bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the epithelial cell, fibroblast, and key gene alterations in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Wang Yakun , Li Zufei , Lu Jun
Published: January 2024

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to be an essential process in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP. However, the mechanisms of epithelial and fibroblastic changes at the single-cell level are unclear. In this study, we investigated the epithelial cell, fibroblast, and key gene alterations in the development of CRSwNP. We revealed major cell types involved in CRSwNP and nasal mucosal inflammation formation, then mapped epithelial and fibroblast subpopulations. We showed that the apical and glandular epithelial cells and the ADGRB3+ and POSTN+ fibroblasts were the key cell subtypes in the progression of CRSwNP. Pseudotime and cell cycle analysis identified dynamic changes between epithelial cells and fibroblasts during its development. WFDC2 and CCL26 were identified as the key marker genes involved in the development of CRSwNP and were validated by IHC staining, which may provide a potential novel target for future CRSwNP therapy. ScRNA-seq data provided insights into the cellular landscape and the relationship between epithelial cells and fibroblasts in the progression of CRSwNP. WFDC2 and CCL26 were identified as the key genes involved in the development of CRSwNP and may be the potential markers for gene therapy.
The association between visual impairment and mental disorders
Authors: Hashemi Alireza , Hashemi Hassan , Jamali Alireza , Ghasemi Hamed , Ghazizadeh Hashemi Fatemeh , Khabazkhoob Mehdi
Published: January 2024

To determine the association between visual impairment (VI) and some mental disorders using the general health questionnaire (GHQ) in individuals aged 60 years and above in Tehran, Iran. The present population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on people aged 60 and older in Tehran, Iran using multi-stage cluster sampling. After selecting the samples, examinations including visual acuity measurement, refraction, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy were performed for all participants. The GHQ was used to examine mental disorders. Simple and multiple linear regressions were used to investigate the association between VI and mental disorders. Of the 3740 invitees, 3310 participated in the study (response rate: 88.50%). After applying the exclusion criteria, 2789 individuals were analyzed for this report. Mean score of physical, anxiety, social and depression disorders in people with and without VI was 3.74 ± 2.03, 5.81 ± 2.79, 7.56 ± 1.91, 1.32 ± 1.90, and 3.14 ± 1.76, 4.93 ± 2.71, 8.09 ± 1.99, 0.91 ± 1.38, respectively. The total score of GHQ in participants with and without VI was 18.43 ± 4.75 and 17.07 ± 4.19, respectively. The association between GHQ subscales and total GHQ score with VI by multiple linear regression showed that VI had a statistically significant direct association with physical symptoms (β = 0.37; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.62) and anxiety (β = 0.48; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.81). Nevertheless, depression had a borderline association with VI (β = 0.21; 95% CI − 0.03 to 0.45) and social dysfunction did not have a statistically significant association with VI in the final linear regression model and did not remain in the model. Total GHQ score had a statistically significant association with VI (β = 1.02; 95% CI 0.39 to 1.64) in the presence of covariates. Regarding the association between VI and GHQ components, the physical symptoms had the highest R2 (R2 = 0.159). Patients with VI suffer more from anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms regardless of age, sex, education, and other effective variables. The coincidence of aging with VI and the association of VI with mental disorders emphasizes the importance of a broader view of the elderly and the aging process.
Elimination of detached Listeria monocytogenes from the biofilm on stainless steel surfaces during milk and cheese processing using natural plant extracts
Authors: El-sawy Yasmine N. A. , Abdel-Salam Ayah B. , Abd-Elhady Hemmat M. , Abou-Taleb Khadiga A. A. , Ahmed Rania F.
Published: January 2024

Bacterial cells can form biofilm on food contact surfaces, becoming a source of food contamination with profound health implications. The current study aimed to determine some Egyptian medicinal plants antibacterial and antibiofilm effects against foodborne bacterial strains in milk plants. Results indicated that four ethanolic plant extracts, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), Marigold (Calendula officinalis), and Sage (Salvia officinalis), had antibacterial (12.0–26.5 mm of inhibition zone diameter) and antibiofilm (10–99%) activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium. The tested extracts had minimum inhibitory concentration values between 0.14 and 2.50 mg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration values between 0.14 and 12.50 mg/ml. L. monocytogenes was more sensitive for all tested ethanolic extracts; Sage and Cinnamon showed a bacteriocidal effect, while Chamomile and Marigold were bacteriostatic. The ethanolic extracts mixture from Chamomile, Sage, and Cinnamon was chosen for its antibiofilm activity against L. monocytogenes using L-optimal mixture design. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis showed that this mixture contained 12 chemical compounds, where 2-Propenal,3-phenyl- had the maximum area % (34.82%). At concentrations up to 500 µg/ml, it had no cytotoxicity in the normal Vero cell line, and the IC50 value was 671.76 ± 9.03 µg/ml. Also, this mixture showed the most significant antibacterial effect against detached L. monocytogenes cells from formed biofilm in stainless steel milk tanks. At the same time, white soft cheese fortified with this mixture was significantly accepted overall for the panelist (92.2 ± 2.7) than other cheese samples, including the control group.
The cost of monitoring in time-based prospective memory
Authors: Laera Gianvito , Brummer Jasmin , Hering Alexandra , Kliegel Matthias , Horn Sebastian
Published: January 2024

Time-based prospective memory (TBPM) involves remembering to perform actions at specific times in the future. Several studies suggest that monetary consequences improve prospective remembering; however, the effect of monetary consequences on strategic time monitoring (i.e., clock-checking behaviour) in TBPM is still unknown. The present study investigated how the monetary costs on clock-checking affected TBPM accuracy and strategic time monitoring. Participants performed an ongoing lexical decision task while carrying out a TBPM task every two minutes. Motivational incentives were manipulated across three experimental conditions: a single-cost condition in which missed TBPM responses led to monetary deductions, a double-cost condition in which both missed responses and time monitoring led to monetary deductions, and a control condition with no monetary deductions. Overall, the findings indicated that monetary costs on clock-checking prompted more parsimonious strategic time monitoring behaviour, which negatively impacted TBPM accuracy. These results emphasize the importance of weighing the motivational aspects involved in strategic monitoring, shedding light on the complex relationship between clock-checking behaviour, its consequences, and TBPM performance.
Conversational facial signals combine into compositional meanings that change the interpretation of speaker intentions
Authors: Trujillo James P. , Holler Judith
Published: January 2024

Human language is extremely versatile, combining a limited set of signals in an unlimited number of ways. However, it is unknown whether conversational visual signals feed into the composite utterances with which speakers communicate their intentions. We assessed whether different combinations of visual signals lead to different intent interpretations of the same spoken utterance. Participants viewed a virtual avatar uttering spoken questions while producing single visual signals (i.e., head turn, head tilt, eyebrow raise) or combinations of these signals. After each video, participants classified the communicative intention behind the question. We found that composite utterances combining several visual signals conveyed different meaning compared to utterances accompanied by the single visual signals. However, responses to combinations of signals were more similar to the responses to related, rather than unrelated, individual signals, indicating a consistent influence of the individual visual signals on the whole. This study therefore provides first evidence for compositional, non-additive (i.e., Gestalt-like) perception of multimodal language.
Change in hip laxity after anterior capsular suture in total hip arthroplasty using direct anterior approach
Authors: Imagama Takashi , Matsuki Yuta , Okazaki Tomoya , Kaneoka Takehiro , Kawakami Takehiro , Yamazaki Kazuhiro , Sakai Takashi
Published: January 2024

It is clinically unclear whether anterior capsular suture improves hip laxity in total hip arthroplasty using direct anterior approach (DAA-THA). This study aimed to clarify the impact of anterior capsular suture for hip laxity in DAA-THA. In this study, 121 hips of 112 patients who underwent DAA-THA were prospectively enrolled. Mean age was 64.7 ± 10.1 years, and the subjects consisted of 35 hips in 32 men and 86 hips in 80 women. To evaluate hip laxity after implantation, axial head transfer distance (HTD) when the hip was pulled axially at 15 kg was compared before and after anterior capsular suture at the hip intermediate and 10° extension positions. HTD in the intermediate and 10° extension positions averaged 5.9 ± 4.6 mm and 6.3 ± 4.6 mm before the suture, and 2.6 ± 2.7 mm and 2.9 ± 3.1 mm after the suture, respectively. HTD after the suture significantly decreased in both hip positions (p < 0.0001). The amount of change by the suture was greater in cases with greater pre-suturing HTD. In DAA-THA, the anterior capsular suture significantly improved hip laxity against axial traction force, it may contribute to improvement of postoperative hip stability, especially in cases with greater laxity before the suture.
Protective effect of tomato pomace extract encapsulated in combination with probiotics against indomethacin induced enterocolitis
Authors: Fouda Karem , Mabrouk Ahmed M. , Abdelgayed Sherein S. , Mohamed Rasha S.
Published: January 2024

Tomato pomace (TP), an antioxidant-rich byproduct, may be suitable for noble applications. The regulation of ROS generation and the anti-inflammatory response can help to prevent ulceration. The purpose of this study was to examine TP for antioxidants, in silico anti-inflammatory properties, and its potential to protect against ulceration and erosion triggered by indomethacin. Tomato pomace extract (TPE) was encapsulated either alone or with probiotics to maximize its potential effect. These microcapsules were investigated in indomethacin-treated rats. TPE demonstrated antioxidant activity as well as high levels of carotenoids (15 mg/g extract) and polyphenols. Because of their binding affinity as well as hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions with the active sites of TNF-α and IL-1β inflammatory cytokines, ellagic acid and rutin may be implicated in the anti-inflammatory effect of TPE, according to the docking study. TPE microcapsules, either alone or in combination with probiotics, demonstrated a protective effect against enterocolitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, as evidenced by the decrease in stomach and intestinal MDA, NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and the increase in CAT, SOD, and GSH activities. The produced microcapsules are suggested to be promising candidates for protection against gastric ulcers and erosion.
Contrast variation method applied to structural evaluation of catalysts by X-ray small-angle scattering
Authors: Mufundirwa Albert , Sakurai Yoshiharu , Arao Masazumi , Matsumoto Masashi , Imai Hideto , Iwamoto Hiroyuki
Published: January 2024

In the process of developing carbon-supported metal catalysts, determining the catalyst particle-size distribution is an essential step, because this parameter is directly related to the catalytic activities. The particle-size distribution is most effectively determined by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). When metal catalysts are supported by high-performance mesoporous carbon materials, however, their mesopores may lead to erroneous particle-size estimation if the sizes of the catalysts and mesopores are comparable. Here we propose a novel approach to particle-size determination by introducing contrast variation-SAXS (CV-SAXS). In CV-SAXS, a multi-component sample is immersed in an inert solvent with a density equal to that of one of the components, thereby rendering that particular component invisible to X-rays. We used a mixture of tetrabromoethane and dimethyl sulfoxide as a contrast-matching solvent for carbon. As a test sample, we prepared a mixture of a small amount of platinum (Pt) catalyst and a bulk of mesoporous carbon, and subjected it to SAXS measurement in the absence and presence of the solvent. In the absence of the solvent, the estimated Pt particle size was affected by the mesopores, but in the presence of the solvent, the Pt particle size was correctly estimated in spite of the low Pt content. The results demonstrate that the CV-SAXS technique is useful for correctly determining the particle-size distribution for low-Pt-content catalysts, for which demands are increasing to reduce the use of expensive Pt.
Validation of a two-fluid turbulence model in comsol multiphysics for the problem of flow around aerodynamic profiles
Authors: Malikov Z. M. , Madaliev M. E. , Chernyshev S. L. , Ionov A. A.
Published: January 2024

The article presents a study of a two-fluid turbulence model in the Comsol Multiphysics software package for the problem of a subsonic flow around the DSMA661 and NACA 4412 airfoils with angles of attack of 0 and 13.87 degrees, respectively. In this paper, the finite element method is used for the numerical implementation of the turbulence equations. To stabilize the discretized equations, stabilization by the Galerkin least squares method was used. The results obtained are compared with the results of other RANS, LES, DES models and experimental data. It is shown that in the case of continuous flow around the DSMA661 airfoil, the results of the two-fluid model are very close to the SST results and are in good agreement with the experimental data. When flowing around the NACA 4412 airfoil, flow separation occurs and a recirculation zone appears. It is shown that in such cases the two-fluid model gives more accurate results than other turbulence models. Implementation of the Comsol Multiphysics software package showed good convergence, stability, and high accuracy of the two-fluid turbulence model.
Airborne SARS-CoV2 virus exposure, interpersonal distance, face mask and perceived risk of infection
Authors: Svenson Ola , Isohanni Freja , Salo Ilkka , Lindholm Torun
Published: January 2024

Participants judged the risk of an infection during a face to face conversation at different interpersonal distances from a SARS-CoV-2 infected person who wore a face mask or not, and in the same questionnaire answered questions about Corona related issues. Keeping a distance to an infected person serves as a protective measure against an infection. When an infected person moves closer, risk of infection increases. Participants were aware of this fact, but underestimated the rate at which the risk of infection increases when getting closer to an infected person, e.g., from 1.5 to 0.5 m (perceived risk increase = 3.33 times higher, objective = 9.00 times higher). This is alarming because it means that people can take risks of infection that they are not aware of or want to take, when they approach another possibly virus infected person. Correspondingly, when an infected person moves away the speed of risk decrease was underestimated, meaning that people are not aware of how much safer they will be if they move away from an infected person. The perceived risk reducing effects of a face mask were approximately correct. Judgments of infection risk at different interpersonal distances (with or without a mask) were unrelated to how often a person used a mask, avoided others or canceled meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Greater worry in general and in particular over COVID-19, correlated positively with more protective behavior during the pandemic, but not with judgments of infection risk at different interpersonal distances. Participants with higher scores on a cognitive numeracy test judged mask efficiency more correctly, and women were more worried and risk avoiding than men. The results have implications for understanding behavior in a pandemic, and are relevant for risk communications about the steep increase in risk when approaching a person who may be infected with an airborne virus.
Evaluating repellence properties of catnip essential oil against the mosquito species Aedes aegypti using a Y-tube olfactometer
Authors: Batume Charles , Mulongo Ivan Mugeni , Ludlow Richard , Ssebaale John , Randerson Peter , Pickett John A. , Mukisa Ivan M. , Scofield Simon
Published: January 2024

The mosquito species Aedes aegypti (L.) is known to act as a vector in the transmission of various diseases, including dengue fever and yellow fever. The use of insect repellents is one of precautionary measures used to mitigate the risk of these diseases in humans by reducing mosquito biting. Nepetalactone, a potent natural insect repellent primarily found in catnip (Nepeta cataria) essential oil, has emerged as a promising candidate for mosquito repellence. Here, we evaluated the potential of catnip essential oil (> 95% nepetalactone) for use as a mosquito repellent. Using a Y-tube olfactometer and human hands as an attractant, we analysed the effectiveness of catnip oil at repelling the mosquito species Aedes aegypti. We tested a range of dilutions of catnip essential oil and found that concentrations as low as 2% were effective at repelling > 70% of mosquitoes for between one and four hours after repellent application. These findings suggest that nepetalactone could potentially be used as a natural, effective alternative to synthetic mosquito repellents, thereby offering protection against vector-borne diseases.
Video gamers demonstrate superior bronchoscopy skills among beginners
Authors: Shimoda Masafumi , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Morimoto Kozo , Yoshimori Kozo , Ohta Ken
Published: January 2024

While previous research has explored the connection between video gaming and medical procedures, studies on the connection between video gaming and bronchoscopy techniques are lacking. This study aimed to investigate how video gaming experience influences bronchoscopy skills, particularly among beginners. This study was conducted at Fukujuji Hospital from January 2021 to October 2023. Twenty-three participants were assigned to the inexperienced group, and eighteen participants were assigned to the experienced group. The observational time during bronchoscopy, measured using a simulator, and the playing time of SPLATOON 2 (NINTENDO Co. Ltd., Japan) were analyzed. Video gaming skills were assessed based on game completion time, with shorter times indicating faster task completion. Participants were also divided into gamer and nongamer subgroups for further comparisons. A moderate linear relationship existed between bronchoscopic observation time and game completion time in the inexperienced group (r = 0.453, p = 0.030). However, no correlation was found in the experienced group (r = 0.268, p = 0.283). Among the inexperienced group, the gamer subgroup (n = 12) exhibited significantly shorter bronchoscopic observation times than did the nongamer subgroup (n = 11) (median [range]: 200 [129–229] s) vs. 281 [184–342] s, p = 0.005). This study demonstrated a relationship between bronchoscopy technique and video gaming skills among individuals with little bronchoscopy experience.
Cyclic loading changes the taproot's tensile properties and reinforces the soil via the shrub's taproot in semi-arid areas, China
Authors: Hu Jinghua , Zhang Xin , Yan Maolin , Bai Luyi , Wang Shusen , Wang Bo , Liu Jing , Gao Yong
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to reveal the soil reinforcement by shrub root systems after repeated stress from external forces, such as high winds and runoff, for extended periods in the wind-hydraulic compound erosion zone. Using the widely distributed Shandong mine area soil and water-conserving plant species, Caragana microphylla, Hippophae rhamnoides, and Artemisia ordosica, cyclic loading tests were conducted on taproots of the three plant species (1–5 mm diameter) via a TY8000 servo-type machine to investigate the taproots’ tensile properties response to repeated loading–unloading using simulated high wind pulling and runoff scouring. Our study revealed that the tensile force was positively correlated with the root diameter but the tensile strength was negatively correlated under monotonic and cyclic loading of the three plants’ taproots. However, after cyclic loading, the three plant species' taproots significantly enhanced the tensile force and strength more than monotonic loading (P < 0.05). The taproot force–displacement hysteresis curves of the three plant species revealed obvious cyclic characteristics. Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that root diameter and damage method directly affected the taproots' survival rate, reflecting their sustainable soil reinforcement capacity. The damage method significantly influenced the soil reinforcement more than the root diameter. Our findings reveal that the plant species' taproots can adapt more to the external environment and enhance their resistance to erosion after natural low perimeter erosion damage, effectively inducing soil reinforcement. Particularly, the taproots of Caragana microphylla have superior soil-fixing ability and can be used for ecological restoration.
Sulfonated magnetic spirulina nanobiomaterial as a novel and environmentally friendly catalyst for the synthesis of dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones in aqueous medium
Authors: Mashhadi Elahe , Safaei-Ghomi Javad
Published: January 2024

Spirulina algae is an excellent candidate for catalyst preparation due to its reactive functional groups, cost-effectiveness, widespread commercial accessibility, and biodegradability. In this study, magnetized Spirulina was used for the synthesis of dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones (DHQZs) as catalyst. Magnetized Spirulina was produced by CoFe2O4 and sulfonation method using chlorosulfonic acid to create the catalyst [CoFe2O4-Sp-SO3H]. It was affirmed by various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and elemental mapping techniques. DHQZs synthesis was accomplished through a concise one-pot, three-component reaction involving a range of diverse aldehydes, isatoic anhydride, and primary aromatic amine, within an aqueous medium. The method offers several advantages, including using green conditions, the generation of several new 2-furan-quinazolinone derivatives, chromatography-free purification, short reaction times, appropriate yield of product (75–96%), and catalyst recyclability. The proposed catalyst and water as solvent demonstrated a strong synergistic effect, leading to the prosperous synthesis of various novel dihydroquinazolinones at 60 °C. These numerous benefits make our approach highly attractive for academic research and industrial applications.
Physical activity and nutrition in relation to resilience: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Leipold Bernhard , Klier Kristina , Dapperger Ellen , Schmidt Annette
Published: January 2024

A healthy lifestyle is often discussed as being a characteristic of or a prerequisite for quality of life. In phases of high subjective stress (work overload, negative thoughts), however, its protective function can be limited. The two present survey studies examined two facets of a health-related lifestyle (physical activity and nutritional awareness), in particular, the correlations with general life satisfaction and their adaptive function in respect to stress (resilience). In addition, because episodes of increased stress can have a negative effect on eating, the interactions with the consumption of less healthy food were examined. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted successively with adults aged between 18 and 72 in Germany. Study 1 (N = 685) examined the research questions with correlations, moderated regression analyses, and structural equation models. Study 2 (N = 628) differentiated between sport, occupational and daily activities. Study 1 showed that the amount of physical activity and nutritional awareness are correlated with life satisfaction. The relationship between stress appraisals and general life satisfaction was moderated by physical activity and nutritional awareness (stress-buffer effect). Study 2 replicated the stress-buffer effects of nutritional awareness, daily activities, and occupational activities. Both studies showed that stress is associated with consumption of less healthy food and found interactions with physical activity and nutritional awareness. Discussed are the adaptive role of physical activity and nutritional awareness in times of stress.

Trial Registration EK UniBw M 23-06, 12/16/2022.
Using millimeter-wave radar to evaluate the performance of dummy models for advanced driving assistance systems test
Authors: Lv Donghui , Yuan Lin , Bai Xue
Published: January 2024

With the rapid development of intelligent and connected vehicles, the experimental road test for the advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) is dramatically increasing around the world. Considering its high cost and hazardous situations, simulation test based on a dummy model is becoming a promising way for ADAS road test practice to reduce the experiment expanses. This study proposed a methodology for the evaluation of the performance of human and dummies with distinct designed materials based on the data extracted from the Doppler effect of millimeter-wave radar. Echo data of 8 different angles from 0 to 360 degrees, with the an interval of 45 degrees, at the same distance between the test object and the signal source is collected. Meanwhile, the echo energy is collected for correlation modeling and analysis among groups. By evaluating the performance of humans and dummies via statistical analysis, a close correlation was found which results verified the substitutability of the dummy for the ADAS experiment test. The correlation coefficient between human and dummies ranges from 0.75 to 0.93. The support vector machine (SVM) model was developed and fitted to predict the echo energy in diverse environments. The mean average error (MAE) is 5.42–11.42 in the training and testing datasets while root mean square error (RMSE) is 0.43–0.90. The methods developed in the study can simulate the real ADAS road test environment and support future experimental research.
Postnatal development of mouse spermatogonial stem cells as determined by immunophenotype, regenerative capacity, and long-term culture-initiating ability: a model for practical applications
Authors: Song Youngmin , Zhang Xiangfan , Desmarais Joëlle A. , Nagano Makoto
Published: January 2024

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the foundation of life-long spermatogenesis. While SSC research has advanced greatly over the past two decades, characterization of SSCs during postnatal development has not been well documented. Using the mouse as a model, in this study, we defined the immunophenotypic profiles of testis cells during the course of postnatal development using multi-parameter flow cytometry with up to five cell-surface antigens. We found that the profiles progress over time in a manner specific to developmental stages. We then isolated multiple cell fractions at different developmental stages using fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) and identified specific cell populations with prominent capacities to regenerate spermatogenesis upon transplantation and to initiate long-term SSC culture. The data indicated that the cell fraction with the highest level of regeneration capacity exhibited the most prominent potential to initiate SSC culture, regardless of age. Interestingly, refinement of cell fractionation using GFRA1 and KIT did not lead to further enrichment of regenerative and culture-initiating stem cells, suggesting that when a high degree of SSC enrichment is achieved, standard markers of SSC self-renewal or commitment may lose their effectiveness to distinguish cells at the stem cell state from committed progenitors. This study provides a significant information resource for future studies and practical applications of mammalian SSCs.
Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of fetuses with central nervous system anomalies using chromosomal microarray analysis: a seven-year single-center retrospective study
Authors: Zhuang Jianlong , Zhang Na , Chen Yu’e , Jiang Yuying , Chen Xinying , Chen Wenli , Chen Chunnuan
Published: January 2024

Few existing reports have investigated the copy number variants (CNVs) in fetuses with central nervous system (CNS) anomalies. To gain further insights into the genotype–phenotype relationship, we conducted chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) to reveal the pathogenic CNVs (pCNVs) that were associated with fetal CNS anomalies. We enrolled 5,460 pregnant women with different high-risk factors who had undergone CMA. Among them, 57 subjects with fetal CNS anomalies were recruited. Of the subjects with fetal CNS anomalies, 23 were given amniocentesis, which involved karyotype analysis and CMA to detect chromosomal abnormalities. The other 34 cases only underwent CMA detection using fetal abortive tissue. In this study, we identified five cases of chromosome aneuploid and nine cases of pCNVs in the fetuses, with a chromosomal aberration detection rate of 24.56% (14/57). In the 23 cases that were given both karyotype and CMA analysis, one case with trisomy 18 was detected by karyotyping. Moreover, CMA revealed a further three cases of pCNVs, including the 1p36.33p36.31, 7q11.23, and 1q21.1q21.2 microdeletions, with a 13.04% (3/23) increase in CMA yield over the karyotype analysis. Additionally, three cases of trisomy 13, one case of trisomy 21, and six cases of pCNVs were detected in the other 34 fetuses where only CMA was performed. Furthermore, a higher chromosomal aberration detection rate was observed in the extra CNS anomaly group than in the isolated CNS anomaly group (40.91% vs 14.29%). In conclude, several pathogenic CNVs were identified in the fetuses with CNS anomalies using CMA. Among the detected CNVs, ZIC2, GNB1, and NSUN5 may be the candidate genes that responsible for fetal CNS anomalies. Our findings provides an additional reference for genetic counseling regarding fetal CNS anomalies and offers further insight into the genotype–phenotype relationship.
M13 phage grafted with peptide motifs as a tool to detect amyloid-β oligomers in brain tissue
Authors: Martins Ivone M. , Lima Alexandre , de Graaff Wim , Cristóvão Joana S. , Brosens Niek , Aronica Eleonora , Kluskens Leon D. , Gomes Cláudio M. , Azeredo Joana , Kessels Helmut W.
Published: January 2024

Oligomeric clusters of amyloid-β (Aβ) are one of the major biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, proficient methods to detect Aβ-oligomers in brain tissue are lacking. Here we show that synthetic M13 bacteriophages displaying Aβ-derived peptides on their surface preferentially interact with Aβ-oligomers. When exposed to brain tissue isolated from APP/PS1-transgenic mice, these bacteriophages detect small-sized Aβ-aggregates in hippocampus at an early age, prior to the occurrence of Aβ-plaques. Similarly, the bacteriophages reveal the presence of such small Aβ-aggregates in post-mortem hippocampus tissue of AD-patients. These results advocate bacteriophages displaying Aβ-peptides as a convenient and low-cost tool to identify Aβ-oligomers in post-mortem brain tissue of AD-model mice and AD-patients.
Blinking characteristics of organic fluorophores for blink-based multiplexing
Authors: Seabury Amelia G. , Khodabocus Alisha J. , Kogan Isabelle M. , Hoy Grayson R. , DeSalvo Grace A. , Wustholz Kristin L.
Published: January 2024

Single-molecule fluorescence experiments have transformed our understanding of complex materials and biological systems. Whether single molecules are used to report on their nano-environment or provide for localization, understanding their blinking dynamics (i.e., stochastic fluctuations in emission intensity under continuous illumination) is paramount. We recently demonstrated another use for blinking dynamics called blink-based multiplexing (BBM), where individual emitters are classified using a single excitation laser based on blinking dynamics, rather than color. This study elucidates the structure-activity relationships governing BBM performance in a series of model rhodamine, BODIPY, and anthraquinone fluorophores that undergo different photo-physical and-chemical processes during blinking. Change point detection and multinomial logistic regression analyses show that BBM can leverage spectral fluctuations, electron and proton transfer kinetics, as well as photostability for molecular classification—even within the context of a shared blinking mechanism. In doing so, we demonstrate two- and three-color BBM with ≥ 93% accuracy using spectrally-overlapped fluorophores.
Bayesian learning for the robust verification of autonomous robots
Authors: Zhao Xingyu , Gerasimou Simos , Calinescu Radu , Imrie Calum , Robu Valentin , Flynn David
Published: January 2024

Autonomous robots used in infrastructure inspection, space exploration and other critical missions operate in highly dynamic environments. As such, they must continually verify their ability to complete the tasks associated with these missions safely and effectively. Here we present a Bayesian learning framework that enables this runtime verification of autonomous robots. The framework uses prior knowledge and observations of the verified robot to learn expected ranges for the occurrence rates of regular and singular (e.g., catastrophic failure) events. Interval continuous-time Markov models defined using these ranges are then analysed to obtain expected intervals of variation for system properties such as mission duration and success probability. We apply the framework to an autonomous robotic mission for underwater infrastructure inspection and repair. The formal proofs and experiments presented in the paper show that our framework produces results that reflect the uncertainty intrinsic to many real-world systems, enabling the robust verification of their quantitative properties under parametric uncertainty.
Design and synthesis of a turn-off fluorescent sensor based on a multifunctional Zn(ii) coordination polymer for the detection of Fe3+, Hg2+ and 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Zhao Bo , Lu Jiangfeng , Liu Hao , Li Senlin , Sun Qiaozhen , Zhang Bingguang
Published: January 2024

A new π-conjugated bridging-type dicarboxylic acid with a functional alkynyl group, 4,4′-(ethynylimino)bis[benzoic acid] (H2L), was designed and synthesized to construct a Zn(ii)-based coordination compound [ZnL(dpa)]n (dpa = 4,4′-dipyridylamine).
Spin-dependent transport and spin transfer torque in a borophene-based spin valve
Authors: Nikan Erfan , Kordbacheh Amirhossein Ahmadkhan
Published: January 2024

Conductance, spin transfer torque, and magnetoresistance in a β12-borophene spin valve are reported.
Bottom-up design of carbon allotropes with tunable properties
Authors: Ying Pan , Gao Yufei , Li Zihe , Ma Mengdong , Liu Chao , Tang Guodong
Published: January 2024

Carbon materials have received great attention owing to their numerous allotropes and rich properties.
Theoretical insights into the intercalation mechanism of Li, Na, and Mg ions in a metallic BN/VS2 heterostructure
Authors: Luo Lingxiao , Tan Shuangshuang , Gao Zhipeng , Yang Xiaofang , Xu Junyao , Huang Guangsheng , Wang Jingfeng , Pan Fusheng
Published: January 2024

Two-dimensional BN/VS2 heterostructure is constructed as an anode material for investigating the inserted mechanism of Li, Na and Mg ions, in which the V atom in VS2 is the main redox center, while the BN layer enables high structural stability.
The thermoelectric properties of CdBr, CdI, and Janus Cd2BrI monolayers with low lattice thermal conductivity
Authors: Wu Yan-Ling , Yang Qiu , Geng Hua-Yun , Cheng Yan
Published: January 2024

Calculated thermoelectric zT as a function of carrier concentration (a) and temperature (b) of the p-type doping CdBr, Cd2BrI, and CdI monolayers.
Donor engineering of a benzothiadiazole-based D–A–D-type molecular semiconductor for perovskite solar cells: a theoretical study
Authors: Sun Zhu-Zhu , Li Yushan , Xu Xing-Lei
Published: January 2024

Based on the D–A–D scaffold, six benzothiadiazole-based HTMs are tailored by using phenoxazine, phenothiazine and carbazole as the donors, and their electronic, optical, hole-transporting and interfacial properties are evaluated theoretically.
Additive-anchored thermoresponsive nanoscale self-assembly generation in normal and reverse Tetronics®
Authors: Patel Dhruvi , Vaswani Payal , Ray Debes , Bhatia Dhiraj , Aswal Vinod K. , Kuperkar Ketan , Bahadur Pratap
Published: January 2024

Nanoscale self-assembly in normal and reverse Tetronics® in the presence of various additives under physiological conditions.
Coordination recognition of differential template units of lanthanide chiral chain
Authors: Qin Wen-Wen , Long Bing-Fan , Zhu Zhong-Hong , Wang Hai-Ling , Liang Fu-Pei , Zou Hua-Hong
Published: January 2024

By regulating the proportion of the reaction raw materials in the “one-pot” synthesis process, we obtained a recognition function of the supramolecular self-assembly process to simulate the assembly mode of nucleotides.
Ytterbium 10-carboxyperylene-3,4,9-tricarboxylates for targeted NIR luminescent bioimaging
Authors: Orlova Anastasia V. , Shmychkov Nazar V. , Vlasova Kseniia Yu. , Iakimova Tamara M. , Lepnev Leonid S. , Eliseev Andrei A. , Utochnikova Valentina V.
Published: January 2024

Two new VIS-excited NIR-emitting ytterbium complexes Yb(HPTC)(H2O)2 (Yb1) and Yb(HPTC)(Phen) (Yb2) were obtained. Both compounds demonstrated low toxicity for healthy and cancer cells, moreover Yb1 demonstrated selective accumulation in cancer cells.
Agaro-oligosaccharides mitigate deoxynivalenol-induced intestinal inflammation by regulating gut microbiota and enhancing intestinal barrier function in mice
Authors: Wang Qingfeng , Wang Yanwei , Wang Yue , Zhang Qiyue , Mi Jinqiu , Ma Qiugang , Li Tiantian , Huang Shimeng
Published: January 2024

Agarose-derived agaro-oligosaccharides (AgaroS) have been extensively studied in terms of structures and bioactivities; they reportedly possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that maintain intestinal homeostasis and host health.
Borophene nanomaterials: synthesis and applications in biosensors
Authors: Gupta Gourang Hari , Kadakia Shikha , Agiwal Darshan , Keshari Tanya , Kumar Suveen
Published: January 2024

Borophene is an allotropic form of boron that exists in different dimensional forms from zero-dimensional (0D) to three-dimensional (3D) and has excellent properties including high tensile strength, thermal and electrical conductivity, high capacitance, metallic nature, etc.
Top-down surfactant-free electrosynthesis of magnéli phase Ti9O17 nanowires
Authors: Schneider Peter M. , Schott Christian M. , Maier Dominik , Watzele Sebastian A. , Michalic̆ka Jan , Rodriguez-Pereira Jhonatan , Hromadko Ludek , Macak Jan M. , Baran Volodymyr , Senyshyn Anatoliy , Viola Arnaud , Maillard Frédéric , Gubanova Elena L. , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S.
Published: January 2024

A simple electrochemical surfactant-free top-down methodology for the synthesis of nanowires with non-stoichiometric Magnéli phase Ti9O17 is presented.
Polyethylene fibers containing directional microchannels for passive radiative cooling
Authors: Sun Mengxia , Peng Fei , Xu Shanshan , Liu Xianhu , Dai Kun , Zheng Guoqiang , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu
Published: January 2024

The fabric woven by polyethylene fiber containing directional microchannels has excellent radiative cooling and self-cleaning property. Therefore, PFCDM fabric shows huge potential in the field of radiative cooling and human thermal management.
A novel design of superparamagnetic iron oxide-based metal–organic framework for SSI-assisted drug delivery system
Authors: Wu Jingyi , Wang Qianqian , Deng Zhuang , Zhang Shuo , Jiao Zhen
Published: January 2024

A drug carrier featuring ZIF-8 on the surface of carboxy-functionalized Fe3O4 was synthesized and impregnated with CUR by SSI to achieve distinguished DLC.
A ratiometric small-molecule fluorescent probe for the selective detection of hypochlorite by an oxidative cyclization reaction: application to commercial disinfectants and live cells
Authors: Banerjee Shilpita , Banik Dipanjan , Halder Satyajit , Karak Anirban , Ghosh Pintu , Jana Kuladip , Mahapatra Ajit Kumar
Published: January 2024

Hypochlorite oxidises the probe TPBN resulting in a ratiometric naked eye color change from yellow to blue. The shifting in emission spectra is a result of weakening of ICT, which is also observed in live-cell imaging study.
Recent advances in oxidative chlorination
Authors: Cui Hai-Lei
Published: January 2024

This review summarizes the representative methodologies in the field of oxidative chlorination, covering 2013 to 2023.
Recycling and depolymerisation of poly(ethylene terephthalate): a review
Authors: Wang Mengjin , Li Yaoqin , Zheng Lin , Hu Tao , Yan Ming , Wu Chonggang
Published: January 2024

This review discusses the physical-, chemical recycling and biodegradation processes and mechanisms of PET, proposing effecting compromise between its overall properties and conferred intrinsic biodegradability by modified monomer polymerisation.
Barbier polymerization towards synthesizing polar polyolefin analogues for polyolefin modification
Authors: Cai Bowenjing , Wang Na , Wan Wen-Ming , Zheng Longhui , Wu Lixin , Bao Hongli
Published: January 2024

A Barbier polymerization method is demonstrated to be a versatile strategy to synthesize polar polyolefin analogues (PPAs), which are further utilized as modifiers to improve the properties of non-polar polyolefins by physically introducing polar groups.
BF3-promoted selective catalytic hydroboration of epoxides to primary alcohols
Authors: Yao Yi-Xuan , Zhang Hong-Wei , Lu Chang-Bo , Shang Hong-Yan , Tian Yuan-Yu
Published: January 2024

The novel BF3-promoted hydroboration of epoxides has been demonstrated; both homogeneous catalyst BF3·Et2O and heterogeneous catalyst BF3/HY exhibited remarkable catalytic activities for the synthesis of alkyl- and aryl-primary alcohols.
A water-soluble Pd4 molecular tweezer for selective encapsulation of isomeric quinones and their recyclable extraction
Authors: Prajapati Dharmraj , Bhandari Pallab , Zangrando Ennio , Mukherjee Partha Sarathi
Published: January 2024

A molecular tweezer (MT) was obtained by reacting a tetraimidazole donor (L) with a Pd(ii) acceptor (M). MT was used for multicycle aqueous extraction of phenanthrenequinone (PQ) in high purity from an equimolar mixture of isomeric anthraquinone (AQ) and phenanthrenequinone (PQ).
A covalent organic framework as a dual-active-center cathode for a high-performance aqueous zinc-ion battery
Authors: Li Hongbao , Cao Mengge , Fu Zhenli , Ma Quanwei , Zhang Longhai , Wang Rui , Liang Fei , Zhou Tengfei , Zhang Chaofeng
Published: January 2024

We designed a covalent organic framework (TA-PTO-COF) as a dual-active-center cathode. This work presents a promising organic cathode material for a high-performance aqueous zinc-ion battery.
Recent advances in energy-efficient chlorine production via HCl electrolysis
Authors: Kafle Alankar , Gupta Divyani , Mehta Shivangi , Garg Kalpana , Nagaiah Tharamani C.
Published: January 2024

Chemical industries employing Cl2 as a prime reactant are producing large amount of HCl as a byproduct. Electrochemical conversion of it back to Cl2 can be an energy efficient strategy for reducing the load of energy intensive chlor-alkali industries.
Injectable and self-healable nano-architectured hydrogel for NIR-light responsive chemo- and photothermal bacterial eradication
Authors: Rybak Daniel , Rinoldi Chiara , Nakielski Paweł , Du Jingtao , Haghighat Bayan Mohammad Ali , Zargarian Seyed Shahrooz , Pruchniewski Michał , Li Xiaoran , Strojny-Cieślak Barbara , Ding Bin , Pierini Filippo
Published: January 2024

A stimuli-responsive, injectable, and in situ-forming hydrogel with synergistic, self-healing, and on-demand drug-delivery and antibacterial properties.
Small variation induces a big difference: the effect of polymerization kinetics of graphitic carbon nitride on its photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Tong , Lai Bo , Liu Jing , Yuan Shuangtao , Liu Nan , Zhao Xiaojia , Luo Xiaoguang , Yu Dongli , Zhao Yuanchun
Published: January 2024

The photocatalytic activity of g-CN directly correlates with its production yield, which is controlled by the polymerization kinetics and thus sensitive to synthesis conditions. The synthesis–structure–property relationship has been discussed.
Bi-doped ZnAl-layered double hydroxides with enhanced photocatalytic activity for ciprofloxacin degradation: the synergistic effect of Bi doping and oxygen vacancies
Authors: Wang Lin , Xiang Ziyang , Zhang Huidi , Deng Yao , Wang Jing , Xiao Hongbo , Wang Wenlei , Song Ximing
Published: January 2024

In this study, a series of Bi-ZnAl-LDHs (BZA-X) enriched with oxygen vacancies (OVs) were synthesized by doping ZnAl-LDHs with different ratios of bismuth ions.
Morphology evolution of core–shell carbon@mesoporous carbon microspheres with excellent microwave absorption performance
Authors: Cheng Yan , Ma Yongzhen , Dang Zhener , Han Luyao , Zhou Kai , Zhang Jiaying , Liu Qiwei , Zhao Huanqin , Lin Ying , Yang Haibo
Published: January 2024

Tunable morphology core–shell carbon@mesoporous carbon microspheres were prepared for efficient microwave absorption.
Multi‐hop joint remote state preparation of general hybrid entangled multi‐qudit states via distinct Einstein‐Podolsky‐Rosen channels
Authors: Li Zongyi , Wei Yuzhen , Jiang Min
Published: January 2024

Joint Remote State Preparation provides a useful way to securely transfer the known quantum states to the distant nodes. However, the limitation of resources often leads to the quantum channels constructed by distributed entangled pairs being incompatible with the transmitted states. In order to overcome this problem, a novel Joint Remote State Preparation protocol was proposed for transmitting general multi‐qudit states over quantum networks, providing a promising pathway to utilise the available Einstein‐Podolsky‐Rosen (EPR) channels with different levels. Several scenarios under noisy environments were discussed and some properties of the fidelity when transmitting the multi‐qudit state were demonstrated. It was demonstrated that both the prepared state and the kind of the noises could restrict the number of the participant nodes. Our scheme leverages the existing quantum resources, which addresses the issue of insufficient entanglement resources. This approach is easily adaptable to other quantum network structures, offering a potential solution for constructing a universal quantum network.