bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Craniofacial, dental, and molecular features of Pyle disease in a South African child
Authors: Chetty Manogari , Roomaney Imaan , Oosterwyk Chandré , Manyisa Noluthando , Bope Christian Domilongo , Agenbag Gloudi , Wonkam Ambroise
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Pyle Disease (PD), or familial metaphyseal dysplasia [OMIM 265900], is a rare autosomal recessive condition leading to widened metaphyses of long bones and cortical bone thinning and genu valgum. We detail the oro-dental and molecular findings in a South African patient with PD.

Methods

The patient underwent clinical, radiographic and molecular examinations. An exfoliated tooth was analysed using scanning electron microscopy and was compared to a control tooth.

Results

The patient presented with marked Erlenmeyer-flask deformity (EFD) of the long bones and several Wormian bones. His dental development was delayed by approximately three years. The permanent molars were mesotaurodontic. The bones, including the jaws and cervical vertebrae, showed osteoporotic changes. The lamina dura was absent, and the neck of the condyle lacked normal constrictions. Ionic component analysis of the primary incisors found an absence of magnesium. Sanger sequencing revealed a novel putative pathogenic variant in intron 5 of SFRP4 (c.855+4delAGTA) in a homozygous state.

Conclusion

This study has reported for the first time the implication of a mutation in the SFRP4 gene in an African patient presenting with PD and highlights the need for dental practitioners to be made aware of the features and management implications of PD.
'It's their mouth at the end of the day': dental professionals' reactions to oral health education outcomes
Authors: Barnes Emma , Bullock Alison , Chestnutt Ivor G.
Published: September 2022

Introduction Research has established varying levels of efficacy of oral health education (OHE) efforts. However, little is known regarding how outcomes impact dental professionals and their OHE practice. This study explores dental professionals' reactions to varying OHE outcomes and their motivations to persist with their efforts.

Methods Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with dental team members working in mainly NHS general dental practices in South Wales, UK. Interviews were conducted face-to-face pre-COVID-19 and then by telephone, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results In total, 30 interviews were conducted (17 dentists, 6 dental therapists and 7 dental nurses). Pleasure was gained from improved patient oral health. Responses to non-adherence included disappointment, frustration and acceptance. Acceptance centred around a shared responsibility for oral care between clinician and patient and reassurance that they had 'done their job'. The unpredictability of patient adherence aided OHE motivation; efforts might eventually inspire patient action or might align with patient readiness to change.

Conclusions This study reveals how OHE outcomes impact on dental professionals' perceptions of their role and personal motivations for continued educational efforts with patients. Greater emphasis on both preventative dentistry and self-care, coupled with understanding of the complex factors influencing oral health behaviour, would aid motivation for OHE.
Cell Rover—a miniaturized magnetostrictive antenna for wireless operation inside living cells
Authors: Joy Baju , Cai Yubin , Bono David C. , Sarkar Deblina
Published: September 2022

An intracellular antenna can open up new horizons for fundamental and applied biology. Here, we introduce the Cell Rover, a magnetostrictive antenna which can operate wirelessly inside a living cell and is compatible with 3D biological systems. It is sub-mm in size, acoustically actuated by an AC magnetic field and resonantly operated at low MHz frequencies, which is ideal for living systems. We developed an injection scheme involving non-uniform magnetic fields for intracellular injection of the Cell Rovers and demonstrated their operation in fully opaque, stage VI Xenopus oocytes, for which real-time imaging with conventional technologies is challenging. We also show that they provide a pathway for multiplexing applications to individually address multiple cells or to tune to more than one antenna within the same cell for versatile functionalities. This technology forms the foundation stone that can enable the integration of future capabilities such as smart sensing, modulation as well as energy harvesting to power in-cell nanoelectronic computing and can potentially bring the prowess of information technology inside a living cell. This could lead to unprecedented opportunities for fundamental understanding of biology as well as diagnostics and therapeutics.
Protein condensation diseases: therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Vendruscolo Michele , Fuxreiter Monika
Published: September 2022

Condensed states of proteins, including liquid-like membraneless organelles and solid-like aggregates, contribute in fundamental ways to the organisation and function of the cell. Perturbations of these states can lead to a variety of diseases through mechanisms that we are now beginning to understand. We define protein condensation diseases as conditions caused by the disruption of the normal behaviour of the condensed states of proteins. We analyze the problem of the identification of targets for pharmacological interventions for these diseases and explore opportunities for the regulation of the formation and organisation of aberrant condensed states of proteins.
Wireless multi-lateral optofluidic microsystems for real-time programmable optogenetics and photopharmacology
Authors: Wu Yixin , Wu Mingzheng , Vázquez-Guardado Abraham , Kim Joohee , Zhang Xin , Avila Raudel , Kim Jin-Tae , Deng Yujun , Yu Yongjoon , Melzer Sarah , Bai Yun , Yoon Hyoseo , Meng Lingzi , Zhang Yi , Guo Hexia , Hong Liu , Kanatzidis Evangelos E. , Haney Chad R. , Waters Emily A. , Banks Anthony R. , Hu Ziying , Lie Ferrona , Chamorro Leonardo P. , Sabatini Bernardo L. , Huang Yonggang , Kozorovitskiy Yevgenia , Rogers John A.
Published: September 2022

In vivo optogenetics and photopharmacology are two techniques for controlling neuronal activity that have immense potential in neuroscience research. Their applications in tether-free groups of animals have been limited in part due to tools availability. Here, we present a wireless, battery-free, programable multilateral optofluidic platform with user-selected modalities for optogenetics, pharmacology and photopharmacology. This system features mechanically compliant microfluidic and electronic interconnects, capabilities for dynamic control over the rates of drug delivery and real-time programmability, simultaneously for up to 256 separate devices in a single cage environment. Our behavioral experiments demonstrate control of motor behaviors in grouped mice through in vivo optogenetics with co-located gene delivery and controlled photolysis of caged glutamate. These optofluidic systems may expand the scope of wireless techniques to study neural processing in animal models.
Pauling-type adsorption of O2 induced electrocatalytic singlet oxygen production on N–CuO for organic pollutants degradation
Authors: Xie Liangbo , Wang Pengfei , Li Yi , Zhang Dongpeng , Shang Denghui , Zheng Wenwen , Xia Yuguo , Zhan Sihui , Hu Wenping
Published: September 2022

Due to environmentally friendly operation and on-site productivity, electrocatalytic singlet oxygen (1O2) production via O2 gas is of immense interest in environment purification. However, the side-on configuration of O2 on the catalysts surface will lead to the formation of H2O, which seriously limits the selectivity and activity of 1O2 production. Herein, we show a robust N-doped CuO (N–CuO) with Pauling-type (end-on) adsorption of O2 at the N–Cu–O3 sites for the selective generation of 1O2 under direct-current electric field. We propose that Pauling-type configuration of O2 not only lowers the overall activation energy barrier, but also alters the reaction pathway to form 1O2 instead of H2O, which is the key feature determining selectivity for the dissociation of Cu–O bonds rather than the O–O bonds. The proposed N dopant strategy is applicable to a series of transition metal oxides, providing a universal electrocatalysts design scheme for existing high-performance electrocatalytic 1O2 production.
High-temperature stability in air of Ti3C2Tx MXene-based composite with extracted bentonite
Authors: Liu Na , Li Qiaoqiao , Wan Hujie , Chang Libo , Wang Hao , Fang Jianhua , Ding Tianpeng , Wen Qiye , Zhou Liujiang , Xiao Xu
Published: September 2022

Although Ti3C2Tx MXene is a promising material for many applications such as catalysis, energy storage, electromagnetic interference shielding due to its metallic conductivity and high processability, it’s poor resistance to oxidation at high temperatures makes its application under harsh environments challenging. Here, we report an air-stable Ti3C2Tx based composite with extracted bentonite (EB) nanosheets. In this case, oxygen molecules are shown to be preferentially adsorbed on EB. The saturated adsorption of oxygen on EB further inhibits more oxygen molecules to be adsorbed on the surface of Ti3C2Tx due to the weakened p-d orbital hybridization between adsorbed O2 and Ti3C2Tx, which is induced by the Ti3C2Tx/EB interface coupling. As a result, the composite is capable of tolerating high annealing temperatures (above 400 °C for several hours) both in air or humid environment, indicating highly improved antioxidation properties in harsh condition. The above finding is shown to be independent on the termination ratio of Ti3C2Tx obtained through different synthesis routes. Utilized as terahertz shielding materials, the composite retains its shielding ability after high-temperature treatment even up to 600 °C, while pristine Ti3C2Tx is completely oxidized with no terahertz shielding ability. Joule heating and thermal cycling performance are also demonstrated.
Excitonic Bloch–Siegert shift in CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dots
Authors: Li Yuxuan , Han Yaoyao , Liang Wenfei , Zhang Boyu , Li Yulu , Liu Yuan , Yang Yupeng , Wu Kaifeng , Zhu Jingyi
Published: September 2022

Coherent interaction between matter and light field induces both optical Stark effect and Bloch–Siegert shift. Observing the latter has been historically challenging, because it is weak and is often accompanied by a much stronger Stark shift. Herein, by controlling the light helicity, we can largely restrict these two effects to different spin-transitions in CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dots, achieving room-temperature Bloch–Siegert shift as strong as 4 meV with near-infrared pulses. The ratio between the Bloch–Siegert and optical Stark shifts is however systematically higher than the prediction by the non-interacting, quasi-particle model. With a model that explicitly accounts for excitonic effects, we quantitatively reproduce the experimental observations. This model depicts a unified physical picture of the optical Stark effect, biexcitonic optical Stark effect and Bloch–Siegert shift in low-dimensional materials displaying strong many-body interactions, forming the basis for the implementation of these effects to information processing, optical modulation and Floquet engineering.
Using 2D qNMR analysis to distinguish between frozen and frozen/thawed chicken meat and evaluate freshness
Authors: Kim Hyun Cheol , Baek Ki Ho , Lee Yee Eun , Kang Taemin , Kim Hyun Jun , Lee Dongheon , Jo Cheorun
Published: September 2022

We identified key metabolites reflecting microbial spoilage and differentiated unfrozen meat from frozen/thawed (FT) using 2D qNMR analysis. Unfrozen and FT chicken breasts were prepared, individually aerobically packaged, and stored for 16 days at 2 °C. Only volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) was significantly changed after 6 log CFU/g of total aerobic bacteria (p < 0.05). Extended storage resulted in an increase in organic acids, free amino acids, biogenic amines, and hypoxanthine and a decrease in N,N-dimethylglycine, inosine 5′-monophosphate, and proline. Acetic acid demonstrated the highest correlation with VBN (r = 0.97). Unfrozen and FT breast meat can be differentiated by uniform concentration of carnosine, β-alanine, and histidine levels, consistent changes in nucleotides by storage time, and changes in microbial metabolism patterns that are reflected by some free amino acids. Thus, NMR-based metabolomics can be used to evaluate chicken breast meat freshness and distinguish between unfrozen and FT meat.
A humanized minipig model for the toxicological testing of therapeutic recombinant antibodies
Authors: Flisikowska Tatiana , Egli Jerome , Flisikowski Krzysztof , Stumbaum Marlene , Küng Erich , Ebeling Martin , Schmucki Roland , Georges Guy , Singer Thomas , Kurome Mayuko , Kessler Barbara , Zakhartchenko Valeri , Wolf Eckhard , Weber Felix , Schnieke Angelika , Iglesias Antonio
Published: September 2022

The safety of most human recombinant proteins can be evaluated in transgenic mice tolerant to specific human proteins. However, owing to insufficient genetic diversity and to fundamental differences in immune mechanisms, small-animal models of human diseases are often unsuitable for immunogenicity testing and for predicting adverse outcomes in human patients. Most human therapeutic antibodies trigger xenogeneic responses in wild-type animals and thus rapid clearance of the drugs, which makes in vivo toxicological testing of human antibodies challenging. Here we report the generation of Göttingen minipigs carrying a mini-repertoire of human genes for the immunoglobulin heavy chains γ1 and γ4 and the immunoglobulin light chain κ. In line with observations in human patients, the genetically modified minipigs tolerated the clinically non-immunogenic IgG1κ-isotype monoclonal antibodies daratumumab and bevacizumab, and elicited antibodies against the checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab and the engineered interleukin cergutuzumab amunaleukin. The humanized minipigs can facilitate the safety and efficacy testing of therapeutic antibodies.
Genetic footprints of assortative mating in the Japanese population
Authors: Yamamoto Kenichi , Sonehara Kyuto , Namba Shinichi , Konuma Takahiro , Masuko Hironori , Miyawaki Satoru ,   The BioBank Japan Project, Kamatani Yoichiro , Hizawa Nobuyuki , Ozono Keiichi , Yengo Loic , Okada Yukinori
Published: September 2022

Assortative mating (AM) is a pattern characterized by phenotypic similarities between mating partners. Detecting the evidence of AM has been challenging due to the lack of large-scale datasets that include phenotypic data on both partners, especially in populations of non-European ancestries. Gametic phase disequilibrium between trait-associated alleles is a signature of parental AM on a polygenic trait, which can be detected even without partner data. Here, using polygenic scores for 81 traits in the Japanese population using BioBank Japan Project genome-wide association studies data (n = 172,270), we found evidence of AM on the liability to type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, as well as on dietary habits. In cross-population comparison using United Kingdom Biobank data (n = 337,139) we found shared but heterogeneous impacts of AM between populations.
A fluorescent sensor for real-time measurement of extracellular oxytocin dynamics in the brain
Authors: Ino Daisuke , Tanaka Yudai , Hibino Hiroshi , Nishiyama Masaaki
Published: September 2022

Oxytocin (OT), a hypothalamic neuropeptide that acts as a neuromodulator in the brain, orchestrates a variety of animal behaviors. However, the relationship between brain OT dynamics and complex animal behaviors remains largely elusive, partly because of the lack of a suitable technique for its real-time recording in vivo. Here, we describe MTRIAOT, a G-protein-coupled receptor-based green fluorescent OT sensor that has a large dynamic range, suitable affinity, ligand specificity for OT orthologs, minimal effects on downstream signaling and long-term fluorescence stability. By combining viral gene delivery and fiber photometry-mediated fluorescence measurements, we demonstrate the utility of MTRIAOT for real-time detection of brain OT dynamics in living mice. MTRIAOT-mediated measurements indicate variability of OT dynamics depending on the behavioral context and physical condition of an animal. MTRIAOT will likely enable the analysis of OT dynamics in a variety of physiological and pathological processes.
Inflation of test accuracy due to data leakage in deep learning-based classification of OCT images
Authors: Tampu Iulian Emil , Eklund Anders , Haj-Hosseini Neda
Published: September 2022

In the application of deep learning on optical coherence tomography (OCT) data, it is common to train classification networks using 2D images originating from volumetric data. Given the micrometer resolution of OCT systems, consecutive images are often very similar in both visible structures and noise. Thus, an inappropriate data split can result in overlap between the training and testing sets, with a large portion of the literature overlooking this aspect. In this study, the effect of improper dataset splitting on model evaluation is demonstrated for three classification tasks using three OCT open-access datasets extensively used, Kermany’s and Srinivasan’s ophthalmology datasets, and AIIMS breast tissue dataset. Results show that the classification performance is inflated by 0.07 up to 0.43 in terms of Matthews Correlation Coefficient (accuracy: 5% to 30%) for models tested on datasets with improper splitting, highlighting the considerable effect of dataset handling on model evaluation. This study intends to raise awareness on the importance of dataset splitting given the increased research interest in implementing deep learning on OCT data.
Development of early prediction model for pregnancy-associated hypertension with graph-based semi-supervised learning
Authors: Lee Seung Mi , Nam Yonghyun , Choi Eun Saem , Jung Young Mi , Sriram Vivek , Leiby Jacob S. , Koo Ja Nam , Oh Ig Hwan , Kim Byoung Jae , Kim Sun Min , Kim Sang Youn , Kim Gyoung Min , Joo Sae Kyung , Shin Sue , Norwitz Errol R. , Park Chan-Wook , Jun Jong Kwan , Kim Won , Kim Dokyoon , Park Joong Shin
Published: September 2022

Clinical guidelines recommend several risk factors to identify women in early pregnancy at high risk of developing pregnancy-associated hypertension. However, these variables result in low predictive accuracy. Here, we developed a prediction model for pregnancy-associated hypertension using graph-based semi-supervised learning. This is a secondary analysis of a prospective study of healthy pregnant women. To develop the prediction model, we compared the prediction performances across five machine learning methods (semi-supervised learning with both labeled and unlabeled data, semi-supervised learning with labeled data only, logistic regression, support vector machine, and random forest) using three different variable sets: [a] variables from clinical guidelines, [b] selected important variables from the feature selection, and [c] all routine variables. Additionally, the proposed prediction model was compared with placental growth factor, a predictive biomarker for pregnancy-associated hypertension. The study population consisted of 1404 women, including 1347 women with complete follow-up (labeled data) and 57 women with incomplete follow-up (unlabeled data). Among the 1347 with complete follow-up, 2.4% (33/1347) developed pregnancy-associated HTN. Graph-based semi-supervised learning using top 11 variables achieved the best average prediction performance (mean area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89 in training set and 0.81 in test set), with higher sensitivity (72.7% vs 45.5% in test set) and similar specificity (80.0% vs 80.5% in test set) compared to risk factors from clinical guidelines. In addition, our proposed model with graph-based SSL had a higher performance than that of placental growth factor for total study population (AUC, 0.71 vs. 0.80, p < 0.001). In conclusion, we could accurately predict the development pregnancy-associated hypertension in early pregnancy through the use of routine clinical variables with the help of graph-based SSL.
Effects of adrenergic-stimulated lipolysis and cytokine production on in vitro mouse adipose tissue–islet interactions
Authors: Oquendo Morgana Barroso , Lorza-Gil Estela , Juarez-Lopez David , Wagner Robert , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Ullrich Susanne , Gerst Felicia
Published: September 2022

Inflammatory cytokines and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) are obesity-linked factors that disturb insulin secretion. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pancreatic adipose tissue (pWAT) is able to generate a NEFA/cytokine overload within the pancreatic environment and as consequence to impact on insulin secretion. Pancreatic fat is a minor fat depot, therefore we used high-fat diet (HFD) feeding to induce pancreatic steatosis in mice. Relative Adipoq and Lep mRNA levels were higher in pWAT of HFD compared to chow diet mice. Regardless of HFD, Adipoq and Lep mRNA levels of pWAT were at least 10-times lower than those of epididymal fat (eWAT). Lipolysis stimulating receptors Adrb3 and Npr1 were expressed in pWAT and eWAT, and HFD reduced their expression in eWAT only. In accordance, HFD impaired lipolysis in eWAT but not in pWAT. Despite expression of Npr mRNA, lipolysis was stimulated solely by the adrenergic agonists, isoproterenol and adrenaline. Short term co-incubation of islets with CD/HFD pWAT did not alter insulin secretion. In the presence of CD/HFD eWAT, glucose stimulated insulin secretion only upon isoproterenol-induced lipolysis, i.e. in the presence of elevated NEFA. Isoproterenol augmented Il1b and Il6 mRNA levels both in pWAT and eWAT. These results suggest that an increased sympathetic activity enhances NEFA and cytokine load of the adipose microenvironment, including that of pancreatic fat, and by doing so it may alter beta-cell function.
Interaction with a reactive partner improves learning in contrast to passive guidance
Authors: Ivanova Ekaterina , Eden Jonathan , Carboni Gerolamo , Krüger Jörg , Burdet Etienne
Published: September 2022

Many tasks such as physical rehabilitation, vehicle co-piloting or surgical training, rely on physical assistance from a partner. While this assistance may be provided by a robotic interface, how to implement the necessary haptic support to help improve performance without impeding learning is unclear. In this paper, we study the influence of haptic interaction on the performance and learning of a shared tracking task. We compare in a tracking task the interaction with a human partner, the trajectory guidance traditionally used in training robots, and a robot partner yielding human-like interaction. While trajectory guidance resulted in the best performance during training, it dramatically reduced error variability and hindered learning. In contrast, the reactive human and robot partners did not impede the adaptation and allowed the subjects to learn without modifying their movement patterns. Moreover, interaction with a human partner was the only condition that demonstrated an improvement in retention and transfer learning compared to a subject training alone. These results reveal distinctly different learning behaviour in training with a human compared to trajectory guidance, and similar learning between the robotic partner and human partner. Therefore, for movement assistance and learning, algorithms that react to the user’s motion and change their behaviour accordingly are better suited.
A comparison of impact of comorbidities and demographics on 60-day mortality in ICU patients with COVID-19, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Ahlström Björn , Frithiof Robert , Larsson Ing-Marie , Strandberg Gunnar , Lipcsey Miklos , Hultström Michael
Published: September 2022

Severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with several pre-existing comorbidities and demographic factors. Similar factors are linked to critical sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We hypothesized that age and comorbidities are more generically linked to critical illness mortality than a specific disease state. We used national databases to identify ICU patients and to retrieve comorbidities. The relative importance of risk factors for 60-day mortality was evaluated using the interaction with disease group (Sepsis, ARDS or COVID-19) in logistic regression models. We included 32,501 adult ICU patients. In the model on 60-day mortality in sepsis and COVID-19 there were significant interactions with disease group for age, sex and asthma. In the model on 60-day mortality in ARDS and COVID-19 significant interactions with cohort were found for acute disease severity, age and chronic renal failure. In conclusion, age and sex play particular roles in COVID-19 mortality during intensive care but the burden of comorbidity was similar between sepsis and COVID-19 and ARDS and COVID-19.
DefectTrack: a deep learning-based multi-object tracking algorithm for quantitative defect analysis of in-situ TEM videos in real-time
Authors: Sainju Rajat , Chen Wei-Ying , Schaefer Samuel , Yang Qian , Ding Caiwen , Li Meimei , Zhu Yuanyuan
Published: September 2022

In-situ irradiation transmission electron microscopy (TEM) offers unique insights into the millisecond-timescale post-cascade process, such as the lifetime and thermal stability of defect clusters, vital to the mechanistic understanding of irradiation damage in nuclear materials. Converting in-situ irradiation TEM video data into meaningful information on defect cluster dynamic properties (e.g., lifetime) has become the major technical bottleneck. Here, we present a solution called theDefectTrack, the first dedicated deep learning-based one-shot multi-object tracking (MOT) model capable of tracking cascade-induced defect clusters in in-situ TEM videos in real-time.DefectTrackhas achieved a Multi-Object Tracking Accuracy (MOTA) of 66.43% and a Mostly Tracked (MT) of 67.81% on the test set, which are comparable to state-of-the-art MOT algorithms. We discuss the MOT framework, model selection, training, and evaluation strategies for in-situ TEM applications. Further, we compare theDefectTrackwith four human experts in quantifying defect cluster lifetime distributions using statistical tests and discuss the relationship between the material science domain metrics and MOT metrics. Our statistical evaluations on the defect lifetime distribution suggest that theDefectTrackoutperforms human experts in accuracy and speed.
Fungi are more transient than bacteria in caterpillar gut microbiomes
Authors: Šigut Martin , Pyszko Petr , Šigutová Hana , Višňovská Denisa , Kostovčík Martin , Kotásková Nela , Dorňák Ondřej , Kolařík Miroslav , Drozd Pavel
Published: September 2022

Despite an increasing number of studies on caterpillar (Insecta: Lepidoptera) gut microbiota, bacteria have been emphasized more than fungi. Therefore, we lack data on whether fungal microbiota is resident or transient and shaped by factors similar to those of bacteria. We sampled nine polyphagous caterpillar species from several tree species at multiple sites to determine the factors shaping leaf and gut bacterial and fungal microbiota as well as the extent to which caterpillars acquire microbiota from their diet. We performed 16S and ITS2 DNA metabarcoding of the leaves and guts to determine the composition and richness of the respective microbiota. While spatial variables shaped the bacterial and fungal microbiota of the leaves, they only affected fungi in the guts, whereas the bacteria were shaped primarily by caterpillar species, with some species harboring more specific bacterial consortia. Leaf and gut microbiota significantly differed; in bacteria, this difference was more pronounced. The quantitative similarity between leaves and guts significantly differed among caterpillar species in bacteria but not fungi, suggesting that some species have more transient bacterial microbiota. Our results suggest the complexity of the factors shaping the gut microbiota, while highlighting interspecific differences in microbiota residency within the same insect functional group.
Augmented risk of ischemic stroke in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients without documented atrial fibrillation
Authors: Choi You-Jung , Kim Bongseong , Rhee Tae-Min , Lee Hyun-Jung , Lee Heesun , Park Jun-Bean , Lee Seung-Pyo , Han Kyung-Do , Kim Yong-Jin , Kim Hyung-Kwan
Published: September 2022

Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-established risk factor for ischemic stroke (IS) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the risk of IS in HCM patients without documented AF is less recognized. This nationwide population-based cohort study using Korean National Health Insurance database included 8,328 HCM patients without documented AF and 1:2 propensity score-matched 16,656 non-HCM controls between 2010 and 2016. The primary outcome was an incident IS. During a mean follow-up of 6.1 years, IS occurred in 328/8,328 (3.9%) patients with HCM and 443/16,656 (2.7%) controls. The overall incidence of IS was 0.72/100 person-years in the HCM group, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (0.44/100 person-years) (HR 1.64; 95% CI 1.424–1.895; P < 0.001). The overall incidence of IS was 1.36/100 person-years in HCM patients aged ≥ 65 and 2.32/100 person-years years in those with heart failure, respectively. In the HCM group, age ≥ 65 years (adjusted HR 2.74; 95% CI 2.156–3.486; P < 0.001) and chronic heart failure (adjusted HR 1.75; 95% CI 1.101–2.745; P = 0.018) were independent risk factors for IS. HCM patients without documented AF are at a greater risk of IS, especially in those 65 years of age or older or those with chronic heart failure.
Carbon-oxygen surface formation enhances secondary electron yield in Cu, Ag and Au
Authors: Brown M. , Diaz L. , Aslan A. , Sanati M. , Portillo S. , Schamiloglu E. , Joshi R. P.
Published: September 2022

First-principles calculations coupled with Monte Carlo simulations are used to probe the role of a surface CO monolayer formation on secondary electron emission (SEE) from Cu, Ag, and Au (110) materials. It is shown that formation of such a layer increases the secondary electron emission in all systems. Analysis of calculated total density of states (TDOS) in Cu, Ag, and Au, and partial density of states (PDOS) of C and O confirm the formation of a covalent type bonding between C and O atoms. It is shown that such a bond modifies the TDOS and extended it to lower energies, which is then responsible for an increase in the probability density of secondary electron generation. Furthermore, a reduction in inelastic mean free path is predicted for all systems. Our predicted results for the secondary electron yield (SEY) compare very favorably with experimental data in all three materials, and exhibit increases in SEY. This is seen to occur despite increases in the work function for Cu, Ag, and Au. The present analysis can be extended to other absorbates and gas atoms at the surface, and such analyses will be present elsewhere.
The effectiveness of dry needling in patients with chronic low back pain: a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study
Authors: Rajfur Joanna , Rajfur Katarzyna , Kosowski Łukasz , Walewicz Karolina , Dymarek Robert , Ptaszkowski Kuba , Taradaj Jakub
Published: September 2022

Dry needling (DN) is a standard procedure for treating musculoskeletal disorders. However, there are no clear recommendations for using DN in low back pain (LBP). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the novel DN program for reducing pain intensity and improving functional efficiency in patients with chronic LBP. A group of 40 patients with chronic LBP due to the L5-S1 discopathy were eligible and randomized into experimental (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. The DN program was performed for the experimental group according to the Five Regulatory Systems (FRS) concept. The control group received sham therapy using placebo needles. DN sessions were performed twice a week for 4 weeks. A single needling application lasted 60 min. Both groups received standard treatment and physical exercise of LBP for 1 month. Subjective pain was measured by a visual analog scale (VAS), functional efficiency was assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the lower spine range of motion was measured with the Schober test. There were significant differences in pain reduction (VAS) in both groups (p < 0.001). The strongest analgesic effect in the DN group yielded 6.45 points immediately after the therapy, 6.2 points after 1 month, and 6 points after 3 months. The DN group scored higher VAS reduction than the control group (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the functional state (ODI) in the experimental group (p < 0.001). There was a significant ODI decrease by 18.1 points, after 1 month by 18.9 points, and after 3 months by 17.6 points. No significant differences were found in the control group (p > 0.05). Intergroup differences were observed in the functional efficiency in ODI in all measurement time-points (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the range of motion (Schober test) in the DN group (main effect: p < 0.001). For all measurements, differences (p < 0.001) were observed in favor of DN compared to the control. In conclusion, DN program according to the FRS concept stands for the novel treatment method supplemented by an exercise program, effectively reducing pain and improving functional efficiency in LBP patients.
Pressure pain threshold map of thoracolumbar paraspinal muscles after lengthening contractions in young male asymptomatic volunteers
Authors: Hanada Kohei , Ota Hiroki , Mizumura Kazue , Taguchi Toru
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to characterise topographic distribution of pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of thoracolumbar paraspinal muscles and its change after lengthening contractions (LCs) of the back muscles. Using young male asymptomatic participants in Experiment 1, we systematically examined the distribution of PPTs bilaterally in the range of Th1–L5 at measurement points 2 and 4 cm from the midline. PPTs were found to be higher in the lumbar segments of the paraspinal muscles than in the thoracic segments, and in muscles closer to the vertebrae (2 vs. 4 cm from the midline). The PPTs did not differ between the left and right sides in each segment. In Experiment 2, LC was applied by asking a part of participants recruited in Experiment 1 to fall their trunk from a starting position (parallel to the floor) to 40° flexed position, and then made it back as quickly as possible to the starting position. This cycle was repeated until participants could not keep contractions (30 times/set, 25.4 ± 10.6 sets). PPTs of the LC group decreased prominently in the lower thoracic and lumbar segments, and the decrease was more evident 24 h after LC compared to that 48 h after. In contrast, PPTs in the control group without LC remained unchanged. These results provided broad topographic images of PPTs in the thoracolumbar paraspinal muscles of young male participants with and without LC, and the obtained PPT maps could be a useful guide for better treatment of exercise-induced myofascial pain in the lower back.
Evaluation of the inflammatory and osteogenic response induced by titanium particles released during implantoplasty of dental implants
Authors: Toledano-Serrabona Jorge , Bosch Begoña M. , Díez-Tercero Leire , Gil F. Javier , Camps-Font Octavi , Valmaseda-Castellón Eduard , Gay-Escoda Cosme , Sánchez-Garcés Mª Ángeles
Published: September 2022

Implantoplasty is a mechanical decontamination technique that consists of removing the threads and polishing and smoothing the dental implant surface. During implantoplasty there is a large release of titanium metal particles that might provoke a proinflammatory response and reduce the viability of osteogenic cells. We analyze the inflammatory and osteogenic response induced by Ti6Al4V particles released during implantoplasty and by as-received commercially pure Ti particles. Macrophages stimulated with metal particles obtained by implantoplasty and with as-received Ti particles showed an increased proinflammatory expression of TNF-α and a decreased expression of TGF-β and CD206. Regarding cytokine release, there was an increase in IL-1β, while IL-10 decreased. The osteogenic response of Ti6Al4V extracts showed a significant decrease in Runx2 and OC expression compared to the controls and commercially pure Ti extracts. There were no relevant changes in ALP activity. Thus, implantoplasty releases metal particles that seems to induce a pro-inflammatory response and reduce the expression of osteogenic markers.
Bacterial diversity in surface sediments of collapsed lakes in Huaibei, China
Authors: Shen Zijian , Shang Zijian , Wang Faxin , Liang Yanhong , Zou Youcun , Liu Fei
Published: September 2022

The collapse lake area due to coal mining in Huaibei shows high biodiversity, but the bacterial community composition and diversity in the lake sediments are still rarely studied. Therefore, based on 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and combined with analysis of environmental factors, we comparatively analyzed the bacterial community composition and diversity of surface sediments from East Lake (DH) and South Lake (NH) and Middle Lake (ZH) in the collapse lake area of Huaibei. The bacterial community compositions are significantly different in the sediments among Huaibei collapsed lakes, with DH having the largest number of species, and NH having a higher species diversity. Pseudomonadota is the most abundant phylum in the sediments of DH and NH, while the most abundant phyla in ZH are Bacteroidales, Chloroflexales, Acidobacteriales, and Firmicutes. Anaerolineae (24.05% ± 0.20%) is the most abundant class in the DH sediments, and Gammaproteobacteria (25.94% ± 0.40%) dominates the NH sediments, Bacteroidia (32.12% ± 1.32%) and Clostridia (21.98% ± 0.90%) contribute more than 50% to the bacteria in the sediments of ZH. Redundancy analysis (RDA) shows that pH, TN, and TP are the main environmental factors affecting the bacterial community composition in the sediments of the collapsed lake area. The results reveal the bacterial community composition and biodiversity in the sediments of the Huaibei coal mining collapsed lakes, and provide new insights for the subsequent ecological conservation and restoration of the coal mining collapsed lakes.
Balancing the effects of solar radiation pressure on the orbital elements of a spacecraft using Lorentz force
Authors: Yousef M. A. , El-Saftawy M. I. , Mostafa A.
Published: September 2022

In this work, orbits of Lorentz spacecrafts and satellites are investigated under the perturbation of solar radiation pressure. An attempt is made to control the perturbation of the solar radiation pressure using the effect of Lorentz force that affects an electrically charged spacecraft. The charge per unit mass is the controlling parameter in this process. The redial, transverse and normal components of the mentioned forces are constructed. The Lagrange planetary equations for perturbations in the Keplerian orbital elements are formulated. The formula describing the charge per unit mass, as function of the physical parameter of the problem as well as the orbital elements, were derived. The effects of the combined forces are analytically and numerically studied.
Health digital twins as tools for precision medicine: Considerations for computation, implementation, and regulation
Authors: Venkatesh Kaushik P. , Raza Marium M. , Kvedar Joseph C.
Published: September 2022

Health digital twins are defined as virtual representations (“digital twin”) of patients (“physical twin”) that are generated from multimodal patient data, population data, and real-time updates on patient and environmental variables. With appropriate use, HDTs can model random perturbations on the digital twin to gain insight into the expected behavior of the physical twin—offering groundbreaking applications in precision medicine, clinical trials, and public health. Main considerations for translating HDT research into clinical practice include computational requirements, clinical implementation, as well as data governance, and product oversight.
Spin-polarized and possible pseudospin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy in kagome metal FeSn
Authors: Lee Si-Hong , Kim Youngjae , Cho Beopgil , Park Jaemun , Kim Min-Seok , Park Kidong , Jeon Hoyeon , Jung Minkyung , Park Keeseong , Lee JaeDong , Seo Jungpil
Published: September 2022

A kagome lattice (KL) is a two-dimensional atomic network comprising hexagons interspersed with triangles, which provides a fascinating platform for studying competing quantum ground states. The KL contains three atoms in a unit cell, and their degrees of freedom combine to yield Dirac bands and a flat band. Despite many studies to understand the flat band in KL, exploring the pseudospin of Dirac bands in KL has been scarce. In this paper, we suggest pseudospin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy that is analogous to spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy. Using a pseudospin-polarized tip, we possibly observed the pseudospin texture of kagome metal FeSn in real space. Based on a simple tight-binding calculation, we further simulated the pseudospin texture of KL, confirming the geometric origin of pseudospin. This work potentially deepens our understanding of the lattice symmetry-preserving tunneling process in Dirac materials.
Boosting CO2-to-CO evolution using a bimetallic diketopyrrolopyrrole tethered rhenium bipyridine catalyst
Authors: Carr Cody R. , Koenig Josh D. B. , Grant Michael J. , Piers Warren E. , Welch Gregory C.
Published: September 2022

The use of homogeneous electro- and photo-catalysis involving molecular catalysts offers valuable insight into reaction mechanisms as it relates to the structure–function of these tunable systems.
Hybrid composites of lanthanide metal–organic frameworks with epoxy silanes for highly sensitive thermometry
Authors: Shu Ying , Guan Huiru , Kirillov Alexander M. , Liu Weisheng , Yang Lizi , Dou Wei
Published: September 2022

A new series of lanthanide MOF-based composites with epoxy silanes were fabricated by means of a curing reaction between Ln-BTB and ECTMS or KH563 and their fluorescence properties and efficacy in the temperature sensing of materials were improved.
Correction: Fabrication of Fe3O4-incorporated MnO2 nanoflowers as electrodes for enhanced asymmetric supercapacitor performance
Authors: Rabani Iqra , Younus Ayesha , Patil Supriya A. , Seo Young-Soo
Published: September 2022

Correction for ‘Fabrication of Fe3O4-incorporated MnO2 nanoflowers as electrodes for enhanced asymmetric supercapacitor performance’ by Iqra Rabani et al., Dalton Trans., 2022, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2DT01942F.
Ferrihydrite transformations in flooded paddy soils: rates, pathways, and product spatial distributions
Authors: Grigg Andrew R. C. , ThomasArrigo Laurel K. , Schulz Katrin , Rothwell Katherine A. , Kaegi Ralf , Kretzschmar Ruben
Published: September 2022

The rate and pathway of ferrihydrite transformation in soil depends on the properties of the soil pore water and diffusion processes.
Coprinus comatuspolysaccharides ameliorated carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis through modulating inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Zhao Huajie , Li Duan , Li Min , Liu Liang , Deng Baoguo , Jia Le , Yang Fan
Published: September 2022

Liver fibrosis is a serious global public health problem, owing to a lack of effective treatment.
Linarin ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice via the improvement of intestinal barrier, suppression of inflammatory responses and modulation of gut microbiota
Authors: Jin Chengni , Liu Jiayu , Jin Ruyi , Yao Yanpeng , He Silan , Lei Min , Peng Xiaoli
Published: September 2022

Linarin ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice by maintaining intestinal barrier function, suppressing inflammatory responses and regulating gut microbiota.
Correction: High resolution multielement XRF spectroscopy of extended and diffused sources with a graphite mosaic crystal based Von Hamos spectrometer
Authors: Scordo A. , Breschi L. , Curceanu C. , Miliucci M. , Sirghi F. , Zmeskal J.
Published: September 2022

Correction for ‘High resolution multielement XRF spectroscopy of extended and diffused sources with a graphite mosaic crystal based Von Hamos spectrometer’ by A. Scordo et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2020, 35, 155–168, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9JA00269C.
The formulation of a CMC binder/silicon composite anode for Li-ion batteries: from molecular effects of ball milling on polymer chains to consequences on electrochemical performances
Authors: Ndour Mariama , Bonnet Jean-Pierre , Cavalaglio Sébastien , Lombard Tristan , Courty Matthieu , Aymard Luc , Przybylski Cédric , Bonnet Véronique
Published: September 2022

The semi-synthetic polysaccharide carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is one of the most studied and effective polymer binders for silicon-based anodes in Li-ion batteries.
Enhanced proton conduction of crystalline organic salt hybrid membranes and the performance of fuel cells
Authors: Yang Yan , Chen Xu-Yong , Li Xin-Mei , Zhao Fang , Bai Xiang-Tian , Cao Li-Hui
Published: September 2022

The hybrid Nafion membranes of a hydrogen-bonded crystalline organic salt material are used for proton conduction and proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications.
Palladium-catalysed dual ring-opening [3 + 4] annulation of isatoic anhydrides with cyclic iodoniums to build tribenzo[b,d,f]azepines and a mechanistic DFT study
Authors: Huang Lingyu , Tian Ya-Nan , Ren Shiyan , Wang Jingwei , Xiao Yi , Zhu Qiping , Li Shiqing
Published: September 2022

A palladium-catalysed dual ring-opening, decarboxylative/decarbonylative [3 + 4] annulation of isatoic anhydrides with cyclic iodoniums to build tribenzo[b,d,f]azepines was developed, and its mechanism was studied using DFT.
An antibody scanning method for the detection of α-synuclein oligomers in the serum of Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Kulenkampff Klara , Emin Derya , Staats Roxine , Zhang Yu P. , Sakhnini Laila , Kouli Antonina , Rimon Oded , Lobanova Evgeniia , Williams-Gray Caroline H. , Aprile Francesco A. , Sormanni Pietro , Klenerman David , Vendruscolo Michele
Published: September 2022

Misfolded α-synuclein oligomers are closely implicated in the pathology of Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies.
Merging Grubbs second-generation catalyst with photocatalysis enablesZ-selective metathesis of olefins: scope, limitations, and mechanism
Authors: Chérif Saïf Eddine , Ghosh Avisek , Chelli Saloua , Dixon Isabelle M. , Kraiem Jamil , Lakhdar Sami
Published: September 2022

Light is magic!The combination of Grubbs second generation catalyst, a well-known catalyst forE-selective olefin metathesis, with a photosensitizer enables efficient access to the contra-thermodynamicZ-isomers.
Properties of liquid-crystal wave-guiding structures
Authors: Ayriyan A. , Ayryan E. A. , Egorov A. A. , Timko M. , Kopčanský P.
Published: September 2022

The paper presents the results of an experimental and numerical study of some properties of multimode liquid crystal waveguide structures.
Manipulating the d-band centers of transition metal phosphides through dual metal doping towards robust overall water splitting
Authors: Liu Yunqing , Zhang Zuhao , Zhang Lu , Xia Yuguo , Wang Haiqing , Liu Hong , Ge Shenguang , Yu Jinghua
Published: September 2022

By modulating the d band center via dual metal doping, and thus optimizing the adsorption free energy change for intermediates, the as prepared Ni–Mn–FeP exhibits outstanding catalytic performance toward both the OER (η10 = 185 mV) and HER (η10 = 103 mV).
Strong, thermo-reversible salogels with boronate ester bonds as thermal energy storage materials
Authors: Rajagopalan Kartik Kumar , Zhu Xiuzhu , Sukhishvili Svetlana A.
Published: September 2022

Dynamic covalent boronate ester salogels as novel thermal energy storage materials shape stabilize >96 wt% Ca(NO3)2·4H2O. Thermo-reversible bonds allow on-demand destruction of the gel to facilitate filling and removal from thermal storage modules.