bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using adopted individuals to partition indirect maternal genetic effects into prenatal and postnatal effects on offspring phenotypes
Authors: Hwang Liang-Dar , Moen Gunn-Helen , Evans David M
Published: July 2022

Maternal genetic effects can be defined as the effect of a mother’s genotype on the phenotype of her offspring, independent of the offspring’s genotype. Maternal genetic effects can act via the intrauterine environment during pregnancy and/or via the postnatal environment. In this manuscript, we present a simple extension to the basic adoption design that uses structural equation modelling (SEM) to partition maternal genetic effects into prenatal and postnatal effects. We examine the power, utility and type I error rate of our model using simulations and asymptotic power calculations. We apply our model to polygenic scores of educational attainment and birth weight associated variants, in up to 5,178 adopted singletons, 943 trios, 2687 mother-offspring pairs, 712 father-offspring pairs and 347,980 singletons from the UK Biobank. Our results show the expected pattern of maternal genetic effects on offspring birth weight, but unexpectedly large prenatal maternal genetic effects on offspring educational attainment. Sensitivity and simulation analyses suggest this result may be at least partially due to adopted individuals in the UK Biobank being raised by their biological relatives. We show that accurate modelling of these sorts of cryptic relationships is sufficient to bring type I error rate under control and produce asymptotically unbiased estimates of prenatal and postnatal maternal genetic effects. We conclude that there would be considerable value in following up adopted individuals in the UK Biobank to determine whether they were raised by their biological relatives, and if so, to precisely ascertain the nature of these relationships. These adopted individuals could then be incorporated into informative statistical genetics models like the one described in our manuscript to further elucidate the genetic architecture of complex traits and diseases.
Characterization of human tear proteome reveals differentially abundance proteins in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqing , Wei Ruili , Wang Rui
Published: July 2022

Background

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a common orbital inflammatory disease, but the abnormal expression of proteins in tears of TAO patients has not been systematically studied. The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the total tear protein profile of TAO patients and to provide protein cues for TAO pathogenesis.

Methods

Tear samples were isolated from 30 TAO patients with obvious ocular surface damage and 30 healthy control subjects. Tear samples from 30 individuals were mixed and divided into three sample pools. Easy nano-scale LC-MS/MS based on labeling-free quantitative technology was utilized to profile tear proteome.

Results

Here, electrospray ionization mass spectra and SDS-PAGE results confirmed the good parallelisms among samples. A total of 313 proteins were obtained from six tear pools, among them, 103 differential abundance proteins (DAPs) were identified, including 99 up-regulated DAPs (including APOA1, HV103, IGH, and Transferrin variant) and four down-regulated DAPs (including FABA, VCC1, NUCB2, and E-cadherin) in the TAO group compared with the control group. GO analysis showed that up-regulated DAPs were mainly enriched in lipid metabolism and platelet molecular function, and down-regulated DAPs were involved in binding, cell junction, and cellular process. KEGG results indicated that DAPs were involved in 117 kinds of signal transduction pathways, among which the immune-related pathway of complement and coagulation cascades had the greatest relevance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, label-free LC-MS/MS is an effective strategy for profiling tear proteins component. Our study provides proteins and pathways altered in TAO and provides protein cues for further study on the precise mechanism of TAO pathogenesis.
Downregulation of the enhancer of zeste homolog 1 transcriptional factor predicts poor prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Peng Wei , Tang Wei , Li Jian-Di , He Rong-Quan , Luo Jia-Yuan , Chen Zu-Xuan , Zeng Jiang-Hui , Hu Xiao-Hua , Zhong Jin-Cai , Li Yang , Ma Fu-Chao , Xie Tian-Yi , Huang Su-Ning , Ge Lian-Ying
Published: July 2022

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant subtype of breast cancer and lacks effective biomarkers. This study seeks to unravel the expression status and the prospective transcriptional mechanisms of EZH1/EZH2 in TNBC tissue samples. Moreover, another objective of this study is to reveal the prognostic molecular signatures for risk stratification in TNBC patients.

Methods

To determine the expression status of EZH1/EZH2 in TNBC tissue samples, microarray analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed on in house breast cancer tissue samples. External mRNA expression matrices were used to verify its expression patterns. Furthermore, the prospective transcriptional mechanisms of EZH1/EZH2 in TNBC were explored by performing differential expression analysis, co-expression analysis, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis were utilized to detect the prognostic molecular signatures in TNBC patients. Nomogram and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to predict the risk stratification ability of the prognostic-signatures-based Cox model.

Results

In-house TMAs (66 TNBC vs. 106 non-TNBC) and external gene microarrays, as well as RNA-seq datasets (1,135 TNBC vs. 6,198 non-TNBC) results, confirmed the downregulation of EZH1 at both the protein and mRNA levels (SMD = −0.59 [−0.80, −0.37]), as is opposite to that of EZH2 (SMD = 0.74 [0.40, 1.08]). The upregulated transcriptional target genes of EZH1 were significantly aggregated in the cell cycle pathway, where CCNA2, CCNB1, MAD2L1, and PKMYT1 were determined as key transcriptional targets. Additionally, the downregulated transcriptional targets of EZH2 were enriched in response to the hormone, where ESR1 was identified as the hub gene. The six-signature-based prognostic model produced an impressive performance in this study, with a training AUC of 0.753, 0.981, and 0.977 at 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival probability, respectively.

Conclusion

EZH1 downregulation may be a key modulator in the progression of TNBC through negative transcriptional regulation by targeting CCNA2, CCNB1, MAD2L1, and PKMYT1.
Estimating bite force in extinct dinosaurs using phylogenetically predicted physiological cross-sectional areas of jaw adductor muscles
Authors: Sakamoto Manabu
Published: July 2022

I present a Bayesian phylogenetic predictive modelling (PPM) framework that allows the prediction of muscle parameters (physiological cross-sectional area, APhys) in extinct archosaurs from skull width (WSk) and phylogeny. This approach is robust to phylogenetic uncertainty and highly versatile given its ability to base predictions on simple, readily available predictor variables. The PPM presented here has high prediction accuracy (up to 95%), with downstream biomechanical modelling yielding bite force estimates that are in line with previous estimates based on muscle parameters from reconstructed muscles. This approach does not replace muscle reconstructions but one that provides a powerful means to predict APhys from skull geometry and phylogeny to the same level of accuracy as that measured from reconstructed muscles in species for which soft tissue data are unavailable or difficult to obtain.
A teologia na academia: valores, desafios e possibilidades
Authors:   Teologia Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná. Brasil, Wolff Elias
Published: July 2022

La teología en la academia se desarrolla con criterios técnicos que le dan rango científico. El objetivo de este estudio es mostrar las oportunidades y desafíos que esto presenta para la ciencia teológica. Se destaca, por un lado, la necesidad de reconfigurar el constructo epistémico de la teología y, por otro, el mantenimiento de la originalidad y especificidad del saber de la fe. El método de investigación es el análisis de cómo la teología en la academia mantiene o debilita elementos como la fe, la afirmación de lo Trascendente, la eclesialidad, el compromiso en el mundo, el pueblo como sujeto teológico, la praxis. La conclusión es que sólo asegurando estos elementos, la teología en la academia se afirma como tal entre las demás ciencias, constituyéndose como un saber aplicable a las situaciones teóricas y prácticas de la humanidad.
Mapping the Distribution of Fish Caught in the Jatigede Reservoir, Indonesia
Authors: Azhara Agustina Fatimah , Zahidah . , Herawati Titin , Hamdani Herman , Herawati Heti
Published: July 2022

This research aims to map the structure of the fish community living in the floodplain of the Jatigede reservoir based on the catch. This research uses the field observation method, taking fish samples every 14 days and doing 6 times. The results of the survey show that the number of fish caught during the survey was 799 individuals, and the fish species identified at 6 stations of Jatigede Reservoir consisted of 9 families of 18 species. The fish species with the highest abundance was Parambassis siamensis at station 1. At stations 2, 3, 4, and 5, the fish with the highest abundance was Hampala macrolepidota and at station 6, the fish with the greatest abundance was Oxyeleotris marmorata. The distribution of native fish is more dominant than introduced fish with a comparison of 11 native fish species and 7 introduced fish species. The water quality at each station still meets the requirements of environmental quality standards according to Government Regulation (Indonesia) No. 22 of 2021 on Water Quality Standards and is suitable for fish life.
Influence of Short Term Exercise on the Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: Case Series from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Soliman Ayman F. , Alkhalifa Yasser , Mulhem Othman Al , Taweel Muneera Al , Bahrani Zienab Al , Alabdulqader Abdulmalik , Nasef Tarek , Garni Abdelkareem Al
Published: July 2022

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a comprehensive disease management program for heart failure patients. Most of the heart failure (HF) guidelines are classifying the cardiac rehabilitation for heart failure patients as class 1A which mean highly recommended. However, Arab countries and Middle East are lacking specific CR programs and guidelines. In this study, five cases of chronic heart failure patients were exposed to short term regular exercise for maximum 8 weeks. With a mean of 5.6 exercise visits there are 19. 2% improvement in functional capacity, 35% improvement of exercise distance, 32.5% improvement in quality of life, 25% improvement in quality of sleep and decrease the emergency room visits by 37.5%.The significant improvement was in quality of life, exercise capacity and a decrease in ER visit for all patients.
Study on Crop-weather Calendar of Wheat for Eastern Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Pandey Anushka , Singh A. K. , Mishra A. N. , Mishra S. R.
Published: July 2022

An investigation entitled “Study on Crop-weather calendar of wheat crop for eastern plain zone of Uttar Pradesh” was carried out at the Department of Agricultural Meteorology, ANDUA&T, Kumarganj, Ayodhya. Crop weather calendar for wheat crop has been prepared for district Sultanpur through the collection of historical weather data of last 20 years (2000- 2020). Crop weather calendar of wheat was formulated by combining the weekly climatic averages and phenological calendar for the crop along with optimum weather criteria needed at different phenological stages of the crop. Climatic normal for wheat crop has been taken form 46th Standard meteorological week to 14th Standard meteorological week (from sowing to harvesting).  From the crop weather calendar of wheat crop it was observed that for during seed emergence, T max 25-270C, T min 11.5-130C, RHm 92.5-92.8% and RHe 42-49%, at CRI, T max 24-260C and T min7.5-110C, and during milking stage of the crop, T max 30-330C, T min 12.3-140C, RHm 88-91%, RHe 43% were found conducive for better yield at district Sultanpur. Conducive weather conditions for infestation of army worm were T max 20-290C and T min 14-80C, RHm 90-94% and RHe 49-65% and rainfall of 1.5- 11 mm from met. no. week 46th to 4th met. week and for leaf blight T max 20-28.50C, T min 12-170C, RHm 88-91% and RHe 42-52% from 1st to 10th met. week at booting and milking stage of the crop.
An Economics Analysis of Super Compost Production and Marketing under Godhan Nyay Yojna in Chhattisgarh of India
Authors: Pandey Sneha , Wasnik Sumit B. , Patel Mamta , Patel Pradip Kumar , Parte Jwala
Published: July 2022

The General objective of this study is to find out the cost and returns and marketing of super compost production of Gothan under Godhan Nyay Scheme. The Study was based under primary data; conducted in three districts of Chhattisgarh plains viz. Bilaspur, Raigarh and Janjgir-Champa. From each district four Gothans and from each Gothan one self help groups were selected randomly. Thus, a total number of 120 respondents were selected. Criteria of Gothan selection is as follows; Model Gothan, Non-Model Gothan, Village Gothan and City Gothan. The study revealed that Total cost of production of super compost in Model Gothan was lowest 4.24 Rs./Kg and Net Return from super compost production  was highest 1.77 Rs./Kg followed by City Gothan, Non-Model Gothan and Village Gothan. Largest consumer of Supercompost was Farmers followed by Nursery and Agriculture department.
Por conta do desassossego que tem causado na praça da Bahia
Authors: Oliveira de Jesus Paulo Cesar
Published: July 2022

Este artigo discute as primeiras interferências de cruzadores ingleses no comércio transatlântico de escravizados realizado por negociantes baianos entre 1811 e 1815. Entre outros aspectos,  analisa-se as tensões geradas e os prejuízos causados ao comércio da Bahia em virtude de apreensões, julgamentos e condenações de embarcações negreiras na rota Salvador-Costa da Mina. Tais ações foram realizadas pelos britânicos sob a alegação de defesa do compromisso firmado no artigo X do Tratado de Aliança e Amizade, assinado 1810 entre Portugal e Inglaterra, no qual o governo português assumiu o compromisso de, gradualmente, pôr fim ao comércio de escravizados em seus domínios.
“Combinaram de nos matar, combinamos de ficar vivos”
Authors: Müller Henrique Da Rosa , Costa Lucas Lazzarotto Vasconcelos
Published: July 2022

Desde seu surgimento e ao longo de sua penetração no contexto racializado brasileiro, o rap mantém-se como uma estratégia de resistência cultural negra. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar como o rap articula dimensões culturais, históricas e sociais do debate racial brasileiro em suas composições. Para tanto, propomos um debate teórico sobre a constituição do rap como instrumento de crítica e as especificidades da questão racial brasileira. Em seguida, apresentamos uma análise temática reflexiva de 49 músicas de rap. A partir desta análise, discute-se a utilização da religiosidade afro-brasileira como um dispositivo da resistência cultural; a releitura da história do Brasil a partir do ponto de vista da população negra; e a crítica da realidade racial contemporânea, na qual são apontadas estratégias de resistência. Concluímos que o rap se constitui como uma importante ferramenta contra-hegemônica, centrando-se na valorização da cultura negra e na promoção da autoestima e da consciência racial.
limites da exclusão religiosa e racial na América Latina colonial
Authors: Puntoni Pedro
Published: July 2022

Resenha de:

Schwartz, Stuart. Blood and Boundaries: The Limits of Religious and Racial Exclusion in Early Modern Latin America. Waltham: Brandeis University Press, 2020. 187 p.
Literatura e experiência
Authors: Pereira Leonardo Affonso de Miranda
Published: July 2022

Resenha de:

BADARÓ, Francisco Coelho Duarte. Fantina: cenas da escravidão. Posfácio e anotações de Sidney Chalhoub. São Paulo: Chão Editora, 2019. 191 p.
Poesia e sociedade na literatura brasileira contemporânea
Authors: Aparecida Luciany
Published: July 2022

Resenha de:

BASTOS, Fernanda. Eu vou piorar. Porto Alegre: Figura de Linguagem, 2020. 99 p.
Prospecção Tecnológica do Lúpulo (Humulus lupulus L.) e suas Aplicações com Ênfase no Mercado Cervejeiro Brasileiro
Authors: Guimarães Bernardo Pontes , Evaristo Rafael Benjamin Werneburg , Ghesti Grace Ferreira
Published: July 2022

O lúpulo é o insumo utilizado na fabricação de cerveja responsável por aromas e pelo amargor da bebida. No Brasil, essa matéria-prima é importada quase que em sua totalidade. Essa planta, habituada a regiões de clima específico, está sendo cultivada em solo brasileiro e obtendo resultados promissores. Em função disso, o presente artigo buscou realizar uma prospecção tecnológica, por meio de uma metodologia qualitativa exploratória, sobre o que está sendo estudado e desenvolvido sobre lúpulo e sua utilização no processo cervejeiro nos últimos 20 anos. Sabe-se que, a partir do momento em que houver a comercialização de lúpulo nacional, novas tecnologias e processos serão necessários para sua manufatura. A pesquisa revelou uma tendência de países com maior produção de lúpulo ou cerveja a investirem mais em pesquisa e desenvolvimento no setor. Além do mais, foram identificados entraves para a inserção apropriada do lúpulo cultivado em território nacional para ser utilizado pelas cervejarias.
Use of Feeding Tubes Among Hospitalized Older Adults With Dementia
Authors: Hartford Anne-Marie , Li Wenshan , Qureshi Danial , Talarico Robert , Fung Stephen G. , Bush Shirley H. , Casey Genevieve , Isenberg Sarina R. , Webber Colleen , Tanuseputro Peter
Published: February 2025

Importance

Although dementia is a contraindication for feeding tube placement, guidelines recommending against its use are inconsistently followed, and factors associated with its use are unclear.

Objective

To describe the incidence of feeding tube placement among hospitalized older adults (aged ≥65 years) with dementia and their health outcomes during and after hospitalization and to identify factors associated with placement of feeding tubes (ie, gastrostomy, gastrostomy-jejunostomy, and jejunostomy tubes).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using a linked database in Ontario, Canada. Older adults who were diagnosed with dementia prior to a hospitalization between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2018, were included. Data analyses were completed between October 2021 and November 2024.

Exposures

Sociodemographic characteristics, health profiles, functional status, and advanced directives.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Whether individuals received a feeding tube insertion (ie, gastrostomy, gastrostomy-jejunostomy, or jejunostomy tube), as identified by Ontario Health Insurance Plan billing codes.

Results

Among 143 331 older adults with dementia (83 536 [58.3%] female; mean [SD] age, 83.8 [7.5] years), 1312 (0.9%) received a feeding tube in hospital and 142 019 (99.1%) did not. During hospitalization, feeding tube recipients stayed longer in hospital (mean [SD] stay, 65.6 [120.8] vs 14.8 [35.2] days for nonrecipients) and were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (557 [42.5%] vs 14 423 [10.2%] of nonrecipients) or to die in hospital (294 [22.4%] vs 14 698 [10.3%] of nonrecipients). Within 1 year of discharge, 509 of 1018 feeding tube recipients (50.0%) died compared with 36 162 of 127 321 nonrecipients (28.4%). Among recipients of home care and long-term care residents, regression modeling showed that having swallowing problems (odds ratio [OR], 2.22; 95% CI, 1.99-2.49) and greater functional impairments (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.80-4.20) were associated with increased odds of receiving a feeding tube, while being female (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.52-0.84), older (OR for every 5-year increase in age, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.70-0.81), having a do-not-resuscitate directive (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.31-0.47), and living in rural settings (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.22-0.66) were associated with reduced odds.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of hospitalized individuals with dementia, feeding tube insertion was not associated with improved survival or postdischarge outcomes. Factors that were (or were not) associated with feeding tube placement were sometimes misaligned with best practice guidelines. Goals of care conversations, alternative intervention options, and improved clinical protocols are recommended.
Digital Literacy and Access: Equity From a Global and Local Perspective
Authors: Lohr Kathy D.
Published: February 2025

Having access to the Internet and acquiring the skills necessary to use, question, and create in a digital environment have become essential to living and working in the 21st century. Yet, this move to digitalization has created a digital divide between those who have broadband access and the skills and attitudes to effectively use the digital superhighway known as the Internet and those who do not. This article looks at the challenges inherent in addressing this digital divide across the globe, from infrastructure access to defining and measuring digital literacies—all with a common thread of lifelong and life‐wide learning within and beyond the local community.
T2‐weighted imaging of rectal cancer using a 3D fast spin echo sequence with and without deep learning reconstruction: A reader study
Authors: Nguyen Dan , Palmquist Sarah , Hwang Ken‐Pin , Ma Jingfei , Salem Usama , Sun Jia , Wang Xinzeng , Son Jong Bum , Ernst Randy , Wei Peng , Kaur Harmeet , Stanietzky Nir
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To compare image quality and clinical utility of a T2‐weighted (T2W) 3‐dimensional (3D) fast spin echo (FSE) sequence using deep learning reconstruction (DLR) versus conventional reconstruction for rectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

The study included 50 patients with rectal cancer who underwent rectal MRI consecutively between July 7, 2020 and January 20, 2021 using a T2W 3D FSE sequence with DLR and conventional reconstruction. Three radiologists reviewed the two sets of images, scoring overall SNR, motion artifacts, and overall image quality on a 3‐point scale and indicating clinical preference for DLR or conventional reconstruction based on those three criteria as well as image characterization of bowel wall layer definition, tumor invasion of muscularis propria, residual disease, fibrosis, nodal margin, and extramural venous invasion.

Results

Image quality was rated as moderate or good for both DLR and conventional reconstruction for most cases. DLR was preferred over conventional reconstruction in all of the categories except for bowel wall layer definition.

Conclusion

Both conventional reconstruction and DLR provide acceptable image quality for T2W 3D FSE imaging of rectal cancer. DLR was clinically preferred over conventional reconstruction in almost all categories.
PFEKF Filter‐Based Fault Detection and Isolation in Non‐Linear Systems
Authors: Guedaouria Ismain , Doghmane Noureddine , Harkat Mohamed‐Faouzi
Published: February 2025

In this article, we propose a robust fault detection method for non‐Gaussian non‐linear systems, isolating various fault types and accurately estimating faults in robotic systems. Leveraging recent advancements in particle filter algorithms, we adopt the combined particle filter with an extended Kalman filter (PFEKF) for its robustness in mitigating estimation errors in strongly non‐linear systems. The PFEKF method, integrating the Monte Carlo method and extended Kalman filter equations, is employed to estimate conditional likelihood. We propose a novel fault detection method that utilizes the PFEKF‐based CUSUM rule, and we compare its performance to that of the intelligent particle filter (IPF). We introduce a recursive algorithm to calculate an adaptive threshold that minimizes false alarms and undetected fault rates while enhancing detection speed. A fault isolation method for highly non‐linear systems uses the enhanced CUSUM rule, with likelihoods calculated by the PFEKF filter. Finally, we accurately estimate faults in robotic systems using only the PFEKF filter, comparing it with the adaptive exogenous Kalman filter (AXKF) approach.
Self‐Rectifying Volatile Memristor for Highly Dynamic Functions
Authors: Ju Dongyeol , Noh Minseo , Lee Seungjun , Kim Gimun , Park Jihee , Kim Sungjun
Published: February 2025

In this study, a highly rectifying memristor composed of a Pt/TaOx/TiN stack, incorporating a complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor‐friendly metal oxide switching layer, is fabricated to assess its performance in a diverse range of applications. The memristor exhibits highly rectifying characteristics due to the Schottky barrier formed by the work function difference between the Pt and TiN electrodes. For a compliance current of 1 mA, the memristor displays volatile memory properties, attributed to the migration of oxygen ions within the TaOx layer. Leveraging this volatile behavior, synaptic functions—where changes in synaptic plasticity occur in response to incoming spikes—are emulated. Additionally, the complete functions of a biological nociceptor are demonstrated, including threshold, relaxation, no‐adaptation, sensitization, and recovery. These highly dynamic functions of the memristor are then utilized to mimic neuronal firing with a synaptic array, Morse code implementation enabling data generation, and computing functions through cost‐effective reservoir computing. The simplicity of the fabrication process and the broad range of functions implemented in a single memristor make the Pt/TaOx/TiN device a promising candidate for future applications.
Coordination Engineering in Fe‐Mn Dual‐Atom Nanozyme: Yielding ROS Storm to Efficiently Promote Wound Healing
Authors: Jiang Chenyue , Sun Mingming , Wang Yueshuai , Dong Chenxin , Yu Yan , Wang Guo , Lu Yue , Chen Zhengbo
Published: February 2025

Multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections have become a global public health issue. To solve this dilemma, single‐atom nanozymes have been used as versatile antibiotics. However, the efficacy of individual nanozyme is hindered by their limited catalytic activity and antibacterial effect. Herein, a novel N3‐Fe1‐Mn1‐N2S nanozyme (Fe/Mn‐SNC), with neighboring Mn and Fe dual single‐atom pairs decorated on yolk‐shell‐like carbon skeleton, is constructed through partial modulation of Fe‐Mn dual site coordination by sulfur atoms. The developed Fe/Mn‐SNC possesses superior multienzyme‐like cascade activities (oxidase‐, superoxide‐, and peroxidase‐like activities). It catalyzes the conversion of O2 into O2·− through its oxidase‐like activity, which is then decomposed into H2O2 by its superoxide‐like enzyme properties. Ultimately, ·OH is generated under the influence of peroxidase‐like activity. This process effectively kills bacteria without the addition of H2O2, contributing to the overcoming of bacterial resistance issues. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the direct coordinated S atom enhances the oxidase‐like activity. The Fe‐Mn dual‐atomic site provides an additional active site for the enhancement of the superoxidase‐ and peroxidase‐like activities. The Fe/Mn‐SNC, with high antibacterial effect and biosafety, showing its wide potential applications in medical technology and consumer care. This work opens a new avenue for designing multifunctional single‐atom nanozymes for antibacterial applications.
Efficient Magnetism Controlled by Visible Light Using Perovskite Quantum Dots with Hybrid Interface Architecture
Authors: Zhao Meng , Zhao Yifan , Wang Jian , Liu Jiaqiang , Zha Xi , Quan Ye , Wang Ge , Liu Ming
Published: February 2025

Spintronic devices represent a promising advancement in information storage, sensors, RF/microwave tunable devices, and other applications. Recently, researchers have developed a novel approach to energy‐efficiently manipulate spin states using photovoltaic (PV) thin‐film. However, optimization strategies for this method are relatively scarce. Here, a PV/magnetic thin film heterojunction featuring a perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) composite layer is presented with a hybrid interfacial architecture consisting of PCBM/PCBM@CsPbI3 QDs/CsPbI3 QDs/ PTB7‐Th heterojunction. The heterostructure facilitates more injection of photoelectrons into the ferromagnetic layer through an energy cascade mechanism model, resulting in greater magnetic changes compared to the PTB7‐Th: PC71 BM system. Under 100 mW cm−2 sunlight illumination, the out‐of‐plane ferromagnetic resonance shift increases by 626% (from −19 to −138 Oe), owing to improved photo‐induced electron doping. Additionally, the fluctuation of saturation magnetization (MS) is magnified by 200% (from 9% to 27%) as well. These findings demonstrate that the efficient photovoltaic layer plays a critical role in optimizing magnetic manipulation and lays the groundwork for the next generation of solar‐driven spintronic devices.
Continuous High‐Throughput Plasma Separation for Blood Biomarker Sensing Using a Hydrodynamic Microfluidic Device
Authors: Abouali Hesam , Keyvani Fatemeh , Hosseini Seied Ali , Srikant Sanjana , Poudineh Mahla
Published: February 2025

Continuous, cost‐effective, high‐throughput with admissible yield and purity of blood plasma separation is widely needed for biomarker detection in the clinic. The existing gold standard technique (centrifugation) and microfluidic technologies fall short of meeting these criteria. In this study, a microfluidic device design is demonstrated based on passive hydrodynamic principles to achieve admissible yield and purity plasma samples. Through computational and experimental assessments, it is shown that side channels with varying lengths are required to improve the plasma extraction rate. The optimized side channels in this device design use the formed cell‐free layer regions in the expanded areas to extract plasma consistently and efficiently. These Hydrodynamic Continuous, High‐Throughput Plasma Separator (HCHPS) microfluidic devices achieve a purity in the range of 47% to 64% with whole blood and maintaining a yield of 10% to 18%, with half hemolysis compared to gold standard centrifugation. These devices also separate the plasma from diluted blood with a purity in the range of 62% to 97% with a similar yield range. Additionally, whole human blood spiked with lactate was processed through the HCHPS device, and the separated plasma is collected and analyzed using two biosensing approaches, a bead‐based fluorescence, and an electrochemical aptamer biosensing, confirming the quality of plasma for downstream biomarker detection.
Anisotropic Temperature Dependent Band Shift in Layered Black Phosphorus
Authors: Dong Jingwei , Liu Runze , Lian Yi , Cui Shengtao , Sun Zhe , Chen Zhongwei
Published: February 2025

Temperature acts as a control lever for the electronic band structure in black phosphorus (BP), significantly influencing its device performance. While the effects of electron‐phonon coupling and lattice thermal expansion on the temperature‐dependent band gap are well understood, there have been no reports on the electronic band as a function of temperature. Additionally, although black phosphorus is well‐known for its significant anisotropic optoelectronic properties, there is comparatively less understanding regarding how various lattice constants affect the electronic band in response to temperature changes. Herein, temperature dependence of the valence band of BP has been measured by angle‐resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) and the band shifts are quantitatively characterized. The band shift along the kx direction is larger than that along the ky direction upon heating from 10 to 200 K even if changing the photon energy. It is certified that the band shifts are primarily attributed to the lattice expansion across different crystal orientations, as determined by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This study investigates the anisotropic temperature dependence of the electronic band shift in black phosphorus, revealing the underlying mechanisms. These findings will be instrumental in guiding the rational design of BP‐based devices tailored for operation across a range of temperatures.
A Skin‐Mimicked Polymer Gel Electrolyte for Stabilizing Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Hua , Jing Lei , Wen Guojiang , Ji Zhongfeng , Ma Chengye , Fu Xuewei , Wang Yu , Yang Wei
Published: February 2025

The electrolytes for advanced lithium‐metal batteries need to simultaneously achieve high‐performances in ion‐conductivity, lithium‐ion transference number, elasticity and mechanical strength, and safety etc. Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are promising, however, conventional GPEs find it challenging to achieve all these performances, mainly due to a poor control of the liquid plasticizer inside. Here, inspired by the animal skins that can perfectly overcome the trade‐off between the mechanics and complex biofunctions via water‐encapsulation inside cellular network, it is attempted to design and fabricate a type of skin‐inspired nonflammable elastic GPE (SINE‐GPE) to address this challenge. To do that, an anti‐solvent induced self‐assembly (ASISA) strategy is proposed to fabricate a porous vesicular membrane based on a triblock thermoplastic polyurethane (i.e., the SINE‐skeleton). Then, nonflammable liquid electrolyte is encapsuled inside the SINE‐skeleton to prepare the SINE‐GPE. The resultant SINE‐GPE achieves not only a high gel‐strength of 2.0 ± 0.1 MPa, a recoverable strain of 90% and a high ionic conductivity of 1.2 × 10−3 S cm−1 at RT, but also selective lithium‐ion transport (tLi+ = 0.82). Consequently, this SINE‐GPE can effectively stabilize lithium‐metal anode with a smooth solid‐electrolyte‐interphase, which is explained by a self‐massaging mechanism of the SINE‐GPE during lithium stripping and deposition.
Interaction Effect of Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity and Serum Klotho Level on Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zou Peilin , Li Jiajun , Chen Liangkai , Liu Man , Nie Hao , Yan Jinhua , Zhang Le , Gao Hongyu , Zhang Cuntai , Zhang Yucong
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Older individuals usually have greater arterial stiffness, lower serum Klotho levels and a greater incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The current study aimed to evaluate the interaction effect of estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) and serum Klotho levels on CKD in Americans.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 2007 to 2016 were used. Participants with data for the assessment of ePWV and serum Klotho and for the assessment of CKD were enrolled. The associations between ePWV and serum Klotho levels were analyzed via restricted cubic spline analysis and a linear regression model. The associations between exposure factors and CKD prevalence were assessed via a logistic regression model. Subgroup analysis was performed for each confounding factor to assess the robustness of the results.

Results

This study enrolled 13,273 participants, 3859 of whom were CKD patients. CKD patients had higher ePWV (9.66 ± 1.75 m/s vs. 8.48 ± 1.64 m/s, p < 0.001) and lower levels of serum Klotho (816.35 ± 290.47 pg/mL vs. 869.87 ± 315.87 pg/mL, p < 0.001). A significant negative linear association was found between ePWV and serum Klotho. According to the fully adjusted model, a significant interaction effect between ePWV and serum Klotho was observed on the risk of CKD (p < 0.001). Compared with individuals with a lower ePWV and higher serum Klotho, individuals with an increased ePWV and lower serum Klotho had a significantly elevated risk of CKD (OR: 1.847, 95% confidence interval: 1.467–2.325; p < 0.001). The subgroup analysis revealed that the results were robust.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated significant interaction effect of ePWV and serum Klotho on the prevalence of CKD. Individuals with increased ePWV and decreased serum Klotho levels had the highest risk of CKD. The assessment of the combination of ePWV and serum Klotho for CKD management should be considered routine in clinical practice.
Brain Metabolic Features of FUS‐ALS: A 2‐[18F]FDG‐PET Study
Authors: Canosa Antonio , Manera Umberto , Vasta Rosario , Zocco Grazia , Di Pede Francesca , Cabras Sara , De Mattei Filippo , Palumbo Francesca , Iazzolino Barbara , Minerva Emilio , Sbaiz Luca , Brunetti Maura , Gallone Salvatore , Grassano Maurizio , Matteoni Enrico , Polverari Giulia , Fuda Giuseppe , Casale Federico , Salamone Paolina , De Marco Giovanni , Marchese Giulia , Moglia Cristina , Calvo Andrea , Pagani Marco , Chiò Adriano
Published: February 2025

Objective

We aimed at evaluating the brain metabolic features of fused in sarcoma amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FUS‐ALS) compared with sporadic ALS (sALS), using 2‐[fluorine‐18] fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (2‐[18F]FDG‐PET).

Methods

We employed the 2‐sample t‐test model of SPM12, implemented in MATLAB, to compare 12 FUS‐ALS cases with 40 healthy controls (HC) and 48 sALS, randomly collected from the series of patients who underwent brain 2‐[18F]FDG‐PET at the ALS Center of Turin (Italy) at diagnosis from 2009 to 2019. In the comparisons between cases and HC, we included age at PET and sex as covariates. Because FUS‐ALS usually shows early onset in spinal regions, in the comparison between FUS‐ALS and sALS, we included singularly the following covariates in a second step, to evaluate the determinants of eventual metabolic differences: age at PET, sex, and onset (spinal/bulbar).

Results

sALS patients showed significant relative hypometabolism in bilateral fronto‐temporo‐occipital cortex and right insula as compared with FUS‐ALS. After adjusting for age, the relative hypometabolism remained in the bilateral precentral gyrus and in the right middle and inferior temporal gyrus. As compared with HC, FUS patients displayed a significant relative hypermetabolism in the pontobulbar region and right cerebellar tonsil, dentate nucleus, and uvula, while sALS showed relative hypometabolism in bilateral frontal and occipital cortices and in left temporal and parietal regions.

Interpretation

Patients with FUS‐ALS show relative preservation of motor cortex metabolism compared with those with sALS, possibly reflecting the prevalence of lower motor neuron impairment in their phenotype. Prospective studies are necessary to investigate the possible role of 2‐[18F]FDG‐PET as a biomarker to track disease spreading in clinical trials. ANN NEUROL 2025
"Mixing Functionality in Polymer Electrolytes: A New Horizon for Achieving High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries"
Authors: Ren Yufen , Chen Suli , Odziomek Mateusz , Guo Junhong , Xu Pengwu , Xie Haijiao , Tian Zhihong , Antonietti Markus , Liu Tianxi
Published: February 2025

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are a key materials component for all‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs). In these membrane‐like films, accelerating Li+ migration while enhancing the mechanical strength of SPEs is challenging. Herein, we introduce a new concept of supramolecularly organized, cross‐linked polymer electrolyte (PCPE) by mixing an ion‐conducting, multi‐arm boron‐containing oligomer (MBO) solid plasticizer into a polyethylene oxide (PEO)‐lithium salt matrix. Studies reveal that the Lewis acid‐base interaction between the Lewis‐acidic boron sites of MBO and lithium‐salt anions induces an amorphous MBO‐salt assembly subphase with percolating nanochannels for rapid Li+ transport. Meanwhile, due to the structural compatibility of the multiple linear arms of MBO with PEO, a supramolecular polymer network is obtained which partly crystallizes around the ionic nanodomains, offering an PCPE with improved mechanical strength hosting interconnected ion transport pathways. The resulting PCPE shows simultaneously enhanced ionic conductivity, improved mechanical properties, and film interface stability, which enable a dendrite‐free Li/Li symmetric cell which could be cycled over 2600 h. Excellent electrochemical performance is also demonstrated in a close‐to‐practical high capacity ASSLMBs.
Discovery of Covalent and Cell‐Active ALKBH5 Inhibitors with Potent Antileukemia Effects In Vivo
Authors: Wu Hengbo , Lai Gan-qiang , Cheng Ruixiang , Huang Hui , Wang Ju , Liu Zeyu , Gao Jing , Zhou Hu , Li Chunpu , Yang Cai-guang , Liu Hong
Published: February 2025

The N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase ALKBH5 is the only other identified m6A eraser except for FTO, and dysregulated ALKBH5 functions were closely associated with leukemogenesis. However, the development of ALKBH5 inhibitors is slow compared to FTO inhibitors. Inspired by a non‐catalytic C200‐covalent strategy, a series of maleimide derivatives were designed and synthesized as potent and covalent ALKBH5 inhibitors in this work. The analog 18l exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on ALKBH5 (IC50 = 0.62 μM), and exerted a strong antiproliferative effect on NB4 cells with IC50 of 0.63 μM. The Kd value of 18l binding to ALKBH5 was 804 nM, while no binding was observed with FTO. This result indicated that 18l was a highly selective inhibitor of ALKBH5 rather than FTO. Additionally, proteomic experiments showed that 18l directly targeted ALKBH5 in cells and altered m6A levels on mRNA, blocked the related downstream signal pathways, promoted differentiation, and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, 18l exerted excellent in vivo antitumor activity with TGITV values of 66.3% at 1 mg/kg in NB4 tumor xenograft models.
Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Using Bismuth/Bismuth Selenide Nanocomposites
Authors: Khan Sumayyah , Sohail Manzar , Will Geoffrey , O' Mullane Anthony , Abdala Ahmed , Wahab Md A.
Published: February 2025

Solar‐driven photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising method for generating renewable and sustainable energy, as it effectively harnesses sunlight to convert it into chemical bonds. Among the many materials explored for photoelectrochemical water oxidation, metal selenides stand out because of their narrow band gaps. In this study, we successfully developed a high‐performance heterojunction nanostructure comprising a p‐type Bi/Bi2Se3 photocathode using a facile solvothermal method for efficient water splitting. Various characterization techniques confirmed the structural and optical properties of the fabricated Bi/Bi2Se3 nanocomposite. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns along with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images, indicated a single‐phase rhombohedral Bi2Se3 crystal structure, along with Bi nanoparticles, confirmed the formation of a Bi/Bi2Se3 nanocomposite, while X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) demonstrated the successful formation of heterojunctions. The as‐prepared photocatalyst exhibited an impressive photocurrent density of 395 μAcm−2 at 0 V versus RHE, which is approximately eight times superior to Bi2Se3. Detailed electrochemical characterization revealed that the high photocurrent density of Bi/Bi2Se3 is due to improved light harvesting capability, enhanced charge separation, and a suppressed water oxidation back reaction. This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in solar‐driven photoelectrochemical water splitting for sustainable energy production.
Assembly of (E)‐γ‐Lactones Fused Five‐ or Six‐Membered Ring via Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade Annulation Reaction
Authors: Li Jianxiao , Niu Yanan , He Dan , Wang Bowen , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: February 2025

A palladium‐catalyzed divergent cascade annulation reaction of unactivated cycloalkenes with alkynoic acids under aerobic conditions is accomplished. This catalytic protocol provides an efficient and economical strategy to accommodate a broad scope of (E)‐γ‐lactones fused five‐ or six‐membered ring motifs with good regioselectivities and yields (57 examples, up to 94 % yield and E/Z up to 98 : 2). More importantly, the developed catalytic strategy is applicable to a wide array of unactivated cycloalkenes, including cyclopentene, cyclohexa‐1,3‐diene, cyclohexa‐1,4‐diene, cyclohepta‐1,3‐diene and conjugated 1,3‐diene.
The Effects of COVID‐19 on Tinnitus Severity and Quality of Life in Individuals With Subjective Tinnitus
Authors: Aydogan Zehra , Can Mehmet , Soylemez Emre , Karakoc Kursad , Buyukatalay Zahide Ciler , Yilmaz Suna Tokgoz
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus (COVID‐19) on tinnitus severity and quality of life in infected and non‐infected individuals who were re‐admitted to our clinic after the COVID‐19 outbreak.

Methods

The study involved both retrospective and prospective data analysis. The study included 30 individuals aged 20–65 years with normal hearing who had undergone psychoacoustic, tinnitus, and psychosomatic evaluations before the pandemic. Participants were divided into Group 1 (n = 15, COVID‐19 negative) and Group 2 (n = 15, COVID‐19 positive). Before the pandemic, tinnitus‐related evaluations of all participants (i.e., pure tone audiometry [PTA], tinnitus frequency, loudness, minimum masking level [MML], and residual inhibition [RI]) were conducted, and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Short Form 36 (SF‐36) were administered to all participants. All assessments were repeated after the outbreak of the pandemic.

Results

There was no significant difference in the mean PTA thresholds of both groups before and after the pandemic (p > 0.05). There was a significant increase in tinnitus severity after COVID‐19 infection in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Moreover, it was found that the VAS (loudness and annoyance), THI (functional, emotional, catastrophic, and total score), and SF‐36 (physical function, physical role, pain, general health, vitality, emotional role, and social function) values worsened significantly compared to before COVID‐19 infection (p < 0.05). In Group 1, the only significant differences were found in the THI emotional subdomain and the SF‐36 emotional and general health subdomains (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the other evaluations of Group 1, neither before nor after the pandemic (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Although negative effects of the pandemic were observed in individuals with tinnitus who were not infected with COVID‐19, both the quality of life and tinnitus severity of individuals with tinnitus who were infected with COVID‐19 worsened.
A Case Report of Bilateral Rectus Femoris With a Unilateral Adductor Longus Muscle Injury
Authors: Alrowaili Majed Gorayan
Published: February 2025

In cases of prolonged groin and proximal thigh discomfort or pain, a rectus femoris rupture must be considered a possible differential diagnosis. In this case with combined bilateral rectus femoris and unilateral adductor longus injuries, management and early definitive diagnosis clinically may be difficult. Hence careful clinical evaluation and imaging should be considered for proper early diagnosis and management.