bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Step Sintering Synthesis Achieving Multiple Structure Modulations for High‐Voltage LiCoO2
Authors: Ren Hengyu , Zhao Wenguang , Yi Haocong , Chen Zhefeng , Ji Haocheng , Jun Qi , Ding Wangyang , Li Zijian , Shang Mingjie , Fang Jianjun , Li Ke , Zhang Mingjian , Li Shunning , Zhao Qinghe , Pan Feng
Published: May 2023

The structure instability issues of the highly delithiated LiCoO2 have significantly hindered its high‐voltage applications (≥4.55 V vs Li/Li+). Herein, for the first time, multiple modifications of Li0.9Mg0.05CoO2 (L0.9M0.05CO) via a simple one‐step sintering synthesis are reported. A combination of the bulk Li/Co antisites, a Mg‐pillar enriched surface, and a thin MgO coating layer is achieved to maintain both the bulk and surface structural stability of L0.9M0.05CO upon cycling at an upper cut‐off voltage of 4.6 V. The bulk Li/Co antisites are discovered to enhance the H1‐3 phase evolution reversibility, the Mg pillars that substitute the Li sites effectively reinforces the surface structure, and the thin MgO coating layer can effectively prevent the cathode from severe side reactions. Benefiting from the reduced but reversible H1‐3 phase transition and the reinforced surface structure, L0.9M0.05CO shows an excellent cycle stability. This work provides a new structure modulation route for developing high‐voltage LiCoO2 cathodes.
Interplay between Crystal Structure and Optical Response in Plateau–Rayleigh Zn2GeO4/SnO2 Heterostructures
Authors: Dolado Jaime , Malato Fernanda , Segura-Ruiz Jaime , Martínez-Casado Ruth , Taeño María , Snigireva Irina , Hidalgo Pedro , Méndez Bianchi , Martínez-Criado Gema
Published: May 2023

Hybrid semiconductor nanowire (NW) heterostructures are an ideal playground for cutting‐edge optoelectronic nanodevices. Among the several synthesis methods, Plateau–Rayleigh (PR) crystal growth is an effective route for producing decorated NWs with unprecedented properties. However, lateral variations in composition and/or crystal structure are postulated to play a central role in their optical response, but it is difficult to probe correlatively the elemental order, atomic organization, and light emission on length scales of tens to hundreds of nanometers. Usually, electron microscopies are applied to address the formation of clusters and imperfections in representative cross sections of the samples. Herein, a simultaneous spatially resolved nano‐analysis of the crystal symmetry, chemical composition, and optical properties of a whole Zn2GeO4/SnO2 NW heterostructure produced by PR instability is provided. The observations show the connection among Zn impurities, secondary phases, and asymmetrically distributed UV emissions present in the crystallites decorating the NW (Zn‐doped Sn1−xGexO2). The contributions of the elemental diffusion, crystal domains, and atomic site configurations to the light‐emission phenomena are disentangled in these hybrid architectures. The findings elucidate unknown underlying mechanisms that are critical to tailor emergent properties for rationally designing novel complex nanodevices based on 1D materials.
Parkinson's Disease: Current Status, Diagnosis, and Treatment Using Nanomedicines
Authors: Hasan Ikram , Roy Shubham , Guo Bing , Chang Chunqi
Published: May 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, and highly neurodegenerative disorder with complex pathological processes. The features for neuropathological identification of PD include α‐synuclein (α‐syn) protein aggregates, oxidative stress, metal ion dyshomeostasis, neurotransmitter deficiencies, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Currently, no definite treatment paradigm can completely cure PD patients, which is increasing globally over the past few decades. The existence of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) restricts the conventional treatment processes and makes the therapeutic delivery to the brain a bit more challenging. Therefore, developing new useful medicines for improving brain distribution is vital to overcome BBB and helping the early diagnosis and treatment of PD. In this review, the current limitations of conventional drugs are highlighted and the development of new medicines to overcome such limitations is covered. This work will provide insight into the direction for designing novel efficient nanomedicines for the early diagnosis and treatment of PD.
A new T‐antigen negative HEK293 cell line with improved AAV productivity
Authors: Croissant Coralie , Armitano Joshua , Lazuech Bertrand , Švec Danijel , Pugin Cyril , Guesdon Anaïs , Bryan Louise , Castro Antonio , Neuhaus Léa , Fonti Giulia , Martinis Jacopo , Wurm Maria J. , Wurm Florian M. , Pino Paco
Published: May 2023

Viral vectors for gene therapy, such as recombinant adeno‐associated viruses, are produced in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. However, the presence of the SV40 T‐antigen‐encoding CDS SV40GP6 and SV40GP7 in the HEK293T genome raises safety issues when these cells are used in manufacturing for clinical purposes. We developed a new T‐antigen‐negative HEK cell line from ExcellGene's proprietary HEKExpress,® using the CRISPR‐Cas9 strategy. We obtained a high number of clonally‐derived cell populations and all of them were demonstrated T‐antigen negative. Stability study and AAV production evaluation showed that the deletion of the T‐antigen‐encoding locus did not impact neither cell growth nor viability nor productivity. The resulting CMC‐compliant cell line, named HEKzeroT,® is able to produce high AAV titers, from small to large scale.
Culprit lesion plaque characterization and thrombus grading by high‐definition intravascular ultrasound in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Groenland Frederik T. W. , Ziedses des Plantes Annemieke C. , Neleman Tara , Scoccia Alessandra , Ligthart Jurgen M. R. , Witberg Karen T. , Mahmoud Karim D. , Nuis Rutger‐Jan , den Dekker Wijnand K. , Wilschut Jeroen M. , Diletti Roberto , Zijlstra Felix , Van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Daemen Joost
Published: May 2023

Background

Dedicated prospective studies investigating high‐definition intravascular ultrasound (HD‐IVUS)‐guided primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are lacking. The aim of this study was to qualify and quantify culprit lesion plaque characteristics and thrombus using HD‐IVUS in patients presenting with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

The SPECTRUM study is a prospective, single‐center, observational cohort study investigating the impact of HD‐IVUS‐guided primary PCI in 200 STEMI patients (NCT05007535). The first 100 study patients with a de novo culprit lesion and a per‐protocol mandated preintervention pullback directly after vessel wiring were subject to a predefined imaging analysis. Culprit lesion plaque characteristics and different thrombus types were assessed. An IVUS‐derived thrombus score, including a 1‐point adjudication for a long total thrombus length, long occlusive thrombus length, and large maximum thrombus angle, was developed to differentiate between low (0–1 points) and high (2–3 points) thrombus burden. Optimal cut‐off values were obtained using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

The mean age was 63.5 (±12.1) years and 69 (69.0%) patients were male. The median culprit lesion length was 33.5 (22.8–38.9) mm. Plaque rupture and convex calcium were appreciated in 48 (48.0%) and 10 (10.0%) patients, respectively. Thrombus was observed in 91 (91.0%) patients (acute thrombus 3.3%; subacute thrombus 100.0%; organized thrombus 22.0%). High IVUS‐derived thrombus burden was present in 37/91 (40.7%) patients and was associated with higher rates of impaired final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow (grade 0–2) (27.0% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

HD‐IVUS in patients presenting with STEMI allows detailed culprit lesion plaque characterization and thrombus grading that may guide tailored PCI.
Phosphine‐Free Pincer Ruthenium‐Catalyzed α‐Alkylation of Ketones with Secondary Alcohols to form β‐Branched Ketones
Authors: Bhattacharyya Dipanjan , Adhikari Priyanka , Hazarika Nitumoni , Sarmah Bikash Kumar , Das Animesh
Published: May 2023

Herein, an efficient and expedient method was developed for α‐alkylation of aromatic ketones with secondary alcohols to produce β‐disubstituted ketones using phosphine‐free pincer ruthenium complexes as the catalyst. Single α‐alkylated ketone is produced in high yields even in reactions where a mixture of products is possible. Interestingly, challenging substrates such as unsubstituted and nonhindered acetophenone compounds are effectively alkylated under the reaction conditions. The scope of the reaction can span with a verities of aliphatic, cyclic, and acyclic secondary alcohols. Functionalization of a cholesterol molecule is also possible under the reaction conditions. Substitution on cyclohexyl ring afforded products as a mixture of diastereoisomers, wherein the major isomer is found as 1,4‐cis conformation of the cyclohexyl ring. Origin of the cis stereoselectivity in the alkylation process was explored by DFT calculation study. Mechanistic studies reveal that the dehydrogenation of alcohols follows a proton shuttle‐type of TS, involvement of cross‐aldol condensation and borrowing hydrogen catalysis. Notably, this selective, catalytic C−C bond forming reaction proceeds with low catalyst load, catalytic amount of base under air and produces H2O as the only byproduct, making the process environmentally benign and atom efficient.
A Novel Strategy to Enable Effective Use of Dioxolane‐Based Electrolytes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Orbay Metin , Leistenschneider Desirée , Leibing Christian , Balducci Andrea
Published: May 2023

In this work we reported about the use of an electrolyte for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) based on mixtures of 1,3‐dioxolane (DOL) and 1,2,2‐tetraethoxyethane (TEG). We showed that the electrolyte 1 M LIFSI in TEG : DOL (2 : 3) displays good transport properties and high thermal stability. Graphite and lithium‐iron phosphate (LFP) electrodes used in combination with this electrolyte display high capacity, high efficiency, high‐capacity retention at higher C‐rates and high stability during prolonged charge‐discharge cycles carried in a broad range of temperatures (from −20 °C till 60 °C). Furthermore, SEI analysis was performed using XPS, FTIR spectroscopy and SEM to understand the morphology of the SEI generated by this electrolyte and analyse them comparatively with the state‐of‐the‐art. We additionally show that this electrolyte can be successfully utilized in lab‐scale LIBs, and that these devices display good capacity and stability over 100 cycles at various current densities. Results obtained in this study indicate that the use of mixtures of TEG‐DOL is an effective, unexpensive and easy to implement strategy for the utilization of DOL in LIBs.
Reduction Behavior of Anisyl‐substituted P‐Ferrocenyl Phospholes
Authors: Getfert Katharina , Roesler Fabian , Bruhn Clemens , Pietschnig Rudolf
Published: May 2023

P‐Ferrocenylphospholes with differing substituents in α‐position have been synthesized and their identity and purity was confirmed using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, MS, elemental analysis and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Furthermore, the redox properties have been explored with electrochemical measurements. Transferring the reduction to a preparative scale using lithium leads to reductive P−C bond cleavage furnishing the corresponding phospholide which has been transformed to P‐tert‐butyl substituted phosphole. In addition to phospholide formation reductive demethoxylation with transformation of the anisyl substituent to its phenyl analog was observed. For comparison analogous reactions have been explored for the respective P‐phenylphospholes which show a different reactivity.
β‐Glucan produced by Lentinus edodes suppresses breast cancer progression via the inhibition of macrophage M2 polarization by integrating autophagy and inflammatory signals
Authors: Zhu Fukai , Zhang Qianru , Feng Jiexin , Zhang Xiuru , Li Tingting , Liu Shuwen , Chen Yanling , Li Xiumin , Wu Qici , Xue Yu , Alitongbieke Gulimiran , Pan Yutian
Published: May 2023

Background

β‐Glucan from Lentinus edodes (LNT), an edible mushroom, possesses strong anticancer activity. However, the therapeutic effects of LNT during the occurrence and progression of breast cancer and their underlying molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated.

Methods

Mouse mammary tumor virus‐polyoma middle tumor‐antigen (MMTV‐PyMT) transgenic mice were used as a breast cancer mouse model. Hematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence staining were performed for histopathological analysis. Moreover, we developed an inflammatory cell model using tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Macrophage polarization was assessed using western blot analysis and immunofluorescence.

Results

Orphan nuclear receptor 77 (Nur77) and sequestosome‐1 (p62) were highly expressed and positively correlated with each other in breast cancer tissues. LNT significantly inhibited tumor growth, ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration, and induced tumor cell apoptosis in PyMT transgenic mice. Moreover, LNT attenuated the ability of tumors to metastasize to lung tissue. Mechanistically, LNT treatment restrained macrophage polarization from M1 to M2 phenotype and promoted autophagic cell death by inhibiting Nur77 expression, AKT/mTOR signaling, and inflammatory signals in breast tumor cells. However, LNT did not exhibit a direct pro‐autophagic effect on tumor cell death, except for its inhibitory effect on Nur77 expression. LNT‐mediated autophagic tumor cell death depends on M1 macrophage polarization. In in vitro experiments, LNT inhibited the upregulation of p62, autophagy activation, and inflammatory signaling pathways in Nur77 cells.

Conclusion

LNT inhibited macrophage M2 polarization and subsequently blocked the AKT/mTOR and inflammatory signaling axes in breast cancer cells, thereby promoting autophagic tumor cell death. Thus, LNT may be a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
Trends in obstetric anal sphincter injury in spontaneous vaginal delivery versus operative vaginal delivery over a 10‐year period: Lessons learned
Authors: Alkharouf Feras , Joyce Niamh , Ward Deidre , Walsh Fiona , Eogan Maeve , Geary Michael
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate trends in the incidence of women with obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) over a 10‐year period comparing spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) and operative vaginal delivery (OVD).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in which all women who underwent vaginal delivery over a 10‐year period (n = 86 242, 2009–2018) at the Rotunda Hospital were reviewed. The overall incidence of OASIS was compared with incidence rates stratified by parity and type of vaginal birth.

Results

The 10‐year vaginal delivery rate was 69% (n = 59 187) where 24 580 women (42%) were primiparous and 34 607 women (58%) were multiparous. SVD rate was 74% and OVD rate was 26%. The overall incidence of OASIS was 2.9%. The incidence of OASIS in OVD was 5.5% and the incidence in SVD was 2%. Of 498 multipara who sustained OASIS, 366 (73%) had an SVD without episiotomy compared with 14 (3%) who had an episiotomy. There was a significant reduction of OASIS over the 10‐year period in primipara who had an OVD but no reduction in the other groups.

Conclusion

The primiparous OVD group had a significant reduction of OASIS. Continued education around perineal protection and episiotomy at SVD could positively impact further reduction in OASIS, particularly in the SVD groups.
Exploration of novel syringic esters as antifungal agent against phytopathogenic fungi of maize: Structure‐activity studies
Authors: Sahni Tanvi , Sharma Sunita , Verma Diksha , Kaur Harleen , Kumar Sachin
Published: May 2023

The production of maize is limited by major diseases such as foliar blights, stalk rot, maydis leaf blight; banded leaf and sheath blight and many more. Synthesis of ecologically sustainable and naturally derived products can help us counter these diseases. Hence, Syringaldehyde (a natural occurring isolate) should explore as a viable option as green agrochemical. We performed a structure‐activity study to optimize syringaldehyde and its physicochemical properties. A series of novel syringaldehyde esters was synthesized and investigated focusing on esters’ nature of lipophillicity, and membrane affinity. Tri‐chloro acetylated ester of syringaldehyde was emerged as broad‐spectrum fungicide.
Is it time to rethink disability assessment in low back pain? Reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Brazilian WHODAS 2.0 for chronic low back pain
Authors: Silva Tuyra Francisca Castro e , Medeiros Paula Maciel de Sousa Silva , Leite Camila Ferreira , Castro Shamyr Sulyvan , Nunes Ana Carla Lima , Jesus‐Moraleida Fabianna Resende
Published: May 2023

Background and Purpose

The World Health Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) was developed to assess health and disability based on the biopsychosocial model. The WHODAS 2.0 has not been validated for Brazilians with chronic non‐specific low back pain (LBP). We aimed to evaluate the reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Brazilian version of the WHODAS 2.0 in patients with chronic LBP.

Methods

Methodological study. The Brazilian version of the WHODAS 2.0 was applied to 100 volunteers with chronic nonspecific LBP. Test‐retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity were assessed using the Spearman correlation test, Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficient, and Spearman's correlation test between WHODAS 2.0, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), respectively.

Results

WHODAS 2.0 showed satisfactory test‐retest reliability with a moderate correlation for total WHODAS 2.0 (r = 0.75, p < 0.05). Internal consistency was adequate for all domains and total score (α = 0.82–0.96). Regarding construct validity, WHODAS 2.0, ODI (r = 0.70, p < 0.05), and WHODAS 2.0 and RMDQ (r = 0.71, p < 0.05) had significant correlations. Total WHODAS 2.0 and FABQ‐Phys subscale scores correlated moderately (r = 0.66, p < 0.05).

Discussion

The Brazilian WHODAS 2.0 was proved to be a valid and reliable tool for patients with chronic LBP. The item referring to sexual intercourse had 27% and 30% of the missing values during the test and retest stage, respectively and had a high percentage of missing data for work‐related questions (41% missing data) in the life activities domain; therefore, the data must be interpreted with caution.

Implications for Physiotherapy Practice

WHODAS 2.0 can be used as a disability assessment strategy from a biopsychosocial perspective in this population.
Retracted: Facile Hydrothermal Synthesis of Visible‐Light‐Driven MnS/rGO Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye
Authors: Saleem Ammar , Alharbi Fatemah Farraj , Ashiq Muhammad Naeem , Manzoor Sumaira , Abbas Shah Syed Imran , Khan Komal Zaman , Aman Salma , Ahmad Naseeb , Alzahrani Huda A. , Messali Mouslim
Published: May 2023

Currently, the global problem of poisonous and nondegradable organic water pollutants cannot be ignored. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an advanced oxidation process (AOP) that uses semiconducting materials as a catalyst to clean water. Nanosize semiconductor photocatalysts are well recognized for their practical and cost‐effective way of cleaning up environmental pollution when exposed to visible light. Herein, a simple hydrothermal approach is used to create an MnS/rGO nanocomposite for the degradation of aromatic dyes under visible light. Powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–visible spectroscopy are utilized to analyze the synthesized photocatalyst. Methylene blue is investigated for photocatalytic degradation using the MnS/rGO heterostructure nanocomposite. Under visible light, the composite shows photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 91.8% owing to the addition of rGO, its synergistic effects, high specific surface area, and a decrease in photoinduced electron–hole pair recombination. The fabricated nanocomposite MnS/rGO with significantly better photoresponse activity is successfully protected from charge recombination by reduced graphene oxide, which functions as a superb electron‐carrying material.
Structural, Optical, and Chemical Characteristics of High‐Quality PbI2 Thin Films via Chemical Solution Deposition with Thermal Annealing
Authors: Solis-Mosquera Jeisson Javier , Cabrera-German Dagoberto , Santacruz-Ortega Hisila , Acosta-Elías Mónica Alessandra , Sotelo-Lerma Mérida
Published: May 2023

Herein, a synthesis method for obtaining lead iodide through chemical bath deposition, a type of chemical solution deposition without the use of organic solvents, is presented; the process consists of three stages. In the first stage, tin hydroxide films are produced which act as a seed layer allowing for a better adherence of the film that is to be deposited. The second stage consists of the synthesis of the lead iodide films. Finally, annealing is done (100, 150, and 200 °C) with the purpose of promoting the polytypic transitions of the material and to study the effect of these structures on the properties of the material. Assessment of the structural and optical properties of the films is done by means of scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, optical spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, where a direct influence of the annealing in the induction of polytypes is observed. The resultant PbI2 films have a large‐area coverage across the substrate, wide‐bandgap (2.38 eV), and a structure that belongs to the 2H and 4H polytypes. Hence, it is suggested from these results that the chemically deposited PbI2 thin films are promising candidates for large‐area optoelectronic applications.
Tuning the Optoelectronic Property of All‐Inorganic Lead‐Free Perovskite via Finely Microstructural Modulation for Photovoltaics
Authors: Shi Ming , Fu Ping , Tian Wenming , Chi Haibo , Li Can , Li Rengui
Published: May 2023

Bismuth‐based halide perovskite materials have attracted extensive attention for optoelectronic applications due to nontoxicity and ambient stability. However, limited by low‐dimensional structure and isolate octahedron arrangement, the undesirable photophysical properties of bismuth‐based perovskites are still not well modulated. Here, the rational design and synthesis of Cs3SbBiI9 with improved optoelectronic performance via premeditatedly incorporating antimony atoms with a similar electronic structure to bismuth into the host lattice of Cs3Bi2I9 is reported. Compared with Cs3Bi2I9, the absorption spectrum of Cs3SbBiI9 is broadened from ≈640 to ≈700 nm, the photoluminescence intensity enhances by two orders of magnitude indicating the extremely suppressed carrier nonradiative recombination, and the charge carrier lifetime is further increased from 1.3 to 207.6 ns. Taking representative applications in perovskite solar cells, the Cs3SbBiI9 exhibits a higher photovoltaic performance benefiting from the improved intrinsic optoelectronic properties. Further structure analysis reveals that the introduced Sb atoms regulate the interlayer spacing between dimers in c‐axis direction and the micro‐octahedral configuration, which correlate well with the improvement of optoelectronic properties of Cs3SbBiI9. It is anticipated that this work will benefit the design and fabrication of lead‐free perovskite semiconductors for optoelectronic applications.
Isolation of PD‐L1 Extracellular Vesicle Subpopulations Using DNA Computation Mediated Microfluidic Tandem Separation
Authors: Lu Yinzhu , Lin Bingqian , Liu Weizhi , Zhang Jialu , Zhu Lin , Yang Chaoyong , Song Yanling
Published: May 2023

Accurate isolation of targeted extracellular vesicle (EV) is challenging due to the antigenic heterogeneity of EV subpopulations which are from different cell origins. Most EV subpopulations lack a single marker whose expression cleanly distinguishes them from mixed populations of closely related EVs. Here, a modular platform capable of taking multiple binding events as input, performing logic computations, and producing two independent outputs for tandem microchips for EV subpopulation isolation, is developed. Taking advantages of the excellent selectivity of dual‐aptamer recognition and the sensitivity of tandem microchips, this method achieves, for the first time, sequential isolation of tumor PD‐L1 EVs and non‐tumor PD‐L1 EVs. As a result, the developed platform can not only effectively distinguish cancer patients from healthy donors but also provides new clues for assessing immune heterogeneity. Moreover, the captured EVs can be released through a DNA hydrolysis reaction with high efficiency, which is compatible with downstream mass spectrometry for EV proteome profiling. Overall, this strategy is expected to isolate different EV subpopulations, translate EVs into reliable clinical biomarkers, and accurately investigate the biological functions of different EV subsets.
Constructing EYM amplitudes by inverse soft limit
Authors: Ma Shiquan , Dong Rongyu , Du Yi-Jian
Published: May 2023

Abstract

It is well known that gravity amplitudes in four dimensions can be reconstructed by the inverse soft limit (ISL) method. According to ISL, a tree level n-graviton maximally-helicity-violating (MHV) amplitude is expressed in terms of deformed (n − 1)-graviton amplitudes accompanied by soft graviton factors. On another hand, single- and double-trace tree-level Einstein-Yang-Mills (EYM) MHV amplitudes have been proven to satisfy spanning forest formulas, where each edge in a forest has the same form with a term in soft graviton factor. It is not transparent that the formulas satisfied by EYM amplitudes can be constructed with ISL. In this paper, we construct the single- and double-trace MHV amplitudes in EYM, by the ISL and show that the known formulas can be precisely reproduced. Interesting identities which are based on Schouten identity and characterized by graphs are also introduced.
Application of untargeted volatile profiling in inflammatory bowel disease research
Authors: Arroyo-Manzanares Natalia , García-Nicolás María , Abellán-Alfocea Fuensanta , Prieto-Baeza Laura , Campillo Natalia , del Val Oliver Blanca , Zarauz-García José , Sáenz Luis , Viñas Pilar
Published: May 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosis depends on criteria based on histological, endoscopic, radiological, and clinical results. These studies show drawbacks as being expensive, invasive, and time-consuming. In this work, an untargeted metabolomic strategy based on the monitoring of volatile compounds in serum by headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry is proposed as a complementary, fast, and efficient test for IBD patient diagnosis. To develop the method and build a chemometric model that allows the IBD diagnosis, serum samples including IBD patients and healthy volunteers were collected. Analyses were performed by incubating 400 µL of serum for 10 min at 90 °C. For data processing, an untargeted metabolomic strategy was used. A total of 96 features were detected, of which a total of 10 volatile compounds could be identified and confirmed by means of the analysis of real standards. The chemometric treatment consisted of a discriminant analysis of orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS-DA) obtaining a 100% of classification rate, since all the analyzed samples were correctly classified.

Graphical abstract
Hybrid CPU/GPU/APU accelerated query, insert, update and erase operations in hash tables with string keys
Authors: Groth Tobias , Groppe Sven , Pionteck Thilo , Valdiek Franz , Koppehel Martin
Published: May 2023

Modern computer systems can use different types of hardware acceleration to achieve massive performance improvements. Some accelerators like FPGA and dedicated GPU (dGPU) need optimized data structures for the best performance and often use dedicated memory. In contrast, APUs, which are a combination of a CPU and an integrated GPU (iGPU), support shared memory and allow the iGPU to work together with the CPU on pointer-based data structures. First, we develop an approach for dGPU to accelerate queries in libcuckoo and robin-map and when looking at accelerating insert, updates and erase operations in the original libcuckoo using OneAPI on an APU. We evaluate the dGPU against the CPU variants and our dGPU approach adapted for the CPU and also in a hybrid context by using longer keys on the CPU and shorter keys on the dGPU. In comparison with the original libcuckoo algorithm, our dGPU approach achieves a speed-up of 2.1, and in comparison with the robin-map a speed-up of 1.5. For hybrid workloads, our approach is efficient if long keys are processed on the CPU and short keys are processed on the dGPU. By processing a mixture of 20% long keys on the CPU and 80% short keys on dGPU, our hybrid approach has a 40% higher throughput than the CPU only approach. In addition, we develop a hybrid APU approach for insert, update and erase operations in the original libcuckoo structure focusing on shared memory with iGPU accelerated look-ups of the positions for insert, update and erase operations.
Tuning of Multi-stability Profile and Transition Sequence of Stacked Miura-Origami Metamaterials
Authors: Wu Haiping , Fang Hongbin
Published: May 2023

Multi-stable origami structures and metamaterials possess unique advantages and could exhibit multiple stable three-dimensional configurations, which have attracted widespread research interest and held promise for applications in many fields. Although a great deal of attention has been paid to the design and application of multi-stable origami structures, less knowledge is available about the transition sequence among different stable configurations, especially in terms of the fundamental mechanism and the tuning method. To fill this gap, with the multi-stable dual-cell stacked Miura-ori chain as a platform, this paper explores the rules that govern the configuration transition and proposes effective methods for tuning the transition sequence. Specifically, by correlating the energy evolution, the transition paths, and the associated force–displacement profiles, we find that the critical extension/compression forces of the component cells play a critical role in governing the transition sequence. Accordingly, we summarize the rules for predicting the transition sequence: the component cell that first reaches the critical force during quasi-static extension or compression will be the first to undergo a configuration switch. Based on these findings, two methods, i.e., a design method based on crease-stiffness assignment and an online method based on internal pressure regulation, are proposed to tune the stability profile and the transition sequence of the multi-stable origami structure. The crease-stiffness design approach, although effective, cannot be employed for online tuning once the prototype has been fabricated. The pressure-based approach, on the other hand, has been shown experimentally to be effective in adjusting the constitutive force–displacement profiles of the component cells and, in turn, tuning the transition sequence according to the summarized rules. The results of this study will advance the state of the art of origami mechanics and promote the engineering applications of multi-stable origami metamaterials.
Fertilization Enhances Grain Inorganic Arsenic Assimilation in Rice
Authors: Begum Monira , Li Litian , Young Ellen , Carey Manus , Li Gang , Zhu Yong-Guan , Banwart Stephen , Meharg Andrew A. , Meharg Caroline
Published: May 2023

To investigate how soil fertilization/amendments alters arsenic speciation grain off-take in paddy rice, rice was grown to maturity in growth chambers fertilized with standard mineral fertilizer, wood ash (rich in silica), pig slurry (rich in organic matter), and non-amended control. The soil was sourced from a Chinese paddy field. The primary fertilized elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) were kept constant across treatments. Porewater chemistry and soil microbiology were monitored throughout the experiments. Total grain arsenic, sum of inorganic arsenic and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), was significantly different between treatments (P = 0.024), with inorganic arsenic varying from 0.025 to 0.08 mg/kg and DMA from 0.08 to 0.16 mg/kg for control compared to fertilized, respectively. Fertilizer source made no difference to arsenic speciation concentration in grain. Porewater analysis found that as anaerobism set in, inorganic arsenic, phosphorus and manganese greatly lowered in concentration. Methylated arsenic species concentrations increased over time, concurrent with an increase in pH, decrease in Eh, and increase in total organic carbon and iron, with no strong treatment effects, except for pig slurry that enhanced pH and decreased Eh. Methanogenic archaea, sulfate-reducing bacteria and Acidobacteria increased with time and some Actinobacteria and Firmicutes increased due to slurry, but then decreased with time (P < 0.01). Methanogenic archaea and sulphate-reducing bacteria correlated positively with porewater DMA and negatively with porewater inorganic arsenic (P < 0.05). Genera within the Actinobacteria and Burkholderiaceae correlated negatively with DMA, while genera with iron-reducing capacity (Clostridiales) correlated positively with porewater inorganic arsenic and DMA (P < 0.05).
Flood hazard assessment in a polje: the case of Mucille (Classical Karst Region, NE Italy)
Authors: Luca Zini , Chiara Calligaris , Emanuele Forte , Philippe Turpaud
Published: May 2023

The Mucille karst depression is one of the few examples of polje on the Italian side of the Classical Karst Region, a shared area between Italy and Slovenia. The polje is subject to frequent flooding, becoming more problematic since 2000, as swallow holes more frequently have affected housing and recreational areas, leading the population to believe that their ability in draining the area had stopped functioning. Climate changes play an important role as there has been an intensification in extreme events (30-day cumulative precipitation of more than 350 mm) within the considered time-period 1919–2020. The necessity to provide answers to the inhabitants required in-depth studies such as hydrogeological investigations, discharge measurements and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) acquisitions. Over the 3 years of monitoring (2017–2020), two flood events reached the Selz settlement. In total, four events have been analysed to build a hydrogeological model of the area in order to properly estimate its recharge and regression curve, and to define the functionalities of the swallow holes. The defined model allowed a better knowledge and a greater awareness in proposing the proper mitigation measures able to increase the drainage capacity of the area avoiding always more frequent future floodings.
ATAD2 promotes glycolysis and tumor progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by regulating the transcriptional activity of c-Myc
Authors: Wu Zonglong , Ge Liyuan , Song Yimeng , Deng Shaohui , Duan Peichen , Du Tan , Wu Yaqian , Zhang Zhanyi , Hou Xiaofei , Ma Lulin , Zhang Shudong
Published: May 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common malignant tumor of the urogenital tract. Given that ccRCC is often resistant to radiotherapy and traditional chemotherapy, the clinical treatment of patients with ccRCC remains a challenge. The present study found that ATAD2 was significantly upregulated in ccRCC tissues. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the inhibition of ATAD2 expression mitigated the aggressive phenotype of ccRCC. ATAD2 was also associated with glycolysis in ccRCC. Interestingly, we found that ATAD2 could physically interact with c-Myc and promote the expression of its downstream target gene, thereby enhancing the Warburg effect of ccRCC. Overall, our study emphasizes the role of ATAD2 in ccRCC. The targeted expression or functional regulation of ATAD2 could be a promising method to reduce the proliferation and progression of ccRCC.
Establishment of a collaborative research ethics training program to prepare the next generation of ethics researchers in Mali
Authors: Doumbia Seydou , Rosen Heather E , Paichadze Nino , Dolo Housseini , Dabitao Djeneba , Sanogo Zana Lamissa , Traore Karim , Diarra Bassirou , Sarro Yeya dit Sadio , Keita Awa , Samake Seydou , Tangara Cheick Oumar , Sangho Hamadoun , Diop Samba Ibrahim , Diakite Mahamadou , Hyder Adnan A , Ndebele Paul
Published: May 2023

Background: Despite an increase in health research conducted in Africa, there are still inadequate human resources with research ethics training and lack of local long-term training opportunities in research ethics. A research ethics training program named United States-Mali Research Ethics Training Program (US-Mali RETP) was established through a partnership between the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH), USA and University of Sciences, Techniques & Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), to address the critical need for improved bioethics training, leadership, and policy in Mali. Methods: The aims of the capacity building programme are achieved by leveraging US and Africa-based expertise to strengthen research ethics education and capacity through: (1) intensive faculty development to design ethics training curricula; (2) development of a research ethics specialization within the existing Masters of Public Health program (MPH); and (3) establishing professional development courses through short-term training workshops and webinars to address research and professional needs in ethics. Results: The program will strengthen USTTB’s capacity of research ethics by training at least 15 MPH students over 5 years to prepare the next generation of ethics researchers. During the first two years of the program, a new ethics training curricula was developed, two cohorts of Master’s students were enrolled, and a series of webinars and workshops were conducted with participation of Malian and international researchers. Conclusions: US-Mali RETP will promote a sustainable bioethics enterprise at USTTB, and enable dissemination of research ethics training to increase health research capacity in Mali.
Surrogate explanations for role discovery on graphs
Authors: Cunningham Eoghan , Greene Derek
Published: May 2023

Role discovery is the task of dividing the set of nodes on a graph into classes of structurally similar roles. Modern strategies for role discovery typically rely on graph embedding techniques, which are capable of recognising complex graph structures when reducing nodes to dense vector representations. However, when working with large, real-world networks, it is difficult to interpret or validate a set of roles identified according to these methods. In this work, motivated by advancements in the field of explainable artificial intelligence, we propose surrogate explanation for role discovery, a new framework for interpreting role assignments on large graphs using small subgraph structures known as graphlets. We demonstrate our framework on a small synthetic graph with prescribed structure, before applying them to a larger real-world network. In the second case, a large, multidisciplinary citation network, we successfully identify a number of important citation patterns or structures which reflect interdisciplinary research.
Genderaspekte in der Behandlung von Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gisinger Teresa
Published: May 2023

In den letzten Jahren hat die Gendermedizin immer mehr an Bedeutung gewonnen. Auch im Bereich der Diabetologie und Endokrinologie ist die Wissenschaft der Gendermedizin immer mehr in den Vordergrund gerückt. Gendermedizin befasst sich nicht nur mit den Unterschieden zwischen Mann und Frau, die durch biologische Ursachen wie Genexpression und Hormone entstehen, sondern auch mit dem sozialen Geschlecht. Dieses beinhaltet eine Vielzahl an sozialen, kulturellen und ökonomischen Faktoren.

Die momentane Studienlage zeigt, dass Frauen und Männer Unterschiede in der Pathogenese von Diabetes mellitus haben. So haben Frauen eher einen gestörten postprandialen Blutzucker, wohingegen Männer vermehrt eine gestörte Nüchterninsulinresistenz haben. Zusätzlich hat das Östrogen bei Frauen eine schützende Wirkung, weswegen postmenopausale Frauen im Hinblick auf das Risiko, an Diabetes mellitus zu erkranken, von einer Hormonersatztherapie profitieren. Eine Komplikation von Diabetes mellitus sind kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen. Männer berichten eine erhöhte Rate an kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen im Gegensatz zu Frauen. Im Hinblick auf Therapie sieht man, dass Frauen strenger behandelt werden als Männer. Des Weiteren werden geschlechterspezifische Unterschiede bei oralen antidiabetischen Therapien berichtet. Im Hinblick auf das soziale Geschlecht wurde erforscht, dass ein niedriger sozioökonomischer Status mit einem höheren Risiko, an Diabetes mellitus zu erkranken, und für dessen Mortalität einhergeht.
Abortus habitualis
Authors: Semrl Neli
Published: May 2023

1 bis 3 % aller Paare im fortpflanzungsfähigen Alter erleiden einen wiederholten Spontanabort (WSA). Es werden viele ursächliche Faktoren diskutiert, doch bleibt die Ursache in einem erheblichen Teil der Fälle ungeklärt. Die wissenschaftliche Datenlage hinsichtlich Diagnose- und Behandlungsstrategien ist nach wie vor unzureichend, was für die Paare oftmals eine psychische Belastung und für Ärztinnen und Ärzte eine große Herausforderung darstellt.

Ziel dieses Artikels ist es, die unterschiedlichen Definitionen und Ätiologien von WSA zu beleuchten und die aktuelle Evidenz zur Abklärung und zum Management auf Grundlage neuester internationaler Leitlinien zusammenzufassen.
Utilization of individual components of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol improves post-operative outcomes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a blueprint for progressive adoption of ERAS
Authors: Lebel David E. , Machida Masayoshi , Koucheki Robert , Campbell Fiona , Bath Natasha , Koyle Martin , Ruskin Danielle , Levin David , Brennenstuhl Sarah , Stinson Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Enhanced recovery after surgery [ERAS] is an approach for standardization of perioperative care aimed at improving patient outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to determine if length of stay (LOS) differed by protocol type (ERAS vs. non-ERAS [N-ERAS]) in patients undergoing surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patient characteristics were collected and compared between groups. Differences in LOS were assessed using regression adjusting for age, sex, BMI, pre-surgical Cobb angle, levels fused and year of surgery.

Results

Fifty nine ERAS patients were compared to 81 N-ERAS patients. Patients were comparable in their baseline characteristics. Median LOS was 3 days (IQR = 3–4) for the ERAS group, compared to 5 days (IQR = 4–5) for the N-ERAS group (p < 0.001). The ERAS group had a significantly lower adjusted rate of stay (RR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.62–0.92). The ERAS group had significantly lower average pain on post-operative days 0 (least-squares-mean [LSM] 2.66 vs. 4.41, p < 0.001), POD1 (LSM 3.12 vs. 4.48, p < 0.001) and POD5 (LSM 2.84 vs. 4.42, p = 0.035). The ERAS group had lower opioid consumption (p < 0.001). LOS was predicted by the number of protocol elements received; those receiving two (RR = 1.54 95% CI = 1.05–2.24), one (RR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.09–2.03) or none (RR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.21–2.13) had significantly longer rates of stay than those receiving all four.

Conclusion

Adoption of modified ERAS-based protocol for patients undergoing PSF for AIS led to significant reduction in LOS, average pain scores, and opioid consumption.
Phase imaging of irradiated foils at the OMEGA EP facility using phase-stepping X-ray Talbot–Lau deflectometry
Authors: Pérez-Callejo G. , Bouffetier V. , Ceurvorst L. , Goudal T. , Klein S. R. , Svyatskiy D. , Holec M. , Perez-Martin P. , Falk K. , Casner A. , Weber T. E. , Kagan G. , Valdivia M. P.
Published: May 2023

Diagnosing the evolution of laser-generated high energy density (HED) systems is fundamental to develop a correct understanding of the behavior of matter under extreme conditions. Talbot–Lau interferometry constitutes a promising tool, since it permits simultaneous single-shot X-ray radiography and phase-contrast imaging of dense plasmas. We present the results of an experiment at OMEGA EP that aims to probe the ablation front of a laser-irradiated foil using a Talbot–Lau X-ray interferometer. A polystyrene (CH) foil was irradiated by a laser of 133 J, 1 ns and probed with 8 keV laser-produced backlighter radiation from Cu foils driven by a short-pulse laser (153 J, 11 ps). The ablation front interferograms were processed in combination with a set of reference images obtained ex situ using phase-stepping. We managed to obtain attenuation and phase-shift images of a laser-irradiated foil for electron densities above

${10}^{22}\;{\mathrm{cm}}^{-3}$

. These results showcase the capabilities of Talbot–Lau X-ray diagnostic methods to diagnose HED laser-generated plasmas through high-resolution imaging.
Design and evaluation of the pneumatic leg prosthesis ERiK to assist elderly amputees with sit-down and stand-up movements
Authors: Vallery Heike , Lachmann Frederik , van der Helm Simon , Pennycott Andrew , Smit Gerwin
Published: May 2023

Standing up using one leg is a challenging task for those with a transfemoral amputation, particularly for elderly users with a low activity level. Active prostheses are generally not accessible to this group and available passive prostheses do not support standing up. This article presents the design and evaluation of the “Energy Restoring Intelligent Knee” (ERiK), which stores energy during sit-down in a pneumatic cylinder and returns it during stand-up. We hypothesized that the system would reduce the time needed to perform transitions and also enable higher load sharing by the prosthetic leg. However, the results of an experimental study with seven participants with transfemoral amputation contradict these hypotheses: the participants could neither move faster nor make more use of the prosthetic leg to share their body weight during transitions. We observed that a major obstacle to the useful functionality of the leg was the absence of ankle dorsiflexion – the foot tended to slip during stand-up initiation, such that only low pre-pressures and therefore support levels could be set. The rather binary action of the pneumatics also complicated movement initiation. The lessons learned from this study may be helpful to those seeking to create better designs in the future.
CDK4/6 inhibitors and the pRB-E2F1 axis suppress PVR and PD-L1 expression in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Shrestha Mariusz , Wang Dong-Yu , Ben-David Yaacov , Zacksenhaus Eldad
Published: May 2023

Immune-checkpoint (IC) modulators like the poliovirus receptor (PVR) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) attenuate innate and adaptive immune responses and are potential therapeutic targets for diverse malignancies, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor, pRB, controls cell growth through E2F1-3 transcription factors, and its inactivation drives metastatic cancer, yet its effect on IC modulators is contentious. Here, we show that RB-loss and high E2F1/E2F2 signatures correlate with expression of PVR, CD274 (PD-L1 gene) and other IC modulators and that pRB represses whereas RB depletion and E2F1 induce PVR and CD274 in TNBC cells. Accordingly, the CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib, suppresses both PVR and PD-L1 expression. Palbociclib also counteracts the effect of CDK4 on SPOP, leading to its depletion, but the overall effect of palbociclib is a net reduction in PD-L1 level. Hydrochloric acid, commonly used to solubilize palbociclib, counteracts its effect and induces PD-L1 expression. Remarkably, lactic acid, a by-product of glycolysis, also induces PD-L1 as well as PVR. Our results suggest a model in which CDK4/6 regulates PD-L1 turnover by promoting its transcription via pRB-E2F1 and degradation via SPOP and that the CDK4/6-pRB-E2F pathway couples cell proliferation with the induction of multiple innate and adaptive immunomodulators, with direct implications for cancer progression, anti-CDK4/6- and IC-therapies.