bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicentric, phase IIA clinical trial for evaluating the safety, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy of daily oral administration of NFX88 to treat neuropathic pain in individuals with spinal cord injury
Authors: Escribá Pablo V. , Gil-Agudo Ángel M. , Vidal Samsó Joan , Sánchez-Raya Judith , Salvador-de la Barrera Sebastián , Soto-León Vanesa , León-Álvarez Natacha , Méndez Ferrer Bosco , Membrilla-Mesa Miguel David , Redondo Galán Carolina , Benito-Penalva Jesús , Montoto-Marqués Antonio , Medel Rebollo Javier , Palazón García Ramiro , Gutiérrez Henares Francisco , Miralles Marc , Torres Manuel , Nieto-Librero Ana B. , García Marco David , Gómez Carmela , Jimeno David , Oliviero Antonio
Published: June 2024

Study design

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group multicentric phase IIA clinical trial.

Objective

To assess the safety and tolerability of oral administration of NFX-88 in subjects with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and explore its efficacy in pain control.

Setting

A total of 7 spinal cord injury rehabilitation units in Spain.

Methods

A total of 61 adult with traumatic complete or incomplete spinal cord injury (C4-T12 level), were randomised 1:1:1:1 to a placebo, NFX88 1.05 g, 2.1 g, 4.2 g/day for up to 12 weeks. The placebo or NFX-88 was administered as add-on therapy to pre-existing pregabalin (150–300 mg per day). Safety and tolerability were evaluated, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was the primary measure to explore the efficacy of NFX-88 in pain control.

Results

No severe treatment-related adverse effects were reported for any of the four study groups. 44 SCI individuals completed the study and were analysed. The data obtained from the VAS analysis and the PainDETECT Questionnaire (PD-Q) suggested that the combination of NFX88 with pregabalin is more effective than pregabalin with placebo at reducing neuropathic pain (NP) in individuals with SCI and that the dose 2.10 g/day causes the most dramatic pain relief.

Conclusions

NFX88 treatment was found to be highly safe and well tolerated, with the dose of 2.10 g/day being the most effective at causing pain relief. Thus, the promising efficacy of this first-in-class lipid mediator deserves further consideration in future clinical trials.
Temporal turnover of viral biodiversity and functional potential in intertidal wetlands
Authors: Ji Mengzhi , Li Yan , Zhou Jiayin , Song Wen , Zhou Yuqi , Ma Kai , Wang Mengqi , Liu Xia , Li Yueyue , Gong Xiaofan , Tu Qichao
Published: June 2024

As the central members of the microbiome networks, viruses regulate the composition of microbial communities and drive the nutrient cycles of ecosystems by lysing host cells. Therefore, uncovering the dynamic patterns and the underlying ecological mechanisms mediating the tiniest viral communities across space and through time in natural ecosystems is of crucial importance for better understanding the complex microbial world. Here, the temporal dynamics of intertidal viral communities were investigated via a time-series sampling effort. A total of 1911 viral operational taxonomic units were recovered from 36 bimonthly collected shotgun metagenomes. Functionally important auxiliary metabolic genes involved in carbohydrate, sulfur, and phosphorus metabolism were detected, some of which (e.g., cysH gene) were stably present within viral genomes over time. Over the sampling period, strong and comparable temporal turnovers were observed for intertidal viromes and their host microbes. Winter was determined as the pivotal point for the shifts in viral diversity patterns. Notably, the viral micro-diversity covaried with the macro-diversity, following similar temporal patterns. The relative abundances of viral taxa also covaried with their host prokaryotes. Meanwhile, the virus–host relationships at the whole community level were relatively stable. Further statistical analyses demonstrated that the dynamic patterns of viral communities were highly deterministic, for which temperature was the major driver. This study provided valuable mechanistic insights into the temporal turnover of viral communities in complex ecosystems such as intertidal wetlands.
A novel approach to identify critical knowledge gaps for food safety in circular food systems
Authors: van Leeuwen Stefan P. J. , Verschoor A. M. , van der Fels-Klerx H. J. , van de Schans M. G. M. , Berendsen B. J. A.
Published: June 2024

The transition from linear production towards a circular agro-food system is an important step towards increasing Europe’s sustainability. This requires re-designing the food production systems, which inevitably comes with challenges as regards controlling the safety of our food, animals and the ecosystem. Where in current food production systems many food safety hazards are understood and well-managed, it is anticipated that with the transition towards circular food production systems, known hazards may re-emerge and new hazards will appear or accumulate, leading to new -and less understood- food safety risks. In this perspective paper, we present a simple, yet effective approach, to identify knowledge gaps with regard to food safety in the transition to a circular food system. An approach with five questions is proposed, derived from current food safety management approaches like HACCP. Applying this to two cases shows that risk assessment and management should emphasize more on the exposure to unexpected (with regards to its nature and its origin) hazards, as hazards might circulate and accumulate in the food production system. Five knowledge gaps became apparent: there’s a need for (1) risk assessment and management to focus more on unknown hazards and mixtures of hazards, (2) more data on the occurrence of hazards in by-products, (3) better understanding the fate of hazards in the circular food production system, (4) the development of models to adequately perform risk assessments for a broad range of hazards and (5) new ways of valorization of co-products in which a safe-by-design approach should be adopted.
Framework for evaluation of food safety in the circular food system
Authors: van der Fels-Klerx H. J. , van Asselt E. D. , Berendsen B. , Focker M. F.
Published: June 2024

In order to minimise food waste, side streams from feed and food production are increasingly being (re-) used in food supply chains. Such reuse contributes to the desire to implement circularity in food and agricultural systems. However, the reuse of side products in circular food systems may impact food safety, for instance, contaminant residues present at low levels in biomass may accumulate when reusing streams. In order to assess potential food safety issues related to circular food systems, a framework has been developed in this study. Based on this framework, appropriate actions can be taken to prevent from human health risks. The framework consists of three steps: 1. Describing the changes in the food supply chain as a result of the circularity transition; 2. Identifying potential food safety hazards related to the change; and 3. Prioritising food safety hazards related to the circularity transition. For the prioritisation, both the presence of the hazards in final foods and the effects of the hazards on human health need to be assessed. Persistence of the hazard in the environment and potential transfer from the environment to the final food product are relevant elements to include. The framework was tested in three case studies, showing that it allows for a prioritisation between hazards. Based on the case study results, circularity not so much influences the health effects of the hazards, but rather their presence depending on the persistence and transfer of food safety hazards in a circular system.
Detecting hallucinations in large language models using semantic entropy
Authors: Farquhar Sebastian , Kossen Jannik , Kuhn Lorenz , Gal Yarin
Published: June 2024

Large language model (LLM) systems, such as ChatGPT1or Gemini2, can show impressive reasoning and question-answering capabilities but often ‘hallucinate’ false outputs and unsubstantiated answers3,4. Answering unreliably or without the necessary information prevents adoption in diverse fields, with problems including fabrication of legal precedents5or untrue facts in news articles6and even posing a risk to human life in medical domains such as radiology7. Encouraging truthfulness through supervision or reinforcement has been only partially successful8. Researchers need a general method for detecting hallucinations in LLMs that works even with new and unseen questions to which humans might not know the answer. Here we develop new methods grounded in statistics, proposing entropy-based uncertainty estimators for LLMs to detect a subset of hallucinations—confabulations—which are arbitrary and incorrect generations. Our method addresses the fact that one idea can be expressed in many ways by computing uncertainty at the level of meaning rather than specific sequences of words. Our method works across datasets and tasks without a priori knowledge of the task, requires no task-specific data and robustly generalizes to new tasks not seen before. By detecting when a prompt is likely to produce a confabulation, our method helps users understand when they must take extra care with LLMs and opens up new possibilities for using LLMs that are otherwise prevented by their unreliability.
Control of proton transport and hydrogenation in double-gated graphene
Authors: Tong J. , Fu Y. , Domaretskiy D. , Della Pia F. , Dagar P. , Powell L. , Bahamon D. , Huang S. , Xin B. , Costa Filho R. N. , Vega L. F. , Grigorieva I. V. , Peeters F. M. , Michaelides A. , Lozada-Hidalgo M.
Published: June 2024

The basal plane of graphene can function as a selective barrier that is permeable to protons1,2 but impermeable to all ions3,4 and gases5,6, stimulating its use in applications such as membranes1,2,7,8, catalysis9,10 and isotope separation11,12. Protons can chemically adsorb on graphene and hydrogenate it13,14, inducing a conductor–insulator transition that has been explored intensively in graphene electronic devices13–17. However, both processes face energy barriers1,12,18 and various strategies have been proposed to accelerate proton transport, for example by introducing vacancies4,7,8, incorporating catalytic metals1,19 or chemically functionalizing the lattice18,20. But these techniques can compromise other properties, such as ion selectivity21,22 or mechanical stability23. Here we show that independent control of the electric field, E, at around 1 V nm−1, and charge-carrier density, n, at around 1 × 1014 cm−2, in double-gated graphene allows the decoupling of proton transport from lattice hydrogenation and can thereby accelerate proton transport such that it approaches the limiting electrolyte current for our devices. Proton transport and hydrogenation can be driven selectively with precision and robustness, enabling proton-based logic and memory graphene devices that have on–off ratios spanning orders of magnitude. Our results show that field effects can accelerate and decouple electrochemical processes in double-gated 2D crystals and demonstrate the possibility of mapping such processes as a function of E and n, which is a new technique for the study of 2D electrode–electrolyte interfaces.
The mechanism for directional hearing in fish
Authors: Veith Johannes , Chaigne Thomas , Svanidze Ana , Dressler Lena Elisa , Hoffmann Maximilian , Gerhardt Ben , Judkewitz Benjamin
Published: June 2024

Locating sound sources such as prey or predators is critical for survival in many vertebrates. Terrestrial vertebrates locate sources by measuring the time delay and intensity difference of sound pressure at each ear1–5. Underwater, however, the physics of sound makes interaural cues very small, suggesting that directional hearing in fish should be nearly impossible6. Yet, directional hearing has been confirmed behaviourally, although the mechanisms have remained unknown for decades. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this remarkable ability, including the possibility that fish evolved an extreme sensitivity to minute interaural differences or that fish might compare sound pressure with particle motion signals7,8. However, experimental challenges have long hindered a definitive explanation. Here we empirically test these models in the transparent teleost Danionella cerebrum, one of the smallest vertebrates9,10. By selectively controlling pressure and particle motion, we dissect the sensory algorithm underlying directional acoustic startles. We find that both cues are indispensable for this behaviour and that their relative phase controls its direction. Using micro-computed tomography and optical vibrometry, we further show that D. cerebrum has the sensory structures to implement this mechanism. D. cerebrum shares these structures with more than 15% of living vertebrate species, suggesting a widespread mechanism for inferring sound direction.
dsRNA formation leads to preferential nuclear export and gene expression
Authors: Coban Ivo , Lamping Jan-Philipp , Hirsch Anna Greta , Wasilewski Sarah , Shomroni Orr , Giesbrecht Oliver , Salinas Gabriela , Krebber Heike
Published: June 2024

When mRNAs have been transcribed and processed in the nucleus, they are exported to the cytoplasm for translation. This export is mediated by the export receptor heterodimer Mex67–Mtr2 in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (TAP–p15 in humans)1,2. Interestingly, many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) also leave the nucleus but it is currently unclear why they move to the cytoplasm3. Here we show that antisense RNAs (asRNAs) accelerate mRNA export by annealing with their sense counterparts through the helicase Dbp2. These double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) dominate export compared with single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) because they have a higher capacity and affinity for the export receptor Mex67. In this way, asRNAs boost gene expression, which is beneficial for cells. This is particularly important when the expression program changes. Consequently, the degradation of dsRNA, or the prevention of its formation, is toxic for cells. This mechanism illuminates the general cellular occurrence of asRNAs and explains their nuclear export.
Strain tracking in complex microbiomes using synteny analysis reveals per-species modes of evolution
Authors: Enav Hagay , Paz Inbal , Ley Ruth E.
Published: June 2024

Microbial species diversify into strains through single-nucleotide mutations and structural changes, such as recombination, insertions and deletions. Most strain-comparison methods quantify differences in single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and are insensitive to structural changes. However, recombination is an important driver of phenotypic diversification in many species, including human pathogens. We introduce SynTracker, a tool that compares microbial strains using genome synteny—the order of sequence blocks in homologous genomic regions—in pairs of metagenomic assemblies or genomes. Genome synteny is a rich source of genomic information untapped by current strain-comparison tools. SynTracker has low sensitivity to SNPs, has no database requirement and is robust to sequencing errors. It outperforms existing tools when tracking strains in metagenomic data and is particularly suited for phages, plasmids and other low-data contexts. Applied to single-species datasets and human gut metagenomes, SynTracker, combined with an SNP-based tool, detects strains enriched in either point mutations or structural changes, providing insights into microbial evolution in situ.
Predicting histological grade in pediatric glioma using multiparametric radiomics and conventional MRI features
Authors: Zhou Tengfei , Qiao Baobao , Peng Bo , Liu Yuqi , Gong Zhenjia , Kang Mengfei , He Yu , Pang Chunying , Dai Yakang , Sheng Mao
Published: June 2024

Prediction of glioma is crucial to provide a precise treatment plan to optimize the prognosis of children with glioma. However, studies on the grading of pediatric gliomas using radiomics are limited. Meanwhile, existing methods are mainly based on only radiomics features, ignoring intuitive information about tumor morphology on traditional imaging features. This study aims to utilize multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify high-grade and low-grade gliomas in children and establish a classification model based on radiomics features and clinical features. A total of 85 children with gliomas underwent tumor resection, and part of the tumor tissue was examined pathologically. Patients were categorized into high-grade and low-grade groups according to World Health Organization guidelines. Preoperative multiparametric MRI data, including contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging, T2-weighted imaging, T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, diffusion-weighted images, and apparent diffusion coefficient sequences, were obtained and labeled by two radiologists. The images were preprocessed, and radiomics features were extracted for each MRI sequence. Feature selection methods were used to select radiomics features, and statistically significant clinical features were identified using t-tests. The selected radiomics features and conventional MRI features were used to train the AutoGluon models. The improved model, based on radiomics features and conventional MRI features, achieved a balanced classification accuracy of 66.59%. The cross-validated areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the classifier of AutoGluon frame were 0.8071 on the test dataset. The results indicate that the performance of AutoGluon models can be improved by incorporating conventional MRI features, highlighting the importance of the experience of radiologists in accurately grading pediatric gliomas. This method can help predict the grade of pediatric glioma before pathological examination and assist in determining the appropriate treatment plan, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, drugs, and gene surgery.
Transcriptional response to an alternative diet on liver, muscle, and rumen of beef cattle
Authors: Fernandes Anna Carolina , Reverter Antonio , Keogh Kate , Alexandre Pâmela Almeida , Afonso Juliana , Palhares Julio Cesar Pascale , Cardoso Tainã Figueiredo , Malheiros Jessica Moraes , Bruscadin Jennifer Jessica , de Oliveira Priscila Silva Neubern , Mourão Gerson Barreto , de Almeida Regitano Luciana Correia , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann
Published: June 2024

Feed cost represents a major economic determinant within cattle production, amounting to an estimated 75% of the total variable costs. Consequently, comprehensive approaches such as optimizing feed utilization through alternative feed sources, alongside the selection of feed-efficient animals, are of great significance. Here, we investigate the effect of two diets, traditional corn-grain fed and alternative by-product based, on 14 phenotypes related to feed, methane emission and production efficiency and on multi-tissue transcriptomics data from liver, muscle, and rumen wall, derived from 52 Nellore bulls, 26 on each diet. To this end, diets were contrasted at the level of phenotype, gene expression, and gene-phenotype network connectivity. As regards the phenotypic level, at a P value < 0.05, significant differences were found in favour of the alternative diet for average daily weight gain at finishing, dry matter intake at finishing, methane emission, carcass yield and subcutaneous fat thickness at the rib-eye muscle area. In terms of the transcriptional level of the 14,776 genes expressed across the examined tissues, we found 487, 484, and 499 genes differentially expressed due to diet in liver, muscle, and rumen, respectively (P value < 0.01). To explore differentially connected phenotypes across both diet-based networks, we focused on the phenotypes with the largest change in average number of connections within diets and tissues, namely methane emission and carcass yield, highlighting, in particular, gene expression changes involving SREBF2, and revealing the largest differential connectivity in rumen and muscle, respectively. Similarly, from examination of differentially connected genes across diets, the top-ranked most differentially connected regulators within each tissue were MEOX1, PTTG1, and BASP1 in liver, muscle, and rumen, respectively. Changes in gene co-expression patterns suggest activation or suppression of specific biological processes and pathways in response to dietary interventions, consequently impacting the phenotype. The identification of genes that respond differently to diets and their associated phenotypic effects serves as a crucial stepping stone for further investigations, aiming to build upon our discoveries. Ultimately, such advancements hold the promise of improving animal welfare, productivity, and sustainability in livestock farming.
The association between triglyceride glucose-body mass index and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in diabetes patients: a retrospective study from NHANES database
Authors: Xiao Shucai , Zhang Qin , Yang Hai-Yue , Tong Jin-Ying , Yang Ren-Qiang
Published: June 2024

The triglyceride glucose body mass index (TyG-BMI) is a potential indicator for insulin resistance, but its association with mortality in diabetic patients is unclear. This study investigates the relationship between TyG-BMI and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in diabetics. The study included 3109 diabetic patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001–2018). Mortality data were obtained from National Death Index records until 31 December 2019. Multivariate Cox models analyzed the association between TyG-BMI and mortality. Non-linear correlations were assessed using restricted cubic splines, and a two-piecewise Cox model evaluated the relationship on both sides of the inflection point. Over a median 7.25-year follow-up, 795 total and 238 cardiovascular deaths occurred. A U-shaped link was found between initial TyG-BMI and mortality in diabetic patients. Low TyG-BMI (< 279.67 for all-cause, < 270.19 for CVD) reduced death risks (all-cause: HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69–0.86; CVD: HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.48–0.86). High TyG-BMI (> 279.67 for all-cause, > 270.19 for CVD) increased these risks (all-cause: HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.10–1.44; CVD: HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06–1.68). In the NHANES study population, a U-shaped association was observed between the baseline TyG-BMI index and all-cause mortality or CVD in diabetic patients.
Multi-functional metasurface as a transmissive/reflective FSS and an on-air frequency mixer
Authors: Kumar Anand , Kongari Saikiran , Chandrakapure Yugesh , Sarkar Debdeep
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a multi-functional metasurface is proposed, which can work as a narrowband transmissive/reflective frequency selective surface (FSS) and an on-air frequency mixer based on its switching response. The metasurface is made up of unit cells with square and circular metallic loops connected by PIN diodes controlled by a bias source. In contrast to typical wideband FSSs, the structure provides 0.55 GHz of narrow stopband (a fractional bandwidth of 22%) at 2 GHz in the OFF state bias. The bandstop response can be adjusted by varying the reverse bias voltage. The metasurface alternates between its functionalities when in forward bias by providing a passband at the operational frequency. The structure is compact and operates as a transmissive/reflective surface under two different bias conditions (ON and OFF). The design is angularly stable and polarization-insensitive for both TE and TM polarisation. A prototype of the designed structure is developed and the measured results correlate well with the simulated responses from the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method-based simulation of the circuit model. On-air frequency mixing for a wave propagating through the metasurface is demonstrated and the effects of different parameters affecting the mixing are parametrically studied through FDTD simulations and experiments.
Dual T-cell depletion with individually tailored anti-thymocyte globulin and attenuated dose of post-transplant cyclophosphamide in haploidentical peripheral stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Shin Dong-Yeop , Koh Youngil , Kim Inho , Yoon Sung-Soo , Byun Ja Min , Hong Junshik
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of dual T-cell suppression using individually tailored doses of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and attenuated dose of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). We conducted a retrospective analysis of 78 adults with acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome who underwent haplo-HSCT using intravenous busulfan and fludarabine conditioning. Thirty-two patients received attenuated ATG/PTCy, while 46 patients received ATG (7.5 mg/kg) as GVHD prophylaxis. The 100-day cumulative incidence of grade III-IV (9.7% vs. 32.4%, P = 0.018) acute GVHD, as well as 2-year moderate-severe chronic GVHD (13.9% vs. 43.9%, P = 0.018) in the ATG/PTCy group were significantly lower than those in the ATG group. The 2-year overall survival was comparable between the two groups. However, 2-year GVHD-free, relapse-free survival in the ATG/PTCy group was significantly higher compared to that in the ATG group (38.9% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.021). Moreover, during post-engraftment period, the ATG/PTCy group exhibited lower incidences of life-threatening bacterial (12.5% vs. 37%, P = 0.033) and viral infection (0% vs. 17.4%, P = 0.035) than the ATG group. In conclusion, the combination of individually tailored ATG and low-dose PTCy appears to be a promising strategy in haplo-HSCT.
Development of optimization method for truss structure by quantum annealing
Authors: Honda Rio , Endo Katsuhiro , Kaji Taichi , Suzuki Yudai , Matsuda Yoshiki , Tanaka Shu , Muramatsu Mayu
Published: June 2024

In this study, we developed a new method of topology optimization for truss structures by quantum annealing. To perform quantum annealing analysis with real variables, representation of real numbers as a sum of random number combinations is employed. The nodal displacement is expressed with binary variables. The Hamiltonian H is formulated on the basis of the elastic strain energy and position energy of a truss structure. It is confirmed that truss deformation analysis is possible by quantum annealing. For the analysis of the optimization method for the truss structure, the cross-sectional area of the truss is expressed with binary variables. The iterative calculation for the changes in displacement and cross-sectional area leads to the optimal structure under the prescribed boundary conditions.
Deep learning-based approach for 3D bone segmentation and prediction of missing tooth region for dental implant planning
Authors: Al-Asali Mohammed , Alqutaibi Ahmed Yaseen , Al-Sarem Mohammed , Saeed Faisal
Published: June 2024

Recent studies have shown that dental implants have high long-term survival rates, indicating their effectiveness compared to other treatments. However, there is still a concern regarding treatment failure. Deep learning methods, specifically U-Net models, have been effectively applied to analyze medical and dental images. This study aims to utilize U-Net models to segment bone in regions where teeth are missing in cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans and predict the positions of implants. The proposed models were applied to a CBCT dataset of Taibah University Dental Hospital (TUDH) patients between 2018 and 2023. They were evaluated using different performance metrics and validated by a domain expert. The experimental results demonstrated outstanding performance in terms of dice, precision, and recall for bone segmentation (0.93, 0.94, and 0.93, respectively) with a low volume error (0.01). The proposed models offer promising automated dental implant planning for dental implantologists.
Lower psoas mass indicates worse prognosis in percutaneous vertebroplasty-treated osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture
Authors: Sun Kai , Liu Jianjun , Zhu Haoran , Wang Jiajia , Wan Haiwu , Huang Bo , Zhang Qinglin , Chen Guoliang
Published: June 2024

The correlation between lower psoas mass and the prognosis of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of lower psoas mass on the prognosis of patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). One hundred and sixty-three elderly patients who underwent single-segment PVP from January 2018 to December 2021 were included. The psoas to L4 vertebral index (PLVI) via MRI were measured to assess psoas mass. Patients were divided into high PLVI (> 0.79) and low PLVI (≤ 0.79) groups based on the median PLVI in the cohort. The basic information (age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and bone mineral density (BMD)), surgical intervention-related elements (duration of operation, latency to ambulation, period of hospital stay, and surgical site), postoperative clinical outcomes (Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores), and incidence of secondary fractures) were compared. Patients showed no statistically significant differences in terms of age, gender, surgical sute, BMI, BMD and preoperative VAS, ODI, JOA scores (P > 0.05) between the two groups. However, there were significant differences in terms of latency to ambulation, period of hospital stay (P < 0.05). VAS, ODI, and JOA scores at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery showed that the high PLVI group had significantly better outcomes than the low PLVI group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the low PLVI group had a significantly higher incidence of recurrent fracture (P < 0.05). Lower psoas mass can reduce the clinical effect of PVP in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, and is a risk factor for recurrent vertebral fracture.
The comparison of white-to-white via triple person-times caliper measuring and machine-measuring in V4c implantable collamer lens implantation
Authors: Dan Ting-Ting , Liu Tai-Xiang , Li Zong-Ze , Liang Ceng-Peng , Li Fa-Yuan
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to compare the differences and characteristics of white-to-white (WTW) values obtained before V4c implantation using triple person-times caliper, IOL-Master 700, Pentacam HR, and UBM, and to assess their correlation with vaulting. A total of 930 myopia patients (1842 eyes) who were interested in undergoing ICL surgery were assessed before the procedure using various instruments. The WTW measurements were obtained using a triple person-times caliper, Pentacam HR, and IOL-Master 700, whereas the angle-to-angle (ATA) measurements were obtained using UBM. The size of the ICL was subsequently calculated using triple person-times caliper measurements. The vault of the ICL was assessed using Pentacam HR three months after the surgery. The WTW was determined to be 11.30 ± 0.29 mm, 11.43 ± 0.29 mm, and11.86 ± 0.38 mm, respectively, using the triple person-times caliper, Pentacam HR, and IOL-Master 700. The measurement of ATA was 11.57 ± 0.51 mm, as done by UBM. The ICL vault was measured to be 400.97 ± 198.46 µm when examined with Pentacam HR three monthsafter the procedure. The linear regression analyses of ICL size and WTW of triple person-times caliper, ICL vault and WTW were (R = 0.703, p < 0.001; R = 0.0969, p < 0.001) respectively. The highest correlation was found between IOL-Master and Pentacam HR (r = 0.766, p = 0.000). The lowest correlation was found between UBM and Pentacam HR (r = 0.358, p = 0.002). Bland–Altman analysis showed that the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were the triple person-times caliper and Pentacam HR (– 0.573, 0.298) and the triple person-times caliper and UBM (– 1.15, – 0.605). This indicated a strong agreement between the triple person-times caliper and Pentacam HR and a lack of agreement between the triple person-times caliper and UBM. Triple person-times caliper measurements offer excellent maneuverability, practicality, and reliable outcomes for determining ICL vaults. Measurements obtained using the triple-person caliper were less differece than those obtained using the Pentacam HR.
Influence of higher body mass index on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients following thoracic surgery for lung cancer: a propensity score-matched cohort study
Authors: Zhang Nan , Feng Di , Wu Wei , Liu Ji , Shi Hong
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to quantify the association between body mass index (BMI) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) within the initial 48 h following thoracic surgery for lung cancer. We then explored whether changes in serum inflammatory factor concentrations were related to BMI during the early postoperative period. We conducted a propensity score-matched (PSM), retrospective cohort study at a specialized tertiary medical center. A total of 194 patients aged 18–80 years who underwent thoracic surgery for lung cancer at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital between January and June 2021 were enrolled. The primary outcome was the incidence of PONV during the first 48 h after surgery. Nausea, vomiting or retching at different time periods, severe pain, and concentrations of perioperative serum inflammatory factors including CRP, IL-6, IL-12, and IFN-γ were also assessed. Patients in the high BMI group (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) had a lower incidence of PONV than those in the normal BMI group (18.5–25 kg/m2) within the first 48 h after surgery (22 vs. 50%,p = 0.004). The incidence of nausea was lower at 0–12 h (14.5 vs. 37.1%,p = 0.004) and 12–24 h (8.1 vs. 22.6%,p = 0.025) in the high BMI group after surgery, and the incidence of vomiting was lower at 0–12 h (12.9 vs. 30.6%,p = 0.017) in higher BMI after surgery. We found no significant difference in the incidence of severe pain [severe static pain (p = 0.697) and severe dynamic pain (p = 0.158)]. Moreover, higher concentrations of IL-12 (2.24 ± 2.67 pg/ml vs. 1.48 ± 1.14 pg/ml,p = 0.048) and IFN-γ [1.55 (1.00) pg/ml vs. 1.30 (0.89) pg/ml,p = 0.041] were observed in patients with normal BMI on the first day after surgery. Given this finding, patients with a normal BMI should receive more attention for the prevention of PONV than those with a high BMI following thoracic surgery for lung cancer.

Trial registration:http://www.chictr.org.cnand ChiCTR2100052380 (24/10/2021).
A scattered volume emitter micropixel architecture for ultra efficient light extraction from DUV LEDs
Authors: Ahmad Fajri Faris Azim , Mukherjee Anjan , Naskar Suraj , Ahmad Noorden Ahmad Fakhrurrazi , Abass Aimi
Published: June 2024

Deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) typically suffer from strong parasitic absorption in the p-epitaxial layer and rear metal contact/mirror. This problem is exacerbated by a substantial portion of the multiple quantum well (MQW) emissions having a strong out-of-plane dipole component, contributing to emission in widely oblique directions outside the exit cone of the front semiconductor emitting surface. To address this, we propose an architecture that leverages such a heavily oblique angular emission profile by utilizing spaced-apart or scattered volume emitter micropixels that are embedded in a low-index dielectric buffer film with a patterned top surface. This approach achieves high light extraction efficiency at the expense of enlarging the effective emission area, however, it does not require a high-index (e.g., sapphire) substrate or a lens or a nanotextured epi for outcoupling purposes. Hybrid wave and ray optical simulations demonstrated a remarkable larger than three to sixfold increase in light extraction efficiency as compared to that of a conventional planar LED design with a sapphire substrate depending on the assumed epi layer absorption, pixel size, and ratio of light emission area to the MQW active area. An extraction efficiency three times greater than that of a recent nanotextured DUV LED design was also demonstrated. This architecture paves the way for DUV LEDs to have a plug efficiency comparable to that of mercury lamps while being significantly smaller.
J-shaped association of the triglyceride glucose-body mass index with new-onset diabetes
Authors: Qiao Qincheng , Liang Kai , Wang Chuan , Wang Lingshu , Yan Fei , Chen Li , Hou Xinguo
Published: June 2024

The triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) is a convenient and clinically significant indicator of insulin resistance. This study aims to investigate the correlation between TyG-BMI and the onset of new-onset diabetes and determine an optimal reflection point for TyG-BMI. An analysis was conducted on 1917 participants from the risk evaluation of cancers in Chinese diabetic individuals: a lONgitudinal (REACTION) study. Participants were categorized based on their TyG-BMI, and the relationship between TyG-BMI and the incidence of new-onset diabetes was explored through logistic regression models, smoothed curve fitting with restricted cubic spline, and a two-piecewise logistic regression model. The mean age of the participants was 57.60 ± 8.89 years, with 66.5% being females. The mean TyG-BMI was 223.3 ± 32.8. Ultimately, 137 individuals (7.1%) progressed to diabetes after three years. After adjusting for covariates, TyG-BMI exhibited a positive correlation with new-onset diabetes (odd ratios (OR) for each standard deviation increase = 1.330, 95% CI 1.110–1.595). The relationship between TyG-BMI and new-onset diabetes was non-linear, with a inflcetion point at 202.9. This study reveals a positive non-linear relationship between TyG-BMI and the risk of new-onset diabetes in Chinese middle-aged and elderly individuals. When TyG-BMI exceeds 202.9, there is a significantly heightened risk of new-onset diabetes. These findings offer valuable insights for preventing new-onset diabetes.
External validation of the modified CTP score based on ammonia to predict survival in patients with cirrhosis after TIPS placement
Authors: Da Binlin , Wu Wei , Guo Wuhua , Xiong Kai , Chen Chao , Ke Qiao , Zhang Moran , Li Taishun , Xiao Jiangqiang , Wang Lei , Zhang Ming , Zhang Feng , Zhuge Yuzheng
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to perform the first external validation of the modified Child-Turcotte-Pugh score based on plasma ammonia (aCTP) and compare it with other risk scoring systems to predict survival in patients with cirrhosis after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. We retrospectively reviewed 473 patients from three cohorts between January 2016 and June 2022 and compared the aCTP score with the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and sodium MELD (MELD-Na) in predicting transplant-free survival by the concordance index (C-index), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curve. The median follow-up time was 29 months, during which a total of 62 (20.74%) patients died or underwent liver transplantation. The survival curves for the three aCTP grades differed significantly. Patients with aCTP grade C had a shorter expected lifespan than patients with aCTP grades A and B (P < 0.0001). The aCTP score showed the best discriminative performance using the C-index compared with other scores at each time point during follow-up, it also showed better calibration in the calibration plot and the lowest Brier scores, and it also showed a higher net benefit than the other scores in the DCA curve. The aCTP score outperformed the other risk scores in predicting survival after TIPS placement in patients with cirrhosis and may be useful for risk stratification and survival prediction.
Radiative effects of precipitation on the global energy budget and Arctic amplification
Authors: Michibata Takuro
Published: June 2024

Radiative forcing is an essential metric for accurate climate prediction. Clouds are a well-known source of uncertainty, but the radiative effects of precipitation (REP) are poorly understood and excluded from most general circulation models (GCMs). This is because conventional GCMs treat precipitation diagnostically, and thus, are transparent to shortwave and longwave radiation. In this study, we investigated the REP at global and regional scales by employing three sub-models incorporating (1) diagnostic precipitation, (2) prognostic precipitation without REP, and (3) prognostic precipitation with REP. We found that REP alters not only the local thermodynamic profile but also the remote precipitation rate and distribution through changes in atmospheric circulation. The polar surface temperature increases by more than 1 K in the winter when considering REP. The 34 CMIP6 models show systematic differences in Arctic amplification depending on REP, emphasising that GCMs should include REP to improve confidence in simulating atmosphere-ocean-cryosphere interactions.
Structure of human DPPA3 bound to the UHRF1 PHD finger reveals its functional and structural differences from mouse DPPA3
Authors: Shiraishi Nao , Konuma Tsuyoshi , Chiba Yoshie , Hokazono Sayaka , Nakamura Nao , Islam Md Hadiul , Nakanishi Makoto , Nishiyama Atsuya , Arita Kyohei
Published: June 2024

DNA methylation maintenance is essential for cell fate inheritance. In differentiated cells, this involves orchestrated actions of DNMT1 and UHRF1. In mice, the high-affinity binding of DPPA3 to the UHRF1 PHD finger regulates UHRF1 chromatin dissociation and cytosolic localization, which is required for oocyte maturation and early embryo development. However, the human DPPA3 ortholog functions during these stages remain unclear. Here, we report the structural basis for human DPPA3 binding to the UHRF1 PHD finger. The conserved human DPPA3 85VRT87 motif binds to the acidic surface of UHRF1 PHD finger, whereas mouse DPPA3 binding additionally utilizes two unique α-helices. The binding affinity of human DPPA3 for the UHRF1 PHD finger was weaker than that of mouse DPPA3. Consequently, human DPPA3, unlike mouse DPPA3, failed to inhibit UHRF1 chromatin binding and DNA remethylation in Xenopus egg extracts effectively. Our data provide novel insights into the distinct function and structure of human DPPA3.
GOAT: efficient and robust identification of gene set enrichment
Authors: Koopmans Frank
Published: June 2024

Gene set enrichment analysis is foundational to the interpretation of high throughput biology. Identifying enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms or disease-associated gene sets within a list of gene effect sizes that represent experimental outcomes is an everyday task in life science that crucially depends on robust and sensitive statistical tools. We here present GOAT, a parameter-free algorithm for gene set enrichment analysis of preranked gene lists. The algorithm can precompute null distributions from standardized gene scores, enabling enrichment testing of the GO database in one second. Validations using synthetic data show that estimated gene set p-values are well calibrated under the null hypothesis and invariant to gene list length and gene set size. Application to various real-world proteomics and gene expression studies demonstrates that GOAT identifies more significant GO terms as compared to current methods. GOAT is freely available as an R package and user-friendly online tool for gene set enrichment analyses that includes interactive data visualizations: https://ftwkoopmans.github.io/goat.
Changes in tornado risk and societal vulnerability leading to greater tornado impact potential
Authors: Strader Stephen M. , Gensini Victor A. , Ashley Walker S. , Wagner Amanda N.
Published: June 2024

Tornado risk, as determined by the occurrence of atmospheric conditions that support tornado incidence, has exhibited robust spatial trends in the United States Southern Plains and Mid-South during recent decades. The consequences of these risk changes have not been fully explored, especially in conjunction with growing societal vulnerability. Herein, we assess how changes in risk and vulnerability over the last 40 years have collectively and individually altered tornado-housing impact potential. Results indicate that escalating vulnerability and exposure have outweighed the effects of spatially changing risk. However, the combination of increasing risk and exposure has led to a threefold increase in Mid-South housing exposure since 1980. Though Southern Plains tornado risk has decreased since 1980, amplifying exposure has led to more than a 50% increase in mean annual tornado-housing impact potential across the region. Stakeholders should use these findings to develop more holistic mitigation and resilience-building strategies that consider a dynamically changing tornado disaster landscape.
Degradation and detection of organophosphorus pesticides based on peptides and MXene–peptide composite materials
Authors: Wang Qiuying , Jiu Ruiqing , Wang Yunyao , Li Zongda , Chen Jianan , Liu Haochi , Liu Jifeng , Cao Jia
Published: June 2024

Schemetic diagram of preparation of MXene–peptide composites.
Qualifying P-glycoprotein in drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells: a dual-mode aptamer probe approach
Authors: Pang Chaobin , Xu Heng , Xu Jichao , Zhang Lei , Wang Jinhua , Jing Su
Published: June 2024

Our dual-mode FI and FP aptamer probe detects P-glycoprotein in drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells, demonstrating high specificity and sensitivity with detection limits of 1.13 nM and 40 cells per mL, promising improved diagnosis strategies.
Energy level regulation of anions via hydrogen bond effects to construct a stable solid electrolyte interface for a high-stability lithium metal anode
Authors: Wang Chuan , Liu Sheng , Wang Xinxiang , Tian Guilei , Fan Fengxia , Liu Pengfei , Wang Shuhan , Zeng Chenrui , Shu Chaozhu
Published: June 2024

Facilitated anion reduction by introducing hydrogen bonds between 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide promotes the generation of an inorganic-rich SEI.
Ligand field theory, Pauli shields and ultra-covalency in organometallic chemistry
Authors: Deeth Robert J.
Published: June 2024

The d-orbital-only, implicit-bonding picture of LFT applies equally well to organometallic and coordination compounds: one concept to rule them all?
Transport properties of indium-alloyed and indium telluride nanostructured bismuth telluride
Authors: Kim Hyun-Sik , Heinz Nicholas A. , Gibbs Zachary M. , Kim Junsu , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: June 2024

Natural endotaxial In2Te3 precipitates are formed within an n-type Bi2Te3 matrix with suppressed lattice thermal conductivity. The impact of simultaneous In alloying in Bi2Te3 is also evaluated via the effective mass model.
Insights into water extraction and aggregation mechanisms of malonamide-alkane mixtures
Authors: Bonnett Brittany L. , Rahman Tasnim , Poe Derrick , Seifert Soenke , Stephenson G. Brian , Servis Michael J.
Published: June 2024

Structure, composition, and speciation in the organic phase of liquid-liquid extraction systems.
Unraveling the interplay of temperature with molecular aggregation and miscibility in TEA–water mixtures
Authors: Singh Ravi , Seo Jiwon , Ryu Jonghyuk , Choi Jun-Ho
Published: June 2024

In the TEA–water mixture, the heat-induced molecular aggregation behavior of TEA and water is considered a key factor in determining the phase behavior in the LCST-type binary liquid system.
Strongly-confined colloidal lead-halide perovskite quantum dots: from synthesis to applications
Authors: Ye Junzhi , Gaur Deepika , Mi Chenjia , Chen Zijian , Fernández Iago López , Zhao Haitao , Dong Yitong , Polavarapu Lakshminarayana , Hoye Robert L. Z.
Published: June 2024

Reducing the dimensionality of lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals from 3D to 0D leads to fascinating properties. This tutorial review discusses the synthesis, optical properties and applications of such strongly-confined quantum dots.
Chemistries and materials for atmospheric water harvesting
Authors: Lei Chuxin , Guan Weixin , Zhao Yaxuan , Yu Guihua
Published: June 2024

This Tutorial Review on atmospheric water harvesting evaluates sorbents’ essential mechanisms and design principles, focusing on chemical and material system-level strategies to enhance water production efficiency and address global water scarcity.