bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Within the Ventromedial Hypothalamus Amplifies Counterregulatory Hormone Responses in Rats With Defective Counterregulation
Authors: McCrimmon Rory J. , Fan Xiaoning , Cheng Haiying , McNay Ewan , Chan Owen , Shaw Margaret , Ding Yuyan , Zhu Wanling , Sherwin Robert S.
Published: May 2006

Defective counterregulatory responses (CRRs) to hypoglycemia are associated with a marked increase in the risk of severe hypoglycemia. The mechanisms leading to the development of defective CRRs remain largely unknown, although they are associated with antecedent hypoglycemia. Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) amplifies the counterregulatory increase in glucose production during acute hypoglycemia. To examine whether activation of AMPK in the VMH restores defective CRR, controlled hypoglycemia (∼2.8 mmol/l) was induced in a group of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats, all of which had undergone a 3-day model of recurrent hypoglycemia before the clamp study. Before the acute study, rats were microinjected to the VMH with either 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AICAR; n = 12), to activate AMPK, or saline (n = 12). In a subset of rats, an infusion of H3-glucose was additionally started to calculate glucose turnover. Stimulation of AMPK within the VMH was found to amplify hormonal CRR and increase endogenous glucose production. In addition, analysis of tissue from both whole hypothalamus and VMH showed that recurrent hypoglycemia induces an increase in the gene expression of AMPK α1 and α2. These findings suggest that the development of novel drugs designed to selectively activate AMPK in the VMH offer a future therapeutic potential for individuals with type 1 diabetes who have defective CRRs to hypoglycemia.
A Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-4α Gene (HNF4A) P2 Promoter Haplotype Linked With Late-Onset Diabetes
Authors: Ræder Helge , Bjørkhaug Lise , Johansson Stefan , Mangseth Kjersti , Sagen Jørn V. , Hunting Anne , Følling Ivar , Johansen Odd , Bjørgaas Marit , Paus Povel N. , Søvik Oddmund , Molven Anders , Njølstad Pål R.
Published: May 2006

Variants in hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4α cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young, type 1 (MODY1) and may also be risk factors for type 2 diabetes. We sequenced the HNF4A gene of 95 MODY3-negative probands from the Norwegian MODY Registry. We found three novel coding variants in exon 8 of HNF4A: G326R, T339I, and W340X. In intron 7, we noted a single nucleotide polymorphism in the binding site of a previously published primer pair, which in some cases caused allelic drop out when amplifying exon 8. We also detected two novel sequence variants of the P2 promoter region, of which P2 −192C>G showed linkage with diabetes in two families (maximal logarithm of odds score of 3.1 and 0.8, respectively). This variant and a surrounding haplotype restricted by 3.7 Mb was also found in two Danish MODY pedigrees. The age of onset was higher in the P2 −192C>G carriers (median 45 years) compared with that reported for other MODY1 individuals. We could not support a biological role of the P2 promoter variant by in vitro transfection assays. In conclusion, we have identified three novel HNF4A mutations and a 3.7-Mb haplotype, including the HNF4A P2 promoter, which was linked with diabetes.
A Novel −192c/g Mutation in the Proximal P2 Promoter of the Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-4α Gene (HNF4A) Associates With Late-Onset Diabetes
Authors: Ek Jakob , Hansen Sara P. , Lajer Maria , Nicot Carine , Boesgaard Trine W. , Pruhova Stepanka , Johansen Anders , Albrechtsen Anders , Yderstræde Knud , Lauenborg Jeannet , Parrizas Marcelina , Boj Sylvia F. , Jørgensen Torben , Borch-Johnsen Knut , Damm Peter , Ferrer Jorge , Lebl Jan , Pedersen Oluf , Hansen Torben
Published: May 2006

Recently, it has been shown that mutations in the P2 promoter of the hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4α gene (HNF4A) cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), while single nucleotide polymorphisms in this locus are associated with type 2 diabetes. In this study, we examined 1,189 bp of the P2 promoter and the associated exon 1D of HNF4A for variations associated with diabetes in 114 patients with type 2 diabetes, 72 MODYX probands, and 85 women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus. A −192c/g mutation was found in five patients. We screened 1,587 diabetic subjects and 4,812 glucose-tolerant subjects for the −192c/g mutation and identified 5 diabetic and 1 glucose-tolerant mutation carriers (P = 0.004). Examination of the families showed that carriers of the −192c/g mutation had a significantly impaired glucose-stimulated insulin release and lower levels of serum total cholesterol compared with matched control subjects. Furthermore, the mutation disrupted the binding of an unidentified sequence-specific DNA binding complex present in human islet extracts. Also, two novel linked polymorphisms in the P2 promoter at positions −1107g/t and −858c/t were identified. These variants were not significantly associated with type 2 diabetes or any pre-diabetic traits. In conclusion, a rare, novel mutation that disrupts a protein binding site in the pancreatic HNF4A promoter associates with late-onset diabetes.
The Experimental Type 2 Diabetes Therapy Glycogen Phosphorylase Inhibition Can Impair Aerobic Muscle Function During Prolonged Contraction
Authors: Baker David J. , Greenhaff Paul L. , MacInnes Alan , Timmons James A.
Published: May 2006

Glycogen phosphorylase inhibition represents a promising strategy to suppress inappropriate hepatic glucose output, while muscle glycogen is a major source of fuel during contraction. Glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors (GPi) currently being investigated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes do not demonstrate hepatic versus muscle glycogen phosphorylase isoform selectivity and may therefore impair patient aerobic exercise capabilities. Skeletal muscle energy metabolism and function are not impaired by GPi during high-intensity contraction in rat skeletal muscle; however, it is unknown whether glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors would impair function during prolonged lower-intensity contraction. Utilizing a novel red cell–perfused rodent gastrocnemius-plantaris-soleus system, muscle was pretreated for 60 min with either 3 μmol/l free drug GPi (n = 8) or vehicle control (n = 7). During 60 min of aerobic contraction, GPi treatment resulted in ∼35% greater fatigue. Muscle glycogen phosphorylase a form (P < 0.01) and maximal activity (P < 0.01) were reduced in the GPi group, and postcontraction glycogen (121.8 ± 16.1 vs. 168.3 ± 8.5 mmol/kg dry muscle, P < 0.05) was greater. Furthermore, lower muscle lactate efflux and glucose uptake (P < 0.01), yet higher muscle Vo2, support the conclusion that carbohydrate utilization was impaired during contraction. Our data provide new confirmation that muscle glycogen plays an essential role during submaximal contraction. Given the critical role of exercise prescription in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it will be important to monitor endurance capacity during the clinical evaluation of nonselective GPi. Alternatively, greater effort should be devoted toward the discovery of hepatic-selective GPi, hepatic-specific drug delivery strategies, and/or alternative strategies for controlling excess hepatic glucose production in type 2 diabetes.
Comparative analysis of the mechanisms of attack and defense among higher brain animals
Authors: Nathaniel Thomas , Femi Olajuyigbe , Nathaniel Adebobola
Published: May 2006

Many studies have investigated different mechanisms of attack and defense in different species of higher brain animals including cats, rats, rodents, mice, and even in some bird species. However, detailed comparative analysis has not been carried out to understand the major similarities in the mechanisms of attack and defense across the different species of vertebrates. Although there are differences, there are also significant similarities as well, which warrant comparative assessment. By considering ethological ideas associated with the motivational defense system, we investigated the motor patterns of attack and defense in cats and rats, using the “resident-intruder” experimental paradigm. Our results reveal specific similarities and differences in the motor patterns of attack and defense in rats and cats. We discuss comparatively the mechanisms of attack and defense across different species of vertebrates, focusing on motor patterns, neuromodulating factors, brains neural substrates, and circuitry.
Unwinding of Continuous Medicaid Coverage Among Pediatric Community Health Center Patients
Authors: Bensken Wyatt P. , Dankovchik Jenine , Fein Hannah L. , Duhon Gabrielle , Sills Marion R.
Published: February 2025

Importance

During the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency, states provided continuous Medicaid coverage to enrollees. In April 2023, states began to unwind this continuous coverage, prompting concern about the impact of this on pediatric patients.

Objective

To examine loss of coverage during the unwinding of continuous Medicaid coverage among pediatric patients seen at community-based health care organizations.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study with statistical analysis in November 2024 included pediatric patients from a multistate network of community-based health care organizations. Participants were aged up to 17 years at both their last Medicaid-insured visit during the continuous coverage period and at their first visit during the unwinding period (April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024).

Exposures

Age, sex, race and ethnicity, language, and medical complexity.

Main Outcome and Measures

The main outcome was Medicaid disenrollment to uninsured status during the unwinding period. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of ever being uninsured during unwinding, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the time to uninsured status from the start of unwinding in each patient’s state of residence through the end of March 2024. Associations between age, sex, race and ethnicity, language, and medical complexity and the outcome were assessed.

Results

Among 450 146 pediatric patients, mean (SD) patient age was 8.11 (5.07) years and 50.1% were male. Overall, 8.7% were disenrolled from Medicaid to uninsured status. Patients aged 12 to 17 years had the highest estimated disenrollment among age groups (10.5%), but after adjustment, all other age groups had lower odds of disenrollment compared with those younger than 1 year. Females had higher odds of disenrollment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.15 [95% CI, 1.13-1.18]; adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.14 [95% CI, 1.12-1.17]) than males. American Indian or Alaska Native patients had higher odds of disenrollment (AOR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.81-2.09]; AHR, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.05-3.13]) than White patients, with estimated disenrollment of 17.1% vs 9.4%. Compared with patients with low medical complexity, those with either chronic but noncomplex (AOR, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.79-1.88]; AHR, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.44-2.27]) or complex chronic (AOR, 1.95 95% CI, 1.89-2.00]; AHR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.67-2.21]) medical complexity had higher odds of disenrollment.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of previously Medicaid-insured pediatric patients seen at community-based health care organizations, a meaningful proportion of patients were disenrolled to uninsured status during the unwinding of continuous Medicaid coverage, with associated differences by demographic and clinical characteristics. This could impact access to care and health outcomes for the patients.
Circulating Tumor DNA as Measurable Residual Disease in Aggressive B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Roschewski Mark , Longo Dan L. , Armitage James O.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Achieving remission is the first step toward a cure in treating aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Radiographic imaging, such as fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans are the current standard to define remission at the end of therapy but lack specificity for lymphoma and cannot detect disease at the molecular level. Identifying measurable residual disease with ultrasensitive detection of circulating tumor DNA potentially offers the possibility of improving clinical outcomes.

Observations

Early studies of circulating tumor DNA in aggressive B-cell lymphomas showed a strong association with overall tumor burden, and baseline quantitative levels are associated with clinical outcomes after frontline chemotherapy. Next-generation sequencing methods that detect lymphoma-relevant genetic aberrations in circulating tumor DNA can also be used for noninvasive genotyping that strongly mirror tissue biopsies. Rapid changes in circulating tumor DNA dynamics after 1 or 2 cycles of frontline chemotherapy or within weeks of treatment with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell salvage therapy are also highly prognostic. Although serial monitoring of circulating tumor DNA can detect molecular relapse 3 to 6 months before clinical relapse, improved analytical thresholds are required to detect measurable residual disease at a singular point at the end of therapy. Modern advances in circulating tumor DNA methods now allow for the reliable detection of measurable residual disease, with an analytical detection threshold of 1 in 1 million cell-free DNA molecules.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this review suggest that modern ultrasensitive methods of detecting circulating tumor DNA may improve the current definition of remission in aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Incorporating circulating tumor DNA at the end of therapy assessment identifies patients who do not require surveillance monitoring and introduces paradigms of treating measurable residual disease within clinical trials. Practical barriers, including standardization of collection, availability, turnaround times, and cost, remain hurdles preventing widespread implementation into clinical practice.
Primary Conjunctival Rhabdomyosarcoma Presenting as an Enlarging Papillomatous Lesion in a 3-Year-Old
Authors: Saleem Zara , Proia Alan D. , Wagner Lars M. , Killeen Olivia J. , Freedman Sharon F.
Published: February 2025

This case report describes a rapidly growing conjunctival lesion in a 3-year-old patient, which was incompletely resected and diagnosed as rhabdomyosarcoma.
Poly(1,4‐anthraquinone) as an Organic Electrode Material: Interplay of the Electronic and Structural Properties due to the Unusual Lone‐Pair‐π Conjugation
Authors: Zhang Xiaotong , de Silva Piotr
Published: February 2025

Organic semiconductors with lone‐pair‐π conjugation offer a promising yet enigmatic route to advanced electrode materials for rechargeable batteries. This study employs molecular dynamics and electronic structure simulations to explore the relationship between structural and electronic properties of poly(1,4‐anthraquinone) (P14AQ), which exhibits this unusual conjugation mechanism. The results indicate that P14AQ is resistant to structural disorder, always maintaining an appreciable conjugation within its polymer chain. It also shows restrained volume changes when lithium, magnesium, and hydrogen cations are intercalated during battery cycling. These results rationalize the reported good performance of P14AQ as an organic cathode material. The analysis offers fundamental insights into the role of lone‐pair‐π conjugation in organic semiconductors and paves the way for developing new materials based on this unorthodox design paradigm.
Revealing the Thermal Stability of the Li/Sulfide Solid Electrolyte Interface at Atomic Scale via Cryogenic Electron Microscopy
Authors: Yan Jitong , Yao Jingming , Zhao Jun , Yu Zhixuan , Ye Zhangran , Zhang Longchen , Wang Zaifa , Zhang Xuedong , Rong Zhaoyu , Kong Dejie , Sun Jun , Li Wen , Wang Jing , Gao Dawei , Huang Jianyu , Tang Yongfu
Published: February 2025

Understanding the interfacial reaction mechanism between sulfide solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) and metallic lithium (Li) under thermal runaway is of great significance in improving the safety of all‐solid‐state Li metal batteries (ASLMBs). Herein, multiscale methods including in situ optical microscopy‐thermal infrared imaging combination technique, cryogenic electron microscopy, thermodynamic simulation, and ab initio molecular dynamics methods are utilized to investigate the thermal chemical stability of sulfide SSEs Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS) and Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) against metallic Li under high temperatures. The results indicate that drastic thermal runaway happened between LGPS and metallic Li at 300 °C due to the continuous Li‐Germanium alloying reaction. In contrast, LPSCl maintains stability against metallic Li up to 400 °C, which is attributed to the formation of Li2S‐LiP‐Li3P‐LiCl stable interphases in the interfacial reaction between LPSCl and metallic Li. The electrical insulation interphase prevents the further reaction between LPSCl and metallic Li via kinetically decreasing the chemical potential of metallic Li to be within the electrochemical window of LPSCl. This work demonstrates the critical role of stable electrically insulated interphases between metallic Li anode and SSEs in improving the safety of ASLMBs.
Engineering Ce Promoter to Regulate H* Species to Boost Tandem Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction for Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Dong Ji‐Hong , Song Xue‐Zhi , Chen Yu‐Xiang , Gai Zhen‐Xu , Yuan Zhen , Liu De‐Kun , Tan Zhenquan , Liu Anmin , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Song Shu‐Yan
Published: February 2025

The renewable‐energy‐powered electroreduction of nitrate (NO3RR) to ammonia emerges as a generalist for contamination remediation, green ammonia synthesis, and even advanced energy conversion, garnering significant interest. However, it comes across limited ammonia yield and selectivity due to the imbalance active hydrogen (H*) supply within cutting‐edge single‐center Cu‐based materials. Herein, secondary Ce entity is engineered into Cu/MoO2@C substrate by thermal treatment of Ce‐doping NENU‐5 precursors to provide H* effectively. A high NH3 yield rate (20.3 ± 0.7 mg h−1 mgcat.−1) and NO3−−to−NH3 Faradaic efficiency (92 ± 3%) at −0.4 V (vs RHE) can be reached in 5%Ce‐Cu/MoO2@C, ranking among the recently reported state‐of‐the‐art catalysts. The core of this boosting performance lies in dual‐site tandem catalysis, in which Cu site adsorbs and activates NO3−, and Ce site dissociates water to generate H*, respectively. And the hydrogen spillover from Ce site to vicinal *NOx intermediates on Cu promotes the hydrogenation and ammonia generation with high selectivity. Theoretical calculations further indicate that Ce engineering optimizes the electronic properties, promotes the activation of adsorbed NO3−, and decreases the energy barrier in the rate‐determining step within dual‐site catalysis. These findings consolidate the positive role of rare earth center and highlight its corresponding dual‐site catalysis in sustainable ammonia synthesis.
Multifunctional Zwitterionic N‐Oxide Polymers to Overcome Cascade Physiological Barriers for Efficient Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Zheng Moujiang , Cao Yufei , Zhou Qinghao , Si Jiale , Huang Guopu , Ji Yuanyuan , Wu Youshen , Ge Zhishen
Published: February 2025

For efficient anticancer drug delivery, cascade physiological barriers must be overcome, which requires the drug delivery vehicles to possess different or even opposite properties at different stages. Poly(tertiary amine‐oxide) (PTAO) polymers with the zwitterionic feature have distinct antifouling properties in blood circulation, which can be reduced and protonated in hypoxic tumors to promote cellular internalization. Nevertheless, the effects of various PTAO structures have not been studied systemically and optimized. In this report, the side groups of PTAO are proposed to be optimized by modulating the structures. Poly(2‐(N‐oxide‐hexamethyleneimino)ethyl methacrylate) (POC7A) with a cyclic seven‐membered ring is screened as the optimized PTAO structure for in vivo applications. Moreover, the block copolymer POC7A‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) (POC7A‐PCL) is prepared for the formation of micelles in aqueous solution for delivery of doxorubicin (DOX). The zwitterionic nature of POC7A shells with efficient bioreductive activity and protonation in the tumor microenvironment endows the micelles with excellent antifouling properties for long blood circulation, efficient tumor accumulation, deep penetration, and effective cellular internalization. Thus, the DOX‐loaded micelles exhibit potent antitumor efficacy after intravenous administration. Zwitterionic POC7A can be used as antifouling shells of the anticancer drug delivery nanocarriers to overcome the cascade physiological barriers efficiently.
Data Readout Techniques for DNA‐Based Information Storage
Authors: Liu Bingyi , Wang Fei , Fan Chunhai , Li Qian
Published: February 2025

DNA is a natural chemical substrate that carries genetic information, which also serves as a powerful toolkit for storing digital data. Compared to traditional storage media, DNA molecules offer higher storage density, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance energy consumption. In DNA storage process, data readout is a critical step that bridges the gap between DNA molecular/structures with stored digital information. With the continued development of strategies in DNA data storage technology, the readout techniques have evolved. However, there is a lack of systematic introduction and discussion on the readout techniques for reported DNA data storage systems, especially the correlation between the design of the data storage system and the corresponding selection of readout techniques. This review first introduces two main categories of DNA data storage units (i.e., sequence and structure) and their corresponding readout techniques (i.e., sequencing and nonsequencing methods), and then reviewed representative examples of notable advancements in DNA data storage technology, focusing on data storage unit design, and readout technique selection. It also introduces emerging approaches to assist data readout techniques, such as implementation of microfluidic and fluorescent probes. Finally, the paper discusses the limitations, challenges, and potential of DNA data readout approaches.
Chlorine‐Mediated Dispersion Modulates Packing Arrangement of Asymmetric Acceptors for High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Lai Hanjian , Lang Yongwen , Luo Yongmin , Deng Zihao , Wang Yunpeng , Qiu Dongsheng , Sun Ruoxi , Zhang Guangye , Wu Jiaying , Li Gang , He Feng
Published: February 2025

This study focuses on the synthesis and the performance of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) with varying chlorine dispersion in organic solar cells (OSCs). Four chlorine‐mediated acceptors, BO3Cl‐a, BO3Cl‐γ, BO3Cl‐β, and BOEH3Cl‐β are synthesized with isomeric terminal groups and then integrated with donor PBDB‐TF to fabricate OSCs. It finds that increased chlorine dispersion improves device efficiency with enhanced current and BOEH3Cl‐β‐based devices achieving a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of over 19%, which is one of the highest values reported for asymmetrically chlorinated acceptors. In OSC devices, Enhanced exciton dissociation and reduced carrier recombination are observed with more chlorine dispersion, along with improved charge transport due to modulation of molecular packing in the active layer. Furthermore, transient absorption spectroscopy elucidates that chlorine dispersion augments exciton diffusion time, thereby elevating the current density of devices, while the branching strategy further amplify the exciton lifetime of BOEH3Cl‐β, preserving the value of short current in the face of spectral blue shifts of it. The findings suggest that chlorine‐mediated dispersion is a key factor in enhancing OSC performance with improved current by progressive molecular packing arrangement and aggregation behaviors.
Perioperative outcomes of esophagectomy after doublet versus docetaxel‐based triplet neoadjuvant chemotherapy in older patients: A nationwide inpatient database study in Japan
Authors: Hirano Yuki , Konishi Takaaki , Kaneko Hidehiro , Matsuda Satoru , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Kimura Yuya , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Daiko Hiroyuki , Itano Osamu , Yasunaga Hideo , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: February 2025

Background

Although docetaxel‐based triplet neoadjuvant chemotherapy has yielded promising results for locally advanced esophageal cancer, there are concerns that the triplet regimen can increase perioperative adverse events in older patients. This retrospective study assessed the perioperative outcomes following doublet or docetaxel‐based triplet chemotherapy and esophagectomy in older patients.

Methods

The data of patients aged 70–79 years who received cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil (CF) or docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5‐fluorouracil (DCF) before esophagectomy were extracted from a nationwide Japanese inpatient database (April 2012–March 2022). The primary outcomes were major and respiratory complications. The secondary outcomes included anastomotic leakage, 30‐day unplanned readmission, and 30‐ and 90‐day mortality. Analyses were conducted using overlap propensity score weighting, propensity score matching, and instrumental variable methods to adjust for potential confounders.

Results

Of 5229 eligible patients, 3457 (66%) and 1772 (34%) patients received neoadjuvant CF and DCF, respectively. Major and respiratory complications occurred in 5229 (40%) and 1388 (27%) patients, respectively. After overlap weighting, DCF was not associated with a higher frequency of major (odds ratio 0.99 [95% confidence interval 0.87–1.12]) and respiratory complications (odds ratio 1.04 [0.90–1.19]) compared with CF. The frequencies of anastomotic leakage, 30‐day unplanned readmission, and 30‐ and 90‐day mortality did not differ between the groups. Propensity score matching and instrumental variable analyses yielded similar results.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant DCF was not associated with a higher frequency of perioperative adverse events compared with CF after esophagectomy in patients aged 70–79 years.
Low‐to‐Moderate Daytime Physical Activities Predicted Higher‐Quality Sleep Among Habitually Active Agropastoralists
Authors: Li Ming Fei , Lecheko Puseletso , Phuthing Tumelo , Lesholu Tsepo , Samson David R.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The positive effects of physical activity (PA) on sleep are widely promoted by public health organizations and supported by abundant empirical evidence. Nonetheless, there remains a dearth of studies investigating the association between daytime PA and nighttime sleep among non‐urban and nonindustrial populations that habitually engage in PA as part of their subsistence strategy.

Methods

Here, we examined the bidirectional relationship between PA and sleep. We also looked at age, gender, and occupation‐level differences in moderate‐to‐vigorous‐intensity PA (MVPA), low‐intensity PA (LPA), and sedentary activity durations among Basotho and Xhoxa agropastoralists residing in rural villages in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. We analyzed activity and sleep data collected from 113 individuals using MotionWatch actigraphy wristwatches across three field seasons (7111 individual days).

Results

Percentage daily total MVPA decreased with age, though older participants maintained low activity levels and did not suffer from poorer sleep compared to younger participants. Herders spent more percentage of their day in higher‐intensity activity than non‐herders. Overall, women had greater daily percentage MVPA and lower percentage sedentary activity than men. Durations of total MVPA and LPA decreased total sleep time (TST) and improved sleep quality (increased sleep efficiency (SE), decreased fragmentation, and decreased percentage wake after sleep onset). Daytime PA measures were not affected by sleep duration or quality from the previous night.

Conclusions

Among this group of habitually active agropastoralists, low‐to‐moderate‐intensity PA durations consistently predicted higher sleep quality. Our findings showed that sleep quality was more strongly affected by PA than sleep duration.
Variation in Pubic Symphysis Fusion Across Primates: Implications for Obstetric Adaptation
Authors: Torres‐Tamayo Nicole , Buck Laura T. , Hirasaki Eishi , Rae Todd C. , Betti Lia
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The unfused human pubic symphysis has been interpreted as an obstetric adaptation to facilitate the passage of a large‐brained baby through a relatively small, bipedally adapted pelvis. The degree of fusion of the adult pubic symphysis was evaluated across primate species to gauge whether an open symphysis can be interpreted as an obstetric adaptation in humans and other primates.

Materials and Methods

Symphyseal fusion was assessed in 718 individuals from 67 nonhuman primate species. Variation in fusion in specimens of known ages and sex from four species (Galago moholi, Macaca mulatta, Microcebus murinus, and Pan troglodytes) was further examined, with detailed analyses of pubic changes by age and sex carried out through logistic regressions in macaques.

Results

Pubic fusion occurs in most primate species. It is observed earlier in life in males than in females in Ma. mulatta and Pa. troglodytes, only in males in Mi. murinus, and does not occur in Ga. moholi.

Discussion

While delayed or absent pubic fusion is more prevalent in female primates, suggesting obstetric adaptation, there is no clear relation with childbirth constraints, as fusion is also observed in species experiencing a tight cephalopelvic fit. Other mechanisms might have evolved to facilitate birth in some species, or nonobstetric selective pressures might be counteracting the obstetric advantages of a flexible symphysis. The preservation of an open symphysis throughout life in humans and some other primates, however, can be best interpreted as convergent evolution due to obstetric selection.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Ferrocenyl Aminoalcohols: Simultaneous Induction of Multiple Types of Chirality by a Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Ring‐Opening Strategy
Authors: Isoda Takamu , Jimba Komei , Kawashima Kyohei , Nishinoiri Takahiro , Mori Seiji , Tsurusaki Akihiro , Kamikawa Ken
Published: February 2025

Chiral ferrocenyl aminoalcohols were enantioselectively synthesized via the rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric aminative ring‐opening of 1,4‐epoxy‐1,4‐dihydronaphthalenylferrocenes. A planar chiral phosphine‐olefin ligand consisting of a cyclopentadienyl (Cp) manganese scaffold provided excellent catalytic performance, furnishing the ring‐opening products in high yield and enantioselctivity (up to 99 : 1 enantiomeric ratio (e.r.)). The enantioselectivity could be further improved by changing the steric congestion in the cyclopentadienyl unit of the ferrocenyl fragment of the starting 1,4‐epoxy‐1,4‐dihydronaphthalenylferrocene. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed the high enantioselective induction in the ring‐opening reaction, estimating an e.r. of 99 : 1, which is in excellent agreement with the experimental results. The application of the thus obtained chiral ferrocenyl aminoalcohols as ligands in asymmetric reactions was also investigated.
Spatially Separated Redox Centers in Anthraquinone‐grafted Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Efficient Piezo‐photocatalytic H2O2 Production
Authors: Chen Cheng , Gu Kaiye , Wang Peifang , Liu Zhao‐Qing , Ao Yanhui
Published: February 2025

Piezo‐photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from water and air is promising but its large‐scale application is still challenging as insufficient reaction active sites and low reaction efficiency. We have applied molecular engineering methods to design an anthraquinone molecularly (AQ) grafted metal–organic framework piezo‐photocatalyst (UiO‐66‐AQ) for H2O2 generation from water and air. The catalyst achieves a peak H2O2 yield of 7872.4 μM g−1 h−1 by facilitating two critical reactions: single‐electron water oxidation (WOR) and two‐electron oxygen reduction (ORR) on spatially separated redox sites. Experiments and computational simulations reveal efficient charge separation through a ligand‐to‐chain transfer mechanism. Electrons and holes are selectively transferred to AQ and UiO‐66 promoting ORR and WOR under ultrasound and visible light. The high reaction rate of ORR (rapid generation of endoperoxide) compensates for the slow kinetics of WOR (generation of OH*) and greatly increases the rate of full‐reaction of H2O2 production. Additionally, a continuous flow tubular reactor equipped with UiO‐66‐AQ catalytic membranes affords 96 % removal of organic dyes by a in situFenton process under visible light and water flow, confirming the significant potential of the catalyst for practical applications. This work deepens the understanding of directional carrier migration at piezo‐photocatalytic spatial separation sites, opening new pathways for environmentally friendly and efficient H2O2 synthesis.
Formic Acid Dehydrogenation Catalysis Using Novel Pyridyl‐Formamidine Half‐Sandwich Ruthenium(II) Complexes
Authors: Edor Juliana Mana , Joseph M. Cassiem , Jordaan Johan H. L. , Vosloo Hermanus C. M. , Swarts Andrew J.
Published: February 2025

The reaction of N,N′‐bidentate chelating ligands with [Ru(p‐cymene)Cl2]2 in methanol resulted in six‐membered Ru complexes with tshe general formula [RuCl(p‐cymene)L]Cl exhibiting a pseudo‐octahedral piano‐stool geometry. The combination of NMR, MS, FTIR and SCXRD techniques confirmed the successful synthesis of the reported compounds. The prepared complexes were all active in formic acid dehydrogenation (FADH) catalysis, producing an equimolar mixture of H2 and CO2 gases with no detectable amount of CO. Establishing thermodynamic and kinetic parameters provided evidence for the role of pre‐catalyst and FA during catalysis. Reactivity studies between C6 and HCOOK revealed complex equilibria and allowed for the detection of the key monohydride species involved in catalysis. Remarkably, C6 proved to be robust at 100°C, resulting in approximately 98% substrate conversion with a total TON of about 7892 and TOF close to 300 h−1 after 35 h.
High Catalytic Performance of Bimetallic Sites Catalyst MOF@MT‐COF‐Cu for Benzimidazole and Benzothiazole Derivatives
Authors: Geng Yiding , Tang Huailin , Zhang Yixiu , Li Xiaolin , Wang Shuo , Liu Yue , Gong Yixia
Published: February 2025

An efficient catalytic system was developed to rapidly synthesize benzimidazole and benzothiazole derivatives under green and mild conditions using MOF@MT‐COF‐Cu, which contains Zr‐Cu bimetallic catalytic sites as heterogeneous catalysts. The catalysts were characterized by powder X‐ray diffractometer (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption–desorption, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). The prepared hybrid material has been demonstrated to be an excellent catalyst because it has Zr and Cu bimetallic catalytic sites and combines the high specific surface area and robust stability of MOF and COF. In addition, the catalyst exhibits several advantages, including high catalytic activity, easy recovery, good repeatability, and excellent stability.
In Situ Fabrication of AgI/MIL‐101(Cr) Nanocomposite Catalyst With Enhancing Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dye Molecules From Wastewater
Authors: Zhang Qiuyun , He Maozhen , Wang Jialu , He Shijian , Deng Mei , Lei Yanhui , Zhang Xiaojuan , Cheng Jingsong , Liu Zhengjun , Zhang Yutao
Published: February 2025

The construction and optimization of an effective photocatalyst for photodegradation of persistent recalcitrant organic remains challenging. In this work, MIL‐101(Cr)‐based nanocomposites (AgI@MCr) are proposed to be fabricated by a simple, green solvent, and room temperature in situ preparation strategy, achieving a highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dye rhodamine B (RhB) molecule under visible light irradiation. Extensive characterization (XRD, FTIR, N2 adsorption–desorption, SEM and EDS, TG, XPS, UV–vis DRS, PL, transient photocurrent, and EIS) confirmed the composite material's structure, morphology, elemental composition, and optical characteristics. Among all the prepared nanocomposites, AgI@MCr‐2 demonstrates outstanding photocatalytic performance for RhB with a removal efficiency of 95.4% within 70 min, and a reaction kinetics of 0.0392 min−1, superior to pristine AgI or MIL‐101(Cr), and also shows excellent durability, retaining over 80% RhB degradation efficiency after four cycles. Remarkably, the significant enhancement is attributed to the built interfacial contact and synergistic effect between substances in the nanocomposite, high specific surface area, strong visible light–harvesting capacity, low bandgaps, and high electron–hole pair separation. In addition, a possible degradation route for the AgI@MCr nanocomposite is further proposed using various analysis techniques. This study provides valuable references for developing effective multicomponent MOF‐based photocatalytic composite materials for dyeing wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.
Enhancement of Phosphoric Acid‐Functionalized Graphene Oxide on SPEEK Membrane Performance
Authors: Li Juan , Liu Jiang , Wang Shuai , Xu Yao
Published: February 2025

Sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (SPEEK) membrane has a great potential in the application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells owing to low cost. However, it suffers from limited proton conductivity. In this paper, quantum chemistry calculation and molecular dynamics simulation are employed to reveal the enhancing mechanism of phosphoric acid‐functionalized graphene oxide (GO) on proton conduction in the SPEEK membrane. The results reveal that the strong interaction between sulfonic acid group and phosphoric acid group leads to the dissociation of proton and the proton transfer pathway with a low energy barrier is formed. Meanwhile, it is found that the phosphoric acid‐functionalized GO can interact well with water molecule and membrane matrix so as to promote the transport of water molecules in the membrane.
Recent Progress in Chemical Vapor Deposition of 2D Magnetic Materials
Authors: Yuan Shuyang , Zhou Yanchang , Yin Lei , Wang Xintian , Jiang Sheng , Song Ziyi , Wen Yao , Cheng Ruiqing , He Jun
Published: February 2025

Magnetic 2D materials have gotten significant attention due to their unique low‐dimensional magnetism and potential applications in advanced spintronics, providing an perfect platform for investigating magnetic properties at the 2D limit. The chemical vapor deposition (CVD), known for its simplicity and strong controllability, has become a key technique for fabricating ultrathin magnetic nanosheets. This article systematically reviews recent advancements in CVD‐grown magnetic 2D materials, focusing on the effects of growth parameters on material morphologies and properties, and analyzing the construction of heterostructures and their role in magnetic regulation. In addition, various magnetic characterization methods are introduced, and potential applications of these materials in spintronic devices are discussed. By summarizing current challenges, the article provides insights into future research directions, emphasizing the need to improve material stability, Curie temperature, and scalable synthesis to enable practical applications of 2D magnetic materials.
The history of anatomical engagement
Authors: Wessels Quenton , Taylor Adam M.
Published: February 2025

The public's fascination with anatomy has evolved over time and progressed from avoidance of the tainted yet saintly corpse, to their fascination with cabinets of curiosities. The current narrative review explores public engagement (PE), from its potential origins as cave paintings, to the rise of the disciplinarity of anatomy. Historical insights show how the public engaged in anatomy and with anatomy evolved alongside educational trends and advances ethics. Teaching modalities have shifted as resources have fallen out of favor, become unappealing, illegal or logistically challenging to deliver. Historical changes have resulted in newer approaches coming into the limelight, often moving from the anatomy classroom into the public eye. The public's curiosity with anatomy was satisfied through the organized violence of vivisections and dissections, cabinets of curiosity and permanent museums. Today, the driver of PE is research, education and motivation for learning in the hope of improving people's understanding of their bodies. PE has shifted from spectacles to active participation and collaboration. Looking forward, the authors also propose an adaptive interdisciplinary model for PE in anatomy.
Effect of Carbon Nanomaterials Incorporated Polymeric Membrane Separators for Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Hossain Md. Emdad , Johan Bashir Ahmed , Shah Syed Shaheen , Abdallah Muaz , Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Baroud Turki Nabieh , Aziz Md. Abdul
Published: February 2025

The rapid expansion of the global population and technological advancements have heightened the need for efficient energy conversion and electrochemical energy storage. Electrochemical energy systems like batteries and supercapacitors have seen notable development to meet this demand. However, conventional polymeric membrane separators in these systems face challenges due to limited porosity and poor mechanical and thermal properties, reducing overall electrochemical performance. Researchers have incorporated nanoparticles into the polymer matrix to address these limitations and enhance separator properties. Carbon‐based nanomaterials, in particular, have gained prominence due to their unique features, such as surface‐dependent characteristics, size, porosity, morphology, and electrical conductivity. These properties make carbon‐based nanomaterials advantageous in improving energy storage compared to conventional materials. Advanced carbon‐doped polymeric membrane separators have emerged as a potential solution to the issues faced by conventional separators. Adding carbon nanoparticles, such as graphene‐based materials and carbon nanotubes to the polymeric separators of batteries and supercapacitors has helped researchers solve problems and improve the electrochemical performance. This review article provides a state‐of‐the‐art overview of carbon‐doped polymeric membrane separators, their properties, fabrication processes, and performance in lithium batteries, as well as supercapacitors. It emphasizes advantages of these novel separator materials and suggests future research directions in this field.
Untersuchungen zur Rauigkeit und Tragfähigkeit von Verbundfugen zwischen normalfestem Beton und UHFB
Authors: Wilkening Marvin , Voß Sören , Schmidt Boso , Oettel Vincent
Published: February 2025

Vor 1980 in Deutschland errichtete Stahlbeton‐ und Spannbetonbrücken weisen häufig geringe Bügelbewehrungsgrade und rechnerische Querkraftdefizite auf. Eine Querschnittsergänzung der Brückenfahrbahnplatte mit faserbewehrtem ultrahochfestem Beton (UHFB) ist eine einfache, schnelle und wirtschaftliche Verstärkungsmöglichkeit, insbesondere wenn sie ohne eine fugenkreuzende Verbundbewehrung ausgeführt wird. Voraussetzung für ein quasimonolithisches Bauteilverhalten ist ein weitgehend schubsteifer Verbund zwischen dem normalfesten Beton (NB) der Brückenfahrbahnplatte und dem UHFB‐Aufbeton, was eine ausreichende Rauigkeit der UHFB‐NB‐Verbundfuge erfordert. Hierzu wurde ein Verfahren zur berührungslosen lokalen und großflächigen Bestimmung von Rauigkeitsparametern auf Basis von hochaufgelösten Messdaten eines 3D‐Streifenlichtscanners entwickelt, die Rauigkeit der Fugenoberflächen von kleinformatigen UHFB‐NB‐Schubversuchskörpern sowie von einem NB‐Balken mit UHFB‐Aufbetonergänzung ermittelt und die Wirksamkeit der Verstärkungsmaßnahme bei ausreichender Fugenrauigkeit durch kleinmaßstäbliche UHFB‐NB‐Schubversuche sowie Biege‐ und Querkraftversuche an einem NB‐Balken mit und ohne UHFB‐Aufbetonergänzung nachgewiesen. Bei den Balkenversuchen konnte durch die UHFB‐Verstärkung ein Wechsel des maßgebenden Versagensfalls von Querkraft zu Biegung bewirkt werden, was diese Verstärkungsmaßnahme für die Kompensation von Querkraftdefiziten prädestiniert.
Gespritzter UHFB zur Biegeverstärkung von Stahlbeton mit dünnen Schichten
Authors: Strotmann Andre , Jungwirth Jörg
Published: February 2025

Der Bedarf an effizienten Verstärkungskonzepten für alternde Infrastrukturen nimmt in Deutschland zu, da die Verkehrslasten und deren Häufigkeit in den letzten Jahrzenten erheblich gestiegen sind. Des Weiteren verursacht der Chloridangriff im Laufe der Lebenszeit des Bauwerks Schäden, welche einen erhöhten Instandsetzungsbedarf nach sich ziehen. Ultra‐Hochleistungs‐Faserbeton (UHFB) bietet durch seine optimierten mechanischen Eigenschaften eine vielversprechende Lösung. Zusätzlich verbessert das Material die Dauerhaftigkeit des verstärkten Stahlbetons durch seine spezifischen Eigenschaften. An der Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften München konnte gezeigt werden, dass UHFB auch als Spritzbeton (UHFSB) unter Einsatz konventioneller Gerätetechnik verwendet werden kann, wobei er die typischen Materialeigenschaften von UHFB behält. Untersuchungen an UHFSB‐Stahlbeton‐Verbundbalken ergaben, dass die UHFSB‐Verstärkungsschicht die im vorgeschädigten Stahlbeton vorhandenen Makrorisse effektiv überbrücken und die Tragfähigkeit im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit (GZT) erhöhen kann. Weitere Betrachtungen an UHFSB‐Stahlbeton‐Verbundbauteilen zeigen das Rissbildungs‐ und das Tragverhalten auf. In einem Pilotprojekt konnte die Anwendbarkeit des Konzepts unter realen Bedingungen gezeigt werden. Hierbei wurden Unterzüge an der Unterseite im Bereich der Biegezugeinwirkung verstärkt bzw. instand gesetzt.
Genetically Supported Causality Between Micronutrients and Sleep Behaviors: A Two‐Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhang Ruijie , Luo Liyan , Zhang Lu , Lin Xinao , Wu Chuyan , Jiang Feng , Wang Jimei
Published: February 2025

Background

Sleep behaviors, defined by the total duration of sleep and chronotype, significantly influence overall health. Compromised sleep quality, which is often manifested through reduced sleep duration and the prevalence of insomnia, has been found to be associated with micronutrient deficiencies. Nonetheless, the existence of a causal relationship between micronutrient levels and sleep behaviors remains to be established.

Methods

A two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, utilizing data from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), was employed to examine the associations between 15 micronutrients (copper; calcium; carotene; folate; iron; magnesium; potassium; selenium; vitamins A, B12, B6, C, D, and E; and zinc) and various sleep behaviors, including short and long sleep durations, insomnia, and chronotype. Furthermore, multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was performed to address potential confounding due to the interrelationships among micronutrients and to discern potential causal relationships.

Results

The MR analysis identified a causal association between folate levels and chronotype (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.17; p = 0.02), indicating a tendency toward morningness. Conversely, vitamin B6 (OR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.86–0.96; p = 1.05 × 10−3) and vitamin D (OR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.88–1.00; p = 0.03) showed inverse associations with chronotype, indicative of a preference for eveningness. MVMR analysis confirmed the positive association between folate (OR = 1.286, 95% CI = 1.124–1.472, p < 0.001) and chronotype and a negative association with vitamin B6 (OR = 0.750, 95% CI = 0.648–0.868, p < 0.001). No causal relationships were established between micronutrient levels and either sleep duration or insomnia.

Conclusions

Elevated folate levels correlate with morning‐type preferences (“morning birds”), while higher concentrations of vitamin B6 are associated with evening‐type preferences (“evening owls”).