bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Questioning the Ethics of Assisted Dying for the Mentally Ill
Authors: Craine Patrick
Published: December 2023

Since Canada legalized medical assistance in dying (MAID) in 2016, it has become one of the most permissive regimes in the world for euthanasia and assisted suicide. The number of deaths has risen rapidly and the categories of eligibility continue to expand. The country is poised, as of March 2024, to allow MAID for those whose sole underlying condition is mental illness, generating considerable debate. Advocates of MAID for mental illness often frame it as a question of equal access, but this extension involves considerable complexities not present in other cases. This paper examines psychiatric MAID in the Canadian context, engaging directly with the most pertinent arguments of the practice’s advocates. The paper argues that independent of any prior commitments vis-à-vis the permissibility of MAID per se, there is a clear ethical and legal necessity to oppose extending MAID on the grounds of mental illness if we follow the parameters set up within the Canadian regime. The paper advances three arguments: first, that mental illnesses cannot be deemed irremediable, as required by the Canadian law; second, that we cannot establish with adequate certainty that a mentally ill patient has the decision-making capacity to choose MAID; and third, that allowing psychiatric MAID will have a devastatingimpact on care and support of the mentally ill.
News Items About the Use of Medical Assistance in Dying Raise Concerns About the System in Canada
Authors: Straube Sebastian , Els Charl , Fan Xiangning
Published: December 2023

Several recent news items discuss cases where medical assistance in dying seems to be sought not because the medical situation is beyond hope despite optimal supports, but rather because supports that could theoretically be available are inaccessible in practice or, if accessible, are apparently insufficient. We discuss these developments.
Chronique du cinéma 3 : Tu te souviendras de moi – quand le récit de soi s’étiole
Authors: Plaat-Goasdoue Nathalie , Quintin Jacques
Published: December 2023

Édouard perd la mémoire. Le fil du récit de sa vie se dissout, le laissant confus, livré à une forme de solitude qui, graduellement, le coupe d’un monde dans lequel, on le comprend rapidement, il avait plutôt l’habitude d’occuper l’avant-scène. Intellectuel invité régulièrement à prendre parole dans l’espace public, Édouard, l’historien émérite, est ici confronté à une maladie qui, ironiquement, atteint la mémoire. Lui qui, toute sa vie, a réfléchi sa société en la mettant en lien avec son passé, perd peu à peu la capacité à placer sa propre vie sur le fil d’un récit continu. Comment ses proches composent-ils avec la disparition d’une part identitaire d’Edouard? La maladie n’est-elle que l’inverse de la santé, pour lui, ou aussi, un terreau fertile à une transformation qui le rendrait, paradoxalement, plus vivant, au sens ou le philosophe l’entend, dans son expression “vivant jusqu’à a sa mort”? Que reste-t-il de nous lors que notre récit qu’on se fait de nous-mêmes nous échappe? Analyse du film de 2022 de François Archambault : Tu te souviendras de moi.
Translating Musical Instruments in Fifteenth-Century Valencia
Authors: Sari Simone
Published: December 2023

Religious texts present abundant opportunities for exploration as regards musical terminology, as well as the actual use of instruments. Research has previously focused, mainly, on the presence within these texts of lists bearing witness to the degree of a given set of instruments’ dissemination, though lists represent only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the wealth of musical information brought together in this kind of text. This article analyses a number of quotations referring to musical instruments as found in Catalan vernacular translations of the Bible, and focuses on their presence within two interconnected works, namely, Isabel de Villena’s Vita Christi and Joan Roís de Corella’s Lo cartoixà, the latter being the translation of one of the former’s principal sources. It thus becomes possible to see how different translators and different authors treat the Holy Scripture and how the instruments’ terminology is adapted to different ends.
Весеннее обрядовое печение в календарной обрядности русских среднего Поволжья
Authors: Чернышева Ю.С.
Published: December 2023

The article discusses the peculiarities of ritual baking in the Middle Volga region. The names and symbolic meaning of ritual baking, its place of the calendar cycle, ceremonial and ritual actions performed with bakes are considered. The purpose of this study is to determine the functions of ritual baking in the calendar ritual of the Volga region Russians. The work was carried out on the materials of folklore and ethnographic expeditions of the Institute of Humanitarian Studies of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2004, 2018–2023, expeditions of the Department of Oral Folk Art of Lomonosov Moscow State University in the 1980s. The study showed that the calendar timing of the baking crosses tradition changes throughout the XX century – from the Feast of the Holy Cross to Epiphany. This is due to the consonance of the names, the same symbolism of the holidays and the«falling out» of the Sredokrestie from the national calendar in Soviet times. Ladder baking retains their calendar timing for the Ascension holiday, but by the middle of the XX century they practically cease to exist, as the church holiday got replaced by alternative secular ones – the feast of the first furrow, etc. The tradition of baking «larks» has only survived to the present and is actively in existence, but its original meaning has changed. Christian and agrarian symbolism has been replaced by the motifs ofthe seasonal change.
TÜRK KÜLTÜRÜNDE EV TEMASININ OYA KATOĞLU’NUN RESIMLERINE YANSIMASI
Authors: ÖZTÜTÜNCÜ Sabriye
Published: December 2023

Çağdaş Türk resim sanatının tarihsel süreci boyunca, Orta Asya Türklerinin ve Anadolu toprakları üzerinde yaşayan Türk halklarının sahip oldukları kültürel öğeler ve yöresel yaşam biçimleri, pek çok sanatçının eserlerinde konu edinilmiştir. Naif ressam Oya Katoğlu ise, Türklerin kendine has evlerinden çeşitli görünümlerin yer aldığı, ‘ev temalı’ resimleriyle öne çıkmaktadır. Sanatçı ev unsurunu, Türk halk kültürünün yöresel yaşam değerleriyle birlikte, geleneksel bir toplum yapısı içerisinde yansıtmaya çalışmaktadır. Oya Katoğlu’nun eserlerinde, Türk halkının kültürel değerlerinde var olan geleneksel süsleme değerlerinden çeşitli izler de yer almaktadır. Sanatçının, araştırma konusu kapsamında seçilmiş eserlerinde yer alan ev görünümleri, yöresel ve folklorik değerler yönüyle incelenmiştir. Katoğlu’nun eserlerinin dikkat çekici yönü ise, naif resim anlayışının minyatür resimleri çağrıştıran plastik anlatımına, çağdaş ve özgün bir yorum kazandırmasıdır. Bu çalışmada araştırmanın birincil amacı olarak, Türklere özgü evlerin biçimsel ve kültürel özellikleri ile Oya Katoğlu’nın resimlerine yansımaları araştırılmıştır. Araştırmanın ikincil amacı olarak da ressam Oya Katoğlu’nun, naif resim eğilimi çerisinde resmetmiş olduğu ‘ev temalı’ eserlerinden çeşitli örnekler seçilerek, bu eserler plastik açıdan incelenmiş ve yorumlanmıştır. Ev temasında üretilen bu eserlerin, sanatsal yönleriyle değerlendirildiğinde resim tarihimiz içinde görsel birer kaynak teşkil etmeleri bu eserleri önemli kılmaktadır.
1968-1978 YILLARI YEŞİLÇAM FİLMLERİ ÜZERİNDEN DÖNEMİN GAZİNO MEKÂNLARINA AİT BİR OKUMA
Authors: KILIÇ DEDE Selin , TEPECİK Adnan
Published: December 2023

Eğlence hayatının Türk toplumundaki yansımaları dönemsel olarak farklılıklar göstermiştir. Orta Asya’dan gelen çeşitli eğlence türlerine Osmanlı Döneminde bulunan müzikli türlerin de eklenmesiyle eğlence türleri amacına göre çeşitlenmiştir. Müzikli eğlencelere batılı müzik türlerinin de eklenmesiyle mekânsal olarak farklılıklar ortaya çıkmıştır. Alafranga olarak bilinen batılı müzik, kahvehanelerdeki yerini gazinolara bırakmıştır. Cumhuriyet sonrası dönemde, gazinoya gitmek boş zamanın değerlendirildikleri etkinliklerinden olmuştur. Toplumun bir kesimi, gazinolara giderek assolistlerin performanslarını canlı olarak izleme imkânı bulmuştur. Gazinoların yalnızca İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir gibi belli başlı şehirlerde açılması tüm topluma hitap edemediğinden sinemalar aracı rol üstlenmiştir. Sinemalardaki şarkılı filmlerin üretiliyor olması ile dönemin halkı, sevdiği sanatçıları izleme fırsatı bulmuştur. Bu çalışmada, 1968-1978 yılları arasından seçilen dört film üzerinden araştırma yapılmıştır. Bu filmler, Sonbahar Rüzgârları (1969), Arım Balım Peteğim (1970), Mavi Boncuk (1975) ve Derbeder (1978) olarak belirlenmiştir. Bu filmler üzerinden gazino mekânları incelenerek betimsel analiz yapılmıştır. Bu analiz ile günümüzde yerini başka mekânlara bırakan gazinoların mekânsal okumasının yapılması ve tespit edilmesi önemli kılınmıştır.
A kidney-hypothalamus axis promotes compensatory glucose production in response to glycosuria
Authors: Faniyan Tumininu S , Zhang Xinyi , Morgan Donald A , Robles Jorge , Bathina Siresha , Brookes Paul S , Rahmouni Kamal , Perry Rachel J , Chhabra Kavaljit H
Published: December 2023

The kidneys facilitate energy conservation through reabsorption of nutrients including glucose. Almost all the filtered blood glucose is reabsorbed by the kidneys. Loss of glucose in urine (glycosuria) is offset by an increase in endogenous glucose production to maintain normal energy supply in the body. How the body senses this glucose loss and consequently enhances glucose production is unclear. Using renal Slc2a2 (also known as Glut2) knockout mice, we demonstrate that elevated glycosuria activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which in turn drives endogenous glucose production. This phenotype was attenuated by selective afferent renal denervation, indicating the involvement of the afferent nerves in promoting the compensatory increase in glucose production. In addition, through plasma proteomics analyses we observed that acute phase proteins - which are usually involved in the body’s defense mechanisms against a threat – were the top candidates which were either upregulated or downregulated in renal Slc2a2 KO mice. Overall, afferent renal nerves contribute to promoting endogenous glucose production in response to elevated glycosuria and loss of glucose in urine is sensed as a biological threat in mice. These findings may be useful in improving the efficiency of drugs like SGLT2 inhibitors that are intended to treat hyperglycemia by enhancing glycosuria but are met with a compensatory increase in endogenous glucose production.
Early moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and maternal diet impact offspring DNA methylation across species
Authors: Bestry Mitchell , Larcombe Alexander N , Kresoje Nina , Chivers Emily K , Bakker Chloe , Fitzpatrick James P , Elliott Elizabeth J , Craig Jeffrey M , Muggli Evelyne , Halliday Jane , Hutchinson Delyse , Buckberry Sam , Lister Ryan , Symons Martyn , Martino David
Published: December 2023

Alcohol consumption in pregnancy can affect genome regulation in the developing offspring but results have been contradictory. We employed a physiologically relevant murine model of short-term moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) resembling common patterns of alcohol consumption in pregnancy in humans. Early moderate PAE was sufficient to affect site-specific DNA methylation in newborn pups without altering behavioural outcomes in adult littermates. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of neonatal brain and liver revealed stochastic influence on DNA methylation that was mostly tissue-specific, with some perturbations likely originating as early as gastrulation. DNA methylation differences were enriched in non-coding genomic regions with regulatory potential indicative of broad effects of alcohol on genome regulation. Replication studies in human cohorts with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder suggested some effects were metastable at genes linked to disease-relevant traits including facial morphology, intelligence, educational attainment, autism, and schizophrenia. In our murine model, a maternal diet high in folate and choline protected against some of the damaging effects of early moderate PAE on DNA methylation. Our studies demonstrate that early moderate exposure is sufficient to affect fetal genome regulation even in the absence of overt phenotypic changes and highlight a role for preventative maternal dietary interventions.
Evolutionary rate covariation is a reliable predictor of co-functional interactions but not necessarily physical interactions
Authors: Little Jordan , Chikina Maria , Clark Nathan L
Published: December 2023

Co-functional proteins tend to have rates of evolution that covary over time. This correlation between evolutionary rates can be measured over the branches of a phylogenetic tree through methods such as evolutionary rate covariation (ERC), and then used to construct gene networks by the identification of proteins with functional interactions. The cause of this correlation has been hypothesized to result from both compensatory coevolution at physical interfaces and nonphysical forces such as shared changes in selective pressure. This study explores whether coevolution due to compensatory mutations has a measurable effect on the ERC signal. We examined the difference in ERC signal between physically interacting protein domains within complexes compared to domains of the same proteins that do not physically interact. We found no generalizable relationship between physical interaction and high ERC, although a few complexes ranked physical interactions higher than nonphysical interactions. Therefore, we conclude that coevolution due to physical interaction is weak, but present in the signal captured by ERC, and we hypothesize that the stronger signal instead comes from selective pressures on the protein as a whole and maintenance of the general function.
Changes of the gut microbiota composition and short chain fatty acid in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Chen Lingzhi , Chen Jinxin , Huang Yuheng , Wu Yanran , Li Junfeng , Ni Weicheng , Lu Yucheng , Li Zhenzhen , Zhao Chuhuan , Kong Shuting , Zhou Hao , Qu Xiang
Published: December 2023

Background

With the establishment of the cardiac-gut axis concept, increasing evidence has suggested the involvement and important regulatory role of the gut microbiota (GM) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) in cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between GM and atrial fibrillation (AF) is still poorly understood.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there were differences in GM and SCFA between AF patients and healthy controls.

Methods

In this study, we enrolled 30 hospitalized patients with AF and 30 matched patients with sinus rhythm (SR). GM species in fecal samples were evaluated through amplicon sequencing targeting the 16Sribosomal RNA gene. The feces SCFAs were describe step by step the quantitative analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GM species richness, diversity, differential abundance of individual taxa between AF and SR were analyzed.

Results

AF patients showed decreased species richness and α-diversity compared to SR patients, but there was no statistical difference. The phylogenetic diversity was significant decreased in AF group. The β-diversity indexes revealed significant differences in GM community structure between the AF group and the SR group. After investigated the individual taxa, AF group showed altered relative abundance in several taxa compared to the SR group. linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis revealed, a significant decrease in Bifidobacterium and a greater abundance of Lactobacillus, Fusobacterium, Haemophilus in AF group compared with the SR group. The abundance of haemophilus was negative correlated with isovaleric acid and isobutyric acid.

Conclusions

In AF patients, the GM phylogenetic diversity and β-diversity decreased, the relative abundance altered in several taxa and the bacterial community structure changed as well as the SCFA level. GM and SCFA dysbiosis might play a crucial part in the occurrence and development of AF.
Whole-transcriptome analysis reveals mechanisms underlying antibacterial activity and biofilm inhibition by a malic acid combination (MAC) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Song Kunping , Chen Li , Suo Nanhua , Kong Xinyi , Li Juexi , Wang Tianyu , Song Lanni , Cheng Mengwei , Guo Xindian , Huang Zhenghe , Huang Zichen , Yang Yixin , Tian Xuechen , Choo Siew Woh
Published: December 2023

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly prevalent bacterial species known for its ability to cause various infections and its remarkable adaptability and biofilm-forming capabilities. In earlier work, we conducted research involving the screening of 33 metabolites obtained from a commercial source against two prevalent bacterial strains, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Through screening assays, we discovered a novel malic acid combination (MAC) consisting of malic acid, citric acid, glycine, and hippuric acid, which displayed significant inhibitory effects. However, the precise underlying mechanism and the potential impact of the MAC on bacterial biofilm formation remain unknown and warrant further investigation.

Methods

To determine the antibacterial effectiveness of the MAC against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we conducted minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were employed to observe bacterial morphology and biofilm formation. We further performed a biofilm inhibition assay to assess the effect of the MAC on biofilm formation. Whole-transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were employed to elucidate the antibacterial mechanism of the MAC. Additionally, the expression levels of differentially expressed genes were validated using the real-time PCR approach.

Results

Our findings demonstrated the antibacterial activity of the MAC against P. aeruginosa. SEM analysis revealed that the MAC can induce morphological changes in bacterial cells. The biofilm assay showed that the MAC could reduce biofilm formation. Whole-transcriptome analysis revealed 1093 differentially expressed genes consisting of 659 upregulated genes and 434 downregulated genes, in response to the MAC treatment. Mechanistically, the MAC inhibited P. aeruginosa growth by targeting metabolic processes, secretion system, signal transduction, and cell membrane functions, thereby potentially compromising the survival of this human pathogen. This study provides valuable insights into the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the MAC, a synergistic and cost-effective malic acid combination, which holds promise as a potential therapeutic drug cocktail for treating human infectious diseases in the future.
PER2 regulates odontoblastic differentiation of dental papilla cells in vitro via intracellular ATP content and reactive oxygen species levels
Authors: Ma Haozhen , Sheng Xinyue , Chen Wanting , He Hongwen , Liu Jiawei , He Yifan , Huang Fang
Published: December 2023

Background

Dental papilla cells (DPCs) are one of the key stem cells for tooth development, eventually forming dentin and pulp. Previous studies have reported that PER2 is expressed in a 24-hour oscillatory pattern in DPCs in vitro. In vivo, PER2 is highly expressed in odontoblasts (which are differentiated from DPCs). However, whether PER2 modulates the odontogenic differentiation of DPCs is uncertain. This research was to identify the function of PER2 in the odontogenic differentiation of DPCs and preliminarily explore its mechanisms.

Methods

We monitored the expression of PER2 in DPCs differentiated in vivo. We used PER2 overexpression and knockdown studies to assess the role of PER2 in DPC differentiation and performed intracellular ATP content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays to further investigate the mechanism.

Results

PER2 expression was considerably elevated throughout the odontoblastic differentiation of DPCs in vivo. Overexpressing Per2 boosted levels of odontogenic differentiation markers, such as dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp), dentin matrix protein 1 (Dmp1), and alkaline phosphatase (Alp), and enhanced mineralized nodule formation in DPCs. Conversely, the downregulation of Per2 inhibited the differentiation of DPCs. Additionally, downregulating Per2 further affected intracellular ATP content and ROS levels during DPC differentiation.

Conclusion

Overall, we demonstrated that PER2 positively regulates the odontogenic differentiation of DPCs, and the mechanism may be related to mitochondrial function as shown by intracellular ATP content and ROS levels.
Caesia walalbai A.T.Webb, Birch & R.L.Barrett (Asphodelaceae, Hemerocallidoideae), a new species from south-east Queensland
Authors: Webb Aiden , Birch Joanne , Barrett Russell
Published: December 2023

Caesia walalbai A.T.Webb, Birch & R.L.Barrett (Asphodelaceae, Hemerocallidoideae) is described as a new species endemic to south-east Queensland, Australia. It is distinguished from other white-flowered, eastern Australian Caesia species by long, often recurved pedicels and entirely yellow staminal filaments. Caesia walalbai is notable for having 23 observations on the citizen science platform iNaturalist, all made in the last three years, while a similar number of herbarium specimens have been collected, the first in 1959. The species was also collected on the Carnarvon Station Reserve BushBlitz in 2014. A new description of Caesia parviflora R.Br. is provided based on specimens collected in the Sydney region of New South Wales, the type location for the species.
Promoting Inclusive Accounting Education through the Integration of Stem Principles for a Diverse Classroom
Authors: Adebiyi Olubukola Omolara , Olabanji Samuel Oladiipo , Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji
Published: December 2023

In recent times, accounting education has explored many innovative approaches to address the collective needs of students. Integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) principles in accounting education promises an increased potential for technology-driven solutions, enhanced learning strategies, and inclusivity. This study investigated the effects of integrating STEM principles into accounting education. The specific objective was to understand the impact of STEM integration on student engagement, academic performance, diversity, and inclusivity within accounting programs. The study adopts quantitative methods, using surveys to collect primary data from 342 respondents ranging from lecturers, teachers, and students, while Linear regression was used to test the hypotheses. The study revealed a positive relationship between STEM integration and student academic performance and engagement. Results also showed that integrating STEM principles into accounting education positively impacted inclusivity and attracted a diverse classroom. The study recommends that accounting education policymakers develop a curriculum that aptly incorporates STEM concepts into accounting courses that would appeal to students from diverse backgrounds; and the accounting faculty of tertiary institutions should play a vital role in STEM integration and inclusivity by undertaking training sessions on STEM-related skills, inclusive teaching methods, and cultural sensitivity.
The Unsuccessful Effort to Revise the Uniform Determination of Death Act
Authors: Truog Robert D. , Magnus David C.
Published: December 2023

This Viewpoint summarizes the major issues that led to the decision to draft a revision of the Uniform Determination of Death Act, the alternatives that were considered, why there was failure to reach consensus, and what this means for the future.
Nature-Based Interventions for Autistic Children
Authors: Fan Myrian Sze Nga , Li William Ho Cheung , Ho Laurie Long Kwan , Phiri Lophina , Choi Kai Chow
Published: December 2023

Importance

There is a gap in the evidence regarding nature-based interventions (NBIs) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Objective

To systematically review and meta-analyze available evidence on the health-related outcomes in NBIs for children with ASD.

Data Sources

The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane, Embase, Emcare, Education Resources Information Center, Global Health, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched from inception until May 2023. Google Scholar and references from included studies were searched for additional studies.

Study Selection

Included studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs), controlled studies, and single-group before-and-after studies that reported health-related outcomes.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to synthesize the data. The findings of studies that were ineligible for meta-analysis were summarized according to the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWIM) reporting guidelines.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcomes of interest were health-related outcomes (ie, social functioning, behavioral functioning, emotional functioning, sensory functioning) and the self-reported well-being of children with ASD.

Results

A total of 24 studies with 717 participants (mean age range, 5.3 to 17.8 years; 141 [21.9%] female) were included. A meta-analysis from 13 studies indicated a significant negative moderate association between NBIs and social communication (standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.59; 95% CI, −0.85 to −0.34). For behavioral functioning outcomes, NBIs showed a significant moderate association with reduced hyperactivity (SMD, −0.56; 95% CI, −0.86 to −0.26) and a small to moderate association with reduced irritability (SMD, −0.49; 95% CI, −0.79 to −0.19). For sensory functioning, NBIs were significantly associated with improved inattention and distractibility (SMD, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.60). Significant moderate associations were observed in sensory seeking (SMD, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.33 to 1.22; P < .001; I2 = 0%) and sensory sensitivity (SMD, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.12 to 1.00; P = .01; I2 = 0%). Heterogeneity of the intervention effects was not high, and I2 ranged from 0% to 67%.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggested an association of NBIs in group-based recreational therapy with experiential learning with positive short-term outcomes on sensory, social, and behavioral functioning for children with ASD. Future evidence using robust study design to aid the health and functional trajectories of children with ASD is recommended.
Effectiveness of Aerobic Exercise and Tai Chi Interventions on Sleep Quality in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer
Authors: Takemura Naomi , Cheung Denise Shuk Ting , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Lee Anne Wing Mui , Lam Tai-Chung , Ho James Chung-Man , Kam Tsz Yeung , Chik Jeannie Yin Kwan , Lin Chia-Chin
Published: December 2023

Importance

Sleep disturbances prevalent among patients with advanced lung cancer can aggravate physical and psychological symptoms, contributing to decreased quality of life and survival.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of 2 physical activities of different modalities and intensities, namely aerobic exercise (AE) and tai chi (TC), on subjective sleep quality, physical and psychological outcomes, and survival in patients with advanced lung cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This assessor-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted in 3 public hospitals in Hong Kong between December 19, 2018, and September 7, 2022. A total of 226 patients with advanced lung cancer were recruited and randomized 1:1:1 to AE, TC, or the control group.

Interventions

For 16 weeks, the AE group received two 60-minute supervised group exercise sessions and home-based exercises per month, and the TC group received 60-minute group sessions twice weekly. The control group received physical activity guidelines.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was subjective sleep quality. Secondary outcomes included objective sleep measures, anxiety, depression, fatigue, quality of life, physical function, circadian rhythm, and 1-year survival. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 16 weeks (T1), and 1 year (T2).

Results

The 226 participants had a mean (SD) age of 61.41 (8.73) years, and 122 (54.0%) were female. Compared with the control group, participants in the AE and TC groups showed statistically significant improvements in subjective sleep quality from baseline to T1 (AE: between-group difference, −2.72; 95% CI, −3.97 to −1.46; P < .001; TC: between-group difference, −4.21; 95% CI, −5.48 to −2.94; P < .001) and T2 (AE: between-group difference, −1.75; 95% CI, −3.24 to −0.26; P = .02; TC: between-group difference, −3.95; 95% CI, −5.41 to −2.49; P < .001), psychological distress, physical function, step count, and circadian rhythm. The TC group had a statistically significant greater improvement in sleep than the AE group at T1 (between-group difference, −1.49; 95% CI, −2.77 to −0.22; P = .02) and T2 (between-group difference, −2.20; 95% CI, −3.57 to −0.83; P < .001). Participants in the TC group showed statistically significant improvement in survival compared with the control group.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, AE and TC improved sleep, psychological distress, physical function, and circadian rhythm, with TC demonstrating greater benefits on sleep and survival. Both exercises, but particularly TC, can be incorporated into lung cancer survivorship care.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04119778
The Long Behavioral Tail of the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Cancer Control Perspective
Authors: Klein William M. P. , Dwyer Laura A. , Goddard Katrina A. B.
Published: December 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency on the trajectory of cancer deaths.
Concerning Syfovre Approval for Geographic Atrophy
Authors: Schachar Ira H.
Published: December 2023

This Viewpoint discusses concerns about Syfovre being approved as a treatment to slow the rate of geographic atrophy.
Human mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 functions as a metabolite transporter
Authors: De Leonardis Francesco , Ahmed Amer , Vozza Angelo , Capobianco Loredana , Riley Christopher L. , Barile Simona Nicole , Di Molfetta Daria , Tiziani Stefano , DiGiovanni John , Palmieri Luigi , Dolce Vincenza , Fiermonte Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Since its discovery, a major debate about mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) has been whether its metabolic actions result primarily from mitochondrial inner membrane proton transport, a process that decreases respiratory efficiency and ATP synthesis. However, UCP3 expression and activity are induced by conditions that would seem at odds with inefficient ‘uncoupled’ respiration, including fasting and exercise. Here, we demonstrate that the bacterially expressed human UCP3, reconstituted into liposomes, catalyses a strict exchange of aspartate, malate, sulphate and phosphate. The R282Q mutation abolishes the transport activity of the protein. Although the substrate specificity and inhibitor sensitivity of UCP3 display similarity with that of its close homolog UCP2, the two proteins significantly differ in their transport mode and kinetic constants.
Nonenzymatic RNA replication in a mixture of ‘spent’ nucleotides
Authors: Patki Gauri M. , Rajamani Sudha
Published: December 2023

Nonenzymatic template‐directed replication would have been affected by co‐solutes in a heterogeneous prebiotic soup due to lack of enzymatic machinery. Unlike in contemporary biology, these reactions use chemically activated nucleotides, which undergo rapid hydrolysis forming nucleoside monophosphates (‘spent’ monomers). These co‐solutes cannot extend the primer but continue to base pair with the template, thereby interfering with replication. We, therefore, aimed to understand how a mixture of ‘spent’ ribonucleotides would affect nonenzymatic replication. We observed the inhibition of replication in the mixture, wherein the predominant contribution came from the cognate Watson–Crick monomer, showing potential sequence dependence. Our study highlights how nonenzymatic RNA replication would have been directly affected by co‐solutes, with ramifications for the emergence of functional polymers in an RNA World.
Living Seed Materials Made by Metal–Organic Framework‐Encapsulated Bacillus Subtilis Spore
Authors: Liu Yi , Wu Mengyao , Kang Anqi , Zhang Xiehaoran , Xie Ronghui , Huang Yuanpei , Huang Jiaofang , Chou Lien‐Yang , Zhong Chao
Published: December 2023

Genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) possess significant potential for a wide range of applications; however, their execution in real‐world scenarios, particularly in environments characterized by scarce nutrients and unpredictable conditions, proves daunting. Drawing inspiration from the adaptability of natural seeds, living seed materials that combine a core–shell structure ZIF‐8 and genetically engineered spores are introduced. By genetically modifying the Bacillus subtilis strain to express distinct fluorescent proteins, the visualization of spores within the hollow sphere is facilitated, allowing for differentiation between spore and bacteria states. Importantly, the ZIF‐8 shell exhibits responsiveness to diverse nutrient levels, providing enhanced environmental resistance in comparison to bare spores upon exposure to hypochlorous acid, UV‐C radiation, and even vacuum conditions. Moreover, the potential of living seed materials for living sensors of small molecules is showcased by elucidating that spores can be resuscitated into functional bacteria after release from ZIF‐8 material. This research establishes a novel approach for the general fabrication of Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOF)‐based living spore hybrid materials, offering environmentally controlled release of living materials across a multitude of applications.
Remote‐Controllable Interfacial Electron Tunneling at Heterogeneous Molecular Junctions via Tip‐Induced Optoelectrical Engineering
Authors: Lee Jinhyoung , Kim Eungchul , Cho Jinill , Seok Hyunho , Woo Gunhoo , Yu Dayoung , Jung Gooeun , Hwangbo Hyeon , Na Jinyoung , Im Inseob , Kim Taesung
Published: December 2023

Molecular electronics enables functional electronic behavior via single molecules or molecular self‐assembled monolayers, providing versatile opportunities for hybrid molecular‐scale electronic devices. Although various molecular junction structures are constructed to investigate charge transfer dynamics, significant challenges remain in terms of interfacial charging effects and far‐field background signals, which dominantly block the optoelectrical observation of interfacial charge transfer dynamics. Here, tip‐induced optoelectrical engineering is presented that synergistically correlates photo‐induced force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy to remotely control and probe the interfacial charge transfer dynamics with sub‐10 nm spatial resolution. Based on this approach, the optoelectrical origin of metal–molecule interfaces is clearly revealed by the nanoscale heterogeneity of the tip‐sample interaction and optoelectrical reactivity, which theoretically aligned with density functional theory calculations. For a practical device‐scale demonstration of tip‐induced optoelectrical engineering, interfacial tunneling is remotely controlled at a 4‐inch wafer‐scale metal–insulator–metal capacitor, facilitating a 5.211‐fold current amplification with the tip‐induced electrical field. In conclusion, tip‐induced optoelectrical engineering provides a novel strategy to comprehensively understand interfacial charge transfer dynamics and a non‐destructive tunneling control platform that enables real‐time and real‐space investigation of ultrathin hybrid molecular systems.
Porous materials with suitable pore size and dual‐functional sites for benchmark one‐step ethylene purification
Authors: Wu Tangyin , Yu Cong , Krishna Rajamani , Qiu Zhensong , Pan Hanqian , Zhang Peixin , Suo Xian , Yang Lifeng , Cui Xili , Xing Huabin
Published: December 2023

Multiple impurities removal represents one of the most daunting challenges in gas purification, but the attainment of efficient adsorptive separation is hindered by the difficulty in designing adsorbents that could simultaneously capture different impurities. Herein, we revealed a molecular trap within Zn‐trz‐ox (trz = 1,2,4‐triazole; ox = oxalic acid) that featured positive H and negative O sites, and the suitable pore size, which exhibited remarkable one‐step C2H4 purification performance directly from quaternary C2H4/C2H2/C2H6/CO2 mixtures. The separation selectivities of C2H4 with respect to CO2, C2H2, and C2H6 are 9.8, 2.6, and 2.5, higher than the sole adsorbent yet reported. Meanwhile, polymer grade C2H4 (≥99.95%) could be directly obtained with record C2H4 productivity of 1.5 mol kg−1, over 10 times higher than that of the previous benchmark material. The deep insight into the binding behavior revealed by simulation studies offers important clues for the design of advanced adsorbent for multiple impurities capture.
High‐Efficiency Ultraviolet Electroluminescence from Multi‐Resonance Phosphine Oxide Polycyclic Aromatics
Authors: Ma Peng , Chen Yingying , Man Yi , Qi Quan , Guo Yuanting , Wang Huiqin , Li Zhe , Chang Peng , Qu Chao , Han Chunmiao , Xu Hui
Published: December 2023

Efficient ultraviolet (UV) electroluminescent materials remain a great challenge, since short peak wavelength <400 nm and narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) <50 nm are simultaneously required. In this sense, multi‐resonance (MR) thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters featuring narrow‐band emissions hold the promise for UV applications. Herein, a novel MR‐TADF skeleton featuring carbazole‐phosphine oxide (P=O) fused aromatics is developed to construct the first two UV MR emitters named CzP2PO and tBCzP2PO. In addition to synergistic resonance effects of P=O and N atom, sp3‐hybrid P atom renders the curved polycyclic planes of CzP2PO and tBCzP2PO, giving rise to their narrowband UV emissions with peak wavelengths <390 nm and FWHM<35 nm. Besides configuration quasi‐planarization for radiation enhancement and quenching suppression, P=O moiety further enhances singlet‐triplet coupling to facilitate reverse intersystem crossing, resulting in the state‐of‐the‐art photoluminescence quantum yield of 62 % in tBCzP2PO doped films. As consequence, tBCzP2PO endowed its UV organic light‐emitting diodes with the peak at 382 nm and FWHM of 32 nm, and especially the record‐high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 15.1 % among all kinds of UV devices. Our results demonstrate great potential of P=O based MR emitters in practical applications including optoelectronics, biology and medicine science.
Investigation of anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of hydrazone‐based diorganotin (IV) complexes: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and computational studies
Authors: Taxak Bharti , Devi Jai , Dubey Amit , Kumar Binesh , Tufail Aisha , Pachwania Sushila , Boora Ankit
Published: December 2023

In the search of novel and effective anti‐infectious agents, new hydrazone ligands (1–4) and their diorganotin (IV) complexes (5–20) were synthesized by condensing piperonylic hydrazide with salicylaldehyde derivatives, which have been further characterized by numerous physical and spectral techniques [1H, 13C, 119Sn] NMR, mass spectroscopy, UV–Vis, IR). These techniques ascertained dibasic tridentate coupling of hydrazone ligands with diorganotin (IV) through phenolic, enolic oxygens, and imine nitrogen, demonstrating pentacoordinated stereochemistry of the complexes. The thermal stability of up to 160°C of the complexes was ascertained by TGA studies whereas low conductance signified compounds have non‐electrolytic nature. Further, the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against four bacterial and two fungal strains by serial dilution assay, which demonstrated that the metal complexes (10, 11, 12) have comparable MIC values (0.0085–0.0098 μmol/ml) with ciprofloxacin and excellent biological responses in comparison of fluconazole. The phenyl complex [Ph2SnL2] (12) was found to be the most active antimicrobial agent with the lowest MIC value (0.0085 μmol/ml). The compounds were also screened for in vitro anti‐inflammatory activity by BSA denaturation assay and the phenyl complex [Ph2SnL2] (12) has been reported as most potent with 7.62 IC50 value, which is comparable with diclofenac sodium. Further, the biologically active complexes (9–12) and their hydrazone ligand [H2L2] were theoretically analyzed by computational investigations to support the in vitro results. The molecular docking analysis of compounds was performed on the active site of C. albicans (PDB ID: 5V5Z) and E. coli (PDB ID: 1HNJ) to assess the binding interactions and binding energy. The DFT and MESP (2, 9–12) revealed the most reactive areas, molecular geometry, Mulliken atomic charges, electronegativity, etc. of the compounds (2, 9–12). The ADMET profile showed the toxicity level and drug‐likeness properties, showing their potential to operate as viable antagonists.
Shellac‐based drug delivery system with controlled drug‐release and tunable intragastric floating‐retention properties
Authors: Yuan Ziting , Li Shizhen , Sun Bin , Li Kai , Tang Wei , Xu Juan
Published: December 2023

Intragastric floating‐retention drug delivery system (IFRDDS) could effectively prolong drug‐releasing time, achieving a good clinical efficacy of encapsulated drug. In this research, the green amphiphilic resin, shellac was adopted to fabricate a continuous network as the matrix of IFRRDS by their self‐assembly behavior triggered by H+. Meanwhile, the NaHCO3 and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) acted as a forming agent and a precipitating agent to control the floating behavior, respectively, which could create a porous structure for lowering the true density of the tablet and continuously absorb water to enhance the density of tablet, respectively. Interestingly, the synergistic effect of NaHCO3 and HPMC was beneficial to the initiation of the floating of the complex tablet. By regulating tablet's constitution, we could tune the floating lag time, floating time, and drug‐release behavior of the tablet. For example, the drug‐releasing curve of the shellac‐based tablet containing 3 wt% HPMC and 10 wt% NaHCO3 presented a typical linear model, which was an ideal linear drug‐releasing system, and could float in 3 min and last for 16 h. Therefore, we successfully employed a facile strategy to fabricate a biobased IFRRDS with controlled drug‐release and tunable intragastric floating‐retention properties, which has great potential for the advanced medical industry.
Magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel with ultra‐stretchable as strain sensors for monitoring human motion and the change of magnetic field
Authors: Cao Qinglong , Shu Zhen , Zhang Taoyi , Ji Wenxi , Chen Jing , Wei Yun
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the smart hydrogels have gained much concern in the field of research specially related to flexible strain sensors because they exhibit many types of smart interactions that can be useful in wearable devices. However, the conventional hydrogels have poor electrical conductivity that affect the performance of the sensors, so it remains a challenge to achieve noncontact signal monitoring (e.g., for the detection of magnetic field changes). In this study, an ultra‐stretchable and magnetically responsive conductive hydrogel was fabricated by adding magnetic ferric tetroxide@polypyrrole composite nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PPy NPs) to polyacrylamide (PAm). The nanoparticles were easily agglomerated and improved the compatibility of PPy and hydrogel. The obtained PAm/Fe3O4@PPy hydrogel showed an ultra‐stretchability of (961%), a low elastic modulus of (87.8 kPa), and an excellent toughness of (1010.5 kJ m−3). Moreover, PAm/Fe3O4@PPy hydrogel also exhibited a high electrical conductivity of 0.34 S m−1, and the PAm/Fe3O4@PPy hydrogel sensor could detect human motions (such as bending of finger, bending of wrist) and muscle micromotion (such as pronouncing). In addition, it can also monitor the change in magnitude of magnetic field.
Knee cartilage change on magnetic resonance imaging: Should we lump or split topographical regions? A 2‐year study of data from the osteoarthritis initiative
Authors: Richard Michael J. , Lo Grace H. , Driban Jeffrey B. , Canavatchel Amanda R. , LaValley Michael , Zhang Ming , Price Lori Lyn , Miller Eric , Eaton Charles B. , McAlindon Timothy E.
Published: December 2023

Objective

We challenge the paradigm that a simplistic approach evaluating anatomic regions (e.g., medial femur or tibia) is ideal for assessing articular cartilage loss on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. We used a data‐driven approach to explore whether specific topographical locations of knee cartilage loss may identify novel patterns of cartilage loss over time that current assessment strategies miss.

Design

We assessed 60 location‐specific measures of articular cartilage on a sample of 99 knees with baseline and 24‐month MR images from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, selected as a group with a high likelihood to change. We performed factor analyses of the change in these measures in two ways: (1) summing the measures to create one measure for each of the six anatomically regional‐based summary (anatomic regions; e.g., medial tibia) and (2) treating each location separately for a total of 60 measures (location‐specific measures).

Results

The first analysis produced three factors accounting for 66% of the variation in the articular cartilage changes that occur over 24 months of follow‐up: (1) medial tibiofemoral, (2) medial and lateral patellar, and (3) lateral tibiofemoral. The second produced 20 factors accounting for 75% of the variance in cartilage changes. Twelve factors only involved one anatomic region. Five factors included locations from adjoining regions (defined by the first analysis; e.g., medial tibiofemoral). Three factors included articular cartilage loss from disparate locations.

Conclusions

Novel patterns of cartilage loss occur within each anatomic region and across these regions, including in disparate regions. The traditional anatomic regional approach is simpler to implement and interpret but may obscure meaningful patterns of change.
‘We like because we feel liked’ exposure to cultural fusion improves outgroup attitudes through contact metacognition
Authors: Bao Yan , Wang Weichao , Zhao Yufang , Yu Dongfang , Willie Njoroge , Chen Bing
Published: December 2023

Based on the common ingroup identity model and the principle of group reciprocity, this study proposes that exposure to cultural fusion can improve outgroup attitudes by activating positive contact metacognition, that is, the subjective perception of the outgroup's desire for contact with the ingroup. To test this hypothesis, we conducted three experiments with Chinese Yi students. They were randomly primed with Dai‐Yi cultural fusion pictures, Dai cultural pictures, Yi cultural pictures or geometry pictures (Dai and Yi are two Chinese ethnic minorities). They were asked to report their contact metacognition, cultural identity (Experiments 2 and 3), explicit (willingness to help; Experiments 1 and 2) and implicit attitudes towards Dai (SC‐IAT; Experiment 3). The results found that exposure to Dai‐Yi cultural fusion improved contact metacognition among Yi participants, subsequently leading to more positive explicit and implicit attitudes towards Dai. Unexpectedly, cultural identity did not moderate the mediated effect of contact metacognition. These findings suggest that exposure to cultural fusion is an effective and stable strategy for fostering harmonious intergroup relationships and specifically highlight the importance of contact metacognition. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.