bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T cell activation contributes to purifying selection against the MELAS‐associated m.3243A>G pathogenic variant in blood
Authors: Walker Melissa A. , Li Shuqiang , Livak Kenneth J. , Karaa Amel , Wu Catherine J. , Mootha Vamsi K.
Published: March 2024

T cells have been shown to maintain a lower percentage (heteroplasmy) of the pathogenic m.3243A>G variant (MT‐TL1, associated with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness [MIDD] and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes [MELAS]). The mechanism(s) underlying this purifying selection, however, remain unknown. Here we report that purified patient memory CD4+ T cells have lower bulk m.3243A>G heteroplasmy compared to naïve CD4+ T cells. In vitro activation of naïve CD4+ m.3243A>G patient T cells results in lower bulk m.3243A>G heteroplasmy after proliferation. Finally, m.3243A>G patient T cell receptor repertoire sequencing reveals relative oligoclonality compared to controls. These data support a role for T cell activation in peripheral, purifying selection against high m.3243A>G heteroplasmy T cells at the level of the cell, in a likely cell‐autonomous fashion.
Proton beam therapy for clival chordoma: Optimising rare cancer treatments in Australia
Authors: Mathew Ashwathy , Gorayski Peter , Candy Nicholas , Saran Frank , Le Hien
Published: March 2024

With the anticipated launch of the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research (ABCPTR) in Adelaide, Australia, proton therapy will become a significant addition to existing cancer treatment options for Australians. The anticipated benefits will be particularly evident in rare cancers such as clival chordomas, a challenging tumour entity due to the anatomical relationship with critical structures, and proven radio‐resistance to conventional radiation therapy. The article synthesises key findings from major studies and evaluates the current evidence supporting various management strategies for clival chordomas. It also considers the influence of institutional volume and multidisciplinary team management on patient outcomes and outlines how high‐quality care can be effectively delivered within the Australian healthcare system, emphasising the potential impact of proton therapy on the treatment paradigm of clival chordomas in Australia.
Simplified processing and rapid quantification of buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine, and their conjugated metabolites in human plasma using UPLC–MS/MS: Assessment of buprenorphine exposure during opioid use disorder treatment
Authors: Zhao Wenchen , Alshogran Osama Y. , Zhang Hongfei , Joshi Anand , Krans Elizabeth E. , Caritis Steve , Shaik Imam H. , Venkataramanan Raman
Published: March 2024

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic neurobehavioral ailment and is prevalent in pregnancy. OUD is commonly treated with methadone or buprenorphine (BUP). Pregnancy is known to alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs and may lead to changes in drug exposure and response. A simple, specific, and sensitive analytical method for measuring the parent drug and its metabolites is valuable for assessing the impact of pregnancy on drug exposure. A new liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method that utilized a simple protein precipitation procedure for sample preparation and four deuterated internal standards for quantification was developed and validated for BUP and its major metabolites (norbuprenorphine [NBUP], buprenorphine‐glucuronide [BUP‐G], and norbuprenorphine‐glucuronide [NBUP‐G]) in human plasma. The standard curve was linear over the concentration range of 0.05–100 ng/mL for BUP and NBUP, and 0.1–200 ng/mL for BUP‐G and NBUP‐G. Intra‐ and inter‐day bias and precision were within ±15% of nominal values for all the analytes. Quality controls assessed at four levels showed high recovery consistently for all the analytes with minimal matrix effect. Adequate analyte stability was observed at various laboratory conditions tested. Overall, the developed method is simple, sensitive, accurate and reproducible, and was successfully applied for the quantification of BUP and its metabolites in plasma samples collected from pregnant women in a clinical study assessing BUP exposure during OUD treatment.
Unique sequelae of portal vein thrombosis in a pediatric patient with cystic echinococcosis: A case report
Authors: Lin Steven , Dixon Terry C. , Khan Hamza Hassan , Munden Martha M. , Anderson Janaina N.
Published: March 2024

This case report presents a rare complication of hepatic cystic echinococcosis in a 12‐year‐old Latino male, residing in a nonendemic region, who developed long‐term sequelae of portal vein thrombosis accompanied by the emergence of a hyper‐vascular sigmoid colon mass. Portal vein involvement in hepatic cystic echinococcosis is exceedingly uncommon, with limited documented cases. The presentation of the patient included intermittent hematochezia, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Imaging revealed liver cysts and chronic portal vein thrombosis with cavernous transformation, resulting in portal hypertension. Notably, the patient also exhibited mesenteric venous thrombosis, further complicating the clinical picture. The diagnosis was confirmed through echinococcus serology testing. Treatment involved a six month course of Albendazole, puncture‐aspiration‐injection‐reaspiration procedure, splenectomy, and splenorenal shunt to alleviate portal hypertension. This case underscores the significance of considering portal hypertension secondary to hepatic cystic echinococcosis, even in nonendemic regions, particularly in pediatric patients with unique clinical presentations.
Gluten‐free lentil cakes with optimal technological and nutritional characteristics
Authors: Carboni Angela D , Puppo María C , Ferrero Cristina
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The celiac population usually struggle finding nutritive gluten‐free (GF) baked goods. GF foods can be improved using legume flours. Eleven GF cake formulations were elaborated according to different percentages of lentil flour (LF), corn flour (CF) and rice flour (RF) using a simplex lattice design. Water holding capacity and particle size of flours were evaluated. Moisture, aw, pH, specific volume, texture profile, relaxation, color and alveolar characteristics were determined for crumbs of all formulations. An optimization process was used to enhance the technological and nutritional attributes, selecting the three best formulations containing LF: 46% LF + 54% RF (CLF+RF); 49% LF + 51% CF (CLF+CF); and 100% LF (CLF), evaluated in their proximal composition and sensory characteristics. Linear and quadratic models for predicting the behavior of GF lentil cakes were obtained.

RESULTS

LF and CF could favor water incorporation and show more resistance to enzymatic digestion than RF. Formulations with LF showed an improvement in specific volume and alveolar parameters, while use of RF led to better cohesiveness, elasticity and resilience but with a deterioration in chewiness and firmness. CLF can be labeled as high in protein and fiber and presented the lowest amounts of lipids, carbohydrates and energy content. Consumer preference leaned towards CLF+RF.

CONCLUSION

It was possible to elaborate GF cakes using LF, obtaining nutritive products that can be offered to people intolerant to gluten ingestion. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The life state of smooth vetch regulates the seasonal dynamics of microbial nutrient limitations in citrus orchards
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Xiao Wenfa , Zeng Lixiong , Cheng Ruimei , Yang Xin , Zhang Meng , Lei Lei
Published: March 2024

Cover crops improve soil fertility in orchard ecosystems, however, the response of soil microbial metabolism to fruit tree interactions with cover legumes at different stages of the life cycle remains uncertain, thereby limiting our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate nutrient cycling in orchards with cover crop management. Here, the characteristics of microbial energy (carbon, C) and nutrient (nitrogen, N or phosphorus, P) metabolism in the citrus rhizosphere and bulk soil in orchards were analyzed with two managements, that is, smooth vetch (Vicia villosa Roth var. glabresens Koch) cover and clean tillage, using an extracellular enzymatic stoichiometry model. Microbial C limitation was significantly reduced by cover during the vetch growing season owing to the resulting higher plant root C and soil organic C content. Competition for N between plants and microbes in the bulk soil might lead to significant microbial N limitation in covered orchards during the vetch‐decomposition season, presumably owing to a significant increase in citrus root N and a concomitant decrease in bulk soil total N. Partial least squares path modeling showed that citrus root nutrient contents negatively affected microbial C limitation, while soil nutrients negatively affected microbial relative nutrient limitation in covered orchards. Conversely, both effects were reversed by tillage. Smooth vetch cover mitigated microbial C limitation, and the microbial relative N/P limitation was also influenced by the life state of smooth vetch. Our study highlights the importance of changes in microbial metabolism driven by seasonal nutrient dynamics for understanding soil nutrient cycling and optimizing cover‐legumes management in orchards.
Employing deep learning in non‐parametric inverse visualization of elastic–plastic mechanisms in dual‐phase steels
Authors: Han Siyu , Wang Chenchong , Zhang Yu , Xu Wei , Di Hongshuang
Published: March 2024

Enhancing the interpretability of machine learning methods for predicting material properties is a key, yet complex topic in materials science. This study proposes an interpretable convolutional neural network (CNN) to establish the relationship between the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of non‐uniform and nonlinear multisystem dual‐phase steel materials and achieve an inverse analysis of the elastic‐plastic mechanism. This study demonstrates that the developed CNN model achieves an accuracy of 94% in predicting the stress‐strain curves of dual‐phase steel microstructures with different compositions and processes, with the mean absolute error not exceeding 50 MPa, representing merely 5.26% of the average tensile strength of dual‐phase steels in the dataset. The reverse visualization results of the CNN model indicate that, during tensile deformation, the grain boundaries maintain deformation coordination within the grains by impeding dislocation slip. This results in a significant stress concentration at the grain boundaries, with stresses at the boundaries being higher than those borne by the martensitic phase and minimal stresses in the ferrite phase. Moreover, compared with traditional crystal plasticity models, the CNN model exhibits a substantial improvement in computational efficiency. This method provides a generic plan for improving the interpretability of machine learning methods for predicting material properties and can be easily applied to other alloy systems.
Electrobiocorrosion by microbes without outer‐surface cytochromes
Authors: Holmes Dawn E. , Woodard Trevor L. , Smith Jessica A. , Musat Florin , Lovley Derek R.
Published: March 2024

Anaerobic microbial corrosion of iron‐containing metals causes extensive economic damage. Some microbes are capable of direct metal‐to‐microbe electron transfer (electrobiocorrosion), but the prevalence of electrobiocorrosion among diverse methanogens and acetogens is poorly understood because of a lack of tools for their genetic manipulation. Previous studies have suggested that respiration with 316L  stainless steel as the electron donor is indicative of electrobiocorrosion, because, unlike pure Fe0, 316L  stainless steel does not abiotically generate H2 as an intermediary electron carrier. Here, we report that all of the methanogens (Methanosarcina vacuolata, Methanothrix soehngenii, and Methanobacterium strain IM1) and acetogens (Sporomusa ovata and Clostridium ljungdahlii) evaluated respired with pure Fe0 as the electron donor, but only M. vacuolata, Mx. soehngenii, and S. ovata were capable of stainless steel electrobiocorrosion. The electrobiocorrosive methanogens required acetate as an additional energy source in order to produce methane from stainless steel. Cocultures of S. ovata and Mx. soehngenii demonstrated how acetogens can provide acetate to methanogens during corrosion. Not only was Methanobacterium strain IM1 not capable of electrobiocorrosion, but it also did not accept electrons from Geobacter metallireducens, an effective electron‐donating partner for direct interspecies electron transfer to all methanogens that can directly accept electrons from Fe0. The finding that M. vacuolata, Mx. soehngenii, and S. ovata are capable of electrobiocorrosion, despite a lack of the outer‐surface c‐type cytochromes previously found to be important in other electrobiocorrosive microbes, demonstrates that there are multiple microbial strategies for making electrical contact with Fe0.
On a m(x)$$ m(x) $$‐polyharmonic Kirchhoff problem without any growth near 0 and Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz conditions
Authors: Harrabi Abdellaziz , Karim Hamdani Mohamed , Fiscella Alessio
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we study a higher order Kirchhoff problem with variable exponent of type

where
is a smooth bounded domain,
for all
;
is a Kirchhoff function, and it may be degenerate at zero;
is a continuous function; and
is the main
‐order differential operator. The main feature of our paper is the fact that the nonlinearity considered here satisfies some conditions which are much weaker than the classical Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition, the standard subcritical polynomial growth, and the strong
‐superlinear conditions required in [16]. In case of odd nonlinearity
in
and without requiring any control on
near 0, we obtain the existence of infinitely many solutions of the above problem via the Symmetric mountain pass theorem. We improve and extend some recent results in the literature.
Ethanol‐Induced Hepatic Ferroptosis Is Mediated by PERK‐Dependent MAMs Formation: Preventive Role of Quercetin
Authors: Lin Hongkun , Guo Xiaoping , Liu Jingjing , Tang Yuhan , Chen Li , Chen Huimin , Zhao Ying , Wang Lili , Li Hongxia , Yu Jiasheng , Yao Ping
Published: March 2024

Scope

Iron deposition is frequently observed in alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which indicates a potential role of ferroptosis in its development. This study aims to explore the effects of quercetin on ferroptosis in ALD and elucidates the underlying mechanism involving the formation of mitochondria‐associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) mediated by protein kinase RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK).

Methods and results

C57BL/6J mice are fed either a regular or an ethanol‐containing liquid diet (with 28% energy form ethanol) with or without quercetin supplementation (100 mg kg−1 BW) for 12 weeks. Ethanol feeding or treatment induced ferroptosis in mice and AML12 cells, which is associated with increased MAMs formation and PERK expression within MAMs. Quercetin attenuates these changes and protects against ethanol‐induced liver injury. The antiferroptotic effect of quercetin is abolished by ferroptosis inducers, but mimicked by ferroptosis inhibitors and PERK knockdown. The study demonstrates that PERK structure, rather than its kinase activity (transfected with the K618A site mutation that inhibits kinase activity‐ΔK plasmid or protein C terminal knockout‐ΔC plasmid of PERK), mediates the enhanced MAMs formation and ferroptosis during the ethanol exposure.

Conclusion

Quercetin ameliorates ethanol‐induced liver injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via modulating PERK‐dependent MAMs formation.
Reproducibility of arterial spin labeling cerebral blood flow image processing: A report of the ISMRM open science initiative for perfusion imaging (OSIPI) and the ASL MRI challenge
Authors: Paschoal Andre M. , Woods Joseph G. , Pinto Joana , Bron Esther E. , Petr Jan , Kennedy McConnell Flora A. , Bell Laura , Dounavi Maria‐Eleni , van Praag Cassandra Gould , Mutsaerts Henk J. M. M. , Taylor Aaron Oliver , Zhao Moss Y. , Brumer Irène , Chan Wei Siang Marcus , Toner Jack , Hu Jian , Zhang Logan X. , Domingos Catarina , Monteiro Sara P. , Figueiredo Patrícia , Harms Alexander G. J. , Padrela Beatriz E. , Tham Channelle , Abdalle Ahmed , Croal Paula L. , Anazodo Udunna
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a widely used contrast‐free MRI method for assessing cerebral blood flow (CBF). Despite the generally adopted ASL acquisition guidelines, there is still wide variability in ASL analysis. We explored this variability through the ISMRM‐OSIPI ASL‐MRI Challenge, aiming to establish best practices for more reproducible ASL analysis.

Methods

Eight teams analyzed the challenge data, which included a high‐resolution T1‐weighted anatomical image and 10 pseudo‐continuous ASL datasets simulated using a digital reference object to generate ground‐truth CBF values in normal and pathological states. We compared the accuracy of CBF quantification from each team's analysis to the ground truth across all voxels and within predefined brain regions. Reproducibility of CBF across analysis pipelines was assessed using the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC), limits of agreement (LOA), and replicability of generating similar CBF estimates from different processing approaches.

Results

Absolute errors in CBF estimates compared to ground‐truth synthetic data ranged from 18.36 to 48.12 mL/100 g/min. Realistic motion incorporated into three datasets produced the largest absolute error and variability between teams, with the least agreement (ICC and LOA) with ground‐truth results. Fifty percent of the submissions were replicated, and one produced three times larger CBF errors (46.59 mL/100 g/min) compared to submitted results.

Conclusions

Variability in CBF measurements, influenced by differences in image processing, especially to compensate for motion, highlights the significance of standardizing ASL analysis workflows. We provide a recommendation for ASL processing based on top‐performing approaches as a step toward ASL standardization.
Evaluation of YouTube As A Source For Graves' Disease Information: Is High‐Quality Guideline‐Based Information Available?
Authors: Ayo‐Ajibola Oluwatobiloba , Davis Ryan J. , Therriault Claire , Lamb Christopher , Choe Deborah , Lin Matthew E. , Angell Trevor E. , Kwon Daniel I.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To understand the quality of informational Graves' disease (GD) videos on YouTube for treatment decision‐making quality and inclusion of American Thyroid Association (ATA) treatment guidelines.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional cohort.

Setting

Informational YouTube videos with subject matter “Graves' Disease treatment.”

Method

The top 50 videos based on our query were assessed using the DISCERN instrument. This validated algorithm discretely rates treatment‐related information from excellent (≥4.5) to very poor (<1.9). Videos were also screened for ATA guideline inclusion. Descriptive statistics were used for cohort characterization. Univariate and multivariate linear regressions characterized factors associated with DISCERN scores. Significance was set at P < .05.

Results

The videos featured 57,513.43 views (SD = 162,579.25), 1054.70 likes (SD = 2329.77), and 168.80 comments (SD = 292.97). Most were patient education (52%) or patient experience (24%). A minority (40%) were made by thyroid specialists (endocrinologists, endocrine surgeons, or otolaryngologists). Under half did not mention all 3 treatment modalities (44%), and 54% did not mention any ATA recommendations. Overall, videos displayed poor reliability (mean = 2.26, SD = 0.67), treatment information quality (mean = 2.29, SD = 0.75), and overall video quality (mean = 2.47, SD = 1.07). Physician videos were associated with lower likes, views, and comments (P < .001) but higher DISCERN reliability (P = .015) and overall score (P = .019). Longer videos (P = .015), patient accounts (P = .013), and patient experience (P = .002) were associated with lower scores.

Conclusion

The most available GD treatment content on YouTube varies significantly in the quality of medical information. This may contribute to suboptimal disease understanding, especially for patients highly engaged with online health information sources.
Experimental and numerical analysis of drilled‐ and molded‐hole glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix (GFRP) composites
Authors: Cengiz Abdulkadir , Öztürk Muhammed Fatih , Sabah Ahmet , Avcu Egemen
Published: March 2024

Drilling glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix (GFRP) composites typically causes burrs, splintering, and microcracks within the GFRP structure, as well as delamination, fiber pull‐out, and thermal degradation of the polymer matrix. Designing and manufacturing molded‐hole GFRP components, as opposed to drilling, has recently been proposed as a promising method for overcoming the issues associated with drilling, for which there is limited research. Specifically, the mechanical response of molded‐hole GFRP has not been fully addressed in the literature. In the present study, molded and drilled GFRP composites with epoxy matrix were fabricated by hand lay‐up, and then the samples were analyzed utilizing experimental and numerical analysis techniques. Stress and strain analyses of GFRP samples were performed in Ansys Transient Structural Analysis. Although the fiber orientations of the layer geometries [0°/90°] and 3D models were the same, an additional layer was defined in the direction of the fiber orientation [45°/−45°] of molded‐hole composites to simulate the fiber accumulation effect. Experimental findings revealed that the flexural strength of molded composites was 12% greater than that of drilled composites. According to the numerical analysis, 98.7% proximity was achieved between the experimental and numerical results. Thus, the present study has provided numerical modeling to understand the flexural strength of molded composites for the first time, which will contribute to the increased use of molded composites in numerous applications in the fields of aerospace, automotive, and marine.

Highlights

Drilled‐ and molded‐hole GFRP composites were produced by hand lay‐up.

Flexural properties of the composites were examined via 4P bending tests.

Flexural strength of molded composites was higher than that of drilled ones.

98.7% proximity was achieved between the experimental and FEM results.

A unified FEM method is proposed for the molded‐hole composites.
Preparation of high‐performance bismuthene thermoelectric composites doped with graphene using UV‐curing 3D printing technology
Authors: Meng Qingshi , Yang Yuchen , Han Sensen , Meng Fanze , Liu Tianqing
Published: March 2024

Thermoelectric materials are of tremendous interest due to their capacity to convert waste heat into useful electrical energy. Bismuthene nanosheets (BiNS) have recently emerged as a promising material for thermoelectric applications because of their unique two‐dimensional structure and low thermal conductivity. However, the development of efficient and scalable methods for preparing BiNS‐based thermoelectric composites with improved performance remains a challenge. In this study, we reported a novel approach to preparing a thin film BiNS‐based thermoelectric composite with UV‐curing 3D printing technology. The composite was prepared using BiNS as the filler and a UV‐sensitive resin as the matrix, which contained 5 vol% graphene as the third phase to enhance the thermoelectric performance of the composite. The results showed that the prepared composite exhibited stable thermoelectric performance, with a maximum power factor of 311.79 ± 13.90 μW/mK2 when the volume fraction of BiNS reached 95 vol%. The electrical conductivity of the composite improved significantly as the volume fraction of BiNS increased from 75 to 95 vol%. The Seebeck coefficient remained essentially unchanged in the range of 70.1–70.7 μV/K. These findings demonstrate the potential of BiNS‐based thermoelectric composites prepared by UV‐curing 3D printing technology for practical applications in energy harvesting and cooling devices.

Highlights

A simple, efficient and scalable method for BiNS thermoelectric composites.

UV‐curing 3D printing technology was used for fabrication.

The BiNS composite exhibited stable thermoelectric performance.

The electrical conductivity of the composite improved significantly.

This BiNS composite showed great potential in thermoelectric application.
Determination of abundance and symbiotic effectiveness of native rhizobia nodulating soybean and other legumes in Rwanda
Authors: Nzeyimana Felix , Onwonga Richard N. , Ayuke Fredrick O. , Chemining'wa George N. , Nabahungu Nsharwasi L. , Bigirimana Joseph , Noella Josiane Umuhoza K.
Published: March 2024

Rhizobia diversity in the rhizosphere is one of the key promoters of biological nitrogen fixation between host legumes and microsymbionts, although related complex interaction may depend on various factors. This research was intended to assess the abundance of indigenous rhizobia isolates under various soil conditions, as well as their effectiveness to nodulate legumes such as soybeans. Factors such as soil properties and legume species influence the volume and symbiotic effectiveness of native rhizobia to nodulate crop legumes. To investigate the abundance of rhizobia isolates, legume crops were uprooted to obtain nodules for most probable number (MPN) determination of rhizobia isolates, and soybean (Glycine max.) was used to verify the presence of suitable and efficient rhizobia strains for nitrogen fixation. Soil samples were obtained from the holes out of which nodules were collected, and the laboratory analysis included pH, Mg, K, available P, organic C, Ca, and N to establish the correlation between the soil status and number of rhizobia isolates' cells. Significant variations (p‐value <.05) were observed in the cell counts of Rhizobia isolates from Glycine max, Phaseolus vulgaris, Pisum sativum, and Vigna unguiculata, particularly when compared to Arachis hypogaea isolates under acidic conditions. Notably, Pisum sativum and Vigna unguiculata showed consistent performance across all pH conditions. The number of rhizobia isolates was found to be significantly linked to total N and P deficiencies (p < .05). It was also established that total N was dependent on the number of rhizobia cells and that there is a strong correlation between organic carbon and N content. This study highlights the crucial role of understanding and optimizing conditions for rhizobia nodulation in diverse soil environments, emphasizing its potential impact on enhancing biological nitrogen fixation in legumes.
Assessing the risk of lumbar degenerative disc disease associated with swimming: A systematic review
Authors: Hsu Connie , Genovese Timothy , McInnis Kelly C.
Published: March 2024

Objective

The purpose of the current study is to synthesize the outcomes of investigations reporting the odds of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) in competitive swimmers compared to controls.

Literature Survey

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines from inception until March 2023 to identify relevant studies evaluating the risk for lumbar DDD associated with swimming.

Methods

Data in the current literature were synthesized for positive imaging findings of DDD at one or more lumbar level in swimmers compared to nonswimmers. Additionally, data regarding prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration and back pain in competitive swimmers were synthesized.

Synthesis

Four studies were included in the final analysis. Study quality and risk of bias were deemed adequate. There was significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 0.74) regarding data collected, population of swimmers, sample size, and methods. Therefore, a meta‐analysis was not conducted. Three of the four studies included in this review reported that swimmers have increased odds of developing lumbar DDD. Additionally, secondary outcome analysis indicated that swimmers have a higher probability of developing moderate‐to‐severe back pain.

Conclusion

Competitive swimming appears to be associated with the presence of DDD on advanced imaging and moderate‐to‐severe back pain. These findings are limited by significant differences in study methodology in the included studies. Although swimming is conventionally considered a low‐impact sport, elite swimmers risk developing lower back pain and disc pathology, possibly because training involves unique biomechanics with repetitive rotational and hyperextension/flexion of the spine. Further research investigating risk factors involving biomechanics of swimming on the spine may have important implications for stroke technique, injury prevention, and rehabilitation for swimmers.
Connectedness to the young adult cancer community and post‐traumatic growth: A young adults with cancer in their prime study
Authors: Mah Ashley , D’Agostino Norma , Santiago Anna T. , Garland Sheila N. , Petrella Anika , Sabiston Catherine M. , Chalifour Karine , Eaton Geoff , Bender Jacqueline L.
Published: March 2024

Objective

For young adults (YAs) with cancer, connecting with peer cancer survivors can provide a unique sense of community and may enhance post‐traumatic growth (PTG). This study examined the relationship between connectedness to the YA cancer community and PTG among YAs, independent of overall social support.

Methods

Data were obtained from the young adults with cancer in their prime study, a cross‐Canada survey of YA cancer survivors. Participants were stratified by level of social support into two groups (low/high). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between PTG and connectedness to the YA community adjusting for respondent characteristics, and the interaction between support and connectedness.

Results

Of 444 respondents, mean age was 34.2 (SD = 6.0), time‐since‐diagnosis was 4.8 years (SD = 5.4), and 87% were female. Over two‐thirds of respondents (71%) reported feeling connected to the YA community. Level of connectedness to the YA community did not differ by social support group, and interaction between social support and connectedness to the YA community was not significant. In the adjusted regression, connectedness to the YA community (aOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.10–4.91), high social support (aOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.36–6.74), greater time‐since‐diagnosis (aOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04–1.15) and female sex (aOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.23–4.04) were associated with greater odds of moderate‐to‐high PTG.

Conclusions

Feeling connected to a community of YA cancer peers was associated with moderate‐to‐high PTG among YAs, independent of overall perceived social support. Future efforts should increase access to YA cancer communities and foster a sense of connectedness among YAs with cancer.
Sensitive detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease 3CLpro with an engineered ribonuclease zymogen
Authors: Wralstad Evans C. , Raines Ronald T.
Published: March 2024

Alongside vaccines and antiviral therapeutics, diagnostic tools are a crucial aid in combating the COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the etiological agent SARS‐CoV‐2. All common assays for infection rely on the detection of viral sub‐components, including structural proteins of the virion or fragments of the viral genome. Selective pressure imposed by human intervention of COVID‐19 can, however, induce viral mutations that decrease the sensitivity of diagnostic assays based on biomolecular structure, leading to an increase in false‐negative results. In comparison, mutations are unlikely to alter the function of viral proteins, and viral machinery is under less selective pressure from vaccines and therapeutics. Accordingly, diagnostic assays that rely on biomolecular function can be more robust than ones that rely on biopolymer structure. Toward this end, we used a split intein to create a circular ribonuclease zymogen that is activated by the SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease, 3CLpro. Zymogen activation by 3CLpro leads to a >300‐fold increase in ribonucleolytic activity, which can be detected with a highly sensitive fluorogenic substrate. This coupled assay can detect low nanomolar concentrations of 3CLpro within a timeframe comparable to that of common antigen‐detection protocols. More generally, the concept of detecting a protease by activating a ribonuclease could be the basis of diagnostic tools for other indications.
RrA, an enzyme from Rhodospirillum rubrum, is a prototype of a new family of short‐chain L‐asparaginases
Authors: Zhang Di , Czapinska Honorata , Bochtler Matthias , Wlodawer Alexander , Lubkowski Jacek
Published: March 2024

L‐Asparaginases (ASNases) catalyze the hydrolysis of L‐Asn to L‐Asp and ammonia. Members of the ASNase family are used as drugs in the treatment of leukemia, as well as in the food industry. The protomers of bacterial ASNases typically contain 300–400 amino acids (typical class 1 ASNases). In contrast, the chain of ASNase from Rhodospirillum rubrum, reported here and referred to as RrA, consists of only 172 amino acid residues. RrA is homologous to the N‐terminal domain of typical bacterial class 1 ASNases and exhibits millimolar affinity for L‐Asn. In this study, we demonstrate that RrA belongs to a unique family of cytoplasmic, short‐chain ASNases (scASNases). These proteins occupy a distinct region in the sequence space, separate from the regions typically assigned to class 1 ASNases. The scASNases are present in approximately 7% of eubacterial species, spanning diverse bacterial lineages. They seem to be significantly enriched in species that encode for more than one class 1 ASNase. Here, we report biochemical, biophysical, and structural properties of RrA, a member of scASNases family. Crystal structures of the wild‐type RrA, both with and without bound L‐Asp, as well as structures of several RrA mutants, reveal topologically unique tetramers. Moreover, the active site of one protomer is complemented by two residues (Tyr21 and Asn26) from another protomer. Upon closer inspection, these findings clearly outline scASNases as a stand‐alone subfamily of ASNases that can catalyze the hydrolysis of L‐Asn to L‐Asp despite the lack of the C‐terminal domain that is present in all ASNases described structurally to date.
Biochemical and structural characterization reveals Rv3400 codes for β‐phosphoglucomutase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Singh Latika , Karthikeyan Subramanian , Thakur Krishan Gopal
Published: March 2024

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) adapt to various host environments and utilize a variety of sugars and lipids as carbon sources. Among these sugars, maltose and trehalose, also play crucial role in bacterial physiology and virulence. However, some key enzymes involved in trehalose and maltose metabolism in Mtb are not yet known. Here we structurally and functionally characterized a conserved hypothetical gene Rv3400. We determined the crystal structure of Rv3400 at 1.7 Å resolution. The crystal structure revealed that Rv3400 adopts Rossmann fold and shares high structural similarity with haloacid dehalogenase family of proteins. Our comparative structural analysis suggested that Rv3400 could perform either phosphatase or pyrophosphatase or β‐phosphoglucomutase (β‐PGM) activity. Using biochemical studies, we further confirmed that Rv3400 performs β‐PGM activity and hence, Rv3400 encodes for β‐PGM in Mtb. Our data also confirm that Mtb β‐PGM is a metal dependent enzyme having broad specificity for divalent metal ions. β‐PGM converts β‐D‐glucose‐1‐phosphate to β‐D‐glucose‐6‐phosphate which is required for the generation of ATP and NADPH through glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway, respectively. Using site directed mutagenesis followed by biochemical studies, we show that two Asp residues in the highly conserved DxD motif, D29 and D31, are crucial for enzyme activity. While D29A, D31A, D29E, D31E and D29N mutants lost complete activity, D31N mutant retained about 30% activity. This study further helps in understanding the role of β‐PGM in the physiology of Mtb.
Mechanosensitive channel MscL gating transitions coupling with constriction point shift
Authors: Zhang Mingfeng , Tang Siyang , Wang Xiaomin , Fang Sanhua , Li Yuezhou
Published: March 2024

The mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) acts as an “emergency release valve” that protects bacterial cells from acute hypoosmotic stress, and it serves as a paradigm for studying the mechanism underlying the transduction of mechanical forces. MscL gating is proposed to initiate with an expansion without opening, followed by subsequent pore opening via a number of intermediate substates, and ends in a full opening. However, the details of gating process are still largely unknown. Using in vivo viability assay, single channel patch clamp recording, cysteine cross‐linking, and tryptophan fluorescence quenching approach, we identified and characterized MscL mutants with different occupancies of constriction region in the pore domain. The results demonstrated the shifts of constriction point along the gating pathway towards cytoplasic side from residue G26, though G22, to L19 upon gating, indicating the closed‐expanded transitions coupling of the expansion of tightly packed hydrophobic constriction region to conduct the initial ion permeation in response to the membrane tension. Furthermore, these transitions were regulated by the hydrophobic and lipidic interaction with the constricting “hot spots”. Our data reveal a new resolution of the transitions from the closed to the opening substate of MscL, providing insights into the gating mechanisms of MscL.
Cellulose/Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube‐Based Pressure‐Sensing Thin Film Transistor with Channel Conductivity Modulation
Authors: Kim Joonyoup , Lee Dong Keon , Kim Hayun , Yoon Jinsu , Yoon Hyungsoo , Hong Yongtaek
Published: March 2024

Field‐effect transistor (FET)‐type pressure sensor offers excellent amplification and signal conversion functionality as a switching device, and it has the capability to integrate tactile sensors by constructing active‐matrix arrays with low crosstalk. However, conventional FET‐type pressure sensors either have a complex device layout with additional components, such as pressure‐sensitive elastomer, attached to the source/drain electrodes, or the method of modulating the gate dielectric can lead to dielectric breakdown and device failure. Additionally, the deformation of the elastomer limits response speed and causes differences in early and late response characteristics. In this article, a facile structure pressure‐sensing thin film transistor (TFT) that modulates the channel conductivity by cellulose/single‐wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composite is reported, ensuring a simple layout without damaging the device. The fabricated cellulose/SWCNT‐based pressure‐sensing TFT exhibits a change in the on/off current ratio from 2.75 × 103 to 2.0 × 104 in response to pressure with high linearity (R2 = 0.9935) and maintains durable performance over 2000 loading‐unloading cycles. Additionally, the sensor shows a fast response time of less than 8 ms. A practical concept of sensing circuits is demonstrated based on pressure‐sensing TFTs for integration into display driving circuits, enabling accurate pressure sensing using only the signal to drive the display.
High Performance Amorphous IGO Thin Film Transistors Grown at Low Temperature
Authors: Peng Chuan , He Han , Huang Hao , Shang Yongyuan , Feng Zipeng , Zhang Zhipeng , Wang Chunlan , Zou Bingsuo , Xingqiang Liu
Published: March 2024

Polycrystalline indium gallium oxide has been widely studied in the domain of oxide thin film transistors (TFTs) due to its high mobility. However, there are few researches focus on amorphous IGO (a‐IGO), which has the advantage of large area display. Herein, high‐performance a‐IGO TFTs are demonstrated by magnetron sputtering method with simple process. The efficiency of a‐IGO TFTs fabricated under various conditions are evaluated, and a‐IGO TFTs prepared by 27 nm thin films grown at 220 °C have the best electrical properties. It exhibits the mobility of 35 cm2 V−1 s−1, threshold voltage of 0.5 V, subthreshold swing of 0.8 V dec−1, and the on/off current ratio over 106. This is due to the precise control of the deposition energy state by temperature during sputtering and the influence of the semiconductor layer thickness on the distribution of the accumulation layer. The results present here demonstrate a simple fabrication method for high‐performance amorphous oxide TFT, providing a new option for display driver circuits.
Soil sample storage conditions affect measurements of pH, potassium, and nitrogen
Authors: Sollen‐Norrlin Maya , Rintoul‐Hynes Naomi Laura Jane
Published: March 2024

Soil quality monitoring schemes are a useful tool for assessing the potential of soils to perform desired services such as agricultural productivity. When researchers or other stakeholders wish to compare results between different schemes or studies, failure to consider differences in soil sample storage conditions presents a significant potential for error. Here, we compared levels of nitrogen and potassium, as well as pH, in agricultural soil samples stored under three different conditions (refrigerated, frozen, and oven‐dried). All tests were performed after 7 and 24 weeks of storage. Nitrate decreased significantly in dried (p < 0.001) samples. When refrigerated, nitrate first increased (p < 0.01) and then decreased (p < 0.001). Nitrate levels where unchanged at Week 7 in the freezer but decreased significantly at Week 24 (p < 0.001). Nitrite and ammonium increased after drying (p < 0.001) and when frozen (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05) but remained stable when refrigerated. There was no significant difference in potassium levels between the fresh control and Week 7 in the freezer, but potassium had increased at Week 24 (p < 0.05). Potassium concentration increased in refrigerated samples (p < 0.001) and fluctuated up and down in dried samples (p < 0.01). pH measurements fluctuated significantly in refrigerated and frozen samples (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) but were unchanged in dried samples. We suggest that soil monitoring schemes standardize their sample storage, and we encourage researchers to clearly report soil sample storage conditions in publications, to improve transparency and reproducibility.
Vibration Assisted Analgesia During Intralesional Corticosteroid Therapy for Alopecia
Authors: Wynne Matthew D. , Harries Thomas , Hennegan Charlotte , O’Donoghue Nuala , Cummins Donna M. , Harries Matthew
Published: March 2024

Intralesional corticosteroid therapy (ICT) is a recommended management strategy for various inflammatory hair loss disorders. Pain from ICT can limit the use of this treatment, particularly in younger people and those with needle phobia. We present data demonstrating that vibration assisted analgesia, is a safe, effective and easy to use technique, which minimises pain from ICT, allowing its use in a wider cohort of patients.
Recent Advancements and Developments in the Biological Importance of 1,3,5‐Triazines
Authors: Rathod Bhagyashri , Pawar Swati , Puri Sachin , Diwan Anupama , Kumar Kapil
Published: March 2024

Nitrogen‐bearing heterocycles are ubiquitous in landscapes and have a great impact on living nature. Structural motifs are present in diverse natural products like vitamins, antibiotics, and alkaloids, as well as pharmaceuticals. The 1,3,5‐Triazines are the primitive class of heterocyclic motifs and are used in various synthetic and medicinal applications. This review covers an exhaustive exploration of literature reports and describes various synthetic strategies and pharmacological activities of 1,3,5‐triazine moiety. Synthetic strategies include multicomponent reaction, metal catalyst reaction, microwave‐assisted strategy, etc. to construct 1,3,5‐triazine moiety. Pharmacological activities include anticancer, antimalarial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti‐tubercular, anti‐leishmanial, anti‐inflammatory, histamine antagonist, serotonin antagonist, etc. For anticancer activity, 1,3,5‐triazine moiety‐containing compounds were tested on different cell lines, and inhibitory activity was also mentioned. The involvement of this scaffold in the treatment of various diseases and disorders makes this scaffold important from a research perspective. Therefore, there is a need to present the combined data of research and reviews to the researchers to develop new molecules. For that reason, the review included information from articles published from 1978 onwards.
Insight of Cadmium Solidification by Mineral‐Based Soil Conditioner
Authors: Liu ShanKe , Liu Jianming , Liu Yanhong , Yuan Yuan
Published: March 2024

In response to the environmental concerns posed by cadmium (Cd) contamination, the application of nano‐submicron mineral‐based soil conditioner (MSC) as a potential soil amendment has garnered interest due to its promising Cd mitigation properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the solidification capacity and mechanism of Cd in MSC and examine the phase and morphology changes following solidification. Systematic experiments were conducted to assess the solidification capacity of MSC for Cd, revealing an impressive efficiency of nearly 100 % even at Cd concentrations of approximately 800 mg/L. The solidification efficiency was found to be positively correlated with the pH value, significantly declining as the environment shifted from pH>7 to pH<7. Notably, under alkaline conditions (pH>7), Cd solidification in MSC was primarily attributed to the Cd‐OH complex formed on the surface of MSC and aided by cation‐exchange reaction. In contrast, under acidic conditions (pH<7) and exposure to extreme Cd concentrations, Cd(OH)Cl precipitation became the dominant mechanism for solidification. Interestingly, the presence of KCdCl3, a water‐soluble phase, did not significantly contribute to the overall solidification efficiency. These findings provide valuable insights into the solidification mechanism of Cd in MSC and offer potential implications for soil remediation efforts targeting Cd contamination.
Mediated Peroxymonosulfate Activation at the Single Atom Fe‐N3O1 Sites: Synergistic Degradation of Antibiotics by Two Non‐Radical Pathways
Authors: Zeng Yuxi , Deng Jie , Zhou Nan , Xia Wu , Wang Zihao , Song Biao , Wang Ziwei , Yang Yang , Xu Xing , Zeng Guangming , Zhou Chengyun
Published: March 2024

The activation of persulfates to degrade refractory organic pollutants is a hot issue in advanced oxidation right now. Here, it is reported that single‐atom Fe‐incorporated carbon nitride (Fe‐CN‐650) can effectively activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) removal. Through some characterization techniques and DFT calculation, it is proved that Fe single atoms in Fe‐CN‐650 exist mainly in the form of Fe‐N3O1 coordination, and Fe‐N3O1 exhibited better affinity for PMS than the traditional Fe‐N4 structure. The degradation rate constant of SMX in the Fe‐CN‐650/PMS system reached 0.472 min−1, and 90.80% of SMX can still be effectively degraded within 10 min after five consecutive recovery cycles. The radical quenching experiment and electrochemical analysis confirm that the pollutants are mainly degraded by two non‐radical pathways through 1O2 and Fe(IV)═O induced at the Fe‐N3O1 sites. In addition, the intermediate products of SMX degradation in the Fe‐CN‐650/PMS system show toxicity attenuation or non‐toxicity. This study offers valuable insights into the design of carbon‐based single‐atom catalysts and provides a potential remediation technology for the optimum activation of PMS to disintegrate organic pollutants.