bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Tribocatalytic Performance of FeOOH Nanorods for Degrading Organic Dyes and Antibiotics
Authors: Sun Shiyu , Sui Xiaohui , Yu Haimiao , Zheng Ying , Zhu Xiaoting , Wu Xinyan , Li Yanqiang , Lin Qing , Zhang Yongcheng , Ye Wanneng , Liang Yanna
Published: February 2024

Tribocatalysis is vitally important for electrochemistry, energy conservation, and water treatment. Exploring eco‐friendly and low‐cost tribocatalysts with high performance is crucial for practical applications. Here, the highly efficient tribocatalytic performance of FeOOH nanorods is reported. The factors related to the tribocatalytic activity such as nanorod diameter, surface area, and surface roughness are investigated, and the diameter of the FeOOH nanorods is found to have a significant effect on their tribocatalytic performance. As a result, under ultrasonic excitation, the optimized FeOOH nanorods exhibit superior tribocatalytic degradation toward rhodamine B (RhB), acid orange 7, methylene blue, methyl orange dyes, and their mixture. The RhB and mixed dyes are effectively degraded within 20 min (k = 0.179 min−1) and 35 min (k = 0.089 min−1), respectively, with the FeOOH nanorods showing excellent reusability. Moreover, antibiotics, such as tetracycline hydrochloride, phenol, and bisphenol A are efficiently degraded. Investigation of the catalytic mechanism reveals that the friction‐generated h+ as well as these yielded •OH and •O2− active radicals participate in the catalytic reaction. This work not only shed light on the design of high‐performance tribocatalyst but also demonstrates that by harvesting mechanical energy, the FeOOH nanorods are promising materials for removing organic contaminants in wastewater.
Recent Advances in Photovoltaic and Photovoltaic Thermal Technologies of Integrated Phase‐Change Materials: A Review
Authors: Fang Manting , Zhang Xuelai , Liu Yang , Cai Shaowei
Published: February 2024

Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert solar energy into electricity is currently the cleanest and most economical way to generate electricity. Nevertheless, just a portion of the solar power can be transformed into electrical energy, while the remaining portion is converted into heat, leading to an increase in the temperature of the PV cells. The rise in temperature will not only cause a decrease in the electrical efficiency of PV cells, but it may also impact their life span. By placing phase‐change materials (PCMs) on the back of the PV cells, it is possible to decrease the temperature increase and enhance the electrical efficiency. The heat collected by PCMs can also be taken away using liquid cooling and put to use. In this article, the classification, performance evaluation, and composite modification technology of PCMs are introduced in detail. The practical application requirements of PCMs in thermal management of PV cells are discussed, and some new ideas of applying PCMs to PV cells are prospected. Moreover, the prior investigations regarding the incorporation of PCMs with PV systems and PV/T systems are also compiled, encompassing the various research perspectives and methodologies employed. In addition, the possible development direction in the future is prospected.
A Ferrocene Capping Layer Enabling Highly Efficient and Stable Sn–Pb Mixed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tao Hong , Zhang Hao‐Ze , Zhi Rui , Zhou Yi‐Chen , Xie Zheng‐Wen , Zhang Jin , Rothman Mathias Uller , Jiang Yang , Yin Zhiwen , Tong Jinhui , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Li Wei
Published: February 2024

The Sn–Pb mixed perovskite with a narrow bandgap is essential for the construction of all‐perovskite tandem solar cells. However, the oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+ makes the fabrication of Sn–Pb perovskite solar cells (PSCs) challenging. Herein, a ferrocene (Fc) capping layer is introduced on the surface of Sn–Pb mixed perovskite to maintain a reducing environment. This is due to a strong electron supply capacity from the π‐orbitals in cyclopentadiene in Fc, which effectively suppresses the oxidation of Sn2+, reduces the defect density, and leads to an improvement in carrier lifetime. Therefore, the Fc capping layer significantly improves the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single‐junction Sn–Pb PSCs from 17.49% to 21.02%. It maintains 87% of its initial PCE after light exposure at 1 sun condition in N2 atmosphere for 288 h, demonstrating good long‐term stability. The strategy outlined herein offers a straightforward and efficient approach to enhance the stability and PCE of narrow‐bandgap Sn–Pb mixed PSCs.
Analysis of placental surface cysts using ultrasonography: Histological and clinical correlation
Authors: Li Gang , Fu Jiajun , Zhang Dandan
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic utility of ultrasonography, along with the clinical and histopathologic characteristics, and prognosis specifically related to placental surface cysts.

Method

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with placental surface cysts at the Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, between July 2010 and November 2022. Data were collected from a computer database of ultrasound images, and electronic medical records were reviewed. Placental cysts not located on the placental surface and cases where delivery occurred at outside institutions were excluded from the analysis.

Results

We gathered data from 22 pregnant women who presented with placental surface cystic masses. These women had a mean age of 28.14 ± 3.04 years and the cysts were identified by ultrasound at a mean gestational age of 29 ± 5 weeks. The cysts were found to have varying sizes (ranging from 8 to 88 mm, with an average size of 47 ± 24 mm). Thirteen patients (59.09%) had cysts located near the placental cord insertion site (PCIS). All neonates, except for one case of induced labor, had favorable prognoses. The majority of the cysts were identified as amniotic cysts. Pathological diagnosis revealed degenerative changes in the placenta, with the cysts attributed to subchorionic fibrin formation by the central cyst.

Conclusion

Placental surface cysts typically do not present with specific clinical symptoms and are diagnosed through ultrasound. It is important to note that this study specifically focused on placental surface cysts, excluding those not located on the placental surface. Regular ultrasound follow‐up is recommended, and the prognosis for placental surface cysts is excellent.
An unanticipated case of B‐cell lymphoma, presenting as skin bruises, detected incidentally during initial sonography
Authors: Babington Emmanuel A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Lymphomas are cancers of lymphatic origins, commonly presenting as a painless swelling of the lymph gland (adenopathy). Lymphomas are broadly categorised into Hodgkin and Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. This report aims to present an unexpected case of B‐cell lymphoma that presented as skin bruises, incidentally detected on ultrasound as a nonspecific retroperitoneal mass.

Case Presentation

A 75‐year‐old female presented with a vaccine‐induced flare of her known Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). An initial ultrasound scan requested to examine her spleen revealed a right retroperitoneal abnormality affecting the adjacent right kidney and IVC. A subsequent triple‐phase contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a large infiltrative mass involving the right kidney extending across the midline to the right of the patient's abdominal aorta. Lymphoma was suspected. Immunohistochemistry analysis of the CT‐guided biopsy samples revealed the presence of CD5‐negative low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma.

Discussion

This report presents a unique case of B‐cell lymphoma that manifested as skin bruises.

Although ultrasound is not the gold standard imaging modality to test for lymphoma in the abdomen, it is imperative that ultrasound practitioners continue to complete a thorough abdominal ultrasound, even when specific organ requests are made, as in this case report. Ultrasound has a role in the detection of clinically asymptomatic incidental abdominal masses.

Conclusion

It is important that a targeted ultrasound examination is avoided for patients with no recent imaging history within the department. This case highlights the importance of thorough ultrasound scanning to avoid missing incidental abnormalities as opposed to an organ‐specific targeted scanning.
Microbial mediated carbon and nitrogen cycling in the spatially heterogeneous vadose zone: A modeling study
Authors: Khurana Swamini , Heße Falk , Hildebrandt Anke , Thullner Martin
Published: February 2024

Spatially distributed properties of the subsurface result in varying water saturation and preferential flow paths, which lead to heterogeneous solute transport patterns and heterogeneous microbial environments. This, in turn, influences the distribution of nutrients and energy gradients, microbial biomass, and activity thereof. By their very nature, current field sampling techniques do not resolve subsampling scale heterogeneities in microbial biomass and activity, resulting in inaccurate estimates of microbially mediated carbon and nitrogen turnover in the heterogeneous subsurface. Thus, in this study, we undertook a numerical modeling approach to study the impact of spatial heterogeneity on microbially mediated carbon and nitrogen turnover in the vadose zone. We adapted an established biogeochemical process network that captures a variety of respiration pathways, carbon decomposition strategies, and microbial life processes to simulate microbially mediated carbon and nitrogen turnover in variably saturated spatially heterogeneous settings, using an established numerical tool (OGS#BRNS). The fractionation of microbial communities into active and inactive states, as well as immobile and mobile states followed could be linked to the bulk average saturation. Lastly, we identified three reactive systems, distinguished by the rate ratio of aerobic respiration and transfer of oxygen from the air to the water phase, to evaluate the impact of spatial heterogeneity on carbon and nitrogen removal in subsurface heterogeneous domains. Specifically, when this ratio is approximately 1, there is no impact on carbon removal, while when this ratio is very high, then carbon removal decreases as the domain tends to be oxygen limited.
Closer look at the matching condition for radiative QCD θ parameter
Authors: Banno Tatsuya , Hisano Junji , Kitahara Teppei , Osamura Naohiro
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we scrutinize a radiatively generated QCD θ parameter at the two-loop level based on both full analytical loop functions with the Fock-Schwinger gauge method and the effective field theory approach, using simplified models. We observe that the radiatively generated θ parameters at the low energy scale precisely match between them. It provides validity to perturbative loop calculations of the QCD θ parameter with the Fock-Schwinger gauge method. Furthermore, it is also shown that the ordinary Fujikawa method for the radiative θ parameter by using $$ \overline{\theta} $$

θ
¯

= −arg det $$ {\mathcal{M}}_q^{\textrm{loop}} $$

M
q
loop

does not cover all contributions in the simplified models. But, we also find that when there is a scale hierarchy in CP-violating sector, evaluation of the Fujikawa method is numerically sufficient. As an application, we calculate the radiative θ parameter at the two-loop level in a slightly extended Nelson-Barr model, where the spontaneous CP violation occurs to solve the strong CP problem. It is found a part of the radiative θ parameters cannot be described by the Fujikawa method.
Cost–benefit ratio of modern medical education using micro-costing: a model calculation using the example of an innovative breast brachytherapy workshop
Authors: Knippen Stefan , Duma Marciana-Nona , Schwedas Michael , Schrott Steffen , Drozdz Sonja , Mäurer Irina , Hildebrandt Guido , Mäurer Matthias
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose

Radiation oncology is an essential component of therapeutic oncology and necessitates well-trained personnel. Multicatheter brachytherapy (MCBT) is one radiotherapeutic option for early-stage breast cancer treatment. However, specialized hands-on training for MCBT is not currently included in the curriculum for residents. A recently developed hands-on brachytherapy workshop has demonstrated promising results in enhancing knowledge and practical skills. Nevertheless, these simulation-based teaching formats necessitate more time and financial resources. Our analyses include computational models for the implementation and delivery of this workshop and can serve as a basis for similar educational initiatives.

Methods

This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of a previously developed and evaluated breast brachytherapy simulation workshop. Using a micro-costing approach, we estimated costs at a detailed level by considering supplies, soft- and hardware, and personnel time for each task. This method also allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the costs associated with implementing new medical techniques. The workshop costs were divided into two categories: development and workshop execution. The cost analysis was conducted on a per-participant basis, and the impact on knowledge improvement was measured using a questionnaire.

Results

The total workshop costs were determined by considering the initial workshop setup expenses including the development and conceptualization of the course with all involved collaborators, as well as the costs incurred for each individual course. The workshop was found to be financially efficient, with a per-participant cost of € 39, considering the industrial sponsorship provided for brachytherapy equipment. In addition, we assessed the workshop’s efficacy by analyzing participant feedback using Likert scale evaluations. The findings indicated a notable enhancement in both theoretical and practical skills among the participants. Moreover, the cost-to-benefit ratio (CBFR) analysis demonstrated a CBFR of € 13.53 for each Likert point increment.

Conclusion

The hands-on brachytherapy workshop proved to be a valuable and approximately cost-effective educational program, leading to a significant enhancement in the knowledge and skills of the participants. Without the support of industrial sponsorship, the costs would have been unattainable.
Silence breaking: sex crime reporting in the MeToo era
Authors: Chen Feng , Long Wei
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces an index for assessing local attitudes toward women in the United States, leveraging the Google search index and a machine learning methodology. Exploiting the constructed measure of sexism, our investigation reveals that the #MeToo movement garnered greater attention in areas characterized by low measured sexism in the pre-MeToo era. Additionally, a substantial increase in reported sex crimes is observed in those areas post-MeToo compared to those with higher sexism measures. Further empirical findings indicate that the surge in documented sex crimes primarily stems from changes in reporting behavior rather than substantive shifts in actual incidents.
Trilevel and multilevel optimization using monotone operator theory
Authors: Shafiei Allahkaram , Kungurtsev Vyacheslav , Marecek Jakub
Published: February 2024

We consider rather a general class of multi-level optimization problems, where a convex objective function is to be minimized subject to constraints of optimality of nested convex optimization problems. As a special case, we consider a trilevel optimization problem, where the objective of the two lower layers consists of a sum of a smooth and a non-smooth term. Based on fixed-point theory and related arguments, we present a natural first-order algorithm and analyze its convergence and rates of convergence in several regimes of parameters.
Extension of the normal shock wave relations for calorically imperfect gases
Authors: Civrais C. H. B. , White C. , Steijl R.
Published: February 2024

An extension to the normal shock relations for a thermally perfect, calorically imperfect gas, modelling the vibrational excitation with an anharmonic oscillator model and including the influence of electronic modes, is derived and studied. Such additional considerations constitute an extension to the work achieved in the past, which modelled the caloric imperfections with a harmonic oscillator for vibrational energy and did not consider the effect of electronic energy. Additionally, the newly derived expressions provide physical insights into the limitations of experimentation for replicating flight conditions, which is demonstrated through providing solutions at different upstream temperatures. The results are compared with direct simulation Monte Carlo simulations for nitrogen and air, with the extent of the caloric imperfection of the gas showing excellent agreement. For low upstream temperatures, the extended relations are found to be in good agreement with the original normal shock wave expressions, but the results diverge for higher upstream temperatures that would be more representative of real flows. The results show that the new expressions depart from ideal gas theory for Mach numbers in excess of 4.9 at wind-tunnel conditions and for any Mach number above 3.0 at flight conditions. It is also shown that the traditional harmonic oscillator model and the anharmonic oscillator model begin to diverge at Mach number 3.0 for molecular oxygen gas and at Mach number 5.0 for an air mixture at flight conditions.
Effects of marine biotoxins on drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes and their regulation in mammalian cells
Authors: Würger Leonie T. D. , Alarcan Jimmy , Braeuning Albert
Published: February 2024

Marine biotoxins are a heterogenous group of natural toxins, which are able to trigger different types of toxicological responses in animals and humans. Health effects arising from exposure to marine biotoxins are ranging, for example, from gastrointestinal symptoms to neurological effects, depending on the individual toxin(s) ingested. Recent research has shown that the marine biotoxin okadaic acid (OA) can strongly diminish the expression of drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in human liver cells by a mechanism involving proinflammatory signaling. By doing so, OA may interfere with the metabolic barrier function of liver and intestine, and thus alter the toxico- or pharmacokinetic properties of other compounds. Such effects of marine biotoxins on drug and xenobiotic metabolism have, however, not been much in the focus of research yet. In this review, we present the current knowledge on the effects of marine biotoxins on CYP enzymes in mammalian cells. In addition, the role of CYP-regulating nuclear receptors as well as inflammatory signaling in the regulation of CYPs by marine biotoxins is discussed. Strong evidence is available for effects of OA on CYP enzymes, along with information about possible molecular mechanisms. For other marine biotoxins, knowledge on effects on drug metabolism, however, is scarce.
Leaf mineral profiling and its correlation with oil physicochemical traits from four olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars grown in Morocco as affected by olive ripening stages
Authors: Gagour Jamila , Ibourki Mohamed , Antari Abderraouf El , Sakar El Hassan , Aissa Rabha , Giuffrè Angelo Maria , Laknifli Abdellatif , Gharby Said
Published: February 2024

We investigated genotypic effects on the olive leaves mineral profile and its correlation with soil minerals. Likewise, olive oil extracted from four Mediterranean cultivars (‘Arbequina’, ‘Haouzia’, ‘Menara’, and ‘Picholine Languedoc’) at early and full ripening stages, was studied in terms of basic quality indices, fatty acids, sterols, pigments, and polyphenols. Our outcomes reveal important variations among cultivars and between ripening stages in terms of olive leaf elemental profiling and oil physicochemical traits, while there were no significant (p < 0.05) differences in soil mineral profiling. However, mineral profiling of leaves, basic quality indices, pigments, and polyphenols content of oils showed important inter-cultivar variations. Regarding fatty acid composition, oleic acid (C18:0) was the most abundant. For phytosterols profile, β-sitosterol was found to be the major phytosterol followed by campesterol. Olive oil from fully ripe fruits was marked by reduced chlorophylls (up to − 67.1%), carotenoids (up to − 68.73%) in ‘Menara’ and polyphenols (up to − 45.95%) in ‘Picholine Languedoc’, but an increase of total sterols (up to + 23.5%, ‘Haouzia’). Likewise, saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) tended to decrease (up to − 13.5% and − 6.44%, respectively) found in ‘Menara’. However, ‘Arbequina’ had an inceased SFA (+ 7.35%) and MUFA (+ 8.62%). Polyunsaturated fatty acids tended to increase (up to + 41.98%, ‘Menara’) except for ‘Picholine Languedoc’ (− 7.92%). These outcomes were confirmed by principal component analysis with important positive and negative correlations among minerals and oil physicochemical traits. These results showed that the analyzed components could be considered as specific markers to discriminate the studied cultivars.

Graphical abstract
Use of statins and risks of ovarian, uterine, and cervical diseases: a cohort study in the UK Biobank
Authors: Jiao Xue-Feng , Li Hailong , Zeng Linan , Yang Huazhen , Hu Yao , Qu Yuanyuan , Chen Wenwen , Sun Yajing , Zhang Wei , Zeng Xiaoxi , Zhang Lingli
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To examine the associations between use of statins and risks of various ovarian, uterine, and cervical diseases, including ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cyst, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial polyp, and cervical polyp.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study among female participants in the UK Biobank. Information on the use of statins was collected through verbal interview. Outcome information was obtained by linking to national cancer registry data and hospital inpatient data. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to examine the associations.

Results

A total of 180,855 female participants (18,403 statin users and 162,452 non-users) were included. Use of statins was significantly associated with increased risks of cervical cancer (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 1.55; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.05–2.30) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (adjusted HR, 4.39; 95% CI, 1.68–11.49). However, we observed no significant association between use of statins and risk of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cyst, endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial polyp, or cervical polyp.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that use of statins is associated with increased risks of cervical cancer and polycystic ovarian syndrome, but is not associated with increased or decreased risk of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cyst, endometriosis, endometrial polyp, or cervical polyp.
Low-temperature culture enhances production of flavivirus virus-like particles in mammalian cells
Authors: Fan Yi-Chin , Chen Jo-Mei , Chen Yi-Ying , Hsu Wei-Li , Chang Gwong-Jen , Chiou Shyan-Song
Published: February 2024

Flavivirus virus-like particles (VLPs) exhibit a striking structural resemblance to viral particles, making them highly adaptable for various applications, including vaccines and diagnostics. Consequently, increasing VLPs production is important and can be achieved by optimizing expression plasmids and cell culture conditions. While attempting to express genotype III (GIII) Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) VLPs containing the G104H mutation in the envelope (E) protein, we failed to generate VLPs in COS-1 cells. However, VLPs production was restored by cultivating plasmid-transfected cells at a lower temperature, specifically 28 °C. Furthermore, we observed that the enhancement in JEV VLPs production was independent of amino acid mutations in the E protein. The optimal condition for JEV VLPs production in plasmid-transfected COS-1 cells consisted of an initial culture at 37 °C for 6 h, followed by a shift to 28 °C (37/28 °C) for cultivation. Under 37/28 °C cultivation conditions, flavivirus VLPs production significantly increased in various mammalian cell lines regardless of whether its expression was transiently transfected or clonally selected cells. Remarkably, clonally selected cell lines expressing flavivirus VLPs consistently achieved yields exceeding 1 μg/ml. Binding affinity analyses using monoclonal antibodies revealed similar binding patterns for VLPs of genotype I (GI) JEV, GIII JEV, West Nile virus (WNV), and dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) produced under both 37 °C or 37/28 °C cultivation conditions. In summary, our study demonstrated that the production of flavivirus VLPs can be significantly improved under 37/28 °C cultivation conditions without affecting the conformational structure of the E protein.

Keypoints

• Low-temperature culture (37/28 °C) enhances production of flavivirus VLPs.

• Flavivirus VLPs consistently achieved yields exceeding 1 μg/ml.

• 37/28 °C cultivation did not alter the structure of flavivirus VLPs.
Choosing a bigger opponent: the path to victory and greater gains for the small contestant
Authors: Burciaga Luis M. , Alcaraz Guillermina
Published: February 2024

Animals often engage in contests over limited resources. The probability of winning a contest is primarily determined by the individual's fighting ability relative to its opponent and the perceived value of the disputed resource. Individuals of the hermit crab Calcinus californiensis frequently fight over gastropod shells. We conducted a free-choice experiment to assess the factors that determine individuals’ choice of opponent, contest initiation, and contest resolution. We placed hermit crabs occupying two shell species into a large container and monitored agonistic interactions between crabs. We assessed the asymmetries in fighting ability based on the differences in body mass between the opponents. The shell species and fit (i.e., shell size relative to crab body size) were used as measures of the objective and subjective resource value, respectively. Motivation influenced contest initiation; the crabs occupying too-tight shells were more likely to initiate a contest than the ones in looser-fitting shells. In most cases, the attackers fought for a shell with a looser fit, even if that meant losing a tighter-fitting shell of the preferred shell species. The fighting success for attackers was positively associated with the number of bouts of rapping and the shell size improvement. However, success was negatively correlated with body size asymmetry; attackers that chose opponents larger than themselves were more likely to evict their opponent than the attackers that chose opponents that were smaller. Experimental designs that allow animals to select their own opponents, rather than assigning specific opponents, can strongly contribute to knowledge of agonistic interactions.

Significance statement

Fighting dynamics are commonly assessed by estimating the influence of the resource-holding potential and resource value in pair-matched opponents. Here, however, we examined the influence of asymmetries in resource-holding potential and the objective and subjective value of gastropod shells on the choice of a contender and contest resolution through a free-choice opponent experiment in hermit crabs. The contest initiation was driven by the motivation to obtain a better gastropod shell species or one with a better size fit—factors which are known to improve individual fitness. Furthermore, fighting success was associated with an individual's persistence in displaying aggressive behaviors and its motivation to obtain a better resource. However, contrary to the predictions of game theoretical models, fighting success was higher when attackers chose opponents larger than themselves. Our results highlight the relevance of assessing fighting under more natural conditions by allowing animals to select their opponents.
Agar aerogel powder particles for future life science applications: fabrication and investigations on swelling behavior and cell compatibility
Authors: Keil Claudia , Hajnal Anja , Keitel Julia , Kieserling Helena , Rohn Sascha , Athamneh Tamara , Haase Hajo , Gurikov Pavel
Published: February 2024

The use of bio-based raw materials in the manufacture of customized aerogels has increased significantly over the last decade. Combining the advantages of biopolymer sustainability and lower costs when producing aerogels in particulate form, agar aerogel particles were fabricated in this study. They were prepared by successive thermal gelation, ethanol solvent exchange, wet milling and supercritical CO2 assisted drying. The particles still maintain high porosity (~ 1.0 cm3 g−1) and high specific surface areas (210–270 m2 g−1). The stability in wound fluid substitutes, liquid holding capacity, and cytocompatibility of these agar-based aerogel particles may make them an advantageous wound-dressing matrix that can be further customized for particular applications by adding wound-active/reactive substances, such as antibiotics, antioxidants, immunoreactive drugs or growth factors.

Graphical abstract
Ultra-processed food consumption and risk of chronic respiratory diseases mortality among adults: evidence from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Mekonnen Tefera Chane , Melaku Yohannes Adama , Shi Zumin , Gill Tiffany K.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to determine the relationships between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and risk of mortality due to chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) overall, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.

Methods

A total of 96,607 participants aged 55 years and over were included from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer trial. Dietary intake was measured using food frequency questionnaire. Cox regression was fitted to estimate the risk of all-cause mortality and mortality due to CRDs overall, COPD and lung cancer associated with UPF intake. Competing risk regression was used to account for deaths from other causes and censoring.

Results

During the follow-up of 1,379,655.5 person-years (median 16.8 years), 28,700 all-cause, 4092 CRDs, 2015 lung cancer and 1,536 COPD mortality occurred. A higher intake of UPF increased the risk of mortality from CRDs overall by 10% (HR 1.10; 95% CI 1.01, 1.22) and COPD by 26% (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.06, 1.49) but not associated with lung cancer mortality risk (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.84, 1.12). However, the risk of lung cancer increased by 16% (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.01, 1.34) in the highest UPF intake after multiple imputation. Dose–response relationships existed for CRDs and COPD mortality but not lung cancer.

Conclusion

UPF consumption was associated with an increased risk of CRD mortality. The association between UPF consumption and lung cancer mortality is inconclusive and only significant when multiple imputation was applied.
Anatomical correlates of apathy and impulsivity co-occurrence in early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Maggi Gianpaolo , Loayza Francis , Vitale Carmine , Santangelo Gabriella , Obeso Ignacio
Published: February 2024

Background

Although apathy and impulse control disorders (ICDs) are considered to represent opposite extremes of a continuum of motivated behavior (i.e., hypo- and hyperdopaminergic behaviors), they may also co-occur in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Objectives

We aimed to explore the co-occurrence of ICDs and apathy and its neural correlates analyzing gray matter (GM) changes in early untreated PD patients. Moreover, we aimed to investigate the possible longitudinal relationship between ICDs and apathy and their putative impact on cognition during the first five years of PD.

Methods

We used the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database to identify the co-occurrence of apathy and ICDs in 423 early drug-naïve PD patients at baseline and at 5-year follow-up. Baseline MRI volumes and gray matter changes were analyzed between groups using voxel-based morphometry. Multi-level models assessed the longitudinal relationship (across five years) between apathy and ICDs and cognitive functioning.

Results

At baseline, co-occurrence of apathy and ICDs was observed in 23 patients (5.4%). This finding was related to anatomical GM reduction along the cortical regions involved in the limbic circuit and cognitive control systems. Longitudinal analyses indicated that apathy and ICDs were related to each other as well as to the combined use of levodopa and dopamine agonists. Worse apathetic and ICDs states were associated with poorer executive functions.

Conclusions

Apathy and ICDs are joint non-exclusive neuropsychiatric disorders also in the early stages of PD and their co-occurrence was associated with GM decrease in several cortical regions of the limbic circuit and cognitive control systems.
Enhanced NMDA receptor pathway and glutamate transmission in the hippocampal dentate gyrus mediate the spatial learning and memory impairment of obese rats
Authors: Lv Dingding , Xiao Bin , Liu Huaying , Wang Linping , Li Yingshun , Zhang Yin Hua , Jin Qinghua
Published: February 2024

Obesity has been linked with the impairment of spatial memory and synaptic plasticity but the molecular mechanisms remained unidentified. Since glutamatergic transmission and NMDA receptor neural pathways in hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) are essential in the learning and memory, we aimed to investigate glutamate (Glu) and NMDA receptor signaling of DG in spatial learning and memory in diet-induced obesity (DIO) rats. Spatial learning and memory were assessed via Morris water maze (MWM) test on control (Ctr) and DIO rats. Extracellular concentration of Glu in the DG was determined using in vivo microdialysis and HPLC. The protein expressions of NMDA receptor subunit 2B (NR2B), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) and cAMP-response-element-binding protein (CREB) in the DG were observed by western blot. Spatial learning and memory were impaired in DIO rats compared to those of Ctr. NR2B expression was increased, while BDNF expression and CaMKII and CREB activation were decreased in DG of DIO rats. Extracellular concentration of Glu was increased in Ctr on the 3rd and 4th days of the MWM test, but significant further increment was observed in DIO rats. Microinjection of an NMDA antagonist (MK-801) into the DG reversed spatial learning and memory impairment. Such effects were accompanied by greater BDNF expression and CaMKII/CREB activation in the DG of DIO rats. In conclusion, the enhancement of Glu-NMDA receptor transmission in the hippocampal DG contributes to the impairment of spatial learning and memory in DIO rats, maybe via the modulation of CaMKII-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway.
ISSLS PRIZE in Basic Science 2024: superiority of nucleus pulposus cell- versus mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles in attenuating disc degeneration and alleviating pain
Authors: Ambrosio Luca , Schol Jordy , Ruiz-Fernandez Clara , Tamagawa Shota , Soma Hazuki , Tilotta Veronica , Di Giacomo Giuseppina , Cicione Claudia , Nakayama Shunya , Kamiya Kosuke , Papalia Rocco , Sato Masato , Vadalà Gianluca , Watanabe Masahiko , Denaro Vincenzo , Sakai Daisuke
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To investigate the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), with a specific emphasis on Tie2-enhanced NPCs, compared to EVs derived from human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) in a coccygeal intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) rat model.

Methods

EVs were isolated from healthy human NPCs cultured under standard (NPCSTD-EVs) and Tie2-enhancing (NPCTie2+-EVs) conditions. EVs were characterized, and their potential was assessed in vitro on degenerative NPCs in terms of cell proliferation and senescence, with or without 10 ng/mL interleukin (IL)-1β. Thereafter, 16 Sprague–Dawley rats underwent annular puncture of three contiguous coccygeal discs to develop IDD. Phosphate-buffered saline, NPCSTD-EVs, NPCTie2+-EVs, or BM-MSC-derived EVs were injected into injured discs, and animals were followed for 12 weeks until sacrifice. Behavioral tests, radiographic disc height index (DHI) measurements, evaluation of pain biomarkers, and histological analyses were performed to assess the outcomes of injected EVs.

Results

NPC-derived EVs exhibited the typical exosomal morphology and were efficiently internalized by degenerative NPCs, enhancing cell proliferation, and reducing senescence. In vivo, a single injection of NPC-derived EVs preserved DHI, attenuated degenerative changes, and notably reduced mechanical hypersensitivity. MSC-derived EVs showed marginal improvements over sham controls across all measured outcomes.

Conclusion

Our results underscore the regenerative potential of young NPC-derived EVs, particularly NPCTie2+-EVs, surpassing MSC-derived counterparts. These findings raise questions about the validity of MSCs as both EV sources and cellular therapeutics against IDD. The study emphasizes the critical influence of cell type, source, and culture conditions in EV-based therapeutics.
Do teachers’ beliefs about the nature and learning of mathematics affect students’ motivation and enjoyment of mathematics? Examining differences between boys and girls across six countries
Authors: Radišić Jelena , Buchholtz Nils , Yang-Hansen Kajsa , Liu Xin , Kaarstein Hege
Published: February 2024

Mathematics teachers’ beliefs are central to mathematics teaching and student learning. Because different aspects of motivation and affect—particularly enjoyment—primarily develop within the classroom context, examining how different teachers’ beliefs may affect student outcomes in mathematics is imperative. The current study examines teachers’ beliefs about the nature and learning of mathematics in connection to students’ motivation (i.e. intrinsic value, utility value and perceived competence) and enjoyment of mathematics across different settings by considering students’ mathematics achievement, gender and classroom composition (i.e. socioeconomic and behavioural). Data were collected from 3rd- and 4th-grade mathematics teachers (N = 686) and their students (N = 11,782) in six countries (i.e. Norway, Finland, Sweden, Portugal, Estonia and Serbia). A two-level structural equation modelling technique (TSEM) (i.e. student level and classroom level) with random slopes was employed to address our research questions. The results indicate that students’ intrinsic value and perceived competence positively relate to their enjoyment of mathematics in all six countries. Teachers’ beliefs about the nature and learning of mathematics moderate the within-classroom relationship between boys and girls and the motivation and enjoyment of learning mathematics in Portugal and Norway. Unlike boys, girls consistently perceive themselves as less competent in mastering mathematics, even in primary school. Classroom socioeconomic composition had a more pronounced influence on teachers’ beliefs in Sweden, Norway and Serbia. In relation to teachers’ beliefs, classroom behavioural composition was relevant in Estonia and Sweden. In Finland and Norway, classroom composition was essential to boys’ and girls’ differential motivation and enjoyment of mathematics learning.
The impact of instructional support via generative learning strategies on the perception of visual authenticity, learning outcomes, and satisfaction in AR-based learning
Authors: Moser Stephanie , Lewalter Doris
Published: February 2024

Augmented reality (AR) presents significant opportunities for creating authentic learning environments by accurately mirroring real-world objects, contexts, and tasks. The visual fidelity of AR content, seamlessly integrated into the real world, contributes to its perceived authenticity. Despite acknowledging AR’s positive impact on learning, scant research explores specific learning strategies within an AR context, and there’s a lack of studies linking perceived visual authenticity to these strategies. This study addresses these gaps by surveying learners using AR technology to study the human cardiovascular system, exploring perceived visual authenticity, learning outcomes, and satisfaction. Learners used either (1) AR with the self-explanation learning strategy, (2) AR with the drawing learning strategy, or (3) AR only. Analysis of variance and correlation was used for data analysis. Results indicated no significant differences in perceived visual authenticity and satisfaction among the learning strategy groups. However, groups employing learning strategies showed superior learning outcomes compared to the AR-only group. Crucially, the self-explanation learning strategy significantly enhanced knowledge gain compared to drawing and AR-only groups, indicating that self-explanation, together with the visual input from the AR-learning environment, fosters a more coherent mental representation. This increased learning efficacy was achieved while maintaining a consistent perception of visual authenticity and satisfaction with the learning material. These findings expand the current landscape of AR research by moving beyond media comparison studies.
Development and evaluation of nomograms and risk stratification systems to predict the overall survival and cancer-specific survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kang Xichun , Liu Xiling , Li Yaoqi , Yuan Wenfang , Xu Yi , Yan Huimin
Published: February 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, and patients with HCC have a poor prognosis and low survival rates. Establishing a prognostic nomogram is important for predicting the survival of patients with HCC, as it helps to improve the patient’s prognosis. This study aimed to develop and evaluate nomograms and risk stratification to predict overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in HCC patients. Data from 10,302 patients with initially diagnosed HCC were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2017. Patients were randomly divided into the training and validation set. Kaplan–Meier survival, LASSO regression, and Cox regression analysis were conducted to select the predictors of OS. Competing risk analysis, LASSO regression, and Cox regression analysis were conducted to select the predictors of CSS. The validation of the nomograms was performed using the concordance index (C-index), the Akaike information criterion (AIC), the Bayesian information criterion (BIC), Net Reclassification Index (NRI), Discrimination Improvement (IDI), the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curves, and decision curve analyses (DCAs). The results indicated that factors including age, grade, T stage, N stage, M stage, surgery, surgery to lymph node (LN), Alpha-Fetal Protein (AFP), and tumor size were independent predictors of OS, whereas grade, T stage, surgery, AFP, tumor size, and distant lymph node metastasis were independent predictors of CSS. Based on these factors, predictive models were built and virtualized by nomograms. The C-index for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS were 0.788, 0.792, and 0.790. The C-index for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS were 0.803, 0.808, and 0.806. AIC, BIC, NRI, and IDI suggested that nomograms had an excellent predictive performance with no significant overfitting. The calibration curves showed good consistency of OS and CSS between the actual observation and nomograms prediction, and the DCA showed great clinical usefulness of the nomograms. The risk stratification of OS and CSS was built that could perfectly classify HCC patients into three risk groups. Our study developed nomograms and a corresponding risk stratification system predicting the OS and CSS of HCC patients. These tools can assist in patient counseling and guiding treatment decision making.
On locally compact groups of small topological entropy
Authors: Russo F. G. , Waka O.
Published: February 2024

We discuss the finiteness of the topological entropy of continuous endomorphims for some classes of locally compact groups. Firstly, we focus on the abelian case, imposing the condition of being compactly generated, and note an interesting behaviour of slender groups. Secondly, we remove the condition of being abelian and consider nilpotent periodic locally compact
p-groups (p prime), reducing the computations to the case of Sylow
p-subgroups. Finally, we investigate locally compact Heisenberg
p-groups $$\mathbb{H}_n (\mathbb{Q}_ p )$$

H
n

(

Q
p

)

on the field $$\mathbb{Q}_ p $$

Q
p

of the p-adic rationals with n arbitrary positive integer.
AI pricing algorithms under platform competition
Authors: Sanchez-Cartas J. Manuel , Katsamakas Evangelos
Published: February 2024

Platforms play an essential role in the modern economy. At the same time, due to advances in artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms are becoming more widely used for pricing and other business functions. Previous literature examined algorithmic pricing, but not in the context of network effects and platforms. Moreover, platform competition literature has not considered how algorithms may affect competition. We study the performance of AI pricing algorithms (Q-learning and Particle Swarm Optimization) and naïve algorithms (price-matching) under platform competition. We find that algorithms set an optimal price structure that internalizes network effects. However, no algorithm is always the best because profitability depends on the type of competing algorithms and market characteristics, such as differentiation and network effects. Additionally, algorithms learn autonomously when an equilibrium is unstable and avoid it. When algorithm adoption is an endogenous strategic decision, several algorithms can be adopted in equilibrium; we characterize the conditions for the various outcomes and show that the equilibrium and platform profits are sensitive to algorithm design changes. Overall, our research suggests that AI algorithms can be effective in the presence of network effects, and platforms are likely to adopt a variety of algorithms. Lastly, we reflect on the business value of AI and identify opportunities for future research at the intersection of AI algorithms and platforms.
Making sense of doing science: on some pragmatic motifs guiding the enactive approach to science
Authors: Manca Danilo
Published: February 2024

In this article, I will explore the enactive approach to science and the pragmatic motifs that guide it. In particular, in the first half of the article, I will discuss to what extent enactivism can be seen as a philosophy of nature, and by comparing it with Sellars’s interpretation of the conflict between the manifest and the scientific image of humans in the world, I will focus on the view of nature that enactivism defends. In the second part, I will compare the enactive approach with Dewey’s conception of the organism-environment interaction by focusing on the underlying similarities between their views of evolution and their way of seeing science as the most sophisticated expression of an organism’s sense-making.