bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social engagement and wellbeing in late life: a systematic review
Authors: Monteiro Joana Miguelote , Gonçalves Raquel , Bastos Alice , Barbosa Maria Raquel
Published: May 2024

Social engagement is considered a relevant modifiable factor for older adults' wellbeing. Theory and policies highlight its importance for ageing well. Empirical evidence shows that social activities are associated with positive psychological outcomes and might buffer wellbeing declines in late life. Despite growing research, social engagement lacks conceptual clarity, it is difficult to adopt standardised measures and findings are sometimes inconsistent. Previous systematic reviews either take a different approach to this topic or were published over a decade ago. Therefore, the present study aimed to review the literature systematically regarding the relationship between social engagement and wellbeing in community-dwelling older adults. Papers published from 2000 to 2021 were searched in five databases using a combination of terms. The reviewers screened the records according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After identifying eligible articles, the authors extracted data and produced a narrative synthesis covering conceptualisation, measurement and main findings. The review includes 42 papers. Despite great conceptual and methodological diversity, research supports that older adults with higher participation in social activities have improved wellbeing. Findings also suggest that these associations are stronger for individuals with disadvantages and have a cumulative nature whereby the greater the social engagement, the higher the wellbeing. Conversely, for more demanding activities, there might be optimal participation levels. Regardless of accumulating knowledge, social engagement remains diffuse and difficult to measure. This paper summarises the current state of research on this topic, showing encouraging evidence of social engagement benefits, but also questions that deserve further inquiry. Future studies should be anchored in a clear conceptual framework, use robust measures, and explore hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing. Social engagement can be an important developmental resource for social interventions and policies aimed at improving people's lives.
Tache with Trash: an image of integrating art with upcycling in the city of the future
Authors: Heidari Amin
Published: May 2024

Art is rarely imagined as a strategic approach in the design of the future city. The purpose here is to offer a perspective on future cities that resides at the intersection of art and the practice of upcycling. I dub this perspective ‘Tache with Trash’, offering an artistic design for busy locales based on transforming recyclable waste into a vibrant spectrum of colours. Applicable in places like shopping malls, campuses and convention centres, I envision individuals disposing of trash in a shredding machine that injects those fragments into transparent containers, such as glass ornaments and glass wall panels. Disposing of recyclable trash becomes like dabbing a tache (stain, spot, blob) of pigment on an artwork. Rooted in the theoretical framework of ‘envisioning the future’, this perspective is inspired by the ‘junk art’ genre and aims to integrate communal art with sustainable upcycling. The benefits of the perspective include enhancing social interaction on sustainability, serving as a tool for younger generations’ sustainability education, providing a platform for local artists and assisting crowded centres with economization.
A prismatic view of the epigenetic-metabolic regulatory axis in breast cancer therapy resistance
Authors: Das Chandrima , Bhattacharya Apoorva , Adhikari Swagata , Mondal Atanu , Mondal Payel , Adhikary Santanu , Roy Siddhartha , Ramos Kenneth , Yadav Kamlesh K. , Tainer John A. , Pandita Tej K.
Published: May 2024

Epigenetic regulation established during development to maintain patterns of transcriptional expression and silencing for metabolism and other fundamental cell processes can be reprogrammed in cancer, providing a molecular mechanism for persistent alterations in phenotype. Metabolic deregulation and reprogramming are thus an emerging hallmark of cancer with opportunities for molecular classification as a critical preliminary step for precision therapeutic intervention. Yet, acquisition of therapy resistance against most conventional treatment regimens coupled with tumor relapse, continue to pose unsolved problems for precision healthcare, as exemplified in breast cancer where existing data informs both cancer genotype and phenotype. Furthermore, epigenetic reprograming of the metabolic milieu of cancer cells is among the most crucial determinants of therapeutic resistance and cancer relapse. Importantly, subtype-specific epigenetic-metabolic interplay profoundly affects malignant transformation, resistance to chemotherapy, and response to targeted therapies. In this review, we therefore prismatically dissect interconnected epigenetic and metabolic regulatory pathways and then integrate them into an observable cancer metabolism-therapy-resistance axis that may inform clinical intervention. Optimally coupling genome-wide analysis with an understanding of metabolic elements, epigenetic reprogramming, and their integration by metabolic profiling may decode missing molecular mechanisms at the level of individual tumors. The proposed approach of linking metabolic biochemistry back to genotype, epigenetics, and phenotype for specific tumors and their microenvironment may thus enable successful mechanistic targeting of epigenetic modifiers and oncometabolites despite tumor metabolic heterogeneity.
Canagliflozin alleviates pulmonary hypertension by activating PPARγ and inhibiting its S225 phosphorylation
Authors: Li Xiu-chun , Zhu Xia-yan , Wang Yang-yue , Tong Shuo-lan , Chen Zhi-li , Lu Zi-yi , Zhang Jian-hao , Song Lan-lan , Wang Xing-hong , Zhang Chi , Sun Yi-han , Zhong Chu-yue , Su Li-huang , Wang Liang-xing , Huang Xiao-ying
Published: May 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive fatal disease with no cure. Canagliflozin (CANA), a novel medication for diabetes, has been found to have remarkable cardiovascular benefits. However, few studies have addressed the effect and pharmacological mechanism of CANA in the treatment of PH. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the effect and pharmacological mechanism of CANA in treating PH. First, CANA suppressed increased pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, and vascular remodeling in both mouse and rat PH models. Network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and biological results suggested that CANA could ameliorate PH by suppressing excessive oxidative stress and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation partially through the activation of PPARγ. Further studies demonstrated that CANA inhibited phosphorylation of PPARγ at Ser225 (a novel serine phosphorylation site in PPARγ), thereby promoting the nuclear translocation of PPARγ and increasing its ability to resist oxidative stress and proliferation. Taken together, our study not only highlighted the potential pharmacological effect of CANA on PH but also revealed that CANA-induced inhibition of PPARγ Ser225 phosphorylation increases its capacity to counteract oxidative stress and inhibits proliferation. These findings may stimulate further research and encourage future clinical trials exploring the therapeutic potential of CANA in PH treatment.
Early Inflatable penile prosthesis implantation offers superior outcomes compared to delayed insertion following ischemic priapism: a narrative review
Authors: Abou Chawareb Elia , Hammad Muhammed A. M. , Barham David W. , Lumbiganon Supanut , Azad Babak K. , Osmonov Daniar , Yafi Faysal A.
Published: May 2024

Ischemic priapism is a urological emergency which may lead to irreversible erectile dysfunction. One of the accepted treatments is penile prosthesis implantation. Given the scarcity of studies directly comparing timing of penile prosthesis insertion after ischemic priapism, consensus remains elusive. We aim to compare different studies in the literature concerning advantages and disadvantages of early versus delayed inflatable penile prosthesis following ischemic priapism. We analyzed 8 articles that investigated immediate and delayed inflatable penile prosthesis placement after ischemic priapism. Early inflatable penile prosthesis placement is associated with better outcomes, including pain relief, priapism resolution, penile shortening prevention, and quicker sexual activity resumption. However, it still carries a high risk of complications like edema, infection, and distal perforations. Delayed inflatable penile prosthesis insertion poses surgical challenges due to the potential for extensive corporal fibrosis. Comparative analyses have shown elevated complication rates in patients with ischemic priapism who undergo delayed inflatable penile prosthesis insertion, as opposed to those with early insertion. In studies reporting complications rates, the total complication rate in the early group was 3.37%, significantly lower than the delayed group (37.23%). Most studies support the superiority of early inflatable penile prosthesis placement following ischemic priapism over delayed placement. Further research is, however, needed to establish a global consensus on timing of prosthesis insertion.
Complete biosynthesis of QS-21 in engineered yeast
Authors: Liu Yuzhong , Zhao Xixi , Gan Fei , Chen Xiaoyue , Deng Kai , Crowe Samantha A. , Hudson Graham A. , Belcher Michael S. , Schmidt Matthias , Astolfi Maria C. T. , Kosina Suzanne M. , Pang Bo , Shao Minglong , Yin Jing , Sirirungruang Sasilada , Iavarone Anthony T. , Reed James , Martin Laetitia B. B. , El-Demerdash Amr , Kikuchi Shingo , Misra Rajesh Chandra , Liang Xiaomeng , Cronce Michael J. , Chen Xiulai , Zhan Chunjun , Kakumanu Ramu , Baidoo Edward E. K. , Chen Yan , Petzold Christopher J. , Northen Trent R. , Osbourn Anne , Scheller Henrik , Keasling Jay D.
Published: May 2024

QS-21 is a potent vaccine adjuvant and remains the only saponin-based adjuvant that has been clinically approved for use in humans1,2. However, owing to the complex structure of QS-21, its availability is limited. Today, the supply depends on laborious extraction from the Chilean soapbark tree or on low-yielding total chemical synthesis3,4. Here we demonstrate the complete biosynthesis of QS-21 and its precursors, as well as structural derivatives, in engineered yeast strains. The successful biosynthesis in yeast requires fine-tuning of the host’s native pathway fluxes, as well as the functional and balanced expression of 38 heterologous enzymes. The required biosynthetic pathway spans seven enzyme families—a terpene synthase, P450s, nucleotide sugar synthases, glycosyltransferases, a coenzyme A ligase, acyl transferases and polyketide synthases—from six organisms, and mimics in yeast the subcellular compartmentalization of plants from the endoplasmic reticulum membrane to the cytosol. Finally, by taking advantage of the promiscuity of certain pathway enzymes, we produced structural analogues of QS-21 using this biosynthetic platform. This microbial production scheme will allow for the future establishment of a structure–activity relationship, and will thus enable the rational design of potent vaccine adjuvants.
Lithium tantalate photonic integrated circuits for volume manufacturing
Authors: Wang Chengli , Li Zihan , Riemensberger Johann , Lihachev Grigory , Churaev Mikhail , Kao Wil , Ji Xinru , Zhang Junyin , Blesin Terence , Davydova Alisa , Chen Yang , Huang Kai , Wang Xi , Ou Xin , Kippenberg Tobias J.
Published: May 2024

Electro-optical photonic integrated circuits (PICs) based on lithium niobate (LiNbO3) have demonstrated the vast capabilities of materials with a high Pockels coefficient1,2. They enable linear and high-speed modulators operating at complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor voltage levels3 to be used in applications including data-centre communications4, high-performance computing and photonic accelerators for AI5. However, industrial use of this technology is hindered by the high cost per wafer and the limited wafer size. The high cost results from the lack of existing high-volume applications in other domains of the sort that accelerated the adoption of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) photonics, which was driven by vast investment in microelectronics. Here we report low-loss PICs made of lithium tantalate (LiTaO3), a material that has already been adopted commercially for 5G radiofrequency filters6 and therefore enables scalable manufacturing at low cost, and it has equal, and in some cases superior, properties to LiNbO3. We show that LiTaO3 can be etched to create low-loss (5.6 dB m−1) PICs using a deep ultraviolet (DUV) stepper-based manufacturing process7. We demonstrate a LiTaO3 Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM) with a half-wave voltage–length product of 1.9 V cm and an electro-optic bandwidth of up to 40 GHz. In comparison with LiNbO3, LiTaO3 exhibits a much lower birefringence, enabling high-density circuits and broadband operation over all telecommunication bands. Moreover, the platform supports the generation of soliton microcombs. Our work paves the way for the scalable manufacture of low-cost and large-volume next-generation electro-optical PICs.
Discovery of potent small-molecule inhibitors of lipoprotein(a) formation
Authors: Diaz Nuria , Perez Carlos , Escribano Ana Maria , Sanz Gema , Priego Julian , Lafuente Celia , Barberis Mario , Calle Luis , Espinosa Juan Felix , Priest Birgit T. , Zhang Hong Y. , Nosie Amanda K. , Haas Joseph V. , Cannady Ellen , Borel Anthony , Schultze Albert E. , Sauder J. Michael , Hendle Jörg , Weichert Ken , Nicholls Stephen J. , Michael Laura F.
Published: May 2024

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), an independent, causal cardiovascular risk factor, is a lipoprotein particle that is formed by the interaction of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle and apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a))1,2. Apo(a) first binds to lysine residues of apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) on LDL through the Kringle IV (KIV) 7 and 8 domains, before a disulfide bond forms between apo(a) and apoB-100 to create Lp(a) (refs. 3–7). Here we show that the first step of Lp(a) formation can be inhibited through small-molecule interactions with apo(a) KIV7–8. We identify compounds that bind to apo(a) KIV7–8, and, through chemical optimization and further application of multivalency, we create compounds with subnanomolar potency that inhibit the formation of Lp(a). Oral doses of prototype compounds and a potent, multivalent disruptor, LY3473329 (muvalaplin), reduced the levels of Lp(a) in transgenic mice and in cynomolgus monkeys. Although multivalent molecules bind to the Kringle domains of rat plasminogen and reduce plasmin activity, species-selective differences in plasminogen sequences suggest that inhibitor molecules will reduce the levels of Lp(a), but not those of plasminogen, in humans. These data support the clinical development of LY3473329—which is already in phase 2 studies—as a potent and specific orally administered agent for reducing the levels of Lp(a).
The intrinsic substrate specificity of the human tyrosine kinome
Authors: Yaron-Barir Tomer M. , Joughin Brian A. , Huntsman Emily M. , Kerelsky Alexander , Cizin Daniel M. , Cohen Benjamin M. , Regev Amit , Song Junho , Vasan Neil , Lin Ting-Yu , Orozco Jose M. , Schoenherr Christina , Sagum Cari , Bedford Mark T. , Wynn R. Max , Tso Shih-Chia , Chuang David T. , Li Lei , Li Shawn S.-C. , Creixell Pau , Krismer Konstantin , Takegami Mina , Lee Harin , Zhang Bin , Lu Jingyi , Cossentino Ian , Landry Sean D. , Uduman Mohamed , Blenis John , Elemento Olivier , Frame Margaret C. , Hornbeck Peter V. , Cantley Lewis C. , Turk Benjamin E. , Yaffe Michael B. , Johnson Jared L.
Published: May 2024

Phosphorylation of proteins on tyrosine (Tyr) residues evolved in metazoan organisms as a mechanism of coordinating tissue growth1. Multicellular eukaryotes typically have more than 50 distinct protein Tyr kinases that catalyse the phosphorylation of thousands of Tyr residues throughout the proteome1–3. How a given Tyr kinase can phosphorylate a specific subset of proteins at unique Tyr sites is only partially understood4–7. Here we used combinatorial peptide arrays to profile the substrate sequence specificity of all human Tyr kinases. Globally, the Tyr kinases demonstrate considerable diversity in optimal patterns of residues surrounding the site of phosphorylation, revealing the functional organization of the human Tyr kinome by substrate motif preference. Using this information, Tyr kinases that are most compatible with phosphorylating any Tyr site can be identified. Analysis of mass spectrometry phosphoproteomic datasets using this compendium of kinase specificities accurately identifies specific Tyr kinases that are dysregulated in cells after stimulation with growth factors, treatment with anti-cancer drugs or expression of oncogenic variants. Furthermore, the topology of known Tyr signalling networks naturally emerged from a comparison of the sequence specificities of the Tyr kinases and the SH2 phosphotyrosine (pTyr)-binding domains. Finally we show that the intrinsic substrate specificity of Tyr kinases has remained fundamentally unchanged from worms to humans, suggesting that the fidelity between Tyr kinases and their protein substrate sequences has been maintained across hundreds of millions of years of evolution.
Accurate structure prediction of biomolecular interactions with AlphaFold 3
Authors: Abramson Josh , Adler Jonas , Dunger Jack , Evans Richard , Green Tim , Pritzel Alexander , Ronneberger Olaf , Willmore Lindsay , Ballard Andrew J. , Bambrick Joshua , Bodenstein Sebastian W. , Evans David A. , Hung Chia-Chun , O’Neill Michael , Reiman David , Tunyasuvunakool Kathryn , Wu Zachary , Žemgulytė Akvilė , Arvaniti Eirini , Beattie Charles , Bertolli Ottavia , Bridgland Alex , Cherepanov Alexey , Congreve Miles , Cowen-Rivers Alexander I. , Cowie Andrew , Figurnov Michael , Fuchs Fabian B. , Gladman Hannah , Jain Rishub , Khan Yousuf A. , Low Caroline M. R. , Perlin Kuba , Potapenko Anna , Savy Pascal , Singh Sukhdeep , Stecula Adrian , Thillaisundaram Ashok , Tong Catherine , Yakneen Sergei , Zhong Ellen D. , Zielinski Michal , Žídek Augustin , Bapst Victor , Kohli Pushmeet , Jaderberg Max , Hassabis Demis , Jumper John M.
Published: May 2024

The introduction of AlphaFold 21 has spurred a revolution in modelling the structure of proteins and their interactions, enabling a huge range of applications in protein modelling and design2–6. Here we describe our AlphaFold 3 model with a substantially updated diffusion-based architecture that is capable of predicting the joint structure of complexes including proteins, nucleic acids, small molecules, ions and modified residues. The new AlphaFold model demonstrates substantially improved accuracy over many previous specialized tools: far greater accuracy for protein–ligand interactions compared with state-of-the-art docking tools, much higher accuracy for protein–nucleic acid interactions compared with nucleic-acid-specific predictors and substantially higher antibody–antigen prediction accuracy compared with AlphaFold-Multimer v.2.37,8. Together, these results show that high-accuracy modelling across biomolecular space is possible within a single unified deep-learning framework.
Effects of a personalized nutrition program on cardiometabolic health: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bermingham Kate M. , Linenberg Inbar , Polidori Lorenzo , Asnicar Francesco , Arrè Alberto , Wolf Jonathan , Badri Fatema , Bernard Hannah , Capdevila Joan , Bulsiewicz William J. , Gardner Christopher D. , Ordovas Jose M. , Davies Richard , Hadjigeorgiou George , Hall Wendy L. , Delahanty Linda M. , Valdes Ana M. , Segata Nicola , Spector Tim D. , Berry Sarah E.
Published: May 2024

Large variability exists in people’s responses to foods. However, the efficacy of personalized dietary advice for health remains understudied. We compared a personalized dietary program (PDP) versus general advice (control) on cardiometabolic health using a randomized clinical trial. The PDP used food characteristics, individual postprandial glucose and triglyceride (TG) responses to foods, microbiomes and health history, to produce personalized food scores in an 18-week app-based program. The control group received standard care dietary advice (US Department of Agriculture Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025) using online resources, check-ins, video lessons and a leaflet. Primary outcomes were serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and TG concentrations at baseline and at 18 weeks. Participants (n = 347), aged 41–70 years and generally representative of the average US population, were randomized to the PDP (n = 177) or control (n = 170). Intention-to-treat analysis (n = 347) between groups showed significant reduction in TGs (mean difference = −0.13 mmol l−1; log-transformed 95% confidence interval = −0.07 to −0.01, P = 0.016). Changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not significant. There were improvements in secondary outcomes, including body weight, waist circumference, HbA1c, diet quality and microbiome (beta-diversity) (P < 0.05), particularly in highly adherent PDP participants. However, blood pressure, insulin, glucose, C-peptide, apolipoprotein A1 and B, and postprandial TGs did not differ between groups. No serious intervention-related adverse events were reported. Following a personalized diet led to some improvements in cardiometabolic health compared to standard dietary advice. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05273268.
Lens-free reflective topography for high-resolution wafer inspection
Authors: Lee Hojun , Sung Jangwoon , Park Seungbeom , Shin Junho , Kim Hyungjin , Kim Wookrae , Lee Myungjun
Published: May 2024

The demand for high-resolution and large-area imaging systems for non-destructive wafer inspection has grown owing to the increasing complexity and extremely fine nature of semiconductor processes. Several studies have focused on developing high-resolution imaging systems; however, they were limited by the tradeoff between image resolution and field of view. Hence, computational imaging has arisen as an alternative method to conventional optical imaging, aimed at enhancing the aforementioned parameters. This study proposes a method for improving the resolution and field of view of an image in a lens-less reflection-type system. Our method was verified by computationally restoring the final image from diffraction images measured at various illumination positions using a visible light source. We introduced speckle illumination to expand the numerical aperture of the entire system, simultaneously improving image resolution and field of view. The image reconstruction process was accelerated by employing a convolutional neural network. Using the reconstructed phase images, we implemented high-resolution topography and demonstrated its applicability in wafer surface inspection. Furthermore, we demonstrated an ideal diffraction-limited spatial resolution of 1.7 μm over a field of view of 1.8 × 1.8 mm2 for the topographic imaging of targets with various surface roughness. The proposed approach is suitable for applications that simultaneously require high throughput and resolution, such as wafer-wide integrated metrology, owing to its compact design, cost-effectiveness, and mechanical robustness.
Phytochemical investigation of the n-hexane-extracted oil from four umbelliferous vegetables using GC/MS analysis in the context of antibacterial activity
Authors: Baky Mostafa H. , El-Taher Eman M. , Naggar Dina M. Y. El , Abouelela Mostafa B.
Published: May 2024

Umbelliferous (Apiaceae) vegetables are widely consumed worldwide for their nutritive and health benefits. The main goal of the current study is to explore the compositional heterogeneity in four dried umbelliferous vegetables viz, celery, coriander, dill, and parsley targeting their volatile profile using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of 133 volatile metabolites were detected belonging to 12 classes. Aromatic hydrocarbons were detected as the major components of the analyzed vegetables accounting ca. 64.0, 62.4, 59.5, and 47.8% in parsley, dill, celery, and coriander, respectively. Aliphatic hydrocarbons were detected at ca. 6.39, 8.21, 6.16, and 6.79% in parsley, dill, celery, and coriander, respectively. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of various health benefits were detected in parsley and represented by roughanic acid and α-linolenic acid at 4.99 and 0.47%, respectively. Myristicin and frambinone were detected only in parsley at 0.45 and 0.56%. Investigation of antibacterial activity of umbelliferous vegetables n-hexane extract revealed a moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with higher activity for celery and dill against Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zone 20.3 mm compared to 24.3 mm of the standard antibacterial drug.
Identification of maladaptive behavioural patterns in response to extreme weather events
Authors: Eusse-Villa Luisa , Bonardi Pellizzari Carolina , Franceschinis Cristiano , Thiene Mara , Borga Marco , Scolobig Anna
Published: May 2024

Human behaviour has gained recognition as a critical factor in addressing climate change and its impacts. With extreme weather events posing risks to vulnerable communities, understanding cognitive processes driving behaviours becomes essential for effective risk communication. This study focuses on the 2018 “Vaia” storm, which brought unprecedented precipitation and wind velocity to the mountainous regions of North-eastern Italy. Drawing upon the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) framework, we employ probabilistic models to identify distinct groups with similar behavioural profiles. By administering a web-based survey to 1500 residents affected by the event, we find that threat appraisal is more influential in shaping protective behaviours than coping appraisal. Our findings indicate that by enhancing coping appraisals and discouraging non-protective measures, we can actively mitigate maladaptive responses and promote the adoption of effective adaptation strategies.
Carotenoid biosynthesis genes LcLCYB, LcLCYE, and LcBCH from wolfberry confer increased carotenoid content and improved salt tolerance in tobacco
Authors: Li Chen , Wang Caili , Cheng Zhiyang , Li Yu , Li Wenjing
Published: May 2024

Carotenoids play essential roles in plant growth and development and provide plants with a tolerance to a series of abiotic stresses. In this study, the function and biological significance of lycopene β-cyclase, lycopene ε-cyclase, and β-carotene hydroxylase, which are responsible for the modification of the tetraterpene skeleton procedure, were isolated from Lycium chinense and analyzed. The overexpression of lycopene β-cyclase, lycopene ε-cyclase, and β-carotene hydroxylase promoted the accumulation of total carotenoids and photosynthesis enhancement, reactive oxygen species scavenging activity, and proline content of tobacco seedlings after exposure to the salt stress. Furthermore, the expression of the carotenoid biosynthesis genes and stress-related genes (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase) were detected and showed increased gene expression level, which were strongly associated with the carotenoid content and reactive oxygen species scavenging activity. After exposure to salt stress, the endogenous abscisic acid content was significantly increased and much higher than those in control plants. This research contributes to the development of new breeding aimed at obtaining stronger salt tolerance plants with increased total carotenoids and vitamin A content.
Segmentation of mature human oocytes provides interpretable and improved blastocyst outcome predictions by a machine learning model
Authors: Fjeldstad Jullin , Qi Weikai , Siddique Nadia , Mercuri Natalie , Nayot Dan , Krivoi Alex
Published: May 2024

Within the medical field of human assisted reproductive technology, a method for interpretable, non-invasive, and objective oocyte evaluation is lacking. To address this clinical gap, a workflow utilizing machine learning techniques has been developed involving automatic multi-class segmentation of two-dimensional images, morphometric analysis, and prediction of developmental outcomes of mature denuded oocytes based on feature extraction and clinical variables. Two separate models have been developed for this purpose—a model to perform multiclass segmentation, and a classifier model to classify oocytes as likely or unlikely to develop into a blastocyst (Day 5–7 embryo). The segmentation model is highly accurate at segmenting the oocyte, ensuring high-quality segmented images (masks) are utilized as inputs for the classifier model (mask model). The mask model displayed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.63, a sensitivity of 0.51, and a specificity of 0.66 on the test set. The AUC underwent a reduction to 0.57 when features extracted from the ooplasm were removed, suggesting the ooplasm holds the information most pertinent to oocyte developmental competence. The mask model was further compared to a deep learning model, which also utilized the segmented images as inputs. The performance of both models combined in an ensemble model was evaluated, showing an improvement (AUC 0.67) compared to either model alone. The results of this study indicate that direct assessments of the oocyte are warranted, providing the first objective insights into key features for developmental competence, a step above the current standard of care—solely utilizing oocyte age as a proxy for quality.
Ηand dexterities assessment in stroke patients based on augmented reality and machine learning through a box and block test
Authors: Papagiannis Georgios , Triantafyllou Αthanasios , Yiannopoulou Konstantina G. , Georgoudis George , Kyriakidou Maria , Gkrilias Panagiotis , Skouras Apostolos Z. , Bega Xhoi , Stasinopoulos Dimitrios , Matsopoulos George , Syringas Pantelis , Tselikas Nikolaos , Zestas Orestis , Potsika Vassiliki , Pardalis Athanasios , Papaioannou Christoforos , Protopappas Vasilios , Malizos Nikolas , Tachos Nikolaos , Fotiadis Dimitrios I.
Published: May 2024

A popular and widely suggested measure for assessing unilateral hand motor skills in stroke patients is the box and block test (BBT). Our study aimed to create an augmented reality enhanced version of the BBT (AR-BBT) and evaluate its correlation to the original BBT for stroke patients. Following G-power analysis, clinical examination, and inclusion–exclusion criteria, 31 stroke patients were included in this study. AR-BBT was developed using the Open Source Computer Vision Library (OpenCV). The MediaPipe's hand tracking library uses a palm and a hand landmark machine learning model to detect and track hands. A computer and a depth camera were employed in the clinical evaluation of AR-BBT following the principles of traditional BBT. A strong correlation was achieved between the number of blocks moved in the BBT and the AR-BBT on the hemiplegic side (Pearson correlation = 0.918) and a positive statistically significant correlation (p = 0.000008). The conventional BBT is currently the preferred assessment method. However, our approach offers an advantage, as it suggests that an AR-BBT solution could remotely monitor the assessment of a home-based rehabilitation program and provide additional hand kinematic information for hand dexterities in AR environment conditions. Furthermore, it employs minimal hardware equipment.
Uncertainty quantification in multivariable regression for material property prediction with Bayesian neural networks
Authors: Li Longze , Chang Jiang , Vakanski Aleksandar , Wang Yachun , Yao Tiankai , Xian Min
Published: May 2024

With the increased use of data-driven approaches and machine learning-based methods in material science, the importance of reliable uncertainty quantification (UQ) of the predicted variables for informed decision-making cannot be overstated. UQ in material property prediction poses unique challenges, including multi-scale and multi-physics nature of materials, intricate interactions between numerous factors, limited availability of large curated datasets, etc. In this work, we introduce a physics-informed Bayesian Neural Networks (BNNs) approach for UQ, which integrates knowledge from governing laws in materials to guide the models toward physically consistent predictions. To evaluate the approach, we present case studies for predicting the creep rupture life of steel alloys. Experimental validation with three datasets of creep tests demonstrates that this method produces point predictions and uncertainty estimations that are competitive or exceed the performance of conventional UQ methods such as Gaussian Process Regression. Additionally, we evaluate the suitability of employing UQ in an active learning scenario and report competitive performance. The most promising framework for creep life prediction is BNNs based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo approximation of the posterior distribution of network parameters, as it provided more reliable results in comparison to BNNs based on variational inference approximation or related NNs with probabilistic outputs.
Novel design of cryptographic architecture of nanorouter using quantum-dot cellular automata nanotechnology
Authors: Kassa Sankit , Das Jadav Chandra , Lamba Vijay , De Debashis , Debnath Bikash , Mallik Saurav , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: May 2024

The article introduces a revolutionary Nanorouter structure, which is a crucial component in the Nano communication regime. To complete the connection, many key properties of Nanorouters are investigated and merged. QCA circuits with better speed and reduced power dissipation aid in meeting internet standards. Cryptography based on QCA design methodologies is a novel concept in digital circuit design. Data security in nano-communication is crucial in data transmission and reception; hence, cryptographic approaches are necessary. The data entering the input line is encrypted by an encoder, and then sent to the designated output line, where it is decoded and transferred. The Nanorouter is offered as a data path selector, and the proposed study analyses the cell count of QCA and the circuit delay. In this manuscript, novel designs of (4:1)) Mux and (1:4) Demux designs are utilized to implement the proposed nanorouter design. The proposed (4:1) Mux design requires 3–5% fewer cell counts and 20–25% fewer area, and the propsoed (1:4) Demux designs require 75–80% fewer cell counts and 90–95% fewer area compared to their latest counterparts. The QCAPro utility is used to analyse the power consumption of several components that make up the router. QCADesigner 2.0.3 is used to validate the simulation results and output validity.
Democratising complex system modelling
Authors: Pardi Anabele-Linda , Burina Elizaveta
Published: May 2024

In the contemporary context of an acute need for sustainability and swift response to imminent crises such as global warming, pandemics and economic system disruptions, the focus on responsible decision making, ethical risk assessment and mitigation at all organizational levels is an overarching goal. Our aim is to introduce a deterministic method for investigating the stability of complex systems, in order to find the most important elements of such systems and their impact on different scenarios. The novelty of the current approach lies in its compact format and intuitive nature, designed to accommodate a limited amount of computational resources. The proposed modelling method involves the mapping of complex systems from a diversity of disciplines (economic markets, resource management domain and the community impact of suburbanisation) onto a sequence of chemical reactions and involving a subsequent mathematical analysis. Mapping the results back onto the use cases shows that one can retrieve a considerable amount of detail, making the modelling strategy general enough to be adaptable and scalable while also detailed enough to provide valuable insights for practical scenarios.
Isotherm-kinetic equilibrium investigations on absorption remediation potential for COD and ammoniacal nitrogen from leachate by the utilization of paper waste sludge as an eco-friendly composite filler
Authors: Detho Amir , Kadir Aeslina Abdul , Rassem Hesham Hussein
Published: May 2024

The paper industry is a major environmental polluter due to paper waste sludge (PWS), often disposed of in hazardous ways. The techniques are employed to disposing of PWS are posing significant environmental hazards and risks to well-being. This study aims to evaluate PWS as a potential replacement for commercial adsorbents like AC and ZEO in treating stabilized leachate. Contact angle analysis of PWS was 92.60°, reveals that PWS to be hydrophobic. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted with parameters set at 200 rpm stirring speed, 120 min contact time, and pH 7. Optimal conditions for COD and NH3–N removal were identified at 120 min contact time, 200 rpm stirring speed, pH 7, and 2.0 g PWS ratio. Removal percentages for COD and NH3–N were 62% and 52%, respectively. Based on the results of the isotherm and kinetic studies, it was observed that the Langmuir and Pseudo second order (PSO) model exhibited greater suitability compared to the Freundlich and Pseudo first order (PFO) model, as indicated by higher values of R-squared (R2). The R-squared of Langmuir for COD and NH3–N were 0.9949 and 0.9919 and for Freundlich model were 0.9855 and 0.9828 respectively. Whereas the R-squared of PFO for COD and NH3–N were 0.9875 and 0.8883 and for PSO were 0.9987 and 0.9909 respectively.
Serum iron level is independently associated with sarcopenia: a retrospective study
Authors: Huang Meiying , Xu Bingqing , Xu Yihui , Zhang Kaiyu , Zhu Wenyu , Lian Xiaoyi , Chen Zhe , Wang Minhong , Liu Lei , Guo Zhengli
Published: May 2024

Sarcopenia greatly reduces the quality of life of the elderly, and iron metabolism plays an important role in muscle loss. This study aimed to investigate the association between iron status and sarcopenia. A total of 286 adult patients hospitalized between 2019 and 2021 were included in this study, of which 117 were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin, and transferrin saturation levels were compared between groups with and without sarcopenia and were included in the logistic analyses, with significant variables further included in the logistic regression model for the prediction of sarcopenia. Serum iron, TIBC, and transferrin levels decreased significantly in the sarcopenia group (p < 0.05), and were negatively associated with handgrip strength, relative skeletal muscle index, and multiple test performances (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and serum iron level were independent risk factors for sarcopenia. In the final logistic regression model, male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67–7.98), age > 65 years (OR 5.40, 95% CI 2.25–12.95), BMI < 24 kg/m2 (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.08–0.36), and serum iron < 10.95 μmol/L (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16–0.93) were included. Our study supported the impact of iron metabolism on muscle strength and performance.
Construction of ceRNA regulatory networks for active pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Li Qifeng , Xin Tao , Liu Zhigang , Wang Quan , Ma Lanhong
Published: May 2024

Delayed diagnosis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) often leads to serious public health problems. High throughput sequencing was used to determine the expression levels of lncRNAs, mRNAs, and miRNAs in the lesions and adjacent health lung tissues of patients with PTB. Their differential expression profiles between the two groups were compared, and 146 DElncRs, 447 DEmRs, and 29 DEmiRs were obtained between lesions and adjacent health tissues in patients with PTB. Enrichment analysis for mRNAs showed that they were mainly involved in Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell differentiation. The lncRNAs, mRNAs with target relationship with miRNAs were predicted respectively, and correlation analysis was performed. The ceRNA regulatory network was obtained by comparing with the differentially expressed transcripts (DElncRs, DEmRs, DEmiRs), then 2 lncRNAs mediated ceRNA networks were established. The expression of genes within the network was verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the proportion of Th1 cells and Th17 cells was lower in PTB than in controls, while the proportion of Th2 cells increased. Our results provide rich transcriptome data for a deeper investigation of PTB. The ceRNA regulatory network we obtained may be instructive for the diagnosis and treatment of PTB.
Recycled melanoma-secreted melanosomes regulate tumor-associated macrophage diversification
Authors: Parikh Roma , Parikh Shivang , Berzin Daniella , Vaknine Hananya , Ovadia Shai , Likonen Daniela , Greenberger Shoshana , Scope Alon , Elgavish Sharona , Nevo Yuval , Plaschkes Inbar , Nizri Eran , Kobiler Oren , Maliah Avishai , Zaremba Laureen , Mohan Vishnu , Sagi Irit , Ashery-Padan Ruth , Carmi Yaron , Luxenburg Chen , Hoheisel Jörg D , Khaled Mehdi , Levesque Mitchell P , Levy Carmit
Published: May 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of communication between cells. Here, we reveal a new mode of intercellular communication by melanosomes, large EVs secreted by melanocytes for melanin transport. Unlike small EVs, which are disintegrated within the receiver cell, melanosomes stay intact within them, gain a unique protein signature, and can then be further transferred to another cell as “second-hand” EVs. We show that melanoma-secreted melanosomes passaged through epidermal keratinocytes or dermal fibroblasts can be further engulfed by resident macrophages. This process leads to macrophage polarization into pro-tumor or pro-immune cell infiltration phenotypes. Melanosomes that are transferred through fibroblasts can carry AKT1, which induces VEGF secretion from macrophages in an mTOR-dependent manner, promoting angiogenesis and metastasis in vivo. In melanoma patients, macrophages that are co-localized with AKT1 are correlated with disease aggressiveness, and immunotherapy non-responders are enriched in macrophages containing melanosome markers. Our findings suggest that interactions mediated by second-hand extracellular vesicles contribute to the formation of the metastatic niche, and that blocking the melanosome cues of macrophage diversification could be helpful in halting melanoma progression.
Mutational robustness and the role of buffer genes in evolvability
Authors: Tawfeeq Mohammed T , Voordeckers Karin , van den Berg Pieter , Govers Sander K , Michiels Jan , Verstrepen Kevin J
Published: May 2024

Organisms rely on mutations to fuel adaptive evolution. However, many mutations impose a negative effect on fitness. Cells may have therefore evolved mechanisms that affect the phenotypic effects of mutations, thus conferring mutational robustness. Specifically, so-called buffer genes are hypothesized to interact directly or indirectly with genetic variation and reduce its effect on fitness. Environmental or genetic perturbations can change the interaction between buffer genes and genetic variation, thereby unmasking the genetic variation’s phenotypic effects and thus providing a source of variation for natural selection to act on. This review provides an overview of our understanding of mutational robustness and buffer genes, with the chaperone gene HSP90 as a key example. It discusses whether buffer genes merely affect standing variation or also interact with de novo mutations, how mutational robustness could influence evolution, and whether mutational robustness might be an evolved trait or rather a mere side-effect of complex genetic interactions.
Synthetic, structural and reactivity studies of a boryl-ethynyl Silylene
Authors: Chen Wenhao , Hu Haisheng , Feng Jie , Zhu Lei , Wu Di
Published: May 2024

The salt metathesis of a boryl-ethynyl lithium salt {[(HCDipN)2]B-CC-Li} with a monochlorosilylene [LSi(:)Cl; L = PhC(NtBu)2] gave rise to an isolable ethynyl silylene {[(HCDipN)2]B-CC-Si(L)}, confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis and DFT calculations.
A bias voltage controlled electrode-molecule interface in single-molecule junctions
Authors: Yang Jiawei , Li Yunpeng , Zhang Zekai , Li Hongxiang
Published: May 2024

The electrode-molecule interface of single-molecule junction is modulated by bias voltage.
Modulating confinement space in metal–organic frameworks enables highly selective indole C3-formylation
Authors: Zheng Deng-Yue , Zhang Tianjian , Bai Rongxian , Li Minghao , Gu Yanlong
Published: May 2024

MOF confinement catalysis can hinder the reaction of orthoformate and indole to form the trimethoxymethane compounds, thereby creating indole C3 formaldehyde compounds.
Transmission line revisited – the impedance of mixed ionic and electronic conductors
Authors: Bumberger Andreas E. , Nenning Andreas , Fleig Juergen
Published: May 2024

A highly intuitive, yet physically meaningful approach to understanding the impedance of MIECs based on a four-terminal transmission line model.
Coverage-sensitive mechanism of electrochemical NO reduction on the SrTiO3(001) surface: a DFT investigation
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Liu Lu , Zhao Yuncai , Gao Yijing , Chen Deli , Zhu Weidong
Published: May 2024

The coverage-sensitive mechanism of electrochemical NO reduction has been investigated through DFT calculations.
Hydrogen-bond-modulated negative linear compressibility in a V-shaped molecular crystal
Authors: Zeng Qingxin , Qiu Wenbo , Li Chengxi , Sun Yan , Hao Jian , Li Yinwei
Published: May 2024

This study illustrates that the spring-like hydrogen bond acts as a switcher of the PLC–NLC conversion along the crystal b-axis due to its high compressibility at low pressure and incompressibility at high pressure.
New series of mononuclear β-diketonate cerium(iii) field induced single-molecule magnets
Authors: Tubau Ànnia , Gómez-Coca Silvia , Speed Saskia , Font-Bardía Mercè , Vicente Ramon
Published: May 2024

Five new [Ce(Btfa)3L] complexes, Btfa- = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedionate, are presented. A comprehensive magnetic analysis highlights the significance of different spin relaxation mechanisms that must be considered for a Ce3+ ion.
Revisiting the role of octahedral symmetry in the interpretation of spectroscopic properties of [OsF6]2− and PtF6 complexes
Authors: Solis-Céspedes Eduardo , Alvarez-Thon Luis , Arratia-Perez Ramiro , Páez-Hernández Dayán
Published: May 2024

The electronic structure of [OsF6]2− and PtF6 complexes was studied by means of CASSCF/NEVPT2 multiconfigurational calculations, including spin–orbital coupling, which is very relevant in the case of these metals.
The tricyclic alkaloid catalyzed crystallization of α-FAPbI3 for high performance antisolvent-free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wu Zhengzhe , Cai Haoyu , Wu Tong , Xu Jiayi , Wang Zhenyue , Du Hongqiang , Zhao Juan , Huang Fuzhi , Cheng Yi-Bing , Zhong Jie
Published: May 2024

The tricyclic alkaloid colchicine is applied to catalyzed crystallization (CC) of high-quality α-FAPbI3 perovskite film in the one-step antisolvent-free process for high performance perovskite solar cells.
The potential of a multi-method platform centred on ICP-MS to provide new insights into the size-resolved quantification of TiO2 particles in food
Authors: Ojeda David , Bartczak Dorota , Singh Malvinder , Hancock Paul , Goenaga-Infante Heidi
Published: May 2024

A multi-technique platform for the size-resolved quantification of TiO2 particles in food.
Correction: A differential-targeting core–shell microneedle patch with coordinated and prolonged release of mangiferin and MSC-derived exosomes for scarless skin regeneration
Authors: Lyu Shang , Liu Qi , Yuen Ho-Yin , Xie Huizhi , Yang Yuhe , Yeung Kelvin Wai-Kwok , Tang Chak-yin , Wang Shuqi , Liu Yaxiong , Li Bin , He Yong , Zhao Xin
Published: May 2024

Correction for ‘A differential-targeting core–shell microneedle patch with coordinated and prolonged release of mangiferin and MSC-derived exosomes for scarless skin regeneration’ by Shang Lyu et al., Mater. Horiz., 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01910A.