bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effect and mechanism insight of purified Antarctic krill phospholipids against mice ulcerative colitis combined with bioinformatics
Authors: Huang Rong , Yao Jiaxu , Zhou Li , Li Xiang , Zhu Jinrui , Hu Yueqi , Liu Jikai
Published: April 2023

Antarctic krill oil is functional oil and has a complex phospholipids composition that poses difficulties in elucidating its effect mechanism on ulcerative colitis (UC). The mechanism of UC action was studied by bioinformatics, and the therapeutic effect of Antarctic krill phospholipids (APL) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice was verified. GO functional enrichment analysis uncovered an enrichment of these genes in the regulation of cell–cell adhesion, membrane region, signaling receptor activator activity, and cytokine activity. Meanwhile, the KEGG results revealed the genes were enriched in the TNF signaling pathway, pathogenic Escherichia coli infection, inflammatory bowel disease and tight junction. Animal experiments showed that APL treatment alleviated the UC symptoms and reduced inflammatory damage. Meanwhile, the expressions of the tight junction (TJ) proteins, ZO-1 and occludin, were restored, and the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were reduced. Moreover, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the intestinal microbiota was regulated, and the contents of short-chain fatty acids metabolites were raised. These findings would provide an insight for the beneficial effects of APL and dietary therapy strategies for UC.
Tribological properties of PTFE-based fabric composites at cryogenic temperature
Authors: Xu Mingkun , Wang Zidan , Guo Lihe , Tao Liming , Ma Tianbao , Wang Tingmei , Wang Qihua
Published: April 2023

Fabric composites are widely employed in self-lubricating bearing liners as solid lubrication materials. Although the tribological behaviors of fabric composites have been extensively studied, the cryogenic tribological properties and mechanisms have been scarcely reported and are largely unclear to instruct material design for aerospace and other high-tech applications. Herein, the tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based hybrid-fabric composites were investigated at cryogenic and ambient temperatures in the form of pin-on-disk friction under heavy loads. The results suggest that the friction coefficients of the hybrid-fabric composites obviously increase with a decrease in wear when the temperature drops from 25 to −150 °C. Moreover, thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI), as an adhesive for fabric composites, has better cryogenic lubrication performance than thermosetting phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin, which can be attributed to the flexible chemical structure of PEI. The excellent lubrication performance of hybrid-fabric composites is attributed to the transfer film formed by PTFE fibers on the surface of fabrics.
COCO: an annotated Twitter dataset of COVID-19 conspiracy theories
Authors: Langguth Johannes , Schroeder Daniel Thilo , Filkuková Petra , Brenner Stefan , Phillips Jesper , Pogorelov Konstantin
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by a surge of misinformation on social media which covered a wide range of different topics and contained many competing narratives, including conspiracy theories. To study such conspiracy theories, we created a dataset of 3495 tweets with manual labeling of the stance of each tweet w.r.t. 12 different conspiracy topics. The dataset thus contains almost 42,000 labels, each of which determined by majority among three expert annotators. The dataset was selected from COVID-19 related Twitter data spanning from January 2020 to June 2021 using a list of 54 keywords. The dataset can be used to train machine learning based classifiers for both stance and topic detection, either individually or simultaneously. BERT was used successfully for the combined task. The dataset can also be used to further study the prevalence of different conspiracy narratives. To this end we qualitatively analyze the tweets, discussing the structure of conspiracy narratives that are frequently found in the dataset. Furthermore, we illustrate the interconnection between the conspiracy categories as well as the keywords.
Thermochemical recycling of waste disposable facemasks in a non-electrically powered system
Authors: Iwuozor Kingsley O. , Emenike Ebuka Chizitere , Stephen Agbana Abiodun , Kevin Otoikhian Shegun , Adeleke Joy , Adeniyi Adewale George
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic encouraged the use of plastic-based personal protective equipment (PPE), which aided greatly in its management. However, the increased production and usage of these PPEs put a strain on the environment, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. This has led various researchers to study low-cost and effective technologies for the recycling of these materials. One such material is disposable facemasks. However, previous studies have only been able to engage electrically powered reactors for their thermochemical conversion, which is a challenge as these reactors cannot be used in regions with an insufficient supply of electricity. In this study, the authors utilized a biomass-powered reactor for the conversion of waste disposable facemasks and almond leaves into hybrid biochar. The reactor, which is relatively cheap, simple to use, environmentally friendly, and modified for biochar production, is biomass-powered. The co-carbonization process, which lasted 100 min, produced a 46% biochar yield, which is higher than previously obtained biochar yields by other researchers. The biochar thus obtained was characterized to determine its properties. FTIR analysis showed that the biochar contained functional groups such as alkenes, alkynes, hydroxyls, amines, and carbonyls. The EDX analysis revealed that the biochar was primarily made of carbon, tellurium, oxygen, and calcium in the ratios of 57%, 19%, 9%, and 7%, respectively. The inclusion of the facemask decreased the surface area and porosity of the biochar material, as evidenced by its surface area and pore characteristics.
A 3‐D Shape Reconstruction Strategy for Small Solar System Bodies With Single Flyby Spaceborne Radar
Authors: Hu Chaoran , Wei Mingchuan , Huang Jiahe , Zhao Yuhao , Cao Xibin
Published: April 2023

This article presents a novel 3‐D shape reconstruction strategy for small solar system bodies using spaceborne radar which is applied in flyby trajectories to characterize multiple targets in one mission to save time and cost. In this study, we establish a measurement geometry for rapidly spinning small solar system bodies that combines the motion properties of synthetic aperture radar and circular synthetic aperture radar techniques. We also propose a modified imaging algorithm, which is processed using Cardano's formula and the modified polar format algorithm, to improve the imaging quality. Finally, we present simulated results of point‐scattering and 3D shape models. Our analysis shows that the shape reconstruction errors of the algorithm are less than 1.5 m as indicated by the standard deviation.
Changes in Nutrient Concentration Resulting From Floods and Their Impact on the Estuary–Sea Continuum
Authors: Zhou Xiangqian , Ge Jianzhong , Wallhead Philip , Shi Shenyang
Published: April 2023

Evaluating the contribution of rivers to coastal seas in the Earth system and accurately predicting marine environmental responses to climate change are crucial for mitigating and addressing future natural disasters, especially those related to extreme hydrological events, such as fluvial floods. The Changjiang (Yangtze) River Estuary (CRE) and the East China Sea continuum, known for high environmental stress, complex marine dynamic processes, and frequent flood events, were selected to determine the compound impacts of a severe flood that persisted for the whole of July 2017. We conducted three cruise surveys before and after this flood event. Our surveys revealed that the phosphate concentration in the channel of the CRE declined from 2 to <1 μM during the flood, while the nitrate concentration remained stable. We applied a coupled physical‐biogeochemical model to determine the spatio‐temporal influence of floodwater (freshwater from upstream during flood events). During the initial rising discharge stage, surface phytoplankton blooms triggered by enhanced stratification consumed phosphate and significantly increased the N:P ratio in the sea. The ratio was restored as the blooms diminished, but remained elevated due to lower phosphate floodwater in the northeastward area within the low‐salinity river plume. Model experiments also showed that phytoplankton biomass and N:P ratio in the flood plume region were sensitive to the riverine phosphate concentration inputs during the flood event.
Super-resolution orbital angular momentum holography
Authors: Shi Zijian , Wan Zhensong , Zhan Ziyu , Liu Kaige , Liu Qiang , Fu Xing
Published: April 2023

Computer-generated holograms are crucial for a wide range of applications such as 3D displays, information encryption, data storage, and opto-electronic computing. Orbital angular momentum (OAM), as a new degree of freedom with infinite orthogonal states, has been employed to expand the hologram bandwidth. However, in order to reduce strong multiplexing crosstalk, OAM holography suffers from a fundamental sampling criterion that the image sampling distance should be no less than the diameter of largest addressable OAM mode, which severely hinders the increase in resolution and capacity. Here we establish a comprehensive model on multiplexing crosstalk in OAM holography, propose a pseudo incoherent approach that is almost crosstalk-free, and demonstrate an analogous coherent solution by temporal multiplexing, which dramatically eliminates the crosstalk and largely relaxes the constraint upon sampling condition of OAM holography, exhibiting a remarkable resolution enhancement by several times, far beyond the conventional resolution limit of OAM holography, as well as a large scaling of OAM multiplexing capacity at fixed resolution. Our method enables OAM-multiplexed holographic reconstruction with high quality, high resolution, and high capacity, offering an efficient and practical route towards the future high-performance holographic systems.
Elevated urine BMP phospholipids in LRRK2 and VPS35 mutation carriers with and without Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gomes Sara , Garrido Alicia , Tonelli Francesca , Obiang Donina , Tolosa Eduardo , Martí Maria José , Ruiz-Martínez Javier , Vinagre-Aragón Ana , Hernandez-Eguiazu Haizea , Croitoru Ioana , Marshall Vicky L. , Koenig Theresa , Hotzy Christoph , Hsieh Frank , Sakalosh Marianna , Tengstrand Elizabeth , Padmanabhan Shalini , Merchant Kalpana , Bruecke Christof , Pirker Walter , Zimprich Alexander , Sammler Esther
Published: April 2023

Elevated urine bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate (BMP) levels have been found in gain-of-kinase function LRRK2 G2019S mutation carriers. Here, we have expanded urine BMP analysis to other Parkinson’s disease (PD) associated mutations and found them to be consistently elevated in carriers of LRRK2 G2019S and R1441G/C as well as VPS35 D620N mutations. Urine BMP levels are promising biomarkers for patient stratification and potentially target engagement in clinical trials of emerging targeted PD therapies.
Artificial intelligence in communication impacts language and social relationships
Authors: Hohenstein Jess , Kizilcec Rene F. , DiFranzo Dominic , Aghajari Zhila , Mieczkowski Hannah , Levy Karen , Naaman Mor , Hancock Jeffrey , Jung Malte F.
Published: April 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already widely used in daily communication, but despite concerns about AI’s negative effects on society the social consequences of using it to communicate remain largely unexplored. We investigate the social consequences of one of the most pervasive AI applications, algorithmic response suggestions (“smart replies”), which are used to send billions of messages each day. Two randomized experiments provide evidence that these types of algorithmic recommender systems change how people interact with and perceive one another in both pro-social and anti-social ways. We find that using algorithmic responses changes language and social relationships. More specifically, it increases communication speed, use of positive emotional language, and conversation partners evaluate each other as closer and more cooperative. However, consistent with common assumptions about the adverse effects of AI, people are evaluated more negatively if they are suspected to be using algorithmic responses. Thus, even though AI can increase the speed of communication and improve interpersonal perceptions, the prevailing anti-social connotations of AI undermine these potential benefits if used overtly.
L-cysteine/MoS2 modified robust surface plasmon resonance optical fiber sensor for sensing of Ferritin and IgG
Authors: Thawany Priyanka , Khanna Ashima , Tiwari Umesh K. , Deep Akash
Published: April 2023

L-cysteine conjugated molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) nanosheets have been covalently attached to a gold coated surface plasmon resonance (SPR) optical fiber to prepare a robust and stable sensor. Owing to the multifunctionality of the deposited nanosheet conjugate, the antibodies are also covalently conjugated in the subsequent step to realize the design of a SPR optical fiber biosensor for the two important bioanalytes namely, Ferritin and Immunoglobin G (IgG). The different stages of the biosensor preparation have been characterized and verified with microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. A uniform and stable deposition of the L-cysteine/MoS2 nanosheets has allowed the biosensor to be reused for multiple times. Unlike the peeling-off of the MoS2 coatings from the gold layer reported previously in the case of physically adsorbed nanomaterial, the herein adopted strategy addresses this critical concern. It has also been possible to use the single SPR fiber for both Ferritin and IgG bioassay experiments by regenerating the sensor and immobilizing two different antibodies in separate steps. For ferritin, the biosensor has delivered a linear sensor response (SPR wavelength shifts) in the concentration range of 50–400 ng/mL, while IgG has been successfully sensed from 50 to 250 µg/mL. The limit of detection for Ferritin and IgG analysis have been estimated to be 12 ng/mL and 7.2 µg/mL, respectively. The biosensors have also been verified for their specificity for the targeted molecule only. A uniform and stable deposition of the nanomaterial conjugate, reproducibility, regeneration capacity, a good sensitivity, and the specificity can be highlighted as some of key features of the L-cysteine/MoS2 optical fiber biosensor. The system can be advocated as a useful biosensor setup for the sensitive biosensing of Ferritin and IgG.
Utilization of the GOAL questionnaire as a standardized screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Xing Yanqing , Zhang Zhenxia , Yin Jiansheng , Liu Yi , Shuai Ziwei , Liu Zhihong , Tian Xinrui , Ren Shouan
Published: April 2023

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the application value of the GOAL questionnaire in screening obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to compare it with the other three questionnaires in sleep clinics. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 436 patients who had undergone nocturnal polysomnography in the sleep unit of the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University between September 2021 and May 2022, and all patients completed the four questionnaires (GOAL questionnaire, STOP-Bang questionnaire, NoSAS score and No-Apnea score) truthfully, and the patients were divided into 3 groups: AHI ≥ 5 events/h group, AHI ≥ 15 events/h group and AHI ≥ 30 events/h group. The predictive effect of the questionnaire on different AHI cut-off values was calculated, and performance of four questionnaires was assessed by the discriminatory ability. This study ultimately included 410 patients, and there were statistically significant differences in gender, age, BMI, neck circumference, clinical symptoms, hypertension, diabetes, AHI, and minimum oxygen saturation between OSA and non-OSA groups (P < 0.05). The AUC for No-Apnea score was 0.79, the AUC for STOP-Bang questionnaire was 0.86, the AUC for NoSAS score was 0.81, and the AUC for GOAL questionnaire was 0.77. These four questionnaires were effective in screening OSA when AHI ≥ 15 events/h. Similar to No-Apnea score, STOP-Bang score and NoSAS score, GOAL questionnaire has a good predictive value for OSA, which is a questionnaire suitable for primary health-care centers and clinics.
Revealing the static and dynamic nanomechanical properties of diatom frustules—Nature's glass lace
Authors: Cvjetinovic Julijana , Luchkin Sergey Yu. , Statnik Eugene S. , Davidovich Nickolai A. , Somov Pavel A. , Salimon Alexey I. , Korsunsky Alexander M. , Gorin Dmitry A.
Published: April 2023

Diatoms are single cell microalgae enclosed in silica exoskeletons (frustules) that provide inspiration for advanced hybrid nanostructure designs mimicking multi-scale porosity to achieve outstanding mechanical and optical properties. Interrogating the structure and properties of diatoms down to nanometer scale leads to breakthrough advances reported here in the nanomechanical characterization of Coscinodiscus oculus-iridis diatom pure silica frustules, as well as of air-dried and wet cells with organic content. Static and dynamic mode Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and in-SEM nanoindentation revealed the peculiarities of diatom response with separate contributions from material nanoscale behavior and membrane deformation of the entire valve. Significant differences in the nanomechanical properties of the different frustule layers were observed. Furthermore, the deformation response depends strongly on silica hydration and on the support from the internal organic content. The cyclic loading revealed that the average compliance of the silica frustule is 0.019 m/N and increases with increasing number of cycles. The structure–mechanical properties relationship has a direct impact on the vibrational properties of the frustule as a complex micrometer-sized mechanical system. Lessons from Nature’s nanostructuring of diatoms open up pathways to new generations of nano- and microdevices for electronic, electromechanical, photonic, liquid, energy storage, and other applications.
Effect of characteristics on the clinical course at the initiation of treatment for human immunodeficiency virus infection using dimensionality reduction
Authors: Choi Yunsu , Choi Bo Youl , Kim Sang Il , Choi Jungsoon , Kim Jieun , Park Bo Young , Kim Soo Min , Kim Shin-Woo , Choi Jun Yong , Song Joon Young , Kim Youn Jeong , Kim Hyo Youl , Lee Jin-Soo , Kim Jung Ho , Jun Yoon Hee , Lee Myungsun , Seong Jaehyun
Published: April 2023

The beginning of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection treatment depends on various factors, which are significantly correlated with the initial CD4 cell number. However, a covariate correlation between these factors may not reflect the correct outcome variable. Thus, we evaluated the effects of a combination of fixed factors (reduced dimensions), which determine when to start treatment for the first time, on short-term outcome, long-term outcome, and survival, considering correlations between factors. Multiple correspondence analysis was performed on variables obtained from 925 patients who participated in a Korean HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome cohort study (2006–2017). Five reduced dimension groups were derived according to clinical data, viral load, CD4 cell count at diagnosis, initial antiretroviral therapy, and others. The dimension group with high initial viral loads (55,000 copies/mL) and low CD4 cell counts (< 200 cells/mm3) should start treatment promptly after diagnosis. Groups with high initial CD4 cell counts (> 350 cells/mm3) that did not require immediate treatment according to previous guidelines had a higher failure rate for long-term relative CD4 recovery. Our results highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to positively influence long-term disease outcomes, even if the initial immune status is poor, given the patient’s combination of early diagnostic symptoms.
The relationship between homoarginine and liver biomarkers: a combination of epidemiological and clinical studies
Authors: Aghdassi Ali , Schwedhelm Edzard , Atzler Dorothee , Nauck Matthias , Kühn Jens-Peter , Kromrey Marie-Luise , Völzke Henry , Felix Stephan B. , Dörr Marcus , Ittermann Till , Bahls Martin
Published: April 2023

Homoarginine (hArg) is a non-essential cationic amino acid which inhibits hepatic alkaline phosphatases to exert inhibitory effects on bile secretion by targeting intrahepatic biliary epithelium. We analyzed (1) the relationship between hArg and liver biomarkers in two large population-based studies and (2) the impact of hArg supplementation on liver biomarkers. We assessed the relationship between alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatases (AP), albumin, total bilirubin, cholinesterase, Quick’s value, liver fat, and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) and hArg in appropriately adjusted linear regression models. We analyzed the effect of L-hArg supplemention (125 mg L-hArg daily for 4 weeks) on these liver biomarkers. We included 7638 individuals (men: 3705; premenopausal women: 1866, postmenopausal women: 2067). We found positive associations for hArg and ALT (β 0.38 µkatal/L 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29; 0.48), AST (β 0.29 µkatal/L 95% CI 0.17; 0.41), GGT (β 0.033 µkatal/L 95% CI 0.014; 0.053), Fib-4 score (β 0.08 95% CI 0.03; 0.13), liver fat content (β 0.016% 95% CI 0.006; 0.026), albumin (β 0.030 g/L 95% CI 0.019; 0.040), and cholinesterase (β 0.003 µkatal/L 95% CI 0.002; 0.004) in males. In premenopausal women hArg was positively related with liver fat content (β 0.047% 95%CI 0.013; 0.080) and inversely with albumin (β − 0.057 g/L 95% CI − 0.073; − 0.041). In postmenopausal women hARG was positively associated with AST (β 0.26 µkatal/L 95% CI 0.11; 0.42). hArg supplementation did not affect liver biomarkers. We summarize that hArg may be a marker of liver dysfunction and should be explored further.
Evaluation of plasma levels of NFL, GFAP, UCHL1 and tau as Parkinson's disease biomarkers using multiplexed single molecule counting
Authors: Youssef Priscilla , Hughes Laura , Kim Woojin S. , Halliday Glenda M. , Lewis Simon J. G. , Cooper Antony , Dzamko Nicolas
Published: April 2023

Objective biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) could aid early and specific diagnosis, effective monitoring of disease progression, and improved design and interpretation of clinical trials. Although alpha-synuclein remains a biomarker candidate of interest, the multifactorial and heterogenous nature of PD highlights the need for a PD biomarker panel. Ideal biomarker candidates include markers that are detectable in easily accessible samples, (ideally blood) and that reflect the underlying pathological process of PD. In the present study, we explored the diagnostic and prognostic PD biomarker potential of the SIMOA neurology 4-plex-A biomarker panel, which included neurofilament light (NFL), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), tau and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL-1). We initially performed a serum vs plasma comparative study to determine the most suitable blood-based matrix for the measurement of these proteins in a multiplexed assay. The levels of NFL and GFAP in plasma and serum were highly correlated (Spearman rho-0.923, p < 0.0001 and rho = 0.825, p < 0.001 respectively). In contrast, the levels of tau were significantly higher in plasma compared to serum samples (p < 0.0001) with no correlation between sample type (Spearman p > 0.05). The neurology 4-plex-A panel, along with plasma alpha-synuclein was then assessed in a cross-sectional cohort of 29 PD patients and 30 controls. Plasma NFL levels positively correlated with both GFAP and alpha-synuclein levels (rho = 0.721, p < 0.0001 and rho = 0.390, p < 0.05 respectively). As diagnostic biomarkers, the control and PD groups did not differ in their mean NFL, GFAP, tau or UCHL-1 plasma levels (t test p > 0.05). As disease state biomarkers, motor severity (MDS-UPDRS III) correlated with increased NFL (rho = 0.646, p < 0.0001), GFAP (rho = 0.450, p < 0.05) and alpha-synuclein levels (rho = 0.406, p < 0.05), while motor stage (Hoehn and Yahr) correlated with increased NFL (rho = 0.455, p < 0.05) and GFAP (rho = 0.549, p < 0.01) but not alpha-synuclein levels (p > 0.05). In conclusion, plasma was determined to be most suitable blood-based matrix for multiplexing the neurology 4-plex-A panel. Given their correlation with motor features of PD, NFL and GFAP appear to be promising disease state biomarker candidates and further longitudinal validation of these two proteins as blood-based biomarkers for PD progression is warranted.
The participation of tumor residing pericytes in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: do Valle Isabella Bittencourt , Oliveira Sicília Rezende , da Silva Janine Mayra , Peterle Gabriela Tonini , Có Anna Clara Gregório , Sousa-Neto Sebastião Silvério , Mendonça Elismauro Francisco , de Arruda José Alcides Almeida , Gomes Natália Aparecida , da Silva Gabriel , Leopoldino Andréia Machado , Macari Soraia , Birbrair Alexander , von Zeidler Sandra Ventorin , Diniz Ivana Márcia Alves , Silva Tarcília Aparecida
Published: April 2023

Pericytes are perivascular cells related to vessel structure and angiogenesis that can interact with neoplastic cells, interfering with cancer progression and outcomes. This study focused on the characterization of pericytes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using clinical samples and a transgenic mouse model of oral carcinogenesis. Nestin-/NG2+ (type-1) and nestin+/NG2+ (type-2) pericytes were analyzed by direct fluorescence after induction of oral carcinogenesis (4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide). Gene expression of neuron glial antigen-2 (NG2), platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-β), and cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) was examined in human OSCC tissues. The protein expression of von Willebrand factor and NG2 was assessed in oral leukoplakia (i.e., oral potentially malignant disorders) and OSCC samples. Additionally, clinicopathological aspects and survival data were correlated and validated by bioinformatics using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Induction of carcinogenesis in mice produced an increase in both NG2+ pericyte subsets. In human OSCC, advanced-stage tumors showed a significant reduction in CD31 mRNA and von Willebrand factor-positive vessels. Low PDGFR-β expression was related to a shorter disease-free survival time, while NG2 mRNA overexpression was associated with a reduction in overall survival, consistent with the TCGA data. Herein, oral carcinogenesis resulted in an increase in NG2+ pericytes, which negatively affected survival outcomes.
Treating SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection by molnupiravir for pandemic mitigation and living with the virus: a mathematical modeling study
Authors: Zheng Qinyue , Bao Chunbing , Ji Yunpeng , Li Pengfei , Ma Zhongren , Wang Xinwei , Meng Qingchun , Pan Qiuwei
Published: April 2023

Treating severe COVID-19 patients and controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 are concurrently important in mitigating the pandemic. Classically, antiviral drugs are primarily developed for treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients with severe diseases to reduce morbidity and/or mortality, which have limited effects on limiting pandemic spread. In this study, we simulated the expanded applications of oral antiviral drugs such as molnupiravir to mitigate the pandemic by treating nonhospitalized COVID-19 cases. We developed a compartmental mathematical model to simulate the effects of molnupiravir treatment assuming various scenarios in the Omicron variant dominated settings in Denmark, the United Kingdom and Germany. We found that treating nonhospitalized cases can limit Omicron spread. This indirectly reduces the burden of hospitalization and patient death. The effectiveness of this approach depends on the intrinsic nature of the antiviral drug and the strategies of implementation. Hypothetically, if resuming pre-pandemic social contact pattern, extensive application of molnupiravir treatment would dramatically (but not completely) mitigate the COVID-19 burden, and thus there remains lifetime cost of living with the virus.
Risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19 during 2020; a retrospective cross-sectional study in a Swedish health care system
Authors: Wretborn Jens , Jörg Matthias , Benjaminsson Nyberg Patrik , Wilhelms Daniel B.
Published: April 2023

To establish the impact of COVID-19 on the pre-test probability for VTE in patients with suspected VTE. This was a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study of patients 18 years and older undergoing diagnostic tests for VTE in an integrated healthcare system covering a population of 465,000 during the calendar year of 2020. We adjusted for risk factors such as age, sex, previous VTE, ongoing anticoagulant treatment, malignancy, Charlson score, ward care, ICU care and wave of COVID-19. In total, 303 of 5041 patients had a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 around the time of investigation. The prevalence of VTE in COVID-positive patients was 10.2% (36/354), 14.7% (473/3219) in COVID-19 negative patients, and 15.6% (399/2589) in patients without a COVID-19 test. A COVID-positive status was not associated with an increased risk for VTE (crude odds ratio 0.64, 95% CI 0.45–0.91, adjusted odds ratio 0.46, 95%CI 0.19–1.16). We found no increased VTE risk in COVID-positive patients. This indicates that COVID-19 status should not influence VTE workup.

The study was pre-registered on May 26, 2020 at ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier NCT04400877.
Permafrost preservation reveals proteomic evidence for yak milk consumption in the 13th century
Authors: Ventresca Miller Alicia R. , Wilkin Shevan , Bayarsaikhan Jamsranjav , Ramsøe Abigail , Clark Julia , Byambadorj Batsuren , Vanderwarf Sandra , Vanwezer Nils , Haruda Ashleigh , Fernandes Ricardo , Miller Bryan , Boivin Nicole
Published: April 2023

Domesticated yaks endure as iconic symbols of high-altitude frozen landscapes, where herding communities depend on their high-fat milk, transport, dung, and natural fibers. While there is established proteomic evidence for ancient consumption of ruminant and horse milk in the mountains and steppes of northern Eurasia, yak dairy products have yet to be detected. Yak domestication and the species’ dispersal from Tibet into the mountainous zones to the north are also poorly resolved due to a paucity of zooarchaeological data. To examine the potential of paleoproteomics to shed light on domesticated yak in Mongolia, we analyzed human dental calculus from Mongol era elite individuals recovered from permafrost burials in Khovsgol province, where people continue to herd yak to this day. We report the first evidence for yak dairy consumption, linked to local resource control. In addition, we confirm a large diversity of recovered whey, curd, tissue, and blood proteins, likely reflecting the excellent preservation conditions found at permafrost sites.
Selective sorption of oxygen and nitrous oxide by an electron donor-incorporated flexible coordination network
Authors: Shivanna Mohana , Zheng Jia-Jia , Ray Keith G. , lto Sho , Ashitani Hirotaka , Kubota Yoshiki , Kawaguchi Shogo , Stavila Vitalie , Yao Ming-Shui , Fujikawa Takao , Otake Ken-ichi , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: April 2023

Incorporating strong electron donor functionality into flexible coordination networks is intriguing for sorption applications due to a built-in mechanism for electron-withdrawing guests. Here we report a 2D flexible porous coordination network, [Ni2(4,4′-bipyridine)(VTTF)2]n(1) (where H2VTTF = 2,2′-[1,2-bis(4-benzoic acid)-1,2ethanediylidene]bis-1,3-benzodithiole), which exhibits large structural deformation from the as-synthesized or open phase (1α) into the closed phase (1β) after guest removal, as demonstrated by X-ray and electron diffraction. Interestingly, upon exposure to electron-withdrawing species, 1β reversibly undergoes guest accommodation transitions; 1α⊃O2 (90 K) and 1α⊃N2O (185 K). Moreover, the 1β phase showed exclusive O2 sorption over other gases (N2, Ar, and CO) at 120 K. The phase transformations between the 1α and 1β phases under these gases were carefully investigated by in-situ X-ray diffraction, in-situ spectroscopic studies, and DFT calculations, validating that the unusual sorption was attributed to the combination of flexible frameworks and VTTF (electron-donor) that induces strong interactions with electron-withdrawing species.
Pregnancy-specific responses to COVID-19 revealed by high-throughput proteomics of human plasma
Authors: Gomez-Lopez Nardhy , Romero Roberto , Escobar María Fernanda , Carvajal Javier Andres , Echavarria Maria Paula , Albornoz Ludwig L. , Nasner Daniela , Miller Derek , Gallo Dahiana M. , Galaz Jose , Arenas-Hernandez Marcia , Bhatti Gaurav , Done Bogdan , Zambrano Maria Andrea , Ramos Isabella , Fernandez Paula Andrea , Posada Leandro , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Jung Eunjung , Garcia-Flores Valeria , Suksai Manaphat , Gotsch Francesca , Bosco Mariachiara , Than Nandor Gabor , Tarca Adi L.
Published: April 2023

Background

Pregnant women are at greater risk of adverse outcomes, including mortality, as well as obstetrical complications resulting from COVID-19. However, pregnancy-specific changes that underlie such worsened outcomes remain unclear.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from pregnant women and non-pregnant individuals (male and female) with (n = 72 pregnant, 52 non-pregnant) and without (n = 29 pregnant, 41 non-pregnant) COVID-19. COVID-19 patients were grouped as asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, or critically ill according to NIH classifications. Proteomic profiling of 7,288 analytes corresponding to 6,596 unique protein targets was performed using the SOMAmer platform.

Results

Herein, we profile the plasma proteome of pregnant and non-pregnant COVID-19 patients and controls and show alterations that display a dose-response relationship with disease severity; yet, such proteomic perturbations are dampened during pregnancy. In both pregnant and non-pregnant state, the proteome response induced by COVID-19 shows enrichment of mediators implicated in cytokine storm, endothelial dysfunction, and angiogenesis. Shared and pregnancy-specific proteomic changes are identified: pregnant women display a tailored response that may protect the conceptus from heightened inflammation, while non-pregnant individuals display a stronger response to repel infection. Furthermore, the plasma proteome can accurately identify COVID-19 patients, even when asymptomatic or with mild symptoms.

Conclusion

This study represents the most comprehensive characterization of the plasma proteome of pregnant and non-pregnant COVID-19 patients. Our findings emphasize the distinct immune modulation between the non-pregnant and pregnant states, providing insight into the pathogenesis of COVID-19 as well as a potential explanation for the more severe outcomes observed in pregnant women.
Novel sustainable magnetic material to improve the wireless charging of a lightweight drone
Authors: Triviño Alicia , Casaucao Inmaculada , Quirós Juan Carlos , Pérez Paula , Rojas Antonio
Published: April 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles are clear candidates to benefit from wireless power transfer, as it can facilitate their charging process and even allow them to charge autonomously.
A and B site Co-doping of CaMnO3: a route to enhanced heat storage properties
Authors: Mastronardo Emanuela , Qian Xin , Coronado Juan M. , Haile Sossina M.
Published: April 2023

By co-doping CaMnO3 with La and Fe (LaxCa1−xMn1−yFeyO3), it is possible to tailor the material thermodynamics, reduction extent, together with operating temperature range for thermochemical heat storage application.
Synthesis, metal–insulator transition, and photoresponse characteristics of VO2 nanobeams via an oxygen inhibitor-assisted vapor transport method
Authors: Guo Xitao , Hu Yupei , Liu Xin , Zafar Zainab , Zhou Weiping , Liu Xingyu , Feng Lin , Zou Jijun , Nan Haiyan
Published: April 2023

We demonstrate a straightforward and useful technique to control morphology and surface density of the resultant VO2 crystal by changing the O2 flow during the reduction of V2O5 powder, and a growth model related to the inhibition effect of oxygen is also proposed.
Extensive rainfall data analysis: event separation from continuous record, fitting of theoretical distributions, and event-based trend detection
Authors: Essien Aniekan E. , Guo Yiping , Dickson-Anderson Sarah E.
Published: April 2023

This paper established that taking effective and sustainable actions against the impacts of climate change on the environment, especially at the regional scale, requires a good understanding of climate data, their distributions, and trends.
TiO2/porous carbon as a new nanocomposite and catalyst for the preparation of 4H-pyrimido[2,1-b]benzimidazoles
Authors: Jalilian Zahra , Moosavi-Zare Ahmad Reza , Ghadermazi Mohammad , Goudarziafshar Hamid
Published: April 2023

A nano TiO2/porous carbon nanocomposite (TiO2/PCN) was designed by the pyrolysis of peanut shells as bio waste with nano titanium dioxide and was successfully tested as a catalyst for the preparation of some 4H-pyrimido[2,1-b]benzimidazoles.
Study on the photocatalytic properties differences between the 1-D and 3-D W18O49 particles
Authors: Wang Juan , Wang Zhaoxiang , Gao Jichao , Ye Jin
Published: April 2023

Comprehensive characterization and control experiments were used to deeply explore the intrinsic relationship between the morphology and photocatalytic properties of W18O49 catalysts.
A nucleic acid-based magnetic potentiometric aptasensing platform for indirect detection of prostate-specific antigen with catalytic hairpin assembly
Authors: Tian Shuo , Huang Lingting , Gao Yuan , Yu Zhichao , Tang Dianping
Published: April 2023

A new nucleic acid-based magnetic potentiometric aptasensing platform was designed for in situ amplified measurement of prostate-specific antigen with the catalytic hairpin assembly.
Cellulose nanofiber-reinforced solid polymer electrolytes with high ionic conductivity for lithium batteries
Authors: Prado-Martínez Cristina , Sutton Preston , Mombrini Isabella , Kamtsikakis Aristotelis , Meesorn Worarin , Weder Christoph , Steiner Ullrich , Gunkel Ilja
Published: April 2023

The composite solid polymer electrolyte (SPE), a soft copolymer reinforced with cellulose nanofibers, provides both high ionic conductivity and stiffness to suppress dendrite growth, thereby enabling high-energy-density lithium metal batteries.
Targeting the imperfections at the ZnO/CsPbI2Br interface for low-temperature carbon-based perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Zhang Dan , Guo Tonghui , Zou Junjie , Jin Junjun , Zheng Chunqiu , Zhou Yuan , Zhu Zhenkun , Hu Zhao , Cao Qiang , Wu Sujuan , Zhang Jing , Tai Qidong
Published: April 2023

In this work, cesium salts with functional anions of acetate (Ac−), fluoride (F−) and trifluoroacetate (TFA−) are explored to modulate the deposition of ZnO films in low-temperature carbon-based CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells.
Novel palladium-based nanomaterials for multifunctional ORR/OER/HER electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Hangxuan , Li Ge
Published: April 2023

This review covers recent advances in novel palladium-based nanomaterials for multifunctional ORR/OER/HER electrocatalysis. Challenges are critically evaluated and strategies to solve current problems are summarized.
A near-infrared fluorescent probe based on a hemi-cyanine skeleton for detecting CES1 activity and evaluating pesticide toxicity
Authors: Zhao Xin , Tian Manman , Wang Yan , Yang Fangyu , Liang Guobiao , Tian Xiangge , Feng Lei , Cui Jingnan
Published: April 2023

A novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe CHC-CES1 based on a hemi-cyanine skeleton for detecting carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) activity was developed and applied for the evaluation of pesticide toxicity.
Next-generation materials for RNA–lipid nanoparticles: lyophilization and targeted transfection
Authors: Wang Ting , Sung Tzu-Cheng , Yu Tao , Lin Hui-Yu , Chen Yen-Hung , Zhu Zhe-Wei , Gong Jian , Pan Jiandong , Higuchi Akon
Published: April 2023

Targeted therapy using sophisticated RNA-LNPs designed to target specific tissues and organs where LNPs expressing specific peptides, aptamer or LNPs composed of specific lipids.
Ultrafast self-powered CsPbCl3ultraviolet photodetectors with choline chloride for surface passivation and charge transport regulation
Authors: Jiang Shulan , Hou Zeliang , Zheng Xin , Wu Qian , Yang Xiaoqi , Cai Wuqiong , Yi Ying , Cheng Siyi , Wen Guojun , Liu Xingyue
Published: April 2023

ChCl is introduced to passivate the surface and grain boundary defects of CsPbCl3films for their application in high-performance UV detection and an ultrahigh on/off ratio of 3.91 × 105is obtained at 0 V bias.
Microwave-assisted immobilized silver nanowires on arbitrary substrates: an eco-friendly technique for next-generation transparent, flexible and robust electronics
Authors: Khademi Sara , Jalili Kiyumars , Wang Hao , Wu Tianzhun , Song Bing
Published: April 2023

A highly bendable, uniform, conductive, and transparent optoelectronic AgNW-based device is developed using an eco-friendly technique called MW-assisted CYS grafting.
Funktion und Betätigung kombinieren – Betätigungsbasierung in der Handtherapie
Authors: Kranz Florence
Published: April 2023

Therapieknete und funktionelle Übungen sind in der Handtherapie immer noch weit verbreitet. Auf der anderen Seite definiert sich die moderne Ergotherapie insbesondere über ihre Betätigungszentrierung bzw. -basierung. Wie lässt sich dieser Widerspruch auflösen und ein zeitgemäßes Vorgehen in der Handtherapie etablieren? Dieser Frage ist Niklas Schormann in seiner Bachelorarbeit nachgegangen.
Menschen mit Fluchterfahrung kompetent versorgen – Projekt PREP IP: Onlinekurs für Gesundheitsfachkräfte
Authors: Schiller Dr. Sandra
Published: April 2023

Angehörige von Gesundheitsberufen müssen in der Lage sein, Menschen mit Fluchterfahrungen kompetent versorgen zu können. Das Projekt „Persons with Refugee Experience Project – Interprofessional (PREP IP)“ hat das Ziel, einen Onlinekurs zu entwickeln, der die nötigen interprofessionellen Kompetenzen vermittelt.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Pruritus Treated with Plasmapheresis
Authors: Tippins Katharine E. , Shiyanbola Oyewale O. , Rose William Nicholas
Published: April 2023

Evidence regarding the efficacy of plasmapheresis for pruritus due to hepatobiliary disease is sparse. The mechanism of pruritus in this context is poorly understood. Some candidates for the offending agents are bile salts and histamine. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is one such disease and appears to have an autoimmune component. The rationale for plasmapheresis for patients who are refractory to medical therapy has some plausibility because the nonspecific nature of plasmapheresis may significantly decrease one or more of the offending substances in the patient’s plasma. We share our experience of a patient with pruritus due to primary sclerosing cholangitis who benefited from plasmapheresis.
Research on flywheel energy storage control strategy based on active disturbance rejection controller
Authors: Liu Qing , Meng Keqilao , Cui Guimei , Zhang Zhanqiang , Wu Huijuan
Published: April 2023

Based on nonlinear busbar voltage in flywheel energy storage systems and frequent discharge characteristics, in order to improve the dynamic control derived from the analysis of a permanent magnet synchronous motor and its inverter set up model of DC bus and the active disturbance rejection principle and use the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) technique to design the DC bus voltage adaptive controller, the first- and second-order ADRC controllers are compared with the traditional PI controller in MATLAB. In this work, we demonstrate that the voltage controller designed with the first- and second-order ADRCs was superior to a traditional PI in terms of dynamic performance control.
Silent elongation of polyrotaxane and its composites
Authors: Iida Masaki , Ito Tsuyohito , Muneoka Hitoshi , Shimizu Yoshiki , Hakuta Yukiya , Ito Kohzo , Terashima Kazuo
Published: April 2023

Polyrotaxanes (PR) have attracted great interest due to their unique mechanical properties, exhibiting the pulley effect, via their slide-ring topological structure. Flexible and functional composite materials consisting of PR and inorganic particles, particularly those with plasma-surface modifications, have also shown higher toughness, even with large amounts of inorganic particles present. In this study, we verified the effect of neat PR and its composites with graphene nanoplates or carbon nanofibers by measuring acoustic emission (AE). Simultaneous AE and tensile measurements were tested several times for each sample, and AE signals during elongation were acquired. It revealed that the conventional fixed cross-linked elastomer materials showed AE signals in the entire tensile region, while the movable-cross-linked materials of PR showed almost no AE signal counts. This suggests that neat PR had almost no microscopic fracture before final breakage via the pulley effect. PR composites with plasma-surface-modified fillers showed a lower number of AE signals than that with unmodified fillers. This might be due to the surface modification of fillers, which improved filler dispersibility and/or prevented a large drop in the mobility of cross-linking points.
Complex anomalous Hall effect in ferrimagnetic CoxGd100−x (39 ≤ x ≤ 73) alloys
Authors: Tang Wei , Yang Huali , Mo Zhaojun , Xie Yali , Gong Liguang , Li Mengchao , Liu Chenxu , Huang Kai , Pan Lili , Li Run-Wei
Published: April 2023

Rare-earth and transition-metal (RE-TM) alloys have been studied extensively due to their unique optical and magneto-transport properties for advanced magnetic memory devices. Recent studies reveal an extra hump in the anomalous Hall effect in ferrimagnetic CoxGd100−x alloys with x ≈ 78, yet its origin is still ambiguous. In this article, the magnetic properties and Hall effect have been studied in CoxGd100−x alloys with varying Co concentrations in the range of 39 ≤ x ≤ 73. Complex anomalous Hall effect, including temperature-dependent polarity reversal and the appearance of an extra hump, has been found in a certain range of Co concentration. These characteristics were explained by the combined effect of magnetic domain evolution and spin-flop behavior. These results are helpful for understanding the complex transport properties in the RE-TM ferrimagnetic alloys.
Fluorescence quenching determination of tetracyclines based on the synergistic oxidation effect between Fe3O4 nanoparticles and tetracyclines
Authors: Guo Shiqi , Chai Yilin , Wu Yongjun , Guo Hongchao , Yu Fei , Liu Li-e , He Leiliang , Yu Songcheng , Tian Yongmei , Wang Jia , Yang Ruiying , Jian Ningge , Wang Yilin
Published: April 2023

In recent years, tetracyclines (TCs) is a hot research topic. Herein, we report an interesting discovery using the complexation of oxytetracycline and metal ions. In this study, according to the properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) as a nanoenzyme, it can be used to catalyze the oxidation of KI by H2O2 to produce

I

3

−

,

while at the same time

I

3

−

binds to rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) to form a conjoined particle (Rh6G ∼ I3)n, leading to a decrease in the fluorescence intensity of Rh6G. However, in the presence of TCs, Fe3O4 NPs have a synergistic effect with TCs, leading to enhanced catalytic activity, as well as better selectivity compared to the activity of other reducing enzymes. Consequently,the fluorescent signal based on a resonance scattering effect between Rh6G and

I

3

−

is dependent on the concentration of TCs, thus achieving highly facile and robust detection of TCs. The limits of detection (LOD) of the method were 20 nM, 10 nM and 40 nM for oxytetracycline(OTC), tetracycline(TC) and chlortetracycline(CTC), respectively. Most importantly, the method can be successfully applied to the detection of TCs in milk, eggs, and honey. The recoveries of spiked samples ranged from 83.11 to 118.95%. Thus, a stable, hands-on strategy for the detection of TCs is proposed, which has potential applications in the field of food safety and environmental protection.