bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing hyperglycemia and rash associated with alpelisib: expert consensus recommendations using the Delphi technique
Authors: Gallagher Emily J. , Moore Heather , Lacouture Mario E. , Dent Susan F. , Farooki Azeez , Goncalves Marcus D. , Isaacs Claudine , Johnston Abigail , Juric Dejan , Quandt Zoe , Spring Laura , Berman Brian , Decker Melanie , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Kaffenberger Benjamin H. , Kwong Bernice Y. , Pluard Timothy , Rao Ruta , Schwartzberg Lee , Broder Michael S.
Published: January 2024

Hyperglycemia and rash are expected but challenging adverse events of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibition (such as with alpelisib). Two modified Delphi panels were conducted to provide consensus recommendations for managing hyperglycemia and rash in patients taking alpelisib. Experts rated the appropriateness of interventions on a 1-to-9 scale; median scores and dispersion were used to classify the levels of agreement. Per the hyperglycemia panel, it is appropriate to start alpelisib in patients with HbA1c 6.5% (diabetes) to <8%, or at highest risk for developing hyperglycemia, if they have a pre-treatment endocrinology consult. Recommend prophylactic metformin in patients with baseline HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4%. Metformin is the preferred first-line anti-hyperglycemic agent. Per the rash panel, initiate prophylactic nonsedating H1 antihistamines in patients starting alpelisib. Nonsedating H1 antihistamines and topical steroids are the preferred initial management for rash. In addition to clinical trial evidence, these recommendations will help address gaps encountered in clinical practice.
Stable isotopes show Homo sapiens dispersed into cold steppes ~45,000 years ago at Ilsenhöhle in Ranis, Germany
Authors: Pederzani Sarah , Britton Kate , Trost Manuel , Fewlass Helen , Bourgon Nicolas , McCormack Jeremy , Jaouen Klervia , Dietl Holger , Döhle Hans-Jürgen , Kirchner André , Lauer Tobias , Le Corre Mael , McPherron Shannon P. , Meller Harald , Mylopotamitaki Dorothea , Orschiedt Jörg , Rougier Hélène , Ruebens Karen , Schüler Tim , Sinet-Mathiot Virginie , Smith Geoff M. , Talamo Sahra , Tütken Thomas , Welker Frido , Zavala Elena I. , Weiss Marcel , Hublin Jean-Jacques
Published: January 2024

The spread of Homo sapiens into new habitats across Eurasia ~45,000 years ago and the concurrent disappearance of Neanderthals represents a critical evolutionary turnover in our species’ history. ‘Transitional’ technocomplexes, such as the Lincombian–Ranisian–Jerzmanowician (LRJ), characterize the European record during this period but their makers and evolutionary significance have long remained unclear. New evidence from Ilsenhöhle in Ranis, Germany, now provides a secure connection of the LRJ to H. sapiens remains dated to ~45,000 years ago, making it one of the earliest forays of our species to central Europe. Using many stable isotope records of climate produced from 16 serially sampled equid teeth spanning ~12,500 years of LRJ and Upper Palaeolithic human occupation at Ranis, we review the ability of early humans to adapt to different climate and habitat conditions. Results show that cold climates prevailed across LRJ occupations, with a temperature decrease culminating in a pronounced cold excursion at ~45,000–43,000 cal bp. Directly dated H. sapiens remains confirm that humans used the site even during this very cold phase. Together with recent evidence from the Initial Upper Palaeolithic, this demonstrates that humans operated in severe cold conditions during many distinct early dispersals into Europe and suggests pronounced adaptability.
Stereodivergent 1,3-difunctionalization of alkenes by charge relocation
Authors: Brutiu Bogdan R. , Iannelli Giulia , Riomet Margaux , Kaiser Daniel , Maulide Nuno
Published: January 2024

Alkenes are indispensable feedstocks in chemistry. Functionalization at both carbons of the alkene—1,2-difunctionalization—is part of chemistry curricula worldwide1. Although difunctionalization at distal positions has been reported2–4, it typically relies on designer substrates featuring directing groups and/or stabilizing features, all of which determine the ultimate site of bond formation5–7. Here we introduce a method for the direct 1,3-difunctionalization of alkenes, based on a concept termed ‘charge relocation’, which enables stereodivergent access to 1,3-difunctionalized products of either syn- or anti-configuration from unactivated alkenes, without the need for directing groups or stabilizing features. The usefulness of the approach is demonstrated in the synthesis of the pulmonary toxin 4-ipomeanol and its derivatives.
High-quality semiconductor fibres via mechanical design
Authors: Wang Zhixun , Wang Zhe , Li Dong , Yang Chunlei , Zhang Qichong , Chen Ming , Gao Huajian , Wei Lei
Published: January 2024

Recent breakthroughs in fibre technology have enabled the assembly of functional materials with intimate interfaces into a single fibre with specific geometries1–11, delivering diverse functionalities over a large area, for example, serving as sensors, actuators, energy harvesting and storage, display, and healthcare apparatus12–17. As semiconductors are the critical component that governs device performance, the selection, control and engineering of semiconductors inside fibres are the key pathways to enabling high-performance functional fibres. However, owing to stress development and capillary instability in the high-yield fibre thermal drawing, both cracks and deformations in the semiconductor cores considerably affect the performance of these fibres. Here we report a mechanical design to achieve ultralong, fracture-free and perturbation-free semiconductor fibres, guided by a study on stress development and capillary instability at three stages of the fibre formation: the viscous flow, the core crystallization and the subsequent cooling stage. Then, the exposed semiconductor wires can be integrated into a single flexible fibre with well-defined interfaces with metal electrodes, thereby achieving optoelectronic fibres and large-scale optoelectronic fabrics. This work provides fundamental insights into extreme mechanics and fluid dynamics with geometries that are inaccessible in traditional platforms, essentially addressing the increasing demand for flexible and wearable optoelectronics.
Stress response silencing by an E3 ligase mutated in neurodegeneration
Authors: Haakonsen Diane L. , Heider Michael , Ingersoll Andrew J. , Vodehnal Kayla , Witus Samuel R. , Uenaka Takeshi , Wernig Marius , Rapé Michael
Published: January 2024

Stress response pathways detect and alleviate adverse conditions to safeguard cell and tissue homeostasis, yet their prolonged activation induces apoptosis and disrupts organismal health1–3. How stress responses are turned off at the right time and place remains poorly understood. Here we report a ubiquitin-dependent mechanism that silences the cellular response to mitochondrial protein import stress. Crucial to this process is the silencing factor of the integrated stress response (SIFI), a large E3 ligase complex mutated in ataxia and in early-onset dementia that degrades both unimported mitochondrial precursors and stress response components. By recognizing bifunctional substrate motifs that equally encode protein localization and stability, the SIFI complex turns off a general stress response after a specific stress event has been resolved. Pharmacological stress response silencing sustains cell survival even if stress resolution failed, which underscores the importance of signal termination and provides a roadmap for treating neurodegenerative diseases caused by mitochondrial import defects.
Oxygen-evolving photosystem II structures during S1–S2–S3 transitions
Authors: Li Hongjie , Nakajima Yoshiki , Nango Eriko , Owada Shigeki , Yamada Daichi , Hashimoto Kana , Luo Fangjia , Tanaka Rie , Akita Fusamichi , Kato Koji , Kang Jungmin , Saitoh Yasunori , Kishi Shunpei , Yu Huaxin , Matsubara Naoki , Fujii Hajime , Sugahara Michihiro , Suzuki Mamoru , Masuda Tetsuya , Kimura Tetsunari , Thao Tran Nguyen , Yonekura Shinichiro , Yu Long-Jiang , Tosha Takehiko , Tono Kensuke , Joti Yasumasa , Hatsui Takaki , Yabashi Makina , Kubo Minoru , Iwata So , Isobe Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Kizashi , Suga Michihiro , Shen Jian-Ren
Published: January 2024

Photosystem II (PSII) catalyses the oxidation of water through a four-step cycle of Si states (i = 0–4) at the Mn4CaO5 cluster1–3, during which an extra oxygen (O6) is incorporated at the S3 state to form a possible dioxygen4–7. Structural changes of the metal cluster and its environment during the S-state transitions have been studied on the microsecond timescale. Here we use pump-probe serial femtosecond crystallography to reveal the structural dynamics of PSII from nanoseconds to milliseconds after illumination with one flash (1F) or two flashes (2F). YZ, a tyrosine residue that connects the reaction centre P680 and the Mn4CaO5 cluster, showed structural changes on a nanosecond timescale, as did its surrounding amino acid residues and water molecules, reflecting the fast transfer of electrons and protons after flash illumination. Notably, one water molecule emerged in the vicinity of Glu189 of the D1 subunit of PSII (D1-E189), and was bound to the Ca2+ ion on a sub-microsecond timescale after 2F illumination. This water molecule disappeared later with the concomitant increase of O6, suggesting that it is the origin of O6. We also observed concerted movements of water molecules in the O1, O4 and Cl-1 channels and their surrounding amino acid residues to complete the sequence of electron transfer, proton release and substrate water delivery. These results provide crucial insights into the structural dynamics of PSII during S-state transitions as well as O–O bond formation.
ResNet incorporating the fusion data of RGB & hyperspectral images improves classification accuracy of vegetable soybean freshness
Authors: Bu Yuanpeng , Hu Jinxuan , Chen Cheng , Bai Songhang , Chen Zuohui , Hu Tianyu , Zhang Guwen , Liu Na , Cai Chang , Li Yuhao , Xuan Qi , Wang Ye , Su Zhongjing , Xiang Yun , Gong Yaming
Published: January 2024

The freshness of vegetable soybean (VS) is an important indicator for quality evaluation. Currently, deep learning-based image recognition technology provides a fast, efficient, and low-cost method for analyzing the freshness of food. The RGB (red, green, and blue) image recognition technology is widely used in the study of food appearance evaluation. In addition, the hyperspectral image has outstanding performance in predicting the nutrient content of samples. However, there are few reports on the research of classification models based on the fusion data of these two sources of images. We collected RGB and hyperspectral images at four different storage times of VS. The ENVI software was adopted to extract the hyperspectral information, and the RGB images were reconstructed based on the downsampling technology. Then, the one-dimensional hyperspectral data was transformed into a two-dimensional space, which allows it to be overlaid and concatenated with the RGB image data in the channel direction, thereby generating fused data. Compared with four commonly used machine learning models, the deep learning model ResNet18 has higher classification accuracy and computational efficiency. Based on the above results, a novel classification model named ResNet-R &H, which is based on the residual networks (ResNet) structure and incorporates the fusion data of RGB and hyperspectral images, was proposed. The ResNet-R &H can achieve a testing accuracy of 97.6%, which demonstrates a significant enhancement of 4.0% and 7.2% compared to the distinct utilization of hyperspectral data and RGB data, respectively. Overall, this research is significant in providing a unique, efficient, and more accurate classification approach in evaluating the freshness of vegetable soybean. The method proposed in this study can provide a theoretical reference for classifying the freshness of fruits and vegetables to improve classification accuracy and reduce human error and variability.
Multiplex lateral flow assay development for snake venom detection in biological matrices
Authors: Knudsen Cecilie , Belfakir Selma B. , Degnegaard Pelle , Jürgensen Jonas A. , Haack Aleksander M. , Friis Rasmus U. W. , Dam Søren H. , Laustsen Andreas H. , Ross Georgina M. S.
Published: January 2024

Bothrops and Lachesis are two of Brazil’s medically most relevant snake genera, causing tens of thousands of bites annually. Fortunately, Brazil has good accessibility to high-quality antivenoms at the genus and inter-genus level, enabling the treatment of many of these envenomings. However, the optimal use of these treatments requires that the snake species responsible for the bite is determined. Currently, physicians use a syndromic approach to diagnose snakebite, which can be difficult for medical personnel with limited training in clinical snakebite management. In this work, we have developed a novel monoclonal antibody-based multiplex lateral flow assay for differentiating Bothrops and Lachesis venoms within 15 min. The test can be read by the naked eye or (semi)-quantitatively by a smartphone supported by a 3D-printed attachment for controlling lighting conditions. The LFA can detect Bothrops and Lachesis venoms in spiked plasma and urine matrices at concentrations spanning six orders of magnitude. The LFA has detection limits of 10–50 ng/mL in spiked plasma and urine, and 50–500 ng/mL in spiked sera, for B. atrox and L. muta venoms. This test could potentially support medical personnel in correctly diagnosing snakebite envenomings at the point-of-care in Brazil, which may help improve patient outcomes and save lives.
Mitigation of BMP-induced inflammation in craniofacial bone regeneration and improvement of bone parameters by dietary hesperidin
Authors: Miguez Patricia A. , de Paiva Gonçalves Vinícius , Musskopf Marta L. , Rivera-Concepcion Angeliz , McGaughey Skylar , Yu Christina , Lee Dong Joon , Tuin Stephen A. , Ali Aya
Published: January 2024

Based on anti-inflammatory and osteogenic properties of hesperidin (HE), we hypothesized its systemic administration could be a cost-effective method of improving BMP-induced bone regeneration. Sprague–Dawley rats were allocated into 4 groups (n = 10/group): a 5-mm critical-sized mandible defect + collagen scaffold or, scaffold + 1 µg of BMP2 with and without dietary HE at 100 mg/kg. HE was administered by oral gavage 4 weeks prior to surgeries until euthanasia at day 7 or 14 post-surgery. The healing tissue within the defect collected at day 7 was subjected to gene expression analysis. Mandibles harvested at day 14 were subjected to microcomputed tomography and histology. HE + BMP2-treated rats had a statistically significant decrease in expression of inflammatory genes compared to BMP2 alone. The high-dose BMP2 alone caused cystic-like regeneration with incomplete defect closure. HE + BMP2 showed virtually complete bone fusion. Collagen fibril birefringence pattern (red color) under polarized light indicated high organization in BMP2-induced newly formed bone (NFB) in HE-supplemented group (p < 0.05). Clear changes in osteocyte lacunae as well as a statistically significant increase in osteoclasts were found around NFB in HE-treated rats. A significant increase in trabecular volume and thickness, and trabecular and cortical density was found in femurs of HE-supplemented rats (p < 0.05). Our findings show, for the first time, that dietary HE has a remarkable modulatory role in the function of locally delivered high-dose BMP2 in bone regeneration possibly via control of inflammation, osteogenesis, changes in osteocyte and osteoclast function and collagen maturation in regenerated and native bone. In conclusion, HE had a significant skeletal bone sparing effect and the ability to provide a more effective BMP-induced craniofacial regeneration.
Impact of climate change on potential distribution of Dickeya zeae causal agent of stalk rot of maize in Sialkot district Pakistan
Authors: Shahid Humaira , Hyder Sajjad , Naeem Muhammad , Sehar Anam , Gondal Amjad Shahzad , Rizvi Zarrin Fatima , Iqbal Rashid , Habib ur Rahman Muhammed , Alwahibi Mona S. , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Ayaz Muhammad , Arslan Muhammad , de los Santos-Villalobos Sergio , Montoya-Martínez Amelia C.
Published: January 2024

Maize (Zea mays) is an influential crop in its production across the world. However, the invasion of many phytopathogens greatly affects the maize crop yield at various hotspot areas. Of many diseases, bacterial stalk rot of maize caused by Dickeya zeae results in severe yield reduction, thus the need for efficient management is important. Further, to produce epidemiological information for control of disease outbreaks in the hot spot regions of Sialkot District, Punjab Pakistan, extensive field surveys during 2021 showed that out of 266 visited areas, the highest disease incidence ranging from 66.5 to 78.5% while the lowest incidence was ranging from 9 to 20%. The Maxent modeling revealed that among 19 environmental variables, four variables including temperature seasonality (bio-4), mean temperature of the wettest quarter (bio-8), annual precipitation (bio-12), and precipitation of driest month (bio-14) were significantly contributing to disease distribution in current and coming years. The study outcomes revealed that disease spread will likely increase across four tehsils of Sialkot over the years 2050 and 2070. Our findings will be helpful to policymakers and researchers in devising effective disease management strategies against bacterial stalk rot of maize outbreaks in Sialkot, Pakistan.
Comparative hemolymph proteomic analyses of the freezing and resistance-freezing Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)
Authors: Zhang Zhu-Ting , Wang Huan , Dong Hui , Cong Bin
Published: January 2024

The Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is one of the most harmful pests of maize in Asia. It poses a significant threat to maize production, causing economic losses due to its strong ecological adaptation. In this study, we compared and analyzed the hemolymph proteome between freezing and resistance-freezing O. furnacalis strains using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to gain insights into the mechanisms of cold resistance. The results revealed that 300–400 hemolymph protein spots were common, with 24 spots showing differences between the two strains. Spectrometry analysis revealed 21 protein spots, including 17 upregulated spots and 4 downregulated ones. The expression of upregulation/downregulation proteins plays a crucial role in the metabolism, energy supply, and defense reaction of insects. Proteomics research not only provides a method for investigating protein expression patterns but also identifies numerous attractive candidates for further exploration.
Joint diffusional kurtosis magnetic resonance imaging analysis of white matter and the thalamus to identify subcortical ischemic vascular disease
Authors: Tu Min-Chien , Huang Sheng-Min , Hsu Yen-Hsuan , Yang Jir-Jei , Lin Chien-Yuan , Kuo Li-Wei
Published: January 2024

Identifying subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD) in older adults is important but challenging. Growing evidence suggests that diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) can detect SIVD-relevant microstructural pathology, and a systematic assessment of the discriminant power of DKI metrics in various brain tissue microstructures is urgently needed. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the value of DKI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics in detecting early-stage SIVD by combining multiple diffusion metrics, analysis strategies, and clinical-radiological constraints. This prospective study compared DKI with diffusivity and macroscopic imaging evaluations across the aging spectrum including SIVD, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and cognitively normal (NC) groups. Using a white matter atlas and segregated thalamus analysis with considerations of the pre-identified macroscopic pathology, the most effective diffusion metrics were selected and then examined using multiple clinical-radiological constraints in a two-group or three-group paradigm. A total of 122 participants (mean age, 74.6 ± 7.38 years, 72 women) including 42 with SIVD, 50 with AD, and 30 NC were evaluated. Fractional anisotropy, mean kurtosis, and radial kurtosis were critical metrics in detecting early-stage SIVD. The optimal selection of diffusion metrics showed 84.4–100% correct classification of the results in a three-group paradigm, with an area under the curve of .909–.987 in a two-group paradigm related to SIVD detection (all P < .001). We therefore concluded that greatly resilient to the effect of pre-identified macroscopic pathology, the combination of DKI/DTI metrics showed preferable performance in identifying early-stage SIVD among adults across the aging spectrum.
Burnout increased among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abraham Amit , Chaabna Karima , Sheikh Javaid I. , Mamtani Ravinder , Jithesh Anupama , Khawaja Salina , Cheema Sohaila
Published: January 2024

Generally, university students are at risk of burnout. This likely was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to investigate burnout prevalence among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine its distribution across countries, sexes, fields of study, and time-period. PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, World Health Organization’s Global COVID-19 database, Scopus, Epistemonikos, ERIC and Google Scholar were searched (protocol: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BYRXW). Studies were independently screened and extracted. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Study quality was appraised, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. We identified 44 primary studies comprising 26,500 students. Global prevalence rates were 56.3% for high emotional exhaustion (EE), 55.3% for high cynicism (CY) and 41.8% for low personal accomplishment (PA). Prevalence of EE, CY, and PA domains varied significantly across fields of study, countries and WHO and World Bank regions, but not sex. All studies demonstrated good internal validity, although substantial heterogeneity existed between studies. The certainty of evidence was rated as moderate. Considering its potentially severe consequences, burnout is a significant public health concern. The development and implementation of evidence-based localized interventions at organizational and individual levels are necessary to mitigate burnout.
Mycosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Penicillium tardochrysogenum as a therapeutic agent and their combination with infrared irradiation against Ehrlich carcinoma
Authors: EL-Sayed Abeer I. M. , El-Sheekh Mostafa M. , Abo-Neima Sahar E.
Published: January 2024

Over the past years, the assessment of myco-fabricated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) properties, is still in its infancy. Herein, we have highly stable myco-synthesized SeNPs using molecularly identified soil-isolated fungus; Penicillium tardochrysogenum OR059437; (PeSeNPs) were clarified via TEM, EDX, UV–Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR and zeta potential. The therapeutic efficacy profile will be determined, these crystalline PeSeNPs were examined for antioxidant, antimicrobial, MIC, and anticancer potentials, indicating that, PeSeNPs have antioxidant activity of (IC50, 109.11 μg/mL) using DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Also, PeSeNPs possess antimicrobial potential against Penicillium italicum RCMB 001,018 (1) IMI 193,019, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 4330 and Porphyromonas gingivalis RCMB 022,001 (1) EMCC 1699; with I.Z. diameters and MIC; 16 ± 0.5 mm and MIC 500 µg/ml, 11.9 ± 0.6 mm, 500 µg/ml and 15.9±0.6 mm, 1000 µg/ml, respectively. Additionally, TEM micrographs were taken for P. italicum treated with PeSeNPs, demonstrating the destruction of hyphal membrane and internal organelles integrity, pores formation, and cell death. PeSeNP alone in vivo and combined with a near-infrared physiotherapy lamp with an energy intensity of 140 mW/cm2 showed a strong therapeutic effect against cancer cells. Thus, PeSeNPs represent anticancer agents and a suitable photothermal option for treating different kinds of cancer cells with lower toxicity and higher efficiency than normal cells. The combination therapy showed a very large and significant reduction in tumor volume, the tumor cells showed large necrosis, shrank, and disappeared. There was also improvement in liver ultrastructure, liver enzymes, and histology, as well as renal function, urea, and creatinine.
Enhancing heat transfer at low temperatures by laser functionalization of the inner surface of metal pipes
Authors: Holder Daniel , Peter Alexander , Kirsch Marc , Cáceres Sergio , Weber Rudolf , Onuseit Volkher , Kulenovic Rudi , Starflinger Jörg , Graf Thomas
Published: January 2024

The latent heat transfer during vapour condensation in the condenser section of passive heat transport devices such as the two-phase closed thermosiphon is limited by film condensation. Dropwise condensation provides an increase of the heat transfer coefficient by up to one order of magnitude and can be achieved with a water-repellant surface. The inner surface of pipes made from stainless steel was functionalized by laser surface texturing with ultrashort laser pulses and subsequent storage in a liquid containing long-chained hydrocarbons. The pipes were separated into half-pipes by wire eroding to enable laser texturing of the inner surface, and were then joined by electron beam welding after laser texturing. As a result, superhydrophobic and water-repellent surfaces with a contact angle of 153° were obtained on the inner surface of the pipes with a length of up to 1 m. The functionalized pipes were used in the condenser section of a two-phase closed thermosiphon to demonstrate a heat transfer rate of 0.92 kW at 45 °C, which is approximately three times the heat transfer rate of 0.31 kW of a smooth reference pipe.
Paclitaxel-coated balloon catheter for benign esophageal stenosis in a rabbit model
Authors: Ren Kewei , Wang Jianan , Li Yahua , Li Zongming , Zhou Zihe , Wu Kunpeng , Li Yifan , Ge Xiaoyong , Ren Jianzhuang , Han Xinwei
Published: January 2024

Most patients with benign esophageal stenosis require multiple or even continuous balloon dilation treatments to achieve symptom relief. In this study, eighteen rabbits were used to establish an esophageal benign stenosis model and were divided into a control group (n = 6), a balloon group (n = 6) and a PTX-coated balloon group (n = 6) to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of paclitaxel (PTX)-coated balloons for the rabbit esophageal benign stenosis model. The weight and esophageal diameter were recorded every 2 weeks until 8 weeks post-surgery. Hematoxylin–eosin staining, Masson’s trichrome staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed for pathological analysis. Four weeks post-operation, there was a significant difference in weight between the control group and the balloon group (p = 0.01) and between the control group and the PTX balloon group (p = 0.01). There was a significant difference in the esophageal diameter between the balloon group and the PTX balloon group at 8 weeks post-operation (p = 0.02). Four weeks post-operation, the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration in the PTX balloon group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = 0.002) and balloon group (p = 0.001). The degree of collagen deposition in the PTX balloon group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = 0.002) and balloon group (p = 0.03). Eight weeks post-operation, the percentage of cells positive for TGF-β (p < 0.001), the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration (p = 0.02) and the degree of collagen deposition (p = 0.02) in the PTX balloon group were significantly lower than those in the balloon group. Therefore, PTX-coated balloons may alleviate the local inflammatory response and collagen deposition when used during dilation treatment of benign esophageal stenosis.
Brain responses to repetition-based rule-learning do not exhibit sex differences: an aggregated analysis of infant fNIRS studies
Authors: Gemignani Jessica , Gervain Judit
Published: January 2024

Studies have repeatedly shown sex differences in some areas of language development, typically with an advantage for female over male children. However, the tested samples are typically small and the effects do not always replicate. Here, we used a meta-analytic approach to address this issue in a larger sample, combining seven fNIRS studies on the neural correlates of repetition- and non-repetition-based rule learning in newborns and 6-month-old infants. The ability to extract structural regularities from the speech input is fundamental for language development, it is therefore highly relevant to understand whether this ability shows sex differences. The meta-analysis tested the effect of Sex, as well as of other moderators on infants’ hemodynamic responses to repetition-based (e.g. ABB: “mubaba”) and non-repetition-based (e.g. ABC: “mubage”) sequences in both anatomically and functionally defined regions of interests. Our analyses did not reveal any sex differences at birth or at 6 months, suggesting that the ability to encode these regularities is robust across sexes. Interestingly, the meta-analysis revealed other moderator effects. Thus in newborns, we found a greater involvement of the bilateral temporal areas compared to the frontal areas for both repetition and non-repetition sequences. Further, non-repetition sequences elicited greater responses in 6-month-olds than in newborns, especially in the bilateral frontal areas. When analyzing functional clusters of HbR timetraces, we found that a larger right-left asymmetry for newborn boys in brain responses compared to girls, which may be interpreted in terms of a larger right-left asymmetry in cerebral blood flow in boys than in girls early in life. We conclude that extracting repetition-based regularities from speech is a robust ability with a well-defined neural substrate present from birth and it does not exhibit sex differences.
The association between political orientation and political knowledge in 45 nations
Authors: De keersmaecker Jonas , Schmid Katharina , Sibley Chris G. , Osborne Danny
Published: January 2024

Political knowledge is crucial for well-functioning democracies, with most scholars assuming that people at the political extremes are more knowledgeable than those at the center. Here, we adopt a data-driven approach to examine the relationship between political orientation and political knowledge by testing a series of polynomial curves in 45 countries (N = 63,544), spread over 6 continents. Contrary to the dominant perspective, we found no evidence that people at the political extremes are the most knowledgeable about politics. Rather, the most common pattern was a fourth-degree polynomial association in which those who are moderately left-wing and right-wing are more knowledgeable than people at the extremes and center of the political spectrum. This pattern was especially, though not exclusively, prevalent in Western countries. We conclude that the relationship between political orientation and political knowledge is more context-dependent and complex than assumed, and caution against (implicit) universal conclusions in social sciences.
Evaluation of the lower extremity functional test to predict lower limb injuries in professional male footballers
Authors: Mohammadi Haniyeh , Ghaffari Raheleh , Kazemi Abdolreza , Behm David G. , Hosseinzadeh Mahdi
Published: January 2024

The Lower Extremity Functional Test (LEFT) is a reliable and valid test for the measurement of athletic fitness, fatigue resistance, and speed performance. Contradictory results exist regarding the screening value of the LEFT in predicting lower limb injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the screening value of the LEFT in predicting lower limb injuries in professional male footballers. One hundred and twenty-one professional male football players participated in the study. LEFT was recorded pre-season and the lower-limb injuries were recorded during a 9-month season. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the accuracy of the prognosis of LEFT. A total of twenty-five lower limb injuries were recorded. The model explained 53% of the variance in lower limb injury, showing that predictions by LEFT score is reliable, and correctly predicted 89.3% of cases, which is a large improvement. ROC analysis showed significant accuracy of the LEFT score (AUC 0.908, 95% CI 1.126–1.336, p = 0.001, OR = 1.227) in discriminating between injured and uninjured players. The optimum cut-off level of the LEFT score was 90.21 s; Our findings showed that the LEFT score was able to predict lower limb injuries in professional male footballers. The slower an athlete’s LEFT scores, the more susceptible they are to future injury risk. Sports medicine specialists, football coaches and managers are suggested to use LEFT as a pre-season screening test to identify and prevent the weakness and functional imbalance of the athletes before the injury occurs by conducting this test.
Global increase in future compound heat stress-heavy precipitation hazards and associated socio-ecosystem risks
Authors: Zhou Zhiling , Zhang Liping , Zhang Qin , Hu Chen , Wang Gangsheng , She Dunxian , Chen Jie
Published: January 2024

Compound extremes of lethal heat stress-heavy precipitation events (CHPEs) seriously threaten social and ecological sustainability, while their evolution and effects at the global scale under climate warming remain unclear. Here we develop the global picture of projected changes in CHPEs under various scenarios and investigate their socioeconomic and ecosystem risks combining hazard, exposure, and vulnerability through the composite indicator approach. We find a high percentage of heat stress is followed by heavy precipitation, probably driven by atmospheric conditions. Global average frequency and intensity of CHPEs are projected to increase in the future under high-emission scenarios. Joint return periods of CHPEs are projected to decrease globally, predominantly driven by changes in heat stress extremes. In the long-term future, over half of the population, gross domestic product, and gross primary productivity may face high risk in most regions, with developed regions facing the highest risks under SSP5-8.5 and developing regions facing the highest risks under SSP3-7.0.
Transition to cellular agriculture reduces agriculture land use and greenhouse gas emissions but increases demand for critical materials
Authors: El Wali Mohammad , Rahimpour Golroudbary Saeed , Kraslawski Andrzej , Tuomisto Hanna L.
Published: January 2024

Cellular agriculture, that is, the production of cultured meat and microbial proteins, has been developed to provide food security for a growing world population. The use of green energy technologies is recommended to ensure the sustainability of changing traditional agriculture to a cellular one. Here, we use a global dynamic model and life-cycle assessment to analyze scenarios of replacing traditional livestock products with cellular agriculture from 2020 to 2050. Our findings indicate that a transition to cellular agriculture by 2050 could reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 52%, compared to current agriculture emissions, reduce demand for phosphorus by 53%, and use 83% less land than traditional agriculture. A maximum 72% replacement of livestock products with cellular agriculture using renewable energy is possible based on the 2050 regional green energy capacities. A complete transition can be achieved but requires 33% of the global green energy capacities in 2050. Further, the accelerated demand for critical materials will not exceed their primary production capacities, except for tellurium. We conclude that a transition to cellular agriculture is possible with environmental benefits and provide a benchmark to study different alternatives to animal-based diets.
Lactylation-driven FTO targets CDK2 to aggravate microvascular anomalies in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Chen Xue , Wang Ying , Wang Jia-Nan , Zhang Yi-Chen , Zhang Ye-Ran , Sun Ru-Xu , Qin Bing , Dai Yuan-Xin , Zhu Hong-Jing , Zhao Jin-Xiang , Zhang Wei-Wei , Ji Jiang-Dong , Yuan Song-Tao , Shen Qun-Dong , Liu Qing-Huai
Published: January 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in working-age populations. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase that demethylates RNAs involved in energy homeostasis, though its influence on DR is not well studied. Herein, we detected elevated FTO expression in vitreous fibrovascular membranes of patients with proliferative DR. FTO promoted cell cycle progression and tip cell formation of endothelial cells (ECs) to facilitate angiogenesis in vitro, in mice, and in zebrafish. FTO also regulated EC-pericyte crosstalk to trigger diabetic microvascular leakage, and mediated EC–microglia interactions to induce retinal inflammation and neurodegeneration in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, FTO affected EC features via modulating CDK2 mRNA stability in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. FTO up-regulation under diabetic conditions was driven by lactate-mediated histone lactylation. FB23-2, an inhibitor to FTO’s m6A demethylase activity, suppressed angiogenic phenotypes in vitro. To allow for systemic administration, we developed a nanoplatform encapsulating FB23-2 and confirmed its targeting and therapeutic efficiency in mice. Collectively, our study demonstrates that FTO is important for EC function and retinal homeostasis in DR, and warrants further investigation as a therapeutic target for DR patients.
Improved pH measurement of mobile phases in reversed-phase liquid chromatography
Authors: Heering Agnes , Lahe Markus , Vilbaste Martin , Saame Jaan , Samin John Paulo , Leito Ivo
Published: January 2024

Mobile phase unified pH was investigated using several methods to provide pH values comparable between different mobile phase compositions. A double junction combined electrode filled with ionic liquid was tested for the first time.
Highly selective and sensitive chromogenic recognition of sarin gas mimicking diethylchlorophosphate
Authors: Mahato Manas , Sultana Tuhina , Maiti Arpita , Ahamed Sabbir , Tohora Najmin , Ghanta Susanta , Das Sudhir Kumar
Published: January 2024

An azine-based colorimetric sensor (HBD) has been introduced for the detection of sarin gas surrogate diethylchlorophosphate (DCP) having detection limit in the μM range and is utilized as a test kit for on-spot identification of DCP to execute its practical use.
Quantitative determination of the binding capabilities of individual large-ring cyclodextrins in complex mixtures
Authors: Larsen Dennis , Erichsen Andreas , Masciotta Giorgia , Meier Sebastian , Beeren Sophie R.
Published: January 2024

High-resolution HSQC NMR titrations enable simultaneous analysis of the host–guest chemistry of large-ring cyclodextrins, revealing strong interactions between large, flexible cyclodextrins and hydrophobic guests.
Progress of charge carrier dynamics and regulation strategies in 2D CxNy-based heterojunctions
Authors: Yuan Xiaojia , Hu Xuemin , Lin Qiuhan , Zhang Shengli
Published: January 2024

Two-dimensional carbon nitride (CxNy) -based heterojunctions have attracted extensive attention in hydrogen energy development, environmental remediation, optoelectronic devices, and energy storage due to its excellent physical and chemical properties.
Aggregation-based growth of faceted Bi2Fe4O9 micro-cuboids with a remarkable visible light photo-Fenton catalytic activity
Authors: Gao Wensen , Tang Lingfeng , Zhu Min , Yuan Yongfeng , Guo Shaoyi , Yin Simin
Published: January 2024

Faceted Bi2Fe4O9 micro-cuboids were successfully prepared by a facile hydrothermal method, exhibiting remarkable visible-light-Fenton oxidation properties towards RhB degradation.
Refining the mechanism of CO2 and H2 activation over gold-ceria catalysts by IR modulation excitation spectroscopy
Authors: Weyel Jakob , Hess Christian
Published: January 2024

A knowledge-based design of catalytic materials for CO2 hydrogenation requires a detailed mechanistic understanding as accessible by the application of advanced spectroscopic methods such as IR modulation excitation spectroscopy.
Light-induced photodissociation in the lowest three electronic states of the NaH molecule
Authors: Umarov Otabek , Csehi András , Badankó Péter , Halász Gábor J. , Vibók Ágnes
Published: January 2024

It has been known that electronic conical intersections in a molecular system can also be created by laser light even in diatomics.
Ionic porous porphyrin cage as a superior catalyst for photocatalytic oxidization
Authors: Li Cheng , Cui Jing-Wang , Zhou Jun-Hao , Xu Yanqing , Sun Jian-Ke
Published: January 2024

A homogeneous photocatalyst porphyrin cage TPPCage·8I with exceptional catalytic activity in the photocatalytic oxidation coupling reaction of benzylamines was presented.
Hydrogen production from ethanol by steam reforming with recyclable NiCaOx/NaCl catalysts
Authors: Hu Yongji , He Weiyi , Shen Yuesong
Published: January 2024

A recyclable and reprocessed NiCaOx/NaCl catalyst using the hydrothermal method is developed to produce hydrogen from ethanol steam reforming, which achieves approximately 100% hydrogen yield and complete ethanol conversion at 650–700 °C.
Interface engineering towards overall water electrolysis over NiCo2O4/NiMo hybrid catalysts
Authors: Gao Shan , Wang Lijing , Kang Xuxin , Wang Linxia , Duan Xiangmei , Wang Weichao
Published: January 2024

Interface engineering was performed to theoretically construct NiCo2O4/NiMo hybrid catalysts, and the interfacial charge transfer and 3D coordination environment contributed to better HER and OER activities.
Recent progress on metal–organic framework/polymer composite electrolytes for solid-state lithium metal batteries: ion transport regulation and interface engineering
Authors: Li Bei , Wang Changhong , Yu Ruizhi , Han Jingquan , Jiang Shaohua , Zhang Chunmei , He Shuijian
Published: January 2024

This review provides an overview of different strategies to improve the ion transport of MOF/polymer composite electrolytes and stabilize the electrode/electrolyte interface.
Ion conduction and phase behaviour in dual cation polyelectrolyte blends for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Malunavar Sneha , Porcarelli Luca , Howlett Patrick C. , Mecerreyes David , Forsyth Maria
Published: January 2024

The goal of this work is to develop polymer-based solid-state electrolytes for sodium-ion battery applications. Two polymers are blended in order to reduce the Tg and decouple ionic conductivity from polymer segmental motion. Furthermore, the addition of plasticizers further enhances the ionic conductivity.
The effect of molecular configuration and donor on the photophysical properties of 2-phenylfuro[2,3-b]quinoxaline based emitters
Authors: Wu MingXin , Wu ChuanMing , Zhang BoHua , Luo MeiTing , Gou Lei , Wang DongDong
Published: January 2024

Y- (67dPXZ-FQ) and T-shaped (58dPXZ-FQ) compounds were developed using 2-phenylfuro[2,3-b]quinoxaline and 10-phenyl-10H-phenoxazine as acceptor and donor, respectively. The effect of molecular configuration on their photophysical property was investigated.
Far-field, near-field and photothermal response of plasmonic twinned magnesium nanostructures
Authors: Boukouvala Christina , West Claire A. , Ten Andrey , Hopper Elizabeth , Ramasse Quentin M. , Biggins John S. , Ringe Emilie
Published: January 2024

This article explores the shapes and plasmonic properties of concave and convex magnesium nanoparticles, which hold promise for biocompatible and sustainable plasmonic applications.
Manipulating ultrafast magnetization dynamics of ferromagnets using the odd–even layer dependence of two-dimensional transition metal di-chalcogenides
Authors: Dutta Soma , Husain Sajid , Kumar Prabhat , Gupta Nanhe Kumar , Chaudhary Sujeet , Svedlindh Peter , Barman Anjan
Published: January 2024

Odd–even WS2 layer number dependent ultrafast demagnetization and damping are studied by varying the pump fluence.
Determination of local pH in CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Wu Tiantian , Bu Hangyu , Tao Shuaikang , Ma Ming
Published: January 2024

The localized pH determination method is highly desirable to understand and control the local pH effects in CO2 electroreduction.
Metal-catalyzed stereoselective ring-opening polymerization of functional β-lactones: methylene-alkoxy-fluorinated polyhydroxyalkanoates unveil the role of non-covalent interactions
Authors: Dhaini Ali , Shakaroun Rama M. , Alaaeddine Ali , Carpentier Jean-François , Guillaume Sophie M.
Published: January 2024

Non-covalent interactions (NCIs) can guide stereoselective ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of racemic β-lactones mediated by achiral complexes, towards stereoregular polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs).
Natural transaminase fusions for biocatalysis
Authors: Prout Luba , Hailes Helen C. , Ward John M.
Published: January 2024

This work describes novel transaminase fusions, with potential for converting fatty acids into amines and more complex natural products.
Box–Behnken design for the optimisation of Kabachnik–Fields reaction catalysed by natural kaolinite clay under eco-friendly conditions
Authors: Boukachabia Mourad , Guezane-Lakoud Samia , Bendjeffal Hacene , Haffas Maamar
Published: January 2024

Kaolin catalysed the Kabachnik–Fields reaction. Box–Behnken design optimisation. Green chemistry conditions.
Inhibition of toxic metal-alpha synuclein interactions by human serum albumin
Authors: Martinez Pomier Karla , Ahmed Rashik , Huang Jinfeng , Melacini Giuseppe
Published: January 2024

Human serum albumin (HSA) not only serves as a crucial carrier of various ligands but also modulates the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins, including alpha synuclein (αSyn), which is associated with Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies.
Charge carrier dynamics of surface back electron/hole recombination in BiVO4 and TiO2 photoanodes
Authors: Zhu Wenjun , Yuan Yuling , Ma Yimeng
Published: January 2024

Surface back electron/hole recombination limits the water oxidation efficiency in BiVO4 due to slow water oxidation and fast recombination. TiO2 is less affected due to faster water oxidation that avoids surface recombination.
Enhanced photoelectrocatalysis in porous single crystalline rutile titanium dioxide electrodes
Authors: Cheng Fangyuan , Liang Longmei , Lin Guoming , Xi Shaobo
Published: January 2024

Herein we fabricate a PSC rutile TiO2 photoelectrode by solid–solid phase transition and demonstrate enhanced visible light absorption and carrier lifetimes.
Mixed-dimensional van der Waals heterostructure enabled gas sensors: fundamentals and applications
Authors: Goel Neeraj , Utkarsha  , Kushwaha Aditya , Kwoka Monika , Kumar Rahul , Kumar Mahesh
Published: January 2024

The recent advances in the field of gas sensing technology by the introduction of van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures have attracted worldwide attention.
A dual-targeted Gd-based contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging in tumor diagnosis
Authors: Yu Lin , Zhang Kaiqi , Zhang Yiyao , Wang Xun , Dong Peng , Ge Yanming , Ni Guangmao , Liu Zan , Zhang Yanhui
Published: January 2024

A dual-targeted contrast agent, RGD-(DOTA-Gd)-TPP (RDP), was synthesized, in which RGD is used to target the αvβ3 integrin receptor overexpressed in tumor cells and TPP is used to bind to a mitochondrion further.
A sustainable metal-free and additive-free olefination route to N-heteroazaarenes from methyl-substituted heterocycles and amines
Authors: Cui Hongyi , Zhang Chunyan , Ji Yuqi , Zhang Guoying
Published: January 2024

A practical and sustainable metal-, additive-free olefination approach is proposed for the facile synthesis of various N-heteroazaarenes with high regioselectivity from simple methyl-substituted heteroarenes and amines using air as the oxidant.
A rechargeable liquid metal–CO2 battery for energy storage and CO2 reduction to carbon
Authors: Gabski Jan , Sun Xinhui , Iskhakova Landysh , Dong Junhang
Published: January 2024

The first liquid gallium–CO2 battery achieves unprecedented power density and carbon negative effect without precious metal catalysts.