bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a front-of-package disclosure on accuracy in assessing children’s drink ingredients: two randomised controlled experiments with US caregivers of young children
Authors: Fleming-Milici Frances , Gershman Haley , Pomeranz Jennifer , Harris Jennifer L
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Test effects of a standardised front-of-package (FOP) disclosure statement (indicating added sugar, non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) and juice content) on accuracy in assessing ingredients and perceived healthfulness of children’s drinks.

Design:

In two randomised controlled experiments, the same participants viewed drink packages and indicated if products contained added sugar or NNS and percent juice and rated drink healthfulness. Experiment 1 (E1) included novel (non-US) children’s drinks with a) product claims only (control), b) claims and disclosure, or c) disclosure only. Experiment 2 (E2) included existing children’s drinks (with claims) with a) no disclosure (control) or b) disclosure. Both experiments evaluated sweetened (fruit drink and flavoured water) and unsweetened (100 % juice and juice/water blend) drinks. Potential individual differences (education level and race/ethnicity) in effects were explored.

Setting:

Online survey

Participants:

Six hundred and forty-eight US caregivers of young children (1–5 years)

Results:

FOP disclosures significantly increased accuracy for most ingredients and drink types, including identifying presence or absence of NNS in sweetened drinks, no added sugar in juice/water blends, and actual percent juice in fruit drinks and juice/water blends in both experiments. Disclosures also increased recognition that the novel 100 % juice and juice/water blend did not contain NNS or added sugar (E1) and existing sweetened drinks contained added sugar (E2). Disclosures reduced perceived healthfulness of sweetened drinks but did not increase unsweetened drink healthfulness ratings. Some differences by participant socio-demographic characteristics require additional research.

Conclusions:

FOP disclosures on children’s drink packages can increase caregivers’ understanding of product ingredients and aid in selecting healthier children’s drinks.
Coagulation-monitored, dose-adjusted catheter-directed thrombolysis	or pharmaco-mechanical thrombus removal in deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Wortmann Julian Kleine , Barco Stefano , Fumagalli Riccardo M. , Voci Davide , Hügel Ulrike , Cola Rahel , Spirk David , Kucher Nils , Sebastian Tim
Published: November 2023

Summary: Background: Pharmaco-mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) and catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) are therapeutic options for selected patients with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Patients and methods: We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 159 patients with symptomatic iliofemoral DVT undergoing PMT alone, CDT alone, or CDT followed by PMT (bail-out) in the Swiss Venous Stent Registry. The primary outcome was the incidence of peri-interventional major and minor bleeding complications (ISTH criteria). Secondary outcomes included the incidence of PTS and stent patency after 3 years. Results: Mean age was 49±20 years and 58% were women. DVT involved the iliac veins in 99% of patients, whereas 53% had an underlying iliac vein compression. PMT alone was used in 40 patients, CDT alone in 77, and 42 received initial CDT followed by bail-out PMT due to insufficient thrombus clearance. Single-session PMT was the preferred approach in patients with iliac vein compression, patent popliteal vein, and absence of IVC thrombus. Patients treated with PMT alone received a lower r-tPA dose (median 10 mg, IQR 10-10) vs. those treated with CDT (20 mg, IQR 10-30). The rate of peri-interventional major bleeding was 0%, 1%, and 2%, whereas that of minor bleeding was 0%, 1%, and 12%, respectively, all occurring during CDT. After 3 years, PTS occurred in 6%, 9%, and 7% of patients, respectively. The primary stent patency rate was 95%, 88%, and 83%, respectively. Conclusions: The use of PMT and CDT for iliofemoral DVT was overall safe and resulted in high long-term patency and treatment success. Given the less severe presentation of DVT, single-session PMT appeared to be characterized by numerically better primary patency and lower perioperative bleeding event rates than CDT.
Rupture and Afterslip Controlled by Spontaneous Local Fluid Flow in Crustal Rock
Authors: Aben Frans M. , Brantut Nicolas
Published: November 2023

Shear rupture and fault slip in crystalline rocks like granite produce large dilation, impacting the spatiotemporal evolution of fluid pressure in the crust during the seismic cycle. To explore how fluid pressure variations are coupled to rock deformation and fault slip, we conducted laboratory experiments under upper crustal conditions while monitoring acoustic emissions and in situ fluid pressure. Our results show two separate faulting stages: initial rupture propagation, associated with large dilatancy and stabilized by local fluid pressure drops, followed by sliding on the newly formed fault, promoted by local fluid pressure recharge from the fault walls. This latter stage had not been previously recognised and can be understood as fluid‐induced afterslip, co‐located with the main rupture patch. Upscaling our laboratory results to the natural scale, we expect that spontaneous fault zone recharge could be responsible for early afterslip in locally dilating regions of major crustal faults, independently from large‐scale fluid flow patterns.
Sensing the oxygen and temperature in the adipose tissues – who’s sensing what?
Authors: Kang Gi-Sue , Jo Hye-Ju , Lee Ye-Rim , Oh Taerim , Park Hye-Joon , Ahn G-One
Published: November 2023

Adipose tissues, composed of various cell types, including adipocytes, endothelial cells, neurons, and immune cells, are organs that are exposed to dynamic environmental challenges. During diet-induced obesity, white adipose tissues experience hypoxia due to adipocyte hypertrophy and dysfunctional vasculature. Under these conditions, cells in white adipose tissues activate hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), a transcription factor that activates signaling pathways involved in metabolism, angiogenesis, and survival/apoptosis to adapt to such an environment. Exposure to cold or activation of the β-adrenergic receptor (through catecholamines or chemicals) leads to heat generation, mainly in brown adipose tissues through activating uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a proton uncoupler in the inner membrane of the mitochondria. White adipose tissues can undergo a similar process under this condition, a phenomenon known as ‘browning’ of white adipose tissues or ‘beige adipocytes’. While UCP1 expression has largely been confined to adipocytes, HIF can be expressed in many types of cells. To dissect the role of HIF in specific types of cells during diet-induced obesity, researchers have generated tissue-specific knockout (KO) mice targeting HIF pathways, and many studies have commonly revealed that intact HIF-1 signaling in adipocytes and adipose tissue macrophages exacerbates tissue inflammation and insulin resistance. In this review, we highlight some of the key findings obtained from these transgenic mice, including Ucp1 KO mice and other models targeting the HIF pathway in adipocytes, macrophages, or endothelial cells, to decipher their roles in diet-induced obesity.
Single-cell characterization of macrophages in uveal melanoma uncovers transcriptionally heterogeneous subsets conferring poor prognosis and aggressive behavior
Authors: Li Ke , Sun Lanfang , Wang Yanan , Cen Yixin , Zhao Jingting , Liao Qianling , Wu Wencan , Sun Jie , Zhou Meng
Published: November 2023

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most frequent primary intraocular malignancy with high metastatic potential and poor prognosis. Macrophages represent one of the most abundant infiltrating immune cells with diverse functions in cancers. However, the cellular heterogeneity and functional diversity of macrophages in UM remain largely unexplored. In this study, we analyzed 63,264 single-cell transcriptomes from 11 UM patients and identified four transcriptionally distinct macrophage subsets (termed MΦ-C1 to MΦ-C4). Among them, we found that MΦ-C4 exhibited relatively low expression of both M1 and M2 signature genes, loss of inflammatory pathways and antigen presentation, instead demonstrating enhanced signaling for proliferation, mitochondrial functions and metabolism. We quantified the infiltration abundance of MΦ-C4 from single-cell and bulk transcriptomes across five cohorts and found that increased MΦ-C4 infiltration was relevant to aggressive behaviors and may serve as an independent prognostic indicator for poor outcomes. We propose a novel subtyping scheme based on macrophages by integrating the transcriptional signatures of MΦ-C4 and machine learning to stratify patients into MΦ-C4-enriched or MΦ-C4-depleted subtypes. These two subtypes showed significantly different clinical outcomes and were validated through bulk RNA sequencing and immunofluorescence assays in both public multicenter cohorts and our in-house cohort. Following further translational investigation, our findings highlight a potential therapeutic strategy of targeting macrophage subsets to control metastatic disease and consistently improve the outcome of patients with UM.
Development and validation of an age-sex-ethnicity-specific metabolic syndrome score in the Chinese adults
Authors: Yang Shujuan , Yu Bin , Yu Wanqi , Dai Shaoqing , Feng Chuanteng , Shao Ying , Zhao Xing , Li Xiaoqing , He Tianjing , Jia Peng
Published: November 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by metabolic dysfunctions and could predict future risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the traditionally defined dichotomous MetS neither reflected MetS severity nor considered demographic variations. Here we develop a continuous, age-sex-ethnicity-specific MetS score based on continuous measures of the five metabolic dysfunctions (waist circumference [WC], triglycerides [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], mean arterial pressure [MAP], and fasting blood glucose [FBG]). We find that the weights of metabolic dysfunctions in the score vary across age-sex-ethnicity-specific subgroups, with higher weights for TG, HDL-C, and WC. Each unit increase in the score is associated with increased risks for hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension, and elevated levels of HbA1c, cholesterol, body mass index, and serum uric acid. The score shows high sensitivity and accuracy for detecting CVD-related risk factors and is validated in different geographical regions. Our study would advance early identification of CVD risks and, more broadly, preventive medicine and sustainable development goals.
A carbon-nitrogen negative feedback loop underlies the repeated evolution of cnidarian–Symbiodiniaceae symbioses
Authors: Cui Guoxin , Mi Jianing , Moret Alessandro , Menzies Jessica , Zhong Huawen , Li Angus , Hung Shiou-Han , Al-Babili Salim , Aranda Manuel
Published: November 2023

Symbiotic associations with Symbiodiniaceae have evolved independently across a diverse range of cnidarian taxa including reef-building corals, sea anemones, and jellyfish, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying their regulation and repeated evolution are still elusive. Here, we show that despite their independent evolution, cnidarian hosts use the same carbon-nitrogen negative feedback loop to control symbiont proliferation. Symbiont-derived photosynthates are used to assimilate nitrogenous waste via glutamine synthetase–glutamate synthase-mediated amino acid biosynthesis in a carbon-dependent manner, which regulates the availability of nitrogen to the symbionts. Using nutrient supplementation experiments, we show that the provision of additional carbohydrates significantly reduces symbiont density while ammonium promotes symbiont proliferation. High-resolution metabolic analysis confirmed that all hosts co-incorporated glucose-derived 13C and ammonium-derived 15N via glutamine synthetase–glutamate synthase-mediated amino acid biosynthesis. Our results reveal a general carbon-nitrogen negative feedback loop underlying these symbioses and provide a parsimonious explanation for their repeated evolution.
Sex differences in avian parental care patterns vary across the breeding cycle
Authors: Wang Daiping , Zhang Wenyuan , Yang Shuai , Richter Xiang-Yi Li
Published: November 2023

Parental care in birds consists of elaborate forms across stages, including nest building, incubation, and offspring provision. Despite their evolutionary importance, knowledge gaps exist in the extent to which parents contribute disproportionately to these forms and factors that are associated with variations in care patterns between sexes. Here, we analyzed 1533 bird species and discovered remarkable variability in care patterns. We show that parental care should not be viewed as a unitary trait but rather as a set of integrated features that exhibit considerable temporal and sex-specific variation. Our analyses also reveal moderate consistency in care patterns between breeding stages, pointing towards shared intrinsic factors driving sex-specific care. Notably, we found that species experiencing strong sexual selection on males or species facing paternity uncertainty display a tendency towards female-biased care. This work advances our understanding of the temporal variations in sex-specific contributions to avian parental care and their potential evolutionary drivers.
Catalytically inactive long prokaryotic Argonaute systems employ distinct effectors to confer immunity via abortive infection
Authors: Song Xinmi , Lei Sheng , Liu Shunhang , Liu Yanqiu , Fu Pan , Zeng Zhifeng , Yang Ke , Chen Yu , Li Ming , She Qunxin , Han Wenyuan
Published: November 2023

Argonaute proteins (Agos) bind short nucleic acids as guides and are directed by them to recognize target complementary nucleic acids. Diverse prokaryotic Agos (pAgos) play potential functions in microbial defense. The functions and mechanisms of a group of full-length yet catalytically inactive pAgos, long-B pAgos, remain unclear. Here, we show that most long-B pAgos are functionally connected with distinct associated proteins, including nucleases, Sir2-domain-containing proteins and trans-membrane proteins, respectively. The long-B pAgo-nuclease system (BPAN) is activated by guide RNA-directed target DNA recognition and performs collateral DNA degradation in vitro. In vivo, the system mediates genomic DNA degradation after sensing invading plasmid, which kills the infected cells and results in the depletion of the invader from the cell population. Together, the BPAN system provides immunoprotection via abortive infection. Our data also suggest that the defense strategy is employed by other long-B pAgos equipped with distinct associated proteins.
Follicle-stimulating hormone orchestrates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion of pancreatic islets
Authors: Cheng Yi , Zhu Hong , Ren Jun , Wu Hai-Yan , Yu Jia-En , Jin Lu-Yang , Pang Hai-Yan , Pan Hai-Tao , Luo Si-Si , Yan Jing , Dong Kai-Xuan , Ye Long-Yun , Zhou Cheng-Liang , Pan Jie-Xue , Meng Zhuo-Xian , Yu Ting , Jin Li , Lin Xian-Hua , Wu Yan-Ting , Yang Hong-Bo , Liu Xin-Mei , Sheng Jian-Zhong , Ding Guo-Lian , Huang He-Feng
Published: November 2023

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is involved in mammalian reproduction via binding to FSH receptor (FSHR). However, several studies have found that FSH and FSHR play important roles in extragonadal tissue. Here, we identified the expression of FSHR in human and mouse pancreatic islet β-cells. Blocking FSH signaling by Fshr knock-out led to impaired glucose tolerance owing to decreased insulin secretion, while high FSH levels caused insufficient insulin secretion as well. In vitro, we found that FSH orchestrated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in a bell curve manner. Mechanistically, FSH primarily activates Gαs via FSHR, promoting the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and calcium pathways to stimulate GSIS, whereas high FSH levels could activate Gαi to inhibit the cAMP/PKA pathway and the amplified effect on GSIS. Our results reveal the role of FSH in regulating pancreatic islet insulin secretion and provide avenues for future clinical investigation and therapeutic strategies for postmenopausal diabetes.
Postprandial glycemic and lipidemic effects of black rice anthocyanin extract fortification in foods of varying macronutrient compositions and matrices
Authors: Ou Sean Jun Leong , Yang Dimeng , Pranata Hanny Putri , Tai E Shyong , Liu Mei Hui
Published: November 2023

Anthocyanin (ACN) fortification of commonly consumed foods is significant as a dietary strategy against the development of metabolic complications by delivering ACNs at high doses. However, its bioactivity and translated metabolic effects in the presence of varying food matrices and macro-constituents is particularly unclear. This end-to-end study investigates the metabolic effects of black rice ACN extract (BRAE) fortification—from in-vitro enzyme inhibitory activities and digestibility, to downstream in vivo impacts on GI, postprandial glycemia and lipidemia. The in vivo effects were investigated in two separate crossover randomised controlled trials (RCT) of 24 healthy participants each—the first RCT determined the postprandial blood glucose, insulin, and ACN bioavailability to a starch-rich single food over 2 h, while the second RCT determined the postprandial blood glucose, insulin, lipid panel, and lipoprotein particles and subfractions to a starch- and fat-rich composite meal over 4 h. In-vitro findings confirmed the inhibitory activities of major black rice ACNs on carbohydrases (p = 0.0004), lipases (p = 0.0002), and starch digestibility (p < 0.0001). in vivo, a 27-point mean GI reduction of wheat bread was observed with BRAE fortification, despite a non-significant attenuation in postprandial glycemia. Conversely, there were no differences in postprandial glycemia when fortified bread was consumed as a composite meal, but acute lipid profiles were altered: (1) improved plasma HDL-c, ([0.0140 mmol/L, 95% CI: (0.00639, 0.0216)], p = 0.0028), Apo-A1 ([0.0296 mmol/L, 95% CI: (0.00757, 0.0515)], p = 0.0203), and Apo-B ([0.00880 mmol/L, 95% CI: (0.00243, 0.0152)], p = 0.0185), (2) modified LDL and HDL subfractions (p < 0.05), and (3) remodelled lipid distributions in HDL and LDL particles. This end-to-end study indicates the potential of ACN fortification in GI reduction and modulating postprandial lipoprotein profiles to starch- and fat-rich composite meals.
MOF-derived C, N-In2O3 with GdFeO3 Z-scheme heterostructure for the photocatalytic removal of tetracycline
Authors: Saravanakumar Karunamoorthy , Jagan Govindan , Lee Jongho , Park Chang Min
Published: November 2023

Metal oxides derived from metal–organic frameworks have received considerable attention for water treatment. Herein, MIL-68 (In)–derived rod-like carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) codoped In2O3–modified GdFeO3 (CN–InO/GdF) Z-scheme heterostructures were rationally constructed through simple pyrolysis and a wet-chemical route. The synthesized CN–InO/GdF catalysts were characterized using several physicochemical techniques. Moreover, the obtained CN–InO/GdF exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance toward tetracycline (TC) degradation. Impressively, the optimized CN–InO/GdF-3 heterostructure catalyst displayed a boosted TC removal efficiency of 99.06% within 60 min of irradiation, which was 7.1 and 9.7 times higher than those of bare CN–InO and GdFeO3, respectively. The remarkably enhanced photoactivity of CN–InO/GdF was principally attributed to the synergistically combined interfaces hindering the recombination of photoinduced carriers, and the maintained redox capacity via Z-scheme spatial charge transfer. Finally, the tentative degradation mechanism was determined on the basis of density functional theory calculations and intermediates analysis. This work elucidated the design of highly efficient catalysts for various applications.
Age-dependent contribution of intrinsic mechanisms to sinoatrial node function in humans
Authors: Weiser-Bitoun Ido , Mori Hitoshi , Nabeshima Taisuke , Tanaka Naomichi , Kudo Daisuke , Sasaki Wataru , Narita Masataka , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Ikeda Yoshifumi , Arai Takahide , Nakano Shintaro , Sumitomo Naokata , Senbonmatsu Taka-aki , Matsumoto Kazuo , Kato Ritsushi , Morrell Christopher H. , Tsutsui Kenta , Yaniv Yael
Published: November 2023

Average beat interval (BI) and beat interval variability (BIV) are primarily determined by mutual entrainment between the autonomic-nervous system (ANS) and intrinsic mechanisms that govern sinoatrial node (SAN) cell function. While basal heart rate is not affected by age in humans, age-dependent reductions in intrinsic heart rate have been documented even in so-called healthy individuals. The relative contributions of the ANS and intrinsic mechanisms to age-dependent deterioration of SAN function in humans are not clear. We recorded ECG on patients (n = 16 < 21 years and n = 23 41–78 years) in the basal state and after ANS blockade (propranolol and atropine) in the presence of propofol and dexmedetomidine anesthesia. Average BI and BIV were analyzed. A set of BIV features were tested to designated the “signatures” of the ANS and intrinsic mechanisms and also the anesthesia “signature”. In young patients, the intrinsic mechanisms and ANS mainly contributed to long- and short-term BIV, respectively. In adults, both ANS and intrinsic mechanisms contributed to short-term BIV, while the latter also contributed to long-term BIV. Furthermore, anesthesia affected ANS function in young patients and both mechanisms in adult. The work also showed that intrinsic mechanism features can be calculated from BIs, without intervention.
Quasi-real-time range monitoring by in-beam PET: a case for 15O
Authors: Purushothaman S. , Kostyleva D. , Dendooven P. , Haettner E. , Geissel H. , Schuy C. , Weber U. , Boscolo D. , Dickel T. , Graeff C. , Hornung C. , Kazantseva E. , Kuzminchuk-Feuerstein N. , Mukha I. , Pietri S. , Roesch H. , Tanaka Y. K. , Zhao J. , Durante M. , Parodi K. , Scheidenberger C.
Published: November 2023

A fast and reliable range monitoring method is required to take full advantage of the high linear energy transfer provided by therapeutic ion beams like carbon and oxygen while minimizing damage to healthy tissue due to range uncertainties. Quasi-real-time range monitoring using in-beam positron emission tomography (PET) with therapeutic beams of positron-emitters of carbon and oxygen is a promising approach. The number of implanted ions and the time required for an unambiguous range verification are decisive factors for choosing a candidate isotope. An experimental study was performed at the FRS fragment-separator of GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Germany, to investigate the evolution of positron annihilation activity profiles during the implantation of $$^{14}$$

14

O and $$^{15}$$

15

O ion beams in a PMMA phantom. The positron activity profile was imaged by a dual-panel version of a Siemens Biograph mCT PET scanner. Results from a similar experiment using ion beams of carbon positron-emitters $$^{11}$$

11

C and $$^{10}$$

10

C performed at the same experimental setup were used for comparison. Owing to their shorter half-lives, the number of implanted ions required for a precise positron annihilation activity peak determination is lower for $$^{10}$$

10

C compared to $$^{11}$$

11

C and likewise for $$^{14}$$

14

O compared to $$^{15}$$

15

O, but their lower production cross-sections make it difficult to produce them at therapeutically relevant intensities. With a similar production cross-section and a 10 times shorter half-life than $$^{11}$$

11

C, $$^{15}$$

15

O provides a faster conclusive positron annihilation activity peak position determination for a lower number of implanted ions compared to $$^{11}$$

11

C. A figure of merit formulation was developed for the quantitative comparison of therapy-relevant positron-emitting beams in the context of quasi-real-time beam monitoring. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that among the positron emitters of carbon and oxygen, $$^{15}$$

15

O is the most feasible candidate for quasi-real-time range monitoring by in-beam PET that can be produced at therapeutically relevant intensities. Additionally, this study demonstrated that the in-flight production and separation method can produce beams of therapeutic quality, in terms of purity, energy, and energy spread.
Sinonasal mucosal melanoma treatment response assessment to immune checkpoint inhibitors using hybrid positron emission tomography imaging
Authors: Maurer Alexander , Gstrein Nathalie A. , Dimitriou Florentia , Sartoretti Thomas , Schaab Jan A. , Looman Esmée L. , Balermpas Panagiotis , Rupp Niels J. , Freiberger Sandra N. , Soyka Michael B. , Holzmann David , Mauthe Tina , Mueller Simon A. , Beintner-Skawran Stephan , Messerli Michael , Kenkel David , Huellner Martin W. , Meerwein Christian M.
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate response of sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SMM) patients to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), using hybrid PET imaging. Fifteen SMM patients underwent hybrid PET imaging before and three months after initiation of ICI. The disease-specific survival (DSS) was calculated. Quantitative PET parameters of the primary tumor and their association with DSS and therapy response were investigated. Nine of the fifteen (60%) patients responded to ICI therapy. Patients with therapy response depicted on hybrid PET imaging had better DSS than those without (p = 0.0058). Quantitative PET parameters of the initial PET harbored no association with DSS or therapy response. However, these findings lack of sufficient statistical power and must be interpreted with caution. The first restaging PET-imaging after ICI initiation can help stratify patients with regard to DSS.
Using biologically synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles as potential remedy against multiple drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus of bovine mastitis
Authors: Ul-Hamid Anwar , Baig Nadeem , Haider Ali , Hakeem Abbas S. , Ikram Muhammad
Published: November 2023

Presently, there is considerable emphasis on biological synthesis of nanoparticles containing bioactive reducing compounds with an aim to mitigate the harmful effects of pollutants. The approach under study is simple and ideal for the production of durable antimicrobial nanomaterials by novel single-step green synthesis of TiO2 metal oxide nanostructures using ginger and garlic crude aqueous extracts with bactericidal and catalytic activity. A variety of experimental techniques were used to characterize the synthesized nanomaterials. As demonstrated using x-ray diffraction and ultra-violet visible spectroscopy, the produced nanoparticles exhibited high absorption at 318 nm with size varying between 23.38 nm for ginger and 58.64 nm for garlic in biologically-reduced TiO2. At increasing concentrations (500, 1000 µg/50 µl), nanoparticles reduced with garlic exhibited enhanced bactericidal efficacy against multiple drug-resistant S. aureus and effectively decomposed toxic methylene blue (MB) dye. In conclusion, biologically-reduced TiO2 nanoparticles may prove an effective tool in the fight against microbial illnesses and drug resistance.
A double-blind comparison of morphological and collagen fingerprinting (ZooMS) methods of skeletal identifications from Paleolithic contexts
Authors: Morin Eugène , Oldfield Ellie-May , Baković Mile , Bordes Jean-Guillaume , Castel Jean-Christophe , Crevecoeur Isabelle , Rougier Hélène , Monnier Gilliane , Tostevin Gilbert , Buckley Michael
Published: November 2023

Modeling the subsistence strategies of prehistoric groups depends on the accuracy of the faunal identifications that provide the basis for these models. However, our knowledge remains limited about the reproducibility of published taxonomic identifications and how they accurately reflect the range of species deposited in the archaeological record. This study compares taxonomic identifications at three Paleolithic sites (Saint-Césaire and Le Piage in France, Crvena Stijena in Montenegro) characterized by high levels of fragmentation. Identifications at these sites were derived using two methods: morphological identification and collagen fingerprinting, the latter a peptide-based approach known as ZooMS. Using a double-blind experimental design, we show that the two methods give taxonomic profiles that are statistically indistinguishable at all three sites. However, rare species and parts difficult to identify such as ribs seem more frequently associated with errors of identification. Comparisons with the indeterminate fraction indicate that large game is over-represented in the ZooMS sample at two of the three sites. These differences possibly signal differential fragmentation of elements from large species. Collagen fingerprinting can produce critical insights on the range distribution of animal prey in the past while also contributing to improved models of taphonomic processes and subsistence behavior.
Native low-density lipoproteins are priming signals of the NLRP3 inflammasome/interleukin-1β pathway in human adipose tissue and macrophages
Authors: Bissonnette Simon , Lamantia Valérie , Ouimet Benjamin , Cyr Yannick , Devaux Marie , Rabasa-Lhoret Remi , Chrétien Michel , Saleh Maya , Faraj May
Published: November 2023

Elevated plasma numbers of atherogenic apoB-lipoproteins (apoB), mostly as low-density lipoproteins (LDL), predict diabetes risk by unclear mechanisms. Upregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome/interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) system in white adipose tissue (WAT) is implicated in type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, metabolic signals that stimulate it remain unexplored. We hypothesized that (1) subjects with high-apoB have higher WAT IL-1β-secretion than subjects with low-apoB, (2) WAT IL-1β-secretion is associated with T2D risk factors, and (3) LDL prime and/or activate the WAT NLRP3 inflammasome. Forty non-diabetic subjects were assessed for T2D risk factors related to systemic and WAT glucose and fat metabolism. Regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was explored using LDL without/with the inflammasome’s priming and activation controls (LPS and ATP). LDL induced IL1B-expression and IL-1β-secretion in the presence of ATP in WAT and macrophages. Subjects with high-apoB had higher WAT IL-1β-secretion independently of covariates. The direction of association of LDL-induced WAT IL-1β-secretion to T2D risk factors was consistently pathological in high-apoB subjects only. Adjustment for IL-1β-secretion eliminated the association of plasma apoB with T2D risk factors. In conclusion, subjects with high-apoB have higher WAT IL-1β-secretion that may explain their risk for T2D and may be related to LDL-induced priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04496154): Omega-3 to Reduce Diabetes Risk in Subjects With High Number of Particles That Carry "Bad Cholesterol" in the Blood—Full Text View—ClinicalTrials.gov.
Experimental study on the transporting and crushing effect of gas on coal powder during the develop stage of coal and gas outburst in roadway
Authors: Cao Jie , Hu Qianting , Dai Linchao , Yang Xuelin
Published: November 2023

In recent years, coal and gas outburst disasters are still occurring and difficult to prevent, seriously endangering the safety of coal mine production. It is well known that the transporting and crushing of outburst coal is the main pathway of energy dissipation during the coal and gas outburst process. However, a consensus regarding how much gas involves in outburst and affects energy dissipation is still lacking. Quantitative study on the gas effect on migration and fragmentation characteristics of outburst coal in restricted roadway space can improve the energy model and guide the prevention and control of gas outburst. In this paper, an improved visual coal and gas outburst dynamic effect simulation experiment system was used to conduct outburst simulation experiments at different gas pressure conditions. The results showed that the movement of outburst coal in the roadway has experienced various flow patterns. In the initial stage of the outburst, under low gas pressure condition, the motion of the outburst coal was dominated by stratified flow. However, as the gas pressure increases, the initial acceleration increases, and the outburst coal mainly move forward rapidly in the form of plug flow. The average velocity at 0.3, 0.5, and 0.8 MPa gas pressure condition were 6.75, 22.22 and 35.81 m/s, respectively. Gas also has a crushing effect on outburst coal. With increasing gas pressure, the number of coal powder particles of the same mass increased significantly, and the range of the particle size distribution of the particles decreaed, and the median particle size decreased. As the gas pressure increases, the outburst intensity gradually increases, and the total energy involved in the outburst work also increases. However, the energy dissipation pathways are different. At 0.3 MPa, the energy dissipation is dominated by crushing energy, which is about six times the ejection energy. As the gas pressure increased to 0.8 MPa, the proportion of the ejection energy gradually increases to about twice that of the crushing energy. Under the experimental conditions, 2.71–13.43% of the adsorbed gas involves in the outburst (AGIO) through rapid desorption, and the proportion increases with increasing gas pressure. This paper improves the energy model of coal and gas outburst, which is applicable to risk assessment and prevention of outburst disasters.
Early-career factors largely determine the future impact of prominent researchers: evidence across eight scientific fields
Authors: Krauss Alexander , Danús Lluís , Sales-Pardo Marta
Published: November 2023

Can we help predict the future impact of researchers using early-career factors? We analyze early-career factors of the world’s 100 most prominent researchers across 8 scientific fields and identify four key drivers in researchers’ initial career: working at a top 25 ranked university, publishing a paper in a top 5 ranked journal, publishing most papers in top quartile (high-impact) journals and co-authoring with other prominent researchers in their field. We find that over 95% of prominent researchers across multiple fields had at least one of these four features in the first 5 years of their career. We find that the most prominent scientists who had an early career advantage in terms of citations and h-index are more likely to have had all four features, and that this advantage persists throughout their career after 10, 15 and 20 years. Our findings show that these few early-career factors help predict researchers’ impact later in their careers. Our research thus points to the need to enhance fairness and career mobility among scientists who have not had a jump start early on.
An in vitro model of the macrophage-endothelial interface to characterize CAR T-cell induced cytokine storm
Authors: Rosen Robert S. , Yang Jason H. , Peña Juan S. , Schloss Rene , Yarmush Martin L.
Published: November 2023

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a highly effective treatment for B-cell malignancies but limited in use due to clinically significant hyperinflammatory toxicities. Understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms which mediate these toxicities can help identify novel management strategies. Here we report a novel in vitro model of the macrophage-endothelial interface to study the effects of CAR T-cell-induced cytokine storm. Using this model, we demonstrate that macrophage-mediated inflammation is regulated by endothelial cell activity. Furthermore, endothelial inflammation occurs independently of macrophages following exposure to CAR T-cell products and the induced endothelial inflammation potentiates macrophage-mediated inflammatory signaling, leading to a hyperinflammatory environment. While corticosteroids, the current gold standard of care, attenuate the resulting macrophage inflammatory signaling, the endothelial activity remains refractory to this treatment strategy. Utilizing a network model, coupled to in vitro secretion profiling, we identified STAT3 programming as critical in regulating this endothelial behavior. Lastly, we demonstrate how targeting STAT3 activity can abrogate endothelial inflammation and attenuate this otherwise hyperinflammatory environment. Our results demonstrate that endothelial cells play a central role in the pathophysiology of CAR T-cell toxicities and targeting the mechanisms driving the endothelial response can guide future clinical management.
Sub-annual bomb radiocarbon records from trees in northern Israel
Authors: Raj Harsh , Ehrlich Yael , Regev Lior , Mintz Eugenia , Boaretto Elisabetta
Published: November 2023

Spatial and temporal variations in the atmospheric bomb radiocarbon make it a very useful tracer and a dating tool. With the introduction of more atmospheric bomb radiocarbon records, the spatial and temporal changes in bomb radiocarbon are becoming clearer. Bomb radiocarbon record from a pine tree in the northern Israel region shows that the Δ14C level in the region is closer to the northern hemisphere zone (NH) 1 as compared to the northern hemisphere zone (NH) 2. A comparison of this pine's Δ14C record with a nearby olive tree's Δ14C values also highlights changes in the growing season of the olive wood from one year to the other. The observation suggests that olive wood 14C ages can show offset compared to the IntCal curve, and thus they should be interpreted cautiously.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Single-atoms (N, P, S) encapsulation of Ni-doped graphene/PEDOT hybrid materials as sensors for H2S gas applications: intuition from computational study
Authors: Benjamin Innocent , Louis Hitler , Ogungbemiro Festus O. , Agurokpon Daniel C. , Ekpong Bassey O. , Gber Terkumbur E. , Pembere Anthony M. S.
Published: November 2023

This comprehensive study was dedicated to augmenting the sensing capabilities of Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S through the strategic functionalization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur heteroatoms. Governed by density functional theory (DFT) computations at the gd3bj-B3LYP/def2svp level of theory, the investigation meticulously assessed the performance efficacy of electronically tailored nanocomposites in detecting H2S gas—a corrosive byproduct generated by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), bearing latent threats to infrastructure integrity especially in the oil and gas industry. Impressively, the analysed systems, comprising Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, N_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, P_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, and S_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, unveiled both structural and electronic properties of noteworthy distinction, thereby substantiating their heightened reactivity. Results of adsorption studies revealed distinct adsorption energies (− 13.0887, − 10.1771, − 16.8166, and − 14.0955 eV) associated respectively with N_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, P_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, S_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S, and Ni@GP_PEDOT systems. These disparities vividly underscored the diverse strengths of the adsorbed H2S on the surfaces, significantly accentuating the robustness of S_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H2S as a premier adsorbent, fuelled by the notably strong sulfur-surface interactions. Fascinatingly, the sensor descriptor findings unveiled multifaceted facets pivotal for H2S detection. Ultimately, molecular dynamic simulations corroborated the cumulative findings, collectively underscoring the pivotal significance of this study in propelling the domain of H2S gas detection and sensor device innovation.
Spatially interactive modeling of land change identifies location-specific adaptations most likely to lower future flood risk
Authors: Sanchez Georgina M. , Petrasova Anna , Skrip Megan M. , Collins Elyssa L. , Lawrimore Margaret A. , Vogler John B. , Terando Adam , Vukomanovic Jelena , Mitasova Helena , Meentemeyer Ross K.
Published: November 2023

Impacts of sea level rise will last for centuries; therefore, flood risk modeling must transition from identifying risky locations to assessing how populations can best cope. We present the first spatially interactive (i.e., what happens at one location affects another) land change model (FUTURES 3.0) that can probabilistically predict urban growth while simulating human migration and other responses to flooding, essentially depicting the geography of impact and response. Accounting for human migration reduced total amounts of projected developed land exposed to flooding by 2050 by 5%–24%, depending on flood hazard zone (50%–0.2% annual probability). We simulated various “what-if” scenarios and found managed retreat to be the only intervention with predicted exposure below baseline conditions. In the business-as-usual scenario, existing and future development must be either protected or abandoned to cope with future flooding. Our open framework can be applied to different regions and advances local to regional-scale efforts to evaluate potential risks and tradeoffs.
Numerical analysis of slip-enhanced flow over a curved surface with magnetized water-based hybrid nanofluid containing gyrotactic microorganisms
Authors: Yasmin Humaira , Lone Showkat Ahmad , Tassaddiq Asifa , Raizah Zehba , Alrabaiah Hussam , Saeed Anwar
Published: November 2023

This article presents the two-dimensional flow of hybrid nanofluid comprising of gyrotactic microorganisms under the consequences of multiple slip conditions, magnetic field and thermal radiation across an elongating curved surface using porous media. The nanoparticles of TiO2 and Fe3O4 have dispersed in water for composition of hybrid nanofluid. Main equations of the problem are converted to ODEs by using an appropriate set of variables. Solution of the present model is determined with the help of bvp4c technique, which is explained in detail in the coming section. Validation of the current results is done versus the published work. The effects of various emerging factors on flow distributions have been considered and explained. Additionally, the slips conditions are incorporated to analyze various flow distributions. The present outcomes show that the rising magnetic factor lessens the velocity profile, whereas rises the temperature profile. The curvature factor has supported both temperature and velocity distributions. Growth in velocity, thermal, concentration, and microorganisms slip factors reduce the corresponding distributions. The greater impact of the embedded parameters is found on hybrid nanofluid flow when matched to nanofluid flow.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the spontaneous reporting and signal detection of adverse drug events
Authors: Montes-Grajales Diana , Garcia-Serna Ricard , Mestres Jordi
Published: November 2023

External factors severely affecting in a short period of time the spontaneous reporting of adverse events (AEs) can significantly impact drug safety signal detection. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represented an enormous challenge for health systems, with over 767 million cases and massive vaccination campaigns involving over 70% of the worldwide population. This study investigates the potential masking effect on certain AEs caused by the substantial increase in reports solely related to COVID-19 vaccines within various spontaneous reporting systems (SRSs). Three SRSs were used to monitor AEs reporting before and during the pandemic, namely, the World Health Organisation (WHO) global individual case safety reports database (VigiBase®), the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database (JADER). Findings revealed a sudden over-reporting of 35 AEs (≥ 200%) during the pandemic, with an increment of the RRF value in 2021 of at least double the RRF reported in 2020. This translates into a substantial reduction in signals of disproportionate reporting (SDR) due to the massive inclusion of COVID-19 vaccine reports. To mitigate the masking effect of COVID-19 vaccines in post-marketing SRS analyses, we recommend utilizing COVID-19-corrected versions for a more accurate assessment.
A versatile high-average-power ultrafast infrared driver tailored for high-harmonic generation and vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Thiré Nicolas , Chatterjee Gourab , Pertot Yoann , Albert Olivier , Karras Gabriel , Zhang Yu , Wyatt Adam S. , Towrie Michael , Springate Emma , Greetham Gregory M. , Forget Nicolas
Published: November 2023

We report on an ultrafast infrared optical parametric chirped-pulse amplifier (OPCPA), pumped by a 200-W thin-disk Yb-based regenerative amplifier at a repetition rate of 100 kHz. The OPCPA is tunable in the spectral range 1.4–3.9 $$\upmu $$
μ
m, generating up to 23 W of < 100-fs signal and 13 W of < 200-fs idler pulses for infrared spectroscopy, with additional spectral filtering capabilities for Raman spectroscopy. The OPCPA can also yield 19 W of 49-fs 1.75-$$\upmu $$
μ
m signal or 5 W of 62-fs 2.8-$$\upmu $$
μ
m idler pulses with active carrier-to-envelope-phase (CEP) stabilisation for high-harmonic generation (HHG). We illustrate the versatility of the laser design, catering to various experimental requirements for probing ultrafast science.
Differential effects of climate change on average and peak demand for heating and cooling across the contiguous USA
Authors: Amonkar Yash , Doss-Gollin James , Farnham David J. , Modi Vijay , Lall Upmanu
Published: November 2023

While most electricity systems are designed to handle peak demand during summer months, long-term energy pathways consistent with deep decarbonization generally electrify building heating, thus increasing electricity demand during winter. A key question is how climate variability and change will affect peak heating and cooling demand in an electrified future. We conduct a spatially explicit analysis of trends in temperature-based proxies of electricity demand over the past 70 years. Average annual demand for heating (cooling) decreases (increases) over most of the contiguous US. However, while climate change drives robust increases in peak cooling demand, trends in peak heating demand are generally smaller and less robust. Because the distribution of temperature exhibits a long left tail, severe cold snaps dominate the extremes of thermal demand. As building heating electrifies, system operators must account for these events to ensure reliability.
Antibiotic resistance patterns in soils across the Scottish landscape
Authors: Pagaling Eulyn , Hough Rupert , Avery Lisa , Robinson Lucinda , Freitag Thomas , Coull Malcolm , Zhou Xinyuan , Su Jian-Qiang , Peshkur Tatyana , Zhu Yong-Guan , Graham David W. , Knapp Charles W.
Published: November 2023

The environment disseminates antimicrobial-resistance genes; however, it remains challenging to distinguish whether human activities exacerbate antimicrobial resistance or what is natural. Here, we quantified ~300 resistance-related genes in 200+ Scottish soil samples. Location or land use does not explain gene differences, but nutrient levels reduce gene richness. Elevated levels of metals increased gene richness, and selenium increased transposase levels. Rainfall and persistent organic pollutants also increased transposase relative abundance, possibly promoting conditions conducive to the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial-resistance genes. Selenium and polychlorinated biphenyls were primary factors in gene abundance, while polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pH influenced gene diversity. Polychlorinated biphenyls are derived from anthropogenic activities, highlighting human activities’ potential impact on gene prevalence. This is the first national-scale, high spatial resolution dataset of antimicrobial-resistance genes in Scottish soils and provides a novel resource on which to build future studies.