bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Testing for Global Developmental Delay in Early Childhood
Authors: Zhang Jiamei , Xu Yiran , Liu Yun , Yue Ling , Jin Hongfang , Chen Yongqian , Wang Dong , Wang Mingmei , Chen Gongxun , Yang Lei , Zhang Guangyu , Zhang Xiaoli , Li Sansong , Zhao Huiling , Zhao Yunxia , Niu Guohui , Gao Yongqiang , Cai Zhijun , Yang Fan , Zhu Changlian , Zhu Dengna
Published: June 2024

Importance

Global developmental delay (GDD) is characterized by a complex etiology, diverse phenotypes, and high individual heterogeneity, presenting challenges for early clinical etiologic diagnosis. Cognitive impairment is the core symptom, and despite the pivotal role of genetic factors in GDD development, the understanding of them remains limited.

Objectives

To assess the utility of genetic detection in patients with GDD and to examine the potential molecular pathogenesis of GDD to identify targets for early intervention.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, prospective cohort study enrolled patients aged 12 to 60 months with GDD from 6 centers in China from July 4, 2020, to August 31, 2023. Participants underwent trio whole exome sequencing (trio-WES) coupled with copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). Bioinformatics analysis was used to unravel pathogenesis and identify therapeutic targets.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes of this study involved enhancing the rate of positive genetic diagnosis for GDD, broadening the scope of genetic testing indications, and investigating the underlying pathogenesis. The classification of children into levels of cognitive impairment was based on the developmental quotient assessed using the Gesell scale.

Results

The study encompassed 434 patients with GDD (262 [60%] male; mean [SD] age, 25.75 [13.24] months) with diverse degrees of cognitive impairment: mild (98 [23%]), moderate (141 [32%]), severe (122 [28%]), and profound (73 [17%]). The combined use of trio-WES and CNV-seq resulted in a 61% positive detection rate. Craniofacial abnormalities (odds ratio [OR], 2.27; 95% CI, 1.45-3.56), moderate or severe cognitive impairment (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.05-2.70), and age between 12 and 24 months (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.05-2.35) were associated with a higher risk of carrying genetic variants. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis suggested that genetic variants may induce alterations in brain development and function, which may give rise to cognitive impairment. Moreover, an association was found between the dopaminergic pathway and cognitive impairment.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with GDD, combining trio-WES with CNV-seq was a demonstrable, instrumental strategy for advancing the diagnosis of GDD. The close association among genetic variations, brain development, and clinical phenotypes contributed valuable insights into the pathogenesis of GDD. Notably, the dopaminergic pathway emerged as a promising focal point for potential targets in future precision medical interventions for GDD.
Colloidal Hydrogel for Sensitizing Microwave Ablation‐Induced in Situ Tumor Vaccination and Modulating Innate and Adaptive Immunotherapy
Authors: Tian Tian , Wang Jingguo , Wang Weitao , Wu Haitao , Li Qianhui , Wang Fei , Wang Hua , Zha Zhengbao
Published: June 2024

Drawing inspiration from recent advances in microwave ablation (MWA) induced in situ tumor vaccination, a colloidal hydrogel comprising amphoteric gelatin nanoparticles and poly (acrylic acid) (PAA)‐calcium carbonate nanorods (PAA‐CaCO3 NRs) is developed to deliver the microwave‐sensitive agent sodium fluoride (NaF) which can also act as a glycolysis inhibitor in conjunction with the blockade of the T‐cell Ig and ITIM domain (TIGIT), a coinhibitory receptor expressed by both natural killer (NK) cells and T cells. The combination of NaF with microwave (MW) thermal‐dynamic sensitization effectively reversed the acidic and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Moreover, the incorporation of anti‐TIGIT monoclonal antibody (aTIGIT) molecules amplified both the innate and adaptive immune responses by counteracting the exhaustion of NK and effective CD8+ T cells. This augmentation resulted in enhanced tumor elimination and suppression of tumor metastasis and recurrence. Thus, this study underscores the potential of colloidal hydrogel‐sensitized MWA therapy, in conjunction with aTIGIT treatments, as a promising clinical strategy for in situ cancer vaccination.
Overall Design of a Gradient‐Ordered Membrane Electrode Assembly for Direct Liquid Fuel Cells
Authors: Pan Zhefei , Xie Fengjia , Zhang Zhewei , Zhao Zhen , Wu Lizhen , Li Wenzhi , Zhu Yao , Huo Xiaoyu , Liu Yun , Zhang Xuming , Chen Rong , An Liang
Published: June 2024

The direct liquid fuel cell (DLFC) constitutes a promising energy conversion system that directly conveys the chemical energy of liquid fuels into electrical energy. In certain DLFCs, gas is produced as a product of electrochemical reactions during operation. However, the accumulation of gas inside the porous electrode can significantly hinder the transport of reactants, leading to the failure of active sites and severe concentration loss. To address this issue, a gradient‐ordered membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is designed and fabricated, consisting of a dual‐gradient diffusion layer that comprises a pore‐size gradient and a wettability gradient as well as a catalyst layer constructed by nanoneedle catalyst. This MEA promptly removes the produced gas and delivers the fresh solution, thereby enhancing the cell power output and stability. The fuel cell with the gradient‐ordered MEA achieves a remarkable peak power density of 177 mW cm−2 and a discharging time of 19 h, which are more than four times and 30 times, respectively, higher than those of the conventional MEA.
Artificial Phages with Biocatalytic Spikes for Synergistically Eradicating Antibiotic‐Resistant Biofilms
Authors: Xiao Sutong , Xie Lan , Gao Yang , Wang Mao , Geng Wei , Wu Xizheng , Rodriguez Raul D. , Cheng Liang , Qiu Li , Cheng Chong
Published: June 2024

Antibiotic‐resistant pathogens have become a global public health crisis, especially biofilm‐induced refractory infections. Efficient, safe, and biofilm microenvironment (BME)‐adaptive therapeutic strategies are urgently demanded to combat antibiotic‐resistant biofilms. Here, inspired by the fascinating biological structures and functions of phages, the de novo design of a spiky Ir@Co3O4 particle is proposed to serve as an artificial phage for synergistically eradicating antibiotic‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Benefiting from the abundant nanospikes and highly active Ir sites, the synthesized artificial phage can simultaneously achieve efficient biofilm accumulation, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) penetration, and superior BME‐adaptive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, thus facilitating the in situ ROS delivery and enhancing the biofilm eradication. Moreover, transcriptomics found that the artificial phage obstructs the bacterial attachment to EPS, disrupts the maintenance of the BME, and fosters the dispersion and eradication of biofilms by down‐regulating the associated genes for the biosynthesis and preservation of both intra‐ and extracellular environments. The in vivo results demonstrate that the artificial phage can treat the biofilm‐induced recalcitrant infected wounds equivalent to vancomycin. It is suggested that the design of this spiky artificial phage with synergistic “penetrate and eradicate” capability to treat antibiotic‐resistant biofilms offers a new pathway for bionic and nonantibiotic disinfection.
Nanofabrication and Sensing Technology: from the Interface‐Mediated Mechanism Point‐of‐View
Authors: Kar Pubali , Guerra Elmer Ismael , Liao Wei‐Ssu
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the field of sensing technology has experienced notable advancements, where sensing devices have emerged as pivotal tools in enhancing operational efficiency, cutting costs, and bolstering security across diverse sectors. In this context, the preparation of nanoscale materials and structures, including colloidal particle synthesis and lithographic structure fabrication will be discussed. The significance of managing the interface environment in sensor designs, with nanofabrication advancements enabling the development of innovative sensing devices, is highlighted. Control over the interface environment is argued not only dictates the capability of sensor designs but also opens avenues for next‐generation sensor fabrication and integration. By focusing on the interface‐mediated mechanism, this approach offers a comprehensive roadmap of this research area, its challenges and potential solutions, and prospective opportunities.
How China's agribusiness achieves reciprocal symbiosis with farmers? A comparative analysis of the investment sector
Authors: Li Yue , Xu Yingzhi
Published: June 2024

Agribusiness facilitating market access for farmers is a key strategy for driving rural industrial rejuvenation in China. However, the persistent cooperative conundrum poses challenges to the integration of agribusiness and farmer interests. Utilizing goal planning analysis, this study delves into the profit‐driven behavioral logic of agribusiness and farmers to elucidate the conditions that influence their reciprocal symbiosis across various investment sectors. Through the crisp‐set qualitative comparative analysis method, this investigation parses data from 109 instances of agribusiness initiatives in rural areas, identifying four pivotal conditions conducive to reciprocal symbiosis: the farmers' information abundance (in production/processing and sales), incentive policies (in production), agribusiness's professional capabilities (in productive services), and the scale of demand (in productive services). Additionally, five principal sufficient conditions emerge: “Investment in production * information abundance of farmers * ~natural risk”, “Investment in production * natural risk * professional ability of farmers * profit sharing”, “Investment in processing and sales * information abundance of farmers * ~market risk * ~bidirectional specificity”, “Investment in processing and sales * bidirectional specificity * market risk * ~profit sharing”, and “Investment in productive services * professional ability of agribusiness * demand scale”. These findings illuminate the multifaceted interactions that underpin successful agribusiness‐farmer synergies [EconLit Citations: L23].
Emotional contagion in a collective ritual
Authors: Xygalatas Dimitris , Lang Martin , Maňo Peter , Krátký Jan , Fischer Ronald
Published: June 2024

Collective gatherings are often associated with the alignment of psychophysiological states between members of a crowd. While the process of emotional contagion has been studied extensively in dyads as well as at the population level, our understanding of its operation and dynamics as they unfold in real time in real‐world group contexts remains limited. Employing a naturalistic design, we investigated emotional contagion in a public religious ritual by examining the relationship between interpersonal distance and autonomic arousal. We found that proximity in space was associated with heightened affective synchrony between participants in the context of the emotionally laden ritual (a Hindu procession) compared with an unstructured walk along the same route performed by the same group. Our findings contribute to the understanding of collective emotions and their underlying psychophysiological mechanisms, emphasizing the role of cultural practices in shaping collective emotional experiences.
Mapping the interplay of atrial fibrillation, brain structure, and cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Petersen Marvin , Chevalier Céleste , Naegele Felix L. , Ingwersen Thies , Omidvarnia Amir , Hoffstaedter Felix , Patil Kaustubh , Eickhoff Simon B. , Schnabel Renate B. , Kirchhof Paulus , Schlemm Eckhard , Cheng Bastian , Thomalla Götz , Jensen Märit
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an elevated risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Understanding the cognitive sequelae and brain structural changes associated with AF is vital for addressing ensuing health care needs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined 1335 stroke‐free individuals with AF and 2683 matched controls using neuropsychological assessments and multimodal neuroimaging. The analysis revealed that individuals with AF exhibited deficits in executive function, processing speed, and reasoning, accompanied by reduced cortical thickness, elevated extracellular free‐water content, and widespread white matter abnormalities, indicative of small vessel pathology. Notably, brain structural differences statistically mediated the relationship between AF and cognitive performance.

DISCUSSION

Integrating a comprehensive analysis approach with extensive clinical and magnetic resonance imaging data, our study highlights small vessel pathology as a possible unifying link among AF, cognitive decline, and abnormal brain structure. These insights can inform diagnostic approaches and motivate the ongoing implementation of effective therapeutic strategies.

Highlights

We investigated neuropsychological and multimodal neuroimaging data of 1335 individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) and 2683 matched controls.

Our analysis revealed AF‐associated deficits in cognitive domains of attention, executive function, processing speed, and reasoning.

Cognitive deficits in the AF group were accompanied by structural brain alterations including reduced cortical thickness and gray matter volume, alongside increased extracellular free‐water content as well as widespread differences of white matter integrity.

Structural brain changes statistically mediated the link between AF and cognitive performance, emphasizing the potential of structural imaging markers as a diagnostic tool in AF‐related cognitive decline.
Unimolecular Cucurbit[7]uril‐Based Indicator Displacement Assay with Dual Signal‐Readout for the Detection of Drugs
Authors: Picchetti Pierre , Balli Maria Vittoria , Baker Seth , Kumar Nilima Manoj , Gruhs Patrick , Prodi Luca , Biedermann Frank
Published: June 2024

Point‐of‐care diagnostics relies on optical and electrochemical sensors to develop devices that are both compact and cost‐effective. Therefore, the search for new design principles for chemosensors that enable multiple signal outputs is a particularly interesting concept. In this work, we present an unimolecular chemosensor based on cucurbit[7]uril that combines two signal readouts ‐ namely fluorescent and electrochemical signals ‐ in a single chemosensor design. This is achieved by utilizing the tunable fluorescence and the electrochemical properties of the reporter molecule, which depend on whether or not it is engulfed by the cucurbit[7]uril cavity in the absence or presence of the analyte. By setting up an assay using the dual readout chemosensor, illicit drug formulations containing pancuronium bromide or nicotine can be detected at low micromolar concentrations (0–100 μM). This assay is compatible with standard fluorescence plate readers and electrochemical devices, including commercially available screen‐printed electrodes. Overall, the chemosensor presented in this study represents a significant advance in the development of cucurbit[7]uril chemosensors, characterized by multimodal detection capabilities. It uniquely combines traditional optical and electrochemical detection methods in a single molecular design.
H−/H∞ filter‐based fault detection application to PEM fuel cell air‐feed system
Authors: Niane Moustapha , Zerrougui Mohamed , Outbib Rachid
Published: June 2024

This paper focuses on diagnosing faults and disturbances in the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell air‐feed system. The main objective is to design a robust filter, specifically of the
type, to improve fault detection and attenuate perturbations. The
norm is employed to assess the fault sensitivity performance of the detection process, while the
norm guarantees the robustness of the proposed filter against disturbances. The approach utilized in this work is based on Lyapunov stability analysis, and the filter matrices are determined by solving a convex optimization problem formulated as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). To illustrate the effectiveness of our results, a simulation is conducted under various disturbance and faulty scenarios. By integrating robust filtering techniques and addressing fault detection and disturbance attenuation, this study offers valuable insights for enhancing the performance and reliability of the PEM fuel cell air‐feed system.
Polarlichter: trügerische Schönheiten
Authors: Fischer‐Henningsen Doris
Published: June 2024

Die optisch schönen Polarlichter bringt man spontan nicht mit abgestürzten Satelliten, Stromausfällen und gestörter Telekommunikation in Verbindung – doch alle diese Phänomene haben eine gemeinsame Ursache.
LncRNA PVT1 facilitates the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer by sponging with miR‐3619‐5p to regulate TRIM29 expression
Authors: Sun Zhenni , Li Xutong , Shi Yanyan , Yao Yasai
Published: June 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in many malignant tumors. This study aimed to clarify the role of the lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) in CRC growth and metastasis.

Methods

Differentially expressed lncRNAs in CRC were analyzed using the Cancer Genome Atlas. Gene expression profiling interactive analysis and a comprehensive resource for lncRNAs from cancer arrays databases were used to analyze lncRNA PVT1 expression and CRC prognosis, respectively. Cell counting kit‐8, wound healing, colony formation, Transwell, and immunofluorescence assays were used to evaluate CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), respectively. Tumor growth and metastasis models were used to explore the PVT1 effect on the growth and metastasis of CRC in vivo.

Results

PVT1 was highly expressed in CRC, associated with a poor prognosis of CRC, and showed good diagnostic value. Transfection of sh‐PVT1 or pcDNA3.1‐PVT1 reduced or increased the proliferation, wound healing rate, colony formation, invasion, and EMT of CRC cells. PVT1 and miR‐3619‐5p were co‐expressed in CRC cytoplasm, and PVT1 acted as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR‐3619‐5p to up‐regulate tripartite motif containing 29 (TRIM29) expression. MiR‐3619‐5p overexpression and TRIM29 knockdown reduced proliferation, wound healing rate, invasion, and EMT of CRC cells. However, simultaneous PVT1 and miR‐3619‐5p overexpression or knockdown of miR‐3619‐5p and TRIM29 knockdown rescued the malignant phenotype of CRC cells.

Conclusions

We first clarified the ceRNA mechanism of PVT1 in CRC, which induced growth and metastasis by sponging with miR‐3619‐5p to regulate TRIM29.
Ising‐Like Model Hasn't Yet Said Its Last Word: Exact and Mean‐Field Investigations of 2, 3 and 4‐Body Interactions in 1D Ising Chain of Binuclear Spin‐Crossover Solids
Authors: Boukheddaden Kamel , El Islam Belmouri Nour , di Scala Nicolas
Published: June 2024

We investigate the static properties of a new class of 1D Ising‐like Hamiltonian for binuclear spin‐crossover materials accounting for two‐, three‐, and four‐body short‐range interactions between binuclear units of spins
and
. The following 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐body
,
, and
terms are considered, in addition to intra‐binuclear interactions, such as effective ligand‐field energy and exchange‐like coupling. An exact treatment is carried out within the frame of the transfer matrix method, leading to a 4×4 matrix from which, we obtained the thermal evolution of the thermodynamic quantities. Several situations of model parameter values were tested, among which that of competing intra‐ and inter‐molecular interactions, leading to the occurrence of (i) one‐step spin transition, (ii) two‐, three‐, and four‐step transitions, obtained with a reasonable number of parameters. To reproduce first‐order phase transitions, we accounted for inter‐chains interactions, treated in the mean‐field approach. Hysteretic multi‐step transitions, recalling experimental observations, are then achieved. Overall, the present model not only suggests new landscapes of interaction configurations between SCO molecules but also opens new avenues to tackle the complex behaviors often observed in the properties of SCO materials.
Rearing and Experimental Uses of Daphnia: Controlling Animal Nutrition and Assessing Lifespan and Life‐History Traits
Authors: Frost Paul C. , Caudle Samatha L. , Han Sen , O'Brien Jocelyn M. J. , Tobin Stephanie W.
Published: June 2024

Caloric restriction has been found to extend the lifespan of many organisms including mammals and other vertebrates. With lifespans exceeding months to years, age‐related experiments involving fish and mammals can be overtly costly, both in terms of time and funding. The freshwater crustacean, Daphnia, has a relatively short lifespan (∼50 to 100 days), which makes it a cost‐effective alternative animal model for longevity and aging studies. Besides age‐specific mortality, there are a suite of physiological responses connected to “healthspan” that can be tracked as these animals age including growth, reproduction, and metabolic rates. These responses can be complemented by assessment of molecular and cellular processes connected to aging and health. Lifespan and metabolism of this model organism is responsive to long studied modulators of aging, such as rearing temperature and nutritional manipulation, but also pharmacological agents that target aging, e.g., rapamycin, which adds to its usefulness as a model organism. Here we describe how to culture Daphnia for aging experiments including maintaining laboratory populations of Daphnia mothers, growing algal food, and manipulating nutrition of these animals. In addition, we provide methods for tracking common physiological and longevity responses of Daphnia. This protocol provides researchers planning to use this model organism with methods to establish and maintain Daphnia populations and to standardize their experimental approaches. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Culturing algae for Daphnia food

Basic Protocol 2: General methods for culturing Daphnia

Basic Protocol 3: Standardizing and controlling nutrition for experimental Daphnia

Basic Protocol 4: Monitoring Daphnia lifespan

Basic Protocol 5: Evaluating Daphnia health: Heart rate and respiration, body mass and growth rates, and reproduction
The prospective trajectory of exosomes‐based cancer nanomedicine
Authors: Mirgh Divya , Sonar Swarup , Nyahatkar Sidhanti , Kalele Ketki , Adhikari Manab Deb
Published: June 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, ectosomes, and apoptotic bodies, play crucial roles in cellular communication and disease processes. Among these, exosomes are particularly significant for diagnosing, and cancer (which remains a leading cause of death worldwide). Exosomes offer cutting‐edge approaches in cancer nanomedicine, cancer biomarkers investigation (diagnosis and prognosis), and therapeutic. Exosomes are found in several body fluids (Blood, plasma, serum, urine, saliva, sweat, CSF, tear). It transforms the liquid biopsy method with more specificity. Exosome‐based sensor (electrochemical and aptamer‐based) developers were more effective and sensitive for cancer scanning. Therapeutic prospect stem cell‐derived exosomes, and plant‐derived exosomes become more promising. Due to its non‐toxicity (depending on the source), non‐immunogenic, biocompatibility and ability to cross biological membranes. Exosomes are an exciting nano‐drug transporter with specificity. Current time‐modified exosomes support to development of effective, efficient, and cost‐effective nanomedicine against cancer. Advanced nanotechnology and exosome combining (single exosome profiling, exosome barcoding)transform cancer theranostics approaches. Exosomes introduce a new horizon of cancer nanomedicine.
Highly Efficient Cadmium telluride Solar Cell with a Thin CuInTe2 Current Booster: Theoretical Insights
Authors: Hossain Md. Sabbir , Pappu Md. Alamin Hossain , Mondal Bipanko Kumar , Abir Ahnaf Tahmid , Hossain Jaker
Published: June 2024

CdTe‐based thin film solar cell has been modeled and enumerated with a thin CuInTe2 (CIT) current booster layer. CdTe‐based n‐CdS/p‐CdTe/p+‐CIT/p++‐WSe2 heterojunction device is evaluated for the highest performance. It is revealed that physical parameters such as thickness, doping, and defects of the CIT layer have a significant influence on the performance of the CdTe solar cell. The device shows an efficiency of 37.46% with an open‐circuit voltage, VOC, of 1.102 V, short‐circuit current density, JSC, of 38.50 mA cm−2, and fill factor, FF, of 88.30%. The use of the photon recycling technique with a Bragg reflector with 98% back and 95% front reflectance only provides an efficiency of ≈44.3% with a current of 45.4 mA cm−2. These findings are very hopeful for the production of efficient CdTe solar cells in the near future.
A global four‐dimensional gridded dataset of ocean dissolved oxygen concentration retrieval from Argo profiles
Authors: Xue Cunjin , Wang Zhenguo , Yue Linfeng , Niu Chaoran
Published: June 2024

Lack of a long‐term time series of dataset with a high spatiotemporal resolution at a global scale poses a great challenge to clarify the characteristics of DOC in space and depth, and its trend in time. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of a global DOC gridded dataset in space, time and depth. The Biogeochemical Argo (BGC‐Argo) provides an important data source for obtaining global DOC, but is limited by irregular spatial sampling locations. Besides, BGC‐Argo has shorter time series coverage and fewer profiles compared to Core‐Argo. Thus, this manuscript aims at reconstructing the DOC profiles based on the Core‐Argo and BGC‐Argo profiles and then developing a spatial, temporal and depth‐specific gridded DOC dataset, named G4D‐DOC. Validation results demonstrate that G4D‐DOC has a good overall consistency with WOA18 and GLODAPv2 datasets, particularly at depths of 10 dbar and 1000 dbar, where it surpasses consistency at other standard depths. In addition, compared to WOA18, G4D‐DOC has achieved a breakthrough in a temporal resolution from a climatological monthly to monthly, and compared to GLODAPv2, G4D‐DOC has achieved a breakthrough in space from irregular discrete locations to regular grids. Further, G4D‐DOC can be widely used to conduct the characteristics of DOC in space and depth and its trends at global and regional scales. The metadata of G4D‐DOC is as follows: four dimensions mean two dimensions in space (longitude and latitude), one in time and one in depth; data format is standard Hierarchical Data Format Version 4 (HDF4) with a spatial resolution of 1 degree and temporal resolutions of annual, seasonal and monthly intervals at 26 standard layers above 2000 dbar in depth; the spatial coverage is global and the time period is from 2005 to 2022.
Masked distress: The mediated effects of face masks on physical and emotional suffocation
Authors: Razpurker‐Apfeld Irene , Tal‐Or Nurit
Published: June 2024

This study explores the effects of bodily states on emotions based on embodied cognition theories of conceptual metaphor and feelings‐as‐information theory. Specifically, it investigates how physical suffocation induced by mask‐wearing affects perceptions of emotional suffocation related to one's romantic relationship and financial situation. In this quantitative online experiment, we employed a convenience sampling method through a crowdsourcing platform. Adult participants (N = 180, 25 years or older and involved in a romantic relationship) were randomly assigned to three conditions: wearing COVID‐19 masks properly, wearing masks on their chins, or not wearing masks. After completing a puzzle meant to prolong mask‐wear, participants filled out digital questionnaires assessing their experiences of physical and psychological distress. The results supported our proposed mechanisms, revealing that increased feeling of physical suffocation while wearing masks properly, compared to the other conditions, was linked to heightened feelings of financial and romantic distress, supporting the conceptual metaphor account. This link was partially mediated by elevated state anxiety, aligning with the feelings‐as‐information theory. This study demonstrates how bodily experiences can impact emotional states, and highlights the complex interplay between everyday behaviours like mask‐wearing and emotions.
Nature of partial sigma bond
Authors: Nguyen Lam H. , Truong Thanh N.
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the formation of partial sigma (σ) covalent bonds in experimentally synthesizable biradicals formed from hydrogenated and fluorinated C8, C20, and C60 cage structures, by assessing their stability, geometry, and bonding character in singlet and triplet states using restricted B3LYP‐D3/6–31+G(d,p) theory, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, and complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) method. The results show that these partial σCC bonds have Wiberg bond orders of 0.38 to 0.48 and bond lengths ranging from 2.62 Å to 5.93 Å. Cage size influences the characteristics of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), with electrons favoring more antibonding orbitals in smaller cages where electrons reside more on the exterior of the cage and favoring bonding orbitals in larger ones where electrons are more in the interior. Fluorination enhances electron density on bonding orbitals. The analysis further clarified that the differentiation between antibonding and bonding features of HOMOs and LUMOs extends beyond merely electron transfer from s‐ to p‐atomic orbitals, also noting possible interactions of the same symmetry repel. The study also introduces hyperconjugation from α‐position CH bonds as a factor in stabilizing partial σ‐bond formation. The results also caution against the use of broken symmetry methodology in unrestricted SCF wavefunctions for biradicals, such as those in this study as it may cause large spin contamination and thus errors in the calculated electronic properties results.
Posttraumatic stress symptoms and positive autobiographical memory characteristics in everyday life
Authors: Contractor Ateka A. , Slavish Danica C. , Wang Siyuan , Weiss Nicole H.
Published: June 2024

Individuals with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) report difficulties engaging with positive autobiographical memories. Extending this line of research, we examined daily‐level concurrent and lagged associations between PTSS severity and positive memory characteristics (vividness, coherence, accessibility, time perspective, sensory details, visual perspective, emotional intensity, sharing, distancing, and valence). The sample included 88 trauma survivors (Mage = 39.89 years, 59.1% female) who completed seven daily measures of PTSS and positive memory characteristics. Multilevel models examined concurrent and lagged associations between PTSS severity and positive memory characteristics. The results indicated that days with higher PTSS severity were associated with less accessibility, β = −.21, p < .001; less visual perspective, β = −0.13, p = .034; and lower positive valence of the memory, β = −.19, p = .003, as well as more emotional intensity associated with, β = .13, p = .041, and more distancing from, β = .21, p < .001, the memory. Supplemental lagged analyses indicated that higher previous‐day PTSS severity was associated with more next‐day distancing from, β = .15, p = .042, and sensory details of, β = .17, p = .016, the memory. Findings suggest that individuals with more severe PTSS have difficulties accessing positively valenced memories from a first‐person perspective, are more distant from the recalled positive memory, and report more emotional intensity when retrieving the memory. Thus, improving access to and reducing distance from positive autobiographical memories, as well as addressing emotional intensity surrounding the retrieval of these memories, may be potential clinical targets for PTSS interventions.
Natural disturbance allows multiple anuran taxa to persist in a dynamic wetland complex
Authors: Tawa Victoria , Tozer Douglas C. , Green David M.
Published: June 2024

The maintenance of biological diversity is frequently enhanced in a heterogenous landscape by some level of disturbance. Thus, when a landscape becomes stabilized and homogenized through the spread of an invasive plant species, there may be consequences for native biodiversity, particularly for those biotas that depend on the pre‐existing, natural disturbance regime of that landscape. At Long Point, Ontario, Canada, a sandspit in Lake Erie, the community of anuran amphibians experienced the co‐incidence of 2 major disturbance events, 1 anthropogenic and 1 natural: an intervention to remove the invasive form of the common reed (Phragmites australis australis) and a spate of extensive dune washouts caused by high water levels and storms. As a result of the unequal distribution of disturbance in the landscape, different areas were affected by only the dune washouts, only the common reed treatment, both disturbances, or neither disturbance. From May to August 2021, we explored how the disturbances affected the resident frog and toad species habitat associations in the 4 different disturbance conditions in the landscape. By means of minnow traps, acoustic surveys, and visual surveys, we determined that the dune washouts had a greater influence on resident anurans than the common reed treatment. Ranid frogs (Ranidae) tended to inhabit non‐washout sites, whereas Fowler's toads (Anaxyrus fowleri) congregated in the newly formed, sand flats and shallow, de‐vegetated pools resulting from the washouts. Neither ranid frogs nor Fowler's toads demonstrated avoidance of the sites affected by the herbicide treatment and mechanical rollover of the common reed. This evidence of species sorting, which enables multiple species to persist in a dynamic and heterogeneous landscape, suggests that wildlife management in aid of threatened species recovery may find success by encouraging natural disturbance regimes in dynamic landscapes. Future management endeavors should consider refraining from complete dune stabilization in these landscapes to allow the natural washouts to occur at a higher frequency, while ensuring the continued effectiveness of the invasive common reed eradication.
Structural Optimization of PA12/MVQ@POE‐g‐MAH Ternary Composite for Superior Toughness and Low‐Temperature Resistance
Authors: Jiang Zeshang , Li Zhongtian , Geng Jieting , Xia Lin
Published: June 2024

To enhance the low‐temperature toughness and resistance of the engineering plastic polyamide PA12, this study introduces novel PA12/MVQ@POE‐g‐MAH ternary composites using a two‐step process and dynamic curing. Analytical results indicate that incorporating MVQ@POE‐g‐MAH into the PA12 matrix markedly enhances its toughness and heat resistance. As the MVQ@POE‐g‐MAH content increases, the elongation at break of PA12 composites significantly expands from 52.83% to 204.69%, and the notch impact strength escalates from 8.69 to 74.34 kJ m−2. In addition, the brittleness temperature of PA12 decreases from −59.5 to −67.0 °C. Experimental findings confirm that POE‐g‐MAH is dispersed at the interface between MVQ and PA12, creating an encapsulated structure of MVQ@POE‐g‐MAH. This enhancement significantly broadens the potential applications of PA12 by improving its toughness, and resistance to both low and high temperatures, as well as impact endurance.
Chemoproteomics enables identification of coatomer subunit zeta‐1 targeted by a small molecule for enterovirus A71 inhibition
Authors: Li Xiaoyong , Zhang Jin , Xiao Yaxin , Song Hao , Li Yuexiang , Li Wei , Cao Ruiyuan , Li Song , Qin Yong , Wang Chu , Zhong Wu
Published: June 2024

Human enterovirus A71 (EV‐A71) is a significant etiological agent responsible for epidemics of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Asia‐Pacific regions. There are presently no licensed antivirals against EV‐A71, and the druggable target for EV‐A71 remains very limited. The phenotypic hit 10,10′‐bis(trifluoromethyl) marinopyrrole A derivative, herein termed MPA‐CF3, is a novel potent small‐molecule inhibitor against EV‐A71, but its pharmacological target(s) and antiviral mechanisms are not defined. Here, quantitative chemoproteomics deciphered the antiviral target of MAP‐CF3 as host factor coatomer subunit zeta‐1 (COPZ1). Mechanistically, MPA‐CF3 disrupts the interaction of COPZ1 with the EV‐A71 nonstructural protein 2C by destabilizing COPZ1 upon binding. The destruction of this interaction blocks the coatomer‐mediated transport of 2C to endoplasmic reticulum, and ultimately inhibits EV‐A71 replication. Taken together, our study disclosed that MPA‐CF3 can be a structurally novel host‐targeting anti‐EV‐A71 agent, providing a structural basis for developing the COPZ1‐targeting broad‐spectrum antivirals against enteroviruses. The mechanistic elucidation of MPA‐CF3 against EV‐A71 may offer an alternative COPZ1‐involved therapeutic pathway for enterovirus infection.
The combination of tumor mutational burden and T‐cell receptor repertoire predicts the response to immunotherapy in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Yalun , Ji Liyan , Zhang Yingqian , Zhang Jiexin , Reuben Alexandre , Zeng Hao , Huang Qin , Wei Qi , Tan Sihan , Xia Xuefeng , Li Weimin , Zhang Jianjun , Tian Panwen
Published: June 2024

Tumor mutational burden (TMB) and T‐cell receptor (TCR) might predict the response to immunotherapy in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the predictive value of the combination of TMB and TCR was not clear. Targeted DNA and TCR sequencing were performed on tumor biopsy specimens. We combined TMB and TCR diversity into a TMB‐and‐TCR (TMR) score using logistic regression. In total, 38 patients with advanced NSCLC were divided into a discovery set (n = 17) and validation set (n = 21). A higher TMR score was associated with better response and longer progression‐free survival to immunotherapy in both the discovery set and validation set. The performance of TMR score was confirmed in the two external validation cohorts of 225 NSCLC patients and 306 NSCLC patients. Tumors with higher TMR scores were more likely to combine with LRP1B gene mutation (p = 0.027) and top 1% CDR3 sequences (p = 0.001). Furthermore, LRP1B allele frequency was negatively correlated with the top 1% CDR3 sequences (r = –0.55, p = 0.033) and positively correlated with tumor shrinkage (r = 0.68, p = 0.007). The TMR score could serve as a potential predictive biomarker for the response to immunotherapy in advanced NSCLC.
A machine learning‐based crystal graph network and its application in development of functional materials
Authors: Xu Gang , Xue You , Geng Xiaoxiao , Hou Xinmei , Xu Jinwu
Published: June 2024

An active area of MGI (Materials Genome Initiative)/MGE (Materials Genome Engineering) is to accelerate the development of new materials by means of active learning and “digital trial‐error” using a prediction model of material property. Machine learning methods have widely been employed for predicting crystalline materials properties with crystal graph neural networks (CGNN). The prediction accuracy of the state‐of‐the‐art (SOTA) CGNN models based on big models and big data is generally higher. However, for the development of some classes of materials, the datasets obtained by experiments are usually lacking due to costly experiments and measurement costs. The lack of datasets will impact the accuracy of CGNN models and may result in overfitting during training models. This paper proposes a simplified crystal graph convolutional neural network (S‐CGCNN) which possesses higher prediction accuracy while reducing the vast amount of train datasets and computation costs. The S‐CGCNN model has successfully predicted properties of crystalline materials, such as piezoelectric materials and dielectric materials, and increased the prediction accuracy up to 12%–20% than existing SOTA CGNN models. Furthermore, the distribution map between properties and compositions of materials has been built to screen the latent space of candidate materials efficiently by principal component analysis.
The role of angiotensin II type 1 receptor pathway in cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury: Implications for the neuroprotective effect of ARBs
Authors: Huang Shuhan , Zhang Meng
Published: June 2024

Cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a crucial factor that impacts the prognosis of recanalization therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). It has been found that the brain renin–angiotensin system, especially the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) pathway, plays a significant role in cerebral I/R injury. This pathway is involved in processes such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and it affects cerebrovascular autoregulation and the maintenance of blood–brain barrier. AT1R blocker (ARB), widely used as an antihypertensive agent, has demonstrated stroke prevention capabilities in numerous prospective studies, independent of its antihypertensive characteristics. Studies focusing on neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cognitive impairment have confirmed that ARBs exhibit neuroprotective effects and aid in improving neurological functions. Preclinical studies have shown that ARBs can reduce infarct volume and brain edema, inhibit multiple signaling pathways associated with I/R injury, restore energy levels in damaged brain regions, and rescue the penumbra by promoting neovascularization in cerebral I/R models. These findings suggest that ARBs have potential to become a novel category of neuroprotecting agents for clinical treatment of AIS. Therefore, this review primarily provides a theoretical foundation and practical evidence for the future clinical utilization of ARBs as neuroprotective agents following reperfusion therapy for AIS. It outlines the role of cerebral I/R injury through the AT1R pathway and highlights the research progress made on ARBs in I/R models.
Influence of ethylene diamine functionalized waste plastic derived reduced graphene oxide as filler on the mechanical and thermal properties of low‐density polyethylene
Authors: Arya Tanuja , Rawat Kundan Singh , Bohra Bhashkar Singh , Garwal Kamal , Negi Pushpa Bhakuni , Tewari Chetna , Jung Yong Chae , Sahoo Nanda Gopal
Published: June 2024

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared from waste plastic using the two steps pyrolysis method and subsequently functionalized with ethylene diamine (EDA) to develop amino‐functionalized rGO (EDA‐rGO). To make the thermal and mechanical properties more proficient, EDA‐rGO was further incorporated as a nanofiller into a low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix using the melt mixing method followed by hot‐pressing. A variety of analytical methods, such as FT‐IR, XRD, XPS, DSC, TGA, DMA, Raman spectroscopy, and HRTEM, were used to characterize the elements and morphology of rGO and EDA‐rGO. The results showed that the addition of 5 wt% EDA‐rGO to LDPE polymers significantly improved the mechanical and thermal properties, such as storage modulus by 62%, loss modulus by 67%, young's modulus by 123%, tensile strength by 79.83%, respectively. The thermal decomposition temperatures of 5%, 10% and 50% were increased by 14.01, 9.34, and 4.8°C, respectively. This study provides a feasible and ecologically sustainable way of repurposing plastic waste concurrently enhancing the properties of polymer composites.

Highlights

Synthesis & functionalization of rGO from waste plastic using EDA.

EDA‐rGO used as a nanofiller to fabricate LDPE polymer nanocomposites.

EDA‐rGO enhanced the thermal stability of LDPE nanocomposites.

The tensile strength & modulus of the LDPE composites are greatly improved.

The storage, loss modulus, Tm and Tc enhanced by 62%, 67%, 4.4°C & 2.6°C.
Renal toxicity of Aconitum plants? A study based on a new mass spectrometry scanning strategy and computer virtual screening
Authors: Yin Yihui , Zhang Kai , Qi Yunpeng , Li Siyuan , Sun Yixuan , Luo Min , Fan Jiali , Zhu Bo , Yu Zhiying , Yang Jie , Li Fei , Xu Wenjuan , Dong Ling
Published: June 2024

Background

Radix Aconiti Lateralis (Fuzi), a mono‐herbal preparation of Aconitum herbs in the genus Aconitum, is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat critical illnesses. The curative effect of Fuzi is remarkable. However, the toxic effects of Fuzi are still a key clinical focus, and the substances inducing nephrotoxicity are still unclear. Therefore, this study proposes a research model combining “in vitro and in vivo component mining‐virtual multi‐target screening‐active component prediction‐literature verification” to screen potential nephrotoxic substances rapidly.

Method

The UHPLC‐Q‐Exactive‐Orbitrap MS analysis method was used for the correlation analysis of Fuzi's in vitro–in vivo chemical substance groups. On this basis, the key targets of nephrotoxicity were screened by combining online disease databases and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. The computer screening technique was used to verify the binding mode and affinity of Fuzi's components with nephrotoxic targets. Finally, the potential material basis of Fuzi‐induced nephrotoxicity was screened.

Results

Eighty‐one Fuzi components were identified. Among them, 35 components were absorbed into the blood. Based on the network biology method, 21 important chemical components and three potential key targets were screened. Computer virtual screening revealed that mesaconine, benzoylaconine, aconitine, deoxyaconitine, hypaconitine, benzoylhypaconine, benzoylmesaconine, and hypaconitine may be potential nephrotoxic substances of Fuzi.

Conclusions

Fuzi may interact with multiple components and targets in the process of inducing nephrotoxicity. In the future, experiments can be designed to explore further. This study provides a reference for screening Fuzi nephrotoxic components and has certain significance for the safe use of Fuzi.
Ta4C3 Nanosheets as a Novel Therapeutic Platform for Photothermal‐Driven ROS Scavenging and Immune Activation against Antibiotic‐Resistant Infections in Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Wang Yapeng , Yang Jing , Ma Yunhong , Liu Jun , Wang Peng , Luo Junhao , Rui Yongjun , Wu Yongwei
Published: June 2024

The accumulation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and recurrent infections with drug‐resistant bacteria pose significant challenges in diabetic wound infections, often leading to impediments in wound healing. Addressing this, there is a critical demand for novel strategies dedicated to treating and preventing diabetic wounds infected with drug‐resistant bacteria. Herein, 2D tantalum carbide nanosheets (Ta4C3 NSs) have been synthesized through an efficient and straightforward approach, leading to the development of a new, effective nanoplatform endowed with notable photothermal properties, biosafety, and diverse ROS scavenging capabilities, alongside immunogenic attributes for diabetic wound treatment and prevention of recurrent drug‐resistant bacterial infections. The Ta4C3 NSs exhibit remarkable photothermal performance, effectively eliminating methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and excessive ROS, thus promoting diabetic wound healing. Furthermore, Ta4C3 NSs enhance dendritic cell activation, further triggering T helper 1 (TH1)/TH2 immune responses, leading to pathogen‐specific immune memory against recurrent MRSA infections. This nanoplatform, with its significant photothermal and immunomodulatory effects, holds vast potential in the treatment and prevention of drug‐resistant bacterial infections in diabetic wounds.