bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MasR and pGCA receptor activation protects primary vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells against oxidative stress via inhibition of intracellular calcium
Authors: Ghatage Trupti , Singh Sameer , Mandal Kalyaneswar , Dhar Arti 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are associated with vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and endothelial cell (EC) damage. Angiotensin1‐7 (Ang1‐7) and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are responsible for vasodilation and regulation of blood flow. These protective effects of BNP are primarily mediated by the activation of sGCs/cGMP/cGKI pathway. Conversely, Ang1‐7 inhibits Angiotensin II‐induced contraction and oxidative stress via Mas receptor activation. Thus, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of co‐activation of MasR and particulate guanylate cyclase receptor (pGCA) pathways by synthesized novel peptide (NP) in oxidative stress‐induced VSMCs and ECs. MTT and Griess reagent assay kits were used for the standardization of the oxidative stress (H2O2) induced model in VSMCs. The expression of targeted receptors in VSMC was done by RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis. Protective effect of NP in VSMC and EC was determined by immunocytochemistry, FACS analysis, and Western blot analysis. Underlying mechanisms of EC‐dependent VSMC relaxation were done by determining downstream mRNA gene expression and intracellular calcium imaging of cells. Synthesized NP significantly improved oxidative stress‐induced injury in VSMCs. Remarkably, the actions of NP were superior to that of the Ang1‐7 and BNP alone. Further, a mechanistic study in VSMC and EC suggested the involvement of upstream mediators of calcium inhibition for the therapeutic effect. NP is reported to possess vascular protective activities and is also involved in the improvement of endothelial damage. Moreover, it is highly effective than that of individual peptides BNP and Ang1‐7 and therefore it may represent a promising strategy for CVDs.
Molecular dynamics simulations corroborate recombinant expression studies carried out on three αIIb β‐propeller mutations reported in Indian Glanzmann thrombasthenia patients
Authors: Chandrasekaran Finola Priyadharshini , Vishal Adarsh , Arora Udita , Kumar S. Udhaya , George C. Priya Doss , Nelson Everette Jacob Remington 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMutations in the αIIb β‐propeller domain have long been known to disrupt heterodimerization and intracellular trafficking of αIIbβ3 complexes leading to diminished surface expression and/or function, resulting in Glanzmann thrombasthenia. Our previous study on three β‐propeller mutations, namely G128S, S287L, and G357S, showed variable defects in protein transport correlated with the patient's clinical phenotypes. Pulse‐chase experiments revealed differences in αIIbβ3 complex maturation among the three mutations. Hence, the current study aims to correlate conformational changes caused by each one of them. Evolutionary conservation analysis, stability analysis, and molecular dynamics simulations of the three mutant structures were carried out. Stability analysis revealed that, while G128S and G357S mutations destabilized the β‐propeller structure, S287L retained the stability. Wild‐type and mutant β‐propeller structures, when subjected to molecular dynamics simulations, confirmed that G128S and G357S were both destabilizing in nature when compared with the wild‐type and S287L based on several parameters studied, like RMSD, RMSF, Rg, FEL, PCA, secondary structure, and hydrogen bonds. In our previous study, we demonstrated that mutant S287L αIIbβ3 complexes were more stable than the wild‐type αIIbβ3 complexes, as evidenced in pulse‐chase experiments. These findings corroborate variable intracellular fates of mutant αIIbβ3 complexes as a result of these β‐propeller mutations.
New insights into follicular regulatory T cells in the intestinal and tumor microenvironments
Authors: Cao Yejin , Hou Yueru , Zhao Longhao , Huang Yijin , Liu Guangwei 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFollicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells are a novel and unique subset of effector regulatory T (Treg) cells that are located in germinal centers (GCs). Tfr cells express transcription profiles that are characteristic of both follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and Treg cells and negatively regulate GC reactions, including Tfh cell activation and cytokine production, class switch recombination and B cell activation. Evidence also shows that Tfr cells have specific characteristics in different local immune microenvironments. This review focuses on the regulation of Tfr cell differentiation and function in unique local immune microenvironments, including the intestine and tumor.
Experimental study on preparation of calcium oxide by coal reduction of calcium sulfate in carbon dioxide atmosphere
Authors: Ma Dong , Wang Qinhui 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDRecent studies show that CaO is being produced from CaSO4 by CO reduction using fixed‐bed reactors. However, the product yield is low and the reaction time is long. Furthermore, the high cost of CO hinders its application in industrial processes. Therefore, a new process is proposed for preparing CaO by CaSO4 decomposition using lignite under CO2. The influence of various process conditions on the production of CaO by CaSO4 decomposition is investigated by combining kinetic and FactSage simulations. Finally, a typical industrial gypsum – phosphogypsum (PG) – is used for experimental verification.RESULTSThe study found that adding CO2 during the coal reduction of CaSO4 increases the CaO yield. The ideal conditions are 1.75 C/Ca molar ratio, 7.5% CO2 concentration at 1100 °C with the maximum CaSO4 decomposition rate and CaO yield of 99.63% and 99.28%, respectively. CaO generation is carried out using a two‐step process. Initially, CaSO4 is reduced to become CaS and CaO, and CaS interacts with CaSO4 to produce CaO. Secondly, the reaction between CaS and CO2 produces CaO. The nucleation and growth model with g(α) = −ln(1 − α) is applicable to both processes. The experimental use of PG confirms the above conclusions, but SiO2 in PG reacts with CaO to produce Ca2SiO4 and affect the CaO yield.CONCLUSIONThe addition of CO2 promotes the conversion process of CaSO4 to CaO. Increasing the temperature, C/Ca molar ratio and CO2 concentration favor the decomposition of CaSO4 into CaO. This study offers advice for using CaSO4 products like PG as resources. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The comparative morphology of the musculature controlling the pectoral free rays in scorpaenoid fishes
Authors: Taft Natalia , Harris Jeremy , Grande Terry C. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFree rays are ventral pectoral fin rays (lepidotrichia) that are free of the pectoral fin webbing. They are some of the most striking adaptations of benthic fishes. Free rays are used for specialized behaviors such as digging, walking or crawling along the sea bottom. Studies of pectoral free rays have focused on a small number of species, most notably the searobins (Family Triglidae). Previous research on the morphology of the free rays has emphasized their functional novelty. We hypothesize that the more extreme specializations of the pectoral free rays in searobins are not precisely novel, but are part of a broader range of morphological specializations that are associated with the pectoral free rays in suborder Scorpaenoidei. We perform a detailed comparative description of the intrinsic musculature and osteology of the pectoral free rays in three families of scorpaenoid fishes: Hoplichthyidae, Triglidae, and Synanceiidae. These families vary in the number of pectoral free rays and the degree of morphological specialization of those rays. As part of our comparative analysis, we propose significant revisions to earlier descriptions of both the identity and function of the musculature associated with the pectoral free rays. We focus particularly on the specialized adductors that are important for walking behaviors. Our emphasis on the homology of these features provides important morphological and evolutionary context for understanding the evolution and function of free rays within Scorpaenoidei and other groups.
Mechanistic aspects of binding of telomeric over parallel G‐quadruplex with novel synthesized Knoevenagel condensate 4‐nitrobenzylidene curcumin
Authors: Sharma Padma , Jha Niki Sweta 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe introduction of small ligands to stabilise G‐quadruplex DNA structures is a promising method for developing anti‐cancer drugs. It is challenging to stabilise the G‐quadruplex structure, which can take on a variety of topologies and is known to inhibit specific biological processes. To achieve this, 4‐nitrobenzylidene curcumin (NBC), the Knoevenagel condensate of curcumin, was synthesized and characterized. The interaction of 4‐nitrobenzylidene curcumin with parallel (c‐MYC) and hybrid (H‐telo) G‐quadruplex structures was studied by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, UV‐thermal melting, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and docking studies. The outcome demonstrates that, in a K+‐rich solution, the ligand NBC can stabilise the parallel c‐MYC and hybrid H‐telo G‐quadruplex structures by 5°C. The absorption and fluorescence studies show that the ligand NBC binds to c‐MYC and H‐telo with affinities of 0.3 × 106 M−1 and 0.6 × 106 M−1, respectively. The ligand interacts with the terminal G‐quartet of the quadruplex structure via intercalation and the groove mode of binding, well supported by docking studies as well. NBC has more potent antioxidant activity as compared to the curcumin and 4‐nitro benzaldehyde. It was also found to have higher cytotoxic activity towards cell line such as HeLa and MCF‐7, while less cytotoxic for healthy Vero cells. Overall, the results show that the Knoevenagel product of curcumin can work better as a G‐quadruplex binder and could be used as a possible treatment.
Nonablative monopolar radiofrequency for the reduction of facial pores and sebum excretion in Thai patients: A novel approach
Authors: Techapichetvanich Thanya , Manuskiatti Woraphong , Wongdama Supisara , Viriyaskultorn Noldtawat , Li Jayne Bernadeth , Jantanapornchai Nuttagarn 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundEnlarged facial pores are visible topographic features of the skin that have been associated with cutaneous photoaging and increased sebum production. It has remained a common dermatologic concern, gaining a significant number of in‐clinic consults. Available treatment modalities often operate on a single mode of action, consequently offering limited and short‐term outcomes.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of a nonablative monopolar radiofrequency (NMRF) for pore tightening and sebum output reduction in Thai patients.MethodsNineteen patients with enlarged pores underwent two sessions of NMRF treatments at 4‐week intervals. The measurements of pore volume, skin texture, average pore size, sebum production, and skin elasticity were quantified using Antera® 3D imaging system, dermoscopic image analysis with ImageJ software, Sebumeter® and Cutometer®. Clinical evaluation by two dermatologists was done using blinded clinical photographs. All objective and subjective assessments were done at the baseline, a month after the first treatment, and during follow‐up visits 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment. Adverse effects were also recorded during each visit.ResultsSeventeen out of the 19 subjects completed the study protocol. The mean pore volume significantly reduced by 24% from the baseline at 1 month after the first treatment (p < 0.016). The pore volume continued to decrease by 34% and 38% a month (p < 0.001) and 6 months (p < 0.001) following the final treatment, respectively. Sebum excretion likewise significantly decreased from baseline by 39% (p = 0.002) and 36% (p < 0.001), 3 and 6 months after the second treatment, respectively. Skin texture and elasticity also significantly improved following two NMRF sessions. The objective assessments of the pore appearance corresponded to subjective clinical evaluations. The treatment was well‐tolerated without significant side effects, such as dyspigmentation, textural alteration, and scarring.ConclusionNMRF appears to be effective and safe for the reduction of pore size and sebum production, with therapeutic outcomes persisting up to 6 months after two treatment sessions.
Post‐translational modifications of histones: Mechanisms, biological functions, and therapeutic targets
Authors: Liu Ruiqi , Wu Jiajun , Guo Haiwei , Yao Weiping , Li Shuang , Lu Yanwei , Jia Yongshi , Liang Xiaodong , Tang Jianming , Zhang Haibo 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHistones are DNA‐binding basic proteins found in chromosomes. After the histone translation, its amino tail undergoes various modifications, such as methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, malonylation, propionylation, butyrylation, crotonylation, and lactylation, which together constitute the “histone code.” The relationship between their combination and biological function can be used as an important epigenetic marker. Methylation and demethylation of the same histone residue, acetylation and deacetylation, phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, and even methylation and acetylation between different histone residues cooperate or antagonize with each other, forming a complex network. Histone‐modifying enzymes, which cause numerous histone codes, have become a hot topic in the research on cancer therapeutic targets. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the role of histone post‐translational modifications (PTMs) in cell life activities is very important for preventing and treating human diseases. In this review, several most thoroughly studied and newly discovered histone PTMs are introduced. Furthermore, we focus on the histone‐modifying enzymes with carcinogenic potential, their abnormal modification sites in various tumors, and multiple essential molecular regulation mechanism. Finally, we summarize the missing areas of the current research and point out the direction of future research. We hope to provide a comprehensive understanding and promote further research in this field.
Upper Airway Surgery or Weight Control? Modified Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Lin Hung‐Che , Wang Chih‐Hung , Kuo Terry B. J. , Yang Cheryl C. H. , Lee Jih‐Chin , Chiu Feng‐Shiang , Chang Yi , Jacobowitz Ofer , Chu Chi‐Ming , Hsu Ying‐Shuo 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the value of head rotation in the supine position and oral appliance (OA) use in drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).Study DesignEighty‐three sleep apnea adults undergoing target‐controlled infusion‐DISE (TCI‐DISE) were recruited from a tertiary academic medical center.SettingDuring DISE, 4 positions were utilized: supine position (position 1), head rotation (position 2), mandibular advancement using an OA (position 3), and head rotation with an OA (position 4).MethodsPolysomnography (PSG) data and anthropometric variables during DISE were analyzed.ResultsEighty‐three patients (65 men and 18 women; mean [standard deviation, SD], 48.5 [11.0] years) who underwent PSG and TCI‐DISE were included. The mean (SD) apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was 35.5 (22.4) events/h. Twenty‐three patients had persistent complete concentric velopharyngeal collapse in the supine position, even with concurrent head rotation and OA (position 4). Their mean (SD) AHI was 54.7 (24.6) events/h, significantly higher than that of the 60 patients without such collapse in position 4 (p < .001). Their mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) was 29.0 (4.1) kg/m2, also significantly higher (p = .005). After adjustment for age, BMI, tonsil size, and tongue position, the degree of velum and tongue base obstruction was significantly associated with sleep apnea severity in positions 2, 3, and 4.ConclusionWe showed the feasibility, safety, and usefulness of using simple edge‐to‐edge, reusable OA in DISE. Patients who are not responsive to head rotation and OA during TCI‐DISE may need upper airway surgery and/or weight control.
Otolaryngologists and Reproductive Rights
Authors: Yalamanchi Pratyusha , Faucett Erynne A. , Shuman Andrew G. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractOur nation faces contentious questions regarding reproductive rights and access to abortion which have long been viewed as beyond the scope of otolaryngology. The broad implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization (Jackson) impact all people who are, or can become, pregnant and their health care providers. The consequences for otolaryngologists are thus far‐reaching and poorly understood. Here we describe how the post‐Dobbs landscape is relevant to the practice of otolaryngology and offer suggestions for how otolaryngologists can best respond, prepare, and support their patients in this tenuous political landscape.
Spontaneous Ventilation With High‐Flow Nasal Oxygen for Elective Suspension Microlaryngoscopy
Authors: Courbon Cecile 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveSpontaneous ventilation under intravenous anesthesia allows the surgeon to work without interruption or obstruction of the operating field during suspension microlaryngoscopy (SML). High‐flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO) is increasingly used in anesthesia. We hypothesized that its use during SML would increase patient safety even in situations where the airway is compromised by tumor or stenosis.Study DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingUniversity Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland.MethodsAdults patients who were scheduled for elective microlaryngeal surgery and managed with HFNO in spontaneous ventilation under general anesthesia between October 2020 and December 2021.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients for a total of 32 surgical procedures were performed under HFNO with spontaneous ventilation. Seventy‐five percent of the patients had respiratory symptoms. Twelve patients (42.9%) were planned for the treatment of subglottic or tracheal stenosis and 5 patients were managed for vocal cord cancer (18.5%). Out of 32 surgeries, 4 cases of saturation < 92% occurred, 3 of them during the decrease of the fraction of inspired oxygen to 30% for the use of the laser. In 3 cases, the patients were intubated to correct the hypoxemia.ConclusionSpontaneous respiration using intravenous anesthesia and high‐flow nasal oxygen is a modern technique that increases patient safety while allowing the surgeon to work without interruption or imputation of the operative field during SML. This approach is particularly promising for the management of airways compromised by tumors or laryngotracheal stenosis.
Biochemical, structural, and kinetic characterization of PPi‐dependent phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase from Propionibacterium freudenreichii
Authors: McLeod Matthew J. , Holyoak Todd 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPhosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases (PEPCK) are a well‐studied family of enzymes responsible for the regulation of TCA cycle flux, where they catalyze the interconversion of oxaloacetic acid (OAA) and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) using a phosphoryl donor/acceptor. These enzymes have typically been divided into two nucleotide‐dependent classes, those that use ATP and those that use GTP. In the 1960's and early 1970's, a group of papers detailed biochemical properties of an enzyme named phosphoenolpyruvate carboxytransphosphorylase (later identified as a third PEPCK) from Propionibacterium freudenreichii (PPi‐PfPEPCK), which instead of using a nucleotide, utilized PPi to catalyze the same interconversion of OAA and PEP. The presented work expands upon the initial biochemical experiments for PPi‐PfPEPCK and interprets these data considering both the current understanding of nucleotide‐dependent PEPCKs and is supplemented with a new crystal structure of PPi‐PfPEPCK in complex with malate at a putative allosteric site. Most interesting, the data are consistent with PPi‐PfPEPCK being a Fe2+ activated enzyme in contrast with the Mn2+ activated nucleotide‐dependent enzymes which in part results in some unique kinetic properties for the enzyme when compared to the more widely distributed GTP‐ and ATP‐dependent enzymes.
Automated identification of occluded sectors in midlatitude cyclones: Method and some climatological applications
Authors: Naud Catherine M. , Martin Jonathan E. , Ghosh Poushali , Elsaesser Gregory , Posselt Derek 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA novel automated scheme for identifying occluded mid‐latitude cyclones from gridded datasets is described and employed to construct a limited climatology of such storms as well as composites of their thermodynamic and kinematic structures. The climatology (2006–2017) is derived from the MERRA‐2 reanalysis and reveals differences in the distribution of occlusions between the hemispheres. Northern Hemisphere occlusions are most frequent in winter (DJF) and are found poleward of the mean tropopause‐level jets in both the Atlantic and Pacific basins. In the Southern Hemisphere, however, occlusions are most frequent during autumn (MAM) and are almost never found equatorward of . Using the identification scheme, wintertime occlusions are stratified based upon the value of 700 hPa (equivalent potential temperature) in their characteristic thickness ridges. Composites of six groups of occlusions, based upon this distinction, are constructed for each hemisphere. The composites reveal notable differences in the thermodynamic structures among these six groups with more poleward (lower or “colder”) storms exhibiting shallower, less developed thermal structures as compared to their lower‐latitude (higher or “warmer”) counterparts. These differences are attended by contrasts in the intensity of upward vertical motions in the occluded sectors of the various composite storms implying that “warm” storms are associated with greater latent heat release than “colder” storms. It is suggested that these coincident differences between “cold” and “warm” storms provide further evidence of the fundamental importance of latent heat release to the development of occluded thermal structures.
Explicitly determined sea ice emissivity and emission temperature over the Arctic for surface‐sensitive microwave channels
Authors: Kang Eui‐Jong , Sohn Byung‐Ju , Tonboe Rasmus Tage , Noh Young‐Chan , Kwon In‐Hyuk , Kim Sang‐Woo , Maturilli Marion , Kim Hyun‐Cheol , Liu Chao 
Published: May 2023

AbstractData assimilation of satellite microwave measurements is one of the important keys to improving weather forecasting over the Arctic region. However, the use of surface‐sensitive microwave‐sounding channel measurements for data assimilation or retrieval has been limited, especially during winter, due to the poorly constrained sea ice emissivity. In this study, aiming at more use of those channel measurements in the data assimilation, we propose an explicit method for specifying the surface radiative boundary conditions (namely emissivity and emitting layer temperature of snow and ice). These were explicitly determined with a radiative transfer model for snow and ice and with snow/ice physical parameters (i.e. snow/ice depths and vertical distributions of temperature, density, salinity, and grain size) simulated from the thermodynamically driven snow/ice growth model. We conducted 1D‐Var experiments in order to examine whether this approach can help to use the surface‐sensitive microwave temperature channel measurements over the Arctic sea ice region for data assimilation. Results show that (1) the surface‐sensitive microwave channels can be used in the 1D‐Var retrieval, and (2) the specification of the radiative boundary condition at the surface using the snow/sea ice emission model can significantly improve the atmospheric temperature retrieval, especially in the lower troposphere (500 hPa to surface). The successful retrieval suggests that useful information can be extracted from surface‐sensitive microwave‐sounding channel radiances over sea ice surfaces through the explicit determination of snow/ice emissivity and emitting layer temperature.