bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vocal fold leukoplakia recurrence risk model
Authors: Klimza Hanna , Jackowska Joanna , Pietruszewska Wioletta , Porębski Andrzej , Nogal Piotr , Leduchowska Agata , Wierzbicka Małgorzata
Published: January 2024

The paper aims to define the variables that elevate the risk of VFL recurrence after adequate primary treatment, and to present the Recurrence Risk Model with practical conclusions to handle pVFL and rVFL. Out of 207 patients with primary vocal fold leukoplakia (pVFL), in 41 (19.8%) recurrent VFL (rVFL) was diagnosed. All patients were assessed by using a trans-nasal flexible video-endoscope using white light, and NBI. The primary measure of our study was to investigate whether morphological features of pVFL in WL, vascular pattern in NBI, and primary histological findings could predict VFL recurrence. To create a model of risk factors, two methods were used: logistic regression and a conditional inference decision tree. The study showed smoking was the factor that significantly and most strongly increased the likelihood of rVFL, as well as the older age groups have a greater odds of rVFL. Types IV, V and VI, according to Ni 2019 classification, were associated with a significantly higher risk of rVFL. The algorithm combining patients’ dependent variables and the combination of two classifications improves the predictive value of the presented VFL Recurrence Risk Model.
Diagnostic significance of HRCT imaging features in adult mycoplasma pneumonia: a retrospective study
Authors: Sui Dong-xin , Ma Han-chen , Wang Chao-chao , Shao Hong-yan , Xu Shao-hua , Fang Ning-ning
Published: January 2024

Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) often overlaps with the clinical manifestations and chest imaging manifestations of other types of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and imaging data of a group of patients with CAP, summarized their clinical and imaging characteristics, and discussed the diagnostic significance of their certain HRCT findings. The HRCT findings of CAP researched in our study included tree-in-bud sign (TIB), ground-glass opacity (GGO), tree fog sign (TIB + GGO), bronchial wall thickening, air-bronchogram, pleural effusion and cavity. The HRCT findings of all cases were analyzed. Among the 200 cases of MPP, 174 cases showed the TIB, 193 showed the GGO, 175 showed the tree fog sign, 181 lacked air-bronchogram. In case taking the tree fog sign and lack of air-bronchogram simultaneously as an index to distinguish MPP from OCAP, the sensitivity was 87.5%, the specificity was 97.5%, the accuracy was 92.5%. This study showed that that specific HRCT findings could be used to distinguish MPP from OCAP. The combined HRCT findings including the tree fog sign and lacked air-bronchogram simultaneously would contribute to a more accurate diagnosis of MPP.
Finite element analysis and clinical study of chest wall reconstruction using carbon fiber artificial rib
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Cai Zhixia , Liu Bo , Liao Jiqiao , Yu Fenglei , Tan Zhoujian , Wang Bin , Yang Mei , Zhang Bowen
Published: January 2024

Carbon fiber composites are emerging as a promising new biomaterial for chest wall reconstruction implants due to their mechanical properties and biocompatibility. This work evaluates the biomechanics of carbon fiber artificial ribs using finite element analysis and clinical implementation. Static simulations of normal breathing process show the maximum stress on the implant is only 2.83 MPa, far below the material ultimate strength of 60 MPa, indicating the excellent fit for maintaining respiratory function. Dynamic collision simulations demonstrate the artificial rib model could withstand a 4 kg rigid object impact at 2 m/s without fracture. Reconstructing the artificial rib with a human rib in the finite element analysis model increases the overall stress tolerance. The impact force required for fracture increases 48% compared to the artificial rib alone, suggesting improved strength from rib integration. Clinically, 10 of 13 patients receiving the artificial rib implants show no significant loss of pulmonary function based on spirometry tests. Based on our findings, the combined simulations and clinical results validate the strong mechanical performance and biocompatibility of the carbon fiber artificial ribs for chest wall reconstruction under static and dynamic loading while maintaining normal respiratory function.
ER+/PR− phenotype exhibits more aggressive biological features and worse outcome compared with ER+/PR+ phenotype in HER2-negative inflammatory breast cancer
Authors: Luo Yunbo , Li Qingyun , Fang Jiang , Pan Chaoying , Zhang Lingxing , Xu Xia , Qian Shuangqiang , Zhao Xiaobo , Hou Lingmi
Published: January 2024

The loss of progesterone receptor (PR) often predicts worse biological behavior and prognosis in estrogen receptor-positive (ER +) breast cancer. However, the impact of PR status on inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) has not been studied. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to investigate the influence of PR on IBC. Patients with ER+ and HER2-negative IBC were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Pearson’s χ2 test was used to compare the clinicopathological characteristics between patients with estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-positive (ER+/PR +) and patients with estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-negative (ER+/PR−). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the effects of PR status on the breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) in IBC. Overall, 1553 patients including 1157 (74.5%) patients with ER+/PR+ and 396 (25.5%) patients with ER+/PR− were analyzed in our study. The patients with ER+/PR− were more likely to be high histological grade (p < 0.001) and liver metastasis (p = 0.045) compared to patients with ER+/PR+. Despite higher chance of receiving chemotherapy (83.6% vs 77.3%, P = 0.008), patients with ER+/PR− showed worse BCSS (5-year BCSS rate, 34.3% vs 51.3%, P < 0.001) and OS (5-year OS rate, 31.3% vs 46.1%, P < 0.001) compared with ER+/PR+ phenotype. Multivariate survival analysis showed that patients with ER+/PR− still had worse BCSS (hazard ratios [HR]: 1.764, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.476–2.109, P < 0.001) and OS (HR: 1.675, 95% CI 1.411–1.975, P < 0.001) than ER+/PR+ phenotype. Furthermore, patients with ER+/PR− showed worse outcomes than ER+/PR+ phenotype in most subgroups, especially in patients with younger age (≤ 60 years), lower histological grade, lymph node involved and distant metastasis. Patients with ER+/PR− had more aggressive biological behaviors and worse outcomes than patients with ER+/PR+ in IBC. Stronger treatments maybe needed for IBC patients with ER+/PR−.
Relationship between paravertebral muscle degeneration and spinal-pelvic sagittal parameters in patients with lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Bao Tianlian , Wang Chunmei , Wang Yongjiang , Wang Tiantian , Zhang Qingxin , Gao Feng , Liu Hao , Tao Xiaoyang , Gao Gang , Zhang Tinxin , Yang Wupeng , Zhao Keyu
Published: January 2024

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a clinically common degenerative disease of the spine, and spinal–pelvic sagittal balance and paravertebral muscle degeneration have been a research focus in recent years. To explore the relationship between the degeneration of paravertebral muscle and the changes in the spinal–pelvic sagittal parameters in LDH patients, 105 LDH patients (experimental group) and 63 healthy volunteers (control group) hospitalized in Ordos Central Hospital from January 2020 and January 2023 were included as study subjects. All the patients underwent lumbar magnetic resonance imaging and spinal X-ray using uniform criteria. The correlation between the paravertebral muscle and sagittal–pelvic sagittal parameters of the patients with LDH was obtained from two imaging examinations, and the data were organized and grouped to explore the correlation between these parameters. No significant difference in general data existed between the groups (P > 0.05). In the L4/5 LDH patients group, the ratio of fat infiltration (FIR) in the healthy side [multifidus (MF) and erector spinae (ES)] was negatively correlated with the lumbar lordosis (LL) (r = −0.461, r = −0.486, P < 0.05). The relative cross-sectional area (RCSA) of the bilateral MF was positively correlated with the pelvic tilt (r = 0.549, r = 0.515, P < 0.05). The bilateral ES RCSA was negatively correlated with the sagittal vertical axis (r = −0.579, r = −0.621, P < 0.05). A positive correlation existed between the RCSA and thoracic kyphosis in the healthy side ES (r = 0.614, P < 0.05). In the L5/S1 LDH patients group, a negative correlation existed between the FIR and LL in the healthy side ES (r = −0.579, P < 0.05). Thus, the paravertebral muscle parameters were correlated with the spinal–pelvic sagittal parameters in the patients with LDH.
Remote sensing based forest cover classification using machine learning
Authors: Aziz Gouhar , Minallah Nasru , Saeed Aamir , Frnda Jaroslav , Khan Waleed
Published: January 2024

Pakistan falls significantly below the recommended forest coverage level of 20 to 30 percent of total area, with less than 6 percent of its land under forest cover. This deficiency is primarily attributed to illicit deforestation for wood and charcoal, coupled with a failure to embrace advanced techniques for forest estimation, monitoring, and supervision. Remote sensing techniques leveraging Sentinel-2 satellite images were employed. Both single-layer stacked images and temporal layer stacked images from various dates were utilized for forest classification. The application of an artificial neural network (ANN) supervised classification algorithm yielded notable results. Using a single-layer stacked image from Sentinel-2, an impressive 91.37% training overall accuracy and 0.865 kappa coefficient were achieved, along with 93.77% testing overall accuracy and a 0.902 kappa coefficient. Furthermore, the temporal layer stacked image approach demonstrated even better results. This method yielded 98.07% overall training accuracy, 97.75% overall testing accuracy, and kappa coefficients of 0.970 and 0.965, respectively. The random forest (RF) algorithm, when applied, achieved 99.12% overall training accuracy, 92.90% testing accuracy, and kappa coefficients of 0.986 and 0.882. Notably, with the temporal layer stacked image of the Sentinel-2 satellite, the RF algorithm reached exceptional performance with 99.79% training accuracy, 96.98% validation accuracy, and kappa coefficients of 0.996 and 0.954. In terms of forest cover estimation, the ANN algorithm identified 31.07% total forest coverage in the District Abbottabad region. In comparison, the RF algorithm recorded a slightly higher 31.17% of the total forested area. This research highlights the potential of advanced remote sensing techniques and machine learning algorithms in improving forest cover assessment and monitoring strategies.
Multi-pose-based convolutional neural network model for diagnosis of patients with central lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Park Seyeon , Kim Jun-Hoe , Ahn Youngbin , Lee Chang-Hyun , Kim Young-Gon , Yuh Woon Tak , Hyun Seung-Jae , Kim Chi Heon , Kim Ki-Jeong , Chung Chun Kee
Published: January 2024

Although the role of plain radiographs in diagnosing lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) has declined in importance since the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diagnostic ability of plain radiographs has improved dramatically when combined with deep learning. Previously, we developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) model using a radiograph for diagnosing LSS. In this study, we aimed to improve and generalize the performance of CNN models and overcome the limitation of the single-pose-based CNN (SP-CNN) model using multi-pose radiographs. Individuals with severe or no LSS, confirmed using MRI, were enrolled. Lateral radiographs of patients in three postures were collected. We developed a multi-pose-based CNN (MP-CNN) model using the encoders of the three SP-CNN model (extension, flexion, and neutral postures). We compared the validation results of the MP-CNN model using four algorithms pretrained with ImageNet. The MP-CNN model underwent additional internal and external validations to measure generalization performance. The ResNet50-based MP-CNN model achieved the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 91.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 90.9–91.8%) for internal validation. The AUROC of the MP-CNN model were 91.3% (95% CI 90.7–91.9%) and 79.5% (95% CI 78.2–80.8%) for the extra-internal and external validation, respectively. The MP-CNN based heatmap offered a logical decision-making direction through optimized visualization. This model holds potential as a screening tool for LSS diagnosis, offering an explainable rationale for its prediction.
Aniseikonia and retinal morphological changes in eyes undergoing macular hole surgery
Authors: Takeyama Asuka , Imamura Yutaka , Fujimoto Taichi , Iida Toshiya , Komiya Yuko , Ishida Masahiro
Published: January 2024

Even after idiopathic macular hole (MH) surgery and with successful closure of MH, aniseikonia is a common postoperative symptom. We investigated the correlation of MH diameter, retinal displacement and retinal layer thicknesses with aniseikonia in 41 eyes of 41 patients undergoing MH surgery with internal limiting membrane peeling. Aniseikonia was measured with the New Aniseikonia Test. Retinal displacement (RD%) was defined as change of retinal distance between the temporal margin of the optic papilla and the intersection of the retinal vessels. Changes of thicknesses of the inner nuclear layer (INL%) and the outer retinal layer (OR%) were calculated. Aniseikonia improved postoperatively. Preoperative aniseikonia and their improvement at 6 months correlated with MH diameters (P = 0.004–0.046). Improvement of aniseikonia correlated with temporal RD% (P = 0.002–0.012). Improvement of vertical aniseikonia correlated with INL% at 2 weeks and with the nasal OR% at 1, 3, and 6 months (P = < 0.001–0.028). MH diameter and age were significant predictors for improvement of aniseikonia. The greater the temporal retina displacement, and the thinner the postoperative INL and OR, the greater the improvement of aniseikonia. MH diameter and age are strong predictors for improvement of aniseikonia after MH surgery.
Overestimation of black carbon light absorption due to mixing state heterogeneity
Authors: Zeng Linghan , Tan Tianyi , Zhao Gang , Du Zhuofei , Hu Shuya , Shang Dongjie , Hu Min
Published: January 2024

Black carbon (BC) aerosols, which arise from incomplete combustion processes, possess the capacity to absorb solar radiation, thereby contributing significantly to the issue of climate warming. However, accurately estimating their radiative effect is challenging, influenced by emissions, sizing, morphology, and mixing state. BC particles undergo aging processes that can alter their physical characteristics and mixing state, consequently affecting their optical properties. In this study, we assessed the mixing state of BC across diverse atmospheric environments. Results demonstrate that mixing state heterogeneity is a ubiquitous phenomenon. In background atmospheres, BC exhibited less homogeneous states compared to those in urban and suburban areas, where heterogeneity was driven by primary emissions. Our study provides direct observational evidence that the heterogeneity of particle-particle mixing can reduce the light absorption enhancement of BC in all atmospheres, with a deviation of up to approximately 24% under background conditions.
Recessive TMOD1 mutation causes childhood cardiomyopathy
Authors: Vasilescu Catalina , Colpan Mert , Ojala Tiina H. , Manninen Tuula , Mutka Aino , Ylänen Kaisa , Rahkonen Otto , Poutanen Tuija , Martelius Laura , Kumari Reena , Hinterding Helena , Brilhante Virginia , Ojanen Simo , Lappalainen Pekka , Koskenvuo Juha , Carroll Christopher J. , Fowler Velia M. , Gregorio Carol C. , Suomalainen Anu
Published: January 2024

Familial cardiomyopathy in pediatric stages is a poorly understood presentation of heart disease in children that is attributed to pathogenic mutations. Through exome sequencing, we report a homozygous variant in tropomodulin 1 (TMOD1; c.565C>T, p.R189W) in three individuals from two unrelated families with childhood-onset dilated and restrictive cardiomyopathy. To decipher the mechanism of pathogenicity of the R189W mutation in TMOD1, we utilized a wide array of methods, including protein analyses, biochemistry and cultured cardiomyocytes. Structural modeling revealed potential defects in the local folding of TMOD1R189W and its affinity for actin. Cardiomyocytes expressing GFP-TMOD1R189W demonstrated longer thin filaments than GFP-TMOD1wt-expressing cells, resulting in compromised filament length regulation. Furthermore, TMOD1R189W showed weakened activity in capping actin filament pointed ends, providing direct evidence for the variant’s effect on actin filament length regulation. Our data indicate that the p.R189W variant in TMOD1 has altered biochemical properties and reveals a unique mechanism for childhood-onset cardiomyopathy.
Activation of M1 cholinergic receptors in mouse somatosensory cortex enhances information processing and detection behaviour
Authors: Mishra Wricha , Kheradpezhouh Ehsan , Arabzadeh Ehsan
Published: January 2024

To optimise sensory representations based on environmental demands, the activity of cortical neurons is regulated by neuromodulators such as Acetylcholine (ACh). ACh is implicated in cognitive functions including attention, arousal and sleep cycles. However, it is not clear how specific ACh receptors shape the activity of cortical neurons in response to sensory stimuli. Here, we investigate the role of a densely expressed muscarinic ACh receptor M1 in information processing in the mouse primary somatosensory cortex and its influence on the animal’s sensitivity to detect vibrotactile stimuli. We show that M1 activation results in faster and more reliable neuronal responses, manifested by a significant reduction in response latencies and the trial-to-trial variability. At the population level, M1 activation reduces the network synchrony, and thus enhances the capacity of cortical neurons in conveying sensory information. Consistent with the neuronal findings, we show that M1 activation significantly improves performances in a vibriotactile detection task.
Synchronized LFP rhythmicity in the social brain reflects the context of social encounters
Authors: Mohapatra Alok Nath , Peles David , Netser Shai , Wagner Shlomo
Published: January 2024

Mammalian social behavior is highly context-sensitive. Yet, little is known about the mechanisms that modulate social behavior according to its context. Recent studies have revealed a network of mostly limbic brain regions which regulates social behavior. We hypothesize that coherent theta and gamma rhythms reflect the organization of this network into functional sub-networks in a context-dependent manner. To test this concept, we simultaneously record local field potential (LFP) from multiple social brain regions in adult male mice performing three social discrimination tasks. While LFP rhythmicity across all tasks is dominated by a global internal state, the pattern of theta coherence between the various regions reflect the behavioral task more than other variables. Moreover, Granger causality analysis implicate the ventral dentate gyrus as a main player in coordinating the context-specific rhythmic activity. Thus, our results suggest that the pattern of coordinated rhythmic activity within the network reflects the subject’s social context.
Proteolytic activation of fatty acid synthase signals pan-stress resolution
Authors: Wei Hai , Weaver Yi M. , Yang Chendong , Zhang Yuan , Hu Guoli , Karner Courtney M. , Sieber Matthew , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Weaver Benjamin P.
Published: January 2024

Chronic stress and inflammation are both outcomes and major drivers of many human diseases. Sustained responsiveness despite mitigation suggests a failure to sense resolution of the stressor. Here we show that a proteolytic cleavage event of fatty acid synthase (FASN) activates a global cue for stress resolution in Caenorhabditis elegans. FASN is well established for biosynthesis of the fatty acid palmitate. Our results demonstrate FASN promoting an anti-inflammatory profile apart from palmitate synthesis. Redox-dependent proteolysis of limited amounts of FASN by caspase activates a C-terminal fragment sufficient to downregulate multiple aspects of stress responsiveness, including gene expression, metabolic programs and lipid droplets. The FASN C-terminal fragment signals stress resolution in a cell non-autonomous manner. Consistent with these findings, FASN processing is also seen in well-fed but not fasted male mouse liver. As downregulation of stress responses is critical to health, our findings provide a potential pathway to control diverse aspects of stress responses.
UBXN1 maintains ER proteostasis and represses UPR activation by modulating translation
Authors: Ahlstedt Brittany A , Ganji Rakesh , Mukkavalli Sirisha , Paulo Joao A , Gygi Steve P , Raman Malavika
Published: January 2024

ER protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is essential for proper folding and maturation of proteins in the secretory pathway. Loss of ER proteostasis can lead to the accumulation of misfolded or aberrant proteins in the ER and triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR). In this study, we find that the p97 adaptor UBXN1 is an important negative regulator of the UPR. Loss of UBXN1 sensitizes cells to ER stress and activates the UPR. This leads to widespread upregulation of the ER stress transcriptional program. Using comparative, quantitative proteomics we show that deletion of UBXN1 results in a significant enrichment of proteins involved in ER-quality control processes including those involved in protein folding and import. Notably, we find that loss of UBXN1 does not perturb p97-dependent ER-associated degradation (ERAD). Our studies indicate that loss of UBXN1 increases translation in both resting and ER-stressed cells. Surprisingly, this process is independent of p97 function. Taken together, our studies have identified a new role for UBXN1 in repressing translation and maintaining ER proteostasis in a p97 independent manner.
LncRNA DANA1 promotes drought tolerance and histone deacetylation of drought responsive genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Cai Jingjing , Zhang Yongdi , He Reqing , Jiang Liyun , Qu Zhipeng , Gu Jinbao , Yang Jun , Legascue María Florencia , Wang Zhen-Yu , Ariel Federico , Adelson David L , Zhu Youlin , Wang Dong
Published: January 2024

Although many long noncoding RNAs have been discovered in plants, little is known about their biological function and mode of action. Here we show that the drought-induced long intergenic noncoding RNA DANA1 interacts with the L1p/L10e family member protein DANA1-INTERACTING PROTEIN 1 (DIP1) in the cell nucleus of Arabidopsis, and both DANA1 and DIP1 promote plant drought resistance. DANA1 and DIP1 increase histone deacetylase HDA9 binding to the CYP707A1 and CYP707A2 loci. DIP1 further interacts with PWWP3, a member of the PEAT complex that associates with HDA9 and has histone deacetylase activity. Mutation of DANA1 enhances CYP707A1 and CYP707A2 acetylation and expression resulting in impaired drought tolerance, in agreement with dip1 and pwwp3 mutant phenotypes. Our results demonstrate that DANA1 is a positive regulator of drought response and that DANA1 works jointly with the novel chromatin-related factor DIP1 on epigenetic reprogramming of the plant transcriptome during the response to drought.
FANCJ DNA helicase is recruited to the replisome by AND-1 to ensure genome stability
Authors: Boavida Ana , Napolitano Luisa MR , Santos Diana , Cortone Giuseppe , Jegadesan Nanda K , Onesti Silvia , Branzei Dana , Pisani Francesca M
Published: January 2024

FANCJ, a DNA helicase linked to Fanconi anemia and frequently mutated in cancers, counteracts replication stress by dismantling unconventional DNA secondary structures (such as G-quadruplexes) that occur at the DNA replication fork in certain sequence contexts. However, how FANCJ is recruited to the replisome is unknown. Here, we report that FANCJ directly binds to AND-1 (the vertebrate ortholog of budding yeast Ctf4), a homo-trimeric protein adaptor that connects the CDC45/MCM2-7/GINS replicative DNA helicase with DNA polymerase α and several other factors at DNA replication forks. The interaction between FANCJ and AND-1 requires the integrity of an evolutionarily conserved Ctf4-interacting protein (CIP) box located between the FANCJ helicase motifs IV and V. Disruption of the CIP box significantly reduces FANCJ association with the replisome, causing enhanced DNA damage, decreased replication fork recovery and fork asymmetry in cells unchallenged or treated with Pyridostatin, a G-quadruplex-binder, or Mitomycin C, a DNA inter-strand cross-linking agent. Cancer-relevant FANCJ CIP box variants display reduced AND-1-binding and enhanced DNA damage, a finding that suggests their potential role in cancer predisposition.
Shaping immune landscape of colorectal cancer by cholesterol metabolites
Authors: Bai Yibing , Li Tongzhou , Wang Qinshu , You Weiqiang , Yang Haochen , Xu Xintian , Li Ziyi , Zhang Yu , Yan Chengsong , Yang Lei , Qiu Jiaqian , Liu Yuanhua , Chen Shiyang , Wang Dongfang , Huang Binlu , Liu Kexin , Song Bao- Liang , Wang Zhuozhong , Li Kang , Liu Xin , Wang Guangchuan , Yang Weiwei , Chen Jianfeng , Hao Pei , Zhang Zemin , Wang Zhigang , Zhu Zheng-Jiang , Xu Chenqi
Published: January 2024

Cancer immunotherapies have achieved unprecedented success in clinic, but they remain largely ineffective in some major types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer with microsatellite stability (MSS CRC). It is therefore important to study tumor microenvironment of resistant cancers for developing new intervention strategies. In this study, we identify a metabolic cue that determines the unique immune landscape of MSS CRC. Through secretion of distal cholesterol precursors, which directly activate RORγt, MSS CRC cells can polarize T cells toward Th17 cells that have well-characterized pro-tumor functions in colorectal cancer. Analysis of large human cancer cohorts revealed an asynchronous pattern of the cholesterol biosynthesis in MSS CRC, which is responsible for the abnormal accumulation of distal cholesterol precursors. Inhibiting the cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme Cyp51, by pharmacological or genetic interventions, reduced the levels of intratumoral distal cholesterol precursors and suppressed tumor progression through a Th17-modulation mechanism in preclinical MSS CRC models. Our study therefore reveals a novel mechanism of cancer–immune interaction and an intervention strategy for the difficult-to-treat MSS CRC.
Gasdermin D in macrophages drives orchitis by regulating inflammation and antigen presentation processes
Authors: Ma Chunmei , Huang Jiajia , Jiang Yuying , Liu Lu , Wang Na , Huang Shaoqiong , Li Honghui , Zhang Xiangyu , Wen Shuang , Wang Bingwei , Yang Shuo
Published: January 2024

Inflammation in the testes induced by infection and autoimmunity contributes significantly to male infertility, a public health issue. Current therapies using antibiotics and broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective against non-bacterial orchitis and induce side effects. This highlights the need to explore the pathogenesis of orchitis and develop alternative therapeutic strategies. In this study, we demonstrated that Gasdermin D (GSDMD) was activated in the testes during uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC)-induced acute orchitis, and that GSDMD in macrophages induced inflammation and affected spermatogenesis during acute and chronic orchitis. In testicular macrophages, GSDMD promoted inflammation and antigen presentation, thereby enhancing the T-cell response after orchitis. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of GSDMD alleviated the symptoms of UPEC-induced acute orchitis. Collectively, these findings provide the first demonstration of GSDMD’s role in driving orchitis and suggest that GSDMD may be a potential therapeutic target for treating orchitis.
Apelin-VEGF-C mRNA delivery as therapeutic for the treatment of secondary lymphedema
Authors: Creff Justine , Lamaa Asalaa , Benuzzi Emeline , Balzan Elisa , Pujol Francoise , Draia-Nicolau Tangra , Nougué Manon , Verdu Lena , Morfoisse Florent , Lacazette Eric , Valet Philippe , Chaput Benoit , Gross Fabian , Gayon Regis , Bouillé Pascale , Malloizel-Delaunay Julie , Bura-Rivière Alessandra , Prats Anne-Catherine , Garmy-Susini Barbara
Published: January 2024

Secondary lymphedema (LD) corresponds to a severe lymphatic dysfunction leading to the accumulation of fluid and fibrotic adipose tissue in a limb. Here, we identified apelin (APLN) as a powerful molecule for regenerating lymphatic function in LD. We identified the loss of APLN expression in the lymphedematous arm compared to the normal arm in patients. The role of APLN in LD was confirmed in APLN knockout mice, in which LD is increased and associated with fibrosis and dermal backflow. This was reversed by intradermal injection of APLN-lentivectors. Mechanistically, APLN stimulates lymphatic endothelial cell gene expression and induces the binding of E2F8 transcription factor to the promoter of CCBE1 that controls VEGF-C processing. In addition, APLN induces Akt and eNOS pathways to stimulate lymphatic collector pumping. Our results show that APLN represents a novel partner for VEGF-C to restore lymphatic function in both initial and collecting vessels. As LD appears after cancer treatment, we validated the APLN-VEGF-C combination using a novel class of nonintegrative RNA delivery LentiFlash® vector that will be evaluated for phase I/IIa clinical trial.
Correction: CannibiSenS: an on-demand rapid screen for THC in human saliva
Authors: Churcher Nathan Kodjo Mintah , Dhamu Vikram Narayanan , Prasad Shalini
Published: January 2024

Correction for ‘CannibiSenS: an on-demand rapid screen for THC in human saliva’ by Nathan Kodjo Mintah Churcher et al., Analyst, 2023, 148, 2921–2931, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN00522D.
Malachite green: a long-buried water-soluble AIEgen with near-infrared fluorescence for living cell nucleus staining
Authors: Luo Yuan , Zhou Lihua , Du Lili , Xie Yangzi , Lou Xiang-Yang , Cai Lintao , Tang Ben Zhong , Gong Ping , Zhang Pengfei
Published: January 2024

Low-cost water-soluble wash-free NIR-emissive nucleus-staining probes are crucial for exploring nucleus-related cellular events in live cells.
Engineering of CdS-chain arrays assembled through S⋯S interactions in 1D semiconductive coordination polymers
Authors: Nishibe Asuka , Akiyoshi Ryohei , Saeki Akinori , Ogasawara Kazuyoshi , Tsuruoka Takaaki , Tanaka Daisuke
Published: January 2024

The impact of inorganic (–Cd–S–)n assemblies on semiconductive properties is demonstrated by systematically synthesizing one-dimensional Cd(ii) benzenethiolate coordination polymers.
Prestoring lithium in a 3D carbon fiber cloth coated with MOF-derived MnO for composite lithium anodes with high areal capacity and current density
Authors: Liu Ye , Guo Xingtong , Zhou Yanyan , Wang Mengting , Sun Cheng , Xu Shoudong , Qiu Xiangyun , Huang Qing , Wei Tao
Published: January 2024

We propose a facile design utilizing a commercial carbon fiber cloth (CFC) coated with metal–organic-framework-derived MnO nanoparticles as a 3D host for prestoring molten lithium and successfully fabricate a CFC@MnO@Li composite anode.
Solutocapillary transport of oxygen bubbles in a diffusion-bubbling membrane core
Authors: Belousov Valery V. , Fedorov Sergey V.
Published: January 2024

Bubbles are extensively explored as gas and energy carriers. However, despite notable progress, the bubble transport mechanisms are still poorly understood.
Tunable multiple nonvolatile resistance states in a MnSe-based van der Waals multiferroic tunnel junction
Authors: Guo Xiao-Hui , Zhu Lin , Cao Zeng-Lin , Yao Kai-Lun
Published: January 2024

The ferroelectric barrier MnSe-based MFTJs based on the ferromagnetic electrodes Fe3GeTe2 exhibit four nonvolatile resistance states and can realize the coexistence of tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) and tunneling electroresistance (TER).
Silver(i) complexes containing antifungal azoles: significant improvement of the anti-Candida potential of the azole drug after its coordination to the silver(i) ion
Authors: Stanković Mia , Kljun Jakob , Stevanović Nevena Lj. , Lazic Jelena , Skaro Bogojevic Sanja , Vojnovic Sandra , Zlatar Matija , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina , Turel Iztok , Djuran Miloš I. , Glišić Biljana Đ.
Published: January 2024

The clinically used antifungal agents, econazole, voriconazole and clotrimazole, were successfully applied in the synthesis of novel silver(i)-azole complexes with significantly improved anti-Candida activity in respect to the parent organic drugs.
A rhodium(ii)/rhodium(iii) redox couple for C–H bond amination with alkylazides: a rhodium(iii)–nitrenoid intermediate with a tetradentate [14]-macrocyclic ligand
Authors: Sugimoto Hideki , Sakaida Megumu , Shiota Yoshihito , Miyanishi Mayuko , Morimoto Yuma , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Itoh Shinobu
Published: January 2024

The catalytic activity of a rhodium(ii) dimer complex, [RhII(TMAA)]2 (TMAA = tetramethyltetraaza[14]annulene), in C–H amination reactions with organic azides is explored.
Constructing host–guest recognition electrolytes promotes the Li+ kinetics in solid-state batteries
Authors: Liu Qing , Yang Li , Mei Zhiyuan , An Qi , Zeng Kun , Huang Wenjing , Wang Shimin , Sun Yongjiang , Guo Hong
Published: January 2024

Ti-MOFs with synergetic various sites are designed to serve as a “host” platform for a GPE to tune the electrolyte properties. This unique system can improve Li+ ion conduction, mechanical strength and the ability to withstand high voltage.
Non-thermal plasma catalysis driven sustainable pyrolysis oil upgrading to jet fuel under near-ambient conditions
Authors: Nguyen Hoang M. , Omidkar Ali , Li Wenping , Li Zhaofei , Song Hua
Published: January 2024

The integration of non-thermal plasma with a nanoclustered Ir catalyst achieves an 87% liquid oil yield from pyrolysis oil, showcasing the transformative impact of plasma-catalysis synergies in activating methane and cleaving long-chain oil molecules.
Climate change performance of hydrogen production based on life cycle assessment
Authors: Patel Gulam Husain , Havukainen Jouni , Horttanainen Mika , Soukka Risto , Tuomaala Mari
Published: January 2024

Green H2 production reduces emissions by 80–95% compared to grey H2 thus meeting the REDII directive. However, blue and turquoise H2 fall short of meeting this criterion without CO2 sequestration.
Biotransformation of lignin into 4-vinylphenol derivatives toward lignin valorization
Authors: Liu Ruo-Ying , Liu Zhi-Hua , Li Bing-Zhi , Yuan Ying-Jin
Published: January 2024

Biological valorization of lignin toward various high-value products can effectively reduce the dependence on petroleum-based resources and contribute to building a renewable carbon cycle system.
Mechanism study of the photothermal function of lignin: the effect of electron-withdrawing groups
Authors: Lei Junjie , Chen Liheng , Lin JinXin , Liu Weifeng , Xiong Qingang , Qiu Xueqing
Published: January 2024

The photothermal effect of lignin was significantly enhanced by introducing electron-withdrawing group attributing to the improved light absorption by electron donor-acceptor structure and the enhanced non-radiative decay through molecular motion.
High-performance magnetic metal microrobot prepared by a two-photon polymerization and sintering method
Authors: Li Rui , Jiang Modong , Liu Bingrui , Jiang Shaojun , Chen Chao , Liang Mengxue , Qu Lijie , Wang Chaowei , Zhao Gang , Hu Yanlei , Wu Dong , Chu Jiaru , Li Jiawen
Published: January 2024

A high-performance pure-nickel magnetically-actuated microrobot (Ni-MAR) is printed by a ‘femtosecond laser polymerization + sintering’ method with great potential applications in controlled locomotion in fast-flowing blood and massive drugs delivery.
Shining a light on cells: amine-passivated fluorescent carbon dots as bioimaging nanoprobes
Authors: Clermont-Paquette Adryanne , Larocque Kevin , Piekny Alisa , Naccache Rafik
Published: January 2024

Amphiphilic DT3-CDs enter passively, accumulating in the cytosol, while positively charged PH6-CDs enter via endocytosis, concentrating in the lysosome.
Design, synthesis, and cytotoxicity of ibuprofen-appended benzoxazole analogues against human breast adenocarcinoma
Authors: Thumma Vishnu , Mallikanti Veerabhadraiah , Matta Raghavender , Dharavath Ravinder , Jalapathi Pochampally
Published: January 2024

A library of new ibuprofen-appended benzoxazole analogues (7a–l) was synthesized and screened for their in vitro anticancer activity against human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines using doxorubicin as a standard reference.
Solubility of Nd2O3 in LiF and LiF–NdF3 molten salts
Authors: Fu ZanHui , Liao ChunFa , Wang Xu , Que LiangHua , Zhou Xun , Chen ShuMei
Published: January 2024

An experimental device was developed with a diaphragm and NdOF was used instead of Nd2O3 to solve the problem of analysis errors. A more accurate method for measuring the dissolution of Nd2O3 in the LiF–NdF3 molten salt system was reported.
Stabilizing tetragonal ZrO2 nanocrystallites in solvothermal synthesis
Authors: Kløve Magnus , Philippot Gilles , Auxéméry Aimery , Aymonier Cyril , Iversen Bo Brummerstedt
Published: January 2024

Phase-pure tetragonal ZrO2 nanoparticles have been prepared under simple solvothermal synthesis conditions using different types of alcohols as solvents and studied using in situ X-ray scattering.
An electrochemical access to 2-amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxanes derived from hydroxytyrosol
Authors: Neudorffer Anne , Deschamps Patrick , Largeron Martine , Deguin Brigitte
Published: January 2024

Non-activated o-quinones derived from natural hydroxytyrosol and other catechols were electrogenerated under mild conditions. They provided polysubstituted 2-amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxane derivatives, through [4 + 2] cycloaddition with enamines.
Fabrication of a PCN/BiOBr 2D hybrid with improved photocatalytic performance of 2,4-dichorophenol degradation
Authors: Chen Shuangying , Guo Fushui , Hao Liantao , Zhang Xuliang
Published: January 2024

A 2D-structured PCN/BiOBr composite is constructed which exhibits improved photocatalytic 2,4-DCP degradation performance and enhanced charge separation property. A S-type mechanism is suggested to explain the promoted charge separation.
Correction: Development of a chromium oxide loaded mesoporous silica as an efficient catalyst for carbon dioxide-free production of ethylene oxide
Authors: Maqbool Muhammad , Akhter Toheed , Hassan Sadaf Ul , Mahmood Asif , Al-Masry Waheed , Razzaque Shumaila
Published: January 2024

Correction for ‘Development of a chromium oxide loaded mesoporous silica as an efficient catalyst for carbon dioxide-free production of ethylene oxide’ by Muhammad Maqbool et al., RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 32424–32432, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3ra05858a.
Alumina-Promoted Copper-Catalyzed Hydroboration of Alkynes
Authors: Latyshev Gennadij V. , Barashkova Xenia A. , Parulava Mikhail J. , Kotovshchikov Yury N. , Lukashev Nikolay V. , Beletskaya Irina P.
Published: January 2024

Alumina was found to activate Cu(I) catalysts in hydroboration of alkynes. This allowed to develop a simple and efficient protocol for hydroboration of alkynes with B2Pin2 using inexpensive CuCl/PPh3 catalytic system. The approach does not require moisture-sensitive activators and stepwise preparation of ‘activated’ Cu complex. The developed conditions were applied to the preparation of β-styrylboronates from terminal and internal alkynes with excellent regio- and stereoselectivity. The procedure can also be extended to other terminal alkynes by the appropriate choice of ligand.
Corporate social responsibility and green supply chain efficiency: conditioning effects based on CEO narcissism
Authors: Liao Feimei , Hu Yaoyao , Ye Songqin
Published: January 2024

Accelerating the construction of the green supply chain system and improving the efficiency of the green supply chain is the key to promoting the high-quality development of enterprises. In view of this, based on stakeholder theory, higher order theory and expectancy theory, this study focuses on the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on corporate green supply chain efficiency (GSCE) and the moderating role of chief executive officer (CEO) narcissism. A regression analysis of the observed sample reveals that CSR significantly enhances GSCE. Further decomposing CSR into internal CSR and external CSR to reveal the impact of different types of CSR on GSCE, we find that internal CSR fulfillment has a significant positive impact on GSCE, and this relationship is strengthened when CEOs are narcissistic. Furthermore, external CSR has a significant negative impact on GSCE, and this relationship is also strengthened by CEO narcissism. The main contribution of this paper is to study the relationship between CSR and green supply chain efficiency, decompose CSR into internal and external CSR, enrich the research on the intrinsic mechanism of value creation of CSR. It also enriches the research in the context of CSR from the perspective of CEO personality traits, providing new ideas and suggestions for manager selection and corporate greening governance in practice.
Mineral and bioresource exploitation for transformation and sustainability of the chemical industry in Zambia
Authors: Nyirenda James , Malabo Harriet
Published: January 2024

Zambia depends mainly on copper mining and imports the bulk of chemicals needed for academic, domestic, and industrial consumption. The country has never had an economically viable chemical industry despite having vast minerals and bioresources key to the stimulation of a sustainable chemical industry. This paper proposes a theory of change model for the establishment of the chemical industry in Zambia to enhance economic growth. Availability of minerals and bioresources have been assumed as a strong driver to establish an economically viable chemical industry in Zambia. The paper discusses the economic status of Zambia, explains current economic drivers and proposes establishment of a chemical industry as a critical missing link to transform the economy. Briefly a thorough literature desk review was done with cue search words such as “Chemistry professionals Zambia”, “Policy Chemicals industry Zambia”, “Chemical industry Zambia”, “National Development Plan Zambia”, “Petrochemicals Zambia”, “Specialty chemicals Zambia”, “Gross Domestic product Zambia” in the Google scholar search engine. Results revealed that exclusion of chemical industry in policy formulation and implementation, lack of political will in promoting chemistry, underutilization of available mineral and bioresources remains part of the main reason for lack of growth of the chemical industry and serial failure of the seven national development plans to adequately plan for this since independence in 1964. The period from 1961 to 2021 was considered and the 2006 to 2021 comprising the fifth, sixth and seventh national development plans was isolated, and analysis of variance done for the three plans with respect to gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP per capita. There was a statistical significance for both parameters. A p = 0.0004 for GDP and 0.0003 for GDP per capita values showed that there was negative or almost no growth within each period of the national development plan. None of the seven development plans addressed a deliberate setting up of the chemical industry to reduce capital flight in terms of huge imports. Hence, we opine that the chemical industry in Zambia is desperately needed to provide agrochemicals and other specialty chemical feedstocks.
Willingness to pay for pesticide-free vegetables in Hokkaido, Japan: the relationship between appearance and pesticide use
Authors: Nohara Katsuhito
Published: January 2024

Most Japanese consumers focus on the appearance of vegetables, for example, their shape, color, or size. However, giving consumers precise information about the growing process of vegetables may change their preferences. Therefore, in order to reduce food loss, it is important to change consumers’ preferences for vegetables and for producers to understand consumers’ preferences and select vegetable production methods. Japanese supermarkets sell vegetables containing legally permissible amounts of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and chemical-free vegetables are generally hard to find. Therefore, in this study, pesticide-free vegetables were cultivated from scratch to analyze whether consumers are willing to pay a premium when presented with pesticide-free vegetables. The contingent valuation method and double-bound dichotomous choice were used for analysis. The results revealed that consumers’ willingness to pay was not related to the appearance of the pesticide-free vegetables. In other words, they cared neither about the color nor the shape of the vegetables so long as they were pesticide-free. In Japan, some farmers continue to grow organic or pesticide-free vegetables, although they are few. Therefore, if producers know the actual needs of consumers’ vegetables, they may reduce their dependence on pesticides and chemical fertilizers and expand the market for environmentally friendly and healthy vegetables. Such a change could, in turn, reduce food loss.
Examining factors influencing the user’s loyalty on algorithmic news recommendation service
Authors: Lim Chulmin , Kim Seongcheol
Published: January 2024

Based on user-related data, an algorithmic news recommendation service (ANRS) predicts users’ reading preferences and selectively recommends news. Given the double-edged opinions on ANRS, identifying and managing crucial factors influencing users’ satisfaction and trust in this service will be essential for service providers and developers. However, few studies have tried to find these factors or develop a more precise understanding of users’ perceptions of this service. Therefore, this study aims to examine factors affecting users’ loyalty to ANRS with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). This study conducted an online survey for users of “My News”, the free mobile ANRS of NAVER, Korea’s dominant online portal site, and analyzed the data from 483 responses. This analysis verified that both satisfaction and trust positively affect loyalty to ANRS, and trust positively affects satisfaction. Moreover, it was found that perceived accuracy positively affects satisfaction. The result also showed that perceived news value and perceived transparency positively affect trust, and privacy concerns negatively affect it. Lastly, it was found that perceived usability and pre-existing attitude toward the service provider positively affect satisfaction and trust. The results and discussions will be helpful for service providers and developers to manage ANRS effectively based on users’ responses and perceptions of this service.