bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NON-pharmacological Approach Less Invasive Surfactant Administration (NONA-LISA) trial: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Breindahl Niklas , Henriksen Tine Brink , Heiring Christian , Bay Emma Therese , Haaber Jannie , Salmonsen Tenna Gladbo , Carlsen Emma Louise Malchau , Zachariassen Gitte , Agergaard Peter , Viuff Anne-Cathrine Finnemann , Bender Lars , Grønnebæk Tolsgaard Martin , Aunsholt Lise
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Using pre-procedure analgesia with the risk of apnoea may complicate the Less Invasive Surfactant Administration (LISA) procedure or reduce the effect of LISA.

Methods

The NONA-LISA trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05609877) is a multicentre, blinded, randomised controlled trial aiming at including 324 infants born before 30 gestational weeks, meeting the criteria for surfactant treatment by LISA. Infants will be randomised to LISA after administration of fentanyl 0.5–1 mcg/kg intravenously (fentanyl group) or isotonic saline solution intravenously (saline group). All infants will receive standardised non-pharmacological comfort care before and during the LISA procedure. Additional analgesics will be provided at the clinician’s discretion. The primary outcome is the need for invasive ventilation, meaning mechanical or manual ventilation via an endotracheal tube, for at least 30 min (cumulated) within 24 h of the procedure. Secondary outcomes include the modified COMFORTneo score during the procedure, bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 36 weeks, and mortality at 36 weeks.

Discussion

The NONA-LISA trial has the potential to provide evidence for a standardised approach to relief from discomfort in preterm infants during LISA and to reduce invasive ventilation. The results may affect future clinical practice.

Impact

Pre-procedure analgesia is associated with apnoea and may complicate procedures that rely on regular spontaneous breathing, such as Less Invasive Surfactant Administration (LISA).

This randomised controlled trial addresses the effect of analgesic premedication in LISA by comparing fentanyl with a placebo (isotonic saline) in infants undergoing the LISA procedure. All infants will receive standardised non-pharmacological comfort.

The NONA-LISA trial has the potential to provide evidence for a standardised approach to relief from discomfort or pain in preterm infants during LISA and to reduce invasive ventilation. The results may affect future clinical practice regarding analgesic treatment associated with the LISA procedure.
Pediatric invasive device utility and harm: a multi-site point prevalence survey
Authors: Takashima Mari , Gibson Victoria , Borello Eloise , Galluzzo Lily , Gill Fenella J. , Kinney Sharon , Newall Fiona , Ullman Amanda J.
Published: January 2024

Background and aims

Invasive devices are widely used in healthcare settings; however, pediatric patients are especially vulnerable to invasive device-associated harm. This study aimed to explore invasive device utility, prevalence, harm, and clinical practice across three Australian pediatric tertiary hospitals.

Methods

In 2022–2023, a multi-center, observational, rolling-point-prevalence survey was conducted. Fifty-per-cent of inpatients were systemically sampled by random allocation. Patients with devices were then followed for up to 3-days for device-related complications/failures and management/removal characteristics.

Results

Of the 285 patients audited, 78.2% had an invasive device (n = 412 devices), with a median of 1 device-per-patient (interquartile range 1–2), with a maximum of 13 devices-per-patient. Over half of devices were vascular access devices (n = 223; 54.1%), followed by gastrointestinal devices (n = 112; 27.2%). The point-prevalence of all device complications on Day 0 was 10.7% (44/412 devices) and period-prevalence throughout the audit period was 27.7% (114/412 devices). The period-prevalence of device failure was 13.4% (55/412 devices).

Conclusions

The study highlighted a high prevalence of invasive devices among hospitalized patients. One-in-ten devices failed during the audit period. These findings underscore the need for vigilant monitoring and improved strategies to minimize complications and enhance the safety of invasive devices in pediatric hospital settings.

Impact

A high prevalence of invasive devices among hospitalized patients was reported. Of the 285 patients audited, almost 80% had an invasive device (total 412 devices), with a median of 1 device-per-patient and a maximum of 13 devices-per-patient.

The most common devices used in pediatric healthcare are vascular access devices (n = 223; 54.1%), however, 16% (n = 36) of these devices failed, and one-third had complications.

The point prevalence of all device complications at day 0 was 10.7% (44 out of 412 devices), with a period prevalence of 27.7% (114 out of 412 devices) throughout the audit period.
Serine to proline mutation at position 341 of MYOC impairs trabecular meshwork function by causing autophagy deregulation
Authors: Yan Xuejing , Wu Shen , Liu Qian , Cheng Ying , Teng Yufei , Ren Tianmin , Zhang Jingxue , Wang Ningli
Published: January 2024

Glaucoma is a highly heritable disease, and myocilin was the first identified causal and most common pathogenic gene in glaucoma. Serine-to-proline mutation at position 341 of myocilin (MYOCS341P) is associated with severe glaucoma phenotypes in a five-generation primary open-angle glaucoma family. However, the underlying mechanisms are underexplored. Herein, we established the MYOCS341P transgenic mouse model and characterized the glaucoma phenotypes. Further, we systematically explored the functional differences between wild-type and MYOCS341P through immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and RNA-seq analyses. We found that MYOCS341P transgenic mice exhibit glaucoma phenotypes, characterized by reduced aqueous humor outflow, elevated intraocular pressure, decreased trabecular meshwork (TM) cell number, narrowed Schlemm’s canal, retinal ganglion cell loss, and visual impairment. Mechanistically, the secretion of dysfunctional MYOCS341P accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), inducing ER stress and dysregulation of autophagy, thereby promoting TM cell death. We describe an effective transgenic model for mechanistic studies and the screening of therapeutic targets. Our data generated from high-throughput analyses help elucidate the mechanism underlying mutant MYOC-related glaucoma.
Selective synthesis of α-vinyl-ω-vinylidene-oligoisoprene as a macromonomer via ethenolysis of polyisoprene
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Shimmei Akane , Otsuka Riki , Nakayama Yuushou , Shiono Takeshi
Published: January 2024

Oligoisoprene macromonomer, which bears a terminal vinyl group, was prepared by the metathesis degradation of high-molecular-weight polyisoprene with ethylene for coordination polymerization. The ethenolysis of polyisoprene using the 2nd-generation Grubbs catalyst (G2) at ambient pressure gave heterotelechelic (α-vinyl-ω-vinylidene) oligoisoprene, keeping the stereoregularity in high yield, whereas the 1st generation Grubbs catalyst was immediately deactivated. In such metathesis degradation, an intramolecular side reaction giving cyclic oligomers may be competitive, but ethenolysis proceeded with high selectivity, probably because of the least steric effect of ethylene. The ethenolysis is also applicable for the degradation of natural rubber-derived polyisoprene, although the catalytic activity decreased. The prepared oligoisoprene macromonomer was successfully copolymerized with ethylene using a phenoxyimine-ligated titanium catalyst, and the reactivity of the macromonomer was almost the same as that of 1-hexadecene. The oligoisoprene-grafted polyethylene showed a typical stress‒strain curve, of which the tensile modulus and yielding stress are comparable to those of linear low-density polyethylene.
Sensorimotor adaptation of locomotor synergies to gravitational constraint
Authors: Guillaud Etienne , Leconte Vincent , Doat Emilie , Guehl Dominique , Cazalets Jean-René
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the impact of gravity on lower limb muscle coordination during pedaling. It explores how pedaling behaviors, kinematics, and muscle activation patterns dynamically adapts to changes in gravity and resistance levels. The experiment was conducted in parabolic flights, simulating microgravity, hypergravity (1.8 g), and normogravity conditions. Participants pedaled on an ergometer with varying resistances. The goal was to identify potential changes in muscle synergies and activation strategies under different gravitational contexts. Results indicate that pedaling cadence adjusted naturally in response to both gravity and resistance changes. Cadence increased with higher gravity and decreased with higher resistance levels. Muscular activities were characterized by two synergies representing pull and push phases of pedaling. The timing of synergy activation was influenced by gravity, with a delay in activation observed in microgravity compared to other conditions. Despite these changes, the velocity profile of pedaling remained stable across gravity conditions. The findings strongly suggest that the CNS dynamically manages the shift in body weight by finely tuning muscular coordination, thereby ensuring the maintenance of a stable motor output. Furthermore, electromyography analysis suggest that neuromuscular discharge frequencies were not affected by gravity changes. This implies that the types of muscle fibers recruited during exercise in modified gravity are similar to those used in normogravity. This research has contributed to a better understanding of how the human locomotor system responds to varying gravitational conditions, shedding light on the potential mechanisms underlying astronauts’ gait changes upon returning from space missions.
Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and imaging for non-invasive objective assessment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a pilot study
Authors: Dinish U. S. , Logan Susan , Balasundaram Ghayathri , Xinhui Valerie Teo , Vinod Ram Keertana , Ruochong Zhang , Renzhe Bi , Silvani Steffie , Hua Cheng Kee , Xia Xu , Giap Hean Goh , Choolani Mahesh , Olivo Malini
Published: January 2024

The genitourinary symptom of menopause (GSM) affects up to 65% of women, resulting in symptoms such as vulvovaginal dryness, discomfort, and dysuria, which significantly impacts quality of life. The current assessment methods rely on subjective questionnaires that can be influenced by individual differences, as well as invasive measurements that are time-consuming and not easily accessible. In this study, we explore the potential of a non-invasive and objective assessment tool called diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and imaging (DRSI) to evaluate tissue chromophores, including water, lipid, oxyhemoglobin, and deoxyhemoglobin. These measurements provide information about moisture content, lipid levels, oxygen saturation, and blood fraction, which can serve as surrogate markers for genital estrogen levels. Our findings reveal distinct differences in these chromophores among pre, peri, and postmenopausal subjects. By using lipid and blood fraction tissue chromophores in a K-Nearest Neighbour classifier model, we achieved a prediction accuracy of 65% compared to vaginal maturation index (VMI) that is clinically used to assess estrogen-related hormonal changes. When age was included as the third feature, the accuracy increased to 78%. We believe that by refining the study protocol and configuring the fiber probe to examine tissue chromophores both in the superficial vulva skin for epidermal water content and the deeper layers, DRSI has the potential to provide objective diagnosis and aid in monitoring the treatment outcome of GSM.
Lactate-induced autophagy activation: unraveling the therapeutic impact of high-intensity interval training on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Pirani Hossein , Soltany Afsaneh , Hossein Rezaei Maryam , Khodabakhshi Fard Adeleh , Nikooie Rohollah , Khoramipoor Kimya , Chamari Karim , Khoramipour Kayvan
Published: January 2024

Impaired autophagy is a hallmark of diabetes. The current study proposed to investigate if high intensity interval training (HIIT) induced lactate accumulation could stimulate autophagy in type 2 diabetic male rats. 28 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Healthy Control (CO), Diabetes Control (T2D), Exercise (EX), and Diabetes + Exercise (T2D + EX). Diabetes was induced by feeding high-fat diet and administrating single dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). After becoming diabetic, the animals in the exercise groups (EX and T2D + EX) performed an eight-week HIIT (4–10 interval, 80–100% Vmax, 5 days per week). Serum levels of lactate, glucose and insulin as well as the levels of lactate, pyruvate, lactate transporter monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases (p-MAP 1 and 2), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (p-ERK 1 and 2), mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (p-70S6k), p90 ribosomal S6 kinases (p-90RSK), autophagy related 7 (ATG7), Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B, and 2A/2B -light chain 3 levels (LC3-I), (LC3- II), (LC3I/LC3II) in soleus muscle were measured. Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and serum glucose was lower in T2D + EX compared to T2D group (P < 0.0001). While serum and soleus muscle levels of lactate was not different between T2D and T2D + Ex, the levels of Pyruvate (P < 0.01), MCT1, p-ERK1/2, p-mTOR, p70S6k, P-90RSK, ATG7, LC3-II, and LC3-II/LC3I ratios were higher in T2D + EX compared to T2D group (P < 0.0001). We concluded that eight weeks of high-intensity interval training could activated ERK/P90SRK while inhibiting mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway in lactate dependent manner. It means increased autophagy which resulted in improve insulin resistance (IR) and reduce blood glucose.
Probiotic consortium modulating the gut microbiota composition and function of sterile Mediterranean fruit flies
Authors: Haytham Hamden , Kamel Charaabi , Wafa Djobbi , Salma Fadhel , Naima Bel Mokhtar , George Tsiamis , Ameur Cherif , Msaad Guerfali Meriem
Published: January 2024

The sterile insect technique (SIT) remains a successful approach in managing pest insects. However, the long-term mass rearing and sterilizing radiation associated with SIT have been observed to induce physiological and ecological fitness decline in target insects. This decline may be attributed to various factors, including commensal microbiota dysbiosis, selection procedures, loss of heterozygosity, and other complex interactions.. There is evidence that the bacterial symbiont of insects may play critical roles in digestion, development, reproduction, and behavior. Probiotics are an increasingly common approach for restoring the intestinal microbiota structure and fitness parameters of sterile insects, particularly in the Vienna 8 genetic sexing strain (V8-GSS) of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata. Here, we explore the influence of the previously isolated bacterial strain, Lactococcus lactis, Enterobacter sp., and Klebsiella oxytoca, administration as probiotic consortia (LEK-PC) to the larvae and/or adult diet over the course of 20 rearing generations on fitness parameters. The experiment was carried out in four colonies: a control colony (C), one to which probiotics were not added, one to which probiotics were added to the larval medium (L+), one to which probiotics were added to the adult medium (A+), and one to which probiotics were added to both the larval and adult mediums (AL+). Emergence, flight ability, survival under stress conditions, and mating competitiveness, were all significantly improved by the LEK-PC treatment independently of the administration stage. The intestinal microbiota structure of various medfly V8-GSS colonies also underwent a significant shift, despite the fact that the core microbial community was unaffected by the LEK-PC administration stage, according to 16S metagenomics sequencing. Comparison of the metabolic function prediction and associated carbohydrate enzymes among colonies treated with “LEK-PC” showed an enrichment of metabolic functions related to carbohydrates, amino acids, cofactors, and vitamins metabolism, as well as, glycoside hydrolase enzymes in the AL+ colony compared to the control. This study enriches the knowledge regarding the benefits of probiotic treatment to modulate and restore the intestinal microbiota of C. capitata sterile males for a better effectiveness of the SIT.
Escape performance in the cyclopoid copepod Oithona davisae
Authors: Uttieri Marco , Svetlichny Leonid
Published: January 2024

Escaping a predator is one of the keys to success for any living creature. The performance of adults (males, females, and ovigerous females) of the cyclopoid copepod Oithona davisae exposed to an electrical stimulus is analysed as a function of temperature by measuring characteristic parameters associated with the escape movement (distance covered, duration of the appendage movement, mean and maximum escape speeds, Reynolds number). In addition, as a proxy for the efficiency of the motion, the Strouhal number was calculated. The escape performance showed temperature-dependent relationships within each adult state, as well as differences between sexes; additionally, changes owing to the presence of the egg sac were recorded in females. In a broader perspective, the results collected reveal the occurrence of different behavioural adaptations in males and females, adding to the comprehension of the mechanisms by which O. davisae interacts with its environment and shedding new light on the in situ population dynamics of this species.
Genome-wide identification of rubber tree pathogenesis-related 10 (PR-10) proteins with biological relevance to plant defense
Authors: Longsaward Rawit , Viboonjun Unchera
Published: January 2024

Pathogenesis-related 10 (PR-10) is a group of small intracellular proteins that is one of 17 subclasses of pathogenesis-related proteins in plants. The PR-10 proteins have been studied extensively and are well-recognized for their contribution to host defense against phytopathogens in several plant species. Interestingly, the accumulation of PR-10 proteins in the rubber tree, one of the most economically important crops worldwide, after being infected by pathogenic organisms has only recently been reported. In this study, the homologous proteins of the PR-10 family were systemically identified from the recently available rubber tree genomes in the NCBI database. The sequence compositions, structural characteristics, protein physical properties, and phylogenetic relationships of identified PR-10 proteins in rubber trees support their classification into subgroups, which mainly consist of Pru ar 1-like major allergens and major latex-like (MLP) proteins. The rubber tree PR10-encoding genes were majorly clustered on chromosome 15. The potential roles of rubber tree PR-10 proteins are discussed based on previous reports. The homologous proteins in the PR-10 family were identified in the recent genomes of rubber trees and were shown to be crucial in host responses to biotic challenges. The genome-wide identification conducted here will accelerate the future study of rubber tree PR-10 proteins. A better understanding of these defense-related proteins may contribute to alternative ways of developing rubber tree clones with desirable traits in the future.
An augmentation aided concise CNN based architecture for COVID-19 diagnosis in real time
Authors: Kaur Balraj Preet , Singh Harpreet , Hans Rahul , Sharma Sanjeev Kumar , Kaushal Chetna , Hassan Md. Mehedi , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: January 2024

Over 6.5 million people around the world have lost their lives due to the highly contagious COVID 19 virus. The virus increases the danger of fatal health effects by damaging the lungs severely. The only method to reduce mortality and contain the spread of this disease is by promptly detecting it. Recently, deep learning has become one of the most prominent approaches to CAD, helping surgeons make more informed decisions. But deep learning models are computation hungry and devices with TPUs and GPUs are needed to run these models. The current focus of machine learning research is on developing models that can be deployed on mobile and edge devices. To this end, this research aims to develop a concise convolutional neural network-based computer-aided diagnostic system for detecting the COVID 19 virus in X-ray images, which may be deployed on devices with limited processing resources, such as mobile phones and tablets. The proposed architecture aspires to use the image enhancement in first phase and data augmentation in the second phase for image pre-processing, additionally hyperparameters are also optimized to obtain the optimal parameter settings in the third phase that provide the best results. The experimental analysis has provided empirical evidence of the impact of image enhancement, data augmentation, and hyperparameter tuning on the proposed convolutional neural network model, which increased accuracy from 94 to 98%. Results from the evaluation show that the suggested method gives an accuracy of 98%, which is better than popular transfer learning models like Xception, Resnet50, and Inception.
The potential of postharvest zinc treatment for preservation of pomegranate aril quality
Authors: Aminzade Reihaneh , Ramezanian Asghar , Eshghi Saeid , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad Hashem
Published: January 2024

A short shelf life usually limits the distribution and supply of pomegranate arils. Since zinc (Zn) has an indispensable role in the nutrient integrity of our diet and is effective in suppressing pathogens, this study was done as two separate experiments of pre-harvest spraying and postharvest dipping of arils with two zinc supplements, including nano zinc oxide (nZnO) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). The optimized concentration of both sources was used in the experiment. The pre-harvest treatment failed to extend the shelf life of arils, and, ultimately, the arils decayed after 15 days. However, the postharvest zinc treatment significantly (P < 0.01) affected all measured indices. Also, zinc sulfate was more effective than nZnO. Zn uptake was higher in postharvest treatments because exogenous Zn was in direct contact with the aril surface. After dissolving in water, Zn ions in sulfate bind to the membrane of microorganisms and thus delay cell division and microbial growth cycle. The solubility of zinc oxide nanoparticles in water is poor. Using the ZnSO4 treatment (0.8%W/V) effectively maintained the values of titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), total soluble solids (TSS), anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity. Also, this treatment significantly controlled weight loss in the arils.
Probiotic potential of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus VHProbi M15 on sucralfate-induced constipation in mice
Authors: Cheng Shumin , Cui Hongchang , Zhang Jingyan , Wang Qian , Duan Zhi
Published: January 2024

The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential probiotic properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus VHProbi®M15 (M15). This study examined the effects of M15 on sucralfate-induced constipation in a mouse model. The BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: the normal group (NOR) was without any treatment, while the constipation (CON), phenolphthalein (PHE), and probiotic (PRO) treatment groups were fed with sucralfate until the appearance of constipation symptoms. Afterward, the NOR and CON groups were given 1 ml saline orally every day until the end of the experiment; the PHE and PRO groups were given phenolphthalein or M15 suspension in 1 ml orally, respectively. Compared with the CON group, the fecal water content and intestinal peristalsis improved in the PRO group. Here, intake of M15 effectively attenuated sucralfate-induced constipation, recuperated colonic epithelial integrity, and increased serum levels of gastrointestinal excitatory neurotransmitters (motilin, gastrin, substance P). Analysis of the intestinal microbiota of mice by 16S rRNA metagenomic revealed an increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroides and a decrease in Sclerotinia, Verrucosa and Proteus in the PRO group. Compared with the CON group, the constipation-induced intestinal microecological changes were partially recovered in the PHE and PRO groups. These results demonstrate that M15 enhanced gastrointestinal transit and alleviated in mice with sucralfate-induced constipation.
Genetically determined circulating micronutrients and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Liu Ke , Chen Ying , Chen Jiaxin , Chen Weiwei , Sun Xiaohui , Mao Yingying , Ye Ding
Published: January 2024

Evidence from epidemiological literature on the association of circulating micronutrients with risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is inconsistent. We aimed to elucidate the causal relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with 14 circulating micronutrients (β-carotene, calcium, copper, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin B6, B12, C, D, K1 and zinc) were employed as instrumental variables. Summary level data for NAFLD were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of 8434 cases and 770,180 controls (discovery stage) and another two datasets including 1483 NAFLD cases and 17,781 controls (replication stage 1) and 2134 NAFLD cases and 33,433 controls (replication stage 2). Inverse variance-weighted method (IVW) was used as primary analysis, supplemented with a series of sensitivity analysis. Genetically predicted higher β‑carotene levels were suggestively associated with reduced NAFLD risk [odds ratio (OR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66–0.99; P = 0.047], whereas the association did not survive the false discovery rates (FDR) correction (PFDR = 0.164). Genetically predicted circulating iron (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05–1.29; P = 0.006, PFDR = 0.028), selenium (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03–1.20; P = 0.005, PFDR = 0.028) and vitamin B12 (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03–1.13; P = 0.002, PFDR = 0.028) were significantly associated with increased risk of NAFLD. Moreover, the findings were consistent in individual datasets (Pheterogeneity > 0.05) and confirmed in sensitivity analysis. Our study provided evidence that circulating iron, selenium and vitamin B12 might be causally linked to the risk of NAFLD, which deserves further exploration of the potential biological mechanism.
Flexible thermoelectrics in crossed graphene/hBN composites
Authors: Bazrafshan M. Amir , Khoeini Farhad
Published: January 2024

Nanostructures exhibit unusual properties due to the dominance of quantum mechanical effects. In addition, the geometry of a nanostructure can have a strong influence on its physical properties. Using the tight-binding and force-constant approaches with the help of the non-equilibrium Green’s function method, the transport and thermoelectric properties of cross-shaped (X-shaped) composite heterostructures are studied in two cases: Mixed graphene and h-BN (HETX-CBN) and all graphene (HETX-C) cross-shaped structures. Our numerical results show that an X-shaped structure helps to manipulate its electronic and phononic properties. The transport energy gap can be tuned in the range of ~ 0.8 eV by changing one arm width. Due to the drastic decrease in the electronic conductance of HETX-CBN and the dominance of the phononic thermal conductance, the ZT performance is degraded despite the high Seebeck coefficient value (in the order of meV). However, HETX-C has better ZT performance due to better electronic conductance and lower phononic/electronic thermal ratio, it can enhance the ZT ~ 2.5 times compared to that of zigzag graphene nanoribbon. The thermoelectric properties of the system can be tuned by controlling the size of the arms of the device and the type of its atoms.
Semen microbiota are dramatically altered in men with abnormal sperm parameters
Authors: Osadchiy Vadim , Belarmino Andre , Kianian Reza , Sigalos John T. , Ancira Jacob S. , Kanie Trisha , Mangum Sarah F. , Tipton Craig D. , Hsieh Tung-Chin M. , Mills Jesse N. , Eleswarapu Sriram V.
Published: January 2024

There has recently been an explosion of studies implicating the human microbiome in playing a critical role in many disease and wellness states. The etiology of abnormal semen analysis (SA) parameters is not identified in 30% of cases; investigations involving the semen microbiome may bridge this gap. Here, we explore the relationship between the semen microbiome and alterations of sperm parameters. We recruited men presenting for fertility evaluation or vasectomy consultation with proven biological paternity. SA and next generation sequencing was performed. Differential abundance testing using Analysis of composition of Microbiota with Bias Correction (ANCOM-BC) was performed along with canonical correlational analysis for microbial community profiling. Men with abnormal (N = 27) sperm motility showed a higher abundance of Lactobacillus iners compared to those with normal (N = 46) sperm motility (mean proportion 9.4% versus 2.6%, p = 0.046). This relationship persisted on canonical correlational analysis (r = 0.392, p = 0.011). Men with abnormal sperm concentration (N = 20) showed a higher abundance of Pseudomonas stutzeri (2.1% versus 1.0%, p = 0.024) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (0.9% versus 0.7%, p = 0.010), but a lower abundance of Pseudomonas putida (0.5% versus 0.8%, p = 0.020), compared to those with normal sperm concentration (N = 53). Major limitations are related to study design (cross-sectional, observational). Our results suggest that a small group of microorganisms may play a critical role in observed perturbations of SA parameters. Some of these microbes, most notably Lactobacillus iners, have been described extensively within other, fertility-related, contexts, whereas for others, this is the first report where they have potentially been implicated. Advances in our understanding of the semen microbiome may contribute to potentially new therapeutic avenues for correcting impairments in sperm parameters and improving male fertility.
Multimodal digital phenotyping of diet, physical activity, and glycemia in Hispanic/Latino adults with or at risk of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pai Amruta , Santiago Rony , Glantz Namino , Bevier Wendy , Barua Souptik , Sabharwal Ashutosh , Kerr David
Published: January 2024

Digital phenotyping refers to characterizing human bio-behavior through wearables, personal devices, and digital health technologies. Digital phenotyping in populations facing a disproportionate burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and health disparities continues to lag compared to other populations. Here, we report our study demonstrating the application of multimodal digital phenotyping, i.e., the simultaneous use of CGM, physical activity monitors, and meal tracking in Hispanic/Latino individuals with or at risk of T2D. For 14 days, 36 Hispanic/Latino adults (28 female, 14 with non-insulin treated T2D) wore a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and a physical activity monitor (Actigraph) while simultaneously logging meals using the MyFitnessPal app. We model meal events and daily digital biomarkers representing diet, physical activity choices, and corresponding glycemic response. We develop a digital biomarker for meal events that differentiates meal events into normal and elevated categories. We examine the contribution of daily digital biomarkers of elevated meal event count and step count on daily time-in-range 54-140 mg/dL (TIR54–140) and average glucose. After adjusting for step count, a change in elevated meal event count from zero to two decreases TIR54–140 by 4.0% (p = 0.003). An increase in 1000 steps in post-meal step count also reduces the meal event glucose response by 641 min mg/dL (p = 0.0006) and reduces the odds of an elevated meal event by 55% (p < 0.0001). The proposed meal event digital biomarkers may provide an opportunity for non-pharmacologic interventions for Hispanic/Latino adults facing a disproportionate burden of T2D.
Topological high-harmonic spectroscopy
Authors: García-Cabrera Ana , Boyero-García Roberto , Zurrón-Cifuentes Óscar , Serrano Javier , Román Julio San , Plaja Luis , Hernández-García Carlos
Published: January 2024

Linearly polarized vector beams are structured lasers whose topology is characterized by a well-defined Poincaré index, which is a topological invariant during high-order harmonic generation. As such, harmonics are produced as extreme-ultraviolet vector beams that inherit the topology of the driver. This holds for isotropic targets such as noble gases, but analogous behaviour in crystalline solids is still open to discussion. Here, we demonstrate that this conservation rule breaks in crystalline solids, in virtue of their anisotropic non-linear susceptibility. We identify the topological properties of the harmonic field as unique probes, sensitive to both the microscopic and macroscopic features of the target’s complex non-linear response. Our simulations, performed in single-layer graphene, show that the harmonic field is split into a multi-beam structure whose topology encodes information about laser-driven electronic dynamics. Our work promotes the topological analysis of the high-order harmonic field as a spectroscopic tool to reveal the nonlinearities in the coupling of light and target symmetries.
Fluorescence-based multifunctional light sheet imaging flow cytometry for high-throughput optical interrogation of live cells
Authors: Joshi Prakash , Kumar Prashant , S Aravinth , Varghese Jiby Mary , Mondal Partha Pratim
Published: January 2024

Multifunctional light sheet imaging flow cytometry of a large population of live cells at high throughput is challenging and requires new technological advancement. Existing cytometry techniques are limited due to point-based illumination that does not allow volume interrogation and biophysical parameter estimation on the go. Here, we propose a multifunctional (multichannel, multisheet and multicolor) imaging cytometry (M3IC) system that employs vertically-aligned multi-sheet array (VAMSA) illumination for interrogating cells flowing simultaneously through multiple microfluidic channels. We studied cancer cells (volume interrogation with organelle-level resolution and high signal-to-background-ratio(SBR)) at high throughput (~2500 nl/min). M3IC system demonstrates organelle-level resolution with a SBR comparable to that of confocal, especially at low flow rates. In addition, the multicolor imaging capability of the system facilitates multi-organelle investigation, determination of critical biophysical parameters, and drug (Paclitaxel) treatment studies on cancer cells. M3IC system is expected to advance the field of fluorescence microscopy, cell biophysics, disease biology and optical physics.
A digital twin approach for experimental acoustic hologram optimization
Authors: Fushimi Tatsuki , Tagami Daichi , Yamamoto Kenta , Ochiai Yoichi
Published: January 2024

The need for the accurate generation of acoustic holograms has increased with the prevalence of the use of acoustophoresis methods such as ultrasonic haptic sensation, acoustic levitation, and displays. However, experimental results have shown that the actual acoustic field may differ from the simulated field owing to uncertainties in the transducer position, power and phase, or from nonlinearity and inhomogeneity in the field. Traditional methods for experimentally optimizing acoustic holograms require prior calibration and do not scale with the number of variables. Here, we propose a digital twin approach that combines feedback from experimental measurements (such as a microphone and an optical camera) in the physical setup with numerically obtained derivatives of the loss function, using automatic differentiation, to optimize the loss function. This approach is number of transducers times faster and more efficient than the classical finite difference approach, making it beneficial for various applications such as acoustophoretic volumetric displays, ultrasonic haptic sensations, and focused ultrasound therapy.
First to finish, what comes next? Putting Capacity Building and the Transfer of Marine Technology under the BBNJ Agreement into practice
Authors: Harden-Davies Harriet , Lopes Vanessa Ferreira , Coelho Luciana Fernandes , Nelson Gemma , Veiga Julia Schutz , Talma Sheena , Vierros Marjo
Published: January 2024

The completion of negotiations on capacity building and the transfer of marine technology (CBTMT) was a critical milestone that paved the way for the adoption of a historic new UN ocean treaty that was twenty years in the making. The CBTMT part is crucial to enable the effective and equitable implementation of this treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the two-thirds of the ocean that lies beyond national jurisdiction. We present key advances made by the treaty concerning the “what”, “how” and “why” of CBTMT, from including key definitions, a common vision, and mechanisms for diverse voices to drive action - to institutionalizing processes for funding and measuring of outcomes. We identify five key remaining questions and efforts needed to support the ratification of the treaty in the short term, and to prepare for implementation in the long term: (i) country-driven needs assessments and action plans; (ii) measures to monitor and review the quality of capacity building; (iii) support for key people and processes, including in relation to the Committee; (iv) information sharing and cooperation; (v) funding. We argue that preparations for the implementation of the CBTMT provisions of the Agreement are needed now. We propose that governments, research organizations, non- and inter- governmental organizations and funding bodies engage in a coordinated effort to address the remaining questions, strengthen confidence towards the ratification of the treaty, and ensure that the advances made by the treaty on paper are put into practice.
A self-activating electron transfer antibacterial strategy: Co3O4/TiO2 P–N heterojunctions combined with photothermal therapy
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Xie Zhe , Yang Yuchen , Sun Nuo , Guo Zhengnong , Li Miaomiao , Wang Chen
Published: January 2024

An antibiotic-free bactericidal system combined with PTT was fabricated by introducing nanoscale Co3O4 to a TiO2–Ti substrate (called Co3O4/TiO2–Ti). It manifested antimicrobial activity effectively in in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Lubricity, wear prevention, and anti-biofouling properties of macromolecular coatings for endotracheal tubes
Authors: Miller Naranjo Bernardo , Zollo Michael , Sieber Stephan A. , Lieleg Oliver
Published: January 2024

Macromolecular coatings on endotracheal tubes are tested regarding their lubricity, anti-biofouling activity towards cells and molecules, and stability towards sterilization and storage.
Anisotropic Raman spectral analysis and laser output based on large-sized scheelite bismuth molybdate tungstate mixed crystals
Authors: Tian Xiangxin , Chen Lijuan , Zhao Peng , Sun Youxuan , Gao Zeliang
Published: January 2024

This work presented the near decimeter-sized single crystal growth of Bi2Mo2.6W0.4O12 and the systematic analysis of its Raman spectral characteristics.
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine: the many faces of the sixth base of mammalian DNA
Authors: Kriukienė Edita , Tomkuvienė Miglė , Klimašauskas Saulius
Published: January 2024

This review assesses current analytical approaches and the mechanistic, biological and biomedical significance of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine – the second most abundant modified base in mammalian DNA.
Improvement of cycle life for layered oxide cathodes in sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Huan , Wang Dong , Liu Yalan , Liu Yihua , Zhong Benhe , Song Yang , Kong Qingquan , Wu Zhenguo , Guo Xiaodong
Published: January 2024

In this review, research progress on layered oxide cathodes for SIBs in recent years is summarized, with emphasis on the problems of poor cycle life caused by irreversible phase transition, Jahn–Teller effect and interface deterioration, and several strategies are proposed to alleviate these issues.
Impact of agricultural activities on the occurrence of N-nitrosamines in an aquatic environment
Authors: Chen Yingjie , Huang Huanfang , Chen Wenwen , Huang Xuelian , Zhang Yuan , Liang Yanpeng , Zeng Honghu , Zhang Hao , Qi Shihua
Published: January 2024

N-fertilizers and pesticides were N-nitrosamine sources in farmland groundwater and a high level of NO2− could promote the formation of N-nitrosamines in groundwater.
Photocatalytic and surface properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in soil solutions
Authors: Solymos Karolina , Babcsányi Izabella , Ariya Badam , Gyulavári Tamás , Ágoston Áron , Szamosvölgyi Ákos , Kukovecz Ákos , Kónya Zoltán , Farsang Andrea , Pap Zsolt
Published: January 2024

Effet of chemical compounds in soil solution to the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 NPs.
Multifunctional halloysite nanotube–polydopamine agro-carriers for controlling bacterial soft rot disease
Authors: Sharma Sandeep , Prinz Setter Ofer , Abu Hamad Hanan , Segal Ester
Published: January 2024

Halloysite nanotube-polydopamine core–shell nano-carriers loaded with thymol offer a sustainable alternative to existing pesticide formulations while providing enhanced efficacy, stability, and crop safety.
Chiral discrimination of l-DOPA vial/d-tryptophan decorated carbon quantum dots
Authors: Rezaei Aram , Hamad Mohammed Ahmed , Adibi Hadi , Zheng Huajun , Qadir Khdir Hamza
Published: January 2024

Chiral CQDs hold significant promise for enantioselective detection in the pharmaceutical industry.
Deep-blue emissive and colourless polyimides: optical property tuning by triphenylamino and carbazole chromophores
Authors: Šimon Pavel , Štrojsa Jakub , Klikar Milan , Burešová Zuzana , Růžička Aleš , Zelenka Jiří , Kulhánek Jiří , Tydlitát Jiří
Published: January 2024

Two novel emissive chromophores based on triphenylamine and carbazole have been designed, prepared and further utilized as comonomers towards end-capped emissive colourless polyimides.
Achieving synergistic improvement in dielectric and energy storage properties at high-temperature of all-organic composites via physical electrostatic effect
Authors: Shang Yanan , Feng Yu , Meng Zhaotong , Zhang Changhai , Zhang Tiandong , Chi Qingguo
Published: January 2024

By utilizing interchain benzene ring electrostatic interactions in all-organic composite to inhibit dipole relaxation, we have reduced current density and achieved a synergistic effect in improving dielectric and energy storage properties.
Dispersed MnO2 nanoparticles/sugarcane bagasse-derived carbon composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Pongpanyanate Krittaporn , Roddecha Supacharee , Piyanirund Chanita , Phraewphiphat Thanya , Hasin Panitat
Published: January 2024

Bagasse-derived carbon electrodes were developed by doping with nitrogen functional groups and compositing with high-capacity MnO2 nanoparticles (MnO2/NBGC). The sustainable 5-MnO2/NBGC anode showed promising rate performance and cycling stability.
Rapid colorimetric sensing of chlorpromazine HCl antipsychotic through in situ growth of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Hammood Mohammad K. , Jeber Jalal N. , Khalaf Maryam A. , Abdul hadi kharaba Haneen
Published: January 2024

This assay rapidly detects chlorpromazine hydrochloride using its ability to reduce gold ions to form nanoparticles. Its low cost, resilience to interferences and short analysis time could facilitate environmental monitoring and biomedical analysis.
Green synthesis of ethyl cinnamates under microwave irradiation: photophysical properties, cytotoxicity, and cell bioimaging
Authors: Aztatzi-Mendoza Miguel Angel , Porras-Núñez Edgar Leonel , Rivas-Galindo Verónica M. , Carranza-Rosales Pilar , Carranza-Torres Irma Edith , García-Vielma Catalina , Hernández Ahuactzi Iran F. , López-Cortina Susana , López Israel , Hernández-Fernández Eugenio
Published: January 2024

A simple and green method for the synthesis of six ethyl cinnamates was performed via Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction under microwave irradiation.
Improving the thermostability and modulating the inulin profile of inulosucrase through rational glycine-to-proline substitution
Authors: Charoenwongpaiboon Thanapon , Sommanat Nawapat , Wangpaiboon Karan , Puangpathanachai Manatsanan , Pongsawasdi Piamsook , Pichyangkura Rath
Published: January 2024

MD simulations pinpointed temperature-sensitive glycine residues in LrInu. Substituting these glycines with proline significantly improved stability and levan yield.
Effect of sulphidation process on the structure, morphology and optical properties of GO/AgNWs composites
Authors: Baghirov Mahammad Baghir , Muradov Mustafa , Eyvazova Goncha , Azizian-Kalandaragh Yashar , Mammadyarova Sevinj , Kim Jiseok , Gasımov Eldar , Rzayev Fuad
Published: January 2024

In this study, the synthesized GO/AgNWs composites were sulfidized by exposure to H2S gas, and their physical properties were compared with the original form.
Electrospinning construction of a Fe–Ni-based multicomponent hybrid as synergistic electrocatalyst for water electrolysis
Authors: Wang Jinping , Ji Xiaochao , Bo Lili , Xia Liucheng , Fang Jiayao , Guan Xiaolin , Yang Haidong , Tong Jinhui
Published: January 2024

Bimetallic multicomponent FeNi2P/FeNi3N/FeNi3/N, P-doped carbon fibers hybrid catalysts have been facilely prepared and the synergistic effect endowed the catalyst greatly improved electrocatalytic activities for water electrolysis.
Strong and tough polysaccharide organohydrogels for strain, humidity and temperature sensors
Authors: Ye Lina , Yang Ruichen , Yu Xinxin , Sun Xingyue , Liang Haiyi
Published: January 2024

To avoid the potential toxicity of monomer residues in synthetic polymer based organohydrogels, natural polysaccharide-based organohydrogels are expected to be used in multi-functional wearable sensory systems, but most of them have unsatisfactory stiffness, strength and fracture toughness.
Modulating chelation with pH sensitivity for controlled structural defects and enhanced electrochemical and photocatalytic activities of LDH films
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ali , Safira Ananda Repycha , Kaseem Mosab
Published: January 2024

Enhancing LDH film performance through pH-responsive chelation. A pH-sensitive chelation approach was employed to tailor MgAl-LDH, achieving improved electrochemical stability and enhanced photocatalytic efficiency.
Low-dimensional lateral heterojunctions made of hexagonal boron nitride and carbon materials as efficient electrocatalysts for the chlorine evolution reaction: a study of DFT and machine learning
Authors: Fan Jiake , Yang Lei , Zhu Weihua
Published: January 2024

The reduction of the catalyst's dimension is conducive to facilitating the CER. The increase of Cl− concentration is helpful for accelerating the CER. The oxygen evolution reaction promotes the selectivity of Cl2 generation.
Preventing biofilm formation and eradicating pathogenic bacteria by Zn doped histidine derived carbon quantum dots
Authors: Kumar Vijay Bhooshan , Lahav Maoz , Gazit Ehud
Published: January 2024

Bacterial infections are of major medical concern due to antibiotic resistance.
Supramolecular assembly-induced electrochemiluminescence enhancement of gold nanoclusters for hemoglobin detection
Authors: Ge Xue , Zhang Mingming , Yin Fei , Sun Qian , Mo Fan , Huang Xinzhou , Zheng Ying , Wu Guoqiu , Zhang Yuanjian , Shen Yanfei
Published: January 2024

Based on ligand assembly between l-arginine and 4-hydroxy-2-mercapto-6-methylpyrimidine, gold nanoclusters with enhanced electrochemiluminescence efficiency and stability were prepared for the detection of hemoglobin in urine samples.
Condensed π-molecular arrangement for –C2H4SO3− armed naphthalenediimide
Authors: Ide Ryo , Kawasaki Ayumi , Takeda Takashi , Dekura Shun , Hoshino Norihisa , Matsuda Wakana , Seki Shu , Akutagawa Tomoyuki
Published: January 2024

A highly condensed packing structure with π-molecules is important to achieve high carrier transport properties.