bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and testing of ultrasound probe adapters for a robotic imaging platform
Authors: Amezcua Krysta-Lynn , Collier James , Lopez Michael , Hernandez Torres Sofia I. , Ruiz Austin , Gathright Rachel , Snider Eric J.
Published: March 2024

Medical imaging-based triage is a critical tool for emergency medicine in both civilian and military settings. Ultrasound imaging can be used to rapidly identify free fluid in abdominal and thoracic cavities which could necessitate immediate surgical intervention. However, proper ultrasound image capture requires a skilled ultrasonography technician who is likely unavailable at the point of injury where resources are limited. Instead, robotics and computer vision technology can simplify image acquisition. As a first step towards this larger goal, here, we focus on the development of prototypes for ultrasound probe securement using a robotics platform. The ability of four probe adapter technologies to precisely capture images at anatomical locations, repeatedly, and with different ultrasound transducer types were evaluated across more than five scoring criteria. Testing demonstrated two of the adapters outperformed the traditional robot gripper and manual image capture, with a compact, rotating design compatible with wireless imaging technology being most suitable for use at the point of injury. Next steps will integrate the robotic platform with computer vision and deep learning image interpretation models to automate image capture and diagnosis. This will lower the skill threshold needed for medical imaging-based triage, enabling this procedure to be available at or near the point of injury.
Production, characterization and performance of green geopolymer modified with industrial by-products
Authors: Abbas Ramadan , Abdelzaher M. A. , Shehata Nabila , Tantawy M. A.
Published: March 2024

Industrial by-products; have received a lot of attention as a possible precursor for cement and/or concrete production for a more environmentally and economically sound use of raw materials and energy sources. Geopolymer is a potentially useful porous material for OPC binder applications. The use of industrial wastes to produce a greener geopolymer is one area of fascinating research. In this work, geopolymer pastes were developed using alkali liquid as an activator and metakaolin (MK), alumina powder (AP), silica fume (SF), and cement kin dust (CKD) as industrial by-products. Several geopolymer samples have been developed. Research has been carried out on its processing and related physical and mechanical properties through deep microstructure investigation. The samples were cured in water by immersion with relative humidity (95 ± 5%), and at room temperature (~ 19–23 °C) prior to being tested for its workability and durability. The effect of the different composition of precursors on water absorption, density, porosity, and the compressive strength of the prepared geopolymers have been investigated. The results showed that the compressive strength of geopolymers at 28 days of curing is directly proportional to the ratio of the alkali liquid. Ultimately, the best geopolymer paste mixture (GPD1 and GPD2), was confirmed to contain (15% of CKD + 85% MK and Alumina solution (55 wt%)) and (25% of CKD + 75% MK + Alumina solution (55 wt%)) respectively, with 73% desirability for maximum water absorption (~ 44%) and compressive strength (4.9 MPa).
Residual renal volume as a long-term independent predictive factor of developing chronic kidney disease after donor nephrectomy
Authors: Hoontrakul Thanakhom , Leenanupunth Charoen , Siantong Mookdarat , Sirisreetreerux Pokket , Phongkitkarun Sith , Kongchareonsombat Wisoot , Kijvikai Kittinut
Published: March 2024

To assess the long-term association between the residual renal volume and the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in kidney donors following open or laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. A retrospective observational study involving 452 individuals who underwent open or laparoscopic donor nephrectomy at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. The study spanned over a comprehensive 60-month monitoring period. Residual renal volume was determined through Computer Tomography. Patient characteristics, surgical techniques, donated kidney side, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were collected and analysed. In a multivariate analysis, a residual renal volume exceeding 50% of original volume is associated with an increased likelihood of developing CKD, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.675 (P < 0.05), and male gender has a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.013 (P < 0.001). Additionally, age is identified as a minor risk factor for developing CKD, with hazard ratio (HR) of 1.107 (P < 0.001). Higher residual renal volume, male gender, and older age were identified as independent risk factors for the development of CKD following open or laparoscopic donor nephrectomy during long-term follow-up.
Problematic situations related to social media use and competencies to prevent them: results of a Delphi study
Authors: Lahti H. , Kulmala M. , Lyyra N. , Mietola V. , Paakkari L.
Published: March 2024

A three-round Delphi method was used to study the problematic situations that adolescents may encounter when using the social media, and the competencies needed to address these situations. A panel of Finnish experts (N = 22) provided an open-ended list of problematic situations and competencies in 2020–2021. These were then evaluated and ranked according to their significance. The experts provided an information-rich list of both problematic situations and competencies. Finally, 16 problematic situations and 19 competencies were ranked in order of importance by the experts. The most important problematic situations were direct and indirect cyberbullying and sexual harassment. The most important competencies were the ability to act responsibly, knowing what kinds of activity are prohibited, and knowing whom to contact on exposure to cyberbullying or harassment. The findings can be used in developing policies, recommendations, and solutions aimed at counteracting the harmful effects of social media on wellbeing during adolescence.
Automatic monitoring of neural activity with single-cell resolution in behaving Hydra
Authors: Hanson Alison , Reme Raphael , Telerman Noah , Yamamoto Wataru , Olivo-Marin Jean-Christophe , Lagache Thibault , Yuste Rafael
Published: March 2024

The ability to record every spike from every neuron in a behaving animal is one of the holy grails of neuroscience. Here, we report coming one step closer towards this goal with the development of an end-to-end pipeline that automatically tracks and extracts calcium signals from individual neurons in the cnidarian Hydra vulgaris. We imaged dually labeled (nuclear tdTomato and cytoplasmic GCaMP7s) transgenic Hydra and developed an open-source Python platform (TraSE-IN) for the Tracking and Spike Estimation of Individual Neurons in the animal during behavior. The TraSE-IN platform comprises a series of modules that segments and tracks each nucleus over time and extracts the corresponding calcium activity in the GCaMP channel. Another series of signal processing modules allows robust prediction of individual spikes from each neuron’s calcium signal. This complete pipeline will facilitate the automatic generation and analysis of large-scale datasets of single-cell resolution neural activity in Hydra, and potentially other model organisms, paving the way towards deciphering the neural code of an entire animal.
Rice husk ash based growing media impact on cucumber and melon growth and quality
Authors: Li Meng , Ning Xian-peng , Gao Tian-tian , Fazry Shazrul , Othman Babul Airianah , Najm Ahmad Abdul Kareem , Law Douglas
Published: March 2024

Rice husk, an agricultural waste from the rice industry, can cause serious environmental pollution if not properly managed. However, rice husk ash (RHA) has been found to have many positive properties, making it a potential replacement for non-renewable peat in soilless planting. Thus, this study investigated the impact of a RHA composite substrate on the growth, photosynthetic parameters, and fruit quality of cucumber (Yuyi longxiang variety) and melon (Yutian yangjiaomi variety). The RHA, peat, vermiculite, and perlite were blended in varying proportions, with the conventional seedling substrate (peat:vermiculite:perlite = 1:1:1 volume ratio) serving as the control (CK). All plants were cultivated in barrels filled with 10L of the mixed substrates. The results from this study found that RHA 40 (RHA:peat:vermiculite:perlite = 4:4:1:1 volume ratio) significantly enhanced substrate ventilation and positively influenced the stem diameter, root activity, seedling index, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) of cucumber and melon plants. Additionally, plant planted using RHA 40, the individual fruit weight of cucumber and melon found to increase by 34.62% and 21.67%, respectively, as compared to the control. Aside from that, both cucumber and melon fruits had significantly higher sucrose, total soluble sugar, vitamin C, and soluble protein levels. This subsequently improved the activity of sucrose synthase and sucrose phosphate synthase in both cucumber and melon. In conclusion, the RHA 40 found to best promote cucumber and melon plant growth, increase plant leaf photosynthesis, and improve cucumber and melon fruit quality, making it a suitable substrate formula for cucumber and melon cultivation in place of peat.
Feasibility of a 2-minute eye-tracking protocol to support the early identification of autism
Authors: Chetcuti Lacey , Varcin Kandice J. , Boutrus Maryam , Smith Jodie , Bent Catherine A. , Whitehouse Andrew J. O. , Hudry Kristelle
Published: March 2024

We tested the potential for Gazefinder eye-tracking to support early autism identification, including feasible use with infants, and preliminary concurrent validity of trial-level gaze data against clinical assessment scores. We embedded the ~ 2-min ‘Scene 1S4’ protocol within a comprehensive clinical assessment for 54 consecutively-referred, clinically-indicated infants (prematurity-corrected age 9–14 months). Alongside % tracking rate as a broad indicator of feasible assessment/data capture, we report infant gaze data to pre-specified regions of interest (ROI) across four trial types and associations with scores on established clinical/behavioural tools. Most infants tolerated Gazefinder eye-tracking well, returning high overall % tracking rate. As a group, infants directed more gaze towards social vs. non-social (or more vs. less socially-salient) ROIs within trials. Behavioural autism features were correlated with increased gaze towards non-social/geometry (vs. social/people) scenes. No associations were found for gaze directed to ROIs within other stimulus types. Notably, there were no associations between developmental/cognitive ability or adaptive behaviour with gaze towards any ROI. Gazefinder assessment seems highly feasible with clinically-indicated infants, and the people vs. geometry stimuli show concurrent predictive validity for behavioural autism features. Aggregating data across the ~ 2-min autism identification protocol might plausibly offer greater utility than stimulus-level analysis alone.
Effect of THz-bandwidth incoherent laser radiation on bulk damage in potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystals
Authors: Broege Douglas , Spilatro Michael , Duchateau Guillaume , Dorrer Christophe , Demos Stavros G.
Published: March 2024

The laser-damage performance characteristics of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) samples under exposure to a distinctive broadband incoherent laser pulse are investigated. A laser system providing such pulses is intended to explore improved energy-coupling efficiency on the target in direct-drive inertial confinement fusion experiments and provides incoherent bandwidths as large as 10 THz in a nanosecond pulse. A consequence of this bandwidth is very rapid fluctuations in intensity capable of reaching maxima much larger than the average intensity within the pulse. A custom damage-test station has been built to perform measurements with broadband incoherent pulses in order to determine what effect these fast and high-intensity oscillations have on laser damage. A set of experiments under different bandwidth and beam configurations shows the effect to be minimal when probing bulk damage in KDP. Modeling indicates this behavior is supported by long electron-relaxation times compared to the source-field fluctuations, following excitation of individual electrons in the conduction band. The results help better understand the laser-induced–damage mechanisms in KDP, and its ability to operate in broadband temporally incoherent high-energy lasers that may be particularly suitable for future laser-fusion energy systems.
Design of filtering cable with defected conductor layer
Authors: Han Yunan , Xiong Shuangqing , Cheng Chunyue , Liu Zhaohan
Published: March 2024

Electrical cables, often referred to as ‘blood vessels’ and ‘nerves’ of the industry, play a vital role in the connection of electrical devices. However, traditional cables that lack distributed filtering functions are usually the primary coupling path for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problems. An innovative design for a filtering cable, which incorporates insulated electrical wires coated with a specific defected conductor layer (DCL), enables it to achieve distributed filtering advantages along its axis. Microwave network analysis is employed to build the two-port network model of filtering cable, which efficiently analyzes the cascading characteristics of periodic or aperiodic filtering cables. To validate, the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) with sawtooth dumbbell-shaped DCL and mounted by capacitors is wrapped around the stripped section of the coaxial cable to manufacture a multi-stopband filtering cable. Simulated and measured results demonstrate that the proposed filtering cable can be effectively suppressed in the stopband, which can be adjusted by changing the values of capacitors.
The possible role of the vasopressin system in hematopoiesis
Authors: Schill Fredrika , Engström Gunnar , Melander Olle , Timpka Simon , Enhörning Sofia
Published: March 2024

Vasopressin is a pleiotropic hormone that controls body fluid homeostasis. Vasopressin has also been proposed to be involved in erythropoiesis, thrombocyte activity and inflammation. However, whether increasing vasopressin is associated with changes in hematopoietic markers is not known. To evaluate this gap of knowledge we measured the vasopressin marker copeptin and markers of erythropoiesis (erythrocyte count, hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), erythrocyte volume fraction (EVF)), leukocyte count (total count, lymphocytes, neutrophils) and thrombocyte count in 5312 participants from the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS). The associations between increasing copeptin tertile and the hematopoietic markers were analyzed in multivariate linear regression analyses. We found that increasing copeptin tertile was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with increasing erythrocytes, RDW, EVF, Hb, leukocytes and neutrophils after adjustment for age, sex, current smoking, prevalent diabetes, hypertension, creatinine, body mass index and physical activity. Increasing copeptin tertile was, however, not associated with change in MCV, lymphocyte or thrombocyte count. In conclusion, we found that increasing copeptin levels are positively associated with markers of erythropoiesis and leukocyte count in the general population. These results warrant further research on possible mechanistic effects of vasopressin on hematopoiesis.
Extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and recurrence detection of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Juratli Mazen A. , Pollmann Nicola S. , Oppermann Elsie , Mohr Annika , Roy Dhruvajyoti , Schnitzbauer Andreas , Michalik Sabine , Vogl Thomas , Stoecklein Nikolas H. , Houben Philipp , Katou Shadi , Becker Felix , Hoelzen Jens Peter , Andreou Andreas , Pascher Andreas , Bechstein Wolf O. , Struecker Benjamin
Published: March 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, current diagnostic tools are often invasive and technically limited. In the last decade, non-invasive liquid biopsies have transformed the field of clinical oncology, showcasing the potential of various liquid-biopsy derived analytes, including extracellular vesicles (EVs), to diagnose and monitor HCC progression and metastatic spreading, serving as promising novel biomarkers. A prospective single-center cohort study including 37 HCC patients and 20 patients with non-malignant liver disease (NMLD), as a control group, was conducted. Serum EVs of both groups were analyzed before and after liver surgery. The study utilized microbead-based magnetic particle sorting and flow cytometry to detect 37 characteristic surface proteins of EVs. Furthermore, HCC patients who experienced tumor recurrence (R-HCC) within 12 months after surgery were compared to HCC patients without recurrence (NR-HCC). EVs of R-HCC patients (n = 12/20) showed significantly lower levels of CD31 compared to EVs of NR-HCC patients (p = 0.0033). EVs of NMLD-group showed significantly higher expressions of CD41b than EVs of HCC group (p = 0.0286). The study determined significant short-term changes in CD19 dynamics in EVs of the NMLD-group, with preoperative values being significantly higher than postoperative values (p = 0.0065). This finding of our pilot study suggests EVs could play a role as potential targets for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the early and non-invasive detection of HCC recurrence. Further, more in-depth analysis of the specific EV markers are needed to corroborate their potential role as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for HCC.
Computational pathology model to assess acute and chronic transformations of the tubulointerstitial compartment in renal allograft biopsies
Authors: Augulis Renaldas , Rasmusson Allan , Laurinaviciene Aida , Jen Kuang-Yu , Laurinavicius Arvydas
Published: March 2024

Managing patients with kidney allografts largely depends on biopsy diagnosis which is based on semiquantitative assessments of rejection features and extent of acute and chronic changes within the renal parenchyma. Current methods lack reproducibility while digital image data-driven computational models enable comprehensive and quantitative assays. In this study we aimed to develop a computational method for automated assessment of histopathology transformations within the tubulointerstitial compartment of the renal cortex. Whole slide images of modified Picrosirius red-stained biopsy slides were used for the training (n = 852) and both internal (n = 172) and external (n = 94) tests datasets. The pipeline utilizes deep learning segmentations of renal tubules, interstitium, and peritubular capillaries from which morphometry features were extracted. Seven indicators were selected for exploring the intrinsic spatial interactions within the tubulointerstitial compartment. A principal component analysis revealed two independent factors which can be interpreted as representing chronic and acute tubulointerstitial injury. A K-means clustering classified biopsies according to potential phenotypes of combined acute and chronic transformations of various degrees. We conclude that multivariate analyses of tubulointerstitial morphometry transformations enable extraction of and quantification of acute and chronic components of injury. The method is developed for renal allograft biopsies; however, the principle can be applied more broadly for kidney pathology assessment.
The fear of COVID-19 contagion: an exploratory EEG-fMRI study
Authors: Federico Giovanni , Ciccarelli Giuseppina , Noce Giuseppe , Cavaliere Carlo , Ilardi Ciro Rosario , Tramontano Liberatore , Alfano Vincenzo , Mele Giulia , Di Cecca Angelica , Salvatore Marco , Brandimonte Maria Antonella
Published: March 2024

Pandemics have the potential to change how people behave and feel. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception; thus, it may serve as a "challenging context" for understanding how pandemics affect people's minds. In this study, we used high-density electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the neural correlates of fear of contagion during the most critical moments of COVID-19 in Italy (i.e., October 2020–May 2021). To do that, we stimulated participants (N = 17; nine females) with artificial-intelligence-generated faces of people presented as healthy, recovered from COVID-19, or infected by SARS-CoV-2. The fMRI results documented a modulation of large bilateral fronto-temporo-parietal functional brain networks. Critically, we found selective recruitment of cortical (e.g., frontal lobes) and subcortical fear-related structures (e.g., amygdala and putamen) of the so-called social brain network when participants observed COVID-19-related faces. Consistently, EEG results showed distinct patterns of brain activity selectively associated with infected and recovered faces (e.g., delta and gamma rhythm). Together, these results highlight how pandemic contexts may reverberate in the human brain, thus influencing most basic social and cognitive functioning. This may explain the emergence of a cluster of psychopathologies during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study underscores the need for prompt interventions to address pandemics' short- and long-term consequences on mental health.
Study on the process of mass transfer and deterioration of limestone under dynamic dissolution of CO2 solution
Authors: Dong Wushu , Li Ze , Shen Linfang , Liu Wenlian , Guo Yakun , Xu Hanhua , Yong Rui
Published: March 2024

The long-term erosion of rock by solution can induce a series of karst problems. Therefore, this study focused on limestone and conducted dynamic dissolution experiments under deionized water and CO2 solution conditions to study the deterioration mechanism of limestone under nonequilibrium conditions. The results showed that the degree of degradation of the mechanical properties of the samples in a CO2 solution was obviously greater. In a deionized water environment, the degradation of the mechanical properties of the sample is mainly controlled by the physical softening action of the solution. In the CO2 solution environment, the degradation process can be divided into two stages. In the early stage of the experiment (10 days to 20 days), the degradation of mechanical properties of the sample is also controlled by the physical softening action of the solution. With increasing soaking time, the main rock-forming minerals of limestone gradually react with the CO2 solution, the degradation of the sample is controlled mainly by the chemical corrosion of the CO2 solution, and its degradation rate is much greater than that of physical softening. The results can be used as a reference for assessing the long-term stability of underground engineering in limestone karst development areas.
Consciousness transitions during epilepsy seizures through the lens of integrated information theory
Authors: Baglivo F. H. , Campora N. , Mininni C. J. , Kochen S. , Lew S.
Published: March 2024

Consciousness is one of the most complex aspects of human experience. Studying the mechanisms involved in the transitions among different levels of consciousness remains as one of the greatest challenges in neuroscience. In this study we use a measure of integrated information (ΦAR) to evaluate dynamic changes during consciousness transitions. We applied the measure to intracranial electroencephalography (SEEG) recordings collected from 6 patients that suffer from refractory epilepsy, taking into account inter-ictal, pre-ictal and ictal periods. We analyzed the dynamical evolution of ΦAR in groups of electrode contacts outside the epileptogenic region and compared it with the Consciousness Seizure Scale (CCS). We show that changes on ΦAR are significantly correlated with changes in the reported states of consciousness.
The comprehensive strategy in the human health risk assessment of total chromium impurities in cough syrups with Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) available in Polish pharmacies: regulatory aspects and special emphasis on Cr(VI) mode of action
Authors: Jurowski Kamil , Krośniak Mirosław
Published: March 2024

Chromium, which can currently only be considered pharmacologically active and not an essential element, is a very intriguing elemental impurity in final pharmaceutical products, especially traditional herbal medicinal products. This kind of traditional herbal medicinal product with Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis L., radix) registered in the EU is widely used among the European population. The aim of this article is to propose a double regulatory strategy in assessing the human health risk of total chromium impurities in cough syrups with Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) available in Polish pharmacies. We applied the strategy based on the requirements of the ICH Q3D (R1) guideline for the assessment of Cr impurities in final traditional herbal medicinal products with Marshmallow Root registered in the EU. Furthermore, we applied the strategy based on the concept of margin of exposure (MoE) considering Cr(VI) genotoxicity mode of action (MOA) and based on BMD10 for Cr(VI) as a point of departure (PoD). The total Cr content was in the range: 1.12–9.61 µg/L (in comparison with the ICH Q3D R1 guidelines: 1100 µg/g). Total Cr levels in a single dose were relatively high compared to raw results, but were not a threat to patients. Comparison of estimated results with oral PDE value for Cr in final drugs suggested by the ICH Q3D R1 guideline (10,700 µg/day) show that all the products analyzed were below this value (the highest result was 278.40 ng/day). Despite conservative assumptions, the MoE values obtained for Cr in daily dose for each Marshmallow Root cough syrup were above 10,000; therefore, exposure to Cr would not cause a health risk for specific population groups (children and adults). It can be summarized that each of the phytopharmaceuticals analysed with Marshmallow root available in Polish pharmacies does not represent a health hazard to patients. We confirm the safety of Cr impurities by applying a double regulatory strategy without the application of an expansive and demanding HPLC-ICP-MS technique for Cr speciation.
Factors affecting the protection of data rights in sports events: a configurational analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Guo Xinyan
Published: March 2024

The development of algorithms and the spread of digital infrastructure have contributed significantly to the productivity of the digital economy. Data has come to be known as the “oil of the digital economy”. At the same time, data has begun to participate more deeply in the production activities of the global sports industry chain, and the international discussion on how to protect the rights of sports event data has been increasing. Based on the configurational theory and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, this study discusses the factors affecting the protection of sports event data rights. The study found three configuration paths for achieving high enterprise data protection effectiveness and two for achieving low enterprise data protection effectiveness. The results of this study provide theoretical support for governments to address the issue of sports event data rights. They will also facilitate the safe use of data in sports, promote the global sports industry and humanitarian action development, and contribute to international sustainable development.
Association between oxidative balance score and sarcopenia in older adults
Authors: Mahmoodi Marzieh , Shateri Zainab , Nazari Seyed Alireza , Nouri Mehran , Nasimi Nasrin , Sohrabi Zahra , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein
Published: March 2024

Sarcopenia is a progressive skeletal muscle disease in which oxidative stress has been proposed as one of the primary markers. The oxidative balance score (OBS) represents the oxidative balance of a person's dietary pattern using the merged intake of anti-oxidants and pro-oxidants. Therefore, the present study assessed the association between OBS and sarcopenia in Iranian older adults. In the current study, 80 people with sarcopenia and 80 without it were considered the case and control groups, respectively. All controls were matched by sex with cases. To confirm sarcopenia, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), handgrip strength (HGS) measurement, and gait speed were used. Also, body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). A valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess all participants' dietary intake of pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants. Conditional logistic regression was applied to assess the association between OBS and sarcopenia. In the bivariate model, we observed lower odds of sarcopenia in the second and last tertile of OBS in comparison to the first tertile (T) (T2 – odds ratio (OR) = 0.414, 95% confidence interval (CI) : 0.186–0.918 and T3 – OR = 0.101, 95% CI: 0.041–0.248). After adjusting for potential confounders, the association was not significant in second and last tertile of OBS in comparision to the first one. The present study's findings demonstrated that overcoming exposure to anti-oxidants over pro-oxidants, as illustrated by a higher OBS, is not related to lower odds of sarcopenia in older adults.
Using machine learning techniques to predict the risk of osteoporosis based on nationwide chronic disease data
Authors: Tu Jun-Bo , Liao Wei-Jie , Liu Wen-Cai , Gao Xing-Hua
Published: March 2024

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern that significantly increases the risk of fractures. The aim of this study was to develop a Machine Learning based predictive model to screen individuals at high risk of osteoporosis based on chronic disease data, thus facilitating early detection and personalized management. A total of 10,000 complete patient records of primary healthcare data in the German Disease Analyzer database (IMS HEALTH) were included, of which 1293 diagnosed with osteoporosis and 8707 without the condition. The demographic characteristics and chronic disease data, including age, gender, lipid disorder, cancer, COPD, hypertension, heart failure, CHD, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and stroke were collected from electronic health records. Ten different machine learning algorithms were employed to construct the predictive mode. The performance of the model was further validated and the relative importance of features in the model was analyzed. Out of the ten machine learning algorithms, the Stacker model based on Logistic Regression, AdaBoost Classifier, and Gradient Boosting Classifier demonstrated superior performance. The Stacker model demonstrated excellent performance through ten-fold cross-validation on the training set and ROC curve analysis on the test set. The confusion matrix, lift curve and calibration curves indicated that the Stacker model had optimal clinical utility. Further analysis on feature importance highlighted age, gender, lipid metabolism disorders, cancer, and COPD as the top five influential variables. In this study, a predictive model for osteoporosis based on chronic disease data was developed using machine learning. The model shows great potential in early detection and risk stratification of osteoporosis, ultimately facilitating personalized prevention and management strategies.
Pathogenicity of monokaryotic and dikaryotic mycelia of Ganoderma boninense revealed via LC–MS-based metabolomics
Authors: Santiago Krystle Angelique A. , Wong Wei Chee , Goh You Keng , Tey Seng Heng , Ting Adeline Su Yien
Published: March 2024

This study compared the pathogenicity of monokaryotic (monokaryon) and dikaryotic (dikaryon) mycelia of the oil palm pathogen Ganoderma boninense via metabolomics approach. Ethyl acetate crude extracts of monokaryon and dikaryon were analysed by liquid chromatography quadrupole/time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF–MS) coupled with multivariate data analysis using MetaboAnalyst. The mummichog algorithm was also used to identify the functional activities of monokaryon and dikaryon without a priori identification of all their secondary metabolites. Results revealed that monokaryon produced lesser fungal metabolites than dikaryon, suggesting that monokaryon had a lower possibility of inducing plant infection. These findings were further supported by the identified functional activities. Monokaryon exhibits tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan metabolism, which are important for fungal growth and development and to produce toxin precursors. In contrast, dikaryon exhibits the metabolism of cysteine and methionine, arginine and proline, and phenylalanine, which are important for fungal growth, development, virulence, and pathogenicity. As such, monokaryon is rendered non-pathogenic as it produces growth metabolites and toxin precursors, whereas dikaryon is pathogenic as it produces metabolites that are involved in fungal growth and pathogenicity. The LC–MS-based metabolomics approach contributes significantly to our understanding of the pathogenesis of Ganoderma boninense, which is essential for disease management in oil palm plantations.
Cultural evolution creates the statistical structure of language
Authors: Arnon Inbal , Kirby Simon
Published: March 2024

Human language is unique in its structure: language is made up of parts that can be recombined in a productive way. The parts are not given but have to be discovered by learners exposed to unsegmented wholes. Across languages, the frequency distribution of those parts follows a power law. Both statistical properties—having parts and having them follow a particular distribution—facilitate learning, yet their origin is still poorly understood. Where do the parts come from and why do they follow a particular frequency distribution? Here, we show how these two core properties emerge from the process of cultural evolution with whole-to-part learning. We use an experimental analog of cultural transmission in which participants copy sets of non-linguistic sequences produced by a previous participant: This design allows us to ask if parts will emerge purely under pressure for the system to be learnable, even without meanings to convey. We show that parts emerge from initially unsegmented sequences, that their distribution becomes closer to a power law over generations, and, importantly, that these properties make the sets of sequences more learnable. We argue that these two core statistical properties of language emerge culturally both as a cause and effect of greater learnability.
Enhancing detection accuracy via controlled release of 3D-printed microlattice nasopharyngeal swabs
Authors: Xiao Ran , Li Jiaheng , Wong Yue Fung , Chu Lok Ting , Zhu Yingxin , Wang Liqiang , Wu Minghui , Zhang Dingkun , Gong Meng , Lai Joseph , Chan Kannie W. Y. , Fan Rong , Chen Ting-Hsuan , Lu Yang
Published: March 2024

Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab is one of the most effective sampling devices for clinical specimens. However, commercial NP swabs often release samples through diluents, lowering analyte concentration and causing inaccurate detections. Here, we developed 3D-printed open-cell microlattice NP swabs with user-friendly high-efficiency controlled sample release (CR) mode. Compared with traditional NP swabs, our microlattice NP swabs show higher (~7–11 times) flexibility, larger (~2.3 times) and customizable release volume, higher (dozens to thousands of times) release concentration, high recovery efficiency (~100%), and the ability to quantify analyte levels. Our microlattice NP swabs have been thus demonstrated to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of antibody detection experiments using rapid detection kits. This study offers a promising approach to enhance sensitivity and accuracy in clinical specimen detections, and is beneficial to inspire the design of a wider range of biomedical devices based on 3D-printed microlattice metamaterials.
Mitochondrial fusion and altered beta-oxidation drive muscle wasting in a Drosophila cachexia model
Authors: Dark Callum , Ali Nashia , Golenkina Sofya , Dhyani Vaibhav , Blazev Ronnie , Parker Benjamin L , Murphy Kate T , Lynch Gordon S , Senapati Tarosi , Millard S Sean , Judge Sarah M , Judge Andrew R , Giri Lopamudra , Russell Sarah M , Cheng Louise Y
Published: March 2024

Cancer cachexia is a tumour-induced wasting syndrome, characterised by extreme loss of skeletal muscle. Defective mitochondria can contribute to muscle wasting; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using aDrosophilalarval model of cancer cachexia, we observed enlarged and dysfunctional muscle mitochondria. Morphological changes were accompanied by upregulation of beta-oxidation proteins and depletion of muscle glycogen and lipid stores. Muscle lipid stores were also decreased in Colon-26 adenocarcinoma mouse muscle samples, and expression of the beta-oxidation geneCPT1Awas negatively associated with muscle quality in cachectic patients. Mechanistically, mitochondrial defects result from reduced muscle insulin signalling, downstream of tumour-secreted insulin growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) homologue ImpL2. Strikingly, muscle-specific inhibition of Forkhead box O (FOXO), mitochondrial fusion, or beta-oxidation in tumour-bearing animals preserved muscle integrity. Finally, dietary supplementation with nicotinamide or lipids, improved muscle health in tumour-bearing animals. Overall, our work demonstrates that muscle FOXO, mitochondria dynamics/beta-oxidation and lipid utilisation are key regulators of muscle wasting in cancer cachexia.
An electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) based on microelectrode arrays allows to distinguish between adsorption and electrodeposition
Authors: Biermann Michael , Leppin Christian , Langhoff Arne , Ziemer Thorben , Rembe Christian , Johannsmann Diethelm
Published: March 2024

Using a precise electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), it was shown that electrogravimetry can be carried out with microelectrode arrays (MEAs). Significant differences between the potential dependent adsorption of a redox-active molecule and electroplating were presented.
Boron nanosheets as a phosphatase mimicking nanozyme with ultrahigh catalytic activity for prodrug-based cancer therapy
Authors: Lei Yao , Zhao Qianghong , Huang Zhou , Huang Yusha , Wang Min , Hu Lianzhe , Tang Qing , Xia Zhining
Published: March 2024

The superior phosphatase-like catalytic activity of non-metallic boron nanosheets was disclosed for the first time. As a demonstration, boron nanosheets were employed for promoting prodrug conversion.
Utilisation of carbon dioxide and nitrate for urea electrosynthesis with a Cu-based metal–organic framework
Authors: Zhang Meng-Di , Huang Jia-Run , Liao Pei-Qin , Chen Xiao-Ming
Published: March 2024

A hexagonal 2D Cu-based MOF with planar CuO4 nodes, denoted as Cu-HATNA, was developed and employed as an electrocatalyst for direct electrosynthesis of urea from CO2 and NO3−.
Dissecting the chiral recognition of TLR4/MD2 with Neoseptin-3 enantiomers by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Zhang Cong , Wu Siru , Li Mingqi , Li Penghui , Du Xiubo , Wang Yibo , Wang Xiaohui
Published: March 2024

l-Neo-3 molecules bind sequentially to MD2, inducing protein-protein interactions that stabilize the dimerization state of TLR4/MD2, while d-Neo-3 molecules lack this ability.
Recent advances in the chemistry of isolable carbene analogues with group 13–15 elements
Authors: He Mian , Hu Chaopeng , Wei Rui , Wang Xin-Feng , Liu Liu Leo
Published: March 2024

This review provides an overview of main group carbene analogues, covering recent advancements, synthesis strategies, and the diverse reactivity of elements in groups 13–15 based on their structural characteristics.
A cyano cobalt “electron transfer bridge” boosting the two-electron reaction of a MnO2 cathode with long lifespan in aqueous zinc batteries
Authors: Liu Yaozhi , Lin Lu , Zhang Tengsheng , Xue Zhiqing , Liu Jie , Chao Dongliang , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: March 2024

An electron transfer bridge based on Mn–NC–Co interactions is applied for a MnO2 cathode to boost its reversible two-electron reaction in conventional zinc cells.
Optimisation of lactic acid production using cost effective agro residue for food applications
Authors: Xavier Janifer Raj , Nallamuthu Ilaiyaraja , Murugan Muthiah Pal , Chauhan Om Prakash
Published: March 2024

Sustainable lactic acid production using sugarcane bagasse.
Electrochemical oxidative dehydrogenation aromatization of cyclohex-2-enone and amines to 1,4-phenylenediamine
Authors: Hu Jiayu , Ma Rui , Hu Jingcheng , Liu Xing , Liu Xue , He Haoyu , Yi Hong , Lei Aiwen
Published: March 2024

An electrochemical strategy has been developed for the one-step synthesis of 1,4-phenylenediamine.
Thermally stable Pd/CeO2@SiO2 with a core–shell structure for catalytic lean methane combustion
Authors: Tan Linyan , Xiang Ganghua , Liu Zhigang
Published: March 2024

The results of activity indicated that Pd/CeO2@SiO2 exhibited the optimal catalytic performance. The remarkable catalytic performance was attributed to the synergistic effect of strengthened metal–support interactions and the core–shell structure.
Rifampicin adsorption and release study using Santa Barbara amorphous-16 modified Al (SBA-16-Al) for a drug delivery system
Authors: Prihatiningsih Maria Christina , Pratama Chaidir , Kundari Noor Anis , Megasari Kartini , Ariyanti Dhita , Saputra Andri , Kusuma Hersandy Dayu , Astuti Puji
Published: March 2024

In this study, the surface modification of Santa Barbara Amorphous-16 (SBA-16) with aluminum (SBA-16-Al) was carried out as a rifampicin matrix for the treatment of tuberculosis.
Structural, thermodynamic, and magnetic properties of SrFe12O19 hexaferrite modified by co-substitution of Cu and Gd
Authors: Islam Md. Roni , Khan M. K. R. , Hossain Md. Sarowar , Rahman M. M. , Haque M. Mahbubul , Aliuzzaman M. , Alam M. K. , Sarker M. S. I.
Published: March 2024

A hard magnetic system of SrFe12O19 nanomaterial was modified according to the composition of Sr0.95Gd0.05Fe12−xCuxO19 with x = 0.0, 0.30, and 0.60 using the sol–gel technique.
Cross-coupling of organic fluorides with allenes: a silyl-radical-relay pathway for the construction of α-alkynyl-substituted all-carbon quaternary centres
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zhao Zhengyu , Mori Soichiro , Yamamoto Katsuhiro , Shibata Norio
Published: March 2024

Cross-coupling of organic fluorides with allenes via radical rearrangement to afford all-carbon quaternary centres mediated by silylboronate/potassium tert-butoxide is disclosed.
High performance flexible triboelectric nanogenerators using bio-derived films made of siloxane-modified castor oil
Authors: Jena Kishore K. , Fatma Bushara , Arya Sagar S. , Alhassan Saeed M. , Chan Vincent , Pappa Anna Maria , Pitsalidis Charalampos
Published: March 2024

High performance castor oil-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for sustainable energy harvesting.
Energy-efficient UV-to-NIR active smart electrochromic tetrabenzofluorene molecules
Authors: Navya Panichiyil V. , Sampath Srinivasan
Published: March 2024

A structural design strategy is presented here for developing a unique class of UV to NIR absorbing electrochromes with energy storage properties by anchoring TBF with regioisomers of thiophenes and an electron-acceptor 5-acetyl-2-thienyl moiety.
Nanocarrier-based gene delivery for immune cell engineering
Authors: Gharatape Alireza , Sadeghi-Abandansari Hamid , Seifalian Alexander , Faridi-Majidi Reza , Basiri Mohsen
Published: March 2024

Nanocarriers hold great potential for engineering immune cells based on their performance (efficiency, safety and specificity). This review focuses on different stages of the transfection process and some important challenges.
Engineering unactivated platelets for targeted drug delivery
Authors: Wu Meng , Shi Yan , Zhao Jiaxuan , Kong Ming
Published: March 2024

Unactivated platelets could be constructed via external modification, internal loading, genetic engineering and cell conjugation, and applied as targeted drug delivery carriers for cardiovascular disease, cancer and pathogen infection therapy.
Formation of paired Ga sites in CHA-type zeolite frameworks via a transcription-induced method
Authors: Kaneko Takumi , Yabushita Mizuho , Osuga Ryota , Sawada Yugo , Sato Kei , Liu Ben , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Nakajima Kiyotaka , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: March 2024

Paired Ga sites were firstly and intentionally constructed in CHA-type zeolite frameworks via the transcription of pre-formed paired species in Ga-rich amorphous silica–gallia.
Transitioning of petroleum-based plastic food packaging to sustainable bio-based alternatives
Authors: Yin Yue , Woo Meng Wai
Published: March 2024

Motivated by the urgent need to address environmental concerns associated with traditional food packaging, this review explores the shift towards sustainable, bio-based packaging solutions.
Efficient TADF-based aerobic photocatalysts for sulfide oxidation in water by increasing hydrophobic crosslinking
Authors: Hong Gaobo , Chen Wenlong , Du Jianjun , Song Fengling , Peng Xiaojun
Published: March 2024

Higher photocatalytic aerobic oxidation capabilities in water can be achieved by forming more carbonate bonds inside the photocatalyst to enhance its hydrophobicity, which can be monitored through the longer triplet lifetime of the TADF-based photocatalyst.
Fabrication of 2D graphene oxide incorporating S-scheme Sn2S3–In2S3 heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic mineralization of organic pollutants
Authors: Haq Zia ul , Qureashi Aaliya , Nazir Irfan , Ganaie Firdous Ahmad , Bashir Arshid , Malik Lateef Ahmad , Pandith Altaf Hussain
Published: March 2024

Harnessing solar energy using semiconductor-based materials to generate charge pairs to effectively drive photo-redox reactions has been envisioned as a promising approach toward a sustainable future.
Effective solar light-driven isothiazolinone degradation by morphology- and oxygen vacancy-modified Gd-doped BiOCl
Authors: Xu Lei , Guo Zhiren , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Menglin , Li Jinying , Zhang Dongxiang , Xu Xiyan
Published: March 2024

Gd doped flower-like hierarchical BiOCl with highly exposed (110) facets and abundant oxygen vacancies exhibits a good photocatalytic potential.
The discrepancy of NH3 oxidation mechanism between SAPO-34 and Cu/SAPO-34
Authors: Ren Xiubin , Duan Yingfeng , Du Wei , Zhu Youyu , Wang Lina , Zhang Yagang , Yu Tie
Published: March 2024

The difference of NH3 oxidation mechanism over SAPO-34 and Cu–SAPO-34 was studied.
Photoacoustic detection of transient phase transformation of nanoparticles
Authors: Lv Shiqi , Li Jiawei , Wang Haotian , Yu Huiwu
Published: March 2024

The phase transformation process of nanoparticles prepared by pulsed laser irradiation was studied using photoacoustic signal.
Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for purifying colloidal clusters
Authors: van Kesteren Steven , Diethelm Pascal , Isa Lucio
Published: March 2024

Fluorescence-activated cell sorting, a staple of biological research, is demonstrated to be an effective tool for purifying samples of complex colloids based on size, shape, and composition.
Conductive carbon embedded beneath cathode active material for longevity of solid-state batteries
Authors: Byeon Young-Woon , Yang Sizhuo , Yang Guang , Kim Dong-Min , Avvaru Venkata Sai , Ogunfunmi Tofunmi , Scott Mary , Helms Brett A. , Urban Jeffrey , Kim Haegyeom
Published: March 2024

The NMC–RGO framework can reduce the contact area between solid electrolytes and carbon in the composite cathode while this unique structure can provide facile electron transport pathways to the NMC through the RGO framework.