bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gradient tungsten-doped Bi3TiNbO9 ferroelectric photocatalysts with additional built-in electric field for efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Huang Jie , Kang Yuyang , Liu Jianan , Yao Tingting , Qiu Jianhang , Du Peipei , Huang Biaohong , Hu Weijin , Liang Yan , Xie Tengfeng , Chen Chunlin , Yin Li-Chang , Wang Lianzhou , Cheng Hui-Ming , Liu Gang
Published: December 2023

Bi3TiNbO9, a layered ferroelectric photocatalyst, exhibits great potential for overall water splitting through efficient intralayer separation of photogenerated carriers motivated by a depolarization field along the in-plane a-axis. However, the poor interlayer transport of carriers along the out-of-plane c-axis, caused by the significant potential barrier between layers, leads to a high probability of carrier recombination and consequently results in low photocatalytic activity. Here, we have developed an efficient photocatalyst consisting of Bi3TiNbO9 nanosheets with a gradient tungsten (W) doping along the c-axis. This results in the generation of an additional electric field along the c-axis and simultaneously enhances the magnitude of depolarization field within the layers along the a-axis due to strengthened structural distortion. The combination of the built-in field along the c-axis and polarization along the a-axis can effectively facilitate the anisotropic migration of photogenerated electrons and holes to the basal {001} surface and lateral {110} surface of the nanosheets, respectively, enabling desirable spatial separation of carriers. Hence, the W-doped Bi3TiNbO9 ferroelectric photocatalyst with Rh/Cr2O3 cocatalyst achieves an efficient and durable overall water splitting feature, thereby providing an effective pathway for designing excellent layered ferroelectric photocatalysts.
Selenoprotein deficiency disorder predisposes to aortic aneurysm formation
Authors: Schoenmakers Erik , Marelli Federica , Jørgensen Helle F. , Visser W. Edward , Moran Carla , Groeneweg Stefan , Avalos Carolina , Jurgens Sean J. , Figg Nichola , Finigan Alison , Wali Neha , Agostini Maura , Wardle-Jones Hannah , Lyons Greta , Rusk Rosemary , Gopalan Deepa , Twiss Philip , Visser Jacob J. , Goddard Martin , Nashef Samer A. M. , Heijmen Robin , Clift Paul , Sinha Sanjay , Pirruccello James P. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Busch-Nentwich Elisabeth M. , Ramirez-Solis Ramiro , Murphy Michael P. , Persani Luca , Bennett Martin , Chatterjee Krishna
Published: December 2023

Aortic aneurysms, which may dissect or rupture acutely and be lethal, can be a part of multisystem disorders that have a heritable basis. We report four patients with deficiency of selenocysteine-containing proteins due to selenocysteine Insertion Sequence Binding Protein 2 (SECISBP2) mutations who show early-onset, progressive, aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta due to cystic medial necrosis. Zebrafish and male mice with global or vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-targeted disruption of Secisbp2 respectively show similar aortopathy. Aortas from patients and animal models exhibit raised cellular reactive oxygen species, oxidative DNA damage and VSMC apoptosis. Antioxidant exposure or chelation of iron prevents oxidative damage in patient’s cells and aortopathy in the zebrafish model. Our observations suggest a key role for oxidative stress and cell death, including via ferroptosis, in mediating aortic degeneration.
Central obesity, body mass index, metabolic syndrome and mortality in Mediterranean breast cancer patients
Authors: Crispo Anna , Augustin Livia S. A. , Luongo Assunta , Calderaio Claudia , Breda Joao , Coluccia Sergio , Calabrese Alessandra , Marrazzo Vittorio , Giannatiempo Rosa , Trasacco Paola , Palumbo Elvira , Vitale Sara , Porciello Giuseppe , Di Gennaro Piergiacomo , Caputo Roberta , Buono Giuseppe , Vernieri Claudio , Schettini Francesco , Grimaldi Maria , Nocerino Flavia , Celentano Egidio , Amore Alfonso , Giuliano Mario , De Placido Pietro , De Angelis Carmine , Bianco Roberto , De Laurentiis Michelino , La Vecchia Carlo , Arpino Grazia
Published: December 2023

Obesity and metabolic disorders have been associated with poor outcomes in non-Mediterranean breast cancer (BC) patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic potential of anthropometric variables in patients with early BC living in Southern Mediterranean region of Italy. We enrolled 955 consecutive early BC patients treated in hospitals in Naples between 2009 and 2013 (median follow-up 11.8-year ending 15/09/2022). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were collected. All-cause and BC-specific mortality were calculated. At the last day of contact 208 (22%) patients had died, 131 (14%) from BC. High WC (≥ 88 cm) or WHR (> 0.85) and the MetS were significantly associated with moderately increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.39, 1.62, 1.61, respectively). A significant increased risk of BC-specific mortality was found in obese patients, in those with high WC, high WHR and those with MetS (HR=1.72, 1.71, 1.80, 1.81, respectively). Central obesity significantly increased total and BC-specific mortality particularly in pre-menopausal women and in luminal subtypes, while in post-menopause MetS was a stronger risk factor. Obesity and MetS may impair the effectiveness of BC therapies hence active lifestyle interventions are encouraged.
LARCalc, a tool to estimate sex- and age-specific lifetime attributable risk in populations after nuclear power plant fallout
Authors: Sundström Jonathan , Isaksson Mats , Rääf Christopher L.
Published: December 2023

A tool called LARCalc, for calculating the radiological consequences of accidental large scale nuclear power plant releases based on estimates of 137Cs ground deposition, is presented. LARCalc is based on a previously developed models that has been further developed and packaged into an easy-to-use decision support tool for training of decision makers. The software visualises the radiological impact of accidental nuclear power plant releases and the effects of various protective measures. It is thus intended as a rapid alternative for planning protective measures in emergency preparedness management. The tool predicts projected cumulative effective dose, projected lifetime attributable cancer risk, and residual dose for some default accidental release scenarios. Furthermore, it can predict the residual dose and avertable cumulative lifetime attributable risk (LAR) resulting from various protective measures such as evacuation and decontamination. It can also be used to predict the avertable collective dose and the increase in cancer incidence within the specified population. This study presents the theoretical models and updates to the previous models, and examples of different nuclear fallout scenarios and subsequent protective actions to illustrate the potential use of LARCalc.
Residual serum fibrinogen as a universal biomarker for all serotypes of Myasthenia gravis
Authors: Hussain Faraz S. , Piragasam Ramanaguru S. , Sarker Hassan , Blackmore Derrick , Yacyshyn Elaine , Fernandez-Patron Carlos , Fahlman Richard P. , Siddiqi Zaeem A.
Published: December 2023

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease associated with severe neuromuscular weakness. Diagnostic confirmation of MG is typically delayed and secured in about 85% and 50% of patients with generalized and ocular MG, respectively with serum antibodies. We have identified a sensitive and specific diagnostic biomarker for various MG serotypes with quantitative proteomics. Serum proteomes of 18 individuals (MG patients, healthy controls (HC), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) were quantified in a pilot study and occurrence of high residual fibrinogen was validated by immunoblotting and further investigated by targeted mass spectrometry on the sera of 79 individuals (31 MG of various serotypes, 30 HC, 18 RA). Initial proteomic analysis identified high residual fibrinogen in MG patient sera which was then validated by antibody-based testing. Subsequently, a blinded study of independent samples showed 100% differentiation of MG patients from controls. A final serological quantification of 14 surrogate peptides derived from α-, β-, and γ-subunits of fibrinogen in 79 individuals revealed fibrinogen to be highly specific and 100% sensitive for MG (p < 0.00001), with a remarkable average higher abundance of > 1000-fold over control groups. Our unanticipated discovery of high levels of residual serum fibrinogen in all MG patients can secure rapid bedside diagnosis of MG.
Enhanced supercapacitor materials from pyrolyzed algae and graphene composites
Authors: Szkoda Mariusz , Skorupska Malgorzata , Łukaszewicz Jerzy P. , Ilnicka Anna
Published: December 2023

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of supercapacitor materials derived from pyrolyzed natural compounds. Four compounds were investigated: methylcellulose with lysine (ML), methylcellulose with lysine-graphene composite (MLG), algae (A), and algae-graphene composite (AG). The pyrolysis process was utilized to convert these natural compounds into carbon-based materials suitable for supercapacitor applications. The properties of the resulting materials were analyzed extensively to evaluate their potential as supercapacitor electrodes. The electrochemical performance, including specific capacitance, cyclic stability, and rate capability was measured using various characterization techniques. The effects of incorporating graphene into the lysine-methylcellulose and algae matrices were also studied to explore the enhancements in supercapacitor performance. In both cases, the addition of graphene resulted in a positive effect. Among all the materials investigated, the algae-graphene composite exhibited the most favorable properties, demonstrating a specific capacitance of 192 F g−1 after 10,000 galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles at a current of 5 A g−1 in K2SO4 electrolyte. This exceptional performance underscores the potential of the algae-graphene composite as a highly efficient and durable electrode material for supercapacitor applications.
BH4 supplementation reduces retinal cell death in ischaemic retinopathy
Authors: Edgar Kevin S. , Cunning Ciara , Gardiner Tom A. , McDonald Denise M.
Published: December 2023

Dysregulation of nitric oxide (NO) production can cause ischaemic retinal injury and result in blindness. How this dysregulation occurs is poorly understood but thought to be due to an impairment in NO synthase function (NOS) and nitro-oxidative stress. Here we investigated the possibility of correcting this defective NOS activity by supplementation with the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin, BH4. Retinal ischaemia was examined using the oxygen-induced retinopathy model and BH4 deficient Hph-1 mice used to establish the relationship between NOS activity and BH4. Mice were treated with the stable BH4 precursor sepiapterin at the onset of hypoxia and their retinas assessed 48 h later. HPLC analysis confirmed elevated BH4 levels in all sepiapterin supplemented groups and increased NOS activity. Sepiapterin treatment caused a significant decrease in neuronal cell death in the inner nuclear layer that was most notable in WT animals and was associated with significantly diminished superoxide and local peroxynitrite formation. Interestingly, sepiapterin also increased inflammatory cytokine levels but not microglia cell number. BH4 supplementation by sepiapterin improved both redox state and neuronal survival during retinal ischaemia, in spite of a paradoxical increase in inflammatory cytokines. This implicates nitro-oxidative stress in retinal neurones as the cytotoxic element in ischaemia, rather than enhanced pro-inflammatory signalling.
Imbalanced motivated behaviors according to motor sign asymmetry in drug-naïve Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Béreau Matthieu , Castrioto Anna , Servant Mathieu , Lhommée Eugénie , Desmarets Maxime , Bichon Amélie , Pélissier Pierre , Schmitt Emmanuelle , Klinger Hélène , Longato Nadine , Phillipps Clélie , Wirth Thomas , Fraix Valérie , Benatru Isabelle , Durif Franck , Azulay Jean-Philippe , Moro Elena , Broussolle Emmanuel , Thobois Stéphane , Tranchant Christine , Krack Paul , Anheim Mathieu
Published: December 2023

Few studies have considered the influence of motor sign asymmetry on motivated behaviors in de novo drug-naïve Parkinson’s disease (PD). We tested whether motor sign asymmetry could be associated with different motivated behavior patterns in de novo drug-naïve PD. We performed a cross-sectional study in 128 de novo drug-naïve PD patients and used the Ardouin Scale of Behavior in Parkinson’s disease (ASBPD) to assess a set of motivated behaviors. We assessed motor asymmetry based on (i) side of motor onset and (ii) MDS-UPDRS motor score, then we compared right hemibody Parkinson’s disease to left hemibody Parkinson’s disease. According to the MDS-UPDRS motor score, patients with de novo right hemibody PD had significantly lower frequency of approach behaviors (p = 0.031), including nocturnal hyperactivity (p = 0.040), eating behavior (p = 0.040), creativity (p = 0.040), and excess of motivation (p = 0.017) than patients with de novo left hemibody PD. Patients with de novo left hemibody PD did not significantly differ from those with de novo right hemibody PD regarding avoidance behaviors including apathy, anxiety and depression. Our findings suggest that motor sign asymmetry may be associated with an imbalance between motivated behaviors in de novo drug-naïve Parkinson’s disease.
Association analysis of production traits of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing
Authors: Haqani Mohammad Ibrahim , Nakano Michiharu , Nagano Atsushi J. , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Tsudzuki Masaoki
Published: December 2023

This study was designed to perform an association analysis and identify SNP markers associated with production traits of Japanese quail using restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing. Weekly body weight data from 805 quail were collected from hatching to 16 weeks of age. A total number of 3990 eggs obtained from 399 female quail were used to assess egg quality traits. Egg-related traits were measured at the beginning of egg production (first stage) and at 12 weeks of age (second stage). Five eggs were analyzed at each stage. Traits, such as egg weight, egg length and short axes, eggshell strength and weight, egg equator thickness, yolk weight, diameter, and colour, albumen weight, age of first egg, total number of laid eggs, and egg production rate, were assessed. A total of 383 SNPs and 1151 associations as well as 734 SNPs and 1442 associations were identified in relation to quail production traits using general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) approaches, respectively. The GLM-identified SNPs were located on chromosomes 1–13, 15, 17–20, 24, 26–28, and Z, underlying phenotypic traits, except for egg and albumen weight at the first stage and yolk yellowness at the second stage. The MLM-identified SNPs were positioned on defined chromosomes associated with phenotypic traits except for the egg long axis at the second stage of egg production. Finally, 35 speculated genes were identified as candidate genes for the targeted traits based on their nearest positions. Our findings provide a deeper understanding and allow a more precise genetic improvement of production traits of Galliformes, particularly in Japanese quail.
Regional climate contributes more than geographic distance to beta diversity of copepods (Crustacea Copepoda) between caves of Italy
Authors: Galmarini Emma , Vaccarelli Ilaria , Fiasca Barbara , Di Cicco Mattia , Parise Mario , Liso Isabella Serena , Piccini Leonardo , Galassi Diana Maria Paola , Cerasoli Francesco
Published: December 2023

Despite the study of subterranean biodiversity facing harsh sampling and mapping challenges, the huge diversity of taxa, ecological adaptations and evolutionary trajectories in subterranean environments is gaining increasing attention. Yet, the spatial and environmental factors driving the composition of groundwater communities are still poorly understood. To partially fill this knowledge gap, we collected copepod crustaceans from 12 caves along the Italian peninsula between 2019 and 2022, sampling each cave twice. The resulting presence-absence data were analysed to assess: (i) between-cave taxonomic beta diversity, also partitioning between turnover and nestedness-resultant dissimilarity; (ii) the relative weight of geographic distance and climatic differences in shaping observed beta diversity. Seventy-one species of copepods were collected overall. Pairwise beta diversity was high for most pairs of caves, with turnover being the major component. Geographic distance-decay models partially explained total beta diversity and turnover patterns. However, in Generalized Dissimilarity Models (GDM), including surface climatic conditions as predictors, the contribution of seasonal temperature averages was generally higher than that of geographic distance. Further, the explanatory and predictive performance of the GDMs notably increased, along with temperature contribution, when widening the spatial extent from which climate data were gathered. Our results confirmed a high spatial turnover in groundwater copepods’ assemblages and strengthened the link between regional climate and subterranean biodiversity.
Bromelain-loaded nanocomposites decrease inflammatory and cytotoxicity effects of gliadin on Caco-2 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of celiac patients
Authors: Mousavi Maleki Masoumeh Sadat , Ebrahimi kiasari Ramin , Seyed Mousavi Seyed Javad , Hashemi‐Moghaddam Hamid , Shabani Ali Akbar , Madanchi Hamid , Sardari Soroush
Published: December 2023

Enzyme therapy can be an appropriate treatment option for celiac disease (CeD). Here, we developed Bromelain-Loaded Nanocomposites (BLNCs) to improve the stability and retention of bromelain enzyme activity. After the characterization of BLNCs, the cytotoxicity of BLNCs was determined on the Caco-2 cell line. The effect of BLNCs on gliadin degradation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory molecules in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from celiac patients were assessed. Furthermore, the expression of CXCR3 and CCR5 genes was measured in CaCo-2 cells treated with gliadin, gliadin-digested with BLNCs, and bromelain. Our study demonstrated that the Bromelain entrapment efficiency in these nanoparticles was acceptable, and BLNCs have no toxic effect on cells. SDS-PAGE confirmed the digestion effect of bromelain released from nanocomposites. When Caco-2 cells were treated with gliadin digested by free bromelain and BLNCs, the expression of CXCR3 and CCR5 genes was significantly decreased. PBMCs of celiac patients treated with Bromelain and BLNCs decreased inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) production compared to untreated PBMCs. This treatment also increased IL-10 and CTLA-4 in PBMCs of CeD patients. According to the promising results of this study, we can hope for the therapeutic potential of BLNCs for CeD.
Antimicrobials use and infection hospital contacts as proxies of infection exposure at ages 0–2 years and risk of infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Rostgaard Klaus , Søegaard Signe Holst , Stensballe Lone Graff , Hjalgrim Henrik
Published: December 2023

Infectious mononucleosis (IM) often results from late primary infection with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). Exposure to EBV at ages 0–2 years from, e.g., siblings therefore protects against IM. Using Danish registers, we therefore followed children born in 1997 through 2015 from age 3 years for a hospital contact with an IM diagnosis as outcome with the number of antimicrobial prescriptions filled before age 3 years as a proxy of infection pressure and the main exposure in stratified Cox regressions. The main analyses used sibships as strata primarily to adjust for health-seeking behaviour with further possible adjustments for age, sex, calendar period and sibship constellation. In these analyses we followed 7087 children, exposed on average to 3.76 antimicrobials prescriptions. We observed a crude hazard ratio for IM per unit increase in cumulative antimicrobial use of 1.00 (95% confidence interval 0.99, 1.02), with similar results in adjusted analyses. The hypothesis that children with the largest use of antimicrobials at ages 0–2 years would subsequently have the lowest risk of IM within a sibship was not corroborated by the data. Furthermore, sibship-matched analyses provided no support for some common early-life immune system characteristics being predictive of IM.
Parents’ life satisfaction prior to and following preterm birth
Authors: Eves Robert , Baumann Nicole , Bilgin Ayten , Schnitzlein Daniel , Richter David , Wolke Dieter , Lemola Sakari
Published: December 2023

The current study tested whether the reported lower wellbeing of parents after preterm birth, relative to term birth, is a continuation of a pre-existing difference before pregnancy. Parents from Germany (the German Socio-Economic Panel Study, N = 10,649) and the United Kingdom (British Household Panel Study and Understanding Society, N = 11,012) reported their new-born’s birthweight and gestational age, subsequently categorised as very preterm or very low birthweight (VP/VLBW, < 32 weeks or < 1500 g), moderately/late preterm or low birthweight (MLP/LBW, ≥ 32 weeks and < 37 weeks/≥ 1500 g and < 2500 g), or term-born (≥ 37 weeks and ≥ 2500 g). Mixed models were used to analyse life satisfaction, an aspect of wellbeing, at four assessments-two years and six months before birth and six months and two years afterwards. Two years before birth, satisfaction of prospective term-born, MLP/LBW, or VP/VLBW mothers did not significantly differ. However, mothers of VP/VLBWs had lower satisfaction relative to mothers of term-borns at both assessments post-birth. Among fathers, satisfaction levels were similarly equivalent two years before birth. Subsequently, fathers of VP/VLBWs temporarily d﻿iffered in satisfaction six months post-birth relative to fathers of term-borns. Results indicate that parents’ lower life satisfaction after VP/VLBW birth is not a continuation of pre-existing life satisfaction differences.
Trapped atoms in spatially-structured vector light fields
Authors: Verde Maurizio , Schmiegelow Christian T. , Poschinger Ulrich , Schmidt-Kaler Ferdinand
Published: December 2023

Spatially-structured laser beams, eventually carrying orbital angular momentum, affect electronic transitions of atoms and their motional states in a complex way. We present a general framework, based on the spherical tensor decomposition of the interaction Hamiltonian, for computing atomic transition matrix elements for light fields of arbitrary spatial mode and polarization structures. We study both the bare electronic matrix elements, corresponding to transitions with no coupling to the atomic center-of-mass motion, as well as the matrix elements describing the coupling to the quantized atomic motion in the resolved side-band regime. We calculate the spatial dependence of electronic and motional matrix elements for tightly focused Hermite–Gaussian, Laguerre–Gaussian and for radially and azimuthally polarized beams. We show that near the diffraction limit, all these beams exhibit longitudinal fields and field gradients, which strongly affect the selection rules and could be used to tailor the light-matter interaction. The presented framework is useful for describing trapped atoms or ions in spatially-structured light fields and therefore for designing new protocols and setups in quantum optics, -sensing and -information processing. We provide open code to reproduce our results or to evaluate interaction matrix elements for different transition types, beam structures and interaction geometries.
The impact of anthropogenic transformation of urban soils on ectomycorrhizal fungal communities associated with silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) growth in natural versus urban soils
Authors: Olchowik Jacek , Jankowski Paweł , Suchocka Marzena , Malewski Tadeusz , Wiesiołek Adam , Hilszczańska Dorota
Published: December 2023

Betula pendula Roth. is considered a pioneering plant species important for urban ecosystems. Based on the sequencing of fungal ITS, we characterized the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) communities of twenty silver birch trees growing in a contaminated, highly anthropo-pressured urban environment and in a natural reserve site. We analysed chemical properties of each tree soil samples, focusing on effects of anthropogenic transformation. Three effects of urbanization: high heavy metal content, increased salinity and soil alkalinity, were highly correlated. The examined trees were divided into two forest and two urban clusters according to the level of anthropogenic soil change. The effect of soil transformation on the ECM communities was studied, with the assumption that stronger urban transformation leads to lower ECM vitality and diversity. The results of the study did not confirm the above hypothesis. The ECM colonization was above 80% in all clusters, but the forest clusters had significantly higher share of vital non-ECM root tips than the urban ones. Eleven mycorrhizal fungal species were identified varying from seven to nine and with seven species observed in the most contaminated urban plot. However, the lowest Shannon species diversity index was found in the most natural forest cluster. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate no significant negative effect of the urban stresses on the ECM communities of silver birch suggesting that both forest and urban trees have the potential to generate a similar set of ECM taxa.
Detection of NTRK fusions by RNA-based nCounter is a feasible diagnostic methodology in a real-world scenario for non-small cell lung cancer assessment
Authors: de Oliveira Cavagna Rodrigo , de Andrade Edilene Santos , Tadin Reis Monise , de Paula Flávia Escremim , Noriz Berardinelli Gustavo , Bonatelli Murilo , Ramos Teixeira Gustavo , Garbe Zaniolo Beatriz , Mourão Dias Josiane , da Silva Flávio Augusto Ferreira , Baston Silva Carlos Eduardo , Xavier Reis Marina , Lopes Maia Erika , de Alencar Thainara Santos , Jacinto Alexandre Arthur , da Nóbrega Oliveira Rachid Eduardo Noleto , Molina-Vila Miguel A. , Ferro Leal Letícia , Reis Rui Manuel
Published: December 2023

NTRK1, 2, and 3 fusions are important therapeutic targets for NSCLC patients, but their prevalence in South American admixed populations needs to be better explored. NTRK fusion detection in small biopsies is a challenge, and distinct methodologies are used, such as RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS), immunohistochemistry, and RNA-based nCounter. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and concordance of positive samples for NTRK fusions using a custom nCounter assay in a real-world scenario of a single institution in Brazil. Out of 147 NSCLC patients, 12 (8.2%) cases depicted pan-NTRK positivity by IHC. Due to the absence of biological material, RNA-based NGS and/or nCounter could be performed in six of the 12 IHC-positive cases (50%). We found one case exhibiting an NTRK1 fusion and another an NTRK3 gene fusion by both RNA-based NGS and nCounter techniques. Both NTRK fusions were detected in patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, with no history of tobacco consumption. Moreover, no concomitant EGFR, KRAS, and ALK gene alterations were detected in NTRK-positive patients. The concordance rate between IHC and RNA-based NGS was 33.4%, and between immunohistochemistry and nCounter was 40%. Our findings indicate that NTRK fusions in Brazilian NSCLC patients are relatively rare (1.3%), and RNA-based nCounter methodology is a suitable approach for NRTK fusion identification in small biopsies.
An inductive knowledge graph embedding via combination of subgraph and type information
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Chen Yue , He Peng , Zhang Chao , Wu Hao , Zhang Jiange
Published: December 2023

Conventional knowledge graph representation learn the representation of entities and relations by projecting triples in the knowledge graph to a continuous vector space. The vector representation increases the precision of link prediction and the efficiency of downstream tasks. However, these methods cannot process previously unseen entities during the knowledge graph evolution. In other words, the model trained on the source knowledge graph cannot be applied to the target knowledge graph containing new unseen entities. Recently, a few subgraph-based link prediction models obtained the inductive ability, but they all neglect semantic information. In this work, we propose an inductive representation learning model TGraiL which considers not only the topological structure but also semantic information. First, distance in the subgraph is used to encode the node’s topological structure. Second, the projection matrix is used to encode the entity type information. Finally, both kinds of information are fused for training to acquire the ultimate vector representation of entities. The experimental results indicate that the model’s performance has been significantly improved compared to the existing baseline models, demonstrating the method’s effectiveness and superiority.
Alterations in gastric and gut microbiota following sleeve gastrectomy in high-fat diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Park Young Suk , Ahn Kung , Yun Kyeongeui , Jeong Jinuk , Baek Kyung-Wan , Lee Jieun , Kim Hyung-Ho , Han Kyudong , Ahn Yong Ju
Published: December 2023

Obesity is considered a high-risk disease and a global epidemic, and the number of obese patients is rising at an alarming rate worldwide. High-fat diet-induced dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota is considered an essential factor related to obesity. Bariatric surgery induces a sharp decrease in fat content and effectively improves the metabolism of obese individuals. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of a high-fat diet-induced obesity and the alterations in gastric and intestinal microbiota resulting from sleeve gastrectomy on clinical outcomes. We performed 16S sequencing of gastric and fecal samples obtained from rats in three treatment groups: normal chow diet, high-fat diet (HFD), and sleeve gastrectomy after HDF for 14 weeks. The area under the curve of fasting glucose and the levels of leptin and low-density lipoproteins were significantly different between groups. Microbial taxa that were highly correlated with several clinical parameters were identified for each group. Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate, taurine and hypotaurine, butanoate, nitrogen, and pyrimidine metabolism and aminoacyl-transfer ribonucleic acid biosynthesis were affected by bariatric surgery and were significantly associated with changes in the composition of gastric and fecal microbiomes. Connectivity and co-occurrence were higher in fecal samples than in gastric tissues. Our results elucidated the positive effects of sleeve gastrectomy in obesity and shed light on changes in the microbiomes of gastric and fecal samples.
Development of a facile electrochemical sensor based on GCE modified with one-step prepared PNMA-CeO2-fMWCNTs composite for simultaneous detection of UA and 5-FU
Authors: Turan Kübra , Üğe Ahmet , Zeybek Bülent , Aydoğdu Tiğ Gözde
Published: December 2023

In this study, a poly(N-methyl aniline)-cerium oxide-functionalized MWCNTs (PNMA-CeO2-fMWCNTs) composite was synthesized in a one-step preparation technique.
PCy3-assisted Ag(i)-catalyzed click reaction for regioselective synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles at room temperature
Authors: Hazarika Roktopol , Dutta Sanghamitra , Sarmah Samprity , Hazarika Priyanuj Krishnann , Singh Kuldeep , Kumar Arvind , Sarma Bipul , Sarma Diganta
Published: December 2023

An approach towards Cu-free click chemistry has been developed in this work.
Developing a straightforward route toward the synthesis of arylaminomaleimides by palladium-catalyzed arylation of one-pot synthesized aminomaleimides
Authors: Taheri Elmira , Jafarpour Farnaz
Published: December 2023

3-Aryl-4-aminomaleimides are synthesized by one-pot preparation of 3-aminomaleimides, followed by their direct arylation regioselectively at the β-position through a palladium-catalyzed Heck reaction with various iodoarenes.
Palladium complex supported on the surface of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles: an ecofriendly catalyst for carbonylative Suzuki-coupling reactions
Authors: Jiang Shanshan
Published: December 2023

Nanomagnetic palladium-assisted production of diaryl ketone derivatives from carbonylative Suzuki-coupling reactions under green conditions.
Self-healing polymers for surface scratch regeneration
Authors: Ahmed Sana , Jeong Ji-Eun , Kim Jin Chul , Lone Saifullah , Cheong In Woo
Published: December 2023

Self-healing polymers (SHPs) garner significant interest for their nature-inspired ability to regenerate surfaces, enhancing material durability and sustainability. This review highlights recent advances in SHPs, emphasizing scratch-regenerating technology, testing methods, and prospects.
Wet chemical synthesis of TGA capped Ag2S nanoparticles and their use for fluorescence imaging and temperature sensing in living cells
Authors: Ibrahim Mayssa , Camarero P. , Ming Liyan , Haouari Mohamed , Amamou Noura , Haro-González P. , Hassen Fredj
Published: December 2023

In this work, we describe a simple wet chemical route for preparing silver sulfide nanoparticles (Ag2S) encapsulated with thioglycolic acid (TGA).
In situ construction of heterostructured CuxO@NiCoS nanoarrays for alkaline overall water splitting
Authors: Song Chenyu , Yang Jishuang , Ayappan Chinnadurai , Yang Haitang , Xing Ruimin , Liu Shanhu
Published: December 2023

The synergistic effect and the optimization of the initial metal source ratio significantly improve the electrocatalytic performance of heterostructured CuxO@NiCoS bifunctional electrocatalysts.
Development of tissue-engineered vascular grafts from decellularized parsley stems
Authors: Cevik Merve , Dikici Serkan
Published: December 2023

Decellularized parsley stems: A novel tubular scaffold for developing tissue-engineered vascular grafts.
Designing a Schottky coupled p–n junction to enhance the kinetic behavior of the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Yang Guangping , Yun Sining , Yang Tianxiang , Dang Jiaoe , Zhang Yongwei , Wang Zhiguo
Published: December 2023

The design of the energy band structure modulates the surface charge distribution and optimizes energy levels of Fe3C-NG@NiFe, the construction of the double heterojunction introduces additional active sites and fast electron transfer for the OER.
Fe(TCNQ)2 nanorod arrays: an efficient electrocatalyst for electrochemical ammonia synthesis via the nitrate reduction reaction
Authors: Mukherjee Nilmadhab , Adalder Ashadul , Barman Narad , Thapa Ranjit , Urkude Rajashri , Ghosh Biplab , Ghorai Uttam Kumar
Published: December 2023

Nitrate, a water-pollutant, is converted to valuable product ammonia electrochemically using Fe(TCNQ)2/CF nanorod arrays with yield rate 11351.6 μg h–1 cm–2 and faradaic efficiency 85.2% under ambient conditions.
Inhibition of oxygen release and stabilization of the bulk structure of lithium-rich layered oxides by strong Mo–O covalent binding
Authors: Yu Huinan , Xue Zhichen , Xue Zhiyuan , Luo Zhongyuan , Ding Chenxi , Hu Guorong , Peng Zhongdong , Cao Yanbing , Du Ke
Published: December 2023

Strongly covalent Mo–O stabilizes the lattice oxygen, which inhibits the activation of Mn redox pairs, stabilizes the bulk phase structure, and forms a stable CEI at the surface.
Machine-learning-assisted discovery of 212-Zintl-phase compounds with ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity
Authors: Ren Qi , Chen Dali , Rao Lixiang , Lun Yingzhuo , Tang Gang , Hong Jiawang
Published: December 2023

Machine-learning-assisted discovery of 212-Zintl-phase compounds with ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity.
Inorganic SnIP-type double helices: promising candidates for high-efficiency photovoltaic cells
Authors: Li Haozhe , Gong Xin-Gao , Yang Ji-Hui
Published: December 2023

Inorganic SnIP-type double helical materials hold great promise for high-efficiency photovoltaic cells and SnIAs can reach a theoretical maximum efficiency higher than 30%.
Recent advances in metal-free electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Cai Mingjie , Xu Lei , Guo Jinjia , Yang Xiaobin , He Xuexia , Hu Peng
Published: December 2023

The review outlines a comprehensive overview of recent research on metal-free HER catalysts, including synthesis procedures, important types of metal-free catalysts and future challenges and opportunities.
CaO2–Cu2O micromotors accelerate infected wound healing through antibacterial functions, hemostasis, improved cell migration, and inflammatory regulation
Authors: Liu Ga , Zu Menghang , Wang Lingshuang , Xu Cheng , Zhang Jiamei , Reis Rui L. , Kundu Subhas C. , Xiao Bo , Duan Lian , Yang Xiao
Published: December 2023

CaO2–Cu2O micromotors could permeate the skin tissue, kill bacteria, modulate macrophage polarization, promote angiogenesis, and accelerate cell migration, thus synergistically facilitating the healing of infected wound with silk fibroin film.
Polymorphism manipulating topo-photochemical reactions, photoactuation, and the mechanofluorochromism of benzimidazoleylaryl acrylonitriles
Authors: Liu Cheng , Sun Jingbo , Chen Chao , Ye Kaiqi , Wang Haoran , Yang Xiqiao , Yue Yuan , Lu Ran
Published: December 2023

Polymorphism arising from different conformations and packing arrangements in crystal lattices plays a crucial role for manipulating chemical and physical properties, including chemical reaction activity, morphology, emission, and actuation properties.
Compositional characterization of a primordial S-type asteroid family of the inner main belt
Authors: Bourdelle de Micas J. , Fornasier S. , Delbo M. , Ferrone S. , van Belle G. , Ochner P. , Avdellidou C.
Published: December 2023

Context. Recently, a primordial family of moderate-albedo asteroid fragments was discovered in the inner main belt. Its age was estimated to be 4.4 ± 1.7 Gyr. However, there is a lack of compositional characterization, which is important to the study of the earliest collisions in the main belt.

Aims. In addition to the previously identified members and the parameters that define the family’s borders (V shape), we expanded the list of family members to include asteroids located within the central region of the V shape. These additional potential members were selected based on their diameter (larger than 7 km) and their geometric visible albedo (greater than or equal to 12%). Subsequently, we conducted a spectroscopic survey to determine the dominant taxonomy and composition of this family. This allowed us to further refine the list of family members by removing interlopers.

Methods. From an initial list of 263 asteroids that are considered to be potential members of the aforementioned primordial family, we retrieved their spectra in the visible and near-infrared range from the literature and from the Gala DR3 spectral catalog of Solar System objects. For asteroids with no or poor signal-to-noise ratio spectra in the literature, we carried out new ground-based observations. We obtained new spectra for 33 members of the family using the 1.82 m Asiago Telescope for the visible spectroscopy, while for near-infrared spectroscopy, we used the 3.58 m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) and the 4.30 m Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT).

Results. In total, we collected spectra for 261 potential members of the primordial S-type family out of 263. We determined their spectral taxonomy and properties, such as spectral slopes and absorption band parameters, when existing. Using the taxonomical characterization and the orbital space parameters, we identified and removed 71 interlopers from the potential members list. The final list of the primordial S-type family members includes 190 asteroids. The family is dominated by S-complex (~71%) asteroids with a mineralogy similar to ordinary chondrites and pyroxene-rich minerals. The family also contains members classified as L-types and V-types. (~15% and ~9%, respectively).

Conclusions. The mean albedo of the family is ~23%, and its largest probable remnant is the asteroid (30) Urania. The estimated size of the family parent body ranges between 110 and 210 km. This size range is compatible with the progenitor of H and L chondrites.
A dynamic view of V Hydrae
Authors: Planquart L. , Jorissen A. , Escorza A. , Verhamme O. , Van Winckel H.
Published: December 2023

Context. The well studied carbon star V Hydrae is known to exhibit a complex asymmetric environment made of a dense equatorial wind and high-velocity outflows, hinting at its transition from the AGB phase to the asymmetric planetary nebula phase. In addition, V Hydrae also exhibits a long secondary period of 17 yr in its light curve, suggesting the presence of a binary companion that could shape the circumstellar environment.

Aims. In this paper, we aim to confirm the binary nature of V Hydrae by deriving its orbital parameters and investigating the effect of the orbital motion on the circumbinary environment.

Methods. In a first step, we used a radial-velocity monitoring performed with the HERMES spectrograph to disentangle the pulsation signal of the AGB from its orbital motion and to obtain the spectroscopic orbit. We combined the spectroscopic results with astrometric information to get the complete set of orbital parameters, including the system inclination. Next, we reported the time variations of the sodium and potassium resonance doublets. Finally, following the methods used for post-AGB stars, we carried out spatio-kinematic modelling of a conical jet to reproduce the observed spectral-line modulation.

Results. We found the orbital solution of V Hydrae for a period of 17 yr. We correlated the companion passage across the line of sight with the obscuration event and the blue-shifted absorption of alkaline resonant lines. Those variations were modelled by a conical jet emitted from the companion, whose opening angle is wide and whose sky-projected orientation is found to be consistent with the axis of the large-scale bipolar outflow previously detected in the radio-emission lines of CO.

Conclusions. We show that the periodic variation seen for V Hydrae is likely to be due to orbital motion. The presence of a conical jet offers a coherent model to explain the various features of V Hydrae environment.
Schwangerschaft im Jugendalter
Authors: Beck Hanna , Stepan Holger
Published: December 2023

Schwangerschaften im Jugendalter nehmen weltweit ab, stellen aber für die Jugendlichen ein einschneidendes Ereignis in einer vulnerablen Lebensphase dar. Schwangere Jugendliche kommen häufiger aus sozial benachteiligten Verhältnissen und haben ein höheres Risiko für geburtshilfliche Komplikationen wie Frühgeburtlichkeit, ein niedriges Geburtsgewicht und niedrigere APGAR-Werte. Die Beratung und Behandlung von jugendlichen Schwangeren sollte abgestimmt sein auf die besonderen Bedürfnisse und Risiken dieser Patientinnengruppe. Eine adäquate Schwangerschaftsvorsorge ist essenziell, ebenso wie die Nachsorge durch eine Hebamme. Die Angebote der „Frühen Hilfen“ bieten zudem vielfältige soziale Unterstützungsmöglichkeiten. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit für eine rasche Folgeschwangerschaft ist bei Teenager-Müttern hoch, daher ist eine individuelle Beratung zur Kontrazeption wesentlich.
Innovativ in die Zukunft für die Gesundheit der Kinder
Authors: Burggraf Leoni
Published: December 2023

„Gemeinsam Kurs halten für eine sichere Zukunft der Kinder“ war das diesjährige Motto des Kongresses für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin (DGKJ) im September in Hamburg. Das Programm war entsprechend breit gefächert. Die Informationen reichten vom Thema Digitalisierung und ihre Auswirkungen über neue Wege in der Allergologie bis hin zu politischen und ökonomischen Standpunkten in der Pädiatrie. Die Forschung setzt vermehrt auf weitere Erkenntnisse der Pathophysiologie unterschiedlicher Erkrankungen, um mögliche Behandlungsansätze zielgerichtet entwickeln zu können.
Brustfehlbildungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter
Authors: Briest Susanne , Weydandt Laura , Wallochny Sandra , Aktas Bahriye
Published: December 2023

In der Entwicklung der Brust kann es bei Mädchen und Jungen zu Abweichungen kommen, die verschiedene Ursachen haben können. Während einige Veränderungen bereits bei der Geburt sichtbar sind, entwickeln sich andere erst während der Pubertät. Allen gemeinsam ist, dass sie die Betroffenen häufig psychisch belasten. Nur in wenigen Fällen ist eine Operation zur Korrektur der Fehlbildungen notwendig.
Weibliche genitale Fehlbildungen
Authors: Schneider Judith C. , Vural Mehmet , Köninger Angela
Published: December 2023

Genitale Fehlbildungen betreffen 3,0–6,7 % aller weiblichen Neugeborenen und sind häufig mit Fehlbildungen der Harnorgane assoziiert. Zum Teil können genitale Fehlbildungen pränatal dargestellt werden oder zeigen sich im Neugeborenenalter. Meistens treten Beschwerden jedoch erst nach Eintritt in die Pubertät auf. Zu den Leitsymptomen weiblicher genitaler Fehlbildungen gehören die primäre Amenorrhö, zyklische Unterbauchschmerzen und Kohabitationsprobleme.

In diesem Artikel werden drei Fehlbildungen bzw. Fehlbildungssyndrome näher erläutert. Bei der Hymenalatresie ist das Hymen komplett verschlossen, daraus resultiert bei Einsetzen der Periodenblutung eine schmerzhafte Ansammlung von Blut in Vagina und Uterus. Unter dem Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich-Syndrom (HWWS) versteht man die Doppelanlage aus Uterus und Vagina mit Verschluss einer Hemivagina und ipsilateraler Nierenagenesie oder -anomalie. Je nach Lage der verschließenden Membran innerhalb der Hemivagina kann es zu unterschiedlicher Symptomatik kommen. Das Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH)-Syndrom ist durch eine Aplasie der kranialen ⅔ der Vagina, der Zervix und des Uterus gekennzeichnet. Eine Schwangerschaft ist nicht möglich. Ziel der Therapie ist, den Frauen ein normales Sexualleben zu ermöglichen.

Jugendliche mit genitalen Fehlbildungen sollten in einem multidisziplinären Team aus medizinischen und psychosozialen Fachbereichen betreut werden.
Comparison of The Thickness of Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap in Different Fascial Planes: Clinical Results of Subfascial and Superficial Fat Flap
Authors: Tuluy Yavuz , Bali Zülfükar Ulaş , Ünsal Merve Özkaya , Parspancı Aziz , Yoleri Levent , Çiçek Çağla , Filinte Gaye Taylan
Published: December 2023

Background The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a preferred option in the reconstruction of a wide variety of defects, enabling multiple tissue components and thicknesses.

Methods This study was conducted to investigate the correlation of the thickness of the traditional subfascial ALT flap and superficial fat flap with age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). A total of 42 patients (28 males and 14 females) were included in the study.

Results Mean age was 50.2 (range, 16–75) years and mean BMI was 24.68 ± 4.02 (range, 16.5–34.7) kg/m2. The subfascial flap thickness was significantly thinner in male patients (16.07 ± 2.77 mm) than in female patients (24.07 ± 3.93 mm; p < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was found between male (4.28 ± 1.15 mm) and female patients (4.85 ± 1.09 mm) regarding superficial fat flap thickness (p = 0.13). The thickness of both flaps had a positive correlation with BMI, and the strongest correlation was found for subfascial ALT thickness in female patients (r = 0.81). Age had no effect on both flap thickness measurements. The anterior thigh is thicker in women than in men, although it varies according to BMI. This shows that flap elevation is important in the superthin plane, especially if a thin flap is desired in female patients in defect reconstruction with the ALT flap. Thus, a single-stage reconstruction is achieved without the need for a defatting procedure after subfascial dissection or a second defatting procedure 3 to 6 months later.

Conclusion The appropriate ALT flap plane should be selected considering the gender and BMI of the patient.