bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-specific effects of psychedelic drug exposure on central amygdala reactivity and behavioral responding
Authors: Effinger D. P. , Quadir S. G. , Ramage M. C. , Cone M. G. , Herman M. A.
Published: April 2023

Psilocybin and its active metabolite psilocin have been shown to elicit rapid and long-lasting symptom improvements in a variety of affective psychiatric illnesses. However, the region-specific alterations underlying these therapeutic effects remain relatively unknown. The central amygdala (CeA) is a primary output region within the extended amygdala that is dysregulated in affective psychiatric disorders. Here, we measured CeA activity using the activity marker c-Fos and CeA reactivity using fiber photometry paired with an aversive air-puff stimulus. We found that psilocin administration acutely increased CeA activity in both males and females and increased stimulus specific CeA reactivity in females, but not males. In contrast, psilocin produced time-dependent decreases in reactivity in males, but not in females, as early as 2 days and lasting to 28 days post administration. We also measured behavioral responses to the air-puff stimulus and found sex-dependent changes in threat responding but not exploratory behavior or general locomotion. Repeated presentations of the auditory component of the air-puff were also performed and sex-specific effects of psilocin on CeA reactivity to the auditory-alone stimulus were also observed. This study provides new evidence that a single dose of psilocin produces sex-specific, time-dependent, and enduring changes in CeA reactivity and behavioral responding to specific components of an aversive stimulus.
Neurotransmission-related gene expression in the frontal pole is altered in subjects with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: Medina Adriana M. , Hagenauer Megan Hastings , Krolewski David M. , Hughes Evan , Forrester Liam Cannon Thew , Walsh David M. , Waselus Maria , Richardson Evelyn , Turner Cortney A. , Sequeira P. Adolfo , Cartagena Preston M. , Thompson Robert C. , Vawter Marquis P. , Bunney Blynn G. , Myers Richard M. , Barchas Jack D. , Lee Francis S. , Schatzberg Alan F. , Bunney William E. , Akil Huda , Watson Stanley J.
Published: April 2023

The frontal pole (Brodmann area 10, BA10) is the largest cytoarchitectonic region of the human cortex, performing complex integrative functions. BA10 undergoes intensive adolescent grey matter pruning prior to the age of onset for bipolar disorder (BP) and schizophrenia (SCHIZ), and its dysfunction is likely to underly aspects of their shared symptomology. In this study, we investigated the role of BA10 neurotransmission-related gene expression in BP and SCHIZ. We performed qPCR to measure the expression of 115 neurotransmission-related targets in control, BP, and SCHIZ postmortem samples (n = 72). We chose this method for its high sensitivity to detect low-level expression. We then strengthened our findings by performing a meta-analysis of publicly released BA10 microarray data (n = 101) and identified sources of convergence with our qPCR results. To improve interpretation, we leveraged the unusually large database of clinical metadata accompanying our samples to explore the relationship between BA10 gene expression, therapeutics, substances of abuse, and symptom profiles, and validated these findings with publicly available datasets. Using these convergent sources of evidence, we identified 20 neurotransmission-related genes that were differentially expressed in BP and SCHIZ in BA10. These results included a large diagnosis-related decrease in two important therapeutic targets with low levels of expression, HTR2B and DRD4, as well as other findings related to dopaminergic, GABAergic and astrocytic function. We also observed that therapeutics may produce a differential expression that opposes diagnosis effects. In contrast, substances of abuse showed similar effects on BA10 gene expression as BP and SCHIZ, potentially amplifying diagnosis-related dysregulation.
A review of the cognitive impact of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric associated copy number variants
Authors: Molloy Ciara J. , Quigley Ciara , McNicholas Áine , Lisanti Linda , Gallagher Louise
Published: April 2023

The heritability of intelligence or general cognitive ability is estimated at 41% and 66% in children and adults respectively. Many rare copy number variants are associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions (ND-CNV), including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders, and may contribute to the observed variability in cognitive ability. Here, we reviewed studies of intelligence quotient or cognitive function in ND-CNV carriers, from both general population and clinical cohorts, to understand the cognitive impact of ND-CNV in both contexts and identify potential genotype-specific cognitive phenotypes. We reviewed aggregate studies of sets ND-CNV broadly linked to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions, and genotype-first studies of a subset of 12 ND-CNV robustly associated with schizophrenia and autism. Cognitive impacts were observed across ND-CNV in both general population and clinical cohorts, with reports of phenotypic heterogeneity. Evidence for ND-CNV-specific impacts were limited by a small number of studies and samples sizes. A comprehensive understanding of the cognitive impact of ND-CNVs would be clinically informative and could identify potential educational needs for ND-CNV carriers. This could improve genetic counselling for families impacted by ND-CNV, and clinical outcomes for those with complex needs.
An exploratory study of maternal diabetes and offspring use of dental services—Northern Ireland national cohort study
Authors: Salami Anas , El Karim Ikhlas , Lundy Fionnuala , Loney Tom , Donaldson Michael , O’Neill Ciaran
Published: April 2023

Introduction

A small number of literature has posited a link between prenatal exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus and an increased risk of developmental defects in the enamel of offspring. However, the evidence remains inconclusive.

Aims

This study examined the relationship between the diabetes status of mothers and the use of dental services by offspring to that pregnancy.

Material and methods

Anonymised data from a cohort of mothers who carried a child to term in Northern Ireland between 2012 and 2017 and service use by the child were taken from administrative databases from March 2015 to September 2021. Descriptive statistics, differences in means and regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between service use and maternal diabetes status, controlling for covariates.

Results

In multivariate analyses that controlled inter alia for age and deprivation, diabetes status was negatively related to restoration, extraction, prevention, and total service use. In the analysis of the COVID period, pre-COVID prevention was negatively related to extractions, restorations, prevention and services in general.

Conclusion

The relationship between maternal diabetic status and aspects of offspring use of dental services was contrary to that suggested in previous studies and warrants more detailed investigation using this valuable data resource.
KLF4 transcription factor in tumorigenesis
Authors: He Zhihong , He Jie , Xie Keping
Published: April 2023

Krüppel-like transcriptional factor is important in maintaining cellular functions. Deletion of Krüppel-like transcriptional factor usually causes abnormal embryonic development and even embryonic death. KLF4 is a prominent member of this family, and embryonic deletion of KLF4 leads to alterations in skin permeability and postnatal death. In addition to its important role in embryo development, it also plays a critical role in inflammation and malignancy. It has been investigated that KLF4 has a regulatory role in a variety of cancers, including lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, pancreatic, hepatocellular, ovarian, esophageal, bladder and brain cancer. However, the role of KLF4 in tumorigenesis is complex, which may link to its unique structure with both transcriptional activation and transcriptional repression domains, and to the regulation of its upstream and downstream signaling molecules. In this review, we will summarize the structural and functional aspects of KLF4, with a focus on KLF4 as a clinical biomarker and therapeutic target in different types of tumors.
Staggered circular nanoporous graphene converts electromagnetic waves into electricity
Authors: Lv Hualiang , Yao Yuxing , Li Shucong , Wu Guanglei , Zhao Biao , Zhou Xiaodi , Dupont Robert L. , Kara Ufuoma I. , Zhou Yimin , Xi Shibo , Liu Bo , Che Renchao , Zhang Jincang , Xu Hongbin , Adera Solomon , Wu Renbing , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: April 2023

Harvesting largely ignored and wasted electromagnetic (EM) energy released by electronic devices and converting it into direct current (DC) electricity is an attractive strategy not only to reduce EM pollution but also address the ever-increasing energy crisis. Here we report the synthesis of nanoparticle-templated graphene with monodisperse and staggered circular nanopores enabling an EM–heat–DC conversion pathway. We experimentally and theoretically demonstrate that this staggered nanoporous structure alters graphene’s electronic and phononic properties by synergistically manipulating its intralayer nanostructures and interlayer interactions. The staggered circular nanoporous graphene exhibits an anomalous combination of properties, which lead to an efficient absorption and conversion of EM waves into heat and in turn an output of DC electricity through the thermoelectric effect. Overall, our results advance the fundamental understanding of the structure–property relationships of ordered nanoporous graphene, providing an effective strategy to reduce EM pollution and generate electric energy.
Predicting response to enzalutamide and abiraterone in metastatic prostate cancer using whole-omics machine learning
Authors: de Jong Anouk C. , Danyi Alexandra , van Riet Job , de Wit Ronald , Sjöström Martin , Feng Felix , de Ridder Jeroen , Lolkema Martijn P.
Published: April 2023

Response to androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSI) varies widely in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). To improve treatment guidance, biomarkers are needed. We use whole-genomics (WGS; n = 155) with matching whole-transcriptomics (WTS; n = 113) from biopsies of ARSI-treated mCRPC patients for unbiased discovery of biomarkers and development of machine learning-based prediction models. Tumor mutational burden (q < 0.001), structural variants (q < 0.05), tandem duplications (q < 0.05) and deletions (q < 0.05) are enriched in poor responders, coupled with distinct transcriptomic expression profiles. Validating various classification models predicting treatment duration with ARSI on our internal and external mCRPC cohort reveals two best-performing models, based on the combination of prior treatment information with either the four combined enriched genomic markers or with overall transcriptomic profiles. In conclusion, predictive models combining genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical data can predict response to ARSI in mCRPC patients and, with additional optimization and prospective validation, could improve treatment guidance.
Coregistration of heading to visual cues in retrosplenial cortex
Authors: Sit Kevin K. , Goard Michael J.
Published: April 2023

Spatial cognition depends on an accurate representation of orientation within an environment. Head direction cells in distributed brain regions receive a range of sensory inputs, but visual input is particularly important for aligning their responses to environmental landmarks. To investigate how population-level heading responses are aligned to visual input, we recorded from retrosplenial cortex (RSC) of head-fixed mice in a moving environment using two-photon calcium imaging. We show that RSC neurons are tuned to the animal’s relative orientation in the environment, even in the absence of head movement. Next, we found that RSC receives functionally distinct projections from visual and thalamic areas and contains several functional classes of neurons. While some functional classes mirror RSC inputs, a newly discovered class coregisters visual and thalamic signals. Finally, decoding analyses reveal unique contributions to heading from each class. Our results suggest an RSC circuit for anchoring heading representations to environmental visual landmarks.
A machine learning model for textured X-ray scattering and diffraction image denoising
Authors: Zhou Zhongzheng , Li Chun , Bi Xiaoxue , Zhang Chenglong , Huang Yingke , Zhuang Jian , Hua Wenqiang , Dong Zheng , Zhao Lina , Zhang Yi , Dong Yuhui
Published: April 2023

With the advancements in instrumentations of next-generation synchrotron light sources, methodologies for small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)/wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) experiments have dramatically evolved. Such experiments have developed into dynamic and multiscale in situ characterizations, leaving prolonged exposure time as well as radiation-induced damage a serious concern. However, reduction on exposure time or dose may result in noisier images with a lower signal-to-noise ratio, requiring powerful denoising mechanisms for physical information retrieval. Here, we tackle the problem from an algorithmic perspective by proposing a small yet effective machine-learning model for experimental SAXS/WAXD image denoising, allowing more redundancy for exposure time or dose reduction. Compared with classic models developed for natural image scenarios, our model provides a bespoke denoising solution, demonstrating superior performance on highly textured SAXS/WAXD images. The model is versatile and can be applied to denoising in other synchrotron imaging experiments when data volume and image complexity is concerned.
Enhancing ferromagnetic coupling in CrXY (X = O, S, Se; Y = Cl, Br, I) monolayers by turning the covalent character of Cr-X bonds
Authors: Zhu Hao-Ran , Shao Bin , Zuo Xu
Published: April 2023

On the basis of first-principles calculations, we investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of 1T phase chromium sulfide halide CrXY (X = O, S, Se; Y = Cl, Br, I) monolayers in CrCl2 structure with the P$$\overline{3}$$

3

¯

m1 space group. Except for the CrOI monolayer, all CrXY monolayers are stable and ferromagnetic semiconductors. Our results show that the ferromagnetic coupling is dominated by the kinetic exchange between the empty eg-orbital of Cr atoms and the p-orbital of anions under the three-fold rotational symmetry. In this context, the coupling strength allows for being greatly enhanced by turning the nature of Cr–X bonds, i.e., increasing the covalent contribution of the bonds by minimizing the energy difference of the coupled orbitals. As we illustrate for the example of CrOY, the Curie temperature (Tc) is nearly tripled by substituting O by S/Se ion, eventually reaching the highest Tc in CrSeI monolayer (334 K). The high stabilities and Curie temperature manifest these monolayer ferromagnetic materials feasible for synthesis and applicable to 2D spintronic devices.
Kilowatt-scale solar hydrogen production system using a concentrated integrated photoelectrochemical device
Authors: Holmes-Gentle Isaac , Tembhurne Saurabh , Suter Clemens , Haussener Sophia
Published: April 2023

The production of synthetic fuels and chemicals from solar energy and abundant reagents offers a promising pathway to a sustainable fuel economy and chemical industry. For the production of hydrogen, photoelectrochemical or integrated photovoltaic and electrolysis devices have demonstrated outstanding performance at the lab scale, but there remains a lack of larger-scale on-sun demonstrations (>100 W). Here we present the successful scaling of a thermally integrated photoelectrochemical device—utilizing concentrated solar irradiation—to a kW-scale pilot plant capable of co-generation of hydrogen and heat. A solar-to-hydrogen device-level efficiency of greater than 20% at an H2 production rate of >2.0 kW (>0.8 g min−1) is achieved. A validated model-based optimization highlights the dominant energetic losses and predicts straightforward strategies to improve the system-level efficiency of >5.5% towards the device-level efficiency. We identify solutions to the key technological challenges, control and operation strategies and discuss the future outlook of this emerging technology.
Comparison of classical Fabry and its p.D313Y and p.A143T variants by cardiac T1 mapping, LGE and feature tracking myocardial strain
Authors: Avanesov Maxim , Asgari Anahid , Muschol Nicole , Köhn Anja Friederike , Tahir Enver , Adam Gerhard , Kirchhof Paulus , Lund Gunnar , Cavus Ersin , Patten Monica
Published: April 2023

Cardiac manifestation of classical Fabry disease (cFD) varies with sex and presence of left ventricular hypertrophy. p.D313Y/p.A143T variants (vFD) represent milder late-onset phenotypes, however, data on vFD are scarce. Patients with FD (cFD = 37;vFD = 14) and 14 healthy controls underwent 1.5 T CMR including Cine, LGE, native T1 mapping(nT1) and myocardial strain(CMR-FT). CMR-FT was assessed using ventricular longitudinal, circumferential, radial (LV-GLS/RV-GLS, LV-GCS/LV-GRS), and atrial longitudinal strain (LA/RATotal, LA/RAConduit, LA/RABooster). In cFD reduced myocardial strain (LV-GLS: −20 ± 4 vs. −24 ± 3%,p = 0.007; LV-GCS: −20 ± 4 vs. −26 ± 4%,p = 0.002, LA Total -GLS: 29 ± 10 vs. 37 ± 6%,p = 0.007; LA Conduit -GLS: 15 ± 10 vs. 23 ± 5%,p = 0.003) and nT1 values (951 ± 51 ms vs. 1036 ± 20 ms, p < 0.001) were observed compared to controls. In vFD findings were comparable to controls. LV-GCS provided the closest Area under the curve (AUC) to nT1 (0.84 vs. 0.92, p > 0.05) for discrimination of cFD versus controls. Significantly lower LV-GLS/LV-GCS was found in male compared to female cFD (−19 ± 4 vs. −22 ± 4%, p = 0.03). In six non-hypertrophied female cFD with normal nT1 LATotal -GLS was the only discriminating parameter with an accuracy of 86%. LV-GLS, LV-GCS and LATotal -GLS can detect impaired cardiac mechanics of cFD besides nT1. LATotal -GLS might identify non-hypertrophied female cFD. Variants p.D313Y/p.A143T did not reveal cardiac involvement by multiparametric CMR.
Petrogenesis of juvenile pelletal lapilli in ultramafic lamprophyres
Authors: Prokopyev Ilya , Doroshkevich Anna , Starikova Anastasiya , Kovalev Semen , Nugumanova Yazgul , Izokh Andrey
Published: April 2023

The Chadobets alkaline-carbonatite complex (Siberian craton) is a natural laboratory for all varieties of ultramafic lamprophyres, including damtjernites formed by fluid-explosion mechanisms, which contain a large number of pelletal lapilli. Data obtained from comprehensive mineralogical, structural and chemical studies of these pelletal lapilli show strong similarity with the main magmatic mineral assemblage of damtjernites, suggesting a juvenile composition for them. The composition of phlogopite, carbonate and fluorapatite in pelletal lapilli is mostly constrained toward primitive compositions (beginning) of mineral crystallization trends in ultramafic lamprophyres. According to the petrographic and mineralogical features found in pelletal lapilli from damtjernites, these can be divided into three types based on the conditions and depth of formation. Estimated late magmatic temperatures of pelletal lapilli mica and fluorapatite formation vary from 815 to 990 °C.
Association between cumulative smoking exposure and cognitive decline in non-demented older adults: NEDICES study
Authors: Benito-León Julián , Ghosh Ritwik , Lapeña-Motilva José , Martín-Arriscado Cristina , Bermejo-Pareja Félix
Published: April 2023

Whether cumulative smoking exposure is associated with cognitive decline among older adults remains unresolved. To address this question, we used data from the Neurological Disorders in Central Spain (NEDICES) cohort study, in which 2624 older adults were evaluated at two-time points separated by three years. A 37-item version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-37) was administered at two visits to assess cognitive change. Regarding smoking exposure, we calculated an individual baseline score based on pack-years (i.e., packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by years of smoking) in current and former smokers. Thus, smoking exposure was categorized into tertiles (low: < 19.0, medium: 19.0–47.0, and high: > 47.0). We used multivariable generalized estimating equation models to assess associations between pack-years and smoking status with 37-MMSE total score change from baseline to follow-up. The MMSE-37 total score had a decline of 1.05 points (confidence interval [CI] 95% 0.62 to 1.48) in the lower tertile of pack-years, 1.16 (CI 95% 0.70 to 1.62) in the middle tertile and 1.17 (CI 95% 0.70 to 1.65) in the higher tertile compared to never smokers, after adjusting for several demographic and clinical variables. The same occurred with smoking status, i.e., a decline of 1.33 (CI 95% 0.87 to 1.79) in current smokers and 1.01 (CI 95% 0.63 to 1.40) in former smokers. Our study provides evidence of the cumulative effect of smoking on cognition in older adults. Using a prospective population-based design, we demonstrated that cumulative smoking exposure was associated with cognitive decline in non-demented older adults. More population-based evidence is required to elucidate this association in older adults without dementia.
High-speed broadband absorption spectroscopy enabled by cascaded frequency shifting loops
Authors: Ogden Hannah M. , Murray Joseph B. , Murray Matthew J. , Redding Brandon
Published: April 2023

Frequency shifting loops, consisting of a fiber optic ring cavity, a frequency modulator, and an amplifier to compensate for loss, enable high-speed frequency scanning with precise and easily controlled frequency steps. This platform is particularly attractive for applications in spectroscopy and optical ranging. However, amplified spontaneous emission noise accumulates due to the repeated amplification of light circulating in the cavity, limiting the frequency scanning range of existing frequency shifting loops (FSLs). Here, we introduce a cascaded approach which addresses this basic limitation. By cascading multiple FSLs in series with different frequency shifts we are able to dramatically increase the accessible scanning range. We present modeling showing the potential for this approach to enable scanning over ranges up to 1 THz—a tenfold increase compared with the state-of-the-art. Experimentally, we constructed a pair of cascaded FSLs capable of scanning a 200 GHz range with 100 MHz steps in 10 ms and used this platform to perform absorption spectroscopy measurements of an H13C14N cell. By increasing the operating bandwidth of FSLs, the cascaded approach introduced in this work could enable new applications requiring precise and high-speed frequency scanning.
Adsorption, mobility, and degradation of the pesticide propaquizafop in five agricultural soils in China
Authors: Cheng Zhijia , Hou Zhiguang , Han Hongbo , Yu Xiaolong , Li Jiaxin , Zhao Qinghui , Zhang Ning , Lu Zhongbin
Published: April 2023

Propaquizafop is a fatty acid synthetic herbicide used to control annual and perennial grasses. To understand the potential environmental risks of propaquizafop to crops and food safety, the adsorption, mobility, and degradation of propaquizafop in five different soils were studied. At an initial concentration of 5 mg L−1 propaquizafop, its adsorption equilibrium was reached within 24 h, and the adsorption rates were between 46.98 and 57.76%. The Elovich kinetic model provided the best fit for the kinetic model, with R2 values between 0.9882 and 0.9940. For the isothermal adsorption tests, the Freundlich model was used to better fit the adsorption characteristics of propaquizafop in different soils, with R2 values between 0.9748 and 0.9885. Increasing the concentration of Ca2+ was beneficial for propaquizafop adsorption. In the soil thin-layer chromatography tests, the Rf of propaquizafop in the five soil samples ranged from 0.076 to 0.123. The results of the soil column leaching tests showed that propaquizafop did not migrate in the five soil columns; it was not detected in the leachate of each soil column, and propaquizafop in the soil columns only existed in the 0–5 cm soil layer. The results of soil thin-layer chromatography and soil column leaching tests showed that propaquizafop is a pesticide with a weak migration ability. Under the same environmental conditions, the degradation rate of propaquizafop in different soils followed the order LF fluvo–aquic soil (T1/2 = 1.41 d) > CS red loam (T1/2 = 2.76 d) > SX paddy soil (T1/2 = 3.52 d) > CC black soil (T1/2 = 5.74 d) > BS ginseng soil (T1/2 = 7.75 d). Considering the effects of soil moisture, incubation temperature, and microorganisms on propaquizafop degradation in the soil, temperature was found to have the greatest influence on its degradation rate.
Improving the photoelectrochemical water splitting performance of CuO photocathodes using a protective CuBi2O4 layer
Authors: Lam Nguyen Hoang , Truong Nguyen Tam Nguyen , Le Nam , Ahn Kwang-Soon , Jo Younjung , Kim Chang-Duk , Jung Jae Hak
Published: April 2023

A heterojunction photocathode of CuO and CuBi2O4 grown on an FTO substrate (FTO/CuO/CuBi2O4) was synthesized using hydrothermal method followed by spin coating and annealing to overcome the bottlenecks encountered by CuO in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting application. The synthesis methods, morphological, structural properties, and composition of each sample under each synthesis condition are discussed in detail. The photocathode with 15 coating layers annealed at 450 °C exhibited the best PEC performance. Moreover, its current density reached 1.23 mA/cm2 under an applied voltage of − 0.6 V versus Ag/AgCl in a neutral electrolyte. Additionally, it exhibited higher stability than the bare CuO thin film. The bonding of CuBi2O4 on CuO resulted in close contact between the two semiconductors, helping the semiconductors support each other to increase the PEC efficiency of the photocathode. CuO acted as the electron-generating layer, and the CuBi2O4 layer helped minimize photocorrosion as well as transport the carriers to the electrode/electrolyte interface to accomplish the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Influence of TRPM4 rs8104571 genotype on intracranial pressure and outcomes in African Americans with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Krocker Joseph D. , Cotton Madeline E. , Schriner Jacob B. , Osborn Baron K. , Talanker Michael M. , Wang Yao-Wei W. , Cox Charles S. , Wade Charles E.
Published: April 2023

The TRPM4 gene codes for a membrane ion channel subunit related to inflammation in the central nervous system. Recent investigation has identified an association between TRPM4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs8104571 and rs150391806 and increased intracranial (ICP) pressure following traumatic brain injury (TBI). We assessed the influence of these genotypes on clinical outcomes and ICP in TBI patients. We included 292 trauma patients with TBI. DNA extraction and real-time PCR were used for TRPM4 rs8104571 and rs150391806 allele discrimination. Five participants were determined to have the rs8104571 homozygous variant genotype, and 20 participants were identified as heterozygotes; 24 of these 25 participants were African American. No participants had rs150391806 variant alleles, preventing further analysis of this SNP. Genotypes containing the rs8104571 variant allele were associated with decreased Glasgow outcome scale-extended (GOSE) score (P = 0.0231), which was also consistent within our African-American subpopulation (P = 0.0324). Regression analysis identified an association between rs8104571 variant homozygotes and mortality within our overall population (P = 0.0230) and among African Americans (P = 0.0244). Participants with rs8104571 variant genotypes exhibited an overall increase in ICP (P = 0.0077), although a greater frequency of ICP measurements > 25 mmHg was observed in wild-type participants (P =  < 0.0001). We report an association between the TRPM4 rs8104571 variant allele and poor outcomes following TBI. These findings can potentially be translated into a precision medicine approach for African Americans following TBI utilizing TRPM4-specific pharmaceutical interventions. Validation through larger cohorts is warranted.
Protective effect of intensive glucose lowering therapy on all-cause mortality, adjusted for treatment switching using G-estimation method, the ACCORD trial
Authors: Shakiba Maryam , Nazemipour Maryam , Mansournia Nasrin , Mansournia Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2023

Previous analysis of the action to control cardiovascular risk in diabetes showed an increased risk of mortality among patients receiving intensive glucose lowering therapy using conventional regression method with intention to treat approach. This method is biased when time-varying confounder is affected by the previous treatment. We used 15 follow-up visits of ACCORD trial to compare the effect of time-varying intensive vs. standard treatment of glucose lowering drugs on cardiovascular and mortality outcomes in diabetic patients. The treatment effect was estimated using G-estimation and compared with accelerated failure time model using two modeling strategies. The first model adjusted for baseline confounders and the second adjusted for both baseline and time-varying confounders. While the hazard ratio of all-cause mortality for intensive compared to standard therapy in AFT model adjusted for baseline confounders was 1.17 (95% CI 1.01–1.36), the result of time-dependent AFT model  was compatible with both protective and risk effects. However, the hazard ratio estimated by G-estimation was 0.64 (95% CI 0.39–0.92). The results of this study revealed a protective effect of intensive therapy on all-cause mortality compared with standard therapy in ACCORD trial.
Accuracy of doppler assessment of the uterine arteries for the diagnosis of pubertal onset in girls: a scoping review
Authors: Cheuiche Amanda Veiga , Moro Candice , Lucena Iara Regina Siqueira , de Paula Leila Cristina Pedroso , Silveiro Sandra Pinho
Published: April 2023

The uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) assessed by Doppler ultrasound reflects the impedance to the blood flow in the vessel distal to the sampling point. We aimed to assess the accuracy of the uterine artery PI for the diagnosis of puberty in girls. A PRISMA-ScR-compliant scoping review was performed in the MEDLINE and Embase databases with the search terms “puberty” and “Doppler ultrasonography”. Studies that included girls aged 0–18 years who underwent pelvic Doppler ultrasound with calculation of uterine artery PI were eligible. Ten studies comprising 1385 girls aged 1.2–18 years were included. The selected studies included participants from Italy, Brazil, Iran, Belgium and Denmark, and were published between 1996 and 2021. Six studies selected girls who were referred for evaluation of pubertal disorders, while four studies included only healthy girls. Nine studies found a significant difference in Doppler signal pattern and PI according to pubertal stage, with PI cutoff points ranging from 2.5 to 4.6 for the diagnosis of puberty, with a sensitivity of 77%–94%, specificity of 85%–100%, and accuracy of 79%–98%. Doppler assessment of the uterine arteries with PI calculation is a useful noninvasive tool in the diagnosis of pubertal onset in girls.
Artificial intelligence to estimate the tear film breakup time and diagnose dry eye disease
Authors: Shimizu Eisuke , Ishikawa Toshiki , Tanji Makoto , Agata Naomichi , Nakayama Shintaro , Nakahara Yo , Yokoiwa Ryota , Sato Shinri , Hanyuda Akiko , Ogawa Yoko , Hirayama Masatoshi , Tsubota Kazuo , Sato Yasunori , Shimazaki Jun , Negishi Kazuno
Published: April 2023

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis of dry eye disease (DED) remains limited due to the lack of standardized image formats and analysis models. To overcome these issues, we used the Smart Eye Camera (SEC), a video-recordable slit-lamp device, and collected videos of the anterior segment of the eye. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the AI algorithm in estimating the tear film breakup time and apply this model for the diagnosis of DED according to the Asia Dry Eye Society (ADES) DED diagnostic criteria. Using the retrospectively corrected DED videos of 158 eyes from 79 patients, 22,172 frames were annotated by the DED specialist to label whether or not the frame had breakup. The AI algorithm was developed using the training dataset and machine learning. The DED criteria of the ADES was used to determine the diagnostic performance. The accuracy of tear film breakup time estimation was 0.789 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.769–0.809), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of this AI model was 0.877 (95% CI 0.861–0.893). The sensitivity and specificity of this AI model for the diagnosis of DED was 0.778 (95% CI 0.572–0.912) and 0.857 (95% CI 0.564–0.866), respectively. We successfully developed a novel AI-based diagnostic model for DED. Our diagnostic model has the potential to enable ophthalmology examination outside hospitals and clinics.
National trends in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Korean adults, 2007–2020
Authors: Yoon Soo-Young , Park Hye Won , Kim Hyeon Jin , Kronbichler Andreas , Koyanagi Ai , Smith Lee , Shin Jae Il , Rhee Sang Youl , Lee Seung Won , Kim Jin Sug , Hwang Hyeon Seok , Yon Dong Keon , Jeong Kyunghwan
Published: April 2023

Little is known about the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to investigate the long-term trends in CKD prevalence from South Korea including the early pandemic. We used data from 108,152 Korean adults from 2007 to 2020 obtained from a representative longitudinal serial study. We defined CKD as a condition when the participant’s estimated glomerular filtration rate was < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, or one-time spot proteinuria was ≥ 1 +, and then examined the overall trends in the prevalence of CKD. Among the included adults (n = 80,010), the overall national prevalence of CKD was 6.2%. The trend slope gradually increased from 2007 to 2019, however, there was a sudden decrease in 2020 (2007–2010, 5.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.7–5.5]; 2017–2019, 7.1% [95% CI 6.6–7.6]; pandemic period, 6.5% [95% CI 5.7–7.3]; and βdiff, − 0.19; 95% CI − 0.24 to − 0.13). The prevalence of CKD among younger adults and those with poor medical utilization significantly decreased during the early pandemic. This study was the first large-scale study to investigate the longitudinal prevalence of CKD from 2007 to 2020. Further research is needed to fully understand the exact causes for this decline and to identify healthcare policy strategies for preventing and managing CKD.
Collaborative strategies for deploying artificial intelligence to complement physician diagnoses of acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Farzaneh Negar , Ansari Sardar , Lee Elizabeth , Ward Kevin R. , Sjoding Michael W.
Published: April 2023

There is a growing gap between studies describing the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic systems using deep learning versus efforts to investigate how or when to integrate AI systems into a real-world clinical practice to support physicians and improve diagnosis. To address this gap, we investigate four potential strategies for AI model deployment and physician collaboration to determine their potential impact on diagnostic accuracy. As a case study, we examine an AI model trained to identify findings of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on chest X-ray images. While this model outperforms physicians at identifying findings of ARDS, there are several reasons why fully automated ARDS detection may not be optimal nor feasible in practice. Among several collaboration strategies tested, we find that if the AI model first reviews the chest X-ray and defers to a physician if it is uncertain, this strategy achieves a higher diagnostic accuracy (0.869, 95% CI 0.835–0.903) compared to a strategy where a physician reviews a chest X-ray first and defers to an AI model if uncertain (0.824, 95% CI 0.781–0.862), or strategies where the physician reviews the chest X-ray alone (0.808, 95% CI 0.767–0.85) or the AI model reviews the chest X-ray alone (0.847, 95% CI 0.806–0.887). If the AI model reviews a chest X-ray first, this allows the AI system to make decisions for up to 79% of cases, letting physicians focus on the most challenging subsets of chest X-rays.
Urban water crises driven by elites’ unsustainable consumption
Authors: Savelli Elisa , Mazzoleni Maurizio , Di Baldassarre Giuliano , Cloke Hannah , Rusca Maria
Published: April 2023

Over the past two decades, more than 80 metropolitan cities across the world have faced severe water shortages due to droughts and unsustainable water use. Future projections are even more alarming, since urban water crises are expected to escalate and most heavily affect those who are socially, economically and politically disadvantaged. Here we show how social inequalities across different groups or individuals play a major role in the production and manifestation of such crises. Specifically, due to stark socioeconomic inequalities, urban elites are able to overconsume water while excluding less-privileged populations from basic access. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we model the uneven domestic water use across urban spaces and estimate water consumption trends for different social groups. The highly unequal metropolitan area of Cape Town serves as a case in point to illustrate how unsustainable water use by the elite can exacerbate urban water crises at least as much as climate change or population growth.
Shieldin complex assembly kinetics and DNA binding by SHLD3
Authors: Susvirkar Vivek , Faesen Alex C.
Published: April 2023

The Shieldin complex represses end resection at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and thereby serves as a pro-non homologous end joining (NHEJ) factor. The molecular details of the assembly of Shieldin and its recruitment to DSBs are unclear. Shieldin contains two REV7 molecules, which have the rare ability to slowly switch between multiple distinct native states and thereby could dynamically control the assembly of Shieldin. Here, we report the identification of a promiscuous DNA binding domain in SHLD3. At the N-terminus, SHLD3 interacts with a dimer of REV7 molecules. We show that the interaction between SHLD3 and the first REV7 is remarkably slow, while in contrast the interaction between SHLD3 and SHLD2 with a second REV7 molecule is fast and does not require structural remodeling. Overall, these results provide insights into the rate-limiting step of the molecular assembly of the Shieldin complex and its recruitment at DNA DSBs.
Extrinsic stabilization of antiviral ACE2-Fc fusion proteins targeting SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Svilenov Hristo L. , Delhommel Florent , Siebenmorgen Till , Rührnößl Florian , Popowicz Grzegorz M. , Reiter Alwin , Sattler Michael , Brockmeyer Carsten , Buchner Johannes
Published: April 2023

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a viral receptor used by sarbecoviruses to infect cells. Fusion proteins comprising extracellular ACE2 domains and the Fc part of immunoglobulins exhibit high virus neutralization efficiency, but the structure and stability of these molecules are poorly understood. We show that although the hinge between the ACE2 and the IgG4-Fc is highly flexible, the conformational dynamics of the two ACE2 domains is restricted by their association. Interestingly, the conformational stability of the ACE2 moiety is much lower than that of the Fc part. We found that chemical compounds binding to ACE2, such as DX600 and MLN4760, can be used to strongly increase the thermal stability of the ACE2 by different mechanisms. Together, our findings reveal a general concept for stabilizing the labile receptor segments of therapeutic antiviral fusion proteins by chemical compounds.
Quantum back-action limits in dispersively measured Bose-Einstein condensates
Authors: Altuntaş Emine , Spielman I. B.
Published: April 2023

A fundamental tenet of quantum mechanics is that measurements change a system’s wavefunction to that most consistent with the measurement outcome, even if no observer is present. Weak measurements produce only limited information about the system, and as a result only minimally change the system’s state. Here, we theoretically and experimentally characterize quantum back-action in atomic Bose-Einstein condensates interacting with a far-from resonant laser beam. We theoretically describe this process using a quantum trajectories approach where the environment measures the scattered light and present a measurement model based on an ideal photodetection mechanism. We experimentally quantify the resulting wavefunction change in terms of the contrast of a Ramsey interferometer and control parasitic effects associated with the measurement process. The observed back-action is in good agreement with our measurement model; this result is a necessary precursor for achieving true quantum back-action limited measurements of quantum gases.
Supramolecular confinement synthesis of ultrafine iron nitride nanocrystals for the oxygen reduction reaction in Zn–air batteries
Authors: Yao Fanglei , Bi Jiabao , Yu Lei , Dai Liming , Xue Wenkang , Deng Jingyao , Yao Zhihui , Wu Yunyan , Sun Jingwen , Zhu Junwu
Published: April 2023

Ultrafine Fe3N nanocrystals (less than 1.5 nm) embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon are synthesized via a supramolecular confinement strategy for the efficient electrocatalytic ORR in Zn–air batteries.
The protective role of microbiota in the prevention of MPTP/P-induced Parkinson's disease by resveratrol
Authors: Tao Jing , An Yunying , Xu Lingyun , Wang Yuxin , Wang Chaowei , Li Puze , Li Min , Yan Dong , Wang Mingyong , Zhong Genshen , Wu Minna
Published: April 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a tricky neurodegenerative disease characterized with motor deficits and gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction.
Metal–organic chemical vapor deposition of ε-Ga2O3 thin film using N2O as a precursor
Authors: Chen Shujian , Chen Zimin , Chen Weiqu , Fei Zeyuan , Luo Tiecheng , Liang Jun , Wang Xinzhong , Wang Gang , Pei Yanli
Published: April 2023

The influence of N2O as a precursor is investigated for ε-Ga2O3 thin films grown under different conditions. The surface morphology and phase transition with the VI/III ratio were discussed based on the interplay of thermodynamic and kinetic effects.
Current progress in the hypoglycemic mechanisms of natural polysaccharides
Authors: Tang Chao , Zhou Ruizheng , Cao Kexin , Liu Jun , Kan Juan , Qian Chunlu , Jin Changhai
Published: April 2023

Natural polysaccharides can exert their hypoglycemic effects by improving glucose metabolism, suppressing inflammation-induced insulin resistance and alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction.
A highly efficient method to access unprotected C-3 bifunctional quaternary 3-allyl-3-(amino)oxindoles
Authors: Lu Xunbo , Huang Guoling , Liang Fangpeng , Sun Siyu , Chen Yalin , Liang Zi
Published: April 2023

Herein, we report an efficient non-radical protocol to construct NH-free C-3 bifunctional oxindoles through a Rh(ii) catalyzed intermolecular [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement reaction between diazooxindoles and tertiary allylic amines.
On the prediction of premature births in Hispanic labour patients using uterine contractions, heart beat signals and prediction machines
Authors: Nsugbe Ejay , Reyes‐Lagos Jose Javier , Adams Dawn , Samuel Oluwarotimi Williams
Published: April 2023

Preterm birth is a global epidemic affecting millions of mothers across different ethnicities. The cause of the condition remains unknown but has recognised health‐based implications, in addition to financial and economic ones. Machine Learning methods have enabled researchers to combine datasets using uterine contraction signals with various forms of prediction machines to improve awareness of the likelihood of premature births. This work investigates the feasibility of enhancing these prediction methods using physiological signals including uterine contractions, and foetal and maternal heart rate signals, for a population of south American women in active labour. As part of this work, the use of the Linear Series Decomposition Learner (LSDL) was seen to lead to an improvement in the prediction accuracies of all models, which included supervised and unsupervised learning models. The results from the supervised learning models showed high prediction metrics upon the physiological signals being pre‐processed by the LSDL for all variations of the physiological signals. The unsupervised learning models showed good metrics for the partitioning of Preterm/Term labour patients from their uterine contraction signals but produced a comparatively lower set of results for the various kinds of heart rate signals investigated.
Target location and velocity estimation with the multistatic MU‐MIMO‐OFDM modulation signal
Authors: Lyu Xiaoyong , Liu Baojin , Fan Wenbing
Published: April 2023

In passive radar and joint communication and radar sensing (JCRS), target sensing with the multiuser multiple input multiple output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MU‐MIMO‐OFDM) modulation signal is gaining increasing interest. Multiple transmit nodes emitting the MU‐MIMO‐OFDM modulation signals at the same carrier frequency and one receiver collecting the target‐reflected signals for target location and velocity estimation are considered. This is a typical scenario when using the fifth‐generation (5G) communication network signal for target sensing. In this scenario, the echo signals corresponding to different transmit nodes are not resolved in the receiver, and the modulated data symbols cannot be removed from the received signals. Most traditional parameter estimation methods in passive radar and JCRS may not be suitable here. A location and velocity estimation method with the received echo signals is proposed. Specifically, the location parameters are extracted directly from the received echo signals. The location estimation is cast into a block sparse vector reconstruction problem. The variational Bayesian sparsity learning (VBSL) method is exploited for the reconstruction of the block sparse vector. Accelerated VBSL methods are developed for improving the computational efficiency. Simulations verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.