‐related posts on a video‐based social media platform
Authors: Kim Yun J. , Lin Matthew , Davis Ryan J. , Ayo‐Ajibola Oluwatobiloba , Kwon Daniel , Hur Kevin
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate the quality of thyroidectomy‐related posts on TikTok, the fastest‐growing social media platform worldwide.

Methods

Videos posted from April 2020 to September 2022 were queried on TikTok using the search terms “thyroidsurgery,” “thyroidectomy,” and “thyroidremoval.” Two reviewers recorded thematic, demographic, and performance data of these posts. The DISCERN instrument was used to evaluate the quality and reliability of the information contained in the videos. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize post‐submitter demographics and video content. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between DISCERN scores and video characteristics. Univariate analysis of variance was performed to compare DISCERN scores between author types.

Results

In this study, 228 TikTok videos were included which totaled over 23 million views. On average, each video accumulated more than 6000 “likes,” 300 comments, and 70 shares. The average total DISCERN score was 27.46, which is deemed to be of poor overall quality. Upon multiple linear regression, video duration (β = 4.66, p < .001) and educational subject type (β = 3.97, p < .001) significantly positively predicted aggregate DISCERN scores, while journey subject type (β = −3.19, p = .006), and reassurance subject type (β = −2.52, p = .035) significantly negatively predicted aggregate DISCERN scores. Aggregate DISCERN scores varied significantly (p < .05) between author types.

Conclusion

Social media posts on TikTok about thyroidectomy are mostly of poor quality and reliability but vary by authorship, subject type, and video characteristics. Given its widespread popularity, TikTok videos may have an increasing role in shaping patient perception of thyroidectomy and may represent an opportunity to provide education.

Lay summary

TikTok posts about thyroidectomy are mostly of poor quality but vary by authorship, subject, and video characteristics. Given its popularity, TikTok videos may have a role in shaping the patient perception of thyroidectomy and may represent an opportunity to provide education.

Level of evidence

Level 4.
Gut Microbiome (Bacteria, Fungi, and Viruses) and HIV Infection: Revealing Novel Treatment Strategies
Authors: Ma Jieqiong , Wen Shiyuan , Dong Aobo , Fan Weiping , Kang Yongbo
Published: October 2023

Plenty of research on microbial–viral interactions has revealed that some commensal microorganisms in the gut, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, can resist or promote viral infection, whereas other microorganisms are involved in pathogenicity. Therefore, the balance between commensal microorganisms and human organisms is a key factor for determining infection and disease progression, and commensal microorganisms have become a hot research area in the medical field. In this review, the compositional characteristics of gut microbiota (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) during HIV infection are reviewed and changes in gut microbiota among different HIV‐infected populations are described. Furthermore, the latest progress of potential microbial therapeutic methods, including a) probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, b) fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), c) phage therapy, and d) antifungal strategy, microbial enzyme inhibition, and dietary therapeutics, is analyzed based on gut bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the field of HIV infection. This study aims to provide a useful reference for developing novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of HIV infection based on commensal microorganisms.
Accelerating CEST imaging using a model‐based deep neural network with synthetic training data
Authors: Xu Jianping , Zu Tao , Hsu Yi‐Cheng , Wang Xiaoli , Chan Kannie W. Y. , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To develop a model‐based deep neural network for high‐quality image reconstruction of undersampled multi‐coil CEST data.

Theory and Methods

Inspired by the variational network (VN), the CEST image reconstruction equation is unrolled into a deep neural network (CEST‐VN) with a k‐space data‐sharing block that takes advantage of the inherent redundancy in adjacent CEST frames and 3D spatial–frequential convolution kernels that exploit correlations in the x‐ω domain. Additionally, a new pipeline based on multiple‐pool Bloch–McConnell simulations is devised to synthesize multi‐coil CEST data from publicly available anatomical MRI data. The proposed network is trained on simulated data with a CEST‐specific loss function that jointly measures the structural and CEST contrast. The performance of CEST‐VN was evaluated on four healthy volunteers and five brain tumor patients using retrospectively or prospectively undersampled data with various acceleration factors, and then compared with other conventional and state‐of‐the‐art reconstruction methods.

Results

The proposed CEST‐VN method generated high‐quality CEST source images and amide proton transfer‐weighted maps in healthy and brain tumor subjects, consistently outperforming GRAPPA, blind compressed sensing, and the original VN. With the acceleration factors increasing from 3 to 6, CEST‐VN with the same hyperparameters yielded similar and accurate reconstruction without apparent loss of details or increase of artifacts. The ablation studies confirmed the effectiveness of the CEST‐specific loss function and data‐sharing block used.

Conclusions

The proposed CEST‐VN method can offer high‐quality CEST source images and amide proton transfer‐weighted maps from highly undersampled multi‐coil data by integrating the deep learning prior and multi‐coil sensitivity encoding model.
Direct observation of NMR transverse relaxation in nanopatterned clusters of iron oxide particles
Authors: Bok Ilhan , Rauch Beth , Ashtiani Alireza , Hai Aviad
Published: October 2023

Purpose

We aim to verify predictions showing T2 relaxation rate of nanoparticle clusters and its dependence on spacing, size, geometry, and pulse sequence.

Methods

We performed a laboratory validation study using nanopatterned arrays of iron oxide nanoparticles to precisely control cluster geometry and image diverse samples using a 4.7T MRI scanner with a T2‐weighted fast spin‐echo multislice sequence. We applied denoising and normalization to regions of interest and estimated relative R2 for each relevant nanoparticle array or nanocluster array. We determined significance using an unpaired two‐tailed t‐test or one‐way analysis of variance and performed curve fitting.

Results

We measured a density‐dependent T2 effect (p = 8.9976 × 10−20, one‐way analysis of variance) and insignificant effect of cluster anisotropy (p = 0.5924, unpaired t‐test) on T2 relaxation. We found negative quadratic relationships (−0.0045[log τD]2–0.0655[log τD]−2.7800) for single nanoparticles of varying sizes and for clusters (−0.0045[log τD]2–0.0827[log τD]−2.3249) for diffusional correlation time τD = rp2/D. Clusters show positive quadratic relationships for large (3.8615 × 10−6 [dpp/rp]2–9.3853 × 10−5 [dpp/rp]−2.0393) and exponential relationships for small (−2.0050[dpp/rp]0.0010) clusters. Calculated R2 peak values also align well with in silico predictions (7.85 × 10−4 ms compared with 1.47 × 10−4, 4.23 × 10−4, and 5.02 × 10−4 ms for single iron oxide nanoparticles, 7.88 × 10−4 ms compared with 5.24 × 10−4 ms for nanoparticle clusters).

Conclusion

Our verification affirms longstanding in silico predictions and demonstrates aggregation‐dependent behavior in agreement with previous Monte Carlo simulation studies.
Implementation and validation of effective thermal conductivity model of coal‐rock mass with rough capillary pore structure under CT three‐dimensional reconstruction
Authors: Zhao Hongbin , Tu Shihao , Liu Xun , Miao Kaijun , Li Wenlong , Tang Long , Ma Jieyang
Published: October 2023

On the strength of the capillary physical equivalent model and heat transfer law of series‐parallel combined structural unit, the calculation model of effective thermal conductivity of coal‐rock mass is obtained. The model considers the effect of roughness, porosity factor and other factors on effective thermal conductivity. CT digital core technology is applied to reconstruct the 3D model of coal‐rock mass, and one‐way heat transfer numerical simulation is carried out according to the model. It indicates that the internal temperature of coal‐rock mass is non‐uniformly distributed under the influence of pore structure, and the isothermal surface of pore region bulges towards the boundary of heat flux. Comparing the calculated and simulated values under the same conditions, the average error percentage of the theoretical calculation model is 6.95%, and the model has outstanding prediction performance in porous media with medium porosity and regular pore distribution, which provides a reference for predicting the effective thermal conductivity of coal‐rock mass.
Clinical outcomes associated with blenderized tube feedings in adults: A systematic review
Authors: Schultz Erin R. , Kim Yeonsoo
Published: October 2023

Nearly half a million individuals in the United States are dependent on enteral nutrition to meet their nutrition needs. Public interest in blenderized tube feeding (BTF) has increased over the past decade; however, medical professionals indicate a lack of knowledge about these products and their effects. The purpose of this review is to analyze clinical outcomes in adults who use a BTF formula as their primary nutrition source. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL using search terms “adult,” “enteral nutrition,” “tube feeding,” “BTF,” blenderized,” “blended,” “homemade,” and “pureed.” Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in the review. Under close monitoring, BTF does not pose a higher risk for deterioration in anthropometric measurements. Furthermore, BTF use is consistently associated with improvements in diarrhea. As such, clinicians should consider the use of these formulas in the acute care or rehabilitation settings. Additional research is needed in patients with diverse clinical backgrounds in free‐living communities. Larger populations sizes and longer intervention time frames are crucial to providing statistically significant results needed to strengthen the quality of evidence on this topic.
Life‐course adiposity and severe liver disease: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Wu Zhiyu , Lv Jun , Yu Canqing , Sun Dianjianyi , Pei Pei , Yang Ling , Millwood Iona Y. , Walters Robin , Chen Yiping , Du Huaidong , Yuan Mingqiang , Schmidt Dan , Barnard Maxim , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming , Pang Yuanjie ,   The China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: October 2023

Objective

There is little evidence on the genetic associations between life‐course adiposity (including birth weight, childhood BMI, and adulthood BMI) and severe liver disease (SLD; including cirrhosis and liver cancer). The current study aimed to examine and contrast these associations.

Methods

Genetic variants were obtained from genome‐wide association studies. Two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to assess the genetic associations of life‐course adiposity with SLD and liver biomarkers. Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios for SLD associated with genetic risk scores of life‐course adiposity and adulthood weight change in the China Kadoorie Biobank.

Results

In observational analyses, genetic predispositions to childhood adiposity and adulthood adiposity were each associated with SLD. There was a U‐shaped association between adulthood weight change and risk of SLD. In meta‐analyses of MR results, genetically predicted 1‐standard deviation increase in birth weight was inversely associated with SLD at a marginal significance (odds ratio: 0.81 [95% CI: 0.65–1.00]), whereas genetically predicted 1‐standard deviation higher childhood BMI and adulthood BMI were positively associated with SLD (odds ratio: 1.27 [95% CI: 1.05–1.55] and 1.79 [95% CI: 1.59–2.01], respectively). The results of liver biomarkers mirrored those of SLD.

Conclusions

The current study provided genetic evidence on the associations between life‐course adiposity and SLD.
Impact of housing temperature on adipose tissue HDAC9 expression and adipogenic differentiation in high fat‐fed mice
Authors: Ahmadieh Samah , Goo Brandee , Zarzour Abdalrahman , Kim David , Shi Hong , Veerapaneni Praneet , Chouhaita Ronnie , Yiew Nicole K. H. , Dominguez Gonzalez Carla , Chakravartty Akash , Pennoyer James , Hassan Nazeera , Benson Tyler W. , Ogbi Mourad , Fulton David J. , Lee Richard , Rice Robert D. , Hilton Lisa R. , Lei Yun , Lu Xin‐Yun , Chen Weiqin , Kim Ha Won , Weintraub Neal L.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Impaired adipogenic differentiation exacerbates metabolic disease in obesity. This study reported that high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice housed at thermoneutrality exhibited impaired adipogenic differentiation, attributed to increased expression of histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9). However, the impact of HFD on adipogenic differentiation is reportedly variable, possibly reflecting divergent environmental conditions such as housing temperature.

Methods

C57BL/6J (wild‐type [WT]) mice were housed at either thermoneutral (28–30°C) or ambient (20–22°C) temperature and fed HFD or chow diet (CD) for 12 weeks. For acute exposure experiments, WT or transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) knockout mice housed under thermoneutrality were acutely exposed to ambient temperature for 6 to 24 h.

Results

WT mice fed HFD and housed at thermoneutrality, compared with ambient temperature, gained more weight despite reduced food intake. They likewise exhibited increased inguinal adipose tissue HDAC9 expression and reduced adipogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo compared with CD‐fed mice. Conversely, HFD‐fed mice housed at ambient temperature exhibited minimal change in adipose HDAC9 expression or adipogenic differentiation. Acute exposure of WT mice to ambient temperature reduced adipose HDAC9 expression independent of sympathetic β‐adrenergic signaling via a TRPM8‐dependent mechanism.

Conclusions

Adipose HDAC9 expression is temperature sensitive, regulating adipogenic differentiation in HFD‐fed mice housed under thermoneutrality.
Long‐Term Outcomes in Patients With Trisomy 21 and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Shankar Somya , Moroco Annie E. , Elliott Zachary T. , Boon Maurits , Huntley Colin
Published: October 2023

Objective

To better understand the long‐term health implications of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on patients with Trisomy 21 (T21) and the role of sleep surgery as a therapeutic intervention.

Study Design

Retrospective large database review.

Setting

The prevalence of OSA is as high as 75% in patients with T21. We sought to examine the cardiovascular, neurological, and endocrinological outcomes of patients with T21 10 years after their diagnosis of OSA.

Methods

TriNetX, an electronic medical record database, was queried for health outcomes in patients with T21 after diagnosis of OSA. The group was further analyzed to identify those who underwent sleep surgery, including hypoglossal nerve stimulation, palatopharyngoplasty, or adenotonsillectomy.

Results

Ten years after diagnosis, patients with OSA and T21 had a significantly higher incidence of death, myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, essential hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and Alzheimer's disease compared to patients with T21 alone. Patients with OSA and T21 who underwent sleep surgery had significantly reduced incidence of adverse health outcomes compared to patients using continuous positive airway pressure.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that patients with T21 and OSA are at higher risk of poor health outcomes, which may require closer monitoring for earlier diagnosis and management of comorbid conditions. Sleep surgery is a suitable treatment modality for mitigating the risk of adverse outcomes in this population and should be considered in patients who are eligible surgical candidates.
Modeling the finite viscoelasticity of human brain tissue based on microstructural information
Authors: Reiter Nina , Schäfer Anne‐Mareike , Auer Sophia , Paulsen Friedrich , Budday Silvia
Published: October 2023

Continuum‐mechanics‐based computational models are a valuable tool to advance our understanding of mechanics‐related physiological and pathological processes in the brain. Current numerical predictions of brain tissue behavior are mainly based on phenomenological material models. Such models rely on parameters that often lack physical interpretation and only provide adequate estimates for brain regions with a similar microstructure as those used for calibration. These issues can be overcome by establishing advanced constitutive models that are microstructurally motivated and account for regional and temporal changes through microstructural parameters. In a previous study, we have proposed a microstructure‐informed finite viscoelastic constitutive model for porcine brain tissue based on experimental insights into the link between macroscopic deformations and cell displacements during compression tests. Here, we test whether the model can be applied to the material response of human brain tissue from different brain regions during compression and tension tests. We calibrate the model using a combination of cyclic loadings in compression and tension as well as stress relaxation experiments in compression. Furthermore, we include cell densities and the percentage area covered by cell nuclei from microstructural analyses of the tested samples into the model. While it was not possible to identify one set of material parameters for all four considered brain regions, we successfully applied the model to tissue from the cerebellar white matter. Our results show that the microstructure‐based time constant that we had determined based on experiments on porcine brain tissue is also valid for human tissue. Furthermore, the microstructure‐informed material model is capable of capturing the pronounced compression‐tension asymmetry of brain tissue.
Compatibility of high strength silica‐modified microcapsules modified with polydopamine in elastomer substrates
Authors: Li Xudong , Wang Junwei , Li Xiaoyun , Li Qifeng , Kang Maoqing
Published: October 2023

Microcapsules with polydopamine composite shell layer were successfully synthesized by functionalizing silica‐modified microcapsules containing isophorone diisocyanate. The components and micromorphology of silica‐modified microcapsules at different reaction periods were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy. The structure of different microcapsules was characterized by FTIR, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The mechanical performances of different microcapsules were analyzed by nanoindentation technique. The compatibility and self‐healing efficiency of different microcapsules with the substrate were also investigated by the tensile tests. The results showed that the density of the silica‐modified microcapsule shell gradually increased and the mechanical performances were enhanced with the silica source. The hardness and elastic modulus of silica‐modified microcapsules in suitable core fraction (76.5 wt%) were 139.9 MPa and 2.2 GPa, which are 2.3 times and 4.8 times higher than those of untreated microcapsules, respectively. The functionalized modified microcapsules had excellent compatibility with the elastomeric substrate (PU‐PPG2000). At the same time, the self‐healing efficiency of the functionalized modified microcapsules in PU‐PPG2000 was 69.8%, which was 48.9% higher than that of the untreated microcapsules prepared under the same conditions. Silicon modification improved the density of microcapsules, enhancing their mechanical strength. At the same time, functionalization modification improved the interfacial bonding strength of microcapsules, further improving the compatibility with the polymer matrix.

Highlights

Microcapsules with different silicon sources are characterized.

Microcapsules are functionalized with polydopamine.

Individual microcapsules are tested for mechanical strength by nanoindentation.

The compatibility of the functionalized microcapsules is excellent.

The self‐healing efficiency of modified microcapsules is greater than 70%.
CSM‐Potential2: A comprehensive deep learning platform for the analysis of protein interacting interfaces
Authors: Rodrigues Carlos H. M. , Ascher David B.
Published: October 2023

Proteins are molecular machinery that participate in virtually all essential biological functions within the cell, which are tightly related to their 3D structure. The importance of understanding protein structure–function relationship is highlighted by the exponential growth of experimental structures, which has been greatly expanded by recent breakthroughs in protein structure prediction, most notably RosettaFold, and AlphaFold2. These advances have prompted the development of several computational approaches that leverage these data sources to explore potential biological interactions. However, most methods are generally limited to analysis of single types of interactions, such as protein–protein or protein–ligand interactions, and their complexity limits the usability to expert users. Here we report CSM‐Potential2, a deep learning platform for the analysis of binding interfaces on protein structures. In addition to prediction of protein–protein interactions binding sites and classification of biological ligands, our new platform incorporates prediction of interactions with nucleic acids at the residue level and allows for ligand transplantation based on sequence and structure similarity to experimentally determined structures. We anticipate our platform to be a valuable resource that provides easy access to a range of state‐of‐the‐art methods to expert and non‐expert users for the study of biological interactions. Our tool is freely available as an easy‐to‐use web server and API available at https://biosig.lab.uq.edu.au/csm_potential.
Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya Interaction of Cr2O2ClI Janus Monolayer: A First‐Principles Calculation
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Xie Weifeng , Shao Bin , Zuo Xu
Published: October 2023

The Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions (DMIs) of Cr2O2ClI Janus monolayer are investigated using the first‐principles calculations. There are three DMI mechanisms (namely, the Half–Fert–Levy mechanism, the Fert–Levy mechanism, and the Rashba mechanism) in Cr2O2ClI Janus monolayer. The Half–Fert–Levy mechanism, by which the I atoms enhance the spin orbit coupling interaction on the type‐I Cr atoms but have no such effect on the type‐II Cr atoms, contributes to the y‐component of the DMI vector between two nearest‐neighbor Cr atoms. Originating from the strong spin orbit coupling interaction of the I atoms, the Fert–Levy mechanism results in a significant DMI vector via the Cr–I–Cr exchange path between two type‐I next‐nearest‐neighbor Cr atoms. Induced by the intrinsic electric field of the Janus structure, the Rashba mechanism results in nonzero in‐plane components of the DMI vectors. This work provides the first‐principles calculations of the DMIs of Cr2O2ClI Janus monolayer and reveals insight into the physics behind the calculated DMIs, which promote the understanding of the complicated DMIs due to multiple mechanisms in 2D magnetic Janus monolayers.
Human diet‐derived polyphenolic compounds and hepatic diseases: From therapeutic mechanisms to clinical utilization
Authors: Hu Qichao , Zhang Wenwen , Wei Feng , Huang Meilan , Shu Mengyao , Song Dan , Wen Jianxia , Wang Jundong , Nian Qing , Ma Xiao , Zeng Jinhao , Zhao Yanling
Published: October 2023

This review focuses on the potential ameliorative effects of polyphenolic compounds derived from human diet on hepatic diseases. It discusses the molecular mechanisms and recent advancements in clinical applications. Edible polyphenols have been found to play a therapeutic role, particularly in liver injury, liver fibrosis, NAFLD/NASH, and HCC. In the regulation of liver injury, polyphenols exhibit anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, primarily targeting the TGF‐β, NF‐κB/TLR4, PI3K/AKT, and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways. In the regulation of liver fibrosis, polyphenolic compounds effectively reverse the fibrotic process by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Furthermore, polyphenolic compounds show efficacy against NAFLD/NASH by inhibiting lipid oxidation and accumulation, mediated through the AMPK, SIRT, and PPARγ pathways. Moreover, several polyphenolic compounds exhibit anti‐HCC activity by suppressing tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. This inhibition primarily involves blocking Akt and Wnt signaling, as well as inhibiting the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, clinical trials and nutritional evidence support the notion that certain polyphenols can improve liver disease and associated metabolic disorders. However, further fundamental research and clinical trials are warranted to validate the efficacy of dietary polyphenols.
Casticin induces apoptosis and cytoprotective autophagy while inhibiting stemness involving Akt/mTOR and JAK2/STAT3 pathways in glioblastoma
Authors: Yang Xun , Liu Zeyuan , Xu Xu , He Meng , Xiong Hongtao , Liu Lijun
Published: October 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant glioma. However, the current systemic drugs cannot completely cure GBM. Casticin is a methoxylated flavonol compound isolated from a traditional Chinese medicine Vitex rotundifolia L.f. and exhibits a strong antitumor activity in multiple human malignancies. This study was aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of casticin in GBM. The MTT assay and colony formation was used to evaluate the casticin‐induced cell viability in GBM cells. Apoptosis was assessed by ANNEXIV/PI staining assay. Autophagy was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence assays. GBM stem cell (GSC) was analyzed by tumor‐sphere formation assay and ALDEFLUOR assay. The anti‐GBM effect of casticin was also determined by the U87MG xenograft model. Casticin inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo, as well as significantly induced apoptosis and autophagy. Autophagy inhibition augmented casticin‐induced apoptosis. Casticin also reduced the GSC population by suppressing Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2. Mechanistically, casticin inhibited Akt/mTOR and JAK2/STAT3 signal pathways. The antitumor effect of casticin in GBM was demonstrated by inducing apoptosis, autophagy, and reducing population of GSCs; thus, it may be a potential GBM therapeutic agent for future clinical usage.