bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Overflow Effects of Movement Behaviour Change Interventions for Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Feng Jie , Huang Wendy Yajun , Zheng Chen , Jiao Jiao , Khan Asaduzzaman , Nisar Mehwish , Wong Stephen Heung-Sang
Published: September 2024

Background

Considering the finite time within a 24-h day, the distribution of time spent on movement behaviours has been found to be associated with health outcomes.

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise and evaluate the overflow effects of interventions targeting a single behaviour (physical activity, sedentary behaviour/screen time, or sleep) on other non-targeted behaviours among children and adolescents.

Methods

Six databases (MEDLINE [Ovid], PsycINFO [ProQuest], EMBASE [Ovid], PubMed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus [EBSCO]) were searched for relevant studies published before 13 May, 2024. Randomised controlled trials and clustered randomised controlled trials that targeted a single behaviour and also assessed the effects on non-targeted behaviours, comprised of healthy children under the age of 18 years, were included. Movement behaviours can be measured either objectively or subjectively. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials was adopted to evaluate the risk of bias.

Results

A total of 102 studies with 45,998 participants from 21 countries were identified, and 60 of them with 26,183 participants were incorporated into the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that physical activity interventions led to a reduction in the proportion of each day spent in sedentary behaviour (mean difference =  − 0.95% of wear time, 95% confidence interval − 1.44, − 0.45, I2 = 39%). Sedentary behaviour interventions resulted in increased standing time (mean difference = 3.87%, 95% confidence interval 1.99, 5.75, I2 = 0%). Interventions targeting screen time did not yield changes in physical activity or sleep. The findings on the effectiveness of sleep interventions on non-targeted behaviours and of physical activity interventions on sleep were inconclusive.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings suggested that interventions aimed at increasing physical activity or reducing sedentary behaviour had overflow effects on non-targeted behaviours, but the effect sizes were small. Additional evidence is needed to reach definitive conclusions regarding the impact of behaviour change interventions on sleep and of the overflow effects of sleep interventions.
Engineered Tools to Advance Cell Transplantation in the Nervous System Towards a Clinical Reality
Authors: Cozzone Isabella G. , Ortega Victoria L. , Dumont Courtney M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose of the Review

The goal of this review is to highlight engineered tools for overcoming challenges in cell survival and engraftment for tissue regeneration and mitigation of neuropathic pain following cell transplantation for neural applications.

Recent Findings

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the safety of cell transplantation for the treatment of injuries to the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. However, the efficacy of these cell therapies is inconclusive, and the path forward remains unclear due to a lack of evidence of transplant survival and engraftment. Engineered biomaterials offer promising pre-clinical evidence of enhanced survival and engraftment of cells transplanted within the nervous system. Biomaterials have been used alone or in combination with drug and gene delivery to direct cell transplant outcomes and represent a future direction for clinical evaluation given pre-clinical survival rates that may eliminate reliance on systemic immunosuppression.

Biomaterial approaches under pre-clinical evaluation can support cell survival, localize cells in the injured tissue where they are needed, and enable tissue engraftment, yet have not advanced towards the clinic. Existing biomaterials provide passive support of survival during delivery and/or place a premium on supporting cell engraftment, but active remediation of tissue-local inflammation that inhibits transplant survival and leads to neuropathic pain has seen very little advancement in recent years. Combinatorial approaches capable of addressing challenges in both survival and engraftment of cell transplants in the nervous system represent an area for significant growth in the coming years.
Mechanism of microbial action of the inoculated nitrogen-fixing bacterium for growth promotion and yield enhancement in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Li Peng , Tian Yunhe , Yang Kun , Tian Meijie , Zhu Yi , Chen Xinyu , Hu Ruiwen , Qin Tian , Liu Yongjun , Peng Shuguang , Yi Zhenxie , Liu Zhixuan , Ao Hejun , Li Juan
Published: September 2024

The use of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in agriculture is increasingly recognized as a sustainable method to boost crop yields, reduce chemical fertilizer use, and improve soil health. However, the microbial mechanisms by which inoculation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria enhance rice production remain unclear. In this study, rice seedlings were inoculated with the nitrogen-fixing bacterium R3 (Herbaspirillum) at the rhizosphere during the seedling stage in a pot experiment using paddy soil. We investigated the effects of such inoculation on nutrient content in the rhizosphere soil, plant growth, and the nitrogen-fixing microbial communities within the rhizosphere and endorhizosphere. The findings showed that inoculation with the R3 strain considerably increased the amounts of nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and available phosphorus in the rhizosphere by 14.77%, 27.83%, and 22.67%, respectively, in comparison to the control (CK). Additionally, the theoretical yield of rice was enhanced by 8.81% due to this inoculation, primarily through a 10.24% increase in the effective number of rice panicles and a 4.14% increase in the seed setting rate. Further analysis revealed that the structure of the native nitrogen-fixing microbial communities within the rhizosphere and endorhizosphere were altered by inoculation with the R3 strain, significantly increasing the α-diversity of the communities. The relative abundance of key nitrogen-fixing genera such asRalstonia,Azotobacter,Geobacter,Streptomyces, andPseudomonaswere increased, enhancing the quantity and community stability of the nitrogen-fixing community. Consequently, the nitrogen-fixing capacity and sustained activity of the microbial community in the rhizosphere soil were strengthened. Additionally, the expression levels of the nitrogen absorption and transport-related genesOsNRT1andOsPTR9in rice roots were upregulated by inoculation with the R3 strain, potentially contributing to the increased rice yield. Our study has revealed the potential microbial mechanisms through which inoculation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria enhances rice yield. This finding provides a scientific basis for subsequent agricultural practices and is of critical importance for increasing rice production and enhancing the ecosystem services of rice fields.
Energising the Energy Literacy Debate for Environmental Education: Exploring Citizens’ Interest Levels, Knowledge Gaps and Individual Differences
Authors: Rets Irina , Whitelock Denise , Edwards Chris , Perryman Leigh-Anne , Goshtasbpour Fereshte
Published: September 2024

Energy literacy can empower individuals to make informed decisions about energy use. However, the level of public interest in learning about energy-related topics remains uncertain, and there is a dearth of research exploring energy literacy-related knowledge gaps. This mixed-methods study aimed to address those issues. A survey of 3,843 citizens from four European countries revealed that most citizens have only a moderate interest in learning about energy. Age, gender, educational level, income level, living situation and environmental attitudes appear to have a significant effect on individuals’ interests. The study identified key knowledge demand areas regarding saving energy and reducing costs, becoming self-sufficient in energy production and cooperating with others for more efficient energy use. The findings indicate that engagement with energy-related topics could be improved by considering affective factors such as individual interest. The study also reveals a need for greater interdisciplinarity in energy research.
Bio-futures for transplanetary habitats: a summary and key outcomes from the 2022 symposium
Authors: van Ellen Layla , Belling Anne-Sofie , Brandić Lipińska Monika , Nerlich Paula , Azzopardi Harry , Ciardullo Christina , Dade-Robertson Martyn , Holt Amy , James Paul , Deakin Roberts Aled , Vermeulen Angelo , Zhang Meng
Published: September 2024

Bio-Futures for Transplanetary Habitats (BFfTH) is a Special Interest Group within the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment that aims to explore and enable interdisciplinary research on transplanetary habitats and habitats within extreme environments through an emphasis on the biosocial and biotechnological relations. BFfTH organized the online and onsite networking symposium BFfTH to examine how emerging biotechnologies, living materials, and more-than-human life can be implemented in habitat design and mission planning. The two-day symposium aimed to serve as a catalyst in establishing an international network and to support the development of novel methodologies to move beyond discipline-specific approaches. The symposium consisted of five sessions, including Mycelium for Mars and Novel Biotechnologies for Space Habitats. This opinion paper presents key outcomes and trends from these sessions, a moderated panel, and informal discussions. The identified research trends explored the use of biotechnology and biodesign to enhance safety, sustainability, habitability, reliability, crew efficiency, productivity, and comfort in extreme environments on Earth and off-world. Beyond design and engineering, the symposium also examined sociotechnical imaginaries, focusing on desired experiences and characteristics of life and technology in transplanetary futures. Some of the specific topics included innovative material-driven processes for transplanetary habitat design, socio-political and ethical implications, and technology transfer for sustainable living on Earth. The outcomes emphasize the necessity for advancing biosocial and biotechnological research from an interdisciplinary perspective in order to ethically and meaningfully enable transplanetary futures. Such a focus not only addresses future off-world challenges but also contributes to immediate ecological and architectural innovations, promoting a symbiotic relationship between space exploration and sustainability on Earth.
The Ignored Impact of the Livestock Sector on Climate Change: An Analysis from the Perspective of International Law
Authors: Lima Melina Moreira Campos
Published: September 2024

Climate change stands as the paramount challenge confronting humanity in the contemporary era. Attempting to address the problem, the main sectors responsible for it have been subject to domestic or international policies and laws aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, except one: livestock. Given that animal-sourced food production contributes a large portion of GHG emissions, this Article aims to analyze the impacts that the exclusion of the livestock sector, in efforts to tackle climate change, would have on compliance with international treaties on the subject, especially the Paris Agreement. One conclusion reveals that state parties, by ignoring the sector, will violate several articles of the Agreement, which will likely lead to the failure of its main purpose of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C.
Multi-band optical variability on diverse timescales of blazar 1E 1458.8+2249
Authors: Özdönmez Aykut , Tekkeşinoğlu Murat
Published: September 2024

This study presents an analysis of the optical variability of the blazar 1E 1458.8+2249 on diverse timescales using multi-band observations, including observations in the optical BVRI bands carried out with the T60 and T100 telescopes from 2020 to 2023 and ZTF gri data from 2018 to 2023. On seven nights, we searched for intraday variability using the power-enhanced F-test and the nested ANOVA test, but no significant variability was found. The long-term light curve shows a variability behaviour in the optical BVRI bands with amplitudes of$\sim$100% and in the gri bands with amplitudes of$\sim$120%, including short-term variability of up to$\sim$1.1 mag. Correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between the optical multi-band emissions without any time lag. From 62 nightly spectral energy distributions, we obtained spectral indices between 0.826 and 1.360, with an average of$1.128\pm0.063$. The relationships of both spectral indices and colour with respect to brightness indicate a mild BWB trend throughout the observation period, both intraday and long-term. We also performed a periodicity search using the weighted wavelet Z-transform and Lomb–Scargle methods. A recurrent optical emission pattern with a quasi-periodicity of$\sim$340 days is detected in the combined V- andR-band light curves. The observational results indicate that the blazar 1E 1458.8+2249 has a complex variability, while emphasising the need for future observations to unravel its underlying mechanisms.
Lesotho and the QwaQwa Ski Resort, 1975–82: Border Disputes and South Africa's Increasingly Deadly Responses
Authors: Aerni-Flessner John , Twala Chitja
Published: September 2024

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the terrain of the diplomatic and security landscape of Southern Africa shifted dramatically. South Africa declared various Bantustans “independent,” but they were not recognized by other countries. Small regional states like Lesotho increasingly took more combative diplomatic stances, aided by Cold War connections and, in this case, a local border dispute. This article examines a proposed ski resort that South Africa wanted to build in the QwaQwa Bantustan on Lesotho's border starting in 1975. Because of Lesotho's diplomatic and military escalation, the Khoptjoane resort was never built, but the lengthy dispute contributed to the sidelining of the apartheid regime's diplomats in favor of its securocrats. Thus, we argue the failed ski resort contributed to the atmosphere in which Pretoria greenlit the Maseru Massacre of 1982, presaging the apartheid regime's increased 1980s willingness to use its military superiority against township residents and Southern African neighbors alike.
Companionship With God in Divine Solitude
Authors: Farrell Ambrose
Published: September 2024

God not only loves his creatures as a craftsman does his work, but also by a kind of social friendship, as a friend does a friend, inasmuch as he attracts them into the society of his own enjoyment. This he does that their glory and blessedness may be that which is his.

Saint Thomas is here speaking of the amicable society. between God, Three in One, and the soul endowed with grace, which finds its full enjoyment in the communion of saints to which God’s love attracts. This companionship in holiness is entirely suited to man’s social nature, though it transcends the powers of nature, and every human hope and aspiration. According to St John, those who see God have eternal life.—This is eternal life, that they may know thee, the only true God. (Jn. 17, 3.)

In spite of this, Christians frequently do not live up to the ideals of their Master. The antidote for such human weakness cannot be to water down those very ideals so as to make them more acceptable to unbelieving critics.
On the Need for Recollection
Authors: Graef H. C.
Published: September 2024

Nothing is really necessary for us except God. To find God means recollecting our mind in him. And in order better to recollect one’s mind, all superfluous intercourse and friendships as well as unnecessary talk must be cut out; nor should a man desire to learn novelties; but he should rather shun all things by which the mind is distracted, and begin to consider the abyss of his miseries… for in all the world I delight only in two things, namely in knowing God and myself.

Bl. Angela de Foligno.

These words were written in the fourteenth century, when Europe and Christendom were still synonymous terms. They speak of a state of mind and soul almost unknown in our modern world save to the few who profess to lead the contemplative life. Yet this state, which is called recollection, or the ‘gathering together’ of one’s thoughts and desires, is perhaps more necessary now than in other times, for it is the one means by which our age can be restored to sanity.
Clay sealings from Perlis, Malaysia, and the wider world of the Bodhigarbhālaṅkāralakṣa-Dhāraṇī
Authors: Ooi Eng Jin , Khaw Nasha Rodziadi
Published: September 2024

Multiple copies of a particular clay sealing bearing the Buddhist Bodhigarbhālaṅkāralakṣa-dhāraṇī (mantra) inscription were discovered in Gua Berhala—a cave in Perlis, Malaysia. These sealings can be roughly assigned to the tenth century and they appear to have been stamped with an identical seal. However, critical reading of the textual rendition of the dhāraṇī had not yet been done despite several attempts to study it. Therefore, based on several fragments of these sealings, this article provides a detailed reading and translation of the dhāraṇī and considers the cultural significance of their production. The article also examines the textual structure of this Perlis dhāraṇī and compares it with similar dhāraṇīs preserved in a palm-leaf manuscript and other materials found across Asia. This includes a survey on the wider transmission of the dhāraṇī in the continent. In this comparative exercise, the physical characteristics of the Perlis sealing appear to be unique and express a distinct artistic style, while its textual tradition is slightly compressed compared with others, with no identical equivalent found elsewhere. This observation suggests that Perlis, with its proximity to the Bujang Valley, participated in the wider network of dhāraṇī culture rooted in Eastern India and was just not a passive recipient of this practice.
Ibn Khaldūn's reception in colonial South Asia
Authors: Syed Baqar Hassan
Published: September 2024

Scholars commenting on the reception of the historian and theorist ‘Abd al-Raḥmān Ibn Khaldūn (1332–1406) in modern South Asia have held that it was orientalists and Westernised intellectuals rather than indigenous intellectuals who popularised him in the region. Contesting these impressions, I argue that local intellectuals displayed their agency in using the historian's work to respond to various crises of colonial modernity. They read, translated, and appropriated Ibn Khaldūn to seek inspiration for modern Muslim nationalism, as validation for sectarian convictions and the rhetoric of Islamic reform, and to resist colonial and Hindu revivalist narratives of despotic Muslim rule in India.
The role of political institutions in the Eurozone's economic convergence process
Authors: Lopez-Gomez Laura
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the nexus between per capita income convergence and political institutions within the Eurozone. Employing data spanning the years 2002–2019, the research initially identifies multiple convergence clusters and subsequently examines the relationship between the creation of these clusters and different aspects of political institutions. The findings reveal that there are multiple steady states in the Eurozone, and their formation is notably influenced by political institutions alongside other conventional economic determinants derived from the Solow model. Furthermore, the study underscores that improvements in regulatory quality, as well as in aspects such as democracy, government effectiveness, and corruption control, positively impact income convergence across all member countries. These findings carry significant policy implications.
Christian nationalism and support for leaders violating democratic norms during national emergencies
Authors: Perry Samuel L. , Grubbs Joshua B.
Published: September 2024

During national emergencies, democratically elected leaders have sought to expand executive power in ways that violate democratic norms, ostensibly to guide their nation through crisis. Drawing from research on democratic backsliding, we anticipate support for such executive privileges may stem from different ideological and contextual factors, but primarily from inclinations toward ethno-nationalistic and authoritarian populism. We propose American Christian nationalism represent such inclinations. Analyses of nationally representative data reveal Christian nationalism is the strongest predictor Americans believe unspecified “national emergencies” might require leaders to suspend elections, suppress political opponents, and disregard checks and balances. However, political disinterest, stronger Democratic partisanship, and being Black (vs. White) are also positively associated with support for violating democratic norms, and these associations are amplified by Christian nationalism. Ancillary analyses suggest the interactions with race and party may be contextual, due to a Democratic President in office at the time of the survey. Findings suggest populist impulses characteristic of Christian nationalism may combine with political disinterest (perhaps reflecting disillusionment) and threats to in-group power to increase support for leaders suspending democratic norms during national crises.
Paleomagnetism‐Based Chronology of Holocene Lava Flows at Mt Ruapehu, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Doll Pedro , Turner Gillian M. , Kennedy Ben M. , Nichols Alexander R. L. , Greve Annika , Cole Jim W. , Eaves Shaun R. , Townsend Dougal B. , Leonard Graham S. , Conway Chris E.
Published: September 2024

Dating young lava flows is essential for understanding volcano's eruption frequency, yet challenging due to methodological limitations of commonly used dating techniques. Ruapehu (Aotearoa New Zealand) produced many lava flows during the Holocene, but constraints on the timing of these eruptions are scarce. Here, we use paleomagnetic dating to deliver new eruption ages of 18 lava flows with uncertainties ranging between 500 and 2,700 years (at the 95% confidence level). Comparison between lava flows' paleomagnetic directions and a local paleosecular variation record indicates that the large lava flow field located on the Whakapapa area was emplaced during at least three distinct eruptive episodes between 10600 and 7400 BP. Two of these episodes closely followed a large collapse event that affected Ruapehu's northern area and generated large volumes of lava between 10600 and 8800 BP, with the third episode producing less voluminous lava flows between 8100 and 7400 BP. Following a smaller collapse of the southeastern sector of the edifice at ca. 5300 BP, several low‐volume lava flows were emplaced during at least two distinct eruptive episodes prior to ca. 1000 BP, which supplied the Whangaehu valley with lava. The youngest age inferred from our data represents the youngest eruption age provided for a lava flow outside Ruapehu's summit region. This research provides greater detail to the Holocene effusive chronology at Ruapehu, shedding light on partial cone reconstructions after edifice collapses during the Holocene, and the time relationships between trends observed in its effusive and explosive activity.
Asymmetrical Solar Wind Deflection in the Martian Magnetosheath
Authors: Li Shibang , Lu Haoyu , Cao Jinbin , Wu Xiaoshu , Zhang Xiaoxin , Chen Nihan , Song Yihui , Wang Jianxuan , Cao Yuchen , Zhao Jianing
Published: September 2024

As incident solar wind encounters the martian upper atmosphere, it undergoes deflection particularly in the magnetosheath. However, the plasma flow exhibits asymmetrical distribution features within this transition region, which is investigated by employing a three‐dimensional Hall magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model from an energy transfer perspective in this study. Simulation results reveal that solar wind protons transfer momentum to ionospheric heavy ions through motional electric field in the hemisphere where the motional electric field points outward from the planet. In the opposite hemisphere, solar wind flow tends to be effectively accelerated by ambipolar and Hall electric fields. The distinct dynamics of solar wind protons in both hemispheres result in the asymmetrical deflection. Furthermore, the extent of asymmetry grows as the cross‐flow component of the upstream interplanetary magnetic field increases, but diminishes as the density of the solar wind proton increases, contingent upon the energy effectively acquired from ambipolar and Hall electric fields.
Impact of Paleogeography on the Stratospheric Polar Vortex in the Geological Past
Authors: Yang Pengkun , Xia Yan , Hu Yongyun , Bao Ming , Ren Xuejuan , Zhou Chen , Zhu Yimin
Published: September 2024

The stratospheric polar vortex (SPV) significantly influences current weather and climate patterns. However, its state in the geological past remains largely unexplored. This study investigates SPV variations in the past 250 million years, using a fully coupled Earth System Model. It is found that midlatitude paleogeography primarily drove substantial SPV variations in the deep time, while changes in CO2 concentrations and solar insolation play a minor role. Both the Arctic and Antarctic SPV were strengthened when the supercontinent Pangea broke up. The increased asymmetry of midlatitude land‐sea contrast tended to weaken the upward propagation of wavenumber‐1 planetary waves, thereby strengthening the SPV. This SPV strengthening correlated with the decelerated stratospheric Brewer‐Dobson circulation and uplift of the polar tropopause. Our results highlight the crucial role of paleogeography in regulating SPV variations and stratosphere–troposphere coupling in deep‐time climate.
Memory engram stability and flexibility
Authors: Zaki Yosif , Cai Denise J.
Published: September 2024

Many studies have shown that memories are encoded in sparse neural ensembles distributed across the brain. During the post-encoding period, often during sleep, many of the cells that were active during encoding are reactivated, supporting consolidation of this memory. During memory recall, many of the same cells that were active during encoding and reactivated during consolidation are reactivated during recall. These ensembles of cells have been referred to as the memory engram cells, stably representing a specific memory. However, recent studies question the rigidity of the “stable memory engram.” Here we review the past literature of how episodic-like memories are encoded, consolidated, and recalled. We also highlight more recent studies (as well as some older literature) that suggest that these stable memories and their representations are much more dynamic and flexible than previously thought. We highlight some of these processes, including memory updating, reconsolidation, forgetting, schema learning, memory-linking, and representational drift.
Testing of rapid evaporative mass spectrometry for histological tissue classification and molecular diagnostics in a multi-site study
Authors: Kaufmann Martin , Vaysse Pierre-Maxence , Savage Adele , Kooreman Loes F. S. , Janssen Natasja , Varma Sonal , Ren Kevin Yi Mi , Merchant Shaila , Engel Cecil Jay , Olde Damink Steven W. M. , Smidt Marjolein L. , Shousha Sami , Chauhan Hemali , Karali Evdoxia , Kazanc Emine , Poulogiannis George , Fichtinger Gabor , Tauber Boglárka , Leff Daniel R. , Pringle Steven D. , Rudan John F. , Heeren Ron M. A. , Porta Siegel Tiffany , Takáts Zoltán , Balog Júlia
Published: September 2024

Background

While REIMS technology has successfully been demonstrated for the histological identification of ex-vivo breast tumor tissues, questions regarding the robustness of the approach and the possibility of tumor molecular diagnostics still remain unanswered. In the current study, we set out to determine whether it is possible to acquire cross-comparable REIMS datasets at multiple sites for the identification of breast tumors and subtypes.

Methods

A consortium of four sites with three of them having access to fresh surgical tissue samples performed tissue analysis using identical REIMS setups and protocols. Overall, 21 breast cancer specimens containing pathology-validated tumor and adipose tissues were analyzed and results were compared using uni- and multivariate statistics on normal, WT and PIK3CA mutant ductal carcinomas.

Results

Statistical analysis of data from standards showed significant differences between sites and individual users. However, the multivariate classification models created from breast cancer data elicited 97.1% and 98.6% correct classification for leave-one-site-out and leave-one-patient-out cross validation. Molecular subtypes represented by PIK3CA mutation gave consistent results across sites.

Conclusions

The results clearly demonstrate the feasibility of creating and using global classification models for a REIMS-based margin assessment tool, supporting the clinical translatability of the approach.
N-acetylaspartate promotes glycolytic-to-oxidative fiber-type switch and resistance to atrophic stimuli in myotubes
Authors: Castelli Serena , Desideri Enrico , Laureti Leonardo , Felice Federica , De Cristofaro Angela , Scaricamazza Silvia , Lazzarino Giacomo , Ciriolo Maria Rosa , Ciccarone Fabio
Published: September 2024

N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is a neuronal metabolite that can be extruded in extracellular fluids and whose blood concentration increases in several neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Aspartoacylase (ASPA) is the enzyme responsible for NAA breakdown. It is abundantly expressed in skeletal muscle and most other human tissues, but the role of NAA catabolism in the periphery is largely neglected. Here we demonstrate that NAA treatment of differentiated C2C12 muscle cells increases lipid turnover, mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism at the expense of glycolysis. These effects were ascribed to NAA catabolism, as CRISPR/Cas9 ASPA KO cells are insensitive to NAA administration. Moreover, the metabolic switch induced by NAA was associated with an augmented resistance to atrophic stimuli. Consistently with in vitro results, SOD1-G93A ALS mice show an increase in ASPA levels in those muscles undergoing the glycolytic to oxidative switch during the disease course. The impact of NAA on the metabolism and resistance capability of myotubes supports a role for this metabolite in the phenotypical adaptations of skeletal muscle in neuromuscular disorders.
Identification of genes supporting cold resistance of mammalian cells: lessons from a hibernator
Authors: Sone Masamitsu , Mitsuhashi Nonoka , Sugiura Yuki , Matsuoka Yuta , Maeda Rae , Yamauchi Akari , Okahashi Ryoto , Yamashita Junpei , Sone Kanako , Enju Sachiyo , Anegawa Daisuke , Yamaguchi Yoshifumi
Published: September 2024

Susceptibility of human cells to cold stress restricts the use of therapeutic hypothermia and long-term preservation of organs at low temperatures. In contrast, cells of mammalian hibernators possess remarkable cold resistance, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. In this study, we conducted a gain-of-function screening of genes that confer cold resistance to cold-vulnerable human cells using a cDNA library constructed from the Syrian hamster, a mammalian hibernator, and identified Gpx4 as a potent suppressor of cold-induced cell death. Additionally, genetic deletion of or pharmacological inhibition of Gpx4 revealed that Gpx4 is necessary for suppressing lipid peroxidation specifically under cold in hamster cell lines. Genetic disruption of other ferroptosis-suppressing pathways, namely biopterin synthesis and mitochondrial or plasma membrane CoQ reduction pathways, also accelerated cold-induced cell death under Gpx4 dysfunction. Collectively, ferroptosis-suppressing pathways protect the cells of a mammalian hibernator from cold-induced cell death and the augmentation of these pathways renders cold resistance to cells of non-hibernators, including humans.
GPX4 restricts ferroptosis of NKp46+ILC3s to control intestinal inflammation
Authors: Li Xinyao , He Junyu , Gao Xiang , Zheng Guilang , Chen Chunling , Chen Yimin , Xing Zhe , Wang Tianci , Tang Jian , Guo Yuxiong , He Yumei
Published: September 2024

Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are essential for both pathogen defense and tissue homeostasis in the intestine. Dysfunction of ILC3s could lead to increased susceptibility to intestinal inflammation. However, the precise mechanisms governing the maintenance of intestinal ILC3s are yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that ferroptosis is vital for regulating the survival of intestinal ILC3. Ferroptosis-related genes, including GPX4, a key regulator of ferroptosis, were found to be upregulated in intestinal mucosal ILC3s from ulcerative colitis patients. Deletion of GPX4 resulted in a decrease in NKp46+ILC3 cell numbers, impaired production of IL-22 and IL-17A, and exacerbated intestinal inflammation in a T cell-independent manner. Our mechanistic studies revealed that GPX4-mediated ferroptosis in NKp46+ILC3 cells was regulated by the LCN2-p38-ATF4-xCT signaling pathway. Mice lacking LCN2 in ILC3s or administration of a p38 pathway inhibitor exhibited similar phenotypes of ILC3 and colitis to those observed in GPX4 conditional knock-out mice. These observations provide novel insights into therapeutic strategies for intestinal inflammation by modulating ILC3 ferroptosis.
MANF serves as a novel hepatocyte factor to promote liver regeneration after 2/3 partial hepatectomy via doubly targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Liang Yanyan , Mei Qiong , He Enguang , Ballar Petek , Wei Chuansheng , Wang Yue , Dong Yue , Zhou Jie , Tao Xiaofang , Qu Wenyan , Zhao Mingxia , Chhetri Goma , Wei Limeng , Shao Juntang , Shen Yujun , Liu Jun , Feng Lijie , Shen Yuxian
Published: September 2024

Liver regeneration is an intricate pathophysiological process that has been a subject of great interest to the scientific community for many years. The capacity of liver regeneration is very critical for patients with liver diseases. Therefore, exploring the mechanisms of liver regeneration and finding good ways to improve it are very meaningful. Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), a member of newly identified neurotrophic factors (NTFs) family, extensively expresses in the liver and has demonstrated cytoprotective effects during ER stress and inflammation. However, the role of MANF in liver regeneration remains unclear. Here, we used hepatocyte-specific MANF knockout (MANFHep−/−) mice to investigate the role of MANF in liver regeneration after 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PH). Our results showed that MANF expression was up-regulated in a time-dependent manner, and the peak level of mRNA and protein appeared at 24 h and 36 h after 2/3 PH, respectively. Notably, MANF knockout delayed hepatocyte proliferation, and the peak proliferation period was delayed by 24 h. Mechanistically, our in vitro results showed that MANF physically interacts with LRP5 and β-catenin, two essential components of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Specifically, as a cofactor, MANF binds to the extracellular segment of LRP5 to activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling. On the other hand, MANF interacts with β-catenin to stabilize cytosolic β-catenin level and promote its nuclear translocation, which further enhance the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We also found that MANF knockout does not affect the c-Met/β-catenin complex after 2/3 PH. In summary, our study confirms that MANF may serve as a novel hepatocyte factor that is closely linked to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via intracellular and extracellular targets.
Retinal prolactin isoform PRLΔE1 sustains rod disease in inherited retinal degenerations
Authors: Sudharsan Raghavi , Kwok Jennifer , Swider Malgorzata , Sumaroka Alexander , Aguirre Gustavo D. , Cideciyan Artur V. , Beltran William A.
Published: September 2024

PRLΔE1, a retina-specific isoform of prolactin, is expressed in multiple and diverse forms of canine inherited retinal degeneration (IRD). We find that while PRLΔE1 expression in rods is not associated with the initial phase of disease characterized by acute photoreceptor cell death, it is associated with the protracted phase of slow cell loss. Restoration of photoreceptors to a healthy state by gene-specific replacement therapy of individual IRDs successfully suppresses PRLΔE1 expression. Moreover, short-term PRLΔE1 silencing using shRNA results in preservation of outer nuclear layer thickness, suggesting PRLΔE1 drives retinal disease. However, longer-term observations reveal off-target toxic effects of the PRLΔE1 shRNA, precluding determination of its full therapeutic potential. Future research efforts aimed at enhancing the safety and specificity of PRLΔE1-targeting strategies may identify a potential universal intervention strategy for sustaining photoreceptors during the prolonged phase of multiple IRDs.
Can a behaviour change toothbrushing intervention prevent dental caries in 11–13-year-olds?
Authors: Ramasubbu Darshini , Lewney Jonathan
Published: September 2024

Design

The Brushing RemInder 4 Good oral HealTh (BRIGHT) multi-centre randomized controlled trial was based in state-funded secondary schools in England, Wales and Scotland. It had two arms, aiming to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of a 50 min education session and twice daily brush reminder text messages on toothbrushing and caries rates, compared to the normal education curriculum and no SMS. Outcomes were assessed at intervals over 2.5 years and were assessor-blinded.

Case selection

Pupils aged 11-13 were recruited from participating schools, and in each school randomised via year group to either the intervention or control group following baseline assessments by calibrated dental professionals. Exclusion criteria included not having a functioning mobile phone.

Data analysis

The primary outcome, D4–6 MFT (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth), was analysed using mixed-effect logistic regression and sensitivity analyses were conducted. A cost-utility analysis was also undertaken.

Results

In total 42 schools, containing 84 year groups were randomised, and 4680 pupils were in the final sample. 663 pupils withdrew from follow up. At 6 months, there was evidence that intervention group pupils were more likely to report brushing at least twice per day However, by 2.5 years this effect was no longer evident. 2383 participants had a valid dental assessment at both baseline and 2.5 years, with 514 children in the intervention and 529 children in the control group presenting with obvious decay experience in at least one permanent tooth after 2.5 years. The intervention was estimated to have a 7% chance of being cost-effective. Over the 2.5-year follow-up, there were no significant differences in QALYs and costs between groups.

Conclusions

The findings from the BRIGHT trial indicate no evidence of a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups for the prevalence of caries after 2.5-years. The behaviour change intervention did not translate into a reduction in caries rates.
Towards predicting the geographical origin of ancient samples with metagenomic data
Authors: Bozzi Davide , Neuenschwander Samuel , Cruz Dávalos Diana Ivette , Sousa da Mota Bárbara , Schroeder Hannes , Moreno-Mayar J. Víctor , Allentoft Morten E. , Malaspinas Anna-Sapfo
Published: September 2024

Reconstructing the history—such as the place of birth and death—of an individual sample is a fundamental goal in ancient DNA (aDNA) studies. However, knowing the place of death can be particularly challenging when samples come from museum collections with incomplete or erroneous archives. While analyses of human DNA and isotope data can inform us about the ancestry of an individual and provide clues about where the person lived, they cannot specifically trace the place of death. Moreover, while ancient human DNA can be retrieved, a large fraction of the sequenced molecules in ancient DNA studies derive from exogenous DNA. This DNA—which is usually discarded in aDNA analyses—is constituted mostly by microbial DNA from soil-dwelling microorganisms that have colonized the buried remains post-mortem. In this study, we hypothesize that remains of individuals buried in the same or close geographic areas, exposed to similar microbial communities, could harbor more similar metagenomes. We propose to use metagenomic data from ancient samples' shotgun sequencing to locate the place of death of a given individual which can also help to solve cases of sample mislabeling. We used a k-mer-based approach to compute similarity scores between metagenomic samples from different locations and propose a method based on dimensionality reduction and logistic regression to assign a geographical origin to target samples. We apply our method to several public datasets and observe that individual samples from closer geographic locations tend to show higher similarities in their metagenomes compared to those of different origin, allowing good geographical predictions of test samples. Moreover, we observe that the genus Streptomyces commonly infiltrates ancient remains and represents a valuable biomarker to trace the samples' geographic origin. Our results provide a proof of concept and show how metagenomic data can also be used to shed light on the place of origin of ancient samples.
The real-time shadow detection of the PV module by computer vision based on histogram matching and gamma transformation method
Authors: Liu Xinyi , Xia Haonan , Li Ke , Lu Yinghui , Lv Shanshan , Zhao Qinghe , Song Weixian , Wang Lishu
Published: September 2024

Solar energy plays an important role in renewable energy generation, with the advantages of low pollution, easy installation, and relatively easy access. However, photovoltaic (PV) modules are susceptible to cause localized shading from external factors such as leaves in the canopy, surrounding buildings, etc., which would affect power generation efficiency and even pose safety risks. Existing methods cannot perform well in real-time conditions. This paper proposes a real-time shading monitoring method for the PV module based on computer vision. The gamma transform and histogram matching were adopted to enhance key features and adjust the global gamut strength distribution in the image of the PV module; then the gray-level slicing method finished the segmentation to detect the shadow from the video. All processing can be realized in the real-time monitor camera and the detection results can be displayed on the HMI in PC with high efficiency and low cost. According to tests in the practical complex environment, the method can have enough detection performance and high real-time performance with an accuracy of 0.98, and the F0.5 and F2 values are 0.87 and 0.85, respectively. The metrics of the proposed method are higher than those of the existing Canny detection method, the Random Forest detection method, and the CNN detection method. In addition, the average time required by the proposed method to process a frame is 0.721 s. In addition, the average time required by the method to process an image frame is 0.721 s, which has good real-time performance.
Analysis of blue and green REACH compliant tattoo inks
Authors: Moseman Kelli , Noble Sasha , Sanders Sage , Guo Huiyuan , Swierk John R.
Published: September 2024

REACH legislation in Europe has banned the use of Pigment Blue 15:3 and Pigment Green 7 in tattoo inks and permanent makeups and requires all labels include an accurate list of ingredients.
Unravel-engineer-design: a three-pronged approach to advance ionomer performance at interfaces in proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Obewhere Oghenetega Allen , Acurio-Cerda Karen , Sutradhar Sourav , Dike Moses , Keloth Rajesh , Dishari Shudipto Konika
Published: September 2024

This review highlights our 3-pronged approach to improving ionomer behavior at interfaces and addressing proton conduction limitations in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), an eco-friendly solution for powering vehicles and devices.
Size-unlimited sapphire single-crystal fiber growth and the anisotropic & size-dependent mechanical and thermometry performance
Authors: Wang Tao , Guo Qi , Zhang Jian , Zhang Liang , Zhang Kaihui , Guan Xin , Lin Na , Yu Yongsen , Jia Zhitai , Tao Xutang
Published: September 2024

Multi-oriented sapphire fibers without size limitations have been grown by an LHPG method for the first time, and the mechanical properties and the SFBG thermometry performance are significantly enhanced with decreasing fiber diameter.
First-principles molecular dynamics study on the behaviors of Cs in a mixed system of liquid metal and LiCl–KCl molten salt
Authors: Zhou Wentao , Song Jia , Lin Lve , Zhang Xinyu , Guo Shaoqiang , Wang Yafei
Published: September 2024

The dynamic and structure properties of Cs in the mixed system of LiCl–KCl molten salt and liquid Bi and Pb electrodes are investigated through first-principles molecular dynamics simulation.
Enhanced electrocatalytic activity in hydrogen evolution reaction using 2D/2D nanohybrids of ruthenate nanoflakes and graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Ban Takayuki , Inukai Kazuki , Takai-Yamashita Chika , Manseki Kazuhiro
Published: September 2024

Electrochemical water-splitting was investigated using 2D/2D nanohybrids of g-C3N4 and ruthenate nanoflakes. The hybridization with ruthenate nanoflakes facilitated hydrogen evolution because of their negative charge and high electric conductivity.
Symmetric effect on electrical double-layer characteristics and molecular assembly interplay in imidazolium-based Ionic liquid electrolytes in supercapacitor models
Authors: Armstrong Michael , Chiangraeng Natthiti , Jitvisate Monchai , Rimjaem Sakhorn , Tashiro Kohji , Nimmanpipug Piyarat
Published: September 2024

Studies on the ion-layer formation of imidazolium-based ionic liquids have extensively explored how to improve in-depth knowledge of electrical double-layer (EDL) properties.
Excited-state aromaticity reversals in norcorrole
Authors: Karadakov Peter B. , Cummings Edward
Published: September 2024

The antiaromatic “internal cross” in norcorrole undergoes an aromaticity reversal upon excitation to the first triplet or singlet excited state and merges with the aromatic periphery to produce a Baird-aromatic system with 24 π electrons.
Electrolyte engineering for thermally stable Li–S batteries operating from –20 °C to 100 °C
Authors: Guo Dong , Thomas Simil , El-Demellawi Jehad K. , Shi Zixiong , Zhao Zhiming , Canlas Christian G. , Lei Yongjiu , Yin Jian , Zhang Yaping , Hedhili Mohamed Nejib , Arsalan Muhammad , Zhu Yunpei , Bakr Osman M. , Mohammed Omar F. , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: September 2024

An optimized electrolyte configuration is proposed for high performance Li–S batteries operating in extremely harsh temperature environments.
Artificial intelligence performance in testing microfluidics for point-of-care
Authors: Doganay Mert Tunca , Chakraborty Purbali , Bommakanti Sri Moukthika , Jammalamadaka Soujanya , Battalapalli Dheerendranath , Madabhushi Anant , Draz Mohamed S.
Published: September 2024

AI is revolutionizing medicine by enhancing diagnostics and patient care. Our study showed ML and DL AI models excel in microchip testing, underscoring AI's potential to improve precision medicine and POC diagnostics.
Study on the photo-assisted activation of PMS by CuMo1−xWxO4 for degradation of tetracycline
Authors: Xing Yonglei , Chen Yongqin , Tian Fenyi , Jin Xiaoyong , Javed Hafiz Muhammad Asif , Ni Gang
Published: September 2024

This study synthesizes CuMo1−xWxO4 solid solutions with tunable Mo/W ratios, enhancing electron–hole separation and PMS activation for tetracycline degradation, while demonstrating excellent stability and a synergistic effect of photocatalysis.
Development of biobased mildew- and bacterial resistant adhesives through keratin molecule recombination
Authors: Feng Li , Wu Jin Chuan , Wang Yongxiang , Li Qingxin
Published: September 2024

The adhesion forces between wood substrates of keratin-based adhesives modified by hydrogen peroxide reached up to approximately 2.4 and 1.3 MPa under dry and wet conditions, respectively.