bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainable management of two‐directional lateral and upconing saltwater intrusion in coastline aquifers to alleviate water scarcity
Authors: Abd‐Elaty Ismail , Kuriqi Alban , Bhat Shakeel Ahmad , Zelenakova Martina 
Published: July 2022

AbstractLateral saltwater intrusion (LSWI) and vertical saltwater intrusion (VSWI) are the major problems in coastal aquifers. Coastal aquifers are subjected to natural and artificial changes, including sea‐level rise, decreasing inland recharge, and overexploitation of production wells' water resources. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of changing the coastal aquifers boundary conditions considering climate changes' effect. Parameters describing the upward saline well parameters based on the abstraction conditions, also, the top layer properties were studied based on the erosion and sediments, irrigation, and drainage conditions. For this purpose, the SEAWAT model was employed to simulate lateral SWI based on Henry's problem principle. The sensitivity analysis of the mentioned parameters was accomplished considering as a case study the Biscayne aquifer in the Cutler Ridge area near Deering Estate, Florida, USA, where the LSWI and VSWI were also investigated. The results indicate that the boundary conditions, abstraction well parameters, and top layer cost significantly impact aquifer LSWI and water upconing. The simulation results of the Biscayne aquifer for a saline water head of 84.86 cm for 2060 indicate a decrease in freshwater recharge by 30% and increasing the saltwater concentration by 14.30%. At the same time, the LSWI increased by 3.30%, 22.80%, and 8.70%, while the relative upconing heights reached 0.63, 0.60, and 0.47 compared with 0.42 for the current situation. Increasing the upward saline abstraction well discharge rates by 50% increases the LSWI by 9.40%. In contrast, increasing the depth by 10%; decreases the distance by 30%, the screen length by 30%, the LSWI decreased by 1.80%, 25.10%, and 1.30%, respectively. At the same time, the relative VSWI height reached 0.60, 0.39, 0.48, and 0.40, respectively. Moreover, decreasing the top layer hydraulic conductivity by 25% and increasing the aquitards layer depths by 200% decreased the LSWI by 4.90% and 7.80%, respectively. At the same time, the relative VSWI height reached 0.34 and 0.30, respectively. In addition, the saline water heads, a freshwater recharge should be controlled to manage SWI; the upward well should be utilized at a low abstraction rate, far from the seaside, and with minimum screen length. The agriculture activity for decreasing the soil permeability for the top layer must be extended for better management of the SWI. The solution‐oriented findings resulting from this study might be useful for decision‐makers and engineers to develop effective management measures to tackle the SWI issue in coastal aquifers.
Raman spectroscopy and supervised learning as a potential tool to identify high‐dose‐rate‐brachytherapy induced biochemical profiles of prostate cancer
Authors: Milligan Kirsty , Van Nest Samantha J. , Deng Xinchen , Ali‐Adeeb Ramie , Shreeves Phillip , Punch Samantha , Costie Nathalie , Pavey Nils , Crook Juanita M. , Berman David M. , Brolo Alexandre G. , Lum Julian J. , Andrews Jeffrey L. , Jirasek Andrew 
Published: July 2022

AbstractHigh‐dose‐rate‐brachytherapy (HDR‐BT) is an increasingly attractive alternative to external beam radiation‐therapy for patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer. Despite this, no bio‐marker based method currently exists to monitor treatment response, and the changes which take place at the biochemical level in hypo‐fractionated HDR‐BT remain poorly understood. The aim of this pilot study is to assess the capability of Raman spectroscopy (RS) combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and random‐forest classification (RF) to identify radiation response profiles after a single dose of 13.5 Gy in a cohort of nine patients. We here demonstrate, as a proof‐of‐concept, how RS‐PCA‐RF could be utilised as an effective tool in radiation response monitoring, specifically assessing the importance of low variance PCs in complex sample sets. As RS provides information on the biochemical composition of tissue samples, this technique could provide insight into the changes which take place on the biochemical level, as result of HDR‐BT treatment.
Identification of an ERN1 target site within EGFP mRNA
Authors: Baeken Marius W. , Yokobayashi Yohei 
Published: July 2022

AbstractEGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) is one of the most common tools used in life sciences, including research focusing on proteostasis. Here we report that ERN1 (endoplasmic reticulum to nucleus signaling 1), which is upregulated by UPR (unfolded protein response), targets an RNA hairpin loop motif in EGFP mRNA. A silent mutation introduced into EGFP mRNA abolished the ERN1‐dependent mRNA decay. Therefore, experiments that employ EGFP as a reporter gene in studies that involve upregulation of the UPR pathway should be interpreted carefully, and a mutant devoid of the ERN1 target motif may be more suitable for such studies.
Deciphering the signaling mechanisms of β‐arrestin1 and β‐arrestin2 in regulation of cancer cell cycle and metastasis
Authors: Aamna Bari , Kumar Dan Aritra , Sahu Raghaba , Behera Santosh Kumar , Parida Sagarika 
Published: July 2022

Abstractβ‐Arrestins are ubiquitously expressed intracellular proteins with many functions which interact directly and indirectly with a wide number of cellular partners and mediate downstream signaling. Originally, β‐arrestins were identified for their contribution to GPCR desensitization to agonist‐mediated activation, followed by receptor endocytosis and ubiquitylation. However, current investigations have now recognized that in addition to GPCR arresting (hence the name arrestin). β‐Arrestins are adaptor proteins that control the recruitment, activation, and scaffolding of numerous cytoplasmic signaling complexes and assist in G‐protein receptor signaling, thus bringing them into close proximity. They have participated in various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and transcription via canonical and noncanonical pathways. Despite their significant recognition in several physiological processes, these activities are also involved in the onset and progression of various cancers. This review delivers a concise overview of the role of β‐arrestins with a primary emphasis on the signaling processes which underlie the mechanism of β‐arrestins in the onset of cancer. Understanding these processes has important implications for understanding the therapeutic intervention and treatment of cancer in the future.
Two distinctive types of telocytes in gills of fish: A light, immunohistochemical and ultra‐structure study
Authors: Soliman Soha A. , Sobh Ashraf , Ali Lobna ِA. , Abd‐Elhafeez Hanan H. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTelocytes (TCs) are a vital constituent of interstitial tissue. They contribute to regulating cell function in heterotypic connections via direct contact or paracrine singling. Few studies mentioned intraepithelial TCs; however, they have been identified with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In this study, we investigated the intraepithelial and interstitial TCs using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and TEM. TCs can be identified by their distinctive telopodes (TPs), which consist of podoms and podomere, using TEM and immunohistochemical staining with CD34, CD117, and VEGF antibodies. Intraepithelial TCs established heterocontact with the lamellar capillary and interstitial TCs connected with the blood vessel in lamina propria. Intraepithelial TCs established direct contact with epithelial cells, which formed the lymph space while interstitial TCs connected with the secondary vascular vessels. The study provides evidence for TCs' heterocontact with lamellar blood capillaries, the blood vessels, chloride cells, and immune cells, such as rodlet cells and lymphocytes. In conclusion, TCs have a role in regulating respiratory activities, maintaining osmotic pressure, modulating the immune response, and conducting immunosurveillance.Research highlights
We investigated the intraepithelial and interstitial TCs using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and TEM.
TCs can be identified by their distinctive telopodes (TPs), which consist of podoms and podomere, using TEM and immunohistochemical staining with CD34, CD117, and VEGF antibodies.
Intraepithelial TCs established heterocontact with the lamellar capillary and interstitial TCs connected with the blood vessel in lamina propria.
Molecular design and rational optimization of synergistic effect between the two wings of a roughly orthogonal cation‐π‐π stacking system at nasopharyngeal carcinoma YAP1‐TEAD4 parallel Helix‐Helix interaction interface
Authors: Zhu Hongyuan , Xu Shanjing , Wu Jiaojiao , Hu Jun , Mao Xinli 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe Yes‐associated protein‐1 (YAP1) is an essential regulator of human Hippo signaling pathway and functions through interaction with TEA domain‐4 (TEAD4) transcription factor involved in the tumorigenesis of nasopharyngeal cancer. Previously, a parallel helix‐helix interaction (PHHI) was identified as the key hotspot at YAP1‐TEAD4 complex interface and has been exploited as an attractive druggable target to disrupt the complex. In this study, we investigated a roughly orthogonal cation‐π‐π stacking system across the crystal PHHI packing interface by integrating computational modeling and binding assay, which forms between one YAP1 helical residue Phe69 and two TEAD4 helical residues Phe373/Lys376. A synergistic effect between cation‐π and π‐π interactions was observed; they separately represent two wings of the stacking system. The π‐electron is primarily responsible for the synergistic effect. Combination between diverse aromatic/charged amino acids. as well as neutral alanine on the cation‐π‐π stacking, revealed that the presence of aromatic tryptophan and charged arginine at, respectively, the residues 373 and 376 of TEAD4 helix can considerably improve PHHI binding affinity by ~6‐fold, whereas neutral alanine substitution on each residue and on both would reduce the affinity significantly, confirming a strong synergistic effect involved in the roughly orthogonal cation‐π‐π stacking system at YAP1‐TEAD4 PHHI interface.
Auxin application to maize plants at flowering increases abundance and activity of plasma membrane H+‐ATPase in developing maize kernels
Authors: Tscharn Franziska T. , Hütsch Birgit W. , Dreute Jan , Schubert Sven 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe kernel number of maize (Zea mays L.) at maturity is mainly determined at the time around pollination. Kernel abortion frequently occurs during this period, leading to grain yield depressions. Plasma membrane (PM) H+‐ATPase was identified as a key enzyme responsible for supply of assimilates to the developing maize kernels shortly after pollination.AimsThis study aimed at stimulating PM H+‐ATPase activity in the kernels by in vivo application of the auxin indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) to maize plants at flowering, leading to an improved hexose uptake and finally to a better kernel set.MethodsMaize plants were cultivated under well‐watered conditions using the container technique. IAA was applied to unstressed maize plants twice, 2 days before controlled pollination and at pollination (application rate per plant: 1.9 mL of 1.5 mM IAA). The developing kernels were harvested 2 days after pollination, and PM vesicles were isolated and purified using two‐phase partitioning.ResultsThe in vitro hydrolytic activity of the PM H+‐ATPase was significantly stimulated by 22% due to in vivo IAA application (control: 0.99 ± 0.05, IAA treatment: 1.21 ± 0.03* μmol inorganic phosphate mg–1 protein min–1). Vmax was significantly increased by IAA treatment, whereas Km was reduced. The maximal pH gradient (ΔA492) at the PM was increased by 10% (control: 0.071 ± 0.002, IAA treatment: 0.078 ± 0.002*). IAA caused a significant increase of PM H+‐ATPase abundance in the vesicles. Concentrations of sucrose and hexoses as well as acid invertase activity in the kernels were unaffected by IAA treatment. However, at maturity kernel numbers per cob were significantly decreased causing grain yield reductions of 19%.ConclusionsIncreased PM H+‐ATPase activity could not be translated into grain yield improvements. Probably the auxin application occurred too early during kernel development. As cytokinins play a key role during pollination, auxin application at this stage may have disturbed the phytohormone balance, causing disruption of cell division and a rather early onset of cell extension due to increased IAA concentrations. In further studies, it should be tested if applications of cytokinin at flowering or of IAA at a later growth stage have positive impacts on kernel set.
Synthesis of tri‐cationic surfactants containing two amide functional groups and inhibition effectiveness against metal corrosion in acidic medium
Authors: Öztürk Serkan , Altınölçek Nuray 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn this study, two tri‐cationic surfactants containing two amide functional groups and three positively charged quaternary aminium nitrogens were synthesized. The structures of the synthesized surfactants were proved by various spectroscopic methods (FT‐IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR). Inhibition activities of two synthesized products against mild steel corrosion were determined using the weight loss method in 1.0 M HCl acidic medium. As a result of corrosion tests performed by immersing metal coupons in acidic solutions with different inhibitor concentrations for 24 h at room temperature, close and effective inhibitions were obtained for both surfactants. It has been found that the number of carbons in the long carbon chain in their structures is an effective factor in corrosion protection. In the acid environment, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the inhibitor with more carbon in the long chain was found slightly higher than the other. While the compound containing 16 carbon atoms in its long chain showed corrosion inhibition over 92%, the compound containing 12 carbons in its long chain exhibited corrosion inhibition of 90% and below. In addition, some physicochemical parameters such as critical micelle concentration, surface tensions at this concentration, and free energy of micelle formation were calculated for the tri‐cationic surfactants in order to correlate them with their anti‐corrosion activities. Surface images were also taken by scanning electron microscope, which is an important supporting evidence that surfactants adsorb on the metal surface and protect the surface from corrosion, to determine the roughness conditions on the metal surfaces immersed in the acid solution.
Depression, anxiety and adjustment disorder among patients with psoriasis receiving systemic agents: A retrospective cohort study in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Milan Raymond , LeLorier Jacques , Brouillette Marie‐Josée , Holbrook Anne , Litvinov Ivan V. , Rahme Elham 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionPatients with psoriasis are at risk of depression, anxiety and adjustment disorder (DAAD). Randomized control trials reported improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms among patients with psoriasis receiving tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and ustekinumab (TNFi/UST) versus placebo and conventional systemic agents (CSA). The risk of DAAD among TNFi/UST versus CSA users was not assessed in real‐world settings.ObjectiveTo compare DAAD incidence among patients with psoriasis using CSA and subsequently received (vs. not) TNFi/UST.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using the province of Quebec health administrative databases (1997–2015). Among adult patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis and initiating a CSA, we included those who later initiated a TNFi/UST, as a switch or add‐on, at the date of their first prescription fill (index‐date). We also included TNFi/UST nonusers at a date chosen to match the time between the first CSA and the index date of a random TNFi/UST user. TNFi/UST nonusers were classified into current or previous CSA users according to their last CSA received in the 90 days before or after their index date. Marginal structural Cox regression models weighted by the inverse probability of exposure compared the risk of DAAD between TNFi/UST, current and previous CSA users. Additional analyses were conducted by age group and sex.ResultsOur cohort included 1333 patients with psoriasis: 183 TNFi/UST users, 625 current CSA users and 525 previous CSA users. TNFi/UST users were at a lower risk of DAAD versus previous CSA users (hazard ratio 0.48, 95% confidence intervals: 0.28–0.94). The reduction in risk among TNFi/UST users was not statistically significant versus current CSA users. Similar results were observed across different age groups and sex.ConclusionAmong patients with psoriasis receiving CSA, those who were subsequently dispensed TNFi/UST were at a lower risk of DAAD compared to those who did not receive these agents.
The Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Head and Neck Malignancies Presentation and Survival
Authors: Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Sullivan Christopher B. , Shama Mohamed A. , Pagedar Nitin A. , Kandil Emad 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveUnder the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid expansion became effective in states that have adopted it. We aim to examine its impact on head and neck cancers.MethodsA retrospective study that utilizes the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, 2010–2016. Study population included patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), differentiated thyroid carcinoma, and head and neck cutaneous melanoma. The objective is to examine disease‐specific survival before and after Medicaid expansion.ResultsIn states that adopted Medicaid expansion, the ratio of Medicaid: uninsured patients increased from 3:1 to 9:1 (p < 0.001). In states that did not adopt Medicaid expansion, the ratio increased from 1:1 to 2:1 (p < 0.001), making the increase in Medicaid coverage in states that adopted the expansion significantly higher (p < 0.001). Patients diagnosed with HNSCC before the expansion had worse survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.11, 1.39, p < 0.001) in states that adopted Medicaid expansion.ConclusionsEarly data indicate that implementation of ACA improved disease‐specific survival of patients with HNSCC.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 133:1409–1414, 2023
Correlation of Nasal Mucosal Temperature and Nasal Patency—A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study
Authors: Tjahjono Richard , Salati Hana , Inthavong Kiao , Singh Narinder 
Published: August 2022

ObjectivesRecent evidence suggests that detection of nasal mucosal temperature, rather than direct airflow detection, is the primary determinant of subjective nasal patency. This study examines the role of nasal mucosal temperature in the perception of nasal patency using in vivo and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) measurements.MethodsHealthy adult participants completed Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaires. A temperature probe measured nasal mucosal temperature at the vestibule, inferior turbinate, middle turbinate, and nasopharynx bilaterally. Participants underwent a CT scan, used to create a 3D nasal anatomy model to perform CFD analysis of nasal mucosal and inspired air temperature and heat flux along with mucosal surface area where heat flux >50 W/m2 (SAHF50).ResultsEleven participants with a median age of 27 (IQR 24; 48) were recruited. Probe‐measured temperature values correlated strongly with CFD‐derived values (r = 0.87, p < 0.05). Correlations were seen anteriorly in the vestibule and inferior turbinate regions between nasal mucosal temperature and unilateral VAS (r = 0.42–0.46; p < 0.05), between SAHF50 and unilateral VAS (r = −0.31 to −0.36; p < 0.05) and between nasal mucosal temperature and SAHF50 (r = −0.37 to −0.41; p < 0.05). Subjects with high patency (VAS ≤10) had increased heat flux anteriorly compared with lower patency subjects (VAS >10; p < 0.05).ConclusionLower nasal mucosal temperature and higher heat flux within the anterior nasal cavity correlates with a perception of improved unilateral nasal patency in healthy individuals.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 133:1328–1335, 2023
Insights into optimising education for patients living with diabetes mellitus: A model for the post‐pandemic era, informed by survey data
Authors: Hanson Petra , Parmar Dilan , Deo Pranay , Whyteoshodi Daniella , Gotts Charlotte , O'Hare Paul J. , Randeva Harpal , Barber Thomas M. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundPatient education represents the key element in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) and has changed dramatically during the last 3 years. Uptake of structured education is poor, and patient perception of received education varies greatly. The purpose of this study was to assess patients’ perception of adequacy of delivered education, barriers to attending structured courses and preferences for ongoing DM‐related education.MethodsPatients living with Type 2 DM attending diabetes clinics were invited to complete a questionnaire about their understanding of DM, adequacy of offered education and desired features of future courses, following their clinic appointment at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW). Those interested (n = 146) completed this questionnaire.ResultsParticipants’ mean age was 58.2 years (standard deviation [SD] 13.6, median 59, interquartile range [IQR] 50–66), mean body mass index 34.5 Kgm–2 (SD 9.1, median 33.7 Kgm–2, IQR 29.8–41.7) and duration of T2DM was 13 years (SD 10, median 10 years, IQR 3–19). Thirty‐one per cent of participants received no education at the time of their diagnosis with 51% of participants reporting no ongoing DM‐related education. Thirty‐seven per cent of participants did not understand the meaning of HbA1c. Preference for face‐to‐face versus remote delivery of DM‐related education was roughly split, with 51% preferring the former. Attention to self‐compassion and mental health needs were identified as key elements currently missing from DM‐related education.ConclusionThe provision of DM‐related education pre‐pandemic did not meet patients’ needs. Gaining insight and understanding into the gaps within current DM‐related educational provision and patient preferences for its delivery are key strategies in the development of reformed DM‐related education that will ultimately equip patients with improved self‐management skills.