bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of microscale and macroscale technique for encapsulation of Calotropis gigantea extract in metal-conjugated nanomatrices for invasive ductal carcinoma
Authors: Aftab Ayesha , Ahmad Bashir , Bashir Shazia , Rafique Saima , Bashir Muhammad , Ghani Tayyaba , Gul Asma , Shah Atta Ullah , Khan Ranjha , Sajini Abdulrahim A.
Published: August 2023

The encapsulation of plant extract in nanomatrices has limitations due to its adhesion to walls, size control, high cost and long durations that results in low yield. Macroscale and microscale level techniques for development of micro/nanoparticles may impact the encapsulation of plant extract. This study aimed to evaluate the relative efficiency of microscale and macroscale techniques for encapsulation of plant extract, which is not compared yet. Keeping this in view, encapsulation of Calotropis gigantea leaves extract (CaG) was attained in silver-conjugated poliglusam nanomatrices (POL/Ag) to induce apoptosis in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) cells. The ethanolic CaG extract was prepared using percolation method and characterized by chemical tests for its active phytochemical compounds. The droplet-based microfluidic system was utilized as microscale encapsulation technique for CaG in nanomatrices at two different aqueous to oil flow rate ratios 1.0:1.5, and 1.0:3.0. Moreover, conventional batch system was utilized as macroscale encapsulation technique consisted of hot plate magnetic stirrer. The prepared nanomatrices were analysed for antioxidant activity using DPPH test and for cytotoxicity analysis using MCF-7 cells. The characteristic peaks of UV–Vis, FTIR and XRD spectrum confirmed the synthesis of CaG(POL/Ag) by both the encapsulation methods. However, microfluidic system was found to be more expedient because of attaining small and uniform sized silver nanoparticles (92 ± 19 nm) at high flow rate and achieving high encapsulation efficiency (80.25%) as compared to the conventional batch method (52.5%). CaG(POL/Ag) nanomatrices found to have significant antioxidant activity (p = 0.0014) against DPPH radical scavenging activity. The CaG(POL/Ag) of the smallest sized formulated by the microfluidic system has also shown the highest cytotoxicity (90%) as compared to batch method (70%) at 80 µg/mL. Our results indicate that the microscale technique using microfluidic system is a more efficient method to formulate size-controlled CaG(POL/Ag) nanomatrices and achieve high encapsulation of plant extract. Additionally, CaG(Pol/Ag) was found to be an efficient new combination for inducing potent (p < 0.0001) apoptosis in IDC cells. Therefore, CaG(Pol/Ag) can be further tested as an anti-cancer agent for in-vivo experiments.
A province-by-province cost-effectiveness analysis and budget impact analysis of one-time birth cohort screening of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Canada
Authors: Wong William W. L. , Haines Alex , Wong Josephine , Hamadeh Abdullah , Krahn Murray D.
Published: August 2023

Managing chronic hepatitis C is challenging, as the majority of those infected are asymptomatic. Therefore, to ensure treatments are administered before the onset of severe complications, screening is important. In Canada, uncertainty regarding the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of screening has led to conflicting recommendations. The objective of this study is to estimate the cost-effectiveness and budget-impact of one-time HCV screening. A state-transition model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and budget-impact between a risk-based screening strategy (current-practice) and a one-time screening strategy on three different birth-cohorts. Cost and prevalence data were obtained from administrative data. Progression and utility data were based on recent systematic reviews. We used a provincial payer-perspective, life-time time-horizon and a 1.5% discount rate for the cost-effectiveness analysis, and used a 10-year time-horizon and no discounting for the budget-impact analysis. One-time screening strategy would cost more and provide more health benefits than the risk-based screening for all birth cohorts. For those born after 1964, the incremental-cost-effectiveness-ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) of screening versus current-practice varied from $27,422/QALY to $42,191/QALY across different provinces. One-time screening of the cohort would cost an additional $2 million to $236 million across different provinces. For those born 1945–1964, the ICER of screening versus current-practice varied from $35,217/QALY to $48,197/QALY across different provinces. For the cohort born before 1945, the ICER of screening versus current-practice was not cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY across all provinces. Our cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that a one-time HCV screening program for those born after 1945 is cost-effective. Considering the budget impact relative to other funded recommended health services and technologies, HCV screening could be considered affordable.
Normative brain mapping using scalp EEG and potential clinical application
Authors: Janiukstyte Vytene , Owen Thomas W. , Chaudhary Umair J. , Diehl Beate , Lemieux Louis , Duncan John S. , de Tisi Jane , Wang Yujiang , Taylor Peter N.
Published: August 2023

A normative electrographic activity map could be a powerful resource to understand normal brain function and identify abnormal activity. Here, we present a normative brain map using scalp EEG in terms of relative band power. In this exploratory study we investigate its temporal stability, its similarity to other imaging modalities, and explore a potential clinical application. We constructed scalp EEG normative maps of brain dynamics from 17 healthy controls using source-localised resting-state scalp recordings. We then correlated these maps with those acquired from MEG and intracranial EEG to investigate their similarity. Lastly, we use the normative maps to lateralise abnormal regions in epilepsy. Spatial patterns of band powers were broadly consistent with previous literature and stable across recordings. Scalp EEG normative maps were most similar to other modalities in the alpha band, and relatively similar across most bands. Towards a clinical application in epilepsy, we found abnormal temporal regions ipsilateral to the epileptogenic hemisphere. Scalp EEG relative band power normative maps are spatially stable across time, in keeping with MEG and intracranial EEG results. Normative mapping is feasible and may be potentially clinically useful in epilepsy. Future studies with larger sample sizes and high-density EEG are now required for validation.
Deepfakes and scientific knowledge dissemination
Authors: Doss Christopher , Mondschein Jared , Shu Dule , Wolfson Tal , Kopecky Denise , Fitton-Kane Valerie A. , Bush Lance , Tucker Conrad
Published: August 2023

Science misinformation on topics ranging from climate change to vaccines have significant public policy repercussions. Artificial intelligence-based methods of altering videos and photos (deepfakes) lower the barriers to the mass creation and dissemination of realistic, manipulated digital content. The risk of exposure to deepfakes among education stakeholders has increased as learners and educators rely on videos to obtain and share information. We field the first study to understand the vulnerabilities of education stakeholders to science deepfakes and the characteristics that moderate vulnerability. We ground our study in climate change and survey individuals from five populations spanning students, educators, and the adult public. Our sample is nationally representative of three populations. We found that 27–50% of individuals cannot distinguish authentic videos from deepfakes. All populations exhibit vulnerability to deepfakes which increases with age and trust in information sources but has a mixed relationship with political orientation. Adults and educators exhibit greater vulnerability compared to students, indicating that those providing education are especially susceptible. Vulnerability increases with exposure to potential deepfakes, suggesting that deepfakes become more pernicious without interventions. Our results suggest that focusing on the social context in which deepfakes reside is one promising strategy for combatting deepfakes.
Delay-differential SEIR modeling for improved modelling of infection dynamics
Authors: Kiselev I. N. , Akberdin I. R. , Kolpakov F. A.
Published: August 2023

SEIR (Susceptible–Exposed–Infected–Recovered) approach is a classic modeling method that is frequently used to study infectious diseases. However, in the vast majority of such models transitions from one population group to another are described using the mass-action law. That causes inability to reproduce observable dynamics of an infection such as the incubation period or progression of the disease's symptoms. In this paper, we propose a new approach to simulate the epidemic dynamics based on a system of differential equations with time delays and instant transitions to approximate durations of transition processes more correctly and make model parameters more clear. The suggested approach can be applied not only to Covid-19 but also to the study of other infectious diseases. We utilized it in the development of the delay-based model of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany and France. The model takes into account testing of different population groups, symptoms progression from mild to critical, vaccination, duration of protective immunity and new virus strains. The stringency index was used as a generalized characteristic of the non-pharmaceutical government interventions in corresponding countries to contain the virus spread. The parameter identifiability analysis demonstrated that the presented modeling approach enables to significantly reduce the number of parameters and make them more identifiable. Both models are publicly available.
Exploring spin-polarization in Bi-based high-Tc cuprates
Authors: Iwasawa Hideaki , Sumida Kazuki , Ishida Shigeyuki , Le Fèvre Patrick , Bertran François , Yoshida Yoshiyuki , Eisaki Hiroshi , Santander-Syro Andrés F. , Okuda Taichi
Published: August 2023

The role of spin–orbit interaction has been recently reconsidered in high-$$T_{c}$$

T
c

cuprates, stimulated by the recent experimental observations of spin-polarized electronic states. However, due to the complexity of the spin texture reported, the origin of the spin polarization in high-$$T_{c}$$

T
c

cuprates remains unclear. Here, we present the spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) data on the facing momentum points that are symmetric with respect to the $$\Gamma$$
Γ
point, to ensure the intrinsic spin nature related to the initial state. We consistently found the very weak spin polarization only along the nodal direction, with no indication of spin-splitting of the band. Our findings thus call for a revision of the simple application of the spin–orbit interaction, which has been treated within the standard framework of the Rashba interaction in high-$$T_{c}$$

T
c

cuprates.
Environmental impacts on the structural integrity of British rhodoliths
Authors: Melbourne Leanne A. , Brodie Juliet , Rayfield Emily J. , Titelboim Danna , Lord Oliver T. , Schmidt Daniela N.
Published: August 2023

Coralline algae form complex habitats which are biodiversity hotspots. Experimental studies suggest that climate change will decrease coralline algal structural integrity. These experiments, however, lack information on local morphological variability and how much structural change would be needed to threaten habitat formation. Here, using finite element modelling, we assess variability in cellular structure and chemical composition of the carbonate skeleton of four coralline algal species from Britain in contemporary and historical specimens collected over the last 130 years. Cellular and mineral properties are highly variable within species, between sites and through time, with structurally weaker cells in the southern species and contemporary material compared to northern taxa and historical material. Yet, temporal differences in strength were smaller than spatial differences. Our work supports long term experiments which show the adaptation potential of this group. Our results suggest that future anthropogenic climate change may lead to loss of habitat complexity in the south and expansion of structurally weaker southern species into northern sites.
Advancing aircraft engine RUL predictions: an interpretable integrated approach of feature engineering and aggregated feature importance
Authors: Alomari Yazan , Andó Mátyás , Baptista Marcia L.
Published: August 2023

In this study, we present a comprehensive approach for predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of aircraft engines, incorporating advanced feature engineering, dimensionality reduction, feature selection techniques, and machine learning models. The process begins with a rolling time series window, followed by the extraction of a multitude of statistical features, and the application of principal component analysis for dimensionality reduction. We utilize a variety of feature selection methods, such as Genetic Algorithm, Recursive Feature Elimination, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Regression, and Feature Importances from a Random Forest model. As a significant contribution, we introduce the novel aggregated feature importances with cross-validation (AFICv) technique, which ranks features based on their mean importance. We establish a selection criterion that retains features with a cumulative mean sum equal to 70%, thereby reducing the complexity of machine learning models and enhancing their generalizability. Four machine learning regression models—Natural and Extreme Gradient Boosting, Random Forest, and Multi-Layer Perceptron—were employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the selected features. The performance of our proposed method is assessed by the evaluation metrics Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and R2 Score, and also considered within-interval percentages and relative accuracy metrics. Importantly, a novel PCA interpretability was introduced to provide real-world context and enhance the utility of our findings for domain experts. Our results indicate that the proposed AFICv technique efficiently achieves competitive performance across the Commercial Modular Aero-Propulsion System Simulation (C-MAPSS) sub-datasets using a significantly smaller subset of features, thus contributing to a more effective and interpretable RUL prediction methodology for aircraft engines.
Evaluation on coupling coordinated development of population economy and eco-geological environment in the twin-city economic circle of Chengdu–Chongqing region
Authors: Han Dong , Chen Liang , Wu Hao , Wang Xinyuan , Xiao Yi , Yang Haonan , Liu Shiyu , Xu Shuangshuang , Huang Huan , Chang Ming
Published: August 2023

Using the CRITIC method, comprehensive index evaluation method, VAR model, coupling coordination model and other methods, this paper evaluates the comprehensive development of the population economy and eco-geological environment composite system in the twin-city economic circle of Chengdu–Chongqing region from 2000 to 2020, verifies the dynamic coupling relationship between subsystems and measures the coupling coordination degree of complex system. Meanwhile, the differences in the development process of each subsystem are discussed and the spatial–temporal evolution characteristics and laws of coupling coordination of the composite system during the research period are analyzed. The results reveal the following: (1) There is a long-term coordinated relationship between population, economy and eco-geological environment in Chengdu–Chongqing region, which have the conditions for emergence and generation. (2) The subsystems of population, economy and eco-geological environment in Chengdu–Chongqing region show an overall upward trend, among which the Sichuan part obviously outperforms the Chongqing part. Besides, the growth rate of the economy subsystem is significantly higher than that of the population, eco-geological environment subsystem. (3) The coupling coordinated development of the composite system has shown a benign upward development trend, gradually changing from “composite spiral structure” to “two cores outstanding, peripheral collapse, the west superior to the east”, while the main coordination state has developed from “Basic synergy—Economic lag” in 2000 to “Basic synergy—Population lag” in 2022. In addition, Cheng-De-Mian and Yuzhong districts with the better level of economic development have shown “Advanced synergy—Ecological lag”.
Kinematic mechanism of the rehabilitative effect of 4-channel NMES: post-hoc analysis of a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Lim Jiwoon , Lee Jun Chang , Jang Eun Gyeong , Choi Sun Young , Seo Kyoung-Ho , Lee So Young , Park Donghwi , Oh Byung-Mo , Seo Han Gil , Ryu Ju Seok
Published: August 2023

The sequential 4-channel neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), based on the normal contractile sequences of swallowing-related muscles, is a new rehabilitative treatment. The objective of this study was to explore the mechanism of the rehabilitative effect of the 4-channel NMES using kinematic analysis of videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) data. For this post-hoc analysis, we included a subset of participants from the prospective randomized controlled study on the clinical effectiveness of the sequential 4-channel NMES compared with that of the conventional 2-channel NMES. Seventeen subjects (11 and six in the 4- and 2-channel NMES groups, respectively) were eligible for the kinematic analysis of VFSS data. The hyoid bone movement was analyzed by evaluating the distance and time parameters with four peak points (A, B, C, D). The 4-channel NMES group showed significant improvement in vertical distances (A–C), horizontal distance (A–B, A–C), time interval (A–B–C) and total time, compared with their pretreatment data. The 2-channel NMES group showed significant improvements in time interval (A–B); however, the Euclidean distance (A–D) and mean velocity of the Euclidean distance (A-C) were significantly decreased. When the two groups were directly compared, the 4-channel group showed significantly greater improvement in horizontal distance (A–B), Euclidean distance (A–D), time interval (A–B–C), and mean velocity the Euclidean distance (A–D). The results in this study suggest that the sequential 4-channel NMES might lead to the physiologic circular movement of the hyoid bone during swallowing, and therefore be an effective treatment for dysphagia.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, registration number: NCT03670498.
Curcumin and melphalan cotreatment induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells
Authors: Passos Carlos Luan A. , Polinati Renata Madureira , Ferreira Christian , dos Santos Nathalia Alexia Nascimento , Lima Daniel Galinis V. , da Silva Jerson Lima , Fialho Eliane
Published: August 2023

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death in women. Dietary bioactive compounds may act at different stages of carcinogenesis, including tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. Spices have been used for thousands of years and have many bioactive compounds with chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties. Curcumin has a multitude of beneficial biological properties, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. This study investigated the effects of cotreatment with curcumin and the chemotherapeutic drug melphalan in cultured MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. When used alone, both curcumin and melphalan had a cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells. Combined treatment with 11.65 µM of curcumin and 93.95 µM of melphalan (CURC/MEL) reduced cell viability by 28.64% and 72.43% after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. CURC/MEL reduced the number of colony-forming units and increased ROS levels by 1.36-fold. CURC/MEL alter cell cycle progression, induce apoptosis, and upregulate caspases-3, -7, and -9, in MDA-MB-231 cells. Cotreatment with curcumin and melphalan have anti-breast cancer cells effects and represent a promising candidate for clinical testing.
Estimation of treatment effect in presence of noncompliance and competing risks: a simulation study
Authors: Safari Malihe , Esmaeili Habib , Mahjub Hossein , Roshanaei Ghodratollah
Published: August 2023

A randomized controlled trial is commonly designed to assess the treatment effect in survival studies, in which patients are randomly assigned to the standard or the experimental treatment group. Upon disease progression, patients who have been randomized to standard treatment are allowed to switch to the experimental treatment. Treatment switching in a randomized controlled trial refers to a situation in which patients switch from their randomized treatment to another treatment. Often, the switchis from the control group to the experimental treatment. In this case, the treatment effect estimate is adjusted using either convenient naive methods such as intention-to-treat, per-protocol or advanced methods such as rank preserving structural failure time (RPSFT) models. In previous simulation studies performed so far, there was only one possible outcome for patients. However, in oncology in particular, multiple outcomes are potentially possible. These outcomes are called competing risks. This aspect has not been considered in previous studies when determining the effect of a treatment in the presence of noncompliance. This study aimed to extend the RPSFT method using a two-dimensional G-estimation in the presence of competing risks. The RPSFT method was extended for two events, the event of interest and the competing event. For this purpose, the RPSFT method was applied based on the cause-specific hazard approach, the result of which is compared to the naive methods used in simulation studies. The results show that the proposed method has a good performance compared to other methods.
Validation study on a non-linear dynamical model of the projectile
Authors: Liang Jun , Fan Xuanhua , Wang Yuancen , Xiao Shifu , Chen Hongyong
Published: August 2023

Based on the theoretical approach of multi-body interaction dynamics, a theoretical model is constructed to simulate the nonlinear response amplification of the projectile structure. The accuracy and universality of the theoretical model were verified by comparing the response data calculated by the theoretical model with the experimental data. The results show that the theoretical model can predict the acceleration and strain response of the projectile structure more accurately, providing a non-linear dynamic analysis method for the projectile structure from the perspective of structural dynamics.
Transcriptomic signatures of feline chronic gingivostomatitis are influenced by upregulated IL6
Authors: Peralta Santiago , Grenier Jennifer K. , Webb Suzin M. , Miller Andrew D. , Miranda Ileana C. , Parker John S. L.
Published: August 2023

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a relatively common and debilitating disease characterized by bilateral inflammation and ulceration of the caudal oral mucosa, alveolar and buccal mucosa, and varying degrees of periodontal disease. The etiopathogenesis of FCGS remains unresolved. In this study, we performed bulk RNA-seq molecular profiling of affected tissues derived from a cohort of client-owned cats with FCGS compared to tissues from unaffected animals, to identify candidate genes and pathways that can help guide future exploration of novel clinical solutions. We complemented transcriptomic findings with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays to better understand the biological significance of the results and performed RNA-seq validation of biologically relevant differentially expressed genes using qPCR assays to demonstrate technical reproducibility. Transcriptomic profiles of oral mucosal tissues in cats with FCGS are enriched with immune- and inflammation-related genes and pathways that appear to be largely influenced by IL6, and include NFKB, JAK/STAT, IL-17 and IFN type I and II signaling, offering new opportunities to develop novel clinical applications based on a more rational understanding of the disease.
Whistle repertoire and structure reflect ecotype distinction of pantropical spotted dolphins in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Authors: Rege-Colt Manali , Oswald Julie N. , De Weerdt Joelle , Palacios-Alfaro Jose David , Austin Maia , Gagne Emma , Morán Villatoro Jacqueline Maythé , Sahley Catherine Teresa , Alvarado-Guerra Gilma , May-Collado Laura J.
Published: August 2023

The pantropical spotted dolphin in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) is found in two genetically and phenotypically diverged ecotypes, coastal and offshore. These habitats have distinct acoustic characteristics, which can lead to the evolution of distinct acoustic communication. Whistles are sounds widely used by dolphins to mediate species and individual recognition and social interactions. Here, we study the whistle acoustic structure and repertoire diversity of offshore and coastal pantropical spotted dolphins. Our results show that there is significantly more within- and across-group variation in whistle fundamental frequency between ecotypes than between offshore groups and between coastal groups. A Random Forest classification analysis performed with an accuracy of 83.99% and identified duration, peak and minimum frequency as the most informative variables for distinguishing between ecotypes. Overall, coastal spotted dolphins produced significantly shorter whistles that were significantly lower in frequency (peak, minimum and maximum, and start and end) than offshore dolphins. Ecotypes produced whistle repertoires that were similar in diversity, but different in contour composition, with the coastal ecotype producing more upsweep whistles than offshore dolphins. The results of this study suggest that acoustic adaptations to coastal and offshore environments could be important contributors to intraspecific variation of dolphin whistle repertoires.
Tuning the surface functionality of polyethylene glycol-modified graphene oxide/chitosan composite for efficient removal of dye
Authors: Pervez Md. Nahid , Jahid Md Anwar , Mishu Mst. Monira Rahman , Talukder Md Eman , Buonerba Antonio , Jiang Tao , Liang Yanna , Tang Shuai , Zhao Yaping , Dotto Guilherme L. , Cai Yingjie , Naddeo Vincenzo
Published: August 2023

There has been a lot of attention on water pollution by dyes in recent years because of their serious toxicological implications on human health and the environment. Therefore, the current study presented a novel polyethylene glycol-functionalized graphene oxide/chitosan composite (PEG-GO/CS) to remove dyes from aqueous solutions. Several characterization techniques, such as SEM, TEM, FTIR, TGA/DTG, XRD, and XPS, were employed to correlate the structure–property relationship between the adsorption performance and PEG-GO/CS composites. Taguchi’s (L25) approach was used to optimize the batch adsorption process variables [pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial concentration of methyl orange (MO)] for maximal adsorption capacity. pH = 2, contact time = 90 min, adsorbent dose = 10 mg/10 mL, and MO initial concentration = 200 mg/L were found to be optimal. The material has a maximum adsorption capacity of 271 mg/g for MO at room temperature. With the greatest R2 = 0.8930 values, the Langmuir isotherm model was shown to be the most appropriate. Compared to the pseudo-first-order model (R2 = 0.9685), the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.9707) better fits the kinetic data. Electrostatic interactions were the dominant mechanism underlying MO sorption onto the PEG/GO-CS composite. The as-synthesized composite was reusable for up to three adsorption cycles. Thus, the PEG/GO-CS composite fabricated through a simple procedure may remove MO and other similar organic dyes in real contaminated water.
miR-378 influences muscle satellite cells and enhances adipogenic potential of fibro-adipogenic progenitors but does not affect muscle regeneration in the glycerol-induced injury model
Authors: Mucha Olga , Podkalicka Paulina , Żukowska Monika , Pośpiech Ewelina , Dulak Józef , Łoboda Agnieszka
Published: August 2023

Skeletal muscle regeneration relies on the reciprocal interaction between many types of cells. Regenerative capacity may be altered in different disorders. In our study, we investigated whether the deletion of miR-378a (miR-378) affects muscle regeneration. We subjected 6-week-old wild-type (WT) and miR-378 knockout (miR-378–/–) animals to the glycerol-induced muscle injury and performed analyses in various time-points. In miR-378–/– animals, an elevated abundance of muscle satellite cells (mSCs) on day 3 was found. Furthermore, fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) isolated from the muscle of miR-378–/– mice exhibited enhanced adipogenic potential. At the same time, lack of miR-378 did not affect inflammation, fibrosis, adipose tissue deposition, centrally nucleated fiber count, muscle fiber size, FAP abundance, and muscle contractility at any time point analyzed. To conclude, our study revealed that miR-378 deletion influences the abundance of mSCs and the adipogenic potential of FAPs, but does not affect overall regeneration upon acute, glycerol-induced muscle injury.
Effects of febuxostat on markers of endothelial dysfunction and renal progression in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Nata Naowanit , Ninwisut Nanthawut , Inkong Pitchamon , Supasyndh Ouppatham , Satirapoj Bancha
Published: August 2023

Hyperuricemia relates to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and impaired endothelial function. Febuxostat is potent and effective for decreasing serum uric acid levels. Information for the effect of febuxostat treatment on markers of endothelial dysfunction and renal injury among patients with CKD remains limited. A total of 84 patients with CKD stages III-IV with asymptomatic hyperuricemia were randomly assigned to either the febuxostat (40 mg/day, N = 42) or the matching control (N = 42) group for 8 weeks. Serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine albumin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), ankle brachial index (ABI) and serum uric acid were measured at baseline and at the end of study. Febuxostat administration significantly reduced the serum uric acid concentration among patients with CKD when compared with control [− 3.40 (95% CI − 4.19 to − 2.62) vs. − 0.35 (95% CI − 0.76 to 0.06) mg/dL; P < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference in the changes in serum ADMA, hs-CRP, eGFR and albuminuria was identified between the two groups. Subgroup analysis among patients with decreased serum uric acid after febuxostat, the estimated GFR change between the febuxostat and the control group showed significant difference at 8 weeks (2.01 (95% CI 0.31 to 3.7) vs. 0.04 (95% CI − 1.52 to 1.61) mL/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.030, respectively). Adverse events specific to febuxostat were not observed. Febuxostat effectively reduced serum uric acid in the CKD population without improving endothelial dysfunction. It was able to preserve renal function in the subgroup of patients with CKD and lower serum uric acid level after treatment.

Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials, TCTR20210224005: 24/022021 http://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20210224005.
Cost effectiveness review of text messaging, smartphone application, and website interventions targeting T2DM or hypertension
Authors: Willems Ruben , Annemans Lieven , Siopis George , Moschonis George , Vedanthan Rajesh , Jung Jenny , Kwasnicka Dominika , Oldenburg Brian , d’Antonio Claudia , Girolami Sandro , Agapidaki Eirini , Manios Yannis , Verhaeghe Nick ,   DigiCare 4You, Usheva Natalya , Iotova Violeta , Triantafyllidis Andreas , Votis Konstantinos , Toti Florian , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Seghieri Chiara , Moreno Luis , Dupont Sabine , Lewis Leo , Djokic Djordje , Skouteris Helen
Published: August 2023

Digital health interventions have been shown to be clinically-effective for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension prevention and treatment. This study synthesizes and compares the cost-effectiveness of text-messaging, smartphone application, and websites by searching CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Embase, Medline and PsycInfo for full economic or cost-minimisation studies of digital health interventions in adults with or at risk of T2DM and/or hypertension. Costs and health effects are synthesised narratively. Study quality appraisal using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria (CHEC) list results in recommendations for future health economic evaluations of digital health interventions. Of 3056 records identified, 14 studies are included (7 studies applied text-messaging, 4 employed smartphone applications, and 5 used websites). Ten studies are cost-utility analyses: incremental cost-utility ratios (ICUR) vary from dominant to €75,233/quality-adjusted life year (QALY), with a median of €3840/QALY (interquartile range €16,179). One study finds no QALY difference. None of the three digital health intervention modes is associated with substantially better cost-effectiveness. Interventions are consistently cost-effective in populations with (pre)T2DM but not in populations with hypertension. Mean quality score is 63.0% (standard deviation 13.7%). Substandard application of time horizon, sensitivity analysis, and subgroup analysis next to transparency concerns (regarding competing alternatives, perspective, and costing) downgrades quality of evidence. In conclusion, smartphone application, text-messaging, and website-based interventions are cost-effective without substantial differences between the different delivery modes. Future health economic studies should increase transparency, conduct sufficient sensitivity analyses, and appraise the ICUR more critically in light of a reasoned willingness-to-pay threshold.

Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42021247845).
Skin Tone Analysis for Representation in Educational Materials (STAR-ED) using machine learning
Authors: Tadesse Girmaw Abebe , Cintas Celia , Varshney Kush R. , Staar Peter , Agunwa Chinyere , Speakman Skyler , Jia Justin , Bailey Elizabeth E. , Adelekun Ademide , Lipoff Jules B. , Onyekaba Ginikanwa , Lester Jenna C. , Rotemberg Veronica , Zou James , Daneshjou Roxana
Published: August 2023

Images depicting dark skin tones are significantly underrepresented in the educational materials used to teach primary care physicians and dermatologists to recognize skin diseases. This could contribute to disparities in skin disease diagnosis across different racial groups. Previously, domain experts have manually assessed textbooks to estimate the diversity in skin images. Manual assessment does not scale to many educational materials and introduces human errors. To automate this process, we present the Skin Tone Analysis for Representation in EDucational materials (STAR-ED) framework, which assesses skin tone representation in medical education materials using machine learning. Given a document (e.g., a textbook in .pdf), STAR-ED applies content parsing to extract text, images, and table entities in a structured format. Next, it identifies images containing skin, segments the skin-containing portions of those images, and estimates the skin tone using machine learning. STAR-ED was developed using the Fitzpatrick17k dataset. We then externally tested STAR-ED on four commonly used medical textbooks. Results show strong performance in detecting skin images (0.96 ± 0.02 AUROC and 0.90 ± 0.06 F1score) and classifying skin tones (0.87 ± 0.01 AUROC and 0.91 ± 0.00 F1score). STAR-ED quantifies the imbalanced representation of skin tones in four medical textbooks: brown and black skin tones (Fitzpatrick V-VI) images constitute only 10.5% of all skin images. We envision this technology as a tool for medical educators, publishers, and practitioners to assess skin tone diversity in their educational materials.
Bacterial bioindicators enable biological status classification along the continental Danube river
Authors: Fontaine Laurent , Pin Lorenzo , Savio Domenico , Friberg Nikolai , Kirschner Alexander K. T. , Farnleitner Andreas H. , Eiler Alexander
Published: August 2023

Despite the importance of bacteria in aquatic ecosystems and their predictable diversity patterns across space and time, biomonitoring tools for status assessment relying on these organisms are widely lacking. This is partly due to insufficient data and models to identify reliable microbial predictors. Here, we show metabarcoding in combination with multivariate statistics and machine learning allows to identify bacterial bioindicators for existing biological status classification systems. Bacterial beta-diversity dynamics follow environmental gradients and the observed associations highlight potential bioindicators for ecological outcomes. Spatio-temporal links spanning the microbial communities along the river allow accurate prediction of downstream biological status from upstream information. Network analysis on amplicon sequence veariants identify as good indicators genera Fluviicola, Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium, and Rhodoluna, and reveal informational redundancy among taxa, which coincides with taxonomic relatedness. The redundancy among bacterial bioindicators reveals mutually exclusive taxa, which allow accurate biological status modeling using as few as 2–3 amplicon sequence variants. As such our models show that using a few bacterial amplicon sequence variants from globally distributed genera allows for biological status assessment along river systems.
Discovery of a novel bacterial class with the capacity to drive sulfur cycling and microbiome structure in a paleo-ocean analog
Authors: Vigneron Adrien , Vincent Warwick F , Lovejoy Connie
Published: August 2023

Uncultivated microbial taxa represent a large fraction of global microbial diversity and likely drive numerous biogeochemical transformations in natural ecosystems. Geographically isolated, polar ecosystems are complex microbial biomes and refuges of underexplored taxonomic and functional biodiversity. Combining amplicon sequencing with genome-centric metagenomic analysis of samples from one of the world’s northernmost lakes (Lake A, Ellesmere Island, Canadian High Arctic), we identified a novel bacterial taxon that dominates in the bottom layer of anoxic, sulfidic, relict sea water that was isolated from the Arctic Ocean some 3000 years ago. Based on phylogenomic comparative analyses, we propose that these bacteria represent a new Class within the poorly described Electryoneota/AABM5-125-24 candidate phylum. This novel class, for which we propose the name Tariuqbacteria, may be either a relict of ancient ocean conditions or endemic to this High Arctic system, provisionally providing a rare example of high-taxonomy level endemism. Consistent with the geochemistry of the bottom water, the genetic composition of the Candidatus Tariuqbacter genome revealed a strictly anaerobic lifestyle with the potential for sulfate and sulfur reduction, a versatile carbon metabolism and the capability to eliminate competing bacteria through methylarsenite production, suggesting an allelochemical influence on microbiome structure by this planktonic microbe.
19F NMR enantiodiscrimination and diastereomeric purity determination of amino acids, dipeptides, and amines
Authors: Xu Lihua , Wang Qiong , Liu Yan , Fu Songsen , Zhao Yufen , Huang Shaohua , Huang Biling
Published: August 2023

Specific enantiodiscrimination and diastereomeric purity determination of chiral amino-group compounds by 19F NMR.
A functional nucleic acid-based fluorescence sensing platform based on DNA supersandwich nanowires and cation exchange reaction
Authors: Wang Fu-Peng , Guan Yan , Liu Jia-Wen , Cheng Huan , Hu Rong
Published: August 2023

Schematic illustration of a functional nucleic acid-based fluorescence sensing platform.
A rapid and highly sensitive ctDNA detection platform based on locked nucleic acid-assisted catalytic hairpin assembly circuits
Authors: Tan Kaiyue , Chen Longsheng , Cao Donglin , Xiao Wei , Lv Qian , Zou Lili
Published: August 2023

As a promising biomarker of liquid biopsy, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) plays a paramount role in the early diagnosis of noninvasive cancer.
Single-photon ionization of SiC in the gas phase: experimental and ab initio characterization of SiC+
Authors: Gans B. , Liévin J. , Halvick P. , Chen N. L. , Boyé-Péronne S. , Hartweg S. , Garcia G. A. , Loison J.-C.
Published: August 2023

We report the first experimental observation of single-photon ionization transitions of the SiC radical between 8.0 and 11.0 eV performed on the DESIRS beamline at the SOLEIL synchrotron facility.
Facile preparation of highly active zirconia-supported gold nanoparticle catalyst
Authors: Naya Shin-ichi , Teranishi Miwako , Tada Hiroaki
Published: August 2023

Au/insulating ZrO2 prepared by a modified deposition precipitation (DP) method with a pre-step of long-time stirring of ZrO2 NPs in HAuCl4 solution shows catalytic activity for two electron-oxygen reduction much higher than Au/semiconducting metal oxides prepared by the normal DP method.
A comparative study of photocatalytic activity of Na+–Ag+ ion-exchanged glass-ceramics with metallic Ag, semiconductor AgBr, and hybrid Ag–AgBr nanoparticles
Authors: Sgibnev Y. M. , Marasanov D. V. , Smetanin I. V. , Uskov A. V. , Kuzmenko N. K. , Ignatiev A. I. , Nikonorov N. V. , Baryshev A. V.
Published: August 2023

Photocatalytic glass-ceramics with various nanostructures were obtained via Na+–Ag+ ion exchange. Glass-ceramics with hybrid metal–semiconductor nanostructures possessed an order of magnitude higher photocatalytic activity.
Solvent-dependent iodide interactions in LiO2 electrolytes – a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Jónsson Erlendur , Berge Astrid H. , Grey Clare P. , Temprano Israel
Published: August 2023

We explore the role of electrolyte composition in the solvation of I−, which has been shown to be critical for the efficient operation of this redox mediator, using a molecular dynamics approach.
Solution-processable robust, recyclable and sustainable cellulose conductor for photoelectric devices via a starch-gluing–Ag nanowires strategy
Authors: Li Jianguo , Tao Tao , Jiang Jiajun , Zheng Yiling , Li Anqi , Chen Liang , Lin Zhiwei , Huang Liulian , Ouyang Xinhua , Chen Lihui
Published: August 2023

Robust yet recyclable, sustainable cellulose conductor is developed by solution processable, low-cost, scalable strategy of coating blending AgNWs and starch on cellulose film, where starch as natural “glue” enables its desirable robustness.
Dendritic hollow nitrogen-doped carbon nanospheres for oxygen reduction at primary zinc–air batteries
Authors: Anjana J. , Eledath Anook Nazer , Muthukrishnan Azhagumuthu
Published: August 2023

Role of pore size in the N-doped porous carbon in the mechanism of oxygen reduction reaction at electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems.
Protein crystallisation with gas microbubbles as soft template in a microfluidic device
Authors: Tian Wenqing , Ogunyinka Oladayo , Oretti Charlie , Bandulasena H. C. Hemaka , Rielly Chris , Yang Huaiyu
Published: August 2023

Protein molecules absorb and crystallise on He, N2, O2, and CO2 gas bubbles as soft templates with prompted nucleation on gas–liquid–solid interface. Crystals attached on gas bubble form curved crystal surface and float in the solution.
Nitrogen vacancy defects in single-particle nanodiamonds sense paramagnetic transition metal spin noise from nanoparticles on a transmission electron microscopy grid
Authors: Flinn Bradley T. , Radu Valentin , Fay Michael W. , Tyler Ashley J. , Pitcairn Jem , Cliffe Matthew J. , Weare Benjamin L. , Stoppiello Craig T. , Mather Melissa L. , Khlobystov Andrei N.
Published: August 2023

Non-integrated correlative light-electron microscopy with nitrogen vacancy sensing on transmission electron microscopy finder grids for the study of paramagnetic Prussian blue analogue nanoparticles.
Expression of concern: Construction of an α-Fe2O3/Bi2O3 p–n heterojunction with exceptional visible-light photocatalytic performance for dye removal
Authors: Lei Rui , Wei Jinlong , He Wanzhu , Ao Xiuqin , Song Jinqiang , Wang Chao , Zhang Quanquan , Xie Hao , Li Jing , Ni Jiamiao
Published: August 2023

Expression of concern for ‘Construction of an α-Fe2O3/Bi2O3 p–n heterojunction with exceptional visible-light photocatalytic performance for dye removal’ by Rui Lei et al., New J. Chem., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/d0nj02132f.
Rearrangement of 2-(benzofuran-2-yl)-3-phenylpyridines via photoinduced 6π-electrocyclization
Authors: Xi Jin , Wang Ding , Hu Jinxia , Shen Huan , Wang Tao , Zhang Zunting
Published: August 2023

By choosing different light sources, trans-dihydrobenzo[f]quinolines and 8b-methyl-1,8b-dihydrobenzo[f]quinolines were synthesized. trans-Dihydrobenzo[f]quinolines were heated at 200 °C to transform them into cis-dihydrobenzo[f]quinolines.
Significance of biopolymer-based hydrogels and their applications in agriculture: a review in perspective of synthesis and their degree of swelling for water holding
Authors: Tariq Zaryab , Iqbal Dure Najaf , Rizwan Muhammad , Ahmad Muhammad , Faheem Muhammad , Ahmed Mahmood
Published: August 2023

Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymer networks that are hydrophilic and capable of retaining a large amount of water.
Advances and prospects of porphyrin derivatives in the energy field
Authors: Xie Mingfa , Liu Jinyuan , Dai Lianghong , Peng Hongjian , Xie Youqing
Published: August 2023

More and more porphyrin-based functional materials have been developed and applied in the energy field, including metallic porphyrins (MPs), metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent–organic frameworks (COFs), conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) and organic–inorganic composite materials.
Recent advances in PAMAM dendrimer-based CT contrast agents for molecular imaging and theranostics of cancer
Authors: Huang Tianyu , Li Gaoming , Guo Yunqi , Zhang Guixiang , Shchabin Dzmitry , Shi Xiangyang , Shen Mingwu
Published: August 2023

Recent advances and some key developments in the construction of PAMAM dendrimer-based nanoplatforms for tumor CT imaging and theranostics have been reviewed.
Janus magnetoelastic membrane swimmers
Authors: Xiong Yao , Yuan Hang , Olvera de la Cruz Monica
Published: August 2023

Design of magnetically driven micro-swimmer with feasibility in propelling through viscous fluids on desired trajectories.
“I Just Want People to Think I'm Normal”: An Interview Study of Young Swedish Women With Covert Stuttering
Authors: Samson Ineke , Nyberg Jill , Lindström Elisabeth , Schalling Ellika
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

Research indicates that there is a tendency for females who stutter, more often than males, to use coping strategies that involve covering their stutter, for example, by avoiding situations that require verbal participation. The aim of the study is to increase knowledge about how covert stuttering develops and its impact on self-image and quality of life for women who stutter.

Method:

Eleven young women who stutter covertly were interviewed, and data were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Background information was obtained from the self-report instruments measuring the impact of stuttering on different aspects of life (Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experiences of Stuttering) and degree of perceived social anxiety (Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Self-Report).

Results:

Three main themes were identified: (a) managing stuttering, (b) personal aspects, and (c) stuttering as a phenomenon. Shame and a desire to fit in emerged as distinct motives for covering stuttering. The women described that stuttering controlled both life choices and everyday life. Development of self-image had been strongly negatively affected, resulting in social anxiety. The women expressed a particular vulnerability of being a woman who stutters, due to societal norms of female behavior and a lack of female role models who stutter.

Conclusions:

The choice of coping strategy was motivated by a desire to “be normal.” As a result, stuttering had come to dominate life and affect self-image and life choices. The study highlights the importance for clinicians to be alert to and aware of the fact that the experiences of women who stutter can lead them to develop coping strategies that have far-reaching negative consequences.