bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Second-graders' understanding of comparison tasks
Authors: Zeljić Marijana , Dabić-Boričić Milana , Ilić Svetlana
Published: April 2023

The paper examines students' understanding of relational terminology and their achievement in solving comparison tasks identified in the existing literature as the most difficult among the tasks with a single calculation operation. We expand previous research by examining achievement on more complex tasks in which comparison problems are subproblems within the combining problem; by examining students' achievement on tasks with two comparisons, and examining the effect of consistency on the tasks of different semantic structure. The research results indicate that the consistency effect, which is reflected in the use of the wrong operation due to the misunderstanding of the relational terminology, was the dominant problem for students when solving comparison tasks. The number of comparisons in the task, as well as the semantic structure of the problem, did not prove to be significant factors affecting students' success. In addition, the existence of a moderate connection between consistent and inconsistent formulations exists only on tasks with a more complex structure. The results indicate that it is possible only on the tasks with a more complex structure to determine whether students demonstrate a deeper understanding of the comparison tasks. Conceptual understanding of comparison problems is built through understanding more/less relations and the use of the tasks of different semantic structures and complexity.
Design and development of canvas trousers using sustainable natural dye
Authors: Rezwan Hossain , Faizur Rahman , Mohan Baral , Ashraful Alam , Islam Redwanul
Published: April 2023

The production of textiles is the second most polluting industry worldwide. Non-biodegradable petroleum-based dyes, toxic compounds to fix colors on textiles, and the release of large quantities of these colorants and complicated agents into the neighboring environment are the key causes of this issue. On the other hand, natural dyes are chemicals prevalent in nature and with eco-friendly properties. These dyes are recyclable and biodegradable. Due to their sustainability, they decompose readily in the soil after final usage. Again, canvas fabric is a durable, heavy-duty fabric used for tents, sails, bags, and industry. The use of canvas fabric in fashionable clothing is limited. This study aims to produce fashionable canvas trousers using sustainable garment dyeing. For environmental sustainability, we use natural turmeric dye extracted from turmeric rhizomes. We use tie-dyeing and over-dyeing techniques for garment dyeing. After dyeing and washing the canvas trousers, tests such as colorfastness to rubbing, wash, perspiration, and water (hot and cold) have been done. Both samples showed moderate to good test results. This study's main objective is to determine whether canvas fabrics can be used in fashionable styles in a sustainable approach.
Enfermedades neuromusculares frecuentes
Authors: Anaya-Castro Diana , Gándara-Santiago Carmen Dolores
Published: April 2023

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Bloqueo AV completo persistente en paciente con presentación atípica de IAM: un reporte de caso
Authors: Aguilar Romero Diego , Piña Zarrabal Sergio Arturo , Reyes Valdez Rosa Karina , Rosas Ramos Andrés
Published: April 2023

Cuando un tejido sufre isquemia, el tiempo es factor crucial terapéutico y pronóstico. Los pacientes que no refieren dolor torácico al experimentar un infarto agudo al miocardio (IAM) se consideran una presentación atípica, volviéndolos más propensos a no llegar en tiempo de ventana para terapia de reperfusión, lo que desencadena sucesos que influyen a tener un peor pronóstico en comparación a los pacientes con presentación típica. El bloqueo auriculoventricular completo (BAV) es una complicación eléctrica en el IAM con elevación del ST, asociado a una evolución menos favorable, y aún más cuando no reciben terapia de reperfusión, puesto que se asocia a mayor duración del bloqueo, mayor tiempo de estancia intrahospitalaria y mayor mortalidad a 30 y 365 días. Presentamos el caso de un masculino de 50 años que sufrió un IAM inferior con extensión anteroseptal, complicado con BAV completo, quien negó cualquier tipo de molestia torácica, y acudió más de 72 horas después de iniciado el cuadro. Dicho esto, se optó por no reperfundir. Esta complicación suele ser transitoria, son raras las presentaciones persistentes y están asociadas a necrosis grave del nodo AV. Nuestro paciente es de los pocos casos con IAM en los que se indica marcapasos permanente. El factor de la presentación atípica tuvo repercusión en la evolución y el pronóstico del paciente. De modo que, el principal objetivo de nuestro reporte de caso es concientizar a los médicos de primer contacto sobre la importancia que tiene identificar y manejar IAM atípicos en el menor tiempo posible.
Anemia grave en atención primaria: ferropenia y riesgos de transfusión
Authors: Gándara-Santiago Carmen Dolores
Published: April 2023

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Encefalitis por NMDA: Presentación de caso y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Islas-Serrano Juan , Vildaurrazaga-García Carlos Omar , Anaya-Castro Diana Monica , Espinoza-Larios Adolfo
Published: April 2023

La encefalitis autoinmune caracterizada por la presencia de anticuerpos IgG en la subunidad GluN1 del receptor N-metil-D-Aspartato (rNMDA) afecta principalmente a mujeres mayores de 18 años y comúnmente se encuentra asociada a un teratoma ovárico, por lo que anteriormente era descrita como una enfermedad paraneoplásica; sin embargo, se ha visto que afecta a ambos sexos y el padecimiento puede estar presente sin un tumor subyacente. Se reporta el caso de una paciente femenina de 20 años que presentó inicialmente un cuadro de cefalea, seguido de cambios conductuales. Posteriormente evolucionó a un estado catatónico e hipoventilación central, por lo que estuvo ingresada en cuidados intensivos. En su estancia hospitalaria presentó disautonomías y movimientos distónicos. Se hace diagnóstico sérico de encefalitis anti-NMDAr, por lo que se inició tratamiento inmunosupresor con esteroides, seguido de rituximab, teniendo una notable mejoría y recuperación completa de la enfermedad.
Papel de la farmacogenómica en la medicina actual
Authors: Corrales-Bay Fernanda , Valencia-Núñez Lina María
Published: April 2023

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Numbers and Narratives — or : When Russell meets Zhu Shijie to discuss Philosophy of Mathematics
Authors: Bréard Andrea
Published: April 2023

Even if no explicit meta-discourse on mathematics is found in pre-modern China outside of mathematical writings, reflections upon objects of mathematical inquiry and the mathematician’s toolbox existed. They are shown to be built into the corpus of Chinese mathematics itself. As illustrated in particular through one specific mathematical domain that evolved from the first to the 19th century, such philosophical reflections are dispersed between texts, paratexts and images, thereby borrowing concepts and iconic images from other Chinese contexts of philosophical nature.
Stages of development of the Yakut cinema: from "silent cinema" to the national film industry
Authors: Pavlova-Borisova Tat'yana Vladimirovna
Published: April 2023

The article is devoted to the emergence and development of Yakut cinema. The object of the study is the Yakut cinema as a phenomenon of national culture. The first appearance of film installations in the Yakut region at the beginning of the XX century is considered. Attention is drawn to the process of mass cinematography in Soviet times. In parallel, the inclusion of Yakut people in the creative process of participating in the first filming at All-Union film studios in the 1930s is traced. Attention is also drawn to the prominent role of the Yakutkino State Trust, which led the development of Yakut cinema. The author analyzes the reasons for the rapid development of Yakut cinema in the post-Soviet period, related to the appeal to the traditions of the Sakha people, the high level of development of theatrical art in Yakutia, artistic and aesthetic needs and spiritual demands of the audience. The article shows the role of "Sahafilm" in the history of Yakut cinema.   The characteristic features of the formation of genres of journalistic cinema, the change of repertoire in the early years of Soviet cinematography and during the Great Patriotic War are revealed. The characteristic features of the post-war reconstruction of the technical equipment and training of personnel of the Yakut cinema are outlined. The genre diversity of films shot during this and subsequent times is shown, when, along with documentaries, feature films also begin to be shot. The development of Yakut cinema is traced against the background of all-Union and all-Russian processes. The formation and development of the main institutions of Yakut cinematography, the growth of the skill of its figures are examined through famous films created by them. For the first time, three stages of the development of Yakut cinema have been identified - from the very beginning to the present day: from "silent cinema" to the birth of the national film industry.
Theoretical and experimental study of inversion of spectral absorption function using experimental data of laser absorption spectrum with slow scanning and fast modulation of wavelength
Authors: Huang Zhi-Qiu , Li Qi-Zheng , Zhang Meng , Peng Zhi-Min , Yang Qian-Suo ,   Key Laboratory for Mechanics in Fluid Solid Coupling Systems, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China,   State Key Lab of Power Systems, Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Published: April 2023

Based on the tested data of laser absorption spectra, a matrix slicing method is proposed to invert the absorption function of spectral lines by using the two parameters of laser modulation frequency and laser scanning range as well as transmitted wave signal and reference wave signal under the condition of slow uniform scanning wavelength and fast periodic modulation wavelength. When the modulation is single frequency sinusoidal modulation, an accurate contour of the spectral line absorption function can be obtained by using the matrix data consisting of the values of the transmitted wave signal by the reference wave signal through the minimum value of two slice integrals with the interval of half modulation period, and the amplitude of modulation can be estimated. When the fast modulation of the wavelength is distorted to the multi-frequency superposition modulation, the absorption function is also formed by using the complementarity of multiple slices. The method above is utilized for investigating a real absorption function inversion process involving multiple overlapping absorption lines in the range of the scanning wavelengths. Moreover, the scanning range of laser wavelength can be calibrated by the interval parameters of several spectral lines in the scanning wavelength range. The absorption function of CO at 4300.700 cm–1 and CO2 at 6336 cm–1 are successfully obtained by using this matrix slice method for experimental verification.
High-content synaptic phenotyping in human cellular models reveals a role for BET proteins in synapse assembly
Authors: Berryer Martin H , Rizki Gizem , Nathanson Anna , Klein Jenny A , Trendafilova Darina , Susco Sara G , Lam Daisy , Messana Angelica , Holton Kristina M , Karhohs Kyle W , Cimini Beth A , Pfaff Kathleen , Carpenter Anne E , Rubin Lee L , Barrett Lindy E
Published: April 2023

Resolving fundamental molecular and functional processes underlying human synaptic development is crucial for understanding normal brain function as well as dysfunction in disease. Based upon increasing evidence of species-divergent features of brain cell types, coupled with emerging studies of complex human disease genetics, we developed the first automated and quantitative high-content synaptic phenotyping platform using human neurons and astrocytes. To establish the robustness of our platform, we screened the effects of 376 small molecules on presynaptic density, neurite outgrowth, and cell viability, validating six small molecules that specifically enhanced human presynaptic density in vitro. Astrocytes were essential for mediating the effects of all six small molecules, underscoring the relevance of non-cell-autonomous factors in synapse assembly and their importance in synaptic screening applications. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors emerged as the most prominent hit class and global transcriptional analyses using multiple BET inhibitors confirmed upregulation of synaptic gene expression. Through these analyses, we demonstrate the robustness of our automated screening platform for identifying potent synaptic modulators, which can be further leveraged for scaled analyses of human synaptic mechanisms and drug discovery efforts.
Pleiotropic effects of BAFF on the senescence-associated secretome and growth arrest
Authors: Rossi Martina , Anerillas Carlos , Idda Maria Laura , Munk Rachel , Shin Chang Hoon , Donega Stefano , Tsitsipatis Dimitrios , Herman Allison B , Martindale Jennifer L , Yang Xiaoling , Piao Yulan , Mazan-Mamczarz Krystyna , Fan Jinshui , Ferrucci Luigi , Johnson Peter F , De Supriyo , Abdelmohsen Kotb , Gorospe Myriam
Published: April 2023

Senescent cells release a variety of cytokines, proteases, and growth factors collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Sustained SASP contributes to a pattern of chronic inflammation associated with aging and implicated in many age-related diseases. Here, we investigated the expression and function of the immunomodulatory cytokine BAFF (B-cell activating factor; encoded by the TNFSF13B gene), a SASP protein, in multiple senescence models. We first characterized BAFF production across different senescence paradigms, including senescent human diploid fibroblasts (WI-38, IMR-90) and monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1), and tissues of mice induced to undergo senescence. We then identified IRF1 (interferon regulatory factor 1) as a transcription factor required for promoting TNFSF13B mRNA transcription in senescence. We discovered that suppressing BAFF production decreased the senescent phenotype of both fibroblasts and monocyte-like cells, reducing IL6 secretion and SA-β-Gal staining. Importantly, however, the influence of BAFF on the senescence program was cell type-specific: in monocytes, BAFF promoted the early activation of NF-κB and general SASP secretion, while in fibroblasts, BAFF contributed to the production and function of TP53 (p53). We propose that BAFF is elevated across senescence models and is a potential target for senotherapy.
The nutrient-sensing GCN2 signaling pathway is essential for circadian clock function by regulating histone acetylation under amino acid starvation
Authors: Liu Xiao-Lan , Yang Yulin , Hu Yue , Wu Jingjing , Han Chuqiao , Lu Qiaojia , Gan Xihui , Qi Shaohua , Guo Jinhu , He Qun , Liu Yi , Liu Xiao
Published: April 2023

Circadian clocks are evolved to adapt to the daily environmental changes under different conditions. The ability to maintain circadian clock functions in response to various stresses and perturbations is important for organismal fitness. Here, we show that the nutrient-sensing GCN2 signaling pathway is required for robust circadian clock function under amino acid starvation in Neurospora. The deletion of GCN2 pathway components disrupts rhythmic transcription of clock gene frq by suppressing WC complex binding at the frq promoter due to its reduced histone H3 acetylation levels. Under amino acid starvation, the activation of GCN2 kinase and its downstream transcription factor CPC-1 establish a proper chromatin state at the frq promoter by recruiting the histone acetyltransferase GCN-5. The arrhythmic phenotype of the GCN2 kinase mutants under amino acid starvation can be rescued by inhibiting histone deacetylation. Finally, genome-wide transcriptional analysis indicates that the GCN2 signaling pathway maintains robust rhythmic expression of metabolic genes under amino acid starvation. Together, these results uncover an essential role of the GCN2 signaling pathway in maintaining the robust circadian clock function in response to amino acid starvation, and demonstrate the importance of histone acetylation at the frq locus in rhythmic gene expression.
Few-shot short utterance speaker verification using meta-learning
Authors: Wang Weijie , Zhao Hong , Yang Yikun , Chang YouKang , You Haojie
Published: April 2023

Short utterance speaker verification (SV) in the actual application is the task of accepting or rejecting the identity claim of a speaker based on a few enrollment utterances. Traditional methods have used deep neural networks to extract speaker representations for verification. Recently, several meta-learning approaches have learned a deep distance metric to distinguish speakers within meta-tasks. Among them, a prototypical network learns a metric space that may be used to compute the distance to the prototype center of speakers, in order to classify speaker identity. We use emphasized channel attention, propagation and aggregation in TDNN (ECAPA-TDNN) to implement the necessary function for the prototypical network, which is a nonlinear mapping from the input space to the metric space for either few-shot SV task. In addition, optimizing only for speakers in given meta-tasks cannot be sufficient to learn distinctive speaker features. Thus, we used an episodic training strategy, in which the classes of the support and query sets correspond to the classes of the entire training set, further improving the model performance. The proposed model outperforms comparison models on the VoxCeleb1 dataset and has a wide range of practical applications.
Windows malware detection based on static analysis with multiple features
Authors: Yousuf Muhammad Irfan , Anwer Izza , Riasat Ayesha , Zia Khawaja Tahir , Kim Suhyun
Published: April 2023

Malware or malicious software is an intrusive software that infects or performs harmful activities on a computer under attack. Malware has been a threat to individuals and organizations since the dawn of computers and the research community has been struggling to develop efficient methods to detect malware. In this work, we present a static malware detection system to detect Portable Executable (PE) malware in Windows environment and classify them as benign or malware with high accuracy. First, we collect a total of 27,920 Windows PE malware samples divided into six categories and create a new dataset by extracting four types of information including the list of imported DLLs and API functions called by these samples, values of 52 attributes from PE Header and 100 attributes of PE Section. We also amalgamate this information to create two integrated feature sets. Second, we apply seven machine learning models; gradient boosting, decision tree, random forest, support vector machine, K-nearest neighbor, naive Bayes, and nearest centroid, and three ensemble learning techniques including Majority Voting, Stack Generalization, and AdaBoost to classify the malware. Third, to further improve the performance of our malware detection system, we also deploy two dimensionality reduction techniques: Information Gain and Principal Component Analysis. We perform a number of experiments to test the performance and robustness of our system on both raw and selected features and show its supremacy over previous studies. By combining machine learning, ensemble learning and dimensionality reduction techniques, we construct a static malware detection system which achieves a detection rate of 99.5% and error rate of only 0.47%.
Movie recommendation model based on probabilistic matrix decomposition using hybrid AdaBoost integration
Authors: Zhang Zhengjin , Wu Qilin , Zhang Yong , Liu Li
Published: April 2023

In recent years, recommendation systems have already played a significant role in major streaming video platforms.The probabilistic matrix factorization (PMF) model has advantages in addressing high-dimension problems and rating data sparsity in the recommendation system. However, in practical application, PMF has poor generalization ability and low prediction accuracy. For this reason, this article proposes the Hybrid AdaBoost Ensemble Method. Firstly, we use the membership function and the cluster center selection in fuzzy clustering to calculate the scoring matrix of the user-items. Secondly, the clustering user items’ scoring matrix is trained by the neural network to improve the scoring prediction accuracy further. Finally, with the stability of the model, the AdaBoost integration method is introduced, and the score matrix is used as the base learner; then, the base learner is trained by different neural networks, and finally, the score prediction is obtained by voting results. In this article, we compare and analyze the performance of the proposed model on the MovieLens and FilmTrust datasets. In comparison with the PMF, FCM-PMF, Bagging-BP-PMF, and AdaBoost-SVM-PMF models, several experiments show that the mean absolute error of the proposed model increases by 1.24% and 0.79% compared with Bagging-BP-PMF model on two different datasets, and the root-mean-square error increases by 2.55% and 1.87% respectively. Finally, we introduce the weights of different neural network training based learners to improve the stability of the model’s score prediction, which also proves the method’s universality.
Effects of two different dual-task training protocols on gait, balance, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults: a 24-week randomized controlled trial
Authors: Trombini-Souza Francis , de Moura Vitória Thaysa Gomes , da Silva Lucas Willian Nunes , Leal Iara dos Santos , Nascimento Cleber Anderson , Silva Paloma Sthefane Teles , Perracini Monica Rodrigues , Sacco Isabel CN , de Araújo Rodrigo Cappato , Nascimento Marcelo de Maio
Published: April 2023

Background

Although alternating dual-task (ADT) training is functionally easier for older adults, a large part of the motor and cognitive tasks is simultaneously performed, especially during activities of daily living that require maintaining body balance.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of mixed dual-task training on mobility, cognitive function, and balance in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

Sixty participants were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio into the experimental group—single motor task (SMT) and simultaneous dual task (SDT) interchangeably in stage 1 (for 12 weeks) and after strictly with SDT in stage 2 (the last 12 weeks)—or into the control group—only SMT and SDT interchangeably in stages 1 and 2. Gait parameters were acquired by two inertial sensors. Physical and cognitive performance were acquired by specific questionnaires. Generalized linear mixed models were used for analyzing interaction and main effects.

Results

No between-group difference was observed for gait performance. Both protocols improved mobility (mean change ((MC) = 0.74)), dual-task effect (MC = −13.50), lower limb function (MC = 4.44), static (MC = −0.61), and dynamic balance (MC = −0.23), body sway (MC = 4.80), and cognitive function (MC = 41.69).

Conclusion

Both dual-task training protocols improved these outcomes.
Exploring the Profile of the Gut Microbiome in Differentiating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Anand Yashasvi , Joshi Shiv
Published: April 2023

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are emerging global pandemics and carry a significant burden of co-morbidity and mortality. Asian Indians have the highest prevalence of T2DM, leading to 2.54 million deaths yearly. In India, it is 11.6%, and 30-50% of patients with NAFLD have diabetes. Patients with worsening T2DM tend to have increased progression of NAFLD to cirrhosis. NAFLD leads to end-stage liver disease causing 2.59 million deaths annually. Therefore, the relationship between T2DM and NAFLD needs to be disclosed, and the gut microbiome shows significant characteristics for the same. The gut microbiome is a collection of trillions of bacteria, archaea and fungi that resides in the digestive tract of humans. It plays a significant role in health by helping control digestion and benefits our immune system. Progression of metabolic health disorders shows changes in the quality and heterogeneity of the gut microbiome. It has been established that metabolic and immunological disorders are mainly influenced by the gut microbiome and not by the type of diet. Butyrate-producing bacteria benefit insulin resistance leading to more chances of T2DM. Since, the liver is close to the gut microbiome, the influence of the gut microbiome and its metabolites affecting liver function is great. But, gut microbiome being specific in both cases can assist in exploring the relationship and differentiating one from the other. Therefore, further analysis and studies are required to understand the role of the gut microbiome and its significance in better diagnosis.
Should we Relax the Norms on SARS CoV-2 Pandemic Yet?: Analysis of the Joint Statement on COVID Pandemic within India
Authors: Roy Ria , Kumari Sarita , Naveen K. G.
Published: April 2023

The demographic and genomics of COVID-19 have changed with the advent of new BF.7 and XBB Omicron variants in the population. IPHA and IAPSM have released the 5th Joint statement on COVID-19 pandemic in India, where “Living with COVID” is the main theme. The report has summarized that it was time to declare an end to the pandemic, and institutionalize mechanisms for preventing misuse of any emergent disease. However, we should look towards the trends worldwide and be prepared for incoming new variants with robust surveillance to prevent another pandemic. Genomic sequencing and its association with the disease severity, strengthening the comprehensive primary health services are few of the measures that can be taken. Evidence-based decisions should be followed rather than keeping only restrained allocation of resources in mind. Despite the present endemic status of COVID-19, state level recommendations and mandates of masks, sanitisers or social distancing might apply in case there is rise of cases. With passage of time, protection against reinfection decreased regardless of vaccination before or after infection. However, people who were both infected and vaccinated had higher protection than those who were uninfected, or received a second dose of vaccine after the same time had elapsed. Remaining cautious and encouraging vaccination for the population should be our ongoing strategy for maintaining high level of seropositivity in the population.
Enhancement of Postharvest Life of Fruits by Application of Salicylic Acid
Authors: Nicktam Thokchom , Likhitha Chenu Sri , Nameirakpam Roshnee , Singh Jatinder
Published: April 2023

Salicylic acid (SA), an endogenous plant growth regulator, has been found to produce  a wide range of metabolic and physiological responses in plants thereby affecting their growth and development. SA as a natural and safe phenolic compound, which exhibits a high potential in controlling postharvest losses of fruit crops. In this review, various intrinsic biosynthetic pathways and effects of exogenous salicylic acid on respiration, antioxidant systems, ethylene biosynthesis action, oxidative stress, nutritional quality, firmness, disease resistance and postharvest decay have also been discussed. Salicylates (derivatives of salicylic acid) delay the ripening of fruits, probably through inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis or action, and maintain postharvest quality.
Quantifying the Environmental Impact of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) on Land Cover Changes along the Nairobi-Kiambu Corridor from 2016 to 2019
Authors: Lape Okoth Augustine , Mwagha Solomon Mwanjele , Siljander Mika
Published: April 2023

Transport infrastructure development can have significant negative impacts on natural resources over time and space, making it crucial to undertake careful consideration to minimize damage to both natural and artificial features. The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of the environmental impacts caused by the standard gauge railway (SGR) from Nairobi Terminus to Nachu station in Kiambu county. The research approach used in collecting data, interpreting and analyzing the data was both quantitative and qualitative research. The study used a detailed GIS and remote sensing (RS) baseline environmental assessment and interviews to identify social and environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures for the SGR project during and after implementation which is from 2016 to 2019. The results show that there was a 3.6% increase of built-up areas along the SGR line, while grassland, forest, and cropland decreased by 2.5%, 2.6%, and 13%, respectively. Increase in built-up areas has been identified to be around the railway station and also along the buffer zone The drivers of this change were mainly attributed to urbanization. Negative environmental effects of the SGR included encroachment on conservation areas, disruption of human settlement, and reduction of forest and vegetation cover. Noise and air pollution from SGR construction and operation affected wildlife, vegetation, and human settlements. To mitigate these negative impacts, this study recommends a number of measures including the wet-spraying of cement and wet drilling to reduce dust emissions during construction, frequent investigations of construction sites, afforestation, and GIS analysis to locate the most suitable SGR routes. Moreover. In conclusion, this study highlights the negative environmental impacts of the SGR project from Nairobi Terminus to Nachu station in Kiambu county. The results suggest that the project caused significant environmental degradation, particularly in terms of reduced forest and vegetation cover, and encroachment on conservation areas. The proposed mitigation measures can help reduce these negative impacts and minimize future damage caused by transport infrastructure development.
What Is Syphilis?
Authors: Zhou Shiwei , Chanderraj Rishi
Published: April 2023

This JAMA Patient Page describes syphilis, its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Abdominal Pain and Hypotension in a 70-Year-Old Woman
Authors: Pata Francesco , Stamati Giovanni , Nardo Bruno
Published: April 2023

A 70-year-old woman with hypertension, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and gallstones had 3 days of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography showed a thickened gallbladder wall with intraluminal air adherent to the duodenum and a gallstone in the middle ileum with proximal bowel distension. What is the diagnosis and what would you do next?
A Prescription for Achieving Equitable Access to Antiobesity Medications
Authors: Wright Davene R. , Guo Jingchuan , Hernandez Inmaculada
Published: April 2023

This Viewpoint discusses newer antiobesity medications that hold promise and how uneven access to these medications could exacerbate obesity disparities.
Trends in Prevalence of Gout Among US Asian Adults, 2011-2018
Authors: Yokose Chio , McCormick Natalie , Lu Na , Tanikella Sruthi , Lin Kehuan , Joshi Amit D. , Raffield Laura M. , Warner Erica , Merriman Tony , Hsu John , Saag Kenneth , Zhang Yuqing , Choi Hyon K.
Published: April 2023

Importance

Gout disparities among Black individuals in the US have recently been explained by socioclinical factors; however, no information is available among Asian individuals living in Western countries, despite their disproportionately worsening metabolic health.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of gout and serum urate concentrations according to race and ethnicity and to explore the association of social determinants of health and clinical factors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is a population-based, cross-sectional analysis. Data from a nationally representative sample of US adults were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2011-2018) in which Asian race data were collected (primary). Data from the UK Biobank (2006-2021) were used for replication of the Asian vs White differences. Data analysis was performed from December 2021 to September 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Race-specific gout prevalence and serum urate levels.

Results

A total of 22 621 participants from NHANES (2011-2018) were included in the analysis (mean [SD] age, 49.8 [17.8] years; 10 948 male participants [48.4%]). In 2017 to 2018, gout affected 12.1 million US individuals, with its crude prevalence increasing from 3.6% (95% CI, 2.8%-4.5%) in 2011 to 2012 to 5.1% (95% CI, 4.2%-5.9%) in 2017 to 2018 (P for trend = .03); this trend was no longer significant after age adjustment (P for trend = .06) or excluding Asian individuals (P for trend = .11). During the same period, age- and sex-adjusted prevalence among Asian Americans doubled from 3.3% (95% CI, 2.1%-4.5%) to 6.6% (95% CI, 4.4%-8.8%) (P for trend = .007) to numerically exceed all other racial and ethnic groups in 2017 to 2018, with age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio (ORs) of 1.61 (95% CI, 1.03-2.51) and a socioclinical factor–adjusted multivariable OR of 2.62 (95% CI, 1.59-4.33) for Asian vs White individuals. The latest age- and sex-adjusted gout prevalence among US individuals aged 65 years and older was 10.0% among White individuals and 14.8% among Asian individuals (including 23.6% of Asian men). Serum urate concentrations also increased between 2011 and 2018 among US Asian individuals (P for trend = .009). The Asian vs White disparity was also present in the UK Biobank.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that the prevalence of gout among Asian individuals numerically surpassed that for all other racial and ethnic groups in 2017 to 2018. This Asian vs White disparity did not appear to be associated with socioclinical factors.
Association of Overweight, Obesity, and Recent Weight Loss With Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Mandic Marko , Safizadeh Fatemeh , Niedermaier Tobias , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: April 2023

Importance

Overweight and obesity, conditions with rising prevalence in many countries, are associated with increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. However, many patients with CRC lose weight before diagnosis, which may lead the association to be underestimated.

Objective

To evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) and weight change with CRC risk when considering BMI at different time frames, with the intention to account for prediagnostic weight loss.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based case-control study was conducted in southwestern Germany between 2003 and 2021. Cases with a first diagnosis of CRC and controls (frequency matched by age, sex, and county) with comprehensive risk factor information and self-reported weight at different time points were included. Data were analyzed between October 2022 and March 2023.

Exposure

BMI and weight change at different time frames before the time of diagnosis (cases) or recruitment (controls).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Association of BMI and weight change at various points in time before and up to diagnosis with CRC, assessed by multivariable logistic regression with comprehensive confounder adjustment.

Results

A total of 11 887 participants (6434 CRC cases, 5453 controls; median [IQR] age, 69 [61-77] years; 7173 male [60.3%]) were included. At the time of diagnosis, 3998 cases (62.1%) and 3601 controls (66.0%) were overweight or obese, suggesting an inverse association between excess weight and CRC risk. Conversely, we found significant positive associations of overweight (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.27; 95% CI, 1.03-1.56), obesity (aOR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.61-2.70), and a 5-unit increase in BMI (aOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.21-1.50) with CRC risk when using BMI measured 8 to 10 years before diagnosis. High BMI as a risk factor for CRC was increased as earlier periods before diagnosis were examined, with the association being particularly pronounced using BMI at least 8 years before diagnosis. An opposite trend was found for the association of weight loss (at or exceeding 2 kg) with CRC, with the greatest effect sizes occurring for weight loss within 2 years before diagnosis (aOR, 7.52; 95% CI, 5.61-10.09), and gradually decreased for earlier intervals.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this population-based case-control study, accounting for substantial prediagnostic weight loss further highlighted the association of overweight and obesity with CRC risk.
Reductants fuel lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase activity in a pH‐dependent manner
Authors: Golten Ole , Ayuso‐Fernández Iván , Hall Kelsi R. , Stepnov Anton A. , Sørlie Morten , Røhr Åsmund Kjendseth , Eijsink Vincent G. H.
Published: April 2023

Polysaccharide‐degrading mono‐copper lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are efficient peroxygenases that require electron donors (reductants) to remain in the active Cu(I) form and to generate the H2O2 co‐substrate from molecular oxygen. Here, we show how commonly used reductants affect LPMO catalysis in a pH‐dependent manner. Between pH 6.0 and 8.0, reactions with ascorbic acid show little pH dependency, whereas reactions with gallic acid become much faster at increased pH. These dependencies correlate with the reductant ionization state, which affects its ability to react with molecular oxygen and generate H2O2. The correlation does not apply to l‐cysteine because, as shown by stopped‐flow kinetics, increased H2O2 production at higher pH is counteracted by increased binding of l‐cysteine to the copper active site. The findings highlight the importance of the choice of reductant and pH in LPMO reactions.
Inhibition of Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Different Amyloid Proteins Reveals an Inverse Relationship between Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancer
Authors: Tang Yijing , Zhang Dong , Robinson Sarah , Zheng Jie
Published: April 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases and cancers are considered to be two families of diseases caused by completely opposite cell‐death mechanisms: the former caused by premature cell death, with the latter due to the increased resistance to cell death. Growing epidemiologic evidence appear to suggest an inverse correlation between neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. However, pathological links, particularly from a protein‐cell interaction perspective, between these two families of diseases remains to be proven. Here, a fundamental study investigates the effects of three amyloid proteins of Aβ (associated with AD), hIAPP (associated with T2D), and hCT (associated with MTC) on pancreatic cancer (PANC‐1) cells. Collective results demonstrate a general inhibitory activity of all of three amyloid proteins on cancer cell proliferation, but inhibition efficiencies are strongly dependent on amyloid sequence (Aβ, hIAPP, hCT), concentration (IC25, IC50, IC75), and aggregation states (monomers, oligomers). Amyloid proteins exhibit two pathways against cancer cells: amyloid monomer‐induced ROS production to inhibit cell growth and amyloid oligomer‐induced membrane disruption to kill cells. Collectively, the results demonstrate a general inhibition function of amyloid proteins to induce cancer cell death by preventing cell proliferation, suppressing cell migration, promoting reactive oxygen species production, and disrupting cell membranes.
A Derivative of ZnIn2S4 Nanosheet Supported Pd Boosts Selective CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Wang Kuncan , Zhu Yuanmin , Gu Meng , Hu Zhiwei , Chang Yu‐Chung , Pao Chih‐Wen , Xu Yong , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: April 2023

CO2 hydrogenation to value‐added chemicals has been considered as a promising way to reduce CO2 emission and alleviate energy crisis. However, the high‐efficiency CO2 hydrogenation process is driven by the current drawbacks of low activity and/or selectivity. Herein, it is demonstrated that 2D S‐doped ZnInOx, which evolves from the calcination of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets (ZIS NSs), can serve as a functional support for Pd nanoparticles (NPs) to promote the selective CO2 hydrogenation to CH3OH. Detailed investigations show that ZnIn2S4 will evolve into In2O3 and amorphous S‐doped ZnO, on which Pd NPs are preferentially located due to the strong electrophilicity of S. Consequently, the strong interaction between Pd NPs and amorphous S‐doped ZnO prevents Pd NPs from sintering and facilitates the selective CO2 hydrogenation to produce CH3OH. The optimal catalyst shows a CO2 conversion of 12.7% with a CH3OH selectivity of 87.4% at 280 °C. This study provides a facile route to regulate catalytic supports and controllably load active species, which may attract great research interests in the fields of heterogeneous catalysis.
A Lotus‐Petiole‐Inspired Hierarchical Design with Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Management for Enhanced Solar Water Purification
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Tian Ye , Zhang Panpan , Liu Na , Zhai Huajun , Ji Jiujiang , Zhao Shuaiheng , Liu Yue , Xu Dake , Wang Fuhui , Wei Yen , Feng Lin
Published: April 2023

Solar‐driven vapor generation offers an affordable and sustainable approach to solve global freshwater scarcity. Creating interfacial solar evaporators capable of increasing water production rates matching human water requirements is highly desirable but challenging due to the slow water transportation dynamics and unavoidable oil‐fouling. Herein, a bio‐inspired lotus‐petiole‐mimetic microstructured graphene/poly(N‐acryloyl glycinamide) solar evaporator with integrated hydrophilic and hydrophobic microregions is developed. Through accurate control of the supramolecular interactions, the optimized solar evaporator incorporating unique structural features and wettability shows high light harvesting, enhanced water activation, and reduced energy demand for water vaporization, enabling a groundbreaking comprehensive performance along evaporation rate up to 3.4 kg m−2 h−1 and energy conversion efficiency of ≈93% under one sun irradiation (1 kW m−2). Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the abundant hydrogen bonding sites of the polymeric networks can thermodynamically modulate the escape behavior of water molecules. Notably, neither decrease in evaporation rate nor fouling on solar evaporators is observed during the prolonged purification process toward nano/submicrometer emulsions, oily brines, actual seawater, and domestic wastewater. This study provides distinctive insights into water evaporation behaviors at a molecular level and pioneers a rational strategy to design high‐yield freshwater‐generation systems for wastewater containing complex contaminants.
Aptamer‐Modified Homogeneous Catalysts, Heterogenous Nanoparticle Catalysts, and Photocatalysts: Functional “Nucleoapzymes”, “Aptananozymes”, and “Photoaptazymes”
Authors: Ouyang Yu , O'Hagan Michael P , Willner Bilha , Willner Itamar
Published: April 2023

Conjugation of aptamers to homogeneous catalysts (“nucleoapzymes”), heterogeneous nanoparticle catalysts (“aptananozymes”), and photocatalysts (“photoaptazymes”) yields superior catalytic/photocatalytic hybrid nanostructures emulating functions of native enzymes and photosystems. The concentration of the substrate in proximity to the catalytic sites (“molarity effect”) or spatial concentration of electron‐acceptor units in spatial proximity to the photosensitizers, by aptamer–ligand complexes, leads to enhanced catalytic/photocatalytic efficacies of the hybrid nanostructures. This is exemplified by sets of “nucleoapzymes” composed of aptamers conjugated to the hemin/G‐quadruplex DNAzymes or metal–ligand complexes as catalysts, catalyzing the oxidation of dopamine to aminochrome, oxygen‐insertion into the Ar─H moiety of tyrosinamide and the subsequent oxidation of the catechol product into aminochrome, or the hydrolysis of esters or ATP. Also, aptananozymes consisting of aptamers conjugated to Cu2+‐ or Ce4+‐ion‐modified C‐dots or polyadenine‐stabilized Au nanoparticles acting as catalysts oxidizing dopamine or operating bioreactor biocatalytic cascades, are demonstrated. In addition, aptamers conjugated to the Ru(II)–tris‐bipyridine photosensitizer or the Zn(II) protoporphyrin IX photosensitizer provide supramolecular photoaptazyme assemblies emulating native photosynthetic reaction centers. Effective photoinduced electron transfer followed by the catalyzed synthesis of NADPH or the evolution of H2 is demonstrated by the photosystems. Structure–function relationships dictate the catalytic and photocatalytic efficacies of the systems.
Soft Multimaterial Magnetic Fibers and Textiles
Authors: Banerjee Hritwick , Leber Andreas , Laperrousaz Stella , La Polla Rémi , Dong Chaoqun , Mansour Syrine , Wan Xue , Sorin Fabien
Published: April 2023

Magnetically responsive soft materials are promising building blocks for the next generation of soft robotics, prosthesis, surgical tools, and smart textiles. To date, however, the fabrication of highly integrated magnetic fibers with extreme aspect ratios, that can be used as steerable catheters, endoscopes, or within functional textiles remains challenging. Here, multimaterial thermal drawing is proposed as a material and processing platform to realize 10s of meters long soft, ultrastretchable, yet highly resilient magnetic fibers. Fibers with a diameter as low as 300 µm and an aspect ratio of 105 are demonstrated, integrating nanocomposite domains with ferromagnetic microparticles embedded in a soft elastomeric matrix. With the proper choice of filler content that must strike the right balance between magnetization density and mechanical stiffness, fibers withstanding strains of >1000% are shown, which can be magnetically actuated and lift up to 370 times their own weight. Magnetic fibers can also integrate other functionalities like microfluidic channels, and be weaved into conventional textiles. It is shown that the novel magnetic textiles can be washed and sustain extreme mechanical constraints, as well as be folded into arbitrary shapes when magnetically actuated, paving the way toward novel intriguing opportunities in medical textiles and soft magnetic systems.
Hydrovoltaic Electricity Generator with Hygroscopic Materials: A Review and New Perspective
Authors: Lim Haeseong , Kim Min Soo , Cho Yujang , Ahn Jaewan , Ahn Seongcheol , Nam Jong Seok , Bae Jaehyeong , Yun Tae Gwang , Kim Il‐Doo
Published: April 2023

The global energy crisis caused by the overconsumption of nonrenewable fuels has prompted researchers to develop alternative strategies for producing electrical energy. In this review, a fascinating strategy that simply utilizes water, an abundant natural substance throughout the globe and even in air as moisture, as a power source is introduced. The concept of the hydrovoltaic electricity generator (HEG) proposed herein involves generating an electrical potential gradient by exposing the two ends of the HEG device to dissimilar physicochemical environments, which leads to the production of an electrical current through the active material. HEGs, with a large variety of viable active materials, have much potential for expansion toward diverse applications including permanent and/or emergency power sources. In this review, representative HEGs that generate electricity by the mechanisms of diffusion, streaming, and capacitance as case studies for building a fundamental understanding of the electricity generation process are discussed. In particular, by comparing the use and absence of hygroscopic materials, HEG mechanism studies to establish active material design principles are meticulously elucidated. The review with future perspectives on electrode design using conducting nanomaterials, considerations for high performance device construction, and potential impacts of the HEG technology in improving the livelihoods are reviewed.