bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of vitamin D treatment on quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Ersoy Sedef , Kesiktas Fatma Nur , Sirin Busra , Bugdayci Derya , Paker Nurdan
Published: September 2023

Background

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain accompanied by fatigue, disrupted sleep quality, cognitive impairments, subjective soft tissue swelling, and somatic symptoms. There are conflicting results in the literature regarding the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in fibromyalgia patients and the reduction of symptoms after supplementation.

Aims

Our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of vitamin D supplementation in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Methods

In our cross-sectional clinical study, 180 female patients aged 18 to 65 diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology Diagnostic Criteria were included. Oral vitamin D3 replacement of 50,000 IU was administered for 12 weeks. Patients' Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ)and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were evaluated before and after the study.

Results

Significant differences were observed in the FIQ scores of the 180 fibromyalgia patients before and after vitamin D supplementation (p < 0.05). There was also a significant improvement in VAS scores (p < 0.01). A negative correlation between vitamin D and VAS as well as FIQ scores was found in the study.

Conclusion

We determined that vitamin D deficiency is significantly more prevalent in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Vitamin D supplementation was observed to have a positive effect on quality of life and reduction of pain.
Precision Nutrition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction: the Promise of High-Density Lipoproteins
Authors: Hong Brian V. , Agus Joanne K. , Tang Xinyu , Zheng Jack Jingyuan , Romo Eduardo Z. , Lei Susan , Zivkovic Angela M.
Published: September 2023

Purpose of Review

Emerging evidence supports the promise of precision nutritional approaches for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Here, we discuss current findings from precision nutrition trials and studies reporting substantial inter-individual variability in responses to diets and dietary components relevant to CVD outcomes. We highlight examples where early precision nutrition research already points to actionable intervention targets tailored to an individual’s biology and lifestyle. Finally, we make the case for high-density lipoproteins (HDL) as a compelling next generation target for precision nutrition aimed at CVD prevention. HDL possesses complex structural features including diverse protein components, lipids, size distribution, extensive glycosylation, and interacts with the gut microbiome, all of which influence HDL’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol efflux properties. Elucidating the nuances of HDL structure and function at an individual level may unlock personalized dietary and lifestyle strategies to optimize HDL-mediated atheroprotection and reduce CVD risk.

Recent Findings

Recent human studies have demonstrated that HDL particles are key players in the reduction of CVD risk. Our review highlights the role of HDL and the importance of personalized therapeutic approaches to improve their potential for reducing CVD risk. Factors such as diet, genetics, glycosylation, and gut microbiome interactions can modulate HDL structure and function at the individual level. We emphasize that fractionating HDL into size-based subclasses and measuring particle concentration are necessary to understand HDL biology and for developing the next generation of diagnostics and biomarkers. These discoveries underscore the need to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to HDL management. Precision nutrition strategies that account for personalized metabolic, genetic, and lifestyle data hold promise for optimizing HDL therapies and function to mitigate CVD risk more potently.

While human studies show HDL play a key role in reducing CVD risk, recent findings indicate that factors such as diet, genetics, glycosylation, and gut microbes modulate HDL function at the individual level, underscoring the need for precision nutrition strategies that account for personalized variability to optimize HDL’s potential for mitigating CVD risk.
Instagram use and negative and positive body image: the relationship with following accounts and content and filter use among female students
Authors: Mancin Paolo , Cerea Silvia , Bottesi Gioia , Ghisi Marta
Published: September 2023

Exposure to Instagram content and photo manipulation behaviors may negatively impact women’s body image. However, some studies did not find support for this assumption. The current study aimed to explore this issue further. The first objective was to investigate associations between self-reported frequency of following Instagram beauty-related and body positive-related accounts and content and body image dimensions (i.e., Body Dysmorphic Disorder [BDD] symptoms, body appreciation, and body functionality appreciation). To achieve this, we controlled for the role of Instagram appearance comparison and internalization of general attractiveness ideal. As for the second objective, the influence of Instagram filter use was assessed: two groups of Instagram filter users (high-frequency and low-frequency users) and non-users were compared on dimensions of Instagram use and body image. Findings from a sample of 149 female undergraduates demonstrated that self-reported frequency of following body positive Instagram content was associated with higher levels of BDD symptoms even after controlling for appearance comparison and internalization of general attractiveness ideal. Conversely, the self-reported frequency of following beauty content was not. Moreover, positive body image dimensions were not associated with self-reported frequency of following any Instagram content. High-frequency Instagram filter users reported a higher frequency of following beauty content and higher levels of appearance comparison and internalization of general attractiveness ideal compared to non-users. However, these two groups did not differ on negative and positive body image dimensions. Finally, low-frequency Instagram filter users did not differ on any investigated dimensions from the other two groups.
Organization scale of photospheric magnetic imbalance in coronal holes
Authors: Cantoresi Matteo , Berrilli Francesco , Lepreti Fabio
Published: September 2023

To investigate the statistical properties of the photospheric magnetic fields underlying coronal holes (CHs) and “normal” coronal regions a classical technique, the signed measure, is used. This technique allows to characterize the scaling behavior and the topology of sign-oscillating magnetic structures in selected regions of line of sigth (LoS) magnetograms recorded by the Heliosismic Magnetic Imager on board of the Solar Dynamic Observatory (SDO/HMI). To this end we have compared the properties of the photospheric magnetic field underlying 60 CHs and 60 non-coronal holes (NCHs). In particular, in addition to having studied distributions and momenta of photospheric magnetic fields associated to the selected regions, we have performed the sign singularity analysis computing the cancellation functions of the highly fluctuating photospheric magnetic fields. We have found that photospheric magnetic fields associated to CHs are imbalanced in the sign and that this imbalance emerges mainly at the supergranular scales.
Integrating TCGA and single-cell sequencing data for colorectal cancer: a 10-gene prognostic risk assessment model
Authors: Lu Di , Li Xiaofang , Yuan Yuan , Li Yaqi , Wang Jiannan , Zhang Qian , Yang Zhiyu , Gao Shanjun , Zhang Xiulei , Zhou Bingxi
Published: September 2023

Colorectal cancer represents a significant health threat, yet a standardized method for early clinical assessment and prognosis remains elusive. This study sought to address this gap by using the Seurat package to analyze a single-cell sequencing dataset (GSE178318) of colorectal cancer, thereby identifying distinctive marker genes characterizing various cell subpopulations. Through CIBERSORT analysis of colorectal cancer data within The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, significant differences existed in both cell subpopulations and prognostic values. Employing WGCNA, we pinpointed modules exhibiting strong correlations with these subpopulations, subsequently utilizing the survival package coxph to isolate genes within these modules. Further stratification of TCGA dataset based on these selected genes brought to light notable variations between subtypes. The prognostic relevance of these differentially expressed genes was rigorously assessed through survival analysis, with LASSO regression employed for modeling prognostic factors. Our resulting model, anchored by a 10-gene signature originating from these differentially expressed genes and LASSO regression, proved adept at accurately predicting clinical prognoses, even when tested against external datasets. Specifically, natural killer cells from the C7 subpopulation were found to bear significant associations with colorectal cancer survival and prognosis, as observed within the TCGA database. These findings underscore the promise of an integrated 10-gene signature prognostic risk assessment model, harmonizing single-cell sequencing insights with TCGA data, for effectively estimating the risk associated with colorectal cancer.
Simultaneous Delignification and Furfural Production of Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch by Novel Ternary Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Muryanto Muryanto , Sudiyani Yanni , Darmawan Muhammad Arif , Handayani Eka Mardika , Gozan Misri
Published: September 2023

The most considerable solid waste from crude palm oil plants is oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) which contains cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose. Hemicellulose can be hydrolyzed to xylose and then converted to furfural via dehydration. Pretreatment is one of the steps in the bioconversion of lignocellulose material to reduce lignin. This study developed a one-pot process to conduct pretreatment and furfural production simultaneously. This process uses a green solvent called ternary deep eutectic solvent (DES). DES was synthesized by mixing choline chloride, oxalic acid, and ethylene glycol with a molar ratio of 1:1:2 (CHOAEG). Simultaneous delignification and furfural production were carried out in a stainless steel reactor. The temperature was varied at 100, 120, and 150 °C, with the various processing time at 30, 60, and 90 min, respectively. The highest furfural concentration reached 9.68 g/L, and the delignification was achieved up to 55.81% at 150 °C for 90 min. The OPEFB pretreated was hydrolyzed by cellulase and achieved 90.79% glucose yield. Overall, the simultaneous delignification and furfural production process by ternary DES CHOAEG demonstrated a novel and efficient process by reducing the number of complex processes stages of biorefinery lignocellulose.
A new bio-based zwitterionic surfactant with improved interfacial activity by optimizing hydrophilic head
Authors: Wang Wei , Liang Ming-Yue , Lang Jian-Qiao , Mtui Homely Isaya , Yang Shi-Zhong , Mu Bo-Zhong
Published: September 2023

Bio-based zwitterionic surfactant attracts increasing attention to its application potential of surfactant flooding for enhanced oil recovery because of its environmental friendliness, renewability, and stable interfacial performance under high salinity and high temperature. However, bio-based zwitterionic surfactants which can be applied at the temperature higher than 100°C are still rare. In this paper, a new surfactant, phenyloleamide ethyl hydroxysulfonyl quaternary ammonium salt (PEHSQA), was obtained from biomaterial methyl oleate through alkylated, amidated, and quaternized reactions. As N, N-dimethyl propanediamine (a common amidated reagent in the synthesis of bio-based zwitterionic surfactants derived from fatty acids and esters) has one more carbon atom than N,N-dimethyl-1,2-ethanediamine, the latter was adopted as the amidated reagent optimizing the hydrophilic head of surfactant to improve the interfacial activity, especially the thermal resistance. The interfacial tension (IFT) between Daqing oil and stratum water could be maintained at 2.13×10−3 mN/m with the aid of 1 g/L PEHSQA. Furthermore, the IFT could be maintained at the level of 10−3 mN/m under the condition of 120 °C, with added NaCl of 20 g/L or Ca2+ of 2500 mg/L respectively. The optimization of reducing carbon number in the hydrophilic head of the bio-based zwitterionic surfactant can make a better balance between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity offered by long fatty carbon chain, which can improve the interfacial activity especially the thermal resistance effectively.
Optimized solubility and bioavailability of genistein based on cocrystal engineering
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Li Qi , An Qi , Gong Lixiang , Yang Shiying , Zhang Baoxi , Su Bin , Yang Dezhi , Zhang Li , Lu Yang , Du Guanhua
Published: September 2023

With various potential health-promoting bioactivities, genistein has great prospects in treatment of a series of complex diseases and metabolic syndromes such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, menopausal symptoms and so on. However, poor solubility and unsatisfactory bioavailability seriously limits its clinical application and market development. To optimize the solubility and bioavailability of genistein, the cocrystal of genistein and piperazine was prepared by grinding assisted with solvent based on the concept of cocrystal engineering. Using a series of analytical techniques including single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, the cocrystal was characterized and confirmed. Then, structure analysis on the basis of theoretical calculation and a series of evaluation on the stability, dissolution and bioavailability were carried out. The results indicated that the cocrystal of genistein and piperazine improved the solubility and bioavailability of genistein. Compared with the previous studies on the cocrystal of genistein, this is a systematic and comprehensive investigation from the aspects of preparation, characterization, structural analysis, stability, solubility and bioavailability evaluation. As a simple, efficient and green approach, cocrystal engineering can pave a new path to optimize the pharmaceutical properties of natural products for successful drug formulation and delivery.

Graphical Abstract
Tree-ring dating of the common trees in Wadi Allaqi Biosphere Reserve, South-East Egypt
Authors: Salem Ashraf , Shedded Mohamed , Al-Sodany Yassin , Shaltout Kamal
Published: September 2023

Twenty-five increment cores and tree discs were sampled for four common trees in Wadi Allaqi, an extremely arid region in South-East Egypt (19 for Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana (Savi) Brenan and 2 for each of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Acacia ehrenbergiana Hayne, and Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge). The main aim of the current study is to achieve a longer temporal perspective on growth, longevity, and marginal parenchyma of the wood samples. The growth ring boundaries of the acacias are differentiated by thin parenchyma bands, which run around the entire stem discs. Samples of Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana were located along this Wadi from its upstream to downstream parts; based on the mean distance between the bands of marginal parenchyma, longevity, based on the marginal parenchyma bands, indicated that Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana grew slowly and some of its studied individuals reflected 2 age scenarios in the downstream part, while the measurement interval reflected an established date of around 1884 or 1886. Both scenarios grew fast over a long period of time, and so the chiefly recent growth was dated back to 1885. Approximate dates for the midstream part dated back to 1648, while the overall growth for the upstream part dated back to 1482. Samples of Balanites aegyptiaca may be established between 1608 and 1715, while those of Acacia ehrenbergiana may be established between 1945 and 1975. Tamarix nilotica swiftly established itself, and a new ecosystem replaced the severe arid habitat after the dropping of the water level in 1980s.Two scenarios of age are probably true for the downstream part, implying a date of establishment between 1884 and 1886. It was also discovered that the outdated scenario for B. aegyptiaca and A. ehrenbergiana is more in line with asymptotic value and current growth, indicating larger possibility for future expansion.
Body image impact on quality of life and adolescents’ binge eating: the indirect role of body image coping strategies
Authors: Bianchi Dora , Schinelli Anthony , Fatta Laura Maria , Lonigro Antonia , Lucidi Fabio , Laghi Fiorenzo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The role of body image in adolescent binge eating is widely confirmed, albeit the various facets of this relationship are still mostly unexplored. Within the multidimensional body image framework, this study hypothesized the indirect effects of three body image coping strategies (positive rational acceptance, appearance fixing, avoidance) in the expected relationship between the perceived impact of body image on individuals’ quality of life and binge eating symptoms.

Methods

Participants were 715 adolescents aged 15–21 years (49.1% girls) recruited in Italian schools. An anonymous self-report online survey was administered. A multiple mediation model was tested.

Results

A more positive perceived impact of body image on quality of life was a negative predictor of adolescents’ binge eating, controlling for individual levels of body satisfaction. Three indirect effects were found in this relationship: on one hand, the positive body image impact reduced binge eating via increasing positive rational acceptance (M1), and via reducing avoidance (M2); on the contrary, the positive body image impact also enhanced binge eating via increasing appearance fixing (M3).

Conclusions

The body image impact on quality of life can be alternatively protective—when adaptive coping is solicited, and maladaptive strategies are reduced—or a risk factor, which may increase binge eating by soliciting appearance fixing.

Level III

Evidence obtained from cohort or case–control analytic studies.
Response of commercial classes of wheat to contrasting irrigation regimes
Authors: Ledesma-Ramírez Lourdes , Solís-Moya Ernesto , Mariscal-Amaro Luis Antonio , Huerta-Espino Julio , Montero-Tavera Victor , Gámez-Vázquez Alfredo Josué , Buenrostro-Rodríguez Juan Francisco , González-Figueroa Sarahyt Santamaria
Published: September 2023

A 3-year experiment was established in which four wheat classes were evaluated including soft, medium hard, hard and durum wheat with the objective to determine which class is more efficient in water use under reduced irrigation. The experiments were established during three growing seasons (2016–2018). The amount of water applied were: 26, 34 and 54 cm distributed in 2, 3 and 5 irrigations, respectively. Eighteen genotypes from each wheat class were evaluated in an alpha lattice design with three replicates. Phenological data, yield and yield components were analyzed. Yield in the two-irrigation regime ranged from 3974 to 5436, 4453 to 6909 under three and 6177 to 9107 kg ha−1 under five. Correlation analysis showed that with two irrigations there is a greater association of grain yield with thousand kernel weight (TKW), but under three and five irrigations, grain yield was associated to a greater degree with kernel number per unit area (KNO). When analyzing the grain yield, it was observed that under reduced irrigation (2 and 3 irrigations), bread wheats were superior to durum wheats regardless of the class. Under five irrigations, durum wheats showed the highest yield (8303 kg ha−1); however, they were only significantly superior (Tukey ≤ 0.05) to the hard wheats (7721 kg ha−1). In general, the tested wheats showed higher water efficiency (considered as water productivity) under reduced irrigation than under normal irrigation. The lowest losses in water productivity when going from two to five irrigations were observed in durum wheats (0.17 kg m−3) and the highest losses in the hard wheats (0.38 kg m−3).
Well-being grants in an academic medical center: A case example
Authors: Olson Lauren E. , Bredella Miriam A. , Levy Anne S. , Mehta Darshan H.
Published: September 2023

Academic medical centers (AMCs) rely on engaged and motivated faculty for their success. Significant burnout among clinical and research faculty has resulted in career disengagement and turnover. As such, AMCs must be vested in cultivating faculty engagement and well-being through novel initiatives that support faculty. The Well-Being Education Grants program was established by the Office for Well-Being within the Center for Faculty Development at Massachusetts General Hospital to provide the impetus many faculty needed to dedicate time to their well-being, demonstrating that investments in multi-component interventions around faculty well-being require resources and funding.
Comparison theorem and stability under perturbation of transition rate matrices for regime-switching processes
Authors: Shao Jinghai
Published: September 2023

A comparison theorem for state-dependent regime-switching diffusion processes is established, which enables us to pathwise-control the evolution of the state-dependent switching component simply by Markov chains. Moreover, a sharp estimate on the stability of Markovian regime-switching processes under the perturbation of transition rate matrices is provided. Our approach is based on elaborate constructions of switching processes in the spirit of Skorokhod’s representation theorem varying according to the problem being dealt with. In particular, this method can cope with switching processes in an infinite state space and not necessarily of birth–death type. As an application, some known results on the ergodicity and stability of state-dependent regime-switching processes can be improved.
Therapists’ beliefs about excessive reassurance seeking and helping manage it: does experience play a role?
Authors: Halldorsson Brynjar , Salkovskis Paul M.
Published: September 2023

Excessive reassurance seeking (ERS) is believed to play an important role in maintaining mental health problems, in particular anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and health anxiety. Despite this, therapists commonly give into patients’ requests for reassurance in clinical settings and are generally unsure how to handle the issue both in therapy itself and concerning advice to the patient’s loved ones. In order to increase our understanding of therapists’ perception of ERS and how interventions for ERS are managed, we examined therapists’ perception and understanding of ERS, including its function, which emotional problems therapists associate it with, and what treatment interventions they consider important for managing ERS. Qualified therapists (n=197) were benchmarked against international expert consensus (n=20) drawn from leading clinical researchers. There was evidence that clinical experience right up to the expert level may result in less reassurance giving within treatment settings. Still, there were enough inconsistencies between the experts and other clinicians to suggest that ERS remains poorly understood and is not consistently dealt with clinically. Results are discussed in terms of how current treatment interventions may be limited for treating ERS, highlighting the need to consider new approaches for dealing with this complicated interpersonal behaviour.

Key learning aims

(1)

To describe the role of excessive reassurance seeking in checking behaviour, including its negative personal and interpersonal consequences.

(2)

To learn that therapists commonly report finding it difficult to manage reassurance seeking.

(3)

To learn that therapists’ beliefs about excessive reassurance seeking may play a key role in helping us understand how to tackle this complicated behaviour.

(4)

To consider what therapeutic interventions may be appropriate and helpful for treating excessive reassurance seeking.
Cognitive therapy for PTSD following birth trauma and baby loss: clinical considerations
Authors: Kerr Alice , Warnock-Parkes Emma , Murray Hannah , Wild Jennifer , Grey Nick , Green Catherine , Clark David M. , Ehlers Anke
Published: September 2023

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traumatic birth can have a debilitating effect on parents already adapting to significant life changes during the post-partum period. Cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD) is a highly effective psychological therapy for PTSD which is recommended in the NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2018) as a first-line intervention for PTSD. In this paper, we provide guidance on how to deliver CT-PTSD for birth-related trauma and baby loss and how to address common cognitive themes.

Key learning aims

(1)

To recognise and understand the development of PTSD following childbirth and baby loss.

(2)

To understand how Ehlers and Clark’s (2000) cognitive model of PTSD can be applied to post-partum PTSD.

(3)

To be able to apply cognitive therapy for PTSD to patients with perinatal PTSD, including traumatic baby loss through miscarriage or birth.

(4)

To discover common personal meanings associated with birth trauma and baby loss and the steps to update them.
Clinician experiences on training and awareness of sexual orientation in NHS Talking Therapies Services for Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Ho Jason Kai Yu , O’Rouke Christopher , Laville Allán , Chellingsworth Marie , Callaghan Patrick
Published: September 2023

Previous research that explored sexual minority service users’ experiences of accessing NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression Services highlighted the need for specific sexual orientation training. Inconsistent or lack of training may contribute to disparities in treatment outcomes between sexual minority service users and heterosexual service users. The aim of the study was to explore clinicians’ competencies working with sexual minority service users, their experiences of sexual orientation training, their view of current gaps in training provision, and ways to improve training. Self-reported sexual orientation competency scales and open-ended questions were used to address the aims of the study. Participants (n=83) included Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) and high-intensity CBT therapists (HITs). Responses on competency scales were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis tests and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative responses. Participants who identified as 25–29 years old had higher scores on the knowledge scale than 45+-year-olds. Bisexual participants also had higher scores on the knowledge subscale than heterosexual participants. Three over-arching themes were identified: (a) training received on sexual minority issues by Talking Therapies clinicians, (b) clinicians’ experiences of accessing and receiving sexual minority training, and (c) perceived gaps in current sexual minority training and ways to improve training. Findings were linked to previous literature and recommendations to stakeholders are made throughout the Discussion section with the view of improving sexual orientation training.

Key learning aims

(1)

To understand current training provision of sexual orientation training across NHS Talking Therapies courses and services in England.

(2)

To consider clinicians’ experiences of challenges and barriers that may prevent them from accessing or implementing sexual orientation training in clinical practice.

(3)

To understand clinicians’ views of the current gaps in training and ways to improve training provision.

(4)

To make recommendations to NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression courses and services in ways to improve training on sexual orientation to better meet the learning needs of clinicians and service users.
Factors associated with low birthweight among late preterm singletons in Japan using pregnancy birth registry data
Authors: Kasuga Yoshifumi , Tanaka Kunio , Akita Keisuke , Tamai Junko , Hamuro Asuka , Fukuma Yuka , Hasegawa Keita , Ikenoue Satoru , Tanaka Mamoru
Published: September 2023

Late preterm (LP, born between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation) infants may experience several adverse outcomes, similar to those experienced by low birthweight (LBW, birthweight <2500 g) infants. However, while LP infants are often born with LBW, the association between LP and LBW remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate LBW rate and independent risk factors for LBW in LP singleton neonates. We retrospectively analyzed data of LP singleton neonates, born between 2013 and 2017, from the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology Successive Pregnancy Birth Registry System. The exclusion criteria included stillbirths and infants with missing data. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate maternal and perinatal factors associated with LBW in LP singletons. LBW was observed in 62.5% (n = 35,113) of 56,160 LP singleton births. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, LBW in LP neonates was independently associated with modifiable maternal factors, including pre-pregnancy underweight, inadequate gestational weight gain, and smoking during pregnancy, as well as non-modifiable factors, including younger maternal age, nulliparity, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, preeclampsia, cesarean section delivery, and female offspring. According to the Japanese pregnancy birth registry data, more than half of LP neonates were LBW. We previously discussed the issue of LBW regarding infants with different backgrounds, as there are many different causes of LBW. Several risk factors should be subdivided and considered for the risk of LP and LBW.
Modeling Steady Grain Sorting in River Bifurcations
Authors: Ragno Niccolò , Redolfi Marco , Tambroni Nicoletta , Tubino Marco
Published: September 2023

A striking feature of rivers is their ability to sort the sediments composing them. One of the chief causes for grain sorting consists in the selective transport of different sizes moving downstream. This process can be substantially influenced by the presence of lateral topographic variations, as those produced by channel bifurcations, in which water and sediment are diverted between two smaller anabranches. In particular, field and laboratory observations have shown that the asymmetric flux distribution commonly observed in actual bifurcations is associated with a coarsening of the most‐carrying branch. Here, equilibrium sorting in river bifurcations is addressed through a quasi‐2D model. Differently from previous works, a fully physically based description of the processes tied to a heterogeneous sediment mixture is introduced. The main mechanisms consist in the lateral pull of sediment due to a sloping bed upstream the bifurcation, and the variation of transport capacity in downstream branches. The model indicates that grain sorting tends to reduce the degree of flux asymmetry between branches for increasing heterogeneity of the mixture. Moreover, the uneven discharge distribution is associated with a different bed surface composition, with bed coarsening of the dominating channel and fining of the other branch. The reduced sediment transport asymmetry and bed surface fining enhance the transport of fine material in the less‐carrying branch, thus contributing to keep it morphologically active. Finally, the model predicts an overall fining of bed surface material with respect to the feeder channel.
Numerical Modeling and GNSS Observations of Ionospheric Depletions Due To a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle
Authors: Bowden G. W. , Brown M.
Published: September 2023

Space launches produce ionospheric disturbances which can be observed through measurements such as Global Navigation Satellite System signal delays. Here we report observations and numerical simulations of the ionospheric depletion due to a Small‐Lift Launch Vehicle. The case examined was the launch of a Rocket Lab Electron at 22:30 UTC on 22 March 2021. Despite the very small launch vehicle, ground stations in the Chatham Islands measured decreases in slant total electron content for navigation satellite signals following the launch. Global Ionosphere Thermosphere Model results indicated ionospheric depletions which were comparable with these measurements. Measurements indicated a maximum decrease of 2.7 TECU in vertical total electron content, compared with a simulated decrease of 2.6 TECU. Advection of the exhaust plume due to its initial velocity and subsequent effects of neutral winds are identified as some remaining challenges for this form of modeling.
The laminin–keratin link shields the nucleus from mechanical deformation and signalling
Authors: Kechagia Zanetta , Sáez Pablo , Gómez-González Manuel , Canales Brenda , Viswanadha Srivatsava , Zamarbide Martín , Andreu Ion , Koorman Thijs , Beedle Amy E. M. , Elosegui-Artola Alberto , Derksen Patrick W. B. , Trepat Xavier , Arroyo Marino , Roca-Cusachs Pere
Published: September 2023

The mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix dictate tissue behaviour. In epithelial tissues, laminin is a very abundant extracellular matrix component and a key supporting element. Here we show that laminin hinders the mechanoresponses of breast epithelial cells by shielding the nucleus from mechanical deformation. Coating substrates with laminin-111—unlike fibronectin or collagen I—impairs cell response to substrate rigidity and YAP nuclear localization. Blocking the laminin-specific integrin β4 increases nuclear YAP ratios in a rigidity-dependent manner without affecting the cell forces or focal adhesions. By combining mechanical perturbations and mathematical modelling, we show that β4 integrins establish a mechanical linkage between the substrate and keratin cytoskeleton, which stiffens the network and shields the nucleus from actomyosin-mediated mechanical deformation. In turn, this affects the nuclear YAP mechanoresponses, chromatin methylation and cell invasion in three dimensions. Our results demonstrate a mechanism by which tissues can regulate their sensitivity to mechanical signals.
NO-ferroheme is a signaling entity in the vasculature
Authors: Kleschyov Andrei L. , Zhuge Zhengbing , Schiffer Tomas A. , Guimarães Drielle D. , Zhang Gensheng , Montenegro Marcelo F. , Tesse Angela , Weitzberg Eddie , Carlström Mattias , Lundberg Jon O.
Published: September 2023

Despite wide appreciation of the biological role of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) signaling, questions remain about the chemical nature of NOS-derived bioactivity. Here we show that NO-like bioactivity can be efficiently transduced by mobile NO-ferroheme species, which can transfer between proteins, partition into a hydrophobic phase and directly activate the sGC–cGMP–PKG pathway without intermediacy of free NO. The NO-ferroheme species (with or without a protein carrier) efficiently relax isolated blood vessels and induce hypotension in rodents, which is greatly potentiated after the blockade of NOS activity. While free NO-induced relaxations are abolished by an NO scavenger and in the presence of red blood cells or blood plasma, a model compound, NO-ferroheme-myoglobin preserves its vasoactivity suggesting the physiological relevance of NO-ferroheme species. We conclude that NO-ferroheme behaves as a signaling entity in the vasculature.
MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial
Authors: Mitchell Jennifer M. , Ot’alora G. Marcela , van der Kolk Bessel , Shannon Scott , Bogenschutz Michael , Gelfand Yevgeniy , Paleos Casey , Nicholas Christopher R. , Quevedo Sylvestre , Balliett Brooke , Hamilton Scott , Mithoefer Michael , Kleiman Sarah , Parker-Guilbert Kelly , Tzarfaty Keren , Harrison Charlotte , de Boer Alberdina , Doblin Rick , Yazar-Klosinski Berra ,   MAPP2 Study Collaborator Group, Harrison Charlotte , Yazar-Klosinski Berra , Garas Wael , May Darrick , Marta Cole , Walker Susan , Nielson Elizabeth , Wells Gregory , Brown Randall , Amiaz Revital , Wallach Yair , Worthy Ray , Lilienstein Alia , Emerson Amy
Published: September 2023

This multi-site, randomized, double-blind, confirmatory phase 3 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) versus placebo with identical therapy in participants with moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Changes in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) total severity score (primary endpoint) and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) functional impairment score (key secondary endpoint) were assessed by blinded independent assessors. Participants were randomized to MDMA-AT (n = 53) or placebo with therapy (n = 51). Overall, 26.9% (28/104) of participants had moderate PTSD, and 73.1% (76/104) of participants had severe PTSD. Participants were ethnoracially diverse: 28 of 104 (26.9%) identified as Hispanic/Latino, and 35 of 104 (33.7%) identified as other than White. Least squares (LS) mean change in CAPS-5 score (95% confidence interval (CI)) was −23.7 (−26.94, −20.44) for MDMA-AT versus −14.8 (−18.28, −11.28) for placebo with therapy (P < 0.001, d = 0.7). LS mean change in SDS score (95% CI) was −3.3 (−4.03, −2.60) for MDMA-AT versus −2.1 (−2.89, −1.33) for placebo with therapy (P = 0.03, d = 0.4). Seven participants had a severe treatment emergent adverse event (TEAE) (MDMA-AT, n = 5 (9.4%); placebo with therapy, n = 2 (3.9%)). There were no deaths or serious TEAEs. These data suggest that MDMA-AT reduced PTSD symptoms and functional impairment in a diverse population with moderate to severe PTSD and was generally well tolerated. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04077437.
Synthesis of dual-modified Fe-doped and carbon-coated Li4Ti5O12 anode based on industrial H2TiO3 for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Jiang Xinyu , Ma Guangqiang , Zhu Qinmei , Ge Hongwei , Chen Qiyuan , Yan Beilei , Deng Lin , Tian Congxue , Wu Chuanbao
Published: September 2023

Spinel Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) is a promising candidate for lithium-ion battery anodes because of its exceptional stability and safety. However, its extensive application is limited by a high comprehensive cost, poor electronic conductivity, and other inherent defects. This work presents a novel synthesis procedure to synthesize carbon-coated Fe-doped LTO composites through carbon reduction, in the presence of Fe-containing industrial H2TiO3 as the titanium source, and glucose as the carbon source. The presence of the Fe-dopant is confirmed through XRD, with Rietveld refinement and EDS experiments. Results show that Fe2+ replaces a portion of Ti4+ after doping, leading to an increase in the LTO cell parameters and the corresponding cell volume. FLTO/C, presents a capacity of 153.79 mAh g−1 at 10 C, and the capacity decay per cycle is only 0.0074% after 1000 cycles at 5 C. Moreover, EIS experiments indicate that the incorporation of Fe and carbon lowers the charge transfer resistance and improves the diffusion and migration of Li+. Notably, since this preparation process requires no additional Fe source as a raw material, it is simple, cost-effective, and suitable for large-scale production and further application.
Structural and biological characterization of shortened derivatives of the cathelicidin PMAP-36
Authors: Biondi Barbara , de Pascale Luigi , Mardirossian Mario , Di Stasi Adriana , Favaro Matteo , Scocchi Marco , Peggion Cristina
Published: September 2023

Cathelicidins, a family of host defence peptides in vertebrates, play an important role in the innate immune response, exhibiting antimicrobial activity against many bacteria, as well as viruses and fungi. This work describes the design and synthesis of shortened analogues of porcine cathelicidin PMAP-36, which contain structural changes to improve the pharmacokinetic properties. In particular, 20-mers based on PMAP-36 (residues 12-31) and 13-mers (residues 12-24) with modification of amino acid residues at critical positions and introduction of lipid moieties of different lengths were studied to identify the physical parameters, including hydrophobicity, charge, and helical structure, required to optimise their antibacterial activity. Extensive conformational analysis, performed by CD and NMR, revealed that the substitution of Pro25-Pro26 with Ala25-Lys26 increased the α-helix content of the 20-mer peptides, resulting in broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains. Interestingly, shortening to just 13 residues resulted in only a slight decrease in antibacterial activity. Furthermore, two sequences, a 13-mer and a 20-mer, did not show cytotoxicity against HaCat cells up to 64 µM, indicating that both derivatives are not only effective but also selective antimicrobial peptides. In the short peptide, the introduction of the helicogenic α-aminoisobutyric acid forced the helix toward a prevailing 310 structure, allowing the antimicrobial activity to be maintained. Preliminary tests of resistance to Ser protease chymotrypsin indicated that this modification resulted in a peptide with an increased in vivo lifespan. Thus, some of the PMAP-36 derivatives studied in this work show a good balance between chain length, antibacterial activity, and selectivity, so they represent a good starting point for the development of even more effective and proteolysis-resistant active peptides.
A genetically-encoded biosensor for direct detection of perfluorooctanoic acid
Authors: Mann Madison M. , Berger Bryan W.
Published: September 2023

Determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water at the low levels set by regulatory officials has been a major focus for sensor developing researchers. However, it is becoming more apparent that detection of these contaminants in soils, foods and consumer products is relevant and necessary at part per billion and even part per million levels. Here, a fluorescent biosensor for the rapid detection of PFOA was engineered based on human liver fatty acid binding protein (hLFABP). By conjugating circularly permuted green fluorescent protein (cp.GFP) to a split hLFABP construct, the biosensor was able to detect perfluorooctanoic acid PFOA in PBS as well as environmental water samples with LODs of 236 and 330 ppb respectively. Furthermore, E. coli cells cytosolically expressing the protein-based sensor were demonstrated to quickly detect PFOA, demonstrating feasibility of whole-cell sensing. Overall, this work demonstrates a platform technology utilizing a circularly permuted GFP and split hLFABP conjugate as a label-free optical biosensor for PFOA.
Textural complications of banded iron formation and the potential production of nano-magnetite: a case study from the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Hakeem Mahmoud , El-Habaak Galal
Published: September 2023

The current work makes integrated value-added, geological and chemical studies on the texturally intricate banded iron formation “BIF” that is represented here, as a case in point, by the Um Nar BIF located in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. Geologically, the Um Nar BIF is composed mainly of oxide-rich facies and silicate-rich facies mostly expressed as bands of variable thickness (90–730 µm). Magnetite, martite, goethite, and quartz are detected as the main components of the oxide-rich facies, while epidote, stilpnomelane, and garnet occupy the other facies type. The studied ore can be classified as a low-grade iron ore containing 51.23 wt.% Fe2O3 and 39.64 wt.% SiO2 along with considerable phosphorous content (1.01 wt.% P2O5). These elemental concentrations do not match the recommended benchmarks for iron and steelmaking (e.g.75.78–95.8 wt.% Fe2O3, 5–7 wt.% SiO2, and 0.04 wt.% P2O5). Moreover, the studied BIF has a poor liberation behavior on crushing and grinding due to the complex interlocking of magnetite with quartz and stilpnomelane expressed as a sieve-like texture. This textural complication directed the current work to investigate the potential exploitation of the Um Nar BIF as a precursor of nano-magnetite that is commonly synthesized by ferrous and ferric chlorides. Accordingly, HCl-based agitation leaching followed by co-precipitation was carried out, resulting in ultrafine nano-magnetite (2.47–4.27 nm particle size) expected to serve in water treatment as an effective adsorbent for heavy metals.
The implications for potential marginal land resources of cassava across worldwide under climate change challenges
Authors: Li Yongping , Ding Fangyu , Hao Mengmeng , Chen Shuai , Jiang Dong , Fan Peiwei , Qian Yushu , Zhuo Jun , Wu Jiajie
Published: September 2023

The demand for energy plants is foreseen to grow as worldwide energy and climate policies promote the use of bioenergy for climate change mitigation. To avoid competing with food production, it’s critical to assess future changes in marginal land availability for energy plant development. Using a machine learning method, boosted regression tree, this study modeled potential marginal land resources suitable for cassava under current and different climate change scenarios, based on cassava occurrence records and environmental covariates. The findings revealed that, currently, over 80% of the 1357.24 Mha of available marginal land for cassava cultivation is distributed in Africa and South America. Under three climate change scenarios, by 2030, worldwide suitable marginal land resources were predicted to grow by 39.71Mha, 66.21 Mha, and 39.31Mha for the RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively; by 2050, the potential marginal land suitable for cassava will increase by 38.98Mha, 83.02 Mha, and 55.43Mha, respectively; by 2080, the global marginal land resources were estimated to rise by 40.82 Mha, 99.74 Mha, and 21.87 Mha from now, respectively. Our results highlight the impacts of climate change on potential marginal land resources of cassava across worldwide, which provide the basis for assessing bioenergy potential in the future.
PEGylated thrombopoietin mimetic, JNJ‑26366821 a novel prophylactic radiation countermeasure for acute radiation injury
Authors: Holmes-Hampton Gregory P. , Kumar Vidya P. , Biswas Shukla , Stone Sasha , Sharma Neel K. , Legesse Betre , Vercellino Justin , Guha Chandan , Eichenbaum Gary , Ghosh Sanchita P.
Published: September 2023

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is the primary regulator of platelet generation and a stimulator of multilineage hematopoietic recovery following exposure to total body irradiation (TBI). JNJ‑26366821, a novel PEGylated TPO mimetic peptide, stimulates platelet production without developing neutralizing antibodies or causing any adverse effects. Administration of a single dose of JNJ‑26366821 demonstrated its efficacy as a prophylactic countermeasure in various mouse strains (males CD2F1, C3H/HeN, and male and female C57BL/6J) exposed to Co-60 gamma TBI. A dose dependent survival efficacy of JNJ‑26366821 (− 24 h) was identified in male CD2F1 mice exposed to a supralethal dose of radiation. A single dose of JNJ‑26366821 administered 24, 12, or 2 h pre-radiation resulted in 100% survival from a lethal dose of TBI with a dose reduction factor of 1.36. There was significantly accelerated recovery from radiation-induced peripheral blood neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in animals pre-treated with JNJ‑26366821. The drug also increased bone marrow cellularity and megakaryocytes, accelerated multi-lineage hematopoietic recovery, and alleviated radiation-induced soluble markers of bone marrow aplasia and endothelial damage. These results indicate that JNJ‑26366821 is a promising prophylactic radiation countermeasure for hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome with a broad window for medical management in a radiological or nuclear event.